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Foreign financial institutions upbeat on China's economy

Xinhua) 08:58, July 22, 2024

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Overseas financial institutions have expressed their confidence in the prospects of China's economy, as the country's high-quality growth efforts are gradually paying off.

The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 5 percent year on year in the first half of the year.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP grew 0.7 percent in the second quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of positive growth.

The Chinese economy's comparative advantage largely comes from research and innovation, said Wu Yibing, head of China for Singapore's state investment company Temasek.

In the past, China's strength in manufacturing was usually attributed to its abundant labor force and high production efficiency, said Wu.

In the first half of the year, the country's value-added industrial output, an important economic indicator, increased by 6 percent year on year, according to the NBS data.

A breakdown of the data shows that the output of the equipment manufacturing sector, which took up one-third of the overall industrial output, climbed 7.8 percent in the period.

The high-tech manufacturing industry also posted strong growth, with its output up 8.7 percent in the first half, according to the NBS.

The country's production of service robots, smartphones and new energy vehicles surged 22.8 percent, 11.8 percent and 34.3 percent, respectively, in the first six months.

Bloomberg said in a report on July 16 that China's long-term quest for high-quality growth is starting to bear fruit.

"Advances in electric vehicles, solar panels and other high-tech industries have helped keep economic expansion within reach of its targeted pace of around 5 percent," said the report.

Apart from industrial output and high-end manufacturing, investment and exports are also seen as the highlights of China's economy by the institutions.

The effects of large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in of consumer goods continue to manifest, driving effective investment along with the issuance of local government special bonds and ultra-long special treasury bonds, said Ji Mo, chief China economist of DBS Group Research.

Data shows that China's investment in infrastructure construction during the January-June period rose 5.4 percent from the previous year, while manufacturing investment increased 9.5 percent.

The country's net exports of goods and services drove GDP growth by 0.7 percentage points in the same period.

China has become increasingly important as a major global supplier of goods and has continued to expand its market share despite trade restriction measures, said Liu Jing, chief economist for Greater China at HSBC.

The accelerated development of new quality productive forces, the continuous release of policy effects and the recovery of external demand have supported China's economy, but further reform and opening-up is needed in the face of challenges such as insufficient effective demand and a complex external environment, multiple experts from the overseas financial institutions have said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Hate, division, and a resolution to rise above

By Mark Alexander

web posted July 22, 2024

When I researched the Tennessee legislature's Joint Resolution 803 in June in preparation for writing about it this month, I had no idea just how relevant and timely it would be.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump earlier this month gave me pause to look at that Joint Resolution, declaring July a Month of Prayer, with a different perspective. My analysis of that attempt, "Trump, Biden, the Assassin, and the Secret Service," as well as consideration of Trump's humble response to his near-death experience, makes it ever more clear that this Resolution is one Trump should recraft when he and J.D. Vance take office next January.

OK, that is hopeful but presumptuous on my part, given we do not actually know yet who the Democrat nominee will be. I still believe the Demo delegates will replace Biden next month  or, more accurately, that he will take himself out of the running, a position I staked out 21 months ago. This prospect seems more likely given Biden's campaign collapse after last month's debate and his failed attempts to appear lucid since.

I hope I am wrong because I think the Biden/Harris ticket will be the easiest to defeat. But if Demo delegates do pull a fast switch, that will alleviate constituent concern about Biden's age, and Trump will have a steeper climb to victory.

Currently, Trump marginally leads Biden in the RCP average of polls  the only polling I consider of value. That has not yet shifted since the assassination attempt, but digging down to state polling, Trump looks stronger.

But the attack on Trump caused, at least for a moment, Biden and his cadre to reconsider their campaign centerpiece  the incessant claims that Trump is a "threat to democracy."

That rhetorical theme is all Biden has to run on because his policy failures have been a disaster. However, his core constituents are too dullard to distinguish fact from the fictional lies Biden feeds them about Trump's record  and too blinded by their chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome to care.

Just hours after the Trump attack, Biden pulled all his campaign advertising, including an ad released two days before the attack calling the former president "a dictator" and "a threat to freedom in the United States."

A Biden campaign official noted: "This changes everything. We're still assessing. Making the case against Trump, drawing that split screen, will get much harder." In other words, Biden's campaign of fear, hate, and division asserting Trump is the "enemy of democracy" hit a wall.

Biden briefly shifted to his "President Unity" facade in an effort to divert attention from his incendiary campaign rhetoric.

However, asked last Monday  the day the GOP convention convened and two days after the assassination attempt  if the Biden campaign message was going to change, his deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said, "It hasn't changed."

To that end, resuming his divisive rhetoric last week, Biden declared: "How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real...? Do you just not say anything because it may incite somebody?" Biden insisted out of one side of his mouth, "Our politics have become too heated," adding, "We all have a responsibility to lower the temperature." Then out of the other side, he affirmed he will keep the heat on high: "Just because we must lower the temperature in our politics as it relates to violence doesn't mean we should stop telling the truth."

As I have noted, Trump's campaign rhetoric is equally strident, but Trump is focused on Biden's failed domestic and foreign policy record, not calling Biden a traitor to "democracy" and an enemy of the people. In fact, when Trump was shot, he was turning toward a panel listing the massive illegal immigration under Biden. Had he not turned toward that graphic, he would likely have suffered a fatal wound.

Fact is, Trump actually has an exceptional record to run on, despite the plethora of unmitigated lies Biden constantly regurgitates about the MAGA record  virtually none of which are subject to so-called "fact-checks" by his fawning Leftmedia publicists.

So, what does this have to do with a Joint Resolution 803 in Tennessee?

Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed a Resolution asking citizens to pray and fast for the month of July, a resolution in keeping with those of our founding era. Both chambers overwhelmingly approved the Resolution, which passed in the Senate 27-1 and in the House 82-6.

The Resolution affirms that "God, as Creator," has the "authority to judge and bless" the states and our nation, acknowledging that our leaders must seek "the Creator's favor," much as President John Adams did in 1799. The Resolution quotes that proclamation:

[This day] be observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that the citizens on that day abstain, as far as may be, from their secular occupation, and devote the time to the sacred duties of religion, in public and in private; that they call to mind our numerous offenses against the most high God, confess them before Him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the Great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that through the grace of His Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come; that He would interpose to arrest the progress of that impiety and licentiousness in principle and practice so offensive to Himself and so ruinous to mankind; that He would make us deeply sensible that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." [Proverbs 14:34]

This Resolution is in the mold of the great founding resolutions, which you can read on our Historic Documents page. Its kinship to those resolutions affirms our devotion to American Liberty.

The Resolution continues:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon all those who are physically able and spiritually inclined to do so to join in a thirty-day season of prayer and intermittent fasting as we begin a new fiscal year as a means of seeking God's blessing and humbling ourselves to receive His Grace and Mercy, transforming ourselves, our communities, our State, and our Nation.

That stands in stark contrast to national declarations of June as the so-called "Pride Month," though there is evidence that public support for the leftist gender-confusion agenda is showing signs of decline.

The Resolution notes specific issues that our nation faces, including surging violence committed by citizens and noncitizens, failure of public schools, the epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction, overdose deaths from fentanyl being muled across our southern border, human trafficking, children suffering from broken homes, and corruption of our federal government.

A letter from the Resolution sponsors invites citizens to "read or have HJR 803 read in our church services; Examine our lives in light of God's Word and confess of our sins; Acknowledge that we, as the Church, have failed to stand for the principles of God, ask for His Forgiveness and Mercy, and commit to stand firmly on those principles going forward; For those who are able, join in prayer and intermittent fasting as a means of demonstrating our desire for repentance."

Contacting Bill Lee, our State Senator Bo Watson, and district Representative Patsy Hazelwood for comment on their support of the measure served as a reminder of why I take great pride in our family's historic Tennessee ancestry, as well as the rise of good and righteous political leadership across our state  the "Great State of Tennessee" now being among the most conservative in the nation.

Gov. Lee, a man of strong faith, responded: "I'm proud to join the General Assembly in recognizing July as a month of prayer and fasting as we thank God for his many blessings, ask his forgiveness for our shortcomings, seek his wisdom in all circumstances, and ask for continued favor upon the great State of Tennessee."

Sen. Watson responded: "The vast majority of Tennesseans believe in the power of prayer and supplication. HJR 803 states many of the spiritual values that we hold dear in our Great State and reaffirms our belief in a Creator and his presence in our daily lives as individuals, a state and a nation. As the psalmist writes in Psalms 22:28, 'for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations.'"

Rep. Hazelwood responded: "Ephesians 6:18 says, 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.' Our state and country today are facing some very difficult issues, you might say evils. I think we have proven we cannot solve these challenging times or overcome these evils solely on our human efforts. Like John Adams, I believe we need to recognize that if America is to continue to be favored by the Lord, then we must reaffirm the foundation on which our nation was founded. We must turn to God, and this resolution calls on us, as God-fearing citizens, to do just that, as only He can heal our country."

A friend and former legislator, Chris Clem, summed up the Resolution: "Like John Adams, we need to recognize that if America is to continue to be favored by the Lord, then America has to remember our foundation of faith. This resolution calls on us as God-fearing citizens to fear and honor God. Only God can heal our land. This resolution is designed to call on God  not voters."

Amen.

Trump and Vance, take note!

And a 1776 bookend from John Adams: "I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

Through all the contemporary gloom, I still believe as Ronald Reagan did: "America's best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements are just ahead."

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
Enhanced scrutiny and the omnipresent specter of political bias By Stefan Padfield

web posted July 22, 2024 Corporate politicization, when companies take sides in our culture war and risk alienating half their potential customers, is a serious concern. Recent examples of companies that have felt its negative impact on shareholder value abound, including Bud Light, Target, and Disney. Of course, the business judgment rule creates the presumption that the underlying decisions in those cases were fully informed and rationally expected to maximize shareholder value, but it would be naive to dismiss the possibility that political bias and a lack of viewpoint diversity skewed the relevant decisions. Essentially, the concern is that decision-makers have become so committed to, or blinded by, their political tribalism and activist mindset that they have an actionable conflict of interest. Alternatively, it's possible that the personal prestige of, for example, associating with the ESG-crowd at Davos may also be creating a conflict. One proposed response to this issue is the extension of judicial enhanced scrutiny from the anti-takeover context, which raises the possibility that directors are defending against a takeover to protect their sinecures, to situations that raise the specter of political bias. I advanced a version of this proposal here. I later learned that Fordham University Professor Brent Horton made a similar proposal around the same time. This was closely followed by a related federal statutory proposal from Senator Marco Rubio (linking to my piece). Now the National Center for Public Policy Research, where I work, has offered a shareholder proposal that seeks to implement the enhanced-scrutiny extension through private ordering. This proposal was submitted to the shareholders of Dick's Sporting Goods, which is an appropriate venue given that former CEO Ed Stack may be a prime example of a corporate leader who elevated personal political preferences over the duty to maximize shareholder value. The specific political issue in that case was gun rights  and the key moment was when Stack declared "I don't care about the financial consequences" of restricting gun sales. Of course, the Second Amendment does not require Dick's to sell guns, but Delaware law does require the CEO of Dick's to make fully informed decisions about shareholder wealth maximization. Stack could free himself of that constraint by, for example, starting his own private sporting goods business, but he can't treat the company like his personal plaything. Notably, when Stack tried to calculate the financial impact of restricting gun sales, he apparently could find no financial upside. His behavior arguably constitutes (1) a knowing breach of the duty of care (and thus constitutes non-exculpable bad faith) or (2) a waste of assets in the form of knowingly eliminating $250 million in sales with no financial upside (for the underlying details, see here and here). Regardless, it also provides a good example of the type of decision-making that should be subject to enhanced scrutiny under the proposed framework if it is otherwise deemed to fall short of rebutting the business judgment rule. Dick's sought no-action relief from our proposal. Notably, the SEC, in denying that relief, rejected a number of relevant corporate law objections to our proposal. Of course, Delaware courts are not bound by the SEC's conclusions here. But proponents can nevertheless claim to have won a round in this fight. Specifically, the SEC rejected the following arguments: (1) the proposal would cause the company to violate Delaware law; (2) the company lacks the power to implement the proposal; and (3) the proposal is inherently vague and indefinite and subject to multiple interpretations. The relevant no-action correspondence here. Rebuffing the no-action request was a win, but the proposal received essentially no support from the shareholders who voted. Certainly, this could mean there is no market appetite for subjecting boards to enhanced scrutiny when their decisions raise the specter of political bias. On the other hand, there are a number of reasons for suspending judgment on that point. First, the proxy statement presented the proposal under a misleading heading. It was described as seeking to "amend the Company's By-Laws to waive the business judgment rule" while the proposal in fact left the protection of the business judgment rule intact but for a narrower set of specific cases. Second, the proposal's novelty may have turned off voters who might end up supporting it once the details are fleshed out. After all, it took some time for declassified-board proposals to gain momentum. Third, the largest institutional investors have a record of voting against (or recommending voting against) anti-ESG proposals and proposals submitted by ESG critics (see here and here), and this record has many concerned (see here and here). Ask yourself: If you made money selling ESG funds and services, would you support anti-ESG proposals? As Scott Shepard, general counsel of the National Center for Public Policy Research, recently put it in commenting on some related news coverage (here): The most negative critique they could achieve  was that FEP's and its allies' proposals don't score high shareholder-vote totals  failing to report, as we explained to them, that those low totals don't demonstrate shareholder disinterest in corporate neutrality, but instead are a measure of the dishonesty, fiduciary breach and potential regulatory and even criminal liability of the big three investment houses (BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard) and the two major proxy advisory services (ISS and Glass Lewis). It may be that shareholders won't ever support such proposals, even if they are efficient. This might happen if, for example, there are simply too many details to be worked out in a 500-word proposal. If that's the case, then legislative and judicial approaches will need to be relied on unless adoption can be negotiated. (Relatedly, it has been noted that: "Not only is the enactment of the market practice amendments expected to restore the status quo that preceded the Moelis decision, but we may also see activists emboldened to seek governance restrictions from the company that heretofore were easily rebuffed as being potentially in violation of Section 141(a) of the DGCL.") Of course, lawmakers and judges may also require significant additional convincing. Regardless, given the politicized landscape of corporate governance, the proposition that corporate decisions raising the specter of political bias should be subjected to enhanced scrutiny is unlikely to go away, and work will continue on finding the right balance of board accountability and authority (including the use of appropriate safe harbors) to make the proposal appealing to relevant decision-makers. Stefan Padfield is the Deputy Director of the Free Enterprise Project at the National Center for Public Policy Research. This was first published at the CLS Blue Sky Blog. Home
AmCham Vietnam endorses host nations market economy status petition

By Tri Duc Mon, July 22, 2024 | 2:58 pm GMT+7

The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) supports Vietnam being designated as a market economy by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The support has been expressed in letters to the department as the latter prepares to issue a final decision on its changed circumstances review (CCR) of Vietnams non-market economy (NME) status by July 26, or 270 days after the review was initiated.

In a letter sent to Secretary Gina Raimondo of the Commerce Department, AmCham Vietnam said we have witnessed first hand the transformation of Vietnams economy and the remarkable changes that have occurred.

American companies and investors are now active in almost every sector of Vietnams economy, helping to integrate the country into the global supply chain and making the country more productive, safe and cleaner.

The AmCham Vietnam letter also emphasized that it is certain that Vietnams economy is very different to the other 11 countries on the non-market economy list. We believe that sufficient progress has been made and that graduating Vietnam to market economy status serves the interests of the United States.

In another letter sent to former Assistant Secretary Lisa W. Wang of the Commerce Department, the Hanoi Chapter of the AmCham Vietnam said: It has been over 20 years since Commerce (department) first determined Vietnam as a non-market economy in the anti-dumping investigation over catfish.

Now, however, graduating Vietnam to market economy status serves the interests of the United States.

Joseph Uddo, chairman of AmCham Vietnam Hanoi Chapter. Photo courtesy of the chamber.

The letter went on to note that to date, over 70 countries recognize Vietnam as a market economy including key U.S. allies such as the UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.

The letter sent to the U.S. Department of Commerce states expressly that AmCham Vietnam supports Vietnam in its petition to be designated a market economy.

AmCham Vietnam's members have contributed to, and benefited from, Vietnam's transformation to an important and reliable participant in international trade markets, especially with the United States. This could not have been accomplished without an unwavering commitment to fair market pricing and international regulatory standards.

The rapid and successful internationalization of Vietnam's economic model has resulted in marked improvements in its global competitiveness, transparency, regulatory standards, and reliance on fair market pricing for the effective distribution of its exports. Such improvements have contributed to a more open and market-oriented economy, the letter said.
Indonesia strictly monitors seven imported goods

By Vietnam News Agency Mon, July 22, 2024 | 11:45 pm GMT+7

Indonesian officials have announced that the country will soon establish a special task force to monitor and prevent smuggled goods from entering Indonesia in the near future.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan delivers a statement to the press after attending the launch of Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) 2025 at the office of the Ministry of Trade in Jakarta, July 17, 2024. Photo courtesy of Antara.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan on Friday stated that the widespread influx of foreign imported goods into the Indonesian market is causing economic damage and stifling domestic manufacturing industries.

However, efforts to combat this situation face many challenges due to limitations in monitoring mechanisms and accountability from enforcement agencies. The current requirement is for a special task force with comprehensive solutions to achieve positive results, he added.

According to Hasan, the inter-agency special task force will be established, including representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Police, and the Attorney Generals Office.

Initially, this task force will monitor seven categories of goods including textiles and textile products (TPT), electronics, footwear, clothing, ceramics, and cosmetics.

Hasan stated that authorities will closely monitor these seven types of goods at ports on the island of Java, as this area has the largest volume of goods imported into Indonesia. Inspections at ports outside Java will be conducted if there is information about imported goods to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Hasan emphasised that all relevant units agree that smuggled goods entering Indonesia are affecting domestic production activities. Tightening the flow of goods into the Indonesian market will stimulate domestic products.
A Delta Air Lines jet leaves the gate at Logan International Airport in Boston. Some airline issues were continuing Monday after a faulty software update caused worldwide havoc last week and resulted in several carriers grounding flights. Data show the impact is declining early Monday. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press Jose Angel Saavedra, left, and his wife Sara, of Johnston, Iowa, look at their cell phones while trying to book a flight after their original flight was cancelled Friday at Des Moines International Airport. Traffic snarls continued Monday, with Delta Air Lines being the hardest hit. Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Delta Air Lines Inc. struggled for a fourth day Monday to recover from a worldwide technology outage caused by a faulty software update, stranding tens of thousands of passengers and drawing increasing scrutiny from the federal government.

As other carriers returned to nearly normal levels of service, Delta continued struggling to rebound from the tech outage that hit airlines, hospitals and businesses around the world early Friday. A spokesperson said the airline expects to cancel more flights this week.

At San Antonio International Airport, 11 of the 17 flights that had been canceled by 2:30 p.m. Monday were on the Atlanta-based airline, according to data from FlightAware. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 26 of 27 cancellations were Delta flights.

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The total number of cancellations within, into or out of the U.S. had topped 1,600, which is greater than a typical day with no holiday. More than half of those were Delta flights.

The problems brought back memories of Southwest Airlines meltdown during a winter storm in December 2022 that overwhelmed its crew-scheduling system and forced the airline to scrap nearly 17,000 flights.

This time, theyre a result of a global technology outage that grounded flights worldwide and disrupted the operations of banks, transit systems and emergency services. A buggy update from Austin cybersecurity company CrowdStrike set off the outages for millions of users of Microsoft Corp.s Windows operating system worldwide beginning late Thursday.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he spoke to Delta CEO Ed Bastian about the airlines rising number of cancellations. Buttigieg said his agency had received hundreds of complaints and he expects the airline to provide hotels and meals for travelers who are delayed and to issue quick refunds to customers who dont want to be rebooked on a later flight.

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No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent, he said.

Delta had canceled nearly 6,000 flights since the outage started. The airline and its regional affiliates accounted for about two-thirds of all cancellations worldwide Monday.

United Airlines was the next-worst performer since the onset of the outage, canceling nearly 1,500 flights. United had canceled only 21 Monday flights by midafternoon, however.

Other airlines caught up in the first round of groundings also returned to mostly normal operations by Monday. That included American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air.

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In a message to customers Sunday, Bastian said Delta was working to restore operations.

I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events, he said.

He blamed the airlines significant number of functions that rely on Microsoft Windows, including its crew-tracking tools, rendering the airline unable to process large volumes of changes to flight personnel.

The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our reaccommodation capabilities, Bastian said. Loads are the percentage of sold seats on each flight.

Airlines have large, layered technology systems and their crew-tracking programs are often among their oldest systems. When the outage began Friday, it also affected systems used to check in passengers, schedule crews and make pre-flight calculations about aircraft weight and balance, various airlines said. United and American reported intermittent problems communicating with crews in the air, contributing to their decisions to briefly ground all flights.

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Some airlines, including Southwest and Alaska, do not contract with CrowdStrike. Those carriers saw relatively few cancellations.

Aviation experts said it was likely that Delta has more systems running on Microsoft Windows than other airlines.

The impact of the CrowdStrike IT outage will linger on for a few more days yet, and will stay in the minds of travelers with canceled holidays for even longer, John Grant, senior analyst with travel data provider OAG, said in a blog post. Such events highlight the challenges of an industry dependent on external IT systems that can, and likely will, fail again in the future.

Delta has offered waivers to make it easier for customers to reschedule trips.

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Its meltdown is reminiscent of Southwest Airlines debacle in December 2022. After a federal investigation of its compliance with consumer-protection rules, the airline agreed to pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement with the Transportation Department.

On Monday, the tech outage wasnt the only issue impacting air travel. Inclement weather caused flight delays mainly in the Southeast, including in Atlanta, where Delta is based. FlightAware showed the number of delays within, into or out of the U.S. was nearing 6,000 by 2:30 p.m.
(TBTCO) - Gia xe SH moi nhat thang 10/2024 tai ai ly ang giam soc, mot so phien ban ang uoc ban re hon gia e xuat, ay la ieu hiem co cua dong xe Honda. Trong khi o, gia xe Vision tai ai ly ang o muc thap chua tung co, tinh trang oi gia cao gan nhu a khong con.
Kingdom Holding Company said it has signed an agreement with Sumou Holding to acquire the Alinma Jeddah Economic City Fund - valued at SAR6.8 billion ($1.8 billion). The Fund owns the tallest tower in the world coming up at Jeddah along with the 1.7 million sq m of land located adjacent to it.

The duo has entered into a deal with the fund's owner Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) for the take-over, said the global investment company in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kingdom Holding Company and Ayedh bin Farhan Al Qahtani, the Chairman of the board of directors of Sumou Holding Company.

The JEC is currently developing the Jeddah Tower project in Saudi Arabia, whose towering structure will exceed 1,000 m in height.

For this ambitious project, the key architect is US-based Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill, and engineering consultant is Lebanons Dar Al Handasah (Shair & Partners).

The multi-use Jeddah Tower includes the Four Seasons Hotel, a shopping mall, commercial offices, and luxury residential units. The nearby lands, part of the acquisition agreement, include towers, residential and commercial complexes, shopping, entertainment and tourism areas, and international hotels.

Under the new arrangement, the alliance parties will be Sumou Holding Company and Kingdom Holding Company (which will acquire a 40% stake in the fund), while Jeddah Economic Company will have a 4.1% share.-TradeArabia News Service
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the signing of a MoU with the General Directorate of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior for Bahrain, thus marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to enhance strong fire safety and prevention measures in the kingdom.

Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organisation devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.

The MoU signing ceremony, held during the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, was attended by key representatives from both entities.

The MoU is aimed at fostering a collaborative relationship between the two parties, leveraging the extensive NFPA expertise and resources in fire, electrical and life safety, and Bahrain Civil Defences local knowledge and experience in the areas of firefighting and civil defence.

The partnership will focus on organising awareness forums to disseminate critical information aimed at reducing the impact of fires and hazards, said the statement from NFPA.

Additionally, both parties will work together on relevant laws and standards, promoting education and sharing best practices to enhance public safety in the kingdom, it stated.

"Building on the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework, we are charting a roadmap for developing comprehensive training and certification programs, advancing fire research, and enhancing public education across the kingdom," remarked NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley.

"We are very pleased to be working with Bahrain on this initiative, which aims to advance fire safety and mitigate risks through increased fire risk awareness and reduction strategies," remarked Pauley.

On the significance of the partnership, Engineer Dana Kamal, the Director, International Business Development for Mena region at NFPA, said: "Its an honor to collaborate with Bahrain Civil Defence on our shared mission to advance fire and life safety across the kingdom. By leveraging the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, we aim to empower communities and ensure that Bahrain Civil Defence personnel are equipped with the highest standards of safety knowledge and skills to help fulfil their commitment to public safety and create a safer environment for all."

"Together, we will make significant strides in fire safety education, training, and awareness programs, enabling us to work more closely to address emerging fire safety challenges and enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives," he stated.

On the strategic tieup, Brigadier Pilot Ali Mohamed AlKubaisi, the General Director of Civil Defence of Bahrain said: "This initiative is a strategic milestone for the General Directorate of Civil Defence to implement Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 by raising the level of safety and fire prevention. This MoU allows us to be part of the NFPA Ecosystem, learning, developing, and benefiting from international community experiences in order to participate in strengthening this framework."

With operations in over 70 countries, supported by more than 5,000 volunteers, and engaging with over 43,000 global members, NFPA is actively promoting safety in a rapidly electrifying world, addressing critical crisis across the world, defending the value of codes and standards, and highlighting international efforts in emerging issues and trends in fire, electrical, and life safety.

This partnership will act as a testament to NFPAs overall objective of increasing safety for people and property.

The General Directorate of Civil Defence also wants to benefit from best practices in this field to qualify its employees to rise to the international level and provide them with the opportunity to exchange experiences, data, and information for the benefit of all stakeholders, leaving a positive impact on everyone in this field, he stated.

"We would like to express our honor to be part of the NFPA family and look forward to working together as a team," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Serco, a leading provider of public services, has promoted its Chief People and Culture Officer Hana Abu Kharmeh to Chief Operations Officer (COO)  a new role for the Middle East region.

The appointment means that Hana will now lead the companys technology and transition teams, in addition to continuing to oversee the Middle Easts human resources (HR) and workforce management (WFM) functions.

The promotion comes following a period of growth for the business, with Serco continuing to strengthen its technology capabilities as a key enabler for its people led service offering. Kharmeh will now be instrumental in driving forward innovation, whilst ensuring the quality and consistency of delivery are maintained.

Leadership skills

Effective immediately, the new role will see Kharmeh bring together her leadership skills having previously led Sercos people department for the past five years, where she was instrumental in positioning Serco as an employer of choice for nationals, developing local talent and fostering a culture of employee growth and wellbeing. Some of Kharmehs most notable achievements include surpassing the companys Emiratisation targets sevenfold (with Serco recently winning a NAFIS UAE Award from the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council in recognition of its efforts) and increasing the number of female nationals in the business by 133% so far this year, when compared to 2022.

Reporting into Phil Malem, Serco Middle Easts CEO, Kharmeh will continue to sit on Sercos executive leadership team, where over 50% of the positions are held by women. Additionally, 42% of critical management roles are also held by female employees.

In 2023 19% of promotions and new roles went to women, a clear trajectory towards an equitable workplace. These figures signal the effectiveness of Sercos inclusive policies and wider commitment in bringing the governments national visions to life and impacting a better future.

Kharmeh originally joined Sercos Middle East business in 2019, as a regional human resources business partner, before being promoted to regional human resources director a year later. Kharmeh started her career in IT and technology, specialising in programming and network engineering. Before joining Serco, she held leadership positions in previous roles at Kuehne + Nagel and Maersk, representing markets across the region.

Kharmeh also holds a Six Sigma Black Belt PMP, a qualification that requires knowledge and expertise in implementing the Six Sigma business strategy and demonstrates the capabilities of the holder to effectively run businesses. This diverse background is highly relevant to her new role, further underpinning her capability to drive forward innovation and maintain quality and consistency in service delivery.

Malem said: I congratulate Hana on her promotion to Chief Operations Officer. Hana has been a pivotal part of our success story, expertly leading our people function with dedication and foresight. Her proven leadership skills are true assets to the business, and in her new role Im looking forward to Hana further embedding her innovative mindset and strive for continuous improvement into our culture.

Diversity thriving

At Serco we are committed to establishing a workplace where diversity thrives and career advancement, regardless of gender, is supported through internal policies and strategy. Hanas journey is a prime example and I hope her promotion is an inspiration to other women, both inside and outside Serco.

Kharmeh said: As we continue to invest in our end-to-end capabilities and services, we are strengthening our offering in the region, cementing our role as a trusted partner to governmental organisations. Technology and innovation are at the heart of what we do  bringing together the right people, the right technology and the right partners to create innovative solutions that make positive impact and address some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the modern world.

The announcement follows a strong first half of the year for Serco internationally and within the region, which includes continued investments in the regions space sector, as well as the acquisition of sustainability and engineering consultancy, Climatize.--TradeArabia News Service
Bahrains Labour Fund Tamkeen has partnered with CRCC Asia, a leading provider of international internship programs in Asia, to offer Bahraini engineering graduates a unique opportunity to upskill, gain international exposure, and develop niche specialisations through high quality internships within CRCC Asia's network of companies in Seoul, South Korea.

The collaboration falls within the framework of Tamkeens Global-Ready Talent Program. Under the parnetrship with CRCC Asia, Tamkeen will support the placement of four Bahraini graduates in Korean companies for a period of three months, mainly focusing on Engineering and ICT disciplines.

CRCC Asia provides students and graduates from all over the world with opportunities for personal and professional development through organising programs in various places such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. The organisation has facilitated training for over 9,000 individuals from more than 100 nations across 18 sectors. CRCC Asia is recognised for its commitment to fostering personal and professional growth on a global scale, a statement said.

Tamkeens Chief Growth Officer, Khalid Al Bayat, said: "In line with our core mission to foster Bahraini talent, this partnership represents a step towards realizing our vision of a highly skilled workforce that can compete on an international scale. Our focus is on producing highly qualified talent in engineering field and nurturing forefront ideas. Through initiatives like this, we aim to empower Bahraini youth and contribute to the advancement of key sectors in the Kingdom."

To date, Tamkeen has placed many Bahrainis across various sectors, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing local talent and facilitating their professional growth. This initiative aligns with Tamkeens 2024 strategic priorities which focus on economic impact and the private sector. -TradeArabia News Service
GE Aerospace and Kratos Turbine Technologies, a division of Kratos Defence & Security Solutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner on the development and production of small affordable engines.

The engines could potentially power unmanned aerial systems (UAS), collaborative combat aircraft, and similar applications. The partnership builds on an existing joint development agreement and includes full-scale engine production.

For the last year, GE Aerospace and Kratos have been working together on a small affordable engine. The engine initially was developed and ground tested by Kratos. Under the existing joint agreement, GE Aerospace and Kratos completed additional development efforts and are now conducting tests on the engine. The team plans to continue development on the current engine, which will undergo altitude testing next year at GE Aerospaces test cell in Evendale, Ohio.

Evolving mission requirements

Amy Gowder, President and CEO, Defence & Systems at GE Aerospace, said: Our defence customers have a growing interest in small affordable engines to meet their evolving mission requirements. Our initial collaboration has been very successful, and this agreement furthers our efforts in this new dynamic military segment.

Eric DeMarco, President & CEO of Kratos Defence & Security Solutions, said: Kratos has made significant investments in the development of our family of small, low-cost jet engines for jet powered drones, missiles, and powered munitions that lead in technology and capability. We consider our relationship with GE Aerospace as invaluable based on our expectation and forecast for the potential future production of thousands of turbofan engines for multiple customers.

Each company brings unique expertise to the partnership. Kratos has more than 20 years of experience in the development and production of small affordable jet engines for UAS, drones, and missiles. GE Aerospace has more than 100 years of experience in the development and scaling up of high-volume production for jet engine programmes for a seamless transition from development to production.--TradeArabia News Service
A UAE economic delegation headed by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and Chairman of Investopia, is visiting India this week to discuss boosting economic ties.

The delegation, which includes Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, will explore opportunities to forge new partnerships at the government and private sector levels in the fields of logistics, advanced industries, entrepreneurship, SMEs, environment and investment.

The visit falls within the framework of the growing economic relations between the two countries, which have witnessed significant development in all aspects of cooperation over the past years, with the unlimited support of both leaderships.

New version of Investopia Global Talks in Chennai

A new version of Investopia Global Talks will be held in the South Indian city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, during the UAE delegations visit in order to create diverse economic and investment opportunities that support the two countries' vision of expanding sectors and areas of mutual interest.

The latest edition of the event will hold three panel discussions on enhancing the prospects for economic, investment and trade cooperation between the UAE and India in light of global economic developments. They will support cooperation between the two countries in the decarbonisation of heavy industries, review recent global trends on investment and trade,as well as promising opportunities for the growth of SMEs. The session titled "Make in the Emirates" will feature Osama Amir Fadel, Associate Deputy Industrial Accelerator Sector, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Rola Abu-Mina CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, UAE; and Shakir Zeinel, Head of Banking at Emirates Development Bank. It will highlight the advantages and potential offered by the UAE to investors in the industrial sector, as well as the sectors competitiveness at the regional and global levels.

Furthermore, the latest edition of Investopia India will host a roundtable with the participation of government officials, businessmen, and investors from both countries to explore economic, investment, and trade opportunities in the private sector, enabling both Indian and UAE business communities to benefit from it. Over 300 participants, including industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, economic experts, and representatives of leading Emirati and Indian private sector companies are expected to take part in this session.

Meetings with Indian ministers and government officials

Al Marri will hold several one-on-one meetings with Indian ministers and government officials, including MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dr TRB Raja, the Minister of Industry, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, in the government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

In addition, the Minister of Economy will visit the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), one of India's premier engineering and technology institutes known for its advanced research facilities and laboratories. IITM actively engages in various cutting-edge research projects.

The visit will foster exchange of knowledge and best practices in scientific research, entrepreneurship, startups, FinTech, and AI. will also visit the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, gaining insights into the latest advancements fueling the growth of advanced industries, space exploration, and electric vehicles.

The visiting UAE delegation includes more than 27 representatives of government entities and national and private companies. These include the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sharaf Group, Lulu Group International, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Standard Chartered UAE, GFG Alliance, PGI Group, Wio Bank, and WizzAir Abu Dhabi. In addition, 14 UAE SMEs will showcase their innovative projects before participating investors at the latest Investopia Global Talks.--TradeArabia News Service
Meredith Portillo, 20, was killed Sunday in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 37. Courtesy of Cindy Portillo Meredith Portillo, 20, was identified by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office as one of the three people killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 37 Sunday. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

Meredith Portillo always wanted to work in law enforcement. At the Bexar County jail, where she worked as a detention officer, the staff called her Ms. P.

Portillo, 20, was identified by the Bexar County Sheriffs office as one of three killed in a wrong-way crash on Sunday in the 15600 block of Interstate 37 near Southton Road.

In a statement released Sunday on Facebook, the sheriffs office said Portillo, an off-duty deputy, was the woman killed in the crash.

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We mourn the loss of Deputy Meredith Portillo, 20, who lost her life earlier this morning as a result of a fatal accident involving a suspected wrong-way driver along IH-37 S and Donop Rd in South Bexar County, Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement on Facebook. Our prayers are with the Portillo family and everyone who held Deputy Portillo near.

READ MORE: Man wanted in connection with death of Kerrville woman arrested in San Antonio

According to a preliminary police report, officers received a call about a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-37 at Loop 1604. The vehicle, a Ford F-150, crashed head-on into a Ford Mustang, police said.

As of Monday afternoon, the Bexar County Medical Examiners office hadnt identified the three killed in the crash but said the deceased included two men, ages 20 and 28, and a 20-year-old woman.

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Portillos mother, Cindy, said her daughter was in the vehicle with two of her close friends from high school. She was returning home after an evening out and was only five minutes away from home when the crash happened, she said.

They had went to In-N-Out Burger and went downtown to ride some scooters and then stopped at Voodoo Doughnut, Cindy Portillo said. She was already on her way home.

Meredith Portillo was always good at communicating with her mom when she was away from home. She would let her mom know when she was close by and always shared her location.

When her mom realized she had not heard from her in awhile, she checked her location and noticed it had not updated in several minutes. Thats when she asked her husband to go check on her.

My husband said he would be right back, Cindy Portillo said. He went and he called me to go over there; they had the whole highway blocked off.

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The sheriffs office said Meredith Portillo and another passenger in the Mustang were killed on impact. The driver of the F-150 was also killed on impact and another passenger in the vehicle with Portillo remains in critical condition at the hospital.

During a Monday news conference, Salazar said the San Antonio Police Department is investigating the crash.

Recruited by her brother who also works as a deputy, Portillo began her law enforcement career with Bexar County last September. She graduated from the detention academy in January with ambitions of becoming a patrol officer. She will receive full honors by the sheriffs office and her casket will be draped with the Texas flag, Salazar said.

She was very proud to wear the uniform and proud to work here, Salazar said.

Cindy Portillo said her daughter was very positive and outgoing, and made an impact on people in her personal and professional life.

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She loved what she did. She was very well respected, Cindy Portillo said. She had a lot of friends (at the jail). She touched a lot of people, even inmates to try to motivate them to do better. She was very well loved.

Meredith Portillo graduated from Southside High School. She had one sister and two brothers.
Siemon, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, has appointed Trey Somers as its Vice President of Product Management.

An industry veteran with over two decades of experience, Somers will lead Siemons global product management team and drive the development of innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market.

He brings a wealth of experience in enterprise product management, OEM product management, and consulting services.

Most recently, he served as Managing Director at Align Communications where he successfully led a team delivering smart building solutions to major financial institutions across the globe.

"We are thrilled to welcome Trey to the Siemon team," said Henry Siemon, President and CEO. "His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in product management make him an invaluable asset to our organisation. We are confident that under Treys leadership, Siemon will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive customer success," he stated.

In his new role, Somers will oversee both the OEM and Enterprise Product Management teams, combining them into a unified global product management organisation.

He will also collaborate closely with the marketing team to align product development with current market needs and developing industry trends.

On his new role, Somers said: "I am excited to join the Siemon team and contribute to the companys continued growth and success.

"Siemon has a strong reputation for innovation and customer focus. I look forward to working with the team to develop groundbreaking solutions that address the challenges and opportunities of todays dynamic market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Labour Fund Tamkeen has partnered with CRCC Asia, a leading provider of international internship programs in Asia, to offer Bahraini engineering graduates a unique opportunity to upskill, gain international exposure, and develop niche specializations through high quality internships within CRCC Asia's network of companies in Seoul, South Korea.

CRCC Asia provides students and graduates from all over the world with opportunities for personal and professional development through tailored programs in China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Having facilitated training for over 9,000 individuals from more than 100 nations across 18 sectors, CRCC Asia is recognized for its commitment to fostering personal and professional growth on a global scale.

The collaboration falls within the framework of the Global-Ready Talent Program and is Tamkeens first step in the Korean market, said a top official.

"In line with our core mission to foster Bahraini talent, this partnership represents a step towards realizing our vision of a highly skilled workforce that can compete on an international scale. Our focus is on producing highly qualified talent in the engineering field and nurturing forefront ideas," remarked Tamkeens Chief Growth Officer, Khalid Al Bayat.

"Through initiatives like this, we aim to empower Bahraini youth and contribute to the advancement of key sectors in the kingdom," he stated.

Under this deal, Tamkeen will support the placement of four Bahraini graduates in Korean companies for a period of three months, mainly focusing on Engineering and ICT disciplines.

To date, Tamkeen has successfully placed many Bahrainis across various sectors, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing local talent and facilitating their professional growth.

This initiative is aligned with Tamkeens 2024 strategic priorities focused on economic impact and the private sector under three pillars; increasing economic participation through new employment opportunities for new entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to Bahraini workforce, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity and adoption of technology.-TradeArabia News Service
Infinity Power and the Government of Sierra Leone represented by the Ministry of Energy have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 1GW of renewable energy capacity in Sierra Leone by 2033. The MoU outlines a phased approach to the project, focusing on expanding the country's electricity generation and supply infrastructure.

The signing ceremony, held at State House in Freetown, marks a significant step towards Sierra Leone's commitment to sustainable energy and economic development.

The project may include solar PV, floating PV solar, hydro, battery storage, and wind. It aims to improve energy access, create jobs, and support the countrys environmental goals.

Close collaboration

Infinity Power will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Energy to conduct feasibility studies, secure necessary permits, and finalise Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). This will involve the development of 200MW of renewable energy generation, expanding hydroelectric dam capacity and installing both floating and ground-mounted solar PV systems.

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Chairman of Infinity Power, said: "This partnership underscores our continued dedication to strengthening the supply of sustainable energy across Africa, contributing to a bright energy future for Sierra Leone."

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power, adds: "Collaborating with Sierra Leones Ministry of Energy will showcase the transformative power of renewable energy in driving socio-economic change.

Ahmed Mulla, Deputy CEO of Infinity Power, expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, "This MoU represents a crucial milestone in our shared vision for a sustainable future. We are committed to working with the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver this ambitious project and contribute to the nation's energy security and economic growth."

Transforming Sierra Leone

The Ministry of Energy reaffirmed its support for the initiative, highlighting the project's potential to transform the energy landscape of Sierra Leone. The Ministry will provide all necessary support to facilitate the successful implementation of the project.

Our mandate is simple: prioritise the expansion of our energy infrastructure by integrating renewable energy sources and enhance sector reforms to continue attracting investments. Thus, we are excited to partner with Infinity Power and look forward to our work ahead in the coming months and years, said Dr Eldred Tunde Taylor, Deputy Minister of Energy.

At Sierra Leones First National Climate Dialogue and Energy Transition Dialogue held in Oct 2023 and organised by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), President Bio underscored his governments plan to target an investment for a 1-gigawatt (GW) generation capacity over the next 10-15 years which would then allow Sierra Leone to trade energy with her neighbours.

Energy sector reforms

Given their work in Africa, experience and goals for the continent, Infinity Power is poised to help meet President Bios vision for the country earlier than originally envisaged. The deep energy sector reforms taking place are beginning to pay dividends and we at PI-CREF will continue to play our catalytic role in bringing diverse partners with our MDAs through strategic coordination and policy coherence, underscored Dr Kandeh Yumkella.

Yumkella leads the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF).--TradeArabia News Service
The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) is set to showcase its aviation and investment opportunities to the British industry captains at the Farnborough International Airshow, which opens its doors today (July 22).

The event, which runs until July 26, offers a global platform for GACA to update the industry on the progress of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, build bilateral relationships and commercial partnerships with the United Kingdom, and promote GACAs regulatory reforms to enable growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 is expected to attract around 75,000 visitors from 102 countries, with 250 civil, military, and space delegations.

The Saudi delegation, headed by President, Abdulaziz Al Duailej, will be attending the Airshow and a host of other industry events during the UK visit.

A key highlight will be the inaugural UK-Saudi Aviation High Level Roundtable on July 24 for showcasing aviation and investment opportunities to the British aviation industry, hosted in partnership with the The Saudi British Joint Business Council UK.

The roundtable will feature presentations from GACA, the UK Department of Transport, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Ministry of Investment and Saudi airport sector.

Al Duailej said: "We are excited to share Saudi Arabias unprecedented opportunities with the aviation world, and the Kingdoms vision for the future of global aviation. We strongly believe that the United Kingdoms expertise in aviation and infrastructure and the Saudi Aviation Strategys growth agenda will create significant commercial opportunities, building on the strong aviation ties between both countries."

The Saudi aviation sector, he stated, was undergoing significant transformation through the implementation of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, with 2024 representing a record-breaking year for passengers and flights in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia saw the number of passengers surge 17% between January and June to a record 62 million, with flights increasing 12% to 446,000, well above pre-pandemic levels.

In addition, GACA has introduced major economic policy reforms, a general aviation roadmap and pioneered new Advanced Air Mobility regulations to enable growth and innovation in the Kingdoms aviation sector.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based flydubai has announced that its expansion plans have been significantly impacted by Boeings latest update regarding ongoing delays in its aircraft delivery schedule.

The carrier is currently evaluating its route development plans and potential frequency revision across the network due to a lack of new aircraft deliveries over the next few months. "flydubai urges Boeing to honour and renew its commitment to meet its delivery obligations," a statement said.

Commenting on the ongoing delays, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: We are extremely disappointed to learn that Boeing will not be able to fulfil its commitment to deliver more aircraft for the remainder of the year. Boeings short-noticed and frequent delivery schedule revisions have hindered our strategic growth plans resulting in significant disruptions to our published schedules. The reduced capacity will ultimately affect our customers as well as our projected financial performance.

flydubai has always valued its longstanding partnership with Boeing and both airline and the manufacturer have been resilient and agile in tackling challenges over the years. We urge Boeing to take immediate action and implement measures to stabilise its production and delivery processes to avoid further delays while upholding the highest standards. We look forward to a swift resolution of this issue, added Al Ghaith.

The unpredictability of the aircraft delivery schedules from Boeing over the past few years has put significant pressure on the carrier and its ability to firmly plan for its projected growth, especially as it geared up to meet the strong demand for travel after the pandemic, the airline said.

flydubais plans for this year were initially based on the commitment to receive 14 new aircraft. The carrier continues to explore all possible avenues to mitigate the impact of these delivery delays, it said.

Fewer aircraft delivered annually

flydubai operates a single fleet-type of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft and includes: 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 56 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 03 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

Ongoing challenges with Boeings delivery schedule resulted in fewer aircraft being delivered every year for the past three years. Multiple revisions of the delivery schedule for 2024 meant that Boeing will not deliver the 14 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft originally scheduled for the year. The aircraft delivered in the first half of the year were from the backlog of previous years and faced extensive delays. flydubai has more than 125 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order to be delivered over the next decade, it said.

Operational and cost implications

flydubais strategic growth plans, which rely heavily on the timely addition of new aircraft to the fleet, have been significantly impacted by ongoing Boeing aircraft delivery delays, the airline pointed out.

"To mitigate the delays in aircraft deliveries and to meet the surge in demand for travel and add capacity, particularly during peak travel periods, flydubai had to enter Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreements," it said.

The carrier has also extended the lease on some of the aircraft which were scheduled to be returned to the lessors under its Sale and Leaseback agreements, which has led to the airline incurring further costs.

In addition to these measures, flydubai has invested in an extensive retrofit programme for its fleet of Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft to ensure a more consistent onboard experience for its passengers and to align the cabin product in the absence of new aircraft joining the fleet for the remainder of the year.

"Fewer aircraft being delivered this year has added pressure on flydubais fleet utilisation. With six new routes scheduled to launch over the next few months, the airline is currently reviewing its schedule and frequency of operations across its network due to restrictions in aircraft availability," the statement said.

Over its 15 years of operations, flydubai has emerged as one of the key players in the aviation industry in the UAE and the region, building a strong diverse network and opening up underserved markets. flydubai is the largest operator of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the Middle East and GCC and its growing fleet has supported its ambitious growth plans over the years. Boeings ability to meet its contractual aircraft delivery commitments to the carrier has been crucial to realising these growth plans. -TradeArabia News Service
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africas first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, on Monday announced the launch of its non-stop flights between Sharjah and the idyllic island of Maldives.

The new flights between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport in Mali will operate daily, starting October 27, 2024, providing travellers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of the most famous destinations in South Asia.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated: "We are delighted to add this enchanting holiday destination to our expanding network. The launch of our non-stop flights to the Maldives highlights our commitment to offering our customers more travel options and connecting them to some of the world's most breathtaking locations."

He added: "This addition to our route network from Sharjah reaffirms our commitment to providing seamless connectivity and value driven air travel to our passengers."

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs or relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, the Maldives provides an unparalleled escape in one of the world's most breathtaking settings.

Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world, the airline said. - TradeArabia News Service
The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday announced the disbarment of Nick Beduhn, who practiced law in Buffalo.

According to a press release from the Wyoming State Bar, Beduhn filed a lawsuit in federal court, but after filing, he had no further contact with his clients and took no further action in the case. Beduhn similarly failed to respond to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that addressed what the lawsuit was about, the press release says.

According to the announcement, Beduhn didnt dismiss the case, but also didnt respond to motions filed against him or his clients. And, when the lawsuit was dismissed, he failed to pay the opposing parties attorneys fees as ordered; he didnt tell his clients the lawsuit was dismissed; and he didnt respond to multiple complaints despite repeated requests.

The release further states he did not participate in the case until the sanction hearing.

As the attorney of record, Beduhn represented health care workers in a case against Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Memorial Hospital of Converse County for their anticipated compliance with the coronavirus vaccine mandate, the official disbarment says. The lawsuit was filed in 2021.

However, the ruling in Biden v. Missouri pertained directly to what the lawsuit would have done  it did not allow Medicare and Medicaid facilities to enforce vaccine mandates  effectively shutting the lawsuit down.

Beduhns disbarment is effective retroactively on Nov. 2, 2022, which is when the Wyoming Supreme Court ordered that he be immediately suspended. His conduct, the press release says, violated eight rules of the Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct. Beduhn must pay $1,435.14 to the Wyoming State Bar.

This is not Beduhns first time being disciplined by the state bar. He was suspended from practicing for two years in August 2017, and then suspended again in November of that year. Those suspensions ran consecutively.

Though reinstated in January 2021, he was suspended once more in November 2022.
The use of force, including assassination and other forms of lethal political violence, as a means of altering governmental regimes and political systems  tyrannicide, regicide and revolution  was part of the warp and woof of ancient politics and a central concern to the Framers of the Constitution. America, after all, was founded on revolution. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, therefore, sought to create a republic sufficiently responsive to the will of the people to facilitate peaceful political reforms, which would eliminate the perceived need to resort to violence, the dark side of politics, to make changes.

John Adams, a child of the Enlightenment and with Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, part of the Holy Trinity of the founding era, spoke for his generation when he declared, tyranny begins when frequent elections end. Thus, the Framers provided for frequent elections at regular intervals, which empowered voters to create plans and campaigns to usher in peaceful change when they thought it was required. Franklin explained to the Constitutional Convention that the power to impeach an errant president was necessary; otherwise, there would be no recourse but to assassination. Jefferson asserted that government officials should be bound by the chains of the Constitution, precisely because those who wielded power were eyed suspiciously. James Madison, Father of the Constitution, wrote eloquently in The Federalist Papers of the various ways that checks and balances would restrain officials and encourage adherence to the will of the people. The Framers assertions, moreover, that a president would be amenable to the judicial process and the provisions of the criminal justice system, aimed to alleviate the fear that they had created an embryonic monarchy, which would have placed the president above the law.

In sum, those who founded our nation and wrote the Constitution, keenly aware of the destructive capacity of violence as a weapon for undermining and, indeed, destroying democracy, sought at every turn to signal to American citizens that the system they designed had rendered obsolete the need to use force to make political and policy changes. And yet, after nearly 250 years of constitutional governance, in the wake of a Civil War, the unforgivable treatment of Native Americans and Black Americans, an insurrection on January 6, 2021, not to mention the fact that of the 22 men who have served in the White House from 1900-2024, eight have been the victims of assault, we bear witness to the perpetuation of violence as a weapon of political change.

Political violence is the scourge of democracy, a system grounded on the consent of the governed, propelled by reasoned discussion and debate undergirded by truths, facts and evidence. Violence, including assassination, undermines the democratic predicate of compromise and peaceful transitions of power, based on the premise that half a loaf is better than none. Democracy requires acceptance of electoral results, without which the country descends into a deep spiral of chaos and interminable violence. As of this writing, we dont have an explanation of the motives of the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, whether politically inspired or the work of someone who had been bullied throughout life and sought recognition, but the outrageous act may well affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential race. Previous assaults on presidents and presidential candidates have left a big footprint on Americas electoral history.

President Richard M. Nixon acknowledged that he could not have defeated Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 presidential election. American history changed because Kennedy was assassinated. If John Wilkes Booth had not murdered President Abraham Lincoln, our Poet President likely could have facilitated the recovery of the nation torn apart by the Civil War, through a forgiving spirit and genuine enforcement of the Reconstruction Acts, rather than their disregard by his successor, Andrew Johnson.

In a nation deeply polarized by political differences, it is imperative for citizens to reject violence as a justifiable means to an end. Such assertions represent a complete rejection of democratic principles and values, and certainly are not the hallmark of a patriot. At this juncture in American politics, political leaders bear the responsibility to tone down their rhetoric, abandon reckless and false claims that may inspire violence and, above all, they absolutely must declare, publicly, their own opposition to the use of force. Responsible leadership requires it.
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Mullin seen with Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert at the Commissioners Court celebrating the World War II veteran's 100th birthday. Mullin recently was inducted into the French Legion of Honor in recognition for his military service and his part in the United States' liberation of France during WWII. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Holler Valerie Baraban, Consul General of France in Houston, pictured left, stands with Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers at a July 3 ceremony at Fort Sam Houston honoring retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Mullin. The veteran was inducted as a "Chevalier" of the French Legion of Honor. The French government honored Mullin for his contribution as a member of the Red Ball Express that played a vital role in the liberation of France during World War II. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Mallard/USAF Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Mullin gathers regularly with friends at a Golden Corral restaurant ,where he receives free lunches for his service. Photo courtesy of John Welch, USMC, Retired

In 1942, Gerald Mullin enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston to serve his country during World War II. His unit landed in France, on Normandy Beach, before dwindling supplies brought the Third Army and First Army to a standstill.

Mullin served as a platoon commander of the Red Ball Express, a convoy of 6,000, 2-ton trucks that delivered ammunition, food, medical supplies and gasoline to troops on the front lines. From late August to November of 1944, the convoy ran 24 hours a day. Seventy-three percent of its drivers, like Mullin, were African American.

Snipers, mud and land mines were the convoys greatest threats. German Luftwaffe planes strafed the roads from the air. Trucks, painted with a red, round disc, rumbled around wrecked vehicles on narrow pathways.

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Like many of the greatest generation, Mullin never shared details about the war. He never talked about driving dark, one-way roads scattered with the dead. He never spoke of how his unit was with Allied Forces that rescued Jewish victims from Nazi concentration camps.

In May, by decree of French President Emmanuel Macron, Mullin was nominated as a Chevalier (knight) of the Legion of Honor for his part in the United States' liberation of France during WWII.

About the author A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning.

Before the July Fourth holiday, more than 50 people gathered at the Fort Sam Houston Theater to honor retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Mullins induction into the French Legion of Honor.

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The award was created in 1802 by French military and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize esteemed merit and services rendered by civilians and soldiers while serving in France. According to the Library of Congress, 171 African Americans were awarded the French Legion of Honor during World War I.

Friends, active duty military, veterans and dignitaries attended the ceremony for the 100-year-old WWII veteran, who was unable to attend because of health concerns. The ceremony continued with Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers welcoming Valerie Baraban, who serves as consul general of France in Houston.

Mullins service with the Red Ball Express was among his work highlighted at the ceremony.

The term Red Ball originated as far back as the 19th century to identify express rail car cargo, said Vincent Hodge, 502nd Air Base Wing historian.

He said convoys of 20 vehicles, driving 25 miles per hour, hauled more than 400,000 tons of supplies at a rate of 5,000 tons a day.

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Supreme Allied Commander (Europe) Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower stated that the Red Ball Express was Americas lifeline, Hodge said, adding the commander later thanked the convoy workers for their service.

At the recent ceremony, Baraban expressed Frances gratitude, recalling how Mullin and his unit delivered critical supplies to Gen. George Pattons forces while exposed to combat during the Battle of the Bulge, WWIIs largest and bloodiest battle.

You have set an example, which we will never forget, Baraban said, as she inducted Mullin into the prestigious order. France will never forget the troops who landed on D-Day and all their brothers in arms. Your constant selflessness and devotion both guide us and serve us as our duty.

The audience applauded as the consul general displayed the medal of Frances highest and prestigious honor.

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Veterans lined the front row of the theater in support of the friend they call Moon.

Retired Marine Maj. John Welch spoke highly of Mullin, who still drives himself to the Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant on the Northeast Side for lunch with comrades. Welch, of American Legion Fred Brock Post No. 828, said hes proud of Mullins service and to call him his friend.

He doesnt receive attention well, but he deserves all that he gets, Welch said.

Congregation members from Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church, Dr. Doris Williams and Elenor Wilson, nodded their heads in agreement. Both women said Mullin, a fellow congregation member, is an unassuming man with a keen sense of humor who doesnt gloat.

The extent of what we heard today is not what hes shared with us, Williams said. I love him dearly.

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Wilson, who has known Mullin most of her life, said its an honor to know someone who has lived through a historic event such as D-Day.

As those gathered heard, Mullins accomplishments go far beyond the events of WWII.

Mullin served 24 more years in the Army following the war. His citations and decorations include the African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Driggers thanked Mullin, who served during a time when Black men and women were limited to service positions in the military. They served because its not about our nation as it is, but what it can be, he said.

The last year of WWII saw mounting losses among white troops that resulted in the government pressing the Tuskegee Airmen and the 761st Tank Battalion (Black Panthers) into action. However, the heroic Black troops returned home to racism and discrimination.

Today, not unlike what happened many years ago in the fields of France, our very freedoms are under attack in very real, dangerous ways, Driggers said. It takes the exertions of our service members, our allies, our partners to fight for these freedoms because theyre worth fighting for.

Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, who organized the July 3 ceremony, read a letter from President Joe Biden thanking the veteran for answering his nations call. The commissioner said Mullin will also receive the Hidalgo Award, Bexar Countys highest honor.

Calvert has known Mullin for 35 years. His knowledge of Mullin is as a trustee of Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church and as treasurer of Neighborhoods First Alliance, a community focused nonprofit run by Calverts father. The group has helped fight crime and appealed for drainage and street projects, among other community work.
President Joe Biden announced Sunday he is dropping his re-election bid, making him the first president since Texan Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 to opt against running for reelection. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

After mounting pressure from Democrats to end his reelection bid, President Joe Biden announced Sunday his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

The president shared in a social media post on Sunday that he is stepping away from the campaign trail and backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

State and local political leaders flooded X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, with responses to the announcement making Biden the first president since Texan Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 to opt against running for reelection.

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Gov. Greg Abbott was quick to respond to the president's statement, writing online that the June debate appears to have been a set up to force Biden to step aside.

I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border, he wrote regarding Bidens endorsement of Harris.

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Sen. John Cornyn echoed the sentiment, also referring to Harris as Bidens border czar and writing that under her leadership, criminals and terrorists stream across our wide-open border and fentanyl continues to kill thousands of innocent Americans.

Kamala Harris is even more radical, more extreme and less competent than Joe Biden, he wrote, adding that Biden should also resign as president if hes not competent to run for reelection.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Biden will be remembered as one of the most transformational leaders in our nations history as well as a true friend to the working families of San Antonio.

Nirenberg has continued to show loyalty to the president in recent weeks as panicked Democratic lawmakers and other party insiders called for his withdrawal from the race.

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FILE - President Joe Biden speaks about the end of the war in Afghanistan from the State Dining Room of the White House, on Aug. 31, 2021, in Washington. In the ensuing two years following the pandemic, as inflation slowed but persisted, the confidence Biden hoped to instill steadily waned. And when he showed his age in a disastrous debate in June against Donald Trump, he lost the benefit of the doubt as well. That gave him the legacy of having built the legislative scaffolding of a renewed America without convincing voters that better days were ahead. Evan Vucci/AP Mayor Ron Nirenberg delivers one of his last State of the City addresses at a luncheon hosted by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce at Marriott Rivercenter on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

In his post on X, Nirenberg highlighted Bidens impact on San Antonio, writing that nearly 65,000 residents were able to stay in their homes during the pandemic because of his leadership. He cited the presidents efforts to improve infrastructure, fight climate change and create jobs, adding his willingness to stand up to special interests and cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month is a literal lifesaver in a city where 1 out of 6 are diabetic.

He also noted Bidens presence in Uvalde after the May 24, 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

He took the slings and arrows that come from stepping into the arena and throughout it all reminded us that strength of character matters, Nirenberg wrote. Ill be forever proud to call him a partner and a friend.

RELATED: 2024 Election Latest: Biden ends his reelection bid

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Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro echoed the sentiment, sharing with his followers on X that Biden deserves enormous credit for bringing the nation back from Covid, reinvigorating our economy, moving us forward to address climate change, among many other accomplishments.

Hes been an excellent president, Castro wrote. And today, hes shown [that] hes a true statesman.

Castro also noted Republicans will not succeed in keeping the new Democratic nominee off the November ballot because there is no basis for any legal challenge.

Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez thanked Biden for his service, also applauding his response to the Uvalde tragedy.

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Ill never forget that Joe Biden came to Uvalde immediately after the Robb massacre and acted swiftly to establish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to end all the needless gun deaths in our country, he wrote.

In a statement released Sunday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro expressed support for Biden's decision and said he looks forward to working to elect Harris as the next president.

Castro said the Biden-Harris administration "rescued our country from the worst pandemic in a century, launched a renaissance in American manufacturing and made unprecedented progress to lower drug prices, support America's veterans and curb gun violence.

"In a critical moment, President Biden restored America's place as the leader of the free world," Castro said. "He will be remembered as one of the most accomplished presidents in our history."

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar also sent a statement thanking Biden for his service.

He united Democrats to save our democracy from Trump and our economy from COVID, he wrote. He stood up to corporations and protected workers like no other president in my lifetime.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close political ally of Trump, kept his commentary short: Trump for the Win! So did Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a cryptic photo of former president Richard Nixon in reaction to the announcement.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, on the other hand, made use of his premium character limit on the social media platform to call out former President Barack Obama, writing that the June debate was a hit job on Biden by his own party.
Thousands flocked to a coastal town in western Indonesia Sunday to watch a clash between ornate mythical effigies before they are cast into the sea, in a centuries-old ritual born from a Shiite holy day of mourning.

Dozens of men paraded the two winged, horse-shaped effigies across the town of Pariaman on Sumatra island, bringing traffic to a halt in the city centre as the festival known as Tabuik got under way.

The 12-metre-high effigies were shaken and deliberately knocked into one another as they were brought to a nearby beach before being toppled into the surf to the backing track of a traditional band.

Though the festival has its roots in the Muslim holy day of Ashura -- when Shiites mourn the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad -- visitor Riko Putra, 38, found the Tabuik festivities "exciting".

"From what I saw on the beach... it was more like a euphoria, like welcoming a victory," Riko told AFP.

The origins of the festival were imported to western Indonesia by Shiite Muslim soldiers from India under British rule in the 19th century.

The ritual dramatises in the abstract the battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq, where Imam Hussein and his retinue were killed by a larger army.

The effigies are shaped like Buraq, a winged horse-like creature often depicted with a human head believed to have picked up Hussein's remains after the 7th-century battle and carried them to heaven.

Shiite persecution

Once a more traditionally Shiite custom, Tabuik drew protests from predominantly Sunni Muslim locals, prompting organisers to alter the celebrations to better suit local mores, procession organiser Zulbakri, who goes by one name, told AFP.

"In the past, there were these rituals... rituals identical with the Shiites' worship. That was why it was changed into the procession," he said.

"Because it was not in line with the customs and philosophies of the (local) people, the form of Tabuik was completely changed."

The festival's main event -- the effigy parade and their casting into the sea -- was once held on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, coinciding with the holy day of Ashura, which holds different significance to Shiites and Sunnis.

But like the celebration itself, the date has also changed so the festival simply falls on a weekend within that month -- which also helps draw visitors, Zulbakri said.

Shiites and Sunnis agree on the fundamentals of the faith, but the two branches split because of a centuries-old divide over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad.

Shiite Islam is not one of Indonesia's six official religions, but around one million practitioners live in the country, and while attacks on the community are rare, adherents have faced persecution.

As it shed its explicitly Shiite roots, Tabuik now brings in tourists from across Indonesia and abroad, and is one of the main attractions in the town.
The leaders of many countries and territories have expressed their grief over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, recalling memories with the Vietnamese leader and expressing their admiration for him.

As of Sunday, leaders of states, governments, parliaments, and political parties of 22 countries as well as international organizations have sent telegrams and letters of condolence to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Vietnamese State President To Lam, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, the Vietnamese people, and the family of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

In his message, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam said that he always keeps the image of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Trong as a warm and steadfast friend with good memories in their meetings, especially the meeting on the occasion of the two countries upgrading their relations to a comprehensive partnership during his visit to Vietnam in 2019.

The sultan affirmed the important contributions of the late general secretary to strengthening the two countries relations, noting that his enormous devotion to Vietnam's socio-economic development is a lasting legacy.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam (L) and Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong wave at Vietnamese children during the formers visit to Vietnam in 2019. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed their admiration for Party General Secretary Trongs important contributions over decades to the Party and the nation.

During the 13 years of serving as the Party general secretary, he contributed significantly to Vietnams economic growth, improving people's lives.

The Singaporean leaders said that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs absolute priority for Party building and anti-corruption not only creates his leadership style but also gives important directions for the reform and strengthening of the Party and the state of Vietnam.

The Singaporean leaders asserted that the Vietnamese Party chief was a close friend of Singapore, who made many important contributions and laid the foundation for the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2013, deepening bilateral relations and paving the way for upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.

Meanwhile, King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn praised the prestige of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, recognizing him as a leader who earned the trust of the Vietnamese people and international respect. He also acknowledged Trong's significant role in Vietnams nation-building, renewal, development, and stability.

Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene wrote in his letter that the Mongolian People's Party always remembers the contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to developing the relations and strengthening the friendship and comradeship between the two peoples and two Parties.

In his condolences, King Charles III of the United Kingdom hoped the Vietnamese people would be strong and steadfast in this difficult time.

The king recalled his impressions and memories with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during the latters visit to the UK in 2013.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (L) meets with Crown Prince Charles, who is now King Charles III of the United Kingdom, during the formers visit to the UK in 2013. Photo: PA Images

He also expressed his appreciation for the Vietnamese leaders devotion to the Vietnamese people as well as his leadership role in promoting Vietnam's close relations with other countries through the 'bamboo diplomacy' policy.

President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro affirmed that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a great friend of Venezuela, a tireless soldier fighting for the nation, and an intellectual torch for Vietnam's great changes.

President Maduro reiterated the solidarity with the Vietnamese people, saying that the two countries' peoples will always unite and cooperate with each other.

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Diosdado Cabello also sent a telegram of condolence to the CPV Central Committee and the Vietnamese people.

Moreover, King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud extended their condolences to Vietnam.

The Southeast Asian country also received condolences from the President of Belarus, the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, and the head of the 'White Russia' Party of Belarus; the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran; the President of Kazakhstan; the ASEAN Secretary-General; the President of Tanzania; the President of Burundi; the President of the Indian National Congress; and the National Secretary of the French Communist Party.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) shakes hands with Chairman of the United Russia Party Dmitry Medvedev in Vietnam in May 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Various leaders of Russian parties, including Chairman of the United Russia Party Dmitry Medvedev, Head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Genadi Ziuganov, and Chairman of the Socialist Political Party 'A Just Russia - Patriots - For the Truth' Sergey Mironov, also voiced their grief over the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader.

Leaders of parties in India, Japan, Spain, Ireland, South Africa, Brazil, Switzerland, Uruguay, Bolivia, and others have extended their condolences as well.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Peru Domingo Cabrera Toro, and Head of the Department of International Relations of the Workers' Party of Belgium Bert De Belder sent their messages and letters of condolence to Le Hoai Trung, head of the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.

Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi, Nhan Dan (People) newspaper cited information from the Central Committee on Health Care for Senior Governmental Officials.

The Party chief drew his last breath at 108 Military Central Hospital despite the efforts of leading doctors and healthcare experts to treat his serious illness.

General Secretary Trong was born in 1944.

A state funeral for General Secretary Trong will be held at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi on July 25 and July 26.

A burial service for the Party chief will take place from 3:00 pm on July 26 at Mai Dich Cemetery in Hanoi.

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A Vietnam Airlines flight was delayed at Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Sunday afternoon after a passenger claimed that a grenade was in their baggage.

The incident took place on the Ho Chi Minh City-bound flight VN 131, initially scheduled to take off at 3:25 pm.

After the passenger Nguyen Thanh Ph., whose seat was 28A, uttered the phrase 'grenade in the suitcase,' a crew member immediately alerted the airports aviation security center at 3:15 pm.

A team of airport agencies rushed to the scene to get the passengers deplaned and conduct a thorough search of the aircraft and all of the passengers baggage from 4:10 pm to 4:40 pm, but they did not find any suspicious objects.

At around 4:45 pm, the Middle Airports Authority agreed with a representative of Vietnam Airlines on allowing the passengers to return to the plane.

The flight departed at 5:15 pm the same day.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thanh Ph. was handed over to the Middle Airports Authority for further steps.

As per Vietnam's Decree 162/2018 stipulating administrative fines in the civil aviation sector, one will be fined VND3-5 million (US$117-196) for spreading or providing false information linked to guns, bullets, mines, explosives, radioactive substances, biological and chemical weapons but their acts do not affect the normal operations of civil aviation.

Fines ranging between VND15 million ($589) and VND20 million ($785) will be imposed on those who make similar claims that affect normal operations of the sector.

If their claims threaten the safety of a flying aircraft and passengers on board, they will face fines of between VND20 million and VND30 million ($1,177).

According to the Vietnamese governments Decree 92/2015, disruptive passengers will be subject to a flight ban over a course of 3-12 months for making threats related to bombs, mines, explosives, radioactive substances, and biological weapons while conducting flight procedures and boarding a plane.

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The groundbreaking ceremony for a project to expand the apron of Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam, originally scheduled for Monday, has been canceled, with its organizing funds donated to the provincial Study Promotion Fund, according to Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

The ACV, the project investor, announced last Saturday that it had agreed with the Quang Binh administration to cancel the groundbreaking ceremony for the apron expansion project, which is a component of the master plan for the construction of the second passenger terminal (T2 terminal) and expansion of the apron area at Dong Hoi Airport, located in the provinces namesake city.

The cancelation was made for a special reason, according to reports from Quang Binh online newspaper, Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper, and other media sources, citing the ACV.

The ACV and the provincial authorities have also agreed to donate the entire funds intended for the ceremony to the provincial Study Promotion Fund to support local students.

As part of the master plan with a total investment of VND1,844 billion (US$72.5 million), the apron expansion project will add four more aircraft parking spots, increasing the total to eight upon its completion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Meanwhile, the construction of the T2 terminal is set to begin in the third quarter of this year and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, with an initial capacity to serve three million passengers annually.

According to VnEconomy, the existing terminal at Dong Hoi Airport, designed to handle 500,000 passengers annually, is currently overloaded, having accommodated 750,000 passengers last year.

The ACV stated that it will proactively advance the master project to ensure that progress remains on schedule.

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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. State Rep. Charles Cunningham, right, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, and Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel, left, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel speaks to reporters Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, right, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel, center, speaks to reporters Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, right, and State Rep. Charles Cunningham, center, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer State Rep. Charles Cunningham, center, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, speaks to reporters Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, right, and Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer State Rep. Charles Cunningham, right, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, speaks to reporters with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. State Rep. Charles Cunningham, right, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, and Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel, left, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, center, speaks to reporters about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race Monday, July 22, 2024, at the headquarters of the Harris County Republican Party in Houston. Cruz also spoke about Colin Allred; a Democratic candidate who is running against Cruz for his senate seat. State Rep. Charles Cunningham, right, whose district includes parts of northern Harris County, and Harris County Republican Party County Chair Cindy Siegel, left, also spoke. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said President Joe Bidens decision to drop his reelection bid is an attempt to throw off Republican Party unity ahead of the November election and to put attention on whatever very boring white guy Kamala Harris might pick as a running mate.

Understand this was the plan, Cruz said Monday at the Harris County Republican Party headquarters in Spring Valley Village in his first public appearance since Biden exited the race. The Democrat Party is cynical, but they're also savvy. There is a reason they did this right after the Republican convention.

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Over the weekend, Biden bowed out and endorsed Harris, his vice president, as his successor. Since then, a parade of big-name Democrats have thrown their support behind Harris, including a growing number of Texas delegates. The party will officially choose the nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

Cruz accused Democrats of knowing all along that Bidens condition was worsening.

The Republican, who is facing his own competitive reelection bid against Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and is trying to make immigration a major wedge issue, also accused Harris for being responsible for chaos at the states southern border by ignoring the issue altogether. Migrant crossings surged to their highest levels late last year but have dropped off in recent months.

Cruz noted Allred didnt call for Biden to step away from the presidential race and inaccurately said the Democrat has not commented publicly about Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston who was killed last month. Two men, both of them Venezuelan nationals, have been arrested for capital murder in connection with Jocelyns death.

JOCELYN NUNGARAY: What to know about the death of the Houston girl

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Earlier this month, Allred told the Texas Tribune: Jocelyns murder was a tragedy, and I can't think of anything more shameful than someone like Ted Cruz attempting to use that as a political attack.

Public polling shows Cruz leading Allred by a small margin. He said he didnt expect Bidens departure to affect the intensity of his race against Allred.

On Sunday, Allred thanked Biden for his service and his willingness to put country before self in a post on social media. He did not endorse Harris or anyone else.

My sincere hope is that this moment brings our nation one step closer to healing, uniting and fixing our broken politics, he wrote.

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7News Spotlight will look to cover more breaking news stories in its current affairs mix, instead of relying on stories that take months to produce.

Newly-installed executive producer Gemma Williams told The Australian, With the 24-hour news cycle it means that doing a story four months down the track is not necessarily what the audience always wants.

If theres a major breaking story theres nothing to say we wont cover it live in addition to doing something more in depth, we can be a bit more reactive.

Williams, 25, who is the daughter of former A Current Affair executive producer Grant Williams, admitted she wasnt shocked her age had been an early talking point.

At the end of the day, yes, Im young but Im never going to profess that I have more knowledge or experience than those around me who have been in the industry for decades.

That doesnt mean that I cant lead effectively, but Ive never been shy of a tough conversation or tough decision.

I do have media in my blood and I have learnt a lot very quickly. Im not saying I have the brain of a 50-year-old EP  I think you can lead a team and learn from them at the same time.

You can read more here.
Graeme Hall may have met his match with Mexican Cartel. 7:30pm Tuesday on 10.

The Hundred with Andy Lee: Olympic Special

Maggie Beers Big Mission

The Cheap Seats

I Was Actually There

The Good Doctor
This week Foreign Correspondent reporter Stephanie March travels to one of the most remote places on earth  the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard.

Its also one of the most geostrategic places on the planet and is part of a tussle for power between Russian and NATO nations in the Arctic.

Moscows invasion of Ukraine has thrust the once quiet Norwegian territory of Svalbard into a place of tension.

Russia has a toe hold on the archipelago and where once both communities lived peacefully, allegations of propaganda, provocation  even sabotage  are now being levelled at Russia.

In this report we explore why this unique and stunning location is so vital and how tensions are escalating.

8pm Thursday on ABC.
A successor, of sorts, to Bruce McWilliam has been confirmed for Seven West Media.

The Australian Financial Review reports Seven chief executive Jeff Howard has lured Emma McDonald, a sharp legal operator and daughter of former ABC chairman Donald McDonald, to take on the role.

She is currently Director of Impact Missions at Minderoo Foundation, having held several positions there since 2021.

She was previously Director of Public Affairs at ABC, Director of Business Affairs at ITV Studios Australia and corporate counsel at Fairfax Media and Austereo.

McWilliam recently left Seven after two decades and a string of successful legal cases for the network.

According to Mumbrella, McDonalds role at SWM will differ from that of McWilliam

McDonald is scheduled to start in September.
NEW YORK (AP)  An owner of a consumer insights research firm couldn't pay her employees, make Friday's deadline to sign a contract for a new business or send key research to a key client. A psychiatrist, who runs a virtual mental health practice in Maryland, saw his business hobbled as some of his virtual assistants and therapists couldn't either make phone calls or log on to their computers. And a restaurant owner in New York City was worried about how he was going to pay his vendors and his workers.

Businesses from airlines to hospitals have been grappling with a faulty software update that caused technological havoc worldwide on Friday, and its repercussions continued through the weekend. The breadth of the outages highlighted the fragility of a digitized world dependent on a few providers for key computing services.

But the problem appeared to divide those affected into haves and have-nots. Major customers of Microsoft and CrowdStrike are getting IT support to resolve the issues, but many smaller businesses whose Windows PCs may have received the problematic update are still struggling.

Take Tsvetta Kaleynska, owner and founder of the Manhattan-based consumer insights company RILA Global Consulting, which has Fortune 500 clients. As of Saturday, she resolved the payroll issue and she got an extension until Monday on the research project. But the prospective client will not move forward with the new contract, cutting her annual earnings by nearly 25%, she estimated. The problem: she couldn't sign the contract because Docusign, which runs on Microsoft software affected by the faulty update, was down.

If I were part of a big company, then I would be able to delegate and get support from computer science or security services, Kaleynska said. But as a small business owner, I am depending only on myself. It's pretty devastating."

On top of Kaleynska's business issues, she had to bring her ill daughter to a local hospital Friday because the hospital's phone lines were down.

Kaleynska, an immigrant from Bulgaria who became a U.S. citizen in 2023, said she's learned a hard lesson: Our lives are very fragile because theyre based on technology, and we depend on technology.

CrowdStrike is one of the largest cybersecurity firms in the U.S. and has a list of customers that includes more than half of the Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses.

Following the outage, the company provided an initial fix through a software update. But many computers are expected to need hands-on work that could take days, if not longer, to complete.

Story continues

For many small businesses that are impacted, that could mean working around the clock this weekend to make sure their systems are up and running, said Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives.

Small businesses rely on third parties for this not to happen and instead, it became a code red situation, Ives said.

Overall, Ives noted tech problems can be easier to fix for big companies that have a sizable number of experts on their payroll as opposed to small businesses who could face more of an uphill battle because they have fewer technical resources.

The ripple effects from this could be felt for days and weeks ahead, Ives said. It's not just a black eye moment for CrowdStrike, but for the broader industry. You cant have one fat finger update take down a global ecosystem.

Pedestrians walk by blacked out screens, due to a global technology outage, in Times Square, Friday, July 19, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Ari Lightman, a professor of digital media at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Heinz College, agreed, noting the amount of money big companies spend on Microsoft and CrowdStrike is likely a large portion of their IT budget. On the other hand, small businesses can look at information online on how to resolve the outage. CrowdStrike has posted step-by-step manual fixes to its blog, but it can be intimidating for those who are less tech savvy.

Lightman said those corporations could sue for a loss of business, but small ones might use class action suits to go after CrowdStrike for compensatory damages.

The issue is affecting small businesses differently.

Heather Garlich, a spokeswoman at Arlington, Va., grocery industry group FMI, said the outages were somewhat spotty and inconsistent depending on how businesses use certain Microsoft tools. She said she was aware of one with an issue with a human resource system, while another had problems with their routing system for distribution. Yet another had issues with its cash registers.

Chris Seabrook, who owns a locksmith services business in Melbourne, Australia, called Asguard Locksmiths, told The Associated Press in a Friday email that the IT outage had thrown a significant wrench in his daily operations. He hasnt been able to send and receive emails, access critical files, manage his schedule or create invoices.

My Microsoft PC is essential for many important functions in my business, he wrote. As a one-man business, every minute counts and this disruption has forced me to adapt quickly to ensure my services remain as uninterrupted as possible.

To minimize the disruption, Seabrook borrowed a non-Microsoft device from a friend that enabled him to sign into his accounts and access some of his critical tools and information. Hes also using his smartphone for important messages and organizing his schedule. And he's been contacting clients to update them on the situation. Seabrook didn't immediately respond to a follow-up email sent by The Associated Press on Saturday.

Some small business owners have improvised to get work done.

Dr. Ozan Toy, a psychiatrist, and chief medical officer at the Maryland-based Telapsychiatry, which has 25 employees across the U.S., said some employees with Microsoft phone lines instead turned to the Ring Central System, while others shifted from Microsoft Teams to Zoom.

Toy said his business was fortunate to have several backups of its electronic medical record system, allowing them to resume communications with each other and their patients. As of Sunday, the practice's cloud based services were running, he said. Toy noted financial losses were minimal as it has an external answering service taking calls from patients.

Chris Delmond, the co-owner of Handcraft Hospitality, which operates three restaurants in Manhattan and one in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, said his restaurants remained open for business. But the outage meant he could not have access to his cloud-based accounting software app on the Microsoft platform. That prevented him from seeing receipts and invoices, and slowed his ability to process checks to his employees and suppliers. He had to resort to calling his banks to see whether deposits had been made and check balances.

Im a small business owner. I have two other partners and we kind of do everything, he said. So its up to us to find out what the issues are. I dont have large platforms that help me track.

But by late Friday afternoon, all the issues related to his business' cloud based systems were back to normal, Delmond said. He noted he didn't suffer any financial losses, but he added, It's frustrating, but as a small business owner you deal with the ups and downs."
By Ernest Scheyder and Pratima Desai

SALMON-CHALLIS NATIONAL FOREST, Idaho (Reuters) - The only U.S. cobalt mine sits fallow in the northern Idaho woods, a mothballed hunk of steel and dirt that is too expensive for its owner to operate because Chinese rivals have flooded global markets with cheap supplies of the bluish metal used in electric vehicle batteries and electronics.

Jervois Global, which dug the mine into the side of a nearly 8,000-foot (2,400-meter) mountain, watched helplessly last year as cobalt prices plunged after China's CMOC Group opened the Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, pushing global production of the metal to an all-time high. The Idaho site, which Jervois bought in 2019, was idled in June 2023 just weeks before it was set to open. More than 250 workers lost their jobs. A skeleton crew now rotates unused rock crushing equipment weekly to keep it from flattening under its own weight. "We were straightforward with our staff and told them: 'This is all about the price of cobalt,'" site manager Matthew Lengerich told Reuters during a visit to the facility. Jervois says cobalt prices need to reach at least $20 per pound for the site to open. But prices sat near $12.17 in July. A similar quandary faces BHP, Albemarle and other Western mining companies trying to compete with metals produced by Chinese-linked companies, some of which use coal-generated electricity, child labor or other practices not meeting the standards set by many governments and manufacturers. Western miners say their competitors have inherent cost advantages that enable rapid production expansions even as prices for cobalt, lithium and nickel have plunged more than a third in the past 18 months. Operational costs for many of these Western companies have, as a result, been exceeding what market prices will cover.

That has fueled growing calls from some policymakers and miners, including Jervois and Albemarle, for a two-tier pricing system with a premium for sustainably produced metals, according to interviews with more than three dozen traders, investors, executives, purchasing agents, and pricing agencies.

The plan is to charge more for a metal that is produced sustainably, whether that is through direct transactions or via multiple prices for a metal listed through futures exchanges, depending on production methods. For example, there would be one price for standard nickel and another for green nickel. "Western miners simply can't compete with China, and China has shown the willingness to drive market prices way, way down," said Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines. Two-tier pricing could radically shift how metals needed for energy transition have been bought and sold for centuries yet also reduce market transparency as miners could bypass metals exchanges to negotiate directly with customers. It could also, two analysts told Reuters, lead to multiple definitions of what exactly constitutes "green metal."

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'COMMITMENTS HAVE A COST' Industry leaders have pushed for two pricing structures for several years, but the call for change started gaining more attention from investors, policymakers and customers last fall as Western governments grew more concerned about Chinese competition. In meetings across Washington and Brussels, mining executives have been pleading with governments for some kind of intervention until two-tiered pricing is more widely embraced, suggesting that tariffs, supply chain transparency requirements, or government insurance for mines could be potential remedies, three industry sources said. U.S. and E.U. officials have privately expressed sympathy with the mining industry, according to two of the sources, but have so far been loath to inject themselves into the mechanics of how prices are set by exchanges and others.

"I don't want to say what the markets should or shouldn't do to ensure strong ESG practices," said the U.S. State Department's Jose Fernandez, who oversees a program designed to facilitate metals supply deals. "But it is true that all of those commitments have a cost."

As a result, mining industry customers such as automakers are in the uncomfortable position of trying to keep their costs low while maintaining secure and diverse metals supplies. Some deals are taking shape, prodded in part by regulations tied to emissions.

The European Union by 2027 will require EV manufacturers to show where they procure metals and the carbon footprint for their production. Refusal to comply would mean an EV can't be sold in the region, a step not yet taken by the United States but one widely seen as the most aggressive globally to boost supply chain transparency and likely to fuel premium metals contracts.

In Canada last year, Northern Graphite started successfully demanding a premium from customers wanting guaranteed North American supplies of the battery metal. Teck Resources earlier this year started selling a lightly processed type of copper known as concentrate to Aurubis, a source with direct knowledge said. The transaction does not rely on exchange pricing and guarantees Aurubis a steady supply of ESG-compliant concentrate that it turns into copper for sale to the auto industry. Teck declined to comment. Aurubis said it sees "the way to a green-friendly copper industry as a joint task for the entire value chain, which needs to be honored from the raw material supplier to the end consumer."

Customers for now do not face a penalty if they do not source sustainable metals, but they increasingly face a reputational risk. "The question is really for car companies: Are you OK with something that might be priced lower or are you willing to pay premiums knowing that this is sourced sustainably in the correct way?" said Michael Scherb, CEO of Appian Capital Advisory, a private equity firm that invests in mining companies.

'WEATHER THE STORM'

BHP, the world's largest mining company, said this month it would suspend operations at its Australia nickel mines due to "the substantial economic challenges driven by a global oversupply of nickel."

The move was a blow to a company that had unsuccessfully bet its customers would be willing to pay a premium for nickel produced in a country that mines sustainably. BHP warned that nearly two-thirds of Australia's nickel market is in danger of closing amid low market prices fueled by a 153% increase in Indonesia's nickel from 2020 through the end of last year due to Huayou Cobalt and others - production that environmentalists say has partly come by tearing up the country's vast rainforests.

U.S. officials are encouraging Jakarta to improve the country's mining standards. Huayou Cobalt did not respond to a request for comment.

Australia's nickel industry is among the cleanest in the world largely due to how it handles carbon emissions, according to data from ESG consultancy Skarn Associates. Nickel processed in Indonesia emits more than five times the amount of carbon as production in Australia, the data show, with emissions from China's nickel industry nearly seven times worse than Australia. Albemarle, the top global producer of lithium, laid off staff in January amid low prices caused in part by ramped up production from Yongxing Special Materials Technology and others in China. "If there isn't an incentive above current prices, you're not going to get the investment you need to build the domestic (U.S.) supply chain," said Eric Norris, who oversees Albemarle's lithium operations.

Fernandez, the U.S. State official, expects rising minerals demand to offset current "global oversupplies," but acknowledged that miners, for now, are in a bind.

"We have to find ways to weather the storm," Fernandez said.

TRANSPARENCY Since January, world leaders have taken a range of steps to offset China's market control.

President Joe Biden imposed tariffs in May on critical minerals produced in China, saying "(metals) prices are unfairly low because Chinese companies don't need to worry about a profit."

Jim Chalmers, Australia's treasurer, in February said governments should consider support for "a differentiated international trading market for resources produced to higher ESG standards."

Chrystia Freeland, Canada's deputy prime minister, in April said Ottawa would fight the dumping of critical minerals by China, Indonesia and others.

The Chinese mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. China has in the last year banned exports of graphite and other metals. Multiple U.S. senators from both parties have said they are considering legislation to offer price insurance for metals, similar to a government insurance program for crops, according to Senate aides. Such a move would guarantee miners a price for their metals, regardless of market conditions. Automakers have been moving cautiously as this trend for green pricing premiums evolves, conscious that consumers are reluctant to pay more for EVs. General Motors, the largest U.S. automaker, believes critical minerals should be produced sustainably but does not want to pay a premium out of concern that it will be unable to compete with Chinese rivals, according to a source directly involved in the company's minerals procurement. GM told Reuters it requires suppliers to comply with high standards, a stance echoed by Volkswagen, BMW and Stellantis. Tesla and Ford, which is building an Indonesian nickel processing plant with Huayou Cobalt and PT Vale Indonesia, did not respond to requests for comment. EXCHANGES The London Metal Exchange (LME) said it has received "positive market feedback" regarding its move to price sustainable nickel. Its partner Metalshub, a German online metals auction platform, sold 144 metric tons of low-carbon nickel in May and plans to publish a corresponding price when there are more transactions.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a UK-based provider of critical minerals pricing and data, has launched green metals pricing contracts, with each price derived from how a mining company adheres to 79 criterion that Benchmark said reflect high production standards. "You will not be able to guarantee by any stretch of the imagination a non-China supply of certain metals unless you're willing to pay some degree of a premium for that product," said Benchmark's Daniel Fletcher-Manuel. That's the message that Jervois has been pushing, unsuccessfully. "Ultimately, ESG has a cost," said Bryce Crocker, the company's CEO. "It's a worthwhile cost."

(Reporting by Ernest Scheyder in Idaho and Pratima Desai in London; additional reporting by Melanie Burton, Clara Denina, Carlos Barria and Divya Rajagopal; editing by Veronica Brown and Claudia Parsons)
President Joe Biden attends an event on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington, July 11, 2024. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. Susan Walsh/AP President Joe Biden, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris raise their arms as guests cheer after watching the Independence Day fireworks from the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2024. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) Mandel Ngan/AFP/TNS

President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race so close to the election creates a time crunch for Democrats to pick an alternative nominee, including in Texas where the deadline to get someone new on the ballot comes at the end of August.

The party is expected to wrap up the selection process at the Democratic National Convention, which is set for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

How the delegates choose a new nominee remains up in the air. The party could schedule a virtual vote in early August ahead of the convention or it could hold essentially a mini-primary at the convention.

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Texas is expected to play a major role in the selection with the third-highest number of delegates  273  behind California and New York.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. But other Democrats could still jump into the mix.

Timing will be tight to get the chosen replacement on the November election ballot in Texas. Now that Biden has withdrawn from the race, the state partys chair must submit the replacement nominee's name to the secretary of state by 5 p.m. Aug. 26.

TEXANS WEIGH IN: Elected officials in Texas share mixed reactions to the news Biden is exiting the race

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Other states deadlines vary. States Newsroom, a nonprofit news organization, informally surveyed 39 states and found that Iowa is among the earliest with an Aug. 16 deadline. Legal experts have said that a late dropout could elicit lawsuits from Republicans.

It would be a complicated mess with an unpredictable outcome that very likely could end up at the steps of a very conservative United States Supreme Court, Emory Law professor Alicia Hughes told States Newsroom.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Sunday in an interview on CNN of possible litigation.
By Andrew Gray and John Irish

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, stripped Hungary on Monday of its role as host of an EU foreign ministers meeting in a sign of widespread anger in the bloc at Budapest's overtures to Russia about the war in Ukraine.

Borrell said the meeting planned for Budapest in late August would now take place in Brussels, after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Moscow and Beijing without EU backing and his government branded EU policy as "pro-war".

"We have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal," Borrell told reporters in Brussels after a last meeting of EU foreign ministers before the summer break.

Orban began his self-styled peace mission - which included a visit to U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump - just days after Hungary took on the 27-nation EU's rotating presidency on July 1.

At Monday's meeting, many EU foreign ministers voiced strong condemnation of Budapest's stance directly to their Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, according to officials.

"This was very clear and was reiterated in a way that left no room for doubt," Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said.

Many EU countries consider Hungary to be too close to Moscow, undermining EU efforts to isolate Russia politically and diplomatically over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Hungary says it is trying to bring peace to Ukraine as soon as possible.

Borrell said Budapest should be branding Russian President Vladimir Putin "pro-war", not the European Union.

"If you want to talk about the war party, talk about Putin," he said.

Anticipating the move before it was announced on Monday, Szijjarto branded Borrell's decision "childish".

"I really don't want to offend anyone, but it's probably a kindergarten-level debate," he told reporters.

Borrell said there had been no consensus among EU members over whether to attend the meeting - planned for Aug. 28-29 - and a gathering of defence ministers afterwards.

He said he opted to switch both meetings to Brussels given that a majority of countries wanted to send a signal to Hungary.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he had proposed holding the foreign ministers meeting in Ukraine but Hungary voted against the proposal.

EU countries including Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Denmark - as well as the European Commission, the EU executive body - have already downgraded their participation in EU ministerial meetings.

An informal foreign ministers' meeting is one of the most high-profile and prestigious events hosted by a country when it hosts the EU's rotating presidency.

(Additional reporting Bart Meijer in Brussels, Miranda Murray in Berlin and Boldizsar Gyori in Budapest; Editing by Alison Williams, Sharon Singleton and Rod Nickel)
By Francesco Guarascio

HANOI (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will visit Vietnam next week to discuss how to boost cooperation with the Southeast Asian country in areas including security and sustainable development, the EU ambassador in Hanoi said.

Vietnam is an important trading partner for the European Union (EU), attracting the attention of global powers as it benefits from shifts in multinationals' supply chains caused by growing tensions between the United States and China.

In a visit planned for July 29-31, Borrell will discuss with Vietnamese authorities "how to further reinforce EU-Vietnam cooperation in key areas for our mutual future sustainable development and security," EU ambassador Julien Guerrier told Reuters.

The EU and Vietnam have a free trade agreement in place since 2020, which has turned the Asian industrial hub into the EU's top trading partner in Southeast Asia for goods.

Several EU companies have made important investments in the country, including Germany's engineering giant Bosch, Danish toymaker Lego, French pharmaceutical group Sanofi and Italy's motor bike manufacturer Piaggio. Shoemaker Adidas has dozens of suppliers in Vietnam.

Hanoi has also signed a Just Energy Transition Partnership with Western and Group of Seven (G7) nations, under which it is eligible to receive billions of dollars in EU funds to reduce its reliance on coal and boost renewables.

However, divisions remain on human rights and foreign policy. Vietnam's abstention from condemning Russia's military escalation in Ukraine is seen in some EU capitals as a position too close to Moscow.

Vietnam's postponement in May of a visit to Hanoi by the special envoy for the implementation of EU sanctions, David O'Sullivan, attracted explicit criticism from the EU, as it was seen as a favour to Russia.

Borrell, who is just at the end of his five-year tenure, will ensure "irritants are solved," EU ambassador Guerrier said, noting O'Sullivan's visit is now planned for September.

Borrell will visit Vietnam after attending a meeting in Laos of foreign affairs ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Since September, Hanoi has hosted state visits from U.S. President Joe Biden, China's leader Xi Jinping and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. No EU Commission President has visited Vietnam in ten years, since Jose Manuel Barroso travelled to the country in August 2014.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Michael Perry)
Hungary and Slovakia ask EU to mediate with Ukraine over Lukoil

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Lukoil is on display at a petrol station in Saint Petersburg

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary and Slovakia have asked the European Commission to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine, Hungary's foreign minister said on Monday, after Kyiv placed Russian group Lukoil on a sanctions list, stopping its supplies to the two countries.

Slovakia and Hungary have increased pressure on Kyiv after they said last week they had stopped receiving oil from Lukoil via Ukraine. Hungary receives 2 million metric tons of oil from the Russian group annually, around a third of its total oil imports, Peter Szijjarto said.

"I spoke with the Ukrainian foreign minister yesterday. He said they allow every oil transfer through, but it's not true," Szijjarto told reporters while in Brussels.

The two countries have initiated a consultation with the European Commission, he said, adding the Commission had three days to respond.

If the consultation procedure did not yield results, Hungary and Slovakia would take the issue to an international court of their choosing instead, he said.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said it had received the request from Hungary and Slovakia and was studying it.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though the head of Ukrainian energy firm Naftogaz acknowledged a lack of oil from Lukoil.

"The volumes of the transited oil in July are the same as in the previous periods. There are no Lukoil volumes but volumes are the same," Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov said.

Lukoil's supplies via the Druzhba pipeline's southern spur account for some 50% of its flows and MOL's refineries in Slovakia and Hungary totally depend on shipments from Lukoil.

In an attempt to sell oil not sent to Hungary and Slovakia, Lukoil has added some 140,000 metric tonnes of crude oil to its original lifting plan for the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk for July, market sources said.

OTHER SUPPLIERS

The second largest supplier via the route is Tatneft, which also delivers oil to MOL, while Gazprom Neft, Russneft and some other small independent producers provide the rest.

As an alternative, Hungary may import oil from Croatia's Omisalj sea port via the Adria pipeline, while Slovakia is only able to get oil via Hungary.

Since April, oil imports via Omisalj were around 500,000 metric tons each month, including the grades Basrah, Azeri BTC and CPC Blend.

Russia continues to supply natural gas and oil to landlocked Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine despite the war in the country and EU sanctions on Russian crude.

The countries have exemptions from oil sanctions to give them more time to transition to alternative sources of supply.

Both Slovakia and Hungary also supply energy to Ukraine.

Szijjarto said Hungary provided 42% of Ukrainian electricity imports last month.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said over the weekend that his country helped to supply diesel to Ukraine, in comments in which he criticised the sanctions and said Slovakia would not be held hostage to Ukraine-Russia relations.

On Monday, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar reiterated some of Fico's comments, saying that the sanctions had a bigger impact on the Slovakia and the EU than on Russia.

Ukraine's ban does not affect other Russian oil exporters whose oil was allowed to transit through Ukraine.

(Reporting by Boldizsar Gyori, Editing by Jason Hovet, Jan Harvey and Barbara Lewis)
FILE PHOTO: Commemorations marking the 10th anniversary of the proclamation of Spain's King Felipe VI at Royal Palace in Madrid

By Emma Pinedo

MADRID (Reuters) -A Spanish court on Monday summoned Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to testify as a witness in an investigation into alleged corruption and influence peddling accusations against his wife that led him to consider resigning in April.

Sanchez, who runs a minority Socialist-led government, will be interviewed by investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado at his official residence, the Moncloa Palace, on July 30, the court said.

The proceedings are part of a preliminary investigation into whether Begona Gomez used her position as the premier's wife to secure sponsors for a university master's degree course that she ran.

Peinado said Sanchez's testimony would be "convenient, useful and relevant" for the investigation to establish whether there was influence peddling.

Under Spanish law, close relatives including spouses can refuse to answer questions, lawyer Luis Romero told Reuters.

Gomez appeared before the judge on Friday but declined to answer questions as instructed by her lawyers, who said the case was "groundless".

She has not commented publicly on the case, but Sanchez has denied the accusations against her, saying they were baseless and orchestrated by right-wing political foes.

"It's obvious that this has always been a staged case, a far-right and right-wing setup against the prime minister," Socialist parliamentary spokesperson Patxi Lopez told reporters.

In April, Sanchez took a five-day break from his duties to consider whether to resign after the court opened the investigation, but ultimately he decided to stay on.

It is the first time a sitting Spanish prime minister has been called to testify in a judicial case since Mariano Rajoy was summoned as a witness in 2017 in a graft case that led to the conviction of several members of his conservative People's Party and ultimately to a 2018 vote of no confidence in Rajoy.

People's Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said Sanchez should follow his own advice that he gave to Rajoy in 2017 and resign.

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo, additional reporting by Inti Landauro; editing by Charlie Devereux and Andrei Khalip)
KYIV/BEIJING (Reuters) - Ukraine's top diplomat will visit China on Tuesday at the invitation of Beijing for talks that Kyiv said would focus on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine and on a possible Chinese role in reaching a settlement.

Nearly 29 months since Russia's full-scale invasion, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will discuss bilateral ties at talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a trip to China from July 23 to 25, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

"The main topic of discussion will be the search for ways to stop Russia's aggression and China's possible role in achieving a stable and just peace," the Ukrainian ministry said in a statement on its website.

The Chinese statement said Kuleba's visit would run from July 23 to 26 and provided less detail.

The trip is unusual as China is widely seen as close to the Kremlin, with which Beijing declared a "no limits" partnership in 2022 just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Though the world's second largest economy has not condemned the Russian invasion and helped keep Russia's war economy afloat, Kyiv has been cautious in its criticism of Beijing.

China meanwhile says its ties with Russia are built on the basis of non-alliance and do not target any third party.

Various peace initiatives have emerged in recent months as the fighting has dragged on ahead of a U.S. election in November that could see the return to power of ex-president Donald Trump who has threatened to cut vital aid flows to Ukraine.

Kyiv held an international summit without Russian representation in Switzerland in June to promote its vision of peace and now says it hopes to be ready to hold another one in November that would feature Russian representation.

China, which did not attend the Swiss summit, together with Brazil published a separate six-point peace plan on May 23, saying they supported an international peace conference being held that would be recognised by both sides in the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that only the world's powerful countries would be able to successfully bring an end to the war, singling out China as well as Kyiv's close U.S. ally as two possibilities.

The Ukrainian leader has said that China should play a serious role in helping to resolve the war.

(Reporting by Liz Lee, Olena Harmash and Yuliia Dysa; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
HA NOI  The Vietnamese market opened the new week negatively as the VN-Index decreased sharply, while foreign investors showed signs of bottom fishing.

The VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) finished the day at 1,254.64 points, down 10.14 points, or 0.8 per cent.

On the southern bourse, the breadth was negative as 259 stocks ticked down, while 71 increased. Liquidity hovered above VN21.2 trillion (US$832.2 million), an increase of 14.1 per cent from the previous session.

The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE by market capitalisation, also dropped 3.01 points, or 0.23 per cent, down to 1,299.31 points. The number of decliners surpassed that of gainers in the VN30 basket by 15 to 12, with three stocks ending flat.

Large-cap stocks in the manufacturing sectors led the market's downturn with shares in the Vietnam Rubber Group - Joint Stock Company (GVR) posting the biggest fall in market capitalisation, down 5.07 per cent, contributing to a decrease of more than 1.6 points in the VN-Index.

It was followed by Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN). Shares of the national airline brand hit a low on Monday, dropping 6.88 per cent. Notably, this was this stock's fifth consecutive sharp decline, with four of these sessions hitting the floor price.

Other poorly performing stocks at the start of the week included FPT Corporation (FPT), down 1.51 per cent, uc Giang Chemicals Group JSC (DGC), down 6.02 per cent and PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (GAS), down 1.03 per cent.

The index pared losses thanks to weaker bottom fishing demand. Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TCB) was the biggest gainer, with an increase of 1.07 per cent, contributing more than 0.4 points to the VN-Index.

It was followed by Masan Group Corporation (MSN), which was up 1.69 per cent, and Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (CTG), which increased by 0.75 per cent.

According to analysts at Viet Dragon Securities, the market is expected to continue fluctuating around this level to gauge supply and demand at the start of the new trading week. However, caution and market risks should still be noted due to recent unstable developments. Therefore, investors should slow down and observe supply-demand movements to reassess market conditions while also considering taking profits or restructuring their portfolios during market recoveries to minimise risks.

The Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) index also finished lower on Monday, declining by 0.89 per cent to 238.38 points.

During the session, more than VN1.7 trillion worth of shares were traded, equivalent to a trading volume of more than 87 million shares on the northern market.

Foreign investors bought a net of over VN436 billion on HoSE.  VNS
Compiled by Thanh Hai

HA NOI  Hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel imports are pouring heavily into Viet Nam, while the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is reviewing domestic enterprises' dossiers requesting an anti-dumping investigation on HRC steel products imported from China and India.

In June 2024 alone, Viet Nam imported 886,000 tonnes of HRC steel, equal to 151 per cent of domestic production, of which the amount of steel imported from China accounted for 77 per cent.

The amount of imported HRC steel in the first six months of this year increased sharply to an alarming level, 1.7 times higher than domestic production.

In particular, the import activity is still vibrant, even when the MoIT officially received dossiers from domestic businesses requesting an anti-dumping investigation on HRC steel imported from China and India on June 14.

Cumulatively in the first six months of 2024, imported HRC steel output reached nearly six million tonnes, up 32 per cent over the same period in 2023. This import volume is equal to 173 per cent of domestic production. Of which, the amount of steel imported from China accounts for 74 per cent, the remaining is from Taiwan, Korea, India, Japan and other countries.

HRC steel import turnover in six months reached US$3.46 billion, with China alone accounting for $2.5 billion. Notably, HRC steel products imported from China have very low prices, an average of $560 /tonne, $45 to $108 /tonne lower than other countries.

According to regulations, the MoIT will have 45 days to review before making a final decision, from the date of officially receiving the complete dossier.

The massive influx of cheap imported goods showing signs of dumping into Viet Nam prevents domestic enterprises from exploiting their full design capacity.

According to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), the countrys demand for HRC steel is about 12-13 million tonnes a year.

The capacity of domestic HRC steel factories is currently about nine million tonnes. Therefore, the massive import of steel flooded into Viet Nam was nearly double the domestic production, dominating the HRC steel market share of domestic enterprises.

The market share of HRC steel sales of domestic enterprises such as Hoa Phat and Formosa has decreased from 42 per cent in 2021 to 30 per cent in 2023.

At the General Meeting of Shareholders in April, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hoa Phat Group Tran inh Long said: "No country in the world allows imported goods in larger quantities than domestic production. In 2023, HRC steel production of Hoa Phat and Formosa was 6.7 million tonnes while HRC steel imports were 9.6 million tonnes. Massive imports will sooner or later crush domestic production."

Director of the WTO and Integration Centre (VCCI) Nguyen Thi Thu Trang said that in the International Trade Organisation (WTO), steel is the group that applies the most trade defence measures, accounting for 32 per cent of trade defence cases in the period 1995-2023. The reason why steel is of such interest is because of the importance of this product in the development and construction process of countries.

Meanwhile, Viet Nams HRC steel production capacity has met 70 per cent of the countrys consumption demand (8.5/12 million tonnes), but there currently are no preferential rates for countries with normal trade relations status with Viet Nam and no other tariff barriers to protect domestic production. This makes the Vietnamese market a low-lying area for imports from neighbouring countries and can be exploited by steel powers to export to European and American markets.

Steel industry experts also said that Viet Nam's steel industry, especially high-quality and HRC steel production is quite disadvantaged because international agreements and commitments have a tax rate of zero per cent due to the context previously steel has not been produced domestically.

In recent years, Viet Nam's steel industry has made strong developments, becoming self-sufficient in many high-quality products, especially HRC steel. Viet Nam is reaching the leading position in Southeast Asia in steel production and ranks in the top 12 largest steel-producing countries in the world. Therefore, the government, ministries and branches need to take timely measures to protect the domestic production of upstream products.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy, a lecturer at the University of Economics (Hanoi National University), said that the Government of Viet Nam always encouraged improving domestic production capacity and developing foundation and materials industries in which steel is the input material product of many different production chains.

Being proactive in domestic supply not only contributes to increasing the autonomy of the economy but also enhances domestic added values, enhancing Viet Nam's position in the global value chain, so an anti-dumping investigation on imported HRC steels, ensuring a fair competitive environment and creating favourable conditions for domestic manufacturing enterprises is necessary," said Thuy.  VNS
HA NOI Two titles translated from Vietnamese have been announced as winners of PEN Translates, a prestigious literary prize that honours the best translations of literary works from around the world into the English language.

This is the first time that two translated works from Viet Nam  Bien Su Nuoc (Water: A Chronicle) by Nguyen Ngoc Tu, published by Major Books, and Thang May Sai Gon (Elevator In Sai Gon) by Thuan, published by Tilted Axis Press  have appeared in the same list. Both of them were translated by translator Nguyen An Ly.

Water: A Chronicle and Elevator In Sai Gon are among the 16 winners of PEN Translates award this year, from eleven different regions and from ten original languages, spanning various genres including novels, short story collections, non-fiction, verse drama and young adult literature.

Water: A Chronicle was published in Viet Nam in 2020, and is the second novel by writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu, following her 2012 work Song (River). Tu is well known for her short stories and essays, but both of her novels have been praised for their innovative and creative approach to both content and literary style.

The English edition is set to be released in October. The book consists of 11 chapters, with the content presented in a circular, non-linear structure that lacks a definitive ending. Each chapter reads as an independent short story, based around a story of a great flood which cannot be closed. The Lord with the heart of salvation becomes the central figure and a symbolic representation of the divine.

Elevator In Sai Gon was introduced to Vietnamese readers in 2013 and was awarded the Bourse de Creation in 2013 by the Centre National du Livre (National Book Centre) of France. Its author, Thuan, has previously published several novels written in both French and Vietnamese.

The story is set in the year 2004 and follows a young Vietnamese woman who, after the tragic death of her mother in an elevator, decides to track down a man named Paul Polotski whom her mother had loved back in the Hoa Lo Prison the night before the Battle of ien Bien Phu.

Will Forrester, Head of Literature Programmes at English PEN, said: These 16 awards are selected from our largest round of submissions to date. The breadth, boldness, originality, risk-taking, spirit and quality exhibited across the submissions and award-winners is staggering  and speaks to the thriving state of translated literature publishing. Were pleased to be a part of bringing these works to English-language readers, and to be able to support these exceptional writers, translators and publishers.

Translator Nguyen An Ly lives in HCM City and holds an MA from University of York, UK. She has over twenty translations into Vietnamese, published under various names and in various genres, including authors such as Margaret Atwood, Donna Tartt, Kazuo Ishiguro, Richard Flanagan, Jorge Luis Borges, and the poetry in The Lord of the Rings.

As an editor, she has worked on translations from Nabokov, A. S. Byatt, Roland Barthes, Joseph Campbell, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Liu Cixin, among others. Chinatown by Thuan, her debut translation into English, won the 2023 ALTA National Translation Award in Prose. She co-founded and co-edits the independent online journal Zzz Review.

The PEN Translates award was established in 2012 with support from the Arts Council England to encourage UK publishers to seek out and promote books from a wider range of languages. Winning projects receive funding of up to 75 per cent of the translation costs for a book. For smaller publishers with annual turnovers under 500,000, the funding support can be considered up to 100 per cent.

There are two submission periods each year - April-May and October-November - for publishers to submit their translated works for consideration.

PEN Translates has now supported 376 books translated from over 90 languages, awarding over 1.2m in grants. Nineteen PEN Translates-supported books have appeared on International Booker Prize longlists. VNS
HA NOI  The film crew of Hoang Hau Cuoi Cung (The Last Queen) has put out a call for actors and actresses to portray the life of the last queen consort of Viet Nam, Queen Nam Phuong (1913-1963).

Queen Nam Phuong, born Marie-Therese Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, was the first and primary wife of the last King Bao ai of Viet Nam from 1934, until her death. She also was the first and only queen consort of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The last queen was both a stunningly beautiful Vietnamese and had the intelligence of a Western-educated lady, with the ability to speak French -- these are the attributes that the film crew is looking for.

The director is also looking for someone to play the equally important role of King Bao ai. Criteria for the actor to take on this important role must be to show his affection and generosity, as well as the ability to speak French.

"Actors and actresses do not necessarily have to be famous names. We will prioritise the one that fits the role and meets the script requirements," director Bao Nhan said.

In addition to the two main characters, the film crew will also be casting many other important roles such as crown prince Bao Long, concubine Mong iep and the King's lovers including Phi Anh, and Ly Le Ha.

The film focuses on the period of over ten years that the Queen spent in the royal palace, exploring various aspects of her married life, from happiness to sorrow, with King Bao ai, until the day the royal family left the Imperial City to start a quiet life abroad.

The script was inspired by the novel Tinh su Nam Phuong hoang hau (Queen Nam Puong's Love Story) by writer Tran Thi Hao and a history book by Le Lan Khanh. Director Bao Nhan and Namcito have spent five years researching and collecting details in order to bring the story to the big screen.

Filming is being supported by the Thua Thien Hue People's Committee who will be providing access to the Complex of Hue Monuments. Kien Trung Palace, where King Bao ai, Queen Nam Phuong, and their princes and princesses lived.

After an online casting selection, selected candidates will be invited to a live call to meet with the director.

Selected actors and actresses will immediately start rehearsals, alongside royal etiquette courses.

The film, which is expected to be released in 2026, will be filmed in 2025 in Hue, a Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, HCM City and Chabrignac (France), where the queen lived before she passed away in 1963.

Candidates can apply through the link and via email at HoangHauCuoiCungMovie@gmail.com. The deadline for the call is August 21. -- VNS
From this week, Viet Nam News presents sample chapters of the upcoming book in Vietnamese: Hoi ky chay than, Memoir of a Dialysis Patient, by Ho Hong Viet, who's entering his 19th year at the hospital. His first-hand accounts are both heart-wrenching yet encouraging for other patients in a similar condition. The book also reveals the hidden truth at some of the top hospitals in Ha Noi, where health workers could be found doing practices unfit for the job.

Viet Nam News hopes to receive your truthful comments if you're a reader, guidance or suggestion if you are a healthcare worker, or only a heart to encourage patients in similar circumstances. Please let us know on our fanpage. Follow the story on Viet Nam News website https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style

The Fateful Evening

One evening in early November 2006, I drove my wife to Dr. NLV's house, who works at BM Hospital, to ask him to look over my kidney function test results. He and his wife chatted with us for a while, then he picked up the test papers to examine them. I quietly observed.

At first, his expression was relatively calm. He reviewed the papers very carefully and I noticed he occasionally paused in thought, sometimes furrowing his brows. Naturally, I felt a bit anxious and worried. Finally, he set the papers down on the table and said:

- You have stage one chronic nephritis.

I felt a bit stunned but kept my composure and asked him:

- Can you explain it a bit more, doctor?

He didn't provide further details about my condition, just advised me to rest for a while and wrote me a prescription. I remember the prescription included the antibiotic Zinnat, with a dosage of three pills a day for five days, and I was told that I needed to undergo a specialist examination at the hospital. I understood that my condition was quite serious and I asked further: "Will my illness be treatable, doctor?"

The doctor replied: "The illness has progressed to a chronic stage and cannot be cured. You should be admitted to the hospital, and the doctors will run tests again and suggest a treatment plan."

My spouse and I said our goodbyes and headed home. The journey back was just over a kilometer, yet that evening it felt much longer; inexplicably, we both fell silent. At that moment, I wasn't preoccupied with my illness but rather felt a deep sense of affection for my wife. I wanted to ask her about things at home, but I didn't know how to start; I felt as if I had committed some grave error.

On the streets, traffic continued bustling, the lights along the road flickered through the flamboyant trees as they always did, and the welders were still busy, sparks flying like brilliant fireworks. Everything seemed unchanged, yet I felt a sense of alienation as if I were lost in a completely different world.

When I arrived home, my two children were still studying. They greeted us and then went right back to focusing on their work as if nothing had happened.

We have two children: our eldest is a girl, whom we affectionately call Tom, and our second child is a boy, named Quick, who was born sixteen years after his sister.

That night, my wife and I lay awake, unable to sleep. By this point, we had both calmed down. My wife discussed what needed to be done in the coming days. I hardly dared to voice any opinions. Deep down, I felt it was best to follow my wife's suggestions (I agreed with whatever she said).

That evening could be seen as a fateful moment; I knew I was harboring a terminal illness, something I had never dared to think would affect me, and now I had to navigate the rest of my life alongside it.

CHAPTER I: BEFORE GOING ON DIALYSIS

BM Hospital

On the morning of November 3, 2006, my wife and I arrived at BM Hospital to meet Dr. NH, the Head of the Outpatient Department. As a friend, the doctor welcomed us warmly. He advised us to have Dr. KD, the Head of the Nephrology Department, treat me. However, Dr. KD was on a work trip to Japan and wouldn't return for another two weeks. I dont know why at that time Dr. NH recommended that we go home, take medication to regulate blood pressure, and monitor it ourselves.

Seeing our hesitation, Dr. NH referred us to the Haematology Department, explaining that I was experiencing anemia and that treatment there might improve my kidney condition once my blood quality improved. The Head of Haematology, a female doctor, received us and admitted me for treatment. That was what I experienced in the early days at BM Hospital. Since I struggled to sleep, I requested outpatient treatment, with my wife driving me to the hospital in the mornings and picking me up in the afternoons. Each day, I received a blood transfusion and injections to stimulate red blood cell production (Eprex).

After about two weeks of this treatment, we asked to transfer to the Nephrology Department after hearing that Dr. KD had returned from his trip.

Holding the transfer document, I confidently approached Dr. KD, believing I would be admitted given my paperwork from the Hematology Department.

Initially, he firmly refused, citing the overcrowded condition of the department. Fortunately, I had also brought along the prescription written by Dr. NLV for him to review the lab results. After reviewing the document, Dr. KD changed his attitude and agreed to process my admission to the department.

My health was not good right now, and I had a lot of trouble sleeping, so my wife and I opted to stay in a service room, where each room had two beds, costing VN350,000 per bed per day. The first treatment phase lasted about a month. During this time, my wife stayed in the hospital with me during the day, taking me to various functional examination rooms and managing my meals and medications. After taking care of everything, she headed home, usually around 9pm.

Every day, I received medication through an IV, had my blood pressure monitored, and got injections and various medications to maintain kidney function, fully following the doctor's orders. Perhaps the most striking moment during this treatment was one evening when my blood pressure rose, and I developed a severe headache. The doctor ordered a slow IV infusion of a low dose of Paracetamol. The infusion lasted from around 7pm until 4am when the pain finally subsided. Throughout that time, I writhed in pain. A headache from high blood pressure is incredibly uncomfortable and distressing; only those who have experienced this illness can fully understand the agony of such pain. I endured that pain for a solid eight hours. I expended all my energy to fight the pain and felt extremely fatigued; at times, I thought I might suffer a stroke. There were moments when I wished for that to happen just to end my prolonged suffering.

That night, I repeatedly sought advice from Dr. KD. By then, the doctor had gone home, telling me to wait until the infusion was complete. It wasnt until 4am that the pain finally started to ease.

On that day, my wife didnt dare go home and stayed awake with me all night. Even later, I still didn't understand why the doctor treated me this way. Before starting my treatment in the hospital, I was managing my hypertension myself. Besides taking medication regularly at scheduled times, whenever my blood pressure stayed high for an extended period and caused headaches, I would typically take additional medication to lower it. If necessary, I would also take more Paracetamol, which would quickly alleviate my headache.

That night at BM Hospital, I was only given a slow IV infusion of Paracetamol without taking any antihypertensive medication. According to the doctor, this method was to reduce the impact on my stomach and liver.

Since I was being treated in the hospital, I had to comply with the doctors' orders, but deep down, I found their explanation unconvincing. My liver was functioning normally, and my stomach was not in an acute inflammatory state; I had been taking blood pressure medication and Paracetamol for a long time. The headache that night was just an acute pain; with one dose of an antihypertensive and a pain reliever, it would have been resolved. It wasnt a long-term treatment issue. If I had self-treated as I usually did at home, I believe I would have been headache-free within half an hour. That was the only time I treated my headache in that manner up to that point.

During this time, in addition to some standard medications, I often had to take some unfamiliar drugs that I hadnt used before, like Corticosteroid (as I recall). When I asked, the doctor explained that it was related to the adrenal glands. Additionally, I had to take anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs like Medrol. I had to take these two medications daily at the hospital.

With my years of experience now, I am sure I would have researched the medication guides and effects thoroughly at that time. When I was discharged and went home, I was still prescribed those two medications, so I had to hire someone to come to my house to administer the injections. Noticing that I had to use these medications so frequently, I began researching the drug guidelines (I had to buy the medication myself, which included the instructions). During the treatment with these medications, I felt anxious and uneasy because I saw no positive changes in my condition, and my health continued to decline. I frequently felt very weak and exhausted.

After reading about the side effects of the medication, I was really worried but didnt dare to stop taking it. There was another medication on the prescription; I vaguely remembered it was called Prednisolone, which served a purpose somewhat similar to Medrol. I took the medication for about two weeks. My spouse and I sensed a significant conflict between taking the medication and protecting the remaining kidney function.

Before being discharged, the doctor instructed me to have regular monthly check-ups for monitoring. I was scheduled for an appointment at a private clinic.

Personal reflections: Throughout my treatment in the hospital, the doctor communicated very little with us about the progression of the illness and was mostly treated in silence. When they did speak, it was primarily to inform us of the day's tasks, such as where to get imaging or ultrasounds done. Daily blood tests were taken, but we were unaware of what was being tested or the results. We only learned a little because my wife often went to the desk to check for any results related to my tests, and sometimes she got lucky.

Through these sneak peeks, we realised that my condition was unstable and had worsened. I only remembered that the creatinine level indicating kidney function at discharge was significantly higher than when I was first admitted.

Since the treating doctor didnt discuss my medical condition with us, I naturally assumed I was still a first stage chronic kidney disease patient (whoever wants to think their illness is worse?). However, there was one detail I didnt want to acknowledge: on the day I was preparing to be discharged, my spouse and I accidentally encountered Dr. ND, assistant to Dr. KD, in the hospital corridor. During a brief exchange of farewells, Dr. ND mentioned, possibly unintentionally, that my condition was transitioning from stage 1 to stage 2. I heard this but brushed it off and didnt want to ask further, as the doctor conveyed the information in a way that suggested we should figure it out ourselves. In truth, I wasnt surprised, as I had seen the test results and sensed my health was deteriorating.

Please read full story here.

Translated from Vietnamese by Nguyen Huy Dung
LONDON  Photographer Vu Kim Thanh, currently Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Family Partnership (VFP), a London-based charity that aims to bring Vietnamese community together, said he was shocked and deeply sad upon hearing the news on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency reporters in London, Thanh recounted his memories with the Party leader, notably the meeting during the Party General Secretary's visit to the UK on January 22-23, 2013.

As a reporter for a local newspaper, Thanh had the honour to greet the Party leader and the Vietnamese delegation at the airport.

He had the opportunity to film and take photos of the General Secretary from the moment the plane landed until he met with British diplomatic officials in the VIP lounge at Heathrow Airport. He also followed the delegation to the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK to meet with embassy officials, overseas Vietnamese, and various associations.

The visit was very successful and Thanh also had an indelible personal memory as the Party leader attended the opening ceremony of an art exhibition that was organised by the Vietnamese Embassy, showcasing his paintings.

During the visit, the Party leader left a profound impression and many warm feelings among the overseas Vietnamese in the UK in general and Thanh in particular, regarding his talent, wit and humanity.

General Secretary Trong is a personality of modesty, integrity and dedication to the public interest following the path of the great President Ho Chi Minh, he said.

Thanh also expressed his admiration for Party leader's decisive actions in eliminating corrupt officials and believed that Trong's moral example will be followed by future leaders. VNA/VNS
LAO CAI  The northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has made use of its strengths to develop new tourism products that meet tourists travel trend.

One of the new products that have drawn a large number of visitors recently is farmstay which allows tourists to join locals in agricultural activities such as growing vegetables or raising fish and livestock, and harvesting and using their products to cook meals.

Ta Van commune in Sa Pa town is well-known for community-based tourism villages that draw numerous tourists. Grasping tourists' needs, many local homestay service providers have used their agricultural production area to create unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Hoang Hien, the owner of Lua homestay, said that she found that visitors are particularly interested in experiencing the local life.

From May, foreign tourists come and plant rice in terraced fields with local residents. After a working day, they have dinners with the locals. In August and September, the tourists are offered to harvest rice, ride buffalos and bathe in streams.

Ricard, a French tourist, said visitors want to have such experiences, enjoying locals' daily lives in places where they come, not simply taking photos.

Meanwhile, visiting a farm stay model in Bat Xat District, visitors not only relax and participate in daily activities with local residents but also pick and collect herbal medicinal plants, to the field. They also have a chance to join in preparing traditional meals with local residents in the community house of the Red Dao Phin Ngan.

Thanks to the massive forest area, the farm stay tourism model is booming in Lao Cai, generating twin benefits, helping increase income for locals, and promoting a sustainable environment. To expand agrotourism, Lao Cai has worked to connect tourists and destinations by organising events and farm trips for travel firms and media agencies.

Besides, it is developing many other tourism products in association with the promotion of the cultural identities of local ethnic minority groups.

At the same time, Lao Cai has strengthened coordination with domestic and foreign localities such as Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Yunnan (China), and Nouvelle Aquitaine region (France) to promote its tourism sector.

The Lao Cai Department of Tourism planned to organise a number of large-scale events to lure visitors in the coming time, such as Bac Ha White Plateau Festival, Rose and Love Festival, Triathlon tournament in Bac Ha, Sa Pa Snow Festival, and international tourism fair 2024.

According to the provincial Department of Tourism, in the first half of 2024, the province earned VN13.5 trillion (US$531.18 million) from tourism services, a year-on-year surge of 24 per cent.

The locality welcomed more than 4.1 million visitors, fulfilling 48.67 per cent of its plan for the whole year.

Sa Pa town, honoured by Tripadvisor as one of the top five Trending Destinations in the world in 2024, remained Lao Cai's key destination with nearly 2 million visitors accommodated in the first half of this year.

This year, Lao Cai targets to attract 8.5 million visitors with tourism revenue of over VN27 trillion. VNA/VNS
PARIS  Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (COVA), has met representatives of the Vietnamese community in France and attended a ceremony to launch an event honouring the Vietnamese language in Paris.

At the July 20 meeting, Hang lauded contributions by Vietnamese in the European country to the homeland over the past time, and briefed them on national socio-economic development.

The Vietnamese Party and State always pay attention to overseas Vietnamese (OVs), and encourage them to look towards the homeland, the official affirmed, adding the committee has played an active part in reviewing relevant policies and laws, and proposing amendments and supplements so as to ensure rights and interests of Vietnamese abroad across spheres.

The work will be stepped up in the time ahead to meet their aspirations and create favourable conditions for them to return home for investment and business, she continued.

Ambassador inh Toan Thang informed the official on diverse activities of the Vietnamese community in the host country, including those aiming to preserve the Vietnamese language and other traditional values.

According to the diplomat, the Vietnamese language event is to honour associations and individuals for their contributions to preserving and promoting the mother tongue to nurture national pride among youths as well as people from all walks of life in France.

Representatives of the Vietnamese community in France expressed their hope for more support from the COVA in preserving and spreading the Vietnamese language among the OVs, especially in France.

Angot Rabin, a teacher of Vietnamese at the Association of Vietnamese in France, pointed to challenges to teaching the language, including the lack of suitable documents, and noted his hope for more training courses for teachers.

In this regard, Hang urged relevant associations to carry on the spirit of solidarity and coordinate with Vietnamese representative offices to bring Vietnamese together and preserve and promote the Vietnamese culture and language, thus contributing to the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

On this occasion, she attended the inauguration ceremony for the Vietnamese bookcase jointly held by the COVA and the Educational Publishing House, as part of the Governments project honouring the Vietnamese language among the OVs for 2023-2030.

While in France, Hang also had a meeting with representatives of Vietnamese associations in Bordeaux, during which she pledged to increase scholarships to Vietnamese children abroad to support their Vietnamese language learning. VNA/VNS
USA: US President Joe Biden says it has been greatest honour to serve as he ends campaign

US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election, saying "it is in the best interest of my party and the country".

It comes four months before Americans go to the polls, upending the race for the White House.

It follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican Donald Trump at the end of June.

Following the announcement on Sunday evening, President Biden gave his endorsement in the presidential race to Vice President Kamala Harris.

In his endorsement, he said his first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to select Ms Harris, and said its been the best decision Ive made.

Kamala Harris said she would do "everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party, and unite our nation to defeat Donald Trump".

In a letter posted to his social media account announcing his resignation, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

LIVE UPDATES: Joe Biden withdraws from US presidential race

"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term," he wrote in his statement.

Calls for Biden to withdraw from the race began to grow after a disastrous debate performance in late June against Donald Trump.

During the debate he was criticised for often being incoherent and speaking in a weak voice - something which his party claimed as down to a cold.

Following it, there were growing calls from within his own party for him to stand aside, with a growing number of congressional Democrats worried his campaign would hurt their own re-election chances in November.

A handful of senators, who sit in the upper chamber of Congress, also called for him to withdraw.

Less than two weeks ago, President Biden hosted a summit with Nato leaders, knowing he would face intense scrutiny following his debate performance.

The occasion did little to calm nerves within his own party, with him mistakenly calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as President Putin, and appearing to refer to the vice president as "Vice President Trump".

While Kamala Harris has the backing of the current president, it is unclear at the moment if she will be selected unopposed as the new candidate.

Along with the president, she already has the backing of former President Bill Clinton and his wife and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama, who Joe Biden served under as vice president, released a statement praising Mr Biden as "one of Americas most consequential presidents" - but did not mention Kamala Harris.

Following his withdrawal on Sunday evening, the BBCs US partner network CBS reported the Democratic National Committee was holding an emergency meeting.

The focus will now be on the Democratic National Convention which takes place next month in Chicago.

Biden swept the primaries, meaning that the delegates representing each state at the convention were pledged to vote for him - although they will now presumably be released to vote for another candidate.

To read the original news, please click HERE
HA NOI  Heads of state and government and leaders of parliaments and political parties of many countries and of international organisations have sent their sympathies to Viet Nam over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

Specifically, the CPV Central Committee, State President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, the Vietnamese people and the Party leaders family have received condolences from Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam; President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong; King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn; Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene; King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, Vice President of the PSUV Diosdado Cabello; King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeenko; Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf; President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; President of Tanzania, Chairperson of Tanzania's ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Samia Suhulu Hassan; President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye; ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn; ruling parties, Communist parties around the world, and partner parties.

In his message, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam said that he always keeps the image of the Party General Secretary as a warm and steadfast friend with good memories in his discussions with the General Secretary, especially the meeting on the occasion of the two countries upgrading their relations to Comprehensive Partnership during his visit to Viet Nam in 2019.

The Sultan affirmed the important contributions of the late General Secretary to strengthening relations between the two countries as well as his devotion to Viet Nam's socio-economic development is a lasting legacy.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed their admiration for Trongs important contributions over decades to the Party and the nation, especially the 13 years as Party General Secretary that have contributed significantly to Viet Nams economic growth, improving people's lives.

The Singaporean leaders said that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs absolute priority to Party building and anti-corruption not only creates his leadership style but also gives important directions for the reform as well as the strengthening of the Party and the State of Viet Nam.

The Singaporean leaders affirmed that the General Secretary is a close friend of Singapore who made many important contributions and created a premise for establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2013 and deepening the bilateral relations, towards upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.

King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn praised the prestige of the General Secretary, the leader who has won the trust of the Vietnamese people and international respect, as well as his role in national construction, renewal, development and stability.

In his letter, the Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene wrote that the MPP always remembers the contributions of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in developing relations and strengthening the friendship and comradeship between the two peoples and two Parties.

In his message, King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland hoped that the Vietnamese people will be strong and steadfast in this difficult time. The King recalled his impressions and memories with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his visit to the UK in 2013 and expressed his appreciation for the General Secretary's devotion to the Vietnamese people as well as his leadership role in promoting Viet Nam's close relations with other countries through the bamboo diplomacy policy.

President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro affirmed that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a great friend of Venezuela, a tireless soldier fighting for the nation, an intellectual torch for Viet Nam's great changes. President Maduro expressed his solidarity with the Vietnamese people and affirmed the two countries' people will always stay united and cooperate.

Vice President of the PSUV Diosdado Cabello sent a message of condolences to the CPV Central Committee and the people of Viet Nam.

King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud cabled condolences to President To Lam.

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko extended condolences to President To Lam.

Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeenko also sent condolences to the leader of the National Assembly and the people of Vietnamese.

Meanwhile, the Head of the "White Russia" Party of Belarus Oleg Romanov sent letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee and the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sent a letter of condolences to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a letter of condolences to President To Lam.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn also sent a letter of condolences to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

President of Tanzania, Chairperson of ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Samia Suhulu Hassan; President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye, Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and National Secretary of the French Communist Party Fabien Roussel also extended condolences messages.

Chairman of the United Russia Party (URP) Dmitry Medvedev sent a letter of condolences to President To Lam. Head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Genadi Ziuganov cabled condolence to the CPV Central Committee and President To Lam. Chairman of the Socialist Political Party "A Just Russia - Patriots - For the Truth" Sergey Mironov sent a letter of condolences to Luong Cuong, permanent member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of India Doraisamy Raja sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI-M) sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee. General Secretary of All India Forward Bloc D. Devarajan sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) Shii Kazuo wrote an article to express his deep condolences to the CPV, the people of Viet Nam and the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Head of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of Spain Manu Pineda sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee. Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Communist Party of Nationalities of Spain Victor Lucas sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland James Corcoran sent a telegram of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

The Communist Party of South Africa issued a statement of condolences on the passing of the General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Brazil sent a telegram of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland Massimiliano Ay extended letters of condolences to the CPV Central Committee, the Government and the people of Viet Nam.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uruguay sent condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

The Political Committee, Communist Party of Bolivia sent a message of condolences to the CPV Central Committee.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Peru Domingo Cabrera Toro, Head of the Department of International Relations of the Workers' Party of Belgium Bert De Belder sent their messages and letters of condolences to Le Hoai Trung, Head of the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.  VNS
HA NOI  A delegation of the National Assembly (NA)'s Committee for External Relations led by its chairman Vu Hai Ha made a working visit to the Dominican Republic from July 18 to 20 as part of the NAs foreign affairs programme this year.

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation met with the President of the Senate of the Dominican Republic Ricardo de los Santos, the Secretary-General of the United Left Movement Party (MIU), and the Minister of Regional Integration Policies of the Dominican Republic Jose Miguel Mejia Abreu, Minister of Energy and Mines Antonio Almonte, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Victor Ito Bisono Haza, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ruben Silie Valdez.

At the meetings, Ha emphasised that the visit - the first of the Vietnamese National Assembly to the Dominican Republic - opens up a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries legislative bodies, thereby contributing to strengthening the traditional relations between the two countries.

Both sides are pleased to see that the relations have developed positively and witnessed practical results. They highlighted the official opening of the embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ha Noi in February 2023 as an important milestone in the bilateral relations which was founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Juan Bosch.

Ha emphasised that Viet Nam will always remember the valuable support of the Government, NA and people of the Dominican Republic for Viet Nam during its struggle for national independence and development. He affirmed that the Vietnamese NA will continue to support the promotion of the friendship and cooperation with the Dominican Republic.

At the working sessions, the two sides shared the view that the current bilateral economic and trade of over US$100 million each year is not commensurate with the good political relations and the potential of the two countries. They agreed to strongly promoting the relations, especially in areas where both sides have strengths such as trade - investment, climate change response, digital transformation, renewable energy, culture, education, tourism while creating favourable conditions for businesses of the two countries to learn about each other's markets.

Senate President Santos informed his guest that the Dominican parliament on July 18 issued a Resolution to establish the Dominican-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group which is expected to boost the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

On this occasion, Ha expressed his thanks to the leaders of the Dominican Republic for extending their condolences to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and the Vietnamese people over the passing of the Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Ha also conveyed NA Chairman Mans greetings and invitation to the Senate President to visit Viet Nam soon.  VNS
HA NOI  Leaders of communist and left-wing parties around the world have expressed admiration and highlighted the great contributions of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Viet Nams development.

G. Devarajan, General Secretary of the All India Forward Bloc, said General Secretary Trongs tenure has left a significant imprint by the rectification of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), the promotion of economic development, the fight against corruption, and the enhancement of welfare for the people.

The leadership of the General Secretary has contributed to strengthening the ideological foundation and organisational integrity of the Party. The Party leader set forth many strategic orientations and important comprehensive policies for economic development, and supported economic reforms to maintain growth while balancing modernisation with socialist principles.

Under his leadership, Viet Nam is intensively integrating into the global economy, as evidenced by numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) it has signed.

According to Devarajan, one of the most notable aspects during the Party chief's tenure is the uncompromising anti-corruption campaign, he said, adding that the focus on improving living standards for the Vietnamese people, and prioritising initiatives to reduce poverty, better health care and education, and address environmental issues reflects a broader commitment to social justice.

Another highlight is the proactive, diverse, and multilateral foreign policy aimed at enhancing Vietnam's international position and promoting the country's strategic partnerships with powers worldwide, he stressed, noting that Viet Nam has played an active role in the United Nations peacekeeping operations and has been a strong supporter of international norms and cooperation in issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

Devarajan said the Party leader played a crucial role in intensifying relations with communist and socialist parties around the world; and made significant contributions to promoting the Vietnamese culture, using cultural diplomacy to connect Viet Nam with the world, and fostering people-to-people exchanges to nurture friendship and international cooperation.

General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party Salah Adly Abdelhafiz extended deep condolences to the CPV Central Committee and the Vietnamese people over the passing of General Secretary Trong, saying that the inspirational leader dedicated his entire life to the cause of the Party and the nation, and the happiness of the people.

He highlighted the significant contributions of the Party leader in the reform process, anti-corruption efforts, and the building of socialism in Viet Nam, affirming that under the CPVs leadership headed by General Secretary Trong, Viet Nam has achieved many great accomplishments and continues to strive for peace, stability, and development.

According to the Egyptian Party leader, General Secretary Trong continuously fought for a peace, justice and legitimacy while rejecting the approaches of colonialism and imperialism. He is a loyal friend and comrade of the Arabian communist parties and people, especially Palestinians, supporting the resolution of the Palestinian issue through peaceful means, aiming for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting solution in accordance with international law and all relevant UN resolutions, in a way that ensures the legitimate interests of all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Uruguay Juan Castillo emphasised that the General Secretary is a revolutionary who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for building socialism, for a free, developed, and prosperous Viet Nam.

The Party leader is one of Viet Nam's leading theorists. Throughout his revolutionary career, he made significant contributions to theoretical work with numerous articles, research topics, speeches, and many important books, Castillo said.

According to the Uruguayan Party leader, in his theoretical and practical proposals throughout the Vietnamese revolutionary process, the General Secretary particularly emphasised the significance of protecting the national great solidarity, preserving the culture and the Party's role, and maintaining the close-knit relationship between the Party and the people, ensuring the broadest possible participation of the masses in all aspects of life, and in combating corruption.

Castillo highlighted that the two-volume book titled Vung buoc tren con uong oi moi (Steadfast on the Path of Renewal by General Secretary Trong, which was translated into Spanish, demonstrates his theoretical contributions to the world. He promised to continue promoting the Vietnamese leaders works in Latin America.

General Secretary Trong has provided a vision and many ideas, as well as solutions, contributing to promoting the role of the market in the socialist economy, and the role of the State and development priorities of a socialist country. In recent years, Viet Nam has risen from a lower middle-income country to one of the 20 most dynamic economies in the world, with sustainable growth, and improvements in people's lives and all social indicators.

For foreign affairs, Castillo affirmed that under the leadership of General Secretary Trong, Viet Nam's foreign policy has made a new mark, responding flexibly to current and future challenges. With the "bamboo diplomacy" policy of the Party leader, Viet Nam has expanded its relations with all countries around the world, joined in peacekeeping, integrated into the world, and promoted trade based on the principles of independence and self-reliance, he said.

In his condolences over the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader, Bert De Belder, head of the Department of International Relations of the Workers' Party of Belgium (PTB), noted that his country feels a significant loss with the death of a respected leader like comrade Nguyen Phu Trong.

General Secretary Trongs saying that We need a society where development is genuinely for the people, not for profit that exploits and tramples on human dignity. We need economic development coupled with social progress and fairness, not an increase in the gap between the rich and the poor, and social inequality, has become popular in Belgium, Belder said.

The Party chiefs book titled Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Viet Nam was also published in French and Dutch, he added. VNS
HA NOI  Many politicians around the world have expressed their condolences to the Party, State and people of Vietnam over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, and praised the role and contributions by the deceased to Viet Nam and the communist movement, the progressive world and left-wing politics globally.

Showing his grief at the Vietnamese leaders passing, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that it leaves a huge void.

The leader told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's vision of maintaining strategic autonomy and promoting good governance in Viet Nam resonated deeply with himself personally when he met the leader in his official visit to Viet Nam in July 2023.

The Vietnamese Party leader's foresight on the relationship between Viet Nam and Malaysia will remain long, he said, stressing that Trong's legacy will inspire future generations in Viet Nam and across Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, in his letter of condolences to President To Lam, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam underscored that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's dedication to the fight against corruption is a decisive factor in his leadership role. The leader had a steadfast belief in Viet Nam's potential and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Party and Government of Viet Nam are in the best position to realise it, wrote the Singaporean President.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that throughout his decades-long career, including 13 years as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Trong's leadership greatly contributed to promoting Viet Nam's rapid economic growth and improving people's living conditions.

In an interview granted to the VNA in New Delhi, former Deputy National Security Advisor of India Satyendra Pradhan described Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a witted and experienced political leader and a strategic theorist. He is also a benevolent leader who cared about the welfare of his people, said Pradhan, adding that the General Secretary's contributions to redefining the relationship between ideology, economic issues, foreign policy, people's welfare and the activities of the CPV are remarkable, including an anti-corruption campaign implemented with significant results.

Pradhan held that Trong made significant theoretical contributions to the Party by introducing much-needed reforms. Decision 244-QD/TW was a step to eliminate the monopoly of veteran members of the Politburo in nominating new members, he noted, stating that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made an important move to democratise the system without diluting the ideological foundation.

Another remarkable contribution of the Party leader is in the field of economy, Pradhan said. Trong once said that the market economy itself cannot destroy socialism. But to build socialism successfully, it is necessary to develop the market economy fully and properly, noted the former Indian official.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong provided a model that other countries should follow, which is granting certain freedom to market development and this has led to the establishment of a socialist-oriented market economy, said Pradhan. He noted that since 2016, Viet Nam's economy has improved significantly, with a stable annual growth rate at about 7 per cent. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate still reached 3 per cent . This is truly a miracle, he commented.

Pradhan asserted that the Trongs leadership played a key role in determining approaches to international and regional issues, adding his assessments of the current international environment are realistic and his proposals are based on realism, demonstrated through the term of "bamboo diplomacy".

Although Viet Nam has been taking a flexible and soft diplomacy to be suitable to all poles in the multipolar world, the policy is still closely tied to broader national interests towards peace and economic growth of the country and region. Viet Nam's foreign policy aims to maintain independence to protect the interest of the nation and people, making the best use of available opportunities and diplomacy to promote the interests of Vietnamese people, Pradhan stated.

He commented that Viet Nams bamboo diplomacy has brought about many benefits. Today it has good relations with all other countries, while gradually making moves towards peace in the region, he said, adding that Viet Nam's role in ASEAN and at the UN Security Council has significantly enhanced the country's stature.

In the recent past, Viet Nam welcomed three important leaders in the world - Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Joe Biden. This reflects the success of the bamboo diplomacy, which has also helped deepen Viet Nams relationships with other countries, thereby improving people-to-people relations and human development in general, stated the former Indian official.

From Havana, Hero of the Republic of Cuba and President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) Fernando Gonzalez Llort affirmed that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a leader of great theoretical and practical significance, who made huge contributions to the global revolutionary cause with a political ideology along the path to socialism.

The ICAP President underlined that staunch communist Nguyen Phu Trong worked tirelessly to strengthen the traditional relationship between the peoples of Cuba and Viet Nam. He was always by Cuba's side during the most difficult times and spared no efforts to support the people of this brotherly island nation in all political and economic situations, he said.

The Cuban hero affirmed that in the hearts of the Cuban people, the image of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is always bold with simplicity, humility, noble personality, and wise leadership ability, who steered the boat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam through obstacles on its way to consolidating socialism and fighting for national development and modernisation.

He commented that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is an excellent disciple of President Ho Chi Minh, who always upheld President Ho Chi Minhs ideological guidelines as well as his wishes for the future through training and educating new generations, showing the qualities of world-class politicians. VNS
HA NOI  Having worked at the Communist Review, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong understood well that "Journalism is a noble profession, yet extremely arduous".

He always paid special attention to news agencies and encouraged generations of Vietnamese revolutionary journalists to perform their tasks diligently, inspiring people from all walks of life and igniting the national development desire in every Vietnamese citizen.

Having worked for nearly 30 years at the Communist Review, Trong was a sharp and erudite theoretical writer.

Journalist Trong always paid special attention to press information work in general. He always created favourable conditions for the group of reporters assigned special tasks to cover news about him, said Nguyen Su, VNA reporter who is a member of the task force.

On business trips, he often spent a few rare minutes between breaks and went to the back of the meeting room to talk to the reporters in a friendly and witty manner.

His style of speaking or communicating was always concise, logical, strict with simple and easy-to-understand language facilitated us to convey accurate information to the public," Su said.

"He took the time to edit and give us comments on some important articles and interviews to ensure journalistic language standards. VNS
Moscow General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong was a prestigious Party leader who devoted himself wholeheartedly to the nations prosperity and happiness, according to First Vice Chairman of the Russia  Viet Nam Friendship Association Petr Tsvetov.

Sending his deepest condolences to the Vietnamese people and CPV members over the passing of the General Secretary, Tsvetov, a researcher on Viet Nam for years, told the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents in Moscow that the Party chief impressed him as a theorist with sharp mind whose extensive knowledge and considerable experiences contributed greatly to the theory on building socialism in Viet Nam.

He elaborated that his writings on the essence of the countrys socialist revolution, oi moi (renewal) process, construction of the rule-of-law state, and bamboo diplomacy have laid a theoretical basis for the Vietnamese Party and State to develop the nation.

One of his outstanding legacies, Tsvetov said, is the bamboo diplomacy, adding bamboo with strong roots, sturdy stems and resilience demonstrates Viet Nam's foreign policy which is to safeguard the nations independence and resilience, and protect the peoples interests.

According to the Russian expert, General Secretary Trong was both a great leader and theorist of the Vietnamese revolution.

He laid a stress on the leading role of the CPV chief, saying he impacted various institutions and social classes, as well as took on a great responsibility for each development phase of the nation.

He went on to say that General Secretary Trongs meetings with foreign leaders made important contributions to the nations foreign affairs, highlighting the Vietnamese late leader paid many trips to Russia, and held talks with the countrys highest-ranking leaders which helped promote the ties between the two countries.

He recalled the Vietnamese Party chiefs last visit to Russia in 2018 during which he attended the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association, and presented it with a first-class Labour Order.

The Party leader also delivered a speech that underscored the roles of the relations between the two countries' people and the significance of the people-to-people diplomacy, he said, adding it left a lasting impression on participants.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Israel  Viet Nam Friendship Association Eyal Buvilski expressed his condolences over the demise of the Vietnamese leader.

He told VNA's reporters that, having wholeheartedly devoting to the nation, General Secretary Trong has helped Viet Nam obtain significant economic achievements and enhance its position on the international arena.

During his tenures, Viet Nam  Israel ties have been improved, with the two nations witnessing major advancements in various cooperation domains, he said.

Buvilski, who lived in Viet Nam from 2001 to 2003 when the CPV set many visionary and dreamy targets, said the Partys dreams come true, attributing the countrys success to the contributions by the late Party chief. VNS
VIENTIANE  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a visionary leader and an ingenious and clear-minded diplomat who always valued relationships with countries worldwide, former Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith told Vietnam News Agency reporters in Vientiane on Monday.

The former Lao leader extended condolences and expressed sorrow over the passing of the Vietnamese Party chief, calling him the closest friend of the Lao Party, State and people.

Vorachith praised Trong as a revolutionary leader and a resilient communist of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, who dedicated his entire life to revolutionary activities and the cause of national liberation, reunification and renewal of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

Trong played a crucial role in preserving and fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam, Vorachith said, adding that his efforts have yielded substantial results and practical benefits for the people of both countries.

He highlighted the ingenuity and insight of "diplomat" Trong, reflected via how he skillfully directed Viet Nams foreign policy toward a "bamboo diplomacy" approach, successfully balancing relations with all countries. Notably, the promotion of Laos-Viet Nam-Cambodia relations through high-level meetings of their leaders has elevated the political ties among the three countries and advanced their state-to-state relations in the new era. These efforts have enhanced the role and reputation of the Vietnamese Party and State on the global and regional stages.  VNS
HCM CITY  Authorities in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta have tightened safety measures for inland waterway transport for the ongoing rainy season.

The delta, which comprises 12 provinces and Can Tho City, has a dense river and canal network, which plays a major role in transporting people and goods.

Tien Giang Province has an important waterway route between My Thuan Bridge and the sea through the Cho Gao Canal.

The 132-km waterway has strong flows, which cause a high risk of accidents during the rainy season when there are also strong winds and storms.

The canal is 28km long and has many ferry stations and thousands of vessels berthing there every day.

The provinces Traffic Safety Committee has called on competent agencies to thoroughly check safety conditions at the stations and wharves, their compliance with regulations related to life-saving and rescue equipment and the number of passengers vessels allowed to transport.

Nguyen Van Dung, head of the province traffic police, said his agency had implemented comprehensive measures to ensure waterway traffic safety, prevent accidents and mitigate the impacts caused by rains and storms.

It proactively monitored the weather to take prompt measures to secure waterway safety and propagated legal regulations to ensure owners of passenger and cargo vessels comply with them, he said.

There was one waterway traffic accident in the first five months of the year in which one person died.

The delta is expected to have bad weather during this rainy season, and the traffic police in its 12 provinces and Can Tho City have stepped up checks to ensure waterway safety and propagation of regulations to the public.

In Tra Vinh Province, they regularly check vessels and advise people using them to wear life vests.

Duong Van Hoai, a resident of Tra Vinh Citys Long uc Commune, said most people living near the Co Chien River in his commune earn a living from fishing.

The traffic police routinely advise people travelling by boat to wear life vests to secure their safety.

The rainy season coincides with school summer vacations and many children go out to play and use waterway transport, and so boat owners and parents have to remind them to wear life vests, according to the traffic police division.

Nguyen Van Hai, its head, said the police would maintain three special inspection groups to uncover and handle violations.

Can Tho advocates safety regulations at waterway transport sites, including ferry stations and floating markets, and inspects their operations.

In May its administration checked the Cai Rang floating market, one of the citys most well-known tourism destinations, and gave away life jackets to small traders at the floating market.

Local authorities across the delta inspect routes that have a high risk of accidents and suspend the operation of vessels that fail to comply with safety regulations.

Bui Trung Kien, head of the Bac Lieu Province traffic police, said inspection teams would inspect and penalise violations that are often the direct causes of traffic accidents such as unlicensed passenger wharves, illegal construction in waterways safety corridors and fishing activities that obstruct transport.

Waterway transport vehicles which lack the prescribed safety equipment, exceed their authorised passenger and cargo capacity or have unlicensed pilots will be severely penalised.  VNS
QUANG TRI  Peace is a prerequisite for humanity to exist and pursue happiness.

That was the opening statement from former State Vice President and also Honorary Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Peace and Development Fund (VPDF) Nguyen Thi Binh at an international conference held on Monday in Quang Tri central province.

She told the assembled audience that in peace, people can dream of having everything, but in war, people only desire one thing: peace.

The conference is a response to the Festival for Peace 2024. It aims to share lessons and messages about the Vietnamese people's values and aspirations for peace and suggest initiatives to help build peace globally.

Preserving and protecting peace is the common responsibility of all humanity, all countries and each of us, said Binh.

Having gone through many resistant wars for national independence and unification, Viet Nam especially appreciates the value of peace, and always actively calls for people around the world to respect, protect and strive to create a peaceful world.

Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri Peoples Committee Hoang Nam said that Quang Tri carried the nation's eternal desire for peace, once strongly and deeply shaking the conscience of peace-loving humanity.

And for a long time, Quang Tri has become a destination of gratitude, a common symbol of the nation's desire for peace. It is a destination for international friends to share and honour the value of peace, he said.

Nam said he hoped that scholars and delegates attending the conference would advise the province on the next steps to continue writing the story of peace on this land so that Quang Tri can truly become a space of peace, a destination for peace of domestic and international tourists.

During the conference, speakers presented values of peace as well as initiatives to build world peace.

Representatives agreed that preventing wars and protecting peace was the urgent task of all peace-loving forces around the world.

They suggested promoting inclusive collective security mechanisms to resolve disputes, prevent conflicts, and maintain peace in regions. They also wanted to enhance disarmament to replace the arms race and promote cooperation instead of confrontation and antagonism. In that mission, the voices of the people and social organisations play a very important role.

Regarding peacebuilding initiatives, delegates emphasised the importance of having as many partners as possible to create a united alliance to support Viet Nam in general and Quang Tri Province in particular, heal war wounds, and create a safer future of development in peace.

From the experiences of Viet Nam and Quang Tri, experts said that it was necessary to build trust and value dialogues so that messages of peace would become daily themes and inspire cooperation and mutual prosperity.

They desired to build a city for peace on the land of Quang Tri, starting from creating trust, to write wishes for world peace.  VNS
The Tam Sinh Nghia waste-to-energy project is Bamboo Capital Group's (BCG) first since it ventured into the sector. The move follows the acquisition of Tam Sinh Nghia Investment Development JSC by BCG Energy on January 31.

The first phase of the project is valued at of VND6.4 trillion ($252.6 million) and will have the capacity to incinerate 2,000 to 2,600 tonnes of waste per day. The project will have a daily power generation capacity of 60MW per cent, meeting the electricity demand of 100,000 households. It aims to cut 257,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

In the second phase, the facility will boast a daily processing capability of 6,000 tonnes per day with an investment capital of VND7 trillion ($276.3 million). With a daily power generation capacity of 130MW, the project will meet the electricity demand of 220,000 households. Expansions in the third phase could see the plant's capacity surge to 8,000 tonnes per day, with power output potentially hitting 200MW.

Tam Sinh Nghia specialises in waste management in Ho Chi Minh City, Long An and Kien Giang provinces. The company has obtained licences to apply waste-to-energy technology to plants located in the municipal city and Long An.

The plant is expected to treat 2025 per cent of Ho Chi Minh City's daily waste using cutting-edge technologies, with the energy converted from waste being used for production and business activities.

Ho Chi Minh City discharged 9,800 tonnes of domestic waste daily in 2023. This figure can reach up to 11,000 tonnes during peak holiday periods. Meanwhile, Vietnam is one of the top 20 largest producers of waste in the world, discharging approximately 60,000 tonnes of rubbish each day, higher than the world average, with approximately 60 per cent coming from urban areas.

Solid waste is one of the most serious environmental problems in Vietnam, growing on average at 6 per cent per year in the 20212030 period. The increasing amount of waste has led to a rise in the use of landfills, causing more pollutants to be released into the environment.

BCG Energy enters 'waste-to-energy' sector BCG Energy, the renewable energy subsidiary of the Bamboo Capital Group, signed a share purchase agreement on January 31 with Tam Sinh Nghia Investment Development JSC, a company specialising in waste management in Ho Chi Minh City.

From waste to wealth: circular economic prospects As environmental concerns rise and resources deplete, businesses and individuals need to shift towards a new model of consumption which can support the economy and help the planet: the circular economy. Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam, looks at the possibilities as well as the challenges that everyone should be aware of.
Chinese industry body urges EU to seek balanced solution in BEV probe

Xinhua) 09:04, July 22, 2024

This file photo taken on June 6, 2024 shows an electric car at a charging station near the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

"Trade defense measures will harm all sides involved. The strength and growth of the EU and Chinese BEV industries lie in collaboration, not conflict," said Shi Yonghong, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.

BRUSSELS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese industry body has urged the European Commission to amend its unlawful findings in the anti-subsidy probe into Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs), expressing hope that a balanced solution can be reached to avoid harm to both parties.

"Trade defense measures will harm all sides involved. The strength and growth of the EU and Chinese BEV industries lie in collaboration, not conflict," Shi Yonghong, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), told a press conference in Brussels on Friday.

The CCCME represents 12 Chinese BEV exporting producers, including three sampled producers individually investigated by the Commission.

OBJECTIVITY, FAIRNESS UNDERMINED

On July 4, the European Commission introduced provisional additional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese BEV makers. The Commission alleged that the decision was based on the investigation concluding that the Chinese BEV value chain benefits from subsidies, causing a threat of economic injury to EU producers.

Shi noted that the determination is "unlawful," with the low representativeness of the samples in the investigation compromising the objectivity of the analysis.

Instead of choosing exporting producers with the largest export volumes to the EU, the Commission selected three Chinese BEV manufacturers that collectively account for 39 percent of the total Chinese export volume to the EU, and an EU sample, which represents only 30 percent in production and 32 percent in sales, according to Shi.

He noted that the Commission overlooked imports of foreign-branded BEVs from China into the EU, which constitute about 70 percent of Chinese BEVs by quantity, saying that it violates the obligation of "positive evidence" and "objective examination" in price comparisons.

"We urge the Commission to strictly abide by the laws of the World Trade Organization and the EU and conduct this investigation in a manner of objectivity, fairness, and transparency," Shi said.

INNOVATION FUELS GROWTH, NOT SUBSIDIES

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers show that China's production and sales of new energy vehicles grew over 30 percent year-on-year in the first six months of 2024, and the market share of new energy vehicles in China had reached 35.2 percent by the end of June.

An aerial panoramic drone photo taken on July 11, 2023 shows new energy vehicles for export at a terminal of Taicang Port, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Ji Haixin/Xinhua)

Speaking of the meteoric growth of the Chinese BEV industry, Shi said the success of the Chinese BEV industry derives from technological innovation, a robust supply chain, and full competition.

Wei Wenqing, deputy secretary general of the association, said at the press conference that the Chinese government established two targets for passenger vehicle companies: reducing fuel consumption in traditional automobiles and advancing the development of new energy vehicles.

According to Wei, credit incentives and penalties have effectively motivated companies to upgrade their technology.

"It is hoped that the European side will face up to the facts that China's competitive advantage in electric vehicles does not come from subsidies," Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said last week.

FAIR COMPETITION BREEDS MUTUAL ADVANCEMENT

Following the EU's announcement of imposing provisional duties on imports of Chinese BEVs, EU member states and the vehicle industry voiced concerns and criticism regarding the decision.

"The negative effects of this decision outweigh any benefits for the European, and especially the German automotive industry," Volkswagen stressed.

Wei pointed out that open competition and free trade would promote the progress of the local automotive industry, as evidenced by the history of China's automotive development.

"European brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi all occupy a dominant position in the Chinese imported car market, and the Chinese automotive firms were boosted by and emerged from the intense competition," Wei said.

Looking ahead, there are still broad prospects for cooperation between the EU and China in fields such as technology and research and development, according to Shi.

"China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners with extensive common interests," Shi said, urging the Commission to take into consideration the overall interests of the EU and China.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race after a growing list of Democratic lawmakers called on him to quit, following last month's disastrous debate performance and a flurry of public missteps, leaving Democrats scrambling to elect a worthy candidate as the party's nominee.

Biden's announcement follows a rough few weeks for the president, who was forced last weewk to cut a campaign event in Las Vegas short, following a COVID-19 diagnosis  the same day California Rep. Adam Schiff also publicly called for him to step aside. Schiff is the most prominent Democrat so far to appeal for Biden to abandon his seemingly dimming campaign.

Similar cries for Biden to pass the torch gained traction last week, a day after he mistakenly referred to Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin," and Vice President Kamala Harris as "Donald Trump" during NATO events in Washington, D.C.

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden said in a statement.

"I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision," Biden said on X.

It was an unprecedented development; no other presidential candidiate in recent history has quit this late in the race.

During a press conference earlier this month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre vowed Biden would "absolutely not" withdraw from the race, despite dismal feedback and a growing number of calls within the Democratic party for him to step down, following his unimpressive debate against Donald Trump in Atlanta, a week prior.

"He has had the opportunity to talk to supporters," Jean-Pierre told reporters, adding that the president has "talked about how he understands that [the debate] was not his best night and that it is fair for people to ask that question."

"He has the most historic record and administration in modern politics. That should matter and he wants to continue to do that work," she said.

Concerns surrounding Biden's ability to defeat Trump, coupled with his age, health and capacity to carry out the presidential duties for another term have grown louder.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas and Rep. Jared Golden of Maine became the first members of the party in Congress to suggest Biden drop out of the race.

Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as a top contender to replace Biden. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are also being floated as replacements.
On July 19, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Secretary of Bac Ninh Party Committee, held a meeting with Bang Seung Ho, chairman of Phillips, about the investment opportunities in the locality.

"The group is paying special attention to the manufacturing strategy of high-quality, eco-friendly EVs, EV batteries, and e-bikes to serve the demand in South Korea and countries in the region," Ho said.

Lauding the potential and investment opportunities in Bac Ninh, he further noted, "The group will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the manufacturing factory in the locality. Hopefully, the local authorities will create better conditions for the group to research and implement the project."

The products will be rolled out into the Vietnamese market soon, so that Phillips can access the potential of the domestic market for factory development. The factory's products will be sold in Vietnam and exported to South Korea and the global market, he added.

In response, Tuan committed to providing support for investors including Phillips when making investments and doing business efficiently in the province.

He added that there are 2,350 projects from 41 countries and territories investing in Bac Ninh. Among them, South Korea is the largest foreign investor, with 100 valid projects and a total investment of $14.7 billion, accounting for 60 per cent of the province's total foreign direct investment (FDI) capital.

Many South Korean conglomerates are manufacturing and doing business in the province, such as Samsung, Intops, Hanwha Techwin, Amkor, Hana Micron, CrucialTec, and Hyosung.

"South Korean companies are expanding their reach into new industries such as semiconductors, clean energy, construction, real estate, retail, and distribution. There is ample room to increase FDI influxes from South Korea to Bac Ninh," he said.

South Korean groups invited to expand further in Vietnam Vietnam is set to welcome bigger investments from South Korea following an official visit by a Vietnamese top leader to this East Asian nation, where both countries have made fresh commitments to boost their trade and investment ties.

Vietnam to receive billions of dollars from South Korea Do Nhat Hoang, director general of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, has announced that Vietnam is set to receive a significant investment influx from South Korea, amounting to tens of billions of USD.
Israel will continue killing Hamas leaders responsible for the deadly Oct. 7 surprise attacks that sparked the latest Mideast war, the head of its military vowed.

"We aren't stopping, we are not stopping fighting," Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces, said in a nearly 10-minute video posted on YouTube on Sunday.

Halevi said Israeli forces were "operating in the entire Gaza Strip with various methods of combat" and accomplished "significant military achievements" in Rafah, where it launched an offensive opposed by the U.S. in May.

Halevi, who spoke in Hebrew in front of a pair of drones, made the remarks after Israel said it targeted Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif and a subordinate, Rafa Salama, in an airstrike against Gaza on Saturday.

The Gaza Health Ministry said the massive attack killed at least 91 Palestinians and wounded 300 in a designated humanitarian zone, and Hamas said Deif wasn't in the area at the time.

"It is still too early to conclude the results of the strike, which Hamas is trying to hide," Halevi said, according to an official transcript. "We are determined to continue and pursue senior Hamas officials, those who planned and carried out the October 7th Massacre and dedicated their lives to the murder of innocent civilians."

Despite saying it was unclear whether Deif was killed, Halevi spoke as if he were dead and downplayed the collateral casualties.

"Mohammed Deif was afraid to die, so he hid in a way that even damaged his ability to command," Halevi said. "He hid and sacrificed with him his people and civilians who were in the area, who were in danger, very few of whom were harmed. We found him, we will also find those next in line."

Halevi also said the Israeli military was engaged in "high intensity combat in the north" against Hezbollah militants and was "ready and preparing for the next stage in Lebanon," which he didn't detail.

About 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 and more than 38,000 people have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza since then, with the Gaza Health Ministry saying the toll included more than 15,000 children.

Hamas kidnapped more than 240 people in Israel on Oct. 7 and only 50 of the 120 still being held hostage in Gaza are believed to still be alive, the Wall Street Journal reported last month, citing U.S. officials familiar with the latest intelligence.
Former UW-Madison student Brian Peck had a strong heart.

Thats how his younger brother, Colin Peck, a UW-Madison senior studying computer engineering, describes him. An adoring older brother, Brian nurtured a love of technology in Colin similar to his own and had a summer internship lined up at Medtronic, a Minneapolis-based global medical device company, where he thought he could improve peoples lives through technology.

But Brian never got the chance to fulfill that internship. He died in December 2019 from sudden cardiac arrest as he studied for his last final exam of the semester. An otherwise healthy 20-year-old UW-Madison biomedical engineering student, Brian had unknowingly developed arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, after a recent bout with a virus scarred his heart tissue.

Five years later, Colin is taking up the mantle in his brothers honor, interning in Medtronics cardiac rhythm management department, where he works with devices that might have saved his brothers life.

Colin primarily deals with ensuring devices meet European Union standards and has developed an interest in the return products lab, which investigates what went wrong with devices and why.

I like to picture that (Brian is) my mentor here, as he could have been if he was still here. And I see him in everything I do here, Colin said. As an intern, I can only do so much, but I know it goes a long way and it reaches that bigger picture. Its an honor to be able to contribute to this cause, and I know Brian would be proud of me.

Colin reached out to Medtronic for a summer internship after recalling the way the company reacted to Brians death. Brian hadnt officially worked there, but the company still contacted the Peck family to offer condolences, which the family found moving, Colin said.

When Colin was assigned to the cardiac rhythm management division, he was overcome with emotion. It wasnt the first time Colin was working for heart health: After Brians death, Colin had helped organize EKG drives at his high school, sharing the story of losing his brother to arrhythmia.

But getting assigned to the cardiac rhythm management department was a lightbulb moment for Colin: Like his big brother, hed wanted to find a way to improve the lives of others. This was how he could do it.

Becky Kieffer, senior manager for Medtronics early careers team, said she sat in both Brian and Colins internship interviews. Four years apart, she remembers both Peck brothers were focused and had clear plans for themselves in what they wanted to do.

As an intern, Colin has turned grief to growth as he builds a legacy for Brian, Kieffer said.

During the interview process, Colins dedication and passion really stood out, obviously because of his experience with his brother, Kieffer said. His commitment to carrying forward his brothers legacy was just extremely inspiring and deeply moving, and weve continued to see that passion throughout the internship ... were really, really fortunate to have him here and really grateful to have him.

Brotherly love

The Peck brothers had a rule for themselves once Brian left for college: Neither was to come through the door or leave without giving the other a hug.

Brian was back home in Orland Park, Illinois, for Thanksgiving break in 2019, less than a month before he died. With Brian still asleep as Colin was leaving for high school, Colin debated: Should he wake his brother up to give him a hug before he left?

Brian would be headed back to UW-Madison that day and wouldnt be there when Colin came home. So, Colin woke up Brian, to give the last embrace the two brothers would ever share.

Weeks later, the Peck family was in Madison to pack up Brians belongings, without Brian. Among them, the family found Brians backpack, filled with cores, wires and resistors.

It was just an engineering mess in there, Colin said with a loving laugh.

But thats who Brian was, Colin said. Brian loved technology  so much that as a teenager, he wired up his tablet to his car to effectively make an early model CarPlay device, and his Christmas presents to Colin would be introductory circuit board kits.

And during last Thanksgiving weekend the Peck brothers had spent together, theyd sat up one night into the early morning hours talking about technology, artificial intelligence and how it would shape society, and the futures they saw for each other.

Brian would just never know how much he impacted his brothers.

I do think about him a lot, especially when Im working here, and seeing the differences and impacts Im making definitely reminds me that Im in the right place, Colin said.
Authorities say they've found a 70-year-old man safe after he went missing last Friday on a trail in Placer County.

"A heartfelt thank you to all the search and rescue teams who tirelessly assisted from across the state. We are also immensely grateful to Jeepers Jamboree for their support and hospitality extended to our search teams. They provided food, drinks, and a place to camp overnight," Placer County Sheriff's Office says in a Facebook online post.

Deputies say Warren Elliott walked away from his group that was rehabbing the Rubicon 4x4 trail ahead of the Jeepers Jamboreee.

Elliott was last seen on the Rubicon Trail wearing a blue denim short sleeve shirt and blue denim shorts.

Nearly 50 trained searchers, representing several agencies and groups, including two drone operators and four dog teams searchied for him.

They include California National Guard, Nevada National Guard, Cal OES Search and Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit, California Rescue Dog Association, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. Sacramento County Sheriffs Office UAS (drones), Alpine County Sheriffs Department & Search and Rescue, Marin County Sheriffs Office & Search and Rescue, Nevada County Sheriffs Office Incident Command Support & Search and Rescue, San Mateo County Sheriffs Office & Search and Rescue, Solano County Sheriffs Office & Search and Rescue.
Former President Donald Trump used his first campaign rally since being named this year's Republican presidential nominee to repeat the apparently false claim that he was once named Michigan's "man of the year."

During a Saturday appearance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump claimed he received the award "years ago" when "they gave me, in Michigan, the man of the year."

"That was long before I was a politician. I was a business guy. I did well. I liked the state, but I don't know," he said. "I heard, 'Man of the year, Michigan.' I said, 'That's cool. That's good. I'm going to make that trip.'"

Trump added, "I didn't know why they were giving it to me, nothing, but they were giving it to me for, I guess, the fact that I employed a lot of people, I did real well."

Following Trump's remarks, CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale said, "The answer is that they, whoever they are, did not do that."

"There is no sign that this award actually exists, let alone that Donald Trump actually got it," he said.

Dale also said this year's campaign marked the "third consecutive presidential election in which Donald Trump has claimed to have been named the man of the year in Michigan."

"We've asked a series of three consecutive Trump campaigns  no evidence provided whatsoever. It just did not happen," he added.

In 2019, CNN said Trump had made the claim at least six times since the launch of his 2016 campaign.

Also in 2019 former Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Trott of Michigan said he believes that Trump was mistakenly referring to a 2013 event when he gave the keynote address at the Oakland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner and was given a plaque.

Photos show that Trott, who chaired the event, handed Trump a tie, a statuette of Abraham Lincoln and a large, framed copy of the Gettysburg address, according to the MLive news website.

"There was no Michigan man of the year award," Trott told Crain's Detroit Business in 2019. "There was certainly nothing like that bestowed upon him."

Trott was also present during a 2017 roundtable discussion in Ypsilanti, Michigan, when then-President Trump claimed to have been given Michigan's man of the year award "about five or six years ago" before asking Trott, "Is that right?" Crain's said.

Trott replied, "Great speech," according to Crain's.

Trott, who left Congress the following year, told Crain's he didn't feel comfortable correcting Trump, saying: "You see what happens to people who do that."
On July 24th, you need no excuse to savor the flavors of Clase Azul all over the city.

While tequilas history goes back hundreds of years, Clase Azul has spent more than the last 25 perfecting the quintessential Mexican spirit in both taste and style. Inspired by Mexicos rich legacy and the desire to share the magic of Mexico with the world, today the brand boasts five tequilas in its portfolio of iconsplenty of reason to celebrate.

In honor of National Tequila Day, here are four SF spots where you can enjoy Clase Azul in inventive cocktails or on its own.

Clase Azul Tequila Reposado is paired with Tequila Plata in Movida's Triple M. (Courtesy of Clase Azul)

Movida

Two cultures come together to create the perfect summer cocktailand a great vibe. The Triple M blends Movidas signature Persian and Mexican flavors, pairing Persian melon, habanero, aloe vera, and lime oleo with both Clase Azul Tequila Plata and Clase Azul Tequila Reposado for a little bit of fire and nice. // Movida, 555 2nd St. (SoMa), movidalounge.com





Hazies

Why choose one? Try a Clase Azul tequila flight for yourself or the table and journey through three classicsClase Azul Tequila Gold, Clase Azul Tequila Reposado, and Clase Azul Tequila Platato discover your new go-to. // Hazies, 501 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), haziessf.com

Lime, ancho verde, club soda, and a cherry float compliment Clase Azul Tequila Plata in the Hanoi Tango from Bodega. (Courtesy of Clase Azul)

Bodega

The Vietnamese cuisine at Matthew Hos Bodega offers a full spectrum of flavor, making the tequila pairing possibilities endless. Keep things simple with a Clase Azul tequila of your choice neat or on the rocks. Or try the Hanoi Tango, featuring a salted pluminfused Clase Azul Tequila Plata with lime, ancho verde, club soda, and a cherry float. // Bodega, 138 Mason St. (Tenderloin), bodegarestaurants.com





MKT Restaurant and Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel

Whether youre there to ogle the 180-degree views of downtown at the bar or sit down for a feast of sustainable California-style fare, the bar at MKT is ready with a selection of Clase Azul tequilas to enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in a range of refreshing cocktails. Stay on the lookout for a special pairing dinner featuring Clase Azul master distiller Viridiana Tinoco coming in September. // MKT Restaurant and Bar, 757 Market St. (SoMa), fourseasons.com

// Explore Clase Azuls complete collection at claseazul.com .

Clase Azul Tequila Gold is finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks to stand on its own or in a cocktail at MKT. (Courtesy of Clase Azul)




Live-streaming video cameras of rattlesnake rookeries are surprising scientists with new discoveries about the slithering moms-to-be that gather by the hundreds to give birth in the "mega dens" in Colorado and California.

For one thing, researchers have discovered that the snakes sometimes share child-care of their "pups."

The young stay in the dens with their mothers until they venture out on their own, Dickinson College biology professor Scott Boback, who co-leads Project RattleCam, explained in an NPR interview.

In another surprise, Boback has witnessed the snake flatten, then coil their bodies into a kind of "teacup" to collect rainwater. They then turn their heads to sip from the "cup."

Boback said he's particularly pleased by comments by the snake-watching community who often notice details the researchers may not. A number of them have spotted certain patterns on individual snakes that help identify them.

"They're identifying individual snakes, and they can identify unique features on an individual and name the snake. That allows us to move forward in tracking individuals," he told NPR.

Watchers are also coming up with "the funnest of names" in the project's snake-naming contests, he noted, mentioning "Mr. Snaky Pants."

The project has posted several video highlights here.

The Colorado live cam can be seen here:

This is the den in California:
Democrats who have been named as potential replacement candidates praised President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid Sunday  as former President Donald Trump bitterly condemned him as "never" fit for office.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called Biden a "great public servant," and said his move showed he "knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump."

His "remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure America's global leadership over decades will go down in history," Whitmer wrote on X.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Biden will "go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents."

"President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president  a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans," Newsom wrote on X.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee to run against Trump, saying that picking her as his 2020 running mate was the "best decision I've made."

Trump, who briefly tempered his criticism of Biden during last week's Republican National Convention, resurrected his insulting nickname for Biden while blasting his immigration policies and saying the country "will suffer greatly because of his presidency."

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement," Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump also claimed that everyone around Biden, "including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn't capable of being President, and he wasn't."
Bella Hadid, the vocal pro-Palestinian model was dropped out of an ad campaign for retro sneakers with reference to the 1972 Munich Olympics by Adidas, obscured by the massacre to the Israeli athletes. Adidas has launched again the SL72 which is a shoe displayed by the athletes at the 1972 Olympics, as a constituent of a series renewing the old classic sneakers.

A German police officer and as many as eleven Israeil athletes lost their lives at the Munich Games of 1972 post gunmen belonging to the Palestinian Black September Group breaking into the Olympic village and taking them captive.

It was stated by Adidas that the rest of the campaign would be revised by it with immediacy. On Friday, in a statement to AFP, the company said: We are aware that tragedic historical events have some connections between them, inspite of them being fully unintended and we are sorry for any anguish that has been caused." It was confirmed by a spokeswoman that Hadid was dropped out from the campaign, noting that the first introduction of the shoes were in the year 1972. However it never makes a mention about the terror attack on the Israeli athletes.

Hadid was born in the US with Palestinian roots because of her father. She has voiced out her support for Palestinian rights since the time of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which led to the Gaza war.
It is a busy time for news channels, especially business news channels as there are hectic preparations for the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 on July 23.

In conversation with Adgully, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, gives an indepth look at the behind-the scenes preparation for the Budget coverage and the special programming lined-up to offer an all-inclusive comprehension of the budget to its audiences  from the industrys movers and shakers to the common citizen.

After the interim budget earlier this year, how is CNBC-TV18 gearing up for the first Budget of the Modi 3.0 Government? Could you tell us about your special programming around the Budget?

CNBC-TV18 has 25 years experience of covering the Budget in real-time. This, I think, gives us a certain advantage, expertise, and specialization that nobody else enjoys, at least across television media. Weve always attempted to be innovative as far as our budget programming is concerned, and over the years, we have evolved our programming to include different constituencies to make it much more relevant to not just the industry, but also from a citizens perspective, from a students perspective. Going beyond how the budget impacts you, our effort has also been about explain what the budget means to us as citizens, what it means broadly for the Indian economy and the nation.

So, there has been a two-pronged approach to our strategy. One is decoding the fine print of the budget in real-time for our audience, but at the same time presenting the bigger picture of how the needle moves for the countrys balance sheet. We had a significant programming effort even for the interim budget, even though that is typically just a vote on account. But since it was the last vote on account of the previous government, the expectation was that maybe there could have been a policy direction articulated by the Finance Minister, but it was a short and sweet budget. So, this time around, we brought in some new elements as far as our programming is concerned.

In fact, just today we had our CNBC-TV18 Market Town Hall, because if you look at the way that the markets have performed, India has been one of the best-performing markets globally. There is a lot of interest in the Indian equity market story at this point, and the markets are reacting to the possibility of what the budget will bring forth. We had put together some of the best market veterans, domestic as well as global. We had Chris Wood, who is one of the best global strategists and investors, along with 15 other top market stalwarts like Ramesh Tamani, Pashupati Advani and Jayakumar and many others, talking about what they believe is the bull case for India, where they see the Indian markets in the near to medium term, in the long term, which sectors do they believe will do well, and so on. So, this was a very curated offering for our market audience.

Outside of that, we have, of course, been conducting our CNBC-TV18 Budget Town Halls. We did a very large one with CII, where we had almost 100-plus CEOs representing different sectors talk to us about not just what they expect from the Budget, but also how they see the economy, and whats the mood in the industry. Different sectors have been captured by way of stories on what the industry expects or hopes for from the Budget.

We have started something called the Budget Box. Wed brought it in during the interim budget. We had then called it the Budget Ballot to play on the elections. Through the Budget Box, we are collecting suggestions and recommendations from across different parts of the country on what they would like the finance minister to do, to make it more of a participatory exercise. So, weve taken the Budget Box to colleges to get the perspective of the youth. Weve taken the Budget Box to malls and to cinema halls to get the average Indian to participate in what is a key economic event in the country.

On the Budget day itself, we are going to have a very special element outside of our regular 24/7 programming. I dont want to reveal it just yet, because we are keeping it a little bit of a surprise to mark two milestones  to mark the milestone of this being the 7th consecutive budget that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to present; and it will be a milestone for us as well, as we are marking this moment in our 25th year. So, all will be revealed on the Budget Day.

What is the tagline for your Budget coverage this year and how will it reflect in CNBC-TV18s programming?

We do have a specific tagline and weve always had a specific tagline for our budget coverage. We pick up on the theme that we believe reflects the mood of the nation and the mood of the industry. At this point, we felt that the most appropriate tagline was to Go for growth. While we have done well and we are one of the fastest growing large economies in the world today, we do realize and recognize the fact that there is potential for stronger growth and there is a need for stronger growth. So, our tagline this year is building on that aspiration that India must build on the current growth momentum, and that we must ensure that we capitalize on the opportunities. Go for growth is the overarching theme for all of our programming and our budget coverage.

According to you, what are the key areas and issues that need to be highlighted the most? What is the key question that you will be asking?

If I were to just thread together the key asks that have come in from various quarters, I think the number one is continuity. We would like to there to be continuity as far as measures and policy stability are concerned. So, dont do anything disruptive. Dont undo what has already been done. The one message that is very clearly coming through from different stakeholders that we have spoken to is that just continue to build on what has already been put in place. The building blocks are in place. The fundamentals are looking good at this point. Lets not do anything disruptive to try and sour the mood.

Number two, I think both in terms of the ease of doing business as well as the cost of doing business, and there are specific areas such as logistics cost, the cost of manufacturing and so on  these two continue to be areas where more needs to be done. There are specific recommendations across different sectors that have come in to ensure that there is both ease of doing business as well as an improvement in the cost of doing business.

Number three, I think the industry is very appreciative of the fact that growth, especially in the post-Covid period, has been driven by the massive government spending that has happened on infrastructure. And so the hope is that that will continue. The wish is that the government does an even higher allocation versus what they had done in the interim budget. The CII is asking for 30%, and FICCI is asking for 25% higher capex by the government, on public spending, on infrastructure, etc. So, the hope is that the government will continue to drive growth by spending more on infrastructure.

And finally, I think in terms of consumption, the expectation is that perhaps this could be the budget, especially in light of the fact that there was disappointment which kind of played itself out through the course of the elections as well, that maybe more could have been done to provide some relief for the rural poor, for the middle class, etc.

These, I would broadly say, are the four key asks at this point that various stakeholders have from the government. And of course, finally, this is also going to be the first budget of this government. And we do know that both Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have very clearly put their demands forward for special assistance, for a special package. So, those political considerations will also have to be factored in by the Finance Minister.

We also have other crucial state elections coming up in Maharashtra, Haryana, etc. So, perhaps there will be some political considerations that this Budget will need to take into account.

Could you tell us about who are the big names that we can expect in the guest line-up this year, and also how will you be engaging with them?

We start our programming pretty much from 07:00 in the morning. And I think on Budget Day you will see at least 100-plus faces on CNBC-TV18 of leaders from different walks of life, not just business leaders, but we will have economists, policymakers, government officials, ministers. So, its a very wide and diverse range of opinion makers who you will see on the channel, of course, through the course of the morning, which is where the markets are trading. The focus always is on how the budget is impacting the markets. And so you do have much more of the brokerage view. You have domestic investors, and global investors addressing the markets and what the budget means as far as the markets are concerned.

We also have tax experts looking at the fine print, both from an industry perspective as well as a citizens perspective. So, you will have some of the best tax faces with us on Budget Day. We will have all the secretaries of the government, and the entire North Bloc team joining us with their post-budget sort of rationale on why certain decisions were taken, and why the budget was the way that it was. We get it from the horses mouth, so to speak. Of course, the Finance Minister, as always, will join us. And for many years now, her first interview with a private network has been to us. There will be other ministers who will join us as well, depending on which ministry gets what allocation. And, all the big faces of the industry, whether it is Anish Shah of Mahindra, Sanjeev Puri of ITC, Sanjeev Bajaj of Bajaj Finance, former HUL CEO Sanjeev Mehta  a whole host of the top leaders of industry will join us through the course of the day. So, as I said, it will be a mix of industries, tax experts, global voices, rating agencies, government officials, and key ministers of the government.

The audience for the Budget is very wide  from the common man to the movers and shakers of the industry. How is CNBC-TV18 reaching out to its varied audience base to make the budget relevant and easy to understand for them?

You also have to look at CNBC-TV18 not just as a TV brand. CNBC-TV-18 is multi-dimensional in the sense that, of course, our mainstay is TV, but we also function across different platforms. We have our website CNBC-TV 18.com, which will be putting out stories that capture the essence of what the budget means for you and me, what is going to be more expensive, what is going to be cheaper. If there are any tax changes, what do those tax changes imply as far as, the impact on your wallet, which sectors have benefited, and which sectors have lost out? CNBC-TV18.com will also generate thousands and thousands of stories on the day, which captures all of these elements. And its easy for people to be able to access and read on their own time on social media, which is on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, etc. Again, our effort will be to de-jargonize the budget and make it much more accessible, democratizing what the budget can be for people. Thus, well have digital videos that are very simple explainers to again, highlight key elements of the budget. The five key numbers that you need to take note of from the budget, the ten sectors that were impacted by the budget, or what the budget means as far as jobs are concerned, what the budget means for your wallet, or what the budget means as far as FMCG is concerned. Various elements and numerous aspects of how the budget impacts our lives will also be part of the coverage that we do, and that will be in a very conversational way  through Reels, videos, and so on.

Theres also going to be a sachetisation, if I could call it that, of otherwise what is a very expansive and complex issue. But the effort will be to satisfy that with shorter videos, etc;, which make it easier for people to access and easier for people to understand, especially connect with a younger audience as well.

How will you be using your YouTube channel for a complete budget coverage?

We will use our YouTube channel very effectively. There will be different streams running on YouTube simultaneously. One will, of course, be the live stream of television so that you can access CNBC-TV18 on YouTube, on your mobile phone or desktop. And then therell be separate streams. So, well have a stream coming in from various locations. For instance, therell be a stream coming in from CII. Therell be another stream coming in from FICCI. Therell be specific programming only for YouTube, which will capture much more of the citizen-focused aspects of the budget. Its a program called Budget and You, where some of our anchors will look at the elements that matter to you and me. We will also make it much more interactive for the viewers. So, if people have questions, we will get tax experts to clarify them. If they have questions and clarifications required, we will have people give them the appropriate advice and the appropriate inputs.

Could you give us an idea of what goes on in the CNBC-TV18 Budget Newsroom? How big is the team involved and how are they prepped for the entire coverage?

Of course, theres a 25-year experience to fall back on, but how the preparation goes on, not just in the run-up to the budget, but the budget day and the post-budget analysis, which continue for several weeks after that  I think, it starts with having the clarity of purpose. And were very clear that our job is to educate, to inform, to clarify, and help people connect the dots. Our job is to help people take actionable decisions that are smart for them  be it with their investments or any other aspects of life choices  that is our purpose. And that drives everything that we do, that drives our newsroom, our programming strategy, our budget coverage as well. It is, of course, very dynamic.

And as a team over the years and especially on big days, you have to learn to be agile and nimble. You have to also be ready to factor in the fact that you could have your plans in place and then something could happen that could derail those plans. It requires you to be on-the-ball taking decisions in real-time. So, you have to be extremely dynamic in your decision-making. And I think over the years we have developed that instinct and our muscle memories fairly strong because we have learned on the job. I think that does kick in, and that certainly helps us deal with unexpected events or unexpected situations. But the most important is having clarity of purpose.

Two, I think, is alignment. Were a very well-connected team. We spend a lot of our time prepping for the big day. We do calls virtually every day, have meetings virtually every few days to take stock of the situation, to take stock of our guest list, to take stock of the shows that we are going to be focusing on, the themes that were going to be focusing on. So, theres a lot of prep work that happens and theres a lot of alignment and communication between us, the core team that is driving this effort.

One might think that with such an expansive exercise, we must have an expansive team. But actually CNBC-TV18 is a very lean machine. So, we dont operate with a very expansive team, but we operate with a very tightly knit and very efficient team, where responsibilities are very clearly allocated. And I think that helps because theres very clear allocation of whos going to be doing what, whos responsible for what. And hence, theres also accountability. And thats not just for Budget Day, thats how we live every day. Thats how we keep our newsroom going. And I think thats how we managed to retain our leadership because the attempt and the effort is to try and be better every day, to try and improve what we did the previous day. And that, to my mind, paves the way for excellence. So, that continues to drive us. Thats part of our DNA, thats part of who we are. And so even on big days like the Budget Day, I think thats what really keeps us going and keeps us ahead.
Ecom Express, a leading provider of technology-driven logistics solutions for e-commerce, announced the appointment of two senior executives to its leadership team. Jitendar Kumar joins the company as Chief Business Officer, while Abhinav Imandi takes on the role of Senior Vice President - Operations, Process Excellence, and Alternate Channels.

Commenting on Kumar's appointment, Ajay Chitkara, CEO & MD of Ecom Express, said: "Jitendar's proven track record in driving business growth and strategic thinking will be crucial in achieving our ambitious goals in India. His leadership and diverse background make him a valuable asset."

Kumar brings over 18 years of experience in sales leadership, having driven growth across domestic and international markets. Previously, he held positions at Hewlett Packard and Bharti Airtel, building high-performing teams. Kumar holds an MBA in Finance from NMIMS, Mumbai, and a BBA from Bangalore University.

"I am honored to join Ecom Express," said Jitendar Kumar, Chief Business Officer. "I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive innovation, expand our market reach, and deliver exceptional logistics services to our customers."

Expressing his confidence in Imandi, Vishwachetan Nadamani, Chief Operating Officer of Ecom Express, said: "Abhinav's extensive experience across various sectors will be a great asset. His enthusiasm aligns perfectly with our commitment to customer satisfaction."

With nearly 15 years of experience, Imandi is a people leader with expertise in consulting, sales operations, customer experience, and operations. He has thrived in diverse environments, leading teams at established companies, startups, and organizations of various sizes. Before joining Ecom Express, Imandi served as Chief Operating Officer at Milkbasket and held positions at Foodpanda and a travel tech startup. He holds a PGDBM in Marketing Strategy from Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, and a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Applied Electronics and Instrumentation from College of Engineering Trivandrum.

"I am excited by the opportunities at Ecom Express and eager to contribute to the company's continued success," said Abhinav Imandi. "The company's focus on innovation and excellence aligns with my goals. I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive efficiency, enhance processes, and explore new growth channels."

These appointments highlight Ecom Express's commitment to strengthening its leadership and achieving sustained growth. With Kumar's business expertise and Imandi's operational leadership, the company is well-positioned to expand its market presence, optimize operations, and deliver superior logistics solutions.
Foster Digital, a burgeoning digital marketing agency, proudly announces its latest achievement in securing the social media management and visual content mandate for Foce India, a renowned watch manufacturer. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Foster Digital's dedication to delivering top-tier digital marketing solutions and driving tangible results for its clients.

Foster Digital's comprehensive suite of services includes strategic social media management, performance-driven marketing strategies, and captivating visual storytelling through photography and videography. With experienced professionals at the helm, Foster Digital will spearhead Foce India's brand presence across various social media platforms and drive substantial growth in sales.

As part of the mandate, Foster Digital will leverage its expertise in performance marketing to implement targeted campaigns aimed at expanding Foce Indias reach, engaging with the target audience, and ultimately driving conversions. Additionally, the agency's adeptness in visual content creation will play a pivotal role in reinforcing Foce India's position as a premier brand in the watch industry.

This partnership represents more than just a collaboration. Our vision at Foster Digital is clear: to lead with foresight and innovation in the digital realm. We recognize the imperative of adaptability and excellence, and through strategic social media management and performance-driven marketing, we're poised to propel Foce India to new heights, driving tangible growth and long-term success. #OnAndBeyond said Rajesh Iyer, Co-Founder of Foster Digital.

"We chose Foster Digital for their proven track record of delivering impactful digital solutions. Their innovative approach to social media management and content creation aligns perfectly with our brand ethos, and we look forward to achieving great success together" said Manoj Agarwal, CEO of Foce India.
Google has renewed media deals with several smaller Australian publishers, while the Albanese Government considers pressuring Meta to pay millions to local publishers. According to the AFR, Google has extended agreements with News Corp, Times News Group, Solstice Media, Crikey, The Conversation, Womens Agenda, and Independent Media. These renewed contracts are for one year, with an option for Google to cancel after that period.

Previously, Seven and Nine secured five-year deals with Google, expiring in 2026, while smaller publishers had three-year agreements. Googles director of government affairs, Lucinda Longcroft, stated that over the past three years, Google has signed agreements with more than 80 Australian news businesses, supporting over 200 outlets.
MediaMint, a global AI-powered revenue and media operations services provider backed by Everstone Capital and Recognize, has announced the appointment of Rajeev Butani as Chief Executive Officer. Butani replaces current CEO and co-founder Aditya Vuchi, who will continue to support MediaMint as a member of the companys Board of Directors.

As we continue to accelerate innovation and revenue realization for businesses worldwide, we are excited to have Rajeev serve as CEO to guide us through the next phase of MediaMints expansion. Rajeev has served as Executive Chairman of the company and understands our business and culture and we look forward to his collaboration with MediaMint leadership, employees, and customers to build on our past successes" said Vuchi, who served as MediaMints CEO for the previous 14 years.

Prior to joining MediaMint in 2023 as Executive Chairman, Butani served with Accenture for more than 25 years, most recently as the Senior Managing Director and Group Technology Officer for Accentures Communications, Media, and Technology Operating Group globally. He also served on Accentures Global Leadership Counsel.

Rajeev is the right person to help drive adoption of MediaMints next generation services and going forward to help us identify acquisitions that will complement MediaMints vision of an AI-powered platform of services, said Avnish Mehra, Vice Chairman, Private Equity at Everstone Capital, and David Wasserman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Recognize. We are delighted to have Adityas full support in this transition and look forward to Rajeevs stewardship as we expand MediaMints global business.

With 2,000 employees across offices in San Francisco, New York, Hyderabad, and Krakow, MediaMint delivers operational support for digital marketing, including ad operations, creative services, and customer services. The company serves over 100 global customers, including prominent digital marketing platforms, publishers, and agencies. The digital marketing landscape is growing, driven by the proliferation of digital channels and creator platforms, enhanced data capabilities, and the increasing popularity of user generated digital content. As more businesses venture into digital advertising, MediaMint is strategically positioned to optimize advertising performance and reduce operational costs associated with establishing digital ad platforms, managing ad operations, and refining ad creatives.
Adgullys IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.

The event witnessed an insightful panel discussion on Navigating Geopolitics: The Role of Public Policy and ESG in Shaping Global Communication Strategies. The panel was led by Rahul Kashyap, Executive Director, PRP Group, and the esteemed panelists included:

Sonal Singh, Head - Corporate Communications, Jindal Stainless

Anil Patni, EU Policy and Outreach Expert, Apex Advisers

Sanghpriya Gautam, Director, Speyside.

The industry experts explored how geopolitical factors influence government actions and the resultant effects on businesses, particularly within the Indian manufacturing sector. They also delved into the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in shaping business strategies.

In todays global landscape, the interplay between geopolitics and corporate strategy is undeniable. Government decisions, often shaped by international dynamics, profoundly impact business operations.

Rahul Kashyap opened the conversation by posing a crucial question: How do you see that geopolitics affects government decisions and the effect of it on the corporate side of it?

Sonal Singh, representing the Indian manufacturing sector, provided insights into how communication strategies often come into play post-crisis. She explained, I believe a lot of communication strategies kick in after the geopolitical disaster has already happened. Citing the impact of Chinese imports on various industries in India, Singh highlighted how the Trump administrations Section 232 tariffs catalyzed global shifts from globalization to nationalization. She noted, That one decision of Trump triggered governments all across the world to take action.

Singh further illustrated the importance of timely government intervention by referencing Indias dependency on imported containers. Despite ample research and advocacy, significant policy changes often occur only during crises, such as the Galwan incident. She stated, India is such a large behemoth. There are so many other pressing issues in front of the government that sometimes things have just to be jerked into action.

Transitioning to the topic of ESG, Rahul Kashyap remarked on its critical importance and the perception of its weaponization. Anil Patni responded by tracing the evolution from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ESG. He observed, Before this buzzword of ESG came around... we had something called CSR.

Patni emphasized on the longstanding tradition of Indian companies engaging in social responsibility as a strategic business practice, which has now expanded to include environmental considerations due to global awareness initiatives like the IPCC reports. He added, Now, companies are forced to become good citizens. They have to pay attention to their carbon footprint.

Patni underscored the regulatory aspect, stating, In Europe, you have a European climate law. In India also, now it is compulsory for the top thousand companies... to compulsorily report on their environmental performance.

Sanghpriya Gautam elaborated on the intrinsic value of ESG, asserting its necessity. He stated, Everyone in this world is using resources... So thats how the environmental aspect of ESG comes in. Gautam stressed on the importance of addressing local needs and fostering sustainable CSR programs to ensure long-term benefits for communities. He highlighted the governance aspect by pointing out the safety concerns in regions like Gurgaon, which can deter investment. Gautam emphasized, Investment in ESG is not negative; you get really good returns.

In conclusion, the discussion illuminated the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on government actions and corporate strategies. The emphasis on ESG underscores its growing significance as a framework for responsible and sustainable business practices. As businesses navigate these complex dynamics, the integration of geopolitical awareness and ESG principles will be crucial for long-term success.

These are edited excerpts. For the complete panel discussion, please watch below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbdDQAcX6wk
Israel's military sent draft notices to 1,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men on Sunday following a court ruling last month that ended their blanket exemptions amid the country's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.

Another 2,000 ultra-Orthodox men, known as "Haredim," are scheduled to be called up in two more waves during the next four weeks, the Times of Israel reported.

Most Jewish men and women in Israel are required to serve three or two years, respectively, on active duty and remain reservists until around 40, according to the Associated Press.

Members of the ultra-Orthodox community, have been exempted since Israel was founded in 1948 so the men could pursue religious studies in seminary schools called yeshivas.

But a 2017 Supreme Court ruling struck down a law codifying the exemptions and on June 25 it unanimously ordered the military to start drafting ultra-Orthodox men.

The directive sparked public protests and Reuters reported that some Haredi rabbis have told men in their communities to burn their conscription papers.

About 1.3 million Israelis are ultra-Orthodox and they comprise about 13% of the country's population.

Two Haredi political parties are part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fragile coalition government and new parliamentary elections would likely have be held if they were to pull out.
The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) APAC has launched the "Asia Go-To-Market Primer 2024," offering strategic insights for establishing communication programmes across Asia.

Covering 13 markets, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka, the primer provides detailed profiles of each region's socioeconomic, media, and cultural landscapes. It also suggests budget guidelines for strategic communications activities.

Led by Caroline Hsu, Co-Chair of PRCA APAC and Chief Global Officer at The Hoffman Agency, the initiative aims to address Asia's growing complexity and diversity. Hsu emphasized the need for recognizing Asia's digital maturity, economic growth, and cultural uniqueness to create impactful campaigns.
As national Democrats began lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Bidens decision to suspend his re-election campaign, Alabama Sen. Katie Britt Sunday blasted Harris for her record with the administration.

Changing the president in this case isnt going to change the policies, Britt told AL.com Sunday afternoon. Biden and Harris policies over the last four years have truly made us weaker and more vulnerable at every turn.

In a post on social media platform X, Britt called Harris even more radical than Biden on border and immigration policies.

This administrations border czar is the last person who should be entrusted with our nations future, Britt stated.

This administrations border czar is the last person who should be entrusted with our nations future.



Kamala Harris is even more radical on border and immigration policies than Joe Biden.



A Trump-Vance administration will bring back:

secure borders

safe streets

stable  Katie Britt (@KatieBrittforAL) July 21, 2024

Britts senatorial colleague Tommy Tuberville earlier called on Biden to resign immediately, saying he was never mentally fit to be President.

Tubervilles comments echoed those made earlier by former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election.

In an interview, Britt said the narrative on Biden changed due to his performance in the June 27 televised debate against former President Donald Trump, when Biden was criticized for his slow responses. Britt said the entire country has been in a bit of chaos since the debate, and that lies solely at the feet of Joe Biden, his advisors and his family.

To see the President of the United States in the way he was, I think, was unsettling not only for American but our allies across the world, Britt said. He wasnt just going to be the Democratic nominee, he is our current commander-in-chief. The weakness he has exhibited throughout his presidency culminated in that evening.

Britt echoed the call of other Republicans, that Biden dropping out of the campaign shows he is not capable of serving the rest of his presidential term. He cited the report in February from Special Counsel Robert Hur, who said Biden might present himself in a courtroom as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.

If hes not capable of sitting in a courtroom, hes not capable of sitting in the Situation Room, she said. Hes shown consistently hes not capable.

Making the same case as her post on X, Britt said Harris had proven as border czar that she could not handle the job. Biden in 2021 put Harris in charge of coordinating diplomatic relationships to address the root causes of migration. Under the Biden Administration, she said, the number of border crossings is the highest in history, and the number of got-aways - migrants who are detected by cameras and sensors crossing into the U.S. illegally, but not taken into custody - was 1.9 million.

She was in the captains seat and chose to do nothing, Britt said. If thats the kind of leadership she is going to provide the American people, thats all anybody needs to know.

Britt also spoke about Americans coping with a dizzying set of stories over the last week, from the assassination attempt on Trump to Bidens bowing out. She said Americans have had really difficult times before and there is grit in everyone.

We are all Americans, she said. The most important thing is not whether you are a Democrat or Republican, but we are Americans. After what weve seen with the assassination attempt, and now, its important that we remember we dont have to agree with someone to show respect. Our democracy was founded on people being able to express different ideas and opinions and figuring out a path forward. We may disagree with someones policy and posture, but it doesnt mean we have to denigrate them as people.
Advanced Placement courses can save college-going students time and thousands of dollars in credits, but the opportunity to take college-level coursework varies widely in Alabama.

A total of 285 Alabama public and private schools were authorized to offer Advanced Placement courses to high school students in the 2023-24 school year, according to an AL.com analysis of College Board data. Scroll down to see the statewide list.
Our fascination with soda fountains stems from many things: They are uniquely American, they recall a simpler, bygone time and they provide the good, old-fashioned fun of enjoying ice cream treats with friends. Theres just something about watching ice cream scooped out and piled high  and topped with nuts or whipped cream or malt  that is more exciting than buying it in a carton in a store.

A unique feature of soda fountains is that they were typically paired with pharmacies  at least in their earliest years. Why is that? Ellison Place Soda Shop in Nashville offers this piece of history: Soda fountains originated in corner pharmacies, where pharmacists  with knowledge of science  would dispense soothing tonics that became tasty treats. Over time, the servers became known as soda jerks for the dramatic flair in the way they pulled on the soda handles and flipped scoops of ice cream.

Many sodas themselves, including Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper and Pepsi, were developed by pharmacists who were experimenting with ways to help soothe stomach and other ailments. Adding ice cream was, well, just ice cream on the float.

A number of old-timey soda fountains still exist  the kind with marble bar tops and sundae glasses that serve thick shakes, malteds and, in some cases, even egg creams.

We found some across the South, most more than 100 years old, that are definitely worth a visit.

SundaeImage by binamg from Pixabay

Borroums Drug Store and Soda Fountain

604 E Waldron Street, Corinth MS

In 1865, Dr. Jack Borroum, a Civil War veteran, opened a drug store for both wholesale and retail sales in Corinth. It is now Mississippis oldest continuously operating pharmacy and soda fountain.

Today, Borroums is still operated by the family, the website says. The old soda fountain is still very much in the center of things and is kept in perfect operation .... It has everything from real malted milk to their famous ice cream sodas. Of course, there are the cherry phosphates and genuine old-fashioned cokes.

Brents Drugs

655 Duling Avenue, Jackson MS

Brents Drugs in Jackson opened in 1946 and still features the same soda fountain. The website says: The large dining space was renovated in 2014 but has kept its charm with stainless steel accents and bright teal banquettes, stools and chairs. Large windows let people see everything going on inside under an orange neon sign.

These days, Brents serves up ice cream favorites and diner comfort foods.

MilkshakeImage by Daniel Mena from Pixabay

Elliston Place Soda Shop

2105 Elliston Place, Nashville TN

Were one part soda shop, one part meat-and-three, and one hundred percent bona fide Southern eatery. In the 85 years since, weve made a name for ourselves by treating people like family, and treating them to the best stick-to-your-ribs comfort food around -- so says the Elliston Place website. In 1939, 23-year-old Lynn Chandler opened the soda fountain business in Elliston Pharmacy and it continues to be a popular eatery today.

Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel

111 North State St, Fort Davis TX



The Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel is unique among soda fountains. The store opened in 1913 inside the Hotel Limpia. In 1950, the business was moved across the street to where it is today, its website says. Its still got a red-topped 22-foot-long soda fountain and still operates as a hotel. A wooden exterior facade and Mission-style dark wood booths inside give it a Western feel.

Inside, visitors can get homestyle cooking, vintage soda and ice cream treats, or book one of six hotel rooms for a stay in historic Fort Davis.

SundaeImage by Julius H. from Pixabay

La Kings Confectionary and Ice Cream Parlour

2323 The Strand, Galveston TX

In 1927, Jimmy King began making candy in Houston; his eldest son, Jack, moved the operation to Galveston in 1976. Using the 19th-century formulas and methods handed down to him, Jack still uses traditional equipment and procedures to make confections, the website says, adding, La Kings features a working 1920s soda fountain serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, splits, floats and your favorite fountain treats. It serves Purity ice cream, which was the first ice cream maker in Texas, founded in 1889 on Galveston Island.

Leopolds Ice Cream Shop

212 East Broughton Street, Savannah GA

Leopolds Ice Cream Shop was founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece: George, Peter and Basil Leopold. The brothers brought their secret formulas with them and created their beloved ice cream.

Generations of Savannahians have loved Leopolds Ice CreamLocals still talk about the malts, milkshakes, black and white sodas, and banana splits served by the soda jerks who worked at Leopolds. Leopolds ice cream and sherbet molds were a holiday highlight in Savannahs finest clubs and the shop was always a popular destination after concerts, dances, and high school sporting events, the website said.

Savannahs own Johnny Mercer, a well-known songwriter, grew up a block away from Leopolds and worked at the shop as a boy, according to the website.

Payne's Soda Fountain in Scottsboro, Ala.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Paynes Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain

101 East Laurel Street, Scottsboro AL

Paynes is Alabamas oldest soda fountain, opening in 1869 when pharmacist W.H. Payne near the railroad tracks. According to AL.coms Bob Carlton, Paynes settled into its current spot across from the Jackson County Courthouse in 1891. In 1939, an addition made it the largest soda fountain ever in this county, the local newspaper said at the time. The pharmacy closed more than 30 years ago, but the soda fountain lives on in all its retro glory  from the vintage advertising signs to the black-and-white checkerboard floor, Carlton said. It is now operated by the mother-daughter team, Lisa Garrett and Jessica Walton.

The Pickwick in Greenville, S.C., has been run by the Odom family for three generations and is celebrating more than 75 years in the business.Photo courtesy of Pickwick Pharmacy

The Pickwick Pharmacy Soda Fountain

3219 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC

The Pickwick has been run by the Odom family for three generations and is celebrating more than 75 years in the business. The soda shop inside, which seats about 50, is currently operated by Pink Mamas Ice Cream. The shop serves sandwiches, shakes and malts, fresh-squeezed orangeade and lemonade, hotdogs and chili dogs, 20 flavors of ice cream, and cherry and vanilla cokes served from a 1949 soda fountain, the website says.

Timberlakes Drug Store and Soda Fountain

322 E Main Street, Charlottesville VA

Timberlakes, a pharmacy and soda fountain, says on its Facebook page: The menu of Mr. Sandwiches (Mr. Tom, Mr. George, and Mr. Ham, among others) includes egg, tuna, and chicken salad, but youll also find old-fashioned malted milkshakes and ice cream sundaes. You really cant lose when perched on a red leather stool in an establishment thats been a local favorite since 1917.

Trowbridge's ice cream and sandwich shop has been an institution in downtown Florence, Ala., since Paul Trowbridge opened his creamery in 1918. His great-granddaughter, Pam Trowbridge, carries on the family tradition.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Trowbridges Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop

316 North Court Street, Florence AL

Trowbridges Creamery was opened in 1918 by dairy farmer Paul Trowbridge on North Court Street. The shop is not only still in the same location, but it also remains in the same family, says Bob Carlton of AL.com. It is currently owned by Pam Trowbridge, the great-granddaughter of Paul Trowbridge. Trowbridges signature flavor is orange-pineapple, which the Alabama Tourism Department has featured on its list of100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama.

BONUS: Goolricks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain

901 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg VA

UNDER RENOVATION

Goolricks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain opened in 1897 in Fredericksburg, Va. This well-known store, known as Americas Longest Continuously Operated Soda Fountain, is expected to reopen in 2025 for 125+ more years of egg salad and bacon sandwiches and magnificent milkshakes!

You can follow along with the renovation with video episodes on the website.
Folk music legend Happy Traum died of cancer at the age of 86.

The New York Times reported that Traums wife, Jane, said he died after undergoing surgery for the cancer.

Traum and his brother, Artie, released five albums  the first called Happy and Artie.

Artie died from liver cancer in 2008.

Happy Traum recorded and performed with Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Levon Helm of the Band and the reggae star Peter Tosh.

Per Deadline, he was part of a 1963 session that featured Dylan, Seeger, Phil Ochs and other folk stars that created the seminal folk album Broadside Ballads, Vol. 1. Among the tracks on that album was Traums duet with Dylan, who used the pseudonym Blind Boy Grunt, on Dylans antiwar song Let Me Die in My Footsteps.

Traum was a self-taught musician. His career reportedly began in the 1950s and he was called a stalwart of the Greenwich Village music scene in the 1960s.

The New York Times called Traum an enduring presence in the folk world for more than six decades.

He is survived by his wife and two daughter, Merry and April Trau, a son, Adam, and he had four grandchildren.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jerry Miller died Saturday night in Tacoma, Washington, at age 81. No cause has been given.

Sadly, Jerry Miller passed away last night, said the fan page post. Jo and the family are asking for everyone to please give them some privacy and respect, and Jo asked that people cease phone calls for the time being. Thank you.

His death was reported on the Moby Grape Facebook fan page and by journalist Eric Brenner.

Eric Clapton reportedly once called him the greatest guitar player in the world, and while Rolling Stone didnt hold him in quite as high regard, it still once ranked him among the greatest 100 all-time.

His career began in the late 1950s, playing and recording with popular Northwest dance-rock bands. He contributed guitar work to an early version of the hit record I Fought the Law by The Bobby Fuller Four, and later toured with Fuller.

Miller was a contemporary of Jimi Hendrix and Larry Coryell, and they would often get together to watch touring bands visiting the Seattle area.

Deadline reported that he toured with Bobby Fuller of I Fought the Law, fame and even did some early guitar work on that hit.

Moby Grape was formed in San Francisco in 1966 with Miller was the lead guitarist in the three-guitar band. After leaving Moby Grape, Miller helped form The Rhythm Dukes and also performed as a solo artist.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Alabama Democratic Party has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

State Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley issued a statement Monday, one day after President Joe Biden stepped aside in the race and endorsed his former running mate, Harris.

Kelley said the state party has joined with the Association of State Democratic Chairs in endorsing Harris.

Kamala Harris has been an integral part of the successes of the Biden-Harris presidency and those successes are many, Kelley said. From historic investments in small business, job creation, and forgiving millions in student loans, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have guided America with a steady hand after four years of Donald Trumps chaos. We are better off than we were four years ago.

The announcement Monday by the state Democratic Party follows endorsements of Harris by other state Democratic officials including U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, and Shomari Figures, Democratic nominee in the states 2nd Congressional District.

Alabama Republicans, meanwhile, have accused Democrats of covering up Bidens diminished mental acuity and said voters will reject the policies of the Biden administration in the election regardless of the nominee. Sen. Tommy Tuberville called on Biden to resign and Sen. Katie Britt said Harris has been instrumental in policies that have weakened the nation.

But state Democratic Chair Kelley said it is Trumps policies that will send the country in the wrong direction. The Democratic National Convention is set for Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago.

The contrast between Trump and Vice President Harris could not be clearer, Kelley said. Donald Trump is a threat to the very fabric of our Democracy. His plans for America are nefarious. We cannot allow him the opportunity to implement Project 2025. We must unite behind Vice President Harris as the Democratic Party nominee and pledge our full support. And when Alabama Democrats are united, theres no limit to what we can do.
An Alabama pastor whose grandson is accused in the horrific killings of his wife and four children chronicled what happened in the immediate moments before and after the deadly shootings.

The Rev. Allan Kendrick, who along with his wife Gay leads Oasis of Praise church in McCalla, addressed the quintuple homicide during his sermon Sunday.

Kendricks grandson, 32-year-old Brandon Allan Kendrick II, is charged with five counts of capital murder. The charges are four counts of capital murder of a child under the age of 14, and one count of capital murder in the slayings of two or more people in one act.

Killed were Brandon Kendricks wife of six years, 24-year-old Kelse Kendrick, and their two children Kaleb Kendrick, 6 and Kynli Kendrick, 2. The couples niece and nephew, Haley Daniels, 6, and Colton Daniels, who would have turned 9 on Tuesday, were also killed.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family pay for the estimated $50,000 in burial costs.

Ive had a few people call (and say), Pastor, you cant preach Sunday. You cant get up and preach Sunday with what youve been through and whats going on with you. Its going to be too hard,' Pastor Kendrick told the congregation.

No, when heard this, I will look into the hills from which cometh my help,' he said. My help cometh from the Lord.

What Im doing right now, Ill get criticized for, he said. Im supposed to be mourning. Im supposed to be grieving. Im supposed to be incapable of doing anything. I should be at home with my blinds pulled.

The shooting happened at the home of Pastor Kendrick. His grandson and family lived in the garage apartment on the West Blocton property.

The large, close-knit family earlier that day had gathered at the home of Bill Morrow, Kelse Kendricks grandfather, for a pool party to celebrate Colton.

Brandon Kendrick did not attend Coltons party.

Kynli Kendrick, 2, (not pictured) Kaleb Kendrick, 6, Colton Daniels, 8, and Haley Daniels, 6, were shot to death Thursday, July 18, just hours after Colton's birthday pool party.GoFundMe

The plan, said cousin Shannon McCoy, was for Kelse Kendrick and all four children to spend the night at Morrows home after the party. Haley and Coltons mother, Jessica Morrow, had surgery planned for the following day and Kelse Kendrick was keeping the children since Jessica Morrow  her aunt  had to be at the hospital early Friday morning.

Brandon Kendrick repeatedly called his wife, telling her to come home.

Ultimately, McCoy said, Kelse Kendrick agreed to return home. Jessica Morrow took Kelse Kendrick and the four children back to the garage apartment.

Pastor Kendrick talked in church Sunday about what happened next.

Ten minutes before I heard a gunshot, my grandson was sitting in my bedroom with me and Gay, laughing, talking, talked about the first time we ever took him to a restaurant for his 13th birthday, Pastor Kendrick said. Hed never been in a restaurant.

All hed ever known for 12 years was abuse - physical, sexual, mental, drug.

When I got him at 12 years old, he weighed 58 pounds, Pastor Kendrick said. He was on nine different psychotic medicines.

The pastor went on to say that the system failed his grandson. When Brandon Kendrick turned 18, Pastor Kendrick said, they took him off disability and took him off medication because the family couldnt afford to buy it since his Medicaid was canceled.

Gay and I watched him all these years try so hard, the pastor said. We talked to every agency, we talked to everybody, we tried everything. We had him institutionalized in hospitals only to have him discharged with no medication, no follow, up no doctor.

Kelse Kendrick and her young son and daughter were among five people killed in Bibb County on July 18, 2024. Kelse's husband, Brandon Kendrick, is charged with capital murder.(Special to AL.com)

Pastor Kendrick said in the predawn hours of that Thursday, Brandon Kendrick had called 911 asking for help, only to be turned down, he said.

In the bedroom with me and Gay, we talked about the J. Alexanders lunch we took him to and a few other things. We were laughing and talking, the pastor said. His wife had gotten home. She came in, laughed with us a little while, left.

He (Brandon) got up, 10 minutes later, Pow' Pastor Kendrick said.

I told Gay, Thats a gunshot,' he said. She said it was.

Moments later, Brandon Kendrick walked into the bedroom with a gun in his hand. Gay Kendrick was closest to him.

She grabbed the gun. It went off, Pastor Kendrick said. I dont know how it kept from hitting her.

Yeah, yeah I do know, he said. Because our prayer time that night, about an hour before this incident, our prayer team stood here and joined hands and prayed for mine and Gays safety, he said. I had reached out to several of the church members, they were helping me trying to get some kind of help. So, they prayed for us.

I was able to subdue him, Pastor Kendrick said of his grandson. And once that happened, he didnt know where he was at.

He started asking me and Gay, Where am I at? Wheres Kelse? Why are you angry? Whatd I do wrong,' he said.

Ten minutes before that hes laughing, talking and having a pretty good time, Pastor Kendrick said. Dont you think that if you dont have Jesus, youre going to walk out of here and everythings going to be cool because you aint no match for the devil.

Do you think youre strong enough to resist the devil if he were to possess you? he said. You better get your heart right with God, because you may be the next one on national news.
An Alabama State Trooper is among six people indicted in a drug distribution conspiracy.

Middle District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross announced the indictments Monday.

Those indicted are: 57-year-old Jim Carter, Jr., of Montgomery; 38-year-old Francisco Lopez, of Texas; 40-year-old Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, a Mexican national; 63-year-old Saundra S. Curry, of Deatsville; 37-year-old Bryce Johnson, of Union Springs and 52-year-old Michael Anthony Evans, an Alabama State Trooper from Montgomery.

They are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Investigators on June 10 conducted surveillance at a home on Edgar D. Nixon in Avenue.

Shortly before noon, according to the federal complaint, federal agents saw a gray Dodge Ram truck with Texas license plates arrive at the location.

A short time later, Carters Toyota Rav 4 also arrived at the location.

Maria Lopez and Francisco Lopez got out of the Dodge Ram, as did two children ages 14 and 4.

Curry and Carter got out of the Rav 4.

At 12:02 p.m., DEA agents carried out a search warrant at the home. As they approached, charging documents state, they saw Carter and Francisco Lopez trying to remove a battery from the bed of the Ram.

Agents secured everyone present.

During the search, agents found two batteries in the bed of the Dodge Ram. Inside of each battery was about 3 kilograms of cocaine, for a total of 6 kilos.

About 155.8 gross grams of crack cocaine was found inside the home.

The Lopezes told DEA agents they came to Montgomery looking for a house to rent.

While searching the Ram truck, there was only one small suitcase for four people, which is indicative of a short trip, the agent wrote.

Additionally, documents state the Ram had been in Houston on June 8, which the agent said is a known source city where the drugs come into the U.S.

Multiple times, the agent said, a Hispanic male used a public bus line from Houston to Montgomery and was picked up by Carter and taken to the home on Edgar D. Nixon. The man would then return to Houston the same night or the following night on a public bus.

Maria Lopez is also charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. after being deported in 2013.

Federal documents do not state the alleged role of Evans, who is a senior state trooper, in the conspiracy.

ALEA officials said Monday Evans was placed on mandatory leave Thursday, immediately following his arrest.

If convicted, Carter and Francisco Lopez face a sentence range of 10 years to life in prison.

The potential punishment for the other four defendants is up to 20 years in prison.

The DEA investigated the case, with cooperation from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark E. Andreu is prosecuting.
Alabama is a Republican stronghold in statewide races, so President Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race on Sunday is not likely to change former President Trumps expected dominance in the state in November.

But Alabama does have a competitive congressional race - the redrawn 2nd District - where the Democrats hope to flip a Republican seat and elect the second Democratic member in Alabamas seven-member U.S. House delegation.

Democratic nominee Shomari Figures of Mobile, a former official in the Obama administration and the U.S. Justice Department, faces Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson, an attorney from Montgomery.

On Sunday, the two candidates issued statements taking different positions on the significance of Bidens decision.

Joe Biden realizes he is incapable of serving a second term, but many Americans can plainly see he is in no condition to finish this term, Dobson said.  Biden should immediately resign from office, and if Shomari Figures cares about our nation, he will join my call for him to step down now.

Figures responded to Bidens announcement with a statement praising the president.

President Biden gave his entire life (to) public service, Figures said. Through the tragic deaths of his wife, his young daughter, and his son Beau, he continued to lead. He gave his all to this nation, and answered the call to restore the soul of America at a time when we needed it most. He navigated us through the greatest threat to our Democracy in over 150 years and through the worst pandemic in world history. President Biden delivered for this nation and the state of Alabama.

Just last week his administration awarded Alabama the largest federal grant ever in the history of the state for an infrastructure project that will have transformative economic impacts in Mobile and across the region. On behalf of all of those who call Alabama - and especially District 2 - home, Thank You, Joe.

After withdrawing Biden endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, and Figures said that was the right call.

I first met Kamala Harris back in 2012 when she was Attorney General and was helping us get President Barack Obama reelected, Figures said. She had our back then, and we have her back now. I fully support Vice President Harris for the Democratic nomination and look forward to casting my ballot for the first Black woman to be President of the United States.
A woman who claimed to be psychic in order to mastermind a scheme that resulted in a Maryland man embezzling more than $4 million from his employer has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia announced Thursday.

Gina Rita Russell, 35, is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the scheme, after being indicted in 2018 along with her ex-common-law husband Robert Evans, his brothers Tony John Evans and Corry Blue Evans, and the brothers parents, Archie Kaslov and Candy Evans, all of New York.

The "elaborate" scheme dates back to 2009, when Russell performed a "psychic reading" for a New York woman, though she has no psychic powers, and convinced her that bad things would happen to her unless she raised large sums of money for Russell and her family.

The woman began paying Russell money from her lawful jobs, but that wasn't enough. Russell convinced the woman to lie to her father so he would send her large sums of money for expenses such as therapy and university tuition. When the woman's father eventually stopped sending money, Russell convinced the woman to engage in sex work.

As a sex worker, the woman met a client from Maryland who eventually declared his love for her and proposed, despite being married with children. "Preying on his affection," the woman conspired with Russell and her family to extort money and gold bars from the victim.

The woman claimed her life was in danger because she owed money to bad people. In order to help her, the Maryland man embezzled more than $4 million from his Washington, D.C., employer between January and March of 2017.

As part of the scheme, Russell had Tony John Evans impersonate a mobster during calls with the Maryland man, and threaten the lives of his children. Russell also dictated threatening text messages and instructed the New York woman on what to say to the Maryland man.

The man dropped large sums of cash and gold bars at various drop locations in New York, believing he was delivering the money to mobsters. The money was in fact going to members of the Russell-Evans-Kaslov family.

Russell pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion in 2019, and her sentencing was initially scheduled to happen after her five co-defendants were sentenced, but was delayed further after authorities discovered she ran a similar scheme in Los Angeles.

Russell had convinced a Los Angeles woman she had psychic powers, convinced her to defraud her father, and when that money ran out, persuaded her to raise additional funds through sex work.

After that scheme was uncovered, a warrant was issued for Russell's arrest in March of this year, and she has remained in custody since.

Russell was sentenced Thursday to 125 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,217,542.86 in restitution.

Tony John Evans, 35, and Robert Evans, 37, were each sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. Corry Blue Evans, 31, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Archie Kaslov, 57, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Candy Evans, 55, pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness by corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

With TMX
Two Republican lawmakers from Montgomery who are sponsoring a bill that would allow the governor or attorney general to appoint interim police chiefs for cities say the goal is to put inspirational leaders in place to help hire and keep more cops on the job.

Rep. Reed Ingram said he believes Birmingham could benefit from the state intervention the bill would allow. Sen. Will Barfoot, who chairs the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee, said he does not know enough about Birminghams circumstances to make a judgement but said the legislation would put a mechanism in place to help determine whether such a step is justified.

This is not a target on Birmingham, or not necessarily even Montgomery, Barfoot said. But this does give the attorney general or the governor the ability to assist whats going on in municipalities around the state as far as their law enforcement, let them make the appropriate decision as to whether they want to install an interim chief.

Could Birmingham use that? Possibly. But again, I dont know what the morale is, I dont know whats happening with the attrition rate with the police department up there. If this legislation passes, it would be up to the attorney general and the governor to look at those factors.

Ingram said he believes stronger leadership is the key to recruiting and retaining police officers in Birmingham, Montgomery, and other cities.

When youre working for somebody, I dont know that higher pay is the answer, Ingram said. I think (the answer is) working conditions and being able to back our police officers up and support law enforcement.

When your heart is into serving, putting your life on the line, whether its law enforcement or military, if you dont lead by an example, I just think that people can sense that.

I think that the mayor of Birmingham is a good person. I think the mayor of Montgomery is a good person. But a lot of times, a good person doesnt mean that theyre going to be set to lead in a lot of areas, in every area.

Barfoot and Ingram have pre-filed their bill, SB3 and HB14, for the legislative session that starts in February. The bill says the attorney general or governor, in consultation with one another, may appoint an interim police chief for a city if they determine there is an ongoing threat to public safety.

The bill would require a finding that police staffing in the city is 30% or more below the average number for the preceding 10 years. It would require consultation with the district attorney, sheriff, and crime victims, as well as a review of relevant crime statistics.

The interim police chief would work under the authority of the attorney general or the governor that appointed them, not the mayor or city council. The interim police chief would continue in the job until the attorney general or governor, in consultation, determined that the threat to public safety no longer existed.

The Alabama League of Municipalities has concerns that the bill would erode the ability of cities to make the best decisions about their own citizens needs.

Public safety is one of the most critical services municipalities provide, League of Municipalities Executive Director Greg Cochran said. The Alabama League of Municipalities and our membership believe that local government is the government closest to the people and therefore should retain authority in making decisions regarding personnel and department operations based on their communities unique needs and circumstances. Our organization has and will continue to collaborate with state leaders on a variety of issues, including public safety, and is always open to discussing ideas and resource opportunities that do not undermine local authority.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed expressed similar concerns in a statement last month opposing the bill.

I, along with other mayors as well as municipal organizations across Alabama, have issues with legislation like this, Reed said. At a time when we should all be working together, I would hope that Representative Ingram and Senator Barfoot would work with our entire local state legislative delegation to provide solutions as opposed to introducing local preemption bills that undermine municipal authority and interfere with a citys right to govern itself.

Rick Journey, communications director for Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, said his office would not comment on the legislation.

Ingram said the goal is to improve public safety. He said cities should not view the state intervention as a takeover but as a resource.

This is not about taking anything away, Ingram said. This is just giving them the opportunity to say, Hey, I need your help state. And we need to make sure we keep these citizens in our town safe.

Ingram said there is justification for state intervention because he said the state and counties, not cities, bear the bulk of the cost for prosecuting and incarcerating those who commit serious crimes.

Barfoot said the right leadership for police departments is especially important because of multiple factors that deter people from law enforcement careers.

Theyre villainized by the media, social media, Barfoot said. That accompanied with the fact that youre going to do your job, you may not come home the next day. You may get sued or prosecuted for doing your job.

Barfoot said those factors hurt morale in the ranks and make it more important to hire the right chief.

Hopefully that legislation would allow the AG or the governor to put somebody in there who is law enforcement minded, who has the backing of the men and women that serve under them and would also be a champion for those that are employed by that police chief, Barfoot said.

Barfoot said the goal of the legislation, if it passes and is applied to a municipality, would be to install strong leaders. He mentioned the example of General George S. Patton.

Thats the goal, Barfoot said. Obviously, the Legislature doesnt get to choose. The legislation allows the governor, the attorney general, those that are at the top of the executive branches, the governor and the top, chief law enforcement officer as the AG, they have the opportunity to put somebody in that role. But my guess is they would be looking at somebody who doesnt have their hands tied politically who can inspire men and women who work under them, who has the confidence of the men and women under them.

Ingram said the high level of turnover in the police chief position in Birmingham and in Montgomery is reason for concern. Barfoot made the same assertion about Montgomery.

In June, the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge that includes most Birmingham officers said the lodge was considering a vote on no-confidence in the departments leadership, including Chief Scott Thurmond, who was appointed by Mayor Randall Woodfin in 2022. The FOP had issued a vote of no-confidence against the previous chief, Patrick Smith, in 2021. Also in June, Woodfin announced major changes to the police command staff.

In May, Birmingham City Council President Darrell OQuinn called attention to a report showing that Birmingham had almost 300 unfilled police officer positions out of the 720 in the budget.

The story is similar in Montgomery. In May, the president of the local FOP raised concerns in a letter to the mayor and city council, saying that morale was low and that the police department was about 200 officers short of the needed number of 490.

Montgomery Mayor Reed disputed the FOPs claim of low morale in the police department. Reed has proposed a plan to increase officer pay to address the shortage.

In June, Reed responded to a rising public outcry about crime in the city with a proposal to the city council for a $6 million community intervention program.

Also in June, Reed appointed law enforcement veteran Jim Graboys interim police chief to replace Darryl Albert, who resigned in April after he was suspended. Graboys was a senior compliance specialist with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, had served as police chief at Alabama State University from 2012 through 2019 and previously served in the Montgomery Police Department for 20 years. Reed named Lawrence Battiste, former police chief and executive director of public safety in Mobile, as special public safety advisor to the mayor.

Woodfin has called on citizens to do more to help Birmingham police solve violent crime, urging them to break a code of silence that protects perpetrators, particularly in cases where innocent children die.

On July 13, seven people died in Birmingham in two separate shooting incidents. A mother, her 5-year-old son, and her boyfriend were shot to near the entrance to Echo Highlands Park, which on the citys east side. Two men and two women were killed and 10 others were injured in a drive-by mass shooting at a private party at a north Birmingham social club.
If Kamala Harris becomes the new Democratic pick for presidential candidate in 2024, shell need to choose a vice president, and fast.

President Joe Biden made a blockbuster announcement Sunday that he will bow out of the race for reelection. He has endorsed Harris as his replacement. One of the biggest questions: If she is nominated at the August convention, who will serve as her second?

Here are names of potential picks from influential states:

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, who rapidly on Sunday endorsed Harris.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has also been floated as a potential challenger to Harris.

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, who could draw Black voters in the key swing state, where hes proven he can beat Republicans.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a deep-pocketed billionaire who has already stated support for Harris.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who as a Democrat has won his deep-red state twice.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a popular Democratic governor in a swing state who has said she would never say never to serving on a two-woman ticket. She endorsed Harris Monday.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper campaigned with Harris in his state recently. In an interview on CNN, former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean threw his support behind the Harris-Cooper ticket, saying, I think we would pick up North Carolina as a result. The state voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is another popular governor in a swing state, although hes only been in office for two years.

Of course, voters across the country may discuss -- and ask their delegates -- to consider other possibilities. Harris Woodfin 2024, one resident commented on a Sunday post from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin commending Biden and supporting Harris.
Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat turned independent, is considering a run as his former partys nominee after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection in 2024, CNN reports.

Read the full CNN report.

CNNs Jake Tapper reports Manchin is considering re-registering as a Democrat and testing the waters for a presidential run.

Manchin, 76, on Sunday called for Biden to step aside during CNNs State of the Union with host Tapper.

I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think its time to pass the torch to a new generation, the West Virginia lawmaker told CNNs Jake Tapper during the Sunday episode of State of the Union.

Manchin said he did not speak publicly about Bidens debate performance to give the president a week to evaluate the strategy moving forward. He also said he wanted to allow his colleagues who are in tight races to comment.

I thought the first week was needed for the president to evaluate, talk to his family, his staff, and make some decisions, Manchin told Tapper.

Im concerned about the presidents health and well-being I really am, Manchin said on ABCs This Week, per the AP.

Manchin also said he believes Biden has the opportunity to use the remainder of his term to unite the country, calm political rhetoric and show the world how a peaceful transfer of power can be done by the superpower of the world in a most respectful way.

Im hoping for that because I think itll leave him with a tremendous legacy as one of the greatest leaders that weve had, Manchin said.

He also said replacing Biden on the ticket should be in an open process. He said he is partial to governors because governors cant afford to be partial. He singled out Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, as leaders who havent divided their states and have instead brought people together.

Right now, the country and the world needs our president, Joe Biden, with the compassion hes always had and the ability to bring people together, to use all of his forces and energy towards that, Manchin said.

Shortly after announcing he will not run, Biden publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on the Democratic ticket.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made, Biden said in a statement. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

The AP reports Manchin said he was not trying to have Harris replaced. A healthy competition is what its all about, Manchin said.

Manchin, who became an independent in May after years as a Democrat, is not seeking reelection to the Senate.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A deadly shooting at an Alabama home that left a 24-year-old mother and four children dead happened shortly after a birthday party honoring one of the slain kids.

Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade said they received a 911 call at 8:18 p.m. about a child that had been shot on Greentree Drive area of Bibb County.

They arrived to find five people shot - including four children under the age of 9.

Kelse Kendrick, 24, was found with a gunshot wound to the head, according to charging documents. Her two children, a son and a daughter, as well as a niece and nephew, were also shot.

Three of the children were dead on the scene. Kelse Kendrick and her niece were airlifted to Birmingham hospitals where they later died.

A GoFundMe for the family identified the slain children as Kaleb Kendrick, 6, Kynli Kendrick, 2, Haley Daniels, 6, and Colton Daniels, who would have turned 9 on Tuesday.

Kelse Kendricks husband, 32-year-old Brandon Allan Kendrick II, is charged with five counts of capital murder. The charges are four counts of capital murder of a child under the age of 14, and one count of capital murder in the slayings of two or more people in one act.

He was still on the scene when police arrived and was taken into custody.

The shooting happened at the home of Brandon Kendricks grandparents, Oasis of Praise Church lead pastors Allan and Gay Kendrick. Kelse Kendrick, her husband of six years and their two children lived in a garage apartment behind the pastors home in the West Blocton area.

The large, close-knit family had gathered at the home of Bill Morrow, Kelse Kendricks grandfather, for a pool party to celebrate Colton.

Brandon Kendrick did not attend Coltons party.

The plan, said cousin Shannon McCoy, was for Kelse Kendrick and all four children to spend the night at Morrows home after the party. Haley and Coltons mother, Jessica Morrow, had surgery planned for the following day and Kelse Kendrick was keeping the children since Jessica Morrow  her aunt  had to be at the hospital early Friday morning.

Brandon Kendrick repeatedly called his wife, telling her to come home.

Ultimately, McCoy said, Kelse Kendrick agreed to return home. Jessica Morrow took Kelse Kendrick and the four children back to the garage apartment.

Kelse Kendrick and her young son and daughter were among five people killed in Bibb County on July 18, 2024. Kelse's husband, Brandon Kendrick, is charged with capital murder.(Special to AL.com)

It was just over an hour later that the elder Kendrick found the crime scene in the garage apartment and called the Morrow home.

They got a call and said you need to come quick, McCoy said. Brandon has shot Kelse and the kids.

McCoy was at the beach when she received the call from Jessica Morrow.

I called 911 and dispatch sent me to West Blocton, McCoy said. They said they had cars on the way, and they had received a call of a child shot.

I said I dont know how many people have been shot, McCoy told them, but theres four children there.

McCoy and her family loaded up and headed back home immediately.

You cant prepare yourself for a phone call that you have lost five family members in a second, McCoy said. You watch movies, and you think thats never going to happen to me, in my backyard. To be honest, I dont know how were going to deal with it.

I did not see this coming, McCoy said, and I certainly dont think Jessica saw it coming or she wouldnt have left her kids there.

McCoy said the four slain cousins were close, as is the entire family.

Kelse Kendrick, she said, was a loving, caring person and wonderful mother. She was set to go back to school in August because she wanted to open her own funeral home.

It didnt matter if she was having a bad day or something wasnt going right, McCoy said, she just had this contagious, wonderful laugh and everybody loved to be around her.

In addition to the emotional loss and stress, the family is trying to figure out how to pay for the funerals. They have received an estimate of $10,000 per person.

The GoFundMe has raised nearly $13,000.

Nobody would ever think they would have to bury five people at one time, McCoy said.

Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here.

More than 300 people attended a prayer service on Friday night at the Kendricks McCalla church, where Associate Pastor Patrick Cooper spoke briefly.

Cooper said he believes the pastor will turn to his faith for strength in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Your pastors the strongest person Ive ever met in my life, Cooper said. He showed it to me this morning less than an hour after the police left. He was already, Gods got this. Gods got it taken care of.

This is a practical lesson in how to deal with grief and how to deal with trouble, Cooper said. This is a pastors living example right now.

McCoy said shes been praying for the elder Kendricks.

I dont see how anybody can be doing well, she said. My heart breaks that he had to witness that.

Our hearts are all broken, McCoy said, but thats something hes going to have to carry.

A judge on Saturday appointed three attorneys to represent Brandon Kendrick. A court date has not yet been announced.

No motive has been determined.

From what I understand, hes not saying why this happened, so we are left with no answers, McCoy said. We dont understand.
A Birmingham store clerk has been charged with murder in the weekend shooting death of a customer after a dispute inside the store.

Quajae Dasion Ellis Ware, 22, is charged with murder in the Saturday slaying of 54-year-old Richard Allen Judkins.

About 4:45 p.m., Ware walked up to a sergeant at the East Precinct and said he had just shot someone nearby, at the Murphy USA outside Walmart on Roebuck Plaza Drive.

Police rushed to the gas station and found Judkins unresponsive on the floor. Fire medics pronounced him dead on the scene.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said police had received calls at 4:44 p.m. of an irate customer inside the store. Officers were about to be dispatched when Ware showed up at the precinct.

Multiple calls then started coming in reporting a physical altercation followed by shots fired in the gas station.

A 54-year-old man was shot to death Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Murphy USA on Roebuck Drive. A store clerk has been charged.(Carol Robinson)

The gunfire shattered the glass on the stores door.

There were other customers in the store at the time, but nobody else was injured.

Authorities said the argument between the two men was not store-related.

Ware, of Birmingham, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail 5:51 p.m. Sunday. He is being held without bond.

As weve stated before, people need to find some other way to resolve conflict before resorting to gun violence and taken a loved one from their family, Wade said.

Judkins is Birminghams 92nd homicide so far this year. Of those, eight have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal.

In all of Jefferson County there have been 116 homicides, including the 92 in Birmingham.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump attends the first day of the Republican National Convention, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)AP
Three months ago, the Legislature scrambled to pass a bill most people thought at the time would ensure that President Joe Biden would be on Alabama ballots for the presidential election.

That was necessary because, as Secretary of State Wes Allen announced, the Democratic National Convention comes too late this year to meet the deadline set in Alabama law for parties to certify their nominees for the general election.

In response, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill without a dissenting vote to change the deadline. The state had accommodated the major parties on the deadline in previous elections, including with President Trump in 2020.

As it turns out, Biden wont be on the ballot in Alabama after his announcement Sunday that he is withdrawing and throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

But because of the bill passed by the Legislature, the Democratic Party has time to certify Harris or whoever it settles on as the nominee during the convention, which will be Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

Aug. 23 is the new deadline to certify the nominees for president and vice president, according to Secretary of State Allen. Allen will then certify the names on Aug. 28.

Under Alabama law, there is no mechanism available for a political party to withdraw or substitute their presidential candidate after they have been certified to the secretary of state, Allens office said in a statement on Sunday.
Alabama Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, said Democrats have succeeded in pushing Joe Biden out of the presidential race and that it does not matter whom the party choose as the nominee in the 2024 election following the presidents announce he will step aside.

The Democratic Party has now succeeded in pushing Joe Biden out of the presidential race, Palmer said in an official statement. It was evident well before the debate with Donald Trump that Bidens mental acuity was severely diminished, but the Biden White House and the Democrats covered it up. The question now is whether or not he has the ability to continue to serve as President.

Palmer said regardless of whom they choose as the nominee, Americans will vote on the policies and not the person.

What the American people should clearly understand is that it doesnt matter who the Democrats choose because whoever they choose will continue to push policies that will keep the cost of living too high, leave our border open, and make our communities less safe, Palmer said. They may change the person on the Democratic ticket, but the policies will not change.

Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell also announced her endorsement of Harris on Sunday.

Novembers election remains the most critical of our lifetime, when our rights and freedoms hang in the balance. For the sake of our democracy, we as Democrats should come together, follow President Bidens lead, and unite behind Kamala Harris as our nominee.

High profile Democrats in Alabama have expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee now that Biden has announced he will not seek reelection.

Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell, R-Birmingham, emphatically endorsed Harris and said she plans to help her beat former President Donald Trump in November.

I plan to do everything in my power, from now until November, to make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States, Sewell said.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin also announced public support for Harris.

President @JoeBidens endorsement of Vice President Harris speaks volumes, Woodfin posted on X/Twitter. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to progress have been evident throughout his administration.

Proud to stand with @KamalaHarris. Lets get to work!

Shortly after his historic announcement, Biden also endorsed Harris.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made, Biden said in a statement. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin quickly showed public support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 election shortly after President Joe Biden announced he will not seek reelection this November.

President @JoeBidens endorsement of Vice President Harris speaks volumes, Woodfin posted on X/Twitter. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to progress have been evident throughout his administration.

Proud to stand with @KamalaHarris. Lets get to work!

President @JoeBidens endorsement of Vice President Harris speaks volumes.



Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to progress have been evident throughout his administration.



Proud to stand with @KamalaHarris. Lets get to work!  pic.twitter.com/TV8CVJ5D4e  Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) July 21, 2024

Woodfin is one of many high profile Democrats who express support for Harris as the partys next nominee, following Bidens lead.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made, Biden said in a statement. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell also announced her endorsement of Harris on Sunday.

Novembers election remains the most critical of our lifetime, when our rights and freedoms hang in the balance. For the sake of our democracy, we as Democrats should come together, follow President Bidens lead, and unite behind Kamala Harris as our nominee.

Sewell then emphatically endorsed Harris and said she plans to help her beat former President Donald Trump in November.

I plan to do everything in my power, from now until November, to make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States, Sewell said.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is an opinion column

The popular media narrative is coming together even as the body of President Joe Bidens presidential campaign is still warm. Unlike his predecessor, Biden put his country over his party and personal ambitions. History will remember the kid from Scranton as an accomplished president whose only fault was loving his country too much. He has fulfilled his promise to be a bridge to the future by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris who will save democracy from its greatest threat in generations.

Unfortunately for Democrats, these are the same people who told us that concerns about Bidens physical and mental capacities were Republican misinformation.

Ive been around both politics and media long enough to know theres no centralized conspiracy to provide political cover for Democrats. If there were, myriad journalists and commentators would be forced to admit the truth we already know. To be honest, Id hoped that there were more honest brokers of information left in America.

For decades, political bias has hidden nicely behind journalistic codes of ethics. As long as journalists never publicly admit their political leanings, then they dont exist. Its a convenient convention that is increasingly exposed as former President Donald Trumps return to the White House seems more likely than ever.

No where has this been more apparent than the immediate fallout from the assassination attempt on Trump. No sooner had the bleeding stopped from Trumps ear than pundits were citing him as the root cause of his own attempted murder. Voices who have roundly and rightly refused to cast victims as deserving of the crimes against them had a funny way of showing it when applied to Trump.

We cant deny that Trump has both engaged and escalated political rhetoric in America, but protected speech and criminal violence arent in the same family. Fiery campaign rhetoric isnt an invitation to murder any more than provocative dress is an invitation for sexual assault. The inability of the mainstream press to make such an important distinction without equivocation was the latest erosion of trust with American voters.

Bidens resignation from the 2024 campaign only affirms that Trump and Biden werent given the same treatment by the press. Forget Fox News and MSNBC for a moment. Toss out Vox and Newsmax. Their biases are so obvious and apparent that most Americans take their offerings with a grain of salt.

But what about those outlets still claiming to be politically neutral?

The same outlets blaming Trump for his own assassination attempt categorically missed Bidens mental and physical capacities failing in plain sight. It was only after Bidens devastatingly awful debate against Trump that the objective media feigned surprise and began scrutinizing Biden with the same lens as theyve applied to Trump.

As Ive mentioned previously, were only talking about the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 because the Biden campaign asked media outlets to do so more than a year after the conservative think tank published the same type of presidential transition guide it has for administrations since the 1980s.

To be fair, Trump attacks any media outlet which dares criticize him. He wasnt worried about media which bought ink by the barrel in the early part of his career, and now hes not batting an eye at organizations that push content by the petabyte. Even the typically-aligned Fox News has fallen from grace with Trump.

But thats actually the problem. Any credible news organization attempting to keep the American population informed must treat a friendly Biden campaign with the same level of scrutiny as an offensive candidate like Trump. That is an incredibly difficult task, but it has historically been one of the most important tools for holding American political power accountable.

Perfect informational neutrality has always been a myth, but the sheer volume of information available to voters prioritizes quick production over thorough investigation. News journalism should take more time and effort than opinion pieces with a few quotes from unnamed sources or social media posts. The fact that most news organizations now report on publicly available tweets shows how the constitutionally protected press has fallen.

Less than a third of Americans trust the mass media to report the news in a fair and accurate way. This isnt simply a product of Trumps consistent attacks; its a matter of failed accountability because of bias as well. We need news outlets to regain the trust of the American people if were to keep our political class on its toes. They can start by holding the eventual Democratic nominee for president to the same standard as Trump. Only then will we find out what can be unburdened by what has been.

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in a media company, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on X or @davidcameronsmith on Threads.
An 80-year-old British man is accused of strangling his elderly wife to death in what police are calling a "terribly sad case."

Alan Sharp, 80, of south-west London was in a court on Monday, according to the Metropolitan Police.

He is charged with the murder of his wife, Jenny Sharp, at the address they shared.

Police were called to the home about 9:30 a.m. on Friday after a woman was found unresponsive. She was sadly pronounced dead a short time later at the scene.

Officers arrested Alan Sharp at the scene and an investigation was undertaken by detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command.

A forensic post-mortem examination took place on Saturday and gave the cause of death as "manual compression of the neck." Sharp was then charged with murder.

Police say they are not looking for anyone else connected with the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said, "This is a terribly sad case. The family are being supported by specialist officers and we request their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time."
The ninety-eight year-old speaker at the Republican National Convention, Sgt. William Pekrul, was born the same year as my mother, making him a teenager when he fought at the Battle of the Bulge, where my uncle Calvin fought and was wounded. He is one of the last of the great American warriors of WW2. I took particular note of his comments regarding America as not just an idea, but his homeland. Later, J.D. Vance, the nominee for vice president, echoed the same thought: that America is more than an idea. It is our home.

Sadly, not all Americans share the conviction that America is more than an idea, more than an abstraction. Were this contrary view of our country limited to ordinary people, it would be a harmless irritant, but it isnt.

I recently went to the Minnesota Department of Public Services website to fill out a pre-application form for renewing my drivers license. I was asked a series of questions, one of which was my ethnicity. When I typed in American, the form rejected it and instead printed Declined. Apparently, despite having ancestors in America dating back to the late 17th century  ancestors who settled near Jamestown, Virginia, where they farmed, fished, and grew tobacco; ancestors who over the centuries fought in all her wars, including the tragic War of Secession  I am, according to the omniscient Minnesota Department of Public Services, not permitted to claim American as my ethnicity!

For most of its history, America has been an ethno-state primarily composed of white European Christian emigrant-settlers. This racial and religious compatibility contributed to the countrys strong, dynamic physical and institutional development. Today there are forces at work, especially among more extreme liberal partisans, to create domestic strife by employing a putative multiculturalism against Americans of European heritage. The notion that America has always been a nation of immigrants is leftist casuistry to support their egalitarian, multiracial social doctrine currently in conflict with the historic American nation.

These radical liberals, who fancy themselves on progressivisms cutting edge, were raised in the hydroponic, synthetic medium of tendentious political and sociological theories. These children of the metropole, many of whom are recently minted citizens, believe that because they are devoid of an American heritage rooted in four centuries of indigenous experience, all Americans should likewise be without a heritage. In the postmodern liberals mind, America remains a nation of immigrants, not settlers, and therefore an American ethnicity is an impossibility.

Postmodern liberals suffer from oikophobia, a condition that is inimical to the natural cohesion of the nation-state  a condition that repudiates both homeland and countrymen while embracing the alien, the unfamiliar and foreign. Oikophobia explains why postmodern liberalism holds those who possess American ancestry, in some cases going back hundreds of years, in contempt and why they enact policies that seek their deracination and demographic marginalization, all the while encouraging revanchist minoritism.

My connection to America is vestigial, spiritual, metaphysical, and vibrational. America and I are not two. My heritage here goes back twelve generations. I grew up in a New England harbor town that was bombed by British ships, looted by Redcoats, and later invaded by Hessian mercenaries. My understanding of America and its history is visceral. The house I lived in was built in 1698, and the Marquis de Lafayette was billeted there in 1778. This same town has for 238 years continuously celebrated Americas independence with a Fourth of July parade led by current members of its Ancient & Honorable Revolutionary Militia. Yet despite the length of my American ancestry, my heritage, and the nature of my lived experience, I am not allowed to claim on a Minnesota driver's license application my ethnicity to be American.

Ethnicity implies a shared history, shared ancestry, culture, language, customs, traditions, beliefs, communality and kinship. Ethnicity means centuries, not decades of belonging to a place. To our globalist elites, these distinctions are obstacles in the ongoing deconstruction of what it means to be an American. Today the State believes it has the right to confer or withhold identity. I for one am not going to allow some committee of throttle-bottoms to dictate my identity. That prerogative is mine and mine alone. I refuse to become an American pied noir when I am in fact an American de souche.

Claiming ones ethnicity and nationality to be the same is too monistic for the State to allow. Acceptance of the idea that there is an ethnic American violates the pervasive and entrenched dogma of egalitarianism and inclusion and suggests a hierarchy of Americanness. For the State, time has no relevance: 350 years of being an American is a grave rubbing, not an ethnicity.

My American ancestry predates our Republic, and that fact adds piquancy to my sense of being an American. It also contributes to my having a deep, robust, organic, and unapologetic connection to what Ive come to call a republican heritage. Todays cosmopolitan neo-American cant be expected to understand this, so why should the Minnesota Department of Public Services be different?

Image: Pashi via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
As many have expected, Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race. His timing is perfect to allow a high-stakes event at the convention next month where the partys new candidate will be anointed (which I predicted here, here, here). All evidence suggests that he didnt withdraw willingly, and some have even theorized that the announcement went out without his approval or knowledge. Whether the latter is true or not is largely irrelevant, because what appears certain is that Biden was the victim of a coup orchestrated by several nefarious conspirators.

The situation reminds me of an iconic scene in Frank Herberts Dune. After having been granted control of the highly profitable and strategically important planet of Arrakis, Duke Leto Atreides was betrayed by the former overseer of Arrakis, Baron Harkonnen, who conspired against him. Paralyzed and facing his inevitable demise as the Baron torments him, Duke Atreides bites into a fake tooth which releases a cloud of toxic gas into the room, which kills everyone in the room except the Baron.

Biden did much the same to Obama and the Democrat establishment. With the last gasp of his campaign, he emphatically endorsed Kamala Harris to replace himself on the ticket. He simultaneously ended his own political future while severely wounding the enemies who conspired against him.

Bidens endorsement triggered a domino effect of other endorsements, most importantly from James Clyburn and Congressional Black Caucus members. But while Barack Obama praised Bidens choice to exit the race, he and Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have all declined to endorse Kamala Harris as of this writing.

Bidens brain may be turning to mush, but Id wager theres enough of the former slippery tactician left in there to know that the Democrat establishment is also conspiring to replace him with someone other than Kamala Harris. And Biden just made that incredibly difficult for them.

Why the establishment shouldnt want Kamala headlining the ticket isnt difficult to understand. She is uniquely unlikeable, despite her traits which would ostensibly make her intersectional gold on the Left. This is true even among her own party, as is evident by her quick exit from the 2020 presidential campaign. Her once promising campaign that began with an explosion of enthusiasm, NBC reported in December of 2019, fizzled quickly -- but not before she was able to land some memorable haymakers on Joe Biden in the debates, framing him as a dangerous racist who rubbed elbows with segregationists and opposed racial integration of schools.

She went on to experience a similar freefall in support after becoming Joe Bidens diversity pick for vice president. Despite enjoying a net positive approval in early 2021, by June the honeymoon was quickly over. She was mired in controversy over her inept approach to the diplomatic mission of solving the root causes of migration, and fueled further by a painful interview with Lester Holt in which she bristled at his observation that she had not even been to the border.

That she was given such an undesirable and impossible task by Joe Biden may very well have been retribution for her attacks against him in the primaries and as a means of gaining some insurance for his presidency. Kamala Harris may have had some success in fashioning a persona as a high-powered female prosecutor of color, but Joe Biden undoubtedly recognized that once the spotlight is maintained on her for more than a few seconds, shes obviously nothing more than a cackling fraud who could never be taken seriously as a president.

After June of 2021, Kamalas approval rating inverted and never recovered. But upon announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 campaign, Bidens team posted on X:

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

Biden and Harris have long been adversaries, so its difficult to imagine that Biden would genuinely endorse her so emphatically, and it would be even more difficult to imagine that Joe Biden thinks that Harris would give Democrats the best path to victory in 2024. She is a wildly unlikeable prosecutor from the failed city of San Francisco, emblematic of the uber-progressive failed state of California, and her chances of winning over the hearts and minds of voters in Midwestern swing states is next to nil. Since victory in November cannot be the reason for it, one must question Bidens motive endorsing her.

In my opinion, Obama, Schumer, and Pelosi have been trying to replace Joe in order to prevent more moderates from fleeing the rapidly shrinking Democrat tent in droves as they have been, and Biden just pulled the pin of a political grenade inside the tent.

Opening the convention to other candidates has always presented risks. There are questions about how the Biden-Harris war chest would be spent if Biden or Harris is not the nominee, for example. The party would obviously be open to accusations of racism and sexism if Harris is replaced as the seemingly rightful successor to Bidens position on the ticket. And there have long been suggestions by Democrats that replacing Biden is a refutation of the democratic will of the partys voters, expressed clearly in the primary process.

All this has just become far more complicated now that Biden, the democratically chosen nominee, has given his explicit blessing to Kamala Harris.

Were in uncharted waters, as nothing like this has ever happened before in American history. But what we do know is that Kamala is extremely unlikely to win in November, and that leapfrogging her with a white man, for example, will be seen as heresy from the woke Left.

Thats not to say they cant do it, of course. Democrats have shown these past three presidential election primaries that they have no regard for the will of their voters, having rigged the 2016 and 2020 primaries against Bernie Sanders, and now having pressured the democratically selected candidate in 2024 to step down.

Some, like Left-leaning pollster Nate Silver, think that Democrats should run Kamala while focusing all energy and money on down-ballot races to mitigate the bleeding. That makes logical sense, but I dont think Democrats have any interest in losing in 2024. The concern for me, as it long has been, is that they bring out the only candidate who can mitigate the cost of replacing a black woman on the ticket, who brings with her substantial name recognition, and has largely been unscathed by political attacks in these past years -- none other than Michelle Obama; it is logical we should not fully count her out.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
The books that became the Bible were originally written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. After years of study, I can now pick my way through the original Greek text but dont accuse me of being fluent. Unlike my older brother, who sleep-talked in German in college (he was studying it then), I dont dream in Greek and only use it when Im fully awake exploring a theological point. So why would I wake up with a Greek word Ekeinosringing in my ears? (Ill explain below the phrases import.)

And why would Esther 4:14 pop into my head?

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this? (NAS, emphasis added)

Before we go on, please dont think Im one of those people who puts much stock in dream study. Even if I dream intensely, when I wake up, Im aware that I dreamed, but within a very short time, it vanishes. I suspect many of you can identify with this. But this time, the memory was intense. On these rare occasions, I ask God to help me understand.

During the reign of King Saul, God told him to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:2ff). Saul disobeyed this order. The prophet Samuel had to kill King Agag of Amalek himself.

Fast forward a few hundred years. The Jews had been taken to captivity in Babylon and were later freed to return home to Judea. Some stayed and lived under Persian rule, which is where the story of Esther (and Purim) fit. The villain in this story was Haman the Agagite. He managed to get a royal decree to kill all the Jews on a set date. An Amalekite had survived the divinely decreed judgment, and his descendant saw an opportunity for revenge.

Jewish Queen Esthers uncle Mordecai gets word to Esther of whats coming. She hesitates to go to King Ahasuerus to plead for the Jews because walking in on him uninvited while he was engaged in royal business could cost her life. Mordecai answers in the verse I quoted above. She was put in her position for a time such as this. The Jews are saved, Hamans neck gets stretched, and the last of the Agagites are eliminated.

(From here on Im using the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew original, the Septuagint.) Two things stand out in this story. Esthers uncle rhetorically asks her if this coming moment (a near demonstrative pronoun) is her moment in history. evkei/noj is the far demonstrative  that one, not this one. And then it hit me.

Esther was looking forward to an immediate action she had to take in this moment. Donald Trump appears to have been brought to mind for that moment (looking back) when the bullet pierced his ear. Remembering that I am human and fallible, I submit that certain things make sense here.

First, there are only two possible explanations for Trumps near miss: blind luck and divine providence. It wasnt a staged event. Theres no way to disprove blind luck, but given the fact that his head had to be in a specific position in space for the exact 0.0002 seconds for the bullet to pass, the odds are probably too long to even estimate.*

But a God who is infinitely capable could foresee the proper movements and be certain to have the President move exactly where he needed to move exactly when he needed to move. Trump would almost certainly be unaware of the divine means at play in the moment. It is only after the fact that he can understand that he was saved from the Valley of the Shadow of Death in that moment by Almighty God. The virtually impossible (by human standards) protection makes it clear to those who have eyes to see that it was Gods hand on him in that moment.

The nattering nabobs of negativism on the Left poo-poo any suggestion that Trump is truly a Christian. But when Dr. Phil asked him if he would forgive those who had done such evil to him, 45 demonstrated a more sophisticated Christianity than many seminary professors. Id like to be able to. Donald Trump understood that his forgiveness requires repentance on the part of the wrongdoer. Trump was willing and able to forgive, but true forgiveness would have to wait.

Being a Christian, loyal to YHWH, is somewhat different from being a Christian who has been protected by the divine hands in a way that offers no other answer. Theyre both Christians, but the latter has a much deeper personal appreciation for the divine. We saw that in Trumps acceptance speech. It seemed to say that hes done with mean tweets. Hes now totally focused on the mission YHWH gave to the fallen elohim in Psalm 82.

2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah. 3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:2-4 NAS)

The Swamp has set itself up as the ultimate authority over everything in everyones lives. Donald Trump is an existential threat to its evil. But this time, hes not coming in as a roaring Lion. Hes coming as a servant of YHWH, fully committed to the divine mission of showing true justice to those who have been harmed. His task is to eliminate the Amalekites in government so that we can live free.

Donald Trump has already shown that what happens to him does not matter. Rather, it is what happens to us that animates him. He has literally pledged his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor to America. And, as John Wesley said,

Until my work on this earth is done, I am immortal. But when my work for Christ is done  I go to be with Jesus.

____________________________

*Do the math. His head is about eight inches from forehead to occiput. The bullet is traveling about 3,000 feet per second.

Image courtesy of Todd Schowalter Productions.

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.
Immediately after the attempt on President Trumps life in Butler, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin senator Ron Johnson launched a probe into the security and law enforcement failures by interviewing government entities and officials, and soliciting information from private companies.

Here are five key details, from an item out this morning by Landon Mion at Fox News, breaking down the findings from Johnsons 13-page report:

The Secret Service failed to show up for a pre-event security briefing on the morning of the rally, which was given to local SWAT and sniper teams.

The Secret Service did not initially intend to dispatch snipers to the event, before changing plans for unclear reasons.

Local law enforcement alleged communication was siloed and direct contact with the Secret Service outpost and its agents was infrequent.

Local law enforcement also alleged they notified command about Thomas Matthew Crooks before the shooting, and received confirmation that the Secret Service got the message and was tracking on Crookss presence and movements.

Crooks brought two large bags with him, pictured with his bicycle, personal effects which have all since disappeared.

Per Mion, the pre-event briefing provided the different agencies with who was responsible for what, and where everyone should be. Also, from Mion:

Attendees of the briefing said no Secret Service or other federal law enforcement were present for the briefing and that the Secret Service initially did not plan to provide sniper units before changing plans for unclear reasons. It is unknown why the Secret Service did not attend the briefing.

Now, with some reports suggesting multiple shooters based on the auditory evidence, I have to wonder if this was the cause for the sudden change of planstheres a lot of science behind ballistics, and the plausibility of this scenario seems to be growing. (I also have to wonder why law enforcement would hose off the roof as the scene of the crime immediately after one of the most earth-shattering events in American political history.)

Furthermore, the revelation that the Secret Service confirmed it did in fact know about Crookss presence and movements kind of blows the idea that this was all just an unfortunate and unintentional breakdown in communication excuse out of the water; one would only rightly infer that our Secret Service was in on it.

To the fifth point: What else did Crooks bring with him in those bags? See below:

More questions:



This picture of Crooks was taken 1 hour before the sh**ting.



Authorities linked this bicycle w the backpack to Crooks, yet they also say he drove his car to the fairgrounds.



Accomplice?



Found alongside his body was this remote detonator and his cell-phone. pic.twitter.com/t0lMDNOZbT  ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) July 17, 2024

That looks like a lot of gear, and for a kid whos apparently never looked up how to build at-home explosives yet had somehow figured out how to do so, Id like to know what else he had on him.

Lastly, just some food for thought: Someone in the comments stated that CNN had never live streamed a Trump rally until Butlerwhether or not this is true Im not sure, but I couldnt find any evidence to the contrary.

None of us have any expectations of truth and transparency from an FBI or DHS investigation, so lets just pray that loose lips of senility sink ships and we get some real answers from Joe Biden.

Image: Fox News video screen grab, used with permission.
Since the whole dynamic of the 2024 race for the presidency was totally upended in the aftermath of President Bidens abysmal performance in the Trump-Biden debate on CNN on June 27, former president Donald Trump has done few interviews  preferring to allow Biden to twist in the wind.

The failed assassination attempt on Trump on July 13 in Pennsylvania went further in resetting the Election 2024 race. The contest is now seen as the Republicans to lose.

Yesterdays historic news that President Biden was abruptly ending his campaign for a second term, and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, sent further shockwaves into the already unpredictable race for the presidency.

After last weeks successful Republican Convention that nominated Trump and his VP pick Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Trump and Vance sat down for their first television interview on Saturday.

Significant portions of the interview, with FOX News anchor Jesse Watters, will be shown on Watters World tonight (Monday July 22) on FOX News at 8:00 p.m. ET/10:00 p.m. PT.

In advance of the program this evening, FOX News has released excerpts from the interview.

The video clip is here.

The first batch was reported on at AT here yesterday. Later on Sunday, transcripts and video clips of three more Q&As from the interview were released  and they continue to put some new information on the record, pointing to the Republicans strategies for the upcoming race and how they will address the current vice president and possibly the 2024 Democrat presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.

On the state of the Democratic party and the upcoming Democratic National Convention:

JESSE WATTERS, FOX News Host: You don't even know who you're running against. FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: No. WATTERS: You could be debating Kamala. You could be debating Kamala. What's going on? TRUMP: I have no idea. So, we are the most unified party, I think, that's ever existed. We had 100 percent of the delegates that are with us. And you saw the spirit. There was never a convention like this. And it's so fresh in everyone's mind. It was just a beautiful event. It was  everything about it was beautiful. The camaraderie, but the unity, there's never been anything like it. 100 percent of the people for us. SEN. J.D. VANCE: Yes. TRUMP: And they're for the party. They're for everybody. They're for the senators. They're for the congressmen and women that are running. It was a beautiful thing to watch. There was no dissension. There were no fights on the floor. I mean, some of these conventions are vicious. VANCE: Yes. WATTERS: There might be a vicious [Democrat] convention in Chicago. VANCE: It could be. TRUMP: It could be. WATTERS: So, they're going to cook up something at the [Democrat] convention. They might throw [Michigan Gov.] Gretchen Whitmer at you. They might throw [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom at you. They might throw Michelle Obama at you. TRUMP: Yes, I wouldn't be worried about any of them. Look, they have bad policies. Forget about the people. They have an open border policy. They have a high tax policy. They have a bad military policy. The whole world is going woke. Their world is going woke. The Green New Scam. We're spending all our money on things that don't work. The whole thing is a mess.

Jesse Watters interviewed Donald Trump and J.D. Vance July 20, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Screenshot of FOX News video by Peter Chowka. Used with permission of FOX News.

Watters next question was addressed to Sen. Vance, including about the possibility of removing President Biden from office using the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.

The video link is here.

WATTERS: Is it a coup against Joe Biden? TRUMP: Sort of, yes. VANCE: I think it is. I mean, look, there's a constitutional process, the 25th Amendment. If Joe Biden can't run for president, he can't serve as president. And if they want to take him down because he's mentally incapable of serving, invoke the 25th Amendment. You don't get to sort of do this in the most politically beneficial way for Democrats. If it's an actual problem, they should take care of it in the appropriate way.

In the final interview excerpt released yesterday, (link is here), Watters asked Trump about President Joe Bidens relationship with former President Barack Obama. Keep in mind that this interview was conducted less than 24 hours before Biden announced the end of his re-election campaign.

TRUMP: And now, Biden's hating Kamala because she's out there now campaigning for herself. She's out there trying to get him to quit so she can run for president. And she's not a competent person. She shouldn't be president. I mean, she's being laughed at all over the world. WATTERS: Barack Obama trying to get him out. Barack Obama still plotting against you, trying to take you out. TRUMP: They got some big problems over there. First of all, Obama hates Biden, and Biden hates Obama. And when Obama walked Biden out a couple of weeks ago off the stage [at the Los Angeles fundraiser], he didn't have to do that. He could've let him wave to the people a little bit longer. I don't know if Joe knew who he was waving to, but he was waving. And all of a sudden, Obama comes along and grabs him, come on Joe, like he was a child. It made him look so bad. And I know people with Biden, I know people with Obama, and they were not happy about that. It made him [Biden] look really bad. Like a child. Like a child. They don't like each other. And I think that it's pretty tough. This guy [Biden] got, what, 14, 15 million votes? Delegates, he had the votes. So, he goes through a process, he gets them, and the whole thing has been a con. Look, when they kept him in the basement in the first [election in 2020], those people should be looked at, because they lied to the American public.

Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran journalist who has covered national politics and other topics for over five decades. His most recent interview on BBC Radio in the U.K. can be listened to here. His web page with links to his work and a bio is http://peter.media. Peters extensive American Thinker archive: http://tinyurl.com/pcathinker. His X/Twitter account is @pchowka.
President Biden and assorted members of the Government-Media Complex have recently called for Donald Trump and his supporters to tone down their rhetoric, even after Trump was shot. And despite the likelihood that he was shot, at least in part, because President Biden and assorted members of the Government-Media Complex have smeared him and his supporters as far-right, racist, fascist, Nazi-loving, white supremacists for the better part of a decade, Democrats and media members incessantly refer to Trump and his MAGA supporters as extremists.

And yet they are the ones who love employing Hitler analogies when speaking of more than one-third of the nations populace. So I will do likewise. When in Rome, right? This is as if Hitler called on Germans to dispense with their anti-Semitism or tone down their anti-Jewish rhetoric. It is preposterous on its face.

Lets take a look at who is truly extreme.

Democrats claim Trump was responsible for Jan. 6 even though he urged his supporters to demonstrate peacefully and patriotically and offered thousands of National Guardsmen to protect the Capitol prior to that date. (Nancy Pelosi turned him down. Curious.) Now they wont accept responsibility for Trumps attempted assassination even though they have been calling him (and his supporters) Nazis/fascists/Hitler/extremists/domestic terrorists/far-right/deplorables/etc. for years on end.

That is who they are.

Democrats and their numerous sycophants believe in unfettered abortion up to (and maybe just a bit after) the moment of birth. Is infanticide not extreme?

They believe that the children who are allowed to be born should be encouraged to take hormone blockers and have their genitals mutilated in an effort to change sexes. Not extreme?

More?

Telling citizens they are to be locked down indefinitely, may have to give up their means of employment, and are not allowed to attend weddingsor funeralsof family members. Extreme?

Telling those same citizens they must allow an unvetted, experimental, mRNA vaccine into their bodiesmultiple timesor else. Extreme?

Disdaining and attempting to decimate the protections afforded us under the Bill of Rights, trying to repeal the First and Second Amendments. Not extreme?

Believing the government has the rightvia taxationto take any amount of money from its citizens that it wishes, or deems its fair share, especially from successful ones. Extreme?

Intentionally leaving a border wide open to allow anyone from anywhereterrorists, criminals, and the mentally and physically ill includedto enter the country, and then granting them more favors and rights than American citizens. Extreme?

Falsely and unjustly accusing your political opponents of doingand beingjust what you are doingand are. Extreme?

Attempting to imprisonor possibly even assassinatethose same political opponents? Extreme?

Sadly, experience shows that Democrats and their numerous sycophants who read a piece such as this will promptly dismiss it out of hand.

Extreme?

Image generated by AI.
After pulling out of the presidential race Sunday, many political observers are asking, "Where's Joe?"

After all, the pullout was highly irregular, with no camera appearances, no evidence of even involvement from Biden, no press conferences. There was just a written statement with a mechanized signature. Is the guy even alive? Is he in some kind of health distress? That he has staffers covering for him certainly sets off an alarm of sorts, given his dementia.

And more to the point, is this something he was forced into doing against his will? Some observers think so, saying he was muscled into exiting with a warning that the 25th Amendment was waiting for him if he didn't. It sounds very mafia-like.

Here are some observations as to how strange this is:

Bidens not at the White House. Hes made no public appearance since a staffer took control of his X account and announced he was not running.



Theres no evidence Biden knows what happened today. Also: do we have any evidence Biden is even alive right now?



This is banana  Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 22, 2024

One would think that a letter to the American people from the president announcing his decision to step aside would not be signed using a digital signature and would be accompanied by a photo op and a scheduled conference in the morning that followed.



Instead we have a  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) July 22, 2024

Joe Biden didnt tell the country on camera that hes dropping out of the 2024 race.



His intern did it via a post and didnt say why.



Hes either too sick to go on camera or hes too embarrassed that Democrat elites staged a successful coup against him. This is not normal.  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 22, 2024

The sitting President of the United States announced today via a letter that hes not seeking reelection.



We havent seen him, we havent watched an address, we have nothing at all, other than a letter on personal letterhead.



This isnt the radio-era, there are no fireside  Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) July 22, 2024

We have a president who steps down without making a public appearance, a regime that quickly anoints a replacement with no democratic process, & a bureaucracy brazenly lying about providing insufficient protection for opposition leaders. When did we become a 3rd world country?  Jake Novak (@jakejakeny) July 22, 2024

Why did Biden not make a live or video address to the public? Why a letter that someone else tweeted out in his name? https://t.co/kF3LxDujHQ  J Michael Waller (@JMichaelWaller) July 21, 2024

Anyone else find it strange that this letter doesnt appear under Statements and Releases from The White House? https://t.co/7xUq6yITJY pic.twitter.com/KSDqDo8Qj2  ALX  (@alx) July 22, 2024

yoo... this is getting weird... has *anyone* talked to the current President of the United States today?! https://t.co/jWT5002dGa  Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) July 22, 2024

If this were a hostage situation, that letter would not qualify as proof of life.  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) July 22, 2024

So right now, who is President?  Dr Naomi Wolf (@naomirwolf) July 22, 2024

Some thought the timing was funny:

Does anyone find it odd



Biden dropped out of the race with a signed memo and not a video?



I get that hes sick, but really, didnt the American people deserve to hear it from him directly?



Why did it have it happen yesterday?



Could it not have waited until after hes pic.twitter.com/tDKJubL9eW  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 22, 2024

Biden's supporters say he has a "mild cold," presumably from COVID. Where have we heard that term before when a leader was strangely unavailable. I remember the Kremelin spokesweasels using it, when then-President Yurii Andropov was on his deathbed in the mid-1980s.

Some think he has health issues that go beyond dementia:

Is anyone else thinking he had a massive stroke late last night and the whole damn West Wing is cosplaying The Death of Stalin?  Stephen Green (@VodkaPundit) July 22, 2024

JUST IN: Frank Biden confirms health "absolutely" played a role in his brother Joe Biden *DROPPING OUT.*



The White House and the media *DENIED* this for years.



He also said they will enjoy whatever time we have left." Wait, is Joe Biden TERMINAL? pic.twitter.com/dPKLUPHxPQ  Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 22, 2024

Roger Stone reads between the lines for the skullduggery that may be going on:

Kamala moves quickly to try to sew up the nomination, but Obama may have other plans. While Biden may have endorsed Kamala, he is doing it to thwart Obama. Obama has not endorsed Kamala. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton and her hillbilly rapist husband are maneuvering to try to put her  Roger Stone (@RogerJStoneJr) July 21, 2024

And there's another twist here  it's hard to say if they are friends or enemies:

BREAKING: Michelle Obama is now basically operating as a shadow Chief of Staff for Kamala in terms of lining up donors and support, one WH official says  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) July 21, 2024

It's like the Kremlin, circa 1986.

There are signs Biden was muscled into doing it:

The 25th Amendment. If so, how can he continue as president? https://t.co/6hdQ8nEsXM  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) July 22, 2024

He didnt give up power. Donors froze his bank accounts. It was a soft coup. One that invalidated an entire democratic primary process. https://t.co/BkpXwvC4xe  Stephen Miller (@StephenM) July 22, 2024

And rage:

Biden is not addressing the country because he is fuming raging mad.



This is not what he wanted. He feels betrayed by everyone including Obama and Pelosi. He was pushed out the door.



So he will try to cool his temper before he talks.  Julie Kelly  (@julie_kelly2) July 21, 2024

Hearing Jill's rampage lasted over 2 hours  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) July 21, 2024

So maybe he isn't sick and out of pocket -- he's inside throwing things along with Jill.

Whatever it is, it isn't healthy for our democracy, and it's hard to think of any examples like this from America's past that resemble so closely the death of Andropov, or Konstantin Chernenko, or Boris Yeltsin's final days, or those of Fidel Castro or Hugo Chavez. Dictators like those like to hide what's going on when an oligarch is dying.

As for Joe, well, where is he? Clint Eastwood's famously empty chair of 2012 has started to get literal.

Image: Screen shot from ABC News video, via YouTube
Last week, a CrowdStrike-related incident caused an outage on millions of Windows devices around the world. It was so severe that affected companies are still working to resolve the problem. Now, Microsoft has revealed details about how many Windows PCs were affected by the outage.

Although Microsoft was not the source of the problem, it only impacted companies whose systems are built on Windows. More specifically, to those who use CrowdStrike cyber security solutions. So, in a blog post, the Redmond giant described the measures its taking to help its customers recover the normal functioning of their computers.

8.5 million Windows devices impacted by CrowdStrike faulty update

The blog post confirms that around 8.5 million Windows devices were affected by the situation. This represents less than 1% of Windows computers worldwide. Since CrowdStrike cyber security solutions target businesses, normal users did not suffer from the dreaded BSOD. In any case, it is striking that the company massively deployed an update without proper prior testing.

Many companies are struggling to recover their systems. The problem is that the solutions offered by CrowdStrike are not automatic but must be applied manually to each PC. For example, having to boot Windows in safe mode, find a particular file, and delete it. These types of processes that seem simple become an IT nightmare in environments with hundreds of devices. So, the platforms of multiple affected companies are not yet fully recovered. In fact, it could take weeks to put everything in order.

Microsoft details the steps set to help solve the outage

Returning to Microsoft, the blog post details the steps set by the company to help resolve the Windows outage as quickly as possible. Microsofts measures include direct communication with CrowdStrike, the deployment of hundreds of engineers specifically dedicated to addressing this situation and collaborating with companies that offer services similar to CrowdStrike.

It also created a post with instructions to solve the problem and is updating the status of the situation in real-time. There is even an official recovery tool to try to make things as easy as possible.

The CrowdStrike incident was one of the most disastrous in modern IT history. From stores to airports, they stopped their operations due to the problem. It will probably cause movements in the industry of cyber security tool providers and mark a before and after in how update deployments are handled.
Police in Greenland have arrested anti-whaling crusader Paul Watson under an international warrant.

The Paul Watson Foundation says Waton, who co-founded marine conservation group Greenpeace, was arrested Sunday upon his arrival in Nuuk, Greenland.

Video posted by the group showed him being loaded into a police van at the docks with his arms cuffed behind his back.

He was on his 72-meter ship on its way to the Northwest Passage to attempt to intercept a new Japanese whaling ship.

Watson was picked up by Danish federal police on a warrant issued by Japan for his previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region.

"We're completely shocked, as the Red Notice had disappeared a few months ago," Locky MacLean, Ship Operation's Director for the foundation said.

"We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically-motivated request."

Watson was featured in the TV series "Whale Wars" and has gained notoriety for his confrontations with whaling vessels.


Samsung recently revealed that its Galaxy Tab S10 series would arrive before the end of this year. Rumors say the new flagship tablets will run a MediaTek chipset globally, a surprising switch from Qualcomms Snapdragon processors. We now have more proof of this rumored switch. After the Galaxy Tab S10+, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has surfaced on Geekbench with MediaTeks Dimensity 9300+ flagship SoC.

Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra spotted with MediaTek Dimensity 9300+

Last month, the US version of the Galaxy Tab S10+ (model number SM-X828U) surfaced on the popular benchmarking platform Geekbench running the Dimensity 9300+. The same chipset has now been spotted on the global version of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (SM-X926B). Both devices appeared with 12GB of RAM and scored 2,141 in single-core Geekbench tests. Multi-core scores are 6,952 and 5,533, respectively.

But more than the scores, these listings are proof that Samsungs next-gen flagship tablets will feature a MediaTek chipset globally. We have yet to see the base Galaxy Tab S10 on the benchmarking platform. There are rumors that the company might cancel the base model and only launch Plus and Ultra. But if it exists, it is likely to follow its siblings to the MediaTek camp, leaving the Snapdragon camp for good or worse.

Theoretically, the Dimensity 9300+ is on the same page as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the successor to last years Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that powered the Galaxy Tab S9 series. Both new chipsets are produced on TSMCs 4nm process node and feature identical CPU speeds. In fact, they go neck on neck in almost every area. Even the real-world performance has been comparable, so it might not be a bad switch at all.

That said, its the first time Samsung is using a MediaTek chipset in its flagship tablets. Switching from Snapdragon probably wasnt a straightforward decision. Something must have weighed in favor of the Dimensity this time around. Perhaps its the cost. Qualcomms flagship chipsets are costlier than MediaTeks, so the Korean firm might be saving a few bucks while still offering a competitive processor in the Galaxy Tab S10 series.

Both chipsets will get a successor later this year

MediaTek and Qualcomm are hard at work on their next-gen Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. These chipsets will arrive later this year. It remains to be seen if Samsung will launch the Galaxy Tab S10 series before the two chipmakers introduce their upgraded solutions. The new tablets run Android 14 out of the box, so the company might not delay their release until late 2024. Expect more leaks in the coming months.
It seems that Samsung Messages will no longer come pre-installed on Galaxy phones in the US. So, Galaxy devices will rely entirely on Google Messages. The app has been losing key features for a while now, so the move is not a surprise. Samsung Messages is still available for download, but that might change soon.

For some time now, many Android phones have used Google Messages as their default messaging app. Meanwhile, Samsung Messages was still the default one on Galaxy phones. This changed with the Galaxy S21 series, where Google Messages was set by default, although Samsung Messages still came pre-installed. However, as spotted by Max Weinbach, Samsung completely removed its messaging app from the new Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

New-gen Galaxy phones only come with Google Messages in the US; no more Samsung Messages

The company is implementing the change first in the US. Mishaal Rahman confirmed that the Canadian and European variants come with Samsung Messages preloaded. However, Google Messages remains the default messaging app in those regions.

Users in the US can still download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store. But, since the latest movements of the South Korean giant suggest a possible Samsung Messages shutdown, it is recommended to move to Google Messages. Additionally, Samsung Messages no longer offers RCS support, one of the most important messaging features today. Its description in the Galaxy Store even says that some features will be excluded from the app.

Last year, multiple telecom carriers in the US disabled RCS support for Samsung Messages. They began to require people to use their proprietary messaging apps or resort to Google Messages to enjoy it. The latter offers full RCS support, which is especially important now that iMessage will be compatible with the standard in iOS 18. Lastly, it is quite likely that future Galaxy devices will come without the Samsung Messages app preloaded in more regions.
A late-night game of ding-dong-ditch ended with a Maine teenager shot in the leg and a homeowner in jail, authorities said.

At around 1 a.m. Saturday, a group of teenagers knocked on the door of a home on Waterford Road in Harrison, about 30 miles west of Lewiston, then fled, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

The prank, known for decades as "ding-dong-ditch," has more recently gained new life as the "door knock challenge" trend on TikTok.

As the teens ran off, the resident, 30-year-old Vincent Martin, allegedly fired multiple shots with a handgun, hitting one of the teens in the calf.

Deputies responded to a report of shots fired, and found blood in the driveway. The teens were already gone but soon after, deputies received a report of a walk-in gunshot victim at Bridgton Hospital.

The sheriff's office said the teen, who was not identified, sustained "serious, but not life-threatening injuries" and was listed in "stable condition."

Martin was arrested at his home and booked into the Cumberland County Jail on felony charges of elevated aggravated assault and aggravated reckless conduct, and two misdemeanor counts on discharging a firearm near a dwelling. According to jail records, Martin was being held on $10,000 bail.

With TMX
A blue spot birthmark is very common in babies, especially among babies of African or Asian descent. (NHS)

Birthmarks are very common, with more than 10% of babies born with some type of birthmark. They come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colours and textures - however, one type of birthmark is not well-recognised among medical professionals despite it being very common among babies of colour.

A blue spot birthmark, known as congenital dermal melancytosis or Mongolian blue spot, is most common in babies of African or Asian descent. However, they can occur in babies of any race or ethnicity.

The mark appears as a blue-gray spot or patch that ranges in size. They can be small, measuring just a few millimetres, or very large, covering areas of the body, and can slowly fade or become less prominent over time.

However, because of the blue-gray appearance, they can sometimes be mistaken for bruises. When this occurs, it can lead to devastating impact, such as that on Laxmi Thapa, a mother who was recently arrested after her six-month-old sons birthmarks were mistaken for bruising.

What happens when blue spot birthmarks are mistaken for bruising?

Blue spot birthmarks are sometimes mistaken for bruising, but campaigners are calling on medical staff to be better trained on the issue. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

In a BBC report, Thapa, who is Nepalese and lives in Basingstoke, spoke of her ordeal and said she was treated "like a criminal" by medical staff and police, who suspected her of child abuse because they misdiagnosed her babys birthmark as bruises.

This was despite the fact that her sons birthmarks, which appeared on several parts of his body, had been noted on his medical records after he was born last November.

Thapa said she spent 20 hours in a cell at Basingstoke Police Station. She was later released pending a medical report. A visit to her home by social services then determined her son was not in any danger and scans on her son showed no injuries.

Police confirmed that no assault had taken place. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would not comment on individual cases, but said staff followed guidelines and added: "Differentiating between suspected bruising and Mongolian blue spot is complex, and protocols have to be followed."

Campaigners including Faye Wheeler, founder of Blue Spot Campaign, are calling for more awareness about the birthmarks. She told Yahoo UK that she has received many other reports of experiences similar to Thapas story from other parents.

"I am already supporting a new family going through a very similar experience to Laxmis," she says. "There is misinformation on the NHS website that Blue Spot is present at birth. This is not true.

"Health professionals working in the community that turn to the website for guidance are then misinformed. The first paediatrician that checked my son said Ive never heard of it. I would like to see much more training on this."

What is the key difference between a blue spot birthmark and a bruise?

There are a few key differences between a blue spot birthmark and a bruise. (Abby Lu / Wikimedia Commons / Getty Images)

Wheeler explains: "The key difference between blue spot and a bruise is that a bruise changes colour quite quickly over time. Bruising can turn purple, green and yellow. Blue spot tends to stay blue or grey. Blue spot can become more prominent and more can appear or it can slowly fade and reduce in size. But it is very gradual."

She hopes to encourage more research and data collection about blue spots, so that more medical staff can be trained about it.

"There needs to be a separate protocol for the possibility of it rather than triggering safeguarding which leads to a complete waste of resources," she says. "Social services and the police do not need to be called until medical tests are completed as that is when the decision can be made as to whether their involvement is necessary.

"Children undergoing tests in hospitals are safe. The information on the NHS website needs to be updated. I would also like to see anyone working with children to have awareness included in their training, for example, child care courses in colleges.

"The statistics I have seen are that blue spot appears on 80% of mixed ethnicity, Black and Asian children. It also appears in 10% of Caucasian children."

Wheeler continues: "With an increasingly more diverse society, more must be done. I have been gathering research for the last four years. I receive no funding for the work that I do and I manage this around my part time position as a psychotherapist and I am also a mum. Securing funding would allow my research to continue and support families through a very traumatic time."

Read more about health and wellness:
Carpetright has been bought in a rescue deal by rival Tapi, but will shut more than 200 stores and cut more than 1,000 jobs.

Flooring retailer Tapi has agreed to buy the Carpetright brand, intellectual property, 54 stores and two warehouses in a pre-pack administration deal.

Administrators at PwC said the deal will save more than 308 current jobs at Carpetright.

However, the deal will not save the majority of the business, including its head office in Purfleet, Essex.

Tapi has struck a deal to save dozens of Carpetright stores (Tapi Carpets/PA)

Carpetright, which is owned by Nestware Holdings, filed a notice to appoint administrators earlier this month, after struggling in the face of weaker demand and a major cyber attack in April.

The company employed 1,852 people and operated 273 stores across the UK before entering insolvency.

Administrators said it will retain workers at its head office for the short term as it winds down operations.

However, it said 1,018 workers will face immediate redundancy across its stores which were not part of the rescue deal.

Zel Hussain, joint administrator at PwC, said: The sale of some stores and the brand to Tapi has allowed over 300 jobs to be saved, and gives the Carpetright brand the chance to continue and flourish under its new ownership.

However, it is deeply saddening that for the remainder of the workforce there will be redundancies.

We are committed to helping those affected and will make sure redundancy claims are processed as quickly as possible.

The administrators said orders made at stores now set for closure are unable to be fulfilled recommended customers to contact their card provider in order to potentially secure a refund.

Tapi was founded in 2015 by Lord Harris of Peckham, who also founded Carpetright. He sold all his stock in Carpetright in 2014.

Tapi has grown rapidly in recent years and runs about 175 shops across the UK.

Jeevan Karir, managing director of Tapi Carpets & Floors, said: Our goal, initially, was to try to save all of Carpetright.

However, as we looked into the details of the situation, we quickly established that saving the entire business was unviable.

Mr Karir added that Tapi was mindful of how the competition authorities would look at any deal when assessing how many stores it could save through a rescue deal.

Nestware chief executive Kevin Barrett said: Our focus over the last week has been to secure external investment to ensure job security for a number of our Carpetright colleagues up and down the country.

Whilst we succeeded in finding a buyer, the deal is limited to a select number of stores rather than the business as a whole and will sadly impact a large number of colleagues and staff.

We have tried everything to turn Carpetright around and Im truly sorry that we were unable to save more jobs.

Recently, Carpetright has suffered from weaker demand for carpets as homeowners shifted towards hard flooring, as well as a major cyber attack in April which halted trading.

It said earlier this month that the cyber attacks impact on sales affected efforts by the company to restructure its operations in recent months.
Climate groups and unions joined forces at a protest outside Tata Steels London headquarters on Monday where they handed the firm an open letter calling for a just transition that protected workers.

A group of representatives from organisations including Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, Community Trade Union (CTU) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) gathered outside the offices.

They held banners which read Save our steel and In solidarity, before posting the letter through the buildings letterbox.

The group was calling for alternative solutions to decarbonising Tatas Port Talbot plant in south Wales in order to prevent mass job losses.

The firm shut down one of two blast furnaces at the plant, with the second due to be shut in September under plans to switch to a greener method of steel production, which requires fewer workers.

Unions are opposed to the changes, which will lead to the loss of around 2,800 jobs, although Tata has argued its restructuring programme is designed to stem unsustainable losses of more than 1 million a day.

Tata has said it would make every effort to mitigate the impact of the transformation on affected employees and the local community.

In the letter, a coalition of climate groups said the new Labour government brought an opportunity to renegotiate for a fairer and greener transition in the steel industry.

It read: We firmly support the workers demands for a just transition that secures future-proof decarbonised production while protecting jobs.

Protesters outside Tata Steels offices in London (Kristian Buus/Greenpeace/PA)

Tata Steels current plan would see thousands of jobs lost, and be devastating for communities in South Wales and beyond.

The letter warned that closing down the blast furnaces without immediate replacement would simply offshore our emissions by leaving the UK reliant on importing dirty steel from countries such as China and India.

At the protest, the groups argued for keeping the blast furnace open while transitioning workers gradually and adopting new technologies, such as hydrogen-based steel making and open slag bath furnaces.

Paul Morozzo, Greenpeace UK climate campaigner, said steel was essential for the green transition, including wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Workers and the work that are absolutely central to the transition should be supported through it and as part of it and that is the only way you can have a proper transition.

Mr Morozzo added that it would be a massive contradiction if the green movement did not support workers.

One of the reasons we care about climate change is because we care about people, he said.

If the very act of trying to solve climate change can ruin a whole load of peoples lives and communities and throw people on the scrap heap, that would undermine the very principles we support in the first place.

Former steelworker Alun Davies, from CTU who worked at Tata for several years, warned that closing the furnaces quickly was the wrong decision.

We understand that we have to decarbonise, he told PA.

But he added that there had been a blatant disregard for people in the way Tata Steel was trying to adapt to lower carbon practices.

He described how friends had been breaking down due to stress, while other workers had been struggling to come to terms with losing their job.

Activists posted the letter at Tata Steels London offices (Kristian Buus/Greenpeace/PA)

We just need a bit of longevity for that furnace to stay alive for a bit longer so we can transition people and bring them along for the ride, he said.

Otherwise, people are just seeing the transition as negative  its destroying their lives, its destroying their families and thats the opposite of what it can be.

Mr Davies said there were other options but that Tata Steel was not willing to consider them because its too costly and it eats into the profit.

We understand at the moment theyre losing money, but with a greener transition they would make money but over a longer period of time, he said.

On behalf of the steelworkers union, the letters signatories, which included more than 30 groups such as Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Rising, and E3G, outlined several demands.

They called on the Government and Tata to commit to maintaining production and jobs at scale, negotiating with unions on transition plans and ensuring no compulsory redundancies.

The Labour governments in Wales and Westminster have also been pushing Tata not to pursue any compulsory redundancies, with promises of 3 billion in extra funding for the steel industry in the UK.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: Steel is vital for a vibrant, secure economy. Our steel sector needs a government working in partnership with trade unions and business to secure a green steel transition thats both right for the workforce and delivers economic growth.

Decarbonisation does not mean deindustrialisation, and we will be working to safeguard jobs as part of these negotiations, securing the future of steelmaking communities for generations to come.

PA has contacted Tata Steel for comment.
The Prime Minister has said the UKs European Union neighbours did not urge him to rejoin them.

Sir Keir Starmer made the comments during a House of Commons statement on the 47-member European Political Community (EPC) summit which took place at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire last Thursday, and the Nato summit in Washington DC earlier this month.

Sir Keir told MPs that migration featured among the discussions with other European leaders, as he committed the UK to a reset relationship with European nations.

He said: We had a very full discussion about illegal migration, about the law enforcement aspect of it, as Ive explained, but also about the root causes of migration  conflict, poverty and climate change being key among them.

Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts questioned the Prime Ministers decision not to rejoin the EUs economic structures, adding: A core element of collective European security is collective economic security.

Sir Keir replied: I think we can have a better relationship, but I dont think we can simply ignore the referendum and go back into the EU.

And in the discussions I had with our European allies, none of them were urging us to take that course. They were interested in the argument we were making about a better relationship and how that can work in relation to trade, in relation to education, in relation to security and defence.

During the statement, Sir Keir also confirmed EU laws would not be applied in the UK without the consent of MPs.

This came in response to Conservative MP Mike Wood (Kingswinford and South Staffordshire), who said: Can the Prime Minister confirm that his Government will not accept EU rules automatically applying in Britain, unless they have been specifically agreed by this Parliament?

The Prime Minister replied: Yes.

Tory former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale asked about support for Armenia, to the east of Turkey, both in resolving its conflict with Azerbaijan but also in pursuing its ambition to move closer to Nato and to the EU in the face of Russian threats and intimidation.

Sir Keir said this did come up at Blenheim Palace with a joint resolve to provide the support that is needed, the framework that is needed for peace and security across the entire region.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak warned the Prime Minister of the trade-offs involved in pursuing a security and defence co-operation pact with the European Union.

He urged Sir Keir in his conversations with other European leaders to keep the option of further third country migration partnerships on the table as other countries have been discussing, after the end of the previous governments proposal to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The leader of the Opposition said: I hope (Sir Keir) can reassure the House that any closer co-operation with the EU will not adversely affect the technological and procurement aspects of our other alliances such as Aukus (the Australia, UK and United States partnership).
A US election featuring Donald Trump and Kamala Harris would give voters a choice between the prosecutor and the criminal, a Democratic Party group has said.

Vice president Ms Harris is the frontrunner to be the Democratic nominee for the US presidential election in November, after president Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid following concerns within the party that he would be unable to defeat Republican nominee Mr Trump.

A spokesperson for Democrats Abroad has described Ms Harris as an energising factor in the wake of Mr Bidens resignation.

John Scardino, a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad, told the PA news agency that he believed Ms Harris would unite America.

Mr Scardino said: Shes a hard worker. She is incredibly intelligent and I do think she is going to be out there campaigning like crazy to get every vote that she possibly can.

He added: If she becomes the nominee, then voters have a choice between the prosecutor and the criminal in the November election.

And I think that really draws an appropriate and stark contrast between what the Democrats are offering and what the Republicans are offering.

Trump aides had wanted Joe Biden to remain in the race (Carlos Osorio/AP)

I think that there is a lot of excitement about her as the potential nominee.

Ms Harris is the first woman, black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

If she becomes the Democratic nominee and defeats Mr Trump in November, she would be the first woman to serve as president.

Mr Scardino said that this sends a message  to some voters who may not have been as enthusiastic about the choices in the election, that this may be somebody that they feel may be more sensitive to their issues.

So I think its an energising choice. I think that Kamala Harris as a candidate can be a real energising factor, he said.

He added: I think Kamala Harris, in carrying forward a lot of the programmes that Joe Biden has set in motion, could potentially appeal to a lot of those voters who feel disaffected by the Republican Party led by Donald Trump.

Mr Biden said on Sunday that choosing Ms Harris as his running mate was the best decision Ive made and endorsed her as his successor.

Mr Scardino added that he believed Ms Harris had the opportunity to be a unifier.

He said: In the last 24 hours since Biden announced that he was stepping down  theres 100 million US dollars that has been donated to Democratic candidates. And of that, about half has gone to Kamala Harris.

These are record-breaking amounts  it is an indicator of where support may lie. So when you look at the amount of support that has flooded into not only supporting Kamala Harris, but I think Democrats in general, (it is) a very good indicator of her, of the opportunity that she has to be a unifier.
Israeli delegation to attend new round of ceasefire talks in Qatar: PM's office

Xinhua) 09:06, July 22, 2024

People take part in a protest calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem, on July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

JERUSALEM, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that an Israeli delegation will visit Qatar later this week to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal.

Netanyahu held a lengthy discussion on Sunday with members of the negotiation team and senior security officials regarding the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, according to his office.

The delegation, headed by Mossad chief David Barnea, will arrive in Doha on Thursday and engage in indirect negotiations brokered by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the United States.

The new round of negotiations had been delayed for about a week after Hamas halted the talks in protest over an Israeli attack on Khan Younis on July 13, which killed at least 90 Palestinians.

Previous rounds of talks in Qatar have so far failed to produce an agreement to end the more than nine months of conflict in Gaza, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A death-row inmate in Utah plans to plead for his life this week ahead of a scheduled execution next month that would be the state's first in 14 years.



Taberon Dave Honie will appear before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole to seek clemency in the gruesome 1998 knifing of his ex-girlfriend's mother.



Defense lawyers maintain that Honie's traumatic childhood, past head injuries, history of substance abuse and "extreme intoxication" fueled the bloody slaying of Claudia Benn in front of her three young granddaughters after he broke into her home.



In a petition that seeks to have his sentence reduced to life in prison, they also said Honie, a native of Arizona's Hopi Indian Reservation, has expressed "genuine remorse and sadness" since his arrest, the Associated Press reported.



Prosecutors have called those arguments a "long deflection of responsibility that never once acknowledges any of the savage acts he inflicted on Claudia or her granddaughters."



Benn, 49, was killed after Honie, then 22, smashed open a sliding glass door at her home in Cedar City, north of Zion National Park, early on on July 9, 1998.



Honie badly beat Benn, then used a large butcher knife to slash her throat and mutilate her private parts, and also told authorities he attempted to anally rape Benn before realizing she was dead.



Honie was arrested by cops who responded to a neighbor's 911 call and caught him with his hands and forearms covered in blood after ordering everyone in the house to come outside.



His parole board hearing is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, with an additional half day reserved on Wednesday, if needed, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.



It's the first of its kind since 2010, when death row inmate Ronnie Lee Gardner sought mercy for the murder of lawyer Michael Burdell during an attempted escape from a Salt Lake City courthouse in 1985.



Gardner's request was denied and he was executed by firing squad three days later, according to the Tribune.



Unless Honie prevails at his hearing, he's set to receive a lethal injection on Aug. 8.



Officials initially planned to use an untested combination of execution drugs but on Saturday said they would instead rely on pentobarbital after Honie's lawyers said the other drugs could cause him "excruciating pain."
Have we been showering at the wrong time of day? (Getty Images) (Getty)

If you begin each day by hopping into the shower, you might be surprised to learn that you could be choosing the wrong time of day to lather up.

Previous findings by Swedish beauty and wellbeing brand FOREO in partnership with YouGov, found that 61% of Brits opt to shower in the morning, while further studies reveal less than one in four of us opt to shower at night.

Of course, an early morning shower to get you feeling fresh for the day makes total sense, but there are actually some pretty important reasons why you may need to switch your lather time from post to pre-bed.

Showering at night stops you sleeping with dangerous bacteria

Not only does a hot shower at the end of the day feel good, showering at night also ensures that you are clean when getting into bed.

"If you are waiting until the morning to shower, sweat builds up throughout the night, creating the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow," explains an expert from MattressNextDay.

Research suggests that E. Coli could live in mattresses, with the bacteria being able to survive for months on surfaces. The older the mattress, the higher the risk and E. Coli can cause diarrhoea, food poisoning, and even illnesses such as pneumonia.

"If you work in an office, your skin collects huge amounts of bacteria and airborne pollutants, that stay on your skin until washed off," the expert continues. "So, if you shower in the morning, you are likely transferring this grime onto your bed while you sleep."

Turns out the best time to shower is in the evening before bed. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Showering at night improves sleep quality

As if sleeping with 10 million dust mites wasnt enough of a reason to switch up your shower habits, showering at night is also proven to improve sleep quality.

"The change in temperature from a hot shower to a cool room can lower your bodys temperature - and since your body temperature naturally drops when you fall asleep, this aid in temperature change allows your body to receive signals that its ready for sleep much quicker," the expert explains.

To aid sleep even more, consider using a lavender-scented shower gel to get in the mood to sleep. Lavender has soothing chemical components, which can reduce agitation and restlessness, helping you to sleep.

Showering at night is better for your skin

According to dermatologist Dr Simon Zokai, its also far better for your skin to shower before you go to bed.

Having consulted Dr Zokai, a team from FOREO concluded that an evening shower has advantages for skin health, as it helps remove the build-up of dirt, germs and pollution that accumulates on our skin during the day.

If you wait until the next morning to wash, the contaminants will remain on your body while you sleep, giving them more time to seep into the pores.

And this can potentially have some pretty nasty consequences for our skin including blotches, imperfections, marks and long-term skin damage.

Showering at night is better for our skin. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Other shower mistakes we're making

Turns out it isn't just when we shower we're getting wrong, but what we do when we're drying ourselves off.

Whether you shower morning or night, towel placement is important, too.

It can be tempting to leave your towel on your bed post-shower, or sit on the bed in your wet towel, however, such a habit can cause dust mites and other bacteria to thrive in this environment.

"One bacteria that can especially thrive is Staphylococcus aureus," the MattressNextDay expert warns.

"Whilst particularly prominent on pillowcases, it can be found anywhere on your bed. Over a third of the worlds population carries this bacteria, but if caught in your bloodstream it can be life-threatening - which is why its important to minimise any habits which cause the spread."

To avoid any towel contamination it is important to ensure you hang your towel in the bathroom and wash each towel every three or four uses. Doing so can help eliminate bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and allergens.

Dr Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Power Your Curls, previously told Yahoo Life UK: Towels tend to accumulate moisture, creating an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. Bacteria like staphylococcus aureus can lead to skin infections, while fungi like Candida yeast can cause issues like athletes foot or yeast infections.

Additionally, dirty towels may contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations in sensitive individuals.
The inquest into the death of Clapham chemical attacker Abdul Ezedi is set to resume.

Officers launched a hunt for Ezedi, 35, after a woman and two girls were attacked in south London on January 31.

The inquest at Poplar Coroners Court, east London, was opened and adjourned on February 27.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit searched for the body (Lucy North/PA)

Ezedis body was recovered from the River Thames in February after a huge manhunt saw detectives track his final movements along the river on CCTV.

It came after his former girlfriend, a mother-of-two, was doused with a corrosive chemical in a harrowing attack on her and her children, aged eight and three.

Police believe Ezedi, from the Newcastle area, threw a burning chemical over the woman, some of which also injured one of the children, and slammed the three-year-olds head on the ground in the attack.

He fled the scene and used his bank card to travel on the Tube before walking a route that broadly followed the banks of the River Thames in the following hours.

A body was recovered by the Metropolitan Polices Marine Policing Unit, with support from London Fire Brigade.
FILE - Randa Baker, right, who was displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, prepares the Iftar meal with her mother on the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan at a makeshift tent camp in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza, March 11, 2024. The Israeli military ordered Monday, July 22, the evacuation of part of the area of the Gaza Strip, which they had designated a humanitarian zone. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military on Monday ordered the evacuation of part of an area in the Gaza Strip it has designated a humanitarian zone.

The military said it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip.

On Monday morning, thousands of Palestinians carrying backpacks and children walked down dusty roads under the scorching summer sun, navigating dilapidated cars filled with belongings tied on top. Many Palestinians have been uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israelis punishing air and ground campaign.

We do not know where we are walking, said Kholoud Al Dadas, as she clutched her children. This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere. Moments later, as she continued on her way, Al Dadas collapsed in exhaustion and people rushed to her aid.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone it declared covering a stretch of about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Much of that area is now blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, U.N. and humanitarian groups say. Families live in the midst of mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage.

The announcement came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire in Gaza, with U.S. and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement is closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are continuing to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday morning on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden, who announced Sunday that he will not seek another term, and address Congress.

Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next U.S. president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always. He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while also pushing him for more support on certain issues.

The Israeli military said on Monday that it is continuing to operate in central and southern Gaza. One person was killed and three injured in a strike outside the Al Aqsa hospital in the central city of Deir-Al-Balah. Overnight, at least 15 people, including four women and six children, were killed in strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and a body count by an Associated Press journalist. The Israeli military did not have immediate comment.

The United Nations also accused Israel of targeting a U.N. humanitarian convoy in central Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, the main U.N. group supporting Palestinians in Gaza, said that on Sunday Israel shot at the convoy near an Israeli military checkpoint, and that five bullets pierced the clearly marked armored U.N. vehicle.

Lazzarini said that the movement of the convoy had been coordinated with Israeli forces. No one was injured, but Lazzarini condemned the military for targeting humanitarian workers. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 38,900 people, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

The Israeli military announced the deaths on Monday of two additional Israeli hostages, saying they believe Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, who were kidnapped on Oct. 7, were no longer alive, based on intelligence.

Netanyahu has vowed to wipe out Hamas military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and thousands of other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones home.

The already precarious humanitarian conditions inside besieged Gaza have worsened with the discovery of the polio virus as water and sanitation services have deteriorated for the territorys 2.3 million people, most of them displaced. Traces of the virus were found in sewage samples in Gaza. The World Health Organization has said no one has been treated for symptoms caused by the disease.

Israels military said soldiers would be vaccinated and it would work with organizations to bring in vaccines for Palestinians.

Also Monday, Israeli police said a Canadian citizen was killed after threatening Israeli security forces with a knife near the Gaza border.

The Israeli military said the man drove to the entrance of an Israeli town close to the border, left his vehicle and approached the security forces with a knife. The forces opened fire and killed the man. There were no other injuries.

The attack took place at the entrance to the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara, which is just 300 meters (yards) north of the Gaza border. On Oct. 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed after gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza.

___

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Prime minister John Major was warned that Sir Winston Churchills private archive could be broken up unless he approved its purchase using millions of pounds of National Lottery money, according to newly released government files.

The acquisition in 1995 of the wartime leaders papers from the Churchill family trust for 12.5 million was highly controversial  in part because the beneficiaries included his grandson, also called Winston Churchill, who was a sitting Tory MP.

There was concern also that the archive, covering more than 70 years from Sir Winstons early childhood to the end of the Second World War, included official papers which were already the property of the state.

Boris Johnson, then a columnist on The Daily Telegraph, was among the critics of the use of lottery money to fund the purchase, describing it as a case of taking from the poor to give to the rich.

The lord chancellor, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, expressed concern about the agreement (Michael Stephens/PA)

However, papers released by the National Archives at Kew, west London, show officials feared that unless they agreed, the government could face prolonged litigation  with only limited chances of success  to prevent it being broken up.

Under the terms of the agreement, following lengthy and at times acrimonious negotiations, the estimated one million documents would be preserved at the archive centre at Churchill College, Cambridge.

The lotterys national heritage memorial fund would pay 11.5 million with the remainder coming from the J Paul Getty Trust.

However, the lord chancellor, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, was unhappy about the implications of the agreement.

I have to say that I am greatly concerned at the prospect of the government apparently making a gift of public records to a private owner who would then transfer these records to the archive centre along with material for which a considerable sum of money had been given from public funds, he warned.

I would expect that the prime minister would wish to give careful consideration to the difficult presentational issues raised by this matter.

In reply, the cabinet secretary Sir Robin Butler explained that, in part, they were paying to avoid the risk of future litigation. He warned that unless they proceeded as planned, the whole agreement could collapse.

The 12.5 million referred to represents not only the purchase price for the purely private material but also an element of buying out the risk of litigation in which counsel assessed our chances of success as, at best, 50/50, he wrote.

We are advised that we should proceed with the transfer as planned on April 26 and that delay could result in the collapse of the whole arrangement.

This could lead to a break-up of the archive which is what we have been trying very hard to prevent.
Two Just Stop Oil protesters have appeared in court accused of damaging two jets that were sprayed with orange paint at Stansted Airport.

The pair are said to have used angle grinders to break through an airport fence at around 5am on June 20, before using fire extinguishers filled with paint.

Prosecutors allege that the cost of cleaning up the paint was 52,000, though an earlier hearing was told that the full cost including the damage to the fence and the amount needed to fund extra security was not yet known.

Jennifer Kowalski, 28, of Dumbarton in Scotland, and Cole Macdonald, 22, of Brighton, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

The defendants, who are on conditional bail, were not asked to enter pleas to charges and the case was adjourned until August 15.

They indicated at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court pleas of not guilty to causing criminal damage and interfering with national infrastructure.

Kowalski and Macdonald are also both charged with aggravated trespass, though they have not been asked to indicate their pleas to this.

Judge Christopher Morgan, addressing Kowalski and Macdonald on Monday, said: Please return to this court on August 15  I anticipate that you will.

If you enter on that occasion acceptable guilty pleas then your credit is preserved.

They were both bailed until the next court hearing.
A 24-year-old man talked online about making firearms with 3D printers and buying materials for them from Tesco, a court has heard.

Gabriel Budasz, born in Poland, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of posting bomb-making tutorials online and encouraging terrorism.

Prosecutor Maryam Syed KC said Budasz was found by police as someone who used a number of social media sites under different usernames to post extreme right-wing material, such as on Telegram, Omegle and Odysee, and expressed extreme racist views against black and Jewish people and encouraged others to direct action against them.

Opening the case, Miss Syed said: This defendant has a particular MO  modus operandi  of posting videos in which he advocated we say, violence, and extreme Nazi and right-wing views, extreme views, which we say demonstrate a clear and continued pattern of encouraging terrorism, whilst being in possession of information which would facilitate the same.

One video shared on a Telegram channel was sent as an attachment to a message saying he thought it would be very educational for everyone here so they do not accidentally make a bomb.

Let me be absolutely clear, we say thats been typed on purpose, we say its not a joke, Miss Syed said.

Its a bomb-making tutorial, and thats what he has chosen to share.

Police officers discovered the explosive-making video on his internal computer storage when Budasz was arrested at his supporting living accommodation in Weston-super-Mare on August 1 last year.

He asked, while handcuffed, to turn off his computer with his leg, which was refused.

The prosecution added it appeared he had been using his computer moments before the police entered his home that morning, and he refused to give officers passwords for his devices.

Miss Syed added: It was clear that the defendant had been talking online on Discord (another instant messaging and social app) about making firearms with 3D printers and obtaining parts for this purpose, including from going to Tesco.

This chat has been retrieved by police and they could see Telegram and Discord channels were open on the device and these were accessed by police.

The court heard Budasz previously pleaded guilty to five terror offences of possessing information at the Old Bailey in London on December 22 2023.

He denies counts of dissemination of terrorist publications and encouraging terrorism, and sending electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

The trial continues.
A man accused of a role in a plot to kidnap a coroner has told a court he was a man of honour and I deal with state child trafficking.

Matthew Martin, 47, asked that copies of a book that he brought to Chelmsford Crown Court  which said JUDICIAL-NOTICE JSO29587168GB on its front cover  be handed out to jurors.

The book said it was Your own court of record for every country and every jurisdiction.

Further text on the cover, which had artwork of a fingerprint on it, said: The facts that destroy all parliamentary systems, governments & their acts. Volume 1 of 4.

It said it was written by :Janine :Linehan. and directive by :Mark-kishon :Christopher.  with Mark Christopher being one of the other defendants who is on trial.

Matthew Martin outside Chelmsford Crown Court where he is on trial alongside Sean Harper, Shiza Harper and Mark Christopher, charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment (Joe Giddens/ PA)

Martin, of Plaistow, east London, became emotional at times while addressing jurors from the witness box.

He said: What I do for a living, what I do every day when I wake up, I deal with state child trafficking.

He added that it was nothing to do with terrorism or cult, its strictly facts.

Martin, Mark Christopher, 58, of Forest Gate, east London; Shiza Harper, 45, of South Benfleet, Essex; and Sean Harper, 38, also of South Benfleet, Essex, are all on trial and all deny conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.

The court was previously told the group of four defendants had gone to the coroners court in Chelmsford on April 20 2023 in search of Essex senior coroner Lincoln Brookes.

Mr Brookes was not at the court at the time.

Martin told jurors on Monday he had never ever met Lincoln Brookes, adding: I dont know who Lincoln Brookes is.

I went there to do my duties because the judge (Christopher) said theyre not allowed to hold her majestys shield, said Martin.

Sean Harper and his wife Shiza Harper outside Chelmsford Crown Court, where they are on trial alongside Mark Christopher and Matthew Martin, charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment (Joe Giddens/ PA)

His co-defendant Harper said, in a transcript of his police interview that was previously read to jurors, that he was a student of Mark Christopher, who he described as a very knowledgeable man.

Harper said he was part of a group carrying out a warrant to condemn these unlawful buildings that are causing harm to the people.

He said Christopher was the chief federal postal court judge of the federal postal court.

The judge who is presiding over the case at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mr Justice Goss, offered Christopher the opportunity to give evidence before Martin chose to enter the witness box.

Christopher kept his eyes closed and his head bowed, as he sat in the secure dock of the court, and did not move when the judge offered him the opportunity to give evidence in his defence.

The judge then offered Martin the opportunity to give evidence and he responded that he would like to and went to the witness box.

Christopher also denies sending threatening letters to Mr Brookes with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

Martin denies assault by beating of security guard Eammon McCormack on April 20 2023, and the criminal damage of his spectacles.

The trial continues.
A man has been jailed for life after attempting to murder his work colleague by stabbing her with a screwdriver while on day release from prison.

Nicholas Fryers, 57, inflicted more than 70 stab wounds on the victim, including in her head, chest and back, during the assault in Dartford on April 9 last year, Kent Police said.

He was a serving prisoner at HMP Standford Hill but had been working at the Sainsburys distribution centre in Dartford when the attack took place, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Fryers was working at the centre in Littlebrook Manor Way as part of a day release, having been convicted of murder in Wales in 1993, Kent Police said.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court heard Fryers had been working there for about two months and had become obsessed with the victim, including buying her gifts.

Fryers and the victim, who helped to train new employees at the centre, had become friends but he wanted to be what he described as her boyfriend on the side, the CPS said.

A woman who suffered more than 70 stab wounds during a violent assault in #Dartford has seen her attacker jailed. All the details can be read here: https://t.co/34kgoBekAQ pic.twitter.com/d3ZQu8AcA2  Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) July 22, 2024

The victim told Fryers they were only friends, and ended their friendship after an argument on the evening of the incident.

Having asked her to get some items from his car as he planned to finish work early, Fryers attacked her by pulling her to the ground and stabbing her multiple times with a screwdriver, the CPS said.

Two male co-workers at the centre went to the car park where the attack took place and tried to intervene, before Fryers got into his vehicle and fled the scene, Kent Police said.

One of the men managed to remove Fryers car registration plate and officers used this to trace the vehicle, as it travelled towards Preston in Lancashire, where Fryers was arrested in the early hours of April 10, the force said.

Fryers, who denied the attack, was found guilty by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court on November 17 last year.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 17 years and four months before being eligible for parole, at the same court on Monday, Kent Police said.

Manjit Bath, senior crown prosecutor from CPS South East, said: This was a terrifying attack that Fryers had planned, luring his victim to the car park before repeatedly stabbing her.

She was exceptionally lucky to escape without serious injury and none of us can imagine the trauma she has been through as a result.

There was no dispute in this case that Fryers had attacked his victim, but he claimed he did not intend to seriously injure or kill her, despite the fact that his attack lasted for almost two and a half minutes.

Thanks to expert evidence that Fryers had used a severe level of force in his attack, we were able to prove that he had attempted to murder his victim.

This was backed up by evidence from two witnesses, who tried to intervene and described the attack as sustained, brutal and frenzied.

Detective Inspector Ross Gurden of Kent Police said: This was a terrifying incident in which Fryers launched a vicious attack on a young woman who was alone with him in a car park.

He completely lost control and attempted to inflict as much injury to the victim as he could.

It is with only sheer luck that the victim did not lose her life on the night of this incident.

He denied the offences and put her through the ordeal of a trial, forcing her to relive the horrendous details.
GPs have warned that disruption could continue through the week. (Getty Images) (Anthony Devlin, PA Images)

GPs have warned that normal service at surgeries "cannot be resumed immediately" as the global Crowdstrike IT outage continues to have a knock-on effect.

The crash on Friday saw computer systems taken offline at a range of institutions, with flights cancelled at airports, delays for people collecting urgent prescriptions from pharmacies, and shops unable to take card payments.

While cybersecurity company Crowdstrike says it had identified the problem that affected 8.5 million Windows devices, Dr David Wrigley of the British Medical Association (BMA) has said doctors are still facing a "considerable backlog".

In a statement on Sunday, he said: Friday was one the toughest single days in recent times for GPs across England. Without a clinical IT system many were forced to return to pen and paper to be able to serve their patients. While GPs and their teams worked hard to look after as many as they could, without access to the information they needed much of the work has had to be shifted into the coming week."

Here, Yahoo News takes a look at all of the services likely to face delays and disruption in the coming week.

GPs

GPs have been pulling out all the stops this weekend to deal with the effects of Friday's catastrophic loss of service," said Dr Wrigley.

He warned that the temporary loss of Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS) patient record systems has meant surgeries are still facing a "considerable backlog".

"Even if we could guarantee it could be fully fixed on Monday GPs would still need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend," Dr Wrigley said, adding that NHS England should "make it clear to patients that normal service cannot be resumed immediately".

He added: The BMAs GP committee will continue our dialogue with both EMIS and NHSE, both to make sure that the coming week can be used to recover as quickly as possible and to urgently work on securing a better system of IT backup so that this disaster is not repeated in future.

An NHS England spokesperson said on Saturday afternoon that while systems were "coming back online in most areas, they were "still running slightly slower than usual".

As practices recover from the loss of IT systems on Friday, there may be some continued disruption, particularly to GP services, in some areas into next week as practices work to rebook appointments," they added.

Airports

Airports across the UK, including London Gatwick, Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport and Belfast International Airport, said passengers should check with airlines for any delays or cancellations before travelling over the weekend.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh said on Saturday the IT systems of UK airports and train operators are back up and working as normal, but some delays and a small number of cancelled flights were expected.

While airlines are largely back up and running now, travel journalist Simon Calder, writing on X around 3pm, said easyJet cancellations to and from Gatwick has "just doucled from 24 to 48", while Aer Lingus had cancelld two Heathrow-Dublin round trips.

Passengers sitting and waiting at Gatwick Airport on Friday. (Alamy) (Ben Bauer, PA Images)

In a report he wrote for the Independent, he said Tui has resorted to cancelling entire package holidays in order to manage the scale of the problem.

One passenger who had been waiting to fly from Manchester Airport to Lanzarote at 6am on Sunday was told at noon that her entire holiday had been cancelled.

Citing analytics firm Cirium, Calder said that as of 10.30am Sunday, a further 88 flights had been cancelled, bringing the total for the weekend to over 600 in the UK, compared to nearly 12,000 worldwide.

While many services are back up and running, this suggests passengers haven't quite seen the end of the disruption just yet.

Pharmacies

On Saturday Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said on Saturday that systems were "by and large back online" and that "medicine deliveries have resumed".

However, he said the outage "will have caused backlogs" and expected services to "continue to be disrupted this weekend as pharmacies recover".

Yahoo News has asked the National Pharmacy Association if it expects disruption to continue over the coming days.

Pharmacies are still currently facing a backlog. (PA) (Andy Buchanan, PA Images)

Payroll

Workers who are paid weekly may be impacted by the Crowdstrike outage.

Melanie Pizzey, chief executive officer and founder of the Global Payroll Association, said: Weve been contacted by numerous clients already today who have been unable to access their payroll software due to the Microsoft outage and others who have been urged to log out with immediate effect.

Depending on the length of this outage, it could have very serious implications for businesses across the nation, particularly those who process payroll on a weekly basis.

Furthermore, we could see a backlog with regard to processing payrolls for the coming month end which may delay employees from receiving their monthly wage. At best, it will require those managing payroll to work overtime to rectify the issue."

Some banking services were also affected, but now appear to be largely back to normal. Other payments services, banks and financial institutions sought to reassure customers that their systems were running without disruption.

Link, which runs the UKs network of ATM cash machines, said its network is working normally but enhanced monitoring is in place as a precaution.

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England has nearly 1,500 fewer care homes than in 2018, the Liberal Democrats claimed as they tabled a Kings Speech amendment calling for free personal care across the country.

Some 306 constituencies out of 534 have seen a fall in the number of beds compared with six years ago, according to House of Commons Library research commissioned by Sir Ed Daveys party.

Sir Ed, who cares for his disabled son, promised the Lib Dems would be the voice of carers in this Parliament as he urged the Labour Government to add new measures to its legislative agenda to tackle the broken system.

The Lib Dem amendment calls for free personal care in England, better support for carers, and a cross-party commission on social care to help provide long-term reforms to the sector.

Some three-quarters (73%) of all constituencies in England have seen a fall in the number of care homes since 2018, according to the Lib Dem-commissioned analysis.

In Hornsey and Wood Green, north London, around 55% of beds have been lost, in Wythenshawe and Sale East, Greater Manchester, 37% have been lost, and Bristol South has lost 36% over the same period.

The number of care homes across England has fallen from 16,020 six years ago to 14,565 in 2024.

Sir Ed said: I know from speaking with people across the country in recent weeks, and from my own personal experience, just how broken our social care system is. People cannot find care homes nearby for their loved ones and when they do many cannot afford the spiralling cost of care.

This stark postcode lottery reveals once again just how badly the Conservative Party damaged social care. Their neglect of local health and care services has driven our NHS into the ground and left families struggling to find care for their loved ones.

I am proud the Liberal Democrats have tabled this amendment to the Kings Speech to stand up for care and carers. We will be the voice of carers in this Parliament and work with others to find solutions to the big challenge of social care.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: This government is determined to grip the crisis in social care as we know that people are suffering without the care they need.

We want everyone to live an independent, dignified life. That is why we are committed to reforming the sector and taking steps to create a National Care Service, improving consistency of care across the country.
A 26-year-old pilot who dreamed of flying for commercial airlines was killed in a crash near Niagara Falls over the weekend just 30 minutes after the skydivers she was carrying had jumped from the aircraft and she was headed back.

Melanie Georger was alone in the single-engine Cessna she was piloting when she went down in a nearby highway, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating to determine the cause of the crash.

Georger, of Towanda, New York, was "on the cusp" of becoming a commercial airline pilot, her father said in a statement on Facebook after the crash Saturday.

"Friends and family, my life as I know it ended today. My beloved daughter, my best friend and one of the two lights of my life passed away suddenly today," wrote Paul Georger. "Melanie was a pilot, on the cusp of realizing her dream to fly for the airlines."

She was "doing what she loved, flying for a local skydiving company when her plane crashed," he added.

One of the skydivers called escaping death while Georger did not "surreal."

"Why didn't it happen when I was up there? Why didn't it happen when we were all on the plane?" first-time jumper Jeffrey Walker wondered in an interview with the Associated Press.

PILOT DIES AFTER SKYDIVERS JUMP



Melanie Georger, a 26-year-old pilot from New York, died in a plane crash shortly after releasing a group of skydivers.



Witnesses and audio recordings revealed she remained composed, with her final radio message containing heartfelt words. pic.twitter.com/z5rrRdUU0x  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 22, 2024

He told CBS affiliate WIVB: "For some reason, God left me on Earth and I'm just blessed to still be around. It's just an eerie feeling that I was on that plane literally a half-hour before it crashed."

He said Georger encouraged him before his jump, giving him confidence.

"I give her props for wanting to do what she was doing," he said.

Her father wrote: "My life is much darker today and will remain so for a long time. To my tweety pie, my girlie, my beloved and my heart, I'm already looking forward to the day that we reunite and I will have a huge hole in my heart and a never-ending ache until then."
The Jenin refugee camp in 2002, where intense street to street fighting raged for eight days during Israels Operation Defensive Shield. Photograph: David Silverman/EPA

Tony Blairs government accused Israeli forces of acting more like the Russian army than that of a civilised country during a major military incursion into the occupied West Bank, newly released official files show.

The tensions, which have eerie parallels to western concerns over current Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip, are laid bare in papers released by the National Archives.

The documents show the exasperation of western allies at the mounting Palestinian death toll as the Israel Defense Forces laid siege to the headquarters of the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, in 2002.

Ariel Sharon, Israels prime minister at the time, launched Operation Defensive Shield at the end of March 2002, calling up 20,000 reservists, after a wave of suicide attacks killed scores of Israelis.

IDF tanks surrounded Arafats compound in Ramallah, cutting off phone lines and power supplies, while intense street to street fighting raged for eight days in the sprawling Jenin refugee camp.

At a tense meeting with Sharons foreign policy adviser, Danny Ayalon, the British ambassador, Sherard Cowper-Coles, warned the offensive was a major strategic mistake that was undermining support for Israel among its allies.

If some of the reports we were receiving were credible, the IDFs behaviour was more worthy of the Russian army than that of a supposedly civilised country, Cowper-Coles told the adviser, according to his report of the meeting.

I was not suggesting that such behaviour was a matter of policy. But there was no doubt that individual soldiers were out of control and committing acts which were outraging international opinion.

As an example, he cited the case of Israeli troops broadcasting a pornographic video on Palestinian television, knowing it would be deeply offensive to devout Muslims. Ayalon had no real answer to any of this, pleading only ignorance and Arab lies, Cowper-Coles wrote.

George Bush, who was engaged in his own war on terror after the 11 September attacks the previous year, was equally frustrated by the Israeli actions, letting off steam in a private call with Blair.

While Arafat had effectively been marginalising himself, Sharon had succeeded in making a martyr of him  building him up to the point where he was becoming the new Bin Laden, the president complained, according to a No 10 note of the call.

The Israelis were trying to fight a 21st century war with 20th century techniques. Sending tanks into alleyways was simply a PR disaster. The US had tried to persuade Sharon privately, but he just would not listen. The bottom line was that Sharon was undermining the USs ability to pursue the war on terrorism. That was not the action of a good ally.

A British officer who had observed IDF operations in the occupied territories before Operation Defensive Shield said that, despite its reputation as a competent and effective force, the reality was very different. A second-rate, ill-disciplined, swaggering and bullying force, was his scathing verdict.

They routinely use excessive force such as firing at the legs of stone throwers or at car tyres with the inevitable steady stream of ambulances ferrying youths to hospital with fatal bullet wounds to the head and body.

Elsewhere in the tranches of papers released by the National Archives, it was revealed that Downing Street officials wanted to acquire a permanent prime ministerial battlebus to support Blair on his visits around the country.

Campaign battlebuses, hired by the political parties on a temporary basis, had long been a feature of general elections but the files show that in February 2000, No 10 officials suggested it could become a permanent arrangement.
Brittany Higgins moved to France after she was subjected to severe media scrutiny and online bullying. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Brittany Higgins says she has been forced to sell her new home in France to defend a defamation action brought by Liberal senator Linda Reynolds which has already cost her more than $1m in legal fees.

The former defence minister is suing Higgins in the Western Australian supreme court for damages over a series of social media posts she says damaged her reputation.

Despite an apology from Higgins earlier this year, mediation has failed and Reynolds, Higgins former boss, is taking the case to trial.

Earlier this year Higgins former colleague Bruce Lehrmann lost a defamation case he brought against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, with Justice Michael Lee finding that, on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann had raped Higgins on the ministers couch in Parliament House in 2019.

Related: Linda Reynolds wins access to Brittany Higgins $2.4m trust documents

This will be Brittanys third court case and one of numerous legal processes surrounding her rape at Parliament House, a spokesperson for Higgins told Guardian Australia.

The legal costs have already amounted to well over $1m and will continue to grow with the defamation action brought about by Senator Reynolds.

Reynolds says she wants to defend her reputation from the allegation she had failed to support Ms Higgins after the alleged rape and had instead subjected her to a dreadful and damaging political cover-up.

Higgins, who married her partner, David Sharaz, last month, and announced her pregnancy last week, moved to France to start a new life after she was subjected to severe media scrutiny and online bullying.

Brittany relocated overseas to heal and escape the online attacks she received, particularly in the wake of the Channel 7 Spotlight program that elevated her rapist, the spokesperson said.

Brittany is now forced to sell her home in order to defend herself again.

The price of speaking out about sexual assault remains unspeakably high.

In December 2022, Higgins signed a deed of settlement with the commonwealth of Australia, seeking compensation in light of the alleged rape.

The settlement was originally confidential, but was made public as part of the defamation case.

The documents show that Higgins received $2.445m, more than half of which was in respect of her loss of earning capacity, as well as legal costs, medical expenses, domestic assistance and $400,000 for hurt, distress and humiliation suffered by Ms Higgins.

After Lees judgement was handed down Higgins said she was devastated a rapist was given a nationwide platform to maintain his lies about what happened and she hoped people who contributed to the Channel Seven program will reflect on their decision.

In 2022 ACT prosecutors dropped charges against Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Higgins, saying a retrial would pose an unacceptable risk to her health.

Lehrmann has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity had occurred.
Canadian submarine HMCS Windsor berthed at Halifax. The Victoria class subs, formerly the British Upholder class, are known to be unreliable - Paul Darrow/Reuters

The Canadian government has announced an ambitious  and expensive  plan to triple the size of the Royal Canadian Navys submarine fleet.

Expect setbacks. Ottawa has struggled to maintain its existing undersea warfare capability, and does not spend much money on defence. Hugely expanding its submarine force could prove  difficult.

The announcement came during the recent Nato summit in Washington DC. Canada is taking the first step towards the procurement of up to 12 conventionally-powered, under-ice-capable submarines, the Canadian defense department stated.

Shipbuilders in Germany, South Korea, Spain and Sweden are reportedly interested in submitting designs.

That Canada needs submarines is obvious. The country has the longest coastline in the world and touches three oceans: the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific. Tensions are rising on all three oceans as China and Russia become more nakedly aggressive  and more openly allied in their determination to shatter the liberal world order. Canadas Arctic coast is ice-bound, and surface ships are badly restricted in operating off it even in the summer. For much of the year, only a submarine capable of working beneath the ice cap can operate off Canadas north coast or travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without going all the way south to the Panama canal.

Despite the clear need, the Canadian navy currently deploys totally inadequate submarines. On paper, the fleet operates four 230-foot Victoria-class diesel-electric submarines that Ottawa acquired secondhand from London in the early 2000s  by which point they had already been rusting unused for a decade, having been rejected by the Royal Navy in the 1990s.

The torpedo-armed Victorias  three with the Pacific fleet, one on the Atlantic  are unreliable and rarely go to sea. After spending billions of dollars, the Royal Canadian Navy can only keep one of the vessels at high readiness. By comparison, the US, Russian and Chinese navies all keep dozens of submarines at high readiness.

With a dozen new subs, the Canadians might be able to keep four or five at high readiness  assuming, of course, that the new vessels are reliable. The outcome will depend in part on which shipbuilder Ottawa taps for the program. The builder will almost certainly modify an existing design.

Canadas new subs, the first of which will need to enter service in the 2030s in order to avoid a gap in force structure as the old Victorias finally reach the end of their (barely) useful lives, must operate under ice in order to be useful in the Arctic region. At the moment, the only submarines which operate routinely beneath the ice are nuclear-powered. Nuclear power means that a sub can stay at depth for months on end.

Diesel-electric submarines, the standard type of conventionally powered boat, must frequently surface in order to run their diesels and recharge their batteries. Ice cover can make that difficult if not impossible. Newer air-independent propulsion, or AIP, subs have fuel cells or other technologies that allow them to stay underwater for longer periods than the batteries of a regular diesel-electric boat. They have limited submerged range, speed and endurance compared to a nuclear vessel, and they need refilling with exotic fuels after using their AIP technology, but AIP submarines should offer at least some ability to operate beneath the ice cap.

The technology required to design an Arctic under-ice-capable AIP [submarines] exists today, a Canadian navy officer concluded in a 2018 study.

But the integration of under-ice capability with an existing hull could be time-consuming and expensive. And thats before the Canadians try adding any systems the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are developing for their new nuclear submarines under the auspices of the AUKUS alliance.

Canada isnt a full member of AUKUS, but it is an observer in the partnership  and could gain access to any new AUKUS technologies.

The Canadian sub effort will also depend on stable funding: tens of billions of dollars worth over several decades. The subs will compete with other Canadian defence priorities. Ottawa is already spending billions to build 15 new destroyers to form the core of the navys future surface fleet, and Canada spends less than 1.5 per cent of GDP on defence  well below the Nato minimum target of 2pc. It will be difficult for the RCN to become world class with this level of spending.

The design and money challenges dont make the new subs any less important. They simply underscore the scale of the undertaking as Canada tries to right a naval wrong  and finally build a meaningful undersea fleet.
Officials described the Galloway area, which includes the village of Port Logan, as a 'special place' - Marco Pavan/www.4cornersimages.com

A new national park has been earmarked for Galloway, SNP ministers have announced, despite widespread concern from farmers.

Mairi Gougeon, the Rural Affairs Secretary, said the region in south-west Scotland had been chosen from a five-strong shortlist.

A further investigation will now be carried out into Galloways suitability to become the countrys third national park, after the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

If successful, Galloway will become the first new national park in the UK in about 15 years.

It will mean the area will be set aside for the conservation of the environment, with most of the landscapes and accompanying plants and animals protected in their natural state.

The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), which has campaigned for the designation, argued the status would bring transformational economic and environmental benefits to the region.

However, farmers have expressed concerns that it will lead to extra red tape for their businesses, fearing it could damage growth and tourism.

A report published by the Scottish Government noted that both NFU Scotland and the Milk Suppliers Association, which represents 131 dairy farmers in the area, did not support Galloway being nominated.

The national park would cover 347,000 hectares of land in the Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire council areas, where between 25,000 and 68,000 people live.

Final decision to come

Ms Gougeon said the competition had been extremely tough, with rival bids from the Scottish Borders, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest regions rejected.

She said: After carefully considering all of the nominations we received, I am very pleased that we are proposing to create a new national park for Scotland in Galloway.

The proposal is community-led, has the backing of many local businesses and makes a strong case on the benefits that national park status will bring for people who live in the area, for the local economy and for the environment.

She said NatureScot, the Governments nature agency, would now hold a public consultation to gauge support and examine the specific boundaries of the park.

Its investigation will be submitted by April next year to SNP ministers, who will decide whether the park gets the final go-ahead.

Landscapes in the region, such as Sandyhills Beach, could be granted additional protections if national park status is approved - Nicola Patterson/iStockphoto

However, John Locke, a livestock farmer in the area, told BBC Scotland that national park status could impact the way farms are allowed to develop locally.

He said: We need to have profitable farming in Dumfries and Galloway. We already have quite a lot of conditions and restrictions and targets from existing legislation and other bodies.

Special place

The panel that assessed the five national park bids noted Galloways distinctiveness as a quieter region within Scotland in respect to visitor numbers.

Distinctive coastal features, habitats and landscapes represent a key aspect of this nomination, a set of characteristics not currently represented in Scotlands two existing national parks, its report said.

The panel also noted that part of the region already holds Unesco Biosphere status - an area deemed to be a world-class environment for nature - and argued that designating it a national park could help deal with issues such as coastal erosion.

The nomination bid also claimed the status would help with job creation, nature-friendly farming, tackling climate change and restoring peatland.

Rob Lucas, the GNPAs chairman, said: This is fantastic news that the case for Galloway to be proposed as Scotlands third national park has been recognised. It would bring transformational economic and environmental benefits to the area and strengthen our local communities.

John Cooper, the new Tory MP for Dumfries and Galloway, praised the team for winning the bid but said the voice of local people had to be heard in the consultation, including farmers.

Prof Colin Galbraith, NatureScots chairman, said: In preparing our advice, we will consult widely with everyone who has an interest in this special place.

We will make a particular effort to meet and listen to people who live and work in the area, as it is these voices which will be crucial if Scotland is to establish its third national park that can deliver a successful partnership for people and nature.

Disadvantages greatly outweigh benefits

By Jamie Blackett

As a farmer who has diversified into tourism, you might expect me to be in favour of turning Galloway into a national park. We have 34 beds to fill each week and national park status might help our marketing.

But, having researched the pros and cons with my counterparts in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks, and elsewhere in the UK, I can see that the disadvantages greatly outweigh the benefits for local businesses.

The proponents of the national park trumpet the transformational economic and environmental benefits that will strengthen local communities.

But the reality is that the imposition of what is, in effect, an extra layer of government has had the opposite effect wherever it has been tried, because the resulting bureaucratic drag deters entrepreneurship and blocks the economic development that the rural economy needs in order to thrive.

I saw this for myself when I applied for planning permission for four new houses on the edge of a village. There is an urgent need for affordable homes for young people. The influx of retirees and second home owners has made it much harder for young people to stay in the area where they grew up.

The Nith Estuary is one of many beauty spots in the area - Rod McLean/Alamy Stock Photo

The remedy is more housing, something that can be achieved easily without detriment to the landscape if landowners are careful to pick sites sensitively.

Yet because we had been placed in a National Scenic Area (NSA) - a kind of national park-lite - the planners turned down our application, citing the NSA as the reason.

Upgrading us to national park status and devolving the planning function to a national park authority will only make things worse.

In the meantime, our local village primary school, which had 70 children a generation ago, has just been closed because it only had 10 children. Preserving Galloway in aspic will make things worse.

Democratic deficit

The Galloway countryside already has many success stories: some of the most productive dairy farms in the world along the coast, beef and sheep farming in the uplands, forestry, field sports, tourism and many people who work in creative industries or remotely in the knowledge economy.

These activities will continue despite national park status, not because of it. If anything, they will be hampered. There will be a political conceit that our beautiful landscape is somehow enhanced or protected by civil servants in an office but this will be a lie.

Likewise, everyone in Scotland already has a right to roam and to wild camp - national park status wont confer any additional access.

The reality is that money that could be spent on keeping village schools open or filling potholes will be spent on inflated salaries for park officials instead.

And the democratic deficit we already have in Galloway will be worsened: if we dont like what councillors on the Dumfries and Galloway Council do, we can vote them out; if we dont like regulations the unelected bureaucrats impose on us we will be powerless.

Jamie Blackett is a farmer and businessman in Galloway
A sharpnose sevengill shark, closely related to the Brazilian sharpnose - Kelvin Aitken/Alamy

Cocaine has been found in sharks off the coast of Brazil and may be changing their behaviour, scientists fear.

Marine biologists tested 13 sharks of the Brazilian sharpnose type taken from coastal waters near Rio de Janeiro and found they all had high levels of cocaine in their muscles and livers.

In a paper for the journal Science of the Total Environment, they said the drug probably originated in drainage from illicit labs where cocaine is manufactured, or from the excrement of drug users, via untreated sewage.

It might even have come from the sharks feeding on bales of cocaine that were lost or dumped overboard by drug smugglers  but that was less likely, the team said.

The head of a Brazilian sharpnose shark - Levi Sa/Inaturalist

The results showed chronic exposure due to human use of cocaine in Rio de Janeiro and the discharge of human urine and faeces by sewage outfalls, as well as from illegal labs, said Dr Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, a British scientist and member of the research team from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro.

We dont get much coke at sea

We dont usually see many bales of coke dumped or lost at sea here, unlike in Mexico and Florida, she told The Telegraph, meaning it was unlikely the sharks had been eating discarded packages.

The cocaine was probably harmful to the health of the animals, she said. It was not known if it affected their behaviour, rendering them more aggressive and unpredictable or making feeding frenzies more likely.

This may be the case, as cocaine targets the brain, and hyperactive and erratic behaviour has been noted in other animals. Its a possibility and further studies are required, said Dr Enrico Mendes Saggioro, an ecotoxicologist from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute.

The researchers acquired the small sharks from fishing boats that ply the coastal waters off Rio de Janeiro.

After dissecting them and subjecting them to tests, they found concentrations of cocaine up to 100 times higher than previously detected in other marine animals. The scientists described their findings as worrying for the marine ecosystem.

Damaging to eyesight

One way cocaine may damage sharks health is by affecting their eyesight, affecting their capacity to hunt.

You might start to see lower fecundity and growth rates, Dr Tracy Fanara, an expert in ecotoxicology and environmental engineering from the University of Florida, told The Telegraph.

She agreed that there was no evidence, as yet, to suggest that cocaine encouraged crazed behaviour or feeding frenzies in sharks.

They may not be going nuts from the cocaine but it could reduce their life expectancy, said Dr Fanara. She took part in the Discovery Channel film Cocaine Sharks, which explored whether sharks in the Gulf of Mexico were feeding on cocaine packages dumped by traffickers.

Dr Fanara added: This is representative of problems all over the world, whether it involves cocaine or fertiliser or herbicides.

We are releasing these chemicals into the environment and the question is, how are we affecting the ecosystem?
A departures board at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday. The IT outage caused thousands of flights to be cancelled. Photograph: Megan Varner/Getty Images

A significant number of the 8.5m devices affected by last weeks global IT outage are back online, according to the cybersecurity company at the centre of the incident.

CrowdStrike said it was also testing a technique to reboot systems more rapidly, amid warnings from experts that a full recovery from Fridays IT failure could take weeks.

On Friday, thousands of flights were cancelled, broadcasters were forced off air, healthcare appointments disrupted and millions of PCs failed to start after a CrowdStrike software update inadvertently crippled devices using the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Related: What is CrowdStrike, and how did it cause a global Windows outage?

CrowdStrike wrote in a social media update that it had made progress in fixing the consequences of a glitch that, according to one expert, had caused the largest IT outage in history.

Of the approximately 8.5 million Windows devices that were impacted, a significant number are back online and operational, the US company said.

CrowdStrike continues to focus on restoring all systems as soon as possible. Of the approximately 8.5 million Windows devices that were impacted, a significant number are back online and operational.



Together with customers, we tested a new technique to accelerate impacted  CrowdStrike (@CrowdStrike) July 21, 2024

CrowdStrike added that it was testing a new method to accelerate impacted system remediation and working to get companies and organisations a means of accessing that technique.

On Sunday, Australias home affairs minister said CrowdStrike was close to rolling out an automatic fix to the issue with their update, as is Microsoft.

On Friday, experts had warned that repairs to affected PCs would have to be carried out manually, potentially prolonging the recovery.

In the US, more than 1,500 flights were cancelled for the third successive day on Sunday, with the Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines in particular struggling, while in the UK 45 flights were cancelled on Saturday.

Deltas chief executive, Ed Bastian, said the problem had affected a critical application in its IT system. In particular, one of our crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system shutdown, he told customers.

Europes largest airline, Ryanair, said it had cancelled 400 flights this weekend, mainly due to fallout from the IT outage.

In the UK, NHS England warned of delays as healthcare services recovered from the outage. It said patients with appointments this week should continue to attend unless told not to.

The British Medical Association said on Sunday that normal GP service could not be resumed immediately after the IT problems caused a considerable backlog.

An NHS spokesperson said: Systems are now back online  Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff throughout this incident we are hoping to keep further disruption to a minimum, however there still may be some delays as services recover, particularly with GPs needing to rebook appointments, so please bear with us.

Pharmacy services were expected to be slower than usual in the UK on Monday as the recovery continued.

Nick Kaye, the chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: As pharmacists recover from last weeks IT outage and catch up on the backlog of prescriptions, we expect service in some community pharmacies to be slower than usual today.

Kaye asked customers to be patient with their local pharmacy teams.
Hillary Clinton speaks to the audience at the 2016 Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Photograph: Mike Coppola/WireImage

Its been more than 50 years since delegates to a Democratic national convention havent known their nominee as they walked through the door. Now, in the wake of Joe Bidens decision on Sunday not to seek re-election, theres a mad dash.

Delegates are due to convene in Chicago on 19 August, and while the Democratic party seems to be coalescing around Kamala Harris, theres no guarantee that she will be the nominee, and others could still throw their name into contention.

But just a few hours after Bidens announcement, Google documents were circulating asking delegates to pledge their support for Harris.

Jonathan Padilla, a delegate from California, said he could stand for things to be a hair less mad.

I dont want to be rushed into something, Padilla said. I do want to have deliberation. Theres a lot of frustration in the party, and I think having a process to talk to people from the campaign and to the candidate or people around her is necessary  to help us be unified in November.

Delegates are, by and large, local volunteers expected to spend thousands of dollars to fly to Chicago and attend the convention. Its often viewed as a reward for activism and dedication, but its typically a far less consequential role than it might be next month.

Related: Who will replace Biden as Democratic nominee? Here are some of the top candidates

One delegate who isnt yet old enough to drink expressed his mounting anxiety about how things are unfolding and how little has been predictable.

Im a young, young person, said the delegate, who requested anonymity because he feared being replaced by his state chair. This is my first convention  And this is scary. Its super anxiety-inducing, and crazy, and so much.

He said he was disappointed with the party for communicating poorly. But at the same time, I dont really feel like I have time to be disappointed. I feel like I just need to go knock on some doors.

In a normal election year, each state sends a number of delegates to the convention who have been pledged to a candidate. Those delegates are expected to vote for that candidate , on pain of being replaced by a state chair if their vote is wayward. With a majority going to one candidate, as has happened every election year since the 60s, thats the end of it. A candidate is chosen.

That bureaucratic, uncontroversial process has become an open question this year.

In a call on Friday, before Biden dropped out, Elaine Kamarck, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a member of the partys rules committee, likened the process of selecting a new presidential nominee to a mini-primary, with delegates as the voting audience. If Biden were to drop out, the process would be scrunched into three weeks or something. Itd be incredibly tight. The question at the convention would then become whether a consensus had formed on a new nominee.

But thats not exactly whats happening right now. Instead, members of the California Democratic party have begun circulating a Google document asking delegates to pledge their support for Harris publicly and immediately. According to the list, shared with the Guardian by a delegate, 83 people had already signed on as of 9pm on Sunday. A second Google document is circulating to delegates with a form for pledging their support for Harris on a petition. Before the start of the convention, the Democratic National Committee is also planning to hold a virtual roll call , where a nominee would be chosen for legal purposes.

Ohio presents a problem. State law ostensibly requires parties to select their nominees by 9 August to appear on the ballot. Ohio lawmakers changed the law this year, but Democrats worry that the change wont take effect in time.

Padilla said he expected Harris to be the nominee, but some delegates are unhappy with the pressure for an early decision.

Vice-President Harris has the next 72 to 96 hours to mitigate any serious challenge, he said. And pending that, I think the party moves forward with the existing plan of the virtual roll call, which would mitigate risk at the convention, but it does probably leave a lot of delegates who would want a more transparent, deliberative process probably not happy.

Susan Herder, a Biden delegate from Minneapolis, said she thought Biden might be the best president of her lifetime, crediting him with turning the country around from Covid-19 and an economy in which the wealth gap had widened.

After the debate and Bidens exit, shes ready to start campaigning for Harris. She said she intended to respect all voters and would listen to them to understand their points of view.

I am looking forward to the future, she said in an email. I hope everyone who is inclined will help us elect Kamala Harris. Its a great way to defeat anxiety, fear and feelings of hopelessness. LETS GET HER ELECTED!

While some delegates have only just come around to supporting someone other than Biden, others had been pushing for a change during the primaries, long before Bidens disastrous debate.

I think we were feeling like our message has become even stronger in the past few hours, said Asma Mohammed, leader of Minnesotas uncommitted movement and a Democratic convention delegate. In the past few hours, there are people who have reached out and said, You know, youre right. We needed a better candidate.

Mohammed has been calling for pushback against the Biden administrations support for the war in Gaza, demanding a plank in the party platform that calls for a ceasefire, an arms embargo and a president ready to support that position. She believes Harris is more sympathetic to her position than Biden was, despite having taking $5m in campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), but wants time to put the question to her.

We are delegates from our communities, and we are being asked to represent, Mohammed said. We cant do that if were only being given one option.

A degree of dissent against the virtual roll call had percolated up from delegates days ago. Delegates Are Democracy and Welcome Party, two organizations formed in recent days to help inform confused delegates about their options, have been hosting webinars, airing concerns from delegates about a convoluted process.

Chris Dempsey, head of Delegates Are Democracy, said he had been speaking with dozens of delegates who say the process is opaque and that party leaders have been gatekeeping information. He stressed that Delegates for Democracy had not been advocating for Biden to withdraw, but was instead trying to guide delegates, who are often volunteers without deep legal training, about the rules.

We think that conventions are essential at putting forward strong nominees, Dempsey said. We can beat Donald Trump in November. But we know that we need credible sources of information to share with delegates. We want to be a place that delegates, the public, the media can come and get good information about how the process works.

Kamarck noted in a call on Friday that delegates were already free to vote for whoever they wanted, more or less. The convention rules contain a loophole, she said.

The loophole is in all good conscience. That was added after the very, very difficult and bitter 1980 convention.

At that convention, Senator Ted Kennedy challenged President Jimmy Carter in primaries and then a floor fight. At the time, delegates could be removed by state leaders if they changed their vote. The conscience clause emerged after that, to prevent delegates from acting like robots, Kamarck said.

On the Democratic side, there is no such thing as Joe Biden releasing his delegates, Kamarck said. And Joe Biden gets this. I dont know why the rest of the press doesnt get it. Joe Biden said in his Nato press conference: The delegates can do whatever the hell they want to do. And that is basically true. The delegate rules require their votes to reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.

That phrase had never really been tested, Kamarck said. Until now.

Bidens withdrawal has set off a hunt for delegates, Kamarck said. Again, in a normal process, that hunt would start on the floor of the convention, with potential candidates soliciting signatures on a petition to get on a nomination ballot, with no more than 50 from any one state and 300 delegates to make the ballot.

I suspect that somebody from the [Democratic National Committee (DNC)] or the state parties would organize delegate meetings that would be open to the public  because all DNC meetings are open to the public  for the candidates to come and talk to the delegates, because theyd have to win over the delegates, she said.

The nomination for vice-president would be based on a separate vote, she said on Friday. I imagine what would happen is that whoever emerged as the frontrunner  and maybe thered be two or three of them  would all name their vice-presidential candidates. But then wed have an open vote for vice-president. It could get quite confusing. But this assumes, all of this assumes, that theres a contest. And I for one am very skeptical that therell be much of a contest.
The bunker is described as being secure, dry and in its original condition. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Its a property with no windows, no running water and no mod cons except for a phone line. But there is parking, the countryside is phenomenal and when Armageddon happens it could be perfect.

This week will bring the rare sale of a 1958 nuclear bunker in the Cumbrian Dales near Sedbergh.

Related: When you hear the four-minute warning  Whatever happened to Britains nuclear bunkers?

It was one of about 1,500 Royal Observer Corps monitoring posts built across the UK at the height of cold war fears of nuclear attack. The idea was that three volunteers could live down there for a fortnight, able to measure the fallout after the bombs dropped and broadcast messages to the public.

After decommissioning, most of the bunkers were sold off and are today often sites for mobile phone masts. But on Thursday one will be auctioned online for anyone to buy. It is secure, dry and in its original condition and has a guide price of 15,000-20,000.

Viewings took place over two hours on Monday afternoon and the Guardian went along to see what you get for your money but also to ask: what sort of person wants to buy a nuclear bunker?

Im on the edge of a midlife crisis, joked Barney Strange, a paramedic who had come along with his wife, Harvie. The idea of owning a nuclear bunker is surely every 14-year-old boys dream isnt it? It is so secluded  truly unique. I know this is a cliche, but there is something about buying a piece of history.

Does the thought of sleeping underground in a small windowless room not fill him with dread? No, not at all. It fills me with a sense of security. Im not a caver but I love all things underground.

Jim Demitriou, a national valuer with SDL property auctions, was expecting about 20 in-person viewings, a fraction of the interest the sale has generated.

He said the seller had owned the bunker since 2008. Hes kind of felt hes had his fun with it, [so] its time for somebody else to have fun as well.

Hes gravelled the drive, hes made sure the phone line is intact, hes decorated it, hes cleaned it, its dry, its got some sofa beds in there  hes had some fun with it.

You might have your own mobile home or caravan and you pitch up there and sleep underground because its a novelty. You can sit outside and admire the beautiful countryside.

The Dentdale valley surroundings, even on a drizzly, misty July morning, are undeniably breathtaking. It is remote but, counterintuitively, has great transport links: it is right next to Dent railway station, the highest mainline station in England.

From the road, you would never know the bunker was there. Behind a bush is a small concrete structure with a metal hatch. You descend 12 metres (40ft) down a metal ladder into what is like a small cellar  or cell.

Nick and Jo Bradley had travelled from Read in Lancashire. We like quirkiness and we love it up here, said Jo. This is quirky. Nick said they would go away and have a proper chat about what they would do with it.

Warren Bardsley, from Manchester, was interested in the bunker as a retreat as well as its Airbnb potential. Its amazing, its unique, there is nothing like it, he said. But it is also a bit crazy.

Getting down the ladder is not straightforward  at least three people decided against it  but it was easy enough for Dave Moll, from west Cumbria, who is in his 70s and lowered down his walking stick on a rope before getting in. It is unusual, he said. Its the quirkiness of it more than anything else.

Demitriou said people registering their interest for the auction had all sorts of ideas for the bunker.

Someone has said it would make a great music studio. There are also a lot of people into history who want to buy a piece of postwar Britain for not an exorbitant price. Some people want it as a bolthole where they can be away from everything.

The bunker could have a practical purpose if bombs ever do go off  although not for Strange. I would rather die along with everyone else, I think.
Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk are seen at a pharmacy in London, England, on 8 March 2024. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters

An obscure federal statute is allowing US pharmacies to flood the market with unvetted knockoffs of Ozempic, the pricey weight-loss drug that is reducing and transforming the weight and silhouettes of millions of Americans.

According to a Bloomberg investigation published Monday, a blind spot in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations that allows pharmacies and compounders to reproduce drugs that are in short supply has helped to create a market of unbranded weight-loss drugs worth $1bn annually.

Injectable weight-loss medications including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic all have been in short supply as of late, according to the FDAs drug shortage list.

While they are approved for diabetes but not formally for weight loss, an estimated 15.5 million US adults  or 6% of the population  have used them as of this past May.

Alongside the shortages, the high cost of the drugs at about $1,000 monthly is not typically covered by insurers, causing people to seek cheaper alternatives. The market for Ozempic alone was estimated at $11bn this year and projected to hit $16.5bn by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.

The copycat drugs, according to the outlet, are less reliable than brand-name medications created by over-stretched suppliers, including makers Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk A/S.

Bloomberg reported that one consumer, Lindsay Posey, took one dose of the appetite-suppressant that worked well, a second that didnt and a third that caused her to breakout in acne on her cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.

Acne is not listed as a potential side-effect of semaglutide medications, which include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, heartburn and runny nose or sore throat.

My skin just went absolutely crazy, Posey said.

When her doctor suggested it might be the medication, she reflected: Thats not really something you want to hear.

According to the American Pharmacists Association, compounding is the creation of a pharmaceutical preparation  a drug  by a licensed pharmacist to meet the unique needs of an individual patient (either human or animal) when a commercially available drug does not meet those needs. That includes when a patient may require a drug that is currently in shortage or discontinued, the pharmacists association says.

Copycat or reformulated drugs are not tracked through FDA prescriptions systems or by many state pharmacy boards.

In a statement, Scott Brunner, chief executive officer of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, told the Guardian: Theres no blind spot or loophole in FDA guidance that allows state-licensed compounding pharmacies to prepare copies of FDA-approved drugs when those drugs are in shortage.

He said: Its an intentional policy designed to assure patients dont have to do without often life-saving medications when drugmakers cant manage their supply chain. Unfortunately, patients can occasionally experience an adverse event when taking a compounded medication, just as they can with FDA-approved drugs.

Were not talking about known side effects of a drug, but serious health-threatening effects. When they do occur, they must be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause of the adverse event.

Nonetheless, a pharmacy in Louisiana produced nearly 300 vials of injectable weight-loss shots without doing proper contaminant testing. In Arizona, drugs were mixed in non-sterile conditions. Investigations are underway in Massachusetts and Mississippi.

Drugs produced by compounders have caused problems in the past. In 2012, an outbreak of fungal meningitis was traced to a pharmacy in Massachusetts that had produced injectable steroids.

More than 750 people in 20 states developed fungal infections, and more than 60 people died, according to the CDC.

The extraordinary demand for injectable weight-loss drugs is producing lawsuits. Last year, a Florida judge ruled against Eli Lilly, maker of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, after it tried to use state law to block reformulated versions of the drug.

US federal court judge Roy Altman wrote that Lilly was trying to preempt the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, has also challenged compounding pharmacies and wellness clinics for marketing altered versions of semaglutide.

Novo has alleged that some compounded drugs had impurities or lower concentrations of semaglutide than they should, while Lilly has said some of the knock-off products are known to have bacteria or high levels of impurities.

In May, Lilly settled with Totality Medispa, which it claimed had misled consumers into believing it was selling its FDA-approved drugs.

The company said it was deeply concerned that products fraudulently claimed by compounding pharmacies or counterfeiters to be FDA-approved tirzepatide, Mounjaro or Zepbound may expose patients to serious health risks.

In at least one instance, the product was nothing more than sugar alcohol.

The agreement, the company said, was an important step forward.

This is not a problem that Lilly can solve alone, the company also said, adding that it supported state and federal regulators taking action to deter and punish compounding pharmacies, counterfeiters and others who put patients at risk by selling unsafe products claiming to be tirzepatide.
For her supporters, Kamala Harris is the best-positioned Democrat to take on Donald Trump in November - ANADOLU

A lampooning from a major US satire show is something of a rite of passage for politicians; as much a confirmation of status as a ritual in humiliation.

But when the Daily Show ridiculed Kamala Harriss unfortunate predisposition for word salads earlier this year, they hit on something that has concerned even the vice presidents allies.

In the skit, impersonator Desi Lydic summarised Ms Harriss approach to public speaking.

Its a process I call speaking without thinking, she said. Its not about the destination of the thought, its about the journey and how many words you use to describe the journey.

Spliced with real clips of Ms Harriss speeches, the skits satirical brilliance lay in replicating, rather than exaggerating, their failings.

Ms Harriss tendencies for vague terms and repetition, sometimes to the point of absurdity, have, fairly or unfairly, become a defining feature of her vice presidency and a regular source of ridicule for Republicans.

So with the 59-year-old now on course to replace Joe Biden on the top of the 2024 Democratic ticket after he stepped down and endorsed her on Sunday night, her strengths and weaknesses are under renewed scrutiny.

Those who have previously worked with Ms Harris broadly fall into two camps: those who loathe her and those who admire her.

For her supporters, Ms Harris is the best-positioned Democrat to take on Donald Trump in November.

With just over 100 days to go until election day, they point out she needs little introduction to voters. Her detractors say that is part of the problem.

Mr Bidens disastrous debate performance has underscored for them the imperative of selecting a replacement able to withstand the on-screen rigours of a presidential race.

Ms Harriss unexpectedly brief 2020 White House bid has not inspired confidence. When she first announced her candidacy, many saw promise in her ability to lead a future generation of Democrats.

Californias former attorney general, and a promising new senator, she appeared to have it all: good looks and a biography that could appeal to centrists and progressives. Ms Harris seemed uniquely placed to rebuild Barack Obamas near-mythical voter coalition. Her frontrunner status even earned her a dedicated fanbase, nicknamed the K-Hive.

But her campaign stumbled from the outset with a series of basic missteps. Her judgment was called into question more than once amid reports of staff mismanagement, and claims her sister, Maya, was playing an outsized role for which she was neither suited nor qualified. They had two pollsters, two campaign managers and two media consultants, said one Democratic insider. It was not well run.

A flip-flop on critical policy positions  like Medicare for all - led to a suspicion that Ms Harris, who had traded heavily on the backstory of her immigrant parents and their involvement in the civil rights struggle, did not have the firm ideological core she suggested. Political pragmatism may be an important quality in a politician, but it requires a dexterity Ms Harris appeared to lack.

She had some great moments, said a former Obama strategist. Like in the debate where she hammered Joe Biden pretty good. But commentators were quick to note those moments were often scripted. She was a less agile performer when thinking on her feet  something more than one former aide told The Telegraph remains true today.

Ultimately, it was her inability to charm donors  essential to any presidential bid  that doomed her 2020 candidacy. She ran out of cash and quit the race before the Democratic primary had even begun.

The fates appeared to be smiling on Ms Harris when, despite skewering Mr Biden in an early debate, he chose to make her his running mate. With the pairs White House victory, her position as his political heir seemed assured. At the time a first-term senator still finding her feet in Washington, and just 56 years old, it was an astonishing feat to find herself a heartbeat from the presidency.

If good fortune had installed her in the White House, Ms Harriss luck soon dried up. Her vice presidency was dogged from the outset by negative press coverage. High staff turnover and reports of dysfunction in her office reignited past speculation about her chaotic management style. Meanwhile, her allies griped to reporters she was being sidelined by the Oval Office, and Biden aides briefed in return she was not pulling her weight, noting her lack of substantive policy accomplishments.

Allies argue the deck was stacked against Ms Harris from the very beginning.

The first half of her tenure was heavily restricted by a gridlocked US Senate, which kept her grounded in Washington to cast tie-breaking votes. A critical function, but an unglamorous administrative one.

Meanwhile, Ms Harris was handed one of the most politically noxious briefs in Mr Bidens intray: solving the US-Mexico border crisis. With illegal immigration hitting record numbers under the Biden administration, her border tsar moniker has become a millstone around her neck.

She unnecessarily exposed herself to criticism with tactless responses in interviews, such as in 2021 when she was asked why she had not yet visited the southern border. I havent visited Europe either, she replied. It was catnip for her critics.

Another brief in her portfolio  overseeing the National Space Council  has produced no tangible results, but a speech on the subject was branded cringeworthy and patronising.

Ms Harriss supporters have substantive responses to all the criticisms laid at her door.

First and foremost, they argue that as the first female vice president, as well as the first black and Asian American in the role, the lens through which her record has been judged is tainted with racism, sexism and rank hypocrisy.

The argument has at least some merit. Ms Harriss staffing turnover, for instance, is comparable with that of Dick Cheney and Mike Pence, as her close friend, Democratic strategist Karen Finney, has previously pointed out.

There is little doubt, too, that as a history-breaking vice president, and deputy to Americas oldest ever commander-in-chief, she has faced an unparalleled set of expectations, without the constitutional power, or political levers, to meet them.

Rule number one of being vice president, after all, is never outshine your boss. The role can be a poison chalice, or, in John Nance Garners phrasing, not worth a warm bucket of spit.

Some of the attacks on Ms Harris, too, veer into the realm of caricature  such as the social media mockery of her laugh, which has led Trump to dub her Laffin Kamala, or misleading editing of her body language.

Real or manufactured, critics believe Ms Harris is viewed as inept and unpopular by voters. Indeed, for much of their first term, she has polled worse than the president  with the worst approval rating of any vice president in at least one polls history

It is why Republicans have for months campaigned on the line: vote Joe Biden, get president Kamala Harris. They believe her to be a bigger vote-loser than an 81-year-old asking the public for four more years.

Mr Biden even inadvertently reinforced that view earlier this month, when he told a press conference at the Nato summit he was the best qualified candidate to beat Trump. It was a drastic shift from the man who vowed to be a bridge to a new generation four years ago.

As he tried to defend his place as the partys nominee, Mr Bidens team polled how he compares against Ms Harris in voters estimation  an apparent effort to show she is less popular, and therefore less likely to win, than himself.

When he did drop out on Sunday night, Mr Biden made no mention of endorsing Mrs Harris in his resignation letter, instead thanking her an inexhaustible partner in his work. But moments later he put out the message in a post on X. I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, he wrote. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Efforts now will surely double to recast Ms Harris, and remind voters of the early promise of her 2020 bid.

Career a succession of firsts

Born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, Ms Harris has often spoken of how her parents - breast cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalan and economics professor Donald Harris - and their involvement in the civil rights movement, were a formative to her political outlook.

Ms Harriss career has been a succession of firsts. She was the first woman and first person of colour to be elected as San Franciscos district attorney in 2004, and as Californias attorney general from 2011 to 2017. She was also the states first Indian-American and black senator.

Defining her political ideology is often difficult. One underling during her time as district attorney of San Francisco described her as without doubt the most progressive prosecutor in California. One Democratic operative in the state who has known her for over two decades said while she fell on the partys left-of-centre, she doesnt follow a dogma or ideology.

Garry South, a veteran California strategist who has known Ms Harris for years, said she should not be underestimated.

You dont become the attorney general of the biggest state in America and senator for California without some serious political chops, he said.

Can Ms Harris shake her reputation in higher office? Many Democrats believe she has already made a start. After more than three years under the intense media gaze, her gaffes have become less frequent and the turmoil in her office has stopped.

She has undoubtedly grown into the international stage too: pulling off appearances at the Munich security conference and elsewhere without putting a foot wrong.

Prolific on the campaign trail

As the Biden campaigns most significant surrogate, she has been prolific on the campaign trail and reached constituencies few others can. Insiders describe her as most effective on issues close to her heart: chief among them reproductive rights, a key battleground in the 2024 election and potential kryptonite for Republicans.

Her pitch could sway the suburban women Trump so desperately needs to win over. She has also been effective at encouraging turnout among black voters, a critical Democratic constituency where Mr Biden has been haemorrhaging support.

Most significantly, her recent media performances have improved.

Mr South said while he was been critical of her weak performance early on in her vice presidency, she has come alive since the roll back of abortion rights. He said: I think as a communicator she has gotten better, her messaging has improved.

The former Obama strategist said her defence of Mr Biden after his June debate with Trump was a notable example.

She was forced to go on CNN, with probably very little briefing, and gave what I thought was an incredibly good performance under really dire circumstances, the strategist said.

She did two things. She was a better messenger than President Biden and she showed strength. If you want one quantity that matters more than anything in a presidential campaign, its strength.

The strategist added: So why wouldnt we take the shot at Kamala?

If she does secure the nomination, the Democrats will have to hope that, this time, Ms Harris makes better use of the good fortune she has been handed.
Donald Trump might not be so happy about the Supreme Court's grant of presidential immunity after all, critics mocked Monday on social media as they warned of Joe Biden's alter ego, sinister Dark Brandon, who is now armed with the same immunity.

Biden has six months left as president to apparently pretty much do whatever he wants, given the top court's vastly lowered behavior standard for the commander in chief, Trump critics chortled on X, which could be trouble if he unleashes Dark Brandon.

Master Chess player.

Checkmate Republicans.

 Dark Brandon pic.twitter.com/lNxxk7z3sk  Dana  (@DanaSan68018976) July 22, 2024

Dark Brandon has been granted immunity by the Supreme Court until January 2025.

Lets Go Brandon. pic.twitter.com/PMfHeEQl4F  Curtis Evans (@EvansWefixbikes) July 22, 2024

Lets take this new Total Immunity SCOTUS just gave me out for a test drive-Dark Brandon pic.twitter.com/tLBnUveClU  SistahAsali (@SistahAsali) July 22, 2024

Biden pardoning his son on his way out of the White House is exactly what most would expect Trump to do in the same position, countless posts noted, so go ahead, Dark Brandon, urged his fans.

Dark Brandon can pardon Hunter Biden! pic.twitter.com/SUM6L4VZZy  Deb from IL  (@MyRedBeetle) July 22, 2024

BREAKING: Freshly appointed immune from prosecution, King Dark Brandon declares by Executive Order no presidential candidate can be over 70 years old.  Alacrity's Ghost (@AlacritysWhatev) July 22, 2024

Dark Brandon beat them with your immunity stick.  Donald C. (@MrRatbone) July 22, 2024

BREAKING: Dark Brandon has just initiated the "Final Protocol".



The Kamala Harris Protocol.



The effects of the Kamala Harris protocol is mass confusion among Republicans who are now forced to attack a prosecutor who locked up bad guys, while supporting a man convicted of 34 pic.twitter.com/58ZzPgWStf  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 22, 2024

Guys, I'm still laughing at the fact that Biden made the entire Republican convention attack him for a whole week, and he's not even running.   Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 22, 2024

I hope Biden goes FULL DARK BRANDON for the next three months. Forgive all student loans. Pardon Hunter. Release all of the evidence, all of the dirt, open up the shades and expose the corruption. Executive order for abortion rights.



No pussyfooting.  Anne Spanks The Morons (@Anneof1000Drags) July 22, 2024
Kamala Harris campaigns in Atlanta, Georgia, on 30 July 2024. Photograph: Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images

After Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, Kamala Harris swiftly became the presumptive Democratic nominee, as scores of high-profile elected Democrats lined up to endorse her.

In Bidens announcement that he would no longer pursue a second term, he thanked Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. Later, in endorsing her, he called his choice to run with her in 2020 the best decision Ive made.

In short order, a series of powerful endorsements rolled in, including from Democrats formerly viewed as possible presidential candidates themselves. Some of them are now being floated as potential vice-presidential candidates on a Harris ticket.

Harris must now make a major decision: who will be her own running mate. Here are some of the names Democrats are floating as possible vice-presidential picks.

Mark Kelly

The Arizona senator would offer swing-state credibility and could be a favored choice among party elites, given his role as a moderate in the Democratic party. His record as a combat veteran US navy pilot and former astronaut could also be a draw for independent voters. Kelly has been an advocate for gun reform after a shooting left his wife  the former US representative Gabby Giffords  partly paralyzed.

I couldnt be more confident that Vice-President Kamala Harris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future, Kelly wrote on X, soon after Biden announced his withdrawal. Since then, Kelly has acted as possible vice-presidential picks always do: non-committal but enthusiastic. This is not about me, Kelly told reporters recently. But always, always when Ive had the chance to serve, I think thats very important to do.

Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania has been a strong supporter of Biden and a faithful surrogate for his campaign. Shapiro also has a track record of winning races in a swing state, serving as Pennsylvanias attorney general for six years before being elected governor in 2022. An outspoken opponent of Trump for years, Shapiro has nonetheless built bipartisan support within his own state; a May Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll showed he enjoyed 42% approval from Republicans, a rare showing of support in an age of hyper-partisanship.

Shapiro was swift to endorse Harris, saying she had served the country honorably and describing her as a unifying figure. He has since emerged alongside Kelly as a favourite to be picked. Like Kelly Shapiro is staying studiously modest, saying Harris will make that decision when she is ready, and I have all the confidence in the world that she will make that decision, along with many others, in the best interests of the Amercian people.

Tim Walz

The Minnesota governor has surged into contention, reportedly making up the leading trio with Shapiro and Kelly, in part because the Trump campaign started making noises about stealing Minnesota (long a Democratic bastion) and in part because Walz is proving a very effective surrogate indeed.

A former teacher and sergeant in the US national guard, Walz has a folksy but compassionate air that plays well at rallies and on TV. In the latter arena, he called Trumps Republican party weird and gleefully defended and discussed that label. Walz is strong on fundraising calls too, including a White Dudes for Harris Zoom session that also featured Jeff Bridges and Mark Hamill and raised a cool $4m.

Like Shapiro and Kelly, Walz is being careful to sound honoured, interested and non-committal: Being mentioned is certainly an honour. I trust Vice-President Harriss judgment  I would do what is in the best interests of the country.

Andy Beshear

Beshears unlikely position as the Democratic governor of Kentucky  a state that voted for Trump by 25 points in 2020  makes him a compelling candidate. In office, Beshear has vetoed Republican bills banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender minors, although the GOP-controlled state legislature was able to override his vetoes in both cases.

Beshear would also offer a contrast to Trumps running mate, JD Vance, the Ohio senator who in his popular 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy claimed Appalachian culture was to blame for the regions impoverishment. On MSNBCs Morning Joe show recently, Beshear endorsed Harris and knocked Vance. JD Vance aint from here, Beshear said, nodding to Vances depictions of Kentuckians as lazy.

Pete Buttigieg

The US transportation secretary and is also a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who rocketed to political stardom during his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, an effort which gained surprising momentum given his sparse political record. A navy veteran, Buttigieg has spoken powerfully about coming out in 2015 and later marrying his husband, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg, and adopting children. Buttigieg has served during a tumultuous time for US transportation systems  from the devastating and high-profile derailment of a train in East Palestine, Ohio, to airline meltdowns, to the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. He is also an effective communicator for Democratic causes in hostile arenas  particularly on Fox News.

No longer in the running: Gretchen Whitmer

The Michigan governor is a Democratic star who some hoped would run for president this year and was then widely floated as a potential running mate, even if it seems highly unlikely Harris will pick another woman.

Whitmer endorsed Harris swiftly and quickly dispelled the notion that she would be joining the ticket. Im not leaving Michigan, Whitmer said at a media event. Im proud to be the governor of Michigan. She later made that official, telling CBS: I have communicated with everyone, including the people of Michigan, that Im going to stay as governor until the end of my term, at the end of 2026. I am not a part of the vetting.

No longer in the running: Roy Cooper

The 67-year-old governor of North Carolina touts a long record in the state as a representative, attorney general and governor. Approaching the end of his time in the office, he has fought for the passage of bipartisan legislation despite Republicans controlling the state legislature. In 2023, Cooper signed into law Medicaid expansion, which some red states have declined despite the measure being guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act.

Cooper also quickly endorsed Harris, saying: I appreciate people talking about me, but I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week.

He then went further, telling supporters he did not want to be considered for the running mate pick. Well all work to make sure she wins, Cooper said.

No longer in the running: Wes Moore

The Maryland governor has been floated by some Democrats as a running mate. The only sitting Black governor is widely considered to be a rising star in the party  but perhaps more a candidate for the presidential nomination itself in 2028 or even after that.

Sworn into office in January 2023, Moores record in office is short. He has said that he would not want to be tapped as a vice-presidential candidate, saying: I want to stay as the Governor of Maryland, I love the momentum we are seeing right now in the state of Maryland.
Romney Marsh Solar Farm in Kent. You can be pro-net zero or pro-zero building but not both, says new MP Torsten Bell. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

The government will need to take on net-zero nimbys and ramp up public investment to decarbonise Britains homes, transport and electricity system, a leading thinktank has said.

With Keir Starmer promising a rapid transition to decarbonise the power system by 2030, a report by the Resolution Foundation said achieving the target would require more government spending and private investment.

However, the thinktank said projects required to meet the goal  including new solar farms, battery storage, and onshore wind turbines  were likely to face resistance from local groups. It said many renewables projects would take place in wealthier parts of the country, and two-thirds of proposed solar projects would be in the richest 40% of neighbourhoods.

Doing this effectively will require overcoming opposition to development from net-zero nimbys, who often live in wealthier parts of the country, said Jonny Marshall, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation.

The government must be prepared to win these battles, which wont be popular with some voters but are vital for the country as a whole.

The thinktank said options for dealing with the friction could include taking responsibility out of local hands to unblock development, or providing financial incentives to smooth opposition. Alternatively, allowing local opposition could stymie decarbonisation.

Starmers government is already taking steps by lifting a de facto ban on new onshore wind turbines in England, relaxing planning laws, and dropping the legal defence of a proposed new coalmine. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, last week drew criticism from Conservative MPs over the green-lighting of a new 600m energy farm in their constituencies on the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border.

The Resolution Foundations former chief executive, Torsten Bell, who became a Labour MP earlier this month, has criticised politicians who are critical of new energy projects.

This includes the Green party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who has called for a pause in the construction of electricity pylons in his East Anglian constituency, described by National Grid as vital infrastructure for electricity generated by offshore windfarms.

Bell wrote on X last week: You can be pro-net zero or pro-zero building but not both . Ramsay, who is MP for Waveney Valley, has called on the government to consider other options, which he says would be more appropriate.

Labour this year drastically scaled back a promise to spend 28bn a year on green infrastructure, fearing it would be weaponised by the Conservatives ahead of the general election.

Last week the watchdog Committee on Climate Change said the new government needed to oversee a ramping up of renewable energy generation or the UK will breach its international obligations under the Paris agreement.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said the government was wasting no time in taking action on green energy.

In just one week, we have swept away barriers to onshore wind farms, consented more solar power than has been installed in the past year and set out plans for a solar rooftop revolution.

It is also important we listen to peoples concerns, and where communities host clean energy infrastructure they should benefit directly from it.
Richard Hall claims that the terrorist attack was staged by government agencies - JORDAN PETTITT/PA

A man who claims the Manchester Arena bombing was faked is perfectly entitled to his view, the High Court has heard.

Richard Hall, a self-described journalist, is being sued by survivors Martin and Eve Hibbert for harassment and data protection breaches.

The father and daughter were at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 and suffered life-changing injuries, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert, then aged 14, suffering severe brain damage.

However, Mr Hall has claimed the attack, in which Salman Abedi detonated a rucksack bomb in the crowd of concert-goers, was faked by government agencies with crisis actors used.

He is being sued over several videos and a book in which he has made claims that the bombing was a hoax, as well as for secretly filming Eve and her mother at their house.

Eve and Martin Hibbert pictured shortly before making their way to the Ariana Grande concert

Defending the claims, lawyers for Mr Hall said his actions were pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and that he had deleted the footage from outside the home.

Paul Oakley, for Mr Hall, claimed his client had formed his views after he scoured the public domain.

He told the court: My client is perfectly entitled to hold his views and he is willing to amend them if he is made aware of evidence to the contrary.

In written submissions, Mr Oakley said Mr Hall had the right to freedom of expression.

He said: However unpleasant Mr Halls published views are considered to be, they are protected.

On Monday, Mr Hibbert and Mr Hall appeared at the High Court for the first day of the trial, with around 20 members of the public watching the proceedings.

They will never recover

Jonathan Price, for the Hibberts, said the pair had been among those nearest to Abedi when he detonated the bomb and that the attack changed Mr Hibberts life in every conceivable way.

They have both suffered life-changing injuries from which they will never recover, the barrister said.

The court heard that Mr Hibbert received 22 wounds from shrapnel, and Miss Hibbert suffered a catastrophic brain injury after a bolt from the bomb struck her in the head  leading to her being presumed dead at the scene.

Mr Price added: Martin, paralysed, saw Eve lying next to him with a hole in her head and assumed he was watching her die, unable to help. He saw others lying dead or injured around him.

He continued: Mr Hall does not accept any of this. His theory is that it is an elaborate hoax.

The barrister said Mr Hall had claimed Mr Hibbert was lying and that Miss Hibbert was disabled before the bombing.

He continued: Mr Hall says her parents are invoking their daughters catastrophic disability as part of a huge fraud on the general public.

The court was later told that, while there was one incident of filming, this was from a public highway and the footage was never published.

Mr Oakley continued: It is submitted that this single incident would not be sufficient to found an action.

The hearing in London is due to conclude on Thursday, with a decision expected in writing at a later date.
Education facilities have been damaged and destroyed by airstrikes, heavy weaponry, ground offensives and fire - AP/File

More than 170 schools and universities have been attacked in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup, a new report has revealed.

The investigation by the Centre for Information Resiliences Myanmar Witness project shows that childrens education has been increasingly caught in the crossfire of the three-year conflict that has shaken the nation since the military seized power from a democratically elected government.

Its analysis reveals 174 attacks in which schools and universities have been impacted in Myanmar between the coup in February 2021 and 30 April 2024.

During this period, education facilities were damaged and destroyed by airstrikes, heavy weaponry, ground offensives and fire. Images on social media show schools with caved-in roofs, burned-out structures and littered with debris.

Myanmar Witness documented reports of 64 fatalities and 106 injuries during all incidents, though very few deaths have been verified due to challenges in verifying and geolocating user-generated content of the victims.

The analysis finds most attacks were carried out from the air, with airstrikes by the Myanmar military causing the most damage. The strikes happened despite ongoing international sanctions against aviation fuel being supplied to the junta.

Schools meant to be a place of safety

Matt Lawrence, project director at Myanmar Witness, said that the conflict in Myanmar was having devastating consequences for civilians, uprooting hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Caught in the crossfire of fighting is a generation of schoolchildren who are having their hope of education taken away from them. This investigation tells only part of the story  the damage and disruption to teaching, he said.

Schools in Sagaing, northwest Myanmar, often described as the epicentre of the conflict, have suffered the most damage, with around a third of all incidents taking place in the region.

The report details four case studies in which schools were damaged. After an attack on Kani township, Sagaing region, on 17 May last year, munitions and imagery analysis of jet aircraft in the vicinity indicated that the military was likely responsible for an airstrike which damaged school buildings and reportedly injured two children.

The data is clear: schools are being destroyed, civilians seriously hurt and educational opportunities further suppressed in Myanmar, said a UK Foreign Office spokesperson.

Schools are meant to be a place of safety and opportunity, not collateral in a conflict, said the spokesperson. We again reiterate our call to all parties, particularly the Myanmar military, to refrain from airstrikes, safeguard civilians, and protect civilian infrastructure.

The UK has already committed to providing 3.5m to Myanmar Witness since 2021, and also 800,000 to the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM) to ensure justice for victims of serious international crime and hold the perpetrators to account.

The UK has also helped support over 270,000 children access education, including 135,000 female students between June 2023  November 2024.

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Dorset's Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove attract some 750,000 visitors to the area every year - Paul Jacobs/pictureexclusive.com

The private estate that owns Durdle Door, the popular beauty spot, has raised its car parking charges by 66 per cent, The Telegraph can reveal.

Motorists expressed outrage on social media after discovering that the cost of parking at Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast appeared to have risen dramatically since March.

The 12,000-acre Lulworth Estate, which runs the car park and facilities on the five-mile stretch of coastline and is owned by the Weld family, is charging 30 for caravans to park, 20 for all-day parking for cars and 5 for motorbikes.

Online posts from March show it was charging 20 for caravans to park, 12 for all-day parking for cars and 2 for motorbikes.

TripAdvisor user 'Caroline' said: 'They've got you once you've planned your day and arrived' - Paul Jacobs/pictureexclusive.com

Durdle Door is one of Dorsets most popular attractions, with some 750,000 visitors to the area every year.

The influx of tourists in recent years has prompted a backlash from locals, with residents erecting signs saying go home at the peak of numbers during the Covid lockdown.

In 2021, Lulworth Estate called on the Government to impose a code of behaviour after it said visitors had mistreated the area.

Anti-social behaviour

The council rolled out measures to curb anti-social behaviour in Dorset the same year, including a ban on beach camping.

Similar frustrations boiled over in Snowdonia, where tourists were accused of littering, illegal parking and anti-social behaviour.

One user on TripAdvisor said the car parking charges for Durdle Door were a rip-off.

Theyve got you once youve planned your day and arrived, said the user, posting under the name Caroline.

Abandoned

Another user said they had abandoned a short trip to the beach because they were put off by the minimum 10 charge to park, which allows cars to stay for up to four hours.

The new charges put Durdle Door alongside some of the most expensive seaside areas for parking, including Brighton, where drivers can expect to pay around 24 to park all day.

Car parking tickets at Durdle Door also enable drivers to park at the nearby Lulworth Cove, part of the World Heritage Site.

The area of the Jurassic Coast that includes Durdle Door, a natural limestone formation, became Englands first natural World Heritage Site after it was designated by Unesco in 2001.

The Lulworth Estate was purchased in 1641 by Humphrey Weld, the grandson of a merchant and former Lord Mayor of London, and has stayed in the family ever since.

It was reinvented as a tourist destination by Wilfrid Weld, who died in 2016, and oversaw the estates reinvention into a modern business.

The Lulworth Estate was contacted for comment.
In poll after poll around two thirds of Americans support a woman's right to choose - Alex Wong/Getty

Can you think of any laws that give the government the power to make decisions about the male body? This was the question Kamala Harris asked Brett Kavanaugh at the Senate Judiciary confirmation hearing in 2018. Kavanaugh was Trumps pick, a conservative, to sit on the Supreme Court. This Supreme Court was to overturn Roe v Wade, the landmark case that recognised womens constitutional right to abortion.

Kavanaugh wavered. Uh, Im happy to answer a more specific question but then he trailed off. Trump, who had years earlier (in 2011) donated to Harriss campaign, called her questioning nasty.

Now that Biden has gone and the tributes flow in about his selflessness, when in fact for the good of his party his clinging on looks the very opposite, the anointing of Harris by Democrat Party donors already appears a done deal. But, given the tumult of this last week in American politics, who can be certain of anything? The only thing I am certain of is that we are a very different country to America.

Young women in America now have fewer rights than their mothers, which is shocking. In June 2022, when Roe v Wade was overturned, regulation of abortion was returned to individual states. As a result, 14 states have banned abortion in almost all circumstances and 10 have imposed restrictions that often end up being overturned by the courts.

One in three American women of reproductive age lives in a state with bans or restrictions. Yet at least a quarter of women in the US will have had an abortion by the age of 45. In poll after poll around two thirds of Americans support a womans right to choose.

The question, then, is whether this will be an electoral issue? If it is, Harris is in a good place to fight it. Whatever her shortcomings have been, she is impressive on reproductive rights  the phrase Biden has always preferred because, as a Catholic, he has clearly found this issue problematic.

Yet, after the overturning of Roe v Wade, the number of women registering to vote rose by 35 per cent in 10 states. In polls, a fifth of registered voters (mostly Democrats and Independents) said they would not compromise on this issue. This has been borne out.

It was partly fury over the loss of abortion rights that stopped the expected Republican red wave in the 2022 midterms. In 2023, the same issue was said to be behind the Democrats victory in elections in Virginia. Voters were in favour of reproductive rights in referendums across red states such as Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio.

The Democrats strategy included emotive attack ads, as the anti-abortionists had done for years, telling the stories of a woman in Texas who had to leave the state after finding out that the foetus she was carrying could never survive, and a 12-year-old girl raped by a member of her own family unable to access termination.

It should never be forgotten that it was a conservative minority that pushed through this legislation, and their actual goal is to ban all contraception. They succeeded in part because of the complacency of a Democratic establishment. We have seen a lot of that again lately.

The feted Ruth Bader Ginsburg would not retire when Obama was president, which meant that when she died she could be replaced by a conservative judge. While non-profit organisation Planned Parenthood got hooked into divisive rows on race, Medicare and trans politics, evangelicals were coming together with Catholics and occasionally big tech (who have access to abortion data) to take away a womans right to choose.

The Democrats who cannot define womanhood, and that includes Harris, will have to pick their way through this. There is no such thing as a gender-neutral abortion, but it is Trump who is now on the back foot on this issue.

As ever, he has no core belief except in what wins. At times he has described himself as a moderate, but is now playing to his Christian base.

In choosing the Ohio senator JD Vance as a running mate, though, he is boxed in. Vance is against all abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest. That these dubious men should legislate over the rights of women disgusts me. Womens bodily autonomy is not something that should have ever been a partisan issue.

The anti-abortion lobby cleverly embraced a civil rights discourse, insisting that the right to life of a six-week-old foetus is equal to the right to life of the woman carrying it. To those that are opposed to abortion, I say: Fine, dont have one  but why would you take this right away from others?

Harris watched the reversal of Roe v Wade from Airforce Two and wrote a speech in which she spoke of freedom, healthcare, womens right to privacy, and the right for each person to make intimate decisions about our heart and home. She linked this right to other rights that America thought were settled, such as inter-racial marriage. She spoke of Americas aspiration as being to expand freedom.

Whether she will become the Democratic nominee and whether suburban women can be mobilised remains to be seen. As ever, though, womens rights are not a marginal issue. Indeed, they may be key if America is to stop going backwards.
Noxious algal blooms returned to Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, earlier than ever this year, indicating a rise in phosphorous inputs into the lake. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA

There will have to be a move away from intensive farming around Lough Neagh if it is to survive, campaigners have said, as the noxious algal blooms that last year devastated the vast body of water returned to its shores earlier than ever.

Lough Neagh is the UKs largest lake and supplies more than 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water. But vast amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and other substances draining into the lough have left it at crisis point for some years now.

Late last week an action plan was finally agreed for the lake by the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland. The strategy promises a range of farming support measures aimed at reducing pollution pressures across the loughs 1,876-sq mile (4,860 sq km) cross-border catchment area. Additionally, it includes real-time water quality and safety monitoring, and a pilot programme for buffer zones and tree planting around the banks, in an effort to limit contamination input. It also promises a scientific review of industrial sand extraction, which is scarring the lough bed.

However 17 of the plans 37 measures could not be taken forward prior to the summer break, with the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) reportedly blocking a number of the most controversial actions  some of which cut across more than one Stormont department. It has been reported that the DUPs opposition was linked to proposals on farming and environmental penalties.



The agriculture and environment minister, Andrew Muir, hailed the plan as an important milestone in charting a new course for Lough Neagh.



However, a number of campaigners criticised Stormonts document for vague language and for dilution of certain actions following political opposition.



A proposed restriction on the use of chemical fertilisers became a commitment to consult on the issue in the final text. Alongside prioritising investment in wastewater treatment works, it was one of a number of key recommendations put before the executive earlier this year.



Agriculture accounts for 62% of the loughs phosphorous inputs  which create the conditions for cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, to thrive  while wastewater and sewage discharges make up 24%. Another 12% comes from septic tanks, of which there are more than double the UK average within the lough catchment.



Mary OHagan, the co-founder of the Save Our Shores grassroots initiative, said that although her organisation was happy to see the Lough Neagh action plan has now been approved  it falls far short of whats actually needed in many areas.



She added: Where are the targets for reduction of sewage going into our rivers and slurry run-off into the lough?



OHagans group is calling for a moratorium on sand extraction and a move away from intensive farming activity that has created waste disposal headaches for decision-makers.



Dr Les Gornall, a slurry expert who worked at Lough Neaghs last major research station (now closed), said the overwhelming priority for any clean-up effort was to drastically bring down the levels of phosphorous entering the watershed.



The algal bloom has accelerated this year, he said.



In other words, its appeared 14 days earlier this year than it did last year. That tells me that Lough Neaghs phosphorous inputs are higher than ever before.



He added that between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of additional phosphorous had gone into the lough system since 2023s algal bloom.



Scientists have modelled timescales of between 20 and 40 years for adequate phosphorous removal from the loughs sediment, if significant reduction measures are taken right away.



The last thing we want to see is images of standpipes in Belfast, Gornall said.



Its a very serious situation  for the drinking water supply, for the people drinking that water, for the people using the lough. Tourism here is a 1bn industry and some very good businesses had to close last year.



We have to remove 50% of the phosphorous going into the lough immediately.



The executives rescue plan was agreed the same week Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, whose estate owns the loughs bed, banks and soil, met with stakeholders to discuss the lakes future.



Controversy over the earls income from the lough, which include royalty payments for sand extraction and wildfowling activity, led to a keynote speaker pulling out of a festival hosted on the grounds of his stately home in Dorset last month.



Ashley-Cooper has now suggested he may seek to transfer ownership of the inherited asset to a charity or a community development trust.

He said he had a constructive discussion with the minister on the issues facing Lough Neagh, adding: I reiterated my commitment to work with his team and other stakeholders to find solutions as I firmly believe we need to work together to secure the loughs long-term future.



Both the devolved Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs and Department for Infrastructure have been contacted for comment.
Last week, the last remaining warship  a Project 1135 class patrol frigate  slunk quietly out of Sevastopol harbour, which had been the main base of Russias Black Sea Fleet since 2014. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk suggested we should remember this day.

I have cautioned previously about drawing too much hope overall from maritime success in this conflict, but what does this embarrassing withdrawal mean more widely? Operationally, the loss of the port is significant although it has been a long time coming. But is the scale of the embarrassment sufficient to have a strategic effect?

From a pure maritime perspective, this is the last in a long list of humiliations suffered by the Black Sea Fleet since the 2022 invasion.

April 2022 saw the sinking of the Fleets flagship, the cruiser Moskva. This was the first public indication that Russian warships ability to defend against even basic attacks was largely absent.

October that year saw the first multiple unmanned attacks with both air and sea drones surging into Sevastopol and damaging the corvette Admiral Makarov.

September 2023 saw a complex Storm Shadow missile attack, which crippled the warship Minsk and the submarine Rostov on Don, as well as hitting the Sevastopol naval headquarters building. These strikes were enabled by special forces and missile strikes on Russian S-400 air defence systems. Russian naval leadership retreated a few miles to their backup command post at Verkhne Sadovoe only for that to be hit in turn a few days later.

At roughly the same time the Storm Shadows were wreaking havoc in Sevastopol, three Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) were targeting the tanker Yaz and the arms ship Ursa Major.

In October the then UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey described the Black Sea Fleet as functionally defeated. I felt this was slightly premature for two reasons. First, at this point, Russian attempts to restrict the outflow of grain and other exports through the Bosphorus were still working. Second, Russia still had ships and submarines operating and armed with the Kalibr missile. This is a powerful cruise weapon with the legs to cover the whole of the Black Sea, no matter how far east Russia might have to retreat. One must remember that to target a ship with a Kalibr you need to know where it is and where its going  knowledge which the Russians were now finding hard to obtain in the western Black Sea. Putins men were limping but the Black Sea remained contested.

By December, however, the cumulative effect of all these strikes  and the fact that Russia was unable to spare proper surveillance aircraft for the Black Sea  meant that the waters between Odesa and Snake Island were safe enough for grain vessels and other merchant traffic. Cargoes could move reasonably safely between Ukrainian-held harbours and the territorial waters of Nato allies Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, where the Russians dared not interfere with them.

By March of this year, surface strikes using the Magura V5 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) were in full swing and now, one third of the Black Sea Fleet fleet had been sunk. This caused the UK MoD to relabel the Fleet as functionally inactive, a more accurate description than functionally defeated, perhaps.

May saw a multi-pronged attack on the port of Novorossiysk, the Tuapse refinery and nearby oil terminal. This was by air and surface drones which defeated Russian defence systems and tactics once again. And then a few days later, American supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic weapons struck the pier in Sevastopol, sinking the minesweeper Kurovets and hitting a Karakurt class Kalibr corvette  two of the few Russian warships which hadnt fled Crimea for the relative safety of Novorossiysk.

In the middle of all this, two attempts have been made on the Kerch road and rail bridges, one by a truck full of explosives and one by USVs. Both resulted in damage and repair bills but neither were decisive. The importance of the bridge, both tactically and symbolically makes it a valid ATACMS target and I have suggested in these pages that another attempt on it is only a matter of time. It remains unclear whether America has supplied ATACMS with potentially bridge-busting unitary warheads, as opposed to ones which deliver a spread of cluster submunitions  the latter type would be far less effective against major structures.

And so it continues. Only last week there was a large attack on Sevastopols support facilities with Russia claiming they destroyed 33 UAVs and 10 USVs. The accuracy of this claim (likely exaggerated), how many got through and to what effect is yet to be determined.

Looking forward, there are three layers to this.

First is the impact the maritime attrition is having on Russias ability to fight at sea, blockade trade and ensure their own sea-based logistics. These are as close to zero as its possible to be, even with some Kalibr shooters still available. There may well be launchers and ships, but there probably arent many actual Kalibrs left to put in them: and Russia has basically no ability any more to locate and track targets across much of the Black Sea, meaning that Kalibrs cant be used even if they are available.

Russias inability to move supplies by sea is probably not a major factor along the eastern part of the battle front, but at the western end of the front lines all supplies must now come either across the Kerch bridges or all the way from the 2014 Russian border, across the land bridge which is now entirely within the ATACMS envelope. If the bridges do come down, Russian troops on the Dnipro and in Crimea will have no credible avenue of retreat and will be at the end of long, vulnerable supply lines.

So the second major point is the status of Crimea itself. This totemic peninsula, described by Putin as Russias holy land is already no longer a viable base for maritime operations. There is at least the possibility that Putin will come  perhaps has already come  to find it a burden rather than a military asset. The Kerch bridges are within range of ATACMS, Storm Shadow/SCALP and both the Stalker and Magura USVs. Ukraine has shown repeatedly that it has the capability to combine these weapons to great effect.

If Crimea does get cut off and its garrison  perhaps also the civilians remaining there  are starved out, what does that do to the whole war? Losing Sevastopol is one thing, is losing the holy land strategically and politically sustainable for Putin?

This leads me to the third and perhaps most important point, one of escalation management. Arguably it has been the fear of crossing Putins red lines that has determined the pace and nature of response from Nato and other allies. The US, in particular, has been accused of over-caution in this regard, with Britain and France left to lead the way in supplying battle tanks and long-ranging missiles.

Does this metric now shift as a result of Sevastopol? How many more red lines need to be crossed without response before President Biden and his team feel they can up the ante? Some movement must be happening in Washington. Will it be enough for support levels to become decisive? Too soon to tell, perhaps, but one to watch.

Lifting our focus for a moment from the Black Sea, it has to be said that it is not only Putin who has allowed his enemies to cross red lines and done nothing. The West has been guilty of this too. Syria in 2013 is an obvious example but more recently, endless Russian and Chinese activity at sea has been conducted in a grey zone where proportional and legal responses are hard to come by. By quietly crossing Putins red lines, President Zelensky and his Western backers are finally pushing back.

Being driven out of your premier naval base in the only active theatre of war is embarrassing, but the operational implications are probably less significant than the strategic effects on escalation management, Nato support levels and Ukrainian fighting morale.

Tom Sharpe is a former Royal Navy officer and a graduate of the UK armed forces Advanced Command and Staff Course
Suella Braverman toured a building site on the outskirts of Kigali when she was home secretary

The Rwanda scheme has cost taxpayers 700 million despite only four migrants voluntarily being sent to Kigali, Yvette Cooper disclosed on Monday.

The Home Secretary described it as the most shocking waste of taxpayers money she had ever seen as she confirmed that the Rwanda scheme would be scrapped and the law changed so that nearly 90,000 migrants can seek asylum in the UK.

She told MPs that the Tories had budgeted to spend more than 10 billion over six years on the deal with the east African country.

Ms Cooper said the 700 million already spent included 290 million upfront payments to Rwanda, chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of migrants and then releasing them, and paying for 1,000 civil servants to work on the scheme. Just four failed asylum seekers volunteered to go to Rwanda.

It had been thought that 90,000 migrants who arrived in the UK after March 2023 were covered by Rishi Sunaks Illegal Migration Act.

This gave the home secretary powers to detain anyone arriving illegally and deport them to Rwanda or send them back to their home country.

Home Office backlog

However, Ms Cooper said she had been shocked to discover that some 60 per cent  about 54,000  of them should have been allowed to claim asylum and have their applications processed in the normal way.

This was because they had entered the country legally on visas then sought to claim asylum.

This meant only 36,000 of the 90,000 were eligible for deportation to Rwanda, but Ms Cooper told MPs that the Home Office had been unable to distinguish between the two cohorts so had not processed any applications.

Rishi Sunak pledged to stop small boats crossing the Channel - JAMES MANNING/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

I have been shocked to discover that the Home Office has effectively stopped making the majority of asylum decisionsand as a result, the backlog of asylum cases is now going up.

It is the most extraordinary policy I have ever seen. We have inherited Hotel California. People arrive in the asylum system and never leave, she said.

As revealed last week by The Telegraph, Ms Cooper said that she would be introducing legislation  via a statutory instrument in the Commons  to enable the Home Office to start clearing the backlog of 90,000 cases.

Labour is setting up a returns and enforcement unit, which will prioritise and fast-track the removal of failed asylum seekers from safe countries such as Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Egypt and Albania.

Ms Cooper claimed that clearing the asylum backlog would save 7 billion over the next decade on top of 750 million that was set aside by the previous government to cover the cost of the Rwanda scheme this year and 220 million on further payments due to Rwanda in 2025 and 2026.

Rwanda had established initial accommodation at Hope Hostel in Kigali with capacity for 200 migrants - CYRILE NDEGEYA/ANADOLU VIA GETTY IMAGES

The money saved will be used to set up Sir Keir Starmers new Border Security Command, with National Crime Agency, Border Force and MI5 officers handed anti-terror-style powers to tackle the people-smuggling gangs.

However, Ms Cooper warned: Im extremely concerned that high levels of dangerous crossings we have inherited are likely to persist through the summer.

James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, accused her of using made-up numbers and accused Labour of showing discourtesy towards the Rwandan government.

The Labour Party and indeed the Home Secretary in her statement likes to talk tough on border security, but todays statement, despite all the hyperbole and the made-up numbers, is basically an admission of what we knew all along, he said.

That the Labour Party have scrapped the Rwanda partnership on ideological grounds, removed a deterrent  a deterrent which the National Crime Agency said that we needed.

And the level of discourtesy directed towards the people and government of Rwanda is quite breathtaking.

To have them read about this decision in the papers before anyone from Government had the good grace to formally notify them, I think, is an error, and no one in this House believes for a moment that that level of discourtesy would have happened had this partnership been with a European country, Mr Cleverly said.

Rescue operations

Home Office figures showed nearly 1,500 migrants had arrived in the UK on small boats across the Channel in one week.

About 1,499 people made the journey in 27 boats from July 15 to 21, while the French coastguard confirmed two people died amid rescue operations off the northern French coast.

It comes after Jeremy Hunt accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of softening us up for tax rises over the Governments claims it has been given the worst economic inheritance since the Second World War.

Mr Hunt claimed that Ms Reeves was using the line, which he described as most dubious, as a pretext for announcing long-planned tax rises.

He told the Commons: Every Labour government in history has raised taxes and raised spending. If she wanted to do the same, she should have had the courage to make the case for that before the election.

Instead, she is softening us up for a colossal U-turn that will lead to lower growth, less money for public services and massive public anger.

He added: As she establishes her reputation, it is surely unwise to base your big central argument on a claim so patently ridiculous. But we all know exactly why shes doing it  she wants to lay the ground for tax rises that she has been planning all along.

Ms Reeves hit back at Mr Hunts claims, telling him: If that is such a good inheritance, I would hate to see what a bad one looks like.
The New York Post reported 'the end' on Sunday after Joe Biden withdrew - CAITLIN OCHS/REUTERS

Joe Biden acted in the national interest by quitting the presidential race but the timing of his decision was questionable, the international press concluded while world leaders quickly issued tributes commending the US Presidents selfless courage.

Emotional scenes played out on American television as the news broke on Sunday, with several supporters choking up on-air including a CNN commentator who compared Mr Bidens heartbreaking exit to taking car keys from an ageing grandfather.

This is leadership, this is patriotism, Van Jones said on CNN, adding that he loved Mr Biden. If your arm gets tired you let somebody else finish pitching the game.

The Sunday sobbing prompted ridicule from the New York Post which said the Liberal media had gone into meltdown.

The New York Post front page

Its print front page read the end over a photograph of Mr Biden walking out a door.

In the UK, most newspapers played a straight bat, reporting simply Biden quits and Biden bows out.

British prime ministers past and present, meanwhile, were swift with their praise and wanted to underscore how Mr Biden had bolstered Washingtons strong transatlantic relationship with London.

Except for Russia which predictably derided his performance, most other heads of state chose to comment on Mr Bidens lifelong service to the US and contribution to global affairs including his handling of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Daily Mail front page

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said Mr Biden had a remarkable career and would have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.

Sir Keirs predecessors Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson recalled their own warm working relationships with Mr Biden and their admiration for his skills as a politician.

Mr Johnson commended the presidents brave decision to stand down as he branded him a staunch Atlanticist and friend of Britain.

Liberation front page

Mr Sunak said: Working with Joe Biden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service.

Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including Aukus, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats. I wish him all the best.

John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, said on X: Joe Biden has served the people of the USA with devotion and total commitment.

Now, in a typically selfless act, he steps aside to do what he thinks is right for his people.

Leaders did not mention concerns about the 81-year-old Mr Bidens cognitive decline or the fact his ability to perform on the world stage had been in doubt since he appeared to fall asleep at the COP26 climate change summit in his first year as president.

The Daily Stars editors remembered that viral moment from 2021 when they scrapped their front page plans to instead cover the breaking news from Washington DC.

Sleepy Joe: Its time for a nap! the tabloid read.

The Daily Star

In Europe, Donald Tusk, the Polish president, was one of the first to react to the news, focusing on Mr Bidens contribution to global politics.

The US presidents many difficult decisions had helped keep Poland, America and the world safe and democracy stronger, he said in a social media post.

I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life, Mr Tusk wrote.

Politiken front page

Svenska front page

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines wartime president, thanked Mr Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraines fight for freedom during the countrys most dramatic moment in history.

He said that the presidents bold steps and strong decisions had assisted Ukraine in preventing Putin from occupying our country, adding he respected the tough but strong decision Mr Biden had taken not to seek re-election.

The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that Americas continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off, Mr Zelensky said.

Earlier this month, Mr Biden made one of his worst on-air mistakes when he called Mr Zelensky President Putin when introducing him at the Nato summit in Washington.

Russia, meanwhile, responded to Mr Bidens announcement by lashing out over his foreign policy decisions, with Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian parliaments lower house, calling for the president to be held accountable for the Ukraine conflict and damage caused to Russia and Europes economies.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said Russia would be carefully monitoring the next four months until the election.

The priority for us is the special military operation, he said, referring to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Timing under question

The Russian foreign ministry also took a personal swipe at the presidents health, insinuating a cover-up by the US establishment.

The next step should be an investigation into the collusion of US media and political circles that hid the truth about his mental state by manipulating public opinion and playing along with one political party, said Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokesman.

Several headlines in the US media did reflect strong scepticism about why Mr Biden waited to withdraw from the race and concluded that he could have ultimately cost the Democrats the presidency.

New York Times front of website

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that while Mr Biden was acting in the national interest, it had been a belated and begrudging decision.

He clearly isnt capable of doing the job of President for four more years, and he was headed for a crushing defeat against Donald Trump, the WSJ editorial board wrote.

Kamala Harris greatest disadvantage would be that she would carry the legacy of his drama-filled years in office, and she would have to answer questions about whether she covered up Mr Bidens cognitive decline.

Did she deceive the public? the WSJ asked.

Several other media outlets, including Germanys Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Time, and Le Monde chose to lead their coverage with jarring images of the back of Joe Bidens head, or of him exiting a stage.

Fox News front page

Time Magazine almost immediately issued a new cover, showing Mr Biden disappearing to the right as Kamala Harris strode into sight following in his footsteps.

Time Magazine has unveiled a new cover featuring Kamala Harris after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race.https://t.co/FDrc8KqVYp  Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) July 22, 2024

In the first moments after his announcement, however, Mr Bidens detractors were overshadowed by praise from leaders among his foreign allies.

True ally of Jewish people

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, also invoked Mr Bidens geopolitical contribution, saying that thanks to the president, transatlantic cooperation is close, Nato is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves respect.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, added to the stream of European support for his dignified decision and underlined his determination and leadership that helped the US recover from the pandemic and serious assault on the Capitol as well as tackling Putins Russian aggression.

The Biden administration in recent months has walked a tightrope in trying to support the Israeli government after Hamas terror attacks of Oct 7, while also facing a domestic public backlash over rising Palestinian civilian casualties.

Arab news front page

El Mundo front page

In the Middle East, Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, led his countrys response with a heartfelt thanks to the US leader for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people and as the first US president to visit the country in wartime.

As a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples, he said, extending his warmest wishes to the whole Biden family.

Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, wrote on X, Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.

The remaining members of the US so-called Five Eyes intelligence alliance, who have more closely cooperated with Mr Biden over major global challenges including Chinas swiftly rising global prominence, were also effusive in their comments.

Biden team blew it

As Australia woke up to the latest dramatic twist in the US presidential race, Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, commended Mr Bidens leadership and ongoing service.

The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations, he said.

Australias media was less kind.

Joe Biden steps down: How the US Presidents inner circle blew it, said one headline on the Sydney Morning Heralds home page.

The Mudoch-owned Australian newspaper delivered a crushing verdict. It said: Truly this is an age defined by the follies and obsessions of old men, and concluded that Mr Biden had done his party enormous damage by denying what everyone else saw: an old man in manifest mental decline.

Democrats must now pick a replacement in a panic in a process which will inevitably seem to lack legitimacy to anyone but the winner, it added.

However global leaders continued to salute a leader they admired for his personal qualities and supportive policies.

Christopher Luxon, New Zealands prime minister, said that Mr Biden reserved respect for dedicating his life to public service.

I thank the President for his leadership of the United States and his commitment to New Zealand. And I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency, he said.

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, called the US president a great man who was guided by his love for his country.

He added, As president, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.

Japans leader Fumio Kishida, with whom Mr Biden has cultivated close ties for his support over Chinas ambitions and the nuclear threat from North Korea, said he would closely watch future developments.

It goes without saying that the US-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of our countrys diplomatic and security policies, he said.
A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A view of some of the pieces of African art being stored at the Harris County Reed Road Warehouse by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis is shown Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

An African art collection might finally find a new buyer now that an auction date has been set, again. In April, officials halted a sheriffs sale after the collection's owner, Sam Njunuri, filed for bankruptcy.

Njunuri filed bankruptcy under Chapter 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on April 4  the same day as the auction. Officials have scheduled the new sheriffs sale for July 25.

The collection consists of more than 1,000 sculptures, tapestries and other pieces curated by Njunuri over time. The Chronicle previously reported that in 2022, District Judge Rabeea Sultan Collier ordered Njunuri to pay nearly $1 million to Darlene Jarrett and Sylvia Jones after a 2021 jury verdict in favor of the plaintiffs.

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A BUYER'S MARKET: Sale of African art collection halted as owner files for bankruptcy

Back in October, Judge Collier signed an order identifying Njunuri's art collection as assets and slated a sheriff's sale of the pieces at 6464 Savoy Drive in Houston.

The case dates back to 2015 when Jarrett and Jones entered into a lease agreement with Njunuri to rent a home in the 1700 block of Cleeves Drive in Richmond. Jarrett and Jones said they moved furniture and personal items to Njunuri's property at the end of July ahead of the "lease commencement" that began on Aug. 15, 2015. But, after returning from a trip to Arkansas around Aug. 15, Jarrett and Jones found their belongings had been either sold or taken, plus the locks on the rental had been changed.

The incident led both women to sue Njunuri in 2017, saying they couldn't "recover their property and as such have lost both tangible property and irreplaceable household heirlooms."

CONTESTABLE COLLECTION: African art collection once at center of Harris County controversy to be sold to highest bidder

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Prospective bidders must have cash or certified check funds to cover the full amount of their bid to win the auction. Those paying with a cashiers check must address it to the Harris County Constable.

We have had people tell us that it may be difficult for those coming from out of town to get a certified check, in advance of the sale date, for the full amount of what they might bid at the constable sale, officials with Harris County Constable Precinct 5 said in a statement. We acknowledge and understand the issue and we have spoken with the Constables office about their protocols for the African Art auction.

In 2021, criminal investigators uncovered that Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis transported and stored the artworks at a warehouse in Sunnyside at taxpayer expense. However, a grand jury opted not to indict Ellis.

The auction will take place at 10 a.m. at 6464 Savoy Drive.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Kamala Harris at a peace summit in Switzerland in June. The pair have met on six occasions. Photograph: Alessandro Della Valle/AFP/Getty Images

Ukraine will continue to reach out to Republicans and Democrats and avoid being sucked into US internal politics and a bruising probable contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, officials in Kyiv have indicated.

Its president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, paid a warm tribute to the departing Joe Biden on Sunday, thanking him for his unwavering support. He praised the US presidents bold steps taken in response to challenging times and Russias 2022 invasion.

He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war, Zelenskiy wrote on social media.

He said he sincerely hoped Americas continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off.

Zelenskiys administration has taken pains to pursue an even-handed approach to unpredictable and fast-moving events in Washington. Its top priority is to avoid being dragged into a US domestic political row, which could ultimately weaken its fight against Moscow.

Our official position is clear. We are looking for bipartisan support, one source said on Monday, declining to answer what Harris  as presidential candidate or potential future president  could mean for Ukraine.

The result of Novembers US election would not change Ukraines international priorities, they added. The main one is an end to the war  not with freezing of current battlefield lines but with a just settlement. This could only happen with strong US leadership and backing, they said.

Additionally, Kyiv wants favourable decisions that would allow it to degrade Russian capabilities. The Biden administration has refused to allow long-range US weapons to strike targets inside Russia such as military airfields. These are being used to launch cruise missile strikes at Ukrainian cities; a childrens hospital was hit this month in Kyiv.

Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for these US red lines to be lifted, most recently in London where he met Keir Starmer and addressed the cabinet. It is unclear if a future President Harris would be more sympathetic to Ukraines argument. Its military is already conducting regular strikes within Russia using long-range kamikaze drones.

Related: Joe Biden has been a foreign policy president, but Kamala Harris is no novice

In April the Washington Post said Harris raised these attacks during a private meeting with Zelenskiy at the Munich Security Conference. She reportedly urged him to stop blowing up Russian oil refineries, arguing that this tactic drove up global oil prices and invited Kremlin escalation. The request irritated Zelenskiy and his top aides, the Post suggested.

Harris has met Zelenskiy on five other occasions. Their last encounter took place in June at a peace summit organised by Ukraine in Switzerland, where she deputised for Biden. Their talks have been friendly and, it is understood, relatively brief. They also met in Munich in February 2022, a momentous period just before Russian tanks rolled across Ukraines international borders.

As vice-president, Harris has been forthright in her support for Kyiv. During the 2020 election campaign she condemned Russias illegal occupation of Crimea, calling it a flagrant violation of post-1945 international norms. She opposed the six-month delay by congressional Republicans to a $61bn Ukraine security package. And she described Kremlin attacks on Ukrainian civilians as crimes against humanity.

Despite frustrations over targeting, and the slow pace of arms deliveries, Kyivs relations with the Biden White House have been warm. At the same time Ukraines leadership has made pragmatic overtures to the Republicans. Speaking in April, the foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, told how Ukrainian deputies had wooed Mike Johnson, the Republican House speaker, by inviting him to a prayer breakfast.

I dont know whats going to happen tomorrow, or how political elites in the US will behave, Kuleba said. What we learned from the first tenure of Donald Trump as president is there is always a way out of any crisis. Weve been so many things since 2014 [when the war with Russia began] that, without exaggeration, we are ready for anything.

Trump has famously boasted he will settle the Russo-Ukrainian war in a day. It is widely assumed that if he wins this autumns US presidential election Trump will cut off aid  military and economic  to Kyiv. Ukrainian officials think this is a misreading of the situation. They say Trump is unpredictable and add that nobody quite knows what his Ukraine policy will be, if he wins.

In 2019 the then President Trump rang Zelenskiy and urged him to dig up dirt on Bidens son Hunter. The phone call lead to Trumps impeachment. Last week, on Friday, the two men spoke again after Trump formally accepted the Republican partys nomination for president. Writing on Truth Social, Trump talked of Zelenskiy in glowing terms and said they had a very good phone call.

It lasted about 20 minutes, it is understood. Zelenskiy began by asking Trump about the shocking assassination attempt against him in Pennsylvania the previous weekend. I wished him [Trump] strength and absolute safety in the future, Zelenskiy posted afterwards on X. He confirmed they had agreed to meet in person to discuss a fair and truly lasting peace.
The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by US president Joe Biden on Sunday, 21 July, after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. Photograph: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

Were interested to hear how American voters feel about Kamala Harris trying to win the Democratic nomination for the 2024 US presidential election, and Joe Bidens endorsement of his vice president since he dropped out of the race.

I am honored to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, Harris said. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic party  and unite our nation  to defeat Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

All 50 state Democratic party chairs have endorsed Harris to be the partys new presidential nominee to run against Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump, but she will need to secure the votes of 1,986 delegates when the Democratic National Convention meets in Chicago on 17 August to secure the official nomination.

Tell us how you feel about the prospect of Harris running against Trump in the November election, whether you support her presidential bid or not.

Callout
Abdul Latif, who was shot in the back by a sniper, re-learns to walk - Ed Ram

Hundreds of children have suffered bullet wounds while fleeing Sudan in a clear sign that war crimes are being committed in the countrys civil war.

Some 24 per cent of the nearly 2,600 people treated for gunshot wounds after arriving at a major field hospital over the border in Chad were children under five, the French medical NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said.

Abdul Latif, a nine-year-old boy who arrived at the hospital in the border town of Adre, had been shot in the back by a sniper while playing with his friends before school in Geneina, the capital of Sudans West Darfur state. The sniper fired a single bullet, hitting his spinal cord and leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

He was hit by gunfire, and then his father had to carry him across the border by foot, said Tom Shelton, from Humanity & Inclusion (HI).

Sudan is being ripped apart by a savage war that broke out in April last year, when simmering tensions between the countrys armed forces and a notorious paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), erupted into open fighting in the capital Khartoum.

Abdul Latif was playing with friends when he was hit by a single bullet, which struck his spinal cord - NGO Humanity & Inclusion

Chad has borne the brunt of the influx in refugees, in what the UNHCR has called the largest internally displaced population ever reported.

The conflict has forced over 600,000 refugees to flee into the landlocked country, with more than 115,000 people making the arduous journey across the border this year alone.

Mr Shelton told The Telegraph he was struck by the sheer number of young children who had suffered bullet wounds.

Most of the people that I spoke to had experienced some kind of indiscriminate attacks on the places they were living so many people are walking around on crutches, he said.

The numbers of Sudanese refugees arriving with severe injuries, such as those caused by gunshots, is placing a heavy burden on the field hospital, which lacks the resources to meet the needs of all the arrivals.

Some of them have these huge external surgical fixators on their legs to hold the bone in place theyre sleeping in a really small, hot shelter with poor hygiene and open wounds the harsh reality is that the specific needs of these people are simply not being met, said Mr Shelton.

Children's graves in a makeshift cemetery on the outskirts of an informal refugee camp in Adre, Chad - Ed Ram

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been giving Abdul Latif rehabilitation sessions for months.

It was very sad, because honestly, it was very unclear whether he would walk again, Mr Shelton said.

Hes now living in an environment where he cant really use a wheelchair. Nothing is easily usable for him.

HI operates in Adre at the MSF France hospital, and in the Metche, Aboutengue and Farchana camps, where they have a team of physiotherapists to treat both inpatients and those already discharged with rehabilitation needs, including those with limb fractures, amputations and burns.

When he arrived in eastern Chad last October, Mr Shelton said that he was surprised when he was met with NGOs who simply didnt have time to deal with the patients in desperate need of rehabilitation.

They said: This is a massive emergency. Were overwhelmed. We cant deal with these people with these specific needs that they have. We have to deal with it later, said Mr Shelton.

The number of Sudanese refugees arriving with severe injuries places a heavy burden on the field hospital - Ed Ram

A recent UN humanitarian appeal for the country received just 16 per cent of the humanitarian funds required.

Theres political will, but a lot of that is linked to media coverage and sustained communication, said Mr Shelton. Sudan is not getting nearly enough of the attention it needs its a tragedy.

The plight of Sudanese children is continuing to spiral.

Antony Spalton, chief of Unicef Sudans Darfur field office, said that he is particularly concerned about the children trapped in the deepening crisis in the city of El Fasher, Darfurs capital, that has now reached boiling point.

Home to 1.8 million people, if El Fasher falls to the RSF  the successors to the notorious Janjaweed militias responsible for the Darfur genocide in the 2000s  a massacre may become inevitable.

Killing and maiming children in conflict is one of the six grave violations condemned by the United Nations. Others include the use of children in armed groups, rape or other grave sexual violence, abduction and the denial of humanitarian access for children.

The field hospital lacks the resources to meet the needs of all the arrivals - Ed Ram

Were talking about 750,000 children in El Fasher who are on the front line weve probably seen all of the six violations against children here and we are highly alarmed about it, Mr Spalton said.

To put things in perspective, in 2023, we verified about 1,200 cases of killing and maiming children across Sudan, he said.

Since May, we have had about 400 cases of killing and maiming of children in El Fasher alone.

More than 10 million children in Sudan have been within five kilometres of the active warzone, including being close to gunfire and shelling, over the past year of the war, according to analysis by Save the Children.

Mr Spalton  currently based in Farchana, the Chadian border town  said that they are receiving around 600 Sudanese refugees seeking safety each day, mainly those fleeing El Flasher.

More recently, the arrivals have been saying theyre hungry, which means that children are missing out on meals, he said.

One camp said it is receiving around 600 Sudanese refugees seeking safety each day - Corentin Fohlen/MSF/Divergence

One mother, Fatime Deffa Ibrahim, was forced to flee to Chad with her 10 and 12-year old daughters when the RSF raided their home in Ardamatta in Sudan.

When I arrived in Adre, I couldnt find work and the food distributions werent enough to feed us, she told MSF. The RSF looted everything we had. I spend my days making these bricks. For 1,000 bricks Im paid 300 CFA francs (0.38p).

Mr Spalton said that NGOs were struggling to get aid across the border to Sudan.

The escalation in tensions pushed the Sudanese government in February to sever the access points along the border with Chad from six to one.

With a limited availability of trucks and huge distances to transport for supplies were not able to get the volume of supplies we need, said Mr Spalton.

We have to get therapeutic food to feed the children with acute malnutrition especially ahead of the rainy season, because access is going to be even more challenging, he added.

If we cant, those children will die.

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General Valery Zaluzhny was the army commander-in-chief when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 - Alexey Furman/Getty

Western powers must wake up and urgently prioritise the development of new military technology or risk World War Three, the former commander of Ukraines armed forces has said.

General Valery Zaluzhny, speaking in London at the Royal United Services Institutes land warfare conference, said neither Russia nor Ukraine were likely to master the technological revolution taking place on the battlefield alone.

It fell to Western nations to provide the scientific research and funding for the kind of weapons that could transform the battlefield, he said.

After more than two years of conflict, the rapid expansion of drone warfare and electronic countermeasures has had a profound impact on both sides tactics and strategy.

Traditional battlefield weapons may soon be a thing of the past - Anadolu

Gen Zaluzhny, wearing civilian clothes, did not specify what kind of weapons would be needed but said more development was needed to prevent Ukraine losing the war.

Evil is here and it has come to kill, he said in his first public remarks since arriving in London.

In the last century alone two conflicts, the First and Second World Wars  separated by less than 20 years  killed more than 60 million people.

Is humanity ready to accept the next war on this scale of suffering? This time the Third World War? he asked.

Free and democratic nations and their governments need to wake up and think about how to protect their citizens and countries.

He added: The desire to survive on the battlefield is the main reason for the search to improve weapons.

For various reasons neither Ukraine nor Russia will be able to master these technologies alone.

But whoever masters them will decide the global security challenge.

Who will master these technologies more quickly  the democratic world or the world of tyranny  will depend on us.

Gen Zaluhzny warned that only by combining Ukrainian experience with Western resources could such breakthroughs be made and that time is no longer on our side.

He has previously called for a focus on weapons development, predicting in an article for the Economist, before he left the army, that only new technology would allow either side to make a decisive breakthrough on the battlefield.

Rise of drones

The ubiquity of drones in particular has changed the nature of the war in Ukraine, making the battlefield transparent and difficult to concentrate forces in conventional ways.

Gen Zaluzhny was the commander in chief of the Ukrainian armed forces when Russia invaded in February 2022.

He was credited with masterminding the successful defence of Kyiv and the shock counter-offensives that drove the Russians out of Kharkiv and Kherson in the autumn of that year.

But he quarrelled with president Volodymyr Zelensky after he described the war as a stalemate following the failure of the 2023 counter-offensive.

Speculation grew that he harboured political ambitions in Kyiv until he was fired in February this year.
West Midlands police said the woman was treated by the ambulance service at the scene but died a short time later. Photograph: Tom Bham/Alamy

A woman in her 30s has been killed by her pet dog in Coventry, the fourth fatal dog attack in England and Wales this year.

West Midlands police said they attended at house on Wexford Road in the city at about 12.15pm on Monday after 999 calls. The woman was treated by the ambulance service at the scene but died a short time later.

The dog has been seized and its breed has yet to be confirmed, but police said they did not believe it to be a banned breed. The family of the woman have been informed and the death has been reported to the coroner for further inquiries.

Ch Insp David Amos, from the local neighbourhood policing area, said: We understand that this is a distressing and tragic incident and we would like to thank the local community for their support and to our emergency services colleagues who dealt with this incident. Our thoughts remain firmly with the family and loved ones of the woman who has sadly died.

Although the breed of the dog is yet to be confirmed, at this stage we do not believe it to be of a banned breed. However, a full assessment will be required before we can confirm this.

West Midlands ambulance service said its first ambulance arrived at the property within six minutes of a 999 call, and found the woman in a critical condition.

A spokesperson said: With help from police, the woman was rapidly removed from the property due to safety concerns. Ambulance staff performed advanced life support but tragically, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead on scene a short time later. No one else was injured in the incident.

The death comes just over a month after seven-month-old Elle Doherty died in Coventry after being bitten by her familys pet dog. She received serious injuries to her head in the incident on 16 June, which police said involved no criminal offences. The dog was a Belgian malinois, which is not a banned breed, and was humanely destroyed.

The death of the woman on Monday was the fourth fatal dog attack in the UK in 2024, after a record 16 deaths in 2023  up from six in 2022, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

Many of the recent deaths have involved the American XL bully breed, which was added to the list of banned breeds in England and Wales at the start of the year. They were banned in Scotland from 1 August.

Animal organisations including the RSPCA and Blue Cross have argued that banning breeds does not improve public safety, and that dog attacks have increased year-on-year despite banned breeds.
The Government must get the public onboard with the mission to deliver clean power by 2030 and spell out the benefits to them, experts have urged.

A report by a group led by the Royal Academy of Engineering calls for the move to decarbonise the grid by the end of the decade to be treated as a national mission, similar to the work of the vaccines task force or the switch from town gas to natural gas in a decade from the late 1960s.

Labour has pledged to deliver clean power by 2030 as one of its central missions, while the previous Tory government had aimed to ensure 95% of electricity was low-carbon by that date, with full decarbonisation by 2035.

The report from the independent working group warns there needs to be a sharp ramp-up of offshore wind, deployment of onshore wind and solar, and extending the life of nuclear plants where possible to meet the 2030 goal.

But there will also be a role for gas, to support security of supply, the experts said, as they called for any new gas plants to be genuinely ready to capture their carbon  for example being built in a location near where carbon capture and storage infrastructure will be built.

The experts suggested that clean power by 2030 could see a fully zero carbon grid on about 75% of days, with a small role for gas on the remaining days.

They also warned there would be a need for more clean electricity after 2030 as industry, transport and heating switched from fossil fuels to low carbon tech such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

To achieve the shift, the Government needs a radical approach, the National Engineering Policy Centre report says.

More clean power will be needed after 2030 as cars and heating go electric (John Walton/PA)

It must build strong public and industry support for the vision for clean power, spelling out the benefits for people.

These include personal benefits, such as lower bills from signing up to an electricity tariff that lets the supplier have some flexibility on when to charge an electric vehicle, and the jobs that clean power can bring to an area.

And there are societal benefits, including avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, and reducing costs to the NHS from respiratory conditions from switching away from polluting boilers and vehicles, the experts said.

They called for strong central leadership, backed by the Prime Minister, and a clear strategic plan for the country to deliver the infrastructure needed, which would then filter down to regional and local areas.

And the Government must tackle difficult decisions on planning, consents and the current delays to connecting new schemes to the grid, they warned, such as local opposition to overhead power lines or the higher costs on bills from putting them underground.

There also needs to be a digitally-enabled system, which will let the public engage with their power suppliers and save them money, for example through the different tariffs, and a proactive approach to procurement and regulation to make sure the UK can get ahead in the global race for clean tech.

And they must keep a long-term view in mind so that the focus on 2030 does not mean any delays to the best options post-2030.

Dr Simon Harrison, co-chair of the independent working group, and group head of strategy at Mott MacDonald, said: The scale of work required to decarbonise the electricity system in such a short period of time cannot be underestimated.

But the precedent set by the rapid delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine shows that the collective pursuit of a national mission can put a seemingly impossible target within reach.

A radical shift in our approach will be needed, but the engineering community has already come together to map that out in this report, and it is ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver the clean energy we need.

And he said the Government needed to articulate a strong vision for clean energy focusing on the things that really matter to people.

They need to really engage people with this vision and seek to get society on board, understand their views, and help them to embrace the coming changes.

The vision can be one of a clean, resilient, largely electrified energy system tailored to individuals needs through digital enablement, both creating and supporting opportunities for economic growth and employment throughout Great Britain and contributing to healthier lives and planet through pollution reduction, he said.

The experts said they drew inspiration from the success of the vaccine task forces roll out of the Covid jab.

But asked if there had been a comparable shift in national infrastructure in the UK in the past, Professor Nilay Shah, from Imperial College London, also said: The transition from town gas to natural gas is a good example where every single house was touched in some way.

And a huge amount of infrastructure was delivered which was literally end-to-end from fields in the North Sea which, interestingly, were planned in a strategic, spatial way.

They actually acknowledged the one thing they didnt want to do was a Victorian railway system where every developer who had a licence did their own thing, he said.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: We are taking immediate action implementing our long-term plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

This is the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect billpayers permanently, which is why we will double onshore wind, treble solar and quadruple offshore wind by 2030.

We will also maintain a strategic reserve of gas power stations to guarantee security of supply.
Rob Delaney: There is money in the UK and we should have a Robin Hood tax

Actor and comedian Rob Delaney has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to be more bold in her approach to Robin Hood-style taxes on the rich saying people in the UK are not morons.

Delaney, 47, was speaking to the Big Issue magazine when he called on the Government to make changes to the way wealth is distributed in Britain.

He said: The amount of money in this country is outrageous, the sheer square footage of empty flats owned by people who dont live in this country  come on now.

So when I hear Rachel Reeves say, there isnt any money, were not morons.

There is money. Take it. Mint it. Make it happen. Im not interested in equivocating or managing expectations. So say whatever you want, but make changes.

Delaney rose to fame in 2009 when he began posting his jokes on Twitter, in 2011 he began working in television and featured in a number of US shows, before moving to the UK in 2014, where he has appeared on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You? and Room 101.

He has also featured in a number of films including Deadpool 2, Argylle, and Tom and Jerry, and will also feature in the forthcoming movie, Deadpool and Wolverine.

Born in Boston, in the US, Delaney went on to say that despite his demands, he welcomed Sir Keir Starmers premiership.

Rob Delaney will appear in the upcoming Deadpool and Wolverine film (David Mirzoeff/PA)

He said: It does feel a little bit different. Anything that gives people a little beacon of hope is always positive.

I wasnt telling people to go vote Labour this time, for a variety of reasons, but Im entirely prepared to give Starmer and company at least a 20-minute grace period.

The comedian said losing his two-year-old son, Henry, to brain cancer in 2018 had given him a different outlook on politics and wealth.

Delaney added: I wouldnt overstate my competence or my grasp on politics, but where I might offer a little useful perspective is that I went from a lower tax bracket to a higher tax bracket at the same time my son Henrys health was failing, and then he was dying, and then he was dead.

So I started making more money and finding new opportunities to become a class traitor but, at the same time, I was finding out the limits of what money can do.

Money can solve a lot of problems. Its great. It should be handed out Robin Hood-style to poor people all day long.

When I was learning about what it can and cant do surrounding my sons illness, I was also seeing nursing staff who have to take three buses to get to work because they cant afford to live anywhere near the hospital. And that was very educational for me.

Delaney will feature in this weeks edition of the Big Issue.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay has become the first person to formally enter the race to take over the leadership of the party.

Mr Findlay announced he was bidding to succeed Douglas Ross, who announced he would be stepping down during the general election campaign.

That campaign saw the number of Scottish Tory MPs fall to five, with Mr Ross failing to win the seat he had been contesting at Westminster.

However, Mr Findlay believes under his leadership the party can win in Scotland  adding that the next Holyrood elections in 2026 could be a defining moment.

Announcing his leadership bid in the Scottish Daily Mail newspaper, Mr Findlay said: Im standing for the leadership of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party because I believe that we have the chance to change Scotland for the better.

I hear all the time that politicians are all the same. I think the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, under my leadership, can be different.

If we offer people a vision of how our Conservative policies can change their lives for the better, we can win in Scotland.

Thats the common question posed to us  will you ever be a party of government in Scotland? I believe we can one day  but only if we work hard, pull together and earn the trust of the public.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Holyrood elections, Mr Findlay said they would be a defining moment which sets Scotland on a new course.

With support for the SNP declining after the partys 17 years in power in Edinburgh, the Tory MSP said: The overthrow of the old SNP order will be a time of opportunity for the Scottish Conservatives and will offer the potential to overturn the stifling left-wing consensus which has dominated within that dreary parliament for far too long.

Change is coming in Scotland. I want us to lead it  and to do so as proud and passionate Conservatives.

In other news  I've decided to stand for leader of the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party. Change is coming in Scotland and I want us to lead it, as proud and passionate Conservatives. More in today's Scottish Daily Mail https://t.co/1ljn4PLBWi  Russell Findlay MSP (@RussellFindlay1) July 22, 2024

He insisted the Tories should not put forward some sort of Labour-lite agenda.

The former journalist, who was elected to Holyrood in 2021, vowed if he is elected leader he will ensure that forward-thinking and positivity are the bedrock of our approach.

His comments came as he insisted there are many people out there in Scotland who think conservative  but dont currently vote Conservative.

To win over voters, he says the party must offer people an aspirational conservatism, saying the Tories must be pro-opportunity and back the individual efforts of shop owners, new businesses and the risk-taking small-scale entrepreneurs who have a dream and the guts to chase it.

He said the party should also be pro-worker too, adding that backing business isnt about maximising the profits of shareholders, its about generating the stable, well-paid jobs needed so that everyone can benefit from economic growth.

Mr Findlay added: I believe there is wide, and as-yet untapped, support in Scotland for a conservatism that is unashamedly aspirational in its character and for encouraging a society which respects and rewards individual effort and initiative.

the consultation closes this Friday (July 26) and the management board will meet soon after that (likely early next week) to outline the process/timetable, assuming there is more than one candidate.

Scottish Conservatives are consulting with elected politicians and party volunteers on how the leadership contest should take place.

A party spokesperson said: Following the initial meeting of the party management board, a consultation is under way with elected representatives and the voluntary party. This will allow the board to hear views throughout the party on the process for the leadership contest.

The management board will then meet in the coming weeks to discuss those views and further details about the contest will be outlined.
The Rwanda deportation scheme cost Britain 700 million despite only four volunteers being sent to Kigali, Yvette Cooper has said, branding the policy the most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen.

The Home Secretary accused the previous Conservative government of creating an asylum Hotel California, where people arrived in the system but never left.

In a statement to MPs on Monday, Ms Cooper claimed that the Tories had planned to spend more than 10 billion over six years on the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP).

And she warned that high levels of small boat journeys in the English Channel are likely to persist over the summer, blaming weak border control she said Labour had inherited from the previous administration.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed his administration is axing the scheme, which he and the Home Secretary have said is a gimmick but the Tories insist served to deter crossings.

Two-and-a-half years after the previous government launched it, I can report (the Migration and Economic Development Partnership) has already cost the British taxpayer 700 million in order to send just four volunteers, Ms Cooper said.

Over the six years of the (MEDP) forecast, the previous government had planned to spend over 10 billion of taxpayers money on the scheme. They did not tell Parliament that.

Those costs include 290 million paid to Rwanda, chartering flights that never took off and detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them, she said.

Ms Cooper warned that co-operation with European police forces was too limited and more needed to be done to tackle people-smuggling upstream long before the boats reached the French coast.

Im extremely concerned that high levels of dangerous crossings we have inherited are likely to persist through the summer, she said.

The Home Secretary raised concerns over legal contradictions in the Illegal Migration Act and said no decision could be taken on an individuals case if they arrived in the UK after March 2023 and met key conditions in the legislation.

It is the most extraordinary policy that Ive ever seen. We have inherited asylum Hotel California  people arrive in the asylum system and they never leave. The previous governments policy was effectively an amnesty and that is the wrong thing to do, she told MPs.

Ending the partnership would immediately save 750 million earmarked for the scheme this year, Ms Cooper said, with some of the money invested into Labours new border security command.

Home Office staff are already being redeployed from the scheme to immigration enforcement and returns, she added.

The minister said she is laying a statutory instrument to end the retrospective nature of the Illegal Migration Act provisions to ensure that the Home Office can immediately start clearing cases from after March 2023.

Making this one simple change will save the taxpayer an estimated 7 billion over the next 10 years, Ms Cooper told the Commons.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has accused her of using made-up numbers and accused the UK Government of showing discourtesy towards the Rwandan government.

He said: The Labour Party and indeed the Home Secretary in her statement likes to talk tough on border security, but todays statement, despite all the hyperbole and the made-up numbers, is basically an admission of what we knew all along.

That the Labour Party have scrapped the Rwanda partnership on ideological grounds, removed a deterrent, a deterrent, which the National Crime Agency said that we needed.

And the level of discourtesy, directed towards the people and government of Rwanda is quite breathtaking.

To have them read about this decision in the papers before anyone from Government had the good grace to formally notify them, I think, is an error, and no-one in this House believes for a moment that that level of discourtesy would have happened had this partnership been with a European country.

It comes as Home Office figures showed nearly 1,500 migrants had arrived in the UK on small boats across the Channel in one week.

Some 1,499 people made the journey in 27 boats from July 15 to 21, while the French coastguard confirmed two people died amid rescue operations off the northern French coast.

The maritime prefecture also said on Sunday that a further 71 migrants were saved in the Channel, but that some travellers on the boat who were not requesting assistance were allowed to continue the journey.
Ryanair has said airfares will be materially lower over the peak summer months than last year, as it reported plummeting quarterly profits.

The Irish budget carrier said on Monday that lower prices over spring pushed profits down 46% to 360 million euros (303 million) for the three months to June 30.

The average fare fell 15% to 42 euros (35) year on year, while passenger numbers rose 10% to 55.5 million.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary said demand is strong but pricing remains softer than expected (Brian Lawless/PA)

Chief executive Michael OLeary said: While (second-quarter) demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect (second-quarter) fares to be materially lower than last summer.

The rise in passengers limited the hit to overall turnover, with revenues falling just 1% to 363 billion euros (306 billion). Passenger numbers are forecast to be up 8% overall this financial year.

The figures come as the latest sign that the post-pandemic boom in pricing enjoyed by carriers is coming to an end, with other airlines also having recently warned over ticket prices.

Customers are typically waiting longer than usual to book summer holidays, which is thought to be partly a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Earlier in July, Jet2 said there would only be modest price increases this summer amid a wave of later bookings to its European destinations.

Lufthansa has also pointed to negative market trends, while Air France-KLM warned of a financial hit after fewer people than expected booked flights to Paris for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Ryanair added that its performance for the rest of the summer is totally dependent on close-in bookings and yields in August and September.

Mr OLeary also took aim at air traffic controllers across Europe after fewer flights took off over the period.

He said: In the last 10 days of June we suffered a significant deterioration in European air traffic control capacity which caused multiple flight delays and cancellations, especially on first wave morning flights.

(This makes it) more urgent than ever that the new European Commission and Parliament deliver long-delayed reform of Europes hopelessly inefficient air traffic control services.
A sign near a pump jack in an Odessa neighborhood in March. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

This story is published in partnership with the Examination.

Some Texas lawmakers are calling for state regulators to better protect residents from the highly toxic gas hydrogen sulfide, which leaks from aging oil facilities near families and schools.

Two legislators said they are looking into filing legislation, another said she would call for hearings, and still others are reaching out to regulators to follow up on the problems identified in an investigation by the Examination and the Houston Chronicle.

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The investigation found that oil companies are releasing hydrogen sulfide into residential neighborhoods with few or no repercussions. Known as H2S, the foul-smelling gas forms underground, comes to the surface with oil production, and can leak from storage tanks. High concentrations kill people quickly, and chronic low-level exposure has been linked to neurological and other health problems. The state has a limit for H2S in the air, but regulators broadly disregard it, downplaying the health threats, the investigation found.

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, a Laredo Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said one of her priorities next session, starting in January, will be to make sure regulators are funded adequately to monitor H2S levels and to deal appropriately with violators.

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, pictured in 2022, said shes looking into legislation to reduce H2S leaks, including requiring repeat offenders to upgrade their equipment and establishing a fund for smaller operators to do so. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer

The longest-serving state senator, who has passed more bills than any Texas legislator, Zaffirini said shes looking into legislation to reduce H2S leaks, including requiring repeat offenders to upgrade their equipment and establishing a fund for smaller operators to do so. Legislation may also include prohibiting the venting of H2S near population centers and directing the Department of State Health Services to study the health risks of H2S exposure. Zaffirini is also considering requiring the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the oil industry, to map and collect data on oil storage tanks, a common source of leaks.

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As a Senator whose district includes families living beside thousands of production wells, I prioritize efforts to ensure their safety and their protection from any possible hazardous concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, Zaffirini said in an emailed statement.

Rep. Brooks Landgraf, Republican chair of the Environmental Regulation Committee, represents a West Texas district that includes Odessa, where investigators have found repeated H2S leaks near residents and elementary school students.

As a born-and-raised Odessan who chooses to live with my family in this community, I take any reports of dangerous environmental conditions extremely seriously, Landgraf said in an emailed statement.

State Rep. Brooks Landgraf said hes working closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which regulates air quality, and the Railroad Commission to ensure that proper procedures are being followed. Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Landgraf said hes working closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which regulates air quality, and the Railroad Commission to ensure that proper procedures are being followed. He encouraged state agencies to be transparent and accountable to the people of Texas.

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In response to Landgrafs inquiries, TCEQ sent him a statement that the investigation by The Examination and the Houston Chronicle misconstrues its response to H2S problems. It said the agency takes complaints seriously, does extensive outreach to the oil and gas industry, and conducts air monitoring surveys and follow-up investigations. It added that the agency is deploying a new mobile monitoring vehicle in the Permian Basin.

When violations are identified, the statement said, we use our enforcement process to ensure that corrective and preventative actions are taken, and penalties are assessed to deter future noncompliance.

The agencys statement didnt address the investigations finding that violators are seldom penalized and problems continue. When the agency did issue enforcement orders to a repeat violator in Odessa, the fines were for several thousand dollars and still the company hadnt complied years later, records showed.

TCEQ provided Landgrafs office with a tally of complaints it received that specifically mentioned H2S, showing 89 since 2018. The agency didnt count complaints that mentioned the smell of rotten eggs or other clear signs of H2S. The agencys complaint data often includes only vague summaries, such as oil and gas odors for H2S-related problems.

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A flare burns near Vanessa and Victor Hinojos home in Odessa as their children play in the backyard in March. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The toxic gas has been leaking for years from an oil facility in Odessa, across the street from the home of Vanessa Hinojos and her family. But of the 10 related complaints to TCEQ since 2018, only two include the name of the gas in TCEQs data. Hinojos February complaint about H2S, for example, is described as, Complainant alleges odors coming from a tank battery causing nausea.

After investigators repeatedly found H2S leaking from the facility this year, TCEQ issued a notice of enforcement in May to Alan Means, owner of the operator of record, Cambrian Management. It said the company repeatedly failed to keep pollution control equipment in good working order. That could lead to fines but is pending, as is another similar enforcement action from 2023.

Alan Means of Cambrian Management, which has drilled and operated hundreds of wells in the Permian Basin. the Examination

TCEQ concluded its investigation after an inspectors visit in early May did not find any problems. A hydrogen sulfide monitor placed by a reporter in the Hinojos yard found H2S levels above the state limit around the same time.

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Means has previously said, We treated everybody as good as we could over there and that he transferred day-to-day management of the facility to Octane Energy.

Midland Mayor Lori Blong is co-founder of Octane Energy with her husband Jared. She did not respond to requests for comment, but Jared Blong said recent site visits by TCEQ have verified its production facility "is properly maintained and does not pose a danger to nearby residents. B. Kay Richter/Reporter-Telegram

Lori Blong, mayor of the nearby city of Midland and co-founder of Octane Energy with her husband Jared, did not respond to requests for comment. Jared Blong said by email that recent site visits by TCEQ have verified the production facility is properly maintained and does not pose a danger to nearby residents. He said the company requested a voluntary TCEQ inspection and that the safety and well-being of our team, neighbors, and community and the prudent stewardship of the environment are top priorities.

Octane Energy CEO Jared Blong, left, with well-site leader Todd Greer, and well-site leader Justin "Bull" Smith at a fracking site managed by Octane Energy in 2016 near Stanton. James Durbin

Meanwhile, Hinojos said the problem continues. What are they really going to do, she asks of regulators. Wheres the action?

Eye on H2S hotspots

Rep. Ron Reynolds, a Missouri City Democrat, said he will file a bill next session requiring TCEQ and the Railroad Commission to do a targeted study to jointly look at toxic hotspots. Saying the agencies need to step up and do their job, Reynolds called for more air monitoring stations, more cooperation between agencies and more funding for enforcement.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds, pictured in 2023 in Fort Bend County. Reynolds said the Railroad Commission should make more information available to help people living near wells to make their own decisions about what they want to be exposed to. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The Houston Chronicle and the Examination mapped for the first time more than 54,000 wells in Texas that, according to state records, are part of oil and gas operations that have tested for high concentrations of H2S. But there were limitations because of the way the Railroad Commission collects data. Reynolds said the commission should make more information available to help people living near wells to make their own decisions about what they want to be exposed to.

I have grave concerns over the oil companies blatant disregard and poisoning our communities with toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, said Reynolds, who sits on the House Environmental Regulation Committee, in an email statement.

Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, a Houston Democrat on the Environmental Regulation Committee, said TCEQ should not be pardoning repeat environmental offenders at the expense of public health.

State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, left, seen with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in 2022, is, a Houston Democrat on the Environmental Regulation Committee. She said TCEQ should not be pardoning repeat environmental offenders at the expense of public health. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer

In the coming days, we will work with TCEQ to address this, she said in a text message.

TCEQ spokesperson Ryan Vise told The Examination the agency is constantly reviewing its processes. The agency pursues swift, fair, sensible, and responsive enforcement, used within an overall strategy for achieving timely compliance, he said.

TCEQ Chair Jon Niermann at the State Capitol in Austin in June 2022. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

The agency declined an interview request with its governor-appointed chairman, Jon Niermann, and its executive director, Kelly Keel.

Kelly Keel, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, pictured in August 2004. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

The news outlets found that inspectors return to the same leaking oil tanks again and again as problems persist for years. The Railroad Commissions former statewide hydrogen sulfide coordinator has called for stronger regulations.

Asked whether the commission plans to make any changes, spokesperson Patty Ramon reiterated that it closely monitors facilities, especially near schools and homes, and when inspectors find problems, they work to ensure violations are resolved immediately.

The states H2S rules are in place to protect Texans and the environment, and our inspection and enforcement of the rules are extensive, Ramon said by email.

Students at Noel Elementary School in Odessa leave the school at the end of the day in March. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Houston Democrat who recently lost a primary runoff, said she is going to request hearings on the issue. A spokesperson said she plans to ask the chairs of the Environmental Regulation and Energy Resources committees to hold hearings, since they oversee TCEQ and the Railroad Commission, respectively.

These legislative inquiries will also enhance transparency and oversight ensuring the public health and well-being of all Texans, said Thierry, a member of the Energy Resources Committee, in an emailed statement.

State Rep. Shawn Thierry, an outgoing Houston Democrat, said she is going to request hearings on the issue. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Republican Rep. Craig Goldman, chair of the Energy Resources Committee, is currently running for Congress and did not respond to inquiries.

A couple of members of Congress from Texas also raised concerns about hydrogen sulfide.

The health of too many Texans continues to be endangered by multiple failures to protect them from this poison, said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat who represents Austin, in an emailed statement. Doggett said the news investigation brought the problem to his attention and he looks forward to learning more to determine next steps.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat who represents San Antonio, said the federal government and our state government in Texas both need to do a better job of regulating hydrogen sulfide exposure. U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, a Republican whose district includes Odessa, did not respond to a request for comment.

Congressman Joaquin Castro listens to SAMMinistries staff during a tour of the SAMMinistries Transisional Living and Learning Center Wednesday morning. Conrgessman Castro presented the facility with over $765,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to their building. Robin Jerstad

There are no federal air quality standards for H2S. Under pressure from the industry, the gas was removed from the Environmental Protection Agencys list of hazardous air pollutants decades ago, leaving regulation to the states.

Legislation to add H2S to the EPA list, which would lead to pollution controls, has been introduced repeatedly by U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, a New York Democrat, without success.

The Sierra Club and other environmental groups petitioned the EPA in 1999 and 2009 to put H2S on the list, and threatened to sue in 2011. An EPA spokesperson said the Sierra Club didnt provide additional information, so the agency didnt take action. Neil Carman, of the Sierra Clubs Lone Star chapter, helped lead that effort and said the EPA should have regulated H2S anyway. But because of political and industry opposition, he doesnt expect the situation to change.

I wish I could be optimistic, Carman said, but my crystal ball is showing me a pretty polluted future for Texas.
Sir Keir Starmer has said it would not have been an easy decision for Joe Biden to abandon his hopes of re-election to the White House.

The Prime Minister said he respected a decision made in the best interests of the American people and insisted he would work with whoever won the US election in November.

Mr Biden bowed out of the race in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

The US President backed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee in his place.

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, said: I respect that decision that he has now made.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met US President Joe Biden at the Nato summit in Washington (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris, but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

Obviously in the first instance, its for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president.

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.

Sir Keir only met Mr Biden for the first time during the Nato summit and he is not thought to have ever met Ms Harris.

The 81-year-old president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.

In a post on his social media account, he said: My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term.

He said in his statement he would address the nation on the matter next week, adding: For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America cant do  when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Bidens term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice President Ms Harris said she was honoured to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his extraordinary leadership and for making a selfless and patriotic act by stepping aside.

She said: I am honoured to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak praised Joe Bidens love for America and dedication to service.

He said: Working with Joe Biden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service.

Working with @JoeBiden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service. Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats. I wish him all the best.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 21, 2024

Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including Aukus, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.

I wish him all the best.

President Biden is a leader whom I greatly admire and serving under his presidency has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I respect the difficult decision he has made and look forward to continuing to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. I have seen pic.twitter.com/cY4Jg6e8u1  Ambassador Jane Hartley (@USAmbUK) July 22, 2024

The US ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley said: In every endeavour, President Biden has demonstrated a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

His decision not to pursue another term is a selfless act that highlights his dedication to our country. 

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: I predicted this would happen in September 2023.

Whoever they pick, Trump will win in November.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical. Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024

He added: We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Former president Barack Obama praised Mr Biden as a patriot of the highest order, saying the US president had put American interests ahead of his own as he decided not to seek re-election.

But he stopped short of endorsing Ms Harris as other senior Democrats have.

He said: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support.
Starmer says Biden always put his country first after US president quits race

Joe Bidens presidency will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America, Sir Keir Starmer said after the US president announced he would not seek a second term in the White House.

The Prime Minister said the 81-year-olds decision to abandon his re-election campaign would not have been an easy one.

Sir Keir said the US president was a man who, during five decades of service, never lost touch with the concerns of working people and always put his country first.

He told MPs: His presidency will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America to freedom and security on this continent.

Most of all, of course, in our steadfast resolve to stand by the people of Ukraine.

He leaves the Nato alliance stronger than its been for decades.

Mr Biden bowed out of the presidential race in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

The US president backed vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Joe Biden at the Nato summit in Washington (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, earlier told reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow: I respect that decision that he has now made.

Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris  who he has never met  but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

Obviously in the first instance, its for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president, he said.

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.

The US president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as president for the remainder of my term, he said.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Bidens term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice president Ms Harris said she was honoured to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his extraordinary leadership and for making a selfless and patriotic act by stepping aside.

She said: I am honoured to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak praised Mr Bidens love for America and dedication to service.

Working with @JoeBiden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service. Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats. I wish him all the best.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 21, 2024

Mr Sunak said: Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including Aukus, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.

I wish him all the best.

President Biden is a leader whom I greatly admire and serving under his presidency has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I respect the difficult decision he has made and look forward to continuing to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. I have seen pic.twitter.com/cY4Jg6e8u1  Ambassador Jane Hartley (@USAmbUK) July 22, 2024

The US ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley said: In every endeavour, President Biden has demonstrated a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

His decision not to pursue another term is a selfless act that highlights his dedication to our country.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: I predicted this would happen in September 2023.

Whoever they pick, Trump will win in November.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical. Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024

He added: We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Former president Barack Obama praised Mr Biden as a patriot of the highest order, saying the US president had put American interests ahead of his own as he decided not to seek re-election.

But he stopped short of endorsing Ms Harris as other senior Democrats have.

He said: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support.
The Government has announced more than 20 national space projects worth 33 million.

All of the projects are from the UK Space Agencys National Space Innovation Programme, and eight will receive 24 million of the total amount.

These include funding for a sub-orbital rocket test by Glasgow-based HyImpulse from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland, and support for Rolls-Royce in Derby to develop micro reactors to support space exploration.

One project involves backing for Cambridge University spin-out SuperSharp to develop and launch a heat-detecting telescope to gather data to help tackle the climate crisis.

Announcing the funding on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: From combatting climate change to staying connected with loved ones, space technologies play an important role in many aspects of our day to day lives.

But backing the growth of UK space companies is also essential for driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and creating wealth in every community.

Our 33 million investment in these projects highlights the huge potential of the UKs space industry, especially as we collaborate with international partners.

.@Cambridge_Unis SuperSharp will develop and launch a heat-detecting telescope to gather climate data.  Hear from Project Manager, Irina Petrescu  pic.twitter.com/ocxwNa8Zml  UK Space Agency (@spacegovuk) July 22, 2024

Other programmes that will receive funding include Lunasa in Harwell, Oxfordshire, to build and test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another.

Also in Harwell, Orbit Fab will be funded to develop a solution for satellite refuelling, and Wayland Additive in Huddersfield will be helped to develop an electronic propulsion system.

An additional 15 so-called kick-starter projects will receive 9 million between them.

These will support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development.

We're awarding 33m to more than 20 UK projects at the forefront of space innovation.  The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme  designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth across the UK.  https://t.co/hWAMd603W3 pic.twitter.com/BiuREU5xMm  UK Space Agency (@spacegovuk) July 22, 2024

UK Space Agency chief executive Dr Paul Bate said: These new projects will help kick-start growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.

They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.
More than two thirds of secondary school parents believe the cost of school uniform is not affordable, a survey has suggested.

About half of parents of secondary school pupils said they have to buy at least three school logo branded items for their child, according to research for the Childrens Society charity.

The Government set out plans in the Kings Speech last week to introduce legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kits that a school can require to bring down costs for parents.

A poll, of 2,000 parents of school age children across the UK, found that 56% felt the cost of uniform is not affordable  and the figure was even higher among parents of secondary pupils (67%).

Statutory government guidance, which came into effect in autumn 2022, already tells state schools in England to keep branded uniform items to a minimum and to limit their use to low-cost or long-lasting items.

But the survey, carried out by Censuswide in June, suggests 63% of parents said their school has not changed its uniform policy in the past two years.

One parent said: Luckily, this year, I only have one set of school uniform to buy, but all the compulsory kit: blazer, skirt, tie, new PE kit, and multiple shirts, totals 149.20. That doesnt even begin to include school shoes, a new school bag, and lets not start on stationery.

Five years ago, I would have had to buy all of that times-four when all four children were in school. I dont know how I would afford all that nowadays.

Mark Russell, chief executive at the Childrens Society, said: For the last two years the high cost of living has put families under intense financial strain, so it is no wonder parents are feeling the pinch and are quite rightly fed up with having to pay more than they need to for their childrens school uniform. 

He added: We also welcome the Governments new proposals to limit branded items and tighten up the legislation on uniform as we can see from our poll that there is much more to do on this, with many families still having to fork out hundreds of pounds each year.

We believe school uniform can have real benefits for children and, if any parents are struggling with the affordability of uniforms, we urge them to contact their school and the school governors.

Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: Schools are acutely aware of the need to keep the costs of school uniforms as low as possible.

Teachers and leaders witness the impact of poverty every day and many schools help discreetly provide items of clothing to families that are unable to afford the cost.

All schools have to follow statutory guidance which states that the use of branded items should be kept to a minimum.

The new Governments proposal to introduce a fixed limit seems to us to strike a sensible balance between affordability and the sense of identity that having a uniform provides.

James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders union the NAHT, said: Schools work extremely hard to ensure that their uniform is affordable and have schemes to support families who may be struggling with the cost.

These schemes include offering parents access to good-quality, second-hand uniforms. Many schools also already have the option of non-branded items as part of their uniform requirements.

Most schools will feel fairly comfortable with the restriction on branded items, but it will be important that the Government engages on the finer detail, simply to avoid any unintended consequences.

Last month, a schoolwear industry boss suggested Labours plan to introduce further restrictions on the number of branded items of school uniform and PE kit would cost parents more.

Matthew Easter, chairman of the Schoolwear Association, told the PA news agency that plans for capping branded items of uniform could create inequality in school and drive up costs as young people put pressure on their parents to buy alternative clothing from brands such as Nike or Adidas.

In response to the Childrens Society survey, Mr Easter said: Uniforms not only level the playing field by reducing visible inequalities and peer pressure but also boost productivity and improve academic performance and behaviour.

Instead of imposing more restrictions, which could inadvertently increase costs and reduce the quality and availability of uniforms, the Government should focus on removing VAT on school uniforms and treating it like the essential item it is.

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: Too many families tell us that the cost of school uniform and PE kit is too expensive  no child should be prevented from taking part in sport because of its cost.

Thats why we will legislate through the Children and Wellbeing Bill to cap the number of items of branded uniform and PE kit that schools can require, helping reduce costs for parents and removing barriers to children accessing sport, so that we can break down the barriers to opportunity.
A 72-year-old man shot and killed a grizzly bear in Montana in an encounter that left him seriously injured.

The man, who has not been identified, was picking huckleberries alone last Thursday on Flathead National Forest lands, about 2 miles north of Columbia Falls, when an adult female grizzly charged at him and attacked, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said Friday. Columbia Falls is a city of about 5,500 people in northwestern Montana, about 200 miles from Helena.

The man shot and killed the bear with a handgun in response, but not before he received significant injuries for which he had to be hospitalized.

"FWP determined it to be a surprise defensive encounter," the agency said, adding that it was working to confirm if any of the adult female's cubs were present in the area.

The man's condition, meanwhile, is not yet known and the agency did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for an update on his injuries or if any cubs were located near the scene of the encounter.

Bears in Montana

Montana is home to both the grizzly bears and the black bears, with the former being the official animal of the state.

Grizzlies are protected under both the state and federal law, while the black bears are managed as a game animal, according to Fish, Wildlife and Parks. It is legal to kill or attempt to kill a grizzly bear in self-defense, or if the bear is in the act of attacking or killing or threatening to kill people or livestock under current Montana law.

What to do in a bear encounter?

The park service recommends keeping the following things in mind when exploring backcountry:

Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to signs.

Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).

Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Hike in big groups of three or more; avoid venturing into the wilderness alone.

If you encounter a bear, do not run. Instead back away slowly.

Immediately alert authorities if you see a bear.

If you see cubs, be extra cautious. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man shoots, kills bear after attack in Flathead National Forest
BERLIN (AP)  Greenland police said they apprehended veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan.

Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society whose direct action tactics, including high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, have drawn support from A-list celebrities and featured in the reality television series Whale Wars.

He was arrested Sunday when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, a police statement said. He later appeared before a district court to look into a request to detain him pending a decision on his possible extradition to Japan, the statement said.

On Monday, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation said in an emailed comment that the veteran environmentalist would be detained in Nuuk at least until Aug. 15, following the courts decision, to give the Danish justice ministry time to investigate the case and possible extradition. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison in Japan, according to the foundation.

His foundation also said the Greenland court wouldnt allow Watsons release on bail as he was considered a flight risk.

The foundation described more than a dozen police officers boarding the vessel and leading Watson away in handcuffs when it stopped to refuel. The foundation said the ship, along with 25 volunteer crew members, was en route to the North Pacific on a mission to intercept a new Japanese whaling ship.

The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watsons previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region, the foundation said in an emailed statement on Sunday.

We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically-motivated request, Locky MacLean, the foundation director, said in the statement.

Interpol, the international police body based in Lyon, France, which issues Red Notices for wanted people, confirmed that a valid one was outstanding for Watson at the request of Japan.

It is each member countrys decision whether to arrest an individual who is the subject of a Red Notice, which is not an international arrest warrant, the Interpol press office said.

Neither the Japan Coast Guard nor Japans Foreign Ministry, which had issued the international warrant for Watson, confirmed they are negotiating Watsons handover. However, the coast guard, the primary investigative authority in Watsons case in Japan, said Monday that officials were on standby if a handover is ordered.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Japan does not have an extradition treaty with the European country and it is unknown if or when Watson would be handed over.

It's not the first time his tactics brought him head-to-head with authorities. He was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant but skipped bail after learning that he was also sought for extradition by Japan, which has accused him of endangering whalers lives during operations in the Antarctic Ocean. He has since lived in countries including France and the United States.

Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to set up his own organization, was also a leading member of Greenpeace, but left in 1977 amid disagreements over his aggressive tactics.

According to his foundation, Watson's current ship, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was due to sail through the Northwest Passage to the North Pacific to confront a newly built Japanese factory whaling ship, a murderous enemy devoid of compassion and empathy hell bent on destroying the most intelligent self-aware sentient beings in the sea."

___

Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report from Tokyo, Japan.
The U.S. Army is searching for missing soldier PFC Alejandro Espinola, 26. He is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 165 pounds and was last seen in Monrovia Canyon Park on July 19, 2024.

U.S. Army investigators are asking for the public's help in searching for a soldier who did not report for duty last week from training in Southern California.

According to a press release issued Sunday by officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center in San Bernardino County, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) failed to report for duty on Thursday.

Officials said he was last seen on Friday at Monrovia Canyon Park outside of Los Angeles, about 140 miles southwest of the base.

"The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern," Col. Kevin T. Black, commander of the 11th ACR said in the release. The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinolas family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.

'Mind-boggling': Woman shoots baby in leg over $100 drug debt, police say

The U.S. Army is searching for missing soldier PFC Alejandro Espinola, 26. He is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 165 pounds and was last seen in Monrovia Canyon Park on July 19, 2024.

Army officials described Espinola as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and about 165 pounds.

According to an updated press release issued Monday, he may be driving a 2018 black Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback with the California license plate 8BTS191.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division or the Fort Irwin Resident Unit.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alejandro Espinola: Missing soldier did not report to Fort Irwin base
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Nandita Bose

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, building Democratic backing for her sudden presidential run, rallied supporters on Monday with a debut campaign speech vowing to go after Republican nominee Donald Trump like the courtroom prosecutor she once was.

"I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain," Harris told campaign workers 28 hours after President Joe Biden, 81, abandoned the 2024 White House race and endorsed her.

"So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump's type. In this campaign, I will proudly, I will proudly put my record against his," said Harris, who was attorney general of California and a U.S. senator before serving as Biden's vice president.

Trump is due to be sentenced in September after having been found guilty of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to a porn star. He also faces criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn Biden's 2020 victory. He falsely claims he lost in 2020 because of election fraud.

Biden, who pulled out of the race on Sunday amid questions about his age and health, called into Harris' campaign event. Recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Delaware, he sounded hoarse but appreciative of his vice president.

Biden said he thought he had made the right decision by dropping out. The oldest person ever to occupy the Oval Office, Biden said on Sunday he would remain in the presidency until his term ends on Jan. 20, 2025.

Harris, 59, outlined a series of policies she promised to pursue including signing laws to protect abortion rights and ban assault rifles and said she would make rebuilding the middle class the focus of her presidency.

Within minutes of receiving Biden's backing on Sunday, Harris began consolidating Democratic support for her presidential bid, securing commitments from hundreds of convention delegates, announcing a massive fundraising haul and earning endorsements from top party figures.

These included former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has remained influential since stepping down as the party's House of Representatives leader in 2022. The AFL-CIO labor union federation, which represents 12.5 million workers, said on Monday it had also endorsed Harris for president.

The Harris campaign aims to secure commitments from a majority of the nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates to next month's Democratic Party convention by Wednesday evening, sources told Reuters, effectively wrapping up the nomination.

Campaign officials and allies have made hundreds of calls urging delegates to nominate Harris for president in the Nov. 5 election.

Harris' campaign said it raised $81 million in the 24 hours following Biden's exit, the most for a single day in the 2024 campaign for either party.

Virtually all of the prominent Democrats who had been seen as potential challengers to Harris have declared support for her, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Gavin Newsom of California and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. Whitmer, in a post on X, on Monday said she would serve as co-chair of Harris' campaign.

Biden's departure was the latest shock to a White House race that included his disastrous June 27 debate performance against former President Trump and the July 13 near-assassination of Trump by a gunman during a campaign stop.

Harris lauded Biden for his service to the country. At a White House event to honor college athletes earlier on Monday, she said: "Joe Biden's legacy over the last three years is unmatched in modern history."

Harris will travel on Tuesday to Milwaukee, the largest city in the battleground state of Wisconsin, which last week hosted a Republican National Convention that offered a stark display of Trump's dominance over his party.

NEW GENERATION

Harris, who is Black and Asian American, would fashion an entirely new dynamic with Trump, 78, offering a vivid generational and cultural contrast.

The Trump campaign has been preparing for her possible rise for weeks, sources told Reuters. It sent out a detailed critique of her record on immigration and other issues on Monday, accusing her of being more liberal than Biden.

It alleged that Harris favored abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and decriminalizing border crossings, backed the so-called Green New Deal, supported the administration's electric vehicle mandates and encouraged "defund the police" efforts.

Some of those were positions Harris adopted as an unsuccessful presidential candidate in the 2020 election when she was running on a more liberal agenda than Biden but were not ones that the administration assumed, particularly with regard to border security and law enforcement issues.

Eric Holder, who was U.S. attorney general in the administration of President Barack Obama, and his law firm Covington & Burling LLP will conduct the vetting of Harris' potential running mates, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Trump, whose false claims that his 2020 loss to Biden was the result of fraud inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, on Monday questioned Democrats' right to change candidates.

"They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

At a rally for Trump's running mate, JD Vance, on Monday, Ohio state Senator George Lang called for civil war to save the country if Trump didn't win the November election. Lang later said on X that he regretted the remarks. "We should all be mindful of what is said at political events, myself included," he wrote.

Harris is expected to stick largely to Biden's foreign policy playbook on such issues as China, Iran and Ukraine, but could strike a tougher tone with Israel over the Gaza war if she wins the November election.

Some Democrats were concerned about the country's long history of racial and gender discrimination. The U.S. has not elected a woman president in its nearly 250-year history.

Most public opinion polls conducted before Biden dropped out did not find that Harris performed better statistically against Trump than Biden had.

Biden has not been seen in public since testing positive for COVID on Wednesday. He tentatively plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday if he has recovered.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Wilmington, Nandita Bose and Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw, Steve Holland, Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu, Kat Stafford, Moira Warburton, Bo Erickson and Joseph Campbell; Writing by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone, Howard Goller and Leslie Adler)
Its been a bad few days for Delta Air Lines passengers.

Though much of the global aviation industry was disrupted by Fridays CrowdStrike outage, Delta seems to be having a uniquely difficult time recovering. According to the airline, the impact on its crew scheduling software is largely to blame.

Delta and its wholly-owned regional subsidiary Endeavor Air together canceled nearly 4,500 flights between Friday and Sunday, and as of Monday morning were already posting more than 1,000 additional delays and cancellations, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Kristi Gatto, a traveler who went to school with the reporter on this story, was one of those affected.

Airlines rely on complex systems: Why the CrowdStrike hiccup could cause days of chaos

I get it. Things happen. This was probably the worst flying experience that Ive had, Gatto said.

Her Saturday flight from Seattle to New York was canceled after Delta said it was unable to fully staff the flight, and ultimately, Gatto paid for another ticket to fly home from Vancouver on JetBlue instead.

Though Delta said its working on recovering operations, its little comfort to passengers like Gatto, now separated from their luggage and out thousands of dollars in contingency expenses.

Whats happening at Delta?

Delta Air Lines' CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement that the carrier's ongoing headaches are largely caused by struggles with its crew scheduling system.

"Upward of half of Deltas IT systems worldwide are Windows based. The CrowdStrike error required Deltas IT teams to manually repair and reboot each of the affected systems, with additional time then needed for applications to synchronize and start communicating with each other," the statement said. "Deltas crews are fully staffed and ready to serve our customers, but one of Deltas most critical systems  which ensures all flights have a full crew in the right place at the right time  is deeply complex and is requiring the most time and manual support to synchronize."

Deltas disruptions are reminiscent of Southwest Airlines meltdown in December 2022, when winter storms threw a wrench in the carriers crew scheduling system, leading to almost 10 days of travel chaos and nearly 17,000 canceled flights. United Airlines had similar disruptions last summer when Federal Aviation Administration issues and Uniteds own staffing squeeze led to thousands of canceled flights.

There is no excuse for Delta to have had this problem because they had a huge data center problem in 2017 when they lost power. They have had some other technology problems in the interim, Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research, a travel industry analytics firm, told USA TODAY. More importantly, in the past three years, they have seen American, Southwest and United get bogged down by their own technology problems.

United Airlines also took a hit from knock-on effects of the CrowdStrike outage, but its operations were largely recovered by Monday.

What are Delta passengers entitled to?

According to the Department of Transportation, which classifies Fridays IT failures as controllable disruptions on the part of the airline, Delta is required to honor its customer commitments. Those include rebooking passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed on other services at no additional cost, as well as providing hotels and meals and ground transportation vouchers for eligible travelers.

The DOT says it has received hundreds of complaints from Delta customers who did not receive those accommodations and is investigating those claims.

I have made clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide prompt refunds to consumers who choose not to be rebooked, and free rebooking and timely reimbursements for food and overnight hotel stays to consumers affected by the delays and cancellations, as well as adequate customer service assistance to all of their passengers, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent. I will ensure that our department supports Delta passengers by enforcing all applicable passenger protections.

Cruising Altitude: Flight delayed or canceled? How to get ahead of it.

Delta said it would reimburse customers for hotel, meal and ground transportation expenses paid out of pocket as a result of the disruptions, but not for prepaid costs like hotel reservations at the customers destination, vacation experiences, lost wages, concerts or other tickets.

Travelers like Gatto, who book their own alternative flights, will be entitled to refunds for their original Delta tickets but may not be able to claim reimbursement for the new flights. Delta does commit to booking travelers on other airlines in the event of these kinds of disruptions under its customer commitments, but they may not have the same access to all available seats or departures from every airport that a self-booking traveler would.

Gatto said she still plans to fight for as much compensation as she can get.

I plan to really lay into them and let my inner New Yorker come out, she said. Im going to try to get them to pay for everything.

Where does Delta go from here?

Delta will likely continue to be all hands on deck this week to restore reliability in its operation. But once that immediate hurdle is cleared, experts say, the company will have to do some serious reflection  and make some major investments  as a next step.

Its a competitive landscape out there for software, for this exact purpose. Maybe theyll have to take a look at doing a transition, Jon Haass, a professor of cyber intelligence and security at Arizona's Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, told USA TODAY. This might be the impetus, that might be the good news, the sliver lining that kicks the airlines into saying we have to treat this as a modern problem, lets use modern tools to resolve it and not be beholden to the old, old tools that become more complicated with every new regulation that comes out.

Airlines often rely on older technology than many other industries, in part because their sprawling operations make upgrades cumbersome and also because strict regulations can make it difficult to get new systems approved.

Haass said airlines tight profit margins mean shareholders often dont want to see large expenditures made on back-end systems, but this could force their directors and executives to do it anyway.

As a business, theyre caught in a bind, but thats why leadership has to have the nerve to say to its shareholders and say to its people: folks, heres what were doing. Follow the flag, he said. Well see whether their CEO is a leader.

The fallout from this week is also likely to tarnish Deltas premium brand image.

Clearly, the CrowdStrike Microsoft problem was an extraordinary unanticipated disaster, and its not like Delta had an obligation to think what would happen if we lost all of our Microsoft-based computers, but what Delta should have been doing is looking at all of its software, Harteveldt said. For an airline that holds itself out as being premium, its embarrassing to see it take so long to recover, especially when peer airlines like American and United have been able to do a better job of recovery.

He added that the next few days will be make or break for the airline.

My hope is that we start to see meaningful progress from Delta within the next 48 hours. If we dont see Delta reduce the number of canceled flights by at least half in the next 24-48 hours, theres a much bigger problem brewing in Atlanta than we realized, Harteveldt said.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Passengers frustrated, stranded as Delta Air Lines systems struggle
Conroe Police Chief Jeff Christy speaks during the annual police memorial in honor of Sgt. Ed Holcomb, Jr. at Heritage Park in 2021. The Conroe City Council will consider accepting the retirement of Police Chief Jeff Christy during its regular meeting Thursday. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Conroe Fire Chief Ken Kreger salutes as a flag in honor of first responders is lowered to half staff during a ceremony at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2021. The Conroe City Council will consider accepting the retirement of Fire Chief Ken Kreger during its regular meeting Thursday. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

A wave of retirements and a resignation will shuffle top positions at several departments in the city of Conroe.

The Conroe City Council will consider accepting the retirement of Police Chief Jeff Christy, Fire Chief Ken Kreger, Parks Director Mike Riggens and the resignation of Danielle Schneider, executive director of the Conroe Economic Development Council, during its regular meeting Thursday.

City Administrator Gary Scott confirmed the city received the notices from from Christy, Kreger, Riggens and Schneider July 18.

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All of the directors submitting their notices have played a significant role in guiding the city of Conroe through our fast paced tremendous growth over the years and we thank them for their service, Scott said. We appreciate their valuable insights and leadership over their years of service.

The council will meet 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 300 West Davis.

None of the city officials could be reached for comment.

Christy was named interim police chief after former Police Chief Philip Dupuis announced his retirement on Jan. 31 to spend more time with his family.

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In March that same year, Christy was sworn in as chief. Christy, who has been with the department for 33 years, started his law enforcement career with Conroe.

Kreger was named fire chief in 2005, taking over for former Fire Chief Bland Ellen. Before coming to Conroe, Kreger spent 20 year with the Orange Fire Department.

Scheiner was named executive director of the Conroe EDC in February 2018 after serving as deputy director for the council since January 2013.

In November 2005, Riggens was named director of the city's parks department after serving as senior manager of programs in The Woodlands.
President Joe Biden is the first president in more than a generation to decide not to seek a second term.

But Bidens situation is unique in American politics. He had planned to run and won nearly every delegate to the Democratic National Convention next month. Questions about his age and acuity ultimately convinced him to pull out of the presidential race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Biden announced his decision in a letter posted to social media after weeks of fevered speculation, making him one of a handful of presidents who decided to step aside rather than seek reelection.

Most recently, in 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson shocked the country when he made the surprise announcement that he would not run at the end of an Oval Office speech on his plan to limit US military operations in Vietnam. Heres part of that address:

It is a remarkable speech to watch today.

Nearly 60 years old when he made that speech, Johnson looked much older. He would die of a sudden heart attack in 1973 at 64, before eligibility for retirement programs like Medicare, which he signed into law, and Social Security, which he expanded.

By the time he bowed out of the race, Johnson, unlike Biden, was facing multiple challenges for the Democratic nomination in the spring of 1968. Racial strife in the US, paired with a country fractured over the war in Vietnam, hurt Johnsons popularity. In early 1968, the Tet offensive in Vietnam showed Communist forces there to be must stronger than the US military had claimed, and American casualties in the war mounted.

Earlier that March, Johnson only narrowly won the New Hampshire primary against the anti-war candidate Sen. Eugene McCarthy. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, the brother of the man whose assassination elevated Johnson to the White House, entered the presidential race on March 16.

Health was a concern for LBJ

Vietnam split the party in 1968, but the growing rift among Democrats over the war was not the only reason Johnson pulled out of the race, according to Mark Updegrove, a presidential historian and CEO of the LBJ Foundation.

I talked to Updegrove in 2022 about why presidents might not run for reelection, and he told me at the time that Biden, like LBJ, should consider his health before seeking another four-year White House term.

Theres the misconception that LBJ opted not to run again due solely to the growing controversy and divisions over the war in Vietnam. That may have been part of it, but his principal concern was his health, Updegrove said.

He had had a nearly fatal heart attack in 1955, and his family had a history of fatal heart disease. He didnt want to put the country through the kind of crisis we had gone through with the sudden death of FDR in 1945, and Woodrow Wilsons stroke in 1919, which left him incapacitated, Updegrove added.

A year of incredible uncertainty

1968 is an infamous year in US history, and Johnsons March 31 announcement kicked off a period of violence and uncertainty.

Less than a week after Johnson announced his decision not to run for reelection, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot by a sniper on April 4, an event that sparked a wave of violence and riots that devastated many American cities, including Washington, DC, Baltimore and Chicago. Johnson deployed 58,000 National Guardsmen and Army troops to US cities.

In June of that year, Kennedy was assassinated in California, creating even more turmoil. His son is now running for president as an independent.

In 1968, Democrats ultimately sidestepped McCarthy, who channeled the anti-war sentiment. Instead, they elevated Johnsons vice president, Hubert Humphrey, as their nominee at the Democratic National Convention  which, like it will be this summer, was held in Chicago that year too. As Humphrey accepted the nomination in the convention hall, riots raged in the streets outside.

That November, Humphrey ran close to Richard Nixon, a Republican and the ultimate winner, but the independent candidate George Wallace, a former Democrat, won multiple Southern states with a populist and segregationist appeal. Wallace also likely siphoned votes away from Humphrey in key states.

Johnson remains one of the countrys most transformative presidents

Johnson capitalized on a period of unity after the death of John F. Kennedy to pass landmark civil rights legislation. He won his own landslide reelection in 1964 and used that momentum to enact a series of laws meant to build the US into a great society, including Medicare and the Voting Rights Act, and declared a war on poverty.

Those civil rights achievements were not universally celebrated in the US, and they hastened a realignment of the American political parties in which his Democrats went from the dominant to the minority party in the American South.

This story has been updated following President Joe Bidens decision to exit the presidential race.

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WASHINGTON  Kamala Harris was at the vice presidents residence when she got the call from POTUS.

President Joe Biden was ending his reelection campaign. And he was endorsing her.

Harris got to work immediately. Still in her Howard University hoodie, workout sweats and sneakers, she whipped up a statement. She placed calls to lawmakers, governors, civil rights leaders and union bosses.

She thanked them for their endorsements. She told them she planned to earn the Democratic presidential nomination.

She prayed with her pastor, Amos Brown III, of San Francisco's Third Baptist Church, and his wife over the phone. Harris husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, was not in Washington on Sunday.

Harris would ultimately make more than 100 calls over the next 10 hours, speaking to Biden multiple times as she took the reins of the flailing 2024 presidential campaign. It was her turn at the top of the ticket. And she set about making it her own.

Unlike her first presidential bid, which fizzled out in less than a year, Harris was at the precipice of power. She had quit that race before the first contest was held. But now, as the sitting vice president, she was getting a second chance.

In her first public remarks since Biden dropped out, Harris praised an absent Bidens legacy at the White House.

"Joe Biden's legacy of accomplishments over the last three years is unmatched in modern history, she said. In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office.

She honored the president by also speaking about her relationship with his son, Beau Biden, who died of cancer in 2015. She said Beau often spoke about the kind of man his father is, including his honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart and his love  deep love of our country.

I am a firsthand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people, Harris said. And we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.

On Day One of her candidacy for the Democratic nomination, Harris planned a visit to Delaware on Monday afternoon to meet with members of the state's delegation in New Castle County, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said. She also planned to visit the Biden campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Harris wrote on X.

One day down. 105 to go. Together, we're going to win this," she said.

Harris must still go through the Democratic National Committee process for the nomination. The party's convention rules committee will meet to establish the procedure to elect the Democratic nominee at a meeting Wednesday.

But the Democratic Party was already unifying behind her. Messages of support were streaming in. Her foremost political rivals were standing down on 2024 presidential bids.

EMILYs List, the Congressional Black Caucus, Reproductive Freedom for All  full state delegations to the Democratic National Convention quickly came out to support Harris.

With its convention just beginning in Houston this week, the American Federation of Teachers executive council called an emergency meeting and came to a swift decision to back Harris, subject to the approval of its members.

We wanted to make our intentions known as quickly as possible, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

The afternoon was a blur. Sometime in the early Sunday evening, Weingarten remembers receiving a call from Harris.

She had left word with Harris staff about the unions plans. She called to tell me that she was running, and I said ... we've already taken the first step to endorse, Weingarten told USA TODAY.

Chaos for Kamala Harris

Bidens campaign aides insisted for weeks that he would not be dropping out.

Yes, they had conducted polling on Harris, but that was normal, they said.

There is no consideration about passing the baton to her, because President Biden has made his decision, deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said in an NBC interview a week before Biden called it quits.

But the pressure from party leaders proved insurmountable. Former President Donald Trump had just survived a failed assassination attempt. The image of his bloodied fist in the air was instantaneously iconic.

His party was rallying behind him at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Trump named his vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, a first-term lawmaker who was half his age. Former opponents Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, and Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, made last-minute appearances on the stage.

It was a contrast with Biden, all right. But it was not the one that Democrats wanted.

Holed up at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with COVID-19, Biden published a letter to social media. It was official. He was dropping out.

The letter thanked Harris for her work in his administration. But it did not include an endorsement. He followed up in a second social media post that made it clear he was giving his vice president the keys to their reelection campaign.

His announcement was shocking, although not wholly unexpected. In the weeks since the June 27 debate performance that prompted steep concerns about his cognitive ability, Democrats put a greater emphasis on the Biden-Harris campaign and the ticket including both candidates names.

The first campaign ad after a pause following Trumps near-death experience? A one-minute spot on Black maternal health, one of Harris signature issues.

Minutes after Biden posted his letter to social media, former Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said no one knew Biden was going to step back on Sunday. But she said that behind the scenes, there has been a lot of work to plan for a what if scenario that Biden no longer continued in the campaign.

A lot of this work has been going on behind the scenes over the past few weeks, she said in a phone interview on MSNBC. And I don't mean that anybody  knew that President Biden was going to do this today. I mean that when you're this close to an election, a lot of people work Well, what if, and those what ifs have been tackled in the past few weeks, and I think there's a lot of people out there ready now to execute plans.

Still, Harris herself appeared to have been caught off guard by Bidens decision. She did not have a campaign announcement prepared. How could she without it looking as if she was pulling levers behind the scenes to oust her boss?

Her first public comments did not come almost two hours after Biden endorsed her nonexistent candidacy. It would be late evening before Emhoff, her husband, would release a statement. The second gentleman was in California for a pre-scheduled trip until Monday morning after a visit to Arizona on Friday, said Liza Acevedo, Emhoff's director of communications.

In a statement that thanked Biden, Harris confirmed she was running.

Amid the swirl of calls that immediately followed to key allies, the vice president made sure her staff was well fed.

Lunch was a menu of salad and sandwiches. Pizza and salad were served for dinner. Harris treated herself to one with anchovies.

She called Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford, and scores of other political allies and friends.

FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends an infrastructure event addressing high speed internet in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building's South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 3, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File Photo/File Photo

Harris gets a second chance

Harris first presidential campaign ended in disaster. Her first two years as vice president werent planned well, either.

She struggled to find her bearings on key policy issues such as migration in Latin America and saw hefty staff turnover in her office.

At the time, it caused concerns among Democrats on whether Harris could step up to take over for Biden should the president step down.

And while many Democratic leaders rushed to support Harris, an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released days before Bidens decision showed 22% of Democratic voters didn't think she would make a good president.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg  two Democrats whose names have been thrown around as possible Democratic contenders in 2028  issued back-to-back statements of support Sunday evening.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker waited until Monday. He said he wanted to speak with party leaders first. But he ultimately endorsed Harris and pledged to work hard to get her elected.

Buttigieg, a onetime Democratic presidential contender in 2020, said Sunday evening that he he would do everything to help Harris, too.

"Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President, he wrote on X.

Newsom, who had been mentioned as a possible alternative for the Democratic nominee ahead of Biden stepping aside, also backed Harris.

"With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris," Newsom wrote on X.

Early money is yeast

Democrats who work closely with Harris were taken by surprise.

After a whirlwind couple of weeks in politics, EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler had hoped to take a quick break. Mackler was on vacation with her family and out for ice cream when she saw the news come through that Biden was stepping aside.

She missed a call from Harris on Sunday evening, she said. But I'm sure we'll connect soon.

Harris has been actively involved with EMILYs List throughout the presidential campaign and Bidens presidency. Days after a leaked draft showed that the U.S. Supreme Court was readying a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson that would overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Harris spoke at the organizations annual gala.

She spoke again at the organizations gala in 2023 just weeks after Biden initially announced their reelection campaign last year.

Mackler said that throughout the campaign, EMILYs list had been doing research on how voters respond to the vice president.

We know that she is a candidate that really does energize voters, Mackler said.

Democrats expect that Harris will energize women and Black voters to get off the sidelines in the election.

Harris has been the leader in the administration on abortion rights, said Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of the liberal group Reproductive Freedom for All.

Shes been out there building the campaign around the Dobbs response, since Dobbs two years ago, she said.

Abortion rights is a top persuasion issue, she said. And having Harris at the top of the ticket, that is going to be incredibly powerful, incredibly motivating.

As the vice president logged call time, the Biden campaign told the Federal Election Commission it was becoming a vehicle for Harris.

By 10:30 p.m. local time, BidenHQ, the name of the Biden campaigns social media account, transitioned to KamalaHQ. The Harris campaign team leaned into recent online memes  images, videos or text that quickly spread across the internet.

The campaigns header on X was switched to a chartreuse background with simple black text that said kamala hq  a reference to Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Charli XCXs new album, "BRAT." The campaign also changed the accounts bio to say Providing context, a reference to a viral video of remarks by Harris in which she is quoting her mother.

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you, Harris said.

Win With Black Women, an organization that aims to support Black female candidates in elections, hosted an impromptu Zoom call after Harris threw her name in the campaign. At least 44,000 people called in and more than $1.5 million was raised for Harris in just three hours, the organization said.

Roughly seven hours after Harris announced she was seeking the Democratic nomination, ActBlue, the PAC that raises money for Democrats, said it raised $46.7 million from grassroots supporters.

This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election, ActBlue wrote on X.

Contributing: Susan Page and Sarah Wire

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside Harris campaign: How VP is plotting steps in 2024 election
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel declared dead on Monday two more of its hostages being held in Gaza, as talks to secure a ceasefire deal that would include the release of some 120 captives there were set to resume later this week.

The Israeli military said it was still investigating the deaths in captivity of the two hostages, Yagev Buchshtab, a 35-year-old sound technician and Alex Dancyg, 76, a historian, who were abducted from their homes in kibbutzim near the border with Gaza during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

An Israeli negotiation team was due on Thursday to set off to mediated Gaza ceasefire talks that would include the issue of hostages being released in return for Palestinian prisoners.

"Yagev and Alex were taken alive and should have returned alive to their families and to their country," the Hostage Families Forum said in a statement. "Their death in captivity is a tragic reflection of the consequences of foot-dragging in negotiations."

Dancyg also had Polish citizenship, and Poland's foreign ministry said it was saddened by his death.

"Poland will continue to demand the unconditional release of all the abductees from Gaza," the ministry said.

Israeli authorities have so far pronounced dead in absentia around a third of the hostages still held in Gaza.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell and Ari Rabinovitch, additional reporting by Alan Charlish in WarsawEditing by Gareth Jones and Christina Fincher)
As the Israel-Hamas war continues, efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organization are ongoing, and Israeli forces have launched an assault in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.





Latest Developments





Jul 23, 1:27 PM

16 of 36 hospitals in Gaza partially functional as displacement continues

As displacement from the Israeli attack on Khan Younis continues, 16 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional, according to the United Nations Office of Geneva.



Given the strike in Khan Younis yesterday, Nasser Medical Complex faces a new mass casualty influx, amid a dire lack of blood units, medical supplies and hospital beds. On Thursday, the World Health Organization provided medical supplies enough for 10,000 people to the hospital, which are being used to manage this mass casualty incident, according to the U.N.

PHOTO: Displaced Palestinians leave an area in east Khan Yunis towards the west, after the Israeli army issued a new evacuation order for parts of the city, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 22, 2024. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

In Khan Younis, "thousands of people" were seen fleeing westward as part of the exodus from the enclaves southern city amid ongoing hostilities, leaving children traumatized and crying uncontrollably, according to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.



Israel's evacuation orders have also impacted about 3.4 square miles of land in the "humanitarian zone" of Al Mawasi, which lies on the coast near Khan Younis, reducing the size of the zone by nearly 15%, according to the U.N. aid coordination office, OCHA.



-ABC News' Guy Davies and Camilla Alcini





Jul 23, 9:32 AM

Khan Younis bombardment death toll rises to 73

Gaza health officials said Tuesday that at least 73 people have been killed -- including 24 children and 15 women -- amid the Israeli militarys raids on eastern Khan Younis, which it had designated as a humanitarian zone.



The bombardment began early Monday as the Israel Defense Forces ordered people to evacuate.



About 200,000 Palestinians have evacuated the area since then, according to the IDF, and still many remain behind not knowing where to go.



-ABC News' Nasser Atta and Jordana Miller





Jul 23, 9:31 AM

Hamas, Fatah sign unity declaration in Beijing

Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a unity declaration in Beijing working to end a yearslong rift, Chinese state media said Tuesday.



This is the 16th signed agreement between the rivals over the past decade. However, this agreement highlights Chinas attempt to deepen its influence in the Middle East.



In a statement, Hamas described the so-called Beijing Declaration as an "additional positive step on the path to achieving Palestinian national unity," adding "its importance comes in terms of the location and the host country."



Hamas leader Hossam Badran described the declaration as "an important step on the path to national unity" and highlighted the host country's role and "international weight."



Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz condemned Fatah "embracing" Hamas "instead of rejecting terrorism."



"In reality, this wont happen because Hamas's rule will be crushed, and Abbas will be watching Gaza from afar. Israel's security will remain solely in Israel's hands," Katz said.



-ABC News' Nasser Atta





Jul 22, 6:14 PM

Families of hostages visit White House, urge Netanyahu to accept deal

Following their 10th meeting at the White House Monday, the families of Americans being held by Hamas demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a deal with Hamas to free the hostages.

PHOTO: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, center, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, along with other families of hostages in Gaza, speaks with reporters following their meeting with Jake Sullivan at the White House in Washington, July 22, 2024. (Susan Walsh/AP)

"There are no more major security issues to be solved on Israel's part, it is time to bring this to an end, to end the suffering of millions on the Palestinian side," Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, told reporters following the meeting. "It is time to make that decision. No more delays."

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, told reporters their assumption is that Netanyahu will thank America for its steadfast support over the last 10 months and announce that he is "ready to be doing this deal."

PHOTO: Rachel Goldberg-Polin, center, the mother of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speaks with reporters following a meeting with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House in Washington, July 22, 2024. (Susan Walsh/AP)

"If this deal doesn't start, if the process doesn't start, it will be seen as a failure," she said. "We know that there are just a couple people deciding at this point. And we have optimism and hope and faith that these deciders will make the right decisions and we can start this process now."



The families declined to share any details from their meeting with the White House National Security Council, which comes ahead of Netanyahu's address to Congress this week.



-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett





Jul 22, 5:28 PM

Netanyahu arrives in DC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington, D.C., according to the Embassy of Israel to the USA.



He is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and give an address to Congress this week.





Jul 22, 5:17 PM

Sen. Ben Cardin to preside over Netanyahu address to Congress: Source

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., will preside over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress on Wednesday, a source confirmed to ABC News.



Cardin, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will be behind Netanyahu in the House chamber for the address.



Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first in line to preside over the session, will be traveling on Wednesday and therefore not be in attendance.



A separate source confirmed to ABC News that Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. -- who, as the Senate president pro tempore, is second in line for presiding -- declined to preside.



-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Jul 22, 3:56 PM

At least 70 killed in Khan Younis area after new evacuation order: Gaza Health Ministry

At least 70 people were killed Monday in areas in eastern Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.



Its not clear how many of those 70 people were in a designated humanitarian safe zone or in areas where people were forced to evacuate.



The Israel Defense Forces confirmed its forces hit more than 30 terror infrastructure sites in Khan Younis on Monday.



-ABC News Will Gretsky





Jul 22, 3:54 PM

2 hostages 'no longer alive,' IDF says

The Israel Defense Forces on Monday said two hostages, Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchshtab, who were taken by Hamas militants, were "no longer alive."



Their bodies "were being held by the Hamas terror organization," IDF said in a statement. They were determined to be dead based on intelligence gathered by Israel's Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Religious Services and the Israel Police, the IDF said.

PHOTO: People attend a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and a call for the release of hostages in Gaza, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 6, 2024. (Eloisa Lopez/Reuters)

"The circumstances of their death in Hamas captivity are being examined by all the professional authorities," IDF said.



There are 120 abductees still in Gaza. Of those, 46 abductees are no longer alive, according to the prime minister's office.



-ABC News' Morgan Winsor





Jul 22, 2:55 PM

Netanyahu shares what he will discuss with Biden on US trip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will land in the U.S. on Monday, released a statement detailing what he plans to discuss with President Joe Biden.



He said theyll talk about "how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries -- achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran, and ensuring that all of Israels citizens can return safely to their homes in the north and the south."



Netanyahu added, "This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as senator, vice president, and president."





Jul 22, 9:29 AM

Gaza death toll passes 39,000

The death toll in Gaza has risen to 39,006, with another 89,818 people hurt since the war broke out on Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.



About one-third of the war victims were children, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.

PHOTO: A Palestinian boy looks over as he stands on the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israel bombardment, on the edge of a pool of stagnant water in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on July 19, 2024. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images)

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Hundreds of US flights were canceled Monday as carriers, particularly Delta Air Lines, work to recover four days after a global tech outage caused massive delays and left travelers stranded at airports around the nation.

Delta is facing mounting pressure to get passengers back in the air, as it continues to rack up the majority of canceled US flights. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed frustration with the pace of Deltas recovery and its CEO has apologized to affected travelers.

Over 1,000 flights into, within or out of the United States were canceled Monday, and over 9,000 were delayed, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. Delta passengers have been slammed by more than 4,400 cancellations since Friday, including more than 950 as of Monday evening, by far the most of any airline.

Delta declined to comment on the numbers, but in an update to customers Sunday afternoon, CEO Ed Bas tian said the company is working to restore operations for its customers.

On Monday, Bastian told employees by video message: Weve got everyone around this company working around the clock to get this operation where it needs to be, according to a news release.

The airline  headquartered in Atlanta  said it hopes to make it right, offering SkyMiles, vouchers and the right to request a refund, among other offers.

Melissa Levine and Nicole DaSilva are trying to get back to Arizona. For now, they are stranded in Atlanta. - CNN

Three of those customers, Nicole DaSilva, Tiffany Denlinger and Melissa Levine were stranded at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday, surrounded by bags and lines of weary travelers  with no clear way to get home.

Fresh off their vacation in Athens, Greece, the trio has been trying to get back to Arizona for two days. So far, all they have is a stack of canceled flight tickets.

Denlinger has an electronic tracker in her luggage and said its bounced from concourse to concourse at the Atlanta airport. But because she cant access her suitcase, she hasnt been able to use her laptop  leading to lost commissions and income.

While Delta says it plans to cover hotel, meal or ground transportation for affected customers, the airlines policy says it does not compensate passengers for lost income due to canceled flights.

DaSilva and Levine managed to find extended care for their dog back in Tucson only to have the air conditioning go out. Tucson is expected to hit a high of 104 degrees Monday. Now the couple is scrambling to find care for their dog somewhere out of the extreme heat.

Denlinger said she believes the airline was not prepared for this situation and were just kind of the guinea pigs to something truly catastrophic.

Many stranded passengers are feeling the strain from days without access to their usual resources.

Melissa Vestal, a North Carolina resident, told CNN affiliate WCCO on Monday she was running out of her prescription medicines after being stuck at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the past three days.

I prepared for an extra day with my medications but then I quickly saw that theres a possibility that I was going to be here a few days, so Ive been rationing out my medicines, Vestal said. Actually, I dont have any for today, so Im hoping that we can find some luck today.

Vestal told WCCO she was flying home on Delta after a trip to Alaska when the outage hit, and she was running on little sleep after waiting for hours in lines for flights over the weekend. Regardless, Vestal praised Deltas employees, calling them angels, and said she had a flight home booked for later Monday.

The largest IT outage in history  prompted by a software update for Microsoft devices late Thursday into the early hours of Friday  impacted an estimated 8.5 million Windows devices worldwide, causing disorder at airports, outages for 911 services and challenges at health care facilities.

While the CrowdStrike problem affected computers meant to check customers in for many airlines, it also disrupted Deltas crucial crew scheduling software.

In particular one of our crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system shutdown, Bastian said in the statement.

It didnt help that the outage took place on what Bastian described as the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with 90% of the airlines flights booked.

Heres what we know about the outage and its continued effects.

Travelers in Detroit and across the nation dealt with canceled or delayed flights over the weekend, with some airline issues continuing into the week. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Outage caused by a CrowdStrike update

The company said the outage was not caused by a security incident or a cyberattack, but rather a software defect.

The issue was identified and isolated, and engineers deployed an update to fix the problem, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said.

Kurtz has apologized to customers and said the company is deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption.

In an update posted to LinkedIn late Sunday, CrowdStrike said a significant number of the 8.5 million devices were back online and operational.

Overall costs from the outage could top $1 billion, Patrick Anderson, CEO of Anderson Economic Group, told CNN.

Chaos and confusion for travelers

On Sunday, more than 1,800 US flights were canceled and more than 9,900 delayed, according to FlightAware. Major hotels, including Marriott International and some Hiltons, were impacted both in regard to payment processing and delays to check in-processes.

US-based carriers American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country and Frontier Airlines all reported issues on Friday.

Delta paused all its flights Friday morning while its systems were offline, and more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights were canceled through Saturday, according to the airline. More than 1,200 Delta flights were canceled on Sunday, after the carrier canceled 1,208 flights on Saturday, according to FlightAware.

Delta said it would not be allowing unaccompanied minors to travel until July 24, due to the outage.

After multiple canceled flights to Washington D.C., Delta Airlines passengers Patty, left, and Alice Crump get ticketing assistance from an agent at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday. - Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Experts are urging travelers who have been forced to cancel trips to look into refund options. New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline  not vouchers or travel credits.

Buttigieg spoke with Deltas Bastian on Sunday afternoon as the air carrier continues to struggle with a high number of flight cancellations, according to the department.

I have made clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide prompt refunds to consumers who choose not to be rebooked, and free rebooking and timely reimbursements for food and overnight hotel stays to consumers affected by the delays and cancellations, as well as adequate customer service assistance to all of their passengers, Buttigieg said in a statement.

Other airlines largely got back on track over the weekend, including one of the worlds largest operators, Turkish Airlines, which said Saturday, The global technical issue has been resolved. All our operations have returned to normal.

The same day, Jetstar Japan, Hong Kong Express and Cebu Pacific airlines said their operations are gradually being restored after disruptions due to the global tech outage.

Even with the flawed computer update rolled back, its not a quick fix for airlines, which have computers at thousands of gates that will need to be individually rebooted, David Kennedy, cofounder of cybersecurity company Binary Defense, told CNN on Saturday.

Its not just as simple as rebooting. Theres a lot more steps and complexities in this that are involved, Kennedy said. Theres just not enough people at those airports, at those locations to go and do it.

The Monday statement from Delta notes one of its most critical systems, which ensures all flights have a full crew in the right place at the right time  is deeply complex and is requiring the most time and manual support to synchronize.

Amid the travel chaos, Buttigieg said earlier in a social media post Saturday he received reports of some airlines only offering flight credits to passengers for canceled flights.

Let me be clear  you are entitled to get your money back promptly if your flight is canceled and you dont take a rebooking, Buttigieg said.

Hospitals, 911 systems and government agencies affected

The widespread usage of CrowdStrikes software meant the outage penetrated numerous industries, including emergency communications, government services and health care.

Large hospital systems, including Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts, Penn Medicine in Pennsylvania, Mount Sinai Health System in New York all reported Friday they were affected by the outage.

Emory Healthcare in Atlanta said it had delayed procedures at ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals are delayed until our systems are stabilized.

Some cancer centers, including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and New Yorks Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, also paused certain procedures and scheduled appointments.

Several blood banks likewise experienced disruptions.

And in a few areas, including Arizona and Alaska, 911 services were briefly disrupted before being restored.

Government agencies, including Social Security offices and local Department of Motor Vehicles offices, also temporarily paused their operations due to the outage. Public transportation in Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania were affected but restored operations Friday.

CNNs Chris Boyette, Dalia Faheid, Ross Levitt, Brian Fung, Sean Lyngaas, Paradise Afshar, Justin Lear, Jessie Yeung and Eva Rothenburg contributed to this report.

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LSU cornerback Javien Toviano turned himself in to police Sunday on charges of video voyeurism.

According to an arrest warrant, the 19-year-old sophomore allegedly recorded himself having sex with a woman without her consent by using a clock with a built-in camera that was near the bed.

The woman, who claims she told Toviano she didnt want to be recorded, said she found videos of the two on Tovianos iPad. The videos, according to the arrest report, were taken on July 5 and 6.

Police were able to find three videos on Tovianos iPad with a search warrant. On the videos, investigators were able to identify Toviano and the woman.

In response, Toviano has been suspended by LSU from all team activities in accordance with departmental policies, according to a statement released Sunday by the university. The statement added that LSU has no further comment at this time out of respect for the legal process.

Louisiana law states that someone convicted of voyeurism for the first time not be fined more than $500 and be imprisoned for no more than six months

Toviano was a four-star recruit rated by 247Sports Composite ranking as the No. 57 prospect nationally in the 2023 class. The Arlington, Texas, native appeared in every one of the Tigers games last season as a freshman, including three starts in the teams final five games. He finished with 33 tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass defended.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU cornerback Javien Toviano arrested on video voyeurism charges
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  LSU sophomore cornerback Javien Toviano surrendered to authorities Sunday on charges of video voyeurism, the East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's office said.

Toviano, 19, of Arlington, Texas, is accused of recording himself having sex with a woman without her consent, according to an arrest warrant. The woman told detectives she found videos of the two on Tovianos iPad that were recorded through a clock with a built-in camera placed near the bed, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported.

The woman told detectives that Toviano had recorded them having sex in the past without her consent and she told him she did not want to be recorded.

Toviano, in an interview with detectives, admitted using a hidden camera to record the sexual encounters, the arrest warrant states.

Bond information was not immediately available. It was unknown if Toviano has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Toviano has been suspended from all team activities, in accordance with departmental policies, LSU said in a statement.

We will not have further comment out of respect for the legal process, the university said.

Toviano signed with LSU last year. He appeared in every game as a freshman and made three starts over the last five games. He finished his freshman season with 33 tackles and one pass breakup.

LSU begins preseason practice on Aug. 1, and Toviano was expected to compete for playing time at cornerback.
So simple, yet so refreshing.

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I have a big confession to makeI dont like root beer. While I vibe with most other sodas, the minty, spicy flavor is just not for me.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, we can get to the larger issue I debate as a result of my disinterest in the drink: what to do about root beer floats. Im a big fan of ice cream beverages, so I know that, after adding the right soda to some plain ol vanilla ice cream, Id be hooked. I just dont want that soda to be root beer.

While Ive tried a variety of great soda floatsfrom Dr. Pepper to Orange Cream to Big Red (iykyk)Ive been on the search for a favorite. That is until I stumbled upon a strong and unexpected contender: ginger ale. Let me tell you about my latest creamy soda obsession, one that will upgrade your summer drink game for the better. Introducing: the Boston Cooler.

What is a Boston Cooler?

Lets start by talking about what a Boston Cooler is not. Shockingly enough, the drink is not from Boston. In fact, it's not even from the Northeast. A Michigan staple, the Boston Cooler is actually believed to have originated in Detroit.

It is said that Fred Sanders made the original version of the beverage in the 1800s for one of Detroits first ice cream shops. The treat turned into a staple for the city and has, as any city-claimed treat should, lots of exaggerated lore and dedicated fans.

Interestingly, the drink is likely not named after the city of Boston either. There is much debate about the true origin of its name; some suggest it references Boston Boulevard in Detroit, but this might not be accurate either. The term Boston Cooler has been used to refer to a variety of different ice cream treats in the past and may not be connected to any specific location.

Another thing the Boston Cooler is not? A float. Thats righttrue Boston Cooler experts will tell you that to make it properly, you should blend your soda and ice cream instead of simply pairing the two in a glass. So, pull out your vanilla ice cream, soda, and blender, and get ready to discover your new favorite frozen treat.



bhofack2/Getty Images

How to Make a Boston Cooler

Now for what a Boston Cooler is. The drink is simply vanilla ice cream blended with ginger ale. According to this recipe, three scoops of ice cream per one can of ginger ale is the perfect ratio for a Boston Cooler. And, be sure to use a standard countertop blender rather than a personal blender to avoid any carbonated mishaps.

Traditional recipes call for Vernors ginger ale (another Detroit-born product) that is said to be slightly spicier with stronger notes of caramel. Just as it is essential that the drink is blended to a milkshake-like consistency, Boston Cooler loyalists also insist on this specific type of ginger ale.

While I am sure this drink is still delicious if you have to deviate from one (or both) of these two rules, you might want to refrain from calling the final product a Boston Cooler in front of a Detroit native.

So, if you're like me and need a root beer-free frozen fix, or you just want to "shake" up your regular float routine, this retro recipe is just the treat to try.



Read the original article on All Recipes.
Editors Note: This CNN series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy.

If you look out onto the Dubai skyline, youre likely to be admiring the work of Yahya Jan.

He is president and design director of architecture and engineering firm NORR, which is behind some of the citys best-known landmarks, including the Atlantis and Shangri-La Hotels.

Now he is working on one of his most ambitious creations. Due for completion by the end of 2024, Ciel Dubai Marina, formerly known as Ciel Tower, will have more than 1,000 rooms and suites spread over 82 floors  and at around 1,200 feet (365 meters) high, it is set to become the worlds tallest hotel.

A passion project

For the project, Jan was tasked with designing the skyscraper on a triangular plot of land at Dubai Marina with an area of just 2,500 square meters  small for a building of that height.

Its a property thats very compressed, he told CNN in 2021. Its like what you would face in Manhattan or London. The constraints were tremendous, and yet we had to make it work.

A new digital render shows Ciel Dubai Marina at night. - Courtesy of NORR

A glass observation deck will offer 360-degree views of the city, as well as the coastline and iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah man-made island, according to the developer, The First Group. Visitors will also be able to take in the sights from a rooftop swimming pool and restaurants.

As well as appealing to the senses, the project is energy efficient, using 25% less power for air conditioning than is typical for similar buildings, Jan said.

This project is not just about architecture. Its about architecture and engineering coming together, he added. Thats why I love the project so much. It  is my passion, the convergence of science and art.

Throughout the build, Jan said he has been extremely involved in the work. When you design a project as complex as the Ciel, you can never let your guard down, you can never say its over, he said. Its a continuous process.

An extended stay

When Jan first arrived in Dubai in 1996, he never envisioned he would leave such a legacy, designing some of the citys most iconic office developments, residential towers and malls.

He grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, and moved to the US aged 18 on a scholarship. After studying structural engineering at Princeton, he got a Masters in architecture. After that, Jan worked in the US for nine years and had no intention of leaving until he received a job offer as a senior designer working on the Emirates Towers office and hotel complex.

Now aged 61, he said that he never planned to stay in the UAE for so long, now having spent 28 years in Dubai. I got carried away with the excitement here, he said.

As for Ciel Dubai Marina  named for the French word for sky  Jan hopes that it will come to be seen as timeless, like the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building in New York City.

The reason I like the fact that its called Ciel is because I believe in our own lives the sky is the limit, and thats the case certainly in my own life, he said. Ive had a chance to grow, to do things that I didnt think I would get a chance to do. So its been amazing.

This story has been updated to reflect the new name of Ciel Dubai Marina.

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Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital continues expanding with a new $277 million project featuring a six-story patient tower. Submitted by Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital

Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital continues expanding with a new $277 million project featuring a six-story patient tower.

The hospital will add 58 beds and 347,000 square feet of new and renovated areas to the campus by 2027 in the third expansion project for the 7-year-old hospital.

Jerry Ashworth, CEO of Memorial Hermann Cypress and Katy hospitals, said the decision to expand came from growth in the Cypress area.

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At the end what we are trying to do is ensure that patients in the greater Cypress and Waller County community can get the level of care they need right here close to home, so theyre not having to drive into Houston to get that level of care, Ashworth said. Were increasing the capacity, size and capabilities of our hospitals and we are also ensuring that we have the clinical staff, position partners and clinical programs to meet the needs as well.

The centerpiece of the project is the North Tower  a six-story patient tower that can expand to eight floors. It will feature 12 inpatient rehabilitation beds, a rehabilitation gym, 40 universal beds, a new dialysis suite and the campus kitchen and cafe, according to a release.

The project also will expand the hospitals emergency center, increasing beds to 40 from 27 with eight dedicated pediatric rooms and four trauma rooms and four operating rooms with space to add six more.

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Also planned is an additional cardiac catheterization lab and interventional radiology suite. The Family Life Center will get a new C-section suite and six neonatal intensive care beds and the obstetrics emergency center will expand to five beds from three.
A Philadelphia woman is accused of shooting a 7-month-old baby in the leg over a "$100 narcotics debt," police said.

Dominique Billips, 28, was arrested Friday and formally charged with three counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment of a person and other offenses, Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum said Saturday during a news conference.

"Sometimes the things we see are mind-boggling," Rosenbaum said about the shooting. "People get so angry, they always resort to nonsense. I just don't understand it."

According to the lieutenant, the child is in stable condition and has since been released from the hospital.

It is unclear if Billips has received a bond or hired a defense attorney.

Surveillance video of shooting on July 18, 2024, in Philadelphia. A 7-month-old boy was shot in the leg.

What did Dominique Billips allegedly do?

The shooting occurred on July 18 around 5:52 p.m. in the Holmesburg neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, police said in a news release.

When police arrived at the scene, they found evidence of gunfire but no victims, according to the release. Shortly after beginning their investigation, police learned about a baby who had been shot in the leg and taken to a hospital by a private vehicle.

The child was treated for a gunshot wound to the right leg and listed in stable condition, police said. Investigators would later release surveillance video of the shooting on Friday and ask for the public's help in identifying the shooter.

Police tailed Billips on Friday after being identified through tips and witness interviews. Detectives approached her before she could enter a vehicle also seen in the surveillance video, Rosenbaum said.

Detectives then obtained search warrants for both of Billips' addresses and found one extended magazine, 11 live rounds and other ammunition, according to the lieutenant. She was subsequently arrested.

Police believe the baby's father was the initial target and the mother "just got wrapped up into it," Rosenbaum said.

'The video is very disturbing'

The surveillance video released to the public by police shows a woman approaching the baby, who is in a stroller, and his mother from behind on the day of the shooting.

"The video is very disturbing," Rosenbaum said.

In the footage, the armed woman can be seen chasing someone who is running away, and when she passes the mother and baby, she turns around and shoots them at point-blank range.

"You see in that video, she really points the gun at the mother of the baby, whos also a juvenile, and fires. Luckily, she missed," Rosenbaum said about the video. "Obviously, thats when the baby got hit. A 7-month-old baby isnt going to remember that, but its always going to be out there. That storys always going to be out there."

Before the shooting, there was an argument between the shooter and the baby's parents, according to the lieutenant. The mother left with the child, and the father was on his way to join them, but he did not know the shooter was following him, he added.

Rosenbaum said the baby's parents may have fled from the scene of the shooting because they were scared they would get arrested as one of them was wanted for a non-violent crime.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspect arrested for Philadelphia shooting of 7-month-old baby
Two people who were found dead in a vehicle parked in front of a Phoenix, Arizona steakhouse have been identified as a missing woman and the man accused of stalking her.

Doris Maricela Aguilar, 25, and Juan Jose Velis Cuellar, 51, were discovered in the car located in the parking lot of the business on the evening of July 7, the Phoneix Police Department said in a news release.

Witnesses told responding officers the "vehicle and the occupants appeared to be in the same position for several days," according to the police.

Police determined that Cueller died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while the Maricopa Medical Examiner has not released Aguilar's cause of death.

A firearm was also found inside the vehicle. Police did not say who the gun belonged to.

Pictured is a Phoenix Police Department badge.

Doris Maricela Aguilar went missing on July 1

Phoenix police had been searching for Aguilar since July 1, according to a missing persons posters posted by private investigator Steve Fischer and Missing People In America.

Fischer and Missing People In America said Aguilar went to the store around 8:30 p.m. on July 1 and never returned home. Police located her car, which was unlocked, on July 7 and found her purse and a wallet full of cash inside, according to Fischer and the missing persons organization.

Fischer told local stations KTVK 3TV, KPHO-TV and CBS 5 that Aguilar warned her family about how she felt in danger from a stalker who wouldnt leave her alone.

She did tell her family and important people in her life about this person, and that if anything happened to her, he was responsible and he scared her, Fischer said, per the Arizona-based TV stations.

Doris Maricela Aguilar changed gyms before disappearing

The stalker worked in the same building as Aguilar, but he was fired about a year ago after she reported him for stalking and sending her obsessive and threatening messages, according to Fischer, per the TV stations.

When Aguilar encountered the stalker multiple times in her gym parking lot, she switched gyms.

She moved to Lifetime Fitness. And I think the last Facebook post that he made is a post saying, Getting my Lifetime membership back. See you soon, and that was on June 27," Fischer told the TV stations. "Three days later we never saw her again and we never saw him either."

USA TODAY contacted Fischer on Monday but has not received a response.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Doris Maricela Aguilar: Missing woman found dead with alleged stalker
President Joe Biden suspended his campaign a month before the Democratic National Convention, where party leaders would have certified his nomination as the party's presidential candidate.

But with Biden's campaign suspended, what does that mean for Kansas's democratic delegation to the committee?

Vice President Kamala Harris is the expected front-runner to replace President Joe Biden after he suspended his campaign on Sunday.

How many Democratic delegates does Kansas have?

Kansas will send 39 of the convention's 3,896 delates to the convention. Democratic bylaws calculate the formula based on the state's population and the percentage of the total Democratic vote.

Do Kansas delegates have to vote for Joe Biden?

Joe Biden won 84% of the vote in Kansas's Presidential Preference Primary, with the other listed candidates winning the remaining 5% and about 10% voting for none of the candidates on the ballot. But Democrats aren't held to the results of the election, with the Democrat's Delegate Selection Plan saying that delegates should vote "in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them," rather than direct primary results.

"We look forward to the process of nominating the Democrat who will defeat Donald Trump in November. We remain focused on supporting Kansas Democrats up and down the ballot," the Kansas Democrats said after Biden's resignation.

Democrats will be free to support a number of Democrats, but it will be a challenge to overcome Vice President Kamala Harris, who was already slated to be on the ticket and received Biden's endorsement.

Kansas Democratic delegates elected on May 25

The Kansas Democratic Party on May 25 elected the final delegation to August's DNC Convention in a hybrid in-person and virtual committee meeting.

There are seven at-large delegates who will represent all of Kansas, four party leaders and elected official delegates and the remaining delegates were selected by region.

"Our members are diverse in age, race, gender, experiences, and geography and I could not be more pleased at the representation that Kansas will have as we re-nominate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and re-elect them in November, said KDP Chair Jeanna Repass after delegates were selected in May.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Are Kansas Democratic delegates required to vote for Biden?
WASHINGTON  The House Oversight Committee's hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday saw the leading members of both parties call for her resignation over her agency's failure to prevent the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The committee chair, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and top Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, said Cheatle should step down amid lawmakers from both parties excoriating her for what she acknowledged was a "colossal failure" to prevent the assassination attempt.

I don't want to add to the director's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, but I will be joining the chairman in calling for the resignation of the director, just because I think that this relationship is irretrievable at this point, and I think that the director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country, and we need to very quickly move beyond this, Raskin said.

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, accused the Secret Service of being outsmarted by the gunman, who authorities say borrowed his fathers AR-style rifle in the attack July 13 in at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

How did a 20-year-old loner with a week's notice pick the absolute best location to assassinate President Trump when the entire Secret Service missed it? Fallon asked at a hearing of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Director Cheatle, on your leadership, your agency got outsmarted and outmaneuvered by a 20-year-old. How can we have any confidence that you could stop trained professionals from a nefarious nation state?

Those are absolutely questions that we need to have answered, Cheatle replied.

Lawmakers also voiced impatience with Cheatle's vague answers and 60-day timeline for an internal review of the planning and response to the shooting. Raskin said nobody wants to lose a presidential candidate to a shooting.

This is deadly serious business, Raskin said.

At various points, Cheatle acknowledged that agents should have prevented the gunman from climbing the roof of a building 150 yards from Trump's lectern and firing eight shots. But she admitted that the agency still doesnt have key pieces of information, such as when the Secret Service's sniper team on a nearby rooftop got the warnings about the gunman before the shooting began.

"I don't have the timeline of how the individual accessed the roof, where they accessed the roof, or how long they were on the roof," Cheatle said.

Lawmakers occasionally erupted at Cheatle and accused her of withholding information from them. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., got her to acknowledge the agency's performance was a "colossal failure."

Youre full of s--- today, Mace told Cheatle. Youre just being completely dishonest.

Here are six takeaways from the hearing:

Secret Service distinguishes between 'suspicious' behavior and a 'threat'

Lawmakers described a timeline about how law enforcement officers identified a suspicious man nearly an hour before the gunfire erupted without authorities confronting the individual.

Local police officers flagged the suspect with a range-finder at 5:20 p.m., radioed their concerns and sent around pictures, said Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M.

At 5:51 p.m. the Secret Service was notified about the suspicious person by state police. A minute later, they distributed the information.

Trump took the stage at 6:03 p.m. At 6:09 p.m., rallygoers saw the suspect climbing onto the roof of the building about 150 yards from Trumps lectern. At 6:11 p.m. shots rang out.

That doesnt look like suspicious behavior, that looks like threatening behavior, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Calif., said after playing a video from rallygoers of the man climbing on the roof. Thats a threat right there. The guys on the roof and everybodys yelling at him.

Cheatle said the Secret Service would have never allowed Trump to take the stage if they were aware of a threat, but that the man had only been identified as suspicious.

Cheatle said range-finders are common at outdoor events. She didnt have details about whether anyone confronted the shooter.

The Secret Service would have paused the rally had they known there was an actual threat, Cheatle said.

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, speaks during a House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing on the security lapses that allowed an attempted assassination of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 22, 2024.

Nearly one-minute delay in removing Trump from stage after shooting began

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., questioned the delay of more than a minute in removing Trump from the stage after he was shot in the ear on July 13. The shooter had several magazines of bullets and got off eight shots before he was killed by the Secret Service, Lynch said.

There was considerable delay in removing the president from podium after the shooting began, Lynch said. He had the capacity and the ability if he was not neutralized to basically mow down that whole Secret Service detachment, as well as the president. Cheatle said agents threw themselves on top of Trump in under three seconds after the shooting began.

Our personnel created a body bunker on top of the president, shielding him, Cheatle said.

Rep Nancy Mace, R-S.C., attends a House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing on the Secret Service and the security lapses that allowed an attempted assassination of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 22, 2024.

Lawmakers voice impatience with the pace of the investigation

Cheatle said the Secret Service is conducting a review of its planning and responses to the assassination attempt expected to be completed in 60 days. Lawmakers complained that wasnt fast enough with a presidential election looming and political polarization running high.

There need to be answers, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said. This is not a moment of theater. We have to make policy decisions and we have to make them now.

Cheatle said the agency has been conducting an analysis since the shooting and adapting its security. The agency made adjustments at the Republican National Convention last week and for officials protected in Washington, she said. The agency has also made changes for President Joe Biden no longer campaigning, Vice President Kamala Harris seeking the Democratic nomination and in anticipation of her choice of running mate, Cheatle said.

I think it shows how dynamic the environment is that this agency works in every day, Cheatle said.

"I want to assure you and everyone on this committee that I'm not waiting for a report to take action, Cheatle added. I assure you when the review is completed, there will be accountability.

Secret Service provided all requested security at Trump rally: Cheatle

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked whether the Secret Service turned down requests from the Trump campaign for additional security, accusing the agency of cutting corners.

Cheatle said a denial of a request for staffing doesnt equate to a vulnerability. She said threats and risks can be mitigated through personnel or technology. She wouldnt address whether previous Trump requests for staffing had been rejected, but she said none were for the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was shot.

For the event in Butler, there were no requests that were denied, Cheatle said.

After previous rejections, Jordan said, Maybe they got tired of asking.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks during a House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing on the Secret Service and the security lapses that allowed an attempted assassination of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 22, 2024.

Democrats focus on gun control after mass shooting

Several Democrats on the Oversight and Accountability Committee called for a resumption of the assault weapons ban to protect all Americans.

Congress banned the sale of the AR-15, the weapon used in the attack on Trump, and other semiautomatic firearms in 1994. But the ban lapsed in 2004 and Raskin said shooting deaths began climbing again. Last year, there were 655 mass shootings that killed 712 people and wounded nearly 2,700, he said.

There have been 10 mass shootings since the attempt on Trumps life and the incident at his rally wasnt even the deadliest on that day, a mass shooting which killed four people and wounded 10 at a nightclub in Birmingham, Alabama, Raskin said.

The list is a grim reminder of the horrific damage and death wrought by assault weapons, and the AR-15 in particular, that have taken the lives of our children, parents, colleagues and neighbors, Raskin said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Secret Service head Cheatle blamed for Trump shooting at House hearing
WASHINGTON  Embattled Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced heated questioning Monday at the House Oversight Committee's hearing on the agency's missteps in the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Cheatle was repeatedly grilled throughout a hearing that lasted close to five hours as lawmakers chided her for answers they found unsatisfactory, with Republicans leading the way but Democrats joining in as well.

Numerous GOP lawmakers and at least one Democratic congressman had called for Cheatle's resignation before Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the committee, joined the push Monday for the director to leave her post.

Cheatle signaled she has no intention of resigning, saying she is "the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.

Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Kentucky, opened the hearing by lauding the efforts of individual Secret Service agents that day. But he said he was concerned the agency lacks the "proper management" and said Cheatle should resign. Cheatle, in prepared remarks, said "we failed." She took full responsibility for security lapses that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, to open fire on the crowd with an AR-15-style rifle before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.

I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13 does not happen again," Cheatle said.

Top takeaways from hearing: Reps. Comer and Raskin ask Cheatle to resign over Trump shooting

Raskin, top Democrat on committee, also wants Cheatle out

Raskin's call for Cheatle to step down came toward the end of the nearly five-hour-long hearing.

I don't want to add to the director's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, but I will be joining the chairman in calling for the resignation of the director,'' Raskin said, "just because I think that this relationship is irretrievable at this point, and I think that the director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country, and we need to very quickly move beyond this.

Raskin also said that while the hearing aired lots of detail about Secret Service failures on July 13, it also underscored once again a failure on the part of Congress, because the mass shooting that took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, is replicated all over the country every day and more gun safety is needed.

Was Secret Service outsmarted' by a' 20-year-old?

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, said he personally re-enacted the shooting in Texas several days later and found that he would have easily been able to shoot Trump from the same distance and angle with a similar gun, even though hes not an experienced shooter with an AR-15 rifle. Fallon also accused the Secret Service of being outsmarted by Crooks, who authorities say used his fathers rifle in the assault.

How did a 20-year-old loner with a week's notice pick the absolute best location to assassinate President Trump when the entire Secret Service missed it? asked Fallon. Director Cheatle, on your leadership, your agency got outsmarted and outmaneuvered by a 20-year-old. How can we have any confidence that you could stop train professionals from a nefarious nation state?

Those are absolutely questions that we need to have answered, Cheatle replied.

I know the questions, Fallon retorted. But the fact of the matter is we can't have that confidence.

Mace tells Cheatle she is full of s

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., known for her penchant for getting a viral soundbite, went after Cheatle and told her she was full of s, eliciting groans from the committee. Mace pressed Cheatle on news reports of her opening statement hours before the committee had the statement themselves. Cheatle responded she did not know how her statement was distributed, which drew more colorful language.

The South Carolina Republican also offered to yield her five minutes of speaking time for Cheatle to draft her resignation. No, thank you, Cheatle replied.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., interjected Maces questioning and called for members to maintain decorum.

Cheatle admits not knowing whether gunman stashed gun on roof in advance

Cheatle admitted under questioning that she did not know whether the gunman put the AR-style rifle on the roof sometime before witnesses saw him climbing up the side of the building to the rooftop and shooting  another potentially significant security failure.

Was the gun already on the roof, or did the shooter carry the gun up with him? Republican Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona asked Cheatle.

I do not have that information at this time, Cheatle replied.

Well, when was the last sweep of that roof done prior to the rally? Biggs asked.

I do not have that information at this time, Cheatle said.

After some more questions, Biggs called for an independent review of the shooting, saying he wasnt getting the answers he wanted from Cheatle. You should have come today ready to give us answers, Biggs told Cheatle.

Congress should ban sale of AR-15, Raskin says

Raskin said the assassination attempt revealed stunning and shocking security failures of the Secret Service and called for a resumption of the assault weapons ban to protect all Americans.

Congress banned the sale of the AR-15, the weapon used in the July 13 shooting, and other semiautomatic firearms in 1994. But the ban lapsed in 2004 and Raskin said shooting deaths began climbing again. Last year there were 655 mass shootings that killed 712 people and wounded nearly 2,700, he said.

There have been 10 mass shootings since the attempt on Trumps life, Raskin said, and the rally shooting wasnt even the deadliest on that day. A mass shooting killed four people and wounded 10 at a nightclub in Birmingham, Alabama.

The list is a grim reminder of the horrific damage and death wrought by assault weapons and the AR-15 in particular that have taken the lives of our children, parents, colleagues and neighbors, Raskin said.

Lack of answers unacceptable, Ocasio-Cortez says

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told Cheatle her 60-day goal to review planning for the rally was unacceptable with an election 100 days away and candidates under international threats.

There need to be answers, Ocasio-Cortez said. This is not a moment of theater. We have to make policy decisions and we have to make them now.

Cheatle said she is not waiting for a report to take action.

"We have been conducting analysis all along," she said. "And we have been adding additional features to our security details" since the incident occurred.

Reacting to Cheatle's answer, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., looked at Cheatle in disbelief while Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., broke into laughter.

Secret Service knew of no legitimate threat before Trump took stage

Cheatle said Secret Service agents would have never let Trump on stage to begin speaking if they had known of a legitimate threat to his life from a gunman at the rally. Democratic. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois told Cheatle, however, that media reports and video footage show the Secret Service, local and state authorities and even rallygoers had known of the threat at least 20 minutes before the gunman began shooting.

Thats when the state police informed the Secret Service of their concern, he said, citing NBC News reporting that also said, at 5:53 p.m. the Secret Service notified its snipers about the gunman  or 18 minutes before the first shot was fired.

The rally wasn't paused at that point either, correct? Krishnamoorthi asked.

No, Cheatle responded.

DHS review: Panel to examine Secret Service handling of Trump assassination attempt

'Barney Fife could have protected Trump better,' Palmer says

Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., questioned why the Secret Service didnt put personnel on the roof of the building the gunman occupied by saying a fictional, comic sheriffs deputy could have protected Trump better.

You could have a put Barney Fife on the roof and kept somebody from getting up there, Palmer said, referring to a deputy sheriff character on The Andy Griffith Show.

One-minute delay in hustling Trump from stage questioned

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., questioned the delay of more than a minute in removing Trump from the stage after he was shot in the ear on July 13. The shooter had several magazines of bullets and got off eight shots before he was killed by the Secret Service, Lynch said.

There was considerable delay in removing the president from podium after the shooting began, Lynch said. He (Crooks) had the capacity and the ability if he was not neutralized to basically mow down that whole Secret Service detachment, as well as the president.

Cheatle said agents threw themselves on top of Trump in under three seconds after the shooting began. Our personnel created a body bunker on top of the president, shielding him, she said.

Cheatle unsure whether shooter was ever confronted

Lynch asked whether anyone confronted the gunman about bringing a range-finder to the rally, but Cheatle said people often bring them to outdoor events.

That would certainly raise my suspicion, Lynch said. Anybody confront him on that? Anybody ask him questions: 'What are you doing with a range finder?'''

Cheatle said she didnt have details about whether anyone confronted the shooter. But she said range finders are not a "prohibited item" at outdoor venues.

FBI director was 'shocked' Secret Service didnt consider Iran threat

Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, pressed Cheatle for not providing tighter security for Trump given the U.S. intelligence communitys warnings that Iran wants to assassinate him and other U.S. leaders in retaliation for the killing of a top Iranian general. Turner asked Cheatle if the security plan for the July 13 rally where Trump was shot was sufficient for the specific and generalized threat to Donald Trump's life from Iran?

Yes, I do believe it was, Cheatle said.

Turner said FBI Director Chris Wray briefed lawmakers on the shooting and that Wray was shocked the threat from Iran was not baked in to the Secret Service plan for the rally. Turner said Wray told lawmakers that Cheatle should resign as a result of the failures, and that President Joe Biden should fire her if she refuses to do so.

Cheatle says no requests for extra security for rally were denied

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, got into a heated exchange with Cheatle on past requests for additional security for events the Trump campaign made and the Secret Service denied. More than once theyve asked for additional help and youve turned them down, Jordan said.

Cheatle told lawmakers that no requests for Trumps rally on July 13 were denied, but acknowledged her agency has rejected requests from Trumps campaign before for increased security. Cheatle argued a denial of request is not equal to vulnerability.

Jordan scoffed at Cheatles response, saying maybe they got tired of asking.

Kimberly Cheatle, director of the Secret Service, arrives to testify in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on July 22, 2024.

Cheatle acknowledges failure in not clearing roof

Cheatle acknowledged the agency prefers sterile rooftops, or rooftops where no one is able to shoot at person being protected  and had failed in that effort.

We are still looking into responsibilities, and who was going to provide overwatch, or protection against rooftop snipers, Cheatle said. But the Secret Service in general, not speaking specifically to this incident, when we are providing overwatch, whether that be through counter-snipers or other technology, prefer to have sterile rooftops.

Cheatle said the investigation would help answer key questions regarding that failure.

As Cheatle answered, several GOP lawmakers groaned "No" and "Come on!" Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., shook her head repeatedly and interjected, telling Cheatle to "resign."

Who is Kimberly Cheatle?

Cheatle, the 27th director of the agency, was sworn in to office Sept. 17, 2022, according to her bio on the agency website. It said Cheatle was responsible for successfully executing the agencys integrated mission of dignitary protection and investigations by 7,800 special agents and others.

Prior to her appointment, Cheatle served as senior director in Global Security at PepsiCo, where she directed and implemented security protocols. Before joining PepsiCo, Cheatle served with distinction for 27 years in the Secret Service, her bio said, including as Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations. She also was part of the protective security detail for then-Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, forming a close bond with both of them.

Jill and I know firsthand Kims commitment to her job and to the Secret Services people and mission, Biden said when appointing her on Aug. 24, 2022. When Kim served on my security detail when I was vice president, we came to trust her judgement and counsel. She is a distinguished law enforcement professional with exceptional leadership skills.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Secret Service director faces heated House hearing: Live updates
United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday that her agency failed its mission during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump earlier this month.

The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders. On July 13th, we failed, the director is expected to tell lawmakers, according to prepared remarks reviewed by CNN. As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse.

The agency, Cheatle is expected to say, must learn what happened and I will move heaven and earth to ensure an incident like July 13th does not happen again. Thinking about what we should have done differently is never far from my thoughts.

In her testimony  alone and under subpoena  Cheatle will be forced to provide many answers to what is essentially a single question: How did the Secret Services biggest failure in four decades happen under her watch?

In the days following the attempted assassination, Cheatle has done no press conferences and very few interviews. Mondays hearing will mark the first opportunity for a lengthy dive into the security failures at Trumps July 13 rally.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer on Sunday promised the hearing would be extensive and detailed.

Cheatle is going to have about a six-hour hearing, and shes going to have hundreds of questions that shes going to have to answer, Comer said on Fox News Sunday.

In his opening statement Monday, released prior to the hearing, Comer said Cheatle should resign and noted that so far, she has refused to do so.

The Secret Service has a zero fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Comers opening statement says. The bottom line is that under Director Cheatles leadership, we question whether anyone is safe. Not President Biden, not the First Lady, not the White House, not presidential candidates.

In the week since the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, relatively little has come out about the shooters motive, how he was able to perch on a nearby rooftop with an AR-style weapon and why Trumps team wasnt warned about a potential threat.

Republican lawmakers in particular have been upset with the lack of answers, and many have called for Cheatles resignation.

Cheatle has said that the buck stops with me, but there has also been finger pointing between the Secret Service and local law enforcement over who had responsibility for what and whether all the resources needed were present.

She is expected to say in her remarks Monday that the agencys mission is not political.

It is literally a matter of life and death, as the tragic events on July 13th remind us. I have full confidence in the men and women of the Secret Service. They are worthy of our support in executing our protective mission.

Heres what to watch for:

Why wasnt Trumps team told of a potential threat?

The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was spotted multiple times with a rangefinder, a hunting device similar to a pair of binoculars that calculates distance, prior to the shooting. Further, police had circulated a photo of him they had taken.

A source told CNN that about 19 minutes before the shooting occurred, law enforcement was trying to locate Crooks, but they could not find him until he was on the roof.

Butler Township Manager Tom Knights told CNN police responded to a call of a suspicious male around the same time that Trump arrived for his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday - at least ten minutes before he took the stage for his speech.

However, members of Trumps team werent told that law enforcement was trying to locate Crooks as they were preparing the former president to take the stage.

There was also no conversation about whether Trump should have delayed his entrance, according to sources who were with him at the rally.

We would have never let him go out there if we thought there was a threat to him, one source present with Trump told CNN.

A Secret Service source familiar with the incident told CNN that Crooks had been deemed a suspicious person, but that doesnt necessarily mean that there was any indication that he was an immediate threat or had a weapon until just before the shooting.

Suspicious people arent uncommon at events like Trump rallies  even on Saturday, a guy tried to come in with a goat and a woman showed up riding a horse with a giant Trump flag, and both were also deemed suspicious, the Secret Service source said.

Why wasnt the roof secured?

Crooks fired several shots at Trump from a roof roughly 150 yards away from Trumps podium. He fired from the roof of a building that was also occupied by a local sniper team on the second floor and served as a staging area for tactical support teams at the rally.

Cheatle told ABC News last week that a sniper team was not positioned on the roof of the building due to its slope.

That building in particular has a sloped roof, at its highest point, Cheatle told ABC News. And so, theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof. And so, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.

If the slope of the roof didnt stop the shooters ability to open fire, why did it stop law enforcement from staging there? Secret Service snipers, including the ones who killed Crooks, were also staged on a rooftop with a much steeper incline without a problem.

Despite its location, the building also wasnt in the security perimeter.

In an interview with CNN, Cheatle said the perimeter encompassed the area that we needed to secure the event that we had on that day.

A senior law enforcement official told CNN on Saturday that the Secret Service did not have drone support at the rally, though it does have drone capabilities generally. The source said the agency utilized counter-sniper teams in place of drones.

Were assets rejected?

Trumps security detail had complained it was not being given enough resources and personnel by the Secret Service over the past two years, something the agency acknowledged this weekend.

A spokesperson for the Secret Service said in a statement Saturday that the agency has not provided certain resources in the past but has instead provided other security measures including from local partners.

A Secret Service official told CNN that examples of these changes included having local sniper teams in place when the Secret Service could not provide its own or having hand-held magnetometers and other measures established at certain events where larger, walk-through magnetometers werent available.

Meanwhile, the nature of an alleged Iranian plot to kill Trump also became known last week. And while there is no evidence connecting it to the shooter, it raises the question about the level of security at Trump events.

Asked whether the Secret Service had increased the security it provides to the former president as a result, the director said, We have been doing that over a series of several months, to include on that day.

Cheatle would not, however, say whether all elements of the former presidents detail were increased as a result of the threat from Iran.

What was the motive?

Cheatle will be under pressure from lawmakers to deliver more about the motive behind the shooting.

The emerging profile of Crooks more than a week after the shooting has left authorities puzzled about a motive for his assault. Investigators are speculating that his intentions may have been less politically motivated and more about attacking the highest-profile target near him.

The investigation remains in its early stages, officials caution. Still, in some ways, Crooks seems similar to the dozens of other young men whove wreaked havoc across the US with high-powered assault-style rifles in recent years. He had few close friends, he would often go shooting at a local firing range, and he didnt seem to display strongly held views that would suggest a politically driven assassination, according to CNN interviews with law enforcement and a review of notes from a briefing to Congress.

At the same time, it has been discovered that he visited the rally site twice after it was announced and may have even flown a drone over the area on the day of the shooting.

How much longer will Cheatle remain director?

Cheatle is a nearly three-decade veteran of the Secret Service, serving in various field offices and vice presidential details including then-Vice President Joe Bidens detail. Cheatle left the Secret Service in 2021 as the Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations - a role she held when the Secret Service scrambled to protect then-Vice President Mike Pence from rioters on January 6, 2021.

Multiple Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have called on Cheatle to resign.

I dont understand her decision-making process, and I dont think shes fit to lead at this critical time, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News last week.

Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat, also said Cheatle needs to leave.

Im very sorry to reach this conclusion: I have no confidence in the leadership of the United States Secret Service. I hereby call on Kimberly Cheatle to resign, Boyle said on X.

This story has been updated with additional comments.

CNNs Evan Perez, Kristen Holmes, Holmes Lybrand and Aileen Graef contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Manchin Joe Manchin on Monday ruled out running for president against potential Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by President Joe Biden when he left the race.

"Let me make it very clear to you ... I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate for basically speaking for the middle of this country," Manchin told CBS television shortly after refusing to rule out a run in another interview.

Manchin said he favored the idea of a "mini-primary" process before a candidate to replace Biden was chosen. Asked if he thought Harris was too liberal, Manchin said, "Absolutely."

Moments earlier, Manchin was asked on CNN if he would run against Harris. "I don't know," he said.

But he told CNN he would not be interested in running as Harris' vice president.

Manchin said he had received calls from people asking him to consider a 2024 candidacy, saying they needed a more centrist figure to lead the country.

"I want the center of this country to be able to say, we have a voice. We're not extreme left, we're not extreme right," said Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in May decrying "partisan extremism."

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; editing by Deepa Babington)
Starbucks may need more than an energy drink to reenergize its investors.

Pressure is mounting from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which took an undisclosed stake in the company, according to a report from WSJ on Friday.

Following the news, Starbucks' stock price rose nearly 7% after market close, having fallen more than 21% in the past year. On Monday, shares opened lower, down roughly 3%.

Citi analyst Jon Tower told clients in a note that this stake "should come as little surprise to investors." The chain's shares fell 14% following its Q2 earnings results, when it reported its first quarterly sales decline since 2020.

Elliott did not return a request from Yahoo Finance for comment, while Starbucks told Yahoo Finance it does not "comment on rumor speculation.

Investors are worried about Starbucks' ability to reverse declining foot traffic in the US, compete on innovation and promotions, improve operations, and reverse flagging China sales.

Now, Wall Street is weighing what Elliott would focus on and what it could mean for the stock.

"A fix will not prove easy, with more difficult decisions likely necessary around the growth algorithm, investments and core market strategies that could potentially hit sales and profits. However, an activist presence likely provides a near-term floor for shares," Tower wrote.

"Investors have questioned Elliotts experience and track record in the consumer sector, we believe that an external nudge may accelerate making bold decisions and may offer interesting risk-reward opportunities for long-term investors willing to accept that a turnaround may take time," Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo wrote in a note to clients.

Here are 10 items Gargiulo believes the Elliot team would prioritize.

In the previous quarter, Starbucks' US foot traffic dropped 7%, which "shocked a lot of people," BTIG analyst Peter Saleh told Yahoo Finance. Reaccelerating US traffic is "the key criteria for stock appreciation" in the medium term, TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles said in a note to clients.

In May and June, the chain introduced boba-like pearls and energy drinks, plus a promotional pairing menu. For $5 or $6, customers can get a small iced or hot coffee with a butter croissant or breakfast sandwich.

"We'd like to see some progression, or some sort of confidence that ... [foot traffic] is going to improve here," Saleh said regarding the new menu offerings.

Gargiulo said that his team likes both beverage launches and expects "further investments in product innovation to draw traffic back to stores" and to reach a Gen Z audience.

But the value deals may "dilute the brand perception" of being premium "in the long-run," Gargiulo added in his note.

Menu display featuring Starbucks' new Iced Energy drinks, Melon Burst and Tropical Citrus, at a Starbucks location, San Francisco, Calif., June 28, 2024. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) (Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)

Fixing its image is another challenge. Its widely discussed price increases are roughly in line with or even slightly below the industry, said Saleh, but the brand has struggled to kick its bougie perception.

"I'm not really convinced that they have a real value issue at Starbucks ... They had a social media issue with the boycott" that kicked off last fall, per Saleh.

In October, its union group Starbucks Workers United posted "Solidarity with Palestine!" on X, formerly known as Twitter, which some consumers interpreted as Starbucks' support for Hamas.

Starbucks condemned the notion, but the perception already sparked a boycott, prompting CEO Laxman Narasimhan, who stepped into the role in March 2023, to issue an internal memo.

Improving in-store operations, particularly during busy times, is another must. The company has been implementing the Siren system, a new operational system designed to improve order speed and throughput.

By the end of May 2024, more than 1,000 US stores had begun trying the new system.

Starbucks needs to "accelerate the roll-out of Siren system that addresses the on-grounds issues of barista and store partners and beef-up back-of-the house operations for digital orders," like a second makeline similar to Chipotle (CMG), Gargiulo said.

A sign that reads "Starbucks Made of Tianchi Lake Water" is displayed outside a Starbucks store in Changbai Mountain scenic area in Yanbian city, Northeast China's Jilin province, July 16, 2024. (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) (CFOTO via Getty Images)

Improving results in its second-largest market, China, is also needed.

Last quarter, China saw the biggest drop of all Starbucks segments, with same-store sales down 11%, foot traffic down 8%, and the average ticket size down 4%.

"Performance was impacted by a decline in occasional customers, changing holiday patterns, a high promotional environment, and a normalization of customer behaviors following last year's market reopening," Narasimhan said on the call with investors.

In a note to clients, Bank of America analyst Sara Senatore said Starbucks' performance in China is tied to industrywide struggles.

"Intense competition is the natural state of restaurant markets and even the strongest brands are not insulated," she said. "The direction of SBUX's China same-store sales growth is strongly correlated with those of other global brands. And all are correlated with macro factors (GDP)."

Gargiulo believes franchising may be the way to go in the market with an "equally compelling alternative to leverage buildout of one of the biggest coffee market without the capital allocation" and less exposure to "fluctuating macro-economic conditions."

The company still aims to have 9,000 locations in China by 2025.

All these efforts may not be quick enough for shareholders.

In a note from Morgan Stanley, analyst Brian Harbour wrote that most would agree with Starbucks management's Q2 comments that a turnaround would take time, which is "clouding the near-term investment case."

A rebound in sales and earnings could be in the works for fiscal 2025, but "the stock would seem to discount this taking much longer," Harbour added.

Tower shared a similar sentiment in a client note.

"Bears clearly control narrative, though this could shift should top-line momentum turn and, or the company articulates a clear plan around cost cuts, Siren remodels and, or China," he wrote. "Absent the above, we see little investor appetite to re-engage shares, leaving room for shares to continue to lag market and peers."



Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.

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An electrical worker inspects a power line after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Vehicles line up for a supply distribution at Woodforest Bank Stadium after Hurricane Beryl made its way through the Greater Houston area, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Shenandoah. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A tree lays across a section of power lines along FM 1314 after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Vehicles line up for a supply distribution at Woodforest Bank Stadium on July 10 in Shenandoah, days after Hurricane Beryl made its way through the Greater Houston area. Montgomery County Office of Emergency Managment in coordination with the Montgomery County Food Bank distributed water, ice, packaged meals and other supplies to 1,500 vehicles. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Chris Weiss helps repair a neighbors generator after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Kingwood. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer August Lenarz with the Texas A&M Fire Service, holds a ba of ice during a supply distribution at Woodforest Bank Stadium after Hurricane Beryl made its way through the Greater Houston area, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Shenandoah. Montgomery County Office of Emergency Managment in coordination with the Montgomery County Food Bank distributed water, ice, MREs and other supplies to 1,500 vehicles. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Residents of The Woodlands' Creekside Park neighborhood raised complaints about CenterPoint Energy long before Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the morning of July 8.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, Creekside Park Village Association president Nancy Becker said residents lost power four times. Since then, Becker and the township worked to develop a better communication system with the electricity provider as dozens of residents complained about short bursts of lost power, power surges ruining appliances, and later, losing power for days during the May derecho.

We think we have (communication) in place, and then again, another incident shows just how broken the system is, Becker said.

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After Beryl wiped out power in the neighborhood and the county, officials within The Woodlands Townships board of directors and Montgomery County are pushing to have Entergy Texas take over CenterPoints service area in The Woodlands.

Entergy Texas said it was aware of the townships meeting.

At Entergy Texas, our primary focus is to meet the increasing energy needs of our valued customers, Entergy said in a statement. We encourage non-Entergy Texas customers to engage with their electric utility to resolve any service quality concerns.

Frustration with communications

Up to 75% of Montgomery County residents lost power during Beryl. And while both Entergy and CenterPoint both took more than a week to restore power to residents, Entergy had more consistent and accurate communication, The Woodlands Township board director Brad Bailey said.

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Its not always what you want to hear, but Entergy is very good at saying, 'Were going to be out there between the hours of such and such, but we cant give you a timeline that were going to be putting up,' Bailey said. The first time (CenterPoint) showed up in Creekside just to do eyes on what theyre dealing with was (July 12) at 5 p.m.

CenterPoint had 75,000 outages in the county July 11 as Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough began pushing for more accurate updates from the electricity provider.

Of 12 counties in their power grid, in all but two days, (Montgomery County was) the lowest in activations but the fourth largest in their power grid, Keough said. Our ability to communicate with Entergy was much greater (than CenterPoint)  it was the hardest thing in the world to get to a decision maker.

Keough said that he has begun working with legislators to see if portions of CenterPoints service area, including Sterling Ridge in Montgomery County and Creekside Park in Harris County, could eventually be serviced by Entergy.

Your voice of wanting to do something in terms of breaking away from CenterPoint is a topic that is of discussion  but it is no small task, Keough said. If I had it my way  wed want all of Montgomery County going over to (Entergy), Keough said.

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Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to consider reducing CenterPoints service territory in greater Houston after Beryl to make it smaller so maybe they can do a better job of managing it. But the likelihood of the state diminishing CenterPoints territory is low, given the complexity of the undertaking, said Alison Silverstein, an independent consultant who previously worked as a senior adviser for both the state Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

While its unclear if and when the switch could be made, the township also approved new ad hoc emergency management and government relations committees Thursday to help strengthen relationships with legislative officials and emergency management teams to represent residents in Austin during the PUCs investigation into CenterPoints Hurricane Beryl response.

This is an extremely complicated situation. You cannot just say that Entergy is going to take over this service area. They may not want it, Bailey said. My goal is to take the voice of our residents in Creekside Park and Sterling Ridge that have CenterPoint and be their voice in Austin. Their stories need to be heard, their frustrations need to be heard and not doing anything about it is just something that our township board is no longer interested in.

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CenterPoint said it will analyze its Hurricane Beryl response ahead of future storms.
MILWAUKEE  Back in 2016, Donald Trump made a concession about the Republican National Convention.

The delegates and audience were not racially diverse enough, Trump said.

"The truth is, I didnt like it," Trump said during a television conversation with Bishop Wayne T. Jackson. "With that being said, I dont like the job the Democrats have been doing representing African American people."

So how did the 2024 convention in Milwaukee stack up? Only slightly better.

Only 1,780 of 2,429 RNC delegates reported their ethnicity, according to convention officials. Of that number, 55 delegates said they were Black  representing 3% of the those who provided this demographic information.

Delegates during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum. The third day of the RNC focus on foreign policy and threats.

That number, while still very small, is up from 2016 when only 18 delegates reported that they were Black  less than 1% of the total. That was the smallest share of Black delegates in an RNC crowd in perhaps a hundred years.

By contrast, the peak year came in 2004, during the reelection effort for George W. Bush, according to The Washington Post. That year, nearly 7% of the Republican delegates were Black.

Overall, Blacks make up about 14.4% of the American population, according to the Pew Research Center.

In a statement, Republican officials played up the 300% increase in Black delegates since the 2016 convention.

"The growing representation of different perspectives and backgrounds within the Big Tent GOP is indicative of the groundswell of support for President Donald J. Trumps vision to Make America Great Again," said RNC spokesman Kush Desai.

But Democrats said the numbers suggest that the former president's vision is not resonating with Black voters and other minority groups. Democratic President Joe Biden won more than 90% of the Black vote in 2020.

In 2016, the Democratic National Convention had 1,182 Black delegates out of 4,766  roughly 25% of the total. Vox reported that half of the Democratic delegates in 2016 were people of color, but only 6% of Republicans.

Democrats hold their convention next month.

"Republicans offer lip service and photo ops in place of meaningful outreach to Black voters, while Trumps divisive rhetoric and insulting stereotypes  like suggesting that Black voters support him more because he is a felon  wont win over Black Wisconsinites in November," said DNC senior spokesman Marcus W. Robinson.

Rochelle Brooks of Mansfield, Texas, and Tien Tran of Orange County, California, became great acquaintances on Day 4 of the Republican National Convention. u0022People around the world, they have tried to take this man down forever and now nothing can take him down, a bullet couldn't take him down. God spared him for a reason,u0022 Tran said. u0022President Trump has a record that shows when America is doing great, the world will follow.u0022

Black delegates offered differing views on the racial diversity at last week's convention in Milwaukee.

Scherie Murray, a delegate from New York who is Black, said he'd like to see more than 3% of the crowd being Black, yet at the same time, Murray said she never felt out of place at the convention.

She said she attended a number of events over the past week just for Black conservatives.

But Murray said Republicans can do more to boost its numbers, including greater civic engagement and more involvement in the Black community. She said GOP officials should emphasize the impact of Trump's 2017 tax cut on minority communities and their financial support for historically Black colleges and universities.

As for South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott's suggestion that America "is not a racist country," Murray wasn't completely on board with him. She said she believes people, regardless of race, have the potential to be racist. But she added that class issues often get confused with racial ones.

Jerris Jackson, a delegate from California who is Black, said he didn't care how many delegates were Black.

"When I look at the crowd, I'm not really looking for people's race or color or ethnicity," he said while on the convention floor Thursday night. "We're all Americans. We all want to make America great again."

When asked about racism in society, Jackson pointed the finger at Democrats, saying they are responsible for discriminatory and racist policies over the years.

"I'm happy with the fact that Republicans are bringing in more people and broadening their base," said Rodney Harrison, a Tennessee delegate who is Black. He said he was seeing increasing racial diversity at the local level, too.

Several of the Black delegates predicted that Trump would either double or triple his share of the Black vote in November.

Not all Black officials walked away from the convention happy.

Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says listening to Amber Rose had his 'blood boiling'

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, the citys first elected Black mayor, on Friday said his blood was kind of boiling listening to model Amber Roses speech as he sat in the convention hall. She proclaimed in her convention speech that she had concluded Trump was not racist.

Johnson, a Democrat, spoke specifically about the music video to rap song "Trump Trump Baby" by rapper Forgiato Blow. Rose was featured in the video, too, wearing a gold chain with a gold figure of Trump's head, complete with red MAGA cap, attached to it.

Johnson noted Blows tattoos and the pairs gold chains, saying if they went to a conservative white neighborhood dressed like that someone would call the police on them.

It's absolutely ridiculous, and it's not real, he said. They want these folks for their influence on other people of color and for their vote, but if they brought their true selves to those communities, to those neighborhoods, they'd be shunned."

Asked if he worried about the impact of speakers such as Scott suggesting the U.S. "is not a racist country," Johnson said some Republicans seem like they dont want the history of racism to be told.

As a Black person, I think about poor little Ruby Bridges going to school or the Little Rock Nine in Arkansas, and you see these vile images, these gross images of people just being racist and yelling just profanities and vulgarities and the N-word and all that stuff, he said, referencing Black students who integrated segregated schools.

"They want to erase that  but thats important so we dont forget it," he continued. "If we really want to have racial healing in this country then we cant forget what happened in the past. We cant forget that."

Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on X at @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How white was the RNC in Milwaukee? 3% of delegates said they're Black
IntegrationWorks has seven offices across the world, with three offices in New Zealand  Auckland and Christchurch, in addition to its Wellington base. It also has three offices in Australia  Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and one in Bath in the UK.

According to Fusion5, the SI works in the public sector and enterprise space, with the service providers CEO, Sven Martin, claiming the acquired company has has significant skills, expertise and referenceability over a wide range of integration solutions and technologies.

By merging IntegrationWorks into Fusion5, we see huge potential to extend our business reach across Australia and, in the long term, make further inroads into the UK market, he said.

Under the deal, 80 integration consultants will be added to Fusion5s existing Integration and Innovation pillar, with IntegrationWorks officially becoming part of the service provider on 1 August.
Australian Home Affairs Minister and Senator Clare ONeil has said the CrowdStrike outage was a very serious incident for the Australian economy.

Ive seen it reported that this is the biggest IT outage in world history, she said during a media conference on 20 July. It is absolutely possible that thats the case, certainly the largest in the time Ive been alive.

While the official financial impact of the global outage remains unknown as systems attempt to recover, ONeil said that this has been a very serious incident for the Australian economy.

When questioned about the Australian Defence Force and the Future Fund Management Agencys contracts with CrowdStrike, the Senator did not comment on how this outage would impact the contracts in the future.

According to AusTender, the Future Fund Management Agencys current contracts with CrowdStrike total over $3.1 million. The vendor will provide software maintenance, IT consultation and support until December 2024.

The Australian Department of Defence also has a software renewal contract with the vendor worth about $1.5 million that will end in December 2025.

The CrowdStrike outage hit global organisations on 19 July, affecting major companies and retail outlets running Microsoft Windows devices.

According to the tech giant, since the initial outage, it has engaged with CrowdStrike to automate its work on developing a solution. The software giant stated it has also deployed hundreds of Microsoft engineers and experts to work directly with customers and collaborate with other cloud service providers, such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The blue screen of death was seen on screens in retail outlets and airport flight information boards, with organisations like Foxtel to MyGov, the big four banks and supermarkets also impacted in Australia.

Across the Tasman, the NZ Herald reported that Kiwis were experiencing issues with banking and transport services, including delayed flights.

While retail and supermarket checkout systems had gone down, some New Zealand-based Countdown stores closed entirely.

On 20 July, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz released a statement apologising to all of you for the outage.

All of CrowdStrike understands the gravity and impact of the situation. We quickly identified the issue and deployed a fix, allowing us to focus diligently on restoring customer systems as our highest priority, Kurtz said.

He explained that the outage was caused by a defect in a Falcon content update for Windows hosts. However, Mac and Linux hosts were not impacted and said this was not a cyberattack.

In a LinkedIn post, CrowdStrike chief security officer Shawn Henry wrote that thousands of our team members have been working 24/7 to restore customer systems fully.

I think theres going to be a time for CrowdStrike to come forward and account for the problem that occurred and the way in which the remediation has occurred, she said. The Australian government, of course, will look at whats occurred post this event.

According to ONeil, the National Coordination Mechanism, which brings together critical Australian infrastructure providers during a national crisis, was triggered when CrowdStrikes update error caused the global IT outage.

CrowdStrike issued an update to a subset of their customers, she said. That update had an error in it which caused effectively system outages for computers that it was pushed to, so computers that were online at that time.

Although the bug fix was provided shortly after the event, systems took time to return to normalcy.

The issue here is just the breadth of people using this particular software and the time it takes to build and bring major systems back online, said ONeil.

The financial impact of the CrowdStrike falcon sensor bug has yet to be calculated, although it has caused significant issues for most customerfacing systems.

However, according to the Senator, not every organisation was affected by this outage.

There will be a couple of reasons why some providers werent affected at all, she said. Some of them will not have been running the system of CrowdStrike that this affected, so this did not affect all types of CrowdStrike systems.

Some that had interactions in software internally in their systems, so some of them wont have been affected, but for others of them, they will have been affected, but theyve got good business processes that allow them to continue to function.

The Senator said the outage disrupted government services. However, the most important services, those that deal with vulnerable people and those around Emergency Services, were still able to function, she added.

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has also released an alert associated with the global IT outage.

While the outage itself was not caused by malicious actors, this hasnt stopped cyber criminals from taking advantage of the situation.

According to the ASDs Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), a number of malicious websites and unofficial codes are being released claiming to help entities recover from the widespread outages caused by the CrowdStrike technical incident.

The ACSC encourages organisations to continue to apply updates and patches to software and security products.
The percentage of posts in the public sector reserved for descendants of combatants in the war of independence was reduced from 30% to 5%. The curfew has been partly relaxed, but students are demanding the release of leaders and the resignation of some ministers. Unlike in the past, today the discontent with the government led by PM Hasina is more generalised.

Dhaka (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A tense calm reigns in Bangladesh this morning after the Supreme Court yesterday ruled a reduction in the quotas reserved for certain categories of people in the public sector. In particular, the percentage dedicated to the descendants of freedom fighters (those who took part in Bangladesh's war of independence from Pakistan in 1971) was reduced from 30% to 5%, and a further 2% will be used to protect members of minorities and people with disabilities. In this way, the reserved quotas will be only 7 per cent of civil servants compared to 56 per cent previously.

This morning there were no clashes and the curfew was partly lifted, but the university students who took to the streets in recent days demanded from the government the release of the protest leaders who were arrested, the reopening of the universities, closed since 17 July, and the resignation of some ministers, setting a 48-hour deadline for the government to act on these demands.

Although Bangladesh has undergone incredible economic development since 2009, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina first came to power, growth has slowed down in the last two years and youth unemployment is very high, with an estimated 18 million young people (out of a population of 170 million) looking for work. It is mainly university graduates who have difficulty finding employment and government jobs, offering a high and stable salary, are therefore highly coveted.

As in other South Asian countries, the quota system is supposed to protect the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the population, which is why some seats are reserved for women, the disabled and ethnic and religious minorities.

The quotas reserved for the descendants of the so-called freedom fighters, on the other hand, had a political significance because many of the members of the current political elite belong to that generation and are politically close to the Awami League, the party from which Hasina comes, herself the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first prime minister of Bangladesh after independence. According to commentators, therefore, the quotas were used by the Awami League to reward its supporters and as a ploy to consolidate the party's influence in the future administration.

The system had been abolished in 2018 (again following protests by university students) but was then reintroduced at the end of June this year by a lower court, triggering a new wave of protests, which quickly turned from demonstrations against what is perceived to be an unfair system into anti-government protests. Over 100 people died in the clashes, but the Internet blockade is still in place, making it impossible to establish the exact number. Local sources have declared 146 and 127 dead so far.

Unlike in 2018, hostility towards the government today seems to be cross-class. Students speak of Hasina as a dictator and an autocrat. Re-elected in January for a fourth term, the premier has long been accused of taking an authoritarian turn in her government, which is seen by the population as increasingly corrupt and incapable of managing the economy and the growing push of young people to migrate abroad. A sentiment ridden by the opposition, represented by the Bengali Nationalist Party, for now still an acephalous movement as the party's leader, Khaleda Zia, has been in jail since 2018 for corruption crimes.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

President Mirziyoyev signed a decree for the bicentennial celebration of the birth of the main poet of the Karakalpakstan autonomous region. An occasion to commemorate his works also admired by Turkmen, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.



Tashkent (AsiaNews) - Uzbekistan is pompously celebrating two centuries since the birth of Karakalpakstan's leading poet, Ajiniyaz Kosybaj-Uly (1824-1878), with the publication of books, films, exhibitions and conferences, the opening of a museum in Nukus and the creation of an eco-park in Mo'ynoq named after him. President Savkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree approving all events dedicated to the great 19th-century writer and thinker.

The presidential text emphasises that Ajiniyaz made a contribution to the development of culture and literature with his unrepeatable work rich in profound content, helping the formation of youth in the spirit of patriotism and the noblest ideals, strengthening the historical friendship and unity of the Uzbek and Karakalpakst peoples. he humanistic and philosophical visions of the gifted poet were reflected in his verses and in the Dastan, the epic odes typical of the folklore and literature of the Middle and Central East, as far as South-East Asia.

These are reworkings of myths, legends and tales with different subjects, narrating adventurous and fantastic situations, often in intricate and hyperbolic stories featuring idealised heroes. Ajiniyaz grew up studying in the Sergazikhan madrasa and the Kutlimurod-inak madrasa in Khiva, the last capital of the ancient khanate of Corasmia. Khiva celebrated the 2,500th anniversary of its foundation in 1997, surrounded by mighty ancient walls surrounding the inner oasis, considered the jewel of the Corasmian region and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so much so that the UN cultural institution included the Kosybaj-Uly celebrations in the main plan of the universal jubilees.

Aniyaz was awarded the palm of authentic poet of the people, a great scholar and popular educator, an expert calligrapher who was also known and respected outside the Uzbek lands, throughout the central Asian region. his His works are also admired by Turkmen, Kazakh and Kyrgyz readers, who recognise themselves in him as brother countries, reads the presidential declaration. In It establishes the organising committee for the official events, entrusted to the Prime Minister of Tashkent, Abdulla Aripov, who has the task of confirming the entire programme and arranging extensive propaganda among the entire population.

A new edition of the Selected Works of the poet will be published in Uzbek and Karakalpakstani languages, a re-edition of the artistic and publicity works dedicated to his life and his many activities, with a series of presentations throughout the country. A state-funded film entitled Ajiniyaz will be made, as well as various documentaries and other artistic and publicity works. In Nukus, a competition will be held among young talents from all over Uzbekistan on the theme Sing a Song of Ajiniyaz, as well as a literary text competition dedicated to the poet's life and works among students of art and language institutes.

In September, a large book and folk art festival will be held in the central hall of the Art Academy in Tashkent, mainly dedicated to the memory of Kosybaj-Uly, and in October, international conferences are planned at the Karakalpakstan State University and the Uzbek-speaking Aliser Navoij University in Tashkent to deepen the thinker's legacy. At the educational institute in Nukus, capital of the independent republic of Karakalpakstan, a museum dedicated to Ajiniyaz will be opened, while a memorial will be erected at the poet's grave site in the Mo'ynoq province, at the centre of the eco-park also dedicated to his name. The memory of the great man of letters will thus serve to celebrate the union of the Uzbeks with the inhabitants of the large mountain province, often the scene of revolts and jealous of its autonomy and ethnic specificity.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire disputes critical comments from Council Member Edward Pollard regarding the citys preparation and response to Hurricane Beryl during a press conference Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Office of Emergency Management in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Houston Mayor John Whitmire disputes critical comments from city council member Edward Pollard regarding to the citys preparation and response to Hurricane Beryl during a press conference Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management in Houston. Whitmire stressed the city, the emergency management and the Houston Police Department were prepared for the hurricane. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite speaks during a press conference with Houston mayor John Whitmire and other city officials regarding to the citys response to Hurricane Beryl Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management in Houston. Whitmire and city officials disputed critical comments from city council member Edward Pollard. They stressed the city and its organizations were prepared. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Houston Mayor John Whitmire disputes critical comments from city council member Edward Pollard regarding to the citys preparation and response to Hurricane Beryl during a press conference Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management in Houston. Whitmire stressed the city, the emergency management and the Houston Police Department were prepared for the hurricane. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Thomas Munoz, Office of Emergency Management Deputy Director and Emergency Management Coordinator, speaks during a press conference with Houston mayor John Whitmire and other city officials regarding to the citys response to Hurricane Beryl Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The OEM in Houston. Whitmire and city officials disputed critical comments from city council member Edward Pollard. They stressed the city and its organizations were prepared. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Houston Mayor John Whitmire disputes critical comments from city council member Edward Pollard regarding to the citys preparation and response to Hurricane Beryl during a press conference Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management in Houston. Whitmire stressed the city, the emergency management and the Houston Police Department were prepared for the hurricane. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Mayor John Whitmire and leaders of various first responder departments pushed back against claims that the city was unprepared for Hurricane Beryl, which hit Houston nearly two weeks ago as a Category 1 storm and left millions without power.

Whitmire said he called Sundays news conference at the Office of Emergency Management building to address what he said were comments by Council Member Edward Pollard that lives couldve been saved if the city had been better prepared. Whitmire said the comments were made in news stories honoring Russell Richardson, a civilian employee of the Houston Police Department who was found dead in a car submerged in floodwaters near City Hall.

I don't know if Councilman Pollard got us confused with CenterPoint and their preparation, Whitmire said, referencing CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area electric utility under fire for the widespread power outages. We were better prepared than ever, and to claim otherwise, it's either dishonest or misinformed or both.

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Mary Benton, chief of communications for the mayors office, said after the news conference that Whitmire was referencing an ABC13 news story remembering Richardson. It included a clip of Pollard saying: We were not fully mobilized. We were having our officers come in on the day of the storm, on the morning of the storm, putting those lives at risk.

Pollard said his comments in the ABC13 story weren't in response to questions about Richardson's death but rather about city preparations. In an email statement, Pollard said his heartfelt condolences go out to Richardsons family. Pollard said he hasnt cast blame on any individual and has the utmost respect for first responders.

It is deeply disheartening to see our city resort to a press conference aimed at smearing me politically. My comments were solely focused on the logistics of mobilizing our officers a day earlier to ensure their safety and readiness before Hurricane Beryl hit, Pollard said.

City officials previously said HPD officers didnt begin working the 12-hour shifts typical during disasters until Tuesday, nearly 24 hours after Beryl first barreled into Houston. On Sunday, Whitmire stood by the citys mobilization of police officers during Beryl.

The discussion  about we should have mobilized sooner, because that's what previous administrations have done. Every storm is different. We mobilized when we needed to. You don't want your officers to burn out, Whitmire said.

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Larry Satterwhite, HPD interim police chief, said the department deployed high-water rescue vehicles and brought in officers overnight to set barricades on low-lying areas, among other actions, to prepare for Beryls landfall.

We were prepared. To my knowledge, no one's told me anything that we've missed, and I've asked 1,000 times, Satterwhite said. Our employees are our No. 1 priority, keeping them safe, because they're the ones that keep you all safe.  But they're also heroes, and they're also going to try to save lives and do everything they can, and sometimes they might take risks. Sometimes that happens in our field of work. We all understand that risk.

Douglas Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, said the Houston Chronicle did a horrible job misrepresenting the facts about police mobilization ahead of Beryl.

In an interview after the news conference, Griffith said the department was fully prepared ahead of Beryls landfall by having officers and high-water rescue vehicles ready, but you dont fully mobilize until the storm comes in. Griffith said officers were fully mobilized by Monday morning, with 12-hour shifts beginning Monday night.

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Thomas Munoz, acting director of public safety and homeland security, said the city assigned a large number of Tier 1 employees, those essential to critical city functions, to ride out the storm at strategic locations throughout the city. Houston Public Works also pre-staged some flood barricades and converted some dump trucks to high-water rescue vehicles, he said.
Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer A downed school speed limit sign rests on the fence outside of Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer A tree rests on the roof of a temporary building at Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer A downed school speed limit sign rests on the fence outside of Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer A tarp is draped on a damaged temporary building at Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

With the Aug. 12 start of school nearing, Sinclair Elementary families are anxiously awaiting word on whether repairs will be completed in time after the campus in northwest Houston took hits in both the May 16 derecho and Hurricane Beryl on July 8.

Sinclair Elementary School saw the worst damage in the Houston ISD from the derecho, with the storm toppling many trees at the campus in Timbergrove, PTO president Kim Ludlow said Friday. It damaged the fifth-grade building, the PE building, an outdoor bathroom and many canopies over walkways. Then Hurricane Beryl damaged a kindergarten playground slide and a temporary building housing textbooks, musical instruments and a room with necessities for students in need, she said.

Hurricane Beryl left 60 schools with some structural and roof damage, HISD said, and Sinclair was among a handful of schools with the most extensive damage.

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A tree rests on the roof of a temporary building at Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

At the top of the PTOs priority list was the removal of a tree from the walkway canopy near the wraparound building so faculty could check on the schools musical instruments. That tree was removed over the weekend.

Ludlow also said the district appeared to have moved technology out of the damaged fifth-grade building, which also holds special education classes. The canopies near the second-grade classrooms also need to be removed, and power to outdoor temporary buildings needs to be restored.

The district is asking for a $4.4 billion bond, and they cant even manage a project at one campus, Ludlow said. And its just, its incredibly frustrating as a parent.

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She hopes the district will take action so students do not have to be bused to another campus as they were after the derecho to Oak Forest Elementary School.

THE REPORT CARD: Sign up for a weekly recap of everything happening in and outside of Houston ISDs classrooms

HISD initially had a pretty good response starting with tree removal, Ludlow said.

And then once the trees were removed, nothing really happened, Ludlow said. She added that school administration advocated for Sinclairs needs and called the slow response a failure of the district.

HISD placed tarps over the fifth-grade building, the PE building and the counselors room that were split by fallen trees. The damaged PE building, the outdoor bathroom and counselors room were removed as of early July, Ludlow said.

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Following familys June 12 emails to district leadership, she said, the district provided its first update on June 13 answering frequently asked questions on repairs.

HISD said it would remove items from the damaged buildings between June 24 and July 3  an update available on the schools PTO website. However, a Monday email to families scheduled item removal from July 22-25.

Ludlow spoke with visiting district employees, including its operations administrative officer, and construction company representatives Friday.

Sinclair Elementary School seen on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Houston. Sinclair sustained extensive damage due to the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

The district said in a statement provided Thursday to the Houston Chronicle that school and division leadership communicate with Sinclair families weekly and will continue to do so ahead of the first day of school. Ludlow said families received an update on repairs on Monday but had not heard anything before that since June 28. The district listed ongoing or completed tasks, such as identifying storage space, in its update.

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HISD said Friday it will ask for federal assistance after Hurricane Beryl, which would follow its June request after the derecho.
22 July 2024 12:27 (UTC+04:00)

In 2023, the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads (AAYDA) allocated 5 million manats for the repayment of loans, Azernews reports.

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22 July 2024 15:19 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In a panel discussion titled Climate Movement and Media at the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Nigar Arpadarai, the high-ranking UN Climate Change Champion for COP29, emphasized the inclusive nature of the Conference of the Parties (COP) as a global platform for societal engagement in combating climate change, Azernews reports.

Arpadarai articulated that the COP process is more than just an intergovernmental dialogueit is a broad, inclusive initiative that seeks to involve all sectors of society in the climate action movement.

She stated, COP29 is not merely an intergovernmental conversation; it is a comprehensive societal endeavor. We are committed to an inclusive approach where everyone has a role to play in fighting climate change.

She also extended a warm invitation to the international community, saying, We invite everyone to Baku for COP29. Baku represents a suitable platform for this purpose, as every individual can make a meaningful contribution to the fight against climate change.

Arpadarai highlighted Azerbaijans significant strides in the field of renewable energy, noting the country's strong commitment to sustainability.

She explained that Azerbaijan places great emphasis on the development of renewable energy sources as part of its national strategy. This dedication to green energy is a key aspect of our approach to addressing climate change.

By focusing on the collaborative nature of COP29 and Azerbaijans renewable energy initiatives, Nigar Arpadarai underscored the importance of a united global effort in climate action and the role of Baku as a central hub for this global challenge.

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22 July 2024 17:31 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

By July 1 of this year, Azerbaijan had sold products worth 13.5 billion manats from its industrial zones, with exports amounting to 4.4 billion manats, Azernews reports.

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22 July 2024 17:16 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On July 22, the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum hosted a significant presentation titled Solidarity for a Green World - COP29, organized under the theme Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation, Azernews reports.

The presentation was led by Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Director of COP29.

In his address, Soltanov provided an overview of the preparations and strategic measures for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan. He highlighted national efforts to combat climate change, the progress in restoring and reconstructing territories liberated from occupation, and the importance of fostering sustainable development.

We must take collective action regarding COP29, stated Soltanov. We have a unified mission to achieve a green world. It is essential that we act togetherour success depends on our collective effort.

He emphasized that one of the central challenges of COP29 is to develop innovative financing models for climate action. We need to establish a new financial framework, he explained. COP29 represents a significant opportunity, and we are committed to creating a transparent environment where various stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue. We have already undertaken 13 initiatives and aim to finalize and address technical aspects by November 11. Achieving consensus in our negotiations is crucial.

Sultanov outlined 14 key agendas for COP29, underscoring the importance of creating green corridors, developing storage reservoirs, and addressing water shortagesa pressing issue due to frequent droughts. These topics are critical at national, regional, and global levels, he noted. Climate change affects all countries, and without cooperation between developed and developing nations, a crisis is inevitable. We must honor our national commitments, as each one holds significant value.

He also addressed the challenge of reducing carbon emissions without detrimental economic impacts, asserting that no single country can tackle this issue in isolation. All nations must contribute to the process of reducing methane emissions, he added. Increased funding for adaptation efforts is essential. For example, there will be a ministerial meeting in China and another in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. These initiatives are designed to enhance support for our climate goals.

Soltanovs presentation emphasized the urgency of collaborative climate action and the role of COP29 in advancing global environmental sustainability.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
22 July 2024 17:42 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

People's Artist Haji Ismayilov has been elected Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Theater Workers, Azernews reports. The decision was announced at the 15th conference of the union.

Haji Ismayilov, an Azerbaijani actor, enrolled in the drama and film acting program at the Azerbaijan State Theater Institute in 1963. He joined the Sumgayit State Musical Drama Theater as an actor in the youth troupe on September 2, 1968, and later moved to the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater in 1970.

Ismayilov's breakthrough role as Mustafa in the film "Birthday" at AzerbaijanFilm Studio earned him critical acclaim, leading to him being honored as the laureate of the State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR on April 22, 1980.

Azerbaijan Theater Workers is a public organization uniting theater workers in Azerbaijan.

The Union of Theater Workers was founded in 1897. The original name of the organization was the Union of Artists, which united about 300 artists.

This organization, which continued its activities since 1917 as the Union of Muslim Artists, since 1920 - as the Union of Turkic Actors, since 1948 - as the Azerbaijan Theater Society, was renamed the Union by the decision of the founding conference on February 27, 1987.

The Azerbaijan Theater Workers focuses on the revival of the theatrical process in the country.

The Theater Workers Union successfully organized theater festivals like Experimental performances, National Classics, Republican Festival of Young Directors, Festival of Children's Performances, Silk Road stage of the International Chekhov Festival", etc.

The Union of Theater Workers of Azerbaijan is a full member of the UNESCO International Theater Institute and the International Confederation of Unions of Theater Workers. The Union has its branches in Nakhichevan, Ganja, Lankaran and Sumgait

Since March 2013, a laboratory of young directors has been operating in the Union,

In November 2018, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the leadership of the Azerbaijan Theater Workers Union and the Georgian Theater Society.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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22 July 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

National Press Day is being celebrated in Azerbaijan which was established 149 years ago - on July 22, 1875. The foundation of Azerbaijan's national press was laid by Hasan Bey Zardabi, one of the prominent representatives of the enlightenment movement of his time, who started publishing the "Akinchi" newspaper.

"Akinchi" laid the first foundation stone of a real national democratic and popular press in the Azerbaijani language. The newspaper, with only 56 issues, was the mirror of the nation and became the flag bearer of Azerbaijani journalism.

In the following years, newspapers and magazines such as "Ziya", "Kashkul", "Sharqi-rus", "Irshad", "Molla Nasreddin" published by prominent intellectuals continued the traditions of "Akinchi". The main goal of these press organizations was to fight against ignorance, injustice, and education. Azerbaijan's press, walking on a rich and honorable path, has passed through several stages. During the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADP), the foundation of a free press, as well as a new perspective on events, was laid.

The next stage covers the period after the occupation of the Azerbaijan Republic by the Bolsheviks. 70 years of the 149-year-old press are related to this period of communist dictatorship. At that time, the Azerbaijani press wrote about the current problems mostly in the underlying sense. Because the press was the mouthpiece of the politics and ideology of the USSR. At that time, it was forbidden to think and write differently.

Starting from the second half of the 1990s, the Azerbaijani press entered a new stage of development. This stage is also the period of Azerbaijan's statehood and democratic state-building. The Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, who laid the foundation of this new period of development, always highly appreciated the impact of the press on society, and implemented consistent measures to strengthen the material and technical base of the media and freedom of speech. Heydar Aliyev also signed the first decree on the press of Azerbaijan during the period of independence.

In total, the Great Leader signed more than 10 orders and decrees related to solving the problems of the press. In 1999, the law "On Mass Media" meeting international requirements was adopted. By the decree of Heydar Aliyev dated August 6, 1998, censorship was abolished in Azerbaijan.

The country has the highest level of attention and care for freedom of speech and press, mass media. President Ilham Aliyev signed important decrees in order to develop free media, strengthen the material and technical base of the press, and improve the socio-economic condition of journalists.

In the 44-day Patriotic War, which began on September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan won victory in the information war as well as on the battlefield. The circles that regularly conduct a black campaign against our country did not stop their dirty deeds during this period. But despite this, the advantage in the information war was on the side of Azerbaijan, which liberated its historical lands from occupation and fought for truth and justice.

However, two representatives of the Azerbaijani media were victims of Armenian terrorism. On June 4, 2021, the vehicle carrying the journalists, who were carrying out filming of territories freed from occupation after the end of the Patriotic War, fell into an anti-tank mine in the area of Susuk village of Kalbajar region. As a result, AZERTAC reporter Maharram Ibrahimov, AzTV cameraman Siraj Abishov and the deputy representative of Kalbajar District Executive Authority for Susukz village administrative district Aliyev Arif Aghalar oglu were killed and four others were injured.

On June 14, President Ilham Aliyev awarded Abishov Siraj Abish oglu, Aliyev Arif Aghalar oglu and Ibrahimov Maharram Ali oglu with the 3rd degree "For service to the country" order, who performed their duty in the territories freed from occupation.

On July 22, 2021 - National Press Day, President Ilham Aliyev presented apartments to the families of martyred journalists - M. Ibrahimov and S. Abishov.

The decrees on the widespread celebration of the anniversaries of the national press in the country, the provision of one-time assistance to the mass media, measures to strengthen the social protection of press workers, as well as the awarding of honorary titles to journalists for their services in the development of the national press are also part of the care for the press and press workers.

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22 July 2024 11:28 (UTC+04:00)

"A joint military agreement should be signed among the Turkish states."

Azernews reports that this statement was made by Zorlu Tore, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

He emphasised the critical need for this initiative to materialise, stating, "The Azerbaijani army brought the enemy to its knees in Garabagh. If we unite, no one can stand against us."

Z. Tore also expressed that Greek and Turkish Cypriots cannot unite within a single federation, drawing parallels with situations such as Turkey and Greece, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Russia and Ukraine. He asserted that they must forge their futures as two distinct states.

The Parliamentary Chairman further noted that two additional countries are poised to recognise the independence of Northern Cyprus soon.

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22 July 2024 15:55 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

One of todays foremost priorities is examining the role of technology in shaping reality, media, and the spread of disinformation, while fostering media literacy among consumers. However, it is crucial to recognize that tools like artificial intelligence, particularly language models, cannot be employed directly in complex geopolitical contexts, such as Pakistan-Azerbaijani relations, as these models follow their own logic and functions.

Hamza Azhar Salam, Editor of Pakistan Daily, articulated these points during the panel discussion titled "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Reality, Media, and Disinformation: Advancing Media Literacy," held as part of the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Azernews reports.

In his remarks, Hamza Azhar Salam highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence in enhancing media literacy and combating disinformation. He addressed the dual-edged nature of AI technologies, which can both facilitate the spread of disinformation and serve as a tool for improving media literacy.

Salam stressed that increasing media literacy among consumers is essential for addressing the challenges posed by AI in the digital age.

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Aquaculture thrives in NW China's Xinjiang

People's Daily Online) 09:28, July 22, 2024

The development of natural water fishery resources intensifies each year, leading to a new wave in inland aquaculture. This surge in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has emerged through advanced breeding techniques, presenting the industry with unprecedented opportunities for growth.

Xinjiang's thriving fishery sector owes its success to government support, and assistance from within and outside the region. In 2023, Xinjiang's online retail sales of aquatic products reached 395 million yuan (about $54.29 million), marking a 106.26 percent increase year-over-year.

In the Gudukou Aquaculture Farmers' Cooperative, located on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang, workers were harvesting crayfish. Ma Chunhua, head of the cooperative, was busy weighing and loading the catch for customers.

Photo shows the salmon farm of Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Co., Ltd. in Karasu township, Nilka county, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Li Xinyang)

Ma has been farming crayfish on the edge of the desert since 2017. Through experimentation and learning, she has triumphed over the technical hurdles associated with crayfish farming and devised a farming model incorporating crayfish farming and water caltrop cultivation. The crayfish produced under this model are in high demand in the market owing to their exceptional meat quality and impressive size.

"The cooperative now achieves a yield of 150 kilograms of crayfish per mu (one mu is about 0.067 hectares), and the cooperative's membership has grown from the initial four to 10. Each member earns an additional 50,000 yuan annually," said Ma.

Despite being far from the ocean, Xinjiang boasts a water area of 5,500 square kilometers and over 46 million mu of land suitable for aquaculture. Moreover, the region's water bodies are home to more than 500 species of bait organisms, providing ample food resources for the growth of aquatic products.

Recently, 30,000 crab seedlings were airlifted from Sanmen county, Taizhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province, to an aquaculture base in Xinkailing township, Aral city of Xinjiang.

Additionally, 2,000 pearl gentian grouper seedlings were transported from south China's Hainan Province to Longda Aquaculture Farmers' Cooperative in Aral city.

Shu Miaoan, an expert from Zhejiang University's College of Animal Science, said that the successful introduction of pearl gentian grouper seedlings not only enriches the aquaculture species in Aral city and improves the efficiency of aquaculture but also provides new ideas and approaches for utilizing saline-alkali land.

"Longda Aquaculture Farmers' Cooperative and Zhejiang University's Rural Development Academy have jointly established a cooperation demonstration base to promote the cultivation of high-end seafood in Xinjiang," said Shu.

According to Shu, the 2,000 pearl gentian grouper seedlings released this time are in good condition. He also disclosed the upcoming release of an additional 12,000 seedlings, which are projected to yield 6.2 tonnes of mature pearl gentian groupers. At a price of 150 yuan per kilogram, the estimated production value is expected to surpass 900,000 yuan.

In a salmon cultivation base situated in Kalasu township, Nilka county, located in northern Xinjiang, freshly caught salmon undergoes swift processing, packaging, and transportation, reaching consumers' tables within a mere 24 hours. The base has the capability to process up to 50 tonnes of salmon daily.

Industry experts have pointed out that the utilization of saline-alkali land for aquaculture and agriculture will be a major highlight in the development of fisheries in Xinjiang.

Shi Xuecan, head of Tianquan Xueyuan Aquaculture Farmers' Cooperative in Xinjiang's Aksu Prefecture, said this year his cooperative invested 8 million yuan to further expand its operations in response to the increasing demand for cold-water fish.

Following the expansion, the cooperative will shift its focus to salmon farming. With an anticipated annual production of 600 tonnes of salmon, the cooperative aims to generate an output value of around 30 million yuan.

Xinjiang has been continuously making strides in fish species introduction, breeding, and cultivation. Currently, over 100 fish species, mostly introduced from other regions, are being cultivated throughout Xinjiang.

Through these concerted efforts, Xinjiang's aquaculture sector is demonstrating how science, policy support, and creative adaptation can transform challenging environments into thriving centers of aquatic production, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
One of the Texas Children's Hospital buildings is shown in the Texas Medical Center Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 in Houston. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Various Texas Children's Hospital buildings, photographed Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Federal and state officials are investigating allegations that Texas Childrens Hospital unlawfully billed Medicaid for transgender care.

The developments follow multiple public statements made by a nurse who claims to have seen evidence indicating that Texas Childrens illegally charged the government for hormone treatment and other transgender care. The nurse, who has publicly identified herself as Vanessa Sivadge, said she worked with patients seeking transgender care at the hospital.

Last week, U.S. Reps. Lisa McClain and Pete Sessions announced that a U.S. House oversight committee would be probing the allegations. Also last week, the state Office of Inspector General sent a letter to state lawmakers, announcing that the Texas Attorney General would be investigating accusations that the hospital potentially misused Medicaid and CHIP funds. The Texas Attorney Generals Office, as well as the offices of McClain and Sessions, have not responded to questions about the investigations.

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Texas Childrens Hospital issued a lengthy response Monday, saying the hospital immediately initiated a thorough and comprehensive review of our billing practices upon learning of the allegations last month. The hospital reviewed all relevant cases and all relevant Medicaid billing rules and found no evidence of fraudulent billing, according to the statement.

Reached by phone earlier this month, Sivadge declined an interview request from the Chronicle. In a story published June 18 by conservative activist Christopher Rufo, Sivadge initially claimed to have seen paperwork indicating that Texas Childrens patients who were seeking transgender care had been enrolled in a Medicaid STAR and CHIP plan. She later told the New York Post that she does not directly know whether the treatments were being charged to Medicaid.

Sivadge has also claimed in interviews that she saw some examples of doctors at Texas Childrens intentionally misdiagnosing patients in order to charge Medicaid for hormone treatment. In one case, she said in a recent podcast interview that a healthy child had been diagnosed with an estrogen deficiency. The hospital said it was informed of those allegations last week.

These latest claims pertain to allegedly fraudulent diagnoses given to patients to obtain Medicaid approval for gender dysphoria treatment that would otherwise be denied, the hospital said. We have processes in place for these types of concerns to be raised, and recognize the seriousness of such a claim. An internal investigation is already underway. Thus far, we have not uncovered any evidence of the alleged behavior.

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The statement went on to say that the hospital never condones any criminal act, adding that it welcomes any information that could help its investigation.

It goes without saying that if we uncover any rogue or unauthorized criminal activity, we will take swift action to correct the issue, the hospital said. To reiterate, our internal investigation to-date has found no basis to substantiate any allegations of Medicaid fraud. All services provided by Texas Childrens were permitted according to Medicaid billing and payment guidelines that were in effect at the time care was provided.

The investigation represents the latest flash of controversy over transgender care at the countrys largest childrens hospital, spurred in part by whistleblower accounts published by Rufo, a former documentary filmmaker-turned-activist who has become known for fueling the national debate on divisive cultural issues.

Rufo played an important role in shaping conservative opposition to critical race theory  an academic movement that examines the role of race and racism in society  and has waged a campaign to dismantle diversity and inclusion programs at schools and workplaces, according to the New York Times. Rufos chief of staff, Armen Tooloee, said he was not available for comment Monday.

Rufo has also taken aim at transgender care, which describes a range of different social, psychological, behavioral or medical interventions that support people whose assigned sex at birth does not align with their gender identity. This can include mental health counseling, hormone therapy or surgery, which is rare for people under 18.

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He first published information about transgender care at Texas Childrens Hospital last year. Citing whistleblower documents, he wrote that the hospital was providing such treatment, which was legal at the time, in secret.

Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the hospital. Texas Childrens later said it planned to discontinue transgender care in light of a statewide ban. The person who said they shared the whistleblower documents with Rufo, Dr. Eithan Haim, has since been accused of obtaining the records illegally and is now facing multiple federal charges. The doctor has raised more than $1 million, which he says will be used to pay his legal fees.

Sivadge, who also describes herself as a whistleblower, is scheduled to appear Tuesday as a featured guest for an event hosted by Houston Young Republicans. She has been placed on administrative leave from the hospital, according to a spokesperson.

The recent allegations also raised new tensions at Texas Childrens. Last month, a person who identified themselves as an independent journalist was given a trespassing warning at the home of hospital CEO Mark Wallace and the health system campus in The Woodlands, where they had been asking about the Medicaid fraud investigation, according to videos posted to social media.

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Texas Childrens confirmed that a trespassing warning had been issued at both locations but said no criminal charges were filed.
The Days of Uzbek Cinema has kicked off at Nizami Cinema Center in Baku, Azernews reports.

The large-scale event was co-organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Film Agency.

Deputy Culture Minister of Azerbaijan Murad Huseynov and the First Deputy Culture Minister of Uzbekistan Avazkhon Tajikhanov addressed the opening ceremony of the event.

Opening the Days of Uzbek Cinema in Azerbaijan, Murad Huseynov welcomed those gathered, hailing the friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries, including in the field of cinematography.

He noted that the Uzbek actress Nelli Ataullayeva starred in the film "Meeting" (1955), produced at Baku Film Studio by director Tofig Tagizade.

Further, the filmmakers of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan were connected by fruitful cooperation that lasted for many years.

The Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister outlined that the Azerbaijan State Film Fund stores over 100 Uzbek feature films, including cinema works by Shukhrat Abbasov, Ali Khamraev and Latif Fayziev.

Murad Huseynov underlined that the film "Mother-in-Law" directed by Huseyn Seyidzade enjoys special sympathy among the Uzbek audience.

In conclusion of his speech, Murad Huseynov once again congratulated the guests and film lovers on the wonderful international film festival - the Days of Uzbek Cinema in Azerbaijan and wished them a pleasant viewing.

The First Deputy Culture Minister of Uzbekistan Avazkhon Tajikhanov welcomed the distant, but close and related to the Uzbek Azerbaijani people as representatives of the Turkic world.

"The Azerbaijani people were one nation with us, drank water from the same ditch with us, shared the same bread with us, spoke the same language. We still have one religion. It`s not for nothing that the great Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi, continuing the traditions of Nizami Ganjavi, wrote the epic "Khamsa" in the Turkic language (the work was written in Chagatai, a medieval Turkic language spoken in Central Asia), and Muhammad Fuzuli called Alisher Navoi his teacher. And there are many such examples. The Cloth Peddler (1945) production is still staged in many theaters in Uzbekistan with a great success. Or, the already mentioned film "Mother-in-Law", although Azerbaijani, we consider it our Uzbek film. At the moment, thanks to the desire of the presidents of the two countries to bring our peoples even closer together, relations are reaching a new level in all areas, including the humanitarian and cultural ones. The Days of Culture are held with great success in both countries, as evidenced by the present event, within the framework of which multi-genre works of Uzbek filmmakers are presented - for a more extensive understanding of the director's specifics, Avazkhon Tajikhanov said.

Furthermore, the film Evrilish (Evolution) was screened as part of the ceremony.

The war drama directed by Yolkin Tuychiev tells the story of the fate of an Uzbek man who was drafted into the ranks of the Soviet Army and became the hero of one of the hot spots. The war changes his life and the lives of those around him, he goes abroad. Years later, the man decides to return to his homeland, Uzbekistan.

The film received has been awarded at 27th Busan International Film Festival in the KIM Jiseok Award category.

This award recognizes the work of the most talented Asian directors in the A Window on Asian Cinema section of the festival. Filming took place in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Egypt and the UK.

The film cast included Olmas Urayev, Bakhrom Matchonov, Botir Abdurakhmonov, Zhurabek Arziev, Ilmira Rakhimdzhanova, Yulduz Radzhabova, Igor Bukhaidze, Evgeny Moskvichev and others.

The program of Days of Uzbek Cinema features movies like "Evrilish" (Evolution), "Yasha, xotin" (Long Live, Wife!), "Sudya" (Judge) and "Baxodir" (Bahadr). The Days of Uzbek Cinema will last until July 23.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995 between the two countries, bilateral ties have forged deep bonds. Over 100 documents have been signed between the two countries until today.

The holding of the Uzbek Culture Days in Baku in 2023 was another step towards strengthening Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations.

The large-scale event featured gala concerts, theater performances, book presentation, exhibition and other events that aimed to highlight Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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22 July 2024 16:33 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) issued weekly information about operations carried out by institutions (ANAMA, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Border Service) involved in demining activities in the liberated territories (15.06.202421.07.2024), Azernews reports.

Thus, 67 anti-tank mines, 37 anti-personnel mines, and 181 unexploded ordnance were detected and neutralized.

Also, 1,673.7 hectares of land were cleared of mines.

It is worth noting that because Azerbaijan's liberated territories remain contaminated with mines, the new infrastructure and green energy projects remain a risky and problematic goal. These obstacles to legal peace are part of the challenges facing the repopulation, development, and integration of the liberated territories on the path to full peace.

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22 July 2024 12:46 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

After the expiration of the current agreement with Russia at the end of the year, Ukraine and the European Union have appealed to Azerbaijan to supply natural gas to Europe through Ukraine, Azernews reports, citing Bloomberg.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made this statement at a conference held in Shusha on Saturday.

"Discussions with Ukraine, the EU, and Russia are ongoing, and all parties are interested in continuing the supply," said Aliyev.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine is negotiating to facilitate the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan to the EU. This move aims to maintain Ukraine's role as a transit country and support the energy security of its western neighbors. Zelensky told Bloomberg that among the proposals being discussed is an agreement to replace Russian gas with Azerbaijani supplies.

The agency reports that Europe has been attempting to reduce its dependence on Russian gas since the occupation of Ukraine. However, some European countries still receive gas through pipelines via Ukraine. The current transit agreement expires at the end of 2024, and many anticipate that the flow of Russian gas will cease due to the ongoing war.

Aliyev highlighted that countries such as Austria and Slovakia could face significant challenges if the transport of Russian gas through Ukraine ceases, as they would need to pay higher prices to procure gas from alternative sources.

The Azerbaijani leader noted that his country's gas production is poised to increase due to new and existing projects in the Caspian Sea. In 2022, Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Commission to double gas exports to Europe to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027.

Aliyev affirmed that Azerbaijan is progressing toward this goal, with exports to Europe set to rise from 11.8 billion cubic meters in 2023 and 8 billion cubic meters in 2021 to nearly 13 billion cubic meters this year.

"The supply will be transported through the pipeline network known as the Southern Gas Corridor, connecting Azerbaijan to Europe via Georgia and Turkey," stated Aliyev.

It notes that Azerbaijan also continues to import natural gas from Turkmenistan on a swap basis.

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22 July 2024 15:34 (UTC+04:00)

"President Salome Zurabishvili's lawsuit against the law "On Foreign Agents" in the Constitutional Court will have no prospects."

Azernews reports that Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze said this.

The Prime Minister said that it is impossible to prove that transparency is bad: "It is wrong from a legal point of view."

It should be noted that before this, Zurabishvili filed a lawsuit against the Law "On Foreigners".

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22 July 2024 20:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

China and the Philippines have reached an agreement that they hope will end the confrontation over the most disputed area in the South China Sea - the Second Thomas Shoal, Azernews reports.

The decisive agreement was reached on Sunday after a series of meetings between Filipino and Chinese diplomats in Manila and an exchange of diplomatic notes.

"Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and resolve differences through dialogue and consultations, and agree that the agreement will not harm the positions of either side in the South China Sea," the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The long-standing territorial confrontation on the Second Thomas Shoal has been constantly escalating since the beginning of last year, when the Filipinos tried to deliver food to the stranded ship BRP Sierra Madre and considered an outpost of the Philippines in the region.

According to the Philippine government, during the worst clash on June 17, Chinese forces in motorboats repeatedly rammed two Philippine Navy boats and then boarded them to prevent Filipino personnel from delivering supplies, including firearms. Several members of the Philippine Navy were injured during the violent skirmish.

China and the Philippines have accused each other of confrontation, and each has claimed its own sovereign rights to the stranded, which the Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Renai Jiao.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned China's actions on the shoals and called for respect for the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Washington has repeatedly warned that it is obliged to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine troops come under armed attack, in particular in the South China Sea.

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Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be?

8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become.
For the first time in American history, political party bosses have ousted an incumbent president from his party nomination after that incumbent had amassed a solid and overwhelming convention delegate majority. The instigator of this anti-democratic move was Barack Obama, and it was set in motion by suckering Biden into an unprecedented pre-convention general election presidential debate. It also came after party bosses had strongarmed the nomination process for Biden, suppressing potential challengers in the primary process by a string of hardball moves. Biden waved a white flag and surrendered to the coup today.

Initially, it appeared that the coup plotters intend to replace Biden with Kamala Harris, but she may be taken out in a second phase of the coup. Democrat kingpin and coup leader Obama refused to endorse Kamala Harris and instead called for a "process" to choose a new nominee. Such a "process" would involve party insiders and pointedly exclude Democrat Party voters. Some believe that Obama wants to install his own wife as the nominee.

All of this represents a severe attack on American democracy.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/vdh-which-party-killing-democracy

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2024/07/21/democracy-elite-just-slew-democracy-n2177183

https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2024/07/21/democrats-rigged-primary-biden-only-push-him-out/

https://nypost.com/2024/07/22/opinion/by-calling-joe-biden-a-hero-dems-treat-americans-like-idiots/

https://americanmind.org/salvo/democrats-flunk-democracy/

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/us-republicans-accuse-democrat-elite-of-staging-coup-to-depose-biden/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/07/barack-obama-releases-statement-joe-biden-dropping-notably/

The "Pravda on the Hudson", the far left New York Times, has already demanded through its editorial board that Kamala Harris be purged from the ticket as well.

https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2024/07/21/new-york-times-board-wants-kamala-harris-out-race/

This column in one of the UK's leading newspapers tells it all, and aptly calls Obama "Biden's own personal Brutus" (Brutus was one of Julius Ceasar's supposed allies who participated in his assassination):

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13657039/Biden-withdrawal-presidential-race-kamala-MAUREEN-CALLAHAN.html

The Democrats may have a huge problem in transfering Biden's $100 million war chest. While there are some arguments that Kamala Harris could take it over, certainly no other new candidate could. There are substantial legal arguments that it could not even be passed to Harris.

https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2024/07/21/fec-chairman-biden-donations-shall-either-returned-refunded-after-drop-out/

All of this reminds one of the Stalin purges, when those ousted got airbrushed out of pictures with Stalin, like the picture below, except substituting Obama for Stalin and Biden for one of the ousted Soviet leaders.
The party that always claims to be about "saving democracy" actually has a horrible record of trying to take presidential candidates off the ballot, and it did not start with forcing out Joe Biden. The party ought to call itself the Un-Democratic Party.

They started with their own primares. Not only did they blatantly rearrange the schedule to benefit Biden and make it difficult for challanegers, and banned a presidential primary debate, but they actively worked to keep challengers off of state presidential primary ballots, inlcuding that in North Carolina. The result was many Soviet style ballots with only one candidate listed that voters could vote for, even though there were challengers also seeking the position.

Then there was an organized campaign to take President Trump off of Republican primary ballots. That campaign was led by a Biden political appointee. They temporarily succeeded in Colorado where four Democrat Supreme Court justices who were Democrat political contributors overruled three Democrat Supreme Court justices who kept their noses out of politics. One of our Democrat state board of elections members here in North Carolina was working on the same project. This scheme was brought to a screaching halt by a unanimously ruling from the US Supreme Court.

More recently Democrats have orchestrated a campaign to take rival liberal independents and third party candidates off of the presidential ballots, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. It doen's matter that those candidates have followed all the legal rules to qualify. Democrat Secretaries of States or Boards of Election, kick them off anyway. One of the states that this assaualt on democracy has so far been successful is here in North Carolina.

https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2024/07/22/the-party-of-saving-democracy-keeps-trying-to-remove-presidential-candidates-from-the-ballot-n2177225

https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2024/07/22/dave-portnoy-democrats-want-to-hijack-democracy-by-pushing-out-joe-biden/

https://nypost.com/2024/07/22/opinion/defenders-of-democracy-staged-a-cover-up-and-coup/
A Lineman tends 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

CenterPoint should pay us

Regarding: How CenterPoint fleeces Houstonians. And why we still cant rely on our grid. (July 17): We have hurricanes in Houston. Always have and always will. So tell me why we as a society have still not yet learned we should have zero power lines above the ground? Why are our city leaders (or state leaders, for that matter) not putting forth legislation requiring new communities to have all power lines underground? Why are our leaders not requiring all existing power lines be moved underground as well? I understand this is going to cost money. However, it will end up saving us money in the long run.

What happened with Hurricane Beryl is an absolute joke and travesty. I dont think anyone would disagree with that point. This was a Category 1 storm. CenterPoint dropped the ball big time. The only way to fix the issues with CenterPoint is hitting them in the pocketbook. A city of Houston administrator told me she thought CenterPoint should be required to pay every homeowner $1,000 for each day they lost power, even for one hour.

Why is CenterPoint not required to do preventative tree maintenance year-round? They should be trimming trees and such every month around all power lines. Lord knows we pay enough to cover those costs. Until we hold their feet to the fire, this type of behavior from CenterPoint will continue.

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Nick Nicholson, Sugar Land

Regarding CenterPoint has deep roots in Houston and deep pockets for Texas politicians (July 16): Chris Tomlinson seems to hit the nail on the head. From the moment my power went off I told myself not to worry, it would be restored shortly. Instead, it took seven hellish, heat-filled days and nights before I got any relief from soaring temperatures. And I pay my CenterPoint bill on time.

Hard-working citizens deserve better than this, deserve to at least have sanctuary in their own homes.

It is not possible when we vote for people who betray us. They work to fill their own pockets by kowtowing to greedy shareholders, who then get rich off of the penalties we pay in new CenterPoint charges. We want to trust the people we vote for to take care of our interests. More and more, from the highest offices on down, it seems that our politicians are working against us. Taxation without representation.



Audrey Schambon, Houston





Think of Texas inmates

Regarding CenterPoint says some customers may not get power until Friday due to 'nested outages'. What are they? (July 15): Yesterday I received an email titled, Im worried about you. My friend had just heard about the power outages and was concerned that I would be suffering from the heat and lack of AC. He was right. I was on Day 8 of no power, and getting crankier by the minute. I had received several similar emails, but what is notable about this one is that the sender lives in Texas with no air conditioning every day, so I thought it rather extraordinary of him to think of me.

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He is, of course, incarcerated in one of our lovely prisons, where we do not consider the inmates to be worthy of basic survival necessities such as air conditioning (and boy, do we complain when we dont get it for a few days!). He often skips dinner because he has to line up in the sun, and thus get even hotter, to receive his meager helping, and he doesnt think its worth it.

So when we are bemoaning our situation, perhaps we should spare a thought for the criminal justice system in this state, and agitate for better treatment of our family members, friends and yes, even those we dont know, who are treated so inhumanely. Strangely, our laws protect dogs and cats from being kept in shelters above a certain temperature, but not our fellow humans.

Olga Watkins, Houston
By Adam Dooley

Christian Action League

July 19, 2024

In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, Americans are left wanting answers surrounding the tragedy. One brave father present at the rally, Corey Comperatore, died protecting his family from a stray bullet. Two other attendees, James Copenhaver and David Dutch, suffered critical injuries but are now recovering in stable condition.

The near miss on President Trump was nothing less than breathtaking. Had the Republican nominee not turned his head at precisely the correct moment, the snipers murderous intent would have been realized. Had the position of the bullet been just one inch to the right, the course of American history would have changed forever in a Pennsylvania field. One cannot come closer to death and emerge unscathed.

While we commend the brave men and women who shielded the president amidst the chaos, questions about the ordeal remain. How was a building just 130 yards from the rallys stage left unsecured? Why was our 45th president allowed to begin his speech while a twenty-year-old killer was simultaneously evading authorities? How could witnesses identify the shooter on the roof a full two minutes before his first shot and nothing be done? Why were there no countermeasures before the assassins first shot fired?

Hopefully, in time, we will have answers to questions like these to hold those responsible for such deadly blunders accountable. While we wait, Id like to answer a question of a different sort that, admittedly, not as many people are asking. What spiritual lessons should we learn from the near death of Donald J. Trump? What does the incident teach us about ourselves? Or about the God we serve? Let me suggest three important takeaways.

First, the former presidents near demise exposes how fragile we are. Though every human is made in the image of God, possessing an eternal soul, each of us is but a single catastrophe away from passing into eternity. Because the treasure of Gods imprint is in earthen vessels, everyday men and women of all ages die (2 Cor. 4:7). Despite the great feats of humanity, the Bible says we spring up like a flower and wither away like a fleeting shadow (Job 14:1-2). The number of our days is but a handbreadth, a mere blip on Gods eternal radar (Ps. 39:3-5). Truly, we are here for a moment and then we vanish away (James 4:14).

The events of last weekend were an unwelcomed reminder of how quickly we can, and will, lose everything. Life can end in an instant. History can change in a moment. Disease may ravage our bodies. Decline may swallow up our achievements. The design of others may steal away the time we have left. Every single day, weakness swallows up those who were once strong. These realities do not leave us hopeless, however. Our temporary frailties reveal the eternal strength of our God like nothing else (2 Cor. 4:8-11).

Second, the miraculous intervention that saved Donald Trumps life reminds us that God is sovereign over all things. Some might chalk it up to luck or random chance, but you will never convince me that God did not spare the life of Donald Trump on July 13. Gods sovereignty speaks to the fact that He rules over heaven and earth. The Lord has established His throne and He rules over all (Ps. 103:19), including human history (Ps. 66:5-7). We exist because of Gods providential care, whereby He creates us, establishes our boundaries, and sustains each breath we take (Acts 17:26-28).

Thus, we can live with confidence that the God who knew us in the womb has written down all the days prepared for us (Psalm 139:16). We cannot add nor take away one moment He prepares for each of us (Job 14:5). Our ways are before Him, and He watches all our paths (Prov. 5:21). I do not pretend to understand all the reasons why God spared the life of President Trump, but I am confident that He will bring it to pass just as He has planned. The same is true for each of us.

Finally, our greatest problems are not political, nor are the solutions our world needs. The wickedness required to eliminate your political enemies by means of assassination is undeniable. Ironically, even those typically hesitant to speak of matters in terms of right and wrong cannot deny the moral repugnancy of last weekends cowardly act. Only God can help us find our way again. Politics are not insignificant, but neither are they ultimate.

Perhaps this is the moment we need to humble ourselves before the Lord. May we heed the counsel of the psalmist who said, Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance (Ps. 33:8-12).

Dr. Adam B. Dooley is pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, and author of Hope When Life Unravels. Contact him at adooley@ebcjackson.org. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBDooley.
Here are three of the biggest healthcare disruptors in the race to acquire physicians:

Optum

UnitedHealth Group's Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, added nearly 20,000 physicians in 2023, bringing its total to at least 90,000 affiliated physicians.

The country's largest employer of physicians, Optum has 2,200 primary and specialty care offices in 16 states.

In March, Optum received approval to bypass a state review of its planned purchase of physician-owned Corvallis (Ore.) Clinic, the Oregon Health Authority. However, the company also called off its plan to acquire financially troubled Steward Health Care's 1,700-physician group,

In 2023, Optum acquired health technology firm EMIS Group for $1.51 billion, Optum merged with home health provider Amedisys for $3.26 billion and acquired multispecialty physician group Crystal Run Healthcare.

In 2022, Optum acquired Houston-based physician group Kelsey-Seybold for around $2 billion, Auburndale, Mass.-based Atrius Health for $236 million and home healthcare business LHC Group for around $5.4 billion.

Amazon

With more than 221 primary care offices in more than 20 markets, retail giant Amazon is one of the biggest disruptors in the race to acquire physicians.

In 2023, Amazon closed on a deal to buy primary care company One Medical for $3.9 billion, giving the company access to more than 200 brick-and-mortar physicians offices and roughly 815,000 One Medical members.

One Medical has since formed collaborations with Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health and Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health's Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, allowing specialists from both health systems to deliver care to Amazon's primary care patients.

Although the company announced in February it is planning to close some corporate One Medical offices, the company is still growing.

In January, Amazon Pharmacy announced plans to integrate with One Medical to give patients and providers increased access to medication consultations.

CVS Health

CVS Health's physician strategy focuses on primary care. In May 2023, CVS closed on its $11.5 billion acquisition of Chicago-based primary care organization Oak Street Health. By 2026, CVS Health expects to have more than 300 locations.

In March 2023, it completed an $8 billion acquisition of Signify Health, adding 10,000 clinicians. CVS and Signify said they intend to work to lower costs and improve patient care, engagement and access, with a focus on Medicare Advantage customers.

The group has 1,100 MinuteClinic locations in 36 states and Washington, D.C. With the Oak Street deal, CVS Health also has more than 130 primary care clinics. Additionally, CVS has opened 31 new clinics since acquiring Oak Street.

"Oak Street Health has been the bellwether for innovation in the primary care space," said Richard Zane, MD, chief innovation officer of Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth, told Becker's in May. "A lot to like and emulate about their approach, their financials and, most importantly, their patient outcomes, making them a smart acquisition target and giving CVS Health a great opportunity to move quickly. Looks like Amazon with One Medical and now CVS with Oak Street Health are not dabbling."

In May, Bloomberg reported that CVS Health is seeking an investor to fund the expansion of Oak Street.According to the report, clinics like Oak Street tend to lose money in the first few years of operating as they acquire patients for the joint-venture.
Former employee Brenden Wicks of St. Louis-based Clarkson Eyecare has been ordered to appear in court in August after allegedly stealing patient refunds r, according to a July 21 report from Fox 2 Now.

Mr. Wicks allegedly stole more than $3,000 between Aug. 8, 2023, and Oct. 30, 2023.

The St. Louis County Police Department was called to Clarkson Eyecare on Jan. 1 for a reported employee theft.

An audit showed that Mr. Wicks was skimming patient refunds and depositing the money into his own account, according to the report.

Mr. Wicks has been charged with stealing over $750 and is set to appear in court on Aug. 27.
San Jose, Calif.-based Regional Medical Center's trauma center will modify heart attack and stroke programs and remain open after pushback from local stakeholders.

Its trauma center will transition to a Level 3 center from Level 2 status, according to a July 19 news release. It will also operate as a stroke center with the ability to "address the needs of 97% of stroke patients," transferring the remaining cases to acute care providers, the release said.

Additionally, capacity for the emergency department will be increased from 43 to 63 beds by 2025.

Trauma services were set to close Aug. 12 because of low utilization, the hospital reported on Feb. 14. The revised services will now begin Aug. 12.

The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors previously asked the state to deny the closure, citing a report that stated the hospital sees 25% of all trauma cases in the county.

The 252-bed hospital is part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare.
A cyberattack compromised three employee email accounts at Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine, which led to about 56,953 individuals being personally notified.

According to a July 22 news release from the health system, the breached emails were work-related messages dealing with payment and billing coordination for patients. The emails contained some patient-protected health information including names, medical record numbers, addresses, dates of birth, diagnostic and treatment information, and/or health insurance information.

Michigan Medicine said during its investigation into the incident that it did not find any evidence to suggest that the cyberattack's mission was to obtain patient health information, but that it could not rule out data theft.

Michigan Medicine said the email accounts did not contain any credit card, debit card or bank account numbers. Although four patients, according to the release, did have their Social Security numbers compromised.
As rural hospitals grapple with eroding profits, one Vermont hospital CEO suggested giving hospitals and clinics in the state access to an Epic EHR system, Valley News reported July 21.

On July 15, approximately 30 individuals assembled at the Windsor Welcome Center in Windsor, Vt., for an event aimed at collecting feedback on the issues confronting the state's healthcare systems. Among theattendees was Winfield Brown, CEO and president of Windsor, Vt.-based Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center.

Citing the widespread use of Epic Systems EHR software, which manages nearly half of the nation's patient care records, Mr. Brown highlighted the significant financial investment required to implement this system statewide.

According to Mr. Brown, giving healthcare organizations access to the Epic system would cost Vermont "millions." However, he argued that such a move could also dramatically reduce system inefficiencies, making it a bold idea worth pursuing.

According to the article, in 2023, nine of Vermont's 14 hospitals experienced financial losses.
As the closure of New York City-based Mount Sinai's Beth Israel hospital remains in limbo, the health system has expressed concerns over threats to "lock up" specific Mount Sinai senior executives should the hospital close in violation of a temporary restraining order.

The hospital was supposed to close on July 12, according to its revised closure plan, but the New York State Department of Health's continued review of the plan has delayed the closure.

Mount Sinai is also battling a lawsuit from the Community Coalition to Save Beth Israel Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary to keep the hospital open.

In a July 18 letter to New York City State Judge Nicholas Moyne obtained by Becker's, Mount Sinai attorney David Friedman pointed to concerns over a letter that Arthur Schwartz, attorney for the coalition, had shared with the Mount Sinai defendants' counsel and leaked to Spectrum News on July 10.

"I will immediately go to court and seek jail time for the president of Mount Sinai and president of Beth Israel," Mr. Schwartz said in the letter should the hospital close in violation of a temporary restraining order.

"There was and is no good faith basis to claim that the hospital intended to close in violation of the courts orders, and such baseless threats against distinguished professionals who have devoted their careers to providing health care to the New York community are wholly unwarranted," Mr. Friedman said in the July 18 letter.

Mr. Friedman had also written a July 9 letter, obtained by Becker's, to Mr. Schwartz and denied that the hospital had plans to close in violation of the TRO, calling his claims "baseless and false."

"Your threat to seek to 'lock up' Dr. Carr and Ms. Sellmanhighly respected professionals who have dedicated their long careers to providing healthcare to the New York communityhas no merit whatsoever," he said. "Should you follow up on this baseless threat, the Mount Sinai defendants reserve the right to seek appropriate sanction."

Mr. Schwartz responded to Mr. Friedman in a July 19 letter shared with the court, calling the claims that Dr. Carr and Ms. Sellman feared for their safety "preposterous."

"I believe that nothing inappropriate was said," Mr. Schwartz said in the July 19 response letter. "[Had] Carr and Sellman gone ahead with their July 12 plan, which Sellman kept repeating to all staff, I would have sought a contempt citation and imprisonment."
Tara Beth Anderson, MSN, RN, was named president of Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach, Fla., part of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health.

Ms. Anderson began her new role on July 22, according to a hospital news release,

Before joining Baptist Nassau, she served as chief nursing officer of HCA Florida Capital Hospital in Tallahassee, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare.

Baptist Health is a six-hospital health system with more than 14,250 employees.






Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Mayor Sylvester Turner at Market Square Park as the 2018 season of Cigna Sunday Streets makes its final stop in Downtown Houston. Gary Fountain/Contributor U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during a news conference after Mayor Sylvester Turner announced his endorsement of her mayoral bid on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during a news conference where Mayor Sylvester Turner endorsed her to succeed him in the mayors office on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, at podium, speaks at a press conference next to chief Troy Finner, left, and mayor Sylvester Turner, middle during the second gun buy back program, held at the Metro Westchase Park and Ride location Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, left, gestures as she thanks Mayor Sylvester Turner for his endorsement to succeed him in the mayors office during a news conference on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Houston with Mayor Sylvester Turner addresses the media and attendees during and event highlighting U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) efforts toward securing an Emancipation National Historic Trail designation on Friday, March 6, 2020 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Mayor Sylvester Turner, left, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee embrace following a news conference where he endorse her in the race to succeed him in the mayors office on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Her colleagues called her the hardest-working member in Congress. The Houston Chronicle called her a relentless flagbearer in House Democrats social justice push. President Joe Biden called her part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans.

Here at home, we called her, simply, Sheila  our friend and champion who was always on the front lines fighting for us.

Sheila was everywhere.

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She was advising presidents and meeting with global leaders; hand-delivering air conditioners to families in some of Houstons poorest and under-resourced communities; in Congress, channeling billions of federal dollars back to her district; at a constituents bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our city  the list goes on and on.

Sheila was relentless.

President Biden, in remarks celebrating just one of Sheilas crowning achievements  the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, said, I learned a long time ago: When Sheila wants something, just say yes.

I can certainly vouch for that. The Congresswoman was notorious for going around the mayors office and calling the city directors directly for things she needed for her constituents. Several times I told her if she needed something, just to call me. That lasted but a minute; she was not to be denied.

Sheila delivered.

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From Harvey to Winter Storm Uri, she came to the Houston Emergency Center to get a status report on the impact of the storms and reached out to our federal partner for additional resources. Once the storms passed, she organized food and water distribution sites throughout her district. Not only did she organize them, but she was also out there working alongside the volunteers.



During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was front and center, setting up nearly 100 testing sites in and around the Houston area. I dont believe any Congress member in the United States did more. She was in constant communication with the citys health department and often attended the citys press briefings as well as having her own. When the vaccines were ready for distribution, she did everything in her power to make sure people throughout her district were able to get them. No detail was too small to merit her attention.

Sheila did not take no for an answer.

When Congress provided funding for earmarks  community grants that individual members could request for projects in their districts  she saw the opportunity to bring resources to long underserved communities in Houston. She crafted a plan to maximize the resources and executed her plan with military precision. Failure was not an option.

She reached out to the city for a list of projects she could advance  but that wasnt enough. She added a list of projects she solicited from various community organizations. After submitting the combined list to the House committee for funding, she let me know it was my responsibility to make these projects work  even if they were not fully funded and even if the city was not the project sponsor. For Sheila, no obstacle was too big to get in the way of a solution. Helping the community was the only thing that mattered.

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Sheila made big things happen.

Mayor Sylvester Turner shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on the White House lawn. Dellinger, Hannah/Photo Courtesy City of Houston

On any issue with the Department of Transportation, HUD, EPA, Department of Education, immigration, passports and more, she could get you an audience or get the secretary to come to Houston. Whether they were Cabinet secretaries or lower-level officials, everyone knew what President Biden knew: When Sheila wants something, just say yes.

With every fiber in my being, I miss my friend, Sheila Jackson Lee. But our champion has been called home by God, and we are called to carry on her work and her legacy.

We must be everywhere, comforting the sick, confronting the powerful and, in the words of her dear friend U.S. Rep. John Lewis, causing good trouble.

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We must be relentless in the pursuit of justice, equity and equality.

We must take our place in the long line of patriots who deliver the promise of America to all Americans.

We must move forward without the congresswoman, and in so doing, honor and perpetuate her legacy.

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William Perno has been named CEO of Springfield-based Ohio Valley Surgical Hospital.

Mr. Perno brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience to Ohio Valley, according to a July 19 news release from the hospital. He was set to start July 22, Mr. Perno said on LinkedIn.

He was most recently Cityblock Health's Ohio market vice president, overseeing growth initiatives and strategic development, the release said.

Mr. Perno succeeds Ron Connovich, who was named CEO on Nov. 1.
President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign July 21 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee to replace him in the 2024 presidential race.

Since the June 27 presidential debate, Mr. Biden has faced concerns over his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election, and pressure from Democratic leaders to drop out had been mounting. He is the first sitting president eligible for reelection to step aside since 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson announced he would not seek a second term.

"While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Mr. Biden wrote in a letter posted on X.

Ms. Harris has emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, securing endorsements from Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and dozens of others.

Here is a look at where Ms. Harris stands on healthcare policy issues.

1. Reproductive health rights are likely to be a cornerstone of Ms. Harris' campaign if delegates officially nominate her as the candidate at the Democratic National Convention next month. The Republican party has reduced its attention on the topic, with minimal mention at the recent convention.

Surveys suggest Ms. Harris would have a polling advantage when it comes to women's health and abortion. In April, a Pew Research Center poll showed 63% of adults said abortion should be legal in all or most cases. A separate Gallup poll in May found 32% of voters said they would vote only for a candidate for a major office who shares their views on the topic, a view that nearly twice as many voters who support abortion hold, relative to those who do not support it.

As vice president, Ms. Harris has taken a more visible and vocal role in supporting reproductive rights than President Biden, according to KFF Health News. Both leaders have voiced support in restoring federal protections under Roe v. Wade, though Ms. Harris proposed even stronger protections during her 2019 presidential election campaign, according to Politico. The proposal would mandate that states seek clearance from the department before implementing any abortion restrictions to ensure their constitutionality.

2. While serving as California's attorney general from 2011 to 2017, Ms. Harris strongly opposed healthcare consolidation and prosecuted numerous industry players for alleged fraud or antitrust violations, according to The New York Times. She was among the first state attorneys general to oppose Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System's acquisition of Saltzer Medical Group and joined a federal lawsuit blocking Anthem and Cigna's merger in 2017. Ms. Harris' position aligns with the Federal Trade Commission's strict antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration.

3. In 2017, Ms. Harris became one of the first prominent Democrats to back Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' "Medicare-for-all" bill. As a presidential candidate in 2019, Ms. Harris proposed her own "Medicare for All" plan. In a departure from Mr. Sanders, the proposal called for a 10-year phase-in period and would allow private insurers to compete with a government-led system.

4. Ms. Harris has advocated for student loan debt forgiveness during her time as California attorney general and as vice president, particularly for those working in public service sectors such as education, law enforcement and healthcare. In 2022, she led the Biden administration's decision to cancel all remaining loan debt for students who attended Corinthian Colleges, a for-profit chain that she prosecuted as attorney general. Under the Biden administration, the Education Department has forgiven $165.5 billion in student debt for nearly 5 million Americans.

5. Ms. Harris has advocated for investments to address the nation's maternal health crisis and reduce health inequities. In 2022, she unveiled the administration's Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.

6. In April, Ms. Harris announced two final rules that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities and at-home services, and require facilities to have a registered nurse on site 24/7.
If you were to follow Lorenzo Brown, president and CEO for Orange City, Fla.-based AdventHealth Fish Memorial and the West Volusia market, on LinkedIn, you would see that his posts exhibit a passion and dedication for improved healthcare leadership.

His passion has led to increased communication, pay, education and mental health support for employees. These efforts have also helped reduce turnover rates for nurses, something Mr. Brown told Becker's has put AdventHealth on the map as one of the lowest agency rates among the 20 largest health systems in the U.S.

Becker's connected with Mr. Brown to learn more about his leadership style and strategies used to improve some of healthcare's biggest challenges.

Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.



Question: How has the CEO role evolved over the last three to five years?

Lorenzo Brown: In the last five years, we went through a global pandemic, which magnified the importance of collaboration and the value of building relationships with patients and their families, team members and medical staff members, and hospital board members before, during and after challenging situations. During this time, partnerships with local officials and non-profit organizations in the community took on even more significance.

Intentional listening and continually testing new, creative solutions in working closely with these groups ultimately helped me be better positioned to meet the needs of our community today with the services we offer, while preparing for tomorrow.

Q: What do you think makes a strong CEO?

LB: As CEO, I focus on leading with compassion and empathy. Being a leader in health care requires resilience, adaptability, strong communication and a commitment to lifelong learning. It is about balancing technical expertise with empathy and helping to inspire our teams toward a shared vision.

Our vision is to be known as a preeminent, faith-based, consumer-focused organization that helps those we care for feel whole. A significant way we will reach this vision is by providing uncommon compassionate care in an environment focused on ensuring the highest level of patient safety.

Q: As an industry leader, how do you ensure that your employees feel seen and heard?

LB: We prioritize regular, open communication with our team members and physicians at all levels. This includes town hall meetings, one-on-one sessions, and anonymous feedback channels to ensure everyone has a voice. I regularly and purposefully visit units throughout the hospital, connecting on a one-to-one basis with team members and physicians to hear directly about their experiences.

We also host regular recognition events, including annual service awards where we come together to celebrate and recognize our team  many of whom have chosen to stay with us for decades.

Q: What strategies have you implemented as a leader to combat these issues?

LB: At AdventHealth we see our teams for who they are  people, caring for people. Hearing directly from team members about their needs and working together to make meaningful changes is paramount to our success.

Florida is the fastest-growing state in the U.S., and that is something we are certainly experiencing in West Volusia County.

As our communities grow, so does the need for more caregivers. To support the sustainability of the local health care workforce, our team looked for creative and innovative ways to enhance the entire nursing experience and bring even more clinicians to the area so we can continue to deliver on our promise of providing high-quality, compassionate care.

To address recruitment and retention, we enhanced our benefits package and career development opportunities to include tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs and clear pathways for advancement within the organization.

We created opportunities to hear directly from our nursing teams about their needs and worked with them to make meaningful changes throughout the Central and East Florida area, including:

1. Pay: More than $100 million invested in nursing pay and bonus initiatives

2. Education: Nearly $40 million provided in tuition assistance for all team members since 2020

3. Mental health support: AdventHealth began offering resources for all team members companywide to have 24/7 access to mental health professionals and on-site, hospital-based mental health consultants.

4. Work intensity: We recruited 4,110 patient care technicians and 930 licensed practical nurses since 2020 to ensure registered nurses have the support they need to focus on our most acute patients and practice at the top of their license. AdventHealth Fish Memorial was also among the first in our area to pilot virtual nurses to assist bedside nurses with admissions and discharges in inpatient units and the ER.

These combined efforts contributed to our Florida facilities in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties reducing the number of external agency nurses by an impressive 83%, reducing turnover by 22% and reducing travel nurses by 39%.
Cross-market mergers and acquisitions are becoming more prominent as health systems diversify their portfolios, strengthen bargaining power and pursue further economies of scale amid challenging financial headwinds.

The latest example of this trend is Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System's proposed merger with Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health. The transaction would create a 56-hospital system with two fully integrated health plans and more than 56,000 employees.

A combined Sanford and Marshfield would be slightly smaller in size to Advocate Health, a 69-hospital system formed by the combination of Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium and Advocate Aurora, dually headquartered in Milwaukee and Downers Grove, Ill., in 2022.

Cross-market mergers such as these suggest that larger systems are needed to provide care and offset the power of the payers in the current environment.

Health system mergers are increasingly about leverage when negotiating with payers, rather than significant cost savings or increasing market share.

In January, St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare and Kansas City, Mo.-based Saint Luke's Health System merged into a 28-hospital system.

The transaction was not about reducing costs  since the two systems have been part of a buying collective for a decade - and not about a rapid gain in market share, since St. Luke's and BJC will largely stick to their respective areas, Charlie Shields, CEO of Kansas City, Mo.-based University Health, told the Kansas City Business Journal. Instead, he argues, the merger, and similar ones like it, aims to leverage a better seat at the table when negotiating care rates with payers.

On the acquisition side, health systems are also pursuing opportunities to expand into new markets or states.

Greenville, S.C.-based Prisma Health aims to enter a new state by acquiring Blount Memorial Hospital, a 304-bed community hospital in Maryville, Tenn.

Prisma President and CEO Mark O'Halla said the deal represents an "exciting new chapter" as healthcare shifts to a "multi-region model" and the number of systems operating in multiple states rapidly increases.

On July 1, Kansas City-based University of Kansas Health System acquired its first hospital in Missouri. Liberty (Mo.) Hospital "was a perfect opportunity to partner with another independent hospital in a prime area for our health system," KU Health President and CEO Bob Page told Becker's. "We also have that cultural compatibility, so it was pretty much a no-brainer for us to pursue."

"Cross-market" mergers involve health systems in different geographic areas, maintaining competition for patients since they serve distinct populations. However, they can affect competition if the merging systems share payer and employer customers and compete to be in the same networks.

The Federal Trade Commission has included cross-market theory questions in merger investigations but has not formally challenged such mergers based on this theory of competitive harm, according to McDermott Will and Emery.
Two nurses at an Ascension hospital in Michigan have filed unfair labor practice charges against their local union, claiming union leaders threatened to terminate them and others if they did not agree to have dues deducted directly from their paychecks.

The National Labor Relations Board is investigating charges filed by two nurses at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township, Mich. They claim officials at Teamsters Local 332 threatened them, "and similarly situated employees with termination of their employment if they refused to complete and submit a dues check-off authorization by July 12th," according to a July 19 news release from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, which filed the charges on behalf of the nurses.

"Ascension is aware of the recent unfair labor practice filing against Teamsters Local 332 by two Genesys nurses," a spokesperson for the St. Louis-based system said in a statement to Becker's. "This is a matter between union members and their chosen representation. We continue to focus on providing quality care to our patients."

Michigan's Right to Work law was repealed in February, and the decision gave unions legal authority to require workers to pay dues or fees as a condition of employment. Federal law still prohibits requiring workers to authorize direct deduction of dues from their paychecks, including in states without Right to Work protections.
Catherine Leavy, 37, was sentenced in federal court for calling in a hoax bomb threat against Boston Children's Hospital in 2022.

Ms. Leavy received a sentence of three years' probation from U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin, according to a July 22 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Ms. Leavy had pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of making a false bomb threat and one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information about a bomb being en route to Boston Children's Hospital. The incident, which occurred on Aug. 30, 2022, led to a significant law enforcement response and lockdown of the hospital and its surroundings.

The bomb threat was received via a phone call in which the caller stated, "There is a bomb on the way to the hospital. You better evacuate everybody, you sickos." A thorough investigation by law enforcement, which included tracking subscriber and call detail records, determined that the phone used to make the threat was registered to Ms. Leavy. Additionally, cell tower data indicated that the phone was near her residence at the time the threat was made.

The investigation and subsequent search of Ms. Leavy's residence on Sept. 15, 2022, led to the recovery of the phone used in the threat. During an on-scene interview, Ms. Leavy admitted to making the bomb threat but claimed she had no actual intention of bombing the hospital. According to the release, she also expressed her disapproval of Boston Children's Hospital multiple times during the interview.

The threat came amid a period when law enforcement was closely monitoring threats against Boston Children's Hospital and its employees, partly due to the hospital's gender multispecialty service program, which focuses on gender-diverse and transgender adolescents.
People addicted to work are more likely than their peers to report health complaints  which is only one cost of workaholism, The Washington Post reported July 21.

These work "addicts" often have unhealthy habits, including excessive drinking, sleep deprivation and a lack of exercise, Malissa Clark, PhD, industrial-organizational psychologist at the University of Georgia in Athens, told the Post.

Workaholism is not a term for those who work long days because they love their jobs, nor does it define temporary bursts of work activity to advance careers or adhere to car or house payments, according to Toon Taris, PhD, a behavioral scientist at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

There's a sharp line between enjoyment and addiction.

It's the work email checks after a shift ends, the guilt experienced when not working, the extra hours that feel compulsory. About 15% of the workforce are workaholics, according to a 2023 study.

Nine things to know about workaholism, according to research compiled by the Post:
A 2023 lawsuit filed by Boise, Idaho-based Neuroscience Associates alleging antitrust violations by St. Luke's Health System has been dismissed.

The practice's lawsuit honed in on St. Luke's "24/7/365 call coverage", which requires independent neurosurgeons to do on-call shifts as part of maintaining staff privileges, according to the July 16 order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. The health system paid neurosurgeons for their on-call coverage until April 2018, and at the time two Neuroscience Associates surgeons relinquished their privileges.

In August 2022 a new on-call policy required a Neuroscience Associates surgeon to be continuously on-call even though a competing practice, Northwest Neurosurgery Associates was also on-call, court documents said.



Neuroscience Associates challenged the 24/7/365 on-call coverage policy under state and federal antitrust laws and alleged "disproportionately favorable treatment of Northwest related to emergency on-call coverage responsibilities" that affected the practice's ability to grow its business.

The order from Idaho court dismissed the lawsuit for reasons including that Neuroscience Associates "have not alleged an antitrust injury" and that the practice "fall[s] short of showing exclusionary conduct."

Neuroscience Associates has until Aug. 15 to file amended litigation.
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery appointed new medical director roles in Florida.

Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, is chief medical officer of HSS Florida and succeeds Douglas Padgett, MD, according to a July 22 news release. He has been co-chief of HSS Spine and holds the Patty and Jay Baker Chair in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. In the expanded role, he will oversee clinical operations and quality for HSS' Florida presence and work with HSS Florida CEO Tara McCoy to grow access to care.

"I am honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic Florida clinical team and staff who are dedicated to improving orthopedic care in the communities we serve," Dr. Qureshi said in the release.

David Backstein, MD, is medical director of HSS at NCH in Naples, Fla. He is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He succeeds David Helfet, MD, who will continue to serve as Founding Medical Director of HSS at NCH.

"Fostering a stronger collaboration between HSS and NCH clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to find clinical solutions for patients in our Florida communities will be a primary focus for me in my new role," Dr. Backstein said in the release.
A Belfast woman has received the highest equal pay claim in the history of Northern Ireland after she discovered a pay discrepancy between herself and her male colleagues.

Shona Boyle, an employee of Caterpillar NI, has been awarded 305,000 after she launched a claim in July 2018, when she realised there were significant pay differences between herself and three male colleagues who were doing the same job.

She then raised the issue directly with Caterpillar NI where she received unsatisfactory justifications for the pay difference and Ms Boyle firmly believed that her lower pay was due to gender discrimination.

She then approached McCartan Turkington Breen for legal assistance with her claim heard between November 2022 and March 2023 following delays due to the pandemic.

The case included compelling witness evidence and a detailed forensic financial loss report prepared by Sumer Accountants NI Ltd.

Today, its been revealed an Employment Tribunal overwhelmingly determined that Ms Boyle was indeed performing the same job as her male colleagues who were paid more, and that the pay disparity was due to her being a woman.

Consequently, Ms Boyle was awarded back pay for the period she was underpaid and ensured equal pay and benefits moving forward.

John McShane, solicitor with Macartan Turkington Breen, said: We are immensely proud of Shona for standing up for what is right and for having the courage to pursue this claim.

This ruling not only vindicates her position but also sends a powerful message that gender pay discrimination will not be tolerated. We hope this case inspires others to come forward and seek the equality they deserve.

In a statement, Ms Boyle said she was looking forward to continuing her job and thanked her legal team.

Seeking legal assistance was a last resort, after receiving unsatisfactory justifications for the pay difference from Caterpillar NI. I am looking forward to continuing to do the job that I love.

My thanks to John McShane, solicitor at MTB, for his clear, concise and professional advice and Clarissa Ingham also of MTB.

Caterpillar NI has been contacted for a response.

News Catch Up: Monday 22nd July
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, July 22, 2024, during an event with NCAA college athletes. This is her first public appearance since President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the next presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. Alex Brandon/AP WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 21: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden abandoned his campaign for a second term after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw and just months ahead of the November election, throwing his support behind Harris. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Andrew Harnik/Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives for an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden abandoned his campaign for a second term after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw and just months ahead of the November election, throwing his support behind Harris. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

A growing number of Texas delegates to the Democratic convention next month are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris to be the partys presidential nominee after President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race.

Roughly two dozen of the states 273 delegates have publicly endorsed Harris bid for the presidency since Sunday. While most of the states delegates have not yet commented, none have advanced a specific candidate other than Harris, and many of Harris would-be challengers have already fallen in line behind her.

State Sen. Royce West of Dallas, who also serves as a national delegate, said he already senses a strong leaning toward supporting Kamala, especially as she racks up additional endorsements.

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He added that unity will be very important coming out of the convention, not only to attract Democrats but also disenfranchised Republicans and independents who want to see democracy survive in this country.

We've got to put the A team on the field, West said. We've got to be ready to make certain that we win, and the only way to do that is with unity."

The Texas delegates have a call scheduled for Monday night to discuss their status and next steps. Texas is expected to play a major role in the selection, with the third-highest number of delegates behind California and New York.

A majority vote of the 3,949 delegates is required to win the nomination on the first ballot next month in Chicago. If no candidate secures a majority, subsequent rounds of voting take place until someone does, with all 4,696 delegates and superdelegates voting.

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Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, the leader of the Democrats in the Texas House and a national delegate, said he, too, was supporting Harris and didn't view it as a tough call since Biden quickly endorsed her Sunday.

"I really dont see any room for latitude or discussion. We dont have time for that," Martinez Fischer said. "So we are going to move forward with our vice president, and I hope that is a sentiment shared by my fellow delegates."

Harris raised roughly $50 million Sunday after Biden dropped out of the race  the most of any single day in this election cycle  and the party's "entire reelection infrastructure is transferring to her."

All but four of Texas 12 congressional delegates have voiced their support for Harris  including Lizzie Fletcher of Houston.

I have faith in her and her ability to lead and unite Americans now and in the future, Fletcher said in a statement Sunday.

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Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin, who early this month was the first Democrat in the U.S. House to publicly call for Biden to step down, urged an open selection process while noting that Harris was clearly the leading candidate.

We should be open to all talented individuals who wish to be considered, Doggett said in a series of posts on X.

Biden backed Harris to be the nominee less than an hour after announcing his withdrawal Sunday afternoon, saying that choosing her as his running mate was the best decision Ive made. He urged Democrats to come together and beat Trump.

While each delegate has an individual vote for the nominee, state delegations often pool their votes and cast them behind a single candidate, said Amy Dacey, former CEO of the Democratic National Convention.

Harris strong early support bodes well for her, Dacey added, and time is not on the side of anyone who might wish to challenge her.

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If someone was interested in challenging her, they would have to get in pretty soon, she said, noting that challengers would need to collect 300 petition signatures to be eligible, plus they would be contending with Harris significant campaigning and fundraising advantages.

There seems to be a consensus among the Texas delegation for Harris, said Gabrien Gregory, a delegate from San Antonio.

Based on the reports hed seen, about a quarter of the national delegates had already said they'll get behind Harris. Gregory said he'd spoken with many other delegates, both in Texas and nationally, and none have said they support a candidate other than the vice president.

I think its more than likely that were already there," he said.

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The companys two NI stores have not been included in a sale to the Tapi Group

Administrators have been appointed to the company

Two Carpetright shops in Northern Ireland look set for closure after they were not included in a company-wide sale of its stores.

The flooring and bed company announced on Monday that administrators PwC had been appointed and had completed a sale of 54 stores and two logistics hubs to CWHP Ltd, part of the Tapi Group.

The transaction includes the transfer of 308 employees, but the companys two sites here  in Belfast and Newtownabbey  have not been included in the list of stores making up the sale.

Founded in 1988, Carpetright has operated across the UK and Ireland, with its headquarters in Purfleet, Essex. Before the sale, it boasted 273 stores and 1,898 employees.

Challenging trading conditions  attributed to changing customer preferences and a drop in home improvement spending post-pandemic  have placed the company under pressure in recent years.

The business was also hit by a cyber attack in April 2024, which left it unable to trade for a period of time.

Under the terms of the deal, administrators will retain employees at the companys head office for a short time to support winding down operations.

Some 1,108 individuals employed at sites not included in the transaction, as well as those providing in-home services, have been made redundant.

The company said the decision was taken with deep regret.

"The administrators are working closely with the Redundancy Payments Service to ensure that those affected receive their statutory entitlements as soon as possible, said a spokesperson.

Administrators have been appointed to the company

"Tapi Group has shown a strong dedication to assisting affected Carpetright employees, by collaborating with other retailers to ensure their job applications receive priority and funding workshops aimed at improving employability skills. The administrators will assist in facilitating this.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said: Carpetright has fallen victim to challenges facing many retailers, especially those selling big ticket items.

"A mixture of factors, including a big reduction in consumer spending due to cost of living pressures, lower home sales and a debilitating cyber attack made it impossible for the business to continue in its current form.

"The sale of some stores and the brand to Tapi has allowed over 300 jobs to be saved, and gives the Carpetright brand the chance to continue and flourish under its new ownership.

"However, it is deeply saddening that for the remainder of the workforce there will be redundancies. We are committed to helping those affected and will make sure redundancy claims are processed as quickly as possible.

"In collaboration with Tapi, we will assist in efforts to help individuals find new jobs elsewhere.

"We know this is an uncertain time for many of those affected and want to thank all the staff for the support they have given the company in these difficult circumstances.

Any outstanding orders placed with stores not included in the transaction are unable to be fulfilled, with customers affected being advised to contact their payment card provider about seeking a refund.

Information on outstanding orders from stores included in the transaction is available on the companys website.
The government has ruled out offering financial support to Harland and Wolff because of a very substantial risk that taxpayer money would be lost.

In a statement released on Monday, Labour business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said that following a review, the government has decided against providing a guarantee to bail out the ailing shipyard.

The company, which is part of a consortium that landed a major contract to build new Royal Navy ships, had applied for a 200 million loan guarantee from the government as part of efforts to restructure its finances.

In the statement Mr Reynolds said: While such a decision is not easy, it is my assessment, following extensive engagement by my officials with market players, that HM Government funding would not necessarily secure our objectives and there is a very substantial risk that taxpayer money would be lost.

The government believes, in this instance, that the market is best placed to resolve the commercial matters faced by Harland and Wolff.

Mr Reynolds emphasised that the government is committed to supporting UK shipbuilding.

The Belfast-based shipyard company, famous for building the ill-fated Titanic, said on Friday that its application for a 200 million Export Development Guarantee had been rejected.

The company, which has substantial debts, is now discussing an emergency loan with its existing lender.

Harland and Wolff, whose twin cranes Samson and Goliath define the Belfast skyline, had been contracted to build three fleet ships for the Royal Navy as part of a 1.6bn contract.

It employs 1,500 employees across the UK, with 500 based in Belfast.

Last year, the shipyard delivered its first ship in 20 years as it was contracted to build 23 barges for a London-based waste management firm, Cory.

East Belfast MP, Gavin Robinson, told BBC News NIs Good Morning Ulster that the contract still puts the shipyard in a much better place than it was just five years ago, when it went into administration.

Meanwhile Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: Harland & Wolffs workforce and the shipyards they work in are of critical strategic importance.

"Five years after Unite members secured Harland and Wolffs survival in Belfast, the political focus must now be on attracting stakeholders who are committed to building a long-term future, rather than those looking to turn a quick profit.

I have been very clear with ministers that our union will leave no stone unturned to defend these vital assets and Unite has been engaging positively with senior government officials in order to ensure that this happens.

Matt Roberts from the GMB union added: These are worrying times for workers and their families in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the South West.

These yards have been at the heart of UK manufacturing for centuries - from building the Titanic to the ships that defeated the Armada.

Now they are critical to our future security in building the Fleet Solid Support ships for our navy and in providing the renewables infrastructure needed to reach net zero.

These yards must be saved and their long-term sustainable future secured.
Flat-pack furniture fans can now click and collect their Ikea orders at two Tesco stores in Northern Ireland.

It means customers can pick up furniture orders at their local Tesco instead of having to drive to the nearest Ikea store.

The only Ikea store in Northern Ireland is at Holywood Exchange, on the outskirts of Belfast.

Dungannon and Limavady will be home to the two new Tesco pick-up points, as Ikea also celebrates the opening of its 100th UK click and collect location.

The Swedish furniture giant hopes to open another 100 within the next year.

Jakob Bertilsson, country customer fulfilment manager for Ikea UK, called it an exciting moment in their journey to make their stores more accessible.

He said: As we continue to see a shift in our visitors wants to shop even more conveniently, we need to constantly develop and improve with better and more affordable services.

Our ambitions to double our Click & Collect offering, combined with the strengthening of services such as Ikea Home Delivery, means we are now closer than ever to people in all parts of the UK.

The retailer said its online business has grown rapidly and now almost 40% of total sales are done there.

It wants more than 90% of UK shoppers to be within five miles of an Ikea collection point within the next year.

Simon Williams, Tescos assets and estates director, said: Were always looking for ways to serve our customers better and help make their shop even more convenient.

We are pleased to be working with Ikea to give their customers the option to collect orders from more of our stores.

We are proud of this 100th Click & Collect point milestone and hope this continues to improve the shopping experience for Tesco and Ikea customers.

Ikea click and collect was first piloted in 2022 before being brought out nationwide the following year. The service has become popular, with nine out of 10 customers approving of it, according to Ikea.

In 2023, the company also started offering free small parcel deliveries on orders over 60 and reduced prices for furniture delivery to improve its home delivery service.

Ikea also offers collections at DPD pickup points and customers can currently click and collect at the Ikea store in Belfast for free.

The company is piloting branded Ikea lockers in Tesco stores in other parts of the UK this summer.

Customers can use the click and collect service by placing an order on Ikea.com, using the app or with the assistance of an Ikea worker either remotely or in-store.

Delivery is free if the order is over 100, or 5 otherwise.

Orders can be made from next-day and collected at a local participating Tesco store within one of two daily collection windows.

The two new mobile pick-up points in Northern Ireland are at Tesco Dungannon Superstore, Dungannon, BT71 and Tesco Limavady Roevalley Superstore, Limavady, BT49.

You can locate your closest Ikea Click and Collect points on their website or on the mobile app.
Leading NI GP dreading Monday after tech chaos

The chair of the NIs BMA GP committee said they had received no technical support on Friday.

Dr Frances O'Hagan

James McNaney Mon 22 Jul 2024 at 07:50

One of Northern Irelands most senior GPs said that she is dreading work on Monday and called for patience from the public as staff deal with the aftermath of a worldwide computer glitch that struck on Friday.
Danny Creggan said that many elements of the original station would remain.

Some of the people behind legendary pirate radio station Energy 106 have spoken of their excitement as it prepares to return to the airwaves  this time legally.
I was standing in Ukraine in a graveyard not far from the front line, and all these fresh graves with all the flowers on them and Im just saying to myself, whats this all about?
Coffee is one of the fastest-changing consumer markets

Coffee is one of the fastest-changing consumer markets, and the options for a cup of instant joe at home are growing.

A big innovation in the coffee at home market has been instant Americano-style.

Weve come a long way since Nescafe Gold Blend was the most sophisticated instant on the market.

The most prevalent brand in the premium instant category is Nescafe Azera Americano, though there are many others from manufacturers such as Kenco and Lavazza.

Azera is pitched as a high-end product, described by Nescafe as loved by urban millennials, and the price reflects that.

Its made of blended Arabica and robusta coffee beans and manufactured to have a layer of crema on top, just like a barista-made Americano.

But prices might make you wince. While a 100g jar of Nescafe Gold Blend is 3.45 in Tesco, its charging over 90% more for a smaller, 90g container of Azera at 6.50.

Which supermarket is brewing up NIs best bargain on premium instant coffee?

However, Tesco is offering the bumper 140g jar of Azera for 5.75, so thats a significant saving.

And Co-op is hot on Tescos heels, also selling 140g of Azera for 5.75.

So if youre shopping in either of those locations, dont get caught out buying a 90g jar and check if the 140g offer is still on.

Sainsburys does match Tesco on price for its 90g jar, but its 140g tub is 42% more expensive at 8.15.

Co-op is charging 25p more for its 90g tin, at 6.75.

Dunnes had the highest price for 90g of Azera of the three large supermarkets weve surveyed at 6.80, though thats not significantly more than the others.

However, at 8.75, Dunnes 140g tub is over 50% more expensive than the Co-op and Tesco offer.

Of all the retailers, Spar charges the highest price for 90g of Azera, at 7.40.

It didnt have a 140g jar on sale when we visited.

And the prices of Azera and other coffee products, whether to drink at home or when youre out and about, arent going to be dropping.

The chairman of Lavazza, best known for its coffee beans and ground coffee, has warned that the industry is reeling from unprecedented supply-side shocks.

Raw material costs, disappointing harvests and a security crisis affecting shipping through the Suez Canal are among the factors that have driven up prices.

Robusta beans recently hit an all-time high of $4,667 (approximately 3,612) a metric ton on the London-based ICE Futures Europe market.

Giuseppe Lavazza predicted that trend was likely to continue throughout the year, thus driving up prices of on-the-shelf coffee.

Speaking at Wimbledon earlier this month, where the company was a sponsor, Mr Lavazza said: The coffee supply chain has been dramatically under pressure for the past three years because of the price of raw materials.

He added that this would increase the price of coffee for UK consumers between 20% and 25% higher in the period from the start of 2023 and the end of 2024.

People are going to have accept that the price of coffee is going to get more expensive in the short-term, he said.

We can expect premium instants to reflect that.
The number of young people leaving school with top exam grades is falling in Northern Ireland.

There are also signs that the trend for young people to opt for a university elsewhere - the so-called brain drain - is starting to reverse.

Fewer school leavers also headed to university, with more going straight into the workplace.

The details emerge in a Department of Education report looking at choices made by school leavers after the 2022/23 academic year.

It shows over two-thirds (68.2%) of grammar school pupils opt for university.

Overall, 41.5% of over 23,000 school leavers went on to university, a significant drop from the 47.9% just three years ago.

Only 21.4% of non-grammar pupils followed the same path, with almost twice as many (40.4%) heading to further education colleges.

Overall, 30.3% chose the further education route  up from 27.4% the year before.

A significantly higher number of Catholic pupils (44.7%) extended their studies at university compared to 39.2% from the Protestant community.

Fewer Catholics became unemployed on leaving school  10.9% compared to 11.6% of Protestants.

Overall, though, the trend for young people heading off to university elsewhere is changing, with more continuing their studies in Northern Ireland.

Some 77.9% of school leavers remained here to attend university in 2022/23, up from 73.1% in 2021/22, while 20.4% moved to Great Britain  down from 25.2%. Just 1.7% go elsewhere.

School leavers who identify as Catholic are much more likely to remain in Northern Ireland if they go on to attend university. Some 82.8% remain here while 15.4% choose to study at other GB universities with 1.8% heading elsewhere.

Almost a quarter of young Protestant school leavers head to institutions in Great Britain (24.1%) with 74.9% choosing to attend a university in Northern Ireland.

The statistics also show that females are still leaving school with higher grades than their male classmates.

Some 79.4% of female school leavers achieve at least five GCSEs (including English and maths) compared to 72.9% of males achieving that standard.

Overall, the GCSE results achieved by school leavers across Northern Ireland in 2022/23 were the lowest in the past three years, with 76.1% leaving school with at least five GCSEs that include English and maths. That figure fell from 78% the year before.

At 89.8% in 2022/23, the proportion of school leavers achieving at least any five GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent has decreased by 2.1 percentage points from 2021/22 (91.9%).

Again, pupils attending grammar schools do significantly better, with 96.0% leaving school with at least five GCSEs overall, compared to 61.1% of non-grammar school leavers.

What area of Northern Ireland pupils live in can also have a significant impact on their results.

The Lisburn and Castlereagh council area leads the way in producing the most pupils leaving with high grades, with some 83.0% achieving five or more GCSEs (including English and maths) and 63.0% leaving with three A-levels to their name.

Those living in the Fermanagh and Omagh area also fare well, with 81.0% achieving five GCSEs on leaving school (including English and Maths) and 60.1% gaining three A-levels.

The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area was the only one to see fewer than half of school leavers pass two or more A-levels (47.3%).

The area also produced the second lowest number of school leavers with five GCSEs (72.3%), though Belfast pupils fared worse, with 71.7% leaving with five GCSEs (including English and Maths).

News Catch Up: Monday 22nd July
Stay Well: Why do I have a dowagers hump and what can I do to fix it?
Police have confirmed that a man aged in his 70s has died in tragic circumstances on his farm near Dromore in Co Tyrone this weekend.

A funeral notice for Mr Harold Gilmore states that he was the devoted father of eight daughters, and also a cherished grandfather.

Mr Gilmores farm is located on the Fintona Road in the area and he is understood to have passed away on Saturday evening, following an incident while working with livestock.

A PSNI spokesperson said, Police attended a report of a sudden death at the Fintona Road area of Dromore on Saturday, July 20. Enquiries are continuing but at this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.

The deceased was well known throughout the farming fraternity and beyond. Former councillor Bert Wilson told the Ulster Herald newspaper that the local community had been left reeling by news of Mr Gilmores tragic passing.

Its an awful tragedy, he said.

Its really sad for the entire family connection. Harold has farmed for a lifetime, and, while he was in his mid seventies, he was in good health.

This incident reminds us all of the many dangers of farming.

Mr Gilmores funeral notice continues: Everyone is welcome to call at his late home on Monday and Tuesday between 2-9pm.

Funeral arrangements to follow:

Family flowers only please

Donations in Lieu if desired to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and Belfast City Hospital Renal and Kidney Transplant Unit.

News Catch Up: Monday 22nd July
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump stands on stage with former first lady Melania Trump, family members and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, during the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. Carolyn Kaster/AP

The claim: Vice President Kamala Harris said in a campaign video that former President Donald Trumps pick for vice president will be loyal only to Trump, not to our country.

Harris said in the video that the Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, will rubber stamp Trumps extreme agenda. She added, Unlike Mike Pence, Vance said he would have carried out Trumps plan to overturn the 2020 election.

PolitiFact ruling: Mostly True. Vance hasnt said exactly that. But he has said he supported Trumps plan to present Congress with alternate slates of electors on Jan. 6, 2021, that showed Trump winning battleground states he actually had lost.

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Vances statement showed he supported pursuing a path that would have allowed Congress to challenge Bidens victory. The statement is accurate but needs clarification or additional information.

Discussion

After losing the 2020 election, Trump and his allies sought to enlist help from state elected officials, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to stay in office.

Trump allies put forward their own slates of alternate electors to sign certificates declaring that Trump won battleground states that he actually lost. Trump critics have referred to them as fake electors and state prosecutors have criminally charged dozens of them. On Jan. 6, 2021, Pence refused to consider Trumps alternate slates of electors.

Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 loss happened before Vance was a senator, so Vance was not in a position to vote to accept the electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021. Vance won the U.S. Senate race in 2022.

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We examined how Vance has addressed this issue in media interviews and found that he hasnt directly said he would have overturned the election. But comments hes made that Congress should have considered multiple slates of electors align with plans by Trump and his allies to have an alternate slate of electors vote for Trump. Vance has also said the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

When Congress meets to certify the election results, the vice president opens the envelopes from each state that contain the results that determine which candidate received that states electoral votes. These results, presented in official certificates, have been signed and sealed. The vice president opens the envelopes and hands them to four members from the House and Senate who read the results aloud. At the end, the vice president announces the final tally.

Pence has said that Trump asked him to overturn the election by returning or rejecting votes cast for Biden. Pence said he had no authority to do that.

In a February 2024 interview, ABCs This Week host George Stephanopoulos asked Vance how he would have handled the election results if he had been vice president in 2020.

Vance said there should have been multiple slates of electors. In 2022, Congress clarified the Electoral Count Act to say the vice presidents role is strictly ministerial and binds Congress to accept a single slate of electors from each state.

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Stephanopoulos asked Vance, Had you been vice president on Jan. 6, would you have certified the election results?

Vance said he thought there were problems with the 2020 election, including changes in Pennsylvania balloting rules. (In October 2019, Pennsylvanias General Assembly passed Act 77 to permit no-excuse, mail-in voting.)

So, litigating which slate of electors were legitimate I think is fundamentally the political solution to the problems that existed in 2020, Vance said.

Stephanopoulos again asked: Would you have certified the election results had you been vice president?

Vance said, If I had been vice president, I 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. That is the legitimate way to deal with an election that a lot of folks, including me, think had a lot of problems in 2020. I think thats what we should have done.

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Stephanopoulos said to Vance, So, its very clear, you would have done what Donald Trump asked you to do there, not what Vice President Mike Pence did.

Vance said, Its not about what Donald Trump asks somebody to do. Its about, what do we do when you have a problem like what happened in 2020? How do you respond to it? How does the political system respond to this?

When Vance ran for U.S. Senate, he told Time magazine in a July 2021 interview that he thought the 2020 election was unfair.

I think Josh Hawley did the right thing, he said.

Hawley, a Republican senator from Missouri, led the Senate charge against Congress accepting Joe Bidens victory  a position he kept after the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Much of Hawleys argument was based on changes to Pennsylvania mail-in voting.

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Courts, state election officials, including Georgia Republicans, and Trump administration officials said that the 2020 election results were legitimate. By contrast, Vance has claimed that people voted illegally on a large-scale basis.

During a Senate primary debate in 2022, Vance said, I say it all the time: I think the election was stolen from Trump.

Weeks before the 2022 midterms, the Cincinnati Enquirer asked Vance, Do you believe President Joe Biden was legitimately elected in 2020?

Vance said, I mean, hes the president, right? He is certainly the legitimate president of the United States. The thing that Ive always said here, and Ill repeat to you, is, Was the election in 2020 free and fair, was it above board?  My answer is no, I really dont think that it was.

In a June 2024 interview with Ross Douthat, a conservative opinion columnist at the New York Times, Vance said there should have been an effort to provide alternate slates of electors to force us to have that debate. He also said that challenging elections and questioning the legitimacy of elections is part of the democratic process.

CNNs Dana Bash asked Vance on May 12 whether he would commit to accepting the 2024 election results.

Certainly, if we have a free and fair election, I will accept the results, Vance said.

Bash asked Vance, Even if Joe Biden wins?
RTE documentary investigates church handling of claims against late cleric

He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked, said Patricia Donovan. Photo: RTE

The niece of Bishop Eamonn Casey has spoken on camera for the first time about how she was raped by her uncle when she was aged five.

Patricia Donovan, the late bishops niece and one of his accusers, said the sexual abuse continued for years.

Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets, which airs tonight on RTE, investigates the Catholic Churchs handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, who died in 2017.

Ms Donovan told RTE she felt so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the church she was brought up in.

Some of the things he did to me, and where he did them. The horror of being raped by him when I was five, the violence. And it just carried on in that vein, she said in the documentary made in conjunction with the Irish Mail on Sunday.

He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked. He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him. It didnt make any difference.

Ian Elliott, the former chief executive of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, described Bishop Casey as a sexual predator and offender.

Mr Elliott told the investigation he found Ms Donovans account of what she has been through entirely credible.

The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people, he said.

That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped. Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the church. That is a major priority.

Bishop Eamonn Casey. Photo: Brian Arthur/ Press 22

Casey, born in Co Kerry, served as bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh from 1976 to 1992, and was seen as a progressive voice within the church.

He resigned in 1992 when it was revealed he had an affair with a young American woman, Annie Murphy, with whom he had a child.

He was sent to do missionary work for several years in South America and then ministered in England.

In 2019, the Galway Diocese received the allegation of child sexual abuse against Casey from Ms Donovan. However, the diocese also confirmed it had records of five people who had complained of childhood sexual abuse against him at the time.

These independent accusations relate to alleged events in every Irish diocese where Casey worked.

By early 2006, the Vatican had received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against him.

Bishop Eamonn Casey. Photo: RTE

The Vatican has now confirmed for the first time that Casey was formally banned from public ministry in 2007, following allegations, which included his nieces complaint.

Despite his resignation in 1992, he remained a bishop until his death and claimed his removal from ministry was unjust.

RTEs investigation also revealed how the Limerick diocese paid more than 100,000 in settlement to one of Caseys accusers after his death.

Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him and was never prosecuted despite complaints being reported to An Garda Siochana.

Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets will air at 9.35pm tonight on RTE One and on the RTE Player

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News Catch Up: Monday 22nd July
The SNP remains in a strong position despite the general election setback, John Swinney has said as he switches his focus to 2026.

The Scottish First Minister said he was deeply concerned about his partys poor electoral performance on July 4, which saw the SNP drop to just nine seats from 48 in 2019.

Senior party figures have called for a reset, including former SNP MP Mhairi Black, who urged Mr Swinney to be real and brutal about the challenges his party faces.

In one of his first interviews since the election, Mr Swinney told the PA news agency the general election was just a setback and he pledged to win over voters in the 2026 Scottish Parliament vote.

He said: The SNP remains in a strong position. Weve lost parliamentary seats  thats a setback.

But weve got secure foundations and I intend to build on those in advance of the 2026 elections, and to make sure that there is an understanding and an appreciation of the formidable record of the Scottish Government in representing the people of Scotland.

Mr Swinney, who was visiting St Fergus Gas Terminal, near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, on Monday, added: Im deeply concerned about the implications of the election and the fact that I lost so many experienced and valuable parliamentary colleges.

(PA Graphics)

I have expressed publicly my sympathy with these individuals and to the staff who have been affected as a consequence.

The process of reflection is already under way, with Mr Swinney stating his party would learn lessons.

He said: The SNP has got to look long and hard at the election campaign. Thats what were doing just now. Our party executive will consider off of these issues in early August and will reflect on the outcome of the election.

Were obviously engaging with party members about all of these questions. Its important that we learn those lessons, identify what the challenges were in the election campaign, and most importantly, remedy those challenges.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met US President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington DC (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Joe Bidens presidency will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America, Sir Keir Starmer said after the US president announced he would not seek a second term in the White House.

The Prime Minister said the 81-year-olds decision to abandon his re-election campaign would not have been an easy one.

Sir Keir said the US president was a man who, during five decades of service, never lost touch with the concerns of working people and always put his country first.

He told MPs: His presidency will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America to freedom and security on this continent.

Most of all, of course, in our steadfast resolve to stand by the people of Ukraine.

He leaves the Nato alliance stronger than its been for decades.

Mr Biden bowed out of the presidential race in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

The US president backed vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Joe Biden at the Nato summit in Washington (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, earlier told reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow: I respect that decision that he has now made.

Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris  who he has never met  but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

Obviously in the first instance, its for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president, he said.

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My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.

The US president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

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And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as president for the remainder of my term, he said.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Bidens term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice president Ms Harris said she was honoured to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his extraordinary leadership and for making a selfless and patriotic act by stepping aside.

She said: I am honoured to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak praised Mr Bidens love for America and dedication to service.

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Mr Sunak said: Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including Aukus, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.

I wish him all the best.

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The US ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley said: In every endeavour, President Biden has demonstrated a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

His decision not to pursue another term is a selfless act that highlights his dedication to our country.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: I predicted this would happen in September 2023.

Whoever they pick, Trump will win in November.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!

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He added: We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Former president Barack Obama praised Mr Biden as a patriot of the highest order, saying the US president had put American interests ahead of his own as he decided not to seek re-election.

But he stopped short of endorsing Ms Harris as other senior Democrats have.

He said: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support.
US President Joe Biden has stepped aside following concerns about his fitness (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Democratic politicians hailed US President Joe Bidens historic decision on Sunday not to seek re-election, praising him for putting his country and his party before himself.

Republicans called on him to resign from office, saying that if he could not run for another term, office, then he is unable to serve as president.

Mr Bidens announcement came after more than two weeks of Democrats urging him to withdraw from the race.

Nearly three dozen lawmakers had publicly called on him to end his re-election bid. Others had voiced concerns privately about what the ramifications would be for down-ballot Democrats if he remained in the race. When the president heeded those concerns, Democrats called it a selfless move.

Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

Republicans have seized on Mr Bidens poor debate performance last month to batter him as incapable of serving four more years. Now that he is out of the presidential election, many said he should resign his office, too.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough, House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

If the Democratic party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for re-election, hes certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately, tweeted Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer.

Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, who was initially expected to face off against Kamala Harris in a debate, linked her on Sunday to all Mr Bidens policies.

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Mr Vance said Ms Harris co-signed Mr Bidens border and climate policies and that those drove up prices for housing and groceries.

She owns all of these failures, Mr Vance said on X, formerly Twitter.

President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoevers at the top of the Democrat ticket, the Ohio senator said. Bring it on.

Mr Bidens former chief of staff, Ron Klain, called on Democrats to quickly unite around Vice President Kamala Harris as the natural successor to Mr Biden, saying on social media that its time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign.

Lets get real and win in November, Mr Klain said.

But in their initial statements, many Democrats made no mention of Ms Harris. Some are calling for an open process in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee.

Mr Schumer and Senator Dick Durbin, the top two Senate Democrats, did not offer support for Ms Harris.

Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort, Mr Durbin said.

Rep Lloyd Doggett of Texas, the first House Democrat to call on Mr Biden to step down, said once again President Biden comes through for America, putting country over ego in a way that Donald Trump never could.

He said that while Ms Harris is clearly the leading candidate to replace Mr Biden, we should be open to all talented individuals who wish to be considered.

Many Democrats did quickly assemble behind Ms Harris.

The leaders of two of the largest Democratic House caucuses, Representatives Pramila Jayapal, chair of the left-wing Congressional Progressive Caucus and Annie Kuster, chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Ms Harris on Sunday afternoon.

The endorsements were part of an effort among Democrats in Congress to quickly assemble behind a candidate and try to put behind them the weeks of intraparty tension that have marked the aftermath of the June 27 debate.

Millions of Americans cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the primary. Vice President Harris has proven time and time again that she can prosecute the case against Donald Trump and campaign vigorously for Democrats down the ballot, Ms Jayapal said in a statement.

The Congressional Black Caucus also, through its political action committee, gave its support to Ms Harris as the next Democratic nominee. The black caucus had stood by Mr Biden since the debate last month even as many other Democrats called for him to step aside.

Several Democratic senators individually weighed in with support for Ms Harris, including Patty Murray of Washington, Mark Warner of Virginia, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

The reaction to Mr Bidens announcement reverberated around the county and the world.Then-president Barack Obama presents then-vice president Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in 2017 (Susan Walsh/AP)

Former President Barack Obama saluted his vice president of eight years.

Joe Biden has been one of Americas most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, weve also been reminded  again  that hes a patriot of the highest order, Mr Obama said.

Internationally, Israels president, Isaac Herzog, offered heartfelt thanks to Mr Biden for supporting the Israeli people over his long career.

Mr Herzog wrote on social media that Mr Biden was the first American president to visit Israel at a time of war, after the October 7 Hamas attack and called Mr Biden a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Mr Biden for his leadership and said the alliance between their two countries has never been stronger.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the difficult decision Mr Biden had to make and said: Poland, America and the world are safer and democracy stronger because of the US president.
Joe Bidens withdrawal from the US presidential race injects greater uncertainty into the world at a time when western leaders are grappling with wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a more assertive China in Asia and the rise of the far right in Europe.

After his announcement, messages of support and gratitude for his years of service poured in from near and far.

During a five-decade career in politics, he has developed extensive personal relationships with multiple foreign leaders that none of the potential replacements on the Democratic ticket can match.

The scope of foreign policy challenges facing the next president makes clear how consequential what happens in Washington is for the rest of the planet. Heres a look at some of them.

 Israel

With Vice President Kamala Harris being eyed as a potential replacement for Mr Biden, Israelis are scrambling to understand what her candidacy would mean for their country as it faces increasing global isolation over its military campaign against Hamas.

Israels left-wing Haaretz daily newspaper ran a story scrutinising Ms Harriss record of support for Israel, pointing to her reputation as Mr Bidens bad cop who has vocally admonished Israel for its offensive in Gaza.

In recent months, she has gone further than Mr Biden in calling for a ceasefire, denouncing Israels invasion of Rafah and expressing horror over the civilian death toll in Gaza.

With Biden leaving, Israel has lost perhaps the last Zionist president, said Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York. A new Democratic candidate will upend the dynamic.

Mr Bidens defence of Israel since Hamass October 7 attack has its roots in his half-century of support for the country as a senator, vice president and president. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked him for his unwavering support of Israel over the years.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Mr Biden as a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples and a true ally of the Jewish people.

Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2023 (Evan Vucci/AP)

There was no immediate reaction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an ally of former president Donald Trump whose history of cordial relations with Mr Biden has come under strain during the Israel-Hamas war.

 Ukraine

Any Democratic candidate would be likely to continue Mr Bidens legacy of military support for Ukraine, but frustration has grown in Ukraine and Europe over the slow pace of US aid and restrictions on the use of western weapons.

Most Europeans realise that Ukraine is increasingly going to be their burden, said Sudha David-Wilp, director of the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund, a research institute. Everyone is trying to get ready for all the possible outcomes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he respected the tough but strong decision by Mr Biden to drop out of the campaign, and thanked him for his help in preventing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country.

Mr Trump has promised to end Russias war on Ukraine in one day if he is elected  a prospect that has raised fears in Ukraine that Russia might be allowed to keep the territory it occupies.

His vice presidential pick, JD Vance, is among Congresss most vocal opponents of US aid for Ukraine and has further raised the stakes for Kyiv.

JD Vance with Donald Trump at a campaign rally (Evan Vucci/AP)

Russia has dismissed the importance of the presidential race, insisting that no matter what happens, Moscow will press on in Ukraine.

 China

In recent months, both Mr Biden and Mr Trump have tried to show voters who can best stand up to Beijings growing military strength and belligerence and protect US businesses and workers from low-priced Chinese imports. Mr Biden has hiked tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and Mr Trump has promised to implement tariffs of 60% on all Chinese products.

Mr Trumps America First doctrine exacerbated tensions with Beijing, but disputes with the geopolitical rival and economic colossus over wars, trade, technology and security continued into Mr Bidens term.

Chinas official reaction to the presidential race has been careful.

The US elections are US internal politics. I have no comment on this, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

The official Xinhua news agency treated the story of Mr Bidens decision as relatively minor.

 Iran

With Tehrans proxies across the Middle East increasingly entangled in the Israel-Hamas war, the US faces a region in disarray.

The Israeli army struck several Houthi targets in western Yemen over the weekend (AP)

Yemens Iran-backed Houthis struck Tel Aviv for the first time last week, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes inside war-torn Yemen. Simmering tensions and cross-border attacks between Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group and the Israeli military have raised fears of an all-out regional conflagration.

Hamas, which also receives support from Iran, continues to fight Israel nine months into a war that has killed 38,000 Palestinians and displaced over 80% of Gazas population.

The US and its allies have accused Iran of expanding its nuclear programme and enriching uranium to an unprecedented 60% level, near-weapons-grade levels.

After then-president Trump withdrew from Tehrans landmark nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, Mr Biden said he wanted to reverse his predecessors hawkish anti-Iran stance, but the administration has maintained severe economic sanctions against Tehran and overseen failed attempts to renegotiate the agreement.

The sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi  the supreme leaders hardline protege  in a helicopter crash vaulted a new reformist to the presidency in Iran, generating new opportunities and risks. Masoud Pezeshkian has said he wants to help Iran open up to the world but has maintained a defiant tone against the US.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani brushed off Mr Bidens withdrawal, saying: To us, the coming and going of governments and persons on top of the US administration is not important on its own. What can change the atmosphere of relations is a fundamental change in this hostile policy against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 Europe and Nato

Many Europeans were happy to see Mr Trump go after his years of disparaging the EU and undermining Nato. His dismissive attitude towards European allies in last months presidential debate did nothing to ease those concerns.

Mr Biden has supported close US relations with bloc leaders.

After his decision to bow out of the race, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called his choice probably the most difficult one in your life. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he respected the decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.

Irish premier Simon Harris called Mr Biden a proud American with an Irish soul.

The question of whether Nato can maintain its momentum in supporting Ukraine and checking the ambitions of other authoritarian states hangs in the balance of this presidential election, analysts say.

They dont want to see Donald Trump as president. So theres quite a bit of relief but also quite a bit of nervousness about Mr Bidens decision to drop out, said Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Like many in the United States, but perhaps more so, they are really quite confused.

 Mexico

The close relationship between Mexico and the US has been marked in recent years by disagreements over trade, energy and climate change. Since President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took power in 2018, both countries have found common ground on migration, with Mexico making it more difficult for migrants to cross its country to the US border and Washington not pressing on other issues.

The Lopez Obrador administration kept that policy while Mr Trump was president and continued it into Mr Bidens term.

On Friday, Mexicos president called Mr Trump a friend and said he would write to him to warn against pledging to close the border or blaming migrants for bringing drugs into the US.

I am going to prove to him that migrants dont carry drugs to the United States, he said, adding that closing the border wont solve anything, and anyway, it cant be done.
President Joe Biden speaks to the media as he arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, last week. AP

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she would seek the Democratic nomination for president following Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 race and endorse her.

"I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination," Harris said in a statement on Sunday.

Joe Biden announced he will not be standing for re-election in the upcoming American presidential campaign at around 6.46pm (GMT) on Sunday.

The current US President ended his re-election campaign via a statement posted on social media, saying "it is in the best interest of my party and the country.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President, he wrote, addressing the American people.

"And while it as been my intention to seek re election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

He backed his Vice President as his replacement.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, he wrote on X..

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More of the 81-year-old Presidents Democratic colleagues have been calling on him to end his re-election bid in recent weeks, particularly after two excruciating verbal slip-ups he made earlier this month.

The first came during a Nato summit event on Thursday when Mr Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as President Putin.

Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin, Mr Biden said at summit in Washington, drawing gasps from those in the room before correcting himself.

Later he mixed up the name of his vice president, Kamala Harris, and his Republican rival Donald Trump.

Responded to a question about his confidence in Ms Harris at a solo press conference, Mr Biden said: Look, I wouldnt have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if she was not qualified to be president. So start there. This time he failed to correct the gaffe.

Joe Biden confuses Kamala Harris with former President Trump

Read more Trump turns sights on Harris after Biden abandons race for the White House

Reacting to the news, Donald Trump posted on his platform Truth Social: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve - and never was!"

"He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement.

"All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasnt capable of being President, and he wasnt.

"We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary  who is also currently the chancellor for Queens University Belfast, released a statement thanking President Biden for his service and joining him in endorsing Vice President Harris.

"[We] will do whatever we can to support her, they said.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.

'It is Donald Trump's election to lose' - expert reacts to Biden's withdrawal

Niall Stanage, a US-based journalist from Northern Ireland who reports on The White House, said President Bidens decision is an historic moment in American politics.

He told Sky News: This is the first president since Lyndon Johnson in the late 1960s to decide against a run for re-election - more dramatic, if anything, in President Bidens case in deciding to step aside.

I think its an effort to perhaps protect his legacy but also a recognition that following that catastrophic debate performance on June 27, he was almost inevitably going to lose to Donald Trump if he pressed ahead. And even I think his staunchest allies would have thought that would be a very sad way to go out for a man who has been in public service for half a century.

He said Bidens decision to remain in the White House for now meant he was in a tricky situation to say the very least.

Although he doesnt really go into the details of why he is not running, everyone saw the worrying signs as far as his faculty was concerned in that debate performance I just mentioned, he added.

So in effect he is saying that he accepts the criticism that he wouldnt be capable of serving a second term or at least he accepts that perception.

And I think it is legitimate then to question whether it is prudent for him to remain in the Oval Office until January of next year when the next president will be inaugurated.

Now I do think its important to disentangle that from the fact that Trump is saying it and Republicans are saying it in order to get some political advantage as well and to try to stick the Democrats generally with the charge of irresponsibility.

Not shy of stirring up controversy knowingly, the Commander In Chief will be remembered across the island of Ireland for various off-the-cuff remarks he made during his visit here last year.

In a fleeting visit to Northern Ireland last April  which lasted less than 24 hours  he gave a speech at Ulster Universitys new Belfast campus, where he expressed hopes for a return to power-sharing at Stormont, as he praised 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement.

In a landmark address, he described how Belfast has transformed from the city he visited in 1991, saying it was an incredible testament to the power and the possibilities of peace.

He then visited the Republic, including his ancestral homeplace of Ballina in Co Mayo.

In May 2023, after the trip, he told supporters he came to Ireland to make sure the Brits didnt screw around during a speech in New York.

He also joked about getting into trouble with the Catholic Church for the way he blesses himself these days.

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Irelands Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked Mr Biden following Sundays news.

He said Mr Biden had expressed a "fierce pride" in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for "reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions".

"Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this," he said.

"On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year he himself said it was like coming home.

"The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the President is held in his ancestral home."

Earlier Ireland's Tanaiste reacted to Mr Biden's withdrawal decision with "sadness and admiration".

Micheal Martin described Mr Biden as an "abiding friend of Ireland".

"I heard the news of President Biden's decision with both sadness and admiration," Mr Martin said in a post on the social network X, formerly Twitter.

"He has been an abiding friend of Ireland, providing invaluable support for peace and prosperity on this island.

"His visit last year will long be remembered as a powerful & joyous celebration of our relationship with the US

"This has no doubt been the toughest of calls, but one done, as ever, with dignity and class.

"I know that the people of Ireland will wish President Biden the very best."

Hollywood stars and singers back Kamala Harris after Joe Biden withdraws from presidential race
Hundreds of migrants from around a dozen countries have left Mexicos southern border on foot as they attempt to reach the US border.

Some of the group said they hoped to make it to the US border before elections are held in November because they fear that if Donald Trump wins, he will follow through on a promise to close the border to asylum-seekers.

We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked, said Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador.

Migrants walk along the highway through Suchiate, Chiapas state (Edgar H Clemente/AP)

He feared that a new Trump administration might stop granting appointments to migrants through CBP One, an app used by asylum-seekers to enter the US legally at US border posts, where they make their cases to officials.

The app only works once migrants reach Mexico City, or states in northern Mexico.

Everyone wants to use that route, said Mr Salazar, 37.

The group left on Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, which is next to a river that marks Mexicos border with Guatemala.

Some said they had been waiting in Ciudad Hidalgo for weeks for permits to travel to towns further north.

Migrants trying to pass through Mexico in recent years have organised large groups to try to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials as they travel, but the caravans tend to break up in southern Mexico as people get tired of walking for hundreds of miles.

The group left on Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo (Edgar H Clemente/AP)

Mexico has recently made it more difficult for migrants to reach the US border on buses and trains.Travel permits are rarely awarded to migrants who enter the country without visas and thousands have been detained by immigration officers at checkpoints in the centre and north of Mexico and taken back to towns deep in the south.

Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban, crossed from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago and waited in Ciudad Hidalgo to join the new caravan announced on social media.

He criticised Mr Trumps recent comments about migrants and how they are trying to invade the US.

We are not delinquents, he said. We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs.
A Russian court has convicted Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced her to six and a half years in prison after a secret trial, court records and officials said.

The conviction in the city of Kazan came on Friday, the same day that a court in the city of Yekaterinburg convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison in a case that the US called politically motivated.

Ms Kurmasheva, who worked for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and was an editor for the Tatar-Bashkir service, was convicted of spreading false information about the military, according to the website of the Supreme Court of Tatarstan.

Alsu Kurmasheva worked for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (AP)

Court spokesperson Natalya Loseva confirmed to the Associated Press that Ms Kurmasheva was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in a case classified as secret, with no details available about the nature of the accusations.

Asked about the verdict on Monday, Stephen Capus, RFE/RL president and chief executive, denounced the trial and conviction as a mockery of justice and said the only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors.

Its beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family, Mr Capus added in a statement to the AP.

Ms Kurmasheva, who lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters, was taken into custody in October 2023 and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military.

Later, she was also charged with spreading false information about the Russian military under legislation that effectively criminalised any public expression about the war in Ukraine that deviates from the Kremlin line.

Alsu Kurmasheva lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters (AP)

She was initially stopped in June 2023 at Kazan International Airport after traveling to Russia the previous month to visit her ailing elderly mother. Officials confiscated her US and Russian passports and fined her for failing to register her US passport.

She was waiting for her passports to be returned when she was arrested on new charges in October. RFE/RL has repeatedly called for her release.

RFE/RL was told by Russian authorities in 2017 to register as a foreign agent, but it has challenged Moscows use of foreign agent laws in the European Court of Human Rights. The organisation has been fined millions of dollars by Russia.

In February, RFE/RL was outlawed in Russia as an undesirable organisation.

The swift and secretive trials of Ms Kurmasheva and Mr Gershkovich in Russias highly politicised legal system raised hopes for a possible prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington. Russia has previously signalled a possible exchange involving Mr Gershkovich, but said a verdict in his case must come first.

Evan Gershkovich stands listening to the verdict in a glass cage (AP)

Arrests of Americans are increasingly common in Russia, with nine US citizens known to be detained there as tensions between the two countries have escalated over fighting in Ukraine.

Mr Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on March 29 2023 while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the US.

He has been behind bars since his arrest, time that will be counted as part of his sentence. Most of that was in Moscows notorious Lefortovo Prison  a czarist-era jail used during Josef Stalins purges, when executions were carried out in its basement. He was transferred to Yekaterinburg for the trial.

Mr Gershkovich was the first US journalist arrested on espionage charges since Nicholas Daniloff in 1986, at the height of the Cold War. Foreign journalists in Russia were shocked by his arrest, even though the country has enacted increasingly repressive laws on freedom of speech after sending troops into Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden said after his conviction that Mr Gershkovich was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American.
The paramilitary group went underground after the first world war before the modern UVF emerged in the 1960s

The name Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has a history going back to before the First World War and the Home Rule Crisis.

However, todays modern UVF was formed in 1965, stemming from Unionist concerns over civil rights marches.

Some feared that the marches were a front for republicanism opposing the existence of Northern Ireland.

Since 1966, the UVF has killed over 500 people, the vast majority Catholic civilians.

The group killed the first victim of the troubles  an elderly protestant woman, when a petrol bomb intended for a Catholic owned bar on the Shankill spread to her home.

The history of the UVF is intertwined with Gusty Spence. He confounded the organisation and was key in deciding its tactics.

The ex-British Army soldier from the Shankill eventually became the UVF commander in the Maze Prison.

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Aaron Edwards, author of UVF: Behind the mask to discuss the origins of the modern UVF, the role of Gusty Spence and the first five years of the organization.
Microsoft reported that 8.5 million of its devices were impacted by the CrowdStrike outage that halted daily business operations last week.

A faulty software update by the cybersecurity firm caused system problems across industries such as media, airlines, and banks.

Microsoft Assures Customers After Global Outage

In a blog post, Microsoft announced that an estimated count of 8.5 million devices were identified to be affected by the outage. The tech giant assured that it only affected less than one percent of all Windows machines.

"While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services," Microsoft wrote.

The company also emphasized the significance of operating with a safe deployment and recovery process that can be utilized to quickly resolve such issues. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike have been working closely to collect information and disseminate automatic and manual solutions for IT admins to recover the functions of the machines.

CrowdStrike Offers Assistance to Remaining Affected Systems

The cybersecurity firm updated that it is still testing new techniques that would accelerate the remediation for impacted systems. Customers are encouraged to stay alert for updates and instructions to fix their devices.

Last July 18, several Windows devices suddenly displayed a blue screen, indicating an internal error. The outage quickly dispersed in different countries, affecting big-time operations like airlines.

CrowdStrike acknowledged the issue and revealed that it was not caused by a cyberattack. The outage was due to a defect in a Falcon content update for Windows and did not affect Mac and Linux hosts.

As of writing, both companies have issued a list of alternative solutions that IT admins could easily follow. Device-specific recovery processes were also released to assist still-impacted devices.
Restaurant review: Cosy Belfast eatery at the tapas of its game

Gnostic 13 Corporation Square, Belfast Tel: 028 9592 8950 A return visit to the cosy little bar/eatery hits the spot with bigger plates and punchier flavours

Crispy squid at Gnostic

Aine Toner Mon 22 Jul 2024 at 13:00







Small plates of food do a meal make... if you eat enough of them. We first visited Gnostic in 2022 and were regular attendees, charmed by its attention to flavour and presentation.
MANCHESTER  Inside the Yester House Gallery at the Southern Vermont Arts Center complex read a simple sign: Hobbit Camp this way. Follow the laughter of hobbits.

The hobbits could indeed be heard laughing and giggling, and it was not hard to find their location toward the back of the maze of gallery rooms.

Sunlight streamed in through the window and pooled on the surface of a table, which was already starting to resemble a map of a village.

The hobbits were gathered around, busily creating their big world.

Lynne Debeer, the leader of Southern Vermont Arts Centers Hobbit Camp for youngsters ages 5 to 7, was listing off the tasks on the days to-do list. Were going to finish our drawings, and then, well, we started setting up our village," she said. "But, later, were going to go out and collect."

"Hobbit Camp is all about mythical and mystical creatures, explained Debeer. We create our village, and we become our creatures.

The items that the participants of Hobbit Camp would be collecting that day are all items found in nature. They include everything from acorns and pinecones to moss, bark and pebbles.

So far, we know that our community is called Creature Kingdom, explained Debeer of the story that the kids had begun weaving. Creature Kingdom has a lot of food, and were going to go help the people in Who Village because they dont have any food. Were very abundant, but theyre not.

At the end of the week, the goal is to have a play prepared to explain the community that they created.

Natural items already littered the table, possibly the foraged treasures of a previous hunt, and the surface of the large table was covered in a green mossy substrate, resembling a forest floor. Pieces of stumps and tree knots were placed strategically around the space, symbolizing abodes and dwellings and other buildings of purpose to a community.

Debeer was chatting away with her young magical folk at the table.

This could be your library, she suggested of a large hobbit domain in the center of the table.

A hole was in its roof, and it was suggested that this might be a chimney. Another hobbit thought it should be a secret door, or a skylight.

Its a bank, said Violet the fairy decisively, before dropping a few pebbles through the hole and looking around for either confirmation or dissension. No one disagreed, and the table fell silent.

Maybe you want to make a movie theater over here, suggested Debeer, indicating a flat piece of bark that did slightly resemble a screen. She placed it next to some sticks, which might serve well as stadium seating.

How are we going to make a movie theater? asked a hobbit. Were just kids.

Well, you could use shells for seats, if you want, suggested Debeer, showing how it could be set up. A hobbit immediately declared the shell to be the queens throne.

I have $20, said Violet the fairy. Does anybody want to pay for anything? Its supposed to go in the bank, but nobodys going to rob it.

Nobodys going to rob it, agreed Sugar the dwarf.

Hey guys, lets set up some things for the community center, suggested Debeer, prompting suggestions from the group. Hey, hey, hey  be nice.

These are fairy weapons, cried a hobbit, poking another playfully, and a few of the magical creatures fled in squeals of laughter.

Im Sugar. Im a dwarf, said one of the little villagers, running a hand down her flowered shirt and holding up a drawing of her house which had a tree growing on the roof. A series of ladders ran throughout the dwelling.

Sugar wasnt sure why she wanted to be a dwarf, but she was attracted to their mischievous nature. I steal things, like sweet things that are shiny," she said, "like the wapple.

At this, a deeply inquisitive discussion broke out regarding what a wapple was. Eventually, with lots of giggling and chaos, it was determined that Sugar meant a wrapper  her dwarf liked to steal candy, and liked to keep the shiny wrapper.

I like to spy on people, too, and I see theres a lot of things to steal from up here, Sugar said, pointing to the tree rooted in her roof. I get down and go steal it, then I bring it to my secret hideout. Its not here. You cant see it. Its a secret.

Sugars friend, Butter the brownie, likes to steal things, too. She doesnt know how she will spend her time or what she will be doing, but she does enjoy spending her time with Sugar.

Lilly the fairy, whose wings were described as both a shiny gold and a sparkly glitter gold, explained how the acorn caps were actually food bowls and the bark was a table. She couldnt wait until dinnertime because she was just "oh so hungry, hungry all the time!"

She opened her hand conspiratorially. Inside were several pieces of polished beach glass. This is my money, she said. And, Im the queen.

Discussions about how to develop the hobbit community seemed to mimic the real-life community  there were dominant personalities, and agreeable ones. Leaders emerged, as did workers. The interactions, even in disagreements, were fairly amicable.

Rainbow the mermaid, hiding behind a curtain of golden hair, was peacefully sitting and weaving blankets and rugs for the village while Tae-o the dragon was creating a blowing horn out of a spiral, trumpet-like shell. Violet the fairy was still working on developing a system of asset acquisition and theft protection. Lilly was attempting to acquire more beach glass.

This can be to warn people or to call them, Tae-o said, demonstrating the usefulness of the device which was wedged on top of a short stick. As Tae-o blew through the trumpet, a low bellowing sound emerged from his lips.

It worked splendidly.
MANCHESTER  Late Northshire resident Treat Williams has been posthumously nominated for an Emmy for his role as famed television executive Bill Paley in "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

"We are so happy for him to receive this well-earned nomination, and of course it is bittersweet for our family as he should be here to enjoy it," Williams' wife, Pam, said in a message Thursday.

"Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" is the second season of the anthology series "Feud," with episodes available on Hulu. The eight-episode season is inspired by the book "Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era" by Laurence Leamer.

A Connecticut native, Williams had first come to Southern Vermont with his family for ski trips. Later in life, he visited with Pam, eventually purchasing the family home in Manchester. The Williams family moved there full-time in 2008, and the actor often posted photos of his rural life on social media.

The community suffered a huge loss in 2023 when the actor died at age 71 after a motorcycle crash on Route 30 near Morse Hill Road in Dorset. Though he was a sought-after actor with 129 movie and television roles as well as numerous Broadway credits, neighbors mostly remember his kindness.

I hope each of us might try to honor (Treat) by being a bit kinder to one another. Kindness is free; it doesnt cost you anything. But it could make a world of difference to someone else. His kindness certainly did for me," Dena Ela, a receptionist in the area, told columnist Telly Halkias in 2023.

Williams starred on Broadway in Grease before earning leading parts in film, including lead roles in Milos Formans screen adaptation of Hair and Sidney Lumets Prince of the City. His television credits included a television adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire, leading roles in Everwood and Chesapeake Shores, and lead roles in a pair of holiday specials in 2020. He had recently appeared as a recurring character in the CBS drama Blue Bloods. Williams performed in Dorset Theatre Festivals production of David Mamets American Buffalo in 2017.

Williams also received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor for a Miniseries or a Special in 1996, for his role as Michael Ovitz in "The Late Shift" on HBO.

For more information, visit emmys.com/bios/treat-williams.
Young bats that cannot yet fly may be present in a bat roost during the summer. Homeowners should follow the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Departments recommendations on when and how to protect the living space and do a bat eviction.
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.
CrowdStrike has now issued an alert of potentially more cyberattack attempts following the global IT outage that affected millions of computers last Friday.

In a blog post last Friday, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz warned affected businesses that "adversaries and bad actors" could exploit the outage to target vulnerable networks.

These are in addition to phishing schemes and scammers that could take advantage of the situation to deceive customers to provide crucial security information to potential hackers.

CrowdStrike Outage Impacts UK, US, Australia Tech Networks

Cybersecurity agencies from the UK, the US, and Australia, where the outage has been mostly felt, have issued similar warnings after they "observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity."

Microsoft, whose Windows systems were affected by the outage, claimed over 8.5 million computers were impacted by the outage, many of which have been restored this Sunday.

Many facilities, including airports, hospitals, and banks, were greatly impacted by the outage, the same sectors that have seen an increase in cyberattacks in recent years.

Both companies have already clarified that the outage was not due to a Windows issue but rather a faulty security update from CrowdStrike.

Also Read : Microsoft Outage Hits Global Operations of Bank, Airlines

How Could Bad Actors Exploit CrowdStrike IT Outage?

According to cybersecurity agencies, threat actors could take advantage of the outage by posing as tech support from CrowdStrike or its affiliates.

Hackers could also take the chance to try to breach into security networks when most cybersecurity systems are down due to the outage.

This, in turn, could cause a major cybersecurity incident in major financial, technological, and medical sectors that rely on CrowdStrike for digital protection.

So far, no major data breach from the global IT outage has been reported, although officials have intercepted several attempts already since Friday.
PITTSFIELD  A decision by Vice President and likely-presidential-nominee Kamala Harris on whether she will attend Saturdays scheduled campaign appearance in Pittsfield is now expected midweek, possibly on Tuesday.

Thats the word from Berkshire County Democratic leader Sherwood Guernsey, an organizer of the sold-out fundraiser.

Noted author and historian Heather Cox Richardson was listed as a guest speaker, with musical performances by celebrities James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax.

There are a lot of moving parts here, Guernsey told The Eagle on Monday afternoon. The event here was organized before President Joe Biden bowed out of his reelection campaign on Sunday afternoon.

Guernsey, a Williamstown resident and attorney, is the former chairman and a current member of the Berkshire Democratic Brigades. He is the current president of the Rural Freedom Network, a Political Action Committee grassroots media organization supporting Democratic candidates. He was a state representative from 1983 to 1990 representing North Berkshire in the Massachusetts House.

"My fondest hope is that no other candidate tries to challenge Harris, because we need unity, and we need it now," Guernsey said. "We need the hugest coalition the Democrats have ever had, the largest big tent."

Last Saturday, the day before President Biden bowed out of his reelection campaign, Harris appeared at a sold-out campaign fundraiser in Provincetown that raised more than $2 million for the Democratic ticket with a starry contingent of national politicians and celebrities attending, the Boston Globe reported.

Several VIP tickets sold for as high as $150,000, according to the Cape Cod Times, with total attendance at nearly 1,000 guests at a harborside tent set up by the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.

I will start by sharing with you something that I strongly believe, something I hope that you will take from this event, and share with your friends: We are going to win this election, Harris said, to raucous cheers from the crowd waving fans that said VEEP TOWN.

She acknowledged that path to reelection would not be easy.

Attending the event were Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; actors Jennifer Coolidge, Adrienne Warren, and Billy Porter; Governor Maura Healey; Senator Ed Markey; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll; Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; and Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

When news of the Pittsfield event went public last Wednesday that Harris  then President Bidens running mate for reelection  was going to be the keynote speaker, tickets selling for $100 and up were quickly snapped up.

The lower-priced tickets were all gone the by the next day and by Friday, the Pittsfield fundraiser was totally sold out.

A tally of the total amount donated to what was then called the Biden Victory Fund  a joint fundraising Political Action Committee of the Biden-Harris campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and the 50 state Democratic parties  was not immediately available on Monday.

But it was expected to bring in well up in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The committee has now been renamed the Harris Victory Fund.

James Taylor told The Eagle recently that his schedule in the months leading up to the Nov. 5 election was mostly clear so he could perform in support of the Democratic ticket whenever he was asked.

Along with Guernsey, the fundraisers organizers included former Governor Deval Patrick and his wife, Diane, who own a home in Richmond; former Pittsfield Mayor Evan Dobelle and his wife Kit; Joel and Patty Ellis; Jay Kistler and Chris Conklin; Linda Mason and Roger Brown, and Jeffrey Rothenberg and Sarah Feldman.

Evan Dobelle had served as Chief of Protocol in President Jimmy Carters administration; Kit Dobelle was Rosalyn Carters chief of staff and chief of protocol.

Michelle Obama attracted a sellout crowd of 780 donors to Pittsfields Colonial Theatre on Aug. 3, 2012, in support of President Obamas re-election campaign.

Hillary Clinton appeared in front of the Colonial in 1998 to support the theaters restoration campaign.
Rick Joseph Hiser Sr., a Lee farmer, apparently drowned July 4th in a Becket pond. "We need to be paying more attention, said a former lifeguard who pulled him from the water that evening.
When Paul testified before King Agrippa, he spoke of his experience on the road to Damascus and how he came to place his faith in Jesus. Agrippa caught onto Pauls evangelistic purpose and thought the Apostle was presumptuous for trying to persuade him, the king, to become a Christian in such a brief time. Not daunted, Paul said, Short time or long  I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains (Acts 26:29).

As Christians, our desire should be the same. We have experienced the joy of knowing Jesus and we want others to know Him. By praying and working for the spread of the gospel, we express a desire that reflects Gods heart  that none should perish, but all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Although we want everyone in the world to hear the good news of Christ and become disciples, we are wise to also share with others the cost of following Jesus. In certain parts of the world that are hostile to Christianity, this is a higher priority as there is a significant risk for Christians. None of us should place our faith in Jesus blindly, as we are all called to consider the cost.

This is not to dissuade anyone from receiving salvation, but to help them understand that there are risks. Of course, individuals who have chosen to trust in Jesus and follow Him understand that the blessings and benefits of knowing Him far outweigh the risks. Nothing compares to the joy of having an eternal relationship with the Lord.

Let us consider four pros and four cons of being a Christian.

Photo credit: Getty Images/gustavofrazao
Employees from Bethesda Game Studios have successfully entered unionization by joining the Communications Workers of America (CWA) which will represent all job divisions.

The group of employees claimed to be the first Microsoft video game studio to establish a wall-to-wall union.

Read Also : Bethesda's Starfield is Getting Its First Big Expansion This Year

Bethesda Game Workers Agreed to Unionization

According to reports, 241 workers either signed an authorization card or indicated their intention to join a union through an online portal. The studio officially became a member of the CWA, representing workers from different divisions.

"We're thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives, and the company as a whole," said Mandi Parker, Bethesda senior system designer.

The company also acknowledged that unionization is a huge step toward bringing democracy to the workplace and protecting each worker on the job. The CWA represents the growing number of personnel from the video game industry.

Microsoft Supports Video Game Divisions' Unionization

In 2023, Microsoft became the first company to support the video game industry's largest union. Quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Studios, which holds around 300 workers, formed a union with the CWA.

ZeniMax Workers pushed the unionization to fight against sudden periods of crunch during game development. The union will also ensure that each worker will get more equitable and other workplace benefits.

The studio was eventually dethroned by Activision's unionization which is home to around 600 members. Quality assurance workers from the company formed the union amid the regulatory approval for Microsoft's billion-dollar acquisition of the company.

As of writing, Microsoft still holds the record for the largest unionized gaming division. Other gaming companies are still seeking unionization amid work security in the industry.
SVP National Councillor Aeschi was roughly restrained by the police. X / Thomas Aeschi

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has initiated preliminary investigations following the scuffle between SVP parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi and federal police officers. The OAG also received a criminal complaint following the incident on June 12.

SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has initiated preliminary investigations following the scuffle between SVP parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi and federal police officers.

Aeschi wanted to break through a cordon during a photo opportunity on the occasion of the visit of Ukrainian parliamentary president Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The OAG also received a criminal complaint following the incident on June 12 during the summer session. Show more

Following the scuffle betweenSVP parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi and federal police officers during the visit of the Ukrainian parliamentary president, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has initiated preliminary investigations.

In addition, the OAG received a criminal complaint following the incident on June 12 during the summer session, the authority informed the Keystone-SDA news agency on Sunday evening. The OAG thus confirmed a report in the "Tagesanzeiger" newspaper. The complaint is being examined "according to the usual procedure".

No further details are possible at present. The presumption of innocence continues to apply.

Breaking through the cordon

Aeschi wanted to break through a barrier during a photo opportunity on the occasion of the visit of Ukrainian parliamentary president Ruslan Stefanchuk. A video showed the SVP National Councillor defending himself against two armed federal police officers who tried to force him off the stairs in the foyer of the Federal Palace.

Aeschi wrote on the X portal: "As you can see on the video, I didn't let them stop me. The point is that during the session, parliamentary work takes precedence over foreign state visits."

Jans backs federal police officers

Justice Minister Beat Jans later supported the actions of the federal police officers. "The parliamentarians simply had to take a different staircase, so they could have followed the police's instructions," he told the Keystone-SDA news agency the following day.

"When someone comes from Ukraine, from a country at war, the level of security is high and that was now part of what I believe was necessary," Jans continued. "If it had really hindered parliamentary business, you could have the discussion."

SDA


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A self-proclaimed diehard democrat staff is no longer employed after posting what she just meant a 'comedic' value about Trump's attempted assassination that ripped the upper part of the presidential candidate's right ear.

The former staffer who works for Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson, immediately resigned after her hideous post circulated online, Fox News reported.

Trump's Attempted Assassination

Trump has made headlines over the weekend as he ripped his ear from the assassination of 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. The shooter whom the Secret Service shot and killed at the scene left one bystander dead and two others critically injured at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, BBC reported.

Thompson issued a statement on X shortly after the shooting occurred, criticizing political violence in American democracy and expressing gratitude for law enforcement's swift response to ensure the former president is safe.

While some strongly condemn political violence and send well wishes to the presidential candidate, one staffer of a democrat congressman from Mississippi posted her disdain on social media, expressing disappointment as the assassin missed his target.

READ ALSO: Secret Service Faces Scrutiny Over Trump's Assassination, Causing Calls for The Chief's Resignation

A Democrat Staffer's Hideous Post

While the Mississippi congressman did not name the staffer or provide details about the social media post, screenshots have circulated online showing a post by Jacqueline Marsaw, a political aide and Field Director working for Thompson.

The user did not condone violence but suggested "Get some shooting lessons so you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me talking," the full post reads.

The Facebook post taken down immediately was screenshotted by staff at the Mississippi GOP, who then shared them on X, calling for Thompson to fire the employee and to resign himself.

.@BennieGThompson is trying to remove Secret Service protection from @realDonaldTrump.



.@BennieGThompson staffer said please get you some shooting lessons so you dont miss next time



.@BennieGThompson led illegitimate #January6 Commission



.@BennieGThompson MUST RESIGN! pic.twitter.com/1NUVBGdS2M July 14, 2024

The Mississippi congressman, who chaired the January 6 committee hearings, stated in a message to Fox News that he was made aware of a post by a staff member, and she is no longer employed.

Marsaw informed The Natchez Democrat that she removed the post after being asked to by a manager on Thompson's staff who she did not name. The former employee said she just got overwhelmed at the moment being a diehard Democrat, and that her post was only meant to be comedic and not taken seriously.

Thompson's Resignation Calls

Other Mississippi Republicans also called for Thompson to resign due to a bill he filed earlier this year aimed at removing Trump's Secret Service detail because he is a convicted felon.

Thompson, who is a top member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, introduced a bill in mid-April to remove Secret Service protection from convicted felons sentenced to prison. The legislation was co-sponsored by several other Democrats, with a source from Thompson's office telling Newsweek that the bill would apply to anyone sentenced for a felony, stating that no one should receive special treatment, including the former president.

RELATED ARTICLE: Trump-Biden Showdown 2024: Trump Leaning Into Falsehoods, Biden's 'Raspy' Condition Draws Most Attention

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The former CEO of The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Ian Elliott, has described Bishop Eamonn Casey as "a sexual predator".

A RTE documentary, in partnership with the the Irish Mail on Sunday reporter Anne Sheridan, examines the Catholic Church's handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, who died in 2017.

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His niece, Patricia Donovan, claims he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years.

Mr Elliot found her account of what she experienced entirely credible, describing Bishop Casey as, on balance of probabilities, an offender, a sexual predator."

"The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people. That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped.

"Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the Church. That is a major priority.

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Patricia Donovan tells the documentary of "The horror of being raped by him when I was five.

"The violence and it just carried on in that vein. He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him... It didnt make any difference.

I feel so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the Church I was brought up in.

The documentary, called Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets, also reveals how the Limerick Diocese paid over 100,000 in settlement to one of Bishop Caseys accusers after Caseys death.

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In early 2006, the Irish Bishops announced that Eamonn Casey was moving back to Ireland from England to retire. By this stage, the Vatican had now received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against Bishop Casey.

Bishop Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him. Although all the complaints were reported to An Garda Siochana, he was never charged with, or prosecuted for, any sexual crimes.

He was prepared to go to court to defend his reputation after two of his accusers brought civil cases against him.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
A Commercial Court dispute between billionaire bloodstock owner John Magnier and his family with the owners of a 751-acre estate, which the Magniers say they had an agreement to buy, will be heard next year.

On Monday, Mr Justice Denis McDonald set March 4th, 2025, for the hearing of the case over the Barne Estate near Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

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The court heard it would take two weeks to hear.

The court also heard that a row over discovery of documents required for the case had "ameliorated somewhat" in the last week and that hopefully by next October it could be fully resolved. Otherwise, there could be a hearing to resolve any outstanding discovery issues in October, the judge was told.

Last week, the Magnier side complained about attempts by the Barne side to limit the scope of discovery. The Barne side denied the claim.

The case concerns a claim by John Magnier and his children, John Paul Magnier and Kate Wachman, that they had an agreement with the Barne owners to buy the Golden Vale estate for 15 million.

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The property is held for the benefit of Richard Thomson-Moore, his sister Alexandra, their children, and their spouses by a Jersey trust.

The Magniers have sued the Barne Estate, Mr Thomson-Moore and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd seeking that the 15 million deal to buy, which they say was struck on August 22nd last, be completed.

The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement, and subsequently they agreed to sell it for 22.5 million to construction magnate Maurice Regan, founder of the New York building firm JT Magen.

A counterclaim has also been filed for slander of title, alleging the Magnier proceedings and the filing of a legal question mark over dealings in the property, known as a lis pendens, was preventing the owners from selling it to Mr Regan.
Another fire has broken out at the former Crown Paints warehouse in Coolock in north Dublin.

It is the fourth fire in the building in four nights, while a fifth fire on Monday saw a JCB and mattresses targeted.

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It comes after a week of unrest in the area over the proposed housing of 500 international protection applicants at the site.

Gardai attended the scene at the Malahide Rd on Sunday evening, along with members of the Dublin Fire Brigade.

The Malahide Rd was closed for a period of time to allow access for fire services to the site.

According to gardai, no injuries have been reported at this time.

Speaking to Newstalk, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mc Donald says it is time the Government listened to the community there.

Deputy Mc Donald says it is right to condemn the scenes of violence from the past week - but says the community is angry, scared and frustrated, after being left in 'a dangerous vacuum'.

"We now need to restore order, we now need to move from condemnation to engagement. We need to find solutions.

"At the heart of that is engaging with the wider community. By the way when I say the community, I do not mean just those protesting, I mean the whole community needs to be engaged."
A number of incendiary devices have been seized in Dublin as part of an investigation into recent public order incidents in Coolock.

Violent scenes broke out at the site of the former Crown Paints factory, which has been earmarked for accommodation for international protection applicants, on the Malahide Road last week.

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A number of people were arrested after demonstrations escalated and gardai clashed with a large crowd which had gathered in the area.

An incident room has been established at Coolock Garda station to investigate the recent incidents at the site.

As part of that ongoing investigation, gardai seized the incendiary devices during searches of the Moatfield Avenue and Dunree Park areas last Tuesday.

The searches were conducted in grass areas "in close proximity to the protest area", a statement from gardai said.

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Some of the materials discovered by gardai during seraches last Tuesday. Photo: Garda Press Office

Seven glass and plastic bottles containing flammable liquid were discovered during the search, alongside empty glass bottles and rags.

Plast bottles filled with a mixture of paint and oil, as well as packets of water balloons were also recovered.

The incendiary devices and materials have been seized and will be sent for technical examination.

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"Such devices risk serious harm to human life as well as criminal damage to property, as has been witnessed in recent events," the Garda statement added.

Gardai said that while the force respects the rights of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, "this right does not extend to breaches of criminal law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Siochana".

Last Friday, three Garda members were injured as the situation in Coolock again escalated.

Gardai continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the recent incidents surrounding the site on Malahide Road to come forward.

Any road users with dashcam footage from the area between 9am and 8pm on Monday, July 15th, are also asked to make it available to investigating gardai.

Those with information can contact Coolock Garda station at 01-666 42000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666 111 or any Garda station.
A man who raped a young girl and sexually assaulted her sister has been jailed for 11 years.

Hamed Azeez (53), of Mac Uilliam Dale, Tallaght, Dublin, was convicted following a Central Criminal Court trial in March of one count of rape and three counts of sexually assaulting the first victim, who was then aged between six and eight.

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He was also found guilty of two counts of sexual assault in relation to the first victim's sister, who was eight to 10 at the time of the offending.

The offending occurred on dates between 2013 and 2015 at locations in Co Dublin.

Both women have indicated they wish Azeez to be named, but want to retain their anonymity.

Imposing the sentence on Monday, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said Azeez had been in a long-term relationship with the girls mother, and the offending occurred while they were in his care and he was in a position of trust.

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He is no longer in a relationship with their mother, the court heard.

Ms Justice Creedon said when considering the impacts on the victims, as outlined in their victim impact statements, she was struck by their young age, the impact the abuse had on both of them and how it damaged one of the girls relationships with her mother.

She took into account that Azeez does not accept the verdict and maintains his innocence. He insists that the allegations are false claims motivated by their mothers desire to ruin his reputation.

Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 12 years for the rape offence and eight years for the sexual assault offences.

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She said there was very little mitigation as Azeez does not accept the verdict of the jury, nor has he offered an apology or acknowledged the harm he did to both women. It was accepted he was generally co-operative with the Garda investigation.

Ms Justice Creedon reduced each sentence by one year before she imposed concurrent sentences of 11 years and seven years. She said Azeez should be registered as a sex offender.

Abuse

A local garda previously gave evidence that Azeez was then the partner of the girls' mother and was effectively in loco parentis of the girls due to this relationship.

He raped the first victim on a counter at his home. The girl said it did not last long, and recalled there were other children playing nearby outside.

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Azeez also sexually assaulted this girl by touching her inappropriately. The court heard these incidents began as horseplay and often occurred under a blanket.

One incident took place in the man's car, where he touched her on the genital area after picking her up from school.

The man also touched the girl's sister inappropriately on the breasts and buttocks.

The allegations were later reported to gardai, and Azeez denied any wrongdoing when he was interviewed.

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Victim impact statements were read to the court by prosecuting counsel.

The first complainant said: The pain you caused will stay with me forever, describing how her life had changed.

She said Azeez's actions mean she no longer feels safe in the company of older men and outlined feelings of fear and unease.

She said his actions had also damaged her relationship with her mother, whom she blames for what happened. She said there is always a wall between us and it is painful to know our bond is broken and may never heal because she brought [the man] into our life.

The second complainant said she is not just a victim of sexual assault, but a survivor, and outlined feelings of anxiety, pain and despair.

She said she distanced herself from loved ones because she was unwilling to express the extent of my suffering for fear of being disregarded or misunderstood.

She said she couldn't shake the feeling that if I'd known what sexual assault was sooner, my sister and I wouldn't have had to endure the harm we did.

She said this thought led to self-loathing as she wondered what she could have done to protect herself and her sister.

But the young woman wrote that she is now stronger after pulling herself out of the depths of trauma and will continue her journey towards healing.

I believe my words will assist anyone who has endured the atrocities of childhood sexual abuse, she added.

The court heard Azeez moved to Ireland in 2000 and has a long work history.

The investigating garda agreed with Maurice Coffey SC, defending, that his client's previous convictions date back over 20 years, and he was co-operative with the criminal process.

Mr Coffey asked the court to take into consideration Azeezs history and personal circumstances as outlined in a probation report.

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.
Three members of the Defence Forces have been dismissed due to domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence since 2016  reflecting the "culture of misogyny" in the organisation.

The figures include Cathal Crotty who was dismissed earlier this month following his conviction for the vicious and unprovoked assault on Limerick woman Natasha O'Brien in 2022.

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One member was dismissed in 2017 for a sexual offence while another was dismissed in 2023 for domestic violence.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the figures were provided in a response to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin.

Ms Cairns said the figures are deeply concerning and raise further questions for the Government and the Defence Forces.

In June, Mr Martin told the Dail that 68 currently serving members of the Defence Forces have been convicted of a crime in the last three years or are currently before the courts.

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Of these, approximately six cases relate to domestic incidents or breaches of barring orders and a further five relate to sexual assault.

Around 24 cases relate to assault generally, but it is not yet known whether any of these are gender-based incidents.

Ms Cairns said she will be seeking clarity on these details.

Ms Cairns said that it was shocking but not surprising that three members have been dismissed for domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence.

She said it speaks to the culture of misogyny and bullying that has been allowed to fester unchecked within the Defence Forces for years as highlighted by the Women of Honour.

"The latest figures show that a root-and-branch transformation of the Defence Forces and proper oversight of existing procedures cannot come soon enough."

In his response, Mr Martin expressed his "unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence".
A woman who was raped by her stepfather on her 15th birthday has waived her anonymity to allow him to be named.

Anthony Byrne (55) was found guilty following a Central Criminal Court trial in May of two counts of raping his stepdaughter Kim Jordan, now 36, in 2002.

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Ms Jordan waived her anonymity to allow Byrne to be named.

In her victim impact statement, which she read to the court, Ms Jordan said Byrne had blamed her during the trial for his actions.

I felt humiliated and shamed, as you portrayed me to be some kind of teenage sexual temptress, she said.

Byrne, of Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, had come into her life when she was quite young and the court heard the relationship was significant for her as they were close when she was a child.

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After spending my very early years wondering why my biological father wasnt around and why my family was broken, I felt as though my prayers had been answered, and I finally had the family I longed for when Tony came into my life and that I finally had a dad. Little did I know his plan was to use me for his sick sexual pleasures and would go on to ruin my life.

The court heard the offending occurred when Ms Jordan was in Spain on the day of her 15th birthday in 2002, and a few months later in her family home.

Ms Jordan made a complaint to gardai in 2018 and outlined what had happened.

The court heard that when she was on a family holiday in Spain she decided to go back to the apartment to have a shower before dinner. He was drinking a beer and while they were playing cards he asked her if they could play strip poker.

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He asked if he could enter the bathroom to use the toilet. He then dropped his shorts and insisted on washing her with sponge and drying her afterwards. She said she was so embarrassed and was bawling crying. She had clothes laid out on the bed, and then he said he was going to dry her.

He put his hand on her shoulder and put her back on the bed. It was then that he raped her.

She said she zoned out and became completely numb wishing she was dead. She still has the memory of the woodchip wallpaper as she faced away while he was raping her. She was worried she would become pregnant.

The second incident happened some months after they had returned from Majorca, the court heard. Byrne came in and took off her trousers and underwear, and tried to penetrate her, but he was not erect.

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John Byrne SC, defending, said his client never denied sexual contact with the girl, but denied any allegation of rape.

Mr Byrne must respect the verdict of the jury but doesnt accept it, the barrister told the court.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring noted that Byrne had said he was having an affair with his teenage stepdaughter.

Justice Ring said she was not in a position to impose a sentence until July 31st due to the late submission of documents.

The judge also noted recent changes in the Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking Bill, meaning people convicted of a sexual offence must have character references made via oath or affidavit at sentencing hearings.

However, defence counsel objected to this and Justice Ring agreed the new law enacted last week only applied to those convicted following the passing of the bill.

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.
Police in Greenland say they have apprehended veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan.

Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society whose direct action tactics, including high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, have drawn support from A-list celebrities and featured in reality television series Whale Wars.

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He was arrested in the Danish territory on Sunday when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, a police statement said. He later appeared before a district court looking into a request to detain him pending a decision on his possible extradition to Japan, the statement said.

On Monday, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation said in an emailed comment that he would be detained in Nuuk at least until August 15 after the courts decision, to give the Danish justice ministry time to investigate the case and possible extradition.

This morning, Captain Paul Watson was arrested in Nuuk, Greenland by Danish federal police, who boarded the M/Y John Paul DeJoria as soon as it docked.



The crew had stopped to refuel while en route to the Northwest Passage as part of #OpKangeiMaru, our campaign aimed at pic.twitter.com/ANWoRFiR42 Advertisement  Captain Paul Watson Foundation  (@CaptPaulWatson) July 21, 2024

He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison in Japan, according to the foundation.

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The organisation also said the Greenland court would not allow Watsons release on bail as he was considered a flight risk.

The foundation said more than a dozen police officers boarded the ship when it stopped to refuel and led Watson away in handcuffs. The foundation said the vessel with 25 volunteer crew members was en route to the North Pacific on a mission to intercept a new Japanese whaling ship.

The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watsons previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region, the foundation said in an emailed statement on Sunday.

We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically motivated request, Locky MacLean, the foundation director, said in the statement.

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Neither the Japan Coast Guard nor Japans Foreign Ministry, which had issued the international warrant for Watson, confirmed they were negotiating Watsons handover, but the coast guard, the primary investigative authority in Watsons case in Japan, said on Monday that officials are on standby if a handover is ordered.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Japan does not have an extradition treaty with the European country and it is unknown if or when Watson would be handed over.

It is not the first time his tactics have brought him into conflict with authorities. He was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant but skipped bail after learning that he was also sought for extradition by Japan, which has accused him of endangering whalers lives during operations in the Antarctic Ocean.

He has since lived in countries including France and the US.

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Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to set up his own organisation, was also a leading member of Greenpeace but left in 1977 amid disagreements over his aggressive tactics.

According to his foundation, Watsons current ship, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was due to sail through the Northwest Passage to the North Pacific to confront a newly built Japanese factory whaling ship, a murderous enemy devoid of compassion and empathy hell bent on destroying the most intelligent self-aware sentient beings in the sea.
A man has been killed after he attempted to stab Israeli security forces with a knife at the entrance to an Israeli town on the Gaza border, according to the military.

Israels Army Radio said the attacker arrived at the security checkpoint by car on Monday morning and in English started accusing Israel of carrying out atrocities in Gaza, before reaching into his car and taking out a knife.

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Security forces shot and killed the man. There were no other injuries reported.

The attack took place at the entrance to the Israeli town of Netiv Haasara, 300 metres north of the Gaza border.

Israeli police confirmed the attacker was a Canadian citizen.

Netiv HaAsara was attacked in the Hamas onslaught on October 7 that sparked the current war, and 20 residents were killed after gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials.

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Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza, though few have taken place along the Israel-Gaza border, which has a heavy military presence.
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance made his first solo campaign appearance a day after the White House race was thrown into upheaval when President Joe Biden dropped out.

The Ohio senator held a rally on Monday at his former high school in Middleton, his hometown, where he played up his local ties, praised running mate Donald Trump and attacked Democratic vice president Kamala Harris, who is now backed by more than half of the delegates needed to win her partys nomination vote, according to an Associated Press survey.

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I was told I was going to debate Kamala Harris and now President Trumps going to get to debate her, Mr Vance said to laughs.

Im kind of pissed off about that, if Im being honest with you.

.@JDVance1: I said at the RNC Convention that I will never forget where I came from.



I came from Middletown, Ohio.



I am proud of it, and I will never forget where I came from! pic.twitter.com/f7h4WebwDL Advertisement  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 22, 2024

Mr Vance tried to deflect the criticism that Mr Trump, who has refused to accept his 2020 loss to Mr Biden and tried to overturn the results, is a threat to democracy.

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The senator claimed that the real threat came from the push by elite Democrats who decided to throw Joe Biden overboard and then have the party line up behind a replacement without primary contests.

Mr Vance also seemed to question Ms Harris patriotism, saying that when she gives a speech, she talks about the history of this country not with appreciation but with condemnation.

He added: Not everythings perfect. Its never going to be. But you, if you want to lead this country, you should feel grateful for it. You should feel a sense of gratitude. And I never hear that gratitude come through when I listen to Kamala Harris.

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Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way. Over the last four years she co-signed Biden's open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these  JD Vance (@JDVance1) July 21, 2024

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Mr Vance gave no examples to support his assessment.

The attack line against Ms Harris was reminiscent of criticism of former first lady Michelle Obama, who said during husband Barack Obamas 2008 presidential primary bid that it was the first time she felt really proud of her country.

Conservatives seized on the comment to portray her as unpatriotic. She said the comment was taken out of context, and that she was talking about election results, not of the country itself.

The applause for Mr Vance from a crowd of about 900 was more muted than at the raucous rallies that Mr Trump typically holds, through the senator drew a strong response when he endorsed Mr Trumps America First policies.
Joe Bidens withdrawal from the US presidential race injects greater uncertainty into the world at a time when western leaders are grappling with wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a more assertive China in Asia and the rise of the far right in Europe.

After his announcement, messages of support and gratitude for his years of service poured in from near and far.

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During a five-decade career in politics, he has developed extensive personal relationships with multiple foreign leaders that none of the potential replacements on the Democratic ticket can match.

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The scope of foreign policy challenges facing the next president makes clear how consequential what happens in Washington is for the rest of the planet. Heres a look at some of them.

Israel

With Vice President Kamala Harris being eyed as a potential replacement for Mr Biden, Israelis are scrambling to understand what her candidacy would mean for their country as it faces increasing global isolation over its military campaign against Hamas.

Israels left-wing Haaretz daily newspaper ran a story scrutinising Ms Harriss record of support for Israel, pointing to her reputation as Mr Bidens bad cop who has vocally admonished Israel for its offensive in Gaza.

In recent months, she has gone further than Mr Biden in calling for a ceasefire, denouncing Israels invasion of Rafah and expressing horror over the civilian death toll in Gaza.

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With Biden leaving, Israel has lost perhaps the last Zionist president, said Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York. A new Democratic candidate will upend the dynamic.

Mr Bidens defence of Israel since Hamass October 7th attack has its roots in his half-century of support for the country as a senator, vice president and president. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked him for his unwavering support of Israel over the years.

Israeli president Isaac Herzog praised Mr Biden as a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples and a true ally of the Jewish people.

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Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu in 2023 (Evan Vucci/AP)

There was no immediate reaction from Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu, an ally of former president Donald Trump whose history of cordial relations with Mr Biden has come under strain during the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine

Any Democratic candidate would be likely to continue Mr Bidens legacy of military support for Ukraine, but frustration has grown in Ukraine and Europe over the slow pace of US aid and restrictions on the use of western weapons.

Most Europeans realise that Ukraine is increasingly going to be their burden, said Sudha David-Wilp, director of the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund, a research institute. Everyone is trying to get ready for all the possible outcomes.

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Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he respected the tough but strong decision by Mr Biden to drop out of the campaign, and thanked him for his help in preventing (Russian president Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country.

Mr Trump has promised to end Russias war on Ukraine in one day if he is elected  a prospect that has raised fears in Ukraine that Russia might be allowed to keep the territory it occupies.

His vice presidential pick, JD Vance, is among Congresss most vocal opponents of US aid for Ukraine and has further raised the stakes for Kyiv.

JD Vance with Donald Trump at a campaign rally (Evan Vucci/AP)

Russia has dismissed the importance of the presidential race, insisting that no matter what happens, Moscow will press on in Ukraine.

China

In recent months, both Mr Biden and Mr Trump have tried to show voters who can best stand up to Beijings growing military strength and belligerence and protect US businesses and workers from low-priced Chinese imports. Mr Biden has hiked tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and Mr Trump has promised to implement tariffs of 60 per cent on all Chinese products.

Mr Trumps America First doctrine exacerbated tensions with Beijing, but disputes with the geopolitical rival and economic colossus over wars, trade, technology and security continued into Mr Bidens term.

Chinas official reaction to the presidential race has been careful.

The US elections are US internal politics. I have no comment on this, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

The official Xinhua news agency treated the story of Mr Bidens decision as relatively minor.

Iran

With Tehrans proxies across the Middle East increasingly entangled in the Israel-Hamas war, the US faces a region in disarray.

The Israeli army struck several Houthi targets in western Yemen over the weekend (AP)

Yemens Iran-backed Houthis struck Tel Aviv for the first time last week, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes inside war-torn Yemen. Simmering tensions and cross-border attacks between Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group and the Israeli military have raised fears of an all-out regional conflagration.

Hamas, which also receives support from Iran, continues to fight Israel nine months into a war that has killed 38,000 Palestinians and displaced over 80 per cent of Gazas population.

The US and its allies have accused Iran of expanding its nuclear programme and enriching uranium to an unprecedented 60% level, near-weapons-grade levels.

After then-president Trump withdrew from Tehrans landmark nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, Mr Biden said he wanted to reverse his predecessors hawkish anti-Iran stance, but the administration has maintained severe economic sanctions against Tehran and overseen failed attempts to renegotiate the agreement.

The sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi  the supreme leaders hardline protege  in a helicopter crash vaulted a new reformist to the presidency in Iran, generating new opportunities and risks. Masoud Pezeshkian has said he wants to help Iran open up to the world but has maintained a defiant tone against the US.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani brushed off Mr Bidens withdrawal, saying: To us, the coming and going of governments and persons on top of the US administration is not important on its own. What can change the atmosphere of relations is a fundamental change in this hostile policy against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Europe and Nato

Many Europeans were happy to see Mr Trump go after his years of disparaging the EU and undermining Nato. His dismissive attitude towards European allies in last months presidential debate did nothing to ease those concerns.

Mr Biden has supported close US relations with bloc leaders.

After his decision to bow out of the race, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk called his choice probably the most difficult one in your life. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he respected the decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.

Taoiseach Simon Harris called Mr Biden a proud American with an Irish soul.

The question of whether Nato can maintain its momentum in supporting Ukraine and checking the ambitions of other authoritarian states hangs in the balance of this presidential election, analysts say.

They dont want to see Donald Trump as president. So theres quite a bit of relief but also quite a bit of nervousness about Mr Bidens decision to drop out, said Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Like many in the United States, but perhaps more so, they are really quite confused.

Mexico

The close relationship between Mexico and the US has been marked in recent years by disagreements over trade, energy and climate change. Since Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took power in 2018, both countries have found common ground on migration, with Mexico making it more difficult for migrants to cross its country to the US border and Washington not pressing on other issues.

The Lopez Obrador administration kept that policy while Mr Trump was president and continued it into Mr Bidens term.

On Friday, Mexicos president called Mr Trump a friend and said he would write to him to warn against pledging to close the border or blaming migrants for bringing drugs into the US.

I am going to prove to him that migrants dont carry drugs to the United States, he said, adding that closing the border wont solve anything, and anyway, it cant be done.
Police in Pakistan raided the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khans political party office in Islamabad and arrested its spokesperson for carrying out anti-state propaganda, the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said officers also arrested Ahmad Janjua, a media coordinator for Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI party.

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Mr Janjua was arrested over the weekend in a separate raid.

The arrests have drawn criticism from Gohar Ali Khan, the chair of PTI, who said authorities also arrested some other workers of the partys media wing, in a series of police raids in recent weeks.

Pakistani authorities often accuse the PTI of running a campaign against the countrys institutions, a reference to the military, a charge the party denies.

Khan has been embroiled in more than 150 cases since 2022, when he was ousted through a vote of no-confidence in the parliament.

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He has been held at a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi since last year after his arrest.
China remains stabilizing force for global economic growth

09:35, July 22, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily

In the first six months of this year, China's economy continued its recovery trend and maintained steady progress.

On July 16, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an update to its World Economic Outlook, predicting that China's economic growth rate will be 5 percent in 2024, an upward revision of 0.4 percentage points from the forecast in April.

Intelligent logistics robots transfer building block toys in a 5G digital industrial park of a tech company based in Ruijin, east China's Jiangxi province. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Haipeng)

The stable operation and long-term positive outlook of the Chinese economy have also boosted confidence in global economic recovery.

The IMF believes that Asia's emerging market economies, represented by countries including China, remain the main engine of the global economy.

China's economic growth is not only quantitative but also qualitative.

In the first half of this year, China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5 percent year on year to around 61.7 trillion yuan ($8.49 trillion).

During the period, the country's total retail sales of consumer goods went up 3.7 percent year on year, with retail sales of services expanding 7.5 percent; investment in infrastructure construction rose 5.4 percent from a year ago while manufacturing investment increased 9.5 percent, signaling burgeoning recovery; and the foreign trade in goods reached a new high, with the goods trade volume reaching 21.2 trillion yuan.

From a medium- to long-term perspective, the economic fundamentals that sustain China's long-term growth remain unchanged, and the trend toward high-quality development in China's economy has not changed.

China continues to be an important engine and stabilizing force for the world economy.

Facing complex and volatile domestic and international environments, China has maintained stable expansion of its economy and pushed forward industrial upgrading and high-quality development in an orderly manner, spurring the pursuit of high value-added and sustainable economic growth.

Positive factors driving China's economic transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development have continued to accumulate.

For instance, the country's output of smart and green products, such as integrated circuits, service robots, new energy vehicles, and solar cells has maintained double-digit growth in the first half of this year.

Besides, the emergence of new consumption scenarios spawned by new technologies like big data and artificial intelligence as well as new consumption models has driven an 8.8 percent year-on-year increase in China's online retail sales of physical goods during the period.

Meanwhile, China's energy consumption per unit of GDP has continued to decline.

"With the global economy facing uncertainties and challenges, China's role as a stabilizing force is more crucial than ever," pointed out a recent article by Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chair of Pakistani think tank Global Silk Route Research Alliance.

China's efforts to deepen reforms across the board have injected strong momentum into the country's high-quality development and pursuit of Chinese modernization.

A China-Europe freight train bound for Istanbul, Turkiye, departs from Putian Station in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, July 10, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Wang Wei)

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has deepened reforms across the board, with efforts concentrated on making reform more systemic, holistic, and coordinated and on stimulating the dynamism, vitality, and potential of high-quality development.

International observers have paid close attention to the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. They believe that China's economy is undergoing a transition from old to new drivers of growth, and that a smooth transition can be guaranteed by further deepening reforms in a comprehensive manner.

Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, pointed out that China is building a modern industrial system underpinned by advanced manufacturing, which demonstrates the CPC's foresight, wisdom, courage, and resolve to push forward reforms.

By solidly promoting high-level opening up, China has opened up vast space for economic development.

During the first six months of this year, China has for the first time released a negative list for cross-border trade in services at the national level, expanded the opening up of value-added telecom services within pilot areas, and introduced new measures to encourage overseas institutions to invest in China's domestic sci-tech enterprises...

Such policies and measures have demonstrated the country's resolve to promote reforms and development through opening up.

China is the main trading partner of over 140 countries and regions, with its total volume of foreign trade in goods ranking first globally for seven consecutive years.

China has expanded its circle of friends under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to include more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations, and the China-Europe freight train service now reaches over 200 cities in 25 European countries.

In addition, international exhibitions hosted by the country, such as China International Import Expo, China International Fair for Trade in Services, China International Consumer Products Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo, have served as win-win platforms for mutually beneficial cooperation across different countries.

A prosperous China not only sustains its own future but also provides opportunities for other countries, said an article published on the website of Argentine newspaper Clarin.

The Chinese economy is overcoming challenges and moving steadily forward along the country's path of high-quality development, which is a defining feature of Chinese modernization.

Looking forward, China will provide more opportunities for countries worldwide and contribute to the stable and sound development of the global economy as it continuously marches toward modernization.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
A Russian court has convicted Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced her to six and a half years in prison after a secret trial, court records and officials said.

The conviction in the city of Kazan came on Friday, the same day that a court in the city of Yekaterinburg convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison in a case that the US called politically motivated.

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Ms Kurmasheva, who worked for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and was an editor for the Tatar-Bashkir service, was convicted of spreading false information about the military, according to the website of the Supreme Court of Tatarstan.

Alsu Kurmasheva worked for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (AP)

Court spokesperson Natalya Loseva confirmed to the Associated Press that Ms Kurmasheva was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in a case classified as secret, with no details available about the nature of the accusations.

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Asked about the verdict on Monday, Stephen Capus, RFE/RL president and chief executive, denounced the trial and conviction as a mockery of justice and said the only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors.

Its beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family, Mr Capus added in a statement to the AP.

Ms Kurmasheva, who lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters, was taken into custody in October 2023 and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military.

Later, she was also charged with spreading false information about the Russian military under legislation that effectively criminalised any public expression about the war in Ukraine that deviates from the Kremlin line.

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Alsu Kurmasheva lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters (AP)

She was initially stopped in June 2023 at Kazan International Airport after traveling to Russia the previous month to visit her ailing elderly mother. Officials confiscated her US and Russian passports and fined her for failing to register her US passport.

She was waiting for her passports to be returned when she was arrested on new charges in October. RFE/RL has repeatedly called for her release.

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RFE/RL was told by Russian authorities in 2017 to register as a foreign agent, but it has challenged Moscows use of foreign agent laws in the European Court of Human Rights. The organisation has been fined millions of dollars by Russia.

In February, RFE/RL was outlawed in Russia as an undesirable organisation.

The swift and secretive trials of Ms Kurmasheva and Mr Gershkovich in Russias highly politicised legal system raised hopes for a possible prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington. Russia has previously signalled a possible exchange involving Mr Gershkovich, but said a verdict in his case must come first.

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Evan Gershkovich stands listening to the verdict in a glass cage (AP)

Arrests of Americans are increasingly common in Russia, with nine US citizens known to be detained there as tensions between the two countries have escalated over fighting in Ukraine.

Mr Gershkovich (32) was arrested on March 29th, 2023 while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. Authorities claimed, without offering any evidence, that he was gathering secret information for the US.

He has been behind bars since his arrest, time that will be counted as part of his sentence. Most of that was in Moscows notorious Lefortovo Prison  a czarist-era jail used during Josef Stalins purges, when executions were carried out in its basement. He was transferred to Yekaterinburg for the trial.

Mr Gershkovich was the first US journalist arrested on espionage charges since Nicholas Daniloff in 1986, at the height of the Cold War. Foreign journalists in Russia were shocked by his arrest, even though the country has enacted increasingly repressive laws on freedom of speech after sending troops into Ukraine.

US president Joe Biden said after his conviction that Mr Gershkovich was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American.
Crowder - "Grave Robber" | Shore Fire Media

GRAMMY Nominated multi-instrumentalist Crowder releases a new version of his No. 1 single "Grave Robber. Available now via sixstepsrecords/Capitol CMG, this version features a captivating performance by 5x GRAMMY nominee, Zach Williams. Crowder and Williams' vocals blend dynamically, adding another gripping layer to the already powerful song. Written by Crowder, Ben Glover, and Jeff Sojka, the inspirational track emphasizes the truth that no matter what you are up against, God can conquer all things.

Listen to Grave Robber Feat. Zach Williams Here

"Grave Robber" served as the lead single from Crowders album 'The EXILE' (5.31), an album that earned him his 5th No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian/Gospel Albums chart. Additionally, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Digital Albums, No. 6 on the Billboard Top Internet Albums, and No. 7 on Billboards All-Genre Top Album chart. With more than 21.5 million global streams already, it marks yet another remarkable debut for Crowder.

"The EXILE" is the second installment in a three-part trilogy that began with "Milk & Honey," which also topped the Billboard Top 200 Christian Charts upon its release in 2021. Produced by the GRAMMY Award-winning team Glover and Sojka, this genre-bending 12-track collection of songs blends rock and traditional bluegrass elements with innovative urban beats.

The Texas native, Atlanta resident headlined Winter Jam earlier this year and is set to cap the bill at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in August. Additionally, he will be hitting the road this fall with MercyMe as part of the Together Again Again Tour, and he will headline the Air1 Tour in November. For tickets and more information, visit crowdermusic.com.

Crowder on Tour:

Sat., Jul. 20 | UNITE Knoxville | Knoxville, TN

Thurs., Jul. 25 | Kingsport Fun Fest - J. Fred Johnson Stadium | Kingsport, TN

Fri., Jul. 26 | Motion Student Conference | Birmingham, AL

Sat., Jul. 27 | The Caverns Outdoor Amphitheater | Pelham, TN

Thurs., Aug. 1 | Freeborn County Fair | Albert Lea, MN

Fri., Aug. 2 | Blue Gate Performing Arts Center | Shipshewana, IN

Sat., Aug. 3 | Rock The lake 2024 | Lakeview, OH

Wed., Aug. 7 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO

Fri., Aug 9 | Amplify Festival | Benton, AR

Sat., Aug. 10 | Ozarks Amphitheater | Camdenton, MO

Mon., Aug 12 | Fraze Pavilion | Kettering, OH

Thurs., Aug. 15 | SoulFest | Greenfield, MA

Sat., Aug. 24 | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds | Hiawasse, GA

Fri., Aug 30 | Brown County Music Center | Nashville, IN

Sat., Aug 31 | 40 Days & 40 Nights of Christian Music 2024 | Williamstown, KY

Sun., Sept. 1 | Walworth County Fair | Elkhorn, WI

Sun., Sept. 8 | The Ledge Amphitheater | Waite Park, MN

Sat., Sept. 14 | Life Surge| Charlotte, NC

Sun., Sept. 15 | Capitol Theatre | Wheeling, WV

Mon., Sept. 16 | Packard Music Hall | Warren, OH

Fri., Sept. 20 | Emens Auditorium | Muncie, IN

Thurs., Oct. 3 | Dow Event Center | Saginaw, MI*

Fri., Oct. 4 | Huntington Center | Toledo, OH*

Sat., Oct. 5 | Marshall Health Network Arena | Huntington, WV*

Thurs., Oct. 10 | Hertz Arena | Estero, FL*

Fri., Oct. 11 | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center | Tallahassee, FL*

Sat., Oct. 12 | Macon Coliseum | Macon, GA*

Thurs., Oct. 17 | Santander Arena | Reading, PA*

Fri., Oct. 18 |Chartway Arena | Norfolk, VA*

Sat., Oct. 19 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, SC*

Sun., Oct. 20 | North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center | North Charleston, SC*

Fri., Oct. 25 | Brookshire Grocery Arena | Bossier City, LA*

Sat., Oct. 26 | Paycom Center | Oklahoma City, OK*

Sun., Oct. 27 | Rio Rancho Events Center | Rio Rancho, NM*

Thurs., Nov. 7 | assesso ShoWare Center | Kent, WA+

Fri., Nov. 8 | Alaska Airlines Theater of the Clouds | Portland, OR+

Sat., Nov. 9 | Ford Idaho Center Arena | Nampa, ID+

Sun., Nov. 10 | Tahoe Blue Event Center | Stateline, NV+

Thu., Nov. 14 | Toyota Arena | Ontario, CA+

Fri., Nov 15 | Save Mart Center | Fresno, CA+

Sat., Nov. 16 | Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ+

Sun., Nov. 17 | Rio Rancho Events Center | Rio Rancho, NM+

Thurs., Nov. 21 | Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land | Sugarland, TX+

Fri., Nov. 22 | BOK Center | Tulsa, OK+

Sat., Nov. 23 | Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie | Grand Prairie, TX+

Sun., Nov. 24 | T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO+

*Denotes opening for MercyMe on the Together Again Again Tour

+Air1 Tour headlining date

About Crowder:

Known for his innovative blend of folk, rock, electronic and urban elements, Crowders distinct style is characterized by his soulful vocals and eclectic instrumentation. His ability to seamlessly blend genres, from bluegrass to electronic, sets him apart, and with more than 1.9 Billion global streams, he is one of the most influential voices in Contemporary Christian Music. Armed with five No. 1 radio singles, five GRAMMY nominations, and more than 20 Dove Award nominations  four of those being wins  Crowders exploration of faith, redemption, and personal transformation continue to catapult the genre forward. In addition to the awards and numerous RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, the multi-instrumentalist is known for his genre-defying live performances that are anything but ordinary. Beyond his music, Crowder is also known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to charitable causes. In 2024, he will release his sixth studio album 'The EXILE,' the second in a three-part series that began with Milk & Honey (2021). Crowder tours extensively and also performs at fairs and festivals across the US. For tickets and more info, visit crowdermusic.com.
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Eating outJust open You wont find bog-standard smashed avo at these three new cafes, and they are all the better for it Start your day right at these newcomers serving brunch that flips the cafe script. Tomas Telegramma July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the August hit list. See all stories .

Cafes that colour outside the lines arent in short supply in Melbourne, with many of the citys most popular daytime-dining options stretching well beyond smashed avo. These three welcome new additions  from the CBD to Northcote  are no exception, weaving in flavours from their owners backgrounds to pull away from the pack. Todo Good Coffee Bogota-born couple Santiago Villamizar and Carolina Talero have long been injecting their Colombian heritage into Melbournes cafe scene: they opened Fitzroys South American-style Sonido in 2010 and followed it up with Prestons Arepa Days in 2018. Since 2019, theyve been roasting their own Colombian coffee for both venues under the label Todo Good (todo means all, so all good, says Villamizar). And recently they opened a cafe of the same name  their third  in a cute corner spot in Northcote.

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Todo Good Cafe occupies a former antique shop in Westgarth. Luis Enrique Ascui Doing the fit-out themselves, all burgundy tiles and pops of green, Villamizar and Talero started building a community of locals even before opening, and now the cafe heaves. Instead of bread, we have arepas, says Villamizar. The palm-sized cornbread pockets from Arepa Days come with fillings such as fried eggs, Istra bacon and barbecue sauce; and ropa vieja (pulled beef), guac and salsas. There are also rice bowls with similar toppings, as well as Colombian classics like empanadas, pandebono (cheese bread) and ajiaco, which Villamizar describes as a traditional mountain soup of potatoes and corn. The bacon and egg arepa at Todo Good Cafe. Luis Enrique Ascui

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Todo Good roasts about 120 kilos of coffee beans a week and serves only three single-origins at a time, for espresso, filter and decaf. You can buy beans for home in 250g bags, or fill your own bag at the self-serve station, then pay by weight. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3.30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm 1A Timmins Street, Northcote, todogood.com.au Cafe Jabelle Carlton Norths tree-lined Rathdowne Village has a new address for Middle Eastern dining: the family-run, Lebanese-inspired Cafe Jabelle, which opened early last month.

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While owner Fadi Hamka has previously run Italian restaurants across Melbourne, I thought it was about time I show off my [Lebanese] heritage, he tells Good Food. And show people that you can eat this beautiful Middle Eastern food at any time of day. Cafe Jabelles sujuk egg bake. Traditional home-style Lebanese dishes  such as cumin-spiced fava bean and chickpea stew  stand out on the all-day breakfast menu. Theyre joined by more typical cafe dishes souped up with Middle Eastern flourishes. Theres grilled sujuk (spicy sausage) in the brekkie roll, and halva and rosewater syrup atop the pancake stack. Thursday to Saturday, Jabelle is also open for dinner (and, when its liquor licence is approved, drinks), serving both Lebanese small plates and big mixed-grill platters. Open Tue-Wed 7am-3pm; Thu-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-3pm

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645 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, instagram.com/cafejabelle Hareruya Pantry Kantaro Okada opened Japanese convenience store Hareruya Pantry in Carlton two years ago. But being in a laneway in the Melbourne CBD has always been a dream of mine, he says. Now, he has realised that dream with the opening of a second Hareruya Pantry, in Somerset Place (off Little Bourke Street near bustling Elizabeth Street), where hes bringing his cut-above grab-and-go offering to the office crowd. Kantaro Okada, who also founded sake bar Leonie Upstairs, sandwich specialist Le Bajo Milkbar and onigiri cafe 279, is bringing all of the Carlton favourites to the city. That includes seasonal bento boxes packed with a kaleidoscopic selection of osouzai (Japanese side dishes), and nikuman  warm, fluffy steamed buns filled with pork and glass noodles.

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Eating outComing soon Team behind Paddys Markets revamp vows project wont be just another food court The developers of the Haymarket venture insist it will cater for everyone, as work starts on 47 food outlets. Scott Bolles July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The team behind the multimillion-dollar makeover of Paddys Markets in Haymarket has revealed key details about the project, insisting the venture will be an accessible and affordable mixed food market when it opens in January. Construction begins next week at the historic market after Sydney Markets Limited won a bitter battle in the NSW Supreme Court with standholders, who have been forced to relocate internally to make way for it. A computer generated image of the hawkers stall at Paddys Markets. Supplied With that final hurdle to the project cleared, Doltone Hospitality Group, which is spearheading the food precinct, has revealed that fresh food shopping will be central to the development. A butcher, grocer, deli, fishmonger and cheese stall will be among the 47 new outlets. Therell also be tons of spices [for sale], Doltones head of strategic growth and concepts, Peter Melick, says. We want to cater for everyone, [youll also] be able to grab a margarita and a lobster roll. Peter Melick, Doltone

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These will open alongside eat-in and takeaway venues offering everything from Cypriot barbecue to tin can beverages from a themed bar. Melick says affordability is a cornerstone of the project, and it will be a site where Sydneysiders can get pizza by the slice, sit at a dumpling bar, chow on Lebanese street food or take a seat at an Italian sandwich bar. The mix is crucial to a successful market, Melick says, and Doltone has studied Adelaide Central Market and Melbournes Queen Victoria Market, as well as markets in the United States. Our managing director, Joseph Murray, did a lot of research on European markets, Melick says. A computer-generated impression of the food project backed by Doltone Hospitality Group. Supplied Its a market, we didnt want to go into food court mode. It has to be flexible, so youll be able to eat at our pasta bar, but also buy pasta sauce to take away. Melick says the project will include a large hawker section, including Asian food. We want to cater for everyone, [youll also] be able to grab a margarita and a lobster roll, he says. A tie-in with a yet-to-be-disclosed chef is also in the works.

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The Haymarket market dates back to the 1800s, with its food lineage diluted by the relocation of wholesale fruit and vegetable operations to Flemington in 1975. Once the epicentre of Sydney fresh produce, it has experienced a steady increase in bric-a-brac and speciality traders, although some food operators remain. Melick declined to discuss the cost of the interior fitout, designed by Loop Creative, which is believed to be around $12 million. He says the sites history played a part in the design brief. We wanted it to be a homage to what happened there in the past. Originally, we wanted to capture the 1950s, with Lebanese, Italian and Greek immigration. But its history goes so much further back, and its location [next to Chinatown]. Its also important we capture whats happening right now in Sydney, he says. Exclusive Coming soon: 16 hot new Sydney restaurants still to open this year
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Review Eating outSydney This two-hatted wine bar has had a French makeover  but does it have that je ne sais quoi? Remember the days of silver service, candlelight and duck a lorange? Well, theyre back at Monopole, and we are here for it. Terry Durack July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the August hit list. See all stories .

1 / 7 The go-to dish: pate de foie de canard (duck liver parfait) with Bandol rose jelly and grilled bread. Dion Georgopoulos 2 / 7 Millefeuille danguille fume. the flaky pastry sandwiching smoked eel, horseradish and remoulade. Dion Georgopoulos 3 / 7 To begin, a glass of kir, the Burgundian white wine mellowed by blackcurrant liqueur. Dion Georgopoulos 4 / 7 Slices of duck breast, with crisp skin and rosy meat, are lapped by an orange-scented glaze. Dion Georgopoulos 5 / 7 Marron boudin blanc is served with a shellfish bisque and morels. Dion Georgopoulos 6 / 7 Baba au Calvados is a yeasty sponge splashed with apple brandy amd served with candied kumquats. Dion Georgopoulos 7 / 7 Linen tablecloths and flickering candles have softened and warmed Monopoles dining room. Dion Georgopoulos Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat Good Food hat 16.5 / 20 How we score French$$$$ Theyre calling it a French revolution. But this seemingly sudden desire by former city wine bar Monopole to cover the tables with linen and cook from the classic French repertoire is more of an evolution. Mind you, its pretty spectacular stuff, and for this old dog, its a backyard Ive rolled around in and dug up before. Twas a time of kirs and quenelles, millefeuilles and vol-au-vents, of silver service and velvet drapes. And now it is again. Yes, Ill take a kir, thank you, correctly made with a Burgundian aligote white wine ($18), stained with just enough cassis to mellow, not sweeten.

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Millefeuille danguille fume, a creamy explosion of flaky pastry, smoked eel, celeriac and apple. Dion Georgopoulos And a millefeuille danguille fume ($26), merci very much; the ultra-fine layers of pressed pastry sandwiched with creamy celeriac and apple remoulade, creamy smoked eel and creamy horseradish cream that is explosively good. And creamy. At the other end of the meal, the baba au calvados ($22) comes from the same rich-but-light playbook, the yeasty sponge ethereal, the pouring of apple brandy giving it heft, along with a clutch of candied kumquats and Chantilly cream. When you have classically trained in the French style, it seems a crime not to use that precision and technique to create velvety sauces and bisques and make pastry and charcuterie. Brent Savage credits chefs Mark Best and Jeremy Strode with that part of his journey, but he brings a subtle lightness and brightness of his own. Guillaume Dubois has been installed as head chef, working with Bentley Group exec chef Aiden Stevens, and  for these opening weeks at least  Savage himself, on the pans. You know youre in French territory when there is duck on the menu, and duck liver parfait, and a duck burger whose patty uses up the offcuts. The wedge of parfait ($24) is rich but light, shimmering with pink Bandol rose jelly, and topped with pretty pickles, with grilled bread on the side.

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Duck liver parfait is topped with Bandol rose jelly and pretty pickles. Dion Georgopoulos Our tour de canard continues with a signature duck a lorange ($66), an elegant presentation of textbook crisp skin, rosy red meat, and a pool of shallot-sweet, lightly spiced, orange-scented glaze. And on the wine side  because, with the Bentley group, there is always a wine side  co-owner Nick Hildebrandt indulges his passion for Cote du Rhone, which he calls a wine for the people. His collection of that cult liqueur Chartreuse also plays out across cocktails and a mint-green granita. A smooth, spicy Julien Cecillon Graviers Syrah from the Northern Rhone ($18 glass) teams well with the duck, although its a 120ml pour rather than the more welcome 150ml. I know every little bit counts for restaurants these days, but let me just say its the same for us diners. The boudin blanc dhomard is a clever dish, effectively two rounds of steamed light-but-rich marron mousse resting on a classic shellfish bisque with morels and a gnarly little marron tail ($56).

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All the sauces here smell of  theres only one word for it  France. Its lodeur de France as well as la tour de France. A glass of Loic Mahe organic chenin blanc ($22) places me firmly in the Loire. Linen tablecloths and flickering candles have softened and warmed the dining room. Dion Georgopoulos Those who know Monopole wont be too dismayed by the physical changes. Theres a hint of neon, velvet drapes, linen cloths, candles, and the charm of scallop-edged plates, but its just a softer, warmer Monopole, more like a seasonal change of dress. This is the sort of Frenchiness I adore: to see tarragon and chervil in their natural habitat, to crunch through bitter endive salad with a properly bitey vinaigrette, to dive deep with regional varietals, and to be reminded just how enjoyable a cheese course can be. Monopole isnt cranking out the usual bistro or brasserie menu (much as we love them), but takes a fresh look at defining modern French cooking. It might be full circle for Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt, but theyre on a roll. Which makes it a revolution, after all.

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The low-down Vibe: A contemporary tour de France through food and wine Go-to dish: Pate de foie de canard, Bandol rose jelly, grilled bread, $24 Drinks: French aperitifs and killer wine list starring French wines and varietals Cost: About $190 for two, plus drinks One of Sydneys oldest Japanese restaurants reopens  with something special up its sleeve
Pioneers of Australian comedy Rod Quantock and Mary Kenneally had their legendary senses of humour brazenly dismantled when a bank impersonator took only minutes to steal $30,000 of their savings.

It was a few days before Christmas last year. Quantock had not long been discharged from hospital following a cardiac procedure, and was still recovering from anaesthetic, when he got a call from a man falsely claiming to be from Bendigo Banks fraud team.

Veteran comedian Rod Quantock. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Your account has been hacked, the conman said. In order to save your account, we have set up another account for you to transfer funds to, in order to stop the scam.

Not long after transferring the money  perhaps an hour later  Quantock remembers feeling a creeping sense that something was not right, and he contacted his local Bendigo Bank branch.
Microsoft operates an open operating system, allowing developers access to the core or kernel of its system under a competition policy agreement it reached with the European Commission in 2009 that gives security software providers the same level of access to Windows as Microsoft itself has. That, and Windows dominance, may explain why Microsoft has been subjected to a series of cyber hacks in recent years. These hacks forced Microsoft to promise to overhaul its systems security. Microsoft has said it will use artificial intelligence and automation to make its software more secure. Melbourne Airport passengers affected by the global outage. Credit: Getty Images Part of the companys challenge is the complexity of its business, which offers its products (including its market-leading cybersecurity products) via the cloud to companies with their own servers and via patches for legacy systems. That, and the fact that the computers had to be online to receive the infected update, explains why different businesses were impacted differently and even individual computers and other pieces of technology within those businesses responded differently.

What happened on Friday wasnt, thankfully, a cyberattack but a mistake made by a developer with privileged access to the heart of Microsofts operating system, a level of access Microsoft might normally reconsider, although the legal implications  and CrowdStrikes need for that level of access to protect its customers and its own anti-virus software  might complicate any effort to reduce that particular vulnerability. CrowdStrike, which has grown rapidly and aggressively, might also need to examine its own processes and do significantly more stress-testing of the updates it sends routinely to its customers. Enterprise customers might need to think more deeply about whether writing increasingly large cheques to effectively outsource the protection of their own networks is sufficient. In the global, interconnected, web of multitudes of different systems and software on which the modern global economy relies, with its global supply chains and just-in-time processes and real-time payments infrastructure, the stability and security of the relatively new digital architecture is taken for granted, until it isnt. Usually, as weve seen here with the Medibank and Optus cyber hacks, it is criminal activity that exposes the flaws in that architecture. The CrowdStrike episode is chilling because it highlights how a single, flawed, software update from a trusted source  one of a multitude that occurs routinely  can cause large parts of the global system to fail. The global dominance of the Windows operating system and the dominance of the three major cloud providers  Microsoft, Amazon and Googles parent, Alphabet  means that any mistake they make or distribute will have global ramifications.

Loading Competition regulators may need to examine that dominance and the risks to competition and security it represents. It might also be that companies need to consider reducing their reliance on single providers and investing more in backup systems so that they can continue to operate if the Blue Screens of Death ever reappear within their networks. Perhaps some thought will need to be given to old-school fallbacks that dont involve IT systems. The pandemic caused companies to rethink and redesign their physical supply chains, re-shoring or near-shoring critical elements. CrowdStrikes software bug might, indeed should, force a similar re-evaluation of corporate and government systems vulnerabilities. Artificial intelligence is seen as a potential aid to improving cybersecurity, improving systems ability to identify and respond immediately to cyber threatseven as some of those involved in developing AI products warn that it could represent a threat to humankind.

Fridays global outage is a reminder of how dependent the world has become on increasingly complex and increasingly interconnected technologies, with data flowing through quite concentrated choke points including, increasingly, the cloud and AI providers. Those represent potential points of global failure, whether generated by sloppy coding or something more malicious. AI might help strengthen the protections against such failures but could just as easily add new vulnerabilities. The global technology ecosystem is so large and complex and vulnerable to human error or unlawful intent that it is inconceivable that it could ever be made completely secure. It is, however, incumbent on the big tech companies on which the system rests to make it as safe and resilient as is practicable and to prioritise that objective over speed to market and profit. If they cant, it is inevitable that governments will intervene to regulate their operations more closely. CrowdStrike is now likely to be hit by a deluge of lawsuits and the loss of significant chunks of its customer base. Microsoft was already under siege from customers and governments for the previous breaches of its security. There are obvious commercial rationales for Microsoft, Amazon and Google, and the host of developers who work with them, to do whatever they can to avoid a repeat of what happened on Friday.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size I need you and Mike at the house, President Joe Biden said late on Saturday afternoon. Biden was on the phone from his holiday home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with Steve Ricchetti, a counsellor to the president and one of his closest advisers. He was referring to Mike Donilon, his chief strategist and long-time speechwriter. Soon, both men were in Rehoboth Beach, socially distanced from the president, who was recovering from COVID. From that afternoon and far into the night, the three worked on one of the most important and historic letters of Bidens presidency  the announcement of his decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign after top Democrats, donors, close allies and friends had pressured him relentlessly to get out. He would not tell most of his staff until a minute before making the historic announcement to the world on social media on Sunday (Monday AEST). Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden went on to endorse, spoke to him earlier on Sunday morning, as did Jeff Zients, his chief of staff, and Jen OMalley Dillon, his campaign chair. A handful of senior advisers at the White House heard directly from the president on a Zoom call. Others in the West Wing learnt when they saw it on social media. I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down, he wrote, and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term. The concession was stunning, and discordant with the steady drumbeat of furious denials in the past few days from Bidens campaign. It underscored how the president has kept information tightly controlled among a tiny circle of friends, long-time advisers and family members  something that has been true throughout his presidency, but especially during the crisis that has engulfed him since last months debate.

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From the time the president arrived in Delaware with COVID late on Wednesday night, telling reporters I am doing well, there have been two political realities. One was a sprawling campaign infrastructure on autopilot, determined to march ahead by continuing to champion Biden. The other was playing out inside the 636-square-metre home with a sign over the front door paying tribute to the presidents son who died in 2015: Beaus gift. Almost no one outside the house knew what Biden was thinking until he posted his statement on social media. Until that moment, Bidens allies had no choice but to assume that he was all in, until he made clear that he was out. Biden places an order at a South Carolina takeaway shop in 2020, while campaigning for the presidency. Credit: New York Times This account is based on interviews with people close to Biden, including lawmakers, donors, friends and family who were familiar with the presidents thinking as he made what may have been the most difficult political decision of his career. Absolutely in it! OMalley Dillon could not say it more plainly as she appeared on MSNBCs Morning Joe program to defend Biden. Absolutely, the presidents in this race, she said on Friday morning, a trace of exasperation in her voice. She added: Hes absolutely in it. Hes got to show that he is fighting for the American people. Hes done that day in and day out since the debate.

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Like other confidants, OMalley Dillon was determined to keep the faith in public. At the campaign and at the White House, aides directed reporters to her comments as they insisted that the president was not wavering. But it was getting harder to ignore the panicking donors and elected Democrats who were turning on him in public. Over the course of the day on Friday, about a dozen more lawmakers called for the president to step aside and let someone else run. The quotes were damning: Massachusetts congressman Seth Moulton said Biden, a mentor and friend who had helped him get elected in 2014, didnt seem to recognise me when they met at the D-Day anniversary commemoration in France last month. Mike Donilon (left), Bidens chief strategist, and Steve Ricchetti, one of the presidents closest advisers, leave after a meeting with Senate Democrats in Washington this month. Credit: New York Times Throughout the day, there was no public word from Biden, who was hunkered down with wife Jill Biden, Ricchetti, deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, the first ladys senior adviser. People close to the president said they could sense that the seriousness of the moment was weighing on him. But if he knew he was going to drop out at that point, it was not clear, even to the small number of the people around him. By evening, some people very close to the president could sense that something was coming, telling others that the end of Bidens campaign seemed inevitable. But others were hearing a different message from the president.

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Ron Klain, who served as Bidens first chief of staff in the White House and has continued to advise the president, called Biden on Friday night to pass along words of encouragement. Klain had received messages of support for Biden from senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as Faiz Shakir, a senior adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders. Stay in, Klain said he told Biden. Thats my intention, Biden responded. Thats what Im going to do. Still on the playing field The national co-chairs of Bidens campaign gathered on their regular call on Saturday morning, bracing for what they thought could be big news about Bidens future. The call was hosted by OMalley Dillon and included Jeffrey Katzenberg, a Hollywood mogul and donor, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, and several other high-profile figures who had been early endorsers of Bidens bid for a second term.

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Loading Given everything that had happened just the day before, they expected dire news. But the group was stunned when staff members simply began a rote description of the latest details on door-knocking and social media. After about a half hour, two or three of the exasperated co-chairs interrupted, saying they needed to talk about the elephant in the room. An anguished discussion followed, but there was no resolution. Cedric Richmond, a former Democratic member of Congress and a long-time friend of the president, got on the call late but insisted that Bidens supporters were still behind him, especially those who benefit from his policy goals, including childcare and diversity. Joe Biden is still on the playing field, so I will wear that Team Biden jersey until the last bell rings, he said after the call ended. Asked if he thought Biden could withstand the flurry of negative news in recent days, Richmond said: I sure hope so. A week earlier, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who is one of Bidens strongest allies, had delivered a grim message to his face. He told the president that most members of Congress were ready to turn the page on his candidacy, and he urged him to consider three things: the risks to his personal legacy, the future of the country and the impact on Congress if Democrats were to take steep losses in Novembers elections.

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Future growth and support

We continue to have an appetite to grow organically and acquisitively, Russell said. The addition of Keylend will take us to over 600 brokers nationally and see us continuing to search for quality brokers to recruit, as well as strong state-based and national broker groups to acquire.
Dino Pacella (pictured above), event founder and head of third-party relationships at Simplicity Loans & Advisory, said the promotion is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to bring along a colleague or friend to one of the year's most anticipated events in the mortgage and finance sector.
Indian Oil Corporation plans to increase its natural gas sales threefold and expand its renewable energy capacity to 31 GW by 2030.

Additionally, the company aims to establish a 5 GWh lithium-ion battery production capacity by 2031 as part of its strategy to diversify its energy portfolio. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

As the largest oil refiner and retailer in India, Indian Oil has been focusing on developing its non-oil sectors, including investments in petrochemicals and natural gas. In response to the growing global emphasis on combating climate change, the state-owned enterprise is also incorporating renewable energy and battery technologies into its offerings, the report said.

Indian Oil has signed a strategic partnership with Panasonic Energy of Japan to explore the potential for producing lithium-ion battery cells within India.

Lithium-ion batteries

The company has entered into a strategic agreement with Panasonic Energy Company, Japan, to explore opportunities for advanced cell manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries in India.

In its report titled Integrated Annual Report 2023-24, Indian Oil said, With a vision to propel Make in India for the world, the JV plans to establish a one GWh capacity factory by 2027, with an ambitious expansion to 5 GWh by 2031. This collaboration aims to position India as a global hub for advanced battery technology, supporting the nations transition to sustainable energy and transportation solutions.

Battery swapping stations

Indian Oil is also leveraging its broad network of fuel retail locations by investing in battery swapping stations and expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Currently, the company has provided battery swapping services at 99 fuel stations for electric vehicle users. Battery swapping offers a quick and convenient solution for EV users, eliminating long charging times, extending battery life and reducing electronic waste, the report said. It plans to develop a renewable energy capacity of 31 GW by 2030, focusing mainly on solar and wind initiatives.

The company aims to enhance our renewable energy capacity to 31 GW by 2030, primarily through solar and wind projects. This expansion aligns with Indias target to achieve 500 GW of installed renewable capacity by the same year, the report further said.

The company plans to maintain growth in its core fossil fuel sector, expecting an increase in domestic oil demand over the next decade. It aims to boost its capacity by 17 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) through upgrades at its Barauni (from 6 to 9 MMTPA), Panipat (from 15 to 25 MMTPA), and Vadodara (from 13.7 to 18 MMTPA) refineries.
The dispute between Hiremath siblings and their uncle Baba Kalyani, chairman of Pune-based Kalyani Group, took an interesting turn on Monday as Sameer Hiremath and his sister Pallavi Swadi submitted a proposal to the Pune civil court seeking mediation with their uncle to end the family dispute.

Sameer and Pallavi are children of Sugandha Hiremath, younger sister of Baba Kalyani.

The Hiremaths have sought division of family assets.

In the hearing on Monday, the Hiremath counsel told the court that Babas claims against the elders in the family were very disturbing and harmed the familys reputation.
Cashfree Payments, a company specialising in banking solutions and payments, on Monday received the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) nod to operate as a payment aggregator-cross border (PA-CB) nearly a year after the banking regulator issued a circular on the regulation of such entities.

The Bengaluru-based company is one of the first non-banks to receive the PA-CB licence, according to the RBIs website. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

With the Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) licence, we are now well-positioned to support global businesses and globally regulated entities collecting payments in India. The licence also enables us to offer Indian exporters and freelancers cross-border payment solutions, a Cashfree Payments spokesperson said in a statement.

PAs-CB are entities that facilitate cross-border payment transactions for the import and export of permissible goods and services in the online mode, according to the RBI.

The RBI categorises PA-CBs as Export only PA-CB (PA-CB-E), Import only PA-CB (PA-CB-I), and Export and Import PA-CB (PA-CB-E&I).

Cashfree Payments has received approval to operate as a PA-CB-E&I on Monday.

In a circular issued in October 2023, the RBI had mandated minimum net worth requirements for non-banks to operate as PA-CBs.

This included a minimum net worth of Rs 15 crore at the time of the application to the regulator, and a Rs 25 crore net worth by March 31, 2026.

New non-banks are required to attain a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crore by the end of the third financial year of the grant of authorisation.
Kataria Industries IPO allotment status today: The basis of allotment of Kataria Industries shares are scheduled today, July 22, 2024. The three-day subscription window for the initial public offering of Kataria Industries, which closed on Friday, July 19, 2024, received massive demand from investors as it was booked a whopping 393.87 times by the last date of subscription.

Kataria Industries IPO was available in the price band of Rs 91-96 per share. The company has fixed Rs 96 as the issue price for the IPO. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Kataria Industries IPO subscription status

Kataria Industries IPO was subscribed 274.61 times in the retail category and 970.17 times in the NII category, while the QIB category received 171.04 times subscription. The issue was available at a price band of Rs 91 to Rs 96 per share with a lot size of 1200 shares.

Kataria Industries IPO Allotment Status

The shares for Kataria Industries are scheduled to be allotted today. Once the allotment is finalised, investors can check the allotment status by visiting the official website of Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd, the registrar for the issue, or by using this link: [ Kataria Industries IPO Allotment Status]

Kataria Industries IPO GMP

The unlisted shares of Kataria Industries are currently trading at a premium of Rs 70 or 72.92 per cent over the issue price, according to several websites that track grey market activities.

Kataria Industries listing price prediction

Shares of Kataria Industries are scheduled to list on the NSE SME on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Based on the current GMP, the companys shares may list around Rs 166 (GMP + Issue Price), yielding a return of nearly 73 per cent to its investors.

About Kataria Industries

Kataria Industries Limited is one of the leading manufacturing organizations of LRPC (HT) Strands & various other Steel Wire, PT Anchorages, Sheathing Ducts, and Aluminium Conductors. The company is also involved in wind power generation for captive consumption.
Nomura on BPCL: Nomura, a Japan-based brokerage firm, maintains a positive outlook on Bharat Petroleum Corporate Limited (BPCL), reiterating its 'Buy' rating.

We maintain our FY25F-26F estimates and reiterate Buy with a target price (TP) of Rs 368, underpinned by a favourable refining and marketing outlook and attractive valuations, said Hemang Khanna, research analyst, Nomura. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Analysts said BPCL reported a robust performance in the June quarter (Q1FY25) despite a challenging environment. They foresee a favourable outlook for refining operations throughout the remainder of the year, anticipating increased refining demand. They also believe that the most challenging period for FY25 may have passed already.





According to reports, Citi also reiterated its 'Buy' rating on the stock with a target price set at Rs 380 per share. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley affirmed its 'Overweight' stance with a target price of Rs 366 per share. Jeffries also upheld its 'Buy' recommendation, adjusting the target price upward to Rs 385 per share from Rs 365 per share. We expect crude prices to remain range-bound in FY25F around current levels, with current futures factoring in $82/bbl; at current prices, auto fuel marketing margins of Rs 5/litre remain well above normative levels. Given a favourable refining construct and range-bound crude prices, we see upside risks to our conservative auto fuel marketing margin of Rs 3/litre for FY25 and refining margins for FY26 of $9/bbl. BPCL trades at an attractive valuation of 1.4x FY26F P/B. BPCL is our top pick in the OMCs, Khanna added.

Earnings highlights

BPCL reported a strong performance in the first quarter of FY25, with an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of Rs 56.5 billion, surpassing estimates by 5 per cent, Nomura said in a note. However, the figure marked a major 39 per cent sequential (Q-o-Q) decline due to higher-than-expected refining margins, which were partially offset by lower marketing margins. The results, analysts noted, were impacted by LPG under-recoveries amounting to Rs 20.2 billion.

The net income for the quarter stood at Rs 30 billion (earnings per share: Rs 7.1), reflecting a 29 per cent decrease from the previous quarter but surpassing estimates by 16 per cent, primarily driven by lower-than-anticipated interest costs.

Meanwhile, interest expenses amounted to Rs 4.4 billion, declining 15 per cent sequentially and 35 per cent year-on-year. Depreciation, depletion, and amortisation (DD&A) expenses were recorded at Rs 16.8 billion, showing a marginal 2 per cent decrease compared to the previous quarter.

Reported refining margins were $7.9 per barrel (excluding SAED impact), exceeding expectations of $6.3 per barrel but declining sharply by $4.6 per barrel quarter-on-quarter. BPCL's realised refining margins maintained a premium of $4.4 per barrel over Reuters Singapore refining margins.

The normalised marketing margin of Rs 5,409 per tonne was below forecasts, declining 27 per cent from the previous quarter. The decline, Nomura said, was attributed to lower blended auto-fuel marketing margins (Rs 3.9 per litre compared to Rs 4.8 per litre in Q4FY24) and LPG under-recoveries. Reported marketing margins stood higher at Rs 5,712 per ton, benefiting from Rs 4.1 billion in marketing inventory gains.

During the quarter, BPCL also processed 10.1 million tonnes of crude oil, a 2 per cent decrease from the previous quarter, slightly below expectations.

However, domestic sales volumes remained stable at 13.2 million tonnes quarter-on-quarter, while export sales volumes increased 17 per cent to 0.3 million tons from a lower base.

Conference call highlights, Outlook

Management highlighted that BPCL is aiming to expand its Bina refinery capacity from 7.8 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes by FY29, with a total investment of Rs 490 billion. The company plans to allocate Rs 20 billion towards this project in FY25, anticipating a considerable increase in capex from FY28 onwards.

In FY24, management said, BPCL clocked an annual marketing sales of 52.2 million tonnes, with approximately 5.5 million tonnes sourced from other refiners to meet demand. It further highlighted plans to explore new refinery capacity on the east coast to bridge future supply gaps.



That apart, Russian crude accounted for 39 per cent of BPCL's total crude throughput, remaining stable quarter-on-quarter. Discounts on Russian crude, they said, narrowed year-on-year to $4-5 per barrel but remained consistent sequentially.

BPCL has also commenced city gas distribution (CGD) operations in 25 out of 26 geographical areas (GAs) planned. The company has allocated Rs 250 billion for CGD infrastructure, with Rs 58 billion already invested. A capex of Rs 28 billion is projected for FY25, with major sales volume growth anticipated from FY26-FY27 onwards.

On the debts front, standalone gross debt, excluding lease liabilities, decreased by Rs 36 billion quarter-on-quarter, amounting to Rs 152 billion.

Furthermore, BPCL has reaffirmed its capex guidance of Rs 164 billion for FY25.



On the bourses, BPCL stock was trading marginally lower at Rs 303.70 per share, at 9:26 AM. In comparison, BSE Sensex was trading 0.41 per cent lower at 80,273.66 levels.
OPPO is set to expand its budget 5G smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the OPPO K12x 5G on July 29. The Chinese smartphone maker said that the OPPO K12x 5G will feature segment-leading durability features and will be rated IP54 for dust and water resistance. The smartphone will boast the company's proprietary splash touch technology, which OPPO said will make the smartphone operable even when the display is wet. OPPO has also detailed some of the K12xs key details including display and battery specifications, and AI features. Here are the details:

OPPO K12x 5G: What to expect Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

OPPO said that the upcoming K12x 5G smartphone will sport a 360-degree damage-proof armour body. The company said that it has used drop-resistant materials inspired by the structure of a sponge to cushion the internal components of the smartphone. Additionally, the smartphones display will be protected by twice-reinforced Panda Glass. With these features, the smartphone is said to boast MIL-STD-810H military standard certification for durability. OPPO has also confirmed that the smartphone will come with an air cushion armour case out-of-the-box for further protection.

The OPPO K12x 5G smartphone will be 186g heavy and measure 7.68mm at its thinnest point. The company also said that it will get matte finish around the frame for more grip. The smartphone will be available in Breeze Blue and Midnight Violet colours.

OPPO K12x 5G: Specifications

The OPPO K12x 5G smartphone has been confirmed to feature a 6.67-inch HD+ display of 120Hz refresh rate. The display will boast up to 1000nits peak brightness and support for Widevine L1 certification for streaming video content from platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. The smartphone will be powered by a 5100mAh battery and will support 45W wired charging. A 45W SUPERVOOC charger will be included in the box.

As for the built-in features, OPPO said that the K12x smartphone will get the companys AI Linkboost technology that uses artificial intelligence to improve connectivity and faster network recovery in elevators, basements and more. The smartphone will also get a Dual View Video feature, allowing users to record videos from front and back camera systems simultaneously.

Display: 6.67-inch HD+, 120Hz refresh rate, 1000nits peak brightness

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695

RAM: 8GB

Storage: up to 256GB

Rear camera: 50 MP primary + 2MP depth sensor

Front camera: 16MP

Battery: 5100mAh

Charging: 45W wired
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will host an in-person and virtual press conference at the AHF booth (#111) during the 2024 International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) on Tuesday, July 23 at 13:15 CEST (7:15 a.m. US EDT) in Munich, Germany, at the Messe Munchen Convention Center and virtually via Zoom.

During the press conference, public health advocates and experts will reiterate how global access to affordable medicines is being subverted by the pursuit of profit-at-all-cost strategy employed by Gilead Sciences and other Big Pharma companies. Unabated corporate greed keeps millions of people in low- and middle-income countries from accessing lifesaving medicines they need to stay alive and healthy.

WHAT: AHF to host LIVE and VIRTUAL GREEDY GILEAD PRESS CONFERENCE during the International AIDS Conference 2024 (AIDS 2024). WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 13:15 CEST (7:15 a.m. US EDT)  Munich, Germany WHERE: AHF AIDS 2024 BOOTH 111 at Messe Munchen Convention Center and VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM. WHO: Public health expertsand advocates: Dr. V. Sam Prasad , Country Program Director, AHF India Cares

, Country Program Director, AHF India Cares Dr. Victor Popoola , Medical Manager, AHF Sierra Leone

, Medical Manager, AHF Sierra Leone Guillermina Alaniz , Director of Global Advocacy & Policy, AHF

, Director of Global Advocacy & Policy, AHF John Farina, Associate Director of Advocacy, AHF NEWS DESK NOTE & B-ROLL VISUALS Press conference will be live streamed on Zoom & Facebook from the AHF AIDS 2024 conference booth. Visit the AHF FACEBOOK page or ZOOM LINK to watch. Visit www.gilead.org for more information about the Greedy Gilead campaign. MEDIA CONTACTS: Denys Nazarov, Director of Global Policy & Communications, AHF, +1.323.308.1829, [email protected] Brian Shepherd, Associate Director of Global Communications, AHF, +1.808.382.8570, [email protected]

"Gilead has harmed people living with HIV worldwide for two-plus decades by securing continual patents, known as 'evergreening,' and generating billions of dollars through monopolies on some of the most effective and well-tolerated antiretroviral HIV drugs. There's no better place than AIDS 2024 to make everyone aware and demand that Gilead choose lives over its greedy tactics that limit access to medicines people worldwide desperately need," said AHF Chief of Global Advocacy & Policy Terri Ford. "As a leading global HIV/AIDS organization with more than 2 million patients in care in 47 countries, AHF is taking a stand and calling out Gilead so that governments and decision-makers everywhere put collective pressure on it to prioritize lives over obscenely high profits."

Advocates will also highlight the fact that HIV/AIDS is not overas it remains a pandemic and a significant global public health crisis responsible for 630,000 deaths every year globally. According to UNAIDS, more than 39 million people were living with HIV in 2022, including 1.3 million people who had newly acquired the virus. Since the AIDS pandemic started, more than 40 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global non-profit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2 million people in 47 countries worldwide in Africa, the Americas, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. We are currently the largest non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240721281722/en/
Games Global Limited (Games Global or the Company) today announces Gavin Isaacs has agreed with the Company that, in connection with his appointment to CEO of Entain plc from 2nd September 2024, he will step down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors with immediate effect. Gavin will remain on the Board of Games Global as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The Company wishes to thank Gavin for his guidance, input and leadership as Chairman since his appointment in October 2022 and looks forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity as a Non-Executive Director.

Walter Bugno, the Companys CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, will act as Interim Chairman until a new permanent Chairman is appointed.

Walter Bugno, CEO and Interim Chairman, commented I would like to congratulate Gavin on his appointment as CEO of Entain plc. He has been a tireless advocate for Games Global and as Chairman has played a key leadership role in building our business. We very much look forward to continuing to benefit from his insight and expertise as a member of our Board.

Gavin Isaacs commented It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead the Board of Games Global for almost two years and I look forward to continuing to be part of the Companys exciting journey. Games Global is a unique business and, whilst I am disappointed to be standing down as Chairman, taking up a full-time executive role as CEO of Entain plc is an incredible opportunity for me personally.

About Games Global:

Games Global is a leading supplier of unique and innovative iGaming content. With a proprietary catalogue comprising of more than 1,300 games, a record-breaking progressive jackpot network, 40 in-house and partnered studios, and a world-class distribution channel servicing some 600 global gaming branded websites, Games Global delivers force and direction to online gaming, bringing together what it considers to be the industrys biggest and brightest stars.

Visit www.gamesglobal.com to learn more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240721534506/en/
MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, today announced the launch of MSCI Private Capital Indexes (Indexes), advancing the firms commitment to fostering transparency and innovation across the global private markets landscape.

With growing investor interest in private markets, high quality data and consistent performance measurement of private capital funds and portfolios are crucial to providing clarity for investment decisions. The MSCI Private Capital Indexes meet these investor needs, building upon MSCIs independence and expertise in driving transparency and introducing robust data and solutions across asset classes.

The Indexes, constructed from a broad universe of private capital funds with over $11 trillion in capitalization, leverage MSCI's transparent methodologies and reputation for rigorously verified data. Encompassing private equity, private credit, private real estate, private infrastructure, and private natural resources, these 130 Indexes complement MSCIs over 80 existing real asset fund and property indexes providing investors with a comprehensive view of global private markets and the full risk spectrum of private real asset investing. Coupled with MSCI's suite of equity and fixed-income indexes, these private capital indexes offer a multi-asset perspective for investors across their portfolios.

Institutional investors can leverage these Indexes to meet their unique investment mandates and achieve long-term financial goals, while detailed insights from these Indexes can enable strategic asset allocation for asset owners.

Henry Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, said: Investors need tools that will help them cut through the complexity of private markets and take advantage of new investment opportunities. Our private capital indexes allow investors to gain clarity across their investments through high quality validated data and industry leading index construction.

With over 50 years of research and expertise as a leader in the index industry, MSCI also offers advanced custom benchmarking solutions to support asset allocation analysis, detailed performance reporting, and robust risk management for investors unique investment strategies and objectives.

About MSCI Inc.

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com. MSCI#IR

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and involve risks that may cause actual results or performance differ materially and you should not place undue reliance on them. Risks that could affect results or performance are in MSCIs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended on December 31 that is filed with the SEC. MSCI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements. No information herein constitutes investment advice or should be relied on as such. MSCI grants no right or license to use its products or services without an appropriate license. MSCI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722944528/en/
How ASEAN fruits efficiently, conveniently enter China

09:43, July 22, 2024 By Zhang Niansheng, Bai Yuanqi, Zhang Yunhe ( People's Daily

Fruits from ASEAN countries have entered the Chinese market more efficiently and conveniently in recent years.

This favorable trend is attributed to the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the China-Laos Railway, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), and other projects promoting regional connectivity, along with the rapid development of e-commerce platforms and cross-border cold-chain logistics systems, as well as China's favorable policies and measures facilitating customs clearance.

People's Daily reporters recently visited Chanthaburi province, the renowned fruit capital in eastern Thailand, Youyi Port in Pingxiang city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and the China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Center in Chongzuo city.

They tracked the journey of ASEAN fruits from their places of origin to the dining tables of Chinese consumers.

Chanthaburi province, Thailand

Photo shows a distant view of a mangosteen orchard in Chanthaburi province, Thailand. (People's Daily/Bai Yuanqi)

At 10 a.m., People's Daily reporters arrived at a mangosteen orchard in Chanthaburi province, where they received a warm welcome from an 84-year-old woman named Mary. She handed freshly picked mangosteens to everyone.

"These mangosteens are all picked from century-old trees. We have over 70 such old trees in our orchard," said Mary's daughter, Chenisa.

Before the break of dawn the next day, the Thai Mangosteen Association (TMA) headquarters was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

A worker picks mangosteens with a long pole. (People's Daily/Bai Yuanqi)

"Farmers have been bringing in the day's mangosteen harvest since sunset," explained Pippat, vice president of the TMA. In less than two years since its establishment, the association has already gathered a membership of over 1,000 farmers.

"The huge Chinese market has brought opportunities for our rapid development," he added.

At 6 a.m., several trucks were waiting to unload and transfer goods outside a mangosteen processing factory in Chanthaburi.

Workers transfer mangosteens outside a mangosteen processing plant in Chanthaburi province, Thailand. (People's Daily/Bai Yuanqi)

Inside the processing workshop of the factory, giant sorting machines rumbled as over 10 workers carefully checked each mangosteen passing by, sorting them according to size and ripeness.

"These fruits are destined for China. In recent years, our products have been selling increasingly well, largely because of the vast Chinese market," said Nye, one of the workers.

"Eastern Thailand's Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat provinces are major tropical fruit-growing regions especially famous for mangosteens and durians," said Monsit, governor of Chanthaburi province.

Workers check every mangosteen carefully and sort them according to size and ripeness. (People's Daily/Bai Yuanqi)

The development of the fruit industry in eastern Thailand has created numerous job opportunities, with tens of thousands of local people now working in this industry, Monsit said.

Now, farmers enjoy a better quality of life due to their growing income. Meanwhile, the thriving fruit industry has contributed greatly to local economic and social development, Monsit noted.

"We are looking forward to more and closer cooperation with the Chinese market," added the governor.

A worker packages fruit in boxes. (People's Daily/Bai Yuanqi)

Youyi Port, China

At 8 a.m., Youyi Port in China's Pingxiang city was bustling with the stream of cross-border vehicles loaded with ASEAN fruits, filling the air with the aroma of fruit and the echoing sound of train whistles.

After pre-declaration, inspection at checkpoints, and weighing, refrigerated truck No. 98C18232 cleared customs smoothly.

Gan Jianxing, a person responsible for customs declaration for this batch of imported fruits, used his mobile phone to log into an app named "smart Youyi Port," where information such as license plate numbers, cargo classification, and inspection platform codes was clearly displayed.

In an effort to facilitate customs clearance for imported fruits, Youyi Port has established a durian-dedicated channel and a green channel for imported and exported agricultural products, according to Huang Feifei, a customs officer from Youyi Port.

Customs officers check imported durians at Youyi Port in Pingxiang city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (Photo/An Xiaomi)

The port has also introduced an intelligent auxiliary management system for inspection, Huang noted.

"Currently, the system automatically assigns inspection tasks to all 76 inspection platforms at the port. Refrigerated trucks carrying imported fruits are given priority in inspection, leading to a significant increase in the overall vehicle turnover rate," Huang explained.

Youyi Port is China's largest land port for fruit imports and exports. In recent years, the port has been advancing its intelligent transformation, achieving remarkable results.

Inspection space turnover efficiency has increased by 35 percent, and the quarantine processing time has been reduced by nearly 70 percent at the port.

In 2023, fruit imports through Youyi Port totaled 23.92 billion yuan ($3.3 billion), a year-on-year increase of 262.9 percent.

The full implementation of the RCEP and the accelerated development of the ILSTC have helped streamline cross-border transportation procedures, leading to a notable enhancement of customs clearance efficiency and substantial time and cost savings, contributing to the booming fruit trade between ASEAN and China, said Pattama Namwong, president of the TMA.

China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Center

Stepping into the China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Center, reporters were greeted by digital screens showing live updates of fruit transactions.

As of June 30, 2024, the online platform of the center had completed a cumulative total of 174,654 international fruit trade transactions, with a trading volume of nearly 3.41 million tonnes and a transaction value of around 15.04 billion yuan.

"Thanks to the combination of an online trading platform with traditional trading models, ASEAN fruits can flow more smoothly to China," explained Tan Weiping, an executive of the center.

A young man named Ye Hongsheng sells durians via livestreaming at the China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Center in Chongzuo city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (Photo/An Xiaomi)

Ye Hongsheng, a 24-year-old man who sells fruits via livestreaming at the center, said that ASEAN fruits like durian and jackfruit are selling well, and langsat and mango have also become popular choices for consumers looking to try something new.

"Now more and more consumers like to shop during livestreaming shows, and we've gained quite a number of loyal online followers," he said.

"We help sell durians from over 1,000 mu (about 66.67 hectares) of orchards in Chanthaburi, Thailand, and we also cooperate with growers in Buon Ma Thuot city of Dak Lak province, and Tien Giang province in Vietnam on durian planting," said Lou Jiaoyue, Ye's mother, while checking the durian import list.

Sources say that fresh fruit transportation primarily relies on cold-chain air freight and road transport.

Fresh fruit can generally be delivered to central China's Hunan and Hubei provinces within 12 hours, while transportation to east China's Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces and the country's northern regions can typically be completed within 48 hours.

"The trade relations between China and ASEAN are becoming increasingly close, and Chinese consumer demand for ASEAN fruits has surged. We are optimistic about the market prospects of ASEAN fruits in China," said Lou.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Gerard Couzens

An 11-year-old Irish girl has died after plunging from the seventh floor of a Majorcan hotel where she was staying with her family.

She is understood to have fallen around 65ft and landed on the roof of a first-floor restaurant.

The tragedy happened at Club Mac, an all-inclusive three-star resort that specialises in families.

A regional emergency coordination centre has offered the youngsters family trauma counsellors.

One well-placed insider said: The girl who died was one of three children.

The family were due to return to Ireland today.

The youngsters parents were sleeping when she fell and had no idea what had happened until afterwards.

A receptionist at Club Mac said this morning the resort was not commenting.

Local reports are suggesting the child fell by accident, although the Civil Guard has not yet made any official comment.

Paramedics and other emergency responders tried without success to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is expected to take place later on Monday.
High Court reporters

Ryanair and Aer Lingus have secured formal High Court permission to bring challenges against a decision by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to limit passenger numbers in Dublin Airport for the coming winter season.

Last May, the IAA announced that it would be imposing a Passenger Air Traffic Movement (PATM) seat cap of just over 14.4 million passengers at Dublin Airport during the period commencing on October 27th, 2024, and ending March 29th, 2025.

Both airlines claim the decision is legally flawed and should be set aside.

The grounds of the airlines' challenges include that, in arriving at its decision, the IAA acted outside its powers, outside its jurisdiction, and has acted irrationally.

It is also claimed that the IAA has failed to give proper reasons for its decision, and has breached various constitutional rights of the airlines, including their property rights.

The airport's operator, daa, has also brought its own separate High Court action against the IAA's decision.

When the airlines' cases came before the court on Monday, Martin Hayden SC, for Ryanair, and Paul Sreenan SC, for Aer Lingus, told the court that while all the cases are aimed at having the IAA's decision quashed, the airlines' actions have been brought on different legal grounds compared to that of the daa.

Mr Sreenan said the decision will negatively impact Aer Lingus' ability to provide certain winter services, including flights taking children to Lapland around Christmas, as well as flights to ski resorts in France, Austria and Switzerland.

Mr Hayden told the court Ryanair fears its business would be prejudiced by the decision, particularly if similar restrictions are put in place regarding passenger numbers for the Summer 2025 period.

Counsel said, at present, Ryanair's "best guesstimate" is that another "artificial cap" on passenger numbers at the airport may result in the loss of some 5,600 slots or 1.1 million seasons for the period.

This could see Ryanair lose up to 89 million that season, the court heard.

As well as seeking orders quashing the IAA's decision, the airlines also seek a declaration that the respondent erred in law and acted contrary to its requirement and jurisdiction regarding the allocation of slots at EU airports in treating certain planning conditions of Dublin Airports Terminal 2 as relevant technical, operational and environmental constraints for setting coordination parameters for the airport.

Daa and the UK-based Airport Coordination Limited, which is the appointed coordinator of slots at the Dublin Airport after the parameters have been set, are notice parties to the airlines' challenge.

Both applications came before Ms Justice Niamh Hyland on Monday, who granted the airlines permission on an ex parte basi to bring their challenges.

They said that in each of their cases both sides had the legal standing to bring their respective actions, had made out arguable grounds, and had no alternative way to challenge the decision except by way of judicial review.

The judge adjourned the airlines' actions to a date next week.

In reply to the judge, counsel for the airlines expressed their hope that all three challenges against the IAA's decision could be heard in succession by the same judge.
Michael Bolton

The former CEO of The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Ian Elliott, has described Bishop Eamonn Casey as "a sexual predator".

A RTE documentary, in partnership with the the Irish Mail on Sunday reporter Anne Sheridan, examines the Catholic Church's handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, who died in 2017.

His niece, Patricia Donovan, claims he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years.

Mr Elliot found her account of what she experienced entirely credible, describing Bishop Casey as, on balance of probabilities, an offender, a sexual predator."

"The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people. That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped.

"Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the Church. That is a major priority.

Patricia Donovan tells the documentary of "The horror of being raped by him when I was five.

"The violence and it just carried on in that vein. He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him... It didnt make any difference.

I feel so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the Church I was brought up in.

The documentary, called Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets, also reveals how the Limerick Diocese paid over 100,000 in settlement to one of Bishop Caseys accusers after Caseys death.

In early 2006, the Irish Bishops announced that Eamonn Casey was moving back to Ireland from England to retire. By this stage, the Vatican had now received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against Bishop Casey.

Bishop Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him. Although all the complaints were reported to An Garda Siochana, he was never charged with, or prosecuted for, any sexual crimes.

He was prepared to go to court to defend his reputation after two of his accusers brought civil cases against him.

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.
Fiona Magennis

A violent criminal who stamped on a mans head in an attack on New Years Day in Dublin city centre, leaving the victim with a significant brain injury, will serve an extra nine months in prison after the State objected to the undue leniency of his two-and-a-half year sentence.

The victim, who was left unconscious on Aston Quay in the middle of the day, suffered a bleed on the brain and required a craniotomy and 96 staples in his head following the attack.

The man had three pints of blood removed in hospital and has been left with a significant physical depression on the right side of his skull. He continues to suffer a marked decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, slurred speech and difficulty sleeping, the court heard.

Jordan Maguire (24), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the corner of Aston Quay and Prices Lane on January 1st, 2023. He had been drinking and taking drugs for 48 hours prior to the offence, a previous hearing was told.

Delivering judgement at the Court of Appeal on Monday, Court President Mr Justice George Birmingham said Judge Orla Crowe had erred in setting the headline sentence for Maguire at four years before reducing this to three years, with the final six months suspended.

Quashing the original term, Mr Justice Birmingham set a headline sentence of five years before imposing a sentence of three years and nine months with the final six months suspended, meaning Maguire will serve three years and three months in prison.

Carol Doherty BL, for the State, had argued that the sentencing judge erred by setting a headline sentence of four years imprisonment instead of the maximum of five years available.

She said the headline sentence in the case should have reflected the serious nature of the offence having regard to the effect on the victim and Maguires culpability.

Ms Doherty submitted that the headline sentence, together with the reduction to three years, the suspension of the final six months of the sentence and the backdating of the prison term to July 24th, 2023, rendered the term unduly lenient.

Parameters

Oisin Clarke BL, for Maguire, said the four-year headline sentence set by the judge was within the parameters of what is available.

He said that while he did not shy away from the fact that this had clearly been a very serious offence and one in which the sentencing judge could have started with a headline sentence of five years, this was not a magical number.

He said there was case law to show the court did not have to start at five years and said there had been no error.

Mr Clarke said this was not an off the cuff sentence, but rather was one in which the sentencing judge took time to consider the matter. He said the judge had taken into account all the relevant factors in the case, including the mitigating and aggravating factors, before coming to her conclusion.

In delivering the courts ruling on the matter, Mr Justice Birmingham said that by the time of conviction, Maguire had some 45 convictions recorded, including those for robbery, possession of knives, criminal damage and one offence involving a threat to kill.

He noted that in seeking to review the sentence, the director said the sentencing judge would not only have been justified in setting a headline of five years but that the failure to set it at five years was in fact an error.

He said it was the courts view that this offending was extremely serious and fell on the border or very close to the border of what would be dealt with by way of section 4, the offence of causing serious harm.

He said, in the courts view, this was a case where the headline should have been set at five years and should not have been set at a lower figure.

The view we have formed makes it inevitable that we must intervene, he said before proceeding to quash the original sentence.

In resentencing Maguire, the judge set a headline sentence of five years before reducing this by 25% after taking mitigating factors, most notably the respondents plea of guilty, into account giving an adjusted sentence of three years and nine months.

He said the court would suspend the final six months of this and would backdate it to July 24th, 2023, when the plea of guilty was entered.

A Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentencing hearing was told gardai were called to find the victim lying unconscious and covered in blood shortly after 12.30pm. An updated medical report presented to the court said the man had a significant bleed to the brain and required a piece of his skull to be removed.

Prosecuting counsel said the attack has had a long-term impact on the man, who has difficulties with his memory and feels very depressed and alone.

His employment has been affected, and he can no longer mind his grandchildren, to whom he is very close, the court heard.

Maguire was living on the street and had been drinking and taking drugs for 48 hours prior to the offence, the court heard.
High Court reporters

The family of a profoundly autistic young child have been unable to find a suitable primary school placement for her, the High Court has heard.

As a result, the girl's family have launched High Court judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Education and Skills, the National Council for Special Education, Ireland and the Attorney General aimed at securing her a suitable primary school placement.

Brendan Hennessy Bl, for the family, said the child is in a pre-school setting, with which her family is very happy.

However, the family are looking for a primary school setting and contacted approximately 20 different schools seeking a place for the girl.

None of the applications have been successful, counsel said.

The court heard the girl's autism is "very profound" and her educational and health needs are very complex.

While she made great progress at her pre-school, counsel said her family are fearful that all could be lost and she could regress if they cannot secure a placement for the school year commencing next September.

The child is non-verbal, is prone to self-harm, and is already far behind her peers in terms of educational attainment.

Any further delay in securing a school placement, counsel said, will "likely have significant and severe consequences for the child", who may find herself even further behind.

Counsel said the Minister and the other State respondents have been made aware of the situation and her family have not been able to secure a school place for her.

No substantial response has been received, but the family are hopeful that she will be allocated a place, it is claimed.

In the proceedings, which have been taken on the girl's behalf as a last resort, the child seeks an order compelling the Minister to provide her with an adequate and appropriate school education, in the form of a full-time school placement.

The applicants also seek declarations from the courts including that the respondents have failed in their duties to provide the child with an adequate and appropriate primary education in accordance with her constitutional right to an education, and her rights under the Educational Acts.

The matter came before Ms Justice Niamh Hyland on Monday, who granted the applicant permission on an ex-parte basis to bring the challenge.

The judge, noting that several similar cases have come before the courts as the legal year comes to an end and the new school year approaches, accepted the case is urgent.

The case will come back before court next week.
Cillian Sherlock, PA

People in Joe Bidens ancestral homeland in Co Louth are sad to see him go as US president, according to a local.

Mr Biden, who has frequently expressed pride in his Irish ancestry, has made repeated trips to Ireland in recent years.

Rebecca Birch, restaurant manager of Fitzpatricks Bar in Jenkinstown, Co Louth, said locals are hoping they can welcome the 81-year-old back after he announced he would not be seeking re-election as president.

Mr Biden stopped at the bar in 2016 while on a trip with his family to explore their ancestry in the Cooley Peninsula.

Ms Birch, who is local to the area, said she was 16 when the then-US vice president visited the bar.

She said there was a great atmosphere ahead of his arrival.

Ms Birch said: I was with my mam and dad. It was a lovely sunny day, people had been talking about it for weeks. There was a lot of buzz in the area at the time.

Id never seen anything like it, the presidential cars coming in. It was crazy, there were so many people about. It was just a really exciting time to have him here.

Fitzpatricks restaurant which Joe Biden visited during his time as vice president (Liam Mcburney/PA)

Ms Birch said there were mixed reactions following his decision to pull out of the race.

It is a shame because he had a great term, he did an awful lot for America.

Were such a small town and to have a connection to somebody in office, the president of America, thats such a big deal.

Everyone here has a story about Joe Biden being in the community and to have that connection to the White House is really special.

Pictures of Joe Biden during his visit hang above the bar of Fitzpatricks in Co Louth (Liam McBurney/PA)

Unfortunately, were not going to have that any more, but I wish him all the best and I hope its the right decision for him and hopefully he can relax after stepping down.

Ms Birch said there were hopes that Mr Biden could visit the area more frequently, adding: He wont be in office anymore, not so busy running America, so hopefully hell visit us more because I know he does quite like it.

Wed love to have him back.

In 2023, the US presidents tour of Ireland saw him retrace his ancestral roots, with visits to Louth and Co Mayo.

Rebecca Birch said Louth would be sad to see Joe Biden step down (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Bidens grandfather, James Finnegan, was born in Co Louth, while his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, hailed from Ballina, Co Mayo.

On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked the US president for his friendship to Ireland.

He said Mr Biden had expressed a fierce pride in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for reason, effective multi-lateralism and shared solutions.

Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this, he said.

On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it was like coming home.

The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the president is held in his ancestral home.
By Alex Daniel, PA Business Reporter

Ryanair has said airfares will be materially lower over the peak summer months than last year, as it reported plummeting quarterly profits.

The Irish budget carrier said on Monday that lower prices over the spring pushed profits down 46% to 360 million for the three months to June 30.

The average fare fell 15% to 42 year on year, while passenger numbers rose 10% to 55.5 million.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary said demand is strong but pricing remains softer than expected (Brian Lawless/PA)

Chief executive Michael OLeary said: While (second-quarter) demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect (second-quarter) fares to be materially lower than last summer.

The rise in passengers limited the hit to overall turnover, with revenues falling just 1% to 363 billion. Passenger numbers are forecast to be up 8% overall this financial year.

The figures come as the latest sign that the post-pandemic boom in pricing enjoyed by carriers is coming to an end, with other airlines also having recently warned over ticket prices.

Customers are typically waiting longer than usual to book summer holidays, which is thought to be partly a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Earlier in July, Jet2 said there would only be modest price increases this summer amid a wave of later bookings to its European destinations.

Lufthansa has also pointed to negative market trends, while Air France-KLM warned of a financial hit after fewer people than expected booked flights to Paris for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Ryanair added that its performance for the rest of the summer is totally dependent on close-in bookings and yields in August and September.

Mr OLeary also took aim at air traffic controllers across Europe after fewer flights took off over the period.

He said: In the last 10 days of June we suffered a significant deterioration in European air traffic control capacity which caused multiple flight delays and cancellations, especially on first wave morning flights.

(This makes it) more urgent than ever that the new European Commission and Parliament deliver long-delayed reform of Europes hopelessly inefficient air traffic control services.
Singapore's first electric concrete mixer truck arrives at Pan-United

ICR Newsroom By 22 July 2024

Singapore-based concrete supplier Pan-United Corp Ltd has unveiled the country's first fully-electric concrete mixer truck, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) represents a milestone in the companys efforts to become a carbon-neutral ready-mix concrete company by 2050.

The electric mixer truck will reduce the carbon footprint associated with the haulage of concrete by 45 per cent, compared to a vehicle using fossil-fuel. Furthermore, switching to EVs in a densely-populated environment like Singapore, can reduce the areas noise pollution significantly.

CEO of Pan-United, Ken Loh, said, Pan-United is excited to welcome EVs into Singapores built environment industry. We hope to eventually operate a substantial fleet of electric concrete mixer trucks for our day-to-day operations. This step marks an exciting new venture in exploring alternative fuel technology and a deepening commitment to accomplish Pan-Uniteds aim of being a carbon-neutral ready-mix concrete company by 2050.

Pan-United has actively been exploring ways to reduce our embodied and operational carbon emissions. This includes the use of alternative fuels and electric gensets in our operations to lower our carbon footprint. We will continue to actively explore new and innovative solutions and products to decarbonise and accelerate the global climate transition, he added.

SANY, a Chinese multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company, delivered the vehicle. The electric mixer truck has a 350kWh battery, provides 360kW at peak power and takes just two hours to reach full charge. To compare, a Category A passenger EV with a 78kW battery capacity takes approximately 30 minutes to charge fully.

Published under
Perus cement market contracts 6% in June

Muriel Bal By 22 July 2024

Cement dispatches in Peru declined by 5.9 per cent YoY to 0.924Mt in June 2024 from 0.928Mt in June 2023, according to ASOCEM, the Peruvian cement association. Of this total, dispatches by ASOCEM members were down 8.8 per cent to 0.842Mt in June 2024 from 0.923Mt in June 2023.



Output from domestic cement plants declined 6.1 per cent YoY to 0.884Mt in June 2024 from 0.941Mt. Clinker production fell 15.5 per cent to 0.686Mt from 0.812Mt over the same period.



In terms of external trade, Perus cement producers exported 9000t of cement, down 25.6 per cent YoY in June 2024 from 12,100t in the year-ago period. There were no clinker exports in June 2024  in June 2023 66,100t of clinker were exported.



Cement imports surged to 29,000t in June 2024 from 3000t in June 2023. Vietnam imported 89 per cent of total imports via the port of Callao while Chile accounted for 11 per cent, imported via the Tacna land terminal.



Clinker imports declined 59 per cent to 18,000t in June 2024 from 44,000t in June 2023. Vietnam accounted for all clinker imports, which arrived in Peru via the port of Callao.



January-June 2024

In the first half of 2024 cement consumption in Peru edged up by 0.1 per cent YoY to 5.678Mt from 5.672Mt in the 1H23.



However, domestic cement production fell by four per cent YoY to 5.251Mt from 5.472Mt in the 1H23. Clinker output dropped 10.4 per cent YoY to 4.518Mt in the 1H24 from 5.042Mt.



Cement exports increased to 0.248Mt in the 1H24 from 0.079Mt in the year-ago period while clinker exports surged to 0.876Mt from 0.244Mt over the same period.



The market was additionally supplied by 0.127Mt of cement in the 1H24, up from 0.114Mt in the 1H23, and 0.352Mt of clinker was imported in the 1H24, down from 0.357Mt in the year-ago period.

Published under
Officials were reacting to President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus said, "In 2020, while everyone around me was choosing sides and lining up behind their preferred Democratic candidates for President, I patiently awaited the entry of Vice President Joe Biden into the race. Once Vice President Biden entered the race, I was locked in and vowed that I was Ridin with Biden come hell or high water.

"Today, as President Joseph R. Biden announces his intention not to seek re-election, I am saddened but I am forever proud of having supported the man who defeated Donald Trump and restored hope in America. President Biden delivered for the American people on election night in 2020 and every day during his term in office. Our nation is better today because President Biden served.



"The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Bidens legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better.

"At this critical moment with so much on the line, we must unite as a party and deliver for the American people. The path ahead is clear. We have one objective and that is to make sure that Donald Trump does not return to the White House. Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better."

Tennessee Rep. Diana Harshbarger said, "Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection confirms what I and many of my colleagues have known for years: Joe Biden is unfit to lead.

"Though Democrats and the media have ignored the Presidents rapid decline in mental and physical health for months, his decision to drop out of the race is an overt admission of his poor condition and his inability to serve out the rest of his term as President of the United States.



"I could not agree more with President Trump and Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance who have repeatedly said that if Joe Biden is not fit to run for reelection, he is not fit to be commander-in-chief."

Hamilton County Democrats said in a statement, "President Biden's decision to step aside and endorse VP Kamala Harris demonstrates his ongoing commitment to the country, and his belief that it's not about him, it's about us. President Biden saved democracy in 2020, he saved countless lives through his handling of Covid, he selected a Black woman for the Supreme Court, and he brought us back to a thriving economy, with record job growth and low unemployment, he expanded NATO, and stood up for democracy across the globe! For all he has given, we thank him.

"But the objective remains clear. Defeating Donald Trump, and saving democracy is the singular goal. We know that Vice President Harris is the right person to lead us to victory on Nov. 5 to continue to build upon the progress of the Biden/Harris administration: to reform the Supreme Court, to support organized labor, to protect voters rights, and to make sure that women all across this county have access to the reproductive healthcare that they need and deserve."



Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell said, President Biden has put his country over his ambition and we will come together to continue the work that the Biden/Harris administration began. We look forward to putting the work in to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, and electing Kamala Harris for President!

Congressional Candidate Jack Allen said, President Biden has served this country well, and I am grateful for his many years of service. Today he made the selfless decision to not seek reelection. I believe this decision was made with the best interest of the American people in mind. In our most trying times as a nation it is the moments that our leaders have put country above self that have truly defined the American spirit. This will certainly be yet another one of those defining moments in our history.










The Chattanooga and Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA) has been undertaking major updates to plans and codes during the past year. The staff of the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County across many departments have been involved as well as citizens during public meetings and through surveys of community stakeholders. I would like to thank Mayor Kelly and Mayor Wamp as well as the Chattanooga City Council and Hamilton County Commissioners for the time and faith they have placed in the RPA during the past year.

As the Director of the RPA, it is my primary responsibility to ensure the planning process is based on facts, laws, public engagement and common-sense approaches. As a planning professional for over three decades in the southeast U.S., it has been my fortune to have worked with hundreds of elected officials and staff at many excellent local governments.

Plan Chattanooga and Plan Hamilton are individual programs led by RPA and two consultant teams that will be released next month for more public review and stakeholder engagement. This is the first time in Chattanooga and Hamilton County history when our key local governments, regional agencies and state government have coordinated infrastructure and planning in a comprehensive process.

We are fortunate to have many beautiful and safe communities, a proud history, good public and private schools, small businesses and large employers. While we must live and travel highway interstate corridors that run through Chattanooga and between Nashville, Knoxville and Atlanta, our local governments have the authority to manage growth and guide our communitys future. RPA takes this responsibility to our elected officials and citizens seriously and with the greatest regard to state laws and regulations.

I am a graduate of UGA Terry College of Business with a BBA in Management. I have a MS in Urban Studies and Planning from Georgia State University. For over three decades in Georgia, I worked as a transportation planner with the Athens-Clarke County planning department and Savannah-Chatham County MPO, as Director of Brunswick/St. Simons/Glynn County planning agency, Director of Douglas County planning and 17 years Manager of state mandated planning at ARC for 70 plus city and county
In light of the controversy over recent decisions by the United States Supreme Court in the areas of abortion and presidential immunity, one has to search the history of the nation's judiciary to subjectively select what may be the worst infringement on individual rights ever decided by the third branch of government

In 1847, the complicated 11 year legal journey that approved the inhumane practice of slavery began that resulted in the March 6, 1857 Scott vs Sanford opinion by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney in a 7-1 opinion that upheld slavery in US territories and denied the legality of black citizenship in America and declared the Missouri Compromise that allowed both slave and abolitionist states to become part of the union to be unconstitutional. The decision amongst other factors would lead to the bloody Civil War (1861-1865) and spark divisions in the black and white races that continue to this day.

Self appointed advocates often inflame emotions that hurt America's image locally and abroad. Although denied by many authorities, Russian ruler Nikita Khrushchev in the 1960s is alleged to have stated that We can never defeat America militarily but it will destroy itself from within. The statement may be a boding prophecy, irrespective of whether Khrushchev said it or not.

The Dred Scott decision would exacerbate sectional tensions between North and South.

Many legal authorities contend that with its overall consequences it is the worst decision ever rendered by our nation's highest court.

In 2010, the US Supreme Court decided Citizen United vs Federal Election Commission issued another landmark decision regarding campaign finance laws and the First Amendment Freedom of Speech clause that prohibits the government from restricting many independent expenditures for political campaigns by corporations, nonprofit organizations, labor unions and other associations.

The 5-4 decision has opened the financial coffers of the above and others under a variety of techniques has created the use of political terms such as Super PACs, 501(c)(4) incorporated public advocacy groups, dark money etc. It has substantially increased the cost of campaigns, and basically removed donation limits on millionaire/billionaire contributors.

Some critics of the decision contend that its effect leads to an increase in Republican influence and representation in both state legislatures and Congress. However, it appears both political parties are equally adept/inept in panic spending that the majority of Americans believe could be spent on other needs and issues.

(Whether we as a nation can survive either or both decisions is beyond the scope of this article. Curtailing the power of the nine member United States Supreme Court under the separation of powers clause and our Constitution in 2024 is not an original idea! It was probably last seriously considered under FDR with his court packing plan but other controversial decisions often resurrect the idea. The Impeach Justice Earl Warren campaign after the overturning of the Dred Scott decision also was volatile in the Brown v. Board of Education case in the 1950s.)

----

If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com)
The Hydroformylation of olefins, also known as oxosynthesis, is one of the most important industrial processes in chemistry. Developed in 1938 by Otto Roehlen (Ruhrchemie), more than 10 million tons per year of so-called oxo products are now produced using this process. The main catalysts used are rhodium catalysts, with which olefins can be converted very efficiently into the desired products, albeit at high temperatures (150-200 C) and pressures (150 to 300 bar hydrogen/carbon monoxide). Rhodium is one of the rarest metals on earth: 1 gram costs around EUR 140. By contrast, ubiquitous iron costs just EUR 120 per tonne, making it around a million times cheaper and also far less toxic.

Iron(III) chloride and light: that's all it takes for the indirect hydroformylation of electron-poor olefins with trioxanes.  Grafik: Design Prof. Dr. Oliver Reiser, unterstutzt durch Microsoft Designer

Researchers at the University of Regensburg have now succeeded in hydroformylating electron-poor olefins at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by combining iron catalysis and light. Inexpensive 1,3,5-trioxane, a trimer of formaldehyde, is used instead of toxic carbon monoxide. The developed process could also be extended to related hydroacylations and hydrocarboxlyations. "There is undoubtedly still a long way to go before this approach can compete with rhodium-catalyzed processes," explains Prof. Dr. Oliver Reiser, Institute of Organic Chemistry at UR, "but the replacement of valuable metals such as rhodium or iridium with readily available alternatives is essential for the development of resource-saving processes on the way to sustainable chemistry."

Photocatalysis, i.e. the use of light for chemical synthesis, is one of the active areas of research in organic chemistry. In order for organic molecules to be effectively stimulated by light, mediating catalysts are used. Precious metals such as ruthenium or iridium - less common than gold - are also predominantly used for this purpose. It has long been assumed that metals such as iron or copper, which are abundant on earth, are less suitable as photocatalysts, as their excited states initiated by light are very short-lived (nanoseconds or even picoseconds) and therefore do not enable reactions with molecules.
Europe is leading globally in the development of new technologies in the water sector, according to a study published by the European Patent Office (EPO). The report, which looks at international patent families (IPFs)[i], finds that companies, researchers and inventors from theEPOs 39 member states accounted for 40% of all IPFs in water-related technologies in 1992-2021. European inventors lead in all major areas of water tech, from potable water harvesting and efficient water use to wastewater treatment and flood protection.

According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water in 2022, and 3.5 billion lacked safe sanitation services. In addition, droughts and floods cause large numbers of deaths and billions in economic losses every year.

Water is one of our most precious resources, said EPO President Antonio Campinos. "Given the threats posed by climate change, innovation needs to grow even faster in the coming decades  in both the supply of water and protection from water-related hazards. Our new study and tools provide policymakers and the public with high-quality data and analysis of the water technology landscape, and support inventors in developing innovative solutions to meet our water challenges."

Water treatment biggest focus for inventions, Europe ahead According to the study, there were over 22 000 IPFs filed worldwide between 1992 and 2021 in water-related technologies. The largest area for inventions is water treatment, making up about 60% of all IPFs. The fastest growing area in recent years is efficient water treatment, and especially automation and control of treatment operations. Europe has a strong lead in water inventions, followed by the US (with 23% of all water-related IPFs), Japan (12%), China (6%) and Republic of Korea (5%). The leading European countries are Germany (12%), France (5%), the UK (4%), the Netherlands (3%) and Italy (3%).

Large companies dominate but university innovation on the rise The top patent applicants in water technologies are Veolia (France), Xylem (USA) and Kurita (Japan). But the contribution of universities and public research organisations has grown significantly, from under 5% of all water-related IPFs in the 1990s to 14% by 2017-21. The top universities/research institutes are the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing University (China) and CNRS (France).

Improving access to information about water technologies Working with national patent offices across Europe, the EPO has also developed a new technology platform on water innovation. The free platform enables scientists, governments and businesses to more easily navigate its online patent database containing over 150 million documents, and thus find information about the latest advances in the water sector. In addition, the EPO has updated its free Deep Tech Finder to help investors and potential partners connect with over 100 startups with European patent applications for water-related inventions from all over Europe.
Around 125 years ago, ancient tools used by Roman surgeons were found at a site along an underground river in London called Walbrook.

The site is known for being a hotspot for well-preserved artifacts from the Roman era. Walbrook River used to be aboveground and played a key role in the development of the Roman settlement of Londinium.

Now, over a century later, a team of researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom have examined the medical instruments, of which there were six in total. They included a bronze scalpel handle, two needles, two surgical probes, and a spoon.

These instruments illustrate aspects of Roman medical practicenot just ideas and theories but the kinds of interventions into bodies that occurred in the Roman world, said Rebecca Flemming, a professor of ancient Greek scientific and technological thought.

The tools show that the practices were widespread across the empire because the same types of instruments have been found in places such as Italy, Britain, and Syria.

The researchers analyzed the objects using a CT scanner in the University of Exeters Science, Heritage, and Archaeology Digital 3D Laboratory.

The research technique allowed the team to investigate the objects further in a non-invasive way, especially since the artifacts are fragile. They were able to look below the corroded metal surface layers to the original material.

The scans revealed several details about the designs and capabilities of the tools that had not been visible to them before.

For instance, it was discovered that the scalpel handle was created for long-term use with great care.

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Within the mountains of Poland, a crew of metal detectorists stumbled upon ancient treasure associated with a notorious con artist. The team was with the Swietokrzyska Exploration Group.

They had set out to find the buried treasure of the 18th-century Polish conman Anthony Jaczewicz. Clearly, their efforts proved to be successful because they came across a collection of gold and silver coins from the 17th and early 18th centuries.

According to Polish legend, in the early 1700s, Jaczewicz claimed that the Virgin Mary had granted him divine healing powers.

During the Great Northern War, which occurred from 1700 to 1721, a deadly plague swept over the Republic of Poland.

The villagers in the surrounding area were eager to have some protection against the illness, so they all lined up at Jaczewiczs dwelling in the Swietokrzyskie Mountains to receive a cure. In exchange, they paid him generously.

It is said that Jaczewicz earned so much money from his scam that he transformed his lair into a grand fortress with armed guards. The guards stole from people living nearby and sometimes took over entire properties in the area. Sometimes, they even robbed aristocrats.

In 1712, Jaczewicz was arrested for fraud and sentenced to life in prison. The buried coins that the metal detectorists unearthed may have been a last desperate attempt to hide his riches before he was finally detained.

The excavation project on the mountains began in June 2022. On June 12, they unburied a variety of silver and gold coins, including sixes, orts, patagoons, kopecks, and krajcars.

It was the largest and most impressive deposit; there were a lot of them. Unfortunately, we cannot talk about numbers yet because conservation works are still ongoing, and the search is still ongoing, Sebastian Grabowiec, president of the Swietokrzyska Exploration Group, said.

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After finding disturbingly high levels of fiberglass in mussels and oysters, scientists have issued a warning for those who consume seafood.

It is the first time that fiberglass fragments have been discovered in the marine food chain, raising concerns over the safety of humans and the environment.

Fiberglass is a material reinforced with plastic. Extremely fine fibers of glass are embedded into it. The material is durable, lightweight, and flexible, making it ideal for construction purposes.

It is often used in the manufacture of boats. However, the material can break down in seawater over time and contaminate coastlines.

Due to their eating style, species such as oysters and mussels are especially vulnerable to fiberglass particles. They feed by taking in water from their surroundings and filtering out food. If the water is contaminated, toxic particles can easily enter their bodies and build up in their tissues.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom analyzed mussels and oysters collected from an active shipyard to see if any glass fibers could be found in their soft tissues. The samples were from Chichester Harbor on the coast of southern England.

The researchers determined that there were as many as 11,220 fragments of glass per kilogram in the oysters and about 2,740 particles per kilogram in mussels.

During the winter months, the accumulation of glass particles peaked, which could be attributed to more boat maintenance activities at that time of year.

Although the study focused primarily on oysters and mussels, the researchers detected fiberglass in other organisms as well, according to Corina Ciocan, a lecturer of marine biology at the University of Brighton.

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Ffion Price was in Paris, France, on Saturday, July 6th, celebrating her bachelorette party when the unthinkable happened.

She was in the trendy Pachamama nightclub along with her friends, but an explosion occurred, leaving Ffion gravely injured.

Two other people of the 140 clubgoers were hurt in the incident, which happened due to an electric scooter battery.

While Ffion was rushed to a nearby hospital, the two additional people suffered from bruises and were treated on the scene.

An employee of the nightclub owned the scooter and had it on the buildings fourth floor in an office.

Somehow, the battery exploded, taking out sections of the nightclubs wall and ceiling. The Paris prosecutors office has since said the explosion triggered a fire and blasted through one of the walls, which led to debris falling on the dance floor below.

In a GoFundMe page started by Ffions cousin, Monique, called Get Ffi Ffi home and well for her wedding day, it states the bride-to-be sustained serious injuries just before midnight.

Ffion experienced a freak and horrific incident that turned what should have been one of the best weekends of her life upside down, Monique wrote.

A ceiling in a nightclub collapsed, seriously injuring her. As a result, Ffion suffered a fractured skull, another fracture in her ear, and a bleed on the brain, which required immediate surgery and a hospital stay in intensive care; she has also required surgery to her face.

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If youre a teacher, you understand how hard people like to go for certain school spirit days and events. While not all your students will get super dressed up, its up to you as a teacher to be a good example of school spirit.

Two teachers in Nevada went viral after sharing just how spirited they were for one of their schools staff development theme days.

Stephanie Osmundson and Loreal Hemenway are two art teachers in Henderson, Nevada, and were recently asked by their school administrators to do something special for a staff development day at their school in January.

Stephanie and Loreal posted a viral video that showed behind-the-scenes footage of their special surprise.

The video starts with Stephanie and Loreal looking at an email sent to them by their school administration regarding staff development day, which read, To add some fun to our day, we have a themed spirit dress day, Back of the closet. This means wear those hidden gem outfits that you either save for special occasions or that you havent worn in years.

Then, Stephanie and Loreal decided to go all out with a brilliant idea. They decided to wear their wedding dresses to school.

In their viral video, Stephanie and Loreal can be seen strutting down the halls of their school in their gorgeous wedding gowns. Stephanie was in a trumpet-style gown with a jewel-covered belt, and Loreal was in a sparkly dress with a sweetheart bodice.

To add some teacher-appropriate modesty to their gowns, each teacher wore a casual white shirt under their dress and swapped their veils and heels for backpacks and bright-colored sneakers.

In their viral video, Stephanie and Loreal can be seen getting a lot of hype and praise for not only how great they looked in their gowns but their clever minds and bravery in wearing them to school.

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International undergraduates were part of many schools plans for sustainability. A new government rule changes that.

SDI Productions / Getty

It seemed like a door had opened.

Providence University College and Theological Seminary in Manitoba started an associates degree program that could be marketed to international students. To president Kenton Andersons delight, the two-year degree attracted a significant number of applicants eager to study in Canada. Several hundred students enrolled.

For the private evangelical school, that generated significant revenue and helped further fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel around the world.

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Providence made plans to grow the programcould they attract 500 international students? 600? 700?and bought an apartment building in nearby Winnipeg to provide increased student housing.

Then, a single government decision closed that door.

Canadas federal government announced new restrictions on undergraduate international students in January 2024. When the rules take effect this fall, the total number will be reduced by about 35 percent.

Providence was anticipating several hundred new international students. Now, when the semester starts the first week of September, the school will only greet about 20.

Its many millions of dollars of revenue just gone, Anderson told CT. And, of course, as a private tuition-funded Christian school, its not like we have a lot of that money lying around.

According to the Canadian government, there are several reasons to reduce the number of international students at Canadian colleges and universities. Officials said they were concerned that lax admissions were diminishing the quality of the countrys education.

We want to ensure that international students are successful and to tackle the issues that make students vulnerable and hurt the integrity of the International Student Program, Julie Lafortune, a spokeswoman for the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, told CT in an email.

The government was also concerned about the strain that the influx of internationals puts on the already stressed housing market. Many cities across Canada have seen housing costs skyrocket in recent years. Experts estimate 5.8 million new homes would have to be built by 2030 to bring prices back down to affordable levels.

While international students are not responsible for the challenges that communities are facing in housing, health care, and other services, the growth in the number of international students is unsustainable and has added significant demand for services that all Canadians must be able to access, Lafortune said.

The new rule sets limits on international students for each province. The provinces will then determine the allocation of that limited number of studentshow many will go to one school, how many to another.

In Manitoba, the government decided to prioritize permits for international students attending public universities. Providence was allowed just a small amount.

Anderson said the combined decisions of the federal and provincial governments were enough to threaten the existence of the evangelical university. But Providence isnt alone, he said. Many institutions of higher education are going to suffer.

That was a very popular move politically for them to make, but it was a bit of a blunt instrument, he said. It just kind of like hit everybody.

Kingswood University in New Brunswick will notice the hit.

In its 80-year history, the Methodist-affiliated school has come to rely on the flow of enrollments from abroad. Sometimes as much as 40 percent of the student body has been international. The majority have come from the United States, but many have come from further away as well, reflecting Kingswoods Methodist ties and its missions-minded identity.

Its impossible for us to do what we were chosen and funded to do because of this new rule, president Stephen Lennox told CT.

In the rural community of Sussex, where the university is located, housing is not a major problem, according to Lennox. He understands the government concerns about education quality and housing stock, but neither issue actually applies to Kingswood. So the rule doesnt solve anything but does seriously hurt the school.

Christian Higher Education Canada sent a letter to Marc Miller, minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, asking him to reconsider. Lennox, who is on the board, is one of the leaders at 22 Christian schools in Canada who signed the appeal.

Our schools provide theological education, preparing individuals to fill positions as pastors and other religious professionals, it said. Limiting the number of international students restricts us in our mission to help alleviate the pastoral leadership deficit in churches around the world.

One major issue that will impact Kingswood is the change to the process of admitting US students. Americans who want to study at evangelical schools in Canada will find its a bit more difficult than it was before.

Theyve always been allowed to enter by a door thats a little easier to pass through than a typical international student. Now they all have to come through the same door, Lennox said. A student two hours away in Calais, Maine, has to go through the same process that someone coming from Swaziland has to go through. And to me, that just doesnt seem to make any sense.

Some evangelical schools in Canada have seen problems with housing. The government concern about people having places to live is relevant to their context. But they were already figuring out solutions.

Finding housing in Moncton can be a challenge, said Darrell Nevers, marketing and communications manager at Crandall University, a school associated with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. However, our student network is strong; most students can find suitable housing before arrival or soon afterwards. We also work with community partners to help students find safe and affordable housing.

Crandall, which is also in New Brunswick, typically recruits between 400 and 450 international students each year to the Moncton campusjust under 50 percent of overall enrollment. The largest numbers of students come from India, Nigeria, Colombia, Ghana, and Bangladesh. The majority are enrolled in graduate programs, however, which are exempt from the new restrictions for now.

That reduces the impact but doesnt entirely eliminate it. Crandall is welcoming only 812 international undergraduate students this fall but 140 additional students are enrolled in graduate programs.

While we are certainly concerned that these changes will impact our undergraduate student enrollment, we believe that our provincial government has been incredibly fair in how they have allocated numbers to New Brunswick schools, Nevers said.

Faced with the new restrictions, some universities have chosen to pivot.

We feel like the Lord has definitely closed a door for this season. We hope that it opens again, either with a change of government or just because they see there is a better way. But we also feel like, Hey, the Lord wants us to exist. What other options are out there for us? said Lennox at Kingswood.

Currently, the school has plans to offer a one-year masters in leadership starting in January 2025. Those students will be exempt from the new restriction, and Kingswood hopes to recruit enough of them to offset the losses in undergraduate enrollment. Since its a one-year program instead of a four-year program, however, they will have to recruit at a faster rate.

Providence has also taken steps to expand its graduate offerings. Anderson said it was incredibly difficult for faculty and staff to get a new program in place as quickly as they needed to, but it was essential to the future of the institution.

It was just one of those things where you do or die, so to speak, the president said. Were doing a lot of things to strengthen our work and our sustainability as an institution and what we offer to the kingdom of God, to the church, to our communities.

New graduate programs will bring about 300 international students to Providence this fall. That alleviates immediate financial concerns, but school officials have a new awareness of how easily that could change. Recruiting more international students no longer seems like a key piece of a solid plan for sustainability.

The international work was good in that it was helping buy time, essentially, Anderson said. Now, were going to have to dig a little deeper.
Home News 'Cultural erasure': Azerbaijan destroys Armenian churches, heritage sites after Nagorno-Karabakh war

Azerbaijan is guilty of cultural genocide for destroying Christian sites in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and falsely claiming that Armenian religious presence there never existed, according to a report by a legal advocacy group.



The European Centre for Law & Justice (ECLJ)s report lists the eradication of churches, monasteries, khachkars [cross-stones] and other cultural artifacts that tell of the faith and culture of the Armenian people.

Azerbaijan gained control of the majority of Nagorno after the Second Karabakh War  September 2020 to November 2020. Dozens of Armenian Christian heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh were destroyed, damaged or closed to the public during that period, according to the June report, The Systematic Erasure of Armenian Christian Heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.

There are now 500 sites under Azerbaijans control, with 6,000 Armenian monuments, the report states. Foreign observers are banned from the sites, but satellite surveillance has revealed the destruction.

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Churches damaged or destroyed, as listed in the report, include Meghretsots Holy Mother of God Church, the seventh-century Vankasar Church in Tigranakert, St. Johns Cathedral of the Mother of God in Stepanaker, and Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi, defaced with multiple religious symbols  removed from the church, including the unique angels on the buildings gate, the domes of the church, and the cathedrals cross.

Under the pretense of renovation, the Azerbaijani government vandalized the Surb Sargis Church, built in 1279 in Tsar village of Karvachar, according to the report.

Azerbaijani efforts to restore this church have taken the form of destroying religious symbols and enclosing the area from view via a large iron fence, the report states.

Two historic polished stone slabs at the same church site, decorated with Christian artwork and Armenian language inscriptions, were smashed.

Thus, this destruction has not only deprived Armenia of a unique piece of its heritage, but it has removed undeniable evidence of the Armenian origins of the church, the report states.

Other incidents include the razing of an 18th-century church building, St. Sargis of Hadrut in Mokhrenes, in March 2022, and the Azerbaijanis completely cleared the land and have begun building a new structure atop the grounds of the church.

St. John the Baptist Church in Shushi revealed signs of Azerbaijani bomb damage in 2020, as shown in satellite imagery earlier this year (April 4), and the building was destroyed, according to the report.

Satellite imagery on the same day also showed the desecration of Ghazanchetsots Cemetery in Shushi, with the Azerbaijani government from October 2023 systematically [destroying] the tombstones, which dated back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

This cemetery is merely one of many, including the Mets Taher, Sghnakh, Sui Northern, and Yerevan Gates cemeteries, that have been destroyed, according to the report.

Other cemeteries and sacred sites either destroyed or damaged include Ghuze Tagh Cemetery near Aknaghbyur, the Koha Sacred place, the cemetery near Vazgenashen, Ghazanchetsots Cemetery and Yerevan Gate cemeteries in Shushi.

The ECLJ suspects that the St. Ascension (St. Hambardzum) Church in Berdzor, demolished and removed from the grounds, may become a mosque after Azerbaijan's Public Organization for the Protection of Monuments put forward a redevelopment proposal.

Stones from ruined medieval Armenian church buildings and cemeteries were used to build the Zar and Chirag schools in the 1950s, the report states. These included Khachkar ornamental relief relics and inscribed stones that survived destruction by the former Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

The schools were looted and abandoned in the 1990s, but their structures remained intact, serving as a reminder of the enduring heritage of the Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh, noted the report. Between Oct. 5, 2023, and June 2, 2024, however, Azerbaijan razed both schools to the ground.

Another act of destruction saw the removal of the Cross Memorial located on a hill near the city of Stepanakert. As a memorial to Armenian soldiers and a symbol of the nations Christian heritage, the 50-meter high cross had been the second tallest in Europe. Azerbaijani forces took down the cross last September.

At the same time, to achieve complete cultural erasure, the report states, Azerbaijan has gone beyond merely destroying Armenian heritage. Azerbaijan is also denying it ever existed.

The Azerbaijani government has falsely claimed the Armenian Christian sites are of Caucasian Albanian origin and the Armenians were never native to Nagorno-Karabakh, according to the report.

Instead, Azerbaijan claims that when Russia gained control of the region in the 19th century, the great northern power facilitated a large- scale Armenian migration into the South Caucasus, the report states. Upon arriving in the region, Armenian clergy began to co-opt the ancient Caucasian Albanian churches by adding fraudulent Armenian inscriptions and modifying the architecture to appear Armenian.

These claims are blatantly false, but they are also malicious, the ECLJ states, accusing the country of a revisionist history that attempts to strip ethnic Armenians, including the natives of Nagorno-Karabakh, of their heritage.

It paints the Armenians as nothing more than intruders and pawns in Russias efforts to Christianize the region, the ECLJ states. Furthermore, by denying the Armenians centuries-old presence in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijanis attempt to excuse and even justify horrific acts of cultural erasure.



An example was the Azerbaijani governments attempts to expel Armenian priests from the Dadivank Monastery under the false claim they had no ties to the Caucasian Albanian site, according to the report.

Although the ECLJ welcomed international condemnation of the acts, it is clear the response thus far has been insufficient by other nations, and the destruction and denial of Armenias Christian heritage continues: A new approach must be adopted if the heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh is to be protected from total erasure.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News First Baptist Dallas members hopeful after 'fires of Hell' devour sanctuary: 'Satan cannot destroy us' 'We cannot allow Satan to have the last word'

DALLAS, Texas  The congregation of First Baptist Dallas gathered in the convention center downtown Sunday to mourn the recent loss of their historic sanctuary, though several members expressed hope to The Christian Post that God will use the tragedy for good.

A four-alarm fire engulfed the historic old sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas on Friday, destroying the structural integrity of the oldest part of the church. First Baptist Dallas was founded in 1868, and its sanctuary was constructed in 1890. It is among the largest Southern Baptist churches in the United States.

'The flames of Hell'

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"It's like those flames represented the flames of Hell, and they were destroying the truth that I had banked my life and eternity on," Pastor Robert Jeffress told the more than 3,000 churchgoers who attended the service in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Sunday morning.

During solemn but hopeful remarks to his congregation, Jeffress compared their sorrow to the "feeling of despair and discouragement" the disciples likely felt on the night Jesus was crucified, which he noted soon turned to joy.

"This last Friday night, it looked like the gates of Hell were prevailing, that Satan was going to win," he said. "That was Friday night, but ladies and gentlemen, it is Sunday morning. It is a day of resurrection."

"It's not a day of death," he continued as the auditorium erupted in response and rose to their feet. "And I am pledging to you, we're going to rebuild that sanctuary. We're going to recreate it as a standing symbol of the truth, the unchangeableness, the endurance of the Word of God."

THIS ENTIRE CHURCH IS BURNING DOWN OUTSIDE MY WINDOW pic.twitter.com/oUF9neaxEJ  Amanda Milius (@AmandaMilius) July 20, 2024

"We cannot allow Satan to have the last word," he added. "If we allow that thing to remain in ruins, it will look to the whole world like we've been defeated by the evil one. So we're going to rebuild, we're going to recreate."

Jeffress also noted the outpouring of support, which he said he believes God will use to redeem the situation.

At the conclusion of the service, Jeffress encouraged everyone in the room to join hands as they sang the doxology. As the words "praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost" swelled from the congregation, most lifted their clasped hands in a show of solidarity and worship.

Jeffress, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has said that he does not believe the fire was an arson attack, but he noted during a Sunday morning interview on Fox News that some have been mocking him for the fact the historic sanctuary burned to the ground less than a week after he claimed God narrowly saved Trump from an assassination attempt.

The pastor reiterated to his congregation what he told Fox News, and asserted the sovereignty of God. He also said that "God saved us" from a much more catastrophic situation because the thousands of children attending Vacation Bible School had vacated the premises hours earlier.

WATCH my interview on @foxnews with @foxandfriends discussing the destruction of our Historic Sanctuary and the hope and resilience of God's people. pic.twitter.com/3yUvSHie7H  Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) July 21, 2024

"This week, I've received several requests [from] some scoffers mocking, saying, 'Last week you were up there telling everybody in America that God thwarted an assassination attempt. Where is that God now? Is that same God responsible for allowing that fire in your church?' To which I say, 'Absolutely, it's the same God.'"

"He is so powerful, so wonderful," he added. "He can cause the worst things in your life to work together for our good and His eternal purpose. That's the kind of God we serve."

Dallas Fire-Rescue Captain Robert Borse told CP that the investigation remains ongoing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI joined the investigation on Saturday.

'Shock and sorrow'

Jeffress expressed grief to local media in the wake of the fire, but noted that the church of God consists of souls, not a building.

"It holds a lot of memories," Jeffress told FOX 4 News of the sanctuary. "We thank God nobody was hurt.  I'm grateful that the church is not brick and mortar, it's people. The people of God will endure. First Baptist Dallas will endure. We thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now."

First Baptist Dallas Pastor @robertjeffress after fire at historic sanctuary: "I'm grateful that the church is not bricks or mortar or wood, it's people." pic.twitter.com/KM7Pnzkzko  FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) July 20, 2024

Multiple members of the church who attended the service and spoke to CP echoed their pastor.

Member Phil Tankersley said his first thought on learning about the conflagration was that he "can't wait to see how God will use this event to His glory."

"So much of our lives are part of a spiritual attack," he added. "Scripture tells us that Satan is roaring like a lion, looking for someone to devour. So that's why I choose to take events like what happened and view it from the perspective of what man intended for evil, God will use for good. And I can't wait to see how God will use this for good."

Member Bill Paschall said he was overcome with "shock and sorrow" when he learned the church had gone up in flames Friday evening.

"I've been here for many years, and I was married in this church," Paschall said. "I met my wife here, so it means so much. I think that we will see that we'll be a stronger body of believers when this is over."

'Satan cannot destroy us'

Following the service at the convention center, several somber-faced church members gathered outside in the drizzling rain a mile away to view the sanctuary's charred remains from behind a chain-link fence that authorities had erected around the scene.

Isabelle, a bystander who told CP she has been a member at First Baptist Dallas for four years, said the incident was "just heartbreaking, because there's so much history here."

"It's not just the destruction you see here, we had a lot of stuff underneath: we had a museum, printing room, the library, a lot of stuff that cannot be replaced. So losing all of that is just heartbreaking," she continued.

Cecily, who has been a member for five years, serves on the church's greeting team and remembered sadly how she admired the old sanctuary with a couple who were visiting from out of state two weeks ago.

"After the worship service, I saw them wandering about in another area, and they were looking for the old sanctuary," she said. "We just kind of stood there after the worship service to admire the building, and they were taking pictures. I'm just so glad that I was able to do that just two weeks ago."

Neither woman was willing to say the fire was a deliberate arson attack, but both said it was "definitely" a spiritual attack from the devil.

"Satan is on fire right now," Isabelle said. "Satan thought that through this, he would shut us down, but we just had a wonderful service somewhere else. We will never stop worshiping, because the church  like the pastor said  it's not a building. It's people. We are the church. Satan cannot destroy us."

"Satan can try, he can do all he wants," she added. "He can never shut us down. Ever."

Cecily told CP that she believes God will use the devastation for good.

"Somehow, God's glory is going to just be huge from this  huge," she said. "I don't know what He's doing, because this is just so sad, but it's got to be huge. If it's something so devastating, something so amazing is going to happen, like a phoenix rising from the ashes."
Home News Polling shows Harris doing better than Biden nationally, weaker in some swing states

With President Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the choice of some Democrats to succeed him, polling paints a conflicting picture as to whether replacing Biden with Harris would actually help Democrats keep the White House.

Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday afternoon, less than a month before the Democratic National Convention is slated to kick off in Chicago, Illinois. The presidents departure comes amid low polling and approval numbers as well as concerns about his mental health and ability to do the job in light of his advanced age.

The president endorsed Harris as his successor, as did many other prominent Democrats. Even before Biden pulled the plug on his reelection bid, limited polling had been conducted of possible matchups between Harris and the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, in anticipation of such a possibility.

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The RealClearPolitics average of national polls asking voters who they intend to support in the 2024 presidential race, based on surveys conducted between June 28 and July 16, showed Trump beating Biden by 3.0 percentage points, securing 47.7% of the vote to Bidens 44.7%.

When given the option to choose between Trump and Biden as well as independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Trumps lead over Biden increased to 3.7 percentage points.

In a hypothetical five-way race, Trump captured 43.1% support, followed by Biden at 39.4%, Kennedy at 8.5%, Stein at 2% and West at 1%. By contrast, Trump only leads Harris by 1.7 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of the limited polling conducted of such a hypothetical matchup between June 28 and July 18. The average shows Trump with 48% of the vote and Harris at 46.3%.

In a five-way race between Trump, Harris, Kennedy, West and Stein, Trump leads Harris by a larger margin than he did Biden. Trump bests Harris by 5 percentage points, securing 43.5% of the vote to Harris 38.5%, Kennedys 10.5%, Steins 2% and Wests 1.5%.

While national polling can provide an indication of the mood of the American electorate, the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be determined by the results in individual states. In Georgia, one of several swing states that will decide the outcome of the race, Trump led Biden by 4 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average based on polls conducted between May 30 and July 16. In terms of vote share, Trump was at 46.2%, while Biden was at 42.2%.

An average of two polls conducted in the past two weeks shows Trump beating Harris by 7.5 percentage points in Georgia. Trumps support was measured at 49%, with Harris at 41.5%. Georgia, narrowly won by Biden in the 2020 presidential election, has 16 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

In Pennsylvania, Trump led Biden by 4.5 percentage points, with his support measured at 47.8% and Bidens pegged at 43.3%. Limited polling shows Harris performing slightly better against Trump in the state, trailing by 4 points with 43.5% to Trumps 47.5%. Pennsylvania was also won by Biden in 2020 and has 19 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

While RealClearPolitics has not officially created averages for polls of a Trump-Harris contest in the remaining swing states, the website does include individual polls from each state. In Arizona, three polls listed show Harris trailing Trump by 6, 8 and 5 percentage points, with her support ranging from 40%-43%. Trumps support was measured at 48% in all three polls.

Before Biden dropped out, he was trailing Trump by 5.8 percentage points with the former president leading his successor 47.4% to 41.6%. Arizona, narrowly won by Biden four years ago, has 11 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

In Michigan, the only poll of a Trump-Harris matchup featured on the RealClearPolitics website, shows Harris beating Trump by 2 points, 48% to 46%. By contrast, Biden trailed Trump by 2.1 percentage points, with Trump leading Biden 44% to 41.9%. Michigan was carried by Biden in 2020 and has 15 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

In three polls sampling public opinion of a Trump-Harris contest in Nevada, the former presidents lead ranges from 8 to 10 percentage points. Trumps share of the vote ranged from 48%-50% while Harris was as low as 39% and as high as 42%. Polls of a Trump-Biden contest showed Trump leading Biden by 5.6 percentage points, 47.2% to 41.6%. Nevada, another state Biden won in 2020, has six electoral votes in the Electoral College.

In North Carolina, the only poll of a Trump-Harris matchup shows Trump at 50% with Harris at 41%, a lead of 9 percentage points. In a race between Trump and Biden, Trump had 47.2% compared to Bidens 41.5%, a lead of 5.7 percentage points. North Carolina, the only swing state won by Trump in 2020, has 16 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

Two polls taken in Wisconsin show Trump at 48%, while Harris either had 47% or 46% support, indicating leads of 1 and 2 points, respectively. By contrast, Trump led Biden by an average of 3.3 percentage points, 46.6% to 43.3%. Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes in the Electoral College.

In terms of favorability numbers, Harris finds herself underwater, as do Biden and Trump. Biden has an approval rating of 40.1%, according to the RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring his job performance. With a disapproval rating of 57.2, Biden is 17.1 percentage points underwater.

The presidents favorability numbers showed a similar result, with just 39.1% of the American public giving him a favorable rating and 56.6% viewing him unfavorably; making him 17.5 percentage points underwater. Harris is also viewed unfavorably by a majority of the American people (52.3%), while the share of the American people who view her favorably is lower than that of Biden (38.1%). However, she is only 14.2 percentage points underwater.

Trump has a high unfavorable rating as well (53.7%), but his favorability (42.8%) is higher than that of both Biden and Harris, and his net unfavorability rating is lower (10.9%).

While many Democrats jumped on board to support Harris after Biden bowed out, former President Barack Obama did not and signaled support for creating a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. Obamas decision not to endorse Harris suggests that concerns remain about Harris viability as a candidate.
Home News RNC official blames 'hateful, antisemitic people' for response to Sikh prayer Harmeet Dillon called Sikh deity 'our one true God' in GOP convention appearance

The Republican party is not a church.

Attorney and conservative political activist Harmeet Dhillon isnt mincing words over criticism of her Sikh prayer at the conclusion of the first night of last weeks Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She says feedback was 100 percent positive at the convention despite backlash from public figures and others on social media.

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Dhillons prayer, which included the statement, Dear Waheguru, our one true God, came on the heels of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

I come from a family of Sikh immigrants and I'm honored to share with you, my fellow Republicans and guests tonight, a prayer from my faith and tradition practiced by over 25 million worldwide, she told the crowd before covering her head with a traditional religious covering.

Dhillon, 55, rose to national prominence after she filed a series of lawsuits against California's stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus emergency, and later ran unsuccessfully for chairperson of the Republican National Committee. She now serves as RNC National Committeewoman for California and Western Region Vice Chairwoman of the RNC.

When asked about her Sikh prayer, Dhillon told CP she has sat through thousands of prayers of other denominations over the years and believes her prayer was part of a key effort to get as many votes as possible from Jews, from Sikhs, from different kinds of Christians, Hindus, Muslims ahead of the November election.

I think it is important that I communicate to my community that we are welcome in this party and our votes are welcome and our support is welcome. Our candidacies are welcome and we are welcome, she said Thursday via Zoom. And how do you make that clear? And I think one of these ways to do that is to show that there are people of our faith on the stage and that we are welcome.

As a delegate for Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican National Convention, Dhillon, who was raised in a devout Sikh family, offered a similar prayer which was received with far less controversy. She says the RNC asked her not to deliver the prayer during the 2020 convention, which was held online.

Dhillon says while shes not sure why this particular prayer was criticized, she rejects the suggestion that it was part of a GOP diversity effort.

The RNC was fully supportive of [her praying] in 2016 and 2024. I was not asked to do it in our truncated convention in 2020, she said. I am a member of the RNC. And so the one thing that offends me is people suggesting this is some kind of a diversity issue.

And it's mainly been some, frankly, hateful antisemitic people who are using the opportunity to attack me. They would have the same reaction to a rabbi doing a prayer, I believe.

While raising some eyebrows among the GOP faithful, Dhillons Sikh prayer at a Republican convention was not unprecedented: in 2012, Florida businessman Ishwar Singh became the first Sikh American in U.S. history to deliver the invocation at a national convention.

Singh, who is the president of the Sikh Society of Central Florida, delivered the invocation just weeks after a shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, left six dead and three others wounded.

Dr. Richard Land, executive editor of The Christian Post and former head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said in his Friday column that "Ms. Dhillons prayer should serve as a classic example of the 'pluralism' that we say we believe in in America."

Land explained that pluralism "is the belief that everyone in America has the right, based on the Constitution and its First Amendment, to express their religious beliefs according to the dictates of their own consciences in the public square without fear of censorship, bias or prejudice."

Progressives, he added, "have attempted to achieve religious 'neutrality' in the public square by enforcing a religiously sanitized public square. Alternatively, many have tried to exclude all but the majority religious viewpoint. Both of these approaches are flawed and wrong, and both violate some citizens constitutional rights to freedom of religion."

The reaction from Republicans and other Trump supporters to Dhillons prayer ranged from calling her speech inappropriate to satanic, while others suggested the event itself promoted questionable theological statements.

Calvin Robinson, a former Anglican priest, current Catholic cleric and co-host of the "Fox & Father" podcast with Laurence Fox, praised Dhillon's track record of working toward conservative causes even as he criticized her "one true God" statement.

Harmeet Dhillon has done great work. She should be invited on stage to speak about that and to support President Trump.



But to invite her to pray to a pagan god, leading those prayers with Dear Waheguru, our one true God is entirely inappropriate.



What is worse is all the https://t.co/C9WvsCWLbS  Fr Calvin Robinson (@calvinrobinson) July 16, 2024

Conservative commentator Stew Peters accused the RNC of promoting "satanic chants and multiple prayers to FALSE GODS" with Dhillon's prayer.

Day 1 of the RNC was complete with satanic chants and multiple prayers to FALSE GODS. pic.twitter.com/Bb6vbeOIbk  Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) July 16, 2024

Thomas S. Kidd, research professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, contended that allowing such prayers could suggest "all religions are equally valid."

If (say) a political convention is not an appropriate venue to affirm one religion as uniquely true, it is also improper to offer *acts of worship* by people of multiple faiths. Doing so suggests all religions are equally valid, especially in our diversity-obsessed culture.  Thomas S. Kidd (@ThomasSKidd) July 16, 2024

Others, such as Pritpal Singh, American Sikh Caucus Committee member, hailed Dhillon's prayer as a "remarkable achievement" for Sikh Americans.

Truly inspiring to see a Sikh American leading the opening of the Republican convention with an Ardaas. This powerful testament to our faith and values fills us with immense pride. Thank you, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, for this remarkable achievement! @pnjabanpic.twitter.com/dqvEW2VJC0  Pritpal Singh (@PritpalASCC) July 16, 2024

Later that evening, Dhillon stated that Waheguru, the deity which she invoked onstage at the RNC and what Sikhs believe to be the "the distinctive name of the Supreme Being in the Sikh dispensation, like Yahweh in Judaism and Allah in Islam," is the same God as that of Christianity and other faiths.

There is one God. We all believe in the same God.  Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) July 16, 2024

Despite the social media backlash, said Dillon, convention members showed overwhelming warmth and support" after her prayer.

"People on the RNC who didn't vote for me, members of the Trump family, members of our legislatures, Congress, senators, governors, I have just received overwhelming warmth and support, she said. People who are elected, they get it. They get that. We need to welcome everyone into our party if you want to win elections.

Although the U.S. Census does not ask respondents to identify their religion, nearly 70,700 Americans  representing roughly 0.02% of the U.S. population  identified Sikh as their ethnicity in the 2020 census.

While a number of different religions and faith traditions were represented at the 2024 RNC, including Catholicism, Judaism and Islam, Dhillons prayer stood in stark contrast to a prayer from Evangelical preacher Franklin Graham, who delivered his trademark Gospel message from the RNC stage.

One thing I do know is that God loves us and he wants us to be with him in heaven one day. And thats through faith in his son, Jesus Christ, Graham told the audience. Sadly, as a nation, we have forgotten who is responsible for all the freedoms, the liberties and the bounty we enjoy.

After praising Trumps record of appointing conservative, pro-life judges, Graham closed his prayer by invoking the name of Jesus.

We ask that youll unite our hearts, bring us together, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, he said in his prayer. And we pray this in the mighty name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the king of kings and the lord of lords. Amen.
Home News Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dies weeks after announcing cancer diagnosis

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, a vocal advocate for black Americans, has died at the age of 74. Her family announced her death in a statement, expressing their sorrow and appreciation for her impactful life.

[W]ith incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, reads the statement by her family, in part.

Last month, Jackson Lee revealed she was battling pancreatic cancer, a disease with a notably poor prognosis. She expressed determination despite the diagnosis, trusting in her faith to strengthen her through the challenging treatment ahead. The road ahead will not be easy, she acknowledged at the time, but I have faith that God will strengthen me.

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Throughout her career, Jackson Lee was known as an advocate for justice and equality, particularly focusing on issues affecting the African American community. Her legislative efforts included sponsoring bills to make Juneteenth a national holiday and pushing for policies to address police brutality and misconduct. She continued to raise these issues despite her personal health challenges.

Starting her public service as a municipal judge and city councilwoman in Houston, Jackson Lee made her way to Congress in 1994 by defeating an incumbent in the Democratic primary. She served on the House Judiciary Committee.

Her work wasnt without controversy. Her connections to Enron were scrutinized after its collapse, although she denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, she faced allegations of mishandling a sexual assault claim within the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which she chaired. She stepped down from her leadership positions in the caucus and the Judiciary Committee as the lawsuit, which was later dismissed, unfolded.

In 2023, during her election bid to become the mayor of Houston, her campaign had to return $63,800 in contributions that exceeded legal limits in donations, including one $1,000 donation from a deceased woman, the Houston Landing reported at the time.

An embarrassing recording of Jackson Lee cursing at staff was also released publicly during her mayoral race. The recording, believed to have been around five years old, was released to ABCs Houston affiliate KTRK.

Her attempt to become Houstons mayor saw endorsements from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former President Bill Clinton, although she was ultimately unsuccessful. She continued to serve in Congress, focused on her role as a deputy whip for the House Democrats.

Jackson Lees death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and political leaders.

President Joe Biden remembered her as a great American who helped deliver the promise of America to all its citizens. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., both expressed their deep respect and admiration for her.

Mentioning her legislative victories that impacted millions, her family said, However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother and Bebe (grandmother). She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy.

The family has yet to announce her funeral arrangements.
Home Opinion America needs a prayer meeting

The assassination attempt of former President Trump put the growing political division in the United States into even sharper contrast. It was also yet another reminder of how susceptible we are to violence. People are getting desperate for a solution.

How can we tell?

Theyre praying. And were not just talking about pastors, priests, and rabbis.

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People from diverse backgrounds and across the political spectrum have made it clear they were praying. Many have also cried out for unity since that tragic Saturday evening. But honestly, were not sure the events of July 13th caused more division. Were afraid they exposed the division that is already there. And yet, there remain cries for unity  for less political animosity.

The real question is, how do we get it?

Some say we need to restrict misinformation on social media. Others advocate for economic development to give more people steady jobs and incomes. Still others say well find healing when we rid our country of racism.

These are essential steps, no doubt. But the truth remains that political violence has been a consistent issue with extremists on both sides of the spectrum. All you had to do is look at social media right after the assassination attempt on former President Trumps life to see that sadly remains true.

In this context, its easy to wonder if healing our nation is even possible. Sometimes it seems too big a task, like were too far gone.

Thankfully, were one nation under a God who doesnt believe in too far gone. So, after one of the most horrific political events in history, we turned to him for guidance. Heres what we believe can help bridge the partisan divide and bring lasting healing to our nation.

Its prayer.

Think back to how political officials, talk-show hosts, and overseas leaders responded to the attempt on former President Trumps life. Do you remember?

It was prayer. From every corner of the globe.

President Joe Biden stated, Im praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally. Joe Scarborough, an outspoken critic of Trump and Morning Joe host, wrote, Our family is praying this morning for President Trump, those injured yesterday, and for the loved ones of the American tragically killed. May God grant mercy on them and deliver us from the violent political rhetoric that coarsens debate and endangers public servants.

Trumps response was the same. He issued a sincere thank you and pointed to God: Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, Trump wrote himself in his first statement following the attack, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.

Its as if the world paused to remember Romans 13:1, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

I believe this is the solution. Its not a coincidence that people from all walks of life are drawn to their knees in prayer in the depths of lifes darkest moments. Its proof that, above all our differences, something unites us.

And its prayer. Moments like these remind us that humbling ourselves before our Maker can bring us together.

Some might argue that this is all well and good, but they might also wonder if those offering prayers arent sincere  perhaps theyre just testing a message that they think fits the moment.

That may be true at times. Yet I find it encouraging that nearly 250 years after our nation was founded, theres still no more heartfelt way to show your care than to tell someone youre praying for them. That is significant.

Its worth noting that this isnt the first time America has been drawn together by prayer.

In July 1755, near the beginning of the French and Indian War, the Virginia militia was ambushed. The gunfire was so fierce that 714 of the 1,500 militiamen died that day. One brave aid refused to give up and rallied the surviving soldiers for retreat.

What happened next is one of the most well-documented cases of Gods provision in Americas history.

That young man had his horse shot out from under him twice. Four rounds pierced his overcoat without touching him. Another slug passed through his hat, narrowly missing his skull. Of all the soldiers on horseback that day, he alone emerged unscathed.

His name was George Washington.

Later, in a letter home, he wrote: By the all-powerful dispensation of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.

George Washington understood what we would do well to remember: We have been spared, and our nation has been given yet another chance to heal. Lets not waste it.

2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

That is the healing we so desperately need. So, let us pray.
Home Opinion Debunking viral Christian meme claiming God did not save Trump

A few days ago, a friend emailed me, asking how to respond to a statement that a family member shared with her. The statement said, If you believe God intervened to save former President Trump, but didnt intervene to save the kids in Uvalde or Parkland or Santa Fe or Sandy Hook, then you are worshipping partisan politics, not Jesus.

It took me about two seconds to respond, as the meme was basically meaningless, without scriptural or even logical significance. What was the big deal?

Subsequently, I learned that the statement came from a viral post on X by Pastor Zach Lambert, at present, boasting 3.7 million views and 196 thousand likes. It was also echoed in an article by Shane Claiborne, a pacifist Christian leader.

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The post that Lambert has pinned on his X account states, In the last 25 years, 40 million Americans have walked away from church. Most of these folks are not rejecting Jesus. They are rejecting the use of Jesus name for the purpose of domination and oppression. They arent even rejecting the Bible. They are rejecting hateful, harmful, exclusionary ways of reading it.

Im convinced that rejection like this doesnt make them unchristian  it makes them Christlike. Jesus himself famously chastised religious leaders who weaponized Scripture and elevated it above love of neighbor. He repeatedly denounced those who used the Bible to divide rather than unite, incite violence rather than make peace, and exclude rather than include.

Im tired of pastors and Christian leaders wielding the Bible like a weapon. We need to do better...

I certainly share Zachs passion to introduce people to the real Jesus as opposed to the Jesus of my political party or ideology or nationality or ethnicity or personal biases. And I want to use the Bible to bring Gods true message to the Church and the world, without compromise or equivocation. So be it!

But could it be that Zach, along with Shane, whose article well address shortly, are guilty of reading the Bible through their particular theological and ideological lens, thereby weaponizing scripture for their own cause? Could it be that this sword cuts both ways?

As a two-time Trump voter, I wrote books with titles like Donald Trump Is Not My Savior and Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? (For me, the Trump test was: 1) Can we unite around Jesus even if we dont agree politically? 2) Can we vote for Trump if he is our preferred candidate without taking on his negative characteristics? In my view, we failed on both counts quite dramatically.)

I also wrote The Political Seduction of the Church: How Millions of American Christians Have Confused Politics with the Gospel, with a constant warning not to wrap the gospel in the American flag.

All that to say, Im sensitive to the concerns raised by Zach and Shane.

At the same time, I find this viral meme both vacuous and even potentially divisive. First, had President Biden narrowly and seemingly miraculously escaped an assassination attempt, most of us would have said that God spared Bidens life. In other words, our view that God spared Trumps life was not based on partisan politics but on a sense of divine intervention. It was theological, not political.

Second, many of us hold to a view of divine sovereignty that would suggest His activity in any seemingly extraordinary, life-saving event. (Or, conversely, we would see this in any seemingly extraordinary life-taking event, such as a terrorist being struck by lightning just before he was about to detonate a bomb.)

Third, we agonize over the fact that God does not intervene more, recognizing that for every life that was saved, many others were not. Why was one person miraculously healed in answer to prayer while others died? Why did one family member emerge unscathed from an accident while the rest of the family died?

Ultimately, we dont have answers for these questions, other than holding to Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

But we do know that, since God has given us free will, with the rarest of exceptions, He does not stop us from doing wrong things, as horrific as those consequences may be. That He intervenes at all, showing mercy or acting for His own purposes, is His prerogative alone.

Why didnt He spare the life of the courageous firefighter who shielded his wife and kids, taking a bullet that was meant for Trump? Only God knows.

But that doesnt mean He didnt save Trumps life, and perhaps, because of this intervention, Trump will be a changed man for the good of America, resulting in a blessing for millions of people. How can we say this will not happen?

For Shane, who was on my radio show once for some friendly interaction, because God is love, we can be sure that God did not save Donald Trump but not the person killed by mistake. God did not save Trump, for that matter, but not the kids at Sandy Hook or Uvalde. God did not save some of the Israeli hostages but not the others. God does not want thousands of kids in Gaza to die.

While I certainly appreciate these sentiments, they have no scriptural or even logical basis. In fact, using this same logic, you could argue that God is not love because He did not save all these others.

For Shane, the big lesson is that, There is no place for political violence in America from any quarter, but especially for any of us who choose to follow Jesus.

He gets my hearty amen to that statement, for sure.

He adds, If our theology does not make us more loving, then we should question our theology.

Once again, I absolutely concur.

But that actually makes me question whether these kinds of memes and articles express Gods love for Christian conservatives or Trump voters or Republicans or whoever the people may be who believe that God spared Trumps life. Are Zach and Shane being equally divisive in the name of love?

Shane also states, Any theology that puts God, rather than sinful human beings, behind a gun or a bomb is bad theology.

Once again, however, he overstates his case in his understandable zeal to come against a pseudo-Christian, hyper-nationalistic, violence-exalting mentality.

And he fails to realize that God is with the policeman who pulls the trigger to stop a crazed murderer from slaughtering a child in a playground. Or that God is with the sniper who takes out a radical Islamic terrorist who is about to execute peaceful Christians. As the Word says, For the one in authority is Gods servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are Gods servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer (Romans 13:4).

But let me not end here. Instead, I extend a personal invitation to Shane and Zach to each join me for a full-length interview on my Line of Fire show. Lets have a civil, honoring dialogue on our perspectives and, hopefully, bring more heat than light. What do you say?
Home Opinion JD Vance: Isolationist or rustbelt advocate?

After former President Donald Trump announced that Ohio Senator JD Vance would be his running mate, journalists and media outlets immediately tried to brand the 39-year-old senator as an isolationist. But the charge of isolationism against Vance is a canard; it fails to capture the nuances of Vances foreign policy and the deeply rooted convictions. Far from being an isolationist, Vance is an advocate of a pragmatic prioritization of American interests, starting at home and spreading across the world, that reflect the concerns of the average American  concerns he knows all too well.

Vance chronicled his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, a once-thriving industrial town that has faced economic decline, in his 2016 book Hillbilly Elegy. Where Vance grew up, poverty was the family tradition and alcoholism and drug abuse were rampant, both in his family and across the broader community.

Growing up in the Rustbelt, Vance came to see, firsthand, how the spread of globalization and shifting economic landscapes left many working-class communities behind. For residents of these areas, there is a strong disconnect between their daily struggles and, say, the federal governments international expenditures. Billions of dollars in foreign aid and military interventions abroad are difficult to reconcile with local job losses, decaying infrastructure and the opioid crisis. Resentment starts to build.

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Take, for example, a recent tragedy in his own state of Ohio. Early last year, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing toxic chemicals into the community. The derailment ravaged the town, and its residents are still reeling from the noxious effects of the chemicals released by the derailment.

Yet despite such a terrible, devastating disaster, President Biden did not visit the Ohio town until nearly a year after the derailment. While Americans were suffering in Ohio, the President was sending billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine in support of their war effort against Russia. Many Americans are frustrated with this disconnect; they want a government that looks inwards before it looks outwards. In JD Vance, they have found their greatest advocate.

Vance might lean towards an isolationist worldview, but it is one borne directly out of his experience in middle America and his relentless fight for the common man. It is not the isolationism borne out of the forever wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where so many protested our overseas involvement in wars that came at a high price in blood. Rather, Vance advocates for a foreign policy approach that puts the national interest first.

That is why, for instance, Vance rightly identifies China as Americas most pressing foreign policy challenge. In an interview with Sean Hannity shortly after he was picked as Trumps VP, Vance said that China is the biggest threat to our country and that the United States is completely distracted from it. An aggressive, expansive China, unchecked by the United States, would negatively impact the lives of the average American. By identifying China as our greatest threat, Vance signals his commitment to an America First foreign policy.

Vance has also been a staunch supporter of Israel. He has said that a big part of the reason why Americans care about Israel is for its religious significance to Christians as the birthplace of Christianity. In the aftermath of the 10/7 Massacre, Vance has criticized the Biden administrations withholding and delaying of precision weapons shipments to Israel, noting that the policy was fundamentally incoherent. He has repeatedly called for Israel to be allowed to finish the job with Hamas, so that it could shift its focus to continuing the Abraham Accords and establishing a new era of peace, prosperity and alliances within the Middle East.

But accomplishing these foreign policy goals requires unleashing American industry, especially its defense industry, which is heavily situated across the Rustbelt. Vance joins Trumps call for the urgent need to revive the defense industrial base, which would be welcome news to so much of middle America, the home of many weapons production facilities. Iron Dome missiles, for instance, are made for US and Israeli batteries in Arkansas. Reinvigorating the defense industrial base can breathe new life into economically distressed regions, particularly those in the Rustbelt, which have suffered from decades of deindustrialization.

JD Vance has been forged in the fires of Middletowns factories, nourished by the hopes of families in East Palestine, and molded by a life spent alongside the average American. Far from being an isolationist, Vance is making the case for a strong America built on the bedrock of its resilient heartland. As we near one of the most consequential elections of modern US history, JD Vance reminds us that true greatness begins at home.
Home News Pro-life OB-GYN, researcher react to claim maternal deaths higher in states restricting abortion

A recent study that claims maternal deaths are higher in states where abortion is nearly banned or those that have gestational limits on terminating preborn babies is misleading, according to a pro-life medical professional and researcher.

The report, released Thursday by the Commonwealth Fund, a private health research foundation, evaluated states based on 32 measures, including health outcomes and access to abortion.

Researchers focused primarily on data from 2021 and 2022, and the study authors obtained their information through government-sponsored surveys and from the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) Abortion Facility Database. The study assessed women of reproductive age, ages 15 to 44, who died from causes related to pregnancy, substance abuse, COVID-19 or other chronic conditions.

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According to the researchers, the highest rates of maternal deaths were in the Mississippi Delta, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The study reported that Vermont, California and Connecticut had the lowest rates of maternal deaths.

The researchers emphasized that states with the highest rates had abortion restrictions prior to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case in which the high court ruled that the Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. Some states have since placed further limits on abortion.

Michael New, an associate scholar at the pro-life research group Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post that the study has a number of methodological weaknesses, such as the timeframe researchers analyzed in their study.

First, the maternal mortality data that was analyzed comes from 2022. Dobbs was decided in June 2022, and many states did not start enforcing protections of preborn children until later that year, New said. It is pretty ridiculous to blame high maternal mortality rates on pro-life policies that were in effect for at most six months.

The pro-life researcher also asserted that the study's authors failed to provide evidence that pro-life laws increased maternal mortality rates, saying that the researchers neglected to compare pre-Dobbs maternal mortality data with post-Dobbs maternal mortality data. All the study showed, according to New, is that some states with pro-life policies had high maternal mortality rates.

The problem is that those states that enacted strong pro-life laws after Dobbs tended to be states with above-average poverty rates, the pro-life researcher added. States with high poverty rates tend to fare poorly on a number of public health metrics, including maternal mortality rates. Poverty is the cause of high maternal mortality, not pro-life laws.

Overall, a vast majority of the health data used in the study comes from 2022, he continued. Again, the analysts that wrote the study and the journalists covering the study should not be blaming poor public health outcomes on pro-life laws that were in place for about 6 months.

Dr. Donna Harrison, director of research for the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a board-certified OB-GYN, also commented on the study. In a separate statement to CP, the pro-life doctor acknowledged poor maternal health as an important matter but contended that there is no proof promoting induced abortion will improve it.

The medical professional cited research The Lancet published in 2010 that analyzed maternal mortality in 181 countries from 1980 to 2008. Harrison contended that other countries tend to have better abortion reporting requirements than the U.S., adding that the research indicates regulations on abortion do not, by themselves, worsen maternal mortality.

She also cited a separate study published by PLOS One in 2012 that analyzed maternal mortality in Chile, noting that the study found the countrys pro-life laws did not impact the nations maternal mortality rate. In addition, Harrison pointed to European countries like Poland and Malta that are considered pro-life, highlighting research that found these places have some of the lowest maternal mortality rates.

Another study from 2022 found a sharp rise in maternal deaths in Ireland, which Harrison connected to the countrys legalization of abortion a few years prior.

The challenges impacting our nation's maternal health are complex, and reducing this conversation to one about induced abortion does a disservice to American mothers  our patients, the pro-life doctor said.
Home News Obama lauds Bidens public service, doesnt endorse Kamala Harris as replacement

Former President Barack Obama stopped short of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee after President Joe Biden announced he was no longer seeking reelection.

Obama hailed Biden, his running mate in the 2008 and 2012 elections, for his decades-long career in politics after he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsement of Harris to succeed him as the partys nominee.

Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joes remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character  his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts, Obama wrote in a 549-word statement on Medium on Sunday evening.

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The 44th president added: We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Bidens vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August.

I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond, he predicted. For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times  and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.

The Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, Harris wrote in a multi-post thread on X Sunday evening. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If youre with me, add a donation right now. On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If youre with me, add a donation right now.https://t.co/xpPDkCRhoZ  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

For their part, Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, have said they had nothing to do with The Heritage Foundations Project 2025. The conservative think-tanks initiative was intended to serve as a guide for a conservative administration.

The Heritage Foundation does a lot of good work. It does a lot of things that I disagree with, a lot of things that I agree with, Vance recently told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. I guarantee there are things that Trump likes and dislikes about that 900-page document. But he is the person who will determine the agenda into the next administration.

Well-known Democrat leaders who quickly endorsed Harris as the partys presidential nominee include: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton, Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Mark Warner, D-Va., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Reps. James Clyburn, D-S.C., Nanette Barragan, D-Calif., Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.

Other Democrats who, like Obama, have yet to endorse Harris as their presidential nominee include former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Home News Pastor reveals grandson accused of killing wife, 4 kids struggled with mental illness

Three days after his grandson allegedly murdered his wife and four children in their home on Thursday night, Allan Kendrick, lead pastor of Oasis of Praise Church in Bessemer, Alabama, said his family had been struggling to get help with his grandson's mental illness from government agencies, including with Medicaid, to pay for his care.

"I watched him all these years try so hard, talk to every agency, talk to everybody. We tried everything, had him instituted in hospitals only to be discharged with no medication, no follow-up, no doctor, nothing," Kendrick, 71, told his congregation during his sermon Sunday.

His grandson Brandon Allan Kendrick, 32, is accused of killing his wife, Kelse Kendrick, 24, his children Kaleb, 6, and Kynli, 2, along with their cousins Colton, 8, and Haley Daniels, 6, on Thursday night, The Daily Mail reported.

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Brandon Kendrick allegedly gunned down his family at the garage apartment they lived in on Pastor Kendrick's property in West Blocton, about 40 miles south of Birmingham. Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade told AL.com his office received a 911 call at 8:18 p.m. about a child who had been shot in the Greentree Drive area.

Charging documents say Brandon Kendrick shot his wife in the head with a handgun and gunned down the children, too. He is currently facing five counts of capital murder.

Members of his family told the Daily Mail that Brandon Kendrick struggled with schizophrenia, a condition that had worsened in the weeks before the massacre.

One family member said Brandon Kendrick also had a history of not taking his medication and that "Kelse and her children have been victims of domestic violence for years."

Calls to the church by The Christian Post on Monday went unanswered, but Kendrick told his congregation on Sunday that had it not been for God protecting him and his wife, Gay, they could have died in the attack on Thursday, too.

"Ten minutes before I heard a gunshot, my grandson was sitting in my bedroom with me and Gay laughing, talking. [We] talked about the first time we ever took him to a restaurant for his 13th birthday. He had never been in a restaurant. We took him there for his birthday," Pastor Kendrick said.

The pastor said that he and his wife had been caring for Brandon Kendrick since he was 12 after suffering years of sexual, physical and mental abuse.

"All he'd ever known for 12 years was abuse: physical, sexual, mental, drugs. When I got him at 12 years old, he weighed 58 pounds," the pastor said.

"[He] was on nine different psychotic medicines. At 18, the system failed him, took him off disability, took him off medication because we couldn't afford to buy.  They canceled his Medicaid."

Pastor Kendrick said his grandson called 911 at about 1 a.m. last Thursday asking for help but was turned down.

Last Thursday night, just 10 minutes before they heard the sound of a gunshot, the family seemed to be having a good night.

"In the bedroom with me and Gay, we're talking about the J. Alexander dinner we took him to, few other things with laughing and talking. His wife had gotten home. She came in, laughed with us a little while, left. He got up 10 minutes later. Pow!" Pastor Kendrick recalled.

"I told Gay, I said that's a gunshot. She said, 'Yeah, it was.' She was sitting on a little sofa here," he said, describing an area in the bedroom.

"She got up. I didn't have my shoes on, so I'm putting my shoes on. He [Brandon] walks in our bedroom with a gun in his hand. She was closest to him. She grabbed the gun. It went off. I don't know how it kept from hitting her," Pastor Kendrick continued before noting, "Yeah, I do," to applause from his congregation.

"Because our prayer team, that night, about an hour before this incident, our prayer team stood right here and joined hands and prayed for mine and Gay's safety because I had reached out to them. I'd reached out to several of the church members. There were several assisting me and helping me trying to get some kind of help," he explained. "So they prayed for us."

Pastor Kendrick said after he managed to subdue his grandson, his grandson "didn't know where he was at."

"He started asking me and Gay. He said, 'Nana, where am I at? Where's Kelse? Poppy, why are you, why are you angry? What I do wrong?' Ten minutes before that, he's laughing, talking and having a pretty good time."

Kendrick appeared to blame the massacre on the devil as he warned churchgoers to get right with God.

"Don't you think that if you don't have Jesus, that you going to walk out of here and everything's going to be cool because you ain't no match for the devil," he said.

"'Well, I'm not mentally ill.' Maybe not, but do you think you're strong enough to resist the devil if he were to possess you?" he asked. "Better get your heart right with God because you may be the next one on national news."
Home News The Inside Story: What happens next amid political chaos?

After a historic week in U.S. politics, a plethora of questions surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the selection of Sen. J.D. Vance as Trumps running mate and the uncertainties surrounding the Democratic ticket dominated headlines.

What does it all mean  and what happens next?

Christian Post reporter Jon Brown joined Billy Hallowell on "The Inside Story" podcast last Friday to discuss it all.

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I think its going to go down as a major turning point in American history, Brown said of Trumps assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. We just wonder how far this thing goes. We know there are forces that are trying to get rid of Trump within our own government, and he was supposed to be jailed before the [Republican National Convention]. But that fell apart, too. And Secret Services explanation about sloped roofs just doesnt make any sense.

Additionally, the close call of the bullet piercing Trumps ear instead of killing him has prompted many to point out the supernatural nature of the event, with some calling Trumps survival a miracle.

[If Trump] turned his head a little bit more or not turned his head a little bit more, he would not be here right now, Hallowell said. In fact, he said during his RNC speech [Thursday night], I shouldnt be here tonight.' Because of that, we have seen a lot of people say it was divine intervention.

"The Inside Story" takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand what's driving each story, the issues at play  and why it all matters.

Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app  and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms:

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Ancient Christian building discovered in Bahrain

A newly discovered ancient structure sheds light on the historic roots of Christian communities in the Gulf region.

In a groundbreaking find, archaeologists in Bahrain have uncovered one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Gulf, dating back to the fourth century. This significant discovery provides the first physical evidence of an ancient Christian community in the island nation.

The Church of the East, also referred to as the Nestorian Church, thrived in the region for several centuries until the seventh century, when the spread of Islam began.

Teams from Bahrain and the United Kingdom unearthed an eight-room building believed to have served as the residence of the bishop of the diocese in Samaheej, a village on Muharraq Island's northern coast. This joint project, initiated by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities under Dr Salman Al Mahari and led by Professor Timothy Insoll from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University, started in 2019 and led to careful excavations continuously through 2023.

Their work reveals the early Christian settlements in Bahrain, dating back many centuries before the spread of Islam. Radiocarbon dating confirms that the Samahij site was occupied from the mid-fourth to mid-eighth centuries CE, likely abandoned as Islam spread further among the local population.

The excavation began at a mound within the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists found remnants of a 300-year-old mosque hidden beneath the ground. Digging deeper still, they uncovered a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop, and three living quarters.

A statement from a Bahraini government media team explained, "The findings suggest the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the diocese, which included Samahij."

The statement added, "Records also indicate a connection between the region and central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 CE and another condemned for challenging church unity in the mid-seventh century."

This discovery is unique due to its location in a modern, densely populated town, unlike previous Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf coast.

Important finds during the excavation included three plaster crosses, two on the building's exterior and one possibly kept as a personal memento, along with wall carvings featuring a fish symbol and part of the 'Chi Rho' etching, representing the word of Christ.

Dr Al Mahari mentioned that the excavation is nearing completion and emphasised the site's importance for Bahraini history, offering valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.

Details about the building and its inhabitants' lives were also uncovered. Built with stone walls coated in plaster and plaster floors, the structure had sockets and holes indicating door and seat placements. The kitchen had built-in ovens with bases and storage areas. Artifacts suggest the residents enjoyed a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish, and various crops.

The discovery of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicates trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and twelve copper coins suggest the use of Sassanian Empire currency. Additionally, spindle whorls and copper needles hint at possible cloth production for religious purposes.

"We stress the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value," said Professor Insoll.

"We were amused to find someone had drawn part of a face on a pearl shell using bitumen, possibly for a child who lived in the building," enthused the professor. "This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked, and worshipped."

This find not only enriches our understanding of the region's diverse religious history but also highlights the rich culture that existed in Bahrain long before the advent of Islam.
Fire ravages Pastor Robert Jeffress' church

(CP) Pastor Robert Jeffress said former President Donald Trump sent him a note after he was informed that the historic sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas was engulfed in flames.

"This historic sanctuary that burned to the ground was the site that presidents visited when they came to Dallas. Woodrow Wilson, Gerald Ford, President George H. W. Bush were all worshipers in that sanctuary," Jeffress told CBS affiliate KTVT about the 134-year-old church building in downtown Dallas that was reported on fire just after 6 p.m. Central time Friday evening.

Trump, who previously spoke at the church on Dec. 19, 2021, sent Jeffress a note and "offered his help to do anything he could," Jeffress added.

When asked if he thought the church was attacked because someone was angered by his vocal support for the former president, Jeffress responded that he did not believe there was any connection.

"I don't believe my support for President Trump has anything to do with this fire," he maintained.

On Saturday, fire investigators were joined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI to investigate the cause of the fire.

When asked if arson was suspected as a cause of the fire, Dallas Fire-Rescue Interim Chief Justin Ball said Friday evening that investigators would have to determine that as the cause was yet unknown.

Ball said it appeared the fire "may have started in the basement and moved up to the second floor" where firefighters first battled the blaze. As many as 100 firefighters responded to the four-alarm fire. "Thank God [there were] no casualties," Ball added.

The basement housed the church's library where the church's historic records were stored.

"We're not going to let those flames have the final say," Jeffress told KTVT. "The truth is, the church is not made up of wood and brick and mortars; it is made up of the people who are in that worship center."

First Baptist Dallas had just wrapped up its Vacation Bible School, which was attended by 2,000 children, and used a portion of the historic sanctuary for some of its events. The fact that the fire started after VBS ended and no one was injured was "miraculous protection by God," Jeffress said.

The church announced Saturday morning that because smoke affected newer areas of the church built in 2013, Sunday worship would be held as one service at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center at 11 a.m. local time.

On Saturday, the Dallas Fire Department told church staff that what remains of the historic part of the church built in 1890 will have to be torn down because it has no "structural integrity" and will have to be demolished soon so that the street can be reopened to traffic.

The red brick building, known as the church's old sanctuary, was built in 1890. It was the church's home before the new $130 million worship center was built in 2013.

"We have experienced a fire in the Historic Sanctuary. To our knowledge, no one is hurt or injured, and we thank God for His protection. He is sovereign even in the most difficult times," Jeffress wrote on X Friday night. "'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.'  Romans 8:28."

In an interview with Fox 4, Jeffress said that the sanctuary was the site of many personal events, including his baptism when he was 6, and ordination for the ministry at 21.

"It holds a lot of memories," Jeffress said. "We thank God nobody was hurt. ... I'm grateful that the church is not brick and mortar, its people. The people of God will endure. First Baptist Dallas will endure. We thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now."

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who noted that world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham was once a member of the church, extended his prayers to its pastors and members in a post on X, adding, "I am confident God's Light will shine down on First Baptist."

While the late Graham didn't reside in Dallas, he was a member of the church from 1953 until 2008, when he moved his membership closer to his home in North Carolina, The Dallas Morning News previously reported.

Denny Burk, the director of the Center for Gospel and Culture at Boyce College of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, wrote on X that he and his wife were members of the church before moving to Louisville. He called the fire a "grievous loss."

"The church had back-to-back historic pastorates in the twentieth century. Two pastors who each ministered for 50 years. Two pastors in a hundred years! George W. Truett followed by W.A. Criswell. Both of them preached in that building. Both of them towering figures in the SBC."

 The Christian Post
What is the Great Commission and why is it important?

Many Christians refer to the Great Commission, but what does it mean? This is the story...

Definition

The term 'the Great Commission' is used as a clarion call for Christians to take the Christian message and expand the Church. Various verses and passages in the New Testament are used to create a theology for the 'Great Commission'.

It is not clear when the term the 'Great Commission' was first coined. The term is not used in the biblical text as such, although some modern Bibles may use it as a helpful sub-heading to Matthew 28:16-20. The first book in English with the title was 'The Great Commission' by Rev John Harris published in 1842.

The term seems to have been popularised in the Victorian era by James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905). He is often quoted as having said, 'The Great Commission is not an option to be considered, but it is a command to be obeyed.' The phrase then comes into more regular usage in Victorian Christian writing from the 1870s.

The key biblical passage traditionally known as the 'Great Commission' is found in different forms in all the synoptic Gospel accounts.

The Great Commission according to Matthew

When the Great Commission is quoted it is usually with the words of Jesus which close Matthew: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age' (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Great Commission according to Mark

The parallel passage at the end of Mark has 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned' (Mark 16:15-16). That this is what happened is then elaborated, when the Gospel then closes with the verse, 'Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it' (Mark 16:18).

The Great Commission according to Luke

Luke wrote 'repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem' (Luke 24:47). Luke continues the story in the Acts of the Apostles when he reports Jesus saying: '...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).

Making disciples was the primary goal, and baptising and teaching are part of that process.

Eschatology of Mission

Some people have an eschatological drive to their mission. They want to see the whole world evangelised. Jesus says in Matthew 24:14, 'And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come' (Matthew 24:14 NKJV). Then John wrote: 'After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb' (Revelation 7:9).

Evangelisation

Some Christians talk optimistically about 'finishing the task', whether that is world evangelism, Bible translation, or the Great Commission itself. In reality it is an ongoing task, with the task continuing with each new generation, and Bible translation never finishes because Bibles need to be revised over time.

Evangelisation is the term used to mean taking the Christian message to people who do not have it. This is not a one-off process, and sometimes people talk about re-evangelisation for its ongoing work.

Mission has often been kick-started by outpourings of the Holy Spirit such as among the Moravians in 1727, the Methodist Evangelical Revival of the mid 1700s, and during the Welsh Revival of 1904. The American missionary Vincent Donovan, reflecting on his time with the Masai in East Africa in his book 'Christianity Rediscovered', wrote, 'Evangelisation is a process bringing the gospel to people where they are, not where you would like them to be.'

Understanding the scope

Some Christian agencies take the phrase 'every nation, tribe, people and language' in Revelation 5:9 and echoed in Revelation 13:7, as something which will be literally true, and strive to ensure that it will be. They aim to reach tribes, nations, people groups and languages with no or few Christian believers.

Sending

Jesus said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field' (Matthew 9:37-38). Jesus also said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you' (John 20:21).

The earliest missionary was Paul. He went on three missionary journeys and took the Christian message beyond the Jewish world to the Gentiles. He explained his rationale in Romans 10:14-15: 'How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?'

These passages led to the idea that people are 'sent' and the idea of 'sending agencies' which are mission agencies or missionary organisations, which facilitate and support the sending of individuals or teams to engage in Christian mission work.

It's coming home

The traditional idea of the Great Commission being 'Go!' to mean go overseas is changing. Parts of the world are now sending missionaries to the West, and it is becoming more common to find missionaries from places like Brazil, Nigeria and Korea in Europe. Movements of people across the world are changing the nature of mission. Many unreached peoples have representatives in the great cities of the world in modern diasporas. Instead of 'from the West to the Rest' it is now 'everyone to everywhere'.

Mission and Technology

Reviewing the history of mission through the ages, sometimes new initiatives in mission seem to have been preceded by technological breakthroughs. Think of the printing press which spread the Reformation, the development of ocean-going ships which took missionaries to far continents, and the modern digital developments enabling mobile phone Bible apps.

Conclusion

The Great Commission remains a central guiding principle for Christians engaged in evangelism at home and overseas. The idea of the 'Great Commission' has driven evangelism through the centuries, but has been interpreted and applied theologically in different ways. The idea of mission everywhere is shown in some churches which have a sign by the exit, which reads, 'You are now entering the mission field.' Perhaps we should think of today's world as pre-Revival rather than post-Christian.
The widespread disruption caused by the recent CrowdStrike software glitch, which led to a global outage of Windows systems, has sent shockwaves through the IT community. For CIOs, the event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with over-reliance on a single vendor, particularly in the cloud.

The incident, which saw IT systems crashing and displaying the infamous blue screen of death (BSOD), exposed the vulnerabilities of heavily cloud-dependent infrastructures.

While the issue is being resolved, it has highlighted the potential for catastrophic consequences when a critical security component fails. This has forced CIOs to question the resilience of their cloud environments and explore alternative strategies.
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The Charity Commission has closed its case into GambleAware after being assured that the charity was taking appropriate steps to ensure its independence from the gambling industry.

In March, the Commission opened a compliance case into GambleAware after a Good Law Project (GLP)-backed campaign threatened legal action if the regulator refused to investigate concerns about the charitys funding.

The campaigners had questioned the charitys claim to be independent from the gambling industry, which funds it through donations.

A Commission spokesperson said: In March, following an assessment of concerns raised with us, the Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into GambleAware. We have engaged with the charity's trustees about the concerns raised.

We received the necessary assurance that the trustees have been handling matters as we would expect including taking appropriate steps to ensure its independence from the gambling industry.

The trustees have satisfied the Commission that they have the right processes in place to ensure they are furthering their purposes.

We issued the trustees with advice and have concluded our case.

GambleAware welcomes case closure

GambleAware is currently funded by voluntary donations from the gambling industry.

This funding arrangement was set up by the UK government, and GambleAwares website states it has long called for change to this model.

A consultation on a statutory levy on gambling operators closed last year, which the charity welcomed.

GambleAware chief executive Zoe Osmond welcomed the Commissions decision to close its case.

The Charity Commission has informed us of their decision to close its case without criticism of, or findings against, GambleAware, she said.

They stated that they are assured that the trustees have taken appropriate steps to both ensure [GambleAwares] independence from the gambling industry and confirmed that it is satisfied that the charitys reliance on industry funding does not impact on decision-making about its activities.

Our organisation is wholly dedicated to advancing our charitable purposes for the public benefit and we are proud of our achievements. We continue our work to prevent gambling harm and provide vital support to those affected.

These include the commissioning of impactful gambling harm prevention programmes and treatment services through the National Gambling Support Network.

GLP: Charity should hold industry to account

GLP campaigns manager Hannah Greer said: The Charity Commissions assurance that GambleAwares industry funding does not impact on decisions about its activities is at odds with the NHS, which has refused to accept funding from GambleAware for their gambling harm treatment clinics since 2022.



If GambleAware was really acting in the public interest, it would stop parroting the industry line that the way to tackle gambling harm is through self-restraint.

A gambling charity committed to helping people and holding the industry to account should be shining a light on the gambling companies predatory tactics and highlighting the fact that 60% of profits come from the 5% of customers classified as problem gamblers or at risk.

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,
The recently appointed Treasury minister with responsibility for charity taxation has been urged to remove burdens and complexities for the sector as part of his role.

Former deputy mayor of London James Murray was appointed exchequer secretary to the Treasury last week following the Labour Partys victory in the general election.

He has been given responsibility for charity tax as part of his brief, which also covers business, property and personal taxation.

Meanwhile, a minister for civil society has yet to be confirmed since Keir Starmer became prime minister on 5 July.

Hope for greater continuity

Richard Bray, chair of the Charity Tax Group, welcomed Murrays appointment and said his organisation hoped to work with him on modernising the UK tax system.

We believe the Future of Gift Aid project fits this intention perfectly, he said.

We hope to take forward with him initiatives to remove tax burdens and complexities for the charitable sector helping maximise the impact of the work of charities when their services are needed like never before.

Bray said he hoped Murray might stay in the role longer than some of his predecessors.

Over recent years the minister responsible for charity taxation has changed many times, he said.

We hope a new administration will lead to greater continuity helping us to work together with government to secure a brighter future for charities.

VAT relief on charitable donations

Richard Sagar, head of policy at Charity Finance Group, congratulated Murray on his appointment as exchequer secretary to the Treasury.

We hope that this can lead to an improved relationship between the charity sector and Treasury, and greater collaboration on issues which affect charities, he said.

We look forward to working with him and Treasury colleagues on two issues of immediate interest, including a consultation on VAT relief on everyday charitable donations, and a consultation so that membership charities can continue to claim gift aid while complying with the provisions of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.

Civil society brief not assigned

The civil society brief, held by Stuart Andrew before the election, has yet to be assigned to a minister under the new government.

Lilian Greenwood, who was Labours shadow charities minister, will not be taking on the role as she has been appointed as a transport minister.

Three ministers have been appointed to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)  where the brief sat before the election  including secretary of state Lisa Nandy .

DCMS under-secretary of state Stephanie Peacock posted on social media last Friday that working in partnership with charities will be vital in delivering the governments missions to halve knife crime in a decade.

However, the department today told Civil Society that ministerial responsibilities have not been confirmed.

Last week, Directory of Social Change CEO Debra Allcock Tyler posted on social media : It is hugely disappointing that after all their warm words earlier in the year about working closely with our sector we still dont have a charities minister.

We clearly are already well down the priority list. Yet I would remind the government  the whole shebang collapses without our support.

Prior to the election, Starmer pledged to partner with civil society and reset the relationship between charities and government.

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,
Four insurance companies, unable to escape a duty to defend a New York hotel where a young woman was secretly videotaped in the shower in 2015, have reached a settlement in the case that made headlines around the world.

Citizens Insurance Co. of America, Massachusetts Bay Insurance Co., Westfield Insurance and Starr Indemnity & Liability last week notified a federal court in Georgia that they had settled with the owners and management of a Hampton Inn in Albany, New York.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court filings, and attorneys in the case could not be reached for comment. Banyan Tree Management managed the hotel and Albany Downtown Hotel Partners owned it under license from Hilton Worldwide.

The woman, known only as Jane Doe, filed suit in 2019 for $100 million after an employee of the hotel filmed her with a hidden camera then attempted to extort thousands of dollars from her. The video was uploaded to a number of porn web sites.

The Chicago woman, who was in Albany in 2015 to sit for the New York Bar exam, never paid the voyeur and fought for months to have the videos removed from porn sites, according to court documents and news reports. She filed one negligence and premises liability suit in Georgia because Banyan, a Florida-registered company, and Albany Downtown have offices and executives in Atlanta. A separate lawsuit was filed in Virginia, home of Hiltons offices.

The victim said in her lawsuits that the exposure and blackmail was so traumatizing that she had suffered gastrointestinal problems and had lost 30 pounds after the perpetrator emailed her and her associates.

It was just absolutely traumatizing because these are people I went to law school with, the woman told Good Morning America in 2018. Theyre friends, theyre co-workers. And they were sent a link to what looks like an email I sent.

News sites across the country and from Toronto to London reported on the salacious story.

The outcome of the victims Virginia suit was unavailable Thursday, although court records show the case has been closed. The womans Georgia lawsuit settled in April of this year for an undisclosed amount, just ahead of a jury trial. Her attorneys filed a motion in June, however, noting that the hotel companies had not paid anything.

In the separate insurance suit, the Hampton Inns insurance carriers asked a federal judge in Georgia to declare that they had no duty to defend or indemnify the hotel against the lawsuit damages. The insurers argued that the hotels commercial liability and excess policies excluded coverage for actions that violated federal law, the video taping and camera were not part of the hotels business, and the video was not an actual invasion of the womans privacy.

Also, some of the policies were in place when the videotaping happened in 2015, but not in 2018 at the time of the extortion, when the video came to light, the insurers argued.

U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen agreed that Coverage A for some of the policies did not apply, because Coverage A required bodily injury. But the judge found that Coverage B in the policies did apply. The policies provided up to $2 million in aggregate coverage.

Citizens and Westfield, owned by The Hanover Group, attempted in their motion to add to the wording of the policies, Cohen noted.

Hanovers attempt to add an additional phrase to the otherwise unambiguous policy language would amend the Hanover Policies to require that the personal and advertising injury offense include only those acts that are expressly authorized by Banyan and Albanys express business policies or practices. This is not what the plain language of the Hanover Policies state, nor is it reasonable to interpret them as such, the judge wrote in his 2022 decision.

Taken to its logical conclusion, Hanovers expanded interpretation of arising out of would render the Hanover Policies illusory and it would effectively mean that the policies would rarely, if ever, cover ordinary negligence claims as those are frequently proven by a showing of a deviation from business practices and policies, he added.

The insurance companies appealed Cohens ruling to the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. A panel of judges there upheld the decision and further excoriated the carriers arguments.

The appellants failed to even make a showing of ambiguity, let alone definitively establish that the Underlying Complaint falls outside their policies or that an exclusion precludes coverage, the appellate judges wrote in 2023.

The panel found unpersuasive the insurers arguments that the womans right to privacy had not been violated and that the filming did not arise out of the hotels business.

While filming a showering guest is clearly not a legitimate hotel practice, when a hotel employeewho would not have had access to the room but for his authorityplaces the camera in the bathroom and circulates the video, the injury undoubtably imputes to the hotel, the 11th Circuit opinion reads.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  This week, 11 Cleveland students will travel to the Dominican Republic to deliver 20 prosthetic hands they developed in the Great Lakes Science Center Robotics Initiative to children in need. They will also be bringing along two 3-D printers and materials to create 20 more prosthetics during their trip.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District students involved in the program will meet up with volunteers from IMAHelps, a non-profit that runs humanitarian medical missions around the world, according to a news release.

We couldnt be prouder of the students who volunteer to take part in this initiative, said JonDarr Bradshaw, community engagement coordinator and robotics team leader at the Great Lakes Science Center, in the release. Whether they are going on the trip or not these kids are doing incredible things  not just with being great team members during the competition season, but with their dedication to helping others by working on the prosthetics in the off-season.

The students will also be volunteering at a hospital in Santo Domingo, aiding IMAHelps with translating for patients, transporting supplies and assisting the orthotics and prosthetic unit.

This is the second time the robotics initiative has sent students abroad to deliver prosthetic hands. Last summer, two high school students traveled to Ecuador with Bradshaw.

This story was written with the assistance of AI.
Summer vacation sparks passion for ancient civilizations at museums

Xinhua) 09:47, July 22, 2024

A visitor mocks the gesture of a standing bronze figure while posing for photos during an exhibition named "Unveiling Sanxingdui and Jinsha of Ancient Shu Civilization" at the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing, in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- For Li Jin, a 9-year-old primary school student from Beijing, the allure of an exhibition, featuring millennium-old bronze statues and golden masks from the ancient Sanxingdui Ruins, far surpasses that of the Transformers at the Universal Beijing Resort.

Li became fascinated by the history and culture of Sanxingdui three years ago after reading about it in a library book. Upon learning about the exhibition in Beijing, he promptly included it in his summer vacation plans.

Despite the scorching summer heat and enduring lengthy queues, hundreds of thousands of people, including Li and his grandmother, have flocked to the exhibition titled "Unveiling Sanxingdui and Jinsha of Ancient Shu Civilization," held at a museum in eastern Beijing, just a 15-minute drive away from the theme park.

The exhibition showcases a total of 265 pieces or sets of artifacts, including a remarkable golden mask adorned with turquoise eyes that gaze from the darkness, a bronze sculpture of a kneeling figure with intricate detailing, and several newly unearthed archaeological findings being exhibited for the first time.

Li visited the museum for two consecutive days and planned to return again. "It was truly amazing and awe-inspiring. I couldn't get enough of it on my first visit," he said.

Soon after its launch weeks ago, the daily visitors to this exhibition reached as high as 16,000 on weekdays, and during peak days on weekends, the number soared to an astonishing 33,000.

Tang Fei, head of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute, said that the cultural relics on display reflect the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancient Shu people, showcasing the magnificence of Chinese civilization spanning 5,000 years.

Beijing's cultural exhibition on Sanxingdui highlights this year's museum fever in China during the summer vacation period. Driven by an enthusiasm for museums, the appreciation of history and ancient civilizations has become both a fashion trend and an influential phenomenon.

An exhibition focusing on ancient Egyptian civilization, which opened to the public in Shanghai on Friday, has exceeded expectations in terms of popularity. A staggering 200,000 early-bird tickets have been completely sold out, leaving little availability for summer vacation reservations.

Similarly, visitors to the Palace Museum in Beijing must secure tickets several days in advance, and the Mogao Grottoes, located in northwest China's Dunhuang, announced as early as Thursday that they were fully booked until Sunday.

Cultural and historical museums, along with cities boasting a rich heritage, have become "must-visit" locations for many tourists, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy.

As of July 3, the volume of museum reservations nationwide this summer has witnessed a remarkable year-on-year surge of over 90 percent, according to data from the online travel service provider Ctrip.

The tourism website Mafengwo said that 44.3 percent of museum visitors in the recent week were families with children, followed by college students, who made up 20.6 percent.

China has endeavored to explore the value of cultural relics and showcase the long-standing history of civilizations by improving its museum system.

To better cater to a surging demand, an array of museums in Beijing, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Hunan have announced that they will extend their opening hours.

In addition, special nighttime events have been launched in cities like Shanghai and Changzhou, providing youngsters with unique tour experiences.

"Night tours in museums not only enrich nightlife but also enable children to immerse themselves in a sea of cultural relics and acquire knowledge," said Liu Guoqing, a Changzhou resident who brought his child to a nighttime event at a local museum.

According to official statistics, China now boasts over 6,800 registered museums nationwide, and last year, museums in China collectively received a record high of 1.29 billion visits and hosted over 40,000 exhibitions.

The enthusiasm for museums has not only become a cultural phenomenon but has also reignited young people's appreciation for ancient civilizations.

In recent years, archaeology, once viewed as an unconventional choice for high-achieving students, is gaining increasing popularity among incoming college freshmen.

Shen Ruiwen, head of the School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University, said that the school admits approximately 40 to 50 undergraduate students each year, many of whom have achieved high scores in the college entrance examination.

"Children nowadays have more opportunities to visit museums from an early age, increasing their knowledge about archaeology," Shen said, adding that economic growth has created new opportunities for families to support their children's aspirations and encourage them to pursue careers they are genuinely passionate about.

"There are many theories and hypotheses about Sanxingdui. I'd like to delve deeper into this culture and perhaps I will develop my own theory in the future," said Li, the primary school student.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)


 
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Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:

1. Trading places

The S&P 500 fell 1.97% last week, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 3.65%, marking their biggest weekly losses since April. The tech-heavy Nasdaq snapped a six-week winning streak with the losses. But it wasn't all bad news for the markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.72%, while the small cap-focused Russell 2000 climbed 1.68%, as investors rotated out of this year's megacap winners in favor of smaller names. This week, traders will be watching earnings, central bank policy and the political landscape. Jay Hatfield, CEO at Infrastructure Capital Advisors, said he expects a "muted stock market reaction" to President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race, as it had been largely expected. Follow live market updates.

2. Biden drops out

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3. Tech time

In this photo illustration, a Google logo seen displayed on a smartphone. Mateusz Slodkowski | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

4. Down in the Delta

Airline passengers seek instructions from Delta employees to check in for their flight after airlines grounded flights due to a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to CrowdStrike's "Falcon Sensor" software which crashed Microsoft Windows systems, at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, U.S., July 19, 2024. Octavio Jones | Reuters

Delta Air Lines battled lingering flight disruptions on Monday as the carrier struggled to recover from Friday's global IT outage. The airline canceled more than 4,600 flights from Friday through Sunday, according to aviation data firm OAG, more than any other carrier, and had already canceled another 550 flights, or 15% of its mainline operation, as of early Monday. Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized and offered travelers frequent flyer miles. American Airlines  which was also affected after cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike experienced a major disruption linked to a botched tech update  said it was nearly back to normal by Saturday. Delta also offered flight attendants extra pay to motivate them to pick up extra shifts.

5. Fading power

Workers install solar panels during a SunPower installation on a home in Napa, California, on July 17, 2023. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Photo Of Robot Examining Invoice With Magnifying Glass. Andreypopov | Istock | Getty Images

Artificial intelligence-powered agents will be able to work together and solve tasks in a so-called multi-agent AI system by 2025, according to technology services giant Capgemini. Such a system would entail a collection of agents that work together to solve tasks in a distributed and collaborative way, according to Capgemini. Pascal Brier, the company's chief innovation officer, told CNBC in an interview that the firm is already "seeing companies that are discussing those agent technologies." He added that applications using multiple autonomous agents "is really what we should expect next year." Capgemini defines AI agents as "technology designed to function independently, plan, reflect, pursue higher-level goals, and execute complex workflows with minimal or limited direct human oversight"  essentially, AI agents that work behind the scenes to complete tasks on your behalf.

The U.S. is further along the path toward realizing this technology, according to Brier, while Europe lags behind. In a new research report released Monday, called "Harnessing the Value of Generative AI," Capgemini noted the vast majority of companies it surveyed (82%) plan to integrate AI agents within one to three years, while only 7% have no plans to integrate these agents. The research relied on a survey of more than 1,100 companies with revenues of $1 billion or more. Brier said the so-called AI agents fall into two types: individual agents that carry out tasks on your behalf, and multi-agent technology or, "agents talking to agents." For example, a marketing-focused AI agent that's creating an ad campaign for an organization to run in Germany, could autonomously work with another agent in that same organization's legal department to make sure that it's legally sound. Unlike conventional AI systems that merely follow instructions, these agents "can understand, interpret, adapt, and act independently and, for certain tasks, are capable of replacing human workers," Capgemini said. The first major wave of AI in 2022, which Brier calls "V1," was about "understanding what a prompt is, and understanding what an LLM [large language model] was," Brier told CNBC.

Now, "AI and generative AI are getting closer together, and it's much more about building those engines of knowledge, using generative AI to interact with those engines, and using this new notion of agents as being either a substitute or co-pilot to find and do things for us," he said. According to Capgemini, 71% of organizations are anticipating AI agents will facilitate automation, while 64% of firms expect they'll relieve human workers of repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on value-added functions, like customer experience. To be sure, several businesses are still in the experimentation phase with AI. Many firms are yet to find a way of monetizing the technology. Even industry leader OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, is burning through hundreds of millions of dollars to develop its GPT large language models and ChatGPT chatbot. There are also plenty of issues even the world's leading AI firms still need to iron out with technology. For example, a common problem with ChatGPT and generative AI tools like is the generation of so-called "hallucinations"  inaccurate statements about factual events that are produced by these systems.

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These hallucinations are not the result of an intentional error made on the behalf of AI models or their makers, but the product of the way generative such tools work: these products are merely working to guess what the next word should be in their responses to questions typed out by humans.

Adoption gap in genAI

Capgemini said in its report that it's seen a fourfold increase in the number of organizations now integrating generative AI into some or most of their locations or functions. In 2023, the number of firms adopting generative AI was 6%, according to Capgemini, but this year, that number has risen to 24%. However, while large companies are seeing heightened levels of adoption in their businesses, smaller firms are yet to experience the same phenomenon. According to the report, 10% of firms with an annual revenue of $1 billion to $5 billion are implementing generative AI. For companies with an annual revenue of $20 billion or more, that number swells to 49%. "The scale at which bigger companies are doing generative AI experiments is bigger, so they get more chances to measure results, and were able to get faster, and obviously they did invest more than then than the smaller ones," Brier told CNBC. Results also varies from industry to industry. In aerospace and defense, 88% of organizations have invested in generative AI, for retail, that number drops to 66%.
As stocks pull back from all-time highs, a top Bank of America strategist warned investors to be cautious, citing a series of economic indicators that have historically signaled the end of a rally. Sebastian Raedler, head of European equity strategy at Bank of America, made his case for a bearish outlook, forecasting that the S & P 500 could sink a further 1.9% to 5,400 and European equities could slide by around 15%. "If you had a list of when you should be bearish, I would say it's when markets are at all-time highs, risk premiums are at an all-time low, earnings and margins are already as high as they can be, and the U.S. macro cycle recovery is in its last innings," Raedler said on CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Wednesday. The S & P 500 has hit more than 30 new all-time high records this year, closing as high as 5,667 last week before falling back. .SPX 5Y line Raedler also said the recent uptick in the unemployment rate, albeit from a very low level, was an "ominous" sign. "Historically, whenever the unemployment rate has started to rise, it has never gone down again. It was always the end of the business cycle," Raedler explained. The unemployment rate unexpectedly climbed to 4.1% in June , tied for the highest level since October 2021. The forecast had been for the jobless rate to hold steady at 4%. Since April 2023, the unemployment rate has steadily increased by 70 basis points. The strategist added that such conditions typically lead to higher risk premiums and lower asset prices, especially given the current elevated market levels. "Be cautious here," he advised. The risk premium is the return above the risk-free rate, typically the 10-year U.S. Treasury, demanded by investors to hold higher-risk assets such as equities. When risk premiums rise, share prices usually fall. Raedler also highlighted the increase in initial jobless claims, up 15% so far this year, and sliding hiring intentions among small to medium-sized companies. According to the strategist, these factors suggest that more labor market weakness is on the horizon. The joblessness rate is often inversely correlated with stock market returns over short periods. The Bank of America strategist also expressed concern about consumer confidence, which he described as "collapsing." He noted that consumer confidence is typically a leading indicator for consumption and that current levels are "consistent with negative consumption growth." The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey released earlier this month showed a 7.7% drop in July from last year and a 3.2% drop month-on-month fall. The bullish view Hani Redha, portfolio manager at Pine Bridge Investments, held a more optimistic view. Redha cautioned against prematurely calling the end of the stock market rally, quoting legendary value investor Peter Lynch: "Far more money has been lost by investors preparing for corrections, or anticipating corrections, than has been lost in the corrections themselves." You can watch the full bull vs. bear debate here:
US President Joe Biden speaks during an economic summit at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16, 2024.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee of the Democratic Party, eliciting reactions from leaders worldwide.

Biden was under pressure from his party members to exit the race against former President Donald Trump, following a poorly received debate performance.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Biden "a true friend" and a "partner to Canadians."

"I've known President Biden for years. He's a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you," Trudeau wrote in an Instagram post.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he believed Biden made the decision based on what was best for the Americans, adding that he looked forward to working together for the remainder of his presidency.

Biden's "difficult" decision was acknowledged by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as driven by the larger interest of the U.S.

"Dear President @JoeBiden. You've taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life," Tusk wrote on social media platform X.

Similarly, Fiala highlighted that Biden's move was "a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Biden for acting in what the latter believed to be the best interests of the U.S., "as he has done his whole public life."

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his "unwavering support of Israel over the years."

"Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship," Gallant wrote on X.

The Biden administration's backing of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza cost him a significant amount of political capital internationally, experts had observed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to Biden's "unwavering support."

"We will always be thankful for President Biden's leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," he said.

In March, Biden asserted that Kyiv could prevail against Moscow if the U.S. continued to stand with Ukraine "and provide the weapons it needs to defend itself," but stopping short of deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that there were still four months until the elections, which is "a long period during which a lot can change."

Speaking to a Russian media outlet, Peskov said, "We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens next," according to a Google translation of his statement in Russian.

"Our priority is achieving the goals of the SVO [special military operation] , not the results of the elections in the U.S.," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

Former President Barack Obama praised Biden's "outstanding track record," and called him a "dear friend and partner."

"For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest [decisions] in his life," Obama wrote.

Correction: This story was corrected to reflect that Donald Tusk is prime minister of Poland. A previous version misstated his title.
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Kacper Pempel | REUTERS

BEIJING  While businesses in the U.S. and Europe woke up Friday to a global IT outage that disrupted airports and hotels, China went into its weekend largely unaffected. The issue traced back to a software update by Texas-based cybersecurity company CrowdStrike , which generates more than half its revenue from the United States. The company's tech is used by many of the world's largest banks, health-care and energy companies. "The impact of Friday's CrowdStrike incident on China was very small, with almost no impact on domestic public life," Gao Feng, senior research director at Gartner, said in Chinese, translated by CNBC. "Only some foreign companies in China were affected." "The main reason why is that local Chinese companies basically do not use CrowdStrike products, so they are not affected," Gao said. "CrowdStrike's customers are primarily concentrated in Europe and the United States." Anecdotally, ride-hailing, e-commerce and other internet-connected systems in China were all running smoothly on Friday. Chinese state media also said Friday evening that international flights at Beijing's two airports were running normally, and that Air China , China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines had not been affected by large-scale technical system failures.

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One of the most notable impacts of the IT outage  including in China  was on Microsoft Windows devices attempting to integrate an update of CrowdStrike's Falcon product, resulting in a blue screen and a cycle of computer restarts. Microsoft products are widely used in China  Windows had about 87% of personal computer shipments in the mainland last year, according to Canalys. That's higher than the 79% share for the rest of the world in the first quarter of this year, the research firm said. A hashtag "Thank you Microsoft, [I can] take off early" ranked second on Chinese social media platform Weibo when the outages began to escalate early Friday afternoon local time. Posts generally showed photos of the "blue screen of death" or discussed the global outage.

But the hashtag's popularity soon gave way to others about domestic matters, including Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi's product launch in Beijing that evening. Microsoft products Office 365 and Azure cloud are operated in China by a local company called 21Vianet . It was not immediately clear whether localization contributed to the limited impact on Friday. The two companies did not immediately respond to CNBC requests for comment.

Why don't Chinese companies use CrowdStrike?

The U.S. and Chinese governments have in recent years pushed domestic companies to use homegrown technology and store data locally out of national security concerns.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a political event at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience in Portage, Michigan, on July 17, 2024. Jeff Kowalsky | AFP | Getty Images

The pressure is on Vice President Kamala Harris to turn around her political fortunes and win the Democratic Party's nomination, analysts say, after U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. With just over 100 days until the presidential election in November, Harris now has to win over not only Democratic delegates, donors and secure an official nomination by the party, but also  and most crucially  her detractors and undecided voters. "This is not a smooth road ahead for Democrats. Donald Trump and [running mate, Sen.] JD Vance are a very strong ticket that clearly appeal to a large segment of America, but I think Kamala Harris can give them a good run for their money," Lew Lukens, senior partner at Signum Global Advisors, told CNBC on Monday. "I'm not saying it's going to be easy for Kamala Harris ... but I do think we have to give her the opportunity to be the candidate," he noted. "The vice presidential role, by its very definition, is very much behind the scenes, playing second fiddle to the president. Now she's suddenly been thrust into the spotlight [as the person] who will most likely be the [Democratic] nominee, so it's a very new role for her and we'll have to see if she grows into that role," Lukens told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." Harris is the first woman, and the first Black and Asian American person, to serve as vice president in the U.S., with her background boosting her appeal among some sections of the electorate. Still, the similarity between Harris' and Biden's poll ratings suggests that, even if she wins the Democratic presidential nomination, she will need to convince voters she offers something different to Biden.

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"As a woman, an African-American and Asian woman, she has attributes that will work in various kinds of constituencies, plus the fact she's much younger and they're hoping that will have an effect. But there are very, very much deeper questions which had alienated a lot of Democratic voters  [and] a lot of people were not committed," Inderjeet Parmar, professor of international politics at City, University of London, told CNBC on Monday. Parmar added that, if nominated, Harris will have to convince voters that she has something "significantly different" to offer than Biden put forward in his campaign. Harris' performance as vice president is widely judged to have been underwhelming, although analysts acknowledge the 59-year-old former senator from California was given something of a poisoned chalice early in her tenure when she was handed the difficult brief of tackling illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her prominence in the public sphere appeared to decline early in Biden's presidency as she became a frequent target for Republicans and the right-wing media. Despite her stance on racial equality, gun crime and women's reproductive rights winning her supporters among younger voters, women and minority groups, Harris' popularity ratings have remained stubbornly low.

President Joe Biden is flanked by Vice President Kamala as he speaks with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra during a meeting with immigration advisers in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 24, 2021. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters

Recent voter polls, conducted before Biden announced he would not run for reelection, broadly showed Harris on par or slightly ahead of Biden, but lagging behind Republican nominee Donald Trump. The latest NBC News poll, conducted before a failed assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, showed both Biden and Harris trailing Trump by 2-point margins among registered voters, with similar results seen in other recent voter surveys. Attention in the U.S. is now concentrated on how much political and financial support Harris can muster ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. The vice president's newly launched campaign raised $49.6 million in grassroots donations in under one day, according to comments by a campaign spokesperson for Biden carried by Reuters on Monday.

Harris now has to formally secure the nomination from around 4,000 Democratic convention delegates who had previously backed Biden. Although she has been endorsed by Biden, and is the front-runner to receive the party's nomination, it is not guaranteed as challengers could emerge. Over the last 24 hours, high-profile Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have voiced their support for Harris' nomination Nonetheless, it hasn't escaped notice that former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not immediately throw their weight behind the vice president, suggesting that some high-profile Democrats might need convincing that Harris is the right candidate to beat Trump.

Signum Global Advisors' Lukens said Harris' approval ratings within the Democratic Party remained high at around 85%, but her main challenge is to transmit this to a broader range of the electorate. "Democrats like Kamala Harris, the question is whether she can translate that popularity with Democrats to a broader popularity that will attract independent and swing voters across the country," he noted.

No choice but to unite?

Political analysts have said it would be a big risk for the Democratic Party to consider other presidential nominees at this late stage in the election process. "The Democrats would be committing virtual suicide by having a big party fight and finding someone more quote unquote more electable than Kamala Harris," Allan Lichtman, presidential historian and distinguished professor of history at the American University, told CNBC on Monday.

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"If Democrats grow a spine, and become smart, they will unite behind Harris," said Lichtman, who is also one of the creators of the "Keys to the White House" prediction model for determining the outcome of presidential elections. "It would be [a] disaster for the Democrats to have an open party fight and party brawl. That would recreate exactly the conditions of 2016 that led to the election of Trump in the first place," he said. "If Democrats have any hope of winning at all, unite behind Harris and don't think you can find some other, more quote-on-quote electable candidate," he told CNBC's "Capital Connection." The "Biden for President" campaign committee has officially been renamed the "Harris for President" committee, affording Harris the use of Biden team's infrastructure, staff and its $98 million in cash reserves.

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A Boeing 777X airplane takes off during its first test flight from the company's plant in Everett, Washington, January 25, 2020.

FARNBOROUGH, England  Boeing won orders for at least 40 wide-body jetliners from Korean Air, including the yet-to-be-certified 777X jetliner, in a vote of confidence for the struggling manufacturer.

The order, announced at the Farnborough Airshow outside of London, includes 20 777X planes, the largest in Boeing's commercial jet lineup, and 20 787-10 Dreamliner planes, both long-range jets. The airline can also upsize its order for 10 more of the Dreamliners, the biggest option for that model.

Korean Air CEO Walter Cho said he expected to start receiving the planes later this decade.

The twin-engine 777X is years behind schedule but earlier this month began certification flight tests with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, a major milestone.

Boeing customers have been grappling with delayed aircraft, in part due to post-Covid supply chain snarls that have hit the aerospace industry, but also related to a safety crisis and manufacturing flaws, particularly after a door plug blow out earlier this year on one of its smaller and bestselling 737 Max planes.

"If I wasn't assured, I would not have ordered it," Cho said at a news conference of Korean Air's order. "I know Boeing will pull through whatever it is they're going through right now, and I have full confidence in Boeing."

The airline, a partner of Delta Air Lines , earlier this year also ordered competing Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the largest of that type.

"Whichever comes first will become our flagship, whoever's on time," Cho said.
Democrats united behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's front-runner for the presidential nomination Monday, and their excitement translated into a juggernaut day of fundraising for the party and for Harris' campaign.

Late Monday night, NBC News projected that Harris had won endorsements from a majority of the Democratic party's pledged convention delegates. The threshold is 1,976 delegates, and NBC estimates that Harris has the spoken or written backing of 1,992 delegates.

While not yet formally the party's presumptive nominee, Harris' position as frontrunner is rock solid, and no potential challengers have signaled they intend to vie for the nomination.

In the hours since President Joe Biden announced that he would end his teetering reelection campaign, Harris and the Democratic party have pulled in roughly $250 million in online donations and major donor commitments.

The Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue has processed $106 million in contributions to Democratic candidates since Biden dropped out, according to an automated tracker.

It is not clear yet how much of this money was given to House and Senate campaigns and how much went to the former Biden campaign, rebranded overnight as the Harris for President campaign.
Ryanair shares fell Monday after the company said its quarterly profit after tax had fallen 46% and fares will be lower than expected in the summer months.

At 4:30 p.m. London time, Ryanair shares were down 17.15 %, extending losses from earlier in the day.

The budget airline said that profit after tax in the three months to the end of June  Ryanair's first quarter  came in at 360 million euros ($392 million). That's compared with 663 million euros over the same period a year ago, the company said.

Ryanair cited weaker-than-anticipated fares and the Easter season falling into the previous quarter as reasons for the drop in profit.

It also comes despite a 10% increase in passenger traffic to 55.5 million during the quarter, Ryanair said Monday. The airline said that this summer it was operating its "largest ever schedule," with more than 200 new routes and five new bases.

However, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary said in a statement that fares were expected to be lower than expected over the next three months.

"While Q2 demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect Q2 fares to be materially lower than last summer (previously expected to be flat to modestly up)," he said.

O'Leary added it was too early to make forecasts about the rest of the financial year.

"As is normal at this time of year, we have almost zero Q3 and Q4 visibility, although Q4 will not benefit from last year's early Easter. It is too early to provide meaningful FY25 PAT guidance, although we hope to be able to do so at our H1 results in Nov," he said.

Other European airlines followed Ryanair lower on Monday, with fellow low-cost airline EasyJet shedding over 6%, while Jet2 fell 4% and Hungarian airline Wizz Air slid over 6%.
The top Democrat on a House committee joined its Republican chairman Monday in urging embattled Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign after a brutal hearing on her agency's failure to prevent the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13.

Cheatle earlier told the House Oversight and Accountability Committee that "we failed" to maintain the agency's "solemn mission to protect our nation's leaders" during the shooting at the Republican presidential nominee Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and ranking Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, in a joint letter to Cheatle wrote, "the United States Secret Service under your leadership failed to protect former President Donald Trump from an assassination attempt that took the life of Corey Comperatore and seriously injured at least two other people."

"Today, you failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures," Comer and Raskin wrote.

"In the middle of a presidential election, the Committee and the American people demand serious institutional accountability and transparency that you are not providing," the lawmakers wrote.

"We call on you to resign as Director as a first step to allowing new leadership to swiftly address this crisis and rebuild the trust of a truly concerned Congress and the American people."

Cheatle, who testified under subpoena, frustrated committee members by refusing to answer key questions about the Secret Service's security preparations for Trump's rally in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, its response to local police notifying the Secret Service of a suspicious man at that event, and how the agency handled the aftermath of the shooting by 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks.

Crooks was able to shoot at Trump and rally members from a rooftop of a building about 150 years away from the stage where the Republican nominee was speaking.

Cheatle and other Secret Service have repeatedly said the building was outside of a security perimeter that its agents were responsible for, and that local police were given the task of securing the building complex where Crooks fired from. Cheatle has also said the fact that the roof slopes down was a reason not to position a law-enforcement sniper on it for the event.

"I'm not going to get into specifics of the day," Cheatle said Monday as she pointed to the ongoing investigations of the shooting.

"There was a plan in place to provide overwatch, and we are still looking into responsibilities."

Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, blasted Cheatle at one point, saying, "You're full of s--- today!"

"We have asked you repeatedly to answer our questions," Mace said.

Despite that, Cheatle told the committee, "I think that I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time."

"We must learn what happened and I will move heaven and earth to ensure an incident like July 13th does not happen again," said Cheatle.

She said, "The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13th is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades and I am keeping him and his family in my thoughts."

Cheatle has refused to resign despite facing blistering criticism over the Secret Service's failure to secure a building rooftop overlooking the site of Trump's campaign rally in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, which Crooks used as a sniper position to shoot at the Republican presidential nominee and audience members.

"I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief and a hero, who was killed in this senseless shooting," Cheatle said. "I would also like to acknowledge those who were injured in Butler, Pennsylvania, David Dutch and James [Copenhaver], and I wish them a speedy recovery."
Tesla will report second-quarter earnings after the bell on Tuesday. The company's vehicle deliveries report on July 2 was better than analysts feared but still represented a decline from the previous year.

The earnings call on Tuesday will give investors a better understanding of what CEO Elon Musk and the company are doing to return to growth after reporting the biggest revenue decline since 2012 during the first quarter.

Some institutional investors will focus on the health of Tesla's automotive gross margins and the company's operating expenses after it implemented sweeping layoffs and offered price cuts and other incentives to drive electric vehicle sales.

According to LSEG, as of Monday, analysts were expecting Tesla to report 62 cents per share in adjusted earnings on revenue of $24.77 billion for the period ended June 30.

Retail investors who submitted questions via the Say Technologies platform ahead of time are hoping for answers about the company's delayed plan to unveil its CyberCab, a "dedicated robotaxi" and its progress on self-driving technology. They're also seeking details about Tesla's near-term priorities, the outlook for its rapidly growing battery energy storage business, the status of a new factory it has promised to build in Monterrey, Mexico, among other issues.

In light of Musk's recent endorsement of former President Donald Trump, and the CEO becoming a Republican megadonor this presidential election cycle, Tesla shareholders also submitted political questions ahead of the call.

One asked, "Do you believe a Trump/Vance admin will support Tesla and EVs? How confident are you based on your conversations?" And another asked, "How can Elon Musk endorse/fund a party that denies climate change, yet at the same time Tesla's mission statement is derived directly to fight climate change?"

Republican presidential candidate Trump has indicated that he would do away with subsidies and other federal programs that help buyers of, and producers of, fully electric vehicles specifically but not those for traditional automakers.

Reuters reported last week that Musk's political and polarizing statements have "sparked concerns about Tesla's brand, especially in liberal states such as California, which accounts for 10% of the company's global deliveries." Tesla's registrations in the state fell to 52,211 vehicles during the second quarter, according to data from the California New Car Dealers Association.

Investors also submitted questions via Say Technologies about Tesla's progress developing humanoid robotics that the company aims to put to work in its factories.

Musk claimed, during an annual shareholder meeting in June, that Tesla's Optimus robots will be the catalyst for lifting the company's market cap to an astronomical $25 trillion someday. Musk also called himself "pathologically optimistic" at that meeting.
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who won a crucial floor test in Parliament on Sunday with more than a two-thirds majority, vowed to begin a "new chapter" in Nepali politics, nearly a week after he was sworn in to lead a coalition government in the politically unstable Himalayan nation.Oli secured 188 votes in favour of the Vote of Confidence motion tabled by him while 74 votes were cast against him. Out of a total of 263 members of the House of Representatives who were present, one member abstained.Oli, 72, required 138 votes to pass the floor test in the lower house of Parliament."I declare that the motion of the vote of confidence tabled by Prime Minister Oli has been endorsed with a majority," announced Speaker Devraj Ghimire after the counting of votes."We have to build a modern, systematic, and democratic society. It does not mean anarchism. Democracy and anarchism are two different things. Democracy without anarchism, disciplined democracy. We need a kind of comprehensive democracy, not just in one sector. Democracy is not in word but in practice," the veteran Communist leader said."The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) CPN-UML are working towards this direction. I think other parties are also understanding this fact. Lets begin a new chapter in Nepali politics," Oli said.With Oli getting more than a two-thirds majority, the new coalition government is expected to amend the Constitution.According to Nepals Constitution, Oli needed to secure a vote of confidence from Parliament within 30 days of appointment. He was sworn in on Monday as Nepals Prime Minister for a fourth time.Earlier, while tabling the motion seeking a vote of confidence in his government, Oli made public the content of the seven-point agreement reached between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML earlier this month.Oli said that the agreement between the two major parties was part of the two largest parties efforts to address the countrys pressing issues."We [the two parties] compete in our ideologies, but there are instances of collaboration between the Congress and the UML," he said."This is a continuation of that collaboration. We have agreed to work together to protect national interests, control corruption, improve governance, expedite development activities, and ensure political stability, in accordance with the peoples desire," Oli said.Oli said his government will neither tolerate corruption nor let it happen. He said the government will confidently move forward for good governance.Responding to issues raised by lawmakers, Oli said, I was not and will not get involved in corruption, neither will tolerate if anyone practices so. He said the planned amendment to the Constitution is for the interest of the country and the welfare of the people."We are amending the Constitution to make it more effective, safeguard democracy and guaranteeing good governance and to move forward the pace of development," said Oli.He also rejected the charges that he committed land embezzlement during he previous tenure.Also Read:Lawmakers belonging to the ruling alliance Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Lokatantrik Samajwadi Party and Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal were among those who voted in favour of Olis Vote of Confidence motion.Opposition parties CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN-Unified Socialist, Rashtriya Swotantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, among others, voted against Oli during the floor test.Oli was sworn in on Monday as Nepals prime minister and was administered the oath of office and secrecy along with 21 other members of the Cabinet.Meanwhile, Nepals Supreme Court on Sunday forwarded a petition challenging Olis appointment as the countrys prime minister to a constitutional bench, citing the need for a serious constitutional interpretation.Within hours of his swearing-in on Monday, three advocates filed the petition at the apex court, arguing that Olis appointment was unconstitutional and seeking a mandamus order to annul it.The Chairman of the CPN-UML, Nepals largest communist party, was appointed as prime minister on Sunday by President Ram Chandra Paudel to lead the coalition government with the Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in Parliament, apart from other smaller parties.Oli succeeded Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda, who lost the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on July 12.The CPN-UML Chairman now leads the new coalition government that faces the daunting challenge of providing political stability in the Himalayan nation.Nepal has faced frequent political turmoil as the country has seen 14 governments in the past 16 years after the introduction of the Republican system.Also Read:
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Dell had it all figured out. The venerable computer company wouldnt force people back into the office. Instead, it would just insist that all staffers show up at the office for at least three days a week.

If they didnt, they wouldnt be laid off  they just wouldnt be promoted. (Unspoken was that this new policy would serve as a way of thinning the herd.)

Given a choice between not getting promoted or continuing to work at home, half of the employees have elected to stay home, thank you very much.
The biggest rationale behind adding business internet security to your small business is one, simple, but crucial, factorsafety.

Business internet security protects you against multiple levels of threats. It doesnt matter what size business youre running, what industry youre in, or what your business offers; the truth is that no small business is exempt from cyber-attacks. The repercussions of your business becoming a victim to a cyber-attack can be harmful to your business growth, daily operations, reputation, and customer base.

Keep reading to learn about some of the biggest risks your small business could face should you be subject to a cyber-attack.

Customer Privacy

Small businesses contain a great deal of private informationinformation that would be detrimental to ones business if it leaked, was sold, or got out somehow. Think about the type of information your small business has access to such as proprietary data and customer communications.

All of that informationand moreneeds to be protected from hackers and cyberattacks. The main reason for someone to try to access this information is to collect customer data that can be leveraged in fraud or identity theft. As a small business, its your obligation to ensure youre never putting your customers in a position where their data may be exploited. Implementing security measures and taking the necessary steps to ensure their data is protected will go a long way toward ensuring your customers trust you with their datain the immediate future and on a long-term basis.

Identity theft

Not only is identity theft an issue that affects your customers, but it can also directly affect you as the business owner. If someone gets access to your small business private data, they can use it to steal the identities of you or your employees. This information can include things like name, account details, credit card numbers, or even Social Security Numbers, depending on the type of business you operate. Hackers can then use this information to commit various nefarious, malicious cyber-crimes, such as opening fake bank or credit card accounts in the victims name.

Recovering from identity theft can take months (sometimes years), loads of money, and a lot of the victims own time. It can also take a long time to rebuild your reputation and ensure clients can trust you again. By utilizing antivirus software, cloud-based technologies, and other business security products, you can prevent these damaging incidents.

Damaged Reputation

A business reputation is everything. As a small business, you know this to be truemost businesses rely on repeat customers and referrals. If a systems security gets comprised, it can severely tarnish your sparkling reputation, prompting customers to take their business elsewhere. People will tell others about the trouble, too, and it may create a roadblock in finding new customers.

Financial Damages

Beyond data breaches and privacy risks, hackers can also drain a companys bank accounts. Ransomware is a type of attack where intruders hold stolen data hostage until the business pays up, with the ransom fees usually being exorbitant. Fixing the technical issues that led to the attack is expensive, as are the public relations fees you may have to pay to mitigate publicity from the issue. All of this can add up to a drastic setback for any small businessin many cases, leading foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Damage Control

Part of the process of recovering from any kind of cybercrime event is figuring out how it happened, then implementing stronger protective measures to avoid it in the future.

The initial problem can often stem from something as simple as an employees mistake. User error is the root of much cybercrime, as not all employees follow company security practices. In other cases, some kind of forensic investigation may be required to get to the root of the problem, along with corrective technical actions to fix any issues  again, a potentially expensive endeavor.

Common Types of Cyber Attacks

Educating yourself and your employees on the wide array of cybercrimesfrom malware to DNS filtering and beyond will put you in better position to prevent them. Here are a few of the most common ways that cybercriminals are trying to infiltrate your small business:

Malware

Lets say an employee happens to click on a pop-up window on a company computer. If the link is malicious, clicking it can result in harmful software being installed on the computer, leading to threats including ransomware, viruses, or spyware. Spyware enables intruders to gain access to personal information and obtain passwords that can then be used by intruders to log in to your systems as a legitimate user and do all sorts of harm.

Phishing

Phishing scams often come in the form of deceitful emails, social media messages, or texts that look legitimate but are in fact attempts to steal personal information, including financial information and passwords, or to install malware. If this happens on a company computer, it can leave your business and network in a vulnerable position.

DDoS Attacks

DDoS stands for distributed denial-of-service attack. This occurs when cybercriminals use bots to flood your network, website or other systems with illegitimate traffic. The intent is to overwhelm the systems resources and bandwidth. This causes immediate disruption, such as a slow or nonresponsive website, while also leaving your small business susceptible to further attacks that can potentially crash your systems and further disrupt your business.

How to Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks

Any company can experience these types of attacks, from small, mom-and-pop shops to corporate conglomerates. The good news? You can take numerous security measures to protect company data and sensitive information. By implementing appropriate antivirus software and other security solutions, you can ensure your business and customers are protected against hackers.

Cybercrime tactics arent static. In fact, cybercriminals are getting smarter, so businesses must get smarter too. Optimum offers protective solutions like firewall and antivirus software, as well as offerings to fight the threats of malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks. Our support team can help you find the security solution thats right for your small business, and help you get properly set up. We also offer 24/7/365 technical support to ensure youre always covered and protected, because cyber-attacks can happen at any time.

Hackers are always looking to improve their techniques, and we are too. Were constantly improving our products and services, so our clients stay secure in this ever-changing world.

To read more about the steps you can take to protect your small business, check out our blog detailing the 5 Best Practices for Small Business Cyber Security.

To learn more about how Optimum can help your small business stay safe, contact us today.
The US government has introduced new regulations that make it difficult for Western technology companies to export certain computer components to China. So, Nvidia is now in the process of developing a special version of its AI chip that can be sold to China without violating the new laws.

According to Reuters, the chip is a variant of the B200, one of the processors in the Blackwell series launched in March. The special version is called B20 and is estimated to be 30 times faster than previous chips when answering questions from chatbots.

China currently accounts for 17 percent of Nvidias turnover, which can be compared with 26 percent two years ago.
Photo: Google Maps

Fourteen Gay Street, the landmarked Greenwich Village townhouse that was demolished after construction work destabilized its foundation in 2022, is entering its next era: megamansion. The now-empty lot and neighboring 1,800-square-foot townhouse at 16 Gay Street (also landmarked) have been sold for $4.9 million to Gay Street Revival Initiative 1 and 2, a pair of limited-liability companies linked to Vladlen Koltun, an Israeli American computer scientist who works at Apple. When the properties went on the market for $6.64 million last August, the listing marketed them as a potential 40-foot wide, 4,500-square-foot single-family home. Matthew Lesser, one of the Leslie J. Garfield brokers who had the listing, confirmed that the buyer intends to build a new single-family home at the site.

A close-up on 14 and 16 Gay, both landmarked, only one still standing. Photo: Berenice Abbott via NYPL Picture Collection

Until a few years ago, the properties were part of the real-estate portfolio owned by Celeste Martin, an eccentric landlord known for her eclectic tenants, her generosity  she would waive rent for those in extremis, according to the New York Times, and delivered Christmas gifts of pink Champagne and sweets  and a lackadaisical approach to maintenance. She died in 2018, at 94, without a will or any direct relatives, and the city sold the six buildings she owned on Christopher and Gay Streets for $9 million. (Martin also owned a handful of other Village properties, including the pink house at 114 Waverly Place, which Bob and Cortney Novogratz bought from the city after her death.) That new owner flipped the Gay Street houses to developer Lionel Nazarian for $12 million in April 2022, and he set off on a heavy renovation.

The work, says the city, violated Landmarks and DOB rules, and undermined the foundations of No. 14. Bob Nazarian calls it all a terrible mistake; assemblymember Deborah Glick and Andrew Berman, of the Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation, have suggested that it may have been deliberate  the buildings were in bad shape, needing work that Nazarian admitted was going to be more expensive than I thought, and it was easy enough to imagine that hed just done whatever he felt like doing and then declared an oopsie.

An overhead view of 16 Gay and the now-empty lot where 14 once stood, as shown in listing photos, where the buyer can build a new 40-foot-wide 4,500-square-foot house. Photo: Leslie J. Garfield

The city issued emergency stop work and vacate orders on November 7, 2022, deeming No. 14 in danger of immediate collapse and No. 16 structurally compromised, and erected an emergency construction fence to protect the public. Preservationists staged a protest vigil, demanding that Nazarian undo whatever hed done, but No. 14 was declared unsafe by the city and came down, erasing one more piece of unrarefied Village history. The townhouses, which date (or rather dated) to the 1820s, werent grand: They were intended for the mercantile class, the architectural historian Andrew Dolkart told the New York Times, remnants of an era when shop owners and small business owners could afford to live in a single-family home in a built-up section of Manhattan. Later, as many Village townhouses were broken up into cheap apartments for artists and writers, Martins father divvied the buildings up into furnished studios. He saw himself as both an artist and budding real-estate mogul, and inspired the Greek landlord character Mr. Appopolous in My Sister Eileen, a collection of stories written by onetime tenant Ruth McKenney that became the 1950s musical Wonderful Town. In 2003, a terrible fire in the building killed the tenant who lived in McKenneys old ground-floor apartment; he and Martin, whod been friends, had gone to see a Broadway revival of Wonderful Town only a few weeks earlier. She never repaired the unit, leaving it to rot instead.

The Bohemian era was already all-but vanished by the time Martin died. (There is still at least one performing-artist tenant in a neighboring building that Martin owned, but he told me his neighbors had all been bought or driven out.) The West Village era of hedge funders and tech titans is now upon us: Sean Parker has a triple-wide on West 17th, biotech hedge funder Felix Baker owns the 15,000-square-foot former charity foundation at 27 Christopher, and Steve Cohen built a megamansion at 145 Perry Street.

The yet-to-be-built property at 14-16 Gay Street is, in such company, practically modest. While 40 feet is wide, 4,500 square feet is the size of a normalish Greenwich Village townhouse. Because its in a historic district, the new house will have to clear Landmarks approval and conform to the neighborhoods scale, but it is almost sure to be melded with the house at No. 16, retaining little historic integrity besides its facade. Koltun did not respond to requests for comment, so we wont know the details of what hes intending to do with the property until plans are filed with the city. Whatever it is, it wont need to be constructed with materials from the demolished building, as preservationists had called for. Those were deemed unsalvageable, with the exception of the door.
A listing photo shows 214 Lafayette today, lit up as if its occupied. But the building was originally designed to fool passersby with faux windows hiding its first tenant: a power substation. Photo: Douglas Elliman

Details: Price: $39 million Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Extras: Swimming pool, elevator, wood-burning fireplace, terrace Ten-minute walking radius: Balthazar, the Drawing Center, Housing Works Bookstore Listed by: Douglas Elliman

At a lunch in the 1980s, the art dealer Max Protech and Frank Gehry got to talking about how they would divvy up their new space. They were pooling money to buy a five-story Soho building  214 Lafayette Street  and Gehry sketched out the general idea on a doily. Protech would have a gallery on the street level, Gehry would have offices in back, and Protech could have storage space upstairs. Gehry never moved in  it turned out those dividing walls were expensive.

Protech conceived of 214 Lafayette as a place to show sculptures. The building was massive, perfect for showing work that couldnt squeeze into his uptown gallery. From the street, the facade looked grand and bankish with a roofline capped with a Roman pediment and a huge half-circle window. But behind, it wasnt a bank or floors of impressive apartments. 214 had been a power substation, and the first three floors made up one massive room 100 feet deep  the ideal setting for a show of swirling metal abstractions by Alice Aycock, or a survey that included only women sculptors. Theres that attitude that women cant be macho, Protech said. But against the gritty, industrial space, the show proved they had visions and ambitions greater than the male architects and artists.

Protech sold the building in 1996 for $1.7 million to a pair of artists: the songwriter Dyan Humes-Nispel and her husband, Marcus Nispel. In the early 90s, Marcus rode a surge in budgets for music videos, directing for Mariah Carey, the B-52s, Bette Midler, and Janet Jackson.

The central gallery space (left) was massive. Protech oversaw a full renovation that also cleared out a basement (right). From left: Photo: Max Protech Gallery Photo: Max Protech Gallery The central gallery space (left) was massive. Protech oversaw a full renovation that also cleared out a basement (right). From top: Photo: Max Protech... more The central gallery space (left) was massive. Protech oversaw a full renovation that also cleared out a basement (right). From top: Photo: Max Protech Gallery Photo: Max Protech Gallery

The pair renovated 214 for 12 years  adding three bedrooms, a terrace, a wood-burning fireplace, and a den with barrel-vaulted ceilings. The work seemed designed to turn it not into somewhere to live but rather into the ideal home for a video shoot. And its unclear if they ever actually lived upstairs. By 2013, the Nispels were renting the space to Hollywood for $20,000 a day.

For bedroom scenes, there were three on the upper floors with a wide terrace off the primary. To play a dance club or a party space or an art studio, even, there was a great room with double-height ceilings. And a lofted area let cameras shoot down easily. But the real draw must have been the 40-foot-long pool. The Nispel renovation lodged it in the basement with a portal window set into the side of the tank that made underwater shots a breeze. John Mayer used it for his 2009 video Who Says, and Beyonce made it famous in Halo, gliding through the blue water in diaphanous silks.

In 2016, the building had a starring turn in Mr. Robot as a makeshift office for hackers. Meanwhile, Marcuss career took off with big box-office remakes of horror features: Friday the 13th and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

The Nispels put the house on the market last week, asking $39 million. The broker said he and his client wouldnt comment for this story. But if theyre choosing to sell now, there are two likely reasons. First, the couple divorced in 2022. And second, film shoots in the city have been drying up lately. Still, theyve been finding uses for it. Last year, McIntosh turned the space into a pop-up showroom for sound systems with the former gallery showcasing a pyramid of amplifiers.

A listing photo shows the studio location used for dance scenes in Beyonces music video for Halo, and the photo includes a piece of the buildings unique history. After Banksy tagged the doors downstairs, the owner took them off their hinges and hung them as an artwork (right). Photo: Douglas Elliman

The 40-foot-long swimming pool in a listing photo. The pool featured in a party scene for a John Mayer music video, and swimmers underwater can be seen off a circular portal window one flight down. Photo: Douglas Elliman

The doily on which Gehry sketched his designs for 214 Lafayette. Photo: Kim Richardson/Max Protech Gallery
The job of the police is to detect crime and provide the courts with the evidence against those they have arrested and charged. It is not their job to comment on any sentences passed.

Yet this does not seem to be the view of Detective Inspector Chris Rudd, leader of the investigation into the Just Stop Oil fivesome who, in November 2022, organised a highly dangerous scheme that disrupted traffic on the M25 for five days, causing misery to hundreds of thousands, not least those who missed funerals and hospital appointments.

Yet last week, after the jury reached their verdict and Judge Christopher Hehir handed down sentences of five years to the co-founder of Just Stop Oil, Roger Hallam, and four years to the four other defendants, Det Insp Rudd took it upon himself to offer an opinion: 'The judge commented upon sentencing that he hoped it might have some deterrent effect. I do hope it does but for some, it might be a rallying call.'

Disruption

Rudd's warning about the length of the sentences  which are none of his business  evokes the sense that the police have an indulgent attitude to the antics of the Just Stop Oil fanatics. Woe betide any driver who becomes impatient with this.

From left to right: Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, Cressida Gethin, Louise Lancaster, Daniel Shaw and Roger Hallam have been handed prison sentences last week.

Roger Hallam, an environmental activist who was one of the founding members of the group (pictured at a protest in 2019), was jailed for five years last week for conspiring to organise protests that blocked the M25 motorway in November 2022

The vast amount of time and money spent by the Metropolitan Police in managing these disruptive events only depletes further the resources it devotes to the fight against what we might describe as 'ordinary crime'

Last year, when a frustrated motorist dragged some of those blocking traffic on Blackfriars Bridge in central London out of the road, he was charged at by police officers and handcuffed. They pinned him against a van blocked by the eco-zealots  who were allowed to continue their disruption of those trying to get to work (or, indeed, hospital).

The vast amount of time and money spent by the Metropolitan Police in managing these disruptive events only depletes further the resources it devotes to the fight against what we might describe as 'ordinary crime'.

Last week, Channel 4's Dispatches showed how the Met failed to identify a single suspect for neighbourhood crimes in more than 160 localities: in these areas over the past three years 'there were more than 10,000 thefts from a person, with more than 99 per cent of them going unsolved'.

A motorist attempted to drag a Just Stop Oil activist off the road during a protest on Blackfriars Bridge in London in May 2023

Police then swooped in and handcuffed the motorist who was trying to remove the activists

And the day before officer Rudd's gratuitous commentary on Judge Hehir's sentencing was published, the Chief Inspector of the police in England and Wales, Andy Cooke, described as 'unjustifiable' the inconsistencies across police forces in responding to crime. They were still struggling, said Cooke, 'to get the basics right'.

Anyone who read Guy Adams's damning investigation in the Mail into the contemptibly languorous attitude of the police towards high-value shoplifting gangs in the London Borough of Chiswick will know what that means.

On the other side, there is the remarkable turn-around over the past three years of the Greater Manchester Police under its no-nonsense Chief Constable, Stephen Watson.

Judge Christopher Hehir (pictured) handed down sentences of five years to the co-founder of Just Stop Oil, Roger Hallam, and four years to the four other defendants

GMP had been put in 'special measures', but under this new leadership, every crime is investigated, and emergency response times have risen to among the best.

As a result, robbery and burglary have fallen sharply (the latter by almost 25 per cent).

I can't imagine that Chief Constable Watson would have tolerated one of his officers bleating about the risk of provoking dissent, when exemplary prison sentences are passed on reckless, repeat offenders  which is what those defendants in Hehir's court were.

Indeed, they were all on bail from previous offences at the time of their M25 escapade, with Hallam in receipt of a suspended sentence order for his role in a plan to disrupt operations at Heathrow Airport by the use of drones.

Fanaticism

In 2021, I wrote that Hallam was 'a nasty piece of work' in an article which mentioned how, a year before, he was recorded telling a group of his followers that the 'people who run society, run big business', whom he judged culpable for the 'climate catastrophe maybe you should put a bullet through their head'.

Hallam's reaction to my comments was to put up a film on YouTube under the headline: 'Dominic Lawson will be Hanged for Climate Crimes.'

Hallam's film amounted to his case for my prosecution and death sentence. Now he has been convicted and sentenced under the legal system he despises (Hallam denounced the judge's sentencing remarks and the jury's verdict as 'the banality of evil').

But Judge Hehir is protecting every one of us against fanaticism. The police, above all, should respect that.

No lectures on conduct from Tom Watson, please:

From Tom Watson, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, warm words of endorsement for the newly elected Green MP Ellie Chowns, who said how 'shocking' she found the parliamentary conduct of Conservatives in last week's debate on planning and rural affairs: 'From the patronising and catty speech by Kemi Badenoch at the start to their braying benches at the end. We need better.'

Watson tweeted in response: 'Fair play on the new MPs calling it out.'

I agree about the 'braying'. But Badenoch's speech, responding to that of the new Secretary of State, Angela Rayner, was teasing and actually friendly in tone, as the amused expression on Rayner's face made clear.

More to the point, who is Tom Watson to accuse Badenoch, or indeed any Conservative, of inappropriate parliamentary conduct?

Tom Watson, made a peer by Sir Keir Starmer, for services rendered to the Labour Party

This is the man who, during Prime Minister's Questions in 2012, used parliamentary privilege to claim that there was 'a powerful paedophile network linked to Parliament and No 10'.

The source for this astonishing allegation was none other than Carl Beech, later sentenced to 18 years in prison, on 12 counts of perverting the course of justice, when it was established that all his claims about a 'VIP child sex ring' were fraudulent.

Watson also put into print the wicked claim by Beech that the late Lord (Leon) Brittan, the former Home Secretary, was 'as close to evil as any human being could get'.

This foul fiction was, as a BBC Panorama investigation revealed, first propagated by a former Labour councillor and convicted fraudster called Chris Fay. Fay admitted in 2015 that he'd enjoyed 'on a political level' accusations of child sex abuse against prominent Conservatives, and that he'd passed his allegations against the blameless Brittan (then suffering from terminal cancer) to Watson.

And where is Tom Watson now? In the House of Lords, put there by Sir Keir Starmer for services rendered to the Labour Party.

The fact that Lord Watson, in his first speech there, finally apologised for his traducing of its former member, Lord Brittan, is neither here nor there, in this context: he is the last man in Westminster to lecture anyone on the limits of parliamentary conduct.
If harnessed properly, the potential for artificial intelligence to transform our lives for the better is almost limitless.

With its promised revolutions in science and industry, AI offers enormous opportunities for mankind  from combating air pollution to finding a cure for cancer.

But there is another, darker side to the coin. AI is speeding ahead so quickly that safety is being lost in the slipstream.

Child sexual exploitation is one of the most pernicious evils known to humanity.

Paedophiles and pornographers have now seized upon AI as a way of peddling their filth. They are misusing the software to create computer-generated, but horrifyingly realistic, images and videos of children being sadistically abused  what is known as deepfake pornography.

With its promised revolutions in science and industry, AI offers enormous opportunities for mankind  from combating air pollution to finding a cure for cancer. But there is another, darker side to the coin (stock image)

Paedophiles and pornographers have now seized upon AI as a way of peddling their filth (stock image)

Predators are harvesting photos of boys and girls from social media accounts belonging to their family, friends or schools.

In some cases, smartphone apps are used to nudify the victim. In others, a youngsters face is seamlessly blended with existing footage of children being raped.

There has not only been a disturbing rise in AI-generated child abuse images.

Worse, these paedophiles have been able to market their grotesque material on Instagram. Because Meta, which owns the platform, receives revenue from adverts placed alongside content  including that uploaded by the perverts  it stands accused of profiting from abuse of children.

Baroness Kidron, of the 5Rights Foundation childrens charity, says that by turning a blind eye, the tech giant is complicit in this trade in misery. Now she has launched a landmark legal bid to force Meta to act.

The last Tory government made it a crime to download, share or create sexually explicit images using AI tools.

But regulation still lags behind the technology that enables this offence.

Social media companies must take responsibility. Surely it is in their power to stop these explicit images circulating. The question is, how badly do they want to?

Democratic mess

In the end, it had become inevitable that Joe Biden would have to withdraw his candidacy for re-election as US President.

In the end, it had become inevitable that Joe Biden would have to withdraw his candidacy for re-election as US President

He had been under pressure from fellow Democrats to quit since his car-crash debate against Donald Trump. The polls showed him being trounced at the ballot box.

But if Mr Biden wanted to act in the best interest of the country, as he said, shouldnt he have stepped down earlier? The decline of his mental faculties has been obvious since before he won the White House.

Any questions about Mr Bidens fitness for the job were dismissed as Republican smears. Now deeply unpopular vice-president Kamala Harris may run instead.

By failing to be honest about Mr Bidens cognitive deterioration, the Democrats have created the mess they are now in.

Holding back Kyiv

Britain should be proud that it has led the world in supplying weapons to Ukraine in order to repel Vladimir Putins invasion.

But by refusing president Volodymyr Zelenskys request to fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russia, Sir Keir Starmer is impeding Kyivs ability to defend itself.

Its absurd Ukraine is not permitted to strike the weapons factories, ammunition depots and drone bases far from the frontline that Moscow is using for attacks.

If Labour sincerely wants the Ukrainians to win, why is it making them fight with one arm tied behind their backs?
Standing on the steps of Blenheim Palace on Thursday, European leaders surrounded Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in an image of steadfast support.

But you could forgive Zelensky for wondering how stalwart those allies really are. Two and half years into Vladimir Putin's bloody war, it must increasingly seem to Zelensky that Nato is offering just enough to keep Ukraine limping on  but not enough to smash Moscow's forces completely.

What else could explain the West's ambiguity over the use of long-range weapons to attack targets in Russia?

On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer rebuffed Zelensky's plea that he ditch the UK's veto on Storm Shadow 'bunker-buster' weapons, which have a range of 186 miles, striking targets inside Russia.

As it stands, the UK and other allies allow Ukraine to fire long-range missiles defensively at targets on Russian soil near the border, but not offensively or deep into Russian territory.

Pictured: Starmer and Zelensky shake hands during a meeting at 10 Downing Street on July 19

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting via videoconference on July 19

General The Lord Dannatt (pictured) is a former Chief of the General Staff and co-author of Victory to Defeat  The British Army 1918 To 1940. He argues Zelensky must be given what it takes to defeat Putin on this battlefield

This position is, of course, calculated to avoid provoking Putin into wider retaliation. At the heart of that fear is the terrible ultimate prospect that the dictator might reach for the nuclear button, but even less apocalyptic concerns help to dictate policy.

But success in armed conflict can be achieved only if all elements of the battlefield are dominated.

In classic Nato doctrine, this means winning the 'deep, close and rear' battles  that is long-range strikes and raids on infrastructure (deep), front-line combat (close) and the essential support mechanisms such as logistics and headquarters (rear).

Just as Russia is hitting Ukrainian cities, factories and infrastructure, any general knows it is perfectly reasonable for Ukraine to do the same in order to degrade its enemy's military capability.

But thanks to the current restrictions on missile use, Ukraine's armed forces can't execute the 'deep' battle. Zelensky is being forced to fight with one arm tied behind his back.

That's why I believe decision-makers in Washington, London, Berlin and Paris must authorise the use of long-range weapons, such as the Storm Shadow, to strike targets inside Russia.

It would be foolish to discount the possibility of some escalation. But, as in the Cold War, I'm confident this war, at least, won't go nuclear, despite the warnings of those concerned about Britain's deepening involvement in the conflict.

A soldier from the 80th Air assault brigade trains in the direction of Chasiv Yar, Ukraine, on July 20

Zelensky became the first foreign leader to attend a meeting of the British Cabinet in person since 1997 last Friday

For one thing, Russian tactics would likely use a tactical nuclear weapon only to stop an enemy breakthrough in Ukraine. Such a breakthrough could occur only in one of the four eastern provinces that Putin has declared to be forever Russian. Where is the logic in irradiating many square miles of your own soil?

Then there is the relationship between China and Russia to consider. President Xi has so far offered only mild support to Putin and is unquestionably the dominant partner in the relationship. Xi has consistently opposed the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Of course, escalation could be serious long before it reached nuclear proportions.

A cyber attack on the scale of the outage chaos caused last Friday by CrowdStrike is well within Russia's capability, as is severing underwater communications or energy pipelines in the North Sea.

And if the Houthi rebels in Yemen were capable of striking Tel Aviv, we cannot rule out a long-range conventional missile strike on a target in Western Europe, even potentially here in the UK.

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade fires a 155mm M-109 'Paladin' howitzer towards a Russian position on the front line near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, on July 20

soldier from the 80th Air assault brigade dismounts from a -80 tank while training in Ukraine

Keir Starmer shakes hands with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the steps of 10 Downing Street on July 19

Nevertheless, military theoreticians often refer to the concept of 'limited war'  that is, restricted in its aims and its geography. The war in Ukraine does indeed have limits, but history has demonstrated that Putin's ambition is not restrained in the same way.

Before Ukraine there was Chechnya and Georgia. Why, after Ukraine, should we not think there might be Latvia, Lithuania or Estonia, or all three  or even Poland?

Anxiety levels are already high in the Baltic States, and one has to wonder why at this moment in their history, both Sweden and Finland recently chose to join Nato.

The fear of Russian expansion is tangible on Russia's borders  no wonder the Poles are spending more than 4 per cent of GDP on defence and building the largest army in Europe.

Any discussion of Ukraine's prospect of achieving military success must also confront the elephant in the room  Donald Trump, who looks likely to win the presidency in November.

He has made the bombastic claim that he could settle the war in a day with one telephone call. If that's the case, Ukraine must be given every chance to achieve a position of advantage on the battlefield before that call is made.

If this war is to have a successfully negotiated end, Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position at the start of any talks.

The reality is that Putin must be stopped, and Ukraine is the place to stop him. The best means of doing so is by giving Kyiv what it needs to finish the job.

The price of stopping Putin now is far better than paying the price of a wider devastating war  as the history of the last century shows.

General The Lord Dannatt is a former Chief of the General Staff and co-author of Victory to Defeat  The British Army 1918 To 1940
The former White House doctor Ronny Jackson was adamant. I am concerned he does not have the mental capacity, the cognitive ability, to serve as Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.

He was talking about Joe Biden not yesterday but four years ago, before Biden became President.

President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is likely to be his replacement in the race against Donald Trump

Jackson, a retired U.S. navy rear admiral, was appointed by George W. Bush and went on to serve as official physician to Presidents Obama and Trump.

He had observed Biden on the campaign trail in 2019 and concluded that he was already a few French fries short of a Happy Meal.

Two years later, after the shameful scuttle from Kabul, Biden went missing for six days, along with his Vice President Kamala Harris.

The only photograph of the President showed him hunkered down at his Camp David rural retreat, staring at an array of giant TV screens. He kept pressing the remote control, hoping for a different result, like the simpleton Chauncey Gardiner, who rises to become a presidential adviser in the Peter Sellers movie Being There.

Jackson tweeted: If hes not mentally capable of handling the crisis, he needs to resign IMMEDIATELY.

Back then, I dubbed Biden and Harris Lord and Lady Gaga.

Subsequently, in March this year, Biden spent two days being interviewed by a special prosecutor Robert Hur, appointed to investigate Sleepy Joe hoarding classified documents in his garage at home  the same alleged crime which led to the military-style raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago compound.

Hur concluded that although Biden had a case to answer, there was no point in bringing charges since he was too senile to stand trial. Any jury would find him mentally incompetent.

According to Hur, Bidens memory was already fading when his ghostwriter was writing his autobiography in 2017  three years before he ran for President.

The headline on this column read: If Bidens mentally unfit to stand trial, hes mentally unfit to be President.

Fast forward five months and Donald Trump and others are demanding that Biden resigns the Presidency immediately.

If a week is a long time in politics, then the nine days since Trump survived an assassination attempt feels like a lifetime. The circus hasnt so much moved on as sent in the clowns.

Gone is the more reflective Trump seen at the Republican National Convention. Back is the savage attack dog. Its politics in the raw as usual. Yesterday, Trump even claimed that Biden never had Covid.

Certainly Bidens positive test was convenient, as the pressure mounting on him to withdraw from the race reached critical mass.

When the going gets tough, Joe goes missing  whether during the Afghan withdrawal or the 2020 election campaign, which he spent hiding in his basement in Delaware, using the pandemic as an excuse.

Trump posted on his Truth Social account: Who is running our Country right now? Its not Crooked Joe, he has no idea where he is. And Trump isnt the only one asking who is in charge of the clattering train. So are millions of Americans, who have no idea who is making the decisions at the White House.

It isnt Biden and certainly isnt Kamala Harris.

The real scandal here is not only that Biden is no longer fit to be President. The truth is he never was.

If Hur is to be believed, it was obvious Joe wasnt playing with a full deck seven years ago. Yet despite White House physician Jacksons repeated warnings about his unfitness for office and a catalogue of blunders and brain-freezes as long as Interstate 95, the Democrats still chose him as their candidate.

Biden got the nod because he was seen as the only candidate who could stop Hard Left headbanger Bernie Sanders  Americas answer to Jeremy Corbyn  and beat the hated Trump.

He hadnt run in 2016 when he should have been the presumptive nominee because Barack Obama declined to endorse him, despite Biden being his Veep for eight years. What did Obama know that America didnt?

Those close to Biden, such as Congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer must have known he was away with the fairies. But they left him in place cynically to preserve their own power base.

Only when it became apparent, after that disastrous first debate three weeks ago, that Trump was nailed on not only to win the White House but would deliver a Republican landslide in both the Senate and the House of Representatives did they deliver the coup de grace.

Et tu, Nancy?

Ive always believed the Democrats would dump Biden before the election. But why did they leave it so late? Why was he allowed to win the nomination for a second term unopposed?

Having propped up Lord Gaga for the past three and a half years theyre now turning to Lady Gaga for their salvation. I can only conclude they must have a death wish.

Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson, who is the U.S. representative of Texas's 13th congressional district

They are rallying round Kamala, backed by the Democrat cheerleaders in the mainstream media who have been shamefully complicit in covering up Bidens decline.

Shes already being built up as Queen Kamala, the natural successor, a groundbreaking candidate, a competent administrator and exciting orator.

This flies in the face of all the evidence, especially a poll last year which declared her the worst VP in recent memory. Her track record is disastrous to say the least.

The only serious job she was given was tackling illegal immigration. Hows that working out, then? On her watch, more than seven million migrants and counting have crossed Americas southern border.

When she was asked why she hadnt visited the border three months into her job, she replied bizarrely: Well, I havent been to Europe either.

This is just one of her incomprehensible word salad statements and associated gaffes and giggles.

Harris is continuity Joe Biden in waiting. Shes been at his side for all his major mistakes and must also have been well aware of his mental incapacity.

Biden has endorsed his Veep, but this is more of a calculated screw you to Pelosi and Schumer and all those who he believes stabbed him in the back than a vote of confidence in Kamala.

Its reported he had his doubts about Harris all along and only picked her because she ticked the black and female boxes and didnt present a threat to him.

If she emerges victorious, it will be conclusive evidence of the Democrats descent into the divisive politics of identity, where  to paraphrase Martin Luther King  a Presidential candidate can now be chosen not on the content of her character or her ability to do the job but on the colour of her skin and her gender.

Who would she choose as her running mate? More pertinently, who would want to be Kamalas VP? Governors Newsom and Whitmer, of California and Michigan, would be well advised to keep their powder dry until 2028. Why go off half-cock against a resurgent Trump/Vance ticket?

Perhaps Kamala could plump for openly gay transport secretary Pete Buttigieg. Crazy name, crazy guy. A black woman/gay man combo would have Democratic activists salivating. How it would play in the Bible Belt and the bars of Middle America is a whole different question.

The mainstream media is currently attempting to change the narrative around the election, claiming Trump would find it much harder to beat Harris, especially if she becomes the incumbent, even though polls show her trailing him in all the key battleground states such as Michigan.

In calling on Biden to pass the keys to the Oval Office to Harris, theyre warning: Be careful what you wish for, Donald.

These are the same sycophants who were still reassuring Americans that Biden was in great shape and should be given another four years.

Trump is confident hell beat whoever they run against him, and the polls back him up.

The mainstream media has been claiming that Donald Trump, seen here accepting the nomination for President at the Republican National Convention, would find it much harder to beat Kamala Harris

Meanwhile, the wider world looks on in horror. The only winners are Moscow, Pyongyang, Tehran and Beijing.

On Sunday, in the run-up to Bidens announcement, Fox News was carrying two breaking news stories. One was about the Iranian-backed Houthis launching a rocket attack on an Israeli oil refinery, right under the noses of American forces in the region to deter attacks on Western shipping.

The other concentrated on an intelligence report claiming that China was about to launch an imminent invasion of Taiwan, which manufactures the lions share of all the silicon chips on the planet.

If China monopolises the manufacture and then limits the distribution of chips vital for IT and AI technology, the Microsoft/CloudStrike meltdown will be but a small taste of things to come.

Meanwhile, America, the last bulwark against global tyranny, has turned in on itself.

With either Biden or Kamala in the White House, the world will become an even more dangerous place. You cant imagine Putin or Xi trembling in their loafers at the prospect of President Harris.

The future of not just America but the entire Free World is at stake.

Biden is dead man walking, even though he has difficulty putting one foot in front of the other.

But just because Lady Gaga is capable of running for office, it doesnt mean shes capable of running the country. She isnt.
A sleep scientist spoke about a bizarre sleepwalking case which saw a man drive miles to his mother-in-law's house to murder her - but he was found not guilty.

Professor Guy Leschziner, a world-renowned expert in Neurology and Sleep Medicine, appeared on Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett's The Diary of a CEO podcast to speak about sleep disorders and how sleepwalking can be used as a defence in a court of law.

The most notorious case occurred in Canada in 1988, when 23-year-old Toronto man Kenneth Parks, was acquitted of murder and attempted murder of his parents in-law.

In the early hours of May 23, 1987, he drove 23km to their house, broke in, assaulted his father-in-law, Denis, and stabbed his mother-in-law Barbara Woods, 42, to death.

Parks, who had gambling debts, claimed he was asleep the whole time and was not aware of what he was doing.

The most notorious sleepwalking case occurred in Canada in 1988, when 23-year-old Toronto man Kenneth Parks, (centre) was acquitted of murder and attempted murder of his parents in-law

Professor Guy Leschziner (pictured) speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, where he talked about bizarre instances of sleepwalking, including where people had murdered while in slumber

Leschziner said: 'Apparently in his sleep he drove several miles to his parents in-law's house and apparently got a tire iron out of the boot of his car and bludgeoned his mother-in-law to death.

'Then tried to kill his father-in-law and ended up throwing him into a swimming pool, now this was made even more curious by the fact that there had been some evidence that he'd been having some financial difficulties and had some discussions with his parents-in-law about about financial issues, but it was deemed by a court of law that this happened whilst he was sleepwalking.

'He was actually acquitted, so this is a remarkable story, now is it impossible for somebody to drive in their sleep? No, I've seen it myself, but it seems like stretching credibility that somebody could have undertaken all of that whilst sleeping, but in the court of law he was found not guilty.'

Defense attorney Marlys Edwardh said that on the night of the killing, Parks 'plunged into a deep, deep sleep. His next memory is seeing his mother-in-law's face.''

The attorney said he then regained consciousness, fled the house and drove to a nearby police station.

Bob Adair of the Toronto police homicide squad testified Parks said he had no idea how he got to his in-laws' home and told officers he had no reason to harm them.

Leschziner revealed that although driving in your sleep is uncommon, it does happen, and he has a patient who has experienced it on numerous occasions.

In the early hours of May 23, 1987, he drove 23km to their house, broke in, assaulted his father-in-law, Denis, and stabbed his mother-in-law Barbara Woods, 42, to death

Leschziner is a world-renowned expert in Neurology and Sleep Medicine and was the latest guest on Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett's (pictured) The Diary of a CEO podcast

He said: 'I've got a patient, who I don't see anymore, who I mentioned in my book. She has driven several miles in her sleep, and in fact has driven a motorbike in her youth in her sleep and the only knowledge that she had, was her landlady at the time said ''where were you going at 1:00 in the morning clutching your motorcycle helmet''.

'She'd obviously been for a ride in the middle of the night without any recollection.'

The professor said in those kinds of situations it's likely that the majority of the brain is 'probably awake' because it's hard to envisage how somebody could carry out complicated tasks if the majority of their brain was asleep.

Leschziner revealed he has seen many people commit crimes in their sleep and some have been convicted.'

He said: 'I was involved with somebody who shot a family member in their sleep. I've seen individuals who have committed sexual assault in their sleep. Somebody who was convicted for rape as a result of a sleep disorder.'

Speaking about how sleep disorders are examined in court after a serious crime has been committed, the professor said: 'First of all, is past behavior consistent with what has happened on that night in question.

'Secondly are there any features about the event itself that suggests that there was an attempt to cover it up, or a degree of pre-planning in order to commit that particular act.

'Also whether or not there can be evidence found by studying that individual's sleep, that they suffer from these kinds of sleep disorders.'
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a stunning portrait of Prince George as he celebrates his 11th birthday today.

The black and white photo, taken by keen photographer Kate, 42, shows the future King in a suit, beaming for the camera.

The young royal, who is the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was born George Alexander Louis on July 22, 2013, in the the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London.

In the new photo, which was shared on the Kensington Palace X and Instagram accounts, George's hair is combed to one side and he's looking sharp - just like his father - in a suit as he beams for the camera.

Royal fans have become used to seeing the future King dressed smartly in recent years as he prepares to sit on the throne one day. However, this photo shows the royal looking a little more relaxed in an open collar instead of a tie.

He is also wearing what appears to be a delicate handmade bracelet on his left wrist - which looks strikingly similar to jewellery sported by Princess Charlotte and King Charles in recent appearances.

Kensington Palace has shared a stunning portrait of Prince George, taken by his mother Kate, to mark his 11th birthday

Posting the snap on their social media accounts, the Waleses said: 'Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!'

They confirmed the snap had been taken by Kate some time this year.

The Princess of Wales has long been a keen photographer and is often the person behind the camera when her children's birthday portraits are taken.

She is particularly adept at capturing her family in natural poses, letting their personalities shine through.

This year, as she has been undergoing cancer treatment, Kate's commitment to capturing her family's special moments has been a sign of encouragement to royal fans that her recovery is going well.

In April this year, as Prince Louis celebrated his sixth birthday, the Palace revealed his portrait had once again been taken by Kate - which came as much-needed good news for royal fans who had been concerned about the Princess's condition since she revealed to the world she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Prince George's 10th birthday portrait was not taken by Kate, as it often is - instead the Waleses chose to use a snap from Millie Pilkington

The Princess of Wales snapped her eldest son in Norfolk just a few weeks before his eighth birthday

Prince George was also photographed by his mother Kate on his seventh birthday - looking smart in a khaki polo neck

Little lion! Prince George captured by Kate in an England football shirt to mark his sixth birthday in 2019

Prince George's third birthday portrait was taken by Matt Porteous at the Wales family's Norfolk home

Prince George's fourth birthday portrait, in which he is beaming at the camera, was taken by Chris Jackson

After the royal mother-of-three revealed in March that she had begun the preventative treatment following the discovery of cancerous cells in an abdominal operation in January, many fans were worried for her wellbeing.

Later in the year, Kensington Palace revealed other photos Kate had taken for occasions including Father's Day, when a photo was shared of the Wales family on the beach in Norfolk.

However, the snap was an encouraging sign that she was back behind the camera and in good spirits; able to continue doing the things she loves.

Responding to the new birthday portrait, royal fans gushed over the future King and his stately image - noting a strong resemblance to his father in particular.

One person said: 'He's the splitting (sic) image of his father, honestly. Happy Birthday George!'

Another added: 'Prince George looks so much like his Dad.'

A third royal fan said: 'He is so handsome but I can't believe he is already 11.'

Many shared such disbelief that the prince is now 11 years old - with some people making the point that he's 'almost a teen'.

As he turns 11 today, George, who is second in line to the throne, is gearing up to begin secondary school in September - although it is not yet clear which institution Kate and William have chosen to send him to.

Royal fans responded to the adorable portrait of Prince George, saying the young royal looks identical to his father and gushing over how grown up he looks

The Prince and Princess of Wales are sternly private about their children's lives, meaning royal fans will be left guessing as to how George will spend his special day.

However, the 11-year-old royal's godmother has revealed a special tradition, inspired by Princess Diana, that she takes part in with her godson every year on his birthday.

British psychotherapist Julia Samuels, 64, formed a close friendship with Lady Diana after meeting her at a dinner party in 1987.

Speaking on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, she previously revealed that she buys the 'feisty and cheeky' young royal 'impossible' noisy toys that take the Prince of Wales, 42, 'days to put together' in a running joke inspired by Diana.

British psychotherapist Julia Samuels (pictured), 64, became friend with Princess Diana after they sat next to each other at a dinner party

Prince George has come to resemble a mini statesman in recent months, showing grace and fortitude at official events despite a turbulent time for the royal family

Taylor Swift with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince William at her Wembley gig last month

George turning to look at the crowds on the Buckingham Palace balcony on the day of the Coronation of his grandfather, King Charles, May 6, 2023

In conversation about George, Julia said: 'He is amazing. He's funny and feisty and cheeky and God she [Diana] would have loved him so much. That is heartbreaking for all of them'.

Julia followed in the footsteps of the Princess, who was godmother to her son, revealing: 'So I do to George what she did to us, which is give impossible toys which are really noisy, take a lot of making.'

The therapist, who has published two books about grief, also discussed her memories of Princess Diana, saying: 'At the time and what I feel about that in retrospect are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

'At the time, I sort of felt outraged that people were crying and wailing when they never met her. It didn't make sense.

As Princess Charlotte attended the Wimbledon men's final she was also wearing bracelets that looked very similar to the one Prince George was wearing in his birthday portrait

During his trip to the Channel Islands last week, King Charles was also spotted wearing a handmade bracelet around his right wrist (appears left in photo)

'But it didn't take me long to realise that people felt they knew her, her vulnerability they connected with. And that it was an amazing tribute.'

She revealed: 'You never think one person can change the world and then you see someone like her.'

'By being as open and honest and vulnerable and authentic as she was, it changed the world and it certainly changed Great Britain. She had an absolutely lasting effect on us.

'Now, I feel immensely proud. In those first days, it was a visceral response, it was like, shut up.'

After being asked if she was a 'good' godmother to George, she said she was 'pretty good'.

Julia explained that she had an on-going tradition with the Waleses, revealing: 'I come in slightly tipped by the size of the present that William then has to spend days putting together.

'And then put all the machinery together and it makes awful tooting noises and lights flashing and all of that. That makes me laugh and it makes George laugh.'

But while the young prince embarks upon a new chapter in his life, royal fans have indulged in nostalgia to celebrate his milestone, sharing photos on X, formerly Twitter, of the royal in his infant and toddler years.

When he was growing up, George was known for cheeky appearances akin to the comical displays now associated with his younger brother, Prince Louis.

The eldest of the Wales children also won hearts around the world with his cherub-like looks.

Celebrating his birthday on social media, royal fans wished the young prince many happy returns and shared their favourite childhood snaps of him.

As George celebrates his 11th year, it comes after a tough few months for his family due to family illness.

In January, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales was taking time out from public facing duties to recover after undergoing abdominal surgery at the London Clinic for a condition that was not revealed to the public.

Two months later, following mass speculation and wild conspiracy theories about the state of her health, Kate shared a heartfelt video message in which she revealed doctors had found cancerous cells during her operation.

She also revealed that, as a result, she had been undergoing 'preventative' chemotherapy.

The Princess shared how she and William 'have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family'.

Seven! Prince George pictured celebrating his seventh birthday during lockdown in 2021

2016: Prince George dressed in a navy quilted jacket and light blue rucksack grinned as he made his way into Westacre Montessori School near the family home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk

Royal fans have shared their favourite childhood snaps of Prince George to mark his 11th birthday on X, formerly Twitter. Pictured above: A Christmas photo of the young royal in 2014 when he was 18 months old

Four-year-old George walking into school with William for his first day at Thomas's in Battersea

The public got the chance to see three-month-old Prince George as his mother carries him into St James's Palace for his christening in October 2013

Nearly two, George takes a stroll at the Beaufort Polo Club in 2015

Prince William carrying George into the Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital to visit Kate after Charlotte was born in 2015

The Princess of Wales proved her photography skills once again with a touching image of Prince William (pictured centre) with Prince George (pictured far right), Princess Charlotte (pictured left), and Prince Louis (pictured right), for Father's Day

Meanwhile George's grandfather King Charles, 75, is also undergoing treatment for cancer, although he has returned to public facing duties in recent months.

In a sign that his mother's treatment is going well, George enjoyed a public outing with her at Trooping the Colour to mark the King's official birthday in June.

He rode in a carriage with Kate, Charlotte and 6-year-old Louis during the procession and stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with his family.

Despite the family struggles, George has continued to shine at all his public appearances.

His demeanor has demonstrated how the young Prince is being well prepared for his future responsibilities as monarch.

He has been to Aston Villa matches, the FA Cup final and England's clash with Spain in the Euro 2024 final earlier this month.

As George approaches secondary school age, there has also been speculation over where he will spend his next stage of education.

Prince William attended the prestigious Eton College while Kate went to Marlborough School in Buckinghamshire.

William and Kate visited both as they looked into options for George.

But it emerged earlier this year that the couple had added Oundle School in Peterborough to their list of options for their eldest son.

The 34,000-a-year co-educational school in north Northamptonshire dates from 1556 but has a modern ethos, boasting on its website: 'We have a responsibility to ensure that every single member of the school community takes both individual and collective action towards environmental sustainability.'

As royal fans are left speculating as to where the young prince will continue his education as he reaches secondary level, one joked: 'Now he can go to Hogwarts.'
Viewers of 22 Kids and Counting have praised Sue and Noel Radford's large family for paying tribute to a young girl who died of cancer.

The brood, from Morecambe, Lancashire, often share every aspect of their lives on their social media accounts and the Channel 5 show.

But they were recently left 'heartbroken' after finding out Sophie Walker, a family friend, passed away from cancer a couple of weeks ago.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with Wilms tumour in 2017 after going to the doctors with a suspected stomach bug.

Their show came back on-air for season 5 yesterday and at the end of the first episode, the clan - dubbed Britain's largest family - paid tribute to the teenager.

22 Kids and Counting came back on-air for season 5 yesterday and at the end of the first episode, the clan - dubbed Britain's largest family - paid tribute to Sophie Walker

The Radford family, from Morecambe, Lancashire, often share every aspect of their lives on their social media accounts and the Channel 5 show

It featured a picture of Sophie along and stated 'In Loving Memory of Sophie Walker 2006-2024'.

This seemed to have struck a chord with fans of the Radfords, who praised them for their 'lovely' tribute to her.

One wrote: 'The tribute to Sophie at the end was such a lovely gesture it made me cry.'

Another penned: 'Lovely tribute at the end xx,' while a third said: 'Love the tribute for Sophie at the end, RIP sweet angel.'

A fourth commented: 'So lovely, the tribute for Sophie at the end,' followed by a red love heart emoji.

Sophie, from Edinburgh, died on 6 July with her family - including her twin sister Megan - by her side.

The Walker family, who are a family of 12, updated their Facebook page the following day and wrote: 'Our beautiful, intelligent, funny, thoughtful and brave girl Sophie fell fast asleep last night just after 6.30pm with Megan lying by her side and surrounded by all her family.

Sue and Noel Radford have been posting about Sophie's fundraiser on their on social media account, along with trying to raise money for it themselves

Sophie (pictured left), from Edinburgh, died on 6 July with her family - including her twin sister Megan (pictured right) - by her side

The tribute from the Radford family seemed to have struck a chord with fans, who praised them for their 'lovely' tribute to her

'We love Sophie with all our hearts and our world will never be the same again, to say we are heartbroken is a complete understatement.

'Please keep our broken family in your thoughts & prayers, this is a post I never ever thought I'd have to write.'

The Radfords then re-posted this statement on their social media and said they were 'heartbroken'.

The family said: 'I cant even find the right words. Beautiful Sophie our hearts are broken, you really were the most beautiful kind hearted funny and bravest girl we will miss your beautiful smile and laugh so much.

'You rest now Sophie and take care of your beautiful amazing family. Love you forever beautiful Sophie.'

The Walker clan started a fundraiser for Sophie so that she could get treatment in Germany and raised more than 92,000.

She was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer, in 2017, when she was just 10 years old.

The family said she was cured after her first treatment but it relapsed to her back muscle. She was then due to have surgery but it was cancelled in April 2020 because of the Covid pandemic.

Sophie relapsed three times since then, with the family adding that the NHS could not offer her 'much hope,' so they therefore sought private treatments in Germany.

Sophie (pictured left with twin sister Megan, right) was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer, in 2017, when she was just 10 years old

The Radford brood has previously undergone a series of tasks to raise money for treatment, kicking off with an urgent video appeal to their social media followers.

Next, the family also decided to bring in funds with a car boot sale, where 11-year-old Casper parted with a beloved Baby Yoda toy for the cause.

Finally, the brood came together - sporting matching bright yellow T-shirts - to run the Morecambe 5K, which they dubbed the Radford Relay to reach their target.

The Walkers, who are based in Edinburgh, were so touched by the family's dedication to their daughter's cause that they met them at the end of the finish line.

'Lovely that they've done this,' Rebecca said in an episode that aired in January. 'It's really nice. We just felt we had to come down.'

Sue explained that the Walkers - who have nine children - have been incredible friends to the Radfords because they understand what it's like to have a large family.
A hero mum who fought cancer three times has told how she learned she was pregnant just moments before undergoing surgery to remove a tumour.

Danielle Emery, 39, from Reading, was suffering with a sore throat but assumed it was a simple cold - that is until she was handed a shock diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.

Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the voice box or larynx, a part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe, also known as the trachea.

Utterly terrified about the future, the carer was given hope when emergency surgery was planned to tackle the disease. However Danielle was left stunned when doctors also informed her she was 11 weeks pregnant.

Given just a few minutes to make the agonising choice to save her life or that of her baby's, she chose to have the surgery, risking a '99 per cent' chance of miscarriage in the process.

Hero mum Danielle Emery, 39, who fought cancer three times, has told how she learned she was pregnant just moments before undergoing surgery to remove a tumour (Pictured left: Danielle gives birth to her first child Callum; right: Danielle poses with her son months later)

After beating cancer three times Danielle ran the Race For Life for Cancer Research UK with some friends

But for the first-time mum, the decision would turn out to be her best one yet, as she welcomed her 'miracle baby' Callum months later.

'There was a 99 per cent chance I would miscarry as I was quite early on in my pregnancy' explained Danielle.

'It was explained how important the operation was to save my life. I had only a few minutes to make the most difficult decision I've ever had to make - but without me, there would be no baby anyway.

'I went ahead and fortunately, it was successful at removing all the cancer. And my baby was fine, too'.

Danielle received the shock of her life when she was diagnosed with cancer in April 2019.

She recalled at the time feeling lowly and having to strain her voice, leading her to make a visit to the doctor.

However doctors initially suggested it was laryngitis - a condition that causes your vocal cords to become irritated or swollen - before confirming that it was, in fact, laryngeal cancer.

During the ordeal, Danielle remembered her period being late, but she put it down to mounting stress.

Danielle was overjoyed to welcome her 'miracle baby' Callum - pictured here as a newborn baby in hospital

Danielle and her partner, Tony, (pictured) 39, both from Reading, are all smiles with their newborn baby Callum

Danielle was suffering with a sore throat but assumed it was a simple cold - that is until she was handed a shock diagnosis of laryngeal cancer

She and her partner, Tony, 39, hadn't been actively trying for a baby and although overjoyed, there was a lot of uncertainty. A few months later they would find out why.

Danielle was stunned when she learned the cancer had returned just six months into her pregnancy.

But this time around she feared not for herself, but for the future of her unborn baby.

'I wasn't worried about myself anymore, but I was petrified about the safety of my baby' she said.

'I cried when I heard that it had come back, as it wasn't the news I wanted to hear. I feared it had spread further in my throat, but luckily it had just come back on the left vocal cord again.

'I was very scared that going under anesthetic again would harm my baby and I'd risk never being a mum. Being pregnant made me strong, though, and determined to fight the disease'.

Danielle had to make the agonising choice to spare her life or that of her baby's, she chose her future child; risking a '99 per cent' chance of miscarriage in the process (Pictured: Callum as a toddler)

The then family-of-three pose together during a day trip outdoors

Danielle would go on to have more invasive surgery as well as laser removal, which aimed to remove the cancer permanently.

'Luckily, my baby's heartbeat was strong and once again, I was given the all-clear' she chuffed.

The couple welcomed little Callum in 2020, now age four.

They focused on being new parents, and vowed to put the trauma behind them as life was finally looking up - or so they thought.

In June 2020, Danielle's cancer returned for the third time: 'I was devastated, as I was enjoying being a mum to my miracle baby' she said.

'I kept thinking: "why me? why is life so cruel to me?" I thought I was finally getting my life back on track, but cancer was ruining it.

Danielle pictured at her baby shower after being given her first all clear from cancer. It would return two more times

Callum, now a proud big brother, poses with his baby sister, Sienna-Rose

Danielle has shared her story 'so others who have worrying symptoms will seek advice, get checked and won't leave it until it's too late'. (Pictured: The family-of-four enjoy a recent pumpkin ride)

'My biggest fear was my little boy never hearing his mum's voice and I couldn't look to the future, as I didn't know what it would hold for me'.

As doctors feared the cancer would keep returning, a difficult decision to remove her vocal cord was made.

Danielle faced the risk of never being able to speak again, but luckily, her voice returned within hours.

Now she's been officially cancer-free for three years and has since run the Race For Life for Cancer Research UK, as well as welcomed her second child; Sienna-Rose, one.

The mother-of-two added: 'I'm sharing my story so others who have worrying symptoms will seek advice, get checked and won't leave it until it's too late.

'Cancer kills, you lose loved ones like I have and I'm very lucky to be a survivor.

'I'm grateful for life and extremely happy to have two beautiful and healthy children'.
Influencers are known for their expensive lifestyles and lavish holidays - but now social media scrollers are flocking in their droves to people who show off the mundane as well.

So-called 'bore-fluencers' are enjoying a meteoric rise on social media as they rake in fortunes filming mundane tasks.

Three of the UK's most successful 'bore-fluencers' joined Alison Hammond and Joel Dommett on the This Morning sofa to talk about their successful platforms and revealed how they make money from the unconventional content.

Samuel Wolfenden, who is a West Yorkshire Farrier, films himself cleaning, trimming, and shoeing horses' hooves and has gained 780,000 followers on Instagram and 388,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Meanwhile Yves Way, from Surrey, managed to turn his pressure washing business into a social media phenomenon, while Rhia Fay earns a six-figure salary from opening and playing with children's toys online.

Three of the UK's most successful 'bore-fluencers', Samuel Wolfenden (left), Yves Way (centre) and Rhia Fay (right) joined Alison Hammond and Joel Dommett to talk about their successful platforms and revealed how they make money from the unconventional content on This Morning on Monday

Speaking to the presenters, Samuel said: 'My job is to maintain the health of horses hooves... it's a four-year apprenticeship and I have been doing for nearly 16 years.'

Samuel started posting videos on his Instagram @swfarriers a year and a half ago to raise awareness of the profession and he was surprised when his clips got such a 'good reception.'

He said: 'I really enjoy making the content now and it brings a lot of awareness about the trade, not many knew what a Farrier was, I had friends my whole life that are like I can't believe that is your job.'

Yves revealed he started posting videos on his TikTok @stoneagepc initially to promote his pressure washing business but the videos 'took off', he now has over 380,000 followers watching his content.

Yves said: 'I used to have a kitchen renovation business during Covid. The logistics became quite difficult, so I needed something else.

'I was walking my kids to school and suddenly I could see driveways that needed cleaning, so I thought I like pressure washing I have done it at home before, I can offer that service.

'The videos took off; we had millions of views and interactions. Currently we make money through sponsorships, so companies that want to work with us and we get paid for the services we provide when we are cleaning as well.'

Yves revealed he sometimes can make more money from his Instagram content then the business.

Samuel Wolfenden, who is a West Yorkshire Farrier, films himself cleaning, trimming, and shoeing horses' hooves and has gained 780,000 followers on Instagram and 388,000 subscribers on YouTube

Yves revealed he started posting videos on his TikTok @stoneagepc initially to promote his pressure washing business but the videos 'took off', he now has over 380,000 followers watching his content

Meanwhile Rhia, who has 13.5 million subscribers on her YouTube @rhia.official, unpacks and plays with toys in her popular videos

He said: 'You are under the elements of the weather, so if it's pouring with rain and I can't work, I can make a video indoors, and we might be able to make some money that way.'

Meanwhile Rhia, who has 13.5 million subscribers on her YouTube @rhia.official, unpacks and plays with toys in her popular videos.

The former teaching assistant said: 'I had been posting videos for about a year or two but one day I was at a store, and I saw this egg that you put in water for 24 hours and it would hatch like a surprise.

'I popped it into water and said, 'come back tomorrow' and it got millions and millions of views, everyone was commenting 'roll on tomorrow', 'can't wait for tomorrow' and then I thought maybe there is something in this in the mystery surprise element.

Samuel started posting videos on his Instagram @swfarriers a year and a half ago to raise awareness of the profession and he was surprised when his clips got such a 'good reception'

Rhia claimed it was people's 'curiosity' that draws them to her videos and there is an ASMR element which relaxes viewers

Yves, (centre) from Surrey, managed to turn his pressure washing business into a social media phenomenon, while Rhia (right) earns a six-figure salary from opening and playing with children's toys online

'Then people started sending in requests asking me to unbox things and it just took off.'

Rhia claimed it was people's 'curiosity' that draws them to her videos, plus an ASMR element which helps to relax her viewers.

She revealed that she makes her money from sponsorships, brand deals and advertising.

She added: 'When I first joined, I never knew I could make an income from it, I don't know whether I was naive, but I just wanted to be creative, and it all took off.
If you have been affected by the details in this article, you can visit the Rape Crisis website or call the hotline on 0808 500 2222

Patricia Donovan, from Limerick and now in her 60s, speaks in a documentary

Bishop Eamonn Casey's niece has spoken out for the first time about how she was repeatedly raped by her paedophile uncle from the age of five.

Patricia Donovan, now in her 60s, will speak in an RTE and Irish Mail documentary this evening, where she will document the horrific sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of the late bishop, who died in 2017.

She describes the 'horror' of the 'violence' he inflicted upon her during his decade-long campaign of abuse in Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets, which investigates the numerous allegations against him during his time in the Catholic Church.

Patricia, from Limerick, recalls: 'He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked.

'He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him. It didn't make any difference.'

Patricia Donovan, now in her 60s, has spoken for the first time about her ordeal at the hands of her uncle Bishop Eamonn Casey who raped her from the age of five for a decade

Patricia reported her claims of sexual abuse in 2005, but Casey, who was forced to resign as bishop of Galway in 1992 when his affair with a distant American cousin came to light, was never charged with or convicted of any sexual offence.

Her story is one of many new accounts of abuse by Casey which come to light in the documentary - including another accusation of sexually abusing a child in the 1980s when he was Bishop of Galway - plus allegations of multiple sexual relations with women during the 1960s.

A total of eight allegations of child and adult sexual assault were made against Casey during his lifetime.

The five accusations of child sexual abuse were made across every Irish diocese where Casey served; Limerick, Galway and Kerry.

Allegations of abuse against Eamonn Casey span across every Irish diocese he worked for; Limerick, Galway and Kerry

In 2021, Galway Diocese admitted it had knowledge of all five allegations of child sexual abuse against Casey on file. This is despite issuing a previous statement to the Irish Mail in 2019 claiming it had record of just one allegation.

When Casey died in March 2017, Galway Diocese made the decision to inter him in the Bishops' Crypt inside Galway Cathedral.

Speaking in the documentary Ian Elliott, the former head of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, said he found Patricia's complaint 'entirely credible' when he was first made aware of it.

Elliott added Casey was 'an offender, a sexual predator.

'The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people.

'That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped. Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the church. That is a major priority.'

Casey (pictured in 2005) died in 2017 and was interred in Galway Cathedral's Bishops' Crypt - after allegations had been made against him

The documentary also reveals that the first ever complaint of sexual abuse against Casey, originally made to Limerick Diocese, went 'missing' when it was transferred to the Diocese of Arundel in Brighton in England in 2001 - at which Casey was then active. The complaint was also passed on to the Vatican.

The receipt of that complaint and the potential child safeguarding risks that it posed should have seen him suspended from his ministry in England, pending further investigation. The complaint should also have been reported to the police in the UK.

However, neither of those actions were taken and Fr Casey, as he was then known, remained active in ministry in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton for another four years.

A spokeswoman for the Diocese Arundel & Brighton said: Recent communications with RTE and the Diocese of Limerick have established that a member of our Diocese was informed of a safeguarding allegation concerning Bishop Eamonn Casey in 2001, four years earlier than we had previously believed.

Had this allegation been made today the police would have been informed immediately. We are deeply disappointed that this course of action does not appear to have been taken in 2001.'

After being alerted to this earlier allegation by RTE, the diocese said they were committed to undertaking an internal investigation into why no record of this complaint was on their files.

We have undertaken a very thorough search of diocesan records. Regrettably, given the passage of time, we have been unable to locate relevant written records or to speak to anyone able to shed light on Limerick Dioceses communication in 2001, they added.

Casey's initial move to the UK came after Church leaders in Ireland were reluctant to accept him into any parish following six years he had spent in Ecuador in various missions.

He moved to Ecuador after a dramatic revelation in 1992 that he had fathered a son with a distant American cousin, Annie Murphy; which meant he was forced to resign from the Diocese of Galway.

By 2001, when he should have been suspended, Fr Casey, as he was then known, had ministry in the village of Staplefield, in the parish of St Paul's, Hayward Heath, from 1998 until 2005, under the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton. In Staplefield, he was a curate in an arch-parish, covering three churches, and was also chaplain to a hospital of 320 beds.

Dr Casey was only suspended from ministry when his niece Ms Donovan came forward and reported him to UK police and gardai [Irish police] in 2005 for alleged sexual abuse.

The first known child sexual abuse allegation against Bishop Casey was made in 2001 by another party. That woman, who had also moved later to live in London, claimed that she had been sexually abused on two occasions by Fr Casey during his time as a chaplain to St Josephs Reformatory School in Limerick in 1956.

She later took High Court proceedings against Bishop Casey for personal injury damages, alleging that he had committed sexual assaults on her when she was aged 15 in Limerick. Eventually, she was awarded a settlement through the Residential Institutions Redress Board.

The Vatican has now confirmed that it banned Bishop Casey from ministry before 2006 and that his ban was reiterated to him formally in 2007 after they received multiple child sex abuse complaints against him, including the 2001 complaint and that made by his niece Ms Donovan in 2005.

A spokesman for Limerick Diocese confirmed: In 2001, Limerick Diocese received the first complaint in relation to Bishop Casey.

The spokesman confirmed that the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton was informed by them of this complaint on June 7th 2001, and that the Papal Nuncio, responsible for communicating these matters to Rome, and the gardai were also informed.

The spokeswoman for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton said that when complaint by Ms Donovan, Bishop Casey's niece, was received in 2005 swift action was then taken by their diocese.

As a direct result of that allegation nationally agreed safeguarding protocols were implemented with support offered to the person involved. The allegation was reported to statutory agencies with Bishop Casey immediately removed from public ministry, they said.

The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton said they received no other child safeguarding concerns in relation to Fr Casey during his time there.

The Archdiocese of Southwark and the Diocese of Westminster have refused to comment, when asked by RTE, if they have received any allegations against Bishop Casey relating to his time in London as a priest in the 1960s.

Fr Casey was appointed to the Irish Emigrant Chaplaincy Service in England in 1960 and held this position until 1969. He was appointed chaplain to St Ethelberts parish in Berkshire in 1960 and became the first chairman of Shelter, the UK housing charity. In 1963, he began working with the Catholic Housing Aid Society, at the invitation of Cardinal Heenan, then Archbishop of Westminster.

His niece Ms Donovan reported her allegations in 2005 to the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, and to UK police, while Irish detectives also travelled over to the UK to interview her. The Irish Director of Public Prosecutions later directed in August 2006 that no charges be brought against her uncle. She has never received compensation from the Church but the Galway Diocese did pay for counselling for her.
Sarah Ferguson triumphed in the style stakes on Monday evening as she attended a charity gala dinner in Cannes on the French Riviera.

The Duchess of York, 64, looked magnificent in a figure-hugging, monochrome gown complete with black opera gloves.

Topped with a white cape which covered the royal's shoulders, the satin column dress was a perfect play on the theme of 'Grace Kelly and Cary Grant', which was chosen for this year's 'Knights of Charity Gala' dinner.

The elegant mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie completed the old Hollywood glamour look with a dainty handbag and a pair of beautiful pearl earrings.

With her auburn hair in loose curls and brushed to one side, she looked every inch the Hollywood star.

Sarah Ferguson (pictured), 64, embraced old Hollywood glamour for a charity gala dinner in Cannes on Monday evening

Sarah let her outfit speak for itself and opted for simple make-up for the occasion - black eyeliner and a slick of pale pink lipstick.

The Duchess was pictured with film producer Milutin Gatsby, who looked dapper in an evening suit complete with bowtie.

The 'Knights of Charity Gala' dinner was held at the Chateau de la Croix des Gardes, also known as Villa Perrier, and tables of 12 were reportedly priced at 120.000,00.

The Mail on Sunday revealed this weekend that Sarah - who has used writing as 'an escape' after two cancer diagnoses - has dedicated her new book to her four grandchildren.

She is now looking to the future after she was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer and underwent a mastectomy. Six months later, she was found to have skin cancer.

Although doctors have advised that she should not use the phrase 'cancer-free', the outlook is positive and the Duchess is no longer undergoing treatment.

Now she has written a new children's book, titled 'Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods', due to be published in October.

The Duchess of York wore a beautiful monochrome gown complete with a white cape and opera gloves

The Duchess told the Mail on Sunday: 'I wrote Flora and Fern for my grandchildren and also my step grandson Wolfie. It is a special little story encouraging children to enjoy and respect nature and use their imagination to play.

'The names Flora and Fern are chosen to encourage more understanding of how important nature is.'

She combined her roles as author and grandmother in the writing process, testing out storylines on her four grandchildren: Princess Eugenie's son August, three, and younger son Ernest, one, along with Princess Beatrice's stepson Wolfie, eight, and daughter Sienna, two.

A friend added: 'Writing and being in nature are her twin escapes. Both have helped her through the difficult times of the last year as she's had to deal with two cancer diagnoses.

'She tries all her stories out on her grandchildren and she's determined to create a little library for them to enjoy.'

The Duchess, who divorced the Duke of York in 1996, has recently been welcomed back into the Royal fold after bonding with King Charles over their cancer diagnoses.

This week she pulled out of headlining an Australian literary festival in October so as not to 'distract or detract' from the King and Queen's state visit.
Most of us would be happy to lose a few pounds, with seemingly no effort on our part.

But, losing weight without cutting down calories or working out more in the gym, could be a sign of something sinister.

Rapid weight loss can be a symptom of a host of potential serious conditions from diabetes, stress, serious illnesses and even cancer.

In fact, if you unintentionally lose more than five per cent of your normal body weight, or more than 10lbs (4.5 kg) in less than a year, you should consult your doctor, experts advise.

Here, MailOnline explores why you should never ignore this critical health sign.

If you unintentionally lose more than 5 per cent of your normal body weight, or more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) in less than a year, you should consult your doctor

An overactive thyroid could be to blame...

An overreactive thyroid, medically known as hyperthyroidism, can cause an array of symptoms including mood swings, muscle weakness and persistent thirst.

However, an overactive thyroid also causes a spike in the metabolism, which leads to rapid weight loss. This can also increase your appetite, the NHS explains.

That's because the thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that help regulate the body's metabolism. These hormones are called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Medicines called thionamides can be used to stop the thyroid from producing excess hormones, but other treatments including radiotherapy to destroy the cells in the thyroid gland and surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid may be recommended.

An overactive thyroid also causes a very good metabolism, which leads to rapid weight loss

Rapid weight loss could be Type 1 diabetes...

Losing weight despite eating a high number of calories could also be a symptom of diabetes.

That's because insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from blood to body cells to use as energy.

This causes the body to burn fat and muscle as energy instead which can trigger rapid weight loss.

'Rapid weight loss can be a symptom of type 1 diabetes because one of insulins main jobs is to move sugar from the blood into the cells where it can be used for energy or stored for use later,' Esther Walden, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, told MailOnline.

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes: - Type 1, where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. - Type 2, where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have Type 2. Reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes can be achieved through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight. The main symptoms of diabetes include: feeling very thirsty, urinating more frequently (particularly at night), feeling very tired, weight loss, and loss of muscle bulk. Source: NHS Advertisement

'When there is no insulin the cells become starved of energy, the body works harder to try to get rid of the excess sugar in the blood, and the excess sugar cant be stored in the fat cells,' she explained.

'Additionally, when there is no insulin, the body starts to break down fat to produce a form of energy the body can use,' she said.

This weight loss can happen quite quickly in the lead-up to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, she warns.

It's a symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease...

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of inflammatory bowel disease, which cause tummy pain and diarrhoea.

The conditions also cause bleeding from your bottom, blood or mucus in your poo, constant tiredness and unintentional weight loss.

Although it is not clear what causes the conditions, which affect about 10million people globally, the NHS says it happens when your immune system attacks your bowel, which causes it to get inflamed.

It's this inflammation in the gut which stops your body from fully absorbing nutrients from the food you eat, as a result leading to weight loss and malnutrition, according to Crohn's & Colitis UK.

It happens in 80 per cent of people with certain cancers and other serious health condition...

A loss of appetite and unintentionally losing a significant amount of weight is a symptom which hits 80 per cent of people with upper gastrointestinal cancer, such as stomach cancer or liver cancer.

'Sudden and unplanned weight loss can happen when you are going through stressful events in your life, or it can be linked to other underlying health conditions,' Cancer Research UKs health information manager, Maxine Lenza told this website.

'Unexplained weight loss can also be a symptom of several types of cancer, including lung, bowel, and pancreatic cancer,' she added.

Cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome, is a potential cancer symptom and causes extreme loss of muscle and fat, according to Cancer Research UK.

People with early-stage cancers dont usually get cachexia. But up to four in five of people with advanced cancer develop some degree of cachexia, the charity explained.

But cachexia isn't just a symptom of cancer.

This particular cause of rapid weight loss in cancer can also happen with HIV, kidney disease and heart disease.

In cancer, it's thought to be driven by inflammation.

That's because inflammation can promote muscle wastage and a tumour can take energy away from the rest of the body.

Cachexia also known as wasting syndrome causes extreme loss of muscle and fat, according to Cancer Research UK

Inflammation has also been linked to muscle loss because it causes protein to be broken down faster than it is being made. That's because cancer can damage the mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for converting nutrients into energy.

But catching these cancer symptoms early could make a big difference.

'If you notice any unusual changes like losing a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, its important to speak to your doctor. In most cases it wont be cancer, but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference,' Ms Lenza said.

Stress and mental health could be a trigger...

Unintentional weight loss isn't just a warning sign of a serious physical illness.

Going through a stressful event like losing a loved one, a divorce, breakup or losing a job can all contribute to weight loss, the NHS explains.

That's because in some cases stress can cause a loss of appetite, indigestion, or repetitive nervous movements.

When you are stressed over an extended period it can cause stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, to build up in your body which can have a variety of physical effects from disrupted sleep to a suppressed appetite.

Adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone, usually gives us a boost to motivate us. But too much of it can affect our mood and even our bowels causing stomach cramps and constipation, the NHS warns.

Going through a stressful event like losing a loved one, a divorce, breakup or losing a job can all contribute to weight loss, the NHS explains

This can make us not want to eat, and as a result, cause weight loss.

Weight loss can also be due to nervous fidgeting and foot tapping which if done constantly can burn extra calories.

Stress isn't the only mental condition that that can cause rapid weight loss, depression, anxiety and eating disorders can also be a reason for someone losing a significant amount of weight.

For example, the main symptom of anorexia is deliberately losing weight or keeping your body weight much lower than is healthy for your age and height.

Losing control of how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put the weight on, is also a sign of bulimia.

It's estimated that 1.25million people in the UK have an eating disorder, according to charity Beat.

Signs to watch out for include if someone is worrying about their weight or body shape, avoiding social occasions where food is involved, exercising too much and having strict habit around food.
Kamala Harris's rambling 'word salad' speeches may be a symptom of a little-known but common psychological condition called logorrhoea  also known as verbal diarrhoea.

The US Vice President, who was endorsed by Joe Biden after he bowed out of the presidential race on Sunday, is known for her jumbled, sometimes incoherent speaking style.

Some of her most infamous speeches have included ones about the 'significance of the passage of time' and the 'need to get to go and need to be able to get where you need to go'.

A baffling anecdote about falling out of a coconut tree has also been a rich resource for internet meme-makers, and a study that analysed Ms Harris's speech during a vice presidential debate concluded that 'social factors' were the most likely cause of her 'word salad' rambling.

Ratu Annisa of the University of North Sumatra said: 'The causes of the speech errors made by Kamala Harris are social factors, both situational anxiety and social circumstances.'

Kamala Harris has become known for her occasionally nonsensical speeches

Republican strategist Matt Whitlock has previously accused Ms Harris of being unable to speaking 'normally'

A 2009 study of the condition in Spain found the risk of logorrhoea was linked to level of schooling.

Those with lower educational achievement were more likely to 'speak in circles'.

It can be a symptom of anxiety or over-confidence, but logorrhoea can be no laughing matter  and may indicate a brain injury, autism or serious condition, although there is no indication that Ms Harris suffers from these conditions.

Logorrhoea is also associated with laughing wildly at random moments, something Ms Harris has become known for, with Donald Trump even nicknaming her 'Laughin' Kamala'.

American behavioural specialist Gregg Levoy wrote in a blog on Psychology Today that for people who ramble on and on, speech can become 'a barrier rather than a connector'.

He wrote: 'It's easy to dismiss them as merely narcissistic, but this is immensely hard to undo and not necessarily their fault.

'It's a holdover from that original egocentric stage around one or two years old, when children naturally feel grandiose and at the centre of the universe.'

But logorrhoea is also a common frontal lobe deficit that many traumatic brain injury survivors suffer, and is linked to several serious psychiatric and neurological disorders.

These include schizophrenia, lesions on the brain, damage to areas of the brain that deal with language, and ADHD.

A Washington bar started offering $5 'Pina Kamala' coconut shots all night after Joe Biden stood down from the presidential race on Sunday

Hawaii senator Brian Schatz posted a picture of himself climbing a coconut tree, a reference to Ms Harris's infamous anecdote about something she claimed her mother used to say

People with autism may also display logorrhoea, defined as uncontrollable or jumbled talking, due to an inability to organise their thoughts or read social cues from other people.

Ms Harris became tongue-tied during a speech about 'expanding access to transportation' at the White House in July 2022.

She said: 'You need to get to go, and you to be able to get where you need to go, to do the work and get home.'

The same year, she made a widely-mocked speech about high-speed internet in Louisiana, saying: 'The Governor and I and we were all doing a tour of the library here and talking about the significance of the passage of time.

'The significance of the passage of time.

'So, when you think about it, there is great significance to the passage of time in terms of what we need to do to lay these wires, what we need to do to create these jobs.

'And there is such great significance to the passage of time when we think about a day in the life of our children.'

Ms Harris's preoccupation with time raised its head again last April at a political event on reproductive rights.

She told attendees: 'I think it's very important...for us at every moment in time and certainly this one, to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualise it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past but the future.'

Last March, she asserted that, during Women's History Month, 'we celebrate and we honour the women who made history throughout history, who saw what could be unburdened by what had been.'

On at least two occasions, she has spoken of her baffling love for Venn diagrams, a simplistic illustration that uses overlapping circles to show the relationship between two or more sets of items.

She said last year: 'I just love Venn diagrams. I really do, I love Venn diagrams. Theres just something about those three circles and the analysis of that, where theres the intersection, right?'

And last year, she uttered her most famous meaningless statement at a swearing-in ceremony at the White House.

'My mother used to  she would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? she said, laughing. 'You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.'

On Sunday night, after 81-year-old Biden announced that he was stepping down from the presidential race and endorsing Ms Harris, the coconut tree comment went viral online.

A Washington bar started offering $5 'Pina Kamala' coconut shots all night.

And Hawaii senator Brian Schatz posted a picture of himself climbing a coconut tree with the words: 'Madam Vice President, we are ready to help.'

Republican strategist Matt Whitlock has previously accused Ms Harris of being unable to speaking 'normally'.

He posted: 'Its pretty striking that she is simply incapable of speaking normally. Is she actually smoking weed before grabbing the mic? It would explain so much.'

And Laura Ingram, from Fox News, said: 'While Joe is slipping into dementia, Kamala is slipping into a different dimension.'
A teenage boy in India has died from an incurable brain virus that experts fear could spark the next pandemic.

The 14-year-old school-child was diagnosed with Nipah virus in the country's southern state of Kerala, and died after suffering from a cardiac arrest.

Officials are now monitoring 214 people, 60 of whom are thought to be at high risk of an infection with the virus.

Nipah virus is part of the paramyxovirus family  which also includes measles and mumps. Experts fear it could be 'simmering in the background' before triggering the next global outbreak.

Three in four people who catch the virus die from it, data shows  far higher than Covid's current fatality rate of less than one percent. There is also no vaccine or treatment for the disease. It comes after another outbreak in the state in September, which was the largest known globally to date  with 30 people infected.

One of the viruses, the Nipah virus, can infect cells with receptors that regulate what gets in or out of cells that line the central nervous system and vital organs. This variant has a fatality rate of up to 75 percent compared to Covid's, which is well under one percent

Doctors have sought to play down concerns in Kerala, saying there is a 'minimum chance' of an outbreak at this stage.

Close contacts will be monitored for the next three to seven days, the average time taken for an infection to occur.

Patients catch the virus via contact with feces, blood or saliva from an infected person. It can also be spread via respiratory droplets from patients.

Confirming the death, the state health minister Veena George told TV reporters: 'The infected boy died on Sunday after a cardiac arrest.'

It was not clear at this stage how the boy became infected, or how long it took for him to die from the virus.

But people normally contract it from touching the excrement of pigs, with the animals becoming infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the droppings of fruit bats. People can also catch the disease from contaminated fruit.

Patients suffer from a fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing in the infection as the virus infects the airways.

Scientists note that unlike the flu and Covid-19 are 'speedy shape-shifters,' paramyxoviruses appear not to mutate as they spread, but they have become 'very good at transmission among humans

It can then spread to the blood and travel to the brain, where an infection causes encephalitis, or brain swelling, that leads to death.

It can also spread to the lungs and trigger severe pneumonia, which can also prove fatal.

Warning over the disease's pandemic potential, it was added to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' list of pandemic pathogens to watch in October.

It also inspired the 2011 film Contagion, which tracks the emergence of a new pandemic virus.

Starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet, a woman returns home from a business trip in Hong Kong and brings back a lethal microbe that triggered a global pandemic - the disease was the Nipah virus.

'Just imagine if a paramyxovirus emerged that was as contagious as measles and as deadly as Nipah,' Michael Norris, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Toronto, said in a statement.

'Influenza has been sequenced to death,' Benhur Lee, a virologist at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine, told The Atlantic.

Lee continued to explain that this is not the case for paramyxoviruses because most people infected with one of the more than 75 viruses do not survive, making it nearly impossible to develop treatments and vaccines.
Toxic fumes from burning nonstick pans sent a record number of Americans to the hospital in 2023.

Data shows that in 2023, over 250 patients were admitted with the little-known condition dubbed 'Teflon-flu', which causes fever, body aches and chills.

Cases likely haven't been this high since 2000, according to researchers at America's Poison Centers, who said the condition is rarely diagnosed because it's so hard to tell apart from other, more common illnesses.

When used properly, these pans are harmless, but many consumers are unsure about how to actually treat nonstick pans, leading to concern about their safety Julie Weber, the director of the Missouri Poison Center, cautioned.

Teflon flu can cause headache, body aches, fever, chills and shivers, officials say. Sometimes, symptoms develop immediately, other times, it takes hours

Teflon flu occurs when an individual breathes in fumes from a nonstick pan made with PTFE burns

'A lot of this comes down to a person really not cutting corners, following directions and using things properly,' Ms Weber told The Washington Post.

There have only been 3,600 cases of suspected cases of polymer fume fever in the past couple decades. 2023 saw the biggest number of cases in decades, and researchers are unsure why - highlighting a need to raise awareness about how best to use these pots and pans.

The global market for nonstick pans was valued at $1.7billion dollars in 2017 up from $1.3billion dollars in 2010. This suggests that more people could be buying the pans as time goes on.

Polymer fume fever happens when nonstick cookware is heated more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius)- causing the chemicals in the coating to break down and be released in clouds of smoke, that when inhaled, cause coughing, body aches, fever and chills.

The nonstick coating is made from 'forever chemicals', of PFAS, which burrow deep inside the body where they cannot be broken down. Since the condition is rare, scientists don't know exactly how it works, but it could be that the irritation the chemicals cause in the lungs leads to the flu-like symptoms.

PFAS have also been linked to health conditions like cancer, infertility and pregnancy complications.

Sometimes, symptoms of 'Teflon flu' develop immediately after someone inhales these particles, but other times, it takes hours for symptoms to develop.

This makes the condition difficult to report.

'This is why they tell you: Dont heat your Teflon pan to a high temperature,' Zac Hudson, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of British Columbia told The Washington Post.

Teflon is a brand name for a specific kind of nonstick coating. It's the most widely known brand, but many other kinds of nonstick pans that don't contain have the same problem.

These are all made from a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is one of many kinds of PFAS.

Coming into contact with a little bit of these chemicals one time isn't going to harm you.

But using products with PFAS every day for years can cause the chemicals to build up in your system.

PFAS have also been found in some area's water supply, cleaning products and food packaging, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The amount of PFAS someone is exposed to from nonstick pans is probably less than the amount they're exposed to form other sources, Dan Jones, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and the associate director of the Center for PFAS Research at Michigan State University said.

'Most of us who work in the field would say its probably a very tiny fraction,' he told The Washington Post.

Experts recommend always heating your nonstick pans with butter, oil or water in it so as to avoid overheating it and breaking down the chemicals within the coating

When used properly, manufacturers and scientists both say these pans are safe.

But it's easy for people to use them incorrectly - so much so that six of the scientists who spoke to The Washington Post said they avoid using them entirely.

Improper use includes exposing the pans to temperatures higher than 500 degrees F, scratching the surface with metal utensils and using them in the oven or dishwasher.

When you overheat the pan, it causes the chemicals in the coating to break down, releasing the chemicals into the air in a white smoke. Scratching the pan can also cause little bits of PTFE to start flaking off - getting into your food.

However, Ian Cousins, an environmental chemist and professor at Stockholm University, told The Washington Post, that eating these flakes probably isn't dangerous.

The PTFE chemicals are large and chemically difficult for our body to break down - which means they most likely pass through your system without effecting it, Professor Cousins explained.

'I wouldnt be concerned about that, actually. Its just going to go straight through your body,' he said. He cautioned that inhaling the fumes should still be avoided at all costs.

In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration said nonstick cookware does not 'presents a safety concern for consumers.'

One of the easiest ways to avoid overheating your cookware and generating this gas is to make sure you add butter or oil to your pan before you heat it, Lisa McManus, the executive tasting and testing editor at America's Test Kitchen, told CNET.

Ms McManus said u sing a fat on the pan 'can create invisible buildup on the pan's surface and form a barrier between your food and the nonstick surface when it's heated directly.'

If you want to avoid nonstick all together, Ms McManus recommended a ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron pan instead.
A test that can predict your risk of getting more than 60 different diseases from a single drop of blood may be a step closer, experts believe.

Researchers say they are 'extremely excited' about findings which indicate that thousands of proteins in a drop of blood can onset of many different conditions.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, opens up new possibilities for predicting a wide range of diseases, including rare conditions which can take months and years to diagnose.

Professor Claudia Langenberg, of Queen Mary University in London, said: 'Measuring one protein for a specific reason, such as troponin to diagnose a heart attack, is standard clinical practice.

Researchers say they are 'extremely excited' about findings which indicate that thousands of proteins in a drop of blood can onset of many different conditions

The test is reminiscent of the one offered by Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. She claimed to have developed a device that could perform more than 240 tests, from cholesterol levels to complex genetic analysis, with just a single pinprick of blood

'We are extremely excited about the opportunity to identify new markers for screening and diagnosis from the thousands of proteins circulating and now measurable in human blood.'

In the study, scientists used advanced techniques to pinpoint a signature of between five and 20 of the most important proteins  found in blood plasma  for the prediction of 67 different diseases.

They studied data from more than 40,000 randomly selected people from the UK.

According to the findings, protein signatures can predict the onset of 67 diseases, including blood and bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, motor neurone disease and dilated cardiomyopathy  a heart muscle disease.

The researchers said that protemic studies, or analysis of proteins, could help identify risk factors for even more diseases.

Dr Julia Carrasco Zanini Sanchez said: 'We are extremely excited about the opportunities that our protein signatures may have for earlier detection and ultimately improved prognosis for many diseases, including severe conditions.

'We identified so many promising examples, the next step is to select high priority diseases and evaluate their proteomic prediction in a clinical setting.'

The researchers found that models based on protein prediction were better than models based on clinically recorded information.

Prediction based on blood cell counts, cholesterol, kidney function and diabetes tests did not perform as well as the protein prediction models for most examples, the researchers found.

The test is reminiscent of the one offered by Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes.

She claimed to have developed a device that could perform more than 240 tests, from cholesterol levels to complex genetic analysis, with just a single pinprick of blood.

This was later found to not be true. Holmes, 40, was sent to prison in May 2023 for defrauding investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

She is expected to be release in 2032.
A woman died of ME after her GP warned she had never seen anyone so poorly treated by the NHS, an inquest has heard.

Maeve Boothby O'Neill, 27, was left bedridden and hardly able to move in the final months of her life due to the severity of her myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Her family believe her death in October 2021 exposed a major systemic failing of the health service to both understand and treat severe cases of the condition.

The first day of an inquest into her death was yesterday (MON) shown a letter Ms Boothby ONeill sent to her GP, Dr Lucy Shenton, begging her to help me get enough food to live.

It said: I know you are doing your best for me but I really need help with feeding. I don't understand why the hospital didn't do anything to help me when I went in. I am hungry. I want to eat.

Maeve Boothby O'Neill, 27, was left bedridden and hardly able to move in the final months of her life due to the severity of her myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

I have been unable to sit up or chew since March. The only person helping me eat is my Mum. I cannot get enough calories through a syringe.

Please help me get enough food to live.

It was sent around four months before Ms Boothby ONeill died, the inquest in Exeter, Devon, was told.

Dr Shenton was left devastated by her death and only felt able to provide evidence to the court in written form, the inquest heard.

Ms Boothby O'Neill saw her GP and a mental health practitioner just four weeks before she died in September 2021, telling them she did not want to die, but there was no treatment for ME and she did not want to prolong the agony.

Her GP said she was 'switched on and thinking clearly' despite her malnutrition, insisting she did not want any more hospital admissions and wanted to save her energy for her family.

Dr Shenton summarised the position and wrote: Maeve wishes to live but there is no further treatment for ME.

Maeve died at home in Exeter at 3am on October 3rd 2021.

Ms Boothby ONeills father, journalist Sean ONeill, said that Dr Shenton had told the family she had 'never seen anyone so poorly treated by the NHS as Maeve was'.

Her mother Sarah Boothby claimed during an earlier hearing that medical staff were well intentioned at the hospital she sought treatment, but they could not see what was going on in front of them.

Ms Boothby ONeill was admitted three times to the Royal Devon & Exeter (RD&E) hospital in six months, but was said to have refused a fourth admission because she felt there was no prospect of treatment or cure for her condition.

Ahead of the inquest, Mr ONeill said he expected questions to be raised about an alleged delay in providing his daughter with palliative care, apparently because someone, somewhere in the bureaucracy that developed around her did not believe her illness was real.

Anthony Hemsley, the medical director of the RD&E, said in written evidence disclosed at a pre-inquest review hearing: There is a lack of a commissioned specialist service for severe/very severe ME/CFS both locally, regionally and nationally.

Mr ONeill said at the time: Imagine that this was a different illness. Imagine a hospital saying that it was not commissioned and therefore not resourced to provide inpatient treatment to those with severe cancer, those with severe heart conditions, those with another severe disease. It is difficult to conceive.

At the start of yesterdays hearing, Ms Boothby said her daughter was an 'exceptional child' who loved learning languages and wanted to travel overseas.

Mr O'Neill said Maeve was 'academically gifted' and whose death has been hard for his two other children to understand as she made 'beautiful and unique presents' for them which included designing and knitting Hogwart sweaters for her siblings.

Dr Paul McDermott, a partner at Maeve's GP practice in Exeter, told the inquest that her case was 'complex'.

He said that ME and chronic fatigue syndrome are two terms that go hand in hand but he said he was not an expert.

He visited her at home and said 'nothing jumped out' but said it was 'obviously not normal' and said: It was a worrying picture.

The inquest, due to last two weeks, continues.
Secret Service failures that may have allowed the assassination attempt on Donald Trump were called out by a congressional watchdog nine years ago.

Now that watchdog is calling for the resignation of the agencys chief, Kimberly Cheatle, on the day she is giving testimony to Congress.

In 2015 the House Oversight Committee published a 200-page damning report on the United States Secret Service (USSS) that described an agency in crisis with systemic mismanagement, chronic underfunding, an extraordinarily inefficient hiring process and many employees [who] do not have confidence in agency leadership.

Report author and former top Oversight staffer Tristan Leavitt, who now runs a whistleblower organization, told DailyMail.com that the Trump shooting showed those same problems persist today.

Almost a decade later, it looks like the Secret Service is suffering from some of the exact same problems it did 10 years ago, said Leavitt, president of Empower Oversight.

Whether Director Cheatle resigns or is removed, she should be replaced with a director from outside the agency who can clean shop from top to bottom.

The House Oversight Committee is calling for the agencys chief Kimberly Cheatle to stand down following the attempted assassination on former president Donald Trump

Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet while giving a speech at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, last weekend

Leavitt pointed to reports that critical security at last weekend's Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was left to potentially inexperienced or under-trained counter-sniper teams from local police rather than crack Secret Service units, as well as evidence of likely poor communication between local police and USSS.

Leavitts 2015 report highlighted previous stunning failures in presidential security, including officials in 2014 allowing then-POTUS Barack Obama in an elevator with an armed guard with a criminal history of three arrests including shooting at a fleeing vehicle with a child inside.

The man also later slipped between agents and got inside Obamas security formation.

The report detailed a March 2015 incident where two intoxicated senior USSS officialsincluding a top official on the Presidents protective detailinterfered with a crime scene involving a bomb threat just outside the White House grounds.

As bad as those and other details were, they were just symptoms of a much larger breakdown in the USSS, Leavitt said. Clearly their leadership hasnt learned its lessons, and a massive overhaul is still needed.

While staying in Cartagena, Colombia, for a presidential visit in April 2012, 13 agents took prostitutes back to their hotel rooms. After the scandal was revealed that month, four agents were fired, five resigned and one retired.

In September 2014 a veteran with PTSD carrying a knife jumped the White House fence and entered the buildings front door.

Omar Gonzalez was overpowered by security after her burst through the front door of the White House and got as far the executive mansion's East Room.

An investigation found outer perimeter security failed to communicate effectively with agents inside, and then-Secret Service director Julia Pierson resigned the following month.

Omar Gonzalez was overpowered by security after he burst through the front door of the White House and got as far the executive mansion's East Room in 2014

Leavitt pointed to reports that security at Trumps rally on Saturday was left to potentially inexperienced or under-trained counter-sniper teams from local police rather than crack USSS units

Leavitts 2015 report, written after a yearlong investigation, said it was abundantly clear that USSS is in crisis.

As USSSs mission has grown, its workforce has had to do more with less. USSS is experiencing a staffing crisis that poses perhaps the greatest threat to the agency, the report said.

It blamed in part an extraordinarily inefficient hiring process which overburdens the Secret Service with low-quality applicants and said personnel who remain are significantly overworked, and morale is at an all-time low, as many employees do not have confidence in agency leadership.

It advised dropping the Secret Services other duties including cyber and financial crime probes to focus on protection of top politicians.

We were told in 2015 that internal recommendations from the 1990s hadnt even been fully implemented due to willful USSS blindness, Leavitt said in a post on social media site X.

Fundamentally, the Secret Service likely needs to be restructured. Mission creep has added collateral missions like cyber investigations and other nonessential duties that distract from its #1 job: keeping current, former, and future leaders of the free world safe from harm.

On Sunday the Washington Post reported messages between former USSS officers, with one asking How the f*** did he get a gun that close and the other replying resources.

A source briefed on the security planning for the Butler Farm Trump rally told DailyMail.com that whereas USSS would normally have three or four counter-sniper teams for such an event, they only had two, and were relying on local law enforcement due to staffing shortages.

Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who opened fire on former President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13

Cheatle's claims were heavily criticized as it was spotted that the snipers who were located on the left building had set up on a slanted roof too, behind Trump's podium, while Crooks was located on the right

In an interview with ABC News, USSS director Cheatle gave a baffling explanation for her agencys failure to cover the building the would-be assassin climbed.

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, she said. And so, you know, the decision was made to secure the building, from inside.

Other reporting suggests there may have been a failure in communication between local police and the Service.

Local station WPXI reported that gunman Thomas Crooks, 20, was spotted and photographed by snipers 30 minutes before he fired, according to law enforcement sources, and that they sent the pictures to Beaver County Emergency Services Unit control center.

It is unclear whether the center passed that information to USSS agents at the site.

Videos shared on social media show attendees at the rally spotting Crooks and calling out for help from police over a minute before the shooting.

On Sunday President Joe Biden said he asked USSS to review all security measures for laast week's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and to conduct an independent review of the security at Trump's fatal rally.

New York Democrat House member Ritchie Torres and Republican colleague Michael Lawler are introducing a bill to give enhanced protection to all presidential candidates including independent Robert F Kennedy Jr.
A crocodile expert who raped, tortured and murdered dozens of pet dogs has two mystery supporters who frequently visit him in jail.

Adam Britton, 53, pleaded guilty in Darwin's Supreme Court last year to 63 charges relating to animal abuse, bestiality, and for the possession of child exploitation material.

The once-respected academic, who was born in the UK and has worked for the BBC and National Geographic, sourced about 42 dogs on Gumtree Australia over a two-year period for the sole purpose of torturing the animals to death on camera.

He would contact families who reluctantly gave their dogs up due to work or health issues, and would then send false updates to reassure the former owners their pets were 'happy' and 'doing well'.

According to court documents, the pets were usually dead by the time these updates were sent. Most of the dogs he acquired were horrifically abused and murdered within a few days of him gaining ownership.

Last week, Britton shed a tear when his psychiatric condition 'paraphelia' - intense sexual fantasies or behaviors that involve inanimate objects, children, or nonconsenting adults - was mentioned in court.

A security guard handed him a box of tissues.

Most former associates, and his ex-wife Erin who formally dropped his surname just two months after his arrest in 2022, have cut ties with the disgraced zoologist - but it can now be revealed there are a few exceptions.

Adam Britton (pictured) is a crocodile expert who pleaded guilty to 63 charges relating to animal abuse, bestiality, and for the possession of child exploitation material

Adam Britton (pictured with his wife) was married for about 15 years. She formally dropped his surname two months after he was charged

A man and a woman have been known to visit Britton in his cell at Darwin Correctional Centre.

Daily Mail Australia understands they have known Britton for a long time and believe he can be rehabilitated.

In court last week, his barrister - who asked not to be named due to ongoing abuse and threats from members of the public - said her client was 'no psychopath' and had previously demonstrated an ability to control his urges.

Telegram messages from Britton's phone, previously revealed by Daily Mail Australia, show he had 'sadistic' urges from childhood but repressed them until about 2020 when he realised he liked torturing and killing dogs.

His barrister said: 'If he's been able to control it in the past, he will be able to control it in the future.

'This is a human being who has been afflicted since very early childhood ... it is not his fault that he had that.

'This particular condition is exceptionally taboo in most societies and the court can, and I hope would, accept that it would have been a very difficult thing to grow up with and learn to manage into adulthood.'

She acknowledged that Britton could have sought treatment for his condition, rather than carrying out his fantasies, but he had successfully 'put it in a little box' in the back of his head and tried not to think about it for many years.

Adam Britton (centre) with his wife Erin (left) and David Attenborough (right) during filming for a BBC documentary Cold Blood

Pictured: A mock-up of a Telegram conversation Britton had with a like-minded user, talking about his sadistic impulses

The court also heard Britton had spent almost 30 hours with a psychologist in jail and he had come to feel remorse for his crimes.

'Remorse is considered evidence of rehabilitative prospects, as is insight,' his lawyer said.

'Those are things that may not be present the first time that someone speaks to someone in a professional capacity.

'They are things that often evolve with treatment. They're not fixed in stone.'

However, Crown Prosecutor Marty Aust said videos of Britton abusing dogs were of particular concern because they showed the 'entrenched enjoyment' he derived from the act.

'If you watch the footage, you will see the extreme pleasure and enjoyment that this man had in creating this and doing these acts,' he said.

'His sheer delight goes to the core of it.

'It's difficult to read, it's difficult to hear, but to see it really is something other.'

He said Britton's routine animal abuse required 'significant planning' and became a 'production, with multiple cameras, tripods, various recording equipment, production values and editing'.

Mr Aust called for the maximum penalty, which is two years in jail for each offence involving torture and death.

Adam Britton enjoyed a solitary life in Darwin prior to his arrest in 2022. His wife did not know about his offending

'We're certainly not asking for 78 years, but really two years for each of those offences is just,' he told the court.

The matter was adjourned pending a psychiatric report and will return to court on August 8.

Britton grew up in England and received his Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Bristol before moving to Australia after 1996 to pursue his fascination with crocodiles.

He met his future wife and they set up a consultancy company, Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to television and film directors. They worked with natural history shows with the BBC and National Geographic.

Their saltwater crocodile, Smaug, became something of a celebrity in his field and appeared in two horror films.

Britton and Erin also hosted Sir David Attenborough while he was filming the BBC's Life in Cold Blood docuseries.

She was a biologist and wildlife ranger who has assisted in a range of projects on sea turtles and counting crocodiles.

They were married for about 15 years, but she was often away for work and there is no suggestion that she knew about his dark secret.
This is the shocking moment a wheelchair user is forced to drag himself along the floor of the plane to use the toilet, leaving him feeling 'embarrassed'.

Spencer Watts was on board a Wizz Air flight from Gatwick to Rome when he asked air cabin crew if they had an aisle chair he could use.

But he was given a 'pretty straight no' as the wheelchair hadn't been fitted yet to the budget airline's new aircraft.

The female flight attendant tells the sales assistant 'we don't have this kind of service' and says there is nothing she can do 'from our side, unfortunately' when he asks if there is any way he can get to the toilet.

Mr Watts, who has a spinal cord injury, is seen in the heartbreaking footage lowering himself onto the floor where he accidentally knocks another person's arm, before he drags himself past other passengers.

Spencer Watts was on board a Wizz Air flight from Gatwick to Rome when the whhelchair user was forced to drag himself along the floor of the plane to use the toilet

Mr Watts says he did receive an apology but was left having to choose between 'being in a lot of pain because you can't go for a wee' or shuffling along the floor

This angle shows Mr Watts' view as he pulled himself along the aisle floor of the plane

He had 'no option but to ask my fellow passengers on the side to move out of the way and drag myself along the floor and in to the toilet'

Mr Watts described the experience as 'very, very horrible' with at one point his arm knocks into another passenger's who is sitting in his chair reading a book

Mr Watts, who has a spinal cord injury, is seen in the heartbreaking footage lowering himself onto the floor in the aisle and dragging himself past other passengers

The shocking footage will be shown in a new Channel 4 documentary to highlight the mistreatment of disabled people on planes.

Mr Watts was one of 17 passengers with mobility issues who agreed to go undercover for paraplegic TV presenter Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly, which airs on Monday at 9pm.

He had already been waiting onboard the delayed Wizz Air flight for an hour before it eventually took to the sky.

The plane had been in the air for 'a little while' when Mr Watts asks whether there is an aisle chair he can use.

The flight attendant briefly goes back behind the curtain to ask a colleague before quickly returning to tell him there isn't one on board.

In the awkward exchange, Mr Watts tells her that 'realistically you shouldn't be allowing people that can't walk on the aeroplane without an aisle chair'.

'I know but they didn't fit the wheelchair in this aircraft,' she replies.

'What I can do from my side is to report this situation because of course it's not nice for anybody.'

Mr Watts says he did receive an apology but was left having to choose between 'being in a lot of pain because you can't go for a wee' or shuffling along the floor.

'I had no option but to ask my fellow passengers on the side to move out of the way and drag myself along the floor and in to the toilet,' Mr Watts says.

'It's just embarrassing, and you feel very small. There are a lot people on this aeroplane that are looking at you like 'what the hell is going on?'.

'So that whole experience is very, very horrible.'

Ms Morgan is barely able to watch the footage back as she angrily hit out at the airline for putting Mr Watts in a 'dangerous' situation.

'Not only is he dragging himself along the floor, which is undignified, unfair, unjust, all of these things,' she says.

Mr Watts was given a 'pretty straight no' by air cabin crew when he asked if they had an aisle chair he could use

He had to use all of his upper body strength to haul himself along the floor in order to use the loo

He said he was 'just embarrassing, and you feel very small. There are a lot people on this aeroplane that are looking at you like 'what the hell is going on?''

Sophie Morgan is barely able to watch the footage back as she angrily hit out at the airline for putting Mr Watts in a 'dangerous' situation

Mr Watts is helped up onto the toilet after dragging himself along the floor

Mr Watts says he did receive an apology but was left having to choose between 'being in a lot of pain because you can't go for a wee' or shuffling along the floor

'What you don't know is that he has got a spinal injury. He's putting his body at risk. He's dragging himself along the floor.

'The consequences of that could be further injury, which could lead to bed rest, which could lead to pressure sores. It's not just inhumane, it's dangerous.'

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: 'We were extremely sorry to hear about the experiences of these customers.

'We understand the importance of wheelchairs for users. Unfortunately, on this particular flight, there was no aisle wheelchair.

'We are in the process of having aisle chairs available on all of our aircraft, with 85% of our fleet already having them.'

In another clip, a group of disabled people are seen getting helped on to a Wizz Air plane.

As they sit there waiting for the delayed flight to depart, the pilot appears to blame the hold-up on their wheelchairs being loaded onto the plane.

'We have some wheelchairs in the front cargo,' he says in an announcement to all the passengers on board.

'Now it looks like they've figured it out and due to that of course we lost our spot in the sequence and now we request a new one.

Mr Watts was one of 17 passengers with mobility issues who agreed to go undercover for paraplegic TV presenter Sophie Morgan (pictured) for her Fight to Fly documentary

In another clip, a group of disabled people are seen getting helped on to a Wizz Air plane

As they sit there waiting for the delayed flight to depart, the pilot appears to blame the hold-up on their wheelchairs being loaded onto the plane

Ms Morgan is left shocked by the footage and labels the announcement 'cruel'

'So sorry again for any inconvenience this may have caused.'

Ms Morgan is left shocked by the footage and labels the announcement 'cruel'.

She says: 'Can you believe how that feels if you are a wheelchair user?

'That's so cruel. For disabled people who are flying they are already feeling this system is not built for them. They have had their wheelchairs removed from them and now they are sitting there anxious, uncomfortable, sitting on seats that they can't move from.

'And they have just been called out by the captain for disrupting the flight.'

Around half of 500 people surveyed by disability equality charity Scope said they felt discriminated against when flying at least once in the last five years.

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: 'We were extremely sorry to hear about the experiences of these customers.

'We understand the importance of wheelchairs for users... Unfortunately, on this particular flight, there was no aisle wheelchair.

'We are in the process of having aisle chairs available on all of our aircraft, with 85% of our fleet already having them.

'We apologise for the way the pilot communicated the delay with passengers and recognise there would have been a more appropriate way for customers to have been notified.'

Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly is on Channel 4 on Monday July 22 at 9pm
On a January morning in 2007, a young man called Jonathan Meijer entered the doors of a private clinic in the Netherlands to register as a sperm donor.

It was an act he insists was underpinned by pure altruism: having seen a male friend confront the heartache of infertility, he wanted to do his bit to help others complete their dream of having a family.

Seventeen years on, few can deny that Meijer, now 43, has more than fulfilled his calling  and then some.

By his own admission, he has fathered 'around 550 children' across the globe, although there are others  among them the creators of a hit new Netflix documentary  who believe the number could be at least double that, hence the arresting title of their three part series, The Man With 1,000 Kids.

It's not just the title that gives pause for thought, however. The documentary features a number of women and couples, who have had Meijer's children, making a number of extraordinary claims about him.

Jonathan Meijer, 43, has fathered 'around 550 children' across the globe, although there are others who believe the number could be at least double that

Accusing him of, variously, extreme narcissism and harbouring a 'God-like complex', they suggest Meijer deliberately lied to those he helped about the extent of his activities, revelling in the control it gave him.

In what is surely the most startling and unsettling accusation, one woman claims Meijer secretly mixed his sperm with another donor to play 'sperm roulette' with families' lives.

It's a claim that, today, in his first full interview since the series began, Meijer calls 'rubbish'. 'Complete b******s, to use a word you English like,' he says.

Meijer insists that not only has he done nothing wrong, but he's been woefully misunderstood.

If he is guilty of anything, he claims, it's of getting carried away with the thrill of helping others create the family they yearn for.

'Not that I regret helping anybody, but it was more  I don't like to use the word 'addiction'  but you feel so rewarded, it's absolutely wonderful,' he says of his prolific donations.

'It's a blessing if you can experience it only once in a life, but I was experiencing it on many days, and still am, because people update me about what is happening with their children.

'It's a blessing, but I guess it got very hard to then just abruptly say: 'OK, I am this guy that is making all these people completely happy, but now I am going to stop.' ' Although stop he has. Meijer's last donation was in 2019, a development prompted in part by external forces.

In 2017, the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology banned him from donating any more after it emerged that he had 102 children in Holland alone.

Six years later, a court in the Netherlands then banned him from making any further donations globally, after a civil lawsuit brought by the Donorkind Foundation, a Dutch charity which helps children from sperm donation trace their roots, argued that he was raising the risk of incest.

In 2017, the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology banned Jonathan from donating any more sperm after it emerged that he had 102 children in Holland alone

It drew a legal line under a 'career' during which Meijer has  whatever the disagreements over the exact number  by his own calculations, produced hundreds of half siblings (the oldest 16 and the youngest five) dotted all over the world.

And so we have a sprawling web of relations stretching across the world, from Europe to Australia emerging from one ordinary Dutch man. And in some ways that is the point. Speaking to me last week, Meijer emerges as neither the sinister seed-spreading archvillain portrayed in the documentary, or a thoughtless renegade.

Genial and laid-back, he seems, more than anything, a conundrum: a self-described conservative, Christian churchgoer, but also a 'free spirit'; close to his parents and siblings, but a man who, despite his bountiful contribution to the global gene pool, has yet to have a family of his own.

Certainly, Meijer's background was traditional. One of eight siblings, he was raised in The Hague by an artist father, who combined his creative output with blue-collar jobs to help make ends meet, and a homemaker mother.

'They did an excellent job,' he says of his parents. 'People in the documentary suggest I didn't get attention, or I was unhappy. But I have the best memories.'

Initially hoping to pursue his love of music professionally, Meijer settled on a career in education, working for nearly a decade teaching social studies, before exiting the profession for a more laid-back life, juggling odd jobs with international travel and occasional work as a musician. 'I keep my expenses really low,' he explains. 'So it's not necessary for me to have a nine to five job.'

He was at university when he first came across the idea of sperm donation, courtesy of a friend who confided in him about his infertility.

'He was a really nice guy, and it was shocking to me that this had happened. It was causing problems with his girlfriend, and he became depressed,' he says. 'He talked about adoption and sperm donation. I'm always curious, so I wanted to take a look.'

Meijer says in the course of his research he came across donor and recipient stories which struck a profound chord. 'I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. This was a way to give somebody something that's extremely valuable,' he says.

And so, aged 26, he signed up with his first clinic on that January morning in 2007, three years after the country changed the law giving children born from donor sperm the right to know the identity of their donor (the UK followed suit in 2005).

'For me, this was a good thing. I didn't want to donate anonymously: I wanted for the children and the parents, and also myself, to have a chance to meet in the future,' he says.

'On Netflix they portray me as this crazy person, but I was very aware of the consequences of being an 'open identity' donor.'

The new three-part Netflix documentary, The Man With 1,000 Kids, features a number of women and couples, who have had Jonathan's children, making a number of extraordinary claims about him

Jonathan says that 'on Netflix they portray me as this crazy person, but I was very aware of the consequences of being an 'open identity' donor'

His family, too, would, indirectly, be affected.

'That was the hardest thing of all my decisions,' he says. 'I didn't want any of them to feel it's a burden or make them feel sad. So I kept it fairly strict and separate.'

It is a rule that is maintained today. 'Some of the family are more on the positive side and others are more, 'This is not my cup of tea.' But we respect that because we are family first, and everybody makes his own decisions as long as someone is not committing horrible crimes.'

Four children swiftly resulted from Meijer's interaction with his first clinic. But he did not stop there: while under Dutch guidelines, donors are not allowed to father more than 25 children, Meijer then went to ten other clinics throughout the Netherlands, a country with a population of just 17.7 million.

He also joined Cryos, the international clinic based in Denmark  although he stipulated that his sperm 'could not be sent to the Netherlands'.

Why was one clinic not enough? Meijer struggles to say, although he refutes the idea that his actions were driven by narcissism.

'I think, if you looked at my day-to-day life, and spoke to my friends, they would not recognise that,' he says. 'I try to be a nice person, and to me I was helping in different parts of the country.

'None of the individual clinics, except one, asked if I had donated anywhere else  and the one that did, when I said yes, told me they could not accept me. Sure, no problem. But the others didn't ask. If they were so concerned, the clinics could have picked up the phone to each other.'

Perhaps he was too valuable an asset: while donors to clinics receive little more than 30-50 per donation, families who use their services are charged many multiples of that.

And, to be blunt, it seems that a man described by one clinic as looking like 'Brad Pitt' was always going to be in demand.

Either way, by 2017, prompted by an investigation undertaken after one clinic received an email from an anonymous whistleblower, it emerged that Meijer had fathered 102 children in the Netherlands alone.

A court in the Netherlands has banned Jonathan from making any more donations globally, after a civil lawsuit brought by a Dutch charity which helps children from sperm donation trace their roots, argued that he was raising the risk of incest

Some were the result of 'private' donations, made after he joined a Dutch website which allows families to search directly for individual donors. Posting pictures of himself with piercing blue eyes and a mane of blond hair, he quickly found himself inundated with requests.

'I thought maybe I would get two or three messages; I was getting ten a day,' he says, adding that he signed up because he yearned for a more 'individual' connection with his recipients.

He certainly seems to have got that, according to one lady called Vanessa who appears in the Netflix documentary claiming Meijer offered to donate 'in the traditional way'  a claim Meijer notably does not deny.

She is one of five sets of interviewees  two lesbian couples, a heterosexual couple and two single mothers  in the programme who claim that Meijer consistently downplayed the number of donations he was making, telling them he was helping either 'a couple' of others, or 'a maximum of five families'.

'In the beginning I was very open,' he insists now. 'But I started to run into problems because some of them wanted exclusivity. They want their donor to themselves, which would not be an option if they went to a clinic, where they have no obligation to tell you how often the sperm has been used.

'I found out the hard way. I've had a woman at my door threatening me because I wanted to help one of her friends. So I decided to give an estimated number. And I know, in an ideal world, maybe it would have been different.'

Aside from his acknowledgement that he may have got carried away, it is the closest we come in the interview to an admission of some sort of responsibility.

As we have seen, he is more robust when confronted with the suggestion, made by a woman called Patricia, that he had mixed his sperm with another donor before handing it over in order to see which genes proved the strongest. 'It's disgusting,' he says. 'And I will sue Netflix over something which is not true and about which I know they have no evidence at all.'

It is the one black-and-white statement in a conversation full of grey areas. Despite Meijer's assertions that he 'kept track' of the children born from his donations  the list, he says, is 'in a safe'  and that he took pains to ensure the children are in multiple locations across the world, some have ended up in bogglingly close proximity. In the documentary, it emerges that three of his offspring were found to be attending the same Dutch daycare centre.

Which brings us to perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Meijer's 'work', which has, in the Netherlands at least, resulted in multiple children sharing the same genes, raising the risk of consanguinity (sexual relationships or marriages between people with common biological ancestors) and resultant potential birth defects.

Once again, Meijer is untroubled. 'I do not agree with anonymous donors, because it's not very good for children. I think they need to have identity,' he says. 'My donor children, immediately from the moment they ask, they have a picture of me; they know my name; I meet with a large number of them. It takes one question to another person to find out who I am. So I think this is blown out of proportion.'

The Dutch courts did not think so. Meijer's 2023 ban on donating his sperm  which does not cover providing sibling donations for existing children  was accompanied by a 100,000 ban (85,000) for any future violations. 'To me, it was ridiculous, as I had already stopped making donations four years before,' he says. 'For me, it was driven by a small group of women  many on the documentary  who had become obsessed with my movements.'

Others he has helped, he insists, are more sanguine. 'It is like a bell curve  you have the small unhappy group at one end, another group at the other end who think what I am doing is great, and then lots of others who are ok  some more happy, some less happy,' he says.

'From what I have seen, the children are happy. Some have met half siblings; they go on holiday, they meet each other.'

As for his change of heart  this came gradually, prompted in part by wanting to focus on his own future. 'I was also really longing for this off-grid, traditional, natural life, which I am working on at the moment. I also felt I really need to settle down and have my own family.'

In his case, of course, that perfectly ordinary undertaking comes with a complex web attached: any child he raises would soon learn that they have hundreds of half siblings, and even if you are not on birthday card terms, that fact is a lot to take in.

There's also the small matter of getting a girlfriend. While coy on the subject of his love life, Meijer confides that his last two liaisons were with women he had initially met in his capacity as a donor. 'They just didn't work out,' he says. 'I would like to meet someone, and she will have to be strong to understand everything that has happened and be ok with it.'

Can anyone be ok with it? And should they be? Either way, the reality is that, whatever the motivation of Meijer  and anyone else like him  whether it be well-intentioned or otherwise, the criminal courts are ultimately powerless to stop them.

And that is, perhaps, the most unsettling part of this story.
An Australian Tesla owner has shared her struggles with owning the 'lemon' - but insists she still loves the technology behind the car.

Anne Bishop purchased a second-hand 2015 Model S from Tesla for $93,000 in 2018.

But over the following years, Ms Bishop had to get her Tesla towed on four occasions, each time covering up to 500 kilometres.

In one incident, while seven months pregnant, she had to climb out of the Tesla's window because the door handles had malfunctioned.

Additional issues, including a malfunctioning rear motor and media control unit, led Ms Bishop to file a case with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month, seeking a partial refund from Tesla.

'The bottom line is it's a lemon,' she told News.com.au.

Her claim to the tribunal accuses Tesla of repeatedly misrepresenting Australian Consumer Law through inadequate fault logs, refusing to put statements in writing, and failing to provide documentation about the car's maintenance.

'My last car was a $13,800 Toyota Echo,' she said. 'It went for 13 years utterly flawlessly, never had so much as an unexpected repair. I expected much better from Tesla.'

Anne Bishop purchased a second-hand 2015 Model S from Tesla for $93,000 in 2018

But over the following years, Ms Bishop had to tow her car on four occasions, each time covering up to 500 kilometres

In her complaint, Ms Bishop cites statements made by Tesla chief executive Elon Musk 'regarding the longevity, durability and quality of engineering and manufacturing in Tesla cars' as contributing to her decision to purchase the car, as well as 'express warranties' implied in his online comments.

'Wanted to say thanks to all that own or ordered a Tesla,' Mr Musk said in one tweet cited in the complaint.

'It matters to us that you took a risk on a new car company. We won't forget.'

Ms Bishop said if she were Tesla 'and this had been the experience of one of my customers, I'd be giving them a new car, a full refund and an apology'.

But despite the legal battle with Tesla, she said she wouldn't want to drive anything else'.

'It is the best car I will ever own, but it has also been the most terrifyingly unreliable,' Ms Bishop said.

Her claims drew the attention of Aussie car expert John Cadgoan, who said the brand was among the least reliable in the world.

'They've changed the future of transportation. We agree on this point only, I would argue not for the better,' he said in a video posted to YouTube.

The car expert slammed Ms Bishop for her support of the company despite going through 'unreliability hell'.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Tesla for comment.
A postal worker who was considered 'the mother of the neighborhood' has been fatally shot in Chicago.

Octavia Redmond, 48, who brought joy to the people on her route with her warm smile, was delivering mail when an unknown gunman drove by and shot her around noon on Friday.

According to Chicago Police, the shooting occurred on South Harvard Avenue in the South Side area.

Redmond was busy delivering mail on her route when the suspect pulled out his weapon and fired multiple shots at her, before speeding away down 121st Street.

Neighbors later claimed that they heard at least ten gunshots ring out.

Octavia Redmond, who brought joy to the people on her route with her warm smile, was delivering mail when someone drove by and shot her

According to Chicago Police, the shooting occurred on South Harvard Avenue in the South Side area

Authorities are still looking for the unknown attacker, whose white Dodge Durango was discovered torched on Saturday.

At this time, Chicago police are considering the possibility that the beloved wife and grandmother was targeted.

According to Fox 32, sources familiar with the matter said that the killer trailed Redmond.

They also claimed that the veteran postal worker was discovered with all of her possessions, suggesting that the attack was targeted and not a robbery.

Right before she was shot, Redmond delivered mail to a resident of the neighborhood.

Only a few seconds later, the resident, who didn't wish to be identified, said he heard at least eight gunshots.

'I came to the living room and looked out of the window. That's when I saw her laying on the ground. I'm like, that's the postal worker,' he told Fox 32.

Redmond was busy delivering mail on her route when the suspect pulled out his weapon and fired multiple shots at her, before speeding away down 121st Street

Sources claimed that the veteran postal worker was discovered with all of her possessions, suggesting that the attack was targeted and not a robbery

After the attack, the 48-year-old was rushed to Christ Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

People who live and work in the neighborhood were shocked by the violence, which they say is not characteristic of the quiet area.

'I'm still looking for my morning smile or my afternoon smile,' Kim Sanders, who worked in the neighborhood, said.

'Now, I got to adjust to somebody else,' she told ABC7.

After the attack, the 48-year-old was rushed to Christ Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead

'It can't be true, not in this area, not in this block, because it's a lot of older people. And all of us know each other,' Sanders told ABC7.

'My heart is shattered, because there was a nice lady. She'd just come up and down the block and deliver the mail, didn't bother nobody,' the heart-broken woman continued.

Residents on Redmond's route remembered her as always having a smile on her face.

'We all knew her... she was like a mother to the neighborhood,' Sanders said.

'She'll walk up to me. She's like, "Have a good day," sometimes. And she'll see the clients and sometimes give them a sucker or something,' she continued.

'She was a very, very good mail lady.'

On Friday night, a flag hung at half-staff outside a South Side union hall to commemorate Redmond, whose husband also works as a mail carrier.

Residents on Redmond's route remembered her as always having a smile on her face

Neighbors later claimed that they heard at least ten gunshots ring out when Redmond was killed

In an effort to help find the person responsible, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division is offering a reward up to $250,000 for information leading to the murderer's arrest and conviction.

'One of our own, a postal employee, we take it as seriously as anything, because this is why we're here,' Spencer Block with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said at a press conference.

Elise Foster, the Branch 11 President of the National Letter Carriers Association (NALC), voiced her outrage following the shocking murder.

'I had the opportunity to meet with [Redmond] and talk to her, shes a great co-worker,' she told ABC7.

'Sister Redmond will not be going home to her family and I have a problem with that.'

Foster heaped further praise on the late mail carrier, hailing her as a 'great person.'

The NALC President also indicated that greater efforts need to be taken against those who target federal employees, like postal workers.

'They need to be prosecuting them. We are federal employees. How dare you? And, you just think you can get away with it?'

Foster continued: 'My members are scared to go to work.'

'We are under attack here in Chicago.'
Businesses and workers were placed under more cost of living pressure during the global IT crisis as payment and payroll systems crashed at a time when they could least afford it.

The Global Payroll Association reported that millions of workers around the world risked going without their wages as a result of the global IT outage.

GPA chief executive officer Melanie Pizzey told The Telegraph that they had been contacted by multiple clients who were unable to access their payroll software during the outage.

'Depending on the length of this outage, it could have very serious implications for businesses, particularly those who process payroll on a weekly basis,' she said.

'Furthermore, we could see a backlog with regard to processing payrolls for the coming month end which may delay employees from receiving their monthly wage.'

Griffith University business and consumer expert Graeme Hughes said there were reports that cloud accounting software Xero was caught up in the crisis.

The software company services more than four million businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Mr Hughes said many businesses were able to use a work around to avoid major disruptions to operations by using alternate bank accounts they had available to process payments and payroll.

Griffith University business and consumer expert Graeme Hughes said the global IT outage highlighted the need for businesses to have contingency plans to ensure seamless operations

'While some were able to do that, some might have experienced a bit of a delay but I really think businesses try to be on the front foot with this and try to do the best thing by their staff,' he said

Mr Hughes said it was not a good time for any business to have any sort of technical outage or drop in trade.

'It is a period of time, especially for Australian businesses that are facing increased overhead and utility costs, increased rent, increased insurance costs and rising wages,' he said.

For many organisation, especially in the hospitality field, Mr Hughes said Friday would have been a bigger trading day and when you had a part day trade it meant they would have effectively lost money.

'Australians make on average 650 transactions per year compared to around 300 transactions 10 years ago,' he said.

'So we are transacting electronically more than ever before, so this impacts everybody so widely.

'We saw that with the confusion and disruption at the airports and shopping centres on Friday.'

As the IT outage spread across the globe, office workers and customer-facing screens in places like supermarkets and airports were left facing the 'Blue Screen of Death.'

Airlines, banks, media companies, petrol stations and other major businesses and retailers all came to a grinding halt as a result.

Airports, banks, media, and airlines around the world are hit by a major IT outage on Friday

'This really highlights the need for contingency planning, no system is impalpable, you cannot have just one way of doing things,' Mr Hughes said.

'If something occurs in business you need a fail safe mechanism to ensure you have seamless operations.

'We are in the 21st century now, so we need to act like 21st century businesses.

'From a consumer standpoint it highlights the whole cashless society and how that is sometimes convenient when it works, but when it doesn't work it throws everything out of the window.

'It does bring a cashless society into question and highlights that cash is still an important component.'

An Australian Banking Association spokesperson said impacts on banks and payments systems had been relatively minor, with any disruptions having already been remedied or were in the process of being gradually restored.

'Banks will continue to monitor for any further impacts to services,' the spokesperson said.
A Good Samaritan has been heaped with praise after he was photographed helping an elderly woman unload her shopping outside a supermarket.

A bystander said they were brought to tears after witnessing the act unfold at Cessnock, in NSW's Hunter Valley, on Thursday.

She shared a photo to Facebook with the image showing an elderly woman pushing a trolley filled with bags of groceries on the footpath.

A 'true blue Aussie' man was seen engaged in a conversation with the woman as he took a moment out of his busy day to help her unload her shopping into her car.

'This man is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes,' the Facebook post read.

'There really is good people still around. He offered to put the lady's groceries away in the car for her and put her trolley away after.'

The bystander asked anyone in the area if they knew the man to pass on her gratitude for the seemingly random act of kindness.

'If you know this man please let him know he's appreciated more then he thinks,' her post read.

The kind actions of the 'true blue Aussie' good Samaritan of helping the elderly woman at a supermarket drew praise from Facebook community group members

Locals were quick to heap their praise on the good Samaritan.

'True blue aussie', one wrote.

'Very kind man', another added.

'Who ever you are. Good deed brother,' a third wrote.

The man was described as a 'champion' and a 'gentleman' and his actions in helping the elderly woman were 'great work'.

'Great to see that there are still some amazing people out there,' one wrote.

Others wrote that strangers helping each other out is common in the area.

Members of the Cessnock Community Noticeboard group praised the kind actions of the mystery bloke.

'I have noticed that living up here people are more helpful let's hope that a community feel doesn't disappear. It's what we need to see more,' one wrote.

Another revealed a friend recently had a pacemaker inserted and on his first walk to the chemist after his operation people offered him assistance and stopped to chat.

'He felt so safe and reassured that that he didn't have to panic. It was so awesome to hear,' they wrote.
While many Democrats tripped over themselves to salute Joe Biden for dropping out dramatically on Sunday, some are not happy with the president being 'pushed out' of the job.

Biden dramatically dropped out Sunday and endorsed Kamala Harris to be the party's standard bearer against Trump in November.

While many - including Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Harris herself - praised the decision, not everyone is quite on board.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, one of Biden's most ardent defenders since the debate, slammed the decision and those who called on the president to quit.

He laughed at the notion that Biden had been 'pushed out' before recently convicted New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, a frequent target of Fetterman's ire.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania , one of Joe Biden's most ardent defenders since the debate, slammed the decision for him to drop out and those who called on the president to quit

'People pushed out an honorable man, loving father and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez. Congratulations,' he told Semafor.

Menendez was found guilty earlier this week 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 New Jersey Democrat has yet to resign or say with certainty that he won't run for re-election in November after he dropped out of the party's primary.

Jasmine Crockett, a Congresswoman from Texas, also seemed baffled by Biden's decision and those who wanted him out.

She posted to social media: 'I hope the geniuses that pushed the most consequential President of our lifetime out, have a plan. WHO in the hell couldn't sell the MF Accomplishments & win over a 34 time convicted Felon who isn't even allowed to operate businesses in the state of NY (and therefore should automatically be disallowed from say running the country) & his ENTIRE team IS project 2025?! Joe wasn't the problem dems were.'

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison was near tears Sunday on a Democratic National Convention Credentials Committee Meeting.

'I'm emotional, because I am still riding with Biden. I still support my president,' Harrison said.

Biden dramatically dropped out Sunday and endorsed Kamala Harris to be the party's standard bearer against Trump in November

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison was near tears Sunday on a Democratic National Convention Credentials Committee Meeting

CNN commentator Bakari Sellers was, like Fetterman, disgusted with how the process was carried out.

'Democrats should be embarrassed by the way President Biden was treated by his own colleagues the last month. He is one of the most transformative Presidents of a generation,' he wrote.

However, he did admit: 'That fight is over. I dare not wage into another.'

Sellers, Harris and Crockett immediately endorsed Vice President Harris - as Biden did Sunday afternoon - while Fetterman has not yet endorsed.

DailyMail.com has reached out to a spokesperson from Fetterman's team to comment.

Chris D. Jackson, a Tennessee politician and vocal Biden defender on social media, lashed out at the people who wanted the president to quit.

'I hope all of you anti Biden people are happy. You just forced the best President of our lifetimes off the ticket. What happens now is all on you,' he wrote.

Jackson is also ardently in favor of Harris and endorsed her Sunday afternoon.

Jasmine Crockett, a Congresswoman from Texas, also seemed baffled by Biden's decision and those who wanted him out

Chris D. Jackson, a Tennessee politician and vocal Biden defender on social media, lashed out at the people who wanted the president to quit

CNN commentator Bakari Sellers was, like Fetterman, disgusted with how the process was carried out

The Biden/Harris campaign co-chair Chris Coons showed up on CBS News red-faced and weeping, saying that the president had made a 'difficult decision'.

Coons, who is also a senator for Delaware, sobbed as he looked off into the distance, took deep breaths, and tried to regain composure on national television.

CNN's Van Jones was also emotional and teary-eyed on air while speaking about Biden's decision to back out of the race and endorse Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Meanwhile on MSNBC, Rachel Maddow gave viewers an emblazoned speech about how Biden's decision is not what he would have truly wanted - instead it's something he's done for the good of the country.

Biden announced his seismic decision in a one-page letter posted on social media, where he committed to serving until the end of this term in January.

However, Republicans called on him to resign immediately. arguing if he is not 'fit to run' then he is 'not fit to serve'.

'It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,' Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account on Sunday.

'And while it has been my intention to seek reelection,' he went on, 'I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.'

Moments after his announcement, Biden posted to X an endorsement of Harris to take over his campaign

Biden announced his historic decision to step aside in a one-page letter where he committed to completing his term, but did not fully endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement

Although Biden had been under immediate pressure the stunning announcement came with no warning and many of his own staff and supporters in Congress appeared to be blindsided.

'No one had a heads up before the tweet posted,' one Biden campaign worker told DailyMail.com. 'Which, to me, is an insane way to treat the 1,300 people that work for you on the campaign.'

Earlier on Sunday a slew of Biden's allies went on the airwaves to insist the President was not stepping down and would continue his reelection efforts.

Biden said in his letter that he would speak in more detail about his decision in remarks to the country later this week. He also sent a quick follow-up post pushing for Harris to take over his campaign.

Last week, Biden was pulled from the campaign trail after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the third time in the middle of a west coast swing. This led to even more speculation that he would soon drop out of the race.

It came after the showdown against Trump last month where Biden was often seen on split screen with his mouth agape and a blank stare.

During his time to speak at the podium, the President would stumble, freeze, lose his train of thought and mumble his way through answers to moderator's questions.

At one point just 12 minutes into the debate, Trump said: 'I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don't think he knows what he said either.'

Trump went on to a post-debate rally in Chesapeake, Virginia where he said he was skeptical Biden would actually drop out of the race, claiming Democrats don't have a better option against him in November.

The former president's immediate response to Biden's decision came in a call to CNN on Sunday.

'He is the worst president in the history of our country,' the former president said. 'He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country.'

Trump added that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden.
A Pennsylvania gun enthusiast has revealed that he practiced shooting with former President Trump's would-be assassin just weeks before the 20-year-old opened fire at a campaign rally.

Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks and US Air Force veteran Bill Jenkins, 63, signed up for the same intermediate handgun - pistol 2 class at the Keystone Shooting Center in Cranberry, Pennsylvania on June 22.

It was just the two of them in the course, when Crooks reportedly blew a large hole in a target with a volley of precision rounds from his own 9mm handgun.

'I was sitting next to evil,' Jenkins told The Sun. 'I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

'This guy killed a man with a wife and kids, and almost plunged the country into chaos by killing Donald Trump.'

Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, had practiced shooting at a gun range just weeks before he opened fire at former President Donald Trump's campaign rally

When he first met Crooks, Jenkins said he could tell 'this kid was confident with guns.

'When we went to the range, he started shooting right away,' he said of Crooks.

'It seemed like he had experience with weapons.'

Jenkins went on to note that when they were practicing shooting a target at 10 yards away, Crooks 'blew a big hole right through the centerpiece.

'I congratulated him on how good he'd done and he just laughed.'

Crooks, Jenkins and their instructor then returned to the classroom, when, Jenkins said, the conversation became political.

'It turns out the instructor and I are Trump supporters,' he recounted.

'We talked about how our country was good under Trump. Our borders were secure, the economy was strong, we were energy-independent, and he got things done.

'I noticed at the time that the kid wasn't saying anything one way or another, but I could see him smirking. He had a little smile.'

US Air Force veteran Bill Jenkins recounted how Crooks 'blew a big hole right through the centerpiece' of a target 10 yards away

Jenkins said he didn't think anything of it at the time, believing Crooks was just quiet but overall a 'nice kid.'

'Looking back, I think he was biting his tongue,' he said in the aftermath of the July 13 shooting. 'Nothing we discussed will have sat well with him.

'It's crossed my mind - did that conversation help to push him over the edge?' Jenkins asked, rhetorically, as a motive for the shooting remains unclear.

'It freaks me out a little, because a person has died,' he noted, referring to ex-firefighter Corey Comperatore.

Jenkins said he did not realize for a few days that the man he trained with was the same one who shot Trump on July 13

For a few days, Jenkins said he did not realize that the man who opened fire at the Trump rally was the same one he had trained with just weeks before.

'It was only when the Pittsburgh field office of the FBI called me on Tuesday, while I was driving, and asked me about the class at Keystone that I found out.

'The guy said, "The other person in the class with you was the assailant who shot Trump, and I just flipped out,"' he recounted.

'Once I looked at the pictures, I could see it was him.'

He recounted that the FBI agents asked him whether Crooks had a bag with him - which Jenkins said he did.

'I was sitting next to real evil there, it really scares me,' Jenkins added. 'He could have shot us in the range.

'He tried to plunge the country into chaos. Maybe that's what his motive was - he wanted to start a real catastrophe in this country.'

Crooks struck Trump in the ear and killed a retired firefighter at the Pennsylvania rally

Crooks arrived to Trump's rally three hours before opening fire - sparking the suspicion of the Secret Service because he was carrying a rangefinder used by hunters to take long shots.

Law enforcement even took a photo of Crooks an hour before the shooting.

But he was never stopped or questioned.

Crooks was later able to climb onto the roof of the building just over 100 yards away, in direct view of some of the rally-goers - who tried to alert police to the figure crawling on the roof clutching a rifle.

We noticed a guy army-crawling, bear-crawling, up the roof of the building beside us, 50ft away, Greg Smith told the BBC. We could clearly see a rifle.

Were pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground, were like Hey man, theres a guy on the roof with a rifle. . . and the police did not know what was going on.'

Smith said he tried to alert authorities, but thought they could not see the gunman because of the slope of the roof.

Im thinking to myself Why is Trump still speaking, why have they not pulled him off the stage. . . the next thing you know, five shots ring out, he said.

Crooks then shot Trump and killed retired volunteer fire chief Comperatore, before being killed by authorities at the scene.

Crooks was shot dead by local authorities after he opened fire from a nearby roof



Trump has since revealed that 'nobody mentioned' Crooks to him, despite the fact that he was being monitored for 'an hour' before the shooting.

'Mistakes were made,' Fox News' Jesse Watters told Trump. 'They were monitoring this guy for an hour beforehand. No one told you not to take the stage?'

'Nobody mentioned it,' the former president replied. 'Nobody said it was a problem.'

'[They] could've said, "Let's wait for 15, 20 minutes, five minutes." Nobody saidI think that was a mistake,' he added.

Trump, along with the rest of the United States, later questioned how Crooks could have possibly made it onto the roof to begin with.

'How did somebody get on that roof?' Trump questioned. 'And why wasn't he reported, because people saw he was on that roof.'

Trump revealed that security agents were alerted that someone was on the roof with a gun before he even walked out on stage - and did not stop him from doing so.

'When you have Trumpers screaming, the woman in the red shirt, 'There's a man on the roof,' and other people, 'There's a man on the roof and who's got a gun,'that was quite a bit before I walked on the stage. And I would've thought someone would've done something about it,' Trump said.

Trump was left with a minor injury from the shooting - but the result could have been far worse if he had not, at the very last minute, turned his head slightly.

Questions remain about how Crooks was able to climb onto the roof without any law enforcement stopping him

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle has been summoned to testify about the department's response before a committee of the US House of Representatives on Monday, as she faces calls to resign or face the sack.

Meanwhile, questions remain about Crooks' motive.

He was a registered Republican and had been described as classmates as a definite conservative, yet he donated money to a progressive movement in 2021.

A review of his phone showed the would-be assassin had searched for information prior to the searching of Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland - and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton.

Dr Craig Hands, a psychologist in California, told DailyMail.com that while antidepressants may be linked to homicidal behavior, major depression is the likely culprit

He also looked up major depressive disorder, with doctors now saying he fits the standard model of a mass shooter.

Crooks was believed to have felt disenfranchised and invisible and sought a sort of immortality through his violent actions.

Dr Craig Hands, a clinical psychologist in California, told DailyMail.com: 'In the case of the shooter, I can only surmise, in many ways, from what I've heard, he fits a common profile.

'Indeed it may be likely, I don't know that he was depressed, but that may have contributed to his actions.

'This depression creates isolation there is kind of a burning ember kind of depression that's associated with internal rage against oneself, and rage against the machine as it were. Rage against the world.'

Major depressive disorder is a clinical diagnosis that causes a persistent feeling of deep sadness, hopelessness, loss in interest in activities, low energy, poor or increased appetite, concentration changes, suicidal ideations and behavior.

Dr Hands added: 'Typically the depression is criticism and rage towards oneself, self-hatred.

'I have to underscore the term hatred, hatred for oneself, but oftentimes, or sometimes, that hatred gets projected out externally.'

A 2015 Oxford University study of about 47,000 people in Sweden both with and without depression found that those with depression were about three times more likely than the general population to commit a violent crime, such as homicide, aggravated assault, or robbery.

Yet it remains unclear whether Crooks had been diagnosed with the condition, which affects around 17 million adults in the US.
Holidaymakers have been left stranded at Corfu Airport for more than 50 hours amid global chaos caused by an IT glitch that affected millions of computers across the world.

Computer systems around the world crashed on Friday afternoon after a update by cyber security company Crowdstrike failed, affecting Microsoft users.

Computer screens at airlines, supermarkets, banks, media outlets, petrol stations and other major businesses and retailers around the world were faced with the blue screen of death.

On the Greek island of Corfu, passengers desperate to get back to their homes told Manchester Evening News that they were fed up of waiting for technicians to resolve the ongoing problems.

'It has been 50 hours now and we still don't know what's happening', one flyer said.

On the Greek island of Corfu, passengers desperate to get back to their homes told Manchester Evening News that they were fed up of waiting for technicians to resolve the ongoing problems

Holidaymakers have been left stranded at Corfu Airport for more than 50 hours amid global chaos caused by a global IT glitch (File image of Corfu Airport)

Computer systems around the world crashed on Friday afternoon after a update by cyber security company Crowdstrike failed, affecting Microsoft users

The holidaymaker said they flew on TUI, which has faced severe delays and cancellations this weekend caused by the global IT outage.

'Everyone is just miserable and angry. It's been a nightmare. People have work tomorrow. My mum works for the NHS and was like 'what am I going to do?'. People will be losing a day in work and have commitments, will they pay our wages?, they added.

The latest statement on the airline's social media platforms reads: 'Following the global IT issue impacting businesses around the world, we would like to apologise to everyone affected.

'Whilst the original IT issue was outside of our control, the impact to our systems has meant that our flight programming continues to suffer delays and cancellations.

'We are very sorry to all those customers impacted as we understand how disappointing this is. We ask that all TUI customers due to travel this weekend regularly check the Travel Information page of the TUI website for the latest updates. Your TUI Team.'

It comes as dozens more flights have been cancelled as the global IT outage entered its third day on Sunday.

After hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled by the global IT failure on Friday, further delays have continued throughout the weekend, with bad weather in parts of Europe making the problems worse.

EasyJet cancelled 48 flights at London Gatwick on Sunday, including to popular holiday destinations such as Naples, Majorca, Amsterdam and Marseille.

Footage posted on social media shows travel chaos at Gatwick with hundreds left stranded at the airport as they wait for information about their flights, and some being booked into hotels as the delays stretched overnight.

Passengers at London Heathrow have also been hard hit, with British Airways cancelling a dozen flights to and from UK and Continental European destinations.

Footage shows travel chaos at Gatwick with hundreds left stranded at the airport as they wait for information about their flights

Travel chaos at Gatwick today as hundreds wait for more information about their flights

One woman documented her travel frustrations on TikTok as she claimed of being stranded at Gatwick airport

The woman said she became stranded at Gatwick as there were no hotels available in London

Another person reported of already being in 'holiday mode' despite their flight being cancelled

The global Microsoft outage has hit vital NHS services, with GP surgeries reporting problems

British airports feel the after-effects of IT bug Airports across the UK have continued to see delays and cancellations on Sunday as the impact of Friday's IT outage continues to hit operations. Gatwick Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Gatwick today, with easyJet shelving 48 services. The airport also saw more than 150 flights have their departure time put back, with nearly a third of all flights affected. Heathrow Britain's busiest airport saw 20 flights which were due to leave or arrive today cancelled. There were also widespread delays, with nearly 250 flights departing later than planned. Stansted London Stansted seemed to escape the worst of the fallout, with just one departing flight cancelled and 26 delayed leaving. Luton Luton saw few cancellations today, with just three arrivals and departures failing to take place at all. By comparison more than 120 services in and out of the airport were delayed. Manchester Ten flights in and out of Manchester airport have been cancelled so far today. More than 100 flights were delayed leaving while almost the same number had their arrival times pushed back. Birmingham There were relatively few cancellations at Birmingham, with four flights shelved. Meanwhile, nearly 100 services into and out of the airport were delayed. Edinburgh A total of 19 flights were cancelled at Edinburgh airport, while nearly 70 had their departure times pushed back. Data from flightaware.com Advertisement

It comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) today warned that GPs need time to recover from the global IT outage after a bug caused a 'considerable backlog'.

The technical fault - created by an update pushed out to customers of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike - caused Windows software to shut down, prompting travel hell at airports and train stations as well as affecting GP and hospital appointments.

The outage hit transport systems hard, with hundreds of flights cancelled and delayed into the weekend, while rail services in Britain were also affected on Friday.

On Sunday the effects continued to be felt, with easyJet forced to cancel dozens 48 services at Gatwick airport.

This included flights to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Naples in Italy, Majorca in Spain and Marseille in France.

There were angry scenes at the airport to the south of London, with photos and video showing masses of passengers sitting in the terminal as after their flights were cancelled or delayed.

The cancellations meant some travellers were unable to depart until tomorrow, with airlines being forced to book them into hotels overnight before getting a rearranged flight the next day.

The airline has been forced to cancel flights at other airports across Britain as well, including Luton and Manchester.

MailOnline has contacted easyJet for comment.

Other airlines have also faced issues, with British Airways cancelling a dozen flights between the UK and continental Europe.

Wizz Air also cancelled a number of flights at Luton Airport, while Aer Lingus axed flights between Dublin and Heathrow today.

Consumer laws state that airlines with cancelled flights must book affected passengers onto a new service, as well as get them a hotel and meals if the wait for the new flight is long enough.

Meanwhile, the health service is still feeling the fallout from the IT outage.

The trade union for doctors said GPs would 'need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend', adding that NHS England should 'make clear to patients' this was the case.

The BMA said its GP committee would continue to talk to NHS England and patient record system supplier EMIS to secure a 'better system of IT backup' to ensure the 'disaster' was not repeated.

Dr David Wrigley, deputy chairman of GPC England, the representative body for GPs at the BMA, said: 'Friday was one the toughest single days in recent times for GPs across England. Without a clinical IT system many were forced to return to pen and paper to be able to serve their patients.

Passengers queue at Gatwick Airport amid the first day of the global IT outage on Friday

Passengers at Edinburgh Airport, as widespread IT outages have affected airlines this weekend

The technical fault - created by an update pushed out to customers of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike - caused Windows software to shut down (File image)

'While GPs and their teams worked hard to look after as many as they could, without access to the information they needed much of the work has had to be shifted into the coming week.'

He added: 'GPs have been pulling out all the stops this weekend to deal with the effects of Friday's catastrophic loss of service and, as their IT systems come back online, we thank them and their staff for their hard work under exceptionally trying circumstances.

'We also thank patients for bearing with general practice in this unprecedented situation.

'The temporary loss of the EMIS patient record system has meant a considerable backlog.

'Even if we could guarantee it could be fully fixed on Monday, GPs would still need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend, and NHSE (National Health Service England) should make clear to patients that normal service cannot be resumed immediately.'

A flawed update rolled out by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike knocked many services offline around the world on Friday, causing flight and train cancellations and crippling some healthcare systems.

A fix was deployed for a bug in the update, which affected equipment running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as CrowdStrike's chief executive George Kurtz said it would take 'some time' for systems to be fully restored.

Across England, GP surgeries reported being unable to book appointments or access patient records on Friday as their EMIS system went down.

Railway services still faced disruption in the UK on Saturday. Pictured: A South Western Railway ticket machine put out of action due to the outage

It comes as a cancer patient said surgery to remove a mass from her brain was cancelled this week due to the worldwide IT outage.

Chantelle Mooney, 41, was due to have a craniotomy on Friday but said the surgery was cancelled following the IT glitch.

Ms Mooney was diagnosed with stage 4B terminal cervical cancer in February 2022, which spread to her lungs.

She was then told three weeks ago that a four centimetre mass had also been found in her brain - after she started experiencing weakness down one side.

After initially being pushed back on Thursday, Ms Mooney arrived at Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire, on Friday morning, expecting to go into surgery at 10am.

But while she was watching TV in the waiting area before being called into theatre, she spotted the news that Microsoft technology was facing outages across the world.

Ms Mooney said later her surgeon arrived to explain they relied on Microsoft technology for scans, emergency medication, accessing medical records and more.

After spending the morning waiting to see if the issue would be solved, Ms Mooney was told at 1.30pm that the surgery would not be going ahead and was going to be pushed back to next Friday.
A synthetic opioid described as 'fentanyl on steroids' was seized in a Florida drug bust, according to police.

West Palm Beach police confiscated $1.6 million worth of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene - known as ISO - during a raid, reported WPBF.

Authorities discovered the deadly drug in powder, pill and brick form while executing search warrants on a home and a storage unit earlier in July.

'[The substances] came back as 50 times more potent than normal fentanyl that we normally deal with,' Lt. Joe Herb said.

'Fentanyl is normally very dangerous. Now, we're talking about 50 times stronger.'

West Palm Beach police confiscated $1.6 million worth of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene - known as ISO - during a raid

Lt. Joe Herb (pictured) said the drug tested 50 times more potent than normal fentanyl and he has never seen anything like it in his 34 years as a narcotics officer

Police said the only other time they heard of ISO being found before now was in Philadelphia.

One unidentified person has been arrested in connection with discovery. Herb said the drug is being sold on the streets of the Sunshine State and he is concerned it will lead to more overdoses.

'This is scary. I've been a police officer for 34 years. I've been doing narcotics pretty much my entire career. This is scary,' Herb said.

'You breathe that stuff in, or you grab it and touch your eyes or grab your mouth or something of that nature; there's a big concern right now.'

In powder form, ISO can appear yellow, brown, or off-white in color, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Doctors told the local news station that ISO is a different compound than fentanyl, but both substances being found in other illegal drugs is concerning.

'As scary as it sounds, it's not surprising that that's where these synthetic opioids are going,' said internal medicine physician at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital Dr. Pedram Rad.

'This drug is actually about 60 to 70 years old. It was developed initially as a medication for pain control, and it was never approved by the FDA in the United States.'

Authorities discovered the deadly drug in powder, pill and brick form while executing search warrants on a home and a storage unit earlier in July

Doctors said that ISO is a different compound than fentanyl, but both substances being found in other illegal drugs is concerning

Medical experts advise taking anyone who may have ingested ISO to the hospital for treatment and to keep NARCAN on hand.

'They have the potential to slow down the heart and respiration and can cause brain damage or people can die from it, so when you're using this on the street where it's not controlled, and you don't know what dose you're getting those are the things that can happen to you,' said Dr. Olayemi Osiyemi, an infectious disease doctor with St. Mary's Medical Center.

'The strength of these drugs could potentially put someone in a coma and kill them very quickly.'

A recent CDC report found there were a record 107,941 deaths from overdoses in 2022, which is the most recent data available  the equivalent of 295 fatalities per day and up one percent on the year before.

Fentanyl was the main force behind the surge  which is fatal in even in tiny doses  with the illicit drug behind nearly 70 percent of the fatalities.

Provisional figures for 2023 suggest the epidemic is continuing to rise, with 110,640 fatalities estimated for the 12 months to October that year.
Instagram is facing a legal challenge over claims it profits by allowing users to advertise AI-generated child sex abuse images.

It follows a police investigation which found that predators are using Instagram to promote websites selling the abuse material, which is available in just two clicks.

In what campaigners say is a 'new frontier of horror', paedophiles are using artificial intelligence software to generate thousands of sexualised images of children, which they brazenly market on Instagram, telling users to click on their sites to buy even more explicit material.

Law firm Schillings has launched a 'groundbreaking legal challenge' against social media giant Meta  which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, on behalf of the 5Rights Foundation children's charity.

It alleges that Instagram is 'complicit in the exploitation of children online' by hosting 'content which puts both adult and child users at risk'.

Instagram is facing a legal challenge over claims it profits by allowing users to advertise AI-generated child sex abuse images

Paedophiles are using artificial intelligence software to generate thousands of sexualised images of children, which they brazenly market on Instagram, telling users to click on their sites to buy even more explicit material.

It cites a police dossier of evidence which 'clearly shows that AI-generated sexualised images of children are widespread on Instagram, and that Instagram is connecting users with illegal content'.

Baroness Beeban Kidron, founder of 5Rights Foundation, which campaigns for a safe digital environment for children, vowed to pursue Meta through the courts if it does not act, warning: 'It's really easy to start on Meta platforms and end up in Hell two clicks later.'

It comes as a separate report today reveals that public reports of AI-generated abuse imagery across the open web have quadrupled in just six months, following a terrifying new trend in which offenders steal photographs of innocent children from social media and use software to 'nudify' victims, manipulating the imagery to fulfil their twisted fantasies.

The Internet Watch Foundation report warns that Britain is at a 'frightening tipping point' as AI tools are now able to generate images and videos so realistic that it is impossible to distinguish real from fake, making it difficult for officers to rescue victims.

Baroness Kidron said: 'Seeing these sexualised images made me want to cry. It's very young girls scantily clad in suggestive poses.

'AI child sexual abuse material is creating a new frontier of horror and Instagram is enticing people there and enabling users to access child sexual abuse material.

'Children are being exploited and Meta is helping to grow the appetite for this material.

'If your business is to keep people clicking and you don't give a monkey's what they are clicking on, that is wilful blindness because the ultimate motive is making money.'

When undercover police officers started investigating in December, they found dozens of accounts with names such as 'pervy kinks' featuring AI-generated sexualised images of young children.

Alongside the partially naked pictures were links to pay-per-view websites and encrypted instant-messaging Telegram channels featuring footage of real children being raped.

During the six-month probe, Instagram's algorithms recommended many similar accounts to officers, leading to fears that children stumbling on the sites may be directed into the clutches of child abuse gangs.

Schillings said the openness of the material was 'legitimising' child abuse because paedophiles can network in plain sight without having to hide on the dark web.

To understand how it works, Baroness Kidron permitted police to access photographs of herself, and they were able to show how AI created abuse images of her as an eight-year-old. '

It was horrendous to see these images, I can no longer look at pictures of myself as a child and not see these images,' she said.

In January, officers flagged four offender profiles through Instagram's in-app reporting function, but nothing happened.

Police then made an official information request regarding the accounts, but received no response from Meta.

Schillings submitted a file of evidence last month, demanding an independent investigation.

In a statement, Meta said that 'all violating accounts' had been removed earlier this year

Meta failed to respond until contacted by the Mail, when it claimed it never got the email. It has removed all the accounts.

Meta said: 'All violating accounts were removed by us earlier this year. Whether it's AI or an actual person, child exploitation of any kind is horrific and we have clear rules against it.

'We regularly report apparent instances of this content to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

'We also share leads with other companies to fight cross-platform abuse, and support law enforcement in its efforts to arrest and prosecute the criminals behind it.'
A witness has given a harrowing account of how she was told to hold back a screaming mother whose pram rolled in front of a train, killing one of her twin girls and her heroic husband.

Commuters watched on in horror as the pram, which was carrying two-year-old twins, rolled onto the railway tracks at Carlton train station in Sydney's south at about 12.25pm on Sunday.

The twins' father, Anand Runwal, 40, leaped down from the platform in a brave attempt to save them but a passing train struck and killed both the father and one of the twins.

Mr Runwal and his wife Poonam moved from India to Sydney with their twin daughters in October 2023 after he secured a job at an IT firm in North Sydney.

Witness Lauren Langelaar told Daily Mail Australia how the surviving girl - who went under the train - had 'hardly a scratch' on her when she was eventually reunited with her distraught mother. The girl was released from hospital on Monday morning.

Ms Langelaar was working across the road when the tragedy unfolded. She ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams for help.

'I ran out to help the mother because I could just hear her screaming while looking down onto the tracks,' Ms Langelaar said.

'It all happened very quickly. I was down on the platform helping the mother try and scream out to her children and husband under the train.'

Ms Langelaar said a Sydney Trains worker, who was on the platform, called emergency services and explained they could 'only hear one child' crying.

Anand Runwal and wife Poonam Runwal moved to Sydney in October 2023 with their two year - old twin daughters

The pram, which was carrying two-year-old twin girls, rolled onto the railway tracks at Carlton train station in Sydney's south on Sunday

The twins' father heroically jumped onto the tracks to try and save his daughters but was struck by a train passing through, killing him and one of the little girls

When police arrived, they told Ms Langelaar to hold the mother back while officers jumped onto the tracks.

Miraculously, one of the twin girls was pulled from underneath the train and escaped the accident 'with hardly a scratch on her'.

'As I sat her down, the little girl got pulled out of under the train with hardly a scratch on her, she was just crying,' Ms Langelaar said.

She added the mum 'begged' paramedics to hand over her little girl so that she could hold her but was initially denied as they assessed the toddler's injuries.

'She refused at first for paramedics,to check her out, she just wanted to hold her [daughter],' Ms Langelaar said.

'Then she continued to yell out, "Where is my husband and other child?".'

Ms Langelaar said paramedics continued to assess the little girl while she was in her mother's arms as she 'didn't seem to be hurt' and only had a 'slight bump on the back of her head'.

The surviving toddler was taken to St George Hospital with her mum, who was on the platform when the accident occurred. The pair have since been discharged.

One woman, Lauren Langelaar, ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams and had to restrain her as emergency services looked for her husband and children

Harrowing CCTV footage showed the family just minutes before the tragic accident

Ms Langelaar said one man attempted to wave down the driver to alert him to the danger, but was unsuccessful.

'There was one man who apparently tried to wave the train down telling it to stop, but because it wasn't meant to stop at that station it just had no chance,' Ms Langelaar said.

NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan said the parents appeared to have taken their hands off the pram for a 'very short period of time' when it rolled towards the tracks.

Mr Dunstan said police were investigating what caused the pram to roll and said it could have been something as simple as a 'gust of wind'.

NSW premier Chris Minns, who lives within 100m of the station, said the father died while performing an 'extraordinary, instinctual act of bravery'.

'He gave his own life to try and save his children,' he said.

Mr Minns described the incident as a 'terrible, terrible tragedy' for the surviving family members and first responders.

The Premier did not rule out introducing new measures to train platforms to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

'We'll work with NSW trains and police inquiries and if changes need to be made we'll make them,' he said.

'It's too early to say, but I don't want to close the door on any changes we could make.

'Train stations can be dangerous places and we all need to be cognisant of that.'

Police closed the station and launched an investigation into what caused the pram to roll onto the tracks

Floral tributes were placed at Carlton Railway Station for the hero dad and his little girl who were killed by the train

Sydney Trains CEO Matthew Longland said he did not want to speculate on the outcomes of the police investigation but claimed any recommendations to improve safety would be considered.

'Our first priority is to support those involved and to work with the investigation to ensure we have all the appropriate facts so we can fully understand the incident,' Mr Longland said.

'We will consider any recommendations that come out of the investigation. I do want to remind everyone to be particularly safe on platforms when traveling on the rail network.

'Stay behind the yellow line and well clear of the platform edge. Train stations are very dangerous places.'

Mr Longland described the scene as 'confronting' and thanked first responders for their efforts.

'Clearly, incidents like this are quite confronting for everyone involved, and I want to thank all the first responders for their efforts in managing such a difficult situation,' Mr Longland said.

Officers were spotted at Carlton Railway Station on Monday (pictured) as investigations into the tragedy continue

One potential safety measure could be platform screen doors, which have been installed across the new Sydney Metro network (pictured)

One potential safety measure could be platform screen doors, which have been installed across the new Sydney Metro network.

Each door weights 175 kilograms and has a height of about 2.5 metres, creating a complete barrier between the platform and the track.

'The doors will help increase safety by creating a barrier between the platforms and tracks, allowing customers to move along the platforms more efficiently,' Sydney Metro said.

The platform screen doors were vigorously tested before being put into operation for metro services at the start of 2024.
Police in Leeds have come out in force as the city's Pride event took place days after streets were left burning by violent riots.

Thousands of people, marshalled by officers from West Yorkshire Police, descended on Leeds on Sunday for the annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

The one-day festival, which last year saw 75,000 people attend, featured live music, drag artists and a giant rainbow flag as a parade moved through the city before finishing near the Corn Exchange.

While a large proportion of those taking part were members of the public, members of the emergency services, including the police, firefighters and paramedics, as well as Armed Forces personnel, were also involved.

A police officer waves the Progress Pride flag during the Leeds Pride parade on Sunday

People taking part in Leeds Pride hold multi-coloured balloons that spell out the word 'Proud' as they walk through the streets

A parade-goer wearing Army uniform holds a Union Jack which has been filled in with the colours of the rainbow behind them

A firefighter on stilts waves two Pride flags as he takes part in the parade at Leeds Pride yesterday

A man in a wheelchair dressed in a rainbow-coloured suit and hat puts his thumbs up as he moves down the road

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, laughs as she takes part in the parade with a brass band behind her

A child wearing a Pride-inspired outfit waves an LGBTQ+ flag while sitting on a man's shoulders

A person wearing a horse mask waves a Pony Pride flag, which represents the pony play fetish community

A man waves the Rubber Pride flag, which is used to denote members of the rubber fetish community

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, along with Leeds North West MP Katie White, were among those present for the event which appeared to take place with few problems.

Terry George, spokesperson for Leeds Pride, told Leeds Live: 'It's just incredible to see how far we've come since the very first Leeds Pride back in 2006.

'With more allies than ever before - not to mention the biggest site the festival has ever seen - 2024 is looking likely to be a record-breaker in terms of numbers.'

The event came just three days after parts of the city saw scenes of shocking violence when rioters overturned police vehicles and set fire to a bus.

The disorder, which took place in Harehills less than three miles from the city centre, broke out after four children were removed from a Roma family by police and social services on Thursday afternoon.

Social Services had concern for the children's welfare after an incident in April when another child, a nine-month-old baby, suffered a head injury. Police are believed to have been called when social workers were met with hostility.

Footage of the children being dragged from the home in Luxor Street by officers was shared on social media, sparking anger and protests in the community.

Fire burns through the remains of a double-decker bus which was set alight by rioters in Harehills on Thursday

Hooligans throwing missiles at the police as debris burns in the street amidst the chaos in Harehills, Leeds

A 2,000 strong mob broke out in Harehills, Leeds after children from a Roma family were taken from their terraced home by police (pictured: a fire ablaze on Thursday)

The spate of violence broke out after children were removed from a house in Harehills (pictured: a fiery blaze)

Firefighters douse a fire, set in the middle of Harehills Lane on Thursday night

That night a 2,000-strong mob ran amok, setting fires in several roads, fuelling them by dumping wood, fridges and wheelie bins on the flames.

The violence, much of which was filmed and live-streamed on TikTok, saw a double decker bus set on fire, while a police car was overturned and battered by rioters.

Video caught the moment a group of police officers appeared to run away from the crowds and firefighters refused to go into the area to deal with the blazes for fear of being attacked.

On Sunday police charged one man with violent disorder and arson in relation to the riots. He will appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court later today.

A number of other people have been arrested in connection with the riot.

The protests have continued in recent days as well, with the Roma community in Leeds taking to the streets to peacefully demand the children are returned to their family.

Police officers standing by a still smoking bus on Friday after the night of violence in Harehills

Local people watch the clean up as police patrol Harehills neighbourhood on July 19

Riots in the Hare Hill area of Leeds began Thursday night after social services in the city removed all four children from a family

Locals arguing with police in Harehills, Leeds, on Friday following Thursday's disturbances

The removal of the children from a home in Harehills has sparked concerns about underlying prejudice against Roma communities.

The ethnic minority group, who are widely subjected to discrimination and poverty across Europe, make up some 5,000 people in the area.

Video footage posted on social media shows hundreds of people singing and chanting on the streets in a seemingly peaceful demonstration on Saturday.

The singing was made louder using microphones as some members of the group held up signs reading 'please give back children'.

An increased police presence remains in place in the area and will do so over the coming days.

The family, who are members of the Romani community, have committed to going on a hunger strike until their children are returned to them.

Stefania Banu, a local community leader, speaking to the the Daily Mirror said: 'The mother and father are refusing to eat until they get their children back. We are fully supporting them.

'We believe it was an injustice that can be rectified by the authorities if they revise the case. Which they have promised to do.'
Independent Senator Joe Manchin is considering returning to the Democratic party and jumping in the presidential race now that President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek reelection.

The West Virginia Senator had previously been floated as a potential unity candidate during the primary season but declined to run.

At the end of May, Manchin left the Democratic party after decades in office as a Democrat and registered as an Independent.

But Manchin is now considering reversing course and re-registering as a Democrat to run for president, a source confirmed to DailyMail.com.

It comes after Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.

Harris then announced she was running for the Democratic presidential nomination. A number of prominent Democrats have already come out in support of Harris including Governors Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly, but it is not a done deal.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is reportedly considering re-registering as a Democrat to jump in the presidential race

Some Democratic officials immediately jumped to endorse her but others held off and called for the Democratic process to play itself out as delegates must officially select their nominee next month.

Earlier on Sunday, Manchin joined the growing chorus of elected officials calling on Biden to step aside.

'I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think its time to pass the torch to a new generation,' Manchin said in a series of Sunday show interviews.

He has long warned that he believes Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, but he had also expressed concerns over the president's health.

Manchin has long gone back and forth between being a thorn in Biden's side and an ally. He helped Democrats pass some of their biggest pieces of legislation under Biden over the past three years while extracting key demands that removed some components that had been top priorities for progressives.

Senator Joe Manchin came out and said on Sunday morning that he thought it was time for Biden to 'pass the torch' only hours before Biden announced he was exiting the race

President Biden announced he was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee on Sunday afternoon

Jumping in the Democratic race for president and challenging Biden's endorsed candidate would be one more needle in President Biden's side from the West Virginia moderate.

When Manchin exited the Democratic party less than two months ago, he said he was making the decision to 'stay true to myself and remain committed to put the country before party.'

Despite the party registration change, Manchin has continued to caucus with Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Manchin announced last fall that he would not seek reelection as the senator from West Virginia in the increasingly red state. It is expected the Senate seat will flip to red this fall with Republican Governor Jim Justice as the West Virginia Senate nominee.

Other Democrats who have been seen as potential replacements as the Democratic presidential nominee including Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Roy Cooper have all come out in support of Harris at the top of the ticket.
President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday paving the way for Democrats to choose a new presidential nominee. The president immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race, but she does not have it completely locked up yet.

Harris confirmed she will seek the Democratic presidential nomination soon after the president's bombshell announcement.

A growing number of Democratic leaders including some prominent lawmakers, governors and party heavyweights immediately moved to back the vice president in her bid for the White House.

She is looking to shore up support ahead of Democrats heading to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention next month. The convention kicks off August 19.

The Tennessee delegation unanimously decided it will back Harris, a source confirmed to DailyMail.com on Sunday.

The South Carolina, North Carolina and New Hampshire delegations also announced unanimous support of the vice president. Other delegations are expected to soon make decisions.

President Biden announced he is backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. Several other prominent Democrats have also backed her but she has not locked up the nomination yet

But some Democratic lawmakers have said they are waiting to see how the process plays out and have not moved to back Harris just yet. Former President Obama was among those who did not signal support as of Sunday.

Meanwhile, Senator Joe Manchin is considering re-registering in the Democratic party and running for the nomination.

The uncertainty after Biden's announcement just over 100 days before Election Day means Democrats could have a brokered convention for the first time in more than 70 years and opens the door to a wild and a potentially exhausting nominating process next month at the convention with voting until a nominee is chosen by a majority of eligible voting delegates.

A brokered convention is a presidential nominating convention where delegates fail to nominate a candidate on the first ballot. It means no candidate gets the votes of more than half of delegates in the first round.

Biden speaking nearly four years ago on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention in 2020 in Wilmington, DE

Once upon a time, brokered conventions happened regularly because the major parties did not hold primaries to award delegates the way they currently do.

It lead to a series of complex negotiations playing out among some party power brokers, typically federal and state leaders including party officials, lawmakers and governors.

The voting continues on a round of ballots until a candidate receives a majority of delegates.

The last time there was a brokered convention was in 1952.

Then Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson and Sen. John Sparkman at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1952, the last time there was a brokered convention

Stevenson secured the Democratic party nomination in 1952 on the third ballot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

In the end, Democrats were able to nominate Democrat Adlai Stevenson on the third ballot. Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower that year was just nine votes short on the first ballot, prompting some delegates to change their votes to make him the official nominee.

The longest brokered convention to date took place 100 years ago in 1924 when Democrats took sixteen days and 103 ballots to nominate diplomat John Davis. It took Franklin Delano Roosevelt four ballots to secure the 1932 Democratic nomination.

'We really don't have any standards or benchmarks or known procedures,' said Leonard Steinhorn, professor at American University, of what a brokered convention would look like in 2024. 'We're sort of walking a little bit in the wild right now,' he said.

While the terms brokered convention and contested convention are often used interchangeably, there is a key difference.

A contested convention is one where the one candidate has done well but not enough to guarantee nomination on the first ballot, so another candidate tries to convince delegates to abandon the frontrunner.

It has been more common in the modern era than a brokered convention, according to Elaine Kamarck from the Brookings Institute.

With Biden in the race, the convention is more of a public relations event for the party and president because the nominee is already determined, and in this current case well known incumbent president.

But if Biden were to exit the race before the convention, there is not a clear frontrunner, unless the president moves to pass the baton and makes an endorsement.

Political parties have largely tried to avoid both brokered and contested conventions because history shows candidates who need multiple ballots to be nominated are less likely to win the White House.

It is a pressing concern as Democrats ponder the best candidate to take on Trump this fall and is partially why a number of Democrats have already coalesced behind Harris and are trying to show unity.

Of the sixty Democratic and Republican nominating conventions from 1868 after the Civil War through 1984, eighteen candidates were nominated on multiple ballots according to Pew.

Of those, only seven were elected president, and among those, four were running against other nominees who also faced multiple ballots to receive the nomination.

The last time a Democrat vigorously argued for an open convention was late Senator Ted Kennedy in 1980. The senator challenged President Jimmy Carter for the nomination. Ultimately, delegates had to stay faithful based on their state results when voting. But Carter went on to lose the election that fall to Ronald Reagan.

Before that, Republican President Gerald Ford went into the 1976 convention with a clear majority of delegates but not a necessary number to lock up the nomination leading to a serious challenge from then-Governor Reagan. He ended up winning on the first ballot but went on to lose the election to Carter.

'You want a party united behind the person who seems to be the popular choice of the members of that party, of the voters,' Steinhorn noted.

Determining the candidate at the convention would force the party and campaign to scramble to introduce the nominee to the public, raise money and hit the campaign trail before Election Day.

Former President Donald Trump and wife Melania with his running mate J.D. Vance and wife Usha at the Republican National Convention on July 18

What could benefit Democrats if they were to face a brokered convention in 2024 is whoever their nominee is, the opponent is Trump.

'This is going to be an unusual year because Donald Trump has very, very high negatives,' said Steinhorn.

While Democrats would be playing catchup for November in their messaging and ground game, there could be a key difference.

'Because Donald Trump is so singularly unpopular as the opposing party nominee, it potentially does give the Democratic Party is small advantage,' he added.
Botanists have chosen to rename hundreds of species  including common plants  because they have 'racist' or offensive connotations.

They say that the names of more than 200 plants, fungi and algae should be changed because they contain the word 'caffra'  derived from the term 'kaffir'.

Kaffir is considered an ethnic slur that has been used to denigrate Black people in South Africa.

Changes to the plant names were voted on at the International Botanical Congress in Madrid yesterday.

Plants such as the coast coral tree will, by the end of this month, be formally called Erythrina affra, instead of Erythrina caffra.

Plants such as the coast coral tree will, by the end of this month, be formally called Erythrina affra, instead of Erythrina caffra - because 'caffra' is derived from the term 'kaffir', which is a derogatory term used against black people in South Africa

Botanists have also renamed the gifbossie flower from Gnidia caffra to Gnidia affra

In another example, the gifbossie flower will be renamed from Gnidia caffra to Gnidia affra.

Gideon Smith, a plant taxonomist at Nelson Mandela University, proposed the changes alongside a colleague, Professor Estrela Figueiredo.

Professor Smith said: 'We throughout had faith in the process and the majority global support of our colleagues, even though the outcome of the vote was always going to be close.'

Their proposal takes species names based on the word caffra and its derivatives and replaces them with derivatives of 'afr'.

The measure passed in a secret ballot, with 351 votes in favour against 205 opposed.

Alina Freire-Fierro, a botanist at the Technical University of Cotopaxi in Ecuador, said it was good that the 'caffra' amendment was passed, because of the offence it causes.

But its passage could open the door for other similar changes.

She added: 'This could potentially cause a lot of confusion and problems to users in many fields aside from botany.

Gideon Smith, a plant taxonomist at Nelson Mandela University (pictured), proposed the changes alongside a colleague, Professor Estrela Figueiredo

A second change to the rules for naming plants that aimed to address problematic names, such as those recognising people who profited from the transatlantic slave trade, was also passed by the International Botanical Congress.

Under the change, a new committee will be set up to consider controversial names  but it will only consider objections to new plant scientific names that have been published after January 1, 2026.
Two Australian comedy legends have been left stunned after claiming a bank refused to help track down their stolen money as it would invade customer privacy.

Victorian couple Rod Quantock and Mary Kenneally say their cry for help was turned down by HSBC late last year.

Mr Quantock had a day earlier received a call from someone claiming to be from his financial institution, Bendigo Bank, The Age reported.

He was told by the fraudster the couple's account had been hacked and he needed to transfer funds into another account that been created to stop the scam.

Still recovering from the effects of anaesthetic used during a recent cardiac procedure, Mr Quantock transferred $30,000.

Sensing something was not right, he contacted his local Bendigo Bank branch.

He was told the person he had spoken to was a fraudster and their money had been sent to an HSBC account.

I could hear Rod in the back room talking to someone on the phone... for a long time,' Ms Kenneally said.

Comedy legends Rod Quantock (pictured) and his wife Mary Kenneally were victims of a scam involving HSBC

An HSBC Australia Scam Victims Facebook page has been created where customers post their experiences and offer advice

'Rod sounded very serious. A little bit alarming.'

Mr Quantock and Ms Keneally, who both live on the aged pension, said HSBC were able to restrict the account their money had been transferred into after being alerted by Bendigo Bank.

Less than $3,000 of the $30,000 could be retrieved.

The next day, Ms Kenneally contacted HSBC to track down their funds.

'They refused to do anything as they could not "invade their customers privacy,"' she said.

Mr Quantock and Ms Kenneally claimed following the media attention, they were promised they would be fully compensated for their loss.

Ms Kenneally said they have simple questions that haven't been answered by their bank.

'Why couldnt our bank reverse the transaction? Or put a time delay on unusual payments?' she said.

Ms Kenneally said they weren't offered any advice on what to do and added the banks 'don't seem to care at all'.

Mary Kenneally (pictured left) and Rod Quantock worked together on the 80's sketch comedy series Australia You're Standing In It

An HSBC spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia protecting customers 'from criminals is critical'.

'While there is always more work to be done when combating scammers, HSBC together with the industry has been doing everything it can to protect customers,' she said.

Mr Quantock and Ms Kenneally are a prominent couple in Australian comedy, best known for their work in live theatre and television, and worked together on the 80's sketch comedy series Australia You're Standing In It.
After fiercely supporting President Joe Biden's reelection bid, Progressive 'Squad' leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broken her silence, throwing her full support behind VP Kamala Harris.

President Biden's shocking announcement Sunday seemed to tee up Harris to neatly assume the campaign he left behind. Biden even endorsed her to take the Democratic presidential nomination.

Harris, who had one of the most progressive records during her time in the Senate, has been lauded and endorsed by AOC's Squad allies like Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Cori Bush, D-Mo.

AOC, who just last Thursday went to bat for Biden during a late night Instagram livestream decrying the 'enormous peril' posed by replacing the president atop the ticket, walked that back and pledged her full support for Harris after Joe jumped out of the 2024 race this afternoon.

Just two weeks ago, after the disastrous CNN debate rattled Joe Biden's campaign, Ocasio-Cortez threw her complete support behind the president, saying it 'he is our nominee' and that 'the matter is closed'

'Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States,' the New York Democrat wrote on X Sunday night.

'I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November.'

'Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. Lets get to work.'

The 34-year-old congresswoman took to Instagram - one of her favorite tools to reach her massive devoted and following - and for an hour just last Thursday to describe the 'perils' of Biden dropping out on Thursday.

'People need to understand the reality and the gravity of what these people are proposing,' she said.

'I'm not saying this is all a reason not to do it, but I do think people are talking about this without having two eyes wide open as to what this really means.'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pledged her 'full support' to Vice President Kamala Harris

Then she raised the alarm: 'I have not seen an alternative scenario that I feel will not set us up for enormous peril.'

Also in the monologue, AOC warned that the Democrats are far from unified behind the vice president.

'I'm just going to say it. If you think that there is consensus among the people who want Joe Biden to leave that Kamala, that they will support Kamala, Vice President Harris, you would be mistaken,' Ocasio-Cortez said on the stream.

'I'm in these rooms. I see what they say in conversations, Ocasio-Cortez said. 'They are interested in removing the whole ticket.'

She called out a 'lack of thought' from Democratic leadership who did not want Biden to run but did not have a fool-proof alternate plan.

The congresswoman said that former President Trump is 'also very old, and a racist, and a neo-Nazi.'

U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) hold hands at an event to commemorate Earth Day during a visit to Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, U.S., April 22, 2024

Ocasio-Cortez has served as a surrogate on the Biden campaign

Now, her tune has changed and she and her fellow Squad members are lining up behind the former progressive senator.

Harris has also been endorsed by other notable Democrats like the Clintons and California Gov. Gavin Newsom - who has been thought to be in contention for the nomination.
A pram carrying twin two-year-old girls rolled into the path of an oncoming train in Sydney on Sunday, police said, in an accident that killed one of the children and the 'heroic' father who dashed to their rescue.

One of the little girls survived only 'through good luck' after she landed between the rails when the pram fell off a platform at southern Sydney's Carlton railway station, police said.

She was 'largely untouched' by the train that apparently passed above her on its way to central Sydney in the early afternoon, police said.

The parents had taken a lift down to the station platform and as they exited, they took 'their hands off the pram for a very, very short period of time', New South Wales police superintendent Paul Dunstan said.

'Whether it's a gust of wind or - we're not quite sure - but it appears that the pram has instantly started to roll in the direction of the train lines,' he told a news conference.

A pram carrying twin two-year-old girls rolled into the path of an oncoming train in Sydney on Sunday

One of the little girls survived only 'through good luck' after she landed between the rails when the pram fell off a platform at southern Sydney's Carlton railway station

Police and emergency services arrived within a few minutes of being alerted and were able to see the pram under the train, which had slowed on approach but was not scheduled to stop at the station.

'You could hear crying coming from underneath the train,' the police superintendent said.

Though one of the children was unharmed, the other girl and her 40-year-old father had been killed.

The father had 'just gone into parent mode' and tried to save his daughters, Dunstan said.

'In doing so it's cost him his life, but it's an incredibly brave and heroic act by the dad.'

Police and emergency services arrived within a few minutes of being alerted and were able to see the pram under the train

Though one of the children was unharmed, the other girl and her 40-year-old father had been killed

The mother and her surviving daughter were taken to the local St. George Hospital, and were said to be in a stable condition.

The 39-year-old mother was 'in a state of shock and struggling with what's happened' while being supported by family and friends in their local Indian community, Dunstan said.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the local community would be pained by the accident.

'I hope over time they can gain some small solace knowing that the father died from an extraordinary, instinctive act of bravery,' Minns said.

'In the face of a terrible, terrible accident, he gave his own life to try and save his children.'
An Australian city has been ranked the 18th most dangerous city in the world, with an equal crime and lack-of-safety rating as Mexico's murder capital, Tijuana.

In a shameful milestone, Alice Springs has been ranked the first Australian city to make the top 20 of the twice-yearly Crime Index by City ranked by Numbeo.

Topping the 2024 Mid-Year Index are the crime-infested South African cities of Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria.

They are followed by the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby.

Three other South African cities - Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth - come next, followed by the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

Another South African city, Cape Town, is 17th and next is Alice Springs, the iconic Outback town which was catapulted into this infamous list by years of lawlessness with gangs of children roaming the streets committing crimes.

Although it is the second year that the town has made the top 20, just two years ago it didn't even rank in the top 450 most crime-ridden cities.

The worst in Australia in 2022 was the NSW Central Coast town of Gosford (58th) and Cairns (72nd).

In January 2023 the 16-year-old son of an Alice Springs hospitality worker was set upon by youths and hit with an axe in his face, stomach, and legs

A stolen car is set alight on a street in Alice Springs after gangs of youths were seen roaming around affected by alcohol

In the latest index, Alice Springs has made the top 20 by scoring a crime index of 72.1 and a safety index of 27.9.

The safest city among the 311 listed in the mid-year rankings is Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates which scores 11.8 for crime and 88.2 for safety.

Two other UAE cities - Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah - are among the most safe and least crime ridden.

Australia has eight cities on the list. Canberra is the most safe at 26.4 for crime and 73.6 for safety, the same as the Chinese cities of Shenzen and Beijing.

The Gold Coast is the second most dangerous Australian city, ranking 139th in the world with middling scores for crime at 46.9 and a 53.1 for safety.

This is followed by Melbourne (163rd), Perth (175th), Brisbane (208th), Sydney (219th) and Adelaide (229th).

Auckland, New Zealand (122nd) is more dangerous than any Australian city bar Alice Springs, and is followed by Christchurch (156th) and Wellington (223rd).

The wave of violence which turned Alice Springs into an unsafe outpost has been blamed on the Albanese Government's decision to lift bans on alcohol two years ago.

Problems were 'immediate' when the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Act ceased on July 17, 2022, meaning alcohol was available for the first time in many of the Territory's Indigenous town camps for the first time since 2007.

Alice Springs has made the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world for the 2nd year, but just two years ago did not even feature in the top 450 worst places

Kids began drinking alcohol, 'sometimes in the form of hand sanitiser diluted in soft drinks, or consuming deodorant, petrol or glue', and using weapons such as machetes and axes.

As a result, the city's crime rate soared, with gangs of up to 200 children roaming the streets at night, committing crimes such as breaking into homes and stealing cars.

Residents complained they were living in fear and forced to hide indoors as children as young as five run riot on the streets.

HOW YOUR CITY RATES FOR CRIME & SAFETY Alice Springs: Ranked 18th most dangerous, Crime rate 72.1. Safety rate 27.9 Gold Coast: 139th. Crime, 46.9. Safety, 53.1 Melbourne: 163rd. Crime 43.7. Safety 56.3 Perth: 175th Crime 41.7. Safety 58.3 Brisbane: 208th. Crime 36.7. Safety 63.3 Sydney: 219th. Crime 34.1. Safety 65.9 Adelaide: 229th. Crime 32.3. Safety 67.7 Advertisement

Videos and images posted on local bakery owner Darren Clark's Action For Alice Facebook page - which charts the lawless behaviour to back before the lifting of the alcohol - went on to make world news.

Mr Clarke's latest posts from the most recent weekend of violence show things have not really changed, despite the Northern Territory police commissioner Michael Murphy's promise to install an Alice Springs Territory Safety Division to return law and order.

Operated by Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin with 18 highly trained officers, the division was to have 'targeted responsibilities of youth crime, high visibility policing and rapid response to public order situations.'

Last weekend, three hooded and masked males wielding machetes broke into a home at 3.30am occupied by a mother and her four children, aged three to 14, according to Action for Alice.

The alleged offenders, aged 18 to 30, held a machete to the eight-year-old boy to keep him quiet, and a machete to the throat of the mother as they demanded alcohol.

The 14-year-old protected the three-year-old as the mother begged for her childrens safety, with a six-year-old sleeping through the ordeal.

The intruders got their alcohol and left. Mr Clark said things had deteriorated since the end of a violence- controlling youth curfew in April.

His face disguised, a youth prepares to hurl himself at the metal roller door of a bottle shop in order to take alcohol, a commodity still causing break-ins as recently as last weekend

The youth smashes his feet into the booze outlet door

His site recorded the fact that car windows were smashed at the Mercure resort last week, and on Saturday night windows were smashed as offenders tried to get into the rooms.

Just two weeks ago a gang of 20 youths attacked police officers, sparking calls for a snap 72 hour lockdown.

Mr Clark posted on Sunday: 'Another machete home invasion. Totally out of control. We are under attack. Where is the police commissioner now?

'Where is the Territory Safety Division that you all bragged about? Does it even exist?'
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.
Henley is known for its Royal Regatta which sees elite rowers from around the world take to the water and race to victory.

But yesterday crowds gathered to watch a different type of boat take to the River Thames.

A fleet of amphibious vehicles entered the Oxfordshire water as part of the annual Traditional Boat Festival.

As they work on both land and water, the amphibious vehicles stunned audiences by launching into the river.

One army green car in the water had an extra special crew member - a dog.

An army green amphibious vehicle makes its way down the River Thames with a dog onboard

A 4WD Dutton Surf amphibious car moves through the water with its driver wearing a classy striped blazer at the wheel

The Traditional Boat Festival took place in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

The event dates back to the 1970s when a group of boat owners were concerned about the demise of unpowered craft 'seen neglected and rotting along the River Thames'.

Awards for vintage and classic, as well as military and amphibious were introduced - and are still keenly fought for.

Nowadays the event also includes a dog show and an air display team.

Some of the earliest known amphibious vehicles date back to the 18th century.

But the unique mode of transport was further developed during World War II.

One of the most significant amphibious cars to come out of the war was the landing vehicle tracked, or the LVT - a tractor developed for the US Marine Corps.

The LVT began its operational life as little more than a floating truck, according to Britannica.

Crowds watch on in awe as the blue amphibious vehicle effortlessly drives onto land after sailing down the river as part of the Traditional Boat Festival

A couple sit in the back of their amphibious car as they make their way down the Thames

The driver (or captain) expertly manoeuvers the motor as the car heads under a bridge

Two more amphibious vehicles race down the river as passers-by watch from the banks

A couple race through the water in their vintage red amphibious car decorated with a British flag

A man sits behind the wheel of his amphibious vehicle. A rubber duck dressed as a sailor sits on his dashboard

The amphibious vehicles on display at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival were slightly more advanced.

One man drove (or captained) a Dutton Surf - capable of reaching a top speed of five knots on the water.
Calls are mounting for Sir Keir Starmer to grant Ukraine's request to fire Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

Former Tory MP Bob Seely, who has been sanctioned by Russia for his criticism of Vladimir Putin, urged Labour to give the go-ahead.

Sir Keir rebuffed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's request last week to fire Storm Shadow missiles deeper into Russian territory.

Mr Zelensky had urged the Prime Minister to 'show your leadership' by removing limits on how the long-range missiles can be used when he addressed the Cabinet on Friday.

It is understood that the UK and other allies allow Ukraine to fire long-range missiles defensively at targets on Russian soil near the border but not offensively or deep into Russian territory.

Calls are mounting for Sir Keir Starmer to grant Ukraine's request to fire Storm Shadow missiles into Russia. Pictured: Starmer and Zelensky shake hands during a meeting at 10 Downing Street on July 19

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting via videoconference on July 19

Former Tory MP Bob Seely (pictured), who has been sanctioned by Russia for his criticism of Vladimir Putin , urged Labour to give the go-ahead

Mr Seely, a former soldier, said yesterday: 'I don't quite know the difference between offensive and defensive targets.

'It's rubbish language  you either fire missiles inside a country or you don't,' he told the Mail.

'No one is talking about Ukraine invading Russia so this manipulation of language means nothing. Ukraine is hitting justified targets.'

Mr Seely also said that the Government should authorise use of the missiles against bases involved in Russian drone attacks.

He said: 'If there is a military location which is being used to wage war in Ukraine, that is a viable target.'

Meanwhile, former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: 'Let's not tie Ukraine's hands with caveats placed on British, French and American long-range cruise missile systems that could be pivotal in crippling the Russian war effort in Ukraine.'

Mr Ellwood said it was important that the missiles are used responsibly on legitimate targets but added: 'For too long we've been spooked by Putin's threatening rhetoric.

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood (pictured) said: 'Let's not tie Ukraine's hands with caveats placed on British, French and American long-range cruise missile systems that could be pivotal in crippling the Russian war effort in Ukraine'

Zelensky became the first foreign leader to attend a meeting of the British Cabinet in person since 1997 last Friday

'As with all dictators, he respects strength and exploits weakness. It's time to rekindle our Cold War state craft and stand firm behind Ukraine.'

It came after former prime minister Boris Johnson said in his Daily Mail column on Saturday: 'Over the past two years we have continually willed the Ukrainians the end  victory  without willing them the means.'

Mr Zelensky became the first foreign leader to attend a meeting of the British Cabinet in person since 1997 last Friday. The Ukrainian president urged the British Government to help with Kyiv's 'long-range capability'.

But following Cabinet and a one-on-one meeting between Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky, Downing Street said there was 'no change to our position' on weapons.

A No10 spokesman said: 'We have been providing military aid to support Ukraine's clear right to self-defence against Russia's illegal acts in accordance with international humanitarian law. Equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine.'
Princess Anne has met a student who is hoping to become the youngest person and first woman to row unsupported from Europe to South America.

The Princess Royal met Zara Lachlan at a military parade at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College in Leicestershire.

Ms Lachlan, 21, from Cambridge, will attempt to row by herself from Portugal to French Guiana in October, facing the dangers of orcas, sharks and pirates while raising money for Women in Sport, a charity aiming to address gender inequality in sport.

The physics student at Loughborough University said she has 'never seen an ocean rowing boat before' and admits she is 'terrified' of the challenge ahead but hopes to inspire others to try things they are afraid of.

Ms Lachlan said: 'There will be orcas for the first couple of weeks when I'm coming off Portugal.

The Princess Royal met Zara Lachlan at a military parade at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College in Leicestershire

Ms Lachlan (front) has been rowing since the age of 16 and learnt to sail in yachts and dinghy boats last year, but said she does not 'have much experience on the open water'

'There's a pod of orcas down there that sink boats, so I'll be avoiding them, and then sharks when I get into South America.

'I expect 20 to 30ft waves during my crossing and pirates in the middle.'

Ms Lachlan has been rowing since the age of 16 and learnt to sail in yachts and dinghy boats last year, but said she does not 'have much experience on the open water'.

She hopes to break three world records for youngest person and first woman to row solo and unsupported from Europe to South America and the youngest female to row from any mainland to mainland across the Atlantic solo.

Her reason for taking on the record attempt is to encourage more women to take up sport and physical activity after her friends expressed feeling scared going to the gym alone.

'I didn't realise the amount of women that didn't do sport and fitness because they didn't want to start because they were nervous or scared and they didn't want to go to a gym, not know anyone and not know how to use the equipment,' she explained.

She said that when she moved to Dublin 'all of the universities get free access to gyms, but all of my friends which are girls had never gone'.

'After I told them about (the challenge), we started working out together and started the process of being active, so now they still go even though I'm not there, which is really nice,' she added.

Ms Lachlan will be raising money for Women in Sport which she said is a charity that 'encourages people to learn about their bodies'.

She added: 'The biggest drop-offs that women have in activities is when they go through puberty and menopause, when your body changes a lot and you're lacking in confidence.

'They run women-only things and teach you how to do whatever it is that you want to do in a safe place where you're not going to get looked at by anyone.'

Ms Lachlan with Princess Anne. The physics student at Loughborough University said she has 'never seen an ocean rowing boat before' and admits she is 'terrified' of the challenge ahead but hopes to inspire others to try things they are afraid of

Ms Lachlan, who hopes to become a technical officer in the British Army next year, will row for 15 hours a day over a three-month period and said fatigue will be difficult during the challenge.

'It's three months of being tired physically and mentally and I'll be alone. It will be the first time ever that I've been alone for three months,' she said.

'But I think every person I've spoken to that's done a similar row or challenge by themselves said they found something new about themselves and it changed their life.'

The university student said her friends and family have described her as 'mad' for taking on the 'horrible' challenge.

'When I told my mother she cried. I'm the youngest of her children so she was nervous like any parent would be. She's scared but still very supportive,' she said.

'Everyone has said kind things about it but are mainly just confused.'

Despite her fears, she plans to take on the challenge with a 'positive' mindset.

'Everything I can control I'm going to be fine in. I'm going to have absolute faith in my boat,' she said.

'But there's not really any point worrying about it. I'm not going to talk to the orcas and say 'don't break my boat please' so I'm just going to go into it with a positive mental attitude.

'Do things that you're scared of. I'm terrified to do it, but I'm really looking forward to it.

'I'm doing something that terrifies me, so if I can do this then you can go to the gym.'
A bitter legal battle is primed to erupt between a local council and an architect firm over the beleaguered redevelopment of one of Australia's most famous pools.

North Sydney Council on Monday will consider legal action against Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA) after a series of budget and timeframe blowouts to renovate the historic North Sydney Olympic Pool.

Nestled between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, the pool was closed in February 2021 for upgrades costing $58million and was due to be finished in late 2022.

North Sydney Council now expects the project to be completed in early 2025 at the earliest while the costs have ballooned to an eye-watering $89.1million.

The renovation now hinges on the steel roof frame above the 25-metre indoor pool which was delayed yet again after 'significant' design and construction problems saw it torn down in November.

The executive summary of a confidential report produced to the council revealed the council had entered into a dispute resolution process over the roof's delay and cost.

It had been sparked by the contracted builder disagreeing with the project superintendent's assessment of BHA's project variation in June.

However, both parties were unable to reach a middle ground and the council now has the right to escalate the issue to court.

'Council can now commence proceedings against BHA if it wishes to press its claims,' the executive summary reads.

North Sydney Council could soon take up legal proceedings against architects over delays and budget blowouts on a renovation project of the historic North Sydney Olympic Pool (pictured)

Mayor Zoe Baker said the council meeting will detail the potential matter to be introduced in a claim and instruct the chief executive to take legal action.

'I can't anticipate what the vote will be,' Ms Baker told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'From my personal perspective, this is part of the council's commitment to transparency about the project, and management of the project.'

She added that it was the council's 'obligation' to explore its legal options in order to protect the interests of ratepayers.

The details of the dispute have been kept confidential and will be heard behind closed doors as it deals with a 'trade secret'.

The executive summary also revealed the firm had requested nine new variations to the project's finish date and budget since the last meeting in June.

During that same time period, the building contractor had sent the council a number of Requests for Information (RFI) related to 'latent conditions, design, and contractual issues'.

'A total of 39 RFls have been submitted since the last report to Council, taking the total of RFls received on the project to 1,419,' the summary reads.

The project has been delayed by over two-years and cost the council more than $89million, which could balloon to up to $110million by completion (pictured, construction on the pool)

It followed requests for an extra $1.8million from the council between March and June.

Among those costs included more than $138,000 for 'remedial works' to a brick wall and above $226,000 for a 'new electronic substation'.

While the 'practical completion' of the project is expected to occur early next year, the council said it would need two to three months to make it operational.

The project has been tipped to blow past $100million by its completion, with prior budget expansions forcing the council to take out a $20million loan.

Mayor Baker said in February that the loan would push the project to between $105-110million, almost double the originally agreed upon cost.

Daily Mail Australia contacted North Sydney Council and Brewster Hjorth Architects for comment.
President Joe Biden's youngest brother said Sunday that he believed the 81-year-old was bowing out of the race due to health concerns.

Frank Biden made comments to both CBS and ABC News, telling CBS 'in my humble opinion absolutely' the president's health was part of Biden's decision to announce that he wouldn't run for reelection - endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the process.

'Selfishly, I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we has left,' Frank Biden told CBS.

He also told ABC News that the decision 'boils down' to Biden's 'overall health and vitality' but also 'beating this genuine threat to our nation in the form of Donald Trump.'

But a Biden family source poured very hot water on Frank's claims. 'Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn't spoken to his brother in weeks,' the source told CBS. 'What he said ... is completely untrue.'

Frank Biden, the president's youngest brother, said he believed Biden bowed out of the race due to health concerns

Biden is also said to not have made his decision based on his health or age, despite showing signs of cognitive decline.

He was in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, battling COVID when he and his closest aides composed the letter announcing he would step aside.

Frank Biden has caused tension with the rest of the family for using the president's name when discussing his business.

On his brother's inauguration day in 2021, he touted his relationship with the new White House occupant in an advertisement for a law firm where he worked as an advisor.

The back-and-forth with Frank came after Hunter Biden put out a statement where he praised his father for being able to 'absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans' after he withdrew from the presidential race.'

The 54-year-old first son was spotted near his home in Los Angeles over the weekend before his dad made the extraordinary decision to step aside and endorse Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump in the November general election.

'That unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent. He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,' Hunter said in a statement on Sunday night.

'He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years.

'I'm so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all American to join me tonight in doing the same.

Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad.'

Biden's move throws the presidential race into chaos, but leaves time for Democrats to get their house in order before their August convention.

Hunter and his father speak on the phone, and in the weeks since the disastrous debate he has been seen in meetings in the White House and with the president's inner circle.

Joe Biden has supported his troubled son through his many battles, including his addiction to crack cocaine and the trial where he was found guilty of three federal gun charges - for which the president has vowed not to pardon him.

Frank Biden has caused tension with the rest of the family for using the president's name when discussing his business

He joined the rest of Biden's family who immediately showed their support for him after he made the stunning announcement he was dropping his re-election bid.

Jill Biden sent him her love, retweeting his letter with two red hearts.

Naomi Biden, the Bidens' eldest granddaughter, wrote a long post on X, where she said she was 'proud' of her 'pop,' which is what the grandchildren call President Biden.

Biden, 81, who is suffering from COVID, is at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his wife Jill. They have been holed up there with his closest advisers and they pondered their political future.

He had been under tremendous pressure from people in his party to step down after his terrible debate performance against Donald Trump.

'While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,' he wrote in a letter to the American people.

'Selfishly, I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we has left,' Frank Biden told said. He is pictured with partner Mindy Ward at the White House state dinner with South Korea in April 2023

A Biden family source poured very hot water on Frank's claims. 'Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn't spoken to his brother in weeks

The 54-year-old first son was spotted near his home in Los Angeles over the weekend before his dad made the extraordinary decision to step aside and endorse Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump in the November general election

His family, who was an influential factor in his decision, stood by him.

'Im nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction. Not only has he beenand will continue to bethe most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nations history,' Naomi Biden wrote on X.

'He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years. Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him. To the Americans who have always had his back, keep the faith. He will always have ours.'

Hunter and his father speak on the phone, and in the weeks since the disastrous debate he has been seen in meetings in the White House and with the president's inner circle

Joe Biden has supported his troubled son (pictured with wife Melissa Cohen) through his many battles, including his addiction to crack cocaine and the trial where he was found guilty of three federal gun charges - for which the president has vowed not to pardon him

Hunter Biden attends a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on July 3

The first son and his father are pictured on the tarmac at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, hours after Hunter was found guilty at his federal gun trial

Joe Biden endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the nominee.

The Democrats will nominate their candidate at their convention next month.

The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off August 19 through 22 in Chicago where Biden had been set to formally accept the nomination having received 3,896 delegates during the primaries.

Because Biden exited the race before officially becoming the nominee - the more than 3,900 pledged delegates get to cast their ballots in an open convention for whichever candidate they want. They may line up behind Harris, who, because of federal law, is the only candidate that can use the money Biden has raised for the 2024 race. The delegates will hold a vote on the convention floor.

If a candidate wins the majority of pledged delegates on the first ballot, they become the party nominee.

If no candidate gets a majority, then the so-called nearly 740 superdelegates, also known as automatic delegates, get to vote as well. They include a mix of party members and elected officials.

Voting continues until a candidate gets a majority of delegates.
Early signs suggest that Kamala Harris has work to do in a massive swing state to keep it from falling into Donald Trump's hands after Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Harris has 107 days to build a campaign around herself to beat Trump after Biden endorsed her Sunday, making the ex-California Senator and Attorney General the presumptive nominee.

While she has the backing of Biden and already many of her would-be challengers to the nomination, she also has to find a way to hang on to the several purple states Biden flipped in 2020 to win the race.

One of those states, Georgia, now poses a problem for Harris, as a poll taken just prior to Biden dropping out shows her trailing.

In a poll conducted from July 9-18 surveying 1,000 Georgians, Trump leads Harris by a 51-46 count.

Early signs suggest that Kamala Harris has work to do in a massive swing state to keep it from falling into Donald Trump 's hands after Joe Biden dropped out of the race

One percent of those surveyed said they would vote for a third-party candidate, while another two percent are undecided.

While that is a poor result for Harris, one thing to hang her hat on is that she polled better than her boss with the same voters.

In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll, Trump is leading Biden by a count of 48 to 45.

While Biden trails Trump by fewer points, Harris starts at a better number and comes out of the poll with a few other positives.

Harris polls higher than Biden among both registered Democrats - 92 percent vs. 86 percent - and black voters - 91 percent to 82 percent - both key demographics for the party.

However, she begins underwater in terms of favorability, with 42 percent of those polled saying they view her positively and 53 percent having an unfavorable view of Harris.

In the same polling, Biden's favorability was at 41 percent vs. 57 percent who view her unfavorably.

She also has work to do with independents, where she trails Trump by a potentially fatal 11 points.

In a poll conducted from July 9-18 surveying 1,000 Georgians, Trump leads Harris by a 51-46 count

Harris has 107 days to build a campaign around herself to beat Trump after Biden endorsed her Sunday, making the ex-California Senator and Attorney General the presumptive nominee

Biden defeated Trump by just 11,779 votes in 2020 and is the subject of one of the many lawsuits Trump faces over election interference.

Before that, the last Democrat to win the presidential race in the Peach State was Bill Clinton in 1992.

The state remains a toss-up electorally, as the GOP still holds the governor's mansion while Democrats now own both Senate seats.

Trump has said already that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden.

At his first rally after being shot, Trump already tried out a new nickname for her as he saw the writing on the wall for Harris taking over the Democrats' campaign.

'From the moment we take back the White House from crooked Joe Biden and Kamala... I call her laughing Kamala. You ever watch her? She's crazy,' Trump said at his rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday.

He added: 'You can tell a lot by laughter she's crazy. She's nuts. She's not as crazy as Nancy [Pelosi].'

The former president also took to his Truth Social account on Sunday afternoon to respond to the news that he will no longer face Biden in November.

The state remains a toss-up electorally, as the GOP still holds the governor's mansion while Democrats now own both Senate seats courtesy of wins by Jon Ossoff (pictured left) and Raphael Warnock (pictured center)

Trump has said already that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden

'Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement,' he wrote. 'All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn't capable of being President, and he wasn't.'

Trump concluded: 'We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly.'

Biden was not yet the Democratic Party's official nominee and there is still a short time to replace him before the Democratic National Convention next month and avoid an open convention.

The party's nomination event falls August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. It now appears that Harris will be at the top of the Democratic ticket by the end of that week after primary voters cast their ballots for Biden to be the nominee.

Harris was initially furious over reports she was not being considered for the spot  but it soon became clear to Democrats she was the best option to replace Biden.

Now kicks off the veepstakes for the current VP to choose her No. 2. Among the short list could be the likes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, both previously floated as potential replacements for Biden if he would drop out.

A local NBC affiliate in Sacramento, California reported on Sunday that Newsom has abruptly canceled his appearance at the U.S. Ninth Circuit judicial conference scheduled for Monday without any reason given.

Trump was among those that speculated former First Lady Michelle Obama would jump in the race and lead the 2024 Democratic ticket. She so far has polled best out of any other potential Biden replacements.

But Biden made it clear that he is backing his VP for the 2024 race.

'My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,' the President wrote on X. 'And it's been the best decision I've made.'

He added: 'Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this. '
Jacinta Allan's government has been slammed for encouraging biological males who identify as females to participate in a women's pain inquiry.

'Anyone who identifies as a woman' has been urged to take part in the tax-payer funded investigation that is looking into women's issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause.

The Department of Health website asked for individuals, clinicians, and organisations to share their experiences and knowledge on womens and girls' pain, care, service and treatment in the state's health system.

'The inquiry will report on these experiences and make recommendations that will form the basis for improved patient care,' the page read.

Women's advocates said asking those who 'may have a different sex at birth' to make a written submission is 'absurd' and 'making a mockery of women's pain'.

Women's Forum Australia chief executive Rachael Wong said women are 'understandably angry' by the move to include biological men.

'It is physiologically impossible for men to experience female health conditions or the pain that comes with them,' she told the Herald Sun.

A well-known Victorian surgeon criticised the initiative, saying 'gender affirming care was creating havoc in health care' and that biology needs to be put before identity.

Jacinta Allan's government has been slammed for encouraging biological males to participate in a women's pain inquiry

The doctor explained that medical professionals who criticise the system can face disciplinary action or even deregistration.

Ms Allan launched the Inquiry into Women's Pain in January - with the investigation part of a $153million women's health transformation project.

'Many women in our community know that there is a gendered pain gap,' she said at the time.

'They know that their pain is real and they also know that for too long, that pain hasn't both been believed and received the treatment it needs and deserves through our health system.

'That is why the government is placing a significant amount of attention and resources on this issue, because when we support women's health, we support the health of all Victorians.'

The decision to incorporate transgender individuals into the inquiry followed public criticism of the government for perceived exclusivity in its Women's Health Survey last year.

Approximately 200,000 women in Victoria suffer from endometriosis

A Victorian government spokesman said they will ensure each submission and recommendations is taken seriously.

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but said the inquiry needs to 'stick to the issue it is supposedly inquiring into'.

According to the Victorian government, approximately 200,000 women state-wide suffer from endometriosis, and on average it takes seven years to receive a diagnosis.

Around 40 per cent of Victorian women live with chronic pain and one third are affected by debilitating menopause symptoms.

Submissions close on July 31.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the Victorian government for comment.
A woman charged with murder after she allegedly 'deliberately' ran down and killed a woman she knew will remain behind bars as her case proceeds through the courts.

Queensland Police charged Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant, 24, with murder after she allegedly struck 23-year-old Kiesha Thompson while driving a silver Toyota Prado about 9am on Friday.

Police will allege Ms Thompson was struck while she was walking on a footpath on Allamanda Drive in the Logan suburb of Daisy Hill, 24km south of Brisbane.

Ms Thompson was rushed to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition but died in hospital hours later.

Police will allege the two women knew each other.

Ms Thompson had just dropped her daughter off at daycare moments before the incident when Ms Sant allegedly drove at and struck the young mother.

Ms Sant then allegedly fled the scene.

The Goodna woman had her matter briefly mentioned for the first time in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police at the scene of a fatal hit and run in Daisy Hill

Her solicitor, Thomas Allen, told the court the matter needed to be adjourned to Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

The police prosecutor consented to the matter being adjourned to another jurisdiction.

Ms Sant was remanded into custody and will appear via video link on July 31.

She made no application for bail.

In Queensland, a person charged with murder can only make a bail application in the Supreme Court.

Outside court, Mr Allen told media he had 'no comment'.

'We will allege that event was not in fact an accident and that lady who lost her life was in fact targeted by another individual,' Detective Inspector Chris Knight told media on Sunday.

Police are calling for the driver and passengers to come forward following an unrelated fatal crash

'The young lady who lost her life was a mother, she had dropped her daughter off at daycare.

'It is a gross understatement to say anything other than that family is deeply traumatised.'

Ms Sant was arrested in Ipswich after officers seized a silver Prado on Saturday.

Police are also continuing their appeal for witnesses to come forward, in particular the driver of a bus and its passengers on Allamanda Drive on Friday.
A distraught mother who watched her husband and two-year-old daughter die when they were struck by a train could face deportation in coming days.

Anand Runwal, 40, and his wife Poonam, 39, were on a family outing with their twin daughters when the girls' pram rolled onto train tracks at Carlton Station, in Sydney's south, about 12.25pm on Sunday.

Mr Runwal heroically leapt down from the platform in a brave attempt to save his daughters but a passing train struck and killed both the father and one of the little girls. The other child escaped virtually unscathed.

Mr Runwal and his wife Poonam had just moved from India to Sydney with their twin daughters in October 2023 after he secured a job at an IT firm in North Sydney.

Now Daily Mail Australia can reveal Mr Runwal was in Australia on a skilled worker visa, with his wife and children listed on the same visa as dependants.

The visa was due to expire on August 1 and Mr Runwal was in the process of having it renewed.

Mr Runwal sought advice on Facebook five weeks ago about the process for applying for fast-tracked passports for both he and his wife, as they were needed to apply for the new visa.

'My visa is going to expire on Aug 1 2024, where as my passport has [an] expiry date of Feb 2025,' he wrote.

Anand Runwal and wife Poonam Runwal moved to Sydney in October 2023 with their two-year- old twin daughters

'As per my employer, I need to have at least 12 months expiry date from today on my PP to extend my visa.'

As Ms Runwal's visa is reliant on her husband's working visa, her right to stay in Australia is now at risk as she grapples with the heartbreaking tragedy.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.

The revelation comes as witness Lauren Langelaar told Daily Mail Australia how the surviving twin - who was rescued from underneath the train - had 'hardly a scratch' on her when she was eventually reunited with her distraught mother.

The little girl was released from hospital on Monday morning.

Ms Langelaar was working across the road when the tragedy unfolded. She ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams for help.

'I ran out to help the mother because I could just hear her screaming while looking down onto the tracks,' Ms Langelaar said.

'It all happened very quickly. I was down on the platform helping the mother try and scream out to her children and husband under the train.'

Ms Langelaar said a Sydney Trains worker, who was on the platform, called emergency services and explained they could 'only hear one child crying'.

The girls' pram rolled onto the railway tracks at Carlton train station in Sydney's south on Sunday

The twins' father heroically jumped onto the tracks to try and save his daughters but was struck by a train passing through, killing him and one of the little girls

When police arrived, they told Ms Langelaar to hold the mother back while officers jumped onto the tracks.

'As I sat [Ms Runwal] down, the little girl got pulled out of under the train with hardly a scratch on her, she was just crying,' Ms Langelaar said.

She said Mr Runwal 'begged' paramedics to hand over her little girl so that she could hold her but was initially denied as they assessed the toddler's injuries.

'She refused at first for paramedics to check her out, she just wanted to hold her,' Ms Langelaar said.

'Then she continued to yell out, "Where is my husband and other child?".'

Ms Langelaar said paramedics continued to assess the little girl while she was in her mother's arms as she 'didn't seem to be hurt' and only had a 'slight bump on the back of her head'.

The surviving toddler was taken to St George Hospital with her mother where they were assessed by doctors before being released.

One woman, Lauren Langelaar, ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams and had to restrain her as emergency services looked for her husband and children

Harrowing CCTV footage showed the family just minutes before the tragic accident

Ms Langelaar said one man attempted to wave down the driver to alert him to the danger, but was unsuccessful.

'There was one man who apparently tried to wave the train down telling it to stop, but because it wasn't meant to stop at that station it just had no chance,' she said.

NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan said the parents appeared to have taken their hands off the pram for a 'very short period of time' before it rolled towards the tracks.

Mr Dunstan said police were investigating what caused the pram to roll and said it could have been something as simple as a 'gust of wind'.

NSW premier Chris Minns, who lives within 100m of the station, said the father died while performing an 'extraordinary, instinctual act of bravery'.

'He gave his own life to try and save his children,' he said.

Mr Minns described the incident as a 'terrible, terrible tragedy' for the surviving family members and first responders.

The Premier did not rule out introducing new measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

'We'll work with NSW trains and police inquiries and if changes need to be made we'll make them,' he said.

'It's too early to say, but I don't want to close the door on any changes we could make.

'Train stations can be dangerous places and we all need to be cognisant of that.'

Police closed the station and launched an investigation into what caused the pram to roll onto the tracks

Floral tributes were placed at Carlton Railway Station for the hero dad and his little girl who were killed by the train

Sydney Trains CEO Matthew Longland said he did not want to speculate on the outcome of the police investigation but said any recommendations to improve safety would be considered.

'Our first priority is to support those involved and to work with the investigation to ensure we have all the appropriate facts so we can fully understand the incident,' Mr Longland said.

'We will consider any recommendations that come out of the investigation. I do want to remind everyone to be particularly safe on platforms when travelling on the rail network.

'Stay behind the yellow line and well clear of the platform edge. Train stations are very dangerous places.'

Mr Longland described the scene as 'confronting' and thanked first responders for their efforts.

'Clearly, incidents like this are quite confronting for everyone involved, and I want to thank all the first responders for their efforts in managing such a difficult situation,' Mr Longland said.

Sydney Trains CEO Matthew Longland said he did not want to speculate on the outcome of the police investigation but said any recommendations to improve safety would be considered

Officers were spotted at Carlton Railway Station on Monday (pictured) as investigations into the tragedy continue

Potential new safety measures could include platform screen doors, which have been installed across the new Sydney Metro network (pictured)

One potential safety measure could be platform screen doors, which have been installed across the new Sydney Metro network.

Each door weights 175 kilograms and has a height of about 2.5 metres, creating a complete barrier between the platform and the track.

'The doors will help increase safety by creating a barrier between the platforms and tracks, allowing customers to move along the platforms more efficiently,' Sydney Metro said.

The platform screen doors were vigorously tested before being put into operation for metro services at the start of 2024.
China makes all-out rescue, relief efforts after rain-triggered disasters cause severe casualties

Xinhua) 09:59, July 22, 2024

A rescuer evacuates a disaster-affected resident at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

XI'AN/CHENGDU/BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rainfall has been wreaking havoc across wide swathes of China, causing severe casualties, leaving dozens of people missing, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate and disrupting traffic.

Amid the worst-hit areas, a rescue operation is continuing in southwest China's Sichuan Province, with more than 30 people still missing after flash floods struck Xinhua Village at around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, local authorities said. The disaster disrupted traffic on roads and bridges, and cut off communications in the area.

Meanwhile, more than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

As of Saturday afternoon, 12 people have been confirmed dead and 31 others are still missing, according to a press conference held in Zhashui County, in the city of Shangluo, Shaanxi.

In addition, 12 people were found dead, and one person was rescued, according to a press conference held in Zhashui County, in the city of Shangluo, on Saturday.

Zhao Jing, Party chief of Shangluo, said the rainstorm triggered a flash flood on the Jinqian River in Zhashui at about 8:40 p.m. Friday, causing a 40-meter-long section of the No. 2 Bridge in Yanping Village to collapse.

The 366-meter bridge spanning the Jinqian River is a part of the Danfeng-Ningshan expressway.

Zhao said that, based on the highway toll system and video surveillance, as well as telephone inquiries, the rescuers concluded that a total of 17 cars and eight trucks had plunged into the river.

Rescuers are still searching for 18 vehicles with 31 people aboard along a 60 km stretch downstream from the collapse site, Zhao told the press.

The search operation has made use of drones and kayaks. The local authorities have been making contact with family members of the victims, and carried out measures to prevent secondary disasters, while monitoring geographical risks and fighting the flooding in the area.

Before the press conference, the participants observed a moment of silence for the victims.

The water flow of the river has now slowed to 130 cubic meters per second, with the water level dropping by more than three meters, compared with the level when the bridge collapse occurred, making the conditions conducive to the search and rescue work.

Zhao said that six rounds of heavy downpours have lashed the region since the beginning of July, increasing the risk of flooding on five major rivers, with disasters reported in seven counties and districts of the city. A total of 64,278 people have been affected. The local authorities have relocated 37,597 people due to safety concerns.

Chinese ministries of finance and emergency management have allocated 260 million yuan (36.62 million U.S. dollars) to support local governments in disaster relief efforts.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Saturday initiated a Level-IV emergency response in three provincial regions involving Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan as the country continues to face severe flooding situations.

China's southernmost province of Hainan is on alert for a tropical depression that is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon, making landfall on its eastern coast on Sunday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain over most of the island province and lasting for three days.

The local transport and port authorities announced a halt to ferry operations across the Qiongzhou Strait from 9 a.m. Sunday, and wired sailing vessels to take shelter from the wind.

Elsewhere in northeast China, the Heilongjiang provincial meteorological observatory on Saturday afternoon issued three red warnings -- the highest level -- for heavy rain, as three cities hit by torrential rain were likely to be lashed by continued rainfall in the next three hours, with cumulative rainfall of 100 millimeters or more.

Rescuers evacuate disaster-affected residents at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

A rescuer works with a sniff dog at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Rescuers carry out traffic restoration work at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 21, 2024 shows rescuers in operation at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Rescuers escort a disaster-affected resident during evacuation at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

A rescuer operates radar life detector on a river shore at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

Rescuers evacuate a disaster-affected resident at Xinhua Village, Malie Township, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 21, 2024. Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies, found and brought four to safety as of 8 p.m. Saturday, after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.(Xinhua/Wang Xi)

This aerial photo taken on July 21, 2024 shows the bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Zhao Yingbo)

Rescuers work at the lower reaches of the river near a bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 21, 2024. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

Rescuers work at the site of a bridge collapse in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 21, 2024. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

Rescuers work at the lower reaches of the river near a bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 21, 2024. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

Rescuers work at the lower reaches of the river near a bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 21, 2024. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

This aerial photo taken on July 21, 2024 shows rescuers working at the lower reaches of the river near a bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingbo)

Rescuers work at the lower reaches of the river near a bridge collapse site in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 21, 2024. More than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are unaccounted for after their vehicles plunged into a flooding river due to a highway bridge collapse amid torrential rains in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden's positive COVID test was phony, demanded he resign and issued an ultimatum to likely new opponent Kamala Harris.

Biden, 81, made the announcement in shocking fashion, simply posting a digitally-signed letter to his social media accounts Sunday afternoon.

Trump made a series of posts to his Truth Social account attempting to destroy the narrative around Biden's decision, including the positive COVID-19 test that left the president at home the past few days.

He wrote: 'Biden never had Covid. He is a threat to Democracy!'

Trump tried to hit home Biden's lack of fitness to run the country for the last six months of his term, saying he 'Who is running our Country right now? Its not Crooked Joe, he has no idea where he is. If he cant run for office, he cant run our Country!!!'

Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden's positive COVID test was phony, demanded he resign and issued an ultimatum to likely new opponent Kamala Harris

The former president added that he believes Biden is 'going to wake up and forget that he dropped out of the race today!'

Trump then seemingly issued an ultimatum regarding a scheduled debate with likely new election opponent Kamala Harris following Biden's announcement.

He appears to have some conditions regarding their tussle, which is currently scheduled for September 10 in a yet to be announced location, that he made clear in a post to Truth Social.

'My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September,' he wrote.

Trump is referring to ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, who was not slated to moderate the contest.

Fellow ABC News personalities David Muir and Linsey Davis were set to host but now Trump wants a change in network.

The former president continued: 'Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC. Thank you! DJT'

Polls are showing mixed signals for Harris, with some overall positives but potential flaws in the key swing states.

Trump tried to hit home Biden's lack of fitness to run the country for the last six months of his term

National polling averages show Harris trailing Biden 48 to 46 percent, according to the New York Times.

That is an improvement on Biden's scores in the same polls, which showed Trump beating him 47-44.

In swing states and even states that have turned reliably blue in recent elections, Harris out-polls Biden even when losing.

She's within one point - 48-47 - of Trump in Pennsylvania, besting Biden, who was losing 48-45 to Trump.

In Virginia, she leads Trump by five points over Biden, who only leads Trump by four percentage points.

However, those polls were conducted before the assassination attempt on former President Trump and before Biden dropped out.

In a poll conducted from July 9-18 surveying 1,000 Georgians, Trump leads Harris by a 51-46 count, however Harris polled better than Biden among all voters, black voters and Democrats.

It comes after Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.

He was isolating with COVID at his $3.4 million holiday home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, when his shrinking inner circle handed him polling data showing he could no longer beat Donald Trump.

Trump seemingly issued an ultimatum regarding a scheduled debate with likely new election opponent Kamala Harris following Biden's announcement

That was when they composed a letter saying it was time for him to step aside for the good of the future of the Democratic party.

Donors had pulled millions of dollars in funds, the list of Democrats telling him to drop out was growing by the day, and polls suggested that his chances of beating Donald Trump were dwindling after his disastrous debate performance.

Jill Biden was there when her husband eventually made the historic call, giving into mounting pressure. But a spokeswoman for the First Lady said it was the president's judgment alone, and confirmed he made it late.

'Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she (Jill Biden) was supportive of whatever road he chose,' the spokeswoman said. 'Shes his biggest believer, champion, and always on his side, in that trusted way only a spouse of almost 50 years can be.'

The question now is what pushed Biden to finally make the extraordinary move that blindsided some of his White House staff and most of the people working on his re-election campaign.

On Saturday evening, Biden summoned to his side two men who have been there since his political start: advisers Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon. They have been with him through the best of times - his first years as a senator - and the worst of times - the death of his son Beau Biden in 2015.

Already with the president and the first lady were their closest aides Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, who they refer to as 'family.'

It was Ricchetti and Donilon who brought with them devastating new data which would help to make up Biden's mind.

It comes after Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination

Biden announced his historic decision to step aside in a one-page letter where he committed to completing his term, but did not fully endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement

They revealed the latest internal campaign polling, taken since the debate, which showed he could no longer beat Trump.

Biden's decision was made soon after, and he asked Ricchetti and Donilon to start drafting a letter, and to begin the process of how to make a public announcement, DailyMail.com confirmed. The president also began telling his family.

Biden had previously insisted that he would only step aside if he was shown polling that proved Kamala Harris would fare better than him against Trump, or if he developed a 'medical condition'. In the end, it was the first of those developments that sealed his fate.

Biden went to bed on Saturday night at the beach house, knowing he would announce his bombshell the next day.

At 1:45 pm on Sunday he began calling his senior staff at the White House and the campaign.

By that time he had already told Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

At 1:46 pm, his campaign account posted a letter from the president announcing his decision even as he was still on the staff call.

Most of his staff  both in the White House and at the campaign - were shocked. They learned the news online, getting the alert when the @JoeBiden account posted the president's missive.

At 1:45 pm on Sunday he began calling his senior staff at the White House and the campaign. By that time he had already told Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

'No one had a heads up before the tweet posted,' a campaign staffer told DailyMail.com. 'Which, to me, is an insane way to treat the 1300 people that work for you on the campaign.'

It capped a chaotic 48 hours for the Biden family as they hunkered in behind their patriarch with a small, inner circle of longtime aides supporting them. Some were even reporting back to Jill Biden about those staffers deemed disloyal.

Meanwhile, Biden had veered from angry at the pressure from his party to acceptance of the situation.

And once his final decision was made on Saturday night, the rest moved quickly.

Biden called Harris directly to tell her the news.

He also had one-on-one calls with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, according to reports. He would also speak with his Cabinet, Members of Congress, governors, and supporters.

But it all happened so fast many staff were hurt about the way they learned of the news, although they weren't surprised by it.

Harris then announced she was running for the Democratic presidential nomination.

A number of prominent Democrats have already come out in support of Harris including Governors Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but it is not a done deal.

Former Democrat-turned-independent West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has made noise about potentially re-registering with the party to mount a challenge.

Regardless, Trump has said already that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden.

Biden called Harris directly to tell her the news on Saturday night

Trump has said already that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden

At his first rally after being shot, Trump already tried out a new nickname for her as he saw the writing on the wall for Harris taking over the Democrats' campaign.

'From the moment we take back the White House from crooked Joe Biden and Kamala ... I call her laughing Kamala. You ever watch her? She's crazy,' Trump said at his rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday.

He added: 'You can tell a lot by laughter she's crazy. She's nuts. She's not as crazy as Nancy [Pelosi].'

The former president also took to his Truth Social account on Sunday afternoon to respond to the news that he will no longer face Biden in November.

'Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement,' he wrote. 'All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn't capable of being President, and he wasn't.'

Trump concluded: 'We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly.'

Biden was not yet the Democratic Party's official nominee and there is still a short time to replace him before the Democratic National Convention next month and avoid an open convention.

The party's nomination event falls August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. It now appears that Harris will be at the top of the Democratic ticket by the end of that week after primary voters cast their ballots for Biden to be the nominee.

President Joe Biden, from left, walks with White House deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, White House deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed and White House communications director Ben LaBolt in April

Harris was initially furious over reports she was not being considered for the spot  but it soon became clear to Democrats she was the best option to replace Biden.

Now kicks off the veepstakes for the current VP to choose her No. 2. Among the short list could be the likes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, both previously floated as potential replacements for Biden if he would drop out.

A local NBC affiliate in Sacramento, California reported on Sunday that Newsom has abruptly canceled his appearance at the U.S. Ninth Circuit judicial conference scheduled for Monday without any reason given.

Trump was among those that speculated former First Lady Michelle Obama would jump in the race and lead the 2024 Democratic ticket. She so far has polled best out of any other potential Biden replacements.

But Biden made it clear that he is backing his VP for the 2024 race.

'My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,' the President wrote on X. 'And it's been the best decision I've made.'

He added: 'Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this. '
Shocking video captured the moment a Porsche crashed and flipped multiple times at a 'no speed limit' event in Idaho.

Two men were injured while the car was racing down a 3.2-mile stretch of Idaho Highway 75 for the Sun Valley Tour de Force on Saturday, reported Idaho Mountain Express.

Video shows the black Porsche soaring down the road lined with lush greenery and mountain views when it burst into smoke at the racing event.

The car was near the finish line of the track when the crash occurred and flipped several times.

'There was an incident at Sun Valley Tour de Force this morning. Two people were injured,' the organization said.

A Porsche crashed and flipped several times while racing down a 3.2-mile stretch of Idaho Highway 75 for the Sun Valley Tour de Force

The black Porsche soared down the road lined with lush greenery and mountain views when it burst into smoke

'Out of respect to all, in response to this mornings incident all remaining Sun Valley Tour de Force activities are cancelled.'

Witnesses on social media claimed the vehicle was going between 190 to 200 miles per hour.

Photos of the wreckage show the destroyed car without its doors, smashed exterior and the engine blown out.

The Blaine County Sheriffs Office confirmed Highway 75 was closed at milepost 140 north of Ketchum and deputies were assisting with the crash.

Sun Valley Tour de Force is an annual 'no speed limit' event where police shutdown 3.2 miles of state highway at Phantom Hill in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to race.

The car was near the finish line of the track when the crash occurred and flipped several times

Two men were injured and the destroyed car lost its doors, smashed exterior and the engine blown out

Participants pay nearly $3,500 to drive their vehicles and raise money for charities including The Hunger Coalition, reported the Idaho Statesman.

The fastest speed on record at the event is a Bugatti Chiron achieving 253.01 mph.

'Yesterday was a difficult day for all involved in Sun Valley Tour de Force. We could like to thank everyone who has been so helpful and considerate during the past 27 hours,' Sun Valley Tour de Force said.

'Your outpouring of support to the family injured, the offers of donations, and so much more, is a testament to the strength and resilience of our Sun Valley Tour de Force family.'
A teenage prankster was shot and seriously injured after he and his friends played ding-dong-ditch at the home of an armed Maine man.

Vincent Martin, 30, allegedly opened fire on the group of teenagers after they targeted his house around 1 am on Saturday morning, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said.

The group knocked on the door of the Waterford Road home, but before they could rush away, Martin allegedly opened his door and released a barrage of gunshots.

One of the teens were struck by a bullet in their calf, seriously injuring them, the Sheriff's Office said.

After the group of teenagers targeted his house around 1 am, Vincent Martin, 30, allegedly opened fire on them

'The resident of 91 Waterford Rd, later identified as 30-year-old Vincent Martin of Harrison, produced a handgun and shot at the teens numerous times,' the statement reported.

It continued by saying that one of the bullets struck the 'victim in the right calf causing serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.'

Upon hearing the sound of multiple gunshots and screams, local law enforcement responded to the scene.

There they discovered a trail of blood in the roadway.

The injured teenager, whose gender and age haven't been disclosed by investigators, walked into Bridgton Hospital, where they are now in 'stable condition,' according to authorities.

Deputies soon located Martin at his house and arrested him.

The pranksters knocked on the door of the Waterford Road home, but before they could rush away, Martin allegedly opened his door and released a barrage of gunshots

The 30-year-old was taken to Cumberland County Jail, where he was charged with two felonies: elevated aggravated assault and aggravated reckless conduct.

The Maine homeowner was also charged with the two misdemeanors counts of discharging a firearm.

Martin is now being held on $10,000 cash bail at the county jail.

At this point, the investigation remains ongoing.
A small boat harbor has claimed three cars in just over a year, igniting a very puzzled response from the local mayor.

The Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, has a reputation for luring vehicles into its waters - but authorities say the common theme is 'operator error'.

In the past year, two unsuspecting motorists launched into the marina while following GPS directions.

But the latest incident appears to be just a coincidence when a 33-year-old woman parked her vehicle on the boat ramp while experiencing car trouble on July 13.

As officers tried to help her, she drove the car into the water leaving it partially submerged while she escaped.

On July 13 around 8 p.m., a 33-year-old woman parked her vehicle on the boat ramp while experiencing car trouble then drove into the water

Three vehicles have driven into the water at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor (pictured) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in just over a year

The incidents have baffled the mayor who has been shocked as each one occurs.

'The first time I heard it, the thought in my head was, "you got to be joking",' said Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth.

'The third was  are you serious? This is just another form of people not paying attention to what they're doing.'

On April 29, 2023, a tourist driving a Chrysler Town & Country had been trying to find a Manta Ray Snorkel tour company and reportedly took a wrong turn while following their GPS directions.

Video captured crew members of a sailboat dive into the harbor and help the female driver of the van escape through the window before carrying her to shallower waters.

The other passenger, also a woman, and reportedly the sister of the driver, escaped out the window on the other side of the car.

On April 29, 2023, a tourist had been trying to find a Manta Ray Snorkel tour company and reportedly took a wrong turn while following their GPS directions

Though the passengers were making active attempts to escape the car, neither looked especially alarmed about what was going on.

A few weeks later on May 29, 2023, another woman was following GPS directions when she took a turn down the boat ramp, according to HawaiiNewsNow.

The driver said she was following directions and thought she was going through a big puddle when she crossed her 2020 Ford Edge into the water around 8 p.m.

Roth said he is working to get the GPS issued figured out because it is not the first time drivers have had these incidents.

'It's getting in touch with Google and all the GPS manufacturers that have their maps. Not just in this incident but tourists going into places that are off limits that they really shouldn't be going to,' Roth said.

On May 29, 2023, another woman was following GPS directions when she took a turn down the boat ramp

An official with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation said the incidents are 'operator error,' and the boat ramp is 'hard to miss.'

A spokesperson from Google told the local news outlet, 'Safety is a top priority, and we're actively investigating which navigation tools and routes were used in these incidents.'

'While we have not yet identified any routes in Google Maps that lead into the harbor, we'll work with local authorities to make updates if necessary to accurately route drivers.'
A major migrant caravan is making its way towards the United States, hoping to reach the southern border before the November election out of fear that if former President Donald Trump wins, he may close the border.

'We are running the risk that permits [to cross the border] might be blocked,' said Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador.

He said he worried that a new Trump administration might stop granting appointments to migrants through CBP One, the app migrants use to enter the US legally  by getting appointments at U.S. border posts, where they make their cases to officials.

The app only works once migrants reach Mexico City, or states in northern Mexico.

It is unclear exactly how many migrants - from dozens of different countries - are involved in the caravan, but it is estimated to be anywhere from several hundred to 1,500 or more, according to Breitbart.

A major migrant caravan is making its way north to the United States, hoping to reach the southern border before the presidential election in November

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, next to a river that borders Guatemala.

Some said they had been waiting in the city for weeks, for permits to travel to towns further to the north.

Among them was Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who crossed from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago, and waited in Ciudad Hidalgo to join the new caravan - which was announced on social media.

He criticized Trump's recent comments about migrants and how they are trying to 'invade' the United States.

'We are not delinquents' he said. 'We are hard working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs.'

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, next to a river that borders Guatemala

It is unclear exactly how many migrants - from dozens of different countries - are involved in the caravan, but it is estimated to be anywhere from several hundred to 1,500 or more

Other migrants are also expected to join the caravan as it travels further north.

Migrants trying to pass through Mexico in recent years have organized large groups to try to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials as they travel.

But the caravans tend to break up in southern Mexico, as people get tired of walking for hundreds of miles.

Recently, Mexico has also made it more difficult for migrants to reach the US border on buses and trains.

It remains unclear whether the Mexican government will assist the caravan

Travel permits are rarely awarded to migrants who enter the country without visas and thousands of migrants have been detained by immigration officers at checkpoints in the center and north of Mexico, then bused back to towns deep in the south of the country.

Yet the country has also provided police escorts to the migrants in the past, and provided them with shelter, food and beverages.

It remains unclear whether the Mexican government will assist this caravan.
The woman accused of the hit-and-run murder of a young mother can be revealed as a mum-of-three and petting zoo assistant.

Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant, 24, is alleged to have deliberately driven her Toyota Landcruiser Prado into Kiesha Thompson, 23, as she was walking home on Friday.

Ms Thompson was on the footpath after dropping off her daughter at daycare in Daisy Hill, south of Brisbane, when she was allegedly ran down.

Ms Thompson died in hospital that night and police later charged Sant with her murder.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sant has three young sons and worked at a Brisbane petting zoo.

Her social media accounts are filled with selfies and posts about her tumultuous love life, desires for relationships and videos of herself dancing.

'Stuck between wanting my happy ever after and never wanting to loose [sic] what I have,' one post reads.

'How am I supposed to choose when the time comes.'

It comes as Ms Thompson's shattered family released a video statement.

Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant , 24, (pictured) allegedly murdered Kiesha Thompson, 23, by mowing her down with a car

Kiesha Thompson (pictured) was on the footpath after dropping off her daughter at daycare when she was allegedly ran down.

Her brother, Koby Torto said his niece was the 'light of (Kiesha's) life' and the family would rally around the young girl following the death of her mother.

'My sister Kiesha had nothing short of a difficult life but in the past couple years, she worked tirelessly to create the best life for not only her but her child, who is the absolute light of her life,' Mr Torto said.

'Her life up to the end was exactly what she wanted but as all good things come, so do bad and she was taken from us.

'I cannot stress enough that her daughter was the absolute light of her life and we're here to support her throughout her whole life.'

Ms Thompson's aunt, Amanda Matthias, urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

'My niece Kiesha was tragically taken away from us in a horrific and senseless act,' she alleged.

'We are deeply grateful for those who worked tirelessly to save her,' Ms Matthias said.

'We plead to anyone who might have information to help us better solve this case, if anyone else is involved please come forward to police.'

Meanwhile, the family plan to set up a GoFundMe to help cover any expenses for Ms Thompson's daughter.

Sant (pictured) is a mother of three young boys and works on a pony farm

Police will allege she drove around Daisy Hill for a period of time before Ms Thompson was struck

Police at the scene of a fatal hit and run in Daisy Hill

Keyara Thompson said there were no words for 'the pain of losing' her sister.

'We're struggling with the enormity of her absence in our life and I'm just trying to understand,' Ms Thompson said.

'As we are working to rebuild our live and focus on caring for her daughter, we need support.

'In honour of Kiesha, we are starting a GoFundMe page to ensure that her daughter has the best life possible that we can provide her without her mother.

'Any contributions no matter how big or small will make an enormous change to her daughter's life.'

Police will allege the incident was premeditated and Sant was driving the silver 4WD SUV in the area for an extended period of time before the Daisy Hill crash.

'We will allege that that event was not in fact an accident, and the young lady who has tragically lost her life, was in fact targeted,' Detective Inspector Chris Knight told reporters on Sunday.

'For that reason we don't believe that it was an unfortunate, random traffic accident.

'The young lady who lost her life was a mother, she had dropped her daughter off at daycare.

'It is a gross understatement to say anything other than that family is deeply traumatised.'

Kiesha's Thompson's shattered family broke their silence on Monday

Kiesha Thompson (pictured) worked tirelessly to create the best life for not only her but her child

Sant was remanded in custody after her matter was mentioned in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

Her solicitor, Thomas Allen, told the court the matter needed to be adjourned to Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Sant was not able to apply for bail due to the serious nature of the charge and will will reappear in court via video link on July 31.

Outside court, Mr Allen told media he had 'no comment' about the matter.

Police said they seized a damaged silver Toyota Prado at Goodna, west of Brisbane on Saturday while the 24-year-old was arrested a few suburbs away at Yamanto.

Police described the incident as far from typical but declined to comment on any relationship between the pair.

Asked if it was a case of domestic violence, Det Insp Knight said: 'It is not as simple as that.'

Police are appealing for dashcam footage and asked the driver, owner or passengers on a white, unbranded bus seen in the vicinity shortly before 9am on Friday to come forward.
A man and woman have been rushed to hospital after being hit by a car.

The pair were hit by a white Audi outside the East Village Shopping Centre on Gadigal Avenue in Zetland, Sydney, at 11am on Monday.

A man in his 50s and a woman in her 30s were treated for suspected spinal and head injuries.

They were both taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a stable condition.

The 19-year-old driver of the Audi was given a breath test at the scene.

A negative result was returned.

The driver escaped injury.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The immigration detainee accused of bashing and robbing an elderly couple months after he was freed from indefinite detention remains behind bars on remand while he faces a string of charges related to the alleged horrific incident.

Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan appeared in Perth Magistrate Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison on Monday over the violent home invasion of Perth couple Ninette, 73, and Philip Simons, 76.

The court was told his defence lawyer was waiting for additional information from investigating officers before the matter could proceed.

He is accused of pretending to be a police officer to gain entry to the couple's Girrawheen home about 7pm on April 16.

The couple were allegedly bound, bashed and robbed by three men.

Police will allege Mr Simons opened the door and was immediately pushed to the ground and had his hands tied behind his back.

Ms Simons, a grandmother, was allegedly held to the ground and punched in the face several times, causing her to lose consciousness.

The group are accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of jewellery and other items from the couple.

Ninette Simons (pictured) was hospitalised after she suffered several injuries during the alleged home invasion at her home

Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan appeared in Perth Magistrate Court via video link on Monday

He was one of the detainees released from Yongah Hill Detention Centre in Perth last November after a High Court ruling found it was illegal for detainees who could not be deported to be detained indefinitely.

On March 22, a court order that required Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan to remain at a fixed address was discontinued after it had been in place for about one month.

Weeks later he was allegedly involved in the horrific crime that took place at the elderly couple's home.

Mr Jamshidi Doukoshkan is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on September 2 as he continues to face a string of charges, including robbery, assault, impersonating a police officer, home burglary, detaining a person to gain benefit and drug possession.
A family shattered by tragedy had strived for years to have children before the father and one of his toddler twin daughters were horrifically killed by a train on Sunday.

Anand Runwal, 40, and his wife Poonam, 39, were on a family outing with their twin daughters when the girls' pram rolled onto train tracks at Carlton Station, in Sydney's south, about 12.25pm.

Mr Runwal heroically leapt down from the platform in a brave attempt to save his daughters but a passing train struck and killed both the father and one of the little girls, Hinal. Her sister Hiya escaped virtually unscathed.

Former neighbour Benzin told Daily Mail Australia the couple, who had been together for 14 years, had struggled to build their family before they welcomed their two miracle babies.

He described Hinal and Hiya as 'happy, gentle, little girls'.

'I believe they were trying to have kids for about 10 years, they were married a long time and were a happy family,' he said.

'The twins were always in matching outfits.

'They loved coming over and playing with our son - he is four and the girls are two so we would give them a lot of his old toys.'

Anand, 40, and Poonam Runwal, 39, had been together for 14 years

Benzin described the family as 'very friendly' and said Ms Runwal was a great cook, with the children often spending time at each other's homes.

Breaking down into tears, Benzin said it had been difficult to explain to his son what had happened.

'He keeps asking to see the girls. He is only four - it is too hard for him to understand so we have told him they moved back to India,' he said.

'When we heard the news yesterday, I checked WhatsApp and saw Anand hadn't checked WhatsApp since 11.30am.

'And then we went past their place to see if they were home. When we knocked on the door and there was no answer, we knew it wasn't good news.'

In February, Ms Runwal, originally from Rajasthan, and Mr Runwal, who grew up in Bangalore, celebrated their 14th anniversary.

Sharing a photo of the couple at Camp Cove Beach at Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs, Ms Runwal wrote: 'Happy Anniversary my everything.'

Other posts online reveal the family had been making the most of their time in Australia, frequently hiring cars and drivers for weekends out of Sydney, including to Kiama on the south coast and the Hunter Valley.

Hinal (left) and Hiya (right) Runwal

Friends of the family have revealed they spent almost a decade trying to have kids before welcoming their miracle twins

The revelation comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed Ms Runwal and Hiya could face deportation in coming days in the wake of the tragedy.

The family moved to Sydney from India in October 2023 after Mr Runwal secured a job at an IT firm in North Sydney, with Ms Runwal and the girls listed as dependants on his skilled workers visa.

The visa was due to expire on August 1 and Mr Runwal was in the process of having it renewed.

Mr Runwal sought advice on Facebook five weeks ago about the process for applying for fast-tracked passports for both he and his wife, as they were needed to apply for the new visa.

'My visa is going to expire on Aug 1 2024, whereas my passport has [an] expiry date of February 2025,' he wrote.

'As per my employer, I need to have at least 12 months expiry date from today on my passport to extend my visa.'

As Ms Runwal's visa is reliant on her husband's working visa, her right to stay in Australia is now at risk as she grapples with the heartbreaking tragedy.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment who are investigating the case.

The family had just arrived on the platform, after taking a lift down from the station, when the pram rolled onto the tracks.

Witnesses said Mr Runwal heroically leapt into action and jumped down onto the tracks in a desperate bid to save his daughters. He was attempting to lift the pram back onto the platform when he was struck.

The twins' father heroically jumped onto the tracks to try and save his daughters but was struck by a train passing through, killing him and one of the little girls

Lauren Langelaar was working across the road when the tragedy unfolded. She ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams for help.

'I ran out to help the mother because I could just hear her screaming while looking down onto the tracks,' Ms Langelaar told Daily Mail Australia.

'It all happened very quickly. I was down on the platform helping the mother try and scream out to her children and husband under the train.'

Ms Langelaar said a Sydney Trains worker, who was on the platform, called emergency services and explained they could 'only hear one child crying'.

When police arrived, they told Ms Langelaar to hold the mother back while officers jumped onto the tracks.

'As I sat [Ms Runwal] down, the little girl got pulled out of under the train with hardly a scratch on her, she was just crying,' Ms Langelaar said.

She said Mr Runwal 'begged' paramedics to hand over her little girl so that she could hold her but was initially denied as they assessed the toddler's injuries.

'She refused at first for paramedics to check her out, she just wanted to hold her,' Ms Langelaar said.

One woman, Lauren Langelaar, ran to the platform after hearing the mother's screams and had to restrain her as emergency services looked for her husband and children

Floral tributes were placed at Carlton Railway Station for the hero dad and his little girl who were killed by the train

'Then she continued to yell out, "Where is my husband and other child?".'

Ms Langelaar said paramedics continued to assess the little girl while she was in her mother's arms as she 'didn't seem to be hurt' and only had a 'slight bump on the back of her head'.

The surviving toddler was taken to St George Hospital with her mother where they were assessed by doctors before being released.

NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan said the parents appeared to have taken their hands off the pram for a 'very short period of time' before it rolled towards the tracks.

Mr Dunstan said police were investigating what caused the pram to roll and said it could have been something as simple as a 'gust of wind'.

NSW premier Chris Minns, who lives within 100m of the station, said the father died while performing an 'extraordinary, instinctual act of bravery'.

'He gave his own life to try and save his children,' he said.
John Lewis has announced it will start selling actor Stanley Tucci's cookware brand as the department store tries to reclaim middle class customers.

The new brands will include pots and pans from the award-winning actor as part of the drive to 'reinvigorate' its shops and win back Middle England.

The GreenPan range - which includes pans costing 200 - launched after Tucci made a name for himself in cooking during the pandemic, posting viral videos making meals.

The retailer has already brought in 130 new homeware brands in the past year, so this new push will mean more than 160 extra will be stocked by the autumn.

There will be 36 new lighting, kitchenware and furniture brands in September, The Telegraph reported.

The 95-year-old John Lewis Partnership has floundered in recent years, racking up a 234million loss in 2022.

John Lewis announced it will start selling actor Stanley Tucci's cookware brand as the department store tries to reclaim middle class customers from Marks & Spencer

The new brands will include pots and pans from the award-winning actor as part of the drive to 'reinvigorate' its shops and win back Middle England

John Lewis's home division head Camilla Rowe told the newspaper this is part of plans to 'significantly grow the business'.

But the move is likely a drive to win customers from M&S, known for selling clothing and food, but also sells kitchenware and lighting.

John Lewis is already dominant in the home goods area and this expansion will be perceived as an attempt to push this advantage.

The scale of spending is expected to be significant, with around 180 improvements being made across its homeware department.

At the Oxford Street shop alone, John Lewis is understood to be spending almost 1million on the revamp.

Rival retailer M&S also recently boasted of luring supermarket shoppers away from Waitrose - which is owned by the John Lewis partnership.

A view of Stanley Tucci Cookware on display during its launch

The Tucci cookware includes pots ranging from 169 to 200

The Telegraph reported that the new drive is the work of the new executive director Peter Ruis who joined at the beginning of the year, tasked with reviving the stores.

Along with adding more floor staff to increase the level of customer service, he also pointed out home goods is an area for improvement.

It comes after John Lewis revealed a pre-tax profit of 56million, compared to a 234million loss the year before - the first annual profit it has recorded since Covid.

It also follows John Lewis reviving its fashion ranges to woo Middle England.

It is also pinning hopes on services including clothes rental and free personal styling to entice younger shoppers, and last month the partnership hired Rachel Morgans as director of fashion.

The retailer has been vying with rivals M&S and Next, who have boosted the array of big names available to shoppers.

The September launch of John Lewis's autumn and winter range will include Princess Beatrice's favourite label Kooples and the trendy Danish brand Numph.

At the Oxford Street shop alone, John Lewis is understood to be spending almost 1million on the homeware revamp

Rival chain M&S recently boasted of luring supermarket shoppers away from Waitrose - which is owned by the John Lewis partnership

Although John Lewis sales were down four per cent in 2023, the fashion figures were up, helping its department stores hit a record 13.4million customers.

It comes as the Marks & Spencer clothing and home segment has been increasing its lead over the John Lewis department store.

M&S increased its slice of this market to 3.7 per cent from 3.4 per cent in 2019 and as little as 2.6 per cent in 2020 during Covid lockdowns, according to analysis seen by The Mail this year.

In contrast, John Lewis's share has been broadly flat over the past five years. It held on to a 2.3 per cent slice last year after it dropped from 2.4 per cent in 2022.

And analytics firm Global Data forecasts that M&S will have 3.9 per cent of the market by 2027 with John Lewis still at 2.3 per cent.
Mountain rescuers have issued a warning after constantly trudging up to rescue hikers suffering panic attacks.

Tryfan - a mountain in the Ogwen Valley, in Eryri (Snowdonia) - literally translates into 'very high peak' in English.

It's one of the most recognisable peaks in Britain - but amateur mountaineers who undertake the trek are freezing up at the daunting height.

This means the Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team has dealt with rescues involving 'a number of panic attacks' recently.

Locals have blamed social media for encouraging Gen-Z explorers to tackle hiking challenges they're not prepared for.

It comes after Eryri rangers told people to stop posting about the mountain range last year as they struggled to cope with the influx of visitors after the pandemic.

TikTokers are sharing videos encouraging others to tackle steep climbs in Snowdonia - but novice walkers have been shocked by its difficulty

Locals have blamed social media for encouraging Gen-Z explorers to tackle hiking challenges they're not prepared for

There has been an influx of TikTokers filming climbing mountains and encouraging others

Tryfan is one of the most most recognisable peaks in Britain. But amateur mountaineers who trek up the mountain are freezing up at the daunting height

Tryfan - a mountain in the Ogwen Valley, in Eryri (Snowdonia) - literally translates into 'very high peak' in English

Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team has been called out 96 times this year.

The latest operation involved saving a walker who was unable to move near the summit of Tryfan because they were having a panic attack.

The volunteer group said it had attended a number of similar incidents recently.

On July 12, it rescued a group of four who were stuck 600ft from the top and helped them climb down.

Posting a message to visitors, the organisation said: 'The team have dealt with a number of panic attacks on Tryfan recently.

'Tryfan has considerable exposure with lots of climbing over or around ridges and edges. Will any of you be overly-affected by this?

'Tryfan is difficult to navigate over in a traditional manner, especially in poor weather. Are you able to navigate and relate map to ground?'

Walkers having a break by a track in Ogwen Valley with the view to Mount Tryfan

Crowds of walkers queue to reach Snowdon's summit after social media

There has been a surge in visitors to the national park, in part encouraged by widespread social media posts about the area

'There is no straight line to the car park  don't be tempted to descend gullies just because you can see the valley floor.'

Some walkers have slipped to their death in the past, or got stuck descending gullies, believing them to be the path back down.

In May, a man walking with his two brothers died while hiking on Tryfan as he fell to his death on the Y-Gully section.

A father believed to be from Exeter and in his early 60s also fell while in the North Gully and sadly died in 2017, while out climbing with his daughter.

He fell a 'considerable' distance and was airlifted to hospital but was declared dead.

It follows a surge in visitors to the national park, in part encouraged by widespread social media posts about the area.

In August 2021, there was a huge surge in climbers which led to a 45-minute queue at the summit. Many were believed to be staycationers looking for adventures at home after Covid travel rules ruined foreign holidays for families.

The trend has continued as Instagram users seek to emulate perfect pictures from dangerous mountains and beauty spots.

Some of the most Instagrammable locations are off the beaten track - with nature chiefs claiming previously unheard-of footfall is causing erosion to the natural landscape.
Kremlin figures have been revelling in Joe Biden's decision to quit the US presidential election race, while also taking aim at new Democrat frontrunner Kamala Harris.

'There have been some statements which were full of unfriendly rhetoric towards our country,' Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said of the American Vice President.

Russian politicians and diplomats have also used the dramatic turn of events to spout anti-West propaganda. Speaking during a visit to Cuba, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin claimed that Biden 'has created problems all over the world and in his own country.'

The former Putin aide argued that Biden should be held accountable 'for the war unleashed in Ukraine, the destruction of the economies of European states, the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries.'

He added that the American leader, who was up against Republican nominee Donald Trump, made the decision to bow out after 'seeing that he will not be elected' and is now 'running away without waiting for the elections.'

US President Joe Biden, speaks during a presidential debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin (right with Vladimir Putin) claimed that Biden 'has created problems all over the world

While many world leaders have praised Biden's record in office and decades as a public servant, allies of Putin have responded to the news with criticism and sarcastic comments.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram: 'Joseph Biden said that he is leaving the presidential race. But he did not say where exactly.'

She added that 'the next step' after Biden's announcement 'should be an investigation into the collusion of the American media and political circles that concealed the true state of affairs about his mental state, manipulating public opinion and playing into the hands of one political party.'

Kremlin spokesman Peskov insisted in an earlier statement that the Russian president's focus is the war, not the US elections.

However, he added that 'the elections are still four months away, we need to pay attention and watch what happens next.'

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his 'leadership and support' after the US President recently announced a $225 million weapons package for his embattled country.

This included a Patriot system to bolster its air defenses against a deadly onslaught of Russian airstrikes.

Writing on X, Zelensky said: 'Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his 'leadership and support'

'Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today's tough but strong decision.'

For top Democrats, a catalyst for Biden's fall from grace top came with his apparent implosion during last month's TV election debate.

Pro-Kremlin media outlets and commentators taunted Washington over the president's performance, which saw him stumble over his words and lose his train of thought.

The Kremlin itself also appeared to belittle the election showdown - with Putin's spokesman claiming the dictator was too busy to wake up to watch the debate.

Putin rarely comments on elections in the US, and has previously vowed to 'work with any US leader'

'I don't think you would expect that the President of Russia could set an alarm clock, wake up in the morning and watch a debate in the United States,' said his spokesman Peskov. 'After all, this is not an event on our agenda.'

Putin rarely comments on elections in the US, and has previously vowed to 'work with any US leader'.

Back in February, he said that Biden was a more preferable candidate for Russia, as he is 'a more experienced, predictable politician of the old school.'

But he blasted America's judicial and political systems in May following Trump's felony conviction, saying it was being used by the former president's enemies to damage his chances of re-election.
Radical anti-tourist protests led by 'hypocritical' activists which have seen holidaymakers attacked with water pistols have divided Barcelona, but residents say this isn't the answer to solving the issue that is 'killing' their city.

The rowdy demos in Spain's second city are part of a wave of increasingly fraught protests across the country's mainland and islands against the ever rising tide of tourism.

Tourists in Barcelona have been forced to cower and flee from restaurants and bars on the famous La Rambla as they were taunted and fired at with water.

The reaction to the high profile demo has been divisive among residents.

Some support the protests and are calling for further demonstrations to force authorities into taking action to reduce tourism which they said was 'killing' local neighbourhoods and forcing residents out as companies cashed in by converting buildings into tourist flats.

Protesters shoot water from water guns at tourists during a protest against mass tourism in Barcelona, Spain, July 6, 2024

Demonstrators put a symbolic cordon on a bar-restaurant window during a protest against mass tourism on Barcelona's La Rambla alley

Protesters squirted water guns at tourists eating in popular spots in the city. The Catalan capital received more than 12 million tourists in 2023 and expects more in 2024

However, others say it's unfair and cruel to target individual tourists when the real problem is investors buying up property for holiday lets.

Manuel Roman Campos, 49, a translator who lives in Barcelona, did not support drenching tourists.

'I don't think it is really fair to blame and annoy individual tourists for this global problem. We were all tourists at one time or another. But let's not overdo it. It was water pistols during a demonstration, not a real attack,' he said.

'I am against this demonstration but the problems we face due to mass tourism are much bigger because they mean people cannot live in their own towns.

'Mass tourism is killing the neighbourhoods, here in Barcelona, as well as throughout the world.

He added: 'But our real enemies are vulture funds that buy whole buildings no matter who lives there and slowly throw tenants out.

'It is not as simple as saying there is 'tourism phobia' in Barcelona and we hate tourism. No, what we hate is the huge corporations taking away our neighbourhoods and our lives.'

Catherine Newton, 51, a teacher who is from Edinburgh but who has lived in Barcelona for 22 years, said tourism was 'out of control'.

'I have watched tourism grow every year and the situation is out of control. Local people cannot afford to live in their own city,' she said.

'The hotel and the tourism industry make billions every year and should reinvest in the city by example investing in social housing. There needs to be a long term solution to reduce tourism so local people can claim their city back.'

Catherine Newton, 51, a teacher who is from Edinburgh but who has lived in Barcelona for 22 years, said tourism was 'out of control'

Ariadna Coten, 56, economist, called for Spanish authorities to take action to reduce tourism

Helena Roura, 31, a voice actor, said: 'I think this was a necessary protest to show nationally and internationally the problem that we have had for some time in Barcelona'

Joan Manel del Llano, 46, biologist, said: 'I support the demonstration against mass tourism and I hope there are many more. What is at stake is the future of the city'

Ariadna Coten, 56, economist, called for Spanish authorities to take action to reduce tourism.

'I think it was necessary to demonstrate against mass tourism and its effects on the people who live here,' she said.

'The total inaction of authorities meant people went out on the streets to show they are sick of it. But it is also happening in Palma, Malaga and the Canary Islands where their population is demonstrating against an industry which we are suffering from.'

Helena Roura, 31, a voice actor, said: 'I think this was a necessary protest to show nationally and internationally the problem that we have had for some time in Barcelona.'

'The impossibility of affordable housing, the robbery that is renting, the evictions and the pollution which we suffer are shameful.

'Even more shameful is that they call us ungrateful. What idiot would be grateful for this?'

Joan Manel del Llano, 46, biologist, said: 'I support the demonstration against mass tourism and I hope there are many more. What is at stake is the future of the city.'

Others called for diverting tourists from the city centre.

Jordi Miras Llopart, 47, communicator and cultural manager, said: 'Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe but tourism has saturated some areas which affects the heritage and the quality of life of some of its citizens and tourists.

'To improve the situation, we must diversify tourism to other parts of the city and other parts of Catalonia.'

A restauranteur, who did not want to give her name, told Mailonline: 'I would say 90% of these protesters are hypocritical as they all go on holidays.

Demonstrators hold a sign reading 'Barcelona is not for sale' during a protest against mass tourism on Barcelona's Las Ramblas alley on July 6

Thousands of people are protesting in downtown Barcelona against the city's tourist overcrowding earlier in July

Protesters in Barcelona have told tourists that they are not welcome in the city

'A huge majority of Spaniards do not think the same as these protesters. It is the political mismanagement that is to blame and anti-tourist feeling is easy to stir. '

Mateu Hernandez, director general of the Barcelona Tourism, said the demonstration was a 'failure'.

'In other places tens of thousands demonstrated in the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Malaga. Here there were only 2,800,' he said.

'And a minority of protesters behaved themselves in a shameful way. They behaved in a hostile way in a city which is friendly to tourists.'

Mr Hernandez said a survey among 2,000 people carried out by the Barcelona Council last year found 71% said they thought tourism was 'beneficial' for the city. However, 23% said it was bad for the city.

One restaurant owner called the demonstrators 'hypocrites' as they all go on holiday like other tourists.

The demonstration in Barcelona earlier this month comes amid a spate of protests in popular tourist destinations like the Canary Islands, Majorca, Malaga, Cadiz and Madrid against the tourist industry, which accounts for 13% of Spain's GDP.

Under the slogan 'Less Tourism, More Life', protesters staged another protest in Majorca on Sunday.

Twelve million people visited the Catalan capital last year.

Canary Island natives protest as they call for a rethink of the island cluster's tourism policies

Thousands of people demonstrate against tourism policies on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain on April 20, 2024

Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni, announced a plan in June to phase out all short-term lets by 2028, an unexpectedly drastic move by the authorities who seek to rein in soaring housing costs and make the city liveable for residents.

He said the city has a 'firm' commitment to limit mass tourism, including by introducing a tourist tax and turning more than 10,000 tourist flats into into residential buildings.

Earlier this months, under the slogan 'Enough! Let's put limits on tourism', some 2,800 people - according to police - marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year.

Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' and chants of 'Tourists out of our neighbourhood' rang out as some stopped in front of the entrances to hotels.

Barcelona's rising cost of housing, up 68 percent in the past decade, is one of the main issues for the movement, along with the effects of tourism on local commerce and working conditions in the city of 1.6 million inhabitants.

In the Canary Islands, 50,000 people took to the streets of Tenerife in April to protest against tourism on the island.

Demonstrators were seeing brandishing 'you enjoy, we suffer' placards, claiming that the huge influx of tourists to the island is causing major environmental damage, driving down wages and squeezing locals out of cheap affordable housing, forcing dozens to live in tents and cars instead.
President Joe Biden finally caved to pressure to drop out of the presidential race after a closed door meeting with his tight inner circle of his wife Dr Jill Biden and their four closest advisers.

Joe, 81, was at his beach home on Sunday with Jill and their closest aides - chief strategist Mike Donilon, counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, White House deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, and Anthony Bernal, senior adviser to the first lady - when he announced his decision to decline the Democratic Party's nomination and offered his endorsement to his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The First Lady, 73, has been hailed as Joe's 'closest adviser' and the 'only person who has ultimate influence with him', as well as a driving force in his decision to keep campaigning despite his ailing health.

She has spent the last few months trying to help Joe salvage his campaign by coming to his rescue at public events, including after his car-crash TV debate with Donald Trump last month that saw her escort the confused president off the stage.

Jill was accused by critics of 'elder abuse' and being a power-hungry wife and pushing her elderly husband to run for re-election so she can keep the White House lifestyle.

But despite his poor performance in the 90-minute TV contest, she went on to reaffirm the family's stance on his campaign, claiming Joe was 'the only person for the job' of commander-in-chief, and tried to rally support for him among Democrats.

Dr Jill Biden has loyally stood by her husband's side throughout his political career, acting as his 'closest adviser' and defending him in the face of public scrutiny. Joe and Jill Biden are pictured together in June last year

The First Lady, 73, has spent the last few months trying to help Joe salvage his campaign by coming to his rescue as his ailing health has taken center stage. She was seen escorting the confused President, 81, off the stage (pictured) last month following his car-crash debate with Donald Trump

Jill has stood by Joe throughout his decades-long political career, which saw him serve as a Delaware senator, Vice President to Barack Obama and now as commander-in-chief.

She was by his side at the beach house on Sunday, along with four of the couple's closest advisers, when Joe officially dropped out of the race, sources familiar with the situation have claimed.

Ricchetti and Donilon had brought with them devastating new data which would help to make up Joe's mind, DailyMail.com previously revealed.

They said the latest internal campaign polling, taken since the debate, showed he could no longer beat Trump.

Joe's decision was made soon after, and he asked Ricchetti and Donilon to start drafting a letter, and to begin the process of how to make a public announcement, DailyMail.com confirmed. The president also began telling his family.

He also made separate phone calls to Harris, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, and his campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon to inform them of his decision, NBC reported - which analysts claim shows that his circled had 'tightened' in recent days to just his family, closest aides and longtime advisers.

Jill later issued a sign of support for his decision by posting two hearts as she retweeted his letter declaring he had dropped out of the race.

Elizabeth Alexander, Jill's communications director, claimed that even 'down to the last hours of the decision', the First Lady 'was supportive of whatever road he chose'. But Jill's role in the Joe's candidacy has come under serious scrutiny in recent months amid growing fears over Joe's age deterioration.

Analysts have claimed that she is one of Joe's 'top advisers' and can 'wield the most influence' over him.

'It's fair to call her Biden's closest adviser,' veteran Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkop said of Jill earlier this month, telling the BBC: 'Family matters to him significantly and that makes Jill Biden's role even more important.'

Also among his closest confidants are the President's younger sister Valerie Biden Owens, 78, and 54-year-old son Hunter Biden, a crack addict, alcoholic and convicted felon whose scandals have dogged his father's long political career.

Jill has stood by Joe throughout his decades-long political career, which saw him serve as a Delaware senator, Vice President to Barack Obama and now as commander-in-chief. The couple are pictured together in the 1970s

On Sunday, Jill Biden issued a sign of support for his decision by posting two hearts as she retweeted his letter declining to accept the Democratic Party's nomination

Joe Biden announced his historic decision to step aside in a one-page letter posted to X on Sunday where he committed to completing his term, but did not fully endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement until a follow-up social media post

Jill particularly raised eyebrows especially after Joe's performance during his debate with Trump, 78, which saw him stumbling over his words and losing his train of thought several times.

The First Lady was seen carefully helping Joe off the debate stage before congratulating him for 'answering all the questions', which some observers criticized for the low bar he cleared.

A day after he struggled through the 90-minute contest, Jill admitted to supporters that her husband is 'not a young man', but said she only offered words of reassurance following the ordeal.

'After last night's debate, he said, 'You know, Jill, I don't know what happened. I didn't feel that great,'' she recalled, according to New York Times reporter Katie Rogers.

'I said, 'Look, Joe, we are not going to let 90 minutes define the four years that you've been president.''

Additionally, as fellow Democrats call on Joe to accept that he was too old to serve a second term, Jill remained firm on her stance, saying 'No' to the idea of her husband pulling out of the race.

'Joe isn't just the right person for the job,' she told donors New York last month. 'He's the only person for the job.'

First Lady Jill Biden helped her husband walk off stage in October 2023 after the couple gave keynote speeches at the Human Right's Campaign dinner

The First Lady rushed to his side in January, at the end of his first campaign speech of 2024, as he seemed to be completely zoned-out. Joe had just concluded his remarks when he turned to leave the stage only to have Jill rush up, take him by the hand and escort him off stage

Jill stayed close by her husband as the post-debate drama unfolded, campaigning with him in North Carolina, New York and New Jersey.

She then broke off for some solo campaigning before she reunited with him at the White House for the Fourth of July.

She stood in for him again two weeks on a swing through North Carolina, Florida and Georgia that was intended to rally support from veterans and military families but was also part of the Biden team's broader effort to try to steer the conversation back toward Trump.

She told the crowds she supported Joe's decision to stay in the race and reiterated that he has 'made it clear that he's all in'.

'That's the decision he's made. And just as he has always supported my career, I am all in too. I know you are too, or you wouldn't be here today,' she said at all three stops.

Amid the follow-out from the debate, Joe huddled with his family at Camp David and discussed his campaign, with his loved ones urging him to remain in the race.

Sources familiar with the family meeting alleged that Joe would only listen to Jill.

'The only person who has ultimate influence with him is the first lady,' the insider told NBC News at the time. 'If she decides there should be a change of course, there will be a change of course.'

In March this year, Jill had to emerge on stage and tug on a confused Joe's arm when he was seemingly about to plant a kiss on the cheek of another blonde woman - who, like Jill, has wearing a blue suit

It was also claimed that this time, however, Hunter was the one to speak up most fervently for his father, adamantly urging him to stay in the race.

The rest of the Biden family were more attempting to be supportive and wanted to know what they could do to help if the president kept going.

But Jill, whose former press secretary Michael LaRosa has claimed she is a powerful figure in Joe's tight circle of family members and senior advisers but is not a 'political decider', was met with extreme scrutiny for not telling him to step aside.

Some Republicans even went as far as accusing Jill of 'elder abuse.'

Married to Jill for 47 years, Joe has heavily on his wife as he battles to overcome doubts about his mental acuity.

She rushed to his side in January, at the end of his first campaign speech of 2024, as he seemed to be completely zoned-out.

Joe had just concluded his remarks when he turned to leave the stage only to have Jill rush up, take him by the hand and escort him off stage.

Jill has had to interject and come to Joe's rescue throughout his presidency, including once in March when she had to emerge on stage and tug on a confused Joe's arm when he was seemingly about to plant a kiss on the cheek of another blonde woman - who, like Jill, has wearing a blue suit.

Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., with Jill Biden, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill to announce his decision to withdraw as a candidate for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walk along the beach at the Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate for the G7 welcome ceremony Friday, June 11, 2021 in St. Ives, Cornwall, England

She has also been quick to rally to her husband's side, sometimes physically.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, a man tried to cross into the roped-off area near Joe. In a flash, Jill crossed behind her husband and put her arms around the man, turned him around and helped push him away.

A month later in Los Angeles, she similarly blocked one protester, then a second one, who had stormed the stage while Joe was delivering his Super Tuesday victory speech.

Jill has frequently said that it took her some time to decide to marry Joe. The then-senator proposed to Jill five times before the couple married in 1977.

Joe's relationship with Jill began after his first wife and daughter died in a car crash that injured his two sons.

'I knew that whatever I chose my life would change forever,' Jill previously said of her decision to marry Joe. 'Of course I would no longer be single. But I would become the mom to two young boys, Beau and Hunter, overnight. And becoming a senator's wife would mean a life in the spotlight.'

She continued to support Joe throughout his career, but did play a key role in his decision not to run for president in 2004.

When a group of visiting political advisers sought to persuade then-Senator Joe to make a bid for the White House, his wife Jill sat poolside at their home, fuming.

Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden are pictured together as he is sworn in as the 46th US President by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on January 20, 2021

Then-Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill attend the Southern Ball Jan. 20, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington

Finally, she took action and drew the word 'NO' in ink in large letters on her stomach and 'marched through the room in my bikini,' she wrote. He decided against running that time around.

The anecdote, laid out by Jill Biden in her 2019 autobiography, 'Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself,' makes plain that she hasn't always liked the idea of her husband running for president.

But she later came around to the idea and in 2016, when he was campaigning for the Oval Office, Joe told 60 minutes 'it was the right decision for the family'.

Jill has also been the first presidential spouse to work outside the White House.

Throughout her husband's presidency she has maintained her role as a professor of English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has taught since 2009.
Dozens more flights were cancelled at airports across England today as children were left 'very upset' as services recover from last Friday's major global IT outage.

Ten flights were axed at Heathrow today as well as 11 at London City, ten at Gatwick and six at Manchester as airlines battled to try to get schedules back to normal.

A total of 38 flights were cancelled at England's airports throughout the day, with British Airways and easyJet making up the majority with 18 and 10 respectively.

Arrivals from European cities such as Rome, Berlin and Zurich were among those axed as were others from Jamaica and US cities including Las Vegas and New York.

Among those suffering disruption today was Rich Rhodes whose 1pm BA flight from Heathrow to Miami was axed. He tweeted: 'Got an email saying it's cancelled and I've been rebooked, but no trace on new flight. Travelling with seven-year-old, help!'

A further passenger said their 6.05am Tui flight from Gatwick to Thessaloniki was 'cancelled upon checking in suitcases'. He added: 'Three very upset children at 4am.'

Also impacted was Giuli Cavaliere from London who posted on X: 'EasyJet, our flight has been cancelled two hours before departure. There's no flight today and for some reason we can't book a flight tomorrow. We also can't contact you on your customer service. What kind of a service is this? What about the duty of care to customers?'

It comes as NHS England warned of 'delays' to services but insisted that patients having appointments this week 'should continue to attend unless told not to'.

Are you affected by flight disruption today? Please email: tips@dailymail.com

Passengers queue at check-in gates for British Airways flights at London Gatwick this morning

Departing passengers face a long wait for check-in this morning at London Gatwick Airport

Airline passengers wait in a queue at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Three this morning

A flawed update rolled out by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike knocked many services offline around the world on Friday, causing flight and train cancellations and crippling some healthcare systems.

Full list of 38 cancelled flights at airports in England today GATWICK (x10) Arrivals 0110 Chania (easyJet)

0110 Pafos (easyJet)

0115 Faro (easyJet)

0145 Larnaca (easyJet)

0750 Aberdeen (easyJet)

1120 Bilbao (easyJet)

1420 Berlin (easyJet)

1545 Belfast (easyJet) Departures 0605 Thessaloniki (Tui)

0645 Bilbao (easyJet) HEATHROW (x10) Arrivals 0820 New York (British Airways)

1120 San Francisco (Virgin Atlantic)

1230 Lyon (British Airways)

1330 Bologna (British Airways)

1435 Rome (British Airways) Departures 0655 Munich (Lufthansa)

0755 Lyon (British Airways)

0800 Bologna (British Airways)

0820 Rome (British Airways)

1300 Miami (American Airlines) LONDON CITY (x11) Arrivals 0805 Glasgow (British Airways)

1015 Dublin (British Airways)

1130 Amsterdam (British Airways)

1210 Frankfurt (British Airways)

1215 Belfast (British Airways)

1530 Zurich (British Airways) Departures 0645 Dublin (British Airways)

0810 Frankfurt (British Airways)

0840 Amsterdam (British Airways)

0900 Belfast (British Airways)

1145 Zurich (British Airways) MANCHESTER (x6) Arrivals 0120 Kos (Tui Airways)

0145 Tenerife (easyJet)

0755 Montego Bay (Tui Airways)

0820 Las Vegas (Virgin Atlantic)

0925 Dalaman (Sun Express) Departures 1020 Dalaman (Sun Express) LUTON (x1) Arrivals 0105 Dalaman (easyJet) No cancelled flights reported today at Stansted, Southend, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle or Bournemouth. Advertisement

A fix was deployed for a bug in the update, which affected equipment running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as CrowdStrike's chief executive George Kurtz said it would take 'some time' for systems to be fully restored.

Travel expert Simon Calder told Sky News this morning: 'It was going to be the busiest weekend of the year for flights out of UK airports. In the end we had over 700 flights to, from and within the UK cancelled.

'That means 100,000 people suddenly found out, maybe while they were still at home if they were lucky, otherwise while they were waiting at the gate, that their flight had been cancelled.'

He added that there had been a 'ridiculous amount of nonsense talked about' the rights of passengers since the disruption began.

Mr Calder said: 'The very basic thing is that if your flight is cancelled, immediately the airline has to find you an alternative flight. It can't say, as I've heard from countless travellers, 'oh, we've got another one on Wednesday, we'll put you on that'.

'If there's another flight on any airline via any routing that is going to get you home or get you to your destination for that, they have to buy that for you. If they are not prepared to buy it for you, you can buy it knowing that you will be able to claim it back.

'And of course they are also required, while you're waiting, to put you in a hotel and give you meals.'

He said this was 'absolutely strict' and the case for anyone flying from the UK, from Europe or from anywhere in the world on a British or European airline.

EasyJet told MailOnline that some of its disruption since Friday has been related to issues with air traffic control (ATC).

A spokeswoman said today: 'EasyJet operated around 5,500 flights over this weekend, however some flights were unable to operate due to the impact of ATC staffing and capacity constraints as well as weather related ATC restrictions imposed across Europe yesterday.

'This meant at first wave more than 50 per cent of our flights had an ATC restriction which inevitably led to delays and some cancellations later in the day as well as leaving some aircraft out of base this morning.

'While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused and are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals where needed.'

Meanwhile the British Medical Association (BMA) warned yesterday that normal GP service 'cannot be resumed immediately' after the outage caused a 'considerable backlog'.

The trade union for doctors said GPs would 'need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend', adding that NHS England should 'make clear to patients' this was the case.

The BMA said its GP committee would continue to talk to NHS England and patient record system supplier EMIS to secure a 'better system of IT back-up' to ensure the 'disaster' was not repeated.

Across England, GP surgeries reported being unable to book appointments or access patient records last Friday as their EMIS system went down.

Passengers queue at check-in gates for flights at London Gatwick Airport this morning

Departing passengers face a long wait for check-in this morning at London Gatwick Airport

Passengers queue at check-in gates for flights at London Gatwick Airport this morning

An NHS spokesperson said: 'Systems are now back online, and patients with an NHS appointment this week should continue to attend unless told not to.

'Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff throughout this incident we are hoping to keep further disruption to a minimum, however there still may be some delays as services recover, particularly with GPs needing to rebook appointments, so please bear with us.

'It's important that patients attend appointments as normal unless told otherwise. You can contact your GP in the usual way, or use your local pharmacy, NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent health advice.'

Dr David Wrigley, deputy chairman of GPC England, the representative body for GPs at the BMA, said: 'Friday was one of the toughest single days in recent times for GPs across England. Without a clinical IT system many were forced to return to pen and paper to be able to serve their patients.

Departing passengers face a long wait for check-in this morning at London Gatwick Airport

Passengers queue at check-in gates for flights at London Gatwick Airport this morning

'While GPs and their teams worked hard to look after as many as they could, without access to the information they needed much of the work has had to be shifted into the coming week.

'GPs have been pulling out all the stops this weekend to deal with the effects of Friday's catastrophic loss of service and, as their IT systems come back online, we thank them and their staff for their hard work under exceptionally trying circumstances.

'We also thank patients for bearing with general practice in this unprecedented situation.'

Dr Wrigley added: 'The temporary loss of the EMIS patient record system has meant a considerable backlog.

'Even if we could guarantee it could be fully fixed on Monday, GPs would still need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend, and NHSE (National Health Service England) should make clear to patients that normal service cannot be resumed immediately.

Passengers in the South Terminal at London Gatwick Airport last Friday amid the IT outage

Passengers wait at Edinburgh Airport last Friday as widespread IT outages affected airlines

'The BMA's GP committee will continue our dialogue with both EMIS and NHSE, both to make sure that the coming week can be used to recover as quickly as possible and to urgently work on securing a better system of IT back-up so that this disaster is not repeated in future.'

Microsoft said CrowdStrike's update affected 8.5million Windows devices.

Estimating the impact of the update, Microsoft said it had affected less than 1 per cent of all Windows machines.

'While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services,' the firm said in a statement.

'This incident demonstrates the interconnected nature of our broad ecosystem - global cloud providers, software platforms, security vendors and other software vendors and customers.

'It's also a reminder of how important it is for all of us across the tech ecosystem to prioritise operating with safe deployment and disaster recovery using the mechanisms that exist.'

CrowdStrike's Mr Kurtz apologised, saying he is 'deeply sorry' and made clear it was 'not a security or cyber incident'.

Passengers queue at Birmingham Airport last Friday amid the widespread IT outage

Passengers wait at Heathrow Airport last Friday as widespread IT outages affected airlines

In a technical statement, CrowdStrike said a 'sensor configuration' had 'triggered a logic error' which the company said had been corrected.

Airports across the UK, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Belfast said passengers should check with airlines for any delays or cancellations before travelling over the weekend.

Some 207 flights, equating to 6.7 per cent of all scheduled UK departures, were axed on Friday, with others delayed, while 201 flights due to land in the UK were cancelled.

Aviation analytics company Cirium said 6,855 flights, or 6.2 per cent of all those scheduled, were cancelled globally on Friday.

It added that 1,639 flights had been cancelled globally as of 10am on Saturday, including 23 flights departing from UK airports, equating to 0.9 per cent of all scheduled UK departures, as well as 25 arrivals into the UK.

Passengers queue at London Gatwick Airport last Friday amid the global IT outage

Commuters at London Euston railway station last Friday during the global IT outage

On Saturday the Port of Dover said it was dealing with 'hundreds of displaced' airport passengers and urged customers to ensure they had a booking before arrival.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said on Saturday afternoon that the IT systems of UK airports and train operators were 'back up and working as normal', but 'some delays and a small number of cancelled flights' were expected.

Professor Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said on the same day that 'the worst' of the outage was over but countries would 'have to learn to cope' with future flaws.

The NCSC said affected organisations should 'put in place vendor mitigations', adding it was also warning about 'an increase in related phishing' as 'opportunistic malicious actors seek to take advantage of the situation'.

Are you affected by flight disruption today? Please email: tips@dailymail.com
At least a dozen Russian soldiers have reportedly died and another 30 are said to have been hospitalised after eating watermelons poisoned by Ukrainian resistance fighters in an occupied city.

Putin's troops based in the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol received the melons from unwitting Russian locals, who received them from the city's partisan groups, according to local media reports.

The Ukrainian 24 Kanal news outlet said the watermelons had been given to local resistance fighters who passed them on to the Russians who then sold them to the Russian soldiers.

Following the deaths, a Ukrainian resistance group posted: 'That's for you, guys! Thank you for protecting us.'

Pyotr Andryushchenko, an adviser to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boychenko, said: 'The resistance movement is actively fighting.'

File image of Russian soldiers walkng along a street in Mariupol on April 12, 2022

He added that Russians who had moved to the occupied territories had been hired to deliver the poisoned fruit.

He said: 'Our people [Ukrainians] do not directly participate in the delivery of such dangerous 'gifts' to the Russians.

'There are always people who come en masse from Russia and want to make money. That is, they want to trade something.

'The operation was simple. It was clear that watermelons were being purchased for a military base.

'It was clear who was going to supply these watermelons. These people were sold a batch of watermelons at a low price, which then caused the intended damage.'

Mariupol was captured after a three-month battle following Moscow's attack on Ukraine in 2022.

The city has since been left in ruins with pockets of resistance carrying out small acts of sabotage.

Last year, two dozen Russian soldiers were reported to have died after drinking poisoned vodka supplied by another resistance group in neighbouring occupied Crimea.

The group calling itself the Crimea Combat Seagulls posted on the Telegram channel that it had killed 24 Russian soldiers.

It added that it had hospitalised 11 others after giving them poisoned food and drinks in Simferopol, Crimea's second-largest city.

The group has also boasted of luring dozens of Russian troops into accepting 'goodies' laced with arsenic and strychnine at a military checkpoint from 'nice girls.'
Small donors have contributed a whopping $46.7 million to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign in the seven hours since President Joe Biden shocked the world by announcing he would not be standing in the 2024 election.

The figures, announced by the Democratic Party's fundraising arm, ActBlue, mean that Harris, 59, has broken the record for most money raised during this election cycle.

'This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election,' the group said in a post on X.

Harris is not officially the party's nominee, but has already earned the endorsement of Biden, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic kingmaker George Soros.

'Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America's Vice President, Kamala Harris,' Newsome wrote in his endorsement on X.

Vice President Kamala Harris has been raising money hand-over-fist as she attempts to secure the nomination to succeed President Joe Biden

Two possible outsider candidates, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg have already endorsed Harris

There are also reports that Democratic Party kingmaker, George Soros, is behind Harris

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are arguably the two most high profile party elders to back Harris

In addition the money raised in the hours after Biden's decision, The Wall Street Journal reports that Harris will also have access to the moneys raised by the Biden/Harris 2024 campaign, close to $100 million.

On Saturday, Federal Election Commission filings showed that ex-President Donald Trump and his running mate Senator JD Vance have raised $128 million.

The Journal later reported that GOP operatives are likely to contest Harris' access to the cash raised by Biden.

Odds on Harris defeating Trump have been slashed to around 12/5, down from an astonishing 100/1 in February. The Republican nominee remains the favorite to win the election with odds of 4/6.

Despite the high-profile endorsements, Harris is likely to still seek the support of former President Barack Obama, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The New York Times reports that Obama's lack of endorsement in a letter reacting to Biden's announcement was not a slight against Harris but rather typical of his stance at this stage of the process.

The former Illinois senator was slow to endorse Biden, his vice president, in 2020, famously stating: 'I don't want to thumb the scale.'

Harris spoke multiple times with Biden on Sunday, according to people familiar with the conversations  a day after Biden huddled with his closest aides in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, as he began to conclude that he would end his reelection bid.

Harris has yet to be endorsed by former President Barack Obama

About two hours after the surprise Sunday announcement from Biden, Harris released her own statement, making it clear she knew the nomination would not just be handed to her.

'I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,' Harris said.

'Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.'

Then Harris quickly got to work. She spent much of Sunday afternoon calling Democratic elected officials and delegates as she worked to lock up her party's nomination. One call was with Schumer.

Another was with Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairwoman Nanette Barragan, who emphasized that she was 'all in' behind the vice president and urged donations on her behalf.

Barragan said she was caught in a moment of both sadness and excitement as she digested the news of Biden's withdrawal. But in her call with Harris, the vice president stressed to her: 'We're in this to win it.'

Harris also communicated that she preferred to forego a virtual roll call for the nomination process and instead hold a process that adheres to regular order.

'This is the moment for us to unite and coalesce around the vice president and focus around Donald Trump,' Barragan said.

Harris also spoke with Rep. Annie Kuster, who leads the New Democrat Coalition, an influential bloc of center-left lawmakers. Kuster endorsed Harris on Sunday afternoon.

Notably, a handful of men who had already been discussed as potential running mates for Harris - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly - also swiftly issued statements endorsing her.

Aides to Shapiro and Cooper confirmed that Harris spoke with them Sunday afternoon. In her brief call with Cooper, the North Carolina governor told Harris that he was backing her to be the Democratic nominee, according to Cooper spokeswoman Sadie Weiner.

'Joe Biden is a great American, and we all owe him our immense gratitude for his service to our country as president, vice president, and senator,' Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., said. 'There is no better person than Vice President Harris for him to pass the baton to.'

But there were early signs that she may not be alone in the Democratic race. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who left the party earlier this year to become an independent, is considering re-registering as a Democrat to vie for the nomination against the vice president, according to Jonathan Kott, a longtime adviser to Manchin.
Holidaymakers in Mykonos got a nasty surprise when the wake of a speeding passenger ferry caused a large wave to wash over the beach they were on, knocking some off their feet.

Two people were reportedly injured when the large wave broke the calm waters and crashed onto the shore, with one woman said to have sustained broken ribs.

A furious beachgoer filmed the moment the boat's wake reached the beach, with swimmers seen running out of the sea and heard screaming in the dramatic footage.

The water then covers the whole beach, with shocked tourists seen scrambling to pick up their belongings before they are washed away by the powerful swell.

The boat responsible went on to dock at the port of Rafina in mainland Greece, where the captain was arrested, local media reports.

Bathers were seen scrambling to get out of the sea as the wave approached out of nowhere

A wall of water can be seen building, which then crashes down on a woman who is still in the sea

The water crashed onto the beach before covering the sand, knocking some off their feet

Two youngsters are seen rushing to assist a woman who was caught in the freak wave

Beachgoers are seen running to escape the wave while others were caught up in the shocking surge of water

The incident happened at around midday on Saturday on the popular beach of Agios Stefanos next to Tourlos, the new port of Mykonos.

Deckchairs as well as people's belongings were swept away, while quick-thinking sunbathers are seen jumping up and running to a nearby wall to escape the wave.

Two teenagers and a much younger boy are seen running out of the sea as they watch the wave approach.

Meanwhile a woman who stayed in the ocean can be seen taking the full force of the wave, with it crashing over her head and knocking her to the floor.

The two boys rush back to check on her and try to help her to get up out of the sea.

Takis Papadakos, who filmed the water surge and shared video of the incident on Facebook, said that the woman in the video 'was hospitalized with two broken ribs.'

He slammed the ferry operator, saying the captain 'passed as close and as fast as ever' as they tried to keep to their itinerary.

Shocked tourists were seen scrambling to pick up their belongings before they were washed away

The coast guard said deckchairs and people's belongings were scattered by the wave

Children and their parents are seen running from the huge wave, while other shocked beachgoers watch on

A huge cruise ship can be seen in the background of the video, but beachgoers blamed a speeding passenger ferry

While a huge cruise ship can be seen in the background of the video, beachgoers and the coast guard blamed a smaller vessel for the chaos, which is out of sight in the footage.

The boat reportedly belonged to Fast Ferries Andros, which transports tourists and locals between the mainland, Mykonos and various other islands.

Authorities arrested the captain for violating regulations related to reckless operation near other boats and causing negligent injury, news site Protothema reports.

The Mykonos Port Authority is reported to have launched an investigation.
A former bank employee has been allowed to open a new bank account as she prepares to fight allegations she used her role to defraud banks.

Police allege Sara Daizli opened accounts in fictitious names and swindled hundreds of thousands of dollars between February 2016 and December 2018.

She allegedly siphoned money into her bank account under a false name and used the ill-gotten gains to fund a lavish lifestyle.

The 32-year-old is also accused of making fraudulent loan applications to St George and ANZ banks.

She has pleaded not guilty to a staggering 120 charges, including dealing with the proceeds of a crime and 108 counts of dishonestly gaining a financial advantage by deception.

On Monday, Ms Daizli's lawyer asked the court for permission to open a new bank account in her name as she prepares to fight the claims against her.

As part of her strict bail conditions, the former bank staffer is barred from interacting with any financial institution except to deal with an existing bank account in her name.

The prosecution did not oppose her request for permission to open another bank account.

Police allege Sara Daizli opened accounts in fictitious names and swindled hundreds of thousands of dollars between February 2016 and December 2018

Ms Daizli has been allowed to open a new bank account as she prepares to fight allegations she used her role to defraud banks

The application was granted by Judge Mark Williams, who instructed Ms Daizli to provide the details of the new bank account to police within 24 hours of opening it.

Court documents show the 32-year-old remains constrained by stringent bail conditions, including a prohibition on working in finance.

She personally agreed to forfeit $550,000 if she fails to appear in court, while two people known to her offered a further $1,050,000 surety to guarantee she turns up.

Ms Daizli will return to court next week for a hearing over disputed issues ahead of a trial in the NSW District Court in September.

She is also facing civil proceedings brought by Westpac Bank in relation to her alleged fraud.
A farmer has admitted having sex with one of his animals.

Shaun Wayne Taylor, 49, pleaded guilty to committing one count of bestiality at his property in Lowan Vale, near Bordertown in South Australia, on September 8 last year, The Messenger reported.

The type of animal he had sex with has not been reported.

Taylor was arrested on December 22 last year after police inspected one of his electronic devices as part of a separate investigation.

In court in February, the farmer asked the court if he could have his bail conditions relaxed so he could 'look after his animals.

However, Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos denied Taylor's request as she was not comfortable with him returning to the farm because of 'the heart of the offending'.

The magistrate suggested he employ farmhands to care for his livestock.

Taylor is next due in court in October.
Muriel McKay's killer has offered to help search for her body as police conduct a dig at a farm in Hertfordshire.

Nizamodeen Hosein, 76, who lives in Trinidad after being deported at the end of his sentence, said he would get on a plane 'tomorrow' to assist in locating the burial site.

He claimed a successful search would be 'more or less impossible' without him present after flying him over was previously ruled out.

In 1969, Hosein and his brother Arthur kidnapped Muriel, the wife of news executive Alick McKay, after mistaking her for Rupert Murdoch's then wife Anna - and then murdered her.

Speaking in a series of videos, Hosein has said: 'I'm quite willing to come to England tomorrow. To help the search for her body.'

Muriel McKay's daughter Dianne (left) travelled to Trinidad with her son Mark Dyer (right) to speak with one of her mother's killers, Nizamodeen Hosein (centre)

Police have begun a fresh dig for the remains of murdered Muriel McKay Stocking Farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire (pictured)

Muriel McKay (pictured) 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

Asked if he would help, Hosein added: 'Every which way.'

Nizamodeen and Arthur Hosein had intended to kidnap Anna Murdoch and hold her for a ransom of 1 million, but in a case of mistaken identity, abducted the wife of Mr Murdoch's deputy.

Muriel, 55, was snatched from her home in Wimbledon, southwest London, and held at a farm where Arthur Hosein lived.

Her family spent six weeks answering their phones with ransom calls, but attempts to hand over some money failed and she was never seen again.

The brothers killed her, before being caught by police and later jailed in what was one of the first convictions for murder without a body.

It was at one point thought that her remains were fed to pigs.

Arthur died in prison in 2009, whereas his brother served 20 years and then was deported to his native Trinidad.

Last week, the Metropolitan Police started a dig at Stocking Farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire, after receiving new information from Hosein.

Muriel's daughter Dianne, 84, visited Hosein in Trinidad in January and he told her he remembered where he had buried her mother: three foot from a fence at the farm.

Muriel McKay's son Ian (right) and her grandson Mark Dyer (left) spoke to the press as they joined police in the search for her body at Stocking Farm in Hertfordshire

Extensive searches have taken place at the farm in Stocking Pelham, Hertfordshire (pictured), where police traced her to

Muriel McKay's daughter Dianne (left) met with one of her mother's killers Nizamodeen Hosein (right), who told her where he buried her remains

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 McKay's son Ian McKay (Right) and her grandson Mark Dyer who have visited the farm

The search, which started last Monday, was originally set to be five days long, but has been extended into a second week and is now due to continue until Wednesday.

Muriel's son Ian McKay, 82, flew over from Australia, where he now lives, to join the search, and her grandson Mark Dyer, 59, has also joined.

The family have urged police to fly Hosein over, so he can direct them towards where exactly he buried her.

Mr McKay said on Sunday that the family was frustrated that this had not happened.

He said: 'The whole thing is a no-brainer. You wouldn't go and dig for treasure (without) the person who buried the treasure telling you where it was.

'It doesn't make sense. It's almost pigheadedness. We keep on being fobbed off.'

Last week, Mr McKay also criticised the police for allegedly 'ignoring Nizam's specific information' of where his mother is.

He added: 'It seems to me a nonsense that Nizam is not here.

'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?'

Muriel's grandson Mark Dyer added that the dig was like the 'blind leading the blind' and that Hosein could be brought over on the next flight.

Muriel McKay's grandson Mark Dyer (pictured) appeared on Good Morning Britain and urged police to fly over one of her killers to aid in the search for her remains

Police searched the farm in 2022 (pictured), but Hosein claims they looked in the wrong area

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 (pictured)

The abduction is believed to have involved a case of mistaken identity - with the kidnappers intending to seize Anna Murdoch, the former wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch (pictured)

Mark Dyer (left) arrived at the farm with Ian (right), who described it as a 'place of horror'

He said: 'The whole thing is very kind but pointless without the perpetrator.

'He's a plane ticket away from ending the misery forever. Is she there or isn't she there?'

The Met Police said yesterday that it was discussing Hosein's position with the McKay family.

A spokesperson said: 'Bringing Hosein to the UK was carefully considered prior to the search and we did not believe it would provide us with any further or useful information.

'Therefore, we did not formally approach the Home Office, who would be required to grant permission.

'We understand the family believe Hosein attending the search would be useful and we continue to liaise and discuss this with them.'

The search by the Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police is the third attempt to find Muriel at this site.

The Metropolitan Police had previously told the family that it was considering cooperating with Hosein in the fresh hunt but the decision would rest with the Home Office, because he had been deported.
Judge Robert Rinder has warned against the 'deeply disturbing' use of 'they' as a catch-all generalisation for Jewish people.

The television personality and barrister said he was 'very, very worried' about the rise in discriminatory language now used in what he termed 'so-called polite company'.

Urging people to 'stop letting things slide', Mr Rinder, 46, said that his Jewish background was a 'celebratory aspect of my identity'.

But he revealed that people he knew were now 'fearful' of wearing a Star of David in public.

Mr Rinder's ancestors, including his great-grandparents were murdered during the Holocaust at the Treblinka death camp.

Speaking on the Off Air podcast, Mr Rinder said: 'The curious thing is the first time in my lifetime - I grew up in a racially and ethnically and splendid community and being Jewish was a rather lovely cultural aspect of my life, and despite being the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, so deeply aware of antisemitism in the most extreme form imaginable, I never felt existentially threatened or different.

Judge Robert Rinder has called out the 'deeply disturbing' use of the term 'they' reference to Jewish people

Mr Rinder, who is the descendant of Holocaust survivors and victims, said he knew people who were now afraid to wear the Star of David in public, and a worrying increase in disturbing language at events

'The truth is I now have people I know and love who are fearful of walking the streets with a Star of David on.'

The barrister added that people were struggling to discuss the conflict in the Middle East in 'a way that is nuanced' while not defending the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

He said that people felt fearful to 'communicate and share why Israel as a state is sacred to Jewish people', the Telegraph reported.

'When they want to perhaps make the case for why it should exist, and be able to enter those complex and challenging conversations watching the horror ensue, that they feel very fearful doing that.

'They feel excluded and dehumanised from that conversation. That's the first time I've ever experienced that being a Jew in this country.

'I've been at dinner parties or events where things that are said, both on the Left and the Right... casually, loosely and are deeply disturbing.'

Mr Rinder said that the term 'they' was being increasingly used in the context of classic Jewish tropes such as their 'influence in the media' and 'disproportionate power in some professions'.

'You can hear that now in so -called polite company, and you shut your eyes and you imagine - you don't have to shut them very tightly - and you imagine that's the starting point for all the horrors that ensue', the TV personality said.

Mr Rinder's grandfather Morris Malenicky, a Lithuanian Jew, arrived in Britain as one of 300 'Windermere children'  orphans who survived the Holocaust and were brought to the Lake District.

Citing the subtle events that culminated in the Holocaust, starting after the First World War, he continued: 'The thing that I care about a lot mostly isn't focusing on all of the horrors underneath that dark earth in Treblinka.

'But that's the end of the story. It's the beginning that matters.

'This is the most advanced western liberal democracy of its time. The absolute apotheosis of western civilisation, Germany.

'And what did you need? Well, you need people to be aggrieved by a treaty, catastrophic economic events, and the wrong person in the right place at the wrong time.

'And then this conversation starts. The 'they'. 'They are very powerful you know'.

Mr Rinder said that people wanted to be able to discuss Israel in a 'nuanced' way without necessarily endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu's government

'All the things that you've begun to creep into, like a malignant force, branded on the tongue in conversations, that exist now in ways and spaces that would have been intolerable when I was young.

'That's the quiet starting point for the slow dark slippery slide into what can be depravity and I'm very very worried about that.'

But he clarified it was not something to be 'pessimistic' about, but a reason to 'check ourselves'.

On both antisemitism and islampphobia, Mr Rinder, who was awarded an MBE for Holocaust education, said: 'If you're not sure, it's worth calling it out. Just sort of be mindful of how it's affecting the world, and be mindful that the power to stop hate really does start and end with you.'

Speaking about his documentary about Israel called Holy Land: Our Untold Stories, he said: 'I'm not hind minded enough to believe that television or even writing has the power to change people's minds, especially when it comes to that part of the world.

'What I wanted and hoped for is for anyone watching it would perhaps go away and think the issue was nuanced.'
Brittany Higgins' furious husband has blasted a controversial Aussie commentator as 'vile' after she weighed in on the couple's plans to sell their French chateau ahead of an upcoming defamation trial

It was revealed on Monday that Ms Higgins plans to sell her chateau in the south of France ahead of her blockbuster defamation trial against her former boss Senator Linda Reynolds.

The former Liberal staffer and her new husband David Sharaz bought the rustic five-bedroom home in Lunas, in the country's historic Dordogne region, last year for about $600,000.

They made the purchase about a year after Ms Higgins was awarded a $2.4million compensation payment from the Commonwealth based on claims her political career was in ruins following her rape in Parliament House in 2019.

Outspoken television commentator Prue MacSween couldn't hide her delight as she mocked Ms Higgins after the latest development emerged on Monday.

'Too smart by halves. Mon Dieu Higgins has to sell her French Chateau to pay for her mounting legal bills. C'est la vie,' she tweeted.

Mr Sharaz leapt to his wife's defence several hours later, firing off a furious tweet.

'You are  vile,' he captioned the retweet.

Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz plan to sell that taxpayer-funded chateau in the south of France , ahead of the blockbuster defamation trial against her former boss, Senator Linda Reynolds.

Television commentator Prue MacSween (pictured)weighed into the latest saga facing Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz on Monday

Mr Sharaz's tweet sparked others to defend the couple and unleash on MacSween.

'Why so bitter Prue? Is because you have been irrelevant for so many years now,' one commented.

Another added: 'You really are some sort of piece of work, Prune. I don't even think the bowlo crowd would agree with your constant vitriol towards anyone who disagrees with your twisted point of view.'

A third wrote: 'Youre a nasty person. Why do you derive such pleasure from being nasty to people. Theres not a compassionate bone in your body.'

Meanwhile, Ms Higgins also hit back on Monday night when she reacted to the headline of an online news article about the latest developments.

The headline 'Brittany Higgins to sell French getaway' was tweaked from getaway to 'home'.

Her husband then shared his wife's screenshot on Instagram.

The latest move comes just seven months after Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz fled to France to start a new life.

On the day of what was supposed to be their permanent move last December, they arrived at the departures lounge at Brisbane International Airport dressed in suffragette white - apparently a symbol of 'strength' and new beginnings.

Daily Mail Australia understands the couple are now strapped for cash amid the ongoing defamation battle with Senator Linda Reynolds who is suing them both over a series of social media posts.

They have to cover the cost of defamation lawyers, who can charge more than $11,000 per day. If they lose, they would also have to cover Senator Reynolds' legal fees - which means they could be slapped with legal bill worth more than $1million.

It is further understood they may be planning a move back to Australia, ahead of the birth of their first child.

David Sharaz called out Prue MacSween's comments about his wife on Monday night

Pictured: Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz's French home

Since her payout in 2022, the couple enjoyed a luxury rental home on the Gold Coast for a year, and went on a range of holidays to the Maldives, Europe, to the ski slopes in Australia, and Disneyland in Paris.

They flew back to the Gold Coast in May ahead of their wedding at The Valley Estate - a sprawling luxury venue on the Gold Coast - with the wedding rumoured to have cost more than $100,000.

Ms Higgins' lace gown was a bespoke design by South Australia dressmaker Paolo Sebastian, which cost up to $30,000.

Last week, the couple announced on Instagram that Ms Higgins is pregnant.

'Can't wait to meet you!' she wrote in the caption.

'Beyond excited to welcome a new member to our little family. Your parents are already obsessed with you and you aren't even here yet.'

Mr Sharaz, 33, has not held a full-time job since he left his media role at Southern Cross Austereo in Brisbane in 2023, shortly after Ms Reynolds announced she was suing him.

Earlier this year, he waved the white flag and indicated he would not fight Ms Reynolds any more because he didn't have the financial means. The matter has not been settled, but he conceded defeat.

Ms Reynolds matter against them is down for six-week hearing in the WA Supreme Court on August 2.

Brittany Higgins is pictured with her cavoodle, Kingston, just after moving to France in December

Pictured: Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz's house in France, which could soon be back on the market

Talks to settle the matter have failed, with the court last week hearing that Senator Reynolds will see a copy of the Brittany Higgins Protective Trust to find out the trustee in the event of proceedings going in her favour.

The court heard Ms Higgins established the trust a day after she signed the deed of settlement with the Commonwealth of Australia in December 2022.

The settlement was part of a personal injury claim submitted by Ms Higgins over claims she had been sexually assaulted by her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann.

Martin Bennett, Ms Reynolds' lawyer, told the court the trust was set up to protect Ms Higgins from any potential future creditors, including his client.

He said an article published in Daily Mail Australia on August 21, 2023, talked about how Ms Higgins had been running out of money when she received a '$3million lifeline'.

Mr Bennett said it was easy to draw an inference that the trust was created to protect Ms Higgins from creditors when a person had cried poor, then received a financial lifeline which was placed in a protective trust.

He said Ms Higgins must have known the potential for future action against her because of untruths she allegedly told the Commonwealth in her personal injury claim.

'You do not need to be a creditor, it can be a future creditor, which falls squarely within the law,' he told the court.

David Sharaz is pictured at their first and only Christmas in their Lunas home

The sprawling farmhouse is in the small town of Lunas, in the south of France (pictured)

Ms Reynolds has made a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission about the compensation payment made to Ms Higgins.

Her lawyer said the senator told the commission that the money should be given back to the Commonwealth and that she wanted a finding made against the people who authorised the 'extraordinarily fast payment.'

Ms Higgins was awarded $2.445m in compensation by the government including $1.48m for loss of earning capacity for 40 years; $400,000 for hurt, distress and humiliation; $220,000 for medical expenses; $100,000 for domestic assistance; and $245,000 for legal costs.

She accused Ms Reynolds and Senator Michaelia Cash, who was her boss in 2020, of failing to properly support her in the wake of her rape. However, both senators were excluded from mediation talks with the Commonwealth.

At the time, Ms Higgins' rape claims had not been proven in court.

In April, more than a year after she won the claim, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee found that Mr Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins, on a balance of probabilities.

He has launched an appeal. The first case management hearing is scheduled in the Federal Court in Sydney this Thursday.
Tasmanian Supreme Court Justice Gregory Geason is facing a court hearing after pleading not guilty to assault and one count of emotional abuse or intimidation

A judge denies punching his former partner and pushing her into a mantelpiece, telling a court she was unsteady, fell and hit her head on a table.

Tasmanian Supreme Court Justice Gregory Geason is facing a court hearing after pleading not guilty to assault and one count of emotional abuse or intimidation.

A woman, who cannot be named, claimed Geason became 'enraged' on the night of October 31, 2023 over a photo she received on her phone from a male colleague.

She previously told the court Geason shook her, punched her in the chest and pushed her with such force she hit her head on a mantelpiece.

Geason, who concluded giving evidence in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday, said the woman never hit her head on the mantelpiece.

He also denied ever punching her or causing bruising allegedly found on her neck, ribs, shins, calves and knees.

Geason said he sat in a chair during the incident to be in a 'safe space' and withdraw.

He said he used an open hand 'stop' gesture as the woman approached him, but neither of the pair used any force.

'I didn't intend to connect with her (but) it was inevitable with her standing over me ... that there was a connection,' he told the court.

Geason said the woman then turned to walk towards the kitchen but was unsteady on her feet because she'd had a lot to drink.

A woman, who cannot be named, claimed Geason became 'enraged' on the night of October 31, 2023 over a photo she received on her phone from a male colleague

He said she brushed the mantelpiece with the left cheek while standing up, before 'falling hard' and hitting her head on the side of the table.

'She was certainly affected by alcohol. That was obvious from her movement and her speech,' Geason said.

Geason said the 'logical explanation' for bruising on the woman's upper arms was his effort to grab her and help her to her feet after she fell.

He said he had to use 'whatever force necessary' to get her up because she was a 'dead weight'.

Geason, who is on leave from his duties as a judge, told the court he went to bed and cried because he was upset with how he had handled the situation.

'I felt it was my poor response and immature response to a situation ... I felt I could have handled it much better,' he said.

The court was told Geason made multiple internet searches for domestic abuse services and anger management support in the days after the alleged assault, before being charged.

He said one search for 'how to get domestic violence charges dropped - step-by-step guide' was 'supposedly' in anticipation for what would happen.

'When you feel misjudged and wrongly accused you look for anything that would provide a thread of argument,' he said.

The court was told Geason also searched 'the best songs to say you're sorry' and sent messages to the woman asking her not leave him and that he was a 'f***wit'.

He said he accepted responsibility for the incident escalating but not for the assault alleged by the woman.

Geason said he was strip-searched and held in a police cell for six hours after being charged.

The final two witnesses are expected to appear before the hearing on Tuesday.

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This is the moment a brazen shoplifter lost his coat after wrestling with a security guard while stealing a pack of beer.

The sandal-wearing crook was nabbed while attempting to snatch a four-pack of booze from the alcohol fridge in the Marks and Spencer shop of a BP garage.

Footage of the thief captured him being tackled by the store's security guard, who wrestled the man down the aisles of the M&S outlet.

'Put it back, put it back,' shouts the guard as he grapples with the suspected shoplifter, adding: 'Put it down, put it down.'

The desperate thief - wearing khaki shorts and a chequered shirt and blue jacket - is then heard begging: 'Let me go, let me go.'

The brazen shoplifter was caught trying to pinch a four-pack of beer from an M&S store

The alleged thief was wrestled through the aisles of the shop by the security guard during the incident on Sunday

The man managed to escape - but only after wriggling out of his coat.

'No,' replies the guard, as he continues to grip onto the man's arm while they struggle through the shop.

An onlooker filming the chaos then screams 'oh no' as the shoplifter tumbled into one of the chilled aisle shelves before dropping the pack of beers to the floor and scooping them back up.

Attempting to stop the man from fleeing, the brave guard continues to grip onto the suspected thief - before the male managed to slip out of his jacket and wriggle free.

The coatless crook said: 'Thank you, thank you' as he fled on foot with the cans of beer.

The incident happened at the BP garage on the A312 in Northolt, west London, on Sunday morning, as reported on NeedToKnow.

It comes as the head of a security at a chain of high-end health food stores in the capital claimed to lose 900,000 a year to 'posh totty' shoplifters.

Richard Fowler said some shoppers feel 'entitled' to steal from Planet Organic because they shop their regularly.

The brand, which has nine stores across London, claims all the products it sells are completely organic.

The incident happened at the BP garage on the A312 in Northolt on Sunday morning (pictured is the suspected shoplifter and guard wrestling in the M&S outlet at the garage)

The man is seen being pinned against the wall by a guard as he attempts to steal a pack of beer

But Mr Fowler claimed shoplifting takes place at its Chiswick branch 'every day' and that 'posh totty' were among the main culprits.

He told the BBC: 'We've got our homeless... Then we have what I would call the posh totty people.

'They shop in Planet Organic on a daily basis, they spend a lot of money with our business.

'[They think] "Today I'm a little bit short of money, so I'm entitled to steal something".'

The third type of shoplifters are opportunists who 'drop' something into their bag when they think they are going unnoticed.

The Government pledged to scrap laws introduced in 2014 which downgraded thefts of less than 200 to a minor offence.

It comes after shopkeepers and major retail bosses complained shoplifters were running riot across Britain, with stores powerless to act.

The Met Police, BP and Marks and Spencer have been approached for comment about the video of the theft Northolt.
Ministers today promised to 'consider' scrapping the two-child benefit cap as Sir Keir Starmer scrambles to head off a House of Commons revolt by Labour MPs.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Government would look at lifting the cap as 'one of a number of levers' to tackle child poverty.

But she warned it would be 'very expensive' to reverse the policy as Labour battle with 'really tough' public finances.

Sir Keir is facing the threat of a first Commons rebellion by Labour MPs since he became PM over the two-child benefit cap.

A group of around 20 Labour backbenchers have already pledged to support an amendment to the King's Speech demanding the Government 'abolish' the cap.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing the threat of a first House of Commons rebellion by Labour MPs since he became PM over the two-child benefit cap

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Government would look at lifting the cap as 'one of a number of levers' to tackle child poverty

A group of around 20 Labour backbenchers have already pledged to support an amendment to the King's Speech demanding the Government 'abolish' the cap

The two-child benefit cap, introduced by ex-chancellor George Osborne, prevents parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for a third or additional child born after April 2017.

Before becoming PM, Sir Keir said he would ditch the two-child limit 'in an ideal world' but added that 'we haven't got the resources to do it at the moment'.

He is under intense pressure from left-wing MPs, campaigners and charities to scrap the cap now that Labour are in power.

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Ms Phillipson did not rule out the Government removing the limit on benefit payments.

But she added: 'Unfortunately it's also a very expensive measure, but we will need to consider it as one of a number of levers in terms of how we make sure we lift children out of poverty.

'Housing is a big factor The fact that for lots of families work doesn't pay in the way that it should, and that increasingly what we see is that children are growing up in poverty where there is at least one person in that household in work.

'We will look at every measure in terms of how we can address this terrible blight that scars the life chances of too many children.'

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has tabled an amendment to the King's Speech demanding Sir Keir 'abolish the two-child cap on benefits'

The Resolution Foundation has calculated that abolishing the two-child limit would cost the Government somewhere between 2.5billion and 3.6billion in 2024/25 but said such costs are 'low compared to the harm that the policy causes'.

Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions showed there were around 440,000 households in receipt of either universal credit or child tax credit who were not receiving the child element or amount for at least one child because of the policy, up from 409,050 as of April 2023.

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has tabled an amendment to the King's Speech demanding Sir Keir 'abolish the two-child cap on benefits'.

The Government last week attempted to try and head off a revolt on the King's Speech by committing to a ministerial taskforce to begin work on the child poverty strategy.

Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow this morning, Sir Keir said Labour's child poverty strategy 'covers all the bases' to tackle the issue.

But he declined to repeat the Education Secretary's earlier commitment to consider scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

Asked whether Ms Phillipson was right, the PM said: 'What the Education Secretary said this morning I agree with, which is she's passionate about tackling poverty and child poverty in particular.

'She spoke very powerfully this morning, because she speaks as a woman who grew up in poverty, everybody who knows her background knows how hard it was for her.

'So that's why I'm very pleased that she's one of the chairs of our taskforce on tackling child poverty, and we will make sure that the strategy covers all the bases to drive down child poverty. No child should grow up in poverty.

'The last Labour government did a huge amount of work on this with a very good strategy. I intend that we will do the same with the same commitment and passion.'

He added there was 'no silver bullet' to tackle child poverty but said 'it's good that we're having a debate about it'.

'I'm not surprised that there's a real passion about this in the Labour Party, you'd expect there to be,' the PM continued.

'Child poverty is something that we need to eradicate. And there's a very strong feeling in the Labour Party, labour movement about that.

'That is precisely why I set up the taskforce to tackle child poverty.

'There is no silver bullet. If there was a silver bullet it would have been shot a very long time ago.'
A minister has hinted that the Tory crackdown on foreign student visas could be eased amid the cash crisis in universities.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggested the government wants to 'welcome' more international students.

She also refused to rule out hiking tuition fees, with fears that major institutions could be on the verge of collapse.

Rishi Sunak announced a crackdown on most students bringing dependents as part of efforts to reduce record legal net migration levels. Experts are expecting overall numbers to start coming down, partly as a result.

However, there have been concerns about the impact on universities, which often get huge revenues from those coming from abroad to do courses.

Asked whether more international students could be part of the answer to the problems, Ms Phillipson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'In terms of international students they have an important role to play in our country they drive opportunities in terms of the contribution to the economy, I've seen it myself in Sunderland...

'Under this Labour government we want to welcome international students to our country, the soft power, the reach they give us around the world as they return home after their studies.'

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggested the government wants to 'welcome' more international students

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The comments came as Keir Starmer (pictured at the Farnborough Airshow) launched a new body to deal with Britain's 'fragmented and broken' skills training system

Labour supported the curbs on dependants when they were introduced, but has committed to reviewing the system. Home Office sources said the position was unchanged.

The comments came as Keir Starmer launched a new body to deal with Britain's 'fragmented and broken' skills training system.

Asked on a visit to the Farnborough Air Show whether he would reverse restrictions on student dependants, the PM said: 'We understand the pressures of migration and why the previous government took the decisions that it did.

'It has led to some pressures now in relation to higher education, but it is right that we get migration down, because it's too high.'

He said that the Government would seek to address migration levels through Skills England, adding: 'That is not to say that no business should ever be hiring from abroad  that is not realistic, it's not good for business and we don't want to go down that path.

'But for too long that's happened because we haven't had the skills available in this country, and I'm determined to change that.'

Labour pledged to create Skills England in its election manifesto to ensure training provision is aligned with the needs of the economy.

It will bring together central and local government, businesses, trade unions and training providers to better understand the nation's 'skills gap'.

Skills England will also work with the Migration Advisory Committee to reduce reliance on workers from overseas by addressing areas where home-grown skills can be improved.

The PM said: 'Our skills system is in a mess, which is why we are transforming our approach to meet skills needs over the coming decades.

'They will help to deliver our number one mission as a Government, to kickstart economic growth, by opening up new opportunities for young people and enabling British businesses to recruit more home-grown talent.

'From construction to IT, healthcare to engineering, our success as a country depends on delivering highly skilled workforces for the long-term. Skills England will put in place the framework needed to achieve that goal while reducing our reliance on workers from overseas'.

Ms Phillipson has appointed former Co-Operative Group chief executive Richard Pennycook as interim chairman of Skills England, with the body expected to be established in phases over the next 12 months.

Its first task will be an assessment of future skills needs, and it will later take on the functions of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education once the Skills England Bill, announced in the King's Speech, passes Parliament.

According to the Department for Education, skills shortages doubled between 2017 and 2022, and now account for 36 per cent of job vacancies.

The Government also sees improved training as vital to its aim of growing the economy, arguing that a third of productivity growth over the last two decades has been down to better skills.

Ms Phillipson said: 'Our first mission in government is to grow the economy, and for that we need to harness the talents of all our people to unlock growth and break down the barriers to opportunity.

'The skills system we inherited is fragmented and broken. Employers want to invest in their workers but for too long have been held back from accessing the training they need.

'Skills England will jumpstart young people's careers and galvanise local economies.

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'It will bring businesses together with trade unions, mayors, universities, colleges and training providers to give us a complete picture of skills gaps nationwide, boost growth in all corners of the country and give people the opportunity to get on in life.'

A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'We will wait to see Labour's plans in full, but by allowing 50 per cent of the Apprenticeship Levy funds to go to other non-apprenticeship training we may see the number of apprenticeships is reduced by half, leading to fewer opportunities for the next generation.

'We hope Labour will continue the good work of the Conservative government which saw 5.8million more apprenticeships created since 2010 alongside our education reforms which now find our children among the best readers in the western world.'
A driver accused of murdering a young mother in an alleged hit-and-run outside a daycare centre was dating the dead woman's ex-boyfriend - and now a man has been charged with the mum's murder.

Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant, 24, is alleged to have deliberately driven her Toyota Landcruiser Prado into Kiesha Thompson, 23, as she was walking home on Friday.

Ms Thompson was on the footpath after dropping off her daughter at daycare in Daisy Hill, south of Brisbane, when she was allegedly run down.

Ms Thompson died in hospital that night and police later charged Sant with her murder.

Sant is the new girlfriend of Ms Thompson's ex-partner, The Courier-Mail reported.

A 27-year-old man was also charged with Ms Thompson's murder late on Monday night. The man, from Acacia RIdge, will face court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Chris Knight said the relationship between Ms Thompson and her alleged killer would be 'pivotal' to the police investigation.

Daily Mail Australia earlier revealed that Sant has three young sons and worked at a Brisbane petting zoo.

Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant , 24, (pictured) allegedly murdered Kiesha Thompson, 23, by mowing her down with a car

Kiesha Thompson (pictured) was on the footpath after dropping off her daughter at daycare when she was allegedly ran down.

Her social media accounts are filled with selfies and posts about her tumultuous love life, desires for relationships and videos of herself dancing.

'Stuck between wanting my happy ever after and never wanting to loose [sic] what I have,' one post reads.

'How am I supposed to choose when the time comes.'

The revelations came as Ms Thompson's shattered family released a video statement.

Her brother, Koby Torto said his niece was the 'light of (Kiesha's) life' and the family would rally around the young girl following the death of her mother.

'My sister Kiesha had nothing short of a difficult life but in the past couple years, she worked tirelessly to create the best life for not only her but her child, who is the absolute light of her life,' Mr Torto said.

'Her life up to the end was exactly what she wanted but as all good things come, so do bad and she was taken from us.

'I cannot stress enough that her daughter was the absolute light of her life and we're here to support her throughout her whole life.'

Ms Thompson's aunt, Amanda Matthias, urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

'My niece Kiesha was tragically taken away from us in a horrific and senseless act,' she alleged.

'We are deeply grateful for those who worked tirelessly to save her.

'We plead to anyone who might have information to help us better solve this case, if anyone else is involved please come forward to police.'

Meanwhile, the family plan to set up a GoFundMe to help cover any expenses for Ms Thompson's daughter.

Sant (pictured) is reportedly the new girlfriend of Ms Thompson's ex-parther

Police will allege she drove around Daisy Hill for a period of time before Ms Thompson was struck

Police at the scene of a fatal hit and run in Daisy Hill

Keyara Thompson said there were no words for 'the pain of losing' her sister.

'We're struggling with the enormity of her absence in our life and I'm just trying to understand,' Ms Thompson said.

'As we are working to rebuild our live and focus on caring for her daughter, we need support.

'In honour of Kiesha, we are starting a GoFundMe page to ensure that her daughter has the best life possible that we can provide her without her mother.

'Any contributions no matter how big or small will make an enormous change to her daughter's life.'

Police will allege the incident was premeditated and Sant was driving the silver 4WD SUV in the area for an extended period of time before the Daisy Hill crash.

'We will allege that that event was not in fact an accident, and the young lady who has tragically lost her life, was in fact targeted,' Det Insp Knight told reporters on Sunday.

'For that reason we don't believe that it was an unfortunate, random traffic accident.

'The young lady who lost her life was a mother, she had dropped her daughter off at daycare.

'It is a gross understatement to say anything other than that family is deeply traumatised.'

Kiesha's Thompson's shattered family broke their silence on Monday

Kiesha Thompson (pictured) worked tirelessly to create the best life for not only her but her child

Sant was remanded in custody after her matter was mentioned in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

Her solicitor, Thomas Allen, told the court the matter needed to be adjourned to Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Sant was not able to apply for bail due to the serious nature of the charge and will will reappear in court via video link on July 31.

Outside court, Mr Allen told media he had 'no comment' about the matter.

Police said they seized a damaged silver Toyota Prado at Goodna, west of Brisbane on Saturday while the 24-year-old was arrested a few suburbs away at Yamanto.

Police described the incident as far from typical but declined to comment on any relationship between the pair.

Asked if it was a case of domestic violence, Det Insp Knight said: 'It is not as simple as that.'

Police are appealing for dashcam footage and asked the driver, owner or passengers on a white, unbranded bus seen in the vicinity shortly before 9am on Friday to come forward.
Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com

The pair went back to his villa

CCTV has emerged of a tourist being attacked from behind and stabbed by a woman near a popular bar in Bali after a 'one-night stand' took a disastrous turn for the worse.

The incident unfolded near the Sandbar restaurant and pub on the holiday island.

Footage of the confronting incident, which appeared to have happened at night, was was captured by cameras from a nearby building.

The clip was later uploaded to Instagram by Italian comedian Christian Giacobbe.

The video showed the man, who was wearing a T-shirt and shorts and carrying a bag, walking back to his villa.

The woman, who was seen riding in a motorbike, approached the man from behind and allegedly stabbed him in the back with what appeared to be a knife.

Unaware the object was stuck to his back, the man continued to walk down the street as the woman took off on the motorbike.

The video uploaded to social media showed the man lying face down on hospital bed.

The woman, who was seen riding in a motorbike, approached the man in the vehicle from behind and allegedly stabbed him in the back with a knife (pictured)

Parts of his shirt were covered in blood and the knife, which had been wrapped in a white bandage, was firmly lodged into his back.

A hospital worker was captured trying to help the injured man.

According to Mr Giacobbe, the man had met the local girl at the bar.

'They like each other, they start dancing, they start kissing...they go back to his villa and they do what they do,' he claimed.

Mr Giacobbe then claimed the woman became upset after the man asked her to leave a short time later.

He claimed the pair had an argument after the man allegedly refused to pay the woman when she asked him for money after they had sex.

The pair are understood to have left the villa before the man helped the woman find the motorbike.

'As he is walking back to his villa, she [allegedly] stabs him,' Mr Giacobbe claimed.

The footage of the terrifying incident, which was later uploaded to social media, showed the man lying face down on a hospital bed, with parts of his shirt covered in blood (pictured)

The injuries the man suffered is not known.

The incident comes after an Aussie FIFO worker was stabbed repeatedly while he was on holiday in Bali in March.

Peter Noel Sidney Nye, 28, suffered serious injuries to his head, face and arms, after he and his friend claimed they were assaulted outside a mini mart in Kuta, south of Bali.

His girlfriend claimed Mr Nye was stabbed over 20 times and said her partner suffered injuries to both arms and his ear.

Indonesia is the second most popular tourist destination for Australian holidaymakers.

According to the latest data, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade handled 401 consular cases in Bali during the 2022-23 financial year.
A married mother who visited her first ever sex festival and was too coy to tell family and friends is now raving about her experience, urging other people to give it a go.

Britain's biggest sex festival took place in Allington on the outskirts of Grantham, Lincolnshire and saw a thousand punters descend on the quaint and sleepy village for the four-day event.

One of those festival-goers, a 47-year-old office worker, attended with her electrician husband and spent the weekend meeting, greeting and 'getting intimate with like-minded couples'.

The mother of two daughters from the Midlands admitted to MailOnline: 'We are both quite shy and had no idea what to expect but it exceeded all our hopes and fantasies.

'Some may find it seedy and sordid but that is so not the case. It is all about couples, many in happy and long term relationships, wanting to spice up their sex lives and what is wrong with that?

'We are all consenting adults and nothing untoward or illegal is going on and we're all just having a bit of fun. It is absolutely amazing!'

The raunchy Swingathon sex festival lets kinky guests browse for sex toys and cool each other down with water hoses

The festival also offers fun in hot tubs as well as play tents, pole dancing and foam parties

Villagers in sleepy Allington said they don't mind the festival going on, as long as they 'keep themselves to themselves'

Residents have complained to police about 'screaming and moaning' coming from the countryside site keeping them up at night in previous years

The striking brunette-haired woman Sally, who declined to be fully named, spoke to MailOnline during a brief shopping trip away from the Swingathon situated near the quaint and sleepy village of Allington on the outskirts of Grantham, Lincolnshire.

She said: 'It was our first swingers event but we were too embarrassed to tell anyone we knew where we were really going.

'We arrived on Friday night and were feeling very nervous but luckily there was a fancy dress party which helped with any inhibitions.

'We got into out gear, it was a bit raunchy, but it helped us let our hair down and everyone seemed to embrace the dressing up theme.'

A thousand revellers flocked to the swingers and fetish festival - billed as the country's largest - in fields hidden away from prying eyes.

It featured play tents, pole dancing, hot tubs, foam parties, mobile dungeons and butt-plug bingo.

Kinky guests, forking out up to 265 a tickets, could browse and buy sex toys, cool each other down with water hoses and frolic around naked or in skimpy underwear.

Marquees were filled with kinky whips and chains, spanking paddles and bondage equipment and a 'SpicyLounge' which enticed punters to 'Something to behold... Along with the moon!'

Sally, who has been married to her 55-year-old husband for 23 years, and together have two grown up girls, age 18 and 22, grinned: 'It helped put the spark back into our sex lives!'

Kinky attendees struck a pose in barely there outfits at Britain's biggest swingers and festival

Pictured: An aerial view of tents set up in preparation for the X-rated Swingathon, where 'anything and everything' goes on

Pictured: A stall for 'Relentless Desires', which sells 'hand-crafted fetish furniture'

Bottom Street in Allington, Lincolnshire. Guests to the Swingathon camp out in fields a mile from the village centre

Organiser Matthew Cole (pictured with fellow organiser Kerry Voellner) promised this year's event would be 'bigger, bolder and better' than before.

She said: 'You wouldn't think we were the swinging type, but who is?

'It isn't just about the sex, but the sense of freedom and comradeship. There is such a buzz around the place and we're meeting new people, new friends, all with a healthy and common interest.

'We live in an often cruel and wicked world and if crowds of similar people can group together for a bit of X-rated fun that has got to be OK!

'I read reports that some local villagers were annoyed and others amused by the goings on but there is no alarm or harm intended for anyone.

'We are getting together in a safe and discreet place and hopefully not offending anyone.

'All I would say is wow, it is amazing and so liberating and I would urge other people to give it a go!'

As guests were entertained amidst the mixed sunshine and showers, in fields where they camped out a mile from the village centre, organiser Matthew Cole said this year's festival was bigger, bolder and better' than before.

Mr Cole, in his mid 30's and running it at the same venue for the second year, said: 'We have put a lot of work into the event and a lot of time into it.

'We have sold more tickets than ever and having the council on side as well, it could not be going any better than I wanted.'

Three people pose for a selfie at this year's festival whilst enjoying the sun on Friday

An attendee was excited for the day ahead this morning posting a sleepy selfie from his bed

One reveller shared a picture of their body art - made by rolling around nude and drenched in paint

Sally, who has vowed to go again next year if the popular Swingathon runs for a third time, said she and her hubby are 'both quite shy and had no idea what to expect but it exceeded all our hopes and fantasies.'

She added: 'Without going into any detail, we have been getting intimate with like-minded couples.

'There are so many exhibitionists here and they lead the way!

'But it's not just about the physical aspect. It's a big social event with live music, stalls selling all sorts of ware, mainly kinky, and it is very well organised and feels safe.

'There's a great buzz about the place and for us it is all new and thrilling.

'You see people walking around naked and strutting their stuff and that's allowed. We weren't that brave but we welcome that liberation in others.

'There are no sexual encounters happening out in the open, as far as we have seen, that goes on behind closed tents.

'Outsiders get the wrong idea and think a swingers event is all sleaze but it's really not, and we're proof.'
A 'war veteran' killed his mother before opening fire on elderly residents and staff at a nursing home in Croatia.

The gunman killed at least six people and injuring six more, state media reported, in a rare instance of gun violence in the Balkan country.

State broadcaster HRT said an unidentified gunman had entered a nursing home in Daruvar - some 130km east of the country's capital Zagreb - before opening fire.

Several others were left wounded during the shooting and are now receiving medical assistance, HRT added.

The alleged suspect, born in 1973 according to local reports, initially fled the scene before being later captured and arrested by police near Daruvar cafe.

A 'war veteran' killed his mother before opening fire on elderly residents and staff at a nursing home in Croatia (pictured left)

The suspect was captured by police near Daruvar cafe (pictured) after he attempted to flee the scene

Croatian newspaper Jutarnji described the alleged shooter as a 'war veteran' who killed his mother along with other residents and staff.

The N1 regional television reported that the gunman was a former fighter from the 1991 to 1995 war in Croatia.

The police quickly issued a statement following the shooting: 'Today, July 22, at 10:10am, the Bjelovar-Bilogor police department received a report that a male person using a firearm killed and wounded several people in a home for the elderly and infirm.

'The person who is linked to the crime is under the supervision of the police.

'An investigation will follow at the scene of the incident, led by the deputy of the county state attorney's office in Bjelovar.

It also assured that the suspect is now 'under police supervision'.

An employee of a store in Daruvar told local media how two workers of the care home ran into his store, one with a bullet in the chest and one with an eye injury desperately looking for help.

'I also called the police and told them where the killer was. He allegedly sat down and ordered a drink, and put the gun on the table,' a store employee told Dnevnik.hr.

Other shocked witnesses spoke to local media of the horrors they saw.

One told 24Sata: 'Look, I don't know what exactly happened. It's at a crossroads with me, it's mostly women in the home.

Police officers work as they secure a crime scene in Daruvar, Croatia, July 22, 2024

'I was there at that moment, I was walking down the street, I was 80 meters away and I heard the shots.

'At first I thought that it was some kind of construction work - the neighbor told us, adding that these 'shots' were heard at intervals of one to two minutes. The street is now full of police vehicles and ambulances'.

Another witness chillingly revealed the killer had gone to the nearby cafe before saying: 'Now I killed them all'.

Daruvar is a spa town and municipality in Slavonia, with a population of 8,500 people and authorities are now investigating the motive behind the attack.

The city announced the unprecedented tragedy this morning in a statement to its official Facebook page.

It read: 'We are shocked and in disbelief regarding this tragic event in the nursing home in Daruvar.

'We express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. We are shocked by this unfortunate event.

'The attacker was caught. The investigation is ongoing'.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said he was 'appalled' to hear of the shooting.

Writing on X, he said: 'We are appalled by the murder of five people in the Home for the Elderly in Daruvar.

'We express our condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the recovery of the wounded. I expect the competent authorities to determine all the circumstances of the terrible crime.

A police officer stands near the crime scene in Daruvar, central Croatia, Monday, July 22, 2024

'Ministers Bozinovic, Beros and Piletic will go to Daruvar and the hospital in Pakrac.'

Croatia fought a war of independence during the breakup of Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995, but now shootings in the Balkan country are rare.

Monday's incident ranks among the worst in Croatia's history since independence.

Last year in neighbouring Serbia, the country was rocked by back-to-back mass shootings, including a massacre at a school in the capital in Belgrade in which 10 people were killed.
The devastated family of a tradie left in a coma following a run-in with police outside a convenience store have given a heartbreaking update as they launched a desperate quest for answers.

Luke Briggs, 35, was approached by two male police officers in the carpark of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne's west in the early hours of July 15.

The officers attempted to speak with the builder regarding a traffic issue when he allegedly became physically aggressive and wrestled with police.

Paramedics were called after Briggs became unresponsive during the incident.

He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains a week later and is expected to die in the coming days.

Victoria Police confirmed on Monday that a male sergeant and constable involved in the arrest have been suspended. No charges have been laid.

Mr Briggs' family have opened up about their indescribable pain and suffering.

'Seeing Luke in such a fragile state is soul-crushing, and our thoughts are solely focused on spending our last few precious days with him,' the family said in a statement to The Age.

Luke Briggs became unresponsive during an incident with police a week ago

Mr Briggs was confronted by police officers in the carpark of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Hoppers Crossing in the early hours on July 15, Pictured are police at the crime scene

'At this stage, our priority is Luke's wellbeing. We are co-operating with authorities, who are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

'We trust that a thorough and fair investigation will reveal the truth of what happened.'

The family have appointed Robinson Gill principal Jeremy King as their lawyer, who has raised many unanswered questions about the investigation.

Two officers attached to the North-West Metro region were interviewed on Friday and were suspended three days later.

'The investigation by the homicide squad into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a man in Hoppers Crossing on July 15 remains ongoing,' the spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

The investigation is being oversighted by Professional Standards Command, as per standard practice when someone is seriously injured in police custody.

'A male constable and male sergeant from north-west metro region have been suspended while the investigation is carried out.'

Luke Briggs (pictured in hospital) is expected to die within days

The spokeswoman was unable to comment on why it took a week for action to be taken against the officers allegedly involved.

'Something has gone terribly wrong here. A young man should not end up in the intensive care unit, clinging to life after an interaction with police,' Mr King told The Age.

The tragedy comes just weeks after a 27-year old man died while being arrested by Victoria Police officers in Kyneton, in country Victoria.

In that instance, it is understood the deceased man ingested a substance believed to be cyanide.

Five police officers who were in the home were taken to hospital as a precaution
Holidaymakers could grab a last-minute getaway bargain as Ryanair said it expects fares will be 'materially lower' this summer.

The Irish no-frills airline reported on Monday that profits had slumped by almost 50 per cent.

It comes as price-savvy customers delay booking summer holidays - with the budget carrier saying this had contributed to the 46 per cent drop in its profits to 360m (303m), compared with the previous year.

Average plane fares fell by 15 per cent to 42 (35), with the airline predicting it will need to offer more cut-price fares over the summer months.

Ryanair's typical fare in June was 41.93, down from 49.07 the previous year.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said today: 'While demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect fares to be materially lower than last summer.'

Holidaymakers could net a last-minute summer getaway bargain as Ryanair said it expects fares will be 'materially lower' this year (Stock photo)

Ryanair's typical fare in June was 41.93, down from 49.07 the previous year (Stock photo)

Despite the slump in profits, passenger numbers rose 10 per cent to 55.5million, resulting in its overall revenues falling just one per cent to 363billion.

Passenger numbers are predicted to increase by 8 per cent this year.

Ryanair said its performance for the rest of the summer is 'totally dependent on close-in bookings and yields in August and September'.

The airline's chief financial officer Neil Sorahan suggested consumers were being 'a little bit more frugal, a bit more cautious' with their cash, and there was now 'a bit of pushback' following the post-pandemic boom in pricing enjoyed by airlines.

Other airlines have also signalled lower airfares , with Jet2 saying earlier this month that there would only be 'modest' price increases this summer amid a wave of later bookings to its European destinations.

Lufthansa cited 'negative market trends', while Air France-KLM warned of a financial hit after fewer people than expected booked flights to Paris for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Mr O'Leary also blamed problems with air traffic control across Europe for passengers being hit with flight delays and cancellations.

He said: 'In the last 10 days of June we suffered a significant deterioration in European air traffic control capacity which caused multiple flight delays and cancellations, especially on first wave morning flights.'

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said he expected air fares to be 'materially lower'

Ryanair said its performance for the rest of the summer is 'totally dependent on close-in bookings and yields in August and September' (Stock photo)

'(This makes it) more urgent than ever that the new European Commission and Parliament deliver long-delayed reform of Europe's hopelessly inefficient air traffic control services.'

Airlines including Ryanair were also affected by the global IT outage this weekend, which caused travel chaos at airports across the world.

'Delivering the final punch was the global IT meltdown over the past weekend which affected flights around the world,' Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell told the BBC.

'The more people read about delays and cancellations, the more likely a chunk of potential last-minute bookers aren't going to bother.'

In May, a Ryanair passenger issued a warning about the airline's strict baggage policies after witnessing some travellers being forced to cough up 46 before boarding a flight.

Emily Chaplin saw passengers unexpectedly hit with additional fees for non-compliant luggage while boarding a Ryanair flight to Tenerife on May 6.
Keir Starmer has insisted that Joe Biden will have made his decision to quit in the 'best interests of the American people'.

The PM said he 'respected' the US president's choice and looked forward to working with him for the rest of his term in office.

But speaking at the Farnborough Airshow he sidestepped questions on Vice President Kamala Harris - who Mr Biden said was his pick as the Democrat candidate to take on Donald Trump.

Mr Biden dramatically bowed out of the race yesterday in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to beat his Republican rival.

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, said: 'I respect that decision that he has now made.

Keir Starmer has insisted that Joe Biden (pictured) will have made his decision to quit in the 'best interests of the American people'

Speaking at the Farnborough Airshow Sir Keir sidestepped questions on Vice President Kamala Harris - who Mr Biden said was his pick as the Democrat candidate to take on Donald Trump

'Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.'

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris, but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

'Obviously in the first instance, it's for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president.

'My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.'

The 81-year-old president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was 'in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down'.

In a post on his social media account, he said: 'My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

'My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this.'

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

'And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term.'

He said in his statement he would address the nation on the matter next week, adding: 'For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

'I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do  when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.'

sidestepped questions on Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured) - who Mr Biden said was his pick as the Democrat candidate to take on Donald Trump

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Biden's Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Biden's term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice President Ms Harris said she was 'honoured' to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his 'extraordinary leadership' and for making a 'selfless and patriotic act' by stepping aside.

She said: 'I am honoured to have the president's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.'
Wildfires have ripped through a popular coastal area in Portugal at the same time as torrential rain and flash floods have swept much of Europe - as the continent continues to be ravaged by extreme weather this summer.

Cars have been swept away by flash floods in parts of France and the Netherlands over recent days, with streets turning into rivers and people being trapped in their homes and even hospitalised.

Severe storms have proven deadly in the mountains of Germany and Austria, where two young hikers, aged 18 and 22, died in separate incidents after being struck by lightning bolts. Warnings are in place as more stormy weather is expected today.

But it's a different story in Cascais, an area loved by holidaying Brits near the Portuguese capital Lisbon, where dry and windy conditions allowed a 'major' wildfire to be whipped up yesterday, with dramatic footage showing how it spread close to homes and holiday apartments.

Meanwhile in Greece, dramatic footage shows how blazes are tearing through forests in various parts of the country, burning non-stop for days after being ignited by lightning strikes and fanned by strong winds.

PORTUGAL: Dramatic video shows large wildfires near homes in Alcabideche, Cascais

GREECE: In the northern mountainous area of Falakro, a wall of flames has been burning grassland for five days

British families heading to Spain, Portugal and Morocco for their summer holidays this week have been warned to brace for a heatwave with highs of up to 46C

HOLLAND: High water saw cars flooded and people trapped in their homes in the city of Enschede

TURKEY: People try to cool off by the water amid high temperatures in Istanbul

FRANCE: A lightning strike is seen over a district of Paris amid storms in France ahead of the Olympics getting underway in the French capital

In the northern mountainous area of Falakro, a wall of flames has been burning grassland for five days straight after lightning strikes ignited two areas, which then merged into a singular large front.

The fire is spreading quickly due to strong winds, Protothema reports, with fire service helicopters continuing to battle the blaze with water dumps amid fears it could spread out of control to residential areas.

A scorching heatwave saw temperatures soar to 43C in Greece last week, with the temperatures remaining high at just below 40C across parts of the country today.

The Athens region is seeing highs of 39C, with tourists warned to continue to take precautions to avoid heatstroke after the famous Acropolis was closed due to hot weather this week.

While the temperatures are lower in Portugal - in the high 20s around Lisbon - the wildfire in Alcabideche, Cascais, remained severe throughout Sunday.

More than a dozen firefighting aircraft and almost 400 firefighters worked to get the fire under control yesterday.

This morning, 156 firefighters remained at the site as the battle against the huge fire continued into what was said to be the final stages.

Portugal, Spain and Morocco are bracing for more scorching heat, as forecasts predict highs of up to 46C this week.

The Met Office said the peak would be this Wednesday when Madrid will reach 39C and Seville 43C, while Lisbon will get up to 37C.

But the hottest weather in the region will be in Marrakech which will hit 46C on the same day - although temperatures are set to ease by the end of this week.

Policemen control traffic during a forest fire in Alcabideche, Cascais

Heavy smoke and large flames rise at a large forest fire on July 21, 2024, in Cascais, Portugal

A large plume of smoke rises above an apartments complex in Alcabideche, Portugal

A woman saves animals during a forest fire in Alcabideche, Cascais

Two Canadair CL-215 (Scooper) firefighting amphibious aircraft fly over heavy smoke to drop water at a large forest fire in Portugal

Temperatures are reaching more than 40C in Spain, Portugal and Morocco this week

While the weather was expected to be less windy today, continued hot weather is unlikely to help firefighters.

Despite video showing flames rising high into the sky near residential buildings, local media said that the only material damage done by the fires was to a fire engine.

There were 14 people reported injured on Sunday, including 11 firefighters and three civilians.

Meanwhile heatwaves are giving way to brutal storms in large parts of northern Europe.

In France, more than 45,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the weekend, in what is thought to be the worst storm wave of the year.

Wildfires continue to ravage parts of Greece amid sustained hot and dry conditions

An airplane fights a forest fire in Alcabideche, Cascais, as smoke rises

A fireman battles a forest fire in Alcabideche. 14 people are said to have been injured in the fire

An 'intense stormy episode' which began on Saturday night has led to 'significant' flooding in the north-eastern region of Haute-Marne.

Five people were reportedly admitted to hospital following a heavy storm, 'mainly for hypothermia', according to regional officials.

Huge hailstones were filmed falling in areas along France's south-eastern coastline and on the island of Corsica last night, with locals and visitors warned to exercise caution.

Flash floods have also ravaged parts of the country, with people being evacuated from their homes in the early hours of Sunday morning as roads were blocked and power was taken out.

Flash floods have hit parts of France over recent days amid storm warnings effecting the east of the country

Motorists drive through floodwater in France amid torrential rain

There were similar scenes in parts of eastern Holland yesterday, with dangerously high water blocking motorways and seeing people trapped in their homes.

In one shocking video, only the roofs of several cars can be seen as the whole parking area next to a block of flats is filled with floodwater.

The Austrian Alps were also hit by devastating flash floods yesterday, with rivers bursting their banks and streets turned into waterways in what emergency responders called 'dramatic scenes'.

There was a state of emergency in the town of Kremsbrucke in Carinthia, where sirens were heard blaring on Sunday night as homes were surrounded by high water.

Huge hailstones were filmed falling in areas along France's south-eastern coastline and on the island of Corsica last night (pictured)

Local residents were warned not to leave their homes and told to go to higher floors to avoid rising floodwaters.

'It is too dangerous to go near the stream or the river,' warned Josef Glanzer, commander of the Kremsbrucke fire department.

Within a very short time, around '110 to 130 mm of precipitation fell' in the area.

The water did not recede again until around midnight, and there were no reports of injuries, however the effects of the storm on residents are said to have been 'devastating.'
Billionaire Bill Ackman has shared a host of wild claims on his X account including a suggestion that President Biden might be terminally ill.

The 58-year-old investor shared a litany of suggestions concerning the embattled commander-in-chief who announced he was standing down on Sunday afternoon.

The claims shared by Ackman include concerns that Biden might be terminally ill, as well as others around the actual letter.

Speculation around the health of Biden have since been fueled by his youngest brother Frank who said he would enjoy 'whatever time we have left'.

While, conspiracy theorists have also been speculating over the authenticity of the letter with commentators saying that his signature looked like it was photocopied.

Ackman has continued to push this narrative on his X page, frequently sharing past instances of Biden's signature which show examples of it not being underlined.

The claims shared by Ackman, seen here in 2017, include concerns that Biden's signature was faked, the letter was not on an official letterhead and that he may be terminally ill

Biden made the announcement that he was backing out of the presidential race by sharing a letter to his social media on Sunday afternoon

Ackman shared one post by another user that said: 'Not a conspiracy theorist but the lack of any still photo or proof that Joe Biden signed the letter or even a brief on camera sighting has shades of Soviet Regime Change from back in the day.'

Speaking with CBS, Frank Biden said that the president's health was part of his decision to stand down.

He told the outlet: 'I'm incredibly proud of my brother. Selfishly, I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we have left.'

That choice of phrase sparked speculation from Ackman and others that Biden has a secret illness he has not disclosed.

A top Parkinson's disease specialist visited the White House multiple times this year, although officials have insisted Biden is in good health.

'He is a genuine hero, country over self, it sounds corny in our cynical political environment but he nor I are cynical,' Frank's statement continued.

'The goal remains the same, defeat Trump and continue the work that Joe has done. My hope is that our party rally's around this heroic act.'

When asked by the outlet if his brother's overall health played a role in him standing down for reelection, he said: 'In my humble opinion, absolutely'.

Biden made the announcement that he was backing out of the presidential race by sharing a letter to his social media on Sunday afternoon.

The president has been isolating with Covid-19 at his holiday home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, when his team composed the letter.

Conspiracy theorists have been speculating over the authenticity of the letter with commentators saying that his signature looked like it was photocopied

Donors had pulled millions of dollars in funds, the list of Democrats telling him to drop out was growing by the day, and polls suggested that his chances of beating Donald Trump were dwindling after his disastrous debate performance.

Jill Biden was there when her husband eventually made the historic call, giving into mounting pressure.

A spokeswoman for the First Lady said it was the president's judgment alone, and confirmed he made it late.

On Saturday evening, Biden summoned to his side two men who have been there since his political start, advisers Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon.

It was Ricchetti and Donilon who brought with them devastating new data which would help to make up Biden's mind.

Ackman has continued to push a narrative on his X page over his disbelief that Biden actually signed the letter and that he is terminally ill

They revealed the latest internal campaign polling, taken since the debate, which showed he could no longer beat Trump.

Biden's decision was made soon after, and he asked Ricchetti and Donilon to start drafting a letter, and to begin the process of how to make a public announcement, DailyMail.com confirmed. The president also began telling his family.

After his announcement, Kamala Harris announced she was running for the Democratic presidential nomination.

A number of prominent Democrats have since came out in support of Harris including California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Regardless, Trump has said already that he thinks Harris will be even easier to defeat than Biden.

National polling averages show Harris trailing Biden 48 to 46 percent, according to the New York Times.

The president has been isolating with Covid-19 at his holiday home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, when his team composed the letter

After his announcement, Kamala Harris announced she was running for the Democratic presidential nomination

That is an improvement on Biden's scores in the same polls, which showed Trump beating him 47-44.

In swing states and even states that have turned reliably blue in recent elections, Harris out-polls Biden even when losing.

She's within one point - 48-47 - of Trump in Pennsylvania, besting Biden, who was losing 48-45 to Trump.

In Virginia, she leads Trump by five points over Biden, who only leads Trump by four percentage points.

However, those polls were conducted before the assassination attempt on former President Trump and before Biden dropped out.
Israel has confirmed the deaths of two more hostages in Hamas captivity amid fears the Israeli military mistakenly killed the two men in Gaza.

Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, were abducted during the October 7 attack by Hamas, and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said today that a panel of doctors declared them dead based on new intelligence information.

The Israeli military said it was still investigating the deaths of the two hostages.

Local media outlets reported that the IDF is currently investigating whether the two hostages were killed in Israeli strikes.

Buchsthab and Candyg were believed to have died several months ago while they were held together in Khan Younis, where the IDF was operating at the time, the Times of Israel reports. The area came under heavy bombardment.

Hamas claimed in March that Buchshtab had died due to lack of food and medication, while Dancyg had been killed by Israeli fire. These claims have not been confirmed by the IDF, which did not say anything on how the two men died.

Yagev Buchshtab (pictured), 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, were abducted during the October 7 attack by Hamas, and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said today that a panel of doctors declared them dead based on new intelligence information

The Israeli military said it was still investigating the deaths of the two hostages, who were believed to have died several months ago while they were held together in Khan Younis, where the IDF was operating at the time, the Times of Israel reports

Palestinians walk past the rubble of houses destroyed during the Israeli military offensive, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip July 10, 202

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the possibility that 'at least one' of the hostages was killed by IDF air strikes was being investigated.

Buchshtab, a sound engineer, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nirim along with his wife Rimon Buchshtab-Kirsht, who was released after 50 days in captivity, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

Dancyg, who was born to Holocaust survivors, worked at Yad Vashem, the International Holocaust Remembrance Institute, and trained thousands of guides there, it added.

Hostages who were held captive with him reported that Dancyg spent his time in captivity giving history lectures to fellow captives, according to the forum.

'Yagev and Alex were taken alive and should have returned alive to their families and to their country,' the statement read.

'Their death in captivity is a tragic reflection of the consequences of foot-dragging in negotiations,' it said referring to ceasefire talks that have dragged on for months.

Their deaths are a 'stark reminder of the urgency' of bringing the hostages home, the campaign group added.

This comes as talks to secure a ceasefire deal that would include the release of some 120 captives there were set to resume later this week.

An Israeli negotiation team was due on Thursday to set off to mediated Gaza ceasefire talks that would include the issue of hostages being released in return for Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli authorities have so far pronounced dead in absentia around a third of the hostages still held in Gaza.

A woman holds a photo of Israeli hostage Yagev Buchshtab as people hold up pictures of other hostages as they attend a protest calling for a deal and the release of the hostages held in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, outside Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, April 9, 2024

Palestinian families return to their houses left amid rubble and devastating destruction after Israeli forces' withdrawal from Khan Yunis, Gaza on April 8, 2024

Israel believes that more than a third of the hostages taken to the Gaza Strip on October 7 are now dead, nine months after they were kidnapped.

During the October 7 attack, Hamas militants seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 44 the Israeli military and officials say are dead.

The attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 39,006 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
Labour will prioritise the asylum claims of those from 'safe' countries in efforts to deal with a huge number of cases after axing the Rwanda plan, it has emerged.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to announce a change in the law to allow the processing of claims by migrants who arrived illegally over the last 18 months.

According to The Times, this will reverse part of the Tories' Illegal Migration Act that barred anyone arriving in the UK illegally since March 2023 from being granted asylum.

Those people had been lined up for removal under Rishi Sunak's Rwanda deportation scheme.

But Labour declared the ex-prime minister's plans to send migrants to the African country 'dead and buried' after winning power.

The newspaper reported that Labour's law change will affect an estimated 101,000 migrants who have arrived in the UK by small boats or other illegal routes.

Those who come from 'safe' countries such as India, Vietnam and Albania are expected to have their asylum claims prioritised because it will be easier for them to be returned home.

This is in contrast to those from countries such as Afghanistan and Syria.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to announce a change in the law to allow the processing of claims by migrants who arrived illegally over the last 18 months

A group of people are pictured boarding a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the Channel on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, in northern France

James Cleverly, Ms Cooper's predecessor as home secretary, is pictured with Rwanda's foreign minister Vincent Biruta after signing an agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, in December last year

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Only 3 per cent of asylum seekers from India have their applications accepted, along with 7 per cent of Albanians and 46 per cent of Vietnamese.

The Refugee Council, a UK-based charity, has estimated that 70 per cent of migrants previously earmarked for deportation to Rwanda will be granted asylum.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Ms Cooper - who has branded Britain's asylum system as 'broken' - is also expected to update MPs on her progress in setting up a new Border Security Command.

This forms part of Sir Keir Starmer's promise to 'smash the gangs' who help people travel across the Channel in small boats.

Senior Tories have blasted Labour for removing the 'deterrent' of the Rwanda scheme and for introducing an 'amnesty' for illegal migrants by processing their asylum claims.

Tom Pursglove, a former immigration minister, predicted there would be 'climbing numbers' of migrants crossing the Channel.

Some 1,499 migrants arrived in the UK in 27 boats from July 15 to 21, according to Home Office figures.

The provisional total for the year so far to 15,831, which is 9 per cent higher than the number recorded this time last year (14,534) and up 3 per cent on the same period in 2022 (15,314).

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are enhancing the ability to fast-track removals to safe countries for people without the right to be here, as well as co-ordinating action upstream to stop the gangs through a new Border Security Command.

'The Home Secretary has already taken the first crucial steps and more action will following in the coming weeks.'
Brazen middle class customers feel 'entitled' to steal a few things from upmarket chains because they are regulars, a head of security has claimed.

Richard Fowler, who manages security at upmarket health food brand Planet Organic, said shoplifting at the Chiswick branch takes place 'every day' - and that 'posh totty' types are part of the problem.

He claimed the brand loses a staggering 900,000 a year as a result of stealing. The chain has nine stores across London and claims all the products it sells are organic.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Fowler said: 'We've got our homeless... Then we have what I would call the posh totty people.

'They shop in Planet Organic on a daily basis, they spend a lot of money with our business.

'[They think] ''Today I'm a little bit short of money, so I'm entitled to steal something''.'

Brazen middle class customers feel 'entitled' to steal from Planet Organic because they are regulars, the head of security claimed

Richard Fowler (pictured), who manages security at Planet Organic, said shoplifting at the Chiswick branch takes place 'every day'

Planet Organic has nine stores across London and claims all the products it sells are completely organic

Metropolitan Police figures show that 57,453 offences were reported across London last year  an increase from 38,157 in 2022.

Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City University, told the BBC: 'It's widely known that the police have been overstretched and under-resourced for over a decade.

'It is not just about the number of police that have been taken off the streets, it's also the operational approach and the strategy.'

Shoplifting has risen to the highest level on record, new data revealed in April this year.

Retail bosses accused ministers of allowing shoplifting to become effectively decriminalised, with many police forces failing to attend the majority of reports and failing to gather any evidence when they do.

Less than 40 per cent of shoplifting reports were attended by the Met between April 2022 and April 2023, figures revealed.

Separate data suggests a similar - and often worse - situation in the rest of the country, with forces sending out an officer for just one in five calls related to shoplifting.

Former Home Secretary James Cleverly previously said shoplifting has a 'corrosive effect' on people's confidence and that police should attend every incident and pursue every line of inquiry to send a message that 'you don't just get away with it'.
A former children's nurse who was found guilty of trying to kill her husband has collapsed in court after finding out that she will spend almost a decade behind bars.

Wendy Sym, 63, was sentenced to nine years in jail at WA Supreme Court on Monday.

The grandmother had been accused of trying to kill her husband of 39 years Kenneth Sym in January 2021 by injecting a lethal dose of insulin, a drug commonly used to treat diabetes.

Mr Sym, who was suffering from dementia and was also being treated for type-2 diabetes, survived after he received medical care.

The court heard that his wife injected the lethal dose of the drug at Joondalup Hospital where Mr Sym had been admitted after he suffered injuries from a fall.

His blood sugar levels dropped to a dangerous level and he was never prescribed insulin to treat his diabetes.

He died from a stroke caused by unrelated causes two months later.

Sym collapsed onto the floor of the courtroom after Justice Amanda Forrester read out the sentence, reported WA Today.

Wendy Sym, 63 (pictured) collapsed in court after she was sentenced to nine years behind bars for trying to kill her husband

Wendy Sym (pictured right) took on the responsibility to care for her husband of 39 years Kenneth (left) after he was diagnosed with dementia in 2014

Family and friends, who attended packed the courtroom, gasped after the sentence was delivered.

Sym continues to deny she tried to murder her husband after a jury found her guilty during a trial in April.

The court heard that a nurse at the hospital found the vial of insulin had been dumped inside a rubbish bin in a nearby bathroom.

Traces of Sym's DNA were found on the vial, which was dated April 9, 2018.

Sym denied that her husband required insulin and said she never went to the bathroom during a police interview on January 20, 2021.

She also insisted at the time that she wasn't finding it difficult to care for her husband, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2014.

But her lawyer Seamus Rafferty told the court on Monday that constantly caring for her husband took a toll on his client, that led to 'carer's burnout'.

'She was suffering from carer's fatigue, a recognised psychological condition, that impacts your ability to make calm and rational decisions,' Mr Rafferty said.

'It shows there is a causal connection between her mental state at the time and her actions'.

Sym also previously denied she asked staff at the hospital to leave her husband alone while she was away from his bedside.

She was found to have requested staff keep check-ups of her husband to a minimum.

Kenneth Sym (pictured) died unrelated causes two months after he was given a dose of insulin by his wife

The grandmother (pictured)will spend at least seven years behind bars

Justice Forrester said she could not accept that Sym gave her husband the dose of insulin in an attempt to provide him with medical assistance.

She accepted that Sym was in an state of emotional turmoil due to providing around-the-clock care to her husband.

'You were exhausted by your care responsibilities and despairing at the prospect of them continuing in the future unabated,' Justice Forrester said.

'In that state you decided to end his life.'

Sym will be eligible for parole after seven years.
President Joe Biden has given his full throated endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris, but who will the former prosecutor pick as her running mate for this November's showdown with Donald Trump.

Biden, 81, shocked the world Sunday in announcing that he wouldn't be running again in 2024. He immediately announced that he would be supporting Harris' as his replacement.

Following that development, small donors swarmed around Harris, 59, donating nearly $50 million to her campaign. In addition, it's likely that Harris will have access to the moneys already raised by Biden for his reelection.

That would leave her with a war chest of around $150 million.

In addition to raising money, Harris also earned the support many in the Democratic Party, notably the Clinton family as well as some whose names who were mooted as possible challengers to her at the Democratic National Convention.

There are still several big names within the Democratic Party who have not thrown their weight behind the former senator from California, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Senator Chuck Schumer and former President Barack Obama.

Who is in line to get on the ticket with the current vice president:

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Although yet to publicly endorse Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is likely to add her much needed support in a must-win state for the Democrats

One of the most popular governors in the country and with a rising national profile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 52, has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris but did not do so immediately.

On Sunday evening, CBS News reported that it was unlikely that Whitmer will mount a campaign challenge to Harris. In a state that the Democrat's must win in 2024, Whitmer won her state by a huge margin in 2022, adding to her appeal.

The Michigan State University graduate has also made abortion rights a key part of her agenda, something that's likely to be a major issue in 2024.

Whitmer, who has held office since 2019 and been a Biden loyalist, did warn that the president would have hard time winning Michigan in the aftermath of his disastrous debate performance in June.

Politico reported on Monday morning that Whitmer participated in a call with Harris staffers which included her offering her support in the battleground state.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear with his wife Britainy Beshear celebrating his re-election in November 2023

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has also endorsed Harris and has seen his name mentioned my multiple media sources in his home state as a potential vice presidential candidate.

Like other Democratic governors, Beshear, 46, would be an appealing choice for Harris.

Biden lost Kentucky by a wide margin in 2020 so it's unlikely the governor could help out in that regard.

However, he could offer an attractive counter balance to Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance's appeal to voters in the rust belt.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

Maryland Governor Wes Moore thanked President Joe Biden for his service in a message but did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, 45, says that he's all in for Harris in 2024.

It's unlikely Moore would have the national profile to raise campaign funds necessary to challenge Harris for the nomination.

Moore did issue an endearing statement following Biden's announcement.

'His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength have shaped the trajectory of our nation  and made us better as a people and as a country,' he wrote in part.

CBS News reports that Moore will endorse Harris later on Monday, leading to further speculation that he could be in line for the vice presidential nomination.

In an appearance on Face the Nation in June, Moore said that he would not seek the nomination in 2024 while Biden was party leader.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsome seemingly dispelled rumors about a potential run for the White House in being quickly to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy

Long considered to be the great-white-hope of the Democratic Party, California Governor Gavin Newsom, 56, was being mooted by some as Biden's replacement before Sunday's shock announcement.

Newsom was quick to endorse Harris, indicating that he's not thinking about a run in 2024.

'Tough. Fearless. Tenacious,' he wrote on X.

'With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris,' he wrote.

However on Monday, a Democratic pollster circulated a memo within party circles indicating that Newsom would be in a strong position if he chose to get in the race, reports Politico.

The data in the memo reportedly shows that Newsom and Harris are both trailing Trump by two points.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly

Senator Mark Kelly, shown here with his wife Gabby Giffords, says the couple are fully behind Harris in 2024

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, 60, a darling of the Democratic Party for years, has endorsed Harris ahead of the 2024 election.

'I couldnt be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future,' Kelly wrote on X.

'She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby [Giffords] and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States.'

This has led Kelly to be under consideration to be vice president with Arizona likely to be an important swing state once again.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Biden loyalist Pete Buttigieg, considered by many to have a bright future in the Democratic Party, is behind Harris

The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has held a reasonably high profile in the Biden administration since taking over as the secretary for transportation.

Peter Buttigieg, 42, a Biden loyalist, has echoed the president in endorsing Harris' candidacy.

'Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as president,' he wrote on X.

Early betting odds show that Buttigieg is the favorite to be Harris' running mate. The secretary ran a brief presidential campaign in 2020 before dropping out and supporting Biden.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, shown here with Kamala Harris earlier this month, was one of the first governors to support the vice president's candidacy

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, threw his support behind Harris on Sunday, not long after Biden's announcement.

'I've known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  we've both been prosecutors, we've both stood up for the rule of law, we've both fought for the people and delivered results,' he said in a statement.

'Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom.'

She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President,' he said in a statement.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

Harris, Biden and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper pictured at an event in March 2024

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, 67, has issued a message of support for Harris' candidacy on Sunday evening.

'Kamala Harris should be the next President. Ive known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity.,' he wrote.

'I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket.'

His name is now being bandied about as a potential vice president.

Last week, Cooper stumped for Harris during her appearance in Fayetteville, gaining applause with his line: 'He's a convicted felon, a chronic liar and the king of chaos. Do we want Donald Trump's America?'

In her speech, Harris called Cooper 'a dear friend.'
Luxury brands are quietly slashing the prices of designer handbags after getting ideas above their station.

Brands including Burberry and Yves Saint Laurent have spent years ramping up the cost of their sought-after accessories in a bid to improve their cachet.

But Burberry has lopped 22 percent off the cost of its medium-sized Knight handbag, and YSL has cut the cost of its Loulou bag by 10 percent after discovering they had squeezed out the customers who keep them in business.

'When you move upmarket, you can't start with raising prices; you have to start with desirability,' said Pauline Brown, former chair of the LVMH which owns Louis Vuitton.

'None of this happens overnight  you have to bring the consumer along with you.'

Supermodel Irina Shayk is among a legion of celebrity fans for Burberry's iconic handbags but the company is cutting prices after being accused of pricing out its loyal customers

Yves Saint Laurent has also started cutting prices as its bid for exclusivity hit the bottom line

There are around 2.5 million people worldwide who spend more than $20,000 a year on luxury goods, according to analysis by the Boston Consulting Group

But they account for just 10 percent of sales, while more than half of sales are made to around 330 million people who spend less than $2,000 a year.

Burberry has lopped 22 percent off the cost of its medium sized Knight handbag

Spending by both groups has plummeted since the pandemic as consumers have tightened their belts at a time when luxury brands have been ramping up prices in a bid to retain their 'exclusive' image.

But Burberry sacked its chief executive last week after its fourth profit warning in nine months as its share price dropped to a 14-year low.

German designer Hugo Boss has also issued a profit warning and net profits at Swatch are down 70 percent so far this year because of a 'huge reduction in demand' from customers in China.

Burberry has now slashed the price of its Knight handbag and knocked 5 percent off the price of all bags designed by top designer Daniel Lee.

While Yves Saint Laurent Loulou bags can now be bought for $2,650 in US stores  down $300 since January, according to the WSJ.

And the stakes have grown higher with the sale of handbags now accounting for an average of 45 percent of luxury brand revenue  up from 34 percent in 2008.

New Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman has promised to make its luxury goods more accessible to its most loyal customers.

But its small Lola bag still costs over $2,000  40 percent more than before the pandemic, while YSL's Loulou bag could be bought for $2,050 at the start of 2021.

Only the most exclusive brands appear able to snub the purchasing power of the middle class, with Cartier owner Richemont last week reporting a four percent rise in sales for its jewelry brands including Van Cleef & Arpels.

Gucci is doubling down on plans to prioritize its wealthiest customers, the WSJ reported, while analysts will be closely watching earning reports from Hermes and Louis Vuitton later this week.

The tail-off in US sales has been mirrored in the massive Chinese market where consumers are being squeezed by a prolonged crunch in house prices.

And luxury brands have been nervously watching moves by cheaper rivals to scoop up customers they have alienated.

Chinese manufacturers including Songmont which produce quality goods that heavily undercut their upmarket rivals are eating into the luxury market previously dominated by Western brands,' the WSJ reported.

'Brands cannot afford to alienate these customers,' warned analyst Claudia D'Arpizio of Bain & Company.
Plans to remove a prominent road between two beauty spots are moving forward due to flooding and environmental concerns in Maine.

The saga is occurring in southern Maine, where the towns of Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth have decided to forgo the frequently flooded stretch of Sawyer Road.

The part in question is a quarter-mile segment that crosses the Spurwink River.

Without it, drivers will have to use alternate routes to travel between the two communities.

Removal of the marshy road is slated to start in December 2026, officials from both towns confirmed.

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Plans to remove a prominent road between two beauty spots are moving forward due to flooding and environmental concerns in Maine

The saga is occurring in southern Maine , where the towns of Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth have decided to forgo the frequently flooded stretch of Sawyer Road, seen here following storms this past December

'How long do you continue to fight Mother Nature?' Maine Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Dale Doughty told The Bangor Daily News Friday of the decision.

'It comes down to a value judgment. We need to take a hard look at how we fund road repairs and improvements.'

'I think that is in our future,' Joyce Taylor, chief engineer for the agency, added, as it now mulls abandoning other flood-prone roads that get less traffic.

But that's not the case with Sawyer, locals say - despite often having to take a detour anyway due to flooding, adding a few minutes to their drive.

'Shutting that road is probably gonna increase traffic through the town of Cape Elizabeth quite significantly,' Scarborough resident Mark Coleman told Fox 23 earlier this year.

'I think a lot of people are gonna be disturbed or upset that they'd even consider closing it,' he added.

He and others who live near Sawyer have aired those concerns about how a permanent closure could impact traffic.

However, because of the costs of addressing ongoing water damage, along with the writing on the wall involving climate change, officials like Scarborough Sustainability Manager Jami Fitch say repairing the low-lying road is no longer worth it.

'It's a trade-off that we have to make in the face of rising sea levels,' one officials said after the two towns came up with the plan in February in the wake of repeated floods like these

The part in question is a quarter-mile segment that crosses the Spurwink River, seen overflowed in February

Without it, drivers will be forced to use alternate routes to travel between the two communities

Removal of the marshy road is slated to start in December 2026, officials from both towns confirmed - spurring some to air concerns about how a such a closure could impact traffic. Drivers will forced to cross using other roads a few minutes away

'It's a trade-off that we have to make in the face of rising sea levels,' she told the station when officials came up with the plan in February.

'The road is blocking tidal flow,' she added, motioning to how the road splits the Spurwink Marsh in two.

'The culvert is not allowing enough water to pass through,' she explained.

'So, we're really affecting the function of the marsh in this area.'

At another point in the interview, after some characteristic heavy rains hit the area, he pointed out a portion of the street just off the road was filled with water.

'We have this large pool here next to the road,' she said, a month after the road was completely flooded following a storm in January.

'That's not supposed to be there.'

He and other officials in both Scarborough and Elizabeth received a $1.6million grant from the state to remove the road and restore the marsh to preserve the surrounding environment.

'Shutting that road is probably gonna increase traffic through the town of Cape Elizabeth quite significantly,' Scarborough resident Mark Coleman told Fox 23

However, because of the costs of addressing ongoing water damage, along with the writing on the wall involving climate change, officials like Scarborough Sustainability Manager Jami Fitch - seen here in February - say repairing the low-lying road is no longer worth it

Officials were forced to commandeer boats for rescues this past December when storm surge caused the road to flood yet again

Now set to more forward, the plan will now require both towns to fork over a further $185,000 - a cost incurred by building a dead-end on each side. The road will be removed in two phases, officials said - between December 2026 and April 2027

But with scenes from that recent storm that forced residents to commandeer boats and kayaks to stay above the surge fresh in his memory, residents say it's more than that.

'There's been a lot of flooding,' said Paul Hayes, who lives near the marsh and the street. 'We saw a car float away in the storm in mid-January.'

Now set to more forward, the plan will now require both towns to fork over a further $185,000 - a cost incurred by building a dead-end on each side.

Once gone, travelers between the two towns will only need to drive about five minutes away to other connecting roads - something some have said they are already used to when the road floods and closes to traffic.

Meanwhile, other parts of Maine - notorious for its rains and wetlands - are confronting similar problems, with riverfront communities ranging from Bangor, Hallowell, Skowhegan, Lincoln, Gardiner, Augusta to Lewiston regularly contending with rising water.

Communities along the coast in particular bear the brunt of the weather events, which cause dangerous storm surge and flooding.

'Communities were literally cut off [from the rest of the state],' Taylor said of the Rumford area during a storm this past December.

'Our job is to convey people safely, especially in storms,' he continued, as officials commit to keeping repeatedly affected roads like the mountainous Route 2 corridor despite the cost.

'Emergency access is something we have to consider if we go in and spend money.'

The road will be removed in two phases, between December 2026 and April 2027.
They were once the bastion of classic cars like the Corvette, the Mustang and the Chrysler 300.

But today the 'Big Three' American automakers - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler - make few car models other than SUVs and giant pickup trucks.

A recent report by the Boston Globe claimed the three manufacturers only make eight actual cars. However, an analysis by DailyMail.com found there were 13.

Across the roughly 120 vehicles they make, sedans make up about 10 percent. And most of those sedans are high performance muscle cars that aren't practical for the average person or family.

Ford's only sedan in production is the Mustang, while Chrysler discontinued production of the Chrysler 300, its only remaining large sedan, in 2023.

GM, which owns Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac, manufactures 11 small cars, but again, most of them are built with horsepower or luxury in mind, not practicality. The Chevy Camaro, the Corvette and the Cadillac CT4 dominate GM's car lineup.

Pictured: A 1969 yellow classic Ford Mustang American car

Pictured: A 2023 Ford Mach-E Mustang. This is the first electric SUV version of the Mustang that first went on sale in December 2020. Regular gas-powered Mustangs are a key part of Ford's lineup

Out of the big three, it appears the only remaining non-luxury, non-sports car that's still churning out new models every year is the Chevy Malibu.

Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledges the problem - the fact that American car makers like his own have essentially ceded sedan sales over to Asian manufacturers like Toyota and Honda.

The Toyota Camry is the best-selling sedan in the US by far this year, with the Honda Civic close behind, according to Kelley Blue Book data.

There simply is no American-made sedan that comes anywhere near that level of dominance.

'We have to start to get back in love with smaller vehicles. It's super important for our society and for EV adoption,' Farley told the Globe.

Of course, there's a reason why American automakers have spent the last ten years or so ditching small cars for 'monster vehicles,' as Farley puts it.

Ford's F-Series pickup trucks have been America's best-selling vehicle for decades and remains the most popular even to this day.

A modified white Ford F-250 pictured in January 2020. This truck is among the best selling vehicle lineup in the US

The Chevy Silverado 1500, pictured, is the second most popular car in the US

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most successful American-made SUVs with US consumers

Similarly, a 2024 analysis by iSeeCars found that SUVs - or Sport Utility Vehicles - are the dominant mode of transportation in 48 out of 50 states, with California and Hawaii being the only places where drivers prefer smaller cars.

That's likely because California and Hawaii have some of the highest gas prices in the country, and traditionally, the most fuel efficient cars are sedans.

Bigger vehicles didn't always have a stranglehold on the market like this. In 2012, GM, Ford and Chrysler brought in a roughly equal amount of cash from cars and trucks, according to industry watcher AutoPacific.

By around 2014 or 2015, the writing was on the wall that governments around the world would eventually impose stricter caps on emissions to deal with climate change. Nearly every nation on Earth committed to the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016.

The car industry's response to this was to sell as many vehicles with internal combustion engines as they could before the crackdown began.

Then the pandemic struck in 2020, bringing supply chains to a screeching halt. This was a problem for car makers because as vehicles get more sophisticated and computerized, they need semiconductor chips, which were in radically short supply at the time.

The Chevy Malibu is the only remaining non-luxury, non-sports car made by any one of the big three US auto manufacturers

The Toyota Camry, pictured, is the best-selling sedan in the US by far this year, dominating the market over the shrinking number of American-made sedans

Ed Kim from AutoPacific told the Globe that car companies focused even more heavily on the big vehicles in their lineup because it made them the most money.

'If you are an automaker and youve got a limited supply of chips and parts, if you are only going to make so many vehicles, you are going to prioritize the most profitable models,' he said.

However, with the advent of Tesla becoming one of the most highly valued companies in the world during the 2021 electric vehicle craze, some American car makers attempted a pivot.

GM was one, announcing in January 2021 that it would electrify its entire lineup by 2035. It even aired a Super Bowl ad that year featuring Will Ferrell that challenged Norway's EV dominance.

But when it became clear in late 2023 that the market wasn't quite ready to completely shift over to EVs, GM abandoned its goal of producing 400,000 electric cars by mid-2024, The Wall Street Journal reported.

So, the company ran back into the arms of its cash cow, the gas-powered light truck.

This paid off, with the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra remaining some of the best-selling cars in the US.

A 2024 Chevrolet Silverado electric pick-up truck at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show

Although the shift from compact cars to trucks has been profitable, its had a huge impact on the environment and infrastructure.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the transportation sector - which includes all types of cars - accounted for largest percentage of human-contributed green house gas emissions in 2022.

Passenger cars and light duty vehicles like SUVs and light trucks made up 57 percent of emissions, while medium and heavy-duty trucks alone represented 23 percent.

Heavier duty trucks emit more planet-warming gases than trains, ships, and planes combined.

And SUVs were found to be the second largest contributor to increases in emissions over the years of 2010 to 2018, the exact years this type of vehicle began to dominate the roads.

Beyond the environmental impact of larger cars, the country's roads, bridges and parking lots haven't been able to keep up with growing vehicle sizes.

Transport & Environment, a European advocacy group, estimates that vehicles are getting wider by roughly four-tenths of an inch every year.

A modified Chevy Silverado barely fitting in a parking lot and dwarfing the sedans next to it

This regular Ford F-150 still struggles to fit inside a parking space in an underground garage

This is wreaking havoc in Europe where half of vehicles sold are now wider than the government-set parking space, something agreed upon in the 1990s when the average car was much smaller.

But even the US, whose citizens have long had a penchant for big vehicles, it is common to see a pickup truck failing to fit within the white lines of a parking spot.

Plus, heavy trucks contribute to the wear and tear of roads and bridges. The average pickup is 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, whereas the average car is just 4,300 pounds, according to the EPA.

'We are just in love with these monster vehicles, and I love them, too, but its a major issue with weight,' Farley said.

Despite the myriad problems with SUVs and trucks, there is no indication that demand is slowing down even a little bit.

SUVs are perceived as safer than sedans, with plenty of studies to back that up. Plus, many drivers like the greater storage space they afford along with the higher view of the road.

And the numbers don't lie: pickup trucks and SUVs are four of the five best-selling vehicles in the US.
A Massachusetts woman who refused to euthanize her terminally ill 14-year-old dog appeared before the state's supreme court after being accused of animal cruelty.

Maryann Russo's cockapoo named Tipper died at home in 2021 after she brought him to the vet on multiple occasions to treat a large mass on the side of his body.

Russo allegedly refused to allow the sick pup - whom she called an 'absolute joy' - to have surgery to have the mass removed on December 25, 2020. She opted to take him home instead.

Just three weeks later, she brought him back to the doctor with worsening conditions, including a necrotic mass, anemia, open bed sores and difficulty breathing. The vet recommended euthanasia which Russo refused.

On July 15, the Quincy District Court and the Appeal Court ruled that Russo will not face criminal animal cruelty charges for going against the doctor's advice and allowing Tipper to die at home.

Maryann Russo's cockapoo named Tipper (pictured) died at home in 2021 after she brought him to the vet on multiple occasions for a large mass that grew on the side of his body

'She wanted to euthanize him over the cellphone and I panicked and I ran up there to go and grab him,' Russo (pictured) said in March

Russo's attorney, Jason Bolio, told DailyMail.com that his client 'loved her dog more than anything in the world,' and is was a 'tragedy she was ever charged' in the first place.

Justice Frank Gaziano, who authorized the final decision, said that the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office failed to prove Russo intended to harm her sick dog, citing 'insufficient evidence of criminal intent.'

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'Our opinion should not be read to condone the conduct alleged in the complaint or take a position one way or the other regarding 'complicated' and "heartbreaking" end of life decisions.

'Instead, we hold, on these facts, that the defendant committed no crime,' Gaziano wrote.

After initially bringing Tipper to the doctor, the vet recommended that the dog have surgery to remove the mass on his side which his owner refused, according to court records.

Weeks later, Russo brought her sick dog back in, who could barely walk or stand, and asked for the surgery.

The veterinarian informed her that they feared the cockapoo would not survive the procedure, and instead recommended euthanasia.

'She wanted to euthanize him over the cellphone and I panicked and I ran up there to go and grab him,' Russo told WHDH in March.

Russo then said she would have another professional put her dog down, but the vet became suspicious and reported the incident.

While at home, Russo said that Tipper 'was eating like a horse, drinking everything' and 'recovering.'

Three weeks after a vet recommended that Tipper undergo surgery for the mass on his side, Russo, who refused it at first, came back in. The vet said the procedure would be risky and that the dog should be put down

After the vet reported Russo, a state police officer went to her home to check on the dog, who she said was not in pain and in good health, court records said.

When the officer arrived at the home, he immediately thought otherwise and claimed that Tipper, who exhibited shallow breathing, 'appeared to be deceased,' according to court records.

The investigator then obtained a warrant and Tipper was soon euthanized.

A month later, Russo was charged with violating the animal cruelty statute, alleging that she allowed Tipper to experience 'unnecessary suffering.'

'The reason they apply for a search warrant and seize an animal is because they are watching it suffer. Thats the only remedy in the law,' Lynsey Legier, an attorney at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals animal protection division, told The Boston Globe.

Legier explained that in this case, 'the only option to prevent that suffering happened to be humane euthanasia.'

The state and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals argued that Russo caused more pain and harm to her sick pet. However, Gazino concluded that she tried to get the best care for Tipper.

'The defendant brought Tipper to the animal hospital twice seeking medical care.

'Faced with difficult choices, the defendant took Tipper home to die with the understanding that nothing could be done to alleviate his pain, short of euthanasia,' Gazino said.

Bolio told Boston.com he and his client were pleased with the ruling.

'The case is all about her and what shes been through in the last four years.

'Her dog was seized from her four years ago and euthanized without even giving her the opportunity to say goodbye. She was prosecuted for felonies under the threat of jail for four years, so yesterday was a really good day for her and for her family,' Bolio said on Tuesday.

Russo's attorney, Jason Bolio, said he and his client were pleased with the ruling. 'Her dog was seized from her four years ago and euthanized without even giving her the opportunity to say goodbye,' he said

The Animal Legal Defense Fund said they were 'disheartened' by the final decision.

'[It] denies justice to Tipper who suffered in agony while his guardian refused to provide necessary palliative care, despite having easy access to medication and treatment options which would have alleviated Tippers pain,' senior staff attorney Kathleen Wood said.

'This decision undercuts the clear intent of Massachusetts animal cruelty law, which is to protect animals from unnecessary pain and suffering.'

Jeremy Cohen, an attorney who practices pet law, told The Boston Globe that the law surrounding animal abuse in Massachusetts is too vague.

'So much is based on the eye test right now,' he said. 'If your dog is too fat or if you purposely stabbed a dog, youre charged with the same crime.'

'For that reason, the Legislature should clarify the animal cruelty statute,' Cohen added.

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office told DailyMail.com that the 'court does not comment on decisions.'

DailyMail.com contacted Bolio for comment.
Sen. Joe Manchin insists he is 'not running' for president amid reports he was considering re-registering as a Democrat to launch a bid against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Amid reports Sunday claiming Manchin was weighing a bid, the West Virginia Senator came on the airwaves on Monday morning to reiterate he has no intention of joining the race in the wake of President Joe Biden dropping out.

'I am not going to be a candidate for president,' Manchin told CBS Mornings. 'I'm a candidate for, basically, speaking for the middle of this country.'

He added that 'neither side can win without the sensible, moderate middle.'

Manchin, who in May changed his registration from Democrat to independent, also said the Democratic Party is making a mistake by getting behind Harris instead of holding an expedited primary process before the Convention next month.

Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat-turned-independent, reiterated Monday morning that he has not plans to jump in the presidential race now that President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris

'I am not running for office,' the senator said on Monday morning. 'I'm not looking for  I don't need that as far as in my life the attention that people think when you speak up you're just looking for attention.

Earlier in the 2024 primary cycle, the third-party No Labels was looking to tap Manchin for a split party ticket in the name of bipartisanship but could not get commitments from two candidates to make a legitimate bid.

Manchin is not seeking reelection to his Senate seat but says he plans to remain in politics.

Mostly, the independent wants to see an open process that would see Americans weigh-in on who they want on the Democratic ticket, rather than letting Biden choose Harris as his replacement.

'I could not believe there was not going to be a primary process or a mini process,' Manchin told CBS on Monday morning. 'Other countries do it.'

'That's already been predetermined so we'll see what happens. I think it's a mistake.'

Before Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, Manchin was on the morning shows telling the President to step aside while reiterating he would not run to take his place on the Democratic ticket.

Manchin thinks it's a 'mistake' to select Harris as the replacement instead of hold an expedited primary process that would allow Americans to weigh-in on their choice for November's ticket

Fox News Sunday host Margaret Brennan asked Manchin if he would join a ticket with Harris: 'Would you consider a vice presidential spot on that ticket?'

'No forget about me,' Machin replied.

'You're not going to run?' Brennan followed up.

'No, this is a new generation, Margaret,' he said. 'We've got a lot of deep people on the bench to conserve give them a chance to rise.'
Nine in ten chief executives regularly work from home despite companies trying to force workers back to their desks, a study has revealed.

Only seven per cent of the bosses surveyed said they worked from a central office all five days of the working week.

A staggering 90 per cent split their time between the head office, 'flexible' workplaces and their homes, according to The Times.

Two thirds admitted believing they would lose staff if they forced employees to come into the office every day, and three quarters said embracing hybrid working helped bring in high quality talent.

It comes amid Labour's plans for a 'skivers' charter', under which new French-style laws will give employees a string of rights from their first day in the job, including the right to work from home, access to sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal.

But Sir Keir Starmer has been warned the radical overhaul of employment rights featured in his first legislative package risks mass job losses and firms going bust.

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned the radical overhaul of employment rights - including greater flexibility - risks mass job losses

Flexible working practices, such as 'exploitative' zero-hours contracts, will be banned and employers will be forced to pay a higher minimum wage to younger workers (stock photo)

Under controversial 'French style' reforms led by deputy PM Angela Rayner, staff would get a 'right to switch off' and ignore attempts by their bosses to contact them out of hours

A survey of more than 500 bosses found that the chief executives are more likely to be in the office than not, with only two per cent spending most of their week at home.

The main attraction of WFH was cited as avoiding a long commute, and bosses said offering more flexibility to their staff meant they could consider a more diverse range of applicants.

However, despite the poll results, some businesses are trying to force workers back to their desks with school-like policies such as monitoring attendances and swipe-card data.

One example of these demands is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, ordering the club's staff to return to the office full-time or to find another job.

Politicians have also tried to convince civil service to come back to the office.

The Prime Minister vowed to replace 'snake oil populism' with 'determined, patient work and serious solutions'. He said the new Employment Rights Bill would 'level up workers' rights, so every person has security, respect and dignity at work'.

But Rishi Sunak urged the new government not to impose 'new burdens on businesses' which could have 'unintended consequences'.

'They could lead to firms being less likely to invest and less likely to hire,' he said.

Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of S4 Capital, said: 'The devil will be in the details, but it will make employers more hesitant to hire.' Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins said Sir Keir had 'opened the floodgates for disaster'.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, ordered the club's staff to return to the office full-time or to find another job

Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak on their way to hear the speech in the House of Lords chamber

But Unite union boss Sharon Graham welcomed the package, saying it was 'key to rebalancing the relationship between employers and workers, making work fairer'.

It comes as MailOnline revealed some of the most ridiculous excuses used by some workers to WFH.

These included not wanting to go out in the rain, having to look after a relative's pet, and not being able to find house keys.

Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake told MailOnline the proposals would mean 'business closures and job losses'.

'Making flexible working the default and requiring employers to accommodate it is a ''work from home'' charter but also, and very significantly, it switches the decision on how and where people work from the employer to the worker,' he said.

'More red tape from a classic socialist, big state government, which will stifle economic growth and lead to business closures and job losses.'

Former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'The UK has had a productivity problem for 30 years made worse by the move to working from home.

'Employers will not risk creating new jobs if Labour creates an idlers' charter which will reduce opportunities for all workers.'

Labour's 'New Deal for Workers' was being headed up by Ms Rayner in opposition, but has seemingly now been given to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

The Government said the measures represent the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation, stressing that ministers will work with unions and business to finalise details.

Flexible working is being made the 'default', although there is a caveat that this is only 'as far as is reasonable'.

The Tory government's reforms of union powers, including minimum service levels in areas like rail, will be abolished.

The process of getting recognition for unions in workplaces will also be 'simplified', although there are few details.

Last year, Jeremy Hunt warned that working from home can hit 'creativity' as he insisted going into the office should be the 'default' option.

The former Chancellor acknowledged video conferencing and other remote tools offer some 'exciting opportunities' including being able to 'stay in touch' with work while looking after a baby.

The Government figures on staff attendance at departmental HQs reveals that the average office is 61 per cent full

Jeremy Hunt warned that working from home can hit 'creativity' as he insisted going into the office should be the 'default' option

But he said he 'worried' that firms were losing out through staff not being able to 'bounce ideas off each other' - suggesting people should be in the office unless there was a 'good reason'.

Asked about home working at the BCC conference in London, Mr Hunt said: 'I think it's something for businesses to find their own way through.

'There are some very exciting opportunities created by the fact that we've all learned to use Zoom and Teams for meetings.'

He suggested that it could help new mothers stay in touch with the workplace and provide 'choices' for workers with mobility issues.

'One example is childcare. It's not now the case that someone who has a baby needs to be completely out of contact for years and years,' he said.

When interviewer joked that people being interrupted by children was 'the joy of the Zoom call', he said: 'We all accept that and it's absolutely fine.'

Aides insisted Mr Hunt had not been endorsing mothers working from home with babies.

But he added: 'On the other hand, there is nothing like sitting around the table, seeing people face-to-face, developing team spirit  and I worry about the loss of creativity when people are permanently working from home and not having those water cooler moments where they bounce ideas off each other.

'Not every great business idea happens in a structured, formal meeting.'

Mr Hunt said businesses were now calling for staff to come in. 'I think the default will be 'you work in the office unless there's a good reason not to be in the office' and gradually we are getting there,' he said.
Chaos broke out in a Washington DC courtroom as a teenage girl accused of beating a vulnerable 64-year-old man to death attacked a deputy US Marshal.

The 13-year-old defendant reportedly punched the officer during a hearing on Friday, leading to her being removed from the courtroom on a stretcher, according to reports from Law and Crime.

Prosecutors also revealed that the group of girls took selfies after recording their fatal attack on Reggie Brown, 64, on October 17, 2023.

Brown, of Northwest DC, was brutally beaten to death by the three girls, age 12 and 13.

Officers responded to a call in the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue where they found Brown suffering from brutal blunt force trauma before he died at the scene.

Chaos broke out in a Washington DC courtroom as a teenage girl accused of beating a vulnerable 64-year-old man to death attacked a deputy US Marshal

Reggie Brown of Northwest D.C. was 64-years-old when he was brutally beaten to death by the three girls, age 12 and 13, on Georgia Avenue in October. Prosecutors revealed that the group of girls took selfies after recording their fatal attack

Shocking video seen by detectives showed the physically handicapped man being kicked and stomped on by the pre-teens.

Detective Harry Singleton testified that a man in a blue coat threw the 64-year-old to the ground and then the suspect along with the group of girls chased Brown as he tried to escape.

After the 1am beating, the girls 'appeared to be in a celebratory mood' as they walked away from the scene of the crime.

An autopsy determined that he died of blunt force trauma and was a homicide victim.

'My uncle really didn't deserve this,' a niece of Brown's said in a statement to News4.

'He was known in this community for years so for this to happen where he lived for 64 [years] is insane. They have to be held accountable!'

Detective Singleton found no connection between Brown and the three girls, who are not being identified due to their ages.

In a twist of events, the 12-year-old girl linked to the crime was shot in her apartment on Friday at around 4am. Her Peabody Street apartment in the 500 block is only about a half-mile away from the scene of the brutal beating.

The gunshot hit the girl in the leg and she was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have not said whether the gunfire came from inside or outside of the apartment - but video of the scene shows a shattered pane of a first-floor window.

'Horrific' video seen by detectives showed the physically handicapped man being kicked and stomped on by the pre-teens

A neighbor told News4 that they heard a loud bang and then saw two youngsters jump from a broken window and run down an alley.

Five months after the beating of the 64-year-old disabled man, the three girls have been arrested in relation to Reggie Brown's death.

In March, the 12-year-old and one of the 113-year-olds were charged with second-degree murder, the other 13-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on Thursday.

Investigators took a number of young people into custody and several officers were seen using flashlights to inspect the scene before dawn.

All three of the girls involved are resident of Northwest D.C. but it remains unclear how and if they knew Brown or how the detectives built their case against the pre-teens.
Vice President Kamala Harris made history Sunday as the first VP to be called upon in the 11th hour to step and try to campaign and win the election with just 106 days before Election Day.

She's is in a race against time to win the hearts of 4,700 Democratic convention delegates - the elected officials, former presidents and Democratic superdelegates that Biden won in the primary.

While his vice president was not in his tight circle, Biden called her to inform her of his decision on Sunday.

Harris moved immediately to start working the phones to get party luminaries on board, especially Democrats rumored to launch their own campaigns.

According to reports, Harris spent more than 10 hours on the phone after Biden's announcement dressed casually in a hooded Howard University sweatshirt and workout sweats, according to CNN.

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) talks on the phone as she rides on her campaign bus

She wore sneakers and snacked on pizza with anchovies for dinner as she frantically worked the phone.

With Bidens endorsement, Harris moved quickly to solidify support and the results were significant.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper all announced their support for Harris before the day was over.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton also signaled their support on social media.

Kamala Harris attends a music festival in California

Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive in the East Room of the White House,

Most notably, Harris ascension to the top of the ticket raised $49.6 million in just one afternoon as skeptical Democratic donors finally opened up their wallets after Bidens decision to step down.

The pro-abortion political action committee EMILYs List announced plans to spend at least $20 million to support Harris.

But Harris has yet to obtain an endorsement from former President Barack Obama, a surprise, since he has generously helped her throughout her political career and even advised her as she struggled in her first three years as Vice President. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also failed to endorse Harris, despite serving with her as a California Democrat.

Kamala's Presidential Reboot: Prosecute Trump

As advisors scramble to reassert Harris on the global stage, the Vice President plans to return to an old campaign theme she first debuted during her failed 2020 presidential campaign: The prosecutor.

As a former prosector, Harris frequently speaks about her abilities to prosecute the case against Trump. After Trump was convicted in a Manhattan court of multiple felonies, Harris was further motivated the Harris team to drive home the comparison. That language was echoed in statements of support from fellow Democrats.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, Newsom wrote on social media.

Harris supporters shared with reporters an old campaign ad from her failed 2019 primary featuring Harris a no-nonsense prosecutor taking on Trump to demonstrate her strengths in the ongoing process.

But that ad was the product of Harris advisory team in November 2019 when her campaign was only running on fumes.

Still, Harris supporters view her image as a prosecutor as a benefit, even though her law enforcement record and image as the top cop of California hurt her in the 2019 primaries.

Democrats frustrated with Bidens failures to confront Trump during the debate are now eager to see her tackle Trump.

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden at the White House

Vice President Kamala Harris talks with first lady Jill Biden in Washington, DC

A key figure in the 'cover-up'

Republicans began questioning Harris about how involved she was in covering up the issue of Bidens frailty and mental decline.

Throughout the reelection campaign, Harris defended Biden as one of the boldest and strongest presidents ever and tireless in terms of working. She said that Biden was gonna be fine, and said he was in good shape, in good health.

Kamala Harris is at the beating heart of this conspiracy, former Trump aide Steven Miller said on Fox News after Bidens disastrous debate in June.

She needs to be hauled in front of Congress immediately to answer questions: What did Kamala know? When did she know it? And why did she lie to us all?

Harris has to explain to voters why she helped cover up details about Bidens condition or was not trusted enough to remain in his inner circle to know the truth.

Vice President Kamala Harris waves as she heads to her car after arriving in Savannah, Ga.

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the press

The failed border czar

Trump campaign chief Chris LaCivita spoke to reporters during the Republican National Convention, hinting that the campaign was already preparing to run against Harris.

When asked about her greatest political weaknesses, LaCivita replied shortly 'border czar.'

Republicans successfully branded Harris as Biden's chosen figure to handle the border crisis, even as she and her staff worked mightily to side-step the responsibility, insisting she was only in charge of 'root causes' of migration in countries like El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Republicans believe they can remind voters of how flippant she was on the issue of border security and how she failed so badly on the issue that Biden had to reassume the administration's messaging on the issue.

NewsNation correspondent Ali Bradley reported that Harris had not spoken with Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens or former Chief Raul Ortiz since she was asked to lead the administration's response on the border.
An organ donor recipient has penned a powerful letter to a top cop and his wife thanking them for a second chance at life after the couple agreed to donate their teenage son's organs.

Charlie Stevens, the son of South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, was with friends waiting for a bus to head to Schoolies celebrations when he was struck by a car driven by Dhirren Randhawa in Goolwa, south of Adelaide, on November 17 last year.

Charlie, 18, was airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre but died the next day from a severe brain injury, surrounded by his family.

The apprentice tradie's legacy continues after his parents respected his wishes to be an organ donor, which has extended the lives of seven people.

Eight months on, Commissioner Stevens and his wife Emma have already received letters from three donor recipients and read out parts of one on Channel Seven's Sunrise on Monday.

'In many ways I've been given the gift of life again, the opportunity to look at the future and see my kids go through school, reach milestone and maybe even get married,' the letter read.

'This is what your family has given me.'

Commissioner Stevens admitted the letters were hard to read but beautiful to receive.

Charlie Stevens's final act before he died last November extended the lives of seven Aussies

'Difficult to read but knowing the impact Charlie has had gives us some sense of comfort,' he said.

Respecting Charlie's wishes was an easy decision for his grieving parents, despite having no idea that he had registered to be a donor on his driver's licence.

'Charlie, he wanted to do that. So we just thought that that would keep Charlie with us for a bit longer, an emotional Ms Stevens said as she fought back tears.

Her husband added: 'We never thought when Charlie did tick that box that we'd be in the situation where our family would be asked to confirm his decision.

'So it made it so much easier knowing that that's what Charlie wanted.'

The couple admitted they're still struggling to coming to terms with the tragedy, despite having previously forgiven Rhandhawa.

'We still feel it every day,' Commissioner Stevens said.

'But the way that people in South Australia and right around Australia have reached out to us.

"I suppose it's softened the blow a little bit but it's still very difficult.'

Charlie's parents has no idea that their youngest child was a registered organ donor

Eight months on, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and his wife Emma are still struggling with their unimaginable loss

Just 36 per cent of Australians are registered to be an organ donor, a sad reality that Commissioner Stevens and his family wants to see changed.

'We never thought when Charlie did tick that box that we'd be in a situation where our family would be asked to confirm his (organ donation) decision, it made it so much easier knowing that's what Charlie wanted,' he said.

'The more people who sign up, the better offer we will all be.

'There are 1,800 people waiting for a life-saving donation. The more people who make that decision early in the piece, the more people who are likely to get that gift.'

Rhandhawa was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after death and failing to truly answer question.

Charlie (pictured left) was waiting for a bus to head to Schoolies celebrations in Victor Harbor when tragedy struck. He's pictured with his dad, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens

However, in a plea deal, he admitted to a charge of aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of a crash.

Rhandhawa remains free on bail but will reappear in the District Court in August for arraignment and sentencing.

He faces a maximum 12-month prison term and minimum six-month licence disqualification for the careless driving offence.

DonateLife Week begins July 28.
The massive Microsoft outage is causing travel hell across America for a fourth day.

Weary airport passengers have shared shocking stories of woe - from a groom whose wedding day was disrupted by Delta delays, to a woman who resorted to driving 57 hours after being plagued by three flight cancellations in a row.

Total cancellations within, into or out of the US early Monday totaled 1,200, according to FlightAware data. Delta saw 17 per cent of its flights canceled - far more than any other airline.

One traveler even claimed Delta had 'f**ked up' his wedding plan after forcing him to wait eight hours, then denying him boarding over 'technical issues.'

'Delta cancelling multiple flights Ive been scheduled for and potentially f***ing up my WEDDING plans was not on my bingo card this year,' the devastated groom wrote on X.

One beleaguered traveler (pictured with his fiancee) said Delta delays had 'f***ed up' his wedding plans after waiting eight extra hours for a plane only to find he couldn't board due to tech issues

Total cancellations within, into or out of the US early Monday totaled 1,200 according to the latest data from FlightAware. The majority of disruptions hit Delta Air Lines flights, which completely canceled 17 percent of all flights

A groom whose wedding day was disrupted by Delta delays took to X to vent his frustration

'Literally any other time I wouldve tolerated this bulls*** but its our WEDDING FFS.'

The exhausted traveler said he and his fiancee were denied boarding because of a 'technical error' by Delta.

'Her boarding pass wouldn't print despite us having a physical boarding pass already. Flight attendants told us we couldn't get on after an 8 hour delay,' the groom fumed.

'We are not scrambling for our wedding,' he added, alongside a photograph of him giving the Delta logo the middle finger.

It is unclear where the passenger was flying from and to on the US airline, but similar stories of devastating delays were echoed across social media on Monday.

One passenger slammed the 'blue screen of death vibes' in the Delta terminal at Atlanta Airport, referring to the laundry list of delays showing on displays for the airline Friday evening.

Delta reported 626 cancellations, or nearly 83% of all cancelled flights, on Monday

One passenger slammed the 'blue screen of death vibes' in the Delta terminal at Atlanta Airport, referring to the laundry list of delays showing on displays for the airline Friday evening

One passenger said she got home 57 hours after she was supposed to thanks to severe Delta delays and missed connections on Monday

The picture did not appear to have improved by Monday, with one passenger saying she got home 57 hours after she was supposed to thanks to severe delays and missed connections.

'We gave up on you @Delta after 3 cancelled flights and countless delays,' the traveler wrote on X, explaining that she had resort to driving instead.

'Getting that car out of ATL was a miracle,' she wrote. 'Absolute nightmare for those with children, elderly, special needs, or who cant afford additional costs.'

Another traveler said they had been waiting 'over five hours' for news of their flight, while filming shocking footage of 'multiple extremely long lines in just about EVERY terminal' at Atlanta Airport.

The situation was so dire that some passengers chose to see the funny side, with people clapping when boarding finally began at their gate.

'At multiple gates ppl clap when boarding starts,' one person said on X.

'Ive never seen airports so packed with ppl. Our flights were delayed/canceled +10 times.

'Misery loves company as Everyone swapping stories of delays & hopes to get home.'

Massive delays by Delta at the Atlanta airport. Multiple extremely long lines in just about EVERY terminal. Been over 5 hours. I know there was a IT outage but there has to be a better way to deal with this. Most delays are due to pilots and attendants timing out. @Delta pic.twitter.com/5CYPh55VNk  Iiyannaa (@iiyannaa) July 22, 2024

The situation was so dire that some travelers chose to see the funny side, with people clapping when boarding finally began at their gate

The massive Microsoft outage is causing travel hell across America for a fourth day

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a message to customers Sunday that the airline continues to recover and restore operations after the outage

Delta reported 626 cancellations, or nearly 83% of all cancelled flights, on Monday.

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a message to customers Sunday that the airline continues to recover and restore operations after the outage.

He said a pause in Delta's operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights. Delta has been offering waivers to affected customers.

'The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90 percent, limiting our re-accommodation capabilities,' Bastian wrote.

One of the tools used by Delta to track its crews was impacted and unable to process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system outage.

Inclement weather also led to delays in the Southeast, according to FlightAware, including Atlanta, where Delta Air Lines is based.

The global tech failure is also impacting banking and healthcare services around the world.

Cyber-security firm CrowdStrike admitted the issue was trigged by an update to its antivirus software, which protects Microsoft Windows devices from attacks.
A former BBC presenter who swapped her TV career to become a firefighter has died aged 46 after a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer.

Beccy Barr, from Lancaster, was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year.

The mother-of-one joined BBC North West Tonight as a presenter and reporter back in 2013 having previously spent five years in financial news at CNBC in London.

But after 20 years in journalism, she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2019.

Beccy's family made the announcement on 'X' this afternoon. Their statement read: 'I'm sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning.

'She spent her last few days at St John's Hospice who provided the most dignified & compassionate care to Beccy & her whole family.

'Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy's memory.'

Beccy Barr (pictured) has died after a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer

Beccy joined BBC North West Tonight as a presenter and reporter back in 2013

She swapped her TV career to become a firefighter in 2019 to follow in her father's footsteps

Beccy (pictured) back in the BBC Studio when she worked as a presenter

Beccy joined the fire service in 2019 because she wanted to 'learn a new trade from scratch'. Her father Roy spent around 20 years in the fire service.

She told the BBC at the time: 'I still really love being a journalist but it has been nearly 20 years and I'm ready for a change and a different challenge'.

Beccy told her followers on 'X' that she had been diagnosed with incurable cancer at the beginning of 2023.

She said at the time; 'Two lessons I've learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship.'

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said: 'This morning Beccy passed away peacefully at St John's Hospice in Lancaster. They offered the most dignified and compassionate care for the last few days of her life.

'Beccy led an incredible life that I will post about on her account in the near future along with details of her funeral.

Beccy's career started in print journalism as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen before she moved to London to join Money Marketing

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said: 'She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah'

Beccy joined the fire service in 2019 after 20 years in journalism because she wanted to 'learn a new trade from scratch'

'For now, I just want to say that I was incredibly blessed to have such an amazing sister. She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah.

'If you wish to show your love please send donations to St John's Hospice in Beccy's memory. Please feel free to leave messages, we will read them and take comfort in them but may not reply whilst we take time to be together as a family.'

Roger Johnson, Presenter of BBC North West Tonight, said: 'Beccy was courageous in so many ways. In the way she faced her illness, of course. But she also had the courage to walk away from a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter. She wanted to make a difference and she excelled at that too. My thoughts are with her daughter and family.'

Chris Brindley, Editor, BBC North West: 'It's extremely sad to hear the news about Beccy. She was a much loved part of the North West Tonight team for several years. Those who worked with Beccy will remember her as an inspiration and those who watched her will remember her as a really talented journalist and presenter. We send all our sympathies to her family.'

Beccy's career started in print journalism as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen before she moved to London to join Money Marketing.

She also had stints at BBC Radio 5 Live, reporting for BBC Inside Out and Sunday Politics North West.

Tributes have flooded in for the firefighter, as social media users paid tribute to an 'inspirational' woman.

Beccy pictured in her role as a firefighter at Lancashire Fire and Rescue. She published this photograph when she received Distinctions in all her training assessments

BBC Manchester said in a statement: 'We have some sad news to bring you - our former colleague Beccy Barr has died.

'Beccy presented BBC North West Tonight from 2013, before leaving in 2019 to become a firefighter.

'She was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2023. Our thoughts are with Beccy's family and friends.'

Journalist Annabel Tiffin, a presenter at BBC North West said: 'This is such unbelievably sad news. Beccy was a feisty, fearless woman gone far too soon. Condolences to her family.'

MP Cat Smith for Lancaster and Wyre said: 'I'm so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her.

'She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match. RIP Beccy. So much love to her family right now.'

Lee Petts wrote: 'This breaks my heart. I didn't know her that well, I only met her a couple of times, but she was always lovely and looked after me when interviewing me for the BBC Politics Show. She's dealt with her terminal cancer diagnosis like an absolute champ, positive to the end. Cancer is horrid, isn't it? RIP Beccy.'
Shocking surveillance footage shows the moment a 17-year-old boy is killed after being run over by a bus while attempting to steal an elderly man's cellphone.

The teenager is seen walking up to the 71-year-old man while he was talking on the phone on a street corner in the southeastern Brazilian city of Sao Paulo last Friday.

The victim appeared as he was about to cross to the opposite sidewalk when the teen suddenly grabbed his cell phone and took off running.

A few seconds elapsed when the bus crossed the intersection and plowed into the unsuspecting perp before it immediately came to a full stop.

The teenager, whose name was not released, was rushed to Brasilandia Hospital, where he later died from the injuries he sustained.

A 17-year-old boy was captured on camera stealing a 71-year-old man's cell phone on a street corner just seconds before a bus ran over him as he attempted to flee in Sao Paulo, Brazil last Friday

The teen was trapped under the bus moments after he was hit while he tried to flee after stealing a 71-year-old man's cell phone in the southeastern Brazil city of Sao Paulo last Friday

Pedro Garbin, 38, told Brazilian news outlet Metropoles that the boy was able to get out from under the bus without assistance.

'(He) rolled onto the curb. He was lying down, talking, moving,' the businessman said.

Gabriel Silva, 20, was cutting a customer's hair at a barbershop and was startled by the impact of the bus hitting the teen.

'I heard a loud noise and ran out into the street immediately,' he said. '(He was) lying in agony on the ground.'

A 17-year-old was hit by a bus and later died after he tried to flee down a Brazilian street after he was caught on camera stealing a 71-year-old man's cell phone last Friday

The teen (seen above second to from the right) didn't see the bus approaching the intersection while he tried to run away after stealing an elderly man's cell phone

At least 158,150 thefts and 137,891 cell phone robberies were reported in the state of Sao Paulo in 2023, according to the annual report released by the Brazilian Security Forum last Wednesday.

In Sao Paulo, the state capital, an average of 1,781.6 cell phones were stolen or robbed per every 100,000 inhabitants, crime data shows.

In all, 937,294 cell phones were robbed or stolen throughout Brazil last year, an average of 107 per hour.

Brazilian Security Forum director, Samira Bueno, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that the uptick in cell phone robberies and thefts marked a 'profound change in the dynamics of property crime' in the South American nation.

'It was already a trend, but with the reduction in the circulation of people, with the digitalization of banking in general, both cell phone theft and fraud are becoming more accessible because your entire life is on your cell phone,' Bueno said.

'Sometimes it's not just yours, it's your entire family's life. It's photos, it's other people's contacts. This reveals a change in patterns.'
New Mexico has ranked as having the worst public schools in the country, a new survey shows.

The Sun Belt state's schools rate much worse than those elsewhere thanks to low student graduation rates, weak funding, poor safety, large class sizes, and a lack of good teachers.

Oklahoma, Arizona, Alaska, and Louisiana rounded out the bottom five public school systems, research by WalletHub shows.

Parents looking for decent tax-funded schools may need to head to the US Northeast.

Massachusetts ranked as having the best schools in the country.

Fifth grade students at a computer lab in a church-run school in New Mexico, which has among the worst public schools in the country

Researchers revealed which states have the best and worst public school systems

It was followed by Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

Cassandra Happe, an analyst for the personal finance website, said much of the difference comes down to how much money states spend on their students.

'Getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesn't guarantee success,' said Happe.

Cassandra Happe says funding schools is key

Schools districts still need to spend money wisely and focus on the 'quality of educators, other professionals and the curriculum.'

The study comes in the wake of pandemic-era school closures that left sent math and literacy levels tumbling, even when they did little to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

It also comes as millions of Americans weigh whether to relocate to another part of the country  a flow that sees many opt for lower tax states in the South that in many cases have weaker public school systems.

WalletHub researchers examined data from the US Census Bureau, the Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics and other sources.

This included graduation rates, dropout rates, test scores, as well as measures of safety, such as the prevalence of bullying and the number of students who take a gun to class.

New Mexico scored by far the lowest in the country  a problem that is well known to state education chiefs.

State Education Secretary Arsenio Romero recently complained that his school districts were struggling to hire teachers as educators fled the profession in droves.

Students walk on campus at the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico, where districts struggle with a crippling shortage of teachers

New Mexico State Education Secretary Arsenio Romero says staffing schools is a problem

A graduation ceremony for students in Holden, Louisiana, which has one of the nation's weakest public schools in the country

A staggering 59 percent of New Mexico's young students, those aged three to four, do not see the inside of a classroom, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Nearly four fifths of the state's fourth graders cannot read, while a staggering 87 percent of eighth graders are not proficient in math, the foundation says.

Analyst often point to student demographics, which is about 62 percent Hispanic, leading to communication issues in many classes.

The system was thrown into further disarray in April, when dozens of school districts sued the education department over its plans to introduce a controversial 180-day school calendar rule.

The department did not answer DailyMail.com's request for a comment.

Researchers ranked Oklahoma as having the second-worst public schools in the country.

The Sooner State is currently embroiled in a controversy over a new rule that schools begin incorporating the Bible into lessons.

Republican state Superintendent Ryan Walters said the rule for all public school students aged about 11-18 was compulsory.

It came on the heels of a similar controversy in Louisiana  which has the fifth worst schools in the country  and where a new law directs all public schools to display the Ten Commandments.

At the other end of the scale, Massachusetts ranked as having the best public schools in the US, thanks in part to its high math and reading scores.

Researchers also highlighted the safety of schools in the Bay State, where drugs and schoolyard fights are uncommon.

Connecticut ranked second thanks to its excellent test scores and the large number of teachers, compared to student numbers.

The report comes as parents and teachers are increasingly alarmed about slipping standards and low attendance at the nation's schools as they struggle to reverse effects of the pandemic.

A service member speaks with students at a school in Alaska, one of the lowest performing states in the country

Seventh grade teacher @qbthedon (pictured) asked parents: 'Why don't y'all know that your kids aren't performing on their grade level?'

America's schools have started to make progress toward getting students back on track.

Nationally, students made up one-third of their pandemic losses in math during the past school year and one-quarter of the losses in reading, says the Education Recovery Scorecard, an analysis of test scores by researchers at Harvard and Stanford.

But improvement has been slow and uneven across geography and economic status, with millions of students  often those from marginalized groups  making up little or no ground.

States have used some money from the historic $190 billion in federal pandemic relief to help students catch up, but that money runs out later this year.

'The recovery is not finished, and it won't be finished without state action,' Thomas Kane, a Harvard economist, told AP last month.

'States need to start planning for what they're going to do when the federal money runs out.'

Against thie backdrop, teachers have taken to social media to warn that kids are falling behind with their basic reading and writing skills - and claim parents are totally ignorant to the alarming situation.

In a TikTok video, which has been viewed more than five million times, seventh grade teacher @qbthedon asked parents: 'Why don't y'all know that your kids aren't performing on their grade level?'

'I teach seventh grade, they are still performing on a fourth-grade level,' he complained.

'We all know that the world is behind, you know, globally,' he acknowledged. 'Because of the pandemic and stuff. But I don't understand why they are not stressing to y'all how bad it is.'

The teacher, from Atlanta, Georgia, claimed he can 'put as many zeros in this grade' as he wants to, but the kids will still be moved up to the next grade.

'Ain't nobody talking about that,' he said incredulously.

'These [are] our future leaders, our future doctors, our future nurses - our future,' he said desperately. 'Please!'
Welsh Labour is facing demands to recall the Senedd as it tries to install a new First Minister over the summer recess to avoid a damaging leadership election.

Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Health Eluned Morgan appears set to replace scandal-plagued Vaughan Gething after he lasted just four months.

The peer is running as a 'unity candidate' and has won the backing of Jeremy Miles, who narrowly lost to Mr Gething in February.

Installing Baroness Morgan would allow the new Welsh Labour leader to be unveiled quickly. If she succeeds she will be the first female leader of Wales.

But to become First Minister they also have to win a vote by the Senedd. The authority in Cardiff broke up for the summer last Friday and is not due to return until September 16 after a break of 55 days.

Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said that if Baroness Morgan is the only name put forward he would write to the presiding officer on Wednesday to call for the Welsh Parliament to be recalled.

He said: 'Wales has faced political paralysis and Labour infighting for too long, we need certainty and we need it fast.

Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Health Eluned Morgan appears set to replace scandal-plagued Vaughan Gething after he lasted just four months.

The peer is running as a 'unity candidate' and has won the backing of Jeremy Miles, who narrowly lost to Mr Gething (above) in February.

Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said that if Baroness Morgan is the only name put forward he would write to the presiding officer on Wednesday to call for the Welsh Parliament to be recalled.

'It is becoming clear that Labour in Wales will have a new leader very soon, but Eluned Morgan has presided over the longest waiting lists on record and they're still growing on her watch. Is this really the best that Labour can do?

'The Welsh Conservatives are calling for a recall of the Senedd to give Wales greater stability.

'Wales should not be without a functioning government for months over the summer.'

Mr Gething announced last Tuesday that he was standing down just four months after taking on the role.

He has faced a series of rows over a 200,000 donation to his leadership campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences.

Last month Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd, after rows over the donation, and his decision to sack Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn as a minister.

Welsh Labour's ruling body set out a timetable for replacing Mr Gething on Saturday, members having until Wednesday to announce their candidacies.

Candidates must have six nominations to enter.

A new Labour leader will be in place by September 14 and, subject to a vote in the Senedd, will take over as first minister on September 18.

Baroness Morgan will be standing on a joint ticket with rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who would become deputy first minister.

Their announcement on Monday comes after Mr Gething was forced to announce his resignation as First Minister and Welsh Labour leader last week, after four members of his cabinet quit en masse in criticism of his leadership.

Baroness Morgan is the Senedd member for Mid and West Wales and a peer in the House of Lords, where she is listed as being on a leave of absence, and was a member of the European Parliament.

In a statement, Baroness Morgan said: 'I am proud to stand as a candidate to be the next leader of Welsh Labour, driven by a passion to serve the people and reset the relationship between the Government and the people of Wales.

'I am delighted to be teaming up with my fantastic colleague, Huw Irranca-Davies, who shares my passion and experience in government and strong sense of public duty. Together, we are committed to putting Wales back on track.

'In the coming days, we will set out our priorities to improve public services, create better, greener jobs and empower our communities.

'Our focus will be meaningful change and building a brighter future for communities across Wales.'

Mr Irranca-Davies, the MS for Ogmore, said: 'I'm proud to be backing Eluned for the next leader of Welsh Labour and first minister of Wales, and I'm honoured to be campaigning alongside her on a joint ticket.

'Eluned has the energy and experience to lead and deliver for the people of Wales and harness the opportunity of working with a new UK Labour Government.

'Working together and with our leadership team, our Welsh Labour movement will keep working to improve people's daily lives and standing up for a fairer and greener Wales.'

Deputy first minister positions are uncommon in Wales, with the roles having only been given to opposition groups working in coalition with the Labour leadership in the past.
Keir Starmer has insisted that Joe Biden 'put the country first' and made his decision to quit in the 'best interests of the American people'.

In his first statement to Parliament, the PM said he 'respected' the US president's choice and looked forward to working with him for the rest of his term in office.

But Sir Keir sidestepped questions on Vice President Kamala Harris - who Mr Biden said was his pick as the Democrat candidate to take on Donald Trump.

Mr Biden dramatically bowed out of the race yesterday in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to beat his Republican rival.

Sir Keir said the US President was 'a man who, during five decades of service, never lost touch with the concerns of working people and always put his country first'.

He 'leaves a legacy that extends far beyond America to freedom and security on this continent'.

'Most of all, of course, in our steadfast resolve to stand by the people of Ukraine,' he said.

'He leaves the Nato alliance stronger than it's been for decades.'

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, said: 'I respect that decision that he has now made.

In his first statement to Parliament, the PM said he 'respected' the US president's choice and looked forward to working with him for the rest of his term in office

Keir Starmer has insisted that Joe Biden (pictured) will have made his decision to quit in the 'best interests of the American people'

'Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.'

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris, but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

'Obviously in the first instance, it's for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president.

'My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.'

The 81-year-old president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was 'in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down'.

In a post on his social media account, he said: 'My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

'My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this.'

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

'And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term.'

He said in his statement he would address the nation on the matter next week, adding: 'For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

'I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do  when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.'

sidestepped questions on Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured) - who Mr Biden said was his pick as the Democrat candidate to take on Donald Trump

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Biden's Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Biden's term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice President Ms Harris said she was 'honoured' to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his 'extraordinary leadership' and for making a 'selfless and patriotic act' by stepping aside.

She said: 'I am honoured to have the president's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.'
A New Jersey stripper who has owned up to selling several hundred fake COVID-19 vaccination cards at $200 a pop had her sentencing remanded because she brought her young children to court.

Jasmine Clifford, 34, had been facing approximately one to three years in a state pen after pleading guilty in April and spending several months on New York's Rikers Island.

Released in early 2022 in the wake of her arrest the summer before, she made no arrangements for her two preteen sons on Friday.

Judge Marisol Martinez Alonso suspected it was a ploy to further stall proceedings, but gave her until July 25 to make the necessary arrangements.

At that point, she will return to court to hear her sentence, Alonso said - with the time she already spent in jail being credited toward her sentence.

Jasmine Clifford, 34, had been facing one to three years in a state pen after pleading guilty in April and spending several months on New York's Rikers Island following her arrest in August 2021.

Released in May 2022 ahead of her criminal case, she made no arrangements Friday for her two preteen sons. She's seen with them last year, after spending several months on Rikers Island

'The Court finds the recommendation of 2 to 4 years of incarceration to be wholly inconsistent with the plea offers submitted to this Court by District Attorney Bragg's office,' the judge said earlier this year of his decision not to dismiss the charges, while also seemingly accusing DA Bragg of overcharging the offense.

'The manipulation of the database by Clifford 'require[ed] extensive DOH [New York State Department of Health] resources to be invested to attempt to restore the integrity of the database,' he went on to add before moving forward with the case.

'Accordingly, this factor weighs against dismissal of the charges against [her].'

'The position that 'confidence in the criminal justice system 'can only be undermined when justice is administered in less than an even-handed fashion'' is quite simply, ludicrous,' Alonso continued.

'Notwithstanding the People's contradictory position in this case, the People have the right to make any lawful plea or recommendation, and the legislature's mandate enjoins this Court from making an offer less than the statutory minimum.

Clifford's defense went on to agree to the statutory minimum for their client's sentence, as she pleaded guilty to a plot that saw her sell fake US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination cards before falsely registering buyers in New York.

At least 13 people were fraudulently put into the New York State Immunization Information System database as a result, feds said - as the mom-of-two lived high on the hog at her home in Lyndhurst

All the while, she maintained a stark social media presence as stripper 5StarJaziii, and on a still-operating Instagram account, she advertised the phony CDC vaccination cards under the name AntiVaxMomma.

Judge Marisol Martinez Alonso suspected it was a ploy to further stall proceedings, but gave her until July 25 to make the necessary arrangements

At that point, she will return to court to hear her sentence, Alsonso said - with the time she already spent in jail being credited toward her sentence

Clifford's defense agreed to the statutory minimum for their client's sentence, as she pleaded guilty to a plot that saw her sell fake US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination cards before falsely registering buyers in New York

She accepted payments from those interested through CashApp or Zelle. The pseudonym has since been wiped from her social media accounts.

For an extra $250, a second scammer would enter a bogus card buyer's name into a New York state vaccination database, which were used to verify vaccine status at gatherings like concerts and sporting events, prosecutors said.

Clifford was subsequently charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Offering a False Instrument for Filing, and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree at the time of her arrest in August 2021.

In court documents leading up to the ruling, Alonso appeared to chastise Bragg for routinely going easy on violent offenders while throwing the book at a person like Clifford - a stance shared by state Supreme Court Justice Brendan T. Lantry in February, where he dismissed felony charges against a pair accused of buying cards from Clifford.

The two were among just 16 people Bragg's office 'cherry-picked' to prosecute and charge with felony criminal possession of a forged instrument, the judge said.

The self-professed AntiVaxMomma accepted payments from those interested through CashApp or Zelle. The pseudonym since been wiped from her social media accounts

The presiding judge ultimately decided not to dismiss the charges, but also seemingly accused officials of overcharging the offense

In court documents leading up to the ruling, jurists appeared to chastise Bragg for routinely going easy on violent offenders while throwing the book at a non-violent offender like Clifford

State Supreme Court Justice Brendan T. Lantry agreed in February, when he dismissed felony charges against a pair accused of buying cards from Clifford

In an opinion issued shortly thereafter, he wrote Bragg's office 'routinely - nearly daily - move[s] to dismiss significantly more serious counts or entire indictments' to avoid harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Clifford - who has continued to post on social media since her release in early 2022 - will be sentenced while receiving credit for time served on July 25

In an opinion issued shortly thereafter, he wrote Bragg's office 'routinely - nearly daily - move[s] to dismiss significantly more serious counts or entire indictments' to avoid harsher penalties for previously convicted felons or to avoid jeopardizing people's immigration status.

'These motions submitted [by Bragg and his prosecutors] are made months or even years after the 45-day period has expired to dismiss... sexual assaults, drug sales, robbery, burglary, and other violent and non-violent serious felony offenses,' Lantry said.

City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli went on to praise the ruling, telling The New York Post: 'Imagine prosecuting a scared woman for this, even though she didn't even use the fake card, while at the same time letting violent perps go. I'm glad the judge called him out for the world to see.'

As for Clifford - who has continued to post on social media since her release in early 2022 - she will be sentenced while receiving time served on July 25, officials on Friday said.
Kamala Harris could be just months away from being elected as the first female President of the United States, after Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race for election on Sunday.

The current vice president, 59, has been endorsed by Biden, 81, as the Democratic nominee to take on Donald Trump in November.

Despite receiving the support of the current president, Harris has been ridiculed since becoming VP for a series of blunders when addressing public issues in interviews, press conferences and even in statements.

From stumbling over her words when addressing the White House's Covid-19 strategy to confusedly repeating herself over the use of community banks, here are some of her most embarrassing slip-ups.

On AI

In July 2023, Harris was ridiculed after delivering a jumbled explanation of artificial intelligence

In July 2023, Harris was ridiculed after delivering a jumbled explanation of artificial intelligence.

She was speaking at a gathering of labor and civil rights leaders in Washington DC at the time, but did little to assure attendees that she had a strong grasp of the subject.

She continued: 'It's about machine learning, and so, the machine is taught  and part of the issue here is what information is going into the machine that will then determine  and we can predict then, if we think about what information is going in, what then will be produced in terms of decisions and opinions that may be made through that process.'

The remarks drew criticism from conservatives on Twitter, especially after a clip of the event was posted by the Republican National Committee's @RNCResearch account, which has been quick to pounce on Harris' gaffes.

'Why does she address us as if we are 5 years old?' one user asked.

On reproductive rights

Ms Harris's preoccupation with time raised its head again last April at a political event on reproductive rights

Harris's preoccupation with time raised its head again last April at a political event on reproductive rights.

She told attendees: 'I think it's very important...for us at every moment in time and certainly this one, to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past but the future.'

On transportation

Harris made an awkward mistake when appearing alongside Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in July last year for an event with disability rights advocates to increase transportation accessibility

When appearing next to an expert - regardless of the area they specialize in - it is always important to make a good impression.

Harris did anything but that when appearing alongside Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in July last year for an event with disability rights advocates to increase transportation accessibility.

She gave a remarkably basic summary, stating: 'This issue of transportation is fundamentally about just making sure that people have the ability to get where they need to go,' she said, chuckling. 'It's that basic.'

On South Korea

Following the conclusion of a tour across Asia, which ended with a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Harris mistakenly confused the communist North Korea with the US' ally nation of South Korea

Following the conclusion of a tour across Asia, which ended with a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Harris mistakenly confused the communist North Korea with the US' ally nation of South Korea.

'The United States shares a very important relationship, which is an alliance with the Republic of North Korea,' Harris said during a speech, intending to refer to the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea.

'It is an alliance that is strong and enduring,' she continued, not appearing to recognize her mistake.

A communications advisor for Texas Senator Ted Cruz called Harris a 'flat out moron' for her remarks.

On equality for Hispanic people:

One of Harris' most confusing outbursts was to burst into laughter after uttering the phrase 'you think you just fell out of a coconut tree? when addressing equality for Hispanic people

One of Harris' most confusing outbursts was to burst into laughter after uttering the phrase 'you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?', while giving a speech on equality and advancement for Hispanic people.

She appeared to be trying to explain the need to focus on the wider community, adding that 'nothing exists in a silo'.

After a clip of the speech went viral earlier this year, it became a popular internet meme that was widely circulated by her supporters, who are informally known as the 'K-hive'.

One 'K-hive' member wrote: 'To anybody who thinks it shouldn't be Kamala Harris: you do know a new candidate can't just fall out of a coconut tree, right?'

On illegal immigration

Harris said that 'the border is secure' before appearing to contradict herself by blaming a 'broken immigration system' in what was a convoluted take on the issue

Having been appointed as VP by the Biden administration, one of Harris' key objectives was to tackle the 'root cause' of immigration.

'I think that there is no question that we have to do what the president and I asked Congress to do, the first request we made: pass a bill to create a pathway to citizenship,' Harris said in a Meet the Press interview in September 2022.

She went to add that 'the border is secure' before appearing to contradict herself by blaming a 'broken immigration system' in what was a convoluted take on the issue.

'We're going to have two million people cross this border for the first time ever. You're confident this border is secure?' interviewer Chuck Todd asked.

'We have a secure border in that that is a priority for any nation including ours in our administration,' Harris replied.

On job development

On the issue of bettering transportation access for workers, Harris said: 'Together, we are expanding access to transportation. Seems like maybe it's a small issue, it's a big issue.

Harris appeared to be tongue-tied during a speech at the White House in September 2022, as she tripped over her words while discussing federal investments in workforce development.

On the issue of bettering transportation access for workers, Harris said: 'Together, we are expanding access to transportation. Seems like maybe it's a small issue, it's a big issue.'

'You need to get to go and need to be able to get where you need to go to do the work'.

On Roe V Wade

Asked whether years of Democratic majorities had failed by not codifying abortion rights, VP Kamala Harris said: 'I think that, to be very honest with you, I do believe that we should have rightly believed, but we certainly believe that certain issues are just settled.'

When addressing one of the biggest decision in US legal history, Kamala was once again left with egg on her face as she struggled to answer whether Democratic presidents and congresses failed by never codifying abortion rights.

'I think that, to be very honest with you, I do believe that we should have rightly believed, but we certainly believe that certain issues are just settled. Certain issues are just settled,' Harris said.

On community banks

Kamala endured another unfortunate slip-up when addressing the press at Sycamore & Oak retail village in DC back in August 2023

Kamala endured another unfortunate slip-up when addressing the press at Sycamore & Oak retail village in DC back in August 2023.

She emphasized to reporters that 'community banks are in the community' and that investing in them is therefore good for the community.

'And so for years we have worked to expand investment in community banks because, you see, community banks specialize in providing loans and financial assistance to small business owners, in particular those in overlooked and underserved communities,' the vice president said.

'And as the name suggests, community banks are in the community,' she added.

In response, the deputy spokesman for Speaker Kevin McCarthy asked: 'But do they also offer services as it relates to banking?'

'Let's see if she can figure this one out! Grocery stores sell GROCERIES,' conservative radio personality Ken Miles wrote, and included a thinking emoji.

'She actually said this,' conservative communications specialist Steve Guest tweeted.

On Covid

Harris gave a flummoxing answer in January 2022 when asked by NBC's Craig Melvin about the White House's Covid strategy

Harris gave a flummoxing answer in January 2022 when asked by NBC's Craig Melvin about the White House's Covid strategy.

'Does the administration say, 'You know what, this strategy isn't working. We're going to change strategies. Is it time?', Melvin asked.

Harris responded by saying 'it's time for us to do what we have been doing, and that time is every day'.

This came after an even more confusing response following the onset of the pandemic in the US in 2020.

Although coronavirus spread with devastating speed throughout the nation, Harris claimed in October 2020 that nearly two-thirds of the country's population had died from the disease in a matter of months.

She bizarrely remarked: 'Were in the middle of a crises caused by this pandemic were looking at over 220million Americans who just in the last several months died'.
A Starbucks customer was left disturbed after she found several pieces of hard plastic in her grande caramel frappuccino.

Bianca, who calls herself Binx online, posted a TikTok video showing off the hard white plastic she found in her drink earlier this month.

Bianca 'could not believe' what she found - and upon further inspection, she said that it seemed like the bizarre objects were 'never-ending' and mixed into her drink.

The TikToker claimed she needed her drink after she had a 'long night' despite usually not going to Starbucks.

Binx responded to multiple comments left by TikTokers and claimed she bought her drink from a Starbucks location in El Paso, Texas.

Bianca, who calls herself Binx, posted a TikTok video showing off pieces of hard white plastic she found in her caramel frappuccino earlier this month

Bianca claimed in her July 6 video that she had bought her frappuccino on July 5.

It's unclear when she found the 'sharp, hard, plastic' but once she found one piece, she decided to search for more.

'Here I am trying to strain it out to see how many pieces I could find... Caramel frappuccino blended with hard, white plastic,' Bianca said.

After she decided to rinse the strainer, she discovered several pieces of plastic and placed them all on a napkin.

By the time she was done, she had nearly 30 pieces of white plastic on the napkin.

Bianca claimed in a comment that the El Paso Starbucks she went to was not busy, and that she requested her money back after the incident.

DailyMail.com has contacted Starbucks for comment.

The caramel frappuccino is a popular blended drink that comes with whole milk, frappuccino roast, and caramel syrup topped with caramel drizzle and whipped cream.

Her grande caramel frappuccino, which comes with three roast pumps and three syrup pumps.

Binx responded to multiple comments left by TikTokers and claimed she bought her drink from a Starbucks location in El Paso, Texas

Several Starbucks customers have had gross findings in their drinks over the last 10 years, which include bugs, metal wire, and a dead lizard.

The sharp plastic pieces Bianca found in her drink were small, but they would've been enough to cause the drinker potential intestinal damage.

An example of dangerous plastic particles that could do this damage are microplastics, which are smaller than sesame seeds, according to NIH News in Health.

The plastics have been found in human blood, lungs, guts, and feces, as well as placenta and breast milk.

'Even though we produce millions of tons of plastic each year, we know very little about the health effects of microplastics,' said Dr. Douglas Walker, an expert in environmental health at Emory University in 2024.

'This is a relatively new and active area of research. We still have much to learn.'

TikTok users have shared various beverage horror stories after they purchased drinks from Starbucks and McDonald's

TikTok users who watched Bianca's video shared their own beverage horror stories from being a customer or former barista.

One person claimed to have found 'black rubber pieces' in their Starbucks drink, and a commenter insisted they found plastic pieces in their frappe beverage from McDonald's.

'One time, Cold Stone Creamery blended a Butterfinger with the wrapper still on in my milkshake,' a TikTok user claimed in their post.

Another beverage buyer wrote: 'This happened to me once at a diner, though I got a smoothie, and they said the white lining broke off while they were scooping the thing.'

'The diner gave me another one free of charge, so I got both free.'

A commenter had an idea of what the plastic in Bianca's drink could've been from, but the source of the material is unclear.

'It looks like the oat milk cap. I don't know how that's possible. As a Starbucks barista, I have never had anything like this happen.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Starbucks for comment.
Britains biggest warship has returned to sea after spending months docked for essential repairs.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth was pictured under the Forth Rail Bridge after spending months docked at Rosyth for essential repairs and upgrades.

The Royal Navy warship was due to take to the North Sea for NATOs largest mission since the Cold War, but a fault to the propeller shaft was discovered back in February.

The mission, named Steadfast Defender, took place in Norway, and was instead led by sister ship HMS Prince of Wales.

In March, the ship set sail from Portsmouth to Rosyth, but now, after months of repairs, the Navys largest ship has completed her defect repair.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth passes under the Forth Bridge as she heads back out to sea

The crew had to lower the vessel's radio mast to allow it to pass underneath the Forth Bridge

A Royal Navy spokesman said: HMS Queen Elizabeth has completed her defect repair work and capability upgrades at Rosyth and will now undergo a period of sea trials to prepare for future tasking.

The ship's crew had to lower its radio mast to allow it to pass underneath the Forth Bridge, which has clearance of 150ft. The HMS Queen Elizabeth is 184ft tall with its mast up.

The ship, which can carry up to 40 aircraft, and is equipped with a flight deck, chapel and medical centre, weighs 65,000 tonnes and is capable of travelling at over 25 knots.
WARNING: This story contains graphic content that me be disturbing to some

A Canadian man has been shot dead by Israeli forces after he allegedly tried to stab an armed civilian security unit.

The suspect, identified by the Kan public broadcaster as Qawarshi Zakaria Adam, drove to the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, a town near the Gaza border, approached security forces and threatened them with a knife, the Israel Defense Forces said.

He shouted 'you're murdering people in Gaza' and 'Free Palestine', before the squad opened fire and killed him, The Times of Israel reported. There were no other injuries.

Photographs from the scene Adam's body lying at the feet of Israeli police and soldiers before being taken to an ambulance.

IDF has increased security in Netiv HaAsara after Hamas gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders and killed 20 residents during its October 7 attack.

A Canadian man, identified by the Kan public broadcaster as Qawarshi Zakaria Adam, has been shot dead by Israeli forces after he allegedly tried to stab an armed civilian security unit

Israeli Police and ZAKA emergency service hold up a tarp around the suspect's body as they work the scene in Netiv HaAsara, near the Gaza border in southern Israel, on Monday morning

Adam attempted the stabbing Monday morning at the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, the Israeli military has said.

He drove to the town, 'exited his vehicle and threatened with a knife members of the community's rapid response team operating in the area', the military said.

Apparent surveillance video from the area shows him approaching the armed civilian security unit before he is shot.

'The rapid response team responded with fire and neutralized the suspect. No injuries to the security forces were reported,' the IDF added.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service allegedly treated a 61-year-old woman for 'acute anxiety' after the attack, but no physical injuries were reported.

The military added: 'We emphasize that the suspect is a foreign citizen who arrived at the scene from Israel and not from the Gaza Strip.'

Authorities have not publicly named the suspect, but a police spokesperson did confirm the attacker was a Canadian citizen.

Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza, though few have taken place along the Gaza border, which has heavy military presence.

Adam allegedly drove to the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, a town near the Gaza border, approached security forces and threatened them with a knife. Pictured is the moment he was shot dead by an armed civilian security unit

Personal items pulled from the suspect's car sit on a sidewalk at the scene of an attempted stabbing attack at the entrance to Netiv HaAsara

Israeli police are pictured at the scene in Netiv HaAsara on Monday morning.

The Israeli military on Monday ordered the evacuation of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip that it had designated a humanitarian zone.

The IDF said it is planning an operation against Hamas terrorists who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least a million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone that covers about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean.

Much of the area is full of tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid.

The announcements came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased deal that would stop the fighting and free remaining hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has said a negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday.

Photographs from the scene Adam's body lying at the feet of Israeli police and soldiers before being taken to an ambulance

Israeli officials work at the scene of an attempted stabbing attack that Israeli police say was carried out by a Canadian citizen at Netiv Haasara on Monday morning

Footage showed a body, apparently of the suspected attacker, being taken to an ambulance

Netanyahu left Monday for Washington, where he will make a speech before the US Congress and meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to make his case in the war against Hamas.

Meanwhile, new Israeli strikes near the southern city of Khan Younis killed at least 37 people on Monday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, the morgue at Nasser Hospital and journalists who saw the bodies.

The strikes took place as hundreds of people were evacuating following a new order from the Israeli military.

The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,000 Palestinians have now been killed in the nine-month war. The ministry doesn't distinguish between Palestinian civilians and combatants in its count.
One of my multibillionaire clients spent the past six months working out whether hed prefer to live in Italy, with its cultural heritage and thriving gastronomic scene, or Monaco, the ultimate lifestyle choice, with its shops, beaches and boat parties.

With Labour riding high in the polls, hed seen the writing on the wall. The moment the election was announced, he told me that he had made up his mind: la dolce vita beckoned.

Many high-net-worth individuals are leaving London for Monaco, with its beach and boat party lifestyle, spooked by Labour's plans to end 'non-dom' tax status

Ayesha Vardag, whose company specialises in ultra high-net-worth divorce, is finding that her clients are leaving London for better tax breaks abroad

And what a sweet life it promises to be for his personal finances. In Italy, my client will pay a flat tax rate of 100,000 (84,000) per year for 15 years  thats it  with no further tax on foreign income or capital gains. His estate will be free of inheritance tax, too.

And he is not alone. Labours return to power after 14 years in opposition has sparked a growing exodus of high-net-worth individuals from these shores. Many have been spooked by the new governments plans to end non-dom tax status. This allows UK residents whose domicile for tax purposes is abroad  essentially, foreigners who choose to live in the UK  to avoid paying tax on their foreign income.

Last weekend, the Financial Times (the plutocrats bible) reported that the rich are flocking to cities, like Milan, that are offering tax breaks to lure wealthy foreigners.

The Financial Times (the plutocrats bible) reported last week that the rich are flocking to cities like Milan for the shopping, but also for the tax breaks

The founder of one London-based investment club told the paper: I know of ten non-dom families who are reluctantly leaving London - eight are moving to Milan, one to Switzerland and one to the UAE.

On that note, another of my clients, a hugely successful founder of a private equity fund, upped sticks to his second home in Dubai as soon as the election result was clear.

He had already acquired a golden visa that gave him permanent residency rights in the Emirates, so it was just a case of hopping on his private jet with his partner, leaving his belongings to be packed up by his soon-to-be redundant domestic staff, while he sipped champagne on the way to a land of zero income tax, zero capital gains tax and zero inheritance tax.

Other popular bolt-holes include Monaco and Singapore, both countries that understand the importance of attracting investment.

The new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, needs to understand that tax increases will send British entrepreneurs fleeing as well as non-doms

What a tragedy this is: London had it all. It was the capital of the world, with culture, restaurants, great education and the places where people wanted to be seen. Then we decided to squander it all for a bit of cheap electioneering. Now, the people who have been pouring money into the UK for years, are voting with their feet.

One of Ms Vardag's clients, a hugely successful founder of a private equity fund, upped sticks to his second home in Dubai as soon as the election result was clear

These magnates on the move are often members of multi-generational families who came to the UK in the hope of spending their lives here, lured by our excellent educational system and low crime rate.

But continual changes to the non-dom regime have increasingly forced them to uproot themselves, taking their spending power and all the jobs they create to more welcoming climates.

This is by no means all Labours fault. The Tories made life more difficult for non-doms in 2017, by imposing a 15-year limit on the tax breaks. That was slashed to just four years for new arrivals in last Marchs Budget, in a cynical bid by the Conservatives to undermine Labours appeal on the issue.

Before you take out the worlds tiniest violin, remember the state cant function without the tax receipts that Britains non-doms bring.

Only this month, it emerged that 74,000 non-doms paid 8.9billion in tax in the 2022-23 financial year, up 6 per cent on the previous year, and the highest level since the 15-year limit was introduced. This works out at an average of 120,000 for every last one of them, enough to fund the salaries of four qualified nurses.

Designer shops on Old Bond Street are a magnet for super-rich non-doms, more than capable of spending 20,000 on an outfit, and many thousands more on handbags

But its far more than just the direct taxes.

Take a dinner at the kind of top restaurant favoured by these wealthy foreigners. A single bottle of vintage Krug can get marked up to as much as 7,500. The restaurant pays VAT and corporation tax, and employs cooks, waiters and other staff, who in turn pay income tax and National Insurance contributions to the Treasury.

The designer outlets of Old Bond Street are another magnet for super-rich non-doms, more than capable of spending 20,000 on an outfit, and many thousands more on handbags.

Yes, its extravagant  but that spending provides a livelihood for everyone involved in the supply chain, and the taxes that follow help to fund the employment of public-sector workers, from teachers to civil servants.

As a divorce lawyer, I have dealt with people from all walks of life and economic levels. The ultra-rich may have more expensive clothes, bigger houses and flashier cars but, ultimately, such trappings are cosmetic. Addiction, heartbreak and bereavement do not discriminate on grounds of income.

In the end, the rich  even those with billions in the bank and vast retinues of domestic staff  are not so different from everyone else.

They want to put down roots, see their children settled in good schools and live in neighbourhoods where they feel safe.

They also want to know they can stay in a country long enough to see their children grow up and go to university. Thats not possible if they are only entitled to live here for four years without incurring huge tax liabilities.

To make matters worse, London increasingly has a PR problem. Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan is deeply unpopular among my friends, partly because of his infuriating obsession with taxing car users but mainly because of his perceived weakness on street crime.

Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan is deeply unpopular among Ms Vardag's friends, due to his perceived weakness on street crime - many are afraid to wear expensive jewellery because of the risk of being mugged

Though statistics show our capital is still safer than New York or Los Angeles, it increasingly doesnt feel like that. Wristwatch robberies have become so common that many people are wary of wearing any jewellery at all for fear that a mugger with a machete will attack them for their Rolex.

One friend told me: Londons so dangerous you cant walk around any more. Its like Gotham City without Batman.

Then theres inheritance tax. Its already far too oppressive and nothing we have heard from the new Chancellor Rachel Reeves suggests she understands the necessity of raising the current threshold of 325,000.

Inheritance tax is far too oppressive and nothing we have heard from the new Chancellor suggests she understands the necessity of raising the current threshold of 325,000, says Ms Vardag

Imposing inheritance tax at this level means it hits many thousands of middle-class families, not just the wealthy.

Britains small family businesses are one of the cornerstones of our economy. They have made us not merely a nation of shopkeepers as Napoleon dismissively described us, but a land of traders and entrepreneurs.

Indeed, 80 per cent of working people in the UK are employed in small to medium-sized businesses - and the risk-takers who drive those concerns need to be encouraged, not penalised.

If they know that their legacy will be plundered by the taxman, what incentive do they have to build for the next generation? And thats before the prospect of higher capital gains tax for those who sell their companies.

So its not just non-doms: the truth is that every tax increase amounts to one more nail in our national coffin. Unless the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, understands this, it wont only be the super-rich fleeing the country but also British entrepreneurs wanting to escape swingeing tax rises.

Many of Labours spending plans are rightly contingent on economic growth, the idea being that tax revenues rise as more people pay income taxes, higher profits generate more corporation tax and VAT receipts grow as consumption increases.

If thats what Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer want to see, then lets keep the money-makers here, not drive them into the hands of more hospitable hosts. You dont have to love the rich to appreciate what they bring to the mix.

And if this government is as pragmatic and growth-focussed as it claims, then it needs to be driven not by Left-wing ideology but by the practical pros and cons of their decisions.

Ayesha Vardag is the founder and president of Vardags, specialising in ultra high-net-worth divorce
Keir Starmer had MPs in fits of giggles today as he accidentally called Rishi Sunak 'Prime Minister' in the Commons.

The premier was making his first statement to the House since getting the keys to No10 when the verbal slip-up happened.

After the Tory leader asked a series of questions about last week's Nato summit, Sir Keir said: 'In relation to the particular point the Prime Minister... '

As Mr Sunak and the Opposition frontbench roared with laughter, Sir Keir quipped ruefully: 'Old habits die hard.'

Sir Keir and Mr Sunak switched places just over a fortnight ago after Labour routed the Conservatives at the election.

Keir Starmer was making his first statement to the House since getting the keys to No10 when the verbal slip-up happened

After the Tory leader asked a series of questions about last week's Nato summit, Sir Keir said: 'In relation to the particular point the Prime Minister... '

Sir Keir is now sitting on a massive majority, but bizarrely relations with Mr Sunak - who has announced he is stepping down - seem warmer than ever.

The Tory leader aimed a series of highly personal jibes at his rival during the campaign, accusing him of hiding tax rises and not being up to the top job.

However, the pair were seen joking and patting each other as they walked to the House of Lords for the King's Speech last week.

The exchanges were similarly good-natured today as Mr Sunak urged Sir Keir to keep migration partnerships with third countries - such as the one he struck up with Rwanda - 'on the table'.

'When it comes to illegal migration, we all face the same fundamental question: how to deal with people who come to our countries illegally, whilst respecting our international obligations. Because of course, it's not feasible or right to return Afghans to the Taliban, or Syrians to Assad or Iranians to the ayatollahs...

'So I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister say that he was a pragmatist, and he will look at what works when it comes to squaring this circle.

'And I would urge him in his conversations with other European leaders to keep the option of further third country migration partnerships on the table as other countries have been discussing.'

Mr Sunak also warned Sir Keir of the 'trade-offs' involved in pursuing a security and defence cooperation pact with the European Union, adding: 'I hope he can reassure the House that any closer cooperation with the EU will not adversely affect the technological and procurement aspects of our other alliances.'
Green co-leader Carla Denyer was forced to apologise to her party's leftwing supporters today - for praising Joe Biden.

The Bristol Central MP joined in with tributes to the US president last night after he revealed he will not seek to serve a second term.

In a statement on X/Twitter she said that knowing when to quit was 'a true sign of leadership' and thanks him for decades of public service.

However her seemingly innocuous remarks triggered a backlash from the Greens' pro-Palestinian supporters furious because of the US support for Israel.

And others were unhappy she did not give her support to Jill Stein, the presidential candidate of the US Greens.

Owen Jones, the newspaper columnist and ally of Jeremy Corbyn who quit Labour earlier this year joined the Greens, tweeted that Mr Biden had 'armed and facilitated the mass slaughter of innocent people' and demanded she retract her statement.

In a second statement this afternoon Ms Denyer said she was sorry if her supporters felt she was 'offering my unmitigated support for his Presidency' including selling arms to Israel.

The Bristol Central MP joined in with praise of the US president last night after he revealed he will not seek to serve a second term.

Owen Jones, the newspaper columnist and ally of Jeremy Corbyn who quit Labour earlier this year joined the Greens, tweeted that Mr Biden had 'armed and facilitated the mass slaughter of innocent people' and demanded she retract her statement.

In a second statement this afternoon Ms Denyer said she was sorry if her supporters felt she was 'offering my unmitigated support for his Presidency' including selling arms to Israel.

Mr Biden bowed out of the presidential race in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump. The US president backed vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee.

'For decades successive US Governments have supported the Israeli government's illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and Biden is complicit in the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza,' she added.

'The next president needs to work for peace, stop arms sales to Israel, and ensure an immediate ceasefire and release of all hostages. The world needs the next US President to be a peacemaker.'

Mr Biden's presidency 'will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America', Sir Keir Starmer said after the US president announced he would not seek a second term in the White House.

The Prime Minister said the 81-year-old's decision to abandon his re-election campaign would not have been an easy one.

Sir Keir said the US president was 'a man who, during five decades of service, never lost touch with the concerns of working people and always put his country first'.

He told MPs: 'His presidency will leave a legacy that extends far beyond America to freedom and security on this continent.

'Most of all, of course, in our steadfast resolve to stand by the people of Ukraine.

'He leaves the Nato alliance stronger than it's been for decades.'

Mr Biden bowed out of the presidential race in response to mounting pressure about his age and his inability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

The US president backed vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee.

Sir Keir, who had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit, earlier told reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow: 'I respect that decision that he has now made.

'Not an easy decision, but a decision that I know that he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency.'

He declined to comment on his relationship with Ms Harris - who he has never met - but insisted the UK would work with whoever became president.

'Obviously in the first instance, it's for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward. It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president,' he said.

'My approach will be to respect that decision-making and to be clear that we will work with whoever the American people elect into office, as you would expect, particularly given the nature of the special relationship between our two countries, forged in difficult circumstances, endured for years, and very important to me and very important to all American presidents.'

The US president announced on Sunday he would not seek another term in office, saying it was 'in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down'.

He said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

'And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as president for the remainder of my term,' he said.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Mr Biden's Democratic allies to step aside following his faltering June 27 debate.

Mr Biden's term in office ends at noon on January 20 2025.

Vice president Ms Harris said she was 'honoured' to have the endorsement of Mr Biden.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his 'extraordinary leadership' and for making a 'selfless and patriotic act' by stepping aside.

She said: 'I am honoured to have the president's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.'

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak praised Mr Biden's 'love for America and dedication to service'.
An Anglican priest and a retired biology teacher in their 80s have denied damaging property at the British Library as part of Just Stop Oil protests.

Reverend Sue Parfitt, 82, and Judith Bruce, 85, each pleaded not guilty to a charge of damaging property, when they appeared at Wood Green Crown Court in north London on Monday.

The Just Stop Oil supporters are accused of damaging the protective casing surrounding the historic document, which belongs to and is kept at the British Library, on May 10.

The elderly pair entered the library at around 10.40am and were pictured appearing to knock the glass with a hammer and chisel in what was branded 'reckless vandalism'.

They were then seen holding a sign reading 'The government is breaking the law', while apparently gluing themselves to the casing.

Reverend Sue Paritt, 82 and Judith Bruce, 85 have denied causing damage to property at the British Library during a Just Stop Oil protest last Friday

The elderly pair held up a sign reading 'the Government is breaking the law'

The Magna Carta is a revered legal document dating back more than 800 years.

It established for the first time the principle that neither the government or the monarch is above the law and forms part of Britain's uncodified constitution.

This famous royal charter of rights was agreed by King John at Runnymede, near Windsor, on June 15, 1215.

A statement from the British Library following the protest confirmed that while the hardened glass enclosure was 'minimally damaged', the Magna Carta itself remained intact.

The statement said: 'An incident occurred at the British Library on Friday 10 May in which two individuals attacked the toughened glass case containing the Magna Carta in the Library's Treasures Gallery.

'The Library's Security team intervened to prevent further damage to the case, which was minimal.

'The police were notified and the Magna Carta itself remains undamaged.'

The Library's Treasury Gallery was closed to the public after the incident.

Paritt and Bruce appeared to knock a hammer and chisel into the glass casing protecting the historic document in the Library's Treasury Gallery

Conservative chairman Robert Holden called the pair's actions 'reckless vandalism', while Chris Philp, the then Policing Minister, labelled the JSO protest 'an act of extremism'.

Mr Philps said: 'Eco-zealots have gone from being harmless hippies to committing reckless acts of criminal damage.

'The Magna Carta is symbolic of our rules-based system, which Just Stop Oil and their friends clearly have contempt for.

'We decide things in this country through peaceful debate, reasoned persuasion and democratic elections - not by vandalism or violence.'

Parfitt, of Henbury, Bristol, and Bruce, of Bishopston, Swansea, South Wales, were conditionally bailed.

Their trial, which is expected to last four days, was set for January 13 2026.
A man has pleaded guilty to making antisemitic posts on X that included calls for a 'Jew-free world' and to 'let them Jews die and pile them high'.

Peter Kandalaft, 57, of Addlestone, Surrey, sent multiple tweets following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza.

Prosecutor James Cable said that the posts included 'let's smash the Jews' and that 'we all need a Jew-free world and world peace'.

One was sent in response to an image of a dead person in an Israel Defence Forces uniform, Mr Cable told Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The post said they would 'look even better when I stamp on their Jew heads as well'.

Peter Kandalaft arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London for his hearing today

The court heard Kandalaft posted 21 tweets between November 2 and December 25 2023 that were reported to the police by a charity that aims to protect British Jews from antisemitism.

But his X account - Kandalaft-Peter - had been suspended by the time police investigated the report.

As a result, the force were unable to access any posts beyond those captured by the charity.

Officers arrested Kandalaft at his home address in Addlestone on January 11 and seized an iPhone and iPad.

Peter Kandalaft at court today wearing a blue suit and with his long grey hair tied in a ponytail

During police interview, he said he was Palestinian, his account had been hacked, and that he had 'no particular views on Hamas or Jewish people', Mr Cable said.

The iPad and iPhone were found to contain a series of emails with X about the account, including ones to say it had been suspended and that Kandalaft had tried to appeal the suspension.

His defence barrister Norman Cho asked District Judge Nina Tempia to consider issuing the defendant a fine, and said: 'Mr Kandalaft regrets saying this, the tweets have ruined his reputation.

'He is an intelligent man, he was overcome by the events at the time - it doesn't excuse the way he phrased it.'

Officers arrested Peter Kandalaft at his home address in Addlestone, Surrey, on January 11

Judge Tempia responded: 'It is an extremely serious offence - you say your client regrets saying what was said on Twitter, but people say things online because they think they can get away with it, but that didn't happen.'

The court heard Kandalaft is of previous good character and his posts had relatively low engagement, with one having 22 views when it was documented by the charity.

He appeared in the dock wearing a blue suit and with his long grey hair tied in a ponytail, and spoke only to confirm his name, age and to plead guilty to sending 'at least three' indecent, obscene or menacing posts on X between November 19 and December 19, 2023.

He was released on conditional bail and ordered not to post on X, and also faces a charge of possessing an offensive weapon that will be dealt with at the same court on August 19.
British families heading to Spain, Portugal and Morocco for their summer holidays this week have been warned to brace for a heatwave with highs of up to 46C (115F).

The Met Office said the peak would be this Wednesday when Madrid will reach 39C (102F) and Seville 43C (109F), while Lisbon will get up to 37C (99F).

But the hottest weather in the region will be in Marrakech which will hit 46C on the same day - although temperatures are set to ease by the end of this week.

Met Office senior operational meteorologist Marco Petagna urged visitors to 'take care' if travelling to the south-west Europe region over the coming days.

He added that temperatures in the high-20Cs and locally mid-30Cs were typical for the time of year - meaning that those this week are 10C or more above average.

Other global cities expected to hit at least 40C (104F) tomorrow include Baghdad in Iraq (46C), Riyadh in Saudi Arabia (44C) and Abu Dhabi in the UAE (40C).

Spain has already been experiencing very hot temperatures in recent days, with local authorities issuing health alerts and warning of a high risk of wildfires.

In Madrid, homeless people were bussed in from across the capital last week to take shelter in an air-conditioned centre with food, drinks and a washroom area.

Greece has been experiencing its second heatwave of the summer over the last week, which has brought forest fires and 43C (109F) temperatures.

Other countries affected by very hot weather this month include Italy, which put 14 cities under the highest level of alert.

And Croatia has seen a prolonged heatwave with 37C (99F) highs.

Meanwhile the state power company in Serbia reported record consumption last Tuesday because of increased use of air conditioning.

And wildfires have ripped through the popular Cascais coastal area of Portugal amid very dry and windy conditions.

People apply suncream amid a heatwave at Malvarrosa beach in Valencia, Spain, on Saturday

A sunseeker enjoys the heatwave on the Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on Saturday

People apply suncream amid a heatwave at Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on Saturday

A firefighting amphibious aircraft drops water over a forest fire in Cascais, Portugal, yesterday

Dramatic footage taken yesterday showed a 'major' wildfire spreading through the countryside, with more than a dozen firefighting aircraft and almost 400 firefighters worked to get the fire under control.

This morning, 156 firefighters remained at the site as the battle against the huge fire continued into what was said to be the final stages.

Meanwhile in Greece, dramatic footage shows how blazes are tearing through forests in various parts of the country, burning non-stop for days after being ignited by lightning strikes and fanned by strong winds.

In the northern mountainous area of Falakro, a wall of flames has been burning grassland for five days straight after lightning strikes ignited two areas, which then merged into a singular large front.

The fire is spreading quickly due to strong winds, Protothema reports, with fire service helicopters continuing to battle the blaze with water dumps amid fears it could spread out of control to residential areas.

Large areas of Europe have been hit by increasingly damaging forest fire seasons in recent years that experts say are driven by rising temperatures fuelled by climate change.

Last summer thousands of British tourists fled Rhodes on evacuation flights due to severe wildfires that swept across parts of the Greek island.

The extreme weather hasn't just been limited to heat either, with torrential rain and flash floods sweeping through much of Europe.

Policemen control traffic during a forest fire in Alcabideche, Cascais

Heavy smoke and large flames rise at a large forest fire on July 21, 2024, in Cascais, Portugal

A large plume of smoke rises above an apartments complex in Alcabideche, Portugal

A woman saves animals during a forest fire in Alcabideche, Cascais

Two Canadair CL-215 (Scooper) firefighting amphibious aircraft fly over heavy smoke to drop water at a large forest fire in Portugal

A fireman battles a forest fire in Alcabideche. 14 people are said to have been injured in the fire

Cars have been swept away by flash floods in parts of France and the Netherlands over recent days, with streets turning into rivers and people being trapped in their homes and even hospitalised.

Severe storms have proven deadly in the mountains of Germany and Austria, where two young hikers, aged 18 and 22, died in separate incidents after being struck by lightning bolts. Warnings are in place as more stormy weather is expected today.

In France, more than 45,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the weekend, in what is thought to be the worst storm wave of the year.

An 'intense stormy episode' which began on Saturday night has led to 'significant' flooding in the north-eastern region of Haute-Marne.

Five people were reportedly admitted to hospital following a heavy storm, 'mainly for hypothermia', according to regional officials.

Huge hailstones were filmed falling in areas along France's south-eastern coastline and on the island of Corsica last night, with locals and visitors warned to exercise caution.

Flash floods have also ravaged parts of the country, with people being evacuated from their homes in the early hours of Sunday morning as roads were blocked and power was taken out.

In Britain, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-20Cs in some areas this week as the weather looks set to improve for the start of the summer holidays.

Rain and cloudy conditions were forecast across the UK today with some areas seeing showers which could be heavy, before spells of warm sunshine start to develop.

The mercury will reach 24C (75F) in South East England today ahead of drier and brighter weather tomorrow and Wednesday with sunny spells and highs of 26C (79F).

Another weather system will then move into Britain from the west for Thursday, bringing wet conditions to most of the country, before sunny spells and some showers on Friday.

The Met Office said UK temperatures on Thursday and Friday are expected to be nearer average, with highs of 23C (73F) in the South.

High pressure then looks likely to build during the weekend bringing some drier and more settled weather especially across southern areas and similar temperatures.
A heartbroken Philadelphia mother who lost her two young children during a family pool day has revealed the dangerous game she fears took their lives.

Mom-of-six Brittney McWhite lost her 11-year-old daughter London Marie and 14-year-old son Wadale within a matter of minutes over Memorial Day weekend.

The family was at a holiday party in Gloucester, New Jersey, as the siblings decided to play a game of Marco Polo while holding their breaths.

After setting up for the cookout, Brittney realized she couldn't find her children, who she said both knew how to swim.

Family members quickly jumping in to save them from the bottom of the pool but, after a week on life support, the brother and sister died on June 2.

Brittney McWhite lost two of her six children, London Marie and son Wadale, within a matter of minutes, on Memorial Day weekend at a pool party in Gloucester, New Jersey

Wadale, 14 (left) and London Marie, 11 (right)

The grieving mother issued a stern warning to fellow parents who may take their kids to cool off at a pool, beach, or any open body of water.

'Always have a set of eyes. Prevent your kids from playing games. Make sure the pool is safe.

'If it doesn't look right, don't do it. Because once you lose your child, it is hard. It's really hard to stomach,' Brittney told FOX 29 Philadelphia.

On the day of the tragic incident, Brittney said London Marie and Wadale went into the water while she helped prepare food inside.

When she came outside, she couldn't find her kids, and quickly discovered that the siblings were in trouble.

'They weren't in there for more than like three or four minutes. They called their names...and when they jumped in, they were at the bottom of the pool.'

On the day of the tragic incident, Brittney said London Marie and Wadale (pictured) went into the water while she helped prepare food inside

After setting up for the cookout, Brittney quickly realized she couldn't find London Marie (pictured) and Wadale, who both knew how to swim

London Marie and Wadale were taken to the hospital, where they remained on breathing support machines to stay alive for a week.

It soon became clear to Brittney and the kids' father that their conditions weren't going to change.

'Keeping my child hooked onto a machine for the rest of their life is not ideally what any parent should want for their children, so today me and dad decided to end life support,' Birttney said.

Just after their deaths, London Marie would have celebrated her 12th birthday, while Wadale would have graduated from eighth grade.

On June 9, Kymm McWhite, the children's grandmother, posted a video of the family releasing balloons in honor of them.

'This was their party #2 and #4 continue to SIP my babies. HAPPY HEAVENLY B-DAY BABY GIRL!!!! This would have been your 12th,' she wrote on Facebook.

A few days later, the grandmother shared separate posts for each of them.

'Missing you Waddie. I want to hear your laughter, see your smile, have you get upset with me calling you countless times to go to the store.......there will be no more store runs, nor laughter, nor your beautiful smile. Just your memory,' she said.

In a post for her granddaughter, Kymm wrote: 'I miss you soooo much Lon-Lon.'

A celebration of life was held for both of them on June 22 at the Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia.

Brittney created a GoFundMe page to help pay for the funeral that her late children 'deserved.'

Just after their untimely deaths, London Marie (right) would have celebrated her 12th birthday, while Wadale (left) would have graduated from eighth grade. (pictured: Brittney (middle) and her children

On June 18 the mother posted a link to the donation page on Facebook and said: 'I greatly appreciate your love and support and need help laying my babies to rest.'

As of Monday afternoon, the page has raised more than $23,000 for the grieving family.

'Keep your kids close. Tell your kids you love them while they're here. Once something happens, all you have is memories.

'It's horrible, you never get those back. It's hard, but you have other kids, and you still have a family. You don't have time to grieve,' Brittney told Fox News Digital.

'I know they're at peace, it's just very devastating. Not to lose one child but two. I think that's more challenging because you can't stomach that, but you have to keep going.'

To prevent drownings, the CDC recommends a number of things, including enclosing pools with fences, supervising nearby children and learning CPR in case the worst does happen.
Suicides at San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge have dramatically declined since officials installed a huge $400 million safety feature described as a 'cheese grater' earlier this year.

A 20-foot-wide stainless steel mesh now lines both sides of the 2.7-kilometer bridge as both a deterrence for would-be jumpers, and as a literal safety net.

Since construction of the lifesaving barrier was completed on January 1 2024, there have only been three confirmed suicides - compared with the estimated 15 to 20 during the same period pre-net - a decrease of 83 percent.

Dennis Mulligan, general manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, said that landing on the net is designed to be painful.

'It's stainless-steel wire rope netting, so it's like jumping into a cheese grater,' Mulligan said. 'It's not soft. It's not rubber. It doesn't stretch. We want folks to know that if you come here, it will hurt if you jump.'

Suicides at San Francisco's notorious Golden Gate Bridge have halved after officials installed a new $400 million safety feature earlier this year, figures show

Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District spokesman Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz told The Mercury News this month that the net is 'working as intended to save lives and deter people from coming to the bridge to harm themselves'.

Work on the barrier began in 2018 and was set to be completed by January 2021 but has been repeatedly delayed.

Kevin Hines, who survived jumping from the structure in 2000, said he is 'grateful' that people working on the project never gave up.

'Had the net been there, I would have been stopped by the police and gotten the help I needed immediately and never broken my back, never shattered three vertebrae, and never been on this path I was on,' he said.

'I'm so grateful that a small group of like-minded people never gave up on something so important.'

Hines is one of only 36 people to survive jumping from the bridge, and he's now a suicide prevention advocate.

The net  placed 20 feet down from the bridges deck  is not visible from cars crossing the bridge. But pedestrians standing by the rails can see them.

It was built with marine-grade stainless steel that can withstand the harsh environment that includes salt water, fog and strong winds that often envelop the striking orange structure at the mouth of the San Francisco Bay.

Kevin Hines (pictured) who survived jumping from the bridge in September 2000, said he is 'grateful' that people working on the safety net project never gave up

Suicides at San Francisco's notorious Golden Gate Bridge are down a whopping 83 percent after officials installed a new $400 million safety feature earlier this year

Pictured: A view of a net designed to prevent suicides from the Golden Gate Bridge

Suicide attempts have also declined since the safety barrier was completed.

There have been 56 successful interventions this year involving first responders or bridge workers successfully talking people out of jumping, compared with an average 149 interventions needed over the same period before the net was in place.

Firefighters in both San Francisco and Marin counties have been trained to climb down and rescue anyone who jumps into the nets.

Meanwhile on the deck, members of a bridge patrol work to spot people considering suicide and prevent them from jumping.

Nearly 2,000 people have plunged to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1937.

Support can be found through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.
The billionaire bride who tried to bully a powerless namesake into giving up her Instagram handle looks to be putting the scandal behind after posting to the platform under her maiden name.

Influencer Katherine Asplundh discovered that her influence only extended so far after finding that her new married name was already taken by another Instagram user ahead of her wedding in May to Pennsylvania billionaire Cabot Asplundh.

She deleted her account after her increasingly aggressive demands for the handle @katherineasplundh were revealed by her namesake, and outraged netizens scooped up every possible name variation to put them out of her reach.

But the young College of Charleston grad seems to have resigned herself to posting under her maiden name, after uploading some cheerful shots from her first summer as a married woman.

She grins broadly in one revealing shot as her billionaire beau clutches her, while she clutches a large white wine, under the caption 'Summer lately'.

Influencer Katherine Asplundh updated followers with a picture of her in a cuddle with her new husband, the billionaire Pennsylvania tree-chopping heir Cabot Asplundh, 27

After the happy couple exchanged vows, the new Asplundh reached out another to woman of the same name in hopes of purchasing a new Instagram account name

The loved-up couple are pictured behind the wheel of a speedboat in another amid an assortment of dogs, horses, friends, beaches and country houses.

She first reactivated her account in June after attending her brother-in-law Carl's wedding, where he married his longtime partner of five years, Savanna Smith.

'Special day celebrating Carl and Savanna,' her Instagram story caption read, with a picture of the happy couple kissing during their marriage ceremony.

But it was posted to her old handle @katherinedrisc, created under her maiden name Katherine Driscoll.

Throughout the scandal she continued to post on her TikTok account @lostetiquette, but she was accused of hypocrisy when internet users dug up an old TikTok of hers mocking new wives who can't wait to update their name on social media.

'Something that low key bothers me is when girls get married and it's not even like 10 minutes after they do their vows and they're like 'Oh! going on my Instagram! Let me change my last name already,' Katherine said in the now-deleted post.

She then says she's 'probably going to wait a couple of months' to change her name.'

'I just think it's a little bit a lot when I see girls change it before I even knew they were f***ing married, like chill,' Katherine ironically explained.'

Despite her rant about new wives, Katherine contacted Kate, owner of her desired IG handle asking if she could buy it, which is actually a violation of the platform's terms of service.

The young pair looked happy and loved-up in the shots posted under the title 'Summer lately'

In reaching out to the woman known only as Kate, who has since shared the messages on social media, the newlywed unintentionally went viral

Asplundh then continues to question the legitimacy of her name, who confirms she is not American

Kate refused and explained how she feared selling the username would get her 'banned from Instagram'.

This prompted Katherine to launch a tirade against her.

Kate claims she was initially open to changing her username but decided against doing so after Katherine 'came off snarky,' later shared the exchange online.

In the now-viral exchange, Katherine starts by asking if she can buy the Instagram handle.

'Hi I was wondering if I could purchase your username from you,' she wrote. 'Just got married and this in my new name!'

Kate replied: 'That's my name too. I just googled and it said selling my username would get me banned from Instagram.'

But Katherine pushed back, saying: 'I purchased my username in the past actually that's not true. Celebrities do it all the time that's how they all have their handles as their full names.

'So weird, I didn't know there was another Asplundh's family out there. There [are] no Katherine Asplundh in our family.'

She then adds: 'I see that you're not that active on here but started Instagram in 2018 but changed your username three times? Is there anyway I can get you to change your username one more time?'

Kate responds, explaining that the @katherineasplundh account is her so-called 'finsta', a term that refers to a 'fake' or secondary account that users create to share content just with close friends and family.

The conversation turns sour, with Katherine seemingly questioning Kate's identity.

'I actually don't believe that your name is Katherine Asplundh who would make their finsta their actual name?' Katherine wrote.

'I reported you to Instagram and they're actually able to tell me your real name I really hope I don't know you because that's gonna be really embarrassing for you.'

Asplundh (second from right) seems to have put the scandal behind her in her latest posts

The family that she married into founded Asplundh Tree Expert, which in 2021 reported revenue of over $5.4 billion dollars

Cabot proposed to her in Mantoloking, New Jersey two years after they met

Kate eventually told Asplundh that if she had been nice about it, she would have considered giving her the account name for free

Kate asked the influencer to report her, but Katherine confirmed that she and her new husband have already done so.

Katherine then continued to question the legitimacy of Kate's name, alleging that her husband's family are the only Asplundhs in the US.

Kate confirmed she is not American, to which Katherine replies: 'Do you have proof that this is your name? Would love to see that.'

Kate then told Katherine that if she had been nice about it, she would have considered giving her the account name for free.

She hit back at the influencer, saying: 'But you weren't. I reported you for asking me to sell my account and another for harassing me. Have a good day.'

Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kate told the outlet: 'I was open to giving her my username.

'I just didn't want to sell it because that would get me banned. After I replied to her, her messages came off snarky so I told myself, 'OK, this isn't worth it'.'

According to her social media pages, Katherine is originally from New Vernon, New Jersey, having studied at College of Charleston.

Her TikTok page, named Lost Etiquette, boasts over 88,000 followers with over 6.2 million likes on her profile.

The family that she married into founded Asplundh Tree Expert, which in 2021 reported revenue of over $5.4 billion dollars.

The tree trimming company was founded by three brothers from Sweden - Lester, Griffith and Cabot's great grandfather Carl Asplundh.

Cabot's father Chris Asplundh is currently the company's CEO.

Katherine and Cabot met in Prague while Katherine was studying aboard and connected over growing up at the Jersey Shore, according to their wedding website.

Two years later, Cabot proposed to her in Mantoloking, New Jersey.

Their extravagant wedding registry included a $600 blender and cash donations for their St Bart's honeymoon, as well as for furnishing their home.

Former Senate candidate and celebrity surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz is part of the family by marriage, with his wife Lisa's grandfather cofounding the family business in 1928 with his two brothers.

Celebrity fitness expert Tracy Anderson is also married into the family after she wed Chris Asplundh in 2015.

Katherine is seen with her wedding party at her recent nuptials in Florida

The company, which maintains trees for electric utilities, municipalities and others, is run by the third generation of Asplundhs and owned by nearly 200 family members, who are collectively worth at least $3 billion, according to Forbes.

Kate, who told The Inquirer only that her name was Katherine J. Asplundh, shared the exchange onto Reddit, telling the outlet: 'The whole thing just seemed silly and ridiculous to me. I thought they'd have a laugh and that would be it.'

One user commented: 'Legitimately insane behavior 'I don't believe that's your name' HUH?!?!.'

Another posted: 'The pivot from hey girly to let me see your birth certificate gave me whiplash.'

While another said: 'Omg this is crazy- she married into a billionaire family and is acting like they're the only ones allowed to have that last name wtf.'

Since then, Katherine's social media pages have been filled with comments and she reportedly had to privatize her page, before making it public again.

According to Instagram, users are forbidden from buying, selling, or transferring 'any aspect of your account'.

Asplundh and Cabot met in Prague while she was studying aboard and connected over growing up at the Jersey Shore, according to their wedding website

Katherine Asplundh, formerly Driscoll, married Cabot Asplundh, 27, at a reception in Palm Beach, Florida

Despite this, an investigation by Vox shone the light on an entire economy of people selling and buying names on dedicated online marketplaces.

Social media handles are supposed to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis but in some cases celebs have used their influence to pass these rules.

In 2019, Kevin Keiley of West Sussex claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took his @sussexroyal handle.

Instagram said that the account name being reassigned was due to Keiley's being inactive.
Labour was today accused of offering an 'amnesty' to asylum seekers after the Government announced it is scrapping legislation linked to the Rwanda scheme.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper this afternoon told MPs she would reverse part of former prime minister Rishi Sunak's Illegal Migration Act.

The legislation has barred anyone arriving in the UK illegally since March 2023 from being granted asylum, with these people having been earmarked for removal to Rwanda.

It is estimated Labour's law change will affect around 100,000 migrants who have arrived in the UK by small boats or other illegal routes.

The Refugee Council, a UK-based charity, has suggested 70 per cent of those migrants previously earmarked for deportation to Rwanda will be successful with asylum claims.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly branded the move 'an effective amnesty'.

Since winning power, Labour has declared the Rwanda scheme 'dead and buried' and Ms Cooper today told the House of Commons it had been a 'costly con'.

She revealed the Conservative scheme had cost British taxpayers 700million, with a total of just four volunteers sent to the African country.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper this afternoon told MPs she would reverse part of former prime minister Rishi Sunak's Illegal Migration Act

A group of people are pictured boarding a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the Channel on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, in northern France

James Cleverly, Ms Cooper's predecessor as home secretary, is pictured with Rwanda's foreign minister Vincent Biruta after signing an agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, in December last year

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In a Commons statement, Ms Cooper branded the Rwanda scheme the 'most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen'.

She said the costs of the scheme included a 290million payment to Rwanda, 'chartering flights that never took off' and 'detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them'.

The Home Secretary warned that co-operation with European police forces is 'too limited' and more needs to be done to tackle people-smuggling 'upstream' long before migrant boats reach the French coast.

'I'm extremely concerned that high levels of dangerous crossings we have inherited are likely to persist through the summer,' she said.

Ms Cooper also blasted the previous government for creating an 'asylum Hotel California' in which people arrived in the system but never leave.

She said there were 'legal contradictions' in the Illegal Migration Act and 'no decision' can be taken on an individual's case if they arrived in the UK after March 2023 and meet key conditions in the legislation.

'They just stay in the asylum system,' the Home Secretary said.

'Even if they've come here unlawfully for economic reasons and should be returned to their home country, they won't be because the law doesn't work.

'Only a small minority might ever have been sent to Rwanda and everyone else stays indefinitely in taxpayer-funded accommodation and support.'

Ms Cooper warned the cost of the 'indefinitely rising' asylum backlog in hotel and accommodation support bills was 'astronomical'.

She told MPs: 'The potential costs of asylum support over the next four years, if we continue down this track, could be an eye-watering 30billion to 40billion  that is double the annual police budget for England and Wales.'

Ms Cooper vowed to 'end the asylum chaos and start taking asylum decisions again so we can clear the backlog and end asylum hotels'.

The Home Secretary said she was laying a statutory instrument which ends the 'retrospective nature' of the Illegal Migration Act provisions to ensure that the Home Office can 'immediately start clearing cases from after March 2023'.

She added: 'Making this one simple change will save the taxpayer an estimated 7billion over the next 10 years.'

Responding to Ms Cooper, Mr Cleverly said Labour had already worsened the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel in just two and a half weeks in power and criticised the Government for removing the 'deterrent' of the Rwanda scheme.

He told MPs: 'The reality is everybody knows, including the people smugglers, that the small boat problem is going to get worse, indeed has already got worse under Labour because they have no deterrent.

'People are being sold a lie when they're being smuggled into this country across the busiest shipping lanes. And we do need to stop them. Too many lives have already been lost.'

He asked Ms Cooper whether she had 'started negotiations on returns agreements with the Taliban, or the ayatollahs of Iran, or [Bashar] Assad in Syria?'

'The fact there is now no safe third country to return people to who cannot be returned home means that we ask, where is she going to send the people who come here from countries like Afghanistan or Iraq, in Syria?,' Mr Cleverly said.

He branded the Home Secretary's Commons statement as 'hyperbole' and 'made up numbers'.

'Labour has given an effective amnesty to thousands of asylum seekers who were banned under Conservative plans,' he added.

Today's Commons clashes followed reports that, under Labour's plans, those who come from 'safe' countries such as India, Vietnam and Albania will have their asylum claims prioritised because it will be easier for them to be returned home.

This is in contrast to those from countries such as Afghanistan and Syria.

Only 3 per cent of asylum seekers from India have their applications accepted, along with 7 per cent of Albanians and 46 per cent of Vietnamese.

Some 1,499 migrants arrived in the UK in 27 boats from July 15 to 21, according to latest Home Office figures.

The provisional total for the year so far to 15,831, which is 9 per cent higher than the number recorded this time last year (14,534) and up 3 per cent on the same period in 2022 (15,314).
A 'cult' member accused of plotting to kidnap a coroner told a court he is a 'man of honour' who was trying to tackle 'state child trafficking'.

Matthew Martin, 47, is accused of storming into Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex, to try and kidnap senior coroner Lincoln Brookes.

Martin today claimed he had 'never even met' Mr Brookes as he denied conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.

The accused, from Plaistow, east London, is said to be part of an 'anti-establishment cult' that are accused of trying to 'shut down' Essex Coroner's Court in April 2023. Mr Brookes was not at the court at the time.

Mark Christopher, 58, of Forest Gate, east London; Shiza Harper, 45, of South Benfleet, Essex; and Sean Harper, 38, also of South Benfleet, Essex, are also on trial alongside Martin.

Matthew Martin, 47, told the court he is a 'man of honour' and claims to 'deal with state child trafficking'

Shiza Harper, 45, (left) and Sean Harper, 38, (right) both of South Benfleet, Essex, are on trial alongside Martin and Mark Christopher, 58, of Forest Gate, east London. All deny conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment

The five defendants are said to be part of a group called 'Federal Postal Court' which rejects the authority of the UK Government and its administrations. All deny conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment and sending letters to cause distress.

Today, at Chelmsford Crown Court, jurors were shown a video of Martin - a so-called 'sheriff' for the 'cult' - entering the Coroner's court at Seax House on April 20 last year wearing high-vis jackets and holding handcuffs.

Defending his actions, Martin told the court he believed his Sheriff role had been approved by King Charles and his late mother Queen Elizabeth.

Denying that he was part of a cult, he told jurors that he worked in preventing 'state child trafficking' and that it had been his first day on the job in April last year before 'enduring 15 months of this' - referencing the ongoing legal proceedings.

He said: 'My job is to protect the judge and then I went. That's what I did..'

'I went there to do my duties because the judge (Christopher) said they're not allowed to hold her majesty's shield,' he added.

He continued: 'I have worked for the last two years for free. I have been slandered with no evidence.

'They have come through my door and terrorised my family. I have never met Lincoln Brookes and don't know who Lincoln Brookes is.

Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes (pictured)previously said he received a string of 'very bizarre' letters in 2022

'I have gone to protect the judge, I'm going to stand in honour. I was a servant of the crown. I have not disrespected the Queen Elizabeth II.'

Getting emotional from the witness box, on one occasion coming close to tears, Martin claimed police had visited his home 'every day' including once at 3am in the morning.

'What I do for a living, what I do every day when I wake up, I deal with state child trafficking,' he said.

He added that it was 'nothing to do with terrorism or cult, it's strictly facts'.

Martin went on to say that he 'couldn't give a monkey's' about Mr Brookes, again claiming he has 'never met him' and 'doesn't hold a grudge'.

He added: 'I am who I am. I know why I went there, I did my duty. I went to shut the court down. If he is doing something wrong, that's his issue.'

Closing his evidence, he continued to refute the suggestion that he and his co-defendants were in a 'cult', adding: 'Unless I'm a cult that saves younglings then fine, I'm a cult.'

Ahead of speaking today, Martin handed out copies of a book titled 'Your Own Court of Record for Every Country and Every Jurisdiction: The Facts that Destroy all Parliamentary Systems, Governments and their Acts'.

The book was said to be written by 'Janine Linehan' and 'directive by Mark-kishon: Christopher' which purported to be under the 'directive' of co-defendant Mark Christopher.

His co-defendant Harper said, in a transcript of his police interview that was previously read to jurors, that he was a 'student' of Christopher, who he described as a 'very knowledgeable man'.

Harper said he was part of a group carrying out a 'warrant' to 'condemn these unlawful buildings that are causing harm to the people'.

He said Christopher was the 'chief federal postal court judge' of the 'federal postal court', a group which rejects the authority of the UK government and all relevant administrations.

The judge who is presiding over the case at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mr Justice Goss, offered Christopher the opportunity to give evidence before Martin chose to enter the witness box.

Christopher kept his eyes closed and his head bowed, as he sat in the secure dock of the court, and did not move when the judge offered him the opportunity to give evidence in his defence.

Coroner Brookes previously said he received a series of 'very bizarre' letters in 2022 before receiving emails in April 2023 stating that 'corporal punishment may be administered'.

The coroner said he 'felt this was a security threat to my safety' and later contacted police, but said he was told the 'risk was low'.

Mr Bookes added that there was a further 'ominous' email on April 19 last year, before people turned up looking for him the following day - on April 20.

The coroner, however, had not been at the court in Chelmsford that morning, having accompanied a family member to a hospital appointment, but was due to attend the court to preside over an inquest that afternoon.

Mr Brookes said he was warned not to come to the building and was told 'these are the people from the letter - they're coming to get you'.

'I turned around and started driving home as fast as I could as I was fearful for the safety of my family,' he said.

Christopher also denies sending threatening letters to Mr Brookes with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

Michelle Brown, Essex area coroner, told jurors she had been conducting documentary inquests - from paperwork and without witnesses or family present - when four people entered the courtroom on April 20 last year.

Ms Brown repeatedly asked the group to identify themselves, mistaking them for maintenance workers as three of them were wearing hi-vis jackets.

She said they 'carried on walking towards me' and 'it wasn't until I saw the symbols on the hi-vis jackets that I realised who they were'.

'I knew of letters that had been received by the coroner's service with those symbols on and I had read the contents of some of those letters,' said Ms Brown.

'I asked them to leave and this main gentleman (Christopher) who wasn't wearing the hi-vis jacket started to talk.

She said the group asked for Mr Brooke and asked where his office was. However, Mr Brooke was not in court at that time.

'The female of the group had like, the newspaper bags, and she was instructed to throw that on the ground to seize the court,' said Ms Brown.

'I was told by the main gentleman they had seized the court and it was in their control.'

She said they 'made mention they had handcuffs and given Mr Brookes wasn't there I believed they would take me'.

Ms Brown said that Martin assaulted security guard Mr McCormack and broke his glasses.

Martin denies assault by beating of security guard Eammon McCormack on April 20 2023, and the criminal damage of his spectacles.

The court previously heard Martin was arrested at the scene while the other three defendants were arrested at Southend County Court later the same day, where they had also attempted to 'condemn' the court building.

The trial continues.
In December 1972, Joe Biden's life was picture perfect.

At 30 years old, he had just been elected to represent Delaware in Congress, making him the second youngest senator in history.

He had a beautiful wife of six years, Neilia. They shared three healthy children  sons Beau, 4, Hunter, 3, and 13-month-old daughter Naomi.

In fact, their good fortune was so great that Biden's young wife admitted it made her nervous.

Sitting by the fire in their Wilmington home writing Christmas cards together, she turned to him, filled with dread.

'What's going to happen, Joey?' she asked. 'Things are too good.'

In December 1972, Joe Biden's life was picture perfect, he had a beautiful loving wife of six years, Neilia and three healthy young children - sons, Beau, 4, and Hunter, 3, and 13-month-old daughter Naomi

But in December 1972, all of that changed, when Biden's wife and daughter were killed in a horrific car crash

Days later, newly-elected Biden was working in Washington DC, interviewing prospective staff, when the phone rang.

'They put a pretty young woman on the phone. She was so nervous,' Biden recalled nearly 50 years later at a rally for his 2020 presidential campaign, 'She said: "You gotta come home. There's been an accident."'

At approximately 2.30 pm on Monday, December 18, Neilia had been driving along a suburban road with her three children on the way to pick up a Christmas tree in Hockessin, Delaware, when she crept through a stop sign directly into the path of a speeding tractor-trailer.

Her Chevrolet station wagon was struck side-on and hurled 150 feet into an embankment.

'Biden For Senate' campaign flyers that were still piled in the car's trunk filled the air and were strewn all over the roadway, along with shards of glass and twisted debris.

Neilia, also 30, and Naomi were rushed to Wilmington General Hospital, but it was too late.

They were declared dead on arrival.

Beau and Hunter were severely injured, but alive. Beau's leg had been broken. Hunter's skull had been fractured.

Beau and Hunter were hospitalized after the crash, and Biden was sworn in as a Delaware senator from the chapel in the hospital where they were being treated

Beau was wheeled into the small chapel attached to the hospital and Hunter was perched on the side of the bed as their father was officially sworn in

In that instant, Biden became a widower and a single father with two boys under the age of five.

He fell into a state of deep grief and depression, later revealing he even contemplated suicide.

'I thought about what it would be like just to go to the Delaware Memorial Bridge and just jump off and end it all,' Biden told CNN for a 2020 documentary about his political life.

By all accounts, Neilia was a great love.

They had met in 1963, both aged 20, while Biden was on Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale.

He and his friends were bored and decided to take an impromptu trip to Nassau, where Neilia was holidaying.

Neilia's wealthy Republican parents were staying at a fancy beach resort that Biden, who grew up the son of working-class parents, could never afford. But he and his pals had stolen towels with the hotel logo and bluffed their way into the resort pool.

Spotting Neilia, Biden said it was love at first sight; but he had competition, as his friends fancied her too. So, they flipped a coin to decide who got to speak to her.

Biden won.

He took Neilia for dinner that night and told her he was going to marry her. Three years later, they wed.

He was infatuated, describing her in a 1974 interview as 'my very best friend, my greatest ally, my sensuous lover.'

After her death, he considered resigning from public office to focus on raising his boys but Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield persuaded him not to.

Two and a half weeks after the crash, a media circus descended on the hospital where Hunter and Beau were still being treated for their injuries.

Beau was wheeled into the small chapel attached to the hospital and Hunter was perched on the side of the bed as their father was officially sworn in as senator.

By all accounts, Neilia was the great love of his life. They had met in 1963 while on Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale

After her death, he considered resigning from public office to focus on the boys but Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield persuaded him not to

Photos of the ceremony, showing Biden solemnly raising his hand to take the oath with his sickly children in the foreground, were shown around the world.

As he left the hospital, his mother, Catherine Eugenia 'Jean' Biden, turned to him and said: 'Out of everything terrible that happens to you, something good will come if you look hard enough for it.'

But he'd have to wait a while. In the coming months, he went through the motions at work and, instead of moving to Washington, started commuting  two hours each way  from his home in Wilmington.

'I did it because I wanted to be able to kiss [Beau and Hunter] goodnight and kiss them in the morning the next day,' Biden said. Eventually, his sister Valerie moved into the Wilmington home to help care for the young boys.

Meanwhile, Biden's depression worsened. He wrote in his 2017 autobiography that 'it felt like there was a tiny dark hole in the middle of my chest [that] threatened to suck my entire being down into it.'

He started to score his moods on a scale from one to 10, recording them daily on a calendar in the hope of feeling better.

The number one signified he felt like he was having the worst day of his life, ten signified the best day. For six months, he filled the calendar with ones.

He wrote in his 2017 autobiography Promise me, Dad: 'It felt like there was a tiny dark hole in the middle of my chest, and I knew if I dwelled on its presence, it would grow until it threatened to suck my entire being down into it.'

It wasn't until three years after Neilia and Naomi's deaths that life began to turn around for Joe, 32, when he was set up on a blind date with Jill Jacobs, 23.

Biden would later say: 'No man deserves one great love, let alone two.'

In 1977, Joe and Jill married. Four years later, they welcomed their first and only child, Ashley.

But more family tragedy came in 2015, when Joe's son Beau died of brain cancer aged 46.

As a result, 'many voters see Joe Biden primarily through the prism of his history of loss,' Biden biographer Ben Schreckinger told DailyMail.com.

'In many ways, he shaped his political identity around his grief using his personal experience to help him empathize with the public and colleagues on the Hill.

'In political circles, he is known for reaching out personally to console people, whether or not they are his political allies, who have lost loved ones.'

But not everyone has received such empathetic treatment.

The driver of the truck that smashed into the Biden family car, Curtis Dunn, then 33, escaped unscathed and was absolved of all wrongdoing when police determined that Neilia had accidentally driven into his path.

It wasn't until three years after Neilia and Naomi's death that Joe's life began to turn around when he was set up on a blind date with Jill Jacobs, 23 (pictured)

Each year, Biden, Jill Biden and Hunter visit their family members' graves in Wilmington, Delaware

Investigators also found that Dunn had attempted to avoid the collision with such force that he'd overturned his rig, before then rushing to help Neilia and the children.

But in the decades following, Biden has repeatedly and falsely implied that Dunn was at fault and had been drinking, describing him as 'a guy who allegedly  and I never pursued it  drank his lunch instead of eating his lunch.'

In 2009, Dunn's daughter Pamela Hamill was asked about Biden's claims for a CBS News report.

Her father had passed away in 1999, but Pamela said she had been so upset that she had asked Biden for an apology.

Later, she admitted he had, privately at least, been 'very apologetic', calling her personally. But, she said, he'd drawn the line at issuing a 'public apology', saying if he did it would 'end up in all the trashy magazines in the grocery store.'

Hamill never took Biden up on an offer to meet with her family in person, and she never heard from him again.

As the 81-year-old president now prepares to step back from politics, announcing Sunday that he would no longer accept the Democratic nomination to run again in November's general election, it seems unlikely that Hamill will ever see the record corrected.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle was accused of being 'full of s***' and giving less answers than a toddler as she was ripped to shreds by lawmakers during a grilling over Donald Trump's assassination attempt.

Furious Democrats and Republicans peppered the embattled Cheatle with questions about how would-be assassin Thomas Crooks, 20, was able to open fire on the former president and told her to resign.

She avoided directly answering questions about whether she denied Trump a bigger protection detail, whether she focused on diversity and inclusivity during hiring, and doubled down on not having an agent on the gunman's roof during the brutal hearing on Capitol Hill.

In a staggering moment, Cheatle also admitted that her agents on the ground had been warned between two and five times how many times a 'suspicious person' was reported before Trump took the stage.

Cheatle insisted she is the still the best person to lead the scandal-hit agency, even though she admitted 'full responsibility' for the massive security failure that led to Trump's shooting on Saturday July 13.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle sat for hours before the House Oversight Committee on Monday to testify about the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As Democrats and Republicans piled into her, they grew frustrated, at times shouting, in response to her vague and incomplete answers

'You're full of s*** today,' Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. yelled at Cheatle when the Secret Service boss didn't know whether the agency has provided evidence to the committee. 'You're just being completely dishonest.'

The South Carolina Republican also ripped into Cheatle for not providing her opening statements in advance of the hearing, though it was published in multiple news outlets hours before she testified.

The director said 'I have no idea how my statement got out,' to which Mace sternly retorted, 'That's bulls***.'

But Cheatle did not just get yelled at by Republicans.

'You cannot go leading a Secret Service agency when there is an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate!' and incredulous Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told Cheatle during his questioning.

'I believe, Director Cheatle, that you should resign. I think there are colleagues on both sides of the aisle that believe that and I hope you'll consider it.'

During the interaction, Cheatle quietly fiddled with a writing utensil, maintained a somber expression, occasionally looked down and then back up at the lawmaker addressing her.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner told Cheatle to her face she 'looks incompetent.'

'Donald Trump is alive and thank God he is,' he said. 'You look incompetent.'

'If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable. There is no aspect of this that indicates that there has been any protection to Donald Trump.'

She repeatedly avoided answering questions by invoking how 'we're just nine days out from this incident and there is still an ongoing investigation.'

Possibly most disappointing to the lawmakers was Cheatle's answer to how long the American people must wait to have answers on the assassination attempt on Trump.

She said that the agency expects to have answers for lawmakers within '60 days.'

This answer was so horrendous that it brought together two lawmakers on near ideological opposites - Squad Leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and conservative firebrand Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. - together in a rare agreement .

They called the 60 day wait period unacceptable.

'You're not making this easy for us,' Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, said in an exasperated fashion after Cheatle refused to disclose figures related to the investigation.

Chairman Comer grew so irate at one point he pointedly reminded the director that she is compelled to answer questions under a subpoena.

'You answered more questions with an ABC reporter than you have with members of Congress,' the chairman said.

'You're here with a subpoena, and we expect you to answer the questions,' he continued.

Cheatle looks down at notes while listening to questions from lawmakers

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., gets more answers from his kids when they are in trouble than Cheatle has provided at the entire hearing.

'I would get more answers from them than I am getting from you right now,' he said disappointedly.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., asked if Cheatle would have submitted her resignation if Trump were killed.

She refused to give a straight answer, saying 'I think that I've admitted that I've taken accountability and will take responsibility.'

The Florida Democrat asked her if all the weapons in the U.S. were 'rocket propelled grenades' would that make her job harder.

'Yes,' she responded.

Her finally answering a question, albeit a farfetched hypothetical, elicited a cheer from the room after hours of failing to draw out new information about the assassination attempt.

Getting her to answer a question was, apparently, a victory.

Shockingly, it was highlighted how the shooter was identified as a 'suspicious' person up to five times before he took fire.

'Ma'am, you are a DEI horror story,' Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said to Cheatle.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., was so fed up with Cheatle's non-answers and misdirection that she called for perjury charges to be brought against the Secret Service director.

'It is very frustrating ... that you have been up here basically stonewalling our ability to get answers to the American people.'

'Every single member of Congress does not feel safe with you in charge,' Luna continued.

'We're all sitting ducks with you directing the Secret Service currently.'

Evidence that the hearing did not go well for the director, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., joined Comer - the top Republican - to call for Cheatle's resignation concluding the event.

Still, Cheatle has repeatedly refused to resign.
This is the moment a female motorcycle passenger fell into a sinkhole in the middle of a road in the Colombian seaport city of Barranquilla.

Surveillance footage showed the male biker maneuvering around the crater when the motorcycle suddenly tipped over last Wednesday.

The biker was left lying between the top of the street pavement and motorcycle and somehow maintaining his balance until a male individual helped him.

The woman was not as fortunate, as the impact of the fall caused her to graze her head on the side of the pavement and fall directly into the crater.

The camera showed the woman sitting in the sinkhole and touching her head.

A surveillance camera in El Bosque, a neighborhood in the Colombian seaport town of Barranquilla, captured the moment a motorcyclist tried to avoid a crater on Wednesday. However, the biker lost control and crashed but avoided falling into the sinkhole. The woman was not as lucky and landed inside the crater

The woman suffered various injuries, including a head wound, while the motorcyclist wasn't hurt

She subsequently stood up and remained in the crater, complaining about the accident and appearing to reject the biker's attempt to pull her out to the surface.

Community activist Felipe Ortiz told La Zona Radio that the woman suffered multiple injuries, including on the head, while the motorcyclist was not harmed.

The road is one of the main transit points leading to the nearest neighborhood hospital.

'It had been reported several times and we could see this coming,' Ortiz said.

The crater has gone about one year without being fixed, but the Barranquilla mayor's office announced the repairs had been scheduled to begin Monday

'If you look at the general structure of the (road) it is something very serious, the infrastructure is obsolete and of no use ... It's the cherry on top of the cake.'

Over the weekend, councilman Alexis Castillo told Caracol Radio that the city's Public Works office had known of the crater since last year, but nothing was done to address the issue.

The office of Mayor Alejandro Char told RCN Television that road repairs were scheduled to take place Monday.

'We have already taken the measurements, we have a contractor and next week we are going to start construction, the walls and the upper slab will be reconstructed,' Public Works secretary, Rafael Lafont, said.
A wealthy tourist's $1,000 tryst with a Las Vegas prostitute ended up being a very costly mistake after she took off with his jewels that cost nearly $120,000.

The unidentified man met the high-priced escort, identified as Maiah Meleschi, after a night of gambling at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino located on the glitzy Las Vegas strip in July 2022.

The next morning the man woke up alone in his bed and discovered Meleschi was gone - and so was his $85,000 Rolex, $30,000 gold necklace, and $3,000 in cash.

The man reported the incident to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Surveillance footage showed the initial meeting and then Meleschi exiting the hotel wearing a large gold chain and watch, as per a police report, local 8NewsNow reported.

A warrant had been issued for her arrest and earlier this month she was caught and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. She has been charged with grand larceny, burglary and possessing stolen property.

Maiah Meleschi was charged with grand larceny, burglary and possessing stolen property

The Bellagio Hotel & Casino is located right on the Vegas Strip

The man filed a police report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, during the probe the man provided details on how he met the scammer.

He told police that he was visiting Sin City and was playing Blackjack in the casino until 5am when he was approached by the woman, as per court documents.

Surveillance footage showed Meleschi first approaching the man in the casino before the two walked to the hotel elevators together.

When the man woke up alone in the hotel room and saw his pricey belongings had disappeared that is when he realized he had been swindled.

The glitzy Las Vegas Boulevard strip

During the investigation, police found the pawn shop Meleschi went to and found the gold necklace, she reportedly sold for $11,600 - more than half of what he had paid, but the Rolex and cash were still missing.

Meleschi has prior arrests for prostitution and trespassing, police said.

She is scheduled to appear in court on August 8. She could face a prison sentence, if convicted.

LVMPD told Casino.org the theft Meleschi used on her victim is called a 'trick roll,' which is commonly used to describe when a sex worker steals items of value or cash from a client.

Trick rolls are frequently reported and often take place at hotels, police said.

Last September, a visitor at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, who just won the jackpot, woke up to find that two women stole $120K in cash and his $20K Rolex watch, as per the news outlet.

The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. It is considered one of the top casinos in the world, and is known for its fountain show.
The Department for Work and Pensions no longer expects benefits fraud to return to pre-Covid levels due to an 'increasing propensity' for deceit across British society.

In the department's latest annual report and accounts, DWP officials were revealed to have assumed there will be a 5 per cent increase in fraud each year.

Some 9.7billion of taxpayers' cash was overpaid in benefits - due to fraud and error - during 2023-24, which accounted for 3.7 per cent of total benefit expenditure.

This compared to 8.3billion and 3.6 per cent in 2022-23, as the rate of benefit overpayments continued to remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

DWP has repeatedly promised to boost counter-fraud action in the wake of the Covid crisis, which saw a surge in both the number of benefit claims and rate of fraud.

But, in their annual report, officials were revealed to have defended a failure to bring down levels of welfare fraud so far by pointing to a wider problem in society.

They highlighted a 'long-term increasing trend in levels of fraud against organisations', a 'notable uptick in shoplifting', and 'softened' attitudes toward benefits fiddling.

Campaigners said taxpayers would be left 'reeling' by the 'remarkable revelation' that Whitehall officials 'are now accepting increased fraud as a given'.

The Department for Work and Pensions no longer expects benefits fraud to return to pre-Covid levels due to an 'increasing propensity' for deceit across British society

Some 9.7billion of taxpayers' cash was overpaid in benefits - due to fraud and error - during 2023-24, which accounted for 3.7 per cent of total benefit expenditure

DWP officials highlighted a 'notable uptick in shoplifting' as part of an 'increasing propensity' for deceit across British society

They also said there was evidence of 'softened' attitudes toward benefits fiddling in recent years

'With benefit spending at 266.1billion in 2023-24, the welfare system is a deliberate target for both organised crime groups and opportunistic individuals,' the DWP annual report said.

'A range of evidence indicates that there is a long-term rising trend in fraudulent behaviour towards organisations and a softening of attitudes regarding fraud in wider society.

'While there may be fluctuations in data over time, the overall trends appear to continue upwards.

'Although direct comparisons to trends outside of the welfare system are difficult and need to be treated with caution, the evidence outlined here is sufficiently comparable to assume that these trends are likely to be mirrored in the benefit system.

'This increases the scale of the challenge faced in preventing and detecting fraud.'

The report implies that the annual amount lost to criminals will rise above 10billion within the next decade.

Fraud database Cifas indicates that offences have increased by 11 per cent in each of the last two years, meaning there is every chance the ballooning fraud bill will continue to grow.

Fraud database Cifas indicates that offences have increased by 11 per cent in each of the last two years, meaning there is every chance the ballooning fraud bill will continue to grow (stock image)

According to the British Social Attitudes Survey, more than a quarter believe it is 'not wrong' or only 'a bit wrong' if a person on unemployment benefits fails to declare 3,000 of cash earnings from a casual job.

As well as hiring more staff, the DWP said it is 'developing the use of machine learning, a form of AI to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud activities'.

An attached report by National Audit Office chief Gareth Davies, who is responsible for auditing DWP's accounts, revealed how the department no long expects benefits fraud to return to pre-Covid levels.

Mr Davies wrote: 'The forecasts shows that DWP no longer expects Universal Credit fraud and error to return to the levels seen before the significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, which it says is due to an increasing propensity for fraud in society.

A DWP spokesman added: 'This government will not tolerate fraud or waste anywhere in public services, including in the social security system' (stock image)

'DWP has assumed a 5 per cent increase in fraudulent behaviour each year in its forecasting.

'It told us it cannot directly use its fraud and error statistics to assess whether this is an accurate assumption for the increase in propensity to commit fraud, but in its performance report has performed a variance analysis of the statistics against the forecast.'

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers will be reeling from the remarkable revelation that officials are now accepting increased fraud as a given.

'This should be a wake-up call to the political class and the public that the social fabric is fraying at an alarming rate, despite the cost to taxpayers and the country looking increasingly unsustainable.

'The new Labour Government should be putting this vital issue right on the top of its in-tray.'

A DWP spokesman added: 'This government will not tolerate fraud or waste anywhere in public services, including in the social security system.

'We are determined to reduce fraud and error and are currently exploring all options on how best to achieve our goal.'
The deadly Manchester Arena attack in 2017 affected a survivor's life in 'every conceivable way', the High Court has heard at the start of a harassment trial against a conspiracy theorist who claims the bombing was a 'hoax' that utilised 'crisis actors.'

Bombing survivors Martin and Eve Hibbert are suing conspiracist Richard Hall for harassment and data protection at the London court.

The father and daughter were at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 and suffered life-changing injuries, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert facing severe brain damage.

Mr Hall, however, has claimed that the attack, in which Islamic extremist Salman Abedi detonated a home-made backpack bomb in the crowd of concert-goers, was faked by government agencies with 'crisis actors' used.

Mr Hall is being sued over several videos and a book in which he has made claims that the bombing was a 'hoax', as well as 'secretly filming' Eve and her mother at their house.

Bombing survivors Martin and Eve Hibbert (pictured) suffered life-changing injuries, with Mr Hibbert left with a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert facing severe brain damage

Conspiracist Richard Hall (pictured) allegedly harassed the victims at their home

The world was shocked by the Manchester Arena attack in 2017

In a video shared online, Mr Hall demonstrated setting up a camera disguised in fake plant foliage which he planned to use to film Eve, now 21, to see whether she could walk.

He later claimed he left 'a camera rolling' in his van which was 'parked in a public place'.

Mr Hall acknowledged in his video that Eve left the house in a wheelchair but added there was 'no evidence' her injury was from the bombing.

Defending the outrageous claims, lawyers for Mr Hall said his actions were 'pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime' and that he has deleted the footage from outside the home.

On Monday, Mr Hibbert and Mr Hall appeared at the High Court for the first day of the trial, with around 20 members of the public watching the proceedings across two courtrooms.

Jonathan Price, for the Hibberts, said the pair were some of the closest to Abedi when he detonated the bomb and that the attack changed Mr Hibbert's life 'in every conceivable way'.

CCTV image of Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena

The victims were (top row, from left) Elaine McIver, 43, Saffie-Rose Roussos, 8, Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Eilidh MacLeod, 14, (second row, from left) Nell Jones, 14, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, Megan Hurley, 15, Georgina Callander, 18, (third row, from left), Chloe Rutherford, 17, Liam Curry, 19, Courtney Boyle, 19, and Philip Tron, 32, (fourth row, from left) John Atkinson, 26, Martyn Hett, 29, Kelly Brewster, 32, Angelika Klis, 39, (fifth row, from left) Marcin Klis, 42, Michelle Kiss, 45, Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43 (fifth row, from left) Wendy Fawell, 50 and Jane Tweddle, 51

Richard Hall outside the High Court, central London in January 2024

Martin Hibbert was forced to use a wheelchair following the attack

'They have both suffered life-changing injuries from which they will never recover,' the barrister said.

The court heard that Mr Hibbert received 22 wounds from shrapnel, and Miss Hibbert suffered a 'catastrophic brain injury' after a bolt from the bomb struck her in the head - leading to her being presumed dead at the scene.

Mr Price added: 'Martin, paralysed, saw Eve lying next to him with a hole in her head and assumed he was watching her die, unable to help. He saw others lying dead or injured around him.'

He continued: 'Mr Hall does not accept any of this. His theory is that it is an elaborate hoax.'

'He doggedly adheres to the assertion that this attack did not happen and that we are all being fooled,' Mr Price later said.

The barrister said Mr Hall has claimed Mr Hibbert is lying, and that Miss Hibbert was disabled before the bombing.

Martin Hibbert was paralysed during the Manchester bombings

Mr Hibbert was left paralysed from the waist down after shielding his daughter

He continued: 'Mr Hall says her parents are invoking their daughter's catastrophic disability as part of a huge fraud on the general public.'

Paul Oakley, for Mr Hall, said his client is 'entirely entitled' to have his views, which were formed after he 'scoured the public domain'.

He told the court: 'My client is perfectly entitled to hold his views and he is willing to amend them if he is made aware of evidence to the contrary.'

In written submissions, Mr Oakley said Mr Hall and his beliefs have the right to freedom of expression.

He said: 'However unpleasant Mr Hall's published views are considered to be, they are protected.'

Mr Hibbert had made a 'positive choice' to co-operate with the media concerning the attack, the barrister later said.

'As such, it is Mr Hibbert who has come to the 'harassment' and not the converse.'

The court was later told that, while there was one incident of filming, this was from a public highway and the footage was never published.

Mr Oakley continued: 'It is submitted that this single incident would not be sufficient to found an action.'

The trial before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude on Thursday with a decision expected in writing at a later date.
Talk show host Montel Williams may have briefly dated Kamala Harris but that does not mean she can rely on his support.

As news circulated that President Joe Biden was standing aside and endorsing his vice president, Williams weighed in on social media declaring that he was ready to campaign.

But not for her necessarily. Instead he said he was ready to get behind Wes Moore, governor of Maryland and someone seen as a future presidential candidate or 2024 VP pick.

'I'd love to see Wes Moore leading the ticket or otherwise on my ballot and Im ready to campaign,' he posted on X.

'I've watched Wes Moore lead my home state of Maryland, and I know leadership when I see it.'

Talk Show Host Montel Williams, daughter Ashley Williams and Kamala Harris attending the Eighth Annual Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis on May 18, 2001, in Century City

Moore is a rising star of the Democratic Party, and he was only the third black man ever elected governor.

But his comments quickly raised eyebrows given than Williams briefly dated Harris more than 20 years ago.

A string of further posts followed.

'Is anyone surprised I am interested in a politician who also went to the Naval Academy and whose leadership has impressed me?' he said, after reposting Moore's endorsement of the vice president.

And when his comments were picked up the celebrity channel TMZ he offered a clarification, saying he was ready to back whoever was the party nominee.

He was clearly ready for scrutiny even before old pictures of him with Harris resurfaced.

He used a post to discourage journalists from asking him about Harris.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is a rising star of the Democratic Party

Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at the White House on Monday morning for an event with college athletes. She used the occasion to pay tribute to President Joe Biden

'I've said what Im going to say about the thing that keeps trending,' he wrote.

'My friends in the media should think twice about wasting time on a 20+ year old picture - you will find doing so will earn an unpleasant reaction.'

Harris is in pole position to assume the party nomination after Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek reelection.

He endorsed Harris as his successor, and she has quickly consolidated her position with support among lawmakers and state parties.
JD Vance spoke to supporters in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, Monday

Sen. J.D. Vance held his first solo campaign event Monday after being selected as Donald Trump's running mate and slammed elite Democrats for they way they catapulted Kamala Harris into the running for president.

He returned to his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, where he showed off the attack-dog style that won over Trump.

He accused Harris of lying about Biden's fitness for the job as he sought to portray his party as the party of democracy.

'The idea of selecting the Democrat party's nominee because George Soros and Barack Obama and a couple of elite Democrats got in a smoke filled room and decided to throw Joe Biden overboard.... That is not how it works,' he said.

'That is a threat to democracy ...not the Republican Party, which is fighting for democracy every single day.'

J.D. Vance holds his first solo campaign event after becoming Donald Trump's running mate in Middletown, Ohio, where he went after Kamala Harris

Harris has been anointed successor to Joe Biden by party leaders and power players ever since the president stunned the world by announcing he would not seek reelection on Sunday.

The move offers a gift to the Trump campaign which has been repeatedly attacked by Biden for imperiling American democracy.

Trump and his allies have been able to accuse his opponents of staging a party coup.

Vance, 39, portrayed Harris as entitled and arrogant, and said he was disappointed he would now be unlikely to go up against her in the vice presidential debate.

'I was told I was going to get to debate Kamala Harris and now President Trump's going to get to debate her,' he said. 'I'm kind of pissed off about that.'

The Trump campaign plans to make the most of Vance's tough upbringing in Ohio and deploy him in the Rust Belt states that are central to the Democrats' path to the White House.

He echoed Republican attack lines and adverts that painted Harris as enabler of Biden, when he was in decline.

'Kamala Harris lied about it. My Senate Democratic colleagues lied about it, the media lied about it,' he told the crowd. 'Every single person who saw Joe Biden knew that he wasnt capable of doing the job.'

Vance took the stage with his wife Usha, a driving force in his political awakening

Supporters wait in line outside of Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) rally at Middletown High School in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio

He said he and Trump were grateful for the chance to serve.

'If you want to lead this country, you should feel grateful for it. You should feel a sense of gratitude,' he said.

'And I never hear that gratitude come through when I listen to Kamala Harris.'

Vance was named as Trump's running mate last week and appeared alongside the former president at the Republican convention and a rally in Grand Rapids at the weekend.

He took the stage on Monday with his wife Usha. And he quickly demonstrated that he has picked up some Trumpisms.

Trump's running mate Sen. J.D. Vance warmed up the crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ahead of the former president as they made their first rally appearance together

'It is so good to be back home for once, isn't it?' he said. 'We have an amazing crowd here.

'We had hundreds of people outside that couldn't even get in.'

Trump frequently exaggerates the size of his audiences and frequently claims thousands of people are stuck outside rally venues (as he did on Saturday).

Vance's attack on Harris shows how quickly he has had to pivot after Biden announced he was dropping out.

'President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the top of the Democrat ticket,' he posted on X Sunday. 'Bring it on.'
Assange had from 2010 until last month been a wanted man for espionage

Julian Assange has been spotted enjoying family time on the beach in his native Australia just four weeks after the WikiLeaks founder was freed to return home.

The controversial figure had until last month been a wanted man for espionage - a charge held against him since 2010 - after WikiLeaks released thousands of classified US military documents.

He was also wanted on unrelated rape charges in Sweden, but finally saw freedom after a plea deal with American prosecutors paved the way for him to return home without fear of arrest after 14 years as a wanted criminal suspect.

In a photograph released on Monday, Assange looked to be relaxed and in rude health, alongside his wife Stella and their children Gabriel and Max, on a family outing to the beach.

Assange wore a casual light blue coloured top and jeans, accessorised by a dark-coloured fedora and backpack on his shoulders, while his wife opted for a warming metallic gilet in the moderate winter temperatures of the Southern hemisphere.

Adapting to his new life as a free man, Assange has now been free for just one month following a deal in which he plead guilty to a single felony charge after the US dropped 17 other espionage charges against him.

Enjoying freedom: Julian Assange poses with his wife Stella and their children Gabriel and Max

Assange admitted to his role in the conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act and was sentenced to time already served at Belmarsh prison in south-east London.

On 26 June, he walked free from a US federal court on the Pacific island of Saipan without probation or supervision, but was told he is banned from ever entering the US again without permission from American authorities.

Judge Ramona V Manglona told Assange after wrapping up the case: 'With that... Mr Assange it's apparently an early happy birthday to you. I hope you will start your new life in a positive manner.'

Shortly before her husband had landed in Canberra, Mrs Assange had revealed that he wants to swim in the ocean every day and teach their children to catch crabs now that he is back in Australia.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange kisses his wife Stella Assange as he arrived in Canberra, Australia, on June 26, 2024

Photos from the airport showed the pair hugging and kissing, with Assange wrapping his wife in a tight embrace and lifting her in the air

Mr Assange met his lawyer wife Stella, 40, during his captivity and he secretly fathered two children with her

In an interview with The Project before her husband touched down in Canberra, Mrs Assange was quizzed about what his first words to her were.

'That he missed me and he couldn't wait to see me later tonight and all the things that we're going to do over the next few days, weeks,' Ms Assange told the program.

Ms Assange said she 'cried happy tears' when her husband was released without probation or supervision from a US federal court on Saipan.

Speaking from Australia, Mrs Assange added: 'It is hard to believe that Julian has been in prison for so long.

'It had become normalised. I am grateful to the people who made this possible but I am also angry that it ever came to this.

'Overall I am elated but I cannot believe it is actually happening until I see Julian.'

However not all were delighted with Assange's release. James Clapper, the former head of US intelligence, was quick to slam the celebrations surrounding Assange's release and called the Australian 'no hero.'

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today show, Clapper called Assange's actions wrong and illegal.

He went on to say that US assets in Afghanistan were likely killed due to WikiLeaks revealing their identities in government documents.

Stella Assange (pictured before her husband landed in Australia) said she 'cried happy tears' when her husband was released without probation or supervision from a US federal court on the Pacific island of Saipan

Assange raised a fist in the air as he waved at the crowd at Canberra Airport

President Joe Biden's decision to reach a plea deal with Assange was also slammed as a 'miscarriage of justice' by former vice president Mike Pence.

Pence wrote on X: 'Julian Assange endangered the lives of our troops in a time of war and should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

'The Biden administration's plea deal with Assange is a miscarriage of justice and dishonors the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families.

'There should be no plea deals to avoid prison for anyone that endangers the security of our military or the national security of the United States. Ever.'

Ms Robinson also shared a photo with Assange on the plane enroute to Saipan on X

Assange's saga began in 2012, as authorities circled him for that and over 'credible and reliable' sex crime allegations from a woman in Sweden.

He fled into London's Ecuadorian embassy where he remained for seven years in often farcical circumstances.

Ecuador eventually tired of him being there, revoked his asylum, and kicked him out in 2019 - leading to his immediate arrest and imprisonment in the UK while he fought extradition to the US.

Assange's lawyers said outside court after the hearing that WikiLeaks would continue and 'Mr Assange, I have no doubt, will be a continuing force for freedom of speech and transparency in government'.

They said Assange would give no comment but instead they said on his behalf: 'Mr Assange is grateful for all of the support that he has received and looks forward to reuniting with his wife and his children and getting back home to Australia.'

The release from Belmarsh - where he has spent five years, largely in solitary confinement, fighting extradition - came days ahead of his 53rd birthday on July 3.

Assange had been detained in one of the UK's most high-security prisons since April 2019. He is pictured here in May 2019

Julian Assange (pictured) walked free from a US federal court on the Pacific island of Saipan without probation or supervision, but he is banned from ever entering the US again without permission from American authorities

Assange's father John Shipton said he felt 'elated' at hearing the news of his son's dramatic journey from the UK and that his release had 'lifted a huge burden' from his family.

Speaking from Australia, he said he hoped his son will spend time 'walking along beaches and listening to birds' in the next few weeks and months.

'Doing cartwheels is a good expression of the joy that one feels that Julian is [returning] home,' he said.

Assange's mother, Christine Assange, told Australia's Sky News that she is 'grateful' her son's ordeal is 'finally coming to an end'.

She said: 'This shows the importance and power of quiet diplomacy. Many have used my son's situation to push their own agenda, so I am grateful to those unseen, hardworking people who put Julian's welfare first.

'The past 14 years have obviously taken a toll on me as a mother, so I wish to thank you in advance for respecting my privacy.'
A top Italian court has overturned the life sentence handed to a nurse who strangled his doctor girlfriend to death during lockdown because a lower court failed to account for 'Covid stress.'

Calabrian nurse Antonio De Pace was handed the life sentence after he strangled 27-year-old Lorena Quaranta to death in their home in Favara, in the Sicilian province of Agrigento, in March 2020.

Quaranta, who was set to graduate with a degree in medicine that year, met her boyfriend and dated him for three years before moving in with him. The pair had been engaged.

The doctor had been suffering from a sore throat for a week, which De Pace was convinced was a symptom of Covid.

According to local media, he wanted to return to his home in Calabria but she wanted him to stay and bring her medicine, leading to a vicious fight that ended with her murder.

After a suicide attempt, De Pace handed himself in to police, who began investigating and brought a case to Italian prosecutors.

Calabrian nurse Antonio De Pace (pictured, right) was handed the life sentence after he strangled 27-year-old Lorena Quaranta (pictured, left) to death in their home

Quaranta, who was set to graduate with a degree in medicine that year, met her boyfriend and dated him for three years before moving in with him

The doctor had been suffering from a sore throat for a week, which De Pace was convinced was a symptom of Covid

Quaranta was strangled to death by her partner in their home

Despite his horrific actions, his lawyers claimed in Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation, the country's highest court of appeal, that De Pace suffered from a lapse of judgement caused by stress and fear of the virus.

'It must be considered that the judges of merit have not fully verified whether, given the specificity of the context, it can be attributed, and to what extent, to the defendant for not having effectively attempted to counteract the state of anguish to which he was prey and, in parallel, whether the source of the discomfort, evidently represented by the arrival of the pandemic emergency with all that it has determined in the life of each person and, therefore, also of the protagonists of the story, and, even more, the contingent difficulty of remedying it, constitute factors affecting the measure of criminal liability', the all-male panel wrote.

This is despite a psychiatric consultant finding no signs of psychosis, though they found that De Pace had a personality prone to violence, local media reported.

Major Italian figures have been in uproar since the court's decision to overturn the sentence.

The Democratic Party deputy Michela Di Biase wrote on Facebook that she was 'left speechless', adding:

'The pandemic has been widely ignored for its effects on the mental health of girls and boys but is seen as a mitigator for femicide.

'The news of the decision of the judges of Cassation that annuled the life sentence of Lorena Quaranta's murderer is terrible.
A man is suing the San Francisco DAs office after losing his job because of an accidental 'reply-all' email.

Jovan Thomas, 56, filed the complaint Friday, six months after the scandalous correspondence in question.

In it, the trained victim advocate appeared to ask the married 42-year-old District Attorney Brooke Jenkins 'what color' her panties were, before profusely apologizing in a follow-up seconds later.

Both messages were sent to the entire office, with the staffer's full email signature.

This suggests he sent the messages from a work laptop, as he replied to a calendar invite for an event memorializing the 1998 torturing and killing of a gay college student.

He was fired that day, but now claims that after his employment was terminated, defendants violated his privacy and defamed him by misrepresenting what had happened.

A man is suing San Francisco DA Brooke Jenkins' office after losing his job because of an accidental 'reply-all' email earlier this year

Jovan Thomas, 56, filed the complaint Friday, six months after the correspondence in question, seen here

In the Superior Court complaint, attorneys for Thomas wrote how he had been texting with a longtime friend whose father had just died, and intended to cheer him up with the message.

It had asked: 'What color panties you have on[?]'

'Hoping to cheer up his friend, who was distraught and grieving the death of his father, [Thomas] intended to text his friend a jokey question of the sort that that plaintiff had sent his friend on occasion in the past,' lawyers explained.

'[Thomas's] text to his friend was a whimsical question that was part of plaintiffs standard jocular repertoire with his friend.

'In the context of their long-time friendship, plaintiff's flip question had no sexual, off-color, obscene, misogynistic or sexist meaning or intent.

'Rather, it was a goofy, non-sequitur by one long-time friend to another friend intended to try to divert and cheer him up while he was going through a difficult and upsetting experience.

'[Thomas's] text was not an actual inquiry about the color of his friend's panties, as plaintiff was aware that his friend was a straight male who did not wear panties.,' the complaint concluded.

'It was a silly joke intended to cheer up his friend.'

The staffer went on to profusely apologizing in a follow-up seconds later, claiming it was an accidental text despite it containing his official email signature

But it was not perceived this way, and on January 26, spawned outrage and a swift internal investigation - hinted at by Chief Assistant District Attorney Ana Gonzalez in this final reply to the unfolding disaster

But it was not perceived this way, and on January 26, spawned outrage and a swift internal investigation - one that culminated with the Bayview victim advocate's firing.

Before that, he frantically told fellow employees he accidentally messaged: 'Good afternoon everyone[.]

'[W]hile texting back and forth with my fraternity brother I sent a very inappropriate email.

'The email was meant as a joke... and I sincerely apologize to everyone.

'[P]lease know this is not who I am as a person as I carry myself with respect and dignity,' the hastily penned apology went on.

'Please know that I am sincerely sorry and would never do such a thing on purpose.'

Later in the day, Chief Assistant District Attorney Ana Gonzalez issued the final reply to the unfolding disaster - instructing staffers to delete the initial email and refrain from spreading it further.

'Dear all,' the new, also re-shared email began. ' We are aware than an inappropriate email was sent out. This matter is being handled by the administration.

He is now suing Jenkins, her office, and the city. The city prosecutor is seen here with her husband Daniel. She obtained her law degree from the University of Chicago after studying political science at UC Berkeley

Jenkins with husband Daniel and two of their three kids. She has worked in the DA's office since 2014. She assumed the role of interim district attorney following the recall of Chesa Boudin in 2022, after which she was officially elected

'If you have opened the email please delete it, do not forward, copy or other disseminate this email,' Gonzalez continued.

'Please be reminded City issued email is for business purposes only. If you have any questions of concerns please feel free to contact SFDA HR.'

Brooke Jenkins, a 42-year-old who assumed the role of interim district attorney after the recall of Chesa Boudin in 2022, herself did not speak on the embarrassment, but a spokesman for the DAs office did, issuing a statement in the following days decrying Thomas's 'misogynistic behavior.'

'This misogynistic behavior violates the offices code of conduct and this individual has been terminated,' the rep wrote.

'The District Attorneys Office is committed to maintaining a professional office environment where all staff members are treated with dignity and respect and not subject to harassment or a hostile work environment.'

In turn, Thomas's complaint alleges Jenkins and others made 'false, fraudulent, malicious and humiliating statements' about him to the press .

A week later, he said, he was told his termination was for cause.

He is seeking a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages as a result.

Thomas's complaint alleges Jenkins and others made 'false, fraudulent, malicious and humiliating statements' about him to the press. He is seeking a jury trial and compensatory and punitive damages. Jenkins is seen here with new presidential candidate Kamala Harris

That said, it's not the first time Thomas is in the news for alleged workplace harassment, having previously been sued in 2018for allegedly sexually harassing a victim he had been assigned to support.

At the time, he was accused of taking advantage of a woman sexually after she went through a robbery and gang violence, while, The victim, who went by Jane Doe in court documents, said Thomas 'stroked' her butt and asked her to come to his home, where they went on to drink and have sex.

The victim went on to claim Thomas continued calling and texting her and that she feared she wouldn't get victim's services if she turned down his advances.

She dropped the case against Thomas in 2019, and a judge dropped the case in 2021 after the city of San Francisco argued it was not on responsible for Thomas's alleged behavior.

The basis of their argument? Because it 'was not in the course and scope of his employment.'

Jenkins, meanwhile, has worked in the DA's office since 2014. She is married and has three kids with her partner, Daniel.
A vulnerable 17 year-old girl who vanished in May got engaged to a 44 year-old stranger she met on the street, police have revealed.

Penelope 'Penny' Wise, 17, was found safe on Sunday after she was last seen on May 31 leaving her home in Rockford on her bike.

Investigators have since determined that she had met a 44-year-old man from the area the day after she went missing, and then lived at his home until she was found.

According to detectives, the man was a complete stranger to the teenager and Wise, who suffered from mental illness, had agreed to marry the man.

Police said that Wise had left her home after a 'disagreement' with her parents, she was caught on camera 5 miles from her home later that evening.

Penelope 'Penny' Wise, 17, was found safe on Sunday after she was last seen on May 31 leaving her home in Rockford on her bike

Her mother Mishael and her father David have since spoken to 13 ON YOUR SIDE, saying it was a relief knowing she was now safe.

Mishael told the outlet: 'It's surreal knowing that she's been found. We still haven't been able to lay eyes on her, so I think once we're able to actually see her it will sink in even more.

'We are very relieved that she's been found.'

While her father David said that the family were still trying to come to grips with her being found.

He said: 'Its still so fresh at this point that we haven't even really been able to come to grips with this is actually happening in a good way.

'We've had months and months of this happening to us, but now all of a sudden, she's been found and it still has a little bit to sink in on its own yet.'

Police in Michigan have said that the teenager is in their custody as their investigation continues. It remains unclear what has happened to the 44-year-old.

He has not been identified, with the age of consent in Michigan set at 16.

Her mother Mishael and her father David have since spoken to 13 ON YOUR SIDE , saying it was a relief knowing she was now safe

Police said that Wise had left her home after a 'disagreement' with her parents, she was caught on camera 5 miles from her home later that evening

Despite the family having a rule against the use of phones, her parents discovered she had hidden one before she vanished

Her parents said that she had left the house briefly before but never for more than a few hours.

After she disappeared, a $1,000 reward was offered for anyone who knew of her whereabouts.

Five weeks into the case, Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir turned to the local community to aid in his search for Wise.

He previously said: 'We have 750 plus people at the sheriff's office, but obviously, right here in Kent County alone, we have 680,000 people that can be our eyes and ears for a case like this.'
Nearly 1,500 migrants arrived in the UK on 27 boats last week, taking the total number of people making the treacherous journey across the English Channel this year to 15,831.

Some 1,499 people made the journey from July 15 to 21, while the French coastguard confirmed two people died amid rescue operations off the northern French coast.

It means more than 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK on small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

The maritime prefecture also said that a further 71 migrants were saved in the Channel yesterday, but some travellers on the boat who were not requesting assistance were allowed to continue the journey.

They said this decision was made given the risk of 'falling overboard or of injury to people in the event of forced intervention'.

British Border Vessels intercepted hundreds of migrants crossing the Channel on Saturday morning, including one group in a suspected stolen yacht

Nearly 1,500 migrants arrived in the UK on 27 boats last week, taking the total number of people making the treacherous journey across the English Channel this year to 15,831

Some 114 people arrived yesterday in two boats, according to latest Home Office data, bringing the provisional total for the year so far to 15,831.

This is 9 per cent higher than the number recorded this time last year (14,534) and up 3 per cent on the same period in 2022 (15,314), according to PA news agency analysis of Government data.

British Border Vessels intercepted hundreds of migrants crossing the Channel on Saturday morning, including one group in a suspected stolen yacht.

Two hundred and twenty eight people were brought into the Port of Dover.

It comes as human trafficking gangs are now using the small watercrafts to transport people across.

The single-masted yacht was seen tied up next to Border Force catamaran Hurricane as it came into the harbour at the Western docks

Border Force agents secure the yacht in the port at Dover after guiding it to safety from the sea

The yacht used to bring migrants into Dover by the people smuggling gangs in northern France

The Labour Government has vowed to tackle people-smuggling gangs orchestrating the crossings by setting up a Border Command Unit and through 'work we'll be carrying out with European partners'.

Speaking on July 18, Mr Starmer reacted to the deaths of five people in two incidents in the Channel, saying it was 'a chilling reminder of the human cost of this vile trade.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk.

'The new Government is taking steps to boost our border security, setting up a new Border Security Command which will bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas, to smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit.'
A Republican has deemed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle a 'DEI horror show' as she took attacks from both sides of the aisle on Monday during a Capitol Hill hearing.

During questioning from lawmakers, Cheatle offered few straight answers and often hid behind the ongoing Secret Service internal probe. She remained obstinate amid calls to resign from both Republicans and Democrats.

'Ma'am, you are a DEI horror story,' Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Cheatle in one moment.

'I've told my daughter multiple times, my wife and my daughter we talk to her all the time about how she's going to succeed in life. She'll succeed in life by achieving,' he went on. 'Ma'am, you have not achieved today. You let the American public down. If it was up to me you'd be gone.'

A Republican has deemed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle a 'DEI horror show' as she took attacks from both sides of the aisle on Monday during a Capitol Hill hearing

Democrats immediately cried foul to the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion measures.

'The incident on July 13th has nothing to do with DEI,' Cheatle said afterward under questioning from Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.

Crockett suggested that the shooter had not been deemed suspicious enough to pause the Trump rally because he was a white male.

'As a civil rights lawyer, I have learned so many times and how to deal with law enforcement,' she said.

'There usually is not a perception of a threat if it is a young white male, even if they are carrying a long gun,' Crockett went on.

'A lot of times, at least in this country, when it comes to law enforcement, there is a perceived threat just by somebody having a little bit more melanin with their skin.'

'Republicans are making the argument that hiring women and people of color hindered the response to the shooting,' Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., said, 'to under mine the contributions of women and people of color and it is disgraceful.

She accused Republicans of using DEI to 'ignore gun safety measures.'

'Women have been an integral part of the agency since 1971,' Pressley went on. 'To use them as a scapegoat is shameful and it is dangerously divisive.'

In another moment Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., alluded to DEI by questioning if Cheatle considered how tall agents were when deciding whether to put them on the former president's detail.

In making a point about agents knowing the basics of their protectee, Perry asked Cheatle if she knew how tall Donald Trump is. She replied that he is 'over six feet.'

'So dont you think you should have agents who could lift him up if needed?' Perry went on.

At one point an angry Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., asked Cheatle a series of questions which she evaded answering.

'You're not doing well as [Democratic Rep. Jared] Moskowitz informed you,' Greene said. 'You've been sitting here for over three hours, the entire nation is demanding you resign. Things are not going well for you, you need to answer the questions.'

'Was there a stand down order Ms.Cheatle? Was there a conspiracy to kill President Trump?' Greene went on.

'Ma'am, you are a DEI horror story,' Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Cheatle in one moment

'Absolutely not.'

Greene then asked for the tik-tok of the day of the moments that led up to the shooting.

'Do you have a timeline at all?' Greene asked.

'I have a timeline but not the specifics,' Cheatle said, to chuckles from onlookers in the hearing room.

'I've told my daughter multiple times, my wife and my daughter we talk to her all the time about how she's going to succeed in life. She'll succeed in life by achieving,' he went on. 'Ma'am, you have not achieved today. You let the American public down. If it was up to me you'd be gone'

Cheatle could not answer the number of agents on the ground, how the shooter got on the roof, how many shots were fired, how many casings were recovered, the shooter's motive and other questions from lawmakers.

She could not tell lawmakers how many times there had been security breaches of Secret Services protectees or provide a timeline of the day of the shooting and when Secret Service had been made aware of the threat.

'I am completely disgusted by your performance today,' Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., told Cheatle as she suggested the director had perjured herself before the committee.

Luna said she would submit Cheatle's testimony for review for perjury charges.
A property manager has won a sexual harassment case after her bullying boss bombarded her with texts and suggested they go to his house in Turkey to do 'all the fun stuff'.

Frances MacDonald was left in tears and suicidal by Dilawar Khan's around the clock messaging in which he 'berated' her, an employment tribunal heard.

Married Mr Khan, 47, made 'inappropriate' offers of dinner and spoke about satisfying his 'sexual needs', it was heard.

Mr Khan boasted he was 'surrounded by ladies', that he had a 'very high IQ', and said 'I need sex when I'm stressed'.

A tribunal heard his 'badgering, invasiveness and constant berating' became too much for Ms MacDonald and she was left crying and experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Property Manager Frances MacDonald was subjected to bullying and derogatory comments by her boss, Dilawar Khan of Alpha Property Management and Services based at this business centre in Thetford, Norfolk

She was set to resign when he sacked her.

However, she is now in line to receive compensation after a judge ruled she had been harassed by Mr Khan who showed a 'lack of respect' and 'objectified' women.

The tribunal heard she applied for a role as a PA and Property Manager at Alpha Property Management and Services - based in Thetford, Norfolk - in February 2021.

However, she was told he already had two 'strong' girls but floated the idea of training a project manager - something that would need her 'passion and commitment'.

In April 2021 he messaged Ms MacDonald that he was 'Surrounded by ladies and it's hard sometimes' because he was on 'different worlds'.

He went on to say: 'Don't get me wrong I love beautiful women but the thinking and logic is very different to men.

'I have a very high IQ, so I'm like 200 miles per hour and my PAs struggle to keep up*Haha*So I have to slow down.'

Mr Khan arranged an interview and later texted her with positive feedback that she 'will cope well' with his 'speed'.

He then offered to sponsor Ms MacDonald - who was previously in the music industry - to write a 'sexy' song and the team building exercises his teams had been on.

'We will have to go to Turkey together, I have an apartment down south in the blue lagoons and we can do all the fun stuff,' he wrote, accompanied with a tongue out emoji.

Giving evidence, Ms MacDonald said the messages were of a sexual nature and she was 'extremely uncomfortable' but wasn't sure how to respond as she wanted the job.

Ms MacDonald said she was left distressed and with suicidal thoughts after she was subjected to harrasment by her boss

She was offered the job at the end of April and in a later discussion said, 'I need sex when I'm stressed' and that his wife sometimes 'couldn't cope'.

She told the panel she felt 'disgusted' by the exchange of messages but compelled to respond in a 'light-hearted manner', because she didn't yet have a contract.

Ms MacDonald told the panel she didn't think the suggestion of dinner had been a joke and that he only said it was to deflect from the fact that his invitation was 'inappropriate'.

After more messages, he said he was 'a man of action' and didn't like 'winging women'.

In May 2021 Ms MacDonald signed her contract and started working, but he continued to message her in the evenings, saying 'women are so good at excuses that I get bored'.

The panel heard throughout her first week he sent demanding messages outside of her contracted hours.

He was also 'not happy' she had another part-time job giving singing lessons and 'frequently' expressed how much he hated that his previous PA had taken on too much outside work.

After being criticised for 30 minutes, Ms MacDonald messaged him to say his treatment of had 'reduced her to tears'.

The panel heard upon receiving the message he 'dropped everything' to come into the office to 'train' her more, but then 'berated' her later that day for not checking her phone and handling last minute bookings.

The following week he compared her to his old PA again, which got worse.

Ms MacDonald said 'the badgering, invasiveness, constant berating and putting me down increased'.

As a result, her mental health declined 'sharply' - she couldn't sleep, was crying, experiencing migraines and suicidal thoughts.

The panel heard she 'dreaded' taking calls from Mr Khan but knew she would be berated if she didn't answer the phone.

After breaking down in tears again, her family advised her to contact ACAS.

Mr Khan continued to message her despite her telling him she was unwell.

She checked her messages to find he had dismissed her the previous evening, but was already planning to resign due to 'bullying, derogatory comments and harassment'.

When she brought this up, Mr Khan said the claims were 'baseless', that he would sue for defamation and that she was 'messing with the wrong person'.

The tribunal, held at Bury St Edmunds County Court in Suffolk, ruled Mr Khan's messages were 'abusive, threatening, bullying and exhortative'

The tribunal, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, ruled his messages were 'abusive, threatening, bullying and exhortative'.

The tribunal panel concluded Ms MacDonald had been harassed related to sex when Mr Khan asked if she children before offering her the job.

The panel also ruled in her favour on claims of sexual harassment.

They concluded: 'We accept [Ms MacDonald]'s evidence that many of Mr Khan's messages were unwanted, which she considered humiliating and degrading but to which she felt she had to respond quickly and in a light-hearted manner in order to convince him give her the job.

'We consider that in effect she was walking a tightrope, wanting to demonstrate her energy and enthusiasm for the job, while at the same time trying to deflect what appeared to be, amongst other things, invitations from [Mr Khan] to have dinner with him and stay with him in his apartment in Turkey and 'do all the fun stuff', as well as direct references to his sexual needs..'

The panel said Mr Khan's messages indicated 'a lack of respect towards and objectification of women'.

She also won a claim of wrongful dismissal.

A remedy hearing will take place at a later date to decide her compensation.
White House staff got a pep talk on Monday morning, 20 hours after President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the presidential race, but it failed to acknowledge their frustrations with learning the news alongside the American public.

Chief of Staff Jeff Zients held a six-minute phone call with staff, which one White House official described as 'rah rah' in nature.

Zients praised the administration's accomplishments thus far and told staff there was still work to be done, according to a recording obtained by DailyMail.com.

But he didn't acknowledge that staff wasn't given a heads up on Biden's decision.

Biden pulled the plug on his 2024 reelection bid Sunday with an announcement on X, blindsiding most White House aides and his campaign staff.

On the call, Zients is heard telling White House aides that Sunday was a 'momentous day' and that the Biden administration would be remembered 'as one of the effective, consequential presidencies in American history.'

He said that beyond what the 81-year-old leader said on social media Sunday, Biden's message to staff was that there was more work to be done.

Chief of Staff Jeff Zients gave staff a pep talk to the entire White House staff during a 10 a.m. call Monday, 20 hours after President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the presidential race

President Joe Biden was last seen publicly Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19. He's isolating at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

'Every time I meet with the president, and particularly in the last 24 hours, he always emphasized how much more work we have to do to finish the job,' Zients said.

Biden has been recovering from COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home since testing positive while on the campaign trail in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Only a handful of senior staff had been alerted in advance of Sunday's announcement - that Biden would leave the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as Democratic nominee.

Zients made clear that it was an official White House call, which meant he was barred from talking about the campaign due to the Hatch Act.

'The White House counsel said if there's one thing I couldn't talk about and that was the next POTUS - president of the United States - whoever she may be,' Zients teased.

'I can say the president has made clear where he stands on their future and I'll let him speak for himself and I'll simply thank Vice President Harris for her extraordinary leadership for three and a half years,' the chief of staff added.

One aide told DailyMail.com late Sunday afternoon that they felt 'relieved.' 'Most people on staff feel a mix of relief, gratefulness, hope,' the source said.

President Joe Biden shared this letter to social media Sunday, which was how the bulk of his White House and campaign staff found out about his decision to pull the plug on his 2024 reelection bid

Staffers seen at the White House on Monday seemed resigned to the whole situation.

Zients reiterated several times throughout the call that White House staff needed to remain a team.

'So we need to do what this team does so well, which is execute and get stuff done,' he said at one point. 'It's important that we stay close as a team to get that done.'

At another point in the call he said, 'And I just love, love, love the teamwork.'

'Everyone's head down, locked arms, getting work done and having each other's back,' Zients said.

He encouraged aides to 'really focus on extraordinary execution across the next six months on behalf of the American people'

As he said they needed to 'run though this together and finish this job.'
Missing British trainee barrister Ben Ross who vanished on the island of Majorca 12 days ago has been found alive.

The 26-year-old went missing on July 10 in the capital of Palma after moving there in June to take a break from his law studies.

Days before his disappearance the Manchester native had his mobile phone and wallet stolen in a beach robbery, with his mother Felix Robinson desperately trying to alert police about his disappearance.

She flew out to the island over the weekend to help with the search for her son, and tonight revealed that Ben has been found alive.

'I'm so incredibly grateful for all the help and support we've received,' she said.

'Everyone has been truly incredible. We are so relieved to have found him and are now focused on getting him back to full health and home safe and well.'

Ben (pictured) had sent a final email to his mother saying how he was unable to access his bank accounts because they were security protected via his mobile phone

Ben Ross, pictured here with his mother Felix, went missing in Majorca on July 10 after a series of unfortunate events

The 26-year-old, pictured here with his mother, vanished several days after his phone and wallet were stolen in a robbery

Ben went to Palma to visit a friend and take a break from his law studies in June, but after picking up a temporary job decided to stay for the summer.

However, on July 6 his phone, keys and wallet were stolen while he took a swim in the sea, then he fell out with his flatmates shortly before he was last seen on July 10.

They were angry when he broke into the flat after coming home late from reporting the robbery and threatened to evict him.

In a final email to his mother Ben, who has struggled with his mental health previously, said he was unable to access his bank accounts because they were security protected via his mobile phone.

The message added that he 'wasn't interested in what happened next,' which left her extremely worried for his safety.

Mrs Robinson claimed she rang her local police, in Wigan and Leigh, at least twice a day from July 13 to report Ben missing.

When no one called her back, she walked into her local police station on July 17 and refused to leave until an officer had taken a statement. She also made a formal complaint, which she claims was closed without any contact from GMP.

A spokesman for the force said: 'All details have been passed to Spanish authorities via Interpol referral form which the informant is aware of.

'If the missing person re-enters the UK it will flag up and we will be made aware.'

The trainee barrister had initially planned to visit a friend in Palma, Majorca, and later decided to extend his stay. Pictured: A stock photo of Palma de Mallorca

Ben shared a picture on his social media showing he visited the Colosseum in Rome in March

The trainee barrister (pictured), from Wigan, Greater Manchester, had his phone, keys and wallet stolen at a beach while he took a swim in the sea on July 6 and then fell out with his flatmates shortly before he was last seen

Ben's mother's friends set up a GoFundMe page to help pay her travel and accommodation costs while on the island

Ben shared a photograph on his Instagram page on June 24 in Mallorca with the caption 'Grateful'

On Thursday Spanish Police said a Homicide Unit had been put in charge of the search, as is practice in Spain even when there is no evidence to suggest someone has been killed.

Prior to being found, Mrs Robinson said she was 'going out of my mind with worry' and was visiting places on the island where Ben had been staying.

She flew out to Majorca on Saturday after being granted an emergency passport after misplacing her previous documents.

Mrs Robinson told MailOnline yesterday: 'I just want to find him, see he's okay and give him the biggest hug.

'I've started the search myself. I'm going to everywhere that's open today. Churches, the docks, anywhere that's open. If anyone has any information please let the authorities know.'

A GoFundMe was set up by friends to help fund her last-minute trip to the island and search for her son.

But in an update on the fundraising page this afternoon, family friend Carla Speight wrote: 'Ben has been FOUND!'

'Today Ben was at the British Consulate in Palma Majorca and met with Felix who is incredibly relieved at the sight of her son and being able to hug him.'

'For now, Felix and her family are requesting some privacy whilst they get Ben back to full strength and home, and they want to extend their thanks to the press, media and public for all their support in finding him.

'They now have the task of arranging an emergency passport alongside making sure he is well enough to fly home following treatment for dehydration and exhaustion.

'Donations to the GoFundMe that was set up by friends will be donated to Andy's Man Club once they arrive home over the next week.'
Online influencers have helped bring an old-fashioned and dying industry back to life after it was ravaged by the rise of the internet.

Millennial and Gen Z influencers are flocking back to travel agents, reviving the industry despite predictions that the internet would make the business obsolete.

A staggering 38 percent of travelers under 43 prefer human travel agents over online bookings now, compared to a mere 2 percent of Baby Boomers, according to an IBS Software survey published in December.

Natalie Contrera, 35, of West Philadelphia, has jetted off to exotic destinations like Colombia, Belize, and the Dominican Republic - all thanks to her secret weapon.

'I give her a budget. I give her a couple countries I want to go to,' Contrera told The Miami Herald.

Natalie Contrera (pictured) has jetted off to exotic destinations like Colombia, Belize, and the Dominican Republic - all thanks to her secret weapon: a travel agent

A staggering 38 percent of travelers under 43 prefer human travel agents over online bookings now. Jennifer Byrne (pictured), CEO of The Tropical Travelers, said millennial and the Gen Z generations is they're overwhelmed with the information online

Contrera and her partner spend $1,500 and $3,000 per person per trip, she told the outlet.

Then, the travel agent organizes an entire trip for them.

'And if things go wrong - that is also what they are there for,' Contrera added.

'Why would I ever plan it myself again?'

The trend has been felt by those who work in the industry.

'We are extremely busy,' Pam Draper, owner of Travel with Pam Draper, told the outlet. 'It's amazing really.'

Other TikTokers swear by travel agents, with one saying, 'It's my new life hack'

Draper, a 47-year veteran of the industry, recalls vividly the dip in sales following the rise of the internet.

'What I'm finding with the millennial and the Gen Z generations is they're overwhelmed with the information online. They don't know what to do with all of it,' said Jennifer Byrne, CEO of The Tropical Travelers.

'The honeymooners that I get, they go, 'I just went crazy online,'' Paul Ferdinand, president of Rainbow Voyages, told the outlet.

'The first thing they say is they went online and couldn't get offline. They just went down the rabbit hole' of vacation research.

Other TikTokers swear by travel agents, with one saying, 'It's my new life hack.'

'We are extremely busy,' Pam Draper, owner of Travel with Pam Draper, told the outlet. 'It's amazing really'

'This will not be my last time, this is my life hack,' TikToker Jake Musser told his followers while promoting Fora Travel.

Another warned her followers that they could be missing it out if they don't use travel agents while insisting they are not 'relics of the past. '

'If you're not booking your hotels through a travel agent, you could really be missing out,' Michelle who runs the account LAXtoLuxury said in a video.
A police sergeant nicknamed Sausage Fingers who was an 'ambassador for violence against women' has been sacked after wolfwhistling at members of the public.

James Endean, an officer with Thames Valley Police for 22 years, was also found to have bragged about his sexual prowess to colleagues and repeatedly referred to the size of his own penis.

He was sacked without notice last month after an independent panel found him culpable of gross misconduct.

The panel found Endean to have bullied his colleagues and made repeated sexual innuendos and misogynistic comments towards female co-workers and members of the public between early 2022 and March last year.

This was despite the officer being made an ethics champion in 2022 and a White Ribbon champion during 'White Ribbon week' a year later, which involved acting as an 'ambassador' for women and girls in ending male violence against them.

James Endean, an officer with Thames Valley police for 22 years, was also found to have bragged about his sexual prowess to colleagues and repeatedly referred to the size of his own penis (stock photo not related to the case)

He was sacked by Thames Valley Police without notice last month after an independent panel found him culpable of gross misconduct

The charity White Ribbon UK said Endean is not a formally registered White Ribbon Champion.

Endean, who worked from Reading police station, had more than 12 allegations made against him relating to his behaviour and all but one was proved or proved in part, according to The Times.

The panel found Endean made numerous sexual innuendos about the size of his fingers to female colleagues. He once showed them off and said 'these should be on Britain's Got Talent'.

This claim was denied by Endean, who said that during the beginning of his career he was given the nickname 'sausage fingers' by colleagues and his comment was a reference to this.

However, the panel said he knew this was an innuendo and his comments reflected 'a pattern of him referring to the size of his own penis in the workplace'.

Other behaviour included 'rating' female members of the public based on their attractiveness while on night-time patrols and describing what he would do to them sexually.

Witnesses said that they heard Endean say a female member of the public was 'asking for it', make inappropriate comments about the public such as 'look at the legs on that' and was heard wolfwhistling at women more than once.

In the summary of its decision the panel said Endean's repeated misconduct caused 'reputational harm' for Thames Valley police and could damage public confidence in the police

Endean, who was made a sergeant in 2009, was also found to have bullied officers of both genders and humiliated them by his 'spiteful comments and threats'.

This included calling one as 'thick as shit' and a 'f***ing idiot' when they made a mistake. Some officers said they tried to avoid working with him.

Luke Ponte, who represented Endean, alleged collusion between witnesses to exaggerate claims, but the panel rejected this claim.

He explained to the panel that Endean's life was under 'acute strain' in 2022 because of family court proceedings in relation to contact with his daughter.

In the summary of its decision the panel said Endean's repeated misconduct caused 'reputational harm' for Thames Valley police and could damage public confidence in the police.

It was heard how the findings had significant public interest due to how in recent years male members of the police had behaved towards women.

The panel stated this is because misogynistic or sexual comments are likely to deter victims of crime from reporting to the police because they lack trust in the organisation.

After the allegations were made against Endean he was moved from Reading to Bracknell and Wokingham where he continued to work in a supervisory role.
House Republicans released stunning new footage from atop the roof where Donald Trump's shooter opened fire, showing just how easily accessible the location is.

While Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle spent Monday ducking questions from Congress during a hearing about Donald Trump's near assassination at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, some top Republicans were actually investigating the scene of the crime.

'I'm standing at approximately the site where the shooter was,' Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., said standing on the roof of the building where 20-year-old Thomas Crooks shot Trump.

'As you can see I am a 70-year-old man and this roof is not a big deal,' he said in an apparent rebuke of Cheatle's excuse that Secret Service agents were not stationed on the building because of its 'slope.'

'So for somebody to tell me that Secret Service couldn't have been here, that's crazy,' he said while filming the vantage point. 'You can see that you've got a clear line to the president. It's not a hard shot.'

Florida Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez, 70, posted a video on X Monday showing how getting onto the roof from where Thomas Crooks shot former President Donald Trump is 'no big deal,' noting how someone as old as him could gain access to it

Cheatle doubled down on her bizarre excuse for not putting Secret Service agents on the roof where Gimenez was standing during her testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Monday.

The director explained agents were not stationed there because the agency generally 'prefers sterile rooftops.'

'When we are providing 'overwatch' whether that be through counter snipers or other technology, [we] prefer to have sterile rooftops,' Cheatle said.

Cheatle had initially tried not to answer whether there had been any agent on the roof that day and whether law enforcement had used drones that day to survey the scene, to the groans of committee members.

The videos posted by Gimenez is just one of several posted by Republican lawmakers on Monday.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, also posted a video from the roof.

'I'm standing right where the suspect, the sniper, the gunman was,' McCaul said in a video posted on X. 'You can see the tree blocking Secret Service on the rooftop of the first house.'

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said that the shooter Crooks should have never been allowed to get onto the building from where he shot

Police personnel standing over the body of the shooter on a rooftop near the Trump rally

'But the second house, see that white roof, that's where the counter sniper team was able to take him out right where I stand,' he says pointing to the buildings situated behind the stage where Trump spoke and where Secret Service agents were stationed.

'But the fact is he never should have been up here in the first place.'

'That is way too close to the president of the United States,' he said decrying how Crooks was able to get such a close shot on the former president.

Another video posted by Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., a former Navy SEAL, shows a video from which he claims the Secret Service could have spotted Crooks atop the roof.

'This video was taken from one of the windows the Secret Service had access to, overlooking the entire roof,' Crane wrote accompanying a video posted on X Monday.

'As you can see, they had complete coverage.'

'Makes you wonder how on earth they allowed the shooter to access the roof, let alone crawl up it & fire several shots,' he continued.

Secret Service did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiry into whether the agency really did have access to the window in Crane's video.

During Monday's hearing, Cheatle could not tell lawmakers how the shooter had gotten onto the roof - and would not reveal how many shots he had fired.

This frustrated lawmakers who thought she would have come equipped with answers to questions they thought to be basic.

At the time of the shooting, law enforcement agents were inside the building, 147 yards away from where Trump stood, but not on top of it.

Cheatle could not answer the number of agents on the ground, how the shooter got on the roof, how many shots were fired, how many casings were recovered, the shooter's motive and other questions from lawmakers.

'You're full of s*** today,' Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. yelled at Cheatle when the Secret Service boss didn't know whether the agency has provided evidence to the committee. 'You're just being completely dishonest.'

The South Carolina Republican also ripped into the director for not providing her opening statements in advance of the hearing, though it was published in multiple news outlets hours before she testified.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents after getting shot at the Butler rally

The director said 'I have no idea how my statement got out,' to which Mace sternly retorted, 'That's bulls***.'

But Cheatle did not just get yelled at by Republicans.

'You cannot go leading a Secret Service agency when there is an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate!' and incredulous Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told Cheatle during his questioning.

'I believe, Director Cheatle, that you should resign. I think there are colleagues on both sides of the aisle that believe that and I hope you'll consider it.'

During the interaction, Cheatle quietly fiddled with a writing utensil, maintained a somber expression, occasionally looked down and then back up at the lawmaker addressing her.

Evidence that the hearing did not go well for the director, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., joined Comer - the top Republican - to call for Cheatle's resignation concluding the event.

Still, Cheatle has repeatedly refused to resign.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., was so fed up with Cheatle's non-answers and misdirection at the eharing that she called for perjury charges to be brought against the Secret Service director.

'It is very frustrating ... that you have been up here basically stonewalling our ability to get answers to the American people.'

'Every single member of Congress does not feel safe with you in charge,' Luna continued.
Air travelers are taking bizarre measures to make sure they are adhering to diminishing baggage allowances - as checked luggage prices increase.

The attention to detail comes months after most major airlines quietly increased their checked baggage fees in the opening months of 2024.

The industry-wide price hike started when Alaska Airlines raised the cost of checking a first bag from $30 to $35 and a second from $40 to $45. Over the next month, JetBlue, American, and United did the same, each raising their fees either $5 or $10.

The moves have caused some passengers to get creative, stuffing whatever they can under their seat - which varies from airline to airline. Moreover, planes are getting smaller and smaller each year, at the cost of space for carry-ons.

Each carriers has its own limit, and some people are more willing than others to sacrifice certain luxuries in order to save a buck.

Self-professed 'travel troubleshooter' Christopher Elliott described some of the strangest things he's seen as a result, in a piece penned for The Seattle Times.

Air-travelers are taking bizarre measures to make sure they are adhering to diminishing baggage allowances, one travel expert writes

The moves have caused some passengers to get creative, stuffing whatever they can under their seat - which varies from airline to airline. Several airlines' carry-on size requirements are seen here

The first involved wheeled luggage, which, in days' past, typically would be checked.

But on a recent flight from Los Angeles to Spokane, he said he saw a passenger try to stuff an entire rollaboard - a type of two-wheeled suitcase - under her seat.

He said it was because the plane had run out of overhead bin space - something that's become increasingly commonplace amid rising baggage costs.

Moreover, some airlines have significantly reduced the size of the bag passengers travelling on their flights can take onboard for free, if not willingly, then by design.

That's because aircraft seats have been shrinking for decades, experts have pointed out - as planes become increasingly small and efficient.

Elliot wrote of the woman struggling with her unwieldy wheeled carry-on: 'Her plan might have worked, except that - you guessed it - there was no place for her legs.

'A flight attendant intervened and forced her to gate-check the bag,' he revealed.

Other objects being stuffed under seats with only so much space, according to Elliot, include coolers - usually typical for beachgoers, not frequent flyers.

Overhead bin space has thus become a sort of commodity - meaning the space under seats has become the next most viable option. Moreover, planes are getting smaller each year, at the cost of space for carry-ons

But on a flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid, he said a woman by the name of Maya Frost saw the unthinkable - a cooler being jammed under the seat next to her by a man on board.

The box was so big, the Seattle author told Elliot, 'that it had to be wedged' in the confined space.

Once stuffed underneath, the plastic contained nearly 'caused the seat to bulge upward,' she said - spurring the somewhat spread-thin traveler to come to a realization.

Seeing that there would be no room for his feet on the 13-hour flight, the man eventually found room for it in the overhead bin, Elliot wrote.

Frost told him how he went on to make the most of his situation by accessing the cooler several times during the long flight, potato chips and egg salad sandwiches and all.

'By the time we landed, I was covered with crumbs,' Frost joked.

Other objects being stuffed under seats with only so much space include coolers, according to Elliot, - typically a carry-on for beachgoers, not frequent flyers

Another uncommon item being shoved into the crevices of plane cabins are CPAC machines - the hefty devices used to help treat sleep apnea.

Complete with a console, control system, hose, and mask to go over a user's nose and mouth, the machines are extremely expensive, and large as well.

Uneaka Daniels brought one on a flight from Saint Kitts in the Caribbean to Florida recently, according to Elliot. She decided to bring it aboard due to the machine's outsized cost, and fears it would get damaged if checked.

'The machine cost $1,600, and my insurance was not going to replace it if it got damaged on the plane,' Daniels told The Times.

She instead placed the item under her seat, but like the man who had been next to Frost, found herself with no room for her legs.

However, the reading specialist from Hamilton, Bermuda, elected for a different approach - flying the whole way with her legs atop the machine.

She went on to admit that this method is likely not very safe, before calling attention to some of the problems that may arise as flyers like her try to forgo checking bags whenever possible.

'How could they evacuate a plane?' she wondered aloud, insisting to onlookers that carry-on bags stuffed under - and in front - of a seat could prove fatal.

Another uncommon item being shoved into the crevices of plane cabins are CPAC machines - the hefty devices used to help treat sleep apnea. One in use - not on a plane - is seen here

Elliot, however, cleverly pointed out that medical devices are exempt from the carry-on restrictions, so you can ask a flight attendant to help you store the device somewhere safe, instead of using it as an ottoman.

He also stated that electronics like laptops and fragile items like glassware are a big no-no when it comes to under-seat storage - before offering an embarrassing anecdote of the strangest thing he himself stored there.

'I once tried to store a large Starbucks Americano under my seat  temporarily  while I was boarding,' the travel writer admitted.

'Then I forgot about it. Lets just say it was a memorable takeoff. My shoes still smell like espresso.'
The outcome of the general election was a heavy blow for the SNP but for now it remains in office  and, nominally at least, in power.

Its loss of 38 seats on July 4 signalled a haemorrhaging of support for the Nationalists, leaving their separatist project on life support.

But the bleak reality is that in the meantime were still saddled with them - and will be, probably, until the next Holyrood election in May 2026.

Nearly two years of SNP rule lie ahead with nothing to suggest they will be any improvement on the previous 17  indeed, all the indications are that we can expect even more chaos and ineptitude.

Scotland is stuck in a toxic limbo with no immediate prospect of an end in sight, with plenty of scope for further damage to our public services under the dead hand of a governing party running on empty.

Public opinion has turned against John Swinney's SNP, which suffered huge losses at the recent General Election

There was much for Unionists to celebrate a few weeks ago when the SNP was punished for its long track record of failure.

But the sting in the tail is that this crowd - a government in name only - arent going anywhere until 2026, barring an unforeseen turn of events.

Yet we simply cant afford to waste any more time on their destructive constitutional games.

No one can seriously expect them to drop the doomed push for a second referendum - or to stop banging on about a cause that was comprehensively rejected by a majority of Scots a decade ago.

The rhetoric might be dialled down but what remains of their support base wouldnt allow them to dump the crusade entirely  a move that would raise awkward questions about what precisely the SNP stood for, if not breaking apart the UK.

There are about 4,000 hits for independence on the Scottish Government website - but, tellingly, only 3,500 for economic growth.

This is a party that plotted independence while reassuring the public that it would focus solely on saving lives, then embarked on a cull of ministerial WhatsApp messages, hampering the work of future inquiries.

That didnt stop Baroness Hallett delivering a broadside last week against the SNPs threadbare pandemic planning, and highlighting the role played by John Swinney - who was in charge of the resilience function of the Scottish Government while serving as Deputy First Minister.

Now the man who masterminded part of the botched response to the worst public health emergency in living memory is in the top job, and insisting that lessons will be learned  a familiar mantra that most Scots will struggle to take seriously.

Entrusting this dysfunctional bunch with planning for disaster is a reckless act - given that it has presided over so many avoidable fiascos of its own creation.

Mr Swinney cannot escape Nicola Sturgeons legacy  one he helped to shape  while shes under investigation as part of Operation Branchform, the long-running police fraud probe focusing on the SNPs finances.

The partys former chief executive Peter Murrell  Ms Sturgeons husband  has been charged in connection with alleged embezzlement of SNP funds.

The rout of the SNP on July 4 left Mr Swinney in a precarious position  leadership had been foisted on him after Humza Yousafs resignation, but he ran a lamentable campaign.

Hes carrying the can for past blunders but he was implicated in many of them, making it impossible to see him as anything other than a caretaker marking time until his forced retirement from the front line of politics.

In the meantime, government is more or less rudderless, with a lame-duck leader clinging on by his fingertips and prioritising his own short-term survival over the business of running the country  always something of an afterthought for the SNP.

The Cabinet is an assortment of proven duds, no-hopers and placemen, drawn from a shallow talent pool  and plainly out of their depth.

As weve reported over the past few days, a classroom indiscipline crisis is spiralling out of control and headteachers are rebelling against soft-touch restorative practices championed by the SNP and the liberal hand-wringers who have turned our education system into a laughing-stock.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, a former teacher, has no plan to tackle it  or the problem of mass truancy, which means a lost generation of young Scots have been badly let down, with many of them likely to drift towards the dole queue.

One in three Scots children were deemed to be persistent absentees after missing 10 per cent or more of the school year in 2023  and one million school days were missed because of unexplained absences.

Those who do turn up have to suffer at the hands of bullies and disruptive kids who assault them or their teachers - and are then allowed back into class days or even hours later.

Kate Forbes, Mr Swinneys deputy, has toed the line  possibly biding her time for another tilt at the leadership  but for all her welcome talk of growth she is still wedded to independence, and as Finance Secretary she drove a high-tax, low-growth agenda which continues today.

Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Secretary, has had remarkably little to say about the SNPs nationalisation of ScotRail, which has embarked on another round of reduced timetables and slashed services as rail unions threaten industrial action.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance gave the green light for the early release of more than 500 criminals from crowded jails, and is now planning for long-term prisoners to be released after serving two-thirds of their sentences.

The police service is so cash-strapped that it has effectively given up on probing minor crimes - while paying some of its officers to take part in Pride marches.

Neil Gray has failed to bring an iota of vision or energy to his vital health brief - despite waiting lists reaching a record high of 840,000.

He replaced arrogant Michael Matheson, who tried to take taxpayers for a ride over his eye-watering 11,000 iPad bill.

The SNP hierarchy strained every sinew to keep him in post  until he quit in February ahead of a damning report on the debacle.

Mr Swinney cannot escape the legacy of his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon

Mr Swinney disgraced himself by attacking the cross-party parliamentary committee which imposed a suspension and financial penalty on the former Health Secretary.

Tribalism was placed ahead of propriety, not for the first time, contributing to the SNPs appalling performance at the ballot box earlier this month.

We shouldnt underestimate the scope for more scandal in the run-up to May 7, 2026, when the next Holyrood poll is scheduled to take place.

For now, we have a non-government, with no semblance of a plan for growth, which until recently was in partnership with the Marxists of the Green Party.

As a fresh bout of civil war rages after the general election result, its clear the SNP has no idea how to run itself - let alone Scotland.

This is a zombie administration shuffling towards its inevitable day of reckoning - and it cant come soon enough.
A flood of support poured in for Russell Findlay yesterday after he announced his bid to become the next Scottish Conservative leader.

The west Scotland MSP was backed by a wide range of supporters, including a shadow UK minister, a prominent party donor, three more MSPs, councillors, former election candidates and grassroots members.

He is already backed by six of the other 30 Scottish Tory MSPs just 24 hours after launching his campaign - and this is expected to rise to around one-third of the MSP group within days.

It further strengthens the former journalists bid to succeed Douglas Ross, and Mr Findlay has already been installed as bookmakers favourite.

It follows a positive and upbeat article announcing his candidacy in yesterdays Mail, where he pledged to stand for aspirational conservatism, and insisted the Scottish Tories can change Scotland for the better and even become a party of government in the future.

Russell Findlay has already won widespread support for his bid to succeed Douglas Ross as Scottish Conservative leader

Leading the support was West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie, the UK shadow minister for veterans, who said in an article in todays Mail that Mr Findlay is what we need as we look to dislodge the SNP from power and move Scotland forward.

He also set out strong criticism to any bid Murdo Fraser or other rebel MSPs to consider separating the Scottish Tories from the UK party.

Mr Bowie said: I believe we will effectively take the fight to Labour at Westminster and set out a compelling, new vision for an alternative government at Holyrood.

I believe we can only do this from within our wider UK Conservative Party. And I believe we do this with Russell Findlay as our leader.

Tess White, MSP for the North East and Scottish Tory health spokesman, Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, and Lothian MSP Sue Webber have also confirmed they are supporting him.

This is in addition to three other members of Mr Rosss frontbench who have already pledged support: Rachael Hamilton, Miles Briggs and Douglas Lumsden.

Supporters of Mr Findlay highlighted that his support already comes from MSPs from across the length and breadth of Scotland - and it is understood the number could rise to around a third of the 31 Tory MSPs within days.

In a further boost, care home entrepreneur Robert Kilgour, who was one of the financial backers to Mr Frasers 2011 leadership bid which focused on setting up a separate centre-right party, pledged his support and said Mr Findlay would be a breath of fresh air.

He said: I am proud to support him in his ambitions and aspirations for the Scottish party to focus more on providing positive solutions to improve peoples everyday lives.

Russell is a straightforward, straight talking, straight shooting, no nonsense politician with both courage and character - just what we need in Scotland just now.

He is a man who seems to possess a clear and positive vision about what our priorities should be. I agree with him that we need to be laser focused on our detailed scrutiny of the current Scottish Governments performance in its main day job - of delivering better public services, without all their recent expensive and unnecessary distractions.

I am very confident that Russell is the best person to take the party forward and I look forward to supporting him in any way I can in his leadership campaign.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie is backing Mr Findlay's leadership bid

A long line of councillors, party activists and former election candidates also announced their support.

Mr Findlay said: Ive been blown away by the groundswell of support from colleagues, members, activists and even people outwith the party who have not voted Conservative before.

Im hugely grateful to everyone who supports my campaign to change our party for the better and build the positive policy platform that we need to succeed.

This is not just my campaign, its a campaign for everyone who wants a stronger Scottish Conservative party that can achieve the results we need to lead the change that is coming to Scotland in the next Holyrood election.

Together, I believe we can build a movement that champions aspiration, ambition and opportunity.

'If we work together towards that goal, we can start to turn the tide against the left-wing consensus at Holyrood and replace that old order with a new, positive, common-sense conservative approach.

He added: Its an honour to have the backing of a hugely experienced colleague in Andrew Bowie MP along with many other well respected MSPs at this early stage.
Scotlands cash-strapped police force has been criticised for spending more than 2million on refurbishing a modern office block - including 34,000 on taps that provide fizzy water.

The Dalmarnock building in Glasgow, which opened in 2015, cost 24million but extensive upgrade work has been carried out - with a focus on wellbeing.

Part of the redesign led to new taps which are capable of dispensing sparkling water - leading to anger among the rank-and-file, with many officers said to be fizzing mad about the move.

Dozens of crumbling or under-used stations are earmarked for closure and sell-off, while officer numbers are at their lowest level since 2008, at a time when crime is rising.

Last night David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing rank-and-file officers, said the cost of the Dalmarnock work was astronomical.

Police Scotland's Dalmarnock building in Glasgow opened in 2015 at a cost 24million

He said: Dalmarnock is a relatively new building by the standards of the police service - so it is baffling that millions were spent on remodelling work.

There are many other causes that would have benefited from this kind of spending - a lot of cops will be angry that more than 30,000 was spent on taps, which seems a huge sum.

We want officers and staff to work in the best possible environment - but the reality is there are many officers based at stations which are in an extremely poor condition.

A police source added: A lot of officers are fizzing mad about this.

In April, a report by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland said its experts had found the police station at Rothesay on the Isle of Bute had water running down the walls.

It said: Officers were using buckets to catch the rainwater and placing towels on the windowsills to stop water ingress; and a room set aside for officer wellbeing had wallpaper peeling off the wall as a result of water coming through the roof.

This was in stark contrast to our visit to Police Scotlands Dalmarnock building, one of the most modern in the Police Scotland estate, which accommodates amongst other departments specialist units, human resources and the wellbeing team.

Although it is a modern, purpose-built facility, there was extensive remodelling taking place to improve it further (to the extent that taps in refreshment areas now provide hot, cold and sparkling water).

Now Police Scotland has disclosed that the remodelling at Dalmarnock cost was 2,131,985 - with the taps priced at 34,500.

The force said: We installed modern zip taps capable of delivering boiling and chilled water as is standard in modern office accommodation. This cost 34,500.

The supplier subsequently provided the ability to carbonate the water at no additional cost to the organisation.

Police Scotland said it had inherited a very large and ageing estate, much of which was not fit for purpose, with high maintenance costs and environmental inefficiencies.

In December 2023, it announced plans to launch public consultations on proposals to close a number of stations across the country, as part of an estate transformation strategy.

Since then, it has started a process of consulting on and disposing of surplus or underutilised buildings, with re-investment planned in a number of locations in our estate.

A Police Scotland response to a request by the Mail for the cost of the Dalmarnock work, under freedom of information laws, said: We are aware that across the estate there are buildings of varying age and condition, and not all buildings we inherited from legacy forces are in the right place.

We have a dedicated team of estates specialists, including third-party contractors, who together with operational policing colleagues are looking at the long-term vision of the police estate across Scotland.

Last year it emerged that staff were being lured back to office working at Dalmarnock with colouring books and pens.

Workers can choose from differently coloured pens or pencils, with a choice of books to fill in.

There is also a TV, DAB radio, comfortable armchairs, and chill-out areas with blue and yellow padded seating.

Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay said: Hard-working frontline police officers based in run-down building often dont even get a break and can only dream of being able to lounge around in a swanky refurbished office while sipping on fizzy water.

SNP cuts to policing budgets are to blame and its time the government in Edinburgh prioritised the needs of officers who also deserve decent facilities and equipment.

Last night a Police Scotland spokesman said: One floor at Dalmarnock has been redesigned to improve hybrid working and create an environment with a focus on wellbeing.

Work is ongoing across Scotland to create an estate fit for 21st-century policing.
Initial efforts to salvage a fishing boat which sank off the coast of Mull have failed amid concerns from environmental campaigners over an oil spill where salmon are being farmed.

The Julie Anne landing craft sank 20 meters to the seabed in the Sound of Mull near the Fiunary salmon farm on July 4.

Operators Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) has been forced to quarantine thousands of fish and conduct a full-scale examination of the site.

They say they are not aware of any harm to the fish, but the salmon will now have to be tested amid concerns over food safety.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) continue to monitor the situation.

The Julie Anne, sank in the Sound of Mull on July 4, has still not been removed from the seabed

But a spokesman for MCA last night said the inevitable leakage of fuel from the 15-meter vessel, which is understood to have contained five tonnes of diesel that has now been removed, does not currently pose a significant or long-term pollution risk.

Campaigners from Abolish Salmon Farming, however, claimed the slick of oil had yesterday grown to a stretch of one kilometre and video footage shows the seepage surrounding the salmon pens, which are believed to contain around half a million fish.

Jamie Moyes, head of the campaign group, said: Ive been here for nine days and the slick has been running the whole time. Its continually spewing out. Its like a dual carriageway with two big lanes that run for a kilometre.

Ive seen birds swimming through it and I havent seen seals here in a couple of days. I can taste diesel in my mouth, the whole place stinks of it.

SSF claim the quarantine of the farmed fish was implemented immediately and temporary floating barriers were installed to contain the toxic leaks and limit the spread.

But Mr Moyes said he believed the measures to prevent environmental harm had come too late.

SSF said additional environmental mitigation measures were being put in place to contain small seepages of oil on the waters surface as they prepare for another effort to salvage the boat.

Its head of health and safety Gerry McCormick said: After extensive planning and preparations that continued well into the weekend, appointed salvors Jifmar attempted to raise the vessel on Sunday afternoon.

Despite everyones hard work, that first attempted recovery failed.

The salvors are now reviewing and revising the recovery procedure and, once approved to do so by lead agency the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, will resume operations to recover the Julie Anne.

The MCA has conducted a number of surveillance flights of the site and said as expected, a small amount of pollution is still being observed. But it stressed volumes are small and dispersing.

A spokesman said: This does not currently pose a significant or long-term pollution risk. Given the current flow in the area concerned, small quantities lost from containment are inevitable, which is why oil removal from the wreck has been prioritised.

We are aware that the lifting operation planned for Sunday, July 21, did not succeed and that further work is underway by SSF and their salvors to prepare for a second attempt. This is likely to be attempted later this week.

The Scottish Government said it understands that all fuel has now been removed from the vessel and that the limited pollution is dispersing and is not considered to pose a significant or long-term pollution risk.
Detectives have questioned a woman and raided homes as part of their probe into a scandal hit funeral directors.

The 55-year-old woman was yesterday arrested as part of Police Scotlands investigation into A Milne Funeral Directors.

And as part of the inquiry, dubbed Operation Koine, officers searched residential properties and seized several relevant items.

The undertaker is at the centre of allegations of missing ashes and financial misconduct, with yesterdays arrest the latest development in the operation.

Dozens of urns have been returned to distraught family members after the ashes were found at the undertakers in a police search earlier this year.

A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors (pictured) is subject to a disciplinary process

A Milne Funeral Directors is the focus of Police Scotland's Operation Koine

Former customers have also claimed they paid thousands of pounds into funeral finance plans only to discover costs which should have been covered had not been met.

One person said she was handed the wrong ashes by the firm when her mother died, and only found out it had been a complete stranger months later when she called the crematorium.

Yesterday Police Scotland revealed the latest twist in the operation.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Bewick said: This is a very complex investigation which has had a big impact on those affected.

I would like to thank the public for their assistance so far.

Our inquiries into this sensitive and emotive case remain ongoing and I would encourage anyone with any information on this case to contact us.

Police said they yesterday executed search warrants at residential properties in Springburn and Bishopbriggs.

A number of items relevant to the inquiry were seized, officers said.

As part of the inquiry, dubbed Operation Koine, officers searched residential properties and seized several relevant items. Pictured: Police at the scene in May

A police van pictured parked outside the ex-funeral directors in Glasgow in May

And as part of Operation Koine a 55-year-old woman was arrested.

She has been released pending further inquiries.

Detectives launched the probe into A Milne after several families reported concerns over the ashes of loved ones and allegations of financial misconduct.

A Milne had two branches. Its Dumbarton office closed in 2023 while the Springburn branch, in Glasgows Balornock Road, closed this year.

That office became the centre of an intense police search in May, with detectives spending 12 days at the building.

A Mile described itself as an independent, family owned organisation with one online post describing it as a father and daughter business.

In May the undertakers were permanently banned from the industrys largest trade body.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) removed it after a probe found allegations not compatible with the industrys code of conduct.

Announcing its ruling, it said: The decision, made by the NAFD disciplinary committee following a hearing, stipulated that A Milne Funeral Directors will be permanently excluded from the association with immediate effect.

The remains of at least 27 people have been removed from A Milne, with the majority being identified and returned to distraught family members.

Some relatives told how they had waited years for them to be returned.

Yesterday Mr Bewick urged those with information which can help detectives with the investigation to contact officers.

He said: Anyone wishing to get in touch with officers is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1289 of May 2.

A Milne was approached for comment.
A US Army veteran-turned-Sasquatch hunter has opened up about his terrifying encounter with 'Bigfoot' while camping along an abandoned forest road.

Kelly Stolp, 45, has been searching for a Sasquatch ever since he first heard one screaming in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, four summers ago.

Stolp, an avid outdoorsman and electrician from Montana, was camping with his two sons, nephew, fiancee and old Army buddy Mike Palagi in July 2020 when they experienced what he calls 'the founding incident'.

He says he was woken up to an 'elevated' yeti-like scream around 3am and the sound of a 'heavy footed' creature running past them. 'It sounded like a washboard sound, like a brat-tat-tat, but it was so guttural,' Stolp told Oregon Live.

The next night, around the same time, the experience repeated itself.

A US Army veteran-turned-Sasquatch hunter has opened up about his terrifying encounter with 'Bigfoot' while camping along an abandoned forest road. Pictured is 'Bigfoot' as seen in the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin Film, which depicts a suspected Sasquatch that was spotted in Bluff Creek, California

Kelly Stolp, 45, has been searching for a Sasquatch ever since he heard one screaming in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, four summers ago

Stolp first heard the suspected Sasquatch on July 17, 2020 when the creature's screams woke him.

He grabbed his shotgun and yelled to his campmates, but they had finished a bottle of Pendleton whisky and did not immediately wake up. He went outside the tent to investigate, but did not find anything.

'I don't know if I thought Sasquatch,' he recalled. 'I thought fear.'

The following night, also around 3am, the creature let out its terrifying scream again, this time waking Stolp and some of his fellow campmates.

'The next night, let's just say I was out of Pendleton,' Palagi, 38, told Oregon Live. 'So, I did hear the croak. It seemed to be elevated, not on a ground level.'

Palagi's fiancee, Olivia Corbin, also said she heard the noise. 'It sounded like it ran right past our heads,' she said. 'Very heavy footed. We could feel the ground move as it was running past the tent.'

The two Army veterans got out of the tent to scour the area, and Palagi admitted they were 'scared as hell'.

'It's very, very dark, but you could still hear thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. It wasn't a four-legged thing. It was something on two legs,' he told Oregon Live.

And then it disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.

Stolp said he only confided in his wife and a small circle of close friends about the incident because he didn't want people to think he was crazy.

One of his confidantes included Tanner Hoskins, 31, who wanted to get to the bottom of the mysterious experience.

In August 2020, they ventured back to the scene of the sighting, but the Bigfoot did not return.

Tanner Hoskins, 31, joined his friend Stolp's quest to find the Bigfoot after the eerie 2020 sighting

Determined to find out more, Hoskins launched a website called the Pacific Northwest Bigfoot Search to crowdsource more information.

'We started getting reports almost right off the bat,' Hoskins told Oregon Live.

A sheriff's deputy reported hearing an identical brat-tat-tat sound near Saddle Mountain in northwest Oregon, while another camper said they saw a hairy two-footed creature outside Vernonia.

The website was flooded with more than 100 reports of otherworldly sights and sounds.

'It brought magic back into my life in a way,' Stolp said of the 2020 encounter which sparked their quest. 'Mystery came back, because it didn't exist before that. It's like being a kid again.'

Washington, with 713 sightings all-time, leads the way with the most Bigfoot reports, according to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. California was the next most common at 461 and Florida was third at 339.
Brazilian actor Thommy Schiavo has died at the age of 39 after falling from a balcony at his second-floor apartment.

Schiavo, who was best known for his role in network television soap operas, fell from the property in Cuiaba during the early hours of Saturday, the Mato Grosso Civil Police said.

Investigators reviewed surveillance cameras at the property, which showed the moment he was sitting and then went to lie on the floor.

After several minutes on the floor, Schiavo stood up but lost his balance and tipped over the railing.

The married father-of-one fell about 13 feet to the ground and was found lying face down. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Brazilian soap opera actor Thommy Schiavo died early Saturday morning after he fell from the second-floor balcony of his home Cuiaba, Mato Grosso

Thommy Schiavo acted on several soap operas that were produced and aired by Brazilian television network, TV Globo

Schiavo had gone out with friends to drink at a neighborhood store before he returned to his two-floor studio apartment.

Schiavo was known for demonstrating his acting talents on the Brazilian soap opera circuit.

His last acting gig was on the second season of Pantanal, which aired in 2021 on TV Globo. He played the role of Joao Zoinho, a cowboy.

According to Brazilian news outlet G1, the production company also relied on Schiavo's familiarity with horses to train actors on the soap opera who didn't know how to ride horses.

Brazilian actor Thommy Schiavo is said to died after losing his balanced and falling over the balcony at his home on Saturday

Schiavo's father, Horacio Ramos, told TV Fronteira that his son had just finished filming a new soap opera when his friends called his brother-in-law to break the sad news.

'It's a painful moment, it hurts so much that there's no way to explain it,' Ramos said. 'We spoke every day, every day it was 'good morning, good afternoon', he would call me for anything, I would call him for anything. He was such a dear person.

Schiavo graduated from theater school in Rio de Janeiro in 2006 before he embarked on his acting career that saw him appear in four TV Globo soap operas, including Alem de Tempo (Beyond Time) and Beleza Pura (Pure Beauty).

'Thommy was a fantastic person, loved by everyone,' Ramos said. 'The people at Globo are all in shock there. He is a very loved person at Globo. He went there and won over the people, with his simple, humble way. Loved by everyone.'
Info sharing urged as more U.S. military-related sex crime cases revealed across Japan

Xinhua) 10:09, July 22, 2024

TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Better information sharing is demanded from the central Japanese government by both the public and local governments, as more previously undisclosed sex crime cases related to U.S. military personnel in the country were revealed in prefectures including Okinawa.

A total of 166 cases involving sex crimes by U.S. servicemen and those connected to the U.S. military in Japan have been recorded from 1989 to May this year, according to the National Police Agency (NPA).

The cases included 91 instances of nonconsensual intercourse and 75 cases of indecency without consent, Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing the NPA data.

Among the cases that occurred in various prefectures, including Aomori, Iwate, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, the Okinawa prefectural police recorded 16 cases, while the Metropolitan Police Department in Tokyo had 14.

The information about the sexual assault cases, however, was often not communicated to the local governments hosting U.S. military facilities, leading to a lack of awareness at the local level, the newspaper added.

An investigation conducted by the newspaper found that in Aomori prefecture, two cases involving soldiers from the U.S. base in Misawa were referred to prosecutors but not made public, with both the prefectural and Misawa city governments reporting that the central government did not notify them of these incidents.

Similarly, incidents in Aomori and Kanagawa prefectures were not communicated to local governments, prompting calls for the central government to improve its information-sharing practices.

The Japanese government is now coordinating to ensure that information on sex crimes by U.S. military personnel is promptly communicated to local authorities, even if the cases are not publicly disclosed, the newspaper added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The bodycam footage of Sonya Massey, a black woman from Illinois, getting shot by a white police officer was finally released Monday under the authority of the Sangamon County State's Attorney's office.

The release of the video has been delayed at the request of Massey's family, but was published Monday afternoon to the Illinois State Police's YouTube account.

It shows deputies arriving on Massey's doorstep in Springfield on July 6, to gather more information and check that her home was secure after she called 911 to report a possible prowler in the area at around 1am.

Just about 21 minutes later, Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson is seen on his partner's body cam drawing his weapon. He pointed his 9mm pistol at Massey, 36, who was holding a pot of boiling water in the kitchen.

Seconds after telling her to drop that pot, she ducked and said 'I'm sorry,' before Grayson fired three shots, one of which struck her in the face. Massey was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A deputy's body cam shows Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson on Sonya Massey doorstep on July 6 after she called them to report a prowler

Once inside, deputy Sean Grayson started arguing with Massey about a pot of boiling water on the stove and raised his weapon

The altercation began when deputies first arrived at Massey's Springfield home, and Grayson noticed there was a pot on the stove - asking his partner to check it out.

'We don't need a fire while we're here,' Grayson said at the time.

That seemed to have started an argument between Massey and Grayson, who prosecutors say 'aggressively yelled' at Massey to move it from the stove to the counter.

She then appeared to take it off the stove and told Grayson, 'I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.'

This is when Grayson pulled out his handgun and said: 'I swear to God I'll shoot you in your f***king face.'

Both officers - who at that point had their weapons unholstered - ordered her to drop the pot. She then apologized for what she said and ducked behind the counter.

Grayson, who was standing about 10 to 15 feet away in the adjoining living room, then went around the corner of the counter separating the two rooms to regain visual contact with Massey. He tried to tell her to drop the pot, but cut himself off and opened fire.

He then yelled: 'I can't take hot boiling water to the f**king face.'

Grayson would later go on to call Massey 'f**king crazy,' the body camera footage shows.

Grayson is seen peeking around the corner of the counter roughly 30 seconds after first opening fire

After Massey was killed, prosecutors said Grayson also discouraged the other deputy from getting his medical kit.

'The other deputy still rendered aid and stayed with Ms. Massey until medical help arrived,' First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Rodgers wrote.

She added that Grayson 'at no time attempted to render aid to Ms. Massey.'

When police finally arrived, Grayson tried to justify his actions by saying 'she had boiling water and came at me with boiling water.

'She said she was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus and came at me with boiling water.'

But the deputy refused to turn on his own body camera until after he had already shot Massey.

Massey's family held a funeral for her on Friday, accompanied by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump

On Monday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the newly-released footage 'horrific,' adding that he is offering his 'deepest sympathy to Sonya Massey's family as they relive a moment no family should experience.'

'As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system,' he urged.

The case has garnered international attention, and has led to a number of protests in Springfield, the State Journal-Register reports.

Amid the uproar, Sheriff Jack Campbell said that Grayson 'did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards' and his actions 'do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office or law enforcement as a whole.'

Grayson had been working at the sheriff's department since May 2023, and had been in law enforcement since August 2020.

He has since been fired from the department and was charged with three counts of first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

Grayson will be held in jail until he faces trial, after a county judge agreed on Thursday that he is a risk to the community, according to News Channel 20.

If convicted, Grayson faces life in prison.

Sean Grayson faces life in prison if he is convicted of three counts of first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct

Meanwhile, Massey's family held funeral services for her on Friday, where they were accompanied by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.

Crump has represented many the families of many black police shooting victims, including Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.

His personal injury firm released a statement Monday morning, revealing that the Massey family would be speaking 'with several national leaders on Monday.'

'It is a very disturbing video,' the civil rights attorney said of the body camera fotoage. 'It will shock America's conscience.'

'It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional.'

Crump added that the names Grayson called Massey in the video were 'outrageous on every level' and showed a lack of humanity.

Massey's death has sparked massive protests in the city of Springfield

Raymond Massey, Sonya's uncle, also spoke at a news conference on Monday and thanked the Illinois State Police for its work on the investigation of the shooting. He also thanked prosecutors for bringing charges against Grayson.

He said Sonya 'was a beautiful person' who 'spread love.'

President Joe Biden also released a statement calling Massey a 'beloved mother, friend, daughter and young black woman [who] should be alive today.

'Sonya's death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

'Sonya's family deserves justice,' he added.
An Australian woman who was allegedly gang raped in Paris just days before the Olympics opening ceremony had a flight booked home the following day.

The distressed 25-year-old woman told police she had been attacked by five men 'of African appearance' after seeking refuge inside a kebab shop just metres from the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret theatre at about 5am on Saturday.

The woman, who was described having 'her dress inside out' and carrying her underwear in her hand, also claimed her mobile phone had been stolen.

'Disoriented and unable to speak a word of French', she was taken to Bichat hospital after the owners of the Dounia kebab shop, a late-night Lebanese food restaurant on Boulevard de Clichy, called police for help.

The street, famed for its arts and theatre outlets, is also a red light district, with a lap dancing club and a sex shop next to the Lebanese trattoria.

The woman, who was reportedly in Paris for the Fete de Musique music festival, told investigators of her horrific ordeal; however, she was reportedly unable to give details on the exact place or circumstances surrounding the attack.

Parisian police want to avoid fear being spread among tourists as hundreds of thousands flock to the French capital for the Olympic Games.

It has since emerged the alleged assault happened just a day before the young woman was due to fly back to the safety of Australia.

She apparently had a flight home booked for Sunday, according to 2GB's Olympics reporter Clinton Maynard, and it is unclear if she is still in France.

The 25-year-old Australian woman sought refuge in the Dounia kebab shop (above) on Boulevard de Clichy, a late opening Lebanese food restaurant which according to Tripadvisor has friendly and hospitable staff

An Australian woman has reportedly been gang raped in Paris just days before the Olympics

Police are now inspecting CCTV footage but say even if she is no longer in France they will try to identify the alleged perpetrators, who 'young and of African appearance'.

Paris Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation into the incident was under way.

'The investigation into the charge of gang rape likely to have been committed on the night of July 19 to 20 has been entrusted to the second judicial police district,' Paris Prosecutor's office said.

Alliance Paris Police Union said investigators will 'do everything to quickly identify the individuals and bring them to justice'.

The incident comes just days before the Olympics is set to begin, and despite Paris launching a major security operation ahead of the event.

Armed guards have been spotted patrolling the streets, metal barriers now line the Seine.

A huge force of some 45,000 police officers drafted in from 43 countries and 18,000 soldiers will make up the defence system.

But alongside human efforts, several aerial units will also be involved in the 'unprecedented' operation, including Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, Reaper surveillance drones and helicopters with expert snipers on board.

Some 1,700 members of the British police force are already supporting French officers in Paris and Marseille as well as UK sniffer dogs that have been handpicked by French authorities.

Armed guards have been spotted patrolling metal barricades erected near the River Seine in Paris ahead of the start of the Olympics

Locals were seen eating at a restaurant behind perimeter fencing in Paris which is being used as the first line of defence

Images from Paris today show the city behind rows of metal barriers as locals and tourists dine at restaurants behind perimeter fencing near the River Seine - where the opening ceremony is set to take place on Friday.

The four-mile metal barricade was put in place by the Paris Police Prefecture and will remain throughout the Games to prevent and deter any trouble.

Dubbed the SILT, or the 'belt of steel' the anti-terrorism fencing is ultimately the first line of defence and were initially erected on July 18.

Anyone who wants to enter the protected area will need to scan a QR code to me it into the gated part of the city.

All cars are also banned from entering certain zones around some of the event venues with solely emergency vehicles allowed through.
Tony Blair was urged by aides to duck prime ministerial television debates with his Tory rival William Hague, according to newly released files.

The former politician was advised not to give into opposition demands ahead of the 2001 election, because the format was deemed an 'irrelevance'.

Files at the National Archives in Kew show that Mr Blair's advisers did not believe they would influence the outcome of an election.

While television debates are now a constant feature of election campaigns, at the time the format wasn't widely embraced in the UK.

In January 2001, Mr Blair's parliamentary private secretary Bruce Grocott advised him they were an 'irrelevance' which would have no impact on the outcome.

Tony Blair was urged by aides to duck prime ministerial television debates with his Tory rival William Hague, according to newly released files

Mr Blair's refusal to engage in a leaders' debate with him infuriated Tory leader Mr Hague

Blair was told that the only American example of a TV debate that anyone could remember was the 1960 presidential election when an unshaven Richard Nixon, sweating under the studio lights, was widely seen to have come off second best against a clean-cut John Kennedy

Sir Keir Starmer would only agree to two head-to-head television debates during the election campaign this year

UK's protest at 'bullying' Israeli troops Tony Blair's government accused Israel of 'excessive force' during a military raid in the West Bank in 2002. Pictured: Blair with Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon Tony Blair's government accused Israel of allowing its troops to run 'out of control' during a major military raid in the West Bank in 2002, newly released files show. British officials accused the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) of 'excessive force' after it lay siege to the headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The British ambassador in Tel Aviv told a senior Israeli adviser that the IDF's conduct 'was more worthy of the Russian army than of that of a supposedly civilised country'. US president George Bush complained privately to Mr Blair that the policies of hardline Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon were turning Mr Arafat into a martyr akin to al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. One senior British Army officer said the IDF was 'a second-rate, ill-disciplined, swaggering and bullying force' with troops regularly using 'excessive force' against stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The comments foreshadow concerns expressed by some western allies over current Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement

'The country with the most experience of TV election debates is the United States and the practice shows that they are neither informative, illuminating, entertaining nor in any way significant in determining the election outcome,' he wrote.

He said the only American example anyone could remember was the 1960 presidential election when an unshaven Richard Nixon, sweating under the studio lights, was widely seen to have come off second best against a clean-cut John Kennedy.

'Since then everyone has learned the rules, not least remembering to shave, which has ensured that all subsequent encounters have been bland, banal, no-score draws,' Mr Grocott added.

Mr Blair's refusal to engage infuriated Tory leader Mr Hague and the Liberal Democrats' Charles Kennedy but, with Labour well ahead in the polls, party strategists saw no reason to agree.

In 2010, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown agreed to a television debate with David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

Mr Brown - who was trailing in the polls - still lost the election, with Mr Clegg emerging as the surprise star performer.

Sir Keir Starmer would only agree to two head-to-head television debates during the election campaign this year.

The files also reveal that Downing Street officials wanted to acquire a permanent prime ministerial battle bus to support Mr Blair on his visits around the country.

No10 officials thought it would be cheaper to take the idea of a campaign battle bus and turn it into a permanent feature of political life.

One official, Owen Barder, said it could be fitted with secure telecoms, including fax and email, as well as a TV, a video recorder, a photocopier, and space for the prime minister to change clothes.

He argued that it could be more efficient than booking hotel rooms at every stop and fitting them with secure communications so staff could work.

'The present arrangement by which a comms engineer from the Cabinet Office sets up secure communications in the overnight hotel is expensive and inflexible,' he wrote.

'Several hotels in the South West have benefited from additional facilities being installed at our expense this week as we changed our plans about where we were staying overnight.

In 2010, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown agreed to a television debate with David Cameron and Nick Clegg

Mr Brown - who was trailing in the polls - still lost the election, with Mr Clegg emerging as the surprise star performer

The archives reveal No10 officials thought it would be cheaper to take the idea of a campaign battle bus and turn it into a permanent feature of political life. Pictured: Blair with his wife, Cherie in 1997

Elsewhere in the files, US president George Bush (pictured in 2005) complained privately to Mr Blair that the policies of hardline Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon were turning Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat into a martyr akin to al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden

'The day is characterised by frantic rushing to and from the vehicles with heavy bags of portable equipment.

'The amount of equipment we set up at each location adds to the public impression of a travelling circus rather than an efficient and lean machine.'

The idea was later abandoned.
Tens of thousands of illegal migrants will get asylum in the UK after Yvette Cooper scrapped the Rwanda scheme.

The Home Secretary said she would allow officials to process the claims of up to 120,000 people who the last government said would never be allowed to settle here.

The Refugee Council said it could result in 70,000 people being granted asylum, but the Conservatives said the figure could be as high as 90,000.

Former home secretary James Cleverly accused Ms Cooper of introducing an 'effective amnesty' which would only encourage more people to risk the perilous journey across the Channel.

But Ms Cooper told MPs the change in the law would save the taxpayer 7.7 billion in reduced accommodation costs for asylum seekers, adding that only a 'small minority' might ever have been sent to Rwanda.

Former home secretary James Cleverly (right) accused Yvette Cooper (left) of introducing an 'effective amnesty' which would only encourage more people to risk the perilous journey across the Channel

The Refugee Council said it could result in 70,000 people being granted asylum, but the Conservatives said the figure could be as high as 90,000. Pictured: A group of migrants are brought into Dover on July 9

The Home Secretary said all those who could be safely removed to their home countries would be sent back, with deportation flights starting this week.

But thousands are from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, which are deemed too dangerous to return people to in most cases.

Ms Cooper also admitted that the high levels of small-boat crossings were 'likely to persist over the summer'.

Official figures show that 2,258 migrants have arrived since Labour took office less than three weeks ago.

Mr Cleverly accused Ms Cooper of acting on 'ideological grounds' to scrap the Rwanda scheme, 'removing a deterrent that the National Crime Agency said we needed'.

And he mocked the Home Secretary's plan for a new Border Security Command to tackle the smuggling gangs, saying the same function already existed.

'Labour has given an effective amnesty to thousands of asylum seekers who were banned under Conservative plans,' he said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) said she would allow officials to process the claims of up to 120,000 people who the last government said would never be allowed to settle here

Dozens more migrants, who were mainly men, were brought into Dover Harbour on Thursday morning before they were taken ashore for processing

A group of people are pictured boarding a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the Channel on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, in northern France

James Cleverly, Ms Cooper's predecessor as home secretary, is pictured with Rwanda's foreign minister Vincent Biruta after signing an agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, in December last year

The year to date has been the busiest for crossings so far, with 14,759 migrants arriving between January 1 and July 16 - the most recent date for which figures are available. This compares to 14,622 in 2022, the second busiest year

Migrants, some wearing lifejackets, were seen on July 11, 2024 packing onto a beach at Graveslines in Normandy as they sought to sail to the UK

'Labour's plans amount to doing less than the Conservatives were doing when we were in government, merely changing the signs above a few desks in the Home Office with its so-called Border Security Command and returns unit.'

Mr Cleverly said Labour's decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme left Britain with no safe third country where people could be removed to.

He added: 'Where will the Home Secretary send people who come here from countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Syria? Has she started negotiating returns agreements with the Taliban, the ayatollahs of Iran or Assad in Syria?

'If she is not going to send to Rwanda anyone who arrives here on a small boat, to which local authorities will she send them?'

But Ms Cooper savaged the Rwanda scheme as an expensive flop. She said the Tories had spent 700 million on it and had succeeded in sending only four migrants who volunteered to go.

She claimed forecasts showed the scheme could eventually cost 10 billion  and said she had informed the Rwandan government that it would be halted immediately.

Under the terms of last year's Illegal Migration Act, anyone arriving illegally in the UK since March last year has been ineligible to have a claim for asylum processed. It has resulted in a sharp rise in the backlog of cases to an estimated 120,000.

Refugee Council research suggests an average asylum grant rate of 62 per cent last year. A similar rate would see more than 70,000 migrants granted asylum.

Council chief executive Enver Solomon said Labour had inherited an 'untenable' situation, adding: 'It is vital that care is taken to look at each case on its merits, and not assume that every person from a particular country shouldn't be given protection.'
British Army personnel yesterday test-fired for the first time a laser beam capable of destroying targets with 'pinpoint accuracy' - for less than the price of a cup of tea.

Troops carried out the test of Raytheon's anti-drone laser weapon from a military vehicle in the latest sign that drone warfare is a growing priority for Western armed forces.

The high-energy laser, which is designed to wipe out aerial drones, was fired aboard a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle in the Porton Down defence campus in Wiltshire.

It comes after scientists have been experimenting with lasers as a cheap alternative to traditional defence systems.

The 15-kilowatt laser wiped out targets more than 1km away during the tests. Each shot uses up just 10p worth of energy - or cheaper than making a cup of tea.

The high-energy laser, which is designed to wipe out aerial drones, was fired aboard a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle in the Porton Down defence campus (pictured)

The ground-breaking test saw the laser weapon neutralise targets at distances in excess of 1km

Mortar casing showing damage done by 'DragonFire' a British military laser weapon system

Military experts say the laser would be a far more affordable way of engaging in war than using missiles and bullets.

It is also a timely development against the backdrop of Ukrainian troops on the front line have been running short of ammunition to fight the Russian invaders.

Details about the laser trial emerged at the same time as Defence Secretary John Healey announced a 6.5bn partnership to buy a range of new, increasingly sophisticated missiles over the next decade from the British-French defence company MBDA.

The deal with MBDA, which manufactures the Storm Shadow missile used by Ukraine, will deliver complex weapons faster and at lower cost, the government said in a statement on Monday.

Healey, speaking at a major airshow in Farnborough, told of the importance of taking politics out of national security.

Government officials said the technology would help prepare the UK's armed forces for the future

'Where there is important work begun under the previous government, we will take it forward,' he said.

'That is why we are renewing important partnerships with industry and continuing to push technological boundaries. This will drive prosperity and create skilled jobs across the country.'

It comes just a week after prime minister Keir Starmer rebuffed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys request last week to fire Storm Shadow missiles deeper into Russian territory.

Mr Zelensky had urged the Prime Minister to show your leadership by removing limits on how the long-range missiles, gifted by the UK, can be used when he addressed the Cabinet on Friday.
Labour stepped up its class war on private schools yesterday after the Education Secretary suggested VAT could be applied to school fees as early as January.

Independent school groups branded Bridget Phillipson's plans 'needlessly disruptive' and said they could lead to parents having to withdraw their pupils in the middle of the school year.

Yesterday she said that ministers will 'move quickly' on the policy, which they say will raise 1.5billion a year to fund 6,500 more state school teachers, and suggested schools 'have had ample time to prepare'.

'Schools should be planning for the introduction of this change, which we first set out in 2021,' she told Times Radio. 'We've been clear about our position on this for some time. We do want to move as quickly as we can.'

Initial reports had suggested that VAT would not be applied to fees until September 2025 - the start of the academic year after next.

Independent school groups branded Bridget Phillipson's (pictured) plans 'needlessly disruptive' and said they could lead to parents having to withdraw their pupils in the middle of the school year

School pupils in Glasgow. Initial reports suggested that VAT would not be applied to fees until September 2025 - the start of the academic year after next (stock image)

Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of The Independent Schools Association, told the Mail: 'Introducing VAT on fees in the middle of the school year would be needlessly disruptive for those families who have already chosen a school for the coming academic year. Parents who cannot afford higher school fees resulting from VAT will have no choice but to withdraw their children mid-year.

'We have asked to discuss the complex range of issues that would be brought by the implementation of VAT on school fees with the Secretary of State. It is essential that the Government speaks with the independent sector before implementing this policy. There are complex issues that require careful consideration to protect vulnerable children from negative impacts, such as pupils with SEND who don't have an EHCP.'

Labour's class-war private school raid will be announced in this autumn's budget despite concerns that the added costs could force thousands of children into the state sector.

Damian Hinds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, said last night: 'Labour's education tax policy will be disastrous for pupils across the country.

'They have been warned over and over by countless experts that this policy, fuelled by misguided ideology, will lead to a flood of students leaving the private sector without any plans to accommodate them in state schools. And by moving up the timeline to the middle of the school year, they will only compound this chaos.

Damian Hinds (pictured) MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, said last night: 'Labour's education tax policy will be disastrous for pupils across the country'

'Pupils, teachers, and schools across the country will all pay the price for this.'

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has also suggested that the party has overestimated the amount it will raise from the policy. The actual figure, they say, will be between 1.3billion and 1.6billion.

Campaigners on behalf of the independent education sector have also called for an end to ministerial 'speculation' on the VAT imposition.

Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council, said: 'Families will have made choices about education months before an election was called; they cannot adequately plan for their children's futures based on speculation, uncertainty and the possibility of in-year fee rises.

'There are a number of complex practicalities to consider in implementing the policy, and it needs to be dealt with thoughtfully and carefully to ensure the fewest number of children possible have their education disrupted.

'There is still a need for urgent clarification on what the implications would be for, for example, forces families, faith schools and children with SEND but without an EHCP. The government has said it will engage with key stakeholders on this; we welcome the engagement we have had thus far and look forward to more over the coming weeks and months.'
Beccy Barr's former BBC colleagues were left in 'awe' when the TV presenter ditched her career to follow in her fireman father's footsteps, as tributes continue to flood in after her death.

The mother-of-one from Lancaster, who previously worked on BBC North West tonight, died today age 46 after a year-and-a-half long battle with incurable abdominal cancer.

Her family confirmed on Monday that she had 'passed away peacefully at St John's Hospice in Lancaster'.

Beccy had spent 20 years working in journalism - including stings as a financial reporter at CNBC and Bloomberg - but in 2019 announced she would be joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Steph McGovern was amongst those paying tributes to the former presenter this evening. She wrote on social media: 'This is heartbreaking. Beccy was the life and soul of the BBC newsroom.

Beccy's career started in print journalism as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen before she moved to London to join Money Marketing

Beccy joined BBC North West Tonight as a presenter and reporter back in 2013

Beccy had spent 20 years working in journalism but in 2019 announced she would be joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

'She always cracked me up with her take on life. Funny, smart and fearless. And then when she left to be a firefighter we were all in awe.'

BBC North West Tonight presenter Phil McCann also paid tribute on air, while hosting the evening bulletin.

He said: 'I'm very sorry to say that we've got some very sad news to bring you tonight. Our former colleague Beccy Barr has died.

'She was just 46 years old and known and loved by so many of you as well as us. She had a form of abdominal cancer.'

He also called her 'incredibly fit' and recalled that staff saw her spend breaks 'doing 5k runs and at the weekend she would compete in triathlons and Ironman competitions'.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's social media account said their team was 'deeply saddened'.

'Beccy was a dedicated and courageous firefighter who served with professionalism and compassion,' the post added on X. 'She was an enthusiastic and warm person who became an inspiration to many.'

Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, Cat Smith, wrote: 'I'm so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her.

Beccy (pictured) back in the BBC Studio when she worked as a presenter

Beccy Barr (pictured) has died after a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said: 'She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah'

'She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match. RIP Beccy. So much love to her family right now. X.'



Beccy's family made the announcement on 'X' this afternoon. Their statement read: 'I'm sharing the very sad news that Beccy passed away peacefully this morning.

'She spent her last few days at St John's Hospice who provided the most dignified & compassionate care to Beccy & her whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy's memory.'

Beccy joined the fire service in 2019 because she wanted to 'learn a new trade from scratch'. Her father Roy spent around 20 years in the fire service.

She told the BBC at the time: 'I still really love being a journalist but it has been nearly 20 years and I'm ready for a change and a different challenge'.

Beccy told her followers on 'X' that she had been diagnosed with incurable cancer at the beginning of 2023.

She said at the time; 'Two lessons I've learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship.'

Paying tribute today, Beccy's sister Jennifer Pomphrey said: 'This morning Beccy passed away peacefully at St John's Hospice in Lancaster. They offered the most dignified and compassionate care for the last few days of her life.

She swapped her TV career to become a firefighter in 2019 to follow in her father's footsteps

Beccy joined the fire service in 2019 after 20 years in journalism because she wanted to 'learn a new trade from scratch'

'Beccy led an incredible life that I will post about on her account in the near future along with details of her funeral.

'For now, I just want to say that I was incredibly blessed to have such an amazing sister. She was a very loved daughter, granddaughter and niece. More than anything she was a wonderful mother to Hannah.

'If you wish to show your love please send donations to St John's Hospice in Beccy's memory. Please feel free to leave messages, we will read them and take comfort in them but may not reply whilst we take time to be together as a family.'

Beccy's career started in print journalism as a reporter for The Blackpool Citizen before she moved to London to join Money Marketing.

She also had stints at BBC Radio 5 Live, reporting for BBC Inside Out and Sunday Politics North West.

Tributes have flooded in for the firefighter, as social media users paid tribute to an 'inspirational' woman.

Beccy pictured in her role as a firefighter at Lancashire Fire and Rescue. She published this photograph when she received Distinctions in all her training assessments

BBC Manchester said in a statement: 'We have some sad news to bring you - our former colleague Beccy Barr has died.

'Beccy presented BBC North West Tonight from 2013, before leaving in 2019 to become a firefighter.

'She was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2023. Our thoughts are with Beccy's family and friends.'

Journalist Annabel Tiffin, a presenter at BBC North West said: 'This is such unbelievably sad news. Beccy was a feisty, fearless woman gone far too soon. Condolences to her family.'

MP Cat Smith for Lancaster and Wyre said: 'I'm so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for all those who mourn her.

'She made the world a better place because of everything she did with an enthusiasm that few could match. RIP Beccy. So much love to her family right now.'

Lee Petts wrote: 'This breaks my heart. I didn't know her that well, I only met her a couple of times, but she was always lovely and looked after me when interviewing me for the BBC Politics Show. She's dealt with her terminal cancer diagnosis like an absolute champ, positive to the end. Cancer is horrid, isn't it? RIP Beccy.'

Funeral details are set to be announced in due course.
Two Just Stop Oil protesters who threw a tin of Heinz tomato soup over Van Gogh's masterpiece Sunflowers risked causing 'serious damage' to the painting, a court has been told.

Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, both 22, threw the liquid at the Dutch artist's painting while it was on display at the National Gallery on October 14, 2022.

The pair, who also glued themselves to the wall after the act, damaged the 17th century Italian frame the artwork was housed in, although the 1888 oil-on-canvas painting itself was protected by a glass cover, Southwark Crown Court heard.

It meant that the drawing itself, which is worth up to 72.5million and is one of the world's most recognisable pieces of art, luckily went unharmed.

On Monday Plummer and Holland appeared in court where they accepted throwing the soup, but denied causing criminal damage to the frame.

Two protesters threw tins of Heinz tomato soup over Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the National Gallery on October 14, 2022

Anna Holland (left) and Phoebe Plummer (right) deny causing criminal damage to the frame which housed the artwork

Francesca Kolar, prosecuting, told jurors: 'At around 11am on 14 October 2022 the defendants attended The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London, purporting to be visitors just like any member of the public visiting the gallery that day.

'In fact, they were at the gallery to protest on behalf of Just Stop Oil.

'You may have heard of Just Stop Oil. It is a well known organisation that undertakes direct action whose aims are - the clue is in the title - to stop oil and gas.

'On 14 October they walked around to gallery 43, which housed one of the most sought after artworks by the visiting public - 'Sunflowers' by Vincent Van Gogh.

'When the coast was relatively clear, they went up to the 'Sunflowers' painting.

They took off their jackets to reveal white t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'Just Stop Oil'.

'They took two tins of Heinz tomato soup out of bags and simultaneously threw the contents of the tins of tomato soup onto the painting.'

'They kneeled down and began to open tubes of superglue and lathered it over their left hands. They fixed their hands to the wall of the gallery behind them.'

'Targeting one of the most famous paintings in the world in The National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square in the heart of the national capital, the Crown say is a publicity stunt to bring attention to the aims of Just Stop Oil.'

'Whilst this risked serious damage to a priceless painting by one of the greatest artists - Vincent Van Gogh - there was, we say, actual damage to the seventeenth century Italian frame chosen specifically to house this painting by The National Gallery in 1999.'

The court was told that the painting was protected by a glass covering, but damage was done to the 17th century Italian wooden frame surrounding it

The painting is considered to be a masterpiece and is one of the most recognisable artworks in the world

The painting wa done in 1888 by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh who is pictured here in a self-portrait he created the same year

Ms Kolar told the court people were heard saying 'Oh my gosh' as the painting was attacked during the protest which was filmed: 'This is unlikely to be a coincidence, because within minutes the protest had been uploaded onto Just Stop Oil's twitter page.

She said the Italian frame was 'a piece of art in itself.'

Larry Keith, the Head of Conservation at The National Gallery, said he had been giving a lecture to postgraduate students when he was informed of the incident, and went down to the gallery.

'At the time I entered there appeared to be two people attached to the wall... The painting itself was covered in liquid.'

He told the court that the painting was taken from the gallery on a trolley to be examined.

'We weren't sure if the liquid had penetrated the frame and made the picture wet. That would potentially have been very serious.'

'My principal concern was to make sure that the painting itself had not been damaged.

'It was clear that the frame had been affected by the attack. It had changed in terms of its surface.'

Ms Kolar asked him if anyone had asked permission from the gallery to stage a protest there.

'I certainly wasn't. I'm not aware that anyone was.'

Judge Christopher Hehir quipped: 'I can't imagine that Mr Keith is keen on people throwing soup over paintings.'

Plummer, who is representing herself, asked Mr Keith how he felt when he found out that the painting itself had not been damaged.

'I was very relieved', he said.

Holland, of Newcastle, and Plummer, of Lambeth, deny damaging property.

The trial continues tomorrow.
A GP suspended after The Mail on Sunday exposed him as the leader of a banned extremist group has been cleared to return to work.

Abdul Wahid, 55, was the leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which called for jihad on the streets of London days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel last October.

The extremist chief himself praised the attack as a 'welcome punch on the nose' for Israel.

But a week after the march, the MoS uncovered Wahid's identity, revealing how he had been practising as a GP for more than 20 years under his real name, Wahid Asif Shaida.

Patients at the suburban surgery in north-west London had no idea of his double life as the UK head of a global extremist group.

Abdul Wahid (pictured), 55, was the leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which called for jihad on the streets of London days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel last October

The Mail On Sunday front page on October 29 last year uncovered Wahid's identity, revealing how he had been practising as a GP for more than 20 years under his real name, Wahid Asif Shaida

The extremist chief himself praised the attack as a 'welcome punch on the nose' for Israel

NHS England suspended Wahid and, in January, the then home secretary James Cleverly proscribed Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terror group, making membership punishable with a jail term of up to 14 years.

However, an NHS England panel has now cleared him to return to work following an investigation into his alleged conduct.

An NHS London spokesman said: 'We take any issues relating to professional conduct seriously and have procedures in place to make sure that individuals are fit to work in the NHS.

'Following a thorough investigation, the evidence regarding Dr Shaida's conduct and practice was considered by an NHS England Panel at an oral hearing on 11 July, in accordance with regulations and published policy.

'No evidence was found that he has had involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir since the organisation was proscribed. The panel found there was insufficient evidence to warrant removing Dr Shaida from the performers' list, but decided that conditions should be imposed, to manage a safe return to practice, for both staff and patients.

Wahid raised 51,981 on the website CrowdJustice to fight his suspension

'Dr Shaida is therefore able to return to practice, subject to those conditions,' which the spokesman described as 'confidential'.

A separate probe by the General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, is believed to be ongoing.

Wahid raised 51,981 on the website CrowdJustice to fight his suspension.

On his fundraising page, he described his past as leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir as 'political activity'.

Within hours of the October 7 attacks, Wahid told a podcast that Hamas terrorists were 'brave mujahideen' who gave the enemy 'a very welcome punch on the nose'.

Days later, he led marches outside the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in London, where Hizb ut-Tahrir members demanded an invasion to rescue Palestinians.

When a speaker shouted, 'What is the solution to liberate people in the concentration camp called Palestine?' they shouted back: 'Jihad! Jihad! Jihad!'

Wahid told the crowd: 'Victory is coming and everyone has to choose a side. Whose side are you going to be on?'

A GMC spokesman said: 'We are fully aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding Dr Wahid Asif Shaida, and are looking into this.

'We thoroughly investigate concerns that suggest patient safety or the public's confidence in doctors may be at risk and we take action where it is necessary.'
President Joe Biden broke his silence over 24 hours after his extraordinary decision to drop out of the 2024 race with a phone call to what has now become Kamala Harris' campaign headquarters.

The 81-year-old spoke in a scratchy voice to campaign staffers from COVID isolation at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home and told Harris: 'I'm watching you kid'.

He pledged to still be involved in the reelection fight and said he would continue to hit the campaign trail as he interacted on loudspeaker with his staffers who now work for Harris.

Biden's comments followed questions of why he hadn't been seen or heard from since he made the bombshell announcement on X Sunday afternoon that he was stepping aside.

'I know yesterday's news is surprising and hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do,' the president said.

'I know it's hard because you poured your heart and soul into me, to help us win this thing, help me get this nomination, help me win the nomination and then go on to win the presidency,' he continued.

Already there were signs that the campaign had moved on, with signage that read 'Harris for President,' 'Kamala,' and 'Restore Roe' hung on the walls of the office.

Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and second gentleman Doug Emhoff (right) hold hands before a crowd of campaign staffers, after President Joe Biden called in during Harris' visit Monday and say that his decision to bow out of the race was for the best

Vice President Kamala Harris visits what had been the headquarters for the Biden-Harris campaign in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday

There was one wall in the Delaware office that remained covered in signs with the 'Biden-Harris' logo.

As Harris took the podium, she noted how Biden was still on the call.

'We love Joe and Jill,' the vice president said.

'It's mutual,' Biden interjected from the phone line.

'I knew you were still there, you're not going anywhere Joe,' she said laughing. 'I love you Joe,' she added.

Harris thanked the campaign staff and announced that current campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, would run her campaign. The current Biden-Harris campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez - a former Harris Senate staffer - would also stay on.

'And I know it's been a roller coaster and we're all filled with so many mixed emotions about this,' Harris said. 'I just have to say, I love Joe Biden, I love Joe Biden and I know we all do and we have so many darn good reasons for loving Joe Biden.'

'And I have full faith that this team, is the team, will be the reason we win in November, you all who are here,' the soon-to-be Democratic nominee continued.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at what had been the Biden-Harris campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday, as she took over the campaign operation as the likely soon-to-be Democratic nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris (right) and second gentleman Doug Emhoff (left) arrive in Wilmington, Delaware Monday afternoon to appear before the Biden-Harris campaign staff as the VP takes over the campaign operation

President Joe Biden was last seen publicly on Wednesday after contracting COVID-19 and departing Las Vegas for his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home. It was there that he made the decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and hand the operation over to Harris

Harris said she was honored to have the president's endorsement.

'It is my intention to go out and earn this nomination and to win,' she said.

So far no other mainstream Democrat appears to be challenging Harris, though self-help guru Marianne Williamson, who ran against Biden in the 2024 primaries, pushed that there should be an open convention when the Democrats meet in Chicago in August.

Democratic lawmakers, donors and grassroots supporters have coalesced around Harris, who would be the first woman and woman of color to be elected U.S. president.

A spokesperson for the campaign said that the Harris campaign raised $81 million in donations since Biden bowed out and more than 28,000 individuals signed up to volunteer.

Biden's campaign staff had been blindsided with the news that he was dropping out of the 2024 race - finding out via the X post Sunday like the rest of the American people.

'No one had a heads up before the tweet posted,' a campaign source told DailyMail.com Sunday. 'Which to me is an insane way to treat the 1,300 people that work for you,' the source added.

'Kamala' signs are seen on display around what had been President Joe Biden's reelection headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. On Monday, Biden called in while Harris was visiting campaign HQ, as she takes over the campign

Vice President Kamala Harris (left) kisses her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff (right), before delivering remarks Monday at the Wilmington, Delaware campaign headquarters she was inheriting from President Joe Biden

At 5 p.m. Sunday on an all-staff call, O'Malley Dillon assured aides that their jobs would remain.

She also acknowledged that it was 'hard for staff who may have gotten the news while they were working or door knocking,' but that it was 'important' that they heard from the president 'in his own words.'

Shortly after Biden posted the letter saying he was bowing out of the race he said in a follow-up post on X that he was endorsing Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.

'I'm hoping you'll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,' Biden said on loudspeaker Monday. 'And I want you to know, I won't be on the ticket but I'm still going to be fully, fully engaged.'

'I've got six months left of my presidency, I'm determined to get as much done as I possibly can - both foreign policy and domestic policy,' he continued, making mention of 'working for an end to the war in Gaza.'

The president added that he would be doing 'whatever Kamala wants me or needs me to do in addition.'

'So let me be real clear. We're still fighting in this fight together. I'm not going anywhere,' the president said.

He hasn't been seen publicly since Wednesday since testing positive for COVID-19.

It remains unclear when the president plans to return to Washington.
Senior Tories tonight welcomed the announcement of a longer leadership contest, saying it would give the party a better chance of bouncing back at the next election.

A 'compromise' plan was drawn up by the 1922 committee which will see a new leader announced on November 2.

Some in the party had wanted a new leader in place by party conference, which gets underway on September 29.

Others had wanted it to run until Christmas to ensure the right candidate was chosen and to give the party the best chance of regaining power at the next election.

Nominations for the contest will open in two days, with leadership hopefuls needing the backing of at least ten MPs for the first round of votes.

Former PM Rishi Sunak will lead the Conservative Party until a new leader is elected in November. Pictured: Mr Sunak in the House of Commons on Monday

Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is one of the early frontrunners for the role, with one poll suggesting 55 per cent of members would list him as one of their top choices for leader. Pictured: Mr Jenrick walking out of BBC Studios in London on April 28

The final four nominees will appear in front of the party conference in Birmingham to put forward their pitch, before the decision goes to a postal vote of members.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will remain acting party leader until November 2, when his successor will be crowned.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith: 'A September timetable would have been a complete and total disaster.

'We need to debate what happened at the election. We need to talk about it and we need to let the public know that we get it.

'At the moment I don't think we do. I would have gone through November to Christmas but this is infinitely better than the even shorter contest that was being talked about.

'What we don't want to do is rush to make a decision. We need to make sure everyone gathers around and agrees.

Veteran Tory MP Sir David Davis welcomed the decision to hold a long leadership election. Pictured: Sir David leaving the Spectator Magazine Summer Party in London on July 9

'We need to take our time, figure it out and vote for the person who we think can most resolve this and help us get through it.'

Veteran Tory MP Sir David Davis said: 'This is certainly better than an instantaneous thing. It gives us a bit of a chance to see the contenders in action.

'It was important not to rush this because there's only one skill that matters, and that's being an Opposition to Labour. If we're not good at that, we'll never be back in government.

'So that's the only thing I care about testing. I don't care about Left, Right - it doesn't matter. I want someone who's good at Opposition.'

Mr Sunak said the timetable would aid 'a smooth and orderly transition' that allows the party to 'fulfil its role as the official opposition professionally and effectively'.

He added: 'I believe this is what is best for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, our country.'

But not all party grandees were happy, with some arguing that a quicker contest would have avoided a potential leadership vacuum for Labour and Reform UK to capitalise on.

One senior Tory said: 'A foolish decision which hands Starmer the next election on a plate.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said rushing into a leadership election would be a 'disaster'. Pictured: Sir Iain at the count for his Chingford and Woodford Green seat on July 5

'An act of pure self-indulgence which maximises internal conflict to allow a few media hungry types to blather on the broadcast media for a little longer before fading into irrelevance. Farage will be cock a hoop.'

Tonight a poll found that Robert Jenrick is the frontrunner among party members.

The former immigration minister, who quit Rishi Sunak's Cabinet in protest at his failure to take a tougher approach to illegal immigration, emerged ahead of Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, Dame Priti Patel and Suella Braverman.

Conservative members were asked in a poll to rank their top four choices from a list of candidates who have signalled they will run to be leader.

Some 55 per cent of members listed Mr Jenrick as one of their top choices in the survey by polling company Techne.

A separate poll by More In Common found that most Tory party members back a longer leadership contest - by 67 per cent to 24 per cent.

The executive of the 1922 Committee drew up the leadership timetable plans in consultation with the party's board.
Young teenage girls are using Instagram as a tool to advertise their bodies for sex, an investigation has revealed.

Police have discovered a disturbing new trend on Instagram where schoolgirls as young as 15 are allegedly selling self-generated child sexual abuse material to paedophiles.

A six-month undercover police investigation revealed that teenage users were misusing Instagram bios and stories to advertise sexualised selfies and explicit images of themselves for purchase on private websites.

Officers were unable to verify the ages of the account holders, but they estimated that young teenage girls under the age of 16 were offering to carry out degrading sexual acts for a fee in profiles resembling the adult content subscription service platform, OnlyFans.

The details emerged today in a legal challenge being brought by a childrens charity alleging that Instagram is complicit in the exploitation of children online.

Baroness Beeban Kidron, founder of the 5Rights Foundation has hired law firm Schillings to launch a groundbreaking legal challenge arguing that Instagram is facilitating the sharing of and profiting from illegal child sexual abuse material.

Young teenage girls are using Instagram as a tool to advertise their bodies for sex, an investigation has revealed (File image)

Police have discovered a disturbing new trend on Instagram where schoolgirls as young as 15 are allegedly selling self-generated child sexual abuse material to paedophiles

Baroness Beeban Kidron (pictured) has hired law firm Schillings to launch a groundbreaking legal challenge arguing that Instagram is facilitating the sharing of and profiting from illegal child sexual abuse material

It comes after a six-month police probe found accounts acting as a pseudo-OnlyFans page were easy to locate both on and off the Instagram platform which appeared to belong to young teenage girls.

Schillings has written to Meta demanding an independent investigation into the alarming findings saying: Evidence obtained by specialist officers in May 2024 illustrates a growing trend amongst predominantly young teenage girls (or those who claim to be) using Instagram as a tool for distributing and profiting from self-generated child sexual abuse material namely that users misuse Instagram bios and stories to advertise child sexual abuse material for purchase.

Many of these users advertise the fact that they are selling in the Instagram bio or account name, or both.

A simple search for the word selling on the platform provides many results.

Baroness Kidron said: These are schoolchildren, girls who are not yet 16, imitating the OnlyFans model of selling pornography and using Instagram to market this.This isnt a victimless crime, it is children selling their bodies for sex.

Yesterday the Mail revealed how police uncovered evidence that the social media platform owned by Meta is also being used by paedophiles to advertise AI- generated child abuse material (File image)

Police believe it is a phenomenon which will grow exponentially.

Yesterday the Mail revealed how police uncovered evidence that the social media platform owned by Meta is also being used by paedophiles to advertise AI- generated child abuse material.

Lady Kidron has vowed to explore every possible route for legal and regulatory action to force Meta to tackle the issue.

Jenny Afia, Partner at Schillings said: We are proud to support 5Rights groundbreaking legal challenge against Meta. As AI continues to permeate our lives, it is crucial that tech companies comply with their ethical and legal responsibilities towards children. Every day, the need for urgent action grows.'

A Meta spokesperson said: 'Child sexual exploitation is horrific and we have clear rules against it.

'We prohibit people from requesting, sharing or selling child exploitation content, including self-generated images, and we use technology to proactively find it, report it to NCMEC in line with applicable law, and support law enforcement in its investigations.

'While we havent yet received any examples from Schillings, we will investigate and take swift action on anything that breaks our rules.'
Keir Starmer refused to give any guarantees on the future of Britain's 12 billion Tempest fighter jet programme as speculation swirled over its future today.

The prime minister hailed the 'important' project as he visited the Farnborough air show in Hampshire on Monday - where Cabinet members turned out in force.

But his enthusiasm for the fighter jet was less voluble than that of Boris Johnson - who said he was 'obsessed' with Tempest when the show was last held two years ago.

It came as a defence review launched by the new government raises doubts about whether it can afford to pay for Tempest - or other major projects.

The prime minister said: 'It is an important programme and I know that people in the room will want to hear me say that.

Keir Starmer (pictured at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire today) refused to give any guarantees on the future of Britain's 12 billion Tempest fighter jet programme as speculation swirled over its future

But his enthusiasm for the fighter jet was less voluble than that of Boris Johnson - who said he was 'obsessed' with Tempest (design pictured) when the show was last held two years ago

The new Tempest jet is armed with hypersonic missiles and Star Wars-style 'energy-directed' weapons. Pictured: A CGI image of the Tempest design

'The defence secretary is holding a ministerial level meeting... in relation to this because of the significant benefits here in this country.

'There is of course a review going on - but it's important for me to put on record just how important a programme this is.'

Tempest forms part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaboration between the UK, Italy and Japan with the aim of replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The new Tempest jet is armed with hypersonic missiles and Star Wars-style 'energy-directed' weapons. It also has a larger wingspan and is kitted out to help pilots evade enemy radar, providing 10,000 times more data than current systems.

BAE has said the programme is already generating more than 3,500 jobs across the country, with estimates suggesting it will contribute 37bn to the UK economy.

The aim is to have a 'demonstrator' version in the air by 2027 and the aircraft in service by 2035.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds - one of four Cabinet ministers who turned up at Farnborough in addition to Sir Keir - said the UK was 'very strongly committed' to GCAP.

He said the government sees it as 'essential for the future, not just in terms of our defence needs but obviously our industrial needs'.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds (left)- one of four Cabinet ministers who turned up at Farnborough in addition to Sir Keir - said the UK was 'very strongly committed' to GCAP. Pictured: Reynolds with BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn at the event today

Experts say the Tempest models will revolutionise air-to-air combat, giving Britain a 'world-beating' edge in warfare

The jets will take to the skies by next decade to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon (pictured), which has been used by the RAF since 2003

Reynolds added: 'The whole sector is a huge example of the kind of industrial strategy we want to see across a wider percentage of the economy where you have a genuine collaboration between the private sector and government.

'You have a direct link to our trade and export strategy, to our wider economic and industrial strategy.' Reynolds said constituents in his seat in north west England directly benefit through jobs 'so I don't need any convincing as to what the benefits of that can be'.

But he made clear that there would be constraints on defence spending - with Labour's pledge that it will be increased to 2.5 per cent of GDP undercut by the fact that it has given no date for that to be achieved.

Reynolds said: 'The economy's got to be growing strongly in order to guarantee public expenditure in a range of public services.

'I don't think anyone believes the British economy as it stands today is in a golden position by any measure.

Grant Shapps, defence secretary at the time (right), shakes hands with Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto (left) and Japanese defence minister Minoru Kihara (centre) to mark the deal to build the jets together in December

Mr Shapps inspects a guard of honour in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday ahead of signing the deal to place GCAP's headquarters in the UK in December

The Tempest will be the sixth generation of fighter jet and will work alongside the F-35B on future missions. Pictured is a comparison of the F-35 and the Tempest

Inside the Tempest will be a sophisticated artificial intelligence that will be able to communicate with an array of other jets and military units on the ground and at sea - as well as controlling a 'swarm' of drone fighter jets that will fly with a manned aircraft on missions

Pictured is an artist impression of the Tempest

'There are some real pressures but the prime minister has always said when it comes to future priorities the commitment to defence spending is first in line.' Herman Claesen, who is leading the project for BAE, told a separate meeting at Farnborough that the project was now 'steaming ahead'.

'We are rapidly homing in now on the final configuration of the aircraft,' he said.

Mr Claesen denied there had been any attempt by the government to slow progress, saying there were 'no tow brakes applied'.

He added: 'We need to respect the fact that the government has called an SDR [strategic defence review] and wants to look at the priorities and everything that goes with it.' But he noted that the prime minister had come to visit BAE's GCAP stand at Farnborough 'and he reiterated.. that it's a very important programme for the UK'.

'I think the fact he came out here and wanted to see the aircraft and talk to people about it gives another indication that it is a very key important strategic programme to the UK.'
An Australian man has been stabbed to death at a tourist hotspot in Thailand following an argument with an American at a restaurant.

Liam Michael Ross, 35, was found with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg and arm at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi early Monday morning.

He was rushed to hospital but later died as a result of the injuries.

Mr Ross's family was being provided with consular assistance, according to a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment,' the spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

Ao Nang Police arrested US national Randall Owen Johnson over the stabbing and he was charged with physically injuring another person causing death.

Witnesses reported that both men had been drinking at a nearby restaurant before the incident and reportedly had a disagreement.

They reportedly encountered each other again as the Australian man walked back to his hotel, which allegedly led to a confrontation.

Ao Nang Police arrested US national Randall Owen Johnson (pictured) over the alleged stabbing

Johnson allegedly drew a knife and inflicted several stab wounds on Ross

Initially, the two exchanged words, but the situation soon escalated into a physical fight.

Johnson, 43, allegedly drew a knife and inflicted several stab wounds on Ross.

Photos from the scene showed it happened adjacent to the conch shell sculpture at the southern end of the beachside road, outside the entrance to the Holiday Inn resort.

Ao Nang is a popular tourist destination located in the Krabi Province in southern Thailand.

It is known for its nightlife and beaches.
More than 1,000 prominent lawyers, academics and celebrities have demanded a meeting with the attorney general over the 'injustice' of handing five eco-activists with record sentences.

The Just Stop Oil protestors, including co-founder Roger Hallam, were jailed for a combined 21 years over a stunt that disrupted London's M25 motorway for four days in 2022.

Prosecutors said the protests, which involved a total 45 activists, caused an economic hit of at least 765,000 and cost the Metropolitan Police more than 1.1million.

The mob also caused a staggering 50,000 hours of vehicle delays affecting more than 700,000 vehicles, it was claimed, and left the M25 'compromised' for more than 120 hours.

Hallam, 58, received a five-year prison term for organising the stunt, while Daniel Shaw, 38, Lucia Whittaker de Abreu, 35, Louise Lancaster, 58, and Cressida Gethin, 22, were each sentenced to four years for conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

From left to right: Lucia Whittaker De Abreu, Cressida Gethin, Louise Lancaster, Daniel Shaw and Roger Hallam. Hallam was sentenced to five years' imprisonment while the remaining four defendants were each handed four years' imprisonment

TV naturalist Chris Packham has written an open letter calling for a meeting with Attorney General Richard Hermer KC. Mr Packham described the sentences as a 'grotesque miscarriage of justice'

Dale Vince, the millionaire Labour donor, wrote the letter alongside Packham which has been backed by Coldplay's Chris Martin

These sentences, handed down by Judge Christopher Hehir at Southwark Crown Court, surpass those given to JSO members who climbed the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in October 2022.

Sir Keir Starmer was urged to intervene last week, and the United Nations human rights commissioner labelled the sentences as 'deeply troubling' and 'disproportionate'.

Now Dale Vince, the millionaire Labour donor, and TV naturalist Chris Packham have written an open letter calling for a meeting with Attorney General Richard Hermer KC.

Mr Packham described the sentences as a 'grotesque miscarriage of justice'.

Notable signatories of the letter, which was shared with The Times, include former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, human rights solicitor Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC and artist Dame Tracey Emin.

It was also backed by Coldplay's Chris Martin, author Sir Philip Pullman and director Danny Boyle.

The letter argued that with overcrowded prisons, these sentences are 'insanity'.

Police watch as traffic is held back as an activist from Just Stop Oil occupies a gantry over the M25 near Godstone in Surrey

Environmental Defender Michel Forst (centre) outside Southwark Crown Court with the five Just Stop Oil protesters who have been jailed

Other notable signatories of the letter, which was shared with The Times, include former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, director Danny Boyle, and artist Dame Tracey Emin

It said that the activists were not allowed to explain their actions to a jury, undermining their right to a fair trial.

The activists, it claims, were performing a vital service by raising awareness of the climate crisis.

Last week, Judge Hehir blasted the 'fanatic' eco-activists when sentencing.

He said: 'You have appointed yourselves as the sole arbiters of what should be done about climate change, bound neither by the principles of democracy nor the rule of law.

'Your fanaticism has made you heedless of the rights of your fellow citizens.'
EXCLUSIVE

The family of slain camper Russell Hill face being excluded from providing victim impact statements at a pre-sentence hearing for former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn.

While Lynn, 57, was found guilty of murdering Mr Hill's secret lover Carol Clay, a jury found the killer not guilty of murdering him.

Victim impact statements are traditionally reserved for those directly impacted by a crime.

Last week in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the court heard victim impact statements were likely to take up an entire day of Lynn's planned two-day pre-sentence hearing in September.

A source close to Lynn's legal team told Daily Mail Australia Mr Hill's family faced a battle to be heard at court due to the not guilty verdict over his death.

'They could still try and argue that he's the victim of an accidental killing,' the source said.

The issue is currently being discussed by Lynn's lawyers with prosecutors, who are understood to be keen to let members of Mr Hill's family speak out against the killer in open court.

Lynn's acquittal of the murder of Mr Hill had already devastated his long suffering family, who have sought justice for his death.

Greg Lynn hopes to walk free from jail on appeal

The split verdict now also threatens to end up in the Supreme Court of Appeal where Lynn's lawyers will fight to have his murder conviction overturned altogether.

On Friday, Lynn's barrister Dermot Dann KC revealed he was in the process of compiling submissions calling on Justice Michael Croucher to abort sentencing his client until that appeal was heard.

Mr Dann told the court he believed sentencing his client would be made difficult due to what he described as the 'unsafe guilty verdict' delivered by Lynn's jury at trial.

The court heard Lynn had been placed in isolation within the Metropolitan Remand Prison for his own safety, but now fears he will be targeted by inmates at whatever prison he ultimately ends up in.

Mr Dann said the problem had been compounded since the guilty verdict, as a number of media reports revealed evidence the jury had not been shown.

'It's an extremely rare application to even make,' Mr Dann said.

Lynn's barrister Dermot Dann KC (left) is fighting to have his client's conviction overturned on the grounds the verdict was 'unsafe'

If granted, the 'stay' of sentence could allow Lynn to apply for bail while his appeal goes through the court.

Mr Dann said a successful appeal could result in Lynn being set free altogether, without a re-trial, due to doubts over whether he could obtain a fair trial because of the significant publicity surrounding the case and the murder conviction.

'The chances of a fair re-trial are non-existent,' Mr Dann said.

The experienced barrister said any jury pool would have been 'polluted or poisoned' by the 'inadmissible evidence' that has 'flooded' news sites over the weeks since the verdict was delivered.

Mr Hill's wife Robyn Hill said she felt numb with worry over the thought Lynn could walk free.

'We all just had this awful feeling a week or so before,' she told 9News.

'I've only had that once before when I had to report Russell missing.'

Carol Clay and Russell Hill both died after an ugly encounter with Greg Lynn

The shotgun used by Greg Lynn to shoot Carol Clay dead

Russell Hill's vehicle and the remains of his tent after Greg Lynn set it on fire

Ms Hill said she hoped Lynn would spend at least two decades in jail for his actions.

'I hope he suffers for the rest of his life, really. I hope he has a lovely time in jail,' she said.

'I think he's got off lightly. I'd like him to be in jail for 25 years and then I look at that as half each for Russell and Carol.'

The verdict had come as a crushing blow to the Hill family.

In a statement released on the day it was delivered, the families of Mr Hill and Ms Clay said they were 'devastated' there was not enough evidence to find Lynn guilty of both deaths.

'The verdict of not guilty in relation to the murder [of] Russell Hill is devastating. There was not enough evidence to be sure of how he died,' they said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Office of Public Prosecutions for comment.
READ MORE: What's behind the Microsoft outage? Experts reveal the cause

Microsoft Windows devices that are affected are requiring a manual fix

The CrowdStrike outage continues to wreak havoc around the globe, four days after the issue first began.

Millions of shops, airports, railways and GP surgeries are still experiencing issues thanks to a 'buggy' security update to Falcon, CrowdStrike's antivirus software that protects Microsoft Windows devices from cyberattacks.

CrowdStrike  whose faulty software update 'bricked' Windows computers  says a 'significant number' of the 8.5 million affected devices have been restored.

In a post on X (Twitter), it added that it 'continues to focus on restoring all systems as soon as possible'.

MailOnline has contacted the company regarding exactly how many constitutes a 'significant number'.

CrowdStrike posted the update on X (Twitter), saying it 'continues to focus on restoring all systems as soon as possible'

From ticket machines to self-service checkouts and IT systems used by GPs, anything running Windows devices was potentially affected. CrowdStrike's update affected 8.5 million Windows devices or less than one per cent of all Windows machines

What is CrowdStrike? The rogue app that brought down computers across the world is ironically aimed at protecting PCs from hackers. Crowdstrike is a security service designed to stop internet breaches for the globe's biggest companies, but is now responsible for perhaps the biggest IT outage we have ever seen. Computer analysts believe a badly-written bit of code in the update triggered the catastrophe and wrecked computer networks worldwide. Crowdstrike has confirmed a faulty update was responsible for sparking the chaos. It said in a statement: 'Crowdstrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Advertisement

'Of the approximately 8.5 million Windows devices that were impacted, a significant number are back online and operational,' CrowdStrike said in the X post.

'Together with customers, we tested a new technique to accelerate impacted system remediation.

'We're in the process of operationalizing an opt-in to this technique.

'We're making progress by the minute. We understand the profound impact this has had on everyone.

'We know our customers, partners and their IT teams are working tirelessly and we're profoundly grateful.

'We apologize for the disruption this has created.

'Our focus is clear: to restore every system as soon as possible.'

The chaos started on Friday when computers around the world started repeatedly crashing and displaying the dreaded 'blue screen of death'.

From ticket machines to self-service checkouts and IT systems used by GPs, anything running Windows devices was potentially affected.

Jamil Ahmed, distinguished engineer at IT firm Solace, explained: 'The reason the outage was so widespread is due to how ubiquitous the Windows operating system is across various industries.

'Airlines use it for check-in desks, retail use it for point-of-sales machines, and more.

The outage is due to a 'buggy' security update to Falcon, a type of antivirus software that protects Microsoft Windows devices from cyberattacks. CrowdStrike - the company behind Falcon - is 'actively working with customers' who are affected, but insists it is 'not a security incident or cyberattack' (file photo)

In this extraordinary photo, a Windows system at Petco Park, San Diego, California displays the 'blue screen of death' on Friday

'Thankfully this sort of incident is extremely rare with CrowdStrike quickly reacting to retract the update behind the outage.'

In its own update on Saturday, Microsoft stressed that 'this was not a Microsoft incident'.

It also estimated that CrowdStrike's update affected 8.5 million Windows devices, adding that this is 'less than one per cent of all Windows machines'.

'While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services,' Microsoft said.

CrowdStrike admitted a defect in the 'content update' for its Falcon anti-virus software crashed Microsoft Windows devices.

The cybersecurity firm is 'actively working with customers' who are affected, but insists it is 'not a security incident or cyberattack'.

A ticket machine at King's Cross Station in central London was showing up as out of service due to the outage that bricked computers

Computers around Australia were repeatedly crashing and displaying the 'blue screen of death'. A blue error screen on a register is seen at a departmental store affected by a cyber outage in Brisbane, Australia, July 19, 2024

Passengers wait at Barajas Airport, as Spanish airport operator Aena on Friday reported a computer systems incident at airports causing flight delays

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz has appeared on American TV to issue a groveling apology and vowed to work with each customer to get their operations back online.

The grievous error wiped $12.2 billion (9.5 billion) from CrowdStrike's value and $320million (247m) from Mr Kurtz's personal wealth.

CrowdStrike creates anti-virus products that regularly update with new definitions of viruses, cyber expert Troy Hunt explained.

'They run in a very privileged space on the PC, which means they have a lot of control,' he told Sky News.

'It looks like they've pushed a bad update, which is presently nuking every machine that takes it.

'It could be quite some time to get those machines back on time.'

Andras Cser, principal analyst at IT company Forrester, said recovery options for affected Windows machines are manual.

'Administrators must attach a physical keyboard to each affected system, boot into Safe Mode, remove the compromised CrowdStrike update, and then reboot,' he said.

In Australia - among the first to notice the effects of the outage - broadcasters were affected and had to pause transmissions

Not in service: British railways warned passengers to expect delays because of the issue well into the weekend

This 7-11 store in Australia was forced to close due to the 'global technical error' - taking out payments systems

As the collective global loss could top $1 billion, CrowdStrike is expected to reveal more detail about how exactly the issue was able to happen.

'Much like Microsoft, CrowdStrike is too big to fail,' said cybersecurity expert and FBI Counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill.

'The company is a cybersecurity icon relied upon by the largest market share of cybersecurity customers.

'I suspect CrowdStrike will issue a detailed report explaining how this happened and the steps they will take to prevent it in the future.

'However, companies worldwide are losing millions as IT professionals scramble to manually reboot computers.

'I expect many calls for compensation from CrowdStrike.'
Whether it's a cheeky aubergine or a friendly smiley face, emoji now form a staple part of many of our daily conversations.

However, experts have revealed that several popular characters have very different meaning in other cultures and countries.

From the seemingly innocent 'hotel' to the enigmatic 'sign of the horns', you might be surprised to learn how common emoji are interpreted around the world.

Noel Wolf, a linguistic expert at language learning platform Babbel, told MailOnline: 'People can attach all sorts of different second meanings to these little pictures.'

So, do you know what these common emoji really mean? Scroll down for the answers!

Do you know the hidden meanings of these popular emoji? Check the box at the bottom of the article to find out the answers

Sign of the horns

If you're a rock fan, then you might be fairly sure you know exactly what the 'horns' hand sign stands for.

Although its exact origins are a matter of debate, the gesture has been synonymous with rock and metal since Black Sabbath popularised the sign in the 1970s and 80s.

However, in many parts of the world, holding out your index and little finger might carry a very different meaning.

Mrs Wolf says: 'In some Mediterranean and Spanish speaking countries, including Italy, Portugal and Mexico, this gesture pointed towards an individual can be taken implying somebody is a cuckold.

'This has linguistic roots as the words in these countries languages for somebody who has been cheated on are linked linguistically to the word for horns, such as the word "cornuto" in Italian.'

Although this emoji is more commonly associated with rock and metal, it has a totally different meaning in some parts of the Mediterranean

Steam

While a cultural misunderstanding can often be embarrassing, some commonly mistaken emoji are actually quite innocent.

For example, the pictogram showing red, wavy red lines rising from a circle might seem like a baffling choice.

But in Japan, the meaning of this common emoji would be instantly recognisable.

This symbol might seem very strange, but for people in Japan this would actually be a symbol they could find on many maps

Mrs Wolf says: 'As emoji originate from Japan, where they were invented by Shigetaka Kurita in the late 90s, some of the pictograms represent objects or concepts from Japanese culture.'

This strange emoji is actually meant to represent the steam rising off of an 'onsen', a traditional Japanese hot spring bath.

In Japan, the symbol is used on maps to indicate the locations of the popular public baths.

Swirl

This oddly shaped swirly is another emoji which would be very familiar to a Japanese user

Another emoji with a distinctly Japanese origin and meaning is the swirling pink and white circle.

Although this symbol might not be familiar to many in the West it is actually a meal-time staple for many in Japan.

This emoji is meant to represent the narutomaki, a type of fish cake with a distinctive swirled pattern.

A popular topping for ramen, this emoji is often used to mean eating or a meal.

Love Hotel

Although this might seem like a cheery pink hospital, the real meaning of this Japanese emoji is much less innocent

However, not all commonly mistaken Japanese emoji have such innocent meanings.

A particularly notable example is the bright pink emoji for 'love hotel'.

Depending on your device, this emoji will appear as a large pink building with either a heart or the letter 'H' on the front.

This has led many to mistakenly believe that this is a symbol for a hospital or means 'get well soon'.

However, this symbol actually represents a type of hotel which can be hired by the hour.

In Japan, these 'love hotels' are a much more recognisable cultural reference which is missed by many foreign emoji users.

Person tipping hand

Older users might think this symbolises someone raising their hand to offer assistance, but younger users will know that is not always the case

While the meaning of emoji varies from place to place, they can also change dramatically based on the age of their users.

For example, the 'person tipping hand' emoji might be more familiar to older users as a sign for an assistant or helpful individual.

Mrs Wolf explains: 'Originally designed to represent a person working at an information desk, it was approved as part of the Unicode standard in 2010 with the name "information desk person". '

However, over time the meaning of this emoji has changed through use to become something quite different.

Younger tech users would probably be more familiar with the symbol as representing sassiness or sarcasm due to the resemblance of somebody who has just flipped their hair smugly over their shoulder.

Tea

The symbol for tea might be very familiar to people all around the world, but this emoji actually has a second meaning which first appeared among America's black drag community

British readers might be mistaken in thinking there is only one possible way of understanding 'tea'.

However, across different cultures and generations, this simple symbol has taken on a totally different meaning.

To many people, tea now means 'gossip' or truth as in the phrase 'spill the tea' which can mean to tell open up about a secret or tell the truth.

But while the term is now used very widely by many in Gen Z, it actually has its origins in America's black drag queen community.

The term is still used in gay culture but thanks to the popularity of shows like Ru Paul's Drag Race the term has spread widely through social media.

And, as this new meaning caught on, the humble 'tea' emoji also began to take on the same meaning.

Ms Wolf writes: 'Some of the unexpected double meanings that are accelerated on social media might be baffling to older generations who are not up to date with the latest developments on these platforms.'
They've laid dormant at hundreds of hidden sites for nearly 75 years, silently protecting Americans.

Now the nation's nuclear missiles are about to get a $141 billion upgrade that will enable them to launch counter attacks on adversaries like Russia and China.

The plan, called Sentinel, will modernize the US military's 450 silos and construct 3,100 miles of utility corridors and build 62,300-foot communication towers by 2036.

The costs could balloon to more than $300 billion after Sentinel is completed, but officials have stated that the plan 'is essential to national security' and 'are no alternatives' that would lower pricing.

The Pentagon wants to modernize America's Cold War-era intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and the 450 operational launchers hidden across the nation

The DOD has scheduled a Congressional hearing for July 24 that will go over plans to restructure 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) launch facilities and the weapons they house.

These silos are scattered across 40,000 square miles of the northern Midwest, specifically throughout North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

The silos were constructed in the 1950s to store nuclear-armed missiles that could be quickly launched during the Cold War.

But the arsenals and launch facilities have not been updated since.

Dr William LaPlante, who served as the DoD lead for the review, said in a July 8 statement: 'Sentinel is a truly historic program to modernize the land leg of the Triad, and its scale, scope, and complexity are something we haven't attempted as a nation in 60 years.

'Having completed a comprehensive and objective assessment of the program, it is clear that the Sentinel program remains essential to US national security and is the best option to meet the needs of our warfighter.'

The current state of America's nuclear arsenal remains safe, secure, and effective,' the Pentagon review shared.

However, most of the systems are operating beyond their original design life, and there is little or no margin between the end of their effective life and the fielding of their replacements.

The billion-dollar upgrades, according to the review, are necessary to ensure there are now gaps in national security as America's adversaries have poured even more money into ensuring their arsenals are up-to-date.

The ICBMs are scattered across 40,000 square miles of the northern Midwest, specifically throughout North Dakota, Montana (pictured), Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska

These silos are scattered across 40,000 square miles of the northern Midwest, specifically throughout North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska

General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, said: 'We face an evolving and complex security environment marked by two major nuclear powers that are strategic competitors and potential adversaries.

While I have confidence in our legacy systems today, it is imperative that we modernize of our nuclear Triad. A restructured Sentinel program is essential to ensure we remain best postured to address future threats.

Sentinel marks the DOD's largest nuclear weapons project since the end of the Cold War when the US built a triad of ICBMs, SLBMs (Submarine-launched ballistic missiles) and heavy bombers - creating an arsenal of 10,000 nuclear warheads.

The Air Force is expected to start replacing the existing Minuteman III ICBMs in 2030, and while the DOD believes it will cost $141 billion - an 81 percent increase from their 2020 projections - a 2024 taxpayer analysis claimed the real total cost will likely be closer to $315 billion.

The original Minuteman silos were put in place so the US could launch a nuclear attack on Russia or China if the need arose, which would obliterate the entire population but would also serve as a 'nuclear sponge.'

The Air Force is expected to start replacing the existing Minuteman III ICBMs in 2030, and while the DOD believes it will cost $141 billion - an 81 percent increase from their 2020 projections

The 'nuclear sponge' theory is that ICBMs would destroy hundreds of warheads from an adversary like Russia before the country could launch them at the US.

'When I was on the Armed Services Committee staff in the '80s and '90s, I heard about the sponge,' Joseph Cirincione, a former congressional staffer who worked on military reform for almost a decade, told WIRED.

'It's one of the two chief justifications for the ICBM.'

Sentinel's goal is to complicate an adversary's plan to launch an attack on the US to the point that it would discourage the foreign government from attacking.

The response comes as China's arsenal is quickly advancing as the country is on track to possess at least 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030 while Russia has the largest nuclear stockpile of 5,580.

While the plan is crucial to the survival of Americans, experts have warned that this so-called 'doomsday machine' could kill upwards of 300 million people living around the launch sites.

The DOD said in a report earlier this month that 'the Sentinel program is essential to national security' and said there are risks associated with not updating the ballistic missiles.

'If we used the ICBMs it would be the end of human civilization, even without an adversary hitting the US with a single warhead,' said Cirincione.

However, speaking about how many deaths the ICBMs could cause, Princeton University's lead researcher Sebastien Philippe told WIRED: 'It's not just absorbing a nuclear attack.

'It's like when you pour water on the sponge, and then you press onto it, it's going to spill everywhere. So spill-out from that sponge is massive radioactive fallout across the country,' he continued.

'We're not talking about having cancer in 15, 20, 30 years.

'We're talking about your cells and organs and your body shutting down in days, weeks, or months after the explosion.'

The Air Force revealed in March that nearly 200 missile officers who served at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana which is located near a silo site have been diagnosed with cancer, and at least 23 had non-Hodgkin lymphoma - a blood cancer.

Researchers at Princeton University's program on science and global security studied the ramifications of the 'human and environmental risks associated with the Sentinel missile program'.

They said there are 'catastrophic risks' associated with deploying ICBMs.

The missiles would also generate hazardous waste that could contaminate streams with asbestos, lead-based paint and polychlorinated biphenyls.

These chemicals have been linked to liver and kidney damage, cancer and immune and reproductive issues, according to a Princeton University study.

Experts have warned that if the nuclear missiles were deployed, about 300 million people would be exposed to radioactive material that would shut down the body's cells and organs within a few months in the aftermath of the explosion

Researchers also reported that the US Air Force has found unsafe levels of a possible carcinogen at underground launch control centers in Montana.

Many have opposed the government's plans, including Former Secretary of Defense William Perry warned that the ICBMs should be eliminated in a 2016 New York Times op-ed.

He called the missiles 'some of the most dangerous weapons in the world,' adding that 'they could even trigger an accidental nuclear war' and described a false alarm he experienced when a computer glitch claimed 200 Soviet nuclear missiles were heading toward the US.

The US Air Force released an Environmental Impact Statement in March of last year that claimed land-based missiles and silos 'do not involve nuclear material,' even though each missile will be built carrying a nuclear warhead that has the explosive power equivalent to hundreds of thousand tons of TNT.

'Russia and the United States have already been through one nuclear arms race. We spent trillions of dollars and took incredible risks in a misguided quest for security,' Perry wrote in the op-ed.

He added: 'There is only one way to win an arms race: refuse to run.'

A Pentagon spokesperson declined DailyMail.com's request for comment on the claims and said 'further information will be made available as the restructuring for the program moves forward.'
READ MORE: What's your food waste style? Households fit into three categories

With around 9.5 million tonnes of food wasted in the UK alone, there's no doubt we need to get better at eating up our leftovers.

Letting good food rot is not only a tragic waste, but is a source of methane  a powerful greenhouse gas that causes global warming.

Now, scientists in Japan have come up with four tips to reduce the amount of food from your fridge that ends up in the bin.

From storing leftovers in transparent containers to even apologizing to your food, here's how to save the edible remnants in your refrigerator.

So, would you try them?

Scientists in Japan have come up with four tips to reduce the amount of food from your fridge that ends up in the bin

1. TOP TO BOTTOM

Often when we open our fridge we're presented with a disorderly chaos of containers, foil wrappers and half-finished jars.

Very few of us store items based on age, meaning the remains from last night's dinner are sat next to the veg from last weekend's roast.

Kohei Watanabe and Tomoko Okayama, waste management scientists at Teikyo University in Tokyo, suggest a simple rule  putting the items that are closest to expiring on the very top shelf.

So when we open our fridge we should automatically pick something from the top  as these are the items that need eating up sooner.

Fresher items, meanwhile, get stored at the bottom, although this system of course requires spending time continually moving items upwards as they get older.

If your fridge is a disorderly mess like this, Japanese scientists suggest some tactics to restore order and reduce waste

2. TRANSPARENT CONTAINERS

As the old English proverb goes, 'out of sight, out of mind'.

And this may be why food stored in opaque containers is so much more likely to be forgotten about, according to the researchers.

They advise storing all fridge contents in transparent tubs, as these give us a constant reminder of what's still to be eaten every time we open the door.

'Quite often, the reason food goes bad and gets wasted is because you forget about it in the fridge and find it rotten later,' Watanabe told the BBC.

Clear containers also help us quickly identify what needs to be moved up to the top shelf while accounting for foodstuffs that don't spoil quite as rapidly.

'Fermented foods are still alive, so they don't go bad that easily,' Watanabe added.

Always using transparent containers means food is less likely to be disregarded, left unnoticed or otherwise forgotten about (file photo)

3. APOLOGISE!

Have you ever felt guilty when you've thrown food into the bin?

Well, it may not surprise you that there's a Japanese word for the sense of regret that we get when it comes to wasting resources  'Mottainai'.

Similar to the English saying 'Waste not, want not', the researchers hope Mottainai can play a part in the fight against food waste.

To heighten feelings of Mottainai, they suggest apologizing to our food just before we bin it.

By pretending that our food has feelings or even a conscience, we may be less inclined to give it such a undignified end.

Watanabe and Okayama gave out special stickers depicting two people with their hands clasped together with the message: 'I cannot eat you. I'm so sorry.'

The main applications of compostable plastics include food packaging, bags, cups, plates, cutlery and bio-waste bags (pictured)

They encouraged participants to put one of these stickers on every food item they threw away and to take a moment to consider the sticker's message.

4. RED STICKERS

Colour-coding tubs in the fridge can also help us pritoritise fridge food that we should turn our attention to first.

For example, a helpful traffic light system uses red stickers to denote food that should be eaten urgently, while green stickers are for food with a longer shelf life.

Other factors that lead to food waste are poor meal planning and an obsessive tendency to cook new meals every night rather than eat up leftovers.

Another big one is impulse buying at the supermarket  in other words, purchasing food that we don't actually need.

We should also be aware of the difference between 'best before' and 'use by' dates on food products  a very important distinction.

Even when foods have passed their use by date, if they're low-risk items (such as condiments and cheese) they may still be good to eat, according to Watanabe.

'Smell it, look at it; most things are good for quite a long period after the expiry,' he says.

It's worth bearing in mind the official advice from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), however: 'Eating foods past the use-by dates presents a significant risk of foodborne illnesses to consumers.'
NASA has captured a dark plasma eruption on the sun that has a 60 percent chance of causing blackouts on Earth this week.

The approximately 36,000 degrees-Fahrenheit (F) 'cold' solar flare is approximately one quarter of the temperature of the sun's 'warm' solar flares, which average 144,000 degrees-F and are much better understood by scientists.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alert Monday warning that this dark plasma pulse could lead to 'power grid fluctuations.'

The flare has the potential to disrupt radios, aviation communication and satellite operations when it makes impact by at least Friday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an alert Monday warning that the dark plasma pulse from this 'cold solar flare' could lead to 'power grid fluctuations.' Above an Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) composite image of the sun from Monday, July 22

NASA's video from its Solar Dynamics Observatory showed a dark cloud of the cold solar flare bursting from the sun, creating what looks like black smoke as this cooler-than-average plasma shot northward up the surface of the sun.

So-called 'cold' solar flares  which have only been the subject of serious study by astrophysicists in the past decade  appear to be no less high in microwave radiation than a 'warm' solar flare.

These lower temperature solar flares, according to one 2023 study, found that the flares produce 'higher peak frequencies of gyrosynchrotron emission,' the exact form of radiation responsible for a flare's intense and disruptive radio emissions.

NOAA has advised that there's a 60 percent chance of more medium-level or M-class solar flares within the next 24 hours  and a 15 percent chance of a more extreme X-class flare, which could trigger radio blackouts all around the world.

But this recent, 'cold' M-class solar flare erupted from the sunspot region named AR3757 late Sunday.

Specifically, the flare was an M1-class which is on the low end of the ten-point scale within this medium M range.

Solar flares are divided into four lettered categories by their severity: X-class flares are the most intense, followed by M, C, and the weakest, B.

Only X and M flares radiate energy powerful enough to affect Earth, where their electromagnetic pulses can cause communications and electrical disruptions.

In the past 24 hours, at least six M-class solar flares have caused radio disruptions internationally, including one M1 flare that caused radio blackouts in parts of the Western Hemisphere, and three in Asia.

The largest of these was an M3.2-class flare that led to a radio blackout in the Pacific late Sunday, according to University of Athens Space Weather Forecasting Center.

Experts have warned that Earth is set to weather increasingly more severe solar storms over the next year.

NOAA also advised that there's a 60-percent chance of more medium-level or M-class solar flares within the next 24 hours - and a 15-percent chance of a more extreme X-class flare, which could trigger radio blackouts around the world. Above a July 22 AIA image of the sun

Smithsonian astrophysicist Dr Jonathan McDowell told DailyMail.com in May that the sun has not yet reached its 'solar maximum,' the most energetic point of its recurring, 11-year solar cycle, in which greater turbulence raises its energy output.

That 'maximum' will finally come in the heat of the summer next year: July 2025.

'We could easily get much bigger storms over the next year or two,' Dr McDowell, who works with the Smithsonian and Harvard's Center for Astrophysics explained.

'It's definitely a scary time for satellite operators,' he added.

'This is the time when you get the most sunspots, and they start getting larger,' Dean Pesnell, project Scientist at NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, agreed.

But, 'as AR3738 rotates out of view, the sun may settle down quite a bit,' for a couple days to a week, Pesnell told DailyMail.com earlier this July.

At 2019's 'solar minimum,' the number of visible sunspots on the sun's surface was effectively zero, but at the coming maximum in July 2025, the US National Space Weather Prediction Center has estimated that there could be up to 115 sunspots.

These magnetically dense areas of turbulence on the solar surface produce solar flares and more powerful 'coronal mass ejection' (CME) eruptions of plasma.

While the 11-year solar cycle only raises the total radiation coming out of the sun a deceptively small 0.1 percent, that excess is very concentrated in sunspot activity.

Last May, these increases to the 173,000 terawatts (trillions of watts) of solar energy that continuously hit Earth disrupted farmers 'global positioning system' (GPS) satellites and stalled planting equipment across the US Midwest.

'I've never dealt with anything like this,' Patrick O'Connor, who owns a farm roughly a 90-minute drive south Minneapolis, told the New York Times.

Right now the only predictive method space weather experts have for forecasting when a major solar storm is likely to strike is following the path of sunspots.

'If you watch the sunspot going around the sun, what we call an "active area,"' Dr McDowell said in May, '"Oh, I'm seeing that sunspot, and it's going to be facing the Earth in two days." So, if it happens to burp, then then we could be in trouble.'

'So, there's a certain level of forecasting possible,' he added. 'We're working on improving that.'
Fascinating photos reveal how there was once a beach in New York City, which city dwellers and tourists alike enjoyed for six years before it was developed.

The stretch of sand, which came to existence in the 1970s and was known as Battery Park Beach, neared the tip of Manhattan with the Twin Towers looming in the background.

Suellen Epstein, who lived in the Tribeca neighborhood at the time, told the Tribeca Citizen that she spent many weekends at the beach with her then boyfriend and it was great for those who couldn't afford to travel further afield.

She explained: 'We didn't have resources to go out to the Hamptons.

'We were out there on the beach any sunny Sunday - as long as it wasn't wet... You felt like you were not in the city - like it was the Manhattan countryside.'

The stretch of sand, which came to existence in the 1970s and was known as Battery Park Beach, neared the tip of Manhattan

One black and white photo snapped on September 23, 1979, shows how the beach was used to stage an anti-nuclear power rally and concert

According to a piece in The New York Times, the beach was actually 'acres and acres of landfill' and not intended for public use

The New Yorker noted that it 'wasn't the most luxurious sand,' with a 'gritty' texture.

One black and white photo, snapped on September 23, 1979, shows how the beach was used to stage an anti-nuclear power rally and concert, with hundreds of revelers sat in the sand.

According to a piece in The New York Times, the beach was actually 'acres and acres of landfill' and not intended for public use.

But with a delay on construction plans, Manhattanites came to clam the sandy wasteland as their own space to play with.

Some areas were fenced off but the majority was open to explore.

Reminiscing about the sprawling site, another New York resident, environmental graphic designer David Vanden-Eynden, told The New York Times: 'There was nothing there yet and there were spectacular views of the towers and across the river.'

Detailing what happened to the beach, the same article explains: 'The first wave of settlers wouldn't arrive in Battery Park City until the early '80s.

'By 2000, nearly all of the former landfill had been developed.

British performance and fashion group Shock on the sands of Battery Park Beach in 1981

Musicians Avis Davis (left) and Joy Ryder at the beach for one of the No Nukes: MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) Concerts in 1979

'By 2000, nearly all of the former landfill had been developed,' a New York Times article explains. Above the a shot of the beach with the Twin Towers behind in 1973

'Shortly afterward, of course, the Twin Towers fell and residents were suddenly refugees.'

Several Times photographers were sent out on assignment to capture photos of the beach and some images shared to Reddit have garnered dozens of comments.

Many commenters have deemed the scenes 'wild' and 'surreal.'

Another Redditor mused: 'I love these photos so much.

'I remember seeing these for the first time, and as a teenager born and raised in NYC my mind being blown that anything remotely like a beach ever existed in Manhattan.'
READ MORE: Fascinating photos show how Benidorm has changed since 1960s

Tourists took to Reddit to reveal which spots live up to their billing

Social media influencers beam the worlds biggest, most interesting and prettiest destinations into living rooms around the globe with their videos and photos.

But sadly, reality doesnt always live up to those Instagram, YouTube and TikTok posts - as a recent thread on Reddit highlights.

Tourists have taken to the site to share the destinations that didnt match the hashtag hype.

And the ones that did.

Reddit user Amphotoxic kicked off the discussion by asking: What travel destination is nothing like its portrayed on social media?

A Reddit user says Japan's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is 'much smaller and more crowded than it's often portrayed'

Plymouth Rock is described as 'literally just a small rock' by one disappointed Reddit user

The places that DONT live up to social media hype

Baffled by bamboo

Japans Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto has attracted more than 110,000 tags on Instagram, but for many travellers it doesnt live up to the photo billing. Existencefaqs says: Bamboo forest in Kyoto is much smaller and more crowded than its often portrayed. SnoNight adds: Went there before sunrise and was surprised it was just a path of bamboo near some peoples houses.

Tormented by Times Square, New York

Redditor 'bedpeace' complained: 'It's tiny and much less impressive than it looks in film or in photos. Just a couple blocks filled with giant screens and advertisements.

Plymouth Rock - doesn't rock

The USAs Plymouth Rock, in Massachusetts, might have huge historic significance as the site of the Mayflower landing, but it doesnt rock - at least according to many of the commenters.

Possible_Implement86 says: Its literally just a small rock! I was very disappointed. Theretherekadooze says: I was shocked that it was a literal rock and that day my belief that history was properly recorded was shattered.

'JBookie87 jokes that the Rock has been disappointing school kids for generations.

Mystified by Mykonos

'Good luck getting through all the people,' said 'rockdude625'.

Cancun - full of seaweed

One tourist complained that social media photos of Cancun 'never show the seaweed'

One traveller slammed Bali as the worst place they'd been to, adding that the 'beaches are filthy'

Pena Palace has been described by one traveller as 'the biggest waste of time'

Cancun in Mexico has more than nine million Instagram tags, many featuring the resorts beaches. But one traveller, witz93, was left feeling disappointed, saying: They never show the seaweed on social media. Another person adds: The seaweed is not nearly the worst part of Cancun. The s****y drunk tourists, for one, are just terrible.

Baulking at Bali

From its treetop bedrooms to infinity pools, Bali is supposedly an influencers dream - one that been tagged over nine million times on Instagram.

But tourist tricorn, says: I just came back from Bali earlier this month. It was one of the worst places Ive been to. The beaches are filthy.

Another person agrees, saying Bali was the most disappointing place I have been to after they expected to see a tropical paradise.

Peeved by Pisa

'Ive loved everywhere in Italy Ive been, except Pisa. What a waste of a day,' said one Redditor

'Most disappointing place I ever visited was Pisa,' said 'Live_Studio_Emu. 'Get off the train and walk down a street which is full of tourist stores and eventually you get to the tower, which is fine enough, but absolutely packed with people doing the "holding it up" photo. It felt way too Disneyland for me. Ive loved everywhere in Italy Ive been, except Pisa. What a waste of a day.'

Pena Palace pessimism

Portugals Pena Palaces colourful exteriors are a popular Instagram backdrop, but the castle wasnt quite as beautiful up close for one tourist, who says the paint was falling off and kind of covered in black mould, while another describes it as the biggest waste of time.

The places that DO live up to social media hype

Dont unfollow all the influencers yet. Some destinations truly do live up to their social media hype.

Lake Tahoe is even bigger and more beautiful in person, according to one Reddit user

Puerto Rico has 'stunning' mountains says one traveller, while another tourist says 'it's the most beautiful territory in the USA'

Love for Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is even bigger and more beautiful in person, according to Reddit user Johnbgt.

Another person adds: Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning mountain lakes ever. And Ive seen a lot. Jaw dropper bucket list.

Purring over Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico also gets the nod of approval, with one tourist saying: [Its] stunning, especially the central mountains, and the people are incredibly warm and friendly. Another person agrees, adding: Its the most beautiful territory in the USA and so is the culture.

'Photos don't do justice' to Croatia's Plitvice Lakes, according to one Reddit user, who says it's one of the 'most beautiful places I've ever seen'

South Americas Iguazu Falls look way more spectacular in person

Taiwan is as good as the pictures, with one traveller saying its one of the most beautiful countries

Cooing over Croatia

The waterfalls at Croatias Plitvice Lakes have been tagged more than 415,000 times on Instagram, but all those pictures cant capture its beauty according to macshady, who says: No photos do it justice. Top 3 most beautiful places Ive ever seen.

Another user agrees, saying: Ive never seen water like Plitvice. Place looks like its straight out of Avatar.

Gushing over Iguazu Falls

South Americas Iguazu Falls also look way more spectacular in person, according to one Redditor. Another person says: One hundred per cent. Even professional photography doesnt come anywhere near the look. And thats not including the rest of the senses.

Tantalised by Taiwan

Taiwan is also as good as the pictures, it turns out, with one user saying its one of the most beautiful countries, while another praises its gorgeous waterfalls and mountains.
Bella Hadid has hired a legal team in the wake of her retracted Adidas SL72 sneaker campaign after she was dropped from the ad following backlash, a source familiar with the situation told DailyMail.com.

Last week Adidas dropped vocal pro-Palestinian model Bella, 27, from an advertising campaign for retro trainers referencing the 1972 Munich Olympics, which were overshadowed by the massacre of Israeli athletes.

Hadid has procured legal counsel in the aftermath of the controversy, citing the brand's lack of accountability for its role in the backlash.

Adidas recently relaunched the SL72, a sneaker first showcased by athletes at the 1972 games, as part of a series reviving its classics.

Bella is still under contract with the company and Adidas has apologized, insisting it never meant to reference the tragedy and announcing plans to revise the advertisement.

Bella Hadid, 27, has hired a legal team in the wake of her retracted Adidas SL72 sneaker campaign, which sparked fury from fans; the model pictured in May in France

Bella announced the campaign with a social media post in mid July

A source told TMZ Bella is troubled that Adidas would release a campaign that would connect someone to a tragedy such as the Munich Massacre; and a source also told Us Weekly that 'violence is not consistent with Bellas views.'

Eleven Israeli athletes and a German police officer were killed at the 1972 Munich Games after gunmen from Black September broke into the Olympic village and took them hostage.

Hadid, who was born in the US and is the daughter of Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, has long been vocal about her support for Palestinian rights.

On July 19, Adidas said it would be 'revising the remainder of the campaign' with immediate effect, without specifying how.

'We are conscious that connections have been made to tragic historical events - though these are completely unintentional - and we apologise for any upset or distress caused,' the company said in a statement.

The explanation continued: 'As a result we are revising the remainder of the campaign. We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to champion diversity and equality in everything we do.'

Pictures of the model wearing the red, retro Adidas footwear prompted an outcry among pro-Israeli groups.

On Sunday morning, the Adidas Originals Instagram account posted a statement in reference to the uproar via the app's Stories feature.

The company apologized to Hadid and several other partners for 'any negative impact' they may have incurred.

It began: 'Connections continue to be made to the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Munich Olympics due to our recent SL72 campaign.'

Last week the German sportswear brand removed its ad, which starred 27-year-old Bella and referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics, after fans took to social media to voice their anger in reference to the murders of 11 Israeli athletes

The campaign rollout was marked with a celebration in New York City on July 11

On Sunday morning the Adidas Originals Instagram account posted a statement in reference to the uproar via the app's Stories feature

The message went on to say, 'These connections are not meant and we apologise for any upset or distress caused to communities around the world.

'We made an unintentional mistake.

'We also apologize to our partners, Bella Hadid, A$AP Nast, Jules Kounde, and others, for any negative impact on them and we are revising the campaign.'
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh's attorney has made a new statement about her 'significant decision' to drop her father's last name.

The 18-year-old  who is one of the former couple's six kids  filed for the name change on her birthday this year, May 27. It was publicly announced with a legal notice in the Los Angeles Times.

Regarding the public name change, in a statement on behalf of the teen, Shiloh's lawyer, Peter Levine, shared that she 'made an independent and significant decision following painful events,' adding that she was 'merely following legal process' when publishing the information.

'Shiloh Jolie did not take out an "ad" announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate,' Levine clarified, per People.

'As Shiloh's attorney, I am required to publish a legal notice because the law in California requires that of anyone who wants to change their name. That legal notice was published in the Los Angeles Times, as is required.'

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh's, 18, attorney has made a new statement about her 'significant decision' to drop her father's last name; Shiloh pictured in 2021

Shiloh filed for the name change on her birthday this year, May 27. It was publicly announced with a legal notice in the Los Angeles Times; Brad pictured July 19 in Budapest

In addition to Shiloh, the exes share sons Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, daughter Zahara, 19, and fraternal twins Vivienne and Knox, 16.

Zahara and Vivienne have also dropped Pitt from their monikers, though it's unclear if Vivienne has made the change legally.

Pitt has 'virtually no contact' with his older children according to a recent report.

One month after Shiloh filed to drop his last name, a source revealed to People that Pitt's relationship with his older kids remains strained.

'He has virtually no contact with the adult kids. His engagement with the younger kids is more limited in recent months because of his filming schedule,' the insider shared.

Angelina filed for divorce from the actor in 2019 after five years of marriage.

The union ended on a contentious note and their children appear to have taken sides.

The two filmmakers have been locked in a bitter battle over their French vineyard and home after the Tomb Raider star sold her $64 million stake to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler in 2021.

Shiloh's lawyer, Peter Levine, said she made the decision 'following painful events' in a new statement to People; pictured with her mother in 2021

Shiloh now only uses his mother's surname, Jolie; Angelina pictured with five of her six children in October 2021; L-R Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina, Vivienne, Maddox, and Knox

The estranged couple met in 2004 and married in 2014. Angelina filed for divorce from the actor in 2019 after five years of marriage; pictured in 2009

They later entered into an acrimonious back-and-forth over NDA's, which have become a key point in their fight.

Jolie is now asking Pitt to 'end the fighting' and drop the lawsuit against her to allow their family to 'heal.'

But sources told DailyMail.com that the Fight Club star 'has no intention' of dropping it, alleging that Jolie only made the plea after realizing that she does not have as strong a case as she previously thought.

'Brad is not going to drop this lawsuit  why would he? This was a very standard business dispute but unfortunately, Angelina has consistently introduced personal elements that are meant for a divorce court,' a person close to the situation revealed.
Nadia Bartel says she is proud of her Dancing With The Stars journey, despite an unexpected and premature end on Sunday night.

The fashion influencer opened up about her experience in an interview with The Herald Sun, reflecting on the highs and lows of her time on the show.

Nadia, who admitted to suffering from stage fright during her first performance, managed to find her stride in her second routine before her surprise elimination.

'I was in a good head space and literally just before I went on I got so nervous,' she said.

The former WAG explained how she attempted to prepare herself mentally for her second dance.

'I was trying to gear myself up for not having that feeling again but when you've got to stand there for a minute before you perform, I found those moments really hard. I definitely handled it better the second time and I enjoyed it for what I had to do.'

Although she is disappointed by her early exit, Nadia said she chose to focus on the positive aspects of her experience.

'I was so looking forward to learning to dance so it's not the best feeling but I'm looking at all the positives,' she said.

Nadia Bartel says she is proud of her Dancing With The Stars journey, despite an unexpected and premature end on Sunday night

The fashion influencer opened up about her experience in an interview with The Herald Sun , reflecting on the highs and lows of her time on the show

With her time on the dancefloor now behind her, Nadia is turning her attention back to her business ventures.

The founder of the fashion label Henne is focusing on expanding her brand, with new stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and plans for a third store likely in Melbourne.

The ex-WAG found herself in the bottom two couples alongside AFL bad boy Ben Cousins, and were forced to go head to head in a nail-biting dance off.

Nadia was sent packing on Dancing With The Stars after her tango was labeled 'messy' and 'sloppy'. Pictured alongside partner Lyu Masuda

The judges opted to save Cousins on the night as he 'had the most potential for growth', according to veteran judge Mark Wilson.

Nadia appeared heartbroken by the decision, but was graceful in defeat.

'I just love doing hard things - and this has been hard for me,' said a crestfallen Nadia, standing alongside partner Lyu Masuda.

'It's been so great, and I've had an incredible dance partner,' she went on.

'It's been nice to try something new - it's been fun'.

Earlier in the show, Nadia left a lot to be desired when she took to the floor to perform a tango with partner Lyu Masuda.

'It was very, very weak. It was very messy,' commented judge Craig Revel Horwood, before adding, 'It lacked any drama or passion.'

Judge Sharna Burgess soon echoed his sentiment, labelling the performance 'sloppy'.

'I think you need to start with just some strength and tone in your body. Really start from your core and be able to put that strength and tone through all of your muscles,' Sharna advised.

'Without that, all these details that you work on get lost, and it starts to look... sloppy.

'And you don't want that, you're not working for sloppy. I see how hard you're working,' Sharna added.

It comes one week after the judge's savaged Nadia's cha-cha.

The judges opted to save Ben Cousins on the night, as he 'had the most potential for growth', according to veteran judge Mark Wilson

'It was out of time. It lacked dynamic. The hip and leg action was not there in the slightest, so it didn't look like a cha-cha,' said Craig.

'For me it was very pedestrian, like you were literally walking the streets, stomping. You did sell it, with the hair flicks,' he added.

The audience booed the judge's comments, to which he snapped, 'Oh shut up!'

Judge Sharna Burgess chimed in, saying she liked Nadia's 'sexy strut' but admitted she had work to do.
Zooey Deschanel attended the premiere of her upcoming movie Harold and the Purple Crayon in theme.

The New Girl star, 44, wore a purple patterned tank dress with blue accents with purple Calzedonia tights, black ballet flats and a lavender purse.

Zooey  who recently showed off her engagement ring in a sexy red dress  wore her dark hair in a low ponytail with full bangs across her forehead.

Co-star Zachary Levi, who plays Harold in the film, also leaned into the purple theme with a lavender shirt, tan pants and an off-white blazer.

The two actors bring the classic 1955 children's book by Crockett Johnson to life in the movie adaptation debuting in theaters on August 2.

Zooey Deschanel attended the premiere of her upcoming movie Harold and the Purple Crayon in theme

The New Girl star, 44, wore a purple patterned tank dress with blue accents with purple tights, black ballet flats and a lavender purse

The logline for the film reads: 'Inside of his book, adventurous Harold can make anything come to life simply by drawing it.

'After he grows up and draws himself off the book's pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life.'

Zooey plays Harold's co-worker Terry and the ensemble cast also includes Lil Rel Howery as Moose, Benjamin Bottani as Mel, Jemaine Clement as Gary, and Tanya Reynolds as Porcupine.

Alfred Molina lends his voice as the Narrator of the fantasy-adventure.

The movie was directed by Carlos Saldanha, who previously helmed the Ice Age movies as well as Rio and Ferdinand.

The film has been in development since 1992. Back then Henry Selick was attached to direct, but he left the Harold project in favor of directing James and the Giant Peach.

Spike Jonze was then brought in to help a hybrid live action - animation version of the film that stalled when he left the project two weeks before filming was scheduled to begin.

The current iteration of the project has been in development at Sony since 2010.

She accentuated her features with delicate glam

Zooey brings the classic 1955 children's book by Crockett Johnson to life in the movie adaptation debuting in theaters on August 2

The logline for the film reads: 'Inside of his book, adventurous Harold can make anything come to life simply by drawing it'

Zooey wore her dark hair in a low ponytail with full bangs across her forehead

Zooey plays Harold's co-worker Terry and the ensemble cast also includes Lil Rel Howery as Moose, Benjamin Bottani as Mel, Jemaine Clement as Gary, and Tanya Reynolds as Porcupine

Co-star Zachary Levi , who plays Harold in the film, also leaned into the purple theme with a lavender shirt, tan pants and an off-white blazer

Zooey got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, HGTV star Jonathan Scott last year.

He popped the question while on vacation in Scotland and got Zooey's two kids, Elsie, nine, and Charlie, seven, whom she shares with ex-husband film producer Jacob Pechenik, involved.

'We went up to this beautiful bluff overlooking the city, and this pipe band is playing. And then all of a sudden a guitar steps forward and started playing Neil Young, our song, Harvest Moon, and she's like, "Wait, what?"'

The media figure then stated that Deschanel's daughter and son 'pulled up a banner that said, "Will you marry me?"'
Married At First Sight star Tori Adams has addressed backlash she has received over her recent appearance.

The 28-year-old hit back at trolls who criticised her for undergoing cosmetic procedures after she posted a sultry selfie on Sunday night.

Tori said she was disappointed at the numerous nasty messages she's received regarding her latest post.

'Okay, guys, I really contemplated whether or not to do this, but I've never received so many messages, so many DMs about something before,' she said.

'So my latest post there is a lot of talk about ''what have you done to your face? You used to be so naturally beautiful. It's such a shame. You look so different. What have you done?'' You were such a role model to younger women who hadn't had any work and really normalising that, you know, natural is, is where it's at.'

Tori said she has always been honest with her followers about her use of injectables.

'I've never once claimed to be a natural beauty. I've always said, Botox and filler is something that I get. I used to get it before MAFS. As soon as I came off MAFS, I went and got everything freshened up. And recently when I was in Melbourne, I got freshened up again.'

Married At First Sight star Tori Adams has addressed backlash she has received over her recent appearance

The 28-year-old hit back at trolls who criticised her for undergoing cosmetic procedures after she posted a sultry selfie on Sunday night

She said she was also wearing a full face of makeup and used a rim light in the photo she was criticised over.

'That photo, I have a face full of makeup on, there is a light in front of me, I'm pouting, there's so many elements, I've got a dark lip liner on, someone said my cheeks have been overfilled, there is not an ounce of filler in my cheeks, I think I'm just lucky to have naturally plump cheeks,' she explained.

Tori added she also invests heavily in her skincare routine and other beauty practices.

'You need to keep in mind that I also do have a skincare routine. The Botox absolutely assists, but there are a lot of other factors,' she added.

Tori's rant comes just weeks after she and her super villain groom Jack Dunkley gave fans an update on their romance.

Personal trainer Jack, 34, recently took to Instagram to confirm he and Tori were going stronger than ever as he shared a montage of their recent activities together.

Tori's rant comes just weeks after she and her super villain groom Jack Dunkley gave fans an update on their romance

In the video, the couple looked as loved-up as ever as they held hands and posed for cosy selfies as well as enjoying fun days out with former MAFS stars.

Jack also shared videos of them working out in the gym together, as well as glamorous shots of Tori ready for a night out on the town.

In an accompanying caption, he said of their romance: 'Sharing life is always better.'
Maya Jama put on a busty display as she hosted Love Island: Aftersun on Sunday.

The TV presenter, 29, opened the Love Island spin-off by strutting into the London studios in the daring see-through outfit, just days after announcing her split from rapper Stormzy.

At the top of the spin-off of the ITV2 dating show, Maya was cheered on by the studio audience and she was in good spirits.

The brunette beauty welcomed the viewers to the progamme with enthusiasm and then introduced the guests for the night.

These included former stars Molly Marsh and Zach Nobel, recent evictees Lolly and Hart and Konnor Ewudzi but Maya almost forgot to introduce one special guest.

Maya Jama put on a busty display as she hosted Love Island: Aftersun on Sunday just days ahead of the final

The TV presenter, 29, opened the Love Island spin-off by strutting into the London studios in the daring see-through outfit, just days after announcing her split from rapper Stormzy

She said: 'Oh, and my mum's in the audience tonight as well. I nearly forgot that!' as the pair exchanged a wave.

Sunday night's edition of the late night chat show was the last one to come from London.

As the ITV2 dating show reaches the final next week , Aftersun will be taking place live from the villa in Mallorca.

Just hours before going live, Maya shared a snap of the set and wrote: 'Final aftersun in London tonight & then we're doing it live from Mallorca before the final finallll'(sic)

The former Celebrity Juice star then shared a picture of flowers and a card that had been sent to her dressing room.

The card congratulated Maya on her rise in the media industry and wished her every success in the future.

In one cheeky post before going live, Maya gave viewers a sneak preview of her outfit as she wiggled in a sultry manner while posing in a mirror.

Maya looked nothing short of sensational in the daring number which showed off her incredible figure

Maya was greeted with rapturous applause by her studio audience as she arrived to host the Love Island spin-off

The former Celebrity Juice star then shared a picture of flowers and a card that had been sent to her dressing room

Just hours before going live, Maya shared a snap of the set and wrote: 'Final aftersun in London tonight & then we're doing it live from Mallorca before the final finallll'(sic)

In one cheeky post before going live, Maya gave viewers a sneak preview of her outfit as she wiggled in a sultry manner while posing in a mirror

Maya confirmed in an Instagram statement on Wednesday that the pair have once again called it quits, admitting they had been trying for a year 'to make it work'

On Wednesday, Maya and Stormzy took to their Instagram Story to announce their split.

Their joint statement read: 'We've been laughing whilst drafting this because we never, ever, in a million years thought we'd be the couple announcing a breakup.

'But for the sake of clarity and, more importantly, to allow us the space and grace that's needed for us both to be able to navigate this next bit of our lives with peace, we thought it might be best to.

'We fell madly in love in 2014, broke up in 2019, and then spent five years manoeuvring life apart.'
Kim Cattrall took to X on Sunday to set the record straight on whether she'll return to Max's And Just like That for season three a week after Life & Style reported there was 'tension' in the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The 67-year-old Golden Globe winner - who boasts 1.6M Instagram/X followers - tweeted: 'Aw that's so kind but I'm not.'

Kim's brief return as London-based PR mogul Samantha Jones was definitely the highlight of the second season even if it was only to apologize to her former BFF/client Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) via cell phone for not making it to her apartment farewell dinner.

Cattrall was reportedly paid an eye-popping $1M to reprise her role for the 70-second cameo in the finale - titled 'The Last Supper Part Two: Entree' - which was negotiated directly by Max chairman-CEO Casey Bloys.

In the HBO series - which spanned 1998-2004 - Samantha was the most sexed yet the least judgmental of Carrie's friends - even after her affair with then-married Mr. Big (Chris Noth).

Kim Cattrall took to X on Sunday to set the record straight on whether she'll return to Max's And Just like That for season three a week after Life & Style reported there was 'tension' in the behind-the-scenes negotiations

The 67-year-old Golden Globe winner - who boasts 1.6M Instagram/X followers - tweeted: 'Aw that's so kind but I'm not'

Who could forget the touching scene when Jones spoonfed soup to a despondent Bradshaw on her Mexican honeymoon (sans her flaky groom) in the 2008 flick Sex and the City: The Movie?

But there was clearly bad blood between the 'Liverpool-born, Canadian-bred New Yorker' and the 59-year-old Emmy winner, which exploded on Instagram in 2018 when she accused Sarah of expressing faux concern over the death of her brother Chris.

'Everything is on Google, so I encourage you to Google it, about anything that I've said [about her],' Kim told the Los Angeles Times in 2020.

'I feel that that was then, and when I look at what's going on around me, I just don't have any regrets.'

Parker denied ever having a feud with her Cattrall over their six seasons of Sex and the City and two films.

'I think we both felt like it had taken on a life and it didn't matter how many people denied it,' the former child star lamented on The Howard Stern Show in 2016.

'These were my sisters. These were people that I grew to love and admire. And was every day perfect? Were people always desperately, hopelessly in love with each other? No but this is a family of people who needed each other, relied upon each other, and loved each other. And this sort of narrative, this ongoing cat fight, it really used to upset me for a very long time.'

Instead, fans can expect new AJLT cast members next year like Logan Marshall-Green, Jonathan Cake, John Corbett, Rosie O'Donnell, Jenifer Lewis, Cheri Oteri, and Mehcad Brooks.

Kim's brief return as London-based PR mogul Samantha Jones was definitely the highlight of the second season even if it was only to apologize to her former BFF/client Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) via cell phone for not making it to her apartment farewell dinner

Kim's brief return as London-based PR mogul Samantha Jones was definitely the highlight of the second season even if it was only to apologize to her former BFF/client Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) via cell phone for not making it to her apartment farewell dinner

In the HBO series - which spanned 1998-2004 - Samantha was the most sexed yet the least judgmental of Carrie's friends - even after her affair with then-married Mr. Big (Chris Noth)

Who could forget the touching scene when Jones spoonfed soup to a despondent Bradshaw on her Mexican honeymoon (sans her flaky groom) in the 2008 flick Sex and the City: The Movie?

But there was clearly bad blood between the 'Liverpool-born, Canadian-bred New Yorker' and the 59-year-old Emmy winner, which exploded on Instagram in 2018 when she accused Sarah of expressing faux concern over the death of her brother Chris

SCRAPS AND THE CITY: HOW DID KIM AND SARAH'S FEUD BEGIN? May 2008: SJP defended Kim when she was asked whether she supported her decision to delay the filming of the first SATC movie due to salary disputes December 2009: Kim and Cynthia Nixon attend SJP's premier for Did You Hear About The Morgans? in a show of support and SJP tells Elle that she wouldn't have done the SATC film without Kim January 2010: In an interview with the Mail, Kim expressed her exasperation over the never-ending feud rumours saying 'People don't want to believe that we get on' May 2010: Kim admits that 'sometimes feelings get hurt' during grueling filming hours due to the amount of time the women spent together August 2016: SJP wishes Kim a happy 60th birthday and addresses her as her 'old friend' October 2016: Kim once again defends feud rumours but admits not every day working together is easy or perfect September 2017: SJP confirmed a third SATC movie... and then announced it was happening Willie Garson, who played Carrie's BFF Stan tweeted, 'Disappointed for all crew holding on for negotiations to conclude for their jobs, and of course, for the fans. Leave it at that. #Truth.' October 2017: Kim Tells Piers Morgan that SJP 'could have been nicer' about the SATC 3 demise February 2018: Kim blasts 'cruel' SJP and says she is not a friend nor family to her Advertisement

On Saturday, the five-time Emmy nominee shared a swimsuit-clad video of herself cooling off in a pool and enjoying a curb-side meal in a post captioned: 'Summertime'

Kim has been enjoying a career hiatus since last fall when her Netflix series Glamorous and Hulu sitcom How I Met Your Father were both canceled (pictured July 3)

Since 2016, thrice-divorced Cattrall has been inseparable from her British beau - former BBC staffer Russell Thomas (R) - who's reportedly 14 years her junior

On Saturday, the five-time Emmy nominee shared a swimsuit-clad video of herself cooling off in a pool and enjoying a curb-side meal in a post captioned: 'Summertime.'

Kim has been enjoying a career hiatus since last fall when her Netflix series Glamorous and Hulu sitcom How I Met Your Father were both canceled.

Since 2016, thrice-divorced Cattrall has been inseparable from her British beau - former BBC staffer Russell Thomas - who's reportedly 14 years her junior.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - A UN convoy has been hit by heavy shooting from Israeli forces at a checkpoint while en route to Gaza city, the United Nations agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Monday
Robert Irwin has defended his close relationship with his family.

The 20-year-old zookeeper and TV host hit back at claims his mother Terri was a 'helicopter parent' and that it was 'creepy' they spend so much time together.

Robert said he enjoyed an extremely close bond with his clan following the loss of his famous dad Steve Irwin.

Steve died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.

Robert was just two years and nine months old at the time, while his sister Bindi was eight.

'I think loss brings a family together like nothing else... people forget [that],' Robert said during an interview on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday.

'I think when we lost dad, our little tight-knit family unit became incredibly tight. And we travel with the whole family everywhere most of the time. It's nice.'

Robert's close relationship with his mother Terri, 60, has been met with a backlash from fans who think the pair are 'joined at the hip'.

Robert Irwin has defended his close relationship with his family

Terri is often seen with Robert at red carpet events and her public appearances with the popular celebrity conservationist have increased since Robert's shock split from girlfriend Rorie Buckey in February.

Reports later emerged that Terri's opinions of the relationship may have contributed to the break-up.

She also accompanied Robert to South Africa and was on set while he filmed I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! this year. Robert also invited Bindi and his two-year-old niece Grace Warier to join him while filming.

The 20-year-old zookeeper and TV host hit back at claims his mother Terri was a 'helicopter parent' and it was 'creepy' they spend so much time together

Back in April, a producer for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! expressed concerns for Robert and his ever-present mother.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at the time, the anonymous producer admitted that Terri's presence on set every day was 'a little creepy', saying: 'It is giving "bringing your-mum-to-school-camp" vibes.'

Terri, who has been in charge of Robert and his big sister Bindi's showbiz careers since the death of Steve, apparently kept a close eye on everything Robert did while working on the program.

Robert said he enjoyed an extremely close bond with his family following the loss of his famous dad Steve Irwin. Pictured: Robert on the red carpet with sister Bindi, 25, and his mum, Terri, 60, in May

'The two have an excellent relationship and Terri couldn't be nicer but there are not many situations where employees will have their mum at work with them, just to make sure everything is above board,' the insider said.

'The rumour on set is that Robert has been withholding information from his mum on his dating life, which is pretty standard for most 20-year-old boys,' the source spilled, claiming that 'cracks will continue to appear' if Terri continues to get involved in his love life.

Terri's parenting tactics continued to raise questions among Robert's fans when the pair posed together in multiple images shared to Instagram during their travels overseas in May.

In two of the photos, Terri and her son were pictured beaming for the camera, and some detractors complained the pair are frequently seen together.

'Is Robert and his mother joined at the hip. She is in every pic you see of him,' one person wrote in the comments while another said: 'He's 20 now!'

Last month a TV insider revealed to the Daily Mail Australia that Robert was planning to take to Terri to the 64th annual TV Week Logie Awards on August 18 as his 'special guest'.

Robert split from his girlfriend of two years Rorie Buckey in February. Ever since, his mum's public appearances with the I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! host have increased

It is said producers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which Robert hosts alongside Julia Morris, are concerned having his mother, 59, on his arm could 'land with a massive thud with his core fans'.

'The son of the late Steve Irwin is arguably Australia's most talked about "bachelor" in the TV industry and everyone knows he wouldn't find it hard to pull a date. Which is why his decision seems a little odd,' the insider said.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Robert Irwin and Terri Irwin for comment.
Eamonn Holmes was still wearing his wedding ring as he took on an extra work shift this weekend.

The Irish broadcaster, 64, who usually hosts on a weekday, made a surprise appearance to the Sunday TV schedule as he appeared next to Anne Diamond on GB News.

The presenter shared a picture to his Instagram of the two of them together and captioned the post: 'Called into present extra this morning and what a pleasure it turned out to be with the legend that is Anne Diamond .

'Great response from you on a lot of the subjects we covered. See u in the Morning!'

As he smiled for the camera, he was flooded with support from fans saying the two worked well together and their segment was enjoyable to watch.

Eamonn Holmes made a surprise appearance to the Sunday TV schedule as he appeared next to Anne Diamond on GB News with some fans spotting that he was still wearing his wedding ring

It was announced in May that Eamonn and Ruth Langsford would be going their separate ways following a 27 year relationship and 14 years of marriage

However some eagle eyed fans noticed Eamonn was still wearing his wedding ring on his hand, despite the ongoing divorce with Loose Women presenter and wife Ruth Langsford

Comments included: 'He's still wearing his wedding ring' and 'that's what I was thinking!! Glad somebody noticed apart for myself!!' with another confirming: 'Saw it live this morning, this photo is from then. Noticed the wedding ring earlier this week'.

It was announced the couple were going their separate ways in May following a 27 year relationship and 14 years of marriage.

It comes after Eamonn shared an Instagram post earlier this month saying it's 'hard to stand up but next my aim is to walk' amid his ongoing health struggles.

He attended the TRIC Awards in June, using a zimmer frame to walk as he accepted the accolade for Best Breakfast Show for his morning slot on GB News.

The broadcaster has been suffering with chronic back pain for years but his condition worsened following an unsuccessful operation and he now struggles to walk unaided.

A year after his spinal surgery, Eamonn underwent a spine and neck stretching procedure in September 2023 after admitting he 'couldn't walk'.

Eamonn admitted he 'hadn't recovered' from his back surgery, confessing: 'I can't run, I can't walk, I can't do anything except watch TV and eat.'

He explained: 'I just got problems last year in my back, which I haven't recovered from. It's not good, it's not a good recipe I have to say.'

It has been reported that Eamonn is being consoled amid his split from Ruth by divorcee mother of three, Katie Alexander, 42, who's 22 years his junior.

He has been spending time with the counsellor in recent weeks with sources saying she hopes their closeness can grow into a long-term relationship.

It comes after Eamonn shared an Instagram post saying it's 'hard to stand up but next my aim is to walk' amid his ongoing health struggles

Some eagle eyed fans noticed Eamonn was still wearing his wedding ring on his hand, despite the ongoing divorce with Loose Women presenter and wife Ruth Langsford

Ruth had taken an extended break from presenting Loose Women following the end of her marriage and said the details should remain 'private' (both pictured in 2021)

Ruth shares son Jack, 22, with Eamonn while he has three children Declan, 35, Rebecca, 32, and Niall, 30, from a previous marriage (pictured in 2007)

A source told The Mirror: 'Katie is helping Eamonn through the tough times but doesn't want to be seen as a marriage wrecker.

'The friendship has grown in recent months but Eamonn's marriage has been over for some time.'

Ruth shares son Jack, 22, with Eamonn while he has three children Declan, 35, Rebecca, 32, and Niall, 30, from a previous marriage.

She first appeared on Loose Women 24 years ago but hasn't been on the show as their anchor since April.
John Stamos and his former Full House co-star Dave Coulier took time out to remember their late friend and colleague Bob Saget during an episode of the Full House Rewind podcast.

While they told a number of stories and anecdotes about the comedian and actor during their time on the iconic sitcom, the duo didn't shy away from the emotionally tough subject of death, and in particular, the loss of Bob Saget in January 2022.

'We're still processing the loss of him,' Stamos said with obvious emotion to his voice, for which Coulier, who played Joey Gladstone during Full House' eight season run, responded, 'It's left a huge void in our lives. We dedicated the first episode of Full House Rewind to Bob.'

Stamos, 60, talked about how Saget, who played Danny Tanner on Full House, didn't fully understand or gage the depth of how much people loved and respected him, including friends, family and fans.

'The saddest part for me is that he didn't know how loved he was,' the man behind the Jesse Katsopolis character said of his pal. 'I mean when he died it was like a tsunami of love. I'm not being funny, but I don't even remember a person before Bob getting that much attention when they passed, maybe Princess Diana.'

A sad-sounding John Stamos, 60, reflected back on the life and death of his late friend and former Full House co-star Bob Saget; the two old friends are pictured in April 2016

Stamos continued, 'And that's the sad part because he was very hard on himself, as you know,' before adding, 'And we talk about him being an egomaniac, he wasn't, but he had to puff himself up because he felt so bad about himself.'

The former General Hospital actor again reiterated Saget's ignorance to the love the world had for him.

'He didn't realize how brilliant he was or realize how loved he was,' he shared. 'I'd like to think of him as still up there on stage killing it and people laughing.'

Stamos then recalled the old phrase: 'Tomorrow's never promised,' that Saget used to tell him over the course of their friendship that dates back to 1980s.

'Here's the lesson from him and you know this,' he told Coulier. 'He never left anything on the table. He always said, "I love you. I care about you. I'm proud of you. You're my brother. Tomorrow's never promised folks.'

'I learned from Bob [that] tomorrow's not promised,' Stamos wrote in his memoir If You Would Have Told Me (2023). 'Live every moment to the fullest and tell everybody that you care about them.'

During their podcast chat Stamos recalled a story from Saget's memoir Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles Of A Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian, which originally dropped in May 2014.

'The night [Saget] died, I put on his audio tape and it gave me such comfort. I don't know why. I listened to it every night when I went to sleep.'

'We're still processing the loss of him,' Stamos said with obvious emotion to his voice on the Full House Rewind podcast, for which Dave Coulier responded, 'It's left a huge void in our lives. We dedicated the first episode of Full House Rewind to Bob'

'The saddest part for me is that he didn't know how loved he was,' the man behind the Jesse Katsopolis character said of his pal. 'I mean when he died it was like a tsunami of love'

Coulier, Saget and Stamos starred on the hit sitcom Full House for its eight-season run from 1987 to 1995; they are pictured in season one episode

From there, he began to reminisce about one particular story that he thought maybe he had misheard on the audio version of his memoir.

'One morning I woke up and I was like, "Did he say, in his book, did he say he hit his head and that's how he died?"' he remembered pondering at that time after his death. 'And I'm like, "Nah, that couldn't be." And I went back to it and he talks, as a joke, about, "I would hit my head and call TMZ and [say] I'm dying."'

'He was like that,' Stamos said of his late friend and former colleague who was 65-years-old when he passed away on January 9, 2022.

The beloved comedian and actor was found dead in his room at the Ritz-Carlton in Williamsburg near Orange County, Florida around 4 p.m. ET that fateful day.

He had just performed his stand-up show in Ponte Vedra Beach the previous evening and seemingly had not left his room since going to sleep for the night.

'Here's the lesson from him and you know this,' Stamos told Coulier. 'He never left anything on the table. He always said, "I love you. I care about you. I'm proud of you. You're my brother. Tomorrow's never promised folks'

'It's left a huge void in our lives,' Coulier said of Saget

After revealing he listened to the audio version of Saget's memoir after his death, Stamos remembered how he seemed to predict how he died: 'One morning I woke up and I was like, "Did he say, in his book, did he say he hit his head and that's how he died?"' he remembered pondering. 'And I'm like, "Nah, that couldn't be." And I went back to it and he talks, as a joke, about, "I would hit my head and call TMZ and [say] I'm dying"'

'I learned from Bob [that] tomorrow's not promised,' Stamos wrote in his memoir If You Would Have Told Me (2023). 'Live every moment to the fullest and tell everybody that you care about them'

An autopsy report released a month after his passing found that Saget had suffered blunt head trauma to the back of his head most likely from an unwitnessed fall that set off a subdural hematoma in his sleep.

Stamos was driving with his then five-year-old son Billy when his publicist Matt Polk called to ask if he had heard from the Grammy-nominated comedian after TMZ claimed 'several sources' said he was dead.

Full House co-star Candace Cameron Bure then reached out after receiving a 'weird DM' about his death, and that's when Saget's wife Kelly Rizzo confirmed the tragic news to Stamos in a phone call.

'When I switch callers over to Kelly, all I hear is a wailing scream. I hit the ground in the parking lot and my knees slam down on the asphalt. "Noooooooo!"' the two-time Primetime Emmy nominee wrote in his memoir, If You Would Have Told Me (2023).

The comedian and actor Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles Of A Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian

Saget took to his Instagram page and shared about his last stand-up show in Florida the night before his death and his love of his job in comedy

In his last-ever post on his Instagram page on January 9, 2022, the day of his death, Saget shared some thoughts about his performance in Florida the night before.

'Okay, I loved tonight's show @pontevedra_concerthall in Jacksonville. Really nice audience. Lots of positivity. Happened last night in Orlando last night at the Hard Rock Live too. Very appreciative and fun audiences. Thanks again to @comediantimwilkins for opening. I had no idea I did a two hour set tonight,' he wrote, before dishing about his love of his comedy craft.

'I'm back in comedy like I was when I was 26. I guess I'm finding my new voice and loving every moment of it. Aight, see you in two weeks Jan. 28 & 29 @pbimprov with my brother @therealmikeyoung- And check BobSaget.com for my dates in 2022   Goin everywhere until I get the special shot. And then probably keep going cause Im addicted to this s**t. Peace out.'

Bob Saget, who was a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native, with ties to Norfolk, Virginia and Encino, California, left behind his wife Kelly Rizzo and his three daughters Aubry, 37, Lara, 34, and Jennifer, 31.


Bhad Bhabie and her baby daddy Le Vaughn were seen in a romantic embrace on Saturday outside of the Beverly Hills, California restaurant Avra, in the wake of domestic abuse allegations she made against him.

The 21-year-old star, who is best known for her Cash Me Outside catchphrase, and Le Vaughn were witnessed 'hugging and smooching' by people on TMZ's Celebrity Tour bus, the outlet reported on Sunday.

The eyebrow raising clip comes after she accused him of domestic abuse earlier this month, while sharing harrowing social media posts of the injuries he allegedly caused her.

Bhad Bhabie, who says she has made around $57 million via her efforts on OnlyFans, was back in Southern California after visiting her mother Barbara Bregoli in Florida, according to the outlet.

The outing came a few nights after Bhad Bhabie - whose real name is Danielle Bregoli - shared a video of her and her baby daddy Le Vaughn kissing in passionate makeout session on her stories on July 16.

Bhad Bhabie, 21, and her baby daddy Le Vaughn were seen in a romantic embrace on Saturday outside of the Beverly Hills, California restaurant Avra, in the wake of domestic abuse allegations she made against him

Bhad Bhabie, who is best known for her Cash Me Outside catchphrase, and Le Vaughn were witnessed 'hugging and smooching' by people on TMZ's Celebrity Tour bus

She shared the footage - which had a very close POV of their kissing session - along with the song Coming Clean by Lil Durk.

It appeared thought the video may be a throwback, as Bhad Bhabie shared two selfies right before with a different hair length.

She also shared two busty snaps of herself, even tagging Le Vaughn in one of the images.

Bhad Bhabie had detailed the violence she claims he subjected to her in early July, sharing CCTV footage that allegedly showed him and the physical altercation they had.

In the recent selfies she posted, Bhad Bhabie wore a black corset style top with her tattoos in full view, wearing her red dyed locks back.

The star tagged Le and wrote: 'Lucky you,' adding a four leaf clover.

One week prior, the star posted two images of her face that showed her eye swollen and shut and bruising and swelling around her eyebrow and cheek.

She deleted the images soon after posting them.

Bhad Bhabie shared a video of her and her baby daddy Le Vaughn kissing in passionate makeout session on her stories on July 16

Bhad Bhabie shared the footage - which had a very close POV of their kissing session - along with the song Coming Clean by Lil Durk

She shared a clip - which was dated June 30 - that allegedly showed her being thrown to the ground by a man she identified as Le Vaughn.

Bhad Bhabie shares her daughter Kali Love with Le Vaughn, after they welcomed their first child together this past March.

She wrote: 'This man think he gonna [sic] take my daughter from me! Say whatever you want, [trying to] take my baby is crazy.'

Bhad Bhabie went on to directly address the domestic abuse allegations via her Instagram Stories.

She said that she shared the footage and images to show him 'what he does is wrong' and urged him to 'take accountability' for his actions.

She noted that she wanted him to 'make a real change' and that she loves him 'more than I love myself and it's honestly really sad,' calling it 'real life.'

She added, 'He's going to get the help he needs' and said she that she didn't share it for people to 'attack him,' before deleting the posts soon after.

The rapper also shared a poignant quote on Instagram: 'I used to tolerate a lot because I didnt want to lose people, but now I realize that those people arent my people.'

She showcased her multiple tattoos in a set of social media posts last week

Bhad Bhabie says she has made around $57 million via her efforts on OnlyFans

Bhad Bhabie directly addressed the domestic abuse allegations via her Instagram Stories, revealing that she shared the footage and images to show him 'what he does is wrong'

Danielle, who announced she had given birth on March 15, could be seen resting in bed with the newborn cradled in her arm

The star shut down speculation they were back together after her domestic abuse allegations, a day later.

In response to one fan's comment urging her to 'leave that man' or risk him abusing her in front of their daughter Kali, four months, Bhabie shed light on her current situation.

'I wasn't gonna speak on this but who said I was staying?' she wrote back. 'What about that post made y'all think I'm staying?

'Bc I said I love him? Bc I said he's gonna get help? I'm so confused and apparently so are y'all.'
Kyle Sandilands has defended embattled Hollywood star Armie Hammer following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on Friday.

The 37-year-old Call Me By Your Name star has been away from the spotlight since 2021, when allegations emerged of sexual assault and cannibalism emerged.

During the sit-down, Hammer was asked point blank by host Morgan if he is in fact a cannibal.

Hammer told Morgan the allegations stemmed consensual sex acts and kinky role playing. When asked if he is in fact a cannibal, Hammer responded: 'You know what you have to do to be a cannibal? You have to have actually eaten somebody.'

The actor confirmed he had not eaten anyone.

During The Kyle and Jackie O on Monday, Sandilands, 53, shared his thoughts on the controversy that has left Hammer's career in tatters.

He expressed his sympathy for the star, who has been ostracised by Hollywood and faced significant financial struggles after accusations of cannibalistic fantasies emerged from text messages allegedly sent by the actor.

'Now this guy's broke now all because obviously him and the girlfriend had some weird witty banter going on about, you know, "I love you so much I want to fry up your ribs",' Sandilands said.

Kyle Sandilands has defended embattled Hollywood star Armie Hammer following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on Friday

'Not my witty banter, but still I don't think it was enough for him to be cancelled out of Hollywood.

Sandilands also pointed out the rapidity of the backlash against Hammer.

'When some ex throws some questionable texts out into the world, everyone just knee-jerk reacts and says, "Oh, the guy's a cannibal, he's no good",' he said.

'The world's very bad like this, have you noticed? This guy now has got no prospects, no money left. No. I feel a bit for him, since he's not actually eaten anyone.'

Hammer's scandal erupted in early 2021 when graphic messages allegedly sent by him surfaced, describing violent sexual fantasies, including cannibalism.

The fall-out was swift, with Hammer being dropped by his talent agency, PR team, and various film projects.

Sandilands expressed his sympathy for Hammer (pictured), who has been ostracised by Hollywood and faced significant financial struggles after accusations of cannibalistic fantasies emerged from text messages allegedly sent by the actor

Hammer reportedly spent six months in treatment after his life was upended by sexual assault allegations and claims he has a cannibalism fetish.

During his interview with Morgan, the actor confirmed that he had not eaten anyone, but did admit to once tracing his initials into the thigh of ex-girlfriend Paige Lorenze.

However, he denied it was an attempt to brand her.

'There wasn't even any blood,' he said.

Hammer confirmed to Morgan he did cheat on his ex-wife, Elizabeth Chambers, during their marriage before it fell apart in July 2020.

Hammer also spoke about his relationship with Effie Angelova, who has accused him of sexual assault. He called their relationship a 'very intense affair, very sexuality charged, between two people with very similar proclivities and kinks.'

During his interview with Morgan, the actor confirmed that he had not eaten anyone, but did admit to once tracing his initials into the thigh of ex-girlfriend Paige Lorenze

Hammer, 37, became emotional at points during the interview with Morgan. During one interaction, Morgan said that he was 'shocked' by Hammer's revelation

During that segment, Hammer conceded that out of context, their conversations would seem troubling.

'Any of those conversations that we had inside of that relationship, when you take them outside of that context and put them into broad daylight, it doesn't look so good.'

Hammer said that Angelova was more experienced in the world of kink than he was.

'Different people have different sexual fantasies. And there's a very broad spectrum of sexuality, and people are allowed to engage with their own sexuality however it fits them and what they do.'
Kim Kardashian faced a wardrobe malfunction and hilariously enlisted the help of her sister Khloe Kardashian in her latest Instagram story.

The reality star, 43, shared a clip of herself and her younger sister, 40, in the bathroom, as they battled to close her black SKIMS bodysuit.

The mom-of-four filmed the fashion emergency in the mirror, wearing the shapewear as well as her jeans, which were pulled down her legs, while Khloe tried to get the closure of the bodysuit to snap.

'This is literally what sisters do,' Kim  who recently attended Andrea Bocelli's concert with Khloe  said while laughing, before adding, 'I can't snap my bodysuit.'

Khloe joked, 'This is what girls do in the bathroom for so long. When they're like "What are you doing in there?"'

Kim Kardashian, 43, faced a wardrobe malfunction and hilariously enlisted the help of her sister Khloe Kardashian, 40, in her latest Instagram story

The reality star shared a clip of herself and her younger sister in the bathroom, as they battled to close her black SKIMS bodysuit

At one point Khloe appeared to be close to giving up, as she muttered 'Oh my God' while Kim answered, 'It won't work, right? It's so short. But you got one.'

Kim then tried to get into more of a sitting position for better access to the closure, though it did little to help Khloe, who said she was 'making it worse.'

Kanye West's ex-wife then pondered, 'What am I going to do if I have to pee again?'

A helpful Khloe reassured her, stating, 'I'll go right there with you.'

Kim proceeded to rethink their bodysuit strategy, asking Khloe, 'Do I need to take my pants all the way off and spread my leg up?'

But finally, with a strong tug, Khloe managed to get the bodysuit closed, and playfully gave Kim a number of smacks on her thighs in celebration.

'Things I find in my phone... thanks @khloekardashian,' Kim captioned the video.

Earlier in the day Kim dazzled in red as she shared behind-the-scenes photos of her beauty prep on social media Sunday.

The mom-of-four filmed the fashion emergency in the mirror, wearing the shapewear as well as her jeans, which were pulled down her legs, while Khloe tried to get the closure to snap

'This is literally what sisters do,' Kim said while laughing, before adding, 'I can't snap my bodysuit'

Kim then tried to get into more of a sitting position for better access to the closure, though it did little to help Khloe, who said she was 'making it worse'

Kim proceeded to rethink their strategy, asking Khloe, 'Do I need to take my pants all the way off and spread my leg up?' But just then Khloe managed to get the bodysuit closed

The Skims founder flaunted her assets in a sheer ruby corseted gown.

The plunging neckline and mesh cutouts with the boning from the corset seemed designed to cling to her curves.

The sister duo have had a busy month. Earlier this week they attended Andrea Bocelli's 30th Anniversary concert at Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany, Italy.

Khloe showcased her gym honed physique in a sheer gown, revealing her black bra and matching underwear.

The stunning Good American founder looked beautiful in the eye-catching look, as she walked besides her equally stunning sister.

Kim looked like an Italian movie star in a plunging black Gucci logo dress with a matching scarf from the brand worn over her hair.

She showcased her hourglass in the skintight number.

The stunners were seen standing near the stage, greeting Maestro Bocelli at his event.

Earlier in the day Kim dazzled in red as she shared behind-the-scenes photos of her beauty prep on social media Sunday

The sister duo have had a busy month. Earlier this week they attended Andrea Bocelli's 30th Anniversary concert at Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany, Italy; Pictured with Bocelli

They also traveled to India for the splashy wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in July, wearing a number of traditional Indian looks

Earlier this month they also traveled to India for the splashy wedding of Anant Ambani, the son of India's wealthiest man, and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of a wealthy pharmaceutical mogul.

They both wore a number of traditional outfits that showcased their famous figures. One of Kim's outfits was a beautiful ruby red look that consisted of a lehenga with tassels on the bottom and a long skirt to which she added a sash.

Khloe was just as gorgeous in a white and gold shimmering dress that included a top that flashed her tummy, a long skirt and a sash.

However, a number of fans pointed out Kim's fashion faux pas, calling her out for wearing red and trying to upstage the bride not once but twice as a wedding guest at the newlyweds' lavish and star-studded three-day wedding ceremony in Mumbai.

'Not supposed to wear red to a wedding in India. That's saved for the bride,' one Instagram user penned in her comments section.

As fans called out her fashion faux pas, it appeared the Ambanis did not mind as Kim was spotted enjoying a friendly exchange with the bride and groom and their family.
The Simpsons, the longest-running animated series in history, has garnered a reputation for its uncanny ability to predict the future.

In a surprising turn of events, another seemingly far-fetched foretelling will come to life tonight.

It was back in 1996 when an episode of The Simpsons featured a joke where Cypress Hill believed they had mistakenly booked the London Symphony Orchestra whilst under the influence.

Fast forward to tonight, and that joke becomes a reality at the Royal Albert Hall, where fans can watch the California collective play songs from their 90s album Black Sunday and other hits alongside the LSO.

Cypress Hill said: 'We are thrilled to be performing with the London Symphony Orchestra in such a prestigious venue as the Royal Albert Hall. It's a dream come true, a collaboration only The Simpsons could have predicted.'

As fans eagerly anticipate this unique collaboration, let's take a look at some of the most eerie predictions from The Simpsons that have come true over the years, from AI robots' takeover to Donald Trump running for U.S. presidency... twice.

In 1996, an episode of The Simpsons featured a joke where Cypress Hill believed they had mistakenly booked the London Symphony Orchestra whilst under the influence

Fast forward to tonight, and that joke becomes a reality at the Royal Albert Hall, where fans can watch the California collective play songs from their 90s album Black Sunday

1. Donald Trump running for U.S. presidency and 2024 campaign

Perhaps one of the most famous predictions was in the show's 2000 episode "Bart to the Future."

Lisa Simpson becomes President of the United States and references the presidency of Donald Trump.

Sixteen years later, Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States, making this one of the most famous predictions from the show, and now speculation mounts about Trump's current 2024 run.

In the same episode, Homer Simpson can be seen flying past a billboard in the background, which reads: "Trump 2024." It may be purely coincidence - but this occurred before Trump was ever president.

Perhaps one of the most famous predictions was in the show's 2000 episode "Bart to the Future"

2. AI robots' takeover

In the 2012 episode of season 23, titled "Them, Robot," Homer loses his job at the nuclear plant after his employer Mr. Burns replaces all members of staff with robots.

Over two decades on, the world has seen a rapid development of artificial intelligence, resulting in robots serving as waiters in Japan along with self-driving Tesla cars.

3. Ebola outbreak

In a scene from the 1997 episode, "Lisa's Sax," Marge Simpson can be seen holding a book titled "Curious George and the Ebola Virus."

Although Ebola was first discovered in 1976, Ebola had its largest outbreak on record in 2014 and 2015, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths across the globe.

4. Smartwatches

In the episode "Lisa's Wedding," which aired in 1995, characters are seen using watch-like devices to communicate.

This prediction came true with the advent of smartwatches like the Apple Watch and other wearable tech.

5. The FIFA corruption scandal

In the 2014 episode, "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee," Homer becomes a referee at the World Cup and exposes corruption within the soccer organisation.

A year after the episode aired, a real-life scandal erupted involving top FIFA officials being indicted for corruption and bribery.

In the 2014 episode, "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee," Homer becomes a referee at the World Cup and exposes corruption within the soccer organisation

A year after the episode aired, a real-life scandal erupted involving top FIFA officials - including Alejandro Burzaco (centre) - being indicted for corruption and bribery

6. Disney buying 20th Century Fox

In "When You Dish Upon a Star," which was aired in 1998, a sign reading "20th Century Fox, a Division of Walt Disney Co." appears.

Just under a decade later, in 2017, Disney announced its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in a $52.4 billion deal, bringing the eerie prediction to fruition.

7. Lady Gaga's Super Bowl performance

In the 2012 episode, "Lisa Goes Gaga," the Bad Romance singer performs a concert that involved being suspended in the air.

During the Super Bowl LI halftime show in 2017, Lady Gaga made a grand entrance: descending from the stadium roof trapeze-style while singing, mirroring her performance in the animated series.

In the 2012 episode, "Lisa Goes Gaga," the Bad Romance singer performs a concert that involved being suspended in the air

During the Super Bowl LI halftime show in 2017, Lady Gaga made a grand entrance : descending from the stadium roof trapeze-style while singing (stock image)

7. Faulty voting machines in the U.S. election

In the "Treehouse of Horror XIX" episode, aired in 2008, Homer attempts to vote for Barack Obama, but the voting machine repeatedly registers his vote for John McCain.

In the 2012 United States presidential election, there were reports of ballot machines flipping votes from Obama to Mitt Romney in the state of Pennsylvania, which resulted in a machine being removed from voting booths.

In the "Treehouse of Horror XIX" episode, aired in 2008, Homer attempts to vote for Barack Obama, but the voting machine repeatedly registers his vote for John McCain

In the 2012 United States presidential election, there were reports of ballot machines flipping votes from Obama (pictured, left) to Mitt Romney (right) in the state of Pennsylvania

8. Nobel Prize winner

In the 2010 episode "The Simpsons," Milhouse predicts that Bengt. R. Holmstrom will win the Nobel Peace Prize in Economics.

In 2016, Holmstrom, alongside fellow economist Oliver Hart, won the prestigious award for their work on improving the design of contracts and the deals that bind together employers and their workers, according to The New York Times.

9. Siegfried & Roy tiger attack

In the episode "$pringfield," which was aired in 1993, a white tiger attacks a pair of fictional magicians named Gunter and Ernst.

In 2003, Roy Horn of the famous duo Siegfried & Roy was left partially paralysed and confined to a wheelchair after being attacked by Montecore, a 400-pound white Bengal tiger, during a live performance.

The legendary magician later died aged 75 of complications from the coronavirus in a Las Vegas hospital in 2020.

In the episode "$pringfield," which was aired in 1993, a white tiger attacks a pair of fictional magicians named Gunter and Ernst

Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy, died after testing positive for COVID-19. He is pictured above performing with a white tiger during the duo's 15,000th live show in 1996

10. Video calling

In the 1995 episode, "Lisa's Wedding," characters use video phones to communicate.

This prediction became reality with the widespread adoption of video calling services such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom.

11. Greece's economic crisis

In the episode "Politically Inept, with Homer Simpson," aired in 2012, a ticker on a news show reads "Europe puts Greece on eBay."

Just a few years later, Greece experienced a severe economic crisis that led to austerity measures and bailouts.

12. Richard Branson's space race

Images of Sir Richard Branson enjoying a spaceflight went viral in 2021 after the businessman, 73, launched himself towards the stars, in a bizarre case of real life imitating art.

The entrepreneur successfully earned his astronaut wings after travelling to the edge of space on board a Virgin Galactic flight, making him the first spaceflight founder to travel to space on his own ship.

Video of the magnate was beamed back to earth as he experienced weightlessness and floated around the cabin of the vessel.

The footage was strangely similar to a scene in a 2014 episode of The Simpsons called The War of Art, from the show's 25th series.

Images of Sir Richard Branson enjoying a spaceflight went viral in 2021 after the businessman, 73, launched himself towards the stars, in a bizarre case of real life imitating art
A scene from HBO's Veep went viral on Sunday, as Julia Louis-Dreyfus' character drew comparisons to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Following the news that President Joe Biden, 81, has dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Harris, 59, fans began sharing a hilarious clip from the political satire comedy.

In the show, the actress, 63, plays self-absorbed and ambitious politician Selina Meyer, the Vice President, who later becomes the President of the United States.

The clip shows her team's shocked reactions as she lets them know that she's going to run for President.

'I'm not leaving. POTUS is leaving. He's not going to run for a second term. I'm gonna run. I'm gonna run for president!' she excitedly tells them.

A scene from HBO 's Veep went viral on Sunday, as Julia Louis-Dreyfus', 63, character drew comparisons to Vice President Kamala Harris, 59

Following the news that President Joe Biden, 81, dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Harris, fans began sharing a hilarious clip from the political satire comedy; Harris seen July 18

Veep is a documentary. pic.twitter.com/TIEYn2SiiX  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) July 21, 2024

'I did not see that coming,' one person replies.

'Leader Meyer, team Veep on fire!' another jokes.

'Let's go to the f*****g moon!' someone else on her team declares, while yet another team member adds, 'I was this close to living on my boat.'

'Veep is a documentary,' one fan wrote on Twitter, while re-sharing the scene from the show.

'The accuracy of Veep is way too scary at times!' someone else added.

'Veep writers called it holy s**t,' another added.

'Will literally never get over the fact that were living through the plot of Veep in real time.'

Yet another fan called the clip 'a prophecy.'

In the show, the actress plays self-absorbed and ambitious politician Selina Meyer, the Vice President, who later becomes the President of the United States

The clip shows her team's shocked reactions as she lets them know that she's going to run for President

'I'm not leaving. POTUS is leaving. He's not going to run for a second term. I'm gonna run. I'm gonna run for president!' she excitedly tells them

Veep aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019, and followed Meyer as she navigated the tumultuous world of Washington D.C.; Julia pictured with Gary Cole, Andrew Daly, Kevin Dunn, and Tony Hale in a 2012 still from the show

In 2020 Louis-Dreyfus congratulated Harris by tweeting that the idea of a 'Madam Vice President' is' no longer fictional'

Julia also congratulated Biden at the time

Veep aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019, and followed Meyer as she navigated the tumultuous world of Washington D.C.

Louis-Dreyfus' supporting cast consisted of her Chief of Staff Mike McLintock (played by Matt Walsh), her ambitious aide Amy Brookheimer (played by Anna Chlumsky), her clueless assistant Gary Walsh (Tony Hale), and her incompetent communications director Jonah Ryan (portrayed by Timothy Simons).

The show ran for seven seasons. It won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys.

In 2020 Louis-Dreyfus congratulated Harris by tweeting that the idea of a 'Madam Vice President' is 'no longer fictional.' She also congratulated Biden at the time.

Another show going viral amid the breaking political news was The Simpsons.

A number of users on X/Twitter pointed out the latest coincidence involving the long-running Fox cartoon, as a 2000 episode of the Fox series included Lisa Simpson in a purple suit comparable to the one worn by Harris during the inauguration in 2021.

The meme went viral Sunday as Biden left the race, endorsing Harris to take his slot in the presidential race, about a month before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

At the inauguration of Biden, held on January 20, 2021, Harris was clad in a purple ensemble designed by Christopher John Rogers with Sergio Hudson-designed shoes and a necklace from Wilfredo Rosado.

Actress and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Claudia Jordan posted a side-by-side shot of Harris alongside Simpson, writing, 'Not for nothing but the Simpsons already predicted this....'

Another show going viral amid the breaking political news was The Simpsons, after fans compared Lisa Simpson in a purple suit to the outfit worn by Harris during the inauguration in 2021

Biden left the race on Sunday, endorsing Harris to take his slot in the presidential race, about a month before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago; Harris and Biden seen July 14

Another user noted, 'The Simpsons has done it again! Here's from the 17th episode of the 11th season (in the year 2000) showing Lisa Simpson as the first female president of the United States talking about how the country is broke after President Trump. And, here's Kamala wearing the same outfit at Biden's inauguration.'

Biden made the announcement in shocking fashion, simply posting a digitally-signed letter to his social media accounts Sunday afternoon.

Polls are showing mixed signals for Harris, with some overall positives but potential flaws in the key swing states.

National polling averages show Harris trailing Biden 48 to 46 percent, according to the New York Times.

That is an improvement on Biden's scores in the same polls, which showed Donald Trump beating him 47-44.
Mel Schilling has shared a very hopeful update on her cancer battle.

The Married At First Sight relationship expert posted to Instagram this weekend to reveal she is celebrating completing her last round of chemotherapy.

The 52-year-old posed up a storm with husband Gareth Brisbane, absolutely beaming for the camera.

The smiling pair went out to a well deserved lunch date to mark the milestone.

'Date lunch with the big guy to celebrate my impending FINAL round of chemo,' Mel wrote in the caption.

'Lovely day on the river, beautiful food, a sip of wine and optimism all round'.

Mel was less optimistic in May when going through chemotherapy and admitted it had gotten difficult to cope with the side effects.

The therapist announced she had been diagnosed with the disease in December and has subsequently undergone surgery and chemo.

Mel Schilling has shared a very hopeful update on her cancer battle. The 52-year-old posed up a storm with husband Gareth Brisbane, absolutely beaming for the camera. Both pictured

'It's getting tough now,' she admitted to The Mirror at the time.

'I'm about halfway through and it's getting hard. Feeling fatigued and nauseous is a bigger part of my everyday life.

'It feels like I'm hungover or pregnant every day, which is not fun,' she continued.

Mel added she's been undergoing treatment during her move to the UK with her husband Gareth.

'I don't do things by halves. It's been a tricky time as I've been adjusting to going through that and moving house,' she said.

Mel, who is an ambassador for the colorectal charity Occtopus, recently spoke to UK's Magic FM about her health.

The Married At First Sight relationship expert posted to Instagram this weekend to reveal she is celebrating completing her last round of chemotherapy

'I'm feeling a little flat today actually, to be totally honest with you,' she said.

Mel added that she is now on her third cycle of chemotherapy.

'It sort of feels like being hungover, like I've been drinking all night.'

Despite this, the media personality expressed her determination to keep working and has no intention of slowing down.

'I'm just now trying to find the way to juggle everything, because I'm not stopping working. This thing is not beating me, I'm here to fight, I just need to make some adaptions,' she continued.

It comes after Mel told of the agony she was left in before her cancer diagnosis.

Speaking to New! magazine, Mel recalled the severe pain she was in while at work, saying: 'I was doubled over and shouting - the pain was so intense.'

Her doctors originally thought her symptoms were simply constipation but she soon became concerned after losing her appetite.

On a trip to Ireland with her husband Mel said she was in 'so much pain' and struggled to hold down food or water.

Mel was less optimistic in May when going through chemotherapy and admitted it had gotten difficult to cope with the side effects

Knowing something was still wrong, she went to see a gastroenterologist after returning to London who was 'concerned' about her unexplained weight loss.

Mel had a CT scan and returned a few days later to get her results, recalling the heart-breaking moment she was told she had cancer.

She said: 'We were sitting in his office and the doctor had a blank look and I thought, 'This doesn't seem right,' and he said, "It's cancer." I think I was numb, I didn't process it and I went into work mode, that's all I could focus on.'

The reality TV host revealed her shock health battle in December and underwent colon surgery just before the end of the year.

She explained that her tumour - which she has named 'Terry' - was removed by UK doctors.

However, as the cancer spread through her colon into the muscle, Mel discovered she needed chemotherapy and began treatment at the end of February.
Sophie Morgan has been branded a 'troublemaker' by airline bosses after campaigning to improve air travel for disabled people.

The presenter is spearheading a campaign called Rights on Flights, which is calling on the UK government to make using aeroplanes more accessible for disabled people after Sophie's wheelchair was broken three times in just one year while flying.

She is fighting to give the disabled community more rights on aeroplanes after her Channel 4 documentary Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly, which airs Monday evening, exposed the inhumane ways wheelchair users are treated on board.

But after calling out her own mistreatment and speaking on behalf of her large following, who she says messages in their droves about their troubled experiences, Sophie, 39, has become even more 'distressed' by the attitude of airline bosses.

The Loose Women panellist says as a result of their reluctance to make changes, which she hopes will not only be met by the government and new legislation, but the way aircrafts are designed in the future, the disabled community aren't flying at all.

Sophie Morgan has been branded a 'troublemaker' by airline bosses after campaigning to improve air travel for disabled people

The TV presenter is spearheading a campaign called Rights on Flights, which is calling on the UK government to make using aeroplanes more accessible for disabled people after Sophie's wheelchair was broken three times in just one year while flying

She is fighting to give the disabled community more rights on aeroplanes after her Channel 4 documentary Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly, which airs Monday evening, exposed the inhumane ways wheelchair users are treated on board

Sophie told MailOnline: 'My wheelchair was broken three times last year even when I was running the campaign.

'I am very distressed by the attitudes of the airlines now, the amount of hot air I have been spun and I've been told through the grapevine how much of a 'troublemaker' they think I am. I just think... okay but I'm the good type of trouble.

'I'm not just doing this for me so I can go on holiday, I am doing this for the countless number of people that message me on a weekly basis ever since I put my head above the parapet with this, saying "I need your help" or "I won't fly" or "my children are too scared" or "my son is a wheelchair user and he can't transfer out of his chair so now he can't fly anymore."

'The consequences of the ableism in this industry is that countless of disabled people aren't flying. Every human being has an access requirement and the fact that the airlines don't seem to accommodate anybody's needs but one particular body type, it makes it so hard for everybody.'

Sophie's Channel 4 documentary sees the TV star send a group of disabled friends undercover on flights from the UK to various destinations in Europe while recording the difficulties they face on camera.

The result exposed the 'dangerous' and 'unsafe' behaviours of the airlines as well as the 'undignified' way disabled customers are treated, from having their wheelchairs confiscated upon boarding to being placed in a machine which doesn't suit their individual needs.

Disabled passengers are even forced to 'starve' and 'dehydrate' themselves because lack of accessibility and support means they're unable to use the toilet.

During one shocking scene, a gentleman, who is a wheelchair user, was made to sit on the floor of a Whizz Air flight and pushed himself by his hands along the aircraft to use the restroom because no aisle chair was available.

Sophie's Channel 4 documentary sees the TV star send a group of disabled friends undercover on flights from the UK to various destinations in Europe while recording the difficulties they face on camera

Disabled passengers are even forced to 'starve' and 'dehydrate' themselves because lack of accessibility and support means they're unable to use the toilet

Sophie has been disabled since the age of 18 when she was in a car accident and paralysed from the chest down and told she would never walk again

She has since established a successful TV career and this summer will be the first woman in a wheelchair to present the Paralympics for US broadcaster NBC following her recent move to Los Angeles (pictured May 2023)

Sophie explained: 'As it stands, the way that an aeroplane is designed is completely discriminatory.

'We have to have our wheelchairs and mobility devices removed from us when we arrive at the aircraft door. On no other form of transport does that happen.

'The reason why it's so dangerous and I say dangerous deliberately and I would even go as far as to say abusive is because we are not only taken out of our devices, which are typically bespoke to us, we get put into these other wheelchairs to take us on board a plane and these wheelchairs are very small and not very well designed.

'You often feel you're going to fall out and people often do, there's a fear of getting injured and by the time you get to your seat, if you're lucky enough to be boarded first so you have a bit of dignity and privacy, and that doesn't always happen...

'The other day I boarded last, and everyone was watching and staring at me, it's all very undignified, but then you can't move around the cabin if you're someone like me. Both your body and equipment are at risk because it's out of your sight.

'We starve ourselves and get dehydrated on board because we can't get to the toilet, or our wheelchairs get lost or damaged. So many of us have ignored these problems or are outright just refusing to fly because it's so hard.'

Sophie has been disabled since the age of 18 when she was in a car accident and paralysed from the chest down and told she would never walk again.

She has since established a successful TV career and this summer will be the first woman in a wheelchair to present the Paralympics for US broadcaster NBC following her recent move to Los Angeles.

The activist hopes Fight to Fly will not only expose the 'horrifying' conditions disabled flyers have been made to endure for decades but urge the improvement of aircraft design and the training received by air travel staff.

The activist hopes Fight to Fly will not only expose the 'horrifying' conditions disabled flyers have been made to endure for decades but urge the improvement of aircraft design and the training received by air travel staff

Sophie said: 'I feel really grateful I've had cameras rolling on this situation because it's something I have been dealing with for 20 years and many others like me have been dealing with for as long as there have been aeroplanes.

'For us it isn't new news but for many others it is so revelatory and exposing and shocking and at times really quite horrifying. But for us it's normalised and understood.

'If I go back, the main reason I got into television is because when I became disabled when I was 18, I realised then how overlooked our lived experience is by other people. I found myself constantly looking around me and saying, 'does everybody know that this is what we have to deal with?'

'We want to see an improvement in the design of aircrafts and we need training, so making sure that everybody who handles a person with a disability, they have training on how to handle us and our equipment better.

'I won't go into too much detail, but we do find a solution, which is so exciting. The prototype that is about to come out will change our lives for the better.

'A lot of people watching the documentary will say "well it is a plane" like we do with old buildings in the UK, people say, "you can't expect there to be access"... But no, what's more important? A plane or a person?'
Charlotte Dawson has revealed that she had to rush her baby son Jude to hospital on Friday, after he suffered a nasty fall at nursery.

The Ex On The Beach star, 31, shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 11 months, with her fiance Matt Sarsfield and regularly posts insights into their family life.

But on Sunday, she took to her Instagram to explain why she had been absent for the weekend, admitting she had been shook up by her little boy's injury.

Charlotte explained that Jude had fallen and knocked out his tooth, previously posting a snap of his bloody mouth.

Last week, she told her followers: 'My little angel fell at nursery and his front tooth has fell [sic] out. His mouth keeps bleeding.

Charlotte Dawson has revealed that she had to rush her baby son Jude to hospital on Friday, after he suffered a nasty fall at nursery

The Ex On The Beach star, 31, shares sons Noah, three, and Jude, 11 months, with her fiance Matt Sarsfield and regularly posts insights into their family life

But on Sunday, she took to her Instagram to explain why she had been absent for the weekend, admitting she had been shook up by her little boy's injury

'What does this mean they don't grow back until there [sic] older. Just want to take the pain away from him.'

And in an update, she explained she had taken Jude to hospital to get checked out, but that they weren't able to determine how the damage will effect his adult teeth, saying it was 'just a waiting game'.

Charlotte wrote: 'Sorry I've been a little quieter than usual I've just not felt my happy self & I only like posting when I am.

'I've had so many msgs about Judey and asking if he's ok and if I'm ok  Just knocked me about Judey loosing his tooth at nursery but I went to a&e & emergency dentist yesterday they believe his full tooth is up in his gum and they don't know whether it will come down or it might come down they don't know..

'they don't know whether it's damaged his adult tooth they couldn't do an xray they said. So will hopefully get some answers this week and go to the dentist.'

She added: 'just in time for your 1st birthday Judey, he had the most perfect teeth that came through such a shame but atleast he's ok.

'He's so brave & still the happiest cherub but it's just awful seeing your baby in pain .. lots of mummy cuddles & kissys'.

'Ps thank you for all your stories it's so bloody common  these kids come to test us hahahah.'

And in an update, she explained she had taken Jude to hospital to get checked out, but that they weren't able to determine how the damage will effect his adult teeth, saying it was 'just a waiting game'

Alongside her post, she shared a heartwarming video of her cuddling Jude and asking him to give her kisses

Alongside her post, she shared a heartwarming video of her cuddling Jude and asking him to give her kisses.

It comes after Charlotte got very candid about her dwindling sex life with fiance Matt last week and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her.

The mother-of-two has just launched her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner, as 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 both Noah and Jude have negatively impacted her and Matt's sex life.

She recalled a specific incident with Matt in an infinity pool, during a family holiday to the Maldives in April.

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."

It comes after Charlotte got very candid about her dwindling sex life with fiance Matt last week and joked her kids are 'c***blocking' her (pictured with Matt)

The mother-of-two has just launched her brand-new podcast Charlotte Dawson's Naughty Corner , as 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 both Noah and Jude (pictured) have negatively impacted her and Matt's sex life

'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***blocks us.'

'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 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.'
Eva Longoria made sure to get the party going at the Global Gift gala dinner in Marbella as she climbed on the table and danced all night long on Sunday night.

The Desperate Housewives star, 49, kicked off the celebrations and let her hair down as the night went dark.

Dressed in a glamorous red satin dress, Eva made sure all eyes were on her as she got up on the table first.

The actress went wild as she showed off her best dance moves while singling along to music as fellow partygoers watched.

Shortly after she jumped on the table, other attendees joined the beauty to dance along.

Eva Longoria, 49, made sure to get the party going at the Global Gift gala dinner in Marbella as she climbed on the table and danced all night long on Sunday night

The Desperate Housewives star kicked off the celebrations and let her hair down as the night went dark

Eva looked sensational in a figure-hugging red satin gown which featured ripped cut out panels across the chest, neck and stomach.

At the start of the night, as she posed for a snap alongside Vicky Martin Berrocal, it seemed Eva had an issue with her dress.

Supporting Eva on the red carpet, Vicky helped Eva adjust a part of the dress before they were ready to pose again.

Following the quick adjustment, the two stunning ladies were then spotted giggling away in front of the cameras.

Eva's appearance on the carpet came just days after she looked more loved-up than ever with husband Jose Antonio as they packed on the PDA during a beach day in Marbella on Thursday.

She showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a blue bikini as she kissed Jose, 56, at a beach club.

The actress looked completely relaxed as she sipped on a glass of wine while enjoying a family day out with their son Santiago, six.

Eva looked sensational in the blue two-piece as she walked along the beach while taking a phone call before collecting Santiago's toys up.

Dressed in a glamorous red satin dress, Eva made sure all eyes were on her by being the first to get up on the table

Actress Maria Bravo (C) later joined Eva on the table to dance

The actress went wild as she showed off her best dance moves while singling along to music, while onlookers watched

Eva literally jumped for joy during the boozy celebrations

Shortly after she jumped on the table, other attendees joined the beauty to dance along

Eva couldn't wipe the smile off her face throughout the night

Kicking off the party, Eva stood up from her seat to start singing and dancing

She laughed along with industry friends and colleagues

Eva looked sensational in a figure-hugging red satin gown which featured ripped cut out panels across the chest, neck and stomach

At the start of the night, as she posed for a snap alongside Vicky Martin Berrocal, it seemed Eva had an issue with her dress

Supporting Eva on the red carpet, Vicky helped Eva adjust a part of the dress before they were ready to pose again

Following the quick touch up, the two stunning ladies were then spotted giggling away in front of the cameras

The family relocated to Marbella from Los Angeles in 2023 after purchasing a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mega mansion on the Spanish coast.

Eva and and the Mexican businessman recently slashed the price of their eight-bedroom Beverly Hills pad from $22.8 to $18.9 million - and have already started shipping their belongings to their newly renovated Marbella home.

'Eva and Jose are leaving Los Angeles for good and have put their home up for sale again,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively in April.

'They took it off the market in June but recently relisted it for $4 million less in February because they are just ready to get out.'

This is still $5.4 million more than what they splashed out to purchase the 11,000 square-foot home in 2017.

'They are already shipping their belongings there and this is not something that they will change their mind on.

'They want to raise their son in a place where he will be surrounded by nature and beauty and not be sucked into the whole Hollywood cycle.'

The source added: 'They are moving to their home in Spain full time and are both so excited about it. She has had everything that she wanted in Hollywood.'

The actress and husband Jose, 56, tied the knot in 2016 and are proud parents of son Santiago, six. They now live in Marbella full time

Eva purchased a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mega mansion in Marbella in early 2023, with the couple hiring architect and interior designer Nicolas Escanez to help renovate.

The 1,531-square-meter villa also boasts an indoor pool, sauna, and a state-of-the-art home gym.

In January, Texan-born Eva debuted their luxurious property in HELLO! magazine and told the publication: 'The first time I came to Marbella, two decades ago, it was love at first sight. I said to myself: "Some day I'll live here."

'Later, we set up the Global Gift Foundation, and this is where Antonio Banderas, my best friend Maria Bravo and I held the first gala.'

Speaking about finding the house, she continued: 'Five years ago, I said to Nico, who's very clued-up about property: "When you see the right place, let me know."

'I viewed a few places, but nothing was quite what I wanted. Finally, in early 2023, this house came on the market. It needed refurbishing, but it had just the size and location I was after.

'So, taking advantage of the fact that I was in Barcelona filming, I came down and bought it that same day.'

Eva has Spanish citizenship and, in 2022, was given the honorary title 'Dame' due to her family roots tracing back to the Spanish city of Oviedo, where her ancestors are from.
Tully Smyth was accused of 'photoshopping' some of her selfies this week.

The former Big Brother Australia star was singled out by Instagram account celeb_spellcheck, who posted two images with anomalies.

One photo showed an oddly bending door frame, and a strange shape to her long black dress.

A second image included a sloping door, making the changeroom the beauty was in look quite titled.

'Would you tell your friend to take down an obviously photoshopped post?' the caption read, while the comments were turned off.

Tully appeared to respond to the accusation, reposting the black dress image with no anomalies.

'Forget the little black dress, it's all about the long black dress,' she wrote, adding '(Take 2)' alongside a laughing emoji.

'Handled like a champ, you look stunning,' wrote one of her followers in the comments and Tully replied with an emoji blowing a kiss.

Tully Smyth (pictured) was accused of 'photoshopping' some of her selfies this week. One photo showed an oddly bending door frame, and a strange shape to her long black dress

A second image included a sloping door, making the changeroom the beauty was in look quite titled

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Tully Smyth for further comment.

It comes after the former reality star 'hard launched' her new relationship late last year.

The influencer, 36, took to social media to show off her new beau, Ned Rohrt.

The internet personality shared a series of loved-up pictures with Rohrt, a Melbourne-based dentist, along with a caption inspired by Taylor Swift's hit song Karma.

Adopting Swift's lyrics, the caption read: 'Karma is the guy with the teeth, coming straight home to me.'

Tully appeared to respond to the accusation, reposting the black dress image with no anomalies

'Forget the little black dress, it's all about the long black dress' she wrote, adding '(Take 2)' alongside a laughing emoji

Tully's reference to teeth no doubt reflects Ned's profession, but also his perfectly straight and white smile shown off in her images.

According to the website of Ned's clinical practice, the handsome dentist has a particular interest in Oral Surgery and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Based on her most recent posts, Tully and Ned are still madly in love and going strong.

The new love came just seven months after Tully split with her boyfriend of two years, Daniel Parisi.

The Instagram couple called it quits as they struggled to make their relationship work after Daniel moved to the US for his dream job.
Charlotte Hawkins was forced to correct Springwatch host Chris Packham twice during their toe-curling interview on Monday's GMB.

The Good Morning Britain host, 49, had to interject when Chris, 63, repeatedly mistook Charlotte for her colleague Susanna Reid.

Chris was invited onto the show via video link with Charlotte and Richard Madeley to discuss the recent Just Stop Oil protests after five activists were jailed.

While Charlotte didn't bother correcting Chris the first time, the heated conversation took an awkward turn when Chris forgot it a second time.

Chris, who doesn't agree with the jail term time the activists received, said: 'I am not happy at all, no, Susanna simply because they're unduly punitive.

Charlotte Hawkins, 49, was forced to correct Springwatch host Chris Packham, 63, twice during their toe-curling interview on Monday's GMB with Richard Madeley

The Good Morning Britain host had to interject when Chris repeatedly mistook Charlotte for her colleague Susanna Reid

'We see people who are committing violent crimes, we see people that are committing sexual offences, getting less time than these protesters.'

He added: 'So I think we just need to keep things in perspective, and one other thing I need to be very clear about is the laws that punish these protesters are not specific to climate activism.

'They could be implemented at any time to persecute and prosecute people who want to complain about gender rights, trans rights, the right to strike, it could be anything.

'So we have a broader concern about the way the judiciary is acting and the way that these laws are being implemented.'

Chris later slammed the media for not highlighting a particular protest that he rallied in on the streets of London to highlight concerns for biodiversity loss.

He said: 'A few weeks ago, two more Just Stop Oil protesters threw some cornstarch over Stonehenge. It was all over the media.

'Everyone focused upon that and was condemning that protest because it's a national monument, which we love and treasure.

'The following Saturday, I and others put 100,000 people on the streets of London in the largest march before our election to highlight our concerns for biodiversity loss. It was covered by none of the media.

Chris was invited onto the show via video link to discuss the recent Just Stop Oil protests after five activists were jailed

While Charlotte didn't bother correcting Chris the first time, the heated conversation took an awkward turn when Chris forgot it a second time

Chris, who doesn't agree with the jail term of the activists, said: 'I am not happy at all, no, Susanna simply because they're unduly punitive' (pictured at the Restore Nature Now protest)

'We see people who are committing violent crimes, we see people that are committing sexual offences, getting less time than these protesters', he added

Chris later slammed the media for not highlighting a particular protest that he rallied in on the streets of London to highlight concerns for biodiversity loss

Following Chris' statement, it forced Charlotte to defend the media's amount of coverage on the protests

Chris interrupted: 'Susanna, you do...' Before Charlotte promptly corrected: 'It is Charlotte, by the way but I know you can't see us' (pictured in April)

'If you guys don't actually get the message across and only focus on the means of protest, then, of course, protesters will have to escalate their protest, and that's to make sure that peaceful direct protest is properly covered by the media.'

Following Chris' statement, it forced Charlotte to defend the media's amount of coverage on the protests.

She said: 'Well sorry Chris... I just want to say you know, we do a lot here to talk about climate change.

'Laura, our weather presenter has been talking about the fact that it's a climate emergency today.

'She's got a clock ticking and is counting down on her desk right now showing people very visibly about that.

'So you know, we do kind of cover those things as well. But I think in this particular one..'

Chris interrupted: 'Susanna, you do...'

Before Charlotte promptly corrected: 'It is Charlotte, by the way but I know you can't see us.'
An MP has called out vile trolls who bombard her with disgusting messages bringing up her past life as a sex worker.

Georgie Purcell, who represents the Animal Justice Party in the Victorian Parliament, revealed confronting posts on Instagram on Monday.

The 31-year-old former lawyer shared a series of sick profiles - some faceless and nameless - shamelessly commenting on her image, mocking her sex worker past and even demanding nudes.

In the post, the tattooed MP looks defiant in black bike pants and a crop top, paired with a geometric bum bag. She rests her hand on her hip and hides her gaze behind reflective sunglasses.

Ms Purcell captioned the frame, 'Always a fun time skimming through my DMs', as shocking screen grabs hovered around her image.

'I see boobies,' read one message, while another asked Purcell to, 'show nudes.'

Another message claimed, 'I never disrespect you with my comments. I'm just playful and sexual. I fancy you because you are hot, my messages are compliments. If you are ugly I won't send any of those texts. You should feel flattered.'

'You suck so bad. Trying to stop people enjoying their lives. Hey stop spending two hours on makeup a day, how does that feel? Not fair? You suck!' read another.

Elsewhere, another message referenced Ms Purcell's sex worker past.

Georgie Purcell, who represents the Animal Justice Party in the Victorian Legislative Council, has shared confronting images from online trolls. Pictured

Ms Purcell, 31, took to Instagram on Monday to shares a series of vile profiles - some faceless and nameless - shamelessly commenting on her image, mocking her sex worker past and even demanding nudes

'You sell your body for a penny and then become a people representative?' the comment began.

'Honestly, sex workers should have the same rights as animals, not humans! Dirty,' the troll continued.

In her caption, Ms Purcell revealed she's often trolled and has set up alternate avenues of communication with her followers.

'I miss so many genuine messages wading through s**t like this, so I have a highlight pinned to my profile with my contact details,' she wrote.

Ms Purcell is the youngest woman in any Australian parliament and the second youngest ever to be elected to Victoria's Legislative Council.

As well as racking up over 180,000 followers on social media, and holding a double degree in in law and communications and politics, the MP uses her past as a sex worker to uproot sexism and misogyny.

In the post, the tattooed MP looks defiant in black bike pants and a crop top, paired with a geometric bum bag. She rests her hand on her hip and hides her gaze behind reflective sunglasses

Ms Purcell captioned the frame, 'Always a fun time skimming through my DMs', as shocking screen grabs hovered around her image

Ms Purcell previously opened up to Daily Mail Australia about the horrifying moment photos of her working as a stripper while studying law at uni were leaked online.

Then aged 19, she thought her future dreams of working in law or politics were over after she came across the photos posted on Facebook.

'I worked far away from where I studied and grew up so I wouldn't meet anyone I knew, and while I felt there was nothing wrong with that line of work, I knew many others would think otherwise,' Ms Purcell said.

'Then one day I was sitting at the hairdresser and when I logged into Facebook, I saw I was tagged in a picture without my consent which showed me working as a stripper and there were tonnes of comments.'

'I grew up in a small country town in Geelong so everyone kind of knows everyone and it just spread really quickly and viciously,' she revealed.
Julie Christie showed off her youthful beauty and chic style earlier this month, as she was spotted out in London with her husband Duncan Campbell.

The Oscar-winning actress, 84, looked as glamorous as ever in her first public sighting since 2016, as she linked arms with her journalist partner, 80.

Julie put on a trendy display in navy blue cargo pants, teamed with a denim shirt, a black handbag and a pair of white sandals.

The Doctor Zhivago star accessorised her trendy look with a red scarf and tortoiseshell sunglasses, pulling a trolley behind her as she stopped by the dry cleaners.

Looking far younger than her years, Julie's blonde hair was styled in a chic bob, while Duncan complemented her in a denim shirt of his own, with dark jeans and matching Converse.

Julie Christie showed off her youthful beauty and chic style earlier this month, as she was spotted out in London with her husband Duncan Campbell

The Oscar-winning actress, 84, looked as glamorous as ever in her first public sighting since 2016, as she linked arms with her journalist partner, 80

Julie put on a trendy display in navy blue cargo pants, teamed with a denim shirt, a black handbag and a pair of white sandals

The couple have been together for over four decades, having lived together since 1979, thought the date they tied the knot is unknown.

Despite her legendary acting career, Julie has always preferred to keep her life private, and been keen to avoid the spotlight.

She has admitted to disliking the fame that comes with her success, once describing being in the limelight as 'like always having chewing gum stuck in your hair'.

But her name has been revived in the public consciousness in recent weeks, following the tragic death of Hollywood legend and her former co-star Donald Sutherland.

The veteran Canadian actor's death from a long illness at the age of 88 was announced by his movie star son Kiefer Sutherland last month.

And in the wake of his passing as the world has reflected on his iconic career, debate has begun anew surrounding one of the most controversial movie sex scenes of all time, between Donald and Julie.

The pair starred together in 1973 thriller Don't Look Now, which saw them engage in a very steamy a near-five minutes romp - so intense that many assumed its stars weren't acting.

In the years since, the film has faced much speculation about whether the erotic scene was immaculately choregraphed to look hyper realistic, or whether the actors had actually had an on-screen tryst in real life.

The Doctor Zhivago star accessorised her trendy look with a red scarf and tortoiseshell sunglasses, pulling a trolley behind her as she stopped by the dry cleaners

Looking far younger than her years, Julie's blonde hair was styled in a chic bob, while Duncan complemented her in a denim shirt of his own, with dark jeans and matching Converse

The couple have been together for over four decades, having lived together since 1979, thought the date they tied the knot is unknown

Despite her legendary acting career, Julie has always preferred to keep her life private, and been keen to avoid the spotlight

She has admitted to disliking the fame that comes with her success, once describing being in the limelight as 'like always having chewing gum stuck in your hair'

In initial promotion for the film, directed by Nicolas Roeg, it was billed as 'one of the frankest love scenes ever to be filmed' and became hugely controversial.

It caused issues for censors both in Britain, where it received an X-rating, and in America, where it was rated R, with the scene in question being entirely removed by the BBC when it first aired on British television.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) at the time said it went beyond what it would normally pass, re-defining boundaries of how sex is shown on the big screen.

While even Julie's own boyfriend at the time, the famous actor Warren Beatty, had issues with the scene, reportedly flying to London to demand it was cut from the film, according to Michael Deeley, who oversaw the film's UK distribution.

Rumours that the sex was genuine have persisted for years, helped along by the likes of former Paramount executive Peter Bart, who said in his 2011 book that he had watched the scene being filmed and confirmed the actors made love.

But Donald has categorically denied the sex was real, previously stating that anyone who claims otherwise is 'an idiot'.

Speaking to the New York Daily News at the premiere of The Leisure Seeker, the Hunger Games star said he adored the scene because it 'reminded you of making love.'

But he added that performing actual sex would have been impossible since no take lasted longer than 15 seconds before the action was stopped so he and Julie could reposition themselves.

But her name has been revived in the public consciousness in recent weeks, following the tragic death of Hollywood legend and her former co-star Donald Sutherland (pictured 2019)

The veteran Canadian actor's death from a long illness at the age of 88 was announced by his movie star son Kiefer Sutherland last month (pictured with Kiefer in 2015)

And in the wake of his passing as the world has reflected on his iconic career, debate has begun anew surrounding one of the most controversial movie sex scenes of all time, between Donald and Julie (pictured in film)

The pair starred together in 1973 thriller Don't Look Now, which saw them engage in a very steamy a near-five minutes romp - so intense that many assumed its stars weren't acting (pictured)

While Julie has also said on record that it was nothing more than 'pretend sex', in a 2015 interview with BBC Radio 4.

She praised Nicolas, saying the director 'managed to get the extraordinary thing that happens when you are making love'.

She added: 'It was just flesh squirming and rolling and touching, and God I thought it was absolutely lovely. I loved the squirming bits and all those things you dont see.'

She added that the scene captured the moment that 'you know you don't exist, the other person perhaps doesn't even exist. It's just bodies that are existing.

'It wasn't even necessarily sexy, what it was  it reminded you of making love.'

In the years since, the film has faced much speculation about whether the erotic scene was immaculately choregraphed to look hyper realistic, or whether the actors had actually had an on-screen tryst in real life
Alex Pike has jumped on the salmon sperm facial trend after being inspired by Kim Kardashian.

The cosmetic nurse, 46, shared a post to Instagram this week to show her red and swollen face after undergoing the treatment, which involves small needles full of fish sperm being injected directly into the face.

'A very popular beauty treatment in Hollywood, we had an exciting day of training on the revolutionary Rejuran treatment!' she wrote in her caption.

'This cutting-edge procedure, made from salmon sperm DNA (yes your read that correctly). The DNA fragments are removed from the testes of the salmon and works by boosting collagen production and enhancing skin healing.'

Alex went on to say that she will be offering the salmon sperm facial treatment at her clinic, Face by Alex Pike, in Melbourne, as well as sharing an article on Kim Kardashian trying the treatment.

Prices for the facial in Australia run at around $600 and up per treatment, but it's unclear how much Alex will charge.

Kim Kardashian kicked off the beauty trend when, during an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, the 43-year-old told her mother Kris Jenner on set, 'I got salmon sperm facial with salmon sperm injected into my face.'

As well as Botox-like effects, salmon sperm injections  also known as polynucleotides  are said to give customers a 'baby face' and rejuvenated skin.

Alex Pike (pictured) has jumped on the salmon sperm facial trend. The cosmetic nurse, 46, shared a post to show her swollen face after undergoing the treatment, which involves small needles full of fish sperm being injected directly into the face

The beauty trend can leave your skin bruised and covered in specs of blood, according to advocates of the wrinkle-defying treatment.

But aesthetic nurses who offer the treatment insist the bruising is only temporary.

Advocates say polynucleotides offer a 'natural' alternative to other traditional 'tweakments' such as Botox and filler.

Some doctors claim it is safer than other cosmetic injectables, which have been linked to a catalogue of complications including blocked blood vessels, lumpy skin and infections.

It typically uses purified and sterilised DNA molecules extracted from salmon or trout sperm, known as polynucleotides which have anti-inflammatory effects.

'This cutting-edge procedure, made from salmon sperm DNA (yes your read that correctly). The DNA fragments are removed from the testes of the salmon and works by boosting collagen production and enhancing skin healing,' she said

South Korea's aesthetics sector has been using the treatment for over a decade but it's now gaining popularity among Western celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, who told The Wall Street Journal she is reaping its skin rejuvenating qualities.

When polynucleotides, DNA molecules extracted from fish sperm, are injected into human skin, fibroblasts are activated.

Fibroblasts are stretchy molecules found in skin that help to maintain the structural framework of the tissue. As we age these fibroblasts decrease.

So, when the polynucleotides are injected under the eyes, in the cheekbones or in the neck, it theoretically 'rejuvenates' the skin.

Although they are 'safer' than getting filler or Botox, they are still painful and will cause bruising, experts warn.

Emma Wedgwood, an aesthetic nurse who works in a Harley Street clinic and offers the treatment, compares the initial side effect of bumpy skin to 'bee stings'.

The beauty treatment uses purified and sterilised DNA molecules extracted from salmon or trout (pictured) sperm, known as polynucleotides, and some doctors claim it is safer than other cosmetic injectables

Kim Kardashian (pictured) kicked off the trend when, during an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, the 43-year-old told her mother Kris Jenner on set, 'I got salmon sperm facial with salmon sperm injected into my face'

But she told MailOnline this bumpy swelling goes down within a day or two.

'Sometimes you get bruising depending on where you're injecting. It's usually the more delicate areas such as the eye which are more susceptible,' she said.

'But not it's not in the same way as filler where you would pretty much expect bruising from filler and it is a bonus if you don't, with polynucleotides it's the other way around.'

Once the swelling has reduced and the skin starts to heal, it can still take months to see the full wrinkle busting effects.

Wedgwood said: 'It can be frustrating for the patient because they have to wait. You are looking at about three to six months to see the full effects. So, it's not an overnight job.'
AFL WAG Lexi Mary has opened up about how she first met Western Bulldogs player Rory Lobb.

Lexi filmed a candid TikTok video while she got ready to go out, telling her 14,000 followers that Rory 'gave her nothing' on their first date.

The advertising executive disclosed that she initially tried to keep her relationship a secret due to an unexpected conflict of interest: her stepfather was the CEO of the Fremantle Dockers.

At the time, Lexi had just ended a four-year relationship when she received a direct message from Rory, 31.

Three days after the breakup, she decided she had been 'too sad for too long' and resolved to reply to the Bulldogs ruckman.

Over the footage of her putting on makeup, Lexi shared a screenshot of the pair's first ever message exchange, where she finally responded to her future fiance's DM.

Rory wrote on April 12, 2019, 'How's it standing?' and Lexi responded the following day with, 'Magic.'

The couple then went on a date, and though Lexi admitted that Rory was 'giving me nothing' in terms of conversation, their bond grew and five years later, they were engaged.

AFL WAG Lexi Mary has opened up about how she first met Western Bulldogs player Rory Lobb. Both pictured

Lexi filmed a candid TikTok video while she got ready to go out, telling her 14,000 followers that Rory 'gave her nothing' on their first date

It comes as the lovebirds confirmed their wedding date and revealed details about their special day.

The AFL player got down on one knee and popped the big question to social media star Lexi during a holiday to the Maldives late last year.

The loved-up couple are now in the middle of wedding planning and revealed they are due to tie the knot in February 2025.

Over the footage of her putting on makeup, Lexi shared a screenshot of the pair's first ever message exchange, where she finally responded to her future fiance's DM

Lexi revealed they want to exchange vows in an intimate ceremony just surrounded by their close family and friends.

After saying 'I do', the couple then plan to jet off for a sun-soaked holiday in the Maldives - where they got engaged - with their loved ones.

'We'll have a small wedding, we never want it to feel like a chore so it'll be nice and intimate,' Mary told the Herald Sun.

'And then we'll head to the Maldives later with family and friends,' she added.
Kaya Scodelario and her ex-husband Benjamin Walker are seemingly trying to give their marriage another go after they enjoyed a cosy reconciliation at an art gallery event in the Maldives this weekend - five months after they split.

The former couple - who are parents to two children and had been married for eight years prior to their split - attended the unveiling of the latest collection of artwork by Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar at Patina Maldives on Sunday.

Kaya, 32, and Benjamin, 42, tied the knot in December 2015 and share a seven-year-old son and two-year-old daughter together.

The couple looked close as they posed under the palm trees of the idyllic Maldives hotel in the dedicated gallery space to attend the private view of sustainably-sourced exhibition, Life Energy.

Fans have also speculated whether the married duo are back together after Kaya shared a group photo with Benjamin on her Instagram.

Kaya Scodelario, 32, and her ex-husband Benjamin Walker, 42, are seemingly trying to save their marriage on a romantic trip in the Maldives, five months after they split

The former couple said they would remain 'the best of friends' when they reportedly parted ways last year after eight years of marriage

The estranged couple were joined by Sir Mo Farah, Little Simz and French-Persian artist Sassan on the luxury trip.

Sassan's Living Paintings were created using sustainably sourced and natural materials, including ground washed out shells and corals gathered from around the island.

The former couple said they would remain 'the best of friends' when they reportedly parted ways last year.

Some fans asked the actress on her Instagram if their marriage is finally back on as she posted the sweet snap.

Comments read: 'Aww its so sweet to see you and Ben ', Are they still together with Benjamin?'.

In cosy beach-front snaps, Ben could be seen wrapping his arm around his estranged wife.

MailOnline have contacted Kaya and Benjamin's representatives for a comment.

The Skins star looked radiant and glowing in a thigh-high split blue and white floral dress.

Benjamin opted for an all-black ensemble while going bare feet all evening on the beach.

Kaya and Benjamin tied the knot in December 2015 and share a seven-year-old son and two-year-old daughter together

Now, it seems the duo are trying to make amends and work things out during a weekend-long art gallery event

Fans have also speculated whether the married duo are back together after Kaya shared a group photo with Benjamin on her Instagram

Fans flooded the actress' Instagram comments, asking if their marriage is finally back on

The Skins star looked radiant and glowing in a thigh-high split blue and white floral dress

The estranged couple were joined by Sir Mo Farah, Little Simz and French-Italian artist Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar on the luxury trip

This is the first time the couple have been seen in public together for over a year and Kaya last posted a snap of them together on her Instagram at a wedding in September 2022 (pictured)

Celebs attended Life Energy art gallery by Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar at Patina Maldives

Sassan's Living Paintings were created using sustainably sourced and natural materials, including ground washed out shells and corals gathered from around the island

The couple announced their separation in a joint statement in February which read: 'Some time ago Kaya and Ben made the joint decision to end their marriage but continue to co-parent lovingly whilst remaining the best of friends.

'They ask that their privacy as well as that of their children's remain respected as they continue to move forward as a family.'

This is the first time the couple has been seen in public together for over a year and Kaya last posted a snap of them together on her Instagram at a wedding in September 2022.

Kaya and Benjamin met while filming The King's Daughter back in 2014, when the Maze Runner star was 22 and the The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power actor was 31.

After a whirlwind romance, they became engaged in December 2014 and tied the knot the following December, both adopting the surname Scodelario-Davis.

Benjamin was previously married to Meryl Streep's daughter Mamie Gummer, from 2011 until their split in March 2013.

While Kaya previously dated her Skins co-star Jack O'Connell and had a long-term romance with Shameless actor Eliott Tittensor from late 2009 to early 2014.

Kaya rose to fame for her role as Effy in the cult classic Channel 4 series Skins, alongside Nicholas Hoult and Daniel Kaluuya - who is the godfather of her son.
An iconic UK award show has announced major changes to its format in a huge shake up - the first ever in its 32-year history.

The Mercury Prize, which has previously been awarded to acts including The Ezra Collective, Dizzee Rascal and the Arctic Monkeys, will be announced in September with a television broadcast.

But the show, which is partnered with BBC Music and provides television and radio coverage, will not follow its usual format.

Unlike in previous years, the award will focus on its social media and online coverage and will not be a ticketed public event with live acts.

Last year's ceremony featured live performances from many of the shortlisted artists and and gave audiences a chance to explore new music.

The Mercury Prize has announced major changes to its format in a huge shake up - the first ever in its 32-year history (one of last year's nominees Raye is pictured)

Little Simz is one of the previous winners of the iconic UK awards (pictured performing at the 2022 show)

Unlike in previous years, the award will focus on its social media and online coverage and will not be a ticketed public event with live acts (last year's winners Ezra Collective pictured)

The Mercury Prize, formerly called the Mercury Music Prize, is an annual music prize awarded for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act.

It recognises and awards albums of the year and aims to highlight emerging new talent as well as celebrate more established artists.

Previous winners have enjoyed illustrious careers, including the likes of Little Simz, Elbow, James Blake and Skepta.

In a statement, Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, home to the Mercury Prize, said: 'For the 2024 Mercury Prize we will work imaginatively with the BBC to deliver a premium programme of music content and digital engagement that will, as ever, benefit all 12 artists in reaching a wider audience, providing an important platform for their evolving career and musical journey.

'The Mercury Prize is a cherished part of our cultural landscape, celebrating the art of the album and recognising the exceptional creative achievements of diverse British and Irish artists across the many different genres that make up our thriving and global-facing music scene.

'We are delighted to deepen our relationship with our long-term partner BBC Music to promote the Prize across its networks, including its national broadcast and digital channels, to ensure the greatest possible impact and profile as part of a wider campaign to support the artists who produced the 12 albums of the year.'

Previous winners have enjoyed illustrious careers including Elbow, James Blake, Arctic Monkeys (pictured back in 2006) and Skepta
The Emily In Paris season four trailer lifts the lid on Lily Collins character Emily's love triangle with Alfie and Gabriel.

Part 1 of the hit Netflix series, which airs August 15, will see Emily attempt to steer clear from her double romances and focus on herself.

As she roams around the city of love, Emily bumps into many 'hot guys' and realises she needs to make 'new experiences' after last seasons failed romances.

But as she tries her best to embrace newly-single life, Emily can't help but reminisce on her relationships with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).

With best friend Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) urging 'no relationship is perfect' as Emily asks for advice, she quickly finds herself running back to the love triangle to find her one.

The Emily In Paris season four trailer lifts the lid on Lily Collins (L) character Emily's love triangle with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount, R) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo)

Part 1 of the hit Netflix series, which airs August 15, will see Emily attempt to steer clear from her double romances and focus on herself (Gabriel aka Lucas Bravo pictured)

In a predicament, Emily says: 'I really thought that I could move on from them but they both means so much for different reasons.'

Mindy says: 'Don't over think it'.

In her work life, Emily once again clashes with her boss Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) when her blogging her love life clashes with her work in the office.

The first five shows will be available to watch on August 15 with viewers having to wait almost an entire month for the second instalment om September 12.

Emily hasn't had the best luck with dating since relocating from Chicago to Paris in pursuit of her dream marketing job.

She fell for neighbour Gabriel despite the chef being in an on/off relationship with her close friend Camille.

And her romance with Brit Alfie came to a dramatic end when Camille refused to marry Gabriel in the series three finale, revealing she had always known about his hidden feelings for Emily.

There are secrets yet to be exposed including Camille's affair with artist Sofia, which Emily knows about, but Gabriel remains unaware.

As she roams around the city of love, Emily bumps into many 'hot guys' and realises she needs to make 'new experiences' after last seasons failed romances

But as she tries her best to embrace newly-single life, Emily can't help but reminisce on her relationships with Alfie and Gabriel

With best friend Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) urging 'no relationship is perfect' as Emily asks for advice, she quickly finds herself running back to the love triangle to find her one

In a predicament, Emily says: 'I really thought that I could move on from them but they both means so much for different reasons'

In her work life, Emily once again clashes with her boss Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) when her blogging her love life clashes with her work in the office

The first five shows will be available to watch on August 15 with viewers having to wait almost an entire month for the second instalment om September 12

Emily hasn't had the best luck with dating since relocating from Chicago to Paris in pursuit of her dream marketing job

She fell for neighbour Gabriel despite the chef being in an on/off relationship with her close friend Camille (pictured)

Plus, the major revelation of Camille's pregnancy, which will leave any possible chance of a romance between Emily and Gabriel even harder to navigate.

Emily In Paris was created by Sex and the City writer Darren Star, who has admitted he understands why viewers have made comparisons between Lily's character and Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker.

He said: 'I get why people will link the two series. Each takes place in a glamorous city with a female lead but the idea of Emily In Paris was very different. I've wanted to write a show about an expatriate living in Paris for quite some time.'

Lucien branded the series 'chaotic' and 'heartbreaking' while Philippine gave a taste of the action by saying the new episodes are all about 'revenge.'

In May, Lily announced: 'Season four comes out this August 15 for part one. Part two drops on September 12, you're welcome.'

In an accompanying video, Lily and her co-stars answered in three words how they would describe the new series, with Camille Razat, 30, whose character discovered she was pregnant at the end of season three, saying it's 'messy.'
Susan Sarandon has reiterated her stance on the conflict in Gaza and said she will keep using her voice to speak out against injustice, despite the backlash she has received.

The Oscar-winning star, 77, has been vocal in her support for Palestine, and present at several rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

And last year, the legendary actress was dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer, for her controversial comments at a pro-Palestine rally in November.

While Susan apologised for her remarks, saying her 'phrasing was a terrible mistake', covering the latest issue of Elle Spain, she reiterated her desire to end the 'genocide' in Gaza, saying she had long been motivated to stand against injustice.

Covering the magazine, the Thelma and Louise star explained that her position has a famous actress is a 'loudspeaker' allowing her to bring visibility to social issues.

Susan Sarandon has reiterated her stance on the conflict in Gaza and said she will keep using her voice to speak out against injustice, despite the backlash she has received

The Oscar-winning star, 77, has been vocal in her support for Palestine, and present at several rallies calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict

Covering the latest issue of Elle Spain , she reiterated her desire to end the 'genocide' in Gaza, saying she had long been motivated to stand against injustice and use her position to bring visibility to social issues

Accepting that by speaking out she has ensured her blacklisting by a large part of the industry, Susan insisted that everyone had to come together to stop Israelis and Palestinians dying, because 'no one deserves to die this way.'

She said: 'Injustice has always hurt and angered me. I grew up in Washington in the 60s, with the Vietnam War hovering over that time and assassinations like Kennedy or Martin Luther King Jr. overshadowing our culture.

'I didnt have to force myself to educate myself in this sense, it was the only plausible option.

'Thats why Im so surprised by the misinformation that exists today, at a time when we have everything within our reach.

'It is up to each of us to stop the genocide that is happening in Gaza, and that means that Israelis and Palestinians stop dying. No one deserves to die this way.

'I understand that it is hard to accept that we are all part of the problem, but a war like this is only forged with our taxes, with your money and mine.

'Thats why its admirable that countries like Spain, Ireland or Norway raise their voices and say: We dont want to contribute to this.'

Susan recalled: 'I realized that my profession carried with it a loudspeaker in the 70s, when the United States introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.

Last year, the legendary actress was dropped by her Hollywood representative, United Talent Agency, which is run by Jewish CEO Jeremy Zimmer, for her controversial comments at a pro-Palestine rally in November (pictured)

Susan has continued to be an advocate for Palestinian rights, and proudly wore a pro Palestinian button on the red carpet on Thursday for the New York premiere for her new film The Fabulous Four (pictured)

'At one of the marches I was walking with Marlo Thomas, and she said to me: The only way we are going to be in the news is for you to speak. And I did it, scared to death but I did it, because it is the way of life that I conceive.'

Susan has previously protested for the visibility of AIDS, to end the war in Iraq and against gun violence, even being arrested.

She was arrested in June 2018 at the Women Disobey protests for protesting against Donald Trump's controversial migrant policy of separating children from their parents.

While her second arrest was last year at a protest to raise the minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers.

She said: 'It will never cease to surprise me that an American thinks that someone is desperate to enter our country, when what they are really trying to do is achieve a dignified, stable and, above all, free life.'

The Rocky Horror Picture Show star previously caused controversy in November, after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City.

She apologised for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza'.

But Susan acknowledged that her words ignored 'centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe' as well as recent atrocities, such as the Tree of Life synagogue attack.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show star previously caused controversy in November, after she claimed Jewish people 'are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim' amid the war with Hamas at a rally in New York City (pictured in March)

She apologised for her remarks, saying that she had not planned to speak at the rally, but had been invited to address the crowd, and had intended to 'highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza ' (pictured at Code Pink for Peace protest in February)

Taking to her Instagram, she said: 'Intending to communicate my concern for an increase in hate crimes, I said that Jewish Americans, as the targets of rising antisemitic hate, "are getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence."

'This phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true.

'As we all know, from centuries of oppression and genocide in Europe, to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA, Jews have long been familiar with discrimination and religious violence which continues to this day.

'I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment. It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.'

'I will continue my commitment to peace, truth, justice, and compassion for all people. I hope that we can meet with love and willingness to engage in dialogue, especially with those with whom we disagree.'

Susan has continued to be an advocate for Palestinian rights, and proudly wore a pro Palestinian button on the red carpet on Thursday for the New York premiere for her new film The Fabulous Four.

In April, she joined a host of film stars and directors donating memorabilia and time to a Cinema for Gaza auction to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Palestine, including Paul Mescal, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Tessa Thompson, Louis Theroux, Jonathan Glazer and Stellan Skarsgard.
The Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series with Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin and Neil Jones seen at the studio.

The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was 'cruel and mean.' He denies the claims.

It was followed by Graziano Di Prima's sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

Heading to rehearsals this week, the dancers brushed off the drama, with smiling Nikita offering a peace sign.

Also heading to the north London studio was Johannes Radebe, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals returned to work on Monday ahead of the 2024 series (Kai Widdrington pictured)

The BBC show has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended and Graziano Di Prima's sacking, but smiling Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin brushed it off

Kai will be retuning to the series following his split from fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

MailOnline confirmed the former couple, who both compete on the BBC series, split after two years together in June, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind the Magic.

The show's 'golden couple' were reportedly 'emotionally drifting away' from each other, leading to their shock split after two tears together.

It has now been reported the couple were battling off-stage problems during their tour, and the pressure of being in each other's space 24/7, eventually 'took its toll' on their relationship.

On Friday that Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was getting ready to head back into the Strictly Come Dancing training room 'in five days time'.

He made the comment while performing his last show with Layton Williams, where he confirmed he was preparing to meet his new celebrity partner, The Sun reports.

There was yet more drama for Strictly over the weekend as Amanda lodged new complaints and a female dancer was revealed to be facing allegations of bullying.

Speaking in her first interview since quitting Strictly Come Dancing in October, the actress, 50, said Giovanni's behaviour was 'unnecessary.'

The group were also join by Carlos Gu, who looked stylish in a vest op and jeans

Lauren Oakley and Johannes Radebe made their way to practice with Kai

On Friday that Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was getting ready to head back into the Strictly Come Dancing training room 'in five days time'

Kai will be retuning to the series following his split from fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova

MailOnline confirmed the former couple, who both compete on the BBC series, split after two years together in June, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind the Magic

Lauren looked chic in a cropped vest top and pin striped trousers as she arrived at rehearsals while Carlos also showed off his sense of style

She looked in good spirits as she chatted with her co-stars

The dancer's carried some lunch from Whole Foods

There was yet more drama for Strictly over the weekend as Amanda lodged new complaints, and a female dancer was revealed to be facing allegations of bullying

Amanda abruptly left the BBC show citing 'personal issues' and hasn't been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner's sacking.

Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Ms Abbington and two other former celebrity partners.

In an interview with The Sun, Amanda said: 'I found Giovanni's behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn't sit back and let him do that to other people.'

She continued: 'I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.'

'It's insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC have known about his behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done.

'It wasn't an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.'

A spokesperson for Giovanni told MailOnline in response: 'The BBC has shared allegations from the inquiry with Giovanni, who has cooperated fully.'

They added: 'None of the allegations carried in the Sun on Sunday are included in any shape or form. Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour.

'He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation and he remains fully confident of clearing his name.'

The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline but a spokesperson previously stated: 'We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging with speculation.

'However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.'

Meanwhile, more shocking details of Graziano 'aggressive' treatment of Zara have since been reported.

Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

Reports allege he 'called her nasty names, asked if she had gained weight and was forceful' leaving her 'visibly demoralised' and 'in tears.'

Zara herself previously claimed in a statement there had been 'particular incidents inside the training room which were incredibly distressing.'

She did not report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash, instead it was junior production staff who came forward.

It is not just male dancers who are now facing allegations of abusive behaviour. A former dancer has claimed tonight that a currently unnamed female Strictly dancer screamed in his face and berated him off-camera.

The Daily Mirror reports that the household name's allegations do not include physical abuse.

Giovanni was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was 'cruel and mean.' He denies the claims (Giovanni and Amanda seen in October)

Speaking in her first interview since quitting the BBC show in October, the actress, 50, said the professional's behaviour was 'unnecessary' (pictured in January 2023)

It was followed by Graziano's sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised (pictured together)

A source said: 'The man in question felt very much victimised by the behaviour of his Strictly partner.

'He alleges that on several occasions she flew into a real fury when he couldn't get the steps right, and on one occasion screamed full in his face. They rowed every single day.'

MailOnline revealed on Friday that the allegations have left some male professionals from the BBC show concerned about how or if they will be affected.

A source told MailOnline on Thursday that the male dancers are 'very concerned and worried how this is going to affect them' and are said to be 'feeling like it's the new #MeToo'.

MailOnline contacted the BBC for comment at the time.

Then on Wednesday the scandal deepened after unearthed footage revealed former professional dancer James Jordan telling his partner he would 'drag her across the floor and scream at her' if she forgot her moves.

The clip, which was filmed during the fourth series back in 2006, shows him rehearsing with actress Georgina Bouzova.

He also says to her 'kill you' as he demands she stands on one leg and insists that unless she has physically broken a rib he doesn't care what pain she is in. He is also seen throwing a chair across the training studio.

James, who left Strictly in 2012 after appearing on eight series, also banned Georgina, who formerly starred on BBC medical drama Casualty, from eating sweets and chocolate and would only allow her to buy pineapple and ham when they visited a supermarket together.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has furiously hit back after unearthed footage emerged of him telling his partner he would 'drag her across the floor and scream at her' if she forgot her moves

However James has furiously hit back after the clip from Strictly's spin-off show It Takes Two resurfaced.

The ballroom dancer and choreographer, 46, has slammed the BBC saying most of the footage 'was not related to Georgina at all'.

Sharing a raging statement on Instagram he said that the footage was 'edited for entertainment' and was 'highly produced and exaggerated'.

He said there 'is no comparison to be drawn between those awful allegations and the VT' - while insisting none of his celebrity partners ever complained about him during his eight years on the show.
Disgraced reality star Josh Duggar reportedly 'signs autographs' for fellow convicts to give to their family - as he continues his 12-year prison sentence for child porn charges.

When it was revealed that Josh, now 36, had been arrested for downloading images of naked girls aged between seven and nine in 2021, it completely shattered the wholesome on-screen image that he and his family had worked so hard to build over the course of their multiple TLC reality shows.

It was a downfall that shocked and horrified the family's millions of fans - but according to The Sun, the former TV personality is still enjoying his star status while behind bars.

The publication reported earlier this week that the felon - currently serving out his sentence at FCI Seagoville in Dallas, Texas - was 'considered a celebrity' at the correctional facility.

'Josh has been signing autographs on newspapers articles about him for prisoners' family members,' a source told the outlet.

Disgraced reality star Josh Duggar reportedly 'signs autographs' for fellow convicts to give to their family - as he continues his 12-year prison sentence for child porn charges

Josh (seen with his wife, Anna Duggar in 2015), 36, was arrested for downloading images of naked girls aged between seven and nine in 2021

Josh was arrested and charged with two counts of downloading and possessing child pornography in April 2021.

During the trial, it was brought to light that the married-father-of-six had downloaded child sexual abuse material online in May 2019.

A detective on the case claimed she was able to locate two files on the computer: a zip folder containing 65 image files of naked girls aged between seven and nine, and a two-minute video of a similarly-aged girl being raped by an adult man.

He was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison.

He tried to have the guilty verdict overturned, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his bid last month.

Years before he was arrested for child pornography, reports emerged that claimed Josh had molested numerous minors - including four of his younger sisters.

According to a 2006 police report unearthed by InTouch Weekly in 2015, Josh's behavior was first discovered in March 2002, when one of his youngest sisters went to Duggar patriarch Jim Bob Duggar 'very upset and crying.'

The unnamed sister said that Josh had snuck into the shared girls' bedroom, and touched her breasts and genitals while she slept on four occasions.

According to The Sun, the former TV personality is still enjoying his star status while behind bars. He's seen with his wife and kids before his arrest

The publication reported earlier this week that the felon - who is currently serving out his sentence at FCI Seagoville (seen) in Dallas, Texas - is 'considered a celebrity' at the facility

When confronted by Jim Bob, the report said that Josh admitted to the incident and was 'disciplined,' though the patriarch didn't reveal what that entailed.

According to the report, Josh was accused by several of his younger sisters of similar sexual touching again one year later.

On one occasion, it said he was reading to a little sister on his lap when he touched her 'breasts and vaginal area.'

On another, he cornered one of his sisters in the laundry room and put his hand under her dress.

Jim Bob and his wife, Michelle Duggar, did not initially go to the police, keeping the molestation allegations and Josh's confessions a secret until a tip was made to the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Hotline about Josh's behavior three years later and forced their hand.

Finally speaking to law enforcement on December 12, 2006, Jim Bob said that when he learned about what his son was doing, he 'met with the elders of his church and told them what was going on.'

They suggested a particular treatment program at Vista Hospital, but Jim Bob was concerned that Josh would be 'exposed to other offenders and other things they did not want him exposed to.'

Instead, they sent him to a Christian program that consisted of 'hard physical work and counseling' from March 17, 2003, to July 17, 2003.

Jim Bob and Michelle also told the local police that Josh had 'apologized' to his victims and said they had 'forgiven' him, and when he returned, they believed the issue had been 'resolved.'

Josh's arrest shattered the wholesome on-screen image that he and his family had worked so hard to build over the course of their multiple TLC reality shows

He tried to have his guilty verdict overturned but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his bid last month. He's seen at his trial with his wife in 2021

When Josh got home from the Christian counseling program, his parents had him talk to Arkansas State Trooper Jim Hutchens, who gave him a 'very stern talk.'

Jim was later imprisoned on child pornography charges of his own, and has been in jail since 2007. He was sentenced to 56 years.

When the police report describing Josh's transgressions was made public in 2015, two of his sisters - Jill and Jessa - identified themselves as two of his victims.

Later, in 2017, two more sisters, Jinger and Joy, were identified as the other victims in a lawsuit.

When Jim Bob, Michelle, Jill, and Jessa all sat down for an interview with Megyn Kelly to discuss what happened in 2015 - some viewers were left alarmed by the way the parents tried to minimize their son's behavior.

'He was still a kid, you know, and he was still a juvenile. He wasn't an adult,' Jim Bob said. 'Kids will make their own choices.

'[Josh] had gone in and just basically touched them over their clothes while they were sleeping,' he went on, adding that there were 'a couple incidents where he touched them under their clothes, but it was, like, a few seconds.'

'God can forgive [Josh] for these terrible things, I hope other people realize God can forgive them and also make them a new creature.'

He also seemed to imply that a brother molesting his sisters was common, saying: 'We talked to other parents and different ones since then, a lot of families have said that they've had similar things happen in their families.'

According to a 2006 police report, Josh previously admitted to inappropriately touching his sisters Jill (second from right), Jessa (center), Jinger (second from left), and Joy (left)

It was later revealed his parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, kept the molestation allegations and Josh's confessions a secret until a tip was made to the police three years later

'I think we had one ray of hope, in that Josh had a tender conscience,' Michelle chimed in.

They also insisted that they had 'put safeguards in their home' to prevent something similar from happening again - which included boys not being allowed to be alone with girls, and the 'little ones' being told they shouldn't sit on 'big boys' laps unless it's your daddy.'

The Duggar family first landed their own reality show, 17 Kids and Counting, in 2008. The series, which would go on to be renamed twice to account for the births of three more kids, quickly captured the nation and became immensely popular.

What likely sparked the world's interest was the parents' insanely-strict set of rules that they set for their 19 kids.

Jim Bob and Michelle are members of a Christian group run by shunned minister Bill Gothard, which contained teachings that said children must be homeschooled, dress modestly, and avoid all contact with the opposite sex before marriage.

Almost every aspect of the kids' lives were controlled by Jim Bob and Michelle - they read their text messages, told them what they were allowed to watch on TV and what music they could listen too, and they even had a say in who they were friends with.

The show went on for 10 seasons before ending in 2015, however, later that year, a spinoff entitled Counting On premiered, which aired for another 11 seasons before it was canceled amid Josh's arrest.
Zara McDermott admitted that she would've chosen a different dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing than Graziano Di Prima in an unearthed interview.

The professional dancer, 31, was axed from the upcoming series of the show over claims he verbally and physically abused the Love Island star, 27, during last year's competition.

And as more allegations about his behaviour have emerged, a throwback clip of the pair has resurfaced, showing Zara voicing a desire to work with a different dancer instead.

Answering questions together with Grazia, Zara and Graziano were asked: 'If you had to dance with another dancer/contestant for a week, who would you pick?'

Zara immediately said: 'I know who I would pick, but you go first.'

Zara McDermott admitted that she would've chosen a different dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing than Graziano Di Prima in an unearthed interview

The professional dancer, 31, was axed from the upcoming series of the show over claims he verbally and physically abused the Love Island star, 27, during last year's competition (pictured together in October)

And as more allegations about his behaviour have emerged, a throwback clip of the pair has resurfaced, showing Zara voicing a desire to work with a different dancer instead

But Graziano refused to pick someone and said: 'See you later' as he got up to storm off, while Zara insisted: 'It's a game! It is a game.'

But the Italian shot back: 'Yeah but your brain went there anyway.'

Zara attempted to defend herself, saying she would have only chosen someone she thought was 'really nice'.

She said: 'Well no, but I'm just thinking if there was someone who I think is really nice, who I'd also get on with. If I had to dance with another dancer, it would probably Kai [Widdrington] because I really like Kai.'

In response, Graziano changed his answer and said: 'If I could dance with someone it would probably be Layton [Williams],' causing Zara to declare: 'I knew you'd say that!'

It comes following reports on Sunday, that Graziano was accused of 'chasing' after Zara while 'screaming abuse,' leaving her so frightened that she 'locked herself in a toilet.'

He has apologised for kicking his former partner, but added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

According to the reports, shock details have now been revealed which allege he 'called her nasty names, asked if she had gained weight and was forceful' leaving her 'visibly demoralised' and 'in tears.'

But Graziano refused to pick someone and said: 'See you later' as he got up to storm off, while Zara insisted: 'It's a game! It is a game'

Zara attempted to defend herself, saying she would have only chosen someone she thought was 'really nice' and choosing Kai Widdrington (pictured in September)

Zara herself previously claimed in a statement there had been 'particular incidents inside the training room which were incredibly distressing.'

She did not report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash, instead it was junior production staff who came forward.

An insider told The Sun: 'Zara ran to the toilets and locked herself in. He chased after her and was screaming abuse. He was aggressive and called her nasty names. It was really scary.

'You could constantly hear Graziano screaming but when production staff opened the door he would stop. Hed say, "How the f*** are you not getting this right?", and "Why are we even bothering to come here?". Zara was visibly demoralised.'

The insider added that Graziano would apologise each time and 'promise to not do it again.'

On Thursday, Mark Borkowski, a spokesperson for Graziano, told BBC News: 'There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.

He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time.'

Referring to the media reports, Mark added: 'But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.'

It comes following reports on Sunday, that Graziano was accused of 'chasing' after Zara while 'screaming abuse,' leaving her so frightened that she 'locked herself in a toilet (pictured in January)

According to the reports, shock details have now been revealed which allege he 'called her nasty names, asked if she had gained weight and was forceful' leaving her 'visibly demoralised'

'He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that's a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He's coming to terms with his mental health issues.'

Graziano believed the matter had been resolved at the time.

The investigation into his behaviour was triggered by Strictly's bid to clean up the show after fellow Italian Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusive behaviour by his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, which resulted in him leaving the show. Giovanni denies the claims.

According to show insiders, video footage of Graziano mistreating Zara gave bosses no choice but to cancel his contract.

Addressing his departure on Instagram, Graziano 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. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.'

He continued: '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.'

He concluded the post: 'I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.'

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging with speculation.

'However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.'

Earlier this week, Graziano admitted he called Zara McDermott 'rubbish' in re-surfaced interview as he detailed his tough training regime.

According to reports, shock details have now been revealed which allege he 'called her nasty names, asked if she had gained weight and was forceful' leaving her 'visibly demoralised' (pictured in March)

Zara herself previously claimed in a statement there had been 'particular incidents inside the training room which were incredibly distressing'

An insider told The Sun : 'Just before their live performance on Halloween, Graziano asked Zara if she had gained weight. She didnt put her foot in the right direction and he was being forceful with her. She was crying behind the curtain during final rehearsals'

Zara has since been seen with only three toenails left, her feet 'bleeding' and 'passed out' on the floor as images of her in training have come to light once more.

Now, in a re-surfaced interview from October, Graziano discusses the regime he undergoes with the celebrity contestants while speaking to Zara's boyfriend Sam Thompson on his Hits Radio UK show.

In the clip he explained: 'The thing for me, every season I try to make a friend, because this person needs to feel comfortable in the room with me, because they've never danced before for example, and we dont know each other.'

Graziano added: 'We are forced to spend all day together. You need to understand that Im just teaching you.

'Everything Im saying is not personal, it's about how you move. Im not telling you that youre rubbish in life!'

MailOnline has contacted Graziano Di Prima's representatives for comment.

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.

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.

Months after the show, Zara also revealed that 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.'

Zara has since been seen with only three toenails left , her feet 'bleeding' and 'passed out' on the floor as images of her in training have come to light once more

Now, in a re-surfaced interview from October, Graziano discusses the regime he undergoes with the celebrity contestants while speaking to Zara's boyfriend Sam Thompson (pictured on Hits Radio UK show)

Graziano says: 'Everything Im saying is not personal, it's about how you move. Im not telling you that youre rubbish in life!'

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.

Speaking at the Who Cares Wins awards, Zara said: 'Graziano told me not to go for the heels but to dance in men's shoes at the start.

'I told him, 'It's not working, I need to take them off' and he said, 'No, no you're fine'.

'I said honestly it's hurting and I took them off and my feet were bleeding. I was like, 'I told you I am not being dramatic!'

Zara has been open about her injuries and has more recently been wearing a Aircast Boot after having a stress fracture in her tibia.

In March, she shared a health update on Instagram ahead of a hospital visit, she penned: 'This evening I'm heading to the hospital because while I was away I got some news from my Dr about my tibia fracture.

'The good news is that there is some small evidence of healing! Yay!

'However he said he can see that the bone surrounding the fracture is under a lot of tension/pressure... whatever that means?

'Surgery is still an option but I've opted for the most natural route which is to try and help it heal on its own...'

In another post, Zara explained her injury further and asked followers for advice.

She penned: 'So I have quite a significant stress fracture in my tibia that isn't healing. It stretches pretty much the entire width of my bone.

'The professor who operated on me back in December has advised that I am likely to need further surgery where they put metal screws and plates above and below the fractured area to fuse it together.

'I'm just weighing up whether to crack on and go ahead with the surgery or wait and hope that it starts to heal on its own. If it doesn't, then I will need to have surgery in 3-6 months anyway.'

During an interview last year, Zara revealed the reason behind her agonising injury, that left her feet 'bleeding', was due to partner Graziano's training

A photo of her 'passed out' during rehearsal with Strictly partner Graziano in a 'resurfaced' video from last October has also come to light

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

Zara broke her silence after Graziano was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he 'hit and kicked' her on Tuesday.

The Love Island 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 '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.'

'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.

Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda Abbinngton and two other former celebrity partners.

He has now denied all accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour made by Amanda in her interview and has cooperated with the BBC.

Zara broke her silence after Graziano was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he 'hit and kicked' her on Tuesday

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'

Both Zara and her boyfriend Sam Thompson have since unfollowed Graziano, but she still follows his wife, Giada Lini (Zara and Sam pictured)

'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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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

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'

A friend of the professional dancer said: '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.
Bethenny Frankel made jaws drop in her latest beach snaps.

The Real Housewives of New York City vet, 53  who recently got slammed by fans for posting a controversial TikTok  took to Instagram to post vacation snaps from her luxurious trip to Saint Tropez, France on Monday.

She modeled an ivory swimsuit with sexy cutouts on the side, with chic bows holding the ensemble together.

The particularly tight-fitting ensemble accentuated her very slim waist.

Her raven looks were let loose as they blew in the salty ocean breeze.

Bethenny Frankel took to Instagram to post vacation snaps from her luxurious trip to Saint Tropez, France on Monday

The TV personality beat the heat with a woven sun hat and stylish oversized sunglasses bejeweled with hearts.

She wore a full face of glam makeup that displayed her flawless skin and blush toned pout.

Frankel accessorized with dainty diamond earrings, a gold chain necklace, gold bracelets and a silver watch.

In another snap, she posed in a summery floral print jumpsuit while enjoying a beachside brunch.

She added an adorable selfie with her daughter, Bryn Hoppy, 14, who she shares with her ex-husband Jason Hoppy.

'Hey hooray Its Sunday in St. Tropez!' she penned in the caption.

The post was a hit with the Skinny Girl mogul's 3.4million followers, racking up over 25.6k likes and hundreds of likes.

Fans rushed to the comments to pen their support for the reality star with one writing, 'Those glasses are EVERYTHING...living the best rich b*tch fantasy.'

Another chimed in on the mother-daughter trip saying, 'How will your daughter ever find a man when she gets older to compete with how much she's been spoiled by you?!'

The starlet's vacation to paradise comes after she broke her silence on ex-fiance Paul Bernon's relationship with Aurora Culpo, just days before they secretly called it quits.

She modeled an ivory swimsuit with sexy cutouts on the side, with chic bows holding the ensemble together

In another snap, she posed in a summery floral print jumpsuit while enjoying a beachside brunch

She added an adorable selfie with her daughter, Bryn Hoppy, 14, who she shares with her ex-husband Jason Hoppy

The raven haired beauty later posted a snap of herself in a stunning purple swimsuit alongside her daughter

Earlier this month, the philanthropist said seeing her ex with a new woman felt 'embarrassing' and 'gutting,' on her Just B podcast.

'Hearing about your ex-fiance committing to another woman shortly thereafter on their first date, and then being inside their relationship, hearing about their sex and their gifts and meeting each other's kids, and the level of commitment was gutting.'

Bethenny and Paul started dating after meeting on a dating app in 2018. The pair got engaged in 2021 but called it quits earlier this year.
Toby Maguire's ex-wife Jennifer Meyer has credited 'angel' Gwyneth Paltrow for her amicable divorce from the Spider-Man star.

Paltrow, 51 was widely ridiculed for announcing her divorce from Coldplay star Chris Martin, 47, as a 'conscious uncoupling' in 2014 - but Meyer, 47, said the actress' amicable split helped her navigate her own divorce from Maguire, 49, in 2020.

Speaking on the Broad Ideas podcast on Monday, jewelry designer Meyer said: 'Right when Tobey and I were starting to break up, I watched what Gwyneth Paltrow was starting to do with Chris  this conscious uncoupling that everyone was making fun of.

'I got to see it firsthand, and it was the most beautiful thing that I had ever witnessed two human beings go through. She was so loving and kind and open to him and she created this family.

'I was like, "Wow, thats not what I was taught growing up. I was taught that divorce was ugly  bad and would never be good.

Toby Maguire's ex-wife Jennifer Meyer has credited 'angel' Gwyneth Paltrow for her amicable divorce from the Spider-Man star - pictured 2015

Paltrow, 51 was widely ridiculed for announcing her divorce from Coldplay star Chris Martin , 47, as a 'conscious uncoupling' in 2014 (pictured that year)- but Meyer, 47, said the actress' amicable split helped her navigate her own divorce from Maguire, 49, in 2020

Meyer asked Paltrow: 'How did you do that? Please, what do I do? Because were just starting to break up, and its feeling very scary.  How can we come together for [these] human[s] we both created that we love? What do we do?'

Meyer added that Paltrow introduced her to Dr. Habib Sadeghi: 'She didnt tell me their process, she didnt tell me anything.

'She just said, "I have someone for you to meet with. Good luck," basically. Because I think youve got to give people their own process.'

Meyer said she had 'hit the jackpot of ex-husbands' with Maguire and added the pair were still 'best friends' four years after their divorce.

They share daughter Ruby, 18, and son Otis, 15.

So close is the former couple's relationship that Meyer and boyfriend Geoffrey Ogunlesi holiday with Maguire,

Meyer recently pushed back on rumors the Spider-Man actor is in a romance with model Lily Chee, who is nearly three decades younger than him.

A Reddit thread posted Sunday titled 'Jen Meyer defends ex-husband Tobey Maguire' included what People reported was a comment from Meyer denying any romantic connection between Maguire and Chee.

They share daughter Ruby, 18, and son Otis, 15

Meyer said she had 'hit the jackpot of ex-husbands' with Maguire and added the pair were still 'best friends' four years after their divorce - pictured 2018, two years after their split

Meyer addressed reports that had linked Maguire to Chee after they were pictured with one another at an exclusive July 4 bash known as the 'White Party' in the Hamptons in New York thrown by billionaire Michael Rubin.

The Reddit thread included a screengrab from Instagram sent to an account for Meyer's Los Angeles-based jewelry company under the handle @jenmeyerjewelry.

A user purportedly asked Meyer 'Why is your ex husband banging someone 3 years older than your daughter,' with three skull emojis.

A reply from the @jenmeyerjewelry account read, 'I don't usually respond to such nonsense, but he was kindly helping a friend to her car. Being a good guy.

'And now he has [been] blasted online for dating someone he is not. But thank you for your rude comments. I hope it made you feel better today. Wishing you love and light.'

The comment was subsequently deleted, according to The Independent.

Maguire and Meyer exchanged vows in 2007 in Kona, Hawaii and would announce they had separated nine years later, in 2016.
Rob Delaney has opened up about the 'awful' aftermath of his two-year-old son Henry's death and described the loss of his 'gorgeous' boy as a 'nightmare.'

During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna on Monday morning, the 47-year-old actor - who is married to wife Leah - described Henry as 'charming and brilliant,' but admitted that 'a lot of things aren't fine' six years after his passing.

When Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager asked Rob about his 2022 memoir, A Heart That Works, which he wrote after Henry's death, the Catastrophe said: 'He died of a brain tumor that he was diagnosed with right around his first birthday. And yeah, he died in the beginning of 2018 and he was just the sweetest little most wonderful guy.

'We say that about all of our kids, but Henry was better than other children. He was so funny, and his brain tumor was in the back of his head near his brain stem so it brought him a lot of physical difficulties, because that stuff is controlled back there, but his frontal lobe was fine.'

Rob continued: 'He was very funny and smart and charming and gorgeous and flirty and silly and brilliant. He learned sign language because he couldn't talk because he had a tracheotomy, so just a wonderful boy.

Rob Delaney opened up about the aftermath of his son's death during an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna

Rob and his wife, Leah, sadly lost their two-year-old son, Henry, in 2018 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor

'And yeah, you mentioned the book, I wrote a book about him because I wanted people to know about him. And I also thought, there's a lot of stuff written about grief that people are kind of like, "but then one day the sun came out again," and I was like, "yeah, enough of that crap."

'It's a nightmare and I figured the best thing I could do was to sort of elucidate how awful it is and let the reader maybe glean hope by seeing that my family is "okay" now, but I didn't want to prescribe it and be like, "it'll all be fine," because a lot of things aren't fine.'

When Hoda, 59, told him they were 'glad' that he wanted to talk about it, Rob replied: 'No, I love to talk about him. He's my son, I'm his dad, his brothers miss him, his mom misses him and he's still part of our family and so I don't know how to not talk about him.'

Earlier this month, Rob admitted that he was worried he wouldn't be able to love his fourth son - because his heart was 'destroyed' after losing Henry to cancer.

The comedy star, 47, who is from Massachusetts but lives in north London, opened up about Henry on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs with host Lauren Laverne.

In the candid interview Rob admitted he worried that he wouldn't be able to love Henry's younger brother after his death, saying his heart was 'torn to pieces.'

He said: 'I remember thinking, when he was about to be born, "well my heart has been destroyed, it has been torn into pieces and destroyed, and it's just garbage, so I will take care of this kid, I will feed him, I will put him in clothing that fits, am I going to be able to love him? I don't know if I can do that anymore."

'But the nanosecond he exited my wife's body, I looked at him and started weeping, and I was so in love with him... I love him desperately. But you have to feel and honor your pain. When the feelings come it's best to let them.'

Rob described losing his 'gorgeous' child as a 'nightmare,' but says he loves to talk about him

Rob pictured with his wife, Leah, at the British Academy Television Craft Awards in April 2018

In the emotional interview, Rob also spoke about Henry's last few months.

'He did have a good death. His final months  we had four-and-a-half of them where we knew he was going to die  his brothers were just so into him,' he said.

'They all loved each other so much I watched a four and a six-year-old hold their brother's dead body, I watched them take unbelievable care of him and learn difficult things because he required really intense things to take care of him.

'I just hate thinking about them not having him. I really hate it.

'They talk about him all the time and they love him, and they smile when they talk about him and they love to look at pictures of him and he is very much part of our lives.'
Giovanni Pernice appeared to brush off the ongoing chaos surrounding Strictly Come Dancing as he ventured out in Manchester on Monday.

The dancer, 33, was recently axed from his position as a professional on the show after his after his 2023 celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour.

As his former co-stars headed to the studios in London to prepare for this year's competition, Giovanni was more than 200 miles away in Manchester.

As he exited the station, the TV star was seen in dark glasses and carried with him a suitcase branded with his initials as well as a designer shopping bag.

The Mail can reveal the Giovanni is just days away from learning the verdict of the investigation which began three months ago after Amanda Abbington complained to the BBC that he had bullied her.

Giovanni Pernice was spotted in Manchester on Monday as his former co-stars turned up to the first day of training for this year's Strictly

Meanwhile, Gio's ex girlfriend Molly Brown was also spotted in the Northern city, looking downcast as she headed out for the first time since they split amid the row

Friends of the Italian say that he is hopeful of being cleared after receiving all of the accusations she levelled against him.

He has rebutted them all and because the inquiry is 'evidence led' and there is said not to be any.

A friend of Giovannis told MailOnline: It has been a long wait but Gio is confident of the ruling going his way, he is very confident and happy with his responses to Amandas claims.

He cant wait to get it all done and go off on holiday after going through all do this.

Meanwhile, Gio's ex girlfriend Molly Brown was also spotted in the Northern city, looking downcast as she headed out for the first time since they split amid the row.

The model was seen wearing a PrettyLittleThing gym outfit as she also made her way through Manchester, but she was with a female friend.

She hugged herself tight in her beige coat and seemed to have kept this natural with her makeup and hair for the outing.

Gio was in the Northern city following the final performance of his Together Again tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke at the Lowry in Salford last night.

The model was seen wearing a PrettyLittleThing gym outfit as she also made her way through Manchester, but she was with a female friend

Gio was in the Northern city following the final performance of his Together Again tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke

Kai will be retuning to the series following his split from fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova

On Friday that Ukrainian dancer Nikita, 26, revealed he was getting ready to head back into the Strictly Come Dancing training room 'in five days time'

It was followed by Graziano's sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals. Graziano has apologised (pictured together)

He stopped for a mere moment to adjust his glasses before carrying on, a leather satchel secured to his shoulders.

Giovanni's drama was followed by Graziano Di Prima's sacking last month over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

Heading to rehearsals this week, the dancers brushed off the drama, with smiling Nikita offering a peace sign.

Also heading to the north London studio was Johannes Radebe, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.

Kai will be retuning to the series following his split from fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

And, according to The Sun, Giovanni and some of his co-stars, are booked to perform at the Dancing With The Stars showcases in Windsor and Newport next year.

However, this could come as a rule-break as the broadcaster forbids its stars from taking on work that could be deemed to similar to the show that made them famous.

The policy states: 'Actors and artists in BBC output should not appear in promotional work which mimics on-air roles.'
Amanda Holden showed off her incredible figure while on holiday in Greece on Monday.

The BGT judge, 53, soaked up some sun a blue bikini, consisting of a strapless top and matching bottoms.

She layered over a coordinating floral shirt and accessorised her beach ready look with a straw cowboy hat.

Amanda shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of oversized sunglasses and flashed a smile for the camera.

She captioned the post: 'Bikini, hat and shirt by @melissaodabash #family,' alongside a Greek flag.

Amanda Holden, 53, showed off her incredible figure while on holiday in Greece on Monday

The BGT judge soaked up some sun a blue bikini, consisting of a strapless top and matching bottoms

The family holiday comes after the actresses daughter Lexi was recently admitted to a hospital with life-threatening E. coli amid the latest outbreak.

The TV star's daughter Lexi, 18, who was sitting her A-levels at the time, was reportedly on a ward for five days with Amanda and her husband Chris at her bedside.

While discussing the warning signs to look out for amid the latest outbreak, Amanda revealed to The Sun that her daughter Lexi had been suffering from bloating and stomach cramps.

She said: 'For about three weeks, Lexi had been complaining of bloating and stomach cramps.'

'She was not happy at all and in quite a lot of pain with her tummy.'

'It was around the time of revision and her A-levels, so I was just putting this down to exam stress.'

However, Amanda admitted that after taking her daughter to her GP, who insisted on her doing some blood and stool samples, the results came back as a bacterial infection.

The star then revealed that while she was filming in Spain, she began to get calls from various government officials asking her to fill out several forms about where her daughter might have eaten and what kind of food they had stored in their home.

The family holiday comes after the actresses daughter Lexi was recently admitted to a hospital with life-threatening E. coli amid the latest outbreak (pictured together in December)

Stating that the cultures come back, Amanda revealed that Lexi has VTEC E. coli, which is a very harmful strain of bacteria thats very rare in humans.

Amanda also told how perplexed she was by the news as she couldn't work out how her daughter came down with the bacterial infection.

She admitted that she even had her rabbits and cat checked after the doctor asked if she lived on a farm or had any livestock, as the infection is usually affiliated with farmers.

The star also confessed that the antibiotics her daughter was given didn't seem to be working and claimed her doctor called her saying 'I don't want to alarm you' before telling her Lexi's bloods were 'through the roof' and she was in danger of 'contracting sepsis'.

The mother-of-two claimed that hearing the word sepsis was 'terrifying' to say the least.

According to Amanda, Lexi was the 113th case in the country  but the doctor warned them that this was the tip-of-the-iceberg as more cases were to come.

She said: 'For about three weeks, Lexi had been complaining of bloating and stomach cramps'

Amanda then admitted that after taking her daughter to her GP, who insisted on Lexi doing some blood and stool samples, the results came back as a rare bacterial infection

Amanda then issued an update on her daughter's health by revealing that she was finally let out after being in the hospital for five days, however, she has been back and forth for more blood tests.

A verotoxigenic E. coli, known as VTEC, is a harmful strain of a bacterium called Escherichia coli.

Most E. coli strains are harmless and live in the gut of humans and other animals without causing any problems. VTEC, however, is capable of producing a toxin that can cause serious illness.

Symptoms associated with E. coli usually present around two to four days after ingesting the bacteria and these may include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Ana, 52, admitted she was 'sad' to see Biden drop out of the presidential race

Ana Navarro has slammed Hollywood actor George Clooney for publicly calling on Joe Biden to step down in his scathing op-ed for the New York Times and claimed the President has been 'dragged relentlessly' for the past three weeks.

During Monday's episode of The View, the panel - led by moderator Whoopi Goldberg - weighed in on Biden's shock decision to eliminate himself from the 2024 Presidential race, and Navarro, 52, did not hold back when it came to sharing her thoughts.

The Republican political strategist admitted: 'I was sad. You know, as I've said here many times, I love Joe Biden and I'm full of gratitude to Joe Biden today. So, Joe Biden, thank you for everything, over 54 years of career... So I was sad in the way that when you see a champion athlete retire, leave it all on the field and walk away into the sunset, that made me sad, it gave me nostalgia.

'I was also mad because he's been dragged relentlessly for three weeks by some people who supposedly were his friends. I hope that a lot of those donors that went out and said all sorts of things about him come back with a big check now!'

Pointing the finger directly at the Ocean's Eleven actor, she then said: 'George Clooney, contigo!' which means 'with you' in Spanish as the live studio audience laughed at her blunt comment.

Ana Navarro has slammed George Clooney for publicly calling for President Joe Biden to step down

The View's Ana claimed that Biden, 81, has been 'dragged relentlessly' for the past three weeks

Navarro then continued her praise for the President and said: 'I'm grateful to his staff, I am grateful to Jill Biden, they have taken a lot of incoming in the last three weeks, a lot of attacks. They have been part of a very stable and steady administration.

'I will always be thankful. They took us out of the hell that was COVID and they took us out of the hell that was Trump, for that, grateful until the end of my days,' she added.

Earlier this month, Clooney turned on Biden and demanded he step aside from the 2024 race after his disastrous debate and widespread concerns about whether he can serve four more years.

The Hollywood megastar, who has hosted fundraisers for the 81-year-old, said Biden couldn't win the 'battle against time' in his first-person piece and also condemned Democratic party leaders for ignoring 'every warning sign' of Biden's declining physical and mental health, and for trying to defend his car-crash performance against Donald Trump.

He added that Democrat voters 'collectively hold our breath or turn down the volume whenever we see the president, who we respect, walk off Air Force One or walk back to a mic to answer an unscripted question.'

Clooney wrote in The New York Times: 'I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he's won many of the battles he's faced.

'But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It's devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe "big F-ing deal" Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,' he said.

Clooney added: 'Joe Biden is a hero; he saved democracy in 2020. We need him to do it again in 2024.'

Sara Haines defended Clooney when Sunny Hostin (right) claimed people were 'forcing' Biden out

Clooney pictured here at his $28 million fundraiser in June with Biden, Julia Roberts, and former President Barack Obama

The New York Times article came just three weeks after Clooney hosted a record-breaking $28 million fundraiser for the president on June 16.

The View panel have also been huge supporters of Biden, and during the discussion on Monday's show, Sunny Hostin admitted: 'I wasn't comfortable with the notion that people were forcing him out.'

She added: 'I wasn't comfortable with the cannibalization that I saw in the Democratic Party, but I am comfortable if he made this decision with his inner circle, with Dr. Jill Biden, with his family, and decided to do it on his own.'

However, Sara Haines also spoke up and said: 'I am also grateful and I thank Biden for his decades of service, but I do push back a little on Ana and Sunny's take on the party imploding.

'There is room for criticism when you're talking about the biggest job in the world, and I don't think those people that are friends, even George Clooney's op-ed was really touching and beautifully written saying, "This is hard to say out loud." A lot of those people were torn themselves.'
Ben Affleck was spotted arriving at his Los Angeles office on Monday after missing Jennifer Lopez's Bridgerton-themed birthday bash over the weekend.

The Good Will Hunting alum, 51, appeared in high spirits while making his way through the parking garage, despite rising concerns about the superstar couple's marital status.

Looking dapper in a classic black suit with a navy shirt, the handsome matinee idol carried his beloved iced coffee and a black duffle bag for the morning outing.

He flashed a hint of his megawatt smile as he entered the building's lobby before disappearing into an elevator.

The office visit follows Ben's weekend on the West Coast, while his wife JLo celebrated her 55th birthday with a soiree in the Hamptons.

Ben Affleck was spotted arriving at his Los Angeles office on Monday after missing Jennifer Lopez 's Bridgerton-themed birthday bash over the weekend

The Good Will Hunting alum, 51, appeared in high spirits while making his way through the parking garage, despite rising concerns about the superstar couple's marital status

At the event, numerous guests were seen arriving in regal attire, including Lopez's mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez, who wore a blue gown adorned with white lace detailing.

JLo also recently spent her second wedding anniversary without her husband, as he remained in California while she holidayed on the East Coast.

Ben's business meetings come after he was seen with his wedding ring on while leaving ex Jennifer Garner's house.

The Batman actor  who shares Violet, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12, with the Alias vet, 52  looked tense as he gripped the steering wheel of his Rivian SUV, allowing a peek at his nuptial band.

Dressed in a yellow T-shirt and sipping a soda, the handsome matinee idol drove through Brentwood's upscale neighborhood after attending several business meetings in recent days.

The visit to Garner's pad comes amid reports that Ben and JLo's marital woes have nothing to do with her status as a global superstar.

'The idea that Ben thinks Jennifer is too famous and that he didn't know what he was getting into with the attention on their marriage isn't true,' a source told People on Friday.

They added, 'There are deeper issues.'

Looking dapper in a classic black suit and navy blue shirt, the handsome matinee idol carried his beloved iced coffee and a black duffle bag for the morning outing

He flashed a hint of his megawatt smile as he entered the building's lobby before disappearing into an elevator

The couple, who have not been pictured together for two months, appeared to spend their second wedding anniversary apart amid divorce rumors.

On Tuesday, July 16, Ben was seen smiling in Los Angeles as he headed to his office, while Jennifer enjoyed a getaway in The Hamptons.

These sightings coincided with the two-year anniversary of their wedding at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022. They had a more lavish ceremony the following month in Georgia.

However, on their second anniversary, they were spotted on opposite coasts.

This comes amid rumors that Jennifer and Ben are facing marital issues two years after their initial wedding.

The couple also spent the Fourth of July weekend separately, with the This Is Me... Now star celebrating in the Hamptons with family and friends while the Deep Water actor stayed in Los Angeles.

It was recently disclosed that their $60.85 million marital home in Beverly Hills is now publicly on the market.

In June, the couple attempted to discreetly sell the 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom mansion but were unsuccessful.

Earlier this summer, reports surfaced that Jen and Ben have been living apart for 'months,' amid speculation that they are headed for divorce.

But JLo 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.

In May, sources told People Jennifer and Ben's marriage 'is not in the best place at the moment.'

Meanwhile, Us Weekly recently claimed 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.

On Saturday morning, as the preparations for her festivities kicked off, Lopez posted a beaming selfie on Instagram and wrote: 'Today is gonna be a great day'

Affleck and Garner are parents to Violet, 18, Fin (formerly Seraphina) 15, and son Samuel, 12; Garner is seen with the kids in 2018

Affleck and Lopez have recently listed their $68 million marital home in Beverly Hills for sale and reportedly want to 'move forward'; Seen in February, 2023

It was also added that Bennifer 2.0 'still haven't made a decision' regarding splitting.

Affleck and Garner announced their separation in 2015 after nearly 10 years of marriage, and officially filed for divorce in 2017.

The 13 Going on 30 star has since moved on with businessman John Miller, while Ben rekindled his romance with Lopez in April 2021 before tying the knot in July 2022.

Lopez shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emme with her ex Marc Anthony.
Morning Live has been taken off air for a month.

The BBC magazine show started in 2020 and with the likes of former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, Michelle Ackerley, Gethin Jones and Strictly's Helen Skelton presenting on a rotational basis.

It airs at the same time at the same as ITV rivals Lorraine and This Morning but it has now been announced that it is taking a break.

A social media post read: 'Here's this week's Strictly Fitness summer themed workout with Mr Neil Jones.

'Morning Live is on a break now. Join us on Monday 26th August from 9:30am for more Strictly Fitness.

Morning Live has been taken off air for a month and will be replaced by Rip-Off Britain (pictured: Kym Marsh, Sam Quek, Gethin Jones, Kimberley Walsh, Sara Cox and Rav Wilding)

It airs at the same time at the same as ITV rivals Lorraine and This Morning but it has now been announced that it is taking a break.

The post concluded by reminding fans that they can still catch up on all the morning workouts with the Strictly Come Dancing professional by heading to their catchup service.

It added: 'You can do all of the routines from this week in full & see how to do them sat down, on BBC iPlayer.'

The news comes shortly after presenters Michele and Gethin revealing that they had to attend an 'improvement meeting' with the broadcaster.

Gethin wrote: 'Michelle and me sitting down with the boss to discuss what we can do better.Love it. Always welcome a chance to improve.'

In the meantime, Rip-Off Britain will air in its slot.

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, 42, has also hosted the show but took a leave of absence so she could join The Promise hitmakers on their comeback tour.

The news comes after Rav Wilding returned to the set of the show after his romance with former colleague Rebecca Mason was revealed.

The news was announced with a post on social media, where bosses revealed that the show won't be back until the end of August

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, 42, has also hosted the show but took a leave of absence so she could join The Promise hitmakers on their comeback tour

Just weeks ago, Rav Wilding returned to the magazine show after his romance with former colleague Rebecca Mason was revealed

The presenter, 46, announced on Instagram in April that he and his estranged TV producer wife secretly separated last year after 12 years together.

And just several months after revealing his marriage split, it appears Rav has moved onto Surrey Police detective Rebecca.

Upon his return, was joined on the panel by Dr Ranj Singh, TV presenter Rebecca Wilcox and DJ Tony Blackburn.

Rav and Rebecca have posted a slew of cosy snaps on their Instagram accounts together at weddings, inside the studio, dinner dates and car journeys.
Brittany Cartwright seemed to forget her troubles as she hit the beach in Santa Monica with her and estranged husband Jax Taylor's son Cruz on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Kentucky native, who was recently hit with a $35K tax lien on her San Fernando Valley home, was all smiles and laughter with her three-year-old child.

The star, who separated from 45-year-old Taylor earlier this year, was clad in a busty, royal blue, one-piece swimsuit.

While arriving for the beach day via the former couple's white Jeep Wrangler, she wore a coordinating romper with a plunging front.

During one moment, the Southern belle  who rose to fame on Bravo's reality television series Vanderpump Rules  threw her head back in a fit of laughter as she took a dip in the ocean with her boy.

Brittany Cartwright seemed to forget her troubles as she hit the beach in Santa Monica with her and estranged husband Jax Taylor 's son Cruz on Sunday

The 35-year-old Kentucky native, who was recently hit with a $35K tax lien on her San Fernando Valley home, was all smiles and laughter with her three-year-old child

The Southern belle, who rose to fame on Bravo's reality television series Vanderpump Rules, threw her head back in a fit of laughter as she took a dip in the ocean with her boy

The star, who separated from 45-year-old Taylor earlier this year, was clad in a busty, royal blue, one-piece swimsuit

Cartwright, who wed Taylor in 2019, pulled her long, blonde-highlighted locks into a ponytail for the day of sunshine.

At some moments, she arranged the tresses in a fuss-free bun atop her head.

And she shielded her eyes with a stylish pair of glossy, onyx, rectangular sunglasses.

Brittany arrived to the beach in a pair of white Christian Dior flats and she flaunted a pointy, almond-shaped, milky nude manicure.

Documents recently obtained by DailyMail.com revealed a state tax lien has been placed on Brittany and Jax's $1.9 million Valley Village home by the California Franchise Tax Board.

The lien was filed on June 12, 2024 in the amount of $35,239.88.

The Valley star has been living in an Airbnb following her separation from Jax after nearly five years of marriage.

However, in April she shared that she still pays 'all the bills' at home while Jax 'pays the mortgage.'

DailyMail.com reached out to Cartwright's representatives and they declined to comment.

At some moments, she arranged her tresses in a fuss-free bun atop her head and she shielded her eyes with a stylish pair of glossy, onyx, rectangular sunglasses

Brittany flaunted a pointy, almond-shaped, milky nude manicure

Cartwright carried her only child, who wore blue and white patterned swim trunks, on her hip

At the start of the beach day, she wore a coordinating romper with a plunging front

She pulled her long, blonde-highlighted locks into a ponytail for the day of sunshine. Little Cruz seemed to thoroughly enjoy lapping up the sun with his mom

The legal documents pertaining to the home state that 'further interest and fees will accrue' until the lien is paid.

Cartwright and Taylor moved into the 3,765-square-foot five-bedroom home in May 2019, ahead of their June wedding.

At the time, Brittany took to social media to share a snap in front of their house, writing, 'I am feeling SO blessed! We have so much to look forward to. We are moving into our first home together this week, we are getting married in less than 2 months, and we start filming season 8!!'

The residence near the homes of co-stars Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, and Ariana Madix.

Documents recently obtained by DailyMail.com revealed a state tax lien has been placed on Brittany and Jax's $1.9 million Valley Village home by the California Franchise Tax Board

The Valley star has been living in an Airbnb following her separation from Jax after nearly five years of marriage

Brittany arrived to the beach in a pair of white Christian Dior flats while her little one wore black Nike slides

Brittany arrived via her white Jeep Wrangler

In April Brittany shared on an episode of the podcast Not Skinny but Not Fat that she still pays 'all the bills' at home while Jax 'pays the mortgage.' The legal documents pertaining to the home state that 'further interest and fees will accrue' until the lien is paid

Brittany clutched a blue, steel water bottle during the outing

Brittany and Jax announced their separation in late February.

While appearing on the podcast Not Skinny but Not Fat earlier this year, Brittany said she 'put down as much money' as Jax to buy their property.

She also said she was paying for Cruz's school expenses, insurance, and for their car.

Following the separation, the mother-of-one also revealed Jax suggested she 'move back in the house and live in the main bedroom and [he] live in the guest room,' which she turned down.

'I'm like, "That's not happening." I'll just keep spending a s**t ton of money on Airbnbs until we figure out what we're gonna do,' she said.
When the Duchess of Sussex aimed a volley of bombshells at the Royal Family in her Netflix 'docu-series' with Prince Harry in 2022, one of those caught by flying shrapnel was Mishal Husain.

The BBC star had conducted the television interview broadcast after Meghan's engagement to Prince Harry was announced five years earlier. The former actress suggested that Husain's sit-down with the couple had been an 'orchestrated reality show'.

To add insult to injury, Meghan complained that the distinguished Radio 4 presenter 'wasn't empathetic enough, wasn't warm enough' to conduct the interview, according to a senior royal source. It was said that Meghan would have preferred her fellow American Oprah Winfrey to have been selected for the job.

Now, however, the usually mild-mannered Husain has been moved to respond to the Duchess of Sussex's criticism.

She suggests that the attack left her bewildered. And, far from Meghan being the naive victim of some co-ordinated Establishment plot, she and Harry appeared to have given much thought to what they would say about their plans.

Meghan Markle has claimed the sit-down interview with Husain to announce her engagement to Prince Harry was an 'orchestrated reality show'

The usually mild-mannered Mishal Husain has been moved to respond to the Duchess of Sussex's criticism. She suggests that the attack left her bewildered

'When the Duchess of Sussex said that my engagement interview with her and Harry was an 'orchestrated reality show' I didn't know what to make of it,' Husain writes in the August issue of Saga magazine. 'They seemed to have thought through what their new lives would be like and what marriage would mean for her life in particular.'

Husain adds that there was no hint of the trouble to come.

'There was nothing that pointed to what would happen,' she says. 'It was two people who were full of joy in each other and life.'

After the Netflix series was broadcast, the BBCs director-general at the time of Husains interview, Lord Hall, rejected Meghans criticism, saying it was simply untrue to suggest the talk was staged.

In the aftermath, Husain borrowed a phrase from the late Queen Elizabeths response to Meghans allegations of racism within the Royal Family. Recollections may vary, Husain said wryly on the Today programme. But my recollection is definitely very much, asked to do an interview, and do said interview.

Sixties icon Christie cuts a jaunty figure

Screen siren Julie Christie bewitched generations of men, was a lover of Terence Stamp and Warren Beatty, and was voted responsible for one of cinema's sexiest moments  'a crucial erotic scene unsurpassed in movie history', according to one besotted critic  for her performance opposite Donald Sutherland in thriller Don't Look Now.

Screen siren Julie Christie, now aged 84, still cuts a stylish figure even when carrying out errands near her East London home. She was seen pulling a shopping trolley while wearing cargo trousers, a denim shirt and white sandals

Now aged 84, the Oscar winner still cuts a stylish figure even when carrying out errands near her East London home.

She was seen pulling a shopping trolley while wearing cargo trousers, a denim shirt and white sandals.

Her eye-catching red scarf and tortoiseshell sunglasses completed the trendy look.

It was the first time she had been seen in public since the death of Sutherland last month at the age of 88.

Acropolis now! Tyrone fiancee's rocking hen do

How about this for a rock'n'roll hen do? Faye Harris, the daughter of heavy metal headbanger Steve Harris, of Iron Maiden, partied with pals ahead of her wedding to Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stones star Ronnie.

Faye Harris, the daughter of heavy metal headbanger Steve Harris, of Iron Maiden, partied with pals ahead of her wedding to Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stones star Ronnie

The bash was in Athens, but the hens almost didn't make it because of travel problems at the weekend caused by the IT meltdown. 'Nothing can keep us from celebrating,' said one of them. 'Not even the biggest IT outage in history.'

Hard Rock Life! Nigel Kennedy forced to relearn violin

Punk violinist Nigel Kennedy says he was forced to relearn his craft after going partially deaf. He blames a Covid-19 booster jab he received in 2021.

'I did end up losing hearing after the third jab,' the 67-year-old musician tells me. 'I could hear stuff, but not whether it was in tune so easily, so I had to retrain myself.

Punk violinist Nigel Kennedy says he was forced to relearn his craft after going partially deaf. He blames a Covid-19 booster jab he received in 2021

It took a lot of actual mental intelligence and concentration to get the hearing back and re-teach myself.'

Why Danielle's a very Merry Widow

Danielle De Niese was due to perform at Glyndebourne last year. However, she pulled out to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End musical Aspects Of Love instead.

Now, the celebrated soprano may have found an ingenious way to get the best out of both worlds.

Danielle De Niese (pictured) was due to perform at Glyndebourne last year. However, she pulled out to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End musical Aspects Of Love instead

Danielle, 45, pictured with pal Joanna Lumley, tells me: 'It's just so exciting to have a hit show, in such high demand

I hear that The Merry Widow, in which she is starring at Glyndebourne in East Sussex, may win a West End transfer.

'Senior figures from Cameron Mackintosh's top team and theatre group Nimax have been checking out the show,' claims my man in the stalls.

Danielle, 45, tells me: 'It's just so exciting to have a hit show, in such high demand.

'And we've had some great friends come down to see the show, raving about it to anyone who will listen.'

Is Adam Peaty engaged to girlfriend Holly Ramsay?

Does swimmer Adam Peaty, who's preparing for the Olympics in Paris, have something to celebrate already?

BBC presenter Gabby Logan suggests that triple-Olympic gold medallist Peaty is engaged to his girlfriend Holly Ramsay, daughter of the potty-mouthed television chef Gordon Ramsay.

During BBC One's Olympics Preview Show there was a clip of Peaty with the restaurateur.

Triple-Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty is engaged to his girlfriend Holly Ramsay, daughter of the potty-mouthed television chef Gordon Ramsay

Peaty, 29, who has a three-year-old with his former long-term partner, Eirianedd Munro, met Holly, 24, when he was competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 in the same series as her sister, Tilly

Logan remarked: 'His [Peaty's] soon-to-be father-in-law, of course, is Gordon Ramsay.'

Peaty, 29, who has a three-year-old with his former long-term partner, Eirianedd Munro, met Holly, 24, when he was competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 in the same series as her sister, Tilly.

Holly's spokesman insists the couple are not yet engaged.
It looks like there's going to be another wedding in the Grainge family.

Sofia Richie joyfully FaceTimed her sister-in-law Alice Grainge - who was proudly flashing a dazzling diamond ring, indicating she had just said 'yes.'

The influencer, 25, who is married to Alice's brother Elliot Grainge, was seen FaceTiming her sister-in-law in an Instagram Story posted by her pal Ali Meller.

Both Ali and Sofia beamed with happiness as they watched Alice hold up her brand new bling.

Ali shared the photo to her Instagram Stories on Monday, writing in the photo, 'I love you guys so much,' along with a heart and diamond ring emoji.

Sofia Richie celebrated her sister-in-law Alice Grainge's engagement on Monday

In the photo, Alice beamed as she sat beside a man - presumably her fiance - whose face was mostly out of frame. Ali tagged Alice and Gal Elkriaf in the post.

Alice is Elliot's half-sister and is the daughter of Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge and his second wife Caroline.

Elliot is the son of the Lucian and his first wife Samantha Berg, who died tragically in 2007.

Sofia officially became a member of the Griange family last year, and in May she gave birth to her and Elliot's first child together, a baby girl named Eloise.

She recently celebrated Eloise turning two-months-old, taking to Instagram to share a faceless photo of her little girl.

The child was dressed in a green gingham dress with pink stitching and bows as she relaxed on a woven blanket.

Near the youngster was a pink cupcake and a leopard card that read 'Two Months.'

The daughter of Lionel Richie added various happy-tear emojis over the snap.

The blonde beauty and her husband have yet to post a full image of their newborn for privacy reasons.

Another snap showed a wicker stroller and a pink cupcake that read '2 months' in green icing, along with the same card.

Richie and Grainge welcomed their first child  whose full name is Eloise Samantha Grainge  on May 20.

Richie is married to Alice's brother Elliot Grainge; pictured in February

Richie took to her Instagram Story to share a faceless photo of her daughter, Eloise, on Saturday  two months after her birth

Another snap showed a wicker stroller and a pink cupcake that read '2 months' in green icing

The newborn's middle name serves as a tribute to Elliot's late mother Samantha, who passed in 2007.

While giving birth to Elliot in 1993, the businessman's mother had an amniotic fluid embolism, resulting in a coma that she remained in until her death.

Sofia and Elliot had been acquaintances for several years before they began dating in early 2021.

They became engaged in 2022 and said 'I do' in 2023.

Last month, a source close to the couple revealed that they are still 'adjusting' to life as parents.

'Sofia and Elliot have been on cloud nine since welcoming baby Eloise. They are still adjusting to becoming parents, but it's come fairly natural to both of them,' they told Us Weekly.

The insider also shared that the pair is trying to keep their newborn from the limelight and are reluctant to let others visit.

She shares the little one with husband Elliot Grainge; seen in February

Last month, a source close to the couple revealed that they are still 'adjusting' to life as parents

'Sofia and Elliot haven't let many people over to see the baby, they're both being very protective,' they claimed.

The insider shared that the new mom 'still has that pregnancy glow' and that she 'can't believe' she has a baby.

'It's all very surreal,' the source claimed of the new parents.
The cast of Married At First Sight have been left devastated after they were told they will not be invited this year's Logie Awards next month.

Despite the show being nominated for an award, some leading cast members are fuming over their exclusion from the prestigious event.

Scheduled for August 18 in Sydney, the glamorous event, which is broadcast on Channel Seven, will see the who's who of television come together.

According to an insider, several cast members who were initially promised invitations, have now been informed they will no longer be attending.

'Cast were told it was a Channel Seven event and the number of invites being handed out to Channel Nine talent would be extremely limited,' said the source.

This unexpected decision by Seven has left many cast members feeling 'betrayed and disappointed'.

With 24 participants appearing on the show this year, it was always anticipated that only a select few would secure invites due to the limited number handed out by the network.

Daily Mail Australia recently revealed only a select few participants, if any, would be considered to attend this year's ceremony.

The cast of Married At First Sight have been left disappointed after they were told they will not be invited this year's Logie Awards next month. Pictured: Eden Harper

Despite the show being nominated for an award, some leading cast members are fuming over their exclusion from the prestigious event

Front runners included Lucinda Light, Tristan Black, and couple Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo.

It's likely experts Mel Schilling, John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla will instead be attending to represent the show.

Despite their relationship going strong, Jack Dunkley and Tori Adams are unlikely to receive an invite following their controversial stint on the show.

According to an insider, several cast members who were initially promised invitations have now been informed they will no longer be attending

As of Tuesday, none of this year's cast have received any invites yet, despite some boasting that they have secured an invite to the highly coveted event.

'No one has any clue what's going on. [The cast] are pretty in the dark about it,' one insider told Daily Mail Australia.

'Some are livid because they chose to behave thinking they would land an invite but now they're told they're more than likely not going.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.
It can liberate the mind from perpetual conflict and lead to inner peace

Recall the iconic lines, of Amitabh Bachchan in the movie Deewar  looks intently at the idol of Lord Shiva and says, Bahut khush hoge tum! Bachchan, in the movie, essayed the role of an atheist smuggler. However, eventually, in the final stages of his life, he surrenders to the Supreme Power and seeks forgiveness. True enlightenment is the art of living compassionately. The human mind and heart reach a point of inflexion where an act of pardon remains an inescapable reality.

A prosaic individual might not be able to separate the chaff from the grain. His mind is full of antipathetic thoughts that he cannot transcend the barrier and is unable to exonerate anyone who has inflicted pain or hardship on him. The mind, full of gloom-ridden and obstructive thoughts cannot perceive the divinity in others. It remains perpetually in a state of conflict. Such an emotionally distraught person would castigate even angelic and divine figures out of callowness. Several organised and structured religions lay prominence on the art of forgiveness. If an individual does not rise to the sublime spheres of compassion and forgiveness, then he gets trapped in the whirlpool of cause and effect. The unabated Karmic cycle continues without any resolution.

The pivot is to fortify and protect the human mind to make it robust and compassionate. It attempts to extricate the self from the cause and effect of actions and even non-actions. Action and non-actions of humans indeed leave an indelible impression on the human mind. It would be perspicacious to pose as to how non-actions are also a kind of Karmic activity and in what manner it impacts the human mind and consciousness.

Non-action in a way represents not taking up the gauntlet. Sage Ashtavakra, who authored the treatise, Ashtavakra Gita, posits a theory that an individual should break the bondage of guilt and anger to invoke the grace of remission. There is a poignant Zen story that explains the exemplary tenets of compassion and forgiveness. Aeons ago a Zen Master summoned his tutees in a Temple of Knowledge and asked them if they harboured the antipathetic emotion of hatred in their minds. Yes! exclaimed the disciples. The Master directed his disciples to place a potato each in their bag and always travel with it as a reminder that despite the practice of meditation and breathing exercises their prana level was not high enough to expatriate hatred and inculcate compassion.The number of potatoes was to increase depending on the quantum of anger and would be directly proportional to the antipathy in their minds. Some young monks ended up carrying a bagful of potatoes, which over a period became malodorous. In sheer exasperation, the harried disciples sought refuge in the grace of the master to dispense away with the bag. The Zen Master guffawed and chided his students to abandon the negative trait of abhorrence from their minds, lest the malodour of these traits become a burden all through their lives.To lead a warm and healthy life, individuals should embark upon the path of forgiveness and compassion.

This suffuses the mind with immense strength and courage of conviction. It would be insightful for any individual to make positive affirmations, reinforcing love for every animate and inanimate object to build a divine society. Such affirmations would train the mind to remain unruffled and spread the quintessential gospel of forgiveness. Thereby humans would truly embrace fellow beings. If we construe the human mind to be the hardware, compassionate thoughts and forgiveness are part of non-negotiable software.

(The writer is the CEO of Chhattisgarh East Railway Ltd.and Chhattisgarh East West Railway Ltd. He is a faculty of the Art of Living; views expressed are personal)
In a remarkable display of operational efficiency and courage, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) executed a daring medical evacuation mission from the Motor Tanker Zeal of Gabon Republic, situated approximately 20 kilometers from the Mangrol coast in Gujarat.

The incident unfolded when the ICG received distressing reports of a critically-ill Indian national aboard the Motor Tanker Zeal.

The patient was reported to be experiencing a very low pulse and severe numbness in the lower body, necessitating immediate evacuation for urgent medical care.

Despite facing adverse weather conditions characterised by high-intensity winds and heavy rainfall, the ICG Air Enclave based in Porbandar promptly launched an Advanced Light Helicopter. The helicopter navigated through the challenging weather to reach the Motor Tanker Zeal.

Upon arrival at the scene, the helicopter crew demonstrated precision and skill by positioning themselves directly over the tanker and deploying a rescue basket. The patient was carefully lifted aboard the helicopter and swiftly transported to Porbandar for further medical attention.

A statement issued by the Union Defence Ministry highlighted the successful execution of the evacuation mission, emphasising the ICG's unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its preparedness to respond to emergencies under the most demanding circumstances.

The evacuated individual is now under medical care in Porbandar, added the statement.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Director, IIT-Delhi to set up a team of three experts that would go into a particular question of Physics asked in the NEET-UG 2024 examination and submit a report on the correct answer by Tuesday noon.

The top courts order to IIT Delhi to set up a team of three domain experts to examine the issue of the correct answer to a question came at the fag end of the day-long hearing on a batch of petitions including those which are seeking a re-test of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG on grounds of question paper-leak and other malpractices. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud asked the petitioners seeking re-test to show with the help of data released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which holds the examination, that there was a systemic failure in its conduct, and the paper leak was widespread and not restricted to Patna and Hazaribagh only.

How do you establish that the paper leak was all over India? the CJI asked.

During the hearing, the bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took note of the submissions of some aspirants that a question of Physics had two correct answers and a set of examinees, who gave one particular answer out of the two correct ones, were awarded four marks.

It also considered submissions that there were three sets of aspirants, and one set got minus five for the correct answer, the second secured four marks for another correct answer, and the third group comprised those who skipped it for either want of knowledge or due to the fear of getting negative marks.

This would have a significant impact on the merit list of successful candidates, the bench was told.

The bench reproduced the controversial question in its order and said, As indicated..., four options were indicated in the question as framed, of which, students had to select one option as their answer.

In order to resolve the issue as regards the correct answer to the ...Question, we are of the considered view that an expert opinion should be sought from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

We request the Director at IIT Delhi to constitute a team of three experts of the subject concerned. The expert team constituted by the Director is requested to formulate its opinion on the correct option for the above question and to remit its opinion to the Secretary General of this Court, preferably by 12 noon on 23 July 2024, it ordered.

It asked the SCs Secretary General to communicate the order to the IIT Director for expeditious steps.

The court made it clear that the order seeking the opinion of experts on a question would not mean that the pleas for cancellation of the examination have failed.

It will resume hearing as many as 40 petitions on Tuesday, when it will hear submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and others on behalf of the Centre and the National Testing Agency.

Earlier in the day, the bench sought data from senior advocate Narender Hooda, appearing for students, to show that there was a systemic failure in conducting the test.

Observing that there was no material on record so far to show that the leak was widespread, the bench said there have been instances of some wrongdoing in Patna and Hazaribagh but they were not sufficient to indicate a systemic failure.

Hooda said the NTA and others admitted to the paper leak and its dissemination through social media.

At the outset, the bench asked as to what emerged from the city and centre-wise data of results put out by the NTA.

It also perused the statements of the accused recorded by Patna police and said the question papers were leaked either on the night of May 4 or a day after when the test took place.

Hooda alleged the probe was botched up because of the stand taken by the Centre.

Dont take the name of the Government of India...I am answerable to students, to the court...Please dont make any such statements, Mehta responded.

The law officer said the NTA has conducted an exercise about the success rate of particular centres, cities and states, allegedly affected by the question paper leak, and there was no abnormality.

We have to see if the leak is localised and see if the paper was leaked at 9 am and solved by 10:30 am (on exam day). If we do not believe this, then you have to show us that the leak was beyond Hazaribagh and Patna, the bench told the counsel for the examinees.

The bench drew the attention of lawyers to the award of grace marks and time to students who appeared at three centres at Jhajjar in Haryana.

Hooda referred to a school in Jhajjar and said the principal went to State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank branches and collected two sets of question papers. This was done despite the fact that only question papers in SBIs safe custody were to be distributed for the test, he said.

Question papers from Canara Bank were distributed, and when it became public that there were six students who got 720/720 at a centre in Jhajjar, the NTA said grace marks were given to them to compensate for the loss of time, he said.

But the principal says there was no delay. And the Canara Bank question papers were distributed instead of SBIs, he added.

The bench asked the NTA to tell in how many centres the question papers collected from Canara Bank were distributed.

How did Canara Bank give the papers with the letter of authorisation and who issued this letter of authorisation? the bench asked.

The Director General of the NTA gives the authorisation letter to the city examination superintendent, the law officer said.

Giving some examples here and there will not establish that this leak was all over India, Mehta contended.

Hooda alleged there was a complete systemic failure and listed out some more instances. He said there was no address verification and no CCTV camera monitoring at examination centres.

Hooda claimed a student from Gujarat, who failed the class 12th board examination, scored big in the NEET after appearing at a Centre in Karnataka.

If this court is not considering re-NEET, at least qualified people should be asked to retake the exam, which will be about 13 lakh people, Hooda said.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde said, admittedly, there has been a leak from Hazaribagh and it was caught in Patna.

We do not know today where all it leaked. Investigation reports say some of the messages went to about 100 people, he said.

More than 23.33 lakh students had taken the test on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.
The first day of the Monsoon cum Budget Session on Monday witnessed the ruling party and Opposition members face off over the NEET and NTA row with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanding immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who in turn said he is on the post at the mercy of his leader (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and that the Government is collectively answerable.

While Opposition called the current entrance examination system rubbish, Centre asserted there have been no evidence of entrance exam paper leaks in last seven years.

Rahul carried on with his scathing attacks. Its obvious to the whole country that there is a very serious problem in our examination system. The Minister has blamed everybody except himself. I dont even think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here, the Congress leader said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said this Government will create new records in paper leaks. Students across the country are protesting. Investigation is leading to revelations, arrests are being made. I have only one request, students will not get justice if this Minister continues, he said.

In response, Pradhan said the results have been made public as per the Supreme Courts directions. I dont want to do politics, but I have a list of how many paper leaks happened when Akhilesh was in charge (as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister), he said. Hitting back, Pradhan said he has the support of the people in his constituency and does not need a certification of intelligence from anyone in Parliament.

Lies will not become truth if you shout. The countrys examination system has been called rubbish. There cannot be a more unfortunate statement by the Leader of the Opposition. I condemn this, said Pradhan in the thick of storm ever since irregularities in the NEET followed by UGC-NET have been reported. A cornered Pradhan then took a remote control jab  a swipe the BJP routinely use to target the Manmohan Singh Government.

In 2010, three Bills for education reforms had been introduced by their Minister Kapil Sibal. One of them was to prohibit unfair practices. What was their problem? Under whose pressure was that Bill withdrawn. Was it due to the pressure of private medical colleges? And they are asking us questions he said.

Responding to the Oppositions allegations, the Minister said the NTA has conducted more than 240 exams and over 5 crore students have appeared in them.

There is no evidence of the paper leak in the last seven years, he said, adding that the Centres is hiding nothing.

As the opposition sought to corner the government on the issue of paper leaks, Speaker Om Birla said it is not right to raise questions about all exams and members should discuss the need of developing a better examination system.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET and has lodged six FIRs. The NEET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions.

The Speaker stressed that there should be constructive discussions on the issue. If questions are raised about all examinations in the country, it have an impact on the Indian education system and perception about it around the world, he noted.

After Birla concluded his remarks, Rahul Gandhi wanted to speak but was disallowed and sooner the entire Opposition members, including from TMC and DMK, walked out of the House.

Congress Deputy Leader in the House Gaurav Gogoi raised slogans demanding the resignation of Pradhan.

Speaking to media later Rahul said the opposition will keep raising the issue to build pressure on the government.

Asked if he was satisfied with the ministers response in the House, Rahul said the minister should give an answer. He spoke about the Supreme Court, he spoke about the prime minister, but perhaps he did not understand and was not able to tell what he was doing about it (NEET).

The NEET exam issue came up for discussion during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha with several opposition leaders, including the LoP, saying there was a very serious problem in the countrys examination system.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget for 2024-25 on Tuesday which will be the first Budget of the Modi government since the NDA came back to power for a third straight term.

Sitharaman will be presenting her seventh consecutive Budget, surpassing the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The session is scheduled to have 16 sittings and is likely to conclude on August 12.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that this session will mainly be devoted to the financial business relating to the Union Budget for 2024-25 which will be presented on July 23.

Late in the evening INDIA bloc leaders led by Congress held a meeting to decide and be united to carry on with their strategy to corner the Modi government on range of issues including the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Governments order to display nameplates at eateries enroute Kanwar Yatra, rising cases of terror attacks in Jammu and compromise of various examination system including the UPSC.
Close on the heels of the high-level security review meeting, chaired by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to chalk out a strategy to flush out Pakistani terrorists occupying Jammu Heights, a heavily armed group of terrorists launched two more frontal attacks on an Army post and the house of the Shaurya Chakra awardee in the Gunda village of Khawas tehsil in the frontier Rajouri district in the wee hours of Monday.

Following these fresh attacks, the entire security grid has been alerted to conduct a fresh audit of the security arrangements given the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Drass to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations marking 25 years of Victory in the Kargil war.

The Village Defence Group member Parshotam Kumar remained unscathed in the attack while one of his close relatives received minor injuries during the firing incident.

It is the first such attempt in recent months where terrorists brazenly targeted a member of the village defence guard. Official sources claimed the foreign terrorists were reportedly briefed about the presence of Shaurya Chakra awardee in the village and local over-ground workers must have shared the exact coordinates with the terrorists to target him.

Kumar was bestowed the Shaurya Chakra, the peacetime equivalent of wars Vir Chakra by the President of India on July 5 in New Delhi. According to the citation, Last year in August 2023, Kumar, armed with an outmoded, inferior rifle had taken on two highly trained guerrilla warfare terrorists of the PAFF-Jaish, who were equipped with sophisticated assault rifles and grenades. Unmindful of his safety, he tailed the two terrorists and (displaying) raw courage and excellent field craft, he closed in on the terrorists and engaged them from a close distance. He maintained contact with the other till (security) forces closed in. His brave act led to the neutralisation of one foreign terrorist.

Soon after thwarting the terror attack a hot chase was launched by the joint team of security forces to track down the footprints of terrorists. Special forces were also inducted in the ongoing operations spread across the thickly forested area.

In a post on X, White Knight Corps said,  Terrorists attacked the house of a VDC at Gunda, Rajouri at 3.10 am. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued. In another update the White Knight Corps posted on X, Indian Army acted on intelligence, anticipating the threat to a Village Defence Guard in a remote area in Rajouri - Reasi. Tactical teams swiftly intervened, ensuring no harm to the VDC member and his family. Operations are continuing and a firefight is in progress.

Additional troops remained stationed in the area during the day to instil confidence among the fear-stricken residents.

The villagers also raised the demand to equip the local village defence guards with modern weapons to tackle the growing threat of terrorist violence in the remote areas of the Jammu region.

To counter the growing threat of terrorism in the Jammu region the Indian Army has already inducted more than 3,000 troops and 500 para commandos to launch massive combing operations to neutralise Pakistani terrorists active in the area.

According to a preliminary assessment over 50 Pakistani terrorists have infiltrated inside the Indian territory to launch targeted strikes on the security forces.
Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on Monday announced setting up of 185 camps with amenities in the national Capital to welcome Kanwariyas.

Senior AAP leader informed that around 15 to 20 lakh kanwars are expected to pass through Delhi who will be provided with Kanwar camps across the city, each equipped with high-quality waterproof tents, medical facilities, clean water, toilets, and furniture.

She stated, The Kejriwal government is setting up 185 Kanwar camps this year in Delhi. These include East Delhi, North East Delhi and Shahdara districts which are the entry-exit points of Kanwariyas in Delhi. In such a situation, maximum camps are being set up here so that the crowd can be easily managed even after the arrival of a large number of Kanwariyas.

Atishi added that maximum 38 camps are being set up in Shahdara district while 29, 22 and 19 camps are being set up in North East, Central and East Delhi respectively. "There are 185 Kanwar shivirs being put up. We try to ensure the best arrangement. We are setting up waterproof tents complete with furniture and bedding. The camps also have medical facilities. These kanwar yatris walk barefoot, and since it is monsoon season, they are also prone to water-borne diseases. So medical facilities are also available at these camps," she continued.

The minister said Kanwars will start coming to Delhi after July 25, and the arrangements at the camps will be completed in the next couple of days. The Yatra commenced on the first day of Sawan (Shravan) on Monday and will culminate on August 2, as Ganga water will be offered to Lord Shiva.
Executive Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal Prof (Dr.) Ajai Singh, made a courtesy call on the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav. The meeting highlighted the significant achievements and progress of AIIMS Bhopal over the past two years.

Prof Singh briefed Yadav on the remarkable strides AIIMS Bhopal has made under his leadership. Notably, the institution was absent from any rankings in the category of best medical facilities in the country until two years ago. However, since Prof. Singh's tenure began in August 2022, the institute has seen substantial advancements.

One of the key highlights shared during the meeting was the dramatic improvement in AIIMS Bhopal's ranking among government medical colleges. The institution climbed from the 20th position in 2023 to the 16th position in 2024. Additionally, AIIMS Bhopal secured the second position in the list of best emerging colleges and achieved the third position among the highest-scoring colleges established in the year 2000 and thereafter.

Prof Singh also detailed the emergency medical training program that AIIMS Bhopal is conducting in collaboration with the National Health Mission of Madhya Pradesh. This initiative aims to train over 500 doctors and nursing officers from primary health centers across various districts of the state.

The training is designed to enhance the management of trauma and emergency cases statewide.

Chief Minister Yadav expressed his appreciation for the achievements of AIIMS Bhopal and congratulated Prof (Dr.) Ajai Singh for his dedicated efforts.

He emphasized the importance of continued progress in improving healthcare services and infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister expressed hope that AIIMS Bhopal would remain committed to advancing the health and well-being of the state's population, thereby strengthening the overall health infrastructure.
The State Backward Classes Commission conducted a meeting with district officials, addressing grievances and reviewing departmental compliance.

In a gesture of welcome, Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav presented a sapling to Chairman Yogendra Prasad Mahto.

The session was presided over by the esteemed Chairman, Yogendra Prasad Mahto, and attended by commission members and district officials. During the meeting, the commission heard complaints received from various sources. Chairman Yogendra Prasad Mahto, along with other commission members, expressed satisfaction with the compliance reports submitted by the departments. However, in some cases, the commission set deadlines for the submission of updated reports by the concerned officials.

On the first day, the commission reviewed various matters related to the Education Department, Social Welfare Department, Land Acquisition Department, Revenue Department, Fisheries Department, Health Department, and Rural Development Department under schemes like MGNREGA and Abua Awas. The focus was on issues like children's enrollment under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, enrollment in Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls' School, selection of Sevikas, compensation distribution, and other grievances submitted by applicants.

Chairman Yogendra Prasad Mahto remarked that the compliance on several issues had been satisfactory, but some reports were incomplete. He directed the concerned officials to submit updated reports by the specified deadlines.

DC Vijaya Jadhav emphasized the importance of timely submission of reports requested by the commission. She instructed the relevant officials to ensure that all information sought by the commission is provided promptly.

The meeting was attended by key district officials, including DRDA Director Menka, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Chas Anant Kumar, Assistant Director of Social Security Piyush, District Cooperative Officer Shweta Gudiya, District Panchayati Raj Officer Mohammed Safiq Alam, and others.

The two-day visit by the State Backward Classes Commission aims to address and resolve issues faced by the backward classes in the district, ensuring efficient and effective governance.
The Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra that was marred by violence last year concluded peacefully on Monday as it passed through Nuh amid tight security arrangements, with members of both Hindu and Muslim communities welcoming the procession at different points. Mahamandleshwar Swami Dharamdev said the yatra conveyed a powerful message of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood across the country.

Chanting Har Har Mahadev and Jai Sri Ram, devotees started the yatra from Nalhar Mahadev Mandir and proceeded to Jhir Mandir in Ferozepur Jhirka here.

The yatra, which spanned nearly 80 km, concluded at the temple in Singar village in the evening.

Ahead of the yatra, tight security arrangements were made with deployment of over 2,000 security personnel including paramilitary and surveillance through drones to keep a check on malcontents. Meetings between representatives from both communities proved effective in making the yatra conclude on a peaceful note, officials said.

The yatra, which entered Nuh district around 11 am, ended around 5.30 pm with the 'Jalabhishek' in the district's three main temples -- Nalhar Mahadev Temple, Ferozepur Jhirka's Jhir Temple and the temple in Singar village.

In the morning, many devotees gathered at Radha Krishna temple in the adjoining Gurugram's Sector 10 before leaving for the Nalhar temple.

Before the yatra began, a large group of women also reached the Nalhar Mahadev temple where they were accorded a warm welcome by Muslims at the Tiranga Chowk.

Several groups of Muslims welcomed the saints part of the yatra with garlands along the route.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of All India Imam Organization, had on Sunday visited Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh to appeal for peace.

Many welcome gates were erected and food stalls set up for the members of the procession.

Liquor shops had been ordered shut on Sunday till the yatra was completed.

Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said the yatra was carried out smoothly amid stringent security. He and Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap Singh had visited the three temples before the procession overseeing all arrangements.

According to officials, over 2,000 personnel from police and paramilitary were deployed in the district ahead of the Monday procession.

The Haryana Government had suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district a day before for 24 hours.
Ex-soldier kills 5 of his family in Naraingarh, Ambala over property dispute



Ambala/Chandigarh: In a shocking incident, an ex-serviceman allegedly killed five members of his family by slitting their throats with a sharp-edged weapon at Rataur village in Naraingarh of Ambala district on Sunday night due to a property dispute. The accused has been identified as Bhushan, who has been taken into custody along with his two brothers-in-law, said Ambala Police on Monday. Police said that those killed were identified as Bhushans mother, Sarupi, brother Harish and his wife Sonia, their daughter Yashika and a five-month-old baby. The accused, Bhushan, also attacked his father, Om Prakash, and another daughter of his brother. The injured father has been admitted to the Civil Hospital in Naraingarh. The daughter of the victim has been referred to GMCH-32 in Chandigarh with critical injuries. After the crime, the accused tried to cremate the bodies at night. Police reached the spot and recovered the half-burnt bodies. The retired soldier fled the spot but was rounded up by the police later. On receiving the information, SP Surendra Singh Bhauria reached the spot at 3 am and started investigating the case. The bodies have been shifted to the Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantonment, for post-mortem. According to Om Prakash, the crime was over a dispute over two acres of land.



Over 600 staff nurses 43 OT assistants to be deployed at Shimla's IGMC



Shimla: Over 600 staff nurses and 43 Operation Theatre Assistants will be deployed at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) to ensure proper medical care for the patients, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday. Currently, there are about 530 staff nurses employed at IGMC and over 500 posts are vacant. Last year, when a new multi-storey building housing OPD was inaugurated at the medical college, CM Sukhu had said that soon there will be a provision of one nurse attending to six beds and one doctor attending to 10 beds. Additionally, 30 posts of Medical Officers (MOs) will be filled to strengthen the department of emergency medicines at the IGMC, Sukhu said while presiding over a meeting of the health department. Sukhu highlighted the augmentation of infrastructure and filling of vacant posts for doctors, paramedical staff and technicians to ensure specialised medical care within the state. The Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties here will offer super-specialty services, and the state government will provide better working conditions for doctors and supporting staff, he said. A study will be conducted to identify prevalent ailments and high-footfall OPDs, the CM said, adding that this will enable the government to increase doctor strength and facilities proportionally. He also assured that funds are available to incorporate modern technologies and equipment and allocated Rs 25 crore for IGMC's modernisation.



91% of Parivar Pehchan Patra complaints resolved in Samadhan Shivirs: Hry CS



Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad on Monday said that about 91 percent of the grievances regarding the Parivar Pehchan Patra received in the Samadhan Shivirs organized at the district and subdivision levels have been resolved. Presiding over a review meeting of the Samadhan Shivirs with the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and Sub Divisional Officers virtually, Prasad said that over 30,831 grievances related to the Parivar Pehchan Patra were received, of which 28,138 have been resolved so far. He said that the public response to these Shivirs has been overwhelmingly positive. People have appreciated the government's initiative to address their grievances promptly in the Samadhan Shivirs, where officers from all departments are present to resolve issues on the spot as much as possible. The coordination among field officers has not only enhanced the government's image but also significantly increased public trust and satisfaction. The collaborative efforts in the field have demonstrated the administration's commitment to responsive governance, ensuring that citizens' concerns are addressed efficiently and effectively. This initiative has set a benchmark for proactive problem-solving and has reinforced the governments dedication to serving the public, he added.



Hry Speaker to hear JJPs petition demanding disqualification of two JJP MLAs under anti-defection law



Chandigarh: Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta on Monday decided to hear the petition filed by Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), demanding disqualification of two JJP MLAs under the anti-defection law. JJPs office secretary Randhir Singh had earlier submitted a petition regarding the same. In a 15-page petition containing evidence in the form of videos and newspaper clippings, the JJP said that the Narwana MLA, Ram Niwas, and Barwala MLA, Jogi Ram Sihag, should be disqualified as MLAs of Haryana Vidhan Sabha on the grounds of indulging in anti-party activities. The JJP was a coalition partner of the BJP-led government till mid-March. The Vidhan Sabha official spokesperson said that after seeking opinion from the Advocate General of Haryana, Speaker has decided to hear the JJPs petition. The Speaker has also issued instructions to both the accused MLAs and the leader of the JJP Legislative Party to present their case before him. They will have to present their case within 4 weeks, the spokesperson added.



14 roads closed across Himachal due to heavy rain; Alert issued till July 26



Shimla: A total of 14 roads are closed for vehicular traffic in Himachal Pradesh due to rains, and the local Met office has issued a yellow alert till July 26. So far, 44 people have died in rain-related incidents, and the state has suffered losses of about Rs 333 crore in the ongoing monsoon season since June 27 till date, as per the state emergency operation centre. A maximum of 11 roads are closed in Mandi district, two in Kinnaur and one in Kangra and 31 transformers have been disrupted, the centre said. The National Highway-5 reopened for traffic early Monday after remaining blocked for four hours due to a landslide at Nigulsari in Kinnaur district, officials said. Low to moderate flash flood risk is likely in isolated parts of Kangra, Mandi and Chamba districts in the next 24 hours, the MeT said. It also cautioned of damage to plantation and standing crops, vulnerable structures and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas. The local Met Office has issued a yellow alert of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning till July 26.


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Uttar Pradesh has reported a drop in cane crushing in 2023-24, indicating a more diversion of sugarcane to local jaggery units.

As per the data from the Sugarcane department, cane crushing fell to 981.68 lakh tonnes in the recently concluded crushing season. This is the lowest cane crushing recorded in the past seven years, despite the state government hiking the state advisory price (SAP) by Rs 20 per quintal earlier this year and operating a maximum of 121 mills.

The cane supplied to sugar mills decreased despite the increase in area under cane cultivation during the last season 2023-24. According to the figures from the Sugarcane department, the total sugarcane cultivation area in Uttar Pradesh for the 2023-24 season was 29.66 lakh hectares, 9.12 lakh hectares more than the sugarcane cultivation area as compared to previous years.

In 2017-18, 1,111.9 lakh tonnes of cane were crushed, despite ever-increasing cane production. In 2023-24, cane production in the state reached an all-time high of 2,494.20 lakh tonnes, a 4 per cent increase from 2022-23, when 2,394.62 lakh tonnes of cane was produced.

Cane productivity also rose from 79.19 tonnes per hectare in 2017-18 to 84.1 tonnes per hectare in 2023-24. Additionally, cane acreage increased from 22.99 lakh hectares in 2017-18 to 29.66 lakh hectares in 2023-24.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation amid state government plans to open new mills and increase the cane-crushing capacities of existing ones.

Data further shows that sugar production in the state declined last season. It fell slightly from 104.82 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 104.13 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

Industry experts from UP believe that more sugarcane has been diverted to jaggery units.

Along with cane crushing and sugar production, the production of ethanol also fell marginally as the Union government banned the diversion of sugar and cane juice for the production of ethanol.

The Union government on December 7 had directed all sugar mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice for ethanol production. The government, in a notification, directed all sugar mills and distilleries not to use sugar cane juice/sugar syrup for ethanol in ESY (Ethanol Supply Year) 2023-24 with immediate effect.

Supply of ethanol for existing offers received by oil marketing companies from B-Heavy molasses will continue.

The ESY runs from December to October.

According to experts, the step has been taken to ensure there is an adequate supply of sugar in the local market.

UP is the countrys biggest ethanol producer. A sugar by-product, ethanol is used for a variety of purposes, ranging from mixing in fossil fuel to its usage in pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The state has about 85 operational ethanol distilleries, and their annual capacity is estimated at 2.45 billion litres.

During the last season, the distilleries in UP had supplied over two billion litres of ethanol. Ethanol produced in the state is exported to oil marketing company depots, both within and outside the state, for the Centre has mandated 10 per cent blending in fuel.

The current ethanol production capacity in India is 1,364 crore litres and it is sufficient to meet the fuel blending targets. The roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-25, is estimated to be 1,016 crore litres to achieve 20 per cent blending targets in ESY 2025-26. In line with the roadmap, oil marketing companies have achieved 10 per cent ethanol blending during 2021-22 and 12 per cent during 2022-23.
The initiative of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to organize the Regional Industry Conclave in various areas of the state has opened new doors of industrial revolution in the state. His new mantra of industrial progress has given new energy to the regional entrepreneurs.

Yadav has taken an important and timely initiative to encourage small and medium-scale (MSME) entrepreneurs. Consequently, with the Regional Industry Conclave held in Jabalpur on July 20, investors have given investment proposals worth about Rs 22 thousand crore for setting up large units as well as MSME units. This investment will generate a large number of jobs.

Proposals worth about Rs 22 thousand crores received, more proposals likely to come

Investment proposals worth Rs 17 thousand crore have been received for setting up large units in the state and investment proposals worth Rs 5 thousand crore have been received from MSME units. In this way, a total of investment proposals worth Rs 22 thousand crore were received from small and big industries in the Regional Industry Conclave of Jabalpur. More proposals are likely to come this month For this, the process of communication with leading industrialists is in progress. The biggest investment proposal in Jabalpur REC is Rs 600 crore related to defense equipment manufacturing. Under this, an agreement has also been signed between Ashok Leyland and Armored Vehicle Corporation Limited. This proposal is an important achievement for Madhya Pradesh.

Initiatives for the development of industries at the regional level

Yadav has taken concrete initiatives for the development of industries at the regional level. For this, the use of a new mantra has been started effectively. After the regional conclave held in Ujjain last March, the conclave held in Jabalpur, a major city and industrial center of the Mahakaushal region, was important in many ways. While the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of 67 new industrial units in the state was completed during the conclave, 340 acres of land were allotted to 265 industrial units. The new units will employ more than 16 thousand 500 people in the state. New investments of Rs 3330 crore are coming from 332 units.

After Malwa and Mahakaushal, other areas to be tapped

The Chief Minister had given instructions to organize REC in all the areas of the state. There is a plan to organize a Regional Industry Conclave in other big cities of the state in the coming months. These include Sagar, Rewa, and Gwalior. This will help in encouraging local entrepreneurs to invest in the Bundelkhand, Vindhya, and Chambal regions. Entrepreneurs operating small and medium-scale units in various sectors will move forward to take advantage of the facilities provided by the government. Efforts initiated especially to encourage agriculture, food processing, minerals, defense production, tourism, and textile industries will establish new dimensions of success.

One-to-one meetings providing prompt solutions to problems

Regional Industry Conclaves being held in the state are becoming the basis for the development of industries due to multidimensional activities. While these conclaves prove to be important platforms through buyer-seller meets, one-to-one meetings between Yadav and leading industrialists will prove to be a milestone for the establishment of large industrial units. One-to-one meetings help in the quick resolution of difficulties or any obstacle that arises in providing necessary facilities to the industries. The role of the MSME sector is becoming increasingly important in strengthening the economy of the state.
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Lohardaga MP Sukhdev Bhagat today raised the demand for the Sarna dharma code to be included in the census during the Question Hour of Monsoon session which started today. Bhagat said that demand for Sarna religious code is a very sensitive and tribal identity issue. Crores of tribals live in India. Tribals who are worshippers of nature are not counted by the government. On one hand, the government counts wild animals, birds, noises but does not count the religious identity of the tribals. I appeal that Sarna religion code should be marked in the census column to protect the religious identity of the tribals and their identity, said Bhagat.

In 2020, the Jharkhand assembly had passed a resolution demanding the Sarna dharma code to be included in the census and submitted it to the Centre via the state governor. The Centre is yet to take a call on the contentious issue. Soren leads a JMM-Congress-RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) coalition government in the state.

In 2023, Soren had also written letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking recognition of Sarna religious code for tribals. In the three-page letter, Soren had stressed that the population of tribals in the State has declined from 38%to 26% in the last eight decades.

He also said that decline in the population would have an adverse effect on the policies of tribal development under the Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

This is not the first time that Bhagat has raided the demand for Sarna religious code, Sukhdev Bhagat of Congress, who was elected as MP from Lohardaga parliamentary seat, had even taken oath as member of parliament in a unique way on the first day of the Parliament session. Sukhdev Bhagat took oath of office and secrecy by taking the name of Sarna instead of saying Ishwar. It is worth mentioning that Sukhdev Bhagat had promised in the elections that he would raise his voice in the House on the first day of the Parliament session itself for the demand of Sarna Dharma Code. It is worth mentioning that on the first day of the Parliament session, Sukhdev Bhagat reached the Parliament House with a placard demanding Sarna Dharma Code. He also staged a dharna with the placard and said that the government should implement it immediately.

The tribal community wants the central government to give them a column to indicate their religion in various documents, in which Sarna Dharma is mentioned.

It is worth noting that during the election campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also promised in Basia of Gumla that if the All India Alliance government is formed, then Sarna Dharma Code will be implemented on the very first day.
Extramarks School Leaders Conclave organized a workshop that brought together teachers and experts to discuss how to enhance STEM education in prestigious schools of Bhopal.

Poonam Singh Jamwal, Director, Extramarks Education, highlighted the significant contribution of Madhya Pradesh in STEM and emphasized the importance of digital literacy and personalized learning.

Panel discussions focused on integrating blended learning, fostering creativity, and leveraging technology to transform classrooms.

About 30 schools of Madhya Pradesh along with Billabong High International School, IES Group of Schools, Satpura Valley Group, Vatsalya Vidyalaya participated in this program.Key insights include preserving the joy of learning through diverse student mindset, celebrating the engineering heritage of Madhya Pradesh and advocating conceptual learning rather than rote memorization. Experts stressed the need for collaboration between schools, parents and students to promote critical thinking and reduce over-emphasis on academic marks. The conclave concluded with a call for integrated efforts to ensure the advancement of every student in the digital age.
Guru Purnima is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Madhya Pradesh, with the initiative of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Following his instructions, gurus and teachers in schools and colleges were honored, and students sought their blessings. Teachers highlighted the significance of Guru Purnima and the traditional guru-shishya relationship. Schools organized essay competitions on the impact of the ancient Gurukul system on Indian culture. Additionally, students were informed about the state's decision to replace the title 'Vice-Chancellor' with 'Kul Guru' in universities.

Guru plays an important role in shaping the future

School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh emphasized that the Guru holds the highest place in society, as religious texts affirm that the Guru is crucial for imparting knowledge of the true path and divine power. He noted that the state government is consistently working to improve conditions for teachers in the education sector. To ensure quality education for state children, PM and CM Rise Schools are being established across Madhya Pradesh. Minister Singh made these remarks during the Guru Purnima Utsav at Rukmani Devi Public School, located on the highway in Narsinghpur district.

The School Education Minister said that every citizen must impart good values ??to the children. When children receive education in schools with these values, they will be able to discharge their duties as responsible citizens in the future. He said that due to Gurus efforts many talents of the country and the state are performing remarkably in all fields. Behind every successful person, the education given by his teacher is priceless.

The School Education Minister also interacted directly with teachers, parents and students. The School Education Minister on Saturday participated in the Guru Purnima celebrations of PM School in Gadarwada in the district, Rawatpura International School in Pankhedi in Narmadapuram district, and Sainik School run by Bhau Saheb Bhuskate Smriti Lok Nyas.

The School Education Minister also inspected the classrooms and science labs of these schools. He said that the state government will provide all possible resources to improve the quality of education in schools. During the function, there was a question-and-answer session students also asked questions of public interest to the School Education Minister and he was answered.

Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar said in the Guru Purnima festival organised at Government JNS College, Shujalpur, Shajapur district that our aim is to make India the leader on the world stage by learning from the old and moving ahead towards the new through education. For this, radical changes are being implemented by restoring the Indian knowledge tradition in education. Parmar said that the world is proud of India's knowledge. The country that neglects its own knowledge will inevitably lose its identity.

Higher Education Minister Parmar said that the viewpoint of Indian society is a science-based viewpoint. There is a need to study and research on India's knowledge tradition again. Parmar said that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented the National Education Policy - 2020 in the Indian perspective, a sense of pride has been awakened on India's achievements and remarkable works across the country. By restoring our language, our knowledge, our heritage, we will be re-established as Vishwaguru on the world stage.

Parmar said that it is our broad approach to bring about changes according to the times. The concept of "particle" was the concept of Indian sage Kanad Rishi. After that, atom and molecules developed in the modern era. India gave "zero" to the world, and then calculation of numbers became possible in the world. India's great inventor Aryabhatta proved that "the earth rotates on its axis" as per the facts. This is the achievement of our Indian knowledge, which is worth following all over the world. Staff Reporter n Bhopal

Guru Purnima is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Madhya Pradesh, with the initiative of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Following his instructions, gurus and teachers in schools and colleges were honored, and students sought their blessings. Teachers highlighted the significance of Guru Purnima and the traditional guru-shishya relationship. Schools organized essay competitions on the impact of the ancient Gurukul system on Indian culture. Additionally, students were informed about the state's decision to replace the title 'Vice-Chancellor' with 'Kul Guru' in universities.

Guru plays an important role in shaping the future

School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh emphasized that the Guru holds the highest place in society, as religious texts affirm that the Guru is crucial for imparting knowledge of the true path and divine power. He noted that the state government is consistently working to improve conditions for teachers in the education sector. To ensure quality education for state children, PM and CM Rise Schools are being established across Madhya Pradesh. Minister Singh made these remarks during the Guru Purnima Utsav at Rukmani Devi Public School, located on the highway in Narsinghpur district.

The School Education Minister said that every citizen must impart good values ??to the children. When children receive education in schools with these values, they will be able to discharge their duties as responsible citizens in the future. He said that due to Gurus efforts many talents of the country and the state are performing remarkably in all fields. Behind every successful person, the education given by his teacher is priceless.

The School Education Minister also interacted directly with teachers, parents and students. The School Education Minister on Saturday participated in the Guru Purnima celebrations of PM School in Gadarwada in the district, Rawatpura International School in Pankhedi in Narmadapuram district, and Sainik School run by Bhau Saheb Bhuskate Smriti Lok Nyas.

The School Education Minister also inspected the classrooms and science labs of these schools. He said that the state government will provide all possible resources to improve the quality of education in schools. During the function, there was a question-and-answer session students also asked questions of public interest to the School Education Minister and he was answered.

Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar said in the Guru Purnima festival organised at Government JNS College, Shujalpur, Shajapur district that our aim is to make India the leader on the world stage by learning from the old and moving ahead towards the new through education. For this, radical changes are being implemented by restoring the Indian knowledge tradition in education. Parmar said that the world is proud of India's knowledge. The country that neglects its own knowledge will inevitably lose its identity.

Higher Education Minister Parmar said that the viewpoint of Indian society is a science-based viewpoint. There is a need to study and research on India's knowledge tradition again. Parmar said that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented the National Education Policy - 2020 in the Indian perspective, a sense of pride has been awakened on India's achievements and remarkable works across the country. By restoring our language, our knowledge, our heritage, we will be re-established as Vishwaguru on the world stage.

Parmar said that it is our broad approach to bring about changes according to the times. The concept of "particle" was the concept of Indian sage Kanad Rishi. After that, atom and molecules developed in the modern era. India gave "zero" to the world, and then calculation of numbers became possible in the world. India's great inventor Aryabhatta proved that "the earth rotates on its axis" as per the facts. This is the achievement of our Indian knowledge, which is worth following all over the world.
Following the directives of District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, a District Level Library Committee meeting was convened in the Collectorate Auditorium. The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Development Commissioner, focused on the promotion and enhancement of libraries in 32 government schools across East Singhbhum district through the state plan.

The initiative targets several key educational institutions, including the CM School of Excellence, Block Level Adarsh Vidyalaya, Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential School, and Model Schools. During the meeting, a district-level committee discussed and finalized the selection of books to be procured with the funds allocated for the financial year 2023-24.

Committee members, comprising the District Education Officer, District Education Superintendent, principals from two CM Schools of Excellence, the Principal of Navodaya Vidyalaya, two students, and a President Award-winning teacher, prepared a comprehensive list of books to be supplied to the schools. The selected titles are intended to enrich the libraries and provide better learning resources for students.

Once the selection process is complete, work orders will be issued to the respective suppliers and publishers at the district level. Payments will be managed at the state level to ensure a streamlined procurement process.

The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to improving educational resources and fostering a culture of reading and learning among students in government schools. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the quality of education and provide students with access to a broader range of learning materials.
The Economic Survey 2023 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman at Parliament today highlights innovative efforts of Madhya Pradesh in the social-economic sector.

In the Economic Survey, Indore's biofuel plant, with a perday production capacity of 500 tons under the Swachh Bharat Mission, was mentioned as a case study. It was established by the Indore Municipal Corporation in 2021. This plant operates on a model of public-private partnership on, Design- Construction-Financing- Operation mode.

The plant produces approximately 44 to 45 thousand cubic meters of bio-gas perday, resulting in around 17 thousand kg of bio-CNG per day. This plant has significantly contributed to preventing the annual emission of one lakh thirty thousand tons of carbon dioxide. The processing capacity of the Indore bio-CNG plant is 400 metric tons per day, which facilitates the processing of organic waste, yielding 14.8 metric tons of bio-CNG and 80 metric tons of fermented organic manure per-day.

Under the River Linking Project, the Ken-Betwa Link Project and the modified Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project have been mentioned. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project approved under the National Perspective Plan in 2021.

For this, the central government has provided Rs. 39,317 crore. Madhya Pradesh will undertake this project in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh and the central government.

Referring to the Sustainable Development Goals India Index 2023-24 of NITI Aayog, the Economic Survey records that Madhya Pradesh is among the ten states making a rapid progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Between 2018 and 2023-24, Madhya Pradesh has scored 15 points. The Survey also mentions Madhya Pradesh's Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana under the farmer-friendly policy framework. Madhya Pradesh has fulfilled all six parameters to enhance teaching-learning outcomes.
Transmission line maintenance personnel of MP Transco ,taking a huge risk, achieved an amazing maintenance work in the loaded live 33 K.V. system. On July 20, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other very important persons along with leading industrialists from India and abroad had visited Jabalpur to participate in the Regional Industry Conclave. A major fault occurred at 132 KV substation Vinova Bhave of MP Transco (Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company), who supply electricity for this important event due to rain on the eve of the event.

Its repair work would normally be possible only during day time and total shutdown (by shutting down the supply), but considering the importance of time and event, M.P. Transco Managing Director Er. Sunil Tiwari directed to get it done with hot line maintenance technique without any shutdown while the supply is still running so that no adverse message is sent to the investors from India and abroad.

From 11 pm to the work of replacing the damaged 33 KV insulator connected to the main charged (currently loaded) 33 KV bus ,started, which continued till about 3 am in the morning.

These are rare occasions when such repairing work is carried out in darkness and rain. Normally hotline maintenance work is done at 132 KV or above voltage but this was the first time, considering the urgency of the occasion, it was done at 33 kv voltage level.

There was only an area of one foot all around to work

Work had to be done at a place with minimum clearance inside the live yard.

There was a current of 33 thousand voltage on the lines and equipment at a distance of about 1 foot around the narrow work place where there was no margin of error, but under the guidance and presence of Chief Engineer Praveen Gargava, Sandeep Gaikwad, addl Chief Engineer SV Vaze, AK Lathi, Executive Engineer APS Chauhan, Jitendra Tiwari, NS Patel, Chetan Yadav, RS Bais, Rajeev Chauhan with MP Transcon's maintenance team including Kamlesh Ranjan, Dnyaneshwar Barkade, Holkar Singh, Jagdish Thakur, Kamlesh Maravi, Ravindra Sahu, Rajendra Kushwaha, Ayub Khan, Anil Soni, Vishal Kori displayed unmatched technical skills and indomitable courage in this extremely risky situation,Line maintenance work was successfully carried out.

Due to which the Invest Conference and other VIPs did not face any inconvenience due to the electricity system.
As part of promoting computer skill training among young and specially challenged, NTPC Coal Mining Headquarters, Ranchi under its CSR initiative in association with Swayamsiddha Ladies Club distributed two no.s of desktop computers to St Michael Blind school, residential school for specially challenged children with visual impairment.



On this occasion, Smt Rekha Jain,President ,NTPC Swayamsiddha Ladies handed over the desktop computers to Principal, Smt. Sarita Talal,Principal in the presence of committee members of the ladies club.



Later the desktop computers were installed at the computer lab of the school. School Children after receiving the new set of computers equipped with the latest version of software and voice command facilities to facilitate working in computers for the visually impaired was appreciated and students shared that it would help in learning the computer skills in a fast and effective way which is essential in the present times.



Smt Jain during visit to the school computer lab and interacting with the students shared that the computers would help the students to empower them with computer skills and make them independent to grow professionally and not make them dependent on others due to their physical limitations. She wished them all the best for the future.



Members of Swayamsiddha Ladies Cub interacted & spent some quality time with the Visually Challenged Children of the school, the initiative of the Ladies club was appreciated by school management.On this occasion, Vice President, Smt Shikha Rastogi , Senior Member Smt Poonam Jain, General Secretary Smt Deepak Kesari .Joint Secretary General Secretary .Smt Parameshwari,Treasurer Smt Snigdha Majhi, Cultural secretary ,Smt Anita Prasad ,Welfare Secretary,Smt Mansa Verma & Smt Vaishali were also present.
To reshape its economic landscape, the Punjab Government on Monday submitted a comprehensive roadmap to the 16th Finance Commission, seeking to limit subsidies until 2031 and requesting substantial financial support to achieve this goal. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has outlined an ambitious plan to reduce electricity subsidies through solarization, a project that necessitates significant investment. To this end, Mann has called for a special package amounting to Rs 1,32,247 crore to foster the state's holistic development.

The Chief Minister presented the memorandum to the Commissions chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya and members, emphasizing Punjab's pivotal role in making India self-sufficient in food production and its historical contributions to the nation's independence. Mann highlighted the pressing need for a special economic package, asserting that such support would catalyze Punjab's economic growth and bolster its infrastructure.

Currently, Punjab spends approximately Rs 21,000 crore on subsidies for free and affordable electricity to farmers, industrialists, among others  a sum comparable to the state's GST revenue. The proposed solarization initiative aimed at alleviating this financial burden, enhancing the reliability of the state's power infrastructure in the long run. However, implementing this initiative will require substantial funding from the Central Government.

In addition, the Chief Minister has requested Rs 75,000 crore for development projects, Rs 17,950 crore for agriculture and paddy diversification, Rs 5,025 crore to combat stubble burning, and Rs 8,846 crore to address narco-terrorism and drug abuse.

Furthermore, Mann has sought Rs 6,000 crore for industrial revitalization, Rs 9,426 crore for urban local bodies, and Rs 10,000 crore for rural local bodies.

Punjab's unique challenges, particularly as a border state facing narco-terrorism and hostile border activity, were also brought to the Commission's attention. Mann underscored the necessity of modernizing the state police force, which plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the innovative Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), which has already saved over 1,000 lives since its inception in February 2024.

Addressing the state's agricultural crisis, Mann stressed the urgent need for crop diversification to conserve groundwater, which is rapidly depleting. The Finance Commission's recent approval of a proposal to incentivize crop diversification by providing Rs 17,500 per hectare to farmers marks a significant step towards breaking the two-crop cycle and promoting sustainable farming practices, he added.

Mann noted that the Punjab Agricultural University, renowned for pioneering the Green Revolution in India, is now spearheading efforts to promote crop diversification under the leadership of world-acclaimed tissue culture experts.

The states farmers have historically contributed immensely to India's food security by over-exploiting Punjab's fertile soil and water resources. However, this has led to almost all blocks of the state falling into the black zone in terms of groundwater levels. Mann expressed deep concern over this issue, comparing the high-powered motors used for extracting groundwater in Punjab to those used for oil extraction in Dubai and other Gulf nations. He emphasized the need to shift towards using canal water for irrigation, which has increased from 30 to 70 percent under the current government, thereby conserving groundwater and reducing the burden on the state exchequer.

Punjab's industrial sector is also poised for growth, with major companies like Tata Steel showing interest in investing in the state. However, the tax holidays offered by other states pose a challenge to Punjab's industrial expansion. To counter this, the state government has introduced innovative measures such as color-coded stamp papers to facilitate business operations and attract entrepreneurs. Punjab is the first state to introduce green-colored stamp papers to ease the process for entrepreneurs setting up their units, marking a revolutionary step towards industrial growth.

In his appeal to the Finance Commission, Chief Minister Mann emphasized the importance of recognizing Punjab's unique challenges and extending the necessary support to overcome them. He asserted that with the Commission's guidance and financial assistance, Punjab can revitalize its economy, achieve sustainable development, and restore its former glory.

Mann also highlighted the state's commitment to transparent governance and efficient resource mobilization. In the last two years, the state's own tax revenue has seen impressive growth, surpassing national growth rates. GST revenue has increased by 33 percent, and excise revenue has risen by more than 50 percent, thanks to robust administration and honest governance. The State Government is also reviewing various expenditure items and rationalizing unproductive expenditure to improve financial stability.

The Chief Minister pointed out that many of Punjab's problems are legacy issues resulting from ill-advised political decisions by previous governments, such as the Rs 30,584 crore CCL Loan taken in March 2017 and substantial untargeted subsidies given right before elections in 2021. These actions have had long-lasting repercussions on the state's economy. Despite these inherited challenges, the current government is making concerted efforts to achieve financial consolidation and create a vibrant, prosperous Rangla Punjab, he said.

Mann concluded by reaffirming Punjab's resilience and determination to rise above adversity, expressing confidence that with the Commission's support, the state will continue its journey towards prosperity and economic stability. He reiterated the state government's commitment to restoring Punjab's pristine glory and emphasized that no stone will be left unturned in this noble cause.

Punjab demands

 Rs 1,32,247-cr special package for holistic development

 Funds for Solarization to reduce electricity subsidies

 Development Funds worth Rs 75,000 cr

 Rs 17,950-cr for agriculture and paddy diversification

 Rs 5,025-cr for Stubble Burning

 Rs 8,846-cr for Narco-Terrorism and Drug Abuse

 Rs 6,000-cr for Industrial Revitalization

 Rs 9,426-cr for Urban Local Bodies

 Rs 10,000-cr for Rural Local Bodies

 Modernization of the State Police Force to combat narco-terrorism and hostile border activity

 Tax Structure Reforms due to revenue losses after GST implementation

 Revenue Deficit Grant to compensate for investment losses as a border state

 Support for Crop Diversification to promote sustainable agriculture and conserve groundwater

 Funding for Canal Water Usage to reduce reliance on groundwater for irrigation

 Support for Industrial Growth and countering challenges posed by tax holidays in other states
Stating that government jobs are now being given without kharchi-parchi, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that 50,000 new recruitments would be done soon in the state. Additionally, the State Government has taken several steps to benefit the poor, he added.



The Chief Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at an event in Karnal. Criticizing the opposition, Saini said that the Congress party had only promised to provide 100-square yard plots to the poor but failed to deliver the plot papers and possession. In contrast, the current government has so far given possession and papers for plots to 20,000 individuals, and those who have left will also be given plots.



He also said that the government has decided to waive the electricity surcharge for connections up to 2 kilowatts. Consumers will only pay for the units consumed, meaning that if they are out of town for a month, their bill will be zero. Additionally, the government will install 2-kilowatt solar panels on the roofs of houses belonging to consumers with an annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh. The cost of this installation, amounting to Rs 1 lakh, will be covered 60 percent by the Central Government and 40 percent by the Haryana Government. Any surplus electricity generated by these solar panels will be purchased by the Power Corporation.



He said that the state government has provided free travel up to 1,000 km per year in state transport buses for 84 lakh people from 23 lakh families with an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh by issuing them HAPPY cards.



Under the Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojna, 30-square-yard plots are being allocated to the poor in cities, with 15,000 people already receiving plots in 14 cities. He also highlighted that the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Yojana are reaching the people and that the government is covering the entire cost of education for daughters from families with an income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh.



Saini also criticized the Congress for spreading misinformation. He said that during their tenure, there were shortages of electricity and long queues for gas cylinders. In contrast, the current government ensures 24-hour electricity and easy availability of LPG cylinders.



Taking a dig at the opposition, the Chief Minister stated that those with questionable records are the ones demanding account from others. He remarked that both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are trying to deceive the public, criticizing each other while also collaborating.



He recalled how a Congress leader had warned that if Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the Constitution would be endangered. However, he pointed out that Modi has governed the country in accordance with the Constitution for the past 10 years, while the Congress forgets the Constitution when in power.



Sanctions Rs 900 crore for construction of Chaupals in rural areas



In another event, addressing the gathering in village Ratangarh, Sindhuria Palace in Karnal, Saini said that the Government has allocated Rs 900 crore for the construction of Chaupals for all sections in the rural areas of the State. This amount will soon be transferred to the accounts of the Gram Panchayats. He said that the government has significantly developed rural areas over the past 10 years, ensuring that village residents now have access to basic facilities comparable to those in cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions rapid development across the country and the state, ensuring that no village is left behind in this progress.






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In its ongoing pursuit to improve road connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government is not only developing an extensive network of expressways, but also building several link expressways to connect two or more long distance expressways in order to reduce distance as well as travel time between smaller districts.

At present, apart from Ballia Link Expressway (131 km), Chitrakoot Link Expressway (15.20 km), Agra Lucknow Expressway to Purvanchal Expressway Link Expressway (61.60 km), Ganga Expressway to Agra Expressway via Farrukhabad Link Expressway (93 km), Yamuna Expressway to Ganga Expressway via Bulandshahr Link Expressway (84 km) are either under construction, or are proposed.

Alongside these link expressways, solar parks, electric vehicle charging stations and public convenience centres will also be developed.

The Ballia Link Expressway will connect Ghazipur to Ballia, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) allocating Rs 1,600 crore for its construction.

The Chitrakoot Link Expressway, linking the Bundelkhand Expressway to Ahmedganj, will start as a 4-lane road, with plans to expand it to six lanes in the future.

Additionally, the link expressway connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway to the Purvanchal Expressway will initially be six-lane wide, with plans to expand it to eight lanes. The construction of this 61.60 km stretch will cost approximately Rs 4,500 crore.

Similarly, the link expressway via Farrukhabad between the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and the under-construction Ganga Expressway will initially be a 6-lane road, with plans to expand it to eight lanes later. The estimated cost for this 93-km link expressway is Rs 6,500 crore.

Furthermore, the Bundelkhand Link Expressway, connecting the under-construction Ganga Expressway to Jewar airport, will also span 84 km, with a construction cost of Rs 6,000 crore.
A 45-year-old woman, who was the only bread earner of her family, was killed and 23 other passengers were injured when a DTC electric bus rammed into a metro pillar in west Delhi on Monday morning.

According to the police, a PCR call was received at 7.42 am at the Punjabi Bagh police station regarding a bus accident near Shivaji Park Metro Station on Rohtak Road. DCP West Vichitra Veer said, The concerned agencies promptly responded to the call. Upon arrival, it was found that a DTC electric bus, bearing number DL 51 EV 2862, plying on Route 939 between Mangolpuri and Anand Vihar, had collided with Metro Pillar 146.

He added that due to sudden braking, an auto-rickshaw, numbered DL 1RS 4417, also collided with the bus from behind. The accident has left a total of 24 passengers, including the driver and conductor, reportedly injured.

About 14 passengers were shifted to Maharaja Aggarsen Hospital, while 10 passengers were taken to Acharya Bhikshu Hospital in Moti Nagar. Unfortunately, one female passenger, aged approximately 45 years, was declared brought dead at Aggarsen Hospital. Another injured passenger, aged about 55 years, is currently in the ICU at Aggarsen Hospital, the DCP added.

Further, an FIR under sections 281 (negligent driving) and 125A (endangering the life of others) and section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered in the matter at the Punjabi Bagh police station.

PCR Van and emergency response vehicles had reached the spot within short time, for assistance and evacuation. A crime team was called to the spot for inspection. The reason for the accident will be established based on the crime team's report and mechanical inspection of the vehicle," DCP Veer said.

A DTC official, however, claimed that "the bus was running in its designated lane". "A motorcyclist and an auto rickshaw driver suddenly made a right turn.

To avoid an accident, the bus driver (of the DTC electric bus) also took a right turn but it ultimately hit the metro pillar," the official said.

A senior police officer said that the statements of the bus driver and conductor have been recorded. "We are also recording the statements of passengers for more clarity on how the accident took place, the officer said. The police teams will also check the footage of the CCTV inside the bus and nearby area to know about the sequence of events.

A senior officer stated, The bus driver, in his statement, claimed that he lost control over the vehicle when all of sudden a motorcycle and an auto rickshaw ahead of the bus took a sharp right turn. The driver told police that he tried to stop the vehicle to avoid any collusion.

A senior police officer said that teams have been formed to investigate the entire matter and efforts are on to get more details about the passengers.

So far we know that the woman who died in the accident was the sole bread-earner of her family. Her family members are in deep shock," the officer said.

The police will also probe if the bus driver was over speeding or if there was any technical fault in the vehicle due to which it rammed with a metro pillar, the officer said.
Ahead of the start of Parliament's Budget session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people have given their verdict in the Lok Sabha polls and now all political parties must fight together for the country for the next five years.

A day before the presentation of the Union Budget, Prime Minister Modi said the Budget will set the direction for the journey of the next five years and lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' in 2047.

Speaking with the media before the start of the session, Modi also slammed the "negative politics" of some parties and said they used Parliament's time to hide their failures.

PM Modi also hit out at opposition parties for "trying to scuttle his voice" in Parliament in the last session, and said such a tactic has no place in democracy.

Modi said his government is moving forward to implement on the ground the guarantees he has given to the people.

"This is the Budget session. The guarantees that I have been giving, we are moving forward to implement those guarantees on the ground," he said.

"This Budget is an important Budget of the Amrit Kaal. The opportunity of five years that we have, this budget will decide the direction of that journey as well as lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047," Modi said.

He also said the Budget session is an important destination in our democracy's proud journey.

A government has come back to power for the third term after 60 years, he said.
In a stunning decision, embattled US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he was withdrawing from the race to be the next president in 2024 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

Biden's decision to nominate Harris, who is of both Indian and African origin, follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after his disastrous presidential debate performance against his Republican rival and former US president Donald Trump last month.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this, Biden said in a post on X.

In a phone call with CNN minutes after Biden announced his exit from the race, Trump described Biden as the worst president by far in the history of our country.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urged President Biden to resign from office shortly after the president announced he would not seek reelection.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough, Johnson, a prominent Republican, said in a statement posted on X.

But Biden campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond said President Biden did the right thing by endorsing Harris after dropping out of the race.

Harris has been serving as the US Vice President since 2021, when she became America's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president.

He picked her as his running mate. He got a chance to see how smart, how tough, how good she is, Richmond said about the 59-year-old vice president.

The campaign will need to figure out in the coming days how exactly to proceed, but Richmond said it will work to support Harris.

Earlier, Biden announced that he has decided not to contest the presidential election.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made, Biden said.

The 81-year-old president's decision comes four months before Americans go to the polls on November 5.

It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden, said in a message to fellow Americans in a six-paragraph open letter posted on social media.

Such a decision from Biden comes amid a visible deterioration in his health. The president is currently in self-isolation at his Delaware residence after he tested positive with COVID-19.

Biden said he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.

For now let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me, Biden said.

In his one-page letter, Biden said over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation.

Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We have made historic investments in rebuilding our nation in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. He noted that his administration has provided critically needed care to millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances. His administration also passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.

He also noted that his administration passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today, he said.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our Democracy. And we've revitalised and strengthened our alliance around the world, Biden said.

In a letter posted to his social media account, Biden, currently isolating at his home in Delaware because of COVID, said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term".

Biden said in his statement he would address the nation on the matter next week.

President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner". Biden, however, did not explicitly did not endorse Harris, his running mate.

It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President, he wrote.
The government on Monday cited an inter-ministerial group report prepared in 2012 to assert that a case for granting special category status to Bihar is not made out; a stand which came a day after BJP's allies from Bihar demanded the status for the backward state.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon session, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said special category status was granted in the past by the National Development Council (NDC) to some states which were characterised by a number of features necessitating special consideration.

These included hilly and difficult terrain, low population density or sizeable share of tribal population, strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries, economic and infrastructural backwardness and non-viable nature of state finances, he said in reply to a question asked by JD(U) member Rampreet Mandal.

The decision was taken based on an integrated consideration of all the factors listed above and the peculiar situation of a state, the minister said.

"Earlier, the request of Bihar for Special Category Status was considered by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) which submitted its Report on 30th March 2012. The IMG came to the finding that based on existing NDC criteria, the case for Special Category Status for Bihar is not made out," the minister said.

The Congress-led UPA was in power at the time.

JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha had voiced his party's demand for the status at an all-party meeting on Sunday. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), also a BJP ally, and the opposition RJD echoed the same demand at the meeting.

The JD(U), though, has already conveyed to the Centre that it is willing to settle for a special financial package in case the status cannot be granted to the state.

The BJD and the YSR Congress had made the same demand for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh respectively in the meeting.

The government has in the past also argued that the 14th Finance Commission report has ruled out the possibility of any more states being granted the status, which includes tax relief and higher central funding for the beneficiary states.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Monday that his government would organise village-level camps to enrol women in the financial assistance scheme, under which Rs 1,000 would be given per month.

Soren made the announcement while addressing a government function at Rajmahal in Sahibganj district, where he unveiled projects worth around Rs 88 crore.

"The government has decided to give financial assistance to all women aged 21-49. For this, camps will be organised for enrollment in the next four to five days at the village level. I would urge all to help women to fill their forms so that we can empower them and make them self-reliant," he said.

The state Cabinet had on June 28 approved the financial assistance scheme, which would benefit 45 lakh women of the state.

Under the scheme, named 'Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban Protsahan Yojana', each woman will receive Rs 1,000 per month. It will cost the state Rs 5,500 crore annually, officials said.

Meanwhile, the CM expressed concern over the tardy development of the Rajmahal area.

He said that during his 14-month government in 2013-14, he had laid the foundation of a mega-lift water supply project but it did not take off.

"Despite the hard work we do for you, we have to face a lot of hurdles to reach you the benefits directly," he said.

Soren said Rajmahal was not only struggling for basic infrastructure but people were suffering due to erosion in Ganga.

He said the government would soon address the problems of the area, including those related to land registry, land mutation, roads, bridges and culverts.

"The government will also make efforts for an airstrip in Rajmahal so that it could be connected to other parts of the country. Rajmahal has been a centre of trade and it can be revived again," he said.

Soren also said that a bridge would be built over the Ganga, connecting Rajmahal to Manikchak in West Bengal's Malda.

From the function, the CM inaugurated a 132/33KV grid substation in Barhait in Sahibganj district.

He said his government was not only improving power supply but also gave a "big gift" to the poor in the form of free electricity up to 200 units.

"Complaints are coming from many places regarding electricity meters and bills. This will also be resolved," he said.

Soren said recruitment in the police would be done soon.

"Lakhs of applications have been received for excise constable recruitment, the process would start soon," he said.
Heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai on the second consecutive day on Monday, with some areas receiving up to 34 mm of rainfall in just one hour in the morning, affecting local train services during the rush hour between Kalyan and Thakurli stations of the Central Railway network.

In the last 24 hours ended at 8 am, the island city recorded an average of 135 mm of rainfall, eastern Mumbai 154 mm, and western Mumbai 137 mm, officials said.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Mumbai to tackle any situation amid the forecast of a high tide and heavy rains in the city and its suburbs.

In its forecast for the next 24 hours starting at 8 AM on Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "heavy to very heavy rain in the city and suburbs, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places."

According to the civic body, a high tide of 4.59 meters is expected at 12.59 PM.

Malabar and Mulund Hill recorded 34 mm of rainfall between 6 am and 7 am, followed by Bhandup with 29 mm, Wadala East with 24 mm, and Versova with 20 mm.

Western Railway stated that local train services were running normally on Monday morning, however, commuters claimed trains were running late by 5 to 10 minutes.

Central Railway also stated that local services on all four corridors were normal. Commuters, however, said train traffic was affected between Kalyan and Thakurli stations in the morning rush hour due to a signal problem.

"Many commuters are walking on the tracks as trains are halted for a long time," a passenger said.

A civic official said buses of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) were not diverted.

A day earlier, heavy downpours pounded Mumbai and suburbs, inundating roads in many areas, diverting flights, and briefly affecting local train traffic between Dadar and Matunga stations.

The Mithi River, which originates in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and meets the Arabian Sea at Mahim, swelled due to continuous rainfall in Mumbai since Sunday. It was flowing at 1.5 meters on Monday morning, but its flood level reached 2.26 meters Sunday night.

In other parts of Maharashtra, Konkan and Vidarbha regions have been receiving heavy rainfall since the weekend, causing rivers to swell and low-lying areas to submerge. As a result, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Mumbai and other parts of the state.

"We have deployed NDRF teams at Vasai (Palghar district), Thane, Ghatkopar and Powai (in Mumbai), Mahad (Raigad), Khed and Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kudal (Sindhudurg), Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara due to the monsoon season as pre-positioning, apart from three teams in Mumbai and one team in Nagpur as regular deployment," an NDRF official said.

He said teams are on alert for any emergent response at their locations, conducting reconnaissance in low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
International sailing regatta kicks off in NE China's Dalian

Xinhua) 10:12, July 22, 2024

An aerial drone photo taken on June 17, 2024 shows the Laohutan scenic area in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

DALIAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The first Navy Cup International Sailing Regatta, which is being hosted by the Chinese Navy, kicked off Sunday in the coastal city of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Military attaches from 35 foreign countries stationed in China attended the opening ceremony.

A total of 16 sailing teams from naval academies and schools representing China and eight other countries including Brazil, Chile, Iran and Russia will compete during the four-day event.

Themed "confidence, openness, cooperation and mutual benefit," the regatta aims to build a platform for naval exchanges that integrates training, competition, interaction and exhibition.

A series of activities, including a reception and visits to military venues, will also be organized to promote exchanges and cooperation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)


Gurugram Police on alert ahead of Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh The Gurugram Police has beefed up security with heavy deployment of police personnel for Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra planned on Monday. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric of a Gurugram mosque, were killed after violence erupted during the Jalabhishek Yatra last year.



Vikas Arora, Commissioner of Gurugram Police, said huge forces have been deployed along the procession tour to avoid any untoward incident and keep an eye on anti-social elements.



Meanwhile, around 2,500 personnel from police and paramilitary have been deployed in Nuh this year, a day before the Yatra, police said.



The internet service in the district will remain suspended from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday, according to an order by Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anurag Rastogi.



The suspension came "to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours" through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc.



On Sunday, a flag march was taken out in Gurugram in the presence of senior police officers of the Gurugram Police and necessary directions were given to force ahead of Yatra.



Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chairman of All India Imam Organization, visited the Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh in the evening to appeal for peace.



The Yatra will start from Nuh's Nalhar temple and end in Singar passing through Jhir temple.



The police have kept a close watch over Nuh city, Nalhareshwar temple, Aravalli Mountains, Badkali Chowk, Jhirkeshwar temple, Shringeshwar temple (Singar), and the concluding points of the Yatra, Gurugram-Nuh border, Sohna Road.



Dog squads, and soldiers of paramilitary forces including CRPF, RAF and many other companies have been deployed.



The Nuh Police has also issued a special advisory for drivers of heavy vehicles.



Liquor shops will remain closed till the procession is completed in Nuh.



According to the advisory, heavy vehicles en route to Sohna/Gurugram from Alwar will have to take the Mumbai Expressway from Ambedkar Chowk in Firozpur Jhirka via KMP expressway.



"Heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering Nuh district during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. Heavy vehicle drivers coming to Nuh from different places should bring their vehicles to Nuh only after the completion of the Yatra," the advisory read.




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US President Joe Biden US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he was withdrawing from the White House, saying "while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down". Biden, 81, endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to take over the ticket vacated by him, saying, "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala Harris to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats -- it's time to come together and beat Trump."



The Democratic Party will need to nominate Harris formally at the convention in August, making her the first African-American woman and the first Indian-American to win the nomination of a major political party for the White House.



Harris's path from here to nomination is not automatic. It's not clear if she will have to face off rivals and how that process will unfold. Whether it will be settled based on the delegates won by the Biden-Harris ticket or voting at an open convention where the delegates will be free to consider and pick a rival candidate. Others who could seek the nomination include Governors Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Senator Mark Kelly, and entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban.



Biden became the first incumbent President in 56 years to give up a chance to run again. It could not be immediately ascertained if he had also become the first US President to withdraw his re-election bid after winning the primaries and before the official coronation as the nominee at the party's national convention.



President Biden, who has been self-isolating at his home in Delaware with a Covid-19 infection, had been under mounting pressure to step aside and make way for a different candidate for the party, following a disastrous performance in the first presidential debate against his Republican rival, former President Trump.



"Over the past three-and-a-half years, we have made great progress as a Nation," he wrote in a letter addressed to "fellow Americans".



"Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years."



"Appointed the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today."



"I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once-in-a-century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our Democracy. And we've revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world."



"It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."



"I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision."



"For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice-President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me."



Biden had merely thanked Harris for her cooperation in the first statement Biden had issued about his exit. He endorsed her fully in a subsequent statement.



"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice-President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats -- it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."




Leave No Trace Ireland is asking members of the community in County Derry to join in a community clean up at Benone Beach , Derry ( situated 12 miles north of Limavady on the A2 coast road) on Friday 26th July as part of a weekend of events culminating in Love This Place Day on Sunday 28th July.

The Benone Beach clean up takes place on Friday between 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and will be led by Leave No Trace Trainers. You can take part by signing up at https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/training-events-page/

Leave No Trace CEO , Maura Kiely said the Benone clean-up is just one of a number of activities to mark Love This Place Day by encouraging people to take a simple action that helps protect the natural environment and shows care and respect for outdoor spaces.

Speaking ahead of National Love This Place Day, Leave No Trace Ireland CEO, Maura Kiely said:

We want National Love This Place Day to become established in the calendar as an annual call out to inspire individuals, communities and organisation to take simple actions to actively respect and protect our wonderful outdoor spaces and natural environment. This weekend, culminating in Love This Place Day on Sunday, is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to show their enthusiasm and support for a movement for positive change in how we care for, and protect, the natural world and our outdoor public spaces.

There are several ways that Leave No Trace Ireland and its campaign partners are encouraging people to celebrate Love This Place Day this Sunday (28th July) including.

Plan a 2-minute clean-up with friends, family, colleagues, or solo.

Plan a 2-minute clean-up with friends, family, colleagues, or solo. Volunteer with a local community or eco group, such as Tidy Towns.

Volunteer with a local community or eco group, such as Tidy Towns. Join a nature walk or hike to appreciate and learn about the natural environment.

Join a nature walk or hike to appreciate and learn about the natural environment. Take the Love This Place Promise on the Leave No Trace website.

Take the Promise on the Leave No Trace website. The Love This Place Promise can be found via this link https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place-leave-no-trace/

We are asking the public to share their activities on the day.

Take a photo or video of your action for Love This Place Day, tag Leave No Trace Ireland and use the #LoveThisPlaceDay

We are also inviting members of the public to enter a competition. All they have to do is via Instagram stories to take a photo or video of their action for Love This Place Day, tag Leave No Trace Ireland and use the #LoveThisPlaceDay.

The competition, with a prize of a 150 gift voucher for the Great Outdoors, will close on Sunday 28th July at midnight. A winner will be chosen from the entries.

Author, outdoor enthusiast and founder of the Hike Life, Roz Purcell, is again supporting National Love This Place Day with a special Hike Life event on Friday 26th from 11am to 2pm. To join Roz please go to @thehikelife on Instagram to sign up for this event.

National Leave No Trace Day is part of the 2024 Love This Place National Awareness Campaign which promotes responsible enjoyment of Irelands rich natural heritage of outdoor spaces and environment.

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Leave No Trace is joined in marking National Love This Place Day 2024 by its core partners, including Failte Ireland, Sport Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works, Coillte, and Waterways Ireland. The campaign is also supported by Fingal County Council, Galway County Council, Wicklow County Council.

For further information and guidance on responsible outdoor engagement, visit https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place-leave-no-trace.
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Maxol has launched a fundraising campaign inviting the public to turn scents into pence to raise funds for the Guide Dogs NI. With each guide dog costing over 50,000 during its training and working lifetime, Maxols PAWsome Fresheners will raise funds through the sale of puppy shaped car air fresheners.

Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson says his appreciation for the life-changing impact of guide dogs deepened after meeting with a guide dog user. He recognised that these highly trained and intuitive dogs provide not only confidence but also independence to individuals.

We wanted to create something unique to catch our customers attention and also inform them on the journey a puppy takes to become a guide dog, said Brian Donaldson. With this new initiative, were encouraging customers to purchase either a golden or a black Labrador car air freshener, or both, with all proceeds going directly to Guide Dogs NI. PAWsome car air freshers are priced at 3.

Follow the journey from puppy to Guide Dog

The limited edition PAWsome Fresheners are designed not only to keep a vehicle smelling fresh but more importantly, to make a positive impact on the lives of those who are visually impaired. It takes two years to train a guide or assistance dog and people can learn more about each phase of a puppys training journey by scanning a QR code on the PAWsome Fresheners.

Maxol, which is Northern Irelands leading family-owned forecourt and convenience retailer has committed to funding the training of at least six guide and assistance dogs across the island of Ireland over the next two years and wants to continue to raise awareness and drive support for Guide Dogs NI. These highly trained and intuitive dogs provide not only confidence but also safety and social benefits to individuals. Ive seen firsthand the incredible support they offer, said Brian Donaldson.

Guide Dogs NI currently have around ninety Guide Dogs in-service and eight buddy dogs across Northern Ireland with a further three dogs in training and 15 puppies about to begin their training journey.

Many people affected by a vision impairment face isolation and challenges in everyday activities, such as shopping, working, and socialising. Guide dogs provide a vital lifeline, offering safety, mobility, and independence.

Buddy dogs

Another important part of Guide Dog NIs work is providing buddy dogs to children living with visual impairment to help boost their confidence, improve relationships, and build a greater sense of trust.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager, Guide Dogs NI said: Our team at Guide Dogs Northern Ireland are so excited to be working with Maxol on their PAWsome Freshener fundraiser. Every penny raised will help adults, children and young people living with vision impairment in NI. We rely on the generosity of the local public and business community to provide our services. Without this fundraising our life-changing work simply wouldnt be possible. We would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to Maxol and all their amazing staff, retailers and customers for supporting Guide Dogs. Your donations will help us ensure that anyone with sight loss in Northern Ireland can live a full, active, and independent life.

Maxol plans to leverage its network of 252 service stations across the island of Ireland, rallying community support to raise much-needed funds. The goal is to make a difference in the lives of those served by Guide Dogs NI in Northern Ireland and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Ireland.

Available in local Maxol stores from the beginning of July, all proceeds from the PAWsome Fresheners will go to Guide Dogs NI in NI and in ROI, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Maxol Service Stations across Derry where the PAWsome fresheners will be available include:

Maxol Rossdowney, 1 Rossdowney Park, Waterside, Derry BT47 5NR

1 Rossdowney Park, Waterside, Derry BT47 5NR Maxol Maghermason, 138 Victoria Road, Derry BT472RR

138 Victoria Road, Derry BT472RR Maxol Service Station Eglinton, Coolafinny Road, Eglinton, Derry BT473PG

Coolafinny Road, Eglinton, Derry BT473PG Maxol Derrychrier, Dungiven, 772 Feeny Road, Derry BT474TB

772 Feeny Road, Derry BT474TB Maguires Maxol Service Sation, 170 Mussenden Road, Derry BT514TX

170 Mussenden Road, Derry BT514TX Connors Maxol Service Station, 141 Main Street, Derry BT515AB

141 Main Street, Derry BT515AB McAuleys Maxol Service Station, 14 The Square, Derry BT457AE

14 The Square, Derry BT457AE Castlerock Road Maxol Service Station, Unit 2, 1-11 Castlerock Road, Derry BT513HP

Unit 2, 1-11 Castlerock Road, Derry BT513HP Newmills Road, Maxol Service Station, Newmills Road Lower, Derry BT522JB

Knocklynn Maxol Service Station, Knocklynn Road, Derry BT521WT

Kilrea Maxol Service Station, 26 Garvagh Road, Derry BT515QP

For more information visit www.maxol.ie and https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guide-dogs-northern-ireland/
South Korea eyes 6G hotspots as telecoms urge caution

The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) is pushing to lead the global race in 6G commercialization by 2029, following its pioneering efforts with LTE and 5G. However, telecom operators, drawing from their 5G experiences, are advocating for a more measured approach, proposing a hotspot-focused strategy for 6G rollout.

According to The Elec, MSIT established the "6G Society" in July 2024, uniting over 30 experts from the mobile and satellite communications sectors. Their mission is to dominate 6G standards and expedite its market readiness.

MSIT aims to achieve 6G commercialization by 2029, leveraging South Korea's 2019 success in launching 5G ahead of the world. The government views 6G as a pivotal issue and is keen to accelerate the construction of a nationwide commercial network.

However, leading telecom operators SK Telecom (SKT), Korea Telecom (KT), and LG U+ are skeptical about replicating their nationwide network experience with 6G. South Korea's telecom market is already saturated, with more subscriptions than the population, making further revenue generation through traditional means challenging.

Industry experts suggest that while a segment of users might pay premium ARPU for 6G services, widespread upgrades akin to 3G, LTE, and 5G transitions are unlikely. The 5G rollout faced criticism and legal challenges due to issues with communication quality, coverage, and application areas, prompting a need for a new approach.

Telecom operators support the development of 6G but caution against immediate nationwide implementation. Instead, they recommend a strategic pivot. For instance, Verizon's initial 5G rollout in the US focused on hotspots before expanding coverage with low-band spectrum. A similar approach for 6G could drastically reduce initial investment costs and mitigate early service quality complaints.

A representative from the mobile communications industry emphasized that while 6G promises increased ARPU, quality issues akin to those seen with 5G could adversely impact businesses. Given South Korea's saturated telecom market, initial 6G commercialization should be carefully planned around public hotspots, ensuring a balance between innovation and market practicality.
Taiwan to unveil new policies to mitigate talent shortfall with AI and foreign workers

The Economic Development Council under Taiwan's Executive Yuan held its first meeting on July 18, addressing three key policy themes: the trillion-dollar National Development Investment Plan, transforming Taiwan into an Asian asset management hub, and boosting national talent competitiveness.

A second meeting is scheduled for September to outline the latest policy directions for the semiconductor, AI, defense, security, and compound semiconductor industries.

Insurance investment in public infrastructure

Officials noted that Taiwan's insurance industry can legally allocate up to 10% of project and public investment funds, totaling around NT$ 3.27 trillion (US$ 104.64 billion), but currently, only NT$ 609.2 billion has been invested.

Given the high hedging costs of NT$ 360.2 billion for overseas investments, the government aims to provide low-risk domestic investment options to attract life insurance funds. This strategy would mitigate exchange rate risks and ease fiscal pressure.

Potential public infrastructure investments include water pipelines, parking facilities, electrolysis plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and social housing. In the long-term care sector, legal issues are being addressed with assistance from the National Development Council (NDC). Currently, Taiwan's life insurance industry holds approximately NT$ 22 trillion in overseas investments.

Asian asset management hub

The establishment of Taiwan as an Asian asset management hub has been in development for years. The government has finally outlined its action plans, which include expanding private banking and wealth management services, attracting multinational corporations to list in Taiwan, increasing real estate investment trust (REIT) products, and introducing foreign asset management companies.

This effort follows Hong Kong's declining status as a financial center due to political factors, with Singapore gaining significant influence in Asian asset management.

Talent shortfall solution: AI and foreign workers

The third policy theme addresses the promotion of national talent competitiveness. Taiwan's labor supply in 2024 is expected to be 12.35 million, nearly matching the demand of 12.39 million. However, from 2025, labor demand is projected to rise rapidly, reaching 12.9 million by 2030, while the country can only supply around 12.42 million workers.

The Executive Yuan aims to mitigate this gap by advancing AI in industries to reduce labor demand and attract key foreign and expatriate workers to Taiwan. By 2028, the Executive Yuan aims to train 200,000 local AI and digital talents, leveraging AI to reduce labor demands and enhance worker productivity.

Additionally, the plan seeks to attract 100,000 international students to Taiwan and recruit 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 foreign technical workers. Officials emphasize that this initiative will not threaten local employment or exacerbate low-wage issues.

The three arms of Economic Development Council

The Executive Yuan also unveiled the structure of the newly founded Economic Development Council, comprising three groups:

The Innovation Economy Group, led by Wu Cheng-wen, Minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), will focus on strengthening Taiwan's role in the democratic supply chain, developing the Five Trusted Industry sectors, nurturing local talent, industrializing AI, and achieving digital and net-zero transformations.

The Balanced Taiwan Group, led by Paul Liu, Minister of the NDC, will develop a smart technology industry ecosystem, including the Keelung River Valley Golden Corridor, the Greater Silicon Valley in Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli, central technology clusters, and the southern semiconductor industry S corridor. The group will assess essential resources like land, water, and electricity, and invest in necessary policies.

The Inclusive Growth Group, led by Kung Ming-hsin, Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan, will focus on the diverse revitalization and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), upgrading traditional industries and services, promoting diverse youth development and wage increases, and expanding social investments in education, dual employment, and dual care.
China dominates global automobile exports in 2023 as EV demand surges, says DIGITIMES Research

China's automobile exports have shown significant growth in recent years, with the export volume reaching 5.22 million units in 2023, nearly 800,000 more than Japan's, making China the world's largest automobile exporter. According to DIGITIMES Research's latest report covering China's automobile exports, China's automobile export shows several obvious characteristics such as rapidly rising volume and value, electric vehicles becoming mainstream models, and diversifying export markets.

In the past, Japan was a major automobile-exporting country until China overtook it in 2023, when China's automobile exports reached 5.22 million units, surpassing Japan by nearly 800,000 units. Historical data shows that China's automobile exports broke the one million mark in 2018 and began gaining momentum until after 2021, with the export volume for 2023 being 4.5 times higher than that of 2018, the report's figures showed.

The rapid growth was attributed to the saturation of the Chinese automobile market and changes in the structure of export vehicles and regions. These changes also led to the rise of the average export price of Chinese automobiles to CNY137,000 (US$19,180) in 2023.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become the main growth driver of China's automobile exports. Their export volume increased from 147,000 units in 2018 to 1.77 million units in 2023, a 12.1-fold increase in six years, far exceeding the 4.5-fold increase in total automobile exports.

The proportion of EVs relative to total automobile exports has also increased yearly, reaching 34% in 2023. This indicates the competitiveness and growth potential of China-made EVs in overseas markets.

Furthermore, DIGITIMES Research has observed differences in demand for various types of automobiles in the top ten export outlets of Chinese automobiles in 2023. For example, the top two export destinations, Russia and Mexico, primarily demanded fuel vehicles, whereas Europe and Southeast Asia preferred EVs.

Notably, Europe's mature EV market attracted Chinese companies to enhance their presence there, and in Southeast Asia, Chinese companies held an approximately 80% share in the EV market in Thailand in 2023. These regions have become important destinations for Chinese EV exports.
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Global IT outage hits Microsoft cloud, automotive industry faces disruptions

Microsoft faced a significant disruption in its cloud services on July 19, leading to temporary system outages in major organizations around the world. In a statement, the company attributed the incident to a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which affected 8.5 million Windows devices, representing less than 1% of the total.

Microsoft announced it will collaborate with other cloud service providers, including Google Cloud and AWS, to share insights and explore effective solutions.

Did the outage cripple the automotive supply chain?

According to a report by Business Insider on July 19, the global IT system outage forced Tesla to halt production lines in Texas and Nevada. An internal email obtained by Reuters indicated that Tesla informed employees on the morning of the 19th that the company's "Windows servers, laptops, and manufacturing equipment are currently down, with users seeing blue screens on their devices."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed the issue on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Yesterday, CrowdStrike released an update that began impacting IT systems globally. We are aware of this issue and are working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers with technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online."

Elon Musk responded to Nadella's post, noting that the outage "gave a seizure to the automotive supply chain".

According to the Wall Street Journal, auto parts supplier Magna International, which produces various products from automotive electronic systems to car bodies, reported experiencing operational disruptions due to the service outage. A company spokesperson stated that Magna is working with customers and suppliers to minimize the impact.

Toyota Motor Company indicated that some dealerships experienced issues, but its North American manufacturing plants and headquarters were unaffected, partly due to routine summer shutdowns.

A Nissan Motor spokesperson said the company's systems were not impacted, but some suppliers and dealers were affected, although specifics were not provided. Ford Motor Company stated it is assessing the impact on its business.

Other automakers and dealerships told the WSJ that the CrowdStrike incident had limited or no impact on their operations.

Securing the IT ecosystem

Steps taken in response to the incident include ongoing collaboration with CrowdStrike to develop automated solutions, deploying hundreds of Microsoft engineers and experts to assist customers in restoring system services, partnering with other cloud service providers like Google Cloud and AWS to share observations and communication information, and quickly releasing relevant documentation and guidance.

Microsoft emphasized that while software updates can occasionally cause unforeseen issues, an event as significant as the recent CrowdStrike incident is exceedingly rare.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the CrowdStrike update affected 8.5 million Windows devices, less than 1% of all Windows devices. Despite the small percentage of Windows devices with CrowdStrike installed in the grand scheme of the total, the incident had widespread economic and social impacts. The incident highlighted many businesses' reliance on CrowdStrike for critical services.

Microsoft underscored the importance of focusing on the ecosystem's influence, noting that the incident demonstrated the tight interconnectivity within its broad ecosystem, including global cloud service providers, software platforms, cybersecurity firms, software vendors, and customers.

The current situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures and disaster recovery planning for every member of this technological ecosystem.
China-based startup Byinka to ship 7th-gen IGBT to customers

China-based power semiconductor provider Byinka has announced the shipment of its 7th-generation Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) to leading companies across industries such as electric vehicles (EV), photovoltaics (PV), and energy storage. This development marks a significant step in closing China's technology gap with Japanese and European companies in IGBT technologies.

In an interview with Jiwei, Byinka CEO He Lin revealed that their 7th-generation IGBT has been trialed and introduced in small batches, with excellent feedback. Some performance metrics reportedly outperform international top brands, and the company's products have now entered the large-scale delivery stage.

The 7th-generation IGBT developed by Byinka boasts higher power density, a simpler drive circuit, and a wider safe operating area (SOA). It can be manufactured using a 50nm node process, representing a significant technological advancement.

Byinka is taking a calculated approach to entering the automotive IGBT market. While recognizing the importance of achieving automotive-grade qualification for their 7th-generation IGBT technology, they are strategically focusing on solidifying their presence in the industrial control and photovoltaics sectors first. This approach allows them to refine their technology and build a strong reputation before tackling the demanding automotive market.

Market dynamics and future outlook

Lin noted that while oversupply is driving fierce competition in the mid-to-low-end IGBT segment, demand for high-performance devices is surging. According to Jiwei, the growth rate of the IGBT market in the energy storage sector is expected to outpace the automotive industry in the coming years, reaching a market share of 9.7% by 2025. Notably, China stands as the world's dominant IGBT market, consuming over 40% of global demand, with this share expected to rise further.

Founded in 2022, Byinka successfully developed its in-house 7th-generation IGBT using 300mm wafers in July 2023. The company has since launched a full range of 7th-generation IGBT products, spanning from 1000V to 1700V.

According to DIGITIMES Research, while global leaders Infineon and Fuji Electric developed their 7th-generation IGBT in 2018, most China-based companies' IGBT technology remains at the 5th or 6th generation level, lagging by at least five years. However, the vast domestic market is expected to strongly support the revenue growth of Chinese companies.

Other China-based semiconductor companies have also made strides in developing 7th-generation IGBTs in recent years. StarPower Semiconductor unveiled its product in 2022, and MACMIC launched its 7th-generation IGBT in 2023, both utilizing 300mm wafers.
Grassy hills cover the landscape west of Highway 12 in Rio Vista, which is close to where California Forever plans to build a new city. The ballot initiative for this project, set to appear in November before voters, was scrapped Monday. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The proponents of a ballot initiative that would allow a new city of 400,000 residents to be built in east Solano County have decided to withdraw the measure and instead prepare a full environmental report on the impact the project would have on everything from the traffic to water to the countys budget.

In a statement, Solano County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn said the decision, which will delay a vote on the new city for two years, came after conversations with California Forever CEO Jan Sramek.

We have agreed that they will withdraw their measure and not proceed with the election in November, Mashburn said in a statement. I think it signals Jan Srameks understanding that while the need for more affordable housing and good paying jobs has merit, the timing has been unrealistic.

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In a statement, Sramek said he had originally sought a November approval at the ballot box because he wanted to show that its possible to move faster in California.

But we recognize now that its possible to reorder these steps without impacting our ambitious timeline, he said. This creates opportunities to incorporate additional community input, and then provide everyone with access to objective analysis, and the full terms of the Development Agreement, including the community benefits.

He added: We believe that with this process, we can build a shared vision that passes with a decisive majority and creates broad consensus for the future.

The ballot measure will now go before voters in 2026. Under Solano Countys Orderly Growth Initiative, voters must approve any urban development that takes place outside the countys seven municipalities.

The decision comes two days after a consultant for the county released a scathing assessment of the ballot measure, saying that the plan for the new city was so vague and had so few concrete details that voters lacked the information needed to make an informed decision.

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The fact that the Initiative will be presented to the voters without benefit of an EIR, or objectively prepared planning and engineering studies expected for a new community proposal of this magnitude, is a significant issue that warrants further public consideration as the Initiative is discussed and debated during the months leading up to the November vote, the report stated.

The report estimated that transportation improvement costs of the projects first phase would be $3.7 billion to $2.2 billion outside the city and $1.5 billion within, with the full buildout amounting to around $17.6 billion. It said the schools needed to serve the city would cost $743 million in phase one and that the parks would cost $165 million, while public safety stations would run $72 million in phase one and water treatment plans another $354.6 million.

The Initiative lacks a clear and detailed financial strategy to support the extensive infrastructure and service upgrades required, the report states. Voters should consider the implications of the significant investment required for transportation, schools, parks, public safety, and water systems. The Initiatives promises of infrastructure upgrades lack specifics, raising doubts about their feasibility.

Solano Together, a coalition of groups opposed to the new city, celebrated the decision.

The people have spoken and California Forever has been forced to withdraw their hastily drawn, poorly designed initiative, given a surefire loss in November, the group said in a statement. Solano Together is proud of the people of Solano County for this amazing win.

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An April poll commissioned by Solano Together found that 70% of voters were opposed to the new city.

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, a project critic who represents part of Solano County, praised the decision to delay the ballot measure, calling it a crucial step toward ensuring that any development in our community is sustainable, transparent, and beneficial for all residents.

From the beginning, I have maintained that the proposed project was only a pipe dream, not a true plan, he said. Rushing the process without thorough environmental and community review would have been disastrous for the existing residents of Solano County.
Free rides from Fishermans Wharf to the Ferry Building were offered over the weekend on Sea Change, the worlds first hydrogen-powered ferry. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle

Cookie Huss and Ed Simon boarded the 10:30 Sunday morning ferry at Fishermans Wharf and went straight to the back of the cabin, nearest the water fountain. They wanted to drink the cool, pure exhaust from the worlds first hydrogen cell commercial passenger ferry.

It tastes very good, said Huss, who had to drink fast because it was only a 15-minute ride to San Franciscos ferry terminal, on an existing route called the Pier 41 Short Hop. Huss and Simon had come all the way from Roseville, east of Sacramento, for the novelty.

They said it was free, and I thought, Thats a good reason to get out of the heat,  said Huss, who planned to make a round trip of it and drink freely in both directions of the water that is treated after its emission as exhaust from the fuel cell that powers Sea Change to 10 knots.

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Luke Caven prepares to drink water produced as a byproduct of the hydrogen-powered ferry on San Francisco Bay. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle

If I grow a third eye, she said after sipping from her plastic cup, Ill know the reason why.

Sea Change is a 70-foot catamaran that can hold 75 passengers, though it was averaging about half that on each of four round trips it made between the Ferry Building and Pier 41 on its opening weekend. The boat, which began free test runs Friday, is at the vanguard of a ferry fleet that is required to go emission free for any route less than 3 miles by 2026.

Battery electric technology offers hope, but lacks capacity for longer routes such as the 25 miles from San Francisco to Vallejo due to the weight of the batteries. Hydrogen is an option because the fuel system is lighter. Though hydrogen cell-powered ferries are operating in Europe, they require diesel to operate, according to James Romero, chief engineer of Switch Maritime, which built Sea Change with support from a grant from the California Air Resources Board.

Sea Change, the worlds first hydrogen-powered ferry, began free test runs on San Francisco Bay over the weekend. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle

This is purely conceptual, to see how it works, said Romero, noting that there is neither diesel nor any other fossil fuel on board.

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The fuel cells are in black tanks at the front of the boat, out of view of passengers. The only emission is water vapor, which condenses back to liquid water. It is then fed through a re-mineralization process that makes the water taste normal straight from the tap.

It solves two problems at once, said passenger Ed Simon. Fuel and water.

Drinkable water is produced as a byproduct of the hydrogen-powered ferry. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle Drinkable water is produced as a byproduct of the hydrogen-powered ferry. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle

The concept took a while to get here. The boat started as the Water-Go-Round, with a keel laying ceremony Alameda in 2018. COVID-19 slowed shipbuilding, then Water-Go-Round switched ownership and was towed to Bellingham, Wash., where it was built by All American Marine. Renamed Sea Change, it was towed back to the bay in 2023 and christened on July 12 by San Francisco Bay Ferry, which runs East Bay commute routes and tests new technologies, with the goal of decarbonizing two-thirds of the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet of 17 vessels by 2035.

Sea Change is being operated on a six-month free trial by pilots of the Blue & Gold Fleet.

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Were showcasing the future, Capt. Tom Harlan said. You could build a container ship with this technology.

The first run Sunday was light, five passengers on board. But 16 others were waiting on the ramp for the return run. As Sea Change pulled into the dock, Harlan got on the intercom to make his spiel.

Passengers board the Sea Change, which can hold 75 people. Jonah Reenders/Special to the Chronicle

We are fast approaching our destination at the Ferry Building, he said. Have a fabulous hydrogen-powered rest of your day.

Among those waiting to do so were Daphna Zipkin of Millbrae and her granddaughter Talia Zipkin, 17, visiting from Los Angeles.

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Were riding on history, Daphna said as they boarded for the short ride. Sea Change did not disappoint, as they disembarked 15 minutes later.
The Philippines is known for the best white sandy beaches in the world along with diverse local cuisine. But thats not it about the place; the countrys beauty scene has been upping its game for quite some time now and because of the number of pageants that take place every year, it is quite obvious that Filipinos know their way around make-up.

The best part of their products is they are super affordable and of high quality. Since Filipinos range from fair to darker skin tones, the brands cater to different shades. So, if you want to know the best makeup brands in the Philippines, scroll down and explore them-

Sunnies Face

Sunnies Face is one of the most renowned brands of the Philippines. They love everything about beauty and thus make the best products that make you look good. All of their products are animal-cruelty-free, paraben free, and most importantly available in the most flattering colors. Sunnies Face is basically the result of not finding the required product and the search for affordable brands.

BLK Cosmetics

BLK cosmetics stand for the color black- something that is timeless, uncomplicated, and elegant. They aim to stand out by going back to basics. The brand is one of the few which has official cruelty-free certification from PETA. The brand focuses to keep things simple yet make the best quality products. The items range from foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, eyeliners, and more.

Careline

The brand caters to youth with a guarantee of 100% cruelty-free cosmetics. The brand provides trendier and high-quality cosmetics at an affordable price specially made for the new generation. Presently Careline cosmetics are available nationwide and cater to products like eye shadow palettes, make-up brushes, and more.

Vice Cosmetics

Vice Cosmetics was founded by the Philippiness famous TV host Vice Ganda with the motive of giving people the best chemical-free products. The products are paraben-free, vegan, and cater to all skin types and gender. They make the finest products that are accessible to all. The products include Lipsticks, Water Gel, Brow Gel, and more.

Happy Skin Cosmetics

Happy Skin Cosmetics is known for its creative and Instagram-worthy packaging and the products are specifically made in the worlds beauty capitals: Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. So, with this, you can expect the quality and product variety of the brand easily. Here you will get the make-up you love and the skincare you deserve. The products include Lipsticks, Glosses, Powder, Primer, Foundation, Concealer and many more.

Another way to save on your cosmetics shopping is to visit Saleduck Philippines. They feature daily promotions and discount codes for brands like a galleon, rosegal, and many more

These brands prove that Filipino beauty industry is on the rise these days. People are buying products from these brands making them more famous. The above-mentioned brands can be purchased at Zalora, also click here to get the coupon code and avail of mind-boggling discounts. All of the above-mentioned brands are very particular about using any kind of chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. Most of them have already reached the worldwide market and the others will also touch that boundary in no time. You can also visit polskie kasyno bonus bez depozytu
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is seen at Davos in January. A study of universal basic income funded by OpenAI found mixed health and employment outcomes after handing out tens of thousands of dollars to each participant over three years. Markus Schreiber/Associated Press

San Francisco software company OpenAI spent the last three years quietly helping fund a program that handed out up to $1,000 a month to low-income Americans, one of the largest studies ever conducted on the impact of universal basic income.

Some AI researchers and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have for nearly a decade worried that artificial intelligence technology they are developing could one day be good enough to make many knowledge workers, even coders, obsolete  raising the question of how people would support themselves.

To better understand the ramifications of continuing its work, OpenAI funded an academic study that gave monthly cash to 3,000 people in Texas and Illinois whose households earned an average of $30,000 per year in 2019. The study period ran from November 2020 through October 2023.

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One group of 1,000 people received $1,000 per month, while the control group of 2,000 people received $50 per month. No conditions were placed on how to use the cash.

Recipients of the larger amount were more likely to look for new work, and the study suggested the new source of income meant participants were able to be more selective about the jobs they applied for. Researchers found that the participants who got the most money said the income they earned from other sources fell by about $1,500 a year. They also worked slightly less each week and spent more time on leisure activities.

That is in contrast to previous studies that found doling out cash had little effect on labor market participation while improving health and educational outcomes, especially among young people.

One closely watched experiment run by the city of Stockton previously gave 125 randomly selected low-income people $500 per month for five years. That smaller study found employment increased among participants, along with improved metrics around health and wellbeing.

Researchers in the OpenAI-funded study found that overall, our results suggest a moderate labor supply effect that does not appear offset by other productive activities. In other words, participants worked a little less and in some cases spent time finding the right job, but did not go about doing things like starting businesses of their own.

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The study also looked at health data, including blood samples taken from some participants. Researchers said they found essentially no evidence of improvements in physical health due to the transfers and again can rule out even small improvements.

Dozens of guaranteed basic income experiments have been conducted across the country, many in California, according to the Stanford Basic Income Lab.

This study, with its larger sample size, was run by OpenResearch, a nonprofit that while not a part of OpenAI, came out of the startup accelerator Y Combinator when Altman was its president.

OpenResearch has since received more than $20 million from Altman and OpenAIs nonprofit arm. Private donors including Sid Sijbrandij, the co-founder and CEO of GitLab, and retired basketball star and recently hired Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick also funded the study. Some aspects were also funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, according to OpenResearch.

Altman is not the only techie to float the idea of a universal basic income brought on by their innovations, with the idea predating the current AI boom.

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In 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk told the World Government Summit in Dubai, I think ultimately we will have to have some kind of universal basic income, I dont think we are going to have a choice. Musk, an early OpenAI funder, has launched an AI company of his own called xAI.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose company makes the Llama family of AI bots, praised the idea in a commencement speech at his alma mater in 2017.

Some AI researchers have suggested a pause to continued development of the increasingly capable technology, warning of its profound risks to society and humanity.
A personal care products company making an impact in the beauty and skincare industry in the Philippines re-introduced its celebrity endorser at an event in the south of Manila (today or recently).

Sooper Beautestarted up by a mother of four who got tired of the 9-to-5 corporate grindre-introduced Kapamilya actress Sofia Andres as its endorser at the companys media launch of its Breakthrough and Bloom campaign at the Azumi Boutique Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Sofia has come of age and embraced motherhood at its fullest, said Sooper Beaute founder and General Manager Jessica Aica Palma. With a blossoming career, rapidly-rising followers, and a growing business on the side, theres no doubt that she is a woman of limitless beauty!

The young actress was the first muse of Sooper Beaute in 2016 when she was only 16. We found it easy to decide to make her our muse once again as we transition to the New Sooper Beaute because Sofia has grown into a versatile woman. Aside from being an actress, shes a mother, a painter and a fashion inspiration, said Palma.

According to a Philippine business news website, The company started up with seed capital of 18,000 pesos (USD360) in September 2013. The young founder (27 at the time) checked out Facebook and Instagram, discovered that a lot of online sellers offering whitening lotions and soaps, and they were doing very welland straightaway contacted these sellers and asked them if she could buy from them and rebrand the products.

Sooper Beautes initial offerings were lotions, toners and soaps sourced from an online seller in Laguna.

Palma photographed the products herself, printed out stickers, created an Instagram account to sell the products, and began using the tagline Beauty is Limitless and in two months, the startup recorded 100 percent profit. Thats when the founder knew she was doing it right.

Palma explained that as an eight-year-old brand, Sooper Beautes management decided to transition its branding from bright and youthful to minimalist yet chictargeting young professionals who grew up with the brand. This new branding initiative was conceptualized during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic where everyone experienced major changes in their lives.

Now that weve learned to live with these new changes, weve discovered new interests, new talents and a new mindset, said the thirty-something mompreneur. My kapwa Filipinas, weve had a breakthrough. Now were ready to be the best version of ourselves. We bloom.
If I had met Jack Tobin a few years ago, I would have met a very different person.

Back then, he was hollow-eyed, anxious, nervous, and full of angst, because he was addicted to drugs from the age of 13.

I was on my knees during 10 years of hell, says Jack, 25, now a proud father of two and co-owner of the Catch-Up Cafe in Kanturk with his mother Sonya.

Seeing Jack today, operating in his buzzing cafe after launching his own brand of coffee, The Recovery Blend, he is upbeat, buoyant and full of enthusiasm for life and his business.

Its one day at a time, he says.

I love the cafe. I love the gang I work with. I love meeting and greeting the people who come in, the regular Monday morning walking ladies, I love them all.

Jack is full of the joys of life, citing his cafe as a community hub for anyone who wants to chat about things we dont talk about in Ireland.

I want the cafe to be a community cafe where people can meet up and chat - they dont even have to buy a coffee! he adds.

How did Jack, after spiralling into drug addiction, buy into recovery and end up living life to the full?

My desire to live was stronger than my desire to die, he says.

It came to a point where I had three options; commit suicide because of my mental health deteriorating, overdose from drugs I was putting into my body; or get clean.

He chose the right path. How did he go down the wrong path?

I first started using drugs at the age of 13 when I used to smoke cannabis in my home town of Cobh, says Jack.

The habit quickly escalated. I developed an addiction to the drug and other substances.

In his teens and twenties, he says: I was hell-bent on self-annihilation.

He did try to help himself.

During my teenage years, I attended the Cork Life Centre where I sat my Junior Cert and my Leaving Cert, says Jack.

I was never able to sit still in class or concentrate, so I worked in the cafeteria kitchen of the school. Its where I learned to cook and where I got my passion for cooking.

Don OLeary, the director of the centre, helped me out, helping me focus my mind.

However, Jack was in the grip of addiction. He spent half his waking hours acquiring and using drugs and the other half trying to hide the fact.

At the start, it was all fun and games, he says. Then it grips you and gets hold of you.

When youre younger, you smoke a bit of cannabis. It just progressed from there and it just got worse year after year.

I would have been a daily cannabis user throughout 10 years of addiction, then my habit progressed to the likes of MDM and Xanax.

The world of drugs is seedy. The squalor, dealing in dark corners, the shabbiness, mingling with shadows, the betrayals, constantly dialing the self-destruct button.

I had brief moments of clarity when I wanted to give up, he says. My family never gave up on me.

As his habit spiralled, his friends faded away.

It started off with the lads having a bit of fun and this and that, says Jack. It ended up in a room on my own for years, not wanting to leave the house just using on my own.

Where was the fun in that?

Everyone thinks its great fun out partying and this and that, but I suppose it led me to a place day in, day out, using to survive, to be able to do anything. I felt high. On top of the world. Full of bravado.

But Jack was in a spiral.

I used to dwell on the bad things I said ages ago, he says.

He had an achy, twitchy sadness about him, and was diagnosed with ADHD. But he had a supportive family around him. A family that would move mountains for him.

They moved home for him.

Moving to Kanturk, my parents thought it would help me kick the drug habit. It didnt, says Jack.

They thought, rural Ireland. There will be nobody there with drugs.

Wrong.

Within a week I had all the contacts, says Jack. Drugs are everywhere, and are easily available.

It can be a costly habit.

Yes, I was spending 50 to 100 a day, says Jack.

When he spent a stint in the UK in 2017, his drug addiction got worse.

I ordered cocaine and crack like I was ordering pizza, says Jack. I worked in a warehouse. Id wake up early for work and smoke on the way in, Id smoke cannabis like cigarettes on the way back and all day during my breaks. When I finished work, Id do cocaine and Xanax.

Was there any way back?

I was like a big child, says Jack. I was lost for years.

Jack returned home after a year and a half. Covid hit, making some people feel rock bottom. Jack was already at rock bottom.

I was really limited at home, he says. The 350 Covid allowance I was getting was a big difference to my decent wages I got in the UK."

Jack was isolated though.

I saw nobody. I didnt interact with anybody. I didnt sleep for days. I was high all the time. Every day was a struggle. I had to rob Peter to pay Paul to fund my drug addiction.

I would tell my parents that I was going to quit drug use many times. I was like a broken record.

Jack was a broken man.

I went out one weekend, and I literally said to them, If I dont die this weekend, thats it. Im getting clean. I cant live my life like this.

And he didnt.

I got home alive.

Jack wanted to continue living.

I spent Sunday in bed and on Monday I was on my way to rehab. Don was still in my life. He pointed me to Arbour House where I weaned off tablets for two weeks. I then went to Fellowship House in Cork for 90 days.

How did Jack manage to stay put in Fellowship House for that long?

I was set on leaving every day! laughs Jack. I even rang a taxi one evening to leave. I was told by the director Con Cremin to stay until morning and go then.

Jack stayed the distance.

The counselling and reflection at Fellowship House was very beneficial, he says.

I had to find out what was I escaping from. What is all this about? I rebelled at first, but realised I had to be open.

"I settled into treatment. The group classes were great. We were all in the same boat. I was not alone.

What did he find out about himself?

I had a mask on for years, says Jack. Now it was time to remove it.

He says despite outward appearance, he was always a big softie at heart.

I portrayed an aggressive manner. I wanted to fight everyone. I dealt with rough characters, and I thought, I cant be soft. I acted the big man.

His grandmother always knew Jack was soft inside.

Nanny stood by me for years and years, says Jack.

He understood he had hurt people for a decade.

My family suffered. Addiction is a family disease. They watched me try and kill myself slowly.

For 10 years, Jack wasnt himself.

I didnt know what I was saying. I didnt realise the things I had done.

While getting clean, he did positive things.

I used to frequent a cafe in Kanturk, and I got friendly with the owner, says Jack. She told me she was returning to Turkey after the earthquake there and was selling up. I said, jokingly to her, What do you want for it?

Jack sold the idea of taking over the cafe to his parents.

We talked it through, and it was a quick decision, says Jack.

His mother Sonya is no softie when it comes to progress and moving forward.

She said, right. Were doing it!

And they did. With a lot of help from their friends.

Niall, our carpenter, helped us get up and running. Hes working with us now. All the staff are on a WhatsApp group. Were here for each other every day.

Why is it called Catch-Up Cafe?

I wanted it to be a safe place for people not only in recovery, says Jack. I wanted people to come in and have a chat, have the banter and have the laugh.

Jack is good at having the talk.

I suppose it makes it OK to talk about mental health and addiction, he says. For people not to be afraid to talk about it, not be afraid of whats going to happen if they do talk about it.

If I can stop one person from using from hearing my story, of hearing where I went with it, then that makes me happy.

Jack still likes to party.

Weve a family wedding next week and Im looking forward to it.

He wont be in the shadows. Hell be on the dance floor. And Ill be the first man up in the morning!
Gogglebox Ireland stars Dawn and Dale met in college fourteen years ago, and stressed that it wasnt love at first sight for the two of them.

Dawn told The Echo, we met in college in 2010, many moons ago, we were on the same course in CIT, now MTU.

We didnt hit it off straight away, we were polar opposites, but at this stage weve morphed into each other!

She explained, I was very much a country girl, no fashion about me whatsoever and Dale was from the city.

Dale added, she would be giving me daggers, Im quite loud and she was thinking shut up, but we got talking and realised we had the same sarcastic sense of humour, and we started getting on really well, then one thing led to another.

Dawn explained, neither of us would have had girlfriends in the past, but we started dating in college of first year and its 2024 now  in gay years thats a good 40-50 years.

Dawn and Dale married in 2021 in Vienna Woods.

Dale said that Dawn made the first move, explaining I was minding my own business and she went in for the kill, went in for a kiss - Im still thankful that she did.

We were out for Paddys day, Dawn explained, we were in a gay bar, but we went there just because  at the time we didnt think we were gay.

We ended up dating for a while and didnt tell a lot of people at the time, it was new to us both so a bit of a struggle, but eventually we told our close friends, then our siblings and then our parents.

Dawn and Dale in 2012.

Dawn proposed to Dale in 2019, while they were on a weekend away in Connemara, explaining I had the ring, and Id never been so nervous  usually I fall asleep the first ten minutes in the car like a toddler but I was wide awake the entire time.

We arrived at this little hotel and I basically forced her to go into the bathroom so I could get the ring in my pocket then we went for a stroll and found a little bench overlooking the beach.

Cork couple Dawn and Dale.

Dale said yes, and Dawn recalled, it was difficult being a female proposing  when youre younger you picture a man proposing to you but for two women theres a lot of emotions involved.

They booked their wedding venue two weeks before lockdown, and married in 2021, just when the restrictions had been eased to allow 100 guests, and she said it didnt feel like a Covid wedding.

They married in October 2021 in Vienna woods, with their guest list cut in half, but the couple say that this meant that everyone that attended is someone they were close to, adding we talked to everyone, we danced with everyone!

Nowadays, Dale says their life is simple, explaining were becoming fans of the gym, because were really big fans of food so we have to cancel it out somehow.

My darling Dawnie is like a little Gordon Ramsey, she opens the fridge and even with ingredients that dont make sense together shed be able to whip up something amazing.

They live in Carrigaline and enjoy going on walks in the area and are always on the go, spending time with family and their big group of friends every weekend.

Dawn added, we were both very lucky with our families, we got no negativity when we came out  we told them at different stages but thankfully it all worked out, and they get on very well  at our wedding it was like not two families but one.

If I go home my mum will immediately ask wheres Dale, she said, with Dale adding I close the door behind me and my mom rushes to open it for Dawn!
Prison authorities were asked to provide every possible facility to assist a man trying to rehabilitate from drug addiction in a case where he was remanded in custody arising out of an investigation into multiple break-ins to cafes and other commercial premises in and around Cork city.

The defendants solicitor Diane Hallahan asked the judge to direct prison authorities to provide all available facilities in this regard.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she was not going to accede to the application to direct the prison governor but would ask that the facilities be made available.

At Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Edward Collins, aged 31, of St Vincents Hostel, Anglesea Tce, Cork, in custody until July 30 on multiple counts of burglary and causing criminal damage at premises.

He is accused of burglary at Costa Coffee on Emmet Place on November 5. The following day he allegedly burgled The Four Liars bistro on Dominic St, stole cash, and caused damage.

On March 6 this year he allegedly carried out a burglary at Floral Decor House on Cross Douglas Rd, Cork, causing extensive damage.

He is also accused of causing criminal damage to Cafe Moly, Douglas St, on March 8.

Mr Collins is charged with burglary at Kasab on Glasheen Rd on the same date and causing criminal damage to a premises known as Chair on Georges Quay.

On that date he is also accused of burglary at the Lough Cafe, and in a fifth charge related to March 8 he is charged with causing extensive damage to the front of The Lough Hair Studio. Two days later he allegedly burgled Amy Michelle Hairdressing on High St, Turners Cross. In relation to March 15 he is charged with burglary at The Flying Enterprise.

On the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis, the case was adjourned for DPP directions.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee has announced that the 2024 Spirit of Mother Jones Award has been awarded to the people of Palestine.

The award will be presented to Ms Zeina Alazzeh, of the embassy of the state of Palestine, at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane on Friday evening, after the Stories of Palestine meeting at 7pm.

Ms Alazzeh has been nominated by the ambassador of Palestine to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, to accept this award.

A spokesperson for the committee said: The Cork Mother Jones Committee is pleased to present the 2024 Spirit of Mother Jones Award to the people of Palestine. We remain honoured by the decision of ambassador Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid to accept this award on behalf of the State of Palestine.

Although, in practical terms, an award such as this remains almost a trivial offering, we believe it represents a symbolic and heartfelt gesture of support by many Cork people to an entire population facing genocide, in that we are recording the fact that human beings everywhere should bear witness to the sufferings of Palestinians.

Along with the many thousands of people who have marched through Cork city each week and across Ireland since October 2023, we wish to also add our support for the people of Palestine by conferring on them the Spirit of Mother Jones Award.

Accepting the Spirit of Mother Jones award, Dr Abdalmajid wrote in her letter to the committee: I am so pleased to accept this award which honours the people of Palestine.

During this difficult time, and while our people in Palestine are experiencing the highest form of misery and catastrophe, we find a glimmer of hope through the Irish peoples support and solidarity.

It is heart-warming that there are still nations that stand up for basic human rights, but sadly this is not the case everywhere.

Mary Harris was a brave mother like thousands of Palestinian mothers who lost their children. It is the loss of a mothers child, and how she could hold back her grief and despair to create a better life. Her commitment to standing up against injustice holds great values that are reflected in this award and we are honoured to be credited with it.

FESTIVAL

The opening of the 2024 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival and summer school will take place on Thursday at 1pm at the Maldron Hotel.

Almost 30 events will take place at this years three-day festival in and around Shandon.

This opening of the annual festival and summer school will again be showcased by the performance of the Kalyna Ukrainian Community Choir, who will give a rendition of Ukrainian songs interspersed with Irish ones.

This festival, which celebrates the life and activities of Cork-born Mary Harris  known throughout the world as Mother Jones.

Full details can be obtained at www.motherjonescork.com.
A community cafe in Mahon which is run by a local charity that supports children with autism and their families in Cork was broken into in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Rainbow Clubs Cottage Community Cafe is run by part-time staff and volunteers, and also offers work experience to the clubs teens and young adults as well as catering for vulnerable and elderly people in the area.

The cafe shared on social media that they would not be opening on Monday as result of the break in, which they said was highly disheartening and had left them disgusted. They wrote, Sadly our cafe was broken into over the weekend. Thankfully none of our staff were present and damage was minimal, however the cost of closure and the repairs will have a massive impact on our business.

This crime is highly disheartening to our team who work so hard to ensure our cafe is a safe and welcoming place for all. We are truly disgusted by this awful act.

Thankfully our CCTV has caught the individual responsible and the footage has been passed to the Gardai.

Karen O'Mahony, founder of the Rainbow Club, explained that the doors had been broken open and the till had been wrenched from its place and brought outside where it was broken into and the float stolen.

We have very clear CCTV so hopefully that will come to something, but there was an initial knock on effect this morning for the staff - Monday would be a very busy day, its the start of the week so they prep food for the week, fill fridges, put away shopping etc.

They werent able to get into the cafe until afternoon as Gardai were on site, and could only start on the prep work and cleaning the place then, so the cafe could not open today, which meant customers such as parents waiting to collect their children from summer provision, groups who come in for breakfast after their yoga class, had to be turned away.

Ms OMahony explained, The staff were really upset, the initial feeling of someone getting into our little hub which is such a safe and welcoming place is really hard to process.

We were trying to process that, and then elderly people came to the doors, people that come in for daily social gathering and to have a chat with staff - we had to send them away, so we were really upset about that.

The Cafe has recently gone through a revamp, with Ms OMahony explaining that they invested a lot of money into it for the community, saying its a DEIS area where a lot of people struggle on a daily basis.

When somebody comes in and interferes with the cafe, it can be hard to accept  we try to hard to make it a positive place and this individual had no regard whatsoever for that. They have lost out on the money that was taken, the takings for today and the damage to the doors and till, so its been a difficult day for us, but everyone knows the Rainbow Club, we dont allow things to stop us  this wont stop us, well be open again in the morning, Ms OMahony said.
The team of gardai investigating the cases against 10 men accused of conspiring to import drugs into Ireland hopes to send their file to the Director of Public Prosecutions in eight weeks, it emerged today.

Detective Sergeant Michael Lyons attended at Cork District Court to give a progress report on the investigation when three Spanish nationals appeared in court by video link from prison.

Solicitor Eddie Burke complained on behalf of one of the accused that there did not appear to be anything new on the progress which was outlined a fortnight ago.

Det Sgt Lyons said that his evidence on phone analysis was new. He said that seven seized phones were of particular interest and two of the phones had been unlocked and that five others continued to be analysed.

What we can say is these phones are quite well secured, Det Sgt Lyons said.

When Mr Burke said that, for instance, the reference to enquiries with police in both South America and North America that this evidence had been given before, Det Sgt Lyons replied that there had been further communications with North and South American police since this was mentioned a fortnight ago.

Det Sgt Lyons said the file would be sent to the DPP unless one of the many lines of enquiry brought the investigation off on a new threat.

Barrister Nicholas Hall, who represented two of the accused, asked if the prosecution could give a more exact indication about time given that the accused had been in custody for a period approaching five months now: He is in custody since March. He is regrettably at sea about how their investigation is proceeding.

Mr Hall complained that the reference to possibly eight weeks was nebulous from the point of view of the accused men.

COMPLEX INVESTIGATION

Judge Mary Dorgan said it was a complex investigation and that the time being taken was not unreasonable.

All three accused before the court today were remanded in continuing custody until the first remand court of the summer, August 2.

Det Sgt Lyons said that a rigid inflatable boat had been examined as part of the investigation, there were over 350 statements from gardai and witnesses, more than 310 lines of enquiry are being followed, over 2,000 hours of CCTV harvested and being examined, more than 700 exhibits seized, photographed and catalogued and more than 50 electronic devices seized and examined. He said numerous enquiries were ongoing with Europol and Interpol and gardai were liaising with a number of other international law enforcement agencies in South America and North America.

Pedro Padio Ojeda Ortega, 35, of Cadiz, Spain, who was represented by solicitor, Eddie Burke, was remanded in custody until July 23.

Angel Serran Padilla, 39, of Malaga, Spain, and Raul Garcia Tabares, 48, of Cadiz, Spain, were represented by barrister Nicholas Hall.

Each of the accused  and seven other men also before the courts  is accused of conspiring with nine others to import drugs. The charge in each case states, That you [defendants name] on dates between February 27 and March 14, both dates inclusive, within the state, did conspire with one or more persons, namely [nine other names] to do an act in the state that constitutes a serious offence, namely the importation of controlled drugs in excess of 13,000, an offence contrary of Section 15B (1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as amended and contrary to Section 71 (1) (a) (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 as amended by Section 4 (b) of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2023.
Gardai objected to bail being granted to a Cork man accused of burgling the home of an 85-year-old woman in Mayfield but he insisted, Its not me.

Garda Elaine Murphy gave evidence on the charge against 36-year-old Don Duggan of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, at Cork District Court.

The charge stated that he entered the home at Iona Park, Mayfield, on June 28 as a trespasser and attempted to commit the arrestable offence of theft.

Garda Murphy said the allegations in the case were that Don Duggan entered the home of an 85-year-old woman through the rear door of the house.

He was disturbed by the daughter of the household and fled out the bedroom window. He was pursued on foot from the scene by the daughter and he ran up Murmount Crescent.

CCTV captured the man running from the scene, Garda Murphy said.

Gardai identified the man on CCTV as Don Duggan. He said it was not him.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody until Thursday and said the bail application would be viewed again then.

Garda Murphy said the accused was on High Court bail for another alleged offence at this time and that this was one of the grounds for objecting to bail on this new charge.

I committed no offence on bail, Don Duggan said.

Cross-examined by Sergeant Dave Delea, the defendant said, Its not me on CCTV.

He also said during cross-examination, I was never given a chance by the system. The system failed my family. Hand on the bible, I am telling the truth.

Mr Duggan also said he suffered post-traumatic stress after coming across the scene of a prisoners suicide in 2019.
Rescue teams involved in the search for a man reported missing in the Placer County wilderness. Placer County Sheriffs Office

Rescue teams continued searching Monday for a 70-year-old man who went missing during a group Jeep trip on the Rubicon Trail in Placer County last week, sheriffs officials said. The man, identified as Warren Elliott, was last seen Friday afternoon.

He was wearing a blue denim short sleeve shirt and blue denim shorts when he walked away from a group driving off-road vehicles, according to witnesses and the Placer County Sheriffs Office. According to an update posted to social media Monday morning, Elliott was with a crew doing trail rehab in advance of a Jeep Jamboree this weekend. He was a passenger in a Jeep being driven by his son when he walked away from the group.

Crews on Monday planned to focus the search in the Rubicon Springs area, with assistance from the California and Nevada National Guard helicopters, sheriffs officials said.

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Approximately 50 searchers were out on Monday, including two drone operators and four dog teams. Homewood Mountain Resort was being used as a staging area.

Rescue teams were searching the area of Rubicon Springs in Placer County for a man who was reported missing. Google Maps

No further details about Elliott were immediately available.

We thank all of the trained volunteers who have come out to assist, the sheriffs office tweeted.
High Court reporters

The Health Service Executive has failed in a High Court challenge to a decision permitting RTE access to records relating to the compliance of certain HSE employees with their disclosure obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995.

Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger said the HSEs criticism of the Information Commissioner for failing to engage with its arguments made in appealing his decision to allow RTE to have the information "have neither a factual basis nor any merit".

The Ethics Act requires certain employees of public bodies, including the HSE, to file a statement of interest relating to their interests.

It also applies to the interests of their spouses or partners or children of which they have actual knowledge, which could materially influence them in or relating to the performance of their official duties.

The HSE requires their relevant employees to submit a statement of interest even if they have no such interest, in which case their statements will say "nil interest".

The HSE treats its database of statements of interest confidentially in accordance with its own code of governance.

In May 2022, under Freedom of Information (FOI) request, RTE sought copies of registers from the HSE that recorded the statements of interest submitted by certain designated employees for the years from 2015 to 2021, including the names of those who submitted or who did not submit the statements of interest required of them.

The HSEs FOI decision-maker refused the request, and that decision was upheld by an internal review.

RTE lodged an appeal with the Information Commissioner, who, following a process, held that the HSE was not justified in refusing access under the Freedom of Information Act. However, the Commissioner said certain information could be blacked out.

The HSE brought a High Court appeal against the Commissioner over the decision, with RTE as a notice party.

The HSE argued, among other things, that the Commissioner wrongly concluded that the information sought by RTE came within the exclusions of the definition of personal information under the FOI Act, having had regard to the requirements imposed by the Ethics Act.

It was also argued that the Commissioner failed to address the arguments they made that disclosure was precluded due to duty of confidence requirements. It argued the Commissioner failed to give reasons for the decision as required by law.

The Commissioner opposed the appeal.

Refusing the appeal, Ms Justice Bolger said the Commissioner recorded and considered the arguments made by the HSE, both of which are clearly set out in the Commissioner's decision.

"The brevity with which this was done reflects the extent and relevance of the argument made by the HSE," she said, ruling that the decision of the Commissioner stands.
The number of San Francisco Police Department officers earning more than $100,000 in overtime more than tripled from 131 in the July 2021-June 2022 fiscal year to 493 in the July 2023-June 2024 fiscal year. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

As a sergeant at the San Francisco Police Department, Dennis Lai makes just under $180,000 a year, a salary comfortably above the citys median income for a family of four. But thats only a quarter of what he actually earned last fiscal year.

Lai boosted his salary by earning more than $450,000 in overtime pay. Thats the most overtime earned by a city employee since at least 2013, a Chronicle analysis of data from the San Francisco Controllers Office found.

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Overtime paid to police officers in San Francisco skyrocketed in the previous three years as staffing at the department declined. The number of police earning more than $100,000 in overtime more than tripled from 131 in the July 2021-June 2022 fiscal year to 493 in the July 2023-June 2024 fiscal year.

The rise comes despite research, previously cited by the city, showing working overtime shifts can lead to worse performance by officers.

Median overtime paid to police officers more than doubled over that same period  going from $32,500 to $67,200, the data shows.

Evan Sernoffsky, a spokesperson for the police department, said that the increasing overtime is a stopgap measure in the face of continued staffing shortages. He shared data that showed the police department has 415 fewer sworn officers than it did in 2020, though he added that the department has had more recruits in 2024 than in any time since the pandemic.

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Tracy McCray, the president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said that the increasing overtime is an unsustainable, necessary evil that needs to be addressed immediately.

Unless you want to see a catastrophic cut to police services, the City must either solve the staffing crisis or run the department through overtime, McCray said. Most of our officers would prefer to keep their days off and their scheduled vacations to spend time with their families and loved ones rather than work countless hours of overtime.

Sernoffsky also noted that the overtime pay in the data includes that from the 10-B program, a decades-old program that allows for local businesses or people to hire off-duty police officers as private security and pay their overtime wages for it, and in those cases overtime pay does not come from the city budget. He did not respond to questions about how many of the overtime hours logged were due to the 10-B program.

The dramatic rise in overtime has occurred in spite of a city law that caps the total number of overtime hours a full-time city employee can work at 520 hours in one fiscal year unless a critical staffing shortage necessitates an exemption, in which case the citys director of human resources can raise the overtime cap for certain departments. A spokesperson for the police union said that the overtime cap for the police department has been repeatedly increased over the past few years, and is now at 2,000, with overages beyond that allowed in certain circumstances.

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Last fiscal year, 64 officers worked beyond the 2,000 hour cap, according to the Controllers Office data. More than 85% of officers surpassed the 520 cap that applies to other city employees. For his part, Lai logged almost 3,500 hours in overtime, which would be the equivalent of working 21-hour days if those shifts were split evenly across five days every week of the year.

The police department is not the only department with skyrocketing overtime. Four of the top 15 earners in overtime worked for the sheriffs office.

In April, the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association posted a note on their website criticizing the sheriffs department on its heavy use of overtime, saying that, logging an average of 28 hours of overtime a week, deputies are being pushed to their limits.

The implications of this overtime slavery are profound. More than half of the deputies report high blood pressure, a third suffer from sleep apnea, and nearly three-quarters exhibit symptoms of depression, the post said. These stark figures underscore a workforce on the brink, their physical and mental health hanging in the balance.

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San Francisco is far from the only city increasing police overtime pay in response to staffing shortages. Local news outlets across the country  from Boston to Chicago to Washington D.C. to San Jose  have all reported on soaring overtime pay for police officers in recent months.

And experts for decades have cautioned that police working long overtime hours is unsustainable. In 1996, in response to rising police overtime, the San Francisco city budget analyst wrote in a report that the high amounts of overtime could negatively impact public safety.

Police officers who work a high number of overtime hours can become fatigued, increasing the potential for using poor judgment during the performance of their duties, the report said. Using poor judgment can impact the safety of the police officer, his or her co-workers and the public, and can result in increased officer injury and workers compensation costs for the City.

A 2016 report on San Jose police overtime had similar warnings. A 2017 report on overtime at the Kings County (Wash.) Sheriffs Office, whose jurisdiction includes Seattle, found that as the number of overtime hours an officer worked increased, the risk that that officer would be involved in a use-of-force incident, car accident or an ethics violation increased.

Sernoffsky said that the SFPD is eagerly working to recruit more officers every day, including through outreach outside of California, at HBCUs and through the 30X30 campaign, which focuses on increasing the number of women in policing. He said the departments most recent class of recruits was its largest since 2018, and it expects next months recruitment class to be similar.

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The European Commission really isn't happy about a Meta business model that gives users in the EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland the generous choice of continuing to use Facebook and Instagram with targeted ads without paying anything, or signing up for a monthly subscription that's said to offer an ad-free experience.

Officials from the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network  a group of national authorities that enforce EU consumer protection laws  have suggested that Meta may be violating consumer legislation with the "pay or consent" approach. The Commission, which is the European Union's executive arm, coordinated the group's action against Meta .

The CPC Network sent Meta a letter laying out numerous ways in which it believes the company may be violating consumer laws. The company has until September 1 to reply and propose solutions to officials' concerns. If CPC officials find that Meta doesn't take appropriate steps to solve the problems, they could take enforcement actions against the company, which may include sanctions.

CPC authorities have suggested that Meta is misleading users by describing its platforms as free to use if they opt not to pay for a subscription, when Meta in fact monetizes their personal data by displaying targeted ads. They further say that Meta is "confusing users" by requiring them to access different areas of the privacy policy and terms of service to see how their data is being used for personalized ads.

Officials have also taken aim at Meta's "imprecise terms and language" that suggest subscribers will not see ads at all, even though those still might be displayed "when engaging with content shared via Facebook or Instagram by other members of the platform." Furthermore, they claim Meta is pressuring users who have long used Facebook and Instagram without forking over any payment "to make an immediate choice, without giving them a pre-warning, sufficient time and a real opportunity to assess how that choice might affect their contractual relationship with Meta, by not letting them access their accounts before making their choice."

Meta introduced its "pay or consent" options last year in an attempt to comply with the EU's data protection laws while maintaining its advertising model. CPC officials say they are concerned that "many consumers might have been exposed to undue pressure to choose rapidly" between consenting to data collection or paying a monthly fee, "fearing that they would instantly lose access to their accounts and their network of contacts."

This action is separate from other investigations the EU is carrying out against Meta over the "pay or consent" model. Earlier this month, the EU said Meta had potentially breached the Digital Markets Act with this approach. If found guilty, Meta could be on the hook for a fine of up to 10 percent of its global annual revenue.
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La Junta asegura que este viernes se "va a saber de que se tienen que preparar" los estudiantes andaluces para la PEvAU
Fremont police are investigating two fatal shootings Saturday, about 5 miles apart. Fremont Police Department

A man and a woman were fatally shot Saturday in Fremont in separate incidents police believe are unrelated.

Police first responded to reports of a shooting near Blaisdell Way and Nichols Avenue at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds and began lifesaving efforts, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Fremont Police Department.

Police said no one had been arrested as of Sunday, but there was no threat to the community.

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Later, officers responded to a report of a shooting around 8:55 p.m. near Lake Arrowhead Avenue and Alvarado Road, about 5 miles away. They found a woman with a gunshot wound, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they believe the victim knew the assailant, who fled the scene.
Lidl has announced it will 'financially reward' its beef farmer suppliers for achieving a reduction in carbon intensity and adopting regenerative farming techniques.

The retailer has announced measures today (22 July) to support the beef sector to become more sustainable, including the launch of a new Sustainable Beef Group.

Those in the group will be financially rewarded for improving biodiversity, as well as setting up soil and water quality parameters that are unique to each farm.

The supermarket chain said it will work with these farmers to improve herd performance, with all initiatives also aiming to improve farm profitability.

Hundreds of farms across the UK who supply Lidl have already been carbon footprinted to gather data.

In partnership with the agricultural consultancy Promar, each farm will be offered advice to reduce their emissions and support the sustainable growth of their businesses.

Within their partnership, Lidl and Dunbia have set a target to reduce their scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product, by 2030.

Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl, said: As one of the largest buyers of British beef, we recognise our responsibility to support farmers adopt sustainable practices.

"This market-leading programme underpins our long-term commitment to buying 100% British, whilst investing significantly in sustainable practices that exceed industry standards.

"It ensures our customers can continue to enjoy the best in high-quality, sustainably sourced British beef at the lowest possible prices."

Gill Higgins, group sustainability director at Dunbia, added: "This initiative will support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming methods, while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef for Lidl and their customers.

"This is a great example of how strategic partnerships and supply chain investment can support progress in the agri-food industry."
Despite a fall in Scotland's overall beef herd over the past year, data from British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) indicates a big increase in prime cattle numbers on farms compared to 2023.

According to the latest market commentary by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), in April 2024, there was a marked 4.4% increase in the pool of males and beef-sired females aged 12 to 30 months compared to the previous year.

Despite the continuing decline in Scotlands beef herd, the BCMS data shows that the small year-on-year increases in prime cattle on Scottish farms in the second half of 2023 have become more significant in 2024.

This is likely to have been even stronger after accounting for age at death and is likely to have contributed to the downwards pressure on prime cattle prices observed in the spring.

However, a seasonal dip in availability for slaughter has resulted in a slight price rebound since mid-June, with R4L steers reaching 489.8p/kg at Scottish abattoirs in the second week of July - 1.6% above the early-June low, yet still 3.9% below the year-to-date peak in February.

Driving the year-on-year increase in prime cattle supply on Scottish farms has been a decline in the outflow of store cattle to England and Wales from its peak, alongside the legacy of an increased spring calf crop in 2022.

Iain Macdonald, market intelligence manager at QMS said: It's worth noting that the elevated outflow of store cattle to England continues to squeeze the prime cattle kill at Scottish abattoirs.

"While slaughter numbers showed some increase from the lows of 2023 in the second quarter of this year, they still remained well below the five-year average.

BCMS data from April suggests that prime cattle numbers are expected to remain higher than a year earlier on Scottish farms in the second half of 2024, although the rate of increase is likely to soften as the slaughter pool shifts towards younger age groups.

Those aged 12-18 months in April were up by a smaller 2% on the year, while a reduction at 6-12 months in April may begin to impact availability in the final quarter of 2024, with peak effects expected by spring 2025 due to a typical age at death of around 21 months.

Mr Macdonald noted: South of the border, the picture is slightly different. There was a smaller year-on-year increase in slaughter availability in the first half compared to Scotland.

"This trend is expected to continue into the third quarter before potentially tightening compared to 2023 in the run up to Christmas.

This reflects earlier declines in calf registrations in England and Wales compared to Scotland during the 2022 herd contraction.

"Unlike Scotland, there was a small decline in the 12-18-month age group in April compared to a year earlier, while the rise at 18-24 months was approximately one-third of the 6% increase seen in Scotland.

Similarly steep reductions of over 4% in the 6-12-month age group on both sides of the border point to a very tight supply of shorter keep store cattle at autumn sales.

This is likely to result in strong competition for Scottish-born stores from finishers across Britain. For longer keep stores, supply will also remain tight, with year-on-year reductions at under six months in April closer to 2%.

Mr Macdonald said: Concerningly, BCMS population data signals a renewed acceleration in the year-on-year decline of the beef breeding herd, with beef-sired females aged over 30 months on Scottish farms down 2.4% from April 2023.

"Meanwhile, the decline in England and Wales continued to outpace Scotland, showing a year-on-year reduction of 3.2%, indicating ongoing competition for Scotlands suckler-bred store cattle.

Looking back over the past six years, the decline in beef-sired females in England and Wales has been significantly steeper than in Scotland, at 14.2% compared to 10.4% for those aged over 30 months.

"Consequently, it's crucial to support Scottish finishers to enhance competitiveness and maximise the number of Scotch-eligible cattle remaining in Scotland.

A further decline in Scotlands beef herd this year means that a reduced 2024 calf crop follows a 2.7% fall in calf registrations in 2023, pointing to further tightening of store cattle availability in 2025 and continued pressure on prime cattle availability in 2026.

Mr Macdonald concluded: In addition to reduced economic activity from farming and processing, a declining beef herd will impact the output, GVA, and jobs generated by their supply sectors, potentially leading to wider social impacts.

To counteract these trends, modelling indicates that taking action in Scotland to stabilise the beef herd, boost productivity, and reduce the outflow of store cattle could shift the economic narrative from contraction to growth by 2030.

Meanwhile, given similar downward trends in beef production south of the border, there is potential for significant impact on UK food security."
Staffordshire based shearer Nick Greaves will be attempting to break the current 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record at his farm on 3 August.

An experienced shearer, Nick will be attempting to break the record currently held by Jack Fagan of New Zealand who shorn 754 lambs in 2022.

Nick, 29, farms in partnership with his parents, running 1,350 ewes, 500 ewe lambs and 150 cattle, near Stafford.

As well as shearing in the UK, Nick has also sheared in New Zealand and Italy throughout his career.

On his upcoming record, he said: "I did a 2 stand British record in 2022 with Llyr Jones from Wales and I set the new single stand record which was beat a week later.

"I wanted to use my experiences from the record in 2022 as a stepping stone in getting onto the World Record ladder."

On his achievements to date, Nick added: "My best personal achievement to date would be having a mini-me follow me around the farm all day  Eric is 3 and a half and is farming/ shearing mad.

"My best shearing achievement would be winning the English National, the Open and Six Nations at this year's Royal Bath and West Show

"I had been second in the National twice previously but had never won the National before. It was always a goal in my career after watching Adam Berry win it year after year as I was coming through the grades."

Cancer Research UK will be the record attempts nominated charity with fundraising taking place during the day.
Moby Grape performs on stage at the Monterey International Pop Festival on June 17, 1967. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Jerry Miller, the guitarist and co-founder of the pioneering San Francisco psychedelic rock band Moby Grape, died on Sunday, July 21, at the age of 81.

His grandson, Cody, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, though the cause of death was not disclosed.

A native of Tacoma, Wash., Miller arrived in San Francisco in 1966 as the local music scene was exploding with bands like the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Big Brother and the Holding Company.

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Bob Mosley, left, Jerry Miller, Don Stevenson, Peter Lewis and Skip Spence of the San Francisco psychedelic rock band Moby Grape pose for a portrait circa 1967. Miller has died at 81. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Along with co-founder Alexander Skip Spence, formerly of Jefferson Airplane, Miller launched Moby Grape. The band, known for its intricate harmonies and musicianship, was considered one of the most promising acts of the late 60s San Francisco sound, influencing groups such as Buffalo Springfield and the Doobie Brothers.

Moby Grape peaked with its self-titled debut album in June 1967, during the Summer of Love.

Its one of the few rock n roll albums of any era that you can say, That is a perfect debut album,  said Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke.

But misfortune soon followed.

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At the album release party at San Franciscos Avalon Ballroom, several members were arrested for pot possession and contributing to the delinquency of minors. The charges were later dropped.

The bands management squandered the chance to appear in the Monterey International Pop Festival documentary. Moby Grapes legacy was ultimately sealed the following year when Spence, exhibiting early signs of mental illness, attacked the other musicians with an ax after a drug-fueled psychotic episode, marking the first of many visits to the psychiatric ward.

Jerry Miller, left, and Peter Lewis of Moby Grape perform at the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza in February 1978. Clayton Call/Getty Images/Redferns

By 1971, Moby Grape disbanded.

We could have had it all, but we ended up with pretty well nothing, Miller told the Seattle Times in 2021.

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Born on July 10, 1943, in Tacoma, Miller began his musical career in the late 1950s with Northwest dance-rock bands like the Elegants and the Frantics. Having picked up the guitar at age 8, after graduating from Lincoln High School he contributed to an early version of I Fought the Law by Bobby Fuller and formed a friendship with Jimi Hendrix. The two often visited the Spanish Castle, a venue that inspired Hendrixs song Spanish Castle Magic.

Admired by artists like Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin, Moby Grape and Millers guitar work left a lasting impression on rock music. Led Zeppelin rehearsed Moby Grape songs, and their 1970 track Since Ive Been Loving You drew comparisons to Moby Grapes Never.

Jerry Miller, former Moby Grape guitarist, performs as the Jerry Miller Band. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Miller co-wrote some of Moby Grapes best-known songs such as Hey Grandma and 8:05 from their debut album, and Murder in My Heart for the Judge from their 1968 album Wow. These tracks were later covered by artists like Three Dog Night and Robert Plant.

Had it not been for five band members being stupid and one manager being pretty greedy, we could have kept going, Miller said reminiscing about his days with Moby Grape in a 2021 interview with NAMM.

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Moby Grape guitarist Jerry Miller made his last San Francisco appearance at the Chapel on June 15 at a tribute for his former bandmate, Skip Spence. Emi Ito/The Chapel

After pursuing a solo career, Miller returned to Tacoma in the 1990s, settling near his childhood home and continuing to perform. In 2010, he reunited with surviving original members of Moby Grape and Spences son, Omar, to record an album that ultimately went unreleased.

Things got thin once in a while, Miller said in the 2021 interview. Overall, this is probably the best time Ive ever had now. I get to relax a little bit. A couple of dogs. A fenced yard. Two or three gigs a week. Feeling good.

Details regarding survivors or memorial plans have not been made available.

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Pizzas cook in the wood-fired brick oven at Tommasos. The oven is said to have inspired Alice Waters to get a similar one at Chez Panisse. Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

Tommasos Ristorante Italiano, one of North Beachs most storied red sauce joints, will soon have new owners to carry on its legacy.

The Crotti family, the restaurants operators for 51 years, announced recently that they are retiring and have sold Tommasos to new management.

Carmen Crotti, 68, has worked at the restaurant since her teenage years. She said the decision is bittersweet, but workdays stretching as long as 12 hours are starting to take a toll. Its not getting easier, she said.

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Crotti said she is currently unable to comment on who the new operators are, but she did say the family made it a priority to entrust the restaurant to a group that will preserve the Tommasos name and history. The transfer will happen in late December, when the Crottis take a break during the holidays. Its meant to be a seamless transition, Crotti said.

Public records show the family still owns the property at 1042 Kearny St. A listing for the property showed it was for sale for $3 million: $2.7 million for the building, and $300,000 for the restaurant.

Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather trilogy, has often been spotted in Tommasos basement dining room, flanked by murals of the rugged Italian coasts cliffs. The wood-fired brick oven is also said to be an inspiration for Alice Waters oven at Chez Panisse.

Customers file into Tommasos, whose dining room is located below street level, in 2017. Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

The restaurant dates to 1935, and is widely considered the longest-running restaurant in North Beach. (Fior DItalia, founded in 1886, also lays claim to the distinction, though it has closed and moved, most recently in 2012.) Its original owners, the Cantalupo family, operated it as Lupos and served pizza and other Italian dishes they brought from their native Naples. The Crottis took over the restaurant in 1973 after purchasing it from Tommy Chin, Lupos chef of 35 years. Chin owned the restaurant for two years before selling.

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The family has been looking for a buyer to take over the restaurant since April of last year, the San Francisco Standard reported.

In 2017, the restaurant earned Legacy Business status, a designation for businesses that have been open for over 30 years and have contributed to neighborhood history.

Longtime Chronicle columnist Herb Caen commented on seeing Coppola and former California Gov. Jerry Brown at the restaurant in a 1989 column. For the benefit of latecomers, Tommasos still makes the best classical pizza in town  a real achievement after 50 years of distinguished heartburn, Caen wrote.

Carmen Crotti said she is happy to retire, and feels grateful to have stewarded the restaurant for so long.

My best friends are people I met at the restaurant. I met my husband at the restaurant, she said. But its time now.

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Mr England organisers' fears of a national "hunk shortage" have eased following a surge of applications.

Mr England needs applicants

The pageant enlisted the services of Miss England Milla Magee to appeal for men to come forward for the chance to represent their country as Mr World, and in just over a week, 100 males have signed up.

However, the competition is desperately seeking younger entrants between the ages of 17-27 as they've mainly received entry forms from older men.

Organiser Angie Beasley told the Daily Star newspaper: "We have had a surge of entries in the past week but its mainly the older generation that are entering.

"A contestant age 67 entered which is slightly over the entry age for Mr World but its good to see the applications coming through now.

"Entry age for Mr England this year is 17-41 as we are sending winners to both Mr World in Vietnam which takes place in September and Mr International in December in Thailand.

"So both winners will get to travel afar this year."
Shannen Doherty's divorce was finalised two days after her death.

Shannen Doherty's divorce was finalised two days after her death

The Beverly Hills, 90201 star passed away on July 13 at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer and it was previously revealed she managed to reach a settlement with her estranged husband Kurt Iswarienko a day before she died - and now it has emerged the case was signed off by a judge two days after she died to grant her a rare posthumous divorce on 15 July.

In the court documents, it was revealed Shannen agreed to waive spousal support and opted for a default or uncontested dissolution of her marriage to Kurt.

It has been reported that the TV star kept the former couple's home in Malibu, California, as well as a Salvador Dali painting, several cars and all earnings from her acting career. No further details have been released about who will inherit Shannen's estate.

The former couple wed in 2011 and Shannon filed for divorce last year. The legal spat turned nasty earlier this year when Shannen claim in court papers that Kurt was hoping "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.

A lawyer for the snapper rejected her claims, alleging he wanted to finalise their divorce in September 2023 with a settlement deal  which was denied by Shannen as he allegedly skirted around how much he earned in the early aughts of their marriage.

After Shannon's death, her friend Tara Furiani accused Kurt of showing a lack of humanity during the divorce battle. In a message shared via LinkedIn, Tara explained: "Im really sad and upset about my friend Shannens death  Because of the divorce she was going through at the time.

"She had stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasised to numerous parts of her body, death was inevitable and she knew that  made peace with that.

"Shan lost everything (including her SAG insurance) and her husband was dragging his feet with income discovery in court, in an effort to delay a judgement or payment, until she died (where it would now be moot).

"Life is so hard  life is extra hard with cancer and without the support you thought youd 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."

Another of the actress' pals added to New York Post column PageSix: "We knew that it was really bad. She fought so hard, and its so unfair  Shannon died before the divorce could be rubber-stamped in the courts. All we wanted was for Shannon to get her final wish - to die as a divorced woman."
Slash has been left devastated by the death of his stepdaughter.

Slash's stepdaughter has died

The Guns 'N Roses guitarist had announced on Sunday (21.07.24) that he was pulling out of four shows on his 'S.E.R.P.E.N.T.' festival tour due to "unforeseen circumstances" and hours later, he revealed he and his partner Meegan Hodges were mourning the loss of 25-year-old Lucy-Bleu Knight.

He wrote on Instagram: "Lucy-Bleu Knight (December 6, 1998), beloved daughter of Meegan Hodges and Mark Knight, stepdaughter of Samantha Somers Knight and Slash, sister of Scarlet Knight, stepsister of London and Cash Hudson, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, CA on July 19, 2024.

"Lucy-Bleu was an incredibly talented artist, a passionate dreamer, and a charming, lovable, sweet soul.

"The family asks for privacy at this time and requests that social media speculation be kept to a minimum as they grieve and process this devastating loss."

A number of Slash's famous friends offered their condolences.

His GNR bandmate Duff McKagan's wife Susan commented: "words cannot express our deepest sympathy and condolences. love you all so much (sic)"

Dave Grohl's daughter Violet posted: "My heart hurts for you guys. all the love to your family rn.(sic)"

And Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea wrote: "Oh man, god bless.(sic)"

Slash first dated Meegan in 1989 before they went their separate ways, rekindling their romance in 2015.

His partner - who had Lucy with Mark Knight - shared the same statement on her own Instagram account.

She also wrote: "I love you."

It is currently unknown how Lucy-Bleu died.

Hours before making the sad announcement, the 58-year-old musician had announced he was pulling out of some forthcoming concerts.

A message shared on social media stated: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the S.E.R.P.E.N.T tour regrettably has to cancel the below performances. Refunds will be available at points of purchase.

"The S.E.R.P.E.N.T tour will resume in Toronto on July 28, 2024 at Budweiser Stage. We love our fans and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused."

The cancelled dates include a show in Cincinnati on Monday (22.07.24), followed by dates in Interlochen, Huber Heights, and Windsor.
Indias Bihar state has tremendous potential in apparel manufacturing and exports, according to Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) chairman Sudhir Sekhri, who recently told a textile investors meet in Patna that garment exports from the state saw a growth of 58.6 per cent, while the country registered a decline of 10.2 per cent in fiscal 2023-24.

However, the share of Bihar in Indias total apparel exports was only 0.09 per cent, while earlier it was a mere 0.05 per cent, he noted.

India's Bihar state has tremendous potential in apparel manufacturing and exports, AEPC chairman Sudhir Sekhri told a textile investors' meet in Patna. Availability of skilled and semi-skilled workers is also not a problem in the state, he said. However, the share of Bihar in India's total apparel exports was only 0.09 per cent in fiscal 2023-24, he noted.

Praising the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (Textile and Leather Policy), 2022, Sekhri urged all industrialists participating in the conclave to explore investing in Bihar and make use of the facilitative policies and supportive business ecosystem.

The policy focuses on disbursement of subsidies and incentives on time and single window clearance, he was quoted as saying by a release by APEC, which organised the conclave.

Moreover, as the apparel industries in other Indian states employ a large number of skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers from Bihar, local availability of such workers will lead to saving costs in the manufacturing process, he observed.

Indian textiles minister Giriraj Singh urged the state government to come up with a revenue sharing model for a few centres and develop it to saturation focusing on one cluster at a time.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
World cotton trade is projected to expand steadily over the next decade by 2.1 per cent per annum (p.a.) and reach 12.4 million tonnes (Mt) in 2033, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2024-2033 report.

The increase reflects the substantial growth in mill use in Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and Bangladesh, which source virtually all their cotton from imports to support their growing domestic textiles sector, the report, released recently by the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, said.

World cotton trade is projected to expand steadily over the next decade by 2.1 per cent per annum (p.a.) and reach 12.4 Mt in 2033, an OECD-FAO report said. The rise reflects the substantial growth in mill use in Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and Bangladesh. By 2033, raw cotton imports are projected to rise by 0.7 per cent p.a., reaching 2.8 Mt.

Moreover, the stagnant production growth rate in China is anticipated to drive an increase in lint imports over the next decade to fulfil the demand of local mills and replenish state reserves.

By 2033, raw cotton imports are projected to increase by 0.7 per cent p.a., reaching 2.8 Mt, which remains well below the over-3-per cent growth projected in Vietnam and Bangladesh, the report said.

The United States will remain the worlds largest exporter throughout the outlook period. Exports from that country have stabilised in recent years, recovering from the lows in 2015. It is projected that its share of world cotton trade will reach 31 per cent in 2033 (around 3.9 Mt). Despite the major changes in the Chinese textile industry, the United States remains its main trade partner.

Brazilian cotton exports are expected to grow strongly over the next decade, consolidating the countrys position as the second largest exporter by 2033, with Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole following behind. The region accounts for around 16 per cent of global cotton exports.

Sub-Saharan African exports are projected to continue growing at around 0.7 per cent p.a. in the coming decade, with South and Southeast Asia being the major export destinations.

However, the textile and apparel industry is expanding in countries such as Ethiopia, where the textile and clothing sector primarily relies on cotton. In the long run, the increase in mill use may affect the net export status of Sub-Saharan Africa, the report noted.

International cotton prices in real terms are projected to trend slightly downward in the medium term. Prices will continue to be influenced by competition from man-made fibres along with changes in consumers preferences.

From the early 1970s, when polyester became price-competitive, cotton prices tended to follow polyester prices. For example, cotton prices were only 6 per cent above polyester staple fibre prices between 1972 and 2009.

Since 2010, however, cotton prices have been on average around 70 per cent above the polyester price, in nominal terms. It is assumed that the relative price competitiveness between these two types of fibre will not change drastically over the projection period, the report added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Randeep Hooda emerged victorious in the falsely alleged lawsuit for illegal construction in Kanha National Park. The actor and wildlife conservationist who is acknowledged by the UN as well as Indian Government witnessed relief from MP High Court, Jabalpur as the actor is granted the prayer for initiation of joint spot inspection enquiry for the allegation of illegal construction on the land owned by Hooda in Kanha National Park.

Post the success of his latest film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, actor-director and wildlife conservationist, Randeep fulfilled his dream of purchasing a property near a forest by investing in a piece of land next to a jungle in Madhya Pradesh adjoining the Kanha National Park.

Randeeps lawyer, Vineet Dhanda further shares, It is a victory for us as the court has not only directed a re-inspection of the case, but also allowed us to raise concerns of the inspection post the new results. When the new report comes in, it would be clear there had been no construction on Shri Randeep Hoodas land, after which we would upheld our defamation case for wrongfully accusing our client. Additionally, Hoodas legal team has issued a defamation notice of Rs. 80 crores against the SDM for false and defamatory accusations.
Nick Mercier moves his tent from an encampment on Jessie and Sixth streets in San Francisco during a sweep in November. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle 2023

Regarding Mayor Breed says very aggressive sweep of S.F. homeless encampments will launch in August (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, July 18): There is nothing like a heated political campaign to incentivize politicians to roll out tough-sounding but counterproductive proposals.

The majority of people living on the street have suffered significant trauma. This does not absolve them of responsibility but lays bare the ineffectiveness of the threat of arrest. We will not get people off the street by imposing yet deeper trauma on them.

Lauras Law, which empowers courts to order people who are homeless and suffering from serious mental illness into treatment, has been successfully operating in California for years. While the program can rely on court orders, over 70% of the people referred to the program voluntarily accept treatment.

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These successes are due to the diligent, patient and compassionate approach adopted by outreach workers.

We all want to house homeless people. It is the height of madness to prefer punitive, ineffectual and expensive approaches when we have known effective alternatives.

Christopher Weare, San Francisco

Musk is right to leave

Regarding Elon Musk: X headquarters will move from S.F. to Austin, Texas (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, July 16): I understand why Elon Musk is livid about Californias Democratic-led Legislature banning teachers from notifying parents when their child requests to use different pronouns, a new name or identify as transgender.

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Musk has a transgender child, and even though I am a Democrat and have no children, I think that this legislation is wrong, and I do not blame Musk for packing up and leaving California.

Parents are the primary people in every childs life. They are the people who love and have the best interest of their child at heart. They have a right to know what is happening with their child at school.

This kind of legislation makes me want to change my political party from Democrat to Independent.

Gloria Judd, San Francisco

Bullies are poor leaders

Regarding What the country needs (Letters to the Editor, July 16): John Mauck asserts that our country would benefit from choosing a bully for a leader.

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But I believe most would agree that bullies are poor role models and, while they may appear to be strong, they often exhibit behaviors that have significant negative impacts on an organization or a country, particularly one already riven with divisiveness.

Bullies use intimidation as a means of dominating others. They do this by using insulting, demeaning and denigrating language, and when this doesnt have the desired effect, by resorting to threats of violence and even to violence itself, although often enacted by proxy.

Bullies not uncommonly target others who are respected for their high competence or creativity in the community and who may hold a more optimistic worldview, aiming to undermine the targets confidence and reputation.

We Americans should think twice before voting for a bully to lead us, even one some might consider our bully.

Rob Formanek, Orinda

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Alcatraz worth fixing

Regarding Tear down the Rock (Letters to the Editor, July 19): I would like to correct Elliot Halperns assumption that the city of San Francisco is spending $48 million to repair Alcatraz.

Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is under the aegis of the U.S. National Park Service, a federal agency  so San Francisco is not funding the project.

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

Alcatraz is the most visited location in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with 1.4 million visitors a year, and it generates revenue for San Francisco and the Bay Area through the sales taxes.

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On the surface, $48 million sounds like a waste of money, but the Park Service knows what is is doing by investing in one of its most popular attractions.
Apollo Therapeutics will inject capital and expertise into pipeline of potentially lifesaving medicines through an agreement with the University of Oxford.

Collaboration highlights a shared strategic intent to develop new therapeutics based on breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research at the University of Oxford.

The University of Oxford ("Oxford"), one of the world's leading research institutions and Apollo Therapeutics ("Apollo"), a portfolio biopharmaceutical company, announce the signing of a drug discovery and development collaboration aimed at translating breakthroughs made by biomedical researchers at Oxford.

Under the agreement, Apollo will identify and assess novel, validated therapeutic targets from Oxford's researchers for their potential to become important new medicines. Whilst Oxford's research teams will gain access to therapeutic development expertise and programme funding from Apollo. This will provide more access to clinical trials for patients and deliver faster routes to market for new medicines arising from Oxford's researchers.

The collaboration is driven by the quality of science and the burgeoning innovation environment at Oxford that has elicited a critical mass of early drug development translational research programmes. Apollo's drug discovery experts will look for the potential to transform the standard of care globally by supporting the development of new medicines across areas such as oncology and immunological and inflammatory disorders.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, Department for Science, Innovation Technology, said: "We want to harness life sciences to transform the UK's healthcare and drive economic growth. Together, Apollo and Oxford University could deliver new medicines to help us tackle cancer, autoimmune disease, and more, improving and saving thousands of lives."

"The life sciences sector is open for business under this Government. We know that the best and boldest breakthroughs happen when industry and academia join forces, backed by government, and this partnership between Apollo and Oxford is proof of exactly what can be unlocked, when we open the doors to collaboration."

Professor Chas Bountra, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford, said:

"My amazing colleagues at Oxford have numerous cutting-edge research programmes for producing novel therapeutics for patients. Apollo Therapeutics has assembled a world leading team of drug discovery and development experts. Together we are going to transform the lives of millions of patients. I am immensely excited about this collaboration."

This latest collaboration, Apollo's sixth agreement with a university or academic research centre, will bring the in-house expertise and resources of Apollo to Oxford's world class researchers from across the university. It will further bolster Apollo's scalable R&D platform for the evergreen discovery and development of new medicines.

Dr. Richard Mason, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Therapeutics, said:

"At Apollo Therapeutics we are ambitious in our mission to translate important new research discoveries into valuable new drugs. We are therefore delighted to be collaborating with the University of Oxford, a university that is consistently at the top of global rankings for scientific research and innovation. We are now working together with six of the world's top universities and research centres to transform the standard of care in major commercial markets based on breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research made by scientists at these institutions."

The University of Oxford joins Apollo's other five world-class research institutions: the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, King's College London and the Institute of Cancer Research.

Dr. Mairi Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford University Innovation, said:

"We're keen to provide our academic researchers with multiple avenues to realise the full potential of their cutting-edge research as quickly as possible. If we boost the funding and expertise provided to very early phase drug development programmes this will hasten their progress towards becoming medicines with the potential to licence to industry or become spinout companies. With the support of the research commercialisation team at Oxford University Innovation and our investment partners, we want to speed up the development of more life-saving medicines to help patients most in need."

About University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin-pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer. Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 300 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past five years. The university is a catalyst for prosperity in Oxfordshire and the United Kingdom, contributing 15.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018/19, and supports more than 28,000 full time jobs.

About Oxford University Innovation

Oxford University Innovation (OUI) is the research commercialisation office of the University of Oxford, recognised worldwide for its ability to engage academic prowess through licensing, catalyse innovative solutions through consulting services, and support the creation of spinouts, start-ups, and social ventures. OUI is dedicated to showcasing the impact of these transformative technologies on the global stage, bridging the realms of academia and the commercial world, thereby weaving a future where knowledge, innovation and partnership drive forward solutions to global challenges.

Visit: https://innovation.ox.ac.uk/innovation-news/news/

About Apollo Therapeutics

Apollo Therapeutics is a portfolio biopharmaceutical company based in the UK and USA. Apollo translates breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research into innovative new medicines. With over 20 active therapeutic programmes, five of which are in development, the company is building a large, diversified portfolio of novel therapeutics with uncorrelated risk. Apollo has a scalable R&D platform enabled by an unprecedented level of access to breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research made at six of the world's leading universities and research institutes. The company also in-licenses or acquires clinical-stage programmes where it has unique insights and synergies. Backed by leading specialist health care investors, Apollo has raised a total of over $450m since its inception.

Visit www.apollotx.com

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Contacts:

Apollo Therapeutics

Jamie Heath, Chief Financial Officer

Jamie.Heath@apollotx.com

Kay Penicud PhD, Vice President and Head of Research Partnerships

kay.penicud@apollotx.com

Apollo Therapeutics Media Enquiries

Ben Atwell Simon Conway Alex Davis UK

Jim Polson Matt Ventimiglia US

FTI Consulting: ApolloTherapeutics@fticonsulting.com

+44 (0) 20 3727 1000 UK +1 (212) 850 2654 US

Oxford University Innovation

Andrea Stewart, Head of Communications Marketing

andrea.stewart@innovation.ox.ac.uk

+44 7443 239245

Oxford University Innovation Media Desk

Sodali: Maria Sizyakova and Ben Glaze

oui@sodali.com
LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited ("VRHL" or "Vedanta Holdings" or "Vedanta"), the diversified global mining, metals, natural resources, energy, and technology conglomerate today confirmed that it has paid USD 245.75 million in line with its commitment under the KCM scheme of arrangement. This paves the way for imminent reinstatement of the Board of Directors of KCM and the return of full management control to Vedanta, which is necessary before Vedanta ramps up production and unlocks KCM's full potential.

With high-grade Copper deposits in excess of 2.4%, KCM is one of the largest deposits of high-grade copper globally. With total of 412kt of contained Cobalt Reserves and Resources, KCM also has the potential to sit amongst the top 5 cobalt producers globally. Vedanta has plans in place not only to ramp up KCM copper production to 300ktpa, but also raise Cobalt from 1ktpa to 6ktpa.

Reinforcing Vedanta's commitment to KCM and to Zambia, Chris Griffith, CEO, Vedanta Base Metals said:

"We are pleased to confirm transfer of funds under the KCM scheme of arrangement. Vedanta is committed to Zambia and Zambian people. We are confident that with full support of the government and other key stakeholders, we will soon be able to help KCM turnaround and reach its full potential, both as a world-class Copper and Cobalt asset that is well equipped with a smelter and a robust Tailings Leaching Plant, and as a growth engine for the socio-economic development of the Zambian nation."

Also speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Vedanta Group, Anil Agarwal shared, "I am delighted that Konkola Copper Mines has returned to Vedanta fold. We have enjoyed a long history with this proud African nation and its people, and I look forward to forging even stronger ties with Zambia in the decades to come.

"Copper is clearly a metal of the future, and its supply chain is one which the Government of India is also extremely keen to secure, given the huge demand for Copper in the country, its current limited domestic production, and very high import levels. We expect KCM to help serve some of this demand and strengthen economic and trade ties between India and Zambia."

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DUBAI, UAE, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced partnership with Visit Valencia with the support of Tourspain, to enhance the city's visibility as a premier travel destination.

Wego will utilize its comprehensive platform to highlight Valencia's distinct attractions and experiences. From its rich historical landmarks and vibrant markets to its beautiful beaches and famous festivals, Valencia caters to every kind of traveler. Together with Valencia Tourism, Wego will develop tailored marketing campaigns, captivating content, and great travel options designed to draw a wide variety of travelers to discover the wonders of Valencia.

"We are excited to join forces with Visit Valencia to introduce the charm and vibrancy of Valencia to our users," said Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. "This partnership is set to boost tourism in Valencia and offer our users remarkable travel experiences. Valencia is a city that seamlessly blends historical richness with contemporary allure, and we look forward to showcasing its diverse attractions on our platform."

Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is known for its stunning mix of old and new, where ancient buildings stand alongside modern architectural marvels. The city is famous for its festivals, such as Las Fallas, and its delicious cuisine, including the iconic paella. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring the historic old town to relaxing on the Mediterranean coast.

Visit Valencia Vice Deputy Director, Miguel Angel Perez, said: "We are delighted to kick off this campaign with Wego and the suppport of Tourspain to promote Valencia, the European Green Capital. This campaign will not only showcase our Arab heritage but also invite travelers to experience the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines our city. We look forward to welcoming travelers to explore all that our city has to offer."

Summer in Valencia is synonymous with outdoor experiences - whether lounging on the sun-kissed beaches of Malvarrosa or savoring traditional paella at a quaint seaside tavern. Valencia boasts a natural bounty that beckons adventurers.

About Wego

Wego is the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

It provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites.

Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website.

The company was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur.

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STOCKHOLM, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ASSA ABLOY has signed an agreement to acquire SKIDATA, an international leading provider of access management solutions.

"I am very pleased to welcome the SKIDATA team into the ASSA ABLOY Group. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to grow our business in mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business," says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

"SKIDATA's attractive product portfolio and strong performance in access solutions will enhance and complement our current offering," says Massimo Grassi, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of Entrance Systems Division. "Its commitment to secure, reliable access solutions and excellent customer service aligns perfectly with our values, and I'm convinced that together, we will continue our successful journey."

SKIDATA was founded in 1977 and is part of the Public Access division of Swiss listed Kudelski Group (SWX: KUD) and has some 1,280 employees. SKIDATA is headquartered in Salzburg, Austria and will be part of the Business Segment Pedestrian within the Entrance Systems Division.

Sales for 2023 amounted to about MEUR 305 (approx. MSEK 3,500). The acquisition will initially have a small dilutive effect to EPS.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the third quarter of 2024.

For more information, please contact:

Nico Delvaux, President and CEO, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 82

Erik Pieder, CFO and Executive Vice President, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 72

Bjorn Tibell, Head of Investor Relations, tel. no: +46 70 275 67 68, e-mail: bjorn.tibell@assaabloy.com

About ASSA ABLOY

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the global leader in access solutions. The Group operates worldwide with 61,000 employees and sales of SEK 141 billion. The Group has leading positions in areas such as efficient door openings, trusted identities and entrance automation. ASSA ABLOY's innovations enable safe, secure and convenient access to physical and digital places. Every day, we help billions of people experience a more open world.

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NOX-E36 presents promising opportunity for development in eye diseases with a high need for well-tolerated therapies with anti-fibrotic effect

Anti-fibrotic mode of action of NOX-E36 was demonstrated in preclinical eye disease model performed by leading Singapore Eye Research Institute

Preclinical, clinical data and available drug supply lay optimal framework for rapid path to Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept

TME Pharma plans to enable separate corporate entity focused on NOX-E36 in ophthalmology to monetize the program and mobilize private investor support

TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announces its plan to externalize and monetize the company's second clinical stage asset NOX-E36 an L-stereoisomer RNA aptamer inhibiting the CCL2 chemokine. This decision leverages the compound's potential, as shown by clinical and preclinical data, to safely address significant unmet medical needs in ophthalmic diseases impacted by fibrosis.

The presence of the target of NOX-E36, CCL2, has been shown to predict early failure of glaucoma surgical intervention in patients and inhibition of the pathway targeted by NOX-E36 in preclinical models of glaucoma surgery prevents fibrosis thereby prolonging the success of the intervention1. NOX-E36 has already been administered to 175 clinical trial participants with an excellent safety and tolerability profile and showing activity on its target, already derisking a number of steps in early clinical development.

Fibrosis is a significant cause of treatment failure or increased severity in many clinically important eye diseases2 with unmet needs such as diabetic retinopathy (9.6 million cases in the US, of which 1.84 million vision-threatening3), age-related macular degeneration (20 million cases in the US, of which 1.5 million vision-threatening4), and primary open angle glaucoma (>3 million cases in the US5

Click here to read the full press release

1 Chong (2017) Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 58:3432 Chong (2010) Ophthalmology 117:2353

2 Sorenson (2024) Frontiers in Ophthalmology 2024 Vol. 4

3 Lundeen (2023) JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023;141(8):747-754

4 Rein (2022) JAMA Ophthalmol. 2022;140(12):1202-1208

5 US National Eye Institute Glaucoma Tables, Link

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Contacts:

For more information, please contact:



TME Pharma N.V.

Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO

Tel. +49 (0) 30 16637082 0

investors@tmepharma.com



Investor and Media Relations:



NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15

arouille@newcap.fr
San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou is one of two plaintiffs in a suit against several guaranteed income programs in S.F. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Three years ago, San Francisco launched an experiment to give 150 pregnant Black and Pacific Islander women $1,000 a month, no strings attached, for the duration of their pregnancy and six months after the birth.

Half of all maternal deaths in San Francisco each year are Black women, even though they make up only 4% of births. The highest rate of infant deaths  more than 15%  are Black babies, while 10% are Pacific Islander American. San Franciscos program was a desperate attempt to bridge these health disparities.

Now, that effort is almost certainly about to come to a screeching halt. And another guaranteed income program to assist San Franciscos transgender residents  who are 18 times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population  already has been shut down. Participants were only given a months notice before being cut off.

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This was not for lack of local support.

When the data shows Black expectant mothers have far worse health outcomes or trans people are more likely to end up homeless, we know we can and should invest in these areas to make real change, Mayor London Breed said in a statement provided to me. Personally, Ive seen firsthand how targeted programs like this can transform lives. Its not just good for the individuals, but for our entire city.

So, how could two successful programs, lauded by Breed as good-faith efforts to address systemic inequities, be on deaths door?

Put simply: right-wing organizations are targeting local California governments, limiting their ability to help people as they see fit. And theyre winning.

A lawsuit filed in November claimed that because San Franciscos programs prioritize benefits for people based on gender, race and ethnicity, their use of public funds is discriminatory. The suit was filed by the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation on behalf of two plaintiffs  one of whom is San Francisco mayoral candidate Ellen Zhou. When I dug into the small organization behind the suit, and the Dallas-based lawyers it retained, I found connections to right-wing conspiracy theorists, former California politicians and ties to the Heritage Foundation, which created Project 2025  the radical Republican blueprint for remaking the government if Donald Trump is reelected president.

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Thats some powerful political backing to take on small San Francisco pilot projects. But thanks to the Supreme Courts affirmative action ruling last year that ended race-based preferences in college admissions, experts tell me lawsuits like this one are a legal slam dunk. And the shuttering of small guaranteed income programs is only the beginning.

The major mission is to ensure that California public agencies treat people fairly and equally, regardless of our race, ethnicity, and other protected classes, Frank Xu, president of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, told me over Zoom. Racial preferential policies  including critical race theory, and diversity, equity inclusion  are lowering standards for our next generation.

The foundation emerged in 2020 after California voters overwhelmingly rejected a renewal of the states ability to consider race and gender as a factor in government hiring and contracting, and in public university admissions.

Leveraging this win and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling, Californians for Equal Rights filed three active lawsuits: against San Franciscos guaranteed income programs, a housing assistance program in San Diego and a policy in Alameda County that requires a share of public construction contracts go to minority- and women-owned businesses.

Californians for Equal Rights lists a staff of seven on its website and an impressive array of advisers. Well-known figures include James Lindsay, an author and right-wing conspiracy theorist; former South Bay U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell; and Michael Gonzalez, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

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Xu maintains Californians for Equal Rights is a grassroots organization that relies on small donations.

Our board members are the big donors, he said. According to its tax filings, the foundation received nearly $300,000 in donations in 2022, approximately half of which went to salaries.

In the suit against San Francisco, it retained the American Civil Rights Project to fight its case, which, among other things, has filed numerous amicus briefs opposing trans rights across the country.

Armed with powerful supporters and legal momentum, we can expect more lawsuits from Californians for Equal Rights.

Statewide, more than 12,000 people receive money through guaranteed income programs. Gov. Gavin Newsom has been an ardent supporter. Forty-four mayors in California joined a network advocating for an income floor. More than 70% of voters in the state support a federal guaranteed income program to provide hundreds of dollars a month to those living below their countys median income, according to a poll from earlier this year.

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Maile Chand of the Abundant Birth Project enjoys a game of chase with her daughter on a roof deck at their apartment building in San Francisco. The project is one of several guaranteed income programs named in the lawsuit. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

For these programs to survive legal challenges, however, race, ethnicity and gender cannot be a factor.

We believe that the government should not be picking winners and losers on the basis of group characteristics, Wenyuan Wu, executive director of Californians for Equal Rights, told me. While acknowledging that racism is prevalent, she views these policies as perpetuating the issue. We have to make sure that the medicine is not worse than the disease. It boils down to almost a metaphysical question: Can we fight discrimination with discrimination?

Taken at face value, its a compelling argument. However, one program named in its suit, the Guaranteed Income Program for Artists, doesnt prioritize participants based on race, ethnicity or gender. Another, which gives money to Black young adults, is a research project that isnt funded by the city.

To me, this implies Californians for Equal Rights has a bigger agenda, one that opposes allowing Democratic cities and their residents to help people as they see fit.

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Beyond that, the case highlights how right-wing victories at the federal level have started to impact local decision-making. Project 2025 states, The casual acceptance and rapid spread of racist policymaking in the federal government must be forcefully opposed and reversed.

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

Theres no way that forceful opposition will be targeted only at the federal government; an infringement on the ability of local jurisdictions to help those in need is coming down the pipeline.
Operating income - up 58 per cent - $207.6m

Pre-tax profits - up 158 per cent - $151.5m

Trade Finance income - up 69 per cent - $106.1m

Asset Management income - up 28 per cent - $10.4m

Commercial Banking customer deposits - $1.451bn - up 16 per cent

-innovative financial solutions from dynamic customer relationships -

LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As it prepares to host its' annual Access Bank Polo Day at Guards Polo Club Windsor on Saturday 20 July The Access Bank UK Limited has posted annual results that demonstrate another year of outstanding international growth. It was notable for the rapid progress the Bank made in carrying out its mandate to expand Access Bank's international operations in Europe - London, France, Malta and Asia - Hong Kong as well as Dubai. Subject to the necessary approvals from the relevant financial and regulatory authorities, the Bank hopes to make further announcements on its international expansion.

Corporate Responsibility and exemplary Corporate Governance play a key role in the growth of the Bank. The Polo day is the culmination of a year long programme, part of its fund raising in partnership with UNICEF for education projects in northern Nigeria in particular. Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started it has rebuilt schools in Kaduna and, kept more than 8000 students in continuous education. At the same time new solar powered school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment have been developed. The communities surrounding the schools are being supported with bore-holes for water, and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development. At the 2023 Access Polo Challenge over a million dollars was raised to support the Access- UNICEF programme.

According to Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited Jamie Simmonds, "We are a Bank where our growth is fuelled by the strength of customer relationships. It enables us to develop innovative products and financial solutions with, rather than just for, our customers.We invest significantly in attracting, retaining and developing professional staff in order to ensure customers always deal with an expert who is familiar with their business and personal financial needs, it is a modern interpretation of relationship management. External accolades are a valuable endorsement of our commitment to be the world's most respected African Bank. We are proud that investors in people have re-accredited us Platinum status and winning the 'Best African Trade Finance Bank ' from International Finance and Best 'Africa Trade Finance Bank' from Capital Finance International CFI for the sixth and the eighth consecutive year."

The Access Bank UK Limited was established, and is regulated in the in the UK, in 2008 to provide Trade Finance, Asset Management and Commercial Banking services for Access Bank Group's dealings in OECD markets. The Access Bank UK Limited's achievements owe a great deal to the strong partnership that it has with its' parent company and its joint support of the Access Bank Group Polo day.

The annual event celebrates reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internationally displaced persons. In partnership with 5th Chukker and based in Kaduna, Nigeria. The tournament is the biggest charity polo tournament in Africa and generates funds and stimulates support for the work of the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative across Africa.

At the launch of the recent rights issue in Lagos, Roosevelt Ogbonna Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC commented, "The Access Bank UK Limited is well positioned to become one of the top 20 banks in the UK. The rights issue is designed to strengthen the Group's financial footing and support on going working capital needs including organic growth funding for its banking and non banking subsidiaries. Putting these funds to use we aim to catalyse growth across several sectors, stimulate business development, create jobs and deepen financial inclusion, supporting SMEs particularly underserved segments such as women and young entrepreneurs. All part of our mission, as is our UNICEF partnership to drive progress and development throughout the continent and beyond."

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Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

Korrektur als Einstiegschance

Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen.

3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential

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Autonomous aircraft and vertiport infrastructure partners to identify infrastructure network ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the US, and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the AAM industry, are expanding their partnership to identify an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network for Wisk's autonomous Generation 6 aircraft in the South East Queensland (SEQ) region of Australia.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722454370/en/

Wisk and Skyports expand partnership to identify an Entry-into-Service network in SEQ, Australia (Graphic: Business Wire)

The latest agreement builds on an existing partnership between Wisk and Skyports announced in 2022, which marked the first collaboration between a vertiport developer-operator and an autonomous eVTOL developer. The new partnership furthers Wisk's work with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which began in 2022 to work together to introduce safe, sustainable, and scalable, autonomous air taxi service to South East Queensland. As part of the new agreement, Wisk and Skyports will collaborate to determine locations for a viable vertiport network for SEQ.

SEQ is home to 4 million people and over the next 20 years the region will be home to 6 million people. The region is undergoing rapid and extensive development ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Wisk and Skyports' partnership will identify opportunities for the safe development and scale-up of AAM services to complement other transport investments, support tourism, and connect communities across the region.

"Skyports has already been a strong partner to Wisk, and we are proud to build on the work we're doing already, this time in Australia," said Brian Yutko, Wisk CEO. "Wisk is committed to bringing safe, emissions-free aviation to Queensland, and this partnership will get us one step closer to making our goal a reality."

Working collaboratively, Wisk and Skyports will undertake a complex analysis of regional travel patterns, identify candidate vertiport sites, conduct feasibility studies, and engage with prospective landlords and nearby communities. This last step is vital to the successful introduction of Wisk's urban air taxi service. The ultimate goal of this project is the development of a thorough business case to support the development of the necessary vertiport infrastructure.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said, "We're pleased to publicly announce the work we are undertaking with Wisk to facilitate the launch of AAM services on Australia's eastern coast. This collaboration will leverage our combined expertise to develop a robust, scalable infrastructure network to enable safe, efficient air taxi services for communities and visitors across the South East Queensland region."

Scott Smith, CEO of Council of Mayors (SEQ) said, "It's great to see South East Queensland continue to attract innovative technologies and investment. The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector is an exciting new development for South East Queensland and is expected to contribute over $66 billion to the Australian Economy, or 3.1% of national GDP, by 2040. We're excited to see this evolving industry bring high-value local jobs to SEQ and support improved services like medical and tourism. To secure our place as a global destination, we must be at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies."

ABOUT WISK

Wisk is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company dedicated to delivering safe, everyday flight for everyone. Wisk's self-flying, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi will make it possible for passengers to skip the traffic and get to their destination faster. Wisk is a fully-owned Boeing subsidiary and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with locations around the world. With over a decade of experience and over 1750+ test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably. Learn more about Wisk here.

ABOUT SKYPORTS

Skyports Infrastructure is the leading enabler of advanced air mobility (AAM), providing the critical link between the ground and the sky. The company designs, builds and operates take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis, and partners with world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger and cargo vehicle manufacturers around the world to enable safe, sustainable and efficient flight operations within urban and suburban environments. Find out more at: www.skyports.net

ABOUT COUNCIL OF MAYORS (SEQ)

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) represents 11 local governments across South East Queensland. It is now Australia's largest regional local government advocacy organisation, representing one in seven Australians who call SEQ home. Together we strive to consistently deliver better regional funding, policy and collaborative outcomes for the communities of South East Queensland. Find out more: https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722454370/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA CONTACT

Carrie Bennett

Media@wisk.aero
DUBAI, UAE, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is set to host the first edition of the Dubai International Library Conference (DILC) 2024, one of the most prominent and prestigious events of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, under the slogan "Our Libraries, Past, Present and Future," from 15-17 November 2024, with the participation of more than 25 countries and more than 60 speakers from around the world.

The conference, which is considered the most prominent event at the level of local and international conferences and events in the public library sector, attracts an elite group of specialists, professionals and experts from all over the world, with the aim of exchanging ideas and experiences, and learning about the latest practices in the library and information sector.

Among the most prominent names participating in the conference are Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP, Sharon Memis, Secretary General of IFLA, Leslie Burger, Interim Executive Director at ALA, Mohsin Al Musawi, from Columbia University, Dr Sami Mobayed, Historian at the Royal Historical Society in London, Saif Aljabri, Omani Library Association and Chair of IFLA MENA, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Library of Alexandria, Dr. Faiza Adeeb Al- Bayati, President of the Iraqi Library, Information and Documentation Specialists Association, Dr. Heba Ismail, Vice President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, and Constantia Constantinou, Deputy Dean and Director of Libraries at the University of Pennsylvania.

DILC 2024 will feature more than 45 distinguished panel discussions, workshops, lectures, and round table interactive talks, highlighting the preservation and restoration of archives, new developments in library systems and programs, intellectual property, copyright laws, artificial intelligence, sustainable libraries, and the role of philanthropy in ensuring access to books and information.

The conference highlights the importance of libraries and their role in achieving knowledge exchange within a global framework, in addition to celebrating libraries as models of engineering and architectural masterpieces, and their cultural status. It also focuses on the diversity of knowledge offered by international libraries and their unique specialisations. Experts and professionals from various fields and from all over the world are set to define and chart the future of libraries and highlight the latest technological development libraries are adopting including AI and its impact on the industry.

Access to the event is complimentary and it is necessary to register as a delegate, to receive the necessary conference badge. More about the agenda and the speakers can be found here:

https://s1684998685.hs.eloqua.com/DILC2024ENG

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2024) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTC Pink: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") is pleased to announce diamond drill results from the Paca deposit ("Paca") within its 100%-controlled Pulacayo-Paca silver project in the Potosi department in Bolivia.

Further to the Company's news release dated June 12, 2024, a total of 28 holes were drilled in the Paca north area totaling 1,458 meters. The assays for 13 holes (7 exploration, 6 infill) have been received and are reported below. The remainder of the assays are expected in early August.

Notable results from the 7 exploration holes include PC24-18 which intercepted 39.9 meters of 159 g/t silver from surface, including 3.0 meters of 583.5 g/t silver and PC24-23 which intercepted 23.1 meters of 138 g/t silver from surface, including 2.7 meters of 360 g/t silver. Both PC24-18 and PC24-23 were drilled in the south west of the Paca north area.

This drill program was paid for by Andean Precious Metals Corp. ("Andean"). Pursuant to the sales and purchase agreement and master services agreement detailed in the news release dated September 12, 2023 (the "Sales and Purchase Agreement"), Silver Elephant plans to sell and deliver up to 800,000 tonnes of Paca oxide materials to Andean for a total of between US$5 million and US$7 million depending on the silver price. At the current silver price and production run rate, the Company expects to receive US$2.5 million before January 31, 2025. Andean has also agreed to reimburse Silver Elephant for operating expenses under the Sales and Purchase Agreement.

John Lee, CEO of Silver Elephant comments: "All 7 exploration drill holes intercepted silver mineralization outside of Paca resource area. We are very excited about the potential addition to Paca oxide resource as any oxide sales exceeding 800,000 tonnes will be subject to a new off take agreement between Silver Elephant and Andean. In June, Silver Elephant delivered 29,270 tonnes of Paca oxide materials to Andean."

EXPANSION DRILLING HOLE ID From To Length True Width

(m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-09 0 5 5 3.54 59 0.16 0.15 Incl. 0 2 2 1.41 97 0.31 0.13 Incl. 0 1 1 0.71 101 0.24 0.14 PC24-14 0 17.8 17.8 12.59 60 0.7 0.18 Incl. 8.8 17.8 9 6.36 90 0.74 0.25 Incl. 16.3 17.8 1.5 1.06 185 0.58 0.33 PC24-18 0 39.9 39.9 28.21 157 0.5 0.2 Incl. 13 32.4 19.4 13.72 304 0.7 0.19 Incl. 15 27.9 12.9 9.12 391 0.7 0.16 Incl. 16.5 19.5 3 2.12 583.5 0.61 0.1 Incl. 59.4 61.9 2.5 1.77 43 0.44 0.42 PC24-20 0 18.4 18.4 18.40 51 0.2 0.13 Incl. 3.6 17.24 13.64 13.64 58 0.2 0.13 Incl. 8.6 13.82 5.22 5.22 65 0.13 0.14 PC24-21 12.84 18.83 5.99 5.99 30 0.13 0.13 PC24-22 10.5 25.22 14.72 14.72 45 0.51 0.39 Incl. 18.34 25.22 6.88 6.88 77 0.64 0.28 Incl. 22.45 25.22 2.77 2.77 116 0.63 0.29 Incl. 22.45 23.82 1.37 1.37 134 0.66 0.3 PC24-23 0 23.1 23.1 23.10 138 0.26 0.1 Incl. 7.84 20.1 12.26 12.26 223 0.28 0.08 Incl. 9.19 15.94 6.75 6.75 334 0.28 0.07 Incl. 13.24 15.94 2.7 2.70 360 0.32 0.06

INFILL DRILLING HOLE ID From To Length True Width

(m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-07 10.76 30.83 20.07 14.19 52 0.56 0.4 Incl. 17.8 27.35 9.55 6.75 82 0.91 0.23 Incl. 17.8 23.64 5.84 4.13 102 1.17 0.07 PC24-10 0 14.25 14.25 14.25 70 0.1 0.07 Incl. 0 5 5 5.00 162 0.13 0.05 Incl. 0 2 2 2.00 289 0.15 0.05 PC24-15 0 6 6 3.86 35 0.21 0.11 Incl. 23 33.75 10.75 6.91 47 0.47 0.12 Incl. 28.35 33.75 5.4 3.47 74 0.41 0.1 Incl. 31.05 32.4 1.35 0.87 133 0.52 0.09 PC24-16 0 22.33 22.33 22.33 44 0.27 0.13 Incl. 0 10.31 10.31 10.31 64 0.16 0.15 Incl. 1.22 2.45 1.23 1.23 93 0.14 0.24 PC24-17 0 28.6 28.6 28.60 42 0.47 0.19 Incl. 1.4 2.9 1.5 1.50 70 0.05 0.2 Incl. 10.4 11.8 1.4 1.40 60 0.69 0.12 PC24-19 6 23.96 17.96 17.96 34 0.36 0.16 Incl. 20.67 23.96 3.29 3.29 46 0.81 0.14 Incl. 23.62 23.96 0.34 0.34 63 0.27 0.13

The drill program confirmed a highly deformed, disseminated mineralization located within a north-south structural trend.

Figure 1

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Figure 2

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The Paca project hosts a high-grade silver resource according to a technical report by Mercator Geological Services, dated effective October 13, 2020 titled "Mineral Resource Estimate Technical Report for the Pulacayo Project, Potosi Department Antonnio Quijarro Province Bolivia" (the "Technical Report"). The mineral resource estimate from the Technical Report is as follows:

Paca Zone Category Tonnes Ag g/t Ag Moz Zn% Pb % Phase 1 Oxide In Pit Indicated 800,000 231 5.9 - - Inferred 235,000 159 1.2 - - Phase 2 Sulfide In Pit Indicated 1,810,000 256 14.9 1.22 1.22 Inferred 190,000 338 2.1 0.61 0.98

Oxide resources are based on a Pit-constrained estimate using a 90 g/t Ag cutoff. Sulfide resources are based on a pit-constrained estimate using a 200 g/t Ag Eq cutoff. Ag Eq = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo Deposit. Matthew Harrington P. Geo. is the independent Qualified Person for the resource estimate.

The Technical Report was effective October 13, 2020 and is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. This news release includes an estimate of mineral resources as disclosed in the Technical Report. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Silver Elephant adopts industry-recognized best practices in its implementation of QA/QC methods. A geochemical standard control sample, one duplicate and one blank sample are inserted into the sample stream at every 25th sample. Samples are shipped to ALS Global Laboratories in Ururo, Bolivia for preparation. They are then shipped for analysis to ALS Global laboratories in Lima, Peru. Samples are analyzed using Intermediate Level Four Acid Digestion. Silver over limits ("ore grade") are analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. ALS Laboratories sample management system meets all the requirements of the International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. All ALS geochemical hub laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for specific analytical procedures.

All samples are taken from PQ or HQ diameter core were split in half by a diamond-blade masonry saw. One half of the core is submitted for laboratory analysis and the other half is preserved for reference at the Company's secured core facility. All the core is geotechnically analyzed, photographed and then logged by geologists prior to sampling.

About Pulacayo-Paca

The Paca project is part of the Company's Pulacayo-Paca project with a total indicated resource of 106.7 million oz silver, 1.4 billion pounds of zinc and 690 million pounds of lead published in the Technical Report and tabulated below. Silver Elephant and its subsidiaries have spent over $35 million on Pulacayo and Paca, which is considered to be an advanced project with over 96,000 meters of drilling, and a historic feasibility study.

Combined Pulacayo and Paca Indicated Mineral Resources Tonnes Ag g/t Pb % Zn % Oxide 2,185,000 155 - - Sulfide 45,855,000 65 0.69 1.37

Combined Indicated Mineral Resources includes Pulacayo pit-constrained and out-of-pit plus only Paca pit-constrained resources. Oxide resources use a 50 g/t Ag cutoff. Sulfide resources use a 100 g/t Ag Eq cutoff. Ag Eq = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo Deposit. Matthew Harrington P. Geo. is the independent Qualified Person for the resource estimate.

A subsidiary of Silver Elephant entered into a Mining Production Contract ("MPC") with Corporacion Minera de Bolivia ("COMIBOL"), a branch of the Bolivian Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy on October 3, 2019. The MPC grants the Company's subsidiary an exclusive right to develop and mine at the Pulacayo and Paca concessions for up to 30 years.

The Pulacayo-Paca Project is at the center of a major silver mining district in Bolivia and is within 250 km driving distance to the San Cristobal mine, the Cerro Rico mine, Pan American's San Vicente mine, Eloro's Iska Iska project, and New Pacific's Silver Sands project.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Carlos Zamora, who is not independent of the Company in that he is employed by it. Mr. Zamora is a qualified person as defined by the guidelines of NI 43-101.

About Silver Elephant Mining Corp.

Silver Elephant is a silver mining company, with its flagship Pulacayo-Paca silver project in production since October 2023 in Bolivia.

Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com.

SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"John Lee"

Executive Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding Silver Elephant's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-Looking information in this news release includes the expected amount and timing for delivery of Product to Andean, and expected timing and benefits of phase 2 sulphide production for the Paca project.

Forward-Looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to: changes in operating plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's project; conditions impacting the Company's ability to mine at the project, such as unfavourable weather conditions, development of a mine plan, maintaining existing permits and receiving any new permits required for the project, and other conditions impacting mining generally; maintaining cordial business relations with strategic partners and contractual counter-parties; meeting regulatory requirements and changes thereto; risks inherent to mineral resource estimation, including uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will be further developed into mineral reserves; political risk in the jurisdictions where the Company's projects are located; commodity price variation; and general market, industry and economic conditions. Additional risk factors are set out in the Company's latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form (AIF), available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217063

SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Mastercard

Mastercard

By Payal Dalal and Christine Svarer

Across the garment sector, women take on demanding roles with a dual purpose: to sustain their families today and lay the groundwork for a secure tomorrow. However, many are paid cash wages and lack access to financial services, limiting their ability to save and putting them at risk for theft. They often have less control over their earnings, frequently handing over some or all of their income to a family member.

For employers, cash wages are inefficient because counting and distribution are time-consuming processes. Transportation and holding cash on premises expose them to a risk of theft.

Responsible wage digitalization, along with gender responsive financial capability training, holds the potential to address these challenges and contribute to social and economic progress. For millions of garment workers, it promises transparency in pay, access to formal financial accounts, a secure place to save and with the right support, increased economic agency and empowerment. There is also an opportunity to move beyond financial inclusion to improve financial health with programs and products that enable garment workers to better manage daily expenses, handle emergencies, stay on track to reach future goals, and feel confident and in control of their money.

Investing in women's financial health can have a multiplier effect. Research has shown that when women have greater control over household finances, they tend to invest in essential needs like food security, health and education, leading to better outcomes for families and communities. For businesses, wage digitalization can enhance efficiency and demonstrate wage compliance in factories, create new market segments for financial service providers, and contribute to broader economic stability and growth. This shift can progress countries toward achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy.

[Following wage digitization], I know when my salary is coming in. I can pay utility bills, I can easily transfer money to my parents, I can make a loan payment through my account, and I can withdraw and deposit cash whenever I want. Vorn

Garment worker in Cambodia

Transitioning from cash to digital wages has shown positive outcomes when implemented with a gender-intentional approach, with both women and men garment workers reporting improved financial health and wellbeing. RISE Financial Health training strengthened participants' financial knowledge and skills, built their trust in financial services and increased their control over household financial decisions. This enabled them to make more informed choices about how wages are spent and saved and helped them build more secure futures for themselves and their families. As a result:

In Cambodia , at the end of the program, 99% of women surveyed were paid into accounts (up 62%-points) and 84% of women reported saving regularly (up 38%-points), linked to having a safe place to keep their savings. This led to 80% of women reporting confidence in their ability to manage a financial emergency within the next two years (up 25%-points).

In Egypt , 73% of women workers reported that having a bank account helped them during the COVID-19 crisis because it allowed them to manage their wages more easily.

In Bangladesh, there was a 19%-point increase in the share of women reporting more involvement in household decision-making on how to use their earnings. They now discuss how to use their earning with family members.

Wage digitalization also yielded significant payroll and production savings. Factories reported a reduction in the time spent processing, counting, disbursing and auditing payroll: 42% in Egypt, 59% in Bangladesh and 84% in Cambodia, where there are two paydays a month.

With the right support, workers also became active users of financial products and services, creating an active new market segment for financial service providers. For example, in Bangladesh, following participation in RISE Financial Health, workers conducted 8-13 transactions a month, including airtime top up and sending remittances.

In our new working paper 'Improving financial health and well-being in global supply chains through wage digitalization', we share insights on how responsible wage digitization, including financial capability training for workers, leads to improvements in financial health. We also outline concrete opportunities for financial health practitioners and policymakers to collaborate with the private sector to create impact at scale with wage digitalization.

Partnerships will be crucial in this effort, which is why the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has become the anchor partner for RISE's Financial Health focus area, doubling down on its support for women workers in global garment supply chains.

Together, we will seek to replicate and expand the benefits of responsible wage digitalization to reach more women workers and improve their financial health, including expanding the program to two new markets in 2024, Indonesia and Guatemala, and will continue to share learnings and insights with key stakeholders including financial health practitioners and policymakers.

We recognize that we cannot tackle the complex challenge of expanding global financial health and well-being alone. Collaboration across sectors is essential. The garment industry, with its large women workforce, and the financial services industry, with a foothold in the digital economy, are important partners for policymakers and practitioners to drive global change. Working together, we can accelerate progress and create lasting impact for workers and their families and build more inclusive and resilient economies.

Payal Dalal is executive vice president, global programs, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Christine Svarer is executive director, RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality).

Feature photo credit: RISECDS - M.Moawad

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth's journey to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mastercard on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Mastercard

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Mastercard

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Impaqtive's multi-cloud and platform offerings strengthen Infogain's ability to deliver digital customer experience solutions

Infogain, a leader in digital customer experience engineering based in Silicon Valley, today announced its acquisition of Impaqtive, a New Jersey-based Summit Level Salesforce Consulting services firm.

Impaqtive's deep expertise in Salesforce multi-cloud implementations and platforms, Salesforce accelerators, and certified team, coupled with Infogain's CX design and platform engineering capabilities will enable the combined business to help customers lead the digital economy by delivering best-in-class customer experience solutions.

Dinesh Venugopal, CEO of Infogain said, "Salesforce, a dominant revenue-generating and customer experience platform, brings structured and unstructured customer data into one platform. The acquisition of Salesforce Summit Partner Impaqtive will help Infogain 'activate AI' for its customers, maximizing their returns from the Salesforce platform. We are thrilled to welcome Impaqtive and its leadership team to the Infogain family."

Praveen Desai, Co-Founder CEO of Impaqtive said, "This deal propels us forward by providing opportunities to offer our innovative strengths to Infogain's large and valued client base. The acquisition is a testament to our joint vision, and we are excited about being part of Infogain's future growth trajectory."

Joseph Korah, Co-Founder President of Impaqtive said, "Our approach to innovation, focus on multi-cloud deployments, Salesforce accelerators, and strong talent base have helped us deliver returns on our clients' Salesforce investments. We are excited to be part of Infogain to accelerate value creation through tailored solutions that exceed client expectations."

Kulesh Bansal, CFO of Infogain said, "We are thrilled about this acquisition, as it brings significant synergies through additional innovation capabilities and a global talent pool. With this acquisition, we are even more tightly knit with our clients' digital priorities, underscoring our dedication to the Salesforce ecosystem."

Impaqtive, a Salesforce Summit partner, with a team having 450+ Salesforce certifications, 30+ Devops certifications, and 50+ Industry cloud accreditations, works with clients as Strategic Advisors, Platform Architects and Engineering Consultants to drive their digital transformation initiatives leveraging the power of Salesforce platform.

Infogain customers will benefit from Impaqtive's capabilities as a Salesforce Summit partner, deep industry expertise, onsite consulting team, nearshore teams in the Cayman Islands, and its expanded offshore presence in Kerala, India. Moreover, Impaqtive's vertical focus on Retail, Hospitality, Media, Hitech, Digital and Manufacturing will enhance service offerings and domain expertise across these industries.

About Infogain

Infogain is a leader in digital customer experience engineering based in Silicon Valley. Infogain engineers business outcomes for Fortune 500 companies and digital natives in the technology, healthcare, insurance, travel, telecom, and retail/CPG industries. It accelerates experience-led transformation in the delivery of digital platforms using technologies such as cloud, microservices, automation, IoT, and artificial intelligence. Infogain is a multi-cloud expert across hyperscale cloud providers Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.

Infogain, an Apax Funds portfolio company, has offices in California, Washington, Texas, the UK, and Singapore, with delivery centers in Seattle, Dallas, Montevideo, Krakow, Noida, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurgaon, and Mumbai. To learn more, visit www.infogain.com.

About Impaqtive

Impaqtive is a Salesforce Summit Partner based out of New Jersey. Impaqtive leads with Salesforce offerings that champion multi-cloud connected interactions to drive digital experiences for its clients. As a Salesforce cross-cloud transformation specialist with deep expertise in Salesforce Core Clouds and Emerging Clouds, Impaqtive helps Enterprises across Retail, Hospitality, Media, Technology and Manufacturing maximize their Return on Salesforce investments. Impaqtive has offices in Bridgewater, NJ, USA and delivery centers at Georgetown in Cayman Islands, Kochi and Kannur in Kerala, India. To learn more, visit www.impaqtive.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722024096/en/

Contacts:

For more information, contact:

Infogain

Piyali Guha

piyali.guha@infogain.com

Archetype

Krishna Khanna

Krishna.Khanna@archetype.co
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 22

For immediate release

22 July 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 173,843 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 834.20 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 49,789,954; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 175,201,349.

The figure of 175,201,349 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
The disease that damages the rectum or colon is called colorectal cancer, which is the largest cancer type that affects a large number of patients, and has the highest mortality rate. With the help of elevated screening in many countries, however, this number is successfully reduced, elevating the life expectancy.

WILMINGTON, Del., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Owing to several contributing factors, the in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test market is expected to attain a USD 2.5 billion valuation mark by 2034. The industry was measured at USD 1.2 billion in 2023.

The progress of the competitive landscape is estimated to encompass a decent advancement through the forecasted period. With the scope of advancement adhering to a moderate CAGR of 7.1%, the industry avails better opportunities to key players in the sector.

Owing to the changing lifestyles, consumers are found to be inclined toward several ill habits. Ranging from bad food habits like overeating processed food to excessive drinking and smoking, such lifestyle changes are an opportunity for serious diseases like cancer.

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Pertaining to the growing cases of obesity, people have become more prone to such illnesses, which drives the demand for effective diagnosis and treatment. As a result, this is a key driver for the industry, which elevates the size of the sector.

The growing prevalence of cancer cases is a key opportunity for many therapies and treatments. Along with this, effective diagnosis is being demanded by consumers as well as medical professionals. This drives the demand for in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test kits.

Colorectal cancer comprises almost 10% of the total cancer cases, which drives the demand for in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test kits. Due to the higher mortality rate of this cancer, people have become more aware of the disease.

The growing awareness of cancer and treatments for the disease leverages more space for test kits in the industry, fueling growth prospects for key players. As a result, leading organizations can expand better in the industry.

The growing investments in the healthcare sector are another determinant of a spike in the demand for test kits. Due to better infrastructure, more prospects are created for leading players in the industry, fueling market growth.

The development of large hospitals and other medical facilities has given better choices to patients for effective diagnosis and treatment. Albeit the cancer is usually detected in later stages, with cutting-edge facilities, treatments can be simplified, benefitting patients.

In-vitro Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period? 2024-2034 Base Year? 2020-2022 Size in 2023 US$ 1.2 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2034 US$ 2.5 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.1 % No. of Pages 120 Pages Segments covered By Test Type, By End-user, By Region

Key Findings from the Market Report

In the vast competitive landscape, the global in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test market can be segmented into different verticals. Based on the type of the test, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) segment is likely to gain more demand due to the effectiveness of tests in symptomatic patients.

Fecal DNA tests form another key category, which can check mutations of cells in stool to yield better results. This segment, thus, will gain traction in the forecasted period.

With the growing investments in the healthcare sector, diagnostic centers are growing. The segment is expected to gain popularity in the future.

Based on the end-user segment, hospitals and clinics are expected to fuel the growth of the industry. Due to the cutting-edge facilities, hospitals can provide better assistance to patients, driving the demand for the segment of the sector.

Regional Profile

The growing number of cancer patients in Europe will create lucrative prospects for leading organizations in the in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test market.

The robust healthcare infrastructure in North America drives the market with more force.

The growing investments in the healthcare industry in Asia-Pacific will elevate the size of the industry in the region.

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Competitive Landscape

Product launch is a key mode of expansion adopted by leading players in the in-vitro colorectal cancer screening test market.

Abbott Laboratories is a key player that has acquired a wide range of brands and produces various cardiovascular, nutritional, and diagnostics products.

Thermofisher Scientific Inc. produces beakers and lids, funnels, biochemical reagents, and many more.

Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. is another organization producing fecal testing OC-SENSOR, culture media, veterinary VET-SAA Eiken, and many more.

Key Developments in the In-vitro Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Market

In January 2024, Abbott Laboratories launched a new Protality brand, which aims to help people lose weight.

In June 2024, Thermofisher Scientific Inc. introduced an innovative mass spectrometer, aiming to help advanced clinical research.

Key Players

Abbott Laboratories

Thermofisher Scientific Inc.

Eiken Chemical Co. Ltd

Qiagen

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Sentinel CH. S.p.A

Quidel Corporation

Freenome Holdings Inc.

Immunostics Inc.

BTNX Inc.

Other Prominent Players

Market Segmentation

Test Type

Fecal DNA Test Kits

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT) Kits

Others

End User

Hospitals & Clinics

Diagnostic Centers

Others

Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

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Aesthetic Implants Market : The global aesthetic implants market is projected to flourish at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. As per the report published by TMR, a valuation of US$ 8.4 billion is anticipated for the market in 2031. As of 2023, the market for aesthetic implants is expected to close at US$ 5.3 billion .

The global aesthetic implants market is projected to flourish at a from 2022 to 2031. As per the report published by TMR, a valuation of is anticipated for the market in 2031. As of 2023, the market for aesthetic implants is expected to close at . Dental Apex Locator Market : The last recorded market valuation of the global dental apex locator market was about US$ 73.9 million in 2021. This market valuation is projected to grow to US$ 140.1 million by the end of 2031. This forecasted market advancement shall be at a CAGR of 6.6%.

The last recorded market valuation of the global dental apex locator market was about in 2021. This market valuation is projected to grow to by the end of 2031. This forecasted market advancement shall be at a Onco-hematology Molecular Testing Market : Increase in incidence of blood cancers, rise in awareness about early diagnosis, advancements in testing technologies, and development of targeted therapies are driving the global onco-hematology molecular testing market.

Increase in incidence of blood cancers, rise in awareness about early diagnosis, advancements in testing technologies, and Lung Cancer Diagnostics Market: Increase in incidence of lung cancer, especially in developing countries, is the key driver of the global lung cancer diagnostics market. Surge in awareness about the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of the cancer is expected to accelerate industry development.

About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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Relentless Health (formerly Diagnose Early) is partnering with the Professional Firefighters Association of South Carolina (PFFASC) to deliver at-home PFAS testing

MENLO PARK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Today, Relentless Health (formerly Diagnose Early) provided details of our key partnership with the Professional Firefighters Association of South Carolina (PFFASC). Relentless Health has worked closely with the PFFASC as we develop our test for PFAS exposure. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals with desirable properties that are extensively used in manufacturing. However, they are increasingly linked with health issues and are of particular concern to firefighters. Our PFAS test utilizes at-home finger-prick sample collection, making it far more convenient than traditional blood draw PFAS tests.

Relentless Health partners with PFFASC

The logos of Relentless Health and PFFASC who are partnering on PFAS testing for firefighters

Richard Kho, CEO of Relentless Health, said: "We've been heads-down working on something really important, addressing one of the biggest emerging health threats of our time. More and more research is linking forever chemicals like PFAS and PFOS to all sorts of health issues. These include multiple cancers, immune dysfunction, reproductive harm, and endocrine problems. The first step for anyone looking to do something about this is to measure and track PFAS levels in your body."

Richard goes on to say: "Today, we announce the launch of Relentless Health, with a mission to improve the health and wellness of first responders and others exposed to toxic chemicals in their occupation or environment. We look forward to sharing more resources about PFAS and our easy-to-use PFAS test soon!"

"PFAS is one of the biggest concerns right now in the firefighter community," says Roger Odachowski-President of the PFFASC. "My Brothers and Sisters are exposed to PFAS on a daily basis. It is proven to be in our safety turnout gear, materials involved in fires, and in products used for fire fighting. Firefighters are becoming aware of the link between PFAS and our increased rates of cancers. Understanding what PFAS is in our bodies will help as we fight this huge health issue."

The agreement with the PFFASC makes Relentless Health their preferred partner for PFAS testing services. Relentless Health will donate a portion of sales revenue to support the PFFASC Foundation, a not-for-profit organization set up to help firefighters and their families in South Carolina.

Notes to editors

Relentless Health is a startup with labs in Reno, NV, and Menlo Park, CA. We are focused on helping everyone live healthier lives in the face of toxin exposure.

The Relentless Health PFAS test will be available to order in August with early-bird discounts for the first buyers. See https://relentlesshealth.com.

PFFASC is the South Carolina union for professional firefighters. It fights for better conditions and improved health outcomes for all SC firefighters.

Contact Information

Toby Moncaster

VP Product Marketing

tobymoncaster@relentlesshealth.com

650-204-0563

SOURCE: Relentless Health Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urged President Joe Biden to resign from office Sunday. Chip Somodevilla/TNS

As Democrats praised President Joe Bidens move to drop out of the race Sunday, many top Republicans cried foul.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., described the move as undemocratic. He said that by stepping down from the campaign, he invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who voted for Biden in the primaries. He also called for Biden to resign from the presidency.

The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election, Johnson wrote in a statement on social media. If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately.

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Biden announced his exit from the presidential race Sunday after weeks of growing pressure from members of his party to end his candidacy following a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27.

At the same time, many top Democrats, including Harris, have sought to downplay concerns about Bidens age and mental fitness. Some Republicans are now trying to use that against them.

The party that says democracy is on the ballot just ignored the will of their own voters and tried to say Bidens condition wasnt real until it was exposed, wrote former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who represented Bakersfield before he resigned last year. The biggest culprit of the cover-up? Failed border czar VP Kamala Harris. Total hypocrisy.

Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance also called on the president to resign.

If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President? he wrote. Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief.

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Bidens announcement robbed Republicans of the chance to rail against the decision at their party convention, which ended Thursday. The conventions give the parties a widely televised platform to outline their main campaign arguments. Those will now need to shift, given that Biden said he will no longer seek the nomination.

Republicans on Sunday quickly pivoted to bashing Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden endorsed to replace him on the ticket.

As Californias top cop, she allowed criminals to thrive, California GOP chair Jessica Millan Patterson wrote. Just as she failed on behalf of the Golden State, something Californians remember all too well, Harris owns the failed Biden-Harris agenda.

Pattersons comments preview how Republicans will try to make crime a top issue in the election. They will also likely continue to label Harris a failed border czar after Biden tasked her with addressing immigration issues early in their term.

Some Republicans, however, praised Biden for the decision.

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FROM JULY 25 TO 28 FOR THE 21ST LEG OF ITS WORLD TOUR

THE "MOST BEAUTIFUL SHIP IN THE WORLD" WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mooring location: Pier 9 (near Aloha Tower)

Follow MarinaMilitare: www.marina.difesa.it

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/tourvespucci/

https://www.facebook.com/tourvespucci/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tourvespucci

https://x.com/tourvespucci

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourvespucci

https://www.youtube.com/@tourvespucci

Photos of the Amerigo Vespucci Shiphttps://marinamilitare.box.com/s/11moid222y4dereb3rvw9rg6cj79st9m

For all information on visits: https://tourvespucci.it/en/come-aboard

The Amerigo Vespucci, the historic sailing ship and training vessel of the Italian Navy, will arrive in Honolulu on July 25, the 21st stage of its World Tour, following an 18-day, 2,500-mile-long voyage from Los Angeles.

This is the Ship's second visit to the capital of Hawaii -- the first occurred in 2002 during its first World Tour.

The Amerigo Vespucci, the custodian of the oldest naval and maritime traditions for over 90 years, is one of the most well-known symbols of Italy in the World. The Vespucci "World Tour" initiative, strongly supported by Italy's Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, combines the traditional training activities of the Officer Cadets with the promotion of Made in Italy excellence. The Vespucci is the emblem of the Italian Navy and of Italy itself: in the wake of maritime traditions, it has enhanced the country's prestige over the years. The ship departed on July 1, 2023, from the Port of Genoa to circumnavigate the globe over about 2 years, carrying with it the culture, history, innovation, science, research and technology that make Italy a great Country, appreciated worldwide.

The sailing ship will be moored at Pier 9 (near Aloha Tower)

Programme:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722826120/en/

Save The Date (Photo: Business Wire)

Thursday, July 25 from 09.00 AM - Welcome Ceremony and media opportunity

Thursday, July 25 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Friday, July 26 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, July 27 from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, July 28 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

The visits are completely free and do not require reservations.

A meeting with the press will take place on board the Vespucci on July 25, at 09.00 AM

MEDIA ACCREDITATION: Media representatives and journalists with TV crews wishing to attend the July 25 briefing are invited to apply for accreditation by July 24 at 6:00 PM, by emailing the address pressvespucci@elettrapr.it and indicating name, surname, media outlet, email, and cell phone number.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Vespucci ship, under the command of Captain Giuseppe Lai, is the longest-serving unit of the Italian Navy, boasting 93 years of service and is undertaking its second circumnavigation of the globe, which will keep it at sea for 20 months, visiting total 36 ports in 32 different countries.

The ship's motto, "Not he who begins, but he who perseveres" attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci, well represents the ideal that drives the approximately 400 military personnel, men and women, including the permanent crew and cadets from the Naval Academy

The vessel was named a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF on July 30, 2007, with a solemn ceremony in the port of Genoa. UNICEF "entrusts the Vespucci with a message of peace and hope for the millions of children that UNICEF helps, so that it can spread it to every part of the world." This prestigious appointment was renewed on July 4, 2016.

The pride of the Italian Navy, the Amerigo Vespucci ship has carried out training activities every year since it entered into service (except for 1940, due to wartime events, and during extraordinary maintenance work), mainly for the benefit of cadets from the Naval Academy. Entire generations of Officers have been trained on a ship whose main propulsion is the most ecological of all -- sail propulsion

In addition to traditional sail navigation, the sailing ship has Diesel-Electric propulsion, implemented with an integrated system using modern and efficient Diesel-Generator groups. Thanks to the important maintenance stop in 2013, completed in April 2016, the ship is equipped with the most modern technologies for energy efficiency and environmental-impact reduction.

On April 5, 2024, the Amerigo Vespucci training ship, as part of its World Tour, rounded Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the American continent known for being one of the most challenging passages on the globe for navigation.

Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos) is where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet, generating continuous disturbances created by the proximity to Antarctica. These push enormous masses of water towards the Drake Passage, where the sea bed abruptly rises to 100 meters (328 feet) from 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), creating unique weather conditions.

The passage, occurring for the first time in the Vespucci's over 90-year history, was made possible thanks to careful and meticulous navigation planning and evaluation of weather and sea conditions, which were essential for the mission's success.

Rounding Cape Horn is one of the key moments of the World Tour, a new page in the "art of navigation" and a new goal achieved in the long history of the Amerigo Vespucci ship.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722826120/en/

Contacts:

Tour Vespucci Villaggio Italia Press Office

pressvespucci@elettrapr.it

+39 3208637567
Taranis Resources Inc. ("Taranis" or the "Company") (TSXV:TRO)(OTCQB:TNREF) is providing an update on the 2024 exploration program at Thor.

Taranis has temporarily suspended its drilling operations at Thor due to a number of wildfires in the Trout Lake area, which were caused by a thunderstorm on the night of Wednesday, July 17th. The storm was prolonged with very little rainfall, and dozens of fires were visibly and immediately started by lightning. Most of these fires in the mountains surrounding Trout Lake remain burning out of control as of the date of this News Release. Smoke has now degraded visibility and poses a hazard to personnel working outdoors.

Contractors operating an exploration drill on Broadview Mountain (Atlas Drilling) removed their crew from the drill during the storm. It appears that a lightning strike started a brush fire about 200m southwest of the Atlas exploration drill on the north bank of Alpha Creek. This fire has since moved uphill directly towards the drill, to an area that was previously burned in 2006. The brush fire continues to burn small patches of vegetation around the drill, but drone surveillance indicates that the drill itself has not suffered damage.

The B.C. Wildfire Service and Ministry of Forests have elevated the fire risk in the area to level five, meaning that there is an extremely dangerous fire risk in and around Trout Lake, and this also includes the adjacent areas of Revelstoke and Nakusp. During such periods, exploration, logging, and other activities requiring access to the bush are strictly managed until the risk level is reduced.

Of prime concern to Taranis is the safety of its employees and contractors, and we will evaluate the situation every day to restart exploration activities when we are able to safely access the job sites. We are incredibly fortunate to be working with Atlas Drilling, who acted professionally and proactively, and we remain in contact with the B.C. Wildfire Service. We have posted some of Atlas' drone pictures on the Taranis website, as they underscore the dangerous nature of the wildfire situation in the area.

We will provide updates as they become available.

About Taranis and Thor

Taranis Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company. The Thor Project is in southeast British Columbia and is comprised of 3,807 hectares of Mineral Tenures and 27 Crown Grant titles to precious and base minerals, many of which include surface rights. Taranis has completed upwards of 250 drill holes, linking all previously known mines into a single, near-surface epithermal deposit that has been recently updated into an NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (see Taranis News Release dated April 11, 2024).

Qualified Person

Exploration activities at Thor were overseen by John Gardiner (P. Geo.), who is a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101. John Gardiner is a principal of John J. Gardiner & Associates, LLC which operates in British Columbia under Firm Permit Number 1002256. Mr. Gardiner has reviewed and approved the comments contained within this News Release.

For additional information on Taranis or its 100%-owned Thor project in British Columbia, visit www.taranisresources.com

Taranis currently has 98,960,915 shares issued and outstanding (112,009,803 shares on a fully-diluted basis).

TARANIS RESOURCES INC.

Per: John J. Gardiner (P. Geo.), President and CEO

For further information contact:

John J. Gardiner

681 Conifer Lane

Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Phone: (303) 716-5922 Cell: (720) 209-3049 johnjgardiner@earthlink.net

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 may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from expected results.

SOURCE: Taranis Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / West Mining Corp. ("West" or the "Company") (CSE:WEST)(OTC PINK:WESMF)(FRA:1HL) is pleased to announce that it closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Financing"), raising gross proceeds of $549,510 through the issuance of an aggregate of 1,831,700 units at a price of $0.30 per unit. The Financing was conducted pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Exemption"). The Company filed a Form 45-106F19 offering document dated June 24, 2024, and an amended and restated Form 45-106F19 Listed Issuer Financing Document dated as of July 19, 2024 (the "Offering Document") related to the Financing, which Offering Document can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.westminingcorp.ca. The Company will use the proceeds of the Financing for exploration of its Spanish Mountain and Junker properties, marketing/investor relations and general working capital.

Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.40 until July 22, 2026, provided that if the closing price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is at or above $0.60 for 10 consecutive trading days, then the expiry date for the warrants will be automatically accelerated to the date which is 30 days after the date the Company provides notice of such acceleration to the holders of the warrants by issuing a news release. The securities issued to investors under the Financing are not subject to any statutory hold period under applicable securities laws.

In connection with the Financing, the Company paid finder's fees of $53,001 and issued an aggregate of 176,670 finder's warrants, each exercisable for one common share at a price of $0.30 until July 22, 2026. The finder's warrants are subject to a four month hold period expiring November 23, 2024, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

About West Mining Corp.

West Mining Corp. is a mineral exploration company acquiring and developing advanced and early-stage exploration projects. Its flagship project is its 100% owned, 9000-hectare prospective Kena Project located near Nelson, British Columbia. The Kena Project comprises three adjoining Properties: Kena, Daylight and Athabasca. A 2021 NI43-101 resource estimate for Kena gave 561,900 oz Au indicated and 2,773,100 oz Au inferred in the Gold Mountain, Kena Gold, and Daylight Zones. The Daylight property contains the historic past producing Daylight, Starlight, Victoria, Irene, and Great Eastern gold mines. Along trend to the north is the Athabasca Property, with the historic Athabasca Gold Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in its Spanish Mountain and Junker properties.

For additional information, please refer to the Company's public disclosure record available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

West Mining Corp.

Nader Vatanchi

778-881-4631

nadervatanchi@hotmail.com

###

The Canadian Securities Exchange accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to them, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: the potential of the Company's mineral properties; the estimation of capital requirements; the estimation of operating costs; the timing and amount of future business expenditures; and the availability of necessary financing. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Such factors include but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and exploration or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: West Mining Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Online transactions offer convenience but pose security risks that require attention. Ensuring the safety of personal and financial information is crucial to avoiding fraud and identity theft.

Key practices include using strong, unique passwords, verifying website security (look for HTTPS), avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and monitoring accounts regularly for suspicious activity. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection.

This article explores essential tips to safeguard your online transactions.

1. Use Reputable Apps and Websites

When making transactions online, always ensure that the website is reputable and trustworthy. This is important when banking online, shopping online, playing video and casino games online, and more.

For example, when players are gambling online with real money, many opt to use secure sites that use Inclave technology. According to the experts at inclave-casino.com/, these sites allow players to log in securely using fingerprints and facial recognition. This makes the login process easy and ensures safe gaming online. Similarly, when shopping online, you can install or use security apps to create unhackable passwords that will fill them out for you when you open different online shopping accounts.

2. Secure Login Methods

Using sites that offer secure login methods is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your online transactions. These include advanced security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password but also a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile phone. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your account.

3. Encryption Technology

Always ensure that the website uses encryption technology to protect your data. Secure websites will have a URL that begins with https:// rather than just http://. The s means that the site is secure and indicates that the site uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect the data transmitted between your computer and the website. In addition, look for a padlock icon in the address bar, which is another sign of a secure website.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, they are not secure. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over public Wi-Fi, making it a risky environment for conducting financial transactions. If you need to make a transaction, do so over a secured, private Wi-Fi network. If you end up using public Wi-Fi for some reason, think about using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect and hide your data and protect your privacy.

5. Create Strong Passwords

Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like password123 or 123456. A strong password typically includes a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, think about using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.

6. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately. Many financial institutions offer alerts via email or text message for large or unusual transactions, enabling you to react quickly if your information has been compromised.

7. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are attempts to trick you into providing your personal or financial information by pretending to be a trustworthy source. These scams often come in the form of emails or messages that look like they are from a legitimate company. Always be skeptical of unsolicited emails or messages asking for your personal information. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. Instead, navigate to the website directly and verify the request.

8. Use Secure Payment Methods

When making transactions on e-commerce sites, online casino sites, banking sites, or any other online platform, use secure payment methods. Credit cards, for instance, often offer fraud protection and are generally safer than debit cards. E-wallets and payment platforms such as PayPal also give users an additional layer of security, as they do not require you to enter your card details on every site you use.

9. Keep Software Updated

Ensure that your computer, smartphone, and any software you use are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. This includes your operating system, web browser, and any antivirus or anti-malware programs. Updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

10. Read the Privacy Policy

Before making a transaction on any site, take the time to read the privacy policy. This document outlines how the site collects, uses, and protects your personal information. Ensure that the site has a robust privacy policy that commits to not sharing your information with third parties without your consent.

11. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Install and maintain reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. These programs can detect and remove malicious software that might steal your information or compromise your security.

12. Be Cautious with Personal Information

Only provide personal information when absolutely necessary and ensure that the website requesting it is legitimate and secure. Be wary of websites that ask for excessive information or seem suspicious.

13. Use Account Notifications

Enable notifications for your online accounts to receive alerts about any changes or suspicious activity. This allows you to respond quickly to potential security threats and take action to protect your information.

14. Log Out After Transactions

Always log out of your accounts after completing a transaction, especially on shared or public computers. Simply closing the browser window may not be sufficient to end your session securely.

15. Educate Yourself About Online Security

Staying informed about the latest security threats and best practices can help you better protect yourself online. Regularly read up on cybersecurity news, follow expert advice, and stay vigilant about potential risks. By staying up-to-date and informed, internet users stand a better chance of mitigating the risks of online threats and can enjoy the benefits of going online without so many risks.
Earlybird AI, a London, UK-based employment support software company, raised 625K in Pre-Seed funding.

Backers included Google for Startups, Impact Shakers, Resolution Ventures, Ada Ventures, Syndicate Rooms Access (a data driven super angel fund), Lightbulb Trust, and a range of women angel investors including Andrea Sinclair (UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year 2022), Berthe Haile (former JP Morgan NED), and Pip Wilson (founder of amicable).

The company intends to use the funds to enhance its technological capabilities, boosting its tech team led by co-founder and CTO, Boris Bambo, and expand its reach by growing its customer base.

Led by CEO Claudine Adeyemi-Adams, Earlybird AI is an employment support software company which uses AI and voice technology to transform how employment support is delivered to unemployed and low-paid frontline workers, improving engagement, efficiency and effectiveness. The company has introduced voice capabilities to support languages such as Arabic, helping people whose first language is not English to more easily access high-quality

FinSMEs

22/07/2024
Grover, a Berlin, Germany-based company which specializes in technology rentals, raised additional 50M in funding.

Backers included Cool Japan Fund (CJF), a public-private fund from Japan and existing investors, such as Energy Impact Partners, Korelya, Augmentum und Circularity Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to increase its profitability and ensure further sustainable growth.

Founded in 2015, and led by CEO Linda Rubin, Grover specializes in technology rentals, enabling people and empowering businesses to subscribe to tech products monthly instead of buying them. With Grover and Grover Business, subscribers and companies get access to a wide range of over 8,000 tech products, including smartphones, laptops, virtual reality (VR) gear, wearables, and smart home appliances on a flexible, monthly rental basis. Once a product rental period has ended, its service allows its users to return the product free of charge. They can also decide to extend the product rental length or exchange the product for something else. Grover Business even takes care of the tech procurement and management process so that companies can stay focused on growth. Rentals are available in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Spain, as well as in Germany through its online and offline partner network, including Europes electronics retail group, MediaMarktSaturn.

FinSMEs

22/07/2024
Infogain, a Los Gatos, CA-based company which specializes in digital customer experience engineering, acquired Impaqtive, a NJ-based summit level Salesforce consulting services firm.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

Infogain customers will benefit from Impaqtives capabilities as a Salesforce Summit partner, deep industry expertise, onsite consulting team, nearshore teams in the Cayman Islands, and its expanded offshore presence in Kerala, India. Moreover, Impaqtives vertical focus on Retail, Hospitality, Media, Hitech, Digital and Manufacturing will enhance service offerings and domain expertise across these industries.

Led by CEO Praveen Desai, Impaqtive is a Salesforce Summit partner, with a team having 450+ Salesforce certifications, 30+ Devops certifications, and 50+ Industry cloud accreditations. The firm works with clients as Strategic Advisors, Platform Architects and Engineering Consultants to drive their digital transformation initiatives leveraging the Salesforce platform.

Led by CEO Dinesh Venugopal, Infogain specializes in digital customer experience engineering. Its engineers business outcomes for Fortune 500 companies and digital natives in the technology, healthcare, insurance, travel, telecom, and retail/CPG industries. It accelerates experience-led transformation in the delivery of digital platforms using technologies such as cloud, microservices, automation, IoT, and artificial intelligence. Infogain is a multi-cloud expert across hyperscale cloud providers  Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.

It is an Apax Funds portfolio company, with offices in California, Washington, Texas, the UK, and Singapore, with delivery centers in Seattle, Dallas, Montevideo, Krakow, Noida, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurgaon, and Mumbai.

FinSMEs

22/07/2024
Loyal, an Atlanta, GA-based healthcare technology company focused on digital patient engagement, raised $33.5M in Series B funding.

Backers included Concord Health Partners and multiple strategic investors.

The company intends to use the funds to provide resources to expand its customer base and product development, support customer success and accelerate growth.

Founded by Chad Mallory, Loyal provides a consumer experience platform for improved care utilization. Used by the nations health systems and hospitals, its AI-powered solution makes it easier for patients to connect and access care across their entire health journey, thereby driving loyalty with their trusted health provider.

The platform has a customer base of 38 health systems.

Chad Mallory has decided to step down from his position as Chairman and CEO, with the full support of the Board, to transition into a Senior Advisor role, effective July 26. Saurabh Sinha, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emids Technologies, has been appointed Chairman of the Loyal Board of Directors and will help lead an effort to recruit additional expertise to Loyal and build on the success of the Company. Additionally, Mark Hipp has joined the Loyal Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in advising high-growth technology enabled businesses.

FinSMEs

22/07/2024
Maija Itkonen, the CEO and co-founder of Onego Bio

Onego Bio, a Helsinki, Finland-based precision fermentation company, secured 14M in new funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Program and additional Series A investors.

The newly gained EIC funding will accelerate the companys go-to-market plan also in the EU, including securing regulatory approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

In April 2024, Onego Bio has raised altogether 50.5M, bringing total funding to 65M.

Founded in 2022 as a spinoff from VTT (Technical Research Center of Finland) by Maija Itkonen, CEO, Onego Bio is a food-biotech company harnessing precision fermentation to manufacture real egg protein entirely animal-free. It is already working with major food companies on product formulation in a wide range of products, from baked goods, confectionery, snacks, sauces, pasta, meat alternatives, and more. With commercial operations in San Diego, California, the company is currently producing Bioalbumen with co-manufacturers while finalizing plans for its first own manufacturing unit. A single full-scale manufacturing unit will boast a two-million-liter fermentation capacity, effectively delivering the protein equivalent produced by six million laying hens.

Onego is moving at full speed in commercializing in North America, where the regulatory landscape allows a faster market entry. The company is on track to submit a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice to the FDA this year, with hope of receiving a no questions letter from the FDA in 2025.

FinSMEs

22/07/2024
Saiz, a Berlin, Germany-based provider of a platform that leverages data analytics to personalise garment measurement, raised 2.5m in seed funding.

The round was led by EnjoyVenture and Salica Investments, with participation from Houghton Street Ventures, Gateway Ventures and strategic angels.

The company intends to use the funds for product development.

Led by Marita Sanchez de la Creda and Svenja Tegtmeier, Saiz provides solutions to deliver accurate size predictions to customers and analytics to users. The companys products are SAIZ Recommender & SAIZ Studio, two AI and data-driven platforms, providing size recommendation for users, optimizing design with customer analytics and reducing e-commerce returns rates by aligning body and garment data.

The company serves fashion brands including Oliver, Tom Tailor, Jack Wolfskin, and many others.

FinSMEs

21/07/2024
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a moderated conversation with former Trump administration national security official Olivia Troye and former Republican voter Amanda Stratton on July 17 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Harris was greeted with a deluge of support the day after President Joe Biden announced he was leaving the 2024 presidential race. Chris duMond/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Kamala Harris drew sharp contrasts between herself and former President Donald Trump on Monday in her first remarks since becoming a candidate for president, following President Joe Bidens exit from the 2024 race.

Harris touted that she took on predators and cheaters during her career as a prosecutor. So hear me when I say: I know Donald Trumps type, she told a group of campaign workers at her new campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del. on Monday afternoon. At least 100 staffers gave Harris a standing ovation when she arrived in a room covered with signs that read Harris for President, Restore Roe and Kamala.

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Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, also pivoted to attacking Harris in the wake of Bidens decision. Trumps posts on his social media platform have become increasingly critical of Harris. In a post on his social media platform Monday, Trump called her Dumb as a Rock as well as a totally failed and insignificant Vice President.

Earlier in the day, Harris secured crucial backing from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi on Monday, as Democratic support continued to coalesce around the vice presidents candidacy.

With immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Pelosi wrote in a statement. I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.

Read also: How the coconut tree meme became the symbol of support for Kamala Harris

No notable opponents have emerged to Harris presidential campaign since Bidens announcement, but Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York notably did not immediately endorse Harris, nor did former President Barack Obama.

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Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stopped short of endorsing Harris in a statement Monday afternoon but noted the support shes received thus far. Harris is off to a great start with her promise to pursue the presidential nomination in a manner consistent with the grassroots and transparent process set forth by the Democratic National Committee, they said in a statement. She is rapidly picking up support.

On Monday, many of the politicians thought to be Harris biggest potential rivals for the nomination endorsed her.

She received support from Democratic House leadership with the endorsements of Rep. Pete Aguilar of San Bernardino, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, House minority whip. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois also endorsed Harris Monday morning.

Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President, Durbin said in a statement.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose, who leads the California Democratic congressional delegation, told the Chronicle it was telling that all realistic potential Democratic candidates quickly coalesced around Kamala Harris campaign. Shell strongly make the case against Donald Trump & will make a great president. I enthusiastically endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

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Though the party now finds itself in the unprecedented position of weighing candidates at the 11th hour, support has quickly built around Harris. Discussion of Harris strengths and weaknesses as a candidate for the top of the ticket has swirled for weeks after Bidens disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27.

Harris is now in the midst of a blitz to convince naysayers in her party that she has learned from her past mistakes and can unite voters behind her candidacy.

She has secured the endorsements of key advocacy organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers, Emilys List, Gen-Z for Change, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice America), Service Employees International Union, UnidosUS Action Fund and United Farm Workers.

Emilys List, an organization that works to elect women who support abortion rights, plans to spend more than $20 million to boost Harris in the coming months, the group said.

Small-dollar donations to fundraising platform ActBlue totaled over $100 million in the 24 hours after Harris began her campaign. The donations were directed to Democratic candidates all over the country, not just Harris.

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A super PAC supporting Biden, Future Forward, received $150 million in new commitments from Democratic donors in the last 24 hours.

And over 44,000 Black women and their allies attended an hourslong fundraising call late Sunday evening to discuss how to support Harris. The call raised over $1 million.

Back home in California, Harris campaign has already rallied San Francisco Democrats, who in a matter of hours Sunday organized an event at the steps of City Hall to support the former district attorney. The last-minute rally, attended by about a hundred people Monday morning, led some Harris supporters to draw up cardboard signs in support of the vice president.

Mayor London Breed tried to energize the crowd on Monday. Are we fired up? Are we ready to go? she asked. Harris has shown up to help time and again and right now she needs us more than ever, Breed said.

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San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu wore a red Asians for Kamala T-shirt and told the crowd, There is no one better to prosecute the case against a convicted felon than Kamala Harris against Donald Trump, convicted of 34 counts in the indictment. Theres no one who has more qualifications than her.

Only one candidate has said they will challenge Harris for the Democratic nomination: Marianne Williamson. She intends to lobby delegates for their support to appear on the ballot. She would need 300 to agree to do so, and currently has none.

Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., put to rest speculation that he would rejoin the Democratic Party and seek the nomination, but he put those rumors to rest in an interview with CBS News Monday morning.

I am not going to be a candidate for president, Manchin said. He said it would be a mistake, however, not to have a vigorous primary process.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg  all thought to be potential challengers to Harris, endorsed her Monday.

Beshear and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper  both considered contenders for vice president along with Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Whitmer  went on MSNBCs Morning Joe Monday to support Harris.

Beshear also went on the offensive, previewing how he would attack Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance if selected as Harris running mate.

Vances memoir Hillbilly Elegy has been criticized over its portrayal of people from Appalachia, where Vances family is originally from.

J.D. Vance aint from here. Now, the nerve that he has to call the people of Kentucky, of Eastern Kentucky, lazy. Listen, these are the hardworking coal miners that  created the strongest middle class the world has ever seen.  We should be thanking them, not calling them lazy, Beshear said.

The Democrats nominee will now need to be chosen by party delegates. That typically takes place at the Democratic National Convention, though the party had planned to do a virtual nominating process in early August ahead of the convention. The process to select a new nominee isnt immediately clear, however. The DNCs rules committee will meet Wednesday afternoon to establish the process.

Candidates must gather 300 delegate signatures to be considered. To win, a candidate will need to persuade a majority of delegates to vote for him or her.

Bidens decision to exit the race means that his 3,896 pledged delegates are free to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Florida and Louisiana have pledged all of their delegates to Harris, giving her enough delegates to appear on the convention ballot.

The partys national convention begins Aug. 19, in Chicago.
While reforms are expected when it comes to allocation of resources in several sectors, the new budget is also expected to bring good news of senior citizens across the country read more

Indians wait with bated breathe as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the 2024 Union Budget. What makes the sacrosanct document so significant is the fact that this will be the first Budget of the Modi 3.0 government. The document will be tabled in the parliament on July 23 at 11 am.

While many focus on what changes Sitharaman is planning to present in terms of taxes and allocation of resources in the agriculture or manufacturing sector, the new government is expected to introduce various benefits for those who are planning to enjoy post-retirement benefits.

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Heres a look at how the budget is planning to assist the elderly.

Reforms in NPS

Major reforms are anticipated in the National Pension System ( ). Experts believe that the reforms could have the potential to reshape the landscape and enhance retirement planning opportunities. It is speculated that the Center may offer 50 per cent of the final pay drawn as a pension for central government employees who have enrolled under the NPS, Business Today reported.

In the past, the Centre has said that the NPS will offer attractive returns for those who are recruited after 2004. While ruling out the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the government assured that it is actively exploring ways to ensure that all the employees enrolled in the scheme can potentially gain up to 50 per cent of their last drawn pay.

NPS comes with tax benefits

Another speculation of the 2024 Budget revolves around the fact that there can be substantial enhancements in tax benefits for National Pension System (NPS) contributors.

As per our on the subject, experts anticipate that the government may raise the maximum deduction limit under Section 80CCD(1) of the Income Tax Act from the current Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.

This could emerge as an incentive for taxpayers to increase allocations towards their NPS accounts and will enhance stronger retirement savings habits. According to Mint, experts speculate the introduction of Section 80TTB which would offer senior citizens tax-free interest income to 1 lakh from retirement-focused savings schemes.

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Health benefits for the elderly under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Earlier this month, reports emerged that the newly elected government is planning to expand the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include Indias senior citizens. The move will align with the NDAs pledge to provide healthcare support to everyone over the age of 70 years.

Similar sentiments were echoed by President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the parliament. Every elderly person above 70 will be covered and benefit from free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

It is also expected that hospitals with services dedicated to the elderly will be included under the PM-JAY scheme. It is pertinent to note that Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the worlds largest publicly funded health insurance scheme.

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The initiatives became more significant at a time when elderly NGOs across India are urging the government to address the pressing needs of the countrys elderly in the upcoming budget. A significant demand is the revision of the central contribution to the old age pension under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP).

Why now?

Incorporation of the needs of senior citizens has become important now more than ever before. On Sunday, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) chief Andrea Wojnar said that Indias elderly population is expected to double by 2050.

In an interview with PTI given days after World Population Day on July 11, the Resident Representative for UNFPA India, Wojnar stressed on need for more investment in healthcare, housing and pensions. She also mentioned that older women are more likely to live alone and face poverty.

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In the interview, she noted that the number of individuals, aged 60 and above, is projected to double to 346 million by 2050. Hence, there will be a significant focus on what the 2024 budget will have in store for the senior citizens of this country.

With inputs from agencies.
Economic Survey 2023-24 explains how focusing on FDI from China seems more promising for boosting Indias exports to the US read more

The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, categorically pointed out two choices for India to benefit from the China plus one strategy that is being followed by several major multinational companies over the last five years to reduce their reliance on China.

1 - India can integrate into Chinas supply chain

2 - Promote FDI from China

The survey went on to explain that among the two choices, focusing on FDI from China seems more promising for boosting Indias exports to the US, similar to how East Asian economies did in the past.

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It further said that choosing FDI as a strategy to benefit from the China plus one approach appears more advantageous than relying on trade.

But why?

This is because China is Indias top import partner, and the trade deficit with China has been growing," the survey said.

As the US and Europe shift their immediate sourcing away from China, it is more effective to have Chinese companies invest in India and then export the products to these markets rather than importing from China, adding minimal value, and then re-exporting them, the survey report explained.

Indias economy survey 2023-24 also highlighted a recent research note from the Rhodium Group mentioning that Chinas dominance over so many product categories creates, first and foremost, a risk of economic coercion, where the government restrains access to crucial inputs for political leverage.

The same brief also stated: Brazil and Turkey have raised barriers to imports of Chinese EVs, but enacted measures to attract Chinese FDI in the sector.

European nations, too, have decided to follow a similar approach. Hence, it is imperative that India finds the right balance between importing goods from China and importing capital (FDI) from China.

Appeal of India lies in its domestic consumer market

The appeal of India lies in its large domestic consumer market, which makes it attractive for companies to set up operations there. In the electronics sector, there is a focus on smartphone manufacturing and assembly, the survey report highlighted.

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Whats attracting companies to India?

The Economic Survey said: The Governments PLI scheme, including tax breaks and subsidies, plays a significant role in attracting companies. The rise in Indias domestic smartphone demand is also a key factor in companies decisions to invest there."

Sharing the example on the same, the survey report said that during FY24, Apple assembled USD 14 billion worth of iPhones in India, constituting 14 per cent of its global iPhone production. Foxconn has started production of Apple mobile phones in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India sees substantial increase in electronic exports

The survey further said that though India may not be an immediate beneficiary of the trade diversion from China, it has witnessed a substantial increase in the electronic exports over time.

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Indias electronic exports to the US have transitioned from a trade deficit of USD 0.6 billion in FY17 to a trade surplus of USD 8.7 billion in FY24. Within the electronics sector, the category that has experienced the most growth is mobile phones, with exports to the US rising from USD 2.2 billion in FY23 to USD 5.7 billion in FY24.

World cannot completely look past China

The Economic Survey further said China plus one will not result in a total movement of trading relations away from China.

It further said, even if nations like Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea, which were direct beneficiaries of the US trade diversion from China, increase their share of exports to the US, they also displayed a concomitant rise in Chinese FDI.

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Therefore, the world cannot completely look past China, even as it pursues China plus one, the survey report said.
HDFC Bank reported a robust 35 per cent growth in net profit, while Wipro beat profit estimates. IRCTCs status upgrade and Vedantas successful QIP also draw attention. Suzlon Energys earnings await read more

GIFT Nifty is hinting at a negative start for the stock market on July 22. AP

The GIFT Nifty index, on Monday (July 22) around 8:40 am, was down 114 points or 0.46 per cent at 24,420. Ahead of the opening bell, the index indicated a negative start for Dalal Street. The India VIX, a measure of volatility in the stock market, was up 2.17 per cent at 14.82.

Heres a look at stocks to watch today:

HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank has reported a 35 per cent year-on-year growth in net profit at Rs 16,175 crore for the June quarter, beating Bloombergs consensus net profit estimate of Rs 15,652 crore. Net Interest Income (NII) increased by 26.4 per cent year-on-year to Rs 29,837 crore in Q1FY25, while net interest margin improved to 3.47 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2025 (Q1FY25), compared to 3.44 per cent in Q4FY24.

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Wipro: IT firm Wipro, last Friday, reported a Q1FY25 net profit of Rs 3,036.6 crore, up 5.2 per cent year-on-year and 6.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter. It beat Bloomberg estimates of Rs 2,931 crore. Indias fourth largest IT services firm marginally upped its revenue guidance for the second quarter of FY25 from -1 per cent to +1 per cent.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC): The Government of India announced the up-gradation of IRCTC from Schedule B to Schedule A category, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE).

Vedanta: The company closed its Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) issue, raising Rs 8,500 crore by selling 19.31 crore equity shares at Rs 440 per share. Institutional investors including Morgan Stanley, Societe Generale, SBI MF, Nippon MF, ICICI Mutual Funds, and Copthall Mauritius Investment participated.

Suzlon Energy: The company is set to announce its quarterly earnings for Q1FY25 on Monday.

Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services: Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services has signed an agreement with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to provide PNB MetLife India with Zaggle Save (Employee expense management & benefits) for a duration of three years.
The upcoming Union Budget is expected to include new measures to boost financial security for senior citizens read more

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the Union Budget for 2024-25 on July 23, with particular attention anticipated for measures benefitting senior citizens. As these individuals await the budget announcements, several key changes are speculated that could significantly impact their financial well-being.

Increase in long-term capital aainst tax exemption

Reports suggest a possible raise in the long-term capital gains tax exemption limit for senior citizens from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. This potential increase aims to offer better tax relief and financial flexibility encouraging sustained investment in financial markets.

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Tax deduction for house rent

There is also an expectation for new provisions allowing tax deductions on house rent for elderly individuals who do not receive regular pensions. Such a measure could help ease the financial pressures faced by seniors residing in rented properties.

Enhanced health insurance premium deductions

Speculation points to a possible increase in the deduction limit for health insurance premiums for senior citizens, potentially raising it from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. This change is intended to address rising healthcare costs and improve access to necessary medical care.

Exemption on stamp duty for home purchases

Currently, senior citizens face significant costs when purchasing a home due to stamp duty and registration charges, which can range from 4 per cent to 8 per cent of the property value. For a Rs 1 crore home, this amounts to an additional Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. Advocates suggest that the government should negotiate with state governments to waive these charges for seniors, making homeownership more accessible.

Removal of GST on health insurance policies

Presently, health insurance premiums are subject to an 18 % GST, which adds to the already high costs for seniors. Eliminating this GST could make health insurance more affordable, enabling more elderly individuals to secure necessary coverage.

Extended loan repayment tenure

Typically, loan products impose an upper age limit for final EMI payments, often capping it between 60 and 70 years. Increasing the permissible repayment tenure to 75 years would provide senior citizens with greater flexibility in managing their loan repayments making loans more accessible.

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Raising the tax-free income slab

The current tax-free income limit for senior citizens stands at Rs 3 lakh with a higher limit of Rs 5 lakh for super senior citizens. Increasing these limits would provide seniors with more disposable income helping them better manage rising expenses and other financial commitments.

Increasing mediclaim premium threshold

Senior citizens are advocating for an increase in the mediclaim premium threshold to Rs 1 lakh to better address escalating medical expenses.

Lowering income tax return filing exemption age

There is also a push to lower the age limit for income tax return filing exemptions from 75 to 60 years, which could simplify tax-related processes for a larger number of seniors.

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Revising lock-in period for Section 80C investments

Adjusting the lock-in period for specified investments under Section 80C to offer more liquidity would provide seniors with better access to their funds when needed.

As the Union Budget for 2024-25 approaches, senior citizens remain hopeful that these anticipated measures and reforms will be addressed to enhance their financial security and well-being.
Despite a challenging year for the global economy, the International Monetary Fund has predicted that the Indian economy is expected to achieve a growth rate of 7 per cent in 2024-2025. Against this backdrop, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the first Union Budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modis newly elected coalition government. Given that the last interim budget presented in February 2024 was muted, there is a general desire for the government to announce major reforms to aid the India growth story and set the course for the next five years.

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Liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Nearly all major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions involve direct or indirect foreign investment, leading to significant growth in the inflow of FDI. Sectors that have been liberalised have seen accelerated growth due to increased FDI. For instance, the insurance sector has received approximately Rs54,000 crore as FDI in the last nine years. Similar effects were also seen in the medical devices sector upon its liberalisation. Recently, the secretary of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Rajesh Kumar Singh, stated that internal consultations are underway for further liberalisation of the FDI regime. In the upcoming budget announcement, measures to further liberalise FDI norms by increasing or removing caps for foreign ownership and removing onerous conditionalities, particularly in sectors such as retail trading, will further boost FDI in India.

Removal of angel tax

On the private equity investment front, one of the key expectations is the removal of the angel tax. This tax liability applies to an unlisted company if it issues shares at a price over and above its Fair Market Value (FMV). Last years budget extended the applicability of angel tax to investments by foreign investors, which has been highly criticised. Despite exemptions introduced by the government, the angel tax remains a burden for the startup ecosystem. It has been reported that the DPIIT favours removing the angel tax. The Finance Ministry should consider stakeholders requests by either completely removing the angel tax or introducing broader exemptions.

Realising the inorganic potential of the PLI schemes

The Production Linked Incentives (PLI) Scheme is a flagship initiative to promote the Make in India campaign aimed at boosting domestic production. If implemented correctly, PLI Schemes could create incentives for foreign investors to invest in India. In the upcoming budget, the government should consider lowering eligibility criteria and adjusting production-linked targets to make PLI schemes accessible to companies pursuing inorganic growth through M&A. Certain schemes remain restricted to Domestic Companies, reducing the appeal of PLI Schemes for foreign investors and consequently impacting deal-making in such sectors.

The China Syndrome

The government is likely to continue its policy of discouraging investment from China, given the ongoing tensions at the border. However, the budget could signal that Press Note 3 of 2020, requiring governmental approval for any investment from land bordering countries, including China, will be tweaked to accommodate non-control M&A deals from China and investment in high-end manufacturing and cutting-edge technology.

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Privatisation: A key trigger for M&A

The previous government demonstrated through marquee privatisation deals, such as the sale of Air India, that taxpayers should not support the public sector in industries where a robust private sector exists. It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt a free-market approach, focusing on serving societys basic needs. If this budget includes provisions for privatisation, it could supercharge M&A activity in those sectors.

Way forward

A large part of Indias foreign investment and M&A framework is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India, among others, rather than directly by the Finance Ministry. Therefore, a broad budgetary ask from an M&A and private equity perspective would be a continuation of previous business-friendly policies, minimal unpleasant surprises and a continued commitment to ease of doing business.

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Avimukt Dar is Founding Partner and Shivani Singh is Senior Associate, IndusLaw. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The wedding photographer spoke about his experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan and how hes one of the best editors read more

Wedding photographer Vishal Punjabi recently spoke about Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan while giving an interview to DJ Simz and revealed how he is one of the best editors that he has seen and dropped many more revelations. Vishal said, He was a lot smaller than I thought he would be. You imagine him to be bigger, but he was a little smaller, though very enigmatic and charming. When I first saw him, I was like, Is that it?".

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He added, Shah Rukh is one of the best editors I have worked with. He edits every single film he shoots and acts in. He sits with the editor and goes through every scene. Its insane the amount of work he does.

Punjabi, who is also known as The Wedding Filmer, has shared some shocking details of one of his elite clients. Known for videographing several high-profile couples for their weddings including Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone, Sidharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani, Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli, Dia Mirza-Vaibhav Rekhi, Rakul Preet Singh-Jackky Bhagnani and others, when Vishal was asked in a recent chat if any of the marriages he has filmed have ended in divorce.

That happened with a celebrity. Two months after their wedding, he was cheating on her. He was caught red-handed with this Bollywood actress in his makeup van, on aBollywood set. His wife walks in and catches him naked, and says, I dont want your wedding film," said Vishal while talking to DJ Simz on YouTube.

Im calling the groom, hes not picking up. Im calling up the bride, shes like, Dont talk to me, I dont want the wedding film! So then, I call up his manager, and hes like, Bro, man, its not happening, we dont want the film. I was like, What do I do? Do I sell it to Netflix? Back then, I used to have a contract that said 50% before and 50% after I give you the film. After this incident, I was like, This is about the heart, marriage, life and fam, and Im going to charge you a 100% before I come, he continued.
Cybersecurity experts and agencies worldwide are cautioning people about a surge in opportunistic hacking attempts related to the recent IT outage. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz advised users to ensure they are communicating with official company representatives before downloading any fixes. While there is no evidence that the outage was caused by malicious activity, some bad actors are attempting to exploit the situation read more

United Airlines employees wait by a departures monitor displaying a blue error screen, also known as the Blue Screen of Death inside Terminal C in Newark International Airport, after United Airlines and other airlines grounded flights due to a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to CrowdStrike's "Falcon Sensor" software which crashed Microsoft Windows systems, in Newark, New Jersey, US, July 19, 2024. Reuters

A recent global IT outage impacted millions of devices and gave rise to numerous phishing scams. On Friday, led to a widespread IT outage affecting 8.5 million devices running Microsofts Windows operating system.

While this accounts for less than 1 per cent of all Windows-based machines, the outage caused significant disruptions globally. Online banking portals, air travel, and healthcare systems were among the services severely impacted by this event.

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David Weston, a Microsoft cybersecurity executive, commented on the unusual nature of such a significant disturbance, stating, Such a significant disturbance is rare but demonstrates the interconnected nature of our broad ecosystem.

Meanwhile, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz highlighted the urgency of addressing the outage and warned of potential exploitation by malicious actors: We know that adversaries and bad actors will try to exploit events like this. Our blog and technical support will continue to be the official channels for the latest updates.

How the IT outage gave rise to scams

In the wake of the outage, cybercriminals quickly began exploiting the situation. Various cybersecurity agencies, including the UKs National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Australias Signals Directorate (ASD), issued warnings about phishing attempts and scams.

These scams primarily involve malicious actors posing as CrowdStrike employees or other tech specialists, offering fake assistance to those recovering from the outage.

The NCSC reported a noticeable increase in phishing attempts related to the outage. Scammers are taking advantage of the chaos by pretending to offer help from CrowdStrike or Microsoft. These phishing attempts often involve emails, calls, or websites claiming to provide fixes for the outage.

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Pedestrians walk by blacked out screens, due to a global technology outage, in Times Square, July 19, 2024, in New York. File Image/AP

However, these so-called fixes lead to the downloading of malicious software or the theft of personal information. The ASD specifically alerted about hackers sending out bogus software fixes purportedly from CrowdStrike. Alert! We understand a number of malicious websites and unofficial code are being released claiming to help entities recover, the ASD notice warned.

Also Read: Remember 2000? The last time computers stopped working at this scale was because of the Y2K Bug

Responding to the ASD warning, Troy Hunt, a well-known cybersecurity expert, pointed out the opportunistic nature of scammers in such situations. An incident like this that has commanded so many headlines and has people worried is a gift to scammers, he said.

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This incident is about so much more than just downed PCs, for example the inevitable scams that are now attempting to exploit the fear people are holding onto https://t.co/RbsqUfrk4N  Troy Hunt (@troyhunt) July 20, 2024

This sentiment was echoed by other experts who noted the rapid increase in CrowdStrike-themed domain registrations.

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How are the scams being conducted?

One common tactic involves sending emails or messages claiming to be from CrowdStrike, offering a fix for the outage. These messages often contain links to malicious websites or attachments that install malware on the victims device.

Another prevalent scam is phone calls from individuals pretending to be tech support from CrowdStrike or Microsoft, asking for personal information or remote access to the victims computer.

In Latin America, there have been numerous attempts by scammers to trick individuals into downloading malicious software by posing as CrowdStrike employees. These scams are particularly dangerous because they exploit the urgency and confusion caused by the outage, making victims more likely to fall for the ruse.

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A person tries the door to a department of motor vehicles location to find it locked and the location closed due to an outage, July 19, 2024, in St. Louis, US. AP

Hackers are creating fake websites that appear official to trick IT managers and the public into downloading harmful software or revealing sensitive information.

How to protect yourself from such scams

To protect yourself from these scams, it is crucial to follow several precautionary steps. First, always verify the source of any communication related to the outage. If you receive an email, message, or call claiming to be from CrowdStrike or Microsoft, do not respond directly. Instead, visit the official website of the company and check for any announcements or updates.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying the authenticity of the communication. Catriona Lowe, deputy chair of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, warns, These scammers often create a sense of urgency that you need to do what they say to protect your computer and your financial information.

It is essential to slow down and take the time to verify any requests for personal information or actions.

If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to the relevant authorities. Different countries have designated websites for reporting scams. In Australia, individuals can report scams to Scamwatch. In the UK, concerns can be sent to report@phishing.gov.uk. In the US, instances of fraud can be reported to the US Federal Trade Commission. Reporting scams helps authorities track and address these fraudulent activities.

A technician works on an information display near United Airlines gates at Chicago OHare International Airport in Chicago, July 19, 2024, after a faulty CrowdStrike update caused a major internet outage for computers running Microsoft Windows. AP

Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, particularly older adults, who are often targeted by scams. The US National Institute of Aging advises checking in with older friends and family to ensure they are aware of the potential threats and know how to protect themselves.

Clare ONeil, Australias Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, said, It is very important that Australians are extremely cautious of any unexpected texts, calls or emails claiming to be assistance with this issue. She also urged people to help protect vulnerable individuals, including elderly relatives, by making sure they are extra cautious during this time.

What was the global impact of the outage

The outages impact was felt across multiple sectors, including travel, healthcare, and banking. The interconnectedness of global digital infrastructure meant that the outage had widespread repercussions.

Airlines were among the hardest hit by the outage. By Friday, more than 5,100 flights were canceled worldwide, with the number decreasing to around 1,500 by Saturday.

In India, three major airlines  IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air  were facing significant technical issues due to the outage. The US experienced significant disruptions, with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines facing the most cancellations.

Delta canceled more than 800 flights, while United dropped nearly 400. The situation at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, where Delta is the dominant carrier, was particularly chaotic, with thousands of passengers stranded and many spending the night at the airport.

Passengers wait at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, after airlines grounded flights due to a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to CrowdStrikes Falcon Sensor software which crashed Microsoft Windows systems, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, July 19, 2024. Reuters

Healthcare systems globally reported significant issues due to the outage. Many hospitals and clinics experienced canceled surgeries, restricted access to patient records, and even closures.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles made steady progress in restoring services but acknowledged ongoing efforts to fully recover. In Austria, Harald Mayer, vice president of the Austrian Chamber of Doctors, highlighted the need for analog backups to protect patient care, stating, The outage showed that hospitals need analog backups to protect patient care.

Also Read: PC stuck on Blue Screen of Death loop? Heres how to stop it from spiralling

Online banking portals were also affected, leading to delays in financial transactions. The outages impact on the banking sector underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the vulnerabilities within interconnected digital systems.

Government cybersecurity agencies across the globe, including Americas Cyber Defense Agency and Australias National Anti-Scam Centre, issued warnings for consumers to be wary of scams during this time.

With inputs from agencies
The Monsoon session of Parliament, also serving as this years Budget session will begin today. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea against UP governments order that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route must display the names of their owners. Heres what else to expect read more

The Monsoon session of Parliament, also serving as this year's Budget session, begins today.During this session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget on July 23, marking the first Budget of the Modi 3.0 government. File Photo

The news flow this Monday is heavy.

The Monsoon Session, which is also the budget session this year, will begin today.

Jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodias judicial custody will end in the excise policy case.

SC to hear pleas on SIT probe in electoral bond scheme.

The apex court will also hear the bail plea of Tamil Nadus Senthil Balaji in corruption case.

Taiwan to begin annual Han Kuang and Wan An military exercises.

The 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) will commence today in Munich, Germany.

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Heres a glimpse of what will happen today

Budget session of Parliament to begin

The Monsoon session of Parliament, also serving as this years Budget session, begins today.

During this session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget on July 23, marking the first Budget of the Modi 3.0 government.

In addition to the Finance Bill, the government has planned to introduce five other bills. Among these are a bill to amend the disaster management law, the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, and The Boilers Bill which will replace pre-independence era law, the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill and the Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has also established the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), which will determine the Parliamentary agenda.

Kanwar Yatra controversy: SC to hear plea against UP govts nameplate order for shops

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Uttar Pradesh governments order instructing shop owners to display their names outside shops during the Kanwar Yatra. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti will hear the case today.

The NGO, Association of Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), filed the plea.

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The Kanwar Yatra begins today.

Judicial custody of Manish Sisodia ends

Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodias judicial custody ends today, and he will appear in Delhis Rouse Avenue Court via video conferencing.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader was arrested by the CBI over alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped 2021-22 excise policy in February of last year. He was also arrested by the ED in March 2023 in a related money-laundering case.

The allegations claim that the Delhi governments 2021-22 excise policy, which aimed to grant licenses to liquor traders, led to cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes. These charges have been repeatedly denied by the AAP.

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AAP leader Manish Sisodia was arrested in February 2023 in the Delhi Excise Policy case. PTI

The policy was later scrapped, and Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI investigation, leading to the ED filing a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) under which AAP leaders, including Delhi CM Kejriwal, were arrested.

SC to hear plea on SIT probe in electoral bond scheme

The Supreme Court is set to hear a series of petitions demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the controversial and now-scrapped Electoral Bonds scheme.

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will consider public interest litigations (PILs) seeking an investigation into alleged quid pro quo arrangements between corporations and political parties via electoral bond donations.

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The petitions, filed by NGOs Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) have labelled the scheme as scam and demanded a probe into the source of funding of the shell companies and loss-making companies which made donations to various political parties.

Apex Court will also hear bail plea of Senthil Balaji

The Supreme Court will hear the bail plea of former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji today.

Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case tied to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as transport minister in the AIADMK government.

In February, the Madras High Court dismissed Balajis bail petition, stating that granting bail in such a case would send the wrong message and be against the larger public interest. The Madras High Court had also rejected his bail plea in October, and a local court has denied his bail requests three times.

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Taiwan to begin Han Kuang and Wan An military exercises

Taiwan will conduct a series of military exercises and drills aimed at preventing attacks on key airports and ports, and testing troops ability to respond to potential invasion scenarios from China.

The Ministry of National Defense had said these annual Han Kuang and Wan An exercises will focus on unscripted and real combat drills. These exercises, which will take place till July 26, will include shelter-in-place and air defense drill alerts.

Taiwan will conduct a series of military exercises and drills aimed at preventing attacks on key airports and ports, and testing troops ability to respond to potential invasion scenarios from China. Image for Representation. AP

These excercises come as China ramps up military pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory and has vowed to unify with the mainland, by force if necessary.

International AIDS conference in Germany

The 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024), organised by the International AIDS Society, will begin today in Munich, Germany. This event will bring together individuals living with and affected by HIV, as well as scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals, media, and community members.

Participants will share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned from the past 40 years of the HIV response. The conference aims to foster collaboration and innovation in tackling the ongoing challenges of the HIV epidemic.

UNDPs HIV and Health team, through the UNDP-led SCALE Initiative, will host several events focusing on the 10-10-10 targets, human rights, and key populations
Joe Bidens startling announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday was the final act in a series of jaw-dropping events that began with the shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The week also saw Trump picking Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. On the other hand, Bidens Democrat support continued to dwindle as leaders and lawmakers urged him to exit the presidential race read more

On Sunday, Joe Bidens announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race was the final act in a series of jaw-dropping events that began with the shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump. This whirlwind of political upheaval has left America reeling. Image for Representation. Reuters

In a week that has redefined political drama, the last eight days of the US presidential campaign have been nothing short of extraordinary.

On Sunday, Joe Bidens announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race was the final act in a series of jaw-dropping events that began with the shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump. This whirlwind of political upheaval has left America reeling.

With the November election approaching closer, the road ahead promises to be just as tumultuous as the week that has passed, with new twists and turns waiting around every corner. Heres what happened in the past week.

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Saturday: Trump assassination attempt

Republican candidate Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination bid during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, when a 20-year-old on a nearby rooftop opened fire.

Putting on a brave face, the bloodied candidate emerged about a minute later and could be heard saying, wait, wait, before pumping his fist in the air, mouthing the words Fight! Fight! Fight!

Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is assisted by U.S. Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024. Reuters

The pictures of Trump defiantly shaking his fist as Secret Service agents rush him from the stage become iconic, galvanising his supporters.

Monday: The Republican National Convention begins

Less than 48 hours after surviving an assassination attempt, Donald Trump made a triumphant entrance to a roaring crowd at the Republican National Convention. His ear, injured during the attempt, was covered by a white bandage as he held his fist aloft in defiance.

Trump announced his vice-presidential running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who had once been a fierce critic of the former US President, even calling him an idiot.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate Senator JD Vance (right) attend the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. AP

According to a BBC report, Vance had written privately to an associate on Facebook in 2016, saying: I go back and forth between thinking Trump is a cynical a**hole  or that hes Americas Hitler."

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Gradually, Vance came to embrace Trump in 2022 as he sought a Senate seat and eventually won the former presidents endorsement in a crowded Republican primary.



Wednesday: Pressure on Biden increases

Bidens support continued to dwindle following his disastrous June 27 debate with Trump, as Democratic fear grew over the 81-year-olds age and ability to beat Trump at the polls  then serve another four years.

Adam Schiff, a top Democratic lawmaker, joined a fast-growing list of party officials urging the president to step aside, praising him but saying our nation is at a crossroads."

US President Joe Bidens



Biden is also diagnosed with Covid, forced to step off the campaign trail and retreat to his beach home in Delaware to recover.

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In an interview released the same day, Biden said he could reconsider his election bid if a medical condition emerged.

Thursday: Pelosi, Obama and Trump

New signs of waning Democrat support emerged: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had been working to resolve the growing crisis, reportedly told House Democrats that the president might soon be persuaded to exit the race.

Barack Obama, one of the most influential Democrats, joined the growing chorus within the party calling for Biden to drop out. According to The Washington Post, the former president, who was once Bidens boss, told allies that Biden should seriously consider the viability of his candidacy.

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Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Trump accepted his nomination at the Republican National Convention, promising an enraptured crowd that they could expect an incredible victory in November.

Friday: Stakes are high

With the list of lawmakers urging Biden to drop out reaching 25, he again insisted he would stay in the race, saying, The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win."

I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week, the 81-year-old added, as his doctor said the president was bouncing back from the symptoms of the disease.

Saturday: Bullet for democracy



At his first rally since the attempted assassination, Trump addressed a rapt crowd in swing state Michigan, declaring, I took a bullet for democracy, he was quoted as saying by the BBC. What did I do against democracy? he added.

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In his speech, Trump thanked the thousands and thousands of people who came to see him almost exactly a week after the assassination bid.

At his first rally since the attempted assassination, Trump addressed a rapt crowd in swing state Michigan, declaring, I took a bullet for democracy, he was quoted as saying by the

He also mocked Democrats leadership crisis, and said, They have no idea who their candidate is. He added, This guy goes and he gets the votes and now they want to take it away.

As youre seeing, the Democrat Party is not the party of democracy. Theyre really the enemies of democracy, the Republican candidate stated.

Sunday: Bidens big announcement

Sunday begins with key Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat-aligned independent, joining the chorus urging Biden to step aside.

Two polls brought grim news for the president, one showing sharply dropping support in battleground state Michigan, the other showing Trump enjoying his highest favourability ratings in years.

Biden then posted a stunning statement on social media announcing he is ending his candidacy, saying it is in the best interest of my party and the country."

He further endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys new nominee, as top Democrats such as Bill and Hillary Clinton echo their support.



Trump declared on social media that Biden was not fit to run and is certainly not fit to serve. Republicans including House Speaker Mike Johnson insist that Biden must resign as president immediately."

The Democratic Party chairman announced there will be a transparent and orderly to pick someone to run in Bidens place.



With input from AFP
After weeks of speculation, Joe Biden has stepped aside from the US presidential election against Donald Trump. The president has endorsed his VP Kamala Harris to take on the challenge. However, she is not the Democratic nominee yet. Heres why read more

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during a campaign event in Wilmington, Delaware, in August 2020. Harris is the favourite so far to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee. File photo/AP

The upheaval in US politics continues. Weeks after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump and many a gaffe, President Joe Biden has quit the White House race. Ending his election bid, he endorsed Vice President Kamal Harris to succeed him on Sunday.

While Harris has said she is honoured to receive Bidens endorsement, she still has to win the nomination. And Bidens decision might as a relief to many Democrats, but it poses challenges to them. The party has to navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.

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Despite support from Biden and top Democrats, it is unclear if Harris will become the nominee. There are no answers yet on what process the party could take to pick an alternative if any.

We take a look at the possibilities.

Why did Biden quit the White House race? Is he still the president?

Joe Biden decided to drop out of the presidential race after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump on 27 June. At 81, he was the oldest president running for a second term. His age and mental fitness have been under scrutiny and the speculation increased in recent weeks. After the debate debacle, many Democrat lawmakers urged Biden to withdraw as the presidential candidate.

As the pressure grew, Biden withdrew from the re-election. However, he has not quit as the US president. He will continue the rest of the term.

The front page of USA Today is seen as US President Joe Biden announced that he is dropping his reelection bid, at the New York Times College Point Printing Plant in Queens, New York City on 21 July. Reuters

What do Democrats do now?

The traditional primary season has ended a while ago. And while Biden has backed Harris to be the party nominee in the November election, he cannot automatically make her the candidate.

Biden won every state primary and caucus earlier this year and only lost the territory of American Samoa. At least 3,896 delegates pledged to support him; this is much more than the amount needed to secure his partys nomination.

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After he releases the delegates, they are no longer pledged to a candidate, reports the BBC. They can vote for whomever they want.

How does the party pick a new nominee?

Individual delegates will select the partys nominee on the convention floor or possibly during a virtual roll call.

With Biden stepping aside, Democrats start with an open convention. The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22.

What was supposed to be a coronation for Biden now becomes an open contest in which nearly 4,700 delegates will be responsible for picking a new standard-bearer to challenge Republican Donald Trump.

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A candidate needs signatures from at least 300 delegates for their name to appear on the ballot. Only 50 signatures can come from a state.

Hugh Kieve, 10, from Washington, holds a sign in front of the White House, on 21 July, in Washington. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. AP

An initial round of voting will be held among 3,900 delegates, which include voters considered to be loyal to the Democratic party. If no candidate receives a majority after this round, it is followed by more rounds. These rounds will include superdelegates, party leaders and elected officials, who will all cast their votes until a nominee is picked, reports the BBC.

A candidate needs 1,976 delegate votes to secure the party nomination.

But the party need not wait for the convention. Democrats could even go forward with their plans for an early virtual vote  a move theyd planned to make sure Biden was selected ahead of Ohios general election ballot deadline.

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What does Kamala Harris do next?

The immediate burden is on Harris to solidify support across almost 4,000 delegates from US states, territories and the District of Columbia, plus more than 700 so-called superdelegates that include party leaders, certain elected officials and former presidents and vice presidents, reports The Associated Press (AP).

The vice president has already started sending out fundraising emails. I am running to be president of the United States," read one such message. I am honoured to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

She said she needed Americans in the election fight, asking them to donate anything starting from $20 (Rs 1,673) to $500 (Rs 41,829), or other amounts, reports the BBC.

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Kamala Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major partys presidential ticket after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden after he quit the race. AP

Who could challenge Harris?

As more and more Democrats opined that Biden should drop out of the race, several names started doing the rounds. These include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

But Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020 and was considered a potential replacement for Biden, praised Harris, saying shes the person to take up the torch [and] defeat Donald Trump.

Michigans Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer was considered a top contender to replace Biden. However, she told AP at her book launch earlier this month that she would not run for president even if Biden dropped out. Now reports in the US media said that Whitmer will not challenge Harris.

However, some of these candidates could be considered for the role of vice president if Harris wins the Democratic nomination.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was one of the contenders to replace Joe Biden. However, she is said to support Harris. File photo/AP

New challengers could come up. Sources close to Senator Joe Manchin, a West Virginia independent, said hes considering re-registering as a Democrat and throwing his hat into the ring to run for president, reports CNN.

According to Katty Kay, US special correspondent, for the BBC, As more and more Democratic leaders follow President Joe Biden and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, it will now be increasingly difficult for another Democrat to mount a serious, substantive challenge to her and claim that they should be the partys candidate instead of Harris.

Which Democrats are backing Harris?

An overwhelming majority of the Democratic Partys 57 state party leaders have voted to back Harris to replace Biden as the nominee, according to the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC).

I am proud that state party chairs, vice chairs and executive directors across the country are overwhelmingly uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the organisations chair Ken Martin says in a statement on X.

Democratic State Party Chairs and Leaders Announce Overwhelming Support for Vice President @KamalaHarris for President of the United States of America



- ASDC President and @MinnesotaDFL Chair @kenmartin73 pic.twitter.com/e7BIeuwGU3  Association of State Democratic Committees (@DemStateParties) July 22, 2024

Apart from Buttigieg and Whitmer, who were seen as contenders to replace Harris, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar have endorsed the VP.

Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, whose name has come up as a potential VP pick for Harris if she becomes the Democratic candidate, said that Harris has what it takes.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X that Harris will be the next president of the United States. Newsom, who was earlier touted as a potential replacement for Biden, threw his support behind Harris too, describing her as tough, fearless, tenacious.

Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, both Democrats, also endorsed Harris in a statement.

A handmade sign for Vice President Kamala Harris appears on a lawn, in Washington. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. AP

Still, others, including Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president for eight years, thanked Biden for his patriotism but did not yet throw their support behind Harris or any other candidate, reports Reuters.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead, Obama said in a statement. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

The truth remains that Harris also has not been viewed as an especially beloved or empowered vice president. But the best scenario for her and the Democrats is to quickly garner support and project a united front if they want to beat Trump.

With inputs from agencies
President Joe Biden, shown with Vice President Kamala Harris at a Fourth of July celebration on the White House balcony, has endorsed Harris for the presidential race. Samuel Corum/Getty Images A sign outside the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. where Kamala Harris lives promotes the vice president in her presidential run. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  A crush of Democratic lawmakers quickly coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris to become the partys nominee in the wake of President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 election. But a handful of high-profile party leaders praised Biden without commenting on who should replace him at the top of the ticket.

With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else, Harris said in a statement. I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

With Bidens support, Harris can rely on his existing campaign infrastructure and access the tens of millions of dollars in the Biden-Harris campaign fund, as of Sunday.

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By quickly endorsing Kamala Harris, Biden has given campaign infrastructure, delegates, donors and people on the ground direction, said Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, which advocates for Black women in politics.

Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed Harris late Sunday afternoon. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris, Newsom wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

We must now do everything we can to ensure Vice President Harris succeeds. Theres no one better prepared for this challenge, said Butler, who played a central role in Harris 2020 campaign.

Lee, a longtime Harris ally, said the party needs to quickly unify around Harris.

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Huffman said he is excited to work with Harris and her team to bring this home.

Huffman said he attempted to reach out to Harris team to discuss her potential candidacy in recent weeks, but the group wouldnt entertain those conversations.

She has been locked down trying to help President Biden  as she should, Huffman said. But now its a different conversation.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose, who leads the California Democratic congressional delegation, appeared to support Harris but stopped short of endorsing her. Kamala Harris would be a good, capable and exciting nominee, but there will need to be a quick assessment and process to reach that conclusion. The delegates to the Democratic Convention, selected by voters, will choose the nominee, not elected officials, Lofgren told the Chronicle.

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But Bera said he expects support for Harris will only grow following Bidens bombshell announcement.

Therell be chatter around an open process, but I think youll quickly see folks come together around the vice president, Bera told the Chronicle. Its a logical choice. She inherits the campaign apparatus and the momentum and having President Biden behind her  I think itd be hard for someone to mount a challenge against her.

Some of the most influential House groups and their leaders endorsed Harris, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

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Kamala Harris should be the next President, North Carolina Gov. Cooper said on X. She has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Harris is the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as president. I have seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand, working closely with her during the 2020 campaign and then in the historically effective Biden-Harris administration.

Members of Democratic leadership have largely focused their comments on Bidens decision, however, and not who might replace him. Those statements have mostly come from their congressional offices, which are prohibited from being used for political purposes.

President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said.

America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said.

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Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said.

Its unclear how the process to choose a new nominee will work. Some, like Lofgren, have expressed support for a mini-primary, with candidates being prevetted by former presidents.

But the two most recent Democratic presidents appeared to diverge on how to proceed. While former President Bill Clinton (and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the 2016 nominee) said they support Harris, former President Barack Obama declined to mention Harris in his comments.
Year after year, the country has seen finance ministers carry a briefcase with them for the budget presentation. However, in 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scripted history when she brought a bahi khata with her, and two years later, switched it up with a Made in India tablet read more

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget, in New Delhi. PTI

Year after year, the country has seen finance ministers carry a briefcase with them for the budget presentation. However, in 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scripted history when she brought a bahi khata with her, and two years later, switched it up with a Made in India tablet

Come July 23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her record-breaking seventh consecutive budget in a row. While many will keenly watch this presentation, one aspect that many may keep an eye on is the pouch she carries with her to Parliament for the budget presentation.

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It is Sitharaman, in fact, that changed tradition. Until 2019, finance ministers through the years had carried a briefcase for the budget presentation. However, in that year, she chose a red cloth pouch. And two years later, made history again when she switched over to a red pouch in which there was a tablet.

As we prep for this big day, heres a look at the history of the suitcase and its significance in the financial exercise.

Where did the briefcase tradition come from?

Unknown to many, the word Budget has its origin in the French word Bougette, which means leather briefcase. And thats the reason why we have seen finance ministers over the years holding it at Parliament.

The tradition comes from the United Kingdom from the 18th Century. The first budget box was designed in 1860 for the Chancellor of the UK back then, William Ewart Gladstone, who commissioned a wooden box, lined in black satin and covered in scarlet leather with Queens monogram embossed in gold.

The UK uses the red Gladstone box in their every budget session. In Britain, one budget briefcase is passed on from a finance minister to another. File image/News18

The colour red, it is said, was chosen perhaps for two reasons: One could be Prince Alberts preference, aligning with the colour on the arms of his house. The second is that Queen Elizabeth Is representative presented a red briefcase filled with black puddings to the Spanish ambassador in the late 16th century, initiating the red colour tradition.

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The UK since then has stuck to the red Gladstone box. However, in 2010, UKs red Gladstone bag had become so shabby that it was officially retired.

What about Indias budget briefcase?

Following in the footsteps of Britain, Indian ministers too carried a briefcase for the budget presentation. But, there has been no specific colour used for the briefcase. Over the years, we have seen finance ministers using briefcases that were red, black and even tan in colour.

RK Shanmukham Chetty presented the countrys first budget on November 26, 1947, just three months after India gained independence. he turned up for the presentation with signature budget bag. File image/constitutionofindia.net

The first budget of India on 26 November, 1947 saw then Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty carrying a trademark budget bag. In 1974, Yashwantrao Chavan walked up to Parliament with a steel-lined suitcase. During the 1998-99 budget, Yashwant Singhs briefcase had buckles and straps, whereas Manmohan Singh carried a briefcase similar to the Gladstone box, although black in colour in 1991. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram was seen with a scarlet leather briefcase much like the British one and Arun Jaitley had carried a tan briefcase in 2015.

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Indias Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrives at the Parliament to present the federal budget for the 2015/16, in New Delhi. Jaitley then carried this tan coloured briefcase. File image/Reuters

However, not all finance ministers have used the bag at the Budget presentation. Finance ministers TT Krishnamachari in 1957-58 and 1964-65, and Morarji Desai in 1959-1964 and 1967-70, carried their budget speeches  in files.

How did Sitharaman break briefcase tradition?

The briefcase tradition continued until 2019. However, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her first Union Budget, she scripted history by breaking the tradition. She ditched the briefcase and opted for the Bahi Khata to carry the budget papers.

The Bahi Khata has been used by Indian households, neighbourhood shops, and small enterprises to manage their budget for years immemorial and it seems that Sitharaman wanted to reflect that in her debut budget.'

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives to present the 2019 budget in Parliament, New Delhi. She changed budget traditions by ditching the briefcase for the bahi khata. File image/Reuters

When asked about her move, she said: For Budget 2019, I did not carry a suitcase. We are not a suitcase-carrying government. A suitcase also denotes something else, suitcase taking, suitcase giving. Modijis government is not a suitcase government.

And Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian said on Nirmala Sitharaman keeping budget documents in the four-fold red cloth instead of a briefcase, It is in Indian tradition. It symbolises our departure from the slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a bahi khata (ledger).

The following year, in 2020, she presented the budget yet again with the bahi khata and said that it was time to get over the British hangover. I thought it was better we move out from British handhold. And I thought it was good enough to do something on our own. It was easier for me to carry also and very Indian, Sitharaman said.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman once again changed it up in 2021. The bahi khata gave way to a tablet, a move in tandem with Prime Minister Narendra Modis push for a Digital India.

According to a CNBCTV18 report, Sitharaman read out her budget from the Made in India tablet, manufactured by Samsung. The report added that the red folder and State Emblem of India stamped on the folder were also Made in India. The stamp of State Emblem, which is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka from 250 BCE at Sarnath, was made in Moradabad.

But, whats in the budget bag?

While a lot has been discussed about the bag, very little has been said about the contents of the bag. However, simply put, the briefcase or now tablet carries the finance ministers budget speech and financial documents. This is revealed once the budget presentation is completed.

With inputs from agencies
If Kamala Harris secures the Democratic partys presidential nomination, her candidature will be a statement against sexism and racism. While ticking the box of the first woman president of the US which already would be history-in-the-making, Harris may also be the first Black woman and the first Indian American to lead the oldest democracy in the world. The question that remains: Are Americans ready for it? read more

United States Vice President Kamala Harris looks on as she visits the St. Paul Health Center, a clinic that performs abortions, in St. Paul, Minnesota, US, March 14, 2024. File Image/Reuters

United States President Joe Biden, 81, announced his decision to end his re-election campaign, endorsing US Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made, Biden stated on X. He continued, Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

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My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Bidens decision followed weeks of pressure from Democratic lawmakers and donors who were concerned about his ability to endure another term due to his age and health.

Harris, in turn posted that she intended to earn and win this nomination.

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.



I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

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The Democratic Party is gearing up for a historic gamble by considering Harris as its presidential candidate. They are betting that a Black woman can overcome the challenges of racism, sexism, and her political history to defeat Republican Donald Trump.

In over two centuries of American democracy, voters have elected only one Black president and never a woman, casting doubts even among some Black voters about Harriss chances to break through these historical barriers.

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How is Harris potential candidature being seen?

Harris, 59, who is two decades younger than Trump, is a prominent advocate for abortion rights, a critical issue resonating with younger voters and the progressive base of the Democratic Party.

Her candidacy is seen by proponents as an opportunity to energise these voters, consolidate Black support, and showcase her formidable debating skills against Trump. However, Harris faces significant challenges. With only three months to campaign, she needs to unite the party and donors behind her quickly.

Her approval ratings, while low, are slightly better than Bidens. According to Five Thirty Eight, 38.6 per cent of Americans approve of Harris, while 50.4 per cent disapprove. Bidens approval stands at 38.5 per cent, with a 56.2 per cent disapproval rating.

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US First lady Jill Biden, left, and second gentleman Douglass Emhoff, right, watch as US President Joe Biden, center left, raises the hand of Vice President Kamala Harris as they view the Independence Day firework display over the National Mall from the balcony of the White House, July 4, 2024, in Washington. File Image/AP

In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup, Harris and Trump were tied with 44 per cent support each, according to a July 15-16 Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after an assassination attempt on Trump. Trump led Biden 43 per cent to 41 per cent in the same poll, though the 2 percentage point difference was within the polls 3 percentage point margin of error.

What do Americans think about a woman president?

A 2023 Pew Research study highlighted the perception that women are equally or better suited than men in key leadership qualities. The study revealed that 92 per cent of respondents believed a woman president would be as good or better at working out compromises and maintaining a respectful tone in politics, 94 per cent at being honest and ethical, 90 per cent at standing up for what she believes in despite political pressure, and 87 per cent at working well under pressure.

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Also Read | Kamala Harris and her deep India connection: From loving good idli to childhood memories of Chennai

Melinda French Gates had echoed the need for more women in government in a 2023 Time article, stating, While no one would claim that women are a monolith who support any one party or agenda, there is evidence that women govern differently, working more collaboratively across party lines and introducing legislation on issues that have historically gone unaddressed.

But what does history say?

The US elected Barack Obama, the first Black president, in 2008, and Hillary Clinton, the only woman to head a major partys presidential ticket, lost to Trump in 2016.

Harris, the first woman and the first Black and South Asian person to serve as vice president, has faced and is expected to continue facing unfair attacks related to her race and gender. Despite this, her supporters argue that she is prepared for these challenges.

Then US Vice President Joe Biden administers the Senate oath of office to then Senator Kamala Harris, D-California, as her husband, Douglas Emhoff, holds the Bible during a a mock swearing in ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 3, 2017, as the 115th Congress begins. File Image/AP

Harris has faced criticism for her initial years as vice president, her short-lived 2020 presidential campaign, and the historical weight of racial and gender discrimination in the US. However, her standing in the party has improved, especially with her advocacy for reproductive rights following the Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Is the Democratic party ready to back her?

Despite her achievements, some Democrats remain wary. Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez remarked on Instagram, If you think that there is consensus among the people who want Joe Biden to leave that they will support Kamala - Vice President Harris - you would be mistaken. Theres no safe option. Concerns about Harriss earlier political missteps and the broader societal issues of racism and sexism persist.

US Vice President Kamala Harris walks as she departs Marine Two as she leaves Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, July 18, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Supporters, however, point to her greater name recognition compared to other potential Democratic candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. They argue that while Harris has her flaws, these are known and can be managed in a campaign, unlike the uncertainties surrounding other candidates.

How has Trump treated Harris?

Trump has consistently used racist and sexist rhetoric against Harris. In 2020, he falsely suggested that Harris, born in California, did not qualify to be a candidate for vice president. At a recent rally in Michigan, Trump mocked her, saying, I call her Laughing Kamala. You ever watch her laugh? Shes crazy. Such attacks echo his earlier false claims about Obamas citizenship, which gained traction among his far-right supporters.

Critics have accused Trump of perpetuating racial and gender biases, which could influence the electorate. Harriss role in defending reproductive rights and other progressive issues has been significant, with Biden crediting her for helping to prevent a red wave of Republican victories in the 2022 midterm elections.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and her two grand nieces arrive at ice cream shop Smize & Dream, which is owned by Tyra Banks, in Washington, US, July 19, 2024. File Image/Reuters

As Harris steps into the spotlight, her potential presidency represents a significant generational and cultural shift for the United States. The question remains whether America is ready to embrace this change and elect a woman, and specifically a woman of colour, to its highest office.

With inputs from agencies
Its an epic reversal. From refusing to quit, Joe Biden did the unthinkable when he announced that he was dropping out of the race for the White House. The 81-year-old US president all but made up his mind on Saturday while self-isolating in Delaware and declared the same on Sunday, just a minute after he informed his White House staff. Even Kamala Harris, who he endorsed, was only made aware of the decision on Sunday afternoon read more

US President Joe Biden exits the political stage in isolation. As he self-isolates in Delaware, he dropped the bombshell that he would not continue in his bid for a second term for the White House. File image/Reuters

On April 25, 2023, Joe Biden announced that he was running for re-election, asking voters to give him more time to finish the job  with Vice President Kamala Harris right by his side.

In a video that was aired everywhere, he said, Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. I believe this is ours.

A year later and a few months before America goes to the polls  the voting is scheduled for November 5  Biden once again made an announcement, this time, possibly upending US politics by saying through a letter he posted on X that he was dropping out of the race.

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Isolating at his home in Delaware after contracting COVID-19, he said in his letter: It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

As CNN notes, it was a very low-key way to reveal one of the most historic decisions in modern American politics. He also then endorsed his running mate Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, said Biden.

As the nation as well as the world reels from this decision, lets take a look at how the 81-year-old commander-in-chief reached this point and how it came as a surprise to even his White House staff.

The final 48 hours

Bidens decision to drop out of the race is a complete reversal of his previous stance where he said that he was the only man who could beat Trump. Despite the growing calls from the Democratic Party and its donors, the 81-year-old insisted he was the man for the job and even said that he would be returning to campaigning this week  after his COVID diagnosis.

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However, all of that changed, reportedly on Saturday night and it is reported that he began consultations with family and top advisers by telephone and reached his decision by Sunday.

A person looks at a New York Times news article on US President Joe Bidens announcement that he is dropping his reelection bid, in New York City. Reuters

According to an NBC News report, Biden reluctantly came to accept that he couldnt sustain his campaign any longer as his numbers were slipping, donors were fleeing and senior party members and leaders were pushing him to exit. It was on Saturday that he finally came to the decision that many Democrats had already reached: Biden couldnt run this race any longer.

On Saturday, Biden convened his family and trusted aides, which included Steve Richetti, one of his closest advisers, Mike Donilon, his chief strategist, Annie Tomasini, his deputy chief of staff and Anthony Bernal, the chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden.

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After hours and hours of pouring over the data, Biden worked with Donilon, drafting his statement that would bring an end to his candidacy while Richetti worked through the details of rolling out the announcement and informing other staff.

It was on Sunday morning then that Biden made his final decision of dropping out of the White House race and then separately called his chief of staff Jeff Zients, his campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon and Vice President Kamala Harris to inform them, sources have told the BBC.

People walk near a a news ticker announcing that US President Joe Biden is dropping his reelection bid, in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Reuters

Taking the White House by surprise

On Sunday at 1.45 pm (local time), Biden called up his White House senior staff to break the news. A minute after he broke the news to them over a Zoom call, he released his public statement to the world, causing shock and surprise for many.

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It is said that Jill Biden, Bidens wife, played a key role in Joes decision to drop out of the race. Elizabeth Alexander, the first ladys communication director told the BBC, Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she was supportive of whatever road he chose. Shes his biggest believer, champion and always on his side, in that trusted way only a spouse of almost 50 years can be.

A child holds a placard as people gather outside the White House after US President Joe Biden announced he is stopping his bid for reelection, in Washington, DC. Reuters

Notably, some came to know of Bidens decision through social media  an indicator of how close the news was kept. He told NBC News that everyone around Biden was taken by surprise, particularly after some of Bidens closest allies were on Sunday shows pushing for his candidacy. No one knew. Kamala didnt even know, the person said.

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A number of his aides, as per a Washington Post report, were upset by being kept in the dark, having been told Friday and Saturday to keep fighting for his candidacy. Some were even working on Sunday morning, preparing for the morning shows, and heading back to Wilmington for the week.

Kamala Harris steps up

On Sunday, before he made his decision public, Biden called up Kamala Harris, his vice president, telling her of his announcement to drop his re-election bid.

It is reported that shortly after receiving the news, the vice president made a round of phone calls to several party leaders to ensure that she would face few obstacles in winning the partys nomination. In addition to Bidens support, she has, until now, won endorsements from former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who was the partys 2016 presidential nominee. Notably, former US president Barack Obama is yet to endorse the vice president.

A person holds a placard as people gather outside the White House after US President Joe Biden announced he is stopping his bid for reelection, in Washington, DC. He has endorsed Kamala Harris for the race. Reuters

But while Biden has endorsed her, not all share the same feeling within the Democratic Party. Some Democrats are worried over Harriss ability to take on Trump and there are senior senators who even floated the idea of an open convention in August.

About that debate

Bidens decision to drop out comes after that disaster of a debate on June 27. While debating with Donald Trump, the 81-year-old froze many times, mumbled incoherently  with many concluding that Biden had lost the plot.

Soon, calls came from within his party that he should step away from the race. They told him he couldnt win. And the money was drying up from donors who felt that Bidens health was a huge concern.

The pressure kept mounting with even bigger names such as Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and even Barack Obama putting pressure on Biden to quit the race. It was this that apparently changed the tide for Biden. From being defiant, it was reported that he became receptive about hearing arguments to dropping out of the race.

It seems that at the end the pressure worked and Biden has adhered to his partys calls. But how will history view him? What about his legacy?

As one long-time Biden ally told NBC News: Here is a man who has always talked about dignity. And what was happening to him in a very public setting was undignified. Where does the president go to get his dignity back?

With inputs from agencies
India has two budgets this year because the incumbent government could not present a full Budget before the general election. The interim budget allowed the Centre to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to tide over expenses until the new government was formed read more

Nirmala Sitharaman will become Indias first finance minister to deliver seven straight budgets  passing the tally of Morarji Desai. PTI

Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget on July 23.

This comes after Sitharaman earlier presented the interim budget on 1 February.

Sitharaman is set to make history by becoming Indias first finance minister to deliver seven straight budgets  passing the tally of Morarji Desai.

Desai, as finance minister, had presented five annual Budgets and one interim budget from 1959 to 1964.

Sitharaman previously passed the records of her predecessors Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram, and Yashwant Sinha  all of whom presented five budgets in a row.

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But why does India have two budgets this year? Whats the difference between the interim and the full budget?

Lets take a closer look:

Interim budget

India has two budgets this year because the incumbent government could not present a full Budget prior to the Lok Sabha polls.

In election years, the finance minister presents an interim budget for the incumbent government during a joint sitting of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in Parliament.

Which is exactly what happened on 1 February.

The interim budget is essentially a vote-on-account.

According to Business Standard, this deals specifically with expenditure.

It can be passed by Parliament without a formal discussion.

A vote-on-account, once approved by Parliament, lets the government withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India  where the government places all its revenue  to meet its expenses for the period from April to July.

The interim budget thus gives the incumbent government authority to spend a certain sum of money until a new government takes over.

According to Business Standard, it is defined as a temporary financial statement presented by the Government of India during a poll year.

The interim budget provides an estimate of the revenue and expenditure as well as some policy details, according to Financial Express.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman carrying a folder-case containing the Interim Budget 2024. PTI

The interim budget does not usually contain major policy measures, as per Moneycontrol.

This is because a different government could possibly come to power after polls.

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According to Business Standard, the Election Commission of Indias code of conduct does not allow the interim Budget to contain any major prescriptions.

This is because the incumbent government could include sops to curry favour with voters.

The incumbent government is also not allowed to present the Economic Survey with the interim Budget.

However, there is no law stopping the incumbent government from taking measures to deal with urgent issues facing the economy.

Sitharaman in December said there would be no spectacular announcement for the interim budget.

I am not going to play a spoilsport but it is a matter of truth that the 1 February budget will just be a vote on account. We are in an election mode, and the elections happens during the coming summer. So, the budget that the government presents will just be able to, or will just be a Budget to meet the expenditure of the government till a new government comes into play, she was quoted as saying by NDTV.

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Sitharaman was as good as her word  making no major policy announcements or changes to the tax structure.

Full Budget

Meanwhile, the full Budget is presented after the new government takes office  like Sitharaman is set to do on July 23.

According to Business Standard, the Union Budget is referred to as the annual financial statement under Article 112 of the Indian Constitution.

The full Budget comprises the estimated costs and expenses of the government for the next financial year.

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As per Financial Express, the revenue budget comprises receipts and revenue expenditure, while capital budget is made up of capital receipts and capital payments.

According to Business Today, the Budget details the governments estimated revenue sources including taxes, duties, and other income streams as well as planned expenditures in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and defence.

It also sees the Centre reveal new policies, schemes, and reforms aimed at improving the countrys economic growth and social development.

The full Budget is properly scrutinised by both Houses of Parliament  and must be approved by them.

The Budget is also fiercely debated  allowing for it to be studied and even changed before it is passed.

The full Budget is valid till the end of the financial year  31 March.

In essence, the distinction between Indias interim budget and full-year budget lies in their scope, duration, and purpose, the Business Standard piece stated.

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While the interim budget acts as a temporary measure to meet immediate financial needs, the full-year budget encompasses a comprehensive fiscal strategy aimed at driving long-term growth and development.

Past budgets

After the Modi government came to power in 2014, Arun Jaitley took charge of the finance ministry and presented five Budgets in a row from 2014-15 to 2018-19.

It was in 2017 that Jaitley departed from the colonial-era tradition of presenting Budget on the last working day of February to 1st of the month.

Piyush Goyal, who was holding the additional charge of the ministry due to ill health of Jaitley, presented the interim Budget for 2019-20 on February 1, 2019.

Goyal had hiked standard deduction for salaried taxpayers by Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. Also, the tax rebate for taxpayers whose annual taxable income did not exceed Rs 5 lakh was increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 12,500.

After the 2019 general elections, in the Modi 2.0 Government, Sitharaman was given the charge of the finance portfolio.

She became the second woman to have presented Budget after Indira Gandhi, who had presented the Budget for financial year 1970-71.

That year, Sitharaman did away with the traditional budget briefcase and instead went for a bahi-khata with the National Emblem to carry the speech and other documents.

The first Budget of Independent India was presented by the first finance minister RK Shanmukham Chetty.

With inputs from agencies
Beer bathing, a practice that dates back centuries in Eastern Europe, has made a comeback as a wellness trend. Proponents of this experience claim that the sudsy soak is more than just a novelty. It has helped them relieve stress, improve circulation, and soothe muscle aches and pains read more

Beer bathing dates back to centuries, particularly in Eastern Europe, with the earliest records dating back to 921 AD. The Duke of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, was known to enjoy cold beer baths. This practice remains popular in Prague and has expanded to various locations in the UK and US. Reuters

Imagine soaking in a warm tub, surrounded by the rich aroma of your favourite bath salts and essential oils, but with one unique addition: your favourite brew!

Welcome to the world of beer bathing.

While the new wellness trend has been gaining a lot of attention in the spa industry, it isnt as modern as one might think.

The practice dates back to centuries, particularly in Eastern Europe, with the earliest records dating back to 921 AD. The Duke of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, was known to enjoy cold beer baths. This practice remains popular in Prague and has expanded to various locations in the UK and US.

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Derived from European traditions, this spa treatment incorporates the therapeutic benefits of Malt, Hops, and minerals salts, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere designed to soothe both the body and mind, The Norfolk Mead, hotel which recently opened UKs first beer spa, said on its website.

People who have been bathing in oak hot tubs, full of beer, claim that the sudsy soak is more than just novelty. Heres a closer look at the wellness trend and its potential benefits.

What are some benefits of beer bathing?

While advocates of beer bathing claim a multitude of benefits for both the skin and overall health, experts are beginning to acknowledge their experiences.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, shared with Womans World magazine, Beer baths have been touted for their potential skin benefits, thanks to certain ingredients found in beer.

Hops, a primary component of beer, are rich in xanthohumul and humulone, antioxidants that can help combat free radicals, potentially improving skin health. Yeast, another key ingredient, contains B vitamins and can help maintain skins moisture levels, which might be beneficial for dry skin conditions, she explained.

Hops, a primary component of beer in antioxidants that can help combat free radicals, potentially improving skin health. Yeast, another key ingredient, contains B vitamins and can help maintain skins moisture levels, which might be beneficial for dry skin conditions, a Dermat Dr. Hannah Kopelman said. Image for Representation. Reuters

She further added, Some proponents also claim that the acids in beer can help to exfoliate the skin, potentially aiding in the management of acne or eczema.

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Beyond skin benefits, enthusiasts of this trend assert that beer baths offer more holistic advantages. According to Screenshot, soaking in beer can relieve stress, improve circulation, and soothe muscle aches and pains.

Moreover, the combination of the baths warmth and the therapeutic properties of beers ingredients creates a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, making it much more than just a quirky wellness fad.

DIY Beer bath at home

For those curious about trying beer bathing without a trip to a specialised spa, a DIY beer bath can be easily prepared at home. However, Hannah Kopelman, DO, recommends doing so in moderationno more than once a weekto avoid potential skin irritation.

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When making your own beer bath, use room temperature beer and skip hot water, which can strip your skins natural oils, she advised.

When it comes to choosing the beer, Kopelman told the American weekly magazine, Any type of beer can be used, but darker beers with higher hop content might offer more antioxidant benefits. She also suggests doing a skin patch test first by swiping some beer on your inner arm to see how your skin reacts before submerging your entire body.

To create your own beer bath, simply add over 450 ml (16 oz) of beer to a tub of warm water, then relax for about 20 minutes. Reuters

To create your own beer bath, simply add over 450 ml (16 oz) of beer to a tub of warm water, then relax for about 20 minutes.

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Post-bath care is crucial. Rinse off thoroughly with water after a beer bath to remove any residue from the skin, said Kopelman. She also recommends moisturising your skin afterwards to help counteract any potential drying effects from the alcohol.

Risks associated with beer baths

While the idea of beer baths might be appealing, there are several risks to consider.

Kopelman warns, Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to any of the components in beer, such as hops or yeast, might experience irritation or allergic reactions. And the alcohol content in beer could potentially be drying to the skin, exacerbating dryness or causing irritation in some individuals.

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Additionally, Kopelman highlights, Its important to note that while these components have beneficial properties, there is limited scientific evidence to support the efficacy of beer baths specifically in treating these [skin] conditions." She advises opting for well-established wellness baths, like oatmeal or Epsom salt baths, which have proven benefits for treating skin issues.

Nevertheless, if youre keen on trying something novel for your skincare routine or simply want to enjoy the unique experience of a beer bath, this brew-tiful trend offers a fun and interesting twist to traditional self-care.

With input from agencies
The Karnataka state government has proposed a move to increase the work hours for techies to 14 hours a day, amounting to 70 hours a week. But what impact can this have on the body and mind? read more

The Karnataka government is mulling to increase work hours. The move has received backlash, with some calling it the "biggest ever attack on the working class in this era". Representational image/Pixabay

Karnataka techies are fuming. After a huge uproar over the state governments proposal to reserve jobs for locals in private industries, another proposal has got them angry. The Karnataka government is now mulling a 14-hour working day for techies.

The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led government has so far not said anything on the issue.

But the move, which has been dubbed by some as the biggest ever attack on the working class in this era, also prompts the question: how much work is too much? And what do extended hours of working mean for a persons physical and mental well-being?

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What is the new proposal in Karnataka?

Reports state that the government is looking to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act to enable employees to work for 14 hours a day, amounting to 70 hours a week if its a five-day working week.

According to Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), this change if implemented would have the biggest impact on Bengaluru  known as the IT hub of the country.

KITU, opposing the amendment, said it poses an attack on the basic right of any worker to have a personal life. It further pointed out that this move comes at a period when the world has started to accept the fact that increased working hours are negatively impacting productivity and more countries are coming with new legislations to accept the  right to disconnect as a basic right of any employee.

Interestingly, this proposal comes after Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy had last year suggested that Indias youth should be prepared to work for 70 hours a week, sparking a storm.

How many hours of work is too much?

The Karnataka governments move once again puts the focus on what is the right amount of hours to work. While some CEOs and workers would point out that longer hours mean more productivity, scientific research has proved otherwise.

One study has shown that the ideal number of hours to work is 7.6 hours a day  which comes up to 38 hours a week. Another research shows that five hours is about the maximum that most of us can concentrate hard at work. That means a 25-hour working week.

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On the five-hour working week, the research showed that employees became so focused on maximising output in order to have the afternoons to themselves, that turnover increased by 50 per cent.

In India, the average working hours is eight  making it a 40-hour workweek. Compare to countries: the US works 38 hours a week, China clocks in at 46.1 hours, Japan at 36.6 and Canada at 32.1, as per recent statistics shared by the International Labour Organisation.

What happens physically when you work too much?

The call to work longer hours by some industrialists and employers also goes against science. Various organisations and independent researchers have looked at the physical, mental, emotional, and social effects of working beyond the standard 40 hours a week. And the results are not pretty, and in drastic cases, could also lead to death.

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Firstly, a job over 40 hours implies sitting for long hours. Remaining seated for extended periods means a person is only getting obese. It also can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins, a condition characterised by enlarged, swollen veins in the legs. It can also lead to muscle stiffness, fatigue, and poor posture.

Dr Padmini Narahari, general physician at The Family Doctor and a practising physician in industrial health told Deccan Herald that working 70-hours a week in the long run will definitely affect the posture of an individual especially in the IT sector when they are glued to the system for 3-6 hours straight and do not get to move around.

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Working for long hours means longer sitting periods. And science has shown us that being seated for elongated periods is bad for our health Representational image/Pixabay

Youngsters may also develop spondylitis and other problems such as pain in their back, neck and shoulder leading to a decline in the productivity of the company.

For individuals engaged in desk-based occupations, prolonged computer use can also have adverse effects on eyesight. Staring at a screen for extended periods can strain the eyes, causing blurred vision, headaches, and eye dryness. Furthermore, prolonged computer use can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Longer working hours are also breaking your heart, quite figuratively. A study has shown that working more than 10 hours a day is associated with a 60 per cent jump in the risk of cardiovascular issues. A physician also noted that overworking is associated with a higher risk of stroke, ischemic heart disease, overweight, pre-diabetes, depression and other serious illnesses.

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Research has also shown that people working for more than 40 hours a week are at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, said on X: Working long hours is associated with an increased risk of multiple serious diseases and even premature death.

Citing several scientific studies to support his warning, he said: Working 55 or more hours per week is associated with a 35 per cent higher risk of stroke and a 17 per cent higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week. He further emphasised the staggering toll of overwork, noting that working for more than 55 hours a week kills more than 800,000 people every year.

What about the mental toll?

But its not just the physical well-being of a person that is affected by working more than 40 hours a week. It also takes a toll on an employees mental well-being. Research has shown that long work hours, over 40 hours a week, can double your risk of depression. A Gallup poll of nearly 240,000 full-time workers found that 10.8 per cent of US full-time workers have received a depression diagnosis.

Working more than 70 hours a week can also impact our moods and sense of self-confidence. It can lead to mental exhaustion and even burnout. Representational image/Pixabay

Dr Rachel Jayaseelan, founder of Wellness Within and a mental health trainer for corporates, told Deccan Herald that a 70-hour work week is not healthy in the long run. Matters like relationship, health, and financial planning require a better work-life balance which may not be possible if one were to work for a longer time period.

Long working hours can also lead to burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and a strained work-life equilibrium, said Dr Honey Savla, internal medicine consultant, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai to Indian Express.

Constantly working over 70 hours a week can also lead to anxiety, and frustration, which, in turn, can push people to food, alcohol or other substances to find some sense of the joy that has been lost from ones life.

Mental health experts also note that if the sense of frustration doesnt ebb, it could also lead to violence. An employee would choose to resort to violence in the office in order to vent his frustration  making it a dangerous workspace.

Shilpi Saraswat, clinical-psychologist at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, told Hindustan Times that an increasing number of young people in the age range of 25-48 are getting referred from different departments due to underlying stress, anxiety and mental health problems.

Constantly working over 70 hours a week can also lead to anxiety, and frustration, which, in turn, can push people to food, alcohol or other substances to find some sense of the joy that has been lost from ones life. Representational image/Pixabay

Commonly, they have more anxiety problems and lack of skills to deal with bad stress. Most common disorders are GAD (generalised anxiety disorder), illness anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias etc. Long working hours put pressure and impacts quality of work and increases absenteeism at workplace, which leads to other issues for organisations as well as employees. The health concerns are definitely rising due to stress which is increased due to long work hours poor support facilities and no work-life balance. It is an interference in the family and social life as well.

But despite the data and the science, the debate on how many hours should a person work will continue. We, on the other hand, are all for a five-hour work-day.

With inputs from agencies
In recent weeks, three deadly viruses  Nipah, Zika, and Chandipura  have grabbed headlines in India. With as many as 50 cases and 16 fatalities, Gujarat is witnessing a rise in Chandipura virus cases. Its neighbour, Maharashtra, meanwhile is battling the highest number of Zika virus cases since 2021. Kerala, on the other hand, is stepping up preventive measures after a 14-year-old boy died of Nipah virus in the state read more

In recent weeks, India has been thrust into the spotlight as it grapples with a troubling surge of deadly viruses: Nipah, Zika, and Chandipura. Image for Representation. Reuters

In recent weeks, India has been thrust into the spotlight as it grapples with a troubling surge of deadly viruses: Nipah, Zika, and Chandipura.

As of July 21, Gujarat has reported a staggering 50 cases of Chandipura virus, resulting in 16 fatalities, according to Health Minister Rushikesh Patel. The virus cases have also been reported in Rajasthan.

Adding to the crisis, a 14-year-old boy from Keralas Malappuram succumbed to a Nipah virus infection on Sunday. Classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its epidemic potential, Nipahs emergence has prompted urgent measures by health authorities to trace and monitor contacts of the deceased.

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Meanwhile, Maharashtra has recorded its highest number of Zika virus cases since 2021, with 38 reported infections as of July 19. Zika, known for its severe risks to pregnant women and their unborn children, has also been detected in Kerala and Karnataka.

The rapid spread of these viruses has set off alarm bells across Indias healthcare system and is now drawing global attention.

Zika Virus

The Zika virus has recently made headlines as cases have been reported across multiple states in India. Primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, as well as through blood transfusion, sexual contact, and breastfeeding, the virus has sparked alarm across the nation.

Maharashtra, in particular, has seen the highest number of Zika cases since 2021. As of July 19, the state has recorded several infections, with Pune district being the hardest hit, reporting 28 cases. Kerala has also seen double-digit cases, and Karnataka has reported a death linked to the virus.

Zika virus cases have been detected across multiple states in India. Reuters

According to the World Health Organization, Zika is especially dangerous for pregnant women. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus, potentially causing severe birth defects such as microcephaly, where babies are born with smaller heads and underdeveloped brains. Additionally, Zika infection can lead to stillbirth, fetal loss, and preterm birth.

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ALSO READ: Zika virus cases on the rise in India: Should you be worried?

Dr. Ajoy Krishna Sarkar, an internal medicine consultant at Peerless Hospital, explained to The Times of India that although Zika shares similarities with dengue, it is considered more dangerous. Symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and muscle pain.

In response to the recent surge, the state government in a recent bulletin said it is ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak. To enhance surveillance, centres will be established every 3-5 kilometres in affected districts to monitor the area and collect blood samples for the rapid identification of fever cases.

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Treatment for Zika, like dengue, is symptomatic. There is no drug specific to the virus. Patients need paracetamol to manage fever and painkillers, Dr. Saha told The Times of India.

Nipah Virus

Authorities in Kerala are on high alert following the death of a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram who contracted the Nipah virus. State Health Minister Veena George reported that the boy suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday, and despite efforts to revive him, he unfortunately passed away.

The World Health Organization describes Nipah virus (NiV) as a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. Fruit bats are the usual carriers of the virus, and humans can become infected by consuming fruit contaminated by bat saliva or urine.

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On Saturday, Health Minister Veena George announced the establishment of 25 committees tasked with identifying and isolating affected individuals. File photo/Reuters

In response to the situation, the Kerala government has taken decisive action. On Saturday, Health Minister Veena George announced the establishment of 25 committees tasked with identifying and isolating affected individuals. Isolation wards have been set up across health institutions to treat patients and contain the virus.

As of now, there are 350 people on the primary contact list of the deceased boy, with 100 classified as high-risk, according to a News18 report. Additionally, the animal husbandry department is testing animals, including pigs, for the virus.

A 68-year-old man from Malappuram, exhibiting symptoms similar to Nipah but not related to the deceased boy, has been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College in serious condition.

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Despite the concerning developments, Dr. Anoop Kumar, director of critical care medicine at Aster MIMS Hospital in Calicut, reassured Reuters that There is a minimum chance of an outbreak of Nipah virus at this stage, and the situation will be closely monitored over the next 7-10 days.

According to the WHO, Nipah virus infection presents with symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. These can progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicative of acute encephalitis.

The case fatality rate ranges from 40 to 75 per cent.

Chandipura Virus

The Chandipura virus, named after the village in Maharashtra where it was first identified in 1965, belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus, which is closely linked to viruses that cause vesicular stomatitis and rabies. Although lesser-known, it poses a serious risk, especially to children.

Gujarat is currently facing a notable outbreak. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reported 50 cases and 16 fatalities across the state. The virus spreads through bites from infected sandflies or drainflies, particularly species like Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia, as well as mosquitoes and ticks.

The Chandipura virus, primarily affecting children aged 9 to 14 years, has a high mortality rate. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies or drainflies, especially species like Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia, as well as mosquitoes and ticks. Pixabay

Symptoms typically begin suddenly, including high fever, seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered mental status. In severe cases, the infection can lead to coma and death. Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is the primary cause of death among those infected, according to the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

ALSO READ: What is the Chandipura virus, believed to be behind the deaths of 6 children in 5 days in Gujarat?

In response, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched a campaign to tackle the virus. Malathion powder is being sprayed across affected districts, and intensive treatment is being provided for fever cases. Grassroots workers such as Asha and Anganwadi workers, along with nurses, are being mobilised to prevent further spread in rural areas, the state health minister said.

Following the surge in Gujarat, neighbouring Maharashtra has also increased its alert level. Rajasthan

health department is also on alert as two more cases are suspected after four children reportedly succumbed in Dungarpur district due to suspected infection.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus, so supportive care remains essential, focusing on symptom management and preventing complications.

With input from agencies
At the end of the year 1772, three Bretons were part of a magnificent cavalcade that made its way towards the barbican* of the Qila-e-Mualla of Delhi, preparing to meet the newly returned Emperor Shah Alam in grand durbar. In the middle of a cortege of splendidly dressed cavalry, grenadiers, guards, and Mughal noblemen swayed five richly caparisoned elephants. On one of the elephants sat the fifty-year-old Persian commander, Mirza Najaf Khan, recently promoted to Mir Bakshi of the Mughal empire and next to him on his elephant sat an awestruck Rene Madec in his best regimental uniform, quite overcome. I may declare without exaggeration that I entered the capital of India more like a monarch than as a mere individual and subject of the emperor admitted the Breton proudly. The once scrappy, penniless youth from Brittany now found himself a man of substance, alighting from the elephant in front of the naubat khana of the Qila of Delhi, where the musicians immediately burst into triumphant, acclamatory music. Madec made his way slowly down the marble paths, shadowed by the memory of long-dead emperors and their magnificent daughters. Next to the marbled fountains, courtiers flew kites nonchalantly, impervious to the grandeur of the moment. Madec stopped in front of the diwan-e-khas, where there was a press of supplicants waiting to see the emperor. Among them was his compatriot and fellow Breton, Daniel du Jarday, dressed as a Mughal and passably incognito. Alongside Madec was another Breton officer, de Kerscao, a nobleman from the French colony of Reunion Island.

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At last the emperor appeared, sitting upon a simple wooden throne borne upon a palanquin and preceded by stout guards striking the ground with their sticks, and loudly proclaiming the glory of the emperor. After Madec had presented his nazr (seven silver coins) to Shah Alam, he was given a khillat which he was made to wear in the emperors presence. Finally, the emperor removed his own sword from his side and presented it to the Frenchman. I could barely believe this was not a dream, wrote Madec, very moved by the emperors gesture. Madec was also given a respectable brace of titles,* enough to call himself a nawab, or nabob, henceforth.

Madec had had a rambunctious career in Hindustan ever since Shuja had been forced to let him go after the Battle of Buxar.Along with his party of 400 trained soldiers, he had fought for the Rohillas, and then the Jats, and had established a reputation for valour and military skill. He also got married to the young Marie-Anne Barbette in a ceremony that lasted several days, during which 10,000 people were fed every day. Despite the truly Hindustani opulence of the wedding, Madec seems to have been disappointed by his young brides lack of charms, for he wrote rather regretfully that the Catholics in this country follow the traditions of the locals. One may only see ones wife after the marriage ceremonyand one may thus discover a Lea instead of a Rachel. A portrait of Marie-Anne Barbette does indeed depict a snub-nosed, pleasantly chubby woman with an unremarkable face, but Madec would console himself by taking a second, presumably comelier, Muslim wife.

Ira Mukhtoys book The Lion and The Lily: The Rise and Fall of Awadh

Madec was most pleasantly established as a profitable mercenary when he received an unexpected summons from the Governor of the French trading post at Chandernagore. Governor Jean-Baptiste Chevalier has been described by a French historian as an ardent patriot and a man with grand dreams who used his abundant energy to plague the French ministry with a flood of letters, offering inventive ways through which to regain French influence in India.

Once Shah Alam had been reinstated in Delhi, Chevalier was electrified by the possibility of gathering a substantial force around the emperor, one that could be used to attack the British in their stronghold in Bengal. To this aim, Chevalier had initially pleaded with his government in Versailles to send 4,000 troops who would be placed under Madec to help the Mughal emperor regain Bengal. But the French government did not want to be seen to be provoking the English and so instead Chevalier decided to gather as many independent French partisans to the emperors cause as possible, in the hope that they might counter English interests. Indeed, French policy at this point was to consistently oppose the English in the three main theatres of conflictNorth America, the Caribbean and, increasingly, Asia. Agents were sent from France in the guise of civilians to gather intelligence in Indian states deemed likely to oppose the English, such as Mysore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and the area around Delhi. And if French efforts to thwart the English had now gathered momentum, then the English themselves were facing a potentially disastrous situation, both in Bengal and in America. In Bengal, a 1773 Select Committee* found that an astounding 2 million pounds had been removed from the Bengal treasury and distributed as presents, almost all to local EIC employees. And while these obscene sums of money were being confiscated by employees, Bengal itself convulsed in the throes of a dreadful famine, exacerbated by the actions of the Company. When questioned, Clive would respond, with the chilling sangfroid of a true sociopath, that his allegiance was to the shareholders of the EIC, not the people of Bengal. But the 3 million deaths caused by the famine annihilated the productivity of Bengal, bringing the EIC to the edge of bankruptcy. In response, the government in London decided to raise taxes in their colonies in North America, by passing the Tea Act in 1773, to fund the bail out of the EIC in India. The resulting rage of the American settlers would lead to the Boston Tea Party and, within a few years, to the American War of Independence. The EIC would pay its debt for Bengali blood on American soil.

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Meanwhile, in India, Chevalier was intent on securing the support of Rene Madec. What could possibly interest you, sir, harangued Chevalier, other than gaining a good name among your compatriots by attaching yourself firmly to Frances cause? But there was much else that interested the pragmatic, avaricious Breton, namely money. I fail to see, protested Madec, how I may be of service to my nation. I simply wish to return to Europe to enjoy the fruits of my actions. You are brave, encouraged Chevalier undeterred, ignoring his protests.

The princes of Hindustan want you by their side. In your position, you could bring about a revolution capable of shaking our nation out of the state of torpor where it finds itself today in India. By now, with the Marathas having aligned themselves with the Mughal cause, Chevalier was conjuring a glorious vision in which France played a leading role against the English, just as she was beginning to do in the American colonies, and reconquered Bengal for the emperor. Finally, giving in to the flattery as well as to some subtle blackmail,* Madec agreed. I will sacrifice my desire to return to France to my great zeal to serve my King. I give you my word that if France decides to march to Bengal, I will join the cause with ten thousand men, at my expense. And so it was that this one-time ships apprentice found himself in the Mughal capital wearing a splendid turban and tunic, appointed a sapt-hazari, and preceded by a troupe of musicians permitted to lustily announce his arrival (image 13).

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For a short while in Delhi, Rene Madec found himself an incongruous courtier at the court of the Mughal emperor. He let his beard grow out, like the other Mughal lords, and took up the suitably aristocratic pastimes of polo and archery. The coat of his favourite horse was festooned with floral designs drawn in henna, and he vaulted with his usual enthusiasm into all the courtly activitiescamel, ram, and antelope fights, fireworks, and even poetry competitions in the emperors mushairas. Madec also had intimate tete-a-tetes with the Mughal emperor who, encouraged by letters from the dogged Chevalier in Chandernagore, exhibited a strong desire to begin a correspondence with the French king, to obtain his help so as to enable him to earn the respect of his own subjects.

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But in these churning days in Delhi where every warlord and raja was setting himself up as an independent force, the emperor was quite besieged. He had initially appointed the talented general Najaf Khan to regain the territories around Delhi that had been seized by the Rohillas and Jats during his long absence from the capital.

(Ira Mukhtoy is the author of Akbar: The Great Mughal, Song of Draupadi: A Novel, Daughters of the Sun: Empresses, Queens and Begums of the Mughal Empire, and Heroines: Powerful Indian Women in Myth and History. Living in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, she developed an interest in the evolution of mythology and history, and the erasure of women and other marginal voices from these histories. She writes rigorously researched narrative histories that are accessible to the lay reader.)
The Centre has told the parliament that no case is made out for granting special status for Bihar read more

As the Centre has ruled out the possibility of special status for Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has mocked the alliance of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-United (JD-U).

Months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumars JD(U) dumped the Oppositions INDIA bloc and joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in January. They contested the Lok Sabha elections together and, as the BJP failed to win a majority of its own, it is with coalition partners like JD(U) and Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) support, that the NDA formed the government.

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It was understood that the Centre granting the special status to Bihar was the basis of the alliance. Now that the Centre has ruled out the special status, the RJD has mocked the BJP-RJD alliance. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar handed the people of Bihar a toy in the name of special status.

JD(U) has prostrated in front of BJP

Mocking the JD(U) after the Centre denied granting the special status to Bihar, RJD chief Lalu said that the JD(U) has prostrated in front of the BJP with the promise of special package in place of special status.

Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar handed Bihar the toy of special status very shamelessly. If not special status, then give special package or anything at all. The JD(U) has prostrated in front of the BJP by saying this. Nitish Kumar should immediately resign. He had said that he would get Bihar the special status but the Centre has now refused, said Lalu in a statement shared by RJD on X (formerly Twitter).

           ' '    !



                 ! -        



"    ,      pic.twitter.com/0mi1Aj3FK9  Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) July 22, 2024

In a separate post on X, the RJD said the JD(U) can now keep reaping the fruits of alliance of BJP now that the have done the politics of hypocrisy on the issue of special status to Bihar.

What did Centre say on special status?

The Centre has said that, as per the policy in place, no case is made for granting special status to Bihar.

In response to JD(U) MP Ramprit Mandals question, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha that National Development Council (NDC) had laid down certain features for a status to be given special status:

(i) hilly and difficult terrain,

(ii) low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal population,

(iii) strategic location along borders with neighboring countries,

(iv) economic and infrastructural backwardness and

(v) non-viable nature of State finances.

Citing a decision from 2012 when Bihar had requested special status, Chaudhary said that a government panel that deliberated on the request found that no case for special status was made out.

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Earlier, the request of Bihar for Special Category Status was considered by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) which submitted its Report on 30th March, 2012. The IMG came to the finding that based on existing NDC criteria, the case for Special Category Status for Bihar is not made out, said Chaudhary.
The Economic Survey tabled by the finance minister strongly advocates job creation in the private sector to boost Indias economy for a sustained growth and achieve the objective of making India a developed nation by 2047 read more

The Economic Survey that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented on Monday in the Lok Sabha banks heavily on employment generation in the private sector. It describes it as the key to achieving the aim of making India a developed country by 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of Independence.

The Economic Survey 2024 says that job creation happens mainly in the private sector. Second, many (not all) of the issues that influence economic growth, job creation and productivity and the actions to be taken therein are in the domain of state governments.

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So, in other words, India needs a tripartite compact, more than ever before, to deliver on the higher and rising aspirations of Indians and complete the journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047. In more than one respect, the action lies with the private sector. In terms of financial performance, the corporate sector has never had it so good.

Private sector is flourishing, but

The report refers to a survey of companies conducted between 2020 and 2023. Results of a sample of over 33,000 companies show that, in the three years between FY20 and FY23, the profit before taxes of the Indian corporate sector nearly quadrupled. Further, newspaper headlines told us that the corporate profits-to-GDP ratio rose to a 15-year high in FY24. BusinessLine reported, The corporate profit for the Nifty-500 universe was up 30 per cent last fiscal to 14.11-lakh crore against 10.88 lakh crore in FY23. The nominal GDP grew 9.6 per cent y-o-y to 295-lakh crore (269-lakh crore)1,  it said.

However, the report points out that hiring and compensation growth hardly kept up with it. But, it is in the interest of the companies to step up hiring and worker compensation. The Union government cut taxes in September 2019 to facilitate capital formation.

Has the corporate sector responded?

Between FY19 and FY23, the cumulative growth in private sector non-financial Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is 52% at current prices.

During the same period, the cumulative growth in general government (which includes states) is 64%. The gap does not appear to be too wide. However, when we break it down, a different picture emerges.

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Private sector GFCF in machinery and equipment and intellectual property products has grown cumulatively by only 35% in the four years to FY23. Meanwhile, its GFCF in Dwellings, other buildings and structures has increased by 105%. This is not a healthy mix.

Slow pace of investment

Second, the slow pace of investment in M&E and IP Products will delay Indias quest to raise the manufacturing share of GDP, delay the improvement in Indias manufacturing competitiveness, and create only a smaller number of higher-quality formal jobs than otherwise.

Nonetheless, there is a silver lining in the data. In the two years since FY21, GFCF by the private sector has grown faster. General government GFCF rose a cumulative 42% between FY21 and FY23.

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Non-Financial Private Sectors overall GFCF increased by 51%; investment in Machinery and Equipment and Intellectual Property Products increased by 38%. So, the growth in these two critical sub-components of Private Sector GFCF is similar to that of the overall GFCF by the General Government. This is a statistic that bears watching. They should continue to invest. To do so, they need demand visibility. That comes from employment and income growth.

What happens to services exports

In a recent article, the Economist cites independent research that predicted a slow demise of Indias services exports over the next decade. While the boom in telecommunications and the rise of the internet facilitated business process outsourcing, the next wave of technological evolution might bring the curtains down on it.

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In this milieu, the corporate sector has a responsibility, as much to itself as it is to society, to think harder about ways AI will augment labour rather than displace workers. Hiring in the IT sector has slowed significantly in the last two years. We do not have a full picture of overall corporate hiring in the country on a regular basis.

The impact of AI

In any case, deploying capital-intensive and energy-intensive AI is probably one of the last things a growing, lower-middle-income economy needs. A Staff Discussion Note of the International Monetary Fund published in June 20243 notes that Generative Artificial Intelligence raised profound concerns about massive labour disruptions and inequality.

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The IMF SDN goes on to recommend well-designed excess corporate profit taxes and high personal income taxes on capital through better enforcement of automatic information exchange between countries and enhanced taxation of capital gains.

What employment means

However, employment is about dignity, self-worth, self-esteem, self-respect, and standing in the family and community, not just about the income it brings, the Economic Survey says. That is why it is in the enlightened self interest of the Indian corporate sector, swimming in excess profits, to take its responsibility to create jobs seriously. Of course, it must find people with the right attitude and skills, it says.

That requires another tripartite compact - between the government, the private sector and academia. This compact is to reboot the mission to skill and equip Indians to catch up with and get ahead of technological evolution. To succeed in the mission, governments must unshackle the industry and academic institutions to play their respective roles in that mammoth task.

For example, despite several amendments over the years, the Apprenticeship Act remains a work in progress, at best, in encouraging large-scale apprenticeships in the country. The New Education Policy 2020 proposes freeing Indias higher education from regulatory oversight to market oversight.

The real corporate responsibility

The Economic Survey says that a corporate sector that helps shape the design of higher education with inputs to curriculum, evaluation standards, and faculty will pave the way for a high-quality higher education that market competition brings, replacing regulatory oversight.

The report says, If anything, another article in The Economist that hails the arrival of China as a superpower in science should be sufficient inspiration for the corporate sector and academia to get their act together on scientific research and development. The real corporate social responsibility.
From left: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper are the front-runners to become Kamala Harris running mate if she wins the Democratic nomination. Matt Rourke/AP; Patrick T. Fallon/AFP; Timothy D. Easley/AP; Chuck Burton/AP There are four main contenders to run alongside Vice President Kamala Harris if she wins the Democratic nomination. Chuck Burton/Associated Press

Soon after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday, speculation quickly turned to whom his chosen replacement, Vice President Kamala Harris, might select as her running mate if she wins the nomination.

Heres a look at some possible contenders:

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Shapiro was elected governor of a key swing state just two years ago. Like Harris, he previously served as attorney general of his home state. Shapiro, 51, endorsed Harris quickly after Biden dropped out, noting that he has known her for nearly two decades.

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Pennsylvania is considered a must-win state for Democrats this election cycle. Shapiro proved his popularity in the state in 2022 when he beat his Donald Trump-endorsed Republican rival by more than 14 points.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

The second-term governor turns heads because hes won three statewide races in a deep red state  including one as attorney general, which would help in an election where crime will be a hot topic. His victories have been narrow, winning by five percentage points last year and less than one in 2019.

Beshear, 46, is also young by national ticket standards and could speak to the same rural voters that the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, 39, plans to address.

Beshear endorsed Harris Monday morning, previewing how he would attack Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance if selected as Harris running mate.

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Vances memoir Hillbilly Elegy has been criticized over its portrayal of people from Appalachia, where Vances family is originally from.

J.D. Vance aint from here. Now, the nerve that he has to call the people of Kentucky, of Eastern Kentucky, lazy. Listen, these are the hard-working coal miners thatcreated the strongest middle class the world has ever seen. We should be thanking them, Not calling them lazy, Beshear said.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

The 60-year-old former astronaut and combat veteran is garnering attention for winning two campaigns in swing-state Arizona. In 2022, Kelly defeated Blake Masters, who, like Vance, is a protege of wealthy tech investor Peter Thiel.

Kelly brings other intangibles to the table that could help counter Republican attacks on Democrats as being soft on crime. He is the son of two police officers, and is married to former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was the target of an assassination attempt in 2011. Kelly nursed Giffords, who remains partially paralyzed, back to health. Giffords now leads the national gun safety organization Giffords, and could provide a good counterbalance to the Republican ticket, which has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.

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If Kelly and Harris were to win, Arizonas Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs would name a replacement, so Democrats wouldnt have to worry about losing a seat in the Senate.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Like Beshear, Cooper is attractive because he has served two terms as governor in a red state and is termed out after this year. He might be able to put North Carolina into play for Democrats, as Biden lost the state in 2020 by only 1 percentage point, or about 75,000 votes. Then again, the last time a native North Carolinian, Sen. John Edwards, was the Democrats vice presidential nominee in 2004, Democrats lost the state by 12 percentage points.

But Cooper, 67, has won the governors race twice when Donald Trump was on the ballot and won his home state. Cooper has a 36% approval rating among North Carolina Republicans, not bad for a Democrat in a red state.

Born on a North Carolina tobacco farm, his folksy charm may appeal to rural voters who are turning away from Democrats. Hes not well known on the national stage, but Harris has known him for 20 years, as they served as attorneys general of their home states at the same time. Harris called him a great leader and my dear friend when campaigning in North Carolina this month.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Theres some conventional wisdom that an all-women ticket would be a nonstarter for the American electorate. Indeed, no woman has ever been elected president, and no woman had ever been elected vice president until Harris herself in 2020. But Whitmer, as a swing-state governor, could help deliver Michigans 15 electoral votes, which would be critical for a Democratic victory. An all-female ticket could also send a particularly potent message in favor of abortion rights, which is seen as the top winning issue for Democrats. Whitmer, 52, won reelection in 2022 with 54% of the vote.

Whitmer endorsed Harris alongside the governors of Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin Monday morning. She told Michigan news station WLNS that no, she doesnt plan to leave Michigan when asked if she would accept an offer to be Harris vice president.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

Some have speculated that Newsom could be a good running mate, but the 56-year-old would be an unlikely pick for Harris. The Constitution contains a provision barring electoral college electors from casting their votes for a president and vice president from the same state. Dick Cheney got around that provision by switching his voter registration from Texas to Wyoming in 2000 so he could run alongside fellow Texan George W. Bush.

But even beyond the technical issue, Harris probably wouldnt pick a running mate from California for political reasons. Harris roots in the Golden State are shaping up to be one of the Republicans key arguments against her. Theyre seeking to tie her reputation to growing homelessness and rising concerns about crime in her home state. Choosing Newsom as her running mate would amplify those criticisms.
Slamming the claims made by the Opposition, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Government is not hiding anything related to NEET UG 2024 paper leak and everything is on record. CBI is getting into the details. Some action has been taken, he added read more

The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak row created an uproar in the Lok Sabha on the first day on the 2024 Budget Session. The Opposition, on Monday, asked Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan whether he considered resigning after the severe breach in the medical entrance.

Responding to the Opposition, Pradhan said, I am here on the mercy of my leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whenever accountability comes, my government is collectively answerable to that.

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Regarding anomalies and some information of some malpractices, out of 4,700 centres, due to proactive approach of Bihar Police, only in one place in Patna and surrounding points, there is an incident of anomaly. CBI is getting into the details. Some action has been taken. We are hiding nothing everything is on record, he added.

No evidence of paper leak in last 7 years

During the heated exchange in the parliament, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi also attacked Pradhan and said: The (Education) minister has blamed everybody except himself. I dont even think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here.

Demanding a separate day-long discussion on the matter, Gandhi said: Millions of people believe that if you are rich and you have money, you can buy the Indian examination system and this is the same feeling that the opposition has.

#WATCH | Congress MP and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says "It is obvious to the whole country that there is a very serious problem in our examination system, not just in NEET but in all the major examinations. The minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) has blamed everybody except pic.twitter.com/ccclExwRTI  ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

Countering Gandhis allegations, Pradhan said: There is no evidence of paper leak has been found in the last seven years.

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Already this case is before Supreme Court. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is personally presiding over the Bench, he said.

#WATCH | Opposition MPs raise NEET exam issue in Lok Sabha



Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "...No evidence of paper leak has been found in the last 7 years. This (NEET) matter is going on before the Supreme Court. I can say with full responsibility that more pic.twitter.com/uoWySlfQYP  ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

Intensifying his attack on the government, Gandhi asked: As this (NEET) is a systematic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue?

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To this, Pradhan replied: A lie will not become truth just by shouting. The fact that the Leader of Opposition says that the countrys examination system is rubbish, is highly condemnable.

#WATCH | Congress MP and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says "As this (NEET) is a systematic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue?



Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says "...A lie will not become truth just by shouting. The fact that the Leader of Opposition pic.twitter.com/gbTXVoqytk  ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

The discussion on NEET UG 2024 paper leak row turned more contentious in the Lok Sabha after Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav jumped in and criticised the governments handling of the issue.

This government will make a record of paper leaks. There are some centres where more than 2,000 students have passed. As long as this minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) is there, the students will not get justice, Yadav claimed.

#WATCH | On NEET exam issue, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav says, "This government will make a record of paper leaks... There are some centres where more than 2,000 students have passed. As long as this minister (Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan) is there, the students pic.twitter.com/Sa95rPYZki  ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

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With inputs from agencies
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the IIT-Delhi Director to constitute a three-member expert panel to ascertain the correct answer to a question in NEET UG exam which apparently had two correct options read more

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the IIT-Delhi Director to constitute a three-member expert panel to ascertain the correct answer to a question in NEET UG exam which apparently had two correct options.

NEET-UG 2024 exam: Supreme Court asks IIT Delhi Director to constitute a team of three experts of the subject concern to form opinion on the correct answer of a question in the exam by Tuesday 12 noon.



Some students challenged the decision of the NTA to award marks for two pic.twitter.com/TCPPJfbNJa  ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

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The order comes after some students challenged the decision of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to award marks for two options for the question, alleging that the NTAs decision was incorrect.

According to ABP, the students challenged the NTA move saying that as per the exam body guidelines only that option is correct which is mentioned in the latest version of NCERT whereas one of the options rewarded by NTA is from an old NCERT syllabus.

The top court will resume hearing in the case tomorrow.

The SC commenced hearing on a batch of petitions related to the controversy-ridden medical entrance exam, NEET-UG 2024 on Monday.

The top court was told by a counsel for NEET-UG aspirants that the NTA, which conducts the prestigious exam, has admitted to paper leak and the dissemination of the leaked question paper through WhatsApp.

At the outset, the bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra asked the counsel for the parties as to what emerged from the declaration of the centre-wise and city-wise results of the exam.

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An analysis of results released by NTA on Saturday indicated that the candidates who allegedly benefitted from the paper leak and other irregularities did not do well. Some centres, however, showed high concentration of well-performing students, it revealed.

The voluminous data of over 23 lakh candidates from 4,750 centres was not released in a cumulative format but in a drop-down menu for each centre. The data was released on the direction of the Supreme Court which is hearing several petitions over the alleged irregularities as lakhs of aspirants await a final verdict on the fate of the exam.

The performance of the candidates from the centres under the scanner - such as Oasis School, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Hardayal Public School, Jhajjar, Haryana, Jay Jalaram International School in Godhra, Gujarat - were comparatively much below par.

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On July 18, the bench directed the NTA to declare by noon of July 20 the centre and city-wise results of the controversy-ridden exam while masking the identities of the aspirants.

The bench had said it wanted to ascertain whether candidates appearing at allegedly tainted centres scored more marks than those elsewhere.

The bench is hearing more than 40 pleas, including those filed by NTA, seeking transfer of cases pending against it in various high courts regarding the alleged irregularities in the exam to the Supreme Court to avoid multiplicity of litigations.

More than 23.33 lakh students had taken the test on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas.

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In their affidavits filed earlier in the apex court, the Centre and the NTA had said that scrapping the exam would be counterproductive and seriously jeopardise lakhs of honest candidates in the absence of any proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality.

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

With inputs from agencies
From breaking tradition with her first budget to outlining a vision for a developed India by 2047, Nirmala Sitharamans tenure as Finance Minister has seen significant evolution. This journey, marked by bold initiatives and adaptive strategies, reflects a commitment to economic growth and social justice. read more

Indias Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman broke with tradition when she presented her first Union Budget to Parliament in 2019 with a bright red traditional ledger, known as the *bahi-khata* in Hindi, instead of the customary briefcase  a British India tradition. Her chief economic adviser, Krishnamurthy Subramanian, had then declared this change a symbol of moving away from the slavery of Western thought. This marked the inaugural budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modis second term.

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As Modis third term progresses, Sitharaman is set to present her seventh consecutive Union Budget on 23 July. Heres an examination of how her budgets have transformed over the past five years:

Budget 2019: A 10-point Vision for the Decade

The 2019 Budget was characterised by a focus on a 10-point vision for the decade, emphasising economic development, infrastructure enhancement, and social justice. Key measures included a reduction in the corporation tax rate for existing companies to stimulate economic growth. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan were introduced. The proposed budget for the financial year was Rs 27.86 trillion (about $333.57 billion).

Budget 2020: Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic

The 2020 Budget aimed at boosting economic growth but faced the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. Priorities shifted towards healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The fiscal deficit target was revised to 9.5 per cent of GDP, with a proposed budget of Rs 30.42 trillion ($364.22 billion) for the financial year.

Budget 2021: Economic recovery post-pandemic

Focusing on economic recovery post-pandemic, the 2021 Budget saw increased spending on healthcare and infrastructure. Initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and a voluntary vehicle scrappage policy were introduced. The fiscal deficit target was set at 6.8 per cent of GDP, with a proposed budget of Rs 34.83 trillion ($416.76 billion).

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Budget 2022: Towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat and a green economy

Sitharamans 2022 Budget speech was her shortest yet, with no changes to income tax slabs or exemptions. The budget emphasised a greener economy and support for made-in-India initiatives. The Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) was introduced in 14 sectors to achieve the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Notable proposals included a 30 per cent tax on income from cryptocurrency transactions and a one per cent TDS on such transactions above a certain threshold. The announcement of a Digital Rupee based on blockchain technology and e-passports with embedded chips, along with a spectrum auction for the roll-out of 5G mobile services by private firms within the financial year 2022-23, highlighted the budgets forward-thinking approach. The proposed budget for the financial year was Rs 39.44 trillion ($471.80 billion).

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Budget 2023: The Amrit Kaal vision

The 2023 Budget centred on the Amrit Kaal vision, focusing on opportunities for citizens, particularly youth, growth, job creation, and a robust macro-economic environment. Proposed spending amounted to Rs 45.03 trillion ($538.91 billion), with revenue expenditure estimated at Rs 35.02 trillion ($419.29 billion).

Key highlights included raising the income limit for income tax rebates from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the new regime, reducing the highest surcharge rate on income above Rs 5 crore from 37 per cent to 25 per cent, and increasing the tax exemption limit on leave encashment on retirement for private sector employees to Rs 25 lakh. The capital investment outlay was increased by 33 per cent to Rs 10 trillion.

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Interim Budget 2024: Aiming for a Viksit Bharat by 2047

The Interim Budget for 2024 laid out a vision for a developed India by 2047. Key areas of focus included social justice, with the prime minister aiming to uplift four major groups: the poor, women, youth, and farmers.

The slogan Garib Kalyan, Desh ka Kalyan (the welfare of the poor is the welfare of the nation) underscored the governments commitment to poverty alleviation, having assisted 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty in the past decade. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) using PM-Jan Dhan accounts resulted in savings of Rs 2.7 lakh crore ($3.23 trillion) for the government.

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The PM-SVANidhi scheme provided credit assistance to 78 lakh street vendors, with 2.3 lakh receiving credit for the third time. The PM-JANMAN Yojana aimed at the development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG), while the PM-Vishwakarma Yojana offered end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople in 18 trades.

Welfare of farmers and women

The PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana provided financial assistance to 11.8 crore farmers, and the PM Fasal Bima Yojana offered crop insurance to 4 crore farmers. The Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) integrated 1,361 mandis (registered agriculture markets), serving 1.8 crore farmers with a trading volume of Rs 3 lakh crore.

Women empowerment saw significant advancements with 30 crore Mudra Yojana loans given to women entrepreneurs, a 28 per cent increase in female enrolment in higher education, and 43 per cent enrolment of girls and women in STEM courses. Over 70 per cent of houses under the PM Awas Yojana were allocated to women from rural areas.

Future plans

The PM Awas Yojana (Grameen) is on track to achieve its target of three crore houses despite Covid challenges, with an additional two crore houses planned over the next five years. Rooftop solarisation and free electricity schemes aim to provide 1 crore households with 300 units of free electricity each month, potentially saving each household Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 annually.

Nirmala Sitharamans budgets over the past five years reflect a dynamic and evolving approach, adapting to the nations needs and challenges while maintaining a vision for a prosperous and self-reliant India by 2047.
This announcement, coming as it does after Donald Trumps assassination attempt and pick of running mate JD Vance, isnt likely to earn either Kamala Harris or the Democrats any significant electoral advantage read more

Just over 100 days before election season in the United States, US President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race. Biden announced his decision on Sunday afternoon, July 21, from his Rehoboth Beach six-bedroom vacation home in Delaware, where he is recovering from a mild Covid attack. He also endorsed, in a separate post on X, incumbent Vice President, Indian-origin Kamala Harris, as his pick to replace him on the Democratic ticket: Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

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The latest developments, as can be imagined, have left the Democrats in a last-minute huddle and breathless hustle to find someone to take on Donald Trump. There had been several calls from prominent Democrats to Biden to step down. Till Saturday, Biden had insisted that he would run. But Sunday afternoons announcement, coming as it does after Trumps assassination attempt and choice of running mate JD Vance, isnt likely to earn either Harris or the Democrats any significant electoral advantage. Worse, they have less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, to be held from August 19-21 in Chicago, to get their act together.

Even loyal, registered Democrats, interviewed on national television, seemed to be resigned to the prospects of Trumps return to the White House in January 2025. In his letter posted on social media, Biden explained the reasons behind his decision: It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

Harris responded immediately to her new role as the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination: I am honoured to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. While her Caribbean-Indian background, besides her gender, is likely to position her favourably with progressive Democrats, her record on crucial issues such as illegal immigration and crime, as well as her lackluster performance as VP, will come under severe attack from the Trump team.

So miffed are some Democrats with Bidens delay in pulling out of the race that they have called upon him to relinquish his presidency itself. This, however, is not likely to happen. Harris, with her own background and burdens, will have to face not only her Republican opponents but her Democratic rivals without that additional leverage. In 2020, she posed no threat at all to Biden when she tried to win the Democratic nomination.

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No wonder, her approval ratings are not much higher than Bidens. In fact, the only one on the Democratic side who is much more popular is Michelle Obama. So far, she has consistently refused to enter active politics. Yet her husband and former two-term president, Barack Obama, still a party heavyweight, does not as yet support Harris. Instead, he hints at finding an outstanding nominee without naming her. That is why, several prominent Democrats have called for a review of the nomination process before the actual voting next month. Behind the scenes, many feverish if not fractious moves are bound to unfold till then.

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That said, most Biden loyalists and friends have praised the President for stepping down. These include Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who said Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. Apparently, he spoke with Biden on Sunday afternoon after having earlier advised him to withdraw from the race.

Typical of him, Trump was not so gracious. Resorting to his own platform, Truth Social, he dissed out his former rival: Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!  We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. He might have been more gracious in Bidens twilight hour. But Republicans, by and large, will press their advantage regardless of who Bidens replacement will be.

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Those Democrats who expected Biden to continue are, naturally, upset. One of them reportedly said, Last night, it was full speed ahead. Now, its all over. A leading candidate dropping out in this fashion so late in the race is unprecedented. Though sitting presidents, Harry S. Truman in 1952, and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, both Democrats, also withdrew from the race, they did so months in advance. Allowing their party plenty of time to choose viable alternatives. But both their successors in the White House, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, respectively, were Republican.

For Biden, it is the end of a distinguished career, spanning over five decades, in politics and public life. Unfortunately, he will be remembered not for his other achievements, but as the President who dropped out.

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The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Thousands have been killed and injured, along with millions displaced, as the expansion of war to other theatres and countries becomes imminent, yet the efforts to secure a ceasefire remain in limbo due to a lack of determination, equity, and enforceability. Suffering on both sides is significant read more

As the wars in Eurasia and the Middle East continue to rage, they prove the imbecility of the international rules-based order. Defiance is the order of the day, with unilateralism as the preferred choice for imposing hegemony and indulging in regime change agendas.

This is true not only of superpowers but also of middle and regional powers across continents. All superpowers are, as such, sitting in glass houses and not in a moral position to accuse or condemn each other. Duplicity and double standards have become the new gold standards of international discourse. UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolutions and decisions have lost their relevance, enforceability, and validity since defiance has evolved into a new virtue of excellence and power projection.

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Last week, the ICJ delivered an advisory ruling with regard to the West Bank, Israeli settlements, and the status of East Jerusalem in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The ICJ ruled that the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as Israels maintenance of their presence, is contrary to Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention". The ICJ presiding judge, Nawaf Salam, opined that the court has found that Israels continued presence in the Palestinian Territories is illegal. Israel had secured Palestinian territories, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 war, which they had convincingly won. But these areas remain integral to the quest for an independent state of Palestine. Besides, the increasing and expanding settlements in the West Bank and the weaponisation of settlers have caused a new complication in the extension of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has seen unprecedented violence and loss of lives, and displacement of innocent citizens on both sides during the past nine months.

The ICJ had earlier instructed Israel not to invade Rafah, which was barely heeded. This time the ruling is merely advisory in nature and will not see any change in the ground situation, even though it has the force of morality and law. One has witnessed the ongoing cases of genocide and criminal cases alleging war crimes against Israeli and Hamas leaders by the ICJ and ICC [International Criminal Court] fly in the air. Some of their supporters on both sides have justified their acts and even threatened the officials of these multilateral institutions and agencies, further undermining the legitimacy of these institutions. Hopefully, the promoters of the rule-based order will not ignore the import of such rulings and decisions since mere lip service is going to impact their own high and hollow moral standing on these issues.

The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and several other countries have welcomed the ruling. The UAE, which has been the first to normalise ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, rejected all measures taken by Israel to change the historical and legal status of occupied Palestine and called for the resumption of the peace process at the earliest.

In an unusually harsh comment, the Emirati foreign ministry condemned practices that contravene international resolutions, warning that such actions threaten further escalation and instability in the region, hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability, and therefore need to bring an end to Israels illegal practices that undermine an independent Palestinian state.

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Speaking of the day-after scenario, the UAE, along with countries like Egypt, were willing to provide stability and peacekeeping forces in Gaza for holding the ceasefire and helping achieve a two-state solution since Israel is not keen to let Hamas or Fatah rule Gaza as and when they agree to withdraw.

Saudi Arabia has also once again taken over the Palestinian cause and been charged with condemning the excesses being committed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) against innocent Gazans and creating inhumane conditions.

On the day-after scenario and the question of defeating Hamas, there is definitely a wide divergence between the Israeli Army leaders and PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his ultra-right political bedfellows. Ministers like Smotrich once again chose to violate the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque, adding fuel to the fire. He and others like him oppose any ceasefire or independent space for Palestinians, which in some ways constricts hawkish Netanyahus capability to even agree to a longish ceasefire. Many would like to even invoke the Hannibal doctrine, which could lead to abandoning the remaining hostages if they came in the way of the State of Israel. Hamas has been wanting to extract the maximum mileage of somehow achieving a lasting ceasefire as against Netanyahus unachievable resolve of destroying Hamas for good. The limitations on both ends are pretty evident. The US political establishment, which has been trying hard with Qatar and Egypt to bring about a ceasefire, is besieged by its domestic failures.

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Yet, Secretary Blinken (June 12) at a press conference in Doha hoped that the US and its partners would soon release their plans for the postwar management of Gaza, as he is trying to recruit Arab countries to contribute a security force for Gaza in the interim. The US is unlikely to contribute forces but is ready to provide training, equipment, and other assistance for the eventual integration of Gaza and Ramallah and the two-state solution, even as the Arabs are not fully on board with his stated and some half-baked objectives for moving forward.

Thousands have been killed, several thousands injured, and millions displaced as the expansion of war to other theatres and countries becomes imminent. Apart from Hamas, Israel is confronted by Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria and the Houthis in Yemen, which control the Red Sea traffic. These developments are serious and can go out of hand without notice, posing another major challenge for the fractious international community.

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Efforts to secure a ceasefire remain in limbo due to a lack of determination, equity, and enforceability. Suffering on both sides is significant. Gaza is flattened by the increasing death toll of innocent civilians, including women and children, which will increase further radicalisation.

The Israeli political spectrum is fragmented. The IDF is stretched in terms of manpower, and opening two or three front wars will further undermine the security and stability of the countries involved as well as of the region. Recruitment of unwilling conservative Jews as well as the length of compulsory military service being increased have added to the persisting domestic challenges of the Netanyahu government. The diversion of the workforce and the war itself have adversely impacted the Israeli economy. Eilat port has recently declared bankruptcy due to a lack of traffic due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and beyond. Suez Canal traffic has been badly impacted, causing more economic difficulties for Egypt.

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It is difficult to envisage a scenario in these conflicts where any country or people could emerge as a sure winner. In fact, everyone will be a loser in the region and beyond.

The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
With companies like Apple moving away from China and into India as part of their China Plus One policy, India is already shaping up to be a major player in the global manufacturing and supply chain scene. India, for all intents and purposes, is a force to be reckoned with read more

The 2024 Union Budget is expected to bring significant advancements for India's tech manufacturing and semiconductor industries. India is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in these sectors, driving economic growth and innovation for years to come. Image credit: Reuters

As India prepares for the 2024 Union Budget, industry leaders express optimism about the potential reforms and

Indias aspirations in semiconductors and tech manufacturing has industry leaders optimistic about potential reforms and investments that could boost the countrys tech manufacturing and semiconductor sectors.

With companies like Apple moving away from China and into India as part of their China Plus One policy, India is already shaping up to be a major player in the global manufacturing and supply chain scene. India, for all intents and purposes, is a force to be reckoned with

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They foresee significant advancements in consumer electronics, infrastructure development, and workforce skill enhancement, aligning with Prime Minister Modis vision of establishing India as a global manufacturing leader.

Boosting Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

Rajeev Singh, MD of BenQ India and South Asia, is hopeful that the 2024 Union Budget will significantly boost Indias consumer electronics manufacturing sector. We anticipate key measures such as further reductions in customs duties for components like LED panels, which would enhance domestic production of projectors and similar devices. Moreover, simplifying the GST structure to just three tiers could significantly enhance business operations and make India more appealing for consumer electronics manufacturing.

Singh also emphasizes the importance of policies supporting digital education initiatives and potential tax cuts to increase disposable income, which could drive demand for products. These measures, coupled with existing production-linked incentives, could help companies like BenQ quickly expand local manufacturing and position India as a regional export hub. Were optimistic that the forthcoming reforms will propel the consumer electronics industry forward, aligning with Prime Minister Modis vision of establishing India as a global manufacturing leader.

Strengthening the Semiconductor Industry

Eswara Rao Nandam, CEO and Founder of Polymatech Electronics, discusses the governments commitment to establishing India as a leading semiconductor hub. The Government of India has demonstrably committed to establishing the nation as a leading semiconductor hub. However, to ensure the long-term success and global competitiveness of this domestic industry, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Strategic investments in infrastructure development are paramount, with a particular focus on uninterrupted electricity supply, readily available water resources, efficient transportation networks, and a skilled workforce.

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Nandam highlights the need for consistent access to electricity and a steady supply of essential gases for semiconductor chip manufacturing. Semiconductor chip manufacturing necessitates a steady supply of various gases such as argon, nitrogen, and helium. A well-developed and efficient transportation network is crucial for the smooth operation of the semiconductor industry. By prioritizing and strategically building this critical infrastructure, the government can mitigate potential risks and make the entire sector more resilient.

Enhancing Technological Infrastructure

Arun Balasubramanian, VP & MD, India & South Asia at UiPath, underscores the importance of bolstering Indias technological infrastructure. With the government proposing a substantial 71% increase in the outlay for chip and electronics manufacturing in the interim budget announcement, we anticipate this budget will continue to bolster Indias technological infrastructure, enhancing our global competitiveness in high-tech manufacturing sectors.

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Balasubramanian sees these investments as crucial for maintaining Indias competitive edge in the global market. As the Indian economy has been growing faster than other regions, this budget will be instrumental in ensuring the country continues its economic growth trajectory by focusing on key areas like education and employment.

Fostering Innovation and Skill Development

Imran Kagalwala, Co-Founder at UNIX India, looks forward to strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing R&D capabilities in consumer electronics. In the upcoming Union Budget, consumer electronics manufacturers in India are looking forward to strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing research & development (R&D) capabilities. While the government has made significant strides in supporting Indian manufacturers through initiatives like the Made in India campaign and the PLI scheme, there is a pressing need to level the competitive playing field.

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Kagalwala anticipates measures such as antidumping duties to ensure fair competition against international companies and the localization of components to reduce dependency on imports. Policy reforms and investments in skill development are expected to prepare the workforce for future challenges and opportunities in the global market. Additionally, there is eager anticipation for measures aimed at promoting exports, which could elevate Indias stature as a significant player in the international consumer electronics sector.

Embracing AI and Automation

Ranga Jagannath, Senior Director at Agora, emphasizes the importance of upskilling and reskilling workers for an AI-driven future. AI and automation are reshaping industries, sparking important conversations about the future of work. To embrace this transformation positively, we must prioritize equipping workers with the skills essential for an AI-driven world. Upskilling and reskilling are pivotal not only for job security but also for empowering individuals to thrive in roles that demand human creativity and problem-solving abilities.

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Jagannath calls for significant investments in education and training programs from both governments and businesses. This investment in human capital not only prepares us for the evolving job market but also creates opportunities for personal and professional growth. AI can augment human capabilities, and with the right skills, employees can harness AI to enhance productivity and innovation in their roles.

The 2024 Union Budget is expected to bring significant advancements for Indias tech manufacturing and semiconductor industries. By focusing on strategic investments, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement, India is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in these sectors, driving economic growth and innovation for years to come.
Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots in the area surrounding the nightclub. Indianola Police Chief Ronald Sampson stated that people outside the nightclub began hearing the gunfire suddenly read more

At least three people were killed and sixteen others were injured in a shooting near a nightclub in Indianola, Mississippi, according to local media reports. The incident occurred on Church Street.

Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots in the area surrounding the nightclub. Indianola Police Chief Ronald Sampson stated that people outside the nightclub began hearing the gunfire suddenly.

Indianola Mayor Ken Featherstone confirmed that the deceased individuals were all 19-year-old men.

(More details awaited)
Nape Nnauye, one of the two ministers who have been sacked, was seen in a video making a controversial comment about elections last week read more

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has fired two senior ministers, including the head of the foreign ministry, in a mini-cabinet reshuffle.

The move comes ahead of expected national elections next year, with the sacked information minister caught in a viral video last week saying winning in elections is not always determined by the number of votes in the ballot box.

Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has been appointed a member of parliament and the new minister for foreign affairs and East African cooperation to replace January Makamba whose appointment is revoked, according to a presidency statement issued late Sunday, which did not detail the reasons for the dismissals.

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Jerry Silaa  previously Lands, Housing and Settlement Development  was appointed to replace Nape Nnauye, Minister for Information, Communications and IT, the statement said.

A viral clip of Nnauye emerged last week in which he said: Winning in elections is not always determined by the number of votes in the ballot box but depends on who counts and announces the results.

The video attracted widespread criticism from both the opposition and the ruling party, which said the remarks did not reflect its stance.

Nnauye apologised for the clip, saying his comments were meant as a joke and he had been quoted out of context.

But local media reported opposition politician John Mnyika saying the statement indicates what has been planned within the government and the ruling party.

The reshuffle has also left analysts speculating about the 2025 election, which Hassan is expected to contest.

I think its a power play towards the general election next year, said University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Abel Kinyondo.

The move follows her decision in early July to appoint a new intelligence chief.

Suleiman Abubakar Mombo was sworn to replace Ali Idi Siwa who retired, the presidency said.

Hassan, then deputy president, took office in 2021 after the death of John Magafuli.

Since taking the helm, Hassan has moved away from Magafulis authoritarian policies and embarked on political reforms, including relaxing some restrictions on the media and the opposition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Israels return to the negotiating table this week for discussions on a hostages-for-ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the Prime Ministers Office said, as he prepares to depart for the US read more

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Israels return to the negotiating table this week for discussions on a hostages-for-ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the Prime Ministers Office said, as he prepares to depart for the US.

According to a Times of Israel report, citing a statement from his office, Netanyahu engaged in a detailed discussion on the hostage negotiations before departing for Washington, where he is being accompanied by his negotiating team and senior security officials.

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An Israeli official cited by the Walla news site mentioned that the location for the talks has not yet been determined, reported Times of Israel.

The official noted that Netanyahu, scheduled to return to Israel on Thursday, aims to first secure approval from US President Joe Biden for a firm Israeli stance based on the prime ministers four non-negotiables.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed support for Netanyahus decision to resume negotiations after a hiatus of nearly two weeks.

            -      .



 ,     -   .



   ,         .



    ,     - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) July 21, 2024

There is a limited window of opportunity for a deal to release the hostages, wrote Gallant on X.

Even if there are disagreements, the entire security establishment has your back in the mission to bring about an agreement, Gallant added.

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Growing optimism

Efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas have sparked growing optimism.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that were in the 10-yard line towards reaching a deal. Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of the security cabinet, suggested in an interview with Channel 12 news on Sunday that a deal could be finalised within two weeks, reported Times of Israel.

On Sunday, several hundred protesters gathered outside Ben Gurion Airport to urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to remain in Israel and finalise the deal, as he was scheduled to depart on Monday morning.

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Netanyahu has been accused of impeding progress toward a deal with the four non-negotiables he announced July 7, including a demand to retain Israeli control of the Philadelphi Route, which separates Gaza from Egypt.

According to the report, citing Walla news site, an Israeli official said that during a four-hour meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu directed Israels delegation to hold firm on his demands while adhering to the countrys proposal from May 27, as outlined by Biden in a May 31 speech. However, the official noted that Netanyahu seemed more realistic about Hamas potential acceptance of the nonnegotiable terms.

According to the report, citing Kan public broadcasters report on Sunday, Israel was rushing to finalise its latest response in the negotiations before Netanyahus departure for the US.

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Netanyahu had originally planned to leave Israel on Sunday night and meet with Biden on Monday. However, due to Bidens COVID-19 recovery, the meeting was postponed to Tuesday, prompting Netanyahu to delay his flight by a day.

Despite the delay, anti-government groups and some relatives of hostages proceeded with their planned protest near Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. Organisers cited by Channel 13 news suggested that the postponement might have been announced to mislead protesters and hinted that it could still change.

Anti-Netanyahu demonstrations are also scheduled during his engagements in the US, including his address to Congress on Wednesday.

Most citizens know the prime minister is making decisions based on personal gain, Times of Israel quoted Shai Mozes, nephew of hostage Gadi Mozes, as telling to Haaretz daily at the demonstration.

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They see he wants to leave them in captivity. Well remind him wherever we can: he doesnt represent anyone and we wont accept this abandonment, he added.

Coalition partners threaten over reckless deal

Meanwhile, hardline members of the prime ministers coalition have threatened to bring down the government if the agreement proceeds.

The far-right coalition partners of the prime minister, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have threatened to leave the government if Israel agrees to what they deem a reckless deal.

Over the weekend, eight members of Netanyahus Likud party declared they would not support the current proposal. In a letter to the prime minister, these lawmakers stated that any agreement that involves withdrawing our forces from their current positions in Gaza is a complete surrender.

They specifically cautioned against withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route, which Israel asserts Hamas uses for smuggling weapons into Gaza. Likud MK Amit Halevi, one of the letters signatories, told The Times of Israel on Sunday that he cannot support a coalition that withdraws our soldiers from Philadelphi.

Netanyahus other three nonnegotiable demands are: allowing Israel to resume military action until its objectives are met; preventing armed Palestinians from reentering northern Gaza; and maximizing the number of hostages returned alive from Hamas captivity.

It is reported that 120 hostages remain in Gaza, 116 of whom were abducted on October 7 during an attack where Hamas-led terrorists killed nearly 1,200 people and kidnapped 251. At least 42 hostages are confirmed deceased.

Efforts mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to secure a ceasefire and release the hostages have failed since a weeklong truce in November, which saw Hamas release 105 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

The current negotiations are based on Israels proposal from May 27. Talks stalled in June but resumed in early July with tentative approval signaled by Hamas.

With inputs from agencies
More than 160 people have been killed in clashes between the protesters and Bangladesh government forces read more

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has deployed the military to crush the protests against her rule (Photo: AFP)

After the Supreme Court scrapped the contentious job quota, the Bangladesh student groups have suspended protests for 48 hours.

Even as protesters have suspended their movement for now, the military continues to patrol the streets and internet remains suspended in the country.

The protesters have given Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina an ultimatum that internet should be restored while their movement is suspended or they would return to the streets.

In violence over the past one week or so, more than 160 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security personnel. Hundreds more have been injured at over 500 protesters have been arrested.

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Uneasy calm after Supreme Courts fresh ruling

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on Sunday scrapped most of the contentious quota that had been the trigger of protests.

Under the contentious quota system of Bangladesh, around half of all jobs in the country, including civil services posts, were reserved for select groups like the descendants of veterans of the 1971 War of Liberation.

The critics said the system was rigged in favour of Hasina as her family-run Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) was central to the war of liberation and her father Mujibur Rahman was the leader of the movement and was the first president of Bangladesh after the nation was formed. Hence, the critics said, the quota effectively reserved the jobs for children of Hasinas supporters.

In its order on Sunday, the Supreme Court ruled that 93 per cent of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit and only 7 per cent should be reserved. Of the 7 per cent reserved jobs, 5 per cent would be reserved for ethnic minorities and 2 per cent for the descendants of freedom fighters, said the top court.

Even though the immediate trigger of student-led agitation was the quota system, as the Opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) joined the agitating student groups, it took the shape of a broader movement opposed to Hasina and her 15 years of rule in the country. Hasinas critics have long alleged that she has ruled with an iron fist and claimed democratic backsliding under her. Earlier this year, Hasina effectively won a fourth tern unopposed as the main opposition party, BNP, had boycotted the elections.

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Following the Supreme Courts order, the protesters have suspended the movement an uneasy relative calm prevails in Bangladesh  for now.

More than 160 killed, over 500 arrested in Bangladesh protests

At least 163 people have been killed in the clashes, including several police personnel, according to AFP.

The agency has compiled the numbers from police and hospital records.

The police in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, told the agency that at least 532 people had been arrested in the capital since the protests began. Those arrested include BNP leaders.

As the streets in Dhaka remained largely quiet on Monday, Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman said the law and order situation had been brought under control since the military was deployed, as per the agency.

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Even though the protests have been suspended, sporadic violence was reported on Monday and four people were brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries, according to the agency.

The internet remains suspended in Bangladesh. The websites and social media accounts of major media organisations, including newspapers Dhaka Tribune and Daily Star, remain out of operations. Internet freedom watchdog NetBlocks said on X (formerly Twitter): Network data show #Bangladesh has now been offline for four days with a nationwide internet shutdown remaining in place amidst student protests.

 Update: Network data show #Bangladesh has now been offline for four days with a nationwide internet shutdown remaining in place amidst student protests 



Protesters are calling for the restoration of telecoms, the release of detainees, and accountability for over 150 deaths. pic.twitter.com/RVn1i1TFJQ  NetBlocks (@netblocks) July 22, 2024

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The usage of military vehicles with United Nations (UN) markings in crushing the protests under question. Moreover, the international scrutiny of Hasinas heavy-handedness has further been questioned as diplomats summoned by her minister and shown footage purportedly of protesters damaging the property said the government was presenting a one-sided narrative and was not acknowledging the firing by own police personnel.
Moderate mayoral candidate Mark Farrell addresses the room at a debate on July 8 in San Francisco. Camille Cohen/Special to the Chronicle

The political fight for key endorsements in the San Francisco mayors race is heating up as another well-funded moderate group officially backed Mark Farrells campaign and the citys largest public sector union came out in favor of Aaron Peskin.

TogetherSF Action, a relatively new advocacy organization linked to billionaire venture capitalist Michael Moritz, announced Monday that its supporting Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor, as its No. 1 choice over incumbent London Breed and three other challengers.

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Securing the endorsement means Farrell will benefit from his name appearing as the top mayoral choice in about 170,000 voter guides that TogetherSF Action plans to send to San Francisco households. The group also plans to make phone calls and knock on doors to get out the vote for Farrell, as well as host house parties and public events with him, said Executive Director Kanishka Cheng.

Farrell isnt the only candidate to line up support. SEIU Local 1021, which represents some 16,000 city workers, this month gave its endorsement to Peskin, the progressive Board of Supervisors president. All five major candidates are pursuing a prized endorsement from the local firefighters union, which held a debate last week. And the San Francisco Democratic Party is expected to reveal who its backing in the mayors race in the coming days.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin speaks during a mayoral debate on June 17. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

To Farrells opponents, and other San Francisco political observers, TogetherSF Actions endorsement is hardly surprising because the group previously came under scrutiny over its ties to Farrell. He hired multiple TogetherSF Action alums to work on his campaign, and Cheng used to work for him as well as Breed. Those connections ultimately led TogetherSF Action to cancel a planned mayoral debate after Breed, Peskin and Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and Levi Strauss heir also running for mayor, refused to participate.



Cheng said in an interview that her group chose Farrell because of his combined experience at City Hall and in the private sector, where he has been a venture capitalist. She said TogetherSF Action was also drawn to his commitment to restoring public safety in San Francisco.

Cheng defended her groups connections to Farrell, saying her experience working for him and Breed means we are uniquely positioned to evaluate how these candidates work and make a real-world informed decision.



Theres nothing I can do about former staff choosing to work where they want to work, Cheng said of the TogetherSF Action alums now employed by Farrell. She said the connections demonstrate that Farrell and TogetherSF Action have similar core values.



TogetherSF Actions board is recommending that its supporters rank Farrell first, Breed second and Lurie third. San Francisco allows voters to rank up to 10 candidates in order of preference. If no candidate gets a majority on the first round, those with the fewest votes are eliminated, with their ballots redistributed to their voters next-highest choices until someone wins.

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TogetherSF Action is among a constellation of well-funded political groups formed in recent years that have broadly similar views on supporting the police, making the city friendlier to business and ramping up market-rate housing production. Another of those groups, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, previously endorsed Farrell and Lurie as its top choices, ranking Breed third. The Neighbors group is led by Chengs husband Jay, who the Chronicle previously revealed had told a political insider they could land a job on Farrells campaign.

The groups have drawn the ire of Peskin, who in his campaign launch speech decried a handful of billionaires who were pouring millions of dollars of dark money into ugly smear campaigns that he said could destroy much of what makes this a unique, vibrant and magical city.



Peskin may benefit from outside spending on his behalf from SEIU, if the group decides to launch a political action committee to promote its support of his mayoral campaign. Ramses Teon-Nichols, the unions vice president of politics, told the Chronicle a pro-Peskin PAC is possible but nothing has been decided.

Were definitely analyzing all possibilities for how we can support both Aaron and other endorsed candidates in San Francisco, Teon-Nichols said.



Teon-Nichols said SEIU backed Peskin  without ranking other candidates  because of his long career at City Hall and his track record of supporting rent control and socioeconomic issues important to the union.

He has been consistent for us, and for labor and for a lot of other values of San Francisco that we stand for over his whole career, Teon-Nichols said.



Local unions so far do not appear to be coalescing behind a single candidate. The San Francisco Building Construction and Trades Council previously endorsed Farrell and Supervisor Ahsha Safai. An alliance of other construction labor groups, including the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, is supporting Breed.
From former presidents to current lawmakers, Bidens party faithful rallied around him as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her to take on Donald Trump read more

Leading Democrats were quick to hail Joe Bidens legacy on Sunday after the US presidents historic decision to end his reelection bid, while Republicans instead demanded his resignation.

From former presidents to current lawmakers, Bidens party faithful rallied around him as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her to take on Donald Trump.

Harris herself praised Bidens selfless and patriotic act, saying in a statement that his accomplishments are unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.

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In a joint statement, former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton said they join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all that he accomplished.

With less than a month until the partys scheduled nominating convention, they too threw their weight behind Harris.

Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it, they said.

Barack Obama, who picked then-senator Biden as his running mate in 2008, called him a patriot of the highest order, but warned of uncharted waters in the days ahead  and stopped short of endorsing Harris.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who still wields immense influence among Democratic lawmakers and had reportedly been pushing for Bidens exit, said in a statement that his legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

The two top Democratic leaders in Congress also praised Bidens legislative accomplishments without endorsing a replacement.

President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Bidens decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.

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Republican fury

Republican leaders, including Trump, slammed Bidens presidency and called for the 81-year-old to resign.

Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!  We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump, 78, posted on his Truth Social network.

Senator J.D. Vance, Trumps pick for running mate, said Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way.

House Speaker Mike Johnson meanwhile said that if Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president.

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He must resign the office immediately, he said in a statement.

However many Republicans recently called for Biden, who was trailing Trump in polling, to stay in the race  arguing replacing him would be undemocratic.

Mitch McConnell, the top Senate Republican, claimed in a statement Sunday that the Democratic Party has been busy in recent weeks trying to upend the expressed will of the American people in primary elections across the country.

Senator Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, meanwhile expressed respect for Biden in a statement and sent warm wishes, saying his decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.

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Family

Bidens family offered loving support to their patriarch, as his five-decade political career now heads to a close.

First Lady Jill Biden reposted her husbands statement on X announcing his exit with a simple two-heart emoji.

Granddaughter Naomi Biden said on X she is nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction.

Hunter Biden, the presidents son, said his fathers unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent.

His statement, shared by his daughter Naomi, concluded: Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad.
Biden held on to the US presidency at a time when the multipolar world witnessed two wars and dynamic changes read more

US President Joe Biden deboards Air Force One, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. He is currently self-isolating after contracting COVID. File Image / Reuters

Moments after US President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his re-election campaign, leaders from around the world lauded the veteran politicians legacy. On Sunday, Biden announced his exit, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to get the Democratic nomination.

Immediately after the announcement, the Democrats paid tribute to Bidens long career, whereas the Republicans called for his immediate resignation from the Oval Office. Bidens decision amid growing pressure for him to drop out of the race. Throughout his presidency, and during his re-election campaign, many have raised concerns about Bidens age and mental acuity.

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Biden held on to the US presidency at a time when the multipolar world witnessed dynamic changes. Biden navigated America at a time when two wars are wreaking havoc around the world. Hence, heres a look at how the world leaders reacted to Bidens Sunday announcement.

Poland

In his post on X, formally known as Twitter, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk lauded Biden for taking difficult decisions at a turbulent time. Dear President @JoeBiden. Youve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger, Tusk wrote on X.

I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life, he added. The Wests approach over how to deal with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is crucial to Poland since it borders both the warring nations. Hence, it is certain that Poland will be keeping an eye on the US Elections.

Dear President @JoeBiden. Youve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.  Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) July 21, 2024

UK

The newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he respected Bidens decision to step down. I respect President Bidens decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency, Starmer wrote on X, retweeting Bidens statement. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people, he added.

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I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.



I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz went on to call Biden his friend and insisted that the POTUS has achieved a lot for his country and the continent of Europe.

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My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition, he wrote on X.

Mein Freund @POTUS Joe Biden hat viel erreicht: fur sein Land, fur Europa, die Welt. Dank ihm ist die transatlantische Zusammenarbeit eng, die NATO stark, die USA ein guter und verlasslicher Partner fur uns. Sein Entschluss, nicht noch einmal zu kandidieren, verdient Anerkennung.  Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) July 21, 2024

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Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reacted to Bidens announcement. In his post, the Ukrainian leader insisted that Kyiv will remain grateful to Biden for his unwavering support to the war-stricken nation.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraines fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect todays tough but strong decision.

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We will always be thankful for President Bidens leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war, he added. The comments from Zelenskyy came days after he held a telephonic conversation with Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump.

Ukraine will be eying on who will be succeeding Biden since it will have a major impact on the kind of assistance Ukraine will get in its war against Russia.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical.



Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024

Russia

Meanwhile, the Kremlin made it clear that they have other priorities than waiting for the outcome of the US Presidential elections. For us, reaching the goals of the special military operation [against Ukraine] is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US elections, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the matter, Russia Today reported.

The Russian spokesperson also supported the countrys President Vladimir Putin who said earlier this year he would have preferred Biden to win the election, describing him as an old-school politician and more predictable. Thats certainly the case, but the elections are still four months ahead. And its a long period, over which many things can change, Peskov noted.

Biden has caused problems all over the world and in his own country, the United States. Since he sees that he will not be elected, he is withdrawing without waiting for the election, Russian state Duma leader Vyacheslav Volodin, an ally of Vladimir Putins, told reporters on Sunday.

He should be held accountable for the war unleashed in Ukraine, for destroying the economies of European countries, and for the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries, he added.

Israel

Before boarding the Wing of Zion for the first time for his flight to Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Bidens run as the president. I plan to see President Biden, who I have known for over forty years, the Israeli premier said in his first public comment on the US leaders decision to quit the campaign.

This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as a senator, vice president, and president. Other prominent Israeli officials wrote positively of the decision.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Biden a true friend of the state of Israel. President Biden is a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments, Bennett wrote on X.

During my tenure as Prime Minister, I witnessed his unwavering support of the State of Israel. Thank you for everything, he added. Israels defense minister Yoav Gallant also thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years. Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.

President Biden is a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments.



During my tenure as Prime Minister, I witnessed his unwavering support of the State of Israel.



Thank you for everything.  Naftali Bennett   (@naftalibennett) July 21, 2024

Thank you President @JoeBiden, for your unwavering support of Israel over the years. Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship.     - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) July 21, 2024

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabnese thanked Biden for his leadership and lauded the strong alliance between the two nations. Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations, the Australian premier wrote on X.

Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations. https://t.co/gkAggLguAj  Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 21, 2024

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of Biden during his visit to the Canadian parliament. Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you, he wrote on X.

Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend.



To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024

Overall, the world lauded Bidens leadership during tough times and celebrated his long career as a politician.
Days after Pakistan government decided to ban Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Islamabad Police on Monday arrested PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Information Secretary Raoof Hasan from the party secretariat, drawing sharp response from the party read more

Days after Pakistan government decided to ban Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Islamabad Police on Monday arrested PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Information Secretary Raoof Hasan from the party secretariat, drawing sharp response from the party.

According to Dawn, the news was shared by Imran Khans lawyer Ali Ijaz Buttar on platfrom X.

I just received a call from the partys office informing that 300 to 400 policemen arrived at the (partys) office and arrested PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, Buttar wrote on the X.

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Following the arrests, party condemned the move through its official X account and lambasted the Islamabad police for flouting legal procedures.

Its absolutely shameful how Islamabad Police continues to completely mock and disregard every law in this country. Law of the jungle is reigning over Pakistan! PTI said in a statement on X.

Its absolutely shameful how Islamabad Police continues to completely mock and disregard every law in this country. Law of the jungle is reigning over Pakistan! https://t.co/YbPEkUzhK9  PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2024

Additionally, PTI noted that police seized computers and other items from the party secretariat during the operation.

The PTI also posted a video on the X platform, depicting multiple police vehicles and a small number of officers outside the partys main headquarters.

Visuals outside PTIs central secretariat!Law of the jungle reigns supreme in Pakistan. Islamabad Police is busy in targeting PTI, while criminal activities are increasing daily! pic.twitter.com/zwhnGQvnfS  PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2024

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Islamabad Police is busy in targeting PTI, while criminal activities are increasing daily! PTI wrote on X.

Later in a statement, the PTI said, Maybe one day IG Islamabad, puppet government will deploy such big groups of officers in order to prevent and catch actual criminals, rather than going after Pakistans biggest political party.

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman alleged that police officers were seizing documents and equipment from the partys office.

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Strongly condemn raid at PTIs central secretariat Islb & arrest of Rauf Hassan & Chairman Barrister Gohar on the instructions of form-47 govt. Weve been informed that theyve locked staff in a room & waiting for prison van to arrive & have taken computers & important documents, Zaman wrote on X.

Meanwhile, PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser claimed that PTI leaders from Lahore Chaudhry Shabbir Gujjar and Khalid Mehmood were also arrested along with Gohar Khan and Raoof Hasan.

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                 8                                             Asad Qaiser (@AsadQaiserPTI) July 22, 2024

The government in its last days has gone mad like an angry elephant. They do not understand that on February 8, the Peoples Court rejected them and now they cannot digest the terrible defeat on the legal and constitutional front. I condemn the illegal arrests of Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Information Secretary Rauf Hasan, and PTI Lahore leaders Chaudhry Shabbir Gujjar and Khalid Mehmood, he wrote on X.

If anyone thinks that we will be suppressed by such tactics, keep it together, it will never happen, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan has also formed a committee to that would find businesses with links to Israel for the purpose of boycott read more

Even as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks bailouts to keep its economy afloat, the country has found an admirer in the terrorist group Hamas.

After the Pakistani government designated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a terrorist, Hamas welcomed the announcement.

Following anti-Israel protests in the country, the Pakistani government struck a deal with the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and declared Nentanyahu a terrorist and Israel a terrorist state.

Netanyahu is responsible for atrocities committed by Israeli forces in Palestine, and we consider him a terrorist and demand the world community declare Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a terrorist, reads the government declaration following the deal, as per The Express Tribune.

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The newspaper further reported that the deal has also resulted in the formation of a committee that would find businesses with links to Israel for the purpose of boycott.

A committee has also been constituted to identify such companies and products in Pakistan that may be directly or indirectly abetting Israel or forces committing war crimes against Palestinians, said Rana Sanaullah, Adviser on Political Affairs to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as per the newspaper.

Hamas, the terrorist group that triggered the ongoing war with its October 7 attack on Israel, has welcomed these moves and has termed it as a step towards supporting Palestinians. The Gaza-based terrorist group said Pakistans declaration was a step towards supporting our people who are subjected to genocide and ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Zionist terrorists and an expression of the genuine historical positions of the Pakistani people, government, and parties in support of the first cause of Muslims.

Pakistan does not recognise the State of Israel and has often issued statements against the country in context of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The terrorist designation of Netanyahu came after the Islamist party TLP held protests in the country. Several thousands of TLP activists held protests in Islamabad and Rawalpindi that disrupted everyday lives.

The formation of the committee to pinpoint Israel-linked companies has after many in Pakistan called for the boycott of products of companies seen as supporting the Israeli war efforts.
Hours after the court ordered their release former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi were arrested in a case related to the alleged Toshakhana case on July 13 read more

A Pakistani court has extended the custody of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi by seven days in the Toshakhana case.

Previously, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Imran and Bushra in a fresh case related to the alleged Toshakhana scam on July 13. The arrest had come hours after a court had ordered their release in the iddat case. Since it was the last case against them, they were set to be released that day but the NABs arrest prevented that.

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Now, after NAB sought 14-day custody, a court had extended Imran and Bushras custody by seven more days, according to The Express Tribune.

The Toshakhana case against Imran and Bushra refers to the alleged corruption in his dealings with toshakhana, the government repository where gifts received by government leaders and officials in their official capacity are deposited. The investigators have alleged that he and Bushra bought back these gifts at low prices and sold them at much higher prices to make huge personal profits at the cost of exchequer.

In the Toshakhana case in which the two are currently jailed, they are accused of purchasing a jewelry set from the toshakhana and selling it, according to The Express Tribune, which added that the cost of the jewellery is Rs 75 million.

In all, Imran has more than 100 cases against him for a range of offences. He has been in jail for more than a year.

Previously, on July 13, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court had ordered Imran and Bushras immediate release after they had challenged their sentencing in the case of having an illegal marriage. Earlier in February, the two were convicted and sentenced to seven-year in prison.

Since early 2022, when he was unceremoniously ousted as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in a trust vote, Imran has alleged that he is a victim of a multinational conspiracy. He has alleged that Pakistans military, intelligence services, and the then-Opposition parties have been in league with the United States with the objectives to oust him. He has also railed against the countrys all-power military-intelligence establishment and his supporters last year went on an unprecedented rampage against the military, attacking the houses of corps commanders and also the military headquarters.
Kremlin spokesman Dmirty Peskov, when asked to comment about Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race, said Russia has other priorities than waiting for the outcome of the 2024 US presidential elections read more

Russia, which has been in conflict with Ukraine since February 2022, has reacted to Joe Bidens surprise announcement of dropping out of the 2024 US presidential race, ending his bid for reelection.

The US, under the leadership of Biden, has been supporting Volodymyr Zelenskyys Ukraine in its conflict with Vladimir Putins Russia. Moments after Bidens announcement on Sunday, Kremlin spokesman Dmirty Peskov said Russia has other priorities than waiting for the outcome of the 2024 US presidential elections.

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Not US, but Ukraine is a priority for Russia

Peskov said winning the conflict against Ukraine is among the priorities for Russia.

For us, reaching the goals of the special military operation [against Ukraine] is a priority, rather than the outcome of the US elections, Peskov said.

The Kremlin spokesman stood by the remarks by Putin who had, earlier this year, had said he would have preferred Biden winning the US presidential election, describing him as an old-school politician and more predictable from the standpoint of Moscows interests.

Peskov went on to say Thats certainly the case, but the elections are still four months ahead. And its a long period, over which many things can change."

Biden drops out from US presidential race

Bidens announcement of dropping out of the presidential race has sent shockwaves throughout US politics. The US presidents decision came soon after his poor debate performance against the 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on June 27.

Though Biden blamed jet lag and international travel for the debate debacle, several Democrat lawmakers had urged him to withdraw as the presidential candidate.

The ruling party lawmakers expressed discontent with Biden continuing on his reelection bid, saying that they feared that if elected again, he could cost them not only the White House but also the chance to control either chamber of Congress next year.

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With his dropping out announcement, Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democrats new presidential candidate.

With inputs from agencies
Nearly 29 months since Russias full-scale invasion, Kuleba will discuss bilateral ties at talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a trip to China from July 23 to 25, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said read more

Ukraines top diplomat will visit China on Tuesday at the invitation of Beijing for talks that Kyiv said would focus on how to end Russias war in Ukraine and on a possible Chinese role in reaching a settlement.

Nearly 29 months since Russias full-scale invasion, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will discuss bilateral ties at talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a trip to China from July 23 to 25, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

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The main topic of discussion will be the search for ways to stop Russias aggression and Chinas possible role in achieving a stable and just peace, the Ukrainian ministry said in a statement on its website.

The Chinese statement said Kulebas visit would run from July 23 to 26 and provided less detail.

The trip is unusual as China is widely seen as close to the Kremlin, with which Beijing declared a no limits partnership in 2022 just days before Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Though the worlds second largest economy has not condemned the Russian invasion and helped keep Russias war economy afloat, Kyiv has been cautious in its criticism of Beijing.

China meanwhile says its ties with Russia are built on the basis of non-alliance and do not target any third party.

Various peace initiatives have emerged in recent months as the fighting has dragged on ahead of a US election in November that could see the return to power of ex-president Donald Trump who has threatened to cut vital aid flows to Ukraine.

Kyiv held an international summit without Russian representation in Switzerland in June to promote its vision of peace and now says it hopes to be ready to hold another one in November that would feature Russian representation.

China, which did not attend the Swiss summit, together with Brazil published a separate six-point peace plan on May 23, saying they supported an international peace conference being held that would be recognised by both sides in the war.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that only the worlds powerful countries would be able to successfully bring an end to the war, singling out China as well as Kyivs close U.S. ally as two possibilities.

The Ukrainian leader has said that China should play a serious role in helping to resolve the war.
The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, which is next to a river that marks Mexicos border with Guatemala read more

Migrants walk along the highway through Suchiate, Chiapas state in southern Mexico, Sunday, July 21, 2024, during their journey north toward the U.S. border. AP

About 3,000 migrants from around a dozen countries left from Mexicos southern border on foot Sunday, as they attempt to make it to the U.S. border.

Some of the members of the group said they hoped to make it to the U.S. border before elections are held in November, because they fear that if Donald Trump wins he will follow through on a promise to close the border to asylum-seekers.

We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked, said Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador. He feared that a new Trump administration might stop granting appointments to migrants through CBP One, an app used by asylum seekers to enter the U.S. legally  by getting appointments at U.S. border posts, where they make their cases to officials.

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The app only works once migrants reach Mexico City, or states in northern Mexico.

Everyone wants to use that route said Salazar, 37.

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, which is next to a river that marks Mexicos border with Guatemala.

Some said they had been waiting in Ciudad Hidalgo for weeks, for permits to travel to towns further to the north.

Migrants trying to pass through Mexico in recent years have organized large groups to try to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials as they travel. But the caravans tend to break up in southern Mexico, as people get tired of walking for hundreds of miles.

Recently, Mexico has also made it more difficult for migrants to reach the U.S. border on buses and trains.

Travel permits are rarely awarded to migrants who enter the country without visas and thousands of migrants have been detained by immigration officers at checkpoints in the center and north of Mexico, and bused back to towns deep in the south of the country.

Oswaldo Reyna a 55-year-old Cuban migrant crossed from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago, and waited in Ciudad Hidalgo to join the new caravan announced on social media.

He criticized Trumps recent comments about migrants and how they are trying to invade the United States.

We are not delinquents he said. We are hard working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs.
In a separate post, Trump claimed that Biden wanted to get out of the race right after the presidential debate between the two, emphasising that the POTUS is not suffering from COVID read more

In his first reaction after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump said that his Democratic rival is the worst president in the history of the United States by far.

There has never been a president who has done such damage to our country, from energy independence to letting in millions and millions of illegal immigrants, Trump told NBC News shortly after Bidens announcement on Sunday. When asked if he was surprised by the announcement, the business mogul turned politician insisted that Biden should never have been there in the first place.

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He should have stayed in his basement, he remarked. The former president continued with his attacks on his social media platform TruthSocial, claiming that the 81-year-old president does not have COVID.

Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more. He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard, the former reality TV star wrote on TruthSocial.

He was not fit to serve from the very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he added.

In a separate post, Trump claimed that Biden wanted to get out of the race right after the presidential debate between the two. Does anybody really believe that Crooked Joe had Covid? No, he wanted to get out ever since June 27th, the night of The Debate, where he was completely obliterated. That was the big moment in Joe Bidens demise. That was the point in time when Joe was revealed for what he is, an incompetent man who should never have been President. Joe Biden is not fit to serve - He is destroying our Country! he exclaimed.

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Trumps running mate and other Republican stalwarts hurl attacks against Biden

Trumps newly appointed running mate and Ohio Senator JD Vance also took potshots at Biden and slammed Vice President Kamala Harris. Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way, the Republican firebrand asserted.

Over the last four years she co-signed Bidens open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries, Vance wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Bidens mental capacitysaddling the nation with a president who cant do the job. President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoevers at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on.

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Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way. Over the last four years she co-signed Biden's open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these  JD Vance (@JDVance) July 21, 2024

Meanwhile, the US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called for Bidens resignation from the Oval Office. The Republican leader noted that Bidens announcement posed an unprecedented juncture in American history and claimed the presidents decision invalidated the votes of millions of Americans who selected Biden as the Democratic nominee.

The partys prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration, Johnson wrote in a statement on Sunday. He went on to call for the presidents resignation. If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President, Johnson wrote, adding, November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

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At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election.



Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe  Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 21, 2024

Florida Governor and former Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis hurled attacks against Harris after Biden endorsed her for the Democratic Party nomination.

Kamala Harris was complicit in a massive coverup to hide and deny the fact that Joe Biden was not capable of discharging the duties of the office, Gov. DeSantis wrote on social media, blaming Harris for what he called the worst border crisis in American history.

Republican politicians like Senator Mitch McConnel, House Representative Steve Scalise and Elise Stefanik also hurled similar insults.
San Francisco police officials said officers shot and killed a man near Civic Center who was allegedly wielding a gun. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

San Francisco police officials said officers shot and killed a man near the intersection of Willow Street and Van Ness Avenue just before midnight Sunday.

In a statement issued Monday morning, the police department said officers responded to a report of an armed robbery when they attempted to make contact with a man armed with a firearm.

A source familiar with the investigation said the man was running away from police when he turned around and fired a shot at officers. The man continued running, and turned around a second time, the source said, at which time an officer shot at the man three times.

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Officials said the man was struck by gunfire, and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries before dying shortly after.

Officials with the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the man as 28-year-old Alexander Antonio Lopez, and said his county of residence was unknown.

Police have released few details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, but a security video obtained by the San Francisco Standard appears to show a man running away from a tent encampment as a male voice yelled stop.

The man running is seen extending his left arm backward as loud bang rings out. In a second clip, seen from a slightly different angle, the man is seen extending his arm again just before three more gunshots are heard. The man is seen falling to the ground as a male voice yelled let me see your hands.

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Nokia has announced that it has successfully completed the first 5G non-standalone (NSA) Cloud RAN trial in India. This trial represents a significant milestone for Airtels network evolution, allowing them to deliver superior customer experiences through high-performing networks.

The trial utilized Nokias RAN software for virtualized network functions and achieved over 1.2 Gbps data throughput on Airtels commercial network. The companies said that the trial took place in an over-the-air environment utilizing 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G and 2100 MHz for 4G.

This paves the way for increased service innovation, network automation, and efficient resource scaling for Airtel. This collaboration showcases Nokias anyRAN approach, which allows operators to build future-proof networks with flexibility in choosing cloud infrastructure and suppliers.

The approach enables a hybrid network with both Cloud RAN and traditional deployments, delivering consistent high-quality performance.

Commenting on this, Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, said:

This successful Cloud RAN trial is a significant step forward in our consistent efforts to integrate the latest and most efficient technologies into our network and leverage these to deliver brilliant customer experiences. This partnership with Nokia has enabled us to pioneer innovative solutions to upgrade our capabilities in 5G.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said:

This successful trial with our long-term partner, Bharti Airtel supports their ambitions for building scalable, agile and highly automated networks. Nokias approach to Cloud RAN means that our customers can flexibly evolve to Cloud RAN with choices in Cloud infrastructure and data center hardware. This will drive efficiency, innovation, openness, and scale in their RAN evolution.
China's visa-free policy ignites travel enthusiasm, enhances exchanges

10:49, July 22, 2024 By Tian Yi ( People's Daily Online

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows Tamara Ruiz Chamorro (L) and Marc Pradaa Bayona (R), two Spanish tourists in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

To welcome foreign visitors, foster personal exchanges, and enhance mutual understanding, China has implemented a series of visa exemption measures which took effect in December 2023. The country has instituted a policy of unilateral visa-free entry for citizens of more than a dozen nations as of July 2024, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia and Poland.

In the first half of the year, 8.54 million international visitors visited the country under visa-free policies, according to China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), marking a 190.1 percent year-on-year increase. In July, NIA announced that the country's 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, bringing the total number of ports covered by the policy to 41.

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows tourists queuing in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Tian Yi)

People's Daily Online reporters have met dozens of international visitors in Beijing who are astounded by their experiences in China.

"China is better than we expected. The people are very happy, very good to us. The food is better than I thought," said Marc Pradaa Bayona, a 31-year-old Spanish visitor.

This year, German tourist Andreas Siebert, who is 50 years old and has been to China ten times, brought his niece and nephew with him. He said that the visa-free policy is great for foreigners who want to experience China's amazing culture.

"I have traveled a couple of times to China, and I want to introduce my niece and nephew to Chinese to open their minds."

"Sometimes China feels like a home away from home for me," said Andreas Siebert.

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows American tourists Gretchen Larsen (L) and her husband Eric Larsen (R) in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

Indulging in Chinese cuisine has brought people together and opened their hearts to new cultures. For some, the culinary diversity of China is the highlight of their trip.

Having a "Chinese breakfast," which combines Chinese and Panamanian flavors, has become an integral element of Panamanian culture, according to two Panamanian tourists.

"In Panama, we have a large Chinese population, and we are immersing ourselves in their culture. The food is very different, and everything you have in China for breakfast is absolutely delicious," said Adrian Gonzalez, a first-time visitor from Panama City.

"Every Saturday and Sunday, Panamanians go and eat "Chinese breakfast", so we are familiarized with the culture, but being here has been a different experience, and we like it," said Denisse Gonzalez, the sister of Adrian.

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows Adrian (L) and Denisse Gonzalez (R), two Panamanian visitors in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

The rapid development of China's technology has piqued the curiosity of many tourists. Several have expressed hope that their home nations can engage in more technological cooperation with China.



Erik Siebert, a 14-year-old from Leipzig, Germany, is enthralled by the usage of technology in Chinese daily life, such as robots that bring food to the customers and power bank rental machines.

"China is a country where technology and culture come together and form a good and advanced country," said Erik Siebert, hoping that Germany can learn from the world's second largest economy's use of technology.

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows Erik Siebert, a German tourist in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

"For me, the bullet train was an attraction, it goes really fast," said Adrian Gonzalez.

"I saw that with Alipay and QR code, it's very easy and fast doing anything," said Roberto, a 32-year-old Italian traveler.

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows Luca La Vanco, an Italian tourist in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

Travelers are inspired by their mind-opening trips to China. Most travelers affirmed they would highly recommend visiting China to their friends and family, and are motivated to build long-term ties with the country.

"I would highly recommend my friends and families to visit China. I've learned a lot in the few days I've been here so far. It's been a very wonderful experience for me," said Eric Larsen, an American tourist from Las Vegas.

"Maybe in the future, when I return to Australia, it's a layover [in China] I can do, so why not do more days than just one," said Luca La Vanco, an Italian national currently working in Australia. He made a two-day layover in Beijing on his way back to Italy.

"It's an amazing cultural input, it's opening and changing your minds, especially when you come back to your own culture, you have a different perspective," said Andreas Siebert, "For us, China looks like a country [living] in the future."

Photo taken on July 10, 2024, shows Andreas Siebert, a German tourist in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Wu Chaolan)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang)
The shell of a truck that burned its brakes and caught fire in the scorching Death Valley summer heat lies on the side of the road. Courtesy of National Park Service

Burning brakes in the scorching desert heat may have contributed to a truck fire in Californias Death Valley last week, making it the fourth such fire in the past year, according to the National Park Service.

The most recent event happened July 15 when a flatbed truck caught fire while descending Towne Pass on Highway 190 in Death Valley National Park. There were no injuries, but the open-air truck was burned nearly to the ground on the incline between Stovepipe Wells and Emigrant Junction.

It was 120 degrees in Death Valley on the day of the fire, but the ambient heat was probably just one contributing factor, according to Torey Michener, a public information officer with the California Highway Patrol in Bishop. He noted that the stretch of highway where the truck caught fire is a 9% grade for 17 miles and is notoriously hard on trucks carrying heavy loads.

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It is usually driver error, riding the brakes instead of using the engine to downshift to reduce speed that causes the fire, he said. It just so happens that weve had a couple of them back-to-back. But weve also had truck fires out there in winter.

Other similar fires involving tractor trailers occurred April 26 and Jan. 10 this year, as well as Aug. 10 last summer, according to a park service news release.

A park ranger sprays water to extinguish a truck fire in Death Valley National Park on April 26. The tractor trailer carrying hazardous waste was descending from Towne Pass on Highway 190 between Emigrant Junction and Stovepipe Wells when its engine and brakes caught fire, officials said. Courtesy of National Park Service

Abby Wines, a spokesperson for Death Valley National Park, agreed that the biggest factor in the fires is the steep grade. Towne Pass (where the wrecks occur) has a 5,000-foot descent, so you are dropping a mile in elevation, she said. Most people dont know that you can downshift even on an automatic transmission to save the brakes.

Highway 190 connects Highway 395 in the eastern Sierra Nevada to Highway 95, which runs to Las Vegas. Towne Pass is entirely within the national park and is treacherous enough that vehicle manufacturers often test their new vehicles on the two-lane road in the summer heat.

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Wines said she has been in the desert for 19 years and has learned to recognize test vehicles by their black-and-white stickers.

Famed as the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley has already seen nine consecutive days with temperatures 125 degrees or hotter this summer  and 21 days with temperatures 120 degrees or above so far in 2024, Wines said.

It is not as hot as being in an oven, she said, but it feels like it.

She recommends that people driving in the desert heat stay on paved roads like Highway 190 because they are heavily traveled. They should avoid unpaved local roads and avoid walking more than 10 minutes away from an air-conditioned vehicle. There is only spotty cell reception in Death Valley, she added.

But the extreme conditions, which scientists say are being intensified by human-caused climate change, have not kept visitors away

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We get about 100,000 visitors per month in the summer, which is about the same as in winter, Wines said. They line up to get a selfie in front of the big thermometer at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
July 21, 2024: Many nations threatened with attack are studying new tactics and weapons developed during the Ukraine war for useful items. One Ukrainian innovation was the use of numerous inexpensive armed USVs (Unmanned Seagoing Vessels) to attack and destroy ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The losses were so great, and Russian defenses against the UAVs so inadequate, that Russia withdrew its remaining warships to secondary bases over a thousand kilometers from Crimea where their main bases were. In this way Ukraine, which did not have a conventional navy, was able to defeat the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Taiwan sees this Ukrainian tactic as useful in thwarting any Chinese invasion attempt against Taiwan. Sending hundreds or thousands of these USVs at the approaching Chinese fleet might cause such heavy ship losses that the invasion would fail. While this sounded absurd to some Chinese admirals, there was the recent experience where the Ukrainians actually defeated the Russian Black Sea Fleet with such tactics. Why wouldnt such a tactic work against a Chinese fleet? After all, the Ukrainian designed USVs ride low in the water and are made of materials that are difficult to detect with radar, sonar or aerial surveillance. The inexpensive USVs could be manufactured in large numbers and held in reserve to deal with a Chinese attack. The USVs could be stored in bomb proof coastal shelters to limit losses from Chinese missile attacks. Once the Chinese fleet encounters USVs they might be persuaded to turn around and spare themselves an embarrassing defeat.

The USVs are only useful for coastal operations and most naval battles are found near a coast, not out on the high seas where no land is visible. USVs replace naval mines as a defensive weapon, one that is not a danger to friend and foe alike. It remains to be seen if Taiwan or anyone else in need of adequate defenses against naval attack, will adopt the USVs, despite their success in the Black Sea.
July 21, 2024: Turkey continues to maintain military forces in Libya and expects that its troops and mercenaries will remain in Libya as long as it takes to gain their planned economic and political cooperation from Libyans. The Turks are less willing to block efforts to hold national elections and bring an end to over a decade of civil war. By early 2020 the Turks had sent enough troops to rescue the GNA (Government of National Accord), a failed UN and Moslem Brotherhood backed government, from its locally based rival Libyan National Army (LNA) force. The GNA failed to attract a national following while the LNA did. It has been around since 2015, when it was formed in eastern Libya and proceeded to eliminate rivals, especially Islamic radical groups, throughout the country. In early 2019 all that the GNA had left was the traditional capital Tripoli) and to the east the nearby coastal city of Misrata.

Both cities are dominated by dozens of rival militias, many of them seeking an Islamic government but mainly looking out for themselves. The LNA went after Tripoli in early 2019, from two sides and slowly pushed back the desperate militias, who would lose their independence and lucrative criminal enterprises if the LNA succeeded. The UN condemned the LNA and ignored Turkey shipping in weapons and military advisors to assist the GNA. By the end of 2019 Turkey was threatening to send in combat troops and warships to blockade Libyan ports. The Turkish support violates the UN arms embargo on Libya, as does the support Russia, Egypt, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and a few other countries have provided for the LNA. The LNA agreed to a ceasefire and national elections. The Turks and their thousands of Syrian Arab mercenaries are still there and are prepared to stay indefinitely. Egypt, for the first time in centuries, finds hostile Turkish troops next door and is not pleased.

Both Libyan governments continue to engage in corrupt practices, despite scrutiny by UN officials and journalists. Local journalists are frequently responsible for accusations against corrupt Libyans. One of those corrupt practices the United States protests is Libya tolerating, and often cooperating with, people smuggling gangs that were offering air transportation to Nicaragua in Central America and then assistance to illegally enter the United States.

Despite all this, local elections were held and that has made possible national elections that might persuade the Turks to withdraw or at least begin negotiations about withdrawal. As of 2024 there is agreement between the GNA and LNA about holding elections. The only obstacle is the Turkish forces that refuse to leave Libya. Turkey is looking out for Turkish economic interests and knows it is blocking efforts to hold national elections in Libya. Most Libyans do not want to give in to Turkish extortion but the Turks are too strong militarily to be forced out of the country.
China's state security authorities warn foreign spy agencies of stealing core scientific research outcomes

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 21, 2024 02:39 PM

China's Ministry of State Security called on citizens to increase their awareness of security precautions and protect national security in a short film based on a true story about a foreign espionage agency which leveraged a researcher's position to steal the nation's core scientific research achievements through various clandestine means.

The Windmill Code, a microfilm based on a true story, describes how the national security authorities discovered an espionage activity overseas.

Chen Xue, a spy from abroad claiming to be the head of a consulting firm, struck up a conversation with the victim Yang Jian, a researcher at a national scientific institution, at a technological exhibition.

Chen gave Yang a "windmill" as a token and expressed a desire to make friends with him after having such a pleasant talk with him, feeling as though she had met her family.

The victim was captivated by Chen's beauty and was emotionally touched by her, then they quickly fell in love.

Chen claimed that she had come back to China to pursue her career, and that her company was in need of expanding business and developing greater market access. But as she was not an expert in Chinese technology, she hoped that Yang would provide some references.

Yang did whatever she requested, catering to all her needs, so he gave Chen instant access to classified documents he had downloaded from his institution.

A half-month later, Chen told Yang that she wanted more detailed information about the data.

Under Chen's compulsion, Yang once again lost himself and sent copies of sensitive materials to Chen without permission.

After Yang offered his office's top-secret documents to Chen, he was engulfed in a nightmare. He dreamed that Chen asked him for classified documents over and over again, which eventually led to his arrest by the national security authorities.

Under the pressure of the law and family care, Yang phoned the national security authorities to turn himself in willingly and honestly, confessing the fact that he had illegally delivered sensitive materials to Chen.

With Yang's cooperation, national security authorities successfully solved the espionage case by arresting Chen, a member of an overseas espionage intelligence agency.

National security authorities, in compliance with the applicable laws, imposed administrative penalties in line with the law in light of his self-surrender and commendable performance.

Such microfilms serve as reminders from China's Ministry of State Security to the public, especially research academics in national core fields, that any foreign espionage should be reported by all means as soon as possible.

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China reportedly hosts Fatah-Hamas talks, 'shows responsible role as a major power'

Global Times

By Fan Anqi Published: Jul 21, 2024 07:43 PM

As Israel continues to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip, China is reportedly hosting talks to bridge the gap between the rival Palestinian factions of Fatah and Hamas from Saturday to Sunday, aiming to resolve the serious political divisions that have persisted for 17 years. Experts said that promoting reconciliation within Palestine is a key factor in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and China can play a positive role in this process where the US cannot.

Hamas, which runs Gaza, and the Fatah movement, which has partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, have been locked in bitter rivalry since Palestinian legislative elections in 2006. The two groups, under Chinese reconciliation efforts, agreed to meet in Beijing from Saturday to Sunday for peace talks, according to AFP.

Various reconciliation bids have failed over the years, but calls have been growing since the start of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October last year which set off a new round of chaos in the Middle East, with violence also soaring in the West Bank where Fatah is based, media said.

The Hamas delegation is headed by its Qatar-based political chief Ismail Haniyeh, while the Fatah representation is led by deputy head Mahmud Alul, according to Fatah sources, AFP reported.

Sabri Saidam, Fatah's central committee deputy secretary general, told media prior to the meeting that the goal is "to end the state of division with a commitment to past agreements and agreeing on a relationship between the Palestinian groups in the next stage."

Promoting reconciliation within Palestine is one of the key factors in resolving the Israel-Palestine crisis, Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

"Facilitating talks between the two sides is strategically important even if Israel withdraws from Gaza. The problem still cannot be fundamentally resolved without addressing Palestine's internal rifts," Zhu said.

Beijing's provision of a platform for talks suggests that China emphasizes addressing the issue at its root and has taken proactive actions to offer an environment conducive to peace, which is particularly valuable in the current complex situation, Zhu noted.

A Middle Eastern media commentary said that China's invitation to the two conflicting factions to attend talks in Beijing "highlights China's confidence and strength," the commentary stated. "Regardless of whether it will be successful or not, this diplomatic move by China demonstrates its responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, which is truly remarkable."

Israel continued bombardments across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, which claimed dozens of Palestinian lives in the southern, central and northern parts of the besieged territory, including local journalist, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile in Yemen, at least three people were killed and 87 were wounded in Saturday's Israeli air attacks that targeted an oil storage facility and power plant in the port city of Hodeidah, officials said. Israeli raids also caused injuries in southern Lebanon, according to media reports.

Experts suggested that China can play a constructive role in promoting dialogue in the Middle East where the US cannot. Due to the US' indulgence of Israel, it cannot engage in dialogue with Hamas while China, which has always maintained a fair and neutral stance, is able to talk with both sides as well as with intra-Palestinian groups.

"Although results have yet to be seen, China has already played a positive role by putting the two groups back on the same table. In contrast, the US turned out to be more destructive and destabilizing, and failed to follow through on its promises," Zhu noted.

The experts further stressed that if China and the US along with other major countries can work together and form a united stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the crisis could be resolved more quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, despite China's repeated calls for such cooperation, certain countries are reluctant to do so, which is one of the major causes of the prolonged existence of this problem, experts noted.

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Biden drops out of US presidential race

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

New York, IRNA -- US President Joe Biden has announced his pullout from the 2024 presidential race, less than a month before the national convention of his Democratic Party.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term", Biden wrote on X Sunday.

Incumbent Biden backed his vice president Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee, calling on his party members to "come together" to beat Republican Donald Trump.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

Biden, 81, has been facing calls from Democrats to step aside as their nominee following his disastrous performance at a debate with Trump on June 27.

Concerns have been growing about Biden being mentally unfit for president and compete with Trump, after he made a series of gaffes at a NATO summit earlier this month and a key press conference at the White House afterward.

Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race comes four months before election day in the US in November.

Former president Trump, 78, formally accepted the GOP nomination for president at the Republican National Convention on July 18.

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Israeli military positions hit in fresh Hezbollah attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, has conducted fresh attacks against Israeli military positions in the northern occupied territories.

Hezbollah said in a statement on Sunday that its fighters carried out drone and rocket attacks on two Israeli military bases, causing casualties among soldiers. Hezbollah reported fatalities, without specifying.

It said that the latest attacks were in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and their resistance fighters, and were also in response to Israeli strikes on civilian areas in southern Lebanon.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military conducted attacks on several towns in southern Lebanon. Media outlets said two Lebanese soldiers were injured after Israel shelled an army position near Alma ash-Shaab in south of the country.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in clashes on Lebanon's southern border since October 8, a day after the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza.

The clashes have intensified in the past few weeks, raising fears of a full-blown war between the two sides.

Hezbollah, which has been limiting its attacks on Israeli military positions, has time and again said that it will stop its operations once a permanent ceasefire is announced in Gaza.

Such a ceasefire however has not been reached yet over Israel's refusal to accept Palestinians' demands including a complete halt to fighting.

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'More Zionist crimes in Gaza, more global support for Palestinians'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said, "The more Zionist crimes against Palestinians, undoubtedly the more global support for Palestinians and heightened public hatred of the apartheid Israeli regime."

Kanaani wrote on his X account on Sunday, "The honorable and zealous Yemenis demonstrated once again that the shameful efforts of ill-wisher powers to cover up the painful tragedy of Gaza and create fear in the region and the world to stop support for the oppressed people of Palestine have failed."

He underlined, "The more Zionist crimes against Palestinians, undoubtedly the more global support for them and heightened public hatred of the apartheid Israeli regime."

The Israeli regime waged its brutal war on besieged Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out an unprecedented operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The regime has imposed a complete siege on the densely populated territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Israel-linked ship still burning 2 days after Yemen's attack

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A cargo ship affiliated with the Zionist regime is still burning two days after the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted it, according to a report.

A new fire has started on the Maersk shipping company vessel affiliated with Israel, Al-Masirah reported on Sunday.

Despite efforts to contain the blaze, some other parts of the ship are still burning.

Maersk has already announced that the continuation of the Yemeni Army's attacks on the Red Sea would bring a 15% to 20% loss of capacity to the transportation industry in 2024.

The Yemeni Army has repeatedly targeted Israeli ships or other vessels destined for the occupied lands to support the resistance of the Palestinian nation in the Gaza Strip.

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'Yemen to continue operation until aggression against Gaza ends'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A Yemeni source highlighted the existing coordination between Yemen and the resistance groups in the Gaza Strip and other regions, stressing that if the Israeli regime does not stop the Gaza aggression, the Yemeni army's operations will continue in the coming days and months.

In an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV on Sunday, the source in the Yemeni Armed Forces noted that Yemen would not be affected by counter-operations and the Yemeni army would continue targeting a bank of targets of the Israeli regime in occupied territories of Palestine.

The source underlined that the Yemeni army's statement revealed its complete readiness for any scenario and that their retaliatory operation is part of escalatory steps that will not be reversed.

According to the source, the Zionist enemy lies about the Yemeni army's operations and conceals the facts and figures on the ground.

The source further noted that the coordination between Yemen and Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip and the Axis of Resistance in the region continues and has reached an advanced level.

On Friday morning, the Yemeni Armed Forces attacked the occupied city of Tel Aviv with a new combat drone "Jaffa", which the Zionist regime officials acknowledged killed a settler and injured eight others.

After penetrating into Tel Aviv's airspace, the stealth drone targeted a building near the US consulate.

In response, the Israeli regime's warplanes carried out an airstrike on the port city of Hodeidah in western Yemen on Saturday evening, which left three martyrs and 87 others wounded.

The Yemeni army announced that its response to the occupying regime's attack on Hodeidah would be appropriate, decisive, broad and definite.

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Palestinian resistance inflicts heavy blow on Zionists in Rafah

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance fighters have inflicted fatal blows on the Zionist regime's forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

According to Al Mayadeen, intense clashes are underway in Tal as Sultan, Tal Zorab, and Al-Saudi neighborhood, as well as the Bereksat area in Rafah.

The Palestinian resistance forces killed a number of occupying forces in Gaza and injured several others.

Meanwhile, the Zionist regime's attacks on the Gaza Strip continued, and the occupiers bombed a house in the Al-Jadeed camp, north of the Nuseirat Camp, in the center of Gaza.

Israeli fighters also bombed a house in the northern Gaza Strip.

Over the past 9 months, the Zionist regime has launched a massive massacre in Gaza while closing all the crossings, preventing the arrival of humanitarian aid and turning this area into ruins with constant bombing and shelling.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has said that 38,882 people have been martyred in the besieged territory since the Israeli genocidal war began last October.

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July 22, 2024: China looks forward to becoming the largest economy in the world by the end of the decade, and a military superpower a decade after that. Longer term the outlook is less promising. Time is not on Chinas side. There are numerous examples of this. One of the more obvious is the shrinking Chinese work force and population in general. The overall population growth rate peaked in 2016 at 0.59 percent and has been declining ever since. There is a worse problem with the shrinking labor force because of the declining working age population. All this began in 2014 and will continue for decades.

The biggest problem, though, is the growing shortage of workers. As the population ages, all those one-child families means there will be more elderly than the economy, and the shrinking workforce can effectively support. Currently there are ten working age Chinese for every retiree. By 2050, there will only be two for each retiree. At that point retirees will comprise 30 percent of the population versus 15 percent now. Traditionally, children cared for their parents in multi-generation households. That model is dying out, and China is faced with huge pension cost increases at the same time they expect their economy to be the mightiest on the planet. But at that point the largest single government expense will be the care of the elderly, and this will impose crushing taxes on those of working age. Many working age Chinese are worried about this as there is no easy solution in sight. China tried in 2013 to relax the one-child policy but the newly affluent Chinese are less eager than earlier generations to have a lot of children.

To make matters worse there is not much in the way of pensions or health care for most of the elderly to begin with. The government recognizes this is a real problem but does not, and will not, have the cash to deal with it. The population shrinkage is accompanied by another problem. Since the 1980s many of those couples forced to have only one child aborted a child if it was a female, because much more importance is attached to having a male heir. There are nearly 40 million more males than females in China and the disparity is growing. These surplus males are coming of age, and the competition for wives is causing problems. Women are taking advantage of their scarcity but men are also going to neighboring countries to buy, or even kidnap, young women to be wives. This is causing ill will with neighbors, where females are enticed or coerced, often kidnapped by criminal gangs, to become wives of Chinese men who have no other options.

Its not just brides who are moving to China, foreign workers are being imported. These will not become permanent residents because China, like most East Asian nations, discourages that practice. There are still more Chinese leaving than foreigners entering as permanent residents. Its these migrants, temporary or permanent, that will become increasingly important in the next few decades for dealing with the rapidly growing labor shortage.

Its not just population growth that is slowing. A decade ago, it became clear that the years of ten percent a year GDP growth were ending. Not just because economic growth was slowing, but because the central government was finally forced, for the first time, to go public and admit that false economic data had been provided to the central government by provincial officials for decades. Since 2014 Chinese officials have become more open about the problem and have managed to obtain accurate economic information for such things like annual GDP and unemployment rates. Apparently Chinese GDP has not been growing steadily at nearly ten percent a year for decades. Chinese officials do eventually, within months or years later get more accurate data and while Chinese GDP has actually been steadily growing over the last three decades, the annual growth actually varied between 5 and 15 percent. Chinese official policy was to keep everyone calm by issuing less variable annual growth rates. In short, the official numbers were doctored.

For more accurate and immediate indicators of economic activity, Chinese and foreign economists and business leaders use things like electricity production, railroad traffic and similar data that cannot be manipulated by local officials to make their city or province look more successful. Many financial experts inside and outside China feared that all this official manipulation of economic data, an ancient practice in China, is masking some serious economic problems that could go sideways at any time, causing a banking crisis that would paralyze the economy for a while and cause political chaos. Its very much a crouching tiger and hidden dragon situation. This is an ancient phrase warning that behind seeming success and talent lurks the possibility of imminent disaster. Chinese are ever mindful of this sort of thing.

Affluence has not just reduced the birth rate but increased the drug addiction rate. China will not release official figures but it is estimated, using data on arrests, drug seizures and related issues that there are over 20 million addicts in China and that this is rapidly increasing. This is happening despite vigorous government anti-drug efforts. Arrests for drug offenses have increased more than ten times in the past decade yet the drugs keep coming in, especially from neighbors like Burma, North Korea, Thailand and Afghanistan.

Since the Chinese Communist Party is under growing popular pressure to do something about the rampant corruption in China, and specifically in the Chinese Communist Party, it has been arresting and prosecuting a growing number of senior officials. New anti-corruption measures were announced in 2015, including more scrutiny of senior officials and large corporations, which are the ones that pay the largest bribes. For years most Chinese believed the anti-corruption effort was having little impact. But in the last decade there have been believable indicators of progress. This comes in the form of declines in gambling, which is a favorite activity of corrupt officials. Gambling is legal in the coastal enclave of Macau near Hong Kong, where most of the legal gambling takes place. Macau is a special administrative region that had been under Portuguese control from 1557 until 1999. Macau had prospered because it had a market economy free of interference from the Chinese government. This included legalized gambling. Macau became the largest center of legal gambling in the world, generating seven times more gambling revenues than Las Vegas in the United States. Chinese are among the most avid gamblers in the world and long represented much of the activity in Las Vegas. With the Macau gambling operations, a lot more Chinese can gamble closer to home. Gambling revenue accounts for half the Macau GDP. After 2013 annual casino revenue declined because of government crackdowns on gambling. This was something the wives and families of gamblers had long demanded.

Its not just drugs and corruption the government is cracking down on. Visible dissent is also a major target. The government has rehabilitated some old Maoists and encouraged a new generation of communist zealots to find and crush criticism of the government. This includes unauthorized discussion of corruption, criticism of communism or the Chinese Communist Party. This thought control is becoming more of a nuisance to Chinese, which is not good news for the government of the worlds largest communist police state.
Yemen conducts drone, missile attacks on Israeli port, US ship

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces issued a statement on Sunday, announcing that the Yemeni forces targeted important points in the port of Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) and a ship belonging to the US in the Red Sea.

According to Qatar's Al Jazeera TV network, Brigadier General Yahya Saree declared that in order to support the Palestinian people and respond to the US and British aggressions on Yemen, the missile force affiliated with the Yemeni armed forces had targeted important points in the area of Umm al-Rashrash in southern occupied Palestine with ballistic missiles.

The spokesman went on to say that the Yemeni naval, air, drone and missile units had also directly targeted the US ship Pumba in the Red Sea with several ballistic missiles and several drones.

The Yemeni Armed Forces emphasize the right to defend Yemen against the aggressions of the United States, the UK, and the Israeli regime, and their aggressions will not change Yemen's firm position in support of the Palestinian people, he noted.

He added that the naval operations of the Yemeni armed forces against Israeli, American and British ships and vessels heading to the ports of the occupied territories will be banned to sail in the regional waters until the end of aggression and the siege of the Gaza Strip.

Saree also said that the Yemeni Armed Forces will undoubtedly respond to any aggression by the Zionist regime and that this response will be large and widespread.

The Zionist regime, using 20 F-35 jets, carried out an airstrike on the port city of Al-Hudaydah in western Yemen Saturday evening (July 20). In retaliation of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, Yemeni army conducted drone and missile strike on Tel Aviv on Friday, which left one killed and nine others injured.

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Kata'ib Hezbollah says ready to confront Zionist regime on all fronts

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iraqi resistance group Kata'ib Hezbollah says it is well-prepared to fight against the Zionist regime on all fronts.

The group in a statement on Sunday reacted to the Zionist regime's airstrike on Yemen's western port city of Hodeidah.

The attack on Hodeidah, which was supported by the US and certain countries, shows the regime's failure, added the statement.

The group expressed its all-out support to stand united in all fronts, especially in the resistance front of Yemen.

Yemen has said that it will continue to support Gazans until the Israeli regime stops its war on the besieged Palestinian territory and lifts its blockade.

The Israeli army killed 37 more Palestinians in attacks on the Gaza Strip, taking the overall death toll to 38,919 since last Oct. 7, the enclave's Health Ministry said on Saturday.

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Hamas official says intense pressure could prevent Israel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A member of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says that the crimes in Gaza cannot be stopped unless more intense pressure are put on the Zionist regime.

Palestinian news agency Shehab quoted Izzat al-Rishq on Sunday as saying.

The occupying regime is continuing crimes and terrorist acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza while it is fully supported by the United States, the Hamas senior official added.

Every day, the criminal enemy carries out massacre from north to west of Gaza, kills children, women and the elderly, and targets houses and refugee camps, he underlined.

Based on the latest report released by Palestinian Ministry of Health, about 38,882 have been killed in Gaza from the onset of war in the enclave in October 2023.

Since then, the Israeli regime could not achieve its aims which were the annihilation of Hamas and the release of the Zionist prisoners.

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Haaretz warns about new phase of Israeli war with resistance groups

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Hebrew-language daily Haaretz has argued that the Friday drone attack by the Yemeni Armed Forces on Tel Aviv and the Israeli regime's response by bombing the Yemeni port of Hodeidah indicate a dangerous phase in the ongoing war.

In an article, Haaretz said that after nine and a half months, the Israeli-Hamas war has entered a new and more dangerous phase.

The newspaper pointed out that an Israeli settler was killed in the Yemeni drone attack on Tel Aviv, after which Israeli warplanes bombed Yemeni weapons depots, a power plant, and oil storage facilities in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, causing severe damage.

Haaretz wrote that this is the first time Israel has directly attacked Yemen, while it used to mission the US-led coalition to respond to Yemenis' attacks.

The Israeli newspaper further said it is expected that the attack will also lead to Ansarullah's retaliation against Israeli targets, and these clashes may exacerbate the risk of war.

Haaretz also wrote that the launch of a drone from Yemen on Friday was a surprise because there were no prior intelligence warnings and the defense system's performance appears to have been limited.

Meanwhile, Ali al-Qahoum, a member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, reacted to the Zionist regime's airstrike on Hodeidah on Sunday morning, stressing that a painful response awaits the Tel Aviv regime.

Al-Qahoum warned that the answer is coming, painful and severe, and you will regret and mourn. Your options will be either immigration or shelter.

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UN chief offers great concern over Israel's attacks on Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong concern about the Zionist regime's attacks on Yemen's Hodeidah Port and its surrounding areas.

In a statement, Guterres said that these attacks, for which Israel has claimed responsibility, were carried out in response to the Yemeni Armed Forces' previous attacks on them.

The UN chief emphasized that he is deeply concerned about the risk of escalation of tensions in the region.

The Israeli regime launched an air attack on the port city of Hodeidah in western Yemen on Sunday evening.

In this attack, the occupying regime targeted an oil tank, which led to a massive fire in the surrounding areas.

Yemeni media reported that the attack was carried out using F-35 fighters.

The Ministry of Health of Yemen announced that this attack left several martyrs and wounded.

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EU supports ICJ opinion on illegality of Israeli occupation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- European Union Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, in a statement, has said that the 27-nation bloc supports the latest ruling of the International Court of Justice regarding the illegality of the occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Zionist regime.

According to Al Jazeera, Borrell called for more support for the ICJ ruling, saying "it is largely compatible with the positions of the European Union."

In the continuation of the statement, he said: "In a world of constant and increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all ICJ decisions in a consistent manner, irrespective of the subject in question."

Borrell added that the opinion "will need to be analyzed more thoroughly, including its implications for EU policy", considering the consequences of the International Court of Justice's ruling on the illegality of the 57-year occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel.

On Friday, the top UN court issued its legal opinion as sought by the UN General Assembly in its 2022 resolution on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the violation of rights there.

It its ruling, the ICJ called the presence of the Zionist regime in the occupied territories illegal and demanded an end to it. It also ruled against the construction and development of settlements in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds and said the regime must immediately cease such construction.

The transfer of settlers by Israel to the West Bank and al-Quds, as well as the preservation of their presence by Israel, are found to be in violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the statement published by this court stated.

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Zionists hold emergency meeting amid fear of Yemeni response

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led an emergency meeting to assess potential retaliation by Yemen in response to the deadly Hudaydah airstrikes, news sources reported on Sunday morning.

According to Al Jazeera, the Zionist Minister of Transport Miri Regev with the presence of security officials discussed in an emergency meeting about the possibility of Yemeni attacks on strategic and vital infrastructures related to her ministry.

On the other hand, the Israeli media reported that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin had boycotted the meeting of the war cabinet, in which, the decision to attack Yemen's Hudaydah port was taken.

The two ministers, according to media, said they knew about such plan ahead of time.

Channel 12 reported that Smotrich and Levin refused to attend after being summoned only 45 minutes before the meeting.

Walla news media also said that relevant information was sent from the military apparatus to the Knesset at time the attack was already underway.

Yemen's Ansarullah Movement and the military have already pledged to avenge the attack and inflict a harsh bow to the regime in the best possible way.

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Saudi Arabia denies connection with Israel's Yemen attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Saudi Arabia has denied any connection with the Israeli regime's airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah that left at teat three people dead and 87 others injured.

Saudi Arabia had no connection or participation in the bombing of Hudaydah, Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, spokesman of the Saudi Ministry of Defense was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying on Sunday morning.

The spokesman further said that his country would never allow the violation of its airspace by any one, with reference to whether Zionist warplanes attacked Yemen by breaching Saudi airspace.

Channel 14 of the Zionist regime had previously reported that the Tel Aviv had informed the United States and Saudi Arabia before carrying out the attacks on Yemen.

According to Israeli media 20 F-35 warplanes carrying hundreds of tons of explosives targeted the Hudaydah port that caused massive fire and destruction.

Yemen's Ansarullah Movement and armed forces have already pledged to avenge the deadly attack.

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Hezbollah, Hamas surprise Zionist troops with attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime's army confirmed on Saturday night that two of its soldiers were injured in a drone attack on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The army did not specify who was behind the drone strike on the Zaoura region, located in the north of the occupied Golan.

But, Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement had announced earlier in the day that it had carried out drone attacks against the positions of the Zionist military and the Iron Dome facility on the Golan Heights.

Hezbollah and the Zionist army are engaged in exchange of fire ever since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza. The two side are targeting each other positions with rockets and missiles but recently the Zionist regime has targeted residential areas in southern Lebanon resulting in the death of civilians.

On Saturday, the regime announced that its warplanes have once again bombed an area between the cities of Tire and Saida in the south of Lebanon and targeted an ammunition depot.

The Zionist regime, which has been defeated in the battlefield with Hezbollah and is being dealt heavy blows by Palestinian fighters in Gaza, is bombing residential areas in southern Lebanon and in Gaza to compensate for its defeats.

Recently, the regime has also targeted private vehicles in southern Lebanon as part of its assassination drive in order to compensate for heavy losses in the battlefield with Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Israeli invaders present in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis said that the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement constantly change their war tactics.

The battle in Gaza is complicated and the Qassam fighters are continuously changing their war tactics, according to the Palestinian Samaa news agency citing Israel's Yedioth Aharonot newspaper on Sunday morning.

The Zionist daily quoted soldiers as saying that Hamas forces come out of the rubble alive after the bombings because they take shelter in basements protected by reinforced concrete.

After more than 9 months of the Zionist regime's war against the Gaza Strip, Palestinian fighters keep putting stiff resistance to invading troops and dealing heavy blows to them. The regime has failed to provide actual casualty figures among its troops in Gaza and in northern occupied territories along Lebanon due to fear of the public outrage.

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Regional resistance groups censure Zionist attacks on Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance groups and Lebanon's Hezbollah, in separate statements, have condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah and warned the regime about the consequences of its action.

We strongly censure the brutal attacks of the Zionist regime on the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and the targeting of the country's oil and civilian facilities, Hamas' statement said as quoted by the Palestinian Samaa news agency on Saturday night

In this statement, the resistance group, while emphasizing its full solidarity with the people of Yemen and the Ansarullah Movement, honored their martyrs and their courageous stance.

The Palestine Islamic Jihad movement also strongly condemned the attack of the Zionist regime on Yemen, especially the targeting of its civilian facilities.

This new Zionist crime proved that this criminal regime is a danger not only to the Palestinian nation, but the region as whole.

The Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement, in a statement, warned that the Zionist regime's foolish action is the beginning of a new phase of the regional conflict.

The statement cited by Lebanon's Al Manar TV, Hezbollah said the Israeli attack is part of American and British aggression against Yemen as well as the continuation of multiple-year siege of the Arab country.

This attack is a confirmation of the high importance of the support front of the axis of resistance throughout the region, Hezbollah said.

"The Israeli attack will definitely make the Yemeni government and nation more determined to help the people of Gaza, and the Yemeni leaders have the necessary insight, courage and strength to create deterrence against this enemy and its regional and international allies to take appropriate and necessary measures", the statement added.

At the end, Hezbollah reiterated its support for the Yemeni nation and the historical stance of Lebanon toward the Palestinian people and their cause.

Condemnations keep pouring in after the Zionist regime's warplanes targeted an oil tank in Hudaydah on Saturday, which led to a massive fire in the surrounding areas.

According to Yemen's Al Masirah network, citing the health ministry, three people were confirmed dead while 87 others injured as a result of Israeli bombing of the western Yemeni city.

The American government has distanced itself from the attack.

But in an interview with a Zionist website, an American official, on the condition of anonymity confirmed the involvement of F-35 warplanes in the Israeli attack and claimed that it was in response to Yemen's deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv on Friday.

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July 22, 2024: India has made a rapid switch from importing many of its weapons from Russia to obtaining them from Western manufacturers. This included several joint-production agreements where American and French firms negotiated agreements with India to produce Western defense equipment like jet fighter engines, helicopters and diesel-electric submarines.

Between 2019 and 2023 India purchased 9.8 percent of worldwide arms imports. Russia supplied 36 percent of these weapons, France 33 percent and the United States 13 percent. This was a big change from the past, when Russia provided 76 percent of the weapons for the five-year period ending in 2013. They declined to 58 percent by 2018 and 36 percent by 2023.

India has grown increasingly dissatisfied with its military capabilities compared to China. Both countries have been involved with a series of border disputes for over a decade along the Chinese border on the shore of Pangong Lake in the Ladakh region. India and China recently agreed to halt their operations on the border. Both sides declared victory but China was the actual winner because now a thousand square kilometers of additional Indian territory along Panglong Lake is under Chinese control. In China the state-controlled mass media treats the Ladakh situation as a minor matter in which Chinese security forces decisively dealt with another case of Indian border misbehavior. The unrestricted Indian media considers Ladakh a major event. This disparity in news coverage is a side effect of the Chinese SSSN (Shove, Stop, Stands Fast) tactics. This Chinese approach has once again prevailed, as it has so many times in the recent past.

China expressed no interest in retreating but was willing to negotiate. With the cold weather arriving in India was in no position to refuse. China believes they will prevail by repeating their SSSN in other disputed areas and push Indian forces out of all the contested territory along their common border. SSSN is slow and it would take decades to grab all the Indian territory claimed by China. As long as China maintains a stronger military than India and can keep more troops near the disputed border areas, India will not feel confident to defend forcefully, risking a large-scale battle on the border.

While both nations have about the same population, the Chinese economy is nearly five times the size of Indias. This economic disparity is of great concern to India. For decades India practiced a form of democratic socialism that nominally allowed free enterprise but under a heavy layer of regulations. There was also competition from state-owned firms that were badly managed but subsidized by the government. These policies crippled Indian economic growth for decades. This was made obvious when neighboring China, which had practiced a stricter form of socialism in which no private enterprise was allowed, changed their economic policies in the 1980s.

The Chinese then sort of legalized free enterprise, and with fewer restrictions than in India. The Chinese model put great emphasis on economic growth and within a decade was delivering 10 percent or more GDP growth each year. Indians sought to emulate China in the 1990s. That eventually paid off, with GDP doubling in the last decade from $1.86 trillion to the current $3.75 trillion. This made India the fifth largest economy, recently surpassing Britain and France. The rest of the top five are the U.S., China, Germany and Japan. Chinese GDP growth is slowing although in the last decade it nearly doubled from $9.57 trillion to $17.52 trillion. But for once the annual Indian GDP growth has been faster than in China, where GDP growth rates have been declining over the last five years.

Three decades of spectacular economic growth resulted in the Chinese GDP becoming over fourteen times larger than it was in 1989. In that same period the U.S. GDP doubled. After World War II India had a larger GDP than China but never felt the same urgency as China to modernize and expand the economy. Actions have consequences and, in this case, it means China can push India around on their mutual border. China believes that India's corrupt and inefficient educational system and higher levels of government corruption will prevent India from ever catching up with China economically, or militarily.

Another reason for this Chinese sense of superiority is that India is still haunted by the last battle with Chinese forces back in 1962. In a month of fighting, starting on October 20th, India lost 7,000 troops, with 57 percent prisoners, the rest dead or missing, compared to 722 Chinese dead. China declared a ceasefire that India accepted. China actually advanced in two areas, a thousand kilometers apart, and ended up taking 43,000 square kilometers of Indian territory.

The source of the 1962 war and current border disputes are a century old and heated up again when China resumed control over Tibet in the 1950s. From the end of the Chinese empire in 1912 until 1949, Tibet had been independent. But when the communists took over China in 1949, they sought to reassert control over their lost province of Tibet. This began slowly, but once all of Tibet was under Chinese control in 1959, China had a border with India and there was immediately a disagreement about exactly where the border should be. Thats because, in 1914, the newly independent Tibet government worked out the McMahon line border with the British, who controlled India. China considers this border agreement illegal and wants 90,000 square kilometers back. India refused, especially since this would mean losing much of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India and some bits elsewhere there and all along the new northern border.

India, as a democracy with a free press, has a public discussion of Chinese tactics and possible Indian responses. China also tries to take advantage of the Indian media freedom by buying favorable coverage in the Indian press. This is done via bribes, offers of investments or loans, and economic concessions within China. Military strategy in China, since ancient times, has placed emphasis on having a powerful military but using it mainly as a threat and giving enemies an incentive to accept bribes and allow China to get what they want. Yet India has rarely been seen as an enemy of China. There is nothing valuable on their mutual border which for thousands of years has been along high mountains and thinly populated lowland jungles. Neither India nor China had any incentive to raise large armies to threaten each other.

Because of this background, the border disputes of the last 70 years are seen by Indians as inexplicable and by Chinese as overdue restitution for centuries of humiliations inflicted by Western invaders. India, ever since it emerged from centuries of British colonial rule in 1947, insisted that India and China shared a background of oppression by the West. China sees India as trying to perpetuate Western crimes against China. To most Chinese, Indians look and sound like Westerners therefore India must be an enemy of China. India has come to accept that the Chinese are obsessed with making India pay for real or imagined wrongs inflicted by Western imperialists and see nothing wrong with using ancient Chinese imperialist methods to get their way. Suddenly British imperialism is not the worst thing that could ever happen to India. China is seeking to provide something much worse and much closer.

The latest phase of this ongoing campaign began earlier this year when China revived its border war with India over Pangong Lake, which is largely in Tibet and connected to Chinese claims on Kashmir territory. This is the longest lake in Asia and part of the 134 kilometer- long lake, at 13,862 foot elevation, extends 45 kilometers into the Indian Ladakh region. China is using its usual SSSN tactics to slowly move the border into territory long occupied by India. The portion of the lake shore in dispute has no native population. The only people who visit the area are soldiers from India or China.

Indian efforts to get China to negotiate a more permanent settlement of border disputes are not working. This is again demonstrated as India fails to get negotiations going that will settle the Pangong Lake dispute once and for all. The Chinese will issue vague press releases but they will not negotiate a final settlement. Even when they negotiate a deal the Chinese tend to see these permanent agreements are temporary ceasefires.

Because of all this India believes it is essential to upgrade its military with more effective weapons. They evolved into co-production agreements with the United States and France so that more capable weapons could be co-produced inside India.
PH, China reach 'provisional arrangement' on Ayungin missions

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

July 21, 2024, 8:22 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines and China have agreed on a "provisional arrangement" in rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Sunday.

In a statement, the DFA said both sides concurred that the agreement "will not prejudice each other's positions in the South China Sea."

"The Philippines and the People's Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal," it said.

Both have recognized the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.

The DFA has yet to provide the specifics of the agreement.

The agreement was made following a series of consultations with the Chinese side, following constructive discussions at the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2.

It was the first formal measure that the two sides agreed on about the Ayungin Shoal.

Two months ago, an unidentified Chinese Embassy official said Beijing had forged a "new model" with Manila, which allegedly allows an unhampered resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre provided that the Philippine boat and escort coast guard involved are limited to one each.

Before the newly announced arrangement, the DFA said the Philippines had not entered into any agreement with China concerning the feature.

It said only President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. could approve or authorize deals related to the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

No US participation

In a separate interview on Sunday afternoon, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said the country's RORE missions "will remain to be a pure Philippine operation."

"But we appreciate the US support in all aspect being our main ally and its assurance of ironclad commitment to the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty). There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in RORE mission," he said.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, on the other hand, noted that the Philippine government would continue to consult the United States as a treaty ally.

"As far as the RORE is concerned, we're keeping it as a purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel and leadership. That may change depending on the guidance from top management but that's the direction or policy at present," he said.

The officials made their statement after White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the US "will do what is necessary" to ensure that the Philippines could continue its RORE missions.

"We will do what is necessary with the Philippines to see to it that that happens. But in terms of specific concepts of operations or the exact way in which the United States would be engaged, our preference is to have the maintenance of the status quo there, the capacity of the Philippines to do these resupplies," Sullivan said.

"We will continue to support the Philippines and stand behind them as they take steps to be able to ensure that," he added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military appreciates Sullivan's remarks that show an "enduring partnership" between the two states.

She also welcomed the US official's reaffirmation of the MDT, which she said ensures the Philippines' assets in Ayungin Shoal are protected.

"The AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of our personnel in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines will exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention in fulfilling our mandate," she said.

"The AFP values the support of the US and like-minded countries in fostering a peaceful and secure region based on international law. We remain committed to peaceful resolutions and will continue working with the US and other partners to uphold regional stability and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea," she added. (With reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

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Iraqi resistance hits vital Israeli target in Eilat with drones

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 9:36 PM

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has conducted a new anti-Israeli operation, hitting one of the regime's vital targets in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement issued on its Telegram channel Sunday afternoon, the group, which is an umbrella for Iraq's anti-terror fighters, said it has launched a drone strike on a vital Israeli target in the occupied port city of Umm al-Rashrash, also known as Eilat.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said the operation came "in support of our people in Palestine, and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against civilians, including children, women, and the elderly."

It also vowed that "operations to strike the enemy's strongholds" will continue "with increasing intensity."

The operation came about a week after the Iraqi resistance fighters launched separate missile and drone strikes against strategic targets in different parts of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories.

Back then, the group said it had attacked the port cities of Eilat and Haifa with kamikaze drones and sophisticated Arqab cruise missiles.

During past months, the Iraqi resistance has launched multiple attacks on Israel's vital targets both in Eilat and the port city of Haifa, including the latter's airport and oil refinery.

It has also launched joint operations along with Yemeni forces against Israeli ports and Israel-linked ships since the regime's brutal onslaught started on the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Iraqi resistance's latest attack on Eilat came after a drone strike by Yemeni forces on Friday hit an area near a US consular facility in Tel Aviv, killing one Israeli settler and injuring 10 others, as the regime's air defenses failed to intercept the drone.

In retaliation, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against fuel storage facilities in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah, leaving six civilians dead and nearly 90 others injured.

Earlier on Sunday, the leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, Sayyed Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, warned Israel that Yemen is more capable than ever of dealing blows to the occupying regime.

The Ansarullah chief added that "Yemeni people are pleased to be in direct confrontation with the Israeli enemy, and they are steadfast and brave people," stressing that Israel cannot stop Yemen's support for Gaza.

The Ansarullah leader emphasized that the US and UK have failed to stop or even weaken Yemen's operations in support of Gaza, vowing to expand the scope of the country's operations as the genocidal war in Gaza continues.

Yemenis have reaffirmed their support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed nearly 39,000 people and wounded about 90,000, come to an end.

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Biden announces he will 'stand down' from re-election bid

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 6:36 PM

US President Joe Biden has announced that he is dropping out of his re-election battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory.

"While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden said in a letter posted on X on Sunday.

Earlier, dozens of lawmakers from the Democratic Party urged Biden to pull out of the November race.

Four Democratic senators and more than 30 Democratic representatives had called on Biden to end his re-election campaign amid concerns about his age, mental acuity and re-election prospects.

The panic set in after Biden performed disastrously at a June 27 debate with Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has emerged as a key senior Democrat pushing Biden to leave the race.

She had reportedly raised concerns among Democrats that Biden could hurt the party's image if continued running for the presidency.

During a speech to North Carolina Democrats on Saturday, Pelosi notably made little mention of Biden's candidacy. "Are you ready for a Democratic president?" According to the Associated Press, Pelosi said at the end of her speech without mentioning Biden directly.

It's still unclear whether Biden would endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris to replace him. Some Democrats, including Pelosi, believe that some sort of competitive nomination process would bolster the credibility of the eventual nominee because voters wouldn't see it as a backroom deal.

The Trump camp has already started preparing a plan of how to attack Harris if she becomes the nominee.

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Israel must face punishment for 'oppression' in Gaza: Erdogan

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 4:05 PM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Israel must face punishment for its actions to deter anyone "from considering such cruelty again."

"Israel must face the consequences of its actions, ensuring that the punishment serves as a stark deterrent against anyone considering such cruelty again," Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

The Turkish president urged the United States to exert pressure on Israel to end the "oppression" in Gaza.

"To end this oppression, it is necessary for the US administration to pressure Israel and withdraw its support from murderer Netanyahu and his associates," Erdogan stated.

Erdogan also commented on an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that affirmed Palestinians' right to self-determination and ruled that Israeli settlements in occupied territories must be evacuated.

"I hope this decision and previous ones not implemented by Israel will bring an awakening in the international community," he said.

"The whole issue is for those who stand for justice against Israel's actions to unite, ensuring everyone stands alongside the decision of the ICJ. We can only disrupt this game with such a stance."

On Friday, the International Court of Justice said, "Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful."

The regime, the ICJ said, "is under an obligation" to end it "as rapidly as possible."

The court found multiple breaches of international law by Israel including activities that amounted to apartheid.

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EU says committed to ICJ decisions amid ruling on Israel

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 1:57 PM

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs has commended the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel.

Josep Borrell said on Saturday the advisory opinion aligns with the positions of the European Union and with United Nations resolutions regarding the status of the occupied Palestinian territories.

"In a world of increasing violations of international law, it is our moral duty to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all ICJ decisions," Borrell stated on his X account.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice said, "Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful."

The regime, the ICJ said, "is under an obligation" to end it "as rapidly as possible."

In 1967, Israeli forces occupied the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East al-Quds, the areas that Palestinians want for a future independent state.

The 83-page advisory opinion read out by ICJ President Nawaf Salam outlined a wide list of policies that it said violated international law, including the building and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds.

The court has ruled that Israel's presence in the 1967-occupied Palestinian territories is "unlawful" and must end.

Earlier, Borrell wrote on his blog post that "Introducing caveats, objections or exceptions based on non-legal grounds damages the rule-based order, damages our values and will damage our international standing and weaken our position on other issues including Ukraine."

"If one of the parties is not satisfied by the decision of the Court it can of course address a specific request for interpretation but not disregard it," he said.

"It is time for the EU to take its responsibilities in front of a catastrophic situation of an unprecedented magnitude. We have to act. Our moral and political credibility is at risk."

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Iraqi resistance group vows to stand by Yemenis after Israeli strikes

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 11:01 AM

A major Iraqi anti-terror group has pledged wholehearted support for Yemeni Armed Forces against Israel after the usurping regime carried out a series of air raids against the Arab country's Red Sea port city of Hudaydah.

"Strikes on Yemeni civilian neighborhoods attest to the occupying Israeli regime's confusion, and are part of its attempts to revive the arrogance that was shattered by resistance forces fighting in support of Palestine.

"While we extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved facilities of the victims, we voice our full support and solidarity with all resistance groups, particularly Yemeni fighters, in the battle against the [Zionist] enemy," Kata'ib Hezbollah, also known as the Hezbollah Brigades, said in a statement on Sunday.

It added that Israel continues its criminal actions in the West Asia region with the support of the United States and the Arab regimes that have normalized relations with the regime.

The air raids against the port city of Hudaydah are part of the Israeli regime's desperate attempts to discourage Yemenis, and make them abandon support for the steadfast Palestinian nation, the statement also read.

Kata'ib Hezbollah further noted that the brave Yemeni nation and leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Mouthi, have the strong willpower and effective prowess to deter arrogant powers.

"This power enables them to take Zionists down a peg as they did before with Americans in the Red Sea," the Iraqi resistance group pointed out.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel said the Israeli attack targeted oil storage facilities and a power plant in Hudaydah on Saturday, igniting a fire.

Three people have been killed and 87 wounded in the Israeli air raids, the Yemeni Ministry of Health stated.

Yemen's Supreme Political Council pledged to respond to the attack on the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah. "This aggression will not pass without an effective response against the enemy," it said in a statement.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam, Ansarullah spokesman, said the "brutal Israeli aggression against Yemen" aims to "pressure Yemen to stop supporting Gaza, which is a dream that will not come true".

The Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas quickly condemned the Israeli assault in a statement.

"The occupying regime will undoubtedly be burned by the fire ignited in Hudaydah today, and the mounting Zionist crimes will change the entire equation," Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Palestinian group's political bureau, said.

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UN chief 'deeply concerned' by Israeli strikes on Yemen's Hudaydah, further escalation

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 7:31 AM

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres says he "is deeply concerned" about the reports of Israeli airstrikes in and around the port of Hudaydah in Yemen.

"Initial reports indicate a number of fatalities and over 80 people injured in this attack and that there has been considerable damage to civilian infrastructure. The secretary-general calls on all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure," a statement from his spokesman read.

Guterres also "remains deeply concerned about the risk of further escalation in the region and continues to urge all to exercise utmost restraint," the statement added.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel said the Israeli attack targeted oil storage facilities and a power plant in Hudaydah on Saturday, igniting a fire.

Three people have been killed and 87 wounded in the Israeli air raids, the Yemeni Ministry of Health stated.

Yemen's Supreme Political Council pledged to respond to the attack on the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah.

"This aggression will not pass without an effective response against the enemy," it said in a statement.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement, said the "brutal Israeli aggression against Yemen" aims to "pressure Yemen to stop supporting Gaza, which is a dream that will not come true".

Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, stated later on Saturday that the Arab country's military would not hesitate in attacking "vital targets" in the Israeli-occupied lands.

The attack came a day after the Yemeni military conducted a drone attack against the coastal city of Tel Aviv in the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories.

Hamas, Hezbollah condemnations

The Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement Hamas quickly condemned the Israeli assault in a statement.

"The occupying regime will undoubtedly be burned by the fire ignited in Hudaydah today, and the mounting Zionist crimes will change the entire equation," Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Palestinian group's political bureau, said.

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement also voiced support for Ansarullah and the Yemeni nation after the air raids.

"We think that this stupid step by the Zionist enemy is a sign of a new, dangerous phase in the confrontation at the level of the entire region," the Lebanese group said in a statement.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7.

Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 38,919 people and wounded another 89,622 individuals, come to an end.

The leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said that it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly."

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Yemen warns Israel of 'devastating response', says 'more resolved' to support Gaza

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 6:51 AM

A senior Yemeni official has warned Israel of "effective operations" in retaliation for the regime's deadly airstrike on the western Yemeni province of al-Hudaydah.

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, issued the warning on Saturday, after Israeli warplanes targeted buildings, oil facilities, and a power station in Hudaydah, killing at least three people and injuring 87, most of them with severe burns.

Houthi said in a statement that the "terrorist aggression" against Hudaydah is another "barbaric crime" committed by the occupying regime, which is waging a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

He added that the crime would not have happened without the support and participation of the US and Britain.

"We will have effective operations that will disturb the temporary entity, and this crime will not deter us from continuing to support the Palestinian Gaza," he asserted.

Houthi also noted that the Hudaydah assault will increase the Yemenis' steadfastness and unite them in the face of the Israeli enemy.

He further said that the Yemenis will continue their battle against the usurping entity in support of Gaza and the Palestinian cause.

The Israeli airstrike came a day after the Yemeni Armed Forces fired a drone at Tel Aviv, which is at least 1,800 kilometers away from their country.

The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the attack was carried out with a new drone called "Yafa" that can "bypass the enemy's interception system and (is) undetectable by radars."

The Yemeni forces have been targeting the occupied Palestinian territories as well as Israeli ships and vessels affiliated with it since October 7, when the regime in Tel Aviv began its Gaza onslaught, killing nearly 39,000 Palestinians.

They have vowed to keep up their operations as long as the regime sustained the offensive against Gaza and a simultaneous siege that it has been enforcing against the Palestinian territory.

Yemen's response 'will be an earthquake for aggressors'

Additionally, on Saturday, the Ansarullah resistance movement warned that Israel will face "surprises" by Yemen's "painful" and "impactful" retaliatory strikes.

Yemen's "inevitable, strong and crushing" response "will be an earthquake for the aggressors," said Ali al-Qahoum, a member of Ansarullah's political bureau.

He also advised the Israelis not to rejoice too much as Yemen's retaliation will be "agonizing."

"You will not escape punishment; you will regret and lament, and your cries will rise," Qahoum told the Zionists.

"Your choices will be either migration and return to where you came from or staying in shelters. American and British protection will not help you, and the hand that violates Yemen's sovereignty and attacks its resources and people will be cut off."

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Yemen strikes Israeli targets in Eilat with ballistic missiles in response to Hudaydah attack

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 6:30 AM

The Yemeni armed forces say they have targeted with ballistic missiles the port city of Eilat in the south of the Israeli-occupied territories as well as an American and an Israeli-owned vessels in the Red Sea following the regime's latest attack on the Arab country.

The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced in a statement on Sunday that they carried out a specific military operation against important targets in the Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) area "with a number of ballistic missiles and the operation has achieved its goals successfully."

Saree also said the naval and the missile units of Yemen's Armed Forces conducted a joint military operation targeting the American ship "Pumba" in the Red Sea with a number of ballistic missiles and drones.

"Yemen's Armed Forces affirm their full right to defend beloved Yemen against the American-British aggression, as well as against the Israeli aggression, and that this aggression will not deter the great Yemen from its solid stance towards the oppression of the Palestinian people," the spokesman said.

Saree underlined that the Yemeni forces would continue their naval operations against Israeli, American, and British ships or those heading to Israeli ports until the regime's aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.

"The Yemeni armed forces confirm that the response to the Israeli aggression against our country is inevitably coming and will be huge and great," he asserted.

Israeli warplanes targeted on Saturday civilian facilities in the western Yemeni province of al-Hudaydah, killing three people and wounding more than 80 others.

The regime said it carried out the attacks in response to hundreds of operations that Yemen's Armed Forces have been conducting against the occupied Palestinian territories and Israeli interests in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are enduring a genocidal Israeli-US war.

In a daring attack on Friday, the Yemeni forces struck with drones an area near the US consular facility in Tel Aviv early on Friday, killing one person and injuring 10 others as the Israeli air defenses failed to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Yemen has been targeting the occupied territories as well as Israeli ships and vessels affiliated with the illegal regime since October 7, 2023 when Tel Aviv began a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.

They have vowed to keep up their operations as long as the regime sustained the war and a simultaneous siege that it has been enforcing against the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli onslaught on Gaza has so far resulted in 38,919 documented Palestinian fatalities, mostly women and children, in addition to 89,622 injuries.

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Israeli aggression won't deter Yemen from supporting Palestine: Resistance groups

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 1:23 AM

Major Palestinian resistance groups say the Israeli regime's earlier acts of aggression against Yemen are incapable of deterring the country from continuing its pro-Palestinian operations.

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad passed the remarks in separate statements on Saturday, hours after Israeli warplanes targeted civilian facilities in the western Yemeni province of al-Hudaydah, killing three people and wounding more than 80 others.

The regime said it carried out the attacks in response to hundreds of operations that the Yemeni Armed Forces have been conducting against the occupied Palestinian territories and Israeli interests in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are enduring a genocidal Israeli war.

Hamas described the airstrikes as "Zionist recklessness and dangerous escalation."

The group, however, considered the aggression to only be "a desperate attempt to dissuade" resistance forces in Yemen and elsewhere from "fulfilling their sacred duty towards the oppressed Palestinian people."

The Islamic Jihad also said it was "confident that the Zionist barbarism will not discourage the brotherly Yemeni people from continuing their support and backing of our people and our cause."

The remarks echoed those made by the Yemeni forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree in the aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes, in which he said that the aggression "will not stop their support operations for our brothers in Gaza, regardless of the consequences and results."

Both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, meanwhile, strongly condemned the regime's backers, most importantly the United States, for their unfaltering political and military support for the regime that had emboldened it to stage such acts of deadly aggression against the people of the region.

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China's controversial boarding school policy for Tibetans explained

Officials say the system is the best way to educate a scattered population. Critics call it forced assimilation.

By Lobsang Gelek for RFA Investigative 2024.07.21 -- The Gangjong Sherig Norbu School has long been a source of pride for ethnic Tibetans in China's Qinghai province. Known for its rigorous curriculum, the school counted leading Tibetan scholars as members of its faculty; its graduates have gone on to excel in fields like engineering, education, medicine and religion.

"It was there that I truly understood the significance of Tibetan language and identity," Tenzin Woeser, a Tibetan songwriter who attended the school in the 1990s, told RFA.

So it was with tears in their eyes that students marked the last graduation Gangjong Sherig would ever hold after Chinese authorities closed the school this month, making it one of a growing list of Tibetan educational institutions that have shut. School founder and principal Ragya Jigme Gyaltsen said the Qinghai Provincial Communist Party had determined the institution did not meet its standards of instruction.

Chances are that the students who went or would have gone to Gangjong Sherig will now be sent to a Chinese-run boarding school that minimizes instruction in Tibetan in favor of a Mandarin-heavy curriculum that promotes party loyalty. The story of how Tibetans are educated has attracted international concern and reflects a tension between cultural preservation and national integration.

What is China's education policy?

Tibetan students in the first half of the century were typically educated at home or in the hundreds of monasteries that dominated Tibetan culture and traditions. Some Tibetan children still attend schools where the medium of instruction is Tibetan.

But the vast majority are thought to now go to schools where the lessons are in Mandarin, with Tibetan courses limited to a single language class.

The Gangjong Sherig Norbu School is one of dozens of Tibetan institutions that have closed in recent years. Others include the Sengdruk Taktse School in Amdo Golog, Qinghai province, and the Drago Monastery in Kham Karze, Sichuan province. According to a Human Rights Watch report, the number of non-Tibetan-speaking teachers jumped in areas with ethnic Tibetan students. One goal, according to the report, appears to be to quiet restive regions through assimilation with the majority Han culture.

Visitors say young children who attend Chinese boarding schools are unable to easily communicate with older relatives who grew up studying Tibetan, creating a generational rift and worries about the loss of a unique Tibetan identity.

What do other governments think about China's boarding schools?

China has come under increasing international criticism for its educational policies both in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and in Tibetan areas in the Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan.

A panel of experts advising the United Nations human rights office said as many as 1 million Tibetan students now attend boarding schools and risk an "erosion of their identity."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in August 2023 that China's "coercive policies seek to eliminate Tibet's distinct linguistic, cultural and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans."

What's China's response to the criticism?

China bristles at the complaints. Officials note that much of the Tibetan population remains scattered, leaving boarding schools as the only effective way of ensuring students have access to quality teachers and educational resources.

Beijing says Tibetans aren't forced to attend and many also include instruction in Tibetan language and history.

Officials also point to figures that show the number of Tibetans who can read and write (in Mandarin or another language) has increased dramatically, although official statistics are hard to verify and other surveys show varying literacy rates.

What are the concerns about Chinese-run boarding schools for Tibetans?

Gyal Lo, a Tibetan activist and sociologist who studied the boarding school system in China before fleeing into exile in Canada, told RFA that the schools serve to sinicize Tibetans, including children as young as 4-years-old.

At that age, it's easy to overwhelm the Tibetan language the students use at home with the Mandarin instruction they are bombarded with every day in school. Attendance is compulsory in everything but name, as families that don't send their children to the schools may be cut off from government benefits or job opportunities, he has said.

"The Chinese government has repeatedly tried to convert Tibetans into Chinese by eliminating the Tibetan way of life and identity. Now they are educating the youngest members of society to eradicate Tibetan identity," Gyal Lo said. "This is the most dangerous policy."

Edited by Jim Snyder and Boer Deng.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Biden Shakes Up 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Race By Stepping Down, Endorsing Harris

By RFE/RL July 21, 2024

With just over 100 days left before U.S. voters cast their ballots in a presidential election, U.S. President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee amid an erosion of support over concerns about his fitness to run because of his age.

Biden had been under pressure for weeks since a horrendous performance at a debate with his rival, Republican candidate Donald Trump. The 81-year-old appeared frail and confused at times during the June 27 debate, raising questions about his physical and mental state.

The president did not give a reason for withdrawing his candidacy, but he immediately endorsed Harris, to be the party's candidate, which she vowed to "earn and win" as the August 19-21 Democratic National Convention approaches.

"I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden, who is recovering at home in Delaware from COVID-19, said, adding he was "acting in the "best interest of my party and the country."

Many Democrats including former President Bill Clinton immediately backed Harris to become the Democratic party's candidate, though it remained unclear whether she would face a challenge to top the election ticket.

The chair of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, said the party would comment soon on the path forward for the nomination process after Biden became the first incumbent U.S. president to give up his party's nomination in more than five decades.

"The bottom line is that it's going to be very hard to dislodge her [Harris] from the top spot for all kinds of reasons," Matthew Dallek, historian and political science professor at George Washington University, told RFE/RL.

"She got Biden's endorsement. She can have access to the campaign infrastructure and the campaign dollars. She's been vice president for four years. There's not a whole lot of time. It would be very hard for the Democratic Party, I think, to replace the first African American woman vice president at the top of the ticket with a white man."

Adding to the situation's urgency, Democrats say too much is at stake - including democracy itself - to lose the election.

Throughout his nearly decade-long political career, Trump has praised authoritarian leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

During his term in office from 2017-2021, Trump undermined NATO unity, tilted the Supreme Court to the right of the political spectrum, and sought to overturn the 2020 election results.

Biden beat Trump in 2020, narrowly edging him out in the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

However, polls showed Trump, 78, expanding his lead over Biden, including in some of those key states, especially after the Republican nominee survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally on July 13 in Pennsylvania.

"Biden was really fighting two wars at the same time, one against Donald Trump and the Republican Party, and then one against his own party, the Democrats. I think that that was just too much to keep an election campaign going heading into a general election," Thomas Gift, associate professor of political science at University College London, told RFE/RL.

Republican leaders immediately attacked Harris over the Biden administration's policies, with some saying that if Biden was not fit enough to run for president, he should step down from the position, a move analysts said was unlikely to happen.

"There's been a lot of evidence, I think, that Biden is really diminished as a campaigner. But in terms of his ability to govern and to make decisions, and to make informed decisions, I don't think we've seen that," Dallek said.

If chosen as the Democratic candidate, Harris, a 59-year-old former prosecutor and California senator, would become the first Black woman to run at the top of the election ticket for a major party in the country's history.

Harris oversaw several key issues in the administration, including immigration, voting rights, and reproductive rights. She also strengthened her international profile during her three years in office, making more than a dozen trips abroad and meeting about 150 leaders. Harris represented the United States at Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland last month.

Other names commonly floated as potential contenders for the Democratic nomination have included governors Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois.

Harris shares a similar disapproval rating as Biden. However, experts say she is still not well known to many Americans and can improve her image as she campaigns around the country.

Biden's backing of Harris gives her a clear path to the nomination, likely avoiding an inter-party brawl, Gift said.

"These last few weeks have been bad enough for Democrats. The last thing they needed was a really bruising convention. So I think that it made sense for Biden to go ahead and endorse Harris," he said.

Democrats also risk alienating black voters, a key part of their base, if they pass up on Harris, analysts said.

"He has done one of the most difficult things for any political leader, and has done so in the national interest," presidential historian Michael Beschloss said in a post on X.

Biden's announcement means his political career of more than half a century will finally come to an end in January 2025 when his successor is inaugurated.

In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden won the Delaware senate race. He held that seat for the next 36 years, serving as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He ran for the Democratic nomination in 1988 and 2008, losing both times.

Obama, considered a novice in foreign affairs, tapped Biden to be his running mate in 2008. Biden served as vice president for the next eight years, overseeing White House policy on Ukraine and making several trips to Kyiv.

Like most vice presidents, Biden wanted to run for the nation's top office in 2016 but was encouraged to make way for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, something he is reportedly still bitter about. She was beaten by Trump in one of the biggest upsets in presidential history.

In his third bid for the presidency in 2020, Biden beat incumbent Trump in a close race, becoming the oldest person to hold the nation's top office. He immediately sought to rebuild relations with European allies damaged under his predecessor.

With Biden bowing out before officially becoming his party's nominee, Trump, 78, is now officially the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history.

In what is likely to be one of his enduring legacies as president, he was able to quickly unite those allies to support Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/biden-withdraws- election/33044978.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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U.S. Vice President Harris In The Spotlight As Biden Bows Out Of Race

By Todd Prince July 21, 2024

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris could become the first woman of color nominated by a major party for the presidency after her boss, President Joe Biden, bowed out of the race as pressure mounted following a debate last month that raised questions about his age, acuity, and ability to win a second term.

Biden made the announcement on July 21, saying he was stepping aside "in the best interest of my party and the country" and endorsing Harris to be the new Democratic candidate for November's election.

Harris, 59, could sew up the Democratic nomination at the party's August 19-21 convention in Chicago if enough delegates agree to transfer their votes from Biden to her, a development that would be unprecedented in modern U.S. presidential politics.

She is the favorite to become the nominee, although much remains uncertain and other candidates could throw their hats in the ring.

Harris's nomination would transform a race that was shaping up to be a rematch between Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump, even as many Americans clamored for someone new. Her entry could also bring policy and track records back to the forefront of a contest that has been dominated by intense scrutiny of Biden's fitness -- and his ability to win defeat Donald Trump -- after he spoke incoherently and appeared confused during their June 27 debate.

Biden's performance led to persistent calls from top congressional Democrats and donors for him to withdraw from the campaign.

Harris would enter the high-stakes race about neck-and-neck with Trump, with issues including immigration reform, abortion rights, and aid to Ukraine for its defense against Russia hanging in the balance. Undecided voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin could potentially determine who wins.

As they focus their time and energy on those crucial states, Trump will likely attack Harris's work on immigration and paint her as a representative of the Democratic Party's "radical left."

Harris, in turn, may focus on the administration's achievements over the past four years, including strong job growth, a reduction in prescription prices, and student debt forgiveness.

She is also likely to focus on her attempts to protect voting and abortion rights. As president from 2017 to 2021, Trump tipped the nine-member Supreme Court to the right with three conservative nominees. In a landmark decision two years ago, the court overturned Roe v. Wade, a 1973 ruling recognizing abortion as a constitutional right.

Harris is also likely to attack Trump's criminal history and present him as politician unworthy of the nation's highest office. Trump was convicted by a jury in May of forging financial records and is due to be sentenced later this year, though it is highly unlikely he will be imprisoned. Trump is also facing charges in two other cases, including one pertaining to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, when he sought to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden.

Democrats had been portraying Trump as a threat to democracy, including for egging on the rioters, but they may tone down their language -- at least in the short-term -- following the attempt on the Republican candidate's life this month.

In a hypothetical contest between Harris and Trump, polls have been inconsistent, with some showing Harris slightly leading Trump and others showing her trailing.

Role At Ukraine Peace Summit

Biden tapped Harris to oversee diplomatic efforts with Latin American countries aimed at slowing the flow of migrants to the southern U.S. border. Upon taking office, Biden relaxed Trump-era immigration rules, triggering a flood of migrants across the border. Harris focused on addressing the root causes of the problem -- such as poverty and lack of job opportunities in the home countries -- but faced criticism from the right and from some in her own party for taking weeks to visit the border.

Harris's portfolio also included protecting voting rights and reproductive rights. Following the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, she traveled around the country in the run-up to the 2022 congressional elections to support Democratic candidates, promising to prioritize and protect abortion rights. Democrats fared better than expected in part as their base was galvanized by concern over the court's ruling.

As vice president, Harris has built up her foreign policy credentials, making more than a dozen overseas trips and meeting more than 150 world leaders. In June, she represented the United States at the Ukraine peace forum in Switzerland. However, she is still not perceived as an international statesman by voters, political analysts said.

Harris would have a chance to demonstrate her knowledge of foreign affairs -- a major topic in this election year amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza -- in a debate with Trump, potentially reshaping her image among voters. Her lack of deep international experience was one of several factors that hurt her 2020 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Harris could gain votes by taking a different stance from the administration on some foreign policy issues, experts said. Biden had alienated part of the Democratic base -- in particular, young progressives -- with his pro-Israel policies, including sending arms to the country. Protests against the administration's support for Israel broke out around universities in the spring. Harris, who is not closely associated with the issue, could try to win some of them back with a more critical stance on the Israeli strikes in Gaza.

How Harris's gender and ethnicity will impact her chances in the 2024 election is unclear. While some Americans say the country is not ready for a woman president, Harris could potentially win back some Black voters who have become disenchanted with the Democratic Party.

Daughter Of Immigrants

Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, to a well-educated family in Oakland, California, during a period of racial unrest in the United States.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biologist who had emigrated to the United States several years earlier from India to study at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley.

Her father, Donald Harris, moved to California from Jamaica in 1961 to study economics at Berkeley and went on to become a professor at Stanford, another top U.S. university.

The two met as civil rights activists at Berkeley. Harris was bused to school in a white neighborhood in California as a child before moving to Montreal with her mother and sister after her parents divorced.

Harris returned to the United States to study at Howard University, a historically black institution in Washington, D.C., graduating with a degree in political science and economics. She would go on law school at the University of California, graduating in 1989.

Harris quickly gained a name for herself in California's legal community, eventually defeating her boss in 2003 to become the district attorney of San Francisco. She would face law enforcement anger a year later when she refused to seek the death penalty for a gang member accused of murdering a police officer.

As district attorney from 2004 to 2011, Harris showed herself to be tough on crime, increasing the rate of convictions for felony and drug crimes. It was, in part, that record that enabled her to win election in 2010 as the attorney general of California.

One of her opponents in the 2020 Democratic primary race would criticize Harris for the number of people put behind bars for marijuana during her tenure as California's top prosecutor, when she herself admitted to trying the drug.

Recreational marijuana has since been legalized in California. After initial opposition, Harris came out in support of decriminalizing cannabis, which has become a key element in calls for national criminal-justice reform. Blacks are disproportionately convicted of marijuana crimes.

2020 Primary

Her six years as attorney general of the largest U.S. state by population coincided with racial unrest sparked by police shootings in states including New York and Missouri, leading to calls for reform in California.

Harris began offering bias training for state law enforcement but refused to support the mandatory use of body cameras, which can help clarify whether police force was justified.

She also angered progressives when she did not support a bill that would have required her office to investigate police shootings.

Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota in May 2020, Harris tried to balance her position on law enforcement reform, saying the country needed to "reimagine" public safety while not explicitly backing calls by more progressive elements of the Democratic Party to "defund" the police.

Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2016, becoming only the second Black woman in U.S. history to win a seat in the upper chamber of Congress.

She served on four Senate committees, including intelligence, budget, judiciary, as well as homeland security and government affairs, giving her some limited experience with foreign policy.

She was recognized for her tough Senate questioning of members of Trump's cabinet, most famously Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and William Barr, and of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

If nominated, Harris would need to find a running mate who could complement her and win over key constituencies, especially those in the crucial swing states.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kamala-harris-presidency- candidate-profile-biden/33045033.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Two Killed in Israeli Drone Strike in Southern Lebanon - Source

Sputnik News

20240721

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Two people were killed on Sunday in an Israeli drone strike on a house in the southern Lebanese border village of Houla, a military source told Sputnik.

The Israel Defense Forces said earlier in the day that it had identified and struck "a Hezbollah terrorist cell operating in the area of Houla."

"Israeli drones struck a house in the Houla locality ... in southern Lebanon with guided missiles. The shelling resulted in the death of two people," the source said.

Tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border worsened after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October. The Israeli army and Hezbollah fighters fire on each others positions almost daily in areas along the border.

The Israeli military said in June that it had approved plans for an offensive against Lebanon, while Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Israel could launch an all-out war against the neighbor. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group would invade northern Israel if the confrontation intensified.

 Sputnik

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Iran Hold Israel, US for Potential Spillover From Attacks on Yemen

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned Israel and the United States on Sunday that Tehran would hold the two responsible for any regional spillover from attacks on Yemen and Gaza.

"The Zionist regime and its supporters, including the US government, are directly responsible for the dangerous and unpredictable consequences of the continuation of crimes in Gaza as well as the adventuristic attacks on Yemen," the ministry quoted spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying.

Kanaani condemned Israel's unprecedented airstrikes on the western Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, which killed at least three people and injured more than 80 others on Saturday, saying Israel risked unleashing a wider war in the Middle East.

Iran sees Israel's continuing siege of the Gaza Strip and mass killings of civilians as "the main root-cause" for tensions in the region, the spokesman said, adding that there could be no prospect of peace for the Middle East as long as Israel pressed on with its Gaza offensive.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that the airstrikes on Yemen were in retaliation for attacks carried out against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the port was being used to ship weapons from Iran. Yemen's Houthis responded by striking the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

 Sputnik

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Israel Strikes Ammunition Depot in South Lebanon

Sputnik News

20240721

CAIRO (Sputnik) - A series of explosions rocked southern Lebanon as a result of Israeli air strikes on an ammunition depot in the town of Aadloun and neighboring areas, Lebanese news agency NNA reported, adding that three people were injured.

The attack led to a mass detonation of shells in the depot, as a result of which traffic on the highway between the cities of Sidon and Tyre was stopped.

Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it had detected at least 45 launches from Lebanon, with some of the projectiles falling in open areas and starting fires.

Tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border worsened after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October. The Israeli army and Hezbollah fighters fire on each others positions almost daily in areas along the border.

The Israeli military said in June that it had approved plans for an offensive against Lebanon, while Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Israel could launch an all-out war against the neighbor. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group would invade northern Israel if the confrontation intensified.

 Sputnik

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UN chief expresses deep concern over Israel strikes on Yemen, and risk of regional escalation

21 July 2024 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has responded to Israel's airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, which reportedly killed at least six people and injured more than 80, by calling for all parties involved in the conflict to "exercise utmost restraint".

In statement, Mr. Guterres noted that Israel had claimed responsibility for the strikes, which took place on Saturday, as a response to previous attacks on Israel by the Houthis - formally known as Ansar Allah - a group which controls swathes of territory in Yemen, including Hudaydah.

The strikes came after a drone attack on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Friday killed one person and wounded 10 more. The attack was claimed by the Houthis and led to a senior Israeli Government minister vowing to "settle the score". The Israelis strikes on Saturday hit electricity infrastructure and a refinery, creating a large fire.

Efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Yemeni government have stalled in recent months and, following the onset of the war in Gaza in October, the Houthis pledged to attack what they deemed to be pro-Israeli shipping interests along the Red Sea coast, as a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

In turn, a United States (US)-led coalition defending shipping in the Red Sea has continued to strike areas controlled by Houthis in Hudaydah, the capital Sana'a and Ta'iz.

The Houthis reportedly warned that the group's response to the Israeli airstrikes "will be huge" and that the group would continue to attack Israel and that there would be no "red lines".

The Yemeni conflict, which began in 2015, has been disastrous for the civilian population. The UN says the war has destroyed most sectors in Yemen, including healthcare, and caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Around half of the population, some 18.2 million people, are in need of some form of assistance.

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US President Joe Biden ends reelection bid

By Steve Herman, Ken Bredemeier July 22, 2024

After a rising chorus within his own party urged U.S. President Joe Biden to "pass the torch," he did just that on Sunday, immediately becoming a single-term president and a lame-duck leader.

Biden announced on social media that he was ending his 2024 reelection bid against former President Donald Trump, the Republican party's nominee for a third consecutive election. Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Biden made the announcement as he was recovering from a third bout with COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, vacation home near the Atlantic Ocean.

A half-hour after his initial surprise announcement, Biden endorsed his second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris, to be the Democratic presidential nominee to run against Trump in the November 5th election. If Harris is accepted by the party to replace Biden, she would be the first Black woman and South Asian major party presidential nominee in the 248-year history of the United States.

Biden has seen his national polling numbers decline since a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June. During the event, the president often appeared to lose his train of thought, failed to forcefully press his case against Trump or defend his own 3-year tenure in the White House.

That prompted a number of Democrats to suggest the 81-year-old Biden would likely lose to 78-year-old Trump.

Biden persevered, insisting he would not quit the race unless "the Lord Almighty" asked him to or if he was shown in polling numbers that he could not beat Trump a second time or advised by his doctors he was not physically able to continue.

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the reminder of my term," he said in a statement Sunday. His term ends in January.

The statement was issued one minute after the president's senior staff were notified, according to The Associated Press.

Biden said Harris has been an "extraordinary partner" and has his "full support and endorsement" to be "the nominee of our party this year." Biden said he would speak to the country later in the week about his decision.

The president, according to the White House, spoke Sunday "to a number of Members of Congress, governors, and supporters, and will continue to engage with key stakeholders tonight and tomorrow."

Harris, who is 59, quickly announced that she would seek the nomination. She was a senator from the country's most populous state, California, when Biden picked her in 2020 as his vice presidential running mate after Harris' challenge to Biden and other primary contenders fell apart.

Her approval ratings in national surveys have largely reflected the president's, but some surveys of likely voters show Harris faring slightly better than Biden against Trump and, in a few, she has polled ahead of Trump.

Harris said in a statement that Biden, by withdrawing from the race against Trump, "is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else."

"I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party - and unite our nation - to defeat Donald Trump," she said. "We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

All of that prompted a groundswell of Democratic lawmakers, governors and at least one Biden Cabinet member, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, to endorse Harris, following unanimous praise among top party figures for Biden's decision to withdraw.

Media reports said all 50 Democratic Party state chairs have also thrown their weight behind Harris. There was a Sunday surge of big money and grassroots donations for Harris, according to CNBC. Some top fundraisers for Biden had gone to the sidelines following the debate.

Trump showed the Democrats no mercy following Sunday's announcement, assailing both the president and the vice president.

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!" Trump posted on social media, adding that Harris was just as bad as Biden.

"Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been," Trump told CNN

Many Republicans reacted by calling for Biden to resign as president.

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, who is second in the presidential line of succession behind Harris, called on Biden to step down, claiming if he is unfit to keep his candidacy alive for another four-year term, he is also unfit to remain as president until January 20.

If Biden were to resign, Harris would immediately be sworn in as the country's 47th president, at least until the inauguration for the victor in November's election.

Names of other prominent Democrats have been floated as potential candidates other than Harris, including several state governors: Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Gavin Newsom of California. Shapiro and Newsom endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who served as secretary of State under President Barack Obama, also endorsed Harris in a statement. Obama, whom Biden served with as vice president for eight years, thanked Biden for his patriotism, but did not indicate whether he was supporting Harris or any other potential contender.

Media reports in the hours following Biden's withdrawal quoted sources close to Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, now an independent, saying he was considering rejoining the Democratic Party to try to replace the president at the top of the party's ticket.

There are two ways for Democrats to replace Biden as the party's standard-bearer.

One would be a virtual vote among delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago that would lock in a new nominee in early August. Chances are this process would favor Harris, avoiding conflict at the convention in front of a national television audience.

The other way Democrats could pick a new nominee would be an "open" convention in which several candidates, including Harris, would seek the presidential nomination, a scenario the party hasn't experienced since 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson dropped his plans to run for reelection in face of widespread opposition to his handling of America's war against North Vietnam.

Johnson was ultimately succeeded by Republican Richard Nixon, who became snared in the Watergate scandal and the only president to resign in 1974, facing impeachment and a likely Senate trial.

Democratic Party delegates are to gather in Chicago in August. An open convention there could throw the gathering into disarray if party delegates do not fall in line and support Biden's endorsement of Harris.

The last time the Democrats failed to select a presidential candidate on the first vote was in 1952. It took four rounds for delegates to unanimously agree on Adlai Stevenson II, the Illinois governor. He lost the general election to war hero and retired Army general, Dwight Eisenhower, the Republican nominee.

Some Democrats are suggesting the party quickly hold a "mini primary" to allow Harris and anyone else to openly compete.

Biden has no public events on his schedule for Monday. The White House said details on his schedule for the rest of the week will be forthcoming. He had been set to meet with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to officials in Israel.

Some material for this article came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Foreign leaders react to Biden dropping White House bid

By Nike Ching July 21, 2024

World leaders reacted to U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement on Sunday that he would end his 2024 reelection bid against former President Donald Trump and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Some described it as a statesman-like decision.

The State Department declined to comment on private diplomatic conversations between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts regarding Biden's decision. Blinken wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he has worked for Biden for the past 22 years and will continue to build on U.S. leadership with Biden over the next six months.

Here are some reactions from around the world to Biden's decision to withdraw from his reelection campaign for November:

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X, "Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations."

Britain

Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X that he respects Biden's decision and looks forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency.

"I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people."

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X, "I've known President Biden for years. He's a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend.

"To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you."

Czech Republic

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Biden has made "undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades."

In a post on X, Fiala wrote, "It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the U.S. that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates."

Fiala had previously praised Biden for his leadership in support of Ukraine during an April meeting at the White House.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X and praised Biden as having "achieved a lot for his country, for Europe, for the world."

"Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.

Ireland

In a statement on X, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris commended Biden for his "global leadership."

"Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate advocate for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this."

Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude to Biden for his "steadfast support of the Israeli people" throughout his decades-long career.

"As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples," Herzog wrote on X.

New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked President Biden for his steadfast dedication to fostering strong ties between the United States and New Zealand. Luxon wrote on X that he looks forward to collaborating with Biden throughout the remainder of Biden's presidency.

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that Biden has made difficult decisions many times that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and strengthened democracy and freedom.

"I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life."

Russia

The Kremlin said on Sunday that it is closely monitoring developments following Biden's decision to end his reelection bid.

"The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a Russian news outlet. He was referring to the war in Ukraine.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his "admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision" made by Biden.

He wrote on X, "Thanks to his determination and leadership, the U.S. has overcome the economic crisis following the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol. The U.S. has also been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's Russian aggression. This is a great gesture from a great president who has consistently fought for democracy and freedom."

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Biden's decision as a 'tough but strong' one.

In a long post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "We will always be thankful for President Biden's leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war. The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that America's continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off."

Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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Glass-ceiling breaker Kamala Harris could be presidential nominee

By Megan Duzor July 21, 2024

With Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, she could become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to head a major party ticket.

Harris has served more than three years as the nation's second-in-command, but after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, she became a prime contender for the nomination.

While she has taken on high-profile tasks as vice president, she has also struggled to find policy wins and to connect with voters.

Harris made history in 2020 when she became the first woman to win the vice presidency, as well as the first Black woman and first woman of Asian descent to hold the office.

She entered the role with expectations that she might carry the mantle of the Democratic Party into the future, possibly becoming next in line for the Democratic nomination.

While Harris quickly took on high-profile policy tasks as vice president, they were often complex issues that proved too intractable for her to make major gains.

One of her early assignments was to address root causes of migration to the southern U.S. border by working to improve conditions in the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The task put her at the forefront of the politically charged issue of immigration. During a 2021 NBC News interview, after being asked repeatedly why she hadn't been to the U.S.-Mexico border when she had traveled to Central America, Harris replied with a widely panned answer: "And I haven't been to Europe. And I mean, I don't understand the point you're making."

While Harris' staff argued that the vice president was charged specifically with examining root causes of migration and not securing the border, Harris' own message to potential migrants during her trip to Central America helped tie her to the issue.

"Do not come. You will be turned back," she said at a news conference with then-Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei.

Harris also took on the task of overseeing the Biden administration's efforts to pass voting rights legislation and comprehensive election reform, bills that always had long odds of passing in the evenly divided Senate. The legislation failed in January 2022, despite Biden giving a speech in Atlanta, Georgia, in a final attempt to secure its passage.

Supporters of Harris say she has recently found her stride championing issues such as abortion access and gun safety.

Since the Supreme Court overturned federal protections for abortion rights in June 2022, Harris has made abortion access a key part of her speeches and campaign message. To mark the second anniversary of the court decision, Harris told a Maryland rally, "This is a fight for freedom: the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not having her government tell her what to do."

Next in line

Harris' position in the White House took on heightened importance due to Biden's age. The president will be 82 in November, and polls showed most Americans thought he was too old for another term.

After his struggle during the June 27 presidential debate, some Democratic lawmakers and donors called for him to drop out of the race. Less than a month later, when he announced he would bow out of the contest, he endorsed Harris.

She issued a statement saying her "intention is to earn and win this nomination."

At a July press conference, Biden was asked what about Harris qualifies her to be at the top of the ticket.

"First of all, the way she's handled the issue of freedom of women's bodies  to have control over their bodies. Secondly, her ability to handle almost any issue on the board. This was a hell of a prosecutor," Biden said, adding that "she is "qualified to be president  that's why I picked her."

Before Biden's withdrawal, Harris had strongly defended Biden's place at the top of the ticket.

"One thing we know about our president, Joe Biden, is that he is a fighter. ... He is the first to say, 'When you get knocked down, you get back up,'" she told supporters at a July campaign event in North Carolina.

Struggles with voters

During her vice presidency, Harris has struggled with poor polling numbers.

An NBC poll from June 2023 said her net-negative rating (-17) was the lowest for a vice president since the poll started in 1989.

A Pew Research Center poll in June, taken just before the first presidential debate, found that nearly six in 10 people (59%) held unfavorable views of Harris, while 36% rated her favorably. Another 3% said they had not heard of her.

Since the presidential debate performance raised questions about Biden's ability to win reelection, Democrats have largely rallied around Harris as a potential successor to Biden.

A July poll by The Economist/YouGov found that 73% of Democratic voters would "somewhat" or "strongly" approve of Harris as Biden's replacement if the president dropped out of the race.

Road to the vice presidency

Before becoming vice president, Harris had already achieved several political firsts.

The child of a father from Jamaica and a mother from India, she was the first Black attorney general of the state of California as well as the first woman to hold the job. Her 2016 election to a U.S. Senate seat representing California made her the first woman of South Asian heritage to do so.

Two years into her Senate term, she launched her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Despite a strong start, with 20,000 people attending her 2019 hometown kickoff rally in Oakland, California, her poll numbers steadily declined. By December she announced her departure from the race.

When Biden announced in March 2020 that he would choose a woman as his vice-presidential running mate, Harris' name was always among the top contenders.

Harris holds an undergraduate degree from Howard University in Washington, a historically Black college. She earned a law degree from the University of California, Hastings (now the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco), before working in the Alameda County district attorney's office.

She served two terms as district attorney of San Francisco before being elected California's attorney general. Her California record has been a target of scrutiny, with critics faulting her for not enacting criminal justice reforms and not doing enough to investigate police shootings.

While in the Senate, Harris was known for her aggressive questioning of witnesses during Senate hearings, including then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General William Barr.

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Readout of Meeting with Israeli and Palestinian Women Leaders

July 21, 2024

On Friday, Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Geeta Rao Gupta met with Israeli and Palestinian women leaders working to advance peace and security efforts in the region. Participants discussed the impact of the current conflict and humanitarian crisis on women and girls and offered their perspective on the critical role of women leaders, particularly from civil society, in resolving the conflict and sustaining long-term peace. The meeting highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to end the conflict in Gaza through the ceasefire and hostage release deal, advance the rights and address the needs of women and girls, and prioritize women's meaningful participation in peace and security processes, whose inclusion leads to more effective policies, stronger countries, and enhanced regional and global stability.

Last month, the White House held a meeting on June 17 on conflict-related sexual violence, including the sexual violence and atrocities that have been committed by Hamas on and after October 7.

###

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on China Reaching Provisional Arrangement with the Philippines on Managing the Situation at Ren'ai Jiao

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-07-22 00:30

Q: Have China and the Philippines reached an understanding on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao?

A: I need to stress first and foremost that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and China has sovereignty over Ren'ai Jiao and the rest of Nansha Qundao as well as their adjacent waters. On how to handle the current situation at Ren'ai Jiao, China has publicly stated our principled position which consists of three points:

First, by keeping its warship grounded at Ren'ai Jiao for decades running, the Philippines has been violating China's sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), especially Article 5 which says the parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the uninhabited islands and reefs. We continue to demand that the Philippines tow away the warship and restore Ren'ai Jiao's state of hosting no personnel or facilities.

Second, between now and when the warship is towed away, should the Philippines need to send living necessities to the personnel living on the warship, China is willing to allow it in a humanitarian spirit if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted. China will monitor the entire resupply process.

Third, if the Philippines were to send large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent outpost, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with the law and regulations to uphold China's sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC.

On the basis of the above principled position, China recently had a series of consultation with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao and reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities. The two sides agreed to jointly manage differences on maritime issues and work for deescalation in the South China Sea.



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US lawmakers stunned by Biden withdrawal

By Katherine Gypson July 22, 2024

The stunning decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race drew praise from Democratic lawmakers and criticism from Republicans who called on him to resign.

Biden announced his decision Sunday afternoon after weeks of speculation and increasing calls from within his own party to step aside following a disastrous debate performance last month against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Sunday. "Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."

Schumer, along with former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, had reportedly been working behind the scenes to encourage Biden not to seek the nomination, citing polling numbers showing Biden was running behind in several key battleground states. In recent days, Democratic senators facing tough reelection campaigns in Ohio, Montana and West Virginia called on the president to step aside for fear his presence on the ticket would damage their chances.

"President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history," Pelosi said in a statement Sunday.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal said in a statement that Biden has been "the most progressive and effective president on domestic and economic policy in my lifetime."

Jayapal outlined the stakes of the upcoming election, writing "at a time when Donald Trump and Republicans have stripped away women's reproductive freedoms, we will respond by finally electing the first woman to the presidency."

Republican lawmakers continued their criticism of Biden's mental and physical acuity and suggested the president's decision invalidated the voters' will.

"At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election," Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said in a statement.

"Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president, the self-proclaimed 'party of democracy' has proven exactly the opposite. The party's prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration."

And Elise Stefanik, a member of the House Republican leadership, went a step further.

"If Joe Biden can't run for reelection, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign. The Democrat party is in absolute free fall for their corrupt attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office," she said in a statement Sunday.

Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee which has worked closely with the Biden-Harris campaign, told VOA's Georgian service that it's unclear if there will be a formal nomination process with the Democratic National Committee, which oversees the convention.

"There may or may not be a formal process where other [candidates] could jump in. My prediction is that nobody else would jump in, because so many people want to unify right now and do so and do so enthusiastically around Vice President Kamala Harris," he said.

For many Democrats, Sunday was a day to remember Biden's lifetime of public service. He served as a U.S. senator from 1973 to 2009 and then as President Barack Obama's vice president from 2009 to 2017.

"Joe has never backed down from a fight," Obama said in a statement. "For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn't make this decision unless he believed it was right for America."

Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who had expressed doubts about Biden's campaign but stopped short of calling on him to resign, said in a statement, "This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time. He charted a bright path forward for our nation after four tumultuous years under the former administration."

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Russo-Ukraine War - 22 July 2024 - Day 880

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that it is highly likely that over 30,000 Rosgvardiya (Russian National Guard) personnel are currently deployed to Ukraine. The majority of Rosgvardiya's personnel are almost certainly conducting rear area security operations, with only a few units engaging in frontline fighting.

Rosgvardiya's premiere combat unit, the 116th Special Purpose Brigade, highly likely consists of 3 regiments of troops, with access to tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and artillery.

Since the start of 2024, Rosgvardiya has almost certainly attempted to increase its frontline forces through absorbing Russian irregular formations. Rosgvardiya successfully integrated the Donetsk People's Republic Vostok Battalion into its ranks during May 2024. It is highly likely that the anticipated agreement for Wagner forces to serve under Rosgvardiya's 1st Volunteer Corps broke down in March 2024.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 133 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day.

Russian zagarbniki made three missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, using three missiles, and 71 air strikes, dropping 84 kabi. In addition, the Russians used 455 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out more than 3,000 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces seven times unsuccessfully attacked the defensive borders of Ukrainian warriors near vovcans ka and deep.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out offensive assaults in the areas of Berestovoye and Glushkivka eight times. Ukrainian defenders repelled two attacks, six more - currently ongoing.

In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniki 10 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Torsky, Novosergiyivka, Makiyivka, Terniv, as well as the Serebryansky Forest. Six attacks - repelled, four - still going.

In the Siversky direction during combat clashes, defenders of Ukrainian land repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of Verkhnyokamiansky, Viymki, Spirnogo, Orihovo-Vasilivki and Pereyznogo. There is currently one attack near Verkhnyokamians kogo. The situation is under control.

In the direction of Kramators komu, Russian forces became active, carrying out 28 offensive actions near the Time Yar, Bondarnoy, Minkivka, Vasyukivka, Grigorivka, Kalinivka, White Mountain, Andriyivka and Klishchievka. Defense Forces repelled 21 attacks, seven more - to go.

Russia suffers significant losses - Ukrainian warriors zneskodili 183 occupants, 66 of them - bezovorotno. Also destroyed one BMP, BM-21 "Hail", mortar, MT-12 anti-tank cannon, ammunition warehouse and two vehicles. To the same, damaged the howitzer "Msta-B", two mortars, anti-tankovu mt-12 and three units of motor transport.

In the Toretsky direction Russians attacked Ukrainian troops 15 times near Toretsk, Zaliznogo, New York and Northern. Fourteen fights are over, another battle continues.

The largest activity of Russian zagarbniki showed today in the Pokrovsky direction. Since the beginning of this day, the Russians have tried 38 times to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements of Vozdvizhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Novoselivka the First, Ivanivka, Panteleimonivka, New York, Lozuvatske, Timofiyivka, Progres, Vovche, Yasnobrodivka and Umanske. Defense forces repelled 29 attacks, nine are still going.

According to detailed information, today 176 Russian troops were defecated in this direction, 69 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed a grenade launcher "AGS-17" and five units of motor transport. In addition, the D-30 tank and howitzer were damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces 13 times attacked Ukrainian positions near krasnogorivka, georgiiivka and paraskoviivka. Ten attacks - knocked off, three more - still ongoing.

In the orihivs komu direction, the zagarbniki carried out one offensive action near robotiny, where they suffered defeats.

In the Pridnipro direction, all efforts of the Russian occupiers to drain Ukrainian units from occupied positions on the left bank of the Dnieper were also unsuccessful.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.

Today it is worth celebrating the soldiers of the 110th separate mechanized brigade of the name of general-guard Mark Bezrucko, who effectively destroy the Russian enemy and firmly hold the defense.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 125th Territorial Defence Brigade, and 13th National Guard Brigade near Belyy Kolodez, Staritsa, Liptsy, and Volchansk (Kharkov region). Three attacks launched by the 92nd Assault and 36th Marine Brigade were repelled by the Russian troops.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 270 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one 105-mm L-118 howitzer.

The Zapad Group of Forces has taken more advantageous lines and positions. The Group inflicted damage on the 54th Mechanised Brigade, 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 144th Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Peschanoye (Kharkov region), Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic). Moreover, two counterattacks launched by the AFU 66th and 67th mechanised brigades were repelled.

The enemy lost more than 520 Ukrainian troops, one German-made Leopard tank, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, and nine motor vehicles.

In counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made 105-mm L-119 howitzer, and one 100-mm MT-12 Rapira gun. In addition, three AFU ammunition depots have been destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 28th Mechanised Brigade, 93rd and 79th air assault brigades, 5th Assault Brigade near Dyleyevka, Konstantinovka, and Katerinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The Russian troops repelled two attacks of the AFU 5th Assault Brigade.

The enemy suffered losses amounting up to 620 Ukrainian troops, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and five motor vehicles.

In addition, in counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, three 152-mm D-20 guns, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns, two 105-mm L-119 howitzers, U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery warfare radar stations.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on the 32nd, 41st, 110th, 151st mechanised, and 68th infantry brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as on the 129th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Toretsk, Zhelannoye, Volchye, Timofeyevka, Vesyoloye, and Grodovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The Russian troops repelled six counter-attacks launched by the AFU 53rd, 151st mechanised, 95th Airborne and 68th Jaeger brigades and Lyut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine.

The enemy lost up to 335 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

The Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted fire damage on manpower and military hardware of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 120th and 123rd territorial defence brigades close to Vodyanoye, Neskuchnoye, Novosyolka, Prechistovka, and Stepnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by the AFU 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade was repelled.

The AFU losses included more than 110 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 towed howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and military hardware of the 103rd, 124th territorial defence brigades, and 15th National Guard Brigade near Kapulovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Antonovka (Kherson region), and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 115 Ukrainian troops, four motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 gun.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged one P-18 air target detection and tracking radar as well as AFU manpower and military hardware in 113 areas during the day.

Russian air defence systems have shot down three U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 163 unmanned aerial vehicles, with 80 of them shot down over the territory of the Russian Federation.

In total, 630 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 28,118 unmanned aerial vehicles, 554 air defence missile systems, 16,629 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,381 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 12,224 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 23,941 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Government ramps up international partnership opportunities for Australia industry

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

22 July 2024

The Albanese Government is turbo charging export opportunities for Australian defence industry through a significant expansion of the Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program, underscoring support for local companies and jobs.

The number of major defence companies, known as primes, participating in the GSC Program will almost double from seven to 13. The expansion of the Program delivers on a commitment made in the landmark Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS), released in February this year.

The DIDS outlined the importance of the GSC Program and the need to expand the number of participants to assist with scale, competitiveness and sustainability.

The Program is aimed at supporting Australian businesses to integrate into global supply chains, diversify their revenue, drive economies of scale and build resilience through exports. Since its inception, the Program has delivered 2,450 contracts worth over $1.9 billion to 258 Australian suppliers.

The DIDS also outlined the defence industrial base we need in Australia, and how we will grow it, and articulated for the first time the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and its paramount importance to Australia's national security.

Defence industry is critical to delivering on this key objective, and exports are strategically important to grow the resilience of the Australian defence industrial base.

After conducting an extensive approach to market, the number of participating major defence companies, known as primes, has now increased from seven to 13.

The successful companies are:

Babcock

BAE Systems

Boeing

Hunter Ingalls Industries

Kongsberg

L3 Harris

Lockheed Martin

Moog

Northrup Grumman

Raytheon

Rheinmetall

SAAB; and

Thales.

The GSC Program has also updated its performance framework to include:

A plan to promote the scaling and growth of Australian businesses;

An expanded scope of exports to consider the continuum between domestic and international projects;

Identification of opportunities for Australian innovation early in the development cycle; and

Performance metrics to allow Defence to measure the success of primes and the program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:



"The Albanese Government is proud to be continuing and expanding the GSC Program as a way of supporting Australian businesses to grow and in turn create jobs for locals.a

"Expanding the program will provide Australian businesses with greater access to the broader export markets, and will increase opportunities to integrate into the international supply chains of the GSC Program partners.

"The Albanese Government understands just how important the growth and sustainability of Australian defence industry is to meet our strategic needs, and to also contribute to a future made in Australia."

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US continues 'scapegoating China' tactic at Aspen forum

Global Times

Hawkish tone prompted by anxiety, 'an attempt to shape solidarity' in polarized US

By Zhang Han Published: Jul 21, 2024 10:01 PM

Multiple White House officials have sent messages on US' relations with China - talking in a hawkish tone while alleging to manage the relationship - at the just concluded Aspen Security Forum.

Viewing China as a rival is "political correctness" in the US, forum attendees observed, saying that US political elites found "anti-China" is almost the only consensus they can create when they need to display "solidarity" and "cohesion" amid the shadow of a farcical presidential election and a polarizing domestic society.

Although some in the US have claimed to manage relations with China, it is a tactic to blur the fact that it is the US that initiated and has been escalating the competition with China, observers said on Sunday, believing bilateral relations will not see major changes in months before the election.

Hawkish tone

America's national security community made its annual pilgrimage to the mountains of Aspen in Colorado from July 16 to 19 for a gathering notable for a looming feeling of anxiety, the BBC reported, citing the Ukraine crisis, Middle East war, tensions in Asia and its own presidential election.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly said Friday that he would meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi next week in Laos, as that country hosts senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Blinken said he speaks with Wang "on a fairly regular basis," which is important for clarifying each country's intentions and avoiding unintended conflicts on topics such as the South China Sea, the Taiwan question and the so-called overcapacity, per a press release on the State Department's website.

Blinken also continued the US' tactic of blaming China for the prolonged Ukraine crisis, as he claimed that China, although not directly giving weapons, is providing inputs for Russia's defense industrial base.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at the forum that the US is preparing new sanctions on Chinese entities that the US believes are supporting Russia in the conflict, and hinted that banks may be targeted.

Sullivan also said the US "will do what is necessary" to see that the Philippines is able to resupply its ship, referring to the warship illegally grounded in China's Ren'ai Jiao since 1999. The US has made clear to China that its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines applies to the warship, according to media reports.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Charles Brown claimed at the forum that the US is capable of winning a war against China in case of Taiwan conflict, but that would require "all the nation" to do so and the severity would be like World War II, media reported.

Forum attendee Wang Huiyao, founder and president of think tank the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), told the Global Times on Sunday that his primary impression of the event was that China-related topics frequently appear in the agenda and conversations of attendees, and according to Wang, it is because the US, out of anxiety, needs a "rival" to enhance solidarity and cohesion.

As the presidential election looms and divergences widen between and within each party, anti-China becomes "one and only consensus," Wang Huiyao said.

The expert also said that US political elites are increasingly blaming China for US' own plight in foreign affairs, including the Ukraine crisis and the Gaza war.

Such strategy is convenient for the US to divert discontent at home and from US allies over Washington's mishandling of those issues, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

The US utilized the Aspen Security Forum to consolidate and amplify US views and stance, and urge its allies to join the US in its competition with China, Li said, citing Sullivan's remarks as an example.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng attended the Aspen Security Forum in July 2023 upon invitation, but Wang Huiyao saw China voices became even rarer in the 2024 summer edition of the forum.

He also noticed when retired military personnel were inclined to talk extreme, some business and think tank representatives who have frequent, up-to-date interactions with China, are able to hold a relatively rational attitude toward China and put a lot of emphasis on the importance of "engagement."

Since hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in grassroots connections,

Wang Huiyao suggested that China should provide visa convenience similar to the policy for some European countries to encourage Americans who were misled, not diehard biased, to come to visit and see the real China, contributing to bilateral cooperation.

Meaningful engagement needed

Li said that China has always been responsible in handling its relations with the US, the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world, and the two countries also shoulder shared responsibilities for the world facing major global challenges.

China is always open to meaningful talks to manage differences and avoid conflicts, but observers believe China-US relations are unlikely to see major changes in the following months due to the uncertainty in US politics.

Blinken's reported meeting with Wang Yi in Laos, which has not been confirmed by China, can be an opportunity for the two sides to maintain engagement, but those incumbent officials' hawkish remarks at the Aspen security forum suggest Washington's "management" is lip deep, experts said.

The US is putting on a "responsible posture" to blur the reality that it is the US that initiated the competition, and even rivalry, Li noted.

The presidential election would fuel anti-China sentiments in American political circle, but major changes are unlikely to occur in following months when the US is busy with its domestic politics.

China has meanwhile retained strategic composure, Li said, since who will be the next US president remains uncertain, China is slowing down its pace of engagement to observe the US elections and its impact on China-US relations.

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China, Belarus joint army exercise 'reaches preset goals'

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jul 21, 2024 07:23 PM

China and Belarus recently successfully wrapped up a joint army exercise, with a Chinese commander saying that the drill reached expected goals.

Despite Western media accusing the normal China-Belarus military cooperation of causing "NATO concerns," experts stressed the anti-terrorism nature of the joint drill as it contributes to peace and stability.

A closing ceremony of the China-Belarus Eagle Assault-2024 joint army training was held in a training ground near the city of Brest in Belarus on Thursday, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a press release on Saturday.

At the ceremony, a representative from the Belarusian side said that the joint drill completed all courses according to a preset plan and achieved full success thanks to the two sides' highly efficient command and close cooperation, while a commander from the Chinese side said that the two sides united and fought together over more than 10 days, reached the expected goals and enhanced mutual trust and friendship, according to the press release.

Set under a scenario of an anti-terrorism mission, the exercise started in early July and mixed the two countries' troops during training, as they side-by-side completed training courses including reconnaissance and search, blockading, joint strike, multidimensional infiltration and joint anti-terrorism operation, said the Chinese Defense Ministry, noting that the drill enhanced the participating forces' training level and interoperability, and deepened pragmatic cooperation between the two countries' armies.

In a comprehensive live-fire training session that started on Wednesday simulating an operation to seize an airport under terrorist control, Chinese and Belarusian troops first used drones to conduct reconnaissance, then flew in and parachuted to designated areas via helicopters, before seizing the airport and eliminating the hostile targets, the PLA Daily reported. Attack helicopters in the air and assault vehicles on the ground also joined the drill.

Wang Bo, a commander from the Chinese side, said that the two countries' troops comprehensively utilized means including fire strikes and assaults to jointly surround and eliminate simulated terrorists, honing their tactics in joint anti-terrorism operations, the PLA Daily reported.

Troops from the two sides displayed good skills and tactical capabilities, solid training level and tough fighting spirit, and showed their firm determination and combat capabilities in jointly striking terrorist activities, Wang said.

While the China-Belarus joint exercise was aimed at terrorism, a non-traditional security threat, many Western media groundlessly linked the drill with the recent NATO Summit.

It is NATO and Western countries that have guilty consciences over targeting China in the first place, so they see everything China does as a problem, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday.

China and Belarus have clearly stated that the drill was of anti-terrorism nature, which is conducive to peace and stability and does not target any third party or regional situation, the expert said.

China has also been holding many other joint military exercises with other countries recently, including an air force drill with the UAE, a joint defense exercise with Laos and a joint naval drill with Russia, noted observers, pointing out that China's military cooperation with other countries is completely normal.

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Iran acting FM says new government to continue with good neighborliness policy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has said that the good neighborliness policy was the main agenda of President Raisi's government and the next government will surely continue with this policy.

He made the remarks during a cabinet session on Sunday where the ministers shared the achievements made during their tenure.

The minister also hailed the multilateralism policy of the government which he said began with Iran's joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Iran's membership in BRICS group of emerging economies was another result of the smartness of the government's foreign policy, Bagheri Kani said.

Iran has today turned into a strategic partner for BRICS member states, he added.

9341**2050



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Iran army's air defense force to get new radars, missile interceptors: Cmdr.

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 21, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The chief commander of Iran's Army Air Defense Force has announced that Iran's Army will upgrade its air defense capabilities with new radars and missile interceptors.

Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard visited the different parts, sites and radar positions of the West Air Defense Zone and NezamAli Maleki Air Defense Unit and evaluated the level of combat readiness and operational capability of the units.

During his visit, Sabahifard told a group of commanders and employees that the Air Defense Force, as Iran's main defense system, is playing an effective role in improving the country's armed forces combat power.

Nowadays, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a safe and secure region, he said.

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'Biggest asset': Iran's President-elect Pezeshkian hails Leader's support

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 21 July 2024 6:54 PM

Iran's President-elected Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed his "sincere appreciation" to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for supporting him in the way of forming his upcoming administration.

"Now the people's trust and your support for Iran's administration are the biggest asset for all of us to achieve future successes," Pezeshkian said in a post on his X account on Sunday.

"A 'single voice' for Iran," the president-elect wrote.

In a meeting with members of the new Iranian Parliament in Tehran earlier on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei said the success of the newly-elected president in performing his duties is the success of all Iranians.

"My strong recommendation is the constructive interaction of the parliament with the new government. The success of the president and the new government is the success of all of us. Everyone should help the president to fulfill his duties towards the country," the Leader stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei later wrote in his X account that all should help President-elect Pezeshkian fulfill his duties towards the country.

"If we can behave in such a way that the president succeeds, this is the success of all of us."

Pezeshkian emerged victorious in the second round of the presidential vote on July 5. He garnered more than 16 million votes against ex-nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, who secured upwards of 13 million out of over 30 million votes cast, with the voter turnout standing at almost 50 percent.

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Statement by PM Netanyahu

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Press Releases

The 37th Government

Publish Date: 20.07.2024

Updated date: 21.07.2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening:

"From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us.

This is why earlier today, I asked the Israeli cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen.

The port that was targeted is not an innocent port. It's used as their entry point for weapons that are supplied by Iran to its Houthi terrorist proxies. The Houthis have used those weapons to attack Israel, to attack Arab states in the region, to attack many others.

This strike comes in direct response to the killer drone attack yesterday that killed one person and injured several others, a hundred yards from the US Consulate in Tel Aviv.

But the aggression of the Houthis goes well beyond that single attack. Because for the past eight months, the Houthis have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones against Israel.

The only reason those attacks have not caused a greater loss of life has been the defensive measures taken by Israel and its allies, which together have intercepted hundreds of projectiles.

I would like to thank the United States, Britain, France and others members of the international maritime coalition that was formed to repel Houthi attacks.

But the drone attack that struck Israel in the early morning hours yesterday shows that more than defensive action is needed to curtail the Houthis. Offensive action is also needed. It's needed to ensure that Iran's terror proxies pay a price for their brazen aggression.

For over half a year, the Houthis have not only attacked Israel. They have also targeted the ships of dozens of countries traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb straights. This is a maritime corridor through which some 30% of the world's maritime commerce flows.

The international community must redouble its efforts to protect this vital waterway and to hold both the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors accountable for their aggression.

Today, Israel is being attacked by Iran and its proxies on seven fronts:

The Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and in Syria, Iran backed terror attacks in Judea and Samaria and of course, attacks directly conducted by Iran itself, as the world saw on April 14th.

In defending ourselves against this Iranian terror axis, Israel stands on the front lines against a regime that threatens the entire Middle East, that threatens the entire world.

That is why all those who seek a more secure and stable Middle East should fully support Israel's actions against this terror axis - in Yemen, in Gaza, in Lebanon and elsewhere.

And to Israel's enemies, I have a simple message:

Do not doubt Israel's determination to defend itself on every front.



All those who seek to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression."

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Israel sends first draft notices to ultra-Orthodox men

By Linda Gradstein July 21, 2024

The Israeli army on Sunday sent out the first batch of 1,000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox men, in a move that could threaten the Israeli government. The move came after the Supreme Court of Israel said their exemption from service was illegal.

A total of 3,000 draft orders will be sent to men who the army believes are not engaged in full-time study. The original exemption from armed service was for ultra-Orthodox Jews who are studying Jewish texts full-time and believe that their prayer and study contribute to Israeli society.

Several prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbis have urged their students to ignore the draft orders, which could lead to their arrest. Moshe Roth, an ultra-Orthodox lawmaker says he does not believe many ultra-Orthodox men will eventually serve.

"It's more of a declaration than anything else, it doesn't add anything to the defense issue at this time," said Roth.

Israeli army officials disagree. They say there is a shortfall of at least 6,000 soldiers in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Many Israelis say it is also a matter of principle and the court decision is meant to provide greater equality.

Israeli Jewish men serve for two years and eight months and women for two years. Arab citizens of Israel are not drafted, although some do volunteer. Until the Supreme Court ruling last month, some 63,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews received automatic exemptions from service.

Some ultra-Orthodox rabbis worry that contact with secular Israeli society may prompt at least some of the ultra-Orthodox leave their religion.

Ariel Kelner of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party said he understands the army's need for more soldiers.

"But we are also committed that the haredim that the ultra-Orthodox community will also feel comfortable in the army," Kelner said.

The men who received the draft orders have two weeks to report to the induction center to begin the process. Some of Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox coalition partners say they will pull out of the government, which could bring down Netanyahu's coalition. Other Israeli analysts say that as long as the number remains small, like the current 3,000, the ultra-Orthodox parties will not leave the government.

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US to Document Determination to Defend Japan With Various Means, Nuclear Weapons

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Japan and the United States will draw up the first joint document on the expanded deterrence policy, which will include a clause on the United States' determination to protect Japan by various means, including nuclear weapons, Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The joint document will contain both countries' stance on the deterrence policy realization, the newspaper reported. The document will reportedly include a clause on the US's determination to contribute to regional deterrence of Japan by various means, including nuclear weapons, and identify the opportunities that Washington can use in peacetime and during possible emergencies.

The document will also identify the types of situations facing Japan, in case of which the United States can take retaliatory steps against third countries and outline possible directions of such response, the report said.

The Japanese and US defense chiefs are expected to discuss the possible contents of the document during a meeting in Tokyo in late July, the report also said. The move comes against the backdrop of the alleged "strengthening of the nuclear threat" from China and Russia, the report added.

In 2010, the Japanese and US governments established the Extended Deterrence Dialogue to discuss ways to sustain and strengthen extended deterrence and started regular consultations on the issue involving officials in charge of foreign policy and defense affairs.

A Sputnik

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Pakistan demands Germany prosecute consulate attackers

By Ayaz Gul July 21, 2024

Pakistan has condemned Germany's "failure" to safeguard its consulate in Frankfurt from being stormed and vandalized Saturday by dozens of protesters reportedly carrying Afghanistan's national flag.

In a Sunday statement issued in Islamabad, the foreign ministry, without naming any specific nationality, described the assailants as "a gang of extremists" and decried the security breach of the consular mission, saying it endangered the lives of its staff.

"We are conveying our strong protest to the German government," the ministry said. It urged Germany to take "immediate measures to fulfill its responsibility" under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to ensure the security of the Pakistani diplomatic missions and staff in the country.

Social media video from Saturday's incident shows scores of people holding the tricolor Afghan national flag and jumping the fence to get into the consulate building in Frankfurt, with one of them taking down Pakistan's flag. The protesters were reportedly shouting abuses and pelted the diplomatic facility with stones.

Diplomatic sources and witnesses in the German city confirmed the authenticity of the video to VOA, but it was not immediately known what the crowd was protesting.

Pakistani official sources told VOA that the attack was "a serious security lapse on the part of the German side." They said German authorities did not inform the consulate staff about the upcoming protest or increase security for the diplomatic facility as per the "standard operating procedures."

There was no immediate reaction from the German government to the attack and its denunciation by Pakistan.

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan did not comment on the incident either.

"We also urge the German authorities to take immediate measures to arrest and prosecute those involved in yesterday's incident and hold to account those responsible for the lapses in security," the Pakistani statement said.

Earlier, the Pakistani Embassy in Berlin also denounced the consulate attack as a "reprehensible vandalizing act." It wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that the diplomatic mission was in contact with the German authorities "to ensure such a situation doesn't arise again and the miscreants face legal consequences."

The embassy appealed to Pakistanis in Germany to remain patient and calm in the aftermath of the episode.

German authorities have increasingly linked Afghan asylum-seekers in the country to criminal activities and announced last month they are considering resuming deportations of criminals to Afghanistan.

The announcement by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser came just days after a 25-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker was accused of fatally stabbing a police officer in Manheim.

Germany ceased deporting migrants to Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power in August 2021 due to the risk of death in their home country.

"It is clear to me that people who pose a potential threat to Germany's security must be deported quickly," Interior Minister Faeser told a June 4 news conference.

She emphasized that her country's "security interests clearly outweigh the interests of those affected" and, "We are doing everything possible to find ways to deport criminals and dangerous people" to Afghanistan and Syria.

On July 8, Germany abruptly announced the closure of its consulate in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi until further notice. It cited "imminent security concerns" but did not specify them. A consulate announcement last Friday, however, said the German diplomatic facility had "resumed normal operations."

The abrupt closure of the German consulate apparently had surprised and upset the Pakistani hosts.

"Consulates in various cities offer important consular services and promote business-to-business ties," Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch told reporters Friday, just hours before the German consulate announced the resumption of its operations.

"Closure of operations of any consular mission in Karachi would affect these services and slow down engagement with the biggest metropolis and the financial and commercial center of Pakistan," Baloch said.

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Russia's Priority Achieving Goals of Special Military Operation, Not US Election - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's priority is achieving the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine rather than following the results of the US election, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.

"Our priority is to achieve the goals of the special military operation, not the results of the US election," he told the Life news outlet, commenting on US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race.

There are still four months until the election in the United States, a lot can change during this period, Peskov added.

"We need to pay attention and watch what happens next," he said.

Latter, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova repeated that the election was an issue for the United States.

"This is their story. These are domestic political, let's call it battles in the US ... We don't interfere with their internal affairs," Zakharova said on the air of Russian online show Solovyev Live

Earlier in the day, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris. He added that he will not resign the presidency and will finish out his current term.

A Sputnik

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Russia Scrambles Fighter Jets to Ward Off US Bombers Over Barents Sea

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia scrambled MiG-29 and MiG-31fighter jets on Sunday morning to chase a pair of US Air Force B-52N bombers away from the Russian border over the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"The Russian airspace control systems located a group aerial target over the Barents Sea waters approaching the State border of the Russian Federation. To identify the aerial target and prevent a violation of the State border of the Russian Federation, the on-duty air defense units MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets were scrambled," the statement read.

As the Russian fighter jets approached, the US strategic bombers made a U-turn and hurried away from the Russian border.

The Russian fighter jets carried out the mission in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters and in compliance with security measures, the Russian ministry said.

The Finnish Defense Ministry said later in the day that two US B-52 bombers had carried out a training flight in Finland's airspace.

The bombers were accompanied by two US KC-135 refueling aircraft and one KC-46 refueling aircraft. The Finnish ministry said that the planes were flying south from Norway, over the northernmost Finnish region of Lapland.

A Sputnik

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Syrian President Assad: Russia's Policy Confirms Strive for Peace

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's policy confirms its position as a force for peace that respects other nations' sovereignty, Syrian President Bashar Assad has said in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Russian policies and stances are based on respect principles of states sovereignty," Assad was quoted as saying by Syrian state-run news agency SANA.

The presidents exchanged congratulatory telegrams to mark the 80th anniversary of establishment of Russia-Syria diplomatic relations.

The Syrian president wished the Russian government and the people continued progress and prosperity.

The Russian and Syrian presidents exchanged messages to mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria and Russia. The Soviet Union and Syria established diplomatic relations on July 21, 1944.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message addressed to his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad, that Moscow was committed to upholding the Arab Republic's security and sovereignty.

"I would like to confirm that Russia will keep supporting the government of the Syrian Arab Republic in its bid to defend the country's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as to ensure national security and internal stability," Putin said in a message published by the Kremlin.

President Putin stressed that a deeper Russian-Syrian relationship was beneficial to both nations as it underpinned regional and international peace and stability.



A Sputnik

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Trump could undermine alliances, posing risks for Taiwan: Experts

ROC Central News Agency

07/20/2024 10:01 PM

Washington, July 19 (CNA) Foreign relations experts have warned that U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump could weaken alliances and undermine deterrence against China, posing risks for Taiwan.

Trump will face incumbent President Joe Biden in November if Biden withstands pressure to step aside due to his age. Their vastly different foreign policies have significant implications for Taiwan.

Jacques deLisle, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Study of Contemporary China, told CNA on Friday that a Democratic victory would likely mean "a great deal of continuity" in Taiwan policy. A Trump victory, however, would be unpredictable, with Republican lawmakers likely following Trump's lead, posing risks for Taiwan.

One risk is Trump's "transactional approach" to diplomacy, he said, adding that the former president's demand Taiwan pay more for American defense mirrors his stance towards NATO.

He said while Taiwan generally does buy weapons, Trump believes Taiwan should "pay market prices."

DeLisle argued that Trump does not value American commitments to allies. Regardless of his view on Taiwan's security, he would likely weaken U.S. relationships with Japan, South Korea and other allies, affecting cooperation to deter China.

Since taking office in 2021, Biden has repeatedly stated his willingness to defend Taiwan, and in a June interview with Time, he did not rule out military action.

The importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait has often been emphasized in U.S. bilateral and multilateral meetings with allies.

David Sacks, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in "Taiwan's Trump Conundrum" published on Friday that a Trump victory would present allies with a president who views diplomacy as transactional.

"This dilemma will be keenly felt in Taiwan," he said.

Sacks mentioned that Trump was very popular in Taiwan before leaving office in 2021, marking the closest U.S.-Taipei relations since Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

However, Trump's recent comments on Taiwan cast doubt on whether this support would continue if he were re-elected.

Sacks observed that Taiwan had downplayed Trump's remarks by pointing to bipartisan support in the U.S. and the emphasis on Taiwan's importance by former Trump administration officials.

While this is true, the president has significant autonomy in foreign policy, and it may be unrealistic to expect Congress to restrain Trump's actions, Sacks said.

Some believe the U.S. should fully deter China from attacking Taiwan and, if deterrence fails, defend Taiwan due to its strategic location, economic significance and democratic governance.

These arguments aim to prevent negative impacts on the international order and U.S. alliances. However, such points may not convince Trump, Sacks wrote.

He further noted that Trump is skeptical of U.S. alliances, viewing them as "free riders."

If the U.S. does not defend Taiwan, it could signal to allies that they must take responsibility for their own security, which he believes would ultimately benefit the U.S.

Regarding Trump's claim that Taiwan has been stealing the American semiconductor industry, deLisle said he believed this was a misunderstanding.

Chip design and development are largely based in the U.S., while manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. are in Taiwan. "That's a cooperative, not a competitive relationship," deLisle said.

Sacks concluded that Trump's comments on Taiwan are "fully consistent with his worldview" and that his view is "unlikely to change."

For Trump, international relations are often driven by bilateral economic ties, with geopolitics being secondary, believing as he does that Taiwan economically took advantage of the U.S., a perspective likely to influence his broader view of Taiwan-U.S. relations, Sacks said.

(By Shih Hsiu-chuan and Evelyn Yang)

Enditem/ASG

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Han Kuang drills to test supply line resiliency in case of blockade

ROC Central News Agency

07/21/2024 02:59 PM

Taipei, July 21 (CNA) The live-fire component of Taiwan's largest annual military exercise is scheduled to begin on Monday, with a special drill dedicated to testing the nation's ability to defend critical supply lines in the event of an attempted blockade by China.

The 40th annual Han Kuang exercises will run 24/7 nationwide from July 22-26, with an emphasis on testing Taiwan's ability to protect critical infrastructure in its capital as well as to enhance the resilience of its key infrastructure nationwide, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

But an unnamed military source familiar with this year's Han Kuang exercises told CNA on Sunday that it was also important for Taiwan to continue to receive supplies from foreign countries and deliver them nationwide should a cross-strait war break out.

The source said that a drill aimed at testing military-civilian cooperation to carry out wartime supply-delivery missions will therefore be staged at a major port in Taiwan during the five-day live-fire drills to ensure links to the outside world could remain open in the event of a Chinese blockade.

The source, however, would not name the port nor when the drill will be staged.

Other unnamed military sources also confirmed to CNA that this drill is set to involve multiple government branches.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a military general told CNA that the nation's armed forces have been regularly carrying out training activities focused on protecting key harbors and ports, since Beijing would prioritize shutting down these sites during an invasion.

Such protection and supply-delivery missions would involve not only the military but also the transportation ministry's Maritime and Port Bureau, Coast Guard Administration and other land transportation authorities, according to the unnamed general.

"That is why it is important to test cross-governmental cooperation in the upcoming Han Kuang exercises," the source added.

Defense scholar and retired Navy captain Jiang Hsin-biao () told CNA that Taiwan is heavily dependent on maritime imports of crude oil, natural gas, coal, steel and other strategic supplies.

"It is therefore important to make sure taking delivery of such key supplies would remain normal if a war broke out," he said.

Such a task is extremely complicated and involves coordination between the Navy and maritime transportation, he said, adding that Taiwan has not conducted such large-scale drills for a long period of time.

In addition, the MND on Sunday also announced in a press release that it plans to launch Artificial Intelligence (AI) news anchors that can speak 18 different languages during the 40th edition of Han Kuang. This application of AI technology aims to enhance communication with the international community by sharing information relating to Taiwan's national defense situation.

According to the MND, Air Force fighter jets that were originally deployed in the western part of Taiwan on Monday will be dispatched to Hualien Air Base in the east in a simulation of an invasion.

This will be done to ensure that the main backbone of the nation's fighter jets in the west side of the island that is closer to the Chinese mainland will be able to maintain a state of combat readiness in the eastern part of Taiwan as well, it said.

Meanwhile, all of Taiwan's large naval vessels will leave their home ports early on Monday and sail to designated locations off the coast in preparation for training simulations involving scenarios such as confronting enemy forces and deploying naval mines to slow down an enemy invasion, the MND said.

The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's biggest annual defense drills, have been held every year since 1984 to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.

The 40th Han Kuang exercises this year include a tabletop war games phase that was completed between April 19-26, around three months before the live-fire exercise component scheduled for July 22-26.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/cs/JT

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/07/21

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

 Date6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Jul. 20-21

 PLA activities22 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

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UK soldiers test next generation of body-worn technology

Major advances have been made in body-worn technology for UK soldiers, improving their operational advantage.

21 July 2024

Major advances made in body-worn technology for UK soldiers.

Improving operational advantage by connecting soldiers to data tools and new technology.

A range of technologies, such as laser detection systems and on person drone control will enhance battle fighting tactics.

The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by British soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making.

This announcement comes as part of the new government's commitment to procuring state-of-the-art defence capabilities. The Future Soldier programme delivers on the aim of adapting military equipment programmes to meet emerging requirements, as outlined in the launch of the Strategic Defence Review this week.

Examples of the technologies being looked at by the Army include laser detection systems to warn if enemies are targeting personnel, drone thermal detection to identify enemies, and ground sensors to detect enemy movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

The digital system is standardised and provides customised control that can be tailored to each individual mission.

Troops from Leicestershire-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, tested cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds all connected in a single system.

The trial, conducted by scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), demonstrates that even minor changes to infantry-level tactics with Command and Control, Communications, Computing and Information Systems, can vastly improve operational outcomes.

Improved outcomes can include:

Increasing the tempo of a battle - outthinking the enemy by creating a faster understand, decide, act loop.

Increase situational awareness meaning better informed decision making based on real-time local operating picture of where friendly and enemy forces are, as well as other assets are on the battlefield.

Enhanced decision making - the ability to send data, such as images and full motion video, from the soldier to wider teams.

Minster for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle said:

This government is clear in our commitment to advancing technology that ensures the safety and superiority of UK Armed Forces. This cutting-edge technology will bolster operational lethality and elevate battlefield awareness. I welcome the continued collaborate on between government, industry, and scientists on this innovative programme.

Dstl scientists are carrying out this research as part of the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision (FIDSV) with research into how the next generation of 'digitally connected soldier' technology can improve capability and operational advantage.

The range of technologies tested includes:

A helmet mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe. An electronic system that emits an identifiable beacon when it detects an incoming laser.

Laser detection system to warn if enemies are targeting personnel. A system that detects the wavelengths of incoming lasers and warns the user.

On person drone control which gives the user the ability to control and pre-programme drones.

Drone thermal detection to aid enemy detection.

Laser range finder - a device on the weapon that calculates the range of an object/target.

Advanced digital day and night optics for weapons, powered via the weapons' Picatinny rail.

Smart hub - the 'brain' of the integrated power and data supply for all digital devices.

Mesh network - a type of radio configuration that permits "hopping" from one soldier's radio to another to enhance range.

Ground sensors to detect movement with alerts sent to body-worn systems.

Dstl chief executive Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA said:

Dstl is working closely with industry to develop and integrate technologies that will transform our armed forces, making them more capable and lethal. Building on our decades of expertise, this work is delivering mission success, protecting the nation and helping it prosper.

Jon Russell, Dstl's Senior Principal Scientist on the research, said:

This technology will protect the lives of our Armed Forces by improving operational capability by giving them the advantage over the enemy. It is great to see the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision is clearly proving how a soldier system containing multiple knowledge capabilities that are designed to combine crucial data to improve operational advantage.

"Our aim is to develop the most capable armed forces in the world, by merging different technologies to advance battlefield awareness."

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) at the infantry Trials and Development Unit said:

The trial, led by Dstl, was a showcase of future technologies and digital integration. The research has now advanced, bringing together industry to enhance capabilities with Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Information Systems. As the Army's lead in dismounted close combat trials and development, we are at the forefront of improving operational advantage and look forward to supporting its future development.

Dstl, in partnership with industry, will make use of the lessons learned from this latest testing on Salisbury Plain's military training area to develop the need for future equipment for defence.

The next phase will include vehicle mounted options, as well as develop a joint soldier system with UK allies. Further development and experimentation will continue over the next five years and will evolve as and when new technologies become available.

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Ukrainian Official Criticizes Red Cross Over Prisoner-Visitation Claims

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 21, 2024

Ukraine's parliamentary human rights commissioner said the "vast majority" of Ukrainian prisoners who have been returned to the country in exchanges with Russia said they had no communication with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) while they were being held.

"I want to emphasize that, while talking to our defenders who were returned from enemy captivity, I learned that the vast majority of them had not seen or communicated with representatives of the ICRC for the entire time of their detention," Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on July 20.

Lubinets was responding to recent comments by ICRC Russian delegation head Boris Michel, who told Russian media that ICRC staff had visited "3,100 prisoners in Russia and Ukraine."

Michel did not specify how many visits were conducted in each country, Lubinets added.

"The reason for this is that almost all the visits in this number were to Russian prisoners of war held by Ukraine, because our country steadfastly abides by the requirements of the Geneva Conventions," he said.

Lubinets criticized the ICRC for calling on "both sides" to provide access to prisoners without acknowledging Russia's "practice of not allowing ICRC workers access to the places where Ukrainian defenders are held."

He urged the ICRC to "operate with true numbers" in order not to mislead the public or the relatives of Ukrainian prisoners.

In comments quoted by Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency, Michel said he was engaged in "productive dialogue" with Russian officials regarding visits to prisoners.

On July 17, some 95 Ukrainian prisoners were released in the latest exchange with Russia. It was the 54th such exchange since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in the release of 3,405 Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Ukrainian prosecutors have opened more than 450 criminal cases on suspicion of the mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners by Russia.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-prisoners- icrc-exchanges-rights/33044637.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Troops Liberate Villages of Rozovka, Peshchanoe Nizhneye - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20240721

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have liberated Rozovka in the Lugansk People's Republic and Peshchanoe Nizhneye in the Kharkov Region, eliminating up to 1,700 Ukrainian forces in the past 24 hours of fighting, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"The West group of troops has liberated the villages of Rozovka in the Lugansk People's Republic and Peshchanoe Nizhneye in the Kharkov Region by successful military action and have taken more advantageous positions," the ministry said in a daily news bulletin.

Ukraine lost up to 520 fighters in the area of responsibility of the Zapad battlegroup. The Yug battlegroup eliminated up to Ukrainian 510 troops and destroyed an armored fighting vehicle and two ammunition depots.

"The enemy lost up to 330 troops [in the area of responsibility of the Tsenter battlegroup of troops]," the report read.

The Tsenter battlegroup repelled seven Ukrainian counterattacks, destroying a US-made M109 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzer and a UK-made L119 105mm howitzer alongside other weapons.

The Sever battlegroup of troops repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kharkov Region and eliminated up to 145 troops. Kiev also lost up to 115 fighters in the area of responsibility of the Vostok battlegroup.

A Sputnik

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We Can Now Say: Our Air Defense Has Been Bolstered, We Will Be Able to Do More in the Skies - Address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

21 July 2024 - 21:05

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

There have been several important reports today.

First of all, there was a substantial report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline situation. The Commander-in-Chief himself visited some of the brigades. The key issue is the provision for our military. What exactly is lacking - with regard to each direction and all our main positions. Distribution of ammunition and a sufficient number of drones, above all.

It is very important to ensure that in all key directions, we have the means to inflict maximum losses on the enemy.

Next, there was a report from the Air Force Commander. Regarding the work of our firing groups in shooting down "Shaheds" and countering Russian missiles. We can already say that our air defense has been bolstered. The German "Patriot" system has arrived in Ukraine, and I would like to thank Germany and the United States for this step. We will be able to do more in the skies. Of course, there is still much work ahead, and this is far from guaranteed protection, but nevertheless, it means more strength for Ukraine.

The third for today is the report from the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine. There are good results in countering collaborators. There are also some things that we cannot publicly disclose at the moment. It's just not worth it. The occupier must feel it.

Fourth, a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs on the investigation into the murder of Iryna Farion. It is a difficult process, but all necessary forces are engaged, and more information is emerging about the perpetrator of this crime.

Fifth, reports from government officials, primarily regarding energy. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the Minister of Energy. I would like to highlight the work of all our repair crews, workers at our nuclear power plants, and everyone involved in stabilizing the supply. Everything necessary is being done to provide more electricity.

We understand that we are dealing with terrorists and the Russian strikes do not stop. But still, Ukrainian power engineers are trying to reduce the deficit.

I would like to thank everyone who helps us! Glory to our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Wireless Mouse - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global Wireless Mouse market was valued at an estimated US$1.6 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$2.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions.



The growth in the wireless mouse market is driven by several factors, including advancements in wireless technology, increasing demand for portable computing devices, and the rising popularity of ergonomic and gaming peripherals. Technological innovations, such as improved battery efficiency and advanced sensors, have made wireless mice more reliable and appealing to a broader audience. The proliferation of laptops, tablets, and other portable devices has also spurred demand for wireless peripherals that enhance mobile productivity and convenience. Furthermore, the growing focus on ergonomic design has led to the development of wireless mice that cater to users` comfort and health, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.



The expanding gaming industry, with its emphasis on high-performance equipment, has further boosted the market, as gamers seek wireless solutions that offer both precision and flexibility. As these trends continue to evolve, the wireless mouse market is poised for sustained growth, driven by ongoing innovations and shifting consumer preferences towards wireless technology.

Key Insights:

Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Radiofrequency Technology segment, which is expected to reach US$1.6 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 4.7%. The Bluetooth Technology segment is also set to grow at 3.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $445.8 Million in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.3% CAGR to reach $451 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Key Questions Answered:

How is the Global Wireless Mouse Market expected to evolve by 2030?

What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?

Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?

How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?

Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2023 to 2030.

In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.

Company Profiles: Coverage of major players such as A-Four Tech Co., Ltd., Apple Inc, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., and more.

Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Select Competitors Featured:

A-Four Tech Co., Ltd.

Apple Inc

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

CORSAIR MEMORY, Inc.

Dell, Inc.

HP, Inc.

IOGEAR

Lenovo Group Ltd.

Logitech International S.A.

Microsoft Corp.

Rapoo Europe BV

Razer Inc.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

TECKNET Technology

Zebronics India Pvt. Ltd



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 256 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.2 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.4% Regions Covered Global





Key Topics Covered:



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Influencer Market Insights

World Market Trajectories

Wireless Mouse - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024

Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS



3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Increasing Demand for Wireless Peripherals Throws the Spotlight on Wireless Mice

Technological Advancements in Wireless Connectivity Propel Market Growth

Rising Adoption of Ergonomic Designs Drives Demand for Wireless Mice

Integration with Gaming Devices Expands Addressable Market Opportunity

Growing Focus on Workplace Productivity Generates Demand for Advanced Wireless Mice

Enhanced Battery Life and Power Management Strengthen Business Case for Wireless Mice

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards Drive Adoption

Increasing Use of Wireless Mice in Remote Work Setups Spurs Market Growth

Innovations in Sensor Technology Propel Market Expansion

Rising Demand for Multi-Device Connectivity

The Role of Customizable Buttons and Features in Driving Adoption

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships Expand Wireless Mouse Offerings

Growing Utilization in Educational Institutions

The Impact of COVID-19 on Home Office Equipment Demand

Increasing Use of Wireless Mice in Graphic Design and Creative Work Expands Market Opportunities

Advances in Bluetooth Technology Drive Adoption of Wireless Mice

Growing Popularity of Portable and Compact Designs Spurs Market Growth

Focus on Enhancing User Comfort and Experience Drives Demand

The Role of Wireless Technology in Reducing Cable Clutter

Increasing Consumer Preference for Sleek and Modern Designs Generates Demand for Wireless Mice

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Synthetic Hormones Market: Focus on Product Type, Route of Administration, Application, End User, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Asia-Pacific synthetic hormones market size was estimated at $2.41 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $4.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.34% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The market's growth is driven by the potential for groundbreaking advancements in the APAC synthetic hormones sector, with numerous key players actively working on developing innovative synthetic hormones.







The Asia-Pacific (APAC) Synthetic Hormones Market is expected to grow significantly, driven by advances in medical technology and rising demand for effective hormonal therapy. Synthetic hormones, which are used to treat a number of endocrine problems, reproductive health difficulties, and chronic ailments, are increasing popularity due to their effectiveness and precision. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are leading the market expansion, leveraging strong healthcare infrastructures, qualified experts, and supporting regulatory frameworks.



Key players in the APAC area are investing extensively in R&D to produce novel synthetic hormones that will meet unmet medical requirements and improve patient outcomes. The industry is also benefiting from an older population, more healthcare knowledge, and rising rates of hormone-related illnesses. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market dynamics, major stakeholders, regulatory landscape, and future trends influencing the APAC Synthetic Hormones Market, providing useful information for investors and industry participants looking to capitalize on new opportunities.



Market Segmentation:

Segmentation by Product Type

Steroid Hormones

Peptide Hormones

Others

Segmentation by Route of Administration

Subcutaneous

Oral

Intravenous/Intramuscular

Others

Segmentation by Application

Diabetes

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Contraception

Male Hypogonadism

Menopause

Others

Segmentation by End User

Hospital Pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Online Pharmacies

Segmentation by Region

Japan

China

Australia

South Korea

India

Rest-of-Asia-Pacific

Report Scope:

Workflow/Innovation Strategy: The Asia-Pacific synthetic hormones market (by product type) has been segmented based on product type, including peptide hormones, steroid hormones, and others. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the different routes of administration and application.



Growth/Marketing Strategy: To foster growth in the synthetic hormones market, a dual strategy focusing on research and development for safer, more effective formulations, alongside expanding global outreach through strategic partnerships and education campaigns, is essential. Emphasizing personalized medicine and leveraging digital platforms for market expansion and patient engagement can also be pivotal in driving market growth and visibility.



Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Asia-Pacific synthetic hormones market have been analyzed and profiled in the study, including manufacturers involved in new product launches, acquisitions, expansions, and strategic collaborations. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Asia-Pacific synthetic hormones market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape.



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 59 Forecast Period 2023 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.41 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $4.89 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.3% Regions Covered Asia Pacific





Key Topics Covered:



Executive Summary



Scope and Definition



1 Markets

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.1.1 Trend 1: Personalized Synthetic Hormones Therapies

1.1.2 Trend 2: Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1.2 Market Footprint and Growth Potential, $Billion, 2022-2033

1.3 Research and Development Review

1.3.1 Patent Publishing Trend (by Country)

1.3.2 Patent Publishing Trend (by Year)

1.4 Market Dynamics: Overview



2 Regions

2.1 Regional Summary

2.2 Drivers and Restraints

2.3 Asia-Pacific

2.3.1 Regional Overview

2.3.1.1 Driving Factors for Market Growth

2.3.1.2 Factors Challenging the Market

2.3.2 Japan

2.3.3 China

2.3.4 Australia

2.3.5 South Korea

2.3.6 India

2.3.7 Rest-of-Asia-Pacific



3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles

3.1 Company Assessment

3.1.1 Changchun GeneScience Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

3.1.1.1 Overview

3.1.1.2 Top Products

3.1.1.3 Top Competitors

3.1.1.4 Key Personnel

3.1.1.5 Analyst View



4 Research Methodology



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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "COVID-19 Monthly Snapshot" newsletter has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The newsletter provides a detailed analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare industry, along with major highlights. It includes a comparative analysis of COVID-19-related diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine developments for November 2023 versus October 2023, offering insights into the progress and changes over the month.

Additionally, the newsletter features a pipeline analysis of therapies, assessing the most promising drug candidates in the fight against COVID-19. It reviews business strategies adopted by market players in the field of COVID-19 diagnostics during November 2023, shedding light on the latest industry tactics and innovations.

The implications of faster clinical trials and approvals by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are explored, providing an understanding of how regulatory acceleration is influencing the market. Key findings and impact analysis of COVID-19 on the pharmaceutical business are also included, highlighting the broader effects of the pandemic on the industry.

Growth Opportunities in an Era of Change Advancements since October 2023



November 2023

There was one non-commercial partnership reported, while no commercial collaboration was reported in November 2023 among the COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines market.

In November 2023, the total number of treatment options was 226.

Key players evaluating Phase 3 vaccine and drug candidates included Biological E. Limited, SK Bioscience Co., Ltd., AstraZeneca/the University of Oxford, Novavax, Sinopharm, Moderna Inc., Pfizer Inc./BioNTech SE, AstraZeneca, CureVacAG, CanSino Biological Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Zydus Cadila, and Bharat Biotech, among others.

In November 2023, 64 investigational drugs were active in Phase 3 of clinical development.

Globally, the overall confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached more than 772 million as of November 22, 2023.

Fifty-eight COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in Phase 3, 40 in Phase 2, 84 in Phase 1, and 199 in pre-clinical stages.

October 2023

There was a collaboration reported in October 2023 among COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines market.

In October 2023, the total number of treatment options was 226.

Key players evaluating Phase 3 vaccine and drug candidates included Biological E. Limited, SK Bioscience Co., Ltd., Abivax, AstraZeneca/the University of Oxford, Novavax, Sinopharm, Fulcrum, Therapeutics Moderna Inc., Pfizer Inc./BioNTech SE, AstraZeneca, CureVacAG, Insmed Inc., CanSino Biological Inc., Beijing Minhai Biotechnology, Johnson & Johnson, Zydus Cadila, and Bharat Biotech, among others.

In October 2023, 64 investigational drugs were active in Phase 3 of clinical development.

Globally, the overall confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached more than 771.5 million as of October 21, 2023.

Fifty-eight COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in Phase 3, 40 in Phase 2, 84 in Phase 1, and 199 in pre-clinical stages.

COVID-19 Major Highlights of November 2023



U.S. FDA Grants Marketing Clearance to ACON Laboratories, Inc. for its COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test

November 09, 2023: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) marketing clearance to ACON Laboratories, Inc. for its COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Flowflex. This is the first FDA 510(k) for an over-the-counter (OTC) rapid antigen test for COVID-19. The Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test is indicated only for symptomatic individuals within the first six days after symptom onset. The company intends to start distribution of the test in 2024. The emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test has not been revoked, and ACON Laboratories, Inc. will continue to supply EUA test kits to meet the public demand for safe and easy home testing through the upcoming cough and cold season.

World Health Organization (WHO) Grants Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Status to COVID-19 Vaccine, Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5

November 28, 2023: The World Health Organization (WHO) granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status to Novavax, Inc. for its COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 12 years and above. The EUL of Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 enables expedited regulatory approvals in 194 WHO member states and UN procurement agencies, such as UNICEF, supporting broader access to a larger population. Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5 is the updated shot targeting the XBB lineage of the COVID-19 virus.

The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Grants Emergency Use Authorization to Updated Vaccine from Novavax

November 29, 2023: The updated COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2601) produced by Novavax was given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korea, marking the first approval of its kind in Asia. SK Bioscience intends to ship the improved version of the COVID-19 vaccine to South Korea by the end of 2023

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) Approves COVID-19 Vaccine Developed by CSL and Arcturus Therapeutics

November 29, 2023: The self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine, ARCT-154, developed by CSL and Arcturus Therapeutics, received approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). This vaccine is designated for initial vaccination and as a booster for individuals aged 18 years and older. The approval is based on positive Phase III clinical trial results conducted on 16,000 participants in Vietnam and a Phase III COVID-19 booster trial. In Japan, Seqirus, a subsidiary of CSL Limited entered into a distribution agreement with Meiji Seika Pharma for the supply of ARCT-154 in April 2023.

For more information about this newsletter visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mviy2t

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market, By Region, By Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market was valued at USD 21.07 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to project steady growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.10% through 2029

The Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market is primarily driven by several factors. An increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures are fueling the market growth. Advancements in technology leading to the development of innovative disposable endoscopy devices are attracting healthcare providers and patients alike.

Favorable government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and a growing awareness about the benefits of disposable endoscopes are further boosting market expansion. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of disposable devices compared to traditional ones are driving their adoption across healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia.



Favorable Reimbursement Policies



In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a notable shift in reimbursement policies and insurance coverage for medical procedures, particularly in the realm of endoscopy. This evolution reflects a concerted effort by policymakers to enhance healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for the Kingdom's citizens. As reimbursement policies have become more favorable over time, healthcare providers have been incentivized to adopt innovative technologies, including disposable endoscopy devices, which offer cost-effective solutions while prioritizing patient safety and hygiene.



The improved reimbursement landscape has played a pivotal role in driving the adoption of disposable endoscopy devices among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. With greater financial incentives and support from insurance providers, healthcare facilities are more inclined to invest in advanced medical technologies that offer superior clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies. Disposable endoscopy devices, characterized by their single-use design and elimination of reprocessing costs, present a compelling value proposition for healthcare providers seeking to optimize resource utilization and maximize return on investment.

The emphasis on patient safety and hygiene inherent in disposable endoscopy devices resonates strongly with regulatory authorities and insurance providers alike. By eliminating the risk of device-related infections and cross-contamination, these devices align closely with the Kingdom's stringent quality assurance standards and infection control protocols. As such, healthcare providers can confidently adopt disposable endoscopy devices knowing that they not only deliver superior clinical outcomes but also adhere to regulatory requirements and insurance guidelines.



Shift Towards Preventive Healthcare



In Saudi Arabia, a notable paradigm shift towards preventive healthcare measures is underway, propelled by a deepening understanding of the significance of early detection and intervention in effectively managing chronic diseases. This evolving healthcare landscape places a premium on proactive health management strategies aimed at identifying health issues at their earliest stages, thereby facilitating timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. Central to this preventive healthcare paradigm is the integral role played by disposable endoscopy devices in facilitating screening and early detection programs for conditions such as colorectal cancer and Barrett's esophagus, thus driving their market growth.



The growing emphasis on preventive healthcare in Saudi Arabia reflects a broader global trend towards proactive health management strategies aimed at averting the onset and progression of chronic diseases. Increasing awareness among both healthcare providers and the general population about the pivotal role of early detection in mitigating the burden of chronic illnesses has catalyzed a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach to healthcare delivery. This proactive mindset underscores the importance of regular screenings and diagnostic tests as essential components of preventive healthcare regimens, enabling the timely identification and management of potential health risks before they escalate into more serious conditions.



Segmental Insights









Application Insights





















Gastroenterology stands out as the dominant specialty in the disposable endoscopy devices market in Saudi Arabia. Overall, gastroenterologys focus on managing prevalent conditions and adhering to infection control standards makes it a major driver in the disposable endoscopy market.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Disorders: The rising incidence of gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease

The rising incidence of gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer increases the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Disposable endoscopes are particularly well-suited for these needs due to their ability to offer minimally invasive solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness and Hygiene: Disposable endoscopes provide a cost-effective alternative to reusable instruments, especially in high-volume diagnostic settings. They also address concerns about patient safety and infection control, aligning with stringent regulatory requirements and infection prevention protocols.

Disposable endoscopes provide a cost-effective alternative to reusable instruments, especially in high-volume diagnostic settings. They also address concerns about patient safety and infection control, aligning with stringent regulatory requirements and infection prevention protocols. Preventive Healthcare Initiatives: There is an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and early detection in the region. Disposable endoscopy devices support these initiatives by facilitating routine screenings and timely interventions.

There is an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and early detection in the region. Disposable endoscopy devices support these initiatives by facilitating routine screenings and timely interventions. Regulatory and Infection Control Compliance: The shift towards disposable endoscopes is also driven by the need to meet evolving regulatory standards and maintain high levels of hygiene and safety, especially in gastroenterology departments where infection control is critical.

End User Insights

Hospitals and Clinics

Hospitals and Clinics are the leading end users of disposable endoscopes in Saudi Arabia. The combined needs of hospitals and clinics make them the primary market segment for disposable endoscopy devices in Saudi Arabia, reflecting a trend towards improved healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Diverse Patient Population: Hospitals cater to a broad patient demographic, offering extensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, including endoscopic procedures. The need for effective infection control and operational efficiency supports the use of disposable endoscopes in these settings.

Hospitals cater to a broad patient demographic, offering extensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, including endoscopic procedures. The need for effective infection control and operational efficiency supports the use of disposable endoscopes in these settings. Healthcare Delivery: Hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies and a comprehensive range of medical services, making them primary adopters of disposable endoscopy devices. Their scale and resource availability facilitate the use of these devices in high-throughput environments.

Hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies and a comprehensive range of medical services, making them primary adopters of disposable endoscopy devices. Their scale and resource availability facilitate the use of these devices in high-throughput environments. Accessibility and Convenience: Clinics, including both small outpatient facilities and large multispecialty centers, also contribute significantly to the demand for disposable endoscopes. These facilities provide accessible healthcare services, including endoscopic examinations, particularly in urban and densely populated areas.

Clinics, including both small outpatient facilities and large multispecialty centers, also contribute significantly to the demand for disposable endoscopes. These facilities provide accessible healthcare services, including endoscopic examinations, particularly in urban and densely populated areas. Patient-Centered Care: Both hospitals and clinics are focused on enhancing patient safety and hygiene, which drives the adoption of disposable endoscopes. The emphasis on minimizing cross-contamination and ensuring high standards of care supports their use across various healthcare settings.

Regional Insights

Central Region

The Central Region, including Riyadh and its surrounding areas, is the dominant market player for disposable endoscopy devices in Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare Hub: Riyadh, as the capital city, serves as a major healthcare hub with a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. This concentration of healthcare resources drives significant demand for advanced medical technologies, including disposable endoscopes.

Riyadh, as the capital city, serves as a major healthcare hub with a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. This concentration of healthcare resources drives significant demand for advanced medical technologies, including disposable endoscopes. Advanced Infrastructure: The Central Region boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure and a high level of technological adoption, contributing to the increased use of disposable endoscopy devices. The region's facilities are well-equipped to handle a high volume of endoscopic procedures.

The Central Region boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure and a high level of technological adoption, contributing to the increased use of disposable endoscopy devices. The region's facilities are well-equipped to handle a high volume of endoscopic procedures. Favorable Policies and Investments: The Central Region benefits from supportive regulatory policies, favorable reimbursement frameworks, and government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and access. These factors attract investments in healthcare infrastructure and innovation, driving market growth.

The Central Region benefits from supportive regulatory policies, favorable reimbursement frameworks, and government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and access. These factors attract investments in healthcare infrastructure and innovation, driving market growth. Strategic Location and Connectivity: The region's strategic location facilitates efficient distribution and procurement of medical devices, ensuring timely access to disposable endoscopes across the area.













Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 78 Forecast Period 2024 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $21.07 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $30.12 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.1% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia



Report Scope:

Competitive Landscape

Medical Supplies and Services Co Ltd. (Ambu A/S)

Abdulrehman Algosaibi G.T.C. (Hill-Rom Company, Inc.)

Boston Scientific Saudi Arabia

Coloplast Saudi

Gulf Medical Co. Ltd.

Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market, By Application:

Gastroenterology

Urology

ENT

Gynecology

Colonoscopy

Others

Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market, By End User:

Hospitals & Clinics

Diagnostic Centers

Others

Saudi Arabia Disposable Endoscopy Devices Market, By Region:

Western Region

Central Region

Southern Region

Eastern Region

Northern Region

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3q08u

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Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "USA MRI Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The USA MRI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.26%, reaching a market size of US$1.846 billion in 2029 from US$1.059 billion in 2022

Key factors influencing the market include the advanced healthcare infrastructure, clinical applications, research and development, high patient demand, competitive market landscape, regulatory environment, healthcare expenditure, and widespread patient access to MRI services. The FDA oversees the safety and efficacy of MRI systems, and the high level of healthcare expenditure supports investments in medical technologies.

Factors such as the rising prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular disease are expected to act as major growth drivers for the growth of the USA MRI market. Moreover, the growing demand for effective diagnostic tools and equipment that can provide accurate results for providing effective treatment is further expected to increase the demand for MRI machines.



Technological advancement is predicted in the market growth



Factors contributing to the growth of the market in the country are growing technological advancement in the diagnostic field and the widening application of MRI in the medical field. As per the estimates published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), around 40 million MRI scans are performed every year across the United States.

Some of the key market players are providing training courses to physicians to spread awareness about the latest technology that is being used in the diagnostic field. For instance, Bruker BioSpin is offering training courses for MRI customers in the US and Europe. The training course covers a wide range of applications, which include introductory classes and advanced operator courses. Owing to technological advancements, the market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.



The rising requisite of open MRI systems is anticipated to dominate the market



Open MRI systems are expected to dominate the growth segment during the forecast period. Open MRI systems have a lot of space and a large opening as compared to closed MRI systems, so they are suitable for claustrophobic and obese people. The major advantage offered by open MRI systems is their affordable and efficient cost.

People in countries such as the USA and Canada are adopting open MRI machines to provide more comfort to patients. For instance, Washington County Memorial Hospital in the United States has installed an Open Bore, 1.5 Tesla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.



The high cost of MRI equipment



Although the market is witnessing a robust demand during the forecast period for efficient management and treatment of chronic diseases, certain limitations are restricting the growth of the market. One such factor is the high costs associated with the installation and maintenance of imaging equipment. Installation and maintenance of these systems require a skilled workforce and complex infrastructure with high associated costs, which many small hospitals or medical institutions cannot afford.



Key Developments:

November 2023-Royal Philips is showcasing the world's first mobile MRI system with helium-free operations at #RSNA23. The BlueSeal MR Mobile, the industry's first 1.5T fully sealed magnet, delivers patient-centric MRI services where and whenever needed. Unlike other mobile MRI scanners, it is more agile and lightweight, allowing it to be located in more convenient places for patients.

The first BlueSeal MR Mobile unit, developed for outpatient radiology and oncology solutions provider Akumin, will debut at #RSNA23. With over 600 systems installed globally, the MRI scanners are equipped with Philips' BlueSeal magnet technology, which has saved over 1.5 million liters of helium since 2018.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 101 Forecast Period 2022 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1.06 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $1.85 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.2% Regions Covered United States



Competitive Environment And Analysis

Major Players and Strategy Analysis

Market Share Analysis

Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

Company Profiles

General Electric Company

Siemens Healthineers

Canon Medical Systems Corporation

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Hitachi Medical Corporation

Market Segmentation



By Type

Closed

Open

By Application

Screening

Diagnosis

Treatment Monitoring

Research

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Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Korea Coffee Machine Market Overview, 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The South Korean coffee machine market has undergone significant evolution in recent years, deeply influenced by the nation's rapidly changing coffee culture. With a strong inclination toward high-quality and espresso-based beverages, South Korean consumers are at the forefront of driving demand for premium and technologically advanced coffee machines. The rise of home brewing and the pursuit for convenience in metropolitan lifestyles have also significantly contributed to the market's growth trajectory.



Technological Innovation and Consumer Preferences



South Korea's tech-savvy consumers prioritize innovation, with manufacturers consistently unveiling new functionalities to meet these demands. The market exhibits a clear preference for coffee machines that deliver a combination of quality, convenience, and customization  qualities highly regarded in coffee machines from bean-to-cup options that provide fresh, tailored beverages to the simplicity and consistency offered by drip coffee machines. This underscores a market that is as diverse as the consumers it serves.



Market Size and Future Prospects



Projected to expand significantly, the South Korean coffee machine market is expected to surpass USD 79 million by the year 2029. This growth is fueled by increased home consumption and the elevated number of coffee connoisseurs seeking artisanal brewing experiences within the comfort of their own homes or workplaces. The expanding landscape offers ample opportunities for new strategies and collaborations, particularly for investors and key industry players who focus on tapping into the evolving trends of the South Korean market.



Emerging Trends in Coffee Machine Preferences



The South Korean coffee machine market encompasses various preferences, from the ubiquity of espresso machines in cafes and homes to the convenience of pod coffee machines for quick and easy brewing. Bean-to-cup and drip coffee makers remain staples in both domestic and commercial settings, with a strong focus on producing consistently high-quality cups of coffee.



The Expanding Online Retail Sphere



Parallel to global trends, South Korea is witnessing rapid growth in the online retail of coffee machines, attributed to enhanced accessibility, convenience, and the array of options available at consumers' fingertips. Despite the burgeoning online market, offline channels continue to thrive, with physical retail establishments offering invaluable customer experiences through hands-on product demonstrations and expert sales assistance.



Conclusion



South Korea's coffee machine market is marked by a confluence of tradition and technology  a blend that resonates well with consumer values and their nuanced coffee preferences. As the industry forges ahead, stakeholders can anticipate a dynamic blend of opportunities shaped by the nation's unique coffee culture and innovative landscape.



This report is intended for use by various stakeholders in the coffee machine industry, alongside industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and government bodies, all of whom stand to benefit from a deepened understanding of the South Korean coffee machine market's current status and future potential.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cuh3ee

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China vigorously expands imports to enrich supplies for consumers

11:08, July 22, 2024 By Luo Shanshan ( People's Daily

A bazaar selling popular foreign products from the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) is drawing flocks of visitors during the ongoing summer vacation for students across the country.

The bazaar is named the CIIE Bazaar City Arena, located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in east China's Shanghai. With a floor space of 500 square meters, it houses over 5,000 types of CIIE products and distinctive goods across 25 country-specific pavilions.

Tourists buy foreign products from the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the CIIE Bazaar City Arena, on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in east China's Shanghai, May 15, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Wang Gang)

"The CIIE-themed bazaar provides us with a great opportunity to bring Sri Lankan specialties to Chinese consumers," said a staff member working in the Sri Lanka pavilion.

Since its inception in 2018, the annual CIIE has become a crucial platform to promote foreign goods in the Chinese market, leading to a rapid increase in CIIE-featured products adopted by Chinese households.

By increasing imports of high-quality products, China aims to meet people's desire for a better life and promote industrial upgrading.

In recent years, China has been pursuing high-level opening up to advance in-depth reform and high-quality development, which involves expanding import channels, lowering import tariffs, and facilitating customs clearance.

In 2023, China remained the world's second top merchandise importer for the 15th consecutive year with its imports worth $2.56 trillion and its share in the world imports at 10.6 percent.

In the first five months of 2024, the country's imports hit 7.55 trillion yuan ($1.04 trillion), marking a 6.4 percent year-on-year increase.

Photo taken on February 6, 2024 shows tourists shopping for imported products carried to China by China-Europe freight trains at a store in the waiting hall of Zhengzhoudong Railway Station in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province. The store is dedicated to imported goods via the China-Europe freight trains. (People's Daily Online/Wang Wei)

Broader import channels: By hosting international exhibitions such as the CIIE and the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), and developing cross-border e-commerce, China has opened up more channels to bring in high-quality products from around the world.

"It's very convenient to buy imported goods from both e-commerce platforms and traditional marketplaces," said Zhang Yang, a Beijing resident who often purchases imported fruit wines and tea beverages at local shops near his home.

Lower import tariffs: Since January 1 this year, China has further cut its import tariffs by implementing provisional import tariff rates lower than the most-favored-nation rates on 1,010 commodities.

Currently, China's average import tariff rate is around 7 percent, lower than the 10 percent average import tariff rate of developing countries as shown by statistics from the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Faster customs clearance: On June 1 last year, Shanghai customs authorities launched a pilot reform, merging the Certificate of Importation of Cargo with an inspection sheet for imported vehicles.

This practice has enabled a recent batch of imported vehicles to go through customs procedures more quickly upon their arrival at Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal in Shanghai's Waigaoqiao port area.

A cold-chain freight train loaded with durians from Thailand pulls into a railway port in Nanchang city, capital of east China's Jiangxi province, July 11, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Li Jie)

"Previously, we had to obtain the two documents from different customs service windows in sequence," according to Huang Longwu, manager of the Shanghai logistics center of Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co., Ltd., Beijing.

Now with the requirement of only one document, the process can be completed within half a day, greatly boosting efficiency, Huang added.

China has been opening its door wider and wider to the outside world, welcoming more high-quality products and services to its market.

For instance, China's Ministry of Commerce and other departments have ramped up efforts to promote reform and opening up in the import sector.

So far, China has established 43 national demonstration zones for import promotion and innovation, along with multiple platforms for consumer goods imports and trading centers for bulk commodities, fostering in-depth integration of import with industrial development and consumption and effectively stimulating the momentum and potential for import development.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Dublin, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global market for Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices is estimated at US$33.7 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$92.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2023 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions.







The growth in the NAS market is driven by several factors. Technological advancements in storage solutions are making NAS devices more efficient and affordable, thereby increasing their adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For example, developments in SSD (Solid State Drive) technology are enhancing the performance and reliability of NAS devices, while cost reductions in storage media are making high-capacity NAS solutions more accessible.

The proliferation of data-intensive applications, such as video surveillance, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), is generating a greater need for reliable and scalable storage solutions, boosting demand for NAS devices. These applications often require continuous data capture and analysis, necessitating robust storage infrastructures that can handle large volumes of data. Consumer behavior is also playing a significant role, with an increasing number of individuals seeking high-capacity storage solutions for personal data, media files, and home security systems.

Additionally, regulatory requirements for data protection and compliance are compelling businesses to invest in advanced storage solutions like NAS to ensure data integrity and security. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) mandate stringent data protection measures, driving the adoption of NAS solutions that can help organizations meet these requirements.

Key Questions Answered:

How is the Global Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices Market expected to evolve by 2030?

What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?

Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?

How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?

Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Key Insights:

Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Midmarket NAS Solutions segment, which is expected to reach US$68.1 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 16.4%. The Enterprise NAS Solutions segment is also set to grow at 13.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $9.0 Billion in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 14.3% CAGR to reach $13.8 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Report Features:

Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2023 to 2030.

In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.

Company Profiles: Coverage of major players such as ASUSTOR Inc., Avere Systems, Buffalo, Inc., and more.

Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 193 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $33.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $92.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 15.6% Regions Covered Global



MARKET OVERVIEW

Influencer Market Insights

Global Economic Update

Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024 (E)

Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024 (E)

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Shift Towards Hybrid Cloud Solutions Propels Growth in NAS Market

Increasing Data Analytics and Big Data Needs Expand Addressable Market Opportunity for NAS Devices

Technological Advancements in Multi-Bay NAS Units Strengthen Business Case for Enhanced Data Redundancy

Rise in Home Media Storage and Streaming Drives Adoption of Consumer NAS Devices

Innovations in SSD Technology Accelerate Demand for High-Performance NAS Solutions

Proliferation of Data-Intensive Applications Spurs Growth in NAS Market

Growing Importance of Data Security and Compliance Drives NAS Adoption

Integration of Remote Access Capabilities Throws the Spotlight on NAS Devices for Distributed Teams

Cost Reductions in Storage Media Expand Addressable Market for SMEs

Enhanced RAID Configurations Sustain Growth in NAS Market

Rising Consumer Awareness about Data Backup and Recovery Drives Market Adoption

Increasing Adoption of IoT and AI Applications Generates Demand for Scalable NAS Solutions

Regulatory Requirements for Data Protection Boosts NAS Market Growth

Expansion of Digital Content Libraries Drives Demand for High-Capacity NAS Storage

Growing Trend of Remote Work and Collaboration Drives Adoption of NAS Devices

FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS (Total 46 Featured)

ASUSTOR Inc.

Avere Systems

Buffalo, Inc.

Dell EMC

Dell, Inc.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP

Hitachi Vantara

IBM Corp.

Nasuni Corp.

NetApp, Inc.

NETGEAR, Inc.

Oracle Corp.

Panasas, Inc.

QNAP Systems, Inc.

Seagate Technology plc

Synology, Inc.

Western Digital Corp.

Zadara Storage

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xn5005

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Pune, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Size Analysis:

According to SNS Insider Research, The Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market is thriving, reaching a value of USD 5.90 billion in 2023 and expected to hit USD 9.50 billion by 2032 with a growing CAGR of 5.74% Over the Forecast Period of 2024-2032.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat and therefore continuous monitoring is essential to control it. Pathogens like bacteria and fungi are evolving resistance to medications, rendering them ineffective. This can lead to complications in treating infections and can potentially be fatal. The continuous surveillance of these microbial populations to monitor trends in resistance is known as AMR surveillance. It is important to understand how resistance patterns form could in turn help healthcare professionals and scientists to develop better strategies to combat AMR. AMR is now estimated to account for 700,000 deaths a year globally. This alarming number further emphasises the importance of discussing on this subject. Systems such as ATLAS plays a vital role for monitoring AMR. In addition to bacterial resistance, ATLAS also provides antifungal data.

A global effort to combat the antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea has been launched by WHO through its "Global Action Plan to Control the Spread and Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae." There is also a plan to avoid the rise and spread of these superbugs. The situation is dire  globally there are 82.3 million cases of gonorrhoea each year among those aged 15-49 years.

The WHO is aiming for a 90% decrease in new cases by the year 2030 to only 8.23 million each year. The goal of the plan is to encourage cooperation between governments, healthcare providers, researchers and with input from the general public.





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Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are:

The Key Players are Danaher, Bioanalyse, Luminex Corporation, Alifax S.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wolters Kluwer N.V., Lumed, BioSpace, Roche Diagnostics, OpGen, Inc., Cepheid, Abbott Laboratories, Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc., Qiagen, Liofilchem S.r.l., Bio-Rad, Becton, Merck KgaA, Dickinson and Company, Bruker, Biomerieux and Other Players

Inappropriate/overuse of antibiotics in humans e.g., for viral infections, short treatment durations), animals e.g. growth promotion purpose and plants disease prevention contribute to this resistance development. AMR is a global fight, but not all countries are affected equally, as the disease disproportionately burdens low- and middle-income countries by increasing poverty and resource strains.

According to WHO study, AMR is estimated to have caused 1.27 million deaths directly and contributed to nearly 5 million deaths globally in 2019. AMR makes infections more difficult to treat, in combination with procedures such as surgery and chemotherapy. AMR could add an estimated USD 1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050 and have a completely cratered global GDP.

The complexity of AMR necessitates a multi-faceted solution, including the reduction in their inappropriate use and investment in new research into new drug development to ensure access to existing treatment as well equitable proceeding one.

Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 5.90 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 9.50 Billion CAGR CAGR of 5.47% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Growth Drivers  Burgeoning Burden of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Desperate Need for New Therapies

Heightened Public Health Awareness and Economic Concerns

Collaborative Efforts for Novel Treatment Methods

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Market Driven by the Need to Combat Superbugs

Burgeoning burden of antibiotic-resistant infections

Over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections occur annually in the US alone, leading to more than 35,000 deaths.

Desperate need for new therapies

A new antibiotic, AMC-109, offers promise for overcoming existing resistance patterns.

Heightened public health awareness and economic concerns

The global rise of antibiotic resistance has significant economic consequences.

Market Leaders and Advancements

Diagnostic kits dominate the market- 46% due to the need for fast and reliable identification of resistant bacteria.

due to the need for fast and reliable identification of resistant bacteria. Hospitals and clinics are the primary end users- 56% as they witness the most cases and are mandated to conduct surveillance.

Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Key Segmentation:

By Solution

Diagnostic kits

Diagnostic systems

Surveillance software

Services

By Application

Clinical Diagnostics

Public Health Surveillance

Other Applications

By End User

Hospitals & Clinics

Research & Academic Institutes

Others

By Region - North America Leads the Way

Accounted for 37% of it, North America is the dominated region in 2023 thanks to impressive focus on research & development activities. Asia Pacific regions have been earmarked as highly lucrative region during forecast period which will lead Asia Pacific markets towards 4%-7% CAGR.

Governments in the Asia Pacific region is becoming more aggressive stance against AMR. A case in point is the National Action Plan of China launched recently for 2022-2025.

These strategies are all-encompassing, including vaccination, AMR control in the environment and co-operation between different fields. Furthermore, this integrated strategy will catalyze the expansion of Asia Pacific AMR surveillance market size.

Regional Coverage:

 North America (US, Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe])

 Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific)

 Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East])

 Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa]

 Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America)

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Table of Contents  Major Key Points

1. Introduction

2. Industry Flowchart

3. Research Methodology

4. Market Dynamics

5. Porters 5 Forces Model

6. Pest Analysis

7. Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Segmentation, by Solution

8. Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Segmentation, by Application

9. Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Market Segmentation, by End User

10. Regional Analysis

11. Company Profiles

12. Competitive Landscape

12.1 Competitive Benchmarking

12.2 Market Share Analysis

12.3 Recent Developments

12.3.1 Industry News

12.3.2 Company News

12.3.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

13. Use Case and Best Practices

14. Conclusion

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[For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com]

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.
Pune, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talent Management Software Market Size Analysis:

According to SNS Insider Research, The Talent Management Software Market size was valued at US$ 9.17 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass US$ 25.42 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.0% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

When tech companies battle over the best recruiting talent, firms work to offer more opportunities and activities for employee fulfillment and enter into talent management software. However, the use of this type of software is rising as companies are continuously trying to optimize their employee engagement and retention strategies. Image Credits HR technology demands are changing, with most companies likewise requiring HR solutions that can be easily integrated and accessed by a remote worker base, as more people work from home. According to SNS Insider, the average rate of people working from home in India is around 12.5 % as full-time employees, and more than 26% are working in hybrid mode, in 2024.

A swift move towards cloud-based apps and digitalization are the top drivers pushing up demand for software solutions, while uptake in talent management tools by various industries, and is also expected to push new as well as refined tools into the market. The industry is growing at a fast pace as there are multiple factors leading to its growth like Increased R&D and investments, Positive investment scenario, and Increasing involvement of major technological giants in the sector developments. For Instance, Recently TCS, a giant player in the software market, has made a huge investment of $ 1.5 billion, through a Pipeline project in AI, to improve the work environment of around 6 Lac Employees.





Get a Sample Report of Talent Management Software Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/2804

Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are:

Workday, Inc.

IBM Corp.

Oracle Corp.

Peoplefluent, Inc.

BambooHR LLC

CornerStone OnDemand Inc.

SAP SE

Haufe Group

Lumesse AS

DelTek Inc.

Applied Training Systems, Inc.

Saba Software Inc.

Halogen Software Inc.

Other Players

Talent management software like as ADP Workforce, Zip Recruiter, Talent 3Sixty, LinkedIn, Workday, and ORACLE TBE can help employees learn at their convenience, enhance hiring procedures, and fortify office culture by digitizing workforces for better performance. The interoperability of social media technologies makes it simple to incorporate these developments into other mobile apps, which boosts the general usage of talent management software. Economic growth has also been impacted by technological advancements like machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). For example, WorkforceGPT TalentGuard is a brand new program launched in March 2023 that uses cutting-edge technology to help companies manage their workforce in a brand new way.

Talent Management Software Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 9.17 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 25.42 Billion CAGR CAGR of 12% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East], Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America) Key Growth Drivers  Increasing Market Potential by simplifying the Hiring Process with Technological Innovations

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Recent Developments:

In May 2024, Oracle announced a new AI-powered upskilling solution within Oracle Grow, part of the Oracle ME employee experience platform within Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM). In Sept 2022, Workday, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, has introduced cutting-edge skills technology that allows organizations to easily and securely import and export skills data within the Workday platform.

Segment Analysis for Talent Management Software Market:

By Solution: In solution-type segmentation, employee lifecycle management dominated the market with over 30% market share in 2023. This segment's dominance is driven by the increasing emphasis on employee engagement and retention strategies. Companies are leveraging platforms like SkyPrep, Deel, WeSchool, and Leapsome to train and develop employees, fostering long-term organizational commitment.

Talent Management Software Market Key Segmentation:

By Solution

Employee Lifecycle Management

Recruiting Management

Learning and Training Management

Compensation Management

Performance Management

By Deployment

Cloud

On-Premise

By Organization Size

Small and Medium Enterprises

Large Enterprises

By Application

Introduction

IT and Telecommunication

BFSI

Government

Healthcare

Education

Manufacturing

Others

By Region:

North America led the talent management software market with more than 35% market share. The region benefits from a mature market landscape and high adoption rates of core HR and recruitment technologies. Established players like Ceridian HCM Holding Inc., Oracle Corporation, and IBM Corporation contribute significantly to market dominance.

Significant growth is expected in Asia-Pacific, mostly due to the growing adoption of technology by businesses. Countries like Japan and India are pivotal markets, especially among SMEs and large enterprises in sectors such as IT & telecom, BFSI, manufacturing, and education, propelling market expansion.

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Key Takeaways

Implementing talent management software to raise worker output.

A greater focus on strategies for staff retention and engagement.

Technical advances drive market innovation and scalability.

North America maintains leadership with mature market conditions.

Asia-Pacific emerges as a key growth region, fueled by technological adoption.

Strategic acquisitions and innovations shaping market dynamics.

Table of Contents  Major Key Points

1. Introduction

2. Industry Flowchart

3. Research Methodology

4. Market Dynamics

5. Porters 5 Forces Model

6. Pest Analysis

7. Talent Management Software Market Segmentation, By Solution

8. Talent Management Software Market Segmentation, By Deployment

9. Talent Management Software Market Segmentation, By Organization Size

10. Talent Management Software Market Segmentation, By Application

11. Regional Analysis

12. Company Profiles

13. Competitive Landscape

14. Use Case and Best Practices

15. Conclusion

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MONTREAL, July 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) (GURU or the Company), Canadas leading organic energy drink brand1, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new independent members to its Board of Directors: Jeff Church, Anne-Marie Laberge, and Tyler Ricks. Their extensive experience and diverse backgrounds will provide valuable insight and strategic guidance as GURU works towards its expansion plans in Canada and the United States.



Jeff Church is a veteran entrepreneur and business leader with a track record of building and scaling successful companies in the US. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Suja Juice, a leading organic cold-pressed juice company, where he led the company from its startup stage to over $300 million in sales. Jeffs entrepreneurial spirit and deep knowledge of the organic beverage market will be key in guiding GURUs strategic direction and growth initiatives. Jeff will chair the Audit Committee going forward.

Anne-Marie Laberge is a seasoned executive with a strong background in marketing and digital transformation. She held senior positions at prominent organizations, including Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), where she served as Chief Marketing Officer, and Telus, where she led brand and marketing activities during a critical phase of the companys development. Anne-Maries extensive international experience at BRP and her deep understanding of marketing and digital ecosystems will be invaluable as GURU accelerates its digital initiatives and pursues growth opportunities outside of Canada. Anne-Marie will be a member of the Audit Committee.

Tyler Ricks brings over three decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods and beverage industries. He has held various leadership roles at companies such as PepsiCo, Peet's Coffee, Super Coffee, and Caulipower, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Tyler also manages Ricks Family Ventures LLC, a family office with investments in dozens of disruptive food and beverage companies. His expertise in brand development, marketing strategy and operational excellence will be instrumental in driving GURUs market presence and innovation. Tyler will chair the GHRC Committee going forward.

We are thrilled to welcome Jeff, Anne-Marie, and Tyler to our Board of Directors, said Eric Graveline, Chair of the Board of Directors of GURU. Their collective expertise and leadership will be a great asset as we continue our journey into our next phase of growth. We look forward to their contributions and guidance in helping the GURU team achieve long-term success.

In the context of these additions to the Board, Alain Miquelon has stepped down from the Board. Alain joined the GURU board when GURU became a publicly traded company in 2020 and his experience as a former senior executive of the TMX Group was instrumental in guiding the company in its transition from a private to a public company. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Alain for his important contributions over the past four years and wish him all the best, said Eric Graveline.

About GURU Products

GURU energy drinks are made from a short list of plant-based active ingredients, including natural caffeine, with zero sucralose and zero aspartame. These carefully sourced ingredients are crafted into unique blends that push your body to go further and your mind to be sharper.

About GURU Organic Energy

GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) is a dynamic, fast-growing beverage company that launched the worlds first natural, plant-based energy drink in 1999. The Company markets organic energy drinks in Canada and the United States through an estimated distribution network of about 25,000 points of sale, and through www.guruenergy.com and Amazon. GURU has built an inspiring brand with a clean list of organic ingredients, including natural caffeine, with zero sucralose and zero aspartame, which offer consumers Good Energy that never comes at the expense of their health. The Company is committed to achieving its mission of cleaning the energy drink industry in Canada and the United States. For more information, go to www.guruenergy.com or follow us @guruenergydrink on Instagram, @guruenergy on Facebook and @guruenergydrink on TikTok.

1 Nielsen, 52-week period ended May 21, 2024, All Channels, Canada vs. same period year ago.

For further information, please contact:

GURU Organic Energy

Investors

Carl Goyette, President and CEO

Ingy Sarraf, Chief Financial Officer

514-845-4878

investors@guruenergy.com Media

Lyla Radmanovich

PELICAN PR

514-845-8763

media@rppelican.ca Francois Kalos francois.kalos@guruenergy.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to the Companys objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to managements beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as may, would, should, could, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, plan, believe or continue, the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding the Company and its business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond managements control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors, which are discussed in greater detail under the RISK FACTORS section of the annual information form for the year ended October 31, 2023: management of growth; reliance on key personnel; reliance on key customers; changes in consumer preferences; significant changes in government regulation; criticism of energy drink products and/or the energy drink market; economic downturn and continued uncertainty in the financial markets and other adverse changes in general economic or political conditions, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and geopolitical developments, global inflationary pressure or other major macroeconomic phenomena; global or regional catastrophic events; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; inflation; revenues derived entirely from energy drinks; increased competition; relationships with co-packers and distributors and/or their ability to manufacture and/or distribute GURUs products; seasonality; relationships with existing customers; changing retail landscape; increases in costs and/or shortages of raw materials and/or ingredients and/or fuel and/or costs of co-packing; failure to accurately estimate demand for its products; history of negative cash flow and no assurance of continued profitability or positive EBITDA; repurchase of common shares; intellectual property rights; maintenance of brand image or product quality; retention of the full-time services of senior management; climate change; litigation; information technology systems; fluctuation of quarterly operating results; risks associated with the PepsiCo distribution agreement; accounting treatment of the PepsiCo Warrants; conflicts of interest; consolidation of retailers, wholesalers and distributors and key players dominant position; compliance with data privacy and personal data protection laws; management of new product launches; review of regulations on advertising claims, as well as those other risks factors identified in other public materials, including those filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time and which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management or that management currently deems to be immaterial could also cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions as at the date they were made, investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on these statements since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Certain assumptions were made in preparing the forward-looking information concerning availability of capital resources, business performance, market conditions, and customer demand. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that management anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on the business, financial condition, or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and management does not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/024a1376-8d17-407f-ad41-77a409d20693

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/010db238-47f8-4eab-b4e8-ff3ae09492f9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/385f31cc-c25a-47c2-a67f-2fcc6c7ef921
Highlights:

Storjuktan project: continue detailed property-wide geochemical survey by collecting ~38,000 glacial till samples to cover remaining 23,000 hectares of project; full property 25,000 ha UAV magnetic geophysical survey (50 m spaced lines).

Paubacken project: BoT drilling on Brokojan target (~100 holes) and following up on best BoT drill result to date, 5.01 g/t Au, at Aida target

Klippen project: BoT drilling (~120 holes)

BoT drilling programs will set up for diamond drilling on priority targets later this year

VANCOUVER, July 22, 2024 - First Nordic Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "FNM") (TSXV: FNM) (OTCQB: FNMCF) (Frankfurt: HEG0) is pleased to announce that its summer / fall exploration program on its 100%-owned projects on the Gold Line belt is underway in northern Sweden. Major parts of this program are a 25,000-hectare ("ha") magnetic geophysical survey and regional-scale surface exploration program on its 100%-owned Storjuktan Project, and top-of-bedrock (base-of-till) ("BoT") drilling programs to test kilometric till anomalies at its 100%-owned Paubacken and Klippen projects. The region is covered by glacial till and BoT drilling is well recognized as the main method for zoning in on the best diamond drilling targets in these terrains.

Taj Singh, First Nordic President and CEO comments: "It's an exciting time for FNM, with our Gold Line belt exploration program underway at multiple high potential projects. Paubacken already has three kilometric targets and Storjuktan is emerging very well with our recent discovery of the +5 km Nippas target. We are also very excited to begin work on our Klippen project, which hosts a cohesive +5 km gold and pathfinder glacial till anomaly. BoT drilling is a proven tool for exploration in the Nordics and was instrumental in our successful diamond drilling discovery at the Aida target on the Paubacken project. We are focused on making discoveries at our Gold Line projects to advance what we believe is Europe's next major gold belt."

Storjuktan Project Program

A detailed property-wide geochemical survey was initiated in 2023 in which FNM discovered a cohesive 5 km gold pathfinder glacial till anomaly at the Nippas target. Exploration planned for summer / fall 2024 includes a continuation of this survey and will include the collection of up to 38,000 B-Horizon (subsoil) glacial till samples (see Figure 1 in Appendix). The survey is designed to cover the remaining 23,000 ha of the 25,000 ha project area. A high-density sample spacing is used (15 meter ("m") x 75 m sample spacing) to identify anomalous areas. All samples are screened using XRF analysis (x-ray fluorescence) for gold pathfinder elements and samples from anomalous areas will be sent for gold assay at an external laboratory.

The Company is also planning to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) magnetic geophysical survey over the entire 25,000 ha of the Storjuktan project area. Radia Oy, an industry leader in UAV magnetic surveys has been commissioned to conduct the 5,517 line kilometer ("km") survey. The survey will be flown on 50 m spaced lines at an average height of 40 m. Following completion of the survey, the data will be interpreted to map the underlying geology and structural architecture of the Storjuktan project area in detail.

Paubacken Project Program

Exploration planned for summer / fall 2024 includes top of bedrock drilling on the Brokojan target identified in the 2023 surface till sampling survey. The Brokojan target is defined by a As-Cu-Zn-Mo (arsenic-copper-zinc-molybdenum) pathfinder element till anomaly extending over 2.3 km by 1.0 km and is located just northwest of the Harpsund gold and pathfinder anomaly. Collectively the two targets now form a large, semi-continuous southeast-northwest trending anomaly over a 5.5 km strike of the Harpsund structural corridor. Up to 100 BoT drill holes are planned as a phase-1 testing of the bedrock geochemistry of the Brokojan target area (see Figure 2 in Appendix). FNM will likely also continue BoT drilling on the Aida target to continue to confirm gold mineralization on the 4 km corridor and to follow up on the highest-grade BoT drill sample to date, 5.01 g/t Au (2024).

Klippen Project Program

The summer / fall Klippen exploration program is designed to investigate bedrock sources of a +5 km by 500 m wide historic Au (gold), As, Cu and Zn glacial till anomaly. The anomaly is oriented in the prominent ice flow direction. The program will include up to 120 top of bedrock drill holes and is designed to systematically test the bedrock along a 2 km zone interpreted to be the most probable source of the till anomaly based on interpretation of geophysical data and ice flow direction (see Figure 3 in Appendix).

Program Budget

The cost of the summer / fall exploration program is estimated at C$0.5M. The Company is funded to carry out a diamond drilling program of 10,000-15,000 meters on its Gold line belt projects and the plan is to begin this in Q4 2024 / Q1 2025.

About the Storjuktan Project

The Storjuktan project is a large project strategically positioned north of the Company's Barsele project [1]. It consists of seven contiguous licenses covering 30,000 ha located in the northern portion of the Gold Line belt. The Storjuktan project contains over 60 km of the Gold Line structure. All mineralization discovered to date shows a spatial relationship to this structural corridor, occurring mainly on second- and third-order splay structures.

About the Paubacken Project

The Paubacken project consists of three licenses totalling 17,097 ha on the Gold Line belt. The Gold Line belt is host to several significant gold deposits, including the Company's nearby resource-stage Barsele project [1], as well as the Svartliden mine and Faboliden development project (operated by Dragon Mining Ltd). The Svartliden mine was in production from 2005 to 2015 and a total of 3.18 million tonnes of material grading 4.1 g/t Au was processed during its operation (http://www.dragonmining.com/svartliden). Paubacken is strategically positioned between Barsele and Faboliden, is a few hundred meters northeast of the Svartliden mine, and features a regional shear zone with multiple untested gold anomalies.

About the Klippen Project

The Klippen project is located in a southern extension of the Gold Line belt in northern Sweden. The geology consists of a sequence of inverted basin sediments and mafic volcanic rocks intruded by small syn-kinematic granitic intrusions within a broad, anastomosing high strain structural corridor. These lithological sequences are highly prospective for orogenic gold deposits and mineralization encountered to date is mainly hosted within a highly strained and altered syn-kinematic granodiorite measuring 5 km by 0.5 km. Gold mineralization mainly occurs as sulphide veins consisting of pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite veins hosted within the highest strain zones of the granodiorite and minorly within highly strained sedimentary and volcanic units along the margins of the granodiorite. Mineralization is associated with intense sericite, carbonate, epidote and biotite hydrothermal alteration assemblages extending laterally into wall rock.

About the Gold Line Belt Geology

The geology of the Gold Line belt consists of an inverted volcano-sedimentary sequence intruded by small pre- to syn-kinematic granitic intrusions within a broad, anastomosing high strain structural corridor. Lithologies are regionally metamorphosed to upper greenschist and amphibolite grade facies, and gold mineralization is associated with intense sericite, carbonate, biotite, and calc-silicate alteration assemblages and sulphide minerals pyrite, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite. The regional Gold Line structural corridor runs up the axis of the belt with many jogs, splays, and zones of structural complexity that are potential locations for dilation and deposition of gold bearing fluids. These lithological sequences are deemed to be highly prospective for orogenic gold deposits.

ABOUT FIRST NORDIC

The Company's flagship asset is the Barsele gold project, located in Sweden and in a joint venture with senior gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.. Immediately surrounding the Barsele project, FNM is the 100%-owner of a district-scale license position of close to 100,000 hectares on Gold Line Belt. Additionally, in northern Finland FNM is the 100%-owner of a district-scale position covering the entire Oijarvi Greenstone Belt.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, CPA

President & CEO, Director

Follow First Nordic Metals:

Twitter: @fnmetals | Youtube: @firstnordicmetalscorp | LinkedIn: @firstnordicmetals

Facebook: @FirstNordicMetals | Instagram: @firstnordicmetals

Qualified Person

Benjamin Gelber, P. Geo., Chief Technical Director of the Company, is the Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for the technical disclosure contained within this news release.

References

[1] Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Barsele Property, 2020, InnovExplo

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Discovery believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties.

APPENDIX

SOURCE First Nordic Metals Corp.
VANCOUVER, July 22, 2024 - Arras Minerals Corp. (TSX-V:ARK)(OTCQB:ARRKF) ("Arras" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that its planned 3,381 km airborne (helicopter) electromagnetic (EM) ("Heli-TEM") survey has commenced at the Company's Bozshakol group of licenses. These licenses form part of the Teck-Arras Strategic Exploration Alliance announced on December 7, 2023 (the "Bozshakol Project"), and are located nearby and surrounding the operating large-scale Bozshakol copper mine, operated by Kaz Minerals.

Highlights from the Soil Sampling program

3,381 line-kilometer Heli-TEM survey over the entire 1397 square-kilometer Bozshakol project mineral tenement package.

Survey lines will be flown in a northwest-southeast (125-315) line direction, with lines expected to be approximately 500m apart.

Tim Barry, CEO of Arras Minerals stated, " The commencement of the Heli-TEM survey at the Bozshakol group is an important initiative which we have worked closely with our Alliance partners, Teck Resources on planning. The shallow overburden on most of the project has prevented us from completing geological mapping and soil sampling over the properties and this survey will provide a significant amount of quality data to help guide future exploration as we commence our hunt for additional porphyry deposits adjacent to the large-scale Bozshakol copper mine."

Future work will include evaluation of the airborne survey and ground follow-up that includes ground-based geophysics surveys, trenching and diamond drilling of identified targets.

Figure 1. Map of Bozshakol Group of concessions showing Arras licenses, proposed Heli-TEM flight lines, historic IP anomalies and Bozshakol copper mine location.

Teck Package A - Bozshakol Project:

The Bozshakol Project is located 56km to the northwest of the town of Ekibastuz and surrounds and covers the potential continuation of mineralization of KAZ Minerals' Bozshakol copper- mine.

This area has received limited historic exploration due to unconsolidated cover masking bedrock geology. The property consists of seven exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,400 square kilometres.

The properties are in the Bozshakol-Chingis magmatic arc, which is an accretionary arc composed mainly of volcanics, volcaniclastics, older plutons and a nickel rich ophiolite belt of Cambrian age that have been intruded by mid-Ordovician aged intrusions, several of which host economic copper-gold porphyry mineralization. This package is regionally folded and refolded.

Figure 2. Arras's License Package showing Arras-Teck Strategic Alliance Areas as "Package A" and "Package B" as well as the Elemes and Beskauga Projects and the Tay licence which are 100% owned by Arras.

Figure 3. Arras's Heli-TEM Test Flight at Bozshakol Project, July 21 2024

Heli-TEM Background Information

The Heli-TEM system was developed by Fugro Airborne Surveys in the mid 2000's for detection of deep discrete conductive mineral targets or targets obscured by conductive overburden.

The Heli-TEM system is composed of a 40-metre cable to which is attached the transmitter loop. The receiver platform and the receiver coil are located at the centre of the 35 metre diameter transmitter loop approximately 0.1 metre above the centre of the transmitter plane. The real time navigation GPS antenna is on the tail boom of the helicopter. The barometric altimeter, radar altimeter, laser altimeter, video camera and data recorder are all installed in the helicopter. GPS antennae are attached to the transmitter loop to give positional information and transmitter orientation.

The survey uses a 7.5 Hertz ("Hz") one half cycle of the Heli-TEM system that is made up of a square pulse (on-time) of approximately thirty-four milliseconds in duration followed by approximately thirty-four milliseconds of off-time before the pulse is repeated with the opposite polarity. After acquisition the measured data are windowed into twenty-five ranges called "gates". Gate widths increase as time after turn-off increases because as the energy from the transmitter decays a wider sample must be taken to get a valid average. The position of the first off-time gate is selected after examining several flights of data and is as close to the transmitter turn off as possible. The power of the pulse causes eddy currents in the system after the turn off and the first off-time gate cannot start until these have died away. The earliest data has had less time to penetrate the subsurface and so contains information from the near surface.

Qualified Person: The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim Barry"

Tim Barry, MAusIMM CP(Geo)

Chief Executive Officer and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

+1 604 687 5800

info@arrasminerals.com

Further information can be found on:

the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com or

follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals or

follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals

About Arras Minerals Corp.

Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX-V under the trading symbol "ARK" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "ARRKF".

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources: This press release uses the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources", and "inferred resources" which are defined in, and required to be disclosed by, NI 43-101. The Company advises U.S. investors that these terms are not recognized by the SEC. The estimation of measured, indicated and inferred resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that measured and indicated mineral resources will be converted into reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that estimates of inferred mineral resources exist, are economically minable, or will be upgraded into measured or indicated mineral resources. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies.

Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, the information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies that are not subject NI 43-101.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking, including the expansion of the Mineral Resource, and other aspects of the Mineral Resource estimates for the Beskauga project. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including undertaking further exploration activities, the results of such exploration activities and that such results support continued exploration activities, unexpected variations in ore grade, types and metallurgy, volatility and level of commodity prices, the availability of sufficient future financing, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management Discussion and Analysis filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR on February 28, 2024 and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed on February 28, 2024 available on www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Arras Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, July 22, 2024 - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company" or "Independence") has evacuated the 3Ts Project due to the close proximity to the Laidman Lake wildfire.

The Company received notice from the B.C. Wildfire Service on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, that the 3Ts Project was within the evacuation order for the Laidman Lake wildfire, which is currently estimated to be 51 hectares in size and considered out of control. All field personnel and contractors were successfully evacuated from the project site.

Randy Turner, President & CEO of the Company commented, "Our priority was ensuring that everyone was able to make it safely off-site at 3Ts, which I am happy to report was successful, due to the diligence of our project manager. Our thoughts are with the communities who remain affected by the wildfires and the hard-working firefighters who are battling the fires. Exploration at 3Ts will recommence once it is safe to return to site at the direction of the BC Wildfire Service."

The 3Ts Project is located approximately 185 kilometres southwest of Prince George, British Columbia and is comprised of seventeen mineral claims covering approximately 8,840 hectares in the Nechako Plateau region of central British Columbia. It is situated 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Project and covers a low-sulphidation epithermal quartz- carbonate vein district within which more than a dozen individual mineralized veins, ranging from 50 metres to more than 1,100 m in strike length, with true widths up to 25m, have been identified.

About Independence

Independence Gold Corp. is a well-financed mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca.

Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, 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 such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217293
VANCOUVER, July 22, 2024 - ESGold Corp. ("ESGold" or the "Company") (CSE: ESAU, Frankfurt: N2W, OTC: SEKZF), is pleased to announce a restructuring of the management and the Board of Directors.

Brad Kitchen has been appointed President and Director of ESGold effective immediately. Brad has a 35-year record consisting of investment banking and senior corporate management including the responsibility for operations and financing for primarily resource based small, medium and large private and public companies.

"We are very pleased to announce Mr. Kitchen's appointment," stated Paul Mastantuono. "Brad was the driving force in the financing and advancement of the Montauban Plant engineering, construction and equipment acquisition. After an 18-month absence his main priority for the Company today will be to focus on building the value of the Company by taking the mill into production."

Concurrent with the above addition of Brad Kitchen to management, Paul Mastantuono has been appointed C.E.O of the Company replacing Jean-Yves Therien who resigned from both his previous officer role and from the Board of Directors. In addition, Christopher Stewart and Martin Prescott have also resigned from the Board.

The Company thanks these gentlemen for their work with ESGold and wishes them well in their future endeavors.

As a result of the changes, the ESGold Board of Directors is currently comprised of three (3) members including independent director Andre Gauthier. It is the Company's intention to appoint two (2) additional independent directors withing the next few months.

In other corporate news, ESGold has issued 500,000 options to acquire common shares of the Company at the price of $0.135 to a consultant. The term of these options is 2 years.

Pour une traduction francaise de ce communique de presse, veuillez visiter notre site Web a www.esgold.com.

About the Company

ESGold Corp. is a Canadian environmentally aware resource exploration and processing company. Management has demonstrated expertise in advancing gold exploration projects into acquisition targets, most notably in the province of Quebec. ESGold's principal restoration and recovery project is the Montauban property situated in Quebec, just 80 kilometers west of Quebec City.

For more information on ESGold Corp. please contact the Company (+1 514-712-1532) or visit the website www.esgold.com for the French version of this press release, for past news releases, 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews and opinion-editorial pieces. To keep up with what's going on with ESGold please join our shareholders chat room on telegram :https://t.me/+SQeyLoDRjIAwMDVh

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

ESGold Corp.

"Paul Mastantuono"

Chief Executive Officer

"John Stella"

Investor contact

Tel: +1 514-712-1532

Email: info@esgold.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Panther Minerals Inc. ("Panther Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE: PURR) (OTC: GLIOF) (FWB: 2BC) is please to invite investors and other interested parties to attend an upcoming interview with Market Radius Research.

CEO Rob Birmingham discusses the exploration and development of its Boulder Creek district-scale uranium project in Western Alaska and the recently announced definitive agreement for the Huber Heights uranium property in Nevada.

The webinar will be a live, interactive online event where attendees are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time following the interview. An archived webcast will be made available for those who cannot join the event live on the day of the webinar.

Event: Radius Research Pitch, Deep Dive, and Q&A with Panther Minerals Inc. (PURR)

Presentation Date & Time: Tuesday, July 23rd @ 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT

Webcast Registration Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1517213232864/WN_6PO4KL8mRISVNjqR4mLgWg

About Market Radius Research:

Market Radius Research gives individual investors access to in-depth CEO interviews with deep-dive institutional level discussion and Q&A. Market Radius is hosted by Martin Gagel, former top-ranked technology analyst. By registering for this webinar, you agree to receive email communications from Market Radius Capital, Inc. and from the presenting company (with unsubscribe). Your email will not be further shared. Martin Gagel and Market Radius Capital, Inc. are not registered or licensed to provide investment advice and may own shares in mentioned companies and may be compensated for these services. Content is for information purposes only and is not advice or recommendations and may include incomplete or incorrect information. Investing entails a high degree of risk. This is a production of Market Radius Capital, Inc.

About Panther Minerals Inc.

Panther Minerals is a mineral exploration company actively involved in the exploration of its North American project portfolio. The acquisition of the Boulder Creek option reflects the Company's continuing intention of pursuing advanced, high-quality prospective uranium projects that can be readily worked on and efficiently explored in a timely manner.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Robert Birmingham, Chief Executive Officer

For more information please visit: www.pantherminerals.ca or email info@pantherminerals.ca.

The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the Company and exploration plans at the Boulder Creek property. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; and (ii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly 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 applicable law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.


VANCOUVER, July 22, 2024 - Libero Copper & Gold Corp. (TSXV: LBC) (OTCQB: LBCMF) ("Libero Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Tetiana Konstantynivska as Vice President Investor Relations.

Ms. Konstantynivska brings extensive experience as an Investor Relations and Digital Marketing professional in the Mining & Metals industry, spanning public and private companies in mining technology, exploration, development, and production. She played a pivotal role in the launch of West Red Lake Gold Mines and continues to strengthen Dolly Varden Silver through strong communication strategies. Previously, she led Investor Relations and Communications at Lucara Diamond.

"I am pleased to welcome Tetiana Konstantynivska to Libero Copper's team as Vice President Investor Relations," says Ian Harris, President & CEO. "Her extensive experience in the mining sector and her proven track record with prominent companies will be invaluable as we position Libero for significant growth. With the recent changes and strategic moves within our company, including our integration into the Fiore Group, we are poised to achieve our ambitious goals. Tetiana's appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our investor relations and communication strategies, paving the way for the exciting developments ahead."

Ms. Konstantynivska is also the Founder of Constanta Capital ("Constanta"), a firm renowned for its ability to connect junior miners with major institutional and high-net-worth investors across Europe and North America.

Ms. Konstantynivska holds a B.A. in Sociology and English Literature from the University of British Columbia.

Under the agreement between the Company and Constanta, Constanta will receive a fee of C$10,000 plus applicable taxes per month, payable monthly in advance for a three-month period. The agreement between the Company and Constanta is for twelve (12) month terms unless amended in writing or terminated with 30 days notice by either party and in connection with the agreement, Constanta will be granted 150,000 stock options at $0.30, vesting quarterly, with a further 250,000 stock options to be granted at a later date at the discretion of the board. Ms. Konstantynivska does not own any shares of the Company.

ICP Securities Inc. Engaged for Automated Market Making Services

The Company further announces the engagement of ICP Securities Inc. ("ICP") to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation.

This advanced market making service is part of Libero's commitment to enhancing liquidity and quote health, thereby stabilizing share price in today's fast-paced trading environment. The engagement aims to address volatility caused by modern high-speed algorithm trading, blind shorting, and spoofing activities. ICP's market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of Libero's shares, which is crucial for market stability.

ICP will receive a fee of C$7,500 plus applicable taxes per month, payable monthly in advance. The agreement between the Company and ICP is for an Initial Term of four (4) months and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one (1) month terms (each month called an "Additional Term") unless either party provides at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation are being granted in connection with the engagement. ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future.

ICP is an arm's length party to the Company. ICP's market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company's shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company's shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market making activities.

About Constanta Capital

Constanta Capital is a Vancouver-based full-service Digital Marketing firm for public companies in the Mining & Metals industry. Constanta Capital integrates new channels with traditional approaches to connect their clients to the right retail and institutional groups. Constanta Capital designs tailored campaigns that reflect their clients' goals, taking into account the current state of the commodity market.

About ICP Securities Inc.

ICP Securities Inc. (ICP) is a Toronto based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in automated market making and liquidity provision, as well as having a proprietary market making algorithm, ICP Premium, that enhances liquidity and quote health. Established in 2023, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ICP has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors.

About Libero Copper

Libero Copper is driven by a highly disciplined and seasoned professional team with successful track records in advancing some of the most important copper mines brought into production over the last 20 years. With the strategic vision and support of the Fiore Group, Libero Copper is well-positioned for significant growth and value creation.

The company's efforts are underpinned by the Mocoa copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit in Putumayo, Colombia. Boasting a substantial resource of 4.6 billion pounds of copper and 511 million pounds of molybdenum1, Mocoa is a significant asset in the global copper industry.

Libero prioritizes building strong relationships with the communities in which it operates and leverages its extensive experience in community engagement as a key factor in advancing projects towards construction decisions. Dedicated to responsible exploration and development practices, Libero Copper aims to create long-term value for its shareholders while contributing to the green energy future.

Technical Report on the Mocoa Copper-Molybdenum Project, Colombia, dated January 17th, 2022.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Libero Copper & Gold Corporation
Ahead of Google's upcoming hardware launch event on August 13, we've seen a lot of leaks about the upcoming devices, and today two new renders have been leaked showing the vanilla Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL (the true successor in size to the Pixel 8 Pro).



Google Pixel 9 (left) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (right) leaked images

Google's lineup will get more and less confusing simultaneously come August 13, since it's expected to launch four new smartphones: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro isn't the successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, not in size at least, since it's got the same size as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, but with the Pixel 9 Pro XL's innards. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the successor to the original Pixel Fold from last year, so while this new naming scheme might take a little getting used to, it does make sense once you have fully acquainted yourself with it.

The recently leaked pricing is similarly confusing upon first viewing, and the gist of it is this: some versions will be priced the same as their predecessors, but there will also be price hikes for quite a few variants.

The new renders don't really show us anything new, the Pixel 9 will have one less camera than the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, as we already knew, and the new devices boast a revamped design for the camera island on the rear.

The cameras themselves have been detailed by a rumor from last week. All of these handsets are expected to be powered by Google's next-gen Tensor G4 chipset.

Source
Samsung Messages replaced with Google Messages on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 in the US

Samsung began phasing out its Samsung Messages app in the US since the Galaxy S22 series and instead ships its new devices with Google Messages as the default RCS/SMS app. That will be the case with the brand new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 foldables which are confirmed to launch without the Samsung Messages app in the US.

According to a post from the Samsung Members app (via 9to5Google), Samsungs new foldables will have Google Messages as their default SMS/RCS app and will not come pre-installed with Samsung Messages. Users can still download and and use the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store.

Starting with Flip6, Fold6, and newer models, the Samsung Messages app will no longer be preloaded. Instead, Google Messages will provide a new and enhanced experience to express your emotions, making communication safe and fun. You can also exchange messages with users around the world. - Samsung

Samsung Messages is still expected to be pre-loaded on units sold outside of the US. For what its worth our European Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 review units have both Samsung Messages and Google Messages apps.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Via
The goal remains to open a temporary campus for Simon Sanchez High School by December, and Sen. Roy Quinatas Bill 321-37 seeks to appropriate $7 million as part of the government of Guams share of any Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for the project.

A public hearing was held Friday on the bill, which would take the $7 million from fiscal 2024 general fund revenues in excess of the adopted level.

Appropriations committee chairman Sen. Joe S. San Agustin said it would help to cover GovGuams 10% of any FEMA funding that GDOE has requested toward the lease or construction of a temporary Sanchez High campus.

Sanchez students have been attending split sessions at John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning since the Sanchez campus in Yigo was heavily damaged by Typhoon Mawar in May 2023.

Officials have been discussing at least two options for a temporary campus: leasing Guam Housing Corp. land and building modular unit classrooms just across from the current campus, or leasing a never-opened shopping center building in Tumon.

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson testified in support of the funding measure but asked that it be amended to lock up the money so it can only go to this particular project, he said.

Swanson said he didnt want a repeat of the issues we had around Typhoon Mawar.

GDOE is still awaiting a decision from FEMA on its application for funding for a temporary Sanchez campus. The location has not yet been decided.

Im from Yigo so Im 100 percent for Sanchez, said San Agustin, a co-sponsor of a bill to build the temporary campus on GHC land in Yigo.

Were all pointing in the same direction on this, Swanson said.

Quinata, the appropriation bill author, said, the goal is to provide a safe and conducive learning environment while a permanent campus is being rebuilt.

The construction of a new Sanchez High School has been delayed for more than a decade because of a lack of funding, bid protests and other issues, said Quinata, a graduate of Simon Sanchez High School.

The school first opened as a junior high school some 50 years ago, in 1974.
A sad looking black bear lounging along a Florida highway gleaned quite a bit of attention last week as several passersby reportedly pulled over to take photos with him.

But the Walton County Sheriffs Office took to Facebook on Thursday to warn drivers against making any contact with him because, they say, this bear is stressed depressed lemon zest.

Deputies have been closely monitoring the bear, whos routinely situated on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road 83 in Santa Rosa Beach, an unincorporated community on the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida  about an hour from Panama City Beach.

Onlookers were trying to take selfies with the bear and hes clearly not in the mood for pictures, officials said. The bear has shown signs of severe stress.

The Walton County Sheriffs Office calls this roadside bear "stressed" and "depressed."Walton County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriffs Office said Florida Fish and Wildlife officials has been contacted and are en route to the area.

Please do not approach black bears at any time, they warned. Especially those that are showing aggression like this big fella.

Already the Facebook post has more than 2,000 likes, shares and comments as social media users expressed concern for the bears wellbeing  including a comment from Stacie Webb, who wrote, I cant believe the amount of people stopping for pics but not calling for help!

If you spot a bear in Walton County, officials ask that you call 850-892-8111 or contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.




Haiti - Politic : An American delegation expected this Monday in Haiti





This Monday, July 22, 2024, an American delegation led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations is expected in Haiti.



Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will make two "major announcements during her trip to support efforts to respond to the security and humanitarian emergency."



According to United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans, during her stay in Haiti, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will review the security situation and highlight the United States' commitment to supporting the renewal of the democratic process in Haiti.



It will also highlight the work needed to help the Haitian people build a more peaceful and prosperous future.



Thomas-Greenfield will hold meetings with senior Haitian officials, including the Presidential Transitional Council and Prime Minister Garry Conille



Finally, the Ambassador will pay a visit to the base of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) to see first-hand the training, equipment and support available to mission personnel and the Haiti National Police (PNH) who works alongside them.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Economy : Reopening of China's trade development office in Haiti





Friday July 19, 2024, as the security situation in Haiti gradually improves, the staff of the Trade Development Office of the People's Republic of China (PRC), resumed their activities in Haiti with the help of the Haitian authorities, said Lin Jian Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a press briefing.



Lin said that although China and Haiti have not yet established diplomatic relations, the business development offices in the respective capitals provide an important channel of communication and exchange between the two sides.



Earlier this year, due to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, many countries temporarily closed their diplomatic and commercial missions in Haiti and evacuated their nationals.



Adding that after assisting in the safe evacuation of Chinese citizens in Haiti, the business development office had temporarily relocated to Santo Domingo in April 2024.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Sunrise Airways : Resumption of flights to Jeremie

On Sunday the mayor of Jeremie announced on a local radio that the airline Sunrise Airways will resume flights to Jeremie the second week of August.



Ganthier : The police station partially burned

Sunday July 21, 2024, heavily armed bandits attacked the Ganthier police station and set fire to part of the building, reports the municipality's executive agent.



Primature : Strengthening security

Friday July 19, 2024, Prime Minister Garry Conille began his day with the head of security of the Prime Minister's office and close security in order to strengthen the capacity, motivation and vigilance of agents in the current situation.



Health : Leslie Voltaire

The Communications Office of the Presidential Advisor, Leslie Voltaire, "wishes to categorically deny the unfounded rumors circulating on social networks, stating that the Advisor has a serious health problem and that his condition is critical, this information is completely false. We would like to inform the population that the Presidential Advisor, Mr. Leslie Voltaire, actually left the country [Saturday July 20] to go abroad as part of a regular medical check that he has been carrying out for several years."



Billions of investments in DR

President Luis Abinader said this week that for the second consecutive year, foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic exceeded $4 billion. It expects to reach by the end of 2024, 4.5 billion US dollars for the current year, an unprecedented figure in the economic history of the Dominican Republic. With a growth projection of 5.4% for 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this positions the Dominican Republic as the country that will experience the strongest economic growth in the entire Western Hemisphere.



American presidential election

Donald Trump officially designated the Republican candidate has chosen the young Senator from Ohio J.D. Vance (39 years old) to assume the role of Vice President of the United States. For his part, Joe Biden throws in the towel and will not be a candidate for President, the Democrats, 4 months before the elections, must now find a replacement very quickly.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Last Friday, a sudden outage of countless Windows computers led to a worldwide IT disaster. The culprit was the widely used Falcon security software from CrowdStrike, which is designed to protect against modern cyberattacks  and therefore also against outages. The manufacturer has since revealed a few more details about the incident.

Anzeige

According to this, CrowdStrike deployed a faulty update last Friday from 06:09 to 07:27 German time. This affected systems that were online during this time and were therefore automatically supplied with the update. The fatal update is a so-called channel file for the Falcon Sensor component, which must be installed on the clients to be protected.

Channel files control the software's behavioral protection mechanisms, similar to signature updates in antivirus software. CrowdStrike explains that such files are distributed several times a day to be able to react to current threats. The fatal channel file 291 should contain new information about named pipes, which are currently used for cyberattacks with command-and-control frameworks.

.sys file is not a driver

Even if such channel files have the extension .sys, they are not kernel drivers according to CrowdStrike. However, number 291 triggers a logic error that apparently caused the software's kernel driver to crash. The file was intended to address attacks on Windows and was not distributed to macOS and Linux systems.

The company is currently still investigating the cause and promises to improve its workflow to prevent such a serious case from happening again: "We know how this problem occurred and are conducting a thorough root cause analysis to find out how this logic error occurred. These efforts will continue. We are committed to identifying any fundamental or workflow improvements we can make to strengthen our process."

BSI: repercussions and cyberattacks

Anzeige

The BSI (Bundesamt fur Sicherheit in der Informationtechnik) also commented on the devastating IT disaster on Saturday. According to the BSI, the situation is returning to normal in many places, but many companies "are still struggling with the knock-on effects of the disruption." According to the BSI, it has not yet been conclusively clarified how the faulty code was able to get into the update. The authority is "also in close contact with the company".

Meanwhile, cyber criminals are apparently already using the opportunity "for various forms of phishing, scams or fake websites", warns the BSI. Even unofficial code is said to be in circulation. Technical information on the incident should only be obtained from CrowdStrike, the Federal Office expressly warns.

Another IT outage affecting Microsoft Azure is also said to be returning to normal. The disruption, which affected Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Defender and Sharepoint, is currently still being analyzed and "a corresponding report has been announced for next week", explains the BSI. The information published so far does not suggest that there is a direct connection with the CrowdStrike MCA, apart from the timing of the incident. (rei)
The major disruption caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update is also causing a spoiled weekend at Microsoft. The Redmond-based IT company says it is currently deploying hundreds of technicians to help customers revive their Windows systems. Microsoft is also working with CrowdStrike to repair Windows PCs that no longer start.

Anzeige

According to Microsoft, the number is in the millions. In a blog article published on Saturday, the company gives an initial estimate of 8.5 million affected systems. This figure is likely to be based on telemetry data that Microsoft collects for quality control after system crashes. According to Redmond, this is only around one percent of all Windows computers, but these are disproportionately often located in companies. This seems plausible, as CrowdStrike Falcon is not typical private user software.

Why did the pointer zero?

Meanwhile, experts are puzzling over where exactly the fatal error is hidden. It seems certain that it is a "null pointer" error  but where and why exactly it crept into the faulty update is still the subject of various analyses. The hottest lead is currently held by IT security expert Patrick Wardle, who used a disassembler to get to the bottom of the bug. Like Google luminary Tavis Ormandy , he contradicted the apparently erroneous analysis of another expert, which we at heise security also quoted initially.

Apparently, the "channel file" with the number 491 that was played out with the update was faulty, as the code of the actual kernel driver CSAgent.sys had not changed with the update, Wardle continued. CrowdStrike confirmed this analysis and instructed affected customers to delete the file.

20 billion stock market value destroyed

Anzeige

Meanwhile, CrowdStrike's share price also felt the effects of the major disruption: on Friday, it fell by 11.1 percent, and in the after-hours trading, the share price fell again by just under one percent. This means that the company has lost around 20 billion US dollars in market capitalization since the disruption began. However, shareholders should not be hit too hard: In the past 12 months, CrowdStrike has more than doubled its market capitalization.

Although phishing is a minor issue for many organizations whose IT is in ruins, cyber criminals have been jumping on the bandwagon since yesterday. The BSI warned of waves of phishing and cyber attacks as early as midday on Saturday. Mail server admins shared lists of domains related to CrowdStrike, for example:

crowdstrike.phpartners[.]org

crowdstrikedown[.]com

crowdstrikefix[.]zip

An extensive list is available to members of heise security PRO in the forum.

Domains such as "clownstrike", "failstrike" or "crowdstuck" are more of a humorous nature and probably serve as name suggestions for the major disruption. A fad in the IT security scene is to assign the most euphonious names possible to serious errors, cyber attacks or outages, such as Shellshock, Heartbleed or Rowhammer.

The increasing number of reports about companies that have been spared thanks to outdated software also falls into the "gallows humor" category: even those who had instructed their CrowdStrike Falcon installation to refrain from updating to the latest software version received the update marked as a "content update" anyway, according to Patrick Wardle.

(cku)
Google has announced that it will only offer and support its own Google Fit APIs for Android until June 30, 2025. This is part of the transition to the Android Health platform, whose Health Connect API structure is similar to the Google Fit API structure. With immediate effect, Google will no longer accept applications to use the Fit APIs; developers should use Health Connect. Google is not saying whether the Google Fit Android app, which has been available for many years, will also be replaced, but has promised details for Google I/O next week.

Anzeige

Android developers should not be surprised. Google has already made health a central component of Android 14 in 2023 and declared that support for the Google Fit Android APIs will be discontinued at the end of 2024. Developers who previously used the Google Fit API should migrate to Health Connect. With the permanent integration of Google Health within the Android system, health data is collected in one place in a data silo.

Last week, Google slightly extended the deadline for the end of the Google Fit APIs in its own Android developer blog. Although new applications for Google Fit APIs will no longer be accepted, existing use will continue to be supported beyond the end of 2024. Existing apps can still use these program libraries until mid-2025.

No more fitness goals

However, developers of apps that have been using Google Fit APIs to date are strongly recommended to make the switch to be able to offer their own services without interruption. Google provides instructions for migrating to Health Connect. However, it should be noted that not all functions that the Google Fit APIs include are also supported by Android Health.

For example, there is no replacement for the Goal API, neither for the Android operating system nor for Wear OS for smartwatches. This allows apps to offer users the opportunity to set personal goals such as daily step counts or specific heart points to motivate themselves. This may no longer be possible in the future without Google's Fit APIs.

Google Fit app facing the end?

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This is also the reason for speculation about the imminent end of the Google Fit app. After all, goals are one of the app's main functions alongside its own tracking. Google Fit has already been sidelined, as Google's first own smartwatch, the Pixel Watch, has not relied on Google Fit since 2022, but uses Fitbit apps for fitness tracking. Google had acquired Fitbit the year before.

In addition, the Google Fit app has not received any new functions for some time and has not been updated recently. The last major update was support for Health Connect 2022. Will Google Fit be the next Google app to end up in its own app graveyard? Google Podcasts, the company's own app for podcasts, will also be discontinued shortly. Google promises to reveal details about the Android Health platform at Google I/O on May 14, 2024.

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The country saw its ranking collapse from 16th to 51st, ahead of only Turkey and Kuwait.

THE IMAGE of Finland has taken a beating in the eyes of international talent over the last year, indicates Expat Insider, an annual study of how expats feel about their country of residence conducted by Internations.

Finland is the biggest loser in 2024, declares a sub-heading in the press release from Internations. In just one year, the share of expats who are happy with their life there dropped from 78 per cent to 51 per cent.

Panama took the top spot in this years ranking, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, Spain, Colombia Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. The study assesses the expat experience from perspectives such as the quality of life, work environment, standard of living and ease of settling in.

Finland, the authors highlighted, performed well in digital capabilities (6th), and climate and the environment (8th) but faltered in the working abroad (46th), ease of settling in (50th) and personal finances (52nd) categories.

With a relatively high cost of living (42nd), expats dont rate their disposable household income as sufficient (51st) and are dissatisfied with their financial situation (53rd), the press release reads. The cold climate also extends to social circles, with Finland ranking poorly in the ease of settling in index (50th) and its three sub-categories: local friendliness (48th), culture and welcome (51st) and finding friends (52nd).

The country fell 23 spots from 3rd to 26th when examining the sub-categories making up the quality of life index: climate and the environment, travel and transport, leisure options, health care, and safety and security.

Riikka Pakarinen, the CEO of the Finnish Startup Community, described the collapse as astounding in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday. Especially given that we need labour and talent.

She reminded that already the previous government estimated that the country has to attract roughly 50,000 skilled workers from abroad, usually meaning professionals earning over 3,500 euros a month.

They produce the biggest benefits for Finland. In the big picture, Finland naturally needs workers regardless of the sector, she added.

Pakarinen viewed that expats have become less enthusiastic about the country due to the emergence of a debate climate in the past year where immigrants are perceived increasingly negatively. While Prime Minister Petteri Orpos (NCP) government has adopted a tougher stance on immigration, many of the policy decisions do not necessarily directly affect the possibilities of international talent to find employment in Finland.

What has changed, though, is the social climate, according to her.

The thinking is that were a country with a negative stance on immigration, she summarised.

Pakarinen argued that the government should recognise the situation and take action to rectify it as soon as the upcoming budget session  by laying out and communicating a clear proposal for measures. Also the Finns Party, the most anti-immigrant member of the four-party ruling coalition, should recognise the gravity of the situation.

You should be able to tell the difference between situations where people seek to come here on false grounds from the overall situation that most arrivals want to work for the benefit of this society, she stressed.

Now youre throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

Finland, she reminded, has been one of the pest-performing countries in international studies of the appeal of countries to international talent. The country image has been good.

Pakarinen identified as particularly damaging the government bill stipulating that foreign workers must re-employ themselves within three months  or six months, in the case of specialists  in order to retain their right to reside in the country. The bill is scheduled to be presented to parliament in the autumn.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Ovaska called for the suspension after it was reported that the application for 176 million euros in EU funding for the project has been rejected by the European Commission.

CHAIRPERSON of the Parliaments Transport and Communications Committee Jouni Ovaska (Centre) is demanding that the government suspend the West Railway, a project to build a high-speed rail connection between Helsinki and Turku.

The facts speak for suspending the project. If the government doesnt trust us in the opposition, hopefully it trusts the EU, he stated in a press release issued on Thursday.

Ovaska criticised the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Ministry of Transport and Communications for failure to provide parliament with sufficient information on the project.

Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne (PS) has similarly expressed her reservations about the project. Ranne told Ilta-Sanomat on Thursday that it was not a surprise that no funding was granted for the project because of a poor cost-to-benefit ratio.

The completion, she added, hinges largely on the commitment of the municipal stakeholders: Turku, Espoo, Salo, Lohja, Vihti and Kirkkonummi.

Minna Arve (NCP), the Mayor of Turku, shifted the blame to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, saying the ministry should have lobbied longer for the funding and, going forward, commit more strongly to such projects.

I think the West Railway project is significant especially in the presiding situation in global politics, where its important to build permanent connections to the west, she said to Ilta-Sanomat.

In June, the government and municipal stakeholders agreed to split the project costs in half, the government pledging 400 million euros and the municipalities another 400 million euros.

Finland applied for a total of 325 million euros for 21 transport infrastructure projects from the EU, according to YLE. The European Commission granted 39 million euros in funding for 11 of the projects under the Connecting Europe Facility. Altogether the facility will provide over seven billion euros in funding to transport infrastructure projects across the 27-country bloc.

In addition to the West Railway, funding was not granted for the Airport Line, a project to link the long-distance railway network of Finland to Helsinki Airport.

Pekka Ovaskainen, the CEO of West Railway, stated to the public broadcasting company earlier last week that the project company is not giving up.

The West Railway did well in terms of scoring, but the applicants included projects that are better and further along, which managed to get a piece of the small funding total, he said on Tuesday.

The project received a score of 20.5 out of 25, falling 1.5 points short of the score required to secure funding, the project company elaborated in a press release on Friday.

The new European Commission thats set to start its work will open its own funding facilities for application in time. Theyll be opened for application in a year or two, and theres nothing stopping us from participating. I believe well have an even better chance to secure funding then, Ovaskainen added to YLE.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Recommendations advance the Presidents Unity Agenda and underscore the Biden-Harris Administrations efforts to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis

The Biden-Harris Administrations Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerces (DOC) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), released a new report today with recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth. The recommendations in the report, Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for Industry, underscore the Administrations efforts to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis and support the Presidents Unity Agenda for the nation. Task Force members also committed to future actions, including providing more resources for kids, teenagers and families, guidance for pediatricians and conducting more research.

Across the Biden-Harris Administration, we are committed to combatting the youth mental health crisis in this country and ensuring Americans have the tools and support they need to thrive online, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. As more and more of kids time is spent online, this administration is taking steps to protect their privacy and mental health. The recommendations in our report will chart a path toward an Internet that works for everyone.

President Biden has made addressing the youth mental health crisis a top priority. Thats why we are taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of young people when they use social media and online platforms, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Biden-Harris Administration has whole-of-government approach to protect the mental health, safety, and privacy of youth online, but it will take more than government alone to achieve results.

Approximately 95% of teenagers, and 40% of children between the ages of eight and 12 years old, use some form of social media. Digital technology use can both benefit young peoples well-being and expose them to significant harm. Social media use has been associated with risks to physical and mental health, including exposure to bullying, online harassment and abuse, discrimination, and child sexual exploitation. And adolescents who seek out information about health and safety topics online risk encountering inaccurate information that can be unhelpful or actively dangerous.

The report released today provides a summary of the risks and benefits of social media on the health, safety, and privacy of young people; best practices for parents and caregivers; recommended practices for industry; a research agenda; and suggested future work, including for the federal government. Youth advocates, civil society organizations, academic researchers and other experts provided input into the Task Forces recommendations.

SAMHSA is focused on helping young people, their parents, caregivers and others to protect their mental health when using social media and online platforms, said Task Force Co-Chair Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. We know that while there are some benefits to using this technology, such as building connections and supportive communities, there is also substantial cause for concern, and we want to reduce the potential harms as much as possible so that young people can thrive.

As young people spend more of their lives online, it is past time to act and do more to protect them, said Task Force Co-Chair Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. This Task Force report outlines practices and design choices that companies can implement today to prioritize the privacy of kids, their well-being. and their ability to thrive online. Our report suggests changes that will help young people safely navigate and enjoy all the benefits the Internet offers, while minimizing the risks they face.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

The best practices and resources for parents and caregivers includes an overarching framework, strategies for parents and caregivers, handouts, and conversation-starters to help engage children in conversations about online platforms and technology use, and a compendium of resources for parents and caregivers. Many of these materials were developed in coordination with the SAMHSA-funded Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health run by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the Kids Online Safety Task Force report released today and commends SAMHSA and the Department of Commerce for addressing the impact of social media on youth mental health, said Dr. Megan Moreno, co-Medical Director of the SAMHSA-funded AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. To help make the report's recommendations accessible and actionable, we've published new resources for families and those who work with them, including conversation starters and activities to help parents and caregivers know what to say and how to begin building foundational skills. We are pleased to be a strong partner in this work.

In collaboration with the Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is also launching a variety of new web content, including: recommended best practices resources by topic and/or audience; a series of age-based handouts for parents that pediatricians and others can distribute at well-check visits; new clinical case examples for pediatricians and other clinicians demonstrating how to integrate conversations about media use into health consultations with teen patients; and expanded content specifically for teens.

Industry Recommendations

The Task Force identified 10 recommended practices for online service providers to implement to develop and operate their platforms with youth well-being in mind. Companies make design choices that shape kids online experiences, and those choices can contribute to, or alleviate harms. This report urges industry to make design choices that prioritize kids well-being. This includes guidance on ways to:

Design age-appropriate experiences for youth users;

Make privacy protections for youth the default;

Reduce and remove features that encourage excessive or problematic use by youth;

Limit likes and social comparison features for youth by default;

Develop and deploy mechanisms and strategies to counter child sexual exploitation and abuse;

Disclose accurate and comprehensive safety-related information about apps;

Improve systems to address bias and discrimination that youth experience online;

Use data-driven methods to detect and prevent cyberbullying, and other forms of online harassment and abuse;

Provide age-appropriate parental control tools that are easy to understand and use; and

Make data accessible for verified, qualified, and independent research.

Research Agenda

The research agenda includes: overarching objectives that include the need for continued study of the harms associated with online platform use; development and evaluation of scalable interventions to protect childrens online health, safety, and privacy; broadening access to platform data and algorithms; and taking a developmental perspective in studying the impacts of online platforms on childrens well-being. The research agenda includes specific research topics and domains of interests as they relate to mental and physical health and well-being, safety, and privacy. These include research using comparisons for well-being across different age groups, on efforts to address online safety, and into the effects of ubiquitous computer use in schools. Additionally, there are a set of research approaches that have also been highlighted including the need to include a broad spectrum of online platforms and spaces, focus on casual and interpretivist research, include new methods of assessing what data are collected and with whom data are shared (including through monetization processes), and engaging youth.

Next Steps

The report concludes with recommended next steps for policymakers, including:

Enacting bipartisan federal legislation to protect youth health, safety, and privacy online;

Advancing industry action to implement age-appropriate health, safety, and privacy best practices on online platforms through federal legislation and voluntary commitments;

Working to require access to platform data for independent researchers in privacy-preserving ways;

Providing support for research into youth privacy, health, and safety online;

Promoting youth voices in solution setting;

Supporting access to new and updated resources tailored for youth, parents, health providers, educators, and online platforms; and

Engaging in international efforts to collaborate on online safety.

About the Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force

The interagency Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force was announced in May 2023 by the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen protections for childrens privacy, health, and safety online. The Task Force is comprised of leadership from HHS, DOC, the Departments of Education, Homeland Security, Justice, the Executive Office of the President and a representative from the Federal Trade Commission. The Task Force builds on prior work across the federal government, including the 2023 U.S. Surgeon Generals Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

The Task Force is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing measures we can take regarding making the use of social media safer. It brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to devise strategies for promoting online safety and mental health awareness among young individuals.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).

Reporters with questions should send inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov and press@ntia.gov.
Most Indians equate 420 to cheating and 302 to murder. The penetration of these sections into the language of the populace is to such an extent that any person being told, 420 mat kar ! will understand that he is being warned of cheating. However, these sections now do not hold the same meaning as the introduction of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS); in fact, there is no section 420.

From July 1, the Government introduced three new laws to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act. The three laws have been replaced by the BNS, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSS).

Home Minister, Amit Shah, announced the formation of a committee to recommend reforms in the criminal laws of the country in December 2019. On May 4, 2020, when the entire country was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, a notification forming the Committee was issued. The Committee was headed by Chairperson Ranbir Singh (vice-chancellor, National Law University Delhi), G.S. Bajpai (registrar, National Law University Delhi), Balraj Chauhan (first vice-chancellor, Dharmashastra National Law University), Mahesh Jethmalani (senior advocate Supreme Court) and G.P. Thareja (former district and sessions judge, Delhi).

From its inception the committee was criticised on several grounds, be it, the constitution of the committee during the pandemic  especially during the lockdown which had completely disrupted the normal way of life; the composition - the committee mainly had academicians and only one legal practitioner and there was no woman member.

Questions were also raised on the wide mandate of the committee with such few members and minimal public consultations. Another criticism was about the sudden urgency of the matter. Why wasnt the law commission mandated the task to reform? However, none of the criticisms were taken note of and the Committee continued to function and produced the three sets of laws. The laws were also passed in the parliament with minimal debate and are now all set to be implemented.

The Government of India while introducing the laws stated that the intent was to end the colonial legacy and create a new legal framework, which was in line with the technological developments and societal changes. However, when 90-95% of the provisions of the old laws have been retained, a question which arises; was there a need for a completely new code or would a few amendments in the same scheme have been sufficient?

One of the markers of colonialism is the skewed power relations between the police and the citizens. Sadly, the new laws have expanded the ambit of police power rather than put a check on them. Some of the stark changes, which reflect this can be seen regarding the provisions on remand, registration of FIRs, private complaints as well as complaints against public servants.

The old code mandated that an accused after arrest cannot be kept in police custody for more than 15 days. However, the new code is ambiguous on this and legal practitioners fear that it may allow the police to retain custody of the accused for the entire period of 40/60 days prior to the chargesheet in different 15-day stints.

Under the new laws, FIRs are governed under Section 173 of the BNSS. The provision allows a person to register an FIR at any police station irrespective of the place of offence. Thus, even if an offence took place in Haryana, a person may register an FIR in Delhi. However, the confusion arises subsequently about the powers of the police station.

For example, under the new code, the Delhi police may also investigate a crime despite it happening beyond its jurisdiction. This includes the power to arrest as well. Thus, a party with political connections or means may cherry-pick a police station based on its influence.

The other change occurs regarding offences punishable with imprisonment of more than three years but less than seven years. In all these cases, the code empowers police to conduct a preliminary inquiry to ascertain whether a prima case exists or not and then to proceed with the investigation only when it does. This however runs contrary to the Supreme Court ruling in the Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP. As per the Supreme Court, the only thing the police need to note prior to registering the FIR is whether the information reveals the commission of a cognizable offence or not.

Regarding complaints to the Magistrate, the Code makes it mandatory for the accused to be summoned prior to taking cognizance. The Code does not clarify the nature of these proceedings, it cannot be a mini-trial because that would thwart the entire purpose of the investigation and unnecessarily burden the Court. Further, it is unclear how the accused would defend himself: Will he be allowed to lead evidence?

Furthermore, complaints against public servants are treated on a different footing. The official in question will be summoned to first explain the situation in which the incident took place and his senior will have to furnish a report on the same, and only then can the Magistrate take cognizance.

The Code also allows police personnel to handcuff undertrials during their presentation in courts based on the gravity of the offence and if the accused is a habitual offender; again, that is contrary to the longstanding principle of no handcuffing of accused laid down by the Supreme Court.

Another change is the introduction of terrorist activities and organised crimes within the fold of the BNS. Both these offences are covered by special legislation and the inclusion of the same under the general criminal law, allows the police to cherry-pick the law to be applied without any just basis.

Either the special laws could have been repealed if the same offences were to be included in the general law or the latter could have left these to the domain of the special laws. Further, the definitions are vague and ambiguous expanding on the powers of the police at the cost of individual liberty.

Similarly, while sedition is stated to have been removed from the code, it has been replaced by a similarly worded provision of treason. The new provision introduces several vague terms like subversive activities and encourages feelings of separatist activities.

The act also allows trials to be conducted in the absence of the accused if he cannot be arrested or is absconding or a proclaimed offender. The person when arrested will have to serve the punishment awarded in such a trial.

Marital rape continues to be excluded from the definition of rape, the only change being that the age of consent in the case of a wife has been increased from 15 to 18 years. Further, the reasoning that marriage repudiates consent because non-consensual intercourse with a wife who is living separately is punishable but the same with a wife (above 18) living with the husband is excluded. While adultery is not included, the act punishes a person who entices a married woman to have illicit intercourse.

The act also makes an attempt to commit suicide with an intent to compel or restrain a public servant from discharging his duty punishable. In an era, of increased mental health awareness the same is a step back.

The Code introduces community service as a punishment but does not specify what it would include. Thus, the order to write an essay as directed by the Magistrate in the Pune Porsche case might also be considered community service.

The new laws include several changes keeping in line with technological advancements. They introduce the video recording of searches and seizures, the filing of FIRs through messages, and conducting trials through videoconferencing. However, in the absence of technological safeguards, the same might be empty promises.

The Code provides several timelines for the completion of various stages but as has been seen in several fast-track courts, the realities of life come in the way and the timelines are seldom adhered to. Further, in the case of criminal procedures when the same impinges on the liberty and life of persons, a liberal interpretation is needed.

The Penal Code and the Evidence Act predate Indias independence. Most of the people in the legal field, be it the judges, lawyers or even police personnel are well versed with the provisions. A complete change would require unlearning and re-learning at a mammoth scale. Further, regarding the pendency, there will be cases being conducted under both laws for some time to come.

All this chaos and confusion could have simply been avoided by introducing amendments where necessary. The hasty rehaul has resulted in vaguely drafted provisions, which will have to go through several rounds of judicial review before clarity will set in. Until then, these new laws by increasing the power of the police at the cost of individual liberty are a continuation of the colonial legacy they claim to put an end to.

Parijata Bharadwaj, a lawyer and researcher based in New Delhi, co-founded the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group that offered legal services to adivasis in Chhattisgarh. The views expressed are personal.
In the late hours of July 16, police in Assams Cachar district killed three Hmar individuals close to the hilly jungles bordering Manipurs Jiribam district. Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, later tweeted that those killed with Hmar were militants from Assam and neighbouring Manipur. According to local police authorities in Cachar, the militants were part of a drug trafficking group and were killed in a gunfire exchange after being cornered.

A day later, the Hmar Students Association, in a statement, claimed that the three deceased were village volunteers who were defending Kuki-Zomi-Hmar villages from Meitei militants and were murdered extrajudicially by Assam Police after being detained. Another tribal organisation based in Manipurs Jiribam and Pherzawl districts claimed that it was a fake encounter.

The shadowy incident comes on the heels of a sudden spike in violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo sides in western Manipurs Jiribam district last month. It also reveals new complications along the Assam-Manipur border due to a direct spillover of the ongoing crisis in Manipur across state borders.

Manipur crisis spills over

Manipurs Jiribam district, bordering Assam to the West, had been relatively calm since the conflict began in May last year. That changed on June 6 when the discovery of a maimed dead body of a Meitei farmer triggered violent clashes. Houses belonging to both Hmar and Meitei people were torched in the district, which is dominated by the Meitei but has several other minorities with significant numbers.

Following the clashes, hundreds fled across the border into Assams Cachar district. So far, some 1,700 Jiribam residents are reportedly living in Cachar in several relief camps. The Jiribam clashes and the ensuing displacement marked the first major spillover of the Manipur conflict into a neighbouring state other than Mizoram, which has received some 12,000 displaced people since the clashes began in May 2023.

The latest killing of the Hmar individuals by Assam Police aggravates the cross-border spillover by adding a kinetic security component. The displacement into Cachar had already put the local police on its toes. Last month, it even conducted a door-to-door survey in the district to identify the displaced from Manipur with the ostensible intent of preventing not just communal clashes, but also what the Assam Inspector General (Law and Order) referred to as illegal activities.

Top police officers from the Cachar and Jiribam districts met last month to discuss the forced displacement. There was likely a sense in Assams political-security establishment that the Jiribam situation would allow armed groups and other similar outfits to shuttle back and forth across the inter-state border and use Assam as a base.

Securitised approach

The cross-border movement of Internally Displaced Persons (IPDs) from Manipur to Assam has created a textbook humanitarian crisis. Media reports have revealed that the relief camps lack basic amenities, including clean water, medical aid, and access to income sources. There is also a general sense of insecurity.

However, the Assam government has yet to launch a comprehensive programme of humanitarian assistance to the displaced. Instead, it has taken an aggressive securitised approach to the IDP crisis, centring its interventions on preventing criminal activities. To this end, it has deployed fresh forces along NH-37, which connects Assam to the Imphal Valley.

In fact, coordination between state authorities in Assam and Manipur has been on the security, not humanitarian, front. Neither Dispur nor Imphal has yet deployed specialised administrative officers with a mandate to extend humanitarian assistance for those who had to flee across state lines. So far, only community-based organisations, such as local churches, have mobilised whatever limited aid has reached the affected people.

The recent killing of three Hmar village volunteers, one of whom was reportedly a local farmer, by the Assam Police reflects the adverse effects of securitising what is at its core a humanitarian crisis. Instead of operating with de facto suspicion and belligerence, especially against tribal communities living along the state border, the Assam government needs to work with community organisations and the displaced people to secure and stabilise the border with Manipur.

Fair probe needed

Dispur needs to take the disturbing allegations of extrajudicial murder that the Hmar organisations have levelled against the Assam Police seriously and probe them thoroughly. Failure to do so might generate a new wave of discontent among the border communities, which could then snowball into Manipur-like violence.

Therefore, in trying to prevent a repeat of the seemingly intractable crisis next door, the Assam government could end up repeating the grave mistakes of the Manipur government and projecting itself as an apathetic or biased entity.

More importantly, it is incumbent upon the NDA government in New Delhi to step in and stabilise the Assam-Manipur border by not just playing its role as a neutral political-security arbiter, but also helping both Dispur and Imphal in providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced people. Therefore, beyond deploying paramilitary personnel to secure the forested hills separating the two Northeastern states, the centre also needs to send civil officers to aid the displaced.

Angshuman Choudhury is a New Delhi-based researcher and writer, formerly an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and focuses on Northeast India and Myanmar. The views expressed are personal.
The Economic Survey stated that considering the dominance of China in global supply chains, it may not be the most prudent approach for India to think that it can fill the spaces left vacant by Beijing in manufacturing. The dynamics of India-China economic relations continue to be extremely complex and intertwined, the Survey noted. Citing recent data, the Survey expressed worries on if China is even vacating light manufacturing. The Chinese national flag is seen in Beijing, China.(Reuters)

It said, The Chinese domination over the global supply chains across product categories is a key global concern, especially in the wake of supply disruption accompanying the war in Ukraine.

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The Survey added, In the context of energy transition, China's near-monopoly over the production and processing of critical and rare earth minerals has already been a cause of global concern.

The Economic Survey asked if it would be possible to plug India into the global supply chain without plugging itself into the Chinese supply chain. It said, Chinas dominance over a large number of product categories creates a risk of economic coercion, where the government restrains access to crucial inputs for political leverage. Chinas dominance also has led to monopolistic practices which has considerably limited the space for new entrants to emerge as new manufacturing powers.

Also Read: OnePlus Nord 4 hasnt forgotten why it exists, and its a reason for consistency

On China, the Survey also said, Between the last Economic survey published in January 2023 and this one, big changes are afoot in the geopolitical environment. The global backdrop for Indias march towards Viksit Bharat in 2047 could not be more different from what it was during the rise of China between 1980 and 2015. Then, globalisation was at the cusp of its long expansion. Geopolitics was largely calm with the end of the Cold War, and Western powers welcomed and even encouraged the rise of China and its integration into the world economy.

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Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has expressed concerns about Karnataka government's 14-hour work day proposal and called it an attack on basic rights of a worker. The union said that it will also lead to massive unemployment and increase in work hours of workers will deduct the number of shifts in organisations. It's IT heads pitch to': Karnataka labour minister on 14-hour work day proposal after employee union's concern(Unsplash)

Also Read - Bengaluru IT industry seeks 14-hour workdays; Employee union objects: Report

In a statement, the KITU said, The new proposal is nothing but an attack on the fundamental rights of a worker, and it will take away his/her personal time. The Karnataka government, in its hunger to please its corporate bosses, completely neglects the most fundamental right of any individual, the right to live."

Also Read - Microsoft techie in Bengaluru drives autorickshaw on weekends, to combat loneliness. Thats sad,' says internet

Here's what the minister said

The union members even met Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad on this issue. However, Santosh Lad clarified that it was the idea of corporate heads to extend the working hours and said that another round of discussion would be held regarding the matter.

It is not the Karnataka government's proposal to increase the number of working hours. The heads of corporate companies and top IT companies approached us to make this amendment to existing labour laws. Since it has sparked a debate everywhere, the corporate heads and employees must internally discuss this, and the government will go according to the peoples interests, said Santosh Lad to reporters on Monday.

The KITU further called all employee unions to come forward and protest against such rules, calling them inhumane. "KITU calls upon all the IT/ITeS sector employees to unify and come forward to resist this inhuman attempt to impose slavery on us. The amendment (if done) is an attack on 20 lakh employees working in Karnatakas IT industry, it added.

The proposed 'Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024' will mandate a 14-hour work day, replacing an existing act that only allows a maximum of 10 hours of work per day, including overtime.
In a surprising incident, a senior Microsoft engineer in Bengaluru was found driving an auto rickshaw on weekends, only to combat his loneliness. An X user shared the picture, and it sparked a serious debate on social media. Microsoft techie in Bengaluru drives auto on weekends, to combat loneliness

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In an X post, Venkatesh Gupta, a techie, wrote, Met a 35-year-old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Koramangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends.

Note - The X post cannot be independently verified by HT

The man was seen wearing a Microsoft hoodie inside the autorickshaw. While some users sympathised with the mans loneliness, others even expressed shock.

A techie named Ankit Shrivastava wrote, Thats just plain sad. (if true)

Another user said, Theyll complain about moonlighting.

Meanwhile, the language row has entered into this debate as well. A third user jokingly wrote, This is what happens when you speak only one language in a city (BLR) where more than 50% of people are outsiders.

However, spotting techies as bike taxi drivers and auto drivers is not a new thing in Bengaluru, and even some techies were found making extra money by working as gig workers.

Earlier, a techie in Bengaluru who was an employee at Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) was found driving a Rapido bike taxi to get job leads for a new role as Java developer. He is said to be laid off from his previous job and he turned into a bike taxi driver to meet his ends and find fellow techies for job referrals.
A special court in Guwahati on Monday convicted a former chairman of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and 31 others in connection with a case involving irregularities in recruitment of agriculture development officers (ADOs). For representational purposes only. (Shutterstock)

A case against former APSC chairman Rakesh Paul and 43 others was lodged in 2017 following a complaint by an ADO job applicant, who alleged that Paul and others had asked for a bribe of 15 lakh for a job.

The special court pronounced 10 of the accused as not guilty, while one accused turned approver.

To be sure, Paul, who is at present on bail, and 66 others are already facing trial in a separate cash-for-jobs case involving vacancies in state civil and police services during the civil service examinations in 2013.

In the present case, examinations for the posts of ADOs were conducted in 2015 and the results were declared in 2016. After the case was lodged in 2017, the police examined 1,075 candidates who had appeared for the exam and found that marks secured by 27 candidates were altered and increased.

The other 29 accused include candidates who had got selected through fraudulent means and brokers involved in the scam. The court has not pronounced quantum of sentence for them yet.
The Bihar education department has suspended the headmaster and withheld the salary of all the teachers at a school in Purnea district after two girl students were drowned to death in a nearby ditch during schooltime on Saturday, officials said. The district education officer said locking the school toilets during school hours was tantamount to defying the departments directive. (Representational image)

The two Class III students of Alinagar Middle School-2, falling under Krtiyanand Nagar block, had gone to the ditch to attend natures call as the school toilets were allegedly locked.

District education officer (DEO) Shiv Nath Rajak told HT over phone that the headmaster of the school Chandra Shekhar Thakur was suspended the same day and a three-member team led by DPO (district project officer) was asked to visit the school and submit a probe report.

The team visited the school on Monday and the report is likely to be submitted within one or two days.

The DEO said locking the school toilets during school hours was tantamount to defying the departments directive. Well take further action on the basis of the probe report, he added.

On Sunday, a letter issued from the office of the district programme officer (DPO) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Kaushal Kumar, said that all the teachers are equally responsible for the conduct of school, and recommended for departmental action against all the nine teachers present in the school and withheld their salaries with immediate effect.

The teachers have been asked to submit their explanation within 24 hours.
The selection examination for the NASA Training Programme at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be conducted in Maharashtra in October. The examination, organised by the Swan Research and Social Study Foundation in India, will be for students from Class 6 to 10. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

The examination, organised by the Swan Research and Social Study Foundation in India, will be for students from Class 6 to 10.Registration for the exam has started from July 15 and will be open until September 15.

Students can register on - https://swanrsfoundation.com/event/ to apply.

There will be separate question papers for each grade. The question papers will primarily cover subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Geography, and Intelligence, said Shashikant Kamble, founder and president, Swan Research and Social Study Foundation.

Hemant Jadhav, president, Amhi Punekar Foundation said, The examination will be conducted in English and semi-English medium schools, as well as in district, municipal, and corporation schools across Maharashtra.

Selected students will be taken to the US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama for training in November. Students will also have the opportunity to visit space camps in New York, Washington, and Orlando, he added.
Selection Committee Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Chennai will release TN NEET MDS 2024 seat allotment result on July 22, 2024. The Round 1 seat allotment result when released can be checked by all registered candidates on the official website of Selection Committee Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Chennai at tnmedicalselection.net. TN NEET MDS 2024 seat allotment result releasing today, heres how to check (HT file)

The provisional allotment order can be downloaded from July 22 to 25, 2024. The last date of joining is till 5 pm of July 26, 2024.

TN NEET MDS 2024 seat allotment result: How to check

To check the seat allotment result, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of Selection Committee Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Chennai at tnmedicalselection.net.

Click on TN NEET MDS 2024 seat allotment result link available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your seat allotment result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

MAH MBA/ MMS CAP 2024 registration ends today at mahacet.org, direct link here

The selected candidates will have to pay the Tuition Fee for downloading the Provisional allotment order through online via Debit Card / Credit Card/Net Banking.

As per the official notice, candidates should produce their original certificates in person at the time of joining in their selected Colleges along with the scanned copy of original certificates for verification.

Also Read: NEET UG counselling 2024 likely from July 24, FAQs on all India quota admissions

The candidate selected for admission should give a self-declaration form at the time of the reporting to the concerned College that he/she is liable for forfeiture of selection / admission if suppression of facts, mis-interpretation is found at any time during or after the admission to the course. For more related details candidates can check the official website of Selection Committee Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Chennai.
Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan has released Rajasthan Board 12th Supply Admit Card 2024 for practical examination. Candidates who will appear for Class 12 practical supplementary examination can download the admit card through the official website of RBSE at rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in. Rajasthan Board 12th Supply Admit Card 2024 for practical exams out, link here

The supplementary practical examinations will begin on July 25 and will end on July 30, 2024. All the candidates who are appearing for the examination can download the admit card by following the steps given below.

Rajasthan Board 12th Supply Admit Card 2024: How to download

Visit the official website of RBSE at rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in.

Click on Supplementary exam 2024 link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to login to the account.

Once done, your admit card will be displayed on the screen.

Check the admit card and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Those regular candidates whose supplementary practical examination fee has not been deposited online by the concerned school/centre, they will have to pay Rs. 2200/- and for self-study candidates will have to pay a fee of 2250/- in the name of Secretary Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan, Ajmer and deposited at the examination centre.

HBSE Haryana class 12 compartment results 2024 declared at bseh.org.in, 50.92% pass percentage registered

The main or theoretical examination will begin from August 1, 2024.

RBSE Class 12 result was announced on May 20, 2024 for all streams- Science, Commerce and Arts. The overall pass percentage in Arts stream has been recorded at 96.88 %, whereas 97.73% has been registered in Science stream. In Commerce, the pass percentage has been recorded at 98.95%.

Also Read: Haryana D.El.ED Admit Card 2024 for July exam released at bseh.org.in, download link here

Rajasthan Board 12th examination was conducted from February 29 to April 4, 2024, and the Class 12 CWSN examination was held from March 1 to April 4, 2024. For more related details candidates can check the official website of RBSE.
The Bihar Teacher Appointment Competitive Re-examination (TRE-3.0) has entered its last leg today. The examination, which is being conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is being held in two shifts today  the first shift began at 9:30 AM and ended at 12 noon, whereas the second shift will start from 2:30 PM to 5 PM. BPSC TRE 3,0 2024: The examination will end today, July 22. (Photo by Santosh Kumar)

Notably, the examination began on July 19 and was held in a single shift until July 21. In this regard, the BPSC issued an official notice on Sunday, wherein it informed that the TRE 3.0 was conducted peacefully and without any malpractices in a total of 288 exam centers in 27 districts of Bihar, adding that the attendance of the candidates was approximately 94.45 percent.

The BPSC further added that it had arranged modern technology in order to conduct the examination in a free and fair manner. It said that a control room was also set up at the district level and in the Commission office to monitor the exam. Apart from this, mandatory frisking was arranged at the examination center, the commission said.

Also read: Increased budgetary outlays for education, as well as enabling reforms, key for India to reclaim its historical place

The BPSC said that a total of 22 candidates from 11 districts had been caught in cases of impersonation, adding that appropriate action is being taken by registering an FIR against all such candidates under relevant sections of 'Bihar Examination Conducting Act, 1981' and 'Indian Code of Justice'.

The Commission said it is permanently debarring these candidates from all the upcoming examinations and is informing all the other Public Service Commissions of the country in this regard.

Also read: CSIR UGC NET July Admit Card 2024 out at csirnet.nta.ac.in, direct link to download here

The BPSC further informed that the data of all candidates appearing in TRE-3.0 re-examination and other examinations is being matched. If any kind of discrepancies are found in the above data, then all the candidates (original candidates and candidates appearing in their place) will not be given examination results and an FIR will be filed under the relevant sections of the Bihar Examination Conducting Act, 1981.

Also read: TNPSC Group 1 Result 2024 awaited: Where, how to check scores online

Such candidates, the commission said, will be debarred from all examinations held by it, and financial penalty can be imposed on their parents as per rules.

It may be mentioned here that the BPSC is holding the third phase of the TRE exam after it was cancelled in March following the establishment of a question leak ahead of the examination by the Economic Offence Unit (EOU).
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has submitted a fresh affidavit to the Supreme Court refuting allegations of a conflict of interest against the IIT-Madras director. The directors report has been heavily relied upon by the NTA and the Union government to deny claims of a widespread leak and systemic failure in the conduct of NEET-UG 2024. NTA refutes conflict of interest claims in NEET-UG report by IIT-Madras (HT Photo)

The NTA's affidavit filed on Sunday night clarified that the director of IIT-Madras, which holds the responsibility of conducting JEE (Advanced) in 2024, is an ex-officio member of the NTA governing body. However, it emphasised that the core functions of NTA are executed by its managing committee, while the governing body only handles policy matters.

Furthermore, the affidavit stated that the IIT-Madras director had nominated another professor to attend the governing body meetings, with the nominee participating in the last meeting in December 2023. The director himself has not attended any NTA general body meeting since December 2022, it added.

Read: NEET-UG centre-wise result: Some venues have high concentration of good scorers

During a hearing on July 18, petitioners demanding a re-test raised the issue of a conflict of interest, arguing that the IIT-Madras director should not have prepared the report due to his position on the NTA governing body. Solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta countered this argument, asserting that the director's role as an ex-officio member was solely for the purpose of conducting the JEE-Advanced exam. He also noted that the director had delegated another professor to attend NTA meetings.

The court will take up the matter today.

While hearing the case on July 18, the Supreme Court had directed NTA to publish the marks obtained by all students in NEET-UG 2024 by 12 pm on Saturday. This publication was to include the city and centre where the students appeared for the exam, with the candidates' identities masked. The court stressed that this move was in the interest of transparency, particularly in light of students' grievances about their inability to argue their case without centre-wise and city-wise marks. This data, the court suggested, could potentially reveal patterns indicating whether some centres or regions had an inordinate number of successful candidates. NTA complied with this directive and released the data on Saturday.

Read: NEET UG: Sikar takes on Kota as coaching hubs produce high number of top scorers

The court had on that day decided to limit its scrutiny of the validity of NEET-UG 2024 to two specific instances of paper leaks in Patna and Hazaribagh. The court underscored that its decision on whether to scrap the examination and order a retest would depend on whether the breaches were localized or systemic. This stance was articulated by a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, who emphasised that the petitioners demanding a retest needed to provide concrete evidence of widespread leaks that compromised the entire exam's integrity.

The fact that there was a leak at Patna and Hazaribagh is admitted. The question papers had been disseminated there. We want to ensure whether this was confined to those centres or widespread, stated the bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The court scheduled the next hearing for July 22 and requested the investigation report from the Bihar Police, which initially handled the probe before it was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 22.

The NEET-UG 2024 examination saw 2.4 million students appearing at 4,750 centres across 571 cities worldwide. However, the weeks following the exam were marred by widespread protests across India, with thousands of students demonstrating against allegations of question paper leaks, inflated marking, and arbitrary allowance of grace marks. Opposition parties have also called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the allegations. Despite the outcry, the government has consistently ruled out a retest, maintaining that the leaks were localized and arguing that cancelling the exam would be unfair to the successful candidates.
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission will release TNPSC Group 1 Result 2024 in due course of time. The Combined Civil Services Examination  I (Group-I Services) and Combined Civil Services Examination - Group I-B and I-C Services results when released can be checked by candidates on the official website of TNPSC at tnpsc.gov.in. TNPSC Group 1 Result 2024 awaited: Where, how to check scores online (HT File)

The preliminary examination was held on July 12 and 13, 2024 across the state at various exam centres. The examination was conducted in single shift- from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

TNPSC group 4 result 2024 awaited, where and how to check marks

TNPSC Group 1 Result 2024: How to check

To check the scores, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of TNPSC at tnpsc.gov.in.

Click on TNPSC Group 1 Result 2024 link available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Preliminary Examination is meant to serve as a screening test only and the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination by the candidates who are declared qualified for admission to the Main Examination will not be counted for determining their final order of merit.

Also read: NEET UG Result 2024 released, heres how to check marks city and centre wise

The Main Examination will consist of a Written Examination and an Interview. The Written Examination will consist of four papers, out of which Paper I will be qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in Paper II, Paper III and Paper IV and marks obtained in the Interview will be counted for ranking. The Main Examination answer sheets of Paper II, Paper III, and Paper IV will be evaluated, only if the candidate secures minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.

Through this recruitment drive, 90 posts will be filled in Group 1 services, 29 posts will be filled in Group I-B and I-C Services. For more related details candidates can check the official website of TNPSC.
New Delhi, Philanthropists may now be able to apply for naming and re-naming of any infrastructure of Delhi University through donations for a specified time period, according to a policy proposal. Delhi University to raise funds by allowing donors to name its capital assets, found scholarships

The donors will be allowed to decide the names of any new building, part of the new building, or additions in the existing structures of Delhi University, such as hostels, laboratory, teaching block, library, and auditorium, it states.

According to the recommendation, donors contributing 5 crore and above will be able to name or rename the structure for a period of 33 years. Those contributing 2 crore and above but not exceeding 5 crore can get them named for a period up to 20 years. Donations of 1 crore and above, not exceeding 2 crore, will allow the donors to name the structure for a period up to 10 years.

The matter is placed before the Executive Council, the highest decision making body of the university, for consideration.

A four-member panel recommended guidelines for naming and renaming of capital asset and structures of Delhi University in a meeting held on April 16.

The committee also recommended the norms for accepting donations to institute fresh scholarships and awards for the students.

It observed "that fresh scholarships and awards haven't been instituted for quite some years. Furthermore, the existing guidelines provide for scholarships/awards in perpetuity which is not sustainable in the long run. Keeping these in view, the recommendations are suggested."

In case of naming the floor, room or building, at least 60 per cent of the construction cost will have to be given as contribution.

Establishment of the new scholarship and awards by government entities, NGOs, trusts, corporate houses, PSUs, and other organisations both national and international, as well as by individuals, will be permitted.

The minimum amount required for the establishment of any scholarship or award will be 5 lakh for a duration of 10 years and 10 lakh for a duration of 20 years.

The scholarships or awards cannot be established for periods exceeding 20 years, as per the proposed guidelines.

The donations will have to be approved by a committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor. PTI SJJ

SJJ VN VN

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Education Budget 2024 Live: Experts want these for the education sector in the Union Budget. (HT Photo)

Education Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2024-25 today, July 23. In the first budget of the Modi 3.0 government, education stakeholders will keep an eye on what percentage of the GDP the centre will allocate for the sector, particularly at a time when the country is heading towards a path of digital literacy, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat....Read More

In fact, industry experts have called for a rise in investment, especially in the education sector to project India as a developed nation by 2047, as envisaged by Prime Minister Modi.

From exemption in GST, equitable access to high-quality education, increased investment in the countrys talent pool to strengthening the digital infrastructure, and more  experts from academic circles expect the Centre to prioritize education in the upcoming budget.

Follow the blog to check what experts want for the education sector in the Union Budget 2024.
The former editor of Seven Deadly Sins, Jung Hyun Park, has formally been sentenced to 11 years in prison for murdering his wife. The latest verdict came after a High Court ruling which found his testimony exceedingly unreliable. Attack on Titan visual.(MAPPA)

The formal Tokyo High Court verdict of his sentence was announced on July 18, 2024, after the Kodansha editor went on retrial for his wifes murder that reportedly took place in August 2016. He was initially arrested in January 2017, with the prosecution seeking a 15-year sentence.

Ruling against Park, the court announced that he strangled his 38-year-old wife, Kanako, at their shared residence in Bunkyo City, Japan, on August 9, 2016.

Amid the previously ongoing trial, the prosecution asserted that Park had strong intent to kill his wife. However, the defence drew up a contradictory picture, claiming Kanako committed suicide. The Kodansha editor also maintained his innocence, denying allegations against his wifes murder.

Also read | No My Hero Academia Season 7 next week: Why was Episode 12 delayed? Release date, streaming deets and more

As reported by The Tokyo Reporter, the ruling judge ultimately ruled out claims of suicide, labelling them unrealistic while branding Parks crime as malicious.

Why was Seven Deadly Sins editor Jung Hyun Park on trial?

On the day of the 2016 tragedy, first responders came out to address a distress call as Parks late wife was found lying face-up at the staircase base. She eventually succumbed to her fate an hour later at a local hospital. Following the incident, Park purported that his wife had fell down the stairs. However, the autopsy report revealed that she had died by suffocation due to pressure applied around the neck.

Park also twisted his narrative later, saying Kanako died as a result of hanging herself with his jacket on the railing of the stairs. As the court challenged his altered testimony, he claimed at the time that his wife had a knife and was acting violently. Japanese reports stated that Park fell back on shifting his stories about the incident because he could not tell his children that their mother had taken her own life.

The July 18 ruling further questions Parks credibility as the judge said, It is too sudden and unnatural that the wife lost consciousness and then moved around so much that she made a noise, and then committed suicide.

Also read | Our entire childhood was a lie: Hello Kitty is NOT a cat! Bubble bursts again ahead of icon's golden anniversary

The Kodansha editor, who joined the publication in 1999, seeks to appeal the decision. Parks mother added that her son got along with his wife and cared for his children. It is too sudden and unnatural that the wife lost consciousness and then moved around so much that she made a noise, and then committed suicide.

On the other hand, his attorney believes that Parks testimony circled unreliability, which ultimately resulted in the 11-year sentence, not the evidence of murder.

The former Seven Deadly Sins editor has been tried twice before.

Update (July 23): Kodansha clarified on Wednesday that while Park is a Morning assistant editor-in-chief and part of the editing staff that launched Attack on Titan manga's home magazine, Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, in 2009, he was not directly associated with Hajime Isayama's magnum opus.
Mumbai, Actor Saiee Manjrekar, daugher of actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, says she is embracing her girl-next-door image till directors start seeing her in different roles. Happy with the work I'm doing, says Saiee Manjrekar

The actor, who has featured in films such as "Dabangg 3, Telugu feature Ghani, bilingual film Major, next stars in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha where she plays the younger version of Tabu's character.

"The whole girl-next-door thing comes purely on the basis that Im too young... As I experience things in life, it will automatically start showing or people will see something different in me and cast me in different roles.

"If I can bank on the girl-next-door roles till then, I would love to do that. When the time comes, Ill break out and do something else. Im pretty open to things but Im happy with the work Im doing, the actor told PTI in an interview.

Saiee, 22, said she looks her journey in the industry as a "race" though it probably is not the best way to look at it.

"Everyone is running towards the finish line. I feel the end goal for everyone is the same, but someone might be running downhill or uphill. Everyone has a different journey but you got to live through them and experience things and see where you want to be, she said.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, is a musical romance drama. The Neeraj Pandey-directed movie revolves around a couple played by Ajay Devgn and Tabu, who separates when the former is jailed for murder. They cross paths after 20 years later.

Reflecting on her experience working with Tabu, Saiee said, I feel Tabu maams ease with which she goes about a scene is really inspiring. She is so easy and natural in front of the camera and that inspires me a lot.

Also starring Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, is set to release on August 2.

The film is presented by NH Studioz, and is a Friday Filmworks production and is produced by Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak , Sangeeta Ahir and Shital Bhatia.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Janhvi Kapoor has been quite open about her relationship with Shikhar Pahariya. Even though she doesn't address it directly, one can join the dots quite easily. In an interview with Hauterrfly, she revealed that Shikar is the only guy she suffered heartbreak from, only to reunite with him every time. (Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor discharged from hospital after bad bout of food poisoning) Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya at Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant's wedding.

What Janhvi said

Janhvi opened up on why broke up with Shikhar in the first place when they were dating previously. In the couple of years of my periods, every month I would break up with this person. The first two or three months, he would be in shock, but after that, he would be like, Yes, okay, and after two days, I would go back to him crying and saying sorry. I wouldnt understand why my brain was working like this. It was very extreme, she said.

She added that she got her heart broken by Shikhar, but only to have him fix it back eventually. I have genuinely experienced heartbreak only one time in life but the same person came back and put my heart together. So, it was all good, she said. Janhvi dated Shikhar for years before she joined Bollywood. She then dated her first co-star, Ishaan Khatter, when they were filming Shashank Khaitan's 2018 romantic drama Dhadak. After breaking up with Ishaan, she got back with Shikhar.

Janhvi's upcoming projects

Janhvi is gearing up for the release of his next film, Ulajh. The trailer for Ulajh showcases Janhvi Kapoor as Suhana, the youngest Deputy High Commissioner, who navigates a difficult mission at the London embassy under close watch.

Gulshan Devaiah joins the cast as a mysterious undercover agent. Roshan Mathew is also a part of the ensemble. The trailer hints at an internal leak that jeopardises the lives of undercover agents and throws Suhana into a desperate struggle for survival.

Ulajh, directed by Sudhanshu Saria, scripted by him and Parveez Shaikh with dialogue by Atika Chauhan, is slated for release in cinemas on August 2. She'll also be seen in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Devara: Part 1, and Suriya's next.
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of American politician Kamala Harris. After American President Joe Biden withdrew his name from the presidential race and endorsed Kamala instead, there have been numerous memes on her. Kangana called out the misogyny of it all. (Also Read: Kangana Ranaut isn't politically correct most of the times but that's her USP: Chirag Paswan) Kangana Ranaut came out in support of Kamala Harris.(ANI/AFP)

I dont support Democrats but

Kangana shared a meme on her Instagram stories that asked people to remember this scandal well likening Kamala to a call girl. She called out the sexist nature of it, writing that while she doesnt support the democrats, she also doesnt support this. Kangana also called the modern Americans more regressive than Indians.

Kangana opined, Since Biden has endorsed Harris for POTUSSM is full of such memesI dont support democrats but its amusing even in America an elderly woman politician who has been attorney general of California has to face sexism to this extend, honestly these Americans think they are so modern and all but they are so regressive worse than Indians to be honest. Shame.

A screen grab of Kangana Ranaut's Instagram stories,

Sonu Sood called out by Kangana

Recently, Kangana was in the news for calling out Sonu Sood. Sonu drew ire recently from social media after he defended a food vendor's actions of spitting on his customer's food.

Sharing a sarcastic comment on X (formerly Twitter), Kangana wrote, Next you know Sonu ji will direct his own Ramayana based on his own personal findings about God and religion. Wah kya baat hai Bollywood se ek aur Ramayana.

Sonu had reportedly said if Lord Ram could eat Shabris berries, why cant he eat rotis that have been spat upon? He defended the act of spitting by describing it as an act of Humanity. He said Humanity must remain intact.

Upcoming work

Kangana was recently elected MP of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. She recently announced a new release date of her film, Emergency. Kangana will play the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film which will release on September 7 this year. Backed by Zee Studios, Emergency is produced by Renu Pitti and Kangana. The screenplay and dialogues are by Ritesh Shah and music has been orchestrated by Sanchit Balhara.
Vicky Kaushal is currently basking in the appreciation he is receiving for his recent release, Bad Newz. The actor recently shared a weird incident from his time as an Assistant Director on Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur. In an interview with Tanmay Bhat for his YouTube channel, Vicky recalled almost getting beaten up by a sand mafia and their 500 goons. (Also read: Vicky Kaushal pays surprise visit to late night show of Bad Newz in Mumbai) Vicky Kaushal recalled scary encounter with sand mafia as an AD for Gangs of Wasseypur.

Vicky Kaushal recalls scary incident with sand mafia

Vicky told, The coal smuggling that was shown in the film was real. We shot it. One incident happened when we went to capture visuals of illegal sand mining. I was baffled because that was the first time I realised that this happens so openly that you wouldnt feel that this is actual smuggling going on; you would feel that it is a properly run business because there werent just two trucks standing there, there were 500 trucks.

He further said, We were shooting them secretly and some people came. There were 500 people surrounding us. So, the camera attendant was an old man, some 50 plus. That guy called the unit saying that the camera wouldnt come on time because we were caught up in a situation here. Hearing him talk over the phone, the person there thought that he was calling somebody influential. That man slapped the cameraman, snatched the camera from him, and threatened us that they would break the camera. Both of us were about to get beaten up. We somehow escaped and saved our lives.

Vicky Kaushal's acting career

Vicky made his acting debut with Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan. He later featured in movies like Raman Raghav 2.0, Raazi, Sanju, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham and Sam Bahadur.

About Bad Newz

Vicky was recently seen in Anand Tiwari's Bad Newz, co-starring Triptii Dimri, Amy Virk and Neha Dhupia. The romantic comedy backed by Karan Johar is based on the rare medical condition of heteropaternal superfecundation.

Vicky will be next seen in Laxman Utekar's epic drama, Chhaava.
Angelina Jolie's daughter, Shiloh, decided to switch up her name big time. On her 18th birthday, she went ahead and asked the court to drop her dad Brad Pitt's last name. This was followed by reports of a newspaper ad published in the LA Times requesting the same. While the exact reasons behind this decision haven't been made public, Shiloh's lawyer hinted at a difficult chapter in her life, describing it as a result of "painful events." This news comes amid ongoing speculation about the relationship between Shiloh and Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt with Pax (L), Shiloh (C) and Maddox (R) at the premiere of Jolies film, Unbroken. (Shutterstock)

Shilohs lawyer denies star kid published newspaper ad

Shilohs attorney, Peter Levine, in a new statement to Page Six, denied reports that the teenager decided to publish a newspaper ad regarding her decision to remove the Moneyball actors name from hers. Shiloh Jolie did not take out an ad announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate, the attorney informed the news outlet.

As Shilohs attorney, I am required to publish a legal notice because the law in California requires that of anyone who wants to change their name. That legal notice was published in the Los Angeles Times, as is required, the statement continued.

Also read: Bidens exit: Cardi B to Ariana Grande, Ellen DeGeneres, more, celebs react; support for Kamala Harris grows

Shiloh Jolie Pitt decided to name-drop after painful events

The lawyer told the news outlet to focus on being accurate, especially when reporting about young adults making really personal decisions. The lawyer added that the media should be more careful in their reporting, especially when covering a young adult who has made an independent and significant decision following painful events, and is merely following legal process.

Following her 18th birthday in May, Shiloh reportedly filed a legal request to drop her father's last name, Pitt. This news comes just after her younger sister, Vivienne, was credited as Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for The Outsiders. Sources close to Brad Pitt reveal he's "extremely hurt" by the decision. After all, Shiloh was his first biological daughter, and he reportedly cherished their bond. He always wanted a daughter, a source earlier told the outlet.

Also read: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh's name change newspaper ad could not have been avoided': Expert

Brad Pitts relationship with kids is strained

An insider previously disclosed that Brad Pitt's relationship with his children has been "strained" for a while, with limited visitation permitted. "It's certainly tough for Brad to be constantly reminded of the distance from his children. He loves and misses them dearly. Its a very sad situation." The former couple also has five other children together: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's highly publicised divorce, though legally declared single in 2019, remains unresolved. Their split, fueled by accusations of a physical altercation in 2016, continues to be entangled in legalities. The dispute centres around the sale of their French winery, Chateau Miraval. Jolie sold her shares for $67 million in 2021, and Pitt is contesting the sale in court.
Jennifer Lopez recently initiated her 55th birthday celebrations with a Bridgerton-themed party, but the thing everyone noticed was the absence of her husband and actor Ben Affleck further strengthening the buzz around trouble in their love paradise that have been dominating tabloids for months now. Also read: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez not getting back together, but the plans to split are Jennifer and Ben tied the knot during an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022.(Getty Images)

Ben skips the birthday bash

According to People, Ben, 51, was not at his wife's Bridgerton-themed party, which took place in the Hamptons on Saturday. Jennifer, who was born in New York, turns 55 on Wednesday (July 24).

At the party, several guests were clicked arriving in royal attire, including Jennifer's mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez. Guadalupe was seen dressed in a blue gown with white lace detailing.

The Selena star continued her birthday celebrations in the Hamptons with family and friends on Sunday by hosting a lunch. And Ben was absent from that too. A source told Page Six she got emotional at the table while telling stories about her past.

Amid the buzz around their separation, Jennifer has been spending the last few weeks in the Hamptons. Ben has remained across the country in Los Angeles. The couple even spent their second wedding anniversary apart.

More about the tiff

Jennifer and Ben tied the knot during an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, before celebrating the following month with a larger event in Savannah, Georgia.

After their rekindled romance set tinsel town abuzz, reports of trouble started seeping out earlier this year.

Ben and Jennifer have reportedly decided against rekindling their relationship, with no plans to get back together. However, sources close to the couple suggest it's not quite time to write their love story off just yet.

The couple has been living separately for over a year. Ben has been staying in a Brentwood rental, while JLo has mostly been vacationing to avoid LA at any cost. However, despite not getting back together, the source claimed, "They have no plans to announce that they aren't a couple right now. They have zero plans to announce this anytime soon."

Several insiders suggest the silence surrounding Ben and Jennifer's love life could be because of all the hoopla around them a while back. JLo's projects such as This Is Me... Now and The Greatest Love Story Never Told were all about their love coming back to life. It is believed that it is because of the attention that they want to keep their current status private.
Hosted throughout the year at various dream destinations all over the world, the KCON series is embarking on a new big-scale chapter this July by taking off for the United States. The KCON LA 2024 mainstage will be broadcast live on The CW for the first time in the music festival's history. Despite the three-day schedule running from Friday through Sunday, only the final days main show will be telecast live on the American TV channel on July 28. NCT 127 will perform at the KCON LA 2024 main event on July 28, while Kim Soo Hyun and Rowoon will step in as main MCs on different days of the three-part festival running from July 26 through July 28, 2024.

Numerous A-list South Korean stars avidly celebrated for their live music festivals over the years will return to the grand stage this weekend. These talents include beloved K-pop acts such as NCT 127, and ZEROBASEONE, as well as soloists Taemin, Hyolyn, and Jeon Somi, among others.

The historic airing of KCON LA on primetime national television in the US is part of a license deal shared by producer CJ ENM and The CW. The LA edition of the star-studded extravaganza follows this years KCON events in Hong Kong and Japan. It will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre and Crypto.com Arena. All MCountdown stages will be held at the latter, whereas the Festival ground, making room for the KCON Stage, Meet and Greet, and Showcases, will extend from the LA Convention Centre to the Gilbert Lindsay Plaza.

Also read | Legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1's confirmed reunion, Blackpink comeback to finally turn the tide for YG Entertainment?

Later this year, the beloved multi-artist concert will return to Germany for another round of live music performances and captivating activities.

Park Min Young and Kim Soo Hyun special fan meetings to be held exclusively at KCON LA 2024. (KCON)

2024 KCON LA hosts/MCs: Former SF9 member and Korean actor Rowoon will be the main MCountdown host on Friday, July 26, whereas Jeon Somi will take over the post on Saturday, July 27. Queen of Tears sensation Kim Soo Hyun will helm the position on the festival's final day, i.e. Sunday, July 28.

Special fan meetings with K-actors will be held only at KCON (LA Convention Center South Hall). Marry My Husbands Park Min Young will attend to her fans on Saturday, July 27, while Queen of Tears star Kim Soo Hyuns meet and greet stage will take place on Saturday, July 28.

Originally, I-LAND 2 group Izna was also slated to perform at KCON LA 2024 on Saturday (KCON Stage) and Sunday (MCountdown). However, due to "unexpected visa issues," their attendance at the weekend shows has been cancelled.

2024 KCON LA Lineup and Schedule

KCON LA 2024 Day 1 (Friday, July 26)

MCountdown pre-show special lineup: AleXa

AleXa MCountdown (6:30 pm local time): Bibi, BOYNEXTDOOR, INI, Kep1er, P1Harmony, Taemin

Bibi, BOYNEXTDOOR, INI, Kep1er, P1Harmony, Taemin MCountdown Special Stage: Kep1er to perform Stray Kids' Back Door and P1Harmony to perform BTS' Fire.

Kep1er to perform Stray Kids' Back Door and P1Harmony to perform BTS' Fire. MCountdown Special Appearance: ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE KCON Stage: Dream Stage (Taemin will perform Move), INI, Jo Yuri, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, AleXa

Dream Stage (Taemin will perform Move), INI, Jo Yuri, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, AleXa Meet & Greet: ZEROBASEONE, Kep1er, NMIXX

ZEROBASEONE, Kep1er, NMIXX Showcase: APOKI, DXMON, DRIPPIN

Also read | aespa's Karina dethrones IVE's Wonyoung in July Girl Group Member brand rankings; Blackpink members slip out of top 10

KCON LA 2024 Day 2 (Saturday, July 27)

MCountdown Pre-show special lineup: BINI

BINI MCountdown (6:30 pm local time): ENHYPEN, god, Jo Yuri, ME:I, NMIXX, TWS

ENHYPEN, god, Jo Yuri, ME:I, NMIXX, TWS MCountdown Special Stage: ME:I to perform TWICE's Set Me Free and TWS to perform Jungkook's 3D

ME:I to perform TWICE's Set Me Free and TWS to perform Jungkook's 3D MCountdown Special Appearance: P1Harmony

P1Harmony Special Guest: Tiger JK

Tiger JK KCON Stage: Dream Stage (ENHYPEN will perform Sweet Venom English version), NMIXX, Hyolyn, Bibi, BOYNEXDOOR

Dream Stage (ENHYPEN will perform Sweet Venom English version), NMIXX, Hyolyn, Bibi, BOYNEXDOOR Meet & Greet: P1Harmony, Jeon Somi, BOYNEXTDOOR

P1Harmony, Jeon Somi, BOYNEXTDOOR Showcase: CRAXY, POW

KCON LA 2024 Day 3 (Sunday, July 28)

MCountdown Pre-show special lineup: KATSEYE

KATSEYE MCountdown (5 pm local time) - live on The CW: Jeon Somi, NCT 127, STAYC, ZEROBASEONE, Zico

Jeon Somi, NCT 127, STAYC, ZEROBASEONE, Zico MCountdown Special Stage: STAYC to perform (G)I-DLE's Queencard and ZEROBASEONE to perform Red Velvet's Psycho

STAYC to perform (G)I-DLE's Queencard and ZEROBASEONE to perform Red Velvet's Psycho Special Guest: Awkwafina

Awkwafina KCON Stage: Dream Stage (Zico will perform New Things), STAYC, A.C.E., god, TWS, LOREN

Dream Stage (Zico will perform New Things), STAYC, A.C.E., god, TWS, LOREN Meet & Greet: STAYC, Hyolyn, TWS

STAYC, Hyolyn, TWS Showcase: Isaac Hong, ME:I

Where to watch KCON LA 2024

Viewers all over the United States can tune into The CW on July 28 at 8 pm PT/ET. In contrast, global audiences can access MCountdown and MCountdown re-streaming on the official YouTube channels of Mnet K-pop/KCON official. However, all other special content related to the music festival, including the Red Carpet event, Meet & Greet, and others, will be available through the VOD option.

Viewers would have to have the All Access membership to view these links readily. Residents of the Philippines can watch the MCountdown stage streaming/VOD services exclusively on BlastTV. They will not be able to access YouTubes paid content with the membership. Live streaming of the event will be provided with English and Japanese subtitles.

For Premium or All Access memberships, join the KCON official channel. Mnet K-pops channel only includes the KCON membership.

* Artist lineup and the event schedule may be subject to change or cancel under certain circumstances.
Since Darshan and Pavithra Gowdas arrest in the alleged murder case of Renukaswamy, actor Dhruva Sarja reacted for the first time. The duo and some other accused are currently being held as under-trial prisoners at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Times Now quoted Dhruva speaking to the press and stating that he hopes for justice. (Also Read: Sanjay Dutt attends Dhruva Sarjas sons naming ceremony. See inside pics) Dhruva Sarja reacted to Darshan's arrest for the first time.

Lets not react randomly

Speaking to the press, Dhruva reportedly said he would not like to react much on the case due to the families involved. He said, Just because someone is in pain or down, one should not react to such things randomly. Its about family. Darshan sir has a son, and Renukaswamy has a family too.

However, he did seem to underline the fact that nobody is above the law. He said, Nobody is above the law; even the king is bound by it, so let the court decide. Let us not react on the matter. But that said and done, Renukaswamy and his family should get justice.

Dhruva will soon star in AP Arjuns Martin, which will be released on October 11 in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. The film is written by Dhruvas uncle, actor-director Arjun Sarja.

Court extends custody

Darshan, Pavithra and their associates were arrested after Renukaswamys murder on June 9. According to PTI, a special court in Bengaluru extended judicial custody of Darshan, Pavithra and 15 others till August 1.

They were produced before the magistrate on July 18 through videoconferencing from Bengaluru and Tumakuru prisons. A special public prosecutor argued that releasing the accused could hinder ongoing investigations, as more details needed to be collected.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to his murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9.
Actor Adivi Sesh recently spent an entire day with a 6-year-old battling cancer. The actor took to Instagram to share a glimpse of their day together, detailing how meeting her has changed his life forever. (Also Read: Adivi Sesh and Shruti Haasans next titled Dacoit; makers drop teaser that showcases the actors rustic makeover. Watch) Adivi Sesh with 6-year-old cancer patient Keerthi.

Thank you for being an inspiration

Sesh even planned a special surprise for the little girl when they met. He planned a day out at a hotel and surprised the girl by visiting her. The video shows them playing games together, exchanging gifts, hugging each other and interacting through the day.

Sharing the video, Sesh wrote, Got to meet little Keerthi an angel, who has bravely fought cancer the last few years (shes only 6) and her parents who have sacrificed everything for her). Meeting hermeeting themhas changed my life. Thank you Keerthi for being an inspiration to me. Love forever.

Adivi Sesh meets cancer patient

Bollywood Hungama reports that Sesh learnt about his fan through a close person in the industry. He got in touch with her and her family, and connected with them over video calls and texts before meeting them. He also offered them support whenever needed, meeting them when they visited Hyderabad for a consultation, states the report.

The little girl is reportedly a massive fan of Sesh and wanted to meet her favourite actor. He decided to make her dream come true with this act of kindness. In the video he shared, Keerthis parents can also be seen interacting with Sesh, sharing her story with him. They even showed him old pictures of her.

Upcoming work

Sesh will be seen next in the much-awaited spy thriller G2. Written by himself, Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi, the editor of Major, will be making his debut as a director with the movie. The film is the sequel to Adivi Sesh's blockbuster hit Telugu film Goodachari, which also starred Shobhita Dhulipala and Jagapathi Babu in the lead roles. He will also star in cinematographer-turned-director Shaneil Deos Dacoit with Shruti Haasan.
Anna Konidela nee Lezhneva, wife of actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, graduated with a Master of Arts degree from the National University of Singapore. The Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh took some time off work to attend her graduation ceremony. (Also Read: Pawan Kalyan clarifies if he'll complete his pending films after becoming Deputy CM: I asked filmmakers to forgive me) Pawan Kalyan's wife Anna graduated with Master of Arts.

Anna graduates in Singapore

Fans shared numerous videos taken during the live-streamed graduation ceremony. In one video, Anna is called on stage to receive her graduation scroll. Dressed in a blue gown, she smiles as she accepts it. A picture of Pawan and his wife posing for the camera is also doing rounds online. He holds her close in the photo as she shows off her certificate.

Numerous Pawan fans took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share congratulatory messages. Pawan and Anna married in 2013 and have two children who are studying in Singapore.

Rumours of separation

Last year, there were rumours that Anna and Pawan had separated. Reports suggested that he was on the verge of divorce from his third wife. The official X handle of his political party, Jana Sena, however, put a stop to those rumours by sharing a picture of them together. Anna performed a pooja, kickstarting Pawans political campaign last year and was also present at his swearing-in ceremony this year after he won the elections.

Upcoming work

Pawan was last seen in Samuthirakanis Bro, which was released last year and also starred his nephew, Sai Dharam Tej. Before that, he starred in the 2022 film Bheemla Nayak with Rana Daggubati.

Pawan has Sujeeths OG, Harish Shankars Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Krish and AM Jyothi Krishnas Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1  Sword vs Spirit lined up. Talking at a political rally earlier this month, he said that he doesnt have the time to shoot for films now.

He said, I made a promise. First, I want to concentrate on making this constituency better. No one should fault me for at least not filling potholes or building new roads. OG chestava, kya ji, ante mari em cheppanu? (What will I do if someone questions why Im busy shooting for OG instead?)
Film delayed

The film was originally slated for a Dussehra release. Now, the films postponed news has been confirmed by producer Dil Raju of Sri Venkateswara Creations during a recent event in Hyderabad. Amidst cheers from the audience eager for updates, Raju teased, Game Changer? Lets meet during Christmas.

He shared the news and teased about the new release during the pre-release event of Dhanushs Raayan.

Clash of the titans

When it comes to Christmas weekend, it is setting the stage for a big cinematic clash. Alongside Game Changer, several releases are lined up, which includes Aamir Khans Sitare Zameen Par and Hollywoods Mufasa: The Lion King, which brings back lion king in a thrilling new adventure. There is also Varun Dhawans Baby John in the pipeline.

About Game Changer

Game Changer has a story penned by Karthik Subbaraj, and also stars SJ Suryah, Anjali, Jayaram, Naveen Chandra, Sunil, Srikanth, Samuthirakani and Nassar. The film is produced by Dil Raju and Sirish, marking Shankars first film in Telugu. The makers recently released the first single titled Jaragandi from the film, composed by Thaman S, which received mixed response.

Ram has shot for the film in Hyderabad, Chennai and Vizag. When he and Kiara shot for the film in Vizag, pictures and videos of their look leaked online. It also became difficult for the production team to control the massive crowd that mobbed the actors as they shot outdoors. Apart from that, the films team has always been plagued by leaks whenever they shot the film outdoors, with one leak showing Rams character speaking to a traffic police man.

Game Changer is Shankars maiden Telugu film. His most recent film, Indian 2, starring Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, and Rakul Preet Singh, was met with a lukewarm response. Expectations are high on Game Changer as its Rams next film after SS Rajamoulis RRR. He also has films lined up with Buchi Babu Sana and Sukumar.
Mumbai, Actor David Gyasi, who starred opposite Keri Russell in "The Diplomat", says the show writers are working on creating a great season for viewers who loved the Netflix series. If you liked 'The Diplomat', you're going to love season two: actor David Gyasi

Gyasi plays Austin Dennison, UK Foreign Secretary, to Russell's Kate Wyler, the newly appointed US ambassador to the UK. They must work closely to find those responsible behind the attack on a British aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf that has killed 41 sailors in the series, which premiered in April last year to great reviews.

Asked about the pressure to do better in the next season, Gyasi told PTI, "We are fortunate that the writers are in the writing room so the pressure would be with them but we obviously get to see the scripts and Im like, Oh my lord, this is really good'."

The actor, 44, said while he cannot reveal much, he is looking forward to the second season like the fans of the show.

"I'm just excited for people to see season two, if you liked season one, you're going to love season two," he said.

Gyasi, who featured in films like Cloud Atlas, co-directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, Christopher Nolans Interstellar, Alex Garland-helmed Annihilation, has worked as a voice actor for audio series, Impact Winter season three.

The series, a dystopian drama about survival, is set in a near future where a comet impact has blotted out the sun, enveloping the Earth in perpetual winter. Vampires have emerged from the shadows to rule supreme. Season two came out in 2023 while the third season premiered on Audible on July 18.

The actor said he has always liked how "science fiction allows for metaphor" to talk about situations in the world without alarming people.

"If you get it right, maybe you can incite discussion and debate and think about how that relates to our world, and what can we do in our world to make it better or peaceful or prevent that sort of hate or exclusion from happening.

"Through studying, reading, and meeting different types of people, I've often found that often searched for work that somehow taps into what I'm experiencing as I walk around the world and what I see and weirdly science fiction kind of does that a lot.

Giving the example of Interstellar", Gyasi said the film talked about environmental neglect and the potential consequences of our actions.

Interstellar was about 'How are we going to save the people on Earth?' It starts with a sort of crop destruction and focuses on the environment and how we've not treated the planet so well. So, we're in a situation where a group of professionals must travel to find a solution.

As the world grappled with COVID-19, the dystopian theme of Impact Winter resonated deeply with audiences, said the actor.

"If we're not careful we could head to environmental issues, and then people hating one another, wars creeping up all over the place, and rise of segregationist rhetoric that is around. Impact Winter taps into that sort of zeitgeist at the moment and perhaps it's a testament to that timing," he said, crediting writer Travis Beacham for creating an interesting series.

The actor said working on 2012's "Cloud Atlas" was a dream job and a "real affirmation" from Hollywood that he could be a part of the industry.

But just before his next big project, "Interstellar", came out, he was without any work for a year as he was recovering from an injury.

" This kind of juggernaut of a movie comes out and does really well and I get to experience that and work with one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. To get up close and personal with his work ethic, with his approach to family, which I found really key and interesting because his work ethic professionally is so high... I don't think I've seen it before," he said of his experience working on the 2014 movie.

Gyasi said as someone who is very close to his family, it was a learning to meet a person like Nolan, who is focused on work while also being close to his family.

"... I thought that was an interesting set of priorities. I learned that and it was encouraging. I'm a huge fan of my family and I want to go on adventures, and do all of these things. I'm dedicated to my work as well. So, it was nice to see the two things run alongside each other and complement one another," he said.

The actor, who also has a production company, hopes to get behind the camera in the near future.

"I've not directed yet. We've produced a couple of things but I've not directed yet largely because I haven't had the time and also there's been some stimulating acting projects that I've been involved with recently and currently involved. I don't have the space in my head to direct just yet, but I could see it coming over the next couple of years," he said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
S China's Jing ethnic group celebrates traditional Ha Festival

People's Daily Online) 13:08, July 22, 2024

People of the Jing ethnic group celebrated their traditional Ha Festival in Wanwei village, Jiangping township, Dongxing city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 14.

People of the Jing ethnic group celebrate their traditional Ha Festival in Wanwei village, Jiangping township, Dongxing city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Huang Jinxin)

Colorful flags fluttered, and drums resounded on the morning of the day. The Jing people, dressed in traditional costumes, gathered at the seaside to welcome the Sea God back, praying for a bumper harvest, success and good health.

The Jing people played duxianqin, a Chinese plucked string instrument with only one string, and demonstrated their traditional fishing activities to tourists, enabling them to discover the charm of the Jing peoples intangible cultural heritage.

People of the Jing ethnic group celebrate their traditional Ha Festival in Wanwei village, Jiangping township, Dongxing city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Su Shiyu)

The Jing ethnic group is the only seafaring ethnic group in China, mainly residing on the Shanxin, Wanwei, and Wutou islands under the jurisdiction of Dongxing city.

The Ha Festival is the grandest traditional festival of the Jing ethnic group, and was included in the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.

People of the Jing ethnic group play duxianqin, a Chinese plucked string instrument with only one string, during their traditional Ha Festival in Wanwei village, Jiangping township, Dongxing city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Su Shiyu)

A performer of the Jing ethnic group demonstrates a traditional fishing activity during the Ha Festival in Wanwei village, Jiangping township, Dongxing city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Fang Ping)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Bigg Boss OTT 3 is known for its fair share of controversies, rivalries, heartbreaks and surprises. Armaan Malik has been the most talked about contestant in the reality show because of his open admission on being married to both - Payal Malik and Kritika Malik. Recently Shiv Sena Secretary and Spokesperson MLA Dr Manisha Kayande in an interview with ANI slammed Bigg Boss OTT 3 for spreading vulgarity. (Also read: Payal Malik addresses husband Armaan Malik's intimate video with Kritika: 'Whoever has shared the video) Shiv Sena MLA Dr Manisha Kayande slammed Bigg Boss OTT 3 for promoting vulgarity.

Shiv Sena leader slams Bigg Boss OTT 3 for vulgarity

The Shiv Sena MLA, while referring to Armaan opined, Bigg Boss 3 is a reality show. The shooting is going on. It's an absolute vulgarity that is going on and that has been depicted here. The YouTube influencer (Armaan Malik) is also participating in that, adding, He has crossed all limits of vulgarity and for the scenes that are being shown. Now, we have requested Mumbai police to take action, and we have given them a letter. This public display of vulgarity in the name of reality shows, how far is it correct. How does it influence young minds?

She further said, We will also go to the information and broadcasting minister at the centre and we will request them to bring in the law in this current session of the parliament on the OTT platforms. We have told them to arrest the actors and also the CEO of the show.

Payal Malik reacts to Armaan-Kritika's viral video

In one of the recent episodes, a private moment between Armaan and his second wife went viral. Since, then there have been speculations about the couple getting intimate on a live show.

Armaan's first wife Payal responded to the video and said, Whoever has shared the video claiming it is Armaan and Kritikas I would request them with folded hands to stop. The video is edited. I have stayed at Bigg Boss house and I can say that there are no lamps like the ones seen in the viral clip. The blanket is also different. Those who have stayed inside the house will quickly understand that the clip is fake.

Bigg Boss OTT 3 can be streamed on JioCinema.
As Biden finally exits a campaign marked by turmoil, Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the Democrat nominee for the 2024 US Presidential Elections. As the first South Asian and Black woman to hold the office of Vice President in the US, all eyes are on her. Consequent to her nomination, today we'll be exploring her conscious fashion choices and the political significance of her power suits. How Kamala Harris uses fashion as power in politics

Pantsuits: Power and femininity can co-exist

Aware of being assessed from head to toe in the public eye as the VP but more as the first woman of colour to hold office, Kamala's unofficial uniform seems to be a series of suits usually created by French-American designer, Joseph Altuzarra. Both, the blue jacket worn for her official portrait and the suit featured on her cover for Elle were also designed by him.

When asked about her preference for this type of attire, Altuzarra said in a New York Times article, "She has developed an image that is incredibly powerful but also is not trying to erase her femininity. She strikes that balance really well. The consistent use of these classic, stylish suits sends a clear message to women all around the world, particularly those of colour, demonstrating that one can be fashionable while being seriousa decades-old philosophy first propagated by Elle Woods from Legally Blonde (2001).

Pearls: Emphasis on personal & American history

The pearls Kamala frequently wears not only reflect her personal history but also pay homage to her affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha, one of America's oldest Black sororities.

"The strand of pearls speaks to solidarity among the members, said Glenda Glover, the international president of AKA, in an interview with Vanity Fair. Its a great moment for AKA. For African Americans. For women. Whether she wears pearls or not, its an inspiration.

Kamala Harris' inauguration pearls

Monochrome ensembles: Rich with symbolism

For Kamala's inaugural public appearance as Vice President alongside Joe Biden, she debuted a striking monochromatic all-white suit which was a departure from her typical choices, and an example of how her ensembles for significant events are always rich with symbolism.

The pussy bow blouse she donned is a feminine adaptation of the bow tie that was historically worn when women were finally allowed to enter the workforce, underscoring themes of female empowerment and feminism. Furthermore, according to costume and fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie, monochromatic attire often symbolizes celebration within the Black community.

Embroidered messages on accessories

The current Vice President also uses literal embroidery/stick-ons to represent her intentions to the public eye. For instance, she was seen wearing boots emblazoned with 'VOTE' during one of her older campaigns, and a jacket embroidered with 'Love' while introducing her husband at his first rally in 2019. These choices reflect her awareness of both the influence of her fashion and the scrutiny she faces as a woman in one of the biggest political arenas in the world.

Kamala Harris' boots

A platform for designers of colour

The final element of Kamala's power dressing is the deliberate spotlight she shines on lesser-known designers of colour. Her inauguration attire encompassed a striking all-purple ensemble crafted by two African American designersChristopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. The emphasis on designers of colour for these key milestones showcased Harris' attempt to move away from the Eurocentric grasp on the luxury fashion industry. Through her clothes, she expressed how high fashion in democratic America should embrace creators from diverse backgrounds and is not realistically limited to whiteness.

Kamala Harris in her inauguration outfit

Will Kamala Harris ascend to the presidency of the United States? Only time will tell. For now, it is clear that she handles the spotlight with grace, strategically using her platform, particularly through her fashion choices.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday administered oath to the three newly elected legislators, including Kamlesh Thakur, the wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. 3 newly elected MLAs takes oath in Himachal; Sukhu, Jai Ram Thakur trade barbs

The oath ceremony was conducted inside the House in the presence of the chief minister, leader of the opposition, cabinet ministers and other members.

The members who took oath included Congress MLAs Kamlesh Thakur from the Dehra assembly seat, Hardeep Singh Bawa from the Nalagarh seat and BJP legislator Ashish Sharma from the Hamirpur assembly constituency.

With the induction of the three MLAs, the House is complete with 68 members and the strength of Congress has risen to 40 while BJP has 28 members in the legislative assembly.

There is no independent MLA in the Vidhan Sabha for the first time in the history of Himachal Pradesh. Also, this is the first time a couple, CM Sukhu and his wife Kamlesh Thakur, are members of the same House.

The by-elections for the three seats Dehra, Nalagarh and Hamirpur were held on July 10 following the acceptance of the resignation of three independent MLAs, Hoshiyar Singh, K L Thakur and Ashish Sharma.

The three independents along with six Congress rebels had voted in favour of the BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha polls held on February 27.

On March 22, the three independent MLAs submitted their resignation and joined the BJP the next day.

However, their resignation was accepted by the speaker on June 3. The three Independents were given tickets by the BJP from their respective seats but Ashish Sharma was the only MLA to retain his seats while the other two lost the by-polls to Congress rivals.

Talking to the media persons here, CM Sukhu accused the BJP of hatching a conspiracy to destabilise the government by horse-trading.

In his response, leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the Congress government of winning the by-polls by misusing the official machinery.

Sukhu hoped that the BJP would now shun the negative politics and cooperate with the government in pursuing the development agenda.

The people of the state have rejected the politics of toppling the elected government through money power and shown the mirror to the BJP, the chief minister said.

The BJP forced the by-polls and created political turmoil and as a result, the government could not implement a developmental agenda after passing the budget due to implementation of a model code of conduct, he added.

Reiterating the resolve of the state government to make the state self-sufficient, Sukhu said the Congress government was forced to raise loans to pay the interest and instalment of loans taken by the previous BJP government headed by Jai Ram Thakur.

He claimed that due to prudent policies of the government, the financial condition of the state has improved by 20 per cent.

Thakur said, "The BJP snatched the Rajya Sabha seat, Mandi Lok Sabha seat and three out of nine assembly seats increasing its tally in Vidhan Sabha to 28.

We accept the verdict of the people but the results would have been different if the three by-elections caused by the resignation of the Independent legislatures were held simultaneously with six bypolls and Lok Sabha polls, he said.

Earlier, six assembly seats fell vacant following the disqualification of Congress rebels for defying the whip to vote in favour of the Congress during the budget.

These Congress MLAs had also voted in favour of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Thakur accused the government of not implementing its poll promises and said that instead of giving 300 units of free electricity, Congress has deprived a large section of the society of 125 units of free electricity already availed by them.

The Congress party was aware of the financial situation and still, it made false promises to win the 2022 assembly polls, he said.

Interacting with the media persons after taking the oath, Kamlesh Thakur, a first-time MLA, thanked the people of Dehra.

Meanwhile, Bawa, a five-time Indian National Trade Union Congress president of the Himachal unit and also a first-time MLA, said that Nalagarh shares a border with Punjab and law and order is a major issue. He hoped that the government would take effective steps in this regard.

The BJP legislature Ashish Sharma, a two-time MLA, said the people have given a befitting reply to the malicious propaganda of the CM during the elections and added that no development has taken place in Hamirpur during the past 128 months, which forced him to resign.

"Now, I would forcefully take the issues of my constituency in the house, he said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Mumbai, The arrest of a person is drastic and done at a desperate stage, and hence, the police must follow all procedures prescribed in law, as it would otherwise amount to a violation of fundamental rights, the Bombay High Court said while ordering the release of a man held in a cheating case. A person's arrest drastic, done at desperate state; police must follow procedure under law: HC

A division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande termed the man's arrest illegal, as the police had not informed him in writing of the grounds for it.

A copy of the judgement dated July 18 was made available on Monday.

The bench said the police must adhere to the mandate before arresting a person and noted that an arrest amounts to deprivation of a person's liberty.

"Since the arrest of a person is a drastic and desperate stage, it must be necessarily effected upon following the procedure prescribed in law," the court said. T

The order was passed in a petition filed by one Mahesh Naik through his advocate, Rishi Bhuta, challenging his illegal arrest in a cheating case and seeking to be released.

Naik was arrested in February this year and is presently in judicial custody.

In the plea, Naik claimed at the time of his arrest, the police had not informed him of the grounds for the same as mandated under section 50 of the Code of Criminal Procedure .

The bench, in its order, said Article 22 of the Constitution of India clearly states that no person shall be arrested or detained without being informed of the grounds and shall not be denied the right to consult or be defended by a lawyer.

Section 50 of the CrPC corresponds to this fundamental right, the court said, adding that it was the right of an accused to be informed of the grounds of his arrest.

"Infraction of these fundamental rights have always been frowned upon by the Constitutional courts, and wherever necessary, for breach of the fundamental right, compensation has been granted," the court said.

It held that in the present case, it was evident that the grounds of arrest were not furnished to Naik in writing, and the relevant column in the arrest/surrender form was not filled.

The court said the petitioner's arrest was illegal and in gross violation of his fundamental rights and ordered his release.

The bench directed public prosecutor Hiten Venegavkar to furnish a copy of its order to the director general of police , who shall then circulate it to all additional director general of police and inspector general of police.

"The judgment shall then be circulated through the commissioner of police and superintendent of police to all officers exercising the power of arrest within their jurisdiction," the court said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
At least 905 students from Bangladesh colleges, who are fleeing the country amid the civil unrest, crossed the border into India on Sunday at various integrated border check posts in West Bengal and Tripura, officials from the Border Security Force (BSF) said. Indian students at Akhaura check post on Tripura border, after they escaped from violence-hit Bangladesh. (PTI)

People aware of the matter said that while a majority of the students are Indian nationals, who were studying at medical colleges in Comilla, Dhaka and Brahmanbaria districts of Bangladesh, students from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh have also crossed the border.

Over the last four days, at least 1,912 students, who had valid documents and identity papers, entered India through the border in West Bengal and Tripura. At least seven of them were Bangladesh nationals, four were from Bhutan, and 221 were from Nepal, officials said.

The others are Indian students who were either hostellers or lived as paying guests near their colleges, officials added. The students told BSF officials that they were escorted by police and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) till the border.

The Bangladesh government has imposed a strict curfew with a shoot at sight orders issued to police to quell the civil unrest that has claimed at least 133 lives.

BSF, which guards the India-Bangladesh border, has set up help desks at various integrated check posts across the border states and are coordinating with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) officials.

We have information that there are nearly 8,000 students enrolled in the medical colleges there (in Bangladesh). On Sunday evening, 305 more students, who had come from Dhaka, reached the Indian border at South Bengal. They were assisted by BGB there and handed to BSF. Students who crossed the India-Bangladesh border at Tripura on Sunday were from as far as Jammu and Kashmir. We have been told that more students are on their way, a senior officer monitoring the rescue said.

Tripura frontiers inspector general, Patel Piyush Purushottam Das said, Our borders are on high alert. Maximum troops have been sent to the border and all senior commanders are camping at the border to ensure high level of operation preparedness. The law and situation is also a concern for BSF as we are entrusted with guarding the border. We will ensure that criminal elements do not take advantage of the situation.

The officer said that due to the suspension of internet and mobile services, the families of the students were not able to contact them in Bangladesh. I had got a call from a students parent who said that he was not able to connect with his son  a student at the Brahambaria Medical College. I spoke to the regional commander there and got a good response. We are also thankful to the BGB, who helped in transporting the students till the border despite the situation there. 

DIG Amresh Arya of the South Bengal frontier said, The immigration desks will now be open round the clock to ensure safe passage of all students. Medical aid, food, and transportation is being provided to the students. Assistance is also being provided to students from Bhutan and Nepal as well.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Monday said a 1966 order banning government employees from taking part in the activities of BJPs ideological fount, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been withdrawn, prompting a sharp reaction from the Opposition. Government employees were barred from taking part in RSS activities in 1966. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

In a post on X, Malviya called the order unconstitutional and said it should not have been passed. The ban was imposed because on 7 Nov 1966, there was a massive anti-cow-slaughter protest at the Parliament. RSS-Jana Sangh [BJP precursor] mobilised support in lakhs. Many died in police firing. On 30 Nov 1966, shaken by the RSS-Jana Sangh clout, Indira Gandhi banned Govt staff from joining the RSS. Malviya added Indira Gandhi reached out to the RSS in February 1977, offering to lift the ban in exchange for support for her election campaign.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Vallabhbhai Patel, the countrys first home minister, banned the RSS in February 1948 following Mahatma Gandhis assassination. Subsequently the ban was withdrawn on assurance of good behaviour. Even after this the RSS never flew the Tiranga [tri-colour] in Nagpur. In 1996, a ban was imposed and rightly so on government employees taking part in RSS activities.On July 9, 2024, the 58-year-old ban that was in force during Mr [Prime Minister Atal Bihari] Vajpayees tenure as PM [Prime Minister] was removed, Ramesh wrote on X. Ramesh shared a copy of the 1966 order barring government employees from associating with RSS.

Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi said an office memo purportedly shows that the government has lifted the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities. If true, this is against Indias integrity and unity. The ban on RSS exists because it had originally refused to accept the constitution, the national flag & the national anthem. Every RSS member takes an oath that puts Hindutva above the nation. No civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of RSS.

Trinamool Congress lawmaker Derek o Brien said he in April wrote about the spread and spread of RSS: Modi trying to outdo RSSs (second chief MS) Golwalkar. Are we surprised that the Union Govt has now revoked a 60-year ban on govt employees taking part in RSS activities?
As many as 1,208 students from India, Bhutan and Nepal, studying in Bangladesh, crossed over to India through the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal in the last three days amid the ongoing protests against quotas for government jobs in the neighbouring country. Till around 6pm on July 21, 1,045 Indian students, 152 Nepalese students and four students from Bhutan came to India. (PTI photo)

At least 1208 students from India, Nepal and Bhutan have entered India through the Integrated Check Posts (ICP) and Land Custom Stations (LCS) in West Bengal since July 19. The BSF is assisting them, said a senior officer of BSFs South Bengal Frontier.

Till around 6pm on July 21, 1,045 Indian students, 152 Nepalese students and four students from Bhutan came to India. There were also seven Bangladeshi students who came to India.

At least 110 people have been killed while hundreds were injured in Bangladesh even as a countrywide curfew remained in force in Bangladesh on Sunday and the army was deployed to quell the protests.

Also Read:Amid civil unrest, over 900 students escape to India from Bangladesh

The BSFs South Bengal Frontier has set up special help desks at the ICP in Petrapole and LCS in Gede, Ghojadanga and Mahadipur to facilitate the safe return of students, officials said.

The immigration desk at Petrapole is open round the clock.

Medical assistance desks have been set up to address any health concerns of the students.

We are in constant touch with the Border Guard Bangladesh. This coordination has ensured safe evacuation of students even during night time operations, an officer said.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Monday lauded the BJP-led Central government's decision to allow government employees to take part in RSS's activities and events, saying the move will strengthen India's democratic system. In its first reaction to the decision, the BJP's ideological mentor said the Congress government had baselessly banned government employees from participating in the activities of a "constructive organization like the Sangh", to cater to its political interests. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses Akhil Bhartiya Prant Pracharak Baithak, at Sarla Birla School in Ranchi on Friday. (ANI file photo)

"Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been continuously involved in the nation's reconstruction and service to society for the last 99 years. Due to the contribution of the Sangh to national security, unity-integrity, and taking the society along in times of natural disaster, the role of the Sangh has been praised by various types of leaders in the country from time to time," Sunil Ambekar, RSS's publicity chief, said.

Also read: RSS order: Mayawati accuses BJP-led Centre of appeasement

He said the Narendra Modi government's decision was appropriate.

"Due to its political interests, the then government had baselessly banned government employees from participating in the activities of a constructive organization like the Sangh. The current government decision is appropriate and strengthens India's democratic system," he added.

Also read: Ban on govt employees from taking part in RSS activities withdrawn: Amit Malviya

The Congress on Sunday cited a purported government order issued last week to claim that a "ban" on the participation of government employees in the activities of the RSS had been removed.

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya also shared the screenshot of the order and said that an "unconstitutional" directive issued 58 years ago had been withdrawn by the Narendra Modi government.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared an office memorandum, dated July 9, issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, saying the ban had been lifted.

"The undersigned is directed to refer to the OM (office memorandum)..dated 30.11.1966, OM No. 7/4/70-Est.(B) dated 25.07.1970 and OM No. 15014/3(S)/80- Estt. (B) dated 28.10.1980 on the above subject. 2. The aforesaid instructions have been reviewed and it has been decided to remove the mention of Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (R.S.S.S) from the impugned OMs dated 30.11.1966, 25.07.1970 and 28.10.1980," the purported order read.

Also read: Man wants to become superman, then God, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Congress reacts

Ramesh said Sardar Patel had banned the RSS in 1948 after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and the ban was removed after getting assurances of good behaviour.

"Even after this the RSS never flew the Tiranga in Nagpur," he added.

Ramesh said the Congress government banned government employees from taking part in RSS activities in 1966.

"After June 4th, 2024, relations between the self-anointed non-biological PM and the RSS have nosedived. On July 9, 2024, the 58-year ban that was in force even during Mr Vajpayee's tenure as PM was removed," he added.

Alluding to the RSS's former uniform that included khaki shorts, Ramesh said, "The bureaucracy can now come in knickers".

With inputs from PTI
The Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Monday said that the special status to Bihar cannot be granted as per the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) report 2012, dealing a big blow to Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (U) which is a key ally of the BJP.



In a written reply to Jhanjharpur Lok Sabha MP Ramprit Mandal, Union minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated,"The Special Category Status for plan assistance was granted in the past by the National Development Council (NDC) to some States that were characterised by a number of features necessitating special consideration. These features included (i) hilly and difficult terrain, (ii) low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal population, (iii) strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries, (iv) economic and infrastructural backwardness and (v) non-viable nature of State finances."



ALSO READ: Bihar, Andhra may get special sops in Budget on Tuesday



The decision was taken based on an integrated consideration of all the factors listed above and the peculiar situation of the State. Earlier, the request of Bihar for Special Category Status was considered by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) which submitted its Report on 30th March 2012. The IMG came to the finding that based on existing NDC criteria, the case for Special Category Status for Bihar is not made out," the minister added. A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar(PTI file)

The JD(U) which has been demanding a special status to Bihar for a long time, had reiterated its demand during the all-party meeting on Sunday ahead of the Parliament session.



ALSO READ: Special category status for Andhra, Bihar could call for a BJP trapeze act



The BJP bagged 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, less than the majority mark of 272. It is dependent on support from JD(U) and Telugu Desam Party, who together account for 28 members in the lower house.



Besides JD(U), Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP has also demanded a special status for Andhra Pradesh, which was bifurcated in 2014 and a new state of Telangana was carved out.
Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress on Monday walked out of the Odisha assembly on the first day of the Budget session in protest against inaction in the alleged assault case against the governor Raghubar Dass son. Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik expressed disappointment over inaction. (X)

Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik raised the issue of the breakdown of the law and order and the alleged assault of Baikunthanath Pradhan, an official at Dass residence, as soon as the governor began his address.

Pradhan accused Dass son, Lalit Kumar, and his five associates of allegedly slapping, punching, kicking, and forcing him to lick his spit as he was upset that a luxury car was not sent to pick him up from Puri railway station. A case has been lodged against Kumar, but no action has been taken so far. Pradhan was transferred to the state secretariat after the alleged assault.

Patnaik expressed his disappointment over inaction. My party and I are disappointed and surprised that the government has taken no action against the governors son, who meted out violence to a government officer. We are deeply shocked. Law and order seem to have completely broken down in our state. Immediate action was taken against ministers, lawmakers, and senior government officers whenever they broke the law during the previous BJD government. The state government should take action according to the law, Patnaik said.

The Opposition members returned to the House when chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved an obituary motion after Das completed his address.

State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the governors secretariat has asked the Puri collector to conduct a probe and submit a report within 15 days. Action will be taken based on the report.
Amid the ongoing row over Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), two brothers have filed a complaint against one of their family member of selling their ancestral land to the family of chief ,inister Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi, people familiar with the matter said. Complaint filed against one for illegally selling land to CMs kin

One of the officials said that the complainants, Jawaraiah (55) and Manjunath (45), along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders filed a complaint on Saturday alleging their uncle, Devaraju (58), for selling their ancestral land of 3.16 acre, located in survey number 464 near Kesare village in Mysore taluk, to relatives of CM Siddaramaiahs wife without their knowledge or consent. The complaint was filed with additional deputy commissioner P Shivaraj.

Our uncle has wronged us by selling our land. We seek justice, they stated in the complaint, a copy of which is with HT.

We have received a complaint from the family of Jawaraiah. On Monday, we will gather more information about the land from taluk office records and hand over the complaint to the concerned officer for investigation, Shivaraj said.

The complaint stated that the land was in the name of Jawaraiah from 1961 to 1992, after which the RTC (document of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) was transferred into the name of J Devaraju without their knowledge. Devaraju sold the property to Siddaramaiahs brother-in-law. Jawaraiah and Manjunath have demanded a thorough probe by the authorities.

Following the incident, Siddaramaiahs wife family allegedly met with the original owners of the land, leading to further row.

On Saturday, a BJP delegation led by former minister N Mahesh visited the residence of the original landowner Mallaiah in Gandhinagar, Mysuru. They spoke with Jawaraiah, his wife Pushpa and their son Darshan, who claimed that Devaraju had deceived their family by selling the property without their consent. The BJP leaders assured them of their support and signed a petition to seek redress.

The land originally belonged to Jawara, who had three sons: Mallaiah, Mailaraiah, and Devaraju. Devaraju sold the land without securing the necessary signatures and consent from his brothers, thereby depriving them of their rightful share. The family has filed a complaint with the deputy commissioner for justice, former minister N Mahesh told HT. Jawaraiah and Manjunath are sons of Mallaiah and Mailaraiah.

When Devaraju sold the land, he should have obtained the signature and consent of his brothers, Mallaiah and Mailaraiah. Without this, he has wrongfully benefited from the land alone, Mahesh explained. He said that the issue is not about Siddaramaiah purchasing a land belonging to the Dalit community but about ensuring that the rightful heirs receive their due share.

He also demanded that this investigation be conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure transparency and justice.

In response to the allegations, Mysuru district Congress unit president R Murthy said: The BJP is trying to politicise the issue for selfish gains. The land was given to Siddaramaiahs relatives during the tenure of the BJP government four years ago. How are they alleging a scam now? Its all for politics.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the raging NEET-UG row, saying the Congress politician understands the fundamentals and maths of unfair practises too well. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi (L) and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the House.(ANI)

In a post on X, the minister said the Congress-led UPA government couldn't enact laws to prevent malpractices in educational institutions.

"The LoP and his cabal are all but shedding crocodile tears. The ground reality on paper leaks during the UPA regime and when Shri Akhilesh was at the helm of UP, will open a can of worms for both Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav," Pradhan said.

"Maybe Rahul Gandhi understands the fundamentals and maths of unfair practices too well. That explains why the Congress govt. failed to implement the bills to stop malpractices in educational institutions, including the Prohibition of Unfair Practices Bill, of 2010," he added.

He asked Rahul Gandhi to spell out under what compulsion the Congress refused to enact laws to end irregularities in competitive exams.

Earlier today, Gandhi spearheaded the Opposition's attack on the government in the Parliament as he said a very serious problem was afflicting the country's exam system and Pradhan had blamed everyone except himself.

Also read: On NEET row, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav's 'serious' attacks on Centre. Dharmendra Pradhan hits back

"The minister has blamed everybody except himself. I don't even think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here... the issue is that millions of students in this country are extremely concerned about what is going on and who is convinced that the Indian examination system is a fraud," Gandhi said.

He said the rich could buy the Indian examination system.

"As this is a systemic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue at the systemic level?" he asked Pradhan, who was responding to queries during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

A visibly upset Pradhan said it was unfortunate that the member described the examination system as rubbish.

He said he was at the mercy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government was collectively responsible.

Also read: Why this arrogance?: Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi's conduct in Parliament

The minister also asserted that there had been no evidence of paper leaks in the last seven years.

Pradhan said the government wasn't hiding anything and everything was on record.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav attacked the government, saying it would make a record of paper leaks.

"The NTA should publish a list of centres where a high number of students have performed well...how is this possible that students from particular centres have done far better than others," Yadav said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that NDA has cancelled 16 exams in total since its inception in 2018.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
The 2023-24 Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Monday has called for adaptive strategy and policies to provide cost-effective and sustainable housing, particularly in the rental space. It noted the demand for affordable housing will increase as the United Nations has said more than half of Indias population was projected to reside in urban areas by 2050 compared to 31% in 2011. More than half of Indias population was projected to reside in urban areas by 2050 compared to 31% in 2011. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

The survey noted that Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (a sub scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban or PMAY-U) was being taken up for the first time in the country to improve living conditions and help urban migrants, and the poor staying in slums, informal settlements, or peri-urban areas.

It said 5,648 houses have been made operational and another 7,413 were in process. Approvals for 82,273 new units have been approved for seven states. Construction of close to half of those units has started with an additional technological innovation grant of 173.89 crore. Out of these, 3969 houses have been built in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

The survey said over 11.8 million houses have been sanctioned of which about 11.4 million have been grounded for construction and more than 8.4 million have been completed as part of the (PMAY-U) since 2015. It added the scheme got a push after Narendra Modi assumed the prime ministers office for the third time and announced another 10 million urban houses under the scheme at the first Cabinet meeting.

The survey noted the challenge for approximately 410,000 housing units whose construction has been stalled primarily due to financial lapses and legal disputes. It added the Union housing and urban affairs ministry has established a committee to recommend solutions for completing stalled projects to address this issue and the recommendations are being followed to achieve a steady remedy.

The survey noted that initiatives of the government in the digitisation of land records will improve transparency in land transactions, diminish property ownership conflicts, and enhance the efficiency of land management. It added single window clearance systems for construction will lead to shorter timelines for construction to address the growing demand.

Also Read: Economic Survey 23-2024: Nearly 1.25 lakh complaints resolved by real estate regulatory authorities of various states

The survey said that as of June 8, multi-sectoral projects worth around 1.64 lakh crore have been taken under the Smart Cities Mission. The mission was poised to adopt tech-based solutions to urban management. But statistics showed that a large chunk of funds spent, and projects completed, were in the conventional sectors of waste, sanitation and hygiene, and public spaces.

The survey called for the need to ready cities with the necessary infrastructure to cater to the expected rise in population. It noted the same can be achieved by efficient planning, developing robust project frameworks, and strengthening urban local bodies. The survey noted that ring-fenced revenue streams can help the bodies access the necessary funding mechanisms and access credit and capital from the market.

Also Read: Housing sector on a growth trajectory; Demand expected to be driven by affordability and increased access to credit

Commenting on the survey, Srikanth Vishwanathan, CEO of Janaagraha, a non-profit trust working on city systems, said the reference to the urban sector is a mixed bag. "It does not do full justice to one of Indias most critical yet underserved public policy agendas- transforming Indias cities, given that over 800 million Indians are expected to live and work in cities by 2050. Cities are not an infrastructure sector alone nor merely labour or consumption markets. Cities are distinct units of economy, governance and human development."

He added that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be accomplished if Indian cities compete globally, attract capital and talent, and drive economic productivity and job creation. "We therefore need a separate chapter on cities in the future editions of the Economic Survey to delve into the 3 Es of economic growth and jobs, equitable access to opportunities and services, and environment sustainability," he said.
The Delhi high court on Monday turned down Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bhartis request to issue a notice over his plea challenging the election of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Bansuri Swaraj as the member of Parliament (MP) from New Delhi constituency, saying the petition was full of typographical errors. A bench of Justice Manmeet PS Arora asked Bhartis counsel to file a corrected plea within 10 days. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A bench of Justice Manmeet PS Arora asked Bhartis counsel to file a corrected plea within 10 days and adjourned the matter until August 13, declining any order for the time being.

Bhartis petition said Swaraj, who defeated him by 78,370 votes, indulged in corrupt practices in the Lok Sabha elections. It added some BJP workers disturbed money, sarees, and suits to the voters on Swarajs behalf to influence them to vote for her.

When the matter was taken up for hearing on Monday, Justice Arora remarked the plea was full of mistakes. There are too many mistakes. You will have to correct the petition first, Justice Arora told Bhartis lawyer, who pressed for issuance of notice saying that he would file a corrected plea. The judge turned down the request. I cannot issue notice. I cannot understand. I will simply adjourn it.

The court in the order said, A perusal of the plea reveals that it has multiple typographical errors and the reference of the respondent in the plea does not relate with the memo of parties. Learned senior counsel for the petitioner states that the corrected plea will be filed within 10 days. At request, adjourned to August 13.

Bhartis plea said on the day of the polls, Swarajs booth agents had her pamphlets displaying her ballot number, photo, and election symbol, along with a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They showed these things to the electors who lined up in the booth and asked them to vote on a particular ballot.

The plea added that Raaj Kumar Anand, who contested as Bahujan Samaj Party candidate, was set up to help Swaraj win against Bharti. It added Anand was a minister in the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi and was campaigning for the petitioner before he suddenly resigned because of the misuse of federal agencies. On inquiry, the respondent no. 2 (Sh Raaj Kumar Anand) revealed that he was under tremendous pressure from the investigating agencies and hence had no option but to resign else he would be arrested, the plea said.
Incessant rain in Belagavi district, along with heavy downpours in the Western Ghats and southern Maharashtra, has led to severe flooding in the area, officials familiar with the matter said. This has isolated 34 villages as 17 low-level bridges have been overflowing for the past two days. Chief minister Siddaramaiah inspects the area where a number of houses collapsed due to landslide and also took stock of the devastation caused by heavy rains near the Shirur village at Ankola taluk, in Uttara Kannada on Sunday. (CM of Karnataka X)

On Sunday Belagavi superintendent of police (SP) Bhimashankar Guled said: As the bridges are inundated with the district experiencing heavy rainfall, police personnel have been deployed to prevent people from crossing the flooded bridges. Despite warnings, some residents continue to risk their lives by crossing the bridges on tractors and two-wheelers. To prevent accidents, the authorities have barricaded both sides of the bridges and deployed round-the-clock personnel.

He further said that at least 10 bridges in Belagavi and seven in the Chikkodi division are currently submerged, cutting off thousands of villagers in the 34 affected villages from other areas. Increased water flow in the Krishna, Vedaganga, Dudhganga, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Markandeya rivers has caused low-level bridges to overflow, an official said.

Chikkodi Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi said that Krishna, Vedaganga, Doodaganga and Hiranyakeshi river flowing over and the people residing on the banks of the rivers have been alerted to be cautious as the rivers may spread the wings due to incessant rains.

People residing on the banks of rivers, mainly Krishna have been asked to be cautious as the inflow to the river due to heavy rain in southern part of Maharashtra, she said.

Over 10,000 acres of agricultural land on the outskirts of Belagavi city have been flooded due to the overflowing Ballari nala (canal), which is located about a kilometre from the airport road. This area, known for producing export-quality Belagavi Basmati rice, is facing significant crop losses. Prakash Karadi, one of the farmers from Kudachi village, said: I cultivated the best export-quality Basmati paddy, but I expect to lose about 50% of the crop due to prolonged waterlogging this year. The floods have severely impacted the paddy fields in Gandhi Nagar, Basavana Kudachi, Angol, Vadagavi, and Majagon regions.

In the district, over 300 houses have either partially or fully collapsed. The district administration has arranged temporary accommodations and provided necessary supplies for those affected. Belagavi deputy commissioner Mohammed Roshan announced a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on many roads in Khanapur taluk that connect to both Goa and Belagavi districts. Since some bridges in Khanapur taluk are old, we have restricted heavy vehicle movement. However, there are alternative routes available, said DC Roshan.

Rahul Shinde, chief executive officer of the Belagavi zilla panchayat, visited several flooded bridges and assured that the district administration is prepared to handle potential floods, particularly from the Krishna River region. With the inflow to the Krishna river increasing to 1.25 lakh cusecs, residents along the riverbanks have been warned to remain vigilant. We have also arranged alternate accommodations for those affected, stated CEO Shinde.

Kallappa Kamble, a social worker from Amagoan village, said: A woman, who complained with chest pain, was carried in the road of thick forest and admitted into an ambulance waiting in the banks of the river. He said the bridge leading to nearby villages and Khanapur town is overflowing for which they carried the woman on their shoulder for 2.5 km.
Amid massive backlash to her social media post questioning the need for a disability quota in civil services, Telangana-cadre IAS officer Smita Sabharwal on Monday asked the rights activists to examine why the policy was yet to be implemented in police services, foreign services, and the defence sector. IAS officer Smita Sabharwal (Image courtesy: X)

See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is that the IAS is no different, Sabharwal wrote on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter).

To live in an inclusive society is a dream that we all subscribe to. Insensitivity has no place in my mind. Jai Hind, she added.

The reaction from the bureaucrat of the 2001 batch, came a day after she took to X and wondered why a premier service such as the IAS would require a quota for disability in the first place.

As this debate is blowing up, she said, referring to the case of Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer from Maharashtra.

With all due respect to the Differently Abled, Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability? The nature of the #AIS (All-India Services) (IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to peoples grievances-which requires physical fitness, Sabharwal posted.

Also Read: Competitive exams panel seeks probe into misuse of disability quota

Meanwhile, Amitabh Kant, India's Sherpa for last year's G20 Summit in New Delhi and a former CEO of the NITI Aayog, has also called for a review of the existing reservations for the differently-abled and the proposed 1% reservation for the third-gender in civil services.

The reservations, alleged Kant, were being misused.
The Indian Patent Offices rejection of Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) application for the paediatric version of its anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug, bedaquiline, is likely to have broader implications for access to cost-effective TB treatment, according to experts. Bedaquiline is a key treatment for drug-resistant TB recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). (REUTERS)

Bedaquiline is a key treatment for drug-resistant TB recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Last year, the patent office also rejected the US pharmaceutical corporations attempt to extend its monopoly in India on bedaquiline for treating adults beyond the primary patents expiry in July 2023. If granted secondary patent, it would have extended the companys market control over the drug for an additional four years beyond the primary patents expiry. The rulings, therefore, have paved the way for a generic tuberculosis drug in the market that is likely to cost 80% cheaper for a six-month course for patients suffering from drug-resistant TB from the lowest price of $45 per person per month.

It is a great step for access to treatment as it will open up the market for cheaper medicines. There is very less R&D in this drug and children are the most vulnerable. Adult drugs have seen a significant reduction and for the childrens version also we expect the cost of treatment to come down significantly, said Ganesh Acharya, a two-time TB survivor, who, along with other civil society groups and survivors, filed a petition challenging the patent in 2020, which J&J did not contest.

Since 2020, bedaquiline has become the backbone for all drug-resistant TB regimens recommended by the World Health Organization. It has been favoured over other drugs because it is proven to be less toxic and more effective.

In a statement last year, J&J announced it has granted the Stop TB Partnerships Global Drug Facility licences that would allow them to tender, procure, and supply generic versions of bedaquiline for the majority of low- and middle-income countries.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) also said this is a significant step towards increasing affordable access to the lifesaving TB drug for children, urging generic manufacturers to take the opportunity to develop and supply the paediatric formulation to TB programmes.

With still 1.3 million children and young adolescents developing TB globally in 2022 according to WHO, governments need to do more to ensure effective TB and DR-TB treatment reaches all children, in line with the WHOs treatment recommendations, said Aparna Iyer, project medical referent, MSF Mumbai drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) project.

Concerns over evergreeninga practice that extends patent life through patenting of obvious forms, improvements and modifications of life saving medicineshave led to several such pre-grant oppositions.

Indian patent law is pivotal in this context by explicitly prohibiting evergreening. This provision ensures that generic forms of essential medicines remain accessible through generic competition once the primary patent expires.

It is crucial to protect the pre-grant opposition mechanism to prevent the approval of unmerited patents. This ensures the timely availability of quality-assured, affordable generic medicines, said Acharya.

India notified nearly 2.55 million cases of TB last year. The overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last 9 years, government data showed
The recently concluded elections unfolded in an increasingly diverse and complex media environment. According to the Indian Election Study conducted by the Data Action Lab for Emerging Societies (DALES) over the 2024 polls, more than 3 in 5 users used a social media news source other than traditional media (television or newspaper), and nearly a quarter of users did not use traditional media at all for news. With a diverse array of sources and viewpoints, citizens have access to more and more information upon which to base their voting decisions. But media usage isnt limited to just political information. Media shapes views on the economy and society at large, and even on events such as the Ambani wedding. And these issues, in turn, shape social and political attitudes. Millions voted across 28 states and eight Union Territories during the Lok Sabha elections to pick the countrys 543 MPs. (HT Photo)

Also read: Rumblings in BJPs UP unit as party grapples with Lok Sabha election results

Access to media sources, social media in particular, is uneven. Many people do not have access to a mobile phone or a smartphone for personal use  even if their household has one  that is required for regular use of social media. To understand the contours of a shifting media space, it is useful to focus on a population that demonstrably has access to a mobile phone and plausibly to social media at large. In order to put some data to the problem, Artha Globals Centre for Rapid Insights (CRI) conducted a national telephonic survey across 15,260 covering 421 of Indias 543 parliamentary constituencies, asking the question, What is your primary source of news? The National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) was used to adjust the results to make representative claims across age and gender in households that own a mobile phone.

Overall, we found that nearly the same percentage of people use YouTube as their primary source (33.6%) as television and newspapers (34.4%), although the poorest respondents, those in households without a two-wheeler or four-wheeler, report a higher rate of television and newspaper as a primary source (39.1%). A smaller but significant share of people use Facebook or Instagram (23.5%), with very few people using peer-to-peer social media such as WhatsApp or Telegram for news (8.5%). This is consistent with the recently released Digital Report 2024 by the Reuters Institute, which finds the popularity of Facebook dropping with an increasingly important role for platforms that can showcase short videos such as YouTube. Furthermore, the shift towards YouTube in the news space speaks to a preference for demand-driven, curated content as opposed to the peer-to-peer recommendations of Facebook or WhatsApp.

When we disaggregate the data by age group, we find some striking trends. YouTube is universally popular, with the use of YouTube as a primary news source relatively consistent across all age groups. But younger age groups have noticeably shifted away from traditional media, with those age 18 to 30 using YouTube (35.4%) to a much greater extent than television or newspaper as a primary source (21.5%).

By contrast, the oldest population in our sample  those over 60  use YouTube (32.5%) to a much lesser extent than traditional media (49.2%). We do see much higher usage in the younger groups on Facebook or Instagram, likely reflecting the growing popularity of Instagram as a source, with those aged 18 to 30 using Facebook or Instagram (34.8%) to a much greater extent than those above age 60 (12.1%). As wealthier and younger populations start to shift away from television and newspapers, the future for traditional media looks grim, possibly prompting many media houses to re-package their offerings for social media.

The inequality of media access by gender is apparent in our response patterns, with only 19% of those who respond to all survey questions being women. But the good news is that conditional on having mobile phone access, our data shows that men and women have relatively similar media consumption patterns (in fact, women avail of YouTube at slightly higher rates than men). As I have argued with co-authors Sumitra Badrinathan and Devesh Kapur, the demand-driven nature of social media combined with personal access to mobile phones allows women to avail of information of their own choosing, unlike a television which can be controlled by the male head of household  and this allows women to form independent, informed opinions that can have genuine social and political consequences.

Also read: Maharashtra polls 2024: BJP goes beyond surveys, seeks local leaders' feedback

This is something that we may already be seeing with different political parties cultivating bases of female voters. The demand-driven nature of social media content combined with demographic shifts in media consumption patterns will allow citizens to access diverse information than ever before.

This is the latest instalment in a new series that uses insights from rapid polling across the country on topical issues. The polls are run by the Centre for Rapid Insights (CRI), based at Artha Global. Neelanjan Sircar is its director.

The polls have a sample of about 13,000 to 15,000 households across India covering 421 of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. NFHS data is then used to re-weight the data to be representative of households with mobile phones down to the assembly constituency level. The estimations themselves are done using the technique of multilevel modelling, which helps account for different caste, wealth, and spatial demographics in the measurement.
Janata Dal (Secular) MLC Suraj Revanna, arrested in June for alleged sexual assault of a male worker of the party, was granted conditional bail on Monday. Suraj Revanna, Janata Dal (Secular) MLC. (ANI)

The court set multiple bail conditions for Suraj, the grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister of India, HD Deve Gowda. The member of Karnataka's legislative council, 36, must not threaten the complainant/victim and contact the latter directly or indirectly, the court said.

Also, Suraj cannot evade the probe and must present himself before the investigating officer whenever called for the purpose of investigation, and on the second Sunday of every month. He has also been asked to mark his attendance between 9 am and 5 pm for six months or until the charge sheet is filed, which ever is earlier.

Additionally, the Bengaluru court directed the accused to surrender his passport to the court and take its written permission to leave the state.

The JD(S) leader, son of party legislator HD Revanna and nephew of Union minister and ex-Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, has been booked under IPC sections 377 (unnatural offences), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (involvement of others in the conspiracy). He has categorically denied the sexual assault charge, and in a counter, accused the man of trying to extort five crore from him. The 27-year-old JD(S) worker was subsequently booked in an extortion case on a complaint by a close aide of Suraj.

Earlier, Suraj Revanna's younger Prajwal was arrested on charges of rape in three cases and for alleged sexual abuse of several women. Their father, too, is out on bail; he was arrested for allegedly kidnapping one of the women who accused Prajwal.

(With PTI inputs)
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on Monday, July 22, against the Uttar Pradesh government's directive for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. The Supreme court will hear a plea today against the order of the Uttar Pradesh government for eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Also Read: Baba Ramdev backs Kanwar Yatra order: Why should Rahman

The plea will be heard by a bench of justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti and was filed by the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights.

Also Read: Jayant Chaudhary breaks silence on UP's Kanwar Yatra order, says govt's decision not well thought out

On Friday, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government enacted the order across the state, days after the Muzaffarnagar police ordered all the eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names.

News agency PTI reported that both Muslim and Hindu owners of eateries have begun to ask their employees to quit, fearing the impact on their earnings.

Also read: SC judge during Kanwar hearing: Went to a hotel run by a Muslim for vegetarian food in Kerala'

The order has been criticised for allegedly targeting Muslim traders and has sparked a controversy with both Bharatiya Janata Party-allied parties and opposition parties speaking out against it.

Members of the NDA, Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) both have spoken against the order.

Another NDA member, Jayant Choudhary, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, said the order was not well thought out and asked the UP government to reconsider its directives.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has also filed a plea against the order, which is yet to be listed for hearing.

Amidst the controversy around the UP government's order, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, another BJP ruled state, has also issued similar orders, asking eateries to display the names of owners and phone numbers.

Any violations of these rules will attract fines up to Rs.5,000. The MP police stated that the order was not meant to discriminate but to increase safety and transparency.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has issued an traffic advisory announcing the closure of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) for heavy vehicles due to the Kanwar Yatra starting on Monday, July 22. Vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes until 8pm on August 5. According to Drik Panchang, Sawan begins on July 22 and ends on August 19 this year. This means Sawan will be observed for 29 days, during which there will be five Mondays. Devotees carrying holy water collected from River Ganga in Haridwar going back to their home during the Kanwar Yatra at National Highway-48 in Gurugram. (Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)

Also Read: Jayant Chaudhary breaks silence on UP's Kanwar Yatra order, says govt's decision not well thought out

Traffic restrictions will extend to all vehicles, including private cars, from July 29.

Also Read: Drones, ATS units: Kanwar yatra begins today under security umbrella

Route diversions

The Delhi -Meerut expressway sees people travelling from Noida, Delhi and Ghaziabad typically.

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Police issues detailed advisory ahead of kanwar yatra

The vehicles traveling from Delhi via Tulsi Niketan, Seemapuri, and Anand Vihar to Ghaziabad will be re-directed along Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg towards UP Gate, and then will have to follow NH-9.

For Haridwar, Amroha, Moradabad, and Lucknow, vehicles will use UP Gate, NH-9, the Dasna Intersection, and then follow the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Vehicles from Baghpat which are moving towards Delhi will be re-directed through either Tronica City or Sonia Vihar. Meanwhile, vehicles from Hapur and Bulandshahr going towards Ghaziabad city via the Dasna railway overbridge will be rerouted to NH-9.

Vehicles along the Loni border will also be restricted as well as those going from the Santosh Medical cut on NH-9 towards Meerut Tiraha.

Heavy vehicles will not be allowed entry from Gaur Green, Khoda, Kalapatthar, Sector 62, Chhijarasi, and Kanavani to Indirapuram via NH-9. Trucks will not be allowed on Gangnahar Patri Kanwad Road, Pipeline Road, NH-34 (formerly NH-58), and the Delhi-Meerut expressway.

Vehicles will be re-routed for those coming from Hapur via Bhojpur towards Modinagar. Vehicles coming from the Vasundhara flyover towards Mohannagar will also be halted.

The Uttar Pradesh police has also announced that pilgrim groups will not be allowed to set up their camps along the NH-9 or DME. These camps will only be allowed on traditional routes with police permission and not on main roads.

So far, the police have approved 116 out of 214 applications for building kanwar camps.

The Kanwar Yatra is supposed to attract 15-20 lakh devotees this year, and will end on August 2.
Twenty-five years after the Indian Army rewrote the rules of mountain warfare and beat astonishing odds to eject a treacherous foe from the dizzying heights occupied by it in the Kargil sector a few months after the signing of the Lahore peace declaration, the focus is back on how the military has transformed since the turn of the century, weeded out its vulnerabilities, and sharpened its readiness to deter its adversaries. Indian Army jawans during the Kargil War in July 1999. (Manish Swarup / HT Archive)

As the country prepares to celebrate a milestone anniversary of the 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan on July 26, what has also unquestionably returned to the spotlight is the bold leadership of commanders in the combat zone, and the courage, resilience and sacrifice of the young men they fearlessly led.

Hard lessons were learnt from the war and the events that led to it, and theres no question of a repeat of a Kargil-like misadventure by Pakistan, military affairs experts said, pointing to the overhaul of Indias intelligence set-up, far-reaching military reforms, sharpened focus on the modernisation of the armed forces, and vastly improved border management.

Several steps taken to tighten security came on the back of a report by a Group of Ministers (GoM) set up by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in April 2000 to review the national security system as well as the recommendations made by the K Subrahmanyam-led Kargil Review Committee (KRC) that highlighted yawning deficiencies in the system.

The GoM also backed the appointment of a chief of defence staff (CDS) to provide single-point military advice to the government and enhance jointness in the armed forces, a significant recommendation that was on the back-burner for years before the government finally cleared it in 2019 and appointed General Bipin Rawat as Indias first CDS.

The Kargil war, though limited in geography and scale, had a significant impact on Indias strategic thinking, and it forced the countrys leadership to take a holistic look at the national security architecture, said former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd).

The KRC and the GoM reports were the most comprehensive examination of national security issues. This led to a restructuring of the intelligence setup in India to bring in greater cooperation between intelligence agencies. It also led to the raising of HQ Integrated Defence Staff, the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Strategic Forces Command. he said.

The creation of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2002 and the technical intelligence gathering agency, National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) in 2004, were among the key outcomes.

On the ground in the Kargil sector, the gaps in deployment that led to an undetected intrusion were filled by placing a mountain division in an area that only had a brigade and a new Corps HQ came up in Ladakh to improve the command and control, Hooda said.

The limited war, Indias fifth, was fought in the summer of 1999 along a 170km mountain frontier, stretching from Mashkoh Valley to Turtuk in the Kargil sector, after thousands of Pakistani intruders exploited gaps in Indian defences and sneaked across the Line of Control (LoC) to capture several commanding heights, with some of them offering a sweeping view of the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway.

Today, a repeat of Kargil, where large-scale incursions occur, is not possible on LoC, said Hooda.

However, one lesson we need to continuously reinforce is that irrespective of what is happening bilaterally at the political and diplomatic level, the Indian military must always keep its guard up. Even as the Lahore summit was being held between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan in February 1999, Pakistan soldiers were crossing the LoC in Kargil.

The need to remain vigilant equally applies to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, he said. The military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh is now in its fifth year, with no indication of an immediate resolution even as India is hoping that ongoing negotiations with the neighbour will help restore the status quo ante of April 2020.

Things have totally changed during the last 25 years because of a significant increase in force levels, induction of new equipment and technologies, and a laser focus on intelligence, said Lieutenant General YK Joshi, a former Northern Army commander and Kargil war hero. He was awarded the Vir Chakra, Indias third-highest wartime gallantry honour, for his heroism and leadership in the difficult battle to recapture the strategically important and towering feature, Point 5140, in the Dras sector.

Young and indomitableJoshis unit, 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, secured a morale-boosting win on June 20 that was one of the turning points in the war. The other hard-fought victories that turned the tide of the war in Kargil included the daring recapture of Tololing, Tiger Hill, Point 4875, Khalubar, Point 4812 and Chorbat La.

The indomitable fighting spirit, the grit, the determination and the resolve of our troops during the TololingPoint 5140 battle made everyone among the civil and military leadership in New Delhi realise that we could do it, General VP Malik, who was the army chief during the war, wrote after retirement in his book Kargil: From Surprise to Victory.

The war, in which 527 Indian soldiers were killed in action, gave birth to a new generation of Indian heroes -- Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumarall of whom were awarded the countrys highest wartime honour, the hallowed Param Vir Chakra.

The pantheon includes Majors Vivek Gupta, Rajesh Adhikari, Sonam Wangchuk and Padmapani Acharya, Captains Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and Anuj Nayyar, and Lieutenants Balwan Singh and Keishing Clifford Nongrum, who were all decorated with Maha Vir Chakra, Indians number two wartime medal.

Batra, Pandey, Gupta, Adhikari, Acharya, Kenguruse, Nayyar and Nongrum didnt return from the battlefield. Operation Vijay, Indias code name for the war, accounted for four of the 21 PVCs awarded in Indias military history. There is no definitive account of Pakistan Army casualties, but different estimates peg the number between a few hundred and a few thousand.

At 19, Tiger Hill hero Yadav became the youngest recipient of PVC. Whether it was Yadav riddled with 15 bullets but still persevering with the mission or Batras iconic victory slogan Yeh Dil Maange More that thrust the Pepsi tagline into the national consciousness or Kenguruse who kicked his boots off for a better grip to climb a rock face at 16,000 feet and -10 degrees Celsius, the unbreakable spirit and fortitude of the Kargil heroes at the tip of the spear rocketed them to cult status.

We won the war because of our youngsters, said Joshi.

The brave soldiers and officers stared death in the face and pulled off some nearly impossible missions. Their heroism and sacrifice is unmatched. It was Indias first televised war and some of the iconic images from the war zone will stay etched in the public mind, he said.

Early setbacksThe Indian Armys initial sluggish response to Pakistans Operation Badr ruthlessly exposed a series of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance failures, gaps in defences and lapses in command and control.

The armys 121 (Independent) Infantry Brigade responsible for guarding the sector was oblivious to the looming threat posed by the battle-ready intruders, a mix of Pakistan army regulars and Mujahideen, until a local herder alerted a unit (3 Punjab) deployed in the Batalik sector.

Tashi Namgyal of Garkon village was looking for a missing yak when he unwittingly spotted the Pakistani infiltrators on a mountain top on May 3, becoming an unlikely entry in the wars timeline stretching almost three months. In the days that followed Namgyals accidental discovery, it was clear to the army leadership that a war was in the making and recapturing the dominating positions would take blood, sweat and tears.

The Indian soldiers werent well equipped, a point emphasised by Malik at a media briefing on June 23. In response to a question on the glaring shortcomings, he ominously said, We shall fight with whatever we have.

When the Kargil war began, it was not the vintage but the deficiencies of weapons, equipment, ammunition and spares that worried us more. Even infantry weapons such as medium machine-guns, rocket launchers and mortars, apart from signal equipment, bulletproof jackets and snow clothing for high-altitude warfare, were in short supply, he wrote in his book, which captures the layered realties of the war.

Urgent action helped fix some of the deficiencies as the war rumbled on.

The Indian Air Forces role in crushing the enemy cannot be overstated.

After the PM-headed Cabinet Commitee on Security authorised the use of air power on the Indian side of LoC on May 25, IAF launched a deadly wave of airstrikes on positions held by the Pakistan army, including the administrative and logistics base at Muntho Dhalo in the Batalik sector and a battalion headquarters atop Tiger Hill, dealing a crippling blow to the enemys war effort and somewhat easing the Indian Armys advance.

Military rebootThe military is a rebooted force, and its capabilities are no longer in question, said a senior army officer, who asked not to be named. The three services have inducted new weapons, systems and technologies at a staggering speed during the last 10 to 15 years. We have strengthened our military posture with new fighter jets, a variety of helicopters, transport planes, missiles, warships, submarines, artillery guns, surveillance systems, drones. radars and other modern equipment. Indigenisation is also in full swing, he added.

To be sure, the induction of more fighters, mid-air refuellers, airborne early warning and control systems, submarines, light tanks and artillery gun systems is still a work in progress. So is theaterisation, a long-awaited reform for the best use of the militarys resources to fight future wars.

For a moment, lets look at what has been done. Theres been a remarkable technology infusion that allows gap-free surveillance of our borders. Modern weapons and systems have sharpened our combat edge. We have turned the corner on infrastructure development. Weve come a long way, said Joshi.

India will celebrate the landmark Kargil Vijay Diwas in the shadow of tensions with China in Ladakh and a resurgence of Pakistan-backed terror in the Jammu region.

Keeping the powder dry is the only option.
The Kerala Health Department on Monday confirmed that the 14-year-old boy who had succumbed to death after a Nipah infection in Malappuram, Kerala had consumed a fruit from his bat-infested neighbourhood. Minister George has also said that a team of experts from National Virology Institute-Pune will reach Malappuram on Monday to study the zoonotic bats in the region (PTI Photo)

ALSO READ | Centre advises 4 immediate measures after Kerala boy infected with Nipah virus dies

Kerala health minister Veena George said that the boy ate a hog plum fruit, locally known as ambazhanga, from his neighbourhood a few days before he developed a fever.

Minister George has also said that a team of experts from the National Virology Institute-Pune will reach Malappuram on Monday to study the zoonotic bats in the region.

On Monday, the minister announced that the contact list of the 14-year-old boy who lost his life to the rare infection has been increased to 350, out of which 101 are in the high-risk category, reported PTI.

The health department is waiting for the test of 13 people, whose samples were sent to the Kozhikode Medical College virology laboratory and the Advanced Virology Institute at Thiruvananthapuram.

Despite being asymptomatic, the samples of the boy's parents were sent for testing as a precautionary measure with six people out of the 13 samples sent for testing having symptoms and three of them are on the secondary contact list, said the Health minister.

Based on the teen's movements, a route map has been released by the health department. They have also asked people who are suspected to have been in contact with the boy to come forward and seek treatment. Indian Council of Medical Research has already reached Kerala and a total of 224 fever surveillance teams have been deployed, according to the Health minister

As of now, that locality is the primary source of infection, but it can be confirmed only after scientific examination. A team from the NIV, led by Dr Balasubramanyam will reach Kerala today (Monday) to observe the bats and their habitat in the areas, George said.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had warned the citizens against consuming half-bitten fruits by animals and drinking nectar found in plantain flowers. CM has asked people to wash their hands with soap or use sanitiser if they come in contact with bats or their excreta or have been bitten by them.

Nipah outbreaks have been reported in the state in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

With inputs from PTI
Reacting to union home minister Amit Shah's remark on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Monday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "the biggest sardar (kingpin) of corruption". Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole addresses a press conference.(ANI file photo)

"In 2014, Sharad Pawar was conferred with Padma Vibhushan by the NDA government itself, and now they are calling him the sardar of corruption. The biggest sardar of corruption is Modi himself," Nana Patole said on Monday.

On Sunday, Amit Shah accused Pawar of "institutionalising corruption".

Shah called Pawar the mastermind of corruption in Indian politics.

"They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" he said.

Nana Patole said the BJP is afraid of losing power in Maharashtra. He also questioned the government for not providing reservation benefits to Marathas.

"Before losing power, they were harassing Marathas. Electing 105 MLAs to BJP now seems like a mistake to the people of Maharashtra. Despite BJP being in power both in the state and at the centre, why are they not giving reservations to Marathas?."

He claimed land worth thousands of crores was being snatched at the behest of BJP leaders.

Ostensibly referring to the Dharavi redevelopment plan, he said "big projects are shifting from Maharashtra to Gujarat.

Amit Shah also attacked Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, saying he was the leader of what he called the Aurangzeb Fan Club and that he shared meals with those involved with Kasab.

Reacting to the jibe, Nana Patole said, "Everyone knows that they gave a ticket to Ujjwal Nikam. Whatever miracle happened that night, only Ujjwal Nikam can tell. Was he working for the government or the BJP? Government lawyers should be impartial, not for any party. Ujjwal Nikam has contested the Lok Sabha elections, so now it is becoming clear what his real face is."

Amit Shah had said Thackeray supports PFI.

"Uddhav Thackeray shares his meals with people involved with Kasab, he supports PFI and stands against renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar," he added.

With inputs from ANI
The Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on Monday, with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to table the first Union Budget of the third Narendra Modi-led central government a day later, even as the Opposition prepares to corner the Centre on a range of issues, including the fiasco surrounding public examinations, price rise, unemployment and railway safety. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh during the all-party meeting ahead of the Budget session of Parliament on Sunday. (HT Photo)

The session is slated to end on August 12, with 16 sittings scheduled in that time. Sitharaman will table the 2023-24 Economic Survey on Monday.

And while the session will largely be focused on the Budget document being passed, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has listed six new bills to be introduced, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said he looked forward to a constructive Parliament session.

As we prepare for the Budget Session, its clear that running Parliament smoothly is a collective responsibility. Our combined efforts & dedication will ensure that we address the nations needs effectively. Looking forward to a constructive session & meaningful discussions! he said in a post on X after a customary all-party meeting ahead of the session on Sunday afternoon.

During the meeting, Rijiju said the Monsoon sitting will be devoted largely to financial matters. However, he added: essential legislative and other business will also be taken up during the session.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who chaired the all-party meeting, told the participants that the government is ready to discuss all issues raised in the meeting as per the rules of the House.

He also sought the Oppositions cooperation, but stressed that the sanctity of Parliament should always be maintained.

Officials said 55 leaders were present in the meeting, though leaders of Opposition in both Houses, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and Trinamool Congress floor leaders skipped the meeting.

All eyes will, largely, be on the Budget.

Sitharaman presented an interim budget on February 1 this year, months ahead of the general elections, with an eye on fiscal prudence, as she announced a significant increase in capital expenditure, and continued the Centres governments emphasis on welfare, especially targeting the poor, women, the young, and farmers.

Indeed, the NDA budgets, under Prime Minister Modi have been characterised by fiscal prudence and capital spending.

Last years Budget too announced a planned 10 lakh crore expense on capex, without any major cut in the spending of major ministries or any sharp hikes in tax rates.

It will also be the first full Parliament session since the 2024 general elections. The BJP won 240 of the Lok Sabhas 543 seats and had to lean on its allies to form the government for a third straight term. This was in contrast to the partys performance in 2014 and 2019 polls, when it stormed to power with 272 and 303 MPs respectively.

The sitting is hence likely to see the acrimony of the first session of Parliament, held from June 24, spill over, with the energised Opposition benches likely to spar with the Centre over a string of issues. The oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will demand debates over alleged irregularities in and postponements of a raft of public examinations, including the NEET-UG, NEET-PG, UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET, apart

The Opposition has also demanded, including during Sundays all-party meeting, that they be given the Lok Sabha deputy speakers position  a role that was vacant in the last Lok Sabha.

During the special Lok Sabha session, the Opposition put up a candidate against NDAs Om Birla after they failed to get an assurance from the government on deputy speaker. Birla was, however, reelected to the position.

At the meeting, the Congress was represented by Jairam Ramesh, Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh and Pramod Tiwari.

Ramesh, in a post on X, also said the party will look to discuss the internal security situation in Jammu and Manipur, challenges on our borders with China, environmental concerns, issues related to Centre-state relations and economy and the passage of unconstitutional orders in states like UP, the latter a purported reference to the diktat requiring owners of eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes to display their names.

The order has caused a firestorm across the country, drawing criticism from several political parties, including some of the BJPs allies.

Some parties are also likely to demand special category status for their states. Indeed, during Sundays meeting, the Janata Dal (United), which runs a coalition government with the BJP in Bihar, sought special status for the eastern state, even as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) demanded the same for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.

JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Jha said if giving special category state status is not possible, then Bihar should be given a special package. Special category status for the state has been our stand since the beginning...if that is not possible then a special package should be announced.

The BJDs Rajya Sabha leader Sasmit Patra told media persons after the meeting that Odisha has been deprived of the special category status for more than two decades.

The Biju Janata Dal has been demanding special category status. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also raised the demand, he said.

The government will introduce the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934 and provide enabling provisions to push the ease of doing business in the civil aviation sector.

Other bills listed for introduction and passage during the session are the Boilers Bill to replace the pre-Independence era law, the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill and the Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill.
A speeding Audi car on Monday rammed two stationary auto rickshaws in Mumbai's Mulund area, leaving four people injured, the police reported. One of the people who has sustained injuries is in a critical condition. The incident took place at around 8 AM on Dumping Road, with auto-drivers and two passengers getting injured. One of the passengers is in the critical condition. (HT Photo)

The incident took place at around 8 AM on Dumping Road, with auto drivers and two passengers getting injured.

The unidentified driver fled the scene after the incident, leaving the car behind to be impounded by the police, reported PTI. A case has been registered against the driver under sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita and an investigation has commenced, a police official said.

A case has been registered against the unidentified driver under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, and the investigation is ongoing, a police official said.

Earlier on July 7, a luxury BMW car hit a bike-bourne couple, dragging a woman to death in Worli in Mumbai. Her husband was also injured in this accident.

Kaveri Nakhwa, a 45-year-old woman, was killed after the car dragged for several metres at around 5:30 am on Worli's arterial Anni Besant Road.

Mihir Shah, the son of Rajesh Shah, a local leader of Shiv Sena (Shinde) and accused, was arrested over the incident.

He was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days until July 30. According to the police, Mihir Shah sped off after he hit the woman and she remained on the bonnet of the car and got entangled in its wheels for a distance of more than 1.5 kilometres.

A Mumbai police official claimed that Shah was under the influence of alcohol when he allegedly hit the two-wheeler.

On July 10, yet another hit-and-run incident took place in Nashik, Maharashtra. A woman was mowed down by a speeding car and was thrown about 15-20 metres in the air after being hit by the car.

With inputs from PTI
The Congress-led Opposition has drawn the battle lines against the BJP-led NDA government, demanding debates on the alleged NEET scam, the recent controversies surrounding UPSC exams and on the order of the Uttar Pradesh government asking shopkeepers to display their names in the Kanwar Yatra route, among others, during the monsoon session that starts on Monday. Proceeding of the Rajya Sabha underway during the Parliament session last month. (Sansad TV)

The UP governments controversial order also didnt find any support from the NDA allies. At least three key allies, including the Janata Dal (United), demanded the order be scrapped even as the Congress sought debate on Deliberate attempts at polarisation in states like UP bypassing unconstitutional orders.

In an all-party meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, the JD(U) and former supporters Biju Janata Dal and the YSRCP sought Special Category status for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.

The government reminded the Opposition on Sunday that the sanctity of Parliament must be maintained and underlined, and that the smooth conduct of Parliament proceedings is a collective responsibility. The governments assertion assumes importance following massive protests by the Opposition during the previous session, leading to the Lok Sabha passing a rare motion to condemn their antics.

The government is ready to discuss all issues raised in the meeting as per the rules of the House, Rajnath Singh told the attendees on Sunday.

He also sought cooperation from the Opposition and reminded that the sanctity of Parliament should always be maintained. After the meeting, some BJP allies including JDU and NCP (Ajit Pawar), expressed their reservation against the UP governments order.

A total of 55 leaders were present in the meeting even though some of the top leaders such as both Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool floor leaders were missing.

The monsoon session that starts from Monday and ends on August 12 is vital as the third NDA government will present its first budget on July 23. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey on Monday.

The Congress, represented by Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, Jairam Ramesh and Pramod Tiwari, listed a host of issues ranging from the NEET scams to the Centre-state relationship. The parties also demanded that the Lok Sabha Deputy Speakers post be given to the Opposition. In the first half of the session last month, the Opposition had put up a candidate for the Speakers position against NDAs Om Birla after they failed to get an assurance from the government on the Deputy Speakers post.

Meanwhile, the demand for Special Category status for Odisha, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh came before the introduction of the Union Budget in which the latter two are expected to get special sops in terms of funding infrastructure projects and accelerated economic growth.

JDU working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha said if giving special status is not possible, then Bihar should be given a special package. Special category status for the state has been our stand since the beginning...if that is not possible then a special package should be announced.

Odisha has been deprived of the special category status for more than two decades. The Biju Janata Dal has been demanding special category status. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also raised the demand, BJDs Rajya Sabha leader Sasmit Patra told media persons after the meeting.

YSRCP MP Vijaysai Reddy sought funds for Andhra Pradesh, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the TDP strangely kept quiet on the matter.

Opposition leaders told HT that the alleged NEET scam, along with the recent reports of controversy in UPSC and the UP governments order on Kanwar Yatra, will be aggressively taken up in this session. Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the issue on NEET in the previous session, the Opposition will seek a debate on the issue.

Emphasising that the JDU doesnt agree with the UP governments order, Jha maintained that the party is very clear that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste and religion. NCP leader Praful Patel also demanded that steps must be taken to withdraw the order. For the first time, such decisions have been taken in view of the Kanwar Yatra. The UP government should take it back, Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, said after the meeting.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who also attended the meeting, too was vocal about the UP governments order. We said that if any government passes an order against the Constitution, then the Government of India should take note of it. Issuing such an order is a violation of Article 17. They are promoting untouchability. It is against the right to life.

Rashtriya Loktantrik Party lawmaker Hanuman Beniwal raised unemployment, price rise and demanded that the Agnipath defence scheme be revoked. He also sought more time for small parties during debates.

The government plans to push six bills during this session, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak to provide enabling provisions for manufacturing in aviation to support Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat schemes.
The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case that has gained prominence due to allegations involving Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and his wife, Parvathi, involved similar violations for other beneficiaries under the government 50:50 scheme for land acquisition. As the Karnataka assemblys monsoon session enters the second week, the Opposition is expected to up the attack on the party. The 50:50 scheme stipulates that land losers receive 50% of his or her acquired land once developed and the remaining 50% is cash compensation (PTI)

MUDA had acquired Parvathis land of about three acres and 16 guntas in Kesare, Mysuru in between 2001 and 2002. In 2021, MUDA allotted her 38,284 sq. ft of residential sites under the 50:50 scheme, designed to compensate land losers. This scheme stipulates that land losers receive 50% of his or her acquired land once developed and the remaining 50% is cash compensation.

MUDAs allocation of 14 residential sites in the Vijayanagar 3rd and 4th Stage layouts to Parvathi has raised eyebrows, given the higher market value compared to the Devanur 3rd Stage layout, where her original land was situated, said a senior officer in the know of the development.

However, the irregularities extend far beyond the case involving CMs wife, revealing systemic rot and irregularities within the urban development body as per a detailed report submitted by a MUDA technical committee six months ago. Despite the irregularities being pointed out no concrete actions were taken by the government, prompting widespread concern and criticism.

Technical Committee

On November 3, 2023, the technical committee led by the additional director of Karnataka State Town Planning Board, TV Muruli submitted a report to the Urban Development Department highlighting irregularities in implementing the scheme. The report outlined various irregularities such as preferential allocation of land to influential people and recommended actions against responsible officials.

The committee had cited a government circular dated May 4, 2021, that if any urban development authority violates guidelines or rules or laws, under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act and the Kannada Urban Development Authorities (KUDA) Act, its commissioner should be held responsible and disciplinary action should be taken against him or her.

Although the committee report is pending, another committee has been formed, which is controversial. Additionally, there was no action against the then MUDA commissioner, except for his transfer in February, which was cancelled immediately, and again after the recent controversy, said an officer, aware of the report and didnt want to be named.

The 50:50 scheme

In the early days of land development, the MUDA compensated farmers and other landowners at market value when acquiring their land. However, after 2005, Mysurus real estate showed a boom, which led to developers buying land around the city, making it hard for MUDA to purchase land at affordable prices, to compensate these land losers.

To solve this issue, MUDA introduced a policy granting landowners a portion of the developed land. Initially, MUDA kept 60% of the developed land, giving 40% to the original landowner. By 2015, this ratio changed to a 50:50 split, giving equal shares to both MUDA and the landowners.

The land losers were the owners of the 130 acres of land acquired from Hanchya-Sathgalli A and B Zone and Devanur III Stage layouts. This parcel of land included the plot that belonged to Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi. The urban body developed a total of 8,486 sites in these layouts and distributed them in 2001-02.

Owners of these lands were offered land under 50:50 schemes. Since 2021, over 3,000 alternate sites were allotted in areas such as Vijayanagar, Dattagalli, JP Nagar and RT Nagar  where the value of land was higher than in areas MUDA had developed the layouts, said an official in the know.

Following the irregularities being reported, the state government had appointed a high-level probe on July 1, 2024, into the alleged irregularities in the allotment of sites meant for land losers in MUDA. Additionally, a one-man judicial commission, headed by former Karnataka high court judge PN Desai, was constituted on Saturday. These two new committees have been formed while there has been no action on the 2023 technical committee report.

What report found

Their technical committee probe revealed that several layouts where land had been allocated lacked official approval and did not reserve plots for mandatory public parks and civic facilities among other irregularities.

According to the report, land allotment should have followed the KUDA rules of 2009, which stipulate that sites can only be distributed on a 50:50 basis through a lottery in newly developed areas. While no new layouts have been formed for over a decade, MUDA gave 50% of sites to landowners in alternative developed areas to compensate for land acquired for layouts developed (or acquired) before 2009. These actions, taken in MUDA meetings on November 6 and 20, 2020, and later, are deemed invalid, the report said.

Notably, the Devanur third stage, involving 3.16 acres of land owned by the Chief Ministers wife, was developed in 2000-2001. The government issued an order on March 14, 2023, to halt the distribution of sites on a 50:50 basis in alternative areas until new guidelines were established, as it violated rule 16(1) of the Karnataka Urban Development Rules, 1991. Despite this, MUDA continued these illegal distributions, ignoring the governments directives.

Illicit and allotment cases

One prominent case involves chief minister Siddaramaiahs close associate and former Zilla Panchayat member Rakesh Papannas great aunt, Nagaratnamma. She received an illegal allotment of alternative accommodation, bypassing government approval processes.

Rakesh Papanna applied on April 15, 2024, to compensate for his 3.05 acres of land in Hinkal, Mysuru taluk. MUDA granted him sites on June 12, 2024, without following proper procedures, the report said.

In 1981, the MUDA issued a notification to acquire three acres and 5 guntas of land in survey number 211 of Hinkal village, Mysuru taluk, for the formation of Vijayanagara layout. The landowner, Pappana, rejected the compensation offered and took the matter to court. By 1999, the compensation was set at 48,750, but the he still did not accept it and continued the legal battle. The court then directed MUDA to provide appropriate compensation.

On April 15, 2024, Papanna submitted an application to MUDA seeking compensation. On June 12, the MUDA commissioner allocated him sites totalling 36,753 square feet in the Vijayanagara layout. Allegations have surfaced that MUDA should have paid the compensation with interest to the landowner as per court orders.

In October 2023, the government issued a directive stating that alternative sites should not be allotted on a 50:50 basis, citing violation of court order.

Rakesh Pappana could not be reached for a comment on the allegations.

The technical committee also uncovered a case involving the allocation of plots worth approximately 30 crores to an intermediary who had created fake documents, bypassing the rightful allocation of alternative land to the original landowners.

A report from the technical committee, detailing these irregularities said that in the case of Survey No. 81 of Kasaba Hobali Devanur village, Mysore Taluk, no alternative land was allotted to the original landowner, Puttaswamy. Instead, a middleman named Mahendra illicitly created a fake document, presenting the land as his.

Putraswamy applied for the replacement land on November 10, 2020, for the 1 acre 21 guntas of land in Survey No. 81. Subsequently, on March 1, 2021, V Venkatesh purchased the same land and requested a replacement plot on April 4, 2021, during this time the irregularity came to light. The technical committees investigation revealed that these transactions and allocations were fraudulent.

Unauthorised approvals

The investigation by the technical committee has uncovered significant irregularities in the development of various layouts. The committee found that many of these layouts lack reserved plots for public parks and civic facilities, and confirmed layout maps are unavailable. Furthermore, the layouts were not officially approved by MUDA.

The MUDA Special Land Acquisition Officer failed to provide the technical committee with details regarding the governments permissions for land acquisition, the extent of land acquired, the amount of compensation provided, and the actual area developed into layouts. There is also no information about the compensation for land used without acquisition, the committee said.

It further added that MUDA has not prepared a comprehensive layout map for the entire area proposed for acquisition in developed estates. According to urban planning rules, at least 15% of the area should be reserved for parks and 10% for civic amenities.

The technical committee found no evidence that a design map was prepared and officially approved by the authority for the development plan. In some cases, areas designated for parks and civic amenities were left out of land acquisition, and no certified design map was available to verify compliance with clause 16(d) of the Karnataka Urban Plan, the report further added.

BJP demands resignation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a protest against the Karnataka government headed by Siddaramaiah over alleged scams in the Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka demanded the resignation of the chief minister, saying Siddaramaiah must step down for any fair probe into the scam. The Opposition also rejected the appointment of a single-member commission to probe the irregularities in (MUDA). R. Ashoka alleged, The Congress government has looted the land reserved for Dalits. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has lost the moral right to continue in the post and he should resign immediately. The government has gobbled up 187 crore of the board. This is a government of looters, he said.

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, however, said that an SIT had been formed to probe the case and that everyone should wait for the report. The CM and the minister have clearly said that the officials have mishandled these accounts. We have also formed a single judge bench for the MUDA issue, so whatever concern BJP has, it should raise it in the assembly with documents.
Monsoon Session of Parliament 2024: The first Monsoon Session of Parliament after the NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, came to power the record third consecutive term will be begin on Monday, July 22. In the afternoon, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey in Parliament, a day before she will present the Union Budget. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh during the all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament in New Delhi on July 21, 2024. (HT Photo)

The united Opposition is set to corner the NDA government on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case, the row over the directive by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names and railway safety.

The Monsoon Session will conclude on August 12.

Parliament Monsoon Session: Top updates

The Parliament Monsoon Session will have 19 sittings till August 12 when the government is expected to present six bills, including the one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and also get the Parliament nod for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, which is under central rule. The row over the directive asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names escalated as the opposition parties stated they will raise the issue in Parliament. At an all-party meeting on Sunday on the eve of the Parliament session, several opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, SP and AAP, criticised the order by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments and made it clear that they would raise the issue in the two Houses. They demanded that the government should allow a discussion on it in Parliament. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju has convened a meeting of the floor leaders of political parties in Parliament to understand issues they would want to raise during the session. The Biju Janata Dal, led by former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, has declared that it would play the role of a strong opposition and aggressively raise issues of interest to the state in Parliament. Patnaik, who was elected as the chairperson of BJD Parliamentary party, has asked his party MPs to take up the demand for special category status for Odisha. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said the Opposition would also resist any government move to dilute its stake in public sector banks below 51 per cent. During the Monson Session, the government is likely to bring amendments to the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and other laws such as Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980 in the Budget Session due to which the government's shareholding in PSBs can go down below 51 per cent. Besides the Finance Bill, the government has also listed The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill for introduction, consideration and passing. The proposed legislation aims to bring more clarity and convergence in the roles of different organisations working in the field of disaster management, a Lok Sabha bulletin issued Thursday said. The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 seeks to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934 to provide enabling provisions for ease of doing business in the civil aviation sector. The other bills listed for introduction and passage during the session are the Boilers Bill to replace the pre-Independence era law, the Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill and the Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill.

(With inputs from agencies)
PM Narendra Modi's address at beginning of Monsoon Session: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed at the Opposition for disrupting previous Parliament sessions at the beginning of the Parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday and urged the lawmakers all political parties to fight together for country for next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday.

PM Narendra Modi slammed the negative politics of some parties, saying they used Parliament's time to hide their failures. Modi alleged that the Opposition parties tried to not let him speak in Parliament in last session, adding that such tactic has no place in democracy.

Also Read | Parliament monsoon session LIVE updates

"...You must have seen that in the first session of Parliament, an attempt was made to stifle the voice of the government that has been elected with a majority by 140 crore people of the country. For 2.5 hours, an attempt was made to suppress the voice of the Prime Minister. They tried to not let me speak in Parliament in last session. The people of the country have sent us for the country and not for the party. This Parliament is for the country, not for the party," Modi said while addressing customary address at the start of a Parliament session.

A day before the presentation of the Union Budget, Modi said the Budget will set the direction for the journey of the next five years and lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' in 2047.

Also Read |

Modi said his government is moving forward to implement on the ground the guarantees he has given to the people.

"This is the Budget session. The guarantees that I have been giving, we are moving forward to implement those guarantees on the ground," he said.

"This Budget is an important Budget of the Amrit Kaal. The opportunity of five years that we have, this budget will decide the direction of that journey as well as lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047," Modi said.

He also said the Budget session is an important destination in our democracy's proud journey.

A government has come back to power for the third term after 60 years, he said.

"Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this auspicious day. I extend my greetings to the countrymen on the first Monday of Sawan. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. Today the whole country is looking at it. This should be a positive session," Modi said.

Modi also sad the Budget session is an important destination in our democracy's proud journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged leaders of all political organisations to rise above party politics and work together for the nation in order to achieve the target of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the Parliament complex in New Delhi on Monday. (Raj K Raj/ HT Photo)

In his customary address before the start of the Parliament session, Modi said parties should set aside differences for the next four years and leave little room for politics for the six months preceding the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The budget session is an important destination in our democracys proud journey. A government has come back to power for the third term after 60 years. Our Budget will set direction to our journey for the next five years and will set a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat, Modi said.

He also appealed to all political parties to come together for the next five years as India is at its peak of opportunities.

The countrys positive outcomes are at their peak and now it is the duty of all political parties to fight for the country as ek (one) and nek (sincere) for the next four years, the PM said.

Taking potshots at opposition parties for disruptions in Parliament, Modi said it is sad that some elected representatives could not raise issues pertaining to their respective constituencies on account of disruptions.

Some parties used Parliaments time to hide their failures. Opposition parties tried to prevent me from speaking in Parliament in the last session. Such tactics have no place in a democracy, PM Modi said.
Bangladeshs Supreme Court on Sunday scaled down a controversial quota system for government jobs following violent protests led by students spiralled into clashes, killing at least 139 people across the South Asian country that remained on the edge after demonstrators said they will continue their stir and the government extended a strict curfew. Police stand guard outside Bangladesh's Supreme Court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday. Bangladesh top court on Sunday scaled back a controversial quota system for government job applicants. (AP)

The protesters have been demanding an end to a quota that reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of Independence in 1971. The government previously halted it in 2018 following mass student protests, but in June, Bangladeshs high court reinstated the quota and set off a new round of protests. Ruling on an appeal, the Supreme Court ordered that the veterans quota be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit. The remaining 2% will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people.

I am hoping normalcy will return after todays ruling and people with ulterior motives will stop instigating people, attorney general AM Amin Uddin said. The countrys law minister Anisul Haq also welcomed the courts decision and said it is well thought of.

The situation on the ground remained tense as Bangladeshi authorities extended a nationwide curfew on Sunday and soldiers continued to patrol cities across the country that remained under an internet blackout. The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government has declared a public holiday on Monday, with only emergency services allowed to operate.

The coordinators of the anti-job quota movement maintained that their protests will continue despite the Supreme Courts ruling.

We wont call off our protests until the government issues an order reflecting our demands, a spokesperson for Students Against Discrimination, which has been spearheading the protests, told news agency AFP on condition of anonymity. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations as many of its supporters have joined the student-led protests. However, BNP said in a statement that its followers were not responsible for the violence and denied the ruling partys accusations of using the protests for political gains.

The turmoil in Bangladesh has sent ripples across its neighbours, including India. More than 4,500 Indians and nearly 540 citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives have returned from Bangladesh with the assistance of Indian authorities following violent protests, the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

At a rally in Kolkata, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday said that she would be willing to provide shelter in her state to people from Bangladesh who were in distress.

I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since it is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of [West] Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter, Banerjee said.

She referred to UN resolution on refugees to justify her stand. Thats because there is a UN resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those which are in turmoil, she said, citing the example of people from Assam being allowed to live in the Alipurduars area of West Bengal during the Bodo agitation.

However, people familiar with the matter said that such matters are handled by the Central government. These are matters which are handled by the Union government. A state government has no locus standi on the issue and as such, their comments are totally misplaced, one of the people said on condition of anonymity.
The state governments proposal to grant gun licenses to the nomadic shepherd community and permit them to graze sheep in forest areas has drawn criticisms from environmentalists and wildlife experts. Experts have warned that the proposed actions could violate the Wildlife Protection Act and exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts and poaching (PTI)

The proposal was put forward to help the shepherds in protecting their livestock from theft and allowing them to graze sheep in forest areas. During the meeting held on July 19 held by Siddaramaiah with all district commissioners in Bengaluru, he instructed them to issue firearms licenses to shepherds and to allow sheep grazing in forest areas.

Hassan deputy commissioner C Sathyambha confirmed the instructions, stating, The CM instructed during the meeting to issue gun licenses to nomadic shepherds to protect themselves from sheep thefts. The CM also told us to take steps to allow sheep inside forests for grazing. We are already issuing gun licenses as per the law to applicants after verification.

While the government claims these measures aim to protect herdsmen and their cattle from theft and to address the shortage of grazing pasture, no formal order or guidelines for sheep grazing within forests have been issued yet.

Following the meeting, experts have warned that the proposed actions could violate the Wildlife Protection Act and exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts and poaching. Colonel (Retd) CP Muthanna of the Coorg Wildlife Society said: The process of issuing gun licenses involves verifying whether the applicant has adequate space to store and use the firearm. Licenses are usually not granted to individuals who do not own land. He expressed concern that providing guns to nomadic tribes could increase illegal hunting within forest areas.

According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, grazing domestic animals is prohibited in national parks and reserve forests, and carrying firearms inside protected areas is forbidden. The governments directive blatantly violates this law, Muthanna added. He further warned that introducing sheep into forest areas could spread diseases to wild animals, which would be untreatable. He emphasised that wild animals rely solely on forest resources for food and any disruption could lead to their destruction.

A deputy conservator of forests (DCF), speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns about the decision. The decision of the state government would definitely affect forests and wildlife. If domestic animals are allowed inside forests, they would result in a shortage of fodder for wild animals. If nomadic shepherds misuse guns for poaching, it would further complicate the situation, the DCF said.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday described the Centre's order lifting the ban on the participation of government employees in RSS activities as a politically motivated decision aimed at appeasing the organisation. She has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order. BSP chief Mayawati (HT file photo)(HT_PRINT)

"The Centre's decision to lift the 58-year-old ban on government employees from attending RSS shakhas is a politically motivated move to appease the RSS rather than serving the national interest. This is to ease the tensions that intensified between the two after the Lok Sabha elections over government policies and their arrogant attitudes," Mayawati wrote on X in Hindi.

Mayawati claimed RSS activities were political and electoral in favour of a particular party. She said government employees must work within the framework of the Constitution.

"However, the activities of the RSS, which have often been banned, are not only political but also electoral for a particular party. In such a situation, this decision is unfair and should be withdrawn immediately," she said in the post.

The Congress on Sunday said a purported government order issued last week lifted the ban on the participation of government employees in the activities of the BJP's ideological mentor.

Also read: RSS's first reaction to government employee order: Baselessly banned

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya claimed the government had indeed revoked the "unconstitutional" directive.

Opposition slams BJP government

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the move very strange.

"This is very strange. RSS work and government work are different, both should not be together and the Narendra Modi government did not change this rule for 10 years, then why are you changing it now? It is the responsibility of government employees to work for everyone, work for the whole country. This is not fair, after retiring from service you can do whatever you want but when you are in the government you should remain neutral," Tharoor said while speaking to ANI outside Parliament on Monday.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called the order "shameful".

"Earlier ED, CBI, and IT were all doing khaki work wearing khaki shorts. Now they will be able to speak openly. It is shameful that today our bureaucrats who should work for Bharat Mata and the government should promote it, will now work keeping their ideology in mind, this is shameful," she added.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the order was against India's integrity and unity.

"This office memo purportedly shows that the government has lifted the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities. If true, this is against India's integrity and unity. The ban on RSS exists because it refused to accept the constitution, the national flag and the national anthem," he wrote on X.

Owaisi claimed that RSS members take an oath that put Hindutva above the nation. He added that no civil servant can be loyal to the nation if they are members of the RSS.

Meanwhile, RSS lauded the BJP government's decision, saying the Congress government had baselessly banned government employees from participating in the activities of the organisation.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
A special court in Mumbai hearing the case pertaining to the firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence said that there is sufficient material on record against the six arrested accused.



Special judge B D Shelke took cognisance of the chargesheet against the six accused, filed by the Mumbai police, PTI reported. The accused are facing multiple charges, including attempt to murder. Bollywood actor Salman Khan (ANI)

According to a PTI report, the court said that there is sufficient prima facie material on record for proceeding against the accused for offences punishable under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) 34 (common intention) 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy), among others, as well as other relevant provisions MCOC (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime) Act and Arms Act.

"There is sufficient prima facie material on record for proceeding against the accused, and hence cognisance (of the chargesheet) is taken," it said.

ALSO READ| Sidhu Moosewala-like murder? What chargesheet against Lawrence Bishnoi said on Salman Khan firing case

Vickykumar Gupta, Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Anujkumar Thapan (now deceased), Mohd Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh are the six accused in the case. Thapan allegedly died by suicide in police custody. The rest of the accused are currently in judicial custody following their arrest. The court has issued a process to the accused.

The police have filed a 1,735-page chargesheet before the special MCOCA court, which includes various investigation documents incorporated in three volumes. The confessional statements under the MCOC (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime) Act, 22 panchanamas, and technical evidence are also part of the chargesheet documents.

On April 14, two motorcycle-borne men had fired five rounds outside Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Bandra. The incident had shocked many of the 58-year-old actor's fans and well-wishers.



On July 8, the Mumbai Police had filed a chargesheet in the case, naming nine people including gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol, who resides in Canada and is the brother of jailed gangster Bishnoi, has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on the enforcement of the order passed by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments' directives requiring eatery owners along the path of Kanwar Yatra to disclose the names of owners and the staff employed by them. A Kanwar Yatra passing through Delhi on Friday. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Supreme Court said that the food sellers must not be forced to serve names of owners, or staff employed. The apex court posted the matter for hearing on July 26.

ALSO READ- Kanwar Yatra: Sawan begins today, Delhi-Meerut Expressway closed for these vehicles | Check traffic advisory

Food sellers must not be forced to display names: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court was hearing challenges to the directive from NGOs like the Association of Protection of Civil Rights and TMC MP Mahua Moitra, among others.

Moitra's plea called for a halt on these orders, arguing that they escalate tensions between communities.

The petitioners counsel told the court that the directives are troubling, as they create divisions by identifying minorities and subjecting them to economic boycott.

Senior advocate CU Singh, representing a petitioner, argued that many affected people are poor vegetable and tea stall owners who face severe economic hardship due to these directives. He also said that there may be instances of bulldozer actions against those who fail to comply.

The Supreme Court questioned whether Kanwariyas expect food to be prepared by owners of a specific category. "We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," the bench said.

Also Read: Jayant Chaudhary breaks silence on UP's Kanwar Yatra order, says govt's decision not well thought out

Kanwar Yatra row: What is the issue?

Muzaffarnagar police had issued an order mandating it for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. Later, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the order statewide on Friday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Uttarakhand also issued similar directives. Besides them, the BJP-led Ujjain Municipal Corporation had instructed shop owners in the historic city to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments.

Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal said on Saturday that violators will face a fine of 2,000 for the first offence and 5,000 for subsequent violations. The mayor said that the order is intended to ensure safety and transparency, not to target Muslim shopkeepers.



However, the Madhya Pradesh government clarified that it has not issued any instructions requiring shop owners to display their names along the Kanwar Yatra route in the state, and there is no such compulsion.

Also Read: Drones, ATS units: Kanwar yatra begins today under security umbrella

Government to provide its stand: BJP

BJP spokesperson Jugal Kishore said:" It is just an interim order. The government will present its viewpoint in court."

No one appeared for the state governments in the matter at this hearing.

Mahua Moitra on interim stay on Kanwar Yatra directives

TMC MP Moitra lauded apex court decision. Long live our Constitution. And may we always protect it, she said in an X post.
A soldier was injured when terrorists fired at a newly set up army camp at remote Gundha Khawas village in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Monday, prompting security forces to launch a search operation amid a spike in violence in the region. There has been a major spike in violence in the Jammu region. (ANI)

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said a major terror attack on the army picket in the remote village was thwarted. He added firing was underway and the operation is in progress.

Nagrota-based 16 Corps earlier said in a post on X that terrorists attacked the house of a village defence guard at 3.10 am and that a nearby army column reacted and a firefight ensued. Operations are continuing.

The soldier was injured two days after Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation on Saturday at a joint meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies in Jammu.

Two army personnel were injured earlier in a gunfight with terrorists in Doda on Thursday last. This year, 27 people, including 11 security personnel, a village defence guard, and five terrorists, have been killed in nearly a dozen terror attacks in six districts of the Jammu region.
Three political parties, including an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday demanded special category status for three states at the all-party meeting ahead of the Parliament session on Monday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister JP Nadda during the all-party meeting ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

While the Janata Dal (United), which runs a coalition government with the BJP in Bihar, sought special category status for the eastern state, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) demanded the same for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, which is also an ally of the BJP, did not reiterate the demand it made earlier, at the meeting.

People aware of the details said Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan, whose party is also an ally of the BJP, also demanded special category status for Bihar.

States with special category status receive higher funds from the Centre, which also gives them special tax benefits. No state has been granted this classification since the BJP came to power in 2014. Before that, 10 states were granted special category status.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha said Bihar should be provided with a special package if the state cannot be granted special category status.

Special category status for the state has been our stand since the beginning if that is not possible, then a special package should be announced, he said.

On June 29, the JD(U)s national executive passed a resolution demanding either a special category status or special package for Bihar. Its demand for a special package, as an alternative to its historical push for a special category status, marked a pragmatic climbdown as the Narendra Modi government had cited the 14th Finance Commissions report to rule out special category status for any more states.

The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD, which was earlier counted as a friendly party of the BJP, demanded special category status and supported similar demands made by the JD(U) and the YSRCP.

Odisha has been deprived of the special category status for more than two decades. The BJD has been demanding the status. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have also made similar demands, BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said.

The BJD, during a meeting of its Rajya Sabha MPs last month, had renewed its push for special category status and directed the lawmakers to raise the issue in Parliament.

Likewise, the YSRCP raised the issue of funds for Andhra Pradesh from the central pool at the all-party meeting. Party MP Vijaysai Reddy said states that kept a check on its population were being punished by way of reduction in the share of revenue, and that the issue must be addressed by the finance commission.

The opposition party leaders took potshots at the ruling TDP, a vital partner of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, for not raising the issue of special category status for Andhra Pradesh during the meeting.

On July 4, TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the Centres support for crucial proposals for the states developments. Naidu sought enhanced assistance for the state if the special category status cannot be granted, people aware of the details earlier said.

The Congress also took a swipe at the TDP over its silence on the matter on Sunday. In todays all-party meeting of floor leaders chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the JD(U) leader demanded special category status of Bihar. The YSRCP leader demanded special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Strangely, the TDP leader kept quiet on the matter, partys chief of communication Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.

In a separate post, Ramesh said: How the political climate has changed! In the all-party meeting of floor leaders, the BJD leader reminded the Defence Minister and BJP President JP Nadda that the BJPs manifesto for the 2014 assembly elections in Odisha had promised special category status to the state.

Meanwhile, Jha said the JD(U) also raised the issue of floods at the meeting. A large part of the state gets inundated every year. The water comes from Nepal; a dam was supposed to have been built over the Kosi river. It is long overdue. The government should resolve this and find a way out. Till the time it (dam) is not done, some arrangement should be made on this side of the border, he said.

The JD(U) also put on record that it does not agree with the Uttar Pradesh governments order directing eateries to display names of their owners along routes of the Kanwar Yatra. We are very clear that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste and religion, he said.

According to a person present at the meeting, Jha also said care should be taken to ensure timely response from ministers on issues raised by members during the Zero Hour in Parliament and through notices under Rule 377.

The BJD also raised the non-issue of almost 20 lakh houses for the rural poor and more than 162 communities being deprived of benefits under the ST list, Patra said. He added that he raised issues pertaining to infrastructure and said the coastal highway is yet to be built, and that the state has been deprived of highways, railways, banking and digital connectivity.

The party also spoke about the alleged assault of a Odisha Raj Bhavan employee by governor Raghubar Dass son. Despite an FIR being registered, no police action has been taken, he said. This is shocking.

The issue of MPs being provided a central hall facility was raised by TDP lawmaker LS Krishna Devarayalu. It was later raised by other parties, including the Congress, the person cited above said.
New Delhi, Scale models of forts associated with Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, colourful stalls of various states, and live display of craftsmanships were part of a thematic pavilion at World Heritage Committee meeting venue here to display the spirit of 'Incredible India'. State stalls, monuments replica: Slice of India at WHC pavilion

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee being hosted by India from July 21-31 got underway on Sunday with the opening ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, among others.

Parallel to the plenary session being held at the main hall of the Bharat Mandapam, an 'Incredible India' exhibition has been set up at hall number 14 depicting heritage landmarks and cultural legacy of the country.

The main gateway to this pavilion is a replica of an ornate gateway in Jaipur, with a softly illuminated 'Incredible India' mounted on its top.

As one enters the pavilion, moving images of iconic cultural heritage sites of India have been depicted on digital walls on both sides.

The gateway leads to a wide open space where different aspects of India's heritage have been displayed, from replicas of monumental sites such as Jantar Mantar of Delhi to Unakoti, the chiselled Angkor Wat of the North-East region that was put on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2022.

"We have created this 'Incredible India' pavilion to showcase to the delegates and other visitors a slice of India and its diverse cultural flavour under one roof here at the venue of the World Heritage Committee meeting. It has replicas of monuments, virtual reality experience and much more," a senior official of the Ministry of Tourism told PTI.

The main entrance also has giant cut-outs of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India from the churches of Goa to temples of south India, and Mahabodhi temple of Bihar to Humayun's Tomb of Delhi.

The special exhibition highlights India's rich cultural heritage, age-old civilisation, geographical diversity and tourism destinations along with modern developments in the fields of information technology and infrastructure, officials said.

Visitors can also see live demonstrations of Indian craftsmanship from a 'thathera' stall showcasing pot-making to a woman weaving a Pashmina shawl using traditional tools.

While artists and musicians perform in a designated arena, in a corner behind it, a Rajasthani man and his son wrap traditional 'pagdi' from his state on the heads of guests.

Kinkar Lal Bhopa from Churu points to a row of neatly tied turbans at his stall, as he beckons visitors to experience this Rajasthani culture. His son assists him in the job.

"We are feeling proud to display our culture to the delegates and other guests who are coming to our stall, drawn both out of curiosity and an urgent to learn more about India," Bhopa told PTI.

Adding a splash of colour to this kaleidoscope of culture is the presence of stalls from various states and Union Territories

"We have divided them into five zones, north, south, east, west and central. In the East zone, one can see stalls of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, among others," the official from the Tourism Ministry said.

Next to the West Bengal stall, a panel depicting Durga Puja with idols of Goddess Durga and other deities has been mounted. Kolkata's Durga Puja finds a place on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Various state stalls besides showcasing their tourism destinations are also letting guests sample some delicacies from their respective regions.

While the Bihar stall offers 'anarsa' and 'khaja', the Rajasthan stall offers 'ghewar' to the visitors.

Payel Halder, pursuing an M.Des. from IIT-Delhi, is among the two artists who are doing live caricaturing on canvas to engage with the delegates and other visitors.

A shopping experience for indigenous craft products also beckons guests at the exhibition hall which also showcases India's digital expertise.

The WHC session is being hosted at the Bharat Mandapam which was also the venue for the G20 Summit.

India has 42 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List which include 34 cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed heritage site.

Twelve sites have been added in the last 10 years which includes last year's inscriptions of the Santiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas during the Extended 45th Session of the WHC held in Riyadh

India is the sixth country on the list and second in the Asia Pacific Region based on the numbers of the World Heritage List. In addition, India has 57 sites on the Tentative List of the World Heritage.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a Delhi high court order that rejected a plea to allow arrested politicians to campaign virtually during elections, noting that the plea concentrated on one political leader. The Supreme Court (HT Photo)

This petition has been filed with a mala fide intention. It is concentrated on one politician who is every day before this court with a battery of the best lawyers, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said.

We do not deem it necessary to entertain this petition purportedly filed in public interest. Dismissed, the two-judge bench ruled.

While it did not name the person, the apex court, on May 10, gave interim bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, which were underway at the time. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. He is represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Released on condition bail, Kejriwal surrendered on June 2, as directed by the top court.

Who filed the plea? What did it say?

The plea was filed in the high court by Amarjeet Gupta, a law student, who sought a direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to allow jailed politicians to campaign for elections through the virtual mode.

On May 1, however, the high court dismissed Gupta's plea, noting that giving such directions to the Election Commission would lead to dreaded criminals, even fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, to register themselves with political parties.

Calling the plea highly adventurous, a division bench of acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, also pulled up Gupta, the petitioner.

The plea goes against the fundamental principles of lawcourts do not make policy decisions. It is for the Parliament to decide on such issues, the bench stated.

(With PTI inputs)
Security forces launched a massive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district after terrorists fired at Indian Army's new camp in Gundha Khawas area of Jammu Kashmir's Rajouri early Monday morning. However, alert Security forces foiled the terrorists' attempt and a gun-battle was underway. VDG Parshottam Kumar's home, who was recently honoured with Shaurya Chakra, was attacked first.

A major terror attack on an Army picket in remote village of Rajouri has been thwarted, defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said. The spokesperson added that firing is underway and the operation is in progress.

One soldier is reportedly injured, but officials have not yet confirmed this.

Terrorists attacked house of VDC member first

Terrorists attacked the house of a Village Defence Guard (VDC) member in Gundha, Rajouri, at 3:10 am on Monday. A nearby Army unit responded, leading to a firefight. Operations are ongoing, White Knight Corps said in a post on 'X'.

VDG Parshottam Kumar, recently honoured with the Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu, was targeted in the initial attack on his house. His uncle, Vijay Kumar, was injured, and a cattle was killed in the terrorists' gunfire.

ALSO READ- In Jammu attacks, a clear imprint of the Pakistan army

This comes only days after Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday reviewed the prevailing security scenario at a joint security review meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies here at the police headquarters.

ALSO READ- Army chief reviews anti-terror ops at joint security meet in Jammu

The attack follows similar incident when two Army personnel were injured in a gunfight with terrorists in Doda district on Thursday. In Jaddan Bata village around 2am terrorists fired on a temporary camp at a government school. One critically injured soldier was evacuated to the Udhampur command hospital by helicopter.

In a separate incident, security forces at a forward post near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district opened fire after spotting suspicious movement late Wednesday night. A search on Thursday morning found no evidence related to the suspicious activity, officials said.

ALSO READ- J&K: In 3 months, 11 soldiers, 10 civilians killed in terror attacks. What about terrorists?

Spike in terror activities in Jammu

Since the beginning of this year, 27 people, including 11 security personnel, a village defence guard and five terrorists, have been killed in nearly a dozen terror attacks in six districts of the Jammu.

Four army personnel, including an officer, died from injuries sustained in a gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in Doda district on Tuesday.

ALSO READ- They say militancy is ending, we don't see it happening: Omar Abdullah on J&K terror attacks spike

The incident followed a terrorist ambush a week ago in Kathua district's Machedi forest belt, which resulted in five soldiers' deaths and injuries to five others.
New Delhi: On August 15, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) , paving the way for creation of theatre commands to promote jointness and synerg in the Indian armed forces, a move that came more than 18 years after a recommendation to the effect by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Kargil. Kargil war: In the end, India emerged victorious, stamping its military superiority in the region while Pakistan lost face both domestically and internationally.

Five years later, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan is virtually ready with the blueprint of three adversary specific theatre commands, based in Lucknow, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram, and will shortly be seeking approval for the implementation from the Modi government later this year.

The Kargil war came as a rude shock to the Indian Army and national intelligence. But the 84-day war fought at the glacial heights of up to 15,000 feet across a 200km range turned out to be a catalyst for major reforms and overhaul of the Indian military. The big lesson of Kargil for national security planners was to simply expect the unexpected  the Indian Army did not expect Pakistanis under Gen Pervez Musharraf to exploit the unheld gaps and glacial features next to the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil sector.

While Chinas PLA mobilised in Eastern Ladakh during the Kargil war, it was more of a precautionary measure as Beijing overtly stayed away from the IndiaPakistan border skirmish. However, after the PLA transgressions in East Ladakh in May 2020, India has to be prepared for a armed drones from US with price negotiations currently underway.

Even though the Committees recommendation of separation of the post of principal secretary to the Prime Minister and National Security Advisor was implemented after the fall of the Vajpayee government, the creation of Integrated Service Headquarters and the Defence Intelligence Agency have hardly made a dent in overall military reforms. But the replacement of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has paid dividends during the Modi government with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval being able to create a structure that provides a 360-degree view of national security with one military advisor and three deputy NSAs. With

Vikram Misri serving as Deputy NSA before taking over as Foreign Secretary this month, it is likely that only diplomats with national security exposure will be appointed to the post in the future.

It was on the basis of the recommendations of the GoM headed by then deputy prime minister LK Advani that India has now acquired a robust and functional nuclear triad as part of its minimum credible nuclear deterrent doctrine. With long-range missiles, ballistic missile carrying submarines and Rafale fighters capable of nuke deliveries, Indias nuclear deterrent has high survivability, a key to the countrys no first-use policy . With one ballistic missile nuclear submarine patrolling, another on verge of being launched and a third ready for sea trials, Indias sub-surface deterrent is taking shape with two nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines on the verge of being sanctioned by the Modi government.

However, one of the key lessons of the war in Kargil and the 2002 military mobilisation under Operation Parakram was the need for India to be self-sufficient in modern weaponry, delivery platforms and ammunition. During 1999 and 2002, India had to rush in last minute supplies (procured at higher rates from Israel and Russia) to take on the Pakistan Army and its maverick generals. Despite Modis total commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) doctrine, Indian armed forces are still interested in off-theshelf acquisitions as defence PSUs and DRDO almost always fail to deliver in time. It was the late Manohar Parrikar as defence minister who cut down redundancies and ensured that India had enough ammunition for a 10-day war.

Today, the Indian Army is self-reliant in ammunition after corporatisation of Indian Ordnance Factories ; the Indian Navy now has the capability to build its own aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines.

The Kargil war not only initiated reforms in Indian military structures and field formations but also triggered a change in Indian intelligence.

Shyamal Datta, director, Intelligence Bureau, on the basis of intelligence picked up by then additional director Ajit Doval sent a signed letter to then PM Vajpayee warning a build-up of Pak Army across the LoC in Kargil Sector, the Indian Army was categorical that there was no intelligence alert on Pakistani intrusions apparently due to poor dissemination of information and appreciation of the intelligence collected.

It was the war in Kargil that led to creation of the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) on the lines of the US National Security Agency (NSA), the multi-agency centre (MAC) for pooling of central intelligence and the joint task force on intelligence (JFTI) for liaison between the central agencies and their counterparts in the states. Based on the recommendation of the Kargil GoM, then DIB Ajit Doval created MAC and the JTFI in 2004 so that actionable intelligence could be provided to the consumer.

Twenty-five years after the war in Kargil, the security and military structure recommended by the Subrahmanyam Committee and the GoM are in place but the speed of implementation is very slow due to inherent resistance from armed forces and intelligence agencies.

Decision-making within the national defence establishment is laborious and tedious with each branch of the armed forces, the ministry and DRDO protecting their own turf. In both dimensions, China presents a contrast. The overhaul of the military, and local manufacturing of defence equipment have to accelerate for India to hold its own in a neighbourhood where Beijing is flexing its muscle.

(The author covered the Kargil war for Hindustan Times and has reported on Pakistan terror in Kashmir since 1994)
As India and the UK prepare for a visit by British foreign secretary David Lammy to New Delhi this week, negotiations for a bilateral trade deal could be prolonged as Britains new Labour Party government is expected to reopen certain key issues, people familiar with the matter said. Britain's foreign secretary David Lammy at 10 Downing Street in London. (AFP Photo)

Lammy is expected to be in India during July 24-25, when he will meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. The proposed free trade agreement (FTA), negotiations for which began in January 2022 and have covered 14 rounds, is set to top the agenda for the visit.

The negotiations for the FTA could be prolonged as the new UK government is expected to reopen key issues such as a cut in import duties on automobiles and scotch whisky and easier grant of business visas, two people said.

There is no doubt the Labour government is keen to sign an FTA with India to show that it could achieve something that the Conservative Party couldnt despite engaging with the worlds fifth largest economy since 2022. But the political stance of the Keir Starmer government might lead to the reopening of some settled issues, the people said.

Anything and everything is open for renegotiation by both parties until a deal is formally signed, one person said, adding India is committed to a balanced FTA that also protects its sensitivities such as the interests of farmers, small industries and the services sector.

An FTA with India will certainly be an achievement for the Labour Party, which has returned to power after more than a decade. India and the UK began the FTA discussions in January 2022 and the 14th round of talks started on January 10. Despite elections, first in India and later in the UK, officials from both sides continued talks on unresolved issues.

We dont think the UK will substantially alter the common ground already achieved by the two sides, but some tweaking is possible, the second person said. Significant progress has been achieved in the 14th round of talks, as chapter-wise textual negotiations are nearly closed.

But certain matters related to goods and services are still being negotiated, the second person said. Key outstanding issues include the UK seeking tariff concessions for automobiles, including EVs, and scotch whisky, and India seeking easier visa norms for professionals.

One of the key issues is business mobility and without that, Indian businesses would gain nothing significant, the second person said. Indian industry is unwilling to offer import duty concessions to British manufacturers without the UK allowing easier mobility for Indian professionals.

If business mobility  or easier temporary movement of Indian professionals to the UK for business purposes  is taken out of the negotiations, there wont be any significant gain for India, as more than 60% of the total merchandise Indian already has duty-free access to the UK market, and most other items attract a low tariff of 5%.

Lammy has said several times that engagement with India will be a priority for the new UK government. Days before Labours landslide victory, he said at an event in London that the UK wants to collaborate with India in areas ranging from tech and digital innovation to digital public infrastructure.

Referring to the previous Conservative Partys plan to stitch up the FTA by Diwali in 2022, Lammy said, Many Diwalis have come and gone now without a trade deal and too many businesses have been left waiting. My message to [finance] minister [Nirmala] Sitharaman and [commerce] minister Goyal is that Labour is ready to go. Lets finally get our free trade deal done.

The UK is among Indias top 10 trade partners. According to Indian government data, merchandise exports to Britain saw a 13.3% year-on-year jump to $12.98 billion in 2023-24, but imports from Britain fell by 6% to $8.42 billion. According to UK data, India was Britains 12th largest trading partner in 2023.
Eye diseases and allergies are rampant during the monsoon season. For kids, it can be very easy to contract such diseases. Watery eyes can be symptoms of more serious eye conditions. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Nidhi Jyoti Shetty, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bhandup, said, When your baby experiences watery eyes, it can be concerning and often prompts parents to seek effective solutions promptly. Understanding the potential causes behind this symptom is essential for providing appropriate care and ensuring your baby's comfort and eye health. Eye diseases and allergies are rampant during the monsoon season. (Unsplash)

ALSO READ: Navigating monsoon maladies: Protecting your eyes from seasonal infections

Conjunctivitis (pink eye):

This common condition can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and a sticky discharge that can cause crusting around the eyes. Treatment typically involves antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a pediatrician to clear the infection.

ALSO READ: Conjunctivitis cases on a rise: Know how to prevent and treat pink eye during monsoon

Common cold:

A viral infection like a cold can lead to watery eyes in babies. Treating the underlying cold symptoms can help alleviate the watery eyes as the cold resolves.

Narrow or blocked tear duct:

Babies often have underdeveloped tear ducts that may not fully open until several months after birth. If the tear duct is partially blocked, gentle massage between the eye and nose can help open it.

ALSO READ: Monsoon eye care: 10 tips to keep infections and irritation away

Nasal issues:

Conditions like nasal polyps, cysts, or tumors can obstruct the nasal passages, leading to excessive tearing and watery eyes. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be consulted to address these issues.

Exposure to allergens:

Allergies can cause watery eyes in infants, especially when exposed to common allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.

Environmental factors:

Irritants such as smoke or dust can cause temporary watery eyes. Ensuring a clean and smoke-free environment for the baby can help alleviate these symptoms.

If your baby's watery eyes persist or are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, irritability, or unusual eye discharge, it's important to consult a pediatrician promptly for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, Dr. Nidhi Jyoti Shetty added.
Locals in Spain's tourism hotspots are increasingly frustrated about mass tourism. Authorities are clamping down. Spain welcomed a record 85.1 million international tourists in 2023 (Chris Emil Janen/picture alliance )

Barcelona plans to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers staying in the city for less than 12 hours, the mayor revealed in a Sunday interview.

"We are going to propose.. substantially increasing the tax for stopover cruise passengers," Jaume Collboni told El Pais newspaper.

It is the latest in a series of measures that he has announced to reduce the impact of mass tourism.

It comes just weeks after protesters in Barcelona, chanting: "Tourists go home," sprayed visitors with water as part of a demonstration against mass tourism.

Fewer, higher paying tourists wanted

According to Statista, Barcelona reported the highest number of cruise passengers last year, roughly 3.6 million passengers.

The current tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers was 7 ($7.61) daily.

Collboni did not say how much he would raise the tourist tax, but his reasons are clear.

ALSO READ: Barcelona locals aggressively protest overtourism: What is it and is their aggression valid?

"In the case of stopover cruise passengers (less than 12 hours) there is intensive use of public space without any benefit for the city and a feeling of occupation and saturation," he said.

"We want to have tourism that is respectful of the destination," Collboni added.

Collboni announced last month that the city will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. He has also introduced other tourist taxes.

Fresh protests against mass tourism in Mallorca

Anti-tourism activists have protested in popular holiday destinations across Spain, such as Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and the Canary Islands.

The blame for plummeting living standards is often placed on visitors who drive up prices, including housing costs. Some places also struggle with what is called party tourism.

Mallorca is one such place and wants to attract fewer tourists, but only those who are willing to spend money.

On Sunday, the activists again plan protests against the excesses of mass tourism.

Just eight weeks ago, around 10,000 people took to the streets of Palma under the slogans "Enough is Enough!" and "Mallorca Is Not for Sale!"

Tourism is essential for Mallorca, accounting for 45% of the island's economic output.

However, many argue that only a minority benefit from the industry, while the vast majority are left with poorly paid jobs and experience housing shortages, traffic jams, noise, and pollution.
The controversy surrounding IAS probationer Puja Khedkar  her alleged muscling into the service and ghoda, gaadi, ghar tantrums at the Pune collectorate where she had been posted as a trainee  should have people wondering if all is well with our famed Steel Frame. Today, the spotlight is on Khedkar, but soon, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) itself will have to do some explaining once the report of the additional secretary of the department of personnel and training (DoPT) is made public. Washim, Jul 16 (ANI): IAS trainee Puja Khedkar speaks to the media in Washim on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (ANI)

To start with Khedkar, what did she have in mind while applying for disability certification under two different names? For which category of disability did she apply in the first instance, and did she actually switch to another/add another midway as some of the media reporting seems to suggest? How was the non-creamy layer Other Backward Classes (OBC) certification obtained by her when her fathers declared annual income is far beyond the maximum limit of 8 lakh per annum? The tehsildar, too, seems to have done his fair share of creative writing at the behest of the Khedkar father-daughter duo.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 defines a person with a benchmark disability as someone with a disability of at least 40% in a specific category on a long-term basis, as certified by a medical authority. The minimum percentage of disability accepted for employment in the mentally handicapped category is 35%. In Khedkars instance, most will vouch that she is nowhere near a 35% mental disability, one of the two disabilities she cited to push her case.

The Khedkar case may be the tip of the iceberg, though. The civil services selection process is, without doubt, cut-throat with a million-plus annual applicants for a few hundred posts. Candidates, of course, are heavily invested in terms of money and time. On average, they spend two-three years of their prime in mere preparation. Despite the best efforts, making it is not guaranteed even for the brightest. In such a high-stakes set-up, many may be tempted to use the various quotas, including disability, fair or foul, as insurance. The DoPT would do well to enlarge the scope of inquiry and look at all disability cases from this point of view.

The reasons why people would go to any length to get into the civil services are quite clear. It promises prestigious and challenging career options, not only while in service but also after retirement. Many former civil servants are appointed to tribunals, commissions, regulatory authorities, and even gubernatorial positions by the government. Many others receive plum private sector appointments  marquee consulting firms are a new trend  in the hope of leveraging their networks within the government.

While in service, they hold key positions in the central and state governments as well as the public sector undertakings. The civil services are also massively fast-tracked. Where else in the world can a person in their mid-to late-twenties head a district often the size of smaller European countries?

While the DoPT must explain the rationale for allowing mental disability within the disability quota for civil services, which need critical mental capabilities at all junctures, the other key question is about the efficacy of the UPSC exam itself. Is it the best way to select candidates, where the emphasis is on rote learning and half-an-hour interviews? Qualities such as integrity, empathy, positive leadership, and problem-solving are not gauged at all. Unlike, say, in the case of the defence services, there is no aptitude test. As a result, we have people with low emotional quotient, as the case seems to be in the present instance, manning our civil services. The system is open to self-seekers who prioritise the hollow trappings of office, such as the red beacon, and official accommodation.

One way to lower the stakes for applicants and thereby reduce the chances of fraud and rigging would be to bring down the duration of the selection process, perhaps with the use of technology. Another step needed is increasing transparency by publicly disclosing evaluation criteria, marking criteria, and other relevant information at every stage so that challenges can be mounted and resolved. Of course, lateral entry of highly qualified professionalsand domain experts into administrative positions should not merely be in name. A strong lateral entry process will keep civil services on its toes.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), where the countrys civil servants are trained for their jobs after clearing the UPSC exam, has a huge role to play. The two years of training lay the foundation for an officers future and the way she/he deals with situations. The case studies by Harsh Mander on a poor tribal farmer, Jaktu Gond, remain etched in the minds of many even today, influencing a generation of officers in dealing with poverty-related issues.

We need to fix broken systems rather than fight them. If we have faith in a process and its fairness, we can live with the results. That said, reforming any system requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural and procedural issues. With each passing day, an eerie similarity between the lapses that have resulted in the induction of officers who defrauded the selection process and the recent NEET fiasco gets underscored. The result will be the erosion of the publics trust in these nationwide exams  unfortunate for a vast country like ours that cannot do without these. It is hoped that the DoPT and UPSC do a good job of setting right the system and restoring confidence in it.

Ashok Thakur is former education secretary, and SS Mantha is former chairman, AICTE.The views expressed are personal
If you're planning to buy a new car in 2024, two of the most popular options worth considering are the Hyundai Exter and the Tata Tiago EV. Both vehicles offer impressive features and specifications for their price points. In this blog, we will provide you with all the key details about the Exter price and Tata Tiago EV on-road price to help you make an informed decision. The Guide to Buy your Next Car in 2024

Hyundai Exter Price

The Exter price ranges from Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 11.28 lakh. Here is a breakdown of the variant-wise Exter price in Delhi:

EX - Rs. 7.00 lakh

1.2 EX(O) - Rs. 7.39 lakh

S - Rs. 8.50 lakh

S O - Rs. 8.69 lakh

SX - Rs. 9.33 lakh

SX(O) Connect- Rs. 10.80 lakh

SX(O) Connect AMT - Rs. 11.28 lakh

The Exter price depends on factors like location, variants, and ongoing offers. It's advisable to check prices with your nearest Hyundai dealer for accurate prices in your city.

Hyundai Exter Mileage

The Hyundai Exter delivers an ARAI-claimed mileage of 19.4 km/l for both manual and automatic petrol variants. For the CNG variant, it provides 27.1 km/kg. On average, you can expect around 13-15 km/l in city driving conditions and 16-18 km/l on highways, depending on road conditions, driving style, and payload.

Hyundai Exter Specifications

Some key specifications of the base E variant Hyundai Exter are:

Mileage: 19.40 km/l

Engine: 1197 cc

Maximum Power: 82bhp@6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 113Nm@4000 rpm

Gearbox: 5-Speed Manual

Power Steering: Electric

Boot Space: 391 litres

Length: 3815 mm

Width: 1710 mm

Height: 1631 mm

Tata Tiago EV On Road Price

The Tata Tiago EV's road price ranges from Rs. 8.55 lakh to Rs. 12.65 lakh in Delhi.

Some of the variant-wise prices are:

XE - Rs. 8.55 lakh

XT - Rs. 9.57 lakh

XT Long - Rs. 10.60 lakh

XZ Plus Long - Rs. 11.62 lakh

XZ Plus Long FC - Rs. 12.14 lakh

XZ Plus Tech LUX Long - Rs. 12.14 lakh

XZ Plus Tech LUX Long FC - Rs. 12.65 lakh

The on-road price will differ across cities and states based on local taxes. It's advisable to check the Tata Tiago EV on road price with your nearest Tata dealer. Several state governments also offer subsidies that can make the Tiago EV more affordable.

Tata Tiago EV Mileage

The Tata Tiago EV has an ARAI-certified range of 315 km per full charge. It provides 250 km/full charge in city driving conditions and up to 300 km/full charge on highways.

Some important details about Tata Tiago EV mileage:

ARAI Certified Range: 315 km/full charge

City Mileage: 250 km/full charge

Highway Mileage: 300 km/full charge

Battery Type: Lithium-Ion

Battery Capacity: 24 kWh

The actual mileage may differ based on driving habits, speed, air conditioning usage, etc. However, the Tiago EV ensures sufficient driving range even with heavy city usage.

Key Features of Tata Tiago EV

The Tata Tiago EV comes loaded with many useful features, some of which are highlighted below:

Electric Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Power - 73.75 BHP

Torque - 114 Nm

Top Speed - 85 km/h

Transmission: Single-Speed Automatic

Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive

Charging Time (0-80% DC Fast Charging) - 58 minutes

Charging Options: 3.3 kW AC, 7.2 kW AC, 25 kW DC

Dual Airbags

ABS with EBD

Rear Parking Sensor

Power Windows (Front)

Engine Push Button Start/Stop

Climate Control

The Tiago EV variants get additional premium features like a rearview camera, digital instrument cluster, cruise control and an advanced touchscreen infotainment system. It's a fully loaded-electric car for city use.

Choosing Between Hyundai Exter and Tata Tiago EV

While both vehicles have their positives, here are a few factors to consider when deciding between the Hyundai Exter and Tata Tiago EV:

Budget : The Exter price range starts lower, but Tiago EV offers attractive subsidies. Do thorough research on Exter price and Tata Tiago EV on-road price in your location.

: The Exter price range starts lower, but Tiago EV offers attractive subsidies. Do thorough research on Exter price and Tata Tiago EV on-road price in your location. Running Costs : The Tiago EV will work out much cheaper to run and maintain in the long run due to negligible fuel costs.

: The Tiago EV will work out much cheaper to run and maintain in the long run due to negligible fuel costs. Charging Infrastructure: EV charging infrastructure is still developing but improves every month. Consider the location and your charging needs.

EV charging infrastructure is still developing but improves every month. Consider the location and your charging needs. Usage Type: Exter suits occasional long trips, while Tiago EV is better for regular city commutes.

We would suggest test-driving both models as per your priority between fuel efficiency, features, maintenance costs and suitability for your daily usage needs. An EV can make strong financial sense in the long run if you have home or office charging access.

Conclusion

Both the Hyundai Exter and Tata Tiago EV offer exciting options for buyers looking at fuel efficiency and features. Do thorough research on Exter price, Tata Tiago EV on-road price, running costs, specifications and post-sales to make the right choice as per your priority and budget in 2024.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
An auto driver who was frustrated by the incessant honking on congested roads took it upon himself to curb noise pollution. Instead of resorting to angry gestures or verbal confrontations, he took a creative route. The driver had a thought-provoking question printed on the back of his auto in the style of the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). With four potential answers, the question aimed to make drivers pause and consider the pointlessness of honking in traffic, which will eventually lead to a quieter commute. The auto has the message "honking hurts" printed on its back. (Instagram/UPSC World official)

The picture was posted on Instagram with the caption, Autowala got no chill. The picture says honking hurts, which follows a question with four options. The question reads, Traffic me horn bajane se kya hota hai [What happens when you honk]?

The four options are: Light jaldi green hoti hai [Traffic light turns green faster], sadak chaudi ho jati hai [Road becomes wider], Gaadi udne lagti hai [The car starts to fly], kuch nahi [nothing].

Take a look at the Instagram post here:

The picture, since being shared a week ago on Instagram, has accumulated over 2.7 lakh views and still counting. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.

Heres how others reacted to this Instagram post:

Respect for that auto driver, posted an Instagram user.

Another joked, Option E: Samne gaadi vale ko gussa aata hai [The driver in front gets angry].

The autowala we all need, said a third.

A fourth commented, This is the sense of humour one craves for.

Epic. What a creativity, expressed a fifth.

A sixth joined, I am taking a lifeline, referring to an option on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
Edelweiss MF CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta took to Instagram to share what she is looking forward to from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans Union Budget 2024 presentation. She shared three things the government should focus on in the Budget tabled today in the parliament. Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta shared three things that she is looking forward to in the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Read| Radhika Gupta reacts to Rishi Sunaks Life comes at you fast speech: This is a rare to see

Budget 2024. Here are three things I am looking forward to. What about you? wrote Radhika Gupta while sharing a video on Instagram.

In the video, she shared three things that she is looking forward to seeing in this budget.

Focus on capital expenditure and infrastructure development. We all know how much infrastructure India needs, and every rupee spent on infrastructure and capital expenditure has a multiplier impact on our economy, Gupta said.

A focus on employment and youth employment. Our biggest demographic advantage is our young people, and we need to provide them with skills and jobs over the next few years and decades, she added.

Capital market stability. A lot of money has come into equity markets via direct stocks and mutual funds into SIPs, and we need to ensure an environment of stable taxation. In fact, incentives for our young people for ghar-ghar (every household) to continue to invest, Edelweiss Mutual Funds CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta said.

Watch the video here:

The video, since being shared a day ago, has accumulated over 30,400 views and the numbers are still increasing. Many even took to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts.

Also Read|

Check out a few comments here:

All of this, with ESG in mind! shared an individual.

Another added, Reduce taxes, be it income tax, capital gains or GST.

Whatever happens, India is growing, said a third.

A fourth commented, 1) Need more emphasis on Green Hydrogen-like schemes for Production, storage, and transportation of it. 2) Need more enhanced infra for subsidized education 3) (This one is not expected from any govt, but I want to say) Lower tax rate but tax to all. During the earlier period of King ERA, there used to be only consumption-based taxation and not Income-based. I feel that income-based taxation should be abolished, and consumption-based taxation should be increased slightly. That it from my end.
Burnaby, Responding to foreign disinformation poses many challenges. Recent revelations about foreign interference in Canada illustrate some of them. 5 ways for governments to better tackle foreign disinformation

Malign foreign entities and witting and unwitting domestic officials have complex roles that are in constant flux. An uncertain government is paralyzed by partisanship and communication problems. Both foreign interference and government confusion threaten to further erode fledgling public confidence in government institutions.

My forthcoming article, to be published soon, examines how the Canadian federal government is addressing Russian disinformation pertaining to the war in Ukraine. It reveals the benefits, limits and potential dangers in government responses. It also builds on my earlier analysis of Canadian responses to foreign disinformation in general to provide lessons for how to better address foreign disinformation overall.

Focus on Russia

After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Canadas security and intelligence agencies warned Canadians about the reach and potential harm of Russian disinformation.

Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has been widely documented that Russian entities, among others, have manipulated information on the war in Ukraine and within the larger geopolitical conflict between Russia and the West.

The Canadian government portrays Russias deliberate disinformation, as well as inadvertent misinformation, as existential threats to the national security and democratic integrity of Ukraine, Canada and their allies.

This portrayal is aligned with governments interests to unite Canadians in support of Ukraine in the war. It also contributes to a rare, shared perception of threat among Canadians, bureaucrats and decision-makers.

In this context, the government has taken new foreign policy and security efforts to address Russias deliberate disinformation and more generally, its information manipulation.

Today, alongside its allies, Canada acts to bolster Ukraines security and warfare communications as well as its democratic resilience. Many of these efforts save lives by helping Ukraines military and its civilians to better obtain and share accurate information.

Safeguarding Canadian democracy

Other Canadian efforts have focused internally on protecting Canadas democracy. The government has sponsored actions at both individual and societal levels to strengthen democratic resilience. It has launched institutional initiatives across departments and agencies, as well as internationally, to counter Russian efforts. These have improved government monitoring, reporting, sharing information and have helped to better co-ordinate responses.

Most controversially, Canada has blocked Russian media outlets and sanctioned disinforming agents to signal its discontent to the Russian regime.

But my research on deterrence and disinformation warns that some of the initiatives that were designed to communicate deterrence and show solidarity with Ukraine may paradoxically backfire and fuel mistrust of governments.

Thats because blocking and sanctioning initiatives can be interpreted as governments interfering with freedom of speech. Also, when not uniformly applied to all disinformants, they can breed cynicism.

Overall, the governments substantial ad hoc actions in this area have not yet led to robust policies and lasting changes. Government actions have been limited by the scale, complexity and constant evolution of modern disinformation. Governments need to work more with societal and international organizations to manage the challenge.

Responses to Russian disinformation have been more substantial than towards the manipulations of other foreign states, but there is no overarching and overall accountable organization. This is despite the Protecting Democracy Unit, housed at the Privy Council Office and accountable to Public Safety.

Other promising steps include the creation of a National Foreign Interference Coordinator and Bill C-70, which recently received royal assent and introduces the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act and other legislative amendments.

5 measures to take now

These may add to the governments toolkit. However, there is no long-term ethical strategy. Disinformation is context-specific and constantly evolving. Responses are often political.

Acknowledging these facts, my research has implications for government responses to foreign disinformation in general. Here are five ways forward to help tackle the problem:

1 Developing effective policies requires a unified mindset that foreign disinformation is an important challenge and that urgent action must be taken. That means raising awareness in a transparent fashion with quality and contextualized information. The government could outline what further actions are feasible, how effectiveness will be judged and consider unintended consequences.

2 There must be clear and transparent communication  among the government, the public, different government departments and agencies, public servants and decision-makers. There is an opportunity to rethink the threshold for sharing information in Canada and to more openly and consistently share information to whatever extent possible.

3 Tackling disinformation requires whole-of-government co-ordination at home and in coalitions abroad. The exemplary co-ordination achieved through Canadas Global Affairs Rapid Response Mechanism has until recently been focused mostly on Russia. That could be expanded, and its achievements replicated within other departments , while deepening international collaborations and focusing on new ways to leverage AI and open-source intelligence.

4 The public must be reassured that any blocking and sanctioning is administered fairly, consistently and transparently. The effects should be carefully assessed. Space for debate and dissent must be protected in order to preserve trust.

5 The government could develop long-term social resiliency by drawing on civil society to provide more tools and skills; for example, in digital literacy at the grassroots level. It could further encourage civil society organizations to come up with their own original solutions and partnerships to combat disinformation.

These suggestions are backed up by the recent National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions findings about covert targeting in Canada.

Canadas government and society could benefit from having a more comprehensive framework to protect the information space, including from foreign disinformation and interference. This must be done without undermining the principles of freedom of speech and with appropriate oversight and accountability. NSA NSA

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
DARUVAR, Croatia  A gunman entered a nursing home in a quiet Croatian town on Monday and opened fire, killing six people including his mother, officials said. The dead were mostly in their 80s and 90s, the prime minister said. A gunman has killed 6 people including his mother at a nursing home in Croatia, officials say

The national police chief, Nikola Milina, said five people died immediately and another died in a hospital. Five were residents and one was an employee. At least six other people were wounded, four seriously.

The suspect fled but police caught him in a cafe near the facility in the town of Daruvar, Milina said. Authorities were investigating the motive behind the attack.

N1 regional television reported that the suspect was born in 1973 and was a former policeman who took part in the 1991-95 war in Croatia and was decorated as a war veteran. Officials said he was known to police after causing several incidents in the past.

Officials said the suspect's mother had lived in the nursing home for 10 years.

Daruvar resident Zlatko Sutuga told Nova TV he knew the suspect from the war era. People say that he was really aggressive, alcohol and all that, Sutuga said.

The attack left the town stunned and grieving. Daruvar is a spa town in the municipality of Slavonia, with a population of 8,500.

Relatives of residents gathered outside the modest one-story building to inquire about loved ones.

We have my mom here, she is 90," Nina Samot told Nova TV. "This is horrific what has happened, this is such a small town. Especially when you have someone inside. ... We are waiting, we are all in shock. The whole town is in shock.

The mayor, Damir Lnenicek, told N1 TV the facility was an excellent one that housed about 20 people.

What is the cause, the trigger, it is difficult to say," he said. That will be determined by the investigation.

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said he was shocked by the savage, unprecedented crime. He added it was a last call to all competent institutions to do more to prevent violence in society, including even more rigorous control of gun ownership."

Police officials said the suspect used an unregistered gun. Many weapons are still kept in private homes in Croatia after the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Private gun ownership is legal with a mental health check.

Associated Press writers Dusan Stojanovic and Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this story.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Afghanistan continues to have massive stockpiles of opium that can be used to meet the needs of narcotics trafficking networks despite a ban imposed by the Taliban on poppy cultivation, according to a new report by the United Nations Security Council. Opium is a narcotic substance that is extracted from the poppy plant. (File Photo)

A majority of drugs trafficked to India comes from Afghanistan, and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency controls the network that is used to smuggle the narcotics to different Indian regions, particularly via the maritime route, Indian officials said.

As a result of sizeable stockpiles, the trade in narcotics continues to be significant, notwithstanding the ban on the cultivation of opium poppy, the UN report, prepared by the team that monitors sanctions on the Taliban, said.

The opium stockpiles in Afghanistan are so great that no noticeable difference in exports of the drug can be detected from seizure data, according to the report. Estimates of the scale of stockpiles vary, but it could be several years before the effect of the cultivation ban can be assessed fully, it said.

The UN report further said it was still too early to judge the impact of the ban on poppy cultivation imposed by the Taliban setup in April 2022. Senior Taliban figures and well-connected traders continue to profit from drug trafficking, it said.

Numerous de facto authority figures are involved with and profit from continued drug trade, while the Haqqani Network maintains long-established middlemen to promote their interests in heroin trafficking and the more profitable methamphetamine market, the report said.

Citing examples, the report said the Taliban governor of Nangarhar province, Mohammad Naim Barich Khudaidad, controls the eastern route for narcotics trafficking, while the governor of Balkh province, Yousuf Wafa, controls the northern route.

The Indian officials, who declined to be named, said the network of Karachi-based Haji Salim, who works for the ISI, is a key in trafficking narcotics to India. Salim, the officials said, coordinates with drug lords in Afghanistan for his supplies.

Not only does Haji Salim work with ISI, but also anti-India terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) for funding their terror attacks. Drugs procured from Afghanistan are labelled with different symbols or inscriptions such as 555, 999, Unicorn and Dragon in clandestine laboratories in Balochistan, said a counter-terrorism official.

Drug money being used by terror groups is also a worrisome trend, the official added.

While the Taliban have taken steps to eradicate drug production following their April 2022 decree banning poppy cultivation, such as the destruction of 834 laboratories and 14,000 hectares of crops, the UN report said there was significantly less progress in limiting heroin trafficking and synthetics (methamphetamine) production and trade, with the Taliban continuing to receive significant revenue from narcotics trafficking.

Methamphetamine seizures have continued to increase, and recently fentanyl has appeared and been recorded in significant quantities, the report said. Farah, Herat and Nimroz are the main hubs for producing methamphetamine, with active labs in Bahramcha, Dishu district and Helmand province.

Methamphetamine has also been seized with heroin in Kandahar and Nangarhar, suggesting that trafficking of the two drugs may be through the same networks.

Indian security agencies have also found direct links between Kandahar-based cartels and the networks smuggling large consignments of drugs to India.

For instance, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the September 2021 seizure of 3,000 kg of heroin at Mundra port revealed that a total of five large consignments of heroin were despatched between November 2020 and September 2021 by Kandahar-based masterminds identified as the Dad brothers  Hussain and Hasan Dad.

Several Afghan nationals were arrested by the NIA during its investigation. The Dad brothers, who run a company named Hasan Hussain Ltd in Kandahar, allegedly used an Indian firm to send 2,988.21 kg of heroin hidden within a talc shipment.

The duo [has] smuggled multiple consignments of heroin concealed in apparently innocuous consignments of goods such as semi-processed talc stones and bituminous coal imported into India. These consignments were imported through different Indian ports including Mundra (Gujarat) and Kolkata port and further moved to New Delhi via trucks, NIA said in a statement in September 2022.

The network of drug traffickers and their international facilitators use fake or shell companies, distributors and local retailers, and all of them are part of a huge international smuggling racket spread across countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, according to the NIA.

Union home minister Amit Shah has repeatedly asked security agencies to be ruthless with networks involved in smuggling drugs, even as the central government is working on installing container scanners at all ports and land border crossing across India.
By Hani Richter Artist swaps British Museum coin with fake

July 22 - A Brazilian conceptual artist swapped a historic British coin for a fake in the British Museum to highlight the large number of foreign objects it holds.

Ile Sartuzi said the idea came to him when he saw a museum volunteer handing visitors coins to handle.

He asked for an English Civil War-era silver coin because "It is one of the few British things in the British Museum" and then created a diversion while he swapped it for the fake.

Sartuzi told Reuters he deposited the original coin in the museum's collection box on the way out. The Art Newspaper first reported his act, which he recounted in a video made for his master's degree at Goldsmiths, University of London.

The British Museum said it would inform police about the incident, which took place in June.

"This is a disappointing and derivative act that abuses a volunteer led service aimed at giving visitors the opportunity to handle real items and engage with history," a museum spokesperson said when asked for comment.

Sartuzi said institutions such as the British museum and France's Louvre view themselves as the "holders of the treasures of humanity. The problem is that these institutions are the basis of imperialist cultures that looted a lot of these objects from the global south and world."

The British Museum has been under scrutiny over the way it acquired some of the artefacts it holds, with some countries asking for pieces to be returned. Examples include the Parthenon Sculptures and Nigeria's bronzes looted by British troops in 1897. It did not respond to Sartuzi's allegations.

Sartuzi, who has exhibited in Brazil, Portugal and London, said he had sought advice from an art lawyer before swapping the coin.

The Museum dismissed an employee a year ago and ordered a review of security after it discovered hundreds of items had been stolen from its collection or were missing.

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The Bangladeshi student group leading demonstrations that have spiralled into deadly violence suspended protests Monday for 48 hours, with its leader saying they had not wanted reform "at the expense of so much blood". Bangladesh student group suspends protests over death toll

What began as demonstrations against politicised admission quotas for sought-after government jobs snowballed into some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

A curfew has been imposed and soldiers are patrolling cities across the South Asian country, while a nationwide internet blackout since Thursday has drastically restricted the flow of information to the outside world.

"We are suspending the shutdown protests for 48 hours," Nahid Islam, the top leader of the main protest organiser Students Against Discrimination, told AFP from his hospital bed.

He was being treated for his injuries after being beaten by people he accused of being undercover police, he said.

"We demand that during this period the government withdraws the curfew, restores the internet and stops targeting the student protesters."

On Sunday, the Supreme Court pared back the number of reserved jobs for specific groups, including the descendants of "freedom fighters" from Bangladesh's 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

"We started this movement for reforming the quota," Islam said.

"But we did not want quota reform at the expense of so much blood, so much killing, so much damage to life and property."

At least 163 people have died in clashes, including several police officers, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals.

Sporadic violence continued Monday, with four people brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries, an AFP reporter at the scene saw.

Government officials have repeatedly blamed the protesters and opposition for the unrest.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told AFP that "at least 532" people had been arrested in the capital since protests began, including some leaders of the opposition Bangladesh National Party.

Ali Riaz, a professor of politics and leading Bangladesh expert at Illinois State University, described the violence as "the worst massacre by any regime since independence".

"The atrocities committed in the past days show that the regime is entirely dependent on brute force and has no regard for the lives of the people," he told AFP.

"These indiscriminate killings cannot be washed by a court ruling or a government announcement."

Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus urged "world leaders and the United Nations to do everything within their powers to end the violence".

"There must be investigations into the killings that have taken place already," the 83-year-old said in a statement, his first public comments since the unrest began.

The respected economist is credited with lifting millions out of poverty with his pioneering microfinance bank but earned the enmity of Hasina, who has accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor.

"Bangladesh has been engulfed in a crisis that only seems to get worse with each passing day," Yunus said. "High school students have been among the victims."

Diplomats in Dhaka questioned Bangladeshi authorities' deadly response to the protests.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud summoned ambassadors for a briefing on Sunday and showed them a 15-minute video that sources said focused on damage caused by protesters.

US ambassador Peter Haas told Mahmud he was presenting a one-sided version of events, according to a senior diplomatic official.

"I am surprised you did not show the footage of police firing at unarmed protesters," the source quoted Haas as telling the minister.

A US embassy official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the ambassador's comments.

The diplomatic source added that Mahmud did not respond to a question from a UN representative about the alleged use of UN-marked armoured personnel carriers and helicopters to suppress the protests.

Bangladesh is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations around the world earning significant revenues from its efforts and has UN-marked equipment in its military inventories.

With around 18 million young people in Bangladesh out of work, according to government figures, the quota scheme's reintroduction deeply upset graduates facing an acute jobs crisis.

The Supreme Court decision curtailed the number of reserved jobs from 56 percent of all positions to seven percent, most of which will still be set aside for the children and grandchildren of "freedom fighters" from the 1971 war.

While 93 percent of jobs will be awarded on merit, the decision fell short of protesters' demands to scrap the "freedom fighter" category altogether.

Critics say the quota is used to stack public jobs with loyalists to Hasina's ruling Awami League.

Opponents accuse her government of bending the judiciary to its will.

Hasina, 76, has ruled the country since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

Her government is also accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including by the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.

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By Mohammad Ponir Hossain, Ruma Paul and Sam Jahan Bangladesh protests pause after top court scraps job quotas

DHAKA -Streets appeared calm in Bangladesh's capital on Monday a day after the Supreme Court agreed to scrap most government job quotas that had angered student-led activists and led to deadly protests.

Late on Sunday, protesters gave Bangladesh's government 48 hours to meet a string of new demands, including a public apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the violence, and the restoration of internet connections disrupted during the unrest.

But on Monday, most appeared to be obeying a curfew in cities that had seen regular demonstrations after a high court in June reinstated old quotas that reserved many state jobs for descendants of freedom fighters and other groups.

At least 147 people have died in the violence, according to information from hospitals.

"Normalcy will return within one or two days," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters.

There were no reports of violence or protests across the country on Monday, officials said.

Army tanks were seen stationed at several places in the streets of Dhaka, the capital, while armed security patrols directed the few motorists who ventured out.

The Supreme Court's Appellate Division on Sunday ruled in favour of an appeal from the government, overturned the lower court's decision and scrapped most of the quotas, directing that 93% of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit.

Hours after that ruling, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued a statement demanding the government reopen campuses and end restrictions imposed as protests raged.

It also called for the resignation of some ministers and university officials and the dismissal of police officers deployed in the areas where students were killed.

"We are giving an ultimatum to the government to fulfil our eight-point demand within 48 hours," one of the Movement's leaders, Hasnat Abdullah, told reporters.

He did not spell out what would happen if the government did not meet the demands. The government did not immediately comment.

Thousands were injured in last week's protests as security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades to scatter the demonstrators.

Protesters said some of their leaders were also detained, including Nahid Islam, who told the media he was picked up by "20-30 people" claiming to be police early Sunday morning and taken to a room where he said he was tortured until he lost consciousness.

"When I regained consciousness I found myself lying on the streets," he said.

Reuters could not immediately verify Islam's information.

Experts have blamed the unrest on stagnant job growth in the private sector and high rates of youth unemployment that have made government jobs, with their regular wage hikes and other privileges, more attractive.

Hasina, who was sworn in for a fourth consecutive term this year, has been accused of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and crackdowns on free speech and dissent in the past - charges her government denies.

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By John Irish EU ministers to discuss response to "unacceptable" Hungary stance

PARIS - European Union foreign ministers will evaluate how to respond to trips by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Russia and China and his country's positioning over the EU's role in Ukraine, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Hungary took over the six-month rotating presidency of the bloc in July and almost immediately went to Moscow and Beijing in what was described as a "peace mission" despite none of his EU partners being aware, or mandating him to do so.

He also left a NATO summit early to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump. Orban's foreign minister has since questioned the EU's role in Ukraine.

"We will discuss what has happened and positions taken by the Hungarian government," Borrell said, describing them as "unacceptable".

Some member states would like the bloc to show a tougher stance on Budapest.

Among the ideas would be to boycott or downgrade the attendance of ministers at an informal meeting in Budapest at the end of August, although there is division among countries on its utility.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters on arrival in Brussels that Borrell represented EU foreign policy for the ministers and that it was "not surprising that the ego trips" had irritated many.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said he would go to the informal meeting at the end of August saying it was important to keep the dialogue with Budapest.

"Ignoring or not choosing dialogue would be an error," he said.

Orban, a critic of Western military aid to Ukraine and who has the warmest relations of any EU leader with Putin, has also repeatedly held up decisions for military aid to Ukraine.

Speaking in a social media post ahead of the meeting on Monday, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticised the bloc.

"For weeks now, the Brussels foreign bureaucracy and the leaders of some EU countries have been grinding their teeth over our peace mission, out of frustration/envy/exposure of their failed strategy," he said, adding the trips had opened the door to further diplomacy.

"All we get from our Brussels and European friends is a childish sit-in boycott and verbal karate," he said.

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By Angelo Amante and Gavin Jones Italy's Meloni put domestic concerns first in rejecting von der Leyen

ROME -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision not to back Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission chief was driven by fear of losing rightwing grassroots supporters, analysts say, but may curb her influence over EU choices.

The European Parliament elected von der Leyen for a second five-year term on Thursday to lead the bloc's executive with support from centre-right, centre-left, liberal and green groups. She got 401 votes, far above the 361 needed.

Meloni's Brothers of Italy, part of the European Conservatives and Reformists group , revealed its decision after the vote when it said von der Leyen had shifted too far left, particularly on green pledges.

Even though von der Leyen did not need Meloni's 24 lawmakers to win, the vote marked a shift from the prime minister's past efforts to keep good relations with the Commission as Rome grapples with mammoth public debt.

"Meloni cares a lot about being consistent. She had said she would never vote with the left. When it became clear that her votes were not needed, she stuck to that pledge," said Giovanni Orsina, politics professor at Rome's Luiss university.

However, the move dismayed many Italian commentators who said the Commission may now be less indulgent towards Italy's public finances and its faltering attempts to spend billions of euros of EU post-COVID recovery funds.

That remains to be seen, but Meloni's first concern appeared to be fending off internal competition at home from her hard-right coalition ally, Matteo Salvini's League.

"She is afraid of exposing herself on the right, and this fear overwhelmed everything else," said Francesco Galietti, from Rome-based political risk consultancy Policy Sonar.

CORE VOTERS

Brothers of Italy is now polling at nearly 30% - its highest ever - while the League is around 8.5%, but Galietti pointed to volatility in Italian politics and said Meloni could not afford to alienate traditional voters.

Before moderating her positions after coming to power in 2022, Meloni was considered further to the right than Salvini, and used to advocate for Italy to leave the euro zone.

The Commission declined to comment for this story.

Von der Leyen, asked by reporters on Thursday whether she regretted seeking Meloni's support, said only that the vote showed she had taken the right approach in assembling backers who are "pro-European, pro-Ukraine and pro-rule of law."

Carlo Calenda, leader of centrist party Action, said in a radio interview on Friday that Meloni had preferred to be "a faction leader rather than a prime minister," and it was "dangerous" for Italy to be in opposition in Europe.

Meloni triumphed in Italy's European Parliament elections last month, in contrast to setbacks for French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but since then things have not gone her way.

After being left out of a deal on the bloc's top jobs she protested that von der Leyen and other leaders were flouting voters' wishes by ignoring a surge in right-wing support.

She refused to back von der Leyen along with groups including the Patriots for Europe, a far-right alliance which includes Marine Le Pen's French National Rally and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz.

LESS WEIGHT IN EUROPE?

Some analysts are suggesting Meloni did not want to side with the EU's mainstream forces ahead of a possible Donald Trump victory at U.S. elections in November that could boost the bloc's nationalists.

Yet Wolfango Piccoli of London-based political risk consultancy Teneo, said such a strategy could backfire as Trump would likely embrace an isolationist foreign policy which would oblige Italy to strengthen European bonds.

"A plan like that would not be useful to the Italian national interest," Piccoli said.

In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera published on Saturday, Meloni said she would still be able to work with von der Leyen and that it would be "surreal" to imagine Brussels would punish Italy when it came to deciding on Commission roles. Rome's candidate is European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto.

But her relationship with Brussels looks trickier now and Piccoli said it might be harder to have a say on issues including defence and migration, though budget procedures based on pre-established steps are less likely to be affected.

"The real question is to count in Europe," he said.

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US President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats questioned his mental fitness and ability to beat Donald Trump. Joe Biden endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris as the party's candidate. US president Joe Biden waves as he leaves after speaking during a press conference at the close of the 75th NATO Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

How Donald Trump reacted?

Former President Donald Trump, running again as the Republican nominee, wrote on his Truth Social network: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve."

"Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been," Trump told CNN.

ALSO READ- Donald Trump shares first health update since assassination attempt: There is still intermittent bleeding

Republicans insist Joe Biden is unfit to remain president. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president. He must resign immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

Kamala Harris may not be automatic choice: What Democrats said?

Democratic national committee chair Jaime Harrison hinted there would be no automatic coronation for Kamala Harris. "The party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward," Harrison said. Our delegates are prepared to swiftly deliver a candidate to the American people.

Barack Obama says Biden's decision testament to his 'love of country'

Former president Barack Obama praised Biden's record in office, praising his efforts to restore America's international standing and mobilise support against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Obama called Biden's decision a testament to his love of country.

ALSO READ- Michelle Obama for president? Ted Cruz's prediction for Democrats after debate fiasco

Elon Musk after Biden quits White House race

Elon Musk fully endorsed Republicans and Donald Trump after Biden dropped out of the White House race.

"My smartest friends, including lifelong Dems in the San Francisco Bay Area, are excited about Trump/Vance," Musk said in an X post.

"I believe in an America that maximizes individual freedom and merit. That used to be the Democratic Party, but now the pendulum has swung to the Republican Party," he said.

How did Russia react to Biden dropping out of the race?

The Kremlin said it is monitoring developments. "The election is still four months away. We need to pay attention and follow what will happen," spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

ALSO READ- Russia blames Biden administration for Trump's assassination attempt, accusing

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his support, calling his decision "tough but strong."

"We will always be thankful for President Biden's leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," he wrote on the social media platform X.

How did other world leaders react to Joe Biden quitting 2024 presidential race?

 Polish prime minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for making decisions "thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger".

 UK's newly elected prime minister Keir Starmer said he respects Biden's decision and looking forward to continued cooperation during the remainder of his presidency.

 German chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden a friend and respected his decision not to run again. "Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world," he wrote on X.

 Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his unwavering support, especially during war.

 Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau appreciated Biden's years of service, "leadership and friendship". As president, he is a partner to Canadians -- and a true friend, Trudeau added.
Washington, Kamala Harris is the new figurehead for the deep state and would be "incredibly dangerous" as the commander-in-chief, Hindu-American former congressman Tulsi Gabbard has said. Kamala Harris is new figurehead for the deep state: Tulsi Gabbard

Her comments came after US President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election in November and endorsed his Vice President as the Democratic party's presidential nominee.

Gabbard also asked countrymen to vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Bidens out, Kamala is in. Dont be fooled: policies wont change. Just like Biden wasnt the one calling the shots, Kamala Harris wont be either, the 43-year-old independent politician said in a video post.

She is the new figurehead for the deep state and the maidservant of Hillary Clinton, queen of the cabal of warmongers. They will continue their efforts to engulf the world in war and take away our liberty, Gabbard said in a video post soon after Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic Partys presidential candidate.

Gabbard landed in Rome to attend a dialogue and forum on peace, security, and prosperity for the Western Hemisphere in Europe, when she saw the news flash that Biden's no longer running for reelection.

I'm going to sound the same warning now that I have been for years, going all the way back to 2020, when both Kamala and I were running for president on the Democratic ticket. She is unfit and unqualified to be our president and commander in chief and would be incredibly dangerous in that position, Gabbard alleged.

Gabbard was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the presidential election in 2020, before announcing in October 2022 that she had quit the Democratic Party to become an independent.

The prospect of Kamala Harris making decisions about war and peace and where to send my brothers and sisters in uniform into harm's way is not only terrifying to us, it should be terrifying to every American knowing that we would all pay the price for her dangerous actions and dangerous decisions, she said.

Everything you've heard me say about Hillary Clinton, the queen of warmongers can also be said of Kamala Harris. There should be no question in your mind that if Kamala is allowed to be our president commander-in-chief she'll be the maidservant of this queen of warmongers, the head of this elitist cabal of warmongers that has gotten us into this place, she alleged.

They're the ones who've been calling the shots behind Joe Biden's presidency. They would continue to call the shots if Kamala Harris is president. And where have they led us? To the brink of war with multiple countries in all parts of the world and closer to the brink of nuclear war and Armageddon now than ever before. The choice for us is very clear. If we cherish peace and freedom, if we love our country, we must vote against Kamala Harris in this election on November 5th and vote for Donald Trump, Gabbard said.

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Kamala Harris, Vice-President of the United States of America, has become one of the prominent candidates in line to become the Democratic nominee in the US Presidential elections, with current President Joe Biden dropping out of the race. Indian origin US Vice President Kamala Harris is in line to become the Democratic nominee for the US presidential race

Also Read: Kamala Harris easier to defeat: Donald Trump after Joe Biden quits White House race

Joe Biden revealed in a post on X that he would not be seeking re-election "in the best interests of his party and country. In the same post, he also endorsed the rise of his VP Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.

Also Read: Donald Trump attacks Joe Biden, Kamala Harris at Michigan rally: Stupid, stupid person

Kamala Harris also responded in a statement, saying that she was honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Who is Kamala Harris?

Kamala Devi Harris was born in California to Shyama Gopalan, a Tamil biologist and Jamaican-American father, Donald J Harris, who was a professor.

After the divorce of her parents, Kamala Harris moved with her mother and her sister to various schools, until she settled on Howard University, a historic all black college, for her bachelor's degree.

Kamala Harris graduated with a degree in political science and economics and later went on to pursue law - becoming a member of the bar association in 1990. She started her career as a deputy district attorney in California in the same year.

She was elected as the district attorney of San Francisco in 2003. She carried out two terms as the elected attorney general of California in 2010 and 2014. In 2017, she became a junior US Senator from her state.

She became the second African American and first Southeast Asian woman to serve in the senate

Harris gained recognition for her support for tax and health reforms, citizenship for immigrants and gun control laws.

In 2020, she ran for the US presidential elections, before dropping out in favour of Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who later asked her to be his Vice President.

The Indian connection

Harris' faces the uphill battle of winning a nomination from her party and facing former US President Donald Trump, as his bid for re-election gains popularity.

If Harris wins the nomination, she would be the first Indian-origin woman to be standing for elections in the United States. Further, her win as President, would make her both the first Indian origin and first woman President of the country.

Her identity as an Indian is set to play a large part in the upcoming elections, with the Republican Vice President nominee JD Vance's wife being Indian and appealing to the immigrant voter base.
Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with Germany over its failure to prevent protesters getting into the grounds of the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt, demanding action against a gang of extremists" that it says breached security and endangered the lives of its staff. Frankfurt police said several men who had taking part in a demonstration clambered over the fence of the Pakistani consulate in the city on Saturday and took a flag. (Pakistan Now X)

It was unclear what prompted the demonstrators to hold Saturday's protest outside the building. Pakistan has not identified those involved in the protest but some of the demonstrators were carrying the tricolor flags of Afghanistan.

Videos circulating on social media showed a protester taking down the Pakistani flag.

Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, said on X that Pakistan has urged Germany to take immediate measures to arrest and prosecute those involved in the incident.

Frankfurt police said several men who had taking part in a demonstration clambered over the fence of the Pakistani consulate in the city on Saturday and took a flag.

According to a police statement, about 400 people were demonstrating outside the consulate on Saturday afternoon when about five to 10 people climbed into the consulate grounds before melting back into the crowd.

It said police removed other people from the grounds and the demonstration was ended.

Frankfurt Police said an investigation was underway, and officers were in contact with the Pakistani consulate.
A Russian court has sentenced Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), to 6-1/2 years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian army, the court revealed on Monday. Alsu Kurmasheva(AP)

A spokesperson for the court in the southern city of Kazan said Kurmasheva had been sentenced on Friday following two days of court proceedings. Her lawyer did not immediately reply to a Reuters question about whether she would appeal and the U.S. embassy did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Friday was also the day a separate court in Yekaterinburg sentenced another U.S. citizen, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, to 16 years in prison for espionage, following a three-day trial held behind closed doors. His newspaper and the United States have called the trial a sham, and Washington says it is working to secure his release.

ALSO READ| 'Ukraine war our priority': Russia after Joe Biden quits Presidential race

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus called Kurmasheva's trial and conviction "a mockery of justice".

"The only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors," Capus said in a statement. "It's beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family."

Kurmasheva, 47, is based in Prague and has been held since Oct. 18 when she was arrested while visiting family in her native Russian region of Tatarstan. She had first been detained briefly earlier last year while trying to leave Russia, and her passports were confiscated.

A court initially found her guilty of failing to declare that she had a U.S. passport, mandatory under Russian law, and fined her. A week later, she was charged with failing to register as a "foreign agent", to which she pleaded not guilty.

Her husband, Pavel Butorin, who also works for RFE/RL, wrote on X: "My daughters and I know Alsu has done nothing wrong. And the world knows it too. We need her home."

Butorin has said her arrest was related to a book that she had edited entitled "Saying No to War. 40 Stories of Russians Who Oppose the Russian Invasion of Ukraine".

Gershkovich and Kurmasheva are among at least a half dozen Americans convicted and jailed in Russia amid the biggest breakdown of relations between Moscow and the West since the Cold War.

RFE/RL, which has broadcast news about eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union since the Cold War, is funded by the U.S. Congress.

Russia has designated it as a "foreign agent" and an "undesirable" organisation, classifications that carry negative Cold War overtones and effectively ban it inside Russia.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has imposed long prison sentences on people convicted of criticising the war, under a law that bans spreading false information about the military.

Butorin has petitioned for the U.S. government to designate Kurmasheva as wrongfully detained, as Washington views the case of Gershkovich, to open up further diplomatic avenues to negotiate her release. Washington has not mounted a similar public campaign calling for her release.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed Monday to reduce the UK's "long-term reliance on overseas workers" as he unveiled a new skills training organisation aimed at boosting productivity and economic growth. UK unveils training effort to reduce reliance on migration

Starmer said his government hopes the new body named Skills England will transform "not just how we train our young people and adults, but also the relationship between business and education system".

In a speech at the Farnborough International Airshow, the new UK leader added that many young people had been "let down" by a lack of skills training, creating an overreliance on migration within the economy.

"I do not criticise businesses who hire overseas workers and I certainly don't diminish the contribution that migration makes to our economy, to our public services and of course to our communities," he told the audience.

"Yet if you stand back, as a system it cannot be right that some people don't get to feel the pride of making a contribution, the dignity of work, just because we can't find a way of creating a coherent skill system."

Starmer said his Labour government, elected on July 4 and facing calls to outline how it will tackle migration, "won't be content just to pull the easy lever of importing skills".

"We're turning the page on that," he insisted, pledging to "reduce our long-term reliance on overseas workers".

Skills England will work with another public body, the Migration Advisory Committee, to identify current and future skills gaps and address them.

It will bring together central and local government, businesses, training providers and unions to do that, while providing strategic oversight of the skills system for over-16s, according to the education ministry.

It noted a third of productivity improvement over the last two decades can be explained by improvements to skills levels.

But between 2017 and 2022, UK skills shortages doubled to more than half a million and account for more than a third of job vacancies, the ministry said.

Net migration levels the difference between those coming to the country and those leaving have soared in recent years, reaching a record 764,000 in 2022.

Last year it was 685,000, driven by non-EU citizens.

"It is right that we get migration down," Starmer said.

"It's too high. That's why... Skills England will be working on this issue to make sure that we got the skills in place to bring those levels down."

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Kyiv said Monday it had struck a preliminary deal with international creditors to restructure government debt worth more than $20 billion, giving the war-torn country some financial breathing room. Ukraine says struck preliminary deal to restructure $20 bn debt

Ukraine's economy has been decimated by Russia's invasion and the government is reliant on international aid to help it fund both its military and day-to-day government spending.

The government was up against the clock as a deal to freeze repayments on a series of international bonds agreed after Moscow invaded the country in February 2022 were set to end on August 1.

In a filing with the London Stock Exchange, the Ukrainian government said it had "reached agreement in principle" on a debt restructuring.

The deal will see creditors, a group that includes BlackRock, Pimco and other major institutional investors, write billions off the nominal value of their holdings, and agree to a new payment schedule on terms more beneficial to Kyiv.

"We are on the path to restoring debt sustainability," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"This allows us to free up resources for our defence, social spending and reconstruction," he added.

The International Monetary Fund, a crucial partner for Ukraine, welcomed the move as an "important step in the authorities' strategy to try and restore debt sustainability".

The organisation said Ukrainian authorities' restructuring strategy and measures were "essential to bring Ukraine's debt burden back to viable levels, which will allow wiggle room for key spending, and support growth".

Ukraine says it will save the country $11.4 billion in debt servicing over the next three years.

The group of bondholders that were negotiating the restructuring said it was "pleased to have reached a swift and constructive agreement."

"As long-term investors in Ukraine, we are pleased to be able to provide significant debt relief to Ukraine," it said.

The group had rejected an offer put forward by Ukraine last month that called for even steeper write-downs.

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LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE GROUP PLC

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Adidas is once again in damage control mode, issuing a public apology over their controversial Munich Olympics campaign. Just three days after initial backlash, the German sportswear giant is extending its mea culpa. This time, they're acknowledging the unintended offence caused and expressing regret directly to their campaign partners, including supermodel Bella Hadid. Bella Hadid's Adidas campaign has put the brand in a world of woes and allegations

Adidas apologises to Bella Hadid and others over Munich campaign

Adidas issued a second apology on Sunday regarding their SL72 campaign, which referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics. The company acknowledged that despite removing pro-Palestinian model Bella Hadid, from the campaign, some continue to draw unintentional links between the ad and the tragic historical event. Connections continue to be made to the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Munich Olympics due to our recent SL72 campaign, the brand wrote.

These connections are not meant and we apologise for any upset or distress caused to communities around the world, they further added. For the unversed, The Munich Olympics are remembered for a tragic incident where 11 Israeli athletes were kidnapped and killed by the Palestinian terrorist group "Black September."

Also read: Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump: Opinion polls reveal game changing dynamics

Stating that the mistake was entirely unintentional, the company extended their apology to Bella Hadid, A$AP Nast, Jules Kounde, and others, for any negative impact on them stressing that they are revising the campaign.

What is Adidas Munich campaign controversy?

The footwear brand landed in hot water after receiving backlash from Jewish groups and Israel for featuring supermodel Bella Hadid in its latest campaign for retro-styled sneakers. Adidas subsequently removed Hadid, who has Palestinian roots and has been a prominent advocate for Palestinian relief efforts. We are aware that connections have been made to tragic historical events  though these are completely unintentional  and we apologize for any upset or distress caused, a spokesperson for Adidas said in a statement sent to CNN on Friday.

Also read: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez not getting back together, but the plans to split are

The brand with global appeal also promised to revise the campaign and reinforce its belief in sport as a unifying force. We will continue our efforts to champion diversity and equality in everything we do, the company added.

Adidas in damage control mode

After getting rid of all Bella Hadid ads, the brand got a new round of backlash from pro-Palestinian groups. These groups alleged that the brand was engaging in silencing tactics against voices of Palestinian heritage and retaliating against Hadid in response to her heritage.

According to sources reported by TMZ, Bella Hadid has engaged the services of a legal representative to pursue legal action against the German brand. She expressed dissatisfaction with the company for failing to assume accountability and for conducting a detrimental marketing campaign.

Hadid, the daughter of Palestinian-American real-estate developer Mohamed Hadid, has consistently advocated for her heritage. She has made numerous public statements regarding the violence faced by Palestinians and the protracted conflict in Gaza.

My heart is bleeding with pain from the trauma I am seeing unfold, as well as the generational trauma of my Palestinian blood, she wrote back in October last year. I mourn for the Israeli families that have been dealing with the pain and aftermath of October 7, she added.
After Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Barack Obama did not endorse Kamala Harris but instead said Democrats would choose an unnamed outstanding nominee. We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead, Obama said in a statement, in part. Barack Obama praises Joe Biden's deep empathy but does not endorse Kamala Harris (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP, photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

He added, But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

I believe that Joe Bidens vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August, Obama continued. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

Barack Obama praises Joe Bidens deep empathy and hard-earned resilience

Obama also praised Biden for his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best  a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life, Obama said.

In conclusion, the former president wrote, For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times  and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.

Biden ended his candidacy amid mounting pressure to resign. It comes as a surprise to his supporters as until now, he had maintained that he would keep fighting and even vowed to return for a second debate against Donald Trump.
By David Shepardson and Caroline Valetkevitch Delta Air Lines grapples with flight cancelations after tech outage

July 21 - Delta Air Lines struggled on Sunday to restore normal operations after last week's crippling global cyber outage, canceling 1,250 flights beyond the 3,500 it had already scrapped.

The issue has stranded thousands of Delta travelers across the United States, with some having to rent cars to drive hundreds of miles while others could have to wait days for new flights or cancel trips altogether.

The Atlanta-based airline, which canceled a third of its schedule and delayed another 1,700 flights or 44%, according to FlightAware, is battling operational issues after the outage hit its crew tracking system.

Delta has offered no timetable for resumption of normal operations and has already canceled another 305 flights for Monday, the flight tracking website said. Its total of canceled flights since Friday now stands at more than 5,000.

A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered system problems for Microsoft customers, including many airlines, on Friday.

Although other U.S. airlines have largely recovered, Delta has struggled to return to normal. United Airlines canceled 9% - or 266 - of Sunday's flights, the second most among carriers.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the issue affected its Microsoft Windows systems, snarling a critical application.

"In particular one of our crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system shutdown," Bastian told customers in an email.

In a separate note, he told employees that Delta would continue to "tactically adjust" schedules to ensure safety.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke with Bastian, according to an official, reminding him of the carrier's responsibilities to customers and the department's enforcement role.

"I will ensure that our department supports Delta passengers by enforcing all applicable passenger protections," Buttigieg said in a statement to Reuters, adding that the department had received hundreds of complaints.

"No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours."

CrowdStrike said a significant number of the 8.5 million affected Microsoft devices were back online.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
It has been reported that Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka had once donated to Kamala Harris re-election campaign while she was serving as California attorney general. The disclosure surfaced on social media after Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris, who later said in a statement that her intention is to earn and win this nomination. Donald and Ivanka Trump had once placed confidence in Kamala Harris' candidacy (AP File Photo, photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

How much did Donald and Ivanka Trump donate to Kamala Harris re-election campaign?

Trump reportedly gave $6,000 to Harriss campaign from 2011 to 2013. Back in 2014, Trump's daughter Ivanka, too, donated $2,000 to Harris, USA Today reported.

News about Trumps donation to Harris started to circulate in 2020 for the first time. At the time, Harris was running as Biden's vice president.

USA Todays Fact Check explored the claim and eventually rated it True. The outlet noted, Though Donald Trump has a history of derisive comments about Harris since taking office, political contribution data, reviewed by USA TODAY on the California Secretary of State website show he gave $5,000 to Harris during her first bid for attorney general in 2011 and $1,000 in 2013 during her reelection. Ivanka Trump contributed $2,000 in 2014 for Harris' reelection campaign.

These donations were redistributed by Harris in 2015. She handed the funds to a nonprofit focused on Central American civil rights.

Its interesting: I was looking at the ones Im running against. Ive contributed to most of them. Can you believe it? Trump said at one point while he was campaigning in 2016. Ive given to Democrats. Ive given to Hillary. Ive given to everybody! Because that was my job. I gotta give to them. Because when I want something, I get it. When I call, they kiss my (expletive).

Recently, at a rally in Michigan, Trump attacked Harris, saying, If you vote for Biden, you are voting for Harris as well." The former president has blasted Harris on several occasions in the past.
President Bidens unexpected withdrawal from the presidential race on Sunday, just weeks before the Democratic National Convention, has not just added a surprising twist to this years election cycle but also thrown Democrat's election campaign in a jeopardy. Even though Biden has endorsed Kamala, will she become the presidential nominee and gain default party backing? All key questions answered and heres what lies ahead for the Democratic Party. A man holds a sign showing his appreciation for US President Joe Biden along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2024.(AFP)

Also Read: Why did Biden exit US presidential race

Will Kamala Harris automatically replace Biden?

No. Biden remains president and plans to serve until his term ends in January 2025. Kamal is yet to earn Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi's endorsements. Harris role as vice president does not automatically transfer to the presidential campaign. The Democratic National Convention has a process for selecting nominees, and Harris will need to follow it to secure the nomination.

Also Read: Kamala Harris says will earn and win the nomination

Who are the possible Democratic presidential nominees?

Some leading contenders include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has also emerged as a potential candidate.

Is Kamala Harris considered the frontrunner?

Yes. Harris has several key advantages, including access to Bidens campaign funds and the support of many voters who backed the Biden-Harris ticket four years ago. Bidens explicit endorsement adds further weight to her candidacy, and much of the Democratic establishment has rallied behind her. However, her approval ratings are similar to Bidens, providing an opportunity for other candidates.

How will Democrats select a new nominee?

The primary elections are over, and Biden won an overwhelming majority of the vote. The nomination process now moves to the roughly 3,900 pledged Democratic National Convention delegates who will select the partys candidate. These delegates, representing their states Democratic voters, will vote at the convention to choose the nominee.

Who are the delegates?

Delegates represent their states Democratic voters at the convention. They are a diverse group, including lawyers, school board members, labor activists, faith leaders, lifelong Democrats, and party newcomers. Most delegates were pledged to support Biden, but with his withdrawal, they are free to vote for their choice.

What are automatic delegates or super delegates?

In addition to the roughly 3,900 pledged delegates, there are about 700 automatic delegates, including governors, members of Congress, and Democratic Party officials. They do not vote in the first convention roll call vote but join the voting pool if no candidate gets a majority in the initial vote.

What happens to Bidens campaign funds?

If Harris becomes the nominee, she would have access to Bidens campaign funds, which totalled about $95 million as of the end of June. If another candidate is the nominee, the funds could be donated to the Democratic National Committee or a super PAC to support the Democratic campaign.

How is the new vice presidential nominee chosen?

The next presidential nominee will select their own vice president, subject to approval by the delegates. This could add to the drama of the convention as politicians lobby for both positions on the ticket.

What are the key dates to watch?

The Democratic convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago. The election is on November 5, with earlier in-person and mail-in voting options available in many states.
An Arizona woman who went missing earlier this month has reportedly been found dead  along with the body of her stalker. Doris Maricela Aguilar, 25, went missing on July 1. Her car was found about a week later in the parking lot of a mall in Phoenix. The vehicle was unlocked and abandoned. Missing Arizona woman Doris Maricela Aguilar found dead in car alongside body of stalker (Phoenix Police)

Now, two decomposing bodies have been discovered in a car in an Arizona parking lot. Aguilar was found dead alongside her stalker Juan Cuellar, 51. Cuellar gunned down Aguilar and then shot himself in the head, local authorities told Arizona Family.

The bodies were found in a gym parking lot near Phoenix on July 7. It is believed the bodies were in the car for several days.

He scared her

Private investigator Steve Fischer claimed that before her death, Aguilar told family and friends that Cuellar was dangerous and refused to leave her alone. Fischer said he has been investigating the sick and twisted crime committed against Aguilar. Many members of Aguilars family live in Honduras.

Aguilar was known to have a passion for fitness. She did tell her family and important people in her life about this person, and that if anything happened to her, he was responsible, Fischer said, adding, He scared her.

Fischer said that Cuellar worked at the same building where Aguilar worked. However, about a year ago, he was fired. The stalker allegedly sent Aguilar threatening messages, and even showed up at her gym completely unannounced. A very fearful Aguilar changed gyms to avoid Cuellar, Fischer said.

On June 27, Cuellar made a chilling Facebook post that appeared to be aimed at Aguilar. Getting my Lifetime [gym] membership back. See you soon, Cuellar wrote.

Days later, the duos bodies were found in a rented sedan in a steakhouse parking lot near a gym Aguilar went to in the past. Her car was previously found by cops outside the Christown Shopping Center with her belongings inside.

Fischer believes the stalker rented the vehicle as part of a luring scheme to get to his victim, but he possibly did not kill her in the rented car. What Ive been told, there is no biological evidence in the vehicle that she was shot in the car, so it looks like she was moved, Fischer said.

Fischer said Cuellar left a note inside the car in an attempt to convince people Aguilar had died by suicide. He tried to stage it to make it look like she killed herself, Fischer said. According to the victims phone data, it was turned off on July 1 shortly after 8 pm.
President Joe Bidens abrupt decision to bow out of the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic candidate against former President Donald Trump caused a political earthquake on Sunday. It also changes the contours of a presidential race  which most voters said they did not want to see  that has seemed rigidly set for more than a year. Takeaways from a day that fundamentally changed the presidential race

Here are some takeaways from the historic day. Democrats who had been in disarray are falling in line

Since Biden's disastrous debate in June, the Democratic party has been in disarray. Drip by drip, high-level party officials reversed course and started to send signals that the president needed to step aside.

Before Sunday, seeing Biden step aside did not necessarily mean making room for Harris. The vice president's approval ratings were as grim as Biden's, and there's widespread skepticism on the left about her electability after her disappointing performance in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

But on Sunday, Democrats started lining up behind Harris. Dozens of members of Congress and senators endorsed her. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro  himself a dream nominee for many Democrats who have hoped Biden would step aside  also came out in favor of Harris, as did California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Two big names  former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama  notably withheld endorsements. But with less than two months before early voting begins in the presidential election, Democrats may be deciding they don't have time for further turmoil.

It's also a reminder of the stark difference between the Democratic and Republican parties. Trump took over the Republican Party on the strength of his personality and loyal following of party voters. Harris has been assiduously working the phones to key Democratic members of Congress to assemble a durable coalition. Democrats are still trying to balance multiple power centers.

The GOP only has one power center now. Will the election be about Trump, or Harris, or someone else?

Normally, a president's reelection campaign is a referendum on the incumbent. For months, Biden tried to make it about Trump.

When pushed in interviews about his own poor debate performance, Biden tried to counter it by highlighting Donald Trumps deceptions. He made the perceived threat of another Trump presidency his big pitch to donors, saying that the Republican would end U.S. democracy. But after the debate, the framing quickly turned to Biden, and whether he had the capacity to serve another four years.

Now Democrats hope Harris, at 59, can cast a spotlight on Trump, who is just three years younger than Biden.

The GOP made no secret that it preferred to run against Biden, but it's pivoting to attack Harris in similar ways. Republicans are already criticizing Harris for defending Biden's ability to do his job over the past several years. They're tying her to the least popular aspects of Biden's presidency, like border policy and immigration. During last week's GOP convention, speaker after speaker called Harris the border czar  which has never been her title, but was shorthand for how Biden tasked her with handling immigration early in his term. Voters: Are you happy now?

The one constant since Trump announced in November of 2022 has been voters pleading, begging for a different matchup.

The desire is clear in both polls and conversations with regular voters. In late 2023, an -NORC poll found that 58% would be unhappy with Trump as the GOP nominee and 56% with Biden. Democrats were more likely to be dissatisfied with Biden then Republicans with Trump.

The problem for the replace-Biden movement is no single candidate captured the imagination of Democratic voters. Running essentially unopposed, Biden cleaned up in the Democratic primary. It wasn't until the June 27 debate that Democratic powerbrokers began to listen to voters' unease.

Now there's a different election. But the question remains  will voters be happy about a fresher face? Or will they treat Harris like they did Biden, either because they see her as tightly connected to him or because their unhappiness wasn't just about the re-run of the 2020 race, but other factors in American life? A new battle over a diverse electorate?

The main contours of the presidential race were set with Trump's announcement in November of 2022. Now, if Democrats choose Harris, those battle lines come into much sharper focus. Harris, as the nation's first Black woman vice president, and first of South Asian descent, has the potential to generate an overperformance among women, particularly women of color, while Trump will try to do the same among white men.

But Trump isn't putting all his eggs in a single demographic basket. After performing better than expected with Latinos in 2020 his campaign has been trying to boost his numbers with that ethnicity even more and also targeting Black voters. Meanwhile, Biden's hold on older white voters  who are more likely to cast ballots  kept him competitive.

Will Harris be able to blunt Trump's potential gains among more diverse parts of the electorate? Will she be able to replicate her boss' strength in Rust Belt states where white voters are disproportionately powerful? Can she put in play states like Georgia and North Carolina that have a higher share of Black voters?

Any changes between Harris' coalition and Biden's are likely to be small, but this election is likely to be close and turn on tiny shifts in the electorate. Will Harris be able to make a second first impression?

Harris has long been an electoral mystery. She has the resume of a top-of-the-line electoral juggernaut  female career prosecutor of racially mixed descent, quick and charismatic. But she's underperformed in the races she ran in California. Though she won her statewide contests, she usually didn't get as many votes as other Democrats running statewide.

The nadir came in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Harris ended up dropping out before voting began to preserve her viability after doing so poorly in the initial stretch of the race.

Harris' checkered electoral history may have been a factor on Democratic disquiet about Biden, because they didn't trust his heir apparent to beat Trump. They now may have no choice but to believe in her and have been encouraged by her sharper, clearer attacks on the Republican nominee recently.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The decision of President Joe Biden to withdraw from the upvoming presidential race came as a dramatic and unforeseen twist, leaving his team and supporters in utter shock. The 81-year-old on Sunday expressed his wish to step aside, endorsing his VP Kamala Harris for the presidential nominee position for the 2024 elections. US President Joe Biden and First lady Jill Biden walk to the White House in Washington, DC, on Sunday, as they return after attending campaign events in Pennsylvania. (AFP)

What convinced Biden to make this last-minute exit? Reports suggest that the move was driven by a combination of personal and political factors that only emerged in the final moments.

Inside Bidens last-min decision to step down

The prez who was once completely against the idea of dropping out just four months before the elections on Sunday said what many democrats wanted to hear. I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, the oldest ever US president said in a statement.

The decision came in the wake of major donors withdrawing millions of dollars, and growing opposition from Democrats who were concerned about Bidens ability to compete against Donald Trump. Daily polls showed his chances of winning a second term were rapidly declining. First Lady Jill Biden was present when her husband made this crucial decision under increasing pressure to step down.

Also read: Bidens exit: Cardi B to Ariana Grande, Ellen DeGeneres, more, celebs react; support for Kamala Harris grows

As per CNN, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden talked a bunch on Sunday before he made his big announcement, a person who knows the details said. Also, Biden let his main guy, Jeff Zients, and his campaign partner, Jen O'Malley Dillon, know what he was going to do last min. But, even Harris who ended up getting endorsed to take over his place, didn't find out until the day Joe Biden made his announcement.

What led Joe Biden to step down from the Presidential race?

As per Daily Mail, things got heated on Saturday night when President Biden called a meeting with his top advisors Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon. These guys have been by Biden's side since he was a senator and are really trusted. It's also said that Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, who are pretty close to the Biden family, showed up at the meeting. The report suggests, "that after carefully considering the evidence against him, Biden decided that stepping aside was in the best interest of the party.

It was at that time he asked Ricchetti and Donilon to start drafting a letter for public announcement the next day. He earlier said he'd only step down if there was clear evidence from polls showing Kamala Harris would do better than him against Trump in the big election.

Also read: Meet Kamala Harris who will replace Joe Biden in 2024 race. What's her Indian connection?

I dont know one big donor who is going to write a check for $100,000 or more. And I know a lot of those guys, a top Democratic donor informed CNN before the big decision.

Biden had a family meeting before dropping out

From what it has been reported, right before the big news came out, at 1:45 PM on Sunday, just a few minutes before he dropped the bombshell, President Biden, who was still hanging out at his beach house in Delaware, started getting in touch with his top team at both the White House and his campaign. Before this, he had already chatted with Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

After deciding to step down from the race, he also let his family know, with his daughter Ashley and son-in-law Howard hitting the road to Rehoboth earlier that day, according to a reliable source.

The majority of his personnel, encompassing both White House staff and those involved in the campaign, were surprised by the revelation as the decision was taken in the presence of very few, trusted aides. The rest reportedly found out through an online alert following the posting of the president's statement on his social media handle.
Washington: US vice president Kamala Harris has emerged as the most likely Democratic nominee for the presidency, as she announced her candidacy, inherited Joe Bidens campaign infrastructure, picked endorsements from top party leaders, and raised $50 million within hours of Biden quitting the race and endorsing her on Sunday. No other Democrat has announced their intent to seek the partys nomination so far. US vice president Kamala Harris. (PTI)

On Sunday, in her first statement, Harris hailed Bidens achievements and termed his decision to not seek re-election a selfless and patriotic act of putting the country above himself. Biden was under tremendous pressure after his debate performance against Donald Trump exposed age-related deficits and led to calls from party elders, elected representatives, donors and voters to make way for a younger candidate. After resisting for three weeks, Biden finally gave in to the pressure after seeing polls that showed there was no viable path for him to win, reports said.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump, Harris said. She added that there were 107 days for the elections. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

Amid uncertainty about the next steps, Jaime Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, said that the party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate. The process will be governed by the partys established rules and procedures. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people, he said. The party also announced that its rules committee will meet on Wednesday to establish a process, and the proceedings of the meeting will be public.

But even as the party figures out how to proceed and whether delegates will vote for a nominee virtually or do so at the partys convention slated for August 19 in Chicago, the Harris campaign acquired rapid momentum.

Within hours, the Biden for President campaign transformed into Harris for President. The Biden campaign staff is now working for Harris. She also got access to $96 million of campaign funds that was raised by the Biden campaign. The Harris campaign sent out its own fundraising emails and texts and by Monday morning, eastern time, it had raised almost $50 million, the highest single day fundraising haul in this election for Democrats.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among the first to back Harris. Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump termNow is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it, the Clintons said.

A spate of her potential rivals, including state governors such as Gavin Newsom of California and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, too backed Harris for the nomination. The Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, two strong groups within the party, endorsed the vice president. In a statement, the progressives led by Pramila Jayapal said, Our members are united around a common goal: defeating the existential threat to our democracy and livelihood that is Donald Trump and MAGA extremism. And following a vote by the entirety of the progressive caucus, our members overwhelmingly agree that Kamala Harris is the candidate to do that.

In his own statement that lauded Bidens contribution as a president and his decision to now step away, former President Barack Obama did not endorse Harris. Instead, he said, We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, too is understood to be in favour of an open process. And Harris herself has said she intends to earn and win this nomination. All of this, coupled with DNC chairs statement, suggests that the Democrats will open up the process for other candidates to compete, and the final decision will be taken by delegates, but the convention could still be a formality as the Harris campaign builds a decisive lead and she remains unchallenged.

Bidens decision left Democrats in an unprecedented situation. Never before has a presidential candidate dropped out so late in the race after having won the primaries. Never before has the party appeared to be on the verge of nominating a Black woman, and an Indian-American woman on the top of the ticket. And never before has the party confronted an opponent such as Trump who has already served one term in office, rejected the results of the last elections, got convicted of crime, survived an assassination bid and retains a lead in the polls.
A SWIFT end to the Ukraine war on Russian terms would fill many governments with a sense of loss. In much of western Europe and beyond, a deal that rewarded Russia for its aggressionexchanging a ceasefire for vast swathes of Ukrainian territory, for instance, or a pledge that Ukraine will never join NATO or any other Western alliancewould feel like appeasement, not peacemaking. A pillar of the post-second-world-war order, involving a refusal to see borders redrawn by force, would have fallen.

China disagrees. For Communist Party bosses in Beijing, a quick Russia-friendly end to the fighting in Ukraine would be grounds for celebration. Most simply, it would humiliate the Biden administration and every power that backs Ukraine, while vindicating Chinas confidence that Western unity cannot last. More important it would offer a glimpse of a future world order which, according to Chinese officials and scholars, already enjoys the support of most governments, notably in the developing world.

In effect, Chinas coldly realist version of international relations sees no meaningful distinction between appeasement and peacemaking. In such a world, conflict is avoided by balancing and respecting the interests of large and powerful countries, while lesser nations do what they must to accommodate them. This order has no patience with hand-wringing talk about values or freedom, or about individual rights and wrongs. What counts is preserving stability, order and economic opportunity for the many.

Increasingly, China is proud to promote this ultra-pragmatic global order. Officials in Beijing appear unembarrassed that Western governments have charged Chinese companies with propping up Vladimir Putins war machine with vast flows of microelectronics, drone parts and other components vital for making Russian arms and ammunition. Since America went public with intelligence about Chinese sales of dual-use items to Russias defence industry, we have not seen any diminution of the trade, says Nicholas Burns, Americas ambassador in Beijing. Instead, Chinese officials blandly say that China has too many companies to track all they sell. Chinese diplomats continue to blame the conflict on NATO enlargement into eastern and central Europe, which they say pushed Mr Putin into a corner. In private, they have told Western counterparts that China favours an early peace in Ukraine but has few hopes of one, and is not greatly fussed about where Ukraines borders end up.

Chinas public messaging is equally unabashed. China has been actively promoting peace talks in its own way, the countrys president and party chief, Xi Jinping, assured one of his (and Mr Putins) closest allies in Europe, the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, on July 8th. A political agreement and early end to the war in Ukraine is in the interests of all parties, but will require major powers to play a positive not a negative role, Mr Xi told Mr Orban, whose brief visit to Beijing followed stops in Kyiv and Moscow. Helpfully, the Hungarian leader spelled out the meaning of Mr Xis veiled rebuke of Americas role as a supplier of arms and aid to Ukraine. China has a peace plan. America runs a war policy, said Mr Orban.

China is standing by a Russian leader seen in Beijing as a valued (if unpredictable) partner in a larger struggle with the American-led West. But this age of spiralling conflicts also offers China a chance to portray itself as a peacemakereven if its version of peace involves cutting deals with aggressors, bullies and despots.

In June Mr Xi hosted a celebration in Beijing of a live-and-let-live diplomatic doctrine, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence. The young Peoples Republic of China endorsed the principles 70 years ago to soothe Asian neighbours alarmed by Chinas new revolutionary rulers. Seven decades later Chinas behaviour, starting with its bullying of maritime neighbours and land-grabs in the South China Sea, tramples the first of those principles, which pledges respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others. Still, Chinese leaders praise the five principles as a system for resolving conflicts through the non-judgmental pursuit of shared interests. They say this approach is welcomed by developing countries sick of Western politicians delivering colonial-style lectures about democracy and human rights. At the anniversary gathering Mr Xi hailed Chinas distinctive approach to resolving hotspot issues and its constructive role from Ukraine to the Middle East and the Korean peninsula. He chided countries that try to achieve absolute security and exclusive security: a coded attack on American-led defence alliances in Europe and Asia.

Talk of equality, swagger like a great power

Chinese officials and scholars elaborated on Mr Xis pitch at the World Peace Forum, a geopolitics talkfest held each summer at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Chinas vice-president, Han Zheng, praised his countrys practical proposals for a more just and equal multipolar world order. Speakers accused America of double standards over Ukraine and Gaza. They compared Europes confrontation with Russia over Ukraine, unfavourably, with the consensus-based approach of ASEAN. That South-East Asian organisation and its ten member countries rarely confront China over its bullying of maritime neighbours, preferring to accommodate the regions hegemon and dominant trade partner. Strikingly, invited Asian speakers made no mention of Chinese coastguard ships currently harassing Philippine troops and sailors guarding a disputed reef near the Philippines. Nor was mention made of Americas decades-long role as a security guarantor in the Pacific and as a hedge against Chinese aggression. Instead, the ASEAN way was called the key to regional peace and prosperity. The praise was revealing. If all multilateral organisations were like ASEAN, China would have the world order it wants.

Subscribers can sign up to Drum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he is dropping his reelection bid against former president Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 US election, sending shockwaves throughout the country's politics. Joe Biden, after announcing his exit, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democrats' new presidential candidate. President Joe Biden drops out of presidential race. (AP)

Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race came after his poor debate performance against Donald Trump, and the Republican Party taking repeated jibed at him for his inability to complete another term as the president. The debate debacle also many Democrat lawmakers urging Joe Biden to withdraw as the presidential candidate.

What happened in the hours before Joe Biden dropped out?

The first person to receive a call from Joe Biden exiting from his reelection bid was Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, reported The Washington Post. Joe Biden also held one-to-one meetings with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, and his campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon.

Zients called for a meeting of Joe Biden's campaign staff and White House staff for 1:45pm, so that the US president could brief them over his decision. The chief of staff made a formal announcement regarding the same to the entire White House staff at around 2:30pm on Sunday.

Biden took the decision over the weekend through multiple huddles with White House counselor Steve Ricchetti, senior campaign adviser Mike Donilon, deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and senior adviser to the first lady Anthony Bernal, all of whom were at the president's vacation house, The Washington Post reported.

Why did Joe Biden end reelection bid?

The calls for Joe Biden to drop out as the US presidential face grew after his debate debacle against Donald Trump on June 27. While the US president blamed his performance on jet lag and international travel, the rank and file in the Democrat Party urged him to drop out of the race.

Opposition to Biden's continued campaign from within his party gained steam over the past week with 36 congressional Democrats - more than one in eight - publicly calling on him to drop out, driven by concerns over his mental acuity, reported Reuters.

Lawmakers from the ruling party expressed discontent with Biden continuing on his reelection bid, saying that they feared that the US president, if elected again, could cost them not only the White House but also the chance to control either chamber of Congress next year.

Sources told news agency Reuters that Biden had a last minute change of heart, and up until Saturday night, had no intention to drop out of the race. The US president only changed his mind on Sunday afternoon, after multiple meetings with his top advisors.
Washington: It was close to 11 pm on Sunday night on Americas east coast. Shekar Narasimhan had just got off a call joined in by close to 1000 people. And he was amazed by the energy levels among Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and Black community members on the call, as Democratic-leaning outfits representing the three groups came together to endorse Kamala Harris for president. US vice president Kamala Harris. (AFP)

Narasimhan, the chairman and founder of the AAPI Victory Fund, one of the first of its kind super Political Action Committees (PACs) that supports Asian American candidates, said that this energy had come from a deep conviction that representation mattered. And Harris, who has attended AAPI funds events and recognised Narasimhans work, was the face of that.

We have been saying for a while that the 24 million strong Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community is doing well but wasnt politically engaged in a big way because no one was talking to them. Then you get Harris running for president in 2020, becoming the vice president and there was a burst of energy in the community. Representation matters, said Narasimhan, adding that Harris had helped them create a network with other caucuses of minority groups such as Blacks and Hispanics. We are smallest of the three but the fastest growing group and have a lot of resources. Harris is aware of the potential. She will tap into it, and her presence will also galvanise the community, he said.

Harriss possible nomination does indeed appear to have galvanised both the incredibly diverse Asian-American community in general and the Indian-American community in particular, which can see in her both a symbol of their success and a potential opportunity to have American politics reflect the diversity of American society. It also comes at a time when these communities are far better organised and therefore in a position to make a difference both financially, and in terms of votes in swing states in close elections.

Harriss desi identity

At a lunch that she hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to US last year, Harris spoke extensively about both her roots as well as the impact of the Indian-Americans in US.

The vice president said that India was a very important part of her life, and when she was growing up, her mother would take her and her sister from the Bay Area to India every other year. And the purpose of those trips were many, including that we would well understand where she came from, what produced her; so that we could spend time with our grandparents, with my uncle and our chittis (Tamil for aunt); and to really understand the love of good idli, Harris said to applause and laughter. She recalled how her grandfather took her on early morning walks, told her the story of Indias freedom struggle, the importance of fighting against corruption and inequality, and credited it with who she had become now.

But Harris also located her own story with the larger story of the rise of the Indian-Americans, naming the five desi members of the US Congress who are called the samosa caucus, and the impact of the community across the country from the C-suites of American companies to neighbourhood businesses, from the studios of Hollywood to university research labs across our country.

She was right. Last month, in a report titled Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons, Indiaspora, among the most respected of the diaspora organisations, examined the impact of the 5.1 million strong community, encompassing first generation immigrants and those who claim Indian roots. The results are telling.

CEOs of Indian-origin head 16 Fortune 500 companies that collectively employ 1.1 million Americans and generate a trillion dollars in revenue. Indians established 72 of the 648 US unicorns in operation in 2024. They own 60% of all American hotels. Despite being 1.5% of the population, they contribute 5-6% of all income taxes. From 1975 to 2019, the share of US patents with Indian-origin innovators jumped from two per cent to 10%. A third of the employees in Silicon Valley are Indians. Around 22,000 faculty members in US universities are of Indian-origin, while 270,000 Indians study in US. Of the top 50 colleges in US, 35 have an Indian in a leadership position. There are 6,000 Indian restaurants in US and 36,000 yoga studios. The Indian diasporas philanthropic contribution is over $1.5 billion annually. And there are over 150 desis in notable positions in the US administration.

Sanjeev Joshipura, the executive director of Indiaspora, locates Harriss rise in this wider context. Kamala Harris vying for President of the United States is the next step in the steadily increasing engagement of the Indian diaspora in Americas political life. On both sides of the aisle, one neednt look far to find Indian origin political and policy leaders at every level, from federal to state to local.

The Harris they know

What this has meant is that within a day of her entering the race, the segment of the Indian-American community that leans Democrat has been quick on its feet in mobilising support for her.

Indian American Impact Fund, a key political outfit that has supported 116 Indian-American candidates and raised $20 million in the last eight years to elevate the communitys political representation, endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Deepak Raj, Impacts cofounder, said that as one of Harriss most vociferous supporters from the very beginning of her political career, Impact was thrilled to back her candidacy. He added, We are ready to leverage our extensive network of resources to mobilize South Asian voters, confident that they will be instrumental in delivering the White House to Kamala Harris in November. Harris had attended the gala dinner of the Impact annual summit earlier this year.

Celebrating Harriss candidacy at this particular time, Kaivan Shroff, a Democratic delegate from New York to this years convention and a party member who worked on the Hillary Clinton campaign, said that Harris was best positioned to prosecute the case against Donald Trump for his war on women. On her identity and what it meant, Shroff told HT, Harris is unique compared to other national South Asian voiceswho choose to lie about the discrimination they have faced in this country, spew rightwing anti-immigrant talking points, and be used as pawns to promote a white Christian nationalist agenda. Instead Harris is an authentic representative who speak for her communities because she is proud of where she came from and knows that diversity is Americas greatest strength.

MR Rangaswami, a diaspora leader and tech entrepreneur from California, has known Harris ever since she became a district attorney in San Francisco and then Californias Attorney General through her Senate stint and now as VP. At every level, I found her to be a quick study who worked hard and stepped up to the job. When I came to America over four decades ago, I didnt even dream that an Indian-American would be standing for the highest political office in the land. I am ecstatic now that moment has arrived, he told HT, adding that he had seen Harris embrace her indian identity even more including hosting Diwali events at the residence of the vice president.

Narasimhan, the Asian-American community leader, also vouched for Harriss competence and qualifications, pointing out how within two hours of Bidens announcement, the campaign had gone from Biden for president to Harris for president and how the VP had secured major endorsements within four hours. He hailed her for recognising the importance of community, diversity and standing up against hate crimes. Referring to those who sometimes critique Harris for not owning up to her Indian identity more, Narasimhan said, She talks about her heritage and thats enough. Does she have to eat idli, dosa always to be Indian? What does that even mean?

Asked if the country that had never even elected a woman president was ready to elect a Black woman, and an Indian-American woman, Narasimhan said, There is only one way to find out. We are going to find out when we count the votes. But I will tell you based on what I am seeing -- with Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket, we are going to win this election.
Featuring an impressive collection of original artwork, the 121-room property completes eight-month refresh of all guest rooms, lobby, common areas and meeting spaces.

SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole, a 121 all-suite property centrally located in the heart of downtown Jackson, has announced the completion of its property-wide redesign and transformation. Inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding area and rugged Teton Range, the renovations encompass significant enhancements across the property including a refresh to all suites; a new arrival experience with the complete redesign of the lobby and added business center; updated touches to the fitness center; and upgrades to all 1,500 square feet of meeting and event spaces, perfect for corporate gatherings or social events.

DESIGN AND SUITES

Led by acclaimed design firm, EDGEiD, guests will appreciate a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements that pay homage to Jackson's storied history. The property's natural color scheme embraces rich earthy tones found in the surrounding landscape while sophisticated organic textures like leather accents and weathered metals pair well with refined textiles and finishes to add depth and character. With expansive windows bringing in natural light, the design purposely frames the breathtaking, uninterrupted panoramic views of the Tetons, cultivating a sense of place and naturally inviting the outdoors in.

All 121-suites have a residential feeling and feature various art pieces and photos shot by local Jackson photographer Ryan Sheets, celebrating the region's abundant wildlife and spirit of outdoor adventure. Offering a unique gallery experience, the design narrative envelops guests in a forest embrace with artwork that conveys the tranquility and grandeur of the surrounding woodlands. The Queen Suites feature a collection of local flora and fauna including alfalfa flower buds, lupine wildflowers, as well as a Shiras moose and an American dagger moth, while the King Suites spotlight regional wildlife with pieces depicting a falcon, grizzly bear, wolf, and native plants such as the wild blue flax, bluebells, green rabbitbrush, and aspen trees. Each piece, including original murals, serves as a visual homage to the unique biodiversity of the valley brought together with a custom canvas-wrapped print depicting a backpack against a map of Jackson in the background, encouraging guests to grab their trail guide and get out in nature to explore.

LOBBY AND ARTWORK

Boasting a modern aesthetic with a fresh color scheme, the debut of the hotel's newly redesigned lobby includes additional seating and lounge areas, new carpets, wallcoverings, stylish furnishings such as rope lighting and hanging chandeliers, and a brand-new dedicated business center conveniently located adjacent to the lobby.

Anchoring the property-wide renovation is an impressive collection of original artwork created exclusively for the hotel and curated by Jude Smith of The Art Makery. Featuring various original mixed-media textured art pieces celebrating the majestic destination, including a multi-panel wooden collage of a map of Snake River running across a series of local newspaper clippings. The property's show stopper is undoubtedly the 10-foot wide, 4-foot tall illuminated topographical sculpture of the Teton Range by artist Christopher Warren. The custom sculpture, located behind the front desk, utilizes a combination of layered painted wood and back-lit laser-etched acrylic to depict roughly 50 miles of the Teton Range's 8,600 feet of elevation changes in stunning detail. Additional unique art pieces that can be found throughout the property include a "Greetings from Wyoming" vintage postcard-inspired piece that welcomes guests as they arrive to the hotel, various wildlife, including a bear and elk, made with more than 480 coins, the iconic Grand Tetons made with suede, leathers and acrylics giving it a layered and three-dimensional effect, and a mixed-media photo of the local birch trees framed by leather woven dowel rods on a 10x3 canvas.

Located just steps from downtown Jackson and just a short drive to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole features a spacious lobby and dining area to enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast buffet; 24-hour fitness center; outdoor pool and hot tub; and over 1,500 square feet of flexible meeting rooms. For more information on SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole or to make a reservation, please visit SHSJackson.com.

Hotel website
In a significant development for the hospitality sector in Northwest China, Minor Hotels (China) is announcing the official signing of a Tivoli and NH dual-branded property in Yining, Xinjiang. This marks the debut of the luxury Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and upscale NH Hotels & Resorts brands in Northwest China. Upon opening in 2026, the project is expected to welcome guests from around the globe.

Yining, a bustling city on China's western border, historically served as an essential trade hub on the Silk Road and now plays a crucial role in connecting Central Asia with Europe. Known for its picturesque natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures, Yining boasts numerous attractions like the Kazak Folk Tourism Area and Six Star Street, making it a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

The Tivoli and NH hotels are strategically located near local tourist attractions and the central business district. The ease of access via highways, high-speed trains, and flights enhances its appeal. The project, covering 1.6 million square meters, will offer diverse functionalities and include 200 guest rooms for each of the Tivoli and NH brands, as well as a commercial zone, a cultural performance centre, and residential areas. Notably, the cultural performance centre will host regular music and dance shows, while the commercial area, inspired by the ancient Silk Road design, aims to create an exotic shopping and leisure venue.

Founded in Portugal in 1933, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts has earned loyalty and admiration from celebrities and royalty worldwide for their unique designs and unparalleled experiences across dining, accommodation, and leisure activities. Tivoli's journey from Portugal to countries like Brazil, Qatar, China, The Netherlands, Italy and Spain continues to bring the Mediterranean's warmth and elegance globally to discerning travellers seeking refined lifestyles.

Originally from Spain, NH Hotels & Resorts opened its first property in 1978. It currently operates over 230 hotels and resorts in destinations across Europe and the Americas and is expanding its footprint into other regions. With thoughtfully designed rooms that ensure comfort and practicality, NH commits to providing reliable services and experiences, ensuring every journey with NH is always a pleasure.

Hotel website
Formerly General Manager of Capella Bangkok, John Blanco will bring his long-standing hospitality leadership experience and distinguished track record of excellence to his new role of Cluster General Manager for both Capella Kyoto and Patina Osaka.

As Cluster General Manager, John Blanco will helm this debut property and work strategically with Ellen Franke as she takes command of Patina Osaka, the first urban property of Patina Hotels & Resorts. An American with roots in Venezuela, John has an illustrious career in luxury hospitality with an impressive track record at The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and many award-winning independent hotels around the world. Tasked with the debut of Capella Bangkok, which received multiple awards within the first year of its opening in 2020, John is known for his broad worldview and expertise in curating exceptional experiences that cater to an international and diverse clientele, attributable to his proficiency in six languages.
Ellen Franke brings over 25 years of experience leading luxury hotels across Europe, the USA, China, and Malaysia to the role of General Manager of Patina Osaka.

Ellen Franke joins Capella Hotel Group from The Ritz-Carlton, having worked for the group since 2006 across several global locations, before assuming the General Manager role at their Langkawi property in 2018. Ellen now brings this vibrancy to her new role as General Manager of Patina Osaka, leveraging her dynamic leadership and dedication to exceptional service. Aligning her innate talents with the needs of today's conscious modern traveller, she seamlessly balances the nuances defining the brand pillars of Patina to the forefront, with the aim of inspiring positive connections.
David Cron joins the Embassy Suites team with more than two decades of hospitality experience.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown announces David Cron as general manager. The 188-room hotel, owned and managed by Parks Hospitality Group, opened earlier this year alongside two onsite dining concepts, E'Terie and Soprana Rooftop Cucina.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown offers sweeping views of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. As the only full-service, all-suites property in downtown Asheville, the newly constructed hotel features 188 guest suites designed to provide the comforts of home, with separate bedroom and living areas. Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown features a business center, onsite parking, a year-round indoor pool and a modern fitness center with premium equipment, plus two distinct food and beverage outlets. Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown also brings more than 7,000 square feet of new event space to the city, making it a premier destination for weddings, events and meetings.

Prior to joining Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, Cron opened and managed several Hilton-branded properties - many of which are within North Carolina. Most recently, Cron served as dual general manager for the Home2 and Homewood Suites in Orlando, Florida. Cron consistently achieved record-high quality assurance inspections and improvements to hotel satisfaction and loyalty tracking scores. Dedicated to supporting his local community, Cron assisted his team in volunteering with local organizations including Orange County Animal Services.
Hyatt Hotels is in advanced talks to acquire upscale boutique hotel operator Standard International, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, hedging that discussions have been private and tentative and the deal could fall through. No financial details were disclosed.

Both firms are certainly being tight-lipped. As a matter of policy, we dont comment on questions of this nature, a Hyatt spokesperson told Forbes. Regarding Hyatt, we have no comment at this time, Lara Bogossian, vice president of communications at Standard International told Forbes via email.

Founded by legendary hotelier Andre Balazs, the Standard Hotel brand has always been known for its celebrity-dense, hipper-than-thou vibes. When the first Standard Hotel opened in 1999 on Hollywoods Sunset Strip (remodeled from a nursing home that had previously been the circa-1962 Thunderbird Motel), investors included Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Benicio del Toro. (That property closed in 2021.) Earlier this month, Madonna headlined a dance party at Le Bain, the rooftop bar at The Standard, High Line in Manhattans Chelsea neighborhood.

Read the full article at Forbes
Last week marked the launch of the European Tourism Manifesto.

Over 70 organisations representing the tourism sector in Europe lay out their priorities for the next legislative term.

HOTREC is a member of the Manifesto and took an active role in drafting the priorities.

Here's how to enhance the travel and tourism industry:

Decarbonisation

Smart EU funding

Resilient connectivity and freedom of movement

Skills training and sector appeal

For the EU institutions, the Tourism Manifesto Alliance calls on a new Commissioner for Tourism, a strong Tourism Taskforce at the European Parliament, and yearly Ministerial Meetings at the Council.

Read the full Tourism Manifesto

european-tourism-manifesto_tourism-in-transition-a-new-consensus-for-change-2024-2029.pdf

Read the full article at HOTREC
WASHINGTON  American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) withdrew its appeal of a federal court ruling blocking its joint-employer final rule. That rule would have made it easier for the NLRB to declare joint-employment status in business relationships and allowed unions to organize by company rather than property by property.

Today marks a huge victory in our fight to preserve the franchise business model for hoteliers across the country. The NLRBs decision to withdraw its appeal will provide our industry with the certainty we have been asking for and protect the franchise business model that has paved the way to the American Dream for tens of thousands of hoteliers. We couldnt have achieved this outcome without the support of our 30,000-plus dedicated members, and AHLA stands ready to fight any further NLRB attempts to change the joint-employer standard. AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey

Background

In October 2023, the NLRB released a final rule that, starting on March 11, would have changed the standard the federal government uses to determine when two or more employers are jointly responsible for a shared group of workers terms and conditions of employment. The rule would have made it easier for the NLRB to declare joint employment status in business relationships and enabled unions to organize by company rather than property by property.

The rule was designed to force franchisors to the negotiating table with workers they do not actually employ to increase unionization. It would have complicated relationships between hotel owners, brands, and employees, and would have limited opportunities for franchisees and workers along the way.

In November, AHLA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other leading business associations filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas challenging the rules legality. The courts March 8 decision nullified the new rule and reinstated a 2020 NLRB rule that protects businesses from undue liability for employees over whom they do not have direct control. Under that policy, which had been rescinded by the Biden Administration in 2021, companies will only be seen as a joint employer if they maintain substantial direct and immediate control over workers terms and conditions of employment.

On July 19, the NLRB withdrew its appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that sought to overturn the lower court ruling. As a result, the 2020 joint employer standard favored by hoteliers remains in effect.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide  including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
A total of 347 deals (comprising mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture financing deals) were announced in the global travel and tourism sector during the first half (H1) of 2024, which was a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 12.6% compared to the 397 deals announced during the same period in the previous year, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Even though there was a decline globally due to a dent in deal-making sentiments, the trend was a mixed bag across different markets and regions, with some countries contributing to the decline while some experienced improved activity. And the same was the case for the deal types under coverage. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData

An analysis of GlobalDatas Deals Database revealed that the volume of M&A deals declined by 7.4% during H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, whereas the number of venture financing deals fell by 29.6% YoY. Meanwhile, private equity deal volume remained at the same level.

North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and the South and Central American regions witnessed YoY decline of 31.7%, 14.5%, 11.1%, and 41.7% in deal volume during H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, respectively, whereas Europe saw YoY growth of 11.7% in deal volume.

Similarly, the US, China, Australia, and France witnessed a YoY decline in deal volume by 31.5%, 46.4%, 18.8%, and 40%, respectively, during H1 2024 compared to the same period during the previous year. However, markets such as the UK, India, and Japan saw respective deal volume grow by 7.9%, 12%, and 18.2% YoY in H1 2024.

Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world's largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData's unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData's mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

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Interview: 8th China-South Asia Expo boosts regional trade, investment cooperation: Cambodian official

Xinhua) 13:44, July 22, 2024

PHNOM PENH, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming eighth edition of the China-South Asia Expo will serve as an important platform for trade, investment and tourism promotion as well as cultural exchanges in the region, a Cambodian senior official said.

Scheduled for July 23 to 28 in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, the expo will feature industries with great potential for cooperation with South Asian countries, including green energy, modern agriculture, medical care as well as culture and tourism, Liu Yong, vice governor of Yunnan Province, told a recent press conference.

The expo was first held in Kunming in 2013, the year when China put forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the expo will be a key event for economic and trade exchanges between China and countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

"The expo will serve as an important platform to bridge and deepen practical cooperation in economics, trade, investment, tourism and culture among all participating countries and regions," he told Xinhua.

"It will play a significant role in helping promote the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation for mutual interest, common development and shared prosperity," he added.

The spokesperson said the expo will be a golden opportunity for businesses and industry associations to showcase their products and establish trade linkages with not only China, but also countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

"It will inject fresh impetus into the development of economies and trade exchanges among all participating countries and regions, providing tangible benefits to the peoples of China and countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia," he said.

Sovicheat said the forthcoming expo truly shows solidarity and cooperation between China and countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia in promoting free trade and multilateralism against the backdrop of trade protectionism and anti-globalization.

According to the official, Cambodia joins this trade event every year as it is a unique opportunity to display the kingdom's potential products, not only to Chinese consumers but also to other regional and global buyers and trade partners.

"It will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our potential products, particularly high-quality agricultural products such as milled rice, yellow bananas, mangos, longans, and peppercorns among others, to Chinese and international buyers," he said.

"We expect that the expo will further promote trade, investment, tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges between Cambodia and China as well as all participating countries," he added.

The expo will be attended by representatives from 81 countries, regions and international organizations, according to the organizers.

Nearly 2,000 companies have registered to participate in the exhibition, of which nearly half are overseas companies, covering all countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
In a global economy where weve all become accustomed to the notion that constant career changes are a key to success, EHL Hospitality Business School alumnus Chris (Chi Hyun) Cho stands out as a prime example of a successful executive who has excelled in the niche field of hotel development for his entire professional career. Going from strength to strength since graduation, Chris now oversees the expansion of a network of hotels in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Philippines and Maldives for global hospitality brand, Accor.

Today, 16 years into his career, Chris steady ascendancy through the ranks of a major global organisation like Accor stands as a testament to the importance of finding your niche, honing your skills, and ultimately, staying the course despite the ups and downs.

A global hospitality real estate career

After graduating with honours from EHL in 2007 with a specialisation in Real Estate Finance and Investment, Chris began his career as a consultant in London with the multi-billion dollar real estate services firm, Cushman & Wakefield. There, his role entailed providing hospitality advisory services for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

It was during this early stage of his career that Chris gained a valuable foundation in the dynamic world of commercial real estate, encompassing lessons in financing, feasibility analysis, and most importantly, the skill to see things from the perspectives of hotel owners and investors.

In 2010, he then relocated to South Korea for an opportunity to work at Accor-Ambassador Korea to oversee its development in the country. As an organisation with thousands of properties in over 100 countries, Chris niche skill set proved invaluable when he assumed his role as development manager, where its critical to think like an owner and propose the right brand at the right location.

After climbing the ranks at Accor, Chris now serves as the Vice President of Development, based in Singapore. Covering a diverse range of Asian markets including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Maldives, Chris plays a pivotal part in expanding the company's hotel portfolio.

His role is particularly dynamic given that, despite their global presence, hotel giants like Accor often do not own all their properties. For instance, Accors franchise and management models allow them to focus on their core strengthsbuilding brand identities, executing marketing strategies, and overseeing loyalty programswithout the necessity of owning real estate.

This means that Chris work involves sourcing and negotiating regional hotel management and franchise contracts, where each deal is a unique mix of factors, from local competition to market adaptability and effective management of stakeholder relations.

Chris role illustrates that despite the perceived glamour of working in hotel development, success in this field still hinges on mastering the fundamentals of hospitalityunderstanding human needs and tailoring solutions accordingly.

Ive found the key is to always be open to different cultures and ways of business, and focus on building a sense of trust and good relationships, which will greatly help to find a balance among different stakeholders.

Riding the waves of industry change

Over the years, Chris has witnessed the hotel industry's fluctuations and seen how successful hospitality brands pivoted to meet these changes. For Chris, Accor has been exceptionally dynamic and entrepreneurial in establishing itself as a market leader particularly in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

For example, in recent years, there's been a notable shift among hospitality consumers towards prioritising individuality and purpose in their purchasing decisions. Brands like Accor have responded to this trend by offering a diverse portfolio of brands (see below), spanning from luxurious options such as Sofitel, Fairmont and Raffles Hotel, to more budget-friendly choices like Ibis.

 Source: EHL

These strategies resulted in Accor's 6th consecutive quarter of growth following the pandemic. Their third-quarter revenue last year surged by 13% compared to the previous year, with particularly robust growth observed in Asia.

Hospitalitys long-term potential

While the travel industry took a hit during the pandemic, its rebounding fast. This year, its global economic impact is expected to reach a record-breaking US$11.1 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of US$10 trillion in 2019.

For Chris, this highlights the hospitality industrys true potential for long-term career development.

At the end of the day, we are in a cyclical business that experiences ups and downs over time. Things always return to normal eventually, as if nothing ever happened.

Whats more, the global tourism sector is projected to generate 110 million new jobs over the next ten years, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and one of the key aspects that will drive hospitalitys longevity, in Chris opinion, is hiring and retaining that next generation of talent. Asia in general has a great pool of young talent. The industry needs to ensure that such talents are attracted and retained in the hospitality industry.

This means that for those looking to be part of that boom, the hospitality industry offers a world of experiences, and as Chris notes:

having a good school degree, like EHLs, will bring you to the doorstep of many interview opportunities. Then as you progress and reach a certain level in your career, EHL and its alumni network will undoubtedly become part of your credibility and a valuable asset.

Lessons in the hospitality industry

While Chris's VP role offers him a global perspective and dynamic responsibilities, he still derives profound personal fulfilment from meeting a lot of interesting people who have worked their way up from humble beginnings, and make a really positive impact on those around them.

Having already chalked up over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chris has also weathered many ups and downs, from the rise of accommodation disruptors like Airbnb to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

His advice

My biggest takeaway is to always stay positive and keep laser focused on what you [personally] can do best. When opportunities come your way, make sure youre well-prepared, then you can grab it without hesitation even though good opportunities mean taking certain risks and getting out of your comfort zone.

DISCOVER HIS STORY

While the hospitality industry may seem volatile at times, its important to remember that as an industry, it has endured for millennia, dating back to the earliest days of the Silk Road. So for anyone hesitant about being a part of this booming industry, Chris has this to say:

We are in a great industry, as it is our human nature to travel and interact with people and communities.

About EHL Group

EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector.

With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

+41 21 785 1354

EHL

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Drury Students Earn Over 700 College Credits

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Following the completion of the first full year of the Drury-MCLA Early College Program, more than 120 Drury High School students earned over 700 college credits, a value of $317,000, while still attending high school.

North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) will continue their partnership in the Early College initiative with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) into the 2024-2025 school year.

This academic collaboration, formally approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2023, granted Early College designation to Drury High School. The initiative aims to provide equitable access to higher education for high school students at no cost.

Drury High School offers a "wall-to-wall" Early College Program that supports students in their Early College coursework through the provision of essential wraparound services such as textbooks, transportation, tutoring, and a range of additional non-academic supports.

Students who participated in the Early College Program during the 2023-2024 school year were awarded college credits for courses taken on both the Drury and MCLA campuses, with 97.6 percent of participating students fully completing college-level coursework. All 700+ college credits students earned through this program are transferable throughout any of the Massachusetts state colleges or universities and represent significant financial savings and a head start on their post-secondary education and career paths.

Dr. Tim Callahan, Assistant Superintendent for the North Adams Public Schools, indicated the value of this program for the community.

"With the number of free college credits earned by our hard-working students, families in North Adams have collectively saved over $317,000 in college tuition and fees this year through the Early College program, and that makes a college degree more accessible for our young learners after they complete high school."

"We are deeply dedicated to the success of our students through the partnership between Drury High School and MCLA," said Kate Cyr, Drury's Early College Coordinator. "This program, provided at no cost to Drury students or their families, ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed without barriers that come with accessing higher education."

The 2024-2025 Drury-MCLA Early College Program looks to expand college course offerings to more students in grades 9-12 with eight college courses hosted on the Drury campus and 10 additional courses at the MCLA campus.
Mount Greylock School District Adopts No-Cell Phone Policy

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Mount Greylock Regional School Committee on Thursday voted to ban cell phones and other "student-owned technology devices" in the district's three schools starting in September.

The committee responded quickly to enact a new district-wide policy after former Superintendent Jason McCandless this spring requested the change for the elementary schools and middle high schools.

The policy created with input from administrators, the buildings' School Councils and the Student Council at Mount Greylock prohibits students from having personal electronic devices in their possession from the start of classes in the morning until the final bell of the day.

At Mount Greylock or Lanesborough Elementary School, students may store such devices in their lockers. At Williamstown Elementary School, if a pupil absolutely needs a phone, smart watch, etc., at the end of the day, front office personnel will be able to hold the device during the school day, interim Superintendent Joseph Bergeron said.

Principals in all three schools can make exceptions under the policy for devices students need for educational or medical purposes  for example, a student whose continuous glucose monitor transmits data on their blood sugar through a smart phone.

Bergeron and two members of the School Committee's Policy and Governance Subcommittee told their colleagues in a special, single-item meeting that feedback from the community has been largely positive to the idea of generally banning cell phones and other devices.

"The input we've received from parents and guardians, I believe, was 100 percent  in favor, which is pretty remarkable," Bergeron said. "On the student side, a lot have been in favor. Some have been  relieved that some of this burden will not be on them anymore.

"Some of the [student support] is with a reservation in that they're hesitant not to be in close touch with everyone all the time. Some students have expressed a desire to use their devices for academic purposes or to listen to music to drown out the sound of other people in the hallways. Those are areas we're trying to navigate through the Chromebooks we've issued. Or, in situations where those are not ideal, we want to hear that so we can upgrade or equitably bring different software."

Bergeron said some students did say they thought the policy would be an infringement on their independence.

Some students argued for a "tiered" approach where older students would access to their phones in the high school and argued that, particularly for juniors and seniors, it makes sense to teach students how to responsibly use technology as they prepare to enter the real world rather than deny them access to technology altogether.

"Our response has been that this is not meant to be punitive," Bergeron said. "This is meant to create environments where in-person interaction, in-person learning is paramount.  The other side of our response is if we were to have gradual changes dependent on age, that would put a dent in some of the key positive aspects of the policy. When no student has a device, the fear of missing out on things that your, for example, older peers are in on dissipates."

Most of the six School Committee members present at Thursday's meeting enthusiastically supported the new policy.

Ursula Maloy, while saying that her own children were against the idea, said the new policy is "long overdue."

"I think the kids will be relieved when it gets to this point and nobody has a phone in school, so it's not like you're the only one without your phone," Maloy said. "You get to just do your school thing and talk to your friends and talk to your teachers and not be constantly 'Snapping' or 'TikToking' or whatever else it is they do.

"I think they're actually going to like it."

Steven Miller asked the committee to commit to revisit the policy two or three months into the school year in case there were any unintended consequences that resulted from the change in the district. Bergeron agreed that he and Chair Christina Conry would add an agenda item for the November School Committee meeting for Bergeron to give a report on implementation of the policy.

Miller ultimately abstained in the 5-0-1 vote to adopt the new policy. Curtis Elfenbein did not attend the meeting.
Monday 22 July 2024, 15:08 - Last updated: 15:15

Slash, legendary guitarist of the band Guns N' Roses, has announced the tragic passing of Lucy-Bleu Knight, the twenty-five-year-old daughter of his partner Meegan Hodges. The news comes just hours after the cancellation of four dates of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. tour.

Slash: "At 60 years old, I reveal my blues soul. I like Billie Eilish and Katy Perry. Maneskin? Phenomenal"

The Announcement and Mourning

This is the post shared by Saul Hudson, known as Slash, regarding the premature passing of the young woman:

"Lucy Bleu-Knight (December 6, 1998), beloved daughter of Meegan Hodges and Mark Knight, stepdaughter of Samantha Somers Knight and Slash, sister of Scarlet Knight, stepsister of London and Cash Hudson, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, California, on July 19, 2024. Lucy-Bleu was an incredibly talented artist, a passionate dreamer, a charming, lovable, and sweet soul".

With these words, Slash bids farewell to Lucy-Bleu Knight, just hours after a post announcing the cancellation of four dates of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. tour. The guitarist's partner and the girl's mother, Meegan Hodges, also reshared the same words.

Slash and Meegan started dating again in 2015, after a previous relationship in 1989. From that moment, Slash had embraced Lucy as a daughter. The girl shared a passion for music with her stepfather: she worked at Electric Lady Management, a recording studio for emerging talents.

The Causes and the Mystery of the Post After the News

The causes of Lucy-Bleu Knight's death are currently unknown. However, a few hours after the family announcement, a post appeared on Lucy's Instagram profile:

"Whether I made you feel excluded, manipulated/controlled, told you to quit your day job while I was comfortably financially supported by my parents, ignored real problems by hiding behind excessive positivity - I apologize. Countless missed opportunities and connections due to a disgustingly large ego, an insecure heart, and the fear of being vulnerable. May my soul learn to improve from the mediocre work I did as Lucy-Bleu. Peace".

A message that has sparked curiosity among users, who have speculated about the origin of the post, possibly scheduled by Lucy herself before her passing.
This upcoming back-to-school season, its essential to equip students with the right tools to prepare them for the new academic year. With evolving educational demands, they need a reliable learning companion for better productivity and a smooth learning experience.

Upgrade students learning companion this upcoming school year with Home Credits 0% interest deals

Considering this reality, upgrading students' old devices, like laptops, is important to ensure that they will not face problems while navigating their school requirements. However, despite its relevance, budgeting for new devices can be challengingespecially with multiple learners in the family.

Enjoy sulit back-to-school laptops with Home Credit

To make it easier for students this season, Home Credit Philippines, the country's leading consumer finance company, is stepping in with its Sulit-Skwela offer, available on a range of laptops. This offer provides 0% interest deals until September 30, 2024, on top-notch back-to-school laptops equipped with excellent specifications and features that meet the demands of modern education. Users can enjoy these laptops in flexible installments from six to 18 months.

Suitable for basic school tasks, occasional online classes, and even creative projects, explore the best laptops one can get with Home Credit for the students in your family.

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Another excellent option to consider is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15IAH8-83ER0023PH. This laptop is designed to meet students' academic needs with its remarkable specifications and featuresincluding a 15.6-inch screen featuring a 1920x1080 resolution to ensure a large and clear display for research and other school activities. It is equipped with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and 16GB of RAM, making it capable of handling a wide range of tasks.

This Lenovo laptop also offers 512GB SSD internal storage for large capacity and quick access to important files. Weighing only 1.62kg, this laptop is lightweight and portable, which makes it an ideal learning companion for students whether they are at home or school.

Empower productivity to the next level with Huawei MateBook D16 12th Gen i5 Laptop

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In addition, this powerful laptop carries 512GB of internal capacity and supports Wi-Fi 6 for a fast and reliable connection during online school activities. With a weight of 1.86kg, this MSI device also features a 15.6-inch display with a 1920x1080 resolution for clear and detailed visuals.

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Robin Wiliams son, Zak, has paid tribute to his late father on what would have been the actors 73rd birthday.

In an emotional message addressed to his dad, who died by suicide in 2014, aged 63, Zak remembered the hope and joy that the Good Will Hunting actor brought to the world.

Dad, on what would be your 73rd birthday, I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world, began the message, shared alongside a black and white photograph of Williams smiling in front of a collection of puppets.

Zak, who works as a mental health advocate, continued: Theres not a week that goes by without someone sharing with me how you helped them through a dark time or a rough patch. Im so grateful to be your son. Love you forever.

In the months leading up to Williams death, he had been struggling with health issues after being misdiagnosed with Parkinsons. Williams autopsy revealed he had Lewy body dementia, an incurable brain disease.

Williams starred in classic films such as Mrs Doubtfire, Good Morning Vietnam, and Disneys Aladdin. He won an Oscar for his supporting role as a psychologist in 1997s Good Will Hunting, and is also widely remembered for his legendary performances in Hook (1991), Dead Poets Society (1989), and The Birdcage (1996).

Robins Wish, a documentary chronicling Williams experiences, was released six years after his death in 2020, with his third wife, Susan Schneider Williams, saying the actor had struggled to find answers to his health issues after his misdiagnosis.

In the documentary, Susan explained: My husband had unknowingly been battling a deadly disease. Nearly every region of his brain was under attack  he experienced himself disintegrating.

open image in gallery Williams pictured with his son Zak and ex-wife Marsha Garces Williams ( Getty Images )

In the decade since Williams death, the actors legacy and warmth have been remembered across Hollywood. Earlier this year, Lisa Jakub, one of the child stars of the 1993 family film Mrs Doubtfire, recalled the amazing gesture Williams made after she was expelled from school.

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Jakub, who was 15 when she acted in Mrs Doubtfire, was kicked out of her high school after accepting the role in the film and said she was devastated at the time.

The actor, now 45, told the Brotherly Love podcast that Williams, who played a divorced father who invents an alter-ego in an attempt to spend more time with his children in the film, wrote a letter her headteacher asking for the decision to be reversed.

open image in gallery Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire' ( Fox )

The amazing thing was Robin saw that I was upset  he asked me what was going on. He wrote a letter to my principal saying that he wanted them to rethink this decision and that I was just trying to pursue my education and career at the same time, and could they please support me in this, recalled Jakub.

A copy of the letter was shared by Jakub. In it, Williams argued that a student of her calibre and talent should be encouraged to go out in the world and learn through her work.

She should also be encouraged to return to the classroom when shes done to share those experiences and motivate her classmates to soar to their own higher achievements, the actor wrote.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
 Close Strictly's Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington respond to being 'undermarked' by judges

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Strictly Come Dancing is embroiled in a behind-the-scenes bullying scandal  the biggest controversy the BBC competition has faced in its 20-year history.

Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against Giovanni Pernice, has claimed there are 50 hours of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers horrified by her former dance partners alleged behaviour.

Pernice has denied all claims and, on Monday (29 July), learnt the result of the BBCs investigation into the accusations. The findings are yet to be made public.

Meanwhile, Graziano Di Primawas sacked from the show earlier this month after it was alleged that footage existed of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training during last years series.

Last week, BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, saying that the corporation will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour.

Below are latest updates as the scandal unfolds.
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Armando Iannucci has reacted to the parallels between Veep and the circumstances surrounding Joe Bidens withdrawal from the US presidential race.

Biden, 81, bowed out from the 2024 US presidential race amid growing pressure and concerns surrounding his age and health.

In his statement announcing the news, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, with the former US senator emerging as one of the frontrunners to run against Donald Trump.

Several people have since noted similarities between these real-life events and Iannuccis political satire series Veep, in which Seinfelds Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Selina Meyer, vice president of the United States.

Following news of Bidens exit from the race and his subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, a clip from Veep went viral on social media in which Selina is seen telling her shocked team that she is running for president.

Im not leaving. POTUS is leaving. Hes not going to run for a second term, she says in the brief video. Im gonna run. Im gonna run for president!

While not entirely unexpected, Bidens decision to exit the race is historically monumental. In calling off his reelection campaign, he is the first US president in 56 years to give up a chance to run again.

Many fans highlighted the similarities between Veep and real-life, with one fan writing: Veep is a documentary and another stating: The accuracy of Veep is way too scary at times.

Responding to one person who shared the clip alongside the caption: This show. Its always this show, Iannucci wrote: Is it?

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Replying to another who said he continues to predict our political reality, the TV writer wrote: Still working on the ending.

Former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis also remarked on the parallels.

Lets remind ourselves that Veep has already written a fictional version of this script, she wrote.

Kamala *inherits* the actual presidency. Then runs. The electoral college is tied. The house vote is tied. Which means the Senate has to choose the tie breaking candidate. And that ends up with  JD Vance as POTUS. Nb this is DRAMA)

Last week, Donald Trump announced the Hillbilly Elegy author and former venture capitalist JD Vance as his running mate.

Still working on the ending https://t.co/ATlGGkESLz  Armando Iannucci (@Aiannucci) July 21, 2024

Iannucci, who also created the British political satire The Thick of It, responded to Maitlis: Dont forget we made all that up, though.

Louis-Dreyfus was one of several celebrities to share their reaction to Biden dropping out of the presidential race.

Posting on Instagram, the actor wrote: Thank you, President Biden, for your service and for your extraordinary leadership and for your love of this country and all its people.

This is not the first time that people have taken note of similarities between Veep and real-life politics.

Last month, Iannucci compared a bizarre plotline in another one of his shows, The Thick of It, to the Conservative Partys immigration initiative, which would have enforced a yearly limit on the number of UK visas issued.
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Taiwan carried out anti-landing drills on a strategic river on Monday during the start of the annual Han Kuang war games, which this year aim to be as close as possible to actual combat with no script and simulating how to repel a Chinese attack.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, has been staging regular exercises around the island for four years to pressure Taipei to accept Beijings claim of sovereignty, despite Taiwans strong objections.

Taiwans drills this year have cancelled elements that were mostly for show, like scripted firepower displays, while there will be intensified nighttime exercises and practising how to operate with severed command lines.

Kicking off the first day of exercises in Tamsui at the mouth of a major river leading to Taipei, soldiers practiced laying mines and nets to stymie the landing of enemy forces, part of a series of drills designed to prevent the capital being seized.

We are trying our best to slow them down as much as possible, military office Chang Chih-pin told reporters, referring to a scenario where the enemy was trying to make landfall by sending rubber boats into the Tamsui River.

The slower they move, the better for us, he added.

open image in gallery An oil drum is deployed as a blockade as soldiers on board a rubber boat patrol the Tamsui River, during a river defence exercise as part of the annual Han Kuang military drill, at Tamsui River in New Taipei, Taiwan on July 22, 2024 ( Anadolu via Getty Images )

Earlier on Monday in nearby Taoyuan, outside of Taipei and home to Taiwans main international airport, reservists gathered to get their orders as they would during a war, and civilian vans were pressed into service to carry supplies.

On Thursday, Taoyuan airport will close for an hour in the morning for the drills, though a typhoon is expected to be impacting the island that day meaning that the exercise could be delayed.

Taiwans defence ministry also published video of air force fighter jets at the Hualien air base on the islands east coast, which has hangars cut out of the side of a mountain to protect aircraft from aerial attack.

Live fire drills will only take place on Taiwans outlying islands, including Kinmen and Matsu which sit nestled next to the Chinese coast and were the scene of on-off clashes during the height of the Cold War.

The five-day war games will be happening in conjunction with the Wanan civil defence drills, where the streets of major cities are evacuated for half an hour during a simulated Chinese missile attack, and test warning alarms will sound on mobile phones.

open image in gallery ( Anadolu via Getty Images )

The drill scenarios this week include setting up contingency command lines after existing hubs are destroyed and dispersing Chinese forces trying to land on Taiwans western coastline facing China, a defence official involved in the planning said.

China held two days of its own war games around the island shortly after President Lai Ching-te took office in May, saying it was punishment for his inauguration speech, which Beijing denounced as being full of separatist content.

But China has also been using grey zone warfare against Taiwan, wielding irregular tactics to exhaust a foe by keeping them continually on alert without resorting to open combat. This includes almost daily air force missions into the skies near Taiwan.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai, who says only the Taiwanese people can decide their future, has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed.
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Police in India arrested a man after doctors removed nearly 80 needles he allegedly inserted into a young womans head to treat her ill health.

The 19-year-old woman from Indias eastern Odisha state is under observation and authorities have ruled out psychological problems at the moment. An investigation is ongoing.

The teen was admitted on Thursday to the states Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital with a severe headache. A CT scan revealed multiple needles embedded in her head.

Despite the initial removal of eight needles, her condition did not improve, prompting her referral to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), where an additional 70 needles were removed during two surgeries.

Director of the institute, Bhabagrahi Rath, was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India: So far, 77 needles have been retrieved from the girls head in two surgeries. Fortunately, the needles have not caused any bone injuries, but there are soft tissue injuries on her head.

Mr Rath also said that the patient was under observation and would be checked for other issues for which she visited the quack doctor, identified as one Tejraj Rana.

Mr Rath also noted that it was premature to assume the problems were psychological.

Since her mothers death four years ago, the teen had reportedly been frequently ill and sought help from the man in 2021, PTI reported.

The girls family stated that they visited Mr Rana when no treatment was providing her relief. The specifics of her illness were not disclosed.

The family said Mr Rana used to take her inside a room to provide treatment. They only recently discovered the needles when the girl began complaining of pain.

The Times of India reported that the reason behind the needles being inserted remains unclear at the moment.

Mr Rath told the outlet: The surgery began around 2 am and lasted for one and a half hours. He added that thankfully, none of the needles pierced the skull.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Indian authorities have issued an alert after a 14-year-old boy died from infection by the deadly Nipah virus in the southern state of Kerala.

Nipah is zoonotic, meaning that it is passed to humans from animals such as pigs and fruit bats, and can cause a lethal brain-swelling fever. The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days.

The victim was on a ventilator at a hospital in Malappuram and suffered a heart attack at around 10.50am local time on Sunday.

The boy was in an unconscious state. His urine output was very low. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest," said state health minister Veena George. Doctors tried their level best to save the boy but he unfortunately passed away.

The National Institute of Virology in Pune had confirmed that the boy was infected by Nipah, Ms George said.

Nipah is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization because of its potential to trigger an epidemic. There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no cure.

The virus has been linked to dozens of deaths in Kerala since its first appeared in the coastal state in 2018. The virus was first identified 25 years ago in Malaysia and has led to outbreaks in Bangladesh, India and Singapore.

The symptoms include intense fever, vomiting, respiratory infection, and, in severe cases, brain inflammation and seizures resulting in coma.

The boys funeral will be conducted in compliance with the international protocol around virus outbreak, the health minister said. We will discuss with the family members of the boy to finalise the formalities related to the funeral, Ms George said.

The Kerala government has formed 25 committees to identify and isolate any affected people.

Contact tracing has begun. High-risk contacts have been isolated and their samples have been sent for testing, the health minister said, according to the Press Trust of India.

She said at least three people are in isolation at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital and four at Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital.

Of the four individuals in Manjeri GMCH, one person is in the intensive care unit. The results of the samples taken from them will be received soon. They all have viral fever. However, theres no need to panic and people in the contact list should not be worried," she said.

A total of 246 people are in the Nipah contact list in Malappuram, 63 of them in the high-risk category.

"A mobile testing lab from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, will reach the district today, the minister was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

Authorities have urged people in the suspected epicentre to wear masks as a precaution and avoid hospitals, the Hindustan Times reported.

"A three-km radius from the epicentre of Pandikkad locality will be strictly observed and restrictions will be imposed, Ms George said.

Authorities have also warned people against eating fruits that are half-eaten or bitten by birds or animals.

"Eat fruits only after washing them properly. Do not consume beverages such as toddy which are stored in open containers.
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Police arrested the acting chairman and the information secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Monday, escalating the crackdown on jailed former prime minister Imran Khans party.

Mr Khans lawyer Ali Ijaz Buttar said Gohar Ali Khan and Raoof Hassan were arrested by Islamabad police from the partys office.

I just received a call from the partys office informing that 300 to 400 policemen arrived and arrested PTI chairman Barrister Gohar and information secretary Raoof Hasan, Mr Buttar wrote on X.

The acting chairman was later released, the party said.

The partys international media coordinator, Ahmed Waqas Janjua, was abducted from his home early on Saturday.

CCTV footage released by the party appeared to show Mr Janjua being taken into custody at around 4am.

The party denounced the arrests of its senior members as a mockery of the law and shared footage of police at its office.

Senior PTI member Khurram Sher Zaman claimed that police confiscated documents and equipment and locked staff in a room.

Fellow party members Asad Qaiser and Fawad Chaudhry said many PTI members had been arrested and warned that such actions would deepen political instability in the country, Dawn reported.

Its absolutely shameful how Islamabad police continues to completely mock and disregard every law in this country, the party said on X. Law of the jungle is reigning over Pakistan!

Mr Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were recently acquitted of unlawful marriage charges but the former prime minister was quickly arrested in three other cases. The PTI said this was yet another gimmick to keep him in prison.

Mr Khan has been granted bail or acquitted in many of the nearly 100 criminal cases filed against him since he was removed from office in 2022.

He says the charges are politically motivated and denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Khan, 71, was imprisoned in August 2023. He was also banned from seeking political office and contesting the national election early this year, which his party says was rigged.

In the 8 February election, candidates loyal to Mr Khan secured the most seats in the parliament but they were prevented from taking power by an alliance of rival parties, led by prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and supported by the countrys powerful military.

Last week, Pakistans government announced that it was set to ban Mr Khans political party.

At a press conference in Islamabad, information minister Attaullah Tarar said that the proposal to ban PTI would be deliberated in the cabinet. He also mentioned that the government would take the matter to the supreme court if needed to enforce the ban.
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Malaysias coast guard on Sunday located and intercepted an oil tanker involved in a collision with another ship before fleeing the scene two days ago.

The Sao Tome and Principe-flagged tanker Ceres I, which had left the collision site and turned off its tracking system, was found in Malaysian waters being towed by two tugboats.

Both the tanker and the tugboats have been detained for investigation, the coast guard said in a statement.

Aerial surveys showed minor oil spill traces at the collision site and the environment department said it will conduct further monitoring.

Zin Azman Mohamad Yunus, the head of the Malaysian coast guards search and rescue team, has not provided an explanation for why the tanker attempted to flee. He, however, said further investigations will be conducted.

The tanker collided with the Singapore-flagged Hafnia Nile on Friday, resulting in fires on both vessels. The collision occurred in the waters about 55km northeast of the Singaporean island of Pedra Branca.

Singaporean officials reported that all crew members from both ships were rescued.

A first assessment on board the vessel confirms that no visible flames are observed, Hafnia said. Pollution levels around the vessel are still undetermined.

According to ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG, the Hafnia Nile, a Panamax tanker with a capacity of 74,000 deadweight tonnes, was carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of naphtha.

The supertanker Ceres I entered the area of Malaysias Bertam floating oil terminal on Monday morning after it was intercepted by local authorities on Sunday, Malaysias The Star reported.

The Ceres I, built in 2001, is part of the sanctions-busting dark fleet that transports oil from countries under sanctions.

open image in gallery A handout photo released on 21 July 2024 by the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency shows Ceres I off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia near Tioman Island ( Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency )

The area where Ceres I had been anchored is known to be used by dark fleet ships for the transfer of Iranian oil in contravention of US sanctions, Michelle Wiese Bockmann, principal analyst at Lloyds List Intelligence told Reuters on Friday.

Matt Stanley, head of market engagement for EMEA & APAC with Kpler, said the Ceres I has gone dark numerous times, meaning it has frequently turned off its Automatic Identification System tracking transponders.

According to the Equasis database, the vessel has been owned and managed by the Chinese company Shanghai Prosperity Management since 2019, Seatrade Maritime news reported.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Climate groups and unions joined forces at a protest outside Tata Steels London headquarters on Monday where they handed the firm an open letter calling for a just transition that protected workers.

A group of representatives from organisations including Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, Community Trade Union (CTU) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) gathered outside the offices.

They held banners which read Save our steel and In solidarity, before posting the letter through the buildings letterbox.

The group was calling for alternative solutions to decarbonising Tatas Port Talbot plant in south Wales in order to prevent mass job losses.

We firmly support the workers demands for a just transition that secures future-proof decarbonised production while protecting jobs Letter to Tata Steel

The firm shut down one of two blast furnaces at the plant, with the second due to be shut in September under plans to switch to a greener method of steel production, which requires fewer workers.

Unions are opposed to the changes, which will lead to the loss of around 2,800 jobs, although Tata has argued its restructuring programme is designed to stem unsustainable losses of more than 1 million a day.

Tata has said it would make every effort to mitigate the impact of the transformation on affected employees and the local community.

In the letter, a coalition of climate groups said the new Labour government brought an opportunity to renegotiate for a fairer and greener transition in the steel industry.

It read: We firmly support the workers demands for a just transition that secures future-proof decarbonised production while protecting jobs.

Tata Steels current plan would see thousands of jobs lost, and be devastating for communities in South Wales and beyond.

The letter warned that closing down the blast furnaces without immediate replacement would simply offshore our emissions by leaving the UK reliant on importing dirty steel from countries such as China and India.

At the protest, the groups argued for keeping the blast furnace open while transitioning workers gradually and adopting new technologies, such as hydrogen-based steel making and open slag bath furnaces.

Paul Morozzo, Greenpeace UK climate campaigner, said steel was essential for the green transition, including wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Workers and the work that are absolutely central to the transition should be supported through it and as part of it and that is the only way you can have a proper transition.

Mr Morozzo added that it would be a massive contradiction if the green movement did not support workers.

We just need a bit of longevity for that furnace to stay alive for a bit longer so we can transition people and bring them along for the ride. Otherwise, people are just seeing the transition as negative ... Former steelworker Alun Davies, CTU

One of the reasons we care about climate change is because we care about people, he said.

If the very act of trying to solve climate change can ruin a whole load of peoples lives and communities and throw people on the scrap heap, that would undermine the very principles we support in the first place.

Former steelworker Alun Davies, from CTU who worked at Tata for several years, warned that closing the furnaces quickly was the wrong decision.

We understand that we have to decarbonise, he told PA.

But he added that there had been a blatant disregard for people in the way Tata Steel was trying to adapt to lower carbon practices.

He described how friends had been breaking down due to stress, while other workers had been struggling to come to terms with losing their job.

We just need a bit of longevity for that furnace to stay alive for a bit longer so we can transition people and bring them along for the ride, he said.

Otherwise, people are just seeing the transition as negative  its destroying their lives, its destroying their families and thats the opposite of what it can be.

Mr Davies said there were other options but that Tata Steel was not willing to consider them because its too costly and it eats into the profit.

We understand at the moment theyre losing money, but with a greener transition they would make money but over a longer period of time, he said.

On behalf of the steelworkers union, the letters signatories, which included more than 30 groups such as Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Rising, and E3G, outlined several demands.

They called on the Government and Tata to commit to maintaining production and jobs at scale, negotiating with unions on transition plans and ensuring no compulsory redundancies.

Decarbonisation does not mean deindustrialisation, and we will be working to safeguard jobs as part of these negotiations, securing the future of steelmaking communities for generations to come Department for Business and Trade spokesperson

The Labour governments in Wales and Westminster have also been pushing Tata not to pursue any compulsory redundancies, with promises of 3 billion in extra funding for the steel industry in the UK.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: Steel is vital for a vibrant, secure economy. Our steel sector needs a government working in partnership with trade unions and business to secure a green steel transition thats both right for the workforce and delivers economic growth.

Decarbonisation does not mean deindustrialisation, and we will be working to safeguard jobs as part of these negotiations, securing the future of steelmaking communities for generations to come.

PA has contacted Tata Steel for comment.
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Tech giant Samsung is about to release its first-ever smart ring.

The Galaxy Ring will be available to buy on July 24, and might well introduce a whole heap of people to the concept of smart rings, even though its actually very much an established device category.

Still, though, just because something has existed for a while, that doesnt mean everyones heard of it, and if smart rings are new to you then youre probably curious just what they actually do, and how they work. If you want to know more, youre in the right place.

open image in gallery The Samsung Galaxy Ring will retail at 399 (Alamy/PA)

What are smart rings?

Smart rings are one of the more straightforwardly-named bits of tech out there right now, in that theyre literally rings that you can wear on your finger and thumb that are packed with techy smarts.

This means that while the outside might look relatively nondescript or subtle, the inside of the ring is lined with sensors that can cleverly track a range of metrics  with the biggest being your heart rate, but others including things like how much youre sleeping, exercising and more.

Theyre battery-powered, and generally charge on a sort of dock, and most of the popular models out there last for at least a few days on a charge, meaning you can wear them 24/7.

How do they work?

Each smart ring is different, but in the case of the most well-known out there, the Oura Ring, theyre deceptively simple.

That inner layer of a smart ring is the key to it all, housing sensors that can gather data about your body. If you look at the wrist side of an Apple Watch, for example, youll see a gathering of LEDs and sensors that can detect details about you through your skin. Smart rings basically have similar sensors, but theyre cleverly redesigned to fit into a ring shape (which is part of why theyre not exactly cheap bits of tech at the moment).

When you consider that the rings also have to fit batteries to last days at a time into them, youll start to appreciate just how impressive the engineering that has gone into them really is.

The final piece of the puzzle is Bluetooth  smart rings generally use this wireless technology to connect to your smartphone and sync the data theyve gathered to a companion app so that you can review it all.

What are the best smart rings?

People are waiting with baited breath for the July 24 release of Samsungs smart ring  itll come in three colours (black, silver and gold) and retails at 399.

When it launches, you can expect a wave of reviews from expert testers to come out to give an idea of how its performed  and whether it lives up to the promise of up to seven days battery life. However, the fact it will only work with Samsung phones is likely to be quite a big limit on how well itll do.

Until its out, and possibly after that point, too, the reigning monarch of the smart ring market is still Oura (which should work with either an iPhone or Android). The Oura Ring is the most popular smart ring for good reason, with loads of tracking options and features.

Its third-generation model, the most recently released, can even work out when youre under the weather and let you know, so its a superb everyday asset. Prices for the ring start at 299, but it has a membership plan to pay for access to all its features (5.99 a month or 69.99 for the year), which might not suit everyone.

Why should I get a smart ring?

Like many bits of tech, its entirely possible that youre looking at smart rings and wondering why youd ever want one. For some of us, all those stats and metrics might not actually be interesting, and just end up as pointless distractions.

Still, for many others, its compelling to know that you could get activity tracking, heart rate data and much, much more without having to wear anything bulky on your wrist like a smartwatch or fitness tracker.

The lightweight nature of a smart ring makes it about as unobtrusive as any wearable out there right now, and the fact that you can wear it for entire days without needing to take it off for any reason means its super adaptable, too. So, if youre keen to know more about your fitness levels and activity without strapping on a smartwatch, a smart ring might just be perfect for you.
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Almost a quarter of people do not know the difference between a physician associate and a doctor, a new poll has shown.

While 52% of people can differentiate between the two roles, some 23% said they did not know the difference, according to a survey conducted for Healthwatch England.

The patient champion has called for more clarity around the role of physician associates (PAs).

Writing in the GP magazine Pulse, Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, said: The need for clarity on the role of PAs came across strongly in reports from local Healthwatch.

Some local Healthwatch (organisations) explained that while patients might have heard of PAs and understood that they were not doctors, peoples understanding what they can and cant do is more limited.

In many cases, patients needed to be made aware of the local presence of PAs, and often only found out about the role when given an appointment with a PA.

In some instances, patients had specially asked to see a doctor but were assigned to see a PA instead.

Where people knew they had received care from a PA, their experiences tended to be positive. People particularly valued that a PA could provide care when they needed it.

But what are the main differences between physician associates and doctors that we should know?

What is a physician associate?

If your care needs are not complex or if you need to see someone quickly, your GP practice might offer an appointment with a physician associate.

Physician associates are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a senior doctor, such as a hospital consultant or a GP, explains William Pett, head of policy and research at Healthwatch England. They are trained to perform various clinical duties, such as taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations and helping with treatment plans.

open image in gallery Physician associates are under the supervision of senior doctors (Alamy/PA)

Physician associates usually complete a three-year undergraduate degree in a health, biomedical science, or life-sciences subject, followed by a two-year postgraduate qualification.

The postgraduate training for physician associates covers some of the same topics as a medical degree, but is less in-depth.

Jacob Lant, chief executive of National Voices, a coalition of health and social care charities in England, adds: Physician associates are trained professionals and can provide patients with the high-quality care they need under the right circumstances and with the right supervision.

open image in gallery PAs are not allowed to prescribe medication (Alamy/PA)

How are they different to doctors?

Despite having physician in their title, physician associates are not doctors.

Physician associates have around two years of training compared to the ten years of an average fully qualified GP, explains Pett. They must also be supervised by a senior doctor, and there are some activities they are not allowed to do.

For example, they might suggest a prescription, but a doctor would be responsible for ensuring it was appropriate and for signing it.

It is important for physician associates to follow guidelines that aim to ensure they explain their role to all patients they see so they can address any confusion.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, wants to make sure that physician associates are supporting, not substituting, doctors.

We need to see urgent action from the government and NHS leaders to grow the GP workforce and ensure that physician associates are not used as a substitute for GPs, and to support general practice and implement safe ways of working for physician associates in general practice, says Hawthorne.

This includes a robust system of professional regulation and significantly increased resourcing for GPs to support the supervision of physician associates.

Why is it important for healthcare professionals to clearly explain their role to patients?

Pett explains: All healthcare professionals are advised through NICE guidelines to introduce themselves to patients and explain who is responsible for their care and the roles of other team members.

This is important because it helps patients understand who it is treating them, what they can expect, and also builds trust.

What rights do patients have when it comes to which healthcare professional they see?

open image in gallery (Alamy/PA)

Patients have the right to request a specific healthcare professional at their local surgery, but this might not always be possible due to shortages and annual leave requests.

The NHS Constitution sets out the rights of patients, says Pett. Patients have the legal right to request a specific clinician for their appointment and GP practices should facilitate such preferences wherever possible.

Lant adds: When patients book an appointment, they need to be given a choice of which type of clinical professional they are seeing so they can make appropriate trade offs between the speed of being seen and the person in front of them having the right skills and knowledge to treat them.
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Slovakia received on Monday the first two of the 14 new F-16 military jets from the United States whose delivery was pushed back two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and a lack of chips.

President Peter Pellegrini hailed the arrival of the F-16s at the Kuchyna air base in western Slovakia late Monday by saying the F-16s will significantly contribute to the increase of defense capabilities of our country.

The rest of the jets will be gradually delivered in two years.

Pellegrini was the prime minister in 2018 when the government signed the $1.8 billion deal to purchase 14 U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets in a move meant to replace the obsolete Soviet-made MiG-29 jets.

Under the previous government, Slovakia grounded its MiGs in the summer of 2022 due to a lack of spare parts and expertise to help maintain them after Russian technicians returned home following Russias full invasion of Ukraine.

Last year, the government approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of 13 MiG-29s, becoming the second NATO member country to heed the Ukrainian governments pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russias invasion.

In the absence of its own aircraft, fellow NATO members Poland, the Czech Republic and later also Hungary have stepped in to guard Slovak air space.

The new government led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico came to power last year after winning the parliamentary election following campaigning on an anti-American platform. It has condemned the donation of the jets to Ukraine and has threatened to sue.

Fico opposes military support for Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia. Pellegrinis his close ally.
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Watch as Robert F. Kennedy Jr held a news conference after Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election race on Sunday (21 July).

The Independent presidential candidate has previously addressed the possibility of replacing Biden as the Democratic nominee.

Kennedy also previously challenged Biden in the Democratic primary before changing his party affiliation to Independent.

Biden said on Sunday that it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.

He also offered his full support to vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democrat nominee.

In a post on his social media account, he said: My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.
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Hungary won't be allowed to host a strategic EU meeting next month because of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans self-proclaimed peace mission trips to Moscow and Beijing this month aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine, which EU partners overwhelmingly saw as undermining their support for Kyiv.

We have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Monday in Brussels, explaining why he had decided that the upcoming foreign and defense ministers' meeting would take place in Brussels instead of Budapest.

Hungary currently holds the rotating EU presidency, and as such had expected to host the annual late August gathering known as the Gymnich in late August. This gathering should now be held in the EU capital in September, Borrell announced.

Orban is seen as having the warmest relationship with Russia in the EU and is largely politically isolated in his stance on the Ukraine war. His government has held up sanctions on Moscow and huge tranches of military aid for Kyiv agreed by all other partners.

Before the decision was announced, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that the idea of moving the August meeting from Budapest to Brussels was a case of fantastic revenge. Szijjarto slammed what he called a concerted, hysterical, often mocking series of attacks on Orbans recent surprise meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jingping.

Only Slovakias deputy foreign minister had vocally offered support to Hungarys peace mission, he noted. Speaking ahead of Borrells announcement, Szijjarto nonetheless signaled that he would still attend if the meeting were to be relocated to Brussels.

Borrell said Monday that while condemnation of Hungarys recent behavior was widespread, the other EU member states had been divided between those who wanted to attend in Budapest and those who did not. Ultimately he said it was within his power to decide.

The nationalist Orban startled his EU counterparts with the appearance that he was speaking for the 27-member bloc during his meetings with Putin and Xi. Orban said he was seeking the quickest path to peace in Ukraine and portrayed himself as uniquely positioned to communicate with both warring parties.

Other EU leaders insisted that Orban was not representing them at the meetings, and in response, some EU nations as well as the European Commission said their top officials would boycott informal EU meetings hosted by Hungary and send civil servants instead.

Hungary took over the six-month rotating role July 1, and since then Orban has visited Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, and the United States on a world tour hes touted as peace mission aimed at brokering an end to Russias war in Ukraine. Orbans critics accuse 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 toward Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

___

Justin Spike in Budapest contributed.
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A familys plea to fly a murderer back to the UK to help find his victims body after 55 years has been rejected by police over inconsistencies in the information he has given.

The search for the remains of Muriel McKay, who was murdered in 1969, was called off after a third search at a farm where she was held hostage and killed failed to find her body.

Mrs McKay was abducted from her Wimbledon home, taken to the farm in Hertfordshire and killed. She had been mistaken for the then-wife of newspaper tycoon Rupert Murdoch.

Two brothers were convicted of her murder and only one of them, Nizamodeen Hosein, is still alive  now released from prison and living back home in Trinidad.

The fresh search of the farm near Bishops Stortford had been carried out after new information was given by Hosein to the family and the Met Police.

But on Monday, Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said details provided by Hosein about the whereabouts of Muriel McKays body were wrong.

Ms McKay, 55, the wealthy wife of newspaper executive Alick McKay, was kidnapped and held ransom for 1 million ( PA/PA Wire )

Ms Goodwin told journalists on Monday: I want to express our sincere condolences to her family and friends, as this is not the outcome we wanted.

However, what we can now conclusively say is the information given by Hosein in the last two years is not correct.

Muriel is not in the location that he has indicated.

On whether he should have been brought back to the UK to help with the search, which the family had pushed for, she said: If we thought there was a reasonable chance that he might be able to point out the true location, then this would be beneficial to the investigation.

However, sadly, I dont believe this to be the case.

Hes already provided us with quite a lot of detailed information about the location of Muriel, which has unfortunately been proven to be incorrect.

Ms McKay, 55, the wealthy wife of newspaper executive Alick McKay, was kidnapped and held ransom for 1 million. The brothers who kidnapped her had mistaken her for Anna Murdoch.

Ms McKay was traced to the farm, but the location of her body and how she met her death remains shrouded in mystery.

In his account, Hosein said he and his brother had never meant to kill her, but after drugging her with pharmaceuticals, she died from a heart attack.

He said, he alone carried her body out of the house and buried her near to a manure heap, not far from the main farmhouse.

The farm was searched at the time of the murder, in 2022, and again for several days starting last week, but nothing was found.

In the latest eight-day search at the farm, 33 specialist search officers were used, with forensic experts and archaeologists, but the dig was fruitless.
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Goldsmiths University has been accused of committing cultural vandalism by quietly killing off its masters degree programmes in both queer and black history.

The allegations came to light when Dr Justin Bengry, the course director of Queer History, revealed that he had been made redundant  less than three weeks after the UK celebrated Pride Month.

Goldsmiths has decided to terminate my employment as part of a devastating restructure, Dr Bengry wrote last Thursday (11 July) on X/Twitter.

With no specialist staff, this means the closure of the MA Queer History, the worlds only MA degree of its kind. This is an affront to my students, colleagues, and community. It is vandalism.

The MA in Queer History boasts of being of huge cultural importance, giving a voice to those who throughout much of history have been denied one, while its MA in Black History is similarly advertised as occupying a unique historical place which has been at the margins of academia for too long.

Both degrees are described as being the first of their kind and bolster Goldsmiths reputation as a progressive institution.

While Goldsmiths said both courses will in fact continue after being subject to difficult decisions following a recent review, Dr Bengry told The Independent that this has effectively ended his course, explaining: The MA Queer History cannot run without qualified staff.

Already last month Goldsmiths failed to renew the contract of a second lecturer in queer history who was critical to the successful delivery of the programme.

Goldsmiths has decided to terminate my employment as part of a devastating restructure. With no specialist staff, this means the closure of the MA Queer History, the world's only MA degree of its kind. This is an afront to my students, colleagues, and community. It is vandalism.  Justin Bengry (@JustinBengry) July 11, 2024

Dr Bengry added: This seriously undermined our capacity to offer a good degree at Goldsmiths. It is, of course, possible to offer a compromised degree with fewer staff, but it is impossible to offer that degree with no staff.

With my redundancy, there will be no History staff with sufficient training, teaching, or research experience in queer history to continue the MA Queer History.

My colleagues in History are excellent scholars in their own fields, but, simply put, no one remaining in the History department has sufficient knowledge of the field to offer even a single module let alone a credible degree in queer history.

A representative said the institution is committed to delivering the MA in Queer History but said they have had to make difficult decisions to navigate unprecedented financial challenges.

Dr Bengrys post struck a chord and has been viewed by over 1.5m people over the past week, many of whom took the opportunity to express their outrage.

One person wrote: I am so sorry to hear this. Absolutely devastated to hear about the closure of such a trailblazing programme.

Meanwhile, a Change.org petition was also created to save the MA in Black History.

It reads: We, as students of Goldsmiths MA Black British History (past and present), are writing to express our outrage and deep concern regarding the proposed redundancy of the convenor of the MA, Dr Kesewa John.

Launched in 2020, the MA has been commended for its contribution to [British] Higher Education, as the first and only course of its kind.

The petition added: The loss of this course would be devastating, not just for its associated staff and students, but for every Black British person who has been denied the right to know and appreciate their own history.

We, of course, must not forget the importance of knowing these lesser-known elements of British history for everybody.

The MA in Queer History said that while the course has not been cancelled, it will be impossible to offer without experienced staff. ( Getty Images )

The petitions creator, Holly Cooper, who was on the first cohort of the MA in 2020, told The Independent that those affected by financial cuts at Goldsmiths were disproportionately from minority groups.

They explained that while there have been cuts before, in this instance, no alternative routes were presented to the affected staff.

Overwhelmingly, the staff sent these letters of proposed redundancy are BAME, LGBT+, women, and disabled members of staff, they said.

No potential solutions have been offered to staff to keep their jobs. This is unlike last time [when] staff were able to reapply for their jobs.

Cooper also claimed that many other courses are affected by the cutbacks, including the MA in Black British Literature.

They have sent the convenors of these courses letters of proposed redundancy, which will be ratified on the 5th, Cooper explained.

Goldsmiths SMT know these courses cannot run without specialised course convenors, so they are quietly killing them.

At the time of writing, the petition to save the MA in Black History has been signed by over 1,700 people.

The university has been accused of cultural vandalism. ( AFP/Getty )

Dr Kesewa told The Independent: The proposal to delete my post left me stunned.

Im a new member of staff at Goldsmiths, I was appointed last summer amid a hiring freeze because, I was told, this area of study was a strategic priority for the university.

I was tasked upon arrival with building an infrastructure to support the MA - including a new BA programme (History with Black Studies - working title) which I designed from scratch.

Although a small team, the historians teaching Black British history at Goldsmiths are a financially sustainable unit and are successful at sourcing alternative sources of funding.

Dr Kesewa added: As the only Black Lecturer in the history department, this September, ten years on, another group of students will be right to once again pose the question Why isnt my Professor Black?

This is not the first time that the courses have been under threat, as Cooper explained, and in 2022, both the queer and black history masters degrees were at risk.

The majority of those affected by the redundancies are from minority groups. ( AFP/Getty )

Staff told PinkNews that while the university has claimed to be committed to the subjects, they are not viable without specialist staff, especially at the MA level.

Dr Kate Davison, who faced redundancy just weeks into her job at the college, said: It seems to me that Goldsmiths management is very interested in continuing its profile as a progressive and possibly even a radical college with these areas of research and these areas of teaching  queer history, Black British history, Black British literature.

But I have to honestly say, all the evidence that Ive seen so far points to this being a very cynical use of these areas of teaching to promote an image of the college that in my observation so far doesnt match whats going on on the ground.

A spokesperson for Goldsmiths added to The Independent: At this provisional stage of the consultation, both programmes successfully completed the programme review we conducted and will feature as part of our academic offer.
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For Jay Slaters family, they could never have suspected that a trip to a music festival in Tenerife would result in his disappearance, a media frenzy and finally the discovery of his body.

The 19-year-old was visiting the island with friends on his first holiday without his parents, and would go missing in the early hours of 17 June, in the mountainous Rural de Teno national park.

After enjoying time at the NRG music festival, things took a wrong turn for the teenager when he left the tourist area of Playa de Las Americas in a car with two older men, who drove him 22 miles north to an AirBnb in Masca.

He was last heard from at around 8.30am when he phoned his friend Lucy Law to say that he was walking the 11-hour trek home, was lost and dehydrated, and only had one per cent phone battery.

He disappeared in the mountainous Rural de Teno national park ( REUTERS )

What next ensued was a social media frenzy, wild conspiracy theories, a large search operation and finally the news that his body had been discovered last week, 29 days after he was last spotted.

Yet questions continue to remain as to how it took so long for the authorities to find the teenager?

How did Jay end up getting lost in the mountains?

The apprentice bricklayer is known to have travelled with two older men, who are reportedly British, during the early hours of the morning to the remote village of Masca.

An image posted on his Snapchat social media app showed him standing with a cigarette outside the door of the apartment at 7.30am, shortly before he is known to have left the building to try and walk home.

An eyewitness, Ofelia Medina Hernandez, was the last to see Jay at 8am, and claimed that he had enquired about the next bus, which was due to come in two hours. He then walked away, taking leave of the main road and wandering into the mountain terrain.

The Spanish Guardia Civil made the discovery after continuing discreet searches ( REUTERS )

In a video call to his friend Brad Hargreaves, he showed that he was walking on stony ground, with the sound of gravel heard in the background. The teenager then contacted Ms Law, and told her he was lost and that his phone was going to die imminently.

For the Spanish Guardia Civil, they were able to pinpoint his last location after his phone pinged a mast at 8.50am, close to a large tree a short distance from the main road.

Why he decided to take the walk home, despite it being 11 hours, is one of the key mysteries of the case, and has brought endless conspiracy theories online.

Why was it so hard to find his body?

Despite extensive searches being carried out by experienced teams in the area, the Rural de Teno park is a merciless terrain with thick vegetation, ravines, sharp drops and cliffs.

The Airbnb Casa Abuela Tina in Masca which Jay Slater travelled to (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire )

Popular among hikers, it is best to keep to signposted trails as it is easy to get lost there, with mist often coming in from the sea and reducing visibility.

Sniffer dogs and drones failed to make much progress over the course of four weeks, with external search teams and amateur TikTok sleuths also participating, while police also put out an appeal for volunteers.

Yet despite them searching a widespread area, Jays body was eventually found just a short distance from where his phone was last seen, in the steep Juan Lopez ravine.

His family have been subjected to online abuse and wild conspiracy theories ( ITV News )

It has raised the possibility that searchers may have unknowingly walked past him over the course of their efforts.

Through fingerprint testing, it was confirmed by the Canary Islands Higher Court of Justice that the body found was that of Jay, with his injuries consistent with a fall from height.

While the Guardia Civil had announced they were calling off the search after 13 days, they were the ones to discover his remains after continuing to carry out discreet searches.

His mother, Debbie Duncan, said her familys hearts were broken after her sons identity was confirmed.

She added: I just cant believe this could happen to my beautiful boy.

It is now possible that further information about his death and the hours that led up to it will be revealed if a British coroner decides to hold an inquest.
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Labours plan to end tax breaks for private schools could begin as soon as next January, as the government looks to include the measure in their first autumn budget.

Despite widespread expectations that the change would be delayed until next September, it is now believed the party will attempt to push through the policy sooner.

This will mean parents of children attending private schools now face a mid-term price hike, rather than having an extra nine months to prepare for the costs.

A government source said: This was a manifesto commitment and we have been clear that the change would be included in our first budget.

We are keen for this to take effect as soon as possible and have given parents fair warning that these changes are coming, they told The Times.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves ( POOL/AFP/Getty )

The policy will see VAT and business rates applied to private school fees. It was a key Labour manifesto pledge.

The party says the change will raise around 1.5 billion a year, ring-fenced for reinvestment into state education. This includes funding policies such as 6,500 new expert teachers, Ofsted reform and over 3,000 new nurseries.

Speaking shortly before the election, Rachel Reeves said: Over the last 14 years state schools have had to make huge efficiencies because of the cuts to real-terms spending.

I strongly believe that private schools as well, have to be able to make efficiencies.

Critics of the policy have said it could lead to an exodus of private school pupils, which could subsequently overwhelm state schools with an influx of new students. An analysis for the Independent Schools Council predicts around a quarter of pupils could move to state schools after the price rise.

Heres everything you need to know about the proposed changes to how private schools are taxed:

What are private schools?

Private schools charge fees to most of their students, althought many will also offer some free places under bursary or scholarship schemes.

The average yearly charge for a non-boarding student at a day school is 16,000, but it depends on the school. Schools like Eton or Harrow, for instance, charge around 50,000.

Eton College, where 20 British prime minister were previously educated ( Getty Images )

The price also increases considerably for pupils who board, meaning they will reside in the schools dormitorys during term-time, rather than at home. The average cost for parents in this case is 39,000.

There are around 2,500 private schools in the UK, educating around 7 per cent of all pupils. They have more freedom than state-funded schools and can decide their own curriculums.

How much are private school fees going up?

Private school fees will increase by 20 per cent after the rise, in line with the current rate of Value Added Tax (VAT). This is the levy automatically applied to many goods and services in the UK.

While the government has suggested schools should absorb some of the costs to avoid passing on large fee hikes to parents, some schools have warned they cannot afford to do so.

The rate has not historically been applied to private schools due to a legal exemption for organisations that provide education. They also hold charitable status, which will not be removed as part of Labours changes.

Adding 20 per cent to the average private school fees would see day schools rise to 19,200 a year, and to 46,800 for boarding schools.
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A newly-released FBI memo has suggested Prince Phillip could have been involved in the Profumo affair.

The historic sex-scandal involved John Profumo, the then 46-year-old Secretary of State for War, who had an affair with teenage model Christine Keeler in 1961.

Profumo was forced to resign and the affair threatened to topple the Macmillan government as it was revealed the 19-year-old was also sleeping with a Russian spy.

The pair were introduced by osteopath Stephen Ward, whose friendship with Prince Phillip was featured in the Netflix series The Crown.

Decades after the scandal, the Mail on Sunday have obtained a cable sent from the then-head of the FBI, J Edgar Hoover, sensationally suggesting the royals involvement.

A newly-released FBI memo has suggested Prince Phillip could have been involved in the Profumo affair. ( (PA) )

A cable sent to the US embassy in London on June 20, 1963 reads: Corbally also stated there was a rumour Prince Philip may have been involved with these two girls.

The second girl referred to was Mandy Rice-Davies, a fellow showgirl who was also at the heart of the scandal.

The claims reiterated by Hoover come from Thomas Corbally, an American businessman who was also friends with Ward.

The historic sex-scandal involved John Profumo, the then 46-year-old Secretary of State for War, who had an affair with teenage model Christine Keeler in 1961. ( Getty )

In the aftermath of the scandal, Ward was arrested and charged with living off the earnings of prostitution.

He took an overdose of sleeping pills during his trial and died before he was officially sentenced.

He introduced Keeler to Profumo at a party in 1961 but the teenager was also having an affair with Soviet spy Yevgeny Ivanov at the time.

Mandy Rice-Davies (l) and Christine Keeler (r) was subjected to huge press attention in 1963 ( PA )

In The Crown, Prince Phillip is seen being threatened by another Soviet spy who warns that he will expose his relationship with Ward.

The Duke of Edinburghs involvement in the scandal has long been a source of speculation but the new documents have brought the affair back to the forefront.

The crucial memo has been was sent more than 60 years ago but has since been hidden within the US Department of Justice archives. It was made available by a Mail on Sunday freedom of information request they claim took five years to obtain.

Keeler had lived with Ward at his London apartment and cottage on the grounds of Cliveden estate, where she was introduced to Profumo.

Ward was known to the prince with the pair even having been sketched by an artist at Buckingham palace.

Keeler had lived with Ward at his London apartment and cottage on the grounds of Cliveden estate, where she was introduced to Profumo.

Profumo denied the affair in the House of Commons in March 1963, but in June he was found to have been lying.

Ward later faced charges of immorality as, although Keeler was not a prostitute, she had benefitted off of generosity of wealthy men.
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Labour should remove the two-child benefit cap immediately to lift thousands of children out of poverty, MPs have said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has come under pressure from her partys backbenchers to lift the cap, which prevents almost all parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for a third child. The policy, which was brought in by David Camerons Conservative government, impacted 450,000 households and 1.6 million children last year according to official figures.

Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson has tabled an amendment to the Kings Speech that would scrap the cap, with the proposal currently backed by 29 MPs. She told The Independent that the level of child poverty in her constituency was unacceptable and these children cant wait two years for a decision to be made. She added: Removing the two-child cap needs to be done and it needs to be done immediately.

Her comments come as education secretary Bridget Phillipson said on Monday morning that she would consider scrapping the cap as part of the newly established Child Poverty Taskforce. The review was set up by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer last week in an apparent attempt to appease backbench MPs who want bolder action on child poverty.

A boy plays in the street near the Heron Cross pottery kiln in Stoke on Trent, England. 1.6 million children were affected by the two-child benefit cap last year, government figures show. ( Getty Images )

We are a rich country and weve got kids going hungry. Its immoral and it should not be happening. We should be doing everything we can as soon as possible to lift children out of poverty and removing the two-child cap is one of the best, easiest ways of doing that, Ms Johnson said.

Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson has tabled an amendment to the Kings Speech to remove the two-child limit ( PA )

Speaking about the new taskforce, Ms Johnson said: It is a bit vague at this moment in time. In our manifesto we talked about an ambitious programme of policies to reduce child poverty. And I would have to say weve not seen anything at the moment. Weve talked about breakfast clubs but lots of schools in my constituency already have them.

Former chancellor John McDonnell told The Independent that the amendment had already pushed the two-child policy to the centre of debate on the Kings Speech. Reflecting on the new poverty task force, he said: The problem with the task force process is that there is no commitment to scrap the two child limit or even a timescale for when the task force will even consider this issue.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson will consider removing the two-child benefit cap as part of the governments child poverty taskforce ( PA )

Ms Reeves said on Sunday that she would not commit to lifting the cap without being able to fully cost the change, which she says would be more than 3bn a year. If were not able to say where the money is going to come from, we cant promise to do it, she told the BBC.

Her comments came as another Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who has backed Ms Johnsons amendment, wrote in The Times that the two-child limit was a heinous piece of legislation that amounted to social cleansing.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown, who has called for the two-child limit to be removed, has put forward a number of proposals for acting on child poverty. These include raising 2bn by requiring banks to deposit a fraction of their money interest-free at the Bank of England.

Former prime minister and chancellor Gordon Brown has backed calls for the two-child limit to be scrapped ( PA )

MPs will debate the Kings Speech in parliament and amendments are expected to be chosen on Monday. The SNP have also put down an amendment calling for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped, which is more likely to be picked than the Labour amendment. This will put Labour MPs in the position of having to back another party if they want to vote to lift the cap.

This will not disuade Mr McDonnell however, who told The Independent: I will continue to vote on every occasion for its scrapping. This is a defining issue for the new Labour government, whether it can combine compassion with practical policy making.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has revealed that Rishi Sunaks government has already spent 700m on the plan to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda and had planned to spend a further 10bn.

In a stinging speech in the House of Commons, Ms Cooper said the Tory government has left an asylum backlog like Hotel California because it stopped processing thousands of cases.

Ms Cooper revealed that four migrants had been paid to volunteer to go to the east African country as she branded the policy the most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen.

The amount already spent on the Rwanda plan includes a 290m payment to Rwanda, as well as chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them, and paying for more than a thousand civil servants to work on the scheme, she said on Monday.

Ms Cooper said the Home Office had predicted the Tory government would spend over 10bn on the partnership with Rwanda in six years, adding: They did not tell parliament that.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, who presided over the department before the election, accused Ms Cooper of using made up numbers and criticised the governments discourtesy to the Rwandan government.

Ms Cooper blamed the previous government for leaving her with an asylum Hotel California where people arrive in the asylum system and they never leave.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper and shadow home secretary James Cleverly walk through the central lobby of the Houses of Parliament ( PA )

Ms Cooper told MPs civil servants had effectively stopped making the majority of asylum decisions due to the impact of the Illegal Migration Act, a piece of legislation brought in under the Tory government.

She said it was the most extraordinary policy that Ive ever seen, adding: Thousands of asylum caseworkers cannot do their proper jobs and, as a result, the backlog of asylum cases is now going up.

Housing these people in taxpayer-funded hotels would cost 30-40bn over the next four years, according to Home Office projections, she said.

Ms Cooper told MPs she has directed the Home Office to restart making asylum decisions.

Yvette Cooper accused the Tories of leaving the asylum system in chaos ( Parliament TV )

The home secretary will use legislation to end certain provisions in the Illegal Migration Act so that the Home Office can immediately start clearing cases from after March 2023.

She said she would redirect the savings from the abandoned Rwanda scheme to the new border security command. The home secretary warned that high levels of small boat crossings in the Channel are likely to persist through the summer.

Ms Cooper said she wanted to prioritise returning migrants to safe countries and said she has tasked the immigration enforcement team with intensifying enforcement activity this summer targeting illegal working across high-risk sectors.

Home Office staff have been redeployed from the Rwanda scheme and into returns and enforcement.

Responding to Ms Cooper, Mr Cleverly said the small boats problem would get worse under Labour because they have no deterrent, adding: The initial decisions that her government has made have made this problem worse and not better.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said Ms Coopers statement confirmed that our warnings went unheeded, and that previous policies have left the system in meltdown.

The British Red Cross welcomed the news that asylum cases would be processed.
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New Labour MPs joined parliamentarians from the Opposition benches in starting to build pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to reverse the harms of Brexit.

The new prime minister gave his first statement to the Commons today since taking office reporting back on the Nato summit in Washington DC and the European Political Community (EPC) summit he hosted at Blenheim Palace last week.

But while, Sir Keir again reiterated his promise to renegotiate the UKs deal with the European Union and to create a new security pact, it was clear the mood in the House was for him to go further.

A number of new and veteran Labour MPs got to their feet to press the prime minister to go further on undoing Brexit with others calling for the UK to consider rejoining the single market and customs union.

Starmer gave his first statement as PM to the Commons ( Parliament TV )

New MP for Leeds North West Katie White said: Does he agree that the shifting relationship with the European Union led by the previous government has indeed made us economically poorer and undermined small business like the toy shop in my constituency in Houseford which closed?

Andrew Lewin, who defeated former defence secretary Grant Shapps in Welwyn Hatfield, made clear that he believes the UK should start realigning itself to EU regulations to ease trade.

He said: I want to thank [the prime minister] particularly for his efforts in resetting our relationship with the European Union.

It is regret that the deal signed by the party opposite [the Tories] when they were in government did real damage to our economy. They put up barriers to the European Union and increase red tape. Now is the time for a new relationship and take practical measures to increase our allignment with the European Union such as the mutal recognition of professional qualifications.

Sir Keir told MP that the Brexit deal is not good enough and makes trade harder.

However, when confronted by Plaid Cymrus Liz Saville-Roberts over why he does not want to reverse the toxi Tory legacy of Brexit and reenter the the customs union and single market for the benefit of economic security, Sir Keir refused.

He said: I dont think we should ignore the referendum and go back into the EU, he retorted.

However, the number of MPs pushing on the matter with the pro-Brexit ranks much reduced with the collapse of the Tories despite the arrivals of five Reform UK MPs with Nigel Farage, supporters of pushing for the UK to rejoin have taken heart.

The main rejoin movement warned Sir Keir that tinkering will not be enough when it comes to resetting the UKs relationship with the EU.

Richard Kilpatrick of the European Movement UK said: "It is becoming abundantly clear that economic growth, investment in public services, and meaningful change cannot be achieved without first accepting that Brexit isnt working.

Tinkering around the edges of Brexit will not open the door to a new relationship with Europe. The Prime Minister must listen to those in his own party and lay bare the impacts of Brexit on our economy and society. That is why we ask him to commission a transparent, forward-looking inquiry on Brexit which includes a review of our membership of the single market and customs union.

With a new Government should come the opportunity to change our relationship with Europe. Brexit was the legacy of the last parliament, and we can see from the election results that that legacy was resoundingly rejected.

"We should welcome the clear shift by the Prime Minister to rebuild our relationship with Europe. In last weeks European Political Summit, Starmer took the first steps in reinstating the trust between the UK and our closest allies in Europe."
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A sixth of Tory voters are likely to die before the next general election, according to a new analysis.

Polling company Focaldata found that the age at which the Conservatives become the most popular party is 64, compared to 42 in 2019.

In the last five years, one in every ten voters who backed the Conservatives under Boris Johnsons leadership have died  around 1.3 million people.

Analysis by The Times using Office for National Statistics population estimates suggests this trend will accelerate during the current parliament.

The data suggests 1.2 million Tory supporters will die by 2029, which is 17 per cent of the partys vote share.

In comparison, only 500,000 Labour voters  or 5.3%  are expected to die in the same period.

Labour could also see nearly 800,000 more votes as younger people, who are more likely to back the party, become eligible to vote.

The net effect is the Tories losing a million votes while Labour gains 300,000.

Data suggests 1.2 million Tory supporters will die by 2029, which is 17 per cent of the partys vote share (House of Commons/UK Parliament) ( PA Wire )

If the votes were translated into seats, the Conservatives would lose 34, while Labour would gain 29.

The current average Tory voter is aged 62, voted for Brexit, and has voted Conservative in previous elections. Polling from More in Common shows that Conservative voters are slightly more likely to be white, and more than half are comfortable financially.

During the general election campaign, Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives were accused of forgetting younger voters and placing their bets on the partys traditional so-called grey vote base.

The partys manifesto included a new deal for pensioners to boost their incomes with a triple lock plus pledge, but little focus on the younger population.

Sam Bidwell, director of the Next Generation Centre at the Adam Smith Institute, told The Times that Tories reliance on older voters was an existential challenge for the party.

If it continues along its current trajectory, the party is at risk of literally dying out, he said.

Voter turnout in the 2024 general election was the lowest since 2001, at just 59.9 per cent.

A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank found that seats where a larger share of the population were older people, wealthy homeowners and white had much higher turnout rates than constituencies where a smaller share of people came from those demographics.

It calculated that turnout was 11 per cent higher in constituencies with the highest proportion of over 64-year-olds, compared with the lowest.
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Sir Keir Starmer has said the US is a reliable and trusted ally after weeks of turmoil surrounding the presidential election.

The prime minister vowed to work with whoever wins the US Presidential election the morning after Joe Biden dramatically pulled out of the race.

With senior Democrats rallying behind vice president Kamala Harris, the PM stressed the importance of the special relationship between Britain and the United States.

Keir Starmer stressed the importance of the special relationship ( AP )

But Sir Keir refused to discuss his relationship with Ms Harris, adding that it is for the Democratic Party to decide who they want to put forward.

It is then for the American people to decide who they want as their president, my approach will be to respect that and to be clear we will work with whoever the American people elect, Sir Keir added.

Addressing business leaders and lobbyists at the Farnborough International Airshow, the prime minister was asked about Mr Bidens decision to quit the Presidential race for the first time.

Sir Keir said I respect the decision he has now made, not an easy decision, but a decision I know he will have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets US President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington DC, during his visit to the US to attend the Nato 75th anniversary summit (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire )

I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency, Sir Keir added.

And, asked about the past few weeks in American politics, which has seen former President Donald Trump survive an assassination attempt, his vice-presidential pick describe the UK as an Islamist country, and Mr Bidens shock withdrawal from the race, Sir Keir said of course the US is a reliable and trusted ally it has been for many years.

The PM highlighted Mr Bidens leadership of Julys Nato summit, which he described as a great success.

Sir Keir is yet to meet Ms Harris despite her role as vice president for the past four years and numerous meetings with senior Democrats.

She is now the frontrunner to take on Mr Trump in the 2024 presidential election after Mr Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her following weeks of pressure on him to step aside.

In the hours after Mr Bidens announcement, donors returned to the party in their droves and a string of top Democratic lawmakers and influential figures threw their support behind the vice president.

Though Ms Harris is yet to be officially crowned the presidential nominee, the Biden-Harris campaign has already amended its filings with the Federal Election Commission to declare her as its chosen candidate  a move that will allow her to tap into the campaigns war chest.

After weeks of pressure from Democratic Party insiders and plummeting poll numbers, Mr Biden finally announced on Sunday that he was bowing out from his efforts to secure a second term in the White House.

Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner to pick up the Democratic Partys nomination ( AP )

The announcement came less than a month after the presidents disastrous debate performance in Atlanta, which led to some Democrats to call for his exit. It also dovetails the conclusion of the Republican National Convention, when the Republican Party made a strong show of unity behind Mr Trump after the former president was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Mr Biden made the announcement in a letter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, becoming the first president in 56 years to call off a re-election campaign.

It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president, he said. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, he added.  Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Sir Keir was in Hampshire announcing the launch of Skills England, a new body to tackle Britains "fragmented and broken" skills training system.

The body, which was included in Labours manifesto, will bring together central and local government, businesses, trade unions and training providers to better understand the nations "skills gap".
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David Lammy is due to land in India this week after his cabinet colleague Jonathan Reynolds ordered officials in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to reopen trade talks.

The foreign secretary is due to meet his Indian counterpart Vikram Misri as Keir Starmers new government tries to complete the major trade deal which eluded the Tories.

But the resumption of relations with India after both countries had elections is also set to spark controversy after Narendra Modi embraced Russias Vladimir Putin at a summit earlier this month. The meeting in Moscow saw the Indian prime minister awarded Russias highest honour.

India had been seeking the release of its citizens who were in prison in Russia but the talks also concluded with the two sides setting out nine key areas for closer co-operation, including nuclear energy and medicine at a time when the international community is trying to heap pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

There will also be concerns among muslim groups concerned about the Hindu nationalism of Narendra Modis government. Sir Keir Starmer already has suffered some losses at the election from pro-Gaza independents over his stance in supporting Israel which has harmed Labours relations with muslim communities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin embrace during an informal meeting at Novo-Ogaryovo residence, outside Moscow, Russia ( AP )

Forging closer ties with India is yet another break from the policies pursued by Jeremy Corbyn who was highly critical of the Modi government.

But despite these concerns, The Independent has learnt that new business and trade secretary Mr Reynolds has told officials to immediately review where the UK is with the key trade talks with the emerging economic superpower with a view to opening the talks with Modis government ASAP.

The India trade deal was a Brexit prize which the governments led by Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak all hankered after but failed to land with the now Tory leadership favourite Kemi Badenoch overseeing the last attempts.

Ms Truss came closest but the deal fell apart when her home secretary Suella Braverman refused to accept more visas for Indians.

Prior to that Mr Johnsons attempts to rush through a deal by diwali also backfired. Under Rishi Sunaks leadership his trade secretary Kemi Badenoch hoped to have it agreed by the nd of 2023 but progress was slow.

But with a message of make Brexit work, Mr Reynolds has put new energy into the Department for Business and Trade with a dual track of fixing the harms of Brexit with an improved deal with the EU but also prioritising a trade deal with India.

David Lammy is going to India (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

Marco Forgione, the director of the Chartered Institute for Export and International Trade, which is a consultative body with the DBT, told The Independent that the plans fitted with Rachel Reeves securonomics approach and that it is less about free trade agreements and more about trusted trade agreements.

He said that such a deal would be worth billions alone to the British economy just on reducing tariffs on whisky, but Mr Forgione said the most important part about it is that a dea with India will boost and secure Britains import and export supply chains and end over reliance on China.

Mr Forgione said: It's clear that there's a real focus and energy. And I think part of that is, you know, Rachel Reeves has established the sense of securonomics, which means making sure that we've got diverse, resilient supply chains, and joining Reynolds, I think, is pursuing that growth agenda and seeing trade, imports and exports as an essential plank of that.

The point that we've been making is that the world of trade has changed and changed dramatically in the last couple of years, and we need to see a move from free trade agenda to a trusted trade agenda. That trusted partnership, those trusted relationships. So it had to be absolutely essential. And I think Jonathan Reynolds was showing that that's the path that this government is going to be pursuing.

Talks had been suspended because of the election in India and then quickly followed by the election in the UK.

But with Modi reelected he has said he wants to get a deal done within the first 100 days of his government.

Mr Lammy will travel to India on Wednesday where he will meet with his counterpart to discuss the UK-India tech security initiative - looking at information sharing, telecoms, AI and semiconductors which Mr Forgione said will need to be part of a trade deal.
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The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of an area in the Gaza Strip it has designated a humanitarian zone.

The military said Monday it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least a million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone it declared. The zone covers a stretch of about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Much of that area is now blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, U.N. and humanitarian groups say.

The announcement came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire in Gaza, with U.S. and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement is closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States are continuing to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday for Washington, where he will make a speech before the U.S. Congress and meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Heres the latest:

Israeli military says 1 person killed after he tried to stab Israeli forces

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military said that one person was killed after he attempted to stab Israeli security forces with a knife at the entrance to an Israeli town along the Gaza border on Monday morning.

According to Israels Army Radio, the attacker arrived at the security checkpoint by car and in English started accusing Israel of carrying out atrocities in Gaza, before reaching into his car and taking out a knife. Security forces shot and killed the man. There were no other injuries reported.

The attack took place at the entrance of the Israeli town of Netiv Haasara, which is just 300 meters (yards) north of the Gaza border. Israeli police confirmed that the attacker was a Canadian citizen.

On Oct. 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed, after the gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials. Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza, though few have taken place along the Israel-Gaza border, which has heavy military presence.

Israel's Netanyahu heads to Washington

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left for Washington on Monday, leaving behind a brutal war to make a politically precarious speech before the U.S. Congress at a time of great uncertainty following Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race.

With efforts ongoing to bring about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, rising concerns about the war spreading to Lebanon and Yemen, and the U.S. in the midst of a dizzying election campaign, Netanyahus speech has the potential to cause disarray on both sides of the ocean.

The risks only increased with Bidens decision Sunday to drop out of the race for president, especially since the choice of a replacement Democratic nominee  and the potential next American leader  are still up in the air.

Before stepping on the plane, Netanyahu said he would emphasize the theme of Israels bipartisanship in his speech and said Israel would remain Americas key ally in the Middle East regardless who the American people choose as their next president.

In this time of war and uncertainty, its important that Israels enemies know that America and Israel stand together, he said, adding that he will meet Biden during his trip and thank him for his support for Israel.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday. He is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic Partys presidential nomination.

Israel shoots down a missile fired from Yemen

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early Sunday, hours after Israeli warplanes struck several Houthi targets in the Arabian Peninsula country.

The Israeli airstrikes  in response to a deadly Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv  were the first time Israel is known to have responded to repeated Houthi attacks throughout its nine-month war against Hamas. The burst of violence between the distant enemies has threatened to open a new front as Israel battles a series of Iranian proxies across the region.

The Israeli army late Saturday confirmed the airstrikes in the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a Houthi stronghold and crucial entry point for aid and other supplies. It said the strikes, carried out by dozens of aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were a response to hundreds of Houthi attacks.

The Health Ministry in Yemen said the Israeli strikes killed six people and wounded 83 others, many with severe burns from a major fire. Another three people were missing, the ministry said in a statement shared by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
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Boeing is burning through more than $1 billion in cash a month as it has dozens of new planes sitting outside factories in need of parts.

Part shortages and other issues have left Boeing with roughly 200 mostly finished jets sitting on airfields, outside plants and even in employee parking lots, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Some planes need interior parts and others need engines, according to the report. While others are finished and awaiting delivery to China.

The delay in parts is due to supply-chain shortages that have lingered since the pandemic, according to the Journal. For example, seat suppliers havent been able to meet demand because of material shortages. There have also been fewer temperature-regulating parts than typical.

Because the 200 planes arent in the air, the manufacturer is losing around $1 billion a month. The loss of money is the latest bad news for the beleaguered airline that has seen its reputation and bottom line take a hit following a series of airline safety issues.

It kind of begs the question: When are you going to deliver these things, Ron Epstein, an aerospace analyst at Bank of America, told the Journal. They can only sit around so long before you have to do something with them.

Boeing has roughly 200 planes awaiting final parts delayed because of supply chain issues ( REUTERS )

Boeing has seen its production slowdown since the safety concerns launched a series of federal investigations. In fact, those slowdowns might be helping Boeing as it leads to fewer planes being produced than normal and fewer sitting waiting for final parts.

In total, the company has delivered about 90 fewer planes this year, compared to the same time last year.

Boeing officials say they are working to remove the parked planes and get them completed. The company also noted that the backup of planes hasnt had a slowdown in production because of a lack of space.

As we have delivered hundreds of 737s and dozens of 787s from inventory in recent years, we have reduced the parking space needed at several sites, Boeing told the outlet.
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A woman died jumping out of a car that police were chasing, and now the man behind the wheel faces a murder charge, authorities said.

On Saturday, deputies from the Pima County Sheriffs Department in Arizona responded to a domestic disturbance, according to KOLD. The victim told police that her boyfriend had taken an illegal drug before driving her up nearby Mt. Lemmon.

He would then not let her out of the vehicle.

William Holloway faces a murder charge after police say a woman jumped out of his car during a chase ( Pima County Sheriffs Department )

Police arrived at the car, but the driver - later identified as William Holloway - did not stop. Holloway led them on a chase around the mountain with speeds reaching up to 45 mph, according to the report.

The unnamed victim jumped from the car and was critically injured.

Deputies tried to provide life-saving care, but she died at the hospital.

Holloway, 36, drove from the scene, but deputies found him nearby with a flat tire. He was arrested and charged with numerous counts, including first-degree murder, kidnapping and trafficking stolen property.

He is being held in jail on $750,000 bond.
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A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of his girlfriend that occurred 24 years ago. She was found partially naked lying on a concrete slab with horrific injuries.

Gary Durrance, 73, the longtime boyfriend of Sherry Holtz, who was brutally murdered in 1999, has been charged with second-degree homicide, the Sanford Police Department announced in a press conference on Friday.

"We are absolutely positive that the right man is behind bars tonight, said Bianca Gillet, a public information officer for the police department. And he will finally serve justice and have to answer for his crimes.

Holtzs body was found on December 4, 1999, in a wooded area in Sanford, Florida, while someone was out collecting cans, the police explained.

The 50-year-old woman was lying on her back on a concrete slab; her next cut  which was thought to be the primary cause of her death  had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and had been strangled, the police said.

On top of the grisly state her body had been left in, police added that she also had lacerations on her upper body and evidence of sexual battery.

Holtzs clothing was pulled off, exposing most of her body, Gillet explained.

Gillet said that there was no other way to describe the womans death but as a brutal homicide.

While a sexual assault kit was used when her body was first discovered, no DNA evidence was found.

Gary Durrance, 73, was arrested in connection to the murder of his girlfriend Sherry Holtz more than 20 years ago ( Seminole County Sheriffs Office )

A bloodstained knife was also found at the scene of the murder, but even this was not useful in finding how committed this horrific act, as authorities said the weapon samples were not sufficient in size for testing at that time, the police explained, adding that looking for DNA evidence was not as prolific as it is today.

Due to these initial failings in trying to name the perpetrator, the case went cold, and the person who was behind Holtzs brutal killing was left unidentified for almost a quarter of a century.

As time passed and technology and DNA testing advanced, the cold case was reopened in May 2023.

It was at this time that investigators learned that the blood on the blade of the knife found did belong to Holtz.

Then, they found that additional DNA on the handle also belonged to Durrance  a key piece of evidence that has led to his arrest over 20 years later.

Durrance was a suspect in the initial 1999 investigation after Holtzs body was found. Police found out that Holtz and Durrnace had argued, with Durrance kicking his girlfriend out of their shared home two days before she would be found dead.

The couple also had a history of domestic violence incidents that dated back to 1996.

Due to this new evidence, along with witness statements, an arrest warrant was issued on July 17.

The man was tracked down and arrested on July 18 before being charged with second-degree homicide and is currently being held in the Seminole County Jail.

The police claimed at the press conference that Durrance to some extent admitted his involvement in the homicide.

"We just kind of hope that this brings some peace to the family knowing that this individual who was a longtime boyfriend will now spend the rest of his natural life in jail, said the chief of police Cecil E Smith. And have the opportunity to face justice for the things that he has committed to Sherry.

Police added that Holtz has an adult son, who they are still working to try and find and contact to notify him about the arrest.
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A postal worker was shot dead on Friday while working on her route in Chicago, according to officials.

Octavia Redmond, 48, of Chicago, was shot at around 11.40pm local time by an unknown shooter, who then jumped in a vehicle and sped away, according to police.

Redmond suffered several gunshot wounds, including to her chest, and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. She was later pronounced dead at 12.20pm, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

According to Fox 32, the killer may have trailed Redmond before attacking her. The attackers white Dodge Durango was discovered torched on Saturday.

Redmond had delivered mail along the block where she was shot for around two years.

Witness Meda Robinson, 68, was in her house when she heard about 10 shots. She said she often stopped to chat with Redmond.

She was a really nice person, she was a beautiful person, Robinson told the Chicago Sun-Times. I cant understand who would come at her like that.

Octavia Redmond was fatally shot by an unknown assailant ( Supplied )

The motive for the attack has not been established and no arrests have yet been made.

A spokesperson for USPS told The Independent: We are deeply saddened by this heinous crime and our thoughts are with the family members, friends, and coworkers of Octavia Redmond.

US Postal inspectors are investigating alongside police, and a $250,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker.

The safety and security of our postal employees is of the utmost importance to the Postal Service, said the spokesperson, Thats why we are continually strengthening our efforts to protect our employees through Project Safe Delivery.

Project Safe Delivery is a joint initiative launched May 2023 by the Postal Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service designed in part to protect postal employees.

The US Rep Jonathan Jackson made a statement on Saturday, calling for a summit with law enforcement agencies to address the crisis of postal workers killed or assaulted on the job.

Redmond was a wife, mother, grandmother, and citizen who was simply going about her normal day on the job to contribute to what makes our city work for all of us, said Jackson.

We must embrace the Redmond family and take immediate action to assure Chicago postal workers that we will do what it takes to make their jobs safer, Jackson wrote.

There has been growing concern about an increase in crimes against postal workers. The number of postal carriers robbed in 2023 rose on the previous year and the number of injuries nearly doubled, despite USPS pledging a crackdown.

The number of postal workers who were injured nearly doubled.

An armed robbery of a postal worker was caught on CCTV in California in May, and last month a Pennsylvania postal worker needed 16 stitches after a dog attack.
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Seven fishermen stranded at sea for 48 hours in a life raft lived to tell the tale after they were rescued off the coast of Canada.

A fishing boat called the Elite Navigator disappeared with its crew on Wednesday night in the waters near Newfoundland. The vessel was reported missing a day later after transmitting its final signal around 8.30pm on Wednesday, The Canadian Press reported.

The boat caught fire and the crew abandoned it in a life-raft, which drifted into the Atlantic Ocean with the men waiting to be rescued.

A massive search for the men was launched with local fishing vessels, a Hercules aircraft, a Cormorant helicopter, and four Coast Guard ships began looking for the men. Fishing is one of Canadas most deadly professions, according to the outlet.

The men were rescued on Friday night after searchers spotted a flare, which led them to the liferaft. The men were on the raft for about 50 hours and were 220 kilometers from land.

Eugene Carter, the crews captain told the outlet that a fire broke out in a locker on the main deck just a couple of hours into a 25-hour journey home.

We tried to extinguish the fire once, and then it just shot right back at us, the captain told the outlet. Its like wood burning. We heard the cracking. So we knew that it was pretty serious and that it was out of our control.

Carter said he sent out three distress calls, all of which went unanswered. The fire probably melted the devices, stuff like that, wouldnt allow it.

One of the fishermen didnt know how to swim and was encouraged to jump from the boat after his comrades said they would grab him and pull him onto the vessel.

It was either jump and risk drowning or stay and be burned, Toby Peddle told the news agency. There was no time to think about it. I just knew I had to jump. He continued: I was relieved I made it to the raft. I couldnt swim a stroke to save my life.

The men spent part of their time on the raft telling jokes, and passing a flashlight around as if they were interviewing each other.

It was unbelievable, but everybody kept their cool to the most that they could, Carter said.

By Friday, some of the men started to become pessimistic about their chances of being rescued. Carter said he had two flares left but decided to wait until the foggy sky cleared before using them.

He set off the first one and said nothing happened for a few hours. Later, a helicopter flew right over the raft. He lit his last flare and waved it at the helicopter.

They didnt see it, and that was my last flare, Carter said. But a coast guard ship was actually looking out and seen it. And thats what got us rescued, my last flare.

Officials in the New-Wes-Valley put together a parade for the men on Sunday. Several people made signs reading: Welcome home Lucky 7.
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A man picking berries shot and killed a grizzly bear after it attacked in a surprise encounter.

The 72-year-old was left in hospital after the attack.

The man was alone on national forest land when the adult female charged him Thursday. He suffered significant injuries before killing the bear with a handgun, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said.

The bear was likely reacting defensively to protect cubs, agency spokesperson Dillon Tabish said.

Wildlife workers set out game cameras in the area to try to confirm the presence of any cubs. If cubs are found, it's uncertain if they would be captured because it is difficult to find facilities qualified to take them, he said.

Depending on the age, we might leave them in the wild because they have a better chance of survival, rather than have to euthanize them, Tabish said.

The attack happened in the Flathead National Forest about 2 miles (3.2km) north of Columbia Falls, a northwestern Montana city of about 5,500 people, according to the state wildlife agency.

The victim's name and further details of his condition were not released.

A grizzly bear was shot and killed by wildlife officials in the area after the animal became accustomed to seeking out food from people and had broken into houses ( AP )

Meanwhile, Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff shot and killed an adult female grizzly on Thursday after it had become accustomed to seeking out food from people and breaking into houses in and around Gardiner, a town of about 800 people just north of Yellowstone National Park.

Pet food, garbage and barbeque grills left outside and accessible to bears contributed to the problem, according to a department statement. No people were hurt by the bear before it was shot in the Yellowstone River.

Wildlife managers sometimes capture and move grizzly bears that are known to cause problems for people. But they will kill ones involved in predatory attacks on people or if they are deemed likely to keep causing problems regardless of being moved.

The Gardiner-area grizzly was killed about 300 miles (500km) south of the unrelated attack in the Columbia Falls area. An estimated 2,000 grizzlies roam western Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western Montana, while several thousand more inhabit the Canadian Rockies and Alaska.

Grizzly bears in the contiguous U.S. are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Elected officials in Rocky Mountain states are pressing federal officials to lift their protected status, which could open the door to future hunting.
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Officials in Beachwood, New Jersey, have announced the beach will be closed for swimming for the remainder of the summer after high fecal bacteria levels were found in the water.

The beach will be closed to bathers after four weeks of tests found that bacteria levels were too high, indicating a high risk of illness from swimming.

Bacteria readings were up to 11 times higher than the standard rate, suggesting a high presence of feces in the water.

In a statement, the Mayor of the Borough of Beachwood said: For the safety, health and welfare of the residents and others, the Mayor and Council have decided to close swimming at the beach for the remainder of the 2024 season due to the Ocean County Health Department reporting of excessive bacteria levels found in the water.

You may still sit and take in the lovely view of the scenery but no one will be permitted to swim.

The Beachwood Beach on the Toms River has had water quality issues for several years.

The beach will be closed to swimmers but visitors can still sit on the beach itself ( NBC New York )

In 2020, Environmental New Jersey declared the beach the dirtiest in the state, having potentially unsafe water half the times it was tested in 2019.

The New Jersey State Sanitary Codes water quality standard for swimming beaches is determined by how much enterococci is present in the water.

The estimated enterococcus concentration cannot exceed 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters of sample for bathing.

Guidelines state that a beach should be closed if two consecutive samples exceed the allocated concentration of bacteria, which happened in Beachwood.

Enterococci live in the intestinal tracts of animals including humans and are indicators that feces are present in the water.

Enterococci are not considered harmful on their own to humans, but their presence indicates that other more harmful microorganisms are also present.

Fecal matter in the water can cause illness and diseases of the skin, eyes, ears and respiratory tract of swimmers.

Sources of fecal contamination in open water include sewage discharge, flooding, feces dumped from boats, and runoff from manure.
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In his first remarks since he ended his presidential campaign, President Joe Biden spoke remotely to campaign staff and supporters as Kamala Harris joined headquarters in Delaware to launch her bid for the Democratic nomination.

I know yesterdays news was surprising and, it was hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do, said Biden, who had announced that he was ending his re-election campaign and throwing his support behind Harris in the race against Donald Trump.

The name is changed on top of the ticket, but the mission hasnt changed at all, he told supporters in Wilmington on Monday. And by the way, Im not going anywhere. Im going to be out there to campaign with her, with Kamala. Im going to be working like hell.

Biden, who has been isolating after being diagnosed with Covid-19 last week, promised to be fully engaged with Harriss campaign as he finishes out the next six months of his administration. We're still fighting in this fight together. I'm not going anywhere, he said.

In her first stump speech as the likely Democratic nominee, Harris hailed Bidens legacy in office, promised to unite the Democratic Party around her campaign, and took aim at her Republican rival, framing Trump as a career criminal up against her history as a top law enforcement official in California.

As a former prosecutor, she took on perpetrators of all kinds, including predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain, she said.

So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type, she added.

Kamala Harris enters her campaign headquarters in Delaware on 22 July 22 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Harris declared her support for restoring constitutional rights to abortion care, combatting the proliferation of high-powered firearms, reviving the Voting Rights Act, and dismantling the Project 2025 framework bolstering Trumps campaign  all key elements of Bidens now-finished campaign.

Our campaign has always been about two different versions of what we see as the future of our country, Harris said. Two different visions for the future of our country, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past. Donald Trump wants to take our country backward to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights, but we believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans.

Republican officials have called on Biden to resign from the presidency after he dropped out of the race, and Trump and his allies have put forward baseless arguments that he was never sick with Covid at all.

The presidents endorsement of Harris on Sunday was followed by a wave of support from Democratic officials and delegates who will cast their vote for Harris as the partys nominee at next months Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

More than 28,000 people have signed up to volunteer for the first time after Biden left the race and endorsed Harris, according to the campaign.

The campaign also hauled in more than $81m from donors within its first 24 hours, with Bidens running mate-turned-preferred nominee standing to inherit the presidents massive campaign war chest.

Biden, sounding hoarse while recovering from Covid, thanked his team and urged their support for Harris.

I know how hard youve worked, how many sacrifices youve made, and so many of you ... uprooted your lives for me and the kind of commitments few people make for anything these days, but you made it, he said. And Ive been honored and humbled. I mean, this is from the bottom of my heart ... for all youve done for me and my family.

Kamala Harris speaks to supporters and campaign staff in Delaware as she launches her bid for the Democratic nomination for president on July 22 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Harris, who made her entry into the campaign headquarters to Beyonces Freedom, acknowledged the rollercoaster of an election cycle that marked the end of Bidens chances of a second term while propelling her to the top of the Democratic ticket

And were all filled with so many mixed emotions about this, she said. I love Joe Biden, and I know we all do, and we have so many darn good reasons for loving Joe Biden, and I have full faith that this team will be the reason we win in November.

With a little over 100 days left before election day, Harris intends to make the case to the American people  and we are going to win, she said.

She pointed to Bidens legacy in office over the first three and a half years of his administration  noting his response to the Covid crisis and his advocacy for democracy at home and abroad  but acknowledged there is still more work to do.

In this election, we know we each face a question, what kind of country do we want to live in  a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate, Harris said.

We each have the ability to answer that question, she added. We have work to do. We have doors to knock on, we have people to talk to, we have phone calls to make, and we have an election to win.
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Donations have flooded into the Democratic party in the hours since Joe Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and Kamala Harris vowed to step up to seek the nomination.

In what has been called the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle, liberal political action committee ActBlue announced on Sunday night that it had raked in $46.7m in funds as of 9pm ET  around seven hours after Bidens announcement.

UPDATE: As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch, the PAC said in a statement.

This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.

The resurgence in donations comes after several of the partys top donors had pulled funding in recent weeks as they, together with Democratic lawmakers, called on Biden to quit the race following his disastrous debate performance last month.

On Sunday, Biden finally bowed to the pressure, sharing a letter to the American people on X saying that while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

The president then endorsed Harris, who said in a statement that she plans to earn and win the Democratic nomination and vowed to do everything in my power to beat Donald Trump.

Joe Biden announcemed he was stepping aside on Sunday evening and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris ( AP )

Donations began pouring in instantly, with ActBlue confirming it had raised more than $27.5m within the first five hours of Harris comfirming her presidential campaign.

Barely two hours later, it confirmed it had processed $46.7m in donations.

Democratic strategists and journalists later claimed that the money raised on the liberal political action committee had passed $60m within nine hours of the release of Bidens statement. ActBlue had not issued a further update as of early Monday morning.

Major Democratic donor Reid Hoffman has also thrown his support behind Harris.

Writing on X on Sunday, the venture capitalist and LinkedIn cofounder said he wholeheartedly support [s] her presidential bid, saying he believes the US will make the right decision between Harris and Trump.

The New York Times reported that online donations have also now surged past $50m, which has only ever previously happened the day after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died in Septmber 2020, Democrat pollster and strategist Matt McDermott said on X earlier.

Bidens official campaign website now redirects supporters to an ActBlue donations page.

Harris vowed to do everything in my power to beat Donald Trump ( AFP via Getty Images )

While Harris is not officially the Democratic presidential candidate yet, the Biden-Harris campaign has already filed with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee Harris for President. This move means Harris can tap into the campaign war chest.

Bidens decision to step aside comes after 37 Democratic and Independent lawmakers publicly called for him to pass the torch to a different candidate, with pressure ramping up in recent days.

Several influential Democrats including Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer, reportedly also called on Biden to drop out in private.
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On Monday afternoon, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries practically strutted to his gaggle. Just a few days ago, Jeffries had the unfortunate task of meeting with President Joe Biden, though he declined to offer his endorsement.

But now that Biden dropped out, he had a spring in his step as he got ready to speak to reporters, as if he had been unburdened by what has been.

He gave reporters the obligatory praise to Biden and said that he would meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. The meeting, which will include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is at this point a mere formality given that nearly every faction of the Democratic Party from moderate Democrats who wanted Biden out to progressive members of the Squad to Jeffriess predecessor Nancy Pelosi have gotten firmly behind her.

Democrats have been in a crisis mode for the past few weeks ever since Bidens disastrous debate. Now, they are allowed to have somewhat of a clean break and focus on beating Donald Trump.

But Biden will still be president until January 20. He also remains extraordinarily unpopular for all the reasons that he stepped away: he is seen as too old, a relic of a time past in American politics.

But in deciding to hand off the baton to Harris, Biden might have a chance to create a better on-ramp for his erstwhile running mate: clear the deck by doing all of the unpopular and unpleasant work to allow Harris to not have to face those difficult questions on the campaign trail.

President Biden's gonna continue to do his job, Jeffries told The Independent. We still have more work to do. We still have to lower costs, we still have to end price gouging. We have to continue to grow the middle class, defend democracy and fight for reproductive freedom.

Of course, this is pablum. But there are very specific tasks to be finished. This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington and deliver a joint address to Congress after House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer invited him to speak.

This comes as Israels war with Hamas, who continue to hold numerous hostages including Americans, rages on and has cause incalcuable suffering for the people of Gaza, and more than 38,000 Palestinians. In the past, Biden has pushed to try and have Netanyahu, who is beholden to a far-right extremist government in Israel, and Hamas to accept some type of ceasefire to no avail.

Understandably, navigating the waters of Middle East politics is treacherous territory. Siding with the Palestinians too much could be seen as a betrayal by many of the Jewish Americans voters who have historically voted for Democrats. But Biden while data show that Gaza alone didnt hurt Biden with younger voters, it certainly didnt help him with progressive or younger voters. But free from having to navigate the electoral politics, Biden could have the opportunity to finally get tough with Netanyahu and condition military aid while at the same time demand that Hamas release the hostages, including American citizens still held captive.

Second comes the fact that the government will run out of money on September 30 and the House and Senate will need to pass spending bills to keep the government open.

So far, Republicans are trying to include poison pills such as including bans on gender-affirming care for transgender servicemembers. Even Senator Joe Manchin, who quit the Democratic Party to become an independent, voted for two amendments in the Senates version in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Once the House and Senate pass their spending bills pass out of the respective chambers, they will need to go to conference. Biden--who in 2012 called transgender rights the civil rights issue of the modern era--could easily threaten to veto any ones that threaten servicemembers health care.

Third comes the debt limit. Remember that thing? For those who forget, Biden and now-defrocked House speaker Kevin McCarthy brokered a deal to raise the debt ceiling in exchange for spending cuts. The US will have to lift it again in January of 2025. Inevitably, Biden will have to agree to some spending cuts the way he did in the last round, especially if Democrats flip the House and Republicans hope to run out the clock until January 3.

Lastly, Republicans in the Senate are holding out on a major package of tax credits, which includes a revised version of the expanded Child Tax Credit that Biden put in the American Rescue Plan. That credit sliced child poverty and Democrats wanted to include it in Build Back Better until Manchin killed the package. But Republicans are waiting out the process in hopes Trump comes back.

While some Democrats might blanche at the idea of allowing some tax cuts passed in Trumps signature legislation to continue, they might welcome allowing some to pass in exchange for putting place a new child tax credit. And if Harris begins to climb in the polls, it gives Biden increased leverage that either Republicans take the deal or see all of the Trump tax cuts expire.

Of course, all of these are hypotheticals. But part of Bidens argument for why he should be president is he could make deals--including unpopular ones--that no other Democrat can do. And with Mitch McConnell leaving his post at the end of the year, there is extra incentive for them to cut one last deal.
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Following weeks of pressure and speculation, Joe Biden announced in a letter on Sunday, July 21, that he would drop out of the race for the White House and was backing his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take his place.

Following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27, when he appeared confused and frail, made several gaffes, and lost his train of thought, more than 30 Democratic lawmakers publicly called for him to end his candidacy in favor of a younger candidate. Senior voices behind the scenes  like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer  were said to be encouraging him to step aside.

Insiders had previously told The Independent that they believed there was no question Vice President Kamala Harris would receive the baton if and when Biden chose not to run in November.

But how would replacing Biden actually work? Heres the process:

The clock is ticking

The partys nominee will be officially chosen at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago between 19 and 22 August.

Almost all of the nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates are currently pledged to Biden after he swept the primary races.

But during a press conference earlier this month, Biden had already said of the delegates: Theyre free to do whatever they want.

President Joe Biden bowed to weeks of pressure and decided to step off the Democratic ticket ( AP )

Tomorrow, if all of a sudden I show up at the convention and everyone says we want someone else, thats the democratic process. Its not going to happen.

But its a bit more complicated than that. During the roll call vote to officially select the nominee, delegates who choose not to back the acknowledged candidate would have to vote present rather than vote for a different candidate.

Now that he has stepped aside, delegates will have to vote for someone else.

Brookings senior fellow Elaine Kamarck told CNN that the rule for electing nominees, in place since the 1984 convention, states that delegates should in all good conscience vote for the person they were selected to represent.

But she added: Its never been tested. Theres no legal history on what in all good conscience means ... Weve never had a convention where a lot of people voted against the person that they got elected with.

Now Biden has stepped aside

Now that Biden is no longer a candidate, Democrats will have to pick a new presidential nominee. And the logistics surrounding that are not simple.

The modern primary campaigning and nominating process began in earnest during John F Kennedys 1960 run for president. Before that, nominating a candidate bore more resemblance to proverbial smoke-filled rooms where party elders selected the nominee away from the eyes and ears of the public.

Thats infeasible at this moment, particularly for a party that bills itself as a defender of democracy.

At the same time, Democrats would risk a battle royale if too many candidates were to emerge in the race.

With Biden out, the process will have to be carefully handled to make sure this didnt scupper the partys chances against Trump in November.

A process that is open, transparent, and energizing

Enter James Zogby, member of the Democratic National Committee, who worked on Jesse Jacksons campaigns and whom Bernie Sanders nominated to serve on the party platform committee in 2016.

Zogby recently sent a memo, seen by The Independent, to DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison laying out how to replace Biden in the event that he would step down.

The central idea is to create a process that is open, transparent, and energizing, while, at the same time, legitimate and democratic, the memo reads. And it is one that is deeply respectful of the president and his accomplishments.

The plan would require that any prospective candidate secure the endorsement of 40 committee members  since most members are elected officials  and that they must include four members from each region.

Kamala is seen as the top candidate to replace Biden ( AFP via Getty Images )

After the deadline, candidates would appear during televised events to make their case to voters. That would culminate in a nominating process at the Democratic National Convention in August.

It is not a coronation, the memo says. ...For at least one month, national media will be focused on our candidates and their exciting process, drawing sharp contrast with the antics of GOP nominee. Given that we can likely predict the pool of potential candidates (Vice President Harris, Governors, Senators, Members of Congress)  the debate they will have will no doubt be respectful and substantive.

Zogbys proposal is an audacious one. It would require TV networks to comply and broadcast the debate. And despite his optimism, there is no guarantee that the contest for delegates would be a clean fight.

Indeed, the old ways were rife with kickbacks, corruption, and back-scratching. And Republicans would make hay of the disarray that Democrats face.

But it might be one of the few options the party has. In 2020, Democratic primary voters chose Biden almost as soon as he won in South Carolina, and then, as a way to prohibit a challenger, the party moved the state up the calendar in 2024. Democrats ostracized heretics like Representative Dean Phillips who suggested something different, even if he was an admittedly imperfect messenger for his cause.

Many Democrats might now want to take a look at Zogbys proposal.

A question of cash

There are a number of reasons that party leaders think Harris will now be handed the nomination  one of them being the campaign cash.

Biden and Harris have raised hundreds of millions of dollars over the last couple of years. The money has been divided between the Democratic National Committee, the Biden campaign, almost all state Democratic parties, as well as a number of joint fundraising committees that send cash around all those groups.

Those entities had collectively about $240m in cash in hand as of June 30. While most of the funds, such as those controlled by the Democratic National Committee, wouldnt be affected by changing the top of the ticket, the most valuable cash is held by the Biden-Harris campaign committee, which had a $91m war chest as of May 30. Those funds have been raised by, and belong to, the Biden-Harris ticket, and which follow those two candidates.

Harris will be able to access those funds.

However, if Harris isnt chosen as the partys nominee, the funds would have to be refunded or, as is more likely, transferred to a federal Super PAC. But those funds would then no longer be directly controlled by the campaign.
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More than five hours before Joe Biden announced he would abandon his re-election run and endorse Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, vice presidential candidate JD Vance was already posing disparaging what-ifs about the sitting presidents capacity for the job.

If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President? Donald Trumps 39-year-old running mate posted on social media . Not running for re-election would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief. There is no middle ground.

On Sunday afternoon, Biden formally announced that he was jumping out of the 2024 presidential race, prompting more Republicans to jump on the bandwagon in questioning his fitness to remain in office.

Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard has gone all-in on deep state conspiracy theories ( Getty Images )

House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed in a statement that if Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President.

He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough, he charged.

Montana Senator Steve Daines said he was formally calling on Biden to resign, insisting that if hes no longer capable of running for reelection, he is no longer capable of serving as President.

And GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina posted, If Joe Biden does not have the cognitive ability to seek reelection, he does not have the cognitive ability to serve the remainder of his term. Tomorrow I will introduce a resolution calling on Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th amendment and assume the duties of acting President.

Meanwhile, former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has since shifted her allegiance to the GOP, contended that Machiavellian forces forced Bidens decision, claiming, spuriously, on X that Vice President Kamala Harris is the new figurehead for the deep state and the maidservant of Hillary Clinton, queen of the cabal of warmongers. They will continue their efforts to engulf the world in war and taking away our liberty.

To be sure, Biden didnt drop out because he copped to being unfit, but, rather, he dropped out in the face of pressure from his own party, which did not believe the 81-year-old president had the public support to beat Trump in November.

The internal backlash against a Biden re-election run gained steam after the commander-in-chiefs disastrous debate performance against Trump, the twice-impeached former president who has since been convicted by a New York jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records, been found civilly liable for rape by a second set of Big Apple jurors, and is still facing multiple federal and state chargesalthough a recent Supreme Court decision has temporarily thrown a wrench into the worksover allegations involving his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Pictures showed blood on Donald Trumps right ear and part of his face after shots were fired during the rally (Gene J Puskar/AP) ( AP )

Following an assassination attempt last weekend which led to reports that Trump might soften his tone after a near-death experience, the ex-POTUS took to Truth Social to take a series of ugly swipes at Biden, calling him crooked and claiming he was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve  And never was!

We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly, Trump wrote. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

In response to the news that Biden had stepped aside and endorsed Harris, Trumps most rabid fans quickly flooded the internet on Sunday to express their concurring opinions. A credulous Elon Muskwho recently pledged $45 million a month to get the 45th president reinstalled as the 47thbegan posting and reposting on X.

My smartest friends, including those living in the San Francisco Bay Area who have been lifelong Dems, are excited about Trump/Vance, Musk wrote in one post, without naming names.

Tesla CEO and Trump fan Elon Musk claimed his smartest friends are excited about Trump/Vance. ( Getty Images )

Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer jumped into the fray, floating the absurd notion that Trumps recent shooting, which bloodied his ear but did not do any significant damage, was a plot by anti-Trumpers in positions of power.

And just like that, the media stopped talking about the Trump assassination attempt, Loomer posted on X. Do you not see what is happening? This is all planned to cover up the Deep States plot to kill Trump under Biden. We need accountability. We can talk about the Dysfunctional Democrat party later.

Others piled on, feigning outrage about Harris record while continuing to take disingenuous shots at Biden. Donald Trump Jr., the ex-presidents adult son, posted, Kamala Harris owns the entire leftwing policy record of Joe Biden. The only difference is that she is even more liberal and less competent than Joe, which is really saying something.

And Lauren Boebert, the congresswoman recently escorted out of a theater performance in her home state of Colorado, claimed, They set Joe up before the debate even took place. They forced him to do more interviews in the past 3 weeks than he has done in 48 years in office. Locking in the narrative, Joes puppet strings were slashed.

Conversely, former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who chaired the House committee investigating Trumps role in the Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt, expressed her support for Bidens decision to put country over party.

The framers of our Constitution knew that our republic would endure only if our presidents have the character and honor to put duty ahead of self interest, she posted on X. President Biden deserves our gratitude for his decades of service to our nation and for his courageous decision today.
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Donald Trump insisted that President Joe Bidens doctors should be probed for giving him a wonderful report while his running mate JD Vance called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked in a new Jesse Watters Primetime interview.

Trump and the newly minted vice presidential candidate sat down with Watters for an interview just one day before Biden made the stunning announcement that he would not seek re-election in the face of mounting pressure from his own party to ditch the race. The historic move came weeks after a disastrous debate that stoked concerns about the 81-year-olds advanced age and fitness for another four years in office.

During the Fox News interview  which will air in full on Monday  Watters asked Trump: Youd investigate the people that hid Bidens condition?

Trump replied: Look, you had people that lied to the American public...You ought to take a look at his doctors because his doctors keep giving him this wonderful report.

Im not a doctor, but I saw him the other day, was unable to get up the children stairs going into Air Force One, the former president continued, referring to Bidens preference for a shorter staircase to board the plane.

Watters then asked: Is it a coup against Joe Biden?

Trump calls for investigation into Bidens doctors for giving the president a wonderful report ( Fox News )

Both Vance and Trump signaled they believed it was a coup.

If Joe Biden cant run for president, he cant serve as president, the Ohio senator said. And if they want to take him down because hes mentally incapable of serving, invoke the 25th amendment. You dont get to sort of do this in the most politically beneficial way for Democrats. If its an actual problem, they should take care of it the appropriate way.

One day after the Jesse Watters Primetime interview was filmed, Biden announced he was ditching his 2024 bid. He has since endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, and has vowed to fulfill the rest of his term in office.

While Republicans were quick to seize on Bidens withdrawal announcement as evidence hes not fit to carry out his term, the president did not drop out because he copped to being unfit. He ditched his bid in the face of intense pressure from Democrats, who worried he could not defeat Trump at the ballot box in November.

After Biden announced his decision to step aside, South Carolina Republican Rep Nancy Mace also called on Harris to invoke the 25th amendment.

She posted on X: If Joe Biden does not have the cognitive ability to seek reelection, he does not have the cognitive ability to serve the remainder of his term. Tomorrow I will introduce a resolution calling on Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th amendment and assume the duties of acting President.
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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher to issue a succinct takedown of Republican vice presidentian nominee JD Vance.

He said Vance was a close ally of former PayPal boss and prominent Republican donor Peter Thiel. Thiel is one of a number of high-profile tech tycoons to back Trump, the latest being Elon Musk, something Trump boasted about at length during his Michigan rally on Saturday.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is interviewed Friday on Real Time with Bill Maher as pressure mounts on Joe Biden to drop out of the race. ( YouTube: Real Time with Bill Maher )

"I think it's a profound contradiction, but maybe it's not that complicated," he explained to Maher, when discussing why tech billionaires were shifting their support towards conservatives including Trump.

We've made it way too complicated. It's super simple. These are very rich men who have decided to back the Republican party that tends to do good things for very rich men."

He also made a comparison between Vance and the political journey of Mike Pence, Trumps last vice president, who rose from essential political obscurity to become vice president of the United States only to later end up a target on January 6 and persona non grata in the Republican Party when he ran for president in 2024.

[Pence] got four glorious years, I guess, as vice president, said Buttigieg. [I]t ended on the west front of the Capitol with Trump supporters proposing that he be hanged, for using the one shred of integrity he still had, to stand up to an attempt to overthrow the government.

I guess maybe not as a politician, but as a human being, what Ill say is that I hope things work out a little bit better for JD Vance than they did for Mike Pence.

His comments are particularly relevant given Musks recent announcement of support for Trump, which the Twitter/X owner says will include $45m per month donated to a new pro-Trump super PAC. Venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz also recently came out in support of Trump.
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Bill and Hillary Clinton were quick to throw their weight behind Kamala Harriss bid for the Democratic nomination, as party leaders rushed to endorse the vice president after Joe Bidens historic announcement that he would be ending his re-election campaign.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, their statement read.

Notably absent from the list of those quick to commend Harris was Barack Obama, who did not mention her in a lengthy statement honoring the presidents remarkable career and character. Harris has said she was honored to have Bidens official endorsement on Sunday and vowed to earn and win the Democratic nomination.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary  who previously ran for president in 2016, but was defeated by Donald Trump  praised Bidens extraordinary career of service but pledged to do whatever we can to support Harriss bid for the White House.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it, they said.

Notably absent from the list of those quick to commend Harris was Barack Obama, who did not mention her in a lengthy statement commending Joe Bidens remarkable career and character ( AP )

In a lengthy statement, Obama paid tribute to his former vice presidents devotion to public service but stopped short of endorsing Harris, writing instead that he had extraordinary confidence Democratic leaders would be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also did not specifically endorse Harris, but praised Bidens legacy of vision, values and leadership which made him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

Biden was the partys presumptive nominee, but has no direct power over choosing the delegates formal nominee. Harris needs the support of 1,969 of the 3,936 Democratic delegates to secure her nomination at the August convention.

Bill and Hillary Clinton led high profile Democrats in endorsing Kamala Harris for the partys nomination, after Joe Biden announced he was dropping his reelection bid ( REUTERS )

However, despite the silence from Obama and Pelosi, multiple other Democrats were quick to come out in support of Harris, including the chairs of several influential Democratic-led caucuses.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair Nanette Barragan said she had spoken to Harris directly to reiterate that she was all in. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Judy Chu and Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal also posted their respective endorsements online.

Earlier, the Congressional Black Caucus said it fully supported Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. High profile Democratic senators also offered their support for Harris, including Chris Murphy, Tina Smith, Ed Markey, and Elizabeth Warren.

We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed, said Warren, who added that Harris was a proven fighter. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November.

Kamala Harris is battle-tested and ready to serve. She will galvanize voters and make history on Election Day. All in for Kamala, added Markey.

Philadelphia Governor Josh Shapiro  who has been floated as a potential running mate for Harris should she win the Democratic nomination  also urged voters to get behind her.

Philadelphia Governor Josh Shapiro, seen by some as a potential running mate for Harris, urged voters to get behind her candidacy ( Getty Images )

"Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results, Shapiro wrote.

Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom.

She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States."

Other congressmen, including South Carolinas Jim Clyburn and New Yorks Jerry Nadler, also offered their support, with the latter writing that he proudly endorsed Harris as the party nominee.

Clyburn said that Biden had demonstrated good judgment in selecting Harris as his vice president and was also proud to follow his lead in supporting her candidacy.

As well as high-profile individuals, Harris also scored big wins when both the American Federation of Teachers and the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights organization, announced they would back her.

The @aftunion Exec. Council just voted to endorse @KamalaHarris for president, subject to ratification by delegates to the 2024 AFT convention. Harris is fighting to restore Roe, fighting for families,for student debt relief and is a powerful advocate for workers, AFT president Randi Weingarten wrote on X.

Harris has already scored the backing of major US organizations including the American Federation of Teachers and the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights organization ( Getty Images )

HRC president Kelley Robinson wrote: Vice President Kamala Harris is a trailblazer and has been a champion for LGBTQ+ equality for decades: from leading the fight in San Francisco against hate crimes and her work in California to end the so-called gay and transgender panic defense to her early support for marriage equality and her leadership serving as our Vice President.

The Human Rights Campaign could not be prouder to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and commit to channeling our resources and supporters to work to elect the first Black and South Asian woman president of the United States.
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With President Joe Biden having dropped out of the 2024 White House race, attention has now turned to the Democratic party and their plan for nominating his replacement.

Biden, 81, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, to become the Democratic nominee and a slew of Democratic donors, lawmakers and public figures have thrown their support behind her.

But Harris is yet to gain the title officially  something that wont be formalized until the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August.

With less than a month to go to the DNC, heres what you need to know:

When is the DNC?

The Democratic National Convention is slated to start on 19 August 2024.

The convention will then run for four days, ending on 22 August.

Where is the DNC?

Democratic delegates from all 50 states and US territories will attend the convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The DNC said Chicago was chosen because it represents the diversity of the Democratic Party and the country.

Its a union city that sits at the heart of the Midwest, and its a Democratic stronghold that was part of the blue wall crucial to the Biden-Harris victory in 2020, the convention organizers wrote on the DNC website.

What will happen at the DNC?

Roughly 4,000 Democratic delegates out of 4,700 pledged to support Biden after he swept the partys primary elections earlier this year.

But, now that Biden has dropped out of the race, those delegates are now up for grabs.

Following Bidens announcement on Sunday, DNC chair Jaime Harrison pledged a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people, Harrison said in a statement.

In short order, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party on next steps and the path forward for the nomination process.

Under convention rules, the delegates pledged to Biden are now effectively free agents, which means they are also not obligated to support Harris.

A candidate would need at least 300 signatures from delegates at the convention, with no more than 50 delegates pledged per state.

If there is no clear majority winner after a round of voting to determine the nominee in a first round, there are another 750 so-called super delegates  made up of elected officials, former DNC chairs and former Democratic presidents  who can cast their votes.

A candidate formally becomes the nominee upon the conclusion of their acceptance speech, according to DNC rules.

In a recent memo to Harrison, DNC member James Zogby outlined a campaign-like process leading up to a convention, underscoring a process that is open, transparent, and energizing, while, at the same time, legitimate and democratic.

A prospective candidate would need the backing of at least 40 DNC members, with at least four members from each region. There would then be a televised campaign leading up to the convention, culminating in a vote for the nominees.
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With a potential Donald Trump versus Kamala Harrispresidential race on the horizon, a forgotten chapter of their shared political history is resurfacing.

Between 2011 and 2013, Trump actually donated $6,000 to Harriss campaigns, during her time as California attorney general, which spanned 2011 to 2017.

Ivanka Trump, Trumps daughter, also gave $2,000 to Harris in 2014, according to records obtained by The Washington Post.

At the time, commentators speculated that the donations from Trump Sr. may have been to curry favor as the then-businessmans Trump University was facing a class-action lawsuit in California.

Harriss office didnt prosecute the case while she was in office, though she has insisted she didnt seek the donations and they had no effect on her decisions as AG, according to the Post.

Kamala Harris campaign ad attacking Donald Trump resurfaces

After Trump began running for president in 2015, Harris donated his donation to a nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans," the Sacramento Bee reported at the time.

The Trump family actually have a long history of donating to both Democrats and Republicans, including liberal stalwarts like Cory Booker and Chuck Schumer.

Its interesting: I was looking at the ones Im running against. Ive contributed to most of them. Can you believe it? Trump once bragged at an Iowa campaign stop in 2016. Ive given to Democrats. Ive given to Hillary. Ive given to everybody! Because that was my job. I gotta give to them. Because when I want something, I get it. When I call, they kiss my a**.

Asparagus fortune teller gives intriguing prediction of the 2024 winner

Observers argue this pattern is a reflection of Trumps past in the New York real estate world, where it was common for high-profile developers to generously give to both parties to garner political favors.

This was completely irrespective of anything to do with principles, political perspectives, Gwenda Blair, a Columbia University journalism professor who wrote The Trumps: Three Generations That Built an Empire, told Politico in 2019. It was about levers of power, period. And this has not changed. This has never changed.
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George Conway mocked his ex-wife Kellyannes attack on vice president Kamala Harris just hours after President Biden announced he would step down.

In a Fox News interview on Sunday evening, Kellyane Conway, once a senior adviser to then-President Trump, bashed Harris, saying: She does not speak well. She does not work hard. She doesnt inspire anyone. She should not be the standard-bearer for the party.

Vocal Trump critic George Conway then replied to a clip of his ex-wife, writing sarcastically on X: Not everyone can express themselves as eloquently and with such exquisite turns of phrase as Donald J Trump.

The Conways confirmed their divorce last May.

The former couples differing political views  and stances on Trump  are not new. While Kellyanne spoke at the Republican National Convention last week, her ex-husband was busy launching the Anti-Psychopath PAC.

Kellyanne Conway bashes Kamala Harris hours after President Joe Biden endorsed her ( Fox News )

He previously told The Independent that the PAC aimed to highlight the existential threat Donald Trump poses to democracy and remind voters of the former presidents mental unfitness for office.

Kellyannes remarks about Harris arrive as Trumps campaign and his allies refocus efforts to target the vice president, who was endorsed by Biden on Sunday after announcing his withdrawal from the race. Numerous Republicans have even gone so far as to suggest that she was a DEI hire, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, ignoring her years of public service.

Kellyanne and George Conway speaks with members of the media at a dinner one day before Trump's inauguration in January 2017 ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Despite the attacks from the GOP, Democrats have signalled support for Harris and significant donations have poured into her campaign since Biden dropped out of the race.

ActBlue announced that it had received nearly $50m in donations in just the 24 hours since the announcement, calling it the the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.
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Democratic megadonors George and Alex Soros have thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the race against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was leaving the race and endorsed Harris to lead the Democratic Party in his place. The party has quickly coalesced around Harris in the 24 hours since the announcement.

George and Alex Soros spend tens of millions of dollars each election cycle. Shortly after Bidens announcement on Sunday, Alex Soros shared an image with Harris and wrote: Its time for us all to unite around Kamala Harris and beat Donald Trump. She is the best and most qualified candidate we have. Long live the American Dream!

George Soros, 93, also backs Harris, a Soros spokesperson said, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Financier and philanthropist George Soros has endorsed Kamala Harris as she looks to move to the top of the Democratic ticket ( Getty Images )

The investor and target of rightwing conspiracy theories handed control of his $25 billion empire to his son last year. Alex Soros, 38, who has described himself as a center-left thinker with a self-awareness of the familys wealth, initially wasnt thought to be a possible successor, the paper noted last year.

This comes as other billionaire donors are arguing for an open contest at the Democratic convention in Chicago next month.

The founder of Galaxy Digital Holdings, Mike Novogratz said, That mini bake-off is going to get more press and publicity and coverage than anything in the whole world for the next month. America is ready to change, according to Bloomberg.

Fellow Democratic donor and a former managing director at the investment firm DE Shaw Trey Beck called on Biden to step aside after his debate debacle in Atlanta on June 27. Beck is now calling for a contest to decide on the new nominee.

Any person who emerges from that process is a stronger candidate, he said. Theyll have been vetted by the public, their positions will be out there, their rhetorical skills will have been sharpened.

Harris is racking up endorsements as she looks to become the new Democratic presidental nominee ( AP )

Beck, who has donated $66,600 to the Biden Victory Fund, added that if Harris would win such a contest, he would walk on hot coals to see her elected president.

Donations began flooding in after Biden announced that he was stepping down as the Democratic nominee.

The grassroots group Swing Left was founded on Trumps inauguration day to elect Democrats to the House. It started a fund on Sunday to support the eventual nominee. Executive director Yasmin Radjy told Bloomberg that it raised $75,000 in the first hour and a half.

What we dont want is for the theorizing, the pundits, and all those conversations about an open process to slow down the deep commitment that grassroots funders have, she told the outlet.
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Hunter Biden has dropped his lawsuit against Fox News just hours after his father, President Joe Biden, announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race.

The presidents son sued the right-wing outlet for defamation claiming it published nude photos and videos of him without his consent in a six-part fictional mock trial series titled The Trial of Hunter Biden.

In the lawsuit, filed on July 1, Hunter Biden accused Fox News of target[ing] Mr Biden in an effort to harass, annoy, alarm, and humiliate him, and tarnish his reputation with false claims about his business ventures, drug abuse, alleged illegal activity and foreign investments.

Far from reporting on a newsworthy event, Fox sought to commercialize Mr. Bidens personality through a form of treatment distinct from the dissemination of news or information, the lawsuit stated.

Indeed, the entire miniseries is fictionalized and based on a nonexistent criminal case.

Despite stating the trial was fictional, the lawsuit claimed that the show presented actual emails and nonconsensual intimate images.

While using certain true information, the series intentionally manipulates the facts, distorts the truth, narrates happenings out of context, and invents dialogue intended to entertain, the lawsuit stated.

Thus, the viewer of the series cannot decipher what is fact and what is fiction, which is highly damaging to Mr Biden.

Hunter Biden leaves following a closed-door deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and House Judiciary Committee on February 28, 2024. Hunter Biden has now dropped a defamation lawsuit against Fox News ( Getty Images )

The intimate images have also been shown in congressional hearings, most notably by MAGA Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In a statement at the time the suit was filed, a spokesperson for Fox News told The Independent: This entirely politically motivated lawsuit is devoid of merit.

The core complaint stems from a 2022 streaming program that Mr Biden did not complain about until sending a letter in late April 2024. The program was removed within days of the letter, in an abundance of caution, but Hunter Biden is a public figure who has been the subject of multiple investigations and is now a convicted felon.

Consistent with the First Amendment, FOX News has accurately covered the newsworthy events of Mr Bidens own making, and we look forward to vindicating our rights in court.

On Sunday  the same day as his father stepped down as the Democratic party nominee  Hunter Bidens lawyers filed court papers seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed.

It is not clear if the two events are linked.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bidens exit from the race came following weeks of pressure from his own party and falling poll numbers, following his dismal debate performance last month.

Now, Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner to take on Donald Trump in the presidential election.

Though she is yet to be officially crowned the presidential nominee, the Biden-Harris campaign has already amended its filings with the Federal Election Commission to declare her its chosen candidate.
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Keen listeners at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and Trump rally in Michigan this week may have noticed a subtle development on the campaign trail: JD Vance officially has a walk-on song.

On the surface, the track, 2005s America First by country legend Merle Haggard, seems like a solid fit.

After all, it shares a name with one of Donald Trumps signature slogans, and has lyrics that gel with his criticisms of foreign wars.

Why dont we liberate these United States/ Were the ones need it the worst/ Let the rest of the world help us for a change/ And lets rebuild America first, goes one part of the song.

The song was written during the Iraq War, a conflict JD Vance served in but has also criticized.

When I was a senior in high school, that same Joe Biden supported the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Vance said at the RNC. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the financial crisis to the great recession, from open borders to stagnating wages, the people who govern this country have failed and failed again.

JD Vances Merle Haggard walk-on song has a strong anti-war message ( Getty )

What Vance didnt mention is that Donald Trump also initially supported the Iraq war.

In a 2002 interview with Howard Stern, the radio host asked Trump if he supported the invasion.

"Yeah, I guess so," Trump responded. "I wish the first time it was done correctly."

Trump has later falsely claimed he opposed the war since before it began.

The mismatch with America First may go beyond just Trumps record of foreign policy opinions.

Haggard, while he was alive, resisted attempts to be claimed by one party or another.

There are things I go for on both sides of the fence, he once explained to Variety. I cant be called one or the other, because if I was one of em, Id want to be the other one.

America First, he went on, was in fact written from a place of criticism towards George Bush and 9/11-era laws like the controversial Patriot Act, which provided sweeping surveillance powers to federal authorities.

Im going to say as an American that I think theyve been disingenuous with the public about the reasons why were there, Haggard said. And I think the United States of America is mature enough to understand the real reasons. Im just disappointed in the fact that (Bush) doesnt level with us I think if were gonna have to suffer sanctions as Americans when it comes to freedom, then we ought to know the entire picture.

Haggard also defended fellow country stars The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks), when they were faced with intense public backlash for criticizing George Bush.

Haggard called their treatment a witch-hunt and a verbal lynching.

I dont even know the Dixie Chicks, but I find it an insult for all men and women who fought and died in past wars when almost the majority of America jumped down their throats for voicing an opinion, he said.

Haggard, who died in 2016, wrote a variety of political songs in his time, from one praising Hillary Clinton, to 1969 Okie from Muskogee, a rebuke of the hippie culture during the Vietnam War.

When I was in prison, I knew what it was like to have freedom taken away, Haggard once said of the song. Freedom is everything. During Vietnam, there were all kinds of protests. Here were these [servicemen] going over there and dying for a causewe dont even know what it was really all about. And here are these young kids, that were free, bitching about it. Theres something wrong with that and with [disparaging] those poor guys.

The track became a touchstone for many conservatives, though Haggard later claimed he was dumb as a rock when he wrote the song.

Here are the full lyrics of America First, according to Genius.

[Verse]

Why dont we liberate these United States

Were the ones need it the worst

Let the rest of the world help us for a change

And lets rebuild America first

Our highways and bridges are falling apart

Whos blessed and who has been cursed?

Theres things to be done all over the world

But lets rebuild America first

Whos on the Hill and whos watching the valley?

And whos in charge of it all?

God bless the Army and God bless our liberty

And dadgum the rest of it all

Yeah, men in position are backing away

Freedom is stuck in reverse

Lets get out of Iraq and get back on the track

And lets rebuild America first

Why dont we liberate these United States?

Were the ones who need it the most

You think Im blowing smoke?

Boys, it aint no joke

I make twenty trips a year from coast to coast
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Hunter Biden penned an emotional tribute to his father on Sunday, saying that unconditional love has served as Joe Bidens North Star during his time as president, following the stunning announcement on Sunday that he has put an end to his re-election campaign.

He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years, he wrote as tributes began to pour in for the president.

First lady Jill Biden and the presidents granddaughter Naomi were among the other Biden family members who spoke out in support of the presidents momentous decision, which comes after plummeting poll numbers and weeks of mounting pressure from prominent Democratic lawmakers and donors.

In a statement posted to X, Biden said it had been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president, but that stepping down was in the best interest of my party and the country.

Hunter Biden  who received the presidents unwavering support throughout his recent criminal trial, where he was found guilty of three felony gun charges  praised the empathy his father has shown towards countless everday Americans.

US President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden upon arrival at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on June 11 ( AFP via Getty Images )

For my entire life, Ive looked at my dad in awe. How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others? Hunter said in a statement.

Not only in the policies he passed, but in the individual lives hes touched. Over a life time I have witnessed him absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who hes given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them to call him when they were hurting. When their last hopes were slipping through their hands.

Im so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him, Hunter continued. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same. Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad.

Hunter Biden has reportedly been one of the most vocal advocates of his father staying in the 2024 presidential race, despite calls for him to step aside ( AP )

Naomi Biden, 30, the eldest daughter of Hunter and Kathleen Buhle, described her grandfather as the most effective president of our lifetime.

Im nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction, she wrote on X.

Not only has he beenand will continue to bethe most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nations history.

He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years. Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him. To the Americans who have always had his back, keep the faith. He will always have ours.

Posting from her own account, Jill Biden simply shared her husbands statement with a heart emoji.

The first lady has been a constant source of support for Biden, especially in the wake of his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27, where he appeared frail and at times incoherent, leading to a deluge of calls for him step aside in the upcoming presidential election.

In the minutes after the debate, Biden took to the stage to commend him for answering every question. And for weeks, sources close to the family told media outlets that he had no plans to pull out of the race despite the pressure, saying the first lady was still all in on the campaign.

First Lady Jill Biden has been a constant source of support for the president even in recent weeks, as calls for him to step down from the 2024 presidential race have grown ( AFP via Getty Images )

Both Jill and Hunter Biden were reportedly among the most vocal family members urging him not to call it quits.

The family is scared. These advisers are incredibly loyal and doing their jobs, a senior Democrat told NBC News at the time.

Another source told the Associated Press: The entire family is united. You get up and keep fighting.

Eyebrows were raised, however, following reports that Hunter Biden had attended several official meetings with his father and senior White House aides in the days following the debate. Axios reported that Hunter had seemingly become a liaison between his father and the outside world  a barrier deciding who was permitted to speak to the president.

On Sunday, the presidents youngest brother, Frank Biden, told ABC News that his brothers decision to step out of the race boils down to his overall health and vitality but also beating this genuine threat to our nation in the form of Donald Trump.

The strength of the Biden family was echoed in a statement by Kamala Harris, in which she accepted the presidents endorsement of her candidacy and recalled her friendship with his late son Beau Biden ( AP )

The strength of the Biden family ties was reflected in a statement from Kamala Harris, in which she accepted the presidents endorsement and recalled her friendship with his late son, Beau Biden  who died in 2015.

It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family, Harris said.

I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of fatherand the kind of manhe was.

And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joes leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family.
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President Joe Biden has called off his re-election bid after many weeks of nail-biting speculation about the 81-year-olds fitness for office, with myriad prominent Democrats  including movie stars like George Clooney and trusted political allies like Rep Adam Schiff  pushing for him to drop out of the race against challenger Donald Trump in favor of a younger candidate.

Bidens health has been a concern since his unsuccessful 2008 run at the presidency, some 20 years after surviving two life-threatening brain aneurysms. His cognitive abilities have been on voters minds since he took office in January 2021.

A full physical exam during Bidens first year in the White House found him to be a healthy, vigorous, 78-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the president, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief, according to personal physician Dr Kevin OConnor. In a six-page summary of the checkup, OConnor chalked up Bidens perceptibly stiffer and less fluid gait to mild nerve damage, and an "increasing frequency and severity of throat clearing and coughing to esophageal reflux.

As the year progressed, Bidens health came under increasing scrutiny. After falling off a bicycle that June near a home he owns in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, an uninjured Biden said his foot had gotten caught on a toe clip and told the accompanying press pool,  Im good . During his successful 2020 campaign, he reassured the public that he considered himself a placeholder who would restore normalcy to the Oval Office while the Democratic Party developed fresh candidates for the next election. The apparently selfless notion was also the practical way forward: a mere five in ten registered Democrats said in an October 2022 AP-NORC poll that they wanted Biden to run for a second term.

Joe Biden takes a spill while riding his bike in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware ( Reuters )

In June 2023, Biden fell on stage after tripping over a sandbag at the US Air Force Academy graduation ceremony. A few months after that, speculation about Bidens health intensified when, at a Manhattan campaign event, he recounted an anecdote, then repeated the same story again nearly word for word, according to a pool report .

Things finally came to a head for Biden following his disastrous performance against Trump at the first presidential debate of 2024, which convinced many Democrats that Biden would doom the partys chances of defeating Trump.

Today, less than 25 percent of voters consider Biden to be mentally sharp, a decrease of six points since January and a drop of nearly half since fall 2020, a Pew Research Center poll showed  along with a four-point advantage for Trump at the ballot box.

Heres a look at how things went downhill for Biden:

Jan 22, 2024: While meeting with the White House Task Force on Reproductive Rights, Biden thanked attendee Jen Klein, his gender policy adviser, then singled out Secretary Becerra, sitting right next to her, for the leadership in this task force, lauding Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. However, the man next to Klein was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas; Becerra had dialed in to the meeting via Zoom.

Feb 7, 2024: Speaking at a New York City fundraiser, Biden recounted an interaction he said he had with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl at the 2021 G7 summit. In fact, Biden had been speaking with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the confab; Kohl died in 2017.

Feb 8, 2024: When Special Counsel Robert Hur probed Bidens possible mishandling of sensitive government documents, he found no evidence of criminality. However, in a report issued after the investigation was complete, Hur described Biden as having diminished faculties, and a memory he called, variously, hazy, fuzzy, faulty, and poor. Biden had difficulty recalling the precise dates of certain major events in his life, including the year his son Beau died of cancer. according to Hur. My memory is fine, Biden insisted at the time.

Movie star George Clooney, a longtime Biden supporter, was one of the first big names to call for a new Democratic nominee ( AFP via Getty )

Feb 28, 2024: Bidens personal physician released the results of the presidents yearly physical, listing a range of mild conditions, including mild arthritis and sleep apnea, but said he was otherwise in fine health, with no indication of stroke, dementia, or Parkinsons.

March 7, 2024: Biden delivered a confident and energetic State of the Union address, winning plaudits from Democrats along with a bit of backhanded praise from Trump, who insisted  without a shred of evidence  that Bidens impressive performance must have been enhanced by drugs.

June 7, 2024: Biden appears with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but appears to bungle certain details while talking about a fresh round of military assistance being provided by the U.S.

June 27, 2024: At the first  and perhaps only  debate of the 2024 campaign season between Biden and Trump, Biden rambled, stumbled over words, and was, at times, nonsensical. At one point, after Biden responded to a question from moderators, Trump quipped, I really dont know what he said at the end of that sentence, and I dont think he did, either.

July 3, 2024: While meeting with Democratic governors from across the US, Biden says he needs to get more sleep and tells attendees that he will no longer schedule public events past 8pm.

July 2, 2024: Texas Rep Lloyd Doggett becomes the first Democratic lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out.

Bidens dismal debate performance supercharged calls for him to step aside ( Reuters )

July 10, 2024: In an op-ed, Sen Peter Welch of Vermont becomes the first Democratic senator to go public with a plea for Biden to exit the race. The same day, multiple sources tell CBS News that House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has plans to confront Biden about dropping out. The same day, The New York Times publishes an op-ed by actor and Biden donor George Clooney, titled, I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee.

Second week of July 2024: Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, tells Biden that he is an albatross for the party, and that polling suggests he is headed for a loss against Trump in the fall. Further, Pelosi said, Bidens insistence on a second term could sink Democrats chances of retaking the House, multiple sources told CNN.

July 11, 2024: At a press conference, Biden refers to Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin. Later that evening, at his first solo press conference in eight months, Biden began with another flub, referring to Kamala Harris as Vice-President Trump.

July 13, 2024: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly tells Biden it would be better for the Democratic Party and better for the country if [you] were to bow out. (Schumer denies the finer points of the report as speculation, but a spokesman admits the New York Democrat conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden.)

Concerns further mounted when Biden referred to Ukrainian President Voloymyr Zelensky as President Putin ( Getty )

July 17, 2024: Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a key member of the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 sacking of the US Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters, joins the growing chorus of voices calling on Biden to quit the race. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November, Schiff said in a statement.

July 17, 2024: Polling by AP-NORC shows seven in 10 adults and 65 percent of Democrats believe Biden should withdraw in favor of a new nominee. Some 50 percent of Democrats surveyed said they were not very or not at all confident about Bidens mental faculties, an increase of one-third since February, and less than 30 percent of Dems said they were extremely or very confident in Bidens ability to govern effectively.

July 17, 2024: Biden announces he has Covid .

July 18, 2024: Former President Barack Obama reportedly tells Biden, his onetime vice-president, that he should seriously reconsider his campaign.

July 21, 2024 Biden officially withdraws from the race, sharing a letter on X that says its in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.
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West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin swatted away rumors that he was mulling a White House bid as a Democrat after President Joe Biden made the historic decision to leave the 2024 race.

Im not running for office, Manchin told CBS Mornings on Monday, putting an end to reports that the independent senator was considering rejoining the Democrats to run for the nomination.

Im not going to be a candidate for president, he continued. I dont need that in my life.

Manchins announcement comes one day after he called for Biden to step aside from the 2024 race: I came to the decision with a heavy heart that its time to pass the torch to a new generation.

Manchin is sworn in by then-vice president Biden in November 2021 ( Getty Images )

Later that day, Biden did  and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, for president.

The West Virginia senator has previously said he is planning on retiring after this term is up. Manchin had switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent in May  flirting with running a third party bid for president, but ultimately decided against it.

On Sunday, Manchin urged Biden to abandon his 2024 bid but also insisted that the incumbent president remain in office until the end of his term: I want him to be the president in the last five months of this presidency of his termto do what he can do is unite our country, to calm down the rhetoric and be able to focus attention to peace in the world.

Manchin called Biden one of the greatest leaders that weve had.

After Biden dropped out of the race, a flood of Democratic lawmakers and donors came forward to endorse Harris.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined the ranks, telling MSNBCs Morning Joe on Monday morning: I am excited to fully endorse Vice President Harris for the next president of the United States. The VP is smart and strong which will make her a good president. But shes also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president.

The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldnt be clearer, he said. As attorney general, Harris prosecuted rapists and domestic abusers, while Donald Trumps vice presidential pick JD Vance insists that women should stay in abusive relationships and calls pregnancy arising from rape inconventient, Beshear said.

Im going to do everything I can to support her, he added.

Liberal political action committee ActBlue announced  just seven hours after Biden announced he was stepping aside  that it had raised a staggering $46.7 million, calling it the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.
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Within hours after Joe Biden stepped out of the 2024 race, vice president Kamala Harris was working the phones to clear a path to winning the Democratic nomination for president.

Harris quickly secured crucial endorsements from several influential congressional caucuses and Democratic lawmakers, as well as from party officials in key battleground states that Democrats cant afford to lose to Donald Trump in November. Meanwhile, some Democratic National Committee delegates are already committing their support to Harris, who is expected to enter the partys convention in August with a sizeable number of pledges.

The president endorsed Harris for the presidency as he announced he was ending his re-election campaign on July 21. The chair of the Democratic National Committee issued a statement shortly thereafter promising a transparent process to select the nominee.

By that afternoon, Harriss just-launched campaign and her allies were calling prominent members of Congress and DNC delegates in an effort to secure her nomination before the convention in August.

Among her first calls was to Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, who said she is 1000% in for her to be our President. Harris also secured endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus and the chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

A group of current and former DNC members also began circulating a letter that by press time had collected more than 60 signatures urging members and voters to support Harris.

By Sunday night, state Democratic Party chairs had overwhelmingly endorsed Harris, according to Association of State Democratic Committees president Ken Martin.

These state party leaders are on the front lines of winning elections at every level and know that the stakes of this election could not be higher. With our democracy on the ballot, there is no one more qualified than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump.

During an afternoon conference call, Tennessees 77 DNC delegates voted unanimously to endorse Harris as the partys nominee, becoming the first DNC delegates of any state to do so.

Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in 2022. On July 21, she formally entered the race for the Democratic nomination to face Donald Trump. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Memphis Mayor Paul Young, expected among Tennessees delegates at the convention, said that Bidens decision to leave the race shows that he is willing to continue to do what is in our best interest as a nation, and that is to allow a path for Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States.

Wisconsin Election Commission chair Ann Jacobs, who is one of Milwaukees eight DNC delegates from the key swing state, also announced she is joining all of those delegates to back Harris.

More than a dozen delegates from Michigan, another major electoral battleground, have also announced their support for Harris. And Georgias Democratic Party chair Nikema Williams said the state stands firmly behind Vice President Harris.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, widely speculated as a potential running mate, also quickly offered his support to Harriss campaign: I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th president of the United States.

She has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity, said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, another speculated pick for Harriss running mate. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket.

Harris also nabbed a key endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers, the nations second largest teachers union, within hours of her candidacy. The Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights group, also has endorsed her campaign.

Abortion rights groups including Emilys List and Reproductive Freedom for All have also reportedly been reaching out to delegates to back Harris, as Harriss campaign looks to shift significant focus towards Republican threats to abortion access in the wake of Roe v Wades collapse.

Bidens campaign  now Harris for President  and the team and campaign infrastructure are moving forward around Harris, campaign co-chair Jen OMalley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez told staff on Sunday.

Harris will need support from at least 1,969 of the 3,936 Democratic delegates during the August convention to secure her nomination.

But other party leaders, including Barack Obama and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, have not yet endorsed a nominee in the wake of Bidens departure, an apparent attempt to allow the nomination process to play out and allow candidates to duke it out to earn the partys nomination rather than a coronation-like event with Harris as a foregone conclusion.
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If Democratic Party donors were holding onto their wallets out of concern for President Joe Bidens chances of defeating Donald Trump in Novembers presidential election, they dont appear nearly as worried about Vice President Kamala Harris.

Just one day after Biden announced that he was bowing out of the race and tossing the keys to his campaign over to Harris, the vice presidents operation pulled in a whopping $81 million in new donations to augment the $264 million war chest raised over the last quarter.

According to the newly rebranded Harris for President campaign, that eye-popping sum reflects money raised across the campaign, Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees, and includes 888,000 grassroot donors, a full 60 percent of whom gave for the first time this cycle.

The campaign also announced a new crop of 43,000 recurring donors who signed up after Biden passed the torch to Harris, as well as $1.6 million raised by a Zoom call hosted by the group Win with Black Women.

While the record fundraising claims made by the Harris campaign wont be verifiable until next month when campaigns report their fundraising totals to the Federal Election Commission, the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue has credited Harris with driving multiple broken fundraising records, including over the first few days since she became the de facto Democratic nominee following Bidens exit.

Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, said the historic outpouring of support for Harris represents exactly the kind of grassroots energy and enthusiasm that wins elections.

Already, we are seeing a broad and diverse coalition come together to support our critical work of talking to the voters that will decide this election, he said.

Kamala Harris first day as a presidential candidate brought in a record $81 million ( EPA )

There is a groundswell behind Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump is terrified because he knows his divisive, unpopular agenda cant stand up to the Vice Presidents record and vision for the American people.

The largest Democratic super PAC Future Forward also announced on Monday it had secured $150m in donations in the last day from big donors who were previously stalled, uncertain or uncommitted in their contributions  together bringing the days total to $231m.

The massive money haul for the first Black and South Asian woman to ever lead a major party ticket  the largest single-day fundraising total for any presidential candidate in recorded history  comes as the Democratic Party largely consolidated support behind the vice president while hailing Bidens exit as a heroic gesture reminiscent of George Washingtons decision not to seek a third term at the dawn of the American republic.

Harris has locked up endorsements from a significant numbers of key Democratic interest groups, and a majority of party delegates are expected to support her when Democrats hold a virtual roll call ahead of next months quadrennial nominating convention.

Harris is taking over President Bidens campaign operation after Biden withdrew his name from consideration as a candidate in this years election ( AP )

Earlier in the day, a group of 236 members of Floridas Democratic delegation announced their support for Harris, citing their belief that she embodies the values and principles of the Democratic Party and is the most qualified Democrat to continue delivering for the American people.

Her vision for America is one where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. Her leadership is what our country needs to continue the progress made and to confront the pressing challenges of our time, the delegates added.

Harris also picked up support from the American Federation of Teachers, a union of 1.8 million educators and the first major labor union to announce support for her candidacy.

At an event to roll out the endorsement, AFT president Randi Weingarten said Harris has fought alongside Joe Biden to deliver historic accomplishments and create a better life for all Americans and has compiled a record of fighting for us fighting to lower the costs we pay, for reproductive rights, for worker empowerment and to keep communities safe from gun violence.
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Following weeks of mounting pressure from within his own party, Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his choice to replace him on the ticket.

The move has left Harris as the clear frontrunner to become the Democratic presidential nominee, paving the way for her to take on Donald Trump in November.

Many high-profile Democrats have publicly endorsed Harris in the hours since the president announced he was stepping aside.

But there are a few notable exceptions.

Heres your guide to which Democrats have endorsed Kamala Harris  and which havent:

Who is backing Kamala Harris for president?

Joe Biden

Minutes after announcing that he would be stepping down, Biden threw his support behind Harris.

Writing on X, he said: I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ( REUTERS )

Former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement about an hour after Biden endorsed Harris, paying tribute to the presidents extraordinary career of service, before backing the vice president as the Democratic nominee.

We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, their statement read.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect.

Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro gave Harris his official backing on X on Sunday night. The Pennsylvania governor had long been considered a potential replacement for Biden should he step aside and is now seen as a frontrunner for Harris pick for running mate.

Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades, he wrote. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency.

Pete Buttigieg

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg ( Getty Images )

Pete Buttigieg backed Ms Harris in the early hours on Monday morning. The transportation secretary rose to prominence in 2020 when he became a frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primaries.

Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President, he wrote on X.

I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President.

Elizabeth Warren

Senator Elizabeth Warren has also confirmed her support for Harris, having previously said she would support the vice president topping the ticket if Biden dropped out.

Warren was a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, placing third behind Biden and Bernie Sanders.

When youre up against a convicted felon, who better than a former prosecutor to take it straight to Donald Trump? she said in a video statement on X.

Shes ready to do this job, and shes going to win.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom ( AP )

California Governor Gavin Newsom has long been rumored to be a potential Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 race.

But, he quickly ruled that out by backing Harris, calling her: Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris, he wrote on X.

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer had also been touted as a potential candidate to replace Biden if he stood aside from the race.

In a post on X, she praised Biden but didnt mention Harris.

President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump, she said.

My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.

Despite not mentioning Harris in her public statement, Whitmer joined a campaign call for Harris on Sunday night, throwing her support behind the vice president as the presidential candidate, Politico reported. She has also previously ruled out running in 2024 if Biden dropped out of the race.

And who has not endorsed Harris?

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Barack Obama and Joe Biden in 2008 ( Getty Images )

In a lengthy statement posted online, former president Barack Obama paid tribute to Biden as a patriot of the highest order  but stopped short of backing Harris for the top of the ticket.

Instead, he wrote: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times.

Nancy Pelosi

Former House speaker and prominnt Democrat Nancy Pelosi has likewise remained silent on Harris.

She also paid tribute to Biden on X, calling him a patriotic American who has always put our country first.

God blessed America with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness, she added, making no mention of the presidents choice to back his VP as nominee.

Bernie Sanders

Previous Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris take part in the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June 27, 2019 ( Getty Images )

Bernie Sanders also paid tribute to Biden, calling him the most pro-working class president in modern American history but didnt mention Harris.

The Vermont senator ran to become the Democratic presidential nominee in both 2016 and 2020, coming second both times.

Thank you, Mr. President, for all youve done, he wrote.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has moved swiftly to attract Democratic delegates to her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside and gave her his endorsement on Sunday.

The presidents seismic decision to suspend his reelection campaign, prompted by long-running concerns about his health, fired the starting pistol on the race to find the Democratic candidate to replace him on top of the ticket.

In the hours after Bidens announcement, Harris seized the initiative, saying she would accept his endorsement and fight to beat Donald Trump.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead, she said in a statement.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Prominent Democratic lawmakers, party leaders and public figures have already quickly lined up behind Harris.

But, her nomination is not a done deal  and so it is possible that other Democrats will challenge her for the partys ticket.

So far, no one has announced that they will run against her for the Democratic nomination.

And insiders have said that it would be political suicide to do so.

Kamala Harris has vowed to take on Trump in the November election ( AFP via Getty Images )

On Sunday, CBS News Margaret Brennan said that she had heard from sources: Anyone, I was told, looking to challenge her would be committing political suicide to try to go head-to-head after Joe Biden had been so key in making it very clear, just within minutes of announcing he was not going to seek reelection, that he was endorsing her.

Brennan added that her sources said the real question is who Harris will pick as her own vice presidential candidate.

While no one has yet thrown their hat into the ring to fight Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin  a longtime centrist Democrat who in May left the party to become an Independent  had been rumored to be considering a run.

Unnamed sources told The Hill that Manchin, a frequent critic of the Biden administration, was mulling rejoining the Democratic party in order to rival Harris for the ticket.

But Manchin poured cold water on the report on Monday, telling CBS News: I dont need that in my life.

Meanwhile, other Democrats who had been tapped as potential candidates to replace Biden on the ticket have all but ruled it out by endorsing Harris.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had been accused of running a shadow campaign earlier this year, quickly endorsed the vice president on Sunday, writing on X: Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also seen as a potential rival, praised Biden in a statement and rapidly endorsed Harris, saying he has seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer did not directly back Harris  but reportedly joined a campaign call on Sunday where she pledged her support behind the scenes.

She said on X: President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump. His remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure Americas global leadership over decades will go down in history.

My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan.

To secure the nomination, Harris will need the support of the 3,896 Democratic delegates who have already pledged their support to Biden during the primary contests.

She quickly won endorsements from the leadership of several influential caucuses and political organisations, including the AAPI Victory Fund, which focuses on Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.

Along with the Collective PAC, focused on building black political power, and the Latino Victory Fund, the heads of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the entire Congressional Black Caucus.

Former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton also threw their support behind Harris.

However, Democratic heavyweight Barack Obama has not yet publicly endorsed her.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has now been endorsed by President Joe Biden, making it all but guaranteed that shell feature on top of the Democratic party ticket and take on Donald Trump in Novembers election.

But how would Harris actually fare against Trump?

Click here for the latest polling analysis by the Independent, updated daily.

A recent New York Times/Siena poll, on July 12, showed that Trump just scraped ahead of Biden in national polls, and could win in November.

But when matched up against Harris, the same poll showed the vice president leading Trump by a margin of one point.

The poll, taken before Biden dropped out of the race and before Harris announced she would run, found that Harris performed better against Trump than Biden across all age groups  except for over-65s, who flip towards Trump when Harris is on the ticket.

Young voters in particular were shown to be strong backers of Harris, with the polls showing her taking a 16-point lead over Trump among voters under 30.

A Democratic PAC advertising campaign titled Kamala Harris for America is now being launched to target young voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin after Bidens announcement.

The Kamala Harris for America ad highlights key issues for young voters, such as climate change and abortion rights.

College-educated white voters are slightly more inclined towards Harris than Biden, with both polled to beat Trump by 24 points and 22 points respectively.

Kamala Harris has been backed by young celebrities, including Ariana Grande and Charli XCX. ( Getty/Instagram )

However, the possibility of a Kamala Harris candidacy is unpopular among Trumps key support base  white Americans with no college education  and appears to drive more voters in this group towards the right (+38) than a Biden candidacy (+36).

By all counts, Harris draws in more support from ethnic minority voters, with a 64-point lead against Trump among Black voters, and a 16-point lead among other ethnic groups.

Women are also more likely to vote blue with Harris on the ticket, giving a 17-point lead. Female voters were already more likely to vote against Trump, with Biden having a 14-point lead with this section of the electorate at the time.

Trump was leading in seven swing states ahead of Biden, according to the latest Emerson College Polls on July 16. But Harris could come close to overtaking Trumps lead in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, with Harris at 47 per cent and Trump at 48 per cent, according to a separate New York Times poll on July 12.

Though Biden won his home state by 1.17 per cent in 2020, he has since lost his lead, and was trailing behind Trump by 3 per cent.

Meanwhile in Virginia, replacing Biden with Harris would strengthen the Democrat lead, from a 3 per cent to 5 per cent margin.

All swing states appear to have an appetite for a new Democratic candidate, as revealed by an Emerson College Poll on July 17th.

When polled against an undefined younger Democrat who is qualified for the job, Trump lost in seven key swing states.

Michigan and Georgia voters in particular gave a 10-point lead for this possible alternative candidate.

Yet separate polls reveal that none of the rumored possible Democratic candidates  Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, or Gretchen Whitmer  had a particularly strong performance when polled against Trump.

A July 12 poll from PBS News shows that California governor Gavin Newsom could secure 50 per cent of support from American voters, on par with both Biden and Harris. Newsom has publicly backed Harris in a post on Twitter/X.

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer performed the least strongly out of the three, though still matched Trump at 49 per cent of the vote each.

Whitmer has not yet endorsed a Harris candidacy, but said in a statement that she will do everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.

While no Democratic candidate has yet shown a substantial lead over Trump, it may be that the air of uncertainty has left Democratic voters in split minds. Its also important to consider that Harris will make a running mate pick that may affect polling in unforeseen ways.
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Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene fired off a string of tweets attacking Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle as she was grilled by House members on Monday over her agencys failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally rural Pennsylvania earlier this month.

The House Oversight Committee asked Cheatle to testify after the former president was struck in the ear by a bullet at the campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania  where one spectator was killed and two others were critically injured.

The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was killed at the scene. But lawmakers have raised questions as to why Crooks, who was considered a suspicious person at the rally, wasnt stopped before opening fire on the GOP nominee.

Ive never seen a more incompetent woman in my life. Cheatle should have resigned, Greene, who sits on the Oversight Committee, said of Cheatle in a post shared on X during the hearing. Instead shes covering it all up, refusing to answer questions and hand over information.

She may be more than incompetent. She may be complicit, the Republican congresswoman baselessly claimed.

There is no evidence to suggest that Cheatle had anything to do with the attack. But the 27-year veteran of the agency was contrite at the House hearing, admitting that the shooting amounted to the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.

Cheatle testifies at House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday ( EPA )

Greene wasnt the only House member to call for Cheatles resignation.

Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat on the panel, also suggested on Monday that Cheatle should step down over the incident.

Greene speaks at the first day of the Republican National Convention ( AFP via Getty Images )

You cannot go leading a Secret Service agency when there is an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, Khanna said. I would say that about anyone.

For her part, Cheatle said that she takes full responsibility for any security lapse and will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again.

Despite a barrage of calls for her to step down, in her opening statements, she told the House panel: I think that I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.
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Piers Morgan has lifted the lid on his phone call with Donald Trump this weekend  and revealed why the former president wanted Joe Biden to stay in the presidential race for as long as possible.

The controversial journalist detailed his conversation with the former US president who had called to thank him for his support following last weekends assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.

According to Morgan, the 15-minute phone call included the 78-year-olds confusion about the secret services response to his would-be assassin, and Bidens poor performance as they faced off in the presidential debate.

Morgan, 59, said his so-called favourite president got in touch late on Saturday evening after the TV-hosts appearance on Fox News.

He had discussed Trumps first rally appearance since the attack, declaring him the Mick Jagger of politics.

In an article for the New York Post, Morgan doubled down on the comparison as he wrote: Theyre virtually the same age (Trumps 78, Jagger turns 81 this week), show zero sign of letting age dull their zest for life, and believe in putting on a high-energy show full of their greatest hits that they know their fans will love.

The pair have been long-time friends after meeting on Trumps Celebrity Apprentice show in 2008 - which Morgan won. ( Getty )

Trump seemingly appreciated the likeness, as he phoned him to say: Is that my man Piers? Its your favourite president calling.

He went on to say he was feeling great considering the circumstances as he described the sound of bullets whistling past my head.

Soon, the conversation turned to current President Joe Biden - who finally announced on Sunday that he was bowing out from his efforts to secure a second term in the White House following weeks of pressure from Democrat insiders and plummeting poll numbers.

Criticisms surged after Biden performed particularly poorly in a head-to-head debate in June.

Trump asked Morgan his opinion on the debate on Saturday before allegedly mocking the 81-year-olds apparent cognitive decline.

Criticisms surged after Biden performed particularly poorly in a head-to-head debate in June. ( EPA )

In his article, Morgan said he told Trump: If he stays in the race, youll win. And even if he doesnt, I still think youll win.

To which Trump replied: I hope so. But four months is a long time in politics. Look at the last three weeks! I just hope he stays in as long as possible.

Ironically, the president stepped down from the race mere hours later.

Trump responded to his resignation by claiming he would down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country in an interview with CNN.

The former president elaborated in a post on Truth Social, arguing Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve.

We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly, Trump added.

Piers Morgan has previously interviewed Donald Trump for his show Uncensored ( Piers Morgan Uncensored / Talk TV )

The Republican candidates popularity soared after he survived an assassination attempt.

Following this attack, questions were raised about the lack of security intervention.

Trump admitted he was unsure how the shooter got so close to him as he told Morgan: Im surprised my Secret Service agents didnt say I should wait 10, 15 minutes before going on stage, while they figured out what was going on.

There were people in the crowd shouting about seeing the shooter on the roof, so I dont know what happened.

The pair have been long-time friends after meeting on Trumps Celebrity Apprentice show in 2008 - which Morgan won.

They have had a turbulent relationship since, with Trump having stormed out of an interview after being told he hadnt had the 2020 election stolen from him

They ended their phone call with the former reality TV star telling Morgan it had been good to talk and that he appreciated his Jagger compliment.
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Major Democratic donor Reid Hoffman has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris as the partys presidential candidate, saying the vice president is the right person at the right time.

The entrepreneur  who co-founded LinkedIn and whose net worth is estimated as $2.5bn by Forbes  said the decision by Joe Biden to end his reelection bid was one of the most selfless acts weve seen from a politician in modern American history.

It comes as other major donors including Abigail Disney, who had previously threatened to stop donations to the party should Biden continue with his campaign, also confirmed she would be resuming support.

Hoffman, a venture capitalist and one of Silicon Valleys most prominent investors, said he believed Americans would make the right decision between Harris and Trump.

Joe Biden is a leader who acts with the best interests of America in mind, he wrote on X.

The Linkedin co-founder said he believed Americans would make the right decision between Harris and Trump in November ( Reuters )

Not seeking re-election is one of the most selfless acts weve seen from a politician in modern American history. This is whats right for our countryand our democratic future.

He continued: Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time. Donald Trump and JD Vance are promising an agenda that will wreak havoc on the American people.

Harriss background and leadership growing the economy, fighting for bodily autonomy, and protecting our democracy uniquely position her to push back against Trumps extremism.

The Democrats are the party of policy, progress, and action. When presented with the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, I believe in the American people to make the right decision for our country.

The Biden-Harris administration has put this country on the right track. Its time for us to unite. I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris and her candidacy for President of the United States in our fight for democracy in November.

It comes as other high-profile donors, including Disney and Hollywood A-Lister George Clooney, all called for Biden to end his campaign.

Other high-profile Democratic donors including Disney heiress Abigail Disney previously threatened to stop support for the party if Joe Biden was not replaced at the top of the ticket ( Getty Images )

Disney, the granddaughter of Roy O Disney who founded the company with his brother Walt, confirmed to CNBC on Monday that she would be resuming support for the party, in light of Bidens shock announcement on Sunday.

In a previous statement shared with the outlet, she described Harris as an excellent vice president, and urged the party to rally around her.

If Democrats would tolerate any of her perceived shortcomings even one tenth as much as they have tolerated Bidens (and lets not kid ourselves about where race and gender figure in that inequity) and if Democrats can find a way to stop quibbling and rally around her, we can win this election by a lot.
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Robert F Kennedy Jr is running for the presidency as an independent, but he has reportedly discussed ending his campaign and endorsing his Republican rival Donald Trump in exchange for a job in his administration.

Kennedy recently spoke with Trump to discuss the possibility of dropping out of the race and throwing his support to the former president, according to The Washington Post, citing four people familiar with the talks.

Trump called Kennedy in the hours after Trump was nearly killed in an apparent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, and he floated the possibility of a cabinet-level position or other senior role charged with health and medical issues, according to The Post.

No deal was made, and Trumps team was reportedly concerned about the optics of a quid pro quo.

Kennedy and Trump have not denied that they spoke but neither campaigns have confirmed any job offers were laid on the table.

Kennedy and Trump also made plans to meet in Milwaukee during last weeks Republican National Convention, according to The Post.

In a leaked video clip of a portion of a call between Trump and Kennedy circulated on social media last week, Trump can be heard detailing the shooting and echoing vaccine conspiracy theories that have reverberated around Kennedys campaign and political career. Trump also said working with him would be big.

Anyway, I would love for you to serve, Trump tells Kennedy on the call. I think it would be so good for you and so big for you. And were gonna win  were gonna win  were way ahead of the guy.

Robert F Kennedy Jr reportedly offered his endorsement in exchange for job in the Trump administration. ( AP )

Kennedy later said he was mortified that the clip was leaked.

When President Trump called me I was taping with an in-house videographer, he wrote on X. I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately. I am mortified that this was posted. I apologize to the president.

Kennedy told The Post on Monday that he is willing to talk to anybody from either political party who wants to talk about childrens health and how to end the chronic disease epidemic, and that he found Trump more open to those discussions than the Democratic National Committee.

I have a lot of respect for President Trump for reaching out to me, he told the newspaper. Nobody from the DNC, high or low, has ever reached out to me in 18 months. Instead they have allocated millions to try to disrupt my campaign.

Leaked video shows phone call between RFK and Trump day after rally shooting

Hours after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign Sunday, Kennedy held a 30-minute press conference to argue that Biden and the likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris are indistinguishable, and that a cabal will ultimately select the partys candidate.

This is the swamp. These are swamp creatures, he said in remarks from Massachusette. And his pick as vice president is a salute to the CIA, to the intelligence community and to the military industrial complex.

The Independent has requested comment from the Kennedy and Trump campaigns.
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Hundreds of thousands of transgender people could lose access to medical treatment or be forced to detransition under a little-known Republican effort to defund trans healthcare for both adults and children.

Since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives last January, GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill have quietly added a wave of amendments to "must-pass" government funding bills that would ban federal money from being used for gender transition procedures such as hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery.

These riders vary widely in their scope and effect. Some target government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Others would revoke insurance coverage for transgender government employees. Still others would bar federal funding for any institution that "promotes transgenderism".

Taken together, though, they would drastically curtail trans peoples access to medical care that advocates routinely describe as critical to their flourishing  much as the 1977 Hyde Amendment restricted abortion access in the wake of Roe v Wade.

"I remember a time when my own medical transition was the only thing going right in my life, and to have it taken away from me would have been existential at least," says Gillian Branstetter, a communications strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)s LGBTQ and HIV Project. "This healthcare saved my life and the lives of trans people I know and love."

To be clear, GOP lawmakers arent seeking to limit these procedures for everyone. The proposed restrictions would only apply when they are done as part of a medical transition, and not when they are given to cisgender (or non-trans) people to treat other conditions.

And while such riders currently have little hope of passing a Democratic Senate and presidency, they are a preview of what could happen if the GOP wins back power this November  and Republican lawmakers tell The Independent that is exactly the plan.

"Certainly, Id be hopeful that they would go through [if Trump wins]  that we would stop taxpayers dollars being used for things that taxpayers in Montana dont support," said Montana Republican Matt Rosendale, who authored a House amendment banning US military personnel and their families from receiving transition care through their Pentagon health insurance.

That change will affect a lot of service members. Trans people are two to five times more likely to serve in the US military than cis people, and the military is widely believed to be the countrys biggest employer of trans people.

Independent senator Joe Manchin, who bizarrely claimed not to know whether hed voted to restrict trans healthcare, talks with reporters on July 11, 2024 ( AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr )

Asked by The Independent whether he was concerned about interrupting peoples healthcare, Rosendale said: "I dont think that taxpayers dollars should be used for surgeries that change the physical appearance."

Indeed, last week the Republican National Committee officially made cutting off taxpayer funding for all "sex change surgeries" part of its 2024 policy platform.

Other legislators were more diffident. "Yeah? So?" said Maryland Republican Andy Harris, a medical doctor on the House appropriations committee who backed several anti-trans amendments, when buttonholed by The Independent on the Capitol steps on Thursday before Congress left for recess.

Pressed on why he supported those amendments, he said: "Because there should be no special rights."

Meanwhile, West Virginia senator Joe Manchin, who recently left the Democratic Party to become an independent, bizarrely claimed to be unaware that he had voted for a similar pair of amendments  only for his office to reverse course within 24 hours and say he did support them.

Trans people and their allies, however, do not feel so blase.

"Losing this crucial access to gender affirming care would be devastating to our community," says Ash Orr of Advocates for Transgender Equality (A4TE), a Washington DC non-profit.

"It is not hyperbole that passing federal legislation to ban transgender healthcare, just like with abortions, would lead to unnecessary deaths."

How routine funding bills have become a battleground

There is a broad consensus among medical researchers that gender transition is effective, and frequently necessary, in treating gender dysphoria. What exactly that involves is different from person to person.

The most common treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which masculinizes or feminizes the body over a span of months and years. Many trans people also find that it brings about a holistic improvement in their wellbeing and self-esteem. Though relatively cheap, it must be taken continuously throughout ones life, and stopping it will reverse some (though not all) of its effects.

Some trans people also get surgeries to alleviate their dysphoria, such as genital reconstruction, breast removal and augmentation, or orchiectomy (ie, testicle removal). These are more permanent, but far more expensive, and often have a long recovery period.

Such procedures arent exclusive to trans people. Cis women take HRT to mitigate side effects of menopause, or even acne; children receive puberty blockers to prevent premature sexual development; and intersex people undergo genital reconstructive surgery, frequently without their consent in early childhood.

Menopause can wreck havoc on hormones, so many cis women take HRT to better control their symptoms ( Getty Images )

Those instances, however, are not what GOP lawmakers are taking aim at. Their objection is to taxpayer funding of gender transition specifically, and the centerpiece of their efforts is a highly bureaucratic but incredibly consequential process known as appropriations.

Every year, Congress must pass 12 spending bills to keep the government open by "appropriating" money from the US treasury. Each bill funds a different cluster of federal agencies, such as the State Department or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Traditionally this process has been relatively non-partisan. However, the must-pass nature of these bills creates an opportunity for members to force the spotlight onto their pet issues, proposing amendments that would get little traction in a standalone vote. Republicans have made gender-affirming care one of those issues.

Last year seven out of 12 appropriations bills were amended in the House to restrict trans healthcare, according to a report by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)  part of a raft of anti-LGBT+ additions ranging from bans on flying Pride flags above federal properties and blocking the enforcement of non-discrimination laws.

This year similar riders were stealthily attached to bills appropriating funds for the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, the Department of Defence (DoD), and HHS.

That last bill is particularly important because it funds Medicare, which provides health insurance to around 65m older and disabled people, and Medicaid, which does the same for roughly 85m on low incomes.

In June, House Republicans amended this years iteration of the annual National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) to revoke coverage for trans healthcare under the Pentagons sprawling Tricare health insurance program, which serves around 9.6m current and former service members and dependents. The Senate version of the NDAA was also amended to ban the DoD from paying for trans surgeries.

All this legislation dovetails an ongoing nationwide campaign to ban transition healthcare for under-18s and impose criminal sanctions on doctors who perform it, at both the local and federal level.

"These anti-trans riders dont just target healthcare for trans youth, but adults of any age," says Orr. "[That] indicates what we already knew: the battle over our bodily autonomy does not come from a concern for the safety of adolescents, but from opposition to self-determination and bodily autonomy."

View more

'Losing this healthcare is an existential threat'

How would such laws actually impact trans life in America?

According to the Williams Institute, an LGBT+ research non-profit based in Los Angeles, there were around 164,000 trans adults enrolled in Medicaid plans that covered transition care as of 2022.

The 2015 US US Transgender Survey (USTS) also found that around 7.8 per cent of trans adults had health insurance through Medicare, Tricare, another military scheme, or the US Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as up to 0.9 per cent insured by the Indian Health Service. With an estimated US transgender population of 1.6m, that would amount to roughly another 125,000 to 141,000 people.

Not every person counted in these numbers would necessarily seek medical transition. On the other hand, they do not include the unknown number of trans people who bought federally-subsidized coverage through a health insurance marketplace  which could also be affected by some riders, according to A4TE  or who work for the federal government and get insurance from their employer.

Many individual hospitals and health systems across the country also receive federal aid. While in theory they could ring-fence this money to keep it away from transition care, some might simply stop offering such procedures  just as several major hospitals in red states have already done for minors.

For some affected trans people, this would mean a scramble to find some other way of getting medical care, potentially at considerable personal or financial cost. For others it would mean treatments being delayed or blocked entirely.

Those denied surgery might have to live with bodily features that make them miserable, while those compelled to stop HRT would undergo an involuntary medical transition  or even, if they no longer had the ability to produce their own hormones, a forced menopause.

Swimmer Schuyler Bailar as a NYC Pride Grand Marshal during the 2022 parade ( Getty Images )

"Gender-affirming care serves as the foundation for the lives that trans people lead," Branstetter says. "It gives us the freedom to be ourselves and to build our own futures...

"If you deny that to them, or you pull it away, that leaves them with very little hope and very little ability to continue to move through the world. And thats one reason why we have this notoriously high suicide rate."

Dr Jack Turban, director of the University of California San Franciscos gender psychiatry program, and the author of Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity, likewise says that denying transition care would cause "a substantial adverse public mental health impact."

That damage, Branstetter argues, would compound the deep discrimination that trans people already face in housing, employment, and other areas of life. As with the Hyde Amendment, it would also fall disproportionately on trans people of color and those in poverty, who are more likely to be on Medicaid and have fewer resources to pursue alternatives.

These bills arent happening in isolation. In addition to the GOPs broad-spectrum war against trans rights and healthcare, the Heritage Foundation  an influential hyperconservative think tank  has proposed sweeping efforts to push trans people out of public life as part of its ambitious Project 2025 manifesto.

Hence, if next years session of Congress opens with Republicans in control of all three branches of government, both Branstetter and Turban fear that withholding taxpayer dollars will only be the beginning.

"Anti-trans politicians have been working to identify more and more creative ways to restrict access to care for transgender patients," says Turban.

"I dont think theres any reason to think that will stop, and this next election will have a dramatic impact on transgender Americans and their ability to access gender-affirming medical care."
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Donald Trumps extremely brief foray into unity during his speech at last weeks Republican National Convention is, perhaps unsurprisingly, no longer.

Somebody please explain to Rep. James Clyburn, not the brightest bulb in the House, that I am beating the Biden/Harris Prosecutors, like Deranged Jack Smith, whose case against me in Florida, the biggest of them all according to the Radical Left Lunatics, was just thrown out as being Unconstitutional, the twice-impeached former president posted Monday afternoon on Truth Social. Now it is my time to sue them for illegally breaking into, and raiding, Mar-a-Lago. All of these Biden/Harris cases against me are a Weaponization of Justice against their Political Opponent, Me  Strictly Third World Country. MAGA2024!

It is not entirely clear what Trump was specifically reacting to, but in a television appearance earlier in the day, Clyburn said of Biden : I believe he will go down in history as one of the best and most consequential presidents weve ever had.

Joe Biden on Sunday abandoned his reelection bid, energizing Democrats and infuriating Donald Trump. Trump then unleashed a series of posts on his Truth Social ( AP )

When Trump was shot at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on July 13, President Joe Biden quickly denounced the attack as sick, expressed gratitude that Trump was safe, and emphasized, We are not enemies. Vice-President Kamala Harris, for her part, called the shooting heinous, horrible, and cowardly, and said that violence is never acceptable.

During his RNC speech a few days later, Trump made brief remarks about coming together as a nation, then quickly reverted to form, lobbing ugly insults at Biden, Harris, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other Democrats.

Trumps rage-filled screed on Monday followed nearly a dozen other outlandish posts about Biden and Harris that began Sunday evening, and continued into the early hours of Monday. He railed against Bidens decision to step aside and let Harris run in his stead, following weeks of very public concerns from Democrats that the party needed a younger, more vibrant candidate to foil Trump in November. The Republican nominee also lobbed a lawsuit threat over the classified document raid.

Trumps claim the federal case brought against him by the Department of Justice and Special Prosecutor Jack Smith for allegedly pilfering a hoard of restricted government documents on his way out of the Oval Office and storing them, unsecured, at the members-only Florida country club he now calls home, was somehow against the law, misses the mark by a significant margin, according to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani.

Classified documents were found strewn haphazardly around Mar-a-Lago, according to the FBI. Trump has no threatened to sue over the raid that found him at the center of a federal prosecution, before the case was dismissed ( US Department of Justice )

The FBI executing a search pursuant to a lawfully signed warrant is not a constitutional violation, Rahmani told The Independent, noting that the judge overseeing the case, who was appointed by Trump, dismissed it on procedural grounds. If Trump really sues the FBI, I expect the lawsuit to be dismissed in short order.

Suing the law enforcement personnel assigned to search Mar-a-Lago at the outset of the case, seizing hundreds of official documents, including highly sensitive classified materials, would also be a fools errand, according to Rahmani.

The government and its agents generally have immunity from civil suits, Rahmani explained. That immunity is qualified, meaning it can be overcome if there is a violation of a clearly established constitutional rights.

In this instance, there is none, said Craig Holman, a government ethics, lobbying and campaign finance expert at D.C. watchdog group Public Citizen.

DOJ was simply doing its job recovering stolen documents, Holman told The Independent.

Experts say Trumps threats about a lawsuit over the raid would likely be tossed from the courts ( Getty )

The dismissal of the case will almost certainly be reversed on appeal, as the ruling contradicts long-established precedent, Holman added. The only way for Trump to win this battle, according to Holman, would be to regain the presidency and pardon himself.

Trump followed up his post on Monday about suing the DOJ, Smith, and whatever other officials he believes responsible for some unspecified offense, the onetime commander-in-chief went after Biden, claiming he will go down as the Worst President in the history of the United States, and that KAMALA, OUR HORRIBLE & INCOMPETENT BORDER CZAR, WILL BE WORSE!

Another missive from Trump, posted mid-afternoon, read, Wow, just watching the Fake News, and theyre doing their very best to turn the Worst President in the History of our Country into a Brilliant and Heroic Leader (He was heroic because he quit!), and to turn Dumb as a Rock Kamala Harris from a totally failed and insignificant Vice President into a future Great President. No, it just doesnt work that way!
 Close Trump kisses female genius behind life-saving chart in first rally in Pennsylvania since shooting

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Donald Trump is back on the campaign trail having returned to Pennsylvania for his first campaign rally in the swing state since he came within inches of being killed by a would-be assassins bullet on July 13.

The former president and Republican nominee spoke in Harrisburg, just hours after a confrontational interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago.

During the interview, Trump insulted his presumptive 2024 Democratic Party opponent, Kamala Harris, and falsely accused her of lying about her race  stating that she recently became Black. Harris, who is biracial, is Black and Indian-American.

At the evening rally, Trump remained largely tied to his prepared remarks and attacked Harris for supposedly wanting to destroy Pennsylvanias economy.

His next big campaign event will be a joint appearance with his vice presidential pick, JD Vance. That will take place in Atlanta on Saturday, at the same venue Harris held a barnstorming first rally of her campaign earlier in the week.

We are temporarily pausing our Trump campaign blog.

Please join us in our main US election 2024 blog for full coverage of both campaigns as the race to the White House gathers pace.
A 900-page plan drawn up by former Donald Trump aides and endorsed by a powerful right-wing think tank is giving the former president a roadmap for his second administration.

Project 2025  a blueprint for Trumps presidency spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation and more than a dozen former Trump administration officials  is essentially a wishlist for his administration with plans to expand his executive authority, replace civil servants with ideologically aligned appointees, crush abortion rights and impose an anti-immigrant agenda, among other policies.

At the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Democrats turned the conservative plan into a major target.

Using an oversized, printed-out hardcover version of the 900-page document, Saturday Night Lives Kenan Thompson used Project 2025 for a comedy bit.

"You ever seen a document that could kill a small animal and democracy at the same time? Here it is, Thompson asked, as the crowd roared with laughter.

Kenan Thompson: Did you ever see a book that could kill a small animal and end democracy at the same time? Here it is. These are the terms and conditions of a second trump presidency. If you vote for him, you vote all of this. pic.twitter.com/nuDv9lEKqP  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, since taking over as the Democratic partys nominee on July 21, has made Project 2025 a direct focus of her campaign rhetoric.

[Trump] and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. We know we got to take that seriously, Harris said. Can you believe they put that thing in writing? Read it. Its 900 pages.

Meanwhile, the former president is desperately trying to distance himself from the plan, claiming that he knows nothing about it or who is behind it, despite its authors coming from Trumps White House and the GOPs close ties to the group that launched it.

At a rally in Michigan just one week after a 20-year-old gunman opened fire at a Trump event in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and injuring two others while only slightly injuring the candidates right ear, Trump told the crowd: Some on the right, severe right, came up with this Project 25, I dont even know, some of them I know who they are, but theyre very, very conservative. Theyre sort of the opposite of the radical left.

Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Las Vegas on June 9. Now, Democrats have created a task force to go against a think-tanks conservative road map if he returns to the White House. ( Getty Images )

You have the radical left and the radical right and they come up  I dont know what the hell it is, its Project 25, Trump went on, bungling the initiatives name. They read some of the things and they are extreme, theyre seriously extreme. But I dont know anything about it, I dont want to know anything about it.

Project 2025s core policy book Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise outlines major changes across the federal government, from the White House to lesser-known agencies, with chapters written by former Trump officials. Further, many of Project 2025s policies are virtually identical to ones proposed by Trump.

As The Independent previously reported, the plan would gut checks and balances to give Trump unprecedented, concentrated executive authority over federal agencies. An incoming Trump administration would roll out a blitzkrieg of firings across federal agencies to open the door for an army of loyalists to weaponize the government against his rivals.

The plan recommends abolishing the US Department of Education, slashing funds for federal law enforcement agencies, and subverting agencies that regulate the airwaves and campaign financing to choke out dissent.

That consolidation of power would also insulate him against legal threats and usher in a wave of attacks against immigrants, reproductive healthcare and civil rights protections for LGBT+ people.

The plan also would revoke the federal governments approval of widely used abortion drugs, expand the nations nuclear footprint and restart nuclear weapons testing, and activate active-duty military to make arrests at the US-Mexico border, among other proposals.

House Democrats led by California Rep. Jared Huffman created a Stop Project 2025 Task Force to coordinate with members of Congress, pro-democracy and civil rights groups and impacted communities to coordinate on examining, highlighting, preempting, and counteracting this right-wing plot to undermine democracy.

Project 2025 is more than an idea, its a dystopian plot thats already in motion to dismantle our democratic institutions, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that infringes on basic liberties and violates public will, Huffman said in a statement on June 11.

Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts. ( AP )

This is an unprecedented embrace of extremism, fascism, and religious nationalism, orchestrated by the radical right and its dark money backers, he said. We need a coordinated strategy to save America and stop this coup before its too late.

Project 2025 was drafted by dozens of former Trump administration officials and other loyalists, nearly half of which are the recipients of dark money contributions from groups tied to conservative donor Leonard Leo, who helped usher in Trumps radical restructuring of the federal judiciary.

The plans overhaul of the federal government also poses threats to marriage equality and public school funding and could trample the wall of church-state separation and upend our democracy, according to Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The nearly 1,000-page plan opens with a promise to eliminate abortion access, and abortion is mentioned nearly 200 times.

And their attacks dont stop with abortion, according to Karen Stone, vice president of public policy and government relations with Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Theyre also planning to restrict funding for birth control and other preventive care and attacking gender-affirming care and sex education.

The task force also will serve as a public messaging campaign as interest on Project 2025 surges on social media.

Members will hold public forums in the months leading up to Election Day. But the task force could also function as a key bulwark in Congress against Trumps agenda, if elected.

Democratic US Rep Jared Huffman is leading a task force against Project 2025s plans for Donald Trumps presidency. ( AP )

Project 2025 will not be stopped by an unserious, mistake-riddled press release or a task force of House Democrats lacking a basic understanding of federal governance, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said in a statement. The task force launched by House Democrats only underscores the Lefts fear of losing its grip on their authoritarian bureaucracy ... We will not give up and we will win.

Trump campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said last year that the any personnel lists, policy agendas, or government plans published anywhere are merely suggestions.

Efforts from outside groups like the Heritage Foundation are appreciated but do not speak for the campaign, they said.

In a statement denying connections to the campaign, the Heritage Foundation said the plan is merely a guideline for the next conservative president.

But it is ultimately up to that president, who we believe will be President Trump, to decide which recommendations to implement, the group said.

This story was initially published in June 2024 and has been updated with developments
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Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle admitted Monday her agency failed to protect Donald Trump from an attempted assassination at a campaign rally, calling it the most significant operational failure ... in decades.

Cheatle was grilled by House members at a contentious hearing over the blunders that allowed a a 20-year-old gunman wielding his fathers AR-15 assault-style rifle to scale a roof and open fire. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have come out demanding Cheatle step down as the agencys leader.

The tense hearing at times veered into outright hostility, with one GOP legislator calling Cheatle full of s***.

In her opening statement, Cheatle, a 27-year veteran of the Secret Service, told members of the House Oversight Committee , The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades, and I am keeping him and his family in my thoughts.

Cheatle told the panel that she takes full responsibility for any security lapse, and said she will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again.

Former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by the Secret Service moments after he was shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania rally ( Getty Images )

Former federal agents have since ripped the agency for allowing the shooting to occur.

U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican committee chair, told Cheatle that he believes she should resign over the incident, which he called one of the darkest days in American political history.

Others, including Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, along with Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin, the committees ranking member, joined Comer in his calls for Cheatle to step down.

Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also surprised many by fiercely joining the criticism of Cheatle, saying that the proposed 60-day target for producing an investigation report was not acceptable.

I think its very important to understand that this is not about theater, this is not about jockeying  this is about the safety of some of the most highly targeted and valued targets internationally and domestically in the United States of America, she said.

In his own opening remarks, said he and Comer are determined to get to the bottom of the stunning security failures.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, sought on Monday to tie the Trump assassination attempt to the ready availability of high-powered weapons in the U.S. ( Getty Images )

In response to a question from Raskin about the events leading up to the shocking assassination attempt, Cheatle said that if Trumps security detail had been passed information that there was a threat, the detail would never have brought the former president onto the stage.

Congress members also grilled Cheatle about why the rally was not paused despite significant security concerns from bystanders at the event, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois displayed footage of rally attendees pointing to the shooter on the roof.

Maam, that doesnt look like suspicious behavior, that looks like threatening behavior to me," he said. "And the rally wasnt paused at the point either, correct?"

Cheatle responded by saying that the moment that the agents surrounding the president were aware of the threat, they moved.

"Was there ever a moment when the Secret Service actually considered pausing the rally?" Krishnamoorthi asked.

"The Secret Service would have paused the rally had they known there was an actual threat," Cheatle replied.

"The answer is no," Krishnamoorthi said.

Democrats sought to tie the shooting of the former president to assault weapons.

Does the ubiquity of guns make your job more difficult today? Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, asked Cheatle during the hearing.

I think the job of the Secret Service is difficult every day, and we need to make sure that we are mitigating all threats, she replied, leading Connolly to fire back: That isnt my question.

The inquiry echoed Raskins opening salvo, in which he called the Trump shooting a double failurethe failure by the Secret Service to properly protect Donald Trump and the failure of Congress to properly protect our people from criminal gun violence.

It is time to pass universal background checks and build on the Biden-Harris administrations work to ensure that we permanently close the loopholes in the Brady law for gun show purchases, on-line purchases, and private sales to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of people whom we know to be a threat to themselves or others, Raskin said.

But what happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, shows why even closing these loopholes will not keep assault weapons out of the hands of potential assassins and mass murderers.

Under federal law, and in the vast majority of states, even young people who cannot legally buy a beer yet can legally purchase and own these weapons of war and even carry them in public.

The so-called gun show loophole allows buyers to bypass the existing system of background checks, a security flaw Democrats hope to fix ( AP )

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the number-two Democrat on the Oversight Committee, chastised Cheatle for saying that a report would be available in 60 days when an election was a little more than 100 days away.

We have to make policy decisions and we have to make them now, she said. That may require legislation. That may require policy that we must pass in the immediate term, we are flying blind.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina at one point savaged Cheatle over her testimony, saying, Youre full of s*** today.

As the hearing continued, some Republicans attempted to link the shooting to the increase of women in the Secret Service. GOP Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin asked about Cheatles proposed goal to hire more women. (Women presently comprise a little less than 25 percent of the agencys ranks.)

I am hiring the best qualified candidates that put in an application that want to work for our great organization, Cheatle responded.

After the hearing, Comer and Raskin released a joint letter sent to Cheatle, which lambasted her for having failed to provide answers to basic questions about the shooting, and being unable to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

In the middle of a presidential election, the Committee and the American people demand serious institutional accountability and transparency that you are not providing, the letter said. We call on you to resign as Director as a first step to allowing new leadership to swiftly address this crisis and rebuild the trust of a truly concerned Congress and the American people. 

The agency has long been plagued by security scandals. In 2012, agents reportedly brought sex workers to a hotel in Colombia during former president Barack Obamas visit. In 2014, a man jumped over a fence and made it into the White House, And in 2015, two Secret Service officials drunkenly interfered with a crime scene involving a bomb threat at the White House.

At the time, the House Oversight Committee released a report recommending more staffing. The Secret Service is roughly 8,000-strong but needs about 9,500 employees to properly carry out its mission, Cheatle said on Monday.
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Greenland police arrested a veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner on Sunday on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan.

Paul Watson was arrested when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, police said in a statement.

He will be brought before a court with a request to detain him pending a decision on his possible extradition to Japan, the statement said.

The Captain Paul Watson Foundation said more than a dozen police boarded the vessel and led Watson away in handcuffs when it stopped to refuel. The foundation said the ship, along with 25 volunteer crew members, was en route to the North Pacific on a mission to intercept a new Japanese whaling ship.

The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watsons previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region, the foundation said in an emailed statement.

We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically-motivated request, Locky MacLean, a foundation director, said in the statement.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society whose direct action tactics, including high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, has drawn support from A-list celebrities and featured in the reality television series Whale Wars.

However, it has also brought him into confrontation with authorities. He was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant, but skipped bail after learning that he was also sought for extradition by Japan, which has accused him of endangering whalers lives during operations in the Antarctic Ocean. He has since lived in countries including France and the United States.

Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to establish his own organisation, was also a leading member of Greenpeace, but left in 1977 amid disagreements over his aggressive tactics.

According to his foundation, Watsons current ship, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was due to sail through the Northwest Passage to the North Pacific to confront a newly built Japanese factory whaling ship, a murderous enemy devoid of compassion and empathy hell bent on destroying the most intelligent self-aware sentient beings in the sea.
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A French MP is facing severe criticism from the Jewish lobby as well as party colleagues for saying Israeli athletes were not welcome at the Paris Olympics.

Thomas Portes, a lawmaker from France Unbowed, or LFI, said at a rally in support of Palestinians that the Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris. Israeli sportspeople are not welcome at the Paris Olympic Games.

He also said later that Frances diplomats should pressure the International Olympic Committee to bar the Israeli flag and anthem, as is done for Russia.

Its time to end the double standard, Mr Portes said.

The International Olympic Committee earlier announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would only be allowed to compete in Paris under a neutral flag and that they would not participate in the opening ceremony due to Russias war in Ukraine. The Kremlin had denounced this decision.

The lawmakers remarks invited immediate and intense criticism.

Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, said on X Mr Portes was putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes.

Indecency of Thomas Portes! he said.

1972: 11 Israeli athletes are murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the Munich Olympics. 2024: LFI calls for the exclusion of Israeli athletes from the Paris Olympics.

A Palestinian group called Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany, in 1972 and killed two members of the Israeli team and took nine hostage.

Since October 7, Thomas Portes has legitimised Hamas. He now puts a target on the backs of Israeli athletes, already the most threatened in the Olympic Games, Mr Arfi said.

He called Mr Portes irresponsible.

Israels air and ground assault on Gaza has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, a majority of whom were women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. Most of the territorys homes, schools, hospitals and places of worship have been reduced to rubble, and a majority of the 2.3 million population have been left homeless, and without adequate food supplies amid warnings of potential famine.

The Israeli offensive began after Hamas attacked southern Israel last October and killed about 1,200 people.

Of course, Israeli athletes are welcome, like all sportspeople from all over the world. Not for who they are, but for what they do, socialist MP Jerome Guedj said.

Nearly 45,000 security personnel will be on duty this Friday as the Olympics kickoff at 7.30pm local time.

Security was the number one priority for Paris 2024, organising committee president Tony Estanguet said, according to Le Monde.

Mr Portes, however, also found support from some politicians.

The few to denounce it and demand sanctions are the target of the far right. Support @Portes_Thomas. Russian athletes parade a under neutral banner. Why not the Israelis?

Another politician Jerome Legavre wrote on X: The relentlessness against Thomas Portes is intolerable.

All the controversy unleashed against him has in reality only one objective: to try to erase and make invisible the fact that for more than 9 months a genocide has been underway. Whatever the outburst, we will not be silent and will continue to fight to end this barbarity.
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Ukraine has launched dozens of drones in a mass strike across targets in Russia and around the Black Sea, including a major oil refinery.

It comes as the country's top commander said that Russian forces were staging relentless assaults to try to advance towards the town of Pokrovsk, a logistics hub in eastern Ukraine, and that there was active fighting taking place along the entire front line.

The enemy pays no attention to their fairly high level of losses and continues to push through towards Pokrovsk, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a statement from the eastern front.

The oil refinery in Tuapse was damaged in an overnight assault, officials from the Krasnodar region confirmed on Monday.

Debris from a drone that was shot down by Russia sparked a fire at the refinery, which is located in the Black Sea and owned by Kremlin-controlled oil company Rosneft.

The blaze has since been contained and there were no deaths following the attack, the regional administration said on the Telegram messaging app.

It was not immediately clear the extent of the damage it had sustained from the fire or if the refinery was operational.

Russias defence ministry earlier said its air defence systems destroyed 75 drones launched by Ukraine, including eight near Tuapse.

A view of an explosion caused by a Ukrainian drone attack on Rosneft's Tuapse oil refinery ( Reuters )

The Tuapse refinery has been a target of several Ukrainian air attacks since the start of the war in 2022.

Earlier, the defence ministry said 47 drones were downed over the Rostov region in Russias southwest, 17 over the waters of the Black and Azov seas, eight over the Krasnodar region, where Tuapse is located, and single drones over the Belgorod, Voronezh and Smolensk region.

The ministry did not say whether its defence systems destroyed the drones.

Vasily Golubev, governor of the Rostov region, said on Telegram that no one was injured as a result of the attack and there was no serious damage detected.

On the ground, fierce battles are raging near several eastern villages and towns, including Krasnohorivka and Chasiv Yar, a strategic hilltop town whose capture would bring Russia closer to threatening important Kyiv-held Donetsk region cities.

Russia staged 39 assaults on the Pokrovsk front in the last 24 hours  a total of 117 registered along the front line, the military said in its daily battlefield readout. Russian forces also captured two villages in the east over the weekend, according to the Russian media.

Ukraines foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, who travels to China this week on a diplomatic trip, has said that Russia controls 17.68 per cent of Ukrainian territory compared with 17.61 per cent at the start of the year.

In other developments, EU foreign ministers are set to evaluate Hungary prime minister Viktor Orbans unacceptable position on the blocs role in Ukraine and his trips to Russia and China.

Hungary took over the six-month rotating presidency of the bloc in July and almost immediately went to Moscow and Beijing in what was described as a peace mission despite none of his EU partners being aware, or mandating him to do so.

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban meets with Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin earlier this month ( Handout )

He also left a Nato summit early to meet former US president Donald Trump, has been a stern critic of Western military aid to Ukraine and has warm diplomatic relations with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that the decisions taken by the Hungarian government were unacceptable.

Some EU member states would like the bloc to show a tougher stance on Hungary and have suggested boycotting or downgrading the attendance of ministers at an informal meeting in Budapest at the end of August.

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters on arrival in Brussels that Borrell represented EU foreign policy for the ministers and that it was not surprising that the ego trips had irritated many.

Speaking on Monday, Hungarys foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said: For weeks now, the Brussels foreign bureaucracy and the leaders of some EU countries have been grinding their teeth over our peace mission, out of frustration/envy/exposure of their failed strategy.

All we get from our Brussels and European friends is a childish sit-in boycott and verbal karate.

In addition, a Czech-led initiative to buy ammunition from around the world for Ukraine will deliver 100,000 rounds to the country in July and August, Czech foreign minister Jan Lipavsky said on Monday.

The Czech Republic has been an avid supporter of Ukraine and led efforts to raise funds to get more ammunition and shell deliveries to Kyiv.

During July and August, we will send about a total of 100 [thousand] pieces more. From September these deliveries will accelerate, Mr Lipavsky told reporters in Brussels.

Additional reporting by Associated Press and Reuters
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The Israeli military has ordered civilians to evacuate from part of what it has designated a humanitarian zone in the southern area of the Gaza Strip, as Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a key meeting with US president Joe Biden.

The Israeli military said it is planning to begin a forceful operation against Hamas, who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. it had told residents in the adjusted al-Mawasi humanitarian area to leave.

Earlier this month, Israel estimated at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the area, covering about 14 kilometres (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Thats the bulk of Gazas 2.3 million population.

Around 400,000 people are living in the targeted areas and dozens of families have begun to leave their houses, Palestinian officials said, and claimed they were not given time to leave.

Gazas second-largest city was subsequently hit by Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes that have killed at least 37 Palestinians, medics in the embattled enclave said.

Gazas health ministry said the dead included several women and children and that dozens of other people had been injured by Israeli fire. The Gaza ministry does not distinguish between militants and civilians in its death tallies.

The toll from Israels nine-month war against Hamas has surpassed 39,000 Palestinians killed and 89,800 wounded, according to health officials in the strip.

The war was triggered by an attack by Hamas in southern Israel on 7 October that around killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, with another 250 taken hostage. About 120 people remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

A large number of Palestinians have fled to al-Mawasi, classified as a safe zone by the IDF despite frequent attacks in it ( AP )

Some families fled on donkey carts, others on foot, carrying mattresses and other belongings. At Nasser Hospital some people stood outside the morgue to bid farewell to dead relatives before burials.

We are tired, we are tired in Gaza, every day our children are martyred, every day, every moment, said Ahmed Sammour, who lost several relatives in the bombing of eastern Khan Younis. No one told us to evacuate.

The Palestinians, the United Nations and international relief agencies have said there is no safe place left in Gaza.

The area is blanketed by tent camps with a lack of food, sanitation, medical facilities and there is a lack of access to aid, according to the UN and various humanitarian groups.

Many people in Palestine have been forced to live in tents due to homes being reduced to rubble ( AP )

Families live amid mountains of rubbish in appalling conditions and the streets are contaminated with streams of sewage.

Israels latest military incursion comes as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu left on Monday morning on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with president Joe Biden, who announced Sunday that he will not seek another term, and address Congress.

Mr Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next US president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always.

He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while also pushing him for more support on certain issues.

Mr Netanyahus office said a negotiating team looking to agree a ceasefire will be sent to continue talks on Thursday.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased ceasefire deal that would work to stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Elon Musk indicated that Teslas AI-powered humanoid robots could be available for purchase in just a couple of years.

On X, formerly Twitter, Musk said on Monday that the companys robot, called Optimus, would be used internally beginning next year.

Tesla will have genuinely useful humanoid robots in low production for Tesla internal use next year and, hopefully, high production for other companies in 2026, the Tesla CEO wrote.

Tesla, a clean energy automotive company, has been working on a humanoid robot for years. The company said its goal for the robot was to create a general purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks.

Musk first unveiled a prototype of the Optimus in 2022. At the time, the robot was made out of wires and metal configured vaguely in the shape of a human. The first generation could make very basic movements  taking a few steps and waving to the crowd.

But last year, Tesla showed off its next generation of Optimus, this time with a sleeker design, improved features and sensors that allow the robot to work faster.

A video presentation of the robot showed off its dexterity as it was able to pick up, hold and set down an egg without breaking it.

open image in gallery Tesla shared a video on December 12, 2023, showing the latest version of its Optimus robot ( Tesla )

Though Musk said Optimus could be available by 2026, that could be a planning fallacy. The Tesla CEO has a history of underestimating how long something could take to develop.

In 2017, he shared ambitions for The Boring Company, another company he founded, to build a tunnel that could take people from New York City to Washington, D.C., in just minutes. That construction seemingly never started.

In 2019, Musk predicted Tesla would have one million autonomous robotaxis on the street by 2020. But those have not been unveiled yet.

open image in gallery Teslas Optimus robot is being developed to serve as a general purpose robot ( Tesla )

The concept of humanoid robots is not new and several companies outside of Tesla, like Hyundais Boston Dynamics, have begun production on similar models.

Though Tesla is known for manufacturing electric vehicles, Musk has indicated he has an interest in developing AI technoloy. Beyond Optimus, he has promised autonomous vehicles with self-driving technoloy.
After a worldwide Windows glitch took much of the worlds infrastructure offline on Friday, power outages and internet disruptions are on everyones mind. Flights were grounded and TV channels including Sky News were taken off air. Everything from banks and payment companies to airlines and train companies said they would see delays and technical issues caused by a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

It is something the former deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden, warned of when he made the case for us to all think about how prepared we are for prolonged disruption during a cyberattack. While, George Kurtz, the founder and chief executive of the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, has made it clear there was no possibility that this power outage was a cyber-attack it has certainly focused our minds.

It is also a reminder of the smash Netflix hit Leave the World Behind, which pondered the stark, post-apocalyptic depiction of the immediate aftermath of an attack. In the movie, the first time anyone notices something is wrong is when they discover their mobile phone coverage is out, and their wifi disappears, but it takes a push notification on their TV screens for the characters to learn that an attack has been launched.

In reality, the emergency alert system, tested this April, would be used in the UK. This would mean our phones would buzz, and we would receive advice and instructions if needed on what to do in the event of a large-scale attack or extreme weather event  whether that would be to stay indoors or evacuate to a place of safety.

In the governments annual preparedness plan, unveiled by Dowden under Rishi Sunak, it advised that people have non-digital alternatives to radios, alongside candles and power banks to keep devices going in the event of a prolonged power outage. Other experts suggest that everyone should have enough food and water for up to three to four days.

Ill scream: Julia Roberts in the No 1 Netflix movie ( Netflix )

Such plans into insignificance when you consider towns and cities in Sweden maintain bunker capacity for up to 7 million citizens, located in cellars under apartment blocks, and in underground metro stations and some commercial centres too. Inside, there are enough provisions for almost a week and an emergency siren system for a life-threatening attack in peacetime  the Hoarse Fredrik, as it is known, is tested at 3pm on the dot in Swedish cities on the first Monday of March, June, September, and December.

The UKs physical air raid siren network was also regularly tested in the Seventies but was disbanded in the 1990s. However, reports suggest around 1,200 remain in use  and would be used if there was an imminent danger to surrounding residents.

In the Netflix film, the other sign that something is seriously amiss is when an oil tanker runs ashore, thanks to malfunctioning navigation systems. Later, we see planes crashing out of the sky, reminiscent of the Y2K millennium bug scare, when people worried that computers would misinterpret the 00 in 2000 as 1900, which some believed would spark disruption in everything from navigation systems to power infrastructure. This never happened, largely because many people behind the scenes got to work, but there were still failures internationally when 15 nuclear reactors shut down, power cuts hit Hawaii, and government computers failed in China and Hong Kong.

Our reliance on computer systems was also highlighted by the August 2023 outage of air traffic control systems in the UK that brought flights to a standstill, and recently, we have seen that smaller-scale outages can have widespread ramifications. The flight outage took several days to unpick as NATS, the company overseeing UK air traffic control, sought to find the underlying issue that had caused it. But at least it showed that there are sufficient early-warning systems and contingency plans in place to stop planes falling out of the sky, as we see happen in the film.

Held to ransom: hackers can breach computer systems, lock access to data and demand payment to release the files ( Peter Byrne/PA )

However, that is not to underestimate how much our systems are linked  much more so than when we worried about the millennium bug. Around 15 years ago, the UK took a path with its national cybersecurity strategy that prioritised the continuity of government computer systems at the expense of everything else.

It was wrong in 2009 because we completely ignored the fact that a massive proportion of the economy was already virtual, and that that was only going to increase, says Lynette Nusbacher, who at the time was a senior intelligence officer with Britains Joint Intelligence Committee and founded the Cabinet Offices national security horizon scanning unit.

While Nusbacher left her role in 2010, she says that, from an outsiders perspective, attitudes havent changed much since. We have not moved far from that, she says.

However, the likelihood of such a large-scale cyberattack happening is still small, reckons Ciaran Martin, professor of practice at the Blavatnik School of Government, and the first CEO of the UKs National Cyber Security Centre until August 2020. The chances of this happening with no wider complex declaration of hostilities are very, very, very low, he says.

A lot of what we think of as critical national infrastructure like the National Grid is comparatively well-protected and has been for decades. The UKs National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) lists 13 sectors that it deems are critical, including energy, chemicals, and civil nuclear, as well as health, communications, food, and water. Those 13 were chosen because a major detrimental impact on the availability, integrity, or delivery of [these] essential services... could result in significant loss of life or casualties, according to the NPSA.

However, Nusbacher adds, if one part of national infrastructure is a hard target, an attacker is going to seek out soft targets. Communication is key, and she says: The government has special agreements with certain providers to ensure that there are no single points of failure.

Outages include the things that affect ordinary people, like your internet connection and potentially your mobile service as people turn to it because they cant use wifi. However, emergency services are able to still operate  the government learned after the 7/7 terror attack on London in 2005 that first responders cant use the same network as the general public. The emergency services use a new system, called the Emergency Services Network, that is separate from the core public communications network.

There has been a focus on landline phone services recently and their analogue value and use, particularly, in a cyberattack. Were in the process of taking a step backward by closing down the plain old telephone system, which was a separate network, powered separately and with its copper infrastructure, says Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Surrey. BT and other telephone providers are partway through migrating their services from the traditional copper wires to digital alternatives, powered by voice over IP (VoIP) technology  the same tech that underpins Skype. The phone company, however, says it has contingency plans in place to keep services going in a serious event and liaises regularly with the government to keep things safe.

In the UK, there is also a hidden benefit in that we have several network providers, says Woodward. While lots of service providers use the same physical networks, there are several physical mobile networks.

The same thing is true for banks, says Ciaran Martin, which all have back-up plans in the event of major cyber incidents. The goal is to ensure services remain online. Big banks and the energy grid are designed, in principle, so youll be able to get capacity from elsewhere, he says.

Outside of a massive high altitude electromagnetic pulse, some infrastructure for general users would survive, says Woodward. Emergency generators would kick in, keeping core systems online.

One of the movies most evocative scenes  at least on social media  sees Tesla self-driving electric vehicles careening across roads. That scene has raised the hackles of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who promptly posted on X, formerly Twitter, that electric vehicles like his could still run even if mains electricity was taken down. Teslas can charge from solar panels even if the world goes fully Mad Max and there is no more gasoline! he wrote.

Crash and burn: Elon Musk was triggered by a scene featuring malfunctioning Teslas ( Netflix )

Whether the other 850,000 or so solely electric cars the RAC estimates are on the nations roads would be able to be charged by solar power isnt fully known. However, Nusbacher says the idea of cars or ships heading in the wrong direction isnt too far-fetched. If a widely available satnav product was changed ever so slightly to mess everything up, the effect could be significant, she says. Of course, humans could override that by simply ignoring the directions and follow analogue plans. Remember maps?

Continuity of public services and access to food is key in the event of persistent issues. The Resilience Capabilities Programme is thee national-level plan that oversees what happens in the case of a major emergency. At a local level, responsibility will be devolved to local councils who will organise where to evacuate people in the event of a disaster. In an extreme event like a nuclear attack, there are thought to be no more than 50 usable nuclear bunkers across the country and space in these would be reserved for key members of government, the military, and people who would be needed to run the country after an attack.

On a lesser scale, though, it doesnt take much for normal service to be disrupted. Just as we saw a couple of years ago, when a tanker was grounded in the Suez Canal and with Covid, where just-in-time supply chains are interrupted, shortages quickly follow. In 2021, the army was put on standby to cope with food shortages caused by a lack of qualified truck drivers and the Royal Logistic Corps and other corps would be used to help distribute food and other essential supplies, including medicine if needed.

What the movie, and any real unspooling of our digital lives like were seeing today, does show is quite how important tech and the internet have become in how we live today. Its important to recognise that as we hand over more control of our world, for all the best reasons, to the tech, then those dependencies become sharper, says Nusbacher. Even well-prepared, we could find ourselves having tremendous difficulty.

But in an extreme event will we turn on each other or towards each other? When you consider one statistic that cited 90 per cent of lives saved in disasters are saved by those near them and not the emergency services, lets hope its the latter.
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More regulation and better ethical frameworks are required in the development of living robots researchers have said.

Increasingly, engineers are creating robots that rely not only on artificial components but also living tissue and cells, grown in a lab, that can be harnessed for their capabilities.

But the growth of that technology has not been matched by an understanding of the ethical and governance concerns that the technologies present, a team of multidisciplinary researchers have warned in a major intervention.

The scientists note that the technology brings benefits that might not be possible otherwise. But they said that the dangers are not being properly considered, eitehr.

Of more than 1,500 publications looking at the technology, for instance, only five gave detailed consideration to the ethics of using living tissue in robotic machines.

The challenges in overseeing bio-hybrid robotics are not dissimilar to those encountered in the regulation of biomedical devices, stem cells and other disruptive technologies, said Rafael Mestre from the University of Southampton, a co-lead author on the paper.

But unlike purely mechanical or digital technologies, bio-hybrid robots blend biological and synthetic components in unprecedented ways. This presents unique possible benefits but also potential dangers.

The potential ethical and questions are wide-ranging. But they include questions about when such a system might be considered sentient  and what moral status it might have.

Bio-hybrid robots create unique ethical dilemmas, said Anibal M Astobiza, from the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and co-lead author of the paper. The living tissue used in their fabrication, potential for sentience, distinct environmental impact, unusual moral status, and capacity for biological evolution or adaptation create unique ethical dilemmas that extend beyond those of wholly artificial or biological technologies.

Researchers pointed to similar debates around other new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and human cloning. They said the ethical questions are on the scale of those other innovations  but that the discussion of them is much less.

The paper, Ethics and responsibility in bio-hybrid robotics research, is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Thousands protested in Spains Palma de Mallorca on Sunday in the latest demonstration against over-tourism.

About 10,000 protesters took part in the Mallorca demonstration on Sunday, police said. Tourism is a key industry for the Iberian nation.

Anti-tourism activists have staged a series of protests this year in Barcelona, and other popular holiday destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and the Canary Islands, saying visitors drive up housing costs and lead to residents being unable to afford to live in city centres.

Carrying makeshift models of planes and cruise ships, protesters walked through the streets of the capital of Mallorca with posters reading no to mass tourism and stop private jets.

Some tourists supported the march while others appeared uncomfortable.

Pere Joan Femenia, of Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) which organised Sundays protest in Mallorca, told Reuters protesters wanted less tourists on the island.

Mass tourism is making it difficult for local people who cannot afford to live on their own island because tourist flats push up prices. Tourists fill up beaches and put a strain on public services in the summer, he said.

We want to cut mass tourism and to ban non-residents from buying houses which are just used for a few months a year or for speculation.

open image in gallery People take part in a demonstration to protest against overtourism and housing prices on the island of Mallorca in Palma de Mallorca on July 21, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

After Catalonia, the Balearic Islands was the second most popular region of Spain for tourists last year, attracting 14.4 million holidaymakers, the Spanish National Statistics Institute said.

Tourism generates 45% of the Balearic Islands gross domestic product, according to data from Exceltur, an industry organisation.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the city for less than 12 hours, the mayor said in an interview on Sunday.

open image in gallery People hold a placard which reads as Tourism yes, but not like this during a demonstration to protest against overtourism and housing prices on the island of Mallorca in Palma de Mallorca on July 21, 2024. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Jaume Collboni said the current tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers was 7 euros ($7.61) per day. He did not say by how much the tax would be increased.

We are going to propose..substantially increasing the tax for stopover cruise passengers, he told El Pais newspaper.

In the case of stopover cruise passengers (less than 12 hours) there is intensive use of public space without any benefit for the city and a feeling of occupation and saturation. We want to have tourism that is respectful of the destination.

He said tourists, not local tax payers, should pay for local projects like air-conditioning schools.

The proposal will have to be agreed with the Catalan regional government, Collboni said.

In the first quarter of this year, 16.1 million people visited Spain, an increase of 18% compared with the same period last year.

Visitors spent 109 billion euros ($118.56 billion) in Spain last year, versus 63.5 billion euros in France.
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If you took a stroll down Stephen Avenue to Olympic Plaza in Calgary any morning last week, theres a good chance that you would have been met with a clown in a cowboy hat offering you a freshly flipped pancake.

Strange as this may seem, these free breakfasts are actually part of a tradition going back many decades in the Alberta city in western Canada. Since 1923, during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede  the world-famous annual rodeo and accompanying festival  residents and visitors have felt the embrace of good old western hospitality by enjoying pancakes (often referred to as flapjacks in Canada) served out the back of a horse-drawn wagon.

The earliest pancake breakfasts were held along Eighth Avenue and at a replica of a pioneer shack called the Old-Timers hut on the rodeo grounds. Although the Stampede had been running since 1912, it was 11 years later that the Calgary Herald reported how Jack Morton, a rancher affiliated with the CX Ranch in Rosebud in Alberta, galloped the CX chuck wagon down Eighth Avenue [and] started the final performance of the Morning Stampede in a way that Calgary will never forget.

Western hospitality is at the heart of the breakfasts ( Calgary Stampede Collection & Archives )

On 13 July 1923, the newspaper wrote: Just how many city bylaws and statutes were broken by the howling, whooping, rip-snorting bunch of cowboys that he brought with him will never be known.

Out came the old cookstove, and soon the pungent odor of wood smoke filled the air, to be followed shortly by the inviting aroma of sizzling hot cakes Spectators fought to get to the front in order to bite into the luscious flapjacks that were being turned out by the outfits cook.

The same year, a separate breakfast at the Old-Timers hut saw men gather to grill pancakes, which they served drizzled in maple syrup in a shack that looked like early homes of the west, harking back to the pioneers of the previous century. These Old-Timers breakfasts were carried on by the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Old-Timers Association, who continue to hold an annual stampede breakfast to the present day.

A pancake breakfast in downtown Calgary in the 1970s ( Calgary Stampede Collection & Archives )

Through the 1920s the breakfasts grew into an annual tradition, with pancakes grilled at the hut and in the back of chuckwagons that were driven into downtown Calgary, often accompanied by sausages, ham, and eggs, welcoming the public and press as well as Old Timers and cowboys.

With the exception of 2020, when it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Stampede has never missed a year, running through two world wars and a flood in 2013 that devastated the city leaving much of the event grounds under water  come hell or high water the show would go on, became the Stampedes rallying cry.

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As the self-billed Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede rolls into the Canadian city every July in a whirl of rodeo, music, arts, tradition and plenty of partying. For 10 days, the Stampede grounds  as well as bars, restaurants, businesses, shops and streets throughout the city  are taken over by locals and visitors in cowboy hats and boots, celebrating Albertas western heritage.

Rodeo takes centre stage, with bull riding, wagon racing, barrel racing, steer wrestling and Indigenous relay racing being held in the stadium every day. On the park grounds there are also four music venues with live performances featuring everything from rock and pop to hip-hop  although, naturally, county and western is a big focus.

The breakfasts, like this one in 2023, have evolved to become large events where locals and visitors celebrate cowboy culture ( Calgary Stampede Collection & Archives )

Since the first Stampede in 1912, visitors have also been able to learn about the culture and traditions of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuutina First Nations. Now named Elbow River Camp, this area features 26 tipis each with a unique design where families display their traditional way of life. There is also an arena to watch dancing and storytelling, and stalls selling jewellery and art, along with bannock (a type of fried bread) and saskatoonberry jam.

In 2024, the event was attended by its largest crowd yet, with just shy of 1.5 million visitors passing through the Stampede grounds.

The tradition of pancake breakfasts has lasted more than a century ( Calgary Stampede Collection & Archives )

The pancake breakfasts are just one of many traditions celebrated during these 10 days; others include yelling yahoo rather than the more common cowboy cry of yeehaw, eating inventive foods (in the past the offerings have included mealworm hotdogs, pickle lemonade, and deep fried bubble gum), and a strong commitment to volunteerism  3,000 Calgarians gave their time to work at the Stampede this year.

Despite holding true to their old western roots, the nature of the pancake breakfasts evolved in the 1950s, with businesses, churches, and charities also holding their own events. Interestingly, politicians did too, with the events proving to be a means to network and entertain.

Integral to these breakfasts was, and is, cowboy culture. A 1982 information package for the Stampede stated: If you had spent the night on the prairie with your saddle for a pillow, and the stars for a roof, then the flapjacks and bacon that a cookie whipped up would sit pretty warm and fulfilling in your belly.

Here in Calgary, it doesnt really matter to us that most of our guests now sleep in air-conditioned comfort the flapjacks and bacon still fill a hole in your stomach. And when they are cooked under the blazing July sun, with just a touch of Rocky Mountain cool they are as tasty as they were 75 years ago.

The core value of free breakfasts served to the community still stands in 2024. Today, hundreds of events are held across the city in public parks, offices, community centres, shopping malls and churches. One of the most popular is the Ismali Muslim Stampede Breakfast, which is now in its 27th year, serving pancakes and eggs along with bharazi (a traditional east African dish of pigeon peas in coconut milk).

Rodeo at the Calgary Stampede in 2024  this year saw the highest attendance ever, with nearly 1.5 million visitors ( Calgary Stampede )

Other Stampede breakfasts feel more like festivals, with live music, drinking, dancing, costumes, face-painting and games. Some ask for a charitable donation or a contribution to a food bank, but the principle of free pancakes runs throughout.

Paul Patton, a retired geologist who has volunteered at the Calgary Stampede for the past four years, was playing drums as part of his band at the Calgary Auto Mall breakfast. He said: It shows the hospitality of the Old West.

Its a tradition that people really enjoy  always have, and will continue to do so.

Research used for this article was sourced by Calagrays Sam Centre in the report Honest-To-Goodness Pancakes: A History of the Evolution and Cultural Significance of the Stampede Breakfast from 1923-2000.

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Residents in Joe Bidens hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, have weighed in on the presidents decision to drop his reelection bid against Donald Trump.

The US leader sent political shockwaves around the country on Sunday (21 July) with a post on social media announcing that he was not accepting the Democrat nomination and focus all his energies on his duties as president for the remainder of his term, offering his full support and endorsement to Kamala Harris.

Some Scranton locals expressed their shock about the decision but wished the president well with his health, while others praised Mr Biden for what they said was a smart choice to step aside.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed sympathy for Joe Biden after the US president abandoned his hopes of re-election to the White House.

Speaking at Farnborough Air Show in Hampshire on Monday, the prime minister said Mr Biden had made a decision he would have arrived at taking into account the best interests of the American people.

Sir Keir had talks at the White House with Mr Biden earlier this month while in Washington for the Nato summit.

Mr Bidens decision on Sunday came after mounting pressure about his age and ability to take on Republican rival Donald Trump.

He has endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, as his choice to replace him on the ticket.
CNN commentator Van Jones cried live on television following Joe Bidens announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race.

Biden announced his decision to step down in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday (21 July) and publicly endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.

A visibly emotional Jones said: You just cry, because this is someone that you love, this is somebody that you care about.

This is somebody that was there for you. You wouldnt be here without him.
Kamala Harriss viral campaign advert attacking Donald Trump has resurfaced after Joe Bidens decision to step down from the 2024 presidential election race.

Biden announced his decision in a social media post on Sunday (21 July), and has since publicly endorsed vice president Harris to be his successor.

Harris ran to be the Democratic presidential nomination against Joe Biden in the 2020 election but withdrew her campaign before any votes were cast.

As part of her campaign, she released this video, calling Trump a world leader in temper tantrums.
Sir Keir Starmer accidentally called Rishi Sunak "prime minister" while speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, 22 July, weeks after Labour won the general election.

During an exchange about migration, the prime minister's predecessor urged him to keep partnerships with third countries  such as the one he struck up with Rwanda  on the table.

"I would urge him in his conversations with other European leaders to keep the option of further third country migration partnerships on the table as other countries have been discussing," Mr Sunak continued.

"Old habits die hard," Sir Keir joked as laughter echoed round the chamber following his mistake.
If this isnt a contradiction, the news that Joe Biden is pulling out is simultaneously shocking, but not in the least surprising. America seems to specialise in this.

But reading through his letter announcing that he is leaving Novembers presidential race  a decision that had been forced on him by the money drying up, the poll numbers tanking and the questions about his health mounting  it is what you would expect: a long list of his achievements, that he couldnt have done it without the American people and the support of those around him.

There was praise for his veep, Kamala Harris  but there was one sentence conspicuously absent. I reread the letter twice to check. There was no endorsement of her to be his successor. Nothing.

And given how much focus there would have been on this most salient point, and how many drafts the letter would have gone through before being released, it was notable. And heres the problem.

The reservations about Kamala Harris run deep  and not just among Republicans. Very recently I was with a senior US diplomat and I asked how Kamala Harris was doing as vice-president. The response was telling: Oh, shes doing a little better, you know. If the phrase damning with faint praise means anything

Biden quickly followed up his initial letter with a statement saying he fully backs Kamala to succeed him, and that he wants her to be the Democratic Partys nominee. I think a lot of the big guns will follow his lead.

The problem for the party at this agonising moment is there are probably better candidates  most notably the governors of California and Michigan, Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer respectively  but to get from Biden stepping down to one of those winning the nomination would probably necessitate a bloodbath, while Donald Trump sits with his feet up, watching the carnage unfold.

In Kamala Harriss favour, she has been energetic while campaigning on abortion rights issues  a key concern in this election  and wherever a womans reproductive rights have been on the ballot, voters have gone for a womans right to choose.

But the negatives are long. One of the issues that Biden gave her to mastermind was the issue of immigration and the Southern border. It has been a disaster. The border is still one of Trumps trump cards. She gave the impression that she didnt really want to get mud on her high-heeled shoes by getting stuck into this.

There is a question of misogyny, too. When Hillary Clinton ran in 2016, that was undoubtedly a factor in her defeat (although she ran a lousy campaign  not to mention other issues).

But one more pressing question is the age-old one: what did she know and when? If the reason that Joe Biden is stepping aside is because of his cognitive decline, how long has he been like that? Were the Americans duped about the real state of his health? Why was she still fully backing him if she knew he wasnt physically capable?

Republican attack ads have been prepared and are ready to go. And a taste of the style of assault was on show from Donald Trump on Saturday night. Shes nuts, he was telling his audience in Michigan. You ever watch a laugh? Shes crazy. You can tell a lot by a laugh. Shes crazy, he revelled in telling the audience.

And her record as a liberal Californian will bear no relation to reality  but hey, this is US politics. Dont let the facts get in the way of a good story. It will be ugly.

Thats the bad news. There is an opportunity in who she picks as her running mate  if, of course, she secures the nomination. What you want ideally from a running mate is someone who reaches a demographic you dont  the balancing of the ticket.

Think JFK  a northeastern, liberal, elite, wealthy Catholic picking Lyndon B Johnson  a Texan redneck from the South with whom he had nothing in common.

Donald Trump hasnt done that this time around. When he chose the former Indiana governor, Mike Pence, in 2016, it was smart. Here was a god-fearing evangelical who put faith above politics, giving reassurance to the evangelicals of America that it was safe to vote Trump.

But in 2024, Trump has gone for the Maga mini-me in the shape of JD Vance, who is arguably more out there on economic populism, isolationism, the border and anti-abortion policies than Trump himself.

In other words, the centre ground of US politics is sitting vacant. Make the right choice of running mate, get some energy into the campaign, suck the oxygen away from Trump and you never know. Because then, all of a sudden, the focus will switch to age  and Trump will be the old man in the race. In fact, the oldest person in US history to become president.

November is still a long way away.
President Joe Bidens belated decision to end his misguided bid for re-election has changed the 2024 race for the White House beyond all recognition.

In place of an elderly opponent whose faculties have been visibly failing, Donald Trump will now face someone considerably younger than he is.

In place of a man, the chances are that he will face a woman who now says she will do everything in her power to beat him in November. In place of a nominee whose party support is divided, he is likely to face a candidate buoyed by a newly energised Democratic Party; their divisions over Bidens candidacy left behind.

Many of the calculations made by Trump and his campaign team may thus need a rapid rethink.

If his graceless response to Bidens withdrawal is an early sign of that rethink, then he may find his wider support shrinking, even as he reinforces his ultra-loyal base. The early timing of the Republican Convention, once seen as an advantage, could now turn out to be a liability.

His resilience in the face of the failed assassination attempt will remain an asset, along with the images of all-American heroism, but the competition for public attention may start to be more even than it was.

For all the hope now invested in vice-president Kamala Harris, however, starry-eyed optimism should be avoided at all costs  whether it comes from Trump opponents in the United States who have a vote on 5 November, or from those abroad, concerned about the implications of a second Trump presidency.

Serial smasher of glass ceilings Harris may be, but it is not at all clear from her three-and-a-half years as first reserve that she will be the one to shatter that final one. If as substantial a political figure as Hillary Clinton could not do it, Harris has a lot of convincing still to do.

On the plus side, she has her youth  at 59  relative to Trumps grizzled 78. Being a lawyer and former attorney general could give her debating points against Trump, given his brushes with the law that continue, despite the Supreme Courts recent ruling on presidential immunity.

Her background  of mixed race, with a Jamaican father and an Indian mother  could enhance her appeal to Americas younger and more ethnically diverse voters. Being a woman and a staunch supporter of abortion rights could also help her to win womens votes, in a US election where those rights are at issue for the first time in 50 years.

As of now, though, the doubts at least balance, and risk outweighing these assets. It would be an understatement to say that she does not have a good record as a campaigner. When she contested the early Democratic primaries in 2020, she was singularly unimpressive and gaffe-prone, including in debates where a lawyer and advocate should shine.

In her time as vice-president, she has failed to emerge from the presidents shadow  was this a sign of loyalty or of weakness? And what price loyalty if it serves to prolong the campaign of a president who should not be seeking a second term?

When she was chosen by Biden as his running mate, there were accusations of tokenism from which she has never successfully escaped. And she conspicuously failed to get to grips with the one defined job she was entrusted with by Biden: migration, and the situation on the southern border.

In mitigation, it could be said that this was always an impossible task, as Biden well knew. But it counts as a failure nonetheless  as does her seeming inability to have carved out anything approaching her own platform or identity over the years.

Senior Democrats may be rushing to embrace Harris as the candidate with the best prospects of challenging Trump, and so with the best chance of uniting their fractious party. But if she is to command the credibility essential to electoral success, she needs to set out what she stands for and communicate it, clearly, consistently and without delay.

Trump is a formidable communicator, with an impassioned, even fanatical, core of supporters. She has to project something of the same self-belief. In his letter announcing the end of his campaign, Biden summarised what is, on balance, a positive domestic record in the White House. Harris could do worse than share the credit for the relatively strong state of the US economy, the jobs created and the expansion of healthcare provision.

In her first speech as the presumed nominee, she paid generous tribute to Biden, saying his record was unmatched in modern history and suggesting she would campaign to continue what she sees as his legacy of accomplishment. But she also needs to have answers to Trump on migration and his hard-nosed foreign policy, on relations with China  in the first instance  and the war in Ukraine.

A little less than a month remains until the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which is as late in the political season as the Republican Convention was early. Assuming that Harris is the nominee, these will be crucial weeks that will make (or break) her chances of beating Donald Trump to the White House. Any mistake or evident weakness will cost her dear.

But the race has entered a new stage, and it is  by a long way  not over yet.
Frame your responses with respect and seek common ground

Donald Trump at the DNC. He's not likely to say: I feel unheard when my ideas arent considered. Can we talk about this? Photo: AP

I had been planning and looking forward to this past week for months.

No, not because the Republicans were going to be holding their partys convention in Milwaukee, but because my brother and sister and her family were traveling from the US to visit daughter Lulu and me at our adopted home in Dublin for the first time since we relocated here to Ireland.

I organised our itinerary with what I hoped would be fun-filled touristy experiences  the Viking Splash tour, the Guinness Storehouse, and kayaking in Bullock Harbour near Dalkey. I was navigating my duties as happy host fairly well, Id say.

Personal attacks can quickly escalate any disagreement, turning it into an all-out battle

But then the realisation hit. I had not made the proper mental preparation for the inevitable sibling disagreement over American politics.

You see, my sister Andrea and her husband Tony are from Ohio and are a pair of rare Democrats in that very red state which is home to J. D. Vance, the Republican candidate for vice president.

But my brother Brad, who lives in Florida, is a very outspoken Trump supporter.

Knowing this, I had prayed we would just avoid the topic altogether, but what with the assassination attempt and then the GOP convention making headlines, the conversation proved inevitable.

Thankfully, we were able to agree to disagree and we will all still go on being family.

But our lively discussions prompted me to reflect on how to try to hold discussions in the workplace where different points of view (or even outright disagreements) are voiced, while still keeping relationships collegial.

1 Listen actively and empathetically

Listening is the cornerstone of effective communication. It involves not just hearing the words but understanding the emotions and intentions behind them.

Controlling your facial expression while you are listening to the other person is important.

Pay attention to the first words you utter, after they have made their point. Instead of immediately rebutting or offering your own evidence (as I incorrectly tried with my brother), instead ask them to speak even more.

This encouragement may help you understand their perspective better, and your purposefully giving them more talking time is a good technique to soften their blow. They may run out of steam and you will not be seen as cutting them off.

2 Frame your responses with respect

Respectful communication acknowledges other peoples views, even if you disagree. It avoids dismissive language which can make others feel undervalued.

An example of defensive language is saying: Thats a stupid idea. An uplifting replacement might be: I see where youre coming from, but have you considered...?

This encourages a constructive exchange of ideas rather than shutting down the conversation.

3 Focus on the Issue, not the person

Personal attacks can quickly escalate any disagreement, turning it into an all-out battle.

Fortunately, my family didnt stoop to disparaging each other personally  but keeping a measured tone and calm speed of speaking is also something to remember.

4 Seek common ground

Were never going to agree on the topic of Trump, but we can agree that we want better lives for our family in the future.

In the workplace, finding an area of agreement can shift the focus from opposition to collaboration.

Defensive language would be saying: Youre wrong. But an uplifting replacement could be: I think we both want a shared goal. Lets figure out how we can get there together.

5 Use I statements to express your views

Using I statements can help in expressing your thoughts and feelings without sounding accusatory. They focus on your own experiences rather than placing blame.

Defensive language could be: You never listen to me. An uplifting replacement is: I feel unheard when my ideas arent considered. Can we talk about this?

Before entering a potentially contentious discussion, take a moment to prepare yourself. Understand your own triggers and biases, and remind yourself to stay calm and respectful.

If disagreements are common, it might be helpful to establish some ground rules for discussions. These can include guidelines like no interrupting, respecting each others time to speak, and staying on topic.

If a discussion becomes too heated, its okay to suggest a break. This allows everyone to cool down.

Be willing to consider that you might not have all the answers. Openness to learning and adapting is a strength in any discussion  in or outside of work.

6 Seek mediation if necessary

Sometimes, it might be beneficial to involve a neutral third party to mediate the discussion. This can help in ensuring that both sides feel heard and can lead to a more balanced resolution.

Navigating disagreements in the workplace can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can also be opportunities for growth and improved understanding.

By listening actively, framing responses respectfully, focusing on issues rather than individuals, seeking common ground, and using I statements, we can turn potentially divisive conversations into productive dialogues.

Whether its a family debate over politics or a professional disagreement at work, the goal should always be to maintain respect and empathy.

My brother Brad and I may not always agree, but we can always strive to understand each other better and shift to talking about the subjects that we do agree on. Like music from Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.

Seek the common ground in the workplace, too and keep on rocking.

You can write to Gina care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie
Lady in the Lake (Apple TV+) 2/5

Lurking somewhere in Lady in the Lake (Apple TV+, episodes one and two now streaming) is a gripping thriller trying to break free from its suffocating surrounds.

The novel on which its based  by Laura Lippman, a former journalist with the Baltimore Sun and author of some 20 works of detective fiction  received a glowing review from Stephen King in The New York Times.

Frankly, youd probably be better off reading the book than wading through this seven-part miniseries adaptation by Alma Harel. The first two episodes (the rest arrive weekly on Fridays) are turgid and dont exactly leave you waiting impatiently to find out what happens next.

Harel has reportedly made a number of changes, including excising or merging some characters, giving others greater or lesser prominence than they had in the original, and adding new elements of her own.

Theres nothing inherently wrong with that. What works on the page doesnt always translate into effective screen drama, and an adaptation shouldnt always treat a book like a sacred text.

But Lady in the Lake doesnt work as effective drama. Its ponderous and meandering. It sags and drags to an exhausting degree. It drowns in exposition, flashbacks, dream sequences, puzzlingly surreal scenes and leaden symbolism.

At one point, one of the two central characters is driving along with her younger self sitting in the passenger seat, weeping. It adds nothing.

Set in the sexist, racist Baltimore of the 1960s, where men are men and women are supposed to know their place and stay there, Lady in the Lake revolves around two women, one white and privileged, the other black and poor, whose lives, which eventually collide, are constrained by similar forces.

Natalie Portman, in her first TV role, plays well-to-do Jewish housewife Maddie Schwartz, who sacrificed her youthful dream of being a journalist to act as a doormat for her ghastly husband Milton (Brett Gelman) and their insufferably snarky son Seth (Noah Jupe).

Maddie is bored with her life and feels useless. When an 11-year-old Jewish girl goes missing during a Thanksgiving parade, the community bands together to search for her.

Maddie, seeing an opportunity to assert herself, wants to join the search, but Milton forbids it. She flips, packs a suitcase and walks out on him and Seth.

With no money of her own and unable to even sell her car without her husband giving his signed permission, Maddie pawns some jewellery and moves into a small flat in a black area of town known as The Bottom.

Joining the search, Maddie miraculously discovers the childs body in the lake more or less straight away. She uses her newfound celebrity to wangle a bottom-rung job at the fictional Baltimore Star newspaper.

Across town, meanwhile, a struggling young black mother called Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) is trying to do her best for her two sons. Shes not helped much by her husband Slappy (Byron Bowers), a layabout and would-be stand-up comedian.

Cleo spends her days in the window of a department store, modelling dresses only rich white women like Maddie can afford, and her nights as a bartender and accountant to black gangster Shell Gordon (Wood Harris).

Cleo is active in trying to improve life in her community, but her attempts to become involved in the mayoral campaign of black politician Myrtle Summer (Angela Robinson) are rebuffed because of her association with the unsavoury Shell.

Through no fault of her own, Cleo is embroiled in criminal activity that leads inexorably to her becoming the victim of the title  and thus another stepping stone for Maddies journalistic ambitions.

In a touch reminiscent of both Sunset Boulevard and The Lovely Bones, Cleo narrates the story of her life and death from beyond the grave, commenting bitterly on how Maddie has made her murder all about herself. You came at the end of my story and turned it into my beginning, she says.

The drama is also guilty of making it all about the ruthless Maddie, when Cleo is the more rounded, interesting character.

What could have been a riveting blend of mystery and piercing social history is flattened by stylistic flashiness and needlessly heavy-handed messaging.
I shook hands on a deal with a local farmer to buy 2ac for my ponies. I built stables on my property... but now he is backing out. What can I do?

Does a handshake have any legal standing in this context? Can I enforce the agreement?

You could have saved yourself a great deal of hassle and legal costs if you had gone to a solicitor at the outset. Photo: Getty

Mary Frances Fahy Mon 22 Jul 2024 at 08:05

Query: Dear Mary Frances, I have always dreamed of owning a house in the country with enough land to keep a pony or two. I have a house with hardly any land, and then a year ago, I believed my dream had come true when I reached a verbal agreement with a local farmer to buy 2ac of land surrounding my house.
China to review anti-dumping measures on stainless steel imports from EU, UK, ROK and Indonesia: commerce ministry

Xinhua) 14:53, July 22, 2024

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce announced Monday that it will launch an expiry review of anti-dumping measures aimed at stainless steel billets and hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils imported from the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Indonesia starting from July 23, 2024.

China imposed anti-dumping duties on stainless steel products imported from the EU, Japan, the ROK, and Indonesia starting from July 23, 2019, with rates ranging from 18.1 to 103.1 percent for five years, according to a statement from the ministry.

Starting from July 23, 2024, the anti-dumping measures aimed at imports of stainless steel billets as well as hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils originating from Japan will be terminated upon expiration, the statement said.

Stainless steel billets and hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils are widely used in industries such as ships, containers, railways, electric power, petroleum and petrochemicals.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Health Service Executive has failed in a High Court challenge to a decision permitting RTE access to records relating to the compliance of certain HSE employees with their disclosure obligations under the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995.

Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger said the HSEs criticism of the Information Commissioner for failing to engage with its arguments it made in appealing his decision to allow RTE to have the information "have neither a factual basis nor any merit".
Courtney Carey pictured at her unfair dismissal case against her former employer Wix. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Courtney Carey, the worker who was fired by Israeli tech firm Wix over posts on social media about the conflict in Palestine, has won 35,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal.

Ms Carey, a customer care team leader who was sacked by Wix Online Platforms Ltd last October, was awarded the sum on foot of a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The managing director of the company behind the Rose of Tralee claims to have received an offer of 750,000 for his majority stake in the firm, the High Court has heard.
Dark secrets of a charismatic cleric: How Bishop Eamonn Casey fell from grace

As more allegations of child abuse against Bishop Eamonn Casey emerge, Kim Bielenberg recalls the rollercoaster career of a discredited man of the Church

Bishop Eamonn Casey with Fr Michael Cleary at the Papal mass in 1979 in Galway

Kim Bielenberg Mon 22 Jul 2024 at 12:57

For decades, he was the Catholic Church's most charismatic figure in Ireland. He highlighted homelessness and poverty. He drove fast cars and stopped to sing songs with the public as he went about his merry way. That was the public face of Bishop Eamonn Casey.
A fourth fire in four days broke out on Sunday evening at the site in Coolock that is intended to house asylum seekers.

Dublin Fire Brigade was again called to the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road that has been the focus of protests over the past week, to deal with what was likely a fourth arson attack in as many days.
It was a sea of saffron and blue as tens of thousands of Clare fans welcomed home their hurling heroes and for the fifth time, the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

More than 40,000 fans from as far away as Feakle, Fanore and the four corners of Clare packed into Tim Smythe Park in Ennis to welcome home the new All-Ireland Senior Hurling champions.

Clare beat Cork in extra-time by a single point on Sunday to take home their fifth All-Ireland hurling title in 110 years and their first in what many fans described as 11 long years.

Since the dust settled, fans from all sides have praised, one of the finest games of hurling seen in Croke Park which saw the sides level 14 times over nearly 100 minutes.

But Monday night in the Clare capital left room for only one set of fans to sing their praises the loudest, with the mighty Banner Roar echoing throughout the medieval town of Ennis.

Flags, banners and 24-CE-LIAM number plates hit the air in the build-up to the arrival of the team as fans poured into the park, decked out in new and vintage Clare kits, with many jerseys a nod to the great teams All-Ireland winning teams of 1995 and 1997.

On stage music and entertainment from popular cover band One September kept an eager crowd entertained as news travelled through on the teams imminent arrival.

Sean O Neil, from Cooraclare, who travelled with his partner Emer Earley, after both being in Hill 16 on Sunday said you can never give up on this team.

I didnt think theyd be lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup after the Munster Final defeat, but this team never give up. Theyve given us a rollercoaster of a year, he said.

Earlier in the day, the Clare hurlers visited young patients at Children's Health Ireland hospital in Temple Street, Dublin before heading on the M7 back to The Green Hills of Clare.

Their first stop at home was at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon, where manager Brian Lohan cut his teeth, showing off the hurling leagues Dr Croke Cup and the All-Ireland championships Liam MacCarthy Cup.

It wasnt until after 8pm and Christy Moores Lisdoonvarna, Bruce Robinsons Travellin Soldier and a lively rendition of My Lovely Rose of Clare before the pinnacle of hurling silverware returned.

Introducing the team was legendary GAA RTE Sports commentator and Clare man Marty Morrisey, who introduced the team as the greatest team in Ireland.

It was Clares magician Tony Kelly, with Liam MacCarthy in hand and surrounded by his 39 squad mates plus backroom staff, who received one of the loudest cheers on the night.

Kelly earned the man of the match award for his performance after sinking a majestic 1-4 and scoring one of the finest goals ever seen in an All-Ireland hurling final.

Speaking from the stage, Kelly said the Clare supporters played a huge role in the campaign.

It wasnt only yesterday, it was probably every game we played this year from the league final and onwards to the championship. We know we are not the easiest team to follow at times in terms of the games being very close

A lot of people said Cork would outnumber Clare but it was actually the opposite yesterday, Clare outnumbered Cork that support is very much appreciated, he said.

The secondary school teacher in Ennis added that the team are very happy to give them the reward of an All-Ireland win and homecoming celebrations.

Sharing an equally loud rapturous applause from the crowd, was player of the year contender and star forward Shane ODonnell.

He said: I never knew if this day was going to come back but I can honestly say this is infinitely better than it was 11 years ago.

To come out here in the Fair Green in the middle of Ennis and see 40,000 people, it is the pride of my life to get to enjoy this day and get to bring Liam MacCarthy back.

I cant wait to celebrate the next couple of days. Up the Banner, the 30-year-old roared.

Star defender, John Conlon, from Clonlara described the feeling and atmosphere in Croke Park as electric, saying what a day of hurling and what an epic battle against Cork.

It is the stuff of dreams, what you dream of as a young child, he said.

Brian Lohan said we have an absolutely tremendous group of players who are ready, willing and hungry to take up the baton.

On how he would rate yesterdays final, Lohan said: It was tremendous they just work so hard, are resilient, they are mentally so strong, just a reflection of us as Clare people, that is what we are like. We are hard workers, we are tough workers, we get things done and we win.
Kerry authorities are to seek an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) amid warnings that 70pc of Ireland's oldest and most famous tourist route, the Ring of Kerry, is now critically substandard.

The famous route - whose popularity with tourists eventually inspired the Wild Atlantic Way campaign - has deteriorated so much in parts that some Kerry councillors argued it is not safe for road users.

Kerry officials said sections of the world-famous route are now "an embarrassment" given their condition.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 22nd July 2024

Further, leading tourist guides including TripAdvisor have multiple comments from tourists warning about the challenges of driving the route - and coaches being forced to cross the white line as they negotiate sharp bends and struggle to cope with potholes and roadside bushes.

Now, Kerry Co Council is to seek an urgent meeting with Mr Ryan and TII bosses in a bid to secure urgent funding to prioritise the repair and upgrading of the route around some of Ireland's most popular beauty spots.

Councillor Michael Cahill warned that the route is critical to Kerry's tourism economy.

"It has potholes, it has humps, it has parts of the road surface that are simply disintegrating," he warned.

"The road itself in (some) places is out of shape."

Councillor Cahill pointed out that the condition of the road is due to a number of factors ranging from long overdue major maintenance and refurbishment, the fact that sections of the road were built over poor land such as bog and the incredible amount of use the road gets, particularly from tourist coaches.

Councillor Cahill stressed that the 180km road requires major investment.

"You could say this road is the premier tourism route in the country. It is every bit as important to Kerry and the southwest as the M50 is to Dublin."

Kerry Co Council is now seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Ryan and TII bosses to discuss an investment programme for the Ring of Kerry.

Several councillors warned that an estimated 7km of every 10km stretch of the Ring of Kerry is now substandard in terms of road surface.

The route begins and ends in Killarney - and traces around stunning sections of the Iveragh Peninsula.

For over 70 years it has remained a hugely popular route for foreign tourists, especially Americans who make the Ring a Kerry a key part of their Irish visit.

The emergence of the Wild Atlantic Way resulted in a significant increase in the number of tourists deciding to include the Ring of Kerry on their Irish holiday itinerary.

Councillor Cahill said the condition of the road today is the result of years of underinvestment in the route - and temporary surface patching when major repairs were warranted.

Locals warned that when sections of the Ring of Kerry are upgraded, it merely highlights the neglected condition of the rest of the route.

Safety issues have also been raised with overgrown trees and hedges often forcing motorists to cross the white line near sharp bends.

Road safety campaigners also warned that the increasing popularity of the route with cyclists has rendered a major route upgrade a matter of priority.

Foreign coach drivers have repeatedly complained about the condition of the road and the safety challenges it poses for large-size vehicles.

Councillor Cahill warned that no one was asking for the Ring of Kerry to be transformed into a replica of a major urban route.

"But it should be safe for all road users irrespective of whether they are cyclists, local motorists, pedestrians or bus drivers bringing coaches of foreign tourists to Kerry."
An 11-year-old Irish girl who died after falling from the seventh floor of a Spanish hotel where she was staying with her family has been described as a beautiful, spirited child.
Peig Sayers would be overjoyed by the new renaissance for Irish storytelling through Seanchoiche

The Dutch girl with the purple hair was full of the joys as we waited in a coffee queue near Stephens Green. Turned out her obvious bliss wasnt from having scored a front-row perch at Paloma Faith or Hogan Stand seats for All-Ireland hurling.
Someone will need to adopt the doggedness of Eamon Ryan on climate action. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Today is Climate Emergency Day, a designation conferred by climate activists to mark the day when the time left to prevent runaway climate change dwindles to less than five years.

Gathering under the We Dont Have Time banner, campaigners will try to draw attention to the ticking clock and the narrowing window for evasive action.

Their efforts are noble but the outcome predictable. This remains an emergency without urgency.

Despite inescapable evidence of climate chaos around the world and plentiful solutions for avoiding the worst impacts, progress plods.

Actions are pledged, targets are set and tweaks are made but it all happens torturously slowly.

The danger now is that it could become even slower.

In the United States, the prospect of Donald Trump returning to power looms ominously.

Last time in the White House, he withdrew from global climate agreements, publicly undermined scientists, deregulated environmental protection and urged the oil and gas men to drill, baby, drill.

His running mate, JD Vance, is another junior cheerleader for the fossil fuel industry.

Meanwhile, Jackson, Kentucky, which JD Vance wrote was the only place he could truly call home, still reels from the unprecedented 2022 flooding that brought death and devastation to the Appalachian community.

In Europe, commitment to the Green Deal has wobbled and newly re-elected European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has made clear that while climate remains on her to-do list, defence, security and business are foremost in her mind.

In Britain, the back-stepping Conservatives may be gone but the climate action reset promised by Labour is tempered by worrying developments in the courts.

The jailing of five Just Stop Oil activists for periods of four and five years puts their crimes on a par with violent assaults, sex offences and grand theft.

United Nations special rapporteur on environmental defenders, Michel Forst, declared it a very dangerous precedent... for any form of peaceful protest.

At home, we have just had elections where climate was neither a doorstep issue nor debate topic and we are facing a general election which promises similar.

That election will be fought without two key figures: Richard Bruton, who introduced the countrys first Climate Action Plan, and Eamon Ryan, who put the plan and later iterations into action.

Bruton was arguably too cautious but within Fine Gael he stands out for his deep understanding of the issues and visceral awareness of the challenges ahead.

Ryan has both and a doggedness that will be hard for anyone to match.

Who their natural successors are in their own parties, and who their peers are in the others, is not clear.

What is clear is that we need new leaders to step up to the plate and step up the pace of action.

This is an emergency without abatement and we dont have time to wait.
Works at the station included the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, remedial works to platform 2 and its complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets

Barry O'Donnell, 'Voice of Vision Impairment' pictured checking out the new works completed at Banteer Railway Station in North Cork on Thursday which include the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, two 13 person lifts, remedial works to platform 2 and complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets.

Stephen Hackett from Iarnrod Eireann with Rory O'Donnell and Bernie O'Connor pictured at a special event at Banteer Railway Station in North Cork on Thursday to mark the completion of accessibility works at the famous station.

Kevin Quaid, Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) and an ex-officio member of the Board of Alzheimer Europe, pictured checking out the new works completed at Banteer Railway Station in North Cork on Thursday.

Barry O'Donnell, 'Voice of Vision Impairment' Kevin Quaid, Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, Ronan Murphy and Ciaran Delaney, Irish Rail pictured checking out the new works including the outdoor seated area completed at Banteer Railway Station in North Cork on Thursday which include the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, two 13 person lifts, remedial works to platform 2 and complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Colin O'Sullivan, Station Master, Banteer cuts the tape to officially open the new accessibility facilities at Banteer Railway Station in North Cork on Thursday. The works included the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, featuring two 13 person lifts, remedial works to platform 2 and its complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets. Also Included in the photo are, Barry O'Donnell, 'Voice of Vision Impairment, Kevin Quaid, Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, Colin Grimes, Programme Manager for Iarnrod Eireann, Ronan Murphy, Irish Rail, Ciaran Delaney, Irish Rail, Michael Moynihan TD, Cllr. Liam Madden, Cllr. Ian Doyle, Cllr. John Paul O'Shea, Bernie OConnor and Rory ODonnell. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Barry O'Donnell, 'Voice of Vision Impairment, Kevin Quaid, Chairperson of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, Colin Grimes, Programme Manager for Iarnrod Eireann, Ronan Murphy, Irish Rail, Ciaran Delaney, Irish Rail, Michael Moynihan TD, Cllr. Liam Madden, Cllr. Ian Doyle, Cllr. John Paul OShea, Bernie OConnor and Rory ODonnell. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Banteer community members joined representatives of Iarnrod Eireanns Disability Users Group and elected representatives at a special event to mark the completion of accessibility works at the local train station.

The works included the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, featuring two 13 person lifts, remedial works to platform 2 and its complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets.

Speaking at the opening of the bridge at Banteer Station, programme manager for Iarnrod Eireann Colin Grimes said that the new amenity demonstrates the operators commitment to making the railway more accessible to all.

This new infrastructure will provide ease of access for generations to come for customers from Banteer. We are also honoured to be joined by members of our Disability Users Group here today as their input is essential to ensuring that the upgrade works that I and my team undertake provide the best possible solution for persons with reduced mobility, Mr Grimes said.

The companys Disability Users Group provides direct input from disability representative bodies and users of rail services in developing accessibility programmes and projects.

Banteer is the latest new lift and passenger bridge on the network, and follows the opening of Little Island earlier this year. Up to 11 further stations will see construction or planning progress for new lifts in 2024.

The bridge and other amenities is funded by the National Transport Authority and part of the Accessibility programme, which is an integral element of Iarnrod Eireanns ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.

Contractors, Jons Civil Engineering, working on behalf of Iarnrod Eireann completed the work in just under 12 months.
The protest action was carried out on the Phibsboro Road over the weekend using non-permanent materials

Fake parking spaces were marked out to highlight illegal parking on footpaths

A community group in Dublin painted fake car parking spaces along Phibsboro Road over the weekend to highlight the ongoing issue of illegal parking on footpaths in the area.

I Bike Dublin is a group of cyclists that first emerged in 2017, responding to the frequent problem of vehicles illegally parked in cycleways and on footpaths in the capital.

By sharing footage of the fake parking spaces, created with non-permanent paint and chalk, they showcased the number of vehicles parked in these areas.

A spokesperson for the group said such illegal parking is a continuous daily occurrence in the area and that the lack of enforcement shows a clear neglect of public space management.

Illegal parking isnt just an inconvenience; its a misuse of public space that affects everyone, from pedestrians to buses, he said.

Its not just about a single-file walk or a blocked driveway; its about creating a traffic choke point that impacts the entire community.

The real issue isnt just a car parked in the wrong placeits the systemic failure to enforce rules and address the problem effectively.

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What gets attention isnt the ongoing problem, but the visible action taken to highlight the issue, such as paint on the ground.

Its not about punishing drivers; its about maintaining the integrity of public spaces and ensuring everyone can use them safely.

The problem with illegal parking isnt just that its illegal; its that it disrupts the flow of daily life and services, from pedestrians to buses, he added.

I Bike Dublin is also calling for the citywide return of parking wardens to ensure that people are discouraged from illegal parking.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana have previously encouraged drivers to avoid parking on footpaths and in cycle lanes, emphasising that such actions are both unsafe and illegal.

Blocking footpaths endangers vulnerable pedestrians, including those with disabilities, while parking in cycle lanes forces cyclists into traffic, increasing the risk of collisions.

Offenders caught face fines and penalty points, with penalties ranging from 60 to 120 and up to 5 penalty points for serious violations.

Dublin City Council and An Garda Siochana have been contacted for comment.
The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. From left, Aran Joyce, Maureen Joyce, Joyce Joyce and Paul Joyce. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. From left, Brendan Supple, Davitt-Morgan and Siobhan Supple. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia island. From left, Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr., Breandan Fitzgerald, Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers, TD, Senator Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, who delivered the keynote address. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island, Co Kerry. From left, Micheal Lyne, Transatlantic Cable Founation Member, Deirdre Lyne and Fionan and Sabina Murphy, Transatlantic Cable Foundation. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island, Co Kerry. From left, Micheal Lyne, Transatlantic Cable Foundation Member and author of a new book 'An tOileanac -The families of Valentia', Cllr. Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach Kery County Council, Cllr. Breandan Fitzgerald, Financial Director Kerry County Council, Angela McAllen, Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr. Michael Cahill. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. Photo of Peter Cox, Deirdre Murphy, Kerry County Council, Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandan Fitzgerald and Cllr., Norma Moriarty. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel. Photo of Eunice McMenamin and Shay Walsh, Valentia Cable Station Foundation. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held on Friday evening at the historic Cable Station Pictured Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD and Senator Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann delivered the keynote address. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel. Pictured are Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Hobbs, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD, Shane Curran, Monika Dukarska and Kwaku Fortune. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. From left, Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr., Breandan Fitzgerald, Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Cathaoirleach Seanad Eireann Senator Jerry Buttimer, Keynote Speaker, Mary Rose Stafford, Transatlantic Cable Founation Member, Chairman Transatlantic Cable Foundation Leonard Hobbs and Cllr Norma Moriarty. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held on Friday evening at the historic Cable Station on Valentia Island. from left, Dan Hobbs, Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers, T.D., Monika Dukarska, Kwaku Fortune, Leonard Hobbs, Organiser and Shane Curran. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

Guest speakers for this year's Valentia Island Lecture series included newly appointed Minister for Finance Jack Chambers who spoke about this vision of Ireland in 2040.

The Minister was among many distinguished guests who travelled to Valentia for the event last weekend where progress of the UNESCO plans for the transatlantic cable were among the key items up for the decision and the role that has Valentia has played in that history and the role it will play in the future.

In July of 2022, the Valentia project was added to the Irish UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. The Cable Station at Hearts Content was previously added to the Canadian list in 2017 and the governments of Ireland and Canada in completing the extensive preparatory work which will be required to make a successful submission to UNESCO for inscription of this exciting transnational project on the World Heritage List.

This years main lecture and theme for the event Transatlantic Relations  a beacon in a turbulent world  focused on the development of the relation between Newfoundland and Valentia as part of the UNESCO bid. Senator Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann and Steve Crocker, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Newfoundland and Labrador were the key speakers.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel on Valentia Island. Photo of Peter Cox, Deirdre Murphy, Kerry County Council, Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Brendan Fitzgerald and Cllr., Norma Moriarty. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

In the spirit of Cyrus Field, who transformed the world when he led the transatlantic cable project in the late 1800s, a panel discussion took place Irelands future leaders in which they were asked to reflect on the Ireland of today and to share their vision for Ireland in 2040 and its place in a globally interconnected world.

This panel included Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers, Shane Curran, former winner of the BT Young Scientist and Founder & CEO off Evervault, Dan Hobbs Cofounder & CEO of ProtexAI, Irish Olympian rower Monika Dukarska and actor Kwaku Fortune. The panel was moderated by Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador.

The weekend also heard an update on the UNESCO project from both sides of the Atlantic.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held at the weekend at the historic Cable Station and Royal Hotel. Pictured are Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Hobbs, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD, Shane Curran, Monika Dukarska and Kwaku Fortune. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

The day discussions were followed by a gala dinner at the Royal Hotel in which the Mayor of Kerry, councillor Breandan Fitzgerald addressed the gathering.

In keeping with the role Valentia has in history, the weekend event also included the launch of new book by Micheal Lyne An tOileanach  The Families of Valentia, at the gala dinner.

The book traces the history of Valentia Families from pre-famine times down to the present generation. He researched well over one hundred Valentia families and traced them back to famine times and beyond - as many as 7 generations.

The 8th Valentia Lecture series held on Friday evening at the historic Cable Station Pictured Her Excellency, Nancy Smyth, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD and Senator Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann delivered the keynote address. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

Chair of the Valentia Transatlantic Cable Foundation, Mr Leonard Hobbs, said the weekend was a huge success and the foundation he is delighted to see the UNESCO project moving forward.

He said the theme of this years event focused on what was achieved back when the first transatlantic cable was laid and what can be achieved in this regard in the future and the panel discussion - a new addition- was key to this.

"It was diverse panel  It brought together people who would not normally come across each other, said Mr Hobbs.

He said it was important to hear and focus on progress being made on the UNESCO project and he said that preliminary submissions will be made on this next year.
A woman has died following a drowning incident in Co Mayo.

A woman has died following a drowning accident in Co Mayo.

The woman, who is believed to be in her 60s, died at the popular Old Head beach near Louisburgh.

The alarm was raised some time after 4pm on Sunday.

It is believed that the woman had been swimming at the time.

Members of the Order of Malta from Louisburgh and Westport along with members of the local coastguard assisted at the scene, with the National Ambulance Service also attending.

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A post mortem is due to be carried out on Monday.

A Garda spokesperson said, Gardai received report of the sudden death of a woman at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, on the afternoon of Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Her body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Mayo, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out today, Monday, July 22 2024.

A spokesperson for Order of Malta Ireland - Ambulance Corps - Western Region said, Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who lost her life while swimming at Old Head.

"Thanks to our members from Louisburgh and Westport who did everything possible at the scene and assisted the NAS once they arrived.

"God rest her gentle soul.
The Japanese Ambassador is welcomed to City Hall by the Mayor, Cllr Tom MacSharry.

Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Tom MacSharry welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Mr. Norio Maruyama, to City Hall on Wednesday, 17th July.

The reception celebrated the enduring friendship between Ireland and Japan and highlighted the commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

Also in attendance were councillors Declan Bree and Edel McSharry, Deputy Frank Feighan, Deputy Chief Executive Jim Molloy, Director of Services Dorothy Clarke and Emer Concannon and Patrick Curley, Curator of The Model Arts Centre.

In his address, Mayor MacSharry extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Maruyama, highlighting the strong and enduring friendship between Ireland and Japan.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations in 1957 marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that has flourished over the years, he said. Ireland and Japan have become important partners, bound not only by shared values but also by a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Mayor Cllr MacSharry also referenced the recent visit of Minister Roderic OGorman to Japan, which showcased Irelands commitment to fostering a robust economic relationship with Japan.

He noted that the visit highlighted the shared commitment of Ireland and Japan to foster deeper connections, not only in the economic realm but also in cultural exchanges, innovation, and education.

Mayor MacSharry praised the contribution of Sligo to the vibrant tapestry of Ireland-Japan relations, citing the countys rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which have inspired artists, writers, and visitors from around the world.

He also acknowledged the presence of Japanese residents and businesses in Sligo, which has enriched the local community, bringing diversity, innovation, and fresh perspectives.

His Excellency, Mr. Norio Maruyama, spoke about his love for W.B. Yeats and his connection to Sligo, as well as the importance of Expo Osaka, Kansai, in 2025.

He concluded his address with a quote from W.B. Yeats, There are no strangers here; Only friends you havent met yet.

Following the Civic Reception at City Hall, Ambassador Maruyama officially opened the exhibition titled Kwaidan at The Hyde Bridge Gallery.

The exhibition showcases the works of 40 artists based in Ireland and Japan, representing an ambitious Japanese-Irish artistic collaboration.

Kwaidan pays tribute to the renowned writer Lafcadio Hearn, who was raised in Ireland and achieved great acclaim in Japan.The exhibition will run until 30 August.

The visit of Ambassador Maruyama served as a celebration of the strong bond between Ireland and Japan, and marked an important milestone in the ongoing development of cultural and economic relations between the two nations.
Concerns have been raised at a municipal district meeting in Tipperary that not enough consultation is taking place between local residents and the authorities concerning a centre for international protection applicants (IPAs) in Dundrum House Hotel.

Local residents in Dundrum have maintained a daily protest at the hotel for over 50 days. Some 277 Ukrainians were welcomed into the village of 175 people two years ago, but calls have grown for the venue to be returned to its original purpose as a tourism amenity.

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Hotel management have said they have no plans to enter into discussions concerning an increase of the numbers stipulated within an existing contract for the IPAs, in place since September 2022. We accept women and children only to replace the people who have vacated the holiday homes, they said.

A group called No to Dundrum House Hotel IPAS Centre Tipperary is involved. A public meeting is organised for the evening of Monday, July 22, at 7.30pm in Dundrum Community Hall to relay what was discussed at a meeting between local community groups, elected representatives, and the Department of Integration. A previous public meeting on the matter attracted up to 300 people.

Councillors at Mondays meeting of Tipperary Cahir Cashel municipal district, held in Tipperary town, heard that a meeting is taking place on Monday evening with a communications team at the Department of Integration in relation to the situation in Dundrum House Hotel.

Fianna Fail Cllr Roger Kennedy asked if any planning issues remained outstanding. Can I ask the planning staff, is there anything in relation to planning that may be an issue that needs to be dealt with, or are all the planning issues that are there, exempt under the statutory order that was made?

Is there anything that we need to raise with the communications team in relation to planning for Dundrum House Hotel, asked Cllr Kennedy.

A planning official said it was a very sensitive issue and the Department of Integration is responsible for provision of accommodation for those in the centres care, both beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) and international protection applicants (IPAs).

The situation is that there is a referral to the county council with regards to planning, building control and community issues. That makes its way through to us, and any issues of concern, any observations we have, will be sent back to the department, she said.

It is somewhat of an informal communication process. It is in that manner that we would respond to such queries. Generally speaking, where there is a planning application, or where there is a use already in place, it is very likely that there are no significant concerns from a planning compliance perspective.

Fine Gael Cathaoirleach of the MD, Cllr John Crosse, said it was his understanding that all documentation around fire certificates and other issues, were fully compliant.

Independent Cashel based Cllr Liam Browne said there is a planning issue in Dundrum that goes back to a decision made in 2010 which seems to be completely out of line with any contract that is purported to be signed, or on the way to being signed.

Those are the sorts of things that need to be asked at pre-consultation, which dont seem to be asked, he said. This seems to be the way all the cases are being discussed. It was the same in Cashel last November, this case, the potential cases in the future, the Clonmel case, all around the country.

It doesnt seem that planning issues are discussed beforehand. It seems to then become an issue, said Cllr Browne.

Cllr Crosse said he shared the sense of frustration, but the proper forum was the meeting taking place at 2pm that day with the Department.

Were in uncharted waters. Thats the problem that the Department has left us in. They should have come to us previously. They didnt give us the information. They didnt give the community enough information needed. We hope to get all that in the open in the afternoon, he added.
Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 32-year-old Sean Walsh

Gardai have stood down a search for a man who was reported missing in Co Waterford. Sean Walsh, aged 32, who was reported missing from Waterford city since Monday, July 22, has been located, stated Gardai on Tuesday, July 23.
Emily will be torn between two love interests (Netflix/PA)

The first trailer for the latest series of Emily In Paris has shown its main character is still torn between two love interests.

In the Netflix show Surrey-born actress Lily Collins, the daughter of Genesis musician Phil Collins, plays Chicago marketing executive Emily Cooper, as she navigates life in Paris after landing her dream job.

In the teaser for season four, Emily tells her friend Mindy Chen, played by Ashley Park, that she has been seeing hot men everywhere since her break-up, adding: I forgot what it feels like to be single.

She runs across a bridge as a man catches her attention, causing her to trip and fall.

The new season begins after Camille (Camille Razat) and Gabriels (Lucas Bravo) failed wedding, and the fall-out from Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Emily ending their relationship.

This leaves Emily to decide between making amends with her ex boyfriend, and trying to get together with Gabriel, who is expecting a baby with his former partner.

The trailer shows other characters reacting to their break-up, which her boss at Agence Grateau, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), says is affecting my business.

Mindy and her band also prepare for Eurovision, as Emily wanders around a party and says: I promised myself Id be open to any possibility, and this seems like its the one.

Rupert Everett is introduced, as Giorgio Barbieri, the owner of a global interior design firm based in Rome.

Giorgio is described as being the life of every party and someone who makes it his business to know everyone elses business. He is introduced as a decades-long friend of Sylvie.

Mindy and her band prepare for Eurovision (Netflix/PA)

Also joining the cast will be Thalia Besson, the daughter of Fifth Element director Luc Besson.

She will play Genevieve, the 20-something daughter of Saint Tropez nightclub owner Laurent G (Arnaud Binard), Sylvies husband.

Collins has previously teased that Emily will go to Italy during the Netflix show.

Speaking at a Netflix fan event, she said: Emily is going to have to decide whether everything shes always wanted is really what she needs.

And while Emilys heart will always remain true to Paris, her life takes some unexpected twists this season, dont be surprised to find her on a Roman holiday.

The Hairdressers Husband star Anna Galiena is joining as Antonia Muratori, the matriarch of the Muratori family, with Italian actor Raoul Bova playing Giancarlo, a Roman commercial director who used to be Sylvies film professor.

Emily In Paris season four will be split into two five-episode parts, with part one premiering on Netflix on August 15, followed by part two on September 12.
Rescuers are continuing the search for dozens of people missing after heavy rain caused flash flooding and a bridge collapse in different parts of China, killing at least 25 people.

Flash flooding tore through a village in south-western Sichuan province in the middle of the night on Saturday, and rescuers said 10 people died and they were searching for another 29 who were missing.
Bangladeshs top court has scaled back a controversial quota system for government job applicants, a partial victory for student protesters after days of nationwide unrest that have killed dozens of people.

Students frustrated by shortages of good jobs have been demanding an end to a quota that reserved 30pc of government posts for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971. The government previously halted it in 2018 following mass student protests, but in June, Bangladeshs High Court reinstated the quotas and set off a new round of protests.
Roslyn Dee: Theres a new little boy in the family, and he has made me so happy to take on the grandparent mantle
Former UK government minister Jeremy Hunt has apologised for failures in the countrys pandemic preparations, admitting he was part of the groupthink highlighted by the Covid Inquiry.

The former Tory health secretary and chancellor said he was one of many who over-prepared for pandemic flu and didnt think about other types of pandemic.
Photo Courtesy: Representational image from Wikimedia Commons/Kakoula10

New Delhi/IBNS: The site of the planned final assembly line (FAL) to assemble and manufacture European aerospace major Airbus s best-selling civil helicopter H125 in India is expected to be finalised soon with eight potential locations under active consideration, the Indian Express reported, quoting top Airbus Helicopters officials.

According to reports, the FAL, the first in the private sector in India which is expected to be commissioned in 2026, will be set up by Airbus Helicopters in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

We have identified eight sites, which we are currently assessingwe are still in the final assessment stage, but stay tuned, we should be in a position to announce shortly, Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business of Airbus Helicopters, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

Michalon, while talking to reporters at the Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane on the outskirts of the French city of Marseille, said that the final decision would be made based on a host of considerations, including attractiveness for employees, and suitability in terms of industrial activity, logistics, and regulations.

However, the official declined to name any of the eight sites under consideration for the Indian assembly unit.

Airbus expects the ground-breaking ceremony for the H125 India FAL to be held around October-November this year, the Indian Express reported, adding that the first Made-in-India H125 helicopter is expected to roll out before the end of 2026.

Earlier this year, on India's Republic Day (Jan 26), the FAL was announced in conjunction with the state visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to India.

This is the second aircraft FAL being set up by Airbus and TASL, with the two companies already in the process of setting up the C295 military aircraft FAL in Gujarat's Vadodara, reports Indian Express.

The India FAL will be the fourth production unit for Airbus's single-engine H125 helicopter with an initial annual production capacity of 10 helicopters, according to reports.

Currently, Airbus manufactures the H125 at its helicopters headquarters in Marignane, and in the United States and Brazil.

Airbus officials, however, denied to comment on investment figures and other financial details of the project, the Indian Express reported.

Top Airbus Helicopters officials said the India FALs capacity could be ramped up contingent upon growth in demand in India and the broader south Asian region over the coming years, as per reports.
Both kidney donated patients are from different religions, but their families have set a big example by following the tenets of one faith- the religion of humanity.

The mutual consent of both the families and the efforts of the doctors paid off, and lives were saved by giving kidney to each other's patient at Nutima Hospital on Garh Road.

Time of despair

Mohd Afsar Ali, a resident of Amroha, was suffering from neurological ailments for some time. He needed an urgent kidney transplant. His brother Akbar Ali wanted to donate his kidney but his kidney did not match.

Ankur Nehra, a resident of Modinagar, and his family got a similar disappointment. Ankur's kidneys stopped working and his mother Anita's kidneys did not match.

But fate brought both the families together.

Swap and hopes of survival

Doctors said that Anita can donate a kidney to the officer and Ankur can be transplanted Akbar's kidney. Kidney specialist Dr. Sandeep Kumar Garg, Urologist Dr. Shaleen Sharma and Dr. Sharat Chandra Garg performed the transplant by swap method. The surgeries were successful and both patients are now healthy.

Both the families set an example of Hindu Muslim brotherhood by donating a kidney to each other's family

Hindu-Muslim bonhomie

People of both the families say that when the people around came to know that Hindus and Muslims are going to donate each other's kidneys, they were surprised.

Talking to us, Ali said, The people of the village were surprised, saying you are a Muslim and he is a Hindu.

He said that many people also advised him not to donate a kidney, but he stood by his decision. It is the humanity that Hindus should serve for Muslims and Muslims for Hindus, he said.

Meanwhile, similar questions were being asked to the Nehra family in Modinagar. Ankur Nehra said, It is going on in our country that Hindus and Muslims are different.

He said that people were surprised that both the families have agreed to take such a step. He said, Our organs have no religion, what do they know about Hindus and Muslims, we have made it.

His mother, Anita, said that she was not at all worried that the two families followed different religions, I don't care one percent that they are Muslims and we are Hindus.

Dharma of a doctor

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Garg of Nutima Hospital, who was involved in the nine-hour surgery, said that as a doctor, the religion of the patients does not matter to him. He said, We knew that they belonged to different religions, but we also knew that they would agree to the operation because they were in a lot of pain and used to get dialysis twice a week.
Photo Courtesy: Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License/Wikimedia Commons

India on Sunday confirmed that 4500 students have returned from Bangladesh which is witnessing violent protests over the government job quota issue.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "Thus far, over 4,500 Indian students have returned to India. The High Commission has been making arrangements for security escorts for the safe travel of Indian nationals to the border-crossing points."

Update on return of Indian Nationals in Bangladesh (July 21, 2024):https://t.co/xH7pgQ2NU0 pic.twitter.com/awOXrUnJT8  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 21, 2024

Apart from Indian students, MEA said 500 students of Nepal, 38 of Bhutan and 1 of Maldives have also arrived in India.

Bangladesh Supreme Court scraps most government job quotas

Stipulating that 93 percent of recruitments will be on merit now, Bangladesh Supreme Court has scrapped most of the quotas in government jobs which had led to massive protests across the country and left over 100 people dead, media reports said.

The courts Appellate Division dismissed a lower court order that had reinstated the quotas last month, reported Al Jazeera.

Also read: Bengal is ready to give shelter to helpless people from Bangladesh, says Mamata Banerjee at Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata

The court directed that 93 per cent of government jobs will now be open for candidates based on merit.

The Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh government, which was voted back to power again this year following the general polls, scrapped the quota system in 2018.

The lower court's decision to reinstate it triggered massive violent protests in the country with Dhaka being the epicentre.

The Bangladesh government has ordered the army to 'shoot-on-sight' in order to quell the civil unrest and for those defying the curfew orders as soldiers patrolled the streets amid the violent protest by students over demanding quota reform in government jobs, media reports said.

The Sheikh Hasina government Friday imposed a countrywide curfew and deployed troops as at least 133 deaths have been reported so far in violent protests and clashes over the government job quota system.

The curfew was lifted briefly on Saturday afternoon to allow people to run essential errands. People have been ordered to remain at home and all gatherings and demonstrations have been banned.

Also Read: Who gave her the authority? BJP targets Mamata Banerjee for offering shelter to distressed people from violence-hit Bangladesh

Bangladesh's government has shut down internet services nationwide since Thursday.

Government websites remain offline and major newspapers including the Dhaka Tribune and Daily Star have been unable to update their social media platforms.
Photo courtesy: digitalindiagov.in

New Delhi: Agniveers wear the same uniform and perform the same duties as other soldiers, and in some areas they even excel, media reported citing a top Army official amid Oppositions claims that the Centre has created two classes of soldiers.

Launched in 2022, the Agnipath scheme aims to lower the age profile of the three armed services by providing for short-term induction of personnel. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers. The short-term service plan (17.5-21 years) in the armed forces had sparked violent protests in several parts of the country.

"I must say that they're undertaking all the actions, operational and other professional duties, just like any of the other sepoys or the recruits on the ground in the unit. And they have been completely integrated and assimilated into the units. They wear the same uniform. They perform the same duties and they are performing extremely well on the ground. And the feedback - from the units, the commanding officers, and also themselves - is that this is going well. They are performing well," Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa, outgoing Adjutant General in the Army, told news agency ANI.

"And we do see that they are in fact in some areas, shade better, 10% almost better in the physical tests. And they are almost 20% higher in their academics. Probably this relates to their focused approach," the officer added.

#WATCH | On the current status of Agnipath scheme, the number of Agniveers being employed, Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa- Adjutant General of the Indian Army, says, "Since June 2022, the scheme was launched and then we had the first batch that was recruited and pic.twitter.com/okwXzpqycF  ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2024

"I'd just like to highlight a few areas in which we have been able to bring about change and those relate to the Agnipath scheme, which has been a transformational, reform in the overall manpower, recruitment and in the, policy per se, which affect a substantial part of our Indian army, the other ranks. It is primarily meant to create a youthful, future ready force, with primarily a capability to handle all the future challenges related to technology and the modern processes that will come up," Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa said.

"Since June 2022, the scheme was launched and then we had the first batch that was recruited and enrolled, in December 2022-January 2023. Approximately, 1 lakh Agniveers have been enrolled in the Army. This also includes around 200 women, approximately 70,000 have already been dispatched to the units and are performing extremely well in the battalions. This includes around 100 women police also. Around 50,000 vacancies have been released, in this year 2024-25," said the officer.

One of the motives behind introducing the Agnipath scheme is to bring more young people into the armed forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised in an interview to NDTV before the polls.

The Congress, the principal opposition party, argues that the Agnipath scheme will leave Agniveers unemployed at the age of 25.

They also claim it will affect cohesion in the forces, as short-term recruits serve alongside soldiers who are eligible for secure pensions and more generous allowances.

The Centre, however, asserts that the financial package provided to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service will give them a strong start, along with the unique experience of working in the forces.

Various central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers.
Photo courtesy: X/@SmitaSabharwal

New Delhi/IBNS: An IAS officer , named Smita Sabharwal, has sparked a row questioning the need for the existence of disability quota in civil services, amid the controversy over Puja Khedkar's alleged lie in her disability criteria, media reports said.

Sahbarwal took to her X handle to post, "As this debate is blowing up- With all due respect to the Differently Abled. Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability?

"Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to peoples grievances-which requires physical fitness. Why does this premier service need this Quota in the first place! #justasking."

As this debate is blowing up-



With all due respect to the Differently Abled. 

Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability.



The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to  Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) July 21, 2024

Among several who slammed the remark, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "This is such a pathetic and exclusionary view to have. Interesting to see how bureaucrats are showing their limited thoughts and their privilege too."

This is such a pathetic and exclusionary view to have. Interesting to see how bureaucrats are showing their limited thoughts and their privilege too https://t.co/n2seGiI0qP  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) July 21, 2024

Karuna Nandy, who claims to be a senior advocate of Supreme Court, posted on X, "Amazed that an IAS officer would be so fundamentally ignorant about disability. Most disabilities have no impact on stamina. Or intelligence. But this tweet shows enlightenment and diversity are badly needed."

Amazed that an IAS officer would be so fundamentally ignorant about disability. Most disabilities have no impact on stamina. Or intelligence. But this tweet shows enlightenment and diversity are badly needed. https://t.co/DXa0mVU3GU  Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) July 21, 2024

In a counter-remark, Sabharwal wrote on X, "See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence.

"My limited point is that the IAS is no different. To live in an inclusive society is a dream that we all subscribe to. Insensitivity has no place in my mind. Jai Hind."

See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction.

Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence.

My limited point is  Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) July 22, 2024

In a crackdown, the UPSC last week issued a notice to cancel trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar's selection owing to her alleged lie about her visual and mental disabilities and faking her identity.

Khedkar has "fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit", the notice says.

A police case has been filed against Khedkar, whom the UPSC has asked for a response as to why her candidature should not be cancelled.

Thirty-four-year-old Puja Khedkar faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and non-creamy layer of OBC categories.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's diktat given to the eateries to display their owners' names on the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar , media reports said.

The top court said as quoted by NDTV, "...until returnable date we deem it appropriate to pass interim order prohibiting enforcement of above directives. In other words, food sellers must not be forced to display names of owners, staff..."

The controversy arose when the Uttar Pradesh government mandated that food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route display the names of their owners. While this measure was intended to promote transparency and accountability, many perceive it as a covert effort to identify and target Muslim-owned businesses.

The opposition has slammed the Yogi Adityanath regime for the order, with All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi alleging that it reflected visceral hatred towards Indian Muslims.

"Fear on UP's Kanwar routes: This is the reality of hatred for Indian Muslims. Credit for this visceral hatred goes to political parties, leaders of Hindutva, and so-called lip-servicing secular parties," claimed All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

Samajwadi Party raised the issue and asserted that the order was completely wrong.

Not just the Opposition, several BJP allies had demanded the Uttar Pradesh government to roll back the diktat.

Speaking to PTI, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said he doesn't support anything that brings a division among people on the basis of "caste" or "religion".

The LJP (Ram Vilas) chief said he only believes in two classes of people, rich and poor.

"We need to bridge the gap between these two classes of people. It is every government's responsibility to work for the poor, which includes all sections of society such as Dalits, backwards, upper castes and Muslims as well. All are there. We need to work for them," the young politician said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

He added, " Whenever there is such divide in the name of caste or religion, I absolutely do not either support it or encourage it. I do not think any educated young person of my age, irrespective of the caste or religion they come from, is affected by such things."

Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), an important ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, opposed the move and asked for a review of such an order.

Rashtriya Lok Dal or RLD, another ally of the BJP, has opposed the diktat as well.

RLD national general secretary Trilok Tyag said as quoted by Hindustan Times, "Why do you make someone write their name on street carts? They have the right to work...This tradition is absolutely wrong. It is up to the customer, they can make purchases from wherever they want...I would like to ask politicians - does consuming alcohol not corrupt you religiously?

"Does it happen only when you consume meat? So, why is there no prohibition on alcohol? Why do they not speak about alcohol? Because those who do business have a nexus, it is a game of the powerful. These small shops are set up by the poor. So, you are pointing fingers at them. I would demand that ban alcohol too."

As the controversy spiked, the police clarified in a statement that the intention of the order was not to create any "religious discrimination" but only to facilitate the devotees.
Man stabs woman in Miami International Airport. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

One woman was injured after she was stabbed in the Miami International Airport late Saturday night, media reports said.

The stabbing occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. local time on the fourth floor of Terminal J, according to a press release issued by the Miami-Dade Police Department, reported USA Today.

According to reports, the suspect even tried to throw the victim over a railing in the terminal.

Airport operation was briefly disrupted following the incident.

"Using all available resources, the units were able to determine there was no active shooter and only the stabbing had taken place," the statement said. "Airport operations were briefly disrupted but have since resumed to normal operations."

The injured woman was rushed to hospital.

An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.

The suspect has been arrested.

According to reports, authorities have recovered the knife.

In a separate statement, the Miami International Airport said: " We want to assure the public that the situation is under control and the safety of our passengers, staff, and visitors remains our top priority. Authorities responded immediately, and the situation was swiftly contained."
In the heart of Punjab, in the quiet village of Wattu, resides Master Darshan Singh, an 85-year-old retired Sikh school teacher. His life is a testament to the indelible scars left by one of the most traumatic events of the 20th centurythe Partition of India in 1947.

Born in Sekham village near Lahore, now in Pakistan, Darshan Singhs memories paint a vivid, heartrending picture of the violent upheaval that tore apart families, communities, and a nation.

I was part of a jatha of over two lakh Sikhs and Hindus moving towards Amritsar, Darshan Singh recalls with a heavy heart. But in Jambher village, the Muslims attacked us. The word attack seems too mild to capture the brutality he witnessed. The jatha was accompanied by three Gorkha army men on the orders of the outgoing British. They shot dead three looters who raided us, and the others fled. His eyes reflect the pain of those days, a deep, unending anguish.

As the kafla (large group) moved forward, they encountered scenes that still haunt him. We came across a canal full of floating dead bodies of Sikhs and Hindus. The water had turned red with their blood. This macabre image is etched into his memory, a symbol of the communal hatred that erupted with the creation of a religion-based country.

The loss was not just physical but deeply emotional. Darshan Singhs paternal uncle, Hakam Singh, chose to stay behind in their ancestral village, Sekham, converting to Islam and adopting the name Hakam Ali. Despite the change in religion, the bond between their families remained. Even our Gurus demolished the divisive walls of religions and propagated universal love, he reflects, underscoring the enduring ties of brotherhood that transcended the violent divisions of Partition.

The journey from Sekham to Amritsar was fraught with peril. The kafla covered about 40 km to reach Amritsar in 10 days, changing routes frequently to avoid attacks by Muslim looters, Darshan Singh recounts. He was just eight years old, yet the memories are as vivid as if they happened yesterday. Eventually, his family settled in Wattu, a village emptied of its Muslim residents who had fled to Pakistan. Here, Sikh migrants took over the vacated houses and agricultural lands, trying to rebuild their shattered lives.

In 1990, Darshan Singh visited his ancestral village in Pakistan as part of a jatha that travels annually for Baisakhi celebrations. He met his chacha Hakam Ali and saw the stark differences in their lives. The farmers there were poverty-stricken, living in kucha houses made of mud, with no tubewells or tractors in their fields. They wished to move to Indias Punjab, but I told them this is not possible anymore.

The cultural ties, however, persist. The converted Sikhs continue to shun eating beef as part of their traditions, even though Muslims relish it. They also avoid liquor, using opium and its derivatives instead. These remnants of shared cultural heritage serve as a poignant reminder of a time when religious identities were less divisive.

Master Darshan Singhs story is not just a personal recollection but a powerful reminder of the human cost of Partition. It speaks to the resilience of those who survived, the lasting pain of displacement, and the enduring hope for a future where humanity transcends religious divides. As we listen to his memories, we are called to remember and to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

(Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

At least three persons were shot dead and 16 others were injured after a gunman opened fire on them near a nightclub in the US state of Mississippi, media reports said.

No arrests were made immediately.

The incident happened at around 1 a.m. on Sunday when officers were called to a mass shooting on Church Street in Indianola, a small city in Sunflower County, about 83 miles northwest of Jackson, BNO News reported.

the Indianola Police Department confirmed to BNO News that at least 19 people had been shot, including three teenagers who were pronounced dead.

Some of the injured people were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Witnesses told the news portal that hearing dozens of gunshots during the shooting, which occurred in the vicinity of a club.

Several people said that they were standing out there, and they started to hear gunshots, Indianola Police Chief Ronald Sampson told the local newspaper as quoted by BNO News, The Enterprise-Tocsin. Nobody has really given us anything solid.
Photo courtesy: X/@WhiteHouse

Several international leaders praised US President Joe Biden after he dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the crucial polls.

Recently elected British PM Keir Starmer said he respects Biden's decision and posted on X: " I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency."

"I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people," he said.

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.



I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

Describing Biden a 'true friend', Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said: " Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend."

Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend.



To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024

New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon wrote on X: "President Biden has dedicated his life to public service, and that is something that deserves much respect." "I thank the President for his leadership of the United States and his commitment to New Zealand. And I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his presidency," he said.

President Biden has dedicated his life to public service, and that is something that deserves much respect.



I thank the President for his leadership of the United States and his commitment to New Zealand. And I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his https://t.co/pRiP6zJxKo  Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 21, 2024

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his nation will remain grateful to Biden for his support to the country's war against Russsia.

" Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical," the President posted on X.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical.



Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X: " As I departed for the United States, I thanked President Biden for the many things he did for the State of Israel during the war and his years as President, Vice President, and Senator. "

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves respect."

US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he will not seek re-election in the 'best interest' of his party and the country.

Biden was under pressure to quit the presidential race following his struggling performance in the debate with many within his party doubting his candidacy and re-election attempt.

Biden made the announcement just four months before the USA votes to elect a new President.
In a bold and controversial statement that has ignited widespread debate, a woman has publicly criticised Indian migrants in Canada, sparking intense reactions and conversations across social media.

Her views have put a spotlight on the complex and often contentious dynamics between immigrant communities and their host countries, raising questions about integration, identity, and the social fabric of multicultural societies.



Also read: Considering studying abroad? Viral video of Indian students in a job queue in Canada will make you think twice

Recently, social media user Megha stirred controversy by expressing her strong disdain for Indian migrants in Canada.

In her provocative post on X, Megha wrote, "My parents and entire family HATE the Indian migrants filling up Canadaprobably more than the migrants themselves because of how thoroughly they've damaged our reputation."

Also read: Woman Has Eye-Opening Experience In Canada: 'Indians Are Privileged'



She also outlined the reasons behind her negative sentiments, stating, "Indian immigrants who were educated came largely from nice families, from the city, with manners, English skills and etiquette. These new migrants, defiling the beaches and groping women, come from illiterate, low class backgrounds and have no sense of civic duty nor are they capable of learning. Class systems are real. This is why the strongest right wing force in Canada comes from 80s and 90s Indian immigrants, ironically."

Here's her post:

My parents and entire family HATE the Indians migrants filling up Canada. Probably more than the migrants themselves because of how thoroughly theyve damaged our reputation. Indian immigrants who were educated came largely from nice families, from the city, with manners, English  Megha (@meghaverma_art) July 20, 2024

In response, many commenters criticised Megha's perspective as narrow-minded.

Some pointed out the inherent racism in her remarks, with one user commenting, "Indians are the most racist towards each other," while another added, "The whites aren't coming to save you, sweetheart."

Others questioned her assumptions, with one remarking, "Do you think education is exclusive to families from the city?"

Another commenter suggested her views might stem from insecurity about her family's fading privilege, and others accused her of classist and casteist attitudes. "Looks like your parents and the entire family are hardcore casteist -- that's all," one wrote.

Canada/ Unsplash

Despite the backlash, a few users expressed agreement, questioning changes in immigration policies and the integration of newer migrants.



One person asked, "What changed in the immigration system that allowed uneducated migrants? I thought US and Canada only accepted high-skilled, educated Indians."

Another agreed, stating, "This has become noticeable only in recent years. Immigration is a thorough process, but these new arrivals aren't integrating well."

What are your thoughts on this issue?

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Research has revealed that loneliness has a direct impact on our mental and physical well-being. Being isolated without contact with anyone can have that impact on most. If anything, in a post-Covid era, we know only too well what that can feel like. So, it should come as no surprise that there are those who look for ways to address the problem of loneliness and rightly so. A post that recently went viral on X has thrown light on the matter again, and the internet is all praises. Read on to find out more.

Why did the post on X go viral?

The post on X earned praise from the internet | Image: X

Also read: Alexander McQueen's new 'Hoof Boots' worth Rs 2.5 lakh have the internet horsing around

X user Venkatesh Gupta recently shared an image of a Microsoft engineer driving a Namma Yatri to, as he put it, to "combat loneliness on weekends." The image shows the engineer in question from the back without revealing his face, and yet, somehow the impact it created was massive. It was something a lot of people could relate to. Met a 35 year old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Kormangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends, the caption read. When Gupta got into the auto, one can imagine he wasn't prepared to run into an engineer eager to fight loneliness this way. It was a humbling sight that left everyone who came across the post amazed. If there's one section of people driving the Olas and Ubers of the world to earn an income, there are also those who aren't in it for the money. Rather they use it as a buoy to stay afloat. One can only imagine especially how jarring these moments alone can feel in big, crowded cities.

Bengaluru has given the internet countless such 'peak' moments. While most of them are a look at how funny humans can be, this one offered a glimpse of something everyone goes through but few talk about. Perhaps one reason why this post went viral was because it threw light on the subject of loneliness and how you don't need to be somewhere alone on a mountain to feel it.

How did the internet react?

Met a 35 year old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Kormangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends pic.twitter.com/yesKDM9v2j  Venkatesh Gupta (@venkyHQ) July 21, 2024

Also read: Wild footage purportedly shows 'baby Bigfoot' walking through the woods

The post had quite the impact on those who came across it on X. Posted on July 21, it raked in 319.9k views, more than 8,000 likes and comments to match. While some responded with humour, others responded with fewer words, but it had an overall humbling effect on all.

"Bro took N. Murthy's advice to the heart," wrote one. "No way this is true," chimed in a second. "May be the blue screen got extended," joked a third. "As the tech industry grows, so does the phenomenon of loneliness among professionals. A hidden truth: sometimes, the most advanced technology can't replace human interaction," was another user's honest take.

Also read: 'Mummy Ko Pata Chalega To...': Man Spills Milk In Kitchen, Turns To Reddit For Emotional Support



What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know.

There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram.


The Greek Parliament is set to review a bill on Tuesday aimed at strengthening the country's banking sector.

The bill, submitted by the Ministry of National Economy

and Finance , proposes the merger and restructuring of Pancretan Bank and Attica Bank , two institutions in which the government has already made significant investments.

The merger aims to create a new, stronger banking entity, which is expected to become the foundation for a "fifth banking pillar" in Greece. By fostering increased competition in the banking sector, this new entity is anticipated to benefit depositors, consumers, and businesses alike, officials say.

The bill was submitted to Parliament late on Friday and is scheduled to be reviewed by the relevant parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

After the review, the bill is expected to be put to a vote in the plenary session of parliament on Friday.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece has experienced 33 wildfires in the past 24 hours, according to the Fire Service. Of these, 30 were contained in their initial stages, while firefighters are still battling three ongoing blazes.

Fire Service urges all citizens to exercise extreme caution and to follow the instructions of local authorities in the event of a fire.

   iefimerida.gr
On the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis strongly condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans provocative remarks, reaffirming Greece's steadfast

Mr. Erdogan had used the anniversary to make inflammatory statements, calling for international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the self-declared state in the northern part of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops.

The Turkish leader praised the ongoing occupation as a "historical achievement" and urged the global community to accept the status quo.

We will not be swayed by provocative rhetoric or threats, Mr. Mitsotakis said in response.

Our dedication to a just and lasting solution for Cyprus remains steadfast.

The prime minister underscored Greeces unwavering commitment to Cypruss reunification, saying that The Greek spirit will continue to fight until Cyprus is reunified, until the wounds are healed, and stability and peace return to the island.

I do not forget! he said. These two words have shaped our lives, and with three more'we unite, we persist, we fight'we will continue with planning and cooperation until final justice is achieved.

The event at the Presidential Palace featured a video presentation and an artistic tribute before the speeches by Mr Mitsotakis and the Greek Cypriot leader.

   iefimerida.gr
Slaughterhouses in Thessaly are temporarily closing as the region takes urgent measures to contain the spread of a disease affecting sheep and goats.

Following a rash of confirmed cases, Regional Governor Dimitris Kouretas issued a decision prohibiting the slaughter of sheep and goats in regional slaughterhouses until Friday, July 26.

In addition to the slaughterhouse closures, the movement of sheep and goats within Thessaly is also being forbidden until health inspector

complete an ongoing disease investigation.

The import of sheep and goats from Romania is also banned during this period.

All sheep fattening farms in Thessaly will be placed under isolation for a minimum of 21 days while the investigation continues. As an added precaution, the movement of cattle to and from the Trikala and Larissa areas is also restricted until the investigation is complete.

To address potential risks associated with raw milk from the affected area, specific processing methods have now become mandatory.

Authorities say milk must undergo either Ultra-High Temperature treatment at a minimum of 132C for at least 1 second, or High-Temperature Short-Time pasteurization at a minimum of 72C for at least 15 seconds, depending on the milk's pH level.

The comprehensive measures aim to effectively contain the disease and safeguard livestock health in Thessaly.

The situation is being closely monitored, and further decisions will be made based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

   iefimerida.gr
The Kogi State Government has announced that it is not in support of any planned protest against the Federal Government amid economic hardship facing the country.

The state governments announcement is coming following the proposed planned protest which is set to be staged across the nation in August.

In a statement released by the states commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on Sunday, advocated for the Not-In-My-State movement against violent demonstrations.

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The commissioner accused opposition groups for promoting riot through the citizens against their country.

Femi stated that the federal government has injected economic stimulating incentives to address the challenges facing the country are facing.

The commissioner said: As responsible citizens, there is a need to queue behind the efforts of the government at all levels to deal with the issues challenging our well-being frontally.

READ MORE: Hardship: Angry Youths Pull Down Tinubus Billboards After Shettima Launched Agric Programme In Yobe

A protest would have been proper if the Government was making no efforts. Protests would have been popular if the efforts were not bearing fruit yet.

Protests would have been understandable if we were not gradually moving out of the hopeless situation. But a protest at this point is an attack on the foundation of our rebuilding process and an attempt to throw the nation into the darkness orchestrated during the #EndSars destruction and carnage.

It will be understood if the opposition feels disappointed that our economy is gradually retaining momentum and therefore would not offer them the opportunity to campaign against the ruling party using those parameters. But it is unacceptable and utterly unpatriotic to stoke violence at this period in the name of protest.

The citizens have a right to protest but they do not owe the unpatriotic opposition elements, the window of violence.

Credible intelligence has pointed undoubtedly to the desperation of certain opposition figures to unsettle the nation and stop our march to recovery and prosperity.

They are fanning the embers of war using protest as a smokescreen. It is our responsibility to stop these unpatriotic elements bent on manipulating the citizens to achieve their evil expectations.
The Niger Delta Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, announced it had destroyed multiple illegal refining operations in Abia State.

Rear Admiral John Okeke, the JTF Commander, revealed this in a statement issued to reporters in Yenagoa on Sunday.

According to Okeke, the task force team also intercepted 14 boats filled with crude oil in Obuzor, Okoloma, and the Komkom River in Abia.

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He stated that the air component of the task force carried out the operation after receiving valid intelligence from members of the public.

The commander noted that the expedition was organised and carried out to target criminal activity in the Obuzor, Okoloma, and Komkom River districts.

The task force visited some communities in the region to caution them to desist from all illegal crude oil activities capable of destroying the nations economy.

This move is in line with the anti-crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering posture of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, he said.

READ MORE: MFM Mountain Top Chorale Wins Two Gold Medals At 2024 World Choir Games In New Zealand

He said the operation was intended to send a clear message that oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region would not be condoned.

We are ready, capable and determined in the task of combating illegal oil activities, and preserving the nations critical assets, he said.

Okeke advised the public to constantly assist the task force with reliable information so that it can track down oil thieves and vandals.
Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Industries Limited, says the company will no longer continue with plans to enter Nigerias steel industry.

He disclosed this barely two months after his company said it was making plans to invest in the steel industry and expand the economy.

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Addressing journalists at his refinery in Lagos on Saturday, the billionaire said the organisations board decided to avoid the steel industry to prevent accusations of being branded a monopoly.

Dangote also said the claim in some quarters that his group of companies enjoy monopoly is not true.

You know, about doing a new business which we announced, that is, steel. Actually, our board has decided that we shouldnt do the steel because if we do the steel business, we will be called all sorts of names like monopoly

And then also, imports will be encouraged. So we dont want to go into that.

READ ALSO: NAF Destroys Illegal Refining Sites, Canoes In Rivers

If you look at all our operations at Dangote (Group), we add value; we take local raw materials and turn them into products, and we sell.

We have never consciously or unconsciously stopped anybody from doing the same business that we are doing.

When we first came into cement production, it was only Lafarge that was operating here in Nigeria Nobody ever called Lafarge a monopoly, he said.

He said labelling his group of companies as monopolistic is disheartening.

Monopoly is when you stop people, you block them through legal means. No, it is a level playing field whereby whatever Dangote was given in cement, for example, other people were given because some of them even got more than us, he added.

Dangote, however, encouraged Nigerians to invest in the industry to help boost the countrys economy.

Let other Nigerians go and do it. We are not the only Nigerians here. There are some Nigerians with more cash than us, the billionaire said.

He furthered that people should bring that money from Dubai and other parts of the world and invest in our fatherland.
Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, says he is willing to sell his multi-billion-dollar oil refinery to Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the countrys energy company.

He disclosed this amid unresolved differences with the Federal Government.

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The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery, which began operations last year after a decade of construction, has been facing challenges, including difficulties in sourcing crude oil from international producers.

NNPC, which has a supply deal with the refinery, has only delivered 6.9 million barrels of oil since last year, forcing the refinery to seek alternative sources from countries like Brazil and the United States.

He has since lamented the obstacles his refinery is facing, stating that he is ready to let go of the project if it will benefit the country.

Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist. Thats an incorrect and unfair allegation, but its OK. If they buy me out, at least, their so-called monopolist would be out of the way, Dangote said in an interview granted to Premium Times.

Dangote, who has long dominated Nigerias cement, salt, and sugar industries, ventured into oil and gas, a move that has proven challenging.

READ ALSO: Buy Crude From Other Sources  Presidency Advises Dangote

The refinery cost $19 billion to build, more than double the initial estimate. It promises to reduce Nigerias reliance on imported fuel and save up to 30% of the foreign exchange spent on imports.

It is understood that the refinery, set to release its first batch of petrol to the Nigerian market in August, has been operating at just over half its capacity due to difficulties in sourcing crude oil from international producers.

As you probably know, I am 67 years old. In less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I cant take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.

This refinery can help resolve the problem, but it seems some people are uncomfortable with me in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out and run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs, he added.

Dangotes decision comes after facing several obstacles, which he believes validate the caution advised by friends and associates when he invested billions into Nigerias economy.

Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his action in the interest of his country. He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and interest groups. That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right, Dangote said.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, says he holds no grudges against those spreading lies about him.

Obi, via a Sunday statement, said he understands that those spreading lies about him are doing the bidding of their masters.

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He however urged them to, instead of spreading lies, channel their energies towards helping Nigerians who are suffering due to the unfriendly economy.

The former Anambra State Governor submitted that his political journey has not been rooted in any personal gain, but the principle of genuine love for the people.

His comment stems from a recent allegation by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused Obi of being behind a planned protest by some Nigerians against the government.

The LP presidential candidate further said it is better to pay attention to the plight of the citizens who are crying out due to the hardship in the country.

READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernance: Obi, LP Distance Selves From Planned Nationwide Protest

Today, after mass service, personal thanksgiving prayers, and reflection on the blessings of my birthday, I am filled with immense gratitude. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have sent me good wishes and supported me over the years.

Your encouragement strengthens my resolve to work towards a better society for all, especially the less privileged.

To those who have chosen to spread falsehoods and lies about me for their own gain or at the bidding of their paymasters, I am equally grateful to you. I urge you to channel your energy and resources towards helping everyday Nigerians who are struggling to find their next meal, secure education for their children, gain employment, and access adequate healthcare. The future of our nation depends on addressing these urgent needs, not on perpetuating deceit and lies.

My political journey has never been about desperation or personal gain. It is rooted in principles and a genuine care for the people. Rather than fabricating lies, you and your paymasters should listen to the cries of the poor, who cannot afford medicine and who are uncertain about their next meal. Pay attention to the voices of reason from individuals and institutions that emphasize the plight of our citizens. Let us unite in building a nation where everyone can thrive.

To those who spread falsehoods, I hold no malice. Instead, I pray for the blessings of God upon you and your families. May we all work together for the prosperous new Nigeria that is now a clear POssibility ! -PO Obi stated.
A controversial Socio- political activist, Aisha Yesufu has decried over Nigerias treatment of its own enterprises, urging collective support to ensure the success of the Dangote Refinery.

Aishas statement is coming, after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said that the refinery has not been licensed to begin operations in the country.

Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, made the claims during a chat with journalists at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.

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Ahmed revealed that the refinery was still in the pre-commissioning stage and had not been licensed yet, adding that there were concerns about the quality of petroleum products produced by the Dangote refinery.

However, reacting to a call by an X user @Oluseun Onigbinde for the regulator to be sanctioned for the claim against the refinery, Yesufu said that Nigerians should speak up.

READ MORE: Petroleum Products From Dangote Refinery Are Inferior  FG

She added that Dangote can now feels what Nigerian business people with no government connections go through.

Aisha said: Nigeria kills its own. I truly agree with you, the refinery should not fail. All hands should be on deck to ensure it succeeds.

Alhaji Dangote @AlikoDangote now feels what Nigerian business people with no government connections have always felt and gone through.

When you speak up when others are affected, it is to ensure that a stop is put to such injustice so it never gets to you.
Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, has warned protesters planning an anti-corruption march on Tuesday to the desist from the action.

According to him, they are playing with fire and will not be tolerated.

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The protesters, mostly young Ugandans, are demanding an end to corruption in government and have been inspired by recent demonstrations in neighbouring Kenya.

Giving the warning during a televised address, Museveni accused the protest organisers of working with foreigners to cause chaos in the country, and threatened that the government wont allow disruptions to the countrys progress.

We are busy producing wealth and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us, he said in a televised address as stated by British Broadcasting Corporation.

READ ALSO: Ugandas Museveni Declared Winner Of Presidential Election

Police have refused to grant permission for the march, but protest leaders have said they will proceed anyway, citing their constitutional right to peaceful demonstration.

We dont need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration. It is our constitutional right, one of the main protest leaders, Louez Opolose, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

A protester, Shamim Nambasa, speaking with AFP, said, Our starting point in the fight against corruption is parliament and the demonstration is on irrespective of what police is saying.

The march comes amid growing discontent over corruption in Uganda, with the United States and United Kingdom recently imposing sanctions on high-ranking officials, including parliamentary speaker Anita Annet Among, over allegations of corruption.
Successful Aging Care Net in Upper Darby, photographed Saturday, was among 260 Pa. companies found by the U.S. Labor Dept. to owe thousands of low-salary workers for unpaid overtime Read more

 READ MORE: Did you work at any of these 260 Pa. companies? If so, you could be owed thousands of dollars.

In March 2022, a federal court ordered an Upper Darby home-care agency to pay more than $4.5 million in back wages and damages to more than 500 workers after federal investigators showed that the agency had misclassified those workers as independent contractors and failed to pay them overtime.

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The agency, Successful Aging Care Net, got on a payment plan.

More than two years later, the company says it just paid its final installment to the U.S. Department of Labor. But hundreds of workers still havent gotten their checks, The Inquirer has found. The federal labor department is holding nearly $2 million for these workers, but says its struggling to find them.

It took just a few minutes for The Inquirer to find Raheem Mosley, one of the workers who was owed a lot of money. The Inquirer found his name, and others, on federal court records.

Reached by phone after The Inquirer retrieved his number from LexisNexis, a widely used commercial lookup tool, Mosley, 42, of West Philadelphia, said a woman had called a few years ago about the case and told him he was owed money, but didnt tell him how much.

Later, he heard from a coworker who had gotten paid from the case. When Mosley asked the home-care agency earlier this year whether he was due any money, he says, he was told no.

That wasnt true.

According to court records, Mosley, who was paid $13 an hour to care for his cousin at home, was owed more than $99,000. Half of that is back wages, the other half is damages.

Wow, said Mosley, who worked at the agency since 2015 until a few weeks ago. Oh, my gosh. How did I get none of that money?

Mosley is just one of thousands of low-wage workers in Pennsylvania who havent gotten their money from federal wage-theft cases. Right now, the U.S. Department of Labor is holding more than $18 million for more than 9,000 workers in the state who are owed money, and thats just payments that were made in the last three years.

Once three years pass after an employer pays a settlement, workers can no longer get their money, according to a department spokesperson. The Department of Labor sends their recovered wages to the U.S. Treasury Departments general fund.

Search our online tool below to see whether your former employer has paid a wage theft settlement in the last three years. If you find your employer, use this Department of Labor website to see whether youre owed money and to request it.

Innocent Onwubiko, owner of Successful Aging Care Net, said he had been making payments to the Department of Labor for months and was shocked to hear that hundreds of workers had yet to be paid.

Wow, he said, adding that we were not asked to contact anybody regarding the payments and that he was told the Department of Labor would handle that.

Onwubiko said he did not pay overtime because the state did not pay his company extra for overtime, which has been a common issue for home-care companies in Pennsylvania.

 READ MORE: A Philly restaurant owner agreed to pay $1 million to settle a federal wage theft case. Four years later, wheres the money?

The Department of Labor is currently holding payments from more than 260 Pennsylvania employers: home-care agencies, grocery stores, and restaurants, including Devils Alley, Bottle Bar East, and Iovine Brothers Produce.

The employer with the most workers who have yet to be paid is U.S. Medical Staffing, a Center City health-care personnel provider ordered to pay $9.3 million in back wages and damages in 2022 to 1,750 employees after it failed to pay overtime. More than two-thirds of the employees owed money have yet to be paid.

Most Department of Labor wage theft cases do not end up in court, but the department sued at least seven of the employers on the list in order to compel them to pay, according to court records. That means the department went to great lengths to recover money for workers, but is left with the millions in payments waiting to be claimed.

 READ MORE: Philly-area home-care workers often get cheated on overtime. Pa.s Medicaid rules dont help.

Why hasnt the Department of Labor tracked down workers owed payments?

The Department of Labor focuses its wage theft investigations on low-wage workers, and they tend to be transient, a department spokesperson said, which can make them harder to find.

Undocumented workers are also sometimes afraid to cash checks or interact with the government.

Most employers found to owe money to workers pay them directly after a federal investigation, a Department of Labor spokesperson said. But if a company says it hasnt found the workers, it sends the back wages to the Department of Labor. In some cases, such as Successful Aging Care Net, employers send the pay to the Department of Labor and government employees are tasked with getting it to the wage-theft victims.

Employers send a workers last known address and the department also uses public databases, consulates, social media, and community stakeholders to find workers, the spokesperson said. But its not foolproof, he said. This is a challenge that we have.

In the case of Affectionate Home Health Care, which is based in Lansdowne, the Department of Labor ordered it to pay $2.3 million in back wages and damages to nearly 400 of its workers in January 2023. According to Labor Department data, just two of those workers got their money.

After The Inquirer turned up Latasha Kirtons phone number, a reporter told her she was owed $51,000. She was stunned.

 READ MORE: A workers guide to wage theft: What to do if your boss steals your wages in Pa.

Kirton, 49, of Lansdowne, said her aunt had sent her an article about the investigation but she didnt know that she was owed anything. She stopped working at the company before the pandemic. (Wage theft cases can take years to settle.)

The money would go a long way for her. Shes hoping to go back to school to become a phlebotomist and has credit card debt to pay.

Raheem Mosleys sister, Shakara Mosley, also worked at Successful Aging Care Net and didnt know she was owed money. A reporter gave her the news: $67,000.

This is something I can invest in the future for my kids, said the 30-year-old mother of two.

She had only just left the company, where she was working 16-hour days caring for her father. She was frustrated.

If this money that is owed to us, why havent people reached out to us? she said. I just pray that we can get our money because we do deserve it.
Desirae Frame, mother of Tommy "T.J." Siderio, the 12-year-old that was shot and killed by former Philadelphia Police Officer Edsaul Mendoza in 2022 talks about her life since the death of her son, in Philadelphia, July 19, 2024. Read more

Edsaul Mendoza, the former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Thomas T.J. Siderio in South Philadelphia in 2022, was ordered Monday to serve at least eight years in prison.

The penalty, imposed by Common Pleas Court Judge Diana Anhalt, marks the conclusion of a landmark case  one in which Mendoza, who pleaded guilty in April to third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime, became the first officer in Philadelphia history to be convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting.

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T.J. was the youngest person ever fatally shot by a city police officer. He was shot in the back by Mendoza, who was working in plainclothes and chased the boy down a street, then fired at him from near point-blank range after he had tossed away a gun hed used to shoot at the officers car.

Anhalts full sentence was eight to 20 years in prison. She told Mendoza: I wish you had reacted differently, because what you did was wrong.

The crime remains devastating for T.J.s relatives and friends, many of whom attended Mondays proceedings and told Anhalt about the impact his death has had on the community. Memories of the boy remain all over the house in which he grew up, including photos showing him in karate gear or preparing for a trip with his mother, Desirae Frame.

Its hard, Frame said during a recent interview in the South Philadelphia home, which she still shares with her mother. I still dont really believe it.

Mendoza also testified Monday, telling Anhalt that he feels deep anguish and shame for what did, saying that hed acted out of fear for his life when he chased T.J. and shot at him, but that the remorse of my actions is in me every single day.

His mother, Gisela Blanco, also read a letter to Anhalt, describing Mendoza as a devoted son, dedicated community servant, and man of faith. Her words caused Mendoza to tear up and dip his head.

Prosecutors said the incident began around 7:30 p.m. on March 1, 2022, when Mendoza and three other plainclothes officers with the departments South Task Force  Kwaku Sarpong, Robert Cucinelli, and Alexander Camacho  attempted to stop T.J. and a 17-year-old as they were riding their bikes at 18th and Barbara Streets.

The four officers pulled up to the teens that night because they believed the 17-year-old with T.J. was tangentially connected to a stolen gun case, according to court records. The four officers were riding in an unmarked car staking out the area after seeing a social media post that showed another teen with a gun in his pants pocket and a second firearm at his feet, prosecutors said.

At a preliminary hearing in October 2022, Sarpong testified that the police unit had not received any information that T.J. or the 17-year-old had guns that night, and that the officers had been looking for the third teen who had posted photos of guns.

But just as the officers hit their emergency lights, prosecutors said, T.J. fired a shot at the car, shattering the rear passenger side window and piercing a passengers headrest. Shards of glass injured Camacho, who screamed that he had been shot. Authorities have never said how they believe T.J. got his hands on the firearm in the first place.

The boys then fled and ran in different directions, prosecutors said, and Mendoza chased after T.J. as he ran down Barbara Street toward Moyamensing Avenue.

The boy dropped the gun as Mendoza chased and shot at him, yelling at him to get on the ground, prosecutors said. The boy then tripped or dropped to the ground, and Mendoza approached him and shot him in the back, prosecutors said.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said evidence showed that Mendoza knew T.J. was unarmed when he shot the boy. The gun, Krasner said, was 40 feet away from T.J. at the time, and the boy  who was 5 feet tall and 111 pounds  was lying facedown on the ground behind a pickup truck.

Then-Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw fired Mendoza a week after the shooting, saying hed violated the departments use-of-force guidelines.

Two months after that, Krasner charged Mendoza with crimes including first-degree murder, calling the case very, very disturbing.

Then, this spring, as the case proceeded toward trial, Mendoza pleaded guilty to third-degree murder  just the fourth time in city history that a police officer has been convicted of a fatal shooting, and the first time for a murder charge.

In 2022, former police officer Eric Ruch was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter for shooting Dennis Plowden Jr. after a car chase five years earlier. Ruch was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in prison.

Before that, convictions occurred only in 1978, when an officer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for fatally shooting a 19-year-old after a traffic stop, and in 1870, when an officer was convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting a man in a Society Hill alleyway.

Little comfort for the mother

For T.J.s mother, Frame, Mendozas sentence was not nearly enough, offering little comfort after two years without her son. After the hearing, she and other relatives cast the outcome as a disgrace, and Frame said she would never be able to forgive Mendoza.

Assistant District Attorney Clarke Beljean, who prosecuted the case, said he understood the familys frustration, and recognized that anything less than the maximum penalty allowed by law must feel to them like a compounding of the tragedy.

Mendozas defense attorney, Charles Gibbs, said in court that although Mendoza realized the need for a punishment, he believed that it should be tempered with mercy.

Last week, while preparing for Mondays proceedings, Frame remembered her son as rambunctious, stubborn, and quick to assert himself with his relatives. He loved riding his bike around the neighborhood, she said, but would always come back home, looking for a snack.

Every once in a while, his grandmother, Rachelle DeSalis, said she forgets the boy is gone, catching a flash of someone he thinks is her grandson.

Still when I go to the store around the corner, Ill see a kid on the bike and I think its  I picture him riding up to me on the bike, DeSalis said, holding back tears.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to the death of T.J. Siderio. He was the youngest person ever fatally shot by a city police officer.
The mass shooting in West Philadelphia that left three men dead  including two brothers  and six others injured early Sunday morning was the result of an argument-turned-gun fight after multiple people pulled weapons, police said Monday.

More than 100 people were gathered for a cookout on the 1200 block of North Alden Street in the Carroll Park section of the city around 2 a.m. when a group of men got into an argument that turned physical, said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

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Quickly, he said, at least three people drew guns and started shooting.

This was a gun battle, Bethel said. This was not an individual who came up and randomly shot down the block.

More than 30 bullets, fired from three different guns, whizzed through the crowd, striking nine people, police said. Three men were killed: Akil Jones, 33; Rashie Jones, 29; and Sekayi Robinson, 23.

The Joneses were brothers, police said. Their family, gathered outside their Kingsessing home on Monday, declined to speak as they processed the compounding deaths and grief.

Robinsons family could not immediately be reached.

The six people who survived, ages 26 to 30, remained in stable condition Monday, police said. Among those shot was a 26-year-old woman struck in the buttocks and a 28-year-old man shot three times throughout his body.

Bethel declined to say whether officials believe any of the victims fired a weapon. Three guns were recovered at the scene, he said. No arrests have been made.

Video footage of the shooting, captured by a residents Ring camera and reviewed by The Inquirer, showed a few men seated on the steps of a rowhouse, as people mingled in the street and listened to music. Then, suddenly, the men started to fight, rolling onto the sidewalk.

Within seconds, shots were fired. Someone appeared to shoot down the block as people fled. Over the course of a minute, there were various breaks in gunfire, before more rounds were fired down the street.

The shooting is the seventh act of gun violence with five or more victims so far this year in Philadelphia, and the fourth within just the last five weeks. Those previous shootings include five teens shot in Fairmount and seven injured in North Philly in June. Then, on July Fourth, nine people were shot at a pop-up party in Kingsessing.

Bethel spoke from the scene of the shooting on Monday alongside Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and dozens of city leaders, law enforcement officials, and neighborhood residents. The city, Bethel said, has a gun problem. Too often, he and Parker said, mundane arguments and fistfights turn deadly, in part, due to widespread gun ownership.

We used to fight, Bethel said. Now we pull out weapons.

The block party Sunday night was not registered with the city, Parker said.

Philadelphians should continue to gather with community, she said, but she implored residents to apply for block party permits so police can plan enforcement accordingly. (The city has denied permits for block parties in certain neighborhoods in recent years due to safety concerns.)

We cant make good on our promise to you if you wont follow the process thats established, she said, referencing her commitment to public safety.

The shooting took place on what residents described as a normally quiet block in the Carroll Park neighborhood, a section of West Philadelphia that officials said does not typically see high rates of violence.

This is not and will never be the story of Carroll Park, said State Rep. Morgan Cephas, a Democrat who represents the area.

Cheryl Moore, who lived next to the Jones family on 57th Street for 43 years, said she remembers Akil and Rashies mother working hard to corral her six sons.

If we needed help, they were there, Moore said of the family, recounting the time the boys built a doghouse for her Alaskan husky, Obama. The family moved away about 10 years ago, she said.

Jermaine Butts, 42, an Alden Street resident of about six years, said the block is dotted with children and families. Over the last month, he said, kids have run through the street playing and dousing each other with Super Soakers and water guns.

But he worried as he watched from his window as the party grew larger as the night went on.

When you have young people in the area drinking and doing things, somethings gonna happen, he said.

Officials on Monday said victims services groups had connected with families and residents and were providing support. Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. dispersed pamphlets about how people could submit tips about crimes discreetly.

But the central message from leaders was that, despite gunfire erupting at recent parties, Philadelphians should not be afraid to come together.

Gather, Parker said. But do it right.

Graphics Editor John Duchneskie contributed to this article.
The head of the U.S. Secret Service on Monday described the July 13 assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., as her agencys most significant operational failure in decades and said she took full responsibility.

But agency director Kimberly Cheatle evaded key questions about that days events and resisted bipartisan calls for her resignation during a contentious hearing before the House Oversight Committee.

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The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders. On July 13, we failed, Cheatle told members of the committee in her opening remarks, her first public appearance since 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to fire off several rounds from the roof of a building less than 150 feet away from the stage where Trump was speaking.

The attack left Trump with minor injuries to his ear, killed one spectator, and left two others in critical condition. In the days since, the Secret Service and local law enforcement have engaged in a messy, public bout of finger-pointing over who was to blame for the security lapses that allowed Crooks to carry out his attack.

Heres what we learned from Mondays hearing:

Cheatle gives Secret Service an A grade for its performance during the July 13 rally

Cheatle told lawmakers she was proud beyond words of the agents who protected Trump during the rally and added later that they deserved an A grade for their work that day.

But that assessment drew repeated skepticism from committee members, including Rep. Stephen Lynch (D., Mass.) who said he was flummoxed by how they allowed a wounded Trump to remain on the rally stage for over a minute with a shooter with a high capacity weapon  and [who] could have got off we dont know how many more rounds.

Rep. Mike Turner (R., Ohio) piled on.

Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent, he told Cheatle. If Donald Trump had been killed you would have looked culpable.

Cheatle: No Secret Service resources were denied to Trump campaign for July 13 rally

The Secret Service acknowledged over the weekend that it had denied multiple requests from the Trump campaign over the last two years to beef up the former presidents security detail.

But Cheatle maintained Monday that there were no requests that were denied for the Butler rally.

That answer came under heavy questioning from both Republicans and Democrats. At one point, Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio) suggested that perhaps the Trump campaign hadnt bothered to continue pressing for more security resources because of those past denials.

Maybe they got tired of asking, he said.

The Secret Service received two to five reports of a suspicious person before the shooting

Cheatle told the committee that the agency received multiple reports of a suspicious person in the crowd before Crooks opened fire and that local law enforcement officers first flagged him after seeing him carrying a range finder outside the Butler Fair Grounds venue.

I dont have an exact number to share with you today, she said. But from what I have been able to discern, somewhere between two and five times there was some sort of communication about a suspicious individual.

That prompted several committee members to question why the Secret Service had still allowed Trump to take the stage.

Cheatle maintained that range finders  used by marksmen to measures distances to remote objects  were not banned from events protected by the agency and that a person carrying one wouldnt necessarily prompt Secret Service intervention. She also explained that the Secret Service differentiates between someone flagged as suspicious and someone viewed as a potential threat.

There are a number of times at protective events where suspicious people are identified, and those individuals have to be investigated, she said.

Cheatle continued: If the detail had been passed information that there was a threat, the detail would never have brought the former president out onto the stage, she said.

Local law enforcement circulated photos of Crooks more than a half hour before shooting

Cheatle acknowledged that local officers had identified Crooks skulking around outside the venue, called in reports, and even disseminated his photo more than a half hour before he opened fire.

She confirmed media reports that at least two local officers had called in reports of Crooks acting suspiciously, taken his photo and circulated it to others involved with the security effort. They first saw Crooks crawling on the ground near the rally site, setting off a scramble by authorities to locate him, Pittsburgh TV news station WPXI has reported.

Moments later, a half hour before the shooting, a sniper with the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit  which contributed eight members to that days security effort  spotted Crooks again, scoping out the roof of the agricultural tool makers warehouse roughly 150 feet from the rally stage.

Cheatle said Monday that the Secret Service had identified the building as a potential vulnerability days before Trumps rally. And again, the officer who spotted Crooks called the report in and sent a photograph.

She told members of the committee she was unaware if any officer had spoken to Crooks during that period.

Cheatle dodged questions on other key aspects of the investigation

Much to the frustration of the committees members, Cheatle repeatedly evaded key questions about the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation by the FBI and her agencys internal probe.

Those included queries about how many Secret Service agents were deployed to protect Trump that day, whether there were any agents on the roof where Crooks opened fire, and who specifically had excluded that warehouse building from the agencys security plan for the rally.

Rep. Michael Cloud (R., Texas) balked at her repeated resistance to answer questions.

Youre in charge of the investigation of your own failure, he said. So how is anybody in American supposed to be able to trust the results  as being transparent and genuine?

Cheatle said she looked forward to providing a full accounting to members of Congress once the Secret Services internal investigation was complete in 60 days. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and several of her colleagues called that timeline unacceptable.

Cheatle resists calls to resign

As Mondays hearing progressed, bipartisan calls for Cheatles resignation continued to pile up. But she resisted demands for her resignation, as she has done since the shooting.

I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time, she told committee members.

By the conclusion of the proceedings, the GOP and Democratic leaders of the committees  Reps. James Comer (R., Ky.) and Jamie Raskin (D., Md.)  said they would sign a joint letter demanding she step down. Cheatle maintains the support of President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Scott Perry: Short Secret Service agents are problematic in protecting officials

Several Republican committee members reiterated a theme that has caught fire in right-wing media since the attack on Trump: An effort to use the assassination attempt to delegitimize steps the Secret Service has taken to diversify its work force in recent years.

Some GOP members have questioned whether women, including Cheatle herself, are physically capable of protecting national leaders, drawing swift condemnation from their Democratic counterparts. Rep. Tim Burchett (R., Tenn.) told Cheatle Monday that she was a DEI horror story.

But picking up on that strand of questioning, Rep. Scott Perry (R., Pa.) pressed the director on whether short agents were capable of adequately protecting Trump, who is over six feet tall.

If somebody is seven feet tall, and youre five feet tall, he said, theres going to be a delta there that is problematic to protecting the protectant.

Cheatle responded: The agents that are assigned to our protectees are perfectly capable.

Tough questions are likely to persist

The contentious hearing is only the start of what is shaping up to be a tough week for law enforcement officials on Capitol Hill.

Members of the House Homeland Security Committee joined Rep. Mike Kelly, a Republican from Butler who attended the July 13 rally, in visiting the Butler Fair Grounds site Monday in advance of hearings it has promised to hold in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing Wednesday with testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray to demand answers about the bureaus ongoing investigation into the attack.

House members are also expected to vote this week on a resolution establishing an 11-member bipartisan task force to investigate the assassination. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended Mondays Oversight Committee hearing, said he hoped creating such a task force would help focus the Houses efforts to investigate.
President Joe Biden leaves the stage after a campaign rally at Girard College in May 2024. Read more

Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Bob Casey, both Pennsylvania Democrats, took starkly different tones when reacting to President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the ballot.

Fetterman has fiercely defended Bidens position on the 2024 ticket and compared the presidents debate performance to his own bad debate during his 2022 campaign. He didnt budge from that position on Sunday.

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People pushed out an honorable man, loving father and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez, Fetterman said on Sunday in reference to Sen. Bob Menendez, the embattled New Jersey senator who was convicted in a corruption trial last week, according to Semafor reporter David Weigel. Congratulations, Fetterman added.

Fetterman did not make any public statements himself on Sunday and did not respond to requests for comment.

Sen. Bob Casey, on the other hand, embraced Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee.

With womens rights, workers rights, and voting rights on the line, the stakes of this election for Pennsylvania and the Nation couldnt be higher, Casey wrote in a post on X.

He said Harris has ledfights on those issues, and she will draw a clear contrast with former President Donald Trump due to her experience as a former prosecutor.

She is prepared to be Commander-in-Chief and is the best person to meet this moment, Casey added. Im proud to endorse her candidacy for President.

When pressed about whether Biden should drop out of the race at a campaign event in Philadelphia on Friday, Casey said he has always supported Biden. But he also said that he has heard concerns over and over again about Bidens ability to beat Trump and serve another four years, and that they should be taken into consideration.

Ive supported him like no one else, and I am going to continue to support him, Casey said to reporters on Friday. But people have concerns, and those concerns are legitimate, and I think theyre important concerns.

Casey also said Friday that he believed Biden was weighing those concerns.

I think in the end, hell make the best decision for the American people like he always does, Casey added on Friday.
Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his second budget address in February at the Capitol building in Harrisburg. Read more

Pennsylvania lawmakers and advocates were prepared for a tough budget fight over school vouchers this year.

But it fizzled out.

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Despite support for vouchers from Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, GOP leaders, and even Jay-Z, a proposed $100 million voucher program was not a major sticking point in budget negotiations.

Instead, legislative leaders reached a budget deal that includes expanding existing tax credit programs to help families send their children to private schools.

But the contentious debate over a voucher program to send students in low-performing schools to private school could return next year.

Heres a look at some of the reasons why vouchers didnt get approved, and what could come next.

Shapiro and Democrats wanted to avoid a messy interparty spat during an election year

We got a preview into Shapiros unlikeliness to take up the voucher issue last year following the state Democratic Partys winter meeting, where national DNC leaders requested they set the issue aside during a critical election year.

Unlike Shapiro, who has sought to make school choice an area where he can reach across the aisle, many Democrats oppose vouchers. Teachers unions, which contribute to Democratic campaigns, lobby strongly against vouchers and argue that they take money away from struggling public schools. But the issue can be more complicated for officials in Philadelphia, where some lawmakers support school choice, in part because staggering achievement gaps exist between public school students in the city vs. surrounding counties.

In addition, unity within the Democratic Party is more important than ever, as the party views Pennsylvania as a must-win battleground state in the presidential election.

Shapiro still called for a voucher program to be part of the states new budget as part of his budget address in February. And House Democrats and Shapiro had been willing to compromise and create a new tax credit program, which was rejected by the Senate GOP leaders during budget talks.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said the tax credit pitch would have made it too hard for private schools to participate.

And Shapiro was unwilling to use his political capital or bully pulpit to get the issue into a final budget deal, Pittman said.

Unlike last year, we saw no evidence that the governor was full-throatedly behind actually making it happen, Pittman added.

And the political calculation was clear to Pittman, too: It would be very difficult to have an intense campaign occur in 2024 and have the leader of the Democratic Party sign a voucher bill and explain that to the base of the Democratic Party, he added.

Shapiros office declined to comment.

Progressive groups and labor mobilized in advance of budget season

Progressive groups and labor unions were caught by surprise last year, when a school voucher program appeared in a final budget deal between Shapiro and the Senate GOP. They didnt let that happen again.

Those groups coordinated their anti-voucher efforts. Once rumors circulated that vouchers were a likely possibility in the final budget deal, Rachel Weisberg, a political strategist for the Working Families Party, said she mobilized them to come together with one voice to block it.

Imagine its Election Day in a month, and right now, youre losing, Weisberg recalled someone telling her in May, before budget talks began in earnest. What do you have to do to win?

The Working Families Party, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and more than a dozen other groups worked on email campaigns and lobbied at the state Capitol. Another union, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, knocked on doors around Philadelphia. With support from Councilmember Kendra Brooks, the group got Philadelphia City Council to approve a resolution denouncing vouchers.

We cant divert any of our hard-earned public tax dollars to private programs, House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia) said on the Capitol steps at a June anti-voucher rally.

Jay-Z and Roc Nation came late to the party

Jay-Zs company, Roc Nation, was one of the biggest hitters to join the debate. But he didnt get involved until June, when budget talks were already underway.

Roc Nation launched a series of Dine and Learn conversations around Philadelphia to inform families about the benefits of vouchers.

Desiree Perez, the companys CEO, said Roc Nation supports issues like school vouchers because they provide immediate solutions and improve childrens lives. But she conceded that they got involved too late to sway the conversation.

Had we known, we would have become involved sooner, but now were aware for the future, Perez said.

The philanthropic arm of the company has previously focused on criminal justice issues, and this marked the first time the organization waded into state politics around school vouchers.

Roc Nation will continue to advocate for the issue this year and next, she added.

The advantage is that now we have all year to fully inform the communities on the options available for the families, Perez added. We love Pennsylvania and look forward to continuing to uplift and support different communities across the state.

(Most) Democrats and Republicans are OK with putting more money toward existing tax credits

In absence of a deal on the long-sought Republican priority of school vouchers, lawmakers agreed to set aside more money for two existing tax credit programs.

Those programs have grown rapidly over the last few years, now topping $630 million in the new budget, said Sen. Scott Martin (R., Lancaster) after the budget passed earlier this month.

The existing programs allow businesses or individuals to get tax credits in exchange for donating to a school or scholarship fund. Families can then apply to send their child to a private school using those funds.

The tax credit programs have high income maximums, and only one of them is targeted to help students who live in low-performing districts. Many Democratic lawmakers note that they are ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse, but still supported a $75 million increase in the programs as part of the $47.6 billion budget deal.

These programs are different from vouchers, which would directly give parents state money to use toward school tuition and other expenses.

The fight will be back next year

Next year wont be a major election year  though another gubernatorial election will be just around the corner.

Republicans and conservative groups have promised to hold Shapiro accountable for failing to pass a voucher program, especially as he prepares to seek a second term. And Senate Republicans maintain that vouchers are a top priority and will continue to push for their enactment, Pittman said.

For their part, progressive groups know they have a continued fight to prevent vouchers from getting approved in the state.

Were clear that this is not a one-and-done fight, said Weisberg, of the Working Families Party. But I feel like were victorious in this moment.
By December 2016, Thomas TJ Siderio already had more days behind him than ahead. He still believed in Santa Claus.

Photos taken a few weeks before Christmas that year show the 7-year-old talking with the white-bearded man, albeit a bit tentatively.

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In the years that followed, TJs life would come to a rolling boil, fueled by bad influences and bad decisions as he cruised the streets of South Philly on a bicycle.

Soon, he started breaking curfew, and by the spring of 2020, police had to put out a bulletin when he went missing for days.

Be on the lookout, they advised, for an 11-year-old with short brown hair and a small scar on his right cheek. He was 4-foot-9 and 98 pounds at the time.

A year later, cops were searching a house where he was living after receiving a tip that hed pulled a gun during a large fight at Second and Porter Streets in South Philadelphia. They found clothes matching a photo taken at the scene, but no gun, according to a law enforcement source.

In recent Instagram posts, TJ could be seen in a ski mask, and there are several references to guns and drug use.

Then, he was gone.

On March 1, Thomas J. Siderio Jr., a seventh grader at Sharswood Elementary School who was weeks away from his 13th birthday, was shot in the back by a Philadelphia police officer and killed. He was fleeing the scene, police said, after he fired a bullet, shattering the window of an unmarked police car.

After the shooting, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said: We as a society have failed him. And at a news conference this week announcing that the officer who shot TJ would be fired for violating the departments use-of-force policy, Outlaw returned to that theme.

It was a tragedy before it even ended, she said.

Outlaw has taken heat on social media from both sides: Critics of the police saw her comments as an attempt to deflect responsibility from the officers, while the pro-police crowd accused her of downplaying the danger that the child posed.

But she raised questions that Philadelphia cannot ignore.

Children arent born with guns in their hands. What went wrong? How did things get to this point, where cops investigating illegal firearms are led to a 12-year-old allegedly packing a laser-equipped 9-millimeter handgun?

He had a tendency to follow the wrong kind of kids, said Terry Elnicki-Varela, who works in special education and started helping TJ at school three years ago. He was no angel. Far from it.

Elnicki-Varela, however, saw TJs potential. She said he just needed someone to love him and guide him along a straight path. Eventually, she invited him to her home in South Philadelphia. Watching him chilling out on her porch with her grandson after school, she hoped it gave him a glimpse of a supportive family life.

He didnt have to go down the path he chose, she said. Her grandson is heartbroken by TJs death.

Interviews with friends and family point to a chaotic and shifting home life for TJ, with a father whos been incarcerated for several years and a mother with two arrests for drug possession and jail stints. Some described the mother, 31, as more of a big sister.

Although he nominally resided with a grandmother, TJ was a bit of a nomad and could often be spotted riding though neighborhoods from Pennsport to Girard Estates on his bicycle, visiting friends or family scattered across a wide swath of South Philadelphia.

TJs life was documented by extensive social media posts from the many young people he encountered touring around. He was well-known. To some as a friend, to others a menace. On certain blocks, he was a fixture.

It wont seem right walking down the block without you popping out of nowhere saying Yo, gang, one relative wrote online after TJs passing.

Some posts show innocent scenes of TJ: At the Jersey Shore with other children, marching along with the Mummers, taking selfies or showing off his dance moves on TikTok  frequently while flipping off the camera. Friends described him as funny, intelligent, and caring.

In one video, posted after his death, a beaming TJ is shown scooting down a South Philly boulevard as two friends balance on his bikes pegs.

One thing about TJ, a friend wrote in a caption. If he got a bike, he not gon let me walk.

You were my whole entire world, a girl wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of TJ as a baby. I always told you to stop wit the streets and not to be around some of the people you were around.

But the same friends said he was often hardheaded. Other times, he seemed despondent about his life, with one friend recounting online how theyd held TJ after he had abruptly broken down in tears.

Mark Nasuti, a family friend who sometimes looked after the boy, expressed shock that TJ had ever gotten mixed up with guns.

Nasuti met TJ when he was 5 years old and living with his great-aunt Marge in South Philadelphia. Nasuti, whom TJ called Uncle Frank, knew the aunt and TJs mother from their neighborhood, and had stepped in to help raise TJ, spending his own money to get him clothes and other necessities, and a bike.

Id buy him stuff and wed hang out, said Nasuti. And then when his aunt passed away, I felt bad and tried to keep an eye on him.

After her death in 2018, TJs relatively harmless pranks, like throwing eggs at peoples houses on Mischief Night, began to turn into more serious trouble. TJ was clever, but he could sometimes be manipulated by older kids.

Nasuti recalled being contacted by police after a group of kids had called a pizza shop and mugged a delivery worker. Cops said that they had used Nasutis phone number to order the pizza and suspected his number had been spoofed. Nasuti knew better.

The geniuses used TJs phone to call the pizza guy they robbed, he said, referring to a phone hed bought him.

Sometimes, people in the neighborhood would mention social media posts that appeared to show TJ with a gun. But Nasuti had never seen that himself. He said TJ might have been influenced by older kids or wanted to impress them by acting like a tough guy.

There was nothing mean or malicious in this kid, said Nasuti. He had all these pets, these cats. He cried when his dog died. He was the antithesis of what theyre painting him out to be.

Social media, however, provides another perspective. Like many adolescents, TJ seemed to sprout physically almost overnight and was itching to prove he was mature and could hang with his older crew.

In a video posted to an Instagram account associated with TJ last year, the boy appears to be smoking marijuana and driving a car while two older boys can be heard goading him on and laughing off screen. In more recent images, TJ poses for several photos wearing all black clothing and a ski mask that covered most of his face except for his eyes.

On an Instagram account that appears to have been run by TJ, the profile photo depicts someone just out of frame holding a pistol upside down while exposing a magazine of ammunition. The sleeve of a black jacket is just visible in the corner of the photograph  the sleeve of a jacket Nasuti says he gave to TJ as a gift six months ago.

Just two days after TJ was killed, his father, Thomas Siderio Sr., initiated a lawsuit against the four officers who were in the car and gave chase.

Siderio, 28, is currently incarcerated on firearms convictions in a state prison in Coal Township, Pa. Hes been there for the last three years, and previously spent at least a year in prison in Philadelphia. The gun case stemmed from a 2017 shootout outside a bar in which the fathers cousin was killed.

Video and audio recordings obtained by The Inquirer show that the Taurus 9-millimeter that police say TJ tossed was found about 60 feet from his body. Siderio Sr.s attorney, Conor Corcoran, has said he is not aware of any definitive evidence that TJ fired the gun.

TJs mother, Desirae Frame, also has a criminal record, with the two drug cases and other arrests for theft, forgery, contempt of court, and receiving stolen property.

This week, Frame retained a high-profile personal-injury law firm in what is likely a precursor to a lawsuit over TJs death.

Attorney Robert Mongeluzzis past clients include victims of the 2010 duck boat accident in the Delaware River that killed two passengers and the 2013 Salvation Army building collapse that killed six people. He said Frame asked us to find out what really happened in the shooting of her son and to gather every piece of evidence and push for reform so this never happens again.

Mongeluzzi said that the initial reporting on the shooting appears to be damning for the Philadelphia Police Department but that there are still many unanswered questions.

I think a lawsuit will be necessary to get the information and the reform, he said.

In a statement issued through Mongeluzzi on Friday, Frame said: I love my son and his death is a tragedy that has left a hole in my heart. While TJ may have had challenges in his life, he was a loving son and friend who did not deserve to be gunned down in the back while unarmed. My only hope is that out of this tragedy there is reform, so that no other mother has to go through the pain of burying their child.

Nasuti said he had lost touch with TJ a bit in recent years, as the boy grew older, but continued to check in on him, making sure he had what he needed.

He was like my little friend, my buddy, he said. But we were spending less time.

At 7:09 p.m. March 1, Nasuti spoke to TJ for the last time.

It was a conversation that went much like all their other quick chats. As a goof, Nasuti had purchased a kids book for 3- to 5-year-olds, and dropped it off along with pillows and a comforter that Frame had asked for, because the boy would be staying with her.

That night, TJ called Nasuti back. He wanted some money to go out with his friends later that night. Nasuti brought up the book, teasing the boy. The 12-year-old responded with an expletive, and started laughing.

He was in good spirits, Nasuti said. He seemed happy, he was laughing.

About 30 minutes later, TJ was pronounced dead.

On Thursday morning, at Lighthouse Baptist Church at Broad and Ritner Streets, eight blocks from the shooting, TJs body lay in an open casket for his funeral, alongside wreaths of flowers  the Sixers, the Froggy Carr Wench Brigade, a message from his parents calling him #1 son.

Prayer cards contained a link to an online memorial video. Photos showed TJ as a newborn. Then hes on roller blades. Cuddling with a cat. Sitting on a pumpkin. A baby in plaid overalls in front of a Christmas tree. At the Mummers Parade.

The pastor, Mandell Gross, went around the church, asking dozens of young people whod attended the funeral to say their names into the microphone. He reminded them each name is important and pleaded with them to love one another and avoid TJs fate.

We need each other, Gross said, more now than ever.

Police sirens wailed in the background.

The night before, at TJs viewing, Nasuti walked into the church to pay his respects.

As a little kid, TJ loved playing with the rings Nasuti wore, particularly the gaudy blue one that Nasuti wore on his right pinkie. It was his favorite.

As he knelt down Wednesday evening and looked at his young friend in the casket, wearing a gray suit and with his hair combed back, Nasuti slipped the blue ring off and put it on TJs left index finger.

He kissed TJs forehead, said goodbye, and walked out.

Staff writers Max Marin, Jeremy Roebuck, Craig R. McCoy, and Barbara Laker contributed to this article.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on July 13. Read more

Philadelphia City Councilmember Nina Ahmad stood on a stage at the Pennsylvania Convention Center earlier this month and asked a crowd of Asian American and Pacific Islander voters what representation looked like.

It looks like having the first ever Asian American and African American woman as our vice president, Kamala Harris, she said, answering her own question.

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Harris was in Philadelphia that day as the marquee speaker at Asian and Pacific Islander American Votes presidential town hall, as she sought to defend President Joe Bidens struggling reelection campaign in the wake of a disastrous debate performance.

Now, just over a week later, Harris  the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father  is poised to make history as the first woman of color to lead a major partys presidential ticket.

Energy quickly built behind Harris Sunday evening  according to the New York Times, she raised $50 million in less than 24 hours. And that energy was especially apparent among Black and South Asian voters, who see themselves represented in Harris historic candidacy. Leaders in Pennsylvanias Black and Asian American communities speculated Monday that excitement would grow, enabling Democrats to recruit new or disengaged voters.

If we do the work, and we will, if we inspire, if we mobilize, if we organize, we could see historic turnout in November, said Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, the first Asian American to serve as a county commissioner in the state and the former leader of an Indian American voter engagement group.

More than half a million Asian Americans live in Pennsylvania, making up 3% of the states voting population, while 12.7% of the states population is Black. In a critical swing state where the election is expected to be very close, those voters will be pivotal in November. Harris candidacy could be especially impactful in heavily Democratic Philadelphia, where more than 39% of the population is Black and 8% of the population is Asian.

Anton Moore, a community organizer and the leader of Philadelphias 48th Ward, said Black voters in his South Philly neighborhood are ready to stand behind Harris.

When you look at the Democratic Party, who is it? Its Black women, he said.

Can Harris motivate Pennsylvania Black and Asian American voters?

State Sen. Nikil Saval (D., Philadelphia), who is the first Indian American to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate, said that while Harris had a story that would resonate with many voters of color, driving engagement off that isnt always simple.

It cant just be invoked, he said. To speak to people and to reach people, it has to be substantive.

Recent polling of Asian American voters showed Biden had lost support among the group but maintained a strong lead over former President Donald Trump. While the poll, conducted by AAPIData in April and May, didnt track Harris chances against Trump, it showed her overall favorability among Asian Americans was slightly lower than Bidens.

And polls have shown that Trump has more support with Black voters this year, particularly with Black men nationally, than he did in 2020. Biden has still led with that demographic in recent polls, but not as decisively as he did four years ago. Its not yet clear how Democrats switch to Harris would affect polling among Black voters in Pennsylvania.

Deanda Wilson, a Black Mount Airy voter and former federal government employee who has volunteered in local elections and serves as an inspector of elections, was disappointed with what she called a superficial look at Bidens performance. Still, shes looking forward to supporting Harris as the Democratic nominee.

She would be an excellent president, and as soon as I get a chance to breathe, I am going to be out there knocking on doors  to get her elected, she said.

Worries about discrimination and language barriers

Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, who is Black, said Harris is highly qualified, and she is confident the vice president can win in November.

Still, Bass said she worries Harris will face additional scrutiny due to her identity.

Theres always some sort of unknown, unspoken, unidentifiable trait that people want to attach to Black women in politics, said Bass, who leads Philadelphias 8th District.

Ahmad points to Harris career track record to dispel that idea. Her political career began two decades ago when she was elected district attorney of San Francisco, and she has also served as Californias attorney general and as a senator.

She has done her due diligence of starting locally and building herself up, so she is supremely qualified, said Ahmad.

For some AAPI communities, language barriers and access to accurate information also pose a sharp and specific challenge in informing voters the Democratic ticket has changed, said Wei Chen, a Philadelphia community activist who specializes in voter engagement.

Thats going to be very hard, to reeducate people like, Hey, the presidential candidate is not Biden anymore, said Chen, who works with residents who have limited English proficiency.

Mohan Seshadri, who heads the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance and works to help voters with language barriers, said that Harris  and any candidate  should look at the full diversity of our communities, and noted that Pennsylvanias Asian communities arent monolithic and speak more than two dozen different languages.

Organizationally, a meteor just hit, Seshadri said of Harris rise. The ground just shifted under our feet.

The potential for Harris nomination also left many Democrats with a sense that its time for a woman of color to become president. And that Harris had earned her spot.

Said Salima Suswell, founder of the Black Muslim Leadership Council: Its time for a woman to run this country. Its time for a Black woman to be taken seriously as a leader in this nation.

Jamila Winder, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and the first Black woman to serve as a Montgomery County commissioner, touted Harris qualifications.

If she gets the nomination, Winder said, its because of all her education, her experience, her professional experience, her public service experience. She just happens to be a Black woman.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the APIA Vote Presidential Town Hall at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on July 13. Eight days after her speech in the city, President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the race and endorsed Harris. Read more

Pennsylvania Democrats are all in for Kamala Harris.

The states 159 delegates to the Democratic National Convention unanimously voted Monday to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee in the high-stakes November contest with former President Donald Trump.

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In a vote on Zoom conducted Monday afternoon, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, delegates cast a voice vote to back Harris and then recorded those tallies individually.

The move underscores the lightning-speed effort by the party to coalesce around Harris after Biden endorsed her on Sunday.

Just hours later Harris was giving the first speech of her presidential campaign in Wilmington Monday evening, where she promised to unite our Democratic Party, unite our nation and to win this election.

Biden called into the event, his voice hoarse as he recovers from COVID-19, but cheerful.

The name has changed at the top of the ticket but the mission hasnt changed at all the president said. "  Im going to be working like hell both as a sitting president getting legislation passed, as well as campaigning.

Less than 24 hours after Biden endorsed her, Harris had the support of all nine Democrats who represent Pennsylvania in the House and both of its Democratic senators. And Harris campaign started getting in touch with state parties, including Pennsylvanias, to ensure party procedures were followed with just a month until the Chicago Convention.

Pennsylvanias delegation followed Tennessees and North Carolinas in taking a unanimous vote to endorse Harris this week. In private meetings and in public comments, several Pennsylvania delegates also promoted Gov. Josh Shapiro as the best choice to be Harris running mate, given Pennsylvanias critical role in the upcoming election.

We sense the urgency of this moment, said the Rev. Mark Tyler, a delegate from Philadelphia. This is on the one hand a wonderful opportunity to help make history once again, but its also about protecting democracy.

The Democratic National Committee, which is slated to meet on Wednesday, hasnt adopted rules for the unprecedented scenario of the presumptive nominee exiting the race so late in the campaign.

But state party chair Sharif Street said he believes that the Pennsylvania delegations vote Monday means that 159 pledged delegates from Pennsylvania can be added to Harris tally toward becoming the partys presumptive nominee.

Those votes would likely formally be cast next month at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. As of Monday afternoon, Harris already had about 850 pledged delegates on her way to the 1,976 needed to clinch the nomination.

The electronic vote creates a record of pledged delegates, which Harris campaign said would be helpful, Street said.

Street said he was not concerned about moving too quickly after Biden exited the race or that the early vote could prevent delegates from backing other candidates who could come later. As evidenced by the results, he said, everyone is very excited to support Vice President Harris.

But Republicans were quick to argue that delegations gathering for emergency Zoom votes to decide the party nominee felt antidemocratic.

Sixteen million voters across the country are now being told that their votes for President Biden no longer count, said Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican who has campaigned with Trump.

It is clear that Vice President Harris is not well-liked among Democrats given how she performed in her short-lived presidential campaign, and now she is being forced on the voters in a closed process run by party bosses.

And pro-Trump groups went up with ads immediately to test early messaging against Harris. A TV spot from the pro-Trump group MAGA Inc., started airing in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada on Monday, blaming Harris for an unsecured border and inflation.

Look what shes got done: a border invasion, runaway inflation, the American dream dead, the ad says.

Democratic delegates backing Harris called her a needed jolt of enthusiasm for a party that is well-equipped to win in Pennsylvania.

Tyler called it a tremendous opportunity to make history.

The joy I see in the face of my wife, my daughters, members of my congregation, and my community, is priceless right now and Im gonna do everything that I can do to make sure that its not just that kind of joy during a campaign season but that they can enjoy four to eight years later, he said.

Roseanne Milazzo, a delegate from Montgomery County, predicted earlier in the day that a woman at the top of the ticket in November would galvanize her partys base.

Women have been so disappointed by the Supreme Court decision and the threat of all the abortion bans, said Milazzo, a retired teacher and West Norriton Township commissioner. Women will come out and support Kamala Harris. She has the best chance of winning.

Marian Moskowitz, vice chair of the Chester County Commissioners and a DNC delegate for the 6th Congressional District, called Harris a tireless advocate for women, minorities, small businesses, and workers rights. Her leadership alongside President Biden during challenging times has been nothing short of inspiring.

Moskowitz said she was particularly excited about Harris bringing a fresh, female perspective to our highest office.

Several delegates, including Moskowitz, Milazzo, and Tyler brought up Shapiro as the person they hope Harris picks as her running mate.

Shapiro buzz continues

Shapiro, swarmed by national media at a news conference on Monday, said Harris will make the deeply personal decision of choosing her running mate dependent on whom she wants to govern and campaign with.

President Biden has often remarked that one of the most important decisions he had to make was selecting a vice president, and in that he has selected Vice President Harris, Shapiro said.

That decision should be made really free from any political pressure, he added.

Shapiro refused to say whether hes interested in the role, but highlighted the commonalities between him and Harris. They are both former prosecutors who have known each other for nearly 20 years, he said.

Nearly every Democratic political contender endorsed Harris within 24 hours of Bidens endorsement, including Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who played a key role in persuading Biden to step down from the ticket, also threw her support behind Harris on Monday.

Early speculation that Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia independent and former Democrat, could change his party registration and make a run was put to rest when Manchin said Monday he was not running for office.

Thats turned the attention to whom Harris could pick as a running mate and in Pennsylvania, ongoing buzz for Shapiro.

In two separate meetings on Monday Pennsylvanias Democratic executive committee and its contingent of county and regional chairs also voted to formally endorse Harris.

Shapiro was on the call with county chairs and gave a full-throated endorsement of Harris, according to people on the call.

Philadelphia Democratic chairman Bob Brady then issued a rallying cry for the party leaders to promote Shapiro as the vice presidential pick.

Josh is our guy, Brady said on the call, stressing: We win Pennsylvania with him.

Chairs from Montgomery, Blair, Westmoreland, and Crawford Counties all indicated they would advocate for the former attorney general and Abington native to join the ticket.

Harris hits the trail

Harris, who is inheriting much of the staff and campaign infrastructure, made her first campaign appearance in Wilmington on Monday afternoon where she was greeted with loud cheers.

Donald Trump wants to take our country backward to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights, but we believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans, she told campaign staffers.

The headquarters was covered in signs that read Harris for President, Restore Roe and Kamala. One wall was still papered in the Biden-Harris campaign logo.

As she adopts Bidens staffers  she announced Monday shed keep on campaign managers Jen OMalley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez  shell also have the benefit of Bidens quarter-of-a-billion dollar campaign war chest.

The Harris campaign reported adding $81 million to that total in the last 24 hours.

In her remarks Monday Harris touted her career as a prosecutor saying shed taken on abusers, cheaters, and fraudsters in a line the crowd of staffers seemed ready to cheer for: I know Donald Trumps type, she said.

Harris also commended Biden who she stressed is not done.

I am a firsthand witness from being with him in the Oval Office to the situation room and seeing him on the world stage.  Joe Biden fights for the American people and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.

The vice president then paused to see if Biden was still on the call.

Im watching, Biden said. Youre the best, kid.

Staff writers Jesse Bunch and Aliya Schneider contributed to this article.
Gov. Josh Shapiro leaves the rotunda after he delivered his second budget address in February in the Capitol building in Harrisburg. Read more

Gov. Josh Shapiro neither confirmed nor denied his interest in becoming Vice President Kamala Harris running mate Monday, as speculation swirled around him and a handful of other potential candidates.

Shapiro, swarmed by national media at a news conference in Pittsburgh the day after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign and endorsed his vice president, said Harris will make the deeply personal decision of choosing who she wants to campaign and govern with.

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She will make that decision when she is ready, Shapiro added. That decision should be made, really, free from any political pressure.

The governors remarks were his first since his name jumped to the top of lists of potential vice presidential nominees whom Harris is reportedly considering. Top Democrats in Pennsylvania are touting him as the best candidate for the job, in hopes that it could help them defeat former President Donald Trump in the critical battleground state.

Shapiro, a former attorney general and Montgomery County commissioner, refused multiple times to say whether hes interested in the role, though he highlighted the commonalities between him and Harris. Harris is also a former state attorney general, and Shapiro said they have known each other for nearly 20 years.

The governor was also quick to campaign on Harris behalf  just as a running mate would. He outlined his own personal successes winning cases against Trump as attorney general in 2020.

We have both stood up for the rule of law, and we have always been for the people, Shapiro said. That is diametrically opposed to everything Donald Trump stands for.

Shapiro, who is often circumspect and typically declines to share details from personal conversations, said he spoke with Harris Sunday with a singular focus: their shared mission to defeat Trump in November.

She has been preparing for this, and she is ready to go, Shapiro added. Im proud to stand with her, as are scores of Democratic elected officials.

Shapiro appeared in Pittsburgh with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a news conference unrelated to Harris candidacy. Unlike North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear  both seen as top contenders for VP  Shapiro did not appear on national morning shows Monday.

Buzz around Shapiro has been growing since Philadelphia Democratic Party chair Bob Brady said Sunday that hes publicly pushing for the governors name on the ticket. Other top Democrats have done the same, circulating a #HarrisShapiro hashtag, including House Speaker Joanna McClinton and House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, who both represent parts of Philadelphia.

Shapiro joined a call with 67 Democratic Pennsylvania county chairs held over Zoom to endorse Harris on Monday. He reiterated his endorsement of Harris and noted some of their similarities.

After he left the call, several county chairs, including Brady and the chairs from Montgomery, Blair, Westmoreland, and Crawford Counties all said they were advocating for Shapiro to join the ticket, according to participants.

The Zoom chat was full of Harris-Shapiro 2024! comments. And in a half dozen interviews with Pennsylvania delegates on Monday, every conversation about Harris pivoted into an endorsement of Shapiro as well.

The Rev. Mark Tyler, a delegate, pastor, and community organizer from Philadelphia, said that of all the tremendous names in the Democratic constellation, Shapiro speaks to what Harris needs and who can deliver it.

I know this is probably faster than his own timeline he envisioned but if hes asked, Id certainly hope hed say yes, said Tyler, who said he has a close relationship with Shapiro. I honestly cant think of a better person who could do for her what she did for Joe Biden, what Joe Biden did for Barack Obama.
Pennsylvania State Sen. Sharif Street, chair of the state Democratic Party, speaks at a news conference Sunday in Philadelphia about President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. Read more

Pennsylvanias state Democratic Party chair said Sunday that a state party vote to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee could come within a day or two.

As soon as we logistically can, State Sen. Sharif Street, who leads the state Democratic Party, said at a press conference in Philadelphia on Sunday night. I imagine in the next day or two.

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The state party endorsement is a move that is entirely separate from the process in which Pennsylvanias 159 Democratic delegates will vote to nominate a presidential candidate. Delegates will cast their votes individually, as per the rules of the Democratic National Committee, Street said. The partys 4,700 delegates will convene in Chicago next month to officially nominate a candidate.

According to DNC rules, delegates are pledged to vote for the nominee their district chose in the primary election in good conscience. But President Joe Bidens exit from the race changes those dynamics, leaving delegates bound only to attempt to reflect the desires of the voters who chose them.

The vast majority of delegates from across the country are pledged to Biden. All of Pennsylvanias Democratic delegates were committed to Biden before his withdrawal.

Street said he was fully behind Harris, and though he had not spoken to every delegate from Pennsylvania he indicated there is widespread support for her among delegates here as well.

I have not heard from one delegate who said that he or she would not be supporting Vice President Harris, he said.

Earlier on Sunday, Street signed onto a letter along with other Democratic Party chairs from swing states emphasizing their support for Biden as the nominee.

But hours later, Street found out via a news alert on his phone that Biden had dropped out.

He commended the president and said putting Harris on the ticket in his place allows Democrats to run on the administrations record without the distraction of Bidens age. He also said he expects Harris  who could become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to lead a major partys presidential ticket  could energize the Black vote in Philadelphia.

His age shouldnt have been a focus but now when you look at the record the record is incredibly strong. And look, young people were reluctant to vote for someone who was the age of their grandparent and now they dont have to do that.
President Joe Biden and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker arrive on the packing floor to volunteer at Philabundance on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Parker on Sunday praised the president's decision to drop out of the presidential race. Read more

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker praised President Joe Bidens decision to drop his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

In a statement late Sunday, Parker said Bidens choice mirrors how hes conducted himself his whole career: Put country first, ahead of personal interests. And on Monday, after scores of elected Democrats across the state backed Harris, Parker did as well, saying the vice president is prepared to meet this moment.

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Parker, a Democratic mayor of the largest city in a critical swing state, has campaigned with Biden several times this year, greeting him at Philadelphia International Airport before swings through the city and riding with him in his motorcade. Earlier this month, Biden met Parkers young son, Langston, on the tarmac.

The mayor said that since she took office in January, shes gotten to know Biden personally and has seen up close that he is a decent, honorable public servant. They volunteered together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, and in April stopped at a Center City Wawa for pretzels and hoagies.

 READ MORE: Live updates: Democrats quickly backing Kamala Harris; Josh Shapiro floated as potential VP

His authenticity, his caring about Philadelphia in particular and cities in general, Parker said, and his grasp of the important role intergovernmental cooperation plays in delivering government services in a way people can see, touch and feel, resonates with the people of this city.

Biden and Harris have been key partners to the city, Parker said, citing more than $600 million in federal grants diverted to Philadelphia in just the seven months since shes been mayor. Those dollars were used to improve public transit, replace aging infrastructure, and bolster workforce development.

The endorsement from the mayor, who is Black and is the first female mayor in city, could carry weight in Philadelphia, where she last year won the Democratic primary decisively. Parker could also be a critical partner in a city where Democrats are trying to drive up turnout.

The mayor and Harris have campaigned together several times before. Shortly before the 2020 general election, Harris  then Bidens running mate  held a roundtable discussion with Black business leaders in Parkers backyard.

On Monday, Parker pointed out that she and Harris are both graduates of historically Black universities and members of the Divine Nine, a council of historically Black fraternities and sororities.

I will not be moved, Parker said. I have been with her and will continue to be with her.

She added: To my fellow Democrats, we cannot fall prey to any effort to divide the Democratic Party or to confuse the efforts to make Kamala Harris the Democratic nominee for president.
The clock tower of the vacant Watch Case building in Riverside, N.J. Tuesday, July 9, 2024. It has been mostly or entirely vacant for more than half a century. Read more

Dreamers and developers have come and gone for 50 years, but a faded landmark locals call the Watch Case building continues to command the heart of Riverside.

With its seven-story clock tower and a prominent spot on Pavilion Avenue across from the townships busy railroad station, the complex in its heyday was the worlds largest manufacturer of metal cases for pocket watches.

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Its a cherished building where thousands of local residents worked, said owner Sheharyar Shaikh, 44, who lives in Cherry Hill.

The township council selected Shaikh in 2021 to redevelop the long vacant but structurally sound factory and the office tower  which has a birdcage elevator in the lobby  for residential use.

These will be trendy apartments with high ceilings and industrial finishes, Shaikh said. Were going to try to have a rooftop lounge with Philadelphia skyline views.

But there are complications.

A company affiliated with Diamond Communications of Springfield Township, Union County, has a long-term rooftop lease to house antennas used by three cellular phone service providers. The rooftop installations, as well as related wiring and other equipment elsewhere in the Watch Case building, could have an impact on renovations.

The lease was entered into by an engineering firm that owned the building until 2016. Thats when it was bought by Brooklyn entrepreneur Raphael S. Weiss, who six years later pleaded guilty to fraud. To avoid jail time, he agreed to satisfy liens, pay back taxes, and relinquish control of the property so Shaikh could purchase it.

Shaikh declined to say how much his Watch Tower OZ Fund SPV LLC paid for the complex, describing the purchase as a very complicated litigious process. The project is moving forward and the presence of the communications equipment has not messed up the process of applying for tax credit financing for the renovations, he said.

I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to come up with a fair and amicable solution to the antennas on top of the building, Shaikh said.

In a statement, Jason Halper, a lawyer for Diamond Communications, said the firm has a long-tenured commitment of providing infrastructure support to wireless service providers in order for them to service the community and provide access to first responders, and it remains supportive of the redevelopment of the historic Watch Case Co. Building.

In a related matter, Diamond sent township officials an eight-page letter on July 1, urging delay of a scheduled vote on a rival internet communications infrastructure providers application to erect a tower on an alternative site in Riverside. Diamond characterized the application as deficient. Michael Malloy, a principal of Rise Up Towers LLC, said a hearing on the application is set for Sept. 9.

Rise, fall, and rise again?

One of the river towns that hug the Delaware in western Burlington County, Riverside is proud of its working-class heritage.

The Delaware and the railroads  NJ Transits River Line stops at the Watch Case buildings front door  powered the townships economy, where the W.F. Taubel Knitting Mill and the Watch Case factory were major employers. The Taubel complex on Fairview Street was torn down in 2006.

The company that built what was originally called the Philadelphia Watch Case Co. building was owned by community benefactor Theophilus Zurbrugg. Business was booming when the building was finished in about 1908.

The firm made and engraved high-quality cases for pocket watches, with more than 1,000 employees in Riverside. Zurbrugg died in 1912, and pocket watches gradually gave way to wristwatches. The business folded in the mid-1950s, and an offshoot company, Riverside Metals, ceased operations in the early 1970s.

By 1977, the 140,000-square-foot, three-building complex was being trashed and vandalized.

But the Watch Case was listed on the National Register of Historic Places the following year. And in the following decades the Lippincott Jacobs engineering firm, as well as the Riverside Historical Society, occupied office space on the first floor of the tower.

By 2017, however, the building was vacant again and has remained so ever since. The clock on the tower hasnt worked for at least a decade.

Its a rebuilding project that never gets built, said Jim Donovan, who recently retired from the towing firm his father, Joe, founded opposite the factory portion of the Watch Case.

Deep affection for a remnant

Even with empty and overgrown lots nearby, the Watch Case has long been seen as the centerpiece of a Golden Triangle that could propel downtown redevelopment. In a news release following Shaikhs selection as developer, the township described the Watch Case as the most difficult piece, yet the most important piece of the Triangle redevelopment area.

Theres no question the Watch Case tower is iconic, said Paul Schopp, assistant director of the South Jersey Culture & History Center at Stockton University. Its impressive. Its very nicely designed.

Said Shaikh: Its a rarity in South Jersey to have such a beautiful thing as this building in our backyard. It needs to be saved.

Township attorney Albert K. Marmero said that in Riverside, the hope has always been that once the Watch Case is developed, it will spur additional development downtown.

The townships position is that the situation with the antennas on the roof is a private matter between two parties in which were not playing favorites, he said. But this is a Redevelopment Zone project in which the township has some stake.
CrowdStrike confirmed they have rolled out an automatic fix for affected customers which is assisting in many cases, ONeil said. This will likely be the last meeting of the NCM on this issue, but agencies will continue to monitor the situation. This incident has underlined the importance of software testing and embedding secure by design principles into software.
In a statement, Kurtz said: I want to sincerely apologise directly to all of you for the outage. All of CrowdStrike understands the gravity and impact of the situation. We quickly identified the issue and deployed a fix, allowing us to focus diligently on restoring customer systems as our highest priority.
This year, we feel the time is right for a wider focus, to a program that not only brings opportunities for innovation and sustainability but also to engage start-ups that are focused on creating healthy societies through the themes of inclusive health, supporting disability, and illness prevention, he said. By focusing on these areas, we can help improve peoples access to healthcare, when they need it. By doing so, we can also help prevent the need for more significant health care in the future which in turn reduces the impact of the health sector on the environment.
This forum provides a great opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning across government, providers, funds, and consumers, she said. By fostering a collective, non-partisan approach, we can better address the challenges facing our population and healthcare system, in support of the foundations mission to improve health access and outcomes for all Australians.
The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers represents the interests of Bermudas international insurers and reinsurers regarding public policies which protected consumers all over the world. Its headquarters and operations are in Bermuda while it has operating subsidiaries in the US as well as Europe, providing protection to consumers in more than 150 countries all over the world.
By partnering with Global Atlantic, we are able to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses, Smith said. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the overall economic growth and development of our community. We are thrilled to see the positive impact this competition is already having and look forward to its continued success.
BHSI operates in Europe under the names Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC (BHEI) and Berkshire Hathaway International Insurance Limited (BHIIL). BHEI, domiciled in Ireland, and BHIIL, incorporated in England and Wales, are integral parts of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSIC), which is based in the United States. These entities are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway's National Indemnity group of insurance companies, known for their high financial strength ratings from AM Best and Standard & Poor's.
Moreover, the legislation includes several provisions aimed at enhancing oversight across various facets of the healthcare industry. It introduces stricter regulations for private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, and management services organizations that are deeply involved in healthcare operations within Massachusetts. The bill also calls for comprehensive studies to tackle the shortage of primary care providers in the state, proposes adjustments to the timeline for setting healthcare cost benchmarks, and updates the notice requirements for any changes in the operation or governance of healthcare providers.
Lara also noted in the letter: I have full confidence that the WCIRB will gather the best data and information possible to further assist my department in better understanding the scope of this grave issue as decisions are further contemplated to help these workers affected by this disease.
In the latest professional risks power panel, join Tokio Marine HCC Cyber and Professional Lines Group's Dan Mogelnicki, Aon's Jacqueline Waters, Risk Strategies' Dwight Williams and WTW's Larry Fine as they examine the state of the market. In this IBTV episode they zoom in on professional liability rates, the A&E space, the impact of healthcare changes on liability and which product types are seeing increased interest.
A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Delaware who defrauded taxpayers of almost $100,000 in workers compensation benefits has been sentenced to probation.

Lakisha Hines was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty in March to one count of federal employee compensation fraud, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. Hines, 46, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay almost $94,000 in restitution.

Federal prosecutors said a sentence of probation would allow Hines to keep working at her current jobs and to chip away at the restitution she owes. They acknowledged, however, that Hines may not be able to fully repay what she owes.

According to court records, Hines was injured at work in 2006 and began receiving workers compensation benefits, which were her only source of income for many years. Prosecutors say Hines resumed working in 2016 but never told the U.S. Department of Labor, falsely claiming for the next six years that she had no source of income other than her workers compensation benefits. a

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation Talent
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at insurance broker WTW and the re/insurer Everest Group.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

WTWs Risk & Broking Unit Names Marshs Clarke as President, as Garrard Becomes Chair

Insurance broker WTW appointed Lucy Clarke as president, Risk & Broking, and has promoted Adam Garrard to the new role of chairman, Risk & Broking.

Clarke and Garrard will work closely to drive the continued growth of WTWs Risk & Broking segment, which comprises more than 14,000 colleagues serving 140 countries and markets around the world.

In her role as president, Risk & Broking, Clarke reports to Carl Hess, WTWs chief executive officer, and is responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational management and growth of the business.

Clarke brings with her deep industry experience gained through a 25-year career that has included diverse leadership positions with JLT Group and Marsh. In her most recent role, she served as the president of Marsh Specialty and Global Placement. Prior to that, she was the chief executive officer of JLT Global Specialty, the insurance and risk arm of the JLT Group.

Garrard was previously WTWs global head of Risk & Broking. Prior to that, he was head of international business for WTW from 2016 to 2019. He spent more than 20 years at Willis Group in a variety of senior roles worldwide. Between 2012 and 2015, he served as the regional CEO of Willis Asia, based in Singapore. Prior to this, he held regional CEO roles in Continental Europe and Australasia. During his time in Asia, he also spent 18 months in Shanghai, setting up Willis China operation.

***

Everest Names McBride, Garcia in Key Claims Appointments

Everest Group Ltd., the Bermuda-based property/casualty and specialty re/insurer, announced two key leadership appointments to the companys claims operations.

Andrew McBride has been promoted to group chief claims officer, where he will lead claims across Everests Insurance and Reinsurance divisions, working closely with the companys global leaders to drive claims excellence and superior service. McBride was most recently global head of Claims at Everest Insurance, where he developed a highly talented team, with enhanced capabilities, service and expertise. Prior to joining Everest in 2021, McBride served as executive vice president, Claims, at Chubb and led claims functions at ACE, QBE Insurance Group in Europe, and Aon.

Everest also announced Lope Garcia has joined the companys Reinsurance division as Global Reinsurance chief claims officer. Based in Miami, Florida, he reports to McBride and will work closely with Jill Beggs, reinsurance chief operating officer, and her Global Executive team to direct the functions strategy and operations.

Garcia brings more than three decades of claims leadership experience, most recently as senior vice president of Claims for Latin America at Chubb, where he designed and executed the organizations claims strategy, leading more than 1,400 employees across nine countries. Additionally, Garcia served as chief claims officer for Latin America at Zurich and AIG.

Topics Claims Willis Towers Watson
Insurers could face a raft of business interruption claims after a worldwide tech outage crippled industries from travel to finance on Friday, insurance industry experts said.

A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike appeared to have triggered systems problems that grounded flights, forced some broadcasters off air and left customers without access to services such as healthcare or banking.

Insurers are bracing for hundreds, if not thousands, of claim notifications from organizations that are impacted by the CrowdStrike event, said Ryan Griffin, a partner focused on cyber at insurance broker McGill and Partners.

However, not all businesses would get insurance cover for their lost time and money.

A typical business interruption policy within a regular commercial insurance program would not provide coverage against losses stemming from Fridays outage, said Marcos Alvarez, head of insurance at ratings agency DBRS Morningstar.

And not every cyber insurance policy likely has coverage for business interruption; such coverage would have to be bought separately at extra cost.

Some cyber insurance policies exclude non-malicious events, and there are waiting periods and deductibles that businesses will have to consider before making a claim with their insurance carriers, said Nir Perry, CEO at CyberWrite, a cyber insurance risk platform.

Perry said economic damages could reach tens of billions of dollars in such events, and added the outage should be considered an example of an event that can produce what could be defined as an insurance catastrophe.

The event could also bring with it legal claims for CrowdStrike and Microsoft. A defective update by CrowdStrike, designed to protect Microsoft Windows systems, triggered the global IT outage.

CrowdStrike and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Airlines (and other industries) might have rights under their contracts that allow them financial or other remuneration based on the CrowdStrike outage, said Sam Levine, senior vice president  professional and cyber solutions at specialty insurance broker CAC.

The outage caused major issues for travelers around the world  grounding planes for hours.

Travel insurer InsureMyTrip said it anticipates an increase in travel insurance claims, with the most from travel delay and missed connection policies. More than 1,600 customers may be impacted as they depart for or return from trips on Friday, it said.

Industry experts also said that force majeure would not apply for the event.

Force majeure clauses in contracts remove liability for unforeseeable and unavoidable catastrophes that prevent participants from fulfilling obligations.

This is exactly what cyber insurance is meant to cover.  This is not something that is outside of our control, said Meredith Schnur, U.S. and Canada cyber practice leader at broker Marsh.

Topics Carriers InsurTech Claims Tech
Two Russian nationals pleaded guilty to their roles in ransomware attacks in the US, Asia, Europe and Africa for a notorious hacking gang known as LockBit.

Ruslan Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev admitted they helped to deploy the ransomware variant, which first appeared in 2020. It soon became one of the most destructive in the world, leading to attacks against more than 2,500 victims and ransom payments of at least $500 million, according to the Justice Department.

The men pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, where six people have been charged over LockBit attacks, including Dimitry Khoroshev, described by the US as the groups creator, developer and administrator. US authorities are offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest.

Astamirov, 21, of the Chechen Republic, and Vasiliev, 34, of Bradford, Ontario, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse.

LockBit is the name of a ransomware variant, a type of malicious code that locks up computers before hackers demand a ransom to unlock them. Hacking gangs are often known by the name of their ransomware variant. LockBit successfully deployed a ransomware-as-a-service model, in which affiliates lease the malicious code and do the actual hacking, in exchange for paying the the gangs leaders a cut of their illegal proceeds. Astamirov and Vasiliev were affiliates, according to the Justice Department.

In recent years, the US and its allies have tried to curb ransomware attacks by sanctioning hackers or entities associated with them or disrupting the online infrastructure of cybercriminal gangs. But many hackers are in places such as Russia, which give them safe haven, making it hard for Western law enforcement to arrest them.

In February, US and UK authorities announced they disrupted LockBit operations, arresting alleged members, seizing servers and cryptocurrency accounts, and recovering decryption keys to unlock hijacked data. The guilty pleas were a key step in shutting down the group, authorities said.

Weve dealt significant blows to destructive ransomware groups like LockBit, as we did earlier this year, seizing control of LockBit infrastructure and distributing decryption keys to their victims, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, in a statement.

Vasiliev deployed LockBit against at least 12 victims, including an educational facility in the UK and a school in Switzerland, the US said. He was arrested by Canadian authorities in November 2022 and extradited to the US in June.

Astamirov was arrested by the FBI last year. In May 2023, he agreed to an interview with FBI agents in Arizona, where they seized his electronic devices. He initially denied having anything to do with an email account through a Russian-based provider, but agents later found records related to it on his devices, according to the arrest complaint. Records showed that Astamirov used the email to create multiple online accounts under names either fully or nearly identical to his own name, the complaint said.

After August 2020, Astamirov executed cyberattacks on at least five victims, according to the FBI complaint. They included: businesses in France and West Palm Beach, Florida; a Tokyo firm, which refused to pay a ransom, leading the group to post stolen data on a leak site of extortion victims; a Virginia company that stopped an attack after 24,000 documents were stolen; and a Kenyan business that agreed to pay ransom after some of its stolen data was posted to the LockBit website.

Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8. Astamirov faces as many as 25 years in prison, while Vasiliev faces up to 45 years.

Photo: Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Cyber Russia Numbers
Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate a July 13 shooting at a Butler, Pa. rally for former President Donald Trumps 2024 election campaign.

During the incident, the former president was injured, one spectator was killed, and two more were critically injured before the assailant was fatally shot by the U.S. Secret Service. The FBI said in a public statement that the incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism, with the shooter being identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa.

The U.S. is more polarized than ever before, said Lucy Straker, U.S. focus group leader of political violence and deadly weapons at Beazley. She was speaking during a Carrier Management webinar, From Ballots to Business: Election-Year Challenges for Insurers, which took place before the shooting in Pennsylvania. Often, youve got really divisive topics that lead to emotion, and thats dividing the country. With that, youre going to see violence fuel up.

She said during the webinar that the U.S. is seeing an increase in what she described as lone-wolf attacks, which is contributing to shifting ideas about what terrorism can look like.

I think thats what were concerned with, as an insurer, is that changing face of terrorism, she said. Its the everyday violence that we see across the U.S. thats very evident, and thats what I think our clients need to be aware of and prepare for.

This comes as more than 160 million Americans are registered to vote in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to the World Economic Forum. Incumbent President Joseph Biden hopes to secure a second term in office, while former President Donald Trump is hoping to secure a second, non-consecutive term. (Editors note: This article was originally published on July 19, 2024, before President Joseph Biden withdrew from the 2024 U.S. presidential race. He announced his withdrawal from the election in a letter posted publicly on Sunday, July 21, 2024.)

Catch the on-demand webinar From Ballots to Business: Election-Year Challenges for Insurers on the CM Research channel.

Elizabeth Blosfield will also provide more insights on how SRCC and cyber underwriters are accessing escalating risks during this year of elections in CMs third-quarter print magazine.

Elections and transitions of power can oftentimes lead to civil unrest and increased geopolitical risk, said Matt Westhoff, head of North American commercial property at Beazley, speaking alongside Straker during Carrier Managements webinar prior to the Pennsylvania shooting. We saw this in the U.S. just four years ago when we had the same two candidates running for president.

However, while the U.S. will head to the polls on November 5, the upcoming U.S. election isnt the only factor that could lead to heightened unrest. This will be a record-breaking year for elections globally. U.S. policy institute The Center for American Progress reported that around the world, more than two billion voters in 50 countries will go to the polls.

We all know about the election in the U.S., but I think what a lot of people dont know is that roughly half the worlds population will be voting this year, Westhoff said. (Editors Note: The United Nations estimates that the global population reached eight billion mid-November 2022, so according to The Center for American Progress, the number of people casting ballots in elections this year is closer to one-quarter of the global population, although this is a difficult figure to estimate.) I think broadly speaking, the world is a riskier place than it was four years ago. It would be rather unwise not to expect increased civil unrest and political violence. Its one of those situations where, obviously, we hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Starting a Dialogue

One of the best ways for insurers to prepare, Westhoff said, is simply by starting conversations.

We are starting to have more conversations with brokers, with clients, wanting to know if theyre prepared from a coverage standpoint, he said. They want to know how their coverage would trigger and what their retention level is. So, we are certainly seeing the conversations start, and there are different products out there in the market to protect you depending on what your risk is.

Insurance coverage exists for events such as political rallies and often covers issues such as loss of attractionor a decline in business as a result of a certain location being perceived as dangerousand liability, said Yoni Sherizen, founder of insurtech Gabriel. This is a topic he knows well as Gabriel was born out of two separate mass shooting incidents occurring in 2016.

On June 12, 2016, four people were killed and seven were injured in a mass shooting in Tel Aviv, in which two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on patrons at the Max Brenner Cafe at the Sarona Market. Four days later, 49 people were killed and 53 injured in a mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Florida.

Gabriels website says that those incidents led Sherizen and co-founder Asaf Adler to think more critically about how chaos and lack of communication, compounded with legacy technology, can lead to damage and loss of life.

The longer an incident goes on, the more impactful or harmful it becomes, Sherizen said. So, what we look to do is to actually minimize that risk.

Sherizen and Adler worked to build a team that could deploy next-generation technology solutions covering a range of public safety threats. Gabriels team includes employees and advisors from corporate security, police, military, intelligence and technology backgrounds. The insurtech uses AI and machine learning to replace legacy security systems dependent on human interaction with automated systems.

Were on a mission to get this out into the hands of as many people as possible, Sherizen said. We called it Gabrielnamed after the angel, Gabrielbecause we really have a vision for a technology that protects anyone, anywhere, wherever they are in the world. Its always kind of waiting there in the wings, ready to spring into action and help you and support when you really need it.

He said preparing for a traditional fire or natural disaster evacuation isnt enough today. Its essential that organizations prepare for active threats, which are ongoing situations that change rapidly and require a more advanced set of training and tools.

If a client has purchased our product, when I go into a client meeting, I ask them to explain my product to me. Because I want them to understand the terms, the conditions, and most importantly, what triggers the policy. Lucy Straker, Beazley

Insurers have also been discussing political tension and an increase in incidents for a few months now not only in the U.S, he said. This is an election year in many locations across the globe, and Ive heard underwriters discuss their anticipated increase of incidents due to social tensions. This means they are expecting increased losses and are, therefore, adjusting their pricing accordingly.

Beyond active assailant coverage and special event insurance for things like political rallies and protests, another coverage area that could come into play for insurers in the face of civil unrest is deadly weapons coverage, Straker said.

Thats going to be triggered by the mere brandishing of a weapon, so with 29 states that have the ability to carry weapons now, arguably every single client should be purchasing that, she said. If people are there brandishing a weapon, you might not necessarily have to have had any physical damage or bodily injury. So it removes that trigger. But at the point that the weapon is brandished with intent, you have the ability to seek advice from experts like crisis responders.

Sherizen added that hes seen insurers moving from a reactive to a preventative posturea theme hes observed in his work across the industry beyond civil unrest.

Most active assailant/workplace violence cover will pick up the pieces once everything is over in a catastrophic incident, he said. However, bringing those resources in earlier can help prevent a situation or mitigate the harm in real time, for example, providing smart detection, alerting and incident response tools and regularly training with them.

Building Relationships, Understanding Coverage

Straker said her advice for insureds is to understand what theyre buying and to build a relationship with their broker and underwriter.

If a client has purchased our product, when I go into a client meeting, I ask them to explain my product to me. Because I want them to understand the terms, the conditions, and most importantly, what triggers the policy, she said. Help me understand what you need cover for, and I can also point you in the right directions, so that comes down to the piece of buying policies that are fit for purpose as well.

While Sherizen said harnessing better technology can help to prevent these threats, Tom Lewis, crisis management senior underwriter at Aspen Insurance, warned during Carrier Managements webinar that technological capabilities and social media can create their own set of threats as well. This is another factor insureds and insurers alike will need to consider in a major global election year, he said.

Social media allows people to organize really quickly and effectively, he said. It allows unrest to spread across the country, or even across the whole region really quickly. At the moment, were seeing misinformation and deep fakes.

This is aided by social media algorithms that are designed to keep users attention and generate advertising revenue by suggesting content based on users social media habits, he said. However, hes seen this leading to more polarized debates and stoked tensions.

People end up in an echo chamber, where theyre really only speaking to people or reading articles that share the opinions that they already have, or more radical versions of those opinions, so they only have their views confirmed or radicalized even further, he said. I think that the end point of this is, even in well-established democracies, people can end up seeing political opponents not as rational actors as part of a democratic system but an existential threat in themselves. Once you start viewing political opponents as an existential threat, civil unrest can even become justified in some peoples minds.

This means denial will be another big threat as the risk of violence increases, Straker added.

Do not let denial get in the way of doing something about mitigating these risks, she said. Identify the warning signs. Understand your people. Know theyre your biggest risk and also your greatest asset.

Its important to communicate as well as educate and provide mechanisms for reporting, including anonymous reporting, if an incident occurs, she said. Insureds that find themselves as vulnerable soft targetsmeaning theyre open to the public with limited securityshould harden their assets especially as the U.S. moves closer to election day, she advised.

Were almost conditioned to violence as a country, so we accept the fact that violence is part of our everyday existence, whether you see it on social media or whether you read about it in the newspapers, she said. We only ever see the biggest, the baddest, the most gory when it comes down to violence. Yet, its happening every single day on our doorstep.
Thousands of people in the Houston area were still without power more than a week after Hurricane Beryl tore through the fourth-largest US city. Two factors are now emerging as important explanations for why the powerful but predictable storm caused so much disruption: a shortage of workers at CenterPoint Energy Inc., Houstons main utility, and the companys limited management of vegetation growing alongside electricity poles and power lines.

Interviews with nearly a dozen experts, including grid-reliability consultants, watchdogs and academics, along with public filings and reports from repair crews reveal the challenges facing the utility thats responsible for powering Americas fourth-largest city.

Experts consistently pointed to the small number of workers secured ahead of the storm, which delayed restoration efforts. At the same time, many of those interviewed say the company hasnt done enough in recent years to cut back the trees that grow alongside its electric system  with CenterPoint itself now indicating that downed trees and branches were at the heart of the serious damage from Beryl.

Those issues, combined with limited communication with customers, created the chaos that left Texans blasting the company, with families left sweltering in intense heat without air conditioning. When a graffiti artist painted CenterPointle$$ on the side of the highway, the words quickly resonated across the city that likes to market itself as the Energy Capital of the World.

These storms are not surprising. Why do we react like they are? said Thomas Coleman, chief executive officer of consultant Structure Energy Solutions and a long-time expert on grid reliability based in Atlanta. Why are we not prepared? Why a week later, when we know its going to be 100 degrees in July, do we still have hundreds of thousands of people without power?

As public officials slam the utility for its response, CenterPoint has maintained that the power-restoration efforts were swift, especially in comparison to other post-hurricane recoveries. The utility also had to swing into gear to ramp up preparations as the storms trajectory continuously shifted ahead of the strike on Houston.

Before hitting Texas, Beryl had already made history as the strongest-ever June hurricane, with breakneck intensification that brought howling winds and pounding rains as it crashed through the Caribbean at the end of June and first days of July. Late into the July Fourth holiday weekend, it started to become clear that the storm was headed to the Houston area next.

We were tracking the progress as it was going through the Gulf, and once we were able to recognize that it was somewhat hitting our direction, we went out and secured mutual assistance resources, Brad Tutunjian, a vice president at CenterPoint, said in an interview.

The company secured 3,000 workers in the days ahead of the storm. But that would prove to be far short of what was required.

The day Beryl hit, CenterPoint scrambled to call in reinforcements, securing a total of 10,000. That number kept growing as crews faced an onslaught of debris, felled trees and snapped utility poles. Eventually, the total would reach about 14,000 workers  several times larger than the initial plans.

It was such a widespread event that they needed more resources than they anticipated, said Glenda Thomas, CEO of Alabama-based ElectraGrid Solutions, which sent crews to help CenterPoint with the restoration effort.

Thomas said her crews, who specialize in repairing and replacing power poles, have faced challenges getting into areas where work needs to be completed because downed trees, shrubbery and debris all have to be cleared out first. Because nobody thought the storm was going to hit Houston, they didnt have enough pre-planning crews in place, she said.

The backlash has been fierce.

A group of Houston restaurants that lost power for days has sued the utility. Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who lost power at his house, said he will hold CenterPoint accountable. And Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for an investigation into CenterPoints preparation and response to the storm, threatening to punish the company if it didnt reform.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryls landfall, CenterPoint has lost the faith and trust of Texans, Abbott wrote in a letter addressed to CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells, directing him to improve the companys severe weather preparation.

Texas has been walloped by extreme weather this year. In Houston alone, Beryl is the second event thats knocked power out for days  a windstorm in May punched windows out of skyscrapers and left almost 1 million homes and businesses without electricity. The onslaught illustrates a phenomenon thats on the rise because of climate change: compound events, when the weather goes haywire in back-to-back or overlapping spells.

Its now Texas  not California or Florida  thats become the US epicenter of extreme weather, adding more pressure to the states electric grid that is already widely known to be shaky. Thats at a time when Texas has seen a boom for population and for businesses ranging from crypto mining to data centers, all of which use huge amounts of electricity. And Elon Musk said on Tuesday that he will relocate the headquarters for X and SpaceX to Texas.

CenterPoint has one of the most rickety urban grids in the country, according to data compiled in April by Whisker Labs Inc., which has developed technology to monitor grid faults and other issues. Texas regulators have fined the utility for failing to meet service and reliability standards. Grocery store chain H-E-B told regulators several years ago that CenterPoints system was so unreliable that it had to buy backup generators for its stores to prevent food from spoiling.

At the peak of the Beryl-related outages, more than 2.2 million CenterPoint customers lost power after the hurricane made landfall on the Texas coast early July 8. Two days later, on the morning of July 10, that figure still topped 1 million as the city was under a heat advisory. It stayed in the range of hundreds of thousands for days longer. And meanwhile, temperatures through the week were in the mid 90sF, and with the humidity factored in, it felt closer to 106F (41C).

Houston goes through one or two extreme weather events a year, said Alison Silverstein, an electric reliability consultant. Getting out work orders and maximizing them to get customers back on quickly should be something CenterPoint knows how to do. This should be their strong suit.

By the afternoon of July 19, CenterPoints outage number had finally dropped to less than 4,000, according to PowerOutage.us.

CenterPoint has defended its restoration pace, saying that it had never before brought back more than 1 million customers in a little over two days after a hurricane.

Ive been working on hurricane responses for my 26-year career here at CenterPoint Energy. I have never seen anything this swift, Tutunjian said. During Hurricane Rita, when I was in southeast Texas, that was 32 days without power. Hurricane Ike was 18 days.

Hurricane Rita, which struck in 2005, was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. Ike, in 2007, was a category 2 hurricane at landfall. Beryl was at category 1 when it hit Texas. Still, Houstons international airport was hit with slightly stronger wind gusts during Beryl than during Ike.

When it came to planning for workers, Tutunjian said: We were fully prepared when we were watching the storm come in nine days in advance, adding that the company acted quickly to call in additional crews once the extent of the storm damage became clear.

The company cant be certain of the extent of the damage until we completely walk the electric systems circuits, which was roughly 9,000 miles, he said.

Having your crews just sitting here, for one, is not gonna be productive. And secondly, its not safe, Tutunjian said. The work involves sending people where trees are falling into homes  theres damage with debris. We just cant put their life in jeopardy.

Theres also the infrastructure needed for staging areas for workers. And the crews need to be fed, given safety briefings and issued equipment all before work can fully begin.

Calling up essentially a full army division of people is a huge effort, said Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston. They have to become familiar with the system here  the rules and the wiring. Its a logistical nightmare.

But meanwhile, as the lights stayed off so did CenterPoints outage map. Customers found that the companys website didnt have a power-restoration tracker. And residents have complained that the utility wasnt providing helpful updates in any other way as they baked in the heat.

With no CenterPoint tracker available, a social media post suggested using the Whataburger app to see which of the fast-food chains restaurants were closed during business hours  presumably due to a lack of electricity.

The kind of communication weve seen has been absolutely too low, Kamil Cook, a climate and clean energy associate of the Texas office of Public Citizen, said at a regulatory hearing last week.

Hurricane Beryl was a disaster that could have been avoided, Cook added. CenterPoint had days to prepare for the approach, and months and years of evidence of weak resilience.

CenterPoint has acknowledged that it could have improved its communication with customers about its storm recovery efforts. The utilitys outage map had been down since the May windstorm. The company put up a new map toward the end of last week, but residents complained it was difficult to decipher.

We understand our customers frustration from not having our outage tracker over the past several weeks. We are committing to launching a cloud-based solution in early August that customers can rely on as the best source of information, the company said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News. We also are resolved to do a better job helping customers plan for when they will have information about when power will be restored to their homes and businesses.

The vast majority of the Beryl-related outages were caused by trees and branches being blown into distribution lines, the utility has said.

CenterPoint has doubled investments in its electric system over the past five years, including in grid hardening, modernization and resiliency, the company said in a statement. From 2022 to 2023, the utility increased spending on vegetation management efforts by 32%.

And public filings show that the companys total spending on pro-actively removing and managing hazardous trees threatening power lines has indeed jumped, with annual costs climbing to a record $3.66 million in 2023. That was partly because of drought conditions extending back to the prior summer.

But the miles of area covered by that spending has declined from prior peaks. The utility covered about 4,600 miles in 2023, after the figure fell to record lows in the previous two years.

They are not doing enough, Coleman, the grid-reliability expert, said in relation to vegetation management. You know in Houston you have these big live oak trees, and the branches come down in every storm.

Amid Houstons population boom, CenterPoint has seen a proliferation of fast-growing trees that need more maintenance, according to filings. The city has become a tree market worth $1 billion annually, with developers favoring species like elms or willows, which can become taller than poles and can be more susceptible to damage in high winds, said Barry Ward, executive director at Trees for Houston, the largest urban tree planter that also does work with CenterPoint.

And Texas doesnt mandate hurricane-hardening requirements for its electric utilities, unlike Florida, which put them in place nearly 20 years ago after the state was hit by a series of major hurricanes.

If we want a system thats more resilient for a Category 1 or worse storm in a pretty populated area, we are going to harden the grid and we are going to need to spend the money before they have a loss of economic activity and the loss of life, said Joshua Rhodes, an electricity expert and research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin. We will either pay for it now or later.

Photo: CenterPoint assistance crews work to restore power lines in Houston, Texas on July 11. Photographer: Danielle Villasana/Getty Images

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
Reinsurance in Floridas long-stressed property insurance market was supposed to have stabilized this year  with moderate rate increases and more availability.

But those calmer waters apparently have not reached the mobile home market, and Florida insurance agents are now reporting that higher reinsurance costs have forced at least one carrier to cancel coverage for mobile homes and manufactured homes. Agents said they can find very little available coverage, especially for mobile homes that are more than two years old.

One of our niches has been manufactured homes and mobile homes. But now the market has absolutely fallen apart in Florida, said John Gardner, of Fort Myers, principal at Lee County Insurance agency, one of the larger agencies in the area.

The trouble began in March, when St. Petersburg-based American Mobile Insurance Exchange sent a notice to Florida agents and insureds, notifying them that more than 1,100 policies would be canceled in just 45 days.

These cancellations have been issued as part of AMIEs plan to withdraw from the mobile homeowners market in Florida prior to the beginning of the 2024 hurricane season, the bulletin reads. This plan to withdraw is due to deterioration of AMIEs financial condition.

The bulletin noted that the exchange would issue refunds of unearned premiums and subscriber surplus contributions on June 3, 2024, to help the policyholders pay for replacement coverage.

Agents are also responsible for the return of any unearned agent commissions associated with the affected policies. To that end, within the next 30 days, you will also be receiving a return commission statement which reflects the return commission obligations for the list of your cancelled polices.

Florida law requires most cancellations to give a 120-day notice. But American Mobiles notice said that Florida Statute 627.4133(2)(b)6 allows a shorter period, if regulators approve, for a few reasons including hurricane risk and lack of adequate reinsurance.

American Mobile CEO Jeffrey LeGare and others with the company could not be reached for comment last week. But the memo to agents said the policies were canceled ahead of the 2024 hurricane season, one that climate scientists have predicted to be unusually busy. And agents have reported that American Mobile officials have said that the exchanges reinsurance costs this year were higher than the companys written premium on mobile home policies in the state.

American Mobile, less than four years old, had been seen as a lifeline for at least part of the mobile home market after other insurers had pulled back from litigation-heavy Florida in recent years. But financial issues may have been building for months. The exchange, part of K2 Insurance Services, in April 2023 was acquired by a K2 affiliate known as Summit Acquisition Inc., according to a consent order with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Then, American Mobile last November withdrew its filing with OIR on a planned takeout of mobile home multiperil policies. And in April, American Mobile had its Demotech financial stability rating withdrawn. It was unclear if the withdrawal was voluntary or if it was initiated by the Demotech rating firm. In a follow-up bulletin to agents and insureds, the exchange said in late March that it had struck a deal with American Traditions Insurance Co. to assume about 8,000 of its mobile home policies.

American Traditions, which is not affiliated with American Mobile, is rated A Exceptional by Demotech and BBB by the KBRA rating firm.

The coverage provided by ATIC will continue until the current expiration date of each AMIE policy and the premium will remain the same during that period, American Mobiles follow-up notice explained. Renewals will be subject to ATICs underwriting guidelines and premiums, the bulletin said.

But even ATIC, reportedly now near its capacity, has limited coverage to newer mobile homes  those manufactured in 2022 or sooner, Florida agents said. Other carriers have also limited coverage to homes built in 2020 or newer. Older homes in some cases were not built to modern wind-resistance standards and are more vulnerable to damage, studies have shown.

That means one thing: Agents have little choice but to turn to Floridas state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to cover older mobile homes  at a time that Citizens is hoping to continue a depopulation program and reduce its policies and exposure.

If its older, Citizens is it, Gardner said.

In the last year, Citizens, in fact, has seen its mobile home policies climb almost 10%, from 79,158 to 86,808, Citizens data show. Part of the growth is likely due to American Mobiles cancellations and other insurers limitations  as well as the fact that Citizens rates continue to be some of the lowest in many parts of Florida, Gardner said. That comes despite a significant increase in Citizens mobile home rates in 2023.

For all coverages, Citizens on July 12 had more than 1.22 million policies in force, a slight drop from a year ago but an increase from Mays numbers.

Related: Ways to Mitigate Mobile Home Wind Damage Often Ignored

Topics Florida
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Treasury Department is warning that state laws that restrict banks from considering environmental, social and governance factors could harm efforts to address money laundering and terrorism financing.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter sent Thursday to lawmakers. The letter singled out a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May that says it would be an unsafe and unsound practice for banks to consider non-financial factors when doing business. The letter concludes that such laws create uncertainty and may inhibit national security efforts.

Conservative Republicans such as DeSantis have sought to block environmental and socially conscious standards for investing, saying that such initiatives can lead to unfair discrimination based on political beliefs and harm legitimate businesses. They say that considering environmental, social and corporate-governance issues, or ESG, before deciding whether to invest is woke behavior gone amok.

Tennessee recently enacted a similar law, although it was not mentioned in the Treasury letter. State legislatures in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota also have measures along these same lines under consideration.

DeSantis has said the law being questioned by the Treasury Department would protect the access that conservative groups and the firearms industry have to the financial sector, arguing that such organizations have at times had their accounts frozen or closed.

The Treasury Department letter said that the Florida law could, however, undermine the work of federal agencies, heightening the risk that international drug traffickers, transnational organized criminals, terrorists, and corrupt foreign officials will use the U.S. financial system to launder money, evade sanctions, and threaten our national security.

The Treasury Department letter was a response to a July 8 request from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., and Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif.

Gottheimer said he was pleased that the Treasury Department shared his concerns.

To any states that are considering similar laws, I urge them to think twice before putting Americas national security at risk, the congressman said in a statement.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida
The law firms leading class-action litigation against PacifiCorp over the 2020 Labor Day weekend wildfires in Oregon want to examine whether the utility owned by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway is colluding with other law firms to reach lowball settlements with fire victims.

In a court filing, Edelson PC, Keller Rohrbach and Stoll Berne said they were blindsided when PacifiCorp and three law firms not involved in the class action jointly announced a $178-million settlement on June 3 with 403 victims of the Beachie Creek and Echo Mountain Complex fires.

The class-action firms said payouts per victim were barely two-thirds of the payouts in an earlier $299-million settlement obtained by other law firms for victims of the Archie Creek fire, and included almost nothing for pain and mental suffering.

Related: PacifiCorp to Pay $178M in Latest Settlement Over Deadly 2020 Oregon Blazes

They said the June 3 settlement came just one week after mediation to resolve the class action broke down, as the three other law firms began cold-calling and mailbox-stuffing to encourage fire victims to hire them and settle.

(The three firms) appear to be working hand-in-hand with PacifiCorp to enrich themselves, benefit PacifiCorp, and harm fire survivors by settling claims at a PacifiCorp-approved, bargain-basement price point, the class-action firms said.

PacifiCorp had no immediate comment on Friday. The three firms, Warren Allen, Spreter Petiprin and the Swigart Law Group, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Related: Oregon Wineries and Vineyards Seek $100M from PacifiCorp for Wildfire Smoke Damage

The dispute threatens to complicate Portland-based PacifiCorps efforts to settle Oregon and northern California wildfire claims, after being blamed for failing to shut off power lines during a windstorm.

PacifiCorp has paid more than $1 billion to settle over 1,600 claims, but faces billions of dollars of additional claims, including a $30-billion lawsuit.

Last month, the three firms in the $178-million settlement asked the Portland-based judge overseeing the class action to clarify when they can solicit fire victims.

The class-action firms now want the judges permission to review communications between the three firms, PacifiCorp and class members for possible collusion, and let victims who settled with PacifiCorp back out if collusion is found.

PacifiCorp is a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which is 92% owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate that Buffett has run since 1965.

Greg Abel, Buffetts expected successor as chief executive, said at Berkshires annual meeting on May 4 that PacifiCorp will continue challenging unfounded wildfire litigation.

The case is James et al v. PacifiCorp et al, Oregon Circuit Court, Multnomah County, No. 20CV33885.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rod Nickel)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
July 22, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The defence sector, historically, has been at the forefront of many technological advancements in the United States. This factor automatically makes it an industry with a high potential for growth and development. With the US government as its primary client, defence companies can offer the sort of stability and profitability that companies in other sectors otherwise cannot.

Defence companies are not only highly profitable; they are also among the most stable companies in the world and boast a high affinity for growth.

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in the aerospace, military support, security, and technology industry. Its aircraft are a mainstay in the US military.

General Dynamics is a leading aerospace and defence corporation known for its status as the US Army's go-to vendor for military tanks and land vehicles.

This year, many industries have attracted investor attention. From banking and finance to technology and even gold, these industries have enjoyed a year of profitability and growth, making them attractive landscapes for investors. The defence sector is just as lucrative as all these other sectors, if not more.

With more than five months left till the end of the year, there is still enough time for investors to reel in massive profits by investing in defence stocks. Joel Lim, a financial analyst at Tradequotex.com, has identified two defence stocks that would be great portfolio additions for investors interested in defence stocks.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defence manufacturer based in Bethesda, Maryland. For over 100 years, the company has designed, built, and maintained commercial and military aircraft and has become a global leader in the industry. Many Lockheed Martin aircraft, such as the Black Hawk Helicopter, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the C-130J Super Hercules, are mainstays in the US military.

Lockheed Martin's dominance in the aerospace and defence markets is undeniable. Its latest quarterly report perfectly captures its influence in the space. According to the report, the company saw massive increases across key metrics, such as net sales, sales growth, and operating profit.

Net sales increased by 14% to $17.2 billion, operating profit was $1.7 billion, and margins were 10.1%. Sales growth increased by 5%, driven mainly by higher volume across business segments, such as aeronautics, missiles, and fire control.

Joel Lim notes, "Lockheed Martin is an excellent investment option among defence stocks thanks to its impressive financial status and strong government support."

General Dynamics

General Dynamics is an American aerospace and defence company based in Reston, Virginia. It is one of the primary vendors of the US Army, supplying it with all kinds of tanks and land vehicles. An example is the M1 Abrams tanks recently deployed in Ukraine.

One factor that makes General Dynamics an excellent investment option for investors interested in defence stocks is its diversity. The company caters to various defence sectors, from aviation to maritime and ground systems. This diversity means more revenue sources and opportunities for growth and development.

Joel Lim notes, "General Dynamics' revenue stability makes it one of the most lucrative investment options in the defence sector."

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July 22, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Financial markets are "on edge" after the unexpected announcement of US President Joe Biden ending his reelection campaign and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, affirms the CEO and founder of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

In an extraordinary decision that upends an already dramatic race for the White House, Biden, said in a written statement on Sunday that it was the "greatest honour" to serve but his withdrawal was "in the best interest of my party and the country".

The announcement caps a tumultuous period in US politics, which began with his disastrous debate against Donald Trump in June. Biden says he will remain president until January.

The deVere CEO says: "This has thrown a new variable into the 2024 election equation, putting markets on edge.

"With Biden stepping down, the primary question looming over investors is whether to continue betting on the 'Trump Trade'."

The term Trump Trade refers to the market behaviors and trends that emerged during Trump's presidency, driven by his administration's looser fiscal policies, deregulation, higher tariffs and infrastructure spending.

"The impact of these policies on the markets included a rising dollar, higher bond yields, specific sectors like banking, healthcare, energy, and industrials seeing gains due to deregulation and anticipated infrastructure projects, and Bitcoin seeing increased interest," notes Nigel Green.

He continues: "Now, as Vice President Harris steps into the spotlight, the markets are set to experience heightened uncertainty.

"The immediate challenge for investors is to ascertain whether Harris can quickly consolidate her party's support, secure the Democratic nomination, and mount a formidable campaign against Trump.

"If Harris can gain significant traction and pose a credible threat to Trump's lead in the polls, market volatility is expected to persist.

"Investors will likely remain on tenterhooks, closely monitoring the political landscape and adjusting their portfolios to hedge against potential risks.

"This sustained volatility would be a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding Harris's ability to compete effectively against Trump."

The key for investors will be to remain agile, diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities as they arise.

Those with a higher risk tolerance will look to exploit the volatility by making tactical trades based on the latest political developments.

Nigel Green concludes: "Biden's decision to step down and endorse Harris has set the stage for a tumultuous period in the markets.

"Whether Harris can mount a successful campaign against Trump, or whether Trump will solidify his lead, will be the critical factors determining the extent and duration of this market volatility."

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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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Profit at Ryanair Group fell by 46% during the first three months of its financial year to 360m, with the company citing weaker than expected airfares.

Ryanair Group  which encompasses the Ryanair airline, Buzz Air, Lauda Air, and Malta Air  said overall revenue fell by 1% to 3.63bn, while operating costs increased 11% to 3.26bn. The company said fuel hedge savings offset higher staff and other costs, which was in part due to Boeing delivery delays.

The companys revenue per passenger fell by 10% compared to last year.

Chief executive of Ryanair Group Michael OLeary said there was a drop in flights during the quarter owing to Easter being in March. The company also tried to spur demand with more price stimulation than we had previously expected.

The companys average fare in the three months to the end of June was 41.93  down 15% year-on-year.

Boeing delivery delays

However, while the airline saw profit and revenue decline, it was able to grow traffic by 10% during the three months to 55.5 million despite multiple delivery delays from the airplane-maker Boeing.

The company said it had 156 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet which it expected to increase to more than 160 by the end of July. However, this 20 fewer than were supposed to be delivered.

Mr OLeary said work continued with Boeing and they had noted an improvement in the quality and frequency of deliveries over the last few months.

However, he added there remained a risk the remaining Boeing deliveries could slip further and their focus is on ensuring a timely delivery of the remaining 50 aircraft by summer next year.

In its outlook for the remainder of its financial year, Ryanair said traffic is expected to grow 8% to 200 million passengers but Mr OLeary said this was subject to no worsening Boeing delivery delays.

Mr OLeary said while demand remains strong over the coming months, pricing remains softer than we expected and it now expected fares between July and September to be materially lower than last summer.

He added it was too early to provide a meaningful profit-after-tax guidance for the financial year 2025 but it hoped to do so during its half-results presentation in November.

Ryanair Group commenced a 700m share buyback in May and to date 50% of the programme has been completed.
Ryanair Groups chief executive Michael OLeary said the airline would cut airfares by at least 5% in an attempt to spur demand following a weak start to its latest financial year which saw profits cut nearly in half.

On Monday, the budget airline released its results for the first three months of its financial year, which showed profit fell by 46% to 360m, with revenue falling 1% to 3.63bn. During the same period, its operating costs increased 11% to 3.26bn.

The companys average fare in the three months to the end of June was 41.93  down 15% year-on-year.

Shares in the company dropped more than 15% on Monday.

The airline's traffic grew by 10% during the three months to 55.5 million, despite multiple delivery delays from the airplane-maker Boeing.

Following the publication of the results, Mr OLeary said the company was repeatedly seeing price resistance from customers and as a result fares would be materially lower over the coming months as it tries to spur demand.

He said the minimum floor on price falls between July and September would be above 5%.

"Could it get to a double digit? It could. It doesn't look that way at the moment but pricing on close-in bookings is getting weaker as we have moved through July, Mr OLeary said.

"We see no reason why that would change in August and certainly no reason why it will change in September.

Close-in bookings is when a customer waits much longer than usual to book flights.

Mr OLeary said the airline would continue to aggressively advertise low fare availability to stimulate close-in bookings.

He added if the price falls hit double-digits over the next few months, then all bets are off for further price drops later this year.

Ryanair will also have to contend with a number of issues over the coming months, particularly from Boeing as well as the capacity limit at Dublin Airport.

According to Mr OLeary, the airline was supposed to take delivery of seven aircraft from Boeing this month but that dropped to five. Similar delivery revisions are expected in August.

The company said it had 156 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet, which it expects to increase to over 160 by the end of July. However, this 20 fewer than were supposed to be delivered.

Mr OLeary said work continues with Boeing and they have noted an improvement in the quality and frequency of deliveries over the last few months.

However, he added there remained a risk the remaining Boeing deliveries could slip further and its focus was on ensuring a timely delivery of the remaining 50 aircraft by summer next year.

Mr OLeary also described the capacity limit at Dublin Airport as a pinch point as it is unlikely to get the slots for the extra flights we normally do at Christmas but we will redeploy those aircraft to doing Christmas extras elsewhere.

Ryanair said traffic is expected to grow 8% to 200 million passengers this year, but Mr OLeary said this is subject to no worsening Boeing delivery delays.
If youre on TikTok, chances are you have heard of the Ultimate World Cruise.

The now-viral Royal Caribbean cruise commenced in December 2023 and has been touring around the world ever since. Passengers have been sharing their experiences along the way on TikTok and those of us watching at home have been fascinated by the concept of the nine-month cruise.

The cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that undertakes a whopping 274-night journey. Stops so far have included Barbados, Brazil, Antarctica, Australia, China, South Korea and many more.

After sailing around Africa and Southern Europe in May and June, the cruise ship made its way to northern Europe in July, starting this leg of the trip in Barcelona before eventually landing in Cobh.

The cruise selected Cork as a special destination during its European itinerary, before returning to the US in September.

According to TikTok user drjennytravels, the journey through the Bay of Biscay was rough but the cruise ship finally arrived in Cobh early on Sunday morning.

From here, passengers enjoyed excursions to landmarks such as Blarney Castle and Killarney National Park.

Meanwhile, some cruisers stayed local and visited the Titanic Experience in Cobh as well as some of the towns landmarks such as the cathedral while others headed into the city for the day.

Passengers enjoyed a special event at the Midleton Distillery Experience

In the evening, cruisers enjoyed their final Royal Escape. This is one of the four unique experiences that are included for Royal Caribbean cruisers and typically revolve around wineries and similar tours.

Previous escapes have included a winery in Cape Town, Montevideo in Uruguay, and an event at the top of the Taipei skyscraper in Taiwan. While in Ireland, passengers enjoyed an event at the Midleton Distillery, making Cork an important stop in the cruise ship's itinerary.

During the special visit, cruise guests enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and hospitality at the recently refurbished whiskey attraction, showcasing the history and craftsmanship behind seven whiskey brands including Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton Very Rare.

Clips from the excursion on TikTok show Irish dancing performances, a whiskey tasting and according to one user, each attendee also received a mini bottle of whiskey to take home.

The stop in Cobh marked day 224 of the cruise, which will have visited over 60 countries when it comes to an end.

The next stop on the Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is Cherbourg in France followed by Paris, Southampton, and Bruges. The cruise finishes in September, with final stops in New York, Bermuda, the Bahamas and finally, Florida.
Three members of the Defence Forces have been dismissed due to domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence since 2016  reflecting the "culture of misogyny" in the organisation.

The figures include Cathal Crotty who was dismissed earlier this month following his conviction for the vicious and unprovoked assault on Limerick woman Natasha O'Brien in 2022.

One member was dismissed in 2017 for a sexual offence while another was dismissed in 2023 for domestic violence.

The figures were provided in a response to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin.

Ms Cairns said the figures are deeply concerning and raise further questions for the Government and the Defence Forces.

In June, Mr Martin told the Dail that 68 currently serving members of the Defence Forces have been convicted of a crime in the last three years or are currently before the courts.

Of these, approximately six cases relate to domestic incidents or breaches of barring orders and a further five relate to sexual assault.

Around 24 cases relate to assault generally, but it is not yet known whether any of these are gender-based incidents.

Ms Cairns said she will be seeking clarity on these details.

Following a query by the Irish Examiner, the Defence Forces were unable to divulge how many of the 11 cases relating to domestic or sexual incidents are still before the courts.

"The Defence Forces unequivocally condemns any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to military regulations or that do not reflect our values," a spokesperson said.

"The Defence Forces does not comment on the specifics of individuals cases."

Ms Cairns said that it was shocking but not surprising that three members have been dismissed for domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence.

It speaks to the culture of misogyny and bullying that has been allowed to fester unchecked within the Defence Forces for years as highlighted by the Women of Honour.

"The latest figures show that a root-and-branch transformation of the Defence Forces and proper oversight of existing procedures cannot come soon enough."

In his response, Mr Martin expressed his "unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence".

He added: "The Defence Forces is not a place where someone who has been convicted of a serious offence, including sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence, can continue to serve."

The Irish Examiner reported last week that the Defence Forces only asked for the power to suspend members pending a criminal trial on June 25  five days after Crotty was given a suspended sentence for his attack on Ms O'Brien.

Mr Martin said he has issued an instruction for the placement on local leave, with immediate effect, of serving personnel in the Defence Forces who have been convicted of sexual assault or rape and awaiting discharge, or who have been charged and awaiting trial, on local leave, on a without-prejudice basis.

The ability to take this measure is already allowable in current Defence Force regulations and I have been absolutely clear that it must now be applied uniformly in all such cases, Mr Martin said.
A Dublin taxi driver has been jailed for 13 years for the rape and sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl over a decade ago.

Raymond Shorten (50) of Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin was convicted in May of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault in 2012 of the young girl. The now 20-year-old woman has indicated she wishes for Shorten to be named, but to retain her anonymity.

On Monday, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said the aggravating factors included the seriousness of the offending, the age and vulnerability of the victim, and its impact on her.

He noted that Shorten raped the victim for the first time in the wake of her mother's funeral when she would have been extremely vulnerable due to her recent loss. The judge said this showed a lack of any compassion for the child. He said Shorten couldn't have cared less about the long-term pain and suffering this would have caused to the girl.

Mr Justice Naidoo said the victim impact statement described the deep and abiding damage caused to the injured party.

Setting a headline sentence of 14 years on the rape counts, Mr Justice Naidoo said there was very little to mitigate his wrong but said he had considered Shorten's personal circumstance and the available mitigation, reducing the sentence by one year to 13 years. He backdated it to August 22, 2022, when Shorten went into custody.

Mr Justice Naidoo noted Shorten is due to be sentenced on other offences and that these have no impact on this case. He said the issue of post-release supervision and rehabilitation could be considered once the other sentence is finalised.

Shorten was also convicted in June of two counts of rape and one of anal rape in relation to two other young women who separately found themselves in a taxi after a night out socialising in Dublin during the summer of 2022.

The trial judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, previously said he would impose sentence after Mr Justice Naidoo has finalised sentence in relation to the offences involving the young girl. Shorten has been in custody since August 2022.

Case background

The court previously heard that the sexual abuse of the young girl came to light after she left a handwritten note on her grandmother's pillow in 2020. An investigating garda told the court that Shorten, then 37, was known to the girls family.

He raped the girl for the first time in a bathroom at her family home in the days following her mothers funeral. She was seven or eight when the second rape occurred. Shorten later sexually assaulted her in a car by touching her leg inappropriately.

Shorten denied any wrongdoing when interviewed by gardai and in his evidence during the trial. He does not accept responsibility for the offences, defence senior counsel Lorcan Staines told the court at the previous sentence hearing.

Victim impact Statement

In a victim impact statement read to the court by prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small SC, the woman said she was severely taken advantage of by Shorten, whom she never liked.

She said he always creeped me out and she didn't want to go near him. She said she was terrified and didn't understand what was happening. She said it was only when she started sex education in school at the age of 14 that she realised what Shorten did to her was wrong.

She said when Shorten was convicted, she felt she'd finally found the beginning of the end. She added that Shorten should have protected me, not abused me.

At the earlier hearing, Mr Staines asked the court to backdate any sentence to August 2022, when his client went into custody. He said Shorten has a long work history and hopes to rebuild his relationship with his seven children in the future.

Shorten has been working in the prison laundry while in custody and is on an enhanced prisoner regime.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
An estimated 25,000 Clare fans greeted their hurling heroes at Ennis Fairgreen just before 9pm on Monday evening, as the Liam MacCarthy Cup returned to Clare for only the fifth time.

Fans rushed to the road as they saw the All-Ireland winners arrive in an open top bus, and the Fairgreen event in Ennis was the hurlers' third stop since entering the county in the late afternoon.

Earlier, the Wolfe Tones Na Sionna grounds was the first stop of many around Clare to see the Liam MacCarthy Cup and the All-Ireland winning Clare hurlers.

Just before 6pm, thousands of Clare fans squeezed into the carpark of the Shannon club to give Clares returning heroes a rapturous welcome.

As the three Wolfe Tones club men  Aron Shanagher, Rory Hayes, and Darragh Lohan  led their team-mates onto the makeshift stage holding aloft the Liam MacCarthy Cup, the DJ queued up the fan anthem you cant escape at any major sporting occasion, Galas 'Freed from Desire', and the carpark was bouncing.

The biggest cheer was reserved for long-time Wolfe Tones club man and Clares All-Ireland winning manager Brian Lohan, who held up the Liam MacCarthy Cup and told the crowd: We are glad to have our first stop here. We went up to Dublin yesterday morning to collect that cup."

Clare supporters cheer the winning team at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park in Clare on Monday night. Picture: Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile

A sign at the back of the truck trailer and makeshift stage read: "Welcome to the Home of the Lohan."

Lohan won two All-Irelands as a player in 1995 and 1995, and Wolfe Tones under age coach Kieran McCarthy said that scenes like the stunning win on Sunday and Monday's unforgettable homecoming will inspire a future generation of hurlers.

At this event with his own children, McCarthy said: "Im with my kids this evening, but I remember being a bit older than they are now down cheering Brian Lohan and Frank Lohan in the Wolfe Tones carpark in the 1990s.

To have them up in Croke Park yesterday and here today is amazing

Of course, we dont know it yet but there are three or four future All Stars in this crowd inspired by these players and these moments are what will drive them on.

The players now are immortal  when you win an All-Ireland, thats it. You are Messi. You are Ronaldo. If Tony Kelly and Messi walk into a room in Clare today, it is Tony Kelly who is getting the applause.

In his own words to the crowd, captain Tony Kelly said: For every boy and girl in Wolfe Tones, ye have something to aspire to with the three boys, Rory, Shan, and Darragh.

Three-year-old Isla Timmins, from Donaghmede, was thrilled to see players David Fitzgerald, Peter Duggan, John Conlon, and Tony Kelly. Picture: Andres Poveda

He said: The boys wont be around forever, and they need boys and girls hurling, so hopefully this will inspire the next generation."

Time for a quick drink for the players and photos with fans in the club bar, and then onto Clarecastle  where the celebrations continued until later in the night.

More than 1m people tuned into Clare's thrilling extra-time win. An average of 1,037,000 tuned into The Sunday Game live on RTE2, with another 9,000 watching on RTE2+1.

The RTE2 audience represented a share of 77% of those watching TV at that time. The television coverage peaked at 1,231,000 as the game reached its climax.

Last year's decider between Limerick and Kilkenny averaged 830,000 on RTE2, which was the highest audience for an All-Ireland hurling final since 2019.
Laws are like sausages, its better not to see them being made.

That verdict on lawmaking is attributed to various politicians but was invoked as the current Planning and Development bill was going through the Oireachtas. Sinn Feins Eoin O Broin brought it up during committee stage in the springtime. While we the public might be better off not seeing laws being made, it is vital that there is scrutiny of new legislation. Whatever is not scrutinised properly in the Oireachtas will subsequently lead to all sorts of problems, including drawn-out and expensive sojourns in the courts.

Before the current Oireachtas term ended two bills were rushed through without being exposed to full scrutiny. That of itself, at terms end, is not unusual and has been the subject of criticism from a European watchdog. What was concerning is the suspicion that in both instances the rushed-through legislation was informed by a political imperative by the government to have exhibits to present at the next election rather than enact laws that are thoroughly proofed.

The first of these was a law to allow the state revoke citizenship from a person who is guilty of a severe transgression. The law required updating since 2021 when the Supreme Court threw out the existing provision on the basis that it was contrary to natural justice. But instead of introducing a new bill, the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee tacked on an amendment to a courts bill going through the Oireachtas. As a result this new provision, required to ensure that justice prevails for all, was sped through the process in just eight days before the end of term.

As Majo Rivas wrote in the Irish Examiner last Wednesday, this route of law-making meant that there was no pre-legislative scrutiny, no second stage debate, and members of the Dail were not able to bring forward amendments on the substantive issues raised in the original 1956 legislation".

The revocation of citizenship has only occurred eight times since the original law 68 years ago. So what was the mad rush through the Oireachtas in a matter of days three years after the Supreme Court ruling? It may well have something to do with the current atmosphere pertaining to immigration, or more specifically, asylum seekers.

At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis last April senator Lisa Chambers stated that asylum seekers who were granted residency in this country should be sent home if they were found to have committed a serious crime. There is no evidence of any such crime but the toxic atmosphere prompted politicians to turn up the rhetoric and show that they were going to be firm.

Now the government has an exhibit to hold up in this respect. When international protection becomes an issue at the next election Government figures will no doubt invoke the passage of this law as another contribution to their firm approach to the issue of immigration and crime. It is just a dog whistle but one that comes with a cost of a failure to properly scrutinise law. If form is anything to go by this law will end up in the courts at some future point and lead to further cost and delay.

Rushed job

The other rushed job was the Planning and Development bill 2023. This is a huge piece of law, the first of its kind in nearly 25 years, and likely to have a major say in planning over the next 25. It is 750 pages long and has attracted over 1,100 amendments. The bill is also controversial, having been the subject of criticism from a number of bodies, including the Irish Planning Institute. Questions have been raised over whether it complies with the EUs Auhaus convention, which makes allowance for objections under environmental law.

Despite that the bill has gone through the Oireachtas so far in record time. Last month it was guillotined in the Dail and last week in the Senate. When a bill is guillotined a time limit is put on the debate. This results in some elements of a piece of legislation going unchecked because there is not enough time to get around to it.

Imagine you are buying a house or involved in some major transaction and it is your solicitors job to examine the full contract. Imagine her getting so far and telling you that thats it, she cant look at it anymore youll just have to go ahead with the deal and hope that nothing unexamined pops up at a later stage. So it goes with guillotining a bill in the manner that was done here.

The minister for housing Darragh OBrien denies that the bill has been rushed. Speaking during the Seanad debate last week he said that the first thing people think of when planning is mentioned is delays. This legislation, he told senators, aims to reduce delays including through the courts.

Yet some in the planning and legal businesses are saying that the rushed nature of this lawmaking will almost definitely ensure that elements will be teased out in the courts over the longer term.

Why the rush? An election is coming and housing is inevitably going to be the number one issue. The government needs some wins in this area and one they will pin to election literature is enactment of a new planning bill that they will claim can transform how we are able to build homes. In the context of campaigning, it will certainly look the business. But the lack of scrutiny in a piece of law so vast and complex is likely to present hostages to fortune which will get an expensive airing in various courts down the line.

Proper scrutiny

Rushing the above bills before the summer recess is not a new practice. Two years ago an EU report criticised the manner in which discussions on new bills tend to be concentrated during short periods of time (in particular, during the two weeks before recesses), with negative consequences for proper parliamentary scrutiny.

Around the same time 23 civic and social bodies issued an open letter to the government and opposition leaders expressing dissatisfaction at the practice whereby complex and extensive last-minute amendments have been added by government ministers and no time is afforded to the opposition to examine or discussThis has meant that large sections of legislation are waved through with no scrutiny.

Nothing has changed in the interim, except perhaps this year the rushed law-making is overtly political ahead of the expected election in the autumn.
For the past year, the presidential campaign seemed destined to be a monotonous slog featuring two candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, that voters didnt really want.

But that all changed on a quiet Sunday afternoon just 107 days before the election. Bidens decision to drop out of the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor resets the campaign with a swiftness that is unparalleled in modern American politics.

Once a contest between two elderly white men, the election will likely force Trump to contend with the much younger Harris, who was consolidating support among Democrats and would be the first woman of colour atop a major partys ticket.

It shakes things up entirely, said Dan Pfeiffer, a former adviser to President Barack Obama. It turns everything on its head.

The crumbling of Bidens re-election effort, which began with his shaky debate performance last month, has left both parties scrambling.

Although no one has stepped forward to challenge Harris for the Democratic nomination, she still faces the unprecedented challenge of taking over a campaign only four weeks before the party gathers in Chicago for its convention.

Kamala Harris is the daughter of immigrants, raised by a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, a background that heightens the contrast with Trump, who has used racist, sexist and nativist rhetoric. File photo: AP/Jeff Chiu

At the same time, Trump must pivot his focus to Harris after designing his campaign for a rematch with Biden. Trumps team claimed they were prepared to run against the vice president, and Republicans stepped up their criticism during the partys convention last week in Milwaukee.

However, Trump himself expressed disappointment that we have to start all over again with the campaign. He mused on Truth Social, his social media platform, that Republicans should be reimbursed for fraud for all the money theyve spent running against Biden.

The shake-up in the presidential race came after an extraordinarily tumultuous month in American politics, starting with an unusually early debate between Biden and Trump. The June 27 showdown catalysed concerns that Biden, 81, was too old for a second term.

As Democrats pushed to dislodge him from the top of the ticket, Trump barely survived an assassination attempt on July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Then, on Sunday, Biden bowed to pressure within his party to step aside. He swiftly endorsed Harris, who is the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

The breakneck developments left the political world gasping for breath as everyone tried to re-orient themselves to a new reality.

'The anti-Trump'

Trump, who is 78, will almost certainly be the oldest candidate on the ballot after spending months battering Biden over his age. Harris is only 59, giving her a claim to representing generational change that Biden could never fulfill.

In addition, Harris is a former prosecutor, providing a fresh opportunity to assail Trumps status as a convicted felon after being found guilty in a hush money trial earlier this year.

She is also the daughter of immigrants, raised by a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, a background that heightens the contrast with Trump, who has used racist, sexist and nativist rhetoric.

Harris tried to summarise their differences in a campaign advertisement five years ago, when she was seeking the Democratic nomination before dropping out and joining Bidens campaign as his running mate.

In every possible way, this is the anti-Trump, the narrator said. So if thats what youre looking for in your next president, theres really only one  Kamala.

The leaders of Trumps campaign dismissed the dramatic change, saying, Kamala Harris is just as much of (a) joke as Biden is. They own each others records, and there is no distance between the two, said a statement from senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.

Immigration will remain a key line of attack against Democrats, especially because Harris was tasked by Biden to work on migration issues early in the administration. Republicans claimed she was appointed as a border czar and blamed her for unauthorised crossings.

Theyre still going to run the Gotham City playbook with an added dose of racism and sexism, said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster. And lets not pretend that those things dont matter, because they do.

However, Belcher said, Harris X factor is her potential appeal to a diversifying electorate. When you look at her, she is the Democrats best chance right now to re-engage and energize that coalition of younger, browner voters, he said.

Kamala Harris' work on gun violence protection is an issue that could engage young voters. File photo: AP/J. Scott Applewhite

Democrats were eager to turn a political weakness that hounded Biden  his age  into an attack on Trump.

This will probably boil down to Donald Trump, who is the oldest nominee in history, against Kamala Harris, said Republican Maxwell Frost, a 27-year-old Democrat from Florida who has worked to reach young voters for Bidens campaign.

Frost, who endorsed Harris, pointed to the vice presidents work on gun violence protection as an issue that could engage young voters and said she will be able to win back a lot of the youth vote. She is someone who really values young voices in general, he said.

Trump reaction

At last weeks Republican National Convention, Trump pollster and senior advisor Tony Fabrizio said the campaign was 100% ready to take on Harris.

He noted speakers at the event often referred to the Biden-Harris administration in their speeches and said the campaign had prepared anti-Harris videos to swap in just in case Biden stepped down sooner.

However, Trump seemed to have some doubts. After Biden dropped out of the race, Trump suggested he was having second thoughts about participating in another debate hosted by ABC News on September 10.

Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Read More The US presidential election has been reset

- Associated Press
US president Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection campaign on Sunday followed a series of strategic missteps by his campaign team and White House aides that amplified concerns the 81-year-old president would not be able to win in November's election, or run the country for another four years.

Biden's halting performance at the June 27 presidential debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump pushed even some of his closest allies to question whether he could endure a full campaign, and added petrol to a smoldering Democratic party movement questioning the wisdom of his second term.

Within days, Biden went from the party's figurehead to a liability. He became the first sitting president to stand down from a possible reelection since Lyndon Johnson in 1968.

These were some of the key moments that led to Biden's downfall.

The debate coup: April to June

Biden himself set the debate in motion, after he told radio show host Howard Stern in April he would debate Trump, despite worries from some of his Democratic allies a debate might do little to improve his chances or even cast an unflattering light on him.

Trump repeated a series of well-worn, glaring falsehoods during the 90-minute debate, which Biden failed to refute. Picture: AP/Gerald Herbert

Some Biden aides thought they had scored a coup in agreeing to a June debate. They worked with broadcaster CNN to shape the rules in what they thought was in their favour and agreed on May 15 to two debates, including the first on June 27.

An earlier debate would serve Biden well, some aides thought, convincing voters there was no other anti-Trump option in the race, but also cushioning the blow of any mediocre performance by the president.

The format  no audience to pump up Trump's punchlines, no third-party candidates, moderators they could trust and a mute button on the microphones  would, they thought, favour Biden's style.

Jet lag: June 4 to 27

Biden flew to Europe twice and to the West Coast over a 14-day period before taking just a few days to rest at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Biden was tired and dragging by the end of the travel, according to several people who observed him during this period.

He and his aides headed to Camp David for focused prep sessions on June 21, where they peppered Biden with details, then followed up with mock debates for the better part of seven days.

A bad night: June 27

In CNN's Atlanta studios, Biden stumbled over his words and lost his train of thought. His delivery, appearance and voice drew the immediate attention of reporters, who asked his aides for an explanation.

Officials told reporters as the debate was under way some new information: Biden was sick with a cold, they said.

Biden's hoarseness would improve as the debate went on but his disjointed answers took voters, donors and Democratic officials by surprise. One Democratic strategist called it "a disaster".

Trump, 78, repeated a series of well-worn, glaring falsehoods during the 90-minute debate, including claims he actually had won the 2020 election. Biden failed to refute them, leaving sentences and thoughts unfinished.

Trump jabbed Biden for being incoherent: "I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don't think he knows what he said."

Fallout: June 27 to July 2

"I know I'm not a young man, to state the obvious," Biden said the day after the debate, admitting a poor performance. "Nearly fell asleep on stage," he said on July 2.

Calls for Biden to step down would start in the hours after the debate. Calls from Biden aides to worried Democrats facing reelection campaigns who saw their political futures flashing before their eyes, would not start until days later.

Some lawmakers started to break ranks, starting with US Representative Lloyd Doggett on July 2, and then gathering steam.

President Joe Biden on the steps of Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, last Wednesday, where he returned to his home in Rehoboth Beach to self-isolate after testing positive for covid-19. Picture: AP/Susan Walsh

Angry donors told Biden's aides they would need to see a turnaround in the candidate's performance. Senior Democrats and Biden allies also began to hint at changes to the ticket.

House of Representatives Democrat Jim Clyburn  a kingmaker of sorts within the Democratic Party who was instrumental in Biden's 2020 win  said on July 2 he would back vice-president Kamala Harris if Biden did depart and suggested the idea of a "mini-primary" if Biden stepped aside.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longtime Biden ally, said it was legitimate to ask whether Biden's performance in Atlanta was an "episode" or a condition. She also hinted Biden would need to examine his choice to say in the race.

The dam breaks: July 5 to July 8

Biden would fail to quiet the chorus of dissent.

In his first major interview after the debate, on July 5, Biden told ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos only the "Lord Almighty" could cast him from the race.

More worrying to some Democrats, Biden said he could accept remaining in the race and losing to Trump "as long as I gave it my all and I did as good a job as I know I can do".

At the Nato summit earlier this month, Biden mixed up the names of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Picture: Ludivic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

Some 36 Democratic US lawmakers and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats would ultimately call for Biden to step off the ticket over the 24 days that followed the debate.

Nato polls: July 9 to July 12

Biden tried to move on. He gave interviews, held a press conference and gave stern speeches on the campaign trail as well as at the Nato summit of US allies.

But the events sometimes raised more concerns than they quieted.

At the Nato summit during the second week of July, Biden mixed up the names of his vice-president Harris and his Republican rival Trump, and those of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian president Vladimir Putin, whose countries are at war with each other.

Polls showed Biden trailing other Democrats in many of the key states and districts Democrats need to win in November, though polls nationwide continued to point to a close race.

Biden was unmoved, still believing he was the best candidate to face Trump, that he could rebound from this setback as he has so many times before, a view reinforced by a close circle of aides.

Trump rally shooting, July 13

Trump was shot while giving a speech in Pennsylvania. The bullet grazed his ear, bloodied his face, and photos of the former president holding up his fist in defiance were shown widely.

Republicans spoke of divine providence, unifying around their candidate. Democrats worried if their own chances were cursed, seeing only a narrower path to any victory in November.

Days later, Biden got covid-19 while campaigning in Nevada. Recuperating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home, he would be left with time, alone and in isolation, to decide whether and how to end his campaign.

Reuters
After weeks of uncertainty, many Democratic voters have expressed relief at the news that Joe Biden is dropping his re-election bid and are beginning to think about who might replace him in a dramatically altered election landscape.

Jerod Keene, a 40-year-old athletic trainer from swing-state Arizona, had planned to vote for Mr Biden in November but was thankful for the presidents decision, calling it inevitable.

Mr Keene said he is excited about the next candidate, hoping it will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by Mr Biden on Sunday.

Kamala Harris is the easiest pick based on the fact that shes vice president and it would be tough for the party to try to go a different direction on that, said Mr Keene, who lives in Tucson. And I think she seems ready.

The Democratic Party has been deeply divided since Mr Bidens poor debate performance on June 27, which left many questioning his ability to defeat Donald Trump in November and secure another term.

Party leaders had increasingly called for Mr Biden to step aside, but his reluctance to bow out left voters uncertain about who would face Mr Trump in November.

Recent AP-NORC polling revealed that nearly two-thirds of Democrats felt Mr Biden should withdraw from the presidential race, while a majority believed Ms Harris would perform well in the top slot.

Mr Keenes relief was echoed by voters nationwide in interviews with the Associated Press. In key swing states such as Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada, many expressed optimism about the partys next nominee  whether it be Ms Harris or someone else.

Kamala Harris (J Scott Applewhite/AP)

In Pittsburgh, Fred Johnston said he has been terrified of another Trump presidency and had long worried that Mr Biden could not beat the Republican again. After seeing Mr Bidens wobbly debate performance, he was eager for the president to drop out and hand his candidacy to Ms Harris.

Kamala is someone we can vote for, and thats what we need, Mr Johnston said.

He also thinks she can win Pennsylvania: I have no logical basis for this, but its good to have hope. I havent had hope for a while.

In Las Vegas, Lucy Ouano, 68, said she was proud of Mr Bidens decision to drop out of the race and his move to quickly endorse Ms Harris.

Hes ending on a great note, she said. Trump should be worried. Hes now running against someone strong.

Ms Ouano, who emigrated in 1960 to the US from Thailand as a young child with her parents, said she could not have imagined this outcome a few weeks ago when she attended a Harris rally in Las Vegas meant to ease concerns about Mr Bidens re-election campaign.

Hes been a great president and hes gotten a lot done for our country. But hes too old, hes not articulate. Hes not a good messenger for the Democratic Party

At the time, she told the AP that while she planned on voting for Mr Biden, she wanted Ms Harris at the top of the ticket.

Shes going to get the Asians drummed up, and shes going to get the women drummed up, Ms Oaano said Sunday after learning about Mr Bidens decision.

Arthur L Downard Jr, a 72-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon, viewed Mr Bidens presidency favourably but said he was very pleased that he had stepped aside. The Democratic voter, who cast his ballot for Mr Biden in 2020, said his opinion of the president changed after what he called a disastrous debate.

Hes been a great president and hes gotten a lot done for our country. But hes too old, hes not articulate, he said. Hes not a good messenger for the Democratic Party.

Some voters, like Nebraska resident Lacey LeGrand, had reluctantly planned to vote for Mr Biden simply because he was not Mr Trump.

Im definitely not supporting Trump, LeGrand said. So I think by default I was going to end up supporting Biden. I wasnt very happy about it.

Ms LeGrand, a registered Democrat in Nebraskas Omaha swing district, a potentially decisive electoral vote that Mr Biden and Mr Obama won previously, believes Ms Harris has a shot at defeating Mr Trump, though she added: I wouldnt say its a great shot.

But not everyone was happy about Sundays news. Georgia voter Dorothy Redhead, 76, was disappointed that Mr Biden dropped out of the race but said she is just having to accept the decision as one between the president and God.

I think two women would change the whole dynamic of the race

Jarvia Haynes, an estate agent in New Orleans, said she had mixed feelings about Mr Bidens decision.

I dont think President Biden should have dropped out, she said. On the other hand, maybe its for the best.

Ms Haynes, 72, quickly focused on who should lead the Democratic ticket, saying she is very positive about Vice President Kamala Harris being able to handle the job.

She added that she hopes Ms Harris would choose Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer to be her running mate.

I think two women would change the whole dynamic of the race, said Ms Haynes, who with Harris is a fellow member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. The group has more than 360,000 members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in 12 countries and could be a formidable political force of its own.

Barbara Orr, a psychotherapist in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said she thought Mr Biden was capable of running for president, beating Mr Trump and serving as president. But she viewed his decision to end his candidacy as a sign that he is not guided by ego and recognised that, because of his debate performance, voters assume that cannot do the job.

Ms Orr, 65, said she is not super impressed with Ms Harris, but she might rise to the occasion. Thats happened before in history.

She acknowledged that Ms Harris has not had the chance to prove her mettle as a candidate against Mr Trump.

Bernie Sanders (Alamy/PA)

Ms Orr, a self-described progressive who favoured Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren for president in 2020, said she would probably prefer Ms Whitmer to replace Mr Biden on the Democratic ticket.

I love what she stands for, she said.

Joe DeFrain was out kayaking when a text informed him that Mr Biden had dropped out. While the Michigan resident said he was not stunned to learn of the development, one thing did surprise him.

I was waiting to see if all the boaters out there were going to be screaming with joy, because a lot of them are Trump fans. And I didnt hear anything, Mr DeFrain said.

He said he will be watching to see what happens before and during the Democratic National Convention.

Its going to be something we have never seen in our lifetime, said Mr DeFrain, who has voted for Democrats in recent elections. It should be entertaining.
Police in Pakistan raided the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khans political party office in Islamabad and arrested its spokesman for carrying out anti-state propaganda, the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said officers also arrested Ahmad Janjua, a media coordinator for Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI party.
A survivor of the Manchester Arena attack has said being trolled is exhausting in a High Court case over alleged harassment by a conspiracy theorist.

Martin and Eve Hibbert are suing self-described journalist Richard Hall for harassment and data protection at the London court over several videos and a book in which Mr Hall has made claims that the bombing was a hoax.

The father and daughter were at the Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 and suffered life-changing injuries, with Mr Hibbert sustaining a spinal cord injury and Miss Hibbert severe brain damage.

Five years of (this trolling), it would bring anybody down. It is just hard all the time, are they outside my house, are they here today, are they watching Eve when she goes to school? What that does mentally is exhausting

But Mr Hall has claimed that the attack, in which Salman Abedi detonated a homemade rucksack-bomb in the crowd of concert-goers, was faked by government agencies with crisis actors used.

Defending the legal case, lawyers for Mr Hall said his actions were pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime.

Giving evidence on Monday afternoon, Mr Hibbert said that he initially did brush it off when he was told about Mr Halls videos and received social media notifications from multiple people, telling the court: I didnt want to be brought down by this conspiracy theorist.

But he said that between 2018 and 2022, the trolling, those notifications, got worse and worse and more and more from people on social media.

Martin Hibbert was giving evidence on Monday (James Manning/PA)

He continued: Five years of that, it would bring anybody down.

It is just hard all the time, are they outside my house, are they here today, are they watching Eve when she goes to school?

What that does mentally is exhausting.

The court previously heard that around September 2019, Mr Hall filmed Miss Hibbert and her mother outside their house.

Mr Hall said he had deleted the footage, with his barrister Paul Oakley telling the court in written submissions that it was filmed from a public highway and never published.

My client is perfectly entitled to hold his views and he is willing to amend them if he is made aware of evidence to the contrary

The court was later told that an anonymous letter was sent to Mr Hibberts physiotherapist, claiming he was protected by dark forces.

Mr Hibbert said: For someone to do that, to go to those lengths, its scary to me.

He continued: All of this is from Mr Halls videos  If he can do that, what else could he do? What else could his followers do?

Mr Oakley said that Mr Hibbert had not reported any concerns to the police.

He later suggested that some of the attention had been stirred up by the perfectly legitimate decision to bring this matter to court.

The barrister also referenced Mr Hibberts autobiography, which has been serialised by the Daily Mail newspaper, saying that he had made private details about Miss Hibbert public.

Richard Halls views were formed after he scoured the public domain, his barrister told the court (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Mr Hibbert said: Im her dad, Im her father, Im not a stranger, I was there with her that night.

We didnt want people who dont have the authorisation or the need to do it, to talk about Eve, when they dont have the facts.

Mr Oakley later said: When you put the information out there, you have no control  you cant authorise peoples thoughts about Eve, having put that information into the public domain.

Earlier on Monday, the barrister said Mr Hall was entirely entitled to have his views about the attack, which were formed after he scoured the public domain.

He told the court: My client is perfectly entitled to hold his views and he is willing to amend them if he is made aware of evidence to the contrary.

The trial before Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude on Thursday with a decision expected in writing at a later date.
Camping craze sparks new dining trends in China

16:18, July 22, 2024 By Ji Juesu ( People's Daily

"Ten more lamb skewers please!" On a Saturday night, laughter and greetings echoed from tents along Dianshan Lake in Qingpu district, east China's Shanghai.

"Coming right up," Shi Lina, the campsite manager, shouted back as she cycled around the site to serve customers.

Tourists have fun at an RV camping base in Zhongfen village, Fanchang district, Wuhu city, east China's Anhui province. (People's Daily Online/Xiao Benxiang)

"I feel like I'm about to wear out my bike tires," she laughed. "But the busier we are, the better!"

In recent years, camping has emerged as a popular lifestyle among Chinese young people, injecting new impetus into consumption.

Diverse activities like flower viewing, fishing, frisbee, and board games, along with breathtaking scenery, are attracting more and more Chinese people to leave the city and embrace nature.

"Before starting my business, I did some research and found that only a small number of experienced campers can skillfully use all the gear. Most of them are newcomers trying it out," said Shi, explaining why she decided to focus her business on providing one-stop camping services encompassing food, beverages, and recreation.

In the past, people would just pack bread and sandwiches, or self-heating meals at most, before heading out for camping. Today, they prefer freshly made food with a strong emphasis on taste, freshness, and variety, according to Shi. In the initial stage of her business, she put in considerable effort to seek out a professional supplier of catering services for potential cooperation.

"We taste-tested over a dozen, compared round after round, before finally settling on our current supplier," she said.

The campsite usually pre-orders food ingredients based on the expected number of customers for the following day and gets the grills and stoves ready before their arrival, Shi said.

"When consumers arrive, they can start enjoying a barbecue right away, without the hassle of bringing their own equipment and ingredients," she said.

Tourists enjoy dinner in a special idyllic setting surrounded by flourishing rice crops at a square in Beibei district, southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily Online/Qin Tingfu)

The campsite has won a good reputation on social media, as many consumers have posted about their visits, including pictures of the meals and praising comments like "The ingredients are incredibly fresh" and "The servings are so big, and we had a wonderful dining experience."

"Although catering only accounts for one-third of my overall turnover, it plays a crucial role in attracting customers. Good food is the key to popularity after all," Shi noted.

Many food businesses in China have taken advantage of the camping craze, providing specific services to meet people's growing appetite for outdoor dining.

For instance, popular Chinese fresh food e-commerce platforms such as Hema Fresh, Dingdong Maicai, and Sam's Club have launched "camping meal sets", offering different types of ready-to-cook seafood and marinated meat skewers that perfectly satisfy consumer demands.

Many Chinese restaurants have rolled out semi-finished meal sets composed of ingredients, pre-cooked dishes, cooking utensils, and picnic mats. Consumers can either buy these meal packages on-site or by delivery to their camping sites. The food in those packages can be heated and enjoyed immediately.

"We used to buy ingredients directly from the market, but there were only a few options available, let alone the labor and time costs. Now with more and more professional catering service suppliers providing camping-related products, we offer dozens of product varieties and our customers spend 40 percent more on average, resulting in a 70 percent increase in sales," said an executive of a campsite in Shanghai.

The camping craze in China has promoted traditional catering businesses to seek new market opportunities.

China's leading hot pot chain Haidilao has already reaped the benefits from its new camping-themed hot pot services. One such camping-themed restaurant in Hangtou township, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, is very busy on weekends and holidays.

Tourists enjoy leisure time at a forest camping base at the Lixiahe National Wetland Park in Xinghua city, east China's Jiangsu province. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Shegen)

Covering an area of around 60,000 square meters, the venue can accommodate 500 diners, according to Qian Jiangtao, manager of the restaurant.

The camping-themed restaurant is so popular that customers need to make reservations at least a week in advance, Qian said.

"Our restaurant offers fixed meal options. Despite a higher average expenditure per customer than the other outlets, our meal packages include all-day campsite use and many free recreational activities like stove-boiled tea service, bonfire performances, frisbee, and board games, enhancing dining experiences and attracting a wide range of consumers," Qian explained.

The novel dining trend has also reached Chinese urban areas, with many camping-themed restaurants springing up at shopping mall terraces, building rooftops, and small courtyards since last year.

These restaurants provide a camping experience through their offerings and ambiance, allowing consumers to enjoy urban "picnics" even on workdays.

Now it has become a common scene that several friends gather around a grill under a canopy, relaxing after work.

In the first half of this year, searches for "urban camping-themed restaurants" by Shanghai users surged over 110 percent year on year, according to data from China's e-commerce platform Meituan.

Besides, there has been a notable rise of over 50 percent in the number of companies offering group-buying deals centered around camping on Meituan, with related orders rising by over 216 percent, as shown by the data.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden departs the White House in Washington, U.S., for a campaign fundraiser in California, May 9, 2024. REUTERS/Craig Hudson/File Photo

In a shocking turn of events, former Vice President Joe Biden has been left out of the race for the United States presidency. Biden, who was considered a front-runner in the Democratic primary race, failed to secure the necessary number of delegates to secure the nomination.

The news comes as a surprise to many, as Biden was seen as a strong contender against President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. His experience and moderate policies were thought to appeal to a broad range of voters, making him a formidable opponent.

However, Bidens campaign hit several roadblocks along the way. He faced criticism for his handling of the Anita Hill hearings during the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, as well as allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women. These controversies seemed to weigh heavily on his campaign, leading to a lack of enthusiasm among voters.

In the end, Bidens failure to connect with voters and build a strong coalition ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his early lead in the polls, he was unable to maintain momentum and secure the nomination.

With Biden out of the race, the Democratic party will now have to rally behind another candidate to take on Trump in the upcoming election. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the partys nominee, but one thing is certain  Joe Bidens absence will be felt in the race for the White House.
July 22 (Jowhar.com)  The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hamsa Abdi Barre, officially opened the Somali Diaspora Conference which opened today in the city of Dosha in the country of our brothers Qatar.

Mr. Hamsa, who delivered an important speech at the opening of the conference, the theme of which is Directing the power of the Somali diaspora to achieve a prosperous and prosperous Somalia, said the importance of this conference for the Somali people, especially the need at the moment for the Somali diaspora to continue show the active role they take in the reconstruction of the country.

He also talked about the need to build trust and integrate with the host communities, without leaving out the preservation of Somali culture and traditions.

The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the Somali Diaspora in reconstruction, education, economic growth and the life of our country and society in general, playing a major role in the development of the country, and he called on the hundreds of Somalis who attended the conference to realize the hopes and goals of the Somali people for peace, development and prosperity.

The Conference of Somali Diaspora organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, was attended by hundreds of Somalis from all over the world, which will be held in the city of Doxa from 22  24 July 2024.
The government of Somalia said that it has killed about 100 terrorists

Jul 22 (Jowhar.com)  The government of Somalia has presented the damage caused by the terrorists in the battles that took place this morning in the areas of Bulo Haji, Bar Sangouni and Harboole in the Lower Jubba region.

The news from the government said that 80 militants were killed in these operations, and they opened fire with RPG, BKM, AK47 and others.

Read the government news below:

More than 80 Khawarij leaders and militiamen were killed in a preventive operation by the National Army and the Jubbaland Dervishes in the areas of Bulo Haji, Bar Sangouni and Harboole in the Lower Jubba region.

This operation came after the Khawarij militias launched a deadly attack on the positions of the National Army and Jubbaland Dervishes in these areas, but the army, prepared for the enemys plot, succeeded in defeating the Khawarij militias.

The army opened this operation with a large number of weapons carried by the enemy, including RPG, BKM, AK47 and others.

The heroes of the National Army and the Jubbaland Army are currently collecting the bodies of the enemy scattered in the battle areas, while on the other hand, there are still a few militiamen who are trying to escape with their lives.

The government of Somalia, with the help of the people and friends of the world, is committed to eliminating the Khawarij who are invading our country, our people and our religion.
Detecting the virus that causes polio in wastewater heralds a real health disaster, Gazas health ministry said.

By Edward Carver | 

( Commondreams.org )  Poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples at six locations in the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization said on Friday, following announcements from both the Israel and Gaza health ministries.

Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was found in samples taken on June 23 from sites in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.

Public health authorities expressed grave concerns about the findings, which, though no cases have yet been discovered, raise the possibility of an outbreak of polio, a highly infectious disease that often causes paralysis and can be fatal.

Detecting the virus that causes polio in wastewater heralds a real health disaster and exposes thousands of residents to the risk of contracting polio, Gazas health ministry said in a statement.

Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care physician, toldAl Jazeera the presence of the poliovirus was a ticking time bomb, especially given the lack of ability to isolate and care for people who contract the disease.

Haj-Hassan warned that it would be catastrophic if the disease spread among healthcare workers, given that the medical system has already been annihilated by direct targeting, by abductions of healthcare workers, by [the] killing of healthcare workers.

Dahlia Scheindlin, a Tel Aviv-based political analyst, called news of the presence poliovirus absolutely shocking, stunning, [and] unthinkable in a series of social media posts.

The health crisis in Gaza has been catastrophic from the start, Scheindlin wrote, seemingly addressing Israelis. If youre incapable of realizing that civilians should never have been in this situation, maybe the prospect of anyone getting polio, river to sea, where we are one epidemiological family, will get through.

Conditions in Gaza have been ripe for an outbreak of infectious diseasethe perfect environment for transmission, as WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier called it, citing decimation of the health system, lack of security, access obstruction, constant population displacement, shortages of medical supplies, poor quality of water and weakened sanitation.

In late June, The Associated Pressreported on the nightmarish situation in Deir al-Balah, one of the areas where the poliovirus has since been discovered:

Children in sandals trudge through water contaminated with sewage and scale growing mounds of garbage in Gazas crowded tent camps for displaced families. People relieve themselves in burlap-covered pits, with nowhere nearby to wash their hands.

Polio virus found in Gaza as soaring temperatures threaten drought  FRANCE 24 English Video

Polio, which can spread through contact with the stool of an infected person, has been eliminated from much of the world following the development of a vaccine in the early 1950s and a campaign by U.N. agencies that began in 1980. Still, it hasnt been eradicated globally, and theres been a resurgence in Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years.

Gaza has been polio-free for 25 years and 95% of the population was vaccinated against the disease as of 2022, according to the WHO, though Haj-Hassan, the pediatrician, said that many Gazans, including newborns, have gone without vaccines or boosters for the last nine months.

The WHO said that its working with other U.N. agencies and health authorities in Gaza to assess how much the poliovirus has spread and determine what measures may be needed, including a prompt vaccination campaign.

Combatting any infectious diseases will present challenges for Gazas public healthcare system, which has been embattled and largely destroyed by Israeli forces. Only 16 out of the enclaves 36 hospitals are even partially functional, and only 45 of the 105 primary health care facilities are operational, according to the WHO.

The lack of medical care is part of a broader public health disaster, people on the ground in Gaza say.

Were talking about a very grim medical reality, said Tareq Abu Azzoum, an Al Jazeera journalist reporting from Deir al-Balah, which faces severe overcrowding due to the roughly 700,000 displaced Gazans who have fled there.

Abu Azzoum cited Israeli military tactics as a reason for the dire conditions, arguing that the problems stem from attacks on water wells, sanitation, and water waste treatment and the blocking of essential hygiene supplies.

Licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
VANCOUVER, BC, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - SKRR Exploration Inc. (TSXV: SKRR) (FSE: B04Q) ("SKRR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that summer drilling has commenced to test conductors on the Clearwater West property which is located 13km to the south of Fission Uranium's Triple R uranium deposit (see SKRR's news release dated June 18, 2024).

Clearwater West is an early-stage exploration project prospective for uranium mineralization. The uranium mineralization model for the Clearwater West property is basement hosted and structurally controlled Athabasca Basin unconformity related deposits.

SKRR has an option to acquire up to a 70% interest in the Clearwater West Project from F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) ("F3").

Summary of the Clearwater West Property

The Clearwater West Project is comprised of 3 contiguous mineral claims totaling approximately 11,786 hectares and is located ~20km outside the edge and in the south-west area of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. SKRR cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate lands are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Clearwater West Project.

Basement hosted Athabasca unconformity related deposits often feature unique characteristics that can be identified by various geophysical surveys. A VTEM survey flown over the property in early 2014 defined electromagnetic (EM) conductors, some of which are interpreted to be possible extensions of the EM conductors identified on the PLS property immediately to the north.

F3's experienced and successful management and technical team, with a track record of three major high-grade uranium discoveries in the Athabasca Basin region since 2010 (Waterbury Lake project J Zone, PLS Triple R deposit and most recently the PLN JR Zone) will operate and manage Clearwater West.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical contents of this news release have been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and have been reviewed and approved by Michelle McKeough, M.Sc., P.Geo., President of Terralogic Exploration Inc., a Qualified Person. Ms. McKeough has verified the data disclosed. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Clearwater West Project but may not be representative of expected results.

About SKRR Exploration Inc.

SKRR is a Canadian-based precious and base metal explorer with properties in Saskatchewan  some of the world's highest ranked mining jurisdictions. The primary exploration focus is on the Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan in search of world class uranium, precious, and base metal deposits. The Trans-Hudson Orogen  although extremely well known in geological terms has been significantly under-explored in Saskatchewan. SKRR is committed to all stakeholders including shareholders, all its partners and the environment in which it operates.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Sherman Dahl

President & CEO

Tel: 250-558-8340

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the drill program at the Clearwater West project, statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects, its goals and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, the ability to achieve its goals, the ability to secure equipment and personnel to carry out work programs, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. There is a possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to secure personnel and equipment for work programs, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to obtain or maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, decrease in the price of gold, copper, uranium and other metals, failure to obtain or maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.
Highlights:

Storjuktan project: continue detailed property-wide geochemical survey by collecting ~38,000 glacial till samples to cover remaining 23,000 hectares of project; full property 25,000 ha UAV magnetic geophysical survey ( 50 m spaced lines).

Paubacken project: BoT drilling on Brokojan target (~100 holes) and following up on best BoT drill result to date, 5.01 g/t Au, at Aida target

Klippen project: BoT drilling (~120 holes)

BoT drilling programs will set up for diamond drilling on priority targets later this year

VANCOUVER, BC, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - First Nordic Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "FNM") (TSXV: FNM) (OTCQB: FNMCF) (Frankfurt: HEG0) is pleased to announce that its summer / fall exploration program on its 100%-owned projects on the Gold Line belt is underway in northern Sweden. Major parts of this program are a 25,000-hectare ("ha") magnetic geophysical survey and regional-scale surface exploration program on its 100%-owned Storjuktan Project, and top-of-bedrock (base-of-till) ("BoT") drilling programs to test kilometric till anomalies at its 100%-owned Paubacken and Klippen projects. The region is covered by glacial till and BoT drilling is well recognized as the main method for zoning in on the best diamond drilling targets in these terrains.

Taj Singh, First Nordic President and CEO comments: "It's an exciting time for FNM, with our Gold Line belt exploration program underway at multiple high potential projects. Paubacken already has three kilometric targets and Storjuktan is emerging very well with our recent discovery of the +5 km Nippas target. We are also very excited to begin work on our Klippen project, which hosts a cohesive +5 km gold and pathfinder glacial till anomaly. BoT drilling is a proven tool for exploration in the Nordics and was instrumental in our successful diamond drilling discovery at the Aida target on the Paubacken project. We are focused on making discoveries at our Gold Line projects to advance what we believe is Europe's next major gold belt."

Storjuktan Project Program

A detailed property-wide geochemical survey was initiated in 2023 in which FNM discovered a cohesive 5 km gold pathfinder glacial till anomaly at the Nippas target. Exploration planned for summer / fall 2024 includes a continuation of this survey and will include the collection of up to 38,000 B-Horizon (subsoil) glacial till samples (see Figure 1 in Appendix). The survey is designed to cover the remaining 23,000 ha of the 25,000 ha project area. A high-density sample spacing is used (15 meter ("m") x 75 m sample spacing) to identify anomalous areas. All samples are screened using XRF analysis (x-ray fluorescence) for gold pathfinder elements and samples from anomalous areas will be sent for gold assay at an external laboratory.

The Company is also planning to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) magnetic geophysical survey over the entire 25,000 ha of the Storjuktan project area. Radia Oy, an industry leader in UAV magnetic surveys has been commissioned to conduct the 5,517 line kilometer ("km") survey. The survey will be flown on 50 m spaced lines at an average height of 40 m. Following completion of the survey, the data will be interpreted to map the underlying geology and structural architecture of the Storjuktan project area in detail.

Paubacken Project Program

Exploration planned for summer / fall 2024 includes top of bedrock drilling on the Brokojan target identified in the 2023 surface till sampling survey. The Brokojan target is defined by a As-Cu-Zn-Mo (arsenic-copper-zinc-molybdenum) pathfinder element till anomaly extending over 2.3 km by 1.0 km and is located just northwest of the Harpsund gold and pathfinder anomaly. Collectively the two targets now form a large, semi-continuous southeast-northwest trending anomaly over a 5.5 km strike of the Harpsund structural corridor. Up to 100 BoT drill holes are planned as a phase-1 testing of the bedrock geochemistry of the Brokojan target area (see Figure 2 in Appendix). FNM will likely also continue BoT drilling on the Aida target to continue to confirm gold mineralization on the 4 km corridor and to follow up on the highest-grade BoT drill sample to date, 5.01 g/t Au (2024).

Klippen Project Program

The summer / fall Klippen exploration program is designed to investigate bedrock sources of a +5 km by 500 m wide historic Au (gold), As, Cu and Zn glacial till anomaly. The anomaly is oriented in the prominent ice flow direction. The program will include up to 120 top of bedrock drill holes and is designed to systematically test the bedrock along a 2 km zone interpreted to be the most probable source of the till anomaly based on interpretation of geophysical data and ice flow direction (see Figure 3 in Appendix).

Program Budget

The cost of the summer / fall exploration program is estimated at C$0.5M. The Company is funded to carry out a diamond drilling program of 10,000-15,000 meters on its Gold line belt projects and the plan is to begin this in Q4 2024 / Q1 2025.

About the Storjuktan Project

The Storjuktan project is a large project strategically positioned north of the Company's Barsele project [1]. It consists of seven contiguous licenses covering 30,000 ha located in the northern portion of the Gold Line belt. The Storjuktan project contains over 60 km of the Gold Line structure. All mineralization discovered to date shows a spatial relationship to this structural corridor, occurring mainly on second- and third-order splay structures.

About the Paubacken Project

The Paubacken project consists of three licenses totalling 17,097 ha on the Gold Line belt. The Gold Line belt is host to several significant gold deposits, including the Company's nearby resource-stage Barsele project [1], as well as the Svartliden mine and Faboliden development project (operated by Dragon Mining Ltd). The Svartliden mine was in production from 2005 to 2015 and a total of 3.18 million tonnes of material grading 4.1 g/t Au was processed during its operation (http://www.dragonmining.com/svartliden). Paubacken is strategically positioned between Barsele and Faboliden, is a few hundred meters northeast of the Svartliden mine, and features a regional shear zone with multiple untested gold anomalies.

About the Klippen Project

The Klippen project is located in a southern extension of the Gold Line belt in northern Sweden. The geology consists of a sequence of inverted basin sediments and mafic volcanic rocks intruded by small syn-kinematic granitic intrusions within a broad, anastomosing high strain structural corridor. These lithological sequences are highly prospective for orogenic gold deposits and mineralization encountered to date is mainly hosted within a highly strained and altered syn-kinematic granodiorite measuring 5 km by 0.5 km. Gold mineralization mainly occurs as sulphide veins consisting of pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite veins hosted within the highest strain zones of the granodiorite and minorly within highly strained sedimentary and volcanic units along the margins of the granodiorite. Mineralization is associated with intense sericite, carbonate, epidote and biotite hydrothermal alteration assemblages extending laterally into wall rock.

About the Gold Line Belt Geology

The geology of the Gold Line belt consists of an inverted volcano-sedimentary sequence intruded by small pre- to syn-kinematic granitic intrusions within a broad, anastomosing high strain structural corridor. Lithologies are regionally metamorphosed to upper greenschist and amphibolite grade facies, and gold mineralization is associated with intense sericite, carbonate, biotite, and calc-silicate alteration assemblages and sulphide minerals pyrite, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite. The regional Gold Line structural corridor runs up the axis of the belt with many jogs, splays, and zones of structural complexity that are potential locations for dilation and deposition of gold bearing fluids. These lithological sequences are deemed to be highly prospective for orogenic gold deposits.

ABOUT FIRST NORDIC

The Company's flagship asset is the Barsele gold project, located in Sweden and in a joint venture with senior gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Immediately surrounding the Barsele project, FNM is the 100%-owner of a district-scale license position of close to 100,000 hectares on Gold Line Belt. Additionally, in northern Finland FNM is the 100%-owner of a district-scale position covering the entire Oijarvi Greenstone Belt.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, CPA

President & CEO, Director

Follow First Nordic Metals:

Twitter: @fnmetals | Youtube: @firstnordicmetalscorp | LinkedIn: @firstnordicmetals

Facebook: @FirstNordicMetals | Instagram: @firstnordicmetals

Qualified Person

Benjamin Gelber, P. Geo., Chief Technical Director of the Company, is the Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for the technical disclosure contained within this news release.

References

[1] Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Barsele Property, 2020, InnovExplo

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Discovery believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties.

APPENDIX
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  TheNewswire - July 22, 2024 - JZR Gold Inc. (the Company or JZR) (TSX-V: JZR) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the Offering) of unsecured convertible debentures (the Debentures). Pursuant to the Offering, which was announced on June 21, 2024, the Company has issued Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $1,500,000. The Company also wishes to announce that, due to investor interest, the Offering has been increased to $1,700,000.

The Debentures will mature on the date that is one (1) year from the date of issuance (the Maturity Date) and shall bear simple interest at a rate of 10% per annum, payable on the Maturity Date. The principal sum of the Debentures, or any portion thereof, and any interest may be converted into units (the Units) of the Company at a conversion price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share (a Conversion Share) and one share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share (a Warrant Share) in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.25 per share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date that the Warrants are issued.

The Debentures, Units, Conversion Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shars are collectively referred to herein as the Securities. No finders fees were paid in connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering.

All Debentures issued pursuant to the Offering, including any securities into which they may be exercised or converted, are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance thereof. The Offering is subject to final acceptance by the Exchange.

The Company also announces that, on July 14, 2024, it had entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the LOI) with an arms length party in connection with a potential transaction, which LOI was terminated on July 18, 2024.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to: (i) fund operations of the fully constructed 800 tonne-per-day gravimetric mill, as well as future exploration work on the Vila Nova Gold project located in Amapa State, Brazil (the Vila Nova Project), (ii) to pay certain liabilities owed to arms length parties and (iii) for general working capital purposes. The Company may fund operations on the Vila Nova Gold project by advancing funds, by way of one or more loans, to ECO Mining Oil & Gaz Drilling and Exploration (EIRELI) (ECO), as operator of the Vila Nova Project. Net proceeds will also be used for general working capital purposes. The Company possesses a 50% net profit interest from all net profit generated from the Vila Nova Project.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Klenk

Chief Executive Officer

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

T: 604.329.9092

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which includes any information about activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to respect to the details of the Offering, including the proposed size, timing and the anticipated use of net proceeds, the receipt of regulatory approval for the Offering, the potential loan of funds to ECO and the expected operation of the gravimetric mill on the Vila Nova property. Forward-looking information reflects the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mineral exploration industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks related to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with the specifications or expectations, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks related to adverse weather conditions; geopolitical risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Companys continuous disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulators. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

None of the securities of JZR have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from its fully-funded 2024 drill program at the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or the "Project") in southeastern Suriname. Highlights within this release are from exploration at the Froyo Gold Zone.

Drilling Highlights

46.0 metres (m) of 5.31 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) (24FR074) Including 10.0 m of 12.05 g/t Au and 4.0 m of 29.36 g/t Au

(24FR074) 28.0 m of 3.35 g/t Au (24FR075)

(24FR075) 7.0 m of 13.52 g/t Au (24FR075)

(24FR075) 6.0 m of 6.89 g/t Au (24FR075)

"We are very excited about the continued high-grade success at Froyo," commented President & CEO, Colin Padget. "Drill holes 24FR074 and 24FR075 represent a 150-metre eastward expansion and confirms multiple, robust, gold bearing structures parallel to the main Froyo Shear. With four drill holes now confirming these parallel zones (24FR074, 24FR075, 24FR66 and 24FR67), they continue to demonstrate significant potential for growth and remain open at depth and along strike."

Results from drill holes 24FR074 and 24FR075 expand previously identified gold mineralization 150-metres to the east of the main Froyo Shear. This area has been known for near-surface intervals of extensive, high-grade gold mineralization including historical grab samples of up to 28.5 g/t Au. Drill holes 24FR074 and 24DR075 are ~60 m apart laterally and contain three stacked gold-bearing structures that run parallel to the eastern side of the main Froyo Shear. Demonstrated by 46.0 m of 5.31 g/t Au (24FR074) and 28.0 m of 3.35 g/t Au (24FR075), the characteristics are very similar to the main high-grade Froyo Shear with decimetre to metre-wide quartz vein sets associated with sericite-tourmaline-ankerite alteration occurring within broad subvertical mylonite zones. The Company plans to continue exploration on these parallel zones over the coming weeks to further define the strike and depth extent.

Figure 1: Froyo Zone Plan Map with Drillhole Locations

Figure 2: Vertical Section of Froyo Zone

Figure 3: Quartz Veining with Pyrite and Pyrrhotite at 165.5 m in Drill Hole 24FR075

Figure 4: Visible Gold at 103.5 m in Drill Hole 24FR074

Table 1: Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR075 78.00 106.00 28.00 3.35 and 164.00 171.00 7.00 13.52 and 240.00 246.00 6.00 6.89 and 255.00 258.00 3.00 6.46 24FR074 62.00 108.00 46.00 5.31 incl 78.00 88.00 10.00 12.05 incl 84.00 88.00 4.00 29.36 and 167.00 179.00 12.00 2.74 24FR072 3.60 9.60 6.00 0.49 and 128.00 132.00 4.00 4.00 and 199.00 201.00 2.00 7.08 and 242.00 247.00 5.00 6.03 24FR071 130.00 133.00 3.00 1.48 24FR070 0.00 10.30 10.30 0.78 and 57.00 63.00 6.00 1.69 and 153.00 158.00 5.00 0.97 24FR069 8.10 27.60 19.50 1.10 and 108.00 122.00 14.00 4.26 and 133.00 135.00 2.00 7.92 and 142.50 151.50 9.00 5.27 24FR047 96.00 102.00 6.00 1.66 and 152.00 157.00 5.00 3.25 24FR046 0.00 17.10 17.10 0.52 and 46.00 53.00 7.00 2.90 and 64.00 69.00 5.00 6.25 and 94.00 97.00 3.00 1.90 and 120.00 126.00 6.00 4.33

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width based on current drill data

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting* (m) Northing* (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) 24FR075 817136.2 401154.7 154.2 248.5 -65.7 326.0 24FR074 817064.0 401145.0 154.3 242.3 -70.0 302.0 24FR072 817123.4 401051.8 151.5 265.2 -55.8 302.1 24FR071 817123.4 401051.8 151.5 245.7 -61.6 302.1 24FR070 817124.5 401052.0 151.5 277.1 -56.6 299.0 24FR069 817124.6 401052.0 151.5 279.0 -46.9 311.1 24FR047 817141.4 401009.5 153.4 250.0 -45.1 228.6 24FR046 817104.6 401043.3 153.3 234.9 -60.6 244.3

*The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company drilled 10,000 metres in 2023 and is fully financed for drilling in 2024.

12022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo.

Quality Assurance and Control

Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2024) - Infinico Metals Corp. (TSXV: INFM) ("Infinico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling operations have commenced at its Nicobi Project, located 160 kilometres northeast of Val d'Or, Quebec. The program is fully funded with approximately CAD$ 1.1 million currently in the Company treasury.

Nicobi Drill Program

Drilling has commenced on the Nicobi nickel, copper and cobalt Project. Orbit Garant Drilling Services Inc, of Val d'Or, Quebec, have been contracted to provide the Company with drilling services. A minimum of 1,000 metres of diamond drilling is planned for the program. Five boreholes are designed to follow up on the 1,167 m Phase 1 drill program conducted in January 2024, which intersected 51.94 m at 1.37% Ni as detailed in the February 27, 2024 press release, as well as targeting a highly conductive electromagnetic feature identified in a BHEM survey, as detailed in the April 24, 2024 press release. The drill program will test the down plunge extent of mineralization, targeting extensions of mineralization at depth and to the north of existing drilling. The area being targeted has not seen any previous drill testing.

Borehole Electromagnetics

Abitibi Geophysics have been contracted to conduct the Borehole TDEM surveys. The Borehole TDEM surveys will be conducted alongside the diamond drilling with the aim of identifying off-hole conductivity anomalies. The use of Borehole TDEM surveys will aid in the targeting and identification of new zones of mineralization.

Sam Walding, Infinico's CEO, commented: "This phase of drilling will look to build on the outstanding results identified in Infinico's January 2024 drill program. We have clear geological targets to test down plunge to the north of the known mineralization, and a highly conductive BHEM feature to drill test. The work program is targeting areas not previously drill tested, with the objective of extending and growing the known mineralization."

Figure 1. Map displaying the planned Phase 2 boreholes and the January 2024 Phase 1 drill program at the Nicobi Project

About the Nicobi Project

The Nicobi Project is located approximately 160 kilometres northeast of Val d'Or, Quebec, Canada. The project is host to a cluster of magmatic nickel sulphide occurrences within a mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. Drilling of a surface showing in the 1960's by Noranda revealed disseminated to massive nickel sulphide mineralization. Noranda went on to define a non-compliant resource on the project. Multiple drill campaigns have been carried out by six different operators, including the best reported historic drill intercept of 37.61 metres at 0.89% Ni and 0.75% Cu from surface in 1991 (Minorca Resources Ltd., 1993). Infinico Metals conducted a 1,167 m drill program in January 2024 and intercepted 51.94 m at 1.37% Ni, 0.38% Cu, 418 ppm Co & 0.16 g/t Pt+Pd from 6.10 m.

Qualified Person

Szabolcs Orban, MSc, EFG, EurGeol (#1883), OGQ (AS-1617) is Vice President of Exploration for Infinico Metals Corp. and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release.

About Infinico Metals Corp.

Infinico Metals Corp. is a public company on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: INFM) focusing on the exploration for critical metals in the province of Quebec. The Company has signed option agreements on the Nicobi Project, hosting magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization, and on the Dalhousie Project, which also hosts magmatic Li pegmatites & Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization.

For more information, please contact:



Sam Walding, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (+44) 7568 508610

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.infinicometals.com

Forward Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the grant of Options, the appointment of certain officers of the Company, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfil the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 /Arras Minerals Corp. (TSX-V:ARK) (OTCQB:ARRKF) ("Arras" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that its planned 3,381 km airborne (helicopter) electromagnetic (EM) ("Heli-TEM") survey has commenced at the Company's Bozshakol group of licenses. These licenses form part of the Teck-Arras Strategic Exploration Alliance announced on December 7, 2023 (the "Bozshakol Project"), and are located nearby and surrounding the operating large-scale Bozshakol copper mine, operated by Kaz Minerals.

Highlights from the Soil Sampling program

3,381 line-kilometer Heli-TEM survey over the entire 1397 square-kilometer Bozshakol project mineral tenement package.

Survey lines will be flown in a northwest-southeast (125-315) line direction, with lines expected to be approximately 500m apart.

Tim Barry, CEO of Arras Minerals stated, " The commencement of the Heli-TEM survey at the Bozshakol group is an important initiative which we have worked closely with our Alliance partners, Teck Resources on planning. The shallow overburden on most of the project has prevented us from completing geological mapping and soil sampling over the properties and this survey will provide a significant amount of quality data to help guide future exploration as we commence our hunt for additional porphyry deposits adjacent to the large-scale Bozshakol copper mine."

Future work will include evaluation of the airborne survey and ground follow-up that includes ground-based geophysics surveys, trenching and diamond drilling of identified targets.

Figure 1. Map of Bozshakol Group of concessions showing Arras licenses, proposed Heli-TEM flight lines, historic IP anomalies and Bozshakol copper mine location.

Teck Package A - Bozshakol Project

The Bozshakol Project is located 56km to the northwest of the town of Ekibastuz and surrounds and covers the potential continuation of mineralization of KAZ Minerals' Bozshakol copper- mine.

This area has received limited historic exploration due to unconsolidated cover masking bedrock geology. The property consists of seven exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,400 square kilometres.

The properties are in the Bozshakol-Chingis magmatic arc, which is an accretionary arc composed mainly of volcanics, volcaniclastics, older plutons and a nickel rich ophiolite belt of Cambrian age that have been intruded by mid-Ordovician aged intrusions, several of which host economic copper-gold porphyry mineralization. This package is regionally folded and refolded.

Figure 2. Arras's License Package showing Arras-Teck Strategic Alliance Areas as "Package A" and "Package B" as well as the Elemes and Beskauga Projects and the Tay licence which are 100% owned by Arras.

Figure 3. Arras's Heli-TEM Test Flight at Bozshakol Project, July 21 2024

Heli-TEM Background Information

The Heli-TEM system was developed by Fugro Airborne Surveys in the mid 2000's for detection of deep discrete conductive mineral targets or targets obscured by conductive overburden.

The Heli-TEM system is composed of a 40-metre cable to which is attached the transmitter loop. The receiver platform and the receiver coil are located at the centre of the 35 metre diameter transmitter loop approximately 0.1 metre above the centre of the transmitter plane. The real time navigation GPS antenna is on the tail boom of the helicopter. The barometric altimeter, radar altimeter, laser altimeter, video camera and data recorder are all installed in the helicopter. GPS antennae are attached to the transmitter loop to give positional information and transmitter orientation.

The survey uses a 7.5 Hertz ("Hz") one half cycle of the Heli-TEM system that is made up of a square pulse (on-time) of approximately thirty-four milliseconds in duration followed by approximately thirty-four milliseconds of off-time before the pulse is repeated with the opposite polarity. After acquisition the measured data are windowed into twenty-five ranges called "gates". Gate widths increase as time after turn-off increases because as the energy from the transmitter decays a wider sample must be taken to get a valid average. The position of the first off-time gate is selected after examining several flights of data and is as close to the transmitter turn off as possible. The power of the pulse causes eddy currents in the system after the turn off and the first off-time gate cannot start until these have died away. The earliest data has had less time to penetrate the subsurface and so contains information from the near surface.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim Barry"

Tim Barry, MAusIMM CP(Geo)

Chief Executive Officer and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

+1 604 687 5800

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Further information can be found on:

the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com or

follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals or

follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals

About Arras Minerals Corp.

Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX-V under the trading symbol "ARK" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "ARRKF".

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources

This press release uses the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources", and "inferred resources" which are defined in, and required to be disclosed by, NI 43-101. The Company advises U.S. investors that these terms are not recognized by the SEC. The estimation of measured, indicated and inferred resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that measured and indicated mineral resources will be converted into reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that estimates of inferred mineral resources exist, are economically minable, or will be upgraded into measured or indicated mineral resources. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies.

Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, the information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies that are not subject NI 43-101.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and Arras' future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act, and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding plans and expectations of the exploration program Arras is in the process of undertaking, including the expansion of the Mineral Resource, and other aspects of the Mineral Resource estimates for the Beskauga project. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Arras' exploration projects, the industry in which Arras operates and the beliefs and assumptions of Arras' management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control, including undertaking further exploration activities, the results of such exploration activities and that such results support continued exploration activities, unexpected variations in ore grade, types and metallurgy, volatility and level of commodity prices, the availability of sufficient future financing, and other matters discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management Discussion and Analysis filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR on February 28, 2024 and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed on February 28, 2024 available on www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
The death of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl whose final appeals for help moved public opinion worldwide, may constitute a war crime, UN experts said on Friday.

"The killing of five-year old Hind Rajab, her family and two paramedics may amount to a war crime," the experts said in a press statement.

Israeli claims its troops were not in the area at the time were "unacceptable", they added.

The Israeli embassy in Geneva said in a statement that its own army was investigating.

The UN experts said "the absence of proper investigation and accountability" five months after the facts "is deeply troubling and may in itself amount to a violation of the right to life".

They also referred to "compelling evidence" on where the family's car was in relation to an Israeli tank "and how it was shot at from very close range using a type of weapon that can only be attributed to the Israeli forces".

"Audio recordings of calls between Hind and emergency services suggest that she was the only survivor in the car before she was also killed," the experts added.

The UN experts, while mandated by the Human Rights Council, do not speak in its name.

The Gaza war was triggered by the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's military retaliation to wipe out Hamas has killed at least 38,848 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to deliver a landmark speech to the US Congress this week as he fights off intense pressure to cut a Gaza war ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Israel's longest-serving premier will on Wednesday become the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of the two chambers four times -- pulling ahead of Britain's Winston Churchill on three.

But analysts say the Gaza war since the October 7 Hamas attacks has created worrying tensions between Israel and the United States, its main military and diplomatic backer. Netanyauhu's office announced that he will meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday.

Washington fears a backlash from the mounting civilian toll in the Gaza Strip, while protests in Israel by families of hostages taken by Hamas are also causing headaches for Netanyahu.

Biden and some Israeli ministers say a deal negotiated through Qatar, Egyptian and US mediators is possible. A plan outlined in May proposed a six-week ceasefire when some Israeli hostages would be swapped for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that negotiators were "inside the 10 yard line and driving toward the goal line".

Hamas has accused Netanyahu of seeking to block a deal however and Blinken said he wants to "bring the agreement over the finish line" when Netanyahu is in Washington.

- Double pressure -

Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza in recent weeks and Netanyahu has insisted that only piling on military pressure can free the hostages and beat Hamas.

"This double pressure is not delaying the deal -- it is advancing it," Netanyahu told troops in Gaza on Thursday.

The October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Hamas militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 38,919 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.

Publicly, Biden has voiced strong support for Israel. But he expressed concern over an offensive on the southern city of Rafah in May and for a while suspended deliveries of heavy bombs to Israel. Supplies of 2,000-pound bombs remain embargoed.

"Never before has the atmosphere been so fraught," said Council on Foreign Relations Middle East specialist Steven Cook.

"There is clearly tension in the relationship, especially between the White House and the Israeli prime minister," Cook said in a commentary.

- 'Political rhetoric' -

While US Republicans pressed to invite Netanyahu to address Congress, he has lost support among Democrats.

One Jewish senator, Democrat Brian Schatz of Hawaii, announced he would boycott Wednesday's speech, saying he would not listen to "political rhetoric that will do nothing to bring peace in the region".

Netanyahu said after being invited to Congress again that he would "present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us".

Cook said that Netanyahu has two aims for his Washington trip.

First, to show that he has not "undermined" Israel's relations with the United States.

Netanyahu also "will endeavour to shift the conversation away from the conflict in Gaza toward the threat that Iran and its proxies pose" to Israel and the United States, Cook added.

Much attention will be focused on whether Netanyahu meets with Donald Trump or a figure close to the Republican presidential candidate.

Despite the tensions, the United States has defended Israeli interests while taking a key role in mediation efforts, and the military relationship remains strong, according to officials.

Washington's support could prove crucial as Israel faces increasing international criticism over the growing humanitarian toll from nearly 300 days of war.

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor in May asked judges to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Warrants for three Hamas leaders have also been requested.

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives has called for sanctions against the ICC.

The International Court of Justice found Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal on Friday, and in February called for the country to prevent any acts of genocide in its Gaza offensive.
Im not sure anybody expected something like this, says Marko Milanovic, professor of public international law at Reading University, in the United Kingdom. So many areas that were not expected, agrees Hassan ben Imran, of the NGO Law for Palestine and the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway. They were not even on the table. The advisory opinion is actually quite historic. I think its a great step in the right direction, he adds.

But others disagree. Its extremely superficial. Riddled with very, very, significant omissions, says Avraham Russel Shalev, lawyer at the conservative Israeli think tank, the Kohelet Policy Forum, in Jerusalem. In particular, you have no discussion at all of Israels legal rights in the territory. They say No information has been provided to the court to substantiate Israels deep historical and valid claims. But thats not factual. he continues.

On Friday, 19 July 2024, the United Nations top court gave its advisory opinion on a question put by the UN General Assembly, after a resolution adopted on 30 December 2022, following a UN Commission of Inquiry. The question was whether Israels occupation of the Palestinian territories  the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem  was legal or not. After having heard the parties, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judges gave their opinion on two questions: what are the legal consequences of the occupation and what should states do about it.

WHAT DID THE ICJ SAY? Israels ongoing presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal.

Israel must end its presence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel should immediately cease settlement expansion and evacuate all settlers.

Israel is required to make reparations.

The international community and organizations have a duty not to recognize the Israeli presence in the territories as legal and to avoid supporting its maintenance.

The United Nations should consider what actions are necessary to end the Israeli presence in the territories.

The 285-page decision is a multi-pronged examination of many aspects of Israels occupation, as a result of the six-day war in 1967, stemming from the principles that occupation should be temporary, and territory cannot be acquired by force. The judges held that an occupation cannot be used as an indefinite form of control and it cannot transfer title of sovereignty to the occupying power. Moreover, the occupying state bears a duty to administer the territory for the benefit of the local population.

The big thing here, says Milanovic is the distinction between violations of the law during occupation and occupation as such, violating international law. The judges are basically telling Israel, its enough. You just have to leave. And that is a really big step. But Shalev says that for most Israelis, you know, the Israeli on the street who isnt a legal expert, but also, policymakers, theres a feeling of, whats new here? Same old, same old.

Israels practices amount to annexation

In fact, the court had previously said so in its 2004 advisory opinion known as The Wall  when it ruled that Israels settlement policies violate the Geneva Convention prohibition on transferring the occupying powers own civilians into an occupied territory. But this time, the court went further about how the settlement policy amounts to annexation:

The Court comes to the conclusion that Israels policies and practices, including the maintenance and expansion of settlements, the construction of associated infrastructure, and the wall, the exploitation of natural resources, the proclamation of Jerusalem as Israels capital, the comprehensive application of Israeli domestic law in East Jerusalem and its extensive application in the West Bank, entrench Israels control of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, notably of East Jerusalem and of Area C of the West Bank. These policies and practices are designed to remain in place indefinitely and to create irreversible effects on the ground. Consequently, the Court considers that these policies and practices amount to annexation of large parts of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Systemic discrimination on land and water

Israel applies its own laws on Israeli settlers in areas of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, which is part of the occupied territories: In the Courts view, differential treatment of Palestinians can give rise to discrimination.

For the Court, the public property confiscated or requisitioned for the development of Israeli settlements benefits the civilian population of settlers, to the detriment of the local Palestinian population, which also violates international law.

In addition, Israels policy of exploitation of natural resources in the occupied Palestinian territory is inconsistent with its obligation to respect the Palestinian peoples right to permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Israel, said the court, has applied a discriminatory water policy.

The Court also addressed Israels discriminatory planning policies, the demolition of Palestinian homes and other legislation, concluding that the regime of comprehensive restrictions imposed by Israel on Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory constitutes systemic discrimination based on, inter alia, race, religion or ethnic origin.

The Court stops short of using the word apartheid

Israels actions violate the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination prohibition on segregation and apartheid, said the judges. But the ICJ stopped short of determining whether the situation constitutes only segregation or, in fact, amounts to apartheid. That ambiguity on apartheid was likely deliberate, allowing as many judges as possible to join the majority.

For something like this, they want to have as big a majority of judges as possible, says Milanovic. Although there may not be absolute clarity on apartheid, its a good starting point, comments Zaki Sarraf of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians.

All this analysis combined towards the decision that Israel, by its continued, indefinite, discriminatory and annexational control of the territories is violating the Palestinians right to self-determination and the prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force.

The Courts bottom line was thus very clear: Israels continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal. It must bring an end to its presence there as rapidly as possible, and it must immediately cease all new settlement activity, writes in Haaretz Aeyal Grossman, a professor of constitutional and international law at Tel Aviv University.

What about Israels security?

Shalev from the Kohelet Policy Forum says that the question the judges were considering was based on a series of assumptions, that there is a Palestinian territory, that there is prolonged occupation, that there are discriminatory practices. Obviously, if theres no consideration whatsoever of Israel, both its historical claims and its security concerns, it is rather jarring, he adds.

Milanovic suggests that if the state of Israel had wanted to make the judges completely aware of the security situation, it should have actually come to the court, and present its evidence. Nothing prevented Israel from going there and explaining to the court all that needed to be explained security-wise. Nevertheless, he agrees that the court should have explained a bit more why it thinks theres no possible justification for Israel by way of self-defence. Its a bit odd to just ignore, just pretend like theres no Hamas and that Israel is not being attacked.

Considering that hundreds of thousands of Israeli soldiers have had to be called up, that theres that theres intense fighting going on for close to a year, that Hamas is still the one that controls the ground in most places in the Gaza Strip, the assumption that the Gaza Strip is still occupied by Israel is an absurdity, says Shalev.

REACTIONS TO THE ICJ ADVISORY OPINION Justice Info asked its interviewees to sum up their opinion in a few words: Very good  Hassan ben Imran (Law for Palestine) Vindication  Zaki Sarraf (International Centre of Justice for Palestinians) Ground-breaking  Marko Milanovic (Reading University) Superficial  Russell Avraham Shalev (the Kohelet Policy Forum). From public sources, the reactions have been equally strong: A changing Advisory Opinion  Juliette McIntyre (University of South Australia) A watershed moment  Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Inevitable  Eliav Lieblich (Tel Aviv University) Illusory and despicable  Yuli Edelstein (Israeli Foreign Affairs and Security Committee) Fundamentally warped, one-sided, and wrong  Israel Katz (Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister) Contrary to justice, the Bible, morality, and international law  Israel Gantz (Binyamin Regional Council) Wow  from Alonso Gurmendi (Kings College London).

Weapons exports to Israel challenged

For Palestinian justice campaigners, this advisory opinion presents you with a number of legal tools that could be pursued to advance the Palestinian legal struggle, says Ben Imran. Its great to see that clarity, agrees Sarraf. The advisory opinion from the ICJ makes it clear that at the highest level, Israels treatment of Palestinians cannot go on.

The opinion implies that states must not recognise Israels conduct as lawful and must cease aid and assistance to Israel in furtherance of its illegal conduct. So, I dont see how that can be reconciled with continued arms exports to Israel when we know about the credible allegations of international crimes, says Saraf.

At the ICJ, there are several ongoing cases concerning the continuing war in Gaza under the Genocide Convention. One is brought by Nicaragua against Germany, where Berlin is accused of breaching international law by supplying weapons and support to Israel.

Several domestic cases have also been brought concerning arms exports to Israel. In the Netherlands, a court has ruled that the government should not be supplying arms, but that case is awaiting consideration on appeal by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the United Kingdom, lawyers have challenged Londons exports of arms to Israel in connection with the current Israeli campaign in Gaza. That UK case is due to be heard in October.

This advisory opinion is going to have a real-life impact on the situation thats happening now in Gaza, says Sarraf. If the UK wants to continue providing arms, I think we could really bring a strong case for complicity of the UK in terms of the facilitation of war crimes, crimes against humanity and a plausible genocide in Palestine.

Meanwhile, a stones throw from the ICJ is the International Criminal Court (ICC) also based in The Hague, which has an ongoing investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories. Pre-trial judges are currently considering whether to approve arrest warrants against both senior Hamas and senior Israeli officials, including Israels Prime Minister and Defence Minister, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the Gaza conflict.

The ICJ opinion, a legal basis for UN sanctions?

Grossman argues in Haaretz that after this ICJ opinion, legally, Israel will no longer be able to argue that its occupation is temporary until an agreement in the indeterminate future is reached. For Shalev, the opinion is all negative which reflects a set of Palestinian maximalist demands, but its so disconnected from the way Israelis look at a conflict now, if it werent so absurd, it would be amusing.

In practical terms, says Ben Imran, it is now the job of the United Nations General Assembly to translate the judges words into actual, practical, steps. One could be financial economic sanctions, another could be diplomatic sanctions, he says.

Ben Imran looks back to the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa, when everyone realised that the only way forward to pressure apartheid South Africa to come to its senses was to isolate them politically. Therefore, the question of unseating Israel from the UN can actually seriously come to table based on this advisory opinion, he adds.

A first, necessary step forward for Palestinians

To those who say that this opinion will likely go nowhere, Grossman looks back to 1971, when the ICJ held that South Africas continued control of Namibia was illegal, and wrote: The Court considers that the qualification of a situation as illegal does not by itself put an end to it. It can only be the first, necessary step in an endeavour to bring the illegal situation to an end. These words may well resonate today, he says.

Do not discount the power of authoritative statements in the formation of world order, warns on X (ex-Twitter) academic Alonso Gurmendi of Kings College, London, who sees this case in the context of much larger arc, going back to decades, from when Palestine barely registered to now with the observer state status at the UN. He believes that the ruling strengthens Palestines and weakens Israels position.

Palestinians have matured enough over the generations to know that justice will never come from a court. Its not going to come from The Hague, says Ben Imran, but this advisory opinion is a huge step forward, that does revive a bit of trust or, lets say, plant some seeds of hope for Palestinians to at least look further toward these institutions of law.






Sunday, July 21, 2024 - A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder after she suffocated her cousin as the younger girl slept.

According to ABC News, a security camera recorded the killing, inside the bedroom they shared on July 15 in Humboldt, Tennessee, the county prosecutor said.

The recording shows the older child using bedding to suffocate her cousin as the younger girl slept in the top bunk, Gibson District Attorney Frederick Agees statement said. After the child died, the juvenile cleaned up the victim and repositioned her body, Agee said.

A relative told WREG-TV in Memphis that the girls had been arguing over an iPhone after coming from out of town to stay with their grandmother.

The girl was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence after authorities obtained the video last Wednesday.

I consider this to be one of the most disturbing violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted, Agee wrote in the statement.

He said he would petition a judge to prosecute the girl, who turns 13 later this month, in adult court, which would allow for a lengthier sentence, whether that will be through incarceration or supervision with court-ordered conditions.




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has urged President William Ruto to deal firmly with the protesting Gen Zs to save the country from the current crisis.

Taking to his X account, Alai said that Ruto must not allow Kenya to face further chaos and anarchy orchestrated by the Gen Zs.

At the same time, the ODM legislator urged Ruto to go for the organizers and financiers of the Gen Z demos, saying such people should not be allowed to hide in and out of the country.

President Ruto must not allow further chaos and anarchy. I wonder why we allow the chaos.

"Organizers and financiers of the chaos shouldnt be allowed to hide in and out of the country.

"Why should the chaos be allowed? Alai said.

Alais sentiments come moments after Ruto vowed to protect the nation from the anti-government protesters.

While addressing residents of Chebango in Bomet County after attending a church service yesterday, Ruto said that Kenya is a democratic country and that her democracy will not be surrendered to faceless, formless, and anonymous anarchists.

Going forward we will protect the nation. We will protect Kenyans, stop the killers, we will stop anarchy and will stop looters.

"Kenya is a democracy and we want a peaceful nation, Ruto said.

We cannot continue like this. The country is much more important than any group of people.

"We must stand together as a nation, protect our nation, and make sure that Kenya is a democracy.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - President William Ruto has urged the young people who have been protesting in the past month to stop their demonstrations, stating they are destroying the nation.

Speaking after attending a church service in Bomet County, Ruto stated he had given everyone a chance to air their views and will now "protect the nation from anarchists."

The President said he had already given a lot of concessions as demanded by the protesters, including rejecting the Finance Bill, of 2024, yet protests continue.

"I dropped the Finance Bill, I called them to come to the table and talk to me, they refused and asked me to go to X, I went there but they ran away,'' Ruto said.

"I have called them for talks but they have refused saying they are faceless and formless.''

The head of state issued a stern warning to the Gen Z protesters, stating that moving forward, it will not be business as usual.

"I have told them, my friends, It must now come to an end, I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they want, it can't continue like this, the country is more important than any group of people, we must stand together as a nation and protect our nation,'' he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024  President William Ruto has declared an all-out war against Gen Z after he banned any further anti-government demonstrations in the country.

While addressing residents of Chebango in Bomet County after attending a church service yesterday, Ruto said that Kenya is a democratic country and that her democracy will not be surrendered to faceless, formless, and anonymous anarchists.

Going forward we will protect the nation. We will protect Kenyans, stop the killers, we will stop anarchy and will stop looters.

"Kenya is a democracy and we want a peaceful nation, Ruto said.

We cannot continue like this. The country is much more important than any group of people.

"We must stand together as a nation, protect our nation, and make sure that Kenya is a democracy.

The head of state lamented that despite giving in to the demands made by the anti-government protesters, the protests are still on.

I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they want, it cant continue like this, the country is more important than any group of people, he said.

Ruto further said that he called for a dialogue, which has also been declined by the protesters adding that Generation Zs (Gen Zs) refused to engage him in the X spaces as they had demanded.

Walisema tusipitishe Finance Bill, mimi nimewacha Finance Bill. Nikawaita wakasema hawataki kuja kuzungumza na mimi. Wakaniambia niende huko kwa X, mimi nikaenda huko kwa X, wakatoroka huko, hawakukuwepo, Ruto stated.

Wakasema tuitishe mazungumzo, nimeitisha mazungumzo, wamekataa. Nimewaambia, wanaendelea kusema wao ni faceless, wao ni formlessMimi nimewaambia, sasa my friends, you know, I have given everybody a chance to say whatever they want.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - The Machakos County government is turning out to be a den of corruption under the leadership of Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

This is after an insider revealed intriguing details on how Wavinya Ndetis son and sister Kalondu have been looting money like there is no tomorrow.

A source who requested anonymity, said Kalondu and Wavinyas son call the shots at Machakos county headquarters.

The source said that during the recent employment of 600 staff in Machakos County, Kalondu asked for a bribe of Sh 300,000 per person, meaning she pocketed Sh 180 million from poor Kenyans who were desperate for jobs.

On the other hand, Wavinya's son has been controlling the Machakos County Finance department where he instructs accountants and clerks on which contractor to pay and how much kickbacks tenderpreneurs are ready to pay.

Now, whistleblowers and Machakos County residents are asking the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe Wavinya Ndeti, her sister Kalondu, and the governor's son over the massive looting of public resources in the county.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Donald Trump has reacted to Joe Biden announcing the end of his reelection campaign saying the US leader will go down as the worst president in history.

The Republican presidential candidate's comments came minutes after Biden shockingly withdrew from the 2024 presidential election on Sunday, July 21. Biden afterwards endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Biden caved into pressure from top Democrats and donors after the fallout of his disastrous presidential debate against Trump on June 27.

Trump, who last weekend survived an assassination attempt, lashed out at Biden during a phone call with CNN.

"He is the worst president in the history of our country. He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country," Trump said.

Trump continued his attack on Biden's decision, writing on Truth Social, "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!

"He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement.

"All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasnt capable of being President, and he wasnt - And now, look what hes done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists.

"We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Trump laughed off Harris as being the potential Democratic Party's presidential nominee, telling CNN, "She'll be easier to defeat."






Sunday, July 21, 2024 - US President Joe Biden has endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to serve as the new Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 presidential race.

Biden made the announcement on his official X page on Sunday, shortly after he withdrew from the United States November presidential election.

He explained that it was in the best interest of his party and the country to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democratsits time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, he added.

The president also directed donors to an ActBlue link to donate to her campaign.




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is an experienced political conman, going by how he is trying to hoodwink Gen Zs, who have warned him against engaging in dialogue with President William Ruto.

On Sunday, Raila Odinga said he would not engage in dialogue with Ruto without justice for the 50 Gen Z protesters who have paid the ultimate price for demonstrating against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance regime.

What Kenyans don't know is that Raila Odinga has already given the President a list of four individuals he wants to be appointed to the Cabinet.

The four are ODM deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM chairman John Mbadi, and little-known politician Kevin Alusa.

To fool Gen Zs, Raila told the press that all ODM members who will join the Ruto government will not have the blessing of the party.

The big question Gen Zs should ask is how can 3 top ODM honchos join Ruto without the blessing of the orange party, yet they are the main pillars of the movement?

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - A section of Kandara constituency residents has thanked President William Ruto for dismissing Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, the former Finance and National Planning Cabinet Secretary.

Njuguna was among 21 cabinet secretaries who were shown the door two weeks ago for being incompetent and corrupt.

Speaking on Saturday in Kandara town, residents, broadcasting live on social media, thanked Ruto for firing Ndung'u, whom they described as incompetent and corrupt.

They said though he came from Kandara, he was the man behind Finance Bill 2023 and Finance Bill 2024, which almost brought down the Kenya Kwanza Alliance regime.

When he was appointed to the docket two years ago, Ndung'u surprised Kandara residents when he told them that he was appointed to the position because of his education and not because of the Kandara electorate.

What the arrogant professor failed to learn is that cabinet posts are political seats and he could not have survived without the consent of the Kandara electorate.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa faced hostility in her backyard in Kilifi after she seemed to weigh into President William Ruto's Cabinet reconstitution exercise.

Jumwa appeared to hold no grudge against the president for his decision to dismiss her and others from the National Executive.

In light of the partial nominations done by Ruto last week, Jumwa crossed her fingers, quoting Bible verses ostensibly to manipulate the president to reappoint her to Cabinet.

"The president knows, and if it will delight him to see Aisha Jumwa in the Cabinet to continue, the people of Kilifi will say amen.

"And if he decides that Jumwa should not be in the Cabinet, we will equally say so because the Bible tells us to rejoice and be thankful in everything," she said.

However, her comments did not please a part of her audience.

They booed her mid-speech prompting her aides to intervene in calming them.

Ruto announced the first batch of his team, comprising 11 members, six of whom were recalled from the previous Cabinet.

It is now a question of wait and see if Ruto will buy into Jumwas appeal and reappoint her to Cabinet.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - City car dealer and popular X personality, Khalif Kairo, is reportedly siding with the oppressors and trying to discredit the Gen Z movement that has shaken Rutos government.

According to a source, Kairo secretly met Rutos propagandist Dennis Itumbi at a high-end restaurant in Kiambu on Saturday evening.

It is believed that Kairos meeting with Itumbi was aimed at coming up with online propaganda to discredit the Gen Z movement.

Itumbi is tasked with paying bloggers and social media personalities to push the government agenda on social media.

Kairo has been stirring controversy with his social media videos advising youth against participating in ongoing street protests, citing purported achievements by President William Ruto's administration.

However, his remarks have divided opinion among his followers, with many criticizing his stance.

Popular X personality Francis Gaitho has been on the frontline accusing Kairo of being bribed by the government to use his social media influence to discredit the ongoing protests.

When the protests started, Kairo was among the popular X personalities who used their influence to mobilize the youth to turn up to the streets.

He even stormed Parliament on June 25th when the youth made history after occupying parliament.

However, his sudden change of heart has raised eyebrows, with reports emerging that he might have been bribed by the state.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Firebrand lawyer and barrister, Miguna Miguna, has urged Kenyans to remove the portraits of President William Ruto from their business premises and offices.

In a social media post on Monday morning, Miguna, who is hiding in Canada after he was threatened by state operatives, urged Kenya patriots to remove and burn Ruto's portraits to send a message that Ruto has been removed from power by the people.

Its time to REMOVE Zakayo @WilliamsRutos PORTRAITS from all businesses and BURN them in huge bonfires.

"We must practically and symbolically remove Rutos name from power everywhere.

"Do it everywhere. Publicly show that you have rejected, recalled, and impeached him, Miguna wrote on his X page.

Miguna is among the third liberation heroes who are keeping the revolution alive by engaging Kenyans on social media and insisting Ruto must go over bad governance, corruption, incompetence, and nepotism among other ills.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has warned of bloodshed if the Ugandan Gen Zs make good their threat to demonstrate against his government on Tuesday.

This follows plans by Ugandan youth to demonstrate in Kampala and other parts of Uganda.

In a televised address to the nation on Saturday night, Museveni went President William Rutos way by accusing foreign powers of a scheme to finance anti-government protests in his country.

Ruto had earlier accused the United States-based Ford Foundation of financing Gen Z-led protests across the country.

In his remarks, Museveni stopped short of naming the specific foreign organization he accused of financing the demonstrations.

While urging the youth not to be taken advantage of by the foreign powers, Museveni remarked that should they not heed his advice, they would be met with brute force and many would lose their lives.

He warned that holding demonstrations in Kampala while he was the President was akin to playing with fire.

What right do you have to seek to generate chaotic behaviour? We are busy producing wealth, you are getting cheap food, and other people in other parts of the world are starving, he confronted the Ugandan youth.

And you here, you want to disturb us, you are playing with fire. We cannot allow you to disturb us."

Incidentally, the Ugandan protests are planned for Tuesday at the same time Kenyan youth have planned their demonstrations.

In Uganda, the youth are clamouring for the end of corruption in Musevenis government while in Kenya there has been a call for good governance.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Fast-fading political analyst, Prof. Mutahi Ngunyi, has advised President William Ruto to use the sword he was given by Kenyans when he won the 2022 presidential election to silence the Gen Z protesters who are threatening to divide and destabilize the country.

For the past month, Gen Zs have been demonstrating across the country, resulting in over 50 deaths and the destruction of properties worth billions of shillings.

President William Ruto, the main protagonist in the demos, has conceded to some of the Gen Z demands, including withdrawing the Finance Bill 2024, firing his cabinet secretaries, and inviting them to dialogue.

However, Gen Zs have vowed to continue with their protests until Ruto resigns and a new government is formed.

Speaking about Gen Z's unusual demands, Mutahi urged Ruto to use his sword and decimate people he termed as nihilists and Goon Z.

Dear Ruto: Did we take the OATH OF OFFICE together? NO.

"Who was given the SWORD and the CONSTITUTION? You.

"WHY do Kenyans want to RUN the country for you? ZERO.

"Whatever you DO, GenZ will be UNHAPPY. Fact.

"Try to DONATE your KIDNEYS. Zero. Have you LISTENED? Yes.

"SAVE country bro, Mutahi wrote on X

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Azimio Leader Raila Odinga has asked President William Ruto not to reappoint Cabinet Secretaries that he had earlier dismissed from duty.

In an address dispatched from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Raila revealed that he was opposing the move as a way of showing solidarity with anti-government protests spearheaded by the Gen Zs.

Raila termed the issues raised by Gen Zs, including the appointment of fresh Cabinet Secretaries, as genuine issues that had also been raised by Azimio in 2023.

This comes even as Ruto had already reappointed some of the dismissed Cabinet Secretaries back to Cabinet.

They include Kithure Kindiki (Interior Security), Aden Duale (Defence), Alice Wahome (Lands and Public Works), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport), and Rebecca Miano (Attorney General).

Former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa had also on Saturday campaigned to be reinstated to the Cabinet during an event in Kilifi County.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party are free to join President William Ruto's government.

Speaking on Sunday, Savula appealed to Azimio co-principalsWiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kionito embrace their role as the opposition and allow ODM to chart its political course.

We cannot afford to let opposition die in Kenya because today it is Gen Z playing the opposition role of checking the excesses of the government.

"Raila is at liberty together with his troops to go and join Rutos government if he so wishes, Azimio's co-principals allow him to go and assume the role of the official opposition in Kenya with the help of our youths, Savula added.

We are not interested in joining the government to get Cabinet Secretary slots, we are okay remaining in opposition.

"If we do not assume the role of a strong opposition, we risk going back to a one-party state.

"We need to provide checks and balances on issues such as expenditure, corruption, and the high cost of living, Savula said.

The deputy county boss further urged Gen Z to pile pressure on legislators to conduct proper vetting of the Cabinet Secretary nominees to ensure they are suitable for the job.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has threatened to drop his African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson bid.

This is after it emerged that President William Ruto was using Babas desperate attempt to get the AU Chairmanship job to manipulate him.

Speaking in Dubai, Raila noted that should the quest to gain political stability in Kenya not be fruitful, he would drop out of the race for the chairmanship of the continental body.

"I am ready to forgo my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country if this is being used by Ruto to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country," Raila stated.

This comes as he revealed he would not engage in dialogue with President William Ruto's administration until justice is served for the young Kenyans who died during the anti-government protests.

Raila further remarked that he was offended by reports that he had been bribed by Ruto to rally behind a Government of National Unity.

The Azimio Leader noted that speculation that he was being manipulated to support Ruto's government in exchange for lobbying for the AUC top seat could not be further from the truth.

"The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false," he stated.

According to Raila, the rumours that he was being bribed with an AUC seat were propagated by individuals who wanted to sow division within the Azimio coalition.

At the same time, Raila dispelled rumours there were divisions within ODM due to his decision to engage in dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Raila had been criticised by a section of ODM top luminaries, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who termed the decision to dialogue with Ruto's government as a betrayal to those who died during the Finance Bill protests.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Pastor Ben of Chosen Generation Church in Nakuru has condemned the police for storming his church during anti-government protests, where they fired live bullets.

Pastor Ben displayed a spent cartridge retrieved from his church as he condemned police brutality.

He claimed that police collected other spent cartridges to conceal evidence.

His congregation was holding a lunch hour service when the cops stormed in on Tuesday and started beating them and shooting aimlessly using live bullets.

We have never seen live bullets being fired inside a church before.

"I will make noise until such an incident never happens again, he said.









Watch the video.

Pastor Ben of Chosen Generation where the police stormed in Nakuru ,came to today's sermon with the Spent cartridge that showed Police fired inside his church during the Tuesday's Protests...Weuh where are we going as a country? pic.twitter.com/Ge7ta40jou  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 21, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Monday, July 22, 2024  A tragic incident unfolded at Nketa High School in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where a Form Four student took her own life after facing rejection from her boyfriend concerning her pregnancy.

She was laid to rest in a sombre ceremony attended by friends, family, and community members on Monday, July 22.

The student, who had been dating an Upper-six student at the same school, reportedly sought support from her boyfriend after discovering she was pregnant. The boyfriend's refusal to accept responsibility for the pregnancy caused her significant emotional distress, contributing to her decision to take her own life.

On July 12, the girl visited her boyfriend's home but was later found by her aunt and brought back to their residence. It is believed that she had attempted to discuss the situation with her boyfriend again, only to be met with continued rejection. This further intensified her despair.

Despite her aunt's efforts to support her, the student tragically ended her life.

Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, though initial police reports did not mention the pregnancy.

According to the police, the girl had left home under the guise of attending extra lessons and was later seen entering her boyfriends residence. Concerned about her absence, her aunt discovered her hanging from a guava tree in their yard. Emergency services arrived promptly, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.






Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Former US President, Donald Trumps security detail had complained they were not being given enough resources and personnel by the Secret Service over the past two years, and the agency has now acknowledged it denied some requests.

The news comes amid widespread concerns about how a sniper was able to obtain rooftop access roughly 150 meters from Trumps position at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last week.

The Washington Post and The New York Times reported earlier Saturday that the Secret Service denied previous request from Trumps security team over the past two years.

A spokesperson for the Secret Service said in a statement Saturday that the agency has not provided certain resources in the past but has instead provided other security measures including from local partners.

Allies of Trump reportedly felt the decisions, which they believed were personal to Trump, came from the top ranks of the agency.

While Trump holds close relationships with members of his Secret Service detail, the relationship between those agents and the upper ranks of the agency isn't close, according to a report by CNN.

In response to questions whether the Secret Service had denied additional security requests, a spokesperson told CNN the agency makes modifications when certain resources are not provided to protectees.

In some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided, the agency made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee, Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, wrote in a statement.

This may include utilizing state or local partners to provide specialized functions or otherwise identifying alternatives to reduce public exposure of a protectee.

Guglielmi said in a statement the day after the shooting that claims that Trump was denied additional security requests specifically for the rally in Pennsylvania were untrue.

This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo, Guglielmi wrote on X.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is facing questions about how a gunman was able to get a clear line of sight to Trump at the rally site, and there have been calls for her resignation from members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Nominated ODM MP John Mbadi has urged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga not to consult former President Uhuru Kenyatta if he plans to engage with President William Ruto.

Raila has reportedly consulted Uhuru about a deal with Ruto, and the former president has advised him to abandon it, promising instead to support him for the presidency in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday, Mbadi, who is also ODM chairman, dismissed Uhuru's argument, stating that if the former president wanted Raila to become president, he had the opportunity in 2022.

You are telling us that now is when Uhuru has the key to take us to the State House, and when he was there he handed the key to someone else.

"Now you are telling us that Uhuru can give us the key to the State House, he stated.

Mbadi's sentiments came after allegations that Uhuru and Raila held a meeting in Dubai to discuss a pact to capture power in 2027.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, July 22, 2024  The church seems to be finding its voice again after going to bed with the wrong man, President William Ruto, who used the church to ascend to power in 2022.

This follows the discontent among prominent clergy members, who have accused Ruto of hoodwinking Kenyans with his recent nominations for Cabinet Secretaries.

The clergy argue that the president's actions have not only failed to meet public expectations but have also exacerbated the ongoing protests.

Speaking yesterday, Charles Ong'injo, Bishop of the ACK Maseno South Diocese, voiced strong criticism regarding the president's decisions, accusing him of employing counterproductive strategies in handling the current crisis in the country.

"What the President has done is he has made people more angry and probably he doesn't want people to leave the protests," he said.

"He is refueling the protests and even when he is asking who is funding the Gen Z protests, I think he is the greatest funder by the kind of action he is taking."

The Maseno ACK Bishop emphasized the need for accountability and proper vetting processes for the nominated members before they are confirmed as Cabinet Secretaries.

"As we move forward, those responsible for vetting should be told if we feel like they're not doing a good job because the list was not what Kenyans expected," he stated.

On the same wavelength, Nakuru Catholic Bishop Cleophas Oseso warned Ruto of the dire consequences if the current political tension continues unabated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, July 22, 2024  "The Simpsons" writer Al Jean is celebrating the show's uncanny ability to predict future events, with Kamala Harris emerging as the likely Democratic nominee for President.

Jean shared a side-by-side image on X (formerly Twitter) of Lisa Simpson wearing an outfit similar to Harris's, captioning it with "@TheSimpsons 'prediction' I'm proud to be a part of."





The image is from the 2021 episode "Bart to the Future," which depicts Lisa Simpson becoming presidentthe same year Harris was sworn in as the first female Vice President of the United States.

"The Simpsons" has a history of forecasting significant events, including Donald Trump's presidency. Al Jean's recent post appears to support the idea of Harris potentially becoming the next commander-in-chief, especially given her current status as the favorite for the Democratic nomination and President Biden's endorsement.




Monday, July 22, 2024- The medical fraternity is mourning the untimely demise of Dr. Keith Mandela Makori, who died over the weekend after jumping from the eighth floor of an apartment in Kikuyu.

Makori, 30, had earlier called his girlfriend and registered suicidal ideation.

Makoris girlfriend reported the concerns to one of his friends.

The friend happened to have hosted the deceased and on receiving the call, he rushed back to the house where he found him sprawled on the ground with injuries on the head, both legs broken and he was bleeding from the mouth and nose.

He immediately called an ambulance but unfortunately, the victim was declared dead on arrival at the Karen hospital.

Keith Mandela was the Chief Finance Officer at Kotani Pay, a fintech company.

He has previously served as Head of Research and Strategy at IConnect Global, Head of Research at EOS Nairobi, and Community Manager at the African Digital Assets Foundation.

He had great exposure and involvement in blockchain technology, adding on to his background as an accountant, researcher, and medic.

Medics have taken to social media to mourn their colleague and described him as young and brilliant.

He was reportedly battling depression, leading to suicide.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, July 22, 2024 - Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti to help restore peace and order were reportedly overpowered by the gangs, and their armoured vehicle was torched.

The incident happened as the police officers were patrolling a gang-infested street.

A video of the armed gangs celebrating as the police vehicle is engulfed in flames has surfaced on social media, although no casualties were reported.

The torched armoured vehicle is a Mines Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) truck, supplied by the U.S. government.

The incident comes days after the cops engaged in a fierce gun battle as they patrolled a deserted street in the Caribbean nation, forcing them to take cover in their armoured vehicle after they were overpowered.

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille has declared a state of emergency in 14 gang-controlled municipalities.

By declaring a state of emergency, the Prime Minister has given the government the tools it needs to act, eradicate the gangs, and restore state authority.

Watch video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Buganda kingdom has apologized to the government of Namibia for the negative publicity the developments surrounding the Kabakas health may have caused the country.

This was during a news conference addressed this afternoon by the kingdom premier Charles Peter Mayiga at Bulange Mengo.

On behalf of the Kingdom of Buganda i send our sincere apologies to the government and the people of Namibia for all the discomfort that the action of these disruptors caused to some of the mission abroad and I thank the government again for providing adequate security to our king while he was there, Mayiga said.

This follows the Kabaka Ronald Mutebi IIs return last evening amidst speculations that the Namibian government declined to extend his visa for further stay in the country where he has been receiving medical treatment.

He was received at Entebbe International airport by a team of Buganda officials led by the Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga and the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nnaginda.

The Kabaka left for Nambia in April 2024, for medical treatment but his long stay prompted demonstrations at the Namibian high Commission in United Kingdom, with protestors demanding explanations for his prolonged stay in the foreign country citing a possibility of abduction.

Here in Uganda, the police also blocked a group of Buganda youth who were planning to storm the Kabakas palace demanding to know his way about and the state of his health.

Consequently, in a video recording, the Kabaka assured his subjects that his health was greatly improving and that he would be back soon.
The Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom Ronald Mutebi 11 has returned home amidst speculations that the Namibian government declined to extend his visa for further stay in the country where he has been receiving medical treatment.

He was last night received at Entebbe International airport by a team of Buganda officials led by the Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga and the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nnaginda.

The Kabaka left for Nambia in April 2024, for medical treatment but his long stay prompted demonstrations at the Namibian high Commission in United Kingdom, with protestors demanding explanations for his prolonged stay in the foreign country citing a possibility of abduction.

Here in Uganda, the police also blocked a group of Buganda youth who were planning to storm the Kabakas palace demanding to know his way about and the state of his health.

Consequently, in a video recording, the Kabaka assured his subjects that his health was greatly improving and that he would be back soon.
The police has justified the heavy police and military deployment at the opposition National Unity Platform headquarters in Makerere Kavule ahead of the partys news conference that was scheduled for this morning.

While addressing a weekly joint security news conference at the police headquarters in Naguru, the forces spokesperson Kituma Rusoke said the deployment is meant to ensure harmony and avoid disruption of business

We have deployed extra ordinarily because we have concern over security, whenever we get reliable intelligence that certain activities are likely to subvert order we heighten our deployment, Rusoke said.

He has also explained similar deployment within Kampala Metropolitan area ahead of a planned march to parliament by a group of youth.

We cannot surrender this country to such a careless situation and thats precisely what we are doing to the procession scheduled for tomorrow, we wanted an opportunity where we could sit and fameout things tangible,reasonable and manageable with the organizers, he said.
By Andrew Bagala

The police and military are on high alert ahead of tomorrows planned demonstration at parliament by a group of youth against corruption.

Heavily armed military and police personnel have been deployed nearly in all major junctions of Kampala Metropolitan Area ahead of the anticipated match.

This comes two days after the Police Field Force Unit commander for Kampala City, in a radio message, urged all units to keep their personnel and equipment on standby, ready to respond to demonstrations.

During his address to the nation on Saturday, president Museveni said anyone planning to carry out demonstrations is playing with fire.

Youth have organized a march to parliament tomorrow where they say they want to express their frustration and disappointment with the current state of affairs in the country, especially corruption.
Uganda exports increased significantly in May 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance, reaching USD 891.97 million (Shs3.279 trillion).

This marks a substantial 39.4% rise from April 2024, when exports were valued at USD 639.86 million (Shs2.353 trillion).

The Ministrys June 2024 Performance of the Economy Monthly Report attributes this growth to higher earnings from key commodities such as coffee, gold, flowers, and electricity during the month.

The Middle East emerged as the largest market for Ugandas exports in May 2024, accounting for 34.0% of total exports.

The United Arab Emirates led purchases with merchandise valued at USD 297.65 million (Shs1.094 trillion), with gold being the primary export to this region. Other significant destinations included the East African Community (26.4%), Asia (22.8%), and the European Union (12.6%).

Conversely, imports into Uganda also surged by 31.2% in May 2024, totaling USD 1,244.66 million (Shs4.576 trillion) compared to USD 948.88 million (Shs3.488 trillion) in April 2024. The East African Community was the largest source of imports, contributing 42.7% of the total imports for the month.

These statistics highlight Ugandas dynamic trade landscape, underscoring both the opportunities and challenges presented by its trade relationships with various global regions.
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khaskhabar.com : , 22  2024 4:46 PM
Cliona Purcell, a native of Carrick-on-Suir, has recently been appointed Head Curator of Waterford Treasures collection of museums in Waterford City.

29-year-old Cliona is the youngest head curator of any designated museum in the country.

Cliona studied History and English at the University of Limerick and went on to complete a Masters in History thereafter.

During her Undergraduate degree she was awarded the Brian Faloon Prize by the UL History department for her dissertation, "Throwing off the Mighty Incubus: Irish Municipal Revolution and the Development of the Waterford Corporation, 1828-1840."

Throughout her studies, she developed a special interest in eighteenth-century social history.

She also worked for Kilkenny Castle, the Hunt Museum and Sound Heritage Ireland during this period.

After this, she returned to Waterford Treasures as a researcher and exhibitions assistant in 2018.

In 2019 she curated her first solo exhibition: "For All the Tea in China," a collection of extraordinary Chinese porcelain with Irish arms displayed in context across the Bishop's Palace.

Later she became the Education Officer and then Curator and Programmes Manager where she established the museum's vibrant Education Programme including handling workshops and activity-based learning for students of all ages.

Aside from Waterford Treasures, Cliona also sits on the boards of the Waterford Civic Trust and the Waterford Women's Centre.

Cliona's research interests include the lives of women and children in the eighteenth century, life in poverty and the spread of disease in Waterford, as well as porcelain culture in Ireland at its height.

Commenting on her update of the role Cliona says, I am delighted to commit to the role of head Curator at Waterford Treasures with such a diverse collection of museums, the role offers a great deal of variety each day and great opportunity. Due to my interest in museum education and developing my own hands-on visitor experiences, I see the future of Waterford Treasures as building on the wonderful achievements in the Viking Triangle so far, creating more community engagement, as well as more interactive sensory exhibits and events for the public.

Cliona has already made some new developments with a brand new tour experience available for families at the Irish Wake museum - A horrible histories style experience shares an insight into life and death in Ireland from the terrifying Black Death to worrisome Victorian medicine all set in a building that has witnessed six centuries of souls pass under its roof in the dead centre of the city.

It is now on offer to families with children aged 8 and up.

The award-winning Waterford Treasures Museums tells the story of Ireland's oldest city across five stunning museums and a guided walking tour of the Viking Triangle where visitors explore 1000 years of history in 1000 paces in the historic city centre.

The Medieval Museum is the only purpose-built museum in Ireland that features two national monuments - two medieval buildings contained within the museum - and a host of other artefacts.

Just across the plaza the Bishops Palace, an elegant Georgian house, is the home of 18th, 19th and 20th-century treasures.

This season a new tour will launch in the Palace focusing on scandal and excess, the real-life Bridgerton-style intrigue and romance of Waterfords past.

An icon of Waterford, Reginalds Tower houses Waterford's Viking treasures including warfare and weaponry but also articles from the daily life of the Hiberno-Norse settlers.

The ever-popular Irish Museum of Time, along with the Irish Silver Museum and the most recently opened Irish Wake Museum are also part of the collection.

The collection of museums is open to visitors year-round, for further details on all that Waterford Treasures has to offer see www.waterfordtreasures.com
A protest took place at River View House in Kilkenny City last Friday over the decision to convert the building into an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

The protest has since sparked a counter-voice of disapproval from a community group advocating for inclusivity and support for the new residents.

READ NEXT - Development plans approved for one of the finest residences in Kilkenny

'Kilkenny Says No', who spearheaded the protest, have since released a statement to say that "comments made by politicians in relation to an 'intervention' being needed in regards to communication and engagement are moot."

"The people of Kilkenny do not have a lack of understanding regarding the mass importation of foreign cultures and are able to think for themselves," a spokesperson from the group said.

"We have seen what the word 'intervention' really means in places like Coolock, Roscrea, Newtown Mount Kennedy and more."

The group also expressed opposition to the new EU Migration Pact and have planned to organise another protest this Friday, July 26.

Last Friday's protest was described as 'very disappointing' by a spokesperson for 'Kilkenny For All'.

"We need the councillors and elected officials who have remained silent to speak out and make clear that these views do not represent the views of the majority of local people," the spokesperson said.

"There are many different communities and cultures that make Kilkenny the vibrant place that it is and it's disappointing that visitors to Kilkenny coming down the Dublin Road would've seen this.

"We are a welcoming city and protests such as these create quite a tense atmosphere and it's also not right for Kilkenny citizens of colour to see this.

"We are pleased that Kilkenny is providing a home for people seeking safety and protection. Newcomers to our town add to our business, social and cultural life."

28 beds will be provided in River View House for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are International Protection Applicants (IPAs).

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will manage the arrival of people into this centre.

According to the Department, "The property is owned by International Systems & Equipment Ltd and White Sands Consultancy on a 48-month lease. White Sands Consultancy Ltd is operating the site with staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and/or security staff on site at all times. The company have previous experience in the provision of accommodation centres for IPAS.

"It is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of IPAs arriving in Ireland and the scarcity of alternative accommodation. A one-year contract has been signed with the provider.

"All statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are being met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

"Accommodation consists of 14 rooms with two single beds in each room and there are sufficient numbers of bathrooms at the required ratios.

"There will be a self-catering service provided on this site and residents will be provided with a weekly voucher or debit card for a local shop.

"There will be a general manager, duty manager, cleaner and two security staff. There will be security staff present 24/7 and there is also CCTV in place."
Hundreds gathered at Listerlin National School in Kilkenny recently to say goodbye to its beloved retiring principal.

Over 200 people arrived at the school to bid farewell to Principal Bill Cassin after 23 years, and to celebrate the rededication of Scoil Mholainge Listerlin to St Moling. The school flags fluttered in the breeze as some of the 152 students welcomed the community to take in the state-of-the-art primary school with interactive walls and a large PE hall.

Fr Liam Barron celebrated the Childrens Mass in the large play area with schoolchildren leading the mass with their prayers and songs. During the mass, Michelle Brennan was presented with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 25 years as the school cleaner, a pivotal member of the school community.

Ms Julie Prendiville was also presented with a bouquet of flowers as Principal Cassin passed the baton to her, as she progresses from Deputy Principal to Principal.

Chairperson of the Board of Management John Paul Phelan recalled the incredible commitment that Cassin has shown over the years, from school initiatives and building works to hurling.

Supported by his family and friends, Principal Cassin thanked the staff and school community for making his journey an enjoyable and rewarding one. He noted how happy he was every day coming over the hill to teach the students of Listerlin and how lucky and happy the staff are working with such a supportive community.

As the community enjoyed tea, cakes and sandwiches, they were entertained by Scoil Mholainges talented Irish dancers in the school hall. To end an incredible evening, Principal Cassin took to the large school hurling field as the school league referee for one last time.

The two teams were managed by Scoil Mholainges past pupils and u-20 Kilkenny players Danny Glennon and Lar Murphy.

League medals were presented by past pupil and Kilkenny player Walter Walsh. The school wishes Principal Cassin a happy and healthy retirement. Go neiri an bothar leat.
Shane Reti announced:

In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. The previous governments botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without urgent action, will lead to an estimated deficit of $1.4 billion by the end of 2024/25  despite this Governments record investment in health of $16.68 billion in this years Budget, Dr Reti says. Health NZ first reported a deteriorating financial position to me in March 2024, despite earlier repeated assurances by the organisation that it was on target to make savings in 2023/24. In the months since, the situation has worsened. Health NZ is currently overspending at the rate of approximately $130 million a month. Thats why today I am announcing the appointment of Professor Lester Levy, the recently appointed Chair of Health NZ, as Commissioner for a 12-month term. This is the strongest ministerial intervention available under the Pae Ora Act and not a decision I have taken lightly, however the magnitude of the issue requires such action. The issues at Health NZ stem from the previous governments mismanaged health reforms, which resulted in an overly centralised operating model, limited oversight of financial and non-financial performance, and fragmented administrative data systems which were unable to identify risks until it was too late.

This decision is no surprise, and the reasons why are multiple.

The merger was not what was recommended

The Heather Simpson review did not recommend merging all 20 DHBs into one monoithic entity. She recommended moving to 8 to 12 DHBs.

Labour ignored this and decided to do in health what they did to the polytechnic sector, and try and centralise everything.

The timing was awful

Deciding to try and do the largest possible reform of the health system during a global pandemic was nuts. Even if the decision was correct in principle (and it wasnt), it should have not been implemented during a period where the health system was struggling just to cope.

Top level governance and management was needed

A world class CE would be needed to pull off a merger of 20 DHBs and 80,000 staff. The CE appointed had merely been CE of a DHB for three years. I have no reason to think they were not a good DHB CE, but what Health NZ needed was someone with massive experience in change management and leadership.

There were some good people on the Health NZ board, but a board can only act collectively through formal meetings. This is partially why they changed Lester Levy from a Board Chair to a Commissioner. Effectively Levy is now the Executive Chair, and the CEO is more akin to a COO.

The merger added many layers of bureaucracy

Rather than reduce management jobs, the merger has increased them. For example each DHB used to have a CIO. Id almost guarantee you they are all still there (maybe different titles) but now they will have above them a Regional CIO, then a Deputy CIO and a NZ CIO.

The PM has said in some areas there are 14 layers between the patient and the CE. Decisions that used to be made locally quickly now go up to Wellington and wind their way through multiple layers. They have both regional and national bureaucracies on top of what was in each DHB,

Costs can exceed savings for many many years

In theory one HR/payroll system is better than having 20. But when you already have 20 operating then, you need to build what may be an entirely new system with bespoke design that can cope with the requirements of all 20 former DHBs. This will cost a huge amount, and at the same time you need to maintain all the existing systems, and then work out a transition plan which can also be highly costly and disruptive.

Health spending is increasing not decreasing

The problems with HealthNZ are not due to National not increasing funding.

In 2019 real health spending per capita was $3,610 (on 2017$). In 2023/24 it was $4,270 and in 2024/25 it will be $4,330.

As a percentage of GDP health spending was 5.74% in 2019, 6.82% in 2023/24 and projected to be 6.90% in 2024.25.

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Entrepreneur invigorates toothbrush company in Yangzhou, E China's Jiangsu

People's Daily Online) 10:28, July 22, 2024

A staff member uses computer imaging to inspect toothbrush samples in the workshop of Yangzhou Minsheng Brush Industry Co., Ltd., located in Hangji township of Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Hantian)

Equipped with a dust-proof hat and gown, Zhang Degang adjusts an electronic microscope, his eyes fixed on a computer screen displaying images.

The screen displays rows of fine, neatly rounded filaments. If bristles are too long, they wont clean effectively; if too short, they become stiff and may injure the gums. Zhang explains.

Zhang is the head of Yangzhou Minsheng Brush Industry Co., Ltd. Fifteen years ago, Zhang took over a struggling toothbrush factory from his father in his hometown of Hangji township in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, embarking on his entrepreneurial journey.

Zhangs journey has not been without challenges. Early on, when servicing a German client, Zhang was unable to meet the standards demanded regarding production materials and workshop cleanliness. It was a stark lesson for Zhang.

Since then, Zhang has taken steps to upgrade the production workshop to meet international standards. In August 2013, his company became one of the first companies in Hangji to reach optimal cleanliness standards.

Hangji township, spanning 40 square kilometers, houses thousands of toothbrush manufacturers, earning it the nickname Toothbrush capital of China. On average, nearly 20 million toothbrushes are produced here each day, contributing to an annual output value surpassing 13 billion yuan (about $1.79 billion). This accounts for over 80 percent of the domestic market share and more than 35 percent of the global market share.

Photo shows a smart production workshop of Yangzhou Minsheng Brush Industry Co., Ltd., located in Hangji township of Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Hantian)

As market saturation approached, the township initiated four development projects focused on technology, energy conservation, eco-friendliness, and smart manufacturing, with a goal of encouraging toothbrush companies to transform through innovation and digitalization.

In a smart production workshop of the company, a row of injection molding machines automatically feed melted plastic pellets that are pressed into handles. Once requiring four to five workers per machine, the entire injection molding workshop now operates with only three employees.

Zhang credits this efficiency to the application of programming technology and the integration of intelligent equipment with digital systems.

In the company's exhibition room, over 30 patent certificates are neatly presented.

A wall in a toothbrush museum showcases local toothbrush brands in Hangji township of Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Gao Chao)

"This toothbrush is made from starch that biodegrades within two years," said Zhang, introducing a recently launched product.

He believes that the key to future breakthroughs lies in special toothbrushes that are eco-friendly and cater to specific cleaning needs like antibacterial properties, replaceable brush heads and denture cleaning.

From inheriting a small workshop to becoming the head of a provincial-level technologically advanced enterprise, Zhang has been at the forefront of the transformation of Hangjis toothbrush industry and is filled with confidence for future innovations.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with his Albanian counterpart, Igli Hasani, on Monday and discussed ways of enhancing cooperation on security, new technologies and the overall economy, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

During the meeting in Seoul, Cho expressed hope for stronger relations with Albania on a wide range of issues, such as cyber security, artificial intelligence and other advanced technology sectors, as South Korea is working to boost cooperation with major European nations in the arms industry and nuclear sectors, among other fields.

Cho also called for the two nations to work more closely regarding joint responses to growing cross-border security threats.

Hasani noted the importance of bilateral relations, particularly in terms of the economy and information and technology, and voiced expectations for brisk business-to-business exchanges and stronger ties in the culture and tourism industries.

Cho stressed the need for stronger unity of the international community to sternly deal with the military ties between North Korea and Russia in violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban arms transfers to North Korea.

Hasani pledged to join global efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, according to the ministry.

The Albanian minister arrived here on Sunday for a five-day stay, and it marked the first official visit by the European country's top envoy since 2011. (Yonhap)
South Korea Pavilion to debut Aug. 8

By Ko Dong-hwan

Alibaba.com will launch a new business-to-business (B2B) online platform next month dedicated to Korean small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), aimed at supporting their businesses and boosting their sales to consumers around the world, its vice president and regional office head said, Monday.

Alibaba.com, China's largest online marketplace, is the groups B2B-specializing subsidiary.

According to the group, the new platform, named South Korea Pavilion, will debut on Aug. 8. It will help Korean SMEs promote their products to global online markets, which have so far remained unreachable for many companies due to limitations in their business networks and marketing tools. The group pointed out that, as a result of these disadvantages, SMEs have turned to local Korean markets and conventional offline approaches for their operations.

Vice President Andrew Zheng of Alibaba.com said the company aims to hitch some 5,000 Korean SMEs to the global e-commerce market.

Alibaba Groups multiple e-commerce platforms, including Alibaba.com, will use each of their unique business advantages to promote Korean SMEs and their brands, Zheng said in a press conference in Seoul.

Marco Yang, head of Alibaba.com Korea who accompanied Zheng, also said, I would like to highlight that weve never launched a single e-commerce B2B platform dedicated to a specific Asian country until now."

Alibaba Groups latest move comes as its e-commerce B2B platforms, such as Taobao, Tmall and Lazada, helped some 7,600 Korean brands generate 34.3 trillion won ($24.7 billion) in sales from consumers in China and Southeast Asia from 2020 to 2023. Alibaba.com, during the same period, attracted over 2,550 Korean SMEs. Last year alone, the Korean companies generated some 610,000 transactions altogether that led to exports worth 130 billion won.

Alibaba Group, which also runs business-to-customer (B2C) e-commerce platform AliExpress, said that some 100 million Chinese consumers purchased Korean SMEs products through Taobao and Tmall each year from 2020 to 2023, adding that this shows how popular Korean products are in China.

The company said that beauty products made in Korea have been particularly popular among global consumers who shopped on Alibaba's online platforms. Brazil has shown the highest growth rate of purchases in this category in the past few years at 260 percent, followed by Germany at 253 percent and India at 95 percent.

A major portion of purchases made in Alibaba e-commerce platforms comes from Chinese tourists to Korea, according to Zheng.

Fliggy, an online travel booking platform run by Alibaba Group, saw some 1 million Chinese tourists visit Seoul last year. The group said that those tourists especially spur consumption of Korean products through online platforms.

Chinese consumers experience Korean brands and products through travel, Zheng said.

Returning home, they tend to purchase the same or similar Korean products on cross-border e-commerce platforms. They generate sales both inside and outside Korea.

Playauto, a Korean e-commerce solution provider, has joined in developing South Korea Pavilion. It introduced a Korean-English simultaneous translation application programming interface function for the platform that allows Korean sellers to expand globally without language barriers.
Moscow ally Belarus's foreign minister will on Tuesday go to North Korea, a pariah state with which Russia has strengthened ties, for a three-day visit, the Belarusian foreign ministry said.

"On 23-25 July 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, will pay an official return visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK," the ministry said in a statement in English, referring to the acronym of North Korea's official name.

Russia used Belarus as a launchpad for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The European Union last month agreed new sanctions on Belarus over the Ukraine war.

Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU had already targeted Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko's government with repeated rounds of sanctions over its crackdown on protests.

The 27-nation bloc has hit Russia with unprecedented sanctions over its war on Ukraine.

In June, Russian leader Vladimir Putin made his first visit to isolated North Korea in 24 years and signed a strategic treaty with leader Kim Jong-un that included a commitment to come to each other's aid if attacked.

Washington and its allies accuse North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war, and the new treaty has fuelled fears of more deliveries. (AFP)
The nominee to head the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Monday that he is cautious about allowing corporations to hold bank accounts for transactions of cryptocurrencies.

Kim Byoung-hwan, a former vice finance minister who was nominated as the FSC chief earlier this month, made the remarks at a parliamentary session, in response to a lawmaker's question that Korea needs to allow cryptocurrency accounts for corporations.

"Taking into consideration the chaos we have experienced in the virtual asset market in the past, the current policy should prioritize investor protection," Kim told lawmakers.

Kim said there should be consideration about "whether the permission for corporations or institutions would be appropriate."

Asked by another lawmaker about whether Korea should allow transactions of spot bitcoin exchange traded funds, Kim also took a cautious tone, replying that financial authorities "need to look at the financial market stability and the impact on financial institutions." (Yonhap)
By Baek Byung-yeul

Naver Webtoon celebrated the 10th anniversary of its global expansion with an offline event in Taiwan last weekend, gathering local creators, partners and fans altogether. The online comics provider said Monday that it will also hold a similar event in the United States this month.

On Saturday and Sunday in Taipei, Naver Webtoon held a 10th anniversary celebration for Line Webtoon, its overseas service platform, featuring five popular webtoon creators from Korea and Taiwan.

According to data from Data.ai, a mobile app market analysis platform, Line Webtoon ranked first in cumulative sales and monthly active users among webtoon platforms in Taiwan for the first half of this year.

Notably, Kim Na-young, whose pen name is Yaongyi, creator of the popular webtoon "True Beauty" with over 6.4 billion global views, and Jeon Seon-wook, known for the webtoon "Free Draw" which gained great popularity in Taiwan, attended the event.

"It's been 10 years since I debuted as a webtoon creator. When I started, I never thought I could make money drawing webtoons, but thanks to Naver Webtoon's revenue sharing system, I've been able to earn an unimaginable income in my life. I'm greatly honored and grateful to meet global fans like this," Jeon told fans at the event.

Line Webtoon began its Chinese language service in July 2014. Naver Webtoon also has nurtured amateur creators residing outside the Chinese-speaking region such as Spain and Malaysia, as it has enabled creators to showcase their works through the amateur platform Webtoon Canvas.

Naver Webtoon said that local works discovered by Line Webtoon are also achieving success in secondary creative businesses such as video adaptations and games.

Mlizard, creator of "If I hadn't met," the first Taiwanese original work to have both TV series and movie rights sold, shared her experiences participating in various competitions.

"Line Webtoon's Canvas, competitions and webtoon artist development programs are providing many opportunities for Taiwanese creators dreaming of becoming webtoon artists," Mlizard said.

Naver Webtoon added its English service Webtoon will participate in the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) from July 25 to 28, holding an event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its global expansion.
By Lee Kyung-min

While the number of female marriage immigrants has surged in Korea, they often face hurdles trying to identify a source of income. ARDR Cooperative head Shin Seon-hwa said the entity provides work opportunities for female marriage immigrants in Korea, enriching their sense of empowerment and dignity through economic activity.

ARDR Cooperative was established in 2021 in Bomun-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul, with a mission of supporting economic independence for marriage immigrants in Korea. The members are from Bolivia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Columbia and Mexico, among others. Their fabric goods and fashion accessories are made from recycled materials and biodegradable.

We take great pride in the products we make that are of high quality and are eco-friendly. We hope to fortify the reach of our initiative and share the importance of hard work, no matter the circumstances, she said.

The commitment of strong conviction and solidarity led Shin to participate in the fourth round of My Future, My Business, a social contribution program jointly organized by the Korea Foundation for Women (KFW) and J.P. Morgan. It was launched in 2015 to empower female small-business owners and bolster their economic independence.

Over 40 women made the list to join this years program through July. They underwent training on the technical operations of their websites and marketing strategies.

Goods we make are of great quality, as recognized by many of our customers. We seek strong sales online and offline, a task made less daunting thanks to the program," Shin said.

Previous sales were limited to government purchases using discretionary spending of taxpayers money overseen by the Seongbuk District Office.

However, the head now aims higher, as envisioned and advanced by more sophisticated member-generated content and promotional campaigns on social media accounts.

We made sales of 30 million won ($21,641) last year. I hope this year will be a lot more promising. I have faith in what we do.
North Korea said Monday the United States and South Korea have never stopped their joint military drills against the North since the signing of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, claiming that they are crossing a red line of a new nuclear war.

The Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper, raised public awareness against the U.S. ahead of the 71st anniversary of the signing of the armistice on July 27, celebrated as Victory Day in North Korea.

"The enemies' madness of aggression and war has never been stopped," the newspaper reported, insisting that Seoul and Washington have staged war drills against the North without pause since the signing of the armistice.

"They are now crossing a red line of a new world nuclear warfare without hesitation," it said.

South Korea's unification ministry refuted the claims, saying that it is not surprising for North Korea to play the victim while it was the one that invaded with support from the Soviet Union and China.

"The past 70 years have seen South Korea achieve unparalleled freedom, democracy, and economic growth, which is impossible to compare with that of North Korea, and which the entire world witnesses," Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry, said at a regular press briefing.

North Korea has long denounced Seoul-Washington joint military exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion, though the allies said such drills are defensive in nature.

Against this backdrop, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has strengthened the country's nuclear deterrence that can end this protracted war forever, the newspaper claimed.

The Korean War, which started with an invasion by the North, ended with the Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. Since 1996, North Korea has celebrated the armistice signing date as Victory Day, claiming that it won the war against the U.S.

Last year, North Korea held a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary by inviting then Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong.

With their presence at the parade, the North apparently aimed to show its solidarity with Beijing and Moscow, which backed Pyongyang during the Cold War-era conflict, as Seoul, Washington and Tokyo were bolstering three-way security cooperation. (Yonhap)
Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov has visited North Korea for the first time, his office said Monday, marking another sign of burgeoning ties between the two countries.

Krasnov was greeted by a representative of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office upon arrival at the airport in Pyongyang, according to a statement posted on the office's website.

Although the Russian and North Korean prosecutors' offices have maintained relations since signing a cooperation agreement in December 2010, this is the first visit by a chief Russian prosecutor to North Korea.

In Pyongyang, Krasnov will meet with his North Korean counterpart and discuss issues of bilateral cooperation with other officials, it said.

The two countries have expanded cooperation in various sectors following Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to Pyongyang last month for summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may try to rekindle his "bromance" with former President Donald Trump if he returns to the White House, a former U.S. official said Monday, predicting Kim could propose a deal to limit his regime's nuclear program in return for American troops' pullout from South Korea.

H.R. McMaster, who served as national security advisor for Trump from 2017-2018, made the remarks amid speculation that the GOP presidential nominee, if reelected, could seek direct diplomacy with Kim in pursuit of a peace deal.

During his nomination acceptance speech last week, Trump boasted about his personal ties with Kim and signaled his apparent desire to reengage with the North Korean leader.

"I think if Donald Trump is elected president, what you're going to see right away is Kim Jong-un trying to rekindle their bromance," McMaster said during an online chat hosted by the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

"Then what he's going to do right after that is he's going to say, 'Hey, I've got a deal for you. I'm going to satisfy your impulse toward retrenchment, and in exchange for U.S. forces leaving the peninsula and just letting me have only just a few nukes, I will stop my long-range ballistic missile program, and I'll limit my nuclear program,'" he added.

The former White House official stressed that Kim may angle for an agreement like the Iranian nuclear deal that Washington withdrew from during Trump's presidency in 2018.

"He's going to hope to get something like an Iran nuclear deal  a terrible deal for the United States. He won't get that from a Trump administration, but he's posturing himself for that," he said.

Though Trump, if reelected, could seek to complete the unfinished business of addressing the North Korean quandary, uncertainty remains over whether Pyongyang would accede to any U.S. outreach at a time when it is deepening cooperation with Moscow in the midst of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Touching on a deepening military alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang, McMaster said that what Kim wants is to "break out of isolation."

"Russia has helped him do that with providing the energy needs for North Korea. This let up a lot of pressure on North Korea," he said.

He claimed that North Korea, Russia and China want to push the U.S. "out of critical regions."

"What you hear over and over again is this mantra of getting the U.S. out of these regions so China can establish an exclusionary area of primacy across the Indo-Pacific, North Korea can get the U.S. off the peninsula as the first step in unifying the Korean peninsula," he said.

"What Iran wants to do is again to extend his hegemonic influence, and Russia wants to reestablish itself as a great power and reestablish the Russian Empire."

On the issue of defense cost-sharing with allies, he stressed Trump's argument against "free riding."

"This is where President Trump has had a very strong argument: Americans don't want people free-riding on their largesse," he said.

He pointed to South Korea and Japan as burden-sharing examples.

"South Korea, for example, has a very robust defense capability as (it is) increasing their defense spending," he said. "Both of those countries defray the cost of U.S. forces such that if you were to move those U.S. forces to the United States, you would pay three or four times more as taxpayers to sustain those forces and their facilities." (Yonhap)
The science ministry said Monday it will invest 1.2 trillion won ($863.7 million) into the development of technologies for nuclear fusion.

"Fusion power can be a solution to the rising concerns surrounding energy and greater electricity demand, and in the future, only the country with fusion power technology will be able to lead the global energy market," Science Minister Lee Jong-ho said in a statement.

Nuclear fusion power is considered a promising option for generating cleaner and safer energy for the future as it does not have carbon emissions and produces less radioactive waste than fission. (Yonhap)
Gov't-initiated bill to include right to use drugs to end pregnancy

By Jung Min-ho

The Korean government is seeking to grant access to abortion pills, as officials plan to include the right to using such drugs in their legislation bill, The Korea Times learned, Monday.

An official who has direct knowledge of the issue at the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that pregnant womens right to medication abortion, or non-surgical abortion, would be encompassed in a government bill expected to be drafted in the coming months.

Legally guaranteeing access to the abortion drug is important, the official said. The direction of our legislative efforts is to guarantee the right for individuals to choose between surgical and non-surgical abortion methods, as both options offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Giving women full access to abortion pills requires a substantial revision of the related laws and administrative rules, including a law that allows abortion only with the consent of a physician and another one that prohibits advertising such drugs to the public.

Matters such as who decides whether women should take abortion pills and where to buy them are expected to be discussed further at the National Assembly once we submit the bill, hopefully soon, the official said.

The bill is being drafted collaboratively by three government departments  the ministries of health, drug safety and justice  as they aim to enact laws necessary to protect women and unborn babies. Following the Constitutional Court's 2019 ruling that the country's abortion ban was unconstitutional, abortion has remained in a legal gray area, with no successful legislative efforts to address the issue.

No abortion pills have been approved in Korea. But officials at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently said Mifegymiso, a combination product containing two drugs (mifepristone and misoprostol), is now under their review for approval.

As the government works to include the right to access abortion drugs in a legislative bill, it is likely that more pharmaceutical companies will follow Linepharma, the developer of Mifegymiso, in seeking approval to sell their products in Korea.

All previous legislative efforts to address abortion have failed largely due to the sensitive and polarizing nature of the issue. However, recent controversies, including a YouTube video where a woman claimed to have had an abortion at nine months, may soon give new momentum to these efforts.

Facts regarding the case are still being investigated by police. Meanwhile, Hwang Woo-yea, the interim leader of the People Power Party, seized on the recent YouTube video controversy during a July 18 meeting to advocate for bipartisan legislative efforts focused on safeguarding the rights of women and their unborn babies.

Given that even an abortion of a 22-week-old fetus or older cannot be penalized (under the current law), Im urging both parties to step up efforts for legislation, Hwang said. The legal system must protect both the fetus's right to life and the mother's right to self-determination, recognizing that both rights are equally important.

The central issue in the abortion debate has previously been  and will likely continue to be  drawing a clear legal line: At what point in a pregnancy is it too late to receive an abortion?

In its previous bill proposed to the Assembly, the government sought to revise relevant laws to allow the procedure up to 14 weeks for any reason and up to 24 weeks in cases of rape or serious health risks posed to the mother, among others.

That bill provoked intense and polarized reactions. Some pro-choice politicians and activists called for the complete decriminalization of abortion, while some conservative groups vowed to fight any moves to legalize the artificial termination of pregnancy.
Tae Yong-ho, new secretary general of the presidential advisory council on unification, on Monday vowed efforts to let North Koreans understand South Korea's efforts to craft a peaceful unification vision based on a national consensus.

Tae, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to Britain, was appointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol last week as the chief of the secretariat of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.

He has become the first North Korean defector to serve in the deputy ministerial post since the council was established in 1980.

At the inaugural ceremony, Tae accused North Korea of increasing animosity toward South Korea and denying efforts to pursue a peaceful unification, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other."

Against this backdrop, Tae said he will do his best to provide good policy proposals to Yoon and build a national consensus on unification. South Korea is working on a new unification initiative based on liberal democracy.

"I will also do my best to let North Korean people get to know the national consensus (on unification) built from the bottom," Tae said.

He said his appointment to the post sent a message to North Korea that South Korea has a firm commitment to seeking peaceful unification with North Korea.

Tae fled to South Korea in 2016 in a high-profile defection by a ranking North Korean diplomat. He was elected in the affluent district of Gangnam in Seoul in 2020 as a lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party but failed to secure a second term in the April parliamentary elections. (Yonhap)
Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun on Monday expressed gratitude to Ivan Jancarek, the Czech ambassador to Seoul, for Prague's selection of the Korean consortium as the preferred bidder for the European nation's nuclear plant project.

Ahn made the remark during a meeting with Jancarek in Seoul, along with representatives from business lobby groups, and called for close bilateral cooperation for the successful implementation of the project, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Last week, the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was selected as the preferred bidder for a nuclear power project in the Czech Republic estimated at 24 trillion won ($17.2 billion), paving the way for closer bilateral economic and industrial ties.

"Thanks to the Czech government's unbiased bidding procedures and reasonable evaluation, the competitiveness of Korea's nuclear energy sector has been recognized once again worldwide," Ahn said, expressing hope for developing a collaborative ecosystem with Prague.

If finalized, the deal will mark Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant project since it won the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009.

Ahn added that the project also reflected the two countries' trust-based relationship built through 34 years of diplomatic ties.

"We wish to develop a comprehensive cooperative system that encompasses not only the construction of nuclear reactors but also extends to other key areas, such as expert education, technology development, projects in third countries, and the small modular reactor sector," Ahn said.

Korea currently aims to advance into the broader European nuclear energy market on the back of its latest achievement in the Czech Republic.

The industry minister also vowed to discuss the progress of the nuclear reactor project frequently and utilize the opportunity to expand bilateral economic ties "comprehensively and extensively."

The two sides are expected to sign a deal around March 2025, with construction planned to start in 2029 and the trial operation of the first new reactor set for 2036, according to officials. (Yonhap)
South Korea conducted anti-Pyongyang broadcasts through its border loudspeakers in full-scale for the second day Monday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, amid tensions over the North's launches of trash-carrying balloons into the South.

The military began the daily anti-Pyongyang broadcasts at 6 a.m. for a 16-hour run after turning them on all the fronts Sunday in response to the North's repeated launches of the balloons, according to the JCS.

The latest broadcast is said to have included news of multiple North Korean troops killed in recent mine explosions while installing them within the North's side of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas and a defection of a North Korean diplomat to South Korea.

North Korea has launched the trash balloons toward the South over nine occasions since late May, including some 500 such balloons Sunday, in a tit-for-tat retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets that North Korean defectors in the South send to the North using balloons.

Of the North's latest launched balloons, some 240 of them landed in South Korea, largely carrying pieces of paper, according to the JCS.

South Korea restarted anti-Pyongyang broadcasts on June 9 for the first time in six years due to the North's balloon campaign but had switched them off the next day in an apparent bid to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

It resumed partially operating the loudspeakers daily since Thursday before expanding them in full scale Sunday.

The military is considering measures to expand the broadcasts if the North continues to launch the balloons or undertake other forms of provocative acts against the South.

"We operated fixed speakers at all sections yesterday and will also turn on mobile speakers going forward," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun told a briefing. "As of 1 p.m. Sunday, we had lifted all restrictions on propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts."

The military is believed to deploy 24 fixed loudspeakers, audible up to 24 kilometers during nighttime, and 16 portable speakers, with a greater range, in front-line areas.

While the JCS spokesperson did not elaborate on the details of the broadcasts, Lee said they comprise "contents that are beneficial to North Korean residents and soldiers as well as those promoting our system."

North Korea has bristled against the loudspeaker campaign, as well as anti-Pyongyang leaflets, on fears that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim Jong-un regime.

In 2014, the two Koreas exchanged machine gun fire across the border after the North apparently tried to shoot down balloons carrying propaganda leaflets critical of North Korea.

North Korea blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in the North's border town of Kaesong in 2020 in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent via balloons by North Korean defectors in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The defense chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan will hold talks in Tokyo next week to discuss issues such as strengthening their trilateral security cooperation in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, the South's defense ministry said Monday.

The gathering scheduled for Sunday comes amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's repeated launches of trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea in a tit-for-tat retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets that North Korean defectors in the South send to the North using balloons.

In response, South Korea conducted anti-Pyongyang broadcasts through its border loudspeakers in full-scale for the second day Monday

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Minoru Kihara, will assess the regional security situation and North Korea's threats as well as ways to step up their three-way security cooperation and institutionalize such efforts, according to the ministry.

Bilateral talks between the defense chiefs of South Korea and the U.S., and South Korea and Japan will take place on the sidelines of the trilateral meeting, it added.

The defense chiefs last met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore in June, where they agreed on strengthening security cooperation against evolving North Korean threats and launching their first-ever trilateral multidomain Freedom Edge exercise. The exercise wrapped up in late June. (Yonhap)
Police have referred eight people to the prosecution for indictment on charges of disclosing the personal information of rapists behind a notorious gang rape case in the southern city of Miryang 20 years ago.

The identity disclosures were seen as an act of taking the law into their own hands in the gang rape case that sparked massive public outrage amid perceptions that the assailants were not properly punished due in part to their young ages.

The case dates back to 2004 when 44 high school students gang raped five girls, two of them middle school students and the three others high school girls. But the perpetrators were either spared from indictment after settlement with the victims or punished only with juvenile penalties that leave no criminal record.

The case was recently brought to public attention again after several YouTube channels disclosed the identities of the perpetrators in the case, raising concerns over private punishment without resorting to the due process of law.

Since then, those featured in the videos filed a complaint against the YouTubers and bloggers, accusing them of defamation by publishing their personal information without permission.

On Monday, the police referred eight people to the prosecution on related charges.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency had received a total of 469 complaints on this case as of last week, and of them, 192 people are considered subjects of questioning, officials said. (Yonhap)
Feud deepens between prosecutor general, probe team in charge of Kim Keon Hee's case

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Prosecutor General Lee One-seok said, Monday, he believes there was "preferential treatment" in the prosecutions Saturday questioning of first lady Kim Keon Hee over her luxury handbag scandal and alleged involvement in a stock manipulation case.

He admitted that holding the questioning behind closed doors outside the prosecutors office undermines the rule of law and apologized to the public for this lapse.

The questioning of the first lady highlighted a significant clash between the top prosecutor and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, as the prosecutor general was kept in the dark about the interrogation until 10 hours after it had begun.

Since taking office, I have repeatedly said the law does not favor the rich and powerful. I have said there are no exceptions, preferential treatment or sanctuary before the law, but these principles were not observed in the questioning of the presidents wife. I deeply apologize to the citizens, Lee told reporters on his way to work.

His remarks came after the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, responsible for the investigation, questioned Kim in person over the weekend at a government building instead of the prosecutors office. This decision, apparently made for safety and security reasons, contradicted the top prosecutors earlier promise not to offer preferential treatment to the first lady, including avoiding secretive summons or non-standard questioning locations.

Lee confirmed that he was not notified in advance about the questioning of the first lady. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office explained that the questioning on the stock manipulation allegations took place first, a procedure which, according to a 2020 order from the justice minister at the time, was not required to be reported to the top prosecutor. The questioning related to the handbag scandal began after 9 p.m., and Lee was informed only as the session was nearing its end.

I wasnt informed about the process of [Kims] investigation. I take responsibility for not properly leading the prosecutors office. I will spare no efforts to uphold the constitutional principle that all are equal before the law during the remaining legal procedures involving the first lady, Lee said, hinting that he will not step down over the issue. The prosecutor generals two-year term expires in mid-September.

Feud among prosecutors

The questioning highlighted an ongoing feud between the prosecutor general and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office. The conflict began in May when Lee Chang-soo, a close confidant of President Yoon Suk Yeol, was appointed as the new head of the Seoul office, leading to the replacement of senior prosecutors involved in Kims case. This decision came a week after the prosecutor general had ordered the establishment of a dedicated investigation team to focus on allegations involving the first lady.

The prosecutor general indirectly revealed his discomfort with the reshuffle by remaining silent for about seven seconds with an expression of agony when reporters asked if he was at odds with the presidential office over the shakeup of senior prosecutors.

Regarding the prosecutor general's remarks that principles were not observed in Kim's questioning, an official at the presidential office said it was a matter of the prosecutions internal affairs.

A presidential office official countered claims that the first ladys closed-door questioning was preferential treatment by saying, It was unprecedented for a sitting presidents first lady to be summoned for face-to-face questioning. The accusation of preferential treatment is therefore baseless.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) accused the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) of abusing their power to grant the first lady special treatment in the legal system.

Yoon and the ruling PPP undermined the rule of law, ignored the procedures, and made controversial moves to help the first lady escape her accountability, DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly.

"The prosecutors attitude of voluntarily bowing down before power shows that they have no intention of investigating Kim fairly. The DPK will expedite the special counsel probe bill so the Assembly can investigate her allegations properly without granting special treatment or sanctuary.
The state anti-corruption agency said Monday it has decided to ease restrictions on the price of meals served to public officials and relevant individuals.

Under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, often called the Kim Young-ran law, public officials and individuals in specific roles, such as journalists and private school teachers, are not allowed to be served meals worth more than 30,000 won ($21.61) per person.

But the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced the decision to raise the ceiling to 50,000 won amid growing calls for hikes from small business owners and restaurant owners to better reflect the current reality and to boost domestic consumption.

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo have raised the need for its adjustment.

The revision is not subject to parliamentary approval and the commission plans to pre-announce the revision of the enforcement ordinance as early as Tuesday.

There also have been calls for doubling the upper limit of agricultural and livestock product gifts from the current 150,000 won, but the commission decided to have further discussions on the matter, according to officials.

The law came into effect in 2016 after being pushed for by Kim Young-ran, former commission chief, as part of efforts to root out corruption and boost transparency in the public realm. (Yonhap)
Symbolic compensation of 300,000 won marks significant recognition of infringement on basic rights

By KTimes

A court has ruled that police advising an LGBTQ+ individual, who was undergoing the process of gender correction and changing their resident registration number, to avoid using public restrooms for a period constitutes an infringement of personal rights.

The court's decision highlights the illegality of such remarks, noting that they fail to consider the reality faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who often struggle with using public restrooms due to societal scrutiny.

The Seoul Central District Court (presiding judge Chung In-jae) dismissed an appeal and ruled partially in favor of plaintiff A in a damages lawsuit against the state.

Neither party appealed the decision, making it final on July 2. The court awarded 300,000 won ($240) in damages, recognizing a portion of the 3 million won claim.

In 2020, the plaintiff A received court approval to change their gender from male to female on the family register.

During the process of changing their resident registration number, A inquired with the police "about the potential issues of using women's public restrooms and presenting a gender correction report receipt if confronted by the police."

Right to comfortably use restrooms



Officer B responded, "Avoid using public restrooms for a while. Enduring for a day or two is not that difficult and not a problem."

A viewed officer B's remark as an infringement of personal rights and filed the lawsuit. Both the first and second instances ruled in favor of A. The appellate court said, "The right to comfortably use restrooms is a fundamental and universal human right."

The court criticized officer B for not taking appropriate action to protect A's rights despite being responsible for safeguarding them.

"Given the unique situation, officer B should have provided suitable advice, suggested reasonable alternatives or at least introduced the procedure for handling reports," the court added.

Instead, the officer's inappropriate suggestion was to "hold it in and resolve it at home."

However, considering that no actual incident occurred and that the police officer received human rights education following a decision by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) before the lawsuit, the court set the compensation at 300,000 won.

Protection of minority rights



Despite the small compensation amount, the ruling is significant as public restrooms are places where LGBTQ+ individuals often face severe discrimination.

According to a 2021 survey on transgender discrimination (591 respondents) by the NHRCK, 41 percent reported using a restroom of a different gender than their identity due to fear of unfair treatment or scrutiny.

Many respondents also reported avoiding food and drinks (39 percent) or forgoing restroom use altogether (36 percent).

The judiciary has increasingly reflected this reality in its rulings. In 2021, the Pohang branch of the Daegu District Court recognized the responsibility for damages of 7 million won against an academy operator who prohibited a transgender student from using the restroom at the beauty academy they managed.

As police remarks restricting restroom use are now recognized as a human rights violation, this case is expected to set a precedent for similar future incidents.

Lawyer Park Han-hee said, "It is significant that the court viewed remarks infringing on the personal rights of LGBTQ+ individuals not as mere 'slips of the tongue' but as violations of their fundamental right to use restrooms. This is a step towards the judiciary gradually acknowledging and ensuring the protection of minority rights."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Monday slammed the prosecution for questioning first lady Kim Keon Hee at an unconventional location, calling it "privileged treatment."

The criticism came two days after the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office questioned Kim in person at an undisclosed government building outside the prosecutor's office, in connection with a luxury handbag scandal and alleged involvement in stock price manipulation involving Deutsch Motors, a BMW car dealer in Korea.

"Is Kim the 'first lady' or the 'first president'?" DPK Rep. Jung Chung-rae said during a Supreme Council meeting, pointing out that receiving an investigation at such a location is unprecedented even for former presidents.

"Since when did prosecutors become call-out service providers, or have they turned into caterers now?" he said.

Jung also called on Kim to attend an upcoming hearing in person over an online petition demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, for which she was summoned as one of the witnesses.

Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) defended the prosecution's decision as a measure in accordance with the Presidential Security Act.

During an emergency committee meeting, PPP Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig stressed that the first lady is entitled to retain security protection under the act.

"Given that there is no precedent for investigating a first lady during a president's term, conducting a disclosed investigation at a safe location was a reasonable measure," he said.

The prosecution earlier cited "security and safety concerns" for conducting Kim's questioning at an off-site location.

Kim's handbag scandal centers on allegations that she illegally received the luxury bag worth about 3 million won ($2,175) and other expensive gifts from pastor Choi Jae-young in September 2022, allegedly in exchange for favors. (Yonhap)
Ruling party members visit conservative stronghold for final rallies

By Anna J. Park

Negative campaigning in the ruling People Power Party (PPP) leadership race appears to be alienating party members and the general public, according to party observers, Monday, who fear a lower voter turnout at the party's national convention on Tuesday.

While the four candidates in the party leadership race are mired in negative tactics, utilizing personal slander and character attacks rather than discussing the party's future visions, former interim leader Han Dong-hoon has consistently maintained a leading position among the candidates.

However, there are observations that cracks in Han's dominant position are starting to show due to concentrated attacks by the other three candidates: five-term lawmakers Rep. Na Kyung-won and Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun and former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong.

On Monday, Han sought last-minute support in Gyeonggi Province, while Na and Won rallied campaigns in the southeastern Gyeongsang region, a conservative stronghold.

The candidates chose these regions for their final rallies because of their significant voting power.

While Gyeonggi Province alone constitutes about 37 percent of the conservative party's membership, Gyeongsang Province is home to about 40 percent of the conservative party members. The southeastern region has long been significant for wielding major influence in party leadership races.

When combined with the Seoul metropolitan area  including neighboring Gyeonggi Province  and the Gyeongsang provinces, these areas account for more than 80 percent of the ruling party members, making them key to determining the party leadership outcome.

Han once again urged party members to participate in the election, as he plans to solidify and maintain his strong position all the way to the end of the race.

"The PPP awaits the choice from our party members as well as the public. Your choice will change the party and the country," Han wrote on social media earlier in the day.

Na and Won, who are each competing for second and third place in the race, targeted areas in Busan and Daegu, respectively, on Monday. Meanwhile, Rep. Yoon held a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, addressing the opposition's push for an impeachment inquiry into President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The mutual attacks that have defined this leadership race continued unabated until the last day of campaign.

In a YTN radio interview earlier in the day, Na criticized Han, stating: "Han Dong-hoon is unqualified for the role of party leader. What if we end up with a party leader focused on image politics during this crisis?"

The day before, Won had also criticized Han on social media, calling him a liar and saying: "The future envisioned by someone who lacks even a sense of camaraderie is merely a selfish future."

Rep. Yoon joined the fray in a media interview earlier, accusing both Han and Won of using the convention as a stepping stone for their presidential ambitions.

Amid the mudslinging, the voter turnout among party members stood at 45.98 percent, 7.15 percentage points lower than the 53.13 percent turnout on the final day of last year's PPP National Convention.

Political pundits suggest that the current contentious nature of the convention can be understood through two main conflicting priorities held by party members in this leadership race.

"The two primary concerns for party members are: first, preventing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, and second, identifying the right candidate to rebuild conservatism. As the ideal candidate for rebuilding conservatism needs to differentiate from President Yoon and provide necessary checks on the administration, the candidates suited to prevent impeachment and those suited for rebuilding conservatism seem to be at odds with each other. This conflict has led to the negative, mudslinging tone of the convention," Eom Kyeong-young, director of the Zeitgeist Institute, a private political think tank, told The Korea Times on Monday.

He noted that Won is seen as the leading candidate to protect the president from impeachment, while Han is considered the top choice for rebuilding conservatism.

Yet, Eom added that such levels of negative campaigning and mudslinging are somewhat typical at conventions, as he pointed out that recent polls show the ruling party's approval rating rising, outpacing that of its main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) by some 10 percentage points.

"The poll results seem to suggest that the public might be showing more support for the PPP's contentious convention rather than the main opposition DPK single leadership under Lee Jae-myung," Eom said.
A parliamentary committee unilaterally passed a pro-labor bill Monday that aims to limit companies from making claims for damages against legitimate labor union disputes.

Lawmakers affiliated with the main opposition Democratic Party and other progressive parties passed the revision to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, nicknamed the yellow envelope bill, during a plenary session of the parliamentary environment and labor committee.

In protest, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) left the meeting.

Last year, the National Assembly passed the bill but President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed it given strong opposition from business lobbies and the ruling party.

The controversy dates back to May 2009, when unionized workers of SsangYong Motor staged a strike to oppose layoffs. Five years later, the Supreme Court declared the strike illegal and ordered the workers to pay 4.7 billion won ($3.6 million) in compensation to the company and the state.

Civic activists then delivered yellow envelopes with donations to support the SsangYong workers, raising the need to amend the trade union law in favor of striking workers. The revision has since been called the yellow envelope bill. (Yonhap)
By Samuel Brownback and Katrina Lantos Swett

With war underway in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and heartbreaking violence in pockets across Africa, the world looks anxiously toward Asia, fearing that the next major global crisis may arise there.

In these conflicts and elsewhere, a stark divide emerges between nations that respect the fundamental rights of their citizens and those that dont. Among the fundamental rights most often ignored by repressive governments is the right to freedom of religion or belief.

Authoritarian regimes have always feared religious freedom, and China offers the clearest example. The Chinese Communist Party makes it no secret that it views people of faith as a threat to its rule and is currently waging a campaign of genocide against the Uyghur Muslims of Xinjiang, persecuting Christians, continuing decades of unspeakable violence against Falun Gong practitioners and political oppression against Tibetan Buddhists.

Unfortunately, China is far from the only country guilty of violating the right to freedom of belief in Asia. The Rohingya of Myanmar have suffered untold atrocities, also rising to the level of genocide, at the hands of a despotic military junta bent on eliminating the ethnic and religious diversity that makes Myanmar so culturally rich.

North Korea remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for people of faith, a country where fealty to the Kim dynasty is exalted above everything  including the most basic rights of conscience, speech and association.

Authoritarian governments have shown by word and deed that they cannot coexist with the right to freedom of religion or belief. Whats more, these regimes work to export their oppressive systems outside their borders, harassing and persecuting fleeing religious minorities in countries both near and far. China leads this trend, exporting surveillance technology to its allies and extraditing religious refugees to China for punishment.

We believe that the need to protect and defend freedom of conscience rights in Asia is more important now than it ever has been before. For that reason, we have decided to host an International Religious Freedom Summit in Japan to focus on concerns across the region.

Our motto at the International Religious Freedom Summit is religious freedom for everyone, everywhere, all the time. Freedom of religion or belief is a human right protected in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a core principle of a successful democratic society.

Studies have shown that religious pluralism and respect for the dignity of every person can lead to increased stability and incredible economic potential. By actively promoting this right through foreign policy, we seek to be a voice for the millions who languish under restrictive governments and a bulwark against the expansion of religious repression.

While in Tokyo on Monday, we are building on a regional Summit in Taiwan last fall, where then-Taiwanese Vice President William Lai pledged his ongoing commitment to protect and advance religious freedom. Now Taiwans President, we are pleased to announce he will be addressing the IRF Summit Asia virtually this year.

Though we often refer to rights as inalienable or innate, history has shown the vital importance of democratic nations leading the way on protecting and advancing these rights and leading by example. This will be particularly important in Asia. When it comes to freedom of belief, we sincerely hope that Japan will assume a greater role in the struggle to protect the ability of men and women to live according to the dictates of their own conscience. As the leading democracy in the region, Japan has a duty to help safeguard fundamental human rights in Asia. This isnt about any particular religion or sect. Many of our participants will strongly disagree with one another on matters of theology. Rather it is about a mutual respect for each other and for a plurality of beliefs, including those different from our own. We must honor the freedom of others if we want our own freedoms to also be respected.

Japan can take a major step in assuming a more substantial leadership role by joining a coalition of democracies that advance the cause of religious freedom. Thirty-eight countries are members of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, but neither Japan nor South Korea are among them. Instead, they are designated a Friend of the Alliance but not a full-fledged member. The Alliance is the primary means by which democracies promote religious tolerance in foreign policy, and the absence of key democratic partners like Japan and South Korea is glaring.

The gathering in Tokyo has engaged with the critical issues that face the region and encourage greater action, especially from democratic nations that should be the standard-bearers of religious freedom. It is appropriate that we host this event in Tokyo because Japan is well-positioned to be the leader among Asian democracies in advancing this core human right. We hope Japan, with its rich tradition of leading the way in so many important areas, seizes on this opportunity to be a brighter beacon of freedom in Asia.

Samuel Brownback served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom from 2018 to 2021 and is co-chair of the IRF Summit. Katrina Lantos Swett is president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice and former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Favoritism in high-profile case under criticism

A major controversy has unfolded around the recent questioning of first lady Kim Keon Hee by prosecutors, who are examining allegations that she received a Christian Dior bag from a Korean American pastor and engaged in stock manipulation. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office disclosed on Sunday that Kim was interrogated at a confidential location for security purposes. This development marks the first instance of an incumbent first lady facing such an inquiry by prosecutors. The long-delayed investigation, which had been postponed since April 2020, has intensified concerns over the fairness and conduct of the prosecutors in the case.

The role of prosecutors cannot be overemphasized, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with crucial issues surrounding the first lady. It is imperative that they carry out a thorough and impartial investigation to completely uncover the truth without bias or favoritism. Probes should abide by proper protocols and procedures to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.

However, prosecutors failed to conduct a search-and-seizure operation against Kim and the presidential office before interrogating her, a decision seen by many as a form of special treatment. This lapse allowed Kim to evade media scrutiny during the investigation.

It is also unprecedented and improper for the interrogation to occur outside the prosecution building, contradicting Prosecutor General Lee One-seoks declaration that there would be no exception, special treatment or sanctuary before the law. Yet such actions undeniably suggest preferential treatment for Kim. Wary of the public criticism, the chief prosecutor said Monday he felt sorry for the prosecutors violating the rules in investigating Kim and will determine whether or not he will resign.

The prosecution said they questioned Kim for about 11 hours and 50 minutes from 1:30 p.m. Saturday until 1:20 a.m. Sunday. But considering time for meals, resting and reviewing materials, this duration seems insufficient for addressing two separate cases. This raises further doubts about the thoroughness and fairness of the investigation.

What matters most is the fact that the Seoul District Prosecutors Office head Lee Chang-soo did not report the case to the prosecutor general, who allegedly was furious after finding out what had happened. The breach of hierarchical norm and rules is alarming, especially since Yoon appointed Lee Chang-soo, who has been a close confidant, without discussing the matter with the current prosecutor general, highlighting a disregard for established procedures.

In this vein, Yoon cannot deflect criticism for infringing upon basic rules in appointing major prosecutors. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea vehemently condemned the prosecutions efforts to obstruct the National Assemblys plan to have Kim and her mother appear before a hearing, a key move in the process of impeaching the beleaguered president.

Earlier, a court acknowledged the first ladys involvement in the stock manipulation scandal, noting that at least three of her accounts were used to fabricate share prices, which contributed to the conviction of former Deutsch Motors Chairman Kwon Oh-soo. The court also recognized that her accounts were used in a second attempt at manipulation around October 2010.

Despite allegations of political maneuvering by a pro-North Korean liberal pastor, it is totally inappropriate for Kim to have received the luxury bag. Even candidates for leaders of the ruling People Power Party are calling on Kim to offer an apology for receiving the bag, albeit belatedly.

The prosecutors deserve criticism for failing to rigorously investigate the case involving Kim. The current probe is a kind of formality wary of the growing negative public opinion. Many believe invoking a special counsel is the only way to shed light on the various suspicions.

In February, Yoon vowed to establish an office dedicated to managing affairs related to the presidents family members, including the first lady. However, there has been no tangible progress on that promise. This inaction may cause the public to perceive the head of state as unresponsive and indifferent to their concerns. It is imperative for the administration to address these issues with transparency and impartiality in order to restore public confidence in the judicial process.
By Nam Hyun-woo

Korean firms are wary of a possible flip-flopping of U.S. programs that award subsidies to chipmakers investing in the United States, as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump continues to express negative views on such initiatives.

As U.S. President Joe Bidens exit from the 2024 presidential race heightens uncertainties surrounding the election, the Korean chipmaking industry is responding with increased caution to Trumps statements.

In an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek published last week, Trump claimed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) took about 100 percent of our chip business.

Now were giving them billions of dollars to build new chips in our country, and then theyre going to take that too, in other words, theyll build it but then theyll bring it back to their country, Trump said.

While Trumps remarks were consistent with his stance on U.S. policy toward Chinas Taiwan principle, they had a direct impact on chipmakers, resulting in a 2.4 percent decline in TSMCs stock price in Taiwan on July 16 (local time).

Korean chipmakers also seemed to be affected by the comments.

Samsung Electronics shares also slipped 5.36 percent from 87,700 won on July 16 to 83,000 won on Monday, while SK hynix stocks shed 12 percent during the same period. The two companies each suffered 1.66 percent and 2.15 percent drops on Monday alone, as Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race.

So far, Trump has not clearly expressed his position on the Biden administrations initiative to invite foreign chipmakers to invest in the U.S. through the CHIPS Act and the subsidies it provides.

Experts and domestic industry officials believe that it would be difficult for Trump to overturn chip subsidies, as they are enshrined in a law passed by the U.S. Congress. However, they are also concerned that there could be adjustments to the priorities for these subsidies between American and non-American firms, if Trump is elected.

So far, the U.S. has announced grants and loans to 13 companies across 23 projects in 14 states under the CHIPS Act. Among these, Samsung Electronics is set to receive $6.4 billion in subsidies from the Biden administration for building two new foundry facilities in Texas, which are expected to be completed by November.

In April, SK hynix also announced its plan to spend $3.87 billion to build facilities for high bandwidth memory chips in Indiana, with the goal of beginning mass production as early as 2028. Although the company has yet to break ground, it has applied for subsidies from the U.S. government.

Industry officials are taking a cautious approach to their chip strategies in response to Trumps stance, acknowledging that uncertainties are growing.

With months remaining before the presidential election, it is premature to predict whats going to happen, and it is important for companies to see how policies will unfold in detail even if Trump wins the election, an official said.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won also said in a press conference on Friday that it is difficult to imagine and predict what actions he (Trump) might take if elected.

The chairman said, If the subsidies are withdrawn, we may need to revisit the investment plans for SK hynixs plant in Indiana from the ground up, while acknowledging that a clear answer wont emerge until after the election and into next spring.

Another industry official noted that while uncertainties are growing rapidly, the chances of Korean chipmakers withdrawing their investments in the U.S. are very slim, given the American dominance in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and the fundamental similarities between Trumps and Bidens economic policies.
US firm aims to develop lithium-free battery with high energy density

By Park Jae-hyuk

An Indian American entrepreneur running a battery startup in Massachusetts claimed that sodium-ion and all-solid-state batteries are not suitable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries in terms of reducing risks of fire and explosion.

Mukesh Chatter, the founder and CEO of Alsym Energy, told The Korea Times in a recent interview that Alsym Green, his companys lithium-free battery using a water-based electrolyte, will be a better option, once its development is finished.

Alsym Greens materials are inherently non-flammable and non-toxic, and made using readily available materials with robust, uncomplicated supply chains, he said.

It is the only non-flammable stationary storage option that is truly suitable for urban areas, and is also an attractive option for warmer equatorial regions.

His remarks came after a deadly lithium battery plant fire here last month raised global concerns about the safety of batteries containing lithium.

Although single-use lithium batteries caused the fire at Aricells lithium battery plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, fears are lingering among consumers over the safety of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used for electric vehicles (EVs), mobile phones, laptops and energy storage systems (ESS).

After a local fire department suggested that the factorys 23 workers died primarily from the inhalation of toxic smoke from the burning materials, rather than direct burn injuries, the toxicity of minerals used in lithium-ion batteries is also drawing attention.

Lithium-ion batteries provide high energy density in small footprints, but concerns about fires and explosions in stationary storage applications have the potential to slow the clean energy transition, the Alsym Energy CEO said.

Toxicity is a concern, with lithium-ion capable of producing deadly hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide gases.

In response to growing worries, global battery firms have tried to develop alternative products.

EcoPro recently developed cathode materials for lithium-free sodium-ion batteries. LG, Samsung and SK are ramping up efforts for the mass production of all-solid-state batteries using solid-state electrolytes that can reduce the risks of fire and explosion.

Chatter, however, pointed out that those batteries cannot eliminate fire risks completely.

Most sodium-ion batteries that have been announced use the same flammable organic electrolyte solvents that are found in lithium-ion batteries, he said.

They may be less prone to fires and explosions resulting from internal short circuits but will have many of the same fire and explosion risks as lithium-ion when heated, abused or damaged.

The U.S. firms chief added that sodium-ion batteries are not suitable for use in stationary storage or mobility applications due to very low energy densities.

Regarding all-solid-state batteries, he pointed out their high costs, which can make them non-viable for large scale applications such as grid storage.

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories in the U.S. have also warned that solid-state batteries are still likely to catch fire or explode if crushed or punctured, he said.

In contrast, Alsym cells pose no risk of fire or explosion in any situation.

Alsym Energy seeks to come up with samples for Alsym Green during the first quarter of next year and start production in commercial volume by early 2026, based on investments from venture capital firms including General Catalyst, Thrive Capital and Thomvest, as well as strategic investors such as Tata.

Chatter emphasized that Alsym Green offers higher energy density than other non-flammable batteries.

We use inherently non-flammable and non-toxic materials, and our electrolyte is water-based, he said.

One electrode is primarily manganese oxide, and the second electrode is primarily a different mixed metal oxide. We also use a standard commercially available separator.

He added that Alsym Green cells are similar to lithium-ion when it comes to construction and form factor and can be manufactured using lithium-ion equipment.

However, it remains uncertain when the companys battery will start being used for EVs.

Alsym Green is optimized for stationary storage applications, Chatter said.

Future products currently in development will meet the needs of marine and mobility applications.

Who is Mukesh Chatter?

Chatter was previously CEO and co-founder at Nexabit Networks, a terabit switch/router company, which was acquired by Lucent Technologies. He has a masters degree in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He was named one of the top 10 entrepreneurs of the year by Red Herring Magazine in 1999. He has 23 patents granted, and more currently in review.




The striking labor union of Samsung Electronics held a rally on Monday, a day before resuming talks with the company to resolve the industrial action over a wage hike, union officials said.

About 1,200 unionized workers of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) joined the rally at a Samsung building in Yongin, south of Seoul.

Clad in black T-shirts and wearing headbands with "general strike" printed on them, the unionized workers pledged for a "victory" in their strike.

Son Woo-mok, head of the NSEU, told the workers that the strike "will not change all at once, but let's change it one by one."

"Let's make our Samsung Electronics with a long breath," Son said.

The union and Samsung Electronics are set to hold talks on Tuesday, in what would be the first face-to-face meeting since the union declared a strike on July 8.

The NSEU's demands for the strike include a 5.6 percent basic pay raise for all members, a guaranteed day off on the union's founding day and compensation for economic losses due to the strike.

Samsung Electronics has said there has been minimal impact on production, despite the strike. (Yonhap)
Record earnings projection will offset lukewarm stock momentum

By Lee Min-hyung

Shares of Hyundai Motor and Kia took a serious beating in July as heightened external political risks posed by the potential reelection of former U.S. President Donald Trump  continue to chill investor sentiment toward the two Korean carmakers, according to data and analysts, Monday.

The United States is one of the most important export markets for the two carmakers. But after incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday, the Republican candidate appears to have a better chance of winning the upcoming election.

As Trump has outwardly expressed pessimism over electric vehicles (EV) and eco-friendly cars, Hyundai Motor and Kia are increasingly alarmed by the external political upheaval. The two affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group came in second in terms of sales of eco-friendly vehicles, such as EVs and hybrid cars, in the world's largest economy last year, following Tesla.

This concern is reflected in the two firms' falling stock values. According to data from the Korea Exchange, Hyundai Motor hit a high of 299,500 won ($215.61) per share on June 28 but has since lost momentum for an additional rally. The stock price of the nation's leading carmaker closed at 255,000 won per share on Monday, down 14.85 percent from the previous high last month.

Kia shares have also displayed a similar trajectory over the past month. Shares of the carmaker reached a high of 135,000 won per share on June 19, but they plunged to close at 115,900 won per share on Monday.

Analysts, however, said the two carmakers will be able to overcome the short-term stock fluctuation with strong earnings.

"The upcoming U.S. presidential election still comes as a major uncertainty, but the carmakers will be able to achieve solid earnings in the latter half by widening global sales for profitable vehicles and responding swiftly to any changes in the market for eco-friendly vehicles," Hanwha Investment & Securities analyst Kim Sung-rae said.

Utilizing the key advantages, Hyundai Motor Group will be able to achieve record earnings in the second quarter, as the firm's agile response to growing market demand for hybrid SUVs will help increase its sales and profitability in the quarter as well, according to the analyst.

Other brokerage houses also painted a rosy outlook for the carmakers' medium- to long-term stock movements, citing their robust earnings projections.

Hyundai Motor is forecast to report an operating profit of around 4.3 trillion won in the second quarter, up 2 percent from the previous year, according to data from DS Investment & Securities, which raised the target price on Hyundai Motor to 340,000 per share from 300,000 won.

"Investors need to pay attention to the carmaker's stock growth momentum in the latter half," Choi Tae-yong, an analyst at the securities firm, said.

"They include events, such as the planned operation of the group's new manufacturing facility in (the U.S. state of) Georgia in October, and its upcoming initial public offering in India, scheduled for September."
Hyundai becomes 1st biz group to resume payment

By Lee Min-hyung

Korea's major conglomerates have yet to decide whether to pay membership fees to the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)  once considered the nation's most influential business lobby, according to industry officials, Monday.

The FKI is on track to restore its reputation after undergoing a management crisis in 2017 for its involvement in a collusive alliance with then-President Park Geun-hye and her administration. Then-deteriorating public sentiment drove the nation's four conglomerates  Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG  to withdraw their membership from the FKI.

The four big firms rejoined the business lobby last year, but most remained hesitant to resume paying the membership dues.

Hyundai Motor Group became the first to resume paying the FKI's annual membership fee worth 3.5 billion won ($2.52 million). The four companies are classified as first-tier members of the FKI, so they are chargest the largest membership fees out of some 420 member companies of the business lobby.

SK Group is likely to become the second, as the company is known to be in an advanced level of internal discussion, even though a specific timeline for when it will pay the membership fee has not been fixed yet.

"We are in an internal review," an official from the company said, declining to elaborate.

However, it will take more time for Samsung Group and LG Group to follow suit.

Samsung Group's compliance committee said Monday the company remained undecided about following in the footsteps as Hyundai Motor Group.

"Our committee members raised doubts over whether the FKI conducted thorough personnel reforms, so as for the business lobby to cut the back-scratching alliance with the government," Lee Chan-hee, the chairman of the group's compliance committee, told reporters.

LG Group is also carrying out internal talks before paying for its FKI membership, but nothing specific has been confirmed.

"We are conducting an internal discussion on whether to resume paying the fee, but have not reached any internal consensus for the time being," its official said.
A gunman opened fire in a nursing home in Croatia on Monday, killing at least five people, according to officials and state media, in a rare instance of gun violence in the Balkan country.

State broadcaster HRT said an unidentified gunman entered a nursing home in Daruvar  some 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Zagreb  and began shooting.

At least five were killed and several others wounded during the incident, HRT said.

Police said they were informed of the incident at 10:10 am local time (0810 GMT), and confirmed the suspect had entered the nursing home and used a firearm.

"The person linked to the perpetration of the crime is under police custody," police said in a statement.

The number of dead was later confirmed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who called for a thorough investigation by relevant officials.

"We are appalled by the murder of five people at the home for elderly in Daruvar," Plenkovic said on social media.

The head of a regional emergency care facility, Nenad Mrzlecki, told local media that medical teams found four dead at the scene and four others wounded, who were immediately taken to local hospitals.

Mrzlecki did not provide information about the fifth victim.

"Our teams are still on the ground and the priority is to provide everyone with the necessary help, after that is done we will know the exact data on the number of victims," he said.

Croatian newspaper Jutarnji list described the alleged shooter as a "retired military police officer" who killed his mother along with other residents and staff.

Daruvar, a town of some 7,000, has long been a popular spa destination thanks to the area's thermal springs.

Shootings in the Balkan country are rare.

Last year in neighbouring Serbia, the country was rocked by back-to-back mass shootings, including a massacre at a school in the capital in Belgrade in which 10 people were killed. (AFP)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will testify on July 30 in a preliminary corruption inquiry into his wife Begona Gomez's business ties, a Madrid court said Monday, an issue that caused him to consider resigning three months ago.

The investigation over alleged corruption and influence peddling has infuriated Sanchez, who has characterised the allegations as an effort to undermine him and his left-wing government.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado will hear Sanchez as a "witness" at his official residence at 11:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) on July 30, a court statement said.

He will be questioned over suspected influence peddling by his wife, the court said.

"Sanchez has given no explanations to parliament or to the media: he has to do so before a judge," said Borja Semper, spokesman for the main opposition People's Party, after the announcement.

"Nobody is above the law, not the prime minister or his entourage, all politicians should understand this," Semper said.

Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox party, added: "We have always said that we will use all the means at our disposal to end the most corrupt government in history."

Gomez on Friday invoked her right to remain silent under questioning by a judge.

Gomez had briefly appeared before the same judge on July 5, but the hearing was suspended after her lawyer said they had "not been notified" about all the complaints against her and asked for time to study them.

Complaints by NGO, pressure group

The investigation began on April 16 following a complaint by Manos Limpias ("Clean Hands"), an anti-graft NGO linked to the far-right, alleging corruption in the private sector and influence peddling, while admitting its claims were based on media reports.

A second complaint, citing influence peddling, was filed by Hazte Oir ("Make Yourself Heard"), an ultra-Catholic pressure group with far-right ties.

Sanchez has repeatedly insisted his wife has done nothing wrong, with his justice minister, Felix Bolanos, on Friday coming out in her defence.

Gomez, who has worked in fundraising for years, notably for foundations and NGOs, is alleged to have used her husband's position as leverage within her professional circles, notably with a businessman called Juan Carlos Barrabes who was seeking public funding.

Barrabes  who teaches part of a master's course at Madrid's Complutense University that is run by Gomez  acknowledged meeting her five or six times at Moncloa, the premier's official residence, while testifying.

Sanchez was also present at two of those meetings, he said.

Barrabes  who got two letters of recommendation from Gomez before pitching for a public tender worth several million euros  said they only talked about matters of innovation, judicial sources said.

Sanchez's Socialist party said there was "absolutely nothing" unusual in such meetings, which were normal for the prime minister, and police investigators also presented a new report to the court earlier this month saying they found no irregularities on Gomez's part.

The public prosecutor's office also called for the case to be closed for lack of evidence at the end of April. But Peinado refused, insisting there was "sufficient" evidence to continue.

When news of the probe broke in April, Sanchez shocked Spain by saying he was considering resigning over what he described as a campaign of political harassment by the right. He ultimately decided to stay on. (AFP)
ILLIT members are gaining buzz online due to their styling change, which was raised a discussion among netizens and fans online. Furthermore, the topic also sparked attention regarding member Wonhee's thinned-out hair volume and Yunah's captivating beauty.

In a community forum titled, "ILLIT's Hair, Makeup, and Coordi Suddenly Got So Much Prettier," K-netz gathered to praise for the members' new looks. The author uploaded a photo showing the girls sporting plain white getups, which emitted a classy yet casual vibe.

OP also complimented, "They are seriously super pretty."

The comments were filled by stunned netizens, who appreciated the members for their styling. However, some weren't satisfied with Minju and Iroha's hair color, as well as ILLIT's fashion.

"Yunah's looks are insane."

"Minju's most legendary hair was during her debut days. I feel like she'd look prettier with platinum blonde hair."

"To be honest, the kids are pretty but their clothes are not pretty, even considering that they are supposed to look 'conceptual,' their coordi is just bad at their job."

"JjangLIT is freaking pretty."

"Wonhee did well changing her hair and Yunah suits her current style way better. Minju and Iroha's hair kind of wash them out."

"Huh? Iroha and Minju are being f**king washed out so their features are getting overshadowed. Their previous hair and makeup looked better."

On a different platform, international fans reacted to ILLIT's styling. The thread contained both praise and suggestions from fans.

"This suits them much better."

"They look pretty, especially Wonhee and Yunah. However, I think Minju will suit brown hair more."

"Yunah definitely looks better now, the previous outfits looked too childish on her. Here, her type of beauty was taken into consideration."

"For Minju and Iroha, I think they looked better with black hair and the current length is way too long. But maybe it's more about those colors?"

"Wonhee shines too, the change isn't big but is impactful. And Moka I feel like would fit anything, she's born to be an idol and to try different concepts."

"They were already pretty, though Wonhee's hair is better."

"Yunah and Wonhee look amazing, Iroha and Minju need a different tone or color ASAP. They're such gorgeous girls but their hair doesn't suit them at all."

"Moka looks the same as always. To be honest, did they change her styling much?"

In other news, ILLIT was revealed to be included in the artist lineup for the "2024 K-World Dream Awards." The event is scheduled to be held on August 22, at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium, in Seoul.

Furthermore, they will also be joined by artists NCT WISH, BADVILLAIN, UNIS, QWER, and YOUNG POSSE. The event will also be hosted by MCs Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

For more intriguing K-pop news and exciting updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: ILLIT Minju's Message Following ADOR-HYBE Trial Results Draws Attention - Here's Why

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
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Commission and national authorities take action against Meta

Today, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network sent a letter following concerns that Meta's pay or consent' model might breach EU consumer law. The Commission coordinated this action which is led by the French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention. The action started in 2023, immediately after Meta had requested consumers overnight to either subscribe to use Facebook and Instagram against a fee or to consent to Meta's use of their personal data to be shown personalised ads, allowing Meta to make revenue out of it (pay or consent').

Consumer protection authorities assessed several elements that could constitute misleading or aggressive practices, in particular whether Meta provided consumers upfront with True, clear and sufficient information. They analysed whether this information allowed consumers to understand the implications of their decision to pay or to accept the processing of their personal data for commercial purposes on their rights as consumers. In addition, CPC authorities are concerned that many consumers might have been exposed to undue pressure to choose rapidly between the two models, fearing that they would instantly lose access to their accounts and their network of contacts.

This coordinated action by the CPC network against Meta comes on top of other ongoing EU and national procedures related to the same model. Today's action focuses specifically on the assessment of Meta's practices under EU consumer law and is distinct from the ongoing investigations against the company by the Commission on its pay or consent' model potentially breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Commission's formal request for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the assessment by the Irish Data Protection Commission under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Key elements of the action against Meta:

CPC authorities identified several practices in the context of Meta's roll-out of its new business model that raise concern and could potentially be considered unfair and contrary to the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD):

Misleading consumers by using the word free' while, for users who do not want to subscribe against a fee, Meta requires them to accept that Meta can make revenue from using their personal data to show them personalised ads;

Confusing users by requiring them to navigate through different screens in the Facebook/Instagram app or web-version and to click on hyperlinks directing them to different parts of the Terms of Service or Privacy Policy to find out how their preferences, personal data, and user-generated data will be used by Meta to show them personalised ads;

Using imprecise terms and language, such as your info' to refer to consumers' personal data' or suggesting that consumers who decide to pay will not see ads at all, while they might still see ads when engaging with content shared via Facebook or Instagram by other members of the platform;

Pressurising consumers who have always used Facebook/Instagram free of charge until the new business model was introduced, and for whom Facebook/Instagram often constitute a significant part of their social lives and interactions to make an immediate choice, without giving them a pre-warning, sufficient time, and a real opportunity to assess how that choice might affect their contractual relationship with Meta, by not letting them access their accounts before making their choice.

Next Steps

Meta has until 1 September 2024 to reply to the letter of the CPC network and the Commission and to propose solutions. If Meta does not take the necessary steps to solve the concerns raised, CPC authorities can decide to take enforcement measures, including sanctions.

Background

Cross-border enforcement cooperation under the CPC Regulation (EU) 2017/2394

The CPC Network is a network of authorities responsible for the enforcement of EU consumer protection laws. Under the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, and with the coordination of the European Commission, it can take action to address cross-border issues at EU level. Moreover, within the same framework, consumer associations, such as the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), can post alerts about emerging market threats and their information is then directly accessible by enforcement authorities.

On 30 November 2023, BEUC alerted the CPC network about potentially misleading and aggressive practices in Meta's new subscription model. In addition, CPC authorities from different Member States received several complaints from national organisations in this regard.

Relevant substantive consumer law provisions

Articles 5-9 of the Directive concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market prohibits unfair commercial practices in the form of misleading or aggressive actions or misleading omissions. The European Commission's Guidance Notice on the interpretation and application of the UCPD provides further specific information about claims that can be considered to be misleading under the UCPD.

Article 3 of the Directive on unfair terms in consumer contracts prohibits contract terms that, contrary to the requirement of good faith, cause a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations arising under the contract to the detriment of the consumer. The European Commission's Guidance Notice on the interpretation and application of the UCTD provides specific information about contract terms to be considered unfair.

On 1 March 2024, the Commission formally sent Meta a request for information under the DSA to provide more information related to the Subscription for no Ads options for Facebook and Instagram that Meta introduced for users in the EU in November 2023.

On 25 March 2024, the Commission opened proceedings against Meta to investigate whether the pay or consent' model, introduced for users in the EU in November 2023, complies with Article 5(2) of the DMA which requires gatekeepers, such as Meta, to obtain consent from users when they intend to combine users' personal data between designated core platform services and other services. On 1 July 2024, the Commission sent its preliminary findings to Meta, informing them that their pay or consent' advertising model fails to comply with DMA.

For More Information

Social media and search engines - European Commission

More information on the consumer enforcement actions

Unfair commercial practices directive

Consumer Protection Cooperation Network

Quote

We will not stand by and watch some sneaky practices that mislead consumers. We are proud of our strong consumer protection laws which empower Europeans to have the right to be accurately informed about changes such as the one proposed by Meta. In the EU, consumers are able to make truly informed choices and we now take action to safeguard this right.

Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency 2024-07-21

Consumers must not be lured into believing that they would either pay and not be shown any ads anymore, or receive a service for free, when, instead, they would agree that the company used their personal data to make revenue with ads. EU consumer protection law is clear in this respect. Traders must inform consumers upfront and in a fully transparent manner on how they use their personal data. This is a fundamental right that we will protect.

Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice 2024-07-21

Zarazeno po 22.07.2024 12:07:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/24/3862&language=en lang en guid /IP/24/3862/
EDITORS NOTE: This is part of a series of on how tribes and Indigenous communities are coping with and combating climate change.

HAYWARD, Wis. (AP)  Ganebik Johnson started learning traditional Ojibwe songs when he was about 2 years old. Hed hang around listening to his uncle sing, or observe elders, or even pull up music on YouTube. Spearfishing came shortly after, at around age 7, when his grandfather took him out on a northern Wisconsin lake for the first time.

Now 13, hes already teaching others. Johnson kept a steady beat on his drum as he joined other youth playing and singing the welcoming song at this years annual spearfishing event for kids put on by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. He and 40 or so other young people spread tobacco into the water along the shoreline, an offering of respect before the harvest. After the sun dipped below the horizon, Johnson began showing the kids how to hold spears and directed them to shine flashlights into the water to catch the glimmering eye shine of the fish.

He says those activities are important to him so our tradition dont get lost and keep carrying it on for generations to come. And seeing other kids want to try those cultural activities, I felt proud, he added.

That sense of pride, which connects Indigenous people to their ancestors and to a sense of shared responsibility for the land, is why parents, family members, local leaders and community organizations are so invested in teaching the next generation of spearfishers. Families and elders now see that their efforts are paying off, with more young people getting to stay up past their bedtimes to traverse glassy lakes under the moon and stars.

My children never knew their great grandparents. But they know what it feels like because theyre able to do the same things that they did, and on the same body of water that they did, and theyre able to taste the same fish, said Jason Bisonette, a longtime spearfisher and the dean of students at a federally-funded private school for Indigenous youth with a curriculum that integrates Ojibwe language and culture. Theyre able to build their connection through feeling the cold and smelling the water and smelling the air.

Another family and youth spearfishing night this spring on Namekagon Lake also drew somewhere between 40 and 50 kids  a bigger event than it used to be, said Dusty LaFernier, a point person with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who helped coordinate this years gathering along with school teachers, conservation wardens and community organizations. He mentioned that in past years there have been a shortage of volunteers with boats, but now its more of a community effort  the school district provides a bus, multiple tribes are involved and there are more boats and drivers.

LaFernier, who has been spearfishing since he was 6 years old, now gets to watch several nephews, cousins and aunties convene at the waters edge. He added that its nice to see more people taking interest given how hard the tribes have worked to maintain their rights to hunt and fish. Their food sovereignty in ceded territories was originally outlined in an 1854 treaty but severely limited until a 1983 Supreme Court decision upheld the tribes rights. Even after that, some angry and misinformed people continued to harass spearfishers, making it difficult and sometimes even dangerous to be out on the water.

When I was young, we didnt have our treaty rights, said John Johnson, Ganebiks grandfather and tribal president of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, who has been helping with their growing youth spearing event for about the past 10 years. It just warms my heart because ... some of those teachings that Ive taught will be carried on for those unborn children.

The kids at Namekagon Lake were excited even before the event began. He came home and he said, Gram, theyre gonna go spearing, were going spearing again, can we go?, said Carolyn Gouge Powless, one of the water protectors, of her 9-year-old grandson Takodah, for whom this event would be his third or fourth time spearfishing.

For me, its living all over again, seeing things through his eyes, she added.

Educating children and helping future generations connect with their culture is paramount because of the history of cultural erasure enacted on many tribal members, Johnson explained. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the government and Christian missionaries sent Indigenous children from across the country to boarding schools, sometimes hundreds of miles away, and forcibly stripped many of their language, native foods and spiritual and cultural traditions.

Some adults in the community now say they see those educational efforts to reckon with that legacy paying off, not just in the increased number of kids able to attend spearing nights but also in the ways theyre engaging with their culture. More students are asking to participate in traditional naming ceremonies and are proud to use their Indigenous names in class than when Wendy Fuller first started teaching science at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School where Jason is dean, she said.

She described how teaching science in a cultural context helps kids better understand and connect with everything from concepts like diffraction (to spear a fish, you have to understand how light is distorted underwater) to the cyclical patterns of nature.

When they get their first fish, its so incredibly exciting, Fuller said. And as she watches students embrace their culture, that identity gets them back in touch with nature.

 By MELINA WALLING and JOHN LOCHER Associated Press
The Court of Appeal has quashed the lifetime driving ban imposed on a dangerous driver who received a fully suspended sentence for causing the death of a 24-year-old woman 16 years ago and instead imposed a reduced disqualification of 20 years.

The three-judge court also found on Monday, July 22 that had Brian Kelly's appeal been lodged closer to the time of the offending behaviour, his suspended sentence would have been quashed and a custodial sentence would have been all but inevitable.

Kelly (43), of St Brigids Place, Portlaoise, was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for a period of two years, on December 15, 2009 by Judge Anthony Kennedy sitting at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Claire Hennessy on October 18, 2008 contrary to S53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. He was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for life.

A Garda Forensic Collision report carried out at the time noted that speed and alcohol intake were the sole reasons for the fatal incident.

Kelly, who was 26 at the time of the crash, had appealed his sentence arguing that the imposition of a lifetime driving disqualification represented an error in principle on the part of the sentencing judge.

Delivering judgement at the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Tara Burns said in light of the fact that lifetime disqualification orders are only appropriately imposed in exceptional cases - usually involving repeat offending which did not arise in this case  the court was of the opinion that the sentencing judge erred in imposing the lifetime ban.

Quashing the original suspended jail term and proceeding to resentence Kelly, Ms Justice Burns said had the court been imposing sentence closer to the time of the offending behaviour, a custodial sentence would have been all but inevitable.

However, she said as almost 16 years have passed since the incident it would simply be unjust to impose a term of imprisonment at this stage.

The three-judge court quashed the lifetime driving ban and imposed a 20-year disqualification from driving on Kelly before proceeding to resentence the appellant to two years imprisonment suspended for two years.

Outlining the background to the case, Ms Justice Burns said Kelly had been drinking at home on the night of October 17, 2008 when a group of friends, including Ms Hennessy called to his house. After some time, he volunteered to take her to the 24 hour service station to get cigarettes.

On the return journey, Kelly passed the entrance of the estate where he lived and shortly afterwards, on a left bend in the road with a speed limit of 50km/h, his vehicle crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and mounted the footpath before becoming airborne for a distance and colliding with the outer block wall of an apartment building.

Emergency services were called, Ms Hennessy showed no vital signs at the scene and was later pronounced dead.

Kelly, who was also seriously injured, spoke to gardai who detected a smell of alcohol. A blood sample taken revealed a concentration of 172 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Two residents from the area described hearing a car approaching the area at speed with the engine roaring before hearing a loud bang.

Kelly was arrested and when interviewed he was unable to recall driving at, or immediately before the collision, but confirmed he had been drinking at home and that he drove the deceased to get cigarettes.

Colm Hennessy BL, for Kelly, argued that the indefinite disqualification period of life was a barrier to the appellants continued rehabilitation. He said the lifetime driving ban was so restrictive that it amounted to an indefinite punishment and was therefore wrong in principle.

Will Fennelly BL, for the DPP, said to interfere with the lifetime disqualification is to render the sentence imposed by the court at the time completely unbalanced. It would undoubtedly make it unduly lenient.
Electric Picnic 2024 is now only three weeks away and a sure sign it is upon us is Laois County Council's road closure announcements for what is Ireland's biggest music and arts festival.

Headlined by Kylie, Calvin Harris, Noah Kahan along with hundreds of other artists, roads to Electric Picnic in Stradbally will be only opened to people living locally.

Two roads are affected, and will be closed from noon on Thursday, August 15, until 4pm on Monday, August 19.

They are the L-3837-0 local road from Timogue Cross to Court Square, and the regional road R-427-84 from Cahill's Cross, to Abel's Corner Stradbally.

"This closure is necessary to facilitate the traffic managment plan for the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally Hall," Laois County Council state.

Traffic coming from Ballyroan to Money Cross will be diverted left to Broomfield crossroads, then right onto the N80 into Stradbally.

If coming from Timahoe, traffic will be diverted right at Broomfield crossroads onto the N80 into Stradbally.

Traffic from the South East to Stradbally will be turned left at Simmons Mill Crossroads onto the N78, then right at Newtown Cross then right through The Swan and Timahoe.

A last minute lifeline to buy Electric Picnic tickets is being offered.

See the full line-up for electric Picnic here.... See the exciting Trailer Park line-up here.
Laois Government TD Charlie Flanagan has criticised the Minister for Agricultures decision to suspend the Straw Incorporation Scheme.

Fine Gael Deputy Flanagan said the sudden decision by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to suspend the Straw Incorporation Scheme without any warning doesnt make any sense and should be reversed.

The tillage sector has endured a difficult number of months. The Straw Incorporation Scheme is a new scheme under Irelands CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. Since its inception in 2021, the straw incorporation measure (SIM) has been incredibly well received by tillage farmers as it has allowed them to build organic stocks in their soil in addition to providing an important financial support.

I am very concerned about the lack of consultation that took place with farmers and their representative groups prior to this change being proposed as there are very real consequences for those impacted, said Deputy Flanagan.

He noted that the harvest is underway across the constituency and many farmers have already chopped straw in line with the scheme and were expecting payment.

The scheme already has flexibility built in for applications to either fully or partially withdraw where straw is needed for fodder, meaning that farmers have the choice and that this should remain. I am calling on Minister Charlie McConalogue to withdraw the suspension immediately, he said.

Last week Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue emphasised the importance of balancing availability of straw in the coming winter and the environmental and soil health benefits of the scheme:

Last winter depleted national reserves of straw and resulted in very little availability in the early months of this year. At present, although growth is improving, the indications are that fodder is still behind where we would like to be.

While I appreciate that tillage farmers may be disappointed by this move, there is a very strong market for straw this year due to the shortage and the need to replenish supplies. I remain fully committed to meeting the targets for Straw Incorporation over the lifetime of the CAP Strategic Plan, Minister McConalogue said.
Ryanair has said airfares will be materially lower over the peak summer months than last year, as it reported plummeting quarterly profits.

The Irish budget carrier said on Monday that lower prices over spring pushed profits down 46% to 360 million euros (303 million) for the three months to June 30.

The average fare fell 15% to 42 euros (35) year on year, while passenger numbers rose 10% to 55.5 million.

Chief executive Michael OLeary said: While (second-quarter) demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect (second-quarter) fares to be materially lower than last summer.

The rise in passengers limited the hit to overall turnover, with revenues falling just 1% to 363 billion euros (306 billion). Passenger numbers are forecast to be up 8% overall this financial year.

The figures come as the latest sign that the post-pandemic boom in pricing enjoyed by carriers is coming to an end, with other airlines also having recently warned over ticket prices.

Customers are typically waiting longer than usual to book summer holidays, which is thought to be partly a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Earlier in July, Jet2 said there would only be modest price increases this summer amid a wave of later bookings to its European destinations.

Lufthansa has also pointed to negative market trends, while Air France-KLM warned of a financial hit after fewer people than expected booked flights to Paris for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Ryanair added that its performance for the rest of the summer is totally dependent on close-in bookings and yields in August and September.

Mr OLeary also took aim at air traffic controllers across Europe after fewer flights took off over the period.

He said: In the last 10 days of June we suffered a significant deterioration in European air traffic control capacity which caused multiple flight delays and cancellations, especially on first wave morning flights.

(This makes it) more urgent than ever that the new European Commission and Parliament deliver long-delayed reform of Europes hopelessly inefficient air traffic control services.
Petrol bombs have been seized by gardai after being discovered near the site of violent disorder in north Dublin.

Gardai have come under attack and fires were set several times at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock which has been earmarked as housing for asylum seekers.

The building is to be renovated to accommodate more than 500 international protection applicants.

Protests have been organised at the site by a group called Coolock Says No.

On Friday night, three gardai officers were injured in clashes.

On Monday, gardai said they had uncovered seven incendiary devices during their criminal investigation into the violent scenes last week.

Investigators recovered seven glass and plastic bottles of various sizes containing flammable liquid during searches of Moatfield Avenue and Dunree Park on Tuesday, July 16.

Plastic bottles containing a mixture of paint and oil as well as packets of water balloons were also recovered.

The seized items have been sent for further technical examination and analysis.

A garda spokesman said: Such devices risk serious harm to human life as well as criminal damage to property, as has been witnessed in recent events.

An Garda Siochana respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights; this right does not extend to breaches of criminal law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Siochana.

Gardai are collating and harvesting CCTV and social media images from the protests.

They are asking anybody with information about the incendiary devices to contact them.

The spokesman added: An Garda Siochana wishes to acknowledge the significant volume of support received from the public to date including calls to Coolock Garda Station, the Garda Confidential phone number and receipt of images and videos from members of the public.

An Garda Siochana is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed these incidents to come forward.
The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Portlaoise as part of its Summer Roadshow.

This interactive initiative collaborates with local authorities and communities nationwide, engaging in fun and educational activities to promote proper gum disposal and raise awareness about the environmental and financial impacts of gum litter.

Now in its seventeenth year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry, and local authorities.

New findings from the GLT reveal that one in seven people continue to drop their gum on the ground, with men being more likely offenders (19%) compared to women (9%). However, there is a shift in attitudes, particularly among children who are increasingly aware of the negative impacts of gum litter.



The 2023 GLT campaign positively influenced public attitudes and behaviour regarding gum disposal. There was a 5% increase in those who reported always or usually disposing of their gum in a bin, bringing the figure to a record high of 92%. The National Litter Pollution Monitoring report (2022) also shows a decline in the percentage of gum as a proportion of litter, now at 8.6%. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO



Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming welcomed the Roadshow to Portlaoise, stating: We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Portlaoise. This initiative educates and informs our community about the negative impacts of gum litter. The reduction in gum litter is a testament to the campaign's success, and we look forward to seeing continued positive changes. I would like to thank the efforts of Portlaoise Tidy Towns and the Environment and Roads Section of Laois County Council for keeping our town clean.



This years campaign will see GLT representatives working with local authorities and communities to conduct educational initiatives on proper gum disposal. In September, the GLTs Bin It! education programme will visit schools across the country, aiming to deliver 60 performances annually and reach 180 schools by 2025. This programme complements lesson plans already available to nearly 730 schools in Ireland.
'Boomerang bail' has been granted for a County Kildare woman who admitted to committing 12 domestic violence order breaches.

In summary, 'boomerang bail' refers to when a defendant is granted bail once they agree to go to into the care of, for example, a psychiatric unit or a rehab facility, and they are then returned to the prison services upon the completion of treatment.

The case, which was heard in-camera (in private) at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 18 last, concerns a woman who has been turning up to her mother's place of residence and demanding money for drugs.

Substitute judge Nicola-Jane Andrews was informed about the background to the case by gardai, as well as the woman's solicitor, Brian Larkin.

Mr Larkin told the judge that his client, who was in custody at the time, has drug addiction issues, mental health issues and issues relating to self-harm.

He also told her that another relative of the woman was present in court.

An objection to bail was heard, in which a garda who was sworn in told Judge Andrews that they held concerns that the woman would go on to commit further breaches.

The garda also said that the woman had a number of bench warrants issued against her.

When asked by Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan about their main concern, the garda responded that they would be most concerned that the woman would interfere with witnesses; specifically, her mother.

It was heard that the woman has no previous convictions in relation to domestic violence order breaches.

Under cross-examination from Mr Larkin, the garda said that the woman breaching the order against her mother is 'an ongoing issue.'

Mr Larkin asked the garda: "Not to underplay the [severity of the] breaches, but on a scale, where would you place them?"

"On numerous occasions, the woman has been banging on the door of her mother's home and demanding money," the garda replied: "She has been shouting at her through the letterbox."

Mr Larkin then said: "It's an unfortunate set-up... my client has been remanded in custody for the last two weeks. I am putting it to you that she does not need prison, she needs treatment."

He added that bail 'is not supposed to be punitive'.

"Unfortunately, no bail conditions would alleviate my fears," the garda responded.

Mr Larkin asked the garda: "If a bed was available [for the woman] in a psychiatric unit, and if she voluntarily took it up, would that be of assistance?"

In response, gardai present in court noted that they would be open to the idea of 'boomerang bail' being granted.

Judge Andrews agreed to grant 'boomerang bail' for the woman, based on the following conditions: she must stay out of her mother's hometown, except for when she has to collect social welfare payments; and in the event that a bed is made available, the woman is to be brought to the psychiatric unit by a member of the Irish Prison Service and admitted there until she completes treatment. Upon the completion of treatment, she is to be returned to prison.

Other conditions include:the woman must still comply with the conditions of the barring order; she must observe a daily curfew; she must reside at a listed address; she must have no contact with State witnesses; and she must be provide her phone number to gardai and be contactable at all times.

The judge adjourned the case to a later date for mention, and remanded the woman in custody with the possibility of bail.

She also referred the woman to the probation services and noted that a victim impact statement may be required on the latest date.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.
Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian chose Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award most Stylish person as Maksuda Akhter from Malahide wearing a dress purchased in St. Vincent DePaul and a head piece by Fiona Rafter.

The style award was the main event at The Irish Oaks Weekend.

Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award judges Brian Dowling and Dancing with the Stars Judge Arthur Gourounlian announced Maksuda Akhter as the winner of this year's prestigious at The Irish Oaks Weekend. The exciting awards saw the Curragh turning blue today Saturday, July 20 2024.

Brian and Arthur brought a wealth of expertise and discerning taste to the judging panel. With their keen eye for fashion and impeccable sense of style, they identified the epitome of dazzling elegance amongst the many stylish festival attendees.

The winner of the Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award received an exclusive prize package, including:

5,000 prize

5,000 prize Barberstown Castle Most Stylish trophy

Barberstown Castle Most Stylish trophy A luxurious 2-night stay at Barberstown Castle from September 14th to 16th, 2024

A luxurious 2-night stay at Barberstown Castle from September 14th to 16th, 2024 Tickets to the Champions Festival at The Curragh on Sunday, September 15th, 2024

Tickets to the Champions Festival at The Curragh on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 Courtesy car transportation to and from the races

Courtesy car transportation to and from the races Lunch at The Curragh on September 15th, 2024

In addition, the top 3 finalists on the day each receive a coveted goody bag filled with stylish treats and essentials.

Arthur Gourounlian expressed his excitement about the day, saying, "This was such a fun and stylish event to judge. We loved seeing the creativity and sophistication showcased by the attendees and those turning the Curragh blue this year.

Brian Dowling added, "The Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award was the highlight of The Irish Oaks Weekend. We loved meeting all attendees and seeing how they showcased their individual flair. Congratulations to Maksuda who is a worthy winner

Barberstown Castle Hotel also sponsored a race during the day called Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes (Group 2). Picture Andres Poveda
A man who raped a young girl and sexually assaulted her sister has been jailed for 11 years.

Hamed Azeez (53) of Mac Uilliam Dale, Tallaght, Dublin was convicted following a Central Criminal Court trial in March of one count of rape and three counts of sexually assaulting the first victim, who was then aged between six and eight.

He was also found guilty of two counts of sexual assault in relation to the first victim's sister, who was eight to 10 years old at the time of the offending.

The offending occurred on dates between 2013 and 2015 at locations in County Dublin.

Both women have indicated they wish Azeez to be named but want to retain their anonymity.

Imposing sentence today (Monday, July 22), Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said Azeez had been in a long-term relationship with the girls mother and the offending occurred while they were in his care and he was in a position of trust.

He is no longer in a relationship with their mother.

Ms Justice Creedon said when considering the impacts on the victim, as outlined in their victim impact statements, she was struck by their young age, the impact the abuse had on both of them and how it damaged one of the girls relationships with her mother.

She took into account that Azeez does not accept the verdict and maintains his innocence.

He insists that the allegations are false claims motivated by their mothers desire to ruin his reputation.

Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 12 years for the rape offence and eight years for the sexual assault offences.

She said there was very little mitigation as Azeez does not accept the verdict of the jury nor has he offered an apology or acknowledged the harm he did to both women.

It was accepted that he was generally co-operative with the garda investigation.

Ms Justice Creedon reduced each sentence by one year before she imposed concurrent sentences of 11 years and seven years.

She said Azeez should be registered as a sex offender.

A local garda previously gave evidence that the man was then the partner of the girls' mother and was effectively in loco parentis of the girls due to this relationship.

He raped the first victim on a counter at his home.

The girl said it didn't last long, and recalled there were other children playing outside nearby.

The man also sexually assaulted this girl by touching her inappropriately.

The court heard these incidents began as horseplay and often occurred under a blanket.

One incident took place in the man's car where he touched her on the genital area after picking her up from school.

The man also touched the girl's sister inappropriately on the breasts and buttocks.

The allegations were later reported to gardai, and the man denied any wrongdoing when he was interviewed.

Victim impact statements were read to the court by prosecuting counsel.

The first complainant said "the pain you caused will stay with me forever", describing how her life had changed.

She said the man's actions mean she no longer feels safe in the company of older men and outlined feelings of fear and unease.

She said the man's actions had also damaged her relationship with her mother, whom she blames for what happened.

She said there is "always a wall between us" and it is "painful to know our bond is broken and may never heal because she brought [the man] into our life."

The second complainant said she is not just a victim of sexual assault, but a survivor.

She outlined feelings of anxiety, pain and despair.

She said she distanced herself from loved ones because she was "unwilling to express the extent of my suffering for fear of being disregarded or misunderstood."

She said she "couldn't shake the feeling that if I'd known what sexual assault was sooner, my sister and I wouldn't have had to endure the harm we did."

She said this thought led to "self-loathing" as she wondered what she could have done to protect her sister and herself.

But the young woman wrote that she is now stronger after pulling herself out of the depths of trauma and will continue her journey towards healing.

"I believe my words will assist anyone who has endured the atrocities of childhood sexual abuse," she added.

The court heard that Azeez moved to Ireland in 2000 and has a long work history.

The investigating garda agreed with Maurice Coffey SC, defending, that his client's previous convictions date back over 20 years and he was co-operative with the criminal process.

Mr Coffey asked the court to take into consideration Azeezs history and personal circumstances as outlined in a probation report.
A Garda waiting almost two years for a transfer to a different station has said he may have to quit the force to move on with his life.

The Garda stationed in the east of the country wishes to remain anonymous but told us that his life is on hold as a result of the seemingly endless delays in the Garda transfer process. He needs to move to another part of the country for family reasons but is now at the mercy of a system that appears to be at a standstill.

Gardai are randomly assigned to a Garda station when they leave their training course at Templemore but can request a transfer after their probationary period.

A Garda statement on the matter confirms: A Garda may apply for a transfer once he/she has completed his/her probationary period. However, if a Garda member has under 5 years of service they cannot be within 80 km of their home station.

The restriction is 50km thereafter. The Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and the cities of Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Kilkenny are exempt from this rule however this is no guarantee that if you are from these areas you will be based near home.

READ NEXT: Opinion - Gardai are victims not villains of anti-immigration protests like Coolock

The garda member we spoke to has more than five years experience and filed a transfer request over 18 months ago given family circumstances. He has been waiting ever since with no update provided.

He said: We [gardai] basically put in the request on paper and then wait. It could be 12 months before youre transferred or it could be 6 or 7 years. You never know, so can never plan for anything.

You literally don't know where you could be working or living in the future. Then when kids come along, there is the school issue, where do you send them? Do you rent forever while waiting to be moved or do you buy?

The whole process creates a lot of stress on top of an already stressful job. My life is effectively on hold now. It seems like management and more senior members believe that, well thats the way it is, we all did it so suck it up, but those days should be gone. They should be trying to retain the members they have, not giving them reasons to leave.

This comes at a time of record resignations from An Garda Siochana. 147 members quit the force in 2023 and that number is likely to be exceeded in 2024. The issue has been raised politically multiple times.

In a statement earlier this year, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: I am absolutely committed to working with all members of An Garda Siochana at all ranks and levels to address the issues of concern to them. I am committed to working with the Garda Commissioner as well to make sure gardai have the resources they need to do their extremely important work of keeping people safe.

I will now set out the facts in relation to resignations. While we have seen an increase in the number of gardai resigning, and I do not want to see that increase continuing, the figures are still low, objectively, in comparison with other police organisations.

The rate of resignations is running at around 1%. There has been an increase of 0.3% since 2022. In saying that, I am not dismissing the fact that there has been an increase. In comparison with other policing organisations and given the fact that we are at full employment, it is, however, a relatively low number, albeit one we want to see decrease.

People choose to change careers for a wide variety of reasons. Younger people, in particular, are less likely to spend 30 or 40 years in the same job. We are probably all in that situation and every industry is seeing movement in a way that did not happen in times past. An Garda Siochana is no different in that regard.

It is often the case that they leave to go to other parts of the public service, which is welcome for the institutions or agencies in question but we obviously want to do what we can to keep them in the force.

The garda we spoke to said it was his childhood dream to become a garda and that he loves the job. I dont want to leave. I have wanted to be a garda since I was a child and here I am, contemplating whether I can stay. Id be leaving for the betterment of my family, not because I hate the job, far from it. No amount of political spin can explain that feeling away.

An Garda Siochana have been asked for further comment on the long wait times for Garda transfers.
The development of one-off housing in Leitrim has been an issue for the last 20 years, according to Cllr Felim Gurn in a motion he proposed to the Council in Carrick-on- Shannon on July 8.

Cllr Gurn noted that, with technology it can be helped, but it costs around 50,000 per house, and even with 10,000 grants, it remains too expensive for young people due to high material and labour costs.

He emphasised the need to solve this problem within the next five years to ensure the survival of Leitrim's rural areas, and the need to find an EPA-approved drainage system for the county.

It's an ongoing issue and it's something now that we have to sort out. The issue here is no more than anything else, is down to cost.

If we want to maintain Leitrim and our population growth, we have to sort this out, Cllr Gurn said.

Cllr Mary Bohan seconded the proposal and acknowledged that this issue has been repeatedly raised in the Council.

Director of Services, Justin Fannon said: The solution to this problem has been looked for over the last Council and I suppose it progressed from seeking for a solution to dealing with the EPA.

Mr Fannon referenced research that had been undertaken in Trinity College Dublin 'Evapotreat,' using willow plants in an effort to transform wastewater treatment in rural Ireland.

This has been installed in two locations in Leitrim, and Mr. Fannon stated that results should be visible by the end of this year.

We're still not quite there to have the results to go back to the EPA to convince them this system operates successfully, and hopefully we'll get to that point.

We do appear to be ever so slowly heading towards a conclusion that will hopefully deliver a result making it easier for people to build their homes, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O'Rourke said.

Cllr Gurn's motion garnered widespread support from other councillors.
LG Display's OLED TV panels proven to 'Sleep Friendly' supporting body and eye health





SEOUL, South Korea, July 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that its OLED TV panels have been confirmed to be excellent for helping viewers maintain healthy sleep patterns.

LG Display's OLED TV panels proven to 'Sleep Friendly' supporting body and eye health

The company recently completed a clinical study to verify the impact of TV panels on sleep, in conjunction with researchers from Seoul's Kookmin University. During the two-week study, they measured levels of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in 40 adult men and women divided into groups watching the same content on either LCD or OLED TVs.

While the LCD TV group's melatonin secretion fell 2.7% over two hours, it increased 8.1% in the OLED TV group.

The human body needs melatonin to rise in the evening to prepare for sleep. However, blue light emitted from displays is known to disturb melatonin secretion, potentially leading to sleep disorders.

In general, LCD panels emit 70-80% blue light due to their continuous reliance on a strong backlight, compared with just 36% blue light from LG Display's self-emissive, and therefore backlight-less, OLED TV panels.

"In addition to minimizing the negative impact on melatonin secretion during viewing time, OLED TVs have been shown to be effective in maintaining viewers' healthy sleep patterns through greater activation of their parasympathetic nerves, which are responsible for feelings of comfort," said Prof. Kim Chang-wook, who led the research team.

The results of the study confirm previous recognition of LG Display's OLED panels as supportive of eye and body health, including being optimized to protect viewers' circadian rhythms. Last year, the company's OLED TV and monitor panels were the first in the industry to be certified as "Circadian Friendly" by TUV Rheinland, a leading global independent testing, inspection and certification body.

Moreover, with the lowest level of blue light emissions among all existing TV panels and absence of screen flicker, a phenomenon that can cause vision loss, the company's OLED TV panels have earned the "Eyesafe" certification created by U.S.-based Eyesafe in association with TUV Rheinland, along with "Flicker Free" and "Discomfort Glare Free" verifications from UL, a leading global safety science company.

"We will introduce products and technologies that can provide differentiated customer value based on OLED panels that are safe for the human body while offering the best image quality," said Soo-young Yoon, CTO and Executive Vice President at LG Display.

About LG Display

LG Display Co., Ltd. [NYSE: LPL, KRX: 034220] is the world's leading innovator of display technologies, including thin-film transistor liquid crystal and OLED displays. The company manufactures display panels in a broad range of sizes and specifications primarily for use in TVs, notebook computers, desktop monitors, automobiles, and various other applications, including tablets and mobile devices. LG Display currently operates manufacturing facilities in Korea and China, and back-end assembly facilities in Korea, China, and Vietnam. The company has approximately 70,707 employees operating worldwide. For more news and information about LG Display, please visit www.lgdisplay.com .

Media Contact:

Joo Yeon Jennifer Ha, Manager, Communication Team

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LG Display

21 july 2024 at 21:00

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Vedanta Regains Control of Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia





LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited ("VRHL" or "Vedanta Holdings" or "Vedanta"), the diversified global mining, metals, natural resources, energy, and technology conglomerate today confirmed that it has paid USD 245.75 million in line with its commitment under the KCM scheme of arrangement. This paves the way for imminent reinstatement of the Board of Directors of KCM and the return of full management control to Vedanta, which is necessary before Vedanta ramps up production and unlocks KCM's full potential.

With high-grade Copper deposits in excess of 2.4%, KCM is one of the largest deposits of high-grade copper globally. With total of 412kt of contained Cobalt Reserves and Resources, KCM also has the potential to sit amongst the top 5 cobalt producers globally. Vedanta has plans in place not only to ramp up KCM copper production to 300ktpa, but also raise Cobalt from 1ktpa to 6ktpa.

Reinforcing Vedanta's commitment to KCM and to Zambia, Chris Griffith, CEO, Vedanta Base Metals said:

"We are pleased to confirm transfer of funds under the KCM scheme of arrangement. Vedanta is committed to Zambia and Zambian people. We are confident that with full support of the government and other key stakeholders, we will soon be able to help KCM turnaround and reach its full potential, both as a world-class Copper and Cobalt asset that is well equipped with a smelter and a robust Tailings Leaching Plant, and as a growth engine for the socio-economic development of the Zambian nation."

Also speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Vedanta Group, Anil Agarwal shared, "I am delighted that Konkola Copper Mines has returned to Vedanta fold. We have enjoyed a long history with this proud African nation and its people, and I look forward to forging even stronger ties with Zambia in the decades to come.

"Copper is clearly a metal of the future, and its supply chain is one which the Government of India is also extremely keen to secure, given the huge demand for Copper in the country, its current limited domestic production, and very high import levels. We expect KCM to help serve some of this demand and strengthen economic and trade ties between India and Zambia."

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21 july 2024 at 21:30

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IonQ Unveils Accelerated Roadmap and New Technical Milestones to Propel Commercial Quantum Advantage Forward





IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, recently unveiled expanded and accelerated 2025 technical milestones during an exclusive webinar hosted by CEO Peter Chapman, SVP of Engineering & Technology Dean Kassmann, and CMO Margaret Arakawa. IonQ established why it is the only quantum computing company designing and building best-in-class quantum computers that meet the requirements of performance, scalability, and enterprise-grade solutions that are critical for delivering unparalleled commercial advantage to customers.

"It is imperative that we address performance, scale, and enterprise-grade quantum solutions simultaneously to achieve commercial advantage," said Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ. "Working to operationalize all three commercial advantage pillars is an industry-first that sets us apart. While other companies may hyperfocus on a single dimension, we focus on the complete picture, to ensure our quantum computing solutions are best-in-class and provide incomparable value to our customers."

"Based on market demand, we've embarked on a path that no other commercial quantum computing company is taking, and we are committed to accelerating our quantum computing strategy as demonstrated by these ambitious goals," said Dean Kassmann, SVP of Engineering & Technology at IonQ. "Our unique approach combines high performance single core operation, multi-core parallelism, modularity, photonic interconnects, novel technology, and systems engineering to deliver highly performant, scalable, and enterprise-grade quantum computers that drive meaningful advancements across various industries."

Performance: Driving Efficiency and Unparalleled Flexibility

Performance improvements are core to IonQ's technical roadmap, and the path toward meeting IonQ's aggressive performance targets is clear. Native gate fidelity, architectural design decisions, and error correction will serve as levers to achieve these goals. IonQ is driving to improve native two-qubit gate performance to greater than three 9's (>99.9%) in 2025, with further gains ? fueled by the move to barium qubits ? expected the following year. Performance improvements are also expected from highly efficient realizations of quantum algorithms that are enabled by IonQ's low-shuttling, high-connectivity architectures. Lastly, the combination of high native gate fidelity and high connectivity provides unparalleled flexibility for implementing error correction and reducing time to solution. With this updated quantum architecture, IonQ expects to reach five 9's (99.999%) in logical two-qubit gate fidelity by the end of 2025, opening up new application performance capabilities.

Scale: Architecture that Enables Expansive Growth

IonQ is pursuing scale in tandem with performance. IonQ's north star is scalability at high performance, and modularity is a critical component of this strategy. IonQ's approach to scale relies on making engineering and architectural decisions that support performance at large qubit counts. In addition, IonQ's strategy for scaling takes advantage of multicore operation and photonically interconnected systems. Connecting multiple QPUs and quantum systems with photonic interconnects will enable IonQ to target 1000s of physical qubits in the future. These higher qubit counts will unlock new problem spaces and enable developers and researchers to tackle increasingly complex problems.

Enterprise-Grade: Meeting Real-World Needs

IonQ's enterprise-grade approach readies its quantum systems for deployment across various sectors, focusing on manufacturability, deployability, and customer applications at scale. IonQ has already formed successful partnerships with organizations like the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Airbus, and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) ? an internationally renowned center of fundamental research ? as they focus on optimization problems and quantum chemistry and other important real-world applications. Additionally, IonQ is exploring a growing number of quantum algorithms across fields such as AI, financial services, and cybersecurity, reinforcing its commitment to real-world quantum technology applications.

Currently, IonQ operates two quantum data centers?one at its headquarters in College Park, Maryland, and another in Seattle, Washington, which the company opened earlier this year. Later this year, IonQ will expand its footprint by bringing its quantum data center in Basel, Switzerland, online. All of these locations are dedicated to supporting the needs of IonQ's customers.

This momentum underscores IonQ's leadership in the quantum computing industry and robust industry demand. IonQ's enterprise strategy and expanding infrastructure highlight its dedication to unlocking commercial advantage by collaborating with industry leaders and making cutting-edge, well-balanced, quantum technology available ahead of schedule.

To learn more about IonQ and its latest system news and business developments, visit https://ionq.com/.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company's 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500tm List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "accelerate," "advance," "dedicate," "deploy," "drive," "enable," "expand," "expect," "improve," "will," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the company's technology driving commercial advantage in the future, the ability for third parties to implement IonQ's offerings to increase their quantum computing capabilities, the effect of increased availability of customer support functions and enterprise-grade solutions, IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans, access to IonQ's quantum computers, increases in algorithmic qubit achievement, and the scalability, performance, and reliability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings. 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: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's business; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 IonQ 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. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

22 july 2024 at 08:05

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Lunit's AI Solution Enhances Qatar's National Breast Cancer Screening Program





Middle East's first full-scale AI adoption for national screening marks Lunit's latest milestone amid rapid expansion of global cancer screening initiatives

SEOUL, South Korea, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunit, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, today announced the implementation of its AI-powered breast cancer detection solution, Lunit INSIGHT MMG, in Qatar's national breast cancer screening program. This marks the first nationwide adoption of AI in a national-level breast screening workflow in the Middle East. The partnership, set for an initial period of five years, demonstrates a long-term commitment to advancing breast cancer screening in Qatar.

Starting June 2024, Qatar's Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has integrated Lunit INSIGHT MMG into its "Screen for Life" program, the country's national breast and bowel cancer screening initiative. The AI solution aims to enhance early detection of breast cancer, potentially reducing missed diagnoses and improving survival rates in Qatar's triennial screening program.

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Qatar, accounting for 32% of all female cancer cases[1]," said Dr. Sheikha Abu Sheikha, Director of Early Detection Programs at PHCC. "To address this, we're integrating Lunit's AI as a crucial second opinion for our radiologists. As the first country in the Middle East to implement AI across the entire screening program, we're reinforcing Qatar's commitment to high-quality healthcare for women across the country."

The implementation follows a successful retrospective validation phase that began in March 2023. Satisfied with the performance and added value, two radiologists now read each mammogram while referring to Lunit INSIGHT MMG's results, improving accuracy and efficiency in the screening process.

Lunit's success in Qatar is part of a broader trend of the company's expansion in business-to-government (B2G) cancer screening initiatives worldwide. Notable recent deployments include:

Australia : Supplying Lunit INSIGHT MMG to BreastScreen New South Wales

: Supplying Lunit INSIGHT MMG to BreastScreen New South Wales Sweden : Delivering Lunit INSIGHT MMG to Capio S:t Goran Hospital, marking the first instance where AI replaced one human reader in breast screening

: Delivering Lunit INSIGHT MMG to Capio S:t Goran Hospital, marking the first instance where AI replaced one human reader in breast screening Kingdom of Saudi Arabia : Providing the Lunit INSIGHT suite to Seha Virtual Hospital, connecting over 150 hospitals

: Providing the Lunit INSIGHT suite to Seha Virtual Hospital, connecting over 150 hospitals Iceland : Implementing Lunit INSIGHT MMG for national breast screening, the first European country to deploy AI for the entire population

"Our collaboration with Qatar's PHCC for the 'Screen for Life' will equip healthcare providers with a powerful new tool to enhance medical diagnostics," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "As we expand into national screening programs worldwide, we're enhancing early cancer detection and reshaping preventive care. Each implementation brings us closer to our vision of making AI-assisted cancer screening more accurate and accessible to people around the world, regardless of their location."

The "Screen for Life" program, implemented by Qatar's PHCC, is a national initiative offering free breast and bowel cancer screening to eligible residents. This cornerstone of Qatar's public health strategy aims to promote early detection through education, awareness, and accessible screening services.

[1] Qatar Cancer Information Center: Cancer Incidence Report 2019

About Lunit

Founded in 2013, Lunit is a medical AI company on a mission to conquer cancer. We harness AI-powered medical image analytics and AI biomarkers to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for each cancer patient. Our FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite for cancer screening serves over 3,000 hospitals and medical institutions across 40+ countries.

Our clinical findings are featured in top journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Lancet Digital Health, and presented at global conferences such as the ASCO and RSNA.

In 2024, Lunit acquired Volpara Health Technologies, setting the stage for unparalleled synergy and accuracy, particularly in breast health and screening technologies.

Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with a network of offices worldwide, Lunit leads the global fight against cancer. Discover more at lunit.io .

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22 july 2024 at 09:00

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Bigger, Better, Back-to-School: Walmart Is Offering Thousands of Products Under $10 To Kick Off the Shopping Season With Honors





Walmart is the top back-to-school shopping destination, offering customers a best-in-class product assortment and full suite of convenient shopping services to make shopping for the new school year fast, easy and fun. That's why, this year, Walmart is offering thousands of the best back-to-school products, from pens and backpacks to first-day fits and lunchboxes, under $10.

With families expecting to spend over $800 on average on clothes, shoes, school supplies and electronics1, Walmart's selection of products under $10 can help parents, teachers and students buy everything they need and everything they want for the upcoming school year.

"At Walmart, we are proud to offer a back-to-school assortment that will excite our customers ? enabling them to find everything on their list at the prices they know they can trust us to deliver," said Julie Barber, executive vice president of general merchandise at Walmart. "My team and I look forward to being a part of such a memorable time in our customer's lives each year!"

Everything on supply lists at incredible prices

This year, customers will be excited to find top items and brands across the back-to-school assortment, including:

Thousands of back-to-school items under $10 ? With items from top national and private brands, Walmart is helping families stay on budget while prices are top of mind again this year, like Pen+Gear composition books for $0.50, BIC 10-pack of ballpoint pens for $1.77 and Pen+Gear highlighters for $0.88.

Supply list necessities ? Parents can feel good about purchasing supplies to last all year long from trusted brands such as Pen+Gear, Crayola, Five Star, Paper Mate and Sharpie. Students can also select their favorite pencil pouches, backpacks and notebooks from top franchises including Disney, Nintendo and Marvel.

First-day fashion ? Students will feel confident on their first day with the amazing school styles and parents will love the unbeatable prices. Our wide selection includes Walmart's private brands, like the newly re-launched No Boundaries, plus Free Assembly, Scoop and Wonder Nation, along with styles from national brands like Levi's, Justice, Reebok and Claire's, just to name a few.

Best-in-class tech ? From Kindergarten through college, students can count on Walmart for all their electronic needs, from trusted brands like Apple, HP, Samsung and JBL. Walmart is also helping the littlest students get a head start on learning with the new onn. Kids Tablet line, featuring an exclusive partnership with ABC Mouse that offers unique kids' content free with purchase. And customers can find high-quality products from top brands at a fraction of typical costs through Walmart Restored, a collection of refurbished tech and appliances powered by Walmart Marketplace.

____________________________ 1 2024 NRF Back-to-School Shopping Report (link)

Spotlight on teachers

From treasure chests and decor to bulk supplies and storage, Walmart has everything teachers need to kick off the school year, all at incredible prices. To ensure the classroom assortment meets the needs of teachers, Walmart brought in the people whose opinion matters most: real educators. Considering their feedback, Walmart's classroom and bulk supplies reflects what is most needed for a successful school year.

The Classroom Registry experience on Walmart.com and the Walmart app was designed to assist educators in reducing their expenses for classroom supplies. This innovative tool makes it simple and easy for educators to plan, shop and share their classroom wish lists. Registries can easily be found by searching Walmart's registry page by the teacher's last name and state.

Lunch-friendly finds at incredible prices

As customers prepare for first-day lunches, dorm room bites and everything in between, Walmart is making it easy for families and students to shop healthy and crave-worthy meal essentials for the new school year.

New this year, customers can shop Walmart's one-click food basket, which provides two weeks of lunches for just about $2 per day. The basket features 16 kid-approved items, including PB&J essentials, juice, fruit and snacks, for easy and affordable school lunches. The basket is currently available for easy pickup and delivery services on Walmart.com and the Walmart app through Sept. 15.

Curated college offerings

As college students navigate the next exciting chapter of their life, Walmart is working hard to make the little things easy so the big life moments can be the star. From dorm essentials inspired by the Cottage Core and Eclectic Icon trends to high-tech finds for every assignment and project, customers can discover everything they need to check off their list.

One-stop college destination ? Walmart is the one-stop destination for back-to-college with incredible prices on everything (without the need for any extra coupons) from stylish bedding and on-trend decor like the Mainstay's Cloud Ottoman and Cowgirl-inspired lit sign to must-haves for the classroom like the Apple MacBook Air with M1 chip for only $649 .

Walmart is the one-stop destination for back-to-college with incredible prices on everything (without the need for any extra coupons) from stylish bedding and on-trend decor like the Mainstay's Cloud Ottoman and Cowgirl-inspired lit sign to must-haves for the classroom like the . College & grad student savings ? Walmart+ is offering all the benefits of a traditional Walmart+ membership, but at half the price to college and grad students. This includes plenty of student-friendly perks, like free shipping with no order minimum, free grocery delivery and even a Paramount+ membership. Students who are 18 years of age or older and enrolled in an undergrad or advanced degree program will pay just $49 per year or $6.47/month. This offer is live now through Sept. 13.

Walmart+ is offering all the benefits of a traditional to college and grad students. This includes plenty of student-friendly perks, like free shipping with no order minimum, free grocery delivery and even a Paramount+ membership. Students who are 18 years of age or older and enrolled in an undergrad or advanced degree program will pay just $49 per year or $6.47/month. This offer is live now through Sept. 13. College-hour delivery ? From late-night study sessions to early-morning exams, Walmart offers expanded delivery hours that seamlessly meet customers' needs ? with On-Demand delivery starting at 6 a.m. along with Late-Night Express Delivery. College students can find everything they need, from the on-trend fashion to better-for-you snacks, on the Walmart app, available for convenient delivery that fits their unique schedules.

Wellness the Walmart way

The key to a successful school year starts with prioritizing your health and wellness. Walmart is making it easier for students, parents, and teachers to address their healthcare needs while they pick up their back-to-school essentials, including:

Immunization appointments ? Available via walk-up and pre-scheduled appointments on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, our nearly 4,600 pharmacies nationwide provide convenient options for customers to get their back-to-school vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, HPV and more, any day of the week.

On-trend eyewear ? From affordable eyewear with frames starting at $9 to fashion-forward finds from brands like DKNY, Columbia, Bebe, Nautica and Nike Eyewear and more, Walmart offers a broad assortment of trendy eyewear at Everyday Low Prices. Customers can even virtually "try-on" more than 900 eyewear options online and order the perfect pair from the comfort of home.

Prioritizing inclusivity for customers

Walmart is continuing its commitment to creating a more inclusive school shopping experience by rolling out Caroline's Carts, helping customers with disabilities to navigate the store with a single cart. By January 2025, all Walmart Supercenters and all Neighborhood Markets will receive at least one cart, totaling more than 8,000 carts.

In addition to Walmart's growing assortment of adaptive apparel, families can shop new sensory backpacks. The first-to-market Wonder Nation backpack, available for only $28, features easy grab zipper pulls, an insulated front pocket, compression hip belt with pockets, tactile teddy fleece on shoulder strap, and multiple headphone ports, among other features.

School shopping with you in mind

Walmart's is also making it easy for families to prepare for the start of the new school year with incredibly convenient services. This year, customers can save even more time with the help of Walmart's growing assortment of shipping, delivery and digital services. Customers can take advantage of seamless pickup and delivery options such as same-day curbside pickup and Express Delivery in as soon as 30 minutes.

Kick off all things Back-to-School by visiting Walmart.com or the Walmart app to start discovering incredible deals, trending items and much more.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better ? anytime and anywhere ? in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

22 july 2024 at 09:45

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The Government of Canada invests $74 million in Nova Scotia small craft harbours





GLACE BAY, NS, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Small craft harbours are the heart of many coastal communities, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians. As part of Budget 2024, $463.3 million over three years will be invested for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25. This is on top of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)'s annual budget of $90 million for these harbours.

As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to growing the economy to help everyone get ahead, today Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton?Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced a $74-million investment over three years to continue important work at 19 harbours in Nova Scotia. This investment will be used to reconstruct and repair wharfs, launchways and other critical harbour infrastructure, such as Glace Bay, where construction of a marginal wharf is expected to begin in 2026.

More than $11.3 million of this overall investment in Nova Scotia is earmarked for five harbours that sustained serious damage from Hurricane Fiona: Cape John, Ingonish (Macleods Point), Judique (Baxters Cove), Little Judique Ponds, and New Waterford.

The fishing industry is central to many coastal communities across Canada, and harvesters need small craft harbours to be safe and reliable. With climate change causing more extreme weather events, it is critical to invest in infrastructure that is more resilient, and above all else, safe for harbour users.

These investments support local economic development for generations to come, providing functional harbours for Canadians working in the fisheries, aquaculture, construction, and marine engineering sectors.

Quotes

"Small craft harbours are the backbone of our vibrant fishing communities from coast to coast to coast, including here in Nova Scotia. As the nation with the longest coastline in the world, we must invest in resilient harbour infrastructure capable of facing the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. This is not only a question of economic development, but also of food security. With Budget 2024, we're giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions, by equipping our harvesters with modern harbours where their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry on our finest maritime traditions."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Glace Bay Harbour is at the heart of our community. Harbours like ours provide jobs and recreation for countless people, and a strong fishing industry means a strong Cape Breton?Canso. I'm proud to be a part of the Government of Canada's investment in Nova Scotia small craft harbours, which is, in turn, an investment in the whole community."

Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament (Cape Breton?Canso)

"Small Craft Harbours are essential infrastructure for Canada's Coastal communities. New Waterford, Ingonish and Bay St. Lawrence harbours are economic drivers in Sydney?Victoria that will receive renewed attention with this funding. I am proud to be a part of a government that recognizes the value of investing in the future."

Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney?Victoria

Quick Facts

Small craft harbours provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which had landings valued at almost $4.7 billion in 2022.

in 2022. Small craft harbours support more than 45,000 jobs within the Canadian commercial fishing industry, as well as many thousands of additional jobs in supporting industries.

DFO is responsible for keeping 949 harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.

Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities, which are incorporated, not-for-profit organizations that manage and operate facilities for local users. There are more than 5,000 volunteers in harbour authorities across Canada .

Associated Links

Backgrounder - Nova Scotia small craft harbours, Budget 2024

Projects funded by Budget 2024 will be undertaken at the following Nova Scotia harbours managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Projects could range from repairs, to reconstruction of assets or dredging related work.

Further details on the nature and cost of each project will be made available as the respective tendering processes are completed.

Small craft harbours severely impacted by Hurricane Fiona are marked by *.

Harbour Projects Baileys Brook (Lismore) Wharf repairs Camp Cove (Lower Argyle) Advanced planning for the reconstruction of wharf stem Cape John* Improvement to breakwater Caribou Ferry Wharf reconstruction Glace Bay Marginal wharf construction Grand Etang Wharf reconstruction

Electrical upgrade Ingonish (Macleods Point)* Wharfs reconstruction Judique (Baxters Cove)* Advanced planning for breakwater and wharf reconstruction Larrys River Breakwaters and armourstone reconstruction Little Judique Ponds* Wharf reconstruction Louisbourg Wharf reconstruction and electrical upgrades (Phase 1) Meteghan H-pile repairs New Waterford* Dredging Pleasant Bay Improvement to containment cell Port Morien Repair seawall Three Fathom Harbour New containment cell

Capital dredging Toney River Annual redredging Upper Whitehead Electrical upgrades Wallace Wharf reconstruction

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region

22 july 2024 at 09:53

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Celonis Appoints Greg Czajkowski as EVP Engineering to Advance Platform Innovation





Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining and Process Intelligence, today announced the appointment of Grzegorz (Greg) Czajkowski as Executive Vice President of Engineering. Czajkowski will oversee the company's global Engineering teams as it continues to advance its market-leading Process Intelligence platform. Prior to joining Celonis, Czajkowski served as EVP of Engineering and Support at Snowflake for five years, where he oversaw the worldwide Engineering team responsible for developing and delivering the Snowflake Data Cloud.

In his new role, Czajkowski will use his deep expertise building industry-leading platforms and infrastructure solutions to further enhance Celonis' Process Intelligence platform, which is powered by the Celonis Process Intelligence Graph combining process data, artificial intelligence and business context. Leading the Engineering and Product teams, he will guide them as they continue to innovate and enhance the platform's foundation to ensure unrivaled scale and speed, and further utilize AI for greater process insights and context.

"I am very excited to join the team," said Czajkowski. "Celonis has created a highly sophisticated Process Intelligence platform enabling its customers to realize substantial value and drive sustainable enterprise transformation. I am fascinated by the opportunity to help organizations in all industries and regions to optimize their processes at scale. The company's potential is truly extraordinary ? everyone can benefit from Celonis' technology. I look forward to taking the comprehensive automation of process optimization and intelligence that Celonis has developed even further and I am very excited to be working with the team to fully realize its potential."

"Greg's impressive experience in engineering leadership and innovation makes him the perfect fit for us," said Alex Rinke, co-Founder and co-CEO at Celonis. "We are thrilled to welcome Greg into our team and look forward to the significant contributions he will bring in advancing our product development alongside fellow Celonauts, and driving transformative solutions for our customers. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to lead the market and deliver unparalleled value."

Greg is a distributed systems and organizations scaling expert. Before his role at Snowflake, he spent 13 years at Google as VP of Engineering responsible for a broad portfolio of Google Cloud data analytics and machine learning products, and for internal services addressing the data analytics needs of all of Google's businesses. He also spent six years at Sun Microsystems, working on Java runtime environments and operating systems.

Greg earned his PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University, has an MBA from UC Berkeley, and obtained his undergraduate degree from AGH Krakow, Poland. He currently holds over 50 patents.

About Celonis

Since 2011, Celonis has helped thousands of the world's largest and most esteemed companies yield immediate cash impact, radically improve customer experience, and reduce carbon emissions. Its Process Intelligence platform uses industry-leading process mining technology and AI to present companies with a living digital twin of their end-to-end processes. For the first time, everyone in an organization has a common language for how the business runs, visibility into where value is hiding, and the ability to capture it. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide.

 2024 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Find out more at celonis.com.

22 july 2024 at 10:25

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U.S. Based National Airlines Orders Four Boeing 777 Freighters





ORLANDO, Fla., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Airlines officially announced a commitment to order four Boeing 777 Freighters with the deliveries scheduled to begin in the next several years to meet the carrier's global growth strategy. In an official announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow today, National Airlines senior management along with Boeing representatives confirmed the agreement reaffirming the company's fleet growth plans and first-of-its-kind direct order with Boeing for the twin-engine freighter. The four 777-200F will be in addition to National Airlines' expanding fleet of nine 747-400 freighters, three A330 passenger aircraft, and a 757-200 passenger aircraft.

Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Airlines said, "We are elated by this remarkable order of four Boeing 777 Freighters. This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers' increasing transportation demands. The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National. We sincerely appreciate the support by Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead."

"We appreciate National Airlines for its trust in Boeing and the 777 Freighter to grow the carrier's global fleet and deliver greater value for its customers," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its cargo capacity, range, and reliability, operators continue to rely on the 777 Freighter to build their future fleets, making it the best-selling freighter of all time."

The long-range Boeing 777 Freighter complements the existing National Airlines fleet with a range of 4,970nmi (9,200km) and can carry a maximum payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lb). As one of the fastest-growing global airlines, the 777 Freighter order is a significant expansion of National Airlines' on-demand customized charter capacity. The latest developments will enhance the company's global operations commitment and offer customers enhanced cargo charter options to strengthen its supply chain movement and transportation demand in the future. The increased cargo capacity and freighter aircraft options including 747 and 777 freighters will be an impetus for customers from a wide array of industries to avail highly flexible, tailored, and efficient air cargo options with National Airlines.

About National Airlines

National Airlines is a U.S. FAA-certificated Part 121 air carrier, with a fleet of 9 B747-400 Freighters, and 4 passenger aircraft including A330-300, A330-200, and B757-200. The company provides on-demand commercial cargo and passenger charters to over 450+ airports worldwide. From humanitarian aid to e-commerce shipment, National Airlines customized air cargo charter services are offered to defense, automotive, energy, fashion, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas industry customers among others. The global operations are managed by offices and hubs in the U.S., Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Dubai, Malaysia, Japan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.nationalairlines.com.

Established in 1991, National Air Cargo, Inc. offers premium global end-to-end logistics solutions, freight forwarding, and charter airline services. Through global operational hubs, niche, and industry-specific transportation solutions are curated for governmental programs, defense departments, e-commerce, automotive, oil-field projects, temperature-controlled shipments, live animal movements, and humanitarian aid & relief support.

SOURCE NATIONAL AIR CARGO GROUP INC DBA NATIONAL AIRLINES

22 july 2024 at 13:03

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Minister MacAulay announces support for Canadian dairy farmers to improve sustainability and safety





OTTAWA, ON, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, ahead of Dairy Farmers of Canada's 2024 Annual General Meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of more than $8.5 million for two projects led by Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) through the AgriAssurance Program ? National Industry Association Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The investment will allow DFC to improve existing producer support tools, such as the national dairy cattle traceability program, DairyTrace, and the related proAction quality assurance program, which provides a framework for high standards of farming.

DFC will be receiving up to $5,000,000 over five years to advance sustainability and public trust in the dairy industry, leveraging the proAction quality assurance program. The proAction program ensures Canadian dairy farms maintain high standards in terms of environmental impact, food safety, animal care, and more. Environmental stewardship is a top priority for the Government of Canada, and the on-farm assessments through proAction, and projects planned through DFC's sustainability initiatives, will assess areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, water use, and biodiversity, to help farmers make environmentally conscious decisions in their farming practices.

DFC will also be receiving up to $3,572,786 over five years to build on their existing tools and strengthen DairyTrace to help protect and enhance animal health, public trust, and sustainability. Traceability supports the sustainability and viability of the dairy industry by helping prevent the spread of disease, thereby promoting more sustainable food production and supporting new federal regulations for animal health.

Quotes

"Dairy farms are at the heart of so many communities across the country, and I know just how hard our dairy farmers work to provide us with top-quality products while caring for their animals and the environment. Today's investment is about giving Dairy Farmers of Canada the support they need to help farmers adopt sustainable practices to lower emissions, and improve the traceability and safety of dairy products."

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canadian dairy farmers are working hard to make their farms more sustainable. We are helping make sure they can provide some of the world's best milk, cheese and other products for future generations."

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

"DFC welcomes these AAFC investments which will help the Canadian dairy industry find long-term success in safety and sustainability. These programs go hand in hand: improved traceability protects against and prevents disease spread, supporting the viability of our nation's dairy farms. This results in less waste and a more sustainable food supply chain for all Canadians."

- David Wiens, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada

Quick facts

The Canadian dairy industry is a vital pillar of rural communities across Canada , and a key economic driver. In 2023, there were 9,443 dairy farms in Canada supporting more than 45,000 direct jobs.

, and a key economic driver. In 2023, there were 9,443 dairy farms in supporting more than 45,000 direct jobs. The AgriAssurance Program ? National Industry Association Component, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, provides funding to national industry associations for national-level projects to help industry develop, verify and integrate assurance systems to address market and regulatory requirements and to enable industry to make credible, meaningful and verifiable claims about the health, safety and quality of Canadian agriculture products.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion , 5-year agreement ( April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028 ), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri?food and agri?based products sector.

, 5-year agreement ( to ), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of agriculture, agri?food and agri?based products sector. Dairy Farmers of Canada is the national policy, advocacy and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers. Dairy Farmers of Canada seeks to maintain policies that promote the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy products and their health benefits. Dairy farmers have set a goal of net-zero emissions from farm-level dairy production by 2050.

Associated links

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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

22 july 2024 at 13:53

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Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tatar-Bashkir service, attends a court hearing in Kazan, Russia on April 1, 2024. AP

A court has convicted Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced her to 6 years in prison after a secret trial, court records and officials said on Monday, July 22.

The conviction in the city of Kazan came on Friday, the same day that a court in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison in a case that the US called politically motivated.

Read more Subscribers only A prison sentence in Russia and a glimmer of hope for US journalist Evan Gershkovich

Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old editor for RFE/RLs Tatar-Bashkir service, was convicted of "spreading false information" about the military, according to the website of the Supreme Court of Tatarstan. Court spokesperson Natalya Loseva confirmed to The Associated Press (AP) by phone that Kurmasheva was sentenced to 6 in prison in a case classified as secret, with no details available of the nature of the accusations against her.

Asked Monday about the verdict, RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus denounced the trial and conviction of Kurmasheva "a mockery of justice." "The only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors," he said in a statement. "Its beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family," Capus said in a statement to the AP.

Failing to register as foreign agent

Kurmasheva, who holds US and Russian citizenship and lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters, was taken into custody in October 2023 and charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military. Later, she was also charged with spreading "false information" about the Russian military under legislation that effectively criminalized any public expression about the war in Ukraine that deviates from the Kremlin line.

Kurmasheva was initially stopped in June 2023 at Kazan International Airport after traveling to Russia the previous month to visit her ailing elderly mother. Officials confiscated her US and Russian passports and fined her for failing to register her US passport. She was waiting for her passports to be returned when she was arrested on new charges in October that year. RFE/RL has repeatedly called for her release.

RFE/RL was told by Russian authorities in 2017 to register as a foreign agent, but it has challenged Moscows use of foreign agent laws in the European Court of Human Rights. The organization has been fined millions of dollars by Russia. In February, RFE/RL was outlawed in Russia as an undesirable organization.

Arrests of Americans are increasingly common in Russia, with nine US citizens known to be detained there as tensions between the two countries have escalated over fighting in Ukraine. The swift and secretive trials of Kurmasheva and Gershkovich in Russias highly politicized legal system raised hopes for a possible prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.

Read more Subscribers only Pravfond, the discreet slush fund for Russian spies and their foreign legal woes
US Vice President Kamala Harris at her first public appearance since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, on the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, July 22, 2024. NATHAN HOWARD / REUTERS

Vice President Kamala Harris says she is "proud" to have secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee against Republican Donald Trump as top Democrats rallied behind her in the aftermath of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid.

Several state delegations met late Monday, July 22, to confirm their support for Harris, including Texas and her home state of California. By Monday night, Harris had the support of at least 2,579 delegates, according to the Associated Press (AP) tally of delegates, more than the 1,976 delegates she'll need to win on a first ballot. No other candidate was named by a delegate.

California state Democratic Chairman Rusty Hicks said 75% to 80% of the state's delegation were on a call and they unanimously supported Harris. "I've not heard anyone mentioning or calling for any other candidate," Hicks said. "Tonight's vote was a momentous one."

Harris, who vowed to win in November, acknowledged the "rollercoaster" of emotions following Biden's decision to drop out of the White House race. "Over the next 106 days, we are going to take our case to the American people, and we are going to win," Harris told her campaign staff in Delaware on Monday. "It's been a roller coaster, and we're all filled with so many mixed emotions about this  I just have to say I love Joe Biden."

Earlier on Monday, Harris lumped her election rival Trump in with the "predators" and "cheaters" as she attacked the first former US leader to be convicted of a crime. Speaking of her past as a prosecutor in California, Harris added to her staff: "In those roles I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump's type."

Read more Subscribers only After Biden's exit, Democrats throw support behind Harris

Also on Monday, Harris spoke of the president's "unmatched" legacy in her first public appearance since his shock election race exit as Democrats rapidly coalesced around her to lead the party against Trump in November. The vice president hosted a ceremony for college athletes at the White House while Biden remained stuck in isolation with Covid-19 at his Delaware beach house.

A flood of Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi giving her "enthusiastic support," backed 59-year-old Harris as the party's new candidate for November's election, building momentum for a lightning-fast coronation despite some calls to show transparency with an open primary.

But America's first Black woman vice president did not mention her sudden elevation to likely presidential candidate and kept the focus instead on Biden and the achievements of his one-term presidency. "Joe Biden's legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history," Harris said in her brief remarks on the White House South Lawn. Some of her sporting metaphors did seem to nod toward the political race ahead of her, though, as she talked of bringing home the gold and "what it means to commit and to persevere." Harris will make a first trip to campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, later Monday  not far from Rehoboth Beach, where Biden has spent most of the last week nursing his Covid infection.

'Let's win this'

Biden finally stepped aside from the 2024 race on Sunday after three weeks of pressure sparked by a disastrous debate performance that raised fears about his age and mental acuity. He immediately endorsed Harris, and earlier Monday a slew of Democratic heavyweights added their backing, including a number seen as potential picks for her running mate.

Read more Subscribers only Joe Biden's one too many battles

"Let's win this," posted Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, announcing her support in tandem with the governors of Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, also declared his support, as did Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Biden's withdrawal has completely upended the 2024 race, transforming a long slog between two unpopular elderly men into one of the most compelling in modern US presidential history. The move has brought a jolt of energy to a demoralized party that Harris could now unify and could give America its first female president.

It has also hit Republicans hard, with former president Trump, 78  now the oldest presidential nominee in US history  having to completely retool a strategy that had been built around attacking Biden over his age and physical frailty.

Meanwhile, Harris is sticking to the theme she adopted as far back as her campaign for California attorney general 14 years ago. "My whole life, I've only had one client: the people," her first fundraising email began, referencing her abbreviated 2020 presidential campaign theme, "Kamala: For the people."

"That was true when I was a prosecutor in California, when I served in the Senate and throughout my time as your Vice President," Harris' email states. "And it's true as I make this announcement to the world. My name is Kamala Harris, and I'm running for President of the United States."

Read more Subscribers only 2024 US election: Republicans pushed to rethink campaign strategy after Biden's withdrawal
THE FORMER CEO of The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Ian Elliott, has described Bishop Eamonn Casey as "a sexual predator" in a new documentary to be broadcast this Monday night on RTE One and RTE Player.

In an investigation conducted by RTE, in association with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Mail reporter Anne Sheridan examines the Catholic Church's handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, Eamonn Casey, who died in 2017.

Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets includes an interview with one of Bishop Caseys accusers, his niece, Patricia Donovan, from Limerick. Speaking for the first time on camera, she claims that he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years.

Mr Elliott, who has direct knowledge of Ms Donovans complaint against Bishop Casey, tells the RTE / Irish Mail on Sunday investigation that he found her account of what she experienced entirely credible, describing Bishop Casey as, on balance of probabilities, an offender, a sexual predator.

"The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people. That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the Church. That is a major priority, said Mr Elliott.

Ms Donovan tells the documentary: Some of the things he did to me, and where he did them The horror of being raped by him when I was five, the violence. And it just carried on in that vein He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him... It didnt make any difference.

In 2019, Galway Diocese informed reporter Anne Sheridan that it had received just one allegation of child sexual abuse against Bishop Eamonn Casey. It has since confirmed that, in fact, it had records at that time of five people who had complained of childhood sexual abuse against Bishop Casey.

READ MORE: Bishop Eamonn Casey's 'Buried Secrets' in Limerick to be revealed

These independent accusations relate to alleged events in every Irish diocese where Bishop Casey worked.

In an exceptional public statement issued to the documentary, the Vatican confirms, for the first time, that Bishop Casey was formally removed from public ministry in 2007, following allegations which, RTE has established, included his niece Patricia Donovans complaint of child sexual abuse. That restriction continued for the last ten years of his but life but was never publicly disclosed in Bishop Caseys lifetime.

The RTE documentary has also discovered evidence that Bishop Casey violated the Vaticans sanctions on several occasions, presenting himself in public as a priest in good standing across several years. Galway Diocese has confirmed this, but stated that the late Bishop Martin Drennan, who was responsible for policing the restrictions, reprimanded Dr Casey whenever he was made aware of such breaches.

In early 2006, the Irish Bishops announced that Eamonn Casey was moving back to Ireland from England to retire. By this stage, the Vatican had now received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against Bishop Casey. Although the DPP decided not to prosecute him, Church investigations were ongoing.

After repeated requests for information, the Vatican has now issued an exceptional statement to RTE, confirming that, by 2006, following unspecified allegations, Bishop Casey had been requested not to publicly exercise the ministry and that this was reiterated formally a year later.

The statement also revealed that He was never reinstated in spite of insistence from him and on his behalf and regardless of the outcome of the civil procedures. When RTE requested clarification from Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the President of the Vatican department responsible for handling complaints of child sexual abuse, he replied that: Cases concerning Bishops are reserved to the Holy Father personally and only the Secretariat of State would be in a position to share information.

Bishop Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him. Although all the complaints were reported to An Garda Siochana, he was never charged with, or prosecuted for, any sexual crimes. He was prepared to go to court to defend his reputation after two of his accusers brought civil cases against him.

Despite his resignation as Bishop of Galway in 1992, he remained a Bishop until his dying day and claimed his removal from ministry was unjust. The documentary hears from friends, colleagues and supporters, who still find it hard to believe the allegations made against him. However the Vatican has declined to say what investigative process was followed or whether the sanctions it imposed on Bishop Casey were punitive or precautionary.

Bishop Caseys niece, Ms Donovan, tells the documentary: I feel so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the Church I was brought up in.

Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese was legal advisor to the Irish Bishops on the day the story broke in 1992 about Bishop Eamonn Caseys affair with a young woman, Annie Murphy, with whom he had a child. She tells the RTE documentary: "He was very beloved and there are people who are prepared to forgive everything. But then, maybe, do they know everything?"
PRE-TAX profits at the County Limerick-based bloodstock business co-owned by well-known businessman, Denis Brosnan last year increased more than two fold to 994,620.

New accounts filed by Mr Brosnans Epona Bloodstock Ltd show that its pre-tax profits increased by 160% after revenues went up by 29% from 3.94m to 5.09m in the 12 months to the end of June 2023.

Epona Bloodstock is the firm that operates the 270 acre Croom House Stud farm.

Croom House is the property of former Kerry Group chief executive Mr Brosnan, who along with Joan Brosnan, who purchased the house and lands in 1986, restored the stables and yards and brought their own thoroughbred horses onto the property.

The bulk of the firms revenues were generated from bloodstock sales at 4.56m compared to 3.19m in 2022. The rest of the firms revenues last year were made up of 235,276 in livestock; 268,522 in administration services and 17,542 in the keeping of mares.

The figures show that 3.7m of revenues were generated in the UK with 1.38m in Ireland. The profits last year take account of non-cash depreciation costs of 137,672.

Numbers employed by the firm last year declined by one to 12 and staff costs last year increased from 620,539 to 656,022.

At the end of June last year, the company had shareholder funds of 4.35m that included 4.33m in accumulated profits.

The companys cash funds decreased sharply from 155,463 to 22,691.

READ MORE: Limerick village could be boosted by new take-away tea and coffee service

The accounts disclose that the book value of the firm's livestock and bloodstock increased from 4.9m to 6.6m last year. The firm also has financial assets of 140,001 and tangible assets of 156,718.

The accounts  signed off on May 30 by Denis Brosnan and Joan Brosnan - also show that former director and shareholder, Mr Brosnan has provided a personal guarantee to the company and has confirmed that he will not withdraw the guarantees provided to the company.

According to the Croom House Stud website, 30 broodmares are kept, owned by Denis and Joan Brosnan or by Epona Bloodstock at the stud.

The website states that the rich limestone land makes it possible to keep mares, yearlings and other followers outside in sheltered paddocks for most of the year with minimal time spent in stables.

It adds: This has enabled Croom House to produce strong, tough horses with great bone who have made their mark on racetracks throughout the world over the past twenty years.

Directors on the board of Epona Bloodstock are listed as Joan Brosnan, Paul Brosnan and Mary Brosnan.
COMHLUADAR Luimnigh is hosting an information session on the grants, supports and awards available for Limerick businesses that involve the Irish language in their company.

Any businesses who currently incorporate the native language or are interested in beginning to are invited to attend the session.

Padraig O Neachtain from Gradaim Gno will be answering questions on the grants and awards available to businesses if they incorporate the Irish language in their signage and/or other aspects of their company.



He will also explain how Limerick businesses can enter the Gradaim Gno awards scheme and access additional grants and supports.



The Gradaim Gno awards are funded by Foras na Gaeilge and are administered by Glor na nGael.



The awards are given to businesses for their use of the Irish language across three areas: Signage, Branding and Marketing, and Service in Irish.



This year will mark the third year of the Gradaim Gno awards.

READ MORE: Green Limerick: Croagh students shine bright with renewable energy project

Ava Nic Searraigh, Irish language officer with Comhluadar Luimnigh, explains that Many businesses are not aware of the award scheme or the grants available. Research shows that usage of the Irish language in your business can increase business and can create customer goodwill. This scheme is for all sizes and types of businesses, big or small, refreshments will be served.



Comhluadar Luimnigh are hosting the special information session from 7-8pm on Thursday, July 25 in the Strand Hotel in Limerick city.



Anyone who is interested in attending the information evening can contact Ava Nic Searraigh at eolas@comhluadarluimnigh.ie.

146 businesses were awarded at the Gradaim Gno ceremony in Croke Park in 2023.



26 of the 146 comapnies achieved gold medals in all three areas judged, with another 74 receiving at least one gold medal.



Tesco Ireland and Trocaire were among the winning businesses last year.
People in Joe Bidens Irish ancestral homeland are sad to see him go as president, according to one local.

Mr Biden, who has frequently expressed pride in his Irish ancestry, has made repeated trips to Ireland in recent years.

Rebecca Birch, restaurant manager of Fitzpatricks Bar in Jenkinstown, Co Louth, said locals are hoping they can welcome the 81-year-old back after he announced he would not be seeking re-election as president.

Mr Biden stopped at the bar in 2016 while on a trip with his family to explore their ancestry in the Cooley Peninsula.

Ms Birch, who is local to the area, said she was 16 when the then-US vice president visited the bar.

She said there was a great atmosphere ahead of his arrival.

Ms Birch said: I was with my mam and dad. It was a lovely sunny day, people had been talking about it for weeks. There was a lot of buzz in the area at the time.

Id never seen anything like it, the presidential cars coming in. It was crazy, there were so many people about. It was just a really exciting time to have him here.

Ms Birch said there were mixed reactions following his decision to pull out of the race.

It is a shame because he had a great term, he did an awful lot for America.

Were such a small town and to have a connection to somebody in office, the president of America, thats such a big deal.

Everyone here has a story about Joe Biden being in the community and to have that connection to the White House is really special.

Unfortunately, were not going to have that any more but I wish him all the best and I hope its the right decision for him and hopefully he can relax after stepping down.

Ms Birch said there were hopes that Mr Biden could visit the area more frequently, adding: He wont be in office anymore, not so busy running America, so hopefully hell visit us more because I know he does quite like it.

Wed love to have him back.

In 2023, the US presidents tour of Ireland saw him retrace his ancestral roots, with visits to Louth as well as Co Mayo.

Mr Bidens grandfather, James Finnegan, was born in Co Louth while his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, hailed from Ballina in Mayo.

On Sunday, Irish premier Simon Harris thanked the US president for his friendship to Ireland.

He said Mr Biden had expressed a fierce pride in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for reason, effective multi-lateralism and shared solutions.

Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this, he said.

On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it was like coming home.

The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the president is held in his ancestral home.
The Indian consumer electronics sector is a major contributor to the country's economy, generating employment and driving GDP growth. As India aims to become a global leader in consumer electronics manufacturing, the upcoming Union Budget holds significant importance. With the ambitious goal of transforming into a $300 billion electronics industry, stakeholders are hopeful for measures that will propel the sector's growth trajectory and address key challenges.

The development of robust technology infrastructure is essential for achieving the desired growth in the consumer electronics sector. This includes enhancing research and development capabilities, adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, and improving the overall digital ecosystem. Investments in these areas will not only improve the quality and efficiency of production but also foster innovation and competitiveness on a global scale.

Localization of raw materials and components is another crucial aspect. By reducing reliance on imports, particularly from countries like China, India can strengthen its economic stability and manufacturing resilience. The government should incentivize the development of local supply chains and support industries that produce essential components. This move will not only enhance the domestic manufacturing ecosystem but also contribute to bolstering foreign reserves and ensuring a steady supply of critical materials.

The previous budget's announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor hinted at significant export opportunities for the Indian consumer electronics sector. However, to fully capitalise on this corridor and explore additional export avenues, the upcoming budget needs to introduce measures that go beyond this initiative. Aligning with the nation's developmental goals, the budget should focus on enhancing trade agreements, streamlining export procedures, and providing financial incentives to exporters. The materialisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key markets can further open up new opportunities for the industry.

Currently, televisions larger than 32 inches are classified as luxury goods and subjected to a 28% GST. Industry stakeholders see this classification and the high tax rate as unfair, as televisions are no longer considered luxury items but essential household products. Revising the GST rates for televisions and other consumer electronics can make these products more affordable for a larger section of the population, thereby boosting domestic sales and encouraging local manufacturing.

Additionally, the implementation of anti-dumping duties is crucial to protect domestic manufacturers from unfair competition and ensure a level playing field. The government should review and adjust these duties as necessary to support the growth of the Indian consumer electronics industry.

As the consumer electronics industry evolves, there is a growing need for a skilled workforce capable of adapting to the demands of industry 4.0. The government should prioritise initiatives focused on upskilling and reskilling the existing workforce, as well as integrating advanced manufacturing and digital technologies into the education and training systems. By making the workforce industry-ready, India can ensure sustainable growth and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Electronics industry seeks incentives to boost Make in India

The future of the consumer electronics industry in India looks promising, with several developments indicating a positive trajectory. The government's support for the "Make in India" initiative and the greenlighting of new manufacturing plants have provided a notable push to the industry. Continued support in the form of policy reforms, financial incentives, and infrastructure development will be essential for maintaining this momentum.

By addressing these key challenges, India can undoubtedly pave the way to becoming a global leader in consumer electronics manufacturing. Industry stakeholders remain hopeful that the budget will align with these expectations and contribute to the realisation of India's ambitious goals.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, July 22, announced significant reforms to improve the Ease of Doing Business in India, highlighting the decriminalization of 63 offences as a key achievement.

While presenting the Economic Survey 2023-24 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman emphasized the government's efforts to simplify regulations and promote a business-friendly environment.

Sitharaman said, Many steps have been taken to improve the Ease of Doing Business. Nearly 11 steps have been mentioned in the reply, but most importantly, the Decriminalisation of 63 offences, as a result of which companies today are able to carry on their functions without the worry of compliance. A central processing system has also been set up.

Economic Survey 2023-24 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-24 and its statistical appendix in the Lok Sabha. This annual document, prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, assesses the current economic state and outlines short-to-medium-term prospects and is released ahead of the Union Budget.

The Economic Survey is crafted by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance under the guidance of the chief economic adviser. This tradition dates back to 1950-51 when the first Economic Survey was part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Union Budget and has since been tabled a day before the budget presentation.

Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for 2024-25 on Tuesday, July 23.

Addressing the press ahead of Parliament's Budget session, PM Modi appealed to opposition parties playing "negative politics" to "get rid of past bitterness and come together."

"I would like to request all parliamentarians to participate in all discussions in the House, no matter how ideologically opposed they are. Opposite ideologies are not bad, but negative ideologies are. That is when the limit of thoughts comes to an end. The country does not need negativity," PM Modi said.
The quarterly earnings season started on July 8 and several major companies such Reliance Industries, Paytm, SpiceJet, HDFC Bank have already announced their results. This week, from July 22 to July 27, companies including Nestle India, Cipla, ICICI Bank, Indigo are scheduled to report their quarterly earnings for Q1 FY25. Today, July 22, 44 companies will declare quarterly results.

Q1 results today Allied Blenders and Distillers, Beeyu Overseas, Cigniti Technologies, Cochin Minerals and Rutile, Coforge, Cyient DLM, Digicontent, Dharani Sugars chemicals, Dodla Dairy, Esha Media Research, Fortis Malar Hospitals, Glance Finance, Greenlam Industries, IDBI Bank, Indo Credit Capital, IEL, Indian Overseas Bank, Jai Mata Glass, Jana Small Finance Bank, Kiran Vyapar, Mahindra Logistics, Maharashtra Scooters, Moschip Technologies, Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals, Nitin Spinners, Pondy Oxides and Chemicals, Poly Medicure, Rane Brake Lining, R J Shah & Co, Sharat Industries, S M Gold, Solara Active Pharma Sciences, Spencers Retail, Supreme Industries, Suzlon Energy, Trishakti Industries, Triveni Glass, UCO Bank, U H Zaveri, Vardhman Concrete, Virinchi, Wendt (India), Zensar Technologies, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India will announce quarterly results today.

IDBI Bank In the previous quarter, Q4 FY24, IDBI Bank reported a rise of 43.7 per cent in net profit at 1,628.5 crore, compared to 1,133.4 crore in the same quarter previous year. The lender's net interest income (NII), or the difference between interest earned and interest paid, in Q4 FY24 rose by 12.4 per cent to 3,687.9 crore, compared to 3,279.6 crore in the same quarter the previous year, according to a Mint report on May 4.

The bank's board declared a dividend of 1.50 per equity share for FY24.

IDBI Bank has been in talks for privatisation for a long time.Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the biggest shareholder in IDBI Bank with more than 49% stake, while the government holds a 45.5% stake.
Mumbai: Indian companies are reorienting health insurance coverage for their employees to include extended benefits for household help, parents and parents-in-law, and are encouraging employees to set aside 10% of their annual objectives towards health goals, which in turn will impact their variable pay and bonus.

The move is designed to ensure that health benefits are not just a feel-good mechanism but are also designed to help curb employee attrition and measure performance.

Over the years, several measures have gained traction, including mandatory annual health check-ups, access to hospitals and therapists, insurance policies that look into a more fluid family structure where partners are included, and even gender surgeries. Now, things are being taken to a different level.

Who's doing what

For instance, brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services has rolled out health and life insurance coverage for employees' household help and will also pay for the expenses incurred for vacations taken up by an employee's parents/parents-in-law.

The company's chief human resources officer (CHRO) Niren Srivastava said that these non-monetary benefits are being offered from the new fiscal to employees who have spent at least five years with the company.

About 15% of the employees can access them, who meet the eligibility criteria," Srivastava said. We estimate that these measures will help us bring down attrition, which was ~52% in FY23, and about 40% in FY24. Early trends are very encouraging."

Also read | How HCLTech bucked the shrinking headcount trend

Also read | Is hiring just to meet diversity quotas an unfair approach?

Also read | IT firms mustnt miss warning signals from Accenture

To manage attrition even when there is pressure on costs, firms are depending more on health benefits when counter offers for exiting employees and out-of-turn hikes impact their coffers.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance, for instance, will amalgamate employee health goals into performance metrics. This means employee performance reviews will take into account progress towards things like weight management, improved sleep patterns, or healthier eating habits.

We are encouraging employees to take health goals as part of their performance appraisal process," said a senior executive in the firm who wished to remain anonymous. So far, the goals were operational ones, sales target, customer goals, etc., and although it is not compulsory, the company has recommended its 6,500 employees to take one."

While not being mandatory, health goals will be allotted maximum 10% weightage and those who achieve the goals will be recognized" in the firm's quarterly/annual awards, etc.

While objective settings are not completed for all, at least 40-50% would have taken a health goal already, the executive said. Those who have not taken a health goal, we will go back and again encourage them to take one."

Early days

Consultants who look after compensation and rewards note that it will take a while before these perks become part of an employee's negotiations with a firm.

The focus on well-being has been gathering pace and the feedback is quite positive given their high usage rates, particularly at a junior management level. However, we may take sometime before a candidate says I need them while accepting a job offer," said Dinkar Pawan, director at Deloitte who focuses on executive performance and rewards.

According to a report by insuretech platform Plum, given that health insurance impacts only 8% of the workforce, there is greater demand for more holistic healthcare initiatives".

The report, which analyzed 4,500 employee healthcare programmes, noted that since last year there has been a 66% increase in median sum insured from 3,00,000 to 5,00,000. Firms offering flexible benefits have doubled as well in the same period.

In June, e-commerce firm Flipkart introduced a scheme wherein its 20,000 employees and their families can get instant rewards with cashback through a mobile app on any health or medical bills paid by them or their families, immediately reducing their monthly healthcare costs.

Flipkart has introduced this in partnership with healthcare payments company QubeHealth.

This partnership simplifies healthcare payments and supports the needs of our employees," said Aakriti Chandra, the company's vice president-HR (performance, total rewards, corporate function). These initiatives are designed while keeping in mind the changing times and evolving needs of people."

This May, Panasonic Life Solutions India introduced an annual health check-up for employees above 40 years that would be reimbursed by the company.
Mumbai: Distributors of Honasa Consumer Ltd (Mamaearth) have raised concerns over excessive inventory the personal care company has dispatched to the market and delays in replacing damaged, unsold, and expired stock.

Goods worth 50 crore to 100 crore are stuck, according to the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF). The inventory pile-up comes as Honasa, which started out as an online personal care company, builds a greater presence offline. Honasa gets a third of its business from offline channels.

Honasa refuted the associations claims. The company sells beauty and personal care products branded Mamaearth, Dr. Sheth's, Aqualogica, and BBlunt. However, the issue of excessive stocks is restricted to Mamaearth, its largest brand.

Also Read: Mamaearth parent expects distribution strategy change to impact revenue in FY25

The federation claimed distributors are saddled with 90 days worth of stocks or goods. Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies typically supply stocks for 20-30 days or 45 days at the most. Fresh orders are placed in response to how quickly products move from retail stores. Distributors then replenish the stock with retail outlets.

The issue has been on for several months, said an executive at the federation.

Once goods have been billed to the distributor, the liability is of the distributor. Distributors have done their job of product placement. However, off-take of products has not matched expectations," Dhairyashil Patil, national president of the AICPDF, told Mint.

Close to expiry

In a statement Monday, the federation highlighted the high-risk" of stock expiry at warehouses and retail outlets, along with "substantial" volumes of unsold inventory returned by retailers. It claimed Honasa has delayed replacing damaged, unsold, and expired stock. Patil said some products have been lying with them for over a year and could be nearing expiry.

In response to a query by Mint, a company spokesperson refuted the federations claims, asserting that the statement contained errors and discrepancies.

Honasa Consumer Ltd is dedicated to building distribution as a core strength for its business. We aim to achieve this by establishing enduring relationships with the right distribution partners, built on trust and mutual benefit," the spokesperson said. We have been leveraging technology solutions for tracking inventory, sales, promotions, etc., to ensure transparent and efficient processes across the value chain. We are committed to fostering strong, long-term partnerships with all our distributors and will keep working on addressing any concerns which come in the way."

Patil said the federation has raised the issue with the company several times.

We have asked them to replace old stock with fresh stock. A lot of inventory is still sitting with retailers," he said. About 200-300-plus distributors are affected by the issue, said Patil.

To be sure, Honasa has stepped up efforts to reach more offline outlets--a major sales channel for companies in the FMCG space. Small mom-and-pop stores still account for the bulk of FMCG sales in India.

As of March 2024, its products were available in 1,88,377 retail outlets. Honasa, which listed on the stock exchanges last year, started selling goods offline four years ago. Last quarter, the company said it plans to overhaul its offline distribution.

Honasa Consumer shares closed at 473.60 on the BSE on Monday, and have gained 4.89% year to date. The company posted a profit of 111.7 crore in FY24 compared with a loss of 142.8 crore, with operating revenue rising 28% to 1,919.9 crore.

Honasa has moved to a direct distribution model in the top 50 cities, phasing out its previous reliance on super stockistsciting the critical" role offline trade will play in expanding its product range and market share. This transition was implemented in the third quarter of FY24.

There are three pillars that we have been executing. One is a transition from super stockists to direct distributors, especially in top 50 cities; onboarding high-quality FMCG distributors with strong direct distribution reach, as well as implementing a customised version of distributor management system and sales force automation that we have built over the last one year along with our partners across all of these distributors," Varun Alagh, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Honasa Consumer, said during an earnings call in May.

Mint spoke to others in the trade who also said distributors in the general trade have struggled with a situation of over-stocking.
The two business families of Bharat Forge's managing director Baba Kalyani and his sister Sugandha Hiremath are likely to resolve their bitter ongoing dispute over multi-billion dollar assets controlled by the Kalyani family trust through a court-monitored mediation.

A Pune civil court on Monday asked the two families to settle their disputes via a mediation process after Sugandha's children asked for it, soon after filing a rejoinder, alleging Baba Kalyani of perjury and claiming that most of the current businesses under the Kalyani Group have been built with the help of assets that were originally created by Baba Kalyani and Sugandha's grandfather AN Kalyani over five decades ago.

On Monday, Sameer Hiremath and his sister Pallavi Swadi requested the court to allow mediation with their uncle.

Baba Kalyanis counsel Amit Agashe opposed to hold truce talks with Hiremaths, but later the court accepted the Hiremath siblings' request for mediation.

As per the mediation rules, the two families may be given 60 days to settle their disputes through a mediation that will be monitored by a special court-appointed committee, said a person aware of the dispute.

Mint has reviewed a copy of the documents filed by the Hiremath family against the Kalyanis.

Read more: Mamaearth distributors say company is burdening them with excessive inventory In response to an affidavit filed on 6 May by Baba Kalyani's family, Sugandhas children Sameer Hiremath and Pallavi Swadi, on Monday, produced a document that revealed the existence of a trust by the name "ANK HUF".

Earlier, Baba Kalyani, who ranked as the 55th richest Indian, above Ajay Piramal and Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp, as per Forbes in 2023, had denied the existence of any such trust and had argued that the Hiremath sibling can neither claim rights in the wealth of any Kalyani Family HUF or demand any partition of such trust since the Hiremaths and Kalyanis do not have any common "male" ancestor.

The Kalyani family had said this after Sameer and Pallavi had approached the Pune civil court seeking partition of Kalyani family HUF. Baba Kalyani, in May, had filed a reply to the court denying the very existence of any family HUF.

During the court hearing, the Hiremaths said that the Kalyani Group and family have several listed and unlisted companies under their flagship, with the Kalyani Group alone having a market capitalization of about 91,000 crore, of which 43,000 crore is the value of the shares held by the promoters, which are predominantly associated with the Kalyanis.

The two families, which were earlier fighting over ownership of shares in Hiremath-promoted pharmaceuticals firm Hikal Ltd., have expanded their dispute to include assets of Kalyani Group companies including Bharat Forge, Kalyani Steel, BF Investments, BF Utilities, Kalyani Investments, and Automotive Axles.

The siblings denied Baba Kalyanis earlier claims that he has built industries and companies with his own personal investments.

Every single investment made in a company or in an industry is evidently out of the nucleus of funds generated by the Kalyani Family HUF (which originates from the joint family of which ANK was the karta), said the latest court filing by the siblings.

All the assets, businesses, funds and investments of the joint family of which ANK was the Karta, constituted the nucleus of the said joint family. It is from this nucleus and funds of the joint family that other investments were made and businesses were started, either by ANK or later on by NA Kalyani, said the Hiremath siblings.

A Kalyani Group spokesperson said, "Having filed a frivolous suit before the Pune local court seeking partition of alleged properties of Kalyani family HUF, both Sameer Hiremath and Pallavi Swadi have now sought permission of the honble court to permit mediation of the dispute. The proposal to mediate in the pending dispute itself demonstrates that both have no cause of action in filing the partition suit. Both petitioners have been indulging in making malicious attempts to defame certain named family members."

Read more: Eureka Forbes to boost distribution, launch new products amid portfolio overhaul On Monday, Sameer and Pallavi also argued that their great grandfather A Narayan Kalyani (ANK) was not a pauper as was claimed by their uncle Baba Kalyani in the 6 May affidavit.

The Hiremath siblings stated in their rejoinder that Kalyanis lied under oath by making several false statements.

Baba Kalyani had earlier claimed that his grandfather AN Kalyani was not a wealthy man and earned a mere 2 salary per month, adding that he gave only 2 lakh at the time of his death in 1954, to his son Neelkanth A. Kalyani (Baba and Sugandhas father).

To this, the Hiremath siblings argued with quoted excerpts from the book of their grandfather Neelkanth Kalyani, stating that AN Kalyani left behind a fortune for his family, a running business worth 20 lakh besides land and house property.

My father had left me a legacy of 20 lakhs in cash besides the landed property. I had invested major portion of the money in trust and my range for investment in industry was to the tune of 5-10 lakhs. A lakh was quite a big amount in those days and in 20 lakh our four generations could have lived happily without doing anything. But I was possessed by an urge to do something different says the excerpts from the book, cited by Pallavi and Sameer.

Sameer and Pallavi also held Baba Kalyanis claims about transfer of wealth among the ancestors to be false, while citing several partial partitions deeds that were executed over the years to establish the existence of a family HUF (which was refuted by Baba Kalyani earlier).

The partial partition deeds dated 1 March 1974 and dated 26 January 1979 also show that assets forming part of the ANK HUF ranging from the equity shares of companies like Kirloskar Tractor Ltd. to immovable properties and various financial investments, said the rejoinder.

The Hiremath family has demanded that the Kalyani family be prohibited from dealing in any properties, assets and shares owned by the family till the time the suit is decided by the court.

In their latest rejoinder, the Hiremath siblings have again argued that they have the legal right to claim their portion of wealth from the assets of the Kalyani Family HUF by virtue of an amendment made in the Hindu Succession Act in 2005, which granted coparcenary rights to daughters.

The applicants (Hiremath siblings) became coparceners in their own right in the Kalyani Family HUF upon the introduction of the amended Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act 1956, in the year 2005, says the rejoinder.

The rejoinder argues that Baba Kalyanis claims that the Hiremath siblings do not belong to the Kalyani family are a classic example of the fact that even when the law has been amended to confer rights on women, it is the mindset of the society which cannot accept such rights of the daughters and their children and still deprives them of their rightful share in the property.

The Hiremath siblings blamed Baba Kalyanis dealings with family assets as authoritarian and opaque.

Read more: Reliance-Disney $8.5 billion merger faces scrutiny, CCI sends 100 antitrust queries The two families began fighting last year after Baba Kalyani refused to transfer Hikal shares, worth over 1,300 crore in her name. The dispute worsened after Sameer and Pallavi, in March, filed a petition against Kalyani, his son Amit Kalyani, brother Gaurishankar Kalyani, Gaurishankar's children Sheetal Kalyani and Viraj Kalyani, and their mother Sugandha Hiremath in the Pune court.
Tata Communications Ltd has begun deployment of the first set of artificial intelligence (AI) chips from Nvidia within the company, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) A.S. Lakshminarayanan said in an exclusive interaction, as the digital infrastructure provider invests in building AI capabilities internally.

He added that select customers will be among the first to get the chips while availability will be increased by the end of the year.

Weve already received some chips, which we are in the process of installing, and implementing," Lakshminarayanan said in the interaction that followed the companys first quarter results last week. As weve said, were investing internally in AI, so there are a lot of internal use cases for which well be using it, and for some select customers well make it available. But the larger general availability will be more towards the end of the year."

Also read | All rules on new telecom law to be notified in 180 days: minister Scindia

Nvidia and Tata Communications are developing an AI cloud in India aimed at providing critical infrastructure. The partnership includes delivering AI computing infrastructure and platforms for developing AI solutions, which will be used by enterprises, such as Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS).

Tata Communications reported a 333 crore profit for the quarter ended 30 June, down 13% compared to the same quarter the year before, even as revenue rose over 18% on year to 5,633 crore.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) was at 1,124 crore, up 9.8% from 1,024 crore in the same quarter last year. The Ebitda margin, however, fell by 150 basis points to 20% versus 21.5% in Q1 of FY24.

A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.

The fall in profit was attributed to the drag effect of the acquisitions of The Switch and Kaleyra, and its other subsidiaries that were not making money. But the top executive said that the fall in Ebitda margin was in line with its ongoing plans and strategy of investing for future growth.

During the quarter ended March 2024, the company had said that one of its subsidiaries had issued a termination notice to a customeralluding to Vodafone Idea Ltd without naming itand was in discussions on disengagement transition plan. Further, dues are pending for which discussions are going on.

Our relationships were good last quarter, so we anticipate the payments due to us will come to us. Were in the early stages of our process of contract, termination and separation," Lakshminarayanan said.

He added that the bulk of the teams were focused on organic growth, on the back of recent acquisitions of The Switch and Kaleyra. The acquisitions merged with the business in the US are expected to turn profitable in two years.

Also read | Microsoft outage disrupts services worldwide

Lakshminarayanan said there was a need for correct pricing for leasing spectrum from telecom companies for private 5G.

5G is taking time because it is expensive. The government, while it has announced a plan to support enterprises, its still not gone the full length to support the enterprises with the private network. We have been also advocating and recommending that the government supports private networks for enterprises in a different manner, because the other operators focus will be on the B2C (business-to-consumer) market," he added. Further, the 5G ecosystem of devices for factories must pick up and the return on investment by enterprises must be ascertained before contracts begin to flow.

The executive added that the Indian market was more bullish than the global market where pressures due to macroeconomic conditions and conflict in Europe were creating headwinds.
Mumbai: US-based company Altimetrik plans to triple its engineering team in India as it targets $1 billion in revenue over the next three years, fuelled by investment from global private equity firm TPG Capital.

From an engineering talent perspective, we are open to go where the engineering capability is and India's got the greatest pool of engineers," Raj Sundaresan, chief executive officer of Altimetrik, told Mint. It will be remiss if we don't take advantage of the talent pool here."

This comes at a time when tech hiring in India is slowing. Many IT firms and startups are downsizing or tightening their purse strings, offering low compensation and hikes.

We're talking 3x from a revenue perspective in the next three years, that will be very proportionate, if not larger, to our employee growth," he added.

India currently has approximately 5,000 engineers working at Altimetrik, accounting for nearly 80% of the company's global tech workforce of about 6,200 employees.

Sundaresan also said that the company will continue growing its teams proportionately" in other engineering centres in the US, Canada, Uruguay, Mexico, Poland, and Portugal, among others. ...a majority (of new talent) will come out of India centres because anything to do with digital business modernisation and AI, the talent is prime here. And we're doubling down and investing to ensure that we grow our talent," he added.

The update on Altimetriks hiring plans follows the acquisition of a majority stake of about 60% in the company by TPG Capital, a US-based private equity firm, valuing it at about $1.5 billion.

Altimetrik's hiring mandate is sizable given the current hiring slowdown, said Anshuman Das, co-founder and CEO of Indian hiring firm, Careernet.

"Areas like technical support, operations are people intensive functions. It is best to run these functions from India remotely for all locations across the world. Moreover, India also offers cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and product innovation at scale, which is the core of any company. These are some of the advantages which no other country can offer or replicate easily," he added.

Das believes that with the multilingual talent in India, it is extremely cost- and scale-advantageous for any company to build its maximum headcount out of the country.

Pushing the growth pedal

TPGs investment, through its Asian private equity platform, will accelerate Altimetriks efforts towards clocking $1 billion in revenue in the next three years, Sundaresan said. Altimetrik last reported $111 million in operating revenue in financial year 2022.

As the firm charts its roadmap to the milestone, it plans to continue growing further in the US, the country with its highest client base, along with adopting new plans to expand in other geographies. And in addition to expanding its tech team, Altimetrik has more on the cards for India.

Founded in 2012 by Indian-American entrepreneur Raj Vattikuti, Altimetrik is a pure-play digital enablement company that provides business solutions to companies and helps them transform into a digital business. Sundaresan, the current chief, joined the company, five years later, in 2017.

The TPG-backed firm partners with clients mainly in financial services, pharmaceuticals and auto manufacturing. It now plans to target companies in the insurance sector.

We already have three or four clients in that vertical, but we're going to double down in that area because it's prime for digital business enablement. Modernization is also crucial since the majority of insurance clients are on legacy platforms, which hinder their ability to innovate quickly," said Sundaresan.

Altimetrik, which has a presence in 14 countries, anticipates a shift in its revenue mix from the US versus other regions from the current 75-25 to 60-40 over the next three years. This change is expected as the company intensifies its growth efforts in the UK, Europe and APAC regions.

More on the cards

For India, Altimetrik also plans to target the growing number of global capability centers or GCCs as a major client segment, along with its core focus areas in finance, pharma and auto manufacturing.

We've identified a great opportunity within India with the GCCs. Many GCCs in India are doing significant work for clients headquartered elsewhere. We aim to target these centres by starting with support for the GCCs here, then establishing and building relationships with their headquarters," Sundaresan, who was on an India visit earlier this month, added. According to reports, the country currently hosts over 1,580 GCCs and a talent base of over 1.66 million.

In addition, the company plans to pursue inorganic growth through mergers and acquisitions in growth verticals and geographies, including India. In fact, Sundaresan's India visit earlier this month was to explore potential M&As in the country, among other reasons, according to the company.

Sundaresan said that Altimetrik is "...open to, and not opposed to (M&As in India). In today's world, it would be remiss for any company not to have an India presence."
WazirX, an Indian cryptocurrency exchange with about 16 million users, has offered white hat hackers, blockchain forensics experts, and cybersecurity professionals a substantial bounty to help it recover over $230 million worth of digital assets stolen from one of its wallets.

On 18 July, hackers siphoned about half of WazirX's $500 million reserves from one of its multisig crypto wallets, following which the company filed a police complaint and reported the incident to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), besides reaching out to over 500 exchanges to block the identified addresseses.

Multisig crypto wallets require two or more private keys to authorise transactions, ensuring an extra layer of security ,but hackers bypassed this system.

WazirX alleged that the affected wallet was managed using Liminals digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure. Liminal contested the claim and shifted the blame back to WazirX.

It countered that its forensic reports and investigations revealed that the genesis of this hack stems from three compromised devices at WazirXs end" and that once the malicious smart contract was deployed," all fund withdrawal transactions were made from outside of Liminals infrastructure.

WazirX's $23 million bounty, or 10% of the stolen money, makes it one of the largest bounties offered in the crypto industry. According to Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, the company's foremost goal" is to recover the stolen funds, which explains the bounty programme that will be active for three months from 21 July.

According to WazirX, interested individuals should email the company with their intent to participate along with their contact details and methodologies they will use for tracking and recovery to ensure that the process is legal.

Before Blue Screens

The attack on WazirX came just a day before Windows computers and servers were paralysed due to a seemingly harmless software update by CrowdStrike. WazirX, though, fell prey to hackers.

Blockchain tracking firm Lookonchain revealed that the attackers swiftly converted these stolen assets into Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, dispersing them across various addresses and using tools like Tornado Cash to obscure their trail.

Having cryptos stolen from its wallet would be the last thing that WazirX would have wanted since it has faced many issues over the past few years, not accounting for the current spat with Liminal. US-based crypto exchange platform Binance acquired WazirX in 2019 but on 5 August 2022, its CEO Changpeng Zhao tweeted that his company did not own any shares in Zanmai Labsthe entity operating WazirX.

Shetty contested the claim. The spat did not end there and in January 2023, Binance told Zanmai to withdraw all funds and assets in Binance wallets used for WazirX operations.

Binance, too, was fined $2.25 million by Indias FIU for violating local anti-money-laundering regulations before December 2023 but has been cleared to operate in India, subject to it paying the fine and complying with regulations.

To be sure, while WazirX's bounty might incentivise cooperation from the hackers or individuals with pertinent information, the actual recovery of the funds remains fraught with challenges due to several factors.

Easier said than done

For one, cryptocurrencies offer a high degree of anonymity. Transactions are public, but the identities behind wallet addresses are not easily traceable.

Second, privacy tools like Tornado Cash complicate tracking efforts. It is a decentralised protocol designed to enhance transaction privacy on the Ethereum network by mixing transactions, making it incredibly challenging to trace the flow of funds.

When a user deposits cryptocurrency into Tornado Cash, the service generates a cryptographic proof (a secure digital certificate, which uses advanced mathematical algorithms known as zero-knowledge proofs, and verifies that a transaction occurred but does not reveal any transaction details) that allows them to withdraw the same amount later to a different address, making it difficult to trace the funds back to the original sender.

The legality of Tornado Cash varies by jurisdiction. In August 2022, for instance, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned Tornado Cash, citing its use in laundering stolen cryptocurrency funds.

Third, blockchain transactions are irreversible. Once confirmed, they cannot be undone or altered without the recipients cooperation, unlike traditional banking transactions that can sometimes be reversed. The rapid conversion and dispersal of the stolen assets makes it difficult to trace and recover the funds before they are further distributed or cashed out.

Crypto curbs

Fourth, cryptocurrencies operate across borders and do not adhere to a single jurisdictions regulations. And it's this global and decentralised nature that makes legal enforcement and coordination across countries complex and slow. While some countries embrace digital assets, others remain sceptical and have implemented stringent laws to curb their use.

Indias cryptocurrency industry, for instance, has not had it easy for the past few years. In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banned banks from cryptocurrency transactions, a ruling that was overturned by the Supreme Court two years later.

But individuals in India continue to shell out a 30% tax on crypto earnings and a 1% tax deducted at source on every crypto trade, dampening the enthusiasm over buying cryptos.

China has one of the most stringent policies against cryptocurrencies. The country has banned all forms of cryptocurrency trading and mining. The Chinese government has repeatedly cracked down on cryptocurrency-related activities, citing concerns over financial stability, fraud, and capital flight.

Russia, too, has implemented laws that restrict the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. While owning and trading cryptocurrencies are not outright banned, the use of digital assets for payment is prohibited.

Turkey banned the use of cryptocurrencies for payments, citing risks associated with their volatility and potential use in illicit activities. Nigerias central bank issued a directive in February 2021 prohibiting financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrencies or facilitating payments for cryptocurrency exchanges.

Bolivia has one of the strictest stances on cryptocurrencies in Latin America, with the countrys central bank banning the use of any type of cryptocurrency in 2014.

To be sure, there are countries and companies that promote the use of cryptocurrencies. El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 to boost financial inclusion and economic growth. Switzerland, particularly the city of Zug, known as "Crypto Valley," supports a favourable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups.

Major companies including Tesla, Square (now Block, Inc.), and MicroStrategy have made significant investments in Bitcoin. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, bought $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin and briefly accepted it as payment.

Square has invested heavily in Bitcoin, and MicroStrategy, under CEO Michael Saylor, has accumulated billions in Bitcoin reserves as part of its corporate strategy.

Traditional banks such as JPMorgan Chase have been promoting digital assets and blockchain, the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, but its CEO Jamie Dimon has repeatedly called bitcoins as a decentralised ponzi scheme".

Goldman Sachs resumed its cryptocurrency trading desk, offering Bitcoin futures and derivatives, while Bank of America formed a research team to explore digital assets. Citibank has highlighted the potential of cryptocurrencies to transform global finance.

That said, the WazirX hack and the subsequent bounty offer to recover stolen funds highlight the ongoing security challenges in the cryptocurrency world. It consistently demonstrates that while blockchain technology provides robust security features, the ecosystem comprising user practices and centralised exchanges, remains vulnerable to attacks.
The Indian economy has grown steadily in the last fiscal year, with the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated to have grown by 8.2% in FY 2023-24, compared to the 7% growth seen in FY 2022-23. Real Gross Value Added (GVA) has grown by 7.2% in 2023-24, over the 6.7% witnessed in 2022-23.

While FY 2023-24 has seen growth, there has however been a slowdown in all sectors at current prices.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector plays an important role in the growth of the Indian economy, with the share of MSME Gross Value Added (GVA) accounting for about 30% of the overall GDP, according to a government release issued in February 2024; share of MSME manufacturing over that of All India Manufacturing is around 36%. Also, the share of MSME related product exports is around 45% of total exports.

Also Read | Data explainer: Why the Union budget can do only so much

As on 05 February, 2024, the number of persons employed in MSMEs, as registered on the Udyam Registration Portal and Udyam Assist Platform, is 16,86,64,562.

However, a NITI Aayog report mentions that the carbon footprint of MSME is around 3-4% of the total carbon emission of India. A World Bank report says that CO2 emission (kt) for India stood at 2,200,836 in 2020, while in Brazil it was 414,139; Chinas was 10,944,686 and Russia was at 1,618,271; the European Union CO2 emission was 2,465,025, while in the US it was 4,320,533.

India has various laws on Environment Social and Governance (ESG), and capital markets regulator SEBI has also mandated disclosure requirements under the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for listed entities for ESG implementation and also for core value chain for purchase and sale.

Also Read | Budget 2024: Health and Pharma industry eyes increase in GDP

Countries have adopted various measures for net zero carbon emissions. The European Commission has implemented Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation which would also impact Indian exporters to these countries. Initially there is only a reporting requirement but from 1 January, 2026, registration, payment of tax, and/or purchasing of CBAM certificates will take effect.

How would our Indian MSMEs deal with such regulations in India and overseas, in understanding and implementing ESG in various facets of the businesses, be it employees, value chains  vendors/ suppliers, office administration, renewable energy, social impact or governance?

Further, from an investor perspective, there are green bonds, green insurance policies, green mutual fund schemes, green companies. Would the returns to investors be lower due to increased cost of implementing ESG? How can investors be incentivised to go green?

To incentivise India Inc in general and MSMEs in particular, the government could consider special weighted deductions / tax incentives for expenditures incurred for ESG implementation, so that Indian exporters do not have to pay CBAM taxes overseas:

-Enhanced deductions for employment cost of different abled persons, for women employees, car perquisite to be lower for hybrid cars, incentive to cycle to work (flat tax deduction), wellbeing of employees, retirement benefits, etc.

-Incentivising procurement from SME and MSME, from different abled individuals and women entrepreneurs.

-Reclaimed waste products and disposals  to be measured and incentive provided.

-Offices working on renewal energy to get weighted deduction for the cost of the energy.

-Incentives for training / awareness building cost.

-Social impact projects should be tax deductible. CSR spends should be tax deductible.

-Manufacturing units / factories in rural areas to get higher depreciation or weighted deductions for expenses.

-Deduction for investors in investing in companies that are ESG compliant or investment products like green bonds, green insurance policy, green mutual fund schemes.

-Weighted deduction on interest expenses for availing finance for low carbon transitioning.

Will India have a carbon credit trading platform in India? If so, what would be the tax implications of such trading of carbon credits certificates, characterisation of the income and expenses?

The Director General of European Commission was in India in July 2024, to discuss CBAM with Indian authorities. Would India consider similar taxes like CBAM, for imports of high carbon intensive goods into India?
The Economic Survey on Monday highlighted the adverse impact that artificial intelligence can cast on Indas working class which in turn can add to the barriers to sustained growth for the Indian economy.

The survey, presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha. puts the spotlight on the private sector to come up with ways to augment labour with the help of AI rather than displace jobs.

The advent of Artificial Intelligence casts a huge pall of uncertainty as to its impact on workers across all skill levels  low, semi and high, the survey said, noting it as one of the potential shocks that can further structurally impair employment generation and create barriers and hurdles to sustained high growth rates for India in the coming years and decades.

The other shocks can be climate change and global warming, the survey said, while also noting the larger shocks that came from high corporate indebtedness and the Covid pandemic which had throttled job creation.

The Economic Survey also noted that, with artificial intelligence impacting several areas of economic activity, the labour market will need to adapt and steer technological choices towards collective welfare.

Overcoming these requires a grand alliance of union and state governments and the private sector, the survey highlighted. The corporate sector has a responsibility, as much to itself as it is to society, to think harder about ways AI will augment labour rather than displace workers, it added.

In his comments at the press conference, chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran said that India needed to create about 8 million jobs every year and in that context corporate India had to make sure that the deployment of technology does not hurt the labor share of income and the capital share of income. This, he said, was a medium-term challenge.

India may have a slight short term negative impact followed by a medium term positive impact, therefore it is necessary for the Indian corporate sector both information technology and all IT sector to find the right balance between deployment of technology and deployment of labour because without labour income and without labor employment, that is no demand growth, which means it comes back to hurt the country's top line and bottom line as well, he said.

Pointing to findings from the Staff Discussion Note of the International Monetary Fund published in June 2024 that talk of profound concerns stemming from Generative Artificial Intelligence or GenAIs impact on massive labour disruptions and inequality, the survey said that it would be in the self interest of corporate India to seriously create jobs even as they invest in AI across sectors.

... employment is about dignity, self-worth, self-esteem, self-respect, and standing in the family and community, not just about the income it brings. That is why it is in the enlightened self-interest of the Indian corporate sector, swimming in excess profits, to take its responsibility to create jobs seriously. Of course, it must find people with the right attitude and skills, it added.

Impact of AI on services sector The survey states that AI is likely to limit growth opportunities for business services, which could pose a major challenge to job creation and the long-term sustainability of India's services sector. It states well-functioning cities are needed for the growth of services, especially those with more global market potential.

Flagging the significantly low hiring in the IT sector in the last two years and an unclear picture of overall corporate hiring on a regular basis, the survey cautioned against blind deployment of capital and energy-intensive AI, which will, in turn, hurt job creation.

We do not have a full picture of overall corporate hiring in the country on a regular basis. In any case, deploying capital-intensive and energy-intensive AI is probably one of the last things a growing, lower-middle-income economy needs, it added.
New Delhi: India should reduce the import of Chinese products while maintaining investments from Beijing, the Economic Survey said, citing examples such as Brazil and Turkey, which are emerging markets and developing economies trying the same solution.

India could consider increasing tariffs on Chinese products such as electric vehicles, while taking steps to attract Chinese foreign direct investment, the survey suggested. Chinas dominance over global supply chains across product categories is a key global concern, especially in the wake of supply disruptions accompanying the war in Ukraine, the Economic Survey for FY24 said.

Addressing the 'Chinese conundrum' assumes importance because many nations consider a 'China-plus-one' approach to reduce their dependence on China. China plus one refers to global companies reducing their investments in China by diversifying to other countries to develop resilient supply chains. India has become an important alternative destination.

The economic survey, which analysed the countrys economic performance over the past fiscal year and was presented a day before the Union budget, asked whether it was possible for India to enter the global supply chain without plugging itself into China's supply chain.

It concluded that in order to boost India's manufacturing and enter the global supply chain, it is inevitable that India plugs itself into China's supply chain. The choice to be made is whether India does so by relying solely on imports or partially through Chinese investments.

Also Read: Economic Survey 2024: Indian economy grows over 7% for a 3rd consecutive year; 10 key highlights India may be the fastest-growing economy, but its size is still a fraction of China's, the survey said. This concern comes against the backdrop of tensions rising between the two most populous nations over the past few years - from trade wars where India banned Chinese companies, to military skirmishes such as the Galwan incident in 2020.

Focusing on energy, the economic survey identified China's key position in the global markets. China's control over the supply and processing of rare-earth metals may have massive repercussions on India's renewable energy programme, as per the document. India's renewable energy programme is vulnerable due to its heavy dependence on imported raw material, the Economic Survey said.

India needs to strike a balance between importing goods and importing capital from China, the Economic Survey said. "Against this background, it may not be the most prudent approach to think that India can take up the slack from China vacating certain spaces in manufacturing," the survey said.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday told the Lok Sabha that there is no evedience of paper leak has been found in the last 7 years as opposition MPs raised NEET exam issue.

Further mentioning that the matter is going on before the Supreme Court, he said I can say with full responsibility that more than 240 exams have been conducted successfully after NTA

NEET hearing is underway at Supreme Court The Supreme Court on Monday commenced hearing on a batch of petitions related to the controversy-ridden medical entrance exam, NEET-UG 2024.

The top court was told by a counsel for NEET-UG aspirants that the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the prestigious exam, has admitted to paper leak and the dissemination of the leaked question paper through WhatsApp.

At the outset, the bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra asked the counsel for the parties as to what emerged from the declaration of the centre-wise and city-wise results of the exam.

The hearing is underway.

An analysis of results released by NTA on Saturday indicated that the candidates who allegedly benefitted from the paper leak and other irregularities did not do well. Some centres, however, showed high concentration of well-performing students, it revealed.
NEET-UG paper leak: Congress MP and LoP in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that paper leak is a serious issue and suggested the government, including the Education Minister, should take the full responsibilty for it.

Rahul Gandhi said at the Parliament, "It is obvious to the whole country that there is a very serious problem in our examination system, not just in NEET but in all the major examinations. The minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) has blamed everybody except himself. I don't even think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here..."

He further questions, As this (NEET) is a systematic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue?

SC commences hearing on pleas related to row over NEET-UG The Supreme Court on Monday commenced hearing on a batch of petitions related to the controversy-ridden medical entrance exam, NEET-UG 2024.

The top court was told by a counsel for NEET-UG aspirants that the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the prestigious exam, has admitted to paper leak and the dissemination of the leaked question paper through WhatsApp.

At the outset, the bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra asked the counsel for the parties as to what emerged from the declaration of the centre-wise and city-wise results of the exam.

The hearing is underway.

An analysis of results released by NTA on Saturday indicated that the candidates who allegedly benefitted from the paper leak and other irregularities did not do well. Some centres, however, showed high concentration of well-performing students, it revealed.

The voluminous data of over 23 lakh candidates from 4,750 centres was not released in a cumulative format but in a drop-down menu for each centre. The data was released on the direction of the Supreme Court which is hearing several petitions over the alleged irregularities as lakhs of aspirants await a final verdict on the fate of the exam.

The performance of the candidates from the centres under the scanner -- such as Oasis School, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Hardayal Public School, Jhajjar, Haryana, Jay Jalaram International School in Godhra, Gujarat -- were comparatively much below par.

On July 18, the bench directed the NTA to declare by 12 noon of July 20 the centre and city-wise results of the controversy-ridden exam while masking the identities of the aspirants.
WASHINGTONPresident Biden said he is ending his 2024 re-election campaign, kicking off a frantic process to replace the 81-year-old incumbent at the top of the Democratic Partys ticket for November.

Biden initially resisted calls from some Democrats to move aside and let another person step in as the nominee. Now comes the difficult task of installing a replacement.

What happens next?

The delegates who had pledged to vote for Biden in advance of the convention now become uncommitted," meaning they can vote for whomever they choose. Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement at the top of the ticket, but there is no rule binding those delegates to support her.

The Biden delegates slated to support him in August were approved by the campaign, meaning they are likely loyal to the president.

When and how will Democrats nominate a new candidate?

The Democratic National Convention begins Aug. 19. Democrats could pick their nominee at the convention or virtually beforehand. Recently, before Biden dropped out, party officials had been aiming to wrap up Bidens formal nomination by Aug. 7nearly two weeks before the start of the DNC.

What about Kamala Harris?

Harris doesnt automatically become the nominee just because she is vice presidentthe delegates have already been selected, so she is on the same footing as any other person. Still, her status in the Democratic Party and White House connections could make her a front-runner, especially with Bidens backing. Biden and Harris would still need to persuade delegates to vote for her.

Anyone else?

The Democratic Party has a host of political stars, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. But if those people start to publicly back Harris, it will ease the vice presidents path to the nomination.

What would happen to the Biden campaign funds?

The Biden-Harris campaign has raised a considerable amount of money, and campaign-finance experts say that cash cant simply be transferred to another candidate just because Biden dropped outunless the nominee is Harris. Were Harris to assume the top of the ticket, funds donated toward the Biden-Harris campaign would be at her disposal since she and Biden were running together.

Should Harris succeed Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, She would maintain access to all the funds in the committee and could use them to advance her presidential candidacy," said Shanna Ports, senior legal counsel at the Campaign Legal Center.

If Biden is replaced as the nominee by someone other than Harris, campaign-finance lawyers said, he could direct his campaign to transfer money to the Democratic National Committee. Some suggested that his campaign would have to settle debts and might be required to offer refunds for donations that were designated for the general election.

What about pro-Biden super PACs?

Super PACs can accept unlimited amounts of money from donors, who can give millions at a time, unlike for a campaign, which faces individual-donor limits. Election law prohibits direct coordination between super PACs and campaigns, and super PACs wouldnt be directly affected if Biden ended his campaign. There are several super PACs that were supporting Bidens re-election bidpre-eminently a group named Future Forward, as well as others such as Unite the Country.

Write to Owen Tucker-Smith at Owen.Tucker-Smith@wsj.com and Sabrina Siddiqui at sabrina.siddiqui@wsj.com
WASHINGTONWith President Bidens exit from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris is now seen as the Democrats likely pickand Bidens choiceto take on Donald Trump, offering her a chance to make history as the first woman of color on the top of a major party ticket.

The 59-year-old Harris has been thrust into a political maelstrom with little modern precedent. The last time a president chose not to run for re-election was in 1968, when Lyndon B. Johnson opted out.

As Harris seeks to rally support from her party, she isnt guaranteed the nomination and will have to earn the required delegates to take Bidens place at the partys convention in August.

But she has a leg up over the governors and lawmakers who may jump in to the contest or be recruited by donors to compete. Biden made clear Sunday, after he announced he would stand down, that she is his pick to be the nominee.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made," Biden wrote on X. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democratsits time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this."

Harris would be able to use the money already raised by Bidens campaign committee and would likely have backing from some key lawmakers, such as influential Rep. Jim Clyburn (D., S.C), who has praised Harris.

Many Democrats have said that Harris is popular enough in the partyparticularly among women and Black votersand that casting her aside could cause resentment and division. The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris has campaigned extensively on college campuses, in cities and before women and minority voters.

Harris is also a strong voice on what may be the Democrats most powerful electoral issue, abortion. She has led the administrations message on abortion since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that eliminated the right to the procedure, delivering a personal and legal argument as a former prosecutor.

It is far from clear that Harris, as her partys presidential nominee, would satisfy the many Americans who say they are looking for an alternative to Biden and Trump. Several surveys earlier this year and last year found her performing about the same as Biden when tested against Trump. Many surveys including a recent Wall Street Journal poll after the presidents disastrous late-June debate performance found voters view Harris just about as unfavorably as they view Biden.

Trumps campaign has already featured Harris in a TV ad emphasizing the presidents age. You know whos waiting behind him, right?" the narrator asks in the ad, with a video of Harris on the screen.

Ahead of Bidens re-election campaign, some Democrats privately expressed concerns about Harriss place on the ticket, portraying her as a liability and arguing she didnt have the same appeal as Biden. Many Democrats dismissed such attacks on the first Black woman to serve as vice president, calling them unfair and arguing that she is being held to a different standard than others, including Biden.

Harris has long made clear that if necessary, she is prepared to step up. The vice president said in an interview with the Journal earlier this year: I am ready to serve. Theres no question about that." Everyone who sees her on the job, Harris said, walks away fully aware of my capacity to lead."

In the weeks since Bidens debate performance ignited concerns about his age and mental acuity, Harris has been a stalwart cheerleader for her boss. She has said in interviews and on the campaign trail that he remains up to the task of serving, declaring the election wouldnt be decided by one night in June." But as criticisms mounted from donors and elected officials, it became increasingly clear that Biden couldnt hold on.

Since the debate, Republicans have accused Harris and other Democrats of covering up Bidens decline. They are all co-conspirators in the sinister plot to defraud the American public about the cognitive abilities of the man in the Oval Office," Trump said at a recent Florida rally.

The White House and top aides have said Biden remains a sharp and vigorous leader.

The highest-ranking woman ever in the line of presidential succession, Harris grew up in Berkeley, Calif., and was raised by a single mother who immigrated from India at the age of 19.

She became the first woman to serve as Californias attorney general and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, where she drew attention for her pointed questioning of then-judge Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious confirmation hearing. But she faltered in her bid for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president, struggling to frame a campaign message and dropping out before the primaries started.

During Harriss early days in the White House she struggled to address issues such as border security and drew scrutiny over staff departures and criticism for her political skills.

But she has drawn praise in recent months as she has taken on more responsibility. In addition to abortion messaging, she has also beefed up her national-security portfolio, joining Biden on calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and pushing administration officials to articulate more empathy for Palestinians and to focus on a plan for postwar Gaza.

Write to Catherine Lucey at catherine.lucey@wsj.com and Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltds reported profit jumped sharply during the first quarter of FY25 (Q1FY25), thanks to its insurance arm stake sale. Standalone net profit rose as much as 81% year-on-year to 6,250 crore, aided by an exceptional gain after the bank divested 70% stake in Kotak General Insurance to Zurich Insurance. Excluding the stake-sale gains, the banks net profit stood at 3,520 crore.

Investors werent impressed. On Monday, Kotaks shares fell close to 4%. Notably, the pressure on net interest margin (NIM) was evident. In Q1FY25, Kotaks NIM fell 26 basis points (bps) sequentially to 5.02% mainly because the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ban clogged the banks unsecured loan pipeline and its digital deposit mobilisation.

In April, RBIhad barred Kotak from acquiring customers through its digital and mobile banking channels as well as onboarding new credit card customers. This move was in response to deficiencies found in the banks IT systems.

Further, the pressure on garnering deposits, particularly low-cost deposits, was felt by Kotak, too. Its current account and savings account (CASA) deposit ratio has been on a declining trend. At June-end, Kotaks CASA ratio declined 210 bps sequentially to 43.4%, marking a multi-quarter low.

Expressing concerns over the fall in CASA deposits, the bank's managing director and chief executive Ashok Vaswani said CASA deposit mobilisation is their number one focus". Kotaks asset quality ratios were stable sequentially. The management has flagged off worries in some unsecured credit card lending businesses. This could add to the pressure on margin ahead.

(The) need for adequate liquidity and slower unsecured growth could further affect NIM; we cut NIM for FY25E by 5bps to 4.59%," said a report by Prabhudas Lilladher.

Hereon, Kotaks performance would hinge on several factors, the most important being the lifting of RBIs current embargo on the bank to onboard clients digitally. Amid heightened competition for deposits, we remain watchful on the pace of deposit accretion for the bank and the impact on margins over coming quarters," said analysts from Motilal Oswal Financial Services. They believe that the removal of the ban remains critical for the bank to deliver sustainable growth and earnings.

A lot depends on the timing when RBI would lift the embargo, which Vaswani indicated was an "ongoing' process without divulging details. The management said RBI has assured them that it is not as if the regulator will wait for every single thing before it lifts the embargo. They want us to demonstrate ongoing progress," Vaswani said in the earnings call.

Meanwhile, a subdued earnings outlook may cap significant gains in the stock, which has fallen about 8% so far in 2024.
Shares of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) fell over 3% on Monday. The culprit? Disappointing June quarter (Q1FY25) results that failed to deliver any positive surprises. Consolidated Ebitda was down 9% quarter-on-quarter at 38,765 crore. While this dip was largely anticipated, the real letdown came from its retail arm, Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), where growth momentum slowed significantly.

RRVLs revenue growth stood at 7% year-on-year in Q1, even as the average area operated in terms of square feet increased by 18%. This implies that RRVLs revenue per square foot dropped. In comparison, Avenue Supermarts Ltd, which operates the DMart supermarket chain, saw 18% year-on-year revenue growth in Q1 and an increase in revenue per square foot.

RRVLs store count of almost 19,000 stores is nearly 50x that of DMart. However, in terms of total square feet under operation, RRVL is about five times DMarts size, as the latters average store size is relatively larger.

Given this context, the valuation assigned to RRVL compared to DMart appears steeply discounted, which seems unwarranted. Based on FY26 estimates, most brokerages have valued RRVL at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 30x-35x, whereas this figure for DMart stands at 50x. EV stands for enterprise value. This suggests there is scope for an upside surprise in terms of RRVLs relative valuation, but much depends on the revenue trajectory in the coming quarters.

As such, the retail sector faces a new challengequick commerce. Until recently, competition from quick commerce was dismissed as companies in the sector were making losses. But the scenario is improving with Zomato Ltds Blinkit on the verge of becoming profitable at the adjusted Ebitda level. In fact, Zepto, a leading player in quick commerce, has grown its revenue over five-fold to 10,000 crore in FY24 from about 2,000 crore in FY23. RRVL has a presence in quick commerce through Dunzo, but has struggled to make a mark.

Meanwhile, Q1FY25 standalone numbers show that RILs traditional refining business remains vulnerable to global cyclicality. The Ebitda of oil-to-chemicals has fluctuated in a wide range of 12,000 crore to 20,000 crore over the last eight quarters, with Q1FY25s Ebitda close to the lower end at 13,093 crore, down 14% year-on-year. This decline is attributed to the 30% drop in the benchmark Singapore gross refining margin for gasoline and weaker petrochemical spreads. Higher volume growth in the oil and gas production business offset some of this drag.

This leaves us with RILs telecom ventureJiowhich stands out as the jewel in the crown for the company. In Q1FY25, the mobile subscriber addition growth rate moderated to about 2% quarter-on-quarter, while the average revenue per user (Arpu) was flat at 180. The Arpu is set to rise after an average tariff hike of 20% announced recently. The tariff hike could boost revenue and Ebitda by 20,000 crore annually, taking the estimated Ebitda from the mobile business to 70,000 crore from FY26.

Apart from the tariff hike, faster 5G data speeds could lead to higher data consumption as more customers upgrade to the 5G network. This should boost Arpu further even if overall subscriber additions remain muted.

Also read | Why Reliances investors opposed board roles for Saudi businessman and Khaitan

Despite Mondays decline, RILs investors can hardly complain. The stock has gained about 16% so far in 2024. Going ahead, investors will keep a close eye on the retail business, focusing on improving profitability and gaining traction in the new energy business. These two areas provide potential for positive surprises in terms of the sum-of-the-parts valuation of the company.

In the near term, potential announcements on retail or telecom business IPOs at RILs annual general meeting could offer further cues to investors.
Aelea Commodities made a stellar market debut today as its shares were listed at 165 each on BSE SME, indicating a premium of 74% over the issue price of 95. The SME IPO, valued at 51 crore, was open for subscription from July 12 to July 16, 2024, with a price range of 9195.

It consisted solely of a fresh issue of 53.69 lakh newly issued shares, without any offer-for-sale component. The IPO received a healthy response, with an overall subscription of 196 times. Non-institutional investors showed significant interest, subscribing 390 times, while retail investors also displayed strong enthusiasm with a subscription of 164.95 times.

The business intends to use the net proceeds of the issue to finance the following goals: setting up a new manufacturing unit and installing plant and machinery thereon; purchasing plant and machinery at an existing manufacturing unit; and general corporate purposes.

Aelea Commodities specialises in the processing and trading of cashews and is also actively involved in the trading of a diverse array of commodities, including sugar, pulses, soybeans, rice, and wheat flour.

Its operational strategy is based on two distinct models: business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C). In the cashew segment, it has established a strong presence in both B2B and B2C markets, enabling it to meet the needs of wholesale clients as well as individual consumers.

Also Read | HDBFin IPO: HDFC Bank board gives nod to initiate listing of HDBFS via IPO

Conversely, its trading activities for products such as sugar, pulses, soybeans, rice, and wheat flour are conducted exclusively through the B2B channel.

It supplies products both domestically and internationally. For the nine-month period ending December 31, 2023, and for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2023, March 31, 2022, and March 31, 2021, its revenue from operations was 8,402.79 lakh, 7,968.23 lakh, 6,596.23 lakh, and 39,084.83 lakh, respectively, based on standalone financial statements, as per the DRHP report.

Domestically, its major customers are located in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Mumbai. Internationally, it has significant customer bases in Dubai and Sri Lanka. The company, in its DRHP report, said it is committed to enhancing the value derived from cashew nutshell by focusing on its long-term strategic goals.

New revenue stream The company is looking to start the processing of cashew nut shells into cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), which represents a significant step towards adding value to its by-products.

The proposed plan of venturing into further processing the cashew nut shell into cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) presents a lucrative opportunity to extract additional value from its raw materials.

CNSL holds immense potential across various industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, due to its versatile applications such as in brake linings, varnishes, and insecticides.

This diversification not only adds a new revenue stream but also reinforces the company's commitment to sustainability by minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation. With this expansion and diversification strategy, the company said it is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the cashew processing industry while unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation.

It is also expanding its existing cashew processing unit and establishing a new facility to optimise efficiency and address increasing market demands. As of December 31, 2023, its current manufacturing unit is operating at 95% of its installed capacity, processing 38 MT per day out of a total 40 MT per day capacity.
Budget 2024: Investors expectations remain high on Budget providing boost to the infrastructure sector. Segments like railways, Road construction, digital infrastructure and other could get a boost. Here are some picks of Religare Broking in the infrastructure sector.

Ajit Mishra, SVP- Research, Religare Broking says, Investors can participate in the infra theme through cement stocks like Ultratech Cement and Nuvoco Vistas Corporation. Ultratech Cement, a market leader, will continue to benefit from sector trends and Nuvoco Vistas is known for its innovative products.

Besides in the digital infrastructure space, Bharti Airtel and HCL Technologies are also promising options. The telecom giant Bharti Airtel enjoys a strong market share in digital infrastructure, while HCL Technologies Ltd offers integrated products and services in Engineering and Research and Development (R&D) Services, both poised to benefit from the country's expanding digital economy.

Mishra added that "while much of the anticipated growth is factored into current stock prices following recent surges, the long-term outlook for Indias infrastructure sector remains promising. Investors are encouraged to align their investment horizons accordingly to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Meanwhile UltraTech Cement share price was trading 1.7% higher at 11,449.00 levels on the NSE one day prior to the Budget. UltraTech Share price has gained around 9.5% year to date. UltraTech had reported its financial performance on Friday and its reported net profit remained flat at 1696.59 . The cement prices have not been moving up even though UltraTech cement sales volume was strong up 6% year-on-year . The volume growth indicates strong demand while prices may pick up post monsoon , which will be watched for.

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation share price was also trading around 1% higher on Monday.

HCL Technologies and Bharti Airtel share prices however were trading flat to negative . HCL Technologies share price has gained 9.6% year to date while Bharti Airtel share price has risen 44% year to date.
The Economic Survey 2024 has raised concerns over the increasing trend of speculation in the Indian stock market, cautioning that overconfidence among investors could lead to unrealistic expectations of returns, misaligned with actual market conditions.

"Possibility of overconfidence leading to speculation for higher returns from the stock market is a matter of concern," the survey stated, underscoring the need for prudent investment practices amidst a surging market capitalisation. Currently, India's market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio ranks as the fifth largest globally, a testament to the booming stock market.

Also Read | Rising retail investors in market calls for careful consideration: Eco Survey

The Indian benchmark Nifty has surged nearly 13 percent in 2024 to date and over 24 percent in the past year, achieving multiple record highs. Most market experts anticipate this upward trend to continue.

The Economic Survey highlighted the significant rise in retail participation in the stock market, particularly in derivatives trading. "Derivatives trading holds the potential for outsized gains, catering to humans' gambling instincts and potentially augmenting income if profitable. These considerations are likely driving active retail participation in derivatives trading. However, globally, derivatives trading loses money for investors, for the most part," the survey noted.

The survey emphasised the importance of raising investor awareness and providing continuous financial education to caution against the low or negative expected returns from such trading activities.

It further warned that a significant stock market correction could disproportionately affect retail investors engaged in derivatives trading.

"Investors behavioral response would be to feel cheated by unseen greater forces. They may not return to capital markets for a long time. That is a loss to them and the economy," the survey observed, highlighting the long-term consequences of speculative losses on investor confidence and economic stability.

The survey also underscored the need for the financial sector to support the banking sector and bridge the capital gap essential for India's economic growth. "Therefore, the financial sector should expand at a pace that is in lockstep with economic growth. In particular, India can ill-afford the economy's over- financialisation at its current development stage," the survey recommended, stressing a balanced growth approach.

Amidst these concerns, there are speculations that the Union Budget tomorrow could announce changes in long-term capital gains tax or introduce uniformity in holding periods across various asset classes. Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted risks associated with unchecked retail participation in the futures and options (F&O) market. Some media reports also suggest that F&O income might be reclassified as 'speculative' rather than 'business income', which could impact investor behavior and taxation.

Also Read | Power, infra stocks gain as FM Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024
Once a penny stock, Panyam Cements and Mineral Industries has transformed into a multibagger success story, delivering phenomenal returns to its investors recently. Over the past year, the stock has performed remarkably, soaring by 2986 percent and maintaining investor confidence amid market fluctuations. From its 52-week low of 11.32 on October 4, 2023, the stock has skyrocketed by an astounding 1058 percent to its current price of 233. Earlier this month, on July 10, it reached a 52-week high of 263.25, and it is currently about 11.5 percent below this peak.

In 2024 alone, Panyam's stock price has surged by an astounding 185 percent, skyrocketing from 81.8 in December 2023. The stock experienced gains in five out of the seven months. In July, it saw an almost 4 percent gain following a 34 percent rally in June. However, it dropped around 22 percent in May after a 47.5 percent surge in April. March saw a decline of over 19 percent, but the first two months of the year were positive, with the stock jumping 45 percent in February and 51 percent in January.

Over the past five years, the stock has seen impressive gains, climbing by over 2741 percent from 8.2 in July 2019.

Despite its exceptional performance, it's essential to highlight that the stock is currently under ESM: Stage 2.

What is ESM? The Enhanced Surveillance Measure (ESM) is a regulatory framework implemented by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India. It aims to enhance monitoring and surveillance of listed companies to ensure investor protection and market integrity.

Under Stage I, the trading of the securities is settled through a trade-for-trade mechanism with a price band of 5 percent, or 2 percent.

Under Stage II, the surveillance action permits trading on all trading days under periodic call auctions with trade-for-trade settlement and a 2 percent price band. Earlier this stage permitted trading just once a week.

About the Firm Panyam Cements and Mineral Industries Limited manufactures and sells cement and cementitious articles in India. The company offers OPC 53 grade, OPC 43 grade, PPC, and PSC cement. Its products are used in irrigation and power projects, as well as in the construction of multi-storied buildings, concrete roads, and various housing colonies and townships. The company was incorporated in 1955 and is based in Hyderabad, India.

Earnings In the March quarter (Q4FY24), Panyam Cements reported a net loss of 1,549 lakh, a decrease from a loss of 3,234.76 lakh in the same period last year.

Additionally, the total revenue for the quarter reached 4,414.85 lakh, a dramatic surge from 287.88 lakh a year earlier but a fall from 5,116.67 lakh in the previous December quarter.

Meanwhile, for the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), the company's net loss declined to 5,501.63 lakh versus a net loss of 5,985 lakh in FY23. Revenue for FY24 came in at 13,453 lakh, a multifold increase from 3,910 lakh in FY23.

Brokerage Views Domestic brokerage house ICICI Direct highlighted several positive aspects of Panyam Cement's financial performance. As per the brokerage, the company has shown a rising net cash flow and cash from operating activities, indicating strong financial health. Additionally, there is notable growth in quarterly net profit, coupled with an increasing profit margin year-over-year. Another significant factor is that Panyam Cement operates with zero promoter pledge, which enhances its credibility and stability in the market, it added.

Meanwhile, its weaknesses, as per the brokerage, are -

- Inefficient use of capital to generate profits - RoCE declining in the last 2 years

- Poor cash generated from core business - Declining Cash Flow from Operations for last 2 years

- Declining profits every quarter for the past 2 quarters

Investing in penny stocks can be enticing due to their potential for high returns at relatively low entry costs, but they come with substantial risks. One major challenge is liquidity, as penny stocks typically have lower trading volumes compared to larger, established companies. This lack of liquidity can result in exaggerated price swings, making these investments highly volatile. Additionally, penny stocks often operate under less stringent financial reporting standards and regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of market manipulation and fraud. These factors contribute to the overall heightened risk of trading in penny stocks.

To navigate this volatile landscape wisely, investors should conduct thorough research and employ strong risk management strategies. Essential steps include understanding the companys fundamentals, evaluating its market position, and scrutinising its financial health. Maintaining a disciplined investment approach and setting realistic expectations can also help mitigate potential losses. By exercising diligence and caution, investors can better manage the uncertainties of penny stocks, increasing their chances of capitalising on opportunities while protecting their investments from undue risks.
Taxpayers are looking forward to potential changes in the slab rates and higher deduction in old tax regime in budget 2024. However, Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, is of the view that the old tax regime may be phased out gradually.

Agarwal is also against offering tax benefits to promote retirement savings but advocates for medical insurance to be a tax-deductible expense in the new exemption-free tax regime.

In an interview with Mint, Agarwal discussed strategies to increase the number of taxpayers in India. Edited excerpts:

How has the adoption of the new tax regime been? What is the way forward for the old regime?

The default (new) regime, which offers concessional tax rates on total income, without deductions and exemptions, will make both tax compliance and tax administration simple. It will also ensure consistency and certainty. The default tax regime is the way forward and the old scheme may be discontinued in a phased manner.

What are some common tax avoidance practices for which the I-T Dept has started sending notices to taxpayers?

Examples include not reporting or under-reporting income auto populated in Form 26AS/AIS and a mismatch of income in the income tax return and taxable income statement.

Also read | Budget 2024: Know the real tax on your income

The holding period for capital gains differs for different investment products. Why is this?

The holding period is more than 36 months for an investment to be treated as a long-term capital asset and be eligible for indexation benefit and concessional rate of tax under Section 112.

However, to give sector-specific benefits, the holding period for being treated as a long-term capital asset has been reduced for certain assets. For example, to promote the real-estate sector and make it more attractive for investment, the period of holding for land and building was reduced to 24 months. It was reduced to 12 months to incentivise investment in listed securities and units of an equity-oriented fund. In this case, even though indexation benefit is not available, taxpayers are entitled to a concessional rate of tax at 10% on the capital gains exceeding 1 lakh.

One of the major concerns around removing the old tax regime is that there will be no incentives for retirement planning or insurance. Should there be some tax sops for these?

Investment for retirement is essential for every person and it should not depend on the availability of tax benefits. Since the tax regime has provided incentives for investment and insurance all these years, there is a tendency to consider the current tax benefits while deciding whether to invest. With the default tax regime offering concessional rates without deductions for investments and insurance, there will be a gradual change in peoples mindset  investing for future benefits rather than tax concessions.

However, considering the importance of medical insurance to individuals and the high cost in the absence of subsidised healthcare facilities to all taxpayers, ICAI has suggested that medical premiums be allowed as a deduction under the default tax regime as well.

Also read | ITR utility glitch: Are assessees with income up to 7 lakh forced to pay tax?

How can we increase the number of people who pay income tax?

Increasing social benefits for taxpayers would increase voluntary tax compliance. Currently, filing tax returns has been made mandatory for certain people even if their income is below the basic exemption limit. These include people who deposit more than 1 crore in one or more current accounts, spend more than 2 lakh on foreign travel or more than 1 lakh on electricity, have an aggregate tax deducted at source (TDS) and tax credited at source (TCS) of 25,000 or more, a total business turnover of more than 60 lakh, or gross receipts of more than 10 lakh from a profession.

As a way forward, more such criteria may be specified. For example, people who buy immovable property exceeding, say, 30 lakh could be required to file returns irrespective of whether their total income is below the basic exemption limit. Also, the thresholds for existing criteria could be reduced.

Making it easier to file returns would also help increase the taxpayer base. Earlier, many individuals didnt file returns even though they had taxable income as they found it difficult to gather information about their different sources of income. Because of this, the forms are now pre-filled. The consolidation of scattered tax-related information into a single, easily accessible location has played a pivotal role in encouraging more individuals to voluntarily file returns.

Can a person depend entirely on the Annual Information Statement (AIS) to match with his ITR before filing?

Taxpayers prepare their returns on the basis of bank statements, interest certificates, investment proof for which a deduction is available, books of accounts, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts (if applicable), Form 16/16A and AIS. They do not and should not depend on AIS alone.

Also read: Why you shouldn't rely on AIS for reporting stocks, MFs, derivatives in your ITR

What can CA aspirants and those who recently cleared their exams and are looking for jobs expect from ICAI?

Earlier this month, we launched ChatGPT to simplify the CA preparation process. It stores question banks of the past 75 years to help students easily find specific questions and their recurrence over the years. We conduct campus placement drives for newly qualified CAs twice a year. The next one is expected in August. The most recent one, in November 2023, offered 2,717 jobs at 140 participating organisations. The average domestic salary came in at 13.24 lakh a year and the highest was 29 lakh a year.
Donald Trumps recruitment of Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate may be about the worst news the country could receive on the heels of the former presidents brush with a would-be assassins bullet.

Mr. Trumps resilience after the attempt on his life has boosted his chances of winning the race. But he isnt there yet. By putting the big-government, isolationist Mr. Vance on the ticket, hes wooing workers in swing states whose No. 1 grievance is foreign competition and who usually vote for the Democrats. Regrettably, Mr. Vances nomination increases the odds that a second Trump presidency will double down on Biden protectionism. That would be nothing but upside for Chinese dictator Xi Jinping in the Americas.

Last month Perus President Dina Boluarte was in Beijing, meeting with Mr. Xi. The visit signaled the ever-closer Sino-Peruvian relationship on economic matters but also implies higher risks for U.S. national-security interests in the region.

Exhibit A is the new Port of Chancay, 50 miles north of Lima and 60% owned by Chinas Cosco Shipping. In China Ms. Boluarte met with the company, which will operate the new facility under an exclusive contract. When its inaugurated in November, the $3.6 billion project, funded by Chinese bank loans, will be the largest deepwater port in Peru and will have the potential for both economic and military use. Which is to say that it wont be surprising to find Chinese naval vessels docking there.

Its rumored around Lima that the U.S. tried to stop the Chinese investment. Some pro-market Peruvians say the State Department undermines its own interest in the rule of law by spending too much time promoting left-wing causes and wokeism. Whether thats perception or reality doesnt matter. Its undeniable that U.S. investors have been abandoning the Peruvian playing field and China has filled the void. Tariff increases, buy American" policies, and threats to scrutinize existing trade agreements (Peru has one) by Republicans are likely to make things worse.

Ms. Boluarte also met in China with telecom giant Huawei, electric-car manufacturer BYD and China Southern Power Grid. Chinese central planners arent known for their investment savvy. But that doesnt matter to Peru. It needs capital and Beijing spreads it around without asking too many questions. All it wants in return is food and mineralsand influence.

Thats part of the problem. Corruption in Peru is legendary. It isnt hard to imagine that the South American nation is precisely the kind of place that Chinas police state finds hospitable.

Chancay Port Investments, which is traded on the Peruvian stock exchange, owns the 40% of the port that isnt held by Cosco. Minority-shareholder interest seems to be based on the prospect that the modern terminal facility could become a logistics hub for Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina, signifying the potential for fast growth for the company.

Chancay is expected to offer quicker loading than the congested Port of Callao, also not far from Lima, and will be able to handle ships that can carry more than three times the volume of a standard Panamax vessel. Presumably this means that high-value exports like copper, zinc and agricultural products can get to foreign markets faster. The import side of the ledger also is expected to flow more smoothly.

More-efficient two-way trade will be a win for Peru and its commercial partners. The economy grew quickly between 2002 and 2013 (with the exception of 2009) but in the past decade has slowed. Many Peruvians see the new port as the pixie dust the country needs to turn things around. Ms. Boularte has declared that the mega project ratifies that Peru is a reliable partner for investments, which will improve the living conditions of more Peruvians."

Yet unless Chancay is treated as the beginning of an economic transformation to development rather than an end in itself, Peru will likely continue to struggle. It still needs to invest in rail, highways and other infrastructure, and it would be sovereign suicide to rely only on China. Ecuador tried that and got shoddy construction and too much debt. Perus economic and geopolitical success will depend on tapping more-diversified sources of capital, which in turn requires greater transparency and institutional stability.

In February, U.S. Army analyst Ryan Berg spelled out some of the security concerns about Chancay, including the possibility that China could use it for military logistics, as a navy port of call or to track data on trade flows, which could open the door to economic coercion against the host countries as well as other third-party countries."

All fair. But Peru can police its own turf. What really matters is that it remains a U.S. ally that prefers liberty to tyranny and is encouraged to deepen commercial ties with Americans. If a Trump-Vance administration insists on pulling up the U.S. drawbridge and punishing international commerce, China wont stop at Chancay.

Write to OGrady@wsj.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Germanys government has picked UBS Group AG and consultancy firm Roland Berger to advise on a potential major share sale in Uniper SE, people familiar with the matter said, a step further toward privatizing the power utility.

The advisers will help the government explore options to cut its stake in Frankfurt-listed Uniper, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private. Meanwhile, Uniper has picked Linklaters LLP as its legal adviser for the potential share sale. Any transaction is likely to happen as soon as early next year and more advisers could be added, the people said.

Representatives for Linklaters, Roland Berger and UBS declined to comment, while Germanys Finance Ministry and Uniper didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Germanys government owns more than 99% of Uniper after a bailout in 2022, when the countrys biggest buyer of Russian gas was at the epicenter of crisis following Russias war on Ukraine. The remaining balance still trades on the stock exchange and the company has a market value of about 17.6 billion ($19 billion).

In approving the rescue, the European Commission required Germany to reduce its shareholding in Uniper to not more than 25% plus one share by the end of 2028. Any Uniper share offering could rank among the countrys biggest in recent years given its sizable market value.

Under a claw-back mechanism, Uniper has to pay back some of the money to the state next year, with the sum depending on the companys 2024 earnings, according to the Finance Ministry. For last years financial period, the company already set aside around 2.3 billion.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The government has implemented strict security measures in view of the Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Haryana's Nuh district. On Sunday, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in the district for 24 hours in the backdrop of last year's violence. Devotees undertake the Yatra on the auspicious occasion of the first day of the sacred month of Sawan.

According to the police, 2,500 personnel from the police and paramilitary were deployed in the district on Sunday, reported PTI. Also read: CPA orders online travel platform Yatra to refund booking amounts affected by Covid lockdown

Also Read | Sawan 2024: Devotees flock to Lord Shiva temple on the first day of holy month

Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been temporarily suspended till 6:00 pm today, Monday, July 22.

The Haryana government issued an order stating, There is an apprehension of tension, annoyance, agitation, damage to public and private property, and disturbance of public peace and tranquillity in the Nuh district.

Nuh Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap Singh said police teams are ready, and proper security arrangements have been made. ANI reported that drone video surveillance has been increased.

He added, Dog Squad and Mounted Armed Police have also been deployed.

The situation is very peaceful and cordial ahead of the yatra, and both communities (Hindus and Muslims) are ready to welcome it, PTI quoted Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata.

Dhirendra Khadgata said, We also have 100 volunteers who will help police coordinate the movement along the Yatra route.

The Deputy Commissioner further noted that welcome gates have been erected and food stalls have been set up for the procession members.

In addition to the stringent security arrangement, security personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Royal Air Force (RAF), and India Reserve Battalions (IRB) have also been stationed.

Also Read | Kanwar Yatra eateries row: SC to hear plea against UP govt order on Monday

Nuh Police Spokesperson Krishna Kumar said a search operation is underway in the Aravalli mountains adjacent to the temples on the Yatra route.

The Nuh Police has issued a traffic advisory for heavy vehicle drivers. Liquor shops will remain closed today until the yatra is completed. The traffic advisory states, Heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering Nuh district during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. Heavy vehicle drivers coming to Nuh from different places should bring their vehicles to Nuh only after the completion of the Yatra, the advisory reads.

Temples under Nuh Police watch include Nalhareshwar temple, Aravalli mountains, Badkali Chowk, Jhirkeshwar temple, Shringeshwar temple (Singar), and the concluding points of the Yatra.

Also read: What is Kanwar Yatra eateries directive row? SC to hear Mahua Moitras plea today| Explained in 10 points Last year, six people, including a cleric of a Gurugram mosque and two home guards, were killed after clashes broke out in Nuh on July 31. The yatra this year will commence from Nuh's Nalhar temple and head to Singar through the Jhir temple route.

Also Read | Kanwar Yatra nameplate row: BJP allies at loggerheads with UP CM Yogi Adityanath

On Monday, Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said, Volunteers have been deployed to ensure devotees don't face any problem. He added, Proper security arrangements have been made and surveillance has been increased...The situation is very peaceful...People from all religions are welcoming the yatra, reported ANI.
In a shocking incident, a 36-year-old IT professional committed suicide by jumping into the riverbed in Bopodi, Pune, after being consistently harassed and humiliated by his manager, the Free Press Journal reported on Monday.

The deceased, Vishal Pramod Salvi, who was recently fired from work, cited the manager's constant threats and public humiliation as the reason for his drastic step, the report said.

The incident occurred on June 21, 2024, but the case was registered on July 21 after Vishal's sister lodged a complaint at Khadki Police Station against manager Zeeshan Haider.

Pune Police said a case has been registered against Zeeshan Haider, the manager of the IT company Located in Yerwada.

According to Pune Police, before ending his life, Vishal left a note mentioning that he was ending his life due to the constant harassment from his manager Zeeshan Haider. He also posted Haider's picture on his WhatsApp status.

The FIR Vishal's sister, Preeti Amit Kamble, a resident of Pimple Gurav, filed a complaint at Khadki police station.

According to the FIR, Vishal, the brother of the plaintiff Preeti, who had been working in an IT company in Yerwada for the past ten years, was constantly harassed and humiliated by his manager, Zeeshan Haider, in front of other co-workers.

Also Read | Nobody...: What IIT Madras student told his friends before committing suicide

The FIR also mentioned that Zeeshan had earlier threatened him with dismissal before finally firing him from his job.

After being terminated, Vishal committed suicide by jumping into a riverbed in Bopodi on the night of June 21.

Vishal's sister alleged in the FIR that after writing the letter, Vishal ended his life.

Pune Police said a case has been registered against Haider under Section 306 (Abetment of Suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for inciting the youth to commit suicide.
Indigo Airline flights from Pune to Delhi will start operating from the new terminal building of the airport beginning Monday, July 22, said Pune Airport. The new terminal was operationalised on July 14 for passengers flying to New Delhi and Odisha's capital, Bhubaneswar.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), it said, "Attention passengers! Starting July 22, 2024, @PuneAirport is shifting some of the Indigo flights between Pune and Delhi to the New Integrated Terminal Building."

It also listed the flight numbers being shifted to the new terminal. These IndiGo flights are  6E-2618, 6E-2418, 6E-2343, 6E-2419, 6E-2471, 6E-5261, 6E-2273, 6E-2278, 6E-2674, 6E-2279.

Passengers travelling on these flights are advised to check-in and proceed to the new integrated terminal building which offers state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, said Santosh Dhoke, director, Pune airport as quoted by Hindustan Times.

All you need to know about Pune's new terminal The new terminal, which aims to improve passenger travel experience, spans 52,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 9 million passengers annually. This is a significant upgrade from the current terminal, which covers 22,000 square meters and has a capacity of 7 million passengers annually.

The terminal boasts modern amenities, including ten aerobridges, centralized air-conditioning, and five baggage carousels, with two specifically designated for international arrivals. It also features 34 counters and 25 self-check-in stations.

Also Read | Pune Airport to get DigiYatra facility from 31 March. Details here

The 51595-square-metre new terminal building in Pune, which cost 423 crore to build, features murals depicting the region's culture and heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal of Pune Airport via video conferencing on March 10. The first flights operated from the new terminal were Air India's AI-858 to New Delhi and Air India Express' I5 320 to Bhubaneswar.
New Delhi: Ahead of the union budget presentation which is scheduled to be presented on 23 July, Tuesday by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, eyes lie on the heath sector with high expectations from the healthcare and pharma sector.

Earlier this year in the interim budget, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined some significant plans for Indias healthcare sector. For 202425, the sector was allocated 90,171 crore from the budget - a significant increase from the 79,221 crore allotted in 202324.

Additionally, the Interim Budget 20242025 included a number of noteworthy healthcare initiatives. In an effort to lower the incidence of this avoidable disease, a new campaign to encourage immunisation against cervical cancer in girls aged 9 to 14 was introduced.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was allotted 7,500 crore, a rise from 7,200 crore previous year. The purpose of the Unorganised Worker Identification Number (U-WIN) platform is to facilitate 'Mission Indradhanush' and improve vaccination management.

Furthermore, the government increased financing for biotechnology research and development from 500 crore to 1,100 crore, demonstrating its dedication to innovation and better healthcare facilities.

Dr. Harsh Mahajan Chair-FICCI Health Services Committee and Founder & Chief Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging & Labs noted that the healthcare industry is still awaiting the government's promise of spending 2.5% of the GDP on healthcare. "We hope this will finally happen. Customs duties on life-saving equipment, diagnostic reagents, and machines need to be minimized. Additionally, the long-standing demand of the healthcare industry to be given industry status should be fulfilled. If we aim to be a $5 trillion economy in the next few years, we need a healthy India," he added.

Mr. Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director, Max Healthcare Institute Limited, said that budget must focus on healthcare infrastructure, innovation, skill development for medical professionals, and strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure improved access and quality across the nation. "Addressing healthcare challenges will require an estimated 2 billion square feet of advanced healthcare infrastructure. To meet these needs, increasing GDP spending on healthcare to 2.5% is crucial for enhancing social insurance, expanding facilities in tier 2 and 3 cities, and advancing digital health services," he stated.

Dhananjay Singh, MD, Merck Life Science and Head of Science and Lab Solutions, Commercial stated that the primary request to the government would be to foster innovation in the country. "The government has always shown intent and vision in promoting R&D in the pharma and life sciences space by actively creating centers of excellence. Currently, India's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of GDP is lower than other BRICS nations, standing at about 0.64%. The world average for GERD is 1.8%, and we hope that the government can increase R&D spending to align with the global average. Investment in R&D will fuel innovation and encourage drug discovery, especially with a number of academic institutions able to contribute to research," he noted.

Along with increasing healthcare's contribution in GDP, industry voices also demanded for an increased budget allocation is crucial for building and upgrading hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad pointed that this investment will not only improve access to healthcare services but also enhance the overall quality of care provided to patients.
INS Brahmaputra, an Indian Navy warship undergoing maintenance at the naval dockyard in Mumbai, caught fire on Sunday, 21 July. According to the Indian Navy, the warship experienced severe listing to the port side.

Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side. the navy informed.

The Indian Navy stated that the fire had broken out onboard the Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra, a multi-role Frigate, on the evening of July 21 while the ship was undergoing refit.

Also Read | Massive fire breaks out on cargo vessel off Goa coast | Watch

A junior sailor is missing. All personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. the navy said. Later the government infored tyhe Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had been informed of the situation and the missing sailor.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has apprised RM Shri @rajnathsingh of the fire breakout onboard Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra and the damages caused by the incident. RM prays for the safety of missing sailor. the official tweet read.

An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the accident.

Also Read | 13 Indians, 3 Sri Lankans missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman

The fire was brought under control by the ships crew with the assistance of firefighters from the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and other ships in the harbour, by the morning of July 22. Further, follow-on actions, including sanitisation checks for assessment of the residual risk of fire were carried out.

A fire had broken out onboard the Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra, a multi-role Frigate, on the evening of 21 Jul 24 while she was undergoing refit. The fire was brought under control by the ships crew with the assistance of firefighters from Naval Dockyard, Mumbai {ND (Mbi)} and other ships in the harbour, by the morning of 22 Jul 24, the Indian Navy informed.

INS Brahmaputra Commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2000, INS Brahmaputra marks the debut of the indigenous 'Brahmaputra' class guided missile frigate. This formidable vessel is operated by a dedicated crew comprising 40 officers and 330 sailors, showcasing India's naval prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.
Conditional bail granted to MLC and JDS Leader Suraj Revanna by the People's Representative Court. A medical doctor, Suraj is the grandson of former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda and son of Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna. Two cases of sodomy has been registered against Suraj Revanna.

Suraj Revanna is also the brother of sexual abuse case accused Prajwal Revanna, who is also lodged in jail.

Also Read | Suraj Revanna sexual abuse case: MLC remanded in judicial custody for 14 days

Suraj Revanna was arrested in connection with a case of alleged sexual abuse of a man and charged under sections Sections 377, 342, 506 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. On 9 July, a special court in Bengaluru had rejected the bail plea of JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna in the sodomy case.

JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna faced charges from Karnataka Police for allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a party worker. The man lodged a case against Suraj Revanna at the Holenarasipura police station in Hassan district on Saturday, accusing him of sexually assaulting him at his farmhouse.

A JD(S) worker named Chethan KS accused Suraj Revanna of sexually assaulting him at Suraj Revanna's farmhouse on June 16.

Following the accusation, Suraj Revanna's close aide, Shivakumar, accused the worker of attempting to extort money from Suraj Revanna by threatening to accuse him of sexual assault falsely. The extortion demand is later allegedly reduced to 2 crore.

Suraj Revanna was arrested by the police on charges of unnatural offences based on Chethan K S's accusation.

Also Read | CID to probe sexual abuse case against Suraj Revanna, father alleges conspiracy

Meanwhile, Suraj's brother, former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, remains in police custody following accusations of sexually assaulting multiple women. Prajwal was arrested upon his return from Germany, where he had sought refuge after facing rape and intimidation charges. Their parents, H D Revanna and Bhavani are currently out on bail, facing accusations of kidnapping and allegedly harbouring a victim of Prajwal's assaults.
The Delhi Police released a traffic advisory about the arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, starting Monday, and warned of anticipated congestion in several areas. This year, around two million Kanwariyas are expected to participate in the annual procession.

The holy expedition called Kanwar Yatra commences on the first day of Sawan (Shravan), i.e., July 22, 2024. It culminates on the Chaturdashi Tithi, i.e., August 2, 2024, as holy Ganga water will be offered to Lord Shiva, said police.

"A large number of Kanwariyas reach Delhi, and some of them go to Haryana and Rajasthan via Delhi borders. This year, the expected number is about 15- 20 lakhs," it added.

The month of Sawan is known for the Kanwar Yatra, where devotees bring Ganga Jal to offer to Lord Shiva on Shivratri, which occurs in July or August.

Also Read | Varanasi administration asks meat shops to remain closed for Saawan month

Kanwar Yatra 2024: Take a look at Delhi traffic advisory 1) The Uttar Pradesh police temporarily closed the Delhi-Meerut Expressway for heavy vehicles during the pilgrimage period. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes.

2) To facilitate a smooth journey for the Kanwariyas, the UP Police will divert heavy transport vehicles (HTV) from Mohan Nagar towards NH-24. No heavy transport will be permitted to travel towards Wazirabad Road via Bhopura or towards GT Road via Apsra Border, the advisory read.

3) "HTVs except city buses will not be allowed on GT Road towards Shahdra and Wazirabad Road. Heavy Commercial transport vehicles except city buses coming from GT Karnal Road at Outer Ring Road will be diverted straight towards NH-24 and will not be allowed to move on Wazirabad Road and GT Road towards Shahadra," it said as quoted by ANI.

4) All heavy commercial transport, except city buses, travelling from Loni Road (Shahadra side) will be redirected onto Wazirabad Road to exit at Outer Ring Road. Similarly, heavy commercial transport, except city buses, coming from areas such as Sonia Vihar, PTS Wazirabad Pusta, and Pusta Road will be diverted onto Wazirabad Road towards Outer Ring Road to access NH-24.

5) Due to the movement of Kanwarias and the setting up of 'Kanwaria Camps' on road side, traffic congestion/obstruction is experienced on NH-08 from Dhaula Kuan Metro Station up to Rajokri Border. Due to the diversion of vehicular traffic, bound for Apsara Border and Maharajpur Border to Ghazipur, by UP Police, there will be congestion on NH-24 as well.

6) Motorists and road users are advised to plan their travel in advance to avoid inconvenience and delays. In addition to the major roads and intersections, Kanwarias are also seen in smaller numbers at various locations across Delhi.

Also Read | Kanwar Yatra nameplate row: BJP allies at loggerheads with UP CM Yogi Adityanath

7) The Delhi Traffic Police has implemented extensive measures to separate the movement of Kanwarias from other road users, aiming to minimize disruption for the general public and devotees.

8) "The devotees and road users are advised to follow the traffic rules and obey the directions of policemen on duty. During this period of the Kanwarias movement, traffic violations will be checked by on-the-spot prosecution and by photography/videography of violations which will be followed by prosecution," it added.
Top Events of the Day: On July 22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2023-24. Q1FY25 earnings are to be announced by many companies, new IPOs will open for subscription, key court hearings are scheduled to take place, and the Andhra Pradesh Assembly session will commence on July 22.

Q1FY25 results to be announced On July 22, several prominent companies, including Coforge, Cyient DLM, Jana Small Finance Bank, Zensar Technologies, Mahindra Logistics, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Suzlon Energy, and UCO Bank, are scheduled to release their Q1FY25 financial results.

Economic Survey to be tabled Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey on July 22, coinciding with the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. The Economic Survey serves as the government's official report card on its financial performance and the state of the economy for the fiscal year ending March 31. It also outlines future policy changes.

Also Read | Economic Survey Live 2024: Finance Minister to table Economic Survey today

Upcoming IPOs Several initial public offerings (IPOs) are set to open for subscription on July 22.

RNFI Services IPO: Subscription Period: July 22, 2024, to July 24, 2024

Issue: Fresh issue of 67.44 lakh shares

Price Band: 98 to 105 per share

Book-Running Lead Manager: Choice Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd

Registrar: Skyline Financial Services Private Ltd

Market Maker: Choice Equity Broking

SAR TeleVenture FPO: Subscription Period: July 22, 2024, to July 24, 2024

Issue: Fresh issue of 71.43 lakh shares

Price Band: 200 to 210 per share

Book-Running Lead Manager: Pantomath Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd

Registrar: Link Intime India Private Ltd

Court hearings

Delhi excise scam case A Delhi court's extension of the judicial custody of AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the alleged excise policy scam ends today, July 22. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja had granted the extension.

Valmiki scam A Bengaluru court has extended the ED custody of former Karnataka minister Nagendra by five days. Nagendra, who was the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister, was arrested on July 12 in connection with the Valmiki scam.

SC to hear PIL on electoral bonds scheme The Supreme Court will hear a public interest litigation (PIL) on July 22, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the electoral bonds scheme. The hearing will be conducted by a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
Top news on 22 July: From the Economic Survey being presented in Parliament, Joe Biden quitting re-election bid and endorsing Kamala Harris, to Supreme Court of India halting the controversial Kanwar Yatra nameplate diktat by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand government, several news caught attention of readers on 22 July.

Economic Survey 2024 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-2024 on Monday, ahead of the highly anticipated Union Budget 2024-25 set to be unveiled the following day. The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be introduced in Parliament this Tuesday by Sitharaman

To read more click here

Modi govt rejects Nitish Kumars special status demand for Bihar The Narendra Modi-led central government rejected NDA ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's demand for special category status to the state, citing a 2012 report, despite pressure from BJP allies.

To read more click here

Q1 results: IDBI Bank, Suzlon Energy declare result On 22 July, a total of 44 companies declared their uarterly earnings for Q1 FY25. Allied Blenders and Distillers, Beeyu Overseas, Cigniti Technologies, Cochin Minerals and Rutile, Coforge, Cyient DLM, Digicontent, Dharani Sugars chemicals, Dodla Dairy, Esha Media Research, Fortis Malar Hospitals, Glance Finance, Greenlam Industries, IDBI Bank, Indo Credit Capital.

To read more click here

NEET-UG paper leak hearing The Supreme Court on July 22 directed the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi to form a three-member expert committee to give their opinion regarding the correct answer to an multiple choice question of NEET-UG 2024, for which the National Testing Agency (NTA) awarded marks for two options.

To read more click here

SC halts Kanwar Yatra nameplate directive The Supreme Court of India issued an interim stay on directives from the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments on Monday, which mandated eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display the names of their owners.

To read more click here

Joe Biden drops out of race, endorses Kamala Harris Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 race for the White House and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be Democratic Partys new nominee.

To read more click here

Indian economy grows over 7% for a 3rd consecutive year Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey document in Parliament on Monday, July 22. According to the survey, Indias real GDP grew by 8.2 per cent in FY24, posting growth of over 7 per cent for a third consecutive year.
Supreme Court on July 22 stayed the order passed by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police asking eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra path to display names of owners and the staff employed by them. The directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh government are discriminatory, the top court said.

The court was hearing a plea by an NGO that challenged the orders issued by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand government. The order directed shop owners and eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners.

Do not force the owners of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names outside shops, Supreme Court Orders in interim order to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other governments, legal news website LiveLaw reported.

A Supreme Court bench of justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti heard the plea filed by an NGO - Association of Protection of Civil Rights. Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra had moved the Supreme Court over this controversial order. The petition sought a stay on these orders, arguing that they exacerbate communal tensions and are aimed at creating a socially enforced economic boycott of Muslim shop owners.

If the intention is to provide only veg food to Kanwariyas...the directive is contended to be contrary to constitutional and legal norms prevalent in our country. It is a contention that the directives are discriminatory, Justice Roy was quoted as saying by Live Law.

The authority may issue orders under Food Security Act...but powers conferred on competent authority can't be usurped by police without any formal order supported by law. The Supreme Court order said, food sellers must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed, the court said.

The controversial order has been widely criticised by opposition parties and some allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre. The opposition alleges that it unfairly targets Muslim traders.
(Bloomberg) -- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer doesnt intend to compete with Vice President Kamala Harris and run for the the Democratic presidential nomination, said a person with knowledge of the matter.

Whitmer plans to let either Harris or another Democrat take the lead and run against Republican nominee Donald Trump, said the person, who asked not to be named because the discussions were private. Whitmer is said to view the situation as complex and not an ideal time to make a bid following President Joe Bidens decision on Sunday to drop out of the race.

A spokeswoman for Whitmer didnt directly respond to questions. Instead she replied by sending the governors post on social media, which praised Biden without mentioning Harris.

Californias Democratic governor Gavin Newsom is also preparing to stand down, CBS News reported, citing people familiar. Newsom posted on X that Biden will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents, but his statement also didnt mention Harris.

By contrast, Pennsylvanias Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X his support for the vice president, who he says hes known for almost two decades and noting that theyve both been prosecutors. All three governors have been touted as possible presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Whitmer has been governor of Michigan, a swing state, since 2019. She has backed Biden since his disastrous presidential debate, but in the aftermath warned the White House that Michigan could be tough to win in November.

Michigan pollster EPIC/MRA released a poll Sunday showing that Biden is losing ground to Trump. The most recent poll gave Trump a lead with 49% to Bidens 42%. Biden trailed 41% to 38% in June.

(Updates with Shapiro in fifth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
After US President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee for the presidential polls, a social media user highlighted an uncanny similarity between this sudden change and an episode of 'The Simpsons' that aired 24 years ago.

Citing the 17th episode of the 11th season of the popular animated series, which aired in 2000, the social media user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip which showed the show's character, Lisa Simpson, as the first female president of the United States, dressed similarly to Kamala Harris at Joe Biden's inauguration.

The episode strongly suggested that the former US President and real estate mogul Donald Trump left behind a budget crisis for Lisa, or as the X user draws similarity, Kamala, to handle.

Watch:

Also Read | Joe Biden drops out of 2024 US Elections: Celebs support Kamala Harris

The Simpsons is known for its eerily accurate and satirical allusions to worldwide events. Among its past forecasts are the advent of smartwatches, the presidency of Donald Trump, the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, and the Nobel Prize in Economics being awarded to Finnish economist Bengt R. Holmstrom for his contributions.

Joe Biden dropped out of the US Presidential race after the Democrats had no more use for him and has endorsed Kamala Harris. Hilary Clinton has officially endorsed Kamala Harris as well.

Also Read | US Elections 2024: Donald Trump donated to Kamala Harris as California lawmaker

"The only chance Kamala Harris has of beating Trump is if they create a black swan event and take down the entire power grid," the user said.

Announcing his withdrawal while recovering from Covid-19, Biden wrote on X: While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
OTT Bigg Boss 3: Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has added his own flavour to the reality show Bigg Boss OTT season 3 during his debut as its host. In a recent episode, Anil rebuked Elvish Yadav, a former winner of the show, for "inappropriate remarks" on Adnaan Shaik, a participant this season.

During his visit to the Bigg Boss house in the latest episode of the celebrity reality show, Elvish called Adnaan "mentally disturbed", making the host of the show angry.

Also Read | Deepak Dhar of Banijay: Bigg Boss of entertainment in India

In the Bigg Boss house, Elvish and Faisal Malik were defending their favourite housemates when Faisal called Adnaan a kind-hearted, friendly individual, while Elvish took side with Lovekesh Kataria, dismissing claims that does not stand up for himself.

Anil had asked if Adnaan talks about the outside news, to which Elvish responded with: Sir maine aapko bola tha na, usko thoda medical issue hai doctor waala, mujhe lagta hai thoda dimaag ka issue hai sir. Kyunki insaan toh ek baari mein maan leta hai baat." Roughly translating to, "I had told you that he has a medical condition, I think there is some mental issue. Because normally people understand if they are told once.

The host got too upset with Elvish's response and schooled him saying the joke is not funny anymore.

"Elvish, see joke ek baar funny hota hai, baar baar nahi. Aap ko kya lagta hai Bigg Boss ne unhe medical procedure follow kiye bagair andar daala hai (Elvish, joke can be funny once, not always. Do you think Bigg Boss has kept him inside the house without following thorough medical procedure)."

Also Read | ED summons YouTuber Elvish Yadav on July 23 for questioning in snake venom case

Elvish winner replied with an arrogant, "Kara he hoga sir follow (The medical procedure must have been followed)."

Which further angered Anil, who then said why the Bigg Boss OTT 2 is continuting the same joke. Toh phir main aapko genuinely kuch pooch raha hoon toh aap kyu ghadi ghadi, wohi joke maar rahe ho (Then if I am asking you something genuinely, then why are you repeating the same joke again.

Also Read | Elvish Yadav to face money laundering charges; ED to probe snake venom deals

Elvish had then apologised to Anil.
World leaders paid tribute to the contributions of US President Joe Biden as he exited the election race on Monday. The senior Democrat withdrew his re-election bid and endorsed Kamala Harris for the top post amid mounting pressure to step aside. The Vice President will now have to secure the party nomination during the upcoming Democratic Convention in order to take on Donald Trump.

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people, wrote newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: Thank you, added his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

The US has been a staunch supporter of the Israeli war in Gaza and Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion. Missives shared by Israeli president Isaac Herzog and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday reflected that bond.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades long career. As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples. I send him, Jill Biden, and all his family, my warmest wishes from Jerusalem, the Israeli President said on X.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical. Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today's tough but strong decision, the Ukrainian president added.

Zelensky also voiced gratitude for the Biden-led government and its efforts to stop Putin from occupying our country.

The possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House has also left traditional US allies in Europe braced for a more abrasive and transactional foreign policy. There is a possibility that the Republican leader could take the focus away from Ukraine and deploy tariffs as a geo-economic weapon on China and Europe if he was re-elected.

It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades, Fiala said on X. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates, said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., the 46th president of the United States, stepped out of the 2024 election so the Democratic Party could try to ensure in the four short months between now and November that Donald Trump doesnt become the 47th.

And in a shambolic, dangerous political era in which Trump, shrouded in a haze of faux patriotism and strength, has vaulted anarchy, venom and gibberish onto the global stage, Bidens act of selflessness and grit is welcome  and, in its own way, epic.

It also opens the door to the creation of a Democratic ticket that could inject new life and energy into a campaign that has lost momentum and enthusiasm to Republicans in the weeks since Bidens disastrous debate performance and an assassination attempt on Trump upended expectations about the race. The odds, polls, political and financial machinations and an endorsement from the president favor Vice President Kamala Harris to assume Bidens mantle.

If it is Harris, her savvy and strategic selection of a running mate will be crucial. She could tilt toward any number of viable and capable Democrats. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania comes to mind. So do Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. If Harris fancies something dramatic and seismic, amid complaints about national partisan divides, she could do the unexpected and select former Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming as her running mate. Imagine that: A former prosecutor and the principled Republican leader of Congress Jan. 6 hearings taking on Trump, a twice-impeached convicted felon and sexual predator who is untethered by a sense of public duty or rationality.

This should have happened in a more orderly fashion, and Biden could have set the wheels in motion a year ago. As it turned out, it took his humiliating debate belly flop in June to reveal him publicly as too diminished to continue campaigning. It also took weeks of arm-twisting by leading members of the Democratic Party, and courageous public statements from a handful of others, to persuade Biden to finally step aside.

But he did step aside. In the grander scheme of things, three weeks may not seem like such a long time. Theres another valuable lesson here. The Democratic Partys leaders have shown they are more willing to do the right thing  seeking the ouster of a sitting president as their standard-bearer  than the Republican Partys leadership, which has acquiesced and caved to Trump at every turn over the last nine years, no matter how unlawful or heinous his transgressions.

Party leaders usually reflect their voters, however. Survivors in both parties spend a lot of time reading the needs and sentiments of their constituents. Only so much steel and righteousness can be expected of them if their voters want something else. Still, Democrats such as Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer emerge from this historic moment as infinitely more responsible and mature than Republican weather vanes and cowards such as Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week, GOP stars and onetime Trump critics such as former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida took center stage at the Fiserv Forum to enthusiastically kiss Trumps ring. And Trump, looking down from his box seat like a Roman emperor at the Colosseum, soaked up those and other demonstrations of amnesia and fealty, knowing they would compel other Republicans to bend the knee.

Democratic voters want something else, and enough pressure was brought to bear on the White House that Biden could no longer ignore it. Voters had repeatedly shown their willingness to support a president who has delivered a booming economy, national security and a respect for civil society despite a broader lack of enthusiasm for him. They werent willing to let him hang on simply because he wanted to hang on  particularly when it was overwhelmingly evident that he couldnt beat Trump and that his candidacy might torpedo countless other Democrats in down-ballot races.

Republican operatives who had suddenly grown indignant about the prospect of Biden leaving the race have suggested that they would align with Democrats and sue to stop it from happening. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts told me and a gathering of other journalists at a Bloomberg News event in Milwaukee last week that he was offering his perspective on relevant legalities to anyone interested. While its unlikely that any legal challenge will gain traction, its a measurement of how weakened Biden had become that even Trump supporters wanted him to stay on the ballot.

Bidens White House advisers have repeatedly noted that the president couldnt stand down because it would subvert the intentions of voters who cast their ballots for him during the Democratic primaries earlier this year. But those voters hadnt seen the June debate, and it certainly stunned enough of them to make late winter and spring ballots inexact barometers of their faith in Biden.

Biden, 81, has been in the political arena for 52 years. When he writes, as he did in his letter announcing he was dropping out of the race, that he has a heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust they have placed in him for decades, he means it.

Biden is flawed, just like each and every one of us. Hes also been an honorable public servant who has looked after the countrys interests for a very long time. Hes now capped off his estimable career by passing the torch to others who can offer voters meaningful alternatives to Trump, an unhinged authoritarian and geriatric carny act who shouldnt be trusted with the powers and responsibilities of the presidency.

Bravo.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Timothy L. O'Brien is senior executive editor of Bloomberg Opinion. A former editor and reporter for the New York Times, he is author of TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald.

/opinion
By Samuel Shen and Selena Li

July 22 - China's $715 billion hedge fund industry is facing renewed pressure from stringent regulations coming into effect next month, forcing some investment firms to seek fresh capital from white knights or even shut shop.

New guidelines for the fragmented industry from Aug. 1 will impose higher asset thresholds for funds to operate, and also stricter norms for their investments and marketing.

These rules would come after China's regulators cracked down on computer-driven 'quant funds' this year as part of Beijing's tighter supervision of the financial industry.

Zhang Kaihua, founder of Nanjing-based HuYang Private Fund Co, is selling up to 6.3% of his company to boost capital.

"Higher compliance rules are making operations more and more costly," said Zhang, who is luring new partners to keep the business afloat. "We're struggling as a small asset manager."

The new rules require a fund to have a minimum 10 million yuan to be set up, and assets of at least 5 million yuan to operate, posing a challenge to many managers of tailor-made, single-account products. Pitches to prospective investors via live-streaming and other public platforms are also being disallowed.

Hedge funds in China refer to loosely regulated private funds that raise money from institutions or wealthy individuals.

Nearly 300 such funds out of the more than 8,000 in China have already terminated business so far this year, data from industry body Asset Management Association of China showed, as a flagging stock market, sluggish economy and weak consumer sentiment take their toll.

FINAL STRAW

The upcoming rules were the final straw for some.

Chun Xu, fund manager at JSVest Shanghai Ltd, shut his fund house earlier this year, believing he does not stand a chance in an environment where helping the rich get wealthier is frowned upon. Xu is contemplating moving into the coffee and tea retailing business.

Tighter rules are "sapping market liquidity being provided by hedge funds," Xu said. "Regulators are prioritising political correctness over market efficiency."

AMAC, which is supervised by the China Securities Regulatory Commission , said the new rules are aimed at promoting the healthy development of a crowded industry where some players are too small and loosely managed.

Some funds "naturally shut down due to their lack of investment capabilities, low level of compliance and risk control, which is a normal reflection of survival of the fittest," AMAC said in a statement to Reuters, vowing continued support to the broad private fund sector.

The tightening of regulations on China's 5.2 trillion yuan hedge fund sector comes as President Xi Jinping seeks to foster a leaner and cleaner financial industry able to support his strategic goals of tech supremacy and common prosperity.

"The industry is experiencing its darkest hour," said Hu Bo, head of investment at Shanghai-based hedge fund manager Professional Fund. "From investment to fundraising and marketing, rules are being tightened."

The new guidelines also cap a fund's exposure to a single asset at 25%, potentially upending many funds' business models of making outsized bets on certain stocks, fund managers say.

A further blow to the industry would come if curbs were to be imposed on sales of hedge funds via banks - a key distribution channel for some asset managers - to prevent major losses for bank customers.

China's banking regulator launched a consultation in early June, seeking feedback on whether the channel should remain open for hedge funds, two sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.

China's National Financial Regulatory Administration did not reply to Reuters' request for comment.

'CHINA'S DALIO OR SOROS'

Some predict ever-tighter rules pose a threat to the existence of thousands of hedge funds, an overwhelming majority of whom are small-sized.

More than 80% of hedge fund companies in China manage less than 500 million yuan, according to AMAC data. Only 91 companies, or 1.1% of the total, manage more than 10 billion yuan.

China's hedge fund market has also attracted global players, including Bridgewater, Winton, Man Group and Two Sigma, who are unlikely to be impacted by the new rules due to their size, deep pockets and strict internal controls.

The government does not welcome "China's Dalio or Soros", said Huang Wei, founder of Miniu Investment, referring to billionaire U.S. hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, and financier George Soros.

But some big hedge fund managers said the tighter rules are good for the industry.

"If you have a fund that cannot maintain 5 million yuan in size, I don't think the business will survive," said Liam Zhou, founder of Shanghai-based Minority Asset Management Co, which manages more than 6 billion yuan.
Singapore:A tanker that fled the scene of a fiery Friday collision off Singapore entered the area of Malaysia's Bertam floating oil terminal on Monday after being tracked down and intercepted by Malaysian authorities, shipping data from LSEG and Kpler showed. The Sao Tome and Principe-flagged supertanker Ceres I had left the scene of the collision with the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile about 55 km (35 miles) northeast of the Singaporean island of Pedra Branca without explanation.

The Ceres I, which was believed to have turned off its tracking system after the accident, was then found in Malaysian waters with two tugboats towing it, Malaysia's coast guard said.

Also Read | 13 Indians, 3 Sri Lankans missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman

Industry experts say the Ceres I is known to have carried Iranian oil in the past, and LSEG and Kpler data showed the supertanker discharged Iranian crude via ship-to-ship transfers in Malaysia's Linggi transhipment hub in April.

However, AIS data on LSEG indicated that the Ceres I, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of oil, was empty at the time of the collision.

Ship-to-ship transfers are often used to mask the origins of sanctioned oil.

Aerial surveys of the scene found minor traces of an oil spill.

Also Read | Indian Navy rescues oil tanker with 30 crew members from Houthi missile attack

"For further action, the two tankers involved will be towed to a safe location to enable further investigation and the cause of the incident will be investigated by the marine department," Kama Azri Kamil, acting maritime director of Johor state, said in a statement, without saying where the ships would be taken.

The exact circumstances leading to the incident are unknown.

All 26 crew members who had remained aboard the Ceres I to fight fires are safe, he added. Fourteen crew previously evacuated from the Ceres I and the Hafnia Nile's 22 crew were safe in Singapore.

The Bertam terminal is located in the South China Sea off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Also Read | Yemens Houthis attack Andromeda Star oil tanker en route to India in Red Sea

Shanghai Prosperity Ship Management is the manager of the Ceres I, according to LSEG data. It could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hafnia, the manager of Hafnia Nile, has said it is in discussions with Malaysian authorities to move its vessel.

The Hafnia Nile, a Panamax tanker, was carrying about 300,000 barrels of naphtha for Japan, according to ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG. Naphtha is a raw material for making petrochemicals.
Oil edged higher  after slumping almost 3% on Friday  as investors weighed the fallout from President Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection, while wildfires menaced some production in Canada.

Global benchmark Brent rose above $83 a barrel after posting its biggest one-day drop since early June, while West Texas Intermediate was near $81. Biden, 81, abandoned his bid for a second term as concern mounted that he couldnt beat Donald Trump, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The US dollar eased in early Asian trading, benefiting commodities priced in the currency.

In Canada, a blast of heat across the Alberta oil patch has triggered a wave of wildfires. An estimated 348,000 barrels a day of production are at risk, according to Alberta Wildfire and Alberta Energy Regulator data.

Oil has pushed higher this year as OPEC reined in production, setting the scene for a drawdown in global stockpiles over the northern hemisphere summer. Geopolitical tensions have also been to the fore, with Israels war against Hamas and clashes with Iran-backed groups including the Yemen-based Houthis sparking concerns of regional instability that could threaten production.

At the weekend, Israel struck targets around the Houthi-held Red Sea port of Hodeidah in retaliation for a drone attack on Tel Aviv. The airstrikes were aimed at facilities including fuel-storage sites, with a Houthi-run television channel showing flames and smoke raging at the installations it said were hit.

Market metrics point to tight near-term conditions. Brents prompt spread  the difference between its two nearest contracts  was more than $1 a barrel in backwardation, a bullish pattern. Two weeks ago, the gap was 76 cents.

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Deal to enable $11.4 billion in cash flow relief over next three years

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Agreement frees money for defence, social spending - Ukraine PM

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Government says IMF, official lenders have signed off on deal

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Bonds rally some 5 cents on news of the deal

By Karin Strohecker and Libby George

LONDON, - Ukraine said on Monday it had reached an agreement in principle with a group of creditors to restructure $20 billion of international bonds, bringing the war-torn country closer to an unprecedented debt rework.

Ukraine's announcement comes just over a week before a two-year debt suspension agreement struck in 2022 is due to run out and marks the first time a country has embarked on a debt restructuring during a full-scale war.

"After months of engagement and hard work with our private bondholders, the IMF and our bilateral partners, we have reached an agreement in principle with the Ad Hoc Creditor Committee on the comprehensive restructuring of our public external debt," Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said in a statement.

This was an important step to ensure Ukraine maintained the budget stability and cash resources needed to continue financing its defence, he added.

Ukraine's finances are precarious as its 28-month war with Russia drags on. Russia's 2022 invasion decimated its economy, leaving it heavily reliant on money  and military aid  from international partners.

The U.S. presidential election in November and the risk of wavering commitment to maintain support for Ukraine under a potential Donald Trump presidency increased pressure for a debt restructuring, sources close to the talks and analysts said.

The proposal would see a 37% nominal haircut on Ukraine's outstanding international bonds, saving Kyiv $11.4 billion in payments over the next three years - the duration of the country's programme with the International Monetary Fund set to expire in 2027, according to government statements.

The government said the IMF had confirmed that the deal was compatible with the parameters of its $122 billion support package, and that the country's official lenders, the Group of Creditors of Ukraine , had also signed off on it.

A spokesperson for the Paris Club of creditor nations, which usually handles communications for the GCU, confirmed the group was comfortable with the proposal.

The IMF welcomed the agreement and confirmed it is consistent with the current program, adding that it will be "essential to bring Ukraine's debt burdens to sustainable levels, thereby ensuring room for critical spending and supporting growth."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in a message on the Telegram app that the deal would free up resources for urgent needs, including defence, social protection and recovery.

A source at the Germany finance ministry welcomed the draft agreement and said it was a key step to preserve the Ukraine government's ability to act and plan ahead.

The Ad Hoc Creditor Committee, which holds 22% of the country's sovereign bonds, called the agreement "swift and constructive".

"We are pleased to be able to provide significant debt relief to Ukraine, assist its efforts to regain its access to international capital markets, and support the future reconstruction," it said in a statement.

RACING TO THE FINISH

Under the proposal, some of the new bonds issued would start paying a 1.75% coupon from next year, with payments stepping up to as much as 7.75% from 2034 onwards. Bondholders are also in line to receive a consent fee.

Interest payments had been a sticky issue in the talks. Bondholders sought financial inducement to agree to a rework, while Ukraine's international partners such as Group of Seven nations and the IMF objected to large amounts of money being funnelled to private lenders and away from strained government finances.

Payments to bondholders under the deal would amount to less than $200 million through to end-2025.

While the bonds have a face value of $19.7 billion, Ukraine owes around $23 billion with past due interest.

The international bonds soared more than 5 cents after the announcement, with most maturities trading around the 35 cents mark and at their strongest in about two years.

Ukraine's $2.6 billion GDP warrants - fixed-income instruments with payouts linked to the strength of economic growth - were not part of the restructuring, though the government said it would "ensure the fair and equitable treatment of holders of the Warrants".

Bondholders will vote on the proposal in coming weeks. If enough sign off, the government will issue new bonds.

A first payment in the wake of the two year moratorium is due on Aug. 1, but Ukraine last week passed a law allowing it to miss payments - and enter debt default, even temporarily - while the agreement is finalised.

The debt deal would be Ukraine's second in a decade triggered by its neighbour: Ukraine restructured in 2015 following Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

"Once completed, this restructuring will also pave the way for Ukraine's market re-entry as soon as possible when the security situation stabilises to fund our country's swift recovery and reconstruction," Marchenko said in the statement.
Now that a jobs crisis is weakening its hold on power in India, how serious is the BJP government about reviving Indian factories? We will know in the budget, which offers it a chance to remedy a disastrous lurch toward protectionism. Without fixing that folly, the country could miss an opportunity to join key global supply chains.

A large home market will keep assembly lines busybut crucial parts will be made by Chinese and Vietnamese labour. What could easily be a $100 billion-plus boost to annual factory production by the end of the decade might fail to materialize.

Trouble began in 2018 with New Delhis calibrated departure" from more than two decades of greater trade openness, and an increase in import duties on mobile phones to 20% from 15%. Soon it was the turn of components: In 2020, the tariff on printed circuit board assembly and display units was raised by 11 percentage points.

Also read: India should rethink its stance on trade policy barriers

A downward spiral in China-India relations didnt help. The administration made it mandatory for Chinese firms to obtain permission before investing in India. Visas for Chinese engineers started taking four to five months to process.

On paper, the idea was to prevent opportunistic acquisitions of vulnerable firms during the pandemic and promote local industry. However, the measures havent had the intended effect. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Yes, India manufactured $102 billion of electronics last year, led by mobile phones, up from $60 billion in 2018. But thats mostly just putting together the finished goods. From lithium batteries to the precision machine work needed in phone casings and the fabrication required for display units, most actual value is being added in China, South Korea, Japan or Vietnam.

According to a recent report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), it would be 8% to 10% more expensive to make flexible printed circuit boardsthe kind that can fir into tight spotslocally. No wonder then that even with booming smartphone exports, India is becoming a larger net importer of electronics.

The governments answer to this cost disadvantage has been to offer a 4% to 6% subsidy on domestic production. But as CII noted in its report, the fiscal support is grossly inadequate" to offset the gap with China and Vietnam. Industry players are seeking a low tariff regime," it said.

There has been talk about becoming self-reliant in semiconductors. What Indian policymakers should pay more attention to is less capital-intensive production. Taken together, circuit boards, cameras, displays, batteries and enclosures account for more than two-fifths of a smartphones production cost. Yet, little domestic capacity has come up to make these at home because of a faulty trade policy.

Also read: Eighth round of free trade talks between India and the EU to start on 23 June

Most of the stuff that goes into making electronic components can be imported duty-free into China and Vietnam from free-trade partners, whereas a 10% to 15% tariff is Indias norm. Expecting import barriers to encourage domestic production is an outdated idea.

All it does is keep the country out of global supply chains that require free movement of goodsand peopleacross a seamless international network of factories. Make it too onerous for Chinese firms to invest (or their engineers to visit), and the production base they could help move from China would stay where it is. Which is why India had an $83 billion goods trade deficit with China last year, up from $55 billion in 2018.

Indias jobs crisis has assumed alarming proportions. Young graduates are nine times more likely to be unemployed than those who cant read or write. Even outside New Delhi, politicians are panicking and pandering to populist causes. Karnataka invited a huge backlash by trying to introduce a law to reserve half or more of private-sector jobs in the state for locals.

Just as India Inc is now raising its voice to keep internal markets free, it should also have insisted on more external openness when autarky crept back into trade policy years ago. Back then, however, captains of industry joined the chorus around the slogan of self-reliance even as the promised revival in manufacturing and factory jobs continued to elude.

An unexpected loss of parliamentary majority for the ruling party has come as a wake-up call. According to media reports, the budget could tweak the governments industrial policy. Its five-year, $24 billion production-linked incentive scheme might be supplemented with subsidies for firms that hit employment targets.

Yet, no amount of additional fiscal resources will help in the presence of high tariff walls. The ongoing shift in global supply chains, triggered by covid disruptions and the estrangement between Beijing and Washington, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But it wont last forever. Its time for a course correction. bloomberg
Dimon wasnt sure of her political agenda when it came to the economy and business. His previous interactions with Harris had been limited, though the pair had a testy back-and-forth nearly a decade earlier while she was California attorney general during the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

He came away from the White House meeting thinking that Harris had been reasonable and open to improving how government and corporations can work together, according to people familiar with the discussion.

Harriss emergence as the likely Democratic nominee since President Biden bowed out of the race Sunday has put the focus on the vice presidents policy views and governing style. Given her brief time in the Senate and early end to her presidential bid, Dimon and others have said they have known little about her positions, which has opened her up to Republicans casting her as a radical liberal over the last four years. She also struggled to craft a consistent campaign message when she ran for president herself, leaving her critics to argue her policy positions are rooted in political expediency.

There was a little confusion coming out of the 2020 Democratic primary, but I think 3 years of service in the Biden White House has clarified that," said Matt Bennett of centrist think tank Third Way. She has been the kind of pragmatic moderate that we saw when she was in California and in the Senate."

If she wins the partys nomination, Harris would be unlikely to dramatically alter the policy positions adopted by the Biden-Harris campaign so close to the election, some of her allies say. She has already been traveling the country campaigning on the administrations policies, centering her message on abortion rightsand the democratic freedoms her party says would be under threat if Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump wins another term this fall.

The Trump campaign has signaled it will not only attack Harris for her time as vice president, but also her record in California politics, including as attorney general. Harris will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation than Joe Biden," Trump senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a Sunday statement. They own each others records, and there is no distance between the two. Harris must defend the failed Biden Administration AND her liberal, weak-on-crime record in CA."

A representative for Harris didnt respond to a request for comment.

Unlike Biden, Harriss national profile was built based on her legal experiencenot on major policy proposals or legislative dealmaking. She first caught the attention of Democratic activists and major donors through her aggressive questioning of Trump administration nominees.

Also in contrast with the president, who throughout his long political career aligned himself with the center of the Democratic Party, Harriss views havent been as clearly defined on ideological lines.

Harris forms her opinions after detailed deliberations, according to people who have worked with her over the years, and has been reluctant to always endorse immediate, sweeping policy changes.

She really wants to understand what the data and evidence is to support a potential course of action," said Jill Habig, who worked for Harris in different roles, including policy director for her Senate campaign. She really wants to understand not just the idea in theory, but how its actually going to work in practice. She often says, Talk me through, how is this going to hit the streets? How does it actually work for real people in their busy lives?"

During the 2020 presidential primary that focused heavily on policy specifics with candidates aligning clearly with either the progressive or moderate wing of the party, Harris pitched herself as the bridge between the two, with an endorsement of liberal ideas but plans that were less far-reaching.

On Wall Street, however, she earned a reputation as a progressive firebrand in part because of how she prosecuted big banks for their roles while acting as attorney general of California between 2011 and 2017. She sued banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup as well as major credit ratings firms like Standard & Poors, and most of the firms settled the litigation and paid the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

Deanne Millison, the vice presidents former chief economic adviser, said Harris would take on corporations when needed, but also could work with them. She would always remind us that the problems were trying to solve are too big for the government alone," Millison said. She pointed to the private sector funding Harris raised in the administrations efforts to invest in Central America and address causes of migration.

Biden and Harris have had some policy differences in the past. Their divergence has been based in part on the two Democrats varying life experiences and overall approach to policymaking.

Those who have worked with her say Harris, the first Black and female vice president and daughter of immigrants, puts an emphasis on the impact of policy decisions through the lens of women, children and minority communities. She has been a major supporter of reproductive rights policy throughout her career. She continued to be a leader on abortion rights in the administration after the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, which had established a constitutional right to an abortion. She has also advocated for policies to address climate change, housing affordability and criminal justice reform.

Biden, who refers to himself as Middle-Class Joe," has been known to tailor his policy views to the middle-class and organized labor. His policiesalthough at times incrementalhave focused on lowering some costs for Americans, including on prescription drugs and canceling some student debt during his presidency. As a foreign policy veteran, Biden in recent years has also put an emphasis on strengthening democracies against autocracies, portraying Trump as a threat to democracy.

The main policy areas with some daylight between Biden and Harris have been healthcare, trade, climate and taxes.

As a senator, Harris supported Medicare for All, which would shift the healthcare system from private and employer-based insurance to a government-run program. But in 2020, during her run for the White House, she released a more moderate proposal to expand access to Medicare while keeping private insurance intact. And since joining Bidens presidential ticket, Harris has backed his plan, which calls for building on the Affordable Care Act.

On trade, Harris opposed two recent major trade deals that Biden supported, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Harris was one of just 10 senators who voted against the USMCA, a renegotiated version of the North American Free Trade Agreement under the Trump administration, arguing the environmental provisions were insufficient. She also opposed TPP as a Senate candidate, arguing it didnt do enough to protect the environment and worker regulations.

Harriss climate record has arguably been the most liberal part of her policy portfolio. She has backed the Green New Deal and supported banning fracking. Biden ran on a fracking ban, but only for oil and gas production from federal lands. As president, Biden did more to address climate change than any of his predecessors spending $1 trillion in tax credits, grants and loans for clean energy.

As a presidential candidate, Harris proposed a full repeal of the 2017 tax cuts enacted by Trump and congressional Republicans. Biden as a candidate and as president has backed leaving in place the tax cuts for people making under $400,000 and fully paying for those extensions with new taxes on companies and high-income households. During her campaign, she also favored raising estate taxes.

While in the Senate, she proposed an expansive tax credit for lower-income and middle-income workers worth up to $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for married couples. That idea, worth more than $2 trillion over a decade, would have tilted the tax code to be much more progressive. It didnt make it into the Biden agenda, though it has some similarities to the child tax credit that was in place for 2021.

Write to Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com and Alexander Saeedy at alexander.saeedy@wsj.com
WASHINGTONWhat a year these past few weeks have been. President Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 campaign caps off a historically tumultuous stretch in American politics, as a series of unexpected eventsfrom a presidential debate for the ages to a near-assassinationhave shaken up the political landscape and thrust it into uncharted territory.

Until recently, the 2024 presidential election was shaping up as a snoozer of a rematch, with the same candidates who battled each other in 2020 ignoring the electorates pleas for change and slogging joylessly toward a November grudge match. Now the aperture has been thrown openand an utterly unpredictable new phase has begun.

It feels like a lifetime ago, but it has actually been just over two months since Biden challenged his opponent, former President Donald Trump, to an unusually early presidential debate, aiming to jolt a stalled campaign out of its stupor. Make my day, pal," Biden said in the May 15 video. The gambit worked, if not at all in the way he hoped.

At the time, Democrats were frustrated that Bidens message didnt seem to be breaking through. Trump was spending four days a week trapped in a Manhattan courtroom, defending himself against criminal charges based on his 2016 hush-money payments to an adult-film star. On May 30, he was found guilty of 34 felonies, becoming the first-ever former president to be criminally convicted. Yet Trumps many legal entanglements, which once seemed likely to dominate the campaign, registered as barely a blip in the polls, where he continued to narrowly lead Biden on average. Cynical voters seemed to be waving off such seemingly historic developments as just more of the scandalous noise that perpetually pursued Trump.

With the debate on June 27, the campaign suddenly came unglued. Democrats were stunned by Bidens shakiness, incoherence and inability to make a clear argument against his rival, who looked vigorous and stable by comparison, if not particularly truthful. Publicly and privately, party insiders began discussing what had previously been taboo. As more damning accounts of Bidens slippage behind the scenes emerged, they began to publicly wonder if it might be time for the incumbent to take one for the team by taking himself out of the running.

At the very least, Biden needed to prove his claim that the debate was merely an aberration. He could have quickly scheduled a slew of meetings, appearances and interviews to show his mettle. Instead, he largely stuck to his previous calendar, remained mostly out of public view and took days to personally call leading lawmakers to reassure them. The few televised interviews he accepted, such as a 20-minute grilling by ABCs George Stephanopoulos more than a week after the debate, didnt inspire confidence. His standing in polls began to worsen.

Democrats panic intensified when, on July 1, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling declaring presidents immune from many forms of criminal prosecution, throwing Trumps conviction and lingering indictments into doubt. For months the former president had been signaling he would be more aggressive about confronting longstanding legal and political norms in a second term; now Democrats feared he could be totally unshackled and unaccountable. Many viewed the November election as existential for the nations future as a republic based on the rule of law.

With so much at stake, Bidens continuing inability to press the case against Trump created a mounting crisis within his party. The president had dug in against party insiders private entreaties that he reconsider, casting them as elites" who would overturn the will of the primary voters. Seeing that their private imprecations were getting no traction, lawmakers began sounding the alarm publicly. Its not a question about politics," Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said on July 9. Its a moral question about the future of our country."

So focused was the nation on Bidens plight that when the president scheduled a rare July 11 press conference at the conclusion of the summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which he was hosting in Washington, more than 20 million people watched it live on TV. And while Biden was more cogent than he had been in the debate, he slipped and referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as Vice President Trump," shortly after referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as President Putin." Many Democrats were quickly coming to the inescapable conclusion that his candidacy was simply untenableif only the notoriously proud and stubborn president could be persuaded of that fact.

View Full Image Former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally this month in Butler, Pa. PHOTO: ANNA MONEYMAKER/GETTY IMAGES

Trump, meanwhile, was riding high, eagerly stoking speculation about who he might choose for his running mate as he prepared for the Republican convention. When he scheduled a Saturday night rally for July 13 in Butler, Pa., on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, many wondered if it was a hint that he might be leaning toward Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio). Then, at about 6:12 p.m. Eastern time, tragedy struck. A gunman with a high-powered rifle fired at the former president and nearly hit him squarely in the head, instead miraculously grazing his ear with a bullet, killing a rallygoer and severely injuring two others.

The nations heart stopped. The near miss brought a new sense of gravityand graceto the Milwaukee convention that would cement Trumps dominance of the modern GOP. As the convention kicked off on July 15last MondayTrump announced that he would indeed pick Vance, anointing a new-generation leader of the MAGA movement and signaling that he would give no quarter to the Republican Party of George W. Bush, Mitt Romney and Mike Pence, none of whom were in attendance. That same day, a Florida judge dismissed Trumps criminal indictment for his postpresidential handling of classified documents, a development that might once have seemed seismic but now registered as little more than a blip.

As a rapturous GOP feted its new ticket in Milwaukee, Biden came down with Covid-19 and retreated to his Delaware beach house to recuperate. But the pressure on him to withdraw didnt let up; if anything, the Republicans display of unity and enthusiasm intensified Democrats panicked conviction that Biden must be forced to see the writing on the wall. After the convention concluded, the trickle of lawmakers calling on the president to withdraw became a flood. A dozen made such statements on Friday alonea signal that the party was collectively willing to publicly humiliate Biden if he refused to budge. Like the orchestra on the deck of the Titanic, campaign and White House officials steadfastly insisted that the presidents mind was made up to continue, but the patience of even his closest allies was wearing thin. On Sunday afternoon, Biden finally publicly acknowledged what had become clear to so many: he couldnt go on.

All this political whiplash comes against the backdrop of a nation and world in turmoil. Wars with U.S. interests at stake rage on in the Middle East in Europe, while the American public remains deeply dissatisfied with the state of the economy, the border, and the future of democracy. Even as all this was unfolding there were heat waves and hurricanes, a massive software outage, and even the discovery of the first cave on the moon.

It comes, too, on the heels of a politically tumultuous era that has defied prediction since Trump captured the 2016 GOP nomination and scored an upset against Hillary Clinton that November. His chaotic term as president, the Covid pandemic, the mass 2020 protests, Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and overturning of the 50-year right to abortion have all contributed to a sense that the nation has come off its moorings and has no one to steer it to safe harbor.

The question following Bidens withdrawal is whether this latest development will be merely the latest jerk of the roller coasteror a welcome respite from it. In recent days, the Lincoln Democracy Institute, a partner of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, has asked a panel of disenchanted voters in swing states how they would feel if Biden stepped aside. A prevalent sentiment among the 311 participants across Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania, was relieved," followed by both happy" and disappointed." With Democrats seeming to close ranks quickly behind Bidens endorsement of Harris on Sunday, many in the party hope they can go forward with a new sense that the old stalemate has broken and a fresh option is on the table. (Republicans, for their part, insist that Harris is equally implicated in Bidens unpopular administration, and that her short-lived 2020 campaign showed her ineptness as a campaigner.)

Twice in the last century, sitting presidents have decided not to seek re-election. BothHarry Truman in 1952 and Lyndon Johnson in 1968were Democrats weighed down by unpopular wars who, unlike Biden, faced challengers from within their own party, said presidential historian Timothy Naftali. Both, unlike Biden, were able to bow out on their own time and their own termsyet in both cases, their party went on to lose in November.

Naftali believes Bidens legacy likely hangs on the November result, and much may depend on whether he is able to hand off the nomination in an orderly way that quiets the electorates jangled nerves. If they can do it without chaos, they could very well break the cycle," he said. Bidens mandate in 2020 was to restore stability to the country, to shore up institutions, to restore trust in government among Americans and restore trust in the U.S. among allies. He did that, but if Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2025, all Biden did was postpone the chaos."

Write to Molly Ball at molly.ball@wsj.com
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Manickam Tagore has given an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the ongoing controversy over the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Tagore has, in his notice, urged the House to suspend all listed business of the day to discuss the "unprecedented cases of paper leaks in conduct of exams including NEET-UG and UGC NET and the failure of National Testing Agency (NTA)."

The Bugdet Session of Parliament begins on Monday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey on Monday before presenting the Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday. The opposition is expected to corner the PM Narendra Modi government on host of issues, including the NEET-UG row, during the session.

The session beings on the day when the Supreme Court is all set to resume the hearing on a batch of pleas seeking cancellation, re-test and a court-monitored probe into the NEET-UG 2024 exam held on May 5 this year.

Also Read | Budget Session of Parliament to get off to a stormy start today

Both houses of parliament witnessed several adjournments in the last session, with Congress and other opposition parties insisting on a debate on the NEET-UG controversy while the government was keen to take up the motion of thanks on the President's address in the last session of Parliament held in June.

Congress MP Manish Tewari has also given an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on border clashes between India and China and India's trade deficit with China.

"I urge the Government to inform the House about the border situation and the trade deficit, and to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions. I request permission to raise this matter," Tewari said in the notice .
United States Vice President Kamala Harris said she was honoured to receive President Joe Biden's endorsement on July 21, after Biden decided to step down as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 US Presidential Elections.

Kamala Harris also expressed that she intended to earn and win the nomination.  I am honoured to have the Presidents endorsement, and I intend to earn and win this nomination, said Harris on July 22 in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

US President Joe Biden, on Sunday, dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic Partys new nominee.

Biden said that it was in the best interest of his party and the country for him to stand down.

With around three months left for the US elections, Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the race comes amid doubts about his fitness for office, after a disastrous US Presidential debate with Donald Trump.

Only four days before Sunday's announcement, Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Vice President Kamala Harris further thanked Joe Biden for his service. On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and his decades of service to our country, she wrote on X.

Earlier, the US presidential candidate pledged that she would do anything in her power to unite the Democratic party and called upon all Americans to unite and defeat Donald Trump.

Also Read | Joe Biden steps back from US presidential race | Top 10 updates

 I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If youre with me, add a donation right now, Kamala Harris posted on X.
Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai on July 23. The meeting between the two leaders is crucial ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled later this year.

Pawar discussed issues pertaining to irrigation, milk prices and sugar factories during the meeting, held at the state government guest house Sahyadri in Malabar Hill area, an official said.

The meeting assumes significance as it comes a day after Chief Minister Shinde echoed Union Home minister Amit Shah's remark, calling Pawar the mastermind of corruption. The CM urged the opposition Maha Vikash Aghadi (MVA) to reflect on their actions.

"They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest kingpin of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you," Shah said while addressing BJP workers and supporters at a conclave in Pune.

Reacting to Amit Shah's remarks, Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule said that she laughed at the statement considering that he is part of the same government who had presented the Padma Vibhushan to the NCP(SCP) supremo. Sule said that 90 per cent of people accused of corruption by the BJP are now part of the BJP.

"I laughed hearing this because it was the same Modi government which Amit Shah ji is also part of, not the NDA government now but the previous Modi government that awarded Sharad Pawar with Padma Vibhushan," Sule said while speaking to ANI on Sunday.

Maharashtra Assembly Polls later this year Maharashtra is going to polls in October-November. Last week, NCP chief Sharad Pawar sounded a poll bugle and said that the opposition MVA will comfortably win the election to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly.

The meeting also comes days after four leaders of Ajit Pawar-led NCP quit. Earlier, Sharad Pawar said that those who wanted to "weaken" his party would not be taken in, but he would accept leaders who would not "hurt" the party's image.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lashed out at the Congress on Monday amid continued protests against the NEET-UG row. The remarks soon after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a vocal charge against the Narendra Modi-led government in Lok Sabha. Meanwhile the Supreme Court continued hearing a clutch of petitions seeking cancellation, re-test and a court-monitored probe on Monday. Meanwhile top Congress leaders met on Monday to chalk out a strategy for the Budget Session and vowed to raise the issue strongly in the upcoming days.

May be Rahul Gandhi understands the fundamentals and maths of unfair practices too well. That explains why Congress govt. failed to implement the bills to stop malpractices in educational institutions, including Prohibition of Unfair Practices Bill, 2010. Can the LoP tell under what compulsions, pressure and for what considerations did the Congress Party refuse to bring laws to curb irregularities? Pradhan asked.

A social media post by the senior BJP leader also claimed that the ground reality on paper leaks during UPA regime would open a can of worms for the Raebareli lawmaker.

Gandhi had earlier told the Lok Sabha that there was a very serious problem in the Indian exam system and accused Pradhan of failing to take responsibility.

The minister has blamed everybody except himself. I don't even think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here... the issue is there are millions of students in this country who are extremely concerned about what is going on and who are convinced that the Indian examination system is a fraud, the Congress lawmaker said.

If you are rich and have money, you can buy the Indian examination system. As this is a systemic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue at the systemic level?" he asked Pradhan, who was responding to queries during Question Hour.

A visibly peeved Pradhan said it was unfortunate that the member described the examination system as rubbish.

There is no evidence of paper leaks in the last seven years in any numbers he added in response to Congress member Manickam Tagore's assertion that there have been 70 paper leaks in seven years.
Reacting to Amit Shah's remarks that Sharad Pawar is mastermind of corruption, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule said that she laughed at the statement considering that he is part of the same government who had presented the Padma Vibhushan to NCP(SCP) supremo

Sule said that 90 per cent of people accused of corruption by the BJP are now part of the BJP.

"I laughed hearing this because it was the same Modi government which Amit Shah ji is also part of, not the NDA government now but the previous Modi government that awarded Sharad Pawar with Padma Vibhushan," Sule said while speaking to ANI on Sunday.

"Today in Amit Shah's program, the person who was accused of the most corruption, Ashok Chavan, was sitting behind him, so 90 per cent of the people who have been accused of corruption by BJP are in BJP today because of the washing machine," she added.

On Sunday, Amit Shah while addressing the BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune, accused Sharad Pawar of "institutionalising" corruption.

"They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" Amit Shah said while addressing BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune on Sunday.

Further accusing Sharad Pawar of "disabling" the Maratha reservation whenever his party came to power in the state, he vowed to continue bring it back in the state if BJP forms governmen.
With hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs in their portfolio, Hyundai Verna and Creta, as well as Tata Nexon and Punch, present contemporary styling and generous equipment alongside value pricing. In this blog, we analyse and compare the latest on-road price range among Hyundai's Verna, Creta and Tata's Nexon, Punch.

Hyundai Verna On-Road Price Range

The Hyundai Verna has garnered popularity as a sporty mid-size sedan taking on heavyweights like the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz. Its introductory pricing combined with regular updates spanning styling and features make it an excellent value luxury sedan.

 Hyundai Verna Base Variant Price - 12.68 lakh

 Hyundai Verna Top Variant Price - 20.02 lakh

With the choice between efficient 1.5L petrol and spirited 1.5L Turbo petrol engines, you have both efficiency and performance covered. The gearbox options include a smooth 6-speed manual, refined 6-speed IVT automatic and quick-shifting 7-speed DCT.

So you can pick between traditional manual engagement to automatic convenience depending upon traffic conditions and driving style. The Verna spreads its wide price net to cover personal budgets from mid-size sedan first-timers to enthusiasts seeking luxury appointments.

Automatic Transmission Price Premium - You pay a premium of 1.6 lakh to 3.6 lakh on automatic variants over manual counterparts.

Tata Nexon On-Road Prices

With its bold styling, feature-rich cabin and 5-star safety rating, the Nexon has emerged as a strong player in the compact SUV segment. Rivals include Maruti Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Kia Sonet. Value pricing further elevates its standing.

 Base Variant Tata Nexon on road price - Rs. 9.17 lakh

 Tata Nexon Top Variant Price - Rs. 18.36 lakh

You have the newest turbo-petrol and diesel engines to choose from, depending upon driving requirements. Transmission options include slick 6-speed manuals and convenient 6-speed AMTs. There is also the optional 7-speed DCT automatic available on the petrol.

With factory-fitted CNG variants spanning mid to top-end trims, the Nexon also appeals to mileage-conscious buyers without compromising daily drivability drastically. Such an expansive variance list ensures you can pick the ideal variant aligning affordability, features as well as fuel preference.

Automatic Transmission Price Premium - On the Nexon, you pay between 1.8 lakh to 2.5 lakh more for an automatic version over the corresponding manual variant.

Hyundai Creta On-Road Prices

As one of India's highest-selling SUVs, the Creta strikes a balance between futuristic styling, spirited performance and value. Rival SUVs include the Kia Seltos and VW Taigun.

 Base Variant Hyundai Creta Price - 13 lakh

 Hyundai Creta Top Variant Price - 23.88 lakh

You have the newest 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel and 1.5L turbo-petrol motors to choose from depending upon preference for efficiency or outright performance. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, and 7-speed DCT.

So whether you desire a base model urban commuter or a fully loaded highway cruiser, the extensive Creta range has you covered. This wide price spectrum has ensured Creta's meteoric popularity.

Automatic Transmission Price Premium - Creta's automatic models command a premium of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.6 lakh over manual counterparts.

Tata Punch On-Road Prices

Despite its compact proportions, the Punch has garnered popularity for bringing SUV appeal to a micro footprint best suited for congested urban commuting.

 Base Variant Tata Punch on road price - 6.63 lakh

 Tata Punch Top Variant Price - 11.83 lakh

You can pick between the torquey 1.2L petrol or the even more efficient factory-fitted CNG depending on running costs and mileage preference. Transmission options span a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT automatic.

With its standout style, premium cabin and Maruti Ignis rivalling dimensions, the Punch brings SUV design to an accessible price point. Thus expanding Tata's SUV lineup appeal.

Automatic Transmission Price Premium - On Punch automatics, you pay between Rs. 1.2 lakh to 1.3 lakh over manual versions.

Cost Analysis: Which is More Affordable?

Analysing the on-road price range reveals the Verna is the most affordable among mid-size sedans, while the Punch has attained a stellar sub-Rs. 6.63 lakh starting price tag despite generous equipment levels on both models.

The Creta, on the other hand, spans the highest top-end pricing, nearing luxury crossover territory. Its extensive variant list ensures you can opt for a basic commuter or loaded variant as per requirement and budget.

Among compacts, the Nexon strikes a balance with its sub-Rs. 9.17 lakh introductory pricing paired with 5-star safety rating, new-age diesel and petrol engines. So if seeking value first, then Punch and Nexon deliver SUV appeal on a budget.

For automatic transmission, Vernas premium is quite reasonable compared to its class. The Punch and Nexon also keep price premiums lower for their automatic variants spanning AMTs to advanced DCTs.
The recent resolution by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to further deepen comprehensive reforms and advance Chinese modernization marks a significant opportunity for Knightsbridge Group. This development aligns with Knightsbridges strategic vision and robust capabilities, setting the stage for enhanced growth and influence in the Asian financial markets.

Strategic Alignment with Chinese Modernization

The Chinese governments commitment to deepening reforms aims to modernize various sectors of the economy, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. For Knightsbridge Group, which has a strong foothold in the Asian market, including China, this presents a golden opportunity to expand its influence and service offerings.

Enhanced Market Access and Integration

Knightsbridge Groups established presence in Asia, combined with its advanced understanding of blockchain technology and the digitization of real-world assets, positions it perfectly to capitalize on Chinas modernization efforts. The reforms are expected to streamline regulatory frameworks and promote greater openness in financial markets, enabling Knightsbridge to offer seamless custody, clearing, and settlement services for a wide range of securities and derivatives.

Collaboration and Innovation

With Chinas focus on modernization, there is a significant push towards integrating advanced technologies into traditional markets. Knightsbridge Group, with its state-of-the-art proprietary fintech solutions and strong partnerships, is well-equipped to collaborate with Chinese institutions and government agencies. This collaboration can drive innovative financial solutions that support Chinas economic goals, enhancing Knightsbridges role as a leading investment bank in the region.

Supporting Economic Reforms and Growth

Chinas reforms are also aimed at fostering a more resilient and inclusive economy. Knightsbridge Groups active hands-on incubator and venture capital program can play a crucial role in this transformation. By supporting startups and emerging businesses, Knightsbridge can help drive innovation and economic growth, aligning with Chinas objectives while expanding its own portfolio and influence.

Government and Institutional Partnerships

The resolution underscores the importance of strong government and institutional partnerships. Knightsbridge Groups existing collaborations with Thailands DEPA and EEC, along with its extensive network of licensed brokers, in-house law firm, and compliance services, position it as an ideal partner for Chinese institutions looking to navigate the evolving financial landscape.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Chinas resolution to advance comprehensive reforms and modernization opens up numerous opportunities for Knightsbridge Group. By leveraging its unique capabilities and strategic partnerships, Knightsbridge is well-placed to benefit from and contribute to Chinas economic transformation, solidifying its status as Asias leading investment bank.

For further information on Knightsbridge Groups services and strategic vision, visit Knightsbridge Group.

Contact Information For more details on how Knightsbridge Group can assist with navigating the evolving financial landscape in Asia, please contact us at Knightsbridge Group.

This article highlights the strategic benefits and opportunities for Knightsbridge Group in light of the recent Chinese reforms, showcasing its potential to lead the financial industry in Asia.
The death occurred, peacefully, on Tuesday, July 16 of John Ryan, Connolly Crescent, Longford Town, Longford.

The late John was predeceased by his beloved wife Angela and by his grandchildren Lauren and Ryan.

He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, daughters Linda Keegan (Ardagh), Jennifer Donlon (Ballymahon) and Jacinta Farrell (Kenagh), sons John (Ballyleague) and Michael (Tarmonbarry), daughters-in-law Veronica and Amanda, sons-in-law P.J., Michael and James, sisters Peggy and Nora, brother Tommy, grandchildren Sean, Conor, Katie, Alison, Sarah, Jade, Tara, Lisa, Cillian, Ava and Michaela, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

READ NEXT: Longford County Council advise of traffic disruption

Johns army colleagues paid many tributes to him and the Peter Keenan Branch of ONET described him as a dedicated member.

The Branch posted the following tribute: We were saddened to hear of the passing of Squadron Sgt John Ryan, John died on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

He joined the army in the Curragh in 1959, he served with the 33rd Bn in the Congo and with the 35th Bn in the same place. A young soldier at the time, he gave a good account of himself at The Battle of the Tunnel in December 1961.

He left the army for a short while, before enlisting in time to serve a number of tours in Cyprus, including with, 3rd Infantry Group, 42nd Battalion and 19th Infantry Group.

A first-class soldier, John was always cool, calm and collected, when under pressure. He travelled to Longford with the 4th Motor Squadron in 1972, he was promoted to Squadron Sgt in 1978 and left the army in 1981. Soon after he enlisted in Security Troop with the 17th Infantry Battalion.

For the last number of years, he was a dedicated member of the Peter Keenan Branch of ONET. Angela, his beloved wife, died a few years ago and Johns health was poor over the last number of months. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and many friends. Rest in peace old friend.

The late John Ryan lay in repose at Glennons Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road on Sunday, July 21. Mass of The Resurrection took place on Monday, July 22 in St Mels Cathedral followed by interment afterwards in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.
A witch believes manifesting money daily and signs from a feminine deity have helped her find a new home and launch her "dream" cafe in Ireland after discovering a piece of land she owns once worth nothing could now fetch 250,000.

Billie Bryan, 41, first got into witchcraft in 2019 and practises it daily, which has seen her give tarot readings, hold workshops and practise "sex magic" to maximise sexual pleasure  with her process including lighting incense and "convulsing" to music.

She believes manifestation and signs from the 'Mother Goddess'  a composite of various feminine deities from past and present world cultures and religions  allowed her to move to Galway, Ireland in 2020 where she now lives with her 22-year-old chef partner Jay Logan.

When Billie and Jay first moved to Ireland, they planned on opening a witch-themed cafe, but the lease fell through, and soon afterwards they lost their home.

Since then, Billie believes she has been communicating with the 'Mother Goddess' and manifesting that she would come into money.

In the last few months, she discovered a small piece of land she owns in her home town on the Cayman Islands is now worth around 250,000  which has now secured her a new apartment and lease for her cafe.

Billie said: We should have the leasehold paid off next week and within the next two months, we should be open.

Every day, multiple times a day, I was manifesting a good chunk of money, hundreds of thousands of euros.

I held on to that belief  I knew when that time came, we would receive those funds and everything will be fine.

I was looking out of curiosity into selling this small piece of land I own back in the Cayman Islands.

I inquired about that over a decade ago, and it was worth nothing but when I spoke to the realtor about a month ago, he valued it at roughly 250,000.

Billie first got into witchcraft in 2019 (Collect/PA Real Life)





Billie first got into witchcraft in 2019 when she was living in the Cayman Islands.

She often delivered workshops on gender and sexuality, and became fascinated with the history of gender and mysticism.

She explained: I had this obscure occult book which I stumbled upon in a thrift shop and when I was developing these educational workshops, it really opened my eyes and I realised I was captivated by the occult.

I was really intrigued and then I eventually put it into practice.

Billie now identifies as a hermetic witch and incorporates witchcraft into her day-to-day life.

Its this really old philosophy, as some people call it, and we find a lot of the modern day practices and beliefs are rooted in hermeticism going back to ancient Egypt times, Billie explained.

My practice primarily revolves around mental transmutation  so thats primarily thought, meditation and manifestation to change outcomes to change events, just to really define the course you want to set yourself on, and the kinds of things you want to manifest in your own life and those around you.

Over the years, Billie claims she has also harnessed the skill of sex magic, and has even given a lecture on it at the University of Galway.

Billie said: Theres a variety of ways you can engage in that  its just really about being present in the moment, being in tune with your surroundings and allowing yourself to open up and channel any kind of energy thats around you.

If you were an observer, it would be very slow convulsions  Im making these strange movements, its really unpredictable.

If theres music playing, which theres almost always music playing, Im moving in rhythm with the music.

Im enjoying the scent of incense burning, Im seeing the flickering of the candles around the room and just really getting engaged with the immediate environment, as well as my physical self.

Billie also believes she receives messages from the Mother Goddess, a composite of various feminine deities.

Billie says she asks for her guidance every day and claims she has even had one-on-one conversations with her.

She believes this has led to her getting out of a housing crisis and raising the funds needed to set up a witch-themed cafe, Blood Thirsty, in Galway.

Billie previously planned on opening the cafe in December 2023, but the lease fell through.

Its been impossible for us to find a home, weve had to jump from place to place and I havent been able to set up a proper altar for her (the Mother Goddess) yet, Billie said.

I still found time to communicate with her  there was a lot of fear and doubt because I wasnt sure how things were going to pan out for me and my partner, or the cafe.

But she told me to stay the course and have faith, and I did and things are definitely moving in our favour now.

She is also in the process of acquiring a new space for the cafe after coming into a small fortune thanks to the value of her land.

Billie thinks the people of Galway will be enthusiastic about her cafe, and is very excited about the prospect of it finally opening.

She said: I want the cafe to be where art and music blend with the queer, the mystical and the macabre.

I connect with witches online but itll be a dream come true to have it in person and combine everything I have worked towards.
A Galway man will be sentenced later for the repeated sexual assault of a teenage girl who babysat his young children.

The 54-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the now 28-year-old woman, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to four charges of sexual assault on dates between June 1, 2012 and February 2014.

The complainant was aged between 16 and 17 years old at the time.

In her victim impact statement, she described the man as sub-human, a monster and master manipulator, who violated her in every way possible while she cared for his children.

Prosecuting counsel, Timothy OLeary SC, said the teenager would often be left speaking to the man when he and his wife returned from a night out. He would stay up chatting to the teenager and give her alcohol.

She later told gardai she would stay over in the house, sleeping on the couch in the sitting room and the man would sexually assault her there, while his wife and children slept upstairs.

There were also two occasions when he sexually assaulted her in two different local pubs after she happened to see him on a night out.

The woman read her victim impact statement into the record.

She described the man as sub-human, a monster, and a sexual predator with animalistic behaviour. She said he groomed her and did everything he could to break her down piece by piece.

He has destroyed the life I hoped for, she said. The woman said he repeatedly sexually assaulted her while she cared for his children and tried to protect them.

He is a master manipulator, a bully  he violated me in every sense of the word."

She described his home as the house of horrors and said before she entered his home, her life was normal. She was outgoing and enjoyed playing music and swimming. She said she grappled with insecurity and was anxious to gain independence, which the offer of babysitting for the man gave her.

I innocently looked forward to earning money, but the life that I knew and loved would never be the same."

She said the man put effort into grooming me and described the sexual assaults on her as relentless.

She said the man also made comments about her body and appearance, using derogatory language and teasing her. He told her he discussed her weight with his own wife and how one member of her extended family agreed with him that they were concerned about the girls weight.

His objective was to isolate me and it worked. He knew I would feel ashamed and embarrassed, she said before she added that she never went to discos because of her lack of confidence. She said she can still smell him, can still feel him smothering her while he lay on top of her as he sexually assaulted her in his family home.

He clicked his fingers and whistled at me the way you would a dog. He treated me like an animal. I felt like an animal, she continued.

She began to refuse to babysit for him, but her mother couldnt understand why she would not go. As far as her parents were concerned, the mans home was a safe place.

I felt trapped and completely powerless. That is where he wanted me, she said.

She spoke of how she felt she would be better off if he killed her. She began to pull away from people because she felt unworthy of love, dirty and disgusting. She said the man found ways to get to her and followed her and antagonised her, referring to the sexual assaults in the pubs.

I was not safe anywhere, she said.

She said she started making plans to kill herself.

I should have been looking forward to my future but I was planning my death. He had taken everything from me. I was left frozen with fear, trying to figure out how to kill myself and how to die."

The best days of my life were stolen from me. I was battling alcohol and drug addiction. I did everything to try and remove myself from my own body, she continued adding she went to bed at night praying I would not wake up.

She said she distanced herself from her family.

My anger was fuelled by self-hatred and self-loathing all because of what I endured at his hands."

I have lived my twenties in isolation. My sense of self and place has been stolen from me, the woman continued, before she said that her parents moved house as they had originally lived very close to the man.

She spoke of how she struggled to cope in the years, months and weeks leading up to the trial date.

It has taken so much from me and so much time from me."

She said on the day the man pleaded guilty, the sense of relief she felt was immense.

I did not win anything but it confirmed that the end was near, she continued, adding that the mental, physical and emotional torture she experienced was nearly over.

I have to live carrying the burden of what he did to me every day, she said, adding that she does not go to certain places for fear of seeing him. I cannot escape what he did to me, even when I go to sleep. It has destroyed my life. Why didnt he just kill me?

What would I be like if he had not sexually abused me? she asked. I will carry the pain and trauma of this abuse forever.

He is a sub-human, a monster. I am handing everything over to him. I am returning every piece of shame and guilt back to him. They belong to him, she said.

She ended her statement thanking her parents, friends and partner and said she is intending to put effort into creating a future for herself.

The court heard that the man has a previous conviction for sexual assault on a ten-year-old child when he was 13 years old.

This conviction is under appeal and the man had contested the case. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo adjourned the case to October 21 next to allow for the preparation of reports in relation to sexual offenders treatment the man is currently undergoing.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 22 2024

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a record State investment of nearly $51 million for public safety on Long Island.

Recently, July 16, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a record State investment of nearly $51 million for public safety on Long Island. Nassau County agencies received $1,494,692 and Suffolk County agencies received $1,307,677 for the GIVE funding cycle that runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This funding also includes approximately $21.1 million in one-time capital funding to 39 police departments and sheriffs offices  including $387,042 for the purchase of law enforcement technology and equipment to allow those agencies more effectively solve, reduce and prevent crime.

Following the announcement, Nassau County Legislators Debra Mule (D  Freeport) and Seth I. Koslow (D  Merrick), who represent the Village of Freeport in the Legislature, issued the following statements:

As local public servants, enhancing public safety and preserving quality of life is our most pressing responsibility, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule (D  Freeport) said. This influx of millions of dollars in new State resources will go a long way toward equipping our local law enforcement professionals to optimally serve and protect the public, and I applaud Governor Hochul and New York State for maintaining such a keen focus on crime-fighting initiatives. Working together, we will keep Nassau County the safest municipality of its size in the United States.

By equipping Freeport PD and Nassau Countys Police and Sheriff Departments with these essential resources, Governor Hochul and New York State have once again demonstrated their ironclad commitment to local law enforcement and the disciplines that keep Nassau County the safest municipality of our size in America, Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D  Merrick) said. I am tremendously grateful for the millions of dollars that Governor Hochul has secured for our region and am looking forward to seeing how these resources will be applied toward further reducing crime and improving our quality of life.
A screenshot from an IDF video showing an IAF airstrike in Lebanon on July 21. (IDF photo)

Hezbollah carried out a wave of rocket and drone attacks on Israel from Lebanon on July 20 and July 21. Sirens sounded in more than two dozen communities near the border. The attacks came as Israels conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen grew after a drone attack on Tel Aviv on July 19, which killed one person and injured 10. Israel retaliated on July 21 with a series of airstrikes on the Yemen port of Al Hudaydah and other targets.

Hezbollah, which Iran backs, did not say recently increased attacks on Israel were linked to the strikes in Yemen, but the escalation came as Yemens Houthis also vowed to continue attacks on Israel. Hezbollah claimed, via the pro-Iranian Al-Mayadeen media, that it had carried out wide-ranging attacks on numerous targets in northern Israel, including IDF sites at Zarit, Hanita, and Kibbutz Dafna. Hezbollah also claimed to target an IDF base at Ein Zeitim. Two IDF soldiers were wounded in the Golan due to a Hezbollah drone attack, and a school in Kibbutz Dafna was damaged. The school was empty, and no one was injured.

The northern front with Hezbollah is in focus because Israels strikes on Al Hudaydah in Yemen are seen as a message to the region in Israeli media and statements by Israeli officials. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on July 20, The fire that is currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East, and the significance is clear, referring to a fuel fire set off in the port by the airstrikes.

The Houthis attacked us over 200 times. The first time that they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required. The blood of Israeli citizens has a price. This has been made clear in Lebanon, in Gaza, in Yemen, and in other places if they will dare to attack us, the result will be identical, Gallant said. His reference to Lebanon could be an assertion that Hezbollahs attacks will receive similarly significant responses in the future.

The IDF said on July 20 that it confronted 30 rockets fired at the Golan. Some of the projectiles were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array and the rest fell in open areas. Israeli Fire and Rescue services are currently operating to extinguish several fires that broke out in the area as a result of the launches. It also said 15 more rockets were fired later in the day at northern Galilee.

On July 21, the IDF said it struck a Hezbollah cell operating in Houla in Lebanon and carried out more retaliatory strikes later in the afternoon. Earlier today, the IAF [Israeli Air Force] struck a Hezbollah missile launcher, an observation post, and terror infrastructure in the areas of Ayta ash Shab, Khiam and Yarine in southern Lebanon, according to a statement. The retaliatory actions so far appear in line with the types of strikes Israel has carried out for nine months in response to Hezbollah.

While Hezbollah increased its attacks on the northern front, Hamas also continued small attacks in Gaza, and the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah put out a statement that it could increase attacks from Iraq while referencing the Israeli airstrikes on Yemen in its statement. This situation illustrates that the Houthis attack on Tel Aviv continues to be part of a broader, multi-front war against Israel by various Iranian proxies.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Dear Annie: I recently started planning a joint destination birthday celebration with a dear friend. There are a few other women invited to join us in celebrating a milestone birthday. We are very much looking forward to it and have been talking about it for a few years.

I booked the accommodation after all women agreed they could attend. The per person cost is not exorbitant; however, it could be a bit more than some are comfortable with. Since I booked it, I messaged the group and asked each person to reimburse me their share. But there have been a few who said things like, Money is a little tight right now, can I send it next month?

I have the funds and am willing to cover the entire cost of the accommodation for the group, because I just want to celebrate with these people and not cause them any financial hardship. Im afraid they wont take me up on this and will just fight me on it. I also feel bad I didnt just offer this from the beginning. Is there something I can say to convince them to just let me treat them to the cost of the accommodation? They will still have to buy flights and meals and such, and I know it can be a lot to people in this economy and at their current stages of life.

Thanks for your advice.

 More Money More Problems

Dear More Money More Problems: Just tell them that you have decided to cover the cost of accommodations. People are allowed to change their minds, especially in an act of generosity. It is very nice of you to want to treat your friends, and Im sure they will be grateful. Happy birthday, and I hope you all have a wonderful celebration.

Dear Annie: I wanted to share my response to the column in which the reader had called the doctor by her first name. I am a female physician myself and was surprised not only by the content of the original column but also, to a lesser degree, by your response. In all my years (nearly 20) of medical school, residency, fellowship, teaching residents as an attending physician, and my personal practice of medicine, I have never known of patients addressing their doctors as anything but Dr. Last Name. When I was a physician in training (i.e., resident or fellow), we always addressed our attending physicians as Dr. Last Name, and I never assumed that it was ever acceptable to use their first name.

Female physicians are in a unique and particularly frustrating  sexist?  position in which we are more likely to be addressed without our proper title by almost anyone. In my particular specialty, I interact frequently with law enforcement, attorneys, family members of my patients, laboratory personnel, etc. Quite frequently, my female colleagues and I are addressed by our first name only (gathered only through it being in our email address or part of our full names in the email signature, followed by M.D.) or Ms. Last Name at work.

Our male colleagues rarely, if ever, experience this, as they are always addressed with their title. Sadly, this is a common experience for female physicians in general, which has been previously studied and documented. We worked just as hard, if not harder, to earn that title, and when we are interacting with someone in our professional capacity as a physician, its simply disrespectful, unprofessional and very dismissive to ignore that title.

Being friends or neighbors with a physician doesnt change the etiquette and consideration to any other doctor who is treating you in their professional capacity as a physician.

 Dr. With a Last Name

Dear Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to share your views with our readers. We will all profit from reading your letter and understanding your perspective, which is based on many years of dedication to helping patients. We salute you and agree that you should never be addressed by your first name by a patient unless you ask them to use your first name. You have earned the title of Doctor.

How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner? is out now! Annie Lanes second anthology  featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation  is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
A nonprofit cat rescue plans to open a cat cafe in 2025 in Enfield, Connecticut, just over the Massachusetts state line.

Enfield Community Cat Project shared the initial phase of opening the cafe in a post on its Facebook page. The nonprofit works with the town of Enfield to rescue homeless and abandoned cats, provide veterinary care for sick or injured cats and place cats in foster care.

The cafe project is still in the early stages, Dawn Struck, founder and president of the nonprofit told MassLive. However, the nonprofits vision is bright, driven by a motive to give back to the community.

Connecticut is in crisis, Struck said. There is a huge amount of unwanted cats. Its a greater need than weve seen in the past. A lot of landlords are raising rents and individuals cant afford the rent and are forced to move, leaving their cats behind.

Opening the cat cafe would allow the organization to help more cats, Struck added. With the cafe, Enfield Community Cat Project could take in 10 to 15 more cats at a time.

But out of the three other cat cafes operating in Connecticut, Enfield will set itself apart.

This cat cafe will be a not-for-profit managed by volunteers. The Enfield Community Cat Project is a 501 C3 nonprofit cat rescue, which is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization.

We have just an incredible village, Struck said.

And that village will continue to grow.

Since announcing the beginning phases of opening the cafe, Struck said the organization received over 350 emails from volunteers looking to help.

I envision this as being a community cat cafe, Struck said. So people in the community would be involved. Its not my cat cafe, its the communitys cat cafe.

Struck is aiming to be fully operational in the fall of 2025. She focused on finding a place for the cafe. Once she has the space, the plans for the cafe will have to be presented to the towns zoning board.

To give back to the local community, Struck envisions the cafe working with local bakers and other businesses to raise awareness of the new establishment. This includes selling local baked goods, food and cat-related items that are locally made.

She is looking for a space with windows and open areas for the cats that are placed in the cafe.

I want it to be very comfortable, she added. " I want guests to enjoy themselves, whether theyre reading a book or getting work done. Its a win for the cats too, because theyre getting a lot of attention, theyre getting socialized  and the opportunity of having someone falling in love with them.

Those who come to the cafe will have the opportunity to adopt a cat.

To adopt a cat or kitten, you must have an approved adoption application and an adoption contract signed. Currently, the business holds adoption events twice a month.

The cafe would have a similar model. If youre an approved adopter  after submitting an adoption application  you could go to one of its adoption events and find a cat or a kitten that you want to take home.

Adoption applications can be found on its website here.

For those who just want to visit the cafe and its cats, you can buy a ticket online and receive a time slot to visit with the cats, which will be held in a separate room from a lounge area where food and drink are sold.

To see more updates about the Enfield Community Cat Project cafe or the organization in general, visit its Facebook page here.
After a widespread technology outage beginning Friday that forced Mass General Brigham to cancel all non-urgent medical appointments, the hospital system is set to resume normal clinical volume on Monday morning.

The outage, which began Friday morning, forced the hospital system, which has 15 locations in New England, to cancel all of its non-urgent medical appointments that day. On Monday, all scheduled appointments and procedures will go ahead as planned, the hospital system said in a statement Sunday.

Through extraordinary innovation, dedication and effort, we have maintained operations throughout our emergency departments and many of our clinics while ensuring the care of the many patients at our hospitals, the statement reads. We are grateful for the trust and understanding of our patients and extend our deepest gratitude to all our staff who have come together and have worked so hard to ensure the health and safety of our patients during this unprecedented challenge.

Mass General Brigham operates 15 hospitals in New England: Mass Eye and Ear, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General for Children, Mass General Cancer Center, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (Boston), Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital, McLean Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Salem Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (Cape Cod), Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in New Hampshire, Marthas Vineyard Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

At the heart of the massive disruption is CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm that provides software to scores of companies worldwide. The company says the problem occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows, noting that the issue behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

Microsoft says 8.5 million devices running its Windows operating system were affected by the faulty update.

A Saturday blog post from Microsoft was the first estimate of the scope of the disruptions caused by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrikes software update.

We currently estimate that CrowdStrikes update affected 8.5 million Windows devices, or less than one percent of all Windows machines, said the blog post from Microsoft cybersecurity executive David Weston.

While the percentage was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services.

Weston said such a significant disturbance is rare but demonstrates the interconnected nature of our broad ecosystem. Windows is the dominant operating system for personal computers around the world.

While not everyone is a client of CrowdStrike and its platform known as Falcon, it is one of the leading cybersecurity providers, particularly in transportation, healthcare, banking and other sectors that have a lot at stake in keeping their computer systems working.

Theyre usually risk-averse organizations that dont want something thats crazy innovative, but that can work and also cover their butts when something goes wrong. Thats what CrowdStrike is, Falco said. And theyre looking around at their colleagues in other sectors and saying, Oh, you know, this company also uses that, so Im gonna need them, too.

Worrying about the fragility of a globally connected technology ecosystem is nothing new. Its what drove fears in the 1990s of a technical glitch that could cause chaos at the turn of the millennium.

This is basically what we were all worried about with Y2K, except its actually happened this time, wrote Australian cybersecurity consultant Troy Hunt on the social platform X.

Across the world Friday, affected computers were showing the blue screen of death  a sign that something went wrong with Microsofts Windows operating system.

But whats different now is that these companies are even more entrenched, Falco said. We like to think that we have a lot of players available. But at the end of the day, the biggest companies use all the same stuff.

Founded in 2011 and publicly traded since 2019, CrowdStrike describes itself in its annual report to financial regulators as having reinvented cybersecurity for the cloud era and transformed the way cybersecurity is delivered and experienced by customers. It emphasizes its use of artificial intelligence in helping to keep pace with adversaries. It reported having 29,000 subscribing customers at the start of the year.

The Austin, Texas-based firm is one of the more visible cybersecurity companies in the world and spends heavily on marketing, including Super Bowl ads. At cybersecurity conferences, its known for large booths displaying massive action-figure statues representing different state-sponsored hacking groups that CrowdStrike technology promises to defend against.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz is among the most highly compensated in the world, recording more than $230 million in total compensation in the last three years. Kurtz is also a driver for a CrowdStrike-sponsored car racing team.

After his initial statement about the problem was criticized for lack of contrition, Kurtz apologized in a later social media post Friday and on NBCs Today Show.

We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption, he said on X.

Richard Stiennon, a cybersecurity industry analyst, said this was a historic mistake by CrowdStrike.

This is easily the worst faux pas, technical faux pas or glitch of any security software provider ever, said Stiennon, who has tracked the cybersecurity industry for 24 years.
A Billerica man was driving with a suspended license and using his phone when he fatally struck a Concord woman in a crosswalk Saturday afternoon, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office.

The unnamed 34-year-old driver has been cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended license, using an electronic device use while operating a vehicle and a crosswalk violation, the district attorneys office said in a press release Monday.

Bedford police officers responded to Concord Road for a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a car around 3:35 p.m. on July 20, the district attorneys office said. Paramedics provided the 53-year-old victim with medical aid at the scene, but she was declared dead after being rushed to Lahey Hospital.

Authorities initial investigation indicates that the unnamed woman was walking her bike in a crosswalk when she was hit by the Billerica man, who was driving at Volkswagen GTI, the district attorneys office said. He stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, but is accused of having a suspended license and using his cell phone at the time of the crash.

The district attorneys office has filed an immediate threat request with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, the district attorneys office said. The driver has also been summonsed to appear in Concord District Court.

Local and state police and the district attorneys office are still investigating the crash. No further information  including the identities of the driver and the victim  have been released.
Weeks after her murder trial ended in a mistrial, Karen Read will return to court on Monday for a status conference at 2 p.m., where a new trial date for Read could be set and attorneys are likely to argue the merits of a flurry of motions from defense attorneys to dismiss two of the three criminal charges against Read.

Read, 44, was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe. OKeefe was found dead and cold to the touch in the snow outside a Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022. Reads attorneys argued she was the victim of a law enforcement cover-up and that others were responsible for OKeefes death.
A new report shows that Hispanics and Latinos in the U.S. are growing in numbers, while the nations non-Hispanic population is slowly falling, a trend that highlights the influence of immigration patterns on racial demographics.

Massachusetts is among a handful of states that saw a rise in its Hispanic population between 2022 and 2023, while the number of non-Hispanic residents fell, according to U.S. Census data.

In the Boston area  which encompasses communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire with an estimated 4.9 million residents  the Hispanic population grew by 16,664. In contrast, the non-Hispanic population fell by 511, the data show.

The Census Bureaus newest report is part of a decades-long trend: America is slowly becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Its estimated by 2045, white Americans will become a racial minority in the U.S., according to an analysis by the Brookings Institution, a Washington D.C.-based research group.

One of the driving forces behind this trend is age, Phillip Granberry, a senior research associate at The Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston, told MassLive.

As a whole, white Americans are older than other racial groups. With a median age of 44, whites are at least 14 years older than Hispanics, whose median age is 30, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data.

Whites being the eldest population, by comparison, means theyre less likely to have children and are more likely to die of natural causes than other racial groups, Granberry said.

White Americans are generally older than other racial groups mainly because a large number of them were born after World War II,  before an influx of immigrants arrived in America  leading to a higher median age for this population.

This generation  known as the Baby Boomers  are now in their late 50s to mid-70s and account for nearly 22% of the U.S. population, and 26% of the white population, according to the Pew report.

In contrast, the U.S. Hispanic population  the youngest racial group  primarily has grown due to natural births, with three-fourths of their children being Millennials or younger, the Pew data show.

International migration has helped shape the U.S. Hispanic population too. Immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries account for nearly one-third of the Hispanics across the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But, in Massachusetts, this trend is far less applicable.

Its a common misconception that immigrants from central and south America are bolstering the Bay States Latino population, Javier A. Juarez, the director of the Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation, told MassLive.

In fact, a large share of Latinos who live in Massachusetts are from Puerto Rico  a U.S. territory, and the Dominican Republic.

Thats not to say that the increase in international migration hasnt impacted the commonwealths Latino population, Juarez added. But, the influx is not enough to significantly change this groups makeup.

Puerto Ricans make up nearly 40 percent of the Latino population in the commonwealth, according to the Boston Foundations report Avancemos Ya!

From the 1940s to the 1960s, political unrest in the Caribbean led to Puerto Ricans and Dominicans migrating to the U.S. mainland, and settling in Massachusetts Gateway Cities, according to the report.

Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens, moved to New England to become seasonal workers, settling in communities near the Connecticut River Valley, such as Springfield and Holyoke, where they are a heavy portion of the cities population, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Dominicans, who came to the U.S. on visas, arrived in the U.S. in the 1960s, the report stated. This group, which now makes up nearly one-fifth of the Latino population in Massachusetts, initially arrived in New York City but later moved to communities such as Lawrence and Lynn for a more simple life.

Those are incredible numbers and it really speaks to the evolution of Latinos that are moving to the state of Massachusetts, Juarez said.

The growth of the Latino population in Massachusetts parallels a similar trend in California during the 1960s. Currently, Hispanics and Latinos make up almost 40% of Californias population, compared to the nearly 13% found in Massachusetts.

I like to think that were just catching up or maybe were just looking back at these population trends that already have been happening throughout the country and the Northeast been one of the last places where it needs to happen, he added.
Travelers from the United States should not visit a South Asian country because it has been the scene of deadly protests in the past week, the government warns.

The U.S. Department of State issued a Do Not Travel advisory for Bangladesh because of violent political protests in the nations capital city, Dhaka.

The protests have been reported throughout the city, its neighboring areas and the rest of the country, the advisory states.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order, according to the Associated Press, demanding that people stay indoors. The nations army has also been deployed throughout Bangladesh to back the police.

Telecommunication and internet services were down across the country for a time, according to the advisory and the AP. The advisory also told travelers to be weary of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and terrorist attacks.

Those who still choose to travel to Bangladesh are advised to avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings as well as monitor local media for breaking events. Travelers should also be prepared to change their plans.

The South Asian country witnessed clashes between the police and mainly student protesters demanding an end to a quota that reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971.

The violence has killed more than 100 people, according to at least four local newspapers. Authorities have not so far shared official figures for deaths.

There was no immediate violence reported on Monday morning after the Bangladesh Supreme Court ordered, the day before, the veterans quota to be cut to 5%.

Thus, 93% of civil service jobs will be merit-based while the remaining 2% reserved for members of ethnic minorities as well as transgender and disabled people.

On Sunday night, some student protesters urged the government to restore internet services.

Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told the Associated Press that they were withdrawing their calls for a complete shutdown, which they attempted to impose last week.

But we are issuing an ultimatum for 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity, he said, adding that security officials deployed at various universities should be withdrawn, student dormitories reopened and steps taken so students can return to their campuses safely.

Abdullah also said they wanted the government to end the curfew and ensure the country was back to normal within two days.

Students have also demanded some university officials to step down after failing to protect campuses. Sarjis Alam, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that they would continue with their protests if all their demands werent met. We cannot step back from our movement like a coward, he added.

Another key organizer of the student protests, Nahid Islam, told reporters that the internet shutdown had disrupted their ability to communicate and alleged that authorities were trying to create divisions among protesters. I am mentally traumatized ... our unity is being destroyed, he told the AP.

The US Embassy in the capital Dhaka described Sunday the situation as extremely volatile and unpredictable, adding that guns, tear gas and other weapons have been used in the vicinity of the embassy.

They said the Bangladeshi army had been deployed and urged Americans to be vigilant, avoid large crowds and reconsider travel plans.

The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Bangladeshs government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January elections that the main opposition groups boycotted. Universities have been closed, the internet has been shut off and the government has ordered people to stay at home.

Protesters had argued the quota system was discriminatory and benefited supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and wanted it replaced by a merit-based system. Hasina has defended the quota system, saying that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations as many of its supporters joined the student-led protests.

The Awami League and the BNP have often accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, most recently ahead of the countrys national election, which was marred by a crackdown on several opposition figures.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story.
You know how people refer to the Republican Party as the GOP?

The full name is not something you will likely see explained on cable news, but it has its role embedded in the fabric of American history. The same goes with the donkey and the elephant, the two symbols that represent the Democratic Party and Republican Party, respectively.

Whats in a name?

The acronym stands for the Grand Old Party, a term first employed in the early 1870s as a means to emphasize the partys role in preserving the Union following the Civil War, according to History.

After all, Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president in American history, and his second successor Ulysses S. Grant, already a war hero present during the Confederacys surrender in 1865, ushered in Reconstruction in the South.

Previously, the Democrats referred to themselves as the grand old party, according to History. A Democratic newspaper in New Haven, Connecticut, wrote that the 1860 presidential election, which Lincoln won, would leave this grand old party is divided and in danger of defeat.

It was not until 1884 that the acronym GOP started to appear in American newspapers. Cincinnati Gazette typesetter T.B. Dowden used the term in a story about 1884 Republican candidate James Blaine. Dowden was short on space and his foreman told him to Abbreviate em, use initials, do anything, but hurry up! according to History.

Party animals

The symbols used to represent the two parties also hold their places in history, with one logo also going back to that partys first president.

While running to be the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson was referred to as a jackass by his political enemies in 1828, according to the Smithsonian Institution. For a while, Jackson liked the logo and used it.

Decades later during the Civil War, Republicans used the symbol of the elephant alongside the slogan see the elephant, slang for the time that meant to fight bravely, CNN reported in 2020.

It was not until the 1870s that both symbols started to become commonplace. Harpers Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast featured Democrats as donkeys and Republicans as elephants, according to the National Archives.

Nasts cartoons stuck and continue to be the logos for both parties to this day.
President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him, prompted plenty of questions on Sunday about what happens next.

David Becker, an election law expert, and the executive director of The Center for Election Innovation & Research, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that works to build trust in elections, answered some of those questions during an online news conference.

Here are 5 things you need to know about what happens next.

No, Joe Biden wasnt the Democratic nominee for president.

While he may have had a lock on delegates, and was the Democrats presumptive White House nominee, the Democratic Party did not have an official nominee yesterday, and the same can be said today, until the delegates vote, at next months Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Becker said.

There is no one to be quote-unquote replaced on the ballot because there is nothing to replace, Becker continued.

States cant be compelled to place Bidens name on their ballots now that hes dropped out.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Becker said hed heard of claims by groups aligned with Republicans or former President Donald Trumps re-election campaign, that there might be efforts to get Bidens name onto state ballots even though he has withdrawn from the race.

For one, some states have yet to hold their primaries, Becker noted, adding that it could be weeks before state election officials send ballots to the printers.

Such claims are less than frivolous. They are not supported by anything in the law whatsoever, he said, adding that what they amount to is an attempt by a political party to compel an opposing political party to put someone on the ballot who chooses not to run again.

Imagine if Donald Trump, now the oldest [presidential] nominee in American history, chose to step aside, and the Democrats said, Oh no, no, no, no, you have to put Donald Trump on the ballot. That would not succeed, he said.

What does Bidens withdrawal mean for the money that his campaign has raised so far?

If Harris ends up the Democratic presidential nominee, she gets the money, Becker said, because her name is on all the [election] paperwork.

Its a different matter if someone else ends up at the top of the ticket. And some names, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, have been batted around in recent days.

The one thing thats agreed to is that money can still be transferred to the [Democratic National Committee], or perhaps a [political action committee], and in those cases, that money, it might not be as flexible to use as if it were directly in the campaigns hands, Becker said, adding that it could be used an eventual Harris campaign in a variety of ways.

There are no state laws that can make it difficult for delegates pledged to Biden to vote for someone else

Bottom line: The nominating process is the bailiwick of the Big Two parties. And any decision about who becomes the eventual standard-bearer is an internal matter, and its up to them.

As far as the delegates voting, theres no theres no legal requirement they vote in a particular way. Theyre only subject to [Democratic National Committee] rules, he said.

So what about delegates who are pledged to Biden?

Heres a refresher: Party delegates are elected by the folks back home, who vote for them on the understanding that theyre going to back a specific candidate when they get to the convention.

But with Biden out of the race, delegates who are pledged to the president are somewhat open to choose, Becker said.

That means those delegates are going to pay a lot of attention to what President Biden wants them to do, he said.

And thats backing Harris at the convention,
Most Americans have heard Vice President Kamala Harris name.

For the last four years, shes been the nations vice president. Before that, she was a Democratic U.S. senator from California and also served as the Golden States elected attorney general.

As he left the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, Biden endorsed his long-serving No. 2, thrusting her into the middle of a closely contested White House race against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

But who is Kamala Harris? Whats her record? And what can Americans expect of her if shes elected president?

First, the official biography:

Name: Kamala Devi Harris

Date of Birth: Oct. 20, 1964

Birthplace: Oakland, Calif.

Education: Howard University, BA., political science and economics, 1986; JD from Hasting College, 1989, according to Brittanica

Family: Married to Doug Emhoff, an attorney, who has two children, Cole and Ella, from a previous marriage, according to Yahoo News.

Here are five things to know about Harris and her record ahead of the Democrats national convention in Chicago next month:

Shes already made history

The daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, Harris is the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be elected vice president, according to The Associated Press.

Harris similarly was the first Black woman in California to become an elected district attorney when she became San Franciscos top prosecutor in 2003.

She also was the first woman and first Black person to be elected Californias state attorney general in 2010. She was sworn into the U.S. Senate in 2017, according to her official White House biography.

In 2019, she briefly sought the Democratic nomination for president, dropping out after an initial burst of support.

Emhoff also has broken new ground as the nations first Second Gentleman, and the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, Yahoo News reported.

Whats shes done as vice president:

Harris time in Washington has not always been smooth.

Early in her tenure, she had to contend with high turnover on her staff and less-than-flattering stories about her treatment of aides, Phillip Elliott wrote for Time in 2023.

In 2020, in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died at the hands of white police officers in Minneapolis, Minn., Harris was a vocal advocate for social justice reform, according to Brittanica.

Those efforts silenced some who had criticized her tenure as attorney general, alleging that she had failed to investigate charges of police misconduct, including questionable shootings. Others, however, felt that her embrace of reform was a political maneuver to capitalize on the increasing public popularity of social change, Brittanica noted.

A recent poll Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 6 in 10 Democrats believe Harris would do a good job in the top slot. About 2 in 10 Democrats dont believe she would, and another 2 in 10 say they dont know enough to say.

The poll showed that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of Harris, whose name is pronounced COMM-a-la, while about half have an unfavorable opinion, The Associated Press reported.

Foreign Policy

Harris has been the White Houses point person on immigration. She was assigned the task of addressing root causes" of irregular migration to the United States across its border with Mexico, CBS News reported.

Harris has pointed to corruption and a lack of economic opportunity in some Central and South American countries as the culprits, the news organization reported.

Shes traveled to Latin America twice during her tenure, visiting Mexico and Guatemala in 2021 and Honduras in 2022, CBS News reported.

On questions of China, Harris largely followed the White Houses line, CBS News also reported.

We know that Beijing continues to coerce, to intimidate and to make claims to the vast majority of the South China Sea, Harris said in a speech during a 2021 trip to Singapore and Vietnam, CBS News reported.

Like Biden, Harris has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, and she has underscored the U.S. commitment to NATO, CBS News reported.

Harris has said she supports Israels right to defense in its war against the terrorist group Hamas, which is now dragging into its 10th month.

But as Israel defends itself it matters how that happens, she has said, the news organization reported.

In a briefing in December 2023, cited by CBS News, Harris said that as Israel pursues its military objectives in Gaza, we believe Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians.

Abortion Rights:

During her four years as vice president, Harris has been a vocal proponent of reproductive rights, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court toppled Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Harris has described abortion bans across the nation, especially the southeastern U.S., as a healthcare crisis.

One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body, Harris told a crowd in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this year, according to The Guardian.

Major reproductive rights groups already have thrown their support to Harris, The Guardian reported.

Emilys List, which champions Democratic women who support abortion rights, and Reproductive Freedom for All, which advocates for abortion access have officially endorsed Harris, according to The Guardian.

Emilys List reportedly will spend at least $20 million on Harris behalf, the news organization reported.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund, whose endorsement has to be ratified by its local chapters, has not offered its endorsement, according to The Guardian.

But its CEO and president, Alexis McGill Johnson, praised Harris for keeping the needs and experiences of patients and providers front and center, according to The Guardian.

The Economy

During her brief presidential campaign, Harris promised big tax cuts for the working class, tax credits for renters, and a major expansion of Medicare, according to The Washington Post.

In the near term, with the economy largely humming along, however, shell likely continue Bidens policies, the newspaper reported.

If she secures the Democratic nomination, Harris also can be expected to underline her commitment to the care economy, with federal spending on child care, elder care, and home care for people living with disabilities, the Post reported.

Head to head with Trump, Harris also will have to aggressively articulate the administrations economic wins, the newspaper also reported.
LOS ANGELES  Even as they dropped the first two games of their weekend series here, the Red Sox could at least take some satisfaction from the fact that they had gotten two strong performances from their starting pitchers in the defeats.

Nick Pivetta tossed six shutout innings Friday and Brayan Bello gave them a chance Saturday, allowing three runs over six frames.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Connecticut  Preparing for the arrival of new F-35s, the 104th Fighter Wing donated a historic F-15C Eagle jet on Monday to the New England Air Museum.

Col. Michael Shot Glass, operations group commander for the 104th based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, flew the 48-year-old F-15C Eagle on its last flight, a hop from the base in Westfield to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, where the New England Air Museum is located, a distance of just 15 air miles and across the state line.
HOLYOKE  Outside of Puerto Rico, Holyoke has the largest Puerto Rican population globally. Within this community, a significant number of people hail from the city of Salinas, Puerto Rico, including the sister of the mayor of la Alcaldesa, Karilyn Bonilla.

Holyoke will celebrate the vibrant connection between the two communities during its Fiesta de Patronales de Holyoke. This year, Nueva Esperanza and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia will host Bonillia during the annual festival from Aug. 1-4 on Dwight Street.
Floods unfortunately have a history in Crossmolina. The North Mayo town has experienced several floods originating from the River Deel in the past and locals and authorities are still seeking solutions for better protection.

Crossmolina participants have now hosted guests for an informative walk around their town along the Deel highlighting the impact of flooding, and existing and planned adaptation measures. Participants exchanged stories about challenges and achievements along their communities journeys to build resilience to flooding and climate change.

The meeting was part of the Creative Ireland BluePrint project, which held an All-Island Learning and Exchange Workshop at the Enterprise Centre in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo on Friday, July 5th 2024.

The event successfully built connections and fostered exchange between flood-affected community representatives in Mayo (Crossmolina), Derry (Eglinton) and Tyrone (Newtownstewart), as well as scientific partners, creative practitioners, and government representatives.

Community participants involved the BluePrint project highlighted the value of the ongoing creative engagement process for sharing lived-experiences and the potential power of the resulting output to support wider climate risk communication with communities and decision-makers.

The workshop shared lessons on creative engagement processes in other Creative Ireland funded projects including Ripple and Immersion, while community participants had the opportunity to directly engage in a creative activity, facilitated by Wilderlands project artist.

The discussions emphasised the important role of the locally led groups, such as the Crossmolina Flood Action Group, local fire service, and the Eglinton Flood Resilience Group, for disseminating warnings and supporting early action, such as installing flood gates, distributing sandbags, and helping vulnerable community members.

Participants reflected on how the event helped to demonstrate the value of building connections, integrating local knowledge, and supporting diverse and transdisciplinary engagement to address flooding and climate challenges, as well as the importance of remaining hopeful and positive towards finding solutions that build community resilience.

Councillor Michael Loftus said: This experience helped me to realise the value of the arts and creative sector for meaningfully engaging with communities affected by flooding. This is something Crossmolina could benefit from, and I would welcome in the future.

The BluePrint project team looks forward to facilitating further exchange between Crossmolina, Newtownstewart and Eglinton through the showcase event in Derry-Londonderry later this year and will continue engagement with participants to support the development of the BluePrint Creative Co-creation Toolkit.

The event was facilitated by MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine at University College Cork as the lead partner of the BluePrint project in collaboration with project partners Mayo County Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and the Playhouse Derry. Local collaborators for the event included the Crossmolina Community Services Programme (CSP) for Crossmolina Community Council CLG and the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office (CARO).

The BluePrint project is a recipient of the Creative Climate Action fund, an initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme. It is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The Old Irish Goat Centre was relaunched with a reimagined interpretation and retail offerings last Friday. A visit to the Old Irish Goat Centre offers the opportunity to look into the eyes of Irelands ancient past! The new interpretation at the Old Irish Goat Centre takes visitors on a journey to unearth and rediscover their forgotten living heritage. It tells the Old Irish Goats unlikely story of survival, and how, surprisingly, it fell to a small community to save it from extinction!

Fine Gael TD Michael Ring congratulated all involved in the initiative and complemented Failte Ireland and the Heritage Council for supporting the endeavour. He also complimented the community on their efforts to conserve their heritage and support tourism, these being vital to county Mayo.

Padrig Browne, Chairman of the Old Irish Goat Society, thanked Ring for his continuous support for the Old Irish Goat. Browne also thanked Failte Ireland for their strategic guidance through mentorship and Digital that Delivers programmes, and the Heritage Council for funding interactive multimedia interpretation. The Centre team and volunteers who researched and developed the interpretive content were thanked for devoting endless hours to the cause. A heartfelt gratitude was expressed for the daily care of the Centre and the goats.

Fionnan Nestor, Failte Ireland, welcomed the development, as an action of the Clew Bay Destination Experience Development Plan. The Old Irish Goat Centre provided an immersive and memorable experience for visitors and was also particularly important as a rainy-day experience.

The Old Irish Goats provenance permeates our cultural heritage, art, music and native language. Its historic value is indelibly linked into the tapestry of Irish place names that stretch throughout this island. The Centre provides a unique opportunity to explore this previously obscure cultural legacy, through personal engagement with local guides, a privileged private audience with Old Irish Goats, and the incredible capacities of Old Irish Goats on our interactive exhibits. The new interpretation illuminates visitors' interest and excitement to learn more about our long co-existence with the Old Irish Goat.

The Old Irish Goat Centre is open seven days per week from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has a new Cathaoirleach: Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly (FG), Mayo County Council, Fine Gael has been elected as the Cathaoirleach for 2024-2025.

He succeeds Cllr. John Naughten from Roscommon County Council. Cllr Declan McDonnell Independent Galway City Council was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach.

The NWRA is one of three regional assemblies in Ireland and represents counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway. At its core it works with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.

Cllr. Munnelly has been an elected member of Mayo County Council since 2004, representing the Ballina Electoral Area. He was first elected to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in 2019. In addition to his political role, Cllr. Munnelly is employed by Tusla as Children and Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC) Coordinator for Mayo.

Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly Said:

I am honoured to wear the Chain of Office as Cathaoirleach of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. The functions of the Regional Assemblies have become increasingly important particularly as key champions of the regional perspective in economic and spatial development. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues across the political spectrum on the very significant programme of work ahead, including a review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region and the adoption of the next Corporate Plan for the Assembly.

He explained that his first meeting was a busy one, with the announcement by government that the consultation was now open on the first Draft revision to the National Planning Framework and also the NWRAs Regional Infrastructure Tracker report was launched at the meeting, which analysed the latest developments regarding investment in the infrastructure of the Northern and Western Region of Ireland. He said that the report lays bare the historical deficit of investments in infrastructure of scale across the Border and West Region and this of huge concern to me. As Cathaoirleach I intend to advocate strongly on behalf of this region that measures are taken to reverse that trend and enable our region to harness its potential for the benefit of our citizens.

The Director of the NWRA, Denis Kelly, said: Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly has been a valued Member of the Assembly for many years and we, the executive of the assembly, look forward to assisting him in his new role as Cathaoirleach.
Tragedy has befallen West Mayo following the passing of Westport native Cathy Hughes died tragically while swimming in Clew Bay over the weekend.

Ms Hughes, a talented artist who hailed from a well-known Westport family, died after she got into difficulty while swimming off Old Head Beach near Louisburgh.

On Sunday, July 21, Ms Hughes was taken from the water after the alarm was raised at approximately 4pm.

Members of Westport and Louisburgh Order of Malta, who had been attending the Louisburgh Sheep Show, and local lifeguards were amongst those who attended the scene and gave their assistance.

Her body was then conveyed to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar.

Born into a family of 13 children, her art was heavily influenced by the landscape in the West of Ireland and by her familys Irish craft and knitwear business Carraig Donn Industries.

Over the years she hosted several successful art exhibitions and regularly attended the Burren College of Art.

She was also a member of a prominent local art club in Galway city, where she had been based for many years. Prince Albert of Monacos private art collection includes some of her works.

In 2021, she launched an exhibition called The Aran Series at the Westival arts festival in her hometown of Westport.

Art is visual and abstract. Visual is like words, its concrete, its factual, but abstract is deeper, you have to touch on your emotions and feelings, and lay that on the canvas through colour, she said at the launch.

Her funeral details have not yet been announced.
A MAJOR documentary on how the Catholic Church handled child sex abuse allegations against Bishop Eamonn Casey will be broadcast on RTE One this Monday night.

The Vatican has now confirmed that they formally removed him from ministry in 2007 after receiving multiple allegations from 2001 onwards, when the first known complaint was made.

The documentary is in association with the Irish Mail on Sunday and Mail reporter Anne Sheridan, formerly a reporter with the Limerick Leader.

The allegations received by the Church cover all three Irish dioceses where he served - Limerick, Kerry and Galway respectively - and span four decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The Limerick Leader first reported in 2016 that High Court proceedings were filed against Bishop Casey and the Diocese of Limerick for personal injury damages in relation to one case taken against him in 2016.

Limerick Diocese has confirmed that it has received three allegations of child sexual abuse against Fr Casey relating to his time in Limerick in the 1960s. The Limerick Diocese received these three separate complaints in 2001, 2005 and 2014.

Two other complaints have been received by the Kerry Diocese and the Galway Diocese.

The documentary, Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets, will air further revelations this Monday night when it is broadcast on RTE One at 9.35pm.

Two complaints against Fr Casey made in Limerick resulted in significant settlements being made.

The first known complaint against Bishop Casey was received in 2001 by the Limerick Diocese. This later resulted in a settlement, which was confidential at the time, and was made through the Residential Institutions Redress Board after the woman dropped her High Court action against him and other named defendants.

Bishop Casey's niece, Patricia Donovan, from Limerick, made her complaint of alleged child sexual abuse against him in 2005. Her uncle was never charged in relation to her claims. Ms Donovan never received compensation from the Church but the Galway Diocese did pay for some counselling sessions for her.

A third complaint received in Limerick, made in 2014 and which went to the High Court in 2016, resulted in a settlement made by the Limerick Diocese of over 100,000 to another woman. The proceedings were lodged before he died and the settlement was awarded after his death.

Fr Casey consistently denied all the allegations against him.

He was never charged or convicted of any sexual crimes and remained a bishop until his death in March 2017.

After repeated requests for information, the Vatican confirmed to RTE that, by 2006, following unspecified "allegations", "Bishop Casey had been requested not to publicly exercise the ministry" and that this was "reiterated formally" a year later.

It also revealed that: "He was never reinstated...in spite of insistence from him and on his behalf" and "regardless of the outcome of the civil procedures".

READ MORE: Gardai are victims not villains of anti-immigration protests like Coolock

The Vatican statement also reveals the ban was never lifted  despite appeals by Casey and his supporters that he should be allowed to return to ministry.

It was also never communicated to the public in his lifetime, with many members of the clergy and his parishioners struggling to understand why Bishop Casey was not allowed to say Mass. Under the restrictions set out by the Vatican on him, he was only allowed to attend Mass as a member of the congregation and could only say Mass in the privacy of his own home due to child safeguarding concerns.

The Vatican statement said: We can confirm that Bishop Casey had been requested not to publicly exercise the ministry before 2006, in terms that were reiterated formally in 2007, and he was never reinstated in the following years in spite of insistence from him and on his behalf. When further allegations were produced in 2015, Bishop Casey was already suffering from various physical and mental problems. These were of the type that would have rendered his defence difficult.

Former president Mary McAleese, who is a canon lawyer, and who is interviewed for this programme, said: "We know that there were significant allegations of sexually predatory conduct and from a number of different sources."

She said there may have been "a pattern of predatory behaviour" that would have to have been taken "very seriously and earnestly...because they are looking at it from the point of view of restoring him to a ministry where he would have full public access, and they may have been, and clearly were, worried about that, significantly worried about that".

The complaints sent from Irish dioceses to the Papal Nuncio for Romes attention covered the period of three serving Popes, from at least 2001 until after 2016, spanning the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the current Pope Francis.

Canon law expert Fr Aidan McGrath said of the Vaticans internal handling of the case: "A bishop himself, his only superior is the pope."

"So, who do you report a bishop to? That was never very clear, but certainly any disciplinary action then would have been taken by the Congregation for Bishops. Now, they are not authorised to set up a tribunal and do an investigation so they will weigh it up and then acting on behalf of the pope, would have the authority to impose restrictions."
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, July 22, 2024

Alphabet will release earnings Tuesday, and advertisers plan to listen for information on how the rollout of AI Overview in Search and YouTube will impact businesses.

Advertisers and agencies also will be listening for any update related to a possible acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz for roughly $23 billion, with consideration of how that would affect Alphabet's strong movement into other businesses.

Diversifying Alphabet's business means the company can access multiple revenue sources, reducing the dependence on any one revenue stream. It's not clear whether an acquisition like this would put Alphabet in an awkward position to support Google AI Overview.

Tinuiti Research Director Mark Ballard expects earnings to come in with expectations -- to see slower growth -- but this is not necessarily a bad sign.

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Im seeing performance comps from a year ago getting stronger, rebounding from late 2022 or early 2023, Ballard says, adding: Ill be curious to hear about the impact of AI Overviews. Retail has been strong for them, with Google Shopping, and a lot of that has been powered by Performance Max."

Ballard will be keeping an eye on AI Overviews, and says he is curious to hear about the impact of AI Overviews on its business. Liz Reid, vice president and head of Google Search, had announced in a May blog post the feature would roll out to all in the U.S., with more countries to follow soon.

Advertisers and agencies are focusing on how consumers overall continue to adapt to AI-driven search and advertising, businesses relate to cloud services, and creators relate to AI in YouTube features.

Tyler Jordan, Jordan Digital Marketing (JDM) CEO, wrote in a note to Media Daily News that he anticipates profit will continue to grow.

While Google had to pull way back on AI Overviews after the launch in May went poorly, I think in the long term, the bet on AI will pay off, he wrote. That will depend in part on whether they can figure out how to monetize AI-generated responses to queries, particularly if OpenAI isn't planning to incorporate ads.

Jordan pointed to a recent report, which shows only 36% of today's queries go to the open web. Traditionally, 60% of queries have not led to website clicks, he wrote, so AI Overviews has not affected the landscape that much.

Searchers are still behaving like they did before AI Overviews launched, he wrote.

Google Search has been a moneymaker thanks to advertisements serving up along with results, but it could take time for Alphabet to find a way to build the feature into its AI-powered search results.

The near-terms financial impact on AI Overviews prompted a downgrade in Alphabet stock by Rosenblatt Securities, reports MarketWatch. Microsoft has the same challenges building ads or links and seeing success AI search.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 22, 2024

Siding with Google, a federal judge has dismissed a privacy lawsuit alleging that the company's analytics tool collected sensitive data from health-care sites.

In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria in the Northern District of California effectively held that even if the allegations in the complaint were proven true, they wouldn't show that Google intended to receive health-care data.

Most of the legal claims asserted by the plaintiffs require an allegation that Google actually intended to acquire or use peoples personal health information, Chhabria wrote in a 21-page decision throwing out the complaint. The plaintiffs are all over the map on the issue of intent, and ultimately they fail to offer a coherent narrative.

The ruling stems from privacy lawsuits brought in May 2023, when a group of web users alleged that Google was collecting patients' sensitive health data from online sites.

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The first complaint was brought by an anonymous Jane Doe who said she used Planned Parenthood's site to search for an abortion provider, and received treatment at the reproductive health-care center's affiliate in Burbank, California.

Her complaint referred to an investigation by the app Lockdown Privacy, which reported in 2022 that Planned Parenthood's site used third-party analytics tools leaked extremely sensitive data" to third parties including Google, Meta and TikTok.

Soon after she sued, other anonymous plaintiffs alleged in a separate complaint that Google collected health information from a variety of health-care sites. The suits, which were consolidated last year, include claims that Google violated federal and California wiretap laws.

Google countered that it's simply a vendor of analytics tools, arguing in court papers that its tools only provide developers with information about how users use the developers own properties.

Google also said health-care sites don't send it personally identifying information, and that it does not allow the use of sensitive health data for ad targeting.

In October, Chhabria rejected the web users' request for an injunction banning Google from collecting data from certain health sites, writing that it wasn't obvious whether Google's alleged data collection violated any laws.

He added at the time that the plaintiffs' strongest claim against Google might be the contention that it violated California's wiretap law -- which prohibits the interception of communications unless all parties consent. But Chhabria also said in the ruling that it wasn't clear whether Google's alleged interceptions would be covered by that law, given the company's position that it was merely a vendor of software services.

The plaintiffs then amended their complaint to add allegations that Google isn't merely a vendor of analytics tools, but that the company also draws on the data it collects in numerous ways -- such as by using the data to improve search algorithms, ad targeting and ad attribution.

Chhabria said in Monday's ruling that the complaint couldn't move forward for several reasons, including that allegations were too vague to prove that health-care sites transmitted users' personally identifying health information to Google.

What's more, he added, even if the allegations could support an inference that health sites sent personally identifying data to Google, none of the allegations warrant the conclusion that Google either intends to receive this information or intends to feed the information into its own advertising machinery.

The complaint acknowledges that Google repeatedly told developers not to send personally identifiable information through use of its source code, Chhabria wrote.

For health care providers specifically, Google warned that they must not use its source code in ways that would result in HIPAA-covered information being sent to Google, he added, referring to data covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act -- which prohibits health-care providers from disclosing patients' medical information.

The takeaway from these allegations is that Google purposefully acted so as not to receive any personal health information, he wrote.

The ruling appears at odds with a decision by District Court Judge William Orrick, who recently allowed Facebook users to proceed with a lawsuit alleging that Meta Platforms violated federal and state laws by tracking users' visits to health-care providers' websites and monetizing data collected from those sites.

Chhabria acknowledged Orrick's contrary opinion, writing: To the extent Judge Orricks ruling stands for the notion that allegations like the ones in this case are sufficient to plead intent, this court disagrees.

Chhabria's ruling allows the users to beef up their allegations and bring the complaint again, but he suggested the plaintiffs have an uphill battle.

The court is increasingly skeptical, based on whats transpired in this case so far, that the plaintiffs can successfully amend their complaint, he wrote. But in an abundance of caution, they will get one more chance to do so.
On June 1st, Elvish Yadav published a detailed video about Dhruv Rathees credibility and called him out on several sensitive issues, such as promoting anti-Hindu propaganda, bias towards a particular political party and many more.

Dhruv Rathee recently uploaded a video in which he countered almost each and every allegation made by Elvish and brutally trolled him for his illogical claims.

This started a chain of videos where these two YouTubers, who have a massive following, challenged each others sources and propaganda.

But on July 21, Dhruv Rathee uploaded a video on his channel, titled, My Final Reply To Godi YouTubers where he destroyed Elvish Yadavs claims backed by proofs.

The reactions

The video caused a massive social media uproar as both the creators have a huge fan base and started targeting each other.

One user reacted, Belt treatment expert Dhruv Rathee is back with a bang. Seems like the end of Elvish Yadavs career is here.

Belt treatment expert Dhruv Rathee is back with a bang



Seems like the end of Elvish Yadavs career is here   Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) July 21, 2024

Another user reacted, Well we shouldn't call it an end, may be Elvish can learn and be better with all the learning. But then we are talking about Elvish, naah! no possibility of improvement!

well we shouldn't call it an end, may be Elvish can learn and be better with all the learning.



But then we are talking about Elvish, naah! no possibility of improvement!   A Common Man  (@ekaamaadmi_twts) July 21, 2024

One user commented, Dhruv youtube career was going to end so he thought when my dad name elvish will work for me if not then when so he is making videos on elvish to gain views after modi ji.

Dhruv youtube career was going to end so he thought when my dad name elvish will work for me if not then when  so he is making videos on elvish to gain views after modi ji   Elvish_Yadav_Fanpage (@EditzVk62200) July 21, 2024

Another user commented, One of the Best Reply in YouTube History ! Maine asie reply kabhi Nahi dekha.

One of the Best Reply in YouTube History !



Maine asie reply kabhi Nahi dekha  Ashish Singh (@AshishSinghKiJi) July 21, 2024

One user wrote, OMG you thrashed the entire gang in a single video. Now this Chhapri and entire RW gang must be crying really hard. Great going Dhruv Rathee.

OMG  you thrashed the entire gang in a single video.



Now this Chhapri and entire RW gang must be crying really hard.



Great going Dhruv Rathee.  Rishi Choudhary  (@RishiRahar) July 21, 2024

Another user wrote, Bro exposed Kangana Ranaut,Gaurav Taneja and Elvish Yadav together. How these people have been secular in the past and how they have now become opportunist just to be in Good books of this fascist govt. Only Dhruv Rathee can do this.

Bro exposed Kangana Ranaut,Gaurav Taneja and Elvish Yadav together.



How these people have been secular in the past and how they have now become opportunist just to be in Good books of this fascist govt.



Only Dhruv Rathee can do this  pic.twitter.com/GTTr90Ewgv  Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) July 21, 2024

Elvish Yadavs past controversies

Elvish Yadav is often called out for bullying fellow YouTubers and passing derogatory comments on women.

Elvish was also charged in a snake venom case that dented his reputation, but the ex-Bigg Boss OTT winner continues to make videos and songs backed by the Elvish Army.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a public online consultation for the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027, available at http://www.opengov.gr/home/.



The primary goal of the Strategic Plan is to strengthen the ties between the metropolitan center and the Greek Diaspora, to facilitate substantial and reciprocal communication with it, and to bolster the presence of Greek element worldwide.



The Strategic Plan reflects the vision and initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Diaspora Greeks and is structured around six strategic objectives, each with individual targeted operational actions.



The submission of proposals/observations/opinions by interested citizens or entities will help cover as many aspects of this issue as possible, allowing for the development of a comprehensive, viable, cohesive, and contemporary policy framework.



You can submit your comments and suggestions at the link: http://www.opengov.gr/ypex/?p=946



The consultation will conclude on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
AIT Worldwide Logistics company Panther Logistics has added a global nursery furniture brand trusted by over a million parents to its customer portfolio.

The UKs leading two-person delivery specialist, is now managing final mile deliveries for Boori, which grew from an independent nursery store in Sydney, Australia, more than 30 years ago.

Boori specialises in sustainably sourced timber nursery and children's furniture, including play and study furniture, and mattresses. They have been active in the UK for nearly 20 years operating from its recently opened warehousing facility in Reading, Berkshire.

The majority of Boori furniture is supplied flat-packed and Panther Logistics will be responsible for the delivery of the heavier items such as wardrobes, chests of drawers, cot and bunk beds as well as multi product deliveries.

James Langer, Business Development Manager at Panther, said: Customers have become more at ease with turning to online retailers for large lifestyle items such as nursery furniture and now expect a premium delivery experience. We strive to provide that for Boori. Our colleagues are always polite and respectful, which is especially important when dealing with new parents and those expecting.

Delivering furniture is rife with complications and only a specialist two-person delivery service can give the customer the high levels of service they will remember and recommend.

Panther delivers to a room of choice, handles returns, and offers consumers nominated day delivery five days a week.

Boori is looking to grow the business over the next two years with its focus primarily in the E-commerce sector.

Kevin Power, Booris Finance and Operations Director, said: The move has been positive thanks to strong communication between both parties and Panthers ability to scale operations in line with our own growth aspirations.

Panthers drivers are the face of our business and so it is vital that we have a delivery partner which mirrors our own ethos and service values. Panther also offers total transparency and traceability which is extremely important to our customers.

Panther, Im glad to say, is ticking all of those boxes for us and we are looking forward to continuing to develop the partnership going forward.

Boori was founded by entrepreneur Justin Chui and now has stores across six countries and a purpose-built factory in the province of Jiaxing in China.

Panther offers support across the country to trade clients requiring higher volume deliveries that necessitate a more tailored individual solution.
Andrew Espinosa was in his office in Boulder, Colorado, when the first message popped up on the Air Force veterans phone: Andy, is this finally the resolution youve been working for?

President Biden had just announced he was righting a historic wrong by issuing pardons for gay veterans convicted of consensual sex, and Espinosa says the text messages didnt stop for hours.

Ive got shivers, Mona McGuire, an Army veteran, told The War Horse on that June 26 morning, celebrating the news from her home in suburban Milwaukee in between interviews with CNN and the BBC. I feel relief.

More than 25 years ago, both McGuire and Espinosa were kicked out of the military for being gay. Finally, it appeared, they would get a long-overdue reprieve and apologyand possibly qualify for health care and other veterans benefits they have been denied because of their bad paper discharges.

Then reality struck. In the weeks since the presidents historic gesture, McGuire and Espinosa have dug into the details and learned they and thousands of other veterans are unlikely to qualify under the narrow confines of Bidens pardons. The whipsaw of emotions has renewed the sting of exclusion that has followed them for decades after their military service was cut short.

Its another kick in the gut, says Espinosa.

The two are among about 100,000 veterans pushed out of the military for reasons related to their sexual orientation from World War II through the repeal of the dont ask, dont tell policy in 2011. Thirteen years after that repeal, Bidens pardons invigorated advocates and LGBTQ veterans who continue to try to undo the harms inflicted on gay veterans, including, for some, imprisonment and convictions that still mar their records today.

But it turns out there is a catch: Only those convicted in a military court of nonforcible sodomy qualify for a pardon, and neither the White House nor the Defense Department could tell The War Horse exactly how many veterans that includesor why it excludes so many others.

It doesnt include McGuire, who became a symbol of the injustice stemming from the militarys discriminatory past after sharing her story with The War Horse days before Bidens announcement. The Milwaukee mom was never convicted in a military court because she opted to avoid court-martial by admitting to a lesbian relationship and accepting a bad discharge. The pardons will do nothing to fix her record.

Whats also worrying advocates is that the presidential election is only four months away, and a return to the White House for Donald Trump could halt the processing of pardon applications altogether, experts say.

Amid the euphoria of Bidens announcement, the White House estimated thousands of veterans would benefit from his pardons, allowing them to upgrade their discharges and receive veterans benefits theyd been locked out of. But Michael Wishnie, a professor at Yale Law School and veteran law expert, is wary.

Theres a real danger that no one benefits, he says.

Mass Pardons Are Rare

By the time the text messages stopped, and Espinosa returned his focus to his real estate job, he had already concluded that the pardon didnt apply to him.

He joined the Air Force in the late 1980s with the hopes of eventually becoming an astronaut. In 1993, the Air Force captain was court-martialed for an indecent assault.

The incident occurred, he said, in the blurry early morning hours after a party while he was stationed in Turkey. Espinosa was accused of touching a fellow airmans leg and kissing him on the cheek as they watched the playoffs. Espinosa maintains his innocence and believes he was targeted because of homophobia in the military and his superior officers desire to get rid of him.

Espinosa, who first told his story to CBS News last year, had a letter written to his mother from a military official that explains homosexuality is a factor in this case but that the key factor is his harassment of another airman. Espinosa says hes largely moved on from his dismissal from the military, but the conviction prevented him from getting a job with the government as a census taker, and he tried and failed to receive a discharge upgrade in the wake of the dont ask, dont tell repeal. Until 1993, the military prohibited gay and lesbian people from serving, but under President Clinton, dont ask, dont tell allowed gay people to serve as long as their sexuality remained hidden.

After reading the fine print of the pardon, Espinosa responded to all those congratulatory text messages from childhood and military friends, thanking them for their support but telling them he would not receive any of Bidens goodwill.

If it helps one person, its good, says Espinosa. I wish it wouldve been explained more.

What adds to the confusion is that rather than granting an individual pardon that names people specifically, Bidens clemency action was bestowed upon a group of unnamed people. Such mass pardons are rare, but not unheard of. In 1977, for instance, President Jimmy Carter pardoned hundreds of thousands of Vietnam War draft dodgers.

Wishnie says advocates and veterans should be proud that their persistence likely encouraged Bidens pardon. Still, Wishnie is very disappointed that it is such a narrow program.

Biden could have expanded his pardon to more veterans, he said, including those who were convicted for charges like indecent acts due to their sexual orientation. The pardon also could have helped veterans like McGuire.

In 1988, while stationed in West Germany, McGuire was outed, arrested, and forced to choose between a court-martial and possible prison time or a less than honorable discharge in lieu of court-martial if she admitted her lesbian relationship. She chose the latter.

The discharge has prevented her from accessing veterans benefits, and, though she tried to upgrade her discharge last year, the Armys review board denied her request because as a 20-year-old under interrogation, she admitted guilt to charges of sodomy and an indecent act.

McGuire thought Bidens pardon might render her admission obsolete, particularly since the president acknowledged the unjust criminalization of gay service members. But, she says, Im just kind of in the same place, in the same position I was for the last 37 years.

President Biden salutes members of the 171st Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in April 2024. (Shawn Monk/U.S. Air National Guard)

These Things Arent Slam Dunks

When Steve Marose learned of the presidents announcement, it sounded glorious. Justice, at last. He jumped into action, and the Air Force veteran, who lives in Seattle, sent in his pardon application last week.

In 1990, Marose was a second lieutenant who followed his fathers footsteps into the Air Force. He was a proud officer and says he was good at his job. But for a few months he lived with another airman, and was eventually convicted of three counts of consensual sodomy. He spent two years in federal prison at Fort Leavenworth. But Marose was also convicted of conduct unbecoming, a charge not included in the pardon.

Ive always tried to be optimistic, he says. But these things arent slam dunks.

A White House spokesperson did not respond to requests from The War Horse to explain why the pardons excluded many LGBTQ veterans.

There is another route for those who dont qualify, a Department of Defense spokesperson said. LGBTQ veterans can submit a standard Department of Justice pardon application to the secretary of the military branch in which they were convicted. But a decision can take years.

Wishnie and other veterans advocates say the Defense Department could have spared LGBTQ veterans the confusion over how far the pardons extend.

For years, people have been asking DOD to do the work themself, to identify veterans discharged for being gay, whether they were court-martialed or not, Wishnie says. And for years, DOD has absolutely resisted.

As the pardon stands, veterans like Marose who think they are eligible must apply, wait for an answerwhich could take monthsand then go through a separate process to upgrade their less than honorable or dishonorable discharges.

They are leaving the onus on veterans, Wishnie says, adding that such a multistep process will likely deter many veterans who could take advantage of the pardon.

What Happens Now?

If Maroses application is approved before Novembers election, it will remain intact no matter who wins the White House. If Donald Trump prevails, however, its possible that the new administration could slow or stop the process of receiving a pardon certificate that would allow veterans to access benefits, Wishnie says. No one from the Trump campaign responded to questions from The War Horse about whether a Trump White House would follow through on Bidens pledge.

Presidents often issue pardons at the end of their terms, says Graham Dodds, an expert on U.S. politics at Concordia University in Montreal. Its unclear why Biden decided to act on this particular issue now.

It could be an act of reconciliation, Dodds says, much like Canada, in 2017, apologized for past discrimination against LGBTQ people. But politics, he says, cant be discounted.

While the LGBTQ community is not monolithic, it does account for some 7% of the electorate, Dodds says. In a close election every vote might well matter.

Still, the military didnt treat each gay veteran in a uniform way. Policies shifted over the years, and a commander had the power to choose among quietly dismissing an LGBTQ service member with an honorable discharge, prosecuting them, or scaring them into accepting a bad discharge to avoid a court-martial. Because of that, Dodds says, this pardon is somewhat messy.

In McGuires case, she was not convicted or imprisoned. But she said it felt like she was.

After her arrest in May 1988, she waited three months for her discharge paperwork. She was stripped of her security clearance and forced to clean the mens latrines. Soldiers whispered about her and three other women who were being kicked out for homosexuality. They were treated, she says, not even like second-class humans.

McGuire didnt walk around alone out of fear of getting beat up.

In August of 1988, she was finally handed her orders to leave. Her dream of a career in the Army crumpled, and her heart broke on the spot. I was crying and breathing so hard I couldnt talk, she says. I was devastated.

All those years ago, as a 20-year-old soldier, McGuire said she believed that taking responsibility and walking away from the Army would pay off in the long run.

Its just kind of ironic that those who were actually convicted and possibly spent time in prison are the ones eligible, she says. But not me.

This War Horse investigation was reported by Anne Marshall-Chalmers, edited by Mike Frankel, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mitchell Hansen-Dewar. Abbie Bennett wrote the headlines. Coverage of veterans health is made possible in part by a grant from the A-Mark Foundation.

Editors Note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter.
CONCORD  One hour meant the difference between life and death for Morris Soublet Sr., a 22-year-old sailor assigned during World War II to load ammunition at Port Chicago, a remote naval base constructed between Martinez and Pittsburg in Contra Costa County.

By returning to his Navy barracks earlier than usual on the night of July 17, 1944, he narrowly avoided joining the list of 320 men  many of whom were Black  who were killed in a series of catastrophic explosions which effectively vaporized the naval base.

In the aftermath of the disaster, hundreds of Black sailors who refused to return to work loading cluster bombs, ammunitions, mines and other explosives onto ships bound for the Pacific theater were charged with mutiny and disobeying wartime orders.

Saturday morning, Soublet's son Richard joined more than 400 other family members, community activists and elected officials who gathered near the remnants of the loading docks where his father led crews loading ammunition, commemorating the Navy's decision to fully exonerate all men on the 80th anniversary of the explosion, which was the deadliest military disaster on mainland American soil during World War II.

Following speeches from several people who recounted the hard-fought pursuit for exoneration, a wreath was released into Suisun Bay, joined by dozens of flowers thrown by attendees in their honor.

Richard was a teenager when he first heard snippets of his father's memories from Port Chicago, but the now-78-year-old younger Soublet didn't learn the whole story until he returned home from his own military service in Vietnam.

"He said it was one of the most horrific things that he'd ever gone through," said Soublet, who lives in Oakland. He said his father, who died at the age of 82 in 2004, followed orders to return to work, motivated by a sense of obligation to his country and fellow service members during World War II. "I hope we never forget that convicting those sailors of mutiny was unconscionable. I hope we always remember that they gave their lives for their country."

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, many traumatized sailors recounted feelings of panic and unease, according to oral histories and extensive interviews. These fears festered as the Navy failed to provide any clear explanation about what had triggered the explosion.

Scores of Black military personnel stationed at Port Chicago had long suffered through racial injustice, lax training protocols, rushed wartime quotas and disrespect from the all-white officers in charge.

But the physical and mental shock of the July 1944 explosion galvanized 258 of these Black military men to renegotiate their duty; they organized their anger and fear into a collective, non-violent work stoppage, despite death threats from their superiors.

Navy prosecutors, however, quickly branded this resistance as mutiny  quashing any challenge to the legitimacy of military authority.

By September, 258 sailors who eventually agreed to return to work were convicted for disobeying orders, and 50 men who continued to resist  despite shame tactics and death threats  were jailed through the duration of the war. All were found guilty.

In the long years fighting for justice, Soublet  who was born two years after the explosion  said he channeled the emotions that built up over the years by directly appealing to naval officials, arguing that exoneration was the only way to properly honor the sailors' memory and actions.

That dream became reality last week, when Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro fully exonerated each of those men of all charges  exactly 80 years after the harrowing disaster.

"I'm ambivalent that it took so long to get to this point, but I'm excited we're finally here," Soublet said. "This is a happy day, an uplifting moment."

Rather than rebelling, Del Toro said those servicemen were simply pleading for their lives and the lives of their fellow sailors after the Navy failed to uphold their obligation to keep them safe. On Saturday, he vowed to the Port Chicago sailors' descendants that those men would never again be remembered as "mutineers."

"Theirs was a desperate act of self-preservation, a refusal to be complicit in further destruction and bloodshed," Del Toro said, his voice momentarily faltering with emotion. "Tragically, their stand was met with suspicion, hostility and criminal charges. These men  who had sworn an oath to defend their nation  were now ostracized, their voices drowned out by the roar of a system unwilling to acknowledge its very own failings."

He thanked the family and community members who never lost sight of the Port Chicago disaster or their pursuit for justice long overdue, including Rev. Diane McDaniel, president and founder of Friends of Port Chicago; and Robert Allen, an investigative reporter and historian who dedicated much of his life to chronicling the sailors' experiences. Allen died exactly one week before the Navy announced the exoneration.

"For eight decades, the history of Port Chicago has been a stark reminder of a great injustice," Del Toro said. "This event marks a turning point in our nation 's history  a moment when we confront our ghosts and embrace the promise of more justice."

This has also been a long time coming for Robert Harris and his family.

In 2016  decades after the Navy shared that his uncle, Eugene Coffee, Jr., died in an explosion on a ship  Harris learned from genetic ancestry tests that the 22-year-old WWII sailor was actually one of the men killed by the catastrophic explosions, rather than their belief that he died at Pearl Harbor.

While Harris is still bitter that an all-Black crew was relegated to such inherently dangerous grunt work on the shores of Suisun Bay  echoing a long history of mistreatment of African Americans in the military and beyond  he said Saturday's commemoration finally provided a sense of closure.

"Our stories seem to get lost in history, but there is no time limit to telling the truth  no time limit for justice," Harris said, standing near the last remnants of Port Chicago. "Now that (the Navy) is acknowledging and righting past wrongs, they are connecting facts with history  the truth of what happened here."

___

(c)2024 the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)

Visit the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) at www.eastbaytimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Carved out of the forest on the southwestern edge of Berlin lies an outpost of the Cold War thats becoming more relevant by the day.

Officially, the Military History Museum located at the former British airfield of Berlin-Gatow documents the role of air warfare, from the first days of flying through to Germanys reunification.

The real highlight is its collection of Cold War artifacts: fighter jets, Western and Soviet; East German helicopters, West German radar installations, NATO air-defense systems and transport aircraft; even early nuclear missiles.

Its a sobering, at times unnerving, glimpse of a period that until recently was considered over and done with. But with the West again aligned against Moscow as President Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine grinds toward the 21/2-year mark, it now seems strangely current.

More advanced versions of the same weaponry on show at Gatow, from Patriots to MiGs, are being deployed on the battlefields of Ukraine. And as the largest European supplier of military aid to Kyiv, Berlin is again playing a central role  a reality sparking domestic opposition and spilling into the political arena, just as it did in the West Germany of the 1970s and 1980s.

Cold War-style espionage is back. Just last week it emerged that U.S. and German secret services had thwarted a plot to assassinate the chief executive officer of Rheinmetall AG. His company helps produce Leopard 2 battle tanks and artillery shells that are supplied to Ukraine, and is a key defense contractor in rearming Germanys armed forces, the Bundeswehr.

Now, as then, the U.S. is the ultimate guarantor of security in Europe. For how much longer is an open question with a turbulent election campaign that could put Donald Trump back in the White House to undermine the North Atlantic Treaty Organization anew, and again clash with Germany.

Perhaps to short-circuit such an eventuality, Washington and Berlin jointly announced that U.S. long-range missiles will be returning to German territory from 2026, a move demonstrating Americas commitment to NATO and its contributions to European integrated deterrence.

While conventional, these advanced capabilities, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons still in development, are an echo of the stationing of nuclear-capable Pershing II ballistic missiles in West Germany in response to Soviet deployments in the eastern bloc  events also documented at Gatow.

Those U.S. plans in the early 1980s met with protests led by the nascent Greens movement, and caused ructions within Social Democratic Chancellor Helmut Schmidts government.

Now the Greens are in a coalition headed by another SPD chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and opposition to the deployment is instead coming from the political fringes. Left Party chair Janine Wissler has condemned the policy as provoking Moscow, leading to a spiral of rearmament that with each step takes us closer to the brink.

Its a stance shared by Sahra Wagenknecht, who quit the Left to set up her own eponymous party, the BSW  where the B is for Buendnis, or alliance  on a platform that includes opposition to supplying weapons to Ukraine. The BSW is only a few months old but already attracts as much as 9% support in polls and far more in some federal states  more than enough to complicate future coalition building.

National surveys still show a majority favor helping Ukraine militarily, but a residual pacifist camp rooted in the Cold War peace movement is dismayed, and casting around for a new political home. Taken together, parties that oppose such aid have the support of somewhere between a quarter and a third of voters.

Its one element that adds to economic stagnation, in-fighting and missed goals from climate to housing that explains disaffection with Scholz and his coalition; it looks unlikely to survive past next years federal elections. Like Helmut Schmidt, Scholz calls Hamburg home, but hes not considered the same caliber of chancellor.

For all that, he is presiding over a government that is making historic changes to Germanys long-standing positions on defense and security, and seeking a leading role in NATO against Russia, regardless of the future US commitment to that cause.

Asked about opposition to U.S. cruise missiles in Germany and the chance of triggering a new arms race with Putin, Scholz pointed to Russia as having engaged in an unbelievable buildup of weapons that threaten European territory.

The precision-strike capabilities offered by the U.S. deployment are needed while Germany works with France and the U.K. on developing a similar conventional deterrent to combat the threat, he told reporters at the NATO summit in Washington on July 11.

Trump takes credit for berating allies including Germany into raising defense spending, but Berlin could yet become an even bigger target for his second administration, especially given that his choice of vice president, JD Vance, is an outspoken critic of aid for Ukraine.

Trump professed his love for Germany and Europe in a Bloomberg Businessweek interview published July 17. But once you get past that, they treat us violently, he said.

Tensions with the U.S. have their Cold War parallels. Back in 1982, Helmut Kohl succeeded Schmidt, and the U.S. missile deployment went ahead despite widespread public discontent. Yet within less than a decade the Berlin Wall had fallen and the Soviet Union impoded  the singular event that shaped Putins worldview.

For Frederick Kempe, president of the Atlantic Council, today Ukraine is the front line of a global struggle, just as West Berlin was during the Cold War  a reality acknowledged by China and Russia in their no limits partnership struck on the eve of the 2022 invasion, he said in an online commentary posted July 15.

Gatow bore witness to the standoff with Moscow then, as a destination for western supplies flown in by Allied planes in a successful bid to break the blockade of Berlin ordered by Soviet leader Josef Stalin in 1948-9.

The effects of the current Russian leaders actions can also be seen at Gatow.

On a recent visit, a group of wounded Ukrainian veterans toured the museum, which is unusual for its relatively unfiltered take on the past. Displays of items like Nazi aviation chief Hermann Goerings outsized Luftwaffe uniform carry matter-of-fact descriptions that are mostly shorn of commentary.

They trailed from hangar to hangar in a procession of wheelchairs, accompanied by partners or friends. One man had new prostheses on both legs similar to those used by sprinters at the Paralympics; another wearing shorts revealing a terrible knee wound leaned heavily on a crutch to get around.

More than 1,000 injured Ukrainians have been treated in Germany, including almost 700 soldiers as of March, according to the Health Ministry. Most receive specialist care such as the fitting of prostheses. Ukraines first lady, Olena Zelenska, visited wounded veterans in a Berlin military hospital in June.

Thank you to the defenders! she said in a post on Facebook. And thanks to Germany, which treats them as its own defenders.

One of those defenders, asked at the military museum if he was OK, paused to consider. Offering a fist bump, he said I am now, and slowly wheeled himself away.



(Aliaksandr Kudrytski contributed to this report.)

___

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The Israeli military ordered the evacuation Monday of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone, saying it is planning an operation against Hamas militants there.

Thousands of Palestinians, many carrying backpacks and accompanied by children, walked down dusty roads under the scorching sun, navigating dilapidated cars with belongings tied on top. Many Palestinians have been uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israelis air and ground campaign.

We do not know where we are walking, said Kholoud Al Dadas, as she clutched her children. This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere. Moments later, she collapsed in exhaustion.

The Israeli military said it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in the southern Gaza Strip.

Earlier this month, Israel estimated at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone it declared, covering about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. That's the bulk of Gaza's 2.3 million population.

Much of the area is blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, U.N. and humanitarian groups say. Families live amid mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage.

Gaza's Health Ministry said the toll from Israel's nine-month war against Hamas in Gaza has surpassed 39,000 Palestinians killed and 89,800 wounded. The ministry's count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

Delicate negotiations continued for a cease-fire and hostage release, with U.S. and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement was closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden, who on Sunday said he would not seek another term, and address Congress. Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next U.S. president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always. He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while pushing him for more support on certain issues.

The Israeli military said it was continuing to operate in central and southern Gaza. At least 38 people were killed in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and a count of the bodies by an Associated Press journalist. One person was killed and three injured in a strike outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in the central town of Deir-Al-Balah, where many people have sheltered outside the facility

The Israeli military announced the deaths of two additional Israeli hostages, saying they believe Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, kidnapped on Oct. 7, were no longer alive, based on intelligence. Both were seen alive in Gaza by other hostages who had been released. Dancyg, a Holocaust educator, gave history lectures to hostages to pass the time, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.

Netanyahu has vowed to wipe out Hamas military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and thousands of other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones home.

Also Monday, Israeli police said a Canadian citizen was killed after threatening Israeli security forces with a knife near the Gaza border. The Israeli military said the man drove to the entrance of an Israeli town close to the border, left his vehicle and approached security forces with a knife. The forces opened fire and killed the man. There were no other injuries.

The attack took place at the entrance to the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara, 300 meters (yards) north of the border. On Oct. 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed after gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the United Nations accused Israel of targeting a U.N. humanitarian convoy in central Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, the main U.N. group supporting Palestinians in Gaza, said that on Sunday Israel shot at the convoy near an Israeli military checkpoint and five bullets pierced the clearly marked armored U.N. vehicle.

Lazzarini said the convoy's movement had been coordinated with Israeli forces. No one was injured, but Lazzarini condemned the military for targeting humanitarian workers. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

___

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea said Sunday it was bolstering its anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts across the tense border with rival North Korea, after the North launched more trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea.

The Cold War-style psychological battle between the two Koreas is adding to already-high tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with the rivals threatening stronger steps against each other and warning of devastating consequences.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North Korean balloons were flying Sunday morning north of Seoul, the South Korean capital, after crossing the border. It said later Sunday that the South Korean military was responding by expanding loudspeaker broadcasts at all major sections of the Koreas' 248-kilometer (154-mile)- long border.

The North Korean militarys tension-escalating acts can result in causing critical consequences for it, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The responsibility for this situation is entirely on North Koreas government.

Details of the expansion of South Korea's loudspeaker operations were not immediately available. On Thursday, it resumed blasting frontline propaganda broadcasts for the first time in about 40 days in response to the North's previous balloon activities. But observers say South Korea hadn't been conducting the broadcasts around the clock and it also hadn't yet mobilized all of its loudspeakers.

The latest South Korean broadcasts included K-pop songs and news on BTS member Jins torch-bearing ahead of the Paris Olympics and the recent defection of a senior North Korean diplomat. The broadcasts also called the mine-planting works by North Korean soldiers at the border hellish, slave-like lives, according to South Korean media.

Experts say South Korean propaganda broadcasts can demoralize frontline North Korean troops and residents, posing a blow to the North's efforts to limit access to outside news for its 26 million people. South Korean officials have previously said broadcasts from their loudspeakers can travel about 10 kilometers (6 miles) during the day and 24 kilometers (15 miles) at night.

North Korea hasn't made an official response to the ongoing South Korean broadcasts. But in 2015, North Korea fired artillery rounds across the border in response to South Korea's first loudspeaker broadcasts in 11 years, prompting the South to return fire, according to South Korean officials. No casualties were reported.

The North's latest balloon-flying on Sunday is the ninth of its kind since late May. North Korea has floated more than 2,000 balloons to drop waste paper, scraps of cloth, cigarette butts, waste batteries and even manure on South Korea, though they have so far caused no major damage in South Korea. North Korea has said the initial balloons were launched in response to South Korean activists sending political leaflets to the North via their own balloons.

Like South Korean frontline broadcasts, North Korea views the South's civilian leafleting activities as a major threat to its authoritarian government led by Kim Jong Un. In furious responses to past South Korean leafletting, North Korea destroyed an empty South Korean-built liaison office in its territory in 2020 and fired at incoming balloons in 2014.

In a statement last week, Kim's powerful younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, threatened new countermeasures against South Korean civilian leafleting as she warned that South Korean scum must be ready to pay a gruesome and dear price" over their actions. She said more South Korean leaflets had been found in North Korea.

That raised concerns North Korea could stage physical provocations, rather than balloon launches. South Korea's military said North Korea may fire at balloons or scatter mines downriver.

In early June, South Korea suspended a 2018 tension-reduction deal with North Korea, a step required for it to restart propaganda broadcasts and conduct live-fire military drills at border areas in response to the North's balloon campaigns.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have already been running high because of North Korea's provocative run of missile tests and the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that North Korea calls invasion rehearsals. Experts say North Koreas expanding ties with Russia could embolden Kim Jong Un to stage bigger provocations.
Title: A new way to navigate Google: Using a Chrome extension to configure your default search engine







(Navigational North Star: Configuring Google as Your Default Search Engine in Chrome)

Abstract:

In this article, we explore how to configure Google as your default search engine in Chrome using a unique extension that provides personalized suggestions based on your browsing history and preferences. This innovative solution combines both local and global information into one easy-to-use interface, making it easier than ever for users to find what they need on the web.

Introduction:

Google has become an essential tool for searching the internet, but not all its features can be customized or optimized just like a traditional search engine. However, if you want to create a more personalized experience and increase the chances of finding what youre looking for, a Chrome extension is worth considering.

Chrome extensions have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their powerful features, flexibility, and ease of use. With this integration, you can now control your search engine settings from within Chrome, enabling you to customize everything from location-based search to refine results based on user behavior.

Whats the Benefit?

To start, using a Chrome extension allows you to easily manage your personal preferences. For example, you can choose whether to show recommended results based on specific keywords, whether to filter out irrelevant content, or even set up notifications to alert you when new content becomes available.

Additionally, with this feature, you can access the latest news, articles, and social media posts without having to switch to a separate browser window. This means that youll never miss out on important updates or breaking news.

Personalized Recommendations

Another benefit of using a Chrome extension is the ability to receive personalized recommendations. Your browsing history and preferences can help Chrome understand what topics youre interested in, which leads to relevant search results. You can also create custom profiles and themes, which can further personalize your browsing experience.

Customization and Privacy

Now, lets talk about privacy. By configuring your search engine settings, you can control who sees your browsing history and preferences, and which content you share. This ensures that only you and those you trust will have access to your personal information.

Additionally, by using a Chrome extension, you can control which websites you view during your searches. This can help you stay focused on whats important, rather than getting distracted by unrelated sites.

Conclusion:







(Navigational North Star: Configuring Google as Your Default Search Engine in Chrome)

In conclusion, using a Chrome extension to configure your default search engine is a straightforward and effective solution. With this powerful feature, you can easily manage your personal preferences, receive personalized recommendations, and control your browsing experience without having to switch to a separate browser window. As a result, youll be able to stay informed and engaged on the internet, while still maintaining your privacy and security.
Apple Inc.s American Heritage and Headquarters: A Unique View of Its Origins







(Patriotic Roots: Confirming Apple Inc.s American Heritage and Headquarters.)

With its sleek and modern headquarters located in San Francisco, Apple Inc. has become a iconic technology brand that embodies the American spirit. Its founders, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, set out to create a company that would use cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the way we live our lives.

But what truly sets Apple apart from other companies is its commitment to American heritage. The company has roots dating back over 130 years in the United States, and it has always been driven by a deep respect for the values that defined America. This includes the values of innovation, creativity, and consumerism.

One of the most impressive aspects of Apples American heritage is the history of this country. The company was founded in 1976, after years of struggling to establish itself in the electronics industry. But over time, it has grown into one of the largest and most successful tech companies in the world.

Another important aspect of Apples American heritage is the way it represents the American spirit. The company has created products that are not just functional but also unique and innovative, reflecting the values of American culture and lifestyle. For example, theiPhone and iPad are two of the most iconic and beloved products in the world, and they are shaped by Apples focus on user experience and convenience.

As you can see, Apples American heritage is not only a product line but also a way of representing American values and culture. It serves as a reminder of how much impact an individual can have on the world when they show a sense of and determination to make a positive difference.







(Patriotic Roots: Confirming Apple Inc.s American Heritage and Headquarters.)

Overall, Apples American heritage is a true testament to the power of innovation and hard work. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the traditions that define us as Americans and who give us our sense of identity and purpose. Whether youre looking to buy a new device or simply appreciate the beauty of American-made goods, Apples American heritage is worth experiencing.
The Braves are in agreement with infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield on a big league deal, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Braves 40-man roster currently stands at 39 prior to the deal, meaning the club will only need to accommodate Merrifields addition to the active roster with a corresponding move.

Merrifield, released by the Phillies earlier this month, figures to help cover second base in place of Ozzie Albies, who suffered a fractured wrist yesterday and is expected to be out of action for approximately eight weeks. Reporting yesterday indicated that the Braves plan to promote top infield prospect Nacho Alvarez to take over for Albies as their regular second baseman, and it appears the addition of Merrifield wont change that. As noted by the New York Posts Jon Heyman, Merrifield is currently expected to take a bench role with the Braves, leaving the starting job at second base open for Alvarez.

The 35-year-old veteran is an excellent fit for Atlantas roster needs in a bench role, at least on paper. With clear holes at second base and in the outfield, Merrifields ability to play both left field and second base makes for a strong fit, allowing him to back up both Alvarez at second base and work into an outfield mix that currently features Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Jarred Kelenic, and Ramon Laureano. That being said, Merrifields difficult stint with the Phillies gives some reason for concern about his ability to be an effective major league hitter at this stage of his career. In 174 trips to the plate this season with Philadelphia, Merrifield slashed a paltry .199/.277/.295 with a wRC+ of just 65.

Despite Merrifields lackluster performance with the Braves chief division rival, there are some reasons for optimism that his performance could improve going forward. While Merrifield is almost certainly not the above-average contributor he was earlier in his career with the Royals, for whom he posted a 111 wRC+ and 13.3 fWAR from 2017 to 2020, he nonetheless had a recent track record of being a serviceable bench bat in more recent years. Merrifield slashed a decent .268/.311/.385, good for a wRC+ of 90, with the Royals and Blue Jays between 2021 and 2023.

That sort of production still seems to be within the realm of possibility for the veteran, particularly looking at his underlying metrics. Merrifields 10.9% strikeout rate this year is actually the lowest of his big league career, and his 8.6% walk rate matches his career high from back in 2018. While Merrifields .096 ISO this year is the lowest of his career, the larger culprit for his downturn in performance appears to be his shockingly low .206 BABIP. Entering the 2024 campaign, Merrifield owned a healthy .321 BABIP for his career and had never posted a figure lower than .276 in any individual season. Even matching his previous career low set in 2022 would surely provide a noticeable lift in his production and make him a compelling bench piece when combined with his versatility and respectable 11-for-12 showing on the basepaths this year.

In addition to helping Alvarez cover for Albies at second base, the addition of Merrifield alongside Rosario earlier this month is somewhat reminiscent of Atlantas quantity-over-quality approach to retooling their outfield at the trade deadline in 2021, when they loaded up on rental outfield pieces in the form of Rosario, Duvall, Joc Pederson, and Jorge Soler in order to help boost the outfields production following the loss of Ronald Acuna Jr. to season-ending ACL surgery. With Acuna once again done for the year in 2024, the signing of Merrifield could serve as an indication that the Braves intend to follow a similar path forward this year rather than spend significant prospect capital to land a more significant piece like Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Marlins or Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox.
The Pirates have re-signed right-hander Domingo German to a minor league deal, according to MLB.coms Alex Stumpf. Stumpf adds that Germans new pact with the club includes an opt-out on August 9. German has spent the entire 2024 season to this point pitching for the Pirates but opted out of his deal with Pittsburgh last week, though now it seems hell remain in the organization for at least a few more weeks.

German, 32 next month, made his big league debut with the Yankees back in 2017. While the righty appeared in just seven games as a multi-inning relief arm in his first MLB season, he went on to carve out a much more significant role for himself in the following years. 2018 saw German pitch in 21 games, including 14 starts, as a swing man for the Yankees, and by 2019 he had been promoted to a full-time starter. Off-the-field issues, including an 81-game suspension for violating the MLB-MLBPA joint domestic violence policy, saw him miss the 2019 postseason and the entire 2020 campaign, but upon his return to action in 2021 he spent three more seasons as a semi-regular fixture in New Yorks rotation mix.

In all, German posted a 4.22 ERA (102 ERA+) with a 4.56 FIP in 422 1/3 innings of work for the Yankees between 2019 and 2023. Germans Yankees tenure including highs such as his outing against the As last June, where he threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history, but also lows such as his aforementioned suspension, a subsequent ten-game suspension for violating the leagues foreign substance policy on the mound, and a trip to the restricted list last September while he underwent treatment for alcohol abuse. Those numerous off-the-field issues help to explain why German, despite a track record as a fairly reliable back-end starter when healthy, settled for a minor league deal with the Pirates back in March.

Upon joining the Pirates, German was placed in the clubs Triple-A rotation, where he has struggled through ten starts. In 50 1/3 innings of work at the level this year, German has posted a lackluster 5.36 ERA with a similar 5.50 FIP. While his 20.6% strikeout rate is respectable enough, hes walked a bloated 12% of batters faced at the level this year. That 8.6% K-BB% ratio is a far cry from the much more respectable 17.5% ratio hes posted throughout his career in the major leagues, where hes punched out 24.9% of batters faced while walking just 7.4%.

With Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Martin Perez, Marco Gonzales, Luis Ortiz, and Quinn Preister all seemingly ahead of German on the organizational depth chart among healthy starting options, it was hardly a surprise that German departed the club in hopes of finding a more pitching-hungry team interested in his services. Evidently, however, German was unable to find a deal he liked in free agency with another club, and as a result re-upped with Pittsburgh on a new deal that provides him an opt-out date after the Trade Deadline on July 30. Its easy to imagine German exercising that opt-out opportunity as well, in hopes that a club that wasnt able to address its rotation needs before the deadline at the end of the month shows interest in adding him to their mix as an innings-eating depth option. Until then, however, he figures to continue pitching in his current non-roster depth role with Pittsburghs Triple-A affiliate as he waits for his next big league opportunity.
While working on the installation of a new Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom has announced the removal of a 50-year-old character citing concerns over the name being derogatory and offensive.

Liver Lips McGrowl, whos been a member of the Country Bear Jamboree since 1971, along with Big Al, Henry, Trixie, Wendell, Teddi Barra and Ernest, has been removed, according to Disneys blog InsideTheMagic.

...The decision to remove Liver Lips McGrowl was driven by concerns over the characters name, the blog stated. The term liver lips is considered derogatory and offensive, as it is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the resulting liver damage.

The Disney blog added that the phrase is deemed to be insensitive and outdating therefore prompting Disneys decision to modify the character.

The parks refurbished attraction replaced Liver Lips McGrowl with a new character named Romeo McGrowl whose appearance remains largely unchanged in an effort to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for its guests.

Disney added that similar initiatives have been taken in recent years, such as making changes to Splash Mountain and the Jungle Cruise.

These attractions underwent significant modifications to remove stereotypical and offensive portrayals of indigenous peoples and animals, the blog reads. The changes reflect Disneys growing awareness of the need to adapt its offerings to align with contemporary values and expectations.
INTERLOCHEN, MI -- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Slash has cancelled a planned show at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, just days before he set to take the stage, due to a death in his family. The Guns N Roses star announced on Instagram late Sunday night that his stepdaughter died on July 19.

The venue has already assured concertgoers that refunds will be given as a result of the cancellation.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Slash is canceling several stops on his tour, including his July 24 performance this Wednesday at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Interlochen will be granting full refunds for this performance at point of purchase, reads a statement on the Interlochen Center for the Arts website.

Slash is currently on tour promoting his latest album as part of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. (Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N Tolerance) Festival. The tour began on July 5 and is set to conclude on Aug. 17.

Along with the Interlochen show, Slash cancelled three other tours stops, including a show at Caesars Windsor casino in Ontario, Canada on July 27.
Korean automaker Hyundai announced a pair of recalls impacting roughly 67,000 vehicles because of two separate issues, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The first recall affects an estimated 12,349 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from the 2024 model year. A problem with the software in the transmission control unit can cause the vehicle to roll away, even while in park. Until repairs can be made, owners are encouraged to use the emergency parking brake after parking their vehicles.

From June 3, 2024 through June 27, Hyundai was made aware of 45 different incidents attributable to the subject recall, according to the NHTSA. No injuries or crashes were reported as a result of the issue.

To correct the problem, dealerships will update the transmission control unit software and also inspect the dual clutch transmission to determine if replacement is necessary. All repairs will be done free of charge to impacted owners. Affected owners will be notified via letter starting Sept. 9.

The other recall involves roughly 54,647 vehicles where the fuel pump can fail, leading to the loss of drive power and an increased risk of crash. The recall impacts certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles, according to the NHTSA.

The company confirmed it has received 2,460 related incident reports connected to the problem over the last five years. No injuries or crashes were reported as a result of this issue either.

To correct the problem, dealerships will update engine control module software while also inspecting and replacing the fuel pump assembly if necessary. As with the other recall, all repairs will be made free of charge. Impacted owners of the involved vehicles will also be notified via letter starting Sept. 9.

READ MORE:

Stellantis says 24K hybrid minivans should be parked outside over increased fire risk

Investigation underway regarding 94K Jeep Wranglers that can suffer a loss of power

390K older BMW vehicles recalled over Takata air bag inflator issue

Tesla recalls Cybertruck for 4th time since it went on sale 7 months ago

550K Ford F-150 trucks recalled because they can downshift to first gear without warning

Estimated 1.2 million Stellantis vehicles recalled over software glitch

Chrysler recalls 211K SUVs, trucks over software issue that can disable safety feature

Toyota announces recall of 102K vehicles over possible debris in engine

Nissan issues do not drive warning for 84K older vehicles, is yours on the list?

Investigators seek answers from Ford on fuel leak recall involving 43K SUVs

Ford Maverick trucks recalled because tail lights may not turn on

Ford announces another recall involving Bronco Sport models, Mavericks recalled too

318K Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 models recalled over airbags that can explode

Mercedes-Benz recalls 116,000 vehicles over fire risk

330K Jeep Grand Cherokees recalled; if you drive one of these models, you may need repairs soon

If you own one of these newer Toyota trucks, a recall notice might be coming your way

Toyota recalls 280,000 trucks and SUVs over transmission power problem

Volkswagen recall impacts 261,000 vehicles as pump issue can lead to fuel leak

Hyundai announces recall of 90,000 Genesis vehicles over increased fire risk

Honda recall impacts 750,000 vehicles over faulty air bag sensor

Toyota, GM recall 61K older vehicles, tell drivers not to drive them until repair can be made

Tesla recalls almost 200,000 vehicles because backup cameras might not work

Ford recalls 1.9M SUVs as trim pieces can literally fly off vehicles while being driven

600,000 Ram trucks recalled over software that disguised pollution emissions

Nearly 113,000 Ford trucks recalled because they can roll away without warning

Tesla recalls 120K vehicles as doors can unlatch during a crash

Latest Tesla recall impacts nearly every vehicle sold in U.S., more than 2M cars affected

Honda recalls 2.5 million vehicles over fuel pump failures that increase risk of crash

Possible air bag defect leads to recall of 1 million Toyota vehicles

GM recalls entire Cruise autonomous vehicle unit after car dragged pedestrian 20 feet

Toyota recalls 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs as batteries can shift, catch fire

Estimated 751K Toyota Highlander SUVs recalled because bumper covers can fall off

Estimated 273,000 Ram trucks recalled over rear view camera problem

Another 3.4 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles recalled, owners told to park outside

Hyundai, Kia say 92,000 vehicles should be parked outside over fire risk in latest recall

Parking brakes on Ford F-150 trucks can activate while being driven, 870K trucks recalled

More than 354K Jeeps recalled worldwide as part can detach when car is in motion
MACOMB COUNTY, MI  A Michigan sheriffs department is issued a statement telling people to stop riding on top of moving cars.

The deadly trend known as car surfing is believed to have originated as part of a social media challenge spreading across multiple platforms. The Macomb County Sheriffs Office said it has responded to three different incidents in the past month.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI  Two men have been arrested and charged related to an alleged theft ring that stole at least three motorcycles, police said.

Three motorcycles were recovered from two locations after the Michigan State Police received a complaint on Thursday of a motorcycle stolen from a home in Blair Township, south of Traverse City, police said.

Through an aggressive investigative effort, social media posts and a string of anonymous tips, troopers located a truck related to the theft and identified two suspects in less than three hours, police said.

A 40-year-old Green Lake Township man and a 38-year-old man were identified as suspects, police said.

The 40-year-old was interviewed at his residence, police said. The stolen motorcycle was not found.

On Friday, troopers conducted a traffic stop in the early afternoon and developed more leads about where the second suspect was hiding in Green Lake Township, police said.

A traffic stop for a moving violation was conducted on U.S. 31 near the southern boundary of Grand Traverse County, police said.. The 38-year-old suspect was a passenger in the vehicle. He was arrested on an unrelated warrant and had methamphetamines.

The driver, a 24-year-old woman, was arrested for driving without a license, possession of methamphetamines and maintaining a drug house, police said.

The troopers then learned about their involvement with the stolen motorcycle and where it was hidden, police said.

Three search warrants were executed simultaneously just over 24 hours after the stolen motorcycle complaint, police said. One search was at a storage unit in Acme Township, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen motorcycle, plus a second stolen motorcycle from Benzie County. Additionally, about $35,000 worth of stolen tools, a utility trailer, a go-cart and methamphetamines were recovered during the other searches in Green Lake Township.

Michigan State Police troopers busted an alleged theft ring over the weekend and recovered three stolen motorcycles, $35,000 worth of stolen tools, a utility trailer, a go-cart and methamphetamines. Two suspects have been arrested.Michigan State Police

Michigan State Police troopers busted an alleged theft ring over the weekend and recovered three stolen motorcycles, $35,000 worth of stolen tools, a utility trailer, a go-cart and methamphetamines. Two suspects have been arrested.Michigan State Police

Michigan State Police troopers busted an alleged theft ring over the weekend and recovered three stolen motorcycles, $35,000 worth of stolen tools, a utility trailer, a go-cart and methamphetamines. Two suspects have been arrested.Michigan State Police

Based on the scale and complexity of the alleged crimes, the two male suspected were arrested for possession of methamphetamine, two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, and conducting a criminal enterprise, police said. More charges are expected to follow.

Additional stolen items were later recovered from another residence connected to the group, police said.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Raise a glass for four Ann Arbor restaurants that made the list for Wine Spectators 2024 Restaurant Awards.

The Earle at 121 W. Washington St., Blue Llama Jazz Club at 314 S. Main St., Webers Restaurant at 3050 Jackson Road and Paesano Restaurant and Wine Bar at 3411 Washtenaw Ave. are among the restaurants being recognized by Wine Spectator for the quality of their wine services. The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program has honored restaurants, and their wine lists, since 1981.
GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A man who fired multiple shots into a car in a Holland neighborhood, killing the driver, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

James Leonard Taylor, 33, was sentenced Monday, July 22 in Ottawa County Circuit Court.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Former Kalamazoo Township Manager Dexter Mitchell has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of willful neglect of duty as a public officer.

Mitchell entered the plea Monday, July 22, in front of Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Pamela Lightvoet. He had been charged in February with one count of felony eavesdropping for allegedly recording a private, closed-session meeting between township board members and the township attorney in March 2023.

A no-contest plea means the defendant accepts the punishment from the charges without admitting guilt.

RELATED: Kalamazoo Township manager charged for alleged illegal recording of meeting

As the result of a plea agreement with the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office, the felony charge  which carried a maximum penalty of two years in prison  was dismissed.

The charge of willful neglect of duty as a public officer carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. As part of a sentencing agreement, Mitchell  who was represented by Southfield attorney Vincent Toussaint  will be sentenced to the max fine in the case, Assistant Prosecutor Chelsea Huber said.

Lightvoet said there would be additional statutory costs and court costs that would be issued at sentencing. Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, Aug. 30.

The 54-year-old Mitchell was placed on leave as township manager in April 2023, as the Michigan State Police launched a 10-month investigation into whether Mitchell had broken the law. After the investigation resulted in the felony eavesdropping charge, Mitchell was fired by the township board.

RELATED: Township manager was paid $100K while on leave for felony eavesdropping

Prior to being placed on leave, Mitchell was under scrutiny for his handling of the dismissal of former Fire Chief David Obreiter, as well as former Battalion Chief Matt Mulac and a firefighter who allegedly harassed a 19-year-old Hispanic female firefighter.

Mitchell had been instructed not to be present at a March 3, 2023, closed-session meeting, but intentionally used a device to record it anyway.

A maintenance worker removing snow from the township hall parking lot that night saw Mitchell enter the building, according to testimony from Township Supervisor Donald Martin.

After verifying Mitchells key card was used that evening, Martin requested surveillance footage be pulled.

Martin saw someone on the footage who looked like Mitchell crawling into the meeting room and retrieving something from under the table. Footage from earlier in the day showed Mitchell enter the room and crawl under the table.

Mitchell initially denied recording the meeting to state police, but later admitted he had recorded it.

Mitchell told state police he was worried about the future of his job and that unusual things were happening at the township.

RELATED: Future of Kalamazoo Township managers job, position in general, under scrutiny

Mitchell served as the Kalamazoo Township manager from 2016 until he was placed on leave in April 2023. He also worked as the Buena Vista Township manager in Saginaw County from 2013 to 2016.

Kalamazoo Township recently hired former Kalamazoo County administrator and Western Michigan University controller Tracie Moored to a new superintendent position, which encompasses both township manager and human resources responsibilities.

RELATED: Kalamazoo Townships new leader is a familiar face

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
BAY CITY, MI  While he initially planned to argue he was insane when he made online threats against LGBTQ+ people, Americas president and Michigans governor -- a Sebewaing man changed his mind and opted to accept a plea deal. A federal prison sentence may now loom in his future, as it also may for his mother, who admitted to purchasing numerous guns for her troubled son.

Randall R. Berka II, 31, in late June appeared before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
TAWAS CITY, MI  Fueled by road rage, an ex-con with a lengthy record broke into an Oscoda Township home, only to have his fury interrupted when a resident wounded him with a rifle.

In the long run, the bullet proved to be the least of the mans concerns, as hes newly convicted and could spend the rest of his life imprisoned.
LANSING, MI  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for Democratic presidential nominee, said she would not run for vice president.

Whitmer also announced that she would serve as co-chair of Harris campaign.

Whitmers name has come up as a potential candidate for vice president but she told Tim Skubick of FOX 2 Detroit on Monday, July 22, that she was not leaving Michigan.

Related: Gov. Whitmer endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic candidate for president

No, Im not planning to go anywhere, she told Skubick. Im not leaving Michigan. Im proud to be the governor of Michigan.  Im not going anywhere.

Prior to publicly dismissing the talk as a potential candidate for the vice president position, Whitmers name was floated among a group of Democrats. National pundits listed Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and others as potential running mates for Harris likely presidential campaign.

Harris declared herself a Democratic candidate for the presidency shortly after President Joe Biden  whose poor showing in a debate last month against former President Donald Trump raised alarms  announced Sunday that he would not seek reelection.

Whiter said in a statement and video on X that she supported Harris and would serve as her campaign co-chairperson. Trump is a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe and drove our economy into the ground, Whitmer said.

We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go.

Whitmer has been viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028 but hasnt herself confirmed those ambitions.
Only one Florida man remains among the 15 men left on The Bachelorette. Last week, three men were sent home by Jenn Tran after some time in Melbourne. Watch a new episode on Monday, July 22, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Watch the show live for free with a trial from Fubo or DIRECTV Stream. You can also watch it for free on July 23 with a Hulu trial or on Hulu with the Disney Bundle.

About the show:

This season on The Bachelorette, the franchises first Asian-American bachelorette, Jenn must narrow down a group of men to find her husband. At the same time, each of them is vying for her heart and future.

Last week, Jenn sent home Brian from Florida, Jahaan from New York and Marvin from California.

In tonights episode, Jenn whisks one man away for a date that could lead to soaring connections, then invites a group of her suitors to a male dance revue. The men go for a high-speed race around the track, too. Tune in tonight, July 22, at 8/7c on ABC.

Where to watch ABC:

Remaining cast:
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HBSE 12th Compartment Result 2024 out at bseh.org.in, direct link here
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Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_
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Priyanka Chopra goes whale watching with her mother and daughter in Australia, See pics
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Tishaa Kumar funeral: Bhushan Kumar, Saiee Manjrekar, Riteish Deshmukh, Farah Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala and others arrive to pay their last respects
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PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy have helped improve logistics efficiency says Economic Survey 2024
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Recap before Union Budget: Top economic announcements by Modi 3.0 since taking charge
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Roads sector eyeing 10-year plan for the sector and price rationalisation on early BOT and TOT projects in Budget 2024-25
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Ahead of IPO, Swiggy hires Flipkart, Amazon execs for next phase of growth
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India must strike right balance in goods and capital imports from China: Economic Survey 2023-24
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Increase NCLT benches in Union budget to make IBC more effective, lawyers tell govt
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India may seek flexibility to offer duty concessions to Asean partners: Report
Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering the banking sector, fintechs, NBFCs, insurance and more, tweets @jinitparmar10
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Chemical players bet on hopes of PLI to give manufacturing boost
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Stock Radar: RIL, HDFC Bank, Wipro, Yes Bank, IRCTC, EMS, Kotak Bank in focus on Monday
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Union Budget, Q1 Earnings, US GDP among 10 key factors to watch

Market participants remain cautious ahead of the Union Budget 2024. Benchmark indices lost about a percent due to Friday's sell-off, ending the week flat with a positive bias. The indices had been positive since the beginning of the week, buoyed by IT companies' earnings and buying in FMCG counters amid good monsoon progress. However, caution ahead of the Budget and disruptions led by Microsoft activated the bears on Friday. Next week, the indices will react to earnings of Reliance Industries, Wipro, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and JSW Steel, announced after market hours on Friday and Saturday. The market is expected to be range-bound, likely with a positive bias due to renewed interest from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). Investors will look for cues from the Union Budget, corporate earnings, and US GDP numbers. Volatility is anticipated due to the monthly expiry of July Futures & Options contracts. Read more here
Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning
ITR filing 2024: New and old tax regimes: Six points that you need to bear in mind while filing returns
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Border issues with India will be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, says new Nepal PM Oli
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IndiGo to start Pune-Delhi flights from new terminal building staring today
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Major terror attack on Army picket in remote village of Rajouri thwarted
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Karnataka to issue dress code guidelines for public places, says Deputy CM Shivakumar
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Mumbai Rain:More than 200 mm rainfall in several areas of Mumbai over 24 hours, NDRF teams deployed
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NEET UG : SC constitutes IIT-Delhi panel to decide answer for an ambiguous question
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While the publication itself has a trove of information and findings, what should be of broad interest is the data on global effective average tax rates. We took this data for 2019 and 2023

The OECD recently came out with its flagship report Corporate Tax Statistics with updated country-wise information on global corporate taxation. The publication is part of the global effort to ensure that multinational corporations pay their due taxes in the countries where they earn them.

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SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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Excise Policy Case Highlights: Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court took cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation against BRS leader K Kavitha in the Delhi Excise policy case.

The court directed that she be produced before it through video conferencing on July 26 at 2 PM.
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Honoured by Joe Biden's endorsement, aim to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda: Kamala Harris
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Maldives seeks China's fiscal support to carry out economic reforms to address debt distress
'Not fit to serve as President': Trump reacts as Joe Biden drops out of US Presidential race
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Governor Gavin Newsom View Photo

Washington, DC  Former California US Senator Kamala Harris is the likely Democratic candidate for President after Joe Biden announced Sunday he is ending his Presidential run, concluding weeks of speculation about if he would stay in the race.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who some pundits have talked about as a potential presidential candidate after working to expand his national profile, including a debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, endorsed Harris yesterday, joining a list of other leading Democrats, in addition to Biden. Newsom called Harris tough, fearless and tenacious.

Sundays announcement came after Bidens recent debate performance and both private and public calls by several Democrats to leave the race.

The Associated Press reports that Bidens senior staff was notified about the pending announcement at 1:45 pm Eastern time on Sunday and he released the statement to the media a minute later, at 1:46 pm. His staff had earlier remained steadfast that he would stay in the race. Biden has been at home recovering after announcing last week that he came down with COVID.
Trailer Park Fire in Coulterville View Photos

Coulterville, CA  Calling it a heartbreaking situation, the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office reports that a fire broke out at the trailer park in Coulterville early Sunday morning, destroying six homes and several vehicles.

17 residents were impacted by the fire, and they are being assisted by the Red Cross, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Health and Human Services Agency. They are working to find places for the residents and their pets to stay, along with providing clothing and food. It is not immediately clear what caused the fire and there were no initial reports of any injuries.

Mariposa Sheriff Jeremy Briese was at the site yesterday surveying the damage and speaking with residents impacted.

Power is anticipated to be out for the remaining residents in the trailer park for the next several days.
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is mourning the loss of one of its distinguished officers, Colonel Andrew Kabaira, whose passing has cast a pall over the military community and beyond. The announcement of his untimely death, made yesterday by the Commander of the ZNA, Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, sent a wave of sadness through the nation.

Colonel Kabaira, a man of immense stature and unwavering dedication, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 64, after a brief illness. He was receiving treatment at the ZNA 2 Referral Hospital, located within the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare.

The Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe is deeply saddened to announce the untimely death of a dedicated and loyal senior officer, Colonel Andrew Kabaira, who passed away at ZNA 2 Referral hospital Josiah Magama Tongogara barracks in Harare today (yesterday), said ZNA director Public Relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore, his voice heavy with grief.

Colonel Kabairas passing is a profound loss not only for the ZNA but also for his family. He is survived by his wife and seven children, who are now left to navigate the difficult path of grief and remembrance.

As news of his passing spread, mourners began gathering at his residence, House Number 2354, Ngama Drive, Bluff Hill, Harare, to pay their respects. The outpouring of grief and the solemn atmosphere at his home are a testament to the deep respect and affection he commanded.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be released in due course, providing an opportunity for those who knew and admired Colonel Kabaira to come together and celebrate his life and legacy.

His death comes just a month after he was reshuffled from his position as Commander Harare District, a role he held with distinction. Last month (in June), he was replaced by Colonel Richard Mapanda, who now assumes the mantle of leadership for the Harare District.

Colonel Kabairas passing comes just a week after another military figure, Brigadier-General (Retired) Michael Chaminuka, succumbed to a very short illness. Chaminuka, a man who played a significant role during the events that led to the removal of former president Robert Mugabe while serving as General Constantine Chiwengas personal assistant, was declared a national hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and will be laid to rest today at the National Heroes Acre.

The passing of these two distinguished military figures, in such close proximity, has left a profound sense of loss within the nation.

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As Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit next month, a wave of controversy has erupted over the governments lavish spending on infrastructure projects in the face of a dire humanitarian crisis. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, set to assume the Sadc chairmanship, has embarked on an ambitious beautification project for Harare, with the aim of presenting a polished image to regional leaders. However, critics argue that this expenditure is a misallocation of resources, particularly given the dire food insecurity plaguing the nation.

The summit, scheduled for August 17th and 18th, has triggered a flurry of activity in Harare, with road rehabilitation projects, the construction of luxurious villas for visiting heads of state, and a comprehensive marketing campaign all in full swing. While the government has remained tight-lipped about the exact cost of these preparations, sources within one of the contracted road construction companies have pegged the figure at over US$220 million, The News Day has reported.

Several tributary roads are being refurbished, others being widened while in some areas, roads are being constructed from scratch. We are talking about a combined 250 kilometres being worked on and its worth more than US$220 million, revealed a source familiar with the project.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere, in a post-Cabinet briefing, confirmed that 90% of the road works have been completed, highlighting the extensive scope of the project.

Rehabilitation of Old Mazowe Road is underway and the scope of works includes construction and landscaping of Old Mazowe Road from Westgate Traffic Circle (Roundabout) to Mt Hampden; the Loop Road and New Parliament Building access roads; and the New Parliament Boulevard to the intersection with the Bindura Road, Muswere stated.

Government is also rehabilitating Greater Harare roads and the scope of works includes rehabilitation, street lighting and landscaping of 37 roads in the Greater Harare area that link the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to the City and also to Mt Hampden and New Parliament Building in particular. The overall progress of works is 90% and the target completion date is 30th July, 2024, he added.

In a further display of lavish spending, the government has commissioned the construction of 18 state-of-the-art villas in Mt Hampden to accommodate the Sadc Heads of State. These villas, built by a team of 500 Swiss experts, are expected to house the regional leaders for a maximum of two nights, with most of the construction materials imported.

The government has also launched a comprehensive marketing campaign for the summit, with billboards emblazoned on buses plying Harare routes. This effort underscores the governments determination to showcase a positive image of Zimbabwe to the regional community.

However, the governments expenditure on these projects has been met with widespread criticism, with many questioning the priorities of the ruling party. Social justice advocate Tendai Mbofana believes that President Mnangagwas focus on the summit is a calculated attempt to rebrand his image, particularly in light of the controversial 2023 elections.

His [Mnangagwa] election victory last year was tainted with allegations of electoral fraud, widespread intimidation of voters, biased state media, a compromised electoral body and a brutal crackdown on the opposition. As much as the region Heads of State failed to take any concrete action on the damning report, Mnangagwa, nonetheless, is fully aware that he is not regarded as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe even by his own fellow counterparts in Sadc.

Therefore, becoming the chair of this body and hosting the summit is, to him, a way of packaging himself as a legitimate President who has been recognised by fellow Sadc leaders. The noise and circus around this meeting of Sadc Heads of State and government is designed to somehow counter the damning Sadc election observer mission report.

Political commentator Pardon Taodzera echoes these sentiments, highlighting the stark contrast between the governments lavish spending and the dire state of the nations economy.

Its a case of wrong priorities. Millions are facing starvation, hospitals are empty and pupils do not have textbooks, then we focus on preparing for a two-day event? I think its a case of wrong priorities, he said.

The governments own estimates reveal that over half of the population is currently food insecure and requires food aid, a consequence of the El Nino-induced drought that has ravaged the country. President Mnangagwa has declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for US$3 billion in international aid to address the humanitarian crisis.

The governments decision to prioritize a summit over the basic needs of its citizens has sparked outrage among many Zimbabweans. They question the governments commitment to their well-being, particularly when faced with such a dire situation. The Sadc summit, while a significant event, has become a symbol of the governments misplaced priorities, highlighting the disconnect between the ruling elite and the struggles of ordinary Zimbabweans.

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to weaken demand even further. Some people argue that lower deposit rates will reduce the short-term incentive to save, spurring increases in consumption spending, but this seems more an article of faith than anything seen in the Chinese data.  Michael Pettis (@michaelxpettis) July 22, 2024

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Kremlin reacts to Biden dropping out of US presidential race RT Chairman of the State Duma: Biden has created problems in the world and in his country The State Duma. Realizing that he will not be re-elected, he runs away not waiting for the elections. He should be held responsible for the war unleashed in Ukraine, the destruction of the economies of European states, and the sanctions policy against Russia and other countries. He has blood on his hands.

European leaders look like absolute fools having followed Biden into war with Russia. It finally dawns on them that they will be left with the mess. Time for a u-turn in Ukraine. Accept defeat and make peace with Russia. Let Zelenskyy and NATO walk hand in hand into the sunset   Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) July 22, 2024

Speaking of that mess:

There is a whole AZOV-Batalion in Europe now, to recruit soldiers here in Western Europe. They are now in Belgium, and coming to the Netherlands, Rotterdam this week its outreageous !Cannot understand why, why, why ? https://t.co/SdjuKxivU1   RainDance   (@RealRainDance) July 19, 2024

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The result:

Its official. In terms of the 2024 presidential race, Dem voters have had no say whatsoever in anything  Walter Kirn (@walterkirn) July 21, 2024

GOP Response:

If Joe Biden doesnt have the cognitive function to run for re-election, then he certainly doesnt have the cognitive function to remain as Commander-In-Chief. How can any Dem pushing him to drop out of the presidential race, argue in good faith that he should stay on as POTUS?  JD Vance (@JDVance1) July 19, 2024

Lest we forget:

Biden is one of the worst war criminals of this century who has spent the last 9 months aiding a genocide in Gaza without batting an eye. A person who actively supports the mass slaughter of children is not a good or decent person.  Assal Rad (@AssalRad) July 21, 2024

2024

#Election2024 Hillary & Bill Clinton endorsing Harris. But Obama suggesting obliquely that Dem convention should determine candidate. The Split in the Dem party will likely deepen between now and Nov. Are Dems on the way to implosion?  Dr. Jack Rasmus (@drjackrasmus) July 21, 2024

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Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Usually Im very disheartened when we have Nazis in town, because it seems like our response as a city is to just stand there not knowing how to respond. My idea  a stupid idea  was that we needed a song that was catchy and fun to sing that tourists could also get in on, and we could just Casablanca it up whenever they came to town. But that meant writing a song, and all I could come up with was: Go home you Nazi fucks / Go home you sad little men / Go home Nazi fucks / Go home Nazi fucks, and dont come back again to a kind of Good Night, Irene tune. Its no John Browns Body, and it commits the Beyonce sin of rhyming a word with itself, so I disregarded it as an idea.

+6 Neo-Nazis Disrupt Metro Council Meeting Councilmember Suara orders chamber gallery cleared after disruptions by a dozen loosely organized white supremacists

But tons of people have been up to stuff! You can listen to state Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) on City Cast Nashville talking about white nationalism and Christian nationalism. State Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) has anti-Nazi swag and a ton of good information on how to combat white nationalists. If you just want catharsis, Phil Williams went and told the current crowd of Nazis in town that they seem sad and stupid right to their faces. Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin has been keeping an eagle eye on these guys and seems to know where they are in town before they do. And when those assholes tried to disrupt the Metro Council meeting on Tuesday, Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda cussed them out. (I have half a mind to get a print of this picture by the Nashville Banner's Martin B. Cherry to hang on my wall for inspiration.) A downtown bartender fist-fought with them. And a special shout-out to the local antifascist Twitter accounts that were revealing the identities of these guys left and right.

Im not sure weve worked out 100 percent what to do when Nazis show up, but I feel good that were figuring it out. You know whos not, though? Our Republicans.

OK, listen: In order to talk about whats going on here, Im going to have to use a term that, if you know it, you either think of it as a funny weird insult from South Park or you might think its a word worth coming to blows over. So let me be clear: I dont think a persons parents marital status matters to who that person is. And I think its stupid and terrible (and a little funny) that kids can be so negatively impacted by it, and I, in general, dont like the word bastard. However, theres a kind of stock character in literature and thus in movies and television of the bastard, and I think it would be useful in our present situation to think some about the bastard.

The idea is that the bastard character is a kind of chaos agent in a story. He appears and either: Everyone knows who he is but pretends they dont, and he is pissed that he cant take his place in the family and thus is a pain in the butt to his father, who cant publicly acknowledge him; or no one knows who he is, but because of his actions, either by being so strongly aligned with his father or so diametrically opposed to his father, everyone begins to realize whose son he is. And theres tension in the story about what it might mean for his father to acknowledge him. How will that affect the mans wife and the family he made with her? If the man has a good reputation, what will it mean when everyone finds out he abandoned a woman he got pregnant? Sometimes the bastard is at the center of the narrative, and sometimes the character doesnt play a main role, but just shows up to illustrate that one of the main characters is majorly deceptive about his true nature. And like I said, you can usually recognize the bastard, because either hes super pissed-off for reasons that are initially hard to understand or because he acts as if he has some ownership of or authority over things that seems outsized for his seeming status.

Why Didn't Bill Lee Denounce the Nazi Sign? The same day Lee signed two pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation, a sign featuring a swastika and hate speech appeared near Fort Negley

In the drama of our state, the Nazis are the bastards. They show up here acting like they own the joint. (A group of out-of-towners that includes Canadians told Metro Councilmember At-Large Zulfat Suara to go home. Motherfuckers, she is home. Youre the tourists.) They seem very angry and eager to piss off everyone around them. But also  and this is the part I want you to notice  these dudes are hell-bent on making very clear their resemblance to our Republican lawmakers. They sent the governor a public thank-you note. Now this iteration of white supremacists has been standing at the courthouse steps requesting that people honk if they support our new law to allow the death penalty for some child rapists. One of the main reasons theyre here is that our state does shit that matches their Nazi agenda. If their ideas are welcome here, why shouldnt they be?

Were still at the point in the story where the man with the bastard son is trying very hard to pretend the kid doesnt exist, that theres no family resemblance, and so the man has no responsibility to or for the son and the sons actions.

Right Flight: The Past, Present and Future of Right-Wing Extremism in Tennessee Examining the history of white supremacy in Nashville, modern far-right hate groups, and Williamson County as a seat of right-wing politics

Do y'all remember Prospero going:

Mark but the badges of these men, my lords, Then say if they be true. This misshapen knave, His mother was a witch, and one so strong That could control the moon, make flows and ebbs, And deal in her command without her power. These three have robbed me, and this demi-devil (For hes a bastard one) had plotted with them To take my life. Two of these fellows you Must know and own; this thing of darkness I Acknowledge mine.

Were at the point where some Republican lawmakers can understand that not dealing with the Nazis in our midst could lead to our ruin, but not where theyre willing to take responsibility for making them feel welcome here.
Armstrong Economics: Wests Neocons PERSISTENT to bring in WWIII

Martin Armstrong of Armstrong Economics believes World War III isn't far fetched, as the Western powers have allowed neoconservatives to maneuver the Russia-Ukraine war for this purpose.

He put forward this claim in a July 3 piece, noting that the modern neocons have spent their entire lives hating Russians for particularly personal reasons. One example he mentioned was Victoria Nuland, former under secretary of state for political affairs at the Department of State. Nuland resigned from her position in March.

According to Armstrong, Nuland hand-picked the "unelected government" in Ukraine and instructed it to incite a civil war. Kyiv complied with this instruction by attacking the Russian-speaking Donbas region to lure Russian President Vladimir Putin into war. But the mainstream media makes no mention of this reality, instead parroting the narrative that Putin invaded Ukraine unprovoked. (Related: Pro-Ukraine war hawk Victoria Nuland QUITS as Russia gains ground and NATO's military efforts falter.)

The founder of Armstrong Economics added that the neocons "rigged the election" to put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into power. In turn, the comedian-turned-chief executive stood up and declared that Ukraine would rearm with nuclear weapons pointed at Russia a day before Moscow launched its "special military operation."

Armstrong also mentioned that Nuland, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, were all Jewish with heritage in Ukraine. These three neocons who have found power under the Biden administration claimed that their families faced persecution under the Russians.

"That is a conflict of interest and nobody in Congress dares to investigate," he lamented. "These people have spent their entire lives hating Russians for particularly personal reasons."

"These neocons have waged endless wars since [the] Vietnam [War]. They lied to the American public to justify their wars. As long as the West continues to allow the neocons to control [the Russia-Ukraine war], then there will be no stopping WWIII."

Russia's UN ambassador: Ukraine issues can't be solved in a day

Meanwhile, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya disagreed with the claims of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has publicly vowed to find a way to stop the Russia-Ukraine war in one day if he is elected to a second term.

"They're dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I'll have that done. I'll have that done in 24 hours," Trump said during a CNN town hall in May of last year. He also reiterated this on June 27 during his debate with incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden, saying: "If we had a real president, a president that knew  that was respected by Putin, he would have never invaded Ukraine."

But according to Nebenzya, "the Ukrainian crisis cannot be solved in one day." He insisted that the war could have ended in April 2022 when Moscow and Kyiv were "very close" to an agreement, but it did not happen due to the meddling of then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Russian diplomat also blamed Ukraine's western backers for blocking the April 2022 peace deal and telling Kyiv to keep fighting Russia.

According to Nebenzya, Zelensky "is running around with his so-called peace plan which, of course, is not a peace plan but a joke." During a two-day 'peace conference' in Switzerland last month, nearly 80 countries called for the "territorial integrity" of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end the war. However, some key developing nations did not join in  with Russia notably excluded from the conference.

Head over to WWIII.news for stories related to the escalating war between Ukraine and Russia.

Watch the video about former State Department official Victoria Nuland insisting that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization must allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Victoria Nuland's RESIGNATION spells BAD NEWS for Ukraine.

Ray McGovern: NEOCONS and WARMONGERS in Biden admin are pushing U.S. into war with Iran.

Gov. Abbott, a neocon Zionist, sent TROOPS to Texas universities to brutally assault pro-Palestine students.

Neocons deceitfully trying to misdirect Americans about true intent of Tucker Carlson's Putin interview, which was to teach and show Americans the TRUTH.

Sources include:

BlacklistedNews.com

ArmstrongEconomics.com

APNews.com

Brighteon.com
ITS JOE-VER! Biden DROPS OUT of presidential race, endorses VP Harris as replacement

President Joe Biden has finally yielded to pressure from his fellow Democrats.

The 81-year-old Biden announced in a July 21 post on X that he will step aside as the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement.

But Biden intends to remain in his role as president and commander-in-chief until the end of his term in January 2025. Biden  the oldest sitting president in America's history  will formally address the country this week.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote.

"I believe today what I always have: There is nothing America can't do  when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

Biden's decision to withdraw from the race followed his shaky performance against former President Donald Trump during the June 27 presidential debate organized by CNN. More than 30 Congressional Democrats exhorted the chief executive to abandon his plans for seeking a second term after the debate.

Earlier, a top advisor had warned Biden his campaign donations were at risk of drying up if he stayed in the race. According to several reports, film producer and Democratic insider Jeffrey Katzenberg informed the president that major donors were considering cutting funding due to doubts about the campaign's viability. Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks Pictures, issued this warning in a July 17 private meeting with investors in Las Vegas. (Related: Top advisor warns Biden: Campaign donations are rapidly drying up.)

Before Biden's lackluster performance during the CNN presidential debate, his campaign had approximately $250 million. But with major donors doubting the president's chances in November, Katzenberg warned Biden that they have significantly reduced their donations.

VP Harris gets Biden's nod

Following his withdrawal, a new replacement is set to be nominated  with CNN noting that "logistically, Harris is the natural heir to the ticket."

The 81-year-old chief executive later confirmed his endorsement of Harris to replace him. "My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term," he said.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Harris as my vice president, and it's been the best decision I've made. I want to offer my full support and endorsement for [her] to be the nominee."

The second most powerful official in the land accepted this honor. Harris said in a statement: "I am honored to have the president's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."

Biden is the first sitting president to give up his party's nomination for reelection since President Lyndon Johnson in March 1968. His departure from the race leaves the Democratic Party in an unprecedented situation, with only a month until the Democratic National Convention and less than four months until the November 5 presidential election.

Head over to JoeBiden.news for more stories about the incumbent president.

Watch this Newsmax report about President Joe Biden's announcement regarding his withdrawal from the presidential race.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Top Democrat donors cutting off Biden and investing in finding replacement candidate.

Biden's CEO ally: The president wont bow down to Democrat elites who want him out of the race.

Prominent Democratic strategist says it's too late to talk about replacing Biden as party goes into full panic mode over disastrous debate performance.

Sources include:

AlJazeera.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Germany bans Compact Magazine in free press assault; 200 masked cops raid publishers home for questioning official narratives

In an unprecedented move the likes of which has not been seen since World War II, Germany has banned Compact Magazine and raided the publisher's home in defiance of free speech protections for the press.

More than 200 masked, armed and armored-up law enforcement officers stormed the home of Jurgen Elsasser, who heads up Compact Magazine, as well as the homes of several of his employees and financial backers. During the raid, which commenced at 6:00 am, police officers confiscated hard drives and other assets in order to shut down the magazine's operations.

The private homes of employees living in Brandenburg, Hesse, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, including the home of Elsasser in Falkensee near Berlin, were all raided as part of the sweep, as was the Nobeditz manor of former AfD politician Andre Poggenburg in Stoen near Naumburg.

Compact Magazine has a large readership in Germany. Its YouTube channel boasted more than 300,000 subscribers and millions of views as of last count. As of now, however, Compact Magazine's website and social media presence is gone.

Far-left German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser celebrated the raid and shutdown on X, admitting to the world that she ordered it to occur, which many now agree was an unconstitutional move.

"Today, I banned the right-wing extremist 'COMPACT Magazine,'" Faeser wrote. "It agitates in an unspeakable way against Jews, against Muslims and against our democracy. Our ban is a hard blow against the right-wing extremist scene."

Faeser added in a follow-up statement that Germany under her watch "will not allow ethnic definitions of who belongs to Germany and who does not."

"Our constitutional state protects all those who are persecuted because of their faith, their origin, their skin color or their democratic stance," she insists.

(Related: Speaking of Germany, did you know that excess deaths only started appearing there after Wuhan coronavirus [COVID-19] "vaccines" were unleashed?)

Elsasser's video production company Conspect Film GmbH also banned in Germany

To be sure that he does not continue producing media content in other formats, Faeser's raid also included the shutdown of Elsasser's video production company Conspect Film GmbH, which is no longer in operation in Germany.

All of this marks the first time ever in Germany that a media outlet of this size has been targeted in such an extreme and flagrant way.

"The ban on Compact Magazine is a serious blow to press freedom," commented Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla in a joint statement.

"We are watching these events with great concern. Banning a press organ means denying discourse and diversity of opinion. A ban is always the most far-reaching step. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser is abusing her powers to suppress critical reporting. We call on the minister to respect press freedom."

Germany's Welt, a mouthpiece for AfD's rival Christian Democrats political party, claims the raid came about after Compact allegedly violated a constitutional order in a "combative and aggressive manner."

When it was still in operation, Compact branded itself as a "magazine for sovereignty" that "does not prescribe a political line, but rather an attitude: That is walking upright, that is the spirit of freedom and pride in our history."

"Compact presented its readers with doomsday scenarios and racism, conspiracy theories and agitation against politicians from the hated 'old parties'  and as a way out of all this misery: the AfD," Welt argues in favor of the raid and ban.

"Compact specifically addressed right-wing extremists, conspiracy theorists and opponents of democracy with well-known narratives: of the 'lying press' and 'high finance,' of 'corrupt politicians' and 'powerful puppet masters in the background' who were deceiving them."

More related news about the deep state's silencing of sensitive topics can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

RMX.news

NaturalNews.com
Google now censoring peoples emails, private groups in Orwellian anti-misinformation scheme

On June 27, the day of thedebate between President Biden and President Trump, fellow 2024 presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in his own "Real Debate," streamed on X, that was broadcast at the same time and allowed Kennedy to respond with his own answers, this after he was barred byfrom participating. It turns out that Google interfered with the public knowing about the Real Debate by censorship emails and Google Groups posts about it.

Many people are still unaware that Kennedy even participated in the debate via the Real Debate precisely because Google did its best to silence its users from informing their friends, family members and supporters to tune in on X to watch. Lori Weintz, writing for The Defender, a project of Kennedy's Children's Health Defense (CHD), says she "sent out a few texts and a notice in a Google Group, with a link to the Real Debate website," only to have these notices "permanently removed" by Google within minutes.

"Some commentary on the debate went back and forth in the group," Weintz writes. "Thirty minutes after my first post, I received [an] email from Google Groups stating that they had 'permanently removed' my content because 'an external report flagged the content for illegal content or policy violations.'"

"My post was removed 'for the following reason: unwanted content,' and I was informed, 'You may have the option to pursue your claims in court.'"

(Related: In cooperation with Big Tech, both the United Nations [UN] and the World Economic Forum [WEF] control search engine results to keep the world in the dark about sensitive topics: "We own the science and we think the world should know it.")

Whenever possible, avoid all Big Tech platforms

After clicking on the provided link to see which of her content was deleted, Weintz was unable to see anything as she was presented with a "Content unavailable" prompt from Google.

"For the first time, I was censored by Big Brother for sharing an idea, without even being informed what my thoughtcrime was," Weintz says. "I'm not on social media, so I have only been informed by others of the rampant censorship surrounding posts about Jan. 6, election integrity and the official COVID-19 response, among other taboo topics."

Even just five years ago, it was mostly unheard of for tech platforms like Google to take such blatantly anti-free speech measures on their platforms. Raiding people's private emails and groups to remove certain types of speech is an entirely new paradigm that is rapidly escalating across the entire tech spectrum.

"It would have seemed a tongue-in-cheek reference to Orwell's 1984 or an absurd comparison to totalitarian states where freedom of speech is not a thing," Weintz contends about how quickly the Censorship Industrial Complex has ballooned into the behemoth silencer of speech it has now become.

In addition to censoring content, Google also actively monitors private groups in search of "unwanted" speech. The company also probes its users' personal emails in search of the same so entire emails can be flagged as "dangerous."

Weintz wants to know who filed the "external report" against her in the first place, though she is not holding her breath that Google will ever fess up unless it has to via a court order. It could be the Biden regime, though, if the case of Murthy v. Missouri is any indication.

"As can be read in the June 26 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, during the pandemic social media companies were harangued by various White House officials and the Office of the Surgeon General," Weintz reveals.

"The platforms were pressured to remove posts, and even delete whole accounts, that were deemed 'unhelpful' by the government. Section 230 of the United States Code provides immunity to online platform services for content generated by their users. The White House threatened the removal of that protection if the social media platforms didn't comply with Big Brother's wishes."

Truth is getting harder and harder to find the more the deep state censors and removes it from the internet and public conversation. Learn more at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

NaturalNews.com
CYBER POLYGON 2024 : Great Reset begins with engineered Internet breakdown followed by CBDC roll-out

First, its important to understand that The Powers That Be (TPTB) themselves have never been so disunited and confused, incohesive and disordered.

(Article republished from StateOfTheNation.co)

In point of fact, all of the major implementation plans on their New World Order agenda have gone awry. Every nefarious scheme to foist a One World Government on the world community of nations has been thrown into disarray. Just look at their crazy Covid clusterf*ck to understand their current stewpot.

Nevertheless, the power elite will continue to carry out their Great Reset since so much of their world takeover project greatly depends upon it. Toward that end, CYBER POLYGON plays an integral role in that global controlled demolition of cyberspace as a necessary precursor to their long planned CBDC roll-out.

It ought to be obvious that such a massive and far-reaching international outage just doesnt happen by accident; rather, this was a classic MIHOP event.

MIHOP = Made It Happen On Purpose

But just how do we know that?

Because, CrowdStrike is involvedTHATS WHY!

Necessary Perspective

There are multiple international wars and and domestic conflicts taking place across planet Earth in 2024 and beyond.

Each one of these is BIG as in biblical.

Israel versus Iran is literally Armageddon.

Russia versus NATO is potentially an apocalyptic nuclear World War III.

China versus the US would mark the end of the existing Global Economic and Financial System.

You got the picture.

Then there is the Right vs the Leftaround the globe.

In the USA, that means the end of either the Democrats or the Republicans or both.

Ditto that for Brazil and Argentina, France and Germany, UK and Italy

TPTB can no longer stage manage so much manufactured chaos, confusion and conflict worldwide.

And it is the Internet, their single greatest weapon against all of humanity, that has also become their greatest curse.

CAPICHE?!?

Which means that the Tyrannical Technocracy has been ordered to change the entire dynamic which now dominates throughout cyberspace and is known by the scared elites as freedom of speech.

In fact, so much radioactive truth and raw facts are being disseminated daily that even the most advanced AI monitors are unable to keep up, especially when even Autonomous Superintelligence cannot decipher all the powerful new memes in real time.

Hence, for the dark side to successfully execute their plans for a total planetary lockdown, they must exert complete command and control over all of cyberspace.

Thats where the WEFs CYBER POLYGON comes in.

Welcome to the second July Surprise! The utterly staged false flag Trump assassination hoax being the first one.

CYBER POLYGON: Sponsored by the World Economic Forum

By the way, isnt it very interesting that todays global Internet outage occurred the day after what was considered by the politicos to be a very successful Republican National Convention? After all, Donald Trump is not considered to be a close friend of that globalist Davos crowd at the World Economic Forum.

Read more at: StateOfTheNation.co
Jack Blacks band cancels tour after bandmate makes insensitive joke to crowd about Trump shooting

Actor and musician Jack Black has cancelled the remainder of his comedy rock bands Australian tour following the backlash over insensitive and dangerous remarks bandmate Kyle Gass made about former president Donald Trump.

The band, Tenacious D, was playing in Sydney when Black presented Gass with a birthday cake onstage, sang "Happy Birthday" to him, and told him to make a wish.

After blowing out his candles, Gass replied: Dont miss Trump next time, a reference to the recent assassination attempt against the former president. The crowd at the ICC Sydney Theatre could be heard laughing at the tasteless joke, which referred to an event at which one man lost his life shielding his family from gunfire and two others were critically injured.

One audience member told Yahoo News: You could hear a couple of oohhs  like too soon sort of vibes  but the vast majority was laughter.

This exchange led to a call from an Australian lawmaker imploring the countrys immigration minister to revoke their visas and have them deported.

Australian Senator Ralph Babet wrote on X: To advocate and or wish for the assassination of a President is egregious, disgusting, filthy, evil, and not acceptable in any way, shape or form."

This was not a joke, he was deadly serious when he wished for the death of the President.

He added: Anything less than a deportation is an endorsement of the shooting and the attempted assassination of Donald J Trump.

Gass' agent dropped him over comment

The fallout was swift and severe. Gass Hollywood talent representative, Michael Greene of Greene Talent, acknowledged parting ways with him.

For his part, Black claims that he was blindsided by what was said at the show.

He stated: I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form. 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.

However, footage of the exchange shared on social media tells a different story. Rather than seeming blindsided, Black laughs hysterically at Gass joke and then says, Thank you.

It seems far more likely that it was the backlash, rather than the comment itself, that prompted the band to call off its Spicy Meatball Tour. They were scheduled to play in Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide before heading to New Zealand and then back to the U.S.

Apology comes only after backlash

Gass has also apologized, writing in an Instagram post: The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I dont condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone.

What happened was a tragedy, and Im incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those Ive let down and truly regret any pain Ive caused.

Last month, Black appeared on the same stage as President Biden and former president Barack Obama at a celebrity fundraiser that raised more than $30 million. He warned at the event that democracy is at stake.

However, he and his bandmate are clearly not supporting Bidens call to cool down the political rhetoric following the shooting. The president said: We cant allow this violence to be normalized. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. Its time to cool it down. We all have a responsibility to do this.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

CNN.com
DEMOCRAT COUP: Pelosi played major role in pressuring Biden to DROP OUT of presidential race

Heavy pressure from congressional Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, played a huge role in President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, July 21.

But none of them applied more pressure than former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). According to POLITICO, Pelosi has been "working the phones" since Biden's lackluster performance during the June 27 presidential debate hosted by CNN.

In the past few weeks, she has repeatedly warned that Trump represents an existential threat to democracy who must be defeated in November, a feat more and more Democrats are uncertain Biden can accomplish as questions about his mental fitness continue. POLITICO senior political columnist Jonathan Martin suggested in an article that Pelosi keeps her efforts discreet to maintain party unity.

"One of her colleagues was struck to see her chatting, furtively but openly, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries [of New York] last week in a corner of the House Democratic cloakroom in plain sight of a dozen lawmakers," Martin wrote, adding that the extent of Pelosi's behind-the-scenes role has not been fully revealed and may never be if the former speaker has her way.

"But I am told by people familiar with the exchanges that she's stage-managed phone calls to Jeffries, plotted strategy with the biggest names in Democratic politics and told one former elected official bluntly that Biden's legacy can't be destroying their party."

Meanwhile, Pelosi spokesman Ian Krager told the news outlet that "[former House] Speaker Pelosi fully supports whatever President Biden decides to do. We must turn our attention to why this race is so important: Donald Trump would be a disaster for our country and our democracy."

Biden felt "hurt and betrayed"

Even before Biden made an official announcement, Newsmax commentator Mark Halperin revealed that the president already agreed to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Halperin, who cited key Democratic sources, accurately reported that the 81-year-old commander-in-chief would announce his decision on July 21.

Reality is setting in," a source close to Biden told the New York Times. "I dont see how [Biden] can outmaneuver the sustained attacks," POLITICO quoted a Democratic figure close to the White House as saying: "It feels like the ending is near." The source was eventually proven right.

Biden's resolve had been shaken by a combination of the intensive machinations of Pelosi, fresh poll data from swing states showing his path to an electoral college victory narrowing and a boycott by key donors. Biden reportedly told his aides that he felt "hurt and betrayed" at how the party's leading figures pressured him to step aside. (Related: Pelosi now claims its LEGITIMATE to question Bidens mental state after initially backing him.)

The president caught the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) on July 17 while he was in Las Vegas. He then canceled his Nevada appearance and headed to his home in Delaware, where he is now isolated. His doctor Kevin O'Connor said in a statement that he is being treated with Paxlovid, does not have a fever and that his vital signs are normal.

Check out Conspiracy.news for news related to the Democrats' secret moves to take down Biden from the presidential race.

Watch the video below that talks about Nancy Pelosi doing everything in her power to make Joe Biden resign.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Biden REFUSING to step down even though Democrats want another candidate.

Close Biden aides allegedly holding secret talks about how to convince him to step aside for another nominee.

Netflix co-founder, Disney family heiress, other Democratic megadonors pausing donations until Biden steps aside.

Alex Soros continues to support Biden despite growing calls for the president to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

Biden says he might reconsider dropping out if his doctors advise that a medical condition warrants it.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
Malnutrition remains a significant issue in Pacific: UNICEF

T

he United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said that while under-five mortality rates in the Pacific are generally stable, there are concerning trends as malnutrition remains a significant issue among countries.

Veitch made the remarks while addressing the critical issues of malnutrition and health among children in Fiji and the broader Pacific region, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

Children can be vulnerable to early death if they don't get proper nutrition at the early age of life, he said, noting that it is "completely avoidable," reports Xinhua news agency.

Veitch said UNICEF is working closely with the Fijian Ministry of Health to combat these challenges.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said educating parents about proper nutrition and ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrients are vital steps in addressing this problem.

int/sd/kvd

 Malnutrition remains a significant issue in Pacific: UNICEF

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A new study conducted by the Centre for Urban Mental Health at the University of Amsterdam finds that, in a sample of 156,000 UK residents aged 40 and up, urban living is linked to lower levels of well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. Urban residents also exhibit greater psychological inequality. The study identifies a 'Goldilocks zone' between cities and rural areas, where the highest satisfaction and most equal scores are observed.

The percentage of people living in cities has surged from 10% in the 1910s to a projected 68% by 2050. This shift means that cities are increasingly shaping our psychological lives, making it crucial to understand urban well-being. This popularity of cities is largely driven by the abundance of social and economic opportunities. In response to this observation, psychologist and lead author Adam Finnemann investigated with colleagues whether the popularity of cities makes sense from a psychological perspective. In other words, does the abundance of economic opportunities translate into higher urban economic satisfaction? Does the wealth of people lead to urban social satisfaction? Do urban residents experience higher well-being compared to those living farther from cities?

A sample of 156,000 people from multiple cities

The study aimed to answer these questions by comparing urban and rural areas using large samples ranging from 40,000 to 156,000 individuals aged 40 to 70 from the UK Biobank.

A central challenge in urban psychology is defining urban, suburban, peri-urban, and rural areas. To address this problem, we propose a novel measure of urbanicity based on the distance between individuals and their nearest city center. This measure also accounts for the fact that living 15 km from London differs from living 15 km from Leeds-;one is still urbanized while the other is countryside." Adam Finnemann, psychologist and lead author

The urban desirability paradox

The study finds that while urban residents have the highest incomes, this does not translate into psychological advantages. On the contrary, residents in highly urban areas score worse on all eight measures covering well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction. The researchers conclude that there exists a conundrum, which they term the 'urban desirability paradox;' highlighting the contrast between the popularity of cities and the psychological state of their residents.

Benefiting the already advantaged

The study also finds increased inequality in satisfaction, particularly regarding income and financial satisfaction, with the highest satisfaction inequality near city centers. 'This increased social and economic satisfaction inequality aligns with theories that suggest cities disproportionately benefit the already advantaged,' Finnemann notes.

Optimal distances

Finally, the novel measure of urbanicity allowed the researchers to examine the effects between highly urban and highly rural areas. They identified optimal distances for five variables: meaningful life, family satisfaction, friendship satisfaction, loneliness, and financial satisfaction. 'Areas near cities but beyond their boundaries, the hinterlands, show the highest and most equal levels of psychological satisfaction,' explains Finnemann. 'These optimal distances might result from happy individuals moving there rather than the locations themselves enhancing individual well-being. Thus, our findings do not imply that anyone will benefit psychologically from moving to these areas.'

This study was funded by The Centre for Urban Mental Health (UMH). UMH is the largest Research Priority Area of the University of Amsterdam and comprises 3 faculties: the Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Medicine. The aim of UMH is to identify new pathways for interventions that promote urban mental health, using a complexity science approach.
New Curtin University research has revealed at least 46,000 Australian welders are exposed to high levels of dangerous, potentially cancer-causing fumes at work -; and little is being done to protect them.

A joint Curtin School of Population Health and University of Sydney project funded through the Centre for Work Health and Safety, the Australian-first study was published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

The research team surveyed 634 workers and employers involved in welding from across Australia and asked a series of questions about their work, including the tasks they undertook, their working environment, and the safety measures implemented in their workplace.

The survey revealed about 90 per cent were being exposed to 'welding fume', a mixture of very fine particles and gases produced when a metal is heated above its boiling point.

Welding fume is a known carcinogen in humans.

Of the participants found to be exposed to welding fume, 76 per cent were deemed to be exposed at a high level, while other carcinogenic metals were also often present -; most commonly hexavalent chromium and nickel.

Study lead Dr Renee Carey, who was previously involved in a landmark study outlining the dangers of working with engineered stone, said this new research showed many welders in Australia could be at risk of developing serious health problems.

Data shows at least 60,000 people are employed as welders, however the number of people who complete welding tasks as part of their job would be far higher. Welding fume exposure has been associated with various adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory disease, neurological disorders and reproductive effects." Dr. Renee Carey, study lead

Study co-author Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney, said the exposure risk was exacerbated by the conditions in which most welders worked.

Two-thirds of respondents said they welded in restricted spaces and, more concerning, nearly half said they worked in confined spaces.

Almost 90 per cent also reported leaning over the welding area while working, often putting their breathing zone directly above the fume source.

"Despite this, only 19 per cent of study participants said their workplace had some form of mechanical ventilation, such as a welding booth or exhaust hoods," Professor Driscoll said.

"Given that many Australian workplaces are apparently without effective ventilation, it is even more concerning that nearly two-thirds of workers in non-ventilated areas reported they do not use an air-supplied welding helmet."

Public Health Association Chief Executive Terry Slevin said the study revealed serious health risks which must be reduced.

"We have seen strong action to reduce the health problems linked to asbestos and silica; this is another example where Australia's health and safety legislation must be put to work to protect our tens of thousands of welders," Adjunct Professor Slevin said.

"This study demands every professional welder in Australia be supplied with upgraded protective equipment to make their work as safe as humanly possible.

"We have the technology -; now we need to ensure it is mandatory to use it in our workplaces."

The study also looked at the actual levels of exposure to welding fume and the use of control measures in workplaces. This will be the subject of a forthcoming report.
Obesity is an established risk factor for heart disease; however, it remains unclear how fat deposition in obesity alters the structure and function of the heart in older adults. A new paper published in the European Heart Journal discusses cardiac outcomes in individuals between 60 and 64 years of age following fat accumulation in early or mid-adulthood.

Study: Adulthood adiposity affects cardiac structure and function in later life. Image Credit: Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com

About the study

The current study examines the postulate that adiposity before the target age of 60-64 is associated with long-term negative cardiac outcomes. The study included 1,690 individuals who were part of the National Survey of Health and Development birth cohort, all of whom were White British adults.

All study participants were repeatedly measured for adiposity. Both body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) values were calculated throughout the study participants' adult lives from the age of 20. Between the ages of 60 and 64, an echocardiographic evaluation of heart structure and function was performed. These parameters included left ventricle (LV) structure/mass, relative wall thickness, internal LV diameter (LVIDd), and function during heart diastole.

Left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) was also measured with LV functional characteristics such as the systolic ejection fraction and myocardial contraction fraction (MCF). Together, these measurements were used to clarify the relationships between adiposity and heart structure/function in later life.

What did the results show?

Heart structure

Adults with a higher BMI from age 20 years were associated with a greater risk of increased LV mass (LVM) and LVIDd. LVIDd continued to increase with BMI, irrespective of the current BMI. The increase in LVM with BMI remained consistent at 26, 43, and 53 years of age.

The relative wall thickness (RWT) of the LV increased with BMI after the age of 43 years. This effect was due to the influence of BMI between 60 and 64 years of age.

Systolic function

A higher BMI was associated with poorer systolic heart function in terms of lower ejection fraction at all ages below 60-64 years except 43 years. This association was attributed to BMI at 60-64 years of age.

Similar observations were made for MCF, which declined with increasing BMI from age 20. These effects were also explained by BMI between 60 and 64.

Diastolic function

After compensating for possible confounding factors, the heart's diastolic function decreased with increasing BMI from the age of 20 onwards. This was also attributed to the effect of adiposity or BMI at 60-64 years of age.

LAVi rose with BMI from the age of 26 onwards. Even when BMI at 60-64 was considered, the same associations were observed despite some loss of strength.

A similar trend was also observed for WHR from the age of 43, with MCF declining and LAVi rising with increasing WHR. These associations were observed irrespective of the WHR at 60-64.

Conclusions

The current study presents the results of the longest follow-up period in any birth cohort study in Britain. The study findings identified a link between increased fat deposition, as demonstrated by higher BMI/WHR, in early adult life, followed by deterioration of cardiac structure and impairment of cardiac function.

Older adults with higher fat mass during early adulthood were more likely to have poorer systolic and diastolic function. However, these effects were primarily attributed to excess adiposity at the time of examination rather than earlier in adulthood.

Some of these associations persisted despite subsequent changes in BMI at 60-64 years of age. Persistent changes were observed with LVM, RWT, and LVIDd, thus indicating an enduring influence of adiposity earlier in life.

No evidence suggests a critical window during adult life that determines cardiac outcomes later in life. Importantly, BMI is likely not an ideal measure of body fat mass in young adults due to the presence of increased muscle mass. Moreover, most young adults in the current study had normal BMI values.

Our findings show that excess adiposity over the life course is associated with adverse cardiac structure and function that is only partly attributable to tracking of BMI.

Primary prevention by targeting the development of obesity and fat deposition in early and mid-adulthood is key to reducing the risk of cardiac damage later in life. In the future, more extensive studies are needed to provide evidence-based frameworks for these strategies and account for dietary intakes with more diverse cohorts.
On average, healthcare professionals involved in surgical procedures and care in hospitals experience more stress and burnout than other professional groups in Europe. An estimated 60% of these caregivers are showing symptoms of burnout, while up to half of nurses are considering leaving their profession. To address this, thanks to a Horizon Grant of almost 6.5 million euros, Amsterdam UMC will lead a European consortium in search of the best solutions to stress.

Healthcare providers involved in surgical procedures are under enormous pressure. Think of surgeons, nurses, theatre assistants, anesthesiologists. They drop out due to stress or start looking for another job. Partly because of this, we have a large and increasing shortage of healthcare personnel. Furthermore, due to understaffing, it is increasingly difficult to encourage people to come and work for us. Hospitals are facing rising costs and waiting lists are increasing. Ultimately, patients, and we as a society, will have to bear the adverse consequences of that if we don't look for solutions now that keep our people safe at work." Marlies Schijven, surgeon and research leader

With the Horizon grant of 6.5 million, the researchers want to develop, among other things, a digital tool that, supported by artificial intelligence, can predict which stress-reducing methods work best for individual healthcare providers.

Stress varies from person to person

The study, called KEEPCARING, is divided into a number of phases. First of all, the researchers will find out which stress profiles can be distinguished for each professional group, and then how best to measure stress.

"Stress is now a catch-all term. What constitutes stress varies from person to person and also from situation to situation. I may be stressed because I suffer from a high administrative burden, which means that I can't get my work done. But someone else may experience stress in his or her private life because it is not possible to go home on time due to the high workload. Another may develop physical symptoms due to an incorrect working posture or as a result of perceived psychological pressure. That's why we're going to start by finding out what stress profiles there are and how they occur in the various occupational groups," says Schijven

In addition, the researchers want to know how best to measure stress. They will map and use existing methods, but also develop new methods.

Mapping solutions

"After these initial phases, we will look for possible solutions. Here too, we are looking at existing interventions to reduce stress and want to develop new methods. For example, one healthcare provider may benefit most from sitting on a rowing machine for a short time just before an operation, while another may benefit more from structurally taking a beta-blocker. And for yet another, it helps to talk over the work with colleagues afterwards, or to relax in a personal VR environment," says Schijven.

The next step is to determine whether and how the various interventions best fit into the daily practice of the hospital.

"Because not every method fits the work situation. Exercising on a rowing machine may be beneficial for stress, but if it is not used because there is no time for it or because the person simply does not like it, it is of no use," adds Schijven.

Measuring stress with a T-shirt

Ultimately, a number of methods against stress will be tested in practice in clinical trials that will take place simultaneously in several European hospitals. At Amsterdam UMC, for example, the stress of the entire operating team will be measured with a special T-shirt that registers physical characteristics such as heart rate and sweat as a measure of stress.

"This is how we will measure whether a certain intervention actually reduces stress. At the same time, we monitor and analyze the social interaction between team members in the operating theatre. In this way, we can trace exactly when certain stress factors occur, what that does to the people in the team, and especially whether it really helps if you apply stress-reducing interventions before an operation. In addition, we are also starting research aimed at improving collaboration between staff of different age groups in surgical nursing wards, in the participating hospitals in Copenhagen, Hamburg and Amsterdam," says Schijven.

Useful interventions

Ultimately, the study will lead to a portal with a variety of useful interventions against stress. These will be available to individual care providers, to care teams and to hospitals as an organization.

"This will soon provide insight into the most important stress drivers of the employees they employ for each hospital. Based on this, with the help of artificial intelligence, among other things, the organization can determine and predict which methods against stress they need to have in-house preventively," concludes Schijven.

The full list of participants are Amsterdam UMC, University of Limerick (IRE), Nuromedia (GER), Erasmus University (NL), ECHAlliance (IRE), Chino (IT), Region Zealand (DK), Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, National Research Council of Italy, University of Coimbra (PT), University of Tartu (EST), Healthy Mind (FR), NOVA University Lisbon (PT), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (GER), Capital Region of Denmark, European Federation of Nurses Associations, European Hospital and Healthcare Federation, University of York and the University of Warwick (both UK)
In a recent study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers investigated the association between midlife residential greenness and cognitive decline later in life, considering the effects of apolipoprotein E (APOE)-4 status, socioeconomic status, and rural/urban residency.

Study: Midlife Residential Greenness and Late-Life Cognitive Decline among Nurses Health Study Participants. Image Credit: CandyBox Images/Shutterstock.com

Background

Alzheimers disease and related dementia (ADRD) (a group of brain disorders that cause memory loss and cognitive decline) can begin decades before symptoms appear, with cognitive decline being a key aspect.

Research into novel risk factors for cognitive decline is crucial for dementia prevention. Studies suggest residential greenness may improve cognitive function through stress reduction, attention restoration, lower air pollution, increased physical activity, and social connection.

However, most studies are cross-sectional. Midlife risk factors like psychological stress, vascular issues, and physical inactivity strongly influence dementia risk. The APOE-4 allele is a significant genetic risk factor.

Further research is needed to confirm the longitudinal association between midlife residential greenness and cognitive decline and to identify the most effective interventions for different populations, including APOE-4 carriers and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

About the study

The Nurses Health Study (NHS), initiated in 1976, had 121,700 female nurses aged 30-55 across 11 United States (US) states and now spans the entire country. Participants completed biennial health questionnaires with over 90% follow-up.

This study, approved by institutional review boards, involved women aged 70+ without stroke history in a cognitive function study from 1995 to 2001.

Of 22,715 eligible women, 92% participated initially, with over 90% continuing through three follow-ups until 2008. The analysis included 16,962 women with at least one cognitive assessment.

Midlife greenness exposure was measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 1986 to 1994, within 270-m and 1,230-m buffers around homes.

Cognitive function was assessed via telephone interviews using six tests, with composite z-scores for overall cognition and verbal memory. Covariates included socioeconomic status (SES), demographic variables, mental health, air pollution, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and social engagement.

Linear mixed models assessed the association between midlife greenness and cognitive decline, adjusted hierarchically for SES, age, mental health, and antidepressant use.

Interaction terms tested effect modification by SES, urbanicity, and APOE-4 status. Sensitivity analyses excluded participants with low baseline cognitive performance and recent movers and addressed changes.

APOE-4 status was determined from blood or buccal samples. Using SAS and R software, the mediation analysis estimated the effects of greenness on cognition via air pollution, physical activity, social connection, and mental health.

Study results

Among the 16,962 women in the study, the average age at the first cognitive interview was 74.2  2.3 years. Areas with the highest greenness exposure had a higher median income ($47,718  $17,990) but lower neighborhood home values ($133,738  $84,842) than those with the lowest greenness exposure.

The average global cognitive score was higher for women in areas with the highest greenness exposure compared to those in the lowest greenness exposure areas (0.02  0.57 vs. -0.07  0.61). Baseline characteristics were similar between participants in the cognitive function substudy and the analytic sample.

Higher midlife greenness exposure (per IQR) was consistently associated with higher baseline cognitive function, even after adjusting for individual and neighborhood-level covariates.

Participants with higher greenness exposure had a 0.03 higher global composite cognitive score at baseline, which slightly attenuated to 0.02 after adjusting for depression and antidepressant use.

This association remained consistent across various adjustments and buffer sizes, with one year of age correlating to a -0.05-unit difference in baseline cognition. This indicated that more greenness equated to a baseline cognition corresponding to age ten months younger.

Exposure to greenness at midlife was associated with slower annual cognitive decline rates. In fully adjusted models, higher midlife greenness exposure correlated with a 0.004-unit slower yearly decline in the global composite score, equating to slowing cognitive aging by approximately eight months.

Participants with higher midlife greenness exposure experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those with lower exposure, consistent across buffer sizes and different NDVI measurements. However, there was no association between greenness and verbal memory decline.

Stratified analyses showed that higher midlife greenness exposure was associated with higher baseline cognitive scores in neighborhoods with medium and high population density, but not with cognitive decline.

Among non-carriers of the APOE-4 allele, higher greenness exposure was linked to higher baseline cognitive scores and slower cognitive decline. For APOE-4 carriers, higher greenness exposure was associated with a slower annual decline of 0.01 units in the global composite score.

Mediation analysis indicated that mental health explained 18% of the association between midlife greenness and baseline cognitive function and 24% of the association with cognitive decline. No other mediators were significant for cognitive function or decline.

Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results, except that the confidence interval included the null for cognitive decline among APOE-4 carriers without any APOE-4 allele.

Conclusions

In this large prospective study of women, higher midlife exposure to greenness was associated with better baseline cognitive function and a slower rate of cognitive decline, based on global cognition scores.

The study found stronger associations in low SES and high-density neighborhoods, and among APOE-4 carriers. Mediation analysis indicated that mental health explained part of the association between midlife greenness and cognitive outcomes.

These findings suggest that midlife greenness may be a modifiable factor in reducing dementia risk, particularly for those with higher genetic risk and in disadvantaged communities.
During a checkup with her obstetrician, Marilyn Hayes tells him about overwhelming exhaustion and possible symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feeling unsafe. Hayes, a Black woman, grows increasingly frustrated as her white, male physician, Dr. Richard Flynn, dismisses her symptoms and ignores her wishes when she refuses medication. Hayes becomes visibly uncomfortable when Flynn touches her without permission and makes comments steeped in Black stereotypes, such as assuming that she's unmarried and the baby's father is uninvolved with her and their infant.

While Hayes and Flynn are fictional characters depicted in a virtual reality video, Hayes' experiences are similar to those of many Black women and women of color when they interact with clinicians and their staff members, studies have found. Hayes' checkup with Flynn is the first in a series of three virtual reality training modules being developed to heighten physicians' awareness of implicit bias in patient care and cultural competency skills.

"Ultimately, this virtual reality training system could become a viable tool for practicing communication with diverse patients across different types of health care professions," said Charee Thompson, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who studies physician-patient communication and is one of the team members developing the virtual reality training series.

"There's no reason why nurses couldn't also use this across different health care contexts -; not just for Black maternal health, but chronic pain, diabetes or some of these other health issues in which we know that there are disparities based on markers of difference such as race or class," she said.

Thompson is the first author of a study about the project, published in Health Communication. She and her co-authors Mardia Bishop, a professor in the same department at the U. of I.; and obstetricians and gynecologists Dr. Tiffani Dillard of Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois; and Dr. Joseph Maurice of Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, are leading the team that is developing the modules.

The first module, which focuses on Black maternal health care, was tested in a pilot study with 30 medical students and resident physicians. Prior to and after viewing Hayes' and Flynn's interaction, the study participants completed a survey that taps into physicians' beliefs about the value of eliciting patients' opinions about the cause of their illnesses and how it affects their lives, and whether physicians can provide excellent health care without asking patients for their perspectives.

We know that disparities in Black maternal health affect or are connected to disparities for Black infants, including preterm birth and low birth weights. And so, for me, this is one of the most urgent needs when it comes to the health of women and children." Charee Thompson, professor of communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In Flynn's interactions with Hayes, students saw how bias and Black stereotypes affect his communication, such as when he leaps to the conclusion that Hayes feels unsafe because her husband is violent, rather than recognizing it is a symptom of depression, Bishop said.

"The video depicts the doctor going through the entire postpartum checkup, asking questions about breastfeeding, the incision and healing. Throughout the video, the viewer can see where the provider is behaving or communicating with implicit bias and the effect this has on the patient," Bishop said. "Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize bias or realize that what one is saying or doing demonstrates bias. This video shows the many ways that implicit bias can enter a discussion with a patient."

According to the post-training survey, participants' awareness of implicit bias, their attitudes toward culturally competent communication and their confidence in their individual communication efficacy significantly increased after the training, Thompson said.

Two open-ended questions on the survey asked participants how they would provide more empathic, individualized care for Black postpartum women. The participants responded that they were committed to building rapport with patients by prioritizing their concerns and feelings, allowing patients greater opportunities to express themselves and engaging in shared decision-making. Participants said they would listen more attentively, be more aware of their own body language, display compassion and empathy, and pay attention to patients' verbal and nonverbal cues.

The second virtual reality training module -; which is still under development, along with a third module -; promotes self-reflection by helping medical students identify their own biases and learn how to mitigate them, Thompson said. In the third module, students will practice their intercultural communication skills through interactions with a virtual patient.

While the cost of the first module was $40,000, Maurice said that for universities and medical schools, virtual reality training is a cost-effective option because it eliminates the need to recruit people for role playing with medical students. "It's a lot cheaper to produce one video and show it 100 times, as opposed to hiring 100 people to role play with the students," he said.

Creighton University awarded Maurice a $100,000 grant to implement the training at its campus in Phoenix. The grant will expand the sample population of medical students for the research to about 300 people, he said.

The Carle Illinois College of Medicine Health Maker Lab also provided funding for the project, as did the Jump ARCHES endowment through the U. of I.'s Health Care Engineering Systems Center.

Thenkurussi Kesavadas, then-founder-director of the Health Care Engineering Systems Center at the U. of I., co-wrote the paper. He is currently the vice president for research and economic development at the State University of New York at Albany.

Other co-authors included U. of I. alumni Manuel D. Pulido, a professor of communication studies at California State University, Long Beach; Corey Zeinstra, a software engineer in immersive technologies at Boeing; and M.J. Salas, a graduate student at Rutgers University.

U. of I. graduate students Deja D. Rollins, Emily A. Mendelson, Jia Yan, Emily R. Gerlikovski and Sarah V. Benevento also co-wrote the study.
In a significant announcement, Railways has decided to cancel the services of the 13108 Kolkata  Dhaka Maitree Express, 13107 Dhaka  Kolkata Maitree Express, and 13109 Kolkata  Dhaka Maitree Express due to operational reasons. According to railway sources, the cancellations affect specific scheduled trips on the following dates:

13108 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express , originally scheduled to depart from Kolkata station on July 22, 2024 (Monday)

, originally scheduled to depart from Kolkata station on July 22, 2024 (Monday) 13107 Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express , originally scheduled to depart from Dhaka on July 23, 2024 (Tuesday)

, originally scheduled to depart from Dhaka on July 23, 2024 (Tuesday) 13109 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express, originally scheduled to depart from Kolkata station on July 23, 2024 (Tuesday)

The Railways have expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers due to these cancellations.

Regarding refunds, railway authorities have outlined the following procedures:

Refund Process: Full refunds for tickets purchased from the respective ticket counters in Kolkata will be processed exclusively at dedicated ticket counters within Kolkata. Lost/Misplaced Tickets: No refunds will be issued for lost or misplaced tickets. Foreign Tourist Counter: Foreign tourists who purchased tickets can avail full refunds at the foreign tourist counter within the operational period of PRS (Passenger Reservation System). No TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) will be issued in such cases.

Passengers are advised to coordinate with the designated ticket counters for their refunds as per the specified conditions.
The Economic Survey 2024 will be presented today, July 22, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at noon in the Lok Sabha and at 2 PM in the Rajya Sabha.

Follow Budget 2024 Live Updates

Budget Session Begins Today

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is currently underway (as of July 22nd, 2024) and the presentation of the full budget is scheduled for tomorrow, July 23rd. This will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans seventh consecutive budget presentation.

Economic Survey 2024

The event will be live-streamed on the Ministry of Finances official website and can also be followed on major news channels and platforms.

As the survey will be tabled in both houses of the Parliament, it will be available live on the Sansad TV channel.

To watch the live stream, you can also visit the official Ministry of Finance social media handle or follow coverage on news websites such as News18.com.

The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran will hold a press conference at 2:30 PM today to provide detailed insights and analysis on the Economic Survey 2024.

This conference will delve into the state of the Indian economy and discuss key findings from the survey.

You can watch the press conference live on various news channels and platforms that are covering the event. Additionally, live updates and coverage will be available on news websites.

What Is Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the Government of Indias Ministry of Finance. It is typically released a day before the Union Budget and provides a comprehensive review of the countrys economic performance over the past year.

The survey also offers insights and recommendations for future economic policies and highlights the key challenges and opportunities facing the economy.
Sanstar IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of plant-based speciality products company Sanstar Limited, which was opened for public subscription on July 19, has received a positive response from investors. Till 5:30 pm on the second day of bidding on Monday, July 22, the 510.15-crore IPO received a 13.53 times subscription, garnering bids for 50,86,31,850 shares as against 3,75,90,000 shares on offer.

According to the latest data, the retail quota received a 12.23 times subscription, while the non-institutional investors category got a 32.88 times subscription. The qualified institutional buyers (QIB) category received a 1.29 per cent subscription.

Its retail and non-institutional investors quotas were fully subscribed within the first two hours of its bidding on Friday.

The issue will be closed on July 23. The price band of the IPO has been fixed at Rs 90-Rs 95 apiece.

The Sanstar IPO allotment will likely be finalised on July 24, Monday; while its listing will take place on both BSE and NSE on July 26.

Investors need to apply for a minimum of 150 equity shares and in multiples thereof. Hence, the minimum investment by retail investors would be Rs 14,250 [150 (lot size) x Rs 95 (upper price band)].

Sanstar IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Sanstar Ltd are trading Rs 29 higher in the grey market as compared with its issue price. The Rs 29 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 30.53 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Sanstar IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Most analysts have grant a Subscribe rating to the Sanstar IPO, given its growth prospects.

In its IPO note, brokerage firm Master Capital said Sanstar is looking to payoff its debt and strengthen its balance and invest into building additional capacity to fuel their growth. Post the proposed expansion, the capacity will almost double from current levels creating a huge headroom for growth. The current capacity is already 90% filled and the capex for expansion has already started.

The valuation of the IPO is at par with the listed peers, but given the growth prospects, we advise to Subscribe to the IPO keeping a long term view, Master Capital said in the IPO note.

Another brokerage Swastika in its IPO note said, Sanstars financial performance presents a mixed picture, with recent declines in revenue but growth in profitability. However, some key risks require careful consideration. Fluctuations in raw material prices, exposure to global market volatility, intense competition, and a lack of diversification beyond maize-based products pose challenges for future growth.

The IPO valuation of 20x P/E appears fully priced. While we acknowledge the potential for listing gains, a cautious approach is warranted due to the aforementioned risks. Thus, we recommend a subscribe rating for this IPO for listing gain, Swastika added in its note.

Sanstar Limited, a leading Indian manufacturer of maize-based specialty products and ingredient solutions, caters to a diverse range of industries in both domestic and global markets. The company boasts strategically located, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with a focus on sustainability, and has established a large and diversified customer base.

Kataria Industries IPO: More Details

The Ahmedabad-based companys proposed initial public offering (IPO) is a combination of fresh issue of 4.18 crore shares and an offer for sale (OFS) of 1.19 crore shares. At the upper end of the price band, the IPO size is pegged at Rs 510.15 crore.

A day before the IPO, on July 18, Sanstar Ltd collected Rs 153 crore from anchor investors. According to a circular uploaded on the BSE website, the company has allocated 1.61 crore equity shares to 13 funds at Rs 95 apiece, aggregating the transaction size to Rs 153 crore.

Proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of Rs 181.55 crore will be utilised to fund the capital expenditure requirement for the expansion of the companys Dhule facility, Rs 100 crore for debt payment and a portion will also be used for general corporate purposes.

Sanstar is one of the major manufacturers of plant-based speciality products and ingredient solutions in India.

The companys specialty products and ingredients add taste, texture, nutrients and increased functionality to foods as ingredients, thickening agents, stabilisers, and sweeteners, among others.

It has an installed capacity of 1,100 tonnes per day through its two manufacturing facilities at Dhule in Maharashtra and Kutch in Gujarat.

The company exports its products to 49 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania and has established its presence across India, distributing its products to 22 states.

Sanstars revenue from operations has increased at a CAGR of 45.46 per cent to Rs 1,067.27 crore in FY24 from Rs 504.40 crore in FY22, and its profit after tax has grown to Rs 66.77 crore in FY24 from Rs 15.92 crore in FY22.

Investors can bid for a minimum of 150 equity shares and in multiples of 150 equity shares thereafter.

Pantomath Capital Advisors is the sole book-running lead manager for the IPO. The equity shares of the company are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE.
Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front-row taxi ride.
Stocks To Watch On July 22: Equity indices tumbled on Friday as investors preferred to book profits after four days of record-breaking rally and weak trends from global markets. In todays trade, shares of IDBI Bank, Suzlon Energy, RIL, HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank, JSW Steel among others will be in focus due to news developments and quarterly results.

Q1FY25 (June quarter) results on July 22, 2024: Coforge, Cyient DLM, Dodla Dairy, Greenlam Industries, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Mahindra Logistics, Maharashtra Scooters, Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals, Poly Medicure, Supreme Industries, Suzlon Energy, UCO Bank, Zensar Technologies, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control System India.

Reliance Industries: Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), last Friday after market hours, reported a 5.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline in consolidated profit to Rs 15,138 crore in Q1FY25. Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 2.32 trillion, up 11.7 per cent Y-o-Y.

HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank has reported a 35 per cent Y-o-Y growth in net profit at Rs 16,175 crore for the June quarter, beating Bloombergs consensus net profit estimate of Rs 15,652 crore. NII increased by 26.4 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 29,837 crore in Q1FY25, while net interest margin improved to 3.47 per cent in Q1FY25, compared to 3.44 per cent in Q4FY24.

Wipro: IT firm Wipro, last Friday, reported a Q1FY25 net profit of Rs 3,036.6 crore, up 5.2 per cent Y-o-Y/6.2 per cent Q-o-Q. It beat Bloomberg estimates of Rs 2,931 crore. Indias fourth largest IT services firm marginally upped its revenue guidance for the second quarter of FY25 from -1 per cent to +1 per cent

Kotak Mahindra Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 7,448 crore for Q1FY25, up 79 per cent Y-o-Y.This included gains from divestment of 70 per cent stake in Kotak General Insurance Company to Zurich Insurance Group.

YES Bank: YES Banks net profit for Q1FY25 rose by 46.7 per cent to Rs 502 crore, owing to a robust increase in net interest income (NII), coupled with a fall in provisions. The private lenders NII grew by 12.2 per cent Y-o-Y/4.2 per cent Q-o-Q to Rs 2,244 crore.

The banks net interest margin (NIM) slipped to 2.4 per cent from 2.5 per cent in Q1 of FY24. Sequentially, NIM was flat at 2.4 per cent in Q4 of FY24.

PVR Inox: The cinema exhibitors consolidated net loss widened to Rs 179 crore in Q1FY25, from a consolidated net loss of Rs 82 crore seen in Q1FY24. Managing Director Ajay Bijli, however, said there are no significant events expected in the near future to disrupt the release schedule. Additionally, Hollywood is expected to bounce back, he added.

Oberoi Realty: Real estate company, Oberoi Realty, last Saturday, reported an 82 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 584.51 crore for the June quarter of the current financial year (FY25). Its total income also rose to Rs 1,441.95 crore in Q1FY25 as against Rs 933.56 crore in Q1FY24, according to a regulatory filing on Friday.

Other Q1FY25 result reactions: Aarti Surfactants, Poonawalla Fincorp, Shakti Pumps, Netweb Technologies, JK Cements, RBL Bank, Union Bank of India, Patanjali Foods, Nippon India Life.

Railtel: Railtel Corporation of India has fixed Wednesday, August 14, 2024, as the Record Date for the purpose of determining the eligibility of shareholders entitled to receive the final dividend of Rs 1.85 per share for the FY24.

Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services: Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services has entered into an agreement with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to provide PNB MetLife India the Zaggle Save (Employee expense management & benefits). The period of agreement is three years.

Coal India: Coal India Limited has received an order from the Ministry of Mines, Govt of India, for Composite license (prospecting and mining).

IndusInd Bank: Board has approved raising of funds through debt securities on a private placement basis, as may be decided, for an aggregate amount of Rs 20,000 crore.

Vedanta: The Anil Agarwal-led mining firm has raised Rs 8,500 crore via QIP route, the company said in an exchange filing.

Dish TV: A meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled to be held on July 24, 2024 to consider fund raising.
Petrol, Diesel Prices Today On July 22, 2024: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) announce fuel prices, maintaining consistency despite the inherent volatility of these commodities at 6 am every day. The OMCs adjust prices in response to global crude oil prices and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, ensuring consumers are always informed about the latest fuel costs.

Government oil marketing companies release the latest petrol and diesel prices daily at 6 am in the country.

The prices have remained unchanged in most parts of the country since March 2024 when the central government cut petrol prices by Rs 2. Before that, the fuel prices remained steady since May 2022, following a reduction in fuel taxes by the central government and several states.

Petrol Diesel Price Today In India (Check city-wise rate table below)

Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on July 22:

City Petrol Price (Rs/litre) Diesel Price (Rs/litre) Delhi 94.72 87.62 Mumbai 103.44 89.97 Chennai 100.85 92.44 Kolkata 103.94 90.76 Noida 94.66 87.76 Lucknow 94.65 87.76 Bengaluru 102.86 88.94 Hyderabad 107.41 95.65 Jaipur 104.88 90.36 Trivandrum 107.62 96.43 Bhubaneswar 101.06 92.91

Factors Affecting Petrol And Diesel Prices In India

Crude oil price: The primary raw material for the production of petrol and diesel is crude oil; as such, its price directly influences the ultimate cost of these fuels.

The exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the US dollar: As a major importer of crude oil, Indias petrol and diesel prices are also influenced by the exchange rate between the Indian and US dollar.

Tax: Various taxes on petrol and diesel are imposed by both the central and state governments. These taxes may differ across states, exerting a notable influence on the ultimate prices of petrol and diesel.

The cost of refining:

The final price of petrol and diesel is additionally influenced by the expenses incurred in refining crude oil into these fuels. The refining process can be costly, and the refining expenses may fluctuate based on factors like the type of crude oil utilised and the refinerys efficiency.

The demand for petrol and diesel: The demand for petrol and diesel can also affect their prices. If demand for these fuels increases, it can lead to higher prices.

Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS

You can also find out the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 was released on Monday, July 22, 2024, on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Now, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her seventh Union Budget 2024-25 at 11 am today (July 23). As there are expectations of announcements on the income tax front, including raising exemption and standard deduction limits, here are the current tax slabs and rates.

Here are full details about the regimes and their tax rates:

In the Budget 2023, under new tax regime, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had increased the income tax exemption limit by Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh and the rebate under Section 87A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, was also raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, meaning that those earning up to Rs 7 lakh do not have to pay any tax under the new regime.

Income Tax Rates for FY2023-24 (AY 2024-25):

Income Tax Slab (In Rs) Old Tax Regime New Tax Regime 0-2,50,000 0% 0% 2,50,001-3,00,000 5% 0% 3,00,001-5,00,000 5% 5% 500,001-6,00,000 20% 5% 6,00,001-9,00,000 20% 10% 9,00,001-10,00,000 20% 15% 10,00,001-12,00,000 30% 15% 12,00,000-15,00,000 30% 20% 15,00,0001 & Above 30% 30%

Note: For senior citizens (above 60 years of age), the income tax under the old regime is exempt up to Rs 3,00,000; while for super senior citizens (above 80 years), income up to Rs 5,00,000 is exempt.

Apart from this, a health and education cess is levied at 4 per cent on income tax.

Taxpayers have the option to choose either the old tax regime or the new tax regime. The default scheme would be the new tax regime.

Under the new tax regime, a resident individual (whose net income does not exceed Rs 7 lakh) can avail rebate under section 87A. The amount of rebate is 100 per cent of income tax or Rs 25,000, whichever is lower.

Under the old tax regime, a resident individual taxpayer (whose net income is up to Rs 5 lakh) can avail rebate under section 87A. The amount of rebate is 100 per cent of income tax or Rs 12,500, whichever is lower.

Union Budget 2024-25: Whats Expected?

Vivek Jalan, partner at Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP, said, The government may move towards a Single Hybrid Tax Regime as the new taxpayers are already in the new tax regime. It is expected that the exemption slab in the new regime may be extended from the present Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh at least.

Further, the established taxpayers with an income of over Rs.15 Lakhs, still continue to embrace the Old regime. It is expected that the Government would also incentivise them to shift to the New Regime. Hence there may be a new slab in the new regime of say Rs 15 lakh  Rs 18 lakh with a tax rate of 25 per cent, he added.

Slabs of New Tax regime for individuals, HUFs, etc may be rationalised to bring more people (especially established taxpayers) in the new tax regime. This will help the Government to move towards a more exemption free regime while sacrificing some exchequers revenue. It will bring more people in the tax net and help increase boost organised sector and reduce un-organised sector. This will boost consumption and help GDP growth of Country, thus also promoting employment generation to cater to the increased demand. On another note, it will help increase GST collections, Jalan said.

He also expects standard deduction for salaried taxpayers to increase.

This will help in more cash flow in hands of salaried class. It will boost consumption and help GDP growth of Country, thus also promoting employment generation to cater to the increased demand. Standard deduction was introduced in 2019 and now it is expected that should increase to at least 75,000, Jalan said.

Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of Union Budget 2024. Get the latest on new income tax slab rates for AY 2024-25 in Income Tax Slabs Budget 2024 LIVE Updates . Track the impact of Budget 2024 on the stock market in Stock Market Budget Day 2024 LIVE Updates.
NEET UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing: Latest Updates On Final Verdict Stay informed about the Supreme Court Hearing on the NEET paper leak Case.

NEET UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing to Resume Tomorrow: Here's a Timeline of Events So Far The three-judge bench, which includes Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra is expected to announce the final verdict tomorrow, July 23 on a series of petitions seeking cancellation, retest, and a court-supervised probe into alleged misconduct in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which was held on May 5. Here is a timeline of events related to the NEET UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearingsread more

NEET-UG 2024 SC Hearing: IIT Delhi Tasked With Resolving Key Physics Question An expert group of three IIT-Delhi members is entrusted with giving the right answer to the NCERT question that resulted in 44 candidates achieving the top ranks. The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is anticipated to deliver the final ruling tomorrow. Read full Article

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Adjourned to Tomorrow The hearing will now resume tomorrow, July 23, once the NTA and the Centre have made their submissions.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: SC Asks IIT Delhi to Give Correct Answer for Physics Q19 In order to address the issue of the correct response to physics Q 19, the SC has requested an expert opinion from IIT Delhi and has instructed the Director to form a committee of three experts in the field. The Directors expert team is asked to create an opinion on the proper answer and submit it to the Registrar by 12 pm tomorrow.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Over 4.20 Lakh to Face Consequences If Option 2 Deemed Wrong The CJI highlighted that what worries the bench is that more than 4 lakh students have benefited from option 2 being marked as correct. Therefore, if choice 2 is suddenly deemed incorrect, 4.20 lakh students would forfeit four marks in addition to receiving a single negative mark, according to CJI.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Over 9 Lakh Students Answered According to new NCERT According to the Solicitor General, 4,20,773 individuals answered as per the old book, whereas 9,28,379 answered in accordance of the new NCERT textbook.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Students Expected to Follow New NCERT Edition CJI : Why did NTA eventually come to the conclusion to give marks to both options? SG : Because both were possible answers. Counsel : It is not possible. CJI : Students are expected to follow new or old NCERT editions. SG : New edition. CJI : By giving marks to option 2, you are going against your own rule that old edition cant be followed.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Students Expected to Follow New Edition CJI : Why did NTA eventually come to the conclusion to give marks to both options? SG : Because both were possible answers. Counsel : It is not possible. CJI : Students are expected to follow new or old NCERT editions. SG : New edition. CJI : By giving marks to option 2, you are going against your own rule that old edition cant be followed.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: CJI Looks Into Doubt Regarding Wrong Physics Question The guidelines are in accordance with the most recent NCERT version. If option 4 is the right answer according to the most recent NCERT edition, individuals who chose option 2 would not receive full points, the CJI informs the Solicitor General as stated by Live Law.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Counsel Presents Their Questions In todays NEET case hearing, counsel objected to the NTAs decision to open a 24-hour registration window on April 9, allowing an additional 24,000 students to register for NEET. They contend that people who were not able to meet the initial deadline shouldnt be given another opportunity. The Counsel further queries how the NTA came up with the figure of 1,563 students on June 4, since on May 5, they only mentioned one facility in Sawai Madhavpur.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: 'Cannot Tell Students that NEET Was a Fair Exam' In his statement, Advocate Sanjay Hegde continued, What emerges is that there is an organised gang, with a past record of leaking papers. It is their business model. Leaked paper is a time-limited commodity. Everybody to whom the leaked paper goes will try to maximise the profits. He emphasised, The fact is that we cannot tell the students that it was a fair exam.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: 'NTA Continued to Deny the Paper Leak,' Says Hegde The National Testing Agency (NTA) consistently denied any exam leak and failed to cooperate with the Bihar police. Despite receiving a letter from the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU), the NTA did not respond immediately, according to Live Law. It was only after persistent questioning and inquiries from the court that the NTA began providing the necessary data.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: CBI Investigation Not Limited to Patna Admittedly, there was a leak from Hazaribagh. It was intercepted in Patna, but we dont know where it all went, adds Adv Sanjay Hegde. According to inquiry findings, some of the messages were sent to around 100 people, therefore the scope of the leak remains unknown. It surely did not leak on the morning of 5th, it leaked sometime before the night of 4th May, Hegde states, adding that the CBI inquiry is not limited to Patna but extends across other states.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: 'Question Paper Disseminated Via WhatsApp, Leak Likely Not Confined to Patna' According to Live Law, the solvers had been taken from Rajasthan and the question paper was disseminated over WhatsApp. It is not possible that the leak is confined to Patna, asserts Hooda.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Resumed

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: Key Questions Raised by CJI on Paper Distribution Chief Justice Chandrachud posed serious queries to the NTA about incorrect paper distribution at various centres during todays hearing. Some of those questions were:  How many centres received incorrect (Canara Bank) papers?  Why was the Canara Bank papers answer key not released?  How were the answer sheets evaluated without the answer key?  How many students were awarded marks for the Canara Bank paper?  Who authorises city coordinators for paper collection?  Why did the Jhajjar coordinators collect the question papersfrom both SBI and Canara Bank?  Was Canara Bank appropriately notified regarding paper distribution?  Why were Canara Bank question papers taken from only two Jhajjar exam centres rather than all three?

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates: SC to Resume Hearing at 2 PM The Supreme Court has now taken a lunch break and will resume the hearing at 2 pm.

NEET-UG 2024 SC Hearing Live Updates: 'Show That There Is Systemic Destruction of the Sanctity of the Exam', Says CJI According to Live Law, Hooda was questioned by the CJI about how he would prove that the paper leak had affected the entire nation. Hooda continued by saying that in addition to paper leaks, the NTAs system is always being infiltrated since it is very fragile.
The Supreme Court of India on Monday heard numerous petitions challenging the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test  Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024. These petitions revolve primarily around allegations of exam paper leaks and irregularities during the exam, which was held on May 5, 2024. The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is anticipated to deliver the final ruling shortly.

The apex court bench ordered the Solicitor General to present before them the right answer to Physics Question 19. An expert group of three IIT-Delhi members is entrusted with giving the right answer to the NCERT question that resulted in 44 candidates achieving the top ranks. The committee is to form an opinion on the appropriate response and send it to the Registrar by noon tomorrow.

NEET-UG 2024 Supreme Court Hearing Live Updates

During todays proceedings, CJI Chandrachud brought up concerns over the exact time of the alleged NEET paper leak, implying that it might have happened before the question papers were delivered to banks. The government had earlier claimed that the leak occurred on the morning of May 5 and was limited to particular districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. However, the CJI stated that if the leak occurred on the night of May 4, it most certainly occurred before the question papers had been stored in the strong room vaults of the banks.

CJI Chandrachud observed, If the NEET paper leak happened on the night of May 4, it did not occur in the vault of SBI or Canara Bank. The leak must have happened well before the transportation of the question papers to the banks. He also highlighted the peculiar approach of engaging students, rather than professors, as problem solvers.

Furthermore, pursuant to the Bihar Police and Economic Offences Unit (EOU) investigation reports, Advocate Hooda stated that 161 statements indicate that the leak occurred much before the examination date.

The bench also looked into the matter of two separate sets of question papers being given in Jhajjar. The correct papers were kept in the State Bank of Indias strong room vault, however according to the NTA, Canara Bank question papers were accidentally sent to three centres in Jhajjar by city coordinators. When the issue was identified, the papers were removed from two centres, but the wrong papers remained at a third centre.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that grace marks were provided to NEET applicants who got incorrect (Canara Bank) papers, which were later replaced, resulting in shorter exam time. The CJI confirmed that only students who had their question papers swapped during the exam obtained grace marks, which Mehta verified.

Advocate Hooda said that the NTAs testimony before the Court shows that grace marks were also given to students at Hardayal School, even though they only attempted the Canara Bank question paper. He further claimed that there was a systemic failure in the conduct of NEET UG, citing a vulnerable system so fragile that it is consistently being compromised. He also went on and questioned how Canara Bank exams were graded without a published answer key.

Despite incorrect question booklets being distributed at eight locations nationwide, the NTA Counsel and Solicitor General noted that the difficulty level is of the same level, hence, allowing students to continue answering the incorrect question booklet.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Chennai will release the Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2024 counselling round 1 seat allotment results today, July 22. Candidates who applied for the counselling can check the seat allotment results by visiting the official website at tnmedicalselection.net, once released.

The round 1 counselling was open to students with a General Rank of 001 to 647 (NEET marks ranging from 708 to 230) and those with a General Rank of 1 to 288 (NEET marks ranging from 574 to 230). Candidates must note that they will be able to download the NEET MDS 2024 provisional allotment order from July 22 to 25. The last date for joining is July 26, 2024.

Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2024 Counselling: How to Check Seat Allotment Results?

Step 1  Visit the official website  tnmedicalselection.net

Step 2  Click on the Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2024 Counselling Round 1 seat allotment results link

Step 3  The result will appear on the screen in a PDF format

Step 4  Download and save the page for further use.

Tamil Nadu NEET MDS 2024 Counselling: List of Documents Required For Verification

 Class 10 and 12 mark sheet

 NEET MDS entrance exam result 2024

 NEET MDS 2024 admit card

 Mark sheets of BDS (1, 2 and 3 professional examinations)

 BDS degree certificate or provisional certificate

 A valid identification proof such as a PAN card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, or Aadhaar Card.

 Certificate of completion of internship from the head of the institute certifying that the candidate completed the internship on or before June 30.

 The permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council (SMC)

 SC and ST certificates given by the authorised authority in English or Hindi.

The allotted candidates should download their provisional allotment order and join the course in the concerned Dental College/Institution on or before the stipulated date and time as mentioned in the Provisional Allotment Order, reads the official notice. If students do not report to the head of the institution within the time and date specified, their admission will be cancelled without any further notice.
From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column  GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom.

Current affairs events are an important part of the syllabus for many competitive tests. Knowing about these events may benefit you in both the preliminary and main exams for UPSC CSE and other government admission exams. To help you prepare for any upcoming assessments, we have created a recap of this weeks key points. Check out what happened around the country this week:

Supreme Court To NTA On NEET UG 2024 Results

On July 18, the Supreme Court asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to release NEET-UG exam results without disclosing students identities. In its order, the court directed the central agency to publish the aspirants marks on their website, city-wise and centre-wise, while concealing the candidates identities. The results are expected tomorrow, July 20. On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued its ruling while hearing a bundle of petitions in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. The matter was heard by a court that included Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misraread more

Centre Lists 6 New Bills For Parliaments Monsoon Session

The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which starts next week, will see the introduction of six new bills, one of which will change the disaster management statute. The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 has been proposed by the government in addition to the Finance Bill. Its purpose is to supersede the Aircraft Act of 1934 and establish enabling measures that facilitate business operations in the civil aviation industry. On July 18, the Lok Sabha secretariat published a list of bills in its Parliament bulletin. The Monsoon Session begins on July 22 and lasts through August 12. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to deliver the Union Budget on July 23read more

Karnataka CM On Private Sector Quota Bill

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on July 18 that his government has decided to postpone the bill establishing job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector due to certain confusion. He stated that the bill will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting to allay any concerns. The Chief Minister was responding to Leader of the Opposition R Ashokas request that the state government clarify its position on the measure. Siddaramaiah then tweeted another message stating that Kannadigas would receive 50 per cent reservations in the management category and 70 per cent in the non-management categoryread more

Telangana Government to Launch Farm Loan Waiver Scheme

The Telangana government is planning to launch a farm debt waiver initiative as part of its election promises to assist 70 lakh farmers, according to official sources. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy previously stated that the government would implement a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh by August 15. The chief minister stated that a total of Rs 7,000 crore would be credited to the accounts of farmers who have had their loans of up to Rs one lakh erased. Crop loans of up to Rs 1.5 lakh will be waived by the end of July, and the loan waiver procedure will be finished in August with loans of up to Rs 2 lakhread more

Farmer Cries As He Rolls On Floor At MP Collectors Office

A video circulating on X shows an elderly farmer in Madhya Pradesh rolling on the floor of the collectors office, screaming and crying because the concerned administration has not addressed his issue of land grabbing. Shankarlal, the farmer, could be heard crying, Nobody is listening, as he rolled on the floor in the Mandsaur collectors office. He has claimed that the land mafia fraudulently took away his land. According to the farmer, despite raising his concerns during a public hearing on July 16, no action was taken, causing his dramatic protest at the collectors office. However, on July 17, Mandsaur Collector Dilip Yadav denied the allegationread more
Actor Gurucharan Singh, renowned for his portrayal of Roshan Singh Sodhi in the popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has appealed to his industry colleagues to offer him some work. The actor caused concern among fans after his sudden disappearance earlier this year. In April, Singh was reported missing, but he returned to his Delhi residence after 26 days and stated that he had disappeared to pursue a religious path.

His disappearance sparked widespread speculations. Social media was abuzz with rumours that the actor disappeared due to financial troubles and lack of work.

Singh has been a part of TMKOC since its debut in 2008. He left the show in 2013 but was back due to public demand. After his exit from the popular show in 2020, Singh was replaced by actor Balwinder Singh Suri.

Recently, while talking to Pinkvilla, the 51-year-old actor requested the industry people to give him work. He said, I want to tell the industry people that Im available, I need work. I want to work with my heart because I enjoy working. If you can, please call me on my phone number and I am available on Instagram. I want to do a lot for my fans.

Im not sure about what I should do. I felt I should do something from which fans should get something. I dont want to give lectures or teach them anything, but I want to share real-life experiences that will benefit them. Even if I become beneficial for one or two people, it will be good, he added.

Recalling his initial days in the city of dreams, Singh said, When I came to Mumbai for the first time, I had a very strong feeling. In just six months, I bagged Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. No one knew me then. Now, the world loves me. This is my second inning and I need support from the industry.

The actor left his fans wondering if he will be returning to TMKOC as his beloved character Sodhi after he recently met the shows producer Asit Kumar Modi in Mumbai.
Gurucharan Singh, known for his role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, left fans worried when he went missing in April 2024. After a 26-day absence, the actor returned home and explained that he had been on a spiritual journey. In a recent interview, Gurucharan addressed concerns about leaving his elderly parents behind. The actor mentioned he wasnt worried because he knew his sister would take care of them.

During a chat with Pinkvilla, when asked if he was worried about leaving his elderly parents, Gurucharan shared, Mummy Daddy ka aisa tha ki meri ek behen hai aur do bade bhai hai, woh khayaal rakheinge. Meri behen aai thi Mumbai se Delhi. Das din woh mummy ke saath thi. (I have one sister and two brothers. I knew theyd take care of them. My sister came from Mumbai to Delhi and stayed for 10 days with my mother.)

The TMKOC actor continued, Usko out of India jaana tha, kyunki mere jijaji bahar rehte hai. Unko bahar jaana tha toh, Delhi aai thi phir uss hisaab se unhone ticket bhi apni postpone kii thi. Kyuki mujhe pata hai, kaisa bhi kuch bhi ho jaye, mai hu or meri behen hai, uski bahot zyada hai mom dad se, baaki theek hai. (She had to travel out of India because my brother-in-law lives abroad. She came to Delhi and postponed her tickets accordingly. I knew that no matter what happened, my sister would be there for our parents, so I wasnt too worried about it.)

Gurucharan Singh finally returned home after 26 days, bringing relief to his family and joy to his fans. When asked about his decision to come back, he explained that he sought guidance from supernatural powers. He spent several nights in Gurudwaras, and during his time at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, he experienced what he felt was divine intervention, which led him to decide to return home.

Gurucharan said, In order to get enough sleep while travelling, I used to take general compartments with a general ticket. Having nowhere to spend the night, I sometimes resorted to sleeping on railway platform or at bus stops. However, a good nights rest was elusive due to various factors. Even the ticket collectors never identified me (sic).

Gurucharan Singh played the role of Roshan Singh Sodhi in TMKOC. He left the show in 2013 but returned the following year due to public demand. After he left the show in 2020, Balwinder Singh Suri replaced him and Gurucharan has not appeared on television since.
Bigg Boss 17 contestant Soniya Bansal was admitted to a Mumbai hospital after suffering a panic attack on Sunday, July 22. The actress complained of unease following her appearance at the Nexa Awards and was rushed for medical assistance. The former Bigg Boss has reportedly been going through panic attacks for quite some time now. The actress had been battling mental health issues.

As per a report by Times Now, the actress complained of a health issue during the award event. Citing a source close to the actress, the report mentions Soniya had been suffering panic attacks for the past four months.

The actress was trying hard to fight the mental issues but had a breakdown.

Soniya is still under medical supervision and formal communication on her health status is awaited. The incident is a reminder of why theres a need to take mental health challenges seriously. Even the most seemingly happy individuals could be going through a mental breakdown.

Soniya Bansal came under the spotlight with her appearance in the 17th season of the popular reality show, Big Boss. However, her stint in the show was short-lived as she became the first contestant to be evicted. Her brief stint in Bigg Boss was marked by her strong opinions and active participation in tasks.

The 17th season of the Salman Khan show was won by comedian Munawar Faruqi with Abhishek Kumar finishing as the runner-up.

Soniya Bansal started as a model before taking up acting. Ahead of Bigg Boss 17 appearance, the actress featured in multiple music videos and films. She made her film debut with the movie Game 100 Crore Ka. The film also featured actors like Rahul Roy, Shakti Kapoor, Vishal Mohan and Pankaj Berry. She appeared in other films like Dubki and Shoorveer. Additionally, she has also featured in Telugu cinema, making mark with films like Dheera and Yes Boss.
Vicky Kaushal is making waves online with his latest film Bad Newz, which is garnering positive reviews from audiences. Even before the films release, Kaushal grabbed attention with his dance moves in the song Tauba Tauba. The catchy tune and its signature dance step quickly became a sensation, prompting many social media users and content creators to try and replicate it. While some found it challenging, others excelled, including Bigg Boss 17 runner-up Abhishek Kumar. Recently returned from Romania after completing Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Kumar shared a video of himself adding his own flair to Vickys dance and his rendition has impressed the internet.

Showcasing his toned physique and signature charm, Abhishek Kumar posted the video on Instagram, dressed in a blue shirt, black coat, and formal pants with matching shoes. He skillfully mimicked Vicky Kaushals dance moves, earning praise from fans and industry friends like Aashish Mehrotra, Mannara Chopra and Karanveer Mehra, who flooded the comments with fire emojis. Kumar added in his caption, I tried. Aap sab chahte the iss song pe reel toh banaa di. (You all wanted a reel for this song, so I made one).

Following his stint on Bigg Boss 17, Abhishek Kumar stirred excitement with the announcement of his participation in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, hosted by Rohit Shetty. Last month, he grabbed headlines for an alleged argument with fellow contestant Asim Riaz. While the specifics of their dispute remained unclear at the time, Kumar has recently addressed the incident in an interview with ETimes.

Without getting into the details, the actor said, Ive become a lot calmer but if someone gets angry, I used to ignore it before. However, if you continue to show aggression, then its not okay. I cant tolerate it, and Ill say, Stop, let the other Abhishek come out. Thats when I enter that zone. Ive learnt from Rohit sir to handle things with patience. Everybody will get to see about the fight that happened on the show. I hope the makers show everything.

Other than Asim Riaz and Abhishek Kumar, Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 features Aashish Mehrotra, Aditi Sharma, Gashmeer Mahajani, Karan Veer Mehra, Krishna Shroff, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Niyati Fatnani, Shalin Bhanot, Shilpa Shinde and Sumona Chakravarti.
Monsoon not only brings relief from the heat rage but also creates a hotbed of viral diseases. Zika, Nipah, Chandipura and Covid-19 infections have been reported from different parts of the country, with some fatalities also seen in few cases.

Let us find out the symptoms and treatment of these four infections.

Zika

Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus in tropical and subtropical regions. Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was first isolated in 1947 from the blood of a rhesus monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda. There have been outbreaks ever since, mostly in Africa and South America.

Maharashtra has so far reported 34 Zika cases, with Pune district being the worst hit with 28 cases as of July 19. The state government is actively trying to contain the outbreak.

Symptoms

 The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is estimated to be 3-14 days. The majority of people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms.

 Symptoms are generally mild including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache, and usually last for 27 days.

 Zika virus infection is also a trigger of Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children.

 Zika infection in pregnancy also results in pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

Prevention and Treatment

 Wear clothing (preferably light-coloured) that covers as much of the body as possible; use physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows; and apply insect repellent to skin or clothing that contains DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product label instructions.

 Young children and pregnant women should sleep under mosquito nets if sleeping during the day or early evening. Travellers and those living in affected areas should take the same basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

 Try to avoid visiting crowded places especially if you have a weak immune system.

 People should make sure that all pots and buckets around them are emptied so that mosquitoes cannot breed in such stagnant water.

Nipah

The viral infection mainly affects animals such as bats, pigs, dogs, and horses. Being a zoonotic disease, it can transmit to humans who come in contact with the infected animals and cause serious disease.

The virus has killed a 14-year-boy in Kerala, and 60 people have been identified in the high-risk category.

Nipah is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its potential to trigger an epidemic. There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no treatment to cure it. It can cause a lethal, brain-swelling fever in humans.

Symptoms

 Moderate to high grade fever

 Headache

 Vomiting

 Cough

 Breathlessness

 Change in behaviour/sensorium

 Seizures/abnormal movement

 Myalgia or pain in a muscle

 Fatigue

Prevention and Treatment

 Nipah virus infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in areas where the virus is present, and not drinking raw date palm sap which can be contaminated by an infected bat.

 Personal hygiene includes regular handwash with soap and water, avoiding contact with sick bats or pigs, not eating or drinking products that may be contaminated by bats like raw date palm sap, no contact with the blood or body fluids of any person known to be infected with NiV.

 The treatment of Nipah virus infection is mostly limited to supportive care and management of acute encephalitis syndrome. According to the WHO, there are no drugs or vaccines specific for Nipah available.

Chandipura

Several species of sandflied like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti, which is also a vector for dengue, are considered vectors of Chandipura virus.

The virus disease mostly affects children under the age of 15 years. The disease is endemic, with sporadic cases reported mainly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

The virus infection has caused 32 deaths in Gujarat, with the tally of confirmed cases gone up to 84 so far.

Symptoms

 The infection is characterised by sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including high fever, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and altered sensorium. In severe cases, the viral infection can lead to coma and death.

 According to a report by trio scientists, the primary cause of death for most infected patients is encephalitis, an inflammation of active brain tissues.

 Some studies from India have also reported other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.

 The infection affects children below the age of 15 years. The infection progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may lead to mortality within 24-48 hours.

Treatment

 There is no antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment. As a result, it is crucial to manage brain inflammation to prevent death.

 Some paediatricians say the disease can progress rapidly from high fever in the morning and the kidney and liver being affected in the evening.

 Effective management including controlling the vectors and maintaining good nutrition, hygiene, health, and public awareness can help curb the spread of virus.

Covid-19

 Actor Akshay Kumar and US President Joe Biden are popular figures who have recently been infected by Covid. In India, the average daily cases are increasing rapidly from 215 per day on June 26 to 307 per day by the end of the first week of July.

 The cause for the sudden increase in numbers is due to new KP.2 variant (FLiRT), known to be a highly transmissible than the previous one resulting in an increased number of cases.

Symptoms

 Symptoms can look like chest pain, fever, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood and swollen and painful neck and digestive issues.

 Research indicates that adults aged 60 and older, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer, are more likely to experience severe and potentially fatal Covid-19 infections compared to other age groups.

 The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are currently no indicators suggesting that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains.

Prevention and Treatment

 The simple precautions enforced during the pandemic are still encouraged. This includes people wearing masks and avoiding social contact.

 Doctors have urged the public to get vaccinated with the updated vaccines especially those in the higher-risk groups.

 Social distancing and the use of well-fitting respirators like N95s or KN95s in indoor public settings protect against all variants of the Covid-19 virus.

 Increased air flow and filtration in indoor spaces also help reduce the concentration of virus particles.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled against Israels long-term occupation of Palestinian Territories, calling it unlawful. The court also said it amounted to de facto annexation.

The ICJ called for Israel to rapidly quit the occupied territories and ruled Palestinians were due reparations for the harm of 57 years of an occupation that systematically discriminates against them.

The ruling also stood as a rebuke to Israels argument that the ICJ had no standing to consider the issue on grounds as the UN resolutions as well as the bilateral Israeli-Palestinian agreements had established the correct framework for resolving the conflict should be political not legal.

The most significant section was the judgment that the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israels maintenance of their presence, is contrary to article 49 of the 4th Geneva convention.

Deep-diving into ICJ Ruling

The ICJ found that Israels policies and practices, including the expansion of settlements, construction of the wall, and exploitation of natural resources, amount to annexation and entrench Israels control over the occupied territory since 1967.

It also said the policies and practices adopted by Israel in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is contrary to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations and its corollary principle of the non-acquisition of territory by force.

The court also concluded that Israels legislation imposes near complete separation between settler and Palestinian communities, constituting a breach of the Article 3 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The court further observed that the effects of Israels policies and practices, and its exercise of sovereignty over certain parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, constitute an obstruction to the exercise by the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination.

What are the Implications Now?

The court opinion is likely to amplify pressure on Israel to bring an end to its ongoing military offensive, which has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

In another case institutionalised by South Africa, the ICJ is already considering allegations that Israel is committing genocide in its military campaign in Gaza. A preliminary ruling has already been issued, instructing Israel to prevent and punish any incitement to genocide and to enhance provisions for humanitarian aid.

The court had already asked Israel to stop its offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, citing immense risk to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians taking shelter there. However, Israel has continued its operation in the city, defying the court order.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel will need to find the right path that balances essential security needs with better adherence to the rights of the Palestinian population in order to calm international community tensions. Failure to do so could worsen Israels already fragile standing in the international community and increase international pressure for economic and security sanctions against Israel.

What is International Law on Occupation?

Occupation refers to situation when during an international armed conflict, a territory or parts of territory comes under the effective supervision of a foreign power.

According to Article 42 of the 1907 Hague Regulations, A territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the hostile army. The occupation extends only to the territory where such authority has been established and can be exercised.

Once the territory is seized, the occupying power assumes specific obligations towards individuals within the occupied territory, as outlined in the 1907 Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 alongside norms of customary international humanitarian law.

A Brief History of Israel-Palestinian Conflict

In the 1930s, after Britain had declared its support to Jews for their homeland in Palestine and the League of Nations endorsed the declaration, Zionists began implementing this vision. They hoped to split Israels opponents into extremists and moderates.

In November 1947, in the wake of the Holocaust, the United Nations passed a resolution recommending the end of British Mandate Palestine and the creation of two independent states: one Arab and one Jewish. A civil war between Jewish and Palestinian forces ensued.

In 1948, when Israel declared Independence in May 1948, Arabs were attacked. Israeli forces displaced roughly 7,50,000 Palestinians. The war ended when Israelis thought the British forces would intervene. Thats when they withdrew their forces from Sinai and cancel operations in West Bank.

In 1956, after Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal and struck an arms deal with the Soviet Union, Israel, with the support of Britain and France, invaded Egypt and occupied the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip. It was only after US President Dwight Eisenhowers direct threat that Israel left the territories it occupied.

In 1967, when Egypt, Syria and Jordan threatened to strike, Israel responded with a devastating strike. The UN Security Council ordered a ceasefire, but Israel did not stop until the US and the UN pressured into an abrupt ceasefire.

In October 1973, after Egypt and Syria launched a surprise assault on Israeli positions in the Sinai and Golan Heights, Israeli forces began a drive to destroy the Egyptian Third Army. It only ended it after the US, in a tense standoff with Soviet Union, refused to allow it to continue.

In 1977, Israels politics shifted rightward. Elections swung back and forth in the 1980s and 1990s between Labor and the right-wing Likud Party.

In 1990s, when peace process was gaining foothold, Oslo Peace Accords was signed. A far-right Israeli assassinated Labor Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin that allowed Likuds Netanyahu to win election, who did everything to destroy the Oslo Accords. After which, the Arab world, led by Saudi Arabia, proposed a peace proposal with Israel based on the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but no Israeli government has ever officially responded to it.

And since 2010, Likud has dominated Israeli politics, making peace impossible to negotiate.
In a blow to the Nitish Kumar government, the Centre denied special category status to Bihar on Monday despite the NDA ally strongly reiterating the demand after the Lok Sabha Election results were announced last month.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon session, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said special category status was granted in the past by the National Development Council (NDC) to some states which were characterised by a number of features necessitating special consideration.

Earlier on Sunday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Kumar Jha said Bihar seeks both special category status and a special package. He also said the demand for special status in Bihar has been there since the division of Bihar and Jharkhand.

This demand of Bihar (special state status) is called unrealistic by many people This demand has been there since the division of Bihar and Jharkhand Apart from political parties, we want a change in the policies of the central government which considers Bihar as a centre of labour supply We want both, special state status and special package, Jha told ANI.

Why the Demand Was Rejected

MoS Chaudhary said the special category status was granted in the past by the NDC based on certain features necessitating special consideration such as hilly and difficult terrain, low population density or sizeable share of tribal population, strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries, economic and infrastructural backwardness and non-viable nature of state finances.

The decision was taken based on these factors, the minister said.

Earlier, the request of Bihar for Special Category Status was considered by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) which submitted its Report on 30th March 2012. The IMG came to the finding that based on existing NDC criteria, the case for Special Category Status for Bihar is not made out, the minister said.

The government has in the past also argued that the 14th Finance Commission report has ruled out the possibility of any more states being granted the status, which includes tax relief and higher central funding for the beneficiary states.

What is Special Category Status?

The Special Category Status issue was first addressed in the National Development Council (NDC) meeting in 1969. During this meeting, the DR Gadgil Committee introduced a formula to allocate Central Assistance for state plans in India. Prior to this, there was no specific formula for fund distribution to States, and grants were given on a scheme basis. The Gadgil Formula, approved by the NDC, prioritised special category States such as Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland, ensuring their needs were addressed first from the pool of Central assistance.

Recognising historical disadvantages faced by certain regions, the 5th Finance Commission introduced the concept of Special Category Status in 1969. This status provided preferential treatment to certain disadvantaged States, including Central assistance and tax breaks. The National Development Council had allocated Central Plan Assistance to these States based on this status.

Until the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the 11 states with Special Category Status benefited from various advantages and incentives. However, following the dissolution of the Planning Commission and the formation of the NITI Aayog in 2014, the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission were implemented, leading to the discontinuation of Gadgil Formula-based grants. Instead, the devolution from the divisible pool to all states was increased from 32% to 42%.

The 14th Finance Commission, effective from 2015, eliminated the distinction between General Category and Special Category States in the horizontal distribution of shareable taxes. The share of net shareable taxes for States was increased from 32% to 42% for the period 2015-2020.

The 15th Finance Commission maintained this rate at 41% for the periods 2020-2021 and 2021-2026, with a 1% adjustment due to the creation of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This adjustment aimed to address the resource gap of each state through tax devolution, with Post-Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants provided where tax devolution alone could not cover the assessed gap.

Currently, no additional states are being granted Special Category Status, as the Constitution of India does not provide for such categorisation.

Why Bihar Has Demanded Special Status

Nitish Kumar had been demanding the special status for Bihar after the mineral-rich Jharkhand was carved out of it back in 2000. He had raised the issue first in 2006 but successive central governments turned deaf ear. He accepted Niti Aayogs assessment of Bihar, but offered his own reasons for the states backwardness  the disproportionately high population.

With a per-capita GDP of around Rs 54,000, Bihar has consistently been one of the poorest states. CM Nitish Kumar said the state is home to 94 lakh poor families and the granting of SCS will help the government get about Rs 2.5 lakh crore required to fund welfare measures over the next five years.

Bihar has been ranked as the poorest state in India, according to the Centres Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report. It is estimated to have nearly 52% of its population, without having proper access to requisite health, education and living standards.

While the state meets most of the criteria for the Special Category Status, it does not fulfil the criteria of hilly terrain and geographically difficult areas.
Joe Biden withdrawing his nomination from the US Presidential Election in November was highly predicted after his disastrous performance in the debate against former president Donald Trump, who is now the official presidential candidate for the Republican Party.

Even former President Barack Obama and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hinted at Bidens exit from the race after several US Congressmen and Governors called for Biden to step down.

Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a top contender to replace Biden in the contest but it is still to be seen whether she will be the Presidential nomination or still be the Vice-Presidential nomination.

What Does Bidens Move Mean For Elections?

Bidens underwhelming performance in the presidential debate has predicted Trumps re-election, and some said it could be a landslide. Bidens health, age and fumbles had made it quite hard for the 81-year-old Democrat to lead up to the challenge.

In a letter to the nation, Biden didnt elaborate on what thinking may have prompted his decision, saying only And while it has been my intention to see reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

According to a new poll of Michigan on Sunday, Trump was leading against Biden, 49% to 42%. The EPIC-MRA survey is for the Detroit Free Press, which reports that Trump led in every region of the state, including in metro Detroit, where Biden beat Trump 56% to 40% in 2020.

Whats Next?

Although Biden backs Harris candidature for the President, but he cannot force the pledged candidates that he has accumulated to support a candidate chosen by him.

According to an article by The New York Times, while Bidens endorsement would count for something, the delegates are free to make their own choices. Loyalty to Mr Biden, which runs deep, does not automatically extend beyond him. And there could be a floor fight over who would emerge as the nominee, highlighting already festering ideological divides in the party, and potentially weakening a future Democratic candidate heading into the fall campaign, The NYT explainer said.

How Will A Nominee Be Chosen?

According to Ballotpedia, there are expected to be some 4,672 delegates in 2024, including 3,933 pledged delegates and 739 so-called superdelegates  senior party members.

In order to secure the nomination, a candidate would need to get a majority  that is, more votes than all the others combined.

Thats what Harris allies are trying to do right now  secure the pledged support of 1,969 delegates, and shut down any competition.

If no one achieves that, then there would be a brokered convention where the delegates act as free agents and negotiate with the party leadership. Rules would be established and there would be roll-call votes for names placed into nomination.

The last brokered convention when Democrats failed to nominate a candidate on the first ballot was in 1952.

What About Kamala Harris?

While some Democrats argue that Harris is the only candidate who can challenge Trump, others are uncomfortable with the official coronation. Nancy Pelosi, who played a key role in persuading Biden to drop out of race, has shown interest in her nomination for the election.

Interestingly, no sitting President has ever dropped out the election race so late. So, Harris is in a truly unique position this time.

Also, the US elections are largely dependent on money, which comes through donors. And Biden pulling out of the race have garnered praises of donors.

The Democratic National Convention, where Biden would have been formally nominated for the White House by 3,939 delegates, will begin in Chicago on August 19. However, the Democratic Party does not even have until then to make up its mind. There is a rule in Ohio under which all candidates must be certified by November 7.

What It Means for India?

New Delhi is keenly watching the US Presidential Elections as both countries have a lot to give and take from each other. But in the last few months, the diplomatic ties between the US and India had faced some hiccups after allegations were levelled against India for the assassination bid against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the US and the India-Russia ties amidst the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from Reuters)
In another hit-and-run involving a luxury car in Mumbai, an Audi rammed into two autorickshaws in Mulund on Monday morning. Both the autorickshaw drivers and a passenger suffered serious injuries and one of them is in critical condition.

Following the collision, the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped. The Mulund Police has seized the car and launched an investigation. The driver, Vijay Dattatreya, 45, was later arrested and is undergoing interrogation and medical examination.

ALSO READ | Mumbai BMW Hit-And-Run: How Cops Tracked Down Mihir Shah Via Friends Phone After 72 hours

On Sunday, a similar hit-and-run was caught on camera in Pimpri-Chinchwad. A car hit a pedestrian and sped away. The woman escaped with injuries. Eyewitnesses attempted to chase the driver, but were unsuccessful. The Pimpri Police is now searching for the culprit, even though the officials are under scrutiny for their apparent negligence. The CCTV footage has fueled public anger, as citizens demand accountability.

Mumbai, Mulund: A hit-and-run incident occurred this morning when an Audi car collided with two auto-rickshaws. The driver fled the scene, leaving four people injured, including the auto-rickshaw drivers. They have been hospitalized. The Mulund police have seized the vehicle and pic.twitter.com/EHpGt9XvDZ IANS (@ians_india) July 22, 2024

The two add to the recent spate of such incidents witnessed in Mumbai and Pune.

Earlier this month, the son of a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader, in a drunken state, ran over a couple on a motorcycle with his speeding BMW in Worli, resulting in the womans death. The accused, Mihir Shah, fled, but was apprehended by police three days later and is currently facing trial.

The Pimpri incident, which came after the high-profile Kalyani Nagar accident, show the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police has learned little from their mistakes and even raised questions on Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaubey.

ALSO READ | Wont Spare Anyone, No Matter How: CM Shinde Talks Tough After BMW, Porsche Hit And Run Cases

In the Kalyani Nagar incident, the minor son of a Pune realtor ran over two 24-year-old engineers with his Porsche during a late-night drive in May. The teenager was initially granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board, which also asked him to write a 300-word essay on road accidents, but following outrage over the lenient treatment and a review application by the police, he was sent to an observation home till June 5.

After the case gained media attention, the police also arrested the teenagers father, realtor Vishal Agarwal, and his grandfather, Surendra Agarwal, in connection with the accident. Two doctors of Punes Sassoon Hospital were also arrested later for allegedly manipulating the blood report of the 17-year-old boy accused.
Amid a massive row and an ongoing investigation into probationary officer Puja Khedkars selection into the IAS under the disability criteria, another officer in the premier service stirred a debate over whether such quotas were really needed in the first place. Social media comments by Smita Sabharwal, member secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, have blown up on the internet with sharp criticism from disability rights activists.

Comparing challenges faced by the differently abled to physical fitness, Sabharwal asked if an airline would hire a person with a disability or whether a patient would trust a surgeon with a disability. As this debate is blowing up  With all due respect to the Differently Abled. Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to peoples grievances-which requires physical fitness. Why does this premier service need this Quota in the first place! #justasking she wrote in a post on X.

As this debate is blowing up-With all due respect to the Differently Abled. Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability. The nature of the #AIS ( IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to  Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) July 21, 2024

Disability rights activists said persons with disabilities should not be seen through a narrow lens that doubts their competence. Some cited examples of top doctors, armymen and businessmen to make their case. The IAS officer, however, continued to defend her comments as they drew more traction in the wake of allegations of misconduct against Khedkar. In her latest post on X, she asked disability rights activist to examine why these quotas have not been implemented in the Indian Police Service or even the defence, adding that the IAS is no different.

See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is that the IAS is no different. To live in an inclusive society is a dream that we all subscribe to. Insensitivity has no place in my mind. Jai Hind, she wrote.

See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is Smita Sabharwal (@SmitaSabharwal) July 22, 2024

In her responses to her critics, too, Sabharwal said the All India Services (AIS) have different demands compared to other central services and that the talented differently abled people can find other great opportunities. I am fundamentally aware of the needs of the job. The issue here is about the suitability for a ground job. Also I firmly believe other Services within the government such as desk/think-tank nature is well suited. Please dont jump to conclusions. Legal framework is for overall protection of the rights of equality. No debate there, she added.

Fundamentally ignorant about disability

Responding to Sabharwal, disability rights activist Dr Satendra Singh said, Dear @SmitaSabharwal ji, yes, there are many surgeons with disabilities even in India. In fields like urology, gastro surgery, and plastic surgery. So, when you next see a person with disability, presume COMPETENCE!!

Dear @SmitaSabharwal ji, yes, there are many surgeons with disabilities even in India . In fields like urology, gastro surgery, and plastic surgery. So, when you next see a person with disability, presume COMPETENCE!! https://t.co/K5gE9omuur pic.twitter.com/1SL2B1N2Qq  Satendra Singh, MD (@drsitu) July 21, 2024

Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, highlighting notable figures with disabilities, posted on X, Madam @SmitaSabharwal sure would know about Maj Gen Ian Cardozo AVSM SM, first war-disabled officer of @adgpi to command a battalion; KRS Jamwal, ED Tata Industries, acclaimed oncologist Dr. Suresh Advani, both wheelchair-bound. Tragedy is when ability is viewed through narrow lens!

Madam @SmitaSabharwal sure would know about Maj Gen Ian Cardozo AVSM SM, first war-disabled officer of @adgpi to command a battalion; KRS Jamwal, ED Tata Industries, acclaimed Oncologist Dr Suresh Advani, both wheelchair-bound. Tragedy is when ability is viewed thru narrow lens! https://t.co/NhVpxkpLcx Arman (@armanaly) July 21, 2024

Prominent lawyer Karuna Nundy remarked, Amazed that an IAS officer would be so fundamentally ignorant about disability. Most disabilities have no impact on stamina or intelligence. But this tweet shows enlightenment and diversity are badly needed.

Amazed that an IAS officer would be so fundamentally ignorant about disability. Most disabilities have no impact on stamina. Or intelligence. But this tweet shows enlightenment and diversity are badly needed. https://t.co/DXa0mVU3GU Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) July 21, 2024

Muralidharan, general secretary of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), issued a statement condemning these remarks. In the wake of the exposure of the scandal involving a trainee IAS officer and the multiple frauds that she has committed, various people in high positions have joined issue. Many of them in the process have revealed their inherent prejudices and bias Reservation for disabled is only against posts identified for each disability and that identification is done based on capability to carry out the responsibility that a particular post will entail the statement read.
The government on Monday informed the Delhi High Court that it has formed a high-level committee of structural engineers from the Indian International Technology (IIT) Delhi to assess the incident at Delhi T1 and submit its report.

The Centre also said that the Airport operators were directed to carry out a third-party audit of the structural stability of airport buildings and associated infrastructures through a reputed government institution/body such as IITs, NITs, CBRI, EIL etc.

All the Airport Operators have also been directed to carry out a thorough evaluation of all civil, electrical and technical aspects of the building including the design, specifications and workmanship of the roof Sheeting structure before the onset of monsoon every year, the statement by the government said.

Notably, the airport buildings are built following laid down standards/national building code, the statement added.

Delhi Airport T1 Roof Collapse

Last month, a portion of a roof at Terminal-1 of Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed on cars under heavy rainfall and winds killing one person and injuring around eight others.

All flight departures from the terminal were also temporarily suspended and a taxi driver died in the fateful incident.

In response to the collapse, all domestic flight operations originally scheduled at Terminal 1 were relocated to Terminals 2 and 3. This relocation affected major carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet and led to the cancellation of over 20 IndiGo flights on June 29.

Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, including those by IndiGo and SpiceJet. All operations were temporarily shifted to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
An IndiGo flight travelling from Abu Dhabi to Delhi was diverted to Muscat airport in Oman early Monday morning due to a technical issue.

Confirming the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson attributed the diversion to a technical issue and assured that necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate the passengers onward journey.

IndiGo flight 6E 1406 operating from Abu Dhabi to Delhi, was diverted to Muscat due to a technical issue. The aircraft will be back in operations after necessary maintenance. The customers have been offered hotel accommodation in Muscat and alternative arrangements are being made to facilitate their journey to destination. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers, the IndiGo spokesperson stated.

IndiGo flight 6E 1406 operating from Abu Dhabi to Delhi, was diverted to Muscat due to a technical issue. The aircraft will be back in operations after necessary maintenance. The customers have been offered hotel accommodation in Muscat and alternative arrangements are being made pic.twitter.com/e4Rsyk7p4Q ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

According to a report by The Times of India, passengers onboard noticed vibrations in the aircraft immediately after takeoff.

Describing the sequence of events, a passenger from the flight, which carried 129 passengers and six crew members, mentioned a delay of 40 minutes during takeoff.

Even at take off time, the aircraft was vibrating a lot. Some passengers seated in the emergency exit row heard noise as if a door was getting open and shut. For the next one hour, the seat belt sign was not switched off and everyone remained seated. Subsequently, the pilot announced theres some technical problem and that we were diverting to Muscat, the passenger recounted.
A soldier and the relative of a gallantry award winner were injured as suspected terrorists launched a two-pronged attack at a remote village in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri on Monday. The Indian Army said both the attempts were foiled followed by a search and cordon operation in the Gundha area of the district, after a security post and the residence of Shaurya Chakra recipient Parshotam Kumar came under attack.

Op GundaTerrorists attacked the house of a VDC at Gunda, Rajouri at 0310h. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued.Operations are continuing.@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 22, 2024

According to officials, the terrorists spread out in two groups to carry out the attack. One group tried to attack the security post while the other targeted Kumars residence. His uncle was injured in the exchange of fire.

Kumar is a farmer and member of a village defence group, or village defence committee (VDC), who was recently conferred the Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmi as he displayed astute patriotism and gallantry under fire.

An army spokesperson said the terrorists fired at the security post around 4 am, and troops guarding the post retaliated resulting in fierce exchanges. The troops foiled the attack, following which a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in the area, the spokesperson added.

Officials said a fresh firing between terrorists and security forces has broken out in the area, while the cordon and search operation is underway.

This incident comes amid a spike in terrorist attacks in the recent past  from Kathua to Reasi and Rajouri to Doda  and ahead of the elections due later this year.

In the most recent terror attack, four soldiers were killed in a gunfight with heavily armed terrorists in Doda district on the night of July 15. An Army captain and three soldiers were critically injured in the encounter in Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt of Doda and later succumbed to injuries.

A week before that, there was a terrorist ambush on an army patrol in the remote Machedi forest belt in Kathua district that claimed the lives of five soldiers and injured as many.

After the Doda attack, the Udhampur-based northern command of the Indian Army said it has been conducting a series of joint and coordinated operations with Jammu and Kashmir Police to eliminate foreign terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border and are moving in the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts in Jammu region and thereafter to Kashmir.

All formations of northern command are committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue, the Army said, adding a number of measures have been instituted to enhance synergy between various agencies.

These include joint training with J-K Police and Central Armed Police Forces and robust intelligence sharing mechanism between Army, police and other intelligence agencies, the official release said.

Clear guidelines have been enunciated towards ensuring no collateral damage and disruption in day-to-day life of the locals in the area. Close interaction with local populace is also ensured for flow of intelligence inputs, the statement said.

In light of the incidents in the recent past, the army further said the proactive counter-terrorist operations continue to be prosecuted, including a joint operation with J-K Police in Urarbagi and similar operations in the Kathua area, where three terrorists were killed in Gandoh on June 26 besides successfully thwarting the Chattargala terrorist attack on June 11.

(With PTI inputs)
There were several factors working against rescuers as they desperately tried to save the kangaroo's life.

A distressed kangaroo was spotted in the bay near Banksia Beach on Sunday. Source: Facebook

A difficult seven-hour rescue of a large kangaroo outside waterfront homes on Sunday has highlighted the "significant danger" the canal environment poses to wildlife, with their steep sides making it nearly impossible for animals to escape.

A trauma team was assembled by Wildlife Rescue Queensland within the hour after a local spotted the roo treading water near Banksia Beach in Moreton Bay, with the volunteers rushing to assist the animal with specialised equipment. Several members of the public assisted the team, with one offering their boat so the team could get as close to the kangaroo as possible.

The animal was visibly distressed and the rescue was "tricky" due to the cold temperatures and high risk of myopathy  a fatal disease that kangaroos can easily succumb to if they experience intense levels of stress.

Rescuer keeps kangaroo afloat as it clings to boat

One of the rescuers held onto the kangaroo from a boat while the effects of sedation took place, with the kangaroo struggling to stay above the water. Its head and front legs were visible in the man's hands.

After getting the animal out of the cold water, rescuers were concerned about the large scratches on the roo that it had inflicted on itself while it desperately attempted to escape the water. It's unknown how long he was in the water before the team were called, or why it went into the water in the first place.

Rescuers piled into a small boat in order to rescue the kangaroo from the cold water. Source: Facebook

Kangaroo fortunate to live after suffering hypothermia

The kangaroo had suffered hypothermia from the cold water and the team spent time heating him and offering him food to regain his strength as well as his core body temperature.

After he was given a once-over by a vet, the kangaroo was deemed healthy enough to release back into the wild close to where he was found.

Yahoo News understands Wildlife Rescue Queensland frequently rescues animals from the bay.

The kangaroo was successfully released after being rescued. Source: Facebook

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More than 300 Indian students returned from Bangladesh via the Phulbari and Changrabandha border check posts as the neighbouring country continues to reel under violent clashes that have killed over 100 people. Along with the Indian students, students from Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan also crossed over to India in search for safety, unsure of whether and when they would be able to resume studies.

In total, 333 Indian students, 186 Nepali students, 25 Bhutan nationals and one Maldivian student entered India from Bangladesh on Sunday. Overall, more than 4,500 Indian students have returned home.

Bangladesh has been reeling under deadly clashes, with protesting students demanding that the Sheikh Hasina-led government scrap a controversial job-quota system. More than 100 people have been killed in the clashes that broke out weeks ago, according to reports from Dhaka, though the exact number of deaths is not yet clear.

Law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a nationwide curfew as the clashes between the protesters demanding the withdrawal of the job-quota system and police continued across the country.

Some of the students who returned to India said they are traumatized following their ordeal and are anxious for their future.

Ansari Sakir returned to India two days ago via the Changrabandha border. He hails from North Dinajpur district in West Bengal and studies at the Rangpur Medical College in Bangladesh. We were afraid. The day total internet shutdown was declared, we stepped out with full security. We kept our college hostel doors closed all the time. There was violence on the national highway. Some protests also started in our college. We were tensed about our safe return. I still cannot believe I am back, he told News18.

Students like Ansari say they are anxious about their future and whether theyll be able to resume college life anytime soon.

Mustafijur Raheman, a student from Assam, returned on Saturday. He is a student at the Myemansingh Medical College in Bangladesh. We came back because things were not good. You never know. We undertook a six-hour journey along the Changrabandha border. Many students are coming. And many students whose visas are ending are trying to go back.

Both the Indian government and the West Bengal government have been assisting students in their safe return to India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said Indian missions in Bangladesh are in regular touch with local authorities for the safety and security of Indian nationals.

Thus far, over 4,500 Indian students have returned to India. The High Commission has been making arrangements for security escort for safe travel of Indian nationals to the border-crossing points, the MEA said.

The High Commission is also coordinating with the civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure the availability of flight services between India and Bangladesh, the ministry said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she has asked the state administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees.

For instance, around 300 students arrived at Hilli border today and most of them left for their respective destinations safely: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand! she posted on X.
National Mango Day is celebrated on July 22 to honour the delicious and versatile tropical fruit, known for its flavour and several health benefits. Famous for its sweet and juicy flavour, mango is primarily a summer fruit and it comes in all shapes and sizes and with different varieties offering a range of tastes.

National Mango Day History

Beyond the mouth-watering taste, the fruit is known to have a strong connection with India. According to multiple sources, the mango was first cultivated more than 4,000 years ago in India. As per Britannica, the fruit got its name, most likely, from the Malayam manna, which the Portuguese adopted as manga when they arrived in Kerala back in the 15th century.

Mango is also known to be associated with Indian folklore. It has been said that a mango orchard was given to Lord Buddha.

In 1987, the National Horticulture Board of India introduced the concept of the International Mango Festival to pay tribute to mangoes. Over the years, this annual event has evolved into a highly anticipated celebration, drawing mango enthusiasts from all corners of the country.

National Mango Day Significance

The National Mango Day holds a great significance as an annual celebration. This day serves as a reminder of mangos cultural importance, its widespread popularity around the world and its versatility in culinary delights. Beyond its delicious taste, mangoes provide essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being. Known as the king of fruits, mangoes are said to bring richness of life, including material wealth. In Indian mythology, the mango is often associated with love and prosperity.

Interesting Facts About Mangoes

Mangoes are a superfood and these are tasty as well as filled with vitamins and nutrients. Green Mangoes have more Vitamin C, while the unripe ones offer crucial nutrients. Mangoes come from the nut family. These are close relatives of cashews and pistachios. It is believed that mangoes can often grant wishes as well.

How To Celebrate National Mango Day

1. There are different types of mangoes present. Try out a few of them and enjoy the delicious fruit.

2. Order any delicacies based on mango.

3. You can even try to grow a mango plant.

4. Share different mango recipes and help others to understand the dish better.

5. Educate yourself more about the history and benefit of this fruit.
Actor Nakkhul, who is a well-known Tamil actor, started his cinematic journey with S Shankars directional film Boys. The actor then made a remarkable transformation with Kadhalil Vilunthen and then he invariably excelled through his continuous acting in films as a lead actor to make his place in the industry.

Nakkhul is next preparing to deliver his movie Vasco Da Gama, directed by RG Krishnan which is going to be released on August 2. The film features Nakkhul, KS Ravikumar, Munishkanth and Arthana Binu in the main roles. The films press meeting happened in Saligramam, Chennai on July 20. In this press meeting along with Nakkhul and Devayani, actors like Manikandan and others also participated.

Nakkhuls elder sister and veteran actress Devayani made her presence as the chief guest for the event to praise her brother Nakkhul. The actress complimented Nakkhuls confidence and she believes that he is going to deliver a banger with the movie Vasco Da Gama. The actress also explained the reason for Nakkhul not taking part in any regular films, as a talented actor waits for the right time to showcase his performance as well as selecting the correct subject and directors.

During that press meet, Devayani also shared her emotions towards Nakkhul by claiming that, she is like a mother figure to the actor. She always stood for Nakkhul as an elder sister who stood as a motherly figure for her younger brother. She called Nakkhul a little boy and wished him to excel in his career and upcoming films. The actor, Nakkhul became emotional after hearing her speech and he could not control his tears, as per reports. The actor who was sitting on the stage expressed his love by hugging the actress.
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor attended Krishan Kumars 20-year-old daughter Tishaa Kumars prayer meet on Monday evening. Tishaa, who was also Bhushan Kumars cousin, died on July 18, following a battle with cancer. She was cremated in Mumbai on Monday afternoon. Krishan and the Kumar family hosted a prayer meet in the city and Anil was one of the many stars who attended it.

In a video, Anil was seen rushing towards the hall where the prayer meet was being organised. The Bigg Boss OTT 3 host maintained his distance from the media at the gathering. Watch the video below:

Tishaas father Krishan was also spotted by the paparazzi. The actor-turned-producer was seen with a family member at the venue. See the photo below:

Earlier in the day, a devastated Krishan was spotted making his way to the funeral ground to perform the last rites of his daughter. He was supported by his friends. His wife Tanya was also spotted at the funeral venue, participating in the prayers. Several Bollywood stars including Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh were seen offering their tributes before the funeral procession.

On Friday morning, a T-Series spokesperson issued a statement confirming the death and said, Tishaa Kumar, daughter of Krishan Kumar, passed away yesterday after a prolonged battle with an illness. This is difficult time for the family, and we kindly request that familys privacy is respected.

Born in September 2003, Tishaa was a private person who did not usually make a lot of public appearances. However, one of her last public appearances was in November 2023, when she attended the premiere of the Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Animal. Back then, she was seen posing for the paparazzi on the red carpet with her father, Krishan Kumar.
As anticipation to watch Ajay Devgn and Tabus chemistry in Neeraj Pandeys Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha increases each day, the makers have released a short love story through their latest music video, Tuu. Showcasing young and growing love with the vibrancy of festivities, the song captures various festivals, from Janmastmi to Holi, and illustrates the seven stages of love.

Have a look at the video :

The song features a grand sequence of Matki Fod, a colourful Holi, and scenes exploring the rarely shot interiors of the Gateway of India, among other beautiful and visionary moments that display the innocent feeling of love. Tuu has been composed by the Oscar-winning maestro M. M. Kareem, sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Javed Ali.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha marks Ajay and Tabus tenth film together and fans are eager to watch them together as lovers. Director Neeraj Panday reveals that he wasnt aware of their off-screen camaraderie but he always knew that they were the perfect fit for the film. Two years back, when we were figuring out our next theatrical release, the germ of this film came to me. It was there in some form in my head before that but I didnt actually sit down and write about it till two years ago. And Ajay and Tabu were my first choices. Having said that, I dont know if its their friendship that translated onscreen because I know nothing about its background," the filmmaker said.

The much-awaited love saga, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, will have its theatrical release on 2nd August 2024. The anticipation for the film has been increasing each day as fans eagerly await the chance to witness the chemistry between Ajay Devgn and Tabu in this heartfelt story by Neeraj Pandey," the makers said in a press release issued a week back.

Presented by NH Studioz, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is a Friday Filmworks Production, produced by Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios), Sangeeta Ahir, and Shital Bhatia. The film is set for a theatrical release on 2nd August 2024.
Diljit Dosanjh has enjoyed an exceptional year with hit film releases and international music tours. As Diljit relishes his current success, he is also preparing for more exciting projects. Recently, Diljit Dosanjh unveiled the first poster for his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 and to the delight of his fans, he also announced the films release date.

Diljit Dosanjh shared a motion poster for Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram, announcing, SARDAAR JI 3 Releasing Worldwide 27th June 2025. The poster features Diljits shadow, with a background audio clip of him correcting someone who calls him Sardaar instead of Sardaar Ji. The film is co-produced by White Hill Studios and Storytime Productions.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Fans are quite excited about the new film and cant wait to watch their favourite star on screen once again. One of them said, Diljit is the ultimate sardaarji, while another said, Last movie still going on and another movie coming. Diljit Dosanjh can do it only. Others extended their heartfelt wishes for the success of the new project. A fan wrote, Best wishes for next movie Sardar ji 3 keep going.

The first installment of the Sardaar franchise was launched in 2015, starring Mandy Takhar and Neeru Bajwa alongside Diljit. It was directed by Rohit Jugraj. Sardaar Ji 2 was later released in 2016, where Diljit Dosanjh played three different roles. It also starred Monica Gill and Sonam Bajwa.

Earlier this year, while promoting his film, Jatt and Juliet 3 in Chandigarh, Diljit spoke about his gradual success in the industry. He stated, Its not overnight fame. You can never make it happen in one day. I have been in the industry for almost 22 years and have worked day and night to stand where I am today. This cost me a lot of things, I couldnt give my family much time. All those years of hard work have now paid rich dividends, but I have more things planned. Just wait and watch.

Diljit Dosanjh was last seen in Jagdeep Sidhus Jatt & Juliet 3 alongside Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa, Rana Ranbir, B. N. Sharma, and Nasir Chinyoti, among others. Prior to this, he starred in Imtiaz Alis immensely successful biographical drama, Amar Singh Chamkila.
Famous filmmaker Tharun Sudhir, the son of renowned actors Sudhir and Malathi Sudhir, will marry actress Sonal Monteiro on August 11. Tharun Sudhir has shared the happy news with his fans and industry colleague. He dropped a clip featuring himself and his bride-to-be, Sonal Monteiro. The sidenote read, Tharun here, directing my greatest love story yet, with my leading lady, Sonal. The clip screams love from miles away.

Tharun here, directing my greatest love story yet, with my leading lady, Sonal      11.08.2024 #TharunSonalTAKEOK pic.twitter.com/04x8RU3VC2  Tharun Sudhir (@TharunSudhir) July 22, 2024

Fans have flooded the comments section with love and fire emojis.

A user said, God bless you both with lots of love and health.

God bless you both with lots of love and health Ajay HP  (@HPAjay) July 22, 2024

Another wrote, Hearty congratulations to both of you. Wishing you a very very happy life together.

Hearty congratulations to both of you. Wishing you a very very happy life together Sunil Manohar (@s_mk2001) July 22, 2024

Before this, Tharun Sudhir dropped a teaser hinting, Finally!! The director has found his lifes HEROINE!. He shared a specially designed poster with the text, Starring in our own fairytale. He had stated that he would share further details on July 22.

Finally!! The director has found his life's HEROINE!  pic.twitter.com/lIZE0AEvOT Tharun Sudhir (@TharunSudhir) July 21, 2024

A while back, Tharun Sudhirs mother opened up about her sons wedding plans. Malathi Sudhir told The Times Of India, They will get married, but the dates have not been confirmed yet. Sonals relatives, who are in Dubai, need to attend the wedding. Since its the inauspicious month of Ashada, everything is on hold. I am thrilled that Tharun is finally getting married, which I wanted to witness while I am alive. We expect the wedding to happen in a couple of months.

Work wise, Tharun Sudhirs last film was Kaatera. He is also known for Roberrt and Chowka.

On the other hand, Sonal Monteiro first gained recognition as a model. She is well known for films such as Abhisarike, Namjadi Dibbana, Panchatantra, Mlakata, Demo Piece, Robert, and Banaras. She worked with Tharun Sudhir in Roberrt, which also featured Vinod Prabhakar.
Kangana Ranaut, known for her fierce and unfiltered opinions, recently took to Instagram to express her support for Kamala Harris, the American politician who has been endorsed by President Joe Biden for the upcoming presidential race. In her story, Kangana highlighted the rampant misogyny that Harris faces, particularly pointing out a meme circulating on social media. The meme features an image of Harris with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, labelling Harris as a high-end call girl from the 1990s.

Kangana, a newly elected Member of Parliament from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, criticised the regressive attitudes towards women in politics, not just in India but globally. She expressed her disappointment in seeing such sexist attacks on a seasoned politician like Harris, who has served as the Attorney General of California and a US Senator.

In her Instagram story, Kangana wrote, Since Biden has endorsed Harris for POTUS, SM is full of such memes I dont support democrats but its amusing even in America an elderly woman politician who has been Attorney General of California has to face sexism to this extent. Honestly, these Americans think they are modern and all but they are so regressive, worse than Indians to be honest. Shame.

Kanganas support for Harris comes at a time when she is also in the limelight for her own political and cinematic endeavours. She has recently been elected as the MP of Mandi, marking her official entry into Indian politics. In addition to her political career, Kangana is set to release her much-anticipated film, Emergency, in which she portrays the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The film, which delves into the controversial Emergency period in Indian history, is scheduled to hit theaters on September 7 this year.
When it comes to spending time away from her busy work life, Raveena Tandon truly loves vacationing. The actress always makes sure to take free time from her schedule and go on holiday often. Her latest Instagram dump with daughter Rasha Thadani is proof that Raveena is a true travel freak. In a fresh slot of pictures, Raveena Tandon shared glimpses of her visit to the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy. Strolling through the citys ancient remains, the actress also penned a note, reflecting on its sad history.

Pompeii a city entombed with ashes. The sad history behind. When Mother Nature strikes, humanity is helpless.. to walk amongst the ruins and the museum, the sense of being just so fragile against the powers of nature and the universe, and still man thinks hes all-powerful. Also met a #pumathecat in Pompeii, she wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raveena Tandon (@officialraveenatandon)

In the pictures, the actor treated fans with close glimpses of Pompeii including historical monuments and the architectural wonders of the place. Dressed in a comfy strappy printed dress, Raveena looked as youthful as ever. She was accompanied by her daughter with whom she shared a candid picture.

The post came just days after Raveena shared a few more pictures from her trip to Budapest. The mother-daughter could be seen enjoying the picturesque views of the European city while exploring their holiday destination. Prior to that, she also dropped a video, showing them enjoying a thrilling day at the beach, trying out water sports, and relaxing in the sun as they sail around the ocean on a yacht. The Deep Blue Sea and Me. #holidaydump, she wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raveena Tandon (@officialraveenatandon)

For those unaware, Raveena Tandon is married to Anil Thadani and shares two children, Rasha and Ranbir.

Whats On The Work Front?

The actress was last seen in Disney+ Hotstars courtroom drama film Patna Shuklla. Diving into the education scam of roll numbers, the film shows Raveena in the role of Tanvi Shukla. Directed by Vivek Budakoti, the film is currently streaming on OTT.

She will be next seen in Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment in the popular comedy franchise. Besides Raveena, the film consists of a star-studded ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta, Tusshar Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade among others.
Actress Maanayata Dutt, the wife of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, is celebrating her 46th birthday today. Born as Dilnawaz Shaikh in Mumbai, she spent most of her time in Dubai before returning to Mumbai and venturing into the film industry. Despite appearing in a limited number of movies, she gained recognition for her dance number Alhad Mast Jawani Bemisaal. Interestingly, Maanayata has changed her name thrice throughout her journey in showbiz.

On the occasion of her birthday, Sanjay penned a heartfelt note for her her. Sharing a bundle of happy moments with her on Instagram, Sanjay wrote, Happy birthday, Mom! May God bless you with endless happiness, success, and peace. I am grateful for your presence in my life, your support, and your strength. I am fortunate to have you as my wife. Thank you, Maa, for being the rock in my life, and happy birthday once again. Love you  @maanayata.

Have a look:

Before her marriage to Sanjay Dutt, when she entered the film industry, she changed her name to Sara Khan. She featured in Prakash Jhas movie Gangajal, alongside Ajay Devgn, Gracy Singh, and Bipasha Basu.

Despite the name switch, Maanayata appeared in only a handful of movies, mostly low-budget productions like Lovers Like Us. It was reported that Sanjay Dutt had bought the rights to this movie for Rs 20 lakh.

Rumours suggest that Maanayata met Sanjay Dutt through film producer Nitin Manmohan and used to cook food for him on his film sets. Gradually, their relationship blossomed, and they fell in love. In 2008, Sanjay Dutt and Maanayata tied the knot in Goa following Hindu customs. This marked Sanjay Dutts third marriage and allegedly Maanayatas second.

Time and again, Dutt expressed his gratitude for her unwavering support, picking him up when he fell, and fighting his battles alongside him. He considers himself lucky to have her as his wife. Maanayata has ventured into entrepreneurship and now serves as the CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions.
Amarnie has had to undergo multiple surgeries to help repair burns to her chin, chest, torso and neck.

An ordinary day at home resulted in an unthinkable tragedy for one family after a toddler reached for a hot cup of tea causing it to spill down her chest. The single action left the 15-month-old with "severe burns" covering her little body.

A piercing, blood-curdling scream is what alerted mum Renee Steepe to her daughter's injury, who at the time was being looked after by her grandmother in the other room. Amarnie had reached for a table she'd never before been able to reach  although this time she suddenly could.

"She brought it to her mouth to drink it like it were a sip cup. And with the heat, she poured it down the front of herself," family friend Julie Fox told Yahoo News Australia.

"[Renee and her mum] screamed and stripped her right away and rang the closest hospital. They decided to drive her as it was faster than waiting for an ambulance."

Several surgeries to help with horrific burns

Renee and her daughter live with Renee's mother in Yelarbon, a small southwest Queensland town near the NSW border. After arriving at Inglewood Hospital, some 25 minutes away, the little girl was made to sit under running water for 40 minutes.

Realising the extent of her burns  described as full-thickness, which is equivalent to third-degree  she was then airlifted to Brisbane's Children's Hospital for immediate surgery.

Since that day, on June 26th, young Amarnie has required multiple surgeries to help repair the full-thickness burns to her chin, chest, torso and neck, meaning she has no skin left on her body. Currently, she remains covered from the chin-down in special dressings, infection prevention and compression devices.

Mum travels 800km a week for toddler's recovery

While in good spirits, considering the ordeal, the mum and daughter duo are having to travel roughly 800kms from their hometown to the hospital and back every week for special care, with occupational therapy likely needed to minimise scarring.

"This gruelling trip, sometimes made twice a week, is essential for Amarnie's healing, but it comes at a significant financial and emotional cost," Julie, who works with Renee, said. "Next week she'll start the skin grafts. "

Little Amarnie faces a long road to recovery after being scalded with a hot cup of tea. Source: Supplied

Toddler's mum 'pushing through' daughter's recovery

Currently, it's not yet known how long the toddler's recovery will take, or how many more surgeries are required to repair her skin but "Renee is continuing to push through", her friend and employer said.

"She's a single parent and looks after her own too," Julie continued "I think she's coping amazingly, but I think it must be overwhelming and just going from day to day because it's so out of your control."

As for Amarnie, "she's full of sass and spunk", even now after her tragic injury. "She's just a very happy little girl and doing really well after surgery. She often goes and visits all the kids in the hospital".

Julie has set up a GoFundMe page for the family to help ease the burden of "travel, petrol, and overnight stays in Brisbane". "The emotional toll of this ordeal is immense, and the road to recovery is slow and challenging," she said.

Expert warning with scalding burns common among children

The most common cause of burn injuries among paediatric patients was scalds  accounting for a whopping 49 per cent of all burns in paediatric patients, according to the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) Annual Report 2020/21.

Overall in paediatric cases, hot beverages were the most common sub-cause (19 per cent), followed by food (liquid or solid) (10 per cent).

The age group that reported the most burns injuries was the 13-24m age group with 31.2 per cent of all burns injuries occurring in this age group. The 13-24 month age group also accounted for the highest rate of scalds by far (45.6 per cent).

Kidsafe warns "hot drinks burn like fire" and there are two things parents can do to prevent them, CPR Kids, a first-aid training platform for families, states.

Dont hold your child when having a hot drink and keep kettles, jugs, mugs and cups out of reach, they warn.

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Tillotama Shome and Manav Kaul starrer Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper is currently streaming on Netflix. The series about a principled government servant who suddenly takes to escort services due to cash crunch might have received mixed reviews but has garnered quite a bit of attention for its sensitive treatment of intimacy. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Tillotama, who had earlier spoken about struggling with onscreen nudity and sex scenes, dissects filming her intimate scenes with Manav in the show.

According to her, good intentions alone on the part of actors and makers while shooting for such scenes isnt enough. The directors (Puneet Krishna and Amrit Raj Gupta) met me having storyboarded every scene. It was a long meeting where everything was discussed. To think that just well be able to direct and deliver intimate scenes with great ease just because were good people or friends with good intentions isnt right. I dont think its a natural by-product. Its something that requires a tremendous amount of planning, she explains.

Tillotama insists that makers shouldnt be rushing towards shooting such sequences and give actors some time to develop an equation. I didnt know Manav and while he may be a great guy, I wasnt on set to become friends with him. We had to deliver our job. We developed an equation over time. What if we had shot those scenes in the first few days? It was very important to have directors who can understand that and prepare so that its professional, she says.

The actor, who had blazed the trail through the portrayal of self-pleasure in Lust Stories 2 and frontal nudity in Qissa, also draws attention to the fact on how male actors can also be uncomfortable while shooting for intimate scenes. Sometimes your male co-star is very comfortable but when you see the scene, it looks very odd because were awkward with intimacy. Thats why I prefer to be on the side of caution, be more cautious and realistic, she says.

The Night Manager actor adds, Its important to be able to say a no because you arent comfortable. You also feel a tremendous amount of pressure on set when everybody has said yes and youre the only person to say a no. What then might happen is that you may be unintentionally called difficult or someone whos not a team player.

And while Tillotama stresses on the importance of intimacy coordinators, she reveals that there was none on the sets of Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper. The number of times our directors checked in if were comfortable and gave us the right to say no is very progressive and much needed. Thats why I didnt feel the need for an intimacy coordinator. I felt so safe with them and could communicate directly. In fact, having a mediator would slow things down. I also felt that they including Manav could understand from my face and body language if Im unconformable, she remarks.

Sharing her stance on why sex scenes always garner a lot of attention, Tillotama states, We dont live in a society where women are looked at with a gaze thats progressive. So, its wild to expect that a woman or a man are going to be comfortable. The awkwardness of intimacy is a very, very private thing in our culture. We, as a society, are very uncomfortable with public demonstrations of affection, desire and love.
Veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi has, over the years, successfully carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry. Although predominantly appearing as a villain on screen, he has also played positive roles as well. Ashish Vidyarthi, who has worked in films like Sardar, Drohkaal, Baazi, Naajayaz, Arjun Pandit, Ziddi and Soldier remains in the headlines not only for his films but also for his personal life. Last year, the actor was all over the news when he separated from his ex wife of 21 years Rajoshi and married Rupali Barua. Ashish Vidyarthi had faced trolling for re-marrying at the age of 57. In May 2023, Ashish Vidyarthi married fashion entrepreneur Rupali Barua. The pictures of their wedding caused a significant buzz on social media.

Rupali Barua is seven years younger than the actor. Ashish Vidyarthi and Rupali Barua had a court marriage. The actor met her during one of his blogging assignments. During this time, the two started talking and gradually grew closer. In an interview, Ashish Vidyarthi mentioned that Rupali Barua was going through a very difficult period at that time, having lost her husband five years earlier. She was completely alone after her husbands death and found solace in Ashish Vidyarthi.

In an interview last year, the veteran actor discussed the social media trolling he faced for getting married at the age of 57, expressing his surprise at the negativity. I encountered terms like buddha and khusat among other offensive comments. Its noteworthy that these remarks reflect a broader societal attitude, where we judge those older than us and simultaneously create a fear of ageing for ourselves, because we all, hopefully, will grow old. We seem to be telling ourselves, Dont pursue things just because youre old. But does that mean one should live unhappily? If someone seeks companionship, why shouldnt they have it? Ashish said.
In a memorable throwback interview, late actor Rajesh Khanna addressed the popular notion that if he had stayed active in the film industry, Amitabh Bachchan might never have risen to superstardom. The statement, often debated among fans and critics alike, surfaced during a conversation about the trajectory of Bollywoods iconic stars.

Rajesh Khanna, who worked with Amitabh Bachchan in the classic film Anand, shared his thoughts with Lehren, emphasising the role of fate. Reflecting on Amitabhs journey from their collaboration on Anand to his superstardom, Khanna extended his heartfelt congratulations to Big B. I would envy him because achieving this status and success is truly a matter of pride, not just for him but for the entire industry, for us, and for the public as well, Khanna added.

Khair jo jiski kismat hai aur jo jiska kaam hai, ye toh upar wale ki marzi hoti hai. Main toh ye kehna chaahunga jab unhone mere saath Anand mein kaam shuru kiya aur aaj iss mukaam par pahuche, main bahut hi unko mubarakbaad dunga. Ill be happy for him and Ill envy him ki iss mukaam par pahuchna ye kamiyaabi haasil karna bahut hi garv ki baat hai, sirf unke liye hi nahi par industry ke liye bhi, humare liye bhi aur janta ke liye bhi, Khanna said.

The two actors worked closely on Anand, a film that remains a milestone in Indian cinema. The movie, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, was a turning point for both actors. While Khanna was already an established superstar, Bachchan was on the brink of his star status, and their collaboration only amplified his rise.

When asked whether Amitabh Bachchan worked with him or learned from him during the making of Anand, Khanna provided a philosophical take on the nature of work. One does not learn work from anyone. Work is something that is done. Work is neither small nor big; it is either good or bad, he said.
The late legendary Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna, fondly known as the First Superstar of Indian cinema, once reminisced about the extreme lengths his female fans went to in order to express their adoration. In a throwback interview, Rajesh Khanna opened up about a shocking trend from his heyday: receiving letters from female fans written in their own blood.

Khanna, whose death anniversary recently passed, ruled the silver screen in the 1960s and 70s with his charismatic performances and charm in a string of hits that included films like Aradhana, Anand, Amar Prem, and Kati Patang among others. His unique ability to connect with the audience, combined with his suave looks and emotive performances, made him the heartthrob of millions.

Khannas legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated, not just for his cinematic contributions but also for the fervent fan base he cultivated. In an old interview with Lehren when asked about receiving letters in blood, Rajesh Khanna recalled, Ye sab cheezein main apni maa se bhi pucha karta tha. Meri maa ne ek din kahan ki tum pichle janam mein lagta hai kuch zyada hi romantic hoge. Maine bola kyu toh unhone kaha, paidaishi aapka andaaz aashiqana hai. Toh humne kaha aashiqana hai tabhi toh romantic filmon mein kaam karte hai, family dramas mein kaam karte hai. Hum action hero toh kabhi rahe nahi aur na kabhi rehne ka shauk bhi tha. Aur romance se badh kar cheez kya hai? (I used to ask my mother about all these things. One day, she said to me, It seems you were overly romantic in your past life. I asked why, and she replied, You have a romantic style since birth. So, I said, Its indeed romantic, thats why I work in romantic movies and family dramas. Ive never been an action hero, nor did I ever have the desire to be one. And what is greater than romance? What is greater than love? Love is God. Love is the greatest. I chose that path, and it was Gods will).'

Rajesh Khanna was married to Dimple Kapadia. Although they eventually lived separately, they never divorced. They have two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke.
Cafes along the banks of the Seine in Paris normally buzz with activity in the summer, but restrictions ahead of the Olympics have limited movement in the city centre, leaving restaurants empty of diners.

Police have imposed a security zone along the river, erecting metal barriers to fence off neighbourhoods and requiring authorization  passes with QR codes  to enter.

There is nobody, said Liliane Khalil, owner of Aux Anysetiers du Roy, surveying rows of empty tables at her restaurant.

The worst part is that you have reservations because you have been around for some time already, but people dont know that they need to have a QR code, added Khalil.

The opening ceremony takes place on the Seine next Friday, with thousands of athletes and performers involved in the unprecedented event.

French officials have said that while there are no specific terrorism threats to the ceremony, it has created an unprecedented security challenge.

The drop in business took many restaurant owners by surprise, with some seeing 80% fewer customers due to the stringent security measures, according to the head of the French restaurant owners association, Alain Fontaine.

Everyone had lined up temporary workers to gear up for what we were anticipating  but this, no one had thought about, said Khalil.

Stay updated with the latest from Paris Olympics 2024. Explore Paris Olympics 2024 events today. Check the updated list of medal tally for Paris Olympics 2024. Check Paris Olympics 2024 event results.
Nearly two weeks after the NDA government lifted the ban on government servants participating in RSS activities, the July 9 order surfaced on social media, sparking widespread controversy and political reactions.

Even as the opposition parties reacted sharply to the decision by the Narendra Modi government, the senior functionaries of the RSS stated that government employees with the idea and willingness to contribute to nation building have always supported the Sangh and its social work despite the ban that was only on paper.

They claimed that the governments that ruled India post-Independence enforced three bans on the RSS depending on their political interest, but the organisation never ceased to exist, instead it flourished with more patriots joining in.

The RSS veterans said that the order existed on paper as all nationalists and patriots, including government servants, have always acknowledged the contribution of the RSS in nation building and they never hesitated to participate in the social activities of the RSS.

The RSS, issuing a statement, appreciated and welcomed the Centres move as the government formally lifted the ban.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been continuously engaged in the reconstruction of the nation and the service of society for the past 99 years. Due to the RSSs contributions in times of national security, unity-integrity, and natural disasters, the various types of leadership in the country have, from time to time, praised the role of the RSS. Due to their political self-interests, the then-government unjustly prohibited government employees from participating in the activities of a constructive organisation like the RSS, said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS.

The recent decision of the government is appropriate and will strengthen the democratic system of Bharat, he further added.

The order was archaic, and it is commendable that the current administration has done away with it, said a senior central committee member of the RSS, reacting to the governments order lifting the ban on government employees attending RSS programs.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress and others came down heavily on decision of the government to lift the 58-year-old ban, while some opposition politicians said they were surprised.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari on Monday told News18 that he had tea at the shop of a Muslim vendor on the Kanwar Yatra route while he was returning from Haridwar on Sunday, but this was because he was not part of the yatra.

The Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on the enforcement of an Uttar Pradesh governments order which specified that proprietors must display their names on their eateries on the kanwariya route. It said the owners will be required to display the kind of food they are selling to the kanwariyas.

ALSO READ | Supreme Court Stays State Directives Asking Shops On Kanwar Yatra Route To Mention Owners Name

The proprietors name must be known. While returning from Haridwar yesterday, I saw that the proprietor of a particular shop was a Muslim and I had tea therethis was because I am not on Kanwar Yatra. If someone is going on that yatra, he wants to avoid such a shop for his purity, then what is the objection? How can a kanwariya eat at a place where non-vegetarian food is cooked daily? Tiwari, the BJP MP from North-East Delhi told News18.

He said just before he had arrived at the said shop, there had been a dispute nearby as onion and garlic had been served to some kanwariyas. If a Muslim brother keeps roza, he goes by his rules during that period. In kanwaria yatra too, their food has to be pious. And it is only for 20 days to a monthlet them have the freedom to choose where they want to eat, Tiwari told News18.

#BreakingNews | Kanwar Yatra order in Supreme Court- Huge setback to UP's directiveSupreme Court Of India issues notice to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand Govt and Delhi Government. @anany_b & @siddhantvm with more details on the notice | Avantika Singh pic.twitter.com/ZrEkJOCOk7  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 22, 2024

He said putting a board of ones name is a rule as per the existing law. This law was brought in the Congress government rule. It is the opposition which is making the issue religious. This issue is not religiousit is linked to devotion, Tiwari said. The SC on Monday has however put an interim stay on the enforcement of the orders and issued a notice to the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

BJP MP from Unnao in UP, Sakshi Maharaj, told News18 that people who speak of census in the name of caste are criticising the kanwaria yatra order. Wasnt a divide to be caused in the name of a caste census too? Maharaj asked. Independent MP from Nagina in UP, Chandrashekhar Azad, meanwhile, said the order was a slap on the face of the Uttar Pradesh government. This is a win for the Constitutionwill the BJP now also term also the Supreme Court as an opposition force or say it is against religion, Azad asked.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted on X  It should be written on a new name-plate: Harmony prevails!
Withdrawing its 1966 order, the Central government has now allowed civil servants to join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a move that has evoked strong reactions from the Opposition parties.

The office memorandum issued on July 9 withdrew the order issued on November 30, 1966, which barred civil servants from joining organisations that carry out political activities. The 1966 order stated: The undersigned is directed to invite the attention of the ministry of finance etc to the provisions of sub rule (i) of rule 5 of the central service (conduct ) rule 1964 under which no government servant shall be a member of or have any association with any political party or any organisation which takes part in politics or shall take part, subscribe in aid of or assist in any manner any political movement or activity."

It added, As certain doubts have been raised about the governments policy with respect to the membership of and participation in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh and the Jamaat-e-Islami by government servants, it is clarified that government have always held the activities of these two organisations to be of such a nature that participation in them by government servants would attract the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules."

#WATCH | Delhi: On government employees can now participate in RSS activities, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Nehrus government banned RSS. The ban was lifted because they had to agree that they will respect the pic.twitter.com/NwLQ5RzP4f ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024

Citing the service conduct rules, the order had stated that any government servant, who is a member of or is otherwise associated with the aforesaid organisations or with their activities is liable to disciplinary action". Ministries were requested to bring the above position to the notice of government employees working in or under them".

The order was reiterated on July 25, 1970 and October 28, 1980. It has been in circulation since then. Even in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and in the last two terms of the Modi government, the ban on civil servants joining the RSS continued.

On July 9, 2024, however, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) issued a new office memorandum stating, The aforesaid order have been reviewed and it has been decided to remove the mention of RSS from the impugned order."

The new office memorandum only bars civil servants from joining the Jamaat-e-Islami.

OPPOSITION REACTS

MP Asaduddin Owaisi strongly protested against the move. This office memo purportedly shows that the govt has lifted the ban on govt employees participating in RSS activities. If true, this is against Indias integrity and unity. The ban on RSS exists because it had originally refused to accept the constitution, the national flag & the national anthem. Every RSS member takes an oath that puts Hindutva above the nation. No civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of RSS," he wrote on X.

What had been happening by breaking the law has now beem regularised as the tensions between the G2 and the RSS ratchet up. https://t.co/gTXSHw0Hky Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 21, 2024

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in his post on X, questioned if the steel frame" of India  the bureaucracy  will rust after this decision. After the assassination of Gandhiji in February 1948, Sardar Patel banned the RSS. After this, the ban was lifted on the assurance of good conduct. Even after this, RSS never hoisted the tricolor in Nagpur. In 1966, a ban was imposed on government employees participating in RSS activities  and it was the right decision. This is the official order issued in 1966 to impose the ban. After June 4, 2024, the relationship between the self-proclaimed non-biological Prime Minister and the RSS has soured. On July 9, 2024, the 58-year ban was lifted which was in place even during Atal Bihari Vajpayees tenure as Prime Minister. I believe that bureaucracy can now even come in shorts," he posted on X.

VIDEO | "I cannot believe it. It seems utterly shocking," says former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) on Centre lifting a decades-old ban on government employees associating with the RSS and its activities. pic.twitter.com/jXo4dEhxpz Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 22, 2024

I cannot believe it. It seems utterly shocking," said former Odisha CM and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament started on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking all MPs to work together for the betterment of the country by leaving behind all bitterness created by party lines. Taking a veiled dig at opposition parties, he said the dignified platform of Parliament was for the country and not for a party as decided by the vote of the people.

At the beginning of his speech, the prime minister wished everyone on account of the beginning of Sawan, or the Shravan month, dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva. He said the important session begins from the first Monday of Sawan.

Today is the first Somvar of Sawan. An important session is starting from today. I wish all fellow Indians on the day of Sawan. The country is watching very closely that this session will be in a positive atmosphere and result oriented, he said, adding that the Union Budget, which will be presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (July 23), will be an important budget of Amrit Kaal.

The united opposition is set to corner the NDA government on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case and the row over the Kanwar Yatra directives in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Monsoon Session, under the Narendra Modi-led NDA government that came to power for the third consecutive time, will have 19 sittings till August 12.

Here are the latest updates:
DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy called Lord Ram as the forerunner of Dravidian model. His statement invited a sharp reaction from the state opposition BJP.

While speaking at an event organised by Kamban Kazhagam on Monday, the DMK leader said that Lord Ram was a protector of social justice.

At the event, Regupathy said, Before Periyar, Annadurai, Chief Minister MK Stalin and former Chief Minister Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi), it was Ram, the protector of social justice, who took forward the Dravidian model. Ram was the only hero who preached secularism and social justice to the world. Ram was the only hero who said that all are equal.

He further said that the Ramayana was created to make sure that a society without inequality is created in the future.

The Tamil Nadu Law Minister also stated that if he gets a chance, he would like to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

In response to the ministers statement at the event, the Bharatiya Janata Party said that it was absurd for him to compare Ram Rajya with the DMK run-Dravidian government.

Releasing a statement, the Tamil Nadu BJP said, DMKs Dravidian model government is not like Ramas kingdom. The DMK model is similar to Ravanas kingdom. It is funny and laughable, that the DMK party which claims that it is fighting to abolish Sanatana Dharma, compares its governance to Rama Rajya.

The BJP was referred to the remarks by state minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, which he made last year. Back in 2023, while speaking at a conference in Chennai, Udhayanidhi compared Sanatana Dharma with malaria and dengue and said that it should be eradicated.
New research has discovered benefits of living near green spaces that most people may not be aware of.

The closer residents live to large green spaces, the more exposure they get to complex microorganisms. Source: Getty

Changing your route to work could improve your health if you wander through forests, parks and other natural spaces. Its just one way Aussies can help expose their bodies to a more complex mix of beneficial bacteria thats generally not present in cities and industrial spaces.

But research published in the journal Environmental Research by University of Adelaide and Flinders University is urging city planners and architects to create more green spaces, so residents dont have to make behavioural changes to improve their health.

The study highlights the link between human physiology and microorganisms that have evolved in direct and intimate contact over two million years. It warns that 68 per cent of the worlds population will live in urban environments by 2050, and changes are needed to stop a rise in allergies.

That's because if our bodies aren't trained with exposure to complex microbes, our immune system can overact when it encounters them, resulting in allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.

More on microorganisms

Why it's important to live near a large park

At the centre of the research is a recommendation that cities need to be designed so residents are living in close proximity to green spaces. And were not just talking about small reserves  large parks are more likely to house a functioning complex ecosystem with a diversity of microbes.

There is less microbial diversity in industrialised areas. Source: Environmental Research

The papers lead author, PhD candidate Kate Matthews, explained that the make up of this tiny world is similar to that of large forests.

A healthy soil ecosystem is like a forest or grassland where the birds eat the bugs, and the bugs eat the plants, but in this case its just on a tiny level. And theres thousands and thousands more bugs, and thousands and thousands more plants, she told Yahoo News.

When you increase the diversity of plants, you're also increasing the microbes that are attracted to those plants. Some might like eucalyptus, while others might like grasses or shrubs.

And we have no idea how much weve lost through urbanisation.

Her research cites a World Health Organization recommendation that urban residents should have at least one public green space of at least half a hectare within 300 metres of their home.

It calls on designers to consider exposing those who live inside their buildings to plants  like having windows that can open, or real indoor plants.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Fashion brand Alexander McQueen is generating buzz with its latest launch: the Hoof Boots, priced at $2990 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh). These distinctive boots embrace the Horse Girl trend, featuring a horseshoe detail on the sole, a back zip and silver buckles with nail studs. Crafted from Margarita brown calf hair, the boots are drawing attention for their bold design. This is the same brand known for the Armadillo Shoes, famously worn by Lady Gaga. The Hoof Boots have sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some critics calling the design cheap and others expressing concerns that the brands quality may be declining.

Meanwhile, fashion enthusiasts familiar with the brand, know that McQueen always pushes fashion boundaries with their bold and unconventional creations. Meanwhile, the Made in Italy boots are from the Autumn Winter 2024 collection, created by Sean McGirr. As per Rain Magazine, McGirr described the collection as a tribute to Londons vibrant and energetic spirit.

Hoof Boots from Alexander McQueen Autumn / Winter 2024 by Sean McGirr. pic.twitter.com/kY0cO58WvB gastt Fashion (@gastt_fashion) March 8, 2024

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, I want hoof boots but these look cheap.

I want hoof boots but these look cheap violishh (@violishh) March 8, 2024

Another shared, Its giving NARNIA.

Its giving NARNIA  (@yourztruly_444) March 9, 2024

This really showcases how far the McQueen brand has dropped in quality and vision, a comment read.

This really showcases how far the McQueen brand has dropped in quality and vision protocoldroid (@PROTOCOLDROlD) March 10, 2024

Another wrote, I see the vision, not my favourite execution in my humble opinion. But still an amazing work.

I see the vision, not my favorite execution in my humble opinion. But still an amazing work PUTON (@suciedaddivina) March 9, 2024

An individual shared, I actually love this, it has a concept and it gets it perfectly right.

I actually love this, it has a concept and it gets it perfectly right xTryptaminezx (@Thiccpapi_246) March 9, 2024

One more added, I hate it so much that I love it.

I hate it so much that I love it 97 dead 2 alive (proud griller) (@Qwertyisright) March 9, 2024

Louis Vuitton earlier faced scrutiny after launching a new pair of boots designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere. The boots quickly drew attention as their design was compared with an Ostrich due to their unusual look. The product featured black and brown shades with laces covering the bottom. While LV is known for setting fashion trends, these boots sparked debate. Some social media users questioned whether the design was groundbreaking or it was just unappealing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton)

This isnt the first time Louis Vuitton has stirred controversy, Nicolas Ghesquiere previously created a product that looked like a sandwich bag. Not just this, the luxury brand has also introduced microscopic bags, latex balloon pants and croissant- shaped bags.
A Chinese factory owner distributed approximately 8 million yuan (around Rs 9 crore) among its 400 former employees, as a compensation initiative twenty years after the closure of the unit in central China. He extended this compensation not only to those who were laid off but also to those who resigned and the families of deceased employees.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Guo Chongzhi, 70, received the money from the citys municipal body after the land was bought and his factory was razed. The factory was closed in 2000 due to financial troubles.

The land acquisition was completed in 2018, and Guo Chongzhi received compensation of nearly Rs 8 crore last year. Thats was when he thought that every former employee, whether retired, resigned, or deceased, deserved a portion.

The reimbursement was divided into two parts: 35 per cent for former employees and 65 per cent for individuals who were still working when the factory was shut down.

However, because the factory had been closed for decades, locating the former employees and their families proved difficult.

That period was extremely stressful. I almost had insomnia every night, waking up after just an hour of sleep. I lost about three kg in a fortnight, said Guo Chongzhi as quoted by Chongqing Daily News Group. His tactics for finding the people included placing missing persons ads in the town and requesting contact information from the police.

Guo Chongzhi contacted other media sites, which helped him locate 20 people.

The factory owner was able to find and compensate one of his former employees, Wen Zhihong before she passed away from a serious illness, according to the Chinese media outlet.

My mother had cancer and could no longer speak. My father brought the cash to her hospital bed to ease her mind. She passed away a few days after seeing the compensation. Our family is grateful to director Guo, Wen Zhihongs son told SCMP.

Guo Chongzhi has been successful in compensating 371 of his former workers thus far. With 406 names on his list.

The factory owner has appealed to the media for assistance in finding 35 people who are yet to be located.

Guo Chongzhis gestures received widespread praise from Chinas internet community.
Nowadays, content creators look for content on the streets, by asking the citizens some thought-provoking or interesting questions. A similar video is gaining a lot of attention online, where the man is asking the public a very simple question and they all have varying answers.

The video was posted on Instagram by an account called @poptrifia. It shows a content creator asking the question, What is the oldest religion? The man then meets several people at a public place, going around asking them the question. Some people take more than one guess but end up wrong, and a few give the correct answer.

The first man contemplates a little bit and then says Judaism or Islam, which turns out to be the wrong answer. He is given another chance a collective guess. He thinks out loud a little more, trying to connect the periods of each of the dominant faiths, and says Buddhism, which is revealed to be the incorrect answer.

Then the video records a young couple, where they are asked the same question. The man replies with Buddhism while the woman says Greek Orthodox. Then again, the man comes up with Taoism. Another man answers Buddhism and then says Sikhism. When a second couple is asked, the husband answers with Hinduism in the first go, which turns out to be the correct answer. Finally, another young man answers with Hinduism on his first attempt. The caption also states, What is the oldest religion?

Netizens reacted to the clip in the comments section. A user wrote, Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) is as old as the universe! A second user shared, Proud to be Sanatani 5000+ year Civilization. While a third user expressed, Im proud to be a Hindu. A fourth user commented, Hinduism is not a religion its a way of life.
Do you know there is a village in India, where leopards terrorise the local people? Yes, it is true. The movement of leopards in the Sankrod village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh is causing fear and terror among the people. The farmers in that village form a group and go to the field together. Many labourers have stopped going to the fields out of fear. The reason is the terror of leopards in the village. It has seen leopards continuously moving near the forest area, making it challenging for the local people to commute. With the daily occurrence of such incidents, the terror-stricken villagers of Baghpat have informed the forest department officials regarding this issue. Every day, the forest department officials are getting ten to twelve missed calls from the villagers. In order to resolve this issue, the forest department has taken an initiative where they laid a trap to catch the leopard. The leopards are still out of their reach. This is increasing the fear among the common people making it even more challenging.

The village Sankrod which is located about twelve kilometres from the district headquarters, is in news these days because of the terror of leopards in those areas. The villagers are also not allowing small children to leave the house. Leopards are seen by the farmers near the Yamuna Khadar area in the forest. The farmers clicked photos and made their videos viral and demanded the forest department officials to bring out a solution to this problem soon.

One of the villagers, Devendra Kumar Dhama said that for the last three years, leopards are seen roaming near the forest areas, leading to a sense of fear among the villagers. The forest department team is therefore camping in the forest to catch the leopard. The department officials have also appealed to the villagers to be cautious.
In a seismic political announcement, US President Joe Biden announced he is ending his re-election campaign. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, he said.

President Joe Biden has likely ended his campaign for a second term amid Democratic concerns over his fitness for office. While he stated, I will speak to the nation later this week in detail about my decision, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys nominee for the 2024 presidential race. Kamala Harris welcomed Bidens decision, pledging to secure the partys nomination and defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming November elections.

In the midst of this political upheaval, social media users wasted no time weighing in on Joe Bidens decision. They took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their responses, offering a mix of humorous and strong opinions on the current state of affairs in the USA.

Referring to his letter, one user sarcastically remarked, Joe Bidens letter is so powerful.

Bidens note is so powerful pic.twitter.com/3oG9W9mLGU Garrett Williams, BFA (@badboygargar) July 21, 2024

Another user shared a video featuring morphed faces of former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden. In the clip, Obama humorously throws Biden into a river in response to his decision.

Live shot at the Democratic party pic.twitter.com/zQQQinU7Xb Not Jerome Powell (@alifarhat79) July 21, 2024

Another meme depicted Kamala Harris all dressed up and making her way towards the White House.

came to me in a sudden vision pic.twitter.com/nG0amkmWm6 ali golub really needs a job  (@alibrooke4ever) July 21, 2024

Meanwhile, a segment of news readers re-shared Joe Bidens statement, with the caption Its Joever.

Videos of Kamala Harris dancing, laughing, calling the White House, and making remarks about a coconut tree have been circulating endlessly.

On this day one year ago, Vice President Kamala Harris said, you think you just fell out of a coconut tree? pic.twitter.com/Vh5OTv3XlF Know Your Meme (@knowyourmeme) May 10, 2024

Dont miss these memes:

Bring back the Obama/Biden memes we need them now more than ever pic.twitter.com/fRH5npVzQG Ramo The Wreckless (@PastorPilliams) April 3, 2019

I sincerely miss the Biden memes  pic.twitter.com/v18zVz3c6G S1KCH1K (@S1KCH1K) June 11, 2018

Joe Biden has dropped from the presidential race. Here's the greatest compilation of memes (and developing.).. some of them are just hillarious. Congratulations to Donald Trump for becoming the next president of the USA.  pic.twitter.com/xvhfn8whDN  VisionaryVoid (@VisionaryVoid) July 21, 2024

If Joe Biden dropping out on national ice cream day doesnt prove we live in a simulation idk what will. pic.twitter.com/WzvX3li7Xn Muh Freedom memes (@MuhFreedomMemes) July 21, 2024

Following Bidens announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris issued her first statement, promising to work towards uniting Democrats and expressing her intention to earn and win this nomination. If elected, Kamala Harris would become the nations first female president.
Bengalureans and their relentless hustle are no longer a secret. The city, known for defying odds, is filled with stories of extraordinary people doing remarkable things. One such story recently surfaced, highlighting the unique spirit of Bengaluru. In a city where innovation and determination thrive, its not uncommon to hear about individuals going above and beyond in their professional and personal lives. But this particular tale stands out and perfectly encapsulates the essence of what it means to live and work in Bengaluru. Curious to know more? Well, lets dive into the story of a software engineer who moonlights as an auto-rickshaw driver on weekends.

According to X user @venkyHQ, he stumbled upon a Microsoft staff software engineer driving an auto-rickshaw in Koramangala. The engineer, donning a hoodie with the Microsoft logo, was driving for Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends, leaving the internet absolutely stunned.

Also Read: Peak Bengaluru: Ex-Google Employee Turns Uber Driver to Explore City, Fascinates Internet

Met a 35 year old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Kormangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends, read the caption of the post.

Met a 35 year old staff software engineer at Microsoft in Kormangala driving Namma Yatri to combat loneliness on weekends pic.twitter.com/yesKDM9v2j Venkatesh Gupta (@venkyHQ) July 21, 2024

No way this is true, exclaimed one user. Are you sure he actually works there and not just wearing donated merchandise? questioned another, echoing the disbelief of many.

Some couldnt resist adding humour to the mix. Bro took N. Murthys advice to the heart, joked one, while another quipped, Or May be the blue screen just got extended. A third commented, Side business opportunity, and a fourth admired, Bro hustling on different level.

Bengaluru, often dubbed the Silicon Valley of India, frequently finds itself in the spotlight with such Peak Bengaluru moments shared on social media.

Take, for instance, another Peak Bengaluru moment shared by a woman on X (formerly Twitter). She revealed that her Rapido driver turned out to be a corporate manager at a reputed organisation. For Shruti, it was like a real-life Christmas miracle.

In her post, she described how a regular Rapido ride took an unexpected turn when she discovered her driver was a corporate manager who enjoyed helping people reach their destinations for a reasonable fare. Out of respect for his privacy, she didnt disclose any further details. In my peak Bangalore moment today, the Rapido guy turned out to be a corporate manager in one of the big companies, who likes to help people reach their destinations for reasonable amounts. I repeat, anything is possible in Bangalore, she wrote.

Also Read: Bengaluru Rapido Driver Turns Up on Royal Enfield, But Thats Not All. Heres Who He is

Indeed, in Bengaluru, anything is possible.
IT companies in Karnataka have put forward a request to the state government to extend the working hours to 14 hours. Currently, workers are limited to a maximum of 12 hours, which includes 10 regular hours and 2 hours of overtime, but as per the new proposal, employees who are struggling to maintain work-life balance could be asked to exceed the working hour limit to up to 70 hours per week. As the news of this proposal spread online, it garnered negative reactions from employees, who shared their frustration on social media. Many have criticised the plan as inhumane, fearing it could lead to health problems and job cuts.

Meanwhile, not just the workers, the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has also urged the state government to rethink this move, considering the growing stress among the workers. KITU further shared research on how long working hours affect IT employees health. Reportedly, IT workers are already struggling with mental health problems, while most experience physical health issues. KITU warned that extending working hours will only make these problems worse.

Meanwhile, many took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise the governments 14-hour work proposal. A user wrote, The Indian billionaires and liberals will then call this modern-day slave labour as Development.

Karnataka government's move to increase working hours to 14 hours a day  70 hours a week  is nothing but modern-day slavery.The Indian billionaires and liberals will then call this modern-day slave labour as Development. pic.twitter.com/c5epYClMiF  Advaid  (@Advaidism) July 20, 2024

Another shared, Being in Software industry its kind of harassment now.

"Karnataka IT firms propose 14-hour workday, employees fume"It's fine to make it 14 hours a day, but just a small request to those companiesplease put this machine outside or inside of the office. being in Software industry it's kind of harassment now pic.twitter.com/k4Fejf6ZU5  Alok (@learnwith_alok) July 21, 2024

Employees health and job security must come first. Lets prioritize well-being over overwork, a comment read.

Extending employee working hours to 14 hours?IT firms in Karnataka, think again! Employees' health and job security must come first. Let's prioritize well-being over overwork.#EmployeeRights #WorkLifeBalance  Savvy (@WittySavvy) July 21, 2024

Another wrote, I think its best to leave Karnataka if you are non-Kannadiga because things are about to get CRAZY.

I think its best to leave #Karnataka if you are non Kannadiga because things are about to get CRAZY. 14 hours a day work? Dear #Kannadigas, you can have the jobs, Im going back to #Kerala   Non Sanghi Hindu (@nonsanghihindu) July 21, 2024

An individual shared, There is just no way a mentally fit human can expect an employee to work 14 hours a day. Shame on them.

There is just no way a mentally fit human can expect an employee to work 14 hours a day ( without owning any part of the business or equivalent income ). Shame on them. #Karnatakabill #Karnataka Lalith_raja (@Lalithraja_20) July 21, 2024

One more added, This is so inhumane.

Extending working hours of employees into 14 hours?This is so inhumane #Karnataka RodriGOO (@Rodriball16) July 21, 2024

In a statement, KITU general secretary Suhas Adiga told Moneycontrol, This amendment will allow companies to adopt a two-shift system instead of the current three-shift system, potentially leading to one-third of the workforce losing their jobs. The Karnataka government, in their eagerness to please corporate interests, neglects the fundamental rights of individuals to have personal and social lives. This amendment shows a disregard for workers as human beings, viewing them only as machinery to increase corporate profits.

Suhas Adiga argues that the proposal for longer working hours is outdated, especially as many countries recognise that extended work hours can reduce productivity. He highlights that numerous places are enacting laws to guarantee workers right to disconnect from work. KITU is urging the government to reconsider its plan, cautioning that it will place undue strain on the 20 lakh IT workers in Karnataka. They are calling on all employees in the sector to unite and oppose this proposal.
A 36-year-old man has become known as Chinas Most Persistent Man after taking the national college entrance exam for 16 years in a row to gain admission to the prestigious Tsinghua University.

Tang Shangjun took the Gaokao exam, Chinas notorious and difficult college entrance exam, in 2009. He scored a mediocre 372 out of 750, far too low to get into his dream college, Tsinghua University. Unwilling to compromise, he spent the next few years studying harder and taking the Gaokao exam.

By 2016, his score improved to a respectable 625 points, more than enough to secure admission to several universities in his home province of Guanxi, but still not good enough for his chosen field of study at Tsinghua. So he continued year after year, ignoring all other universities, but never quite reaching the level required to get into his desired faculties at Tsinghua University.

In 2019, Tang achieved his peak Gaokao score of 649 out of 750 points, enough to get into many prestigious Chinese universities, even Tsinghua University, but not in the two subjects he aimed for, physics and chemistry. Most people would have settled for the many other options, but not Chinas Most Persistent Man. His goal was Tsinghua University, and he would not settle for anything else.

Unfortunately, Tang Shangjuns Gaokao scores deteriorated in the following years. Some speculated that it was because of his age, that his memory was no longer quite as good, while others suggested that the 649-point score was his peak and he simply could not score higher. Last year, Tang finally decided to study physics and chemistry at Central China Normal University, but he only scored 594 out of 750, and those courses were filled with applicants who scored at least 608. He ranked 6,000th out of about 460,000 Gaokao participants in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Tang Shangjun told China Daily that last years Gaokao was his last, but he seems to have overcome his disappointment, as this year he took the university entrance exam for the 16th time. He again scored over 600 but was unable to realize his dream of studying physics or chemistry at Chinas most prestigious university. Now, at the age of 36, he is beginning to realize that his chances of finding a good job after graduation are slim, as he will have to compete with young people in their early 20s.

He believes that getting into the countrys most prestigious university and opening up a good life for himself is a great achievement, but in life, there are many ways to succeed, the director of Chinas 21st Century Education Research Institute commented on Tangs situation. Doggedly pursuing a goal that is beyond ones abilities sometimes leads to failure.
The Simpsons seemingly predicted Vice President Kamala Harris seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in the animated show, as seen in an episode aired in the year 2000.

The episode titled Bart to the Future shows Lisa Simpson becoming the first female president of the United States. In that episode, Lisa is seen donning the purple pants and a matching jacket, very similar to what Kamala Harris wore in 2021 during Joe Bidens inauguration. The pearl necklace and earrings also appear to be matching.

Vice President Kamala Harris is being thrust into the most scrutinising of spotlights, suddenly the leading candidate to succeed President Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and her partys main hope of defeating Donald Trump after President Joe Biden gave up his reelection campaign.

The back-to-back images of Lisa and Harris, 59, went viral on social media site X on Sunday.

The Simpsons as Prophetic has become one of the most enduring mysteries of our times! a fan of the show tweeted. Its unnerving how often these predictions have been spot on, said another.

A writer from the show even decided to address the coincidence and the similarities on a social media post.

Al Jean, a screenwriter for the show, also posted the photo with the caption: @TheSimpsons prediction Im proud to be a part of.

In the episode Lisa can be heard saying: Weve inherited quite a budget crunch from President Trump.

The show created by Matt Groening has become famous for predicting future events and its popularity soared after its prediction that Donald Trump would be US President came true.

We predicted that he would be president back in 2000  but [Trump] was, of course, the most absurd placeholder joke name that we could think of at the time, and thats still true. Its beyond satire, Groening told UK-based newspaper the Guardian in a 2016 interview.

The show has also correctly predicted the Capitol riot, the Game of Thrones finale, the coronavirus pandemic and more.
Pakistan police raided the headquarters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khans party on Monday, a week after the military-backed government vowed to ban the political movement.

An AFP journalist at the scene saw the headquarters of Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sealed off by officers, who led a number of party workers into waiting vans.

Pakistani media initially reported party chairman Gohar Ali Khan, a barrister, was among those taken away.

However, an official at Islamabad Police, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media, told AFP that they had not arrested him.

The official confirmed the arrest of Raoof Hassan, a founding member of the party and head of its press department.

Raoof Hasan was arrested but the police did not arrest Gohar Ali Khan, the police official said.

In the past two months at least 10 members of PTI or their relatives have been rounded up, Hasan told AFP on Saturday. He said they had disappeared with no trace.

Seven of them are from my department alone, which they want to cripple because we refuse to stay silent, he said.

The governments information minister last week said it would ban PTI, just days after the Supreme Court made a crucial ruling in the partys favour that dealt a huge blow to the government.

Khan has been jailed for nearly a year, but this month an Islamabad judge overturned his illegal marriage conviction while the Supreme Court awarded PTI more parliamentary seats  a move set to make them the largest party in the National Assembly.

Both cases were considered a major blow to the coalition government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who came to power in February with the backing of the military, according to analysts.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan called the attempt to ban PTI an enormous blow to democratic norms and said it reeks of political desperation.

If pushed through, it will achieve nothing more than deeper polarisation and the strong likelihood of political chaos and violence, Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt said in a statement.

Khan, who says the many cases against him have been orchestrated to prevent his return to power, remains languishing in jail on fresh charges of inciting protests and graft.

A United Nations panel of experts found this month that Khans detention had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office.
Dia Carabajal was surprised when President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he would end his reelection bid and support his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, for president.

Carabajal, who chairs the Cayuga County Democratic Committee, is one of Biden's four delegates from the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Cayuga County until the end of the year.

With Biden out of the race, Carabajal is joining him in supporting Harris for the Democratic nomination.

"It's probably the most stabilizing choice for our country," she told The Citizen in an interview Monday. "She has been there and been moving forward on the president's projects with him."

Carabajal continued, "As vice president of any organization, let alone the entire country, you are second-in-command. You are part of the process in pushing forward the objectives of that administration, whatever it is. You know how to continue the objectives you put forth. That makes sense that somebody who has been vice president for a long time can make a smoother transition than somebody who comes in (new)."

Before Carabajal reached her decision, though, there were emotions.

In 2020, she was a delegate for Biden during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. She supported him then and continued to back him as he sought a second term.

But pressure from within the party and outside of it mounted, especially after a poor debate performance against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, whom Biden defeated four years ago. Concerns about Biden's age grew, leading him to bow out of the race on Sunday.

Until Biden's announcement on social media, Carabajal thought he would continue his candidacy  and win. However, she acknowledged that with party leaders and pundits calling for him to drop out, it was more difficult for him to stay in the race.

When the news broke, Carabajal cried because, she says, "I'm a supporter and a believer." But after the emotional moment subsided, she is excited by the possibility of electing Harris as the first female president.

Carabajal will keep an open mind if other candidates emerge, but believes Harris is best positioned for the nomination. Her campaign received nearly $50 million in donations on Sunday.

"The amount of money that (Harris has) raised makes her even more viable," she said. "Her viability keeps going up. As her viability goes up, the others don't necessarily have that going for them."

The political calendar also presents challenges for potential candidates. Democratic delegates planned to meet virtually sometime during the first week of August to nominate Biden for president. The roll call vote, which would be held before the party's convention, was scheduled to ensure Biden would be on the ballot in Ohio.

Ohio required parties to certify nominees by Aug. 7, which was two weeks before the convention. However, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill extending that deadline to Aug. 31  a week after the Democratic convention.

With Biden out of the race, Carabajal said delegates still plan to meet in early August for the nomination vote before the party's convention.

"We really don't have until Aug. 19 to make a decision. We really only have until next week," she said. "Every day that goes past, every minute that goes past, it looks like only Kamala Harris is going to be put forward in time for that virtual designation."

The Democratic convention will be held from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
Former speaker of the US House of Representatives and leading Democratic Party figure Nancy Pelosi announced on Monday that she was backing Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden in the November election.

With immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November," Pelosi said in a message on X.

With immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.-NP pic.twitter.com/vBwv602GuR Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) July 22, 2024

Nancy Pelosi also asked fellow Democrats to rally around Kamala Harris in order to defeat Donald Trump in November. She asked Democrat voters to enthusiastically elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.

In the Democratic Party, our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power. Now, we must unify and charge forward to resoundingly defeat Donald Trump and enthusiastically elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. Onward to victory!" Pelosi said in a statement.

Pelosi also highlighted Kamala Harris contributions to the movement to protect abortion rights. I have seen Kamala Harriss strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a womans right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service," Pelosi said.

Pelosi, in her statement, also thanked US President Joe Biden for his service. America has been truly blessed by the wisdom and leadership of President Joe Biden. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment," she said.
A gunman opened fire in a nursing home in Croatia on Monday, killing at least five people, state media reported, in a rare instance of gun violence in the Balkan country.

State broadcaster HRT said an unidentified gunman entered a nursing home in Daruvar  some 130 kilometres (80 miles) east of Zagreb  and opened fire.

At least five were killed and several others wounded during the shooting, HRT said.

The outlet said the alleged suspect then fled but was later arrested by police.

Croatian newspaper Jutarnji list described the alleged shooter as a war veteran who killed his mother along with other residents and staff.

Croatia fought a war of independence during the breakup of Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995.

Shootings in the Balkan country are rare.

Last year in neighbouring Serbia, the country was rocked by back-to-back mass shootings, including a massacre at a school in the capital in Belgrade in which 10 people were killed.
Most Indian-American lawmakers threw their weight behind US President Joe Bidens decision to bow out of the 2024 race to the White House and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys nominee.

Bidens choice to nominate Harris, who has been serving as the US first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president since 2021, came after intense pressure from Democrats following his poor debate performance against Republican rival and former President Donald Trump last month. Heres how Indian-American lawmakers reacted to Bidens decision to step down:

Pramila Jayapal

On Sunday, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the ruling Democratic Partys presidential nominee, thus being the first among the five Indian American lawmakers to do so. In a post on social media, Jayapal threw her full support to Harris, saying, Kamala Harris for President. Lets beat Donald Trump and make history. The two also spoke over the phone as well on a day of fast-moving political developments.

Vice President Kamala Harris just called me and I told her I am 1000% in for her to be our President! She has the smarts, the experience, the accomplishments and the agenda to lead us to victory in November. Lets go! Jayapal said. A four-term lawmaker, Jayapal is the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Over the last few years, she has emerged as a powerful voice in the party and is considered one of the most influential Democratic lawmakers. In a lengthy statement, Jayapal said millions of Americans cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the primary.

Shri Thanedar

Finally Indian-Americans are in mainstream American politics nownow we get to see that Indian-Americans are participating actively in politicsKamala Harris being of Indian-American descent is a proud moment for the Indian-Americans in the US, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar was quoted as saying ANI.

#WATCH | Detroit: Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar says,  Finally Indian-Americans are in mainstream American politics nownow we get to see that Indian-Americans are participating actively in politicsKamala Harris being of Indian-American descent is a proud moment pic.twitter.com/dgEOPytg4i ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2024

In a post on X, he added, Joe Biden has been a historic president, and has shown an unimpeachable dedication to serving every American. His decision to step down today was just another example of this leadership and patriotism. His term as the 46th President was one of historic climate investments, infrastructure improvements, record low unemployment, lower drug prices, increased gun control, and support for the working American. These changes will be revered and remembered for decades to come. However, now is the time to pass the torch to the next champion of these ideals: Kamala Harris. I offer her my full support as she fights to defend our democracy and defeat Donald Trump in November.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

On Biden pulling out of the presidential election, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, Joe Biden today showed what a true America-first policy looks like, putting the country above himself by stepping aside as Democratic nominee for the presidency. As President, he has accomplished more in 4 years than many presidents. He is passing the torch to a new generation of leaders. He endorses Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris will be a formidable contender for the Democratic nomination for the presidency.

#WATCH | Chicago: On US President Joe Biden pulling out of the Presidential election, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi says,  Joe Biden today showed what a true America first policy looks like, in putting the country above himself, stepping aside as Democratic nominee for the pic.twitter.com/OJkk6R5zfk ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2024

Ro Khanna

I am proud to endorse @KamalaHarris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African American woman and first Asian American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future, US House Representative Rohit Khanna said in a post on X. Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40+ years of economic policy that has devastated working class communities. He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self interest, he said in another post.

Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40+ years of economic policy that has devastated working class communities. He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self https://t.co/ulAYUil0kZ Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) July 21, 2024

Gen-Z Ashwin Ramaswami

Indian-American Democrat Ashwin Ramaswami, the first Indian-American from Gen Z to run for a state or federal legislature in the US, has endorsed Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nominee, saying it would be a major step forward for Indian-American and AAPI representation in this country.

Vice President Harris would make history as the first Indian American President of the United States, said Ramaswami whose parents immigrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in 1990. Generation Z (also known as Zoomers) encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012. This would be a major step forward for Indian-American and AAPI ( Asian American and Pacific Islanders) representation in this country and is an inspiration to young people such as me. And just like Kamala Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, my mother is from Besant Nagar, Chennai, which makes this incredibly special for me, he said.

Tulsi Gabbard

Bidens out, Kamala is in. Dont be fooled: policies wont change. Just like Biden wasnt the one calling the shots, Kamala Harris wont be either. She is the new figurehead for the deep state and the maidservant of Hillary Clinton, queen of the cabal of warmongers. They will continue their efforts to engulf the world in war and taking away our liberty, said Hindu-American lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, who was the 2020 US Presidential candidate.
US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President and Indian-American leader Kamala Harris as his successor amid mounting pressure within the Democratic Party to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race against GOP nominee Donald Trump. Here are 10 important points to note:

Bidens Decision : Biden yielded to increasing calls from Democratic lawmakers and donors to step aside, foregoing his reelection bid. My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term, he said in a statement.

: Biden yielded to increasing calls from Democratic lawmakers and donors to step aside, foregoing his reelection bid. My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term, he said in a statement. Harriss Endorsement : Biden swiftly endorsed VP Harris as the Democratic nominee, urging unity to defeat Trump in 2024. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, he said.

: Biden swiftly endorsed VP Harris as the Democratic nominee, urging unity to defeat Trump in 2024. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, he said. Trump and GOP Response : Trump and his allies have already begun targeting Harris, anticipating her nomination and preparing to counter her candidacy. Minutes after Biden dropped out of the White House race on Sunday, Trump called Biden the the worst president ever. In a conversation with CNN, Trump said, He (Biden) is the worst president in the history of our country. He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country.

: Trump and his allies have already begun targeting Harris, anticipating her nomination and preparing to counter her candidacy. Minutes after Biden dropped out of the White House race on Sunday, Trump called Biden the the worst president ever. In a conversation with CNN, Trump said, He (Biden) is the worst president in the history of our country. He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country. Democratic Party Divided : Bidens decision has disrupted the 2024 presidential race, leaving uncertainties about how Democratic delegates will align and potential challenges to Harriss nomination. The Democratic Party has been deeply divided since Bidens poor debate performance on June 27, which left many questioning his ability to defeat Trump in November and secure another term.

: Bidens decision has disrupted the 2024 presidential race, leaving uncertainties about how Democratic delegates will align and potential challenges to Harriss nomination. The Democratic Party has been deeply divided since Bidens poor debate performance on June 27, which left many questioning his ability to defeat Trump in November and secure another term. Harris DNC Support : Harriss campaign officials and allies made hundreds of phone calls on Sunday, locking in delegates support for her presidential nomination ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August while seeking to block any would-be challengers. At the same time, Democratic state party chairs held a Sunday afternoon call to discuss backing Harris as the partys nominee. Several participants said Harris has the chairs full support.

: Harriss campaign officials and allies made hundreds of phone calls on Sunday, locking in delegates support for her presidential nomination ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August while seeking to block any would-be challengers. At the same time, Democratic state party chairs held a Sunday afternoon call to discuss backing Harris as the partys nominee. Several participants said Harris has the chairs full support. Running Mate Search : With Harris likely to lead the ticket, speculation surrounds who will join her. Several Democratic governors and a senator are potential picks: Andy Beshear (Kentucky), JB Pritzker (Illinois), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Roy Cooper (North Carolina), and Mark Kelly (Arizona). California Gov. Gavin Newsom is also mentioned, but its unlikely due to the ticket rule barring candidates from the same state.

: With Harris likely to lead the ticket, speculation surrounds who will join her. Several Democratic governors and a senator are potential picks: Andy Beshear (Kentucky), JB Pritzker (Illinois), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Roy Cooper (North Carolina), and Mark Kelly (Arizona). California Gov. Gavin Newsom is also mentioned, but its unlikely due to the ticket rule barring candidates from the same state. Democratic fundraising group ActBlue said Sunday evening that it had seen its biggest single-day haul of the 2024 election after US President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle, said a post on X by the group, which facilitates online fundraising for Democratic candidates.

group ActBlue said Sunday evening that it had seen its biggest single-day haul of the 2024 election after US President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle, said a post on X by the group, which facilitates online fundraising for Democratic candidates. Indian-American lawmakers threw their weight behind Joe Bidens decision to bow out of the 2024 race to the White House and endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic Partys nominee. Click here to find out how Indian-American lawmakers reacted to Bidens decision to quit the race to the White House:

threw their weight behind Joe Bidens decision to bow out of the 2024 race to the White House and endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic Partys nominee. Click here to find out how Indian-American lawmakers reacted to Bidens decision to quit the race to the White House: Independent presidential candidate: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared the White House race a two-man race, asserting he was the sole contender who can defeat Trump following Bidens surprising decision to withdraw from seeking a second term. Kennedy made these remarks at a hastily arranged press conference at his familys renowned compound in Massachusetts. He criticised Democratic Party leaders for allegedly concealing the presidents mental decline.
US President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be his replacement after he dropped out of the 2024 race on Sunday. It is not guaranteed that Kamala Harris will get the nod as she has to wait until the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is to take place August 19-22, in Illinois Chicago.

Harris needs to win the support of enough delegates ahead of the DNC in order to become the official nominee and she also faces some hurdles as some veteran Democrats like former US president Barack Obama and former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are yet to endorse her.

However, a report by the Hill said that Kamala Harris is the favourite candidate for now as she is the current vice president and Bidens hand-picked successor.

And her list of probables consists of at least seven governors, one senator and one member of the Biden cabinet.

Among them, Gavin Newsom, the California governor also appears to be a rival for the presidential ticket as the nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates that Joe Biden accrued by winning primary elections in US states and territories are now free to vote with their conscience, which means they could throw their vote to someone else, instead of Kamala Harris.

An analysis by the Hill also said that Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer could emerge as another dark horse in the Democratic presidential nominee race if delegates do not back Kamala Harris.

Here is a list of Kamala Harris possible running mates:
Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, after facing continuous pressure from the Democratic Party to pave the way for a new presidential candidate, just months before the November election.

This move comes after a disastrous debate with Republican rival and former President Donald Trump in late June that exposed the 81-year-old Democratic presidents mental acuity. In his first major interview after the debate, on July 5, Biden told ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos that only the Lord Almighty could cast him from the race.

Bidens U-Turn

Biden, who has been recovering from Covid-19 at his beach house in Delaware, initially planned to continue his campaign, according to BBC. His aides were actively preparing a campaign schedule for his return to the White House. However, by Saturday evening, Biden began to reconsider his candidacy, engaging in discussions with close advisers as they reviewed polling data and the current political landscape.

On Sunday, Biden made the final decision to withdraw, informing key figures such as Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, Campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon, and Vice President Kamala Harris. He held a video call with senior staff before publicly announcing his exit shortly thereafter.

What Led To Change?

Biden gave most of his aides a mere moments notice of his decision to quit the race for reelection on Sunday after an agonizing 48 hours poring over polling data which showed his path to victory was closing, Reuters reported, citing two sources. Only the day before, Biden was telling many aides that he would continue campaigning to defeat Trump in November. After digesting the polling data late on Saturday, Biden changed his mind.

Biden gathered his senior White House and campaign team for a call shortly before 1:45 pm (local time) on Sunday and moments later made his announcement public in a letter to all Americans. According to some reports, top aides showed Biden internal polling with the jarring news on Saturday night that he was not just trailing in all six key swing states that could decide the election but also collapsing in places like Virginia and Minnesota.

READ MORE: Biden Steps Aside From US Presidential Race Against Trump, Endorses Kamala Harris: Top Points

After the lackluster debate in Atlanta, Biden began losing ground to Trump in battleground states, and Bidens campaign was pursuing a razor-thin path to reelection. The US president had been particularly frustrated at former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom Biden advisers believed was orchestrating a pressure campaign to get him to stand down. Hours before the announcement, the Biden campaign denied reports he was planning to drop out.

It is false. And I think that it is false to continue to try to gin up this narrative, Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks told MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday morning. However, US political analysts argue that there were plenty of signs Biden was doing some soul-searching and had been thinking about pulling out for several days.

(With agency inputs)
Even though logistically US Vice-President Kamala Harris is the natural heir to the presidential nomination since she was Joe Bidens running mate, it remains unclear if she will become the nominee of the Democratic Party or what course the party shall take.

Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison issued a statement shortly after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the race which said that the Democrats will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November".

The Kamala Harris campaign team have started the preparations and the Biden-Harris campaign on Sunday formally amended filings with the Federal Election Commission saying that it is renaming its principal committee Harris for President", US-broadcaster CNN said. They said that the name of the committee is different than previously reported".

Vice President Harris is now a candidate for United States President in the 2024 election and will henceforth be conducting campaign activities only in pursuit of that office," the principal committee of the Biden-Harris campaign said in a letter filed with the commission.

The broadcaster said that some of Kamala Harris have begun taking steps to secure her path to the nomination but some Democrats have stopped short of securing her path to the nomination and have called for an open nomination process.

Campaign officials and allies have already made hundreds of calls on her behalf, urging delegates to next months Democratic Party convention to join in nominating her for president in the November 5 election against Republican Donald Trump.

HURDLES KAMALA HARRIS FACES

But some Democrats were concerned about a Harris candidacy, in part because of the weight of a long history of racial and gender discrimination in the United States, which has not elected a woman president in its nearly 250 year history.

They are also worried that Kamala Harris struggled throughout her vice presidency in defining her role while dealing with tough issues like voting rights and migration from Central America.

Her attempt to strengthen the Voting Rights Act failed in Congress and she encountered criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Conservatives faulted her for not dedicating sufficient time to the border, while progressives took issue with her stern message to migrants, Do not come", in a speech.

Last year some Democrats were worried that negative views of Harris could hurt the Biden-Harris ticket, forcing prominent Democrats to urge the party to not undermine her.

WHAT DO POLLS SAY ABOUT A HARRIS-TRUMP MATCHUP?

Polling shows that Harris performs no better statistically than Biden had done against Trump.

In a head-to-head match-up, Harris and Trump were tied with 44% support each in a July 15-16 Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted immediately after the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump.

Bidens campaign had $95 million on hand at the end of June, according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission. Trumps campaign ended the month with $128 million. Campaign finance law experts disagree on how easily that money could be shifted to a Harris-led campaign.

Harris campaign had raised $49.6 million since Bidens exit, a campaign spokesperson said on Monday.

WHO ALL ARE BACKING KAMALA HARRIS?

Congressional Black Caucus PAC, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Democratic Senate candidates including Andy Kim of New Jersey, Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin have already rallied behind Kamala Harris.

Harris spoke with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential vice presidential running mate, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Potential Harris challengers such as California Governor Gavin Newsom backed the vice president.

Others who backed Kamala Harris are Colorado Governor Jared Polis, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, US Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, US Senator Patty Murray of Washington state, U.S. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina, and US Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who served as secretary of State under President Barack Obama, also endorsed Harris in a statement.

All 50 Democratic party state chairs will support Harris as the partys new presidential nominee, Reuters said.

The Democratic delegations to the nominating convention from Tennessee, Louisiana, South Carolina and North Carolina said they support Harris.

Dmitri Mehlhorn, an adviser to Reid Hoffman, the LinkedIn founder and a major Democratic donor, called Harris the American dream personified," noting she is the daughter of immigrants.

She is also toughness personified, rising from my home town of Oakland California to become the top prosecutor of the state. With Scranton Joe stepping back, I cannot wait to help elect President Harris."

BARACK OBAMA, PELOSI QUIET

State Democratic party chairs on Sunday also threw their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the partys new presidential nominee but some powerful party members, including former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stayed quiet and also Barack Obama, the former US President.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who praised Bidens decision to step aside, also was silent on who should be the Democrats nominee.

US Senator Peter Welch, the first Democratic senator to call on Biden to drop his reelection run, called for an open nomination process.

The Democrats should have an open process so that whoever our nominee is, including Kamala, has the strength of having a process that shows the consensus position of the party," Welch said. The debate in the Democratic Party is who can carry on the legacy of President Biden and defeat Trump."

Harris supporters told the broadcaster that they were working behind the scenes for the last week to secure support from delegates.

Biden has spent the last several months accruing nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates by winning primary elections in US states and territories.

Those delegates would normally vote for him to be the partys official presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention, which is to take place Aug. 19-22, but the rules do not bind or force them to do so. Delegates can vote with their conscience, which means they could throw their vote to someone else.

We have been whipping delegates for the last week," a strategist with the Democrats and who worked on Harris 2020 campaign told CNN.
Suzuki Motor Corp is confident of India's growth story and expects to keep a very tight grip on the country's car market even with its plans of gradually transitioning towards a portfolio that has more and more electric vehicles or EVs. In fact, Maruti Suzuki is all set to introduce its first-ever EV in India - the eVX - in 2025, even though company officials have also put their weight behind hybrid technology.

Maruti Suzuki has a firm grip on the Indian car market, seeing the highs and lows since 1983. But with times changing, can the largest carmaker of Ind

India is absolutely crucial for Suzuki with the country becoming only the second - after Japan - to see a key production milestone of three crore vehicle units. Maruti Suzuki traces its roots back to 1983 and has seen the evolution of Indian car market from close quarters. But even though several rivals continue to mount challenges, and EV as well as hybrid technologies provide opportunities for a re-levelled playfield, Kenichi Ayukawa is still sure of retaining the crown. The Executive Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corp. points to several factors for this.

Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Maruti Suzuki eVX 60 kWh 60 kWh 550 Km 550 Km  20 - 25 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Punch EV 35 Kwh 35 Kwh 421 km 421 km  10.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra XUV 400 EV 39.4 kwh 39.4 kwh 456 km 456 km  15.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers Hyundai Kona Electric 39.2kWh 39.2kWh 452 452  23.79 Lakhs Compare View Offers MG ZS EV 50.3 kWh 50.3 kWh 461 Km 461 Km  18.98 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Jeep Avenger 50.8 kWh 50.8 kWh 400 km 400 km  20 - 50 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched

Also Read : Check out new cars in the Indian market

In an interview to Bloomberg, Ayukawa points to India's economic strength and the growing middle class population and explains that these will drive the country's passenger vehicle (PV) market. Were confident that the Indian market will expand in the mid to long term. Well develop products, invest and expand our network," he was quoted as saying.

Swift(ly) transitioning towards EVs

While the thrust for Maruti Suzuki in India will continue to come from enormously popular models like WagonR, Swift and Brezza, EVs are inevitable. And as such, the incoming Maruti Suzuki eVX could potentially demonstrate the company's seriousness about EVs. While critics argue that Maruti Suzuki is significantly behind the curve and is entering the party late, others argue that India's electric PV segment is still very small and therefore, has a lot of potential.

Watch: Maruti unveiled eVX EV Concept at Auto Expo 2023

Suzuki expects 15 per cent of its India sales to come from EVs and that is being massively ambitious. This is especially true because Maruti Suzuki eVX will be a premium offering and Ayukawa is well aware of it. "India remains a price-conscious market," he admitted, but also adding that factors such as environmental issues will help EV adoption.

Also Read : Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 to be 100 kg lighter offering more fuel economy

But Maruti Suzuki is also not putting all its proverbial eggs in the basket of just the eVX. Previous reports have suggested that the company will follow up the launch of its first-ever EV in India with more affordable models. There is a chance that WagonR EV - spotted on test runs in India - could be the real gamechanger as well as volume driver for the company. And of course, there is the global tie-up with Toyota that will also come as a shot in the arm for Suzuki. "We will learn basic know-how from Toyota and gradually make it our own," Ayukawa said about product development.

Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India.

First Published Date:
The bodies of a couple who went missing amid an attempted Atlantic crossing washed up on a small Canadian island on July 12. Sarah Packwood, 54, who was British, and her Canadian husband Brett Clibbery, 70, set sail from Nova Scotia in their 42-foot yacht on June 11. But after a final ping from Clibbery's GPS device (from about about 40 miles southwest of Sable Island) two days after that, the couple wasn't heard from again, the Guardian reports. Their bodies were found aboard a life raft that washed up on Sable Island. They are believed to have abandoned the yacht before they died, with one theory being that perhaps their vessel was struck by a passing cargo ship that failed to notice the collision, the BBC reports. No sign of the yacht has yet been found.

Packwood and Clibbery, who met in 2015 and quickly bonded over a shared love of travel, married on the yacht the following year. Their plan this summer had been to take the yacht on a 21-day trip with their destination the Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic more than 2,000 miles away. Clibbery's son said an investigation into their deaths is underway. "They were amazing people, and there isn't anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their so far unexplained passing," he says. The uninhabited Sable Island is known as the "graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the more than 350 shipwrecks recorded there since 1583. The island lies on a common storm path, not far from a major shipping route, and "tricky" currents surround it, experts say. (More Atlantic Ocean stories.)
President Biden's withdrawal leaves Democrats with decisions to make. He's endorsed his vice president as his successor, but there are many moving parts involved; it's not as simple as Biden transferring his pending nomination to Kamala Harris. The decision on the party's next standard-bearer is now up to 3,937 Democratic delegates, the New York Times reports. Other factors include:

Money: Under federal law, a candidate for vice president is entitled to use the money raised by the ticket's campaign, per USA Today. "If Harris remains on the ticket, as either the presidential or vice presidential candidate, the new ticket would maintain access to all the funds," Saurav Ghosh of the Campaign Legal Center, told Reuters. But the director of the Brennan Center for Justice's Elections & Government Program said there are gray areas. "It's not crystal clear because I'm not sure if the people who drafted the Federal Election Campaign Act anticipated this situation," said Dan Weiner. The Biden-Harris campaign reported raising $127 million in June.
Democrats quickly rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris as their likely presidential nominee Sunday after President Biden's ground-shaking decision to bow out of the 2024 race, the AP reports. Shortly after Biden stepped aside he firmly endorsed Harris , who would make history as the nation's first Black and South Asian woman to become a major party's presidential nominee. Other endorsements flowed from former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton , the first major female presidential nominee, and prominent US senators, a wide swath of House representatives, and members of the influential Congressional Black Caucus. Would-be challengers for the job became instant Harris supporters: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said she won't run, and Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Roy Cooper of North Carolina all endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Harris was making calls late in the day to congressional lawmakers and racking up support, including from Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, the chair of the New Democrat Coalition, a moderate caucus on Capitol Hill, who endorsed Harris Sunday. Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke Sunday afternoon, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Among those who quickly backed Harris: Washington Sen. Patty Murray, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and California Sen. Laphonza Butler, plus a growing number of Democratic House lawmakers. (More on the caucuses and political organizations backing her here.)

A groundswell appeared to be gathering for Harris to lead the partywithin hours Biden's campaign formally changed its name to Harris for President, reflecting that she is inheriting his political operationbut there are notable holdouts. Former President Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi did not explicitly endorse Harris, and Pelosi favors an open primary to strengthen an eventual nominee. There's been an active debate over her rise among Democratic heavyweightslawmakers, deep-pocketed donors, and former high-ranking officials of the Biden, Obama, and Clinton administrations, according to a Democrat with deep ties to the Biden-Harris administration. The feeling is that a mini-primary would help Harris seal her bona fides as a strong, sharp candidate and help diminish criticism that she's been undemocratically anointedsomething that the Trump campaign has already sought to use against her. (See other possible contenders here.)
UPDATE

Jul 22, 2024 8:51 AM CDT

Joe Manchin has quickly sought to squelch speculation that he would challenge Kamala Harris in becoming the Democratic nominee. "I'm not running for office," the senator from West Virginia told CBS Mornings on Monday. And in case that left any bit of wiggle room, he added: "Let me make it very clear to you, I am not going to be a candidate for president." His comments came after reports surfaced that the Independent was thinking about re-registering as a Democrat to chase the nomination, per the Hill.

Jul 22, 2024 1:00 AM CDT

With President Biden out of the 2024 presidential race, the formerly Democratic senator from West Virginia is considering re-joining the party that he left to become an independent. Yes, Sen. Joe Manchin is thinking about re-registering as a Democrat so he can run against Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democrats' 2024 presidential nomination, an adviser tells outlets including the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the AP. Per the Post, Manchin is the "first elected official to signal an openness to challenging" Harris, as many others in the Democratic party (not to mention Hollywood) rallied around her.
The rest of the world is also wrapping its head around what just happened in the 2024 presidential race. A roundup of comments from world leaders about President Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 election:

Britain: Recently elected PM Keir Starmer called Biden's decision "based on what he believes is best for the American people," and looks forward to "working together during the remainder of his presidency," per NPR.

Recently elected PM Keir Starmer called Biden's decision "based on what he believes is best for the American people," and looks forward to "working together during the remainder of his presidency," per NPR. Ukraine: "He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," said President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Many strong decisions have been made in recent years, and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. We respect today's tough but strong decision."

"He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," said President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Many strong decisions have been made in recent years, and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. We respect today's tough but strong decision." Russia: Kremlin rep Dmitry Peskov said it was "four months until the election" which is "a long time in which a lot can happen. We need to observe and see what happens." President Vladimir Putin was silent, but asked about Biden's presumptive successor to the Democratic nomination, Peskov said, per Reuters, "To be honest, I can't remember a single contact between President Putin and Ms. Harris."

Kremlin rep Dmitry Peskov said it was "four months until the election" which is "a long time in which a lot can happen. We need to observe and see what happens." President Vladimir Putin was silent, but asked about Biden's presumptive successor to the Democratic nomination, Peskov said, per Reuters, "To be honest, I can't remember a single contact between President Putin and Ms. Harris." Germany: "Joe Biden has achieved a great deal: for his country, for Europe, for the world," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us." That was likely a swipe at Donald Trump, who has made clear his distaste for NATO, notes the New York Times.
A newly posted video of Miss Kansas calling out her domestic violence abuser from the stage the night she was crowned is whipping up a maelstrom of support on social media. Alexis Smith, who works overnight shifts as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in Wichita, was crowned Miss Kansas on June 8, but she posted video of her onstage comments just this past week on social media. Her comments are resonating with thousands in part because she called out her own abuser from the stage while she said the perpetrator was sitting in the audience, reports the AP . The video Smith posted July 16 has been viewed more than 66,000 times and generated a rash of news stories.

"My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships," Smith said during the interview portion of the pageant. "Matter of fact, some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that's not gonna stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas." Smith just recently started her reign and began raising concerns about the issue in interviews and social media posts. Her bold pageant statement against domestic abuse and her courage to speak out is being praised online by dozens of people as her video gets shared again and again.

The beauty queen cares deeply about domestic violence issues because not only was she a victim, but so were many women in her family, she has said. "My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence," she said in an interview with Wichita television station KSN. "At the age of 14, I got in my first relationship, but it was also an abusive relationship that I was in until about 2018, 2019. It's something that I'm still experiencing and dealing with today." Smith said she even moved to Texas for a couple of years after she escaped the relationship. She returned to Wichita to study nursing. (More Miss Kansas stories.)
As Kamala Harris consolidates her position to be the Democratic nominee in quick fashion, strategists in both parties already are feeling out what a race between the vice president and Donald Trump might look like. Coverage:

Three words: A story at CNN based on interviews with more than a dozen Harris advisers and allies suggests the VP's strategy could be summed up succinctly as "prosecutor versus felon." Harris served as San Francisco's district attorney before becoming a senator, and she played up the "prosecutor for president" angle in her own 2020 run.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

All-new NIO Phone to be launched on July. 27

The all-new smartphone made by Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO, the new-generation NIO Phone, will be officially introduced at the upcoming NIO Tech Day event on July 27, according to Bai Jian, vice president of NIO.

First-generation NIO Phone; photo credit: NIO

ZEEKR puts ZEEKR 001, X models onto Mexican market

On July 21, Geelys premium electric vehicle brand ZEEKR officially released the ZEEKR 001 and ZEEKR X models in Mexico. The ZEEKR 001 starts at 988,000 pesos (approx. 397,700 yuan), while the ZEEKR X starts at 799,000 pesos (approx. 321,600 yuan).

Huaweis smart driving tech-powered VOYAH Zhiyin said to be priced at about 250,000 yuan

Sources reveal that the VOYAH, the high-end new energy vehicle brand under Dongfeng Motor, is expected to price the new Zhiyin SUVs Huawei Smart Driving edition at around 250,000 yuan. The Zhiyin boasts a maximum combined range of 901 km, an 800V high-voltage platform, and can add 515 km of range in just 15 minutes with 5C fast charging.

Leapmotor C16 nabs over 10,000-unit fixed orders in first month on market

On July 22, Chinese new energy vehicle maker Leapmotor announced that its new mid-to-large six-seater SUV, the Leapmotor C16, accumulated fixed-orders of over 10,000 units in its first month of release.

Alexander Pollich appointed President, CEO of Porsche China

On July 20, Porsche announced that Alexander Pollich will officially assume the role of President and CEO of Porsche China starting September 1, 2024. He will oversee the brand's operations in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. The current President and CEO of Porsche China, Michael Kirsch, will transition to another significant position within the group.

Xiaomi unveils SU7 Ultra Prototype with 1,548 horsepower

On July 19, Mr. Lei Jun, founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, delivered his fifth annual speech in Beijing, themed "Courage." During the speech, he reflected on Xiaomi's decision to enter the automotive industry, detailing the challenges and perseverance involved. Additionally, Xiaomi unveiled a series of new products, with the highlight being the highly anticipated the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype vehicle, showcasing Xiaomi's pinnacle of automotive technology with its three electric motors and a staggering maximum output of 1,548 horsepower.

BYD introduces three BEV models in Vietnamese market

On July 18, BYD announced its foray into the Vietnamese market with the introduction of three battery electric vehicle (BEV) models: the BYD SEAL, BYD DOLPHIN, and BYD ATTO 3 (known as Yuan PLUS in China). Prices for these models start at 659 million VND (approximately 202,559 yuan).

BYD launches BYD M6 all-electric MPV model in Indonesia

BYD recently launched the all-electric MPV, the BYD M6, at the 31st GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), marking a significant milestone as it is not only BYD's first MPV model released for the Indonesian market but also the first all-electric MPV to be introduced in Indonesia, according to a post on BYD's WeChat account.

XPENG, Volkswagen Group ink agreement for joint development of E/E architecture

On July 22, XPENG, a Chinese smart electric vehicle maker, and Volkswagen Group announced the signing of a joint development agreement for electronic and electrical (E/E) architecture. This follows their former strategic cooperation framework agreement signed on April 17, 2024.

All New ZEEKR 009 MPV model hits market, starting at 439,000 yuan

On July 19, ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Holding, put the refreshed version of its ZEEKR 009 flagship MPV model, the All New ZEEKR 009, onto the market. The new product is available in both seven-seat and six-seat layouts, offering three trim levels priced between 439,000 yuan and 469,000 yuan. Deliveries are set to begin on July 22.
Bahrain News Agency (BNA)| Manama

Journalism and media in the Kingdom of Bahrain continue to play a crucial role in national development, backed with the leaderships vision and support for this important sector.

Editors of English-language newspapers in Bahrain expressed these views, on the sidelines of the Eighth Edition of the Prime Ministers Award for Journalism, held under the patronage of Deputy King His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and commended the status of this prestigious award.

Mahir Haneef, Deputy Editor at The Daily Tribune and News of Bahrain, noted the huge turnout of journalists, with the venue with the capacity of 1,000 persons almost full.

He highlighted the increase in the number of categories of the award, encompassing all possible subfields within the print, television, and digital spectrum of news production.

He added: The award recipients were moved about being chosen, with many breaking into tears of joy when other journalists were congratulating them for their win. Sundays awards ceremony was a spectacular and landmark moment not only for journalists in Bahrain but the entire GCC and the world as it is very rare that a government puts so much effort into supporting journalism and its practitioners and acknowledge their contributions to society, without any partisanship.

The Gulf Daily News (GDN) Media Managing Editor Stanley Szecowka said its a double delight for the Gulf Daily News team and is happy that it has been acknowledged with these prestigious awards.

Commenting on awarding Anwar Abdulrahman, the Editor-in-Chief of the GDNs sister newspaper Akhbar Al Khaleej, Szecowka said, Anwar Abdul Rahman is an immense media figure and I am so lucky to have such an esteemed colleague and Im so grateful for his time and guidance.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Compensation will soon be distributed to those impacted by the recent rains, according to MP Hanan Fardan. She confirmed receiving assurances from the government and stated she is actively monitoring the situation and addressing complaints from affected individuals about the timing of the compensation.

Fardan criticised the Ministry of Works for not making good on its promises to disburse compensation to those affected by the unprecedented rains in April, which led to considerable disappointment among the public. The directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, are explicit in mitigating the damage caused by accumulated rainwater, compensating those affected, and shoring up infrastructure in the impacted areas. She emphasised
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Directorate of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Bahrain. This agreement marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance strong fire safety and prevention measures in Bahrain.

The MoU signing ceremony, held during the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, was attended by key representatives from both entities. The MoU aims to foster a collaborative relationship between the two parties, leveraging the extensive NFPA expertise and resources in fire, electrical and life safety, and Bahrain Civil Defences local knowledge and experience in the areas of firefighting and civil defence. The partnership will focus on organizing awareness forums to disseminate critical information aimed at reducing the impact of fires and hazards. Additionally, both parties will work together on relevant laws and standards, promoting education and sharing best practices to enhance public safety in the Kingdom.

Building on the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework, we are charting a roadmap for developing comprehensive training and certification programs, advancing fire research, and enhancing public education across the Kingdom, said NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley. We are very pleased to be working with Bahrain on this initiative, which aims to advance fire safety and mitigate risks through increased fire risk awareness and reduction strategies, said, Jim.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said Its an honor to collaborate with Bahrain Civil Defence on our shared mission to advance fire and life safety across the Kingdom. By leveraging the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, we aim to empower communities and ensure that Bahrain Civil Defence personnel are equipped with the highest standards of safety knowledge and skills to help fulfil their commitment to public safety and create a safer environment for all. Together, we will make significant strides in fire safety education, training, and awareness programs, enabling us to work more closely to address emerging fire safety challenges and enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives.

Commenting on the partnership, Brigadier Pilot Ali Mohamed AlKubaisi, the General Director of Civil Defence of Bahrain Civil Defence added, This initiative is a strategic milestone for the General Directorate of Civil Defence in the Kingdom of Bahrain to implement Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 by raising the level of safety and fire prevention. The signing of this memorandum of understanding allows us to be part of the NFPA Ecosystem, learning, developing, and benefiting from international community experiences in order to participate in strengthening this framework. The General Directorate of Civil Defence also wants to benefit from best practices in this field to qualify its employees to rise to the international level and provide them with the opportunity to exchange experiences, data, and information for the benefit of all stakeholders, leaving a positive impact on everyone in this field. We would like to express our honor to be part of the NFPA family and look forward to working together as a team.

With operations in over 70 countries, supported by more than 5,000 volunteers, and engaging with over 43,000 global members, NFPA is actively promoting safety in a rapidly electrifying world, addressing critical crisis across the world, defending the value of codes and standards, and highlighting international efforts in emerging issues and trends in fire, electrical, and life safety. This partnership will act as a testament to NFPAs overall objective of increasing safety for people and property.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinas Tongji University has recently unveiled the "Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Cloud-Controlled Fully Autonomous Testing System," the world's first cloud-controlled multi-participant testing system for intelligent and connected vehicles.

Launch event; photo credit: 2024 China Auto Forum

This system aims to create the industry's first closed testing facility capable of continuous dynamic scenario city NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) testing, addressing the diverse safety validation needs of high-level autonomous vehicles in complex and dynamic urban environments.

Professor Xiong Lu, the project lead, explained that existing evaluation systems feature simplistic test scenarios, single-type traffic participants, fixed operational settings, and fragmented function testing. To address these issues, Tongji University developed this advanced system at its Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing and Evaluation Base, authorized by Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The system comprises two main platforms: cloud-based digital twins and simulated traffic participants, alongside three key technologies: automatic generation of dangerous scenarios, collaborative planning among multiple traffic participants, and high-precision motion control at the vehicle end. This enables the creation of a complex traffic test environment featuring dynamic traffic flow, diverse traffic participants, flexible operational settings, and proactive conflict scenario generation, meeting the safety validation requirements for high-level autonomous vehicles.

This testing system is benchmarked against top global intelligent vehicle test sites such as Mcity in the United States and AstaZero in Sweden. It is the first to achieve large-scale, dynamic, and complex real-world traffic scenario testing applications.
Toronto outpacing all other cities

VC investments actually up after the much-criticized federal budget

All dollar ($) figures in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

TORONTO, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Canadian venture capital (VC) totalled $3.87 billion* in first half (H1) of 2024, driven by strong second quarter in which $2.47 billion was raised by Canadian companies.

Alt Text (CNW Group/CPE Media & Data Company)

Q2 2024 VC investments totaled $2.47 billion, up by 76% from the $1.40 billion registered in Q1 2024. The Q2 figure is noteworthy as it directly counters all the purveyors of doom and gloom who had been predicting that tech investments in Canada would crater following the April 16 federal Budget's measures with respect to the treatment of the capital gains inclusion rate. In fact, just the reverse appears to have occurred. Granted, investments made in Q2 may have been agreed upon prior to the federal Budget in Q1 and only announced in Q2. Nevertheless, it appears that the battalions of Cassandras were quite simply wrong.

Key Observations

I. Ontario's share surpasses 50% for the first time since 2017

Companies from Ontario attracted $2.10 billion (54%), and, for the first time since 2017, accounting for more than half of the total disbursements.

II. Toronto VC Investments greater than those of all other cities combined

Toronto VC investments dwarfed those of any other city across the country by a country mile, thus cementing Toronto's leadership in the financial services overall and in VC in particular.

III. US Investment Funds, Corporate VCs and Private VCs  top three backers

The top three investors were all from the United States. Together they invested $1.96 billion or 51% of the total disbursements. US investors including US Private Investors and US family offices collectively invested $2.15 billion, accounting for 55% of the total amount.

IV. Fundraising

22 private VC funds raised $1.58 billion in the first half of 2024, almost unchanged from $1.59 billion and $1.57 billion for the same period in 2022 and 2023 respectively, but up significantly from $613 million for first half of 2023.

Canadian governments continue to the backbone of many of these funds. Without them, most of them will not be able to close. A life science fund in Montreal and an IoT fund in Toronto could literally be classified as "government" funds as more than half of the committed capital came from federal and provincial governments, not counting quasi-government funding.

V. Canadian governments out-invests Canadian private VCs

Canadian governments invested $458 million more than the $324 million invested by Canadian private VCs. The outpacing of government investments over Canadian private VCs has been the case since 2023.

"The data point to the ongoing small investment market share of private Canadian VCs which has fluctuated between 7 and 10% since 2021. The market penetration by the Canadian private VC fund segment would likely be even smaller without the huge contribution of federal and provincial government backing of most recent funds. To all intents and purposes the private VC fund industry in Canada could be regarded as a quasi-government entity in all but name. This begs the question of how much longer Ottawa, and its provincial counterparts will continue to provide this support in the forthcoming era of government retrenchment and re-prioritization that is now on the near-term horizon," commented Richard Remillard, President of Remillard Consulting Group (RCG).

"The data starkly reveal the dominant position of Toronto as the pre-eminent venture capital investment destination in the Canadian landscape. Just as Silicon Valley venture capital has dominated the US scene, so too the increasing concentration of venture capital investing activity in Toronto appears to have reached the critical mass required to be self-sustaining and self-reinforcing thereby heralding a new development in the Canadian venture capital ecosystem. Toronto's emergence as the pre-eminent locus of Canadian venture capital investing, unlike Silicon Valley, has been facilitated by the city's leading role in financial services in everything from banking to insurance, pension funds and mutual funds. Toronto's market share of venture capital investment is likely to increase over time, despite the efforts of governments to ensure a more evenly-distributed investment scene. This new situation will possibly compel governments to re-evaluate the policy and program tools currently employed to attract venture capital investment beyond Toronto," added Remillard.

2024 H1 Highlights

Top 10 municipal cities

Companies from 52 Canadian municipal cities attracted capital in the first half of 2024.

Led by Toronto, the top 10 cities collectively raised $3.58 million, accounting for 92% of the total amount raised by all Canadian companies.

Municipal City Province # Financings $ Millions Toronto Ontario 112 1,890 Calgary Alberta 37 455 Montreal Quebec 31 440 Vancouver British Columbia 45 247 Quebec City Quebec 11 197 Burnaby British Columbia 1 141 Ottawa Ontario 10 76 Richmond British Columbia 3 68 Waterloo Ontario 10 33 Surrey British Columbia 2 30 TOTAL

262 3,578

Top 10 foreign funding sources

Investors from the top 10 foreign countries together invested $2.55 billion, accounting for 66% of total amount raised by Canadian companies.

Country # Financings $ Millions United States (USA) 156 2,145 China 6 69 Japan 5 68 Sweden 3 55 Netherlands 6 54 France 8 36 Switzerland 9 35 United Kingdom (UK) 7 31 Austria 2 29 Germany 6 28 TOTAL

2,552

Top 10 Investor types

29 individual types of investors backed Canadian companies. Top 10 types of investors invested a combined $3.5 billion, accounting of 91% of the total disbursements.

Investor Type # Financings $ Millions Mutual/Hedge Fund - US 8 828 Corporate - US 27 628 Private VC - US 64 506 Government - CDN 69 458 Private VC - CDN 68 324 Corporate - Foreign 28 323 Private Investors - CDN 150 127 Private VC - Foreign 15 126 Family Office - CDN 63 102 Private Investors - US 72 87

Top 10 VC law firms

37 law firms participate in Canadian VC financings. Top 10 law firms are ranked as following, as reported by law firms in their regulatory filings or direct reporting to CPE Analytics.

Law Firm Rank # Financings $ Millions Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP 1 34 302 Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP 2 32 943 Mintz LLP 3 15 224 LaBarge Weinstein LLP 4 14 165 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP 5 9 350 McCarthy Tetrault LLP 6 8 84 Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 7 8 4 Harper Grey LLP 8 8 2 Dentons Canada LLP 9 7 14 Koffman Kalef LLP 10 6 1

Summary report

Summary report can be downloaded from financings.ca website: https://www.financings.ca/reports/

Methodology

Included

Equity and quasi-equity investments in companies directly.

Excluded

Secondary transactions (investor/shareholder exit events) in which companies received no money.

Acquisition for expansions (M&As)

PE transactions

Financing by foreign headquartered/domiciled companies with Canadian subsidiaries.

Remillard Consulting Group (RCG)

Remillard Consulting Group (RCG) is a unique, Ottawa-based, bilingual consulting firm specializing in providing private sector, government & trade association clients with creative, research-grounded solutions to business issues and public policies involving the Canadian financial services industry. For more information: [email protected]

CPE Analytics

With almost 98,000 financing transactions, and continuing growing, its Canadian Financings database, CPE Analytics is Canada's undisputed leader in financing intelligence. We provide comprehensive, verified, unbiased and unmatched insights and intelligence on private and public financings, initial public offerings (IPOs), M&As, professional investment firm fundraising activities.

We cover all aspects of VC information, not limited to but including Canada's only information on VC firm fundraising, VC funding sources (where all the VC came from and from which types of investors).

CPE Analytics is the data analytics division of CPE Media & Data Company. More Info: https://cpeanalytics.ca, https://financings.ca

CPE Media & Data Company

Founded by Canada's the most experienced private capital and financing research experts, CPE Media & Data Company is Canada's leading all financing news and intelligence provider. More information: https://cpecompany.ca/

__________________

* * CPE Analytics' dataset is distinguished by a rigorous application of proper methodological practice which, for instance, does not include M&A transactions completed by VC-backed portfolio companies or other secondaries transactions.

SOURCE CPE Media & Data Company

Contacts: Ted Liu, CPE Media & Data Company, 647-782-8818, [email protected]; Richard Remillard, Remillard Consulting Group (RCG), 613-715-3055, [email protected]
Tim Hortons Camp Day has now raised over approximately $262 million in its history, which has supported sending more than 320,000 youth to Tims Camps for a life-changing experience.

TORONTO, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Tim Hortons is proud to announce that with the support of Tims guests, restaurant owners, team members, and volunteers, this year's Camp Day campaign raised nearly $12.8 million that will be donated to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

Tim Hortons annual Camp Day raised nearly $12.8 million this year, with 100% of proceeds donated to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps to support youth (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)

Tim Hortons Camp Day has now raised over approximately $262 million in its history, which has supported sending more than 320,000 underserved youth between the ages of 12 to 16 to a multi-year camp-based program at Tims Camps. Campers are equipped with skills like leadership, resilience, and responsibility, empowering them to open doors to their future.

Every year on Camp Day, Tim Hortons restaurant owners donate 100 per cent of the proceeds from hot and iced coffee sales to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps and raise additional funds through Camp Day bracelets, Donation Badges, and other unique fundraising initiatives developed by local Tims restaurant owners and their team members.

"Thank you to Tims guests across Canada and the United States who purchased coffee, bracelets, badges, or even went above and beyond and donated extra at their local Tims this Camp Day," says Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons. "Through your support, we're helping to change lives for the better by giving youth the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed with opportunities at Tims Camps."

"We are overwhelmed with the results," says Caroline Barham, President of Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. "A simple thank you does not even begin to express our gratitude here at Tims Camps. We could not be more grateful for the support of Tim Hortons, restaurant owners, and guests, and their dedication to our mission of empowering youth to achieve their full potential."

For more information on how to support Tims Camps throughout the year visit www.timscamps.com.

About Tim Hortons

In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. Over nearly 60 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages  including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps  alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,700 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca.

About Tims Camps

Tim Hortons Foundation Camps was established in 1974 with a mission to help underserved youth achieve their full potential. A leader in the youth development industry, Tims Camps delivers high-impact, camp-based experiential learning to youth from low-income households between the ages of 12 and 16  an important developmental window that shapes who they'll become as adults. Through our multi-year Summer, School, and Community Partnership Programs, campers develop critical life skills and are supported to thrive when they return home, excel in post-secondary education, succeed at work and positively contribute to their communities.

SOURCE Tim Hortons

[email protected]
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 19, ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Holding, put the refreshed version of its ZEEKR 009 flagship MPV model, the All New ZEEKR 009, onto the market. The new product is available in both seven-seat and six-seat layouts, offering three trim levels priced between 439,000 yuan and 469,000 yuan. Deliveries are set to begin on July 22.

Photo credit: ZEEKR

The All New ZEEKR 009 maintains the exterior design of the current model on sale. The vertically arranged daytime running lights mimic the grille style of traditional oil-fueled vehicles, giving it an appearance reminiscent of Rolls-Royce grilles. Notably, the All New ZEEKR 009 will also feature LiDAR sensor.

Photo credit: ZEEKR

The All New ZEEKR 009 adopts a short front cabin design, with roof and waist lines extending naturally upwards, creating an ascending trend.

The vehicle measures 5,217 mm in length, 2,024 mm in width, and 1,812 mm (1,864 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 3,205 mm.

Photo credit: ZEEKR

The rear of the vehicle retains its avant-garde mechanical design, with a robust visual effect enhanced by the chrome and extensive light bead layout, adding a sense of high-end luxury.





Photo credit: ZEEKR

The interior of the All New ZEEKR 009 continues the layout of the existing model, while adding a new 35.95-inch AR-HUD (head-up display) system. Additionally, the new model boasts a redesigned starry sky panel and includes a temperature-controlled refrigerator.

Seven-seater version; photo credit: ZEEKR

Six-seater version; photo credit: ZEEKR

The All New ZEEKR 009 offers both six-seat and seven-seat layouts. The seven-seat version includes a central aisle, while the six-seat version features a leg support behind the front passenger seat, providing a more comfortable seating position when combined with the second-row seats.

Photo credit: ZEEKR

The All New ZEEKR 009 adds a rear-wheel-drive version with maximum power options of 250 kW and 310 kW. The four-wheel-drive models also offer two power options: the base model has front and rear motor powers of 200 kW and 250 kW, respectively, while the higher-spec model has front and rear motor powers of 270 kW and 310 kW, respectively.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 22, XPENG, a Chinese smart electric vehicle maker, and Volkswagen Group announced the signing of a joint development agreement for electronic and electrical (E/E) architecture. This follows their former strategic cooperation framework agreement signed on April 17, 2024.

Photo credit: XPENG

Under the new agreement, the two companies are now committed to developing industry-leading E/E architecture for Volkswagen's CMP and MEB platforms in China, namely CEA (China Electronic Architecture). The joint development agreement signifies an acceleration of E/E architecture development in China and lays the groundwork for expanding the scope of their strategic cooperation in this technology.

As part of this strategic cooperation, XPENG and Volkswagen have established joint development teams in Guangzhou and Hefei cities. Engineers from both companies will closely collaborate to accelerate the development process. The first vehicle model equipped with the jointly developed E/E architecture is expected to enter mass production within 24 months.

In addition to this new agreement, XPENG and Volkswagen will actively explore further cooperation opportunities to expand the application of their jointly developed E/E architecture. Both parties have reached a consensus on promoting the strategic cooperation in E/E architecture and aim to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, stated, "The E/E architecture cooperation marks the third significant milestone in our long-term strategic partnership with the Volkswagen Group within a year. With the high level of trust and collaboration between our engineers, the development of our joint project has progressed rapidly, achieving remarkable synergies. I look forward to expanding our technical cooperation and deepening our win-win strategic partnership."

Ralf Brandstatter, Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said, "The rapid progress in our close cooperation with XPENG highlights the immense potential of our partnership. By combining our technical expertise, we are jointly developing advanced E/E architecture. This collaboration marks a new step forward and is another milestone in Volkswagen Group's In China, for China strategy, focusing on Chinese customer needs and driving technological innovation. From 2026, all Volkswagen brands electric models launched in the Chinese market will feature this powerful and efficient E/E architecture."

Last week, industry insiders revealed that hundreds of Volkswagen engineers have started working at XPENGs headquarters in Guangzhou, emphasizing the unprecedented depth and breadth of their cooperation. Although this information was quickly retracted, XPENG responded that detailed news on further collaboration will be disclosed next week.
An independent journalist who has antagonized Union City Mayor Brian Stack for the past six months has sued the mayor, the city board of commissioners and the police department, claiming his First Amendment rights were violated and he was wrongfully arrested at last weeks meeting.

Leonard Filipowski, known as Leroy Truth on his YouTube channel, was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct Tuesday when he refused to stand behind the podium when he spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
A 37-year-old man was arrested in New York City hours after he stabbed a woman to death in her Edison home on Sunday, authorities said.

Lizbeth Benitez-Rivera was found dead by her son in their home on Horizon Drive after he woke up from a nap at about 4:30 p.m., the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said Monday.

Benitez-Rivera, also 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. The son is 16 years old, according to the prosecutors office.

Joan Franklin Polanco, of Edison, who was seen entering Benitez-Riveras room with a knife and later fleeing the house, was taken into custody at 8:36 p.m. in the area of West 86th Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan, officials in Middlesex County and New York City said.

The prosectors office said Polanco knew Benitez-Rivera but didnt describe their relationship. Polanco remains held in New York awaiting extradition to New Jersey so no court date in Middlesex County has been set. He is charged with murder and a weapons offense.

Anyone with information is asked to call Edison police Det. Clint Hetzell at 732-248-7400 or Det. Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-8843.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
With President Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris against Donald Trump, the polls are likely to tighten  quickly.

The latest poll pitting Harris against Trump shows the Republican nominee and former president wth a 3 point lead  51% to 48%.

The poll by YouGov and CBS News was conducted July 16-18 amid growing calls for Biden to exit the race over concerns about his poor debate performance and age. The same YouGov poll showed Trump with a 5-point lead over Biden.

And heres why the polls are likely to tighten quickly: The American people will see this move by Joe Biden as an act of strength. It will reinvigorate the anti-Trump coalition  which is the largest coalition in American politics, pollster Sarah Longwell tweeted.

Also: Now that Biden, 81, is out, Trump, 78, is the oldest nominee for president in American history. Age, which was a factor against Biden, will now work against Trump, Longwell said.

YouGov poll included a sample of 2,247 registered voters with a margin of error of plus/minus 2.7%.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President, Biden said in a statement on Sunday. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

Nearly 30 minutes later, Biden threw his support behind Harris, the partys instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, Biden said in a post on Twitter/X. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump.

Bidens decision came as he has been isolating at his Delaware beach house after being diagnosed with COVID-19 last week, huddling with a shrinking circle of close confidants and family members about his political future. Biden said he would address the nation later this week to provide detail about his decision.

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A man with a lengthy criminal history convicted last year of killing a missing 21-year-old New Jersey woman in 1980 in California has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

The conviction brings a measure of closure to the surviving family of Holly Ann Campiglia who had been found by two workers in a cornfield in Dixon, California, on Aug 3, 1980 after being shot to death, according to a statement from the Solano County Sheriffs Office and a report in the Courier-Post that was published 44 years ago.

The body was an unidentified Jane Doe until being identified in 1992 as Campiglia by the National Missing Persons Unit, according to the Solano County Sheriffs Office.

She was identified after her family noticed her name had been mistakenly removed from a national missing persons database, the Courier-Post reported in 1992.

Authorities didnt charge anyone for decades later, though. In late 2021, Campiglias family asked if any of the original evidence could be re-tested using the improved technology available, the sheriffs office said.

Investigators learned the DNA on the evidence was a match for then 76-year-old Herman Lee Hobbs, who was already serving time in a California prison for a the murder and sexual assault of a teenager and the sexual assault of another in the early 2000s.

Detectives then obtained a warrant to obtain new DNA from Hobbs and it proved to be a match for a second time. Hobbs was charged with Campiglias murder in February 2023.

Hollys family has suffered tremendously over the past four decades, the sheriffs office said in a statement. They turned their grief into action and never gave up in their search for justice, sheriffs office officials said in a statement. We know that todays sentencing will not bring Holly back, but it is our hope that it gives them some peace.

Campiglia had run away from home multiple times when she vanished for good in Cherry Hill on June 10, 1980, according to the Courier-Post.

The oldest of five sisters, Campiglia jumped out of her mothers car on Route 70 in Cherry Hill while being driven to a counseling center, the Courier-Post said.

She began running away from the familys home in 1977 while a freshman attending Glassboro State College (now Rowan University).

Campiglias family last heard from her in July 1980 when she mailed them a letter with a return address of Sacramento, California, saying she was living with two men and that they should try not to think of her anymore, her now deceased mother told the newspaper in 1992.

The return address proved to be fake.

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The prediction was swift and certain: Kamala Harris is going to beat Donald Trump in November, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow said within minutes of President Joe Bidens decision on Sunday to drop out of the presidential race.

Its now the job of everybody in the country, who does not want Donald Trump to be the next President to get her over the top, Maddow added.

Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the partys instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago. Maddow jumped on the Harris bandwagon.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Harris, Maddow told fellow anchor Katy Tur on Sunday afternoon. I dont think there is going to be one whisper of a fight in the Democratic Party about getting behind her. I think that the Democratic Party will now unify like nothing you have seen from this party in many years, around the necessity of supporting her and of building the kind of campaign you have never seen before to try to keep Donald Trump from returning to the White House and from undoing the American system of government.

The endorsement of President Biden, of Vice President Harris, I believe, I mean, I could be wrong, but I believe that will be seen as a period at the end of the sentence. ...

But this is not the start of an open primary, Maddow added. You know, Democrats have surprised me before, but this means that Vice President Harris is going to be at the top of the ticket, and what this is going to mean for Joe Biden. He [ran] with Barack Obama in 2008 and then serving ably as his vice president for two terms. He is part of history of the first Black president in this country.

And what Joe Biden did today is going to get us the first Black woman president in this country. Kamala Harris is going to beat Donald Trump in November, and hes going to have been the man more responsible for that than anybody else in the country, having had that key role in both of those campaigns.

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination after the stunning turn of events that led to President Joe Biden dropping his re-election bid Sunday, though Murphy is being floated as a potential candidate for vice president, two sources close to the governor told NJ Advance Media.

The sources said Murphy, a term-limited governor set to leave office in January 2026, has fielded calls from some national Democrats about the scramble for the partys new ticket, with him mentioned among the possible VP picks depending on the presidential nominee.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 18, BYD announced its foray into the Vietnamese market with the introduction of three battery electric vehicle (BEV) models: the BYD SEAL, BYD DOLPHIN, and BYD ATTO 3 (known as Yuan PLUS in China). Prices for these models start at 659 million VND (approximately 202,559 yuan).

Photo credit: BYD

BYD announced that with its entry into the Vietnamese market, it will implement several key strategies aimed at promoting the diversification of green transportation and clean energy solutions, contributing to a sustainable future. Although BYD will not focus on building electric vehicle charging infrastructures, it plans to offer several effective alternative solutions to provide convenience for drivers.

BYD will collaborate with various charging station partners, meaning that in addition to the home charging solutions provided by BYD, users will also have access to charging at public stations nationwide and at BYD dealerships. Furthermore, BYD is implementing a strategy for developing 4S stores. By the end of July 2024, ten 4S stores will be opened in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong Province, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Thanh Hoa Province, Quang Ninh Province, and Bac Giang Province. The plan is to expand to 100 4S stores across Vietnam within three years.

In the financial sector, BYD is partnering with major banks such as the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank), and Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank). These partnerships will offer car loan support programs, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 85%. Additionally, BYD is collaborating with several reputable insurance partners to provide exclusive benefits, ensuring that BYD owners can drive with confidence.

BYD Vietnam CEO Vo Minh Luc stated, "The launch of the BYD SEAL, BYD DOLPHIN, and BYD ATTO 3 is just the first step in our expansion into Vietnam. To foster the development of Vietnam's new energy vehicle sector, we plan to build a diverse product ecosystem, offering customers environmentally friendly options that meet their individual needs. Moreover, we aim to develop comprehensive policies to help customers quickly own international-standard new energy vehicles, thus increasing the number of green transportation options available."
Hillary Clinton is all in with Kamala Harris.

The former Donald Trump rival issued a joint statement with Bill Clinton in support of the vice president to be the partys nominee after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

" ... We are honored to join the president in endorsing Vice President Harris and well do whatever we can do to support her, they said.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support. Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.

My statement on today: https://t.co/U0meOCtlfp  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 21, 2024

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Its a completely different race for Donald Trump now that Joe Biden bowed out and laid the groundwork for Kamala Harris to be the partys nominee.

The Atlantics Tim Alberta reported earlier this month how Trumps top advisers feared a scenario where Trump would have to face off against someone other than Biden. That time has come and Alberta is now reporting some may be questioning the decision to tap JD Vance as Trumps running mate.

Most striking thing I heard from Trump allies yesterday was the second-guessing of JD Vance  a selection, they acknowledged, that was borne of cockiness, meant to run up margins with the base in a blowout rather than persuade swing voters in a nail-biter, Alberta posted to X with a link to his latest report.

From his report:

Republicans I spoke with today, some of them still hungover from celebrating what felt to many like a victory-night celebration in Milwaukee, registered shock at the news of Bidens departure. Party officials had left town believing the race was all but over. Now they were confronting the reality of reimagining a campaign  one that had been optimized, in every way, to defeat Biden  against a new and unknown challenger. ...

For months, in talking with (senior Trump advisers Susie) Wiles and (Chris) LaCivita, I was struck by their concern about the potential of a dramatic switch  Democratic leaders pushing out Biden in favor of a younger nominee. They told me that Trumps campaign was readying contingency plans and studying the weaknesses of would-be alternatives, beginning with Vice President Kamala Harris. By the time of the debate, however, they believed that Democrats window had all but closed. Even in the immediate aftermath  as Democratic officials openly called for Biden to quit  Wiles and LaCivita were betting on the status quo. More than anything, Trumps allies believed that the presidents stubborn Irish ego wouldnt let him back out of a fight with a man he despised.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden endorsed Harris to be the partys nominee.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden posted to X, formerly Twitter.

The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
The hits keep coming from former Donald Trump Republican primary rival turned supporter Nikki Haley.

Never-Trumpers are pulling clip after clip of Haley during the primary trashing Trump and promising Kamala Harris will win in November if its a fight between Harris and Trump.

Lets speak some hard truths. If Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee, we will get a President Kamala Harris. You mark my words. He cannot win a general election. Look at Iowa, look at New Hampshire. He cant get independents, he cant get suburban women, hes losing Republicans who say they dont want him and will vote for someone else. Its a problem, Haley said in an interview from January that the group Republicans Voters Against Trump posted to X.

Nikki Haley: If Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee, we will get a President Kamala Harris. You mark my words. He cannot win a general election...He cant get independents. He cant get suburban women. (Jan. 2024) pic.twitter.com/1P9lTig0eL  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) July 22, 2024

Earlier in the day, the same account posted another video of Haley at the time saying, The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election, Haley said during a speech on the campaign trail in January, citing polling that showed both Trump and Joe Biden were largely unpopular among the general electorate and that people wanted other choices.

Nikki Haley: The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election.

(Jan. 2024)pic.twitter.com/n8QvDERUkQ  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) July 22, 2024

Haley released the delegates she won during this years Republican primary earlier this month so that they would be free to Donald Trump at last weeks Republican National Convention.

In a statement, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador under Trump called for party unity at the RNC and said Biden was not competent to serve a second term and that Harris  whom Haley repeatedly intimated would end up as president in Bidens stead  would be a disaster for America.

We need a president who will hold our enemies to account, secure our border, cut our debt, and get our economy back on track, Haley said at the time. I encourage my delegates to support Donald Trump next week in Milwaukee.

Haley was the last major GOP rival standing against Trump when she shuttered her own campaign following Trumps Super Tuesday romp, having accused him of causing chaos and disregarding the importance of U.S. alliances abroad.

Trump, in turn, repeatedly mocked her with the nickname Birdbrain, though he curtailed those attacks after securing enough delegates in March to become the presumptive Republican nominee.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden endorsed Kamala Harris to be the partys nominee and Democrats have been rallying behind her.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden posted to X.

The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
Former President Donald Trump and his campaign are already trashing Vice President Kamala Harris now that it seems likely shell be the partys nominee against him this November.

But before Trump was against her, he was for her.

Trump donated $5,000 to Harris campaign as attorney general in California in 2011 and $1,000 in February 2013, according to The Washington Post.

Ivanka Trump also chipped in and gave Harriss campaign $2,000 in 2014, per the report.

Was a wise investment, Democratic Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz posted to X with an image of the $5,000 check.

Was a wise investment pic.twitter.com/S7C18nDFzA  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 21, 2024

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

The decision comes after escalating pressure from Bidens Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

Biden endorsed Harris to be the partys nominee.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden posted to X, formerly Twitter.

The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon on Jan. 20, 2025.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
UPDATE: Delaware River search continues for missing man believed to have been tubing, official says

Police and rescue workers are still trying to find a man who witnesses said may have drowned Saturday afternoon in the Delaware River.

Dive teams and rescuers in boats searched the area near the Easton wastewater plant, where multiple witnesses saw the man disappear under water around 4 p.m. Saturday, according to Pennsylvania Water Rescue Chief Branden Bachman.

Authorities searched the area until sundown Saturday and all day Sunday, Bachman said. They used sonar and other imaging equipment in portions of the river, he said.

A scaled-back search will continue Monday, Bachman said.

At this point we will not be continuing a large-scale search of the river, he said. We will continue to use our drone and periodic boat-based searches of the surrounding shore lines and surface areas.

Easton Police Lieutenant Matthew Gerould said a local family reported a family member missing Sunday afternoon. The family told police the man hadnt been seen since Saturday, around the time the witnesses saw the man go underwater in the river. Police think the missing man could be the possible drowning victim.

Its unclear whether the person who went underwater managed to get to shore and walk away. Police are looking for information about the missing mans whereabouts.

The missing swimmer is described as a man in his 60s with short gray hair, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall. He was last seen wearing black shorts and black water shoes. Police did not release the missing persons name out of respect for the family, Gerould said.

Anyone with information about the missing man can call Easton police at 610-250-2282.

The wastewater plant is at 50-A South Delaware Drive in Easton. Its across the river from Phillipsburg.

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Four days of unsettled weather with threats of thunderstorms are ahead in New Jersey this week with plenty of clouds and humidity in the forecast.

While theres only a marginal risk of excessive rainfall in the state on Monday, thunderstorms, heavy downpours and flooding are possible later in the day as a slow-moving system settles over New Jersey, the National Weather Service said in its morning forecast discussion.

High temperatures on Monday will range from the upper 70s along the Jersey Shore to the upper 80s across most inlands areas before falling into the upper 60s to low 70 overnight.

Temperatures will be in the upper 70s and to upper 80s the next three days with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms each day.National Weather Service

The forecast wont vary much on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Each day is expected to be partly to mostly cloudy with similar temperatures in the 80s and storm chances each afternoon and evening.

Forecasters arent sure of the exact timing or location of potential storms, but the weather service said the best chance for the heaviest rain is Tuesday afternoon be south and east of the Interstate 95 corridor.

While the moisture does not guarantee that every location will receive some rain this week, the opportunity for downpours does exist, AccuWeather.com said Monday in discussing the northeast U.S. Because of the randomness of summer rainfall in the pattern that is likely to develop, the wet versus less-rainy areas may shift around from day to day.

The long-range forecast calls for Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be dry, sunny and warm with high temperatures in the upper 80s.

Rain that falls in New Jersey this week is needed with much of the state considered abnormally dry and a few areas experiencing moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Current weather radar

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Elon Musk tried but failed to convince Vinod Khosla to support Donald Trump. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images, Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Vinod Khosla on Sunday urged Democrats to select a moderate candidate against Trump.

Elon Musk pushed back in defense of Trump, sparking a heated exchange with Khosla on X.

Khosla suggested Kamala Harris and Governors Whitmer, Shapiro, and Beshear as potential candidates.

Shortly after President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 presidential race, Vinod Khosla, a venture capitalist and OpenAI investor, posted on X that the Democratic Party should select a moderate candidate to defeat former president Donald Trump.

Khosla first posted that an open convention could yield a candidate who could "easily" beat Trump, such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro  in a later post, he also called on Vice President Kamala Harris or Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to declare their candidacy. He noted these politicians could lead the US without the nation being "held hostage between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism."

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, was not impressed.

"Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!" he replied.

Musk, who fully endorsed Donald Trump last Saturday after the shooting at a Trump rally, has been praised by the former president as a "brilliant guy"  despite Trump saying he hadn't heard about Musk's reported plan of donating $45 million each month to a pro-Trump super PAC.

Khosla is a Democratic donor who hosted a fundraiser for Biden in May and previously endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016. He snapped back, noting it would be hard to support Trump.

"Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me," Khosla replied. "He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a decade in his first year? Do you want his example for your kids as values?"

The two tech leaders exchanged more messages. Musk said the Republican Party has replaced the Democratic Party as the party protecting people's freedoms.

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"I'm not suggesting that Trump is without flaws, however we need an administration that is more likely to be meritocratic and promote individual freedoms over the heavy hand of government," Musk wrote.

Though Khosla agreed with Musk's comment on meritocracy and individual freedoms, he took issue with Trump's stances on climate and America's global leadership.

Khosla continued to post throughout the afternoon, asserting his views on the climate crisis, advocating for ranked-choice voting, and stressing the importance of "values and morals" in the age of AI acceleration.

In another post, Khosla tagged Musk, asking if he would be "willing forgive him for trying to subvert democracy on Jan 6 and push for insurrection just to win?"

Musk did not reply to that post.

Khosla added later in the evening that he couldn't agree with Trump's energy policy of "drill, baby, drill" and abandoning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).



Musk responded that "civilization does need oil & gas for quite some," a notable response from the chief executive of an electric vehicle company who once said climate change is one of humanity's greatest existential threats.

"I don't think we should demonize an industry that is essential for humanity to function," Musk wrote. "However, as you know, sustainable energy production and consumption is growing very rapidly and is tracking to exceed use of hydrocarbon fuels. That will happen no matter what Trump does."

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has not publicly shared his thoughts about Biden's decision.

Musk touted how some White House aides learned about Biden dropping out by reading X. The platform estimated Biden's announcement got over 289 million views by Sunday night. He also noted on X that his "smartest friends," including lifelong Democrats, "are excited about Trump/Vance."

Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, replied, "Your smartest friends aren't very smart."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Volkswagen

VW reveals ID.UNYX sub-brand meant for China, planning four vehicles including SUVs and sedans as part of the lineup.

The ID.UNYX, developed in Hefei, China, features a coupe-like profile and relies on existing MEB platform underpinnings and drivetrain.

The VW Group is in a race to regain some of its market share in China, where it now faces a growing list of local competitors in the EV sphere.

China-only models are nothing new for European automakers with joint ventures in the country, who have offered special versions of existing vehicles as well as new nameplates in the Middle Kingdom for over two decades.

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Thanks to local production and some unique market demands, starting nearly 20 years ago the VW Group has been able to market vehicles such as long-wheelbase versions of its smaller sedans badged as the A4L and the A6L, while VW's lineup of locally produced models included Jetta- and Passat-based sedans badged as the VW Sagitar and VW Magotan.

More recently, VW has launched two versions of the ID.6 SUV in Chinaa model not available in other marketsin addition to slightly different versions of the ID.4.

The latest in this ever-growing genre is Volkswagen's ID.UNYX, revealed as a sub-brand of Volkswagen's existing electric-only ID sub-brand. And the first model is, once again, a slightly more dramatic version of an ID.4 SUV featuring a coupe-style profile.

It will also remind some of the Cupra Tavascan from another one of Volkswagen's regional sub-brands, as this is essentially a Tavascan with some minute differences.

The specs of the ID.UNYX should also be familiar to anyone who has taken a close look at the ID.4 menu: The model is powered by a 77-kWh battery, offering single- and dual-motor layouts with 282 or 335 hp on tap, depending on which version you choose. But the longest-ranged variant is set to offer 386 miles in the very optimistic CLTC cycle.

Volkswagen

The debut model is only subtly different from Volkswagen's current stylistic repertoire, featuring some sharper creases in the bodywork, along with red-colored details. The ID.UNYX was developed at the automaker's innovation and development center in Hefei, China.

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The coupe-style crossover is merely the first of four ID.UNYX vehicles planned by VW by 2026, out of a total of 34 models planned for China by 2030, with UNYX also set to offer a unique retail chain envisioned as part of the new sub-brand.

When it comes just to the ID.UNYX sub-brand, VW has hinted that SUVs and sedans are on the way next.

"With the new ID. UNYX, we are expanding the spectrum of our electric ID. models in China with an avant-garde product," said Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China. "We are combining a confident, progressive design with a sustainable electric drive and state-of-the-art user experience."

However, one pressing question remains: Why does VW need another sub-brand?



It is worth noting that VW's fortunes in China, where it has been present since 1984 when it became the first western automaker to set up local production under a joint venture, were very different as recently as a decade ago.

Volkswagen

In the early 2010s VW and its brands still maintained a vast share of the market with multiple unique nameplates based on VW's global platforms catering to local tastes. At that time, VW's lineup was sporadically challenged by China's domestic automakers.

Today, the picture is very different, with VW having lost some of its market share to rapidly growing Chinese domestic brands, including BYD and Geely.



A big part of the reason, especially over the past five years, are EVs and New Energy Vehicles, which is how hybrids, PHEVs, and BEVs are categorized in China. More recent brands such as Nio and XPeng, as well as Tesla, have captured the attention of the local market.

Hearst Owned

VW is now viewed as having to play catch-up in this New Energy Vehicle arena, with variations on its ID lineup seen as one of the easiest ways to quickly create more visual variety in its lineup.



"Lifestyle elements such as the gold-coloured Volkswagen badge on the front and the golden vehicle lettering are distinctive featuresthe colour of these insignia is associated with the high quality, reliability, and safety of a Volkswagen in China," the automaker says.

It remains to be seen whether ID.UNYX will be able to recapture some of VW's waning dominance in China's ultra-competitive EV space, but it's clear that we are going to see a greater variety of battery-electric VW models in China than anywhere else in the coming years.

Should VW offer more electric models in North America, or is the current crop of EVs just right for the demand present in this market? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Update:

Update! My home and neighborhood is safe!. Evacuation orders lifted. Prayers work. Thank you to @slcfire and @UTNationalGuard for such hard work to save us. 

That was terrifying https://t.co/JLrIs1TWEt pic.twitter.com/eKZUzpr24j  Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) July 22, 2024

The original story continues below:

Holly Rowe did an excellent job being at the forefront of ESPNs coverage for the WNBA All-Star Weekend.

And if you hadnt been on social media or seen her message on X (formerly Twitter), you wouldnt have known that Rowe was doing while overburdened by things beyond her control. While in Phoenix for the weekends festivities, Rowe revealed that she needed some big time prayers as she revealed her neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, was evacuated due to the ongoing wildfires in that part of the state.

Rowe asked for prayers for her and her neighbors as she was informed that her homeand possibly many otherswere in jeopardy.

Gonna need some big time prayers right now. Working @WNBA All star game which is amazing but just found out my neighborhood is being evacuated due to fire in Salt Lake. House in jeopardy. Pray for all of us.   Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) July 21, 2024

As she grappled with the prospect of losing everything, Rowe dug into All-Star Game coverage. She did a one-on-one interview with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark in front of a live audience. She later was the face of ESPNs WNBA All-Star Game coverage as the lead sideline reporter while also serving as the emcee, as shown in the video below.

I feel really comfortable saying this is the best WNBA All-Star Game we have ever seen in this league! pic.twitter.com/fQxpzJcbjB  Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 21, 2024

This was all while the area she calls home was ablaze.

A wildfire erupted on Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City Saturday afternoon, which prompted mandatory evacuations for residents uphill from the state capitol. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze over the weekend as air and ground crews worked to protect nearby homes.

Law enforcement went door-to-door to alert residents after the mandatory evacuation for at least 40 homes. According to ABC News, fire officials also ordered a voluntary evacuation of East Capitol on Saturday. No injuries or property damage were reported immediately.

The fire remained uncontained as helicopters and planes dropped water on the flames.

Evacuation orders were lifted Sunday evening after firefighters achieved 10% containment of the blaze.

Unfortunately, several ESPN sportscasters have experienced the devastating impact of house fires. When fires destroyed their homes, Mike Breen and Scott Van Pelt suffered significant losses. Flames completely consumed Breens Long Island home, while Van Pelts Maryland residence was uninhabitable for 15 months.

As for Rowe, we undoubtedly want to extend our best wishes for her and her familys safety and the well-being of her community. Her ability to perform at such a high level while facing personal turmoil is genuinely awe-inspiring.

[Holly Rowe, ABC News]
CREDIT: Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

When professional wrestler turned actor Dave Bautista retired from his full-time WWE career in 2010, many wondered what would be next for the six-time champion who had spent most of the previous decade entertaining fans worldwide.

Much like fellow wrestlers Dwayne The Rock Johnson and John Cena, Bautista turned to acting and his career caught fire thanks to significant roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune franchises, along with many other films. Bautista has now appeared in 39 films, with four more in production.

Despite being away from wrestling full-time for nearly 15 years (he had brief part-time returns, not unlike Cena and Johnson), Bautista still remembers his roots.

In an interview with ComicBook last week to promote his newest film, Prime Videos My Spy: The Eternal City, the WWE Hall of Famer noted that he tries to sneak his WWE finishing move, the Bautista Bomb, into every movie hes in. My Spy: The Eternal City is no different, the grappler explained.

I just wanted to put it in. We were working on that fight scene and I was like, Oh man this would be fun. And now, its kind of become my obsession. Im trying to squeeze it into every film just because. I dont know. You know, its one of those Easter eggs. I think if I can get it into every film, I will. Its just a nod to my career. A nod to the fans, Bautista said.

The moves execution sees Bautista lift an opponent onto his shoulders in a seated position before slamming them to the mat at a 90-degree angle, making it look very effective and not unrealistic for one of the many action movies the legendary wrestler starred in.

[ComicBook]
Season 2, Episode 6: Smallfolk

The hug lasts 45 seconds before they kiss. Yes, I counted. In the terms of that episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry hugs Auntie Rae for a little too long, its nine five Mississippis. And like any long, drawn-out take on this densely packed show, it stops everything in its tracks.

For three quarters of a minute, we watch empathy, respect, gratitude, warmth, heat, curiosity, desire and, finally, passion all play out in the silent embrace between Queen Rhaenyra and her friend and counselor Mysaria. For the first time in their lives, each of these two very different people has found somebody she sees as an equal, and who sees her as an equal in turn, and the thought quickly goes from comforting to intoxicating. Dragons are flying, men are burning, reigns are teetering, but for as long as that embrace lasts, the world of House of the Dragon exists between these two womens arms.

But this weeks episode of Dragon specialized in all kinds of people getting the things they want and need  or trying to, anyway  in all kinds of ways. Rhaenyra and Mysarias interrupted clinch was just one example.

In Kings Landing, the acting regent prince, Aemond, is throwing his weight around. He boots his mother from his small council, and rejects Lord Larys Strong for the position of hand in favor of his cunning but loyal grandfather, Otto Hightower. He then sends Ser Criston  the man who knows he tried to murder his brother, King Aegon  off to root Daemon out of the hotly contested Riverlands, with his uncle Ser Gwayne Hightower in tow. The two men look as if they still havent washed off all the ash from their previous encounter with a hostile dragon, and this time Aemond is playing coy about when, or even if, hell fly out to protect them.
For Democratic voters who have spent much of the summer brooding about President Bidens fitness for office, his decision on Sunday not to seek re-election came as a relief. Now, they figured, their political party might stand a chance in November  though many still expressed deep doubts.

Im overjoyed, absolutely overjoyed, said Mark Oliver Rylance, 67, a Democrat from Columbus, Ohio, said about Mr. Bidens announcement. Just last weekend, Mr. Rylance participated in a demonstration outside of the Ohio Democratic Party convention calling for Mr. Biden to step aside.

If Biden had stayed in, we would have lost absolutely everything, he added, echoing the feelings of many Democrats. We would have lost the House, would have lost the Senate, and it could very well have been a landslide.

The delicate subjects of whether Mr. Biden, 81, was fit for another term and how long he might stay in the race after his disastrous debate performance last month had found their way into conversations at dinner parties, neighborhood parks and church gatherings. The end of Mr. Bidens candidacy on Sunday shifted some Democrats emotions from profound anxiety to hopeful determination, even if what comes next for their party remains unclear.
President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the presidential ticket after ending his re-election campaign on Sunday, raising the chance that she could be the first Black woman and the first person of Indian descent to be president of the United States.

Ms. Harris in many ways has been preparing for this moment for the past year as she emerged as one of the Biden campaigns more aggressive voices on abortion rights and attacks on former President Donald J. Trump. Mr. Biden spoke to Ms. Harris on Sunday morning before he posted a letter online informing the world that he would be stepping down as the Democratic nominee.

In another post less than a half-hour later, he endorsed Ms. Harris, who quickly issued a statement saying she intended to earn and win this nomination.

But as the details of the nominating process remain unclear, there are many questions Ms. Harris and her team will face in the days ahead.
She has been slammed by the right-wing news media as a far-left politician, a radical creature of affirmative action whom Democrats had positioned to become the countrys first D.E.I. president.

In her home state of California, however, Vice President Kamala Harris has been viewed as center-left by California standards, an ambitious prosecutor with conventional values shaped as much by the states tough-on-crime 1990s as by the Bay Areas progressive politics.

Shes pretty moderate  more moderate than Newsom, said David Townsend, a Democratic political consultant in Sacramento, referring to Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democrat of California. And shes been a really successful politician. She has been elected district attorney. She has been elected attorney general. Thats a crowd thats usually controlled by Republicans.

Ms. Harris was born in Oakland, the daughter of an Indian cancer researcher and a Jamaican economist who met while pursuing advanced degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. When she was 7, her parents divorced and she and her sister moved to Canada, where she attended high school. Then it was on to Washington, D.C., where she attended Howard University, the historically Black school, and belonged to a sorority.
Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation, one of the nations largest and most influential philanthropies, recently recalled the day his assistant excitedly told him that President Barack Obama wanted to meet him. He gently corrected her.

I said that President Obama wants to meet with the president of the Ford Foundation  he isnt interested in meeting with Darren Walker, he said. Its important to have that clarity so that when the day comes that youre no longer president of the Ford Foundation, you can still find joy and happiness and satisfaction.

For Mr. Walker, who turns 65 next month, that day will soon arrive. He announced Monday that he would step down as the president of the Ford Foundation at the end of 2025 after what will have been a consequential 12-year tenure in which he shifted the institutions focus to inequality and oversaw the distribution of $7 billion in grants.

It is a momentous departure. In reorienting the Ford Foundation to address inequality, Mr. Walker was aiming to address not just wealth disparities, he wrote in 2015, but injustices in politics, culture and society that compound inequality and limit opportunity. He played a key role in getting Ford and other foundations to donate hundreds of millions of dollars to help the City of Detroit exit bankruptcy in a way that spared retirees from deeper pension cuts and safeguarded the collection at the Detroit Institute of the Arts.
Vice President Kamala Harris has already secured the endorsement of the vast majority of elected Democrats, just a day after President Biden made the stunning announcement that he was dropping his re-election bid. Few obvious challengers to her nomination remain, as the party anxiously looks to move past the divisions that have torn it apart for weeks.

Heres the latest.

Harris today earned the endorsements of several key Democratic governors, including JB Pritzker of Illinois and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, who were seen as some of the last serious threats to her nomination. She also secured the backing of Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the House, who continues to wield considerable influence in the Democratic Party. A few other key Democrats, like Barack Obama, have so far not endorsed Harris.

In her first 24 hours as a 2024 presidential candidate, Harris raised $81 million and took control of Bidens enormous operation. Several celebrities also announced their support.

This morning, the vice president made her first public appearance since Biden ended his campaign. She praised Bidens record as unmatched in modern history, while making a concerted effort to reintroduce herself to the electorate on her own terms. One day down, she later posted on social media. 105 to go. Together, were going to win this.
Key Democrats lined up to endorse Harris

Many prominent figures in the Democratic Party said yesterday that they backed Vice President Kamala Harris as their new nominee to be president, just a day after President Biden announced that he was ending his campaign.

The biggest endorsement came from Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, who wields considerable influence in the party.

But Congresss two top Democrats, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have chosen to remain neutral, for now. The decision was driven in part by their belief that their endorsement would make Harriss nomination look like a coronation, according to people briefed on their thinking. Barack Obama has also so far declined to endorse her.

No one has come forward yet to challenge Harris. Some of the people who endorsed her yesterday were seen as potential rivals, like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois. Heres a list of Democrats who have announced their support for Harris.
Three days after planes around the world were grounded by a technology outage, Delta Air Lines was struggling to get stranded passengers to their destinations on Monday and was the only carrier still canceling hundreds of flights as it raced to update its systems.

The companys performance was much worse than other large U.S. air carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines, which were operating with few cancellations, and appeared to stem from decisions it made when its systems first went down, analysts said.

The secretary of transportation, Pete Buttigieg, singled out Delta on Sunday for its slow recovery and said that his office had received numerous complaints about Deltas customer service. He warned that the carrier must provide its customers with adequate assistance and refunds. Delta canceled about 1,300 flights on Sunday, roughly the same number as each of the previous two days, and delayed another 1,600, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. The cancellations represented about a third of the airlines scheduled flights.

Deltas cancellations on Monday  815 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time  accounted for about 21 percent of its scheduled departures, according to FlightAware. Another 34 percent of its flights were delayed.
Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, withdrew a lawsuit against Fox News on Sunday that had accused the network of violating a revenge porn law by sharing explicit photos and videos of him without his permission.

Mr. Bidens decision to drop the lawsuit, in a one-page motion filed by his lawyers in New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, came on the same day that his father announced he would no longer seek re-election.

The lawsuit involved The Trial of Hunter Biden, a mini-series that appeared in 2022 on the streaming service Fox Nation. The series imagined a prospective criminal trial of Mr. Biden that involved fictional charges, and it integrated actual images of Mr. Biden in the nude and engaged in sex acts that had been discovered on a laptop he abandoned at a repair shop in Delaware.

The Trial of Hunter Biden was removed from Fox Nation in April after lawyers for Mr. Biden contacted the network demanding that it be taken down.
In recent weeks, many Democrats in Silicon Valley had kept uncharacteristically quiet as prominent technology leaders  including Elon Musk and the investors Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz  endorsed Donald J. Trump for president.

Even though Democrats had long been a dominant force in Silicon Valley, some were unenthusiastic about supporting President Biden, who was unpopular in the tech industry. They wanted to see if Mr. Biden could change the narrative around his struggling campaign. And those who were vocal in their support  such as the tech investor Reid Hoffman  faced attacks.

But that reluctance to speak up changed when Mr. Biden announced on Sunday that he would drop out of the presidential race, paving the way for a new Democratic ticket. Across the tech industry, the floodgates immediately reopened.

People are fired up, said Nihal Mehta, an investor at Eniac Ventures, a New York venture capital firm, pointing to an outpouring of excitement online and in group chats around the industry.
One June morning, I went to see what the tourists were up to in Chicago, where I live. My mission was to join them while adhering to a strict travel budget. So I started with a free Chicago Greeter tour of the downtown Loop, ground zero for visitors and home to popular attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Run by Choose Chicago, the citys tourism marketing organization, the Greeter program pairs visitors with a local volunteer for a guided walk. Our guide, Janice Rosenberg, led me and eight visitors from Spain, Mexico and France on a 90-minute walk around the Loop. She pointed out famous sites like the Millennium Park sculpture by Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate, known as The Bean, and hidden gems like the Rushmore mural, by the painter Kerry James Marshall, devoted to the women who have shaped Chicago. Ms. Rosenberg also identified hallmarks of classic Chicago architecture, including windows designed to catch lake breezes before air-conditioning was universal, and explained to the Europeans that a department store built in 1893 is old for us.

It was a dense serving of Chicago history and culture at an unbeatable price.

Big cities, generally, are good places to cheap out as a traveler. Transportation options tend to be affordable. Chicagos L train, for example, costs $2.50 a ride; day passes are $5.

And Chicago, newly popular with set-jetting fans of the restaurant-focused FX series The Bear, anchors the Midwest, a region known for its thrift. There are plenty of things to splurge on  the venerable Lyric Opera of Chicago or Michelin-starred restaurants  but you can experience excellence here in music, art, theater, food and more without digging deep into your pockets.
In his first memoir, President Biden reflected on what at the time was the most searing moment of his political career. He had withdrawn from his first presidential campaign in disgrace, driven out by charges of plagiarism. But he resolved not to let it be the end of his story. A persons epitaph, he observed, was written when his or her last battle was fought.

He wrote that in 2007 with the benefit of hindsight about his campaign collapse in 1987, long before the first primaries. Now, some 37 years after that flameout, Mr. Bidens epitaph weighed heavily as he made surely the hardest political decision of his long career in Washington to give up the presidency after just one term and end his bid for re-election.

As he sat in isolation with Covid at his Delaware beach house these past few days, hacking and hacked off, Mr. Biden certainly did not want to go out without a fight. His Irish was up, as he would put it, about all those allies pressuring him to step down out of concern that he was too old to win the race. But at the end of the day, he was persuaded that even at this late hour, his legacy would be enhanced by making the ultimate political sacrifice rather than be the president who allowed Donald J. Trump back into the White House.

By doing something that is anathema to the DNA of any politician, which is surrender the possibility of continuing in power, President Biden is making a consequential presidency even more so, said Jon Meacham, the historian who has been a friend and outside adviser to Mr. Biden over the past few years.
As President Biden greeted the leaders of his 31 allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization a week ago, he described in vivid terms how he thought history would treat his first term in office.

He was the American president who had restored and then expanded NATO, the worlds biggest military alliance, saving it from his predecessors threats to withdraw from it. He organized the West to push back against President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, and in so doing deterred Moscow from direct attacks on European nations beyond Ukraines borders. And he became the architect of a new American plan to contain China, though he never calls it that: cutting off sophisticated technology to Beijing while pouring billions of federal dollars into producing advanced chips at home.

But Mr. Bidens defense of his record came too late, after the shocking debate performance that led to his withdrawal from the race on Sunday. And now it will fall to a different nominee  likely but not certainly Vice President Kamala Harris  to defend that record from a radically different interpretation of the past four years promoted by former President Donald J. Trump.

In his acceptance speech in Milwaukee on Thursday night, Mr. Trump insisted he had turned over to Mr. Biden a world at peace in January 2021, and that today our planet is teetering on the edge of World War III. It was a disingenuous argument at best. There was a low-level war bubbling in Ukraine throughout Mr. Trumps term; he simply chose to pay little attention.
Six key Democratic governors endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, choking off what was perhaps the last prospect for a serious challenge to her claiming the partys presidential nomination.

Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Wes Moore of Maryland endorsed Ms. Harris within minutes of one another shortly before 10 a.m. Earlier Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky announced in a television interview that he was supporting Ms. Harris as well. All of them are seen as holding higher political ambitions.

Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin, who leads an important battleground state, endorsed Ms. Harris minutes after Mr. Pritzker, Mr. Walz and Mr. Beshear did.

The backing from Mr. Pritzker is perhaps most significant. A Chicago billionaire, he had been among the governors most frustrated with President Bidens weekslong insistence on staying in the race. And on Sunday, the Democratic Party of Illinois  which he nominally controls  asked its delegates to hold tight and not endorse Ms. Harris. He alone among the governors has the personal resources to self-fund a presidential campaign.
Senator Joseph Manchin, independent of West Virginia, said on Monday that he would not launch his own presidential bid, a rapid shift in tone after a TV appearance earlier in the morning in which he appeared to be flirting with pursuit of the Democratic nomination.

I am not going to be a candidate for president, he said on CBS Mornings, ruling out a bid. I am a candidate for basically speaking for the middle of this country.

A short time earlier, Mr. Manchin had told CNN he was pursuing a process to vet the next nominee and ensure Democrats can capture the political center. He said he had not given serious thought to whether he would re-register as a Democrat to run for the partys nomination.

Mr. Manchin left the Democratic Party in May because he said it had moved too far to the left, and last year publicly considered seeking an independent presidential run. As the party has largely rushed to coalesce behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee, Mr. Manchin has held back.
Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly established herself as the Democratic front-runner to take on Donald J. Trump within hours of President Bidens exit on Sunday, fundamentally rewiring the presidential contest at warp speed.

Now the race has been transformed into an abbreviated 106-day sprint that more closely resembles the snap elections of Europe than the drawn-out American contests. The tight timeline will magnify any missteps Ms. Harris might make but also minimize the chances for a stumble.

And in a race that Mr. Trump had been on a trajectory to win, Ms. Harris immediately becomes the ultimate X-factor.

Mr. Biden quickly endorsed Ms. Harris, who would be a barrier-breaking nominee as the first woman, the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent ever to serve as president. As the Democratic Party rallies behind her  the loudest voices of dissent were simply those not publicly endorsing her  here are six ways her candidacy holds both promise and peril.
From the beginning of President Bidens ill-fated re-election bid, Democrats struggled to frame the race as a choice between two radically different visions, rather than a referendum on Mr. Bidens age and abilities.

But now that he has dropped out and Vice President Kamala Harris is cruising toward the Democratic nomination, her party sees fresh opportunities to turn the publics attention back to the vulnerabilities of former President Donald J. Trump on key issues for voters, including abortion rights, fundamental democratic principles and questions of economic fairness.

Democrats hope that Ms. Harris  a history-making former prosecutor who is nearly two decades younger than Mr. Trump  can draw a sharp new set of contrasts and tap into arguments that were out of reach for Mr. Biden, 81, starting with the issue of age but extending into matters of policy and personality.

That is especially clear on abortion rights. Mr. Biden, a practicing Catholic, has long been uncomfortable discussing the issue, or even saying the word abortion. Ms. Harris, by contrast, speaks easily and openly about reproductive health and has held campaign events alongside women sharing their stories of miscarriages, abortions and challenges with fertility.
The two top Democrats in Congress stopped short on Monday of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president, even as dozens of lawmakers rapidly lined up behind her. However, the leaders praised her for amassing support from all corners of the party as she seeks to claim the nomination.

One day after President Biden announced he was dropping out of the race and was endorsing Ms. Harris, the decision by Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader, to remain neutral  at least for now  reflected their desire to avoid being seen as dictating the outcome of an extraordinary turn in the presidential contest.

Vice President Kamala Harris is off to a great start with her promise to pursue the presidential nomination in a manner consistent with the grass roots and transparent process set forth by the Democratic National Committee, the two, both of New York, said in a joint statement. She is rapidly picking up support from grass roots delegates from one end of the country to the other. We look forward to meeting in person with Vice President Harris shortly as we collectively work to unify the Democratic Party and the country.

The careful statement was notable at a time when Democratic governors, donors, state party chairs and members of Congress  including Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the influential former speaker  were all quickly lining up to enthusiastically back Ms. Harriss candidacy.
Long before former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were barreling toward a potential presidential showdown in November, Mr. Trump was one of her donors.

Mr. Trump donated $6,000 to Ms. Harriss campaign after she had begun her career in statewide politics as Californias attorney general, taking office in January 2011. Mr. Trumps first donation, for $5,000, came in September 2011, and he made an additional $1,000 contribution in February 2013, according to state records.

His daughter Ivanka also gave Ms. Harriss campaign $2,000 in 2014, according to records first reported by The Sacramento Bee.

A spokesman for Mr. Trump, Steven Cheung, dismissed the donations, saying on Monday that, at the time they were given, President Trump was a global businessman and knew how to play the game and win the game with corrupt politicians like Kamala Harris. Now hes going to finish the job of throwing all these crooked politicians out of office.
The death-penalty trial of a prisoner accused of plotting the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole warship has been set to begin in October 2025. If the plan holds, the trial would coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Qaeda attack, which killed 17 U.S. sailors off the coast of Yemen.

Col. Matthew S. Fitzgerald, an Army judge, reserved a courtroom at Guantanamo Bay for the trial from Oct. 6, 2025, until Dec. 19 of that year, according to an order released by the court on Friday. Based on the court calendar, it would reach trial before the Sept. 11 case, whose judge has set 23 weeks of pretrial hearings for next year.

Military judges in the Cole case have set and then abandoned more than a half-dozen proposed trial dates since the prisoner, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, was arraigned in 2011. Mr. Nashiri, who is from Saudi Arabia, was captured in 2002. He is accused of helping to orchestrate the suicide attack on the U.S. Navy destroyer while it was on a refueling stop in Aden, Yemen. The bombing, on Oct. 12, 2000, was seen as a precursor of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Colonel Fitzgerald has yet to publish deadlines for pretrial matters, a step that typically accompanies a trial date. His schedule envisions 12 weeks of pretrial hearings next year.
In JD Vances first solo day of campaigning as the Republican vice-presidential nominee, the Ohio senator questioned Vice President Kamala Harriss appreciation for the United States and chastised her fellow Democrats for supporting President Biden until he became political deadweight.

If you want to lead this country, you should feel grateful for it, you should feel a sense of gratitude, Mr. Vance said Monday. And I never hear that gratitude coming through when I listen to Kamala Harris.

Mr. Vances speech in southwest Ohio  and similar remarks later in Virginia  came the day after President Biden announced on Sunday he would not seek a second term.

Mr. Biden stepped down just a week after Mr. Vance was named former President Donald J. Trumps running mate, which the Ohio senator joked was like a bait-and-switch. Mr. Vance said he had expected to join a vice-presidential debate against Ms. Harris, but she is now widely expected to take over as her partys presidential nominee.
On the afternoon of June 4, Billy Daniel Lopez Garcia was making plans for the future. He took his girlfriend to a jewelry store and surprised her with a silver promise ring. He vowed to propose after her 20th birthday.

Before heading out to celebrate, the couple went to check on Mr. Lopez Garcias father at the familys grocery store, Tienda Los Hermanos, which sells products from their native Guatemala.

They had been deeply unsettled by a string of violent robberies at other nearby Latino-owned businesses in Montgomery, Ala.  a restaurant worker shot in the hip after he took out the trash, an armed man terrifying customers at a Mexican ice cream store.

Only minutes before closing time, two armed men entered Tienda Los Hermanos, opened fire and killed Mr. Lopez Garcia, his father and a family friend.
The bodies of two sailors who planned to sail from Nova Scotia to the Azores using green energy were found washed ashore at a Canadian national park this month, four weeks after they were last seen, the authorities said.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded to calls on July 10 that a 10-foot inflatable lifeboat containing human remains had been discovered on Sable Island National Park Reserve, according to a news release from the agency.

The authorities did not identify the remains, but said they believed they were those of a 70-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman from British Columbia. A Facebook post by the mans son, James Clibbery, later identified them as James Brett Clibbery and his wife, Sarah Justine Packwood, who had left Halifax Harbor in Nova Scotia on June 11 bound for the Azores. They were reported missing on June 18.

The past few days have been very hard, the younger Mr. Clibbery said in the post, adding that DNA tests would be carried out to confirm their identities. With all the news, it is hard to remain hopeful.
A court in Russia said on Monday that it had convicted a Russian American editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an American broadcaster funded by the United States government, to six and a half years in a penal colony for spreading false information about the Russian Army.

The conviction of the editor, Alsu Kurmasheva, 47, took place on Friday and was first reported by The Associated Press. Also on Friday, a different Russian court sentenced Evan Gershkovich, 32, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, to 16 years in a higher-security penal colony on espionage charges that he, his employer and the American government have denied.

A court in Kazan, a major Russian city 500 miles east of Moscow, heard the case against Ms. Kurmasheva rapidly and behind closed doors, a process similar to that of Mr. Gershkovichs case. There were only two hearings before Judge Ilfir Z. Salikhov read his ruling on Friday, according to court records. It took the court less than 10 days to process the case, the records showed.

The quick convictions of Ms. Kurmasheva and Mr. Gershkovich have raised the prospect that the government in Moscow might be preparing for a possible prisoner swap with Washington. Russian officials have said that discreet talks are being conducted with the United States about Mr. Gershkovich but that any prisoner swap would come only after a verdict.
A gunman killed at least six people and wounded six others on Monday morning at a home for older and infirm people in Croatia, the countrys police chief told reporters Monday afternoon. He said that the attacker had used a handgun and that a suspect was quickly arrested at a restaurant nearby.

The attack took place in Daruvar, a spa town of about 10,000 people in the countrys central region. It is about 62 miles southeast of Zagreb, the capital.

Five residents and one employee were killed, the police chief, Nikola Milina, said. Five died on the scene and one at the hospital. Mr. Milina said the handgun was not registered.

Andrej Plenkovic, Croatias prime minister, wrote on X that he was appalled by the killings. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible crime as well as to those who were wounded in the attack.
Paul Watson, a prominent anti-whaling activist, was arrested in Greenland on Sunday and may be extradited to Japan, where he is being sought on an international arrest warrant, Mr. Watsons organization said.

Mr. Watson, a Canadian American activist who founded Sea Shepherd, a nonprofit marine conservation organization known for confrontational tactics, was taken into custody by the Danish police in Nuuk, Greenland, immediately after docking his boat, the John Paul DeJoria.

We were immediately boarded by a SWAT team and Danish police, who wasted no time in cuffing Paul Watson, our founder, and arresting him on a decades-old red notice at the request of Japan, the boats captain, Locky MacLean, said on a video posted on the official X page for the Captain Paul Watson Foundation. A red notice is an international arrest alert issued by Interpol.

Mr. Watson, who founded Sea Shepherd after a contentious departure from Greenpeace, an international environmental conservation network he also helped found, is known for leading seafaring campaigns that directly interrupt whale hunting, shark finning and other contested maritime practices.
The previous British government spent far more than previously announced on a contentious plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, it was announced on Monday.

The policy, which called for sending asylum seekers to the African nation for processing and resettlement, was championed by successive Conservative prime ministers as their flagship plan to tackle irregular migration.

But no asylum seekers were ever deported to Rwanda under the initiative. Four people were put on planes to the central African nation this year, but they were asylum seekers who went voluntarily after being offered 3,000 each.

The policy cost the government some 700 million, or just over $900 million, Britains new home secretary, Yvette Cooper, told Parliament on Monday.
Ukraine said Monday that it had struck a preliminary deal with a group of international private creditors to restructure more than $20 billion of the debt it owes them, a step that would save the war-torn country billions and preserve funds to support its battered armed forces.

The creditors agreed to write off more than a third of the nominal value of the government bonds they hold, which would allow Ukraine to save $11.4 billion over the next three years, the Ukrainian government said. The deal has been approved by the International Monetary Fund, which has made its financial assistance to Ukraine conditional on the countrys ability to reduce its debt.

Denys Shmyhal, Ukraines prime minister, said in a statement that the deal allows us to free up resources for our defense, social spending and reconstruction.

The deal was signed with the largest group of creditors, representing about a quarter of private bondholders. Two-thirds of all bondholders must approve the agreement for it to take effect. Olena Bilan, chief economist at the Kyiv-based investment firm Dragon Capital, said chances are high that the deal will be approved because of a series of incentives for those bondholders who sign on, such as additional fees.
Top officials from Hamas and Fatah, the two rival Palestinian factions, are meeting in Beijing this week as China seeks to show it is playing a bigger role in diplomacy in the Middle East.

But expectations for any substantial progress are low. Previous attempts to mediate between Hamas and Fatah  including a meeting in Beijing in April  failed to produce tangible results. The two groups have a fraught history and have been at loggerheads for years, each trying to present itself as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people and wary that the other will undermine its power.

The meetings in Beijing instead appear to be a move by China to position itself as a peace broker after its success negotiating a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year. Beijing is not involved in the cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas that are being led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, but Palestinian experts have said cooperation between Hamas and Fatah is critical to discussions about a postwar future in Gaza.

Hamas and Fatah both dispatched top officials to the Chinese capital for the meetings, as did other smaller Palestinian factions.
Egyptian summers have always been hot. But it has not always been this hot, with temperatures barely dipping below 100 degrees in Cairo since May, testing tempers and massacring houseplants. And it has never been this hot at a time when the government has imposed power cuts on most of the country for more than a year, plunging millions into sweaty, un-air-conditioned misery for hours each day.

Since last summer, when energy shortages forced the government to impose the daily power cuts, the blackouts have become such a fact of life that local media has taken to publishing regular tips for what to do if stranded in an elevator as the power goes off. At least nine people have died under such circumstances, according to local media reports.

Pound on the door and dont panic, suggested a recent headline in Al Masry Al Youm, one news outlet. But it had little advice for fish sellers who struggle to refrigerate their wares, farmers whose chickens are dying en masse, people with little cash to fix shorted-out appliances or students studying for the all-important college entrance exams by flashlight.

After importing several emergency cargoes of natural gas, the government said the blackouts would stop from this past Sunday until mid-September, when it said they might be reinstated.
The Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate part of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday and bombarded the area, killing scores of people and wounding hundreds, local health officials reported, adding to the misery of a city already deeply scarred by nine and a half months of war.

The military said it was moving further into Khan Younis because Hamas was trying to regroup there and had used part of what was designated a humanitarian zone to fire rockets toward Israel. The military also noted that it had warned civilians earlier on Monday, before it began its operations, to leave the specific areas of Khan Younis, shrinking the zone it had identified for people displaced from their homes by the war.
For nine months, Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia that dominates southern Lebanon, have fought a low-level conflict that has edged closer to an all-out war. Since October, both sides have fired thousands of missiles across the Israel-Lebanon border, wrecking towns, killing hundreds, displacing hundreds of thousands and leading both to threaten to invade the other.

Now, mediators between the two sides hope that a truce in Gaza could provide the impetus for a similar drawdown along the Israel-Lebanon border, even as the risk of escalation there remains higher than ever.

An ally of Hamas, Hezbollah has said it will stop firing rockets if Israel halts its war with Hamas in Gaza. If that happens, both Israel and Hezbollah have signaled to interlocutors that they would be prepared to begin negotiations for a formal truce, according to three Western officials briefed on the sides positions and an Israeli official. The officials all spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to speak more freely.

Those negotiations would focus on the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from the southernmost areas of Lebanon and the deployment of more soldiers from Lebanons official military, according to the officials. The talks would also focus on how to demarcate the westernmost parts of the border between the two countries, the officials said; the border has never formally been delineated because the two countries have no diplomatic relationship.
Vice President Kamala Harris has declined to preside on Wednesday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress, staying away from a gathering that is likely to highlight the deep divisions among Democrats about his conduct of the war with Hamas.

An aide to Ms. Harris said her absence on Wednesday should not be construed as a change in her commitment to Israels security, but was merely a conflict with a previously scheduled event in Indianapolis. She is scheduled to speak at a convention of Zeta Phi Beta, one of the nations oldest Black sororities, and will meet with Mr. Netanyahu this week at the White House, the aide said.

Typically, the vice president, as the president of the Senate, sits on the House rostrum beside the House speaker during joint meetings to receive a foreign leader, appearing just behind the visiting dignitary in a tacit show of support and welcome. But this week, Democrats are turning instead to Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, to sit beside Speaker Mike Johnson and behind Mr. Netanyahu, according to two people familiar with the plans, who spoke about them on the condition of anonymity.

Mr. Cardin, who is retiring from Congress, is strongly pro-Israel and has remained staunchly supportive of the Jewish state even as the Biden administration and many Democrats in Congress have clashed openly with Mr. Netanyahu over his policies and tactics in the war against Hamas.

Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington and the president pro tempore, who is third in line to the presidency, also was asked to preside in Ms. Harriss stead but declined. Ms. Murray is not planning to attend the speech at all, a spokesman said.

Other Democrats have said they plan to boycott the speech in protest of Mr. Netanyahus policies and Israels conduct of the war.

And Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, was not seen as an appropriate alternative; he delivered a speech earlier this year branding Mr. Netanyahu a major impediment to peace in the Middle East and calling for elections to replace him when the war winds down.

The Biden administration has clashed with Mr. Netanyahu over Israels bombardment of Gaza, the failure to ensure the delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians and the apparent lack of a plan for governance after the war.

Mr. Netanyahu was invited to address Congress by leaders from both parties. But it was Mr. Johnson who pressed to arrange the speech, seeking to hug Mr. Netanyahu closer as some Democrats, particularly progressives, were repudiating him and condemning his tactics in the war, which have caused tens of thousands of civilian casualties in Gaza and a humanitarian disaster for the 2.2 million Palestinians in the enclave.

Erica L. Green contributed reporting.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is unlikely to immediately change his approach to the Gaza war following President Bidens decision to stand aside, even if he may privately welcome the presidents departure from the race, analysts said.

Mr. Netanyahu would most likely have freer rein in Gaza under a potential new Trump administration. But the prime minister must still work with Mr. Biden, and potentially Vice President Kamala Harris, for the next six months, leaving him with little immediate room for maneuver, they said.

Until January, Mr. Biden will control the delivery of U.S. munitions to Israel, as well as the level of U.S. diplomatic support at the United Nations at a time when global scrutiny of Israel has rarely been higher.

Of course, Netanyahu benefits from a politically weak Biden, who is blamed by the Israeli right for restraining Israel, said Mazal Mualem, an Israeli political commentator and a biographer of Mr. Netanyahu. But Biden is still president and Netanyahu needs him, she said.
Barbra Streisand lent her support to Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, becoming the latest in a series of high-profile stars and celebrities who have coalesced around her candidacy since President Biden endorsed her as his successor.

President Biden and Vice President Harris ushered this nation out of the Trump chaos, she said in a statement to The New York Times on Monday. Im so grateful to President Biden and so excited to support Kamala Harris. She will work to restore womens reproductive freedom and continue with the accomplishments begun in the Biden-Harris administration.

Ms. Streisand praised Mr. Biden as an honorable and compassionate leader and called former President Donald J. Trump a convicted felon and a pathological liar who had been found liable for sexual assault and who had incited an insurrection against our democracy.

Endorsements from Hollywoods most recognizable figures can add cultural cache to candidates, and have traditionally helped campaigns raise money, turn out crowds at rallies and generate excitement on social media. Some campaigns have been leery of appearing too close to celebrities, fearing accusations of elitism. Both parties seek them; at the Republican National Convention last week, Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock and Dana White were among the celebrities supporting Mr. Trump.
Who Might Kamala Harris Pick as Her Running Mate?

Vice President Kamala Harris is considering a bench of new-generation Democratic leaders as she moves toward a critical decision: picking a running mate.

The list of possibilities is fairly well known and includes Democrats widely seen as possible presidential candidates in 2028. She is seeking to select a running mate on a highly compressed timeline, aiming to make her choice by Aug. 7.

Harris, 59, could be inclined to turn to someone from a battleground state that the party needs to win against former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. She is also likely to turn to a male politician, Democrats said, to give the ticket balance. But nothing is certain.

Heres a look at potential options.

Andy Beshear Governor of Kentucky, 46 Beshear is a two-term Democratic governor from Kentucky, a solidly Republican state. When he first won in 2019, his victory was regarded as a fluke; Trump won the state by about 30 percentage points three years earlier. But last year, Beshear easily won re-election. He has emphasized the common good, working with Republicans on legislation, including the legalization of medical marijuana, and often talks about his Christian faith. Its a message that could be particularly appealing for Democrats as they try to win over moderate white voters in the suburbs. Of all the candidates on the list, Beshear might be the least-known outside his state, though the burst of attention he would receive if Ms. Harris tapped him would rectify that. Jon Cherry for The New York Times Mark Kelly U.S. Senator from Arizona, 60 The Arizona senator rose to national prominence after his wife, Representative Gabby Giffords, survived an assassination attempt in 2011. Kelly, a Navy veteran and a former astronaut, began campaigning for stricter gun control, eventually winning his Senate seat in 2020. He has carved out an image as a moderate in Arizona, building a coalition that relied on white women in the suburbs as well as young Latino voters who were crucial in delivering the state to Joe Biden in 2020. That kind of coalition is likely to be essential if Democrats hope to hold on to the White House. And Kelly could potentially help Ms. Harris in other battleground states. Rod Lamkey Jr. for The New York Times Josh Shapiro Governor of Pennsylvania, 51 Shapiro was elected as governor in 2022 after serving as the states attorney general. Pennsylvania is a must-win state for his party, and Shapiros stock among Democrats rose after he swamped his Republican opponent for governor, Doug Mastriano, winning 56 percent of the vote. As demonstrations against Israel spread across campuses this fall, Shapiro  who is also Jewish  denounced the rise in antisemitism after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas against Israel. He also won praise for overseeing quick repairs after a bridge collapse on Interstate 95 last year. For Democrats, Shapiros biggest draw is likely the political strength he has displayed in this critical state, reflected in impressive approval ratings. Kriston Jae Bethel for The New York Times Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota, 60 Walz is a former member of Congress and retired educator who has served as governor of Minnesota since 2019. As governor, he deployed the National Guard to Minneapolis to help quell the riots over the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. While in Congress, he was the rare Democrat representing a rural part of the state, suggesting a kind of political appeal that could be attractive to Harris. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the head of the Democratic Governors Association. Eric Lee/The New York Times
Josh Tzuker

FGS Global brings on Josh Tzuker, who most recently served as chief of staff and senior counsel at the U.S. Department of Justices antitrust division, as the agencys global head of antitrust and competition. Before joining the DoJ, Tzuker was senior policy advisor, competition and privacy, at Oracle as well as a lead attorney in Commissioner Terrell McSweenys office at the Federal Trade Commission. Based in Washington, D.C., he will focus on advising clients on communications and advocacy related to corporate competition, policy, cross-border investments and M&A, working closely with Brussels-based partner Sebastian Vos who recently joined FGS after a decade at Covington & Burling advising clients on EU antitrust and competition matters. With his extensive experience from his recent leadership role in the DOJs Antitrust Division and previous role at the Federal Trade Commission, Josh will be an invaluable asset to our team, both in the U.S. and internationally, said Alexander Geiser, Global CEO of FGS Global.

(L-R) Andrew de Lara,

Julia Henry

BSH Home Appliances Corporation hires Andrew de Lara as senior media relations & PR strategy manager and promotes Julia Henry to head of corporate communication & government affairs for North America. De Lara was most recently a communications/PR/brand consultant for athlete-marketing agency Athelo Group, and he has also overseen PR/strategic marketing for brands including Fisker, Lucas Oil, Oakley, Sprint and the LA Lakers. In his new post, he will be the primary PR/external communications strategist for BSH in the US, Canada and Mexico. Henry was previously head of corporate press and public relations at BSHs Munich headquarters. Before coming to BSH, she worked for Fujitsu, Bain & Company and Daimler (Mercedes Benz + Smart).

Kerel Cooper

GumGum, a contextual-first, global digital advertising platform, appoints Kerel Cooper as CMO. Cooper was most recently president of advertising at Group Black, an accelerator advancing Black-owned media properties. He was previously CMO at marketing platform LiveIntent. At GumGum, Cooper will be responsible for leading the platform's global marketing strategy, fostering brand and agency adoption of its advertising solutions, and driving overall growth. Kerel's unparalleled expertise in ad tech is exactly what we need to skyrocket our growth, said GumGum CEO Phil Schraeder.
The medical assessment unit in Nenagh will soon have extended opening hours, it was confirmed by a Dail representative from Tipperary this afternoon.

Tipperary Independent Deputy, Michael Lowry, has been updated on details on when the Medical Assessment Unit in Nenagh will be open for extended hours.

Having raised the matter at the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman, Deputy Lowry has been informed by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, that the opening hours of the Midwest Regions three Units, namely Nenagh, Ennis and St Johns, will be further extended on a phased basis throughout 2024.

This will begin with an extension of opening hours from 8am to midnight by the end of Quarter 3 in 2024.

In correspondence received today, the HSE says it is working within established structures to engage with staff representatives and plan for the extension of the Medical Assessment Unit services to 24-hour operations.

The HSE has advised of the establishment of a Regional Improvement Programme Board to ensure that the measures announced in April  including the expansion of the MAU services  are implemented in a timely manner.
The former CEO of The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Ian Elliott, has described Bishop Eamonn Casey as "a sexual predator" in a new documentary to be broadcast tonight on RTE One and RTE Player.

In an investigation conducted by RTE, in association with the Irish Mail on Sunday, reporter Anne Sheridan examines the Catholic Church's handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, Eamonn Casey, who died in 2017. Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets includes an interview with one of Bishop Caseys accusers, his niece, Patricia Donovan. Speaking for the first time on camera, she claims that he first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years.

Ian Elliott, the former CEO of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Irish Catholic Church, who has direct knowledge of Patricia Donovans complaint against Bishop Casey, tells the RTE / Irish Mail on Sunday investigation that he found her account of what she experienced entirely credible, describing Bishop Casey as, on balance of probabilities, an offender, a sexual predator. The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people. That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the Church. That is a major priority.

Patricia Donovan tells the documentary: Some of the things he did to me, and where he did them The horror of being raped by him when I was five, the violence. And it just carried on in that vein He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him... It didnt make any difference.

In 2019, Galway Diocese informed reporter Anne Sheridan that it had received just one allegation of child sexual abuse against Bishop Eamonn Casey. It has since confirmed that, in fact, it had records at that time of five people who had complained of childhood sexual abuse against Bishop Casey. These independent accusations relate to alleged events in every Irish diocese where Bishop Casey worked.

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Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets also reveals how the Limerick Diocese paid over 100,000 in settlement to one of Bishop Caseys accusers after Caseys death. The current Bishop of Limerick, Dr Brendan Leahy, who has access to documents relating to complaints made in his diocese says: I express deep sorrow and regret to anyone who has been wounded by clerical abuse, including the people referred to in this documentary. They deserve our respect, belief and support. Without commenting on any specific allegation, I have no reason to disbelieve any of the allegations made.

In an exceptional public statement issued to the documentary, the Vatican confirms, for the first time, that Bishop Casey was formally removed from public ministry in 2007, following allegations which, RTE has established, included his niece Patricia Donovans complaint of child sexual abuse. That restriction continued for the last ten years of his but life but was never publicly disclosed in Bishop Caseys lifetime.

The RTE documentary has also discovered evidence that Bishop Casey violated the Vaticans sanctions on several occasions, presenting himself in public as a priest in good standing across several years. Galway Diocese has confirmed this, but stated that the late Bishop Martin Drennan, who was responsible for policing the restrictions, reprimanded Dr Casey whenever he was made aware of such breaches.

In early 2006, the Irish Bishops announced that Eamonn Casey was moving back to Ireland from England to retire. By this stage, the Vatican had now received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against Bishop Casey. Although the DPP decided not to prosecute him, Church investigations were ongoing.

After repeated requests for information, the Vatican has now issued an exceptional statement to RTE, confirming that, by 2006, following unspecified allegations, Bishop Casey had been requested not to publicly exercise the ministry and that this was reiterated formally a year later. The statement also revealed that He was never reinstated in spite of insistence from him and on his behalf and regardless of the outcome of the civil procedures. When RTE requested clarification from Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the President of the Vatican department responsible for handling complaints of child sexual abuse, he replied that: Cases concerning Bishops are reserved to the Holy Father personally and only the Secretariat of State would be in a position to share information.

Bishop Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him. Although all the complaints were reported to An Garda Siochana, he was never charged with, or prosecuted for, any sexual crimes. He was prepared to go to court to defend his reputation after two of his accusers brought civil cases against him.

Despite his resignation as Bishop of Galway in 1992, he remained a Bishop until his dying day and claimed his removal from ministry was unjust. The documentary hears from friends, colleagues and supporters, who still find it hard to believe the allegations made against him. However the Vatican has declined to say what investigative process was followed or whether the sanctions it imposed on Bishop Casey were punitive or precautionary.

Bishop Caseys niece, Patricia Donovan, tells the documentary: I feel so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the Church I was brought up in.

Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese was legal advisor to the Irish Bishops on the day the story broke in 1992 about Bishop Eamonn Caseys affair with a young woman, Annie Murphy, with whom he had a child. She tells the RTE documentary: "He was very beloved and there are people who are prepared to forgive everything. But then, maybe, do they know everything?"

Watch Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets, Tonight, Monday at 9.35pm on RTE One and available worldwide on the RTE Player
A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with attempting to 'prevent the lawful and decent burial' of his father's body.

John Garrett O'Sullivan (55) of Culmore Road in Derry appeared charged with one count of attempting to prevent the burial of his father on dates between July 1 and July 17.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge and opposed bail.

She told the court that at 3.15pm on July 17 police received a concern for safety report from the deceased's daughter who said she had been unable to contact her father or gain entry to his home.

Police attended and forced entry to the house and immediately noticed 'the odour of human remains'.

In the living room the officer said police saw a duvet partially in a fridge freezer and when they opened the duvet they found human remains wrapped in plastic sheeting.

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Adult nappies were placed on the head and hands and a wet wipe was found in the mouth of the deceased.

The remains were identified as Noel O'Sullivan (85) and his daughter said she had last talked to her father by telephone on July 1.

The court heard that since April 23 there had been three concern for safety reports concerning the dead man and the case had been referred to Social Services.

At 7pm the defendant was identified on the Culmore Road and arrested.

He told police his father had been drinking and claimed he was 'ranting and raving' and being verbally abusive to him.

The defendant said that this was on July 7 and he said when he entered the room after being in bed he found his father's body which he described as being 'pale and still'.

O'Sullivan claimed that his father had become unwell on July 4 and said he did not call a doctor 'as it was a Bank Holiday weekend'.

He said he did not call a doctor later as his father was already dead and added he placed the body in a freezer 'as that was what they did in Altnagelvin Hospital.'

The accused said he had not called anyone after his father died as he wanted to preserve his father's 'privacy and dignity'.

The daughter told police that she had been told that her father was unwell on July 4 and she had advised her brother to contact a doctor but there was no report of any call being made.

The court heard that Social Services had called at the property on July 10 but had been refused entry.

The officer told the court that a post mortem had been 'inconclusive' but police believed that by July 10 the deceased was already dead.

Bail was opposed due to the fact there was no suitable address and there was a risk of flight as there was a property in County Donegal.

The officer said that there had been a history of psychosis dating back to 2010 and there had been 'extensive discussions' as to the mental health of the defendant.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that there was no suitable address as the sister was unwilling to consent to him returning to the family home.

He said that the defence believed that this was a case that should be in 'hospital setting rather than a custodial setting.'

The solicitor said that it was 'a very, very unusual circumstances' and further referrals would need to be carried out.

He said it was a case that would go to the Crown Court and it could be next year before the case is dealt with.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that this was 'distressing case for the family and an unusual case for the court.'

He said there was a prima facie against the defendant at this stage and added that the main problem was there was no suitable address.

The judge said that he was not minded to grant bail at this stage and advised that a psychiatric assessment be carried out.

O'Sullivan was remanded in custody to appear again on August 15.
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) July 22, 2024: Things have been fast-moving in American politics recently.

In my short OEN article "Some Reflections of President Joe Biden's Aging" (dated July 13, 2024), I discussed President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump a bit:

Click Here

However, several hours after I posted it, twenty-year-old Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at an outdoor political rally in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, Trump was only wounded. But the shooter killed one bystander and wounded two others before he was killed by a Secret Service sniper. I used the modify feat at OEN to add these points to my article.

On July 15, former President Trump named Senator J. D. Vance of Ohio (born in 1984) as his running mate in the November 2024 presidential election.

On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden dramatically bowed out of the November 2024 presidential election - and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in the November 2024 election.

On August 19, 2024, the Democratic National Convention will begin in Chicago. It remains to be seen if Vice President Harris will be selected as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in the November 2024 presidential election.

Now, in the meantime, Masha Gessen (born in 1967), who holds dual citizenship in Russia and the United States, published the thought-provoking op-ed titled "The Seeds of This Political Disaster Were Sown Decades Ago" (dated July 20, 2024) in the New York Times:

Click Here

In it, Gessen reflects on authoritarianism. After reviewing certain recent events, she says, "Biden is right: Trump poses an existential threat to democracy."

Subsequently, she says, "The Republican [campaign's] story is one of constant danger, eternal heartbreak, looming catastrophe."

"Autocrats and aspiring autocrats, whatever their political ordientation, have been telling this story for a long time. They say that the country is on the verge of catastrophe and that only one person - the great leader - can save it. They use this rhetorical strategy because it works. That is, it works in times when a critical number of people are feeling insecure, precarious, frightened, as many Americans clearly are."

"[W]e do live in an era of mass displacement, of what Hannah Arendt described as 'homelessness on an unprecedented scale, rootlessness to an unprecedented depth.' She was writing about preconditions for totalitarianism in the 20th century."

Subsequently, Gessen claims that we are not living "in a low-information environment, but in a low-trust environment."

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By Robert Weiner and Tomas Alves

Chief Justice John Roberts has managed his reputation as a "judicial minimalist", or a judge focused on upholding the legal status quo, since 2005. However, empowered by the conservative bent of the current Supreme Court, given his most recent high-profile cases, Roberts' legacy will be that his main precedent is violating precedents. Overturning everything from federal regulatory power, and abortion rights to granting presidential immunity from prosecution and a court rife with corruption, the new Court reforms pursued by the Biden administration is crucial.

The newly discussed reforms proposed by President Joe Biden include an enforceable code of ethics, term limits for Supreme Court Justices and even a constitutional amendment to abolish legal immunity for the President and other high-ranking federal officials. These actions comprise a necessitated rebuke of recent unprecedented rulings and ethics scandals that aim to reel in Roberts and his rogue court.

But, the reforms needed to put a check on the court's radical use of their powers face a high-water mark for passage. Any legislative change would need to surpass a Republican-controlled Congress, a slim Democratically-controlled Senate and the insurmountable approval of the state legislatures for an amendment. Yet, the court's brazen actions have forced Biden's hand.

On July 1st, the conservative supermajority demonstrated this disregard for precedent to rule that Presidents are "conclusively and preclusively" immune from prosecution on all official acts. Basically, Roberts and the conservative bloc took the opportunity to insulate a President from any legal checks on their actions. To which, serves as a glaring example of conservative activism and the weaponization of the court that highlights its partisan poisoning.

In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor perhaps said it best, "In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law," as a preview of the legal challenges that Presidents now face because of this ruling: close to none.

Yet, the ruling in Trump v. United States (2024) was precluded by a swath of examples of the Roberts Court's disinterest to uphold precedent. Take just the week before, where the Supreme Court issued rulings on the highly anticipated Loper Bright vs Raimondo (2024) decision on the ability of the federal government to regulate important issues, otherwise upheld by the Chevron Doctrine.

As a pillar of the Executive Branch, the Chevron Doctrine has been upheld for forty years to allow federal agencies the wiggle room necessary to operate under ambiguous laws giving them discretion to interpret the law's intent.

Unsurprisingly, Roberts and the conservative court ruled in a polarized decision to abandon this precedent. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan said the decision "gives courts control over matters they know nothing about" in her emphatic disagreement. For a statute regularly used to enforce any kind of regulation in the federal government, judicial activism was once again the arsonist.

In another blatant reversal of precedent, the court also recently ruled that gifts accepted after government action are not considered bribery thus overturning the conviction of Mayor Snyder of Portage, Indiana. This drew outrage from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson who said the decision was "only one today's Court could love". Because for every other federal court, nobody gets tips for government business or casework and is not prosecuted for corruption, something that Roberts and his allies chose to overlook.

But as unsurprising as these decisions are, the barrage of unprecedented rulings is only possible with the perverse practice of judge shopping. Fast-tracking litigation through the federal judiciary up to a Supreme Court ready to exercise its conservative supermajority is something that the Chief Justice is not in a hurry to regulate and one that conservative litigants love to take advantage of.

In March, when Chief Justice Roberts and the Judicial Conference had issued new guidance to the federal judiciary to ensure judges received cases at random to oppose judge shopping, this was immediately followed up by a Mitch McConnell letter to courts around the country to ignore the new guidelines. The Judicial Conference's response: general unwillingness to enforce their implementation. Clearly sending a message that for Roberts, conservative activism is prioritized over the maintenance of precedent.

Defenders of the Judicial Conference might say that the body lacks any oversight in enforcing these guidelines but Roberts certainly plays a role in launching investigations and referring perpetrators for impeachments. Yet, as Roberts claims to defer political matters to Congress and out of the judiciary, he protects conservative perpetrators from accountability. A classic tactic from the conservative bloc's playbook: make everyone else follow the rules that they can absolve themselves from.

In his failure to uphold the legal status quo and cement judicial best practice, Roberts' indifference to act at a critical flashpoint in his tenure shall lead the public to remember him as the man who violated countless precedents to endanger and further polarize the American public. Considering Roberts' unwillingness to adhere to longstanding judicial precedents at the cost of America's stability, the President and his democratic allies have no choice but to intervene.

Robert Weiner was a spokesman in the Clinton and George W. Bush White Houses. He was communications director of the House Government Operations Committee, and senior aide to Congressman John Conyers and Charles Rangel, Reps. Claude Pepper and Ed Koch, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Four-Star General/ Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey.

Tomas Alves is a policy analyst, research coordinator, and Op-Ed writer working at Robert Weiner Associates News and Solutions for Change. Tomas was also a Senior Staff Writer for The Highlander Newspaper at the University of California, Riverside.
By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On Friday, Hezbollah fired a heavy barrage of missiles at an Israeli military base in the Upper Galilee region near the southern Lebanese border, causing fire and destroying some of it.

The northern Israeli settlement of Mitzpe Abirim was also hit by the Lebanese resistance group, which said the attack was in response to the Israeli attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon's towns of Safad al-Batikh, Majdal Salam, and Shaqra.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that two shells fired by the Israeli occupation army fell near a police station at the Marj Junction in the town of Hula, southern Lebanon.

The Israeli occupation forces began a war on Gaza that has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians since October 2023. Hezbollah and other resistance groups have responded to the onslaught in solidarity and support of the Palestinian people who have been denied all human rights and live under a brutal Israeli military occupation.

In an effort to understand the situation, Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Lebanese journalist Ibrahim Darwish.

1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): The whole world is focused on a possible new Israeli war on Lebanon. In your opinion, what are the factors that would prevent this war?

Ibrahim Darwish (ID): If the Israeli occupation had the necessary tools, and the ability to change the situation in the north, it could have destroyed Lebanon, and occupy it from the south to the north. However, the reality in Lebanon has changed considerably, with the accumulation of resistance capabilities, expertise and capabilities, through continuous operations on its positions in southern Lebanon, leading to liberation in 2000, to exposing the weakness of its army and tanks, and the destruction of its machinery in July 2006, with the very persistence of Hezbollah in the southern front.

The residents and landowners in the south of Lebanon, who support the resistance movement Hezbollah, are standing in the face of Israeli aggression, which prevents the Israelis from crimes and massacres of Lebanese people farther north, who may not support Hezbollah.

The south of Lebanon, and its people, are in effect protecting the Lebanese areas such as Beirut, Jbeil, and Tripoli.

On October 8, the second day of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, Hezbollah prevented the Israeli occupation from crossing the 'red-lines' on the battlefield, despite the Israeli occupation targeting Lebanese civilians, and their properties in the south.

Hezbollah determined the times of attack and calm, while the Israeli army had the disadvantage of a loss of tanks and ammunitions, as they admitted, due to the Israeli war on Gaza and the attacks on Lebanon.

All that is stated above is a threat and message to the Israelis from Mr. Nasrallah, concerning the abilities and readiness of the resistance in targeting new settlements if Israel continues attacking innocent civilians of the south of Lebanon.

2. SS: The Lebanese army has been kept weak by the US. In your point of view, can the Lebanese army play a role in a possible war?

ID: The ideology of the Lebanese army is firm, and the Lebanese are firm in their hostility to the Israeli occupation, as the sole enemy of Lebanon.

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Houston, Texas- July 20th, 2024 - Are you tired of dealing with a clunky, unreliable garage door that's more of a daily frustration than a convenience? At Garage Door Repair Experts LLC, we're here to turn your garage door headaches into a thing of the past. Specializing in comprehensive garage door services across Houston, we offer everything from expert repairs to brand-new installations. A malfunctioning garage door can quickly become 
Astrum and Concito, Bangladesh's trailblazer in integrated communication services, has signed a 'preferred partnership' agreement in New Delhi. India and Bangladesh have long enjoyed a natural synergy in business and trade, reflected in a robust USD16 billion bilateral trade market as of 2023. This strategic collaboration further strengthens its partnership by providing unmatched access and acumen to clients in both markets. Established since 2009, Concito's integrated communications expertise spans PR, events, digital 
Ekiti State, July 15 2024 - Coca-Cola reaffirms its commitment to local communities worldwide by emphasizing its unique business model that combines global reach with a local focus. Known primarily for its iconic beverages, Coca-Cola operates through a network of local channels, ensuring that its products are available and accessible in every market it serves. At the heart of Coca-Cola's global strategy is a robust supply chain that integrates the efforts 
Dear Annie: I run a small bed and breakfast in a very small, rural, up-and-coming town. We have recently had a number of guests who are in their 90s who have had health issues or injuries while staying with us. This has me very much on edge.

Many of these folks have grown up in this town and want to come back to visit family or see the many new developments in our town. While this is lovely, I believe the travel and unfamiliar surroundings can make some elderly people very out of sorts. We do not want to age discriminate, but we are concerned that people might endanger themselves by coming here, especially if not with other family or friends.

What is the kindest way I can determine if a guest can handle the travel? I dont want anyone getting hurt or worse.

Thank you. -- The Innkeeper

Dear Innkeeper: There is no kind way to tell people based on their age that they cannot stay with you - that is age discrimination. While your concerns are real, a young person or a baby could get injured at your bed and breakfast, too.

If you are that concerned, you could consult an attorney about creating a document that would protect your bed and breakfast from any liability. But what is this town where so many people live to their 90s? No wonder it is up-and-coming!

Dear Annie: For the past 10 years, my husband and I have enjoyed dining out with a couple of our friends, always splitting the check evenly. Recently, we embraced sobriety and no longer consume the expensive drinks that significantly add to the bill. Despite this, we continue to split the check evenly, which doesnt seem quite fair.

We value our friendship and enjoy our time together, but we are unsure how to approach this topic. We dont want to look cheap, but we also want to be fair. Is it weird, rude or impolite to request that we each pay for our own meals and drinks moving forward? -- Sober and Confused

Dear Sober and Confused: How much more drinking are we talking? If its one or two drinks, then I would let it go. Its nice to treat your friends. If you really feel like you are being treated unfairly, you could always order an extra side or dessert, but I think that would be petty.

If this really bothers you, why not ask the waiter to give you two bills -- one for you and your husband and one for your friends? If they ask why you changed, just be honest and explain the reason. Youre not drinking anymore. And congratulations for that!

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
DEAR PEOPLES PHARMACY: You have given your readers some very bad advice. As a practicing physician for 44 years, I advise my patients after they bathe, shower or swim to simply use a hair dryer to gently blow warm (not hot) air at a low speed for 20-30 seconds into their ears to dry them out. One can always find a hair dryer in hotels, gyms, health clubs and at home.

Instilling a cocktail of isopropyl alcohol and/or vinegar is much more complicated, not to mention messy. Furthermore, if you have a perforated eardrum, you risk additional potential complications. The hair dryer doesnt introduce anything else into your external auditory canal.

A. Thank you for suggesting a hair dryer on low power and low heat settings. That is also the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It should be kept about a foot from the ear.

The Mayo Clinic adds, If you know you dont have a punctured eardrum, you can use homemade preventive eardrops of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. Advice from the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia is almost identical.

Many of the over-the-counter swimmers ear preventive drops sold in pharmacies contain isopropyl alcohol and anhydrous glycerin. That includes brand names such as Debrox Swimmers Ear and Swim-EAR.

Q. I read that melatonin might relieve acid reflux. I have been taking Prilosec for several years for GERD. Would melatonin improve the effectiveness of a drug like Prilosec?

A. A randomized controlled trial compared omeprazole (Prilosec) plus melatonin to omeprazole plus placebo (Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, December 2023). Heartburn pain and frequency were lower among those taking melatonin with omeprazole. There were no serious adverse effects.

Additional evidence suggests that melatonin might help protect the tissues of the esophagus (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, July 13, 2018). Since the development of esophageal cancer is the most serious potential consequence of long-lasting GERD, such protection might be valuable.

You can learn more about GERD along with the pros and cons of Prilosec and nondrug approaches to treating heartburn in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders. This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. Last summer, I got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from a tick bite while working in my yard under the pine trees. I dont remember seeing any spots, but I felt lethargic and ached all over.

Thats why I went to an urgent care clinic. They drew a blood sample and later called to tell me I tested positive for RMSF. I took the prescribed antibiotic, but that fever really took the starch out of me for the rest of the summer.

Ive read that permethrin-treated clothing can discourage ticks. How good is it? Id rather be proactive than reactive.

A. Tick-borne diseases can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Even the blood tests are not always accurate. Thats why prevention is so critical at this time of year.

Wearing permethrin-treated clothing can significantly reduce the likelihood of tick bites (Journal of Medical Entomology, Sept. 1, 2020). Spraying shoes and socks with permethrin also can be helpful. Finally, it is always important to do a careful tick check when you come in from outside. RMSF can be life-threatening if left untreated.

* * *

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.

(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Visitors to the Portland Art Museum who have red-green color blindness can now borrow special glasses to enhance the colors they see inside the museum.

Jason Le, a Kress Interpretive Fellow at the Portland Art Museum, was among the first people to try the EnChroma brand glasses at the museum last week.

A lot of my job is curation and art analysis and looking at art constantly, every day, Le said. I think a lot of people experience art in completely different ways, and thats one of the beautiful and powerful things about it.

Le stood in front of Portrait of Infanta Maria Ana de Austria, a towering painting from 1630 that depicts a Spanish princess in a cherry-red satin gown.

I didnt think I could see such vibrant reds, Le said. It enhances the opulence of her dress. I can see a lot more shifts in the colors that I dont think I have noticed before.

Portland Art Museum is believed to be the first museum in Oregon to offer EnChroma glasses to patrons, but they are available at various public spaces across the state. In 2020, the city of Sandy became the first city in the nation to install color blind-adapted outdoor scenic viewers at two locations that offer views of Mount Hood. Similar viewers are now also installed at the Bonneville Lock and Dam.

Lincoln City recently purchased nine pairs of glasses, which can be borrowed by visitors at the Lincoln City Community Center.

Lenses on EnChroma glasses contain a light filter that increases the contrast in reds and greens, allowing most people with red-green color blindness to see a wider array of hues. The glasses dont cure color blindness, but for people with the most common forms of color vision deficiency, they can provide a sharper contrast and vibrancy to the vision spectrum. The glasses retail for between $200 and $400.

According to EnChroma, one in 12 men and one in 200 women have a form of color blindness.

At first, everything looked very red, like everything was red, said Daniel Laus, 13, who tried the glasses at the Portland Art Museum. Now that my eyes are adjusting, the reds are still very vibrant, but everything else is seeming like their normal color.

Becky Emmert, the museums head of accessibility, also has color blindness. Hanging in her office is a painting by Pakistani American artist Shaheena Shamim-Faisal that shows hands using sign language against a green background with red lines.

While Ive lived with this work for over 20 years, it wasnt until I tried the EnChroma glasses that I saw the red motion lines, Emmert said. That was a really incredible moment. You think you know something, but you dont know what you dont see.

The Portland Art Museum has three pairs of adult-size glasses and two youth-size pairs available for free check-out by patrons. They were purchased through a grant from FRAME, The French American Museum Exchange, that funded a variety of ways for blind and low vision visitors to engage with art.

The grant also funded the museums Sensing Art collection, which features four tactile art pieces that patrons can touch. Artist Michael Cantino created the series of 3D printed art pieces after working for years as a Braille transcriber.

I kind of fell in love with that process of taking visual content and presenting it in a tactile medium, Cantino said. The overall idea is that were providing access to visual or graphic content that blind users otherwise wouldnt have access to.

Museum visitors with visual impairments can borrow a variety of other assistive technology, including magnifiers, flashlights, iPads and headphones.

 Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
Oregons elected Democrats  including all six Democratic members of the states congressional delegation  are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Gov. Tina Kotek offered her support to Harris on Monday, a day after President Joe Biden said he would no longer seek reelection.
Scarlet Passmore stood at Southwest Pine Street in front of Tom McCall Waterfront Park when she got the notification that President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election. A welcome banner for the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival hung behind her. Passmores phone started blowing up with texts reacting to the news Sunday.

Relieved was how Passmore described herself, although she added an expletive for emphasis.

Passmore, who was born and raised in Portland, attends the Portland Pride Parade every year, she said. She turned around to show off the assorted pride flags in the back pocket of her denim shorts. Todays a good day, she said, as Vice President Kamala Harris seemed poised to become the Democratic nominee for president.

Lifes good, she added, as she waited for the parade to begin. All things are good.

Ahead of the 11 a.m. start, thousands of spectators lined both sides of the parade route, which ran from the North Park Blocks toward Southwest Naito Parkway and wrapped up under the Morrison Bridge. Rainbow-colored clothing and flags added vibrance to the otherwise gray skies.

The parade, which lasted approximately three hours, featured almost 170 groups.

48 1 / 48 Portland Pride Parade 2024

Mary Ann Humphrey-Keever, 80, carried the American flag at the head of the parade. She was discharged from the military in 1987 for being gay and has marched in the Portland Pride Parade for about 40 years. When she first started, she said, it was a much smaller gathering.

Humphrey-Keevers group of veterans was one of the first groups to march in Sundays Portland Pride Parade. When were going down the streets, you can hear people say thank you for your service, and that feels good, she said.

Humphrey-Keever wore a wool uniform, plus rainbow shoes that she bought at one of the first parades. For many years, an older man stood at the same block of the parade every year and yelled slurs while participants marched, Humphrey-Keever said. While those people still exist, Humphrey-Keever said the community has strengthened in size: Now its very large. The gay community is larger and more out and in the open.

Right behind her, the Rose City Pride Band brought Naito Parkway to life with music and colorful costumes. Parade-watchers cheered alongside them.

Steph Bairey, who has marched with the Portland Raging Grannies for four years, wore a shirt that said Free Granny Hugs. Everyone should have the right to be the person who they say they are. Were not here to question them, she said. People dont always have a grandmother whos supportive. Were here.

Miss Portland Gay Pride 2024  Nicole Onoscopi  wore a handmade dress and rode in a black convertible at the front of the parade. I was blown away at the size of the crowd. Its so comforting to know that youre not alone, she said. To me, thats what this is all about.

Onoscopi, who grew up in Albany, has been to the Portland Pride Parade for a couple of years now. While riding in the convertible before news broke of Bidens departure from the election, she and her co-passengers discussed the chance of his dropping out. We were like, Wouldnt it just be the perfect way to end Pride? she said. Its literally my Pride wish.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek participates in the annual Pride Parade down SW Naito Parkway in downtown Portland on Sunday, July 21, 2024.Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Local political teams marched and handed out campaign literature. KA-MA-LA, one section of the crowd chanted. Gov. Tina Kotek also marched in the parade, waving to onlookers who cheered.

The weekends festivities, organized by Pride Northwest, continued after the parade with performances and vendors at Waterfront Park.

-- Riya Sharma covers Here is Oregon feature stories. Reach her at rsharma@oregonian.com or 503-294-5996.
An intense 12-day period from July 4 to July 15 saw Hood River County-based emergency response teams engaged in eight search and rescue missions.

The Crag Rats, a volunteer-based mountain rescue team, alongside Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, are responding to warm weather drawing more people to rivers and trails. With 25 rescues in 2024 so far, the Crag Rats are already nearing their yearly average of 30 rescues.

The Crag Rats and the Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue teams are often called in for missions that require using ropes to rescue injured or stranded hikers. The nice weather definitely plays a role, because when the weathers nice, people are out recreating more, Christopher Van Tilburg, a mountain rescue doctor with the Crag Rats, said.

Details of the 12-day stretch of search and rescue missions:

On July 4, the Crag Rats deployed to help a stranded hiker near Mount Hood Meadows. On July 5, teams responded to a woman who was hit by a boulder while hiking Wahclella Falls Trail in Multnomah County. She was knocked 50 feet down a steep slope, where she was rescued by a rope. She was transported via helicopter to a trauma center. On July 6, the Crag Rats helped a man who had fallen into a swimming hole on Mosier Creek in Wasco County. Using a rope, the Crag Rats lifted the man 40 feet to the trail where he was transported by air to a trauma center. Later on July 6, rescuers attended to a man who fell 700 feet down Old Chute while descending Mount Hood. Rescuers climbed to 10,000 feet on a snow ridge to stabilize the man before he was evacuated by a helicopter. On July 7, a man suffered dehydration and heat exhaustion on Eagle Creek. Rescuers treated him and brought him medical supplies. Later on July 7, two trail runners who were lost on Benson Plateau called emergency services for help. They were guided down the trail with the help of search and rescue teams. On July 9, responders successfully found a missing person near the city of Hood River. On July 15, two hikers near Triple Falls in Multnomah County were injured and stranded. Rescuers used a technical rope system to help the hikers.

Van Tilburg said that the types of missions have changed during the 25 years that he has volunteered with the Crag Rats. Were doing more heat-related missions, more rope missions and more alpine missions, he said. I dont remember doing that in the 2000s.

Although they have averaged 30 rescues per year for the past decade, in 2022 they had a record 60 rescues. Its a combination of the pandemic and the post-pandemic surge in recreation, he said.

People are recreating year-round now, he added. We typically were not very busy in the winter months. Mount Hood used to have a climbing season that was March through July but now were seeing people climb Mount Hood year-round; were seeing people on the trails year-round.

The Crag Rats have served Hood River County since 1926. They also respond to mutual aid requests from other areas, including Wasco County, Multnomah County, Mount Jefferson, Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.

Van Tilburg said that social media has likely contributed to the increase. We are seeing some of that  where people are less informed because they get their information from sources that arent fully helpful, he said.

People really need to go out prepared with proper footwear, spare clothing, food and water, Van Tilburg said. Using phone mapping apps and doing preliminary research about a hike or mountain climb is important for safety, he added. Were all outdoor people and we love it when people are outside.

-- Riya Sharma covers Here is Oregon feature stories. Reach her at rsharma@oregonian.com or 503-294-5996.
Dickinson State University, which last week had all of its nursing faculty resign, recently announced it will use nursing program administrators from Mayville State University to keep the program operating.

The faculty departures were followed by the resignation of Dickinson State President Stephen Easton on Monday, adding to uncertainty about the future of the program.

Mayville State nursing administrators Carey Haugen and Collette Christoffers said in the announcement that they wanted to reassure Dickinson State students.

We are willing to help the current program maintain its accreditation status and students achieve the education they were seeking  we are here for the students, they said in the announcement posted on the Dickinson State website.

One former Dickinson State nursing faculty member, Teresa Bren, said she was disappointed in the college administration and North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott for not working harder to bring back the faculty that had resigned.

She said she listened to a forum with nursing students led by the North Dakota Nurses Association, where students said they wanted the faculty that resigned to come back.

They have built respect and trust in our expertise, in how we teach, and that was their number one goal, was to return to DSU with the nursing faculty that were there when they left last academic year, Bren said in an interview.

Bren, who had been at Dickinson State for 11 years, said she has accepted another position.

Mayville State operates two online nursing programs: one is for licensed registered nurses to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing, the other is for nurses to obtain a master of science in nursing.

Dickinson State offers two licensure-based programs: an associate in applied science for practical nursing  licensed practical nurse, or LPN  and a bachelors degree in nursing.

The distinct nature of these programs ensures that this collaboration is non-competitive and mutually beneficial, the Dickinson State announcement said.

Bren said her concern is that there are significant differences in the accreditation standards for the new administrators to comply with.

The collaboration began Monday and is set to conclude on May 20, 2025.

The announcement said both institutions would like to see an agreement continue into the future.

In a visit to the Dickinson State campus Thursday, Hagerott did say he expected the college to have an acting president to replace Easton within weeks, followed by a search for an interim president.
The 2024 presidential election took a stunning turn on Sunday as Joe Biden announced he would end his reelection bid against Republican Donald Trump with less than a month to go before the start of the Democratic National Convention.

The move came after weeks of pressure for Biden to step aside following a disastrous debate performance against Trump in late June.

Biden quickly threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to challenge Trump in November.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, Biden said on social media after issuing the letter to the nation. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

The Democratic National Convention runs from Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

Full text of President Joe Bidens letter ending his 2024 reelection bid:

My Fellow Americans,

Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.

Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. Weve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. Weve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.

Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Weve protected and preserved our Democracy. And weve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America cant do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.
Forbidden Love, a new reality show about couples with huge religious and cultural differences, premieres tonight, Sunday, July 21 at 10 p.m. on TLC. Watch live for free with a trial of Philo.

 Dont have cable? Watch the TLCs Forbidden Love LIVE for free with Philo (free trial) or with Fubo (free trial).

In the new TLC reality series, couples must try to make things work despite having difference cultures, religious backgrounds, and upbringing experiences. In Season 1, a Muslim man navigates falling in love with a conservative Catholic and an Amish man develops a relationship with a non-Amish woman. The trailer also shows a couple standing outside a Jewish synagogue, suggesting that an Orthodox Jewish man will fall for a non-Orthodox Jewish woman. Tune in with Philo to watch it all unfold.

HOW TO WATCH FORBIDDEN LOVE

What: Forbidden Love

When: Sunday, July 21 at 10 p.m.

TV Channel: TLC

Watch the show live streaming online: If you dont have cable, you can watch Forbidden Love LIVE for free with Philo (free trial) or with Fubo (free trial). If you have run out of free trials, you can also try out Sling TV (promotional offers) if you prefer their pricing plans.
Now this passage gave rise to a question, which some afterwards agitated with too much keenness  whether the unworthy really partake of the Lords body? For some were led, by the heat of controversy, so far as to say, that it was received indiscriminately by the good and the bad; and many at this day maintain pertinaciously, and most clamorously, that in the first Supper Peter received no more than Judas. It is, indeed, with reluctance, that I dispute keenly with any one on this point, which is (in my opinion) not an essential one; but as others allow themselves, without reason, to pronounce, with a magisterial air, whatever may seem good to them, and to launch out thunderbolts upon every one that mutters anything to the contrary, we will be excused, if we calmly adduce reasons in support of what we reckon to be true.

I hold it, then, as a settled point, and will not allow myself to be driven from it, that Christ cannot be disjoined from his Spirit. Hence I maintain, that his body is not received as dead, or even inactive, disjoined from the grace and power of his Spirit. I shall not occupy much time in proving this statement. Now in what way could the man who is altogether destitute of a living faith and repentance, having nothing of the Spirit of Christ, receive Christ himself? Nay more, as he is entirely under the influence of Satan and sin, how will he be capable of receiving Christ? While, therefore, I acknowledge that there are some who receive Christ truly in the Supper, and yet at the same time unworthily, as is the case with many weak persons, yet I do not admit, that those who bring with them a mere historical faith, without a lively feeling of repentance and faith, receive anything but the sign. For I cannot endure to maim Christ, and I shudder at the absurdity of affirming that he gives himself to be eaten by the wicked in a lifeless state, as it were. Nor does Augustine mean anything else when he says, that the wicked receive Christ merely in the sacrament, which he expresses more clearly elsewhere, when he says that the other Apostles ate the bread  the Lord; but Judas only the bread of the Lord.

But here it is objected, that the efficacy of the sacraments does not depend upon the worthiness of men, and that nothing is taken away from the promises of God, or falls to the ground, through the wickedness of men. This I acknowledge, and accordingly I add in express terms, that Christs body is presented to the wicked no less than to the good, and this is enough so far as concerns the efficacy of the sacrament and the faithfulness of God. For God does not there represent in a delusive manner, to the wicked, the body of his Son, but presents it in reality; nor is the bread a bare sign to them, but a faithful pledge. As to their rejection of it, that does not impair or alter anything as to the nature of the sacrament.

It remains, that we give a reply to the statement of Paul in this passage. Paul represents the unworthy as guilty, inasmuch as they do not discern the Lords body: it follows, that they receive his body. I deny the inference; for though they reject it, yet as they profane it and treat it with dishonor when it is presented to them, they are deservedly held guilty; for they do, as it were, cast it upon the ground, and trample it under their feet. Is such sacrilege trivial? Thus I see no difficulty in Pauls words, provided you keep in view what God presents and holds out to the wicked  not what they receive. [my italics]
A Wi-Fi-connected security camera is an easy and technologically simple way to watch your home and give yourself a little peace of mind or maybe you just like knowing the moment your Amazon packages arrive. Honestly, its mostly the second thing.

But while Wi-Fi security cameras are meant to equip homeowners and apartment dwellers with thief-deterring measures, thieves are now using tech to even the playing field.

Today is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! Our editorial team lists the best tech deals here. ]

According to a tweet sent out by the Los Angeles Police Departments Wilshire division (spotted by Toms Hardware), a small band of burglars is using Wi-Fi jamming devices to nullify wireless security cameras before breaking and entering.

The thieves seem to be well above the level of your typical smash-and-grab job. They have lookout teams, they enter through the second story, and they go for small, high-value items like jewelry and designer purses.

Wireless signal jammers are illegal in the United States. Wireless bands are tightly regulated and the FCC doesnt allow any consumer device to intentionally disrupt radio waves from other devices. Similar laws are in place in most other countries.

But signal jammers are electronically simple and relatively easy to build or buy from less-than-scrupulous sources.

The cops are suggesting the usual precautions: dont tell anyone youre going on vacation, look out for suspicious vehicles, etc. But theyre also suggesting that homeowners use old-fashioned, wired sets of security cameras that require more elaborate installations and extra hardware.

I think thats overkill, especially if this group of thieves is specifically targeting people who are away from their homes. The point of the Wi-Fi jammer seems to be knocking out active surveillance, which can alert police within a few seconds of spotting a break-in. And if theyre smart enough to use Wi-Fi jammers, theyre smart enough to use alternate means of avoiding detectionlike cutting power to the entire house, thus nullifying the advantages of a wired camera system.

The police also suggest adding a padlock to your electrical circuit box, but thats not going to stop someone with $30 bolt cutters.

My point being that if someone wants to break into your home while youre away, theres not a lot you can do to stop them. But if you want extra peace of mind without the expense of a full wired camera system, get a camera with built-in storage and a battery, like Eufys solar-powered SoloCam series. As long as it isnt within reach and easily accessible, it should provide you with a visual record of any break-in.
Accra Brewery PLC (ABL), a proud part of the AB InBev family, has unveiled the new look of Eagle Extra Stout in a colourful event in Kumasi.



This transformation, featuring a rich, resplendent gold label, is more than just a visual upgradeit symbolizes national heritage, wealth, resources, and excellence. By integrating gold into the label, Accra Brewery PLC honours Ghanas rich cultural heritage and reinforces the premium quality that Eagle Extra Stout represents.



Vanessa Kavi, Country Marketing Lead, remarked, " Accra Brewery PLC reaffirms its dedication to providing a stout that is the perfect reward for the hardworking people of Ghana.



It presents an unparalleled value to our consumers as it is brewed with the utmost quality yet affordable. We are confident that this change will further solidify Eagle Stout's position in the market, making it the go-to choice for those seeking a strong, rich, and rewarding full-flavor stout experience."



Solomon Ayiah, Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead, added, Eagles new look reflects our deep respect for our consumers and our commitment to delivering a product that is not only of superior quality but also resonates with the pride and identity of our nation.



He reiterated ABLs Smart Drinking mission which ensures Ghanaians continue to Drink Responsibly. An initiative which the company drives under its other flagship brands Club Beer, Club Shandy among others.



The event highlighted ABLs commitment to continuous improvement and attentiveness to their loyal consumers' needs and preferences. And with the most recent launch of their new flavoured beer - Brutal Fruit to this Eagle Extra Stout Relaunch, ABL is set to consistently deliver innovations or renovations that win the heart of Ghanaians.



Welcome to a future with more cheers!

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Stanbic Bank Ghana recently hosted the second cohort of students from Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business, Washington DC.



The visit was part of practical business experience for course work exercise and follows an earlier project on digital banking in 2023 by students of the school. The visit provided insights and practical prescriptions on how the Bank could improve on its digital solutions.



The collaboration is a result of the Banks selection to partner the University on its Global Business Experience (GBE) journey, which is part of the students curriculum.



The GBE is a required course for students at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. It is designed for students to gain first-hand international business experience by conducting an actual consulting project for companies operating outside the United States.



The GBE courses have been taught since 1997. Each year, the school engages with about 90 companies in more than 10 countries for different sections of this course.



The projects address specific business or management issues, and the students are assigned to projects based on their interests and specific qualifications and experience. Participating companies receive high-quality professional consulting service under faculty supervision while students gain valuable international experience.



The projects must address issues or challenges that the bank needs to resolve. Projects focus on a wide range of topics such as new product development, market entry for a new product or location, international expansion, supply chain, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational issues. The outputs of the projects, once completed, are presented to the Banks leadership team for consideration and implementation.



Speaking on the collaboration, Darwin Mireku, Head, Strategy and Enablement said, At Stanbic Bank it is clear to us that, to fulfil our purpose of driving Ghanas growth with innovative and best in class solution, we must establish the right mix of partnerships with technology and funding providers, knowledge-based institutions, and other complimentary solution providers to accelerate the pace at which we build capabilities or connect our clients to third party solutions and platforms to address their unmet needs.



Through the insights from these projects, we have boosted our research capability while enhancing the customer value proposition for our retail business. As part of the sustainability and future ready agenda, we are willing to explore alternative perspectives in efficiently running our business. We, therefore, encourage such partnerships which provide us with invaluable information, insights and possible solutions in areas that may be generally overlooked in our industry, Mr. Mireku added.



Professor Anthony Annan expressed gratitude to the management of Stanbic Bank for the opportunity to collaborate. He mentioned that Stanbic Banks continued support and commitment to fostering educational growth mean a great deal to us at Georgetown University. Partnerships and friendships like these enrich the academic journey and inspire future leaders in global business. Our students do not only leave with just knowledge they have acquired through practical engagements, but also build connections, networks and a life-impacting appreciation of the Stanbic Bank Ghana work culture.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Three suspects have been arrested by the police for allegedly stealing a baby in Kasoa in the Central Region.



The suspects allegedly feigned the death of the baby and took her to Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region.



The suspects, Magdalene Nana Adwoa Boafo, 28, Faustina Binney, 32, and Eunice Koomson, a 36-year-old teacher at Ebenezer High Academy, a private basic school in Ofaakor, are currently in the grips of the Kasoa Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit assisting in investigations.



According to Citi News sources, Nana Adwoa Boafo, the prime suspect, reportedly approached the mother of the baby who sells sachet water in the traffic at Ofaakor in the Kasoa municipality during her eighth month of pregnancy and offered to assist her financially.



She later introduced her to the two other suspects, Eunice and Faustina, who pretended to be offering genuine support.



In order to cover up their intentions, the suspects reportedly relocated the mother from Ofaakor-Jei River, where she lived, and rented an apartment for her at Lamptey, a suburb of Adam Nana, also in Kasoa, and continued to offer little forms of support until she delivered at the Kasoa Polyclinic on July 10, 2024.



But things got twisted just after the mother, 29-year-old Abigail Addison, and the baby, who was in a healthy condition, were discharged.



The three suspects introduced another woman to Abigail, claiming that she was a medical staffer at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and that it was recommended for the toddler to be taken there for treatment because she had some infections, a ploy the new mother fell into.



The three suspects allegedly returned to the victim two days after and, amidst uncontrollable weeping, announced to the mother that the baby had died at Korle-Bu and was already buried.



The landlord of the victim, who spoke to the media, said he got suspicious of their actions and reported the matter.



The collaborative efforts of the Kasoa DOVVSU commander, DSP Doris Laryea and other individuals led to the arrest of the lead suspect, Nana Adwoa, who had questionably resigned from her workplace in Ofaakor, which was the only place the victim could trace her.



She initially insisted that the toddler was dead, but upon further interrogation, she admitted the baby was alive and with her sister at Madina.



She later changed her statement that the baby was rather with the second suspect, Eunice, in Alico City, a suburb of Ofaakor.



Eunice, after she was arrested through painstaking investigations, also mentioned the third suspect, Faustina Binney, a resident of Ablekuma, as having custody of the toddler who was also subsequently arrested.



The victim, who has become traumatised as a result of the events, wants the suspects punished for their actions.





Source: Citinewsroom









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Alfirdaus Foundation for Social Services, subscribed to by Seidu Mohammed and Salisu Hussein Suallah, allegedly claiming ownership of the community mosque of Elmina Zongo.



Firdaus foundation focuses on helping the vulnerable, especially in the Muslim community had acquired some alleged fake documents of the land, a search at the Lands Commission, Cape Coast proves contrary to their claim of ownership.



According to the concerned members of the community, the mosque was constructed with $20,000 donation received from one philanthropist from Saudi Arabia named Sheik Mused ArRadaadi in the year 1999 and the community provided labour and land for the construction of the mosque.



The philanthropist channeled all resources for the mosque through Al Muntada Foundation for Social services which is said to have collapsed in 2009.



The said Firdaus Foundation for Social Services per the document cited by this reporter is said to have stated in documents filed at the court to have secured certification for the change of name from AL Muntada Foundation for Social Services to its present name by a special resolution on the 23rd day of July 2009.



According to a search report from the Registrar General Department, the said Special Resolution for change of name from AL Muntada to its present name cannot be traced in their database, and that, Firdaus Foundation for Social Services was in incorporated in 2013.



The members revealed in an interview that from the year 2016, the community from its contribution began to expand the mosque due to the increasing number of worshipers to the mosque which has brought about the present controversies.



The Foundation has since filed a lawsuit to halt the members from expanding the mosque which is causing problems for the community.



Studies of the kids at Makaranta has been affected as well as rains disrupting services during heavy downpours.



The members has therefore, appealed to the Government especially leadership of the Muslim community to intervene to let peace prevail for the betterment of all.



The suit at the court per reliable information will come up for hearing on the 22nd July, 2024 and this reporter will bring to readers the proceedings on the said date.

Source: Sally Ngissah/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin is advocating for a law that will freeze salaries of parents who have deserted their wards and shun their parenting responsibilities.



He says the frozen salary should be used by the state to take care of their wards education and upkeep.



According to Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, if the State is able to put embargo on such class of parents, it will awaken the spirit of responsible parenting and reduce the menace of streetism, the growing vagabond and ensure the safety of these innocent people brought forth.



Speaking at the 2024 Ohum Kan Festival durbar in Kyebi, Okyenhene Express worries about parents who neglect their children after birth.



"You give birth in your community and abscond to a different town to work without providing for your children. That is irresponsible, the state should be able to freeze your salary or whatever you earn, and use it to take care of the child. You will work but your salary will go to the children you have deserted," Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said.



Okyenhene called on parents to be responsible and ensure the welfare and safety of their children in order to create a safer and peaceful community.



Adding that, the young children who have been left to their faith on the street may return one day to torment the elite if care is not taken.



Touching on the need to be patriotic and responsible, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin hinted of reports on some teaching and non teaching staff at the various Senior High Schools deliberately sabotaging the Free SHS policy.



He mentioned that, some staff has grown the penchant for stealing food items meant for the school children.



He cited a situation in Kyebi where a staff stole food items meant for the school children. He said such people must be named and shame.



"The State is struggling to ensure that every Ghanaian Child gets some basic education for free. You steal food items meant for these innocent children and create shortage of food in the schools then you have the gust to video food being served in the school and make mockery of it quality to the world. Have you forgotten you stole the stuff ? You don't have shame?" Osagyefo quizzes.



He called on Ghanaians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.



Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin admonished the youth to desist from drug abuse in any form and live a befitting lifestyle.



"They say there is one called tramadol or something, they take it and become sober. It's not good, you must desist from drug abuse in all forms. The nation needs you," Okyenhene said.



He wants the Police to aggressively go after drug pushers and prosecute them since their activities have severe consequences on the youth and even the aged.



This year's Ohum festival coincides with Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin's 25th Anniversary celebration on the accession to the Ofori Panin Stool.



The Ohum festival reflects the core Akan belief in unity of life of the dead, the living and the yet unborn.



The symbolic essence, the principle of balance, moderation and regeneration is an immeasurable contribution to the struggle for ecological integrity as a prerequisite for the sustenance of humanity.



The two weeks observance of no-drumming and no-digging of the earth is to provide a solemn condition for deep reflection of the challenges of the past, the condition of the present and the plans for a rehabilitated future.



Symbolically, it is marked by observance of the regeneration of the Mmerekensono tree i.e. the petiole growing at the banks of the Birim River,

symbolizing the unity of life and ecological integrity and harmony.









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The Founder of Wibexly Limited, Dr. Roberta Awinmah Ayalingo has been crowned Ghana's Most Outstanding Female in Business Incubation at the just-ended 10th Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards 2024 held at the luxurious Accra Marriott Hotel in Ghana's capital, on 5th July.



The prestigious award recognizes her exceptional leadership and dedication to providing quality business incubation services, fostering entrepreneurial growth and success.



The Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards organized by The Business Executive Magazine Limited seeks to publicly recognize women in Ghana who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields, including business incubation. Dr. Ayalingo's award is a testament to her tireless efforts in supporting startups and early-stage businesses, providing guidance, resources, and mentorship to help them thrive.



Speaking to the media, Dr. Ayalingo expressed her gratitude, stating, "This award is a confidence booster, motivating me to continue supporting entrepreneurs and startups in achieving their full potential."



Under her leadership, Wibexly Limited continues to play a vital role in nurturing Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem through business incubation and support services.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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H.E. Prof. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has urged African countries to collaborate, work together to improve intra-African trade. He said this could be done by building infrastructure that connect thecountries both digitally and physically.



He noted some of Africas accomplishments at the level of intra-African trade, stating that as much as 41 per cent of Africas machinery exports were traded within the continent. He also noted that 35 per cent of biopharmaceutical products and 30 per cent of industrial chemicals were already being traded as a measure of intra-African trade.



Speaking at the BOMA of Africa event on the sidelines of the Africa Unions Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting held in Accra last Saturday, Prof. Osinbajo said it is in the best interestof Africa to improve trade among its member countries.



This year's theme for BOMA of Africa, "From the Africa We Want to the Africa We Build," encapsulates the essence of Africas journey. Through focused discussions on health, wealth creation, development financing, and governance, BOMA 2024 aimed to ignite new momentum towards realizing Africa's continental aspirations. By spotlighting major projects and initiatives, the event aimed to foster a spirit of collaboration and determination.



Touching on Africas rich biodiversity, Prof. Osinbajo said the continent had high biodiversity reserves and the scale of natural capital to preverse centuries of ecological erosion and the unbridled carbon-laden industrialisation of yesterday.



Noting that there is a wave of brain drain that has hit African countries, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,who previously served as Attorney General of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, said Africa must create an environment that rewards the talents of its people to prevent movement of African labour to other continents.



Labour is always going to find the place where it is best rewarded. Anywhere in the world, wherever labour is best rewarded, thats where itll go. Thats why there are lots of movements all across the world. Its, therefore, best for Africa to create the environment for rewarding talent.



He said according to experts, as much as one quarter of the planets workforce was likely to be of African origin and of the youthful workforce in particular, as much as 42 per cent may be in Africa by 2050.



An energetic pool of youthful talent fortified with fast-advancing artificial intelligence and the geoengineering edge of a world that is desperately in need of a new economic growth paradigm is an edge that the rest of the world ignores at great risk.



Integrate trade, digital transaction and work together to build a resilient, rich, prosperous economy and then people will stay and people will come from everywhere in the world to Africa. Theres no other solution, he said.



With regards to Africas health development readiness, Prof. Osinbajo noted that during the pandemic, Africa, through the collaboration of Panavirus and the Africa CDC, brokered by AfroChampions, built and deployed the worlds first vaccine passport.



The Panavirus platform digitally connected labs and hospital facilities, as well as pathogen genomic centres in 20 countries of Africa, he added.



AUDA-NEPAD and AfroChampions, alongside other strategic partners, have hosted theannual BOMA of Africa event during African Integration Week since 2019. This year's BOMA was aligned with the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, further cementing its significance on the continent's commemorative calendar.



The BOMA of Africa has become a premier platform for showcasing the continent's most inspirational achievements in unity and integration. Convened at the highest level, the event aims to move beyond discussions to concrete actions, inspiring Africans across various fields such as science, technology, education, the creative arts, and entrepreneurship.



The 2024 BOMA of Africa is a strategic milestone on the path to achieving the Africa We Want. AUDA-NEPAD and AfroChampions reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the goals of Agenda 2063, setting a precedent for accountability, innovation, and unity across the continent.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Dr Fahad Aldossari, has assured African leaders, heads of the continents financial institutions, and business leaders that the newly established Arab-Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC) will do everything within its mandate to ensure that it achieves its set objective of promoting Africas rapid development over the next 50 years.



Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the President of Ghana and African Union champion of financial institutions, President Akufo-Addo, in the establishment of the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium, in his address at a leaders breakfast, which took place as part of the launch of the AAFC and the BADEA 50th anniversary, at the Kempinski hotel, in Accra on Sunday, 21 July 2024, Dr Fahad Aldossari pointed out that from now to 2074 (the next 50 years), BADEA will take immediate steps to institutionalise the AAFC by establishing a secretary to host and coordinate its activities.



Today is also a special day as we feel honoured and grateful to his excellency, President of Ghana, the African Union Champion of financial institutions who not only welcomed BADEAs anniversary and hosted [us] in the beautiful city of Accra but also elevated the partnership and coordination of financial institutions to support Africa, Dr Fahad Aldossari said.



With His Excellencys call to establish the Arab  Africa financial consortium following the successful launch of the African financial institutions' network last Friday, I can confirm that BADEA will spare no effort in ensuring this consortium succeeds in realising the vision of Arab  Africa financial institution collaboration and coordination for leveraging of resources for the continent, the BADEA Board Chairman added.



Critical investments



President Akufo-Addo in his keynote address observed that BADEA has, in the last 50 years, played a key role in the development of the African continent and he is confident that with the establishment of the AAFC, the next fifty years will be even more exciting as far as the relationship between the Arab world and the African continent is concerned.



Investment in human capital, infrastructure development, trade and investment growth, and women and youth empowerment, according to President Akufo-Addo, are four key areas that he believes the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC) ought to pay attention to and drive.



Over the past five decades, BADEA has been a beacon of hope, a catalyst for development, and a symbol of the enduring bond between our two regions. Since its inception in 1974, BADEA has been instrumental in fostering economic development and cooperation between African and Arab countries.



It has played a pivotal role in financing and supporting numerous projects across the African continent from infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and agriculture. These projects have not only contributed to the socio-economic development of our nations and continent but have also strengthened the partnership between Africa and the Arab world, President Akufo-Addo said.



BADEAs commitment to Africa according to President Akufo-Addo, is evident in its track record. He said that over the past 50 years, BADEA has financed over 700 projects in more than 44 African countries with a total value exceeding US$6 billion. These projects, Akufo-Addo said have created jobs, improved living standards, and spared economic growth across the continent.



BADEA has not only evolved to meet the expectations of the continent and shareholders but also to demonstrate agility and responsiveness to meet development challenges from the COVID-19 response to becoming pledges in the Arab coordination group on food security, climate change, and resilient infrastructure. As we celebrate fifty years of Arab-Africa cooperation through BADEA, let us reaffirm our commitment to this vital partnership.



Let us build on the successes of the past and work together to address the challenges of the future. Let us strive to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all our peoples. I call on all stakeholders, governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to join hands in this endeavour, President Akufo-Addo said.



Five pivotal areas



Dr Adesina Akiwumi, President of the African Development Bank Group on his part indicated that there are five issues that the reinvigorated Arab-Africa partnership should focus on. At the top of the list, he said is energy development, second, is the exploitation of the continents rich green mineral resources, third, mobilisation of support for green infrastructure in Africa, fourth, food security and lastly, ensuring that the new drive for Arab-Africa partnership revolves around the Africa Investment Forum initiative.



In the last five years, because of our collective work together, we have been able to attract over 180 billion dollars in investment interest into Africa. So, I am fully confident that as we structure the Arab and African financial institutions' partnership, around this (Africa Investment Forum) effort, we can deliver even more results Dr Adesina Akiwumi said.



BADEA



The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) was established under the resolution of the 6th Arab Summit Conference at Algiers (28 November 1973). The Bank began operations in March 1975. BADEA is a financial institution owned by eighteen Arab member countries of the League of Arab States (LAS) which signed its Establishing Agreement on 18 February 1974.



The Bank is an independent International Institution enjoying full international legal status and complete autonomy in administrative and financial matters. It is governed by the provisions of its Establishing Agreement and the principles of international law.



The Arab Coordination Group (ACG), an alliance of Arab development institutions established to promote and coordinate financial and technical assistance to developing countries, primarily in the Arab world and Africa, is partnering with BADEA to launch the Arab  Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC).



The ACG comprises several key institutions including; the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, OPEC Fund for International Development, Qatar Development Fund, and the Saudi Fund for Development.



Several other key Arab institutions will also play an instrumental role in leveraging the partnership between the Arab and African countries through the establishment of the AAFC. Among them are, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, SaudiExim Bank, UNIDO ITPO office Bahrain, AIM Global Foundation, and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID).



The rest are the Public Investment Fund PIF, Halal Products Development Company, the Emirates Investment Authority, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the Qatar Investment Authority, the Oman Investment Authority, the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Bright Senior High School, a private educational institution in the Eastern Region, has received high commendation from key education stakeholders for its outstanding academic performance.



Abuakwa North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Alhaji Umar Bodinga and Dr. Martin Offei Otu, a Senior Lecturer at Koforidua Technical University, who both have children enrolled at the school, testified to the quality of education provided, citing their children's excellent performance in the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and subsequent university success.



At Bright Senior High School's maiden graduation ceremony for about 700 final-year students, MCE Alhaji Umar Bodinga shared, "My son was here. He had 7As in 2022 and 1B. He is a product of Bright Senior High. Now he is at the University of Ghana pursuing IT. He is performing well. So it is time the government also begins to start supporting private schools like Bright SHS."



Dr. Martin Otu Offei lauded the school for its quality education, saying, "My son is an example of what has happened in this school. He completed here with very good grades. When he went to university, he performed very well. My son has been in the first-class position since the first year. So I have enrolled my daughter here again. The standard here is excellent. Even among the teachers, there are people with Ph.D.s and very experienced teachers that have gone on retirement here."



Bright Senior High School was recognized as the Best Private School in Ghana in 2021 and was named the Best Private School in Abuakwa North by the Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Education Directorate in 2023.



Abuakwa North Municipal Director of Education, Grace Adza-Wude, who was the Guest Speaker at the graduation ceremony, stated that Bright SHS has significantly raised the educational standards in the municipality, contributing to its performance rankings.



She praised the school's academic performance and the continuous investment by management to sustain and improve it yearly.



She pledged to maintain collaboration with the school through capacity-building programs and other academic activities to enhance quality education.



Some parents emphasized the superior quality, discipline, and conducive learning environment of Bright SHS as their reasons for choosing the school for their children despite the Free SHS policy.



One parent remarked, "Education is something that everybody has his own choice. I personally prefer private schools. Because if you look at Free Education, the government is doing its best but not up to the standard. Here, the standard is high, and the performance of the children is marvelous."



Another parent, George Kwame Ofori, commented, "The moral fiber in our institutions now is also breaking down, and as such, if teachers are putting these students into order, here we brought them here, and we tell them to do what is expected of them to bring up the kids to the rightful standard for us. So the moral fiber is upheld in Bright SHS."



Vice President of Bright SHS, Mr. Dominic Acquah, explained that the graduation ceremony has been instituted as an annual event due to demand by some foreign universities from their alumni as evidence of graduating from high school.



He expressed optimism that this year's batch of WASSCE candidates will sustain the school's 100% pass rate and improve the number of candidates who obtain 8As.



Bright SHS has qualified for the National level of the National Science and Maths Quiz Competition (NSMQ) this year, marking the school's first time in the competition.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo has called for the publication and verification of assets declared by public office holders.



He says it is important to verify the assets declared to avoid speculative declaration.



Publish the assets, until we do that the declaration is useless. So one, you have to publish and two, verification is also key. if you dont verify people can make the anticipatory declaration, he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, July 20 while commenting on the Afrobarometer report.



Mr Domelevo further described the fight against corruption by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as abysmal.



To him, if the president wants to be seen to be fighting corruption he should be more proactive in finding out from his appointed who among them have acquired state properties.



Until that is done, the president cannot be said to be fighting corruption, he said 

Asked what his assessment of the presidents fight against corruption he said It is very abysmal, he is not fighting corruption.



He added I will credit him for establishing anti-corruption but that is not enough. I think he can be more proactive in finding out how many government appointees have acquired state properties. If he is able to do that then we will say that his man is serious.



What I expect is it doesnt matter who is involved there must be consequences for corruption and he should also make ani corruption institutions independent and strong.



He was commenting on the recent Afrobarometer report that states among other things that given the corrosive effects of official corruption on popular support for and satisfaction with democracy the news from recent findings about corruption trends is not good



The report said that in the eyes of ordinary Africans, the problem is getting worse.



On average across 39 countries, nearly six in 10 citizens (58%) say corruption levels in their countries increased over the past year, including 82% in South Africa and 87% in Eswatini. Only three countries record majorities who say corruption decreased: Benin (70%), Mali (64%), and Zambia (53%).



Levels of perceived corruption among political leaders paint a similar picture: Across up to 30 countries for which we have complete data, 38% of respondents say most or all officials in their presidents office are corrupt, up by 13 percentage points since 2011/2013. Perceptions of widespread corruption show similar increases for members of Parliament (+11 points) and the judiciary (+8 points), with marginal increases of 3 points for local government councillors and civil servants.



Two-thirds (67%) of Africans say their governments are failing in the fight against corruption, and 71% say people who report corruption to the authorities risk retaliation.

Source: 3news









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Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) can win the presidency with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer but lose seats in Parliament.



This comes after a report by Fitch Solutions predicted a strong chance of the NDC winning the December polls.



Dr. Adomako Kissi, speaking on the Big Issue on Channel One TV questioned the prediction, citing trends from other countries where ruling parties have lost seats but retained power.



Dr. Adomako Kissi emphasised that anything could happen between now and December 7.



He gave examples of France, where the sitting government lost 100 seats, but the president remained in charge, and South Africa, where the ANC lost seats but retained power.



Dr. Adomako Kissi stated that the NPP can retain power with Bawumia winning the presidency but losing seats in Parliament, potentially dropping from 138 to 102 seats.



He assured that the NPP will not take the prediction for granted and is working towards breaking the 8.



My key point today Is that for me, from a mathematical standpoint and based on trends in the rest of the world, Frances sitting government lost 100 seats, but Macron is still in charge. My key point here is that theres even a possibility, and all of us can hear me out, that Bawumia wins and NPP numbers in Parliament drops, that possibility is very, very possible, considering how things have happened in another jurisdiction.



ANC literally lost many seats; they are still there. When you go to England, the reverse happened. Thats why Im saying that who knows, our 138 may come to 102, and then we still retain power, thats also a possibility.









Source: Citinewsroom









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NPP Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, was marshalled out of Parliamentary proceedings by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, over what he describes as disrespectful comments.



During proceedings in Parliament on Monday, July 22, 2024, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afrityie was said to have made some comments which did not sit well with the Speaker of Parliament.



The legislator was held in contempt for accusing the Speaker of making prejudicial statement on the LGBTQ+ case that is before the Supreme Court of Ghana.



The Speaker, thus, described the comment by the Sefwi-Wiawso lawmaker as rude, hence calling on the marshal of Parliament to usher the MP out of Parliament.



Dr. Afriyie had said, With all due respect to your chair, this preliminary remarks you are making are presidential and I believe that as representing the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, it doesnt lie in your mouth to remind us of the things that you have said.



In response to the comment, Speaker Bagbin said, This is a completely rude remark and I can send you out of the House. It lies in my authority to do so. I represent the whole country, you represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso. Please Marshal take him out of the House, I will not entertain such disrespect.



He added that, "in giving you the information, I have given you an idea of the expectations of the people of Ghana. That is for you to consider as part of the report and the House to decide as to whether we will approve or disapprove those nominations."



"His Excellency clearly stated that he is constitutionally injuncted to do what he has done, and so it is now for you to also look at."



But the Speaker seems to have heard it and ordered that the Sefwi0-Wiawso MP vacate the chamber.



"Marshal, take him out of the House. I will not entertain such disrespect. It lies in my mouth," he exclaimed.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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Ahead of the December 7, 2024 general election, the Head Pastor of the ZOE Pentecostal Mission Ghana, Reverend Wisdom Lord Kafui, has called for peace and tolerance among the public.



He urged the citizenry to respect the electoral process and accept the outcome of the elections in order not to jeopardise the peace of the country.



At a lecture series on ensuring peace during and after the election in Accra last Wednesday, Rev. Kafui emphasised the importance of peace and encouraged citizens to vote and return home without violence, stressing that a peaceful environment rather than chaos and anarchy was the building blocks of development.



He said the country's prosperity and happiness should be the ultimate goal as the nation headed to this years election.



Desperation



Rev. Kafui cautioned politicians against desperation for power, reminding them that the goal should be to serve the country, not themselves. He urged the Electoral Commission to fulfil its mandate with integrity to produce the rightful winner.



Rev. Kafui encouraged media houses and journalists to report truthfully, resisting manipulation and eschewing bias. As Ghana prepares for its election, tensions are high and the country needs a peaceful and united voice, he said.



Rev. Kafui emphasised that Ghana remained a blessed nation and its citizens should strive to maintain peace and unity. He prayed for God's guidance and protection, asking for wisdom for the leaders and peace for the nation.



Background

The December general election is seen to be another test for Ghanas peaceful credentials. In a West African sub-region littered with military takeovers in recent years, Ghana has stood among the countries with an enduring civilian rule system.



Since the country returned to a democratic regime in 1993, the state has gone through eight elections already and four different transitions from a ruling party to a different party.

Source: graphiconline.com









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While the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has exhibited a soft spot for Fantes, it is also a known fact that the Volta Region is its World Bank, probably because its founder, Jerry John Rawlings, hailed from there.



The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also been severally tagged as an Akan party, largely due to its strong base in the Ashanti Region, coupled with the fact that since 1996, the partys flag bearers have been Akans (former President John Agyekum Kufuor and current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo).



Though for the upcoming 2024 election, the party has broken that tradition by choosing a flag bearer who is of northern extraction (Dr Mahamudu Bawumia), the choice of then Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (aka Napo), has put paid to the tag of the NPP as a political party with a strong Akan foundation.



Indeed, before the choice of Napo, there were very strong sentiments that the running mate for Dr Bawumia must definitely come from the Ashanti Region.



Unveiling the NPPs running mate in Kumasi on July 9, 2024, President Akufo-Addo emphasised his belief that the Dr Bawumia and Dr Opoku Prempeh pair would develop the country better than he had done.



The President said his belief was premised on the fact that the success of his governments flagship Free SHS Policy was all due to Napos role as the Minister of Education and prayed the people would reward him and the flag bearers hard work by renewing the mandate of the party.



Education ministers

It is certain as the rising of the sun that one of the key issues that will be touted on the campaign platform as we inch closer to the December polls will be the impact that the two running mates of the NPP and NDC had on education in the country while they presided over the sector.



Dr Opoku Prempeh was the Minister of Education from January 2017 to January 2021 while Professor Opoku-Agyemang was appointed Minister of Education by the Mahama-led government from February 2013 to January 2017.



A statement by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, after the confirmation of Dr Opoku Prempeh as the partys running mate, stated in part, Owing to his passion for education, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him as Minister of Education during his first term.



As Education Minister, Napo, as he is affectionately called, spearheaded the implementation of the famous Free Senior High School policy. Under Dr Prempeh, the successful implementation of the governments flagship Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy saw the countrys SHS population leap from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.2 million by January 2021.



It is instructive to note that Napo ensured that this policy was rolled out within the first year of the Akufo-Addo government when he was appointed as Education Minister.



He didnt ask for a honeymoon. I repeat he didnt ask for a honeymoon. It will be recalled that at the time he announced that he was going ahead to implement the policy, many people, including some from civil society organisations (CSOs) and some senior members of the government, thought it was too early to implement such bold and far-reaching policy.



But, typical of Napo, he would have none of that. He showed boldness and decisiveness when it mattered most, and went on with the policy, which is by far, the biggest social intervention in the nations education sector since independence. Today, posterity has vindicated him. Ghana certainly needs leaders who are bold and decisive, because that is the only way we can achieve results.



It is also worthy to note that throughout his four-year tenure as Minister of Education, there was significant industrial harmony and stability on the education front.



He ensured that the concerns of teachers and other players in the education sector were adequately attended to.



This, therefore, confirms that Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has incredible interpersonal and negotiation skills. He is arguably the only Minister of Education in this Fourth Republic to have achieved this feat.



Recognition

The statement by the NPP General Secretary also posited that it was in recognition of his leadership skills and his contribution towards education in Ghana, particularly in respect of his role in the implementation of the governments flagship Free SHS programme and other transformational policies in education, that Dr Prempeh was honoured by the University of Education Winneba, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Professional Studies, Accra, with conferred honorary doctorate degrees.



It goes on to say that it was due to his stellar qualities that Dr Prempeh was reassigned to the Energy Ministry in the second term of President Akufo-Addos presidency and that despite the challenges in that sector, he ensured that they did not last beyond three months.



Meanwhile, according to an opinion poll by the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana dubbed Assessment of the 275 Members of Parliament (MPs)  Perspective from the Constituents, which was carried out from March to June 2019 with funding from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Dr Prempeh emerged the best-performing minister in the Akufo-Addo-led administration for 2019, based on policy and delivery, competency and hard work.



He is also credited for leading various policy reforms that have had a far-reaching impact on Ghanas educational landscape and leading a team to deliver on curriculum reforms, teacher reforms and several initiatives to promote and mainstream Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).



He also secured approval for the successful recruitment of over 93,725 teaching and non-teaching staff to drastically improve the pupil-teacher ratio at the pre-tertiary level.



Opoku-Agyemang

Conversely, announcing Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as Mr Mahamas running mate, a press release signed by the NDCs General Secretary, Fiavi Kwetey, and issued on March 7, 2024, stated: The National Democratic Congress (NDC) proudly announces the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the Running Mate to the party's flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, for the 2024 presidential election.



"Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic and leader renowned for her dedication to education and public service.



"Having served as Minister for Education and as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has emerged as a trailblazer for women in leadership across Ghana.



"Her nomination underscores the NDC's unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity and the empowerment of women in leadership roles.



Possessing extensive qualifications and experience, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NDC's presidential ticket.



Still speaking of her credentials at the Education Ministry, a former Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, ballyhooed the achievement of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang during her four-year tenure as Ghana's Education Minister, when she was first chosen as the running mate for Mr Mahama for the 2020 election.



Achievements

Taking to his Facebook page to list the achievements of the former Education Minister, Mr Ablakwa, who was her deputy for three years (between 2013-2016), said, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's sterling record as Minister of Education is a healthy mixture of innovative policy initiatives, quality outcomes and massive infrastructural development.



Listing those achievements, he said, She successfully championed many reforms such as the conversion of polytechnics into technical universities, upgrading Colleges of Education into tertiary institutions, reducing teacher absenteeism from 27 per cent to 7 per cent, introducing the unprecedented Private BECE.



He continued that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang led negotiations with the World Bank, which secured for Ghana the flagship Secondary Education Improvement Project and the African Centres of Excellence initiative, resulting in the establishment and funding for the West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) both at the University of Ghana and the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre (RWESC) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).



Also, she supervised Ghana's overall best performing WASSCE nation award by WAEC for four consecutive years when she served as Minister and the massive retooling and infrastructural development which she tirelessly delivered; abolished the quota system at the Colleges of Education, which led to enrolment increasing from 9,000 to 15,400, thereby creating more teaching opportunities for the youth; ensured teachers were automatically posted without National Service and Licensure Examinations and procured and distributed more than 150,000 tables and chairs to basic schools.



Mr Ablakwa said Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also upgraded facilities at 50 less endowed Senior High Schools and 75 under-performing Senior High Schools, donated some 54,000 laptops to teachers and stocked computer labs with 60,000 computers during her tenure, recruited 2,400 mathematics and science teachers as a special intervention to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and science at the SHS level and engaged more than 40,000 newly recruited teachers during her tenure as minister, which is confirmed by EMIS data, while GES staff strength increased by 18.2 per cent from 247,254 to 292,238.



The North Tongu MP also credited the Prof. with superintending over the allocation of some 500 buses and double cabin pickups to educational institutions and district education offices, improving quality of basic education that resulted in Ghana's all-time best BECE performance, distributing 787,485 free school uniforms to deprived districts across the country, supervising the distribution of over 40,000 free made-in-Ghana leather sandals for vulnerable students, overseeing the distribution of bicycles, school bags, mathematical sets, solar lamps, calculators and textbooks to some 155,781 pupils and increasing the capitation grant by 100 per cent for 11,650 public basic schools in 75 deprived districts.



Further, Mr Ablakwa said Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, during her tenure as Education Minister, constructed 25 district education offices, spent some GH61.3 million on BECE subsidy for all registered candidates in private and public basic schools, eliminated the shift system in public basic schools, constructed some 1,129 classroom blocks, 73 teacher accommodation blocks and rehabilitated 622 schools at the basic level, as well as more than 2,000 school projects with the view to eradicate the schools under trees phenomenon.



He also said she introduced the progressively free SHS policy which was targeted at 458,700 poor and vulnerable students, provided 472,800 Teacher Notebooks, 653,700 Class Attendance Registers, 12.8 million Core Textbooks, 2.5 million dictionaries, 4,994,328 boxes of white chalk and 180,000 boxes of coloured chalk, initiated the construction of 124 Community Day Senior High Schools and completed 50 at the time of handing over.



According to the former deputy Minister of Education, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang administered the Skills Development Fund, which saw some US$50 million worth of grants being awarded to 646 businesses and 93,446 employees/members of trade associations and farmer-based groups, secured funding from the African Development Bank under the Development of Skills for Industry Project (DSIP), which was utilised for the construction of 13 modern and well-equipped Technical Institutes across the country and upgraded facilities in all 38 Colleges of Education.



He said it was also the Prof. who supervised the completion of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, secured funding and initiated work on the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Region, embarked on massive infrastructural expansion in all public tertiary institutions, increased student loan beneficiaries from 13,833 in the 2012/13 academic year to 24,951 in the 2015/16 academic year, saw to an upward review of the students' loan from GH650 - GH1,600 over two semesters to GH1,000 - GH2,000 for same period and introduced the Students' Loan Plus to cater for students who gain admission but face financial handicap in raising the initial, time-bound registration fees.



Impact of running mates

The above competencies of the two running mates of the two major political parties seem to put them on an even keel. However, it still remains to be seen if their selection would impact the fortunes of their parties.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (middle), presenting Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Flag bearer and Running Mate to NPP faithful in Kumasi



A survey conducted by the iRIS Research Group (Ghana 2020 Pre-Election Survey: Report of the study of 36 competitive constituencies) asked respondents: Would the selection of the running mate influence your choice of the presidential candidate you would vote for? It drew some interesting responses.



Out of the total number of respondents, only 25 per cent answered yes. 59 per cent responded yes to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, swaying their vote for the NDC while 49 per cent confirmed Dr Bawumia would influence their vote for the NPP.



As is commonly said, the rest is history. Then running mate Dr Bawumias party, the NPP, won the 2020 election, although the study gave him a lower percentage of yes.



But as to whether it is his choice that influenced the victory of his party, there have been no forensic studies proving that, although it has been widely accepted that he brought a lot to the table.

Source: graphiconline.com









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In a tragic incident, a 27-year-old travel and lifestyle influencer died after falling into a gorge while filming a video in Maharashtra's Raigad district, India.



Aanvi Kamdar, a Mumbai-based chartered accountant was on a monsoon outing with seven friends when she fell into the 300-foot-deep gorge near the Kumbhe waterfall at Mangaon in Raigad on Tuesday, according to a police official on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.



Kamdar, a resident of Mumbai's Mulund area, had visited the waterfall with her friends amid the rains.



While recording a video of the surroundings, she slipped and fell into the gorge.



Upon being alerted by her friends, police and local rescuers reached the spot and rushed her to the nearby Mangaon Taluka Government Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Celebrated Ghanaian Actress Lydia Forson has shared a chilling story of how she suffered the pain of fibroids for ten years until she got the help she needed.



According to the Perfect Picture actress, several women are going through similar pain and their issues should be looked at.



She shared her ordeal while celebrating Fibroids Month in a post via X:



July is Fibroid Awareness Month To the women whove had to live in constant pain, multiple surgeries, questions about children, if youre pregnant because of how you look, or the fear that you never will; youre not alone. I lived in pain for 10 years before I got help. Today Im grateful that I dont have to live in so much pain, grateful that no one else will find me on a bathroom floor too paralyzed to move. Grateful that I dont have to be rushed into an emergency and even more grateful that Im alive to share my story when some arent.

July is Fibroid Awareness Month



To the women whove had to live in constant pain, multiple surgeries, questions about children, if youre pregnant because of how you look, or the fear that you never will ; youre not alone.



I lived in pain for 10 years before I got help.  miss forson (@lydiaforson) July 18, 2024









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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At least 3 people have been killed and 6 more have been injured in a shooting that took place during a block party in Philadelphia.

The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. Sunday, near the intersection of Alden Street and Girard Avenue, according to reports from NBC10 and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Police said that about 100 to 150 people were gathered at a party when the shots were fired.

A 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. A 23-year-old man shot in the leg and stomach was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.

The third fatal victim, a 29-year-old man who was shot in the stomach, was pronounced dead at 3:08 a.m.

Six other people  three 28-year-old men, a 26-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, and a 30-year-old man  are all currently hospitalized in stable condition, police said.

Two semiautomatic handguns were recovered from two of the victims, the Inquirer reported, and another was turned over to investigators by a witness. Police said they recovered 36 spent shell casings from at least three weapons.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 215-686-8477.
LANSING, MI  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for Democratic presidential nominee, said she would not run for vice president.

Whitmer also announced that she would serve as co-chair of Harris campaign.

Whitmers name has come up as a potential candidate for vice president but she told Tim Skubick of FOX 2 Detroit on Monday that she was not leaving Michigan.

No, Im not planning to go anywhere, she told Skubick. Im not leaving Michigan. Im proud to be the governor of Michigan.  Im not going anywhere.

Prior to publicly dismissing the talk as a potential candidate for the vice president position, Whitmers name was floated among a group of Democrats. National pundits listed Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and others as potential running mates for Harris likely presidential campaign.

READ MORE: Bidens exit expected to have big impact on Pa.  whether or not Shapiro lands on ticket

Harris declared herself a Democratic candidate for the presidency shortly after President Joe Biden  whose poor showing in a debate last month against former President Donald Trump raised alarms  announced Sunday that he would not seek reelection.

Whiter said in a statement and video on X that she supported Harris and would serve as her campaign co-chairperson. Trump is a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe and drove our economy into the ground, Whitmer said.

We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go.

Whitmer has been viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028 but hasnt herself confirmed those ambitions.
Esta TerBlanche, who played Gillian on the soap opera All My Children, died on Thursday of natural causes. She was 51.

I am still processing and in shock. Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her. More to come in the days ahead, her agent, Lisa Rodrigo, said in a post on Facebook announcing the death. May she RIP with the angels that she is.

Rodrigo also said that an autopsy report is pending.

Born in 1973 in South Africa was crowned Miss Teen South Africa in 1991, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.

Her first acting role was on the South African soap "Egoli: Place of Gold, where she played Bienkie Naude Hartman from 1992-95.

She then moved to the U.S., where she won the role of Hungarian princess Gillian on All My Children in 1997.

She left the show in 2001 after her character was killed off, although she made appearances on the program occasionally, most notably during its last few weeks on ABC.

She returned to South Africa and opened a spa, worked on several documentaries, and hosted television shows.

She is survived by her father and sister, the Hollywood Reporter said.
American folk music legend Happy Traum has died.

He was 86.

The New York Times reported that his wife, Jane, said he had been battling pancreatic cancer and died after undergoing surgery for that.

Traum, who was born in the Bronx, reportedly teamed with his brother, Artie, and the two toured internationally and released five albums  the first of which was called Happy and Artie  together. Artie also died from liver cancer in 2008.

Traum was a self-taught musician. His career reportedly began in the 1950s and he was called a stalwart of the Greenwich Village music scene in the 1960s.

The New York Times called Traum an enduring presence in the folk world for more than six decades.

The paper said that Traum was also a sought-after sideman, who played with the likes of Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Levon Helm and Peter Tosh.

He is survived by his wife and two daughter, Merry and April Trau, a son, Adam, and he had four grandchildren.
Whoopi Goldberg is being upfront and honest about how she honored her mother once she passed away, and there was even quite a bit of humor to it.

During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers the 68-year-old host of The View was not shy about how she wanted to remember her late mother, Emma Harris, while at Disneyland, after she died of a stroke on Aug. 29, 2010.

The famous actress started her fascinating story by beginning with, No one should do this, which made the crowd laugh. She further emphasized to viewers, Dont do it.

My mother loved Disneyland, and so we took her to Disneyland, she explained. And when I was a kid, the Worlds Fair was here, and it was the introduction of Small World, and she loved Small World.

The beloved Its a Small World attraction was first introduced at the 1964-1965 New York Worlds Fair and was later shipped to Disneyland, where it opened May 28, 1966.

So, with that in mind, Goldberg came up with a plan.

She wanted to scatter her mothers ashes while on the ride, and to do so, Goldberg said she would periodically scoop some of her up and pretend she had a cold to fake a huge sneeze.

The EGOT winner also added that she did the same thing to spread her mothers ashes near the flowers where it says Disneyland.

But surprisingly enough, Goldberg shared with host Seth Meyers, I told them I did it.

I wanted to make sure, actually, that I hadnt done something that was dangerous cause it hadnt occurred to me. But theres a reason they dont want ashes just floatin around, she revealed.

The Sister Act actress recounts this story and countless others in her memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, which was released in May.

Her brother, Clyde, died in 2015 from a brain aneurysm.

This is really a love letter to parents and the people who raised me to be -- love me or hate me -- they raised me to be a halfway decent person, she told Meyers. Im not always decent, not always, but halfway.

Goldberg, who was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2017, shared during an episode of The View back in December that she and Clyde grew up always wanting to go to Disneyland, but their mother could never afford the tickets to go.

I took her, recalled Goldberg. The first time I went was in the early 80s, but my mother had always said, Im going to take you and Clyde  thats my brother  Im gonna take you to Disneyland, and she never could afford to do it.

As the actress had mentioned, scattering ashes at a Disneyland or Walt Disney World attraction is not recommended. In fact, back in 2017, a Disneyland official once told The Los Angeles Times that the answer is always a no, even if families ask for permission.
Jersey Mikes Subs is opening another outpost this week in Cumberland County.

One of the sub restaurants is en route to 40 Shippensburg Shopping Center in Shippensburg on July 24.

As part of the grand opening, a fundraiser will be held July 24-28 to support Make-A-Wish- Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Those who receive a fundraising coupon distributed via a grassroots effort in the community before the opening can make a minimum $3 donation to Make-A-Wish in exchange for a regular sub.

We would like to thank the community of Shippensburg for welcoming us in and giving us the chance to open a brand-new Jersey Mikes Subs, said Daren Thomas, operating partner.

Jersey Mikes is known for slicing meats and cheeses as customers place their orders. Bread is baked on-site. Customers can order Mikes Way with onions, lettuce, tomato, spices and the juice, a blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Jersey Mikes was founded in 1956 when Peter Cancro opened a sub shop at Point Pleasant, New Jersey, on the Jersey Shore.

Diners can place orders through Jersey Mikes website or app. The restaurant will operate from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Derry Township Police have announced road closures for the upcoming Foo Fighters, Journey and Def Leppard concerts at the Hersheypark Stadium.

On both July 23 and July 25, Hotel Road will be closed from Hersheypark Drive to the entrance of Catherine Hall, and Boathouse Road will be closed from from PA Route 39 to Sand Beach Road.

The closures will begin at 2 p.m. on both dates and continue through 8 p.m., and begin again on 10:30 p.m. through midnight each night.

If youre looking for tickets to either show, check out these links:
Pennsylvanias Democratic National Convention delegates have voted unanimously to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.

In a private Zoom call on Monday, the delegation voted to endorse her candidacy as the replacement for President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race on Sunday.

There is a tremendous amount of excitement in seeing Vice President Kamala Harris become the nominee of the Democratic Party. More than $66.9 million was raised through ActBlue yesterday, breaking the single-day record for dollars raised, said Democratic Party Chair Sharif Street. Vice President Harris will be able to take the historic success of the Biden-Harris Administration and carry it forward under her leadership, vision, and intellect.

Biden endorsed his vice president as have a number of high-profile Democrats as the best candidate from their party to take on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 general election.

As Pennsylvania Democrats, we have a unique responsibility to defend our freedoms and our democracy  one that has been handed down to us from our ancestors 248 years ago in the halls of power in Philadelphia. Ive known Vice President Harris for twenty years, have watched her exemplary work as a prosecutor, a senator, and now VP, and I know she is ready to serve as our president, said Gov. Josh Shapiro.

I am proud to have asked Pennsylvania Democrats to put our support behind the vice presidents campaign today and we are ready to get to work to deliver Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes.

On Sunday, his campaign released a statement touting Harris and calling for party unity after he spoke with Biden and Harris.

11 1 / 11 President Joe Biden drops out of the 2024 race, throws support behind VP Kamala Harris

With the state partys executive board on Monday endorsing Harris and all 185 of its delegates on board, Pennsylvanias Democratic Party is united in support for the vice president.

Mondays vote has the effect of making the delegates pledged to Harris when the formal vote is taken next month at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

To win the partys nomination, a candidate must collect the votes of at least 1,986 of the nearly 4,000 delegates. According to the Hill, Harris had collected support from at least a quarter of that number within 10 hours of Bidens exit from the race.

Harris drew unanimous support from the county party chairs during a separate phone call on Monday prior to the delegates meeting.

Shes going to be a great candidate. Were all very excited and the contrast between our ticket and what the Republicans have to offer has only gotten more clear, said Matt Roan, Cumberland County Democratic chairman.

He added that on the call with the other county chairs and in conversations with other Democrats, there has been deep gratitude expressed for Biden and his selfless action that he took yesterday in making a very hard decision to exit the race but we couldnt ask for a better replacement than the person he chose to replace him in Vice President Harris.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden as the partys nominee, saying she is ready to be president.

Shapiros campaign released his statement touting Harris and calling for party unity after he spoke with Biden and Harris.

The governor began by saying the American people have been tested over the nations 248-year history, but the American spirit has always triumphed.

Whenever the United States has faced threats, Shapiro said, Americans have found ways to come together and united behind common cause and common purpose. Thats the lesson of our founders who gathered in Pennsylvania two-and-a-half centuries ago  and its the lesson our Party must learn from now.

Shapiro said he has known Harris, like him a former state attorney general, for nearly 20 years.

Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support, and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom, he said. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

Shapiro urged the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris and focus on winning the presidential race.

The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania  where this collective work began.



I will do everything I can to help elect @KamalaHarris as the 47th President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/sqCkiAmCV7  Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) July 21, 2024

The contract in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania  where this collective work began, said Shapiro, vowing to do everything I can to get Harris elected.

Shapiros statement quashes rampant speculation that he would possibly seek the partys nomination at its convention next month in Chicago, but will do little to quell rumors that hes a vice presidential candidate for Harris.

Two other governors frequently mentioned as presidential contenders, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, do not plan on challenging Harris for the presidential nomination at the partys convention in Chicago next month, CBS News Robert Costa reported.
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What the WSOP Main Event Runner-Up Thinks About Allegations Against the Champ

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Jordan Griff, who finished runner-up in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, made his first public appearance since the final table to share his thoughts on the player he lost to heads-up.

The near world champion chatted with Doug Polk on YouTube Sunday afternoon in what turned out to be quite an interesting conversation about his opponent, Jonathan Tamayo, potentially getting assistance in-between hands from his rail.

Tamayo, who won $10 million, often confided in his rail, which included Joe McKeehen and Dominik Nitsche. A laptop, which some claim was used to assist Tamayo at the final table, in front of the poker pros was open and visible on the PokerGO livestream.

PokerNews reached out to Tamayo for comment regarding the accusations, but he declined. But Polk, who recently opened a second The Lodge Card Club poker room in Texas, invited Griff to join his podcast, and the runner-up spoke candidly.

What the Near Poker Champ Had to Say

Jordan Griff

Polk took little time getting into the nitty gritty about the criticism against the world champion. He asked the second place finisher if he knew what his opponent was doing between hands.

I saw him calling things out, I saw him going to the rail, but you know, at no point did I see what was on the laptop or try to eavesdrop on what he was saying," Griff answered. "In any sport, you dont go over to the other teams sideline, the other teams dugout and say, hey, what film are you guys looking at? You know, can I take a look? So, now, there may have been suspicions in my mind, you know, I thought that if there was anything nefarious going on, as we saw, there was cameras that caught it.

I thought that if they were doing anything nefarious or against the rules that it would have been called out or caught on. But when Im at the table in that moment, Im focused on playing. Im not focused on, ooh does he have a solver? Im there to play my game. - Jordan Griff

Polk said he was surprised the WSOP staff didnt step in to put a stop to the rail assistance. The Upswing Poker founder then asked Griff if Tamayo receiving assistance from his rail put the runner-up at a disadvantage.

Its tough to say, Griff responded after a brief pause. I mean, I think using RTA is going to give an advantage. Everyone can debate how large that is, and how much it will really help a person. I think its hard to quantify that.

But Griff defended Tamayo and stopped well short of suggesting the champion cheated or wouldnt have won if not for the help from McKeehen and Nitsche. In fact, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the poker community focusing on the conspiracy theory instead of celebrating the great stories that came out of the Main Event.

Jonathan Tamayo with his rail at the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event final table.

Griff, who won $6 million for second place, said he is unsure how much edge Tamayo could have possibly gained from conferring with his rail. After all, he was a coinflip away from winning the tournament, and that hand didnt go his way. Had he won the flip, which no solver or sim had any control over, there likely wouldnt be any discussion about Tamayos rail.

Polk asked his guest what he would have done had he known his opponent was possibly reviewing solvers with his rail.

Oof, thats a good question. If I had 100% confirmation that they were there running sims, I may have mentioned something to the floor then," Griff responded.

The runner-up also said he hasn't spoken with Tamayo since the incident, and that Tamayo didn't seem too interested in chatting with him at the final table. Griff also said he hasn't yet considered any legal action against the 2024 WSOP Main Event winner, but declined to rule out the possibility of doing so if he were to determine there is some basis to the accusations.

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The South China Sea issue has always been the focu...
The endorsements are rolling in for V.P. Kamala Harris, which along with her incredible fundraising numbers are a show of force for the Vice President as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

After President Joe Bidens shocking news on Sunday afternoon that he was stepping aside in his bid for the 2024 presidency, he endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Reports say no one knew Biden was going to do this, except his close family. So when the news dropped, it was a devastating blow to his supporters and the most of the pro-democracy movement (which does not include wealthy donors and people with big houses in other countries who wont be impacted by a Trump presidency and dont seem to care about the people who will).

Yet within hours, Act Blue was reporting huge levels of donations to Kamala Harris, which in a matter of hours had reached $27.5 million and by 9 PM Eastern, they had hit the same level that billionaire Elon Musk has pledged to pay Trump every month, with Act Blue reporting, As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.

Meanwhile the endorsements were rolling in, and here is a list shared by the Harris for President campaign:

AAPI Victory Fund: We will fight with all of our might to make @VP Kamala Harris the first South Asian and Black woman ever to serve as President of the United States. #WeStandWithKamala

American Federation of Teachers: The @aftunion Exec. Council just voted to endorse @KamalaHarris for president, subject to ratification by delegates to the 2024 AFT convention. Harris is fighting to restore Roe, fighting for families,for student debt relief and is a powerful advocate for workers.

Asian American Action Fund: Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the values we hold dear: equality, opportunity, and justice for all. Her track record speaks volumes about her capability to lead our country towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to stand with her and are confident in her ability to address the needs and concerns of the AANHPI community and all Americans.

ASPIRE PAC: We are proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is the most qualified candidate and the right person to lead our country forward. We must all do our part to ensure she becomes the first AANHPI President of the United States.

BlackPAC: We at BlackPAC stand with Kamala Harris and look forward to sharing her story and vision for America with the millions of voters we are engaging in battleground states across the country.

Brady PAC: Vice President Harris built the strongest gun violence prevention presidential administration in history.  This November, our lives are on the ballot. We must vote for Kamala Harris to free America from gun violence.

CASA in Action: Now, with President Biden stepping down, we join his voice in calling for Vice President Kamala Harris to be quickly named as the Democratic candidate for President. Voter turnout powerhouse CASA in Action is fighting ready to turn out an historic number of voters: canvassers throughout our four states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland will join with volunteers and staff to mobilize voters to the booths. Our members are excited to welcome the first woman President  and first woman of color  President; embracing a new America led by Black, immigrant, indigenous, afro-descendant, Latine working class people.

Collective PAC: We are ready to stand firm and tall with our candidate of choice, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Congressional Black Caucus PAC: The Congressional Black Caucus PAC joins President Biden in fully supporting Kamala Harris as our partys nominee. She has been instrumental in delivering the accomplishments of the last 3.5 years and has led on lowering maternal mortality rates, protecting reproductive freedoms, and ensuring economic opportunities for all.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC: Make no mistake, Latinos nationwide will bear the brunt of the consequences of a second Trump presidency, just like they did in the past. BOLD PAC will remain laser-focused on doing what it takes to ensure that Trump remains a one-term president. Vice President Harris is the leader we stand behind in this critical moment.

Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC: Our members are united around a common goal: defeating the existential threat to our democracy and livelihood that is Donald Trump and MAGA extremism. And following a vote by the entirety of the Progressive Caucus, our members overwhelmingly agree that Kamala Harris is the candidate to do just that.

Emerge America: As an organization that centers women of the New American MajorityBlack, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, as well as young, LGBTQ+, and unmarried womenEmerge will continue to support the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-founded our organization over 20 years ago. Vice President Harris is a champion for women and a fighter for our rights. She has been a leader for this country on important issues, from abortion rights to voting rights to the economy, and is best prepared for this moment.

EMILYs List: Were proud to endorse @kamalaharris as the next president of the United States because we know she is a qualified accomplished leader. She is the only candidate positioned to win against Trump in November, and the best voice to define the stakes in this election! #allinforkamala

End Citizens United: We at @StopBigMoney/@LetAmericaVote join President Joe Biden in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign for president.

Equality PAC: There is no one more prepared to take on the position as President than Vice President Harris. From her days as Attorney General of California, Vice President Harris has staunchly defended the LGBTQ community, making sure our rights were not only protected but enshrined into law. We look forward to working with her in the next administration, alongside a new Pro-Equality Majority in the House, to pass the Equality Act and ensure all LGBTQ Americans have equal rights under the law.

Gen-Z for Change: We look forward to working alongside Vice President Harris to advance an agenda that young people deserve  from comprehensive climate change legislation to universal health care to a pathway to citizenship.

Grassroots Dems HQ: The HQ thanks President Biden for his decades of steadfast service to our nation. We follow President Bidens endorsement of Vice President Harris with great pride, and look forward to mobilizing volunteers and voters across the nation in support of her historic campaign.

Higher Heights: This election holds significant implications for the rights and well-being of Black women and women in general. The policies and priorities of the next administration will shape the landscape of reproductive rights, economic security, social justice, and overall equality for years to come. Ensuring that these issues are addressed and that Black womens voices are heard in the political process is essential and its precisely why Higher Heights for America exists, and its precisely why Vice President Kamala Harris is the only qualified and winning choice for President of the United States.

Human Rights Campaign: We are deeply grateful to President Biden for his more than 50 years of public service and his longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community. Todays announcement reflects what President Biden has done his entire career and will be core to his legacy: putting the needs of Americans and his country above his own.  The Human Rights Campaign could not be prouder to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and commit to channeling our resources and supporters to work to elect the first Black and South Asian woman president of the United States.

Indian American Impact Fund: As one of Kamala Harriss most vociferous supporters from the very beginning of her political career, Impact is thrilled to throw our support behind her candidacy for president. Harris possesses an extraordinary ability to unite our nation at a time when the stakes have never been higher. We are ready to leverage our extensive network of resources to mobilize South Asian voters, confident that they will be instrumental in delivering the White House to Kamala Harris in November.

Indivisible: Everything we care about is on the ballot this November: our bodily autonomy, economic and climate justice, and the fate of democracy itself. We can and will use our people power to win: to elect Kamala Harris, expand our majorities, and reclaim our rights and democracy.

Jewish Democratic Council of America: We applaud President Bidens record of success delivering for the American people, and commend his leadership in passing the torch to Vice President Harris, who has a strong record of standing with Jewish Americans. We proudly endorse VP Harris for President.

Latino Victory Fund: Latino Victory enthusiastically endorses Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys nominee for president and urges Latino delegates to close ranks around her nomination.

LPAC: The Board of LPAC Proudly endorse Vice President @KamalaHarris in this election. She has been a champion for LGBTQ rights, and she will be an outstanding leader for all Americans.

MoveOn: Vice President Harris is tested and respected, and her voice is critically important at this moment. MoveOn and our members have her back and believe that those who share our commitment to winning this election and protecting our futures will do everything in their power to lift her up and stop Trump in his tracks.

NewDem Action Fund: New Dems are honored to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President today. Along with President Biden, Vice President Harris has been a strong leader and fierce advocate in fighting for Americans fundamental freedoms, our democratic institutions, and hardworking American families.

Nikki Haley Voters PAC: A tough former prosecutor, the Vice President comes from the centrist wing of the Democratic Party, not its left most fringeFor Haley voters, all of this puts the Vice President in a sweet spot for them to register their ongoing opposition to [former] President Trump

Nuestro PAC: Nuestro PAC proudly endorses Kamala Harris for President of the United States. She will fight for the American people and bring our nation together. Its time to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris and defeat Trump. #KamalaHarris2024

Peoples Action: We thank President Biden for putting the people first, and for leading the most progressive administration in modern history. Our movement is committed to defeating Trump and building with Kamala Harris.

PODER PAC: Poder PAC honors @POTUS distinguished career and profound impact on our nation. We extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to public service. Poder PAC follows in his footsteps and endorses @VP for President

Reproductive Freedom for All: Our country is stronger because of President Biden, and we are deeply grateful for all he has done for our fundamental rights. Now, we are proud to endorse Kamala Harris. There is nobody who has fought as hard for abortion rights, and she is the candidate who can defeat Trump.

Somos PAC: We need a President who will put working people FIRST by providing us with the tools and opportunities we need to build a good life for ourselves and our families. That is why we at Somos PAC are proud to announce our support for Vice President Harris as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

SEIU: SEIU is proud to endorse VP @KamalaHarris as our nominee for President. As a woman of color & the child of immigrant parents, VP Harris is not only a historic choice to lead the ticket  she is prepared. She brings decades of public service fighting for workers across industries.

UnidosUS Action Fund: As the largest Latino civil right organization in the country, we believe in an America where economic, political, and social progress can be a reality for all. We are confident that under Kamala Harriss leadership, we will move closer to this vision. We urge all Latinos and all Americans to support Kamala Harris for President, as we continue to fight for a brighter future for our nation.

United Farm Workers: The United Farm Workers is proud to endorse VP Kamala Harris for President. Dime con quien andas, y te digo quien eres. Kamala Harris stood with farm workers as CAs Attorney General, as US Senator, and as Vice President. There is work to be done, and were ready. Si, se puede!

Voters of Tomorrow: As vice president, Kamala Harris has been one of Gen Zs fiercest champions. Harris has presented a clear vision for our future  a vision that will undoubtedly fire up young people this election to defeat Donald Trump.

Young Democrats of America: The Young Democrats of America are proud and honored to endorse Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States of America.

The Harris campaign noted, With the endorsements from these groups and the many to follow, Vice President Harris will have the organizing force of the entire backbone of the Democratic Party behind her as she campaigns to defeat Trump.

Sunday evening, Black women were already organizing for Kamala, and if you know anything about the power of Black women, this should bring some comfort and get you motivated to jump in to help.

Ill have to catch up with #bb26 later  Im on the #WinWithBlackWomen call with 7,000 Black women, with 25,000 more trying to get in. We are mobilizing, praying, and organizing for Kamala, for democracy. Like our ancestors did.  Thank you @JotakaEaddy for your work. pic.twitter.com/LgSY9IzL4S  ashley  (@thelawyeryogi) July 22, 2024

There is huge energy behind the former Attorney General Kamala Harris taking on adjudicated rapist and convicted felon Donald Trump. You love to see it.
It has been more than three years since Katelyn Lotz of Charleston last took a psychedelic drug to help with her treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, yet she said she can still feel its effects.

And she is grateful for that.

"That experience saved my life," said Lotz, 31, who suffered from PTSD for nine years after a sexual assault. She was a participant in a Charleston clinical trial for MDMA-assisted therapy.

The drug midomafetamine, or MDMA, is now the first psychedelic considered for approval by the Food and Drug Administration. A decision is expected in mid-August. But first, despite experiences like Lotz's, it will have to overcome strong objections from an FDA Advisory Committee.

PTSD is most commonly associated with combat veterans, but it is actually more prevalent in the civilian population. It affects an estimated 13 million people in the United States, and it's diagnosed more in women than in men.

Among the civilian population, 33 percent developed PTSD due to sexual violence and 30 percent after a traumatic event like a death in the family, said Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum, director of the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital. Symptoms include "haunting, intrusive and pervasive memories" of the event, he said, being easily startled, hypervigilance, nightmares, and trouble sleeping and concentrating, among others.

Lotz was diagnosed at age 19 and she suffered many symptoms: she was always sleeping but never felt rested, she avoided unfamiliar places and crowds, and she had flashbacks and recurring nightmares. Small things startled her, and that created an overreaction of its own when she ventured out.

"I would have the anxiety of not knowing if I was going to have anxiety about it or going there and having a flashback," Lotz said. There is also a lot of shame associated with PTSD, particularly for civilians like Lotz, who wonder "How I could possibly have something that people develop in response to combat?"
Shari Stauch loves all things Summerville and is a fierce champion of literacy in the Lowcountry. She owns Main Street Reads (115 S. Main St., www.mainstreetreads.com). An avid reader, author and publisher, she also serves on the boards of the Timrod Library and Summerville DREAM and the literacy committee of Summerville Rotary. She can be reached at mainstreetreads@gmail.com.
LORIS  The white sandy bottom is laid bare save a few strands of water connecting whats left of the Little Pee Dee River at Davis Landing.

Its the only river in the state deemed in extreme drought by the S.C. Drought Response Committee. The river, that normally tangles and laces into creeks and wetlands, marks the line between Horry and Marion counties and converges with the Great Pee Dee River near the Horry and Georgetown county line.

For about two weeks, the landing off S.C. 41 in the Blue Savannah area upstream of Galivants Ferry has been dry. About five feet on the bottom of the bald cypress trees are darker showing where the blackwater was once leveled. The cypress knees, or roots, stand like sentinels on what had been the river edge and green islands of sagittaria tell where the river had curved and forked.

Eyes widened, Aaron Langston scanned the landing as his wife Toni Elliott and 3-year-old daughter Reagan walked past the sign warning boaters to watch their wakes.

We just had to see it. This is amazing, the Loris man said sweeping a metal detector over the white sand. I dont know what Ill find but Im looking for treasure.

He found a mangled can before surrendering to the heat and deer flies.

Maybe by next week there will be water there again. Maybe the seven-day outlook of two to three inches of rain will be some drought relief.

Maybe the river will come back.

We didn't get in this drought in a week. Were not going to get out of this drought in a week, said Hope Mizzell, the state climatologist. We need to return to a more normal pattern of rainfall over several weeks, not just a couple of days.

She said the drought committee will meet again on July 24 to discuss the statewide drought and the effects of rainfall thats predicted for the next seven days. The committee recently upgraded the drought status of more than a dozen counties, mostly in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions, from normal to severe in the July 9 meeting. It declared all the states 46 counties are in some state of drought.
Charleston City Halls Council Chamber is the second oldest in the nation to have remained in continuous use.

The room is beautiful, with antebellum chandeliers, circa 1896 Thomas Edison light bulbs (that were used until 1983), an ornate cast-iron railing surrounding the gallery and a hand-painted tin ceiling.

Its wood-paneled walls are filled with art, including a life-sized portrait of President George Washington painted in 1792 by John Trumbull (1756-1843).

Upon closer inspection, the observant viewer quickly realizes the painting offers a distinctly unique perspective: Washingtons horse, whose hind end is prominently displayed with its tail raised, appears as if it is about to drop a big load of manure upon the Charleston city skyline seen beneath its back legs. (Insert audible gasp here.)

Did the artist mean it as an insult to the city? Some kind of joke? For years tour guides and docents have claimed Trumbull meant it as a snub because a city representative rejected his first painting. Yet research by Dr. Nicholas Butler, historian with the Charleston County Public Library, suggests the story might not be so simple.

Charlestonians were wildly excited about Washingtons 1791 visit to the Holy City, crowding bunting-lined streets, cheering his arrival and staging nightly balls in his honor.

Following his visit, S.C. congressman William Loughton Smith on behalf of City Council asked Trumbull to commemorate the visit by commissioning a portrait of the president.

Trumbull was a widely respected artist around the time of the American Revolution, and he painted many of its heroes, including several portraits of Washington.

Happily accepting Smiths commission, Trumbull painted Washington as he appeared before the 1777 Battle of Princeton  in full uniform, a telescope in one hand, a sword at the ready in the other. Behind him, his gray horse, Blueskin, rears in anticipation of the coming battle, and in the distance one can just make out the American flag flying in the encampment outside Trenton, N.J.
JOHNS ISLAND  In the weeks following an electoral blowout in the 2022 elections, Tyler Jones  a veteran of three presidential campaigns, architect of former congressman Joe Cunninghams improbable 2018 victory, and one of South Carolinas most sought-after political strategists  had a revelation.

In an election year Democrats nationally outran expectations, South Carolina Democrats faltered as Republicans gained a total of seven seats to increase their majority to 88 out of 124 seats in the S.C. House of Representatives.

A local candidate, then-state Rep. Chardale Murray, D-Hollywood, had just lost her seat in the Charleston suburbs to a heavily scrutinized political newcomer, Matt Leber, by three points in a district shed carried by two points several years prior despite a withering opposition campaign. Pediatrician Annie Andrews, running against Republican incumbent Nancy Mace in the historically competitive 1st Congressional District, was obliterated by 14 points in the general election.

And statewide, Black voters  the backbone of the Democratic Party in South Carolina  had largely elected to stay home.

It wasnt the quality of the candidates they ran, or the money they spent or didnt spend that Jones blamed for voters apathy that year. All cycle, the messaging they were running on, he said, simply wasnt breaking through, while lesser-known candidates they thought could be competitive were being ignored in mainstream press coverage, and therefore not part of the conversation.

In a red state like South Carolina, it doesnt matter how great our candidates are, he said in an interview from his Johns Island offices. It doesnt matter how much money we raise, or how crazy the Republicans candidates are. If we dont have the basic infrastructure to get our message out, we cannot win.

The December after that 2022 election, Jones  along with Andrews and a handful of other Democratic activists and strategists  began charting plans for a new media company, committed solely to boosting the profiles of rising leaders within the party and clearly articulating what they stood for.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 12:00:23

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 /Arras Minerals Corp. (TSX-V:ARK)(OTCQB:ARRKF) ("Arras" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that its planned 3,381 km airborne (helicopter) electromagnetic (EM) ("Heli-TEM") survey has commenced at the Company's Bozshakol group of licenses. These licenses form part of the Teck-Arras Strategic Exploration Alliance announced on December 7, 2023 (the "Bozshakol Project"), and are located nearby and surrounding the operating large-scale Bozshakol copper mine, operated by Kaz Minerals.Highlights from the Soil Sampling program3,381 line-kilometer Heli-TEM survey over the entire 1397 square-kilometer Bozshakol project mineral tenement package.Survey lines will be flown in a northwest-southeast (125-315) line direction, with lines expected to be approximately 500m apart.Tim Barry, CEO of Arras Minerals stated, " The commencement of the Heli-TEM survey at the Bozshakol group is an important initiative which we have worked closely with our Alliance partners, Teck Resources on planning. The shallow overburden on most of the project has prevented us from completing geological mapping and soil sampling over the properties and this survey will provide a significant amount of quality data to help guide future exploration as we commence our hunt for additional porphyry deposits adjacent to the large-scale Bozshakol copper mine." Future work will include evaluation of the airborne survey and ground follow-up that includes ground-based geophysics surveys, trenching and diamond drilling of identified targets.Figure 1. Map of Bozshakol Group of concessions showing Arras licenses, proposed Heli-TEM flight lines, historic IP anomalies and Bozshakol copper mine location.Teck Package A - Bozshakol Project:The Bozshakol Project is located 56km to the northwest of the town of Ekibastuz and surrounds and covers the potential continuation of mineralization of KAZ Minerals' Bozshakol copper- mine.This area has received limited historic exploration due to unconsolidated cover masking bedrock geology. The property consists of seven exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,400 square kilometres.The properties are in the Bozshakol-Chingis magmatic arc, which is an accretionary arc composed mainly of volcanics, volcaniclastics, older plutons and a nickel rich ophiolite belt of Cambrian age that have been intruded by mid-Ordovician aged intrusions, several of which host economic copper-gold porphyry mineralization. This package is regionally folded and refolded.Figure 2. Arras's License Package showing Arras-Teck Strategic Alliance Areas as "Package A" and "Package B" as well as the Elemes and Beskauga Projects and the Tay licence which are 100% owned by Arras.Figure 3. Arras's Heli-TEM Test Flight at Bozshakol Project, July 21 2024Heli-TEM Background InformationThe Heli-TEM system was developed by Fugro Airborne Surveys in the mid 2000's for detection of deep discrete conductive mineral targets or targets obscured by conductive overburden.The Heli-TEM system is composed of a 40-metre cable to which is attached the transmitter loop. The receiver platform and the receiver coil are located at the centre of the 35 metre diameter transmitter loop approximately 0.1 metre above the centre of the transmitter plane. The real time navigation GPS antenna is on the tail boom of the helicopter. The barometric altimeter, radar altimeter, laser altimeter, video camera and data recorder are all installed in the helicopter. GPS antennae are attached to the transmitter loop to give positional information and transmitter orientation.The survey uses a 7.5 Hertz ("Hz") one half cycle of the Heli-TEM system that is made up of a square pulse (on-time) of approximately thirty-four milliseconds in duration followed by approximately thirty-four milliseconds of off-time before the pulse is repeated with the opposite polarity. After acquisition the measured data are windowed into twenty-five ranges called "gates". Gate widths increase as time after turn-off increases because as the energy from the transmitter decays a wider sample must be taken to get a valid average. The position of the first off-time gate is selected after examining several flights of data and is as close to the transmitter turn off as possible. The power of the pulse causes eddy currents in the system after the turn off and the first off-time gate cannot start until these have died away. The earliest data has had less time to penetrate the subsurface and so contains information from the near surface.Qualified Person: The scientific and technical disclosure for this news release has been prepared under supervision of and approved by Matthew Booth, Vice President of Exploration, of Arras Minerals Corp., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Booth has over 19 years of mineral exploration experience and is a Qualified Person member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (CPG 12044).On behalf of the Board of Directors"Tim Barry"Tim Barry, MAusIMM CP(Geo) Chief Executive Officer and DirectorINVESTOR RELATIONS: +1 604 687 5800 info@ arrasminerals.com Further information can be found on:the Company's website https://www.arrasminerals.com orfollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrasminerals orfollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/arrasminerals About Arras Minerals Corp.Arras is a Canadian exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in northeastern Kazakhstan, including the Option Agreement on the Beskauga copper and gold project. The Company has established the third-largest license package in the country prospective for copper and gold (behind Rio Tinto and Fortescue). In December 2023, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with Teck Resources ("Teck") in which Teck will sole fund a US$5 million generative exploration program over a portion of the Arras license package in 2024-2025 focusing on critical minerals. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX-V under the trading symbol "ARK" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "ARRKF".Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources: This press release uses the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources", and "inferred resources" which are defined in, and required to be disclosed by, NI 43-101. The Company advises U.S. investors that these terms are not recognized by the SEC. The estimation of measured, indicated and inferred resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assum
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HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / The Bermuda Risk Summit is set to take place from March 10-12, 2025, at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. This premier event promises to bring together industry leaders and experts for three days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.Kendaree Burgess, COO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, remarked, " The 2025 Bermuda Risk Summit is a must attend event for Bermuda's Risk sector, bringing together industry thought leadership, innovation and interest from those seeking to make Bermuda their domicile of choice. This event highlights Bermuda's leadership in risk management and offers a unique platform for industry experts to network and collaborate." The 2024 Bermuda Risk Summit saw over 450 attendees, with 40% traveling from 30 different countries. The summit featured 50 industry-leading speakers, addressing crucial topics that shape the risk management landscape.Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsorship opportunities for the Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 are now available! Sponsors will have the chance to gain significant visibility and connect with influential leaders in the risk management sector.If you are interested in sponsorship,click hereor emailbermudarisk@ bda.bm Early Bird Registration and AccommodationMembers of the public are encouraged toregister early . An early bird rate of $395 will be available until September 30.To avoid disappointment,click hereto reserve your hotel room online or call 1-441-295-3000, or the Global Reservations Centre at 1-800-441-1414, using the booking code: Bermuda Risk Summit' to take advantage of our preferred rate.For more information, please visit our website or contact us atbermudarisk@ bda.bm BERMUDA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY+1 441 292 0632CONNECTING BUSINESSThe BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions.The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions.Contact DetailsBermuda's Business Development Agency (BDA) Melvin Dickinson+1 441-707-0038info@ bda.bm Company Website https://bda.bm SOURCE: BERMUDA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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PARIS, FRANCE AND CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Biophytis SA (Euronext Growth Paris:ALBPS), ("Biophytis" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of treatments for age-related diseases, today announces the deployment of its partnership strategy in Asia.To expand its presence in this strategic region, Biophytis has today signed two contracts with local agents: one for Japan and South Korea, the other for China and Southeast Asia. These agents will leverage their networks within the pharmaceutical sector to support Biophytis in identifying partners for the drug candidate BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) in these different countries.This initiative is part of the partnership development strategy in Asia, aimed at accelerating the deployment of BIO101 in this key geography, the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world. Biophytis is determined to establish successful collaborations to meet patients' needs and make significant advances in the various targeted pathologies.Japan and China are two strategic markets for Biophytis. Indeed, Japan has the largest population in the world suffering from sarcopenia, with more than 1 in 5 people aged 60 and over affected (source: Yuan 2023, Epidemiology of Sarcopenia, Metabolism). Additionally, more than 70 million Chinese adults are affected by obesity, making it the second-largest population worldwide with this pathology (source: https://www.worldobesity.org/ ).Following the exclusive license agreement signed with Blanver, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Brazil, for BIO101 (20-Hydroxyecdysone) in Latin America, Biophytis aims to sign new co-development and commercialization agreements with industrial partners in Asia and also in North America, the world's largest pharmaceutical market.****About BIOPHYTISBiophytis SA is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of drug candidates for age-related diseases. BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone), our lead drug candidate, is a small molecule in development for muscular (sarcopenia, phase 3 ready and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, phase 1-2 study to be started, respiratory (Covid-19, phase 2 completed) and metabolic diseases (obesity, phase 2 to be started). The company is based in Paris, France, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Growth (Ticker: ALBPS -ISIN: FR0012816825). For more information, visitwww.biophytis.com Forward-looking statementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "predicts," "intends," "trends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Biophytis considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the statements contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The forward- looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Biophytis or not currently considered material by Biophytis. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Please also refer to the "Risk and uncertainties the Company is to face section from the Company's 2023 Financial Report available on BIOPHYTIS website ( www.biophytis.com) and as exposed in the "Risk Factors" section of form 20-F as well as other forms filed with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission, USA). We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.Contacts BiophytisInvestor relationsNicolas Fellmann, CFO Investors@ biophytis.com MediaAntoine Denry: antoine.denry@taddeo.fr - +33 6 18 07 83 27Nizar Berrada: nizar.berrada@taddeo.fr - +33 6 38 31 90 50SOURCE: Biophytis
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DLE Pilot Plant First Stage Production Completed, Downstream Process Optimised with Sample of Battery-Grade Lithium ProducedJERSEY, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / CleanTech Lithium PLC ("CleanTech Lithium", "CTL" or the "Company")(AIM:CTL)(Frankfurt:T2N)(OTCQX:CTLHF), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, announces completion of the first stage of production from the Companys DLE pilot plant operations and results from successful downstream process test work to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate by process partners in North America.Highlights:An initial volume of 88m3 of concentrated eluate, which is the lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) of approx. one tonne, has been produced from the Companys DLE pilot plant in Copiapo, Chile over an operating period of 384 hours with 14 cycles completedThis completes the first stage of production from the DLE pilot plantResults show the DLE adsorbent achieved a lithium recovery rate of approximately 95% from the brine, with total recovery (adsorption plus desorption) achieving approximately 88%Impurity rejection rates were very high producing a low impurity eluate conducive to the downstream conversion process.The concentrated eluate is being shipped in four batches to the facilities of Conductive Energy in Chicago, USA, for conversion into battery grade lithium carbonateShipmentEluate VolumeEluate Li GradeLCE (kg)Shipment Status24m32008 mg/L257Arrived process facility24m32360 mg/L301In Shipment24m32325 mg/L297In shipment17.5m32464 mg/L230At departure portTargeted90m32000 mg/L1022Total Achieved88m32289 mg/L1085Table 1: Status of concentrated eluate from pilot plant first stage productionConductive Energy completed test-work on a 200L sample of concentrated eluate shipped in May 2024 to optimise the downstream process before receiving the larger volume shipmentsThe conversion test-work produced multiple samples of lithium carbonate with 99.75% lithium carbonate purity demonstrating that the process achieves targets and is repeatableThe result is a first confirmation that a process has been developed that will efficiently produce battery-grade lithium for the Laguna Verde project from pilot scale DLE eluateCleanTech Lithium continues to be a leader in exploration and development of DLE based projects in Chile and this pilot scale production will provide large test samples of lithium carbonate to potential offtake partners seeking product qualification.Subject to the completion of the re-injection well in September, the reserve report for Laguna Verde is scheduled to be completed by Montgomery and Associates in October 2024.Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, of CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:"We are very pleased by these results as it shows we can produce battery-grade lithium with low impurities from our Laguna Verde brine project. Working with our partners on the downstream process, Forward Water and Conductive Energy, we can now demonstrate the entire DLE process from brine to final lithium product."The optimised downstream process will now be applied to the initial volume of 88m3 of concentrated eluate, or approximately 1 tonne of LCE, produced from the first stage of production from our DLE pilot plant. This will produce significant test sample volumes of battery-grade lithium carbonate for commencement of testing with potential strategic partners. This is important whilst the Chilean government is reviewing the feasibility of lithium projects to identify the most advanced companies in Chile and if they are to reach their target of having three to four new lithium projects in development by 2026."Further InformationPilot Plant in Copiapo First Stage Production CompletedThe Companys DLE pilot plant is in Copiapo, Chile, approximately 275km from Laguna Verde. The plant finished commissioning in late March 2024 and up until mid-June a total volume of 1196m3 of brine from the Laguna Verde project was processed in the plant with a total of 14 cycles completed. Each cycle represents a volume of brine being fed first through filtration to remove suspended solids, then into DLE columns which are filled with adsorbent designed to be selective for lithium molecules. Lithium, as lithium chloride, is adsorbed from the brine, before desorption with water to create a purified lithium chloride eluate. A reverse osmosis (RO) unit at the DLE pilot plant then concentrates the eluate by extracting approximately 75% of the water to form a concentrated eluate.Averaged across the 14 cycles, the recovery rate achieved by adsorption of lithium by the adsorbent was 95% and the recovery rate of desorption from the adsorbent was 93%. The total recovery rate averaged 88% and was highly consistent as shown in Figure 1. The temperature of the brine and desorption water, using the average ambient temperature in Copiapo during the March to June period of operation, was in the range of 20oC to 25oC, which did not significantly affect the recovery achieved.Figure 1: Pilot Plant Total Recovery RateThe eluate production rate was relatively stable after the initial ramp up period achieving an average of 2.8 kg LCE per hour. The design of the plant is 1 tonne per month of LCE based on designed monthly operating schedule of 360 hours. Due to budget and volume considerations, the plant was run for 384 hours for the first stage of planned operation producing a total of 1.085 tonnes of LCE as eluate. Based on the hourly production rate this met and exceeded the design capacity of the plant.Figure 2: Pilot Plant Production Rate (Kg LCE/hr in Eluate)Selectivity of the adsorbent is another key performance parameter for a DLE operation. DLE primarily acts as a purification stage, recovering lithium chloride from the brine whilst rejecting other impurities. For all the major ions in the brine, apart from boron, the rejection rate was very high as shown in Fig. 3 below. More cycles will further validate this performance. The quality of the eluate was consistent over the first stage of production with the low level of impurities facilitating downstream conversion.Figure 3: DLE Performance - Rejection of Major ImpuritiesAfter completion of the DLE stage, the eluate is concentrated using a reverse osmosis (RO) unit at the pilot plant. On completion of both stages the lithium grade in the purified lithium chloride eluate is over ten times higher than the feed brine. The concentrated eluate was then loaded into a flexitank in a standard shipping container and transported to the port of Caldera for shipment to North America.Downstream Processi
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Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care validated as the First African American Owned Urgent Care in the nation with chain locationsLOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care of California make a historical mark as the first African American owned chain of urgent cares in the United States. This milestone builds upon a previous achievement from September 4, 2020, when the medical pioneer was named the first African American to open a chain of urgent cares in Los Angeles; which led many to believe that Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care could be the nation's first black-owned Chain. The California PR firm Executive 1 Media Group executed a nationwide urgent care project in February of 2024 with a team of researchers from Ohio, Nevada and California.Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen The PR firm gathered official active state records, confirming Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care of California, founded in March 2001, holds the historic distinction of being the first African American-owned urgent care with chain of facilities in the United States. Dr. Allen's groundbreaking achievement stands out in a healthcare landscape, dominated by large corporations, where 99% of urgent care centers are owned by branded providers. Official state records, verified by the public relations firm, confirms this significant achievement.Dr. Allen states: "I am honored to be categorized as other great medical historians, being the first means a lot to the Dusk to Dawn team. We are a product of those physicians who opened a pathway and shared a vision of patient care." Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care has been a staple in southern California for over 20 years, bridging the gap with the community with local and state leaders. Their commitment to providing accessible medical care to a multicultural population extends to all residents, including the underserved homeless population. In 2023, Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen and his wife Dr. Connie Yu Allen, received the First Responders Award for their heroic efforts during the onset of the pandemic in 2020.Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen an emergency medicine physician, an alumnus of the renowned Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, continues to carry on the legacy of pioneering emergency care as other historic physicians who paved the way. Dr. Allen plans to open new locations in California and Mississippi in 2025. Dr. Allen's impact extends beyond medical care; as founder of the Saint Vinson Eugene Allen Foundation, he's championed special needs families through funding and awareness initiatives. The Colin Matthew $50,000 Hand Up Award and Annual Gala have drawn support from celebrities, city officials, and dignitaries, further showcasing Dr. Allen's commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals with different abilities.Website: www.dusktodawnurgentcare.com Website: www.saintvinsoneugeneallen.com Social Media: @DrAllenLa YouTube: Conversations with Dr. AllenYouTube: #AllenFamilyUnityWebsite: www.coronavirustestla.com Media Inquiries: Derrick DzurkoEmail: derrick@ e1mgmedia.com Contact InformationDerrick DzurkoPress Agentderrick@ e1mgmedia.com (888) 231-6942SOURCE: Executive 1 Media GroupView the original press release on newswire.com
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Mr. Alonso Sotomayor Appointed as CFO of DynaResource, Inc.IRVING, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / DYNR-DynaResource, Inc. (OTCQX:DYNR) ("DynaResource", or "the Company") today announced the appointment of Mr. Alonso Sotomayor as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Sotomayor is an experienced mining executive, bilingual in English and Spanish with over 15 years of progressive professional experience in public accounting and financial reporting in the Mining sector.Mr. Rohan Hazelton, CEO and Director of the Company, said: "I am pleased to welcome Alonso to the DynaResource team. His extensive experience in financial management and cost control in junior mining will be a great asset to the company. We look forward to his contributions in improving operations at the San Jose de Gracia mine." Mr. Sotomayor started his career in a mining-specific role with accounting firm McGovern Hurley LLP, followed by progressively senior roles in the Toronto Mining Groups at KPMG and Deloitte Canada overseeing files on numerous Canadian listed mining companies. Since 2017, Mr. Sotomayor has held the position of Corporate Controller of Ascendant Resources Inc. and Corporate Controller of Cerrado Gold Inc. since 2020. He was also Chief Financial Officer of Voyager Metals, Inc. from November 2019 to May 2023, when it was acquired by Cerrado Gold, Inc. He holds a B.B.A. in Management and Accounting from the University of Toronto, graduating in 2008.About DynaResource DynaResource is a junior gold mining producer trading on the OTCQX under the symbol "DYNR". DynaResource is actively mining and expanding the historic San Jose de Gracia gold mining district in Sinaloa, Mexico.CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains 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.Certain information contained in this news release, including any information relating to future financial or operating performance, expectations, plans, forecasts, potential developments, estimates, beliefs, opportunities, and uncertainties, may be deemed "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current internal projections, expectations or beliefs and are based on information currently available to DynaResource, but there is no assurance they will prove to be correct or come to pass. Factors such as the risk factors referenced in the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by DynaResource available at www.sec.gov may cause future events to unfold in ways unexpected by the Company and different from its forward-looking statements. capital requirements, fluctuations in the international currency markets and in the rates of Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. DynaResource expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.For Information on DynaUSA and DynaMexico, please visit www.dynaresource.com or contact:Press ContactTayler DiepholzDynaUSA V.P. - Corporate Development972-869-9400SOURCE: DynaResource, Inc
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Dual-Use Innovation and Funding Conference Gives Dutch Businesses an Opportunity to Partner With World-Leading UAS SupplierSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Following the success of Blue Magic events held in Belgium, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has scheduled its first Blue Magic event in the Netherlands on Nov. 19, 2024. The Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.Joining GA-ASI for the event will be partners Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), as well as Brainport Development, an organization that develops regional economic strategy and projects and promotes Brainport Eindhoven at home and abroad."We want to build on our successful Blue Magic concept, which fosters a collaborative partnering environment for technology ideation, and bring it to the Netherlands," said Brad Lunn, Managing Director-Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. "We look forward to hosting thought leaders in the Dutch innovation ecosystem for a full day of technology interchange. Our goal is to provide a single forum for sharing ideas and implementation strategies that can shape the course of technology and defense systems and ultimately make the world safer." GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.GA-ASI held its first European Blue Magic event in 2019, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Since the inception of Blue Magic, GA-ASI has commenced work with a broad range of European and international businesses. For the Blue Magic Netherlands event, GA-ASI and other participants will hear technology pitches followed by a lively panel discussion and host a networking event where participants can meet with other high-tech businesses and leaders to see if their capabilities can be leveraged in new and useful ways.Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space.Businesses interested in participating in the BMN 2024 event should visit the event website for additional information.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.Contact Information:GA-ASI Media Relationsasi-mediarelations@ ga-asi.com SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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BISBEE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 /By: Gretchen Bonaduce and Amanda PresslyMy campaign for Mayor of Bisbee embodies the values I represent: community service, collaboration, and hard work to bring positive change. Growing up in Waukegan, Illinois, I furthered my education at Lamson Business College in Phoenix, Arizona in 1986, specializing in travel and tourism.Photo Credit: Sherry LeeFrom a young age, I was active in my community and volunteered at Saint Catherine's Hospital in Kenosha, Wisconsin; at food banks in underprivileged communities; on Easter, by bringing baskets to the children of military officials; at Camp Pedleton, collecting over 100 gowns for women to wear to the military ball; and today, raising money for the Bisbee Fire Department to fund a new fire truck.When determining a budget for our City, I plan to diligently work with experts and city officials to ensure that we prioritize vital and urgent improvements, looking to alternative funding options beyond raising local and property taxes at a fixed rate. The community deserves an environment that ensures safety, encourages the ability to pursue life and liberty, and fosters economic vitality. In a time where people are living paycheck to paycheck, many may not be able to afford excessive taxes. It must be considered that citizens have less resources than others. The recent decision to deny low-income individuals and families discounts to their sewer and trash fees sets a precedent that we are not considering those in the community in need of support.My number one priority is serving the community and fostering positive development for core issues our City faces. I truly care about the people who live here and want to see community members and businesses thrive. I feel confident in my abilities to secure funding to invoke real change that will positively impact the lives of our citizens significantly. As an alternative to raising local and property taxes, I plan to utilize my skills in public relations and tourism to drive excitement about the lovely City of Bisbee. Increasing the revenue generated by our City through tourism will alleviate stress from taxpayers, create jobs and help sustain employment, increase cultural vibrancy, encourage infrastructure development, and aid to preserve the beauty of the City of Bisbee.Priorities of my campaign include: increasing job opportunities, creating affordable housing options for low income individuals and families through the utilization of unused buildings, beautification of and increase of recreational facilities, affordable healthcare, finding a solution for the issue of our homeless community through increasing a commitment to mental health outreach and preventive care, fire prevention, and developing youth involvement in our City.The role of Mayor calls for a "people person." Upon election, I will serve as a relentless ambassador to the City of Bisbee. I will adhere to my values to promote transparency during my term in office, including what our tax dollars are being spent on. I will be donating my salary as Mayor to the community as a testament to my dedication. A vote for me is a vote for a candidate that will advocate for you!To Follow Gretchen's Campaign:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenbonaduce/?hl=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEjqLKIEsyI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myheraldreview/videos/introductions-from-bisbee-mayoral-candidates-gretchen-bonaduce-ken-budge-and-wan/1145103629939324/ Credit: Muck Rock@muckrock Contact: Graveltone1@ aol.com SOURCE: Gretchen Bonaduce
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SMITHFIELD, NC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / KS Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (OTC PINK:KSBI), parent company of KS Bank, Inc. (the "Bank"), announced unaudited results for the second quarter of 2024.The Company reported net income of $1.7 million or $1.50 per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to net income of $1.6 million or $1.41 per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2023.Net interest income before the provision for credit losses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $5.5 million, compared to $5.1 million at June 30, 2023. Non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $863,000, compared to $829,000 for the comparable period ended June 30, 2023. Non-interest expense was $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $3.8 million in the comparable period in 2023.For the six months ending June 30, 2024, net interest income before the provision for credit losses was $10.6 million, compared to $10.3 million for the six months ending June 30, 2023, which was a 2.9% increase. Non-interest income was $1.7 million for the six months ending June 30, 2024, compared to $1.6 million for the same period ended June 30, 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, non-interest expenses were $8.1 million, compared to $7.6 million for the same period ending June 30, 2023.The Company's unaudited consolidated total assets increased $55.2 million to $668.8 million on June 30, 2024, compared to $613.6 million on December 31, 2023. Net loan balances increased by $31.4 million to $504.3 million on June 30, 2024, compared to $472.9 million on December 31, 2023. The Company's investment securities totaled $97.9 million on June 30, 2024, compared to $98.0 million on December 31, 2023. Total deposits increased $64.0 million to $609.0 million on June 30, 2024, compared to $545.0 million on December 31, 2023. The increase in deposits included a $57.6 million increase or 11.5% in core deposits. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, short-term borrowings decreased $12.0 million. Total stockholders' equity increased $3.0 million to $43.5 million on June 30, 2024, from $40.5 million on December 31, 2023.On June 30, 2024, nonperforming assets consisted of nonaccrual loans of $797,000, representing less than 0.20% of the Company's total assets. No foreclosed real estate was owned on June 30, 2024. The allowance for credit losses on June 30, 2024, totaled $4.1 million, or 0.80% of total loans.Commenting on the second quarter results, Earl W. Worley, Jr., President and CEO of the Company, stated, "During the first six months of 2024, KS Bank continues to experience solid growth in both deposits and loans. Net loan balances have increased 6.64%, and deposit balances have increased 11.75%, respectively, year-to-date. On June 30, 2024, the bank's loan balances were $504 million, exceeding the one-half billion-dollar threshold for the first time in the bank's history. We are pleased with our year-to-date results as we are on track with our projections for the year. As the Federal Reserve works toward their soft landing,' we will continue to make adjustments as warranted." In addition, Worley stated, "The second quarter for KS Bank was exciting not just because of our history-making loan balances but also due to the opening of our newest full-service branch location in Dunn, North Carolina. On June 20, 2024, KS Bank held a ribbon cutting in Dunn with more than 100 community members, city officials, and bank employees in attendance. The new branch marks the Bank's tenth full-service location and its first branch location in Harnett County, North Carolina. We are extremely pleased with the community's reception and the new customers the bank is acquiring." In addition, the Company announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share for stockholders of record as of July 29, 2024, with payment to be made on August 8, 2024.KS Bank continues to be well capitalized according to regulatory standards with a Community Bank Leverage Ratio of 9.49%, compared to 9.67% on December 31, 2023.KS Bancorp, Inc. is a Smithfield, North Carolina-based single-bank holding company. KS Bank, Inc., a state-chartered savings bank, is KS Bancorp's sole subsidiary. The Bank is a full-service community bank that has served the citizens of eastern North Carolina since 1924. The Bank offers a broad range of personal and business banking products and services, as well as mortgage and trust services. Ten full-service branches are located in Kenly, Selma, Clayton, Garner, Goldsboro, Wilson, Wendell, Smithfield, Four Oaks, and Dunn, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.ksbankinc.com This release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company and on the information available to management at the time that these disclosures were prepared. These statements can be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and "believe," variations of these words and other similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.Contact: Earl W. Worley, Jr.Regina J SmithPresident and Chief Executive OfficerChief Financial Officer(919) 938-3101(919) 938-3101KS Bancorp, Inc. and SubsidiaryConsolidated Statements of Financial ConditionJune 30, 2024December 31,(unaudited)2023*(Dollars in thousands)ASSETSCash and due from banks:Interest-earning37,34815,962Noninterest-earning4,4622,983Time Deposit513500Investment securities available for sale, at fair value97,91598,047Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost469978Loans508,382476,679Less allowance for loan losses(4,048(3,766Net loans504,334472,913Accrued interest receivable
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Backed by Index Ventures and Cyberstarts, Linx Security redefines modern identity security to address identity-related security breaches, which impact 84% of organizations.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Linx Security, a pioneer in modern identity security and governance solutions, emerged today from stealth and announced that it has raised $33 million in funding. The round was led by Index Ventures and Cyberstarts, with investors also including entrepreneurs Mickey Boodaei (Imperva, Trusteer, Transmit) and Rakesh Loonkar (Trusteer, Transmit), as well as Cerca Partners and Knollwood Investment Advisory.Linx Founders. Credit - Ohad Kab On the right - Israel Duanis (CEO) and Niv Goldenberg (CPO)Founded in 2023 by Israel Duanis (CEO) and Niv Goldenberg (CPO), Linx Security emerged with a mission to redefine how organizations secure and manage identities across complex digital landscapes. Both Israel and Niv are experienced cybersecurity executives with proven track records spanning over 25 years. Before founding Linx, Israel co-founded Fleetonomy, a pioneering AI-driven fleet management solutions platform, which was acquired by Via in 2020 and led the threat prevention line of business at CheckPoint Security. Niv's last role before co-founding the company was VP Product at Mickey Boodaei's Transmit, which during Niv's tenure doubled its ARR.The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) revealed that more than half of all breaches involve a human element, accounting for 68% of incidents. The 2024 Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA) Report found that 84% of organizations have experienced an identity-related security breach, with 78% facing direct business impacts as a result. The recent Snowflake breach serves as a prime example of the potential damage, as hackers gained access to the accounts of up to 165 Snowflake customers by exploiting stolen customer credentials, possibly marking it one of the largest data breaches ever."Identity security is one of the urgent cybersecurity pain points organizations struggle to address in today's fast-paced business environment," said Israel Duanis, CEO of Linx Security. "Our platform empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of identity security and governance with confidence, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving threats and regulatory requirements." Linx Security's cutting-edge technology eliminates the blind spots and gaps inherent in traditional identity tools. Linx maps and monitors the relationships between users, their identities, and the access and permissions they have to company data and resources, and uses advanced analytics and automation to enable organizations to effortlessly shrink their attack surface, achieve compliance, and streamline operations across the entire lifecycle of users and identities. In one case, Linx detected ungoverned access to a client's code repository. By identifying all accounts and linking them to their human owners, Linx assessed each user's permissions and risk level. This revealed a former employee's unsecured access, which Linx promptly revoked, reducing the organization's attack surface and improving security."Identity is the top threat vector for the modern enterprise. Identity teams under the CISO, are struggling to cope with a growing number of tasks and suffer from antiquated legacy solutions. The highly motivated and accomplished Linx team will undoubtedly leverage their vast experience, creativity, and vision to tackle that" said Cyberstarts' Founder, Gili Raanan. "We are proud to partner with Israel and Niv from day zero, on their journey to build Linx." "Linx Security represents a pivotal advancement in identity security solutions, poised to redefine how organizations safeguard their digital assets," said Shardul Shah, Index Ventures Partner. "With a visionary leadership team and innovative technology, they are well-positioned to lead the industry in mitigating evolving cyber threats." About Linx Security:Linx Security is at the forefront of transforming identity security with an innovative platform that addresses the limitations of traditional identity tools. By continuously minimizing the attack surface and mitigating compliance vulnerabilities, Linx Security helps organizations protect identities in real-time, aligned with the dynamic pace of business operations. Offering comprehensive visibility of all identities, along with advanced threat detection and automated remediation, Linx ensures effective identity management and governance. The platform's precise insights and actionable recommendations enhance security posture while streamlining operations.For more information about Linx Security and its innovative solutions, please visit www.linx.security Contact InformationMia BalabanMedia Consultantmia@ shalomtelaviv.com SOURCE: Linx SecurityView the original press release on newswire.com
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, the leading provider of lab grown diamond andmoissanitejewellery in Australia, proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, Moi Moi has established itself as a pioneer and innovator in the jewellery industry, offering customers exquisite, ethical, and affordable options that stand the test of time.A Journey of Innovation and ExcellenceFounded in 2004 by the dynamic sister duo, Lauren Sommer and Alana Weirick, Moi Moi Fine Jewellery embarked on a mission to revolutionise the jewellery market. The name "Moi Moi," signifies the brand's origins in fine Moissanite jewellery, the most brilliant jewel in the world that the sisters introduce to Australia. The jewellers are dedicated to creating beautiful, high-quality pieces that are both accessible and sustainable.From its inception, Moi Moi has been at the forefront of introducing and popularising lab grown diamonds and moissanite in Australia. These innovative alternatives to mined diamonds offer not only exceptional brilliance and durability but also a more ethical and environmentally friendly choice for discerning consumers.The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds and MoissaniteLab grown diamonds and moissanite have gained significant traction over the years, and Moi Moi has played a crucial role in this evolution, being an Australian first for both jewels. Lab grown diamonds, identical to mined diamonds in every way, are created in controlled environments using advanced technological processes. They possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts but come without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with mining.Moissanite, on the other hand, is a gemstone that outshines all others in terms of brilliance and fire. With a refractive index higher than that of diamonds, moissanite captivates with its extraordinary sparkle. Moi Moi has been instrumental in educating consumers about these remarkable gemstones and their benefits, fostering a shift towards more conscious and sustainable jewellery choices.Celebrating 20 Years of MilestonesAs Moi Moi celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the significant milestones that have shaped the brand's journey:1- 2004: The Founding of Moi Moi Fine JewelleryLauren and Alana Sommer launched Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, introducing Australia to the concept of moissanite with the opening of its flagship store in Sydney's iconic QVB.2- 2009: Launches Lab Grown Pink DiamondsMoi Moi unveils its first collection of Pink Lab Grown Diamonds, an Australian first offering exquisite jewels at exceptional value.3- 2016: Introduction of SUPERNOVA MoissaniteMoi Moi introduces SUPERNOVA Moissanite, the finest Moissanite ever created setting a new standard for brilliance and quality in the global market.4- 2019: Launches LAVANA Lab Grown DiamondsMoi Moi continues to pave the way for lab grown jewels and launches Australia's first range of lab grown diamond jewellery5- 2020: Innovation Amidst the PandemicDespite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Moi Moi continues to innovate, introducing Home Try ons and virtual consultations and expanding its product offerings to meet evolving customer needs.6- 2022: Melbourne Flagship opens in Collins StMoi Moi opens its highly anticipated Melbourne store in the Paris end of Collins St with a large collection of ready to wear Lab Grown Diamond and Moissanite jewellery.7- 2023: 20th Anniversary CelebrationMoi Moi marks two decades of excellence with the upcoming launch of a commemorative collection that pays homage to its rich heritage and future aspirations.A Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical PracticesMoi Moi's success is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. By championing lab grown diamonds and moissanite, the brand addresses the environmental and social issues associated with traditional diamond mining. Lab grown diamonds significantly reduce carbon emissions and land disruption, while moissanite offers a conflict-free alternative that does not contribute to human rights abuses or environmental degradation.Furthermore, Moi Moi adheres to strict ethical standards throughout its supply chain, ensuring that every piece of jewellery is crafted with integrity and respect for both people and the planet. This unwavering commitment has earned Moi Moi the trust and loyalty of customers who seek not only beauty but also conscience in their purchases.Celebrating with a special Anniversary collectionTo commemorate this significant milestone, Moi Moi launched an exquisite anniversary collection featuring stunning new designs that reflect Moi Moi's journey and vision for the future.Looking Ahead: The Future of Moi Moi Fine JewelleryAs Moi Moi looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The brand is committed to continuing its role as a leader in the jewellery industry, exploring new technologies and materials that align with its vision of ethical luxury.Lauren Sommer, Managing Director of Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, reflects on the journey: "Celebrating 20 years is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our customers. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and excited for the future as we continue to push boundaries and redefine what fine jewellery can be in today's world." About Moi Moi Fine JewelleryMoi Moi Fine Jewellery is Australia's leading retailer of lab grown diamond and moissanite jewellery. Founded in 2004 by sisters Lauren and Alana Sommer, the brand offers a wide range of exquisite, ethical, and affordable jewellery pieces. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Moi Moi continues to set new standards in the industry, providing customers with exceptional quality and unparalleled brilliance.For more information about lab grown diamondengagement rings in Sydneyorengagement rings in Melbourne , visit www.moimoi.com.au or stop by either their flagship stores in Sydney's QVB & Melbourne, 271 Collins Street or contact the MoiMoi.com.au team at info@ moimoi.com.au or +61 2 88599 599.Press ContactOrganisation: Moi Moi Fine JewelleryContact Person: Lauren SommerWebsite: https://www.moimoi.com.au/ Email: lauren@ moimoi.com.au Contact Number: +61292610511SOURCE: Moi Moi Fine Jewellery
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 21:00:17

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A Soulful Sunday ExperienceLAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Experience the soulful rhythms of Motown while indulging in a delectable brunch at the Ahern Boutique Hotel in Las Vegas. Admit VIP and Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel announced today the opening of the only Motown Brunch in Las Vegas starting July 28, 2024. This exclusive Sunday morning event promises to elevate the weekend with electrifying performances by the renowned EC Adams, JR Phelps, Ariel Knight, and Patrice Petway (Producer and Star of Flashback: The Show). It's brought to you by the producers of All Motown, the hit Las Vegas All-Female Motown Revue, and directed by Tonja Jones. Motown Brunch is a celebration of timeless hits and unforgettable melodies that will transport you to the golden era of Motown. Playing all the top Motown hits from artists like The Supremes, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and many more.Motown Brunch Motown Brunch starring EC AdamsMotown Brunch isn't just about the music; it's a culinary delight curated by acclaimed Executive Chef Joel Ott. With a menu that perfectly complements the soulful sounds, Chef Ott's creations will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From classic breakfast favorites to innovative brunch dishes, each bite is prepared with the finest ingredients and a touch of gourmet flair, making every flavor an experience."The success of All Motown for the past three years and guests' continued love of the music of Motown has had us looking for ways to offer more of that great music to Las Vegas tourists and locals," said Pete Housley, Executive Producer of All Motown and The Motown Brunch. "We have been developing the concept for some time and are ecstatic to partner with Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel." The Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel showroom is the perfect backdrop for Motown Brunch, which joins other resident shows on the property, A-Stars Comedy and King of Diamonds-The Neil Diamond Tribute, along with a lineup of one-off performances.Whether you're a local or a tourist visiting Las Vegas, this event is a must-attend for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Join us for an extraordinary blend of live Motown music and gourmet dining, and make your Sunday mornings something exceptional.Tickets are on sale now, starting at $57.95 online at MotownBrunch.com or by calling 702-483-8056 or through most major ticket outlets.Contact InformationDenise Kraftdenise@ vergepublicrelations.com 206-852-1656Peter HousleyCEOphousley@ admit.vip 702-860-2470SOURCE: Admit VIPView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 15:25:56

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RENO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Pershing Resources Company Inc. ("Pershing Resources" or the "Company") (OTC PINK:PSGR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Mohave Project (the "Project") located in Mohave County in northwestern Arizona.Project Highlights:Extensive well-developed low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver vein complex and alteration system covering an area in excess of 2 sq miles or 6 sq kms.Permitted in 2023 by previous optionee for up to 600 drill sites and up to 27 kilometers (~16.8 miles) of drill access roads within the property.Post-1975 drilling includes 619 holes totaling 23,244 metres (76,260 feet). All were shallow holes averaging 37.5 metres (~122 feet) in depth with many bottoming in gold mineralization and open in several directions.Over 40 abandoned mine workings (adits, shafts and declines) have been located / mapped on the property by previous operators, some of which have been recently visited and sampled by Company representatives.Large areas of anomalous rock and soil geochemistry occur, along with numerous historical mine workings, none of which have seen any recent drill testing.Included is a very extensive and well-organized database documenting much of the historical (artisanal) production up to the most recent exploration and production on the property."The Mohave Project represents an excellent exploration opportunity that the Company simply could not pass up" commented Patrick Burns, Pershing's newly appointed Director of Project Development (see Pershing news release June 10, 2024). Mr. Burns continued: "The potential for near term production of gold and silver on this project is considered high and we look forward to systematically exploring the numerous historic gold and silver mineralized zones, many of which have never been recently evaluated. Finally, the large surficial expression of the mineralization and alteration, combined with relatively shallow drilling to date, suggests potential for additional mineralization at depth including not only increasing any Au and Ag resource, but for a mineralized porphyry intrusive target." Neil Novak Director of Exploration comments: "The Mohave Project complements Pershing Resources' New Enterprise Project located approximately 50 miles to the southeast, as well as our Klondyke Gold Project situated 220 miles to the northwest near Tonopah, Nevada. All three projects align along Nevada's Walker Lane Gold trend as it coalesces into the Laramide Arc Copper Porphyry Trend in northwest Arizona near Kingman - an area we believe remains underexplored." The addition of the Mohave Project to our Arizona and Nevada property portfolio will result in significant cost sharing benefits and will reduce various risks of our exploration programs. Combined, these projects provide Pershing a strategic advantage within an increasingly important precious and base metals district.The Mohave ProjectBased upon a review of the extensively documented exploration data package in late March 2024, along with a due diligence site visit by Company representatives in early April, the Mohave Project is interpreted as an advanced stage low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver prospect. The Mohave Project land package currently consists of 160 contiguous mining claims covering approximately 3300 acres (1,336 hectares or 13 sq kms) in Mohave County, Arizona (including 13 millsite claims covering 65 acres). Access is via a well-developed network of roads and trails to numerous historical small mines and underground workings as well as several historical drill platforms by others over the past few decades. Permitting for construction of up to 600 new drill sites and approximately 17 miles of access roads was granted in 2022 for a property wide exploration program to a previous operator. This Permit is valid for the remainder of 2024 but requires payment of bonds once exploration commences on areas prioritized for immediate drilling. Permitting will need to be renewed in November of 2024 in whole or in part for subsequent exploration seasons into 2025 and beyond, at the discretion of the Company.HistoryThe Mohave Project has an extensive and colorful history of exploration and small-scale mining dating back to 1865. Historical records suggest that gold was first discovered at the Dixie Queen in 1894. Exploration between 1974 to the late 1980's outlined several mineralized zones through relatively shallow surface drilling (refer to Table 1) along with additional exploration targets outlined by geochemical and geophysical surveys, many of which have never been drill tested. Extensive alteration mapping along with widespread gold mineralization has delineated at least three mineralized areas on the property: the Golden Door (discovered 1941), Klondyke (discovered 1898) and Dixie (discovered 1894) zones. Dixie has seen no drilling to date, despite the presence of highly anomalous rock and soil geochemistry and the presence of numerous historical workings.Table 1 - Selected historical drill intercepts by others (holes drilled before the implementation of NI 43-101 or SK1300 reporting guidelines, therefore in need of verification and validation in order to qualify for inclusion in resource estimating).Hole IDFrom (m)To (m)Interval (m)Gold (gpt)ProspectM80R-02815.330.515.23.97KlondykeM87A-11715.225.910.75.63KlondykeM88A-1587.6418.7411.14.76KlondykeM90R-31310.713.73.010.3KlondykeM81R-03521.429.07.66.75Golden RamM80R-1443247.215.22.82ScoutM80R-14935.135.11.39ScoutM87A-0737.615.27.63.9Golden DoorM87A-08313.718.34.68.1Golden DoorM85A-0173.16.13.08.4Jim & JerryM85A-025A15.215.22.35Jim & JerryM81R-02736.642.76.13.0Epidote RidgeM89A-2449.113.74.64.27ApexAccording to reports, the first recorded production in the district was from the Klondyke and North Klondyke mines during 1898, with documented production of approximately 4,500 tons averaging 19.3 gpt gold. The nearby Red Gap Mine was discovered in 1904. It has no known record of production although documentation from 1926 reports a one ton "test shipment" from the No. 2 Red Gap tunnel assaying 85.8 gpt gold and 497.7 gpt silver, respectively. The Golden Door, a former open pit mine, is reported to have produced about 20,000 tons averaging 7.46 gpt gold over a thickness ranging from 0.61 metres to 2.45 metres until closure during World War II. The Dixie Queen Mine is reported to have produced some 4,000 tons at an average gold grade of 23.3 gpt between 1927 to 1931. Other historical mines with unknow
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 15:21:08

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX:PIF) ("Polaris" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it will be holding its Earnings Conference Call and Webcast to report its Q2 2024 Earnings Results on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at 10:00 am EST.To listen to the call, please dial Toll Free 888-506-0062 or International Toll-Free Number 973-528-00-11 entry code 100892.or URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2773/50363 A digital recording of the earnings call will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion.Replay Call Information: Toronto: 1 877-481-4010, Passcode: 50363 International (toll-free): 1 919-882-2331, Passcode: 50363 Encore Replay Expiration Date: August 15, 2024About Polaris Renewable Energy Inc.Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. is a Canadian publicly traded company engaged in the development, construction, acquisition, and operation of renewable energy projects in Latin America.The Company's operations are in 5 Latin American countries and include a geothermal plant (~82 MW), 4 run-of-river hydroelectric plants (~39 MW), and 3 solar (photovoltaic) projects now in operation (~35 MW).For more information, contact:Investor Relations Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. Phone: +1 647-245-7199Email: info@ PolarisREI.com Cautionary StatementsThis press release contains certain "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, management's expectations regarding the ability of the Company to continue to pay dividends in the future.Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the inability of the Company to pay or increase dividends which may be affected by such factors as general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current geothermal, solar and hydro energy production, development and/or exploration activities and the accuracy of probability simulations prepared to predict prospective geothermal resources; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations of production rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the geothermal and hydro power industries; political instability or insurrection or war; labor force availability and turnover; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities, or in the commencement of operations; the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and general economic conditions, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers of this press release should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The information in this press release, including such forward-looking information, is made as of the date of this press release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, Polaris assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances.SOURCE: Polaris Renewable Energy Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 20:00:14

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American Association for Justice Honors Talenfeld for a Career Dedicated to Protecting ChildrenFORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 /Howard M. Talenfeld, a top children's rights attorney and Business Unit Leader of Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, was honored by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) as the recipient of the 2024 Trial Lawyers Care Award. Talenfeld received this prestigious national award at the AAJ Leadership Luncheon on Saturday, July 20, 2024.The Trial Lawyers Care Award recognizes the efforts of members and trial lawyer-affiliated individuals who serve the community and foster positive relationships with the public through volunteer activities.For the past two decades, Talenfeld has been zealously committed to helping youth in foster care through his role as founding Board President of the award-winning nonprofit organization Florida's Children First (FCF) ( www.floridaschildrenfirst.org) . From what started as a dream of Talenfeld's when he realized that children in state care needed an army of advocates to give them a voice, FCF has become Florida's most prominent advocacy organization for at-risk children in the state, protecting tens of thousands of children and impacting child welfare policy nationwide. Talenfeld and the FCF team have been responsible for significant legislation, executive and judicial branch advocacy, and training attorneys, guardians and other child advocates throughout Florida. Talenfeld is particularly proud that FCF has created and serves as a platform for Florida Youth Shine ( www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/florida-youth-shine/) . This organization operates 15 chapters consisting of more than 350 current and former youth in foster care throughout Florida who learn advocacy skills and pass their own critical legislation.Talenfeld is known for having established a robust children's rights and personal injury practice spanning Florida and expanding into other states including New York, North Carolina, and Illinois. His work on behalf of children in foster care and children with disabilities has improved many lives and resulted in precedent-setting judicial decisions and legislative reforms."I am truly honored to accept this recognition from the American Association for Justice and hope that I can inspire other great trial lawyers to protect vulnerable children in local and state child protection and disability systems," Talenfeld said.Earlier this year, Talenfeld was recognized on Forbes' inaugural list of America's Top 200 Lawyers as one of only six lawyers on the list nationally selected for his work in Civil Rights Law. He has consistently been selected by Florida Trend magazine for its annual Florida 500 list acknowledging his influential impact in Florida as a voice for children. Additionally, he was recognized by The Florida Bar Foundation as the recipient of the 2018 Medal of Honor Award for a Lawyer, and he received The Florida Bar's President's Award of Merit and the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award for the 17th Judicial Circuit.With members worldwide and a network of U.S. and Canadian affiliates involved in diverse areas of trial advocacy, AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance needed to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system.About Kelley KronenbergFounded in 1980, Kelley Kronenberg is an award winning, multi-practice national law firm with 510 employees, 235 attorneys, and 16 locations throughout Florida and the United States. We are privileged to represent large public and private companies, small businesses, and individuals nationwide. With more than 40 practice areas, and growth on the horizon, we offer a comprehensive catalog of legal services to protect your legal interests in business and at home. Our firm is progressive and technologically advanced, while remaining true to our customer service heritage: integrity, ingenuity, and sincerity. Ever mindful of our history, but intensely committed to our future, we offer our clients a small firm feel with large firm resources. For more information, visit www.kklaw.com Media Contact:Michelle Griffith, BoardroomPR, mgriffith@ boardroompr.com SOURCE: Justice for Kids
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 18:02:31

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With Two Protector RPAs in the UK, GA-ASI Has Delivered a Total of 10 Protectors to RAF; First Four Cadres of RAF Aircrew Complete Training at FTTCSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / The United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington. The second Protector has started its ground trial at RAF Station Waddington with first flight expected in August. Protector is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPA developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), and is specially configured for the RAF. The RAF has taken delivery of 10 of their total order of 16 Protectors from GA-ASI, with eight aircraft currently undergoing RAF crew training, test, and evaluation in the United States."We're thrilled to see a second Protector operating at Waddington," said Chris Dusseault, GA-ASI's vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. "The Royal Air Force is a great partner for GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional MQ-9B aircraft operating in the U.K. and more broadly across Europe." Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, said: "Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the U.S. (which remain in the U.S. for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the 16 aircraft we have ordered." Officer Commanding 31 Sqn, Wing Commander Maccoll, said, "I'm delighted to see another RAF Protector assembled at RAF Waddington, thanks to the hard work of our Programme team, Defence partners, contractors, and the skill of 31 Squadron personnel. This summer, Protector will undertake further test and evaluation and we expect more aircraft arrivals before the end of the year. "In another program milestone, the first of four cadres of RAF aircrew completed training on April 29, 2024, at GA-ASI's Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The GA-ASI training involved RAF Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), which are comprised of eight crews, including pilots, sensor operators (SOs), and mission intelligence coordinators (MICs) from 31, 54, or 56 Squadrons.The scope of the training is focused on foundational skills required to operate the Protector air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC).With the completion of the Protector Technicians course at GA-ASI facilities in Southern California on May 16, 2024, Number 31 Squadron now has another 21 qualified maintainers. As part of their training course, the RAF maintainers were able to directly support the training flights for their aircrew counterparts who were completing the live flying element of their Operational Conversion course from North Dakota.MQ-9B is GA-ASI's next-generation RPA System (RPAS), delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.# # #Contact InformationGA-ASI Media Relationsasi-mediarelations@ ga-asi.com SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 23:00:25

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ESTES PARK, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Taranis Resources Inc. ("Taranis" or the "Company") (TSXV:TRO)(OTCQB:TNREF) is providing an update on the 2024 exploration program at Thor.Taranis has temporarily suspended its drilling operations at Thor due to a number of wildfires in the Trout Lake area, which were caused by a thunderstorm on the night of Wednesday, July 17th. The storm was prolonged with very little rainfall, and dozens of fires were visibly and immediately started by lightning. Most of these fires in the mountains surrounding Trout Lake remain burning out of control as of the date of this News Release. Smoke has now degraded visibility and poses a hazard to personnel working outdoors.Contractors operating an exploration drill on Broadview Mountain (Atlas Drilling) removed their crew from the drill during the storm. It appears that a lightning strike started a brush fire about 200m southwest of the Atlas exploration drill on the north bank of Alpha Creek. This fire has since moved uphill directly towards the drill, to an area that was previously burned in 2006. The brush fire continues to burn small patches of vegetation around the drill, but drone surveillance indicates that the drill itself has not suffered damage.The B.C. Wildfire Service and Ministry of Forests have elevated the fire risk in the area to level five, meaning that there is an extremely dangerous fire risk in and around Trout Lake, and this also includes the adjacent areas of Revelstoke and Nakusp. During such periods, exploration, logging, and other activities requiring access to the bush are strictly managed until the risk level is reduced.Of prime concern to Taranis is the safety of its employees and contractors, and we will evaluate the situation every day to restart exploration activities when we are able to safely access the job sites. We are incredibly fortunate to be working with Atlas Drilling, who acted professionally and proactively, and we remain in contact with the B.C. Wildfire Service. We have posted some of Atlas' drone pictures on the Taranis website, as they underscore the dangerous nature of the wildfire situation in the area.We will provide updates as they become available.About Taranis and Thor Taranis Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company. The Thor Project is in southeast British Columbia and is comprised of 3,807 hectares of Mineral Tenures and 27 Crown Grant titles to precious and base minerals, many of which include surface rights. Taranis has completed upwards of 250 drill holes, linking all previously known mines into a single, near-surface epithermal deposit that has been recently updated into an NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (see Taranis News Release dated April 11, 2024).Qualified Person Exploration activities at Thor were overseen by John Gardiner (P. Geo.), who is a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101. John Gardiner is a principal of John J. Gardiner & Associates, LLC which operates in British Columbia under Firm Permit Number 1002256. Mr. Gardiner has reviewed and approved the comments contained within this News Release.For additional information on Taranis or its 100%-owned Thor project in British Columbia, visit www.taranisresources.com Taranis currently has 98,960,915 shares issued and outstanding (112,009,803 shares on a fully-diluted basis).TARANIS RESOURCES INC.Per: John J. Gardiner (P. Geo.), President and CEOFor further information contact: John J. Gardiner681 Conifer LaneEstes Park, Colorado 80517Phone: (303) 716-5922 Cell: (720) 209-3049johnjgardiner@ earthlink.net 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 may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from expected results.SOURCE: Taranis Resources, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-07-22 19:01:34

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Learn how Surf Lifters Media uses brand storytelling to create authentic narratives that connect emotionally with customers. Discover the strategies that build trust and drive business success in the digital age.NAIROBI, KENYA / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / In a crowded digital marketplace, where consumers are overwhelmed by constant advertising, brands must forge deep emotional connections to stand out. Surf Lifters Media is leading the charge in transforming how brands communicate, crafting genuine narratives that not only resonate with target audiences but also build lasting trust and secure a competitive edge.Brand Identity Understanding Brand StorytellingBrand storytelling involves crafting a compelling narrative that embodies a brand's values, mission, and vision. Surf Lifters Media uses storytelling to turn casual consumers into loyal patrons by creating content that engages customers on a deeper level.Connecting with Your Target AudienceBrand storytelling allows businesses to create relatable, engaging content that cuts through the noise. By weaving real-world stories and showcasing real-life problems and solutions, brands evoke emotional responses, fostering empathy and connection.The Emotional Power of StoriesStories evoke emotions, create memories, and inspire action. Surf Lifters Media taps into personal experiences to create an emotional connection, enhancing the brand's reputation and increasing loyalty.Building a Loyal Customer BaseA strong brand story that consistently communicates core values helps build a loyal customer base. Surf Lifters Media creates narratives that align with the values of socially conscious consumers, highlighting social and environmental responsibility to strengthen the bond with customers.The Role of Digital Media and Social PlatformsCompelling brand storytelling extends across various digital touchpoints. Surf Lifters Media ensures that the brand story is visually appealing and optimized for search engines and social media, maintaining cohesive brand identity and enhancing awareness.Leveraging Interactive and Immersive StorytellingSurf Lifters Media uses interactive and immersive storytelling techniques, such as virtual and augmented reality, to create captivating stories that provide a deeper brand experience.Creating Relatable and Authentic StoriesAuthenticity is crucial in brand storytelling. Surf Lifters Media emphasizes genuine and relatable stories that reflect the brand's true mission and values, incorporating relatable characters with multidimensional traits and vulnerabilities.The Impact of Visual BrandingVisual elements enhance brand stories. Surf Lifters Media integrates digital media, such as photographs, videos, and animations, to amplify the brand story and create a memorable brand experience.Personalization and Customer EngagementPersonalized content tailored to individual needs and preferences is critical for effective brand storytelling. Surf Lifters Media uses advanced marketing automation tools to ensure the brand story resonates with different customer segments.ConclusionBrand storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting emotionally with an audience, building trust, and differentiating in a competitive market. Surf Lifters Media specializes in crafting compelling and authentic narratives that resonate with customers, fostering lasting relationships and driving business success. By incorporating best practices, businesses can enhance their marketing strategy, boost sales, and create a loyal customer base.Contact InformationStephen KisongeChief Creative Officerstephen@ surfliftersmedia.com +254 719 323914SOURCE: Surf Lifters MediaView the original press release on newswire.com
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / Tonix Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr. Seth Lederman joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share exciting news about a significant achievement for the company. Tonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a potential contract worth up to $34 million over five years by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense. This contract aims to develop small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents for the prevention or treatment of infections, thereby enhancing the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments.Dr. Lederman explained that Tonix's program will concentrate on the optimization and development of its TNX-4200 program. The goal is to develop an orally available CD45 antagonist with broad-spectrum efficacy against various viral families through extensive preclinical evaluation. The program is expected to establish essential physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and safety attributes to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission, ultimately funding a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical study.The agreement with DTRA is a strategic move to address the DoD's objective of protecting U.S. Joint Forces from potential biological weapon threats. The DoD announced in December 2022 that it aims to move beyond the traditional one bug, one drug' approach and is seeking broad-spectrum drugs, as predicting which viruses or how many may be deployed in a biological threat scenario is challenging.Dr. Lederman emphasized that the collaboration with DTRA underscores Tonix Pharmaceuticals' commitment to advancing medical readiness and protection for military personnel. By developing a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, Tonix aims to provide a versatile and robust solution to potential viral threats, enhancing the preparedness and resilience of the U.S. military in diverse and unpredictable biological threat environments.The TNX-4200 program's focus on creating an effective, orally available antiviral agent highlights Tonix's innovative approach to addressing complex medical challenges. The successful development of this broad-spectrum antiviral could significantly impact the way viral infections are managed in military and potentially civilian populations, offering a proactive measure against a wide array of viral threats.Tonix Pharmaceuticals continues to be at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare and defense sectors. The support from the DoD through this substantial contract is a testament to the potential and importance of Tonix's TNX-4200 program in safeguarding the health and readiness of military personnel against biological threats.Contact DetailsProactive Investors+1 604-688-8158na-editorial@ proactiveinvestors.com SOURCE: TONIX PHARMACEUTICALS
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WICHITA, KS / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / weavix, the Wichita-based technology firm specializing in frontline communication and efficiency solutions, will be attending the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, United Kingdom. Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Turpin, and Chief Innovation Officer, Ben Burrus, will be in attendance to show how the weavix platform and walt Smart Radio are transforming frontline communication. They will proudly be joined by members of the Greater Wichita Partnership, an economic development organization that focuses on fast-forwarding economic growth in the greater Wichita region.weavix weavix logoThe weavix platform, propelled by cutting-edge AI capabilities, is the first of its kind to unlock frontline communication. Beyond seamless communication, weavix harnesses the power of AI to gather and analyze frontline efficiency and safety data, offering executives an unprecedented level of visibility into their facilities. Each component of the weavix platform is designed to create a single source of truth for enterprises. By implementing the weavix platform and outfitting the workforce with a walt smart radio, weavix can increase collaboration across facilities, enhance safety protocols, create a culture of retainment, and provide data-driven insights to weave systems, processes, and people together.The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world's largest aerospace events, bringing together 1,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, key industry players, innovators, and thought leaders from around the globe. weavix's presence at the airshow underscores its commitment to advancing communication technology and its impact on workforce efficiency and safety."weavix exemplifies the innovative talent and diverse industries that proudly call the Wichita region home. The Partnership is privileged to collaborate with weavix at the Farnborough International Airshow and highlight the company's cutting-edge smart radio technology to a global audience," stated Partnership President, Jeff Fluhr. "Companies like weavix contribute to the Air Capital of the World's competitive advantage, and they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology worldwide." Visit weavix and the Greater Wichita Partnership at Booth #3350 in the U.S. Pavillion of Hall 3 to experience firsthand how the weavix platform and walt Smart Radio are setting new standards in frontline communication.About weavix weavix, the Internet of Workers platform, revolutionizes frontline communication and productivity at scale. Since its founding, weavix has shaped the future of work by introducing innovative methods to better connect and enable the frontline workforce. weavix transforms enterprise by providing data-driven insights into facilities and teams to maximize productivity and achieve breakthrough results. weavix is the single source of truth for both workers and executives. Our mission is to connect the disconnected workforce through disruptive technology. Visit https://weavix.com/ or follow us on X @weavixiow for more information.About Greater Wichita Partnership The Greater Wichita Partnership is dedicated to fast-forwarding regional economic growth in Wichita and South-Central Kansas. The organization works within three key priorities - jobs, talent and quality of place - to accelerate this objective. For more information, visit https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/home Contact Information Monica PoeMarketing Director, weavixmpoe@ weavix.com 3165195912Justin NickelChief Marketing Officer, weavixjnickel@ weavix.com 3168662955 ext. 533SOURCE: weavixView the original press release on newswire.com
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 22, 2024 / West Mining Corp. ("West" or the "Company") (CSE:WEST)(OTC PINK:WESMF)(FRA:1HL) is pleased to announce that it closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Financing"), raising gross proceeds of $549,510 through the issuance of an aggregate of 1,831,700 units at a price of $0.30 per unit. The Financing was conducted pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Exemption"). The Company filed a Form 45-106F19 offering document dated June 24, 2024, and an amended and restated Form 45-106F19 Listed Issuer Financing Document dated as of July 19, 2024 (the "Offering Document") related to the Financing, which Offering Document can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.westminingcorp.ca . The Company will use the proceeds of the Financing for exploration of its Spanish Mountain and Junker properties, marketing/investor relations and general working capital.Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.40 until July 22, 2026, provided that if the closing price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is at or above $0.60 for 10 consecutive trading days, then the expiry date for the warrants will be automatically accelerated to the date which is 30 days after the date the Company provides notice of such acceleration to the holders of the warrants by issuing a news release. The securities issued to investors under the Financing are not subject to any statutory hold period under applicable securities laws.In connection with the Financing, the Company paid finder's fees of $53,001 and issued an aggregate of 176,670 finder's warrants, each exercisable for one common share at a price of $0.30 until July 22, 2026. The finder's warrants are subject to a four month hold period expiring November 23, 2024, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.About West Mining Corp. West Mining Corp. is a mineral exploration company acquiring and developing advanced and early-stage exploration projects. Its flagship project is its 100% owned, 9000-hectare prospective Kena Project located near Nelson, British Columbia. The Kena Project comprises three adjoining Properties: Kena, Daylight and Athabasca. A 2021 NI43-101 resource estimate for Kena gave 561,900 oz Au indicated and 2,773,100 oz Au inferred in the Gold Mountain, Kena Gold, and Daylight Zones. The Daylight property contains the historic past producing Daylight, Starlight, Victoria, Irene, and Great Eastern gold mines. Along trend to the north is the Athabasca Property, with the historic Athabasca Gold Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in its Spanish Mountain and Junker properties.For additional information, please refer to the Company's public disclosure record available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com West Mining Corp.Nader Vatanchi778-881-4631 nadervatanchi@ hotmail.com ###The Canadian Securities Exchange accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to them, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: the potential of the Company's mineral properties; the estimation of capital requirements; the estimation of operating costs; the timing and amount of future business expenditures; and the availability of necessary financing. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Such factors include but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and exploration or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.SOURCE: West Mining Corp
Daniel Aboki, the producer of Kannywoods most anticipated movie, Mai Martaba (Your Highness), says he cast hundreds of new upcoming Kannywood actors and actresses in his long-awaited movie.

On Friday, Mr Aboki revealed this to a crowd of movie fans in Kano at the films premiere.

He said the film was shot on location in Daura, former president Muhammadu Buharis ancestral hometown. He featured a vast ensemble cast of approximately 500 actors, adding to the productions grandeur and cultural significance.

The film features prominent Kannywood star Adam Zango alongside rising talents such as Shugaba, Ghali Abdullah DZ, Muktar Aminu Haruna, and Auwalu Ismail Marshal, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Northern region, he said.

Notable performances include young starlet Fatima Mohammed as Princess Sangaya, Tasiu Ali as MaiKabaas Turaki, and Yahaya Sabo Abubakar as Wakili.

Big budget

Mr Aboki highlighted funding as a significant obstacle during production, revealing that Mai Martaba is potentially the most expensive Hausa movie.

We spent over N25 million on cutting-edge equipment, most of which had to be brought in from Lagos, not to mention the substantial pre-production, production, and post-production costs, he disclosed, emphasising the enormity of the investment.

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The only star actor in Mai Martaba happens to be Adam A. Zango because I initially wanted 100 per cent new actors. So, I built all the actors in Mai Martaba because I wanted to tell a story based on the storys strength, not on the faces of celebrities, he said.

Mr Aboki serves as the Group Programme Director of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Nigeria Info FM, Arewa Radio, and Kids FM in Nigeria.

Mai Martaba

Mai Martaba is a thrilling tale of action and adventure that delves into the complexities of power, love, greed, and betrayal. This captivating story weaves a rich narrative that explores humanity, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film tells the epic story of an ancient kingdom that flourished through its strategic position in the Trans-Saharan trade but ultimately succumbed to internal conflicts within the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan, leading to the dynastys downfall and the demise of an era.

The producer says it is a spin-off of Kasar Jallaba, an ongoing radio drama series on 95.1 Arewa Radio Kano.

Mai Martaba has been selected for the Septimius Awards, an international award ceremony in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, showcasing feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, television series, and screenplays, Aboki said.

Accolades

Fans of Kannywood cinema who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES praised Mr Aboki for his groundbreaking investment, hailing his commitment to quality and his role in elevating the sector; they celebrated the film as a milestone in Kannywoods evolution.

According to Anas Musa, the Kannywood film industry needs this revival.

READ ALSO: Kannywood film industry appoints Nigerian senator as patron

He said, Technically, Kannywood is almost at a point of extinction. You hardly hear anything significant from it again since the piracy issue crumbled the industry. So they make films only for those who can watch on the Internet. But with this kind of movie resurfacing, we have hope now. We want people like Aboki to keep investing in Kannywood.

Hassana Dalhat, a Kannywood enthusiast, applauded Mr Aboki for his excellent job.

People here have been waiting for this movie, and with the premiere on Friday, we are all waiting to see what he has for us. But I know that with Adam Zango in the film, it will be a bustling and interesting one.

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The Nigerian government has lined up a series of activities to mark this years World Breast Feeding Week, which is aimed at promoting awareness and public support for breastfeeding.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The ministrys spokesperson, Patricia Deworitshe, said the country acknowledges the importance of protecting the interest of vulnerable mothers in need of assistance with breastfeeding their offspring.

Mrs Deworitshe said the ministry, in collaboration with some of its concerned parties in the sector, will participate in the global companion from 1 to 7 August.

She said, The week will be flagged off on the 1st of August with a record-breaking event for most lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously.

During the week, the ministry also intends to carry out community outreach across the country, training for health workers, and media campaigns.

She said the global theme for the campaign, Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All, emphasises the collective responsibility to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to make breastfeeding a successful and fulfilling experience.

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The statement reads in part: In order to successfully breastfeed their babies, mothers need support from the health system, family members, community members, and workplace.

This support is critical to the success of breastfeeding because knowledge sharing, encouragement, support with household chores, call-ups, and creation of an enabling environment makes the act of breastfeeding easier for the mother.

Women in all settings need and deserve support to optimally breastfeed their babies.

World Breastfeeding Week

The World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign held annually from 1-7 August. It is spearheaded by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network that aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding around the world, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.

The week aims to promote breastfeeding and its numerous benefits for both mothers and babies and each year focuses on a specific theme to raise awareness and galvanise action on breastfeeding issues.

The organisations, through the campaign, emphasise the importance of providing mothers with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to successfully breastfeed their babies, such as encouraging workplaces to offer lactation facilities and flexible schedules for nursing mothers.

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Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has proposed an amendment to the constitution to reduce federal and state lawmakers plenary to four times a year.

Mr Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, made the proposal in a viral video shared on his verified Facebook page on Sunday.

One of Mr Kalus aides, Kenneth Udeh, confirmed the posts authenticity to our reporter.

In the video, Mr Kalu, chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, said the amendment would be part of the measures to reduce the cost of governance.

I think it will be a very good idea if my colleagues and other members of the houses of assembly will agree that we can sit for three months and do constitutional amendment first from 2027 to sit three months.

In three months, we sit for two weeks or three weeks, so we sit four times a year, and if there is any emergency, there will be emergency sitting, we can come to do a presidential bid on that basis and go back instead of sitting on a full-time basis.

Not only the Senate and the House of Representatives. I am talking about other houses of assembly in Nigeria. All the legislature houses of Nigeria will be part-time. This will be part of the measures to reduce costs, or we will go for a regional government. If we are going for regional government, he said.

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The former governor urged President Bola Tinubu and other members of the National Assembly to develop legislation that will legalise the part-time legislature system in the country.

If we are going for a regional government, it also means that the ministers and the legislators will be the same because I have been tinkering with the idea of how we can save money to run Nigeria because Nigeria needs money.

I will encourage the President, the National Assembly to make these kinds of laws. This will help him, and this will help the system, and this will help everybody, he added.

Mr Kalu, who was convicted of stealing public funds as governor but had his conviction cancelled for technical reasons by the Supreme Court, also urged his colleagues to amend the constitution immediately.

I want Nigerians and my colleagues to do a quick constitutional amendment so we can go and be a part-time sitting Senate and part-time sitting House of Representatives and other 36 state houses of assembly in Nigeria. That will bring trust and relief to the Nigerian people, Mr Kalu added.

Were being paid almost nothing in the Senate

Mr Kalu also said senators should be paid a competitive salary.

He specifically said he and his colleagues at the upper chamber are paid almost nothing as salaries.

We are being paid almost nothing in the Senate. I sit in the Senate, and when people discuss the salary of a senator and other people, I laugh because its nothing to write home about, Mr Kalu said.

Mr Kanus claim that senators are underpaid contradicts the reality of most Nigerians. While senators monthly take home salary is less than a million naira, in a country where the minimum wage has just been increased to N70,000, each senator also gets about N13.5 million monthly as office running cost, thus making them some of the highest paid lawmakers in the world.

Part-time lawmakers more accountable  CD

The President Campaign for Democracy (CD), Ifeanyi Odili, agreed that the Nigerian legislative system should be a part-time sitting to reduce the cost of governance.

In view of present economic challenges, I think Senator Orji Kalu is not missing the mark as he suggests that National Assembly business should be part-time work and not full-time.

It is the same position Campaign for Democracy CD holds. This is coming at a time we need it mostly. If we must be sincere with ourselves, National Assembly business is better a part-time and not full time that has crippled our nations wealth, with virtually no serious business there, rather than going there to share our nations cake, he said

Mr Odili noted that part-time legislature would be more effective in the development of the country than full-time.

He also submitted that part-time lawmakers would be more accountable to their constituents if legalised.

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Producer: Adeola Omooba

Director: Dammy Twitch

Video length: 3 minutes, 38 seconds

Release date: 19 July, 2024

The Ogechi remix, featuring Afrobeats star Davido, arrived just before his wedding, turning the viral hit into an anthem.

Released on 26 June, the remix enhances the track with Davidos star power and personal touch. The original version by BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel debuted on 10 May, gaining traction on TikTok and Nigerian streaming platforms. The release aligned perfectly with the celebratory mood surrounding Davidos marriage to Chioma on 25 June.

The rising trios performance of the song at the Afrobeats stars wedding, featuring Chioma dancing, added a fresh look to the track, elevating it and introducing it to new audiences.

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The music video, released on Friday, adds to the songs allure, making the remix a standout hit. Ogechi has seen remarkable success, with over 300,000 TikTok videos and the top 10 spots on the Apple Music Nigeria chart and the TurnTable Top 100. The seamless blend of Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin in the track enhances its cultural resonance and broad reach.

Davidos involvement is more than just a star-studded addition; its a strategic move that aligns with his history of turning remixes into chart-topping successes. His verse celebrates his relationship with Chioma, adding a personal and romantic dimension to the trackthe song themes revolve around divine timing, love, cultural celebration, fate, and destiny.

Lyrics analysis

The title Ogechi, meaning Gods time, frames the song as celebrating divinely destined love.

Davidos verse praises his lovers beauty and connection, likening her to the mythical Karashika and expressing his commitment to making her his wife, which many believe references Chioma Rowland.

Hyces verse focuses on choosing his lover despite other options, addressing misunderstandings, expressing regret, and showing his dedication and loyalty.

BoyPees verse blends sensuality with cultural pride, using traditional Nigerian food references to express deep affection and hint at a future together.

Brown Joels bridge and the chorus, performed by all the artists, emphasise the theme of divine timing, making the song a declaration of faith in their destined union.

Music video analysis

The music video setting for the Ogechi remix was shot in an Igbo village.

The video begins with an evocative image of an Igbo traditional town crier who cries out in Igbo while ringing his handbell, Our people listen, the kings sons are back, and all maidens are expected to be there for bride selection. This announcement sets the stage for the traditional ceremony of selecting new brides for the royal family, grounding the video in cultural authenticity.

Davido is introduced as a traditional king, exuding regality while holding the Igbo Akupe hand fan, inscribed with his acclaimed title, 001. Dressed in blue and white Igbo attire and a red cap, he sits majestically on a typical throne. The elders greet him as he approaches the throne. He sits between two sculptured lions. This scene establishes Davido as a musical figure of cultural significance and authority.

The narrative progresses with BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel, depicted as the kings sons and seated with bodyguards. The visual hierarchy places them as princes under Davidos rule, adding depth to their characters within the video.

Davido begins the musical journey with the lines, wa le le le, Ogechi don do me pon pon pon, seamlessly blending the songs lyrical content with the visual storytelling. He continues to sing about the beauty and the price he has paid for his love, Ogechi, reflecting themes of sacrifice and affection.

Following the musical introduction, the scene transitions to the maidens arriving for the bride selection. The ceremonial atmosphere is palpable as the kings sons, each carrying traditional fans, prepare to approach the maidens with adorned beads.

The maidens perform traditional dances to the tune of the flute players and drummers, showcasing their grace and beauty. This scene is rich in cultural symbolism, reflecting the cultural criteria for selecting brides. The sons interactions with the maidens, each throwing their musical lines, depict their search for connection and attraction.

In a display of cultural fusion, the king joins the mothers, adorned in Yoruba head ties (Igele) and traditional wrappers, in dance. This blending of Igbo and Yoruba cultural elements reinforces the unity and diversity within Nigerian traditions.

The narrative continues with the sons selecting their chosen maidens, followed by scenes of traditional wedding rites. These rites are performed with attention to cultural detail, emphasising the sanctity and joy of the union.

The music videos climax features the king dancing with his sons, signifying the parents approval and blessing of their union. This is a joyful family moment, a traditional celebration, and a new beginning.

The video concludes powerfully with Davido chanting the universal Igbo hailings, Igbo Kwenu! Kwenu Kwezo Nu ooo! Eeee !  a call and response reinforcing community and cultural pride.

This ending affirms Davidos connection to his heritage, leaving the audience with a relatable sense of cultural identity and unity.

Verdict

The Ogechi remix is more than a musical collaboration; its a love and divine timing celebration brought to life through Afrobeats.

This remix is Davidos continuation of his tradition of enhancing Afrobeats songs with Indigenous Igbo influences, as seen in previous collaborations like KCees Ogaranya, Humble Smiths Osinachi, and Larry Gagas Doubting Thomas.

The visual for the Ogechi remix ft. Davido is rated 6/10.

Watch the music video below.

More Pictures:

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Gunmen have killed a police inspector in Abia State, South-east Nigeria.

The hoodlums also killed three civilians during the attack which occurred on Sunday along Ngwa Road in Aba, commercial hub of the state.

The police spokesperson in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Ms Chinaka, an assistant superintendent of police, identified the inspector as Shehu Oyibo.

The police spokesperson said the slain inspector was attached to the states Rapid Response Squad.

How the attack happened

Ms Chinaka said the late Oyibo and other police operatives were conducting a routine patrol in the area on Sunday when the gunmen attacked them at about 11:28 a.m.

The spokesperson said the hoodlums, who were operating in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle, suddenly opened fire on the operatives.

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She said operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.

However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralised, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries, she said.

Ms Chinaka added that Mr Oyibo was killed during the shootout.

The police spokesperson said bodies of the three civilians who were killed by the hoodlums during the attack had been deposited in the morgue.

She identified the deceased civilians as Chika Godliveth and 32-year-old Onyenaturuchi Jonah  both males and indigenes of the state.

Mr Chinaka also gave the name of the third deceased civilian as Eniobong Godsgift Clement, 18, a female from Akwa Ibom State.

She said the police had begun an investigation to track down the fleeing gunmen.

The spokesperson urged residents of Abia State to go about their lawful businesses without fear as security agencies have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.

She enjoined the residents to report to the police any suspicious movement or individuals seen with bullet injuries around their neighbourhood.

Worsening insecurity

Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Abia State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

The latest attack occurred barely a month after gunmen killed two police operatives at a checkpoint in Aba.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State would later visit the families of the slain operatives where he vowed to stop attacks against security agencies in the state.

Gunmen, on 30 May, killed five soldiers in the state at a military checkpoint near Aba.

The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied their involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of the south-south Nigeria.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of John Obafunwa, a professor, as the new director-general of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).

Mr Obafunwa succeeds Babatunde Salako, a professor whose tenure expires on 23 July.

The appointment takes effect from 24 July.

President Tinubu thanked Mr Salako for his service to the nation.

Mr Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, after which he specialised in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987. He later sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland (1991) and obtained a law degree from England (2004).

He has several other academic qualifications and holds membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

He had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM).

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Mr Obafunwa is a former provost of LASUCOM, chief medical examiner for Lagos State, and former vice-chancellor of Lagos State University. Before his appointment, he was the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa.

He has authored several scientific publications and contributed chapters to textbooks. His research spans anatomic and forensic pathology, and he is currently involved in research in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA.

The president expects the new director-general to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role to further drive the NIMRs objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria and developing structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

July 22, 2024

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of its 82-day strike.

The chairperson of ASUU, Sylvanus Ugoh, announced the suspension of the strike at a news briefing in Abuja on Monday, shortly after the congress held by the union.

Mr Ugoh based the suspension of the strike on the unions engagement with the institutions new Governing Council, which promised to review and address all their demands.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ASUU had, on 2 May, embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the alleged violation of its established laws, including appointments and promotions of members of staff, in the absence of a governing council.

According to the union, other issues are the purported illegal advertorial for the position of vice-chancellor by the then Abdulrasheed NaAlla-led administration and recruitments without due process.

Mr Ugoh said that the council had met with the union and agreed to cancel the advert and republish a new one, following due process.

He said that the council also agreed to review the employment process, which the union opposed, and the issue of promotion, especially the 2022/2023 exercise.

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Within these 82 days, we have been engaging with the former vice-chancellor but he did not shift ground.

He refused to comply with the rules; he refused to comply with the act establishing the university and follow due process.

After all the procedures failed, the union embarked on a comprehensive and indefinite strike, he said.

Mr Ugoh said that the union had been engaging with the council and the university management since the councils inauguration.

He said that the council met with ASUU on 18 July and communicated to it in writing on the issues bordering on the strike.

The council wrote the union and agreed to cancel the advert that was placed before now and re-advertise for the position of the vice-chancellor and that was actually the demand of the union.

The council also agreed with the union to review the process of recruitment that was done without due process.

According to the act, the process of employment of staff in the university is clear: there must be an advert in the national daily.

This process was not followed, but the council has agreed to review it and get back to the union, he stated.

Mr Ugoh said that the council also agreed to review the promotion exercise, especially the 2022/2023 exercise.

He added that the new council had also directed that the elections for the positions of deans of faculties and provost of the College of Health Sciences be conducted.

As for the position of director of the micro-finance bank, the acting vice-chancellor, through the secretary to the bank, has communicated with us that the union should take its position in the board of directors.

So with these, and also in honour of the new council and the acting vice-chancellor, the union has reviewed the submissions of the council and we just finished from the congress.

The congress unanimously resolved to suspend the strike so that the university administration will be able to look at the issues, he said.

(NAN)

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There is confusion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, after the university management dismissed the sack of its vice-chancellor, Joseph Ikechebelu.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the universitys Governing Council, on Saturday, announced the sack of Mr Ikechebelu, a professor, as the acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

The sack was announced through a letter signed by the pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the council, Gregory Mbadiwe.

Mr Mbadiwe, in the letter, also announced the appointment of Carol Arinze-Umobi, a female professor, as a new acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

No reason was given for the sack of Mr Ikechebelu, who was reportedly appointed into the position in early June to replace Charles Esimone, a professor whose tenure expired on 3 June.

University reacts

However, the university management dismissed the sack of Mr Ikechebelu, as its acting vice-chancellor.

In a statement later on Saturday, the universitys Acting Registrar, Samuel Ufor, said contrary to reports, the meeting of the governing council members ended in a stalemate.

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Mr Ufor said although Mr Mbadiwe claimed the letter emanated from the University Senate and was signed by 24 of its members, internal members of the council objected to the letter.

He explained that the internal council members objected to the letter because the Senate was yet to hold its meeting as of Saturday and could not have authored the letter.

The registrar pointed out that the Senate meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 24 July.

The controversy that emanated from the purported letter resulted in the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the council and external members of the council walking out of the meeting, he said.

The meeting, thus, ended without a decision and status quo ante retained, Mr Ufor stated.

Why sack of Ikechebelu stands

When contacted on Sunday afternoon, the university spokesperson, Emmanuel Ojukwu, refuted claims by the institutions registrar.

Mr Ojukwu argued that Mr Ikechebelu was never appointed acting vice-chancellor of the university.

The spokesperson recalled that the Nigerian government asked vice-chancellors of all federal universities to hand over to the most senior deputy vice-chancellor upon expiration of their tenures pending election of substantive vice-chancellors in the institutions.

He said like other universities, the then vice-chancellor handed over to Mr Ikechebelu to be overseeing the university pending ratification by the institutions governing council, given that he (Ikechebelu) was the only deputy vice-chancellor in the institution.

Mr Ojukwu said the federal government subsequently, appointed some individuals as members of the universitys governing council, which was not in existence before in the institution.

He said the council met last Saturday and appointed Mr Arinze-Umobi as the acting vice-chancellor rather than ratifying Mr Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor.

The spokesperson explained that Mr Ikechebelu was not ratified as acting vice-chancellor because he had indicated interest in contesting the vice-chancellorship position.

He said the council agreed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities which had written to them stating that it would be unfair to confirm Mr Ikechebelu as acting vice-chancellor even as an aspirant for the same position.

This is because he (Ikechebelu) will have an advantage over other contestants, Mr Ojukwu said.

The council explained that they did not appoint him in order to allow a level playing ground for vice-chancellorship election.

The spokesperson also refuted claims that internal members objected to the councils letter, explaining that some members of the council who had served in the 9th Senate only contended to be part of the 10th Senate despite ongoing litigation against it.

Registrars statements cant represent the universitys position

Mr Ojukwu said it was unfortunate that some persons had decided to blackmail the governing council because of an unfavourable decision.

The spokesperson argued that statements issued by the registrar cannot represent the position of the university.

The reason is that the registrar is the secretary of the senate and secretary to the council. So, on whose authority has he written? This is partisanship, he said.

What the federal govt said

PREMIUM TIMES obtained the National University Commission (NUC)s letter directing vice-chancellors of federal universities who were rounding up their tenures to hand over to the next most senior deputy vice-chancellors in their institutions.

The letter, dated 27 May, was signed by NUC Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki.

In another letter dated 28 May, Mr Maiyaki, specifically reminded the vice-chancellors to nominate through the recommendation of their Senates, a deputy vice-chancellor who will oversee the office of the vice-chancellor in a temporary capacity.

Continuing, he said: Governing Councils, after their inauguration, will appoint an acting vice-chancellor for a period of not less than six months, during which they will commence a process of appointing a substantive vice-chancellor.

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Nigerian senators began activities last week by mourning the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Ekene Adams, who passed away on Tuesday morning.

The two chambers of the National Assembly suspended sittings on that day in honour of the deceased lawmaker, which was in line with the tradition of the federal legislature.

Mr Adams represented the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency of Kaduna State and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

Ndume removed as Chief Whip

Upon resumption of plenary on Wednesday, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Basiru Ajibola, the partys secretary.

In the letter, the APC leaders referenced an interview in which Ali Ndume, the Senate chief whip, criticised the Bola Tinubu administration and asked that he (Ndume) be relieved of his position.

The party also recommended that Mr Ndume be replaced by Tahir Monguno (Borno North).

After reading the letter, Mr Akpabio put the APCs request to the vote, and many senators voted in support.

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Apart from his removal as chief whip, Mr Ndume also lost his position as the deputy chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The senate president then directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to walk Mr Mongonu to the seat of the senate whip on the front row.

Meanwhile, Mr Ndume has since reacted to his removal as the senate whip, saying he stands by everything he said in the interview.

Ningi bounces back as Akpabio reshuffles committees

Meanwhile, one of the fallouts of Mr Ndumes removal was a minor reshuffle of the leadership of some standing committees.

Mr Monguno, who chaired the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, replaced Mr Ndume as deputy chairman of the appropriations committee.

Adeniyi Adegbonire (APC, Ondo Central) replaced the new chief whip in the committee.

Mr Adegbonire, the only senior advocate of Nigeria in the 10th Senate, is to be deputised by Anthony Ane (APC, Ebonyi)

Mr Ndume was redeployed to chair the Senate Committee on Tourism, though he rejected the position in a subsequent media interview.

Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) was announced as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation.

Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who returned from suspension last month, was reinstated as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Population. At the same time, Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) was named the Senate Committee on Agricultural Institutions chairman.

Mr Akpabio also announced Musa Mustapha (APC, Yobe East) as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock Development, a new ministry created by the federal government.

Tinubus request to increase 2024 budget

During the week, President Bola Tinubu requested the National Assembly to amend the 2024 Appropriation with an increase of N6.2 trillion.

The Presidents request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Wednesday.

Mr Tinubu requested that the capital profile of the budget be raised by N3.2 trillion and the recurrent expenditure by N3 trillion. This will increase the total budget to N34.9 trillion.

The President explained that the funds would be sourced from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

Mr Tinubu also requested that the Finance Act 2023 be amended to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and to provide for tax administration and other related matters.

The Senate referred the Presidents request to the appropriation committee for further legislative action and sent the Finance Act to the finance committee.

No to South-south Development Commission

On Thursday, the Senate suspended a bill seeking to establish the South-south Development Commission (SSDC).

The bill was sponsored by Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and scheduled for second reading.

It was presented by Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East) on behalf of Mr Ekpeyong during the plenary.

The lawmakers voted against the bill on the ground that it would duplicate the functions of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Bill to reform Nigerian insurance industry scales second reading

The Senate passed for second reading a bill seeking to reform and regulate policies of the insurance sector.

The bill was passed during the plenary on Thursday after many senators supported it when the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided, put it to vote.

After that, the deputy senate president referred it to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions.

Mr Barau directed the committee to report to the Senate in one month.

After Supreme Court ruling, Senate ponders LG elections

A bill seeking to establish a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission scaled first reading at the upper legislative chamber.

The bill, sponsored by Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), was passed during the plenary after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced it.

The proposed law seeks to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.

It came a few days after the Supreme Court made a landmark judgement granting financial autonomy to local governments in the country.

CBN targets $1trn

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, is projecting that the recapitalisation of banks would help make Nigeria a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Mr Cardoso said this on Friday while reviewing the banks performance for the first half-year before the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions.

He said the recapitalisation would strengthen the banks financial capacity and stability.

The ongoing recapitalisation efforts in the banking sector are focused on enhancing financial stability and driving progress toward reaching a $1 trillion economy by 2030, he said.

Mr Cardoso reaffirmed the CBNs commitment to stabilising the economy, restoring confidence in financial markets, and establishing a sustainable growth foundation.

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The Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has said Nigeria will never experience peace and development because of growing injustice against Igbos.

Igbo is an ethnic group dominant in Nigerias south-east.

The spokesperson of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands on a firm wicket based on reason, history and experience to state that there can never be peace, progress and national development when there is a deliberate government policy of injustice, tantrums and brimstones against a vibrant, capacious, resourceful, resilient and populous ethnic group such as the Igbo, he said.

Giving an instance of the alleged injustice, Mr Ogbonnia recalled that the then President Muhammadu Buhari, in January 2021, appointed some service chiefs in Nigeria but excluded Igbos from the appointment.

He said the lopsided policy did not reduce insecurity in Nigeria.

Hardship, an outcome of injustice against Igbos

Mr Ogbonnia also described the current economic hardship in Nigeria as a comeuppance of Igbophobia.

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Igbophobia, as used by Mr Ogbonnia here, means anti-Igbo sentiment.

It (hardship) is an unavoidable outcome of an orchestrated injustice, marginalisation, callous conspiracies, corporate shenanigans and ethnic bigotry against the Igbo, he said.

Not the first time

This is not the first time the Igbos would accuse the Nigerian government of injustice against them.

Since the end of the Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970, the Igbos have continued to complain that they have been marginalised in the distribution of social infrastructure and sharing of political positions.

The feeling of frustration among the Igbos heightened after the 2023 presidential election when Peter Obi, who is from the Igbo ethnic group, failed to win the election even when he enjoyed a great following, especially among the Nigerian youths.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was the Labour Party candidate in the election.

He had challenged Bola Tinubus victory at the election in various Nigerian courts, including the Supreme Court, but lost in all of them.

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The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, says the N3 trillion recurrent component of the additional funding in the 2024 budget is to cater for the new minimum wage.

Mr Bagudu stated this on Monday while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations to defend the N6.2 trillion proposed additional funding in the budget.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that President Bola Tinubu requested the National Assembly to amend the budget by adding N6.2 trillion.

On Wednesday, the House passed the bill for a second reading and referred it to the House Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action.

President Tinubu, on Thursday, approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, subject to parliamentary approval.

Providing an overview of the budget, Mr Bagudu noted that the proposed minimum wage has been captured in the bill with the N3 trillion recurrent expenditure, adding that the president will soon send the bill to the National Assembly.

He also disclosed that the N3.2 trillion capital expenditure component is allocated to the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.

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He said the government will use part of the funds to provide counterpart funding for major projects like the Lagos-Calabar and railway projects.

Some of the projects proposed in the budget include Lagos-Calabar, the 1,000 km Sokoto-Badagry road projects, as well as the rail project for which the Chinese government has provided 85 per cent funding, while the federal government is yet to provide the 15 per cent counterpart finance, he said.

He explained that the proposed N3.2 trillion was intended to provide equity contributions or counterpart contributions for federal government projects designated as priority projects, as well as critical projects which needed more appropriation so that they will not suffer neglect.

Mr Bagudu further disclosed that N530 billion is allocated for major rail projects in the country, adding that N522 billion was provided for water, irrigation, and dam projects.

In his opening address, the Chairperson of the Committee, Abubakar Bichi, tasked the minister to give details of the Appropriation Bill, including the N3.2 trillion capital expenditure increase and N3 trillion recurrent expenditure.

Mr Bichi said there was a need for Nigerians to be adequately informed of the details of the proposed N6.2 trillion budget, which is in addition to the N28.7 trillion Appropriation Act approved for the 2024 fiscal year.

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The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on Monday, affirmed the conviction of the dethroned traditional ruler of Shangisha in Magodo, Mutiu Ogundare, for faking his own abduction.

The court, however, reduced Mr Ogundares sentence to 12 years from the 15 years initially handed down by the lower court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High in Ikeja had on 27 September 2022 sentenced the convict to 15 years imprisonment.

Mr Ogundare was charged alongside his wife, Abolanle and his brother, Opeyemi Mohammed.

They were arraigned on three counts of breach of peace and fake abduction, preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

The lower court had discharged and acquitted Mr Ogundares wife, Abolanle, saying that she had no link to the crime.

The court, however, found Mr Ogundare and Mr Mohammed guilty as charged.

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Dissatisfied with the judgment, Mr Ogundare approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the lower court.

When the case was called on Monday, the lead Justice, Peter Bassi, upheld the judgment of the lower court in counts one and two and overturned count three.

The other justices on the panel were Justice Bayero and Justice Folashade Ojo, who agreed with the judgment of the lead justice.

Mr Bassi said that Mr Ogundares appeal succeeded in part and reduced his sentence to 12 years.

The court held that the appellant would serve 10 years imprisonment for count one and two years for count two.

On the third count, the court upturned the sentence of the lower court, in respect of false representation to release a kidnapped person.

The convict was first remanded on 16 July 2017 in Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ogba Magistrates Court for alleged fake abduction.

The state had stated that the convicts committed the offences on 5 July 2017, along Centre for Management Development Road, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area.

The state said that Mr Ogundare staged the kidnap to blackmail the state government.

(NAN)

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Nigerias Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Monday convened a high-level meeting with top executives from Dangote Group, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to address the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.

Nneamaka Okafor, the special adviser on media and communication to the minister, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Present at the meeting were Aliko Dangote, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group; Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the NMDPRA; Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive officer of the NUPRC and Mele Kyari, NNPCs group chief executive officer.

Ms Okafor said the stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating the crucial dialogue.

The statement noted that the meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.

According to the statement, the minister emphasised the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the oil and gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigerias economic growth and energy security.

This meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscores the ministers dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigerias oil and gas sector, the statement said.

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Background

Last month, the Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of doing everything to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.

He said the IOCs are deliberately frustrating the refinerys efforts to buy local crude by jerking up the high premium price above the market price, thereby forcing it to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs.

Speaking to a group of energy editors at a one-day training programme organised by the Dangote Group at the time, Mr Edwin also lamented the activity of the NMDPRA in granting licences indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.

Responding to the claim at the time, the NMDPRA said there is no dirty fuel being imported into the country, noting that it takes seriously its statutory mandate to ensure that only quality petroleum products are supplied and consumed in Nigeria.

The NMDPRA explained that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) heads of state in 2020 endorsed a declaration adopting the Afri-5 fuel roadmap that requires that certain products have a minimum 50 parts per million (ppm) litres of sulphur.

Last Wednesday, Mr Edwin insisted that IOCs operating in Nigeria have consistently frustrated the companys requests for locally produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.

Mr Edwins response came against the background of a statement by the chief executive officer of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe.

Mr Komolafe had, in an interview on ARISE News TV, said that it is erroneous for one to say that the IOCs are refusing to make crude oil available to domestic refiners, as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has a stipulation that calls for a willing buyer, willing seller relationship.

Mr Edwin stated that IOCs prefer to sell crude to international trading arms, who then sell it at a margin.

He highlighted that when cargoes are offered to the oil company by the trading arms, it is sometimes at a $2-$4 (per barrel) premium above the official price set by NUPRC.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, while speaking to the state house correspondents last Thursday, said the refinery is still at the pre-commissioning stage and has not yet been licenced.

Mr Ahmed said the allegations raised by the refinery that its operations are being scuttled owing to a lack of supply of crude oil by IOCs are untrue, noting that Mr Dangote is requesting that the regulatory suspend or stop all importation of petroleum products, especially automotive gas oil (AGO) or jet kero and direct all marketers to the refinery.

The House of Representatives had resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged conspiracy by IOCs against the refinery.

The resolution follows a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, (PDP, Rivers) last Thursday.

In the motion, Mr Chinda said the alleged conspiracy undermines the refinerys performance from complete optimisation.

The alleged conspiracy against Dangote refinery relates to efforts by the IOCs to deliberately frustrate the refinerys ability to buy local crude oil by manipulating and increasing the premium price above the market price, he said.

Mr Chinda added that whilst the IOCs are keen on exporting raw materials to their home countries and thus creating wealth and employment for their countries, thereby adding to their GDP, Nigeria continues to be a dumping ground for refined products, thus making us dependent on imported petroleum products.

Consequently, the House urged the federal government, the NUPRC, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and well-meaning Nigerians to support Dangote Refinery to succeed.

Following the crisis, Mr Dangote announced plans to halt investment in Nigerias steel industry, adding that his companys board decided against the steel investment to avoid the accusations of being considered monopolistic.

The refinery

The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel in January.

Announcing the commencement of production, the company said the refinery had received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs 25 kilometres from the shore.

The first crude delivery was done on 12 December 2023, and the sixth cargo was delivered on 8 January.

The company made a further move towards the commencement of the production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of an additional one million barrels of bonny light crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

In April, the company commenced supplying petroleum products to the local market.

Last month, Mr Dangote said that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, refined at the refinery, will hit the market by July.

NNPC Limited had earlier announced plans to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the refinery.

However, last Sunday, Mr Dangote said NNPC Ltd now owns only 7.2 per cent stake in the refinery due to its failure to pay the balance of its share, which was due in June.

The agreement was actually 20 per cent, which we had with NNPC, and they did not pay the balance of the money up till last year, and then we gave them another extension up till June (2024), and they said that they would remain where they have already paid which is 7.2 per cent. So NNPC, the government, owns only 7.2 per cent, not 20 per cent, Mr Dangote said, according to reports.

Confirming the development in a statement, the NNPC Ltd said its period assessment of the investment portfolio led to the decline in its share of the refinery.

On Sunday, Mr Dangote told PREMIUM TIMES in an exclusive interview that he is willing to give up ownership of the refinery to the state-owned energy company, NNPC Limited.

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I have never seen anyone who rose to the top in life or achieved anything significant without cracking the code of obstacles. Obstacles are the platforms for miracles. Your mystery is the platform for your ministry. Your test is the platform for your testimony. Your trial is the platform for your triumph. There has never been a great man on earth that was never first a great man of trials.

The Bible is complete and inerrant in its account of the life and times of great movers and shakers of kingdoms, all of whom were carved from the furnace of obstacles. Men like David and Daniel had their own fair shares of trials and tests. They were like branches which were plucked out of the fire of life. You are not alone in the trials of life. You have just been enlisted into the hall of fame of champions.

That trial will not kill you. It will only make you stronger and prepared to stand the heat of your next levels. It is after Zion has travailed that she can bring forth his man child. Great glories are born out of great stories. The stories of great men are in their histories. As you labor on the stool of life, waiting and watching for when your glory will be born, you must not miss the critical lessons of wisdom that youre learning from these negative experiences.

The first lesson of wisdom in your season of trial are your secrets. You must never trade your secrets in exchange for solutions to your problems. Why? On the day of your glory, after God has answered your prayers, it is your secrets in the hands of men that will be used as bullets to bring you down. Second lesson of wisdom in your season of trial is in the way you manage the identity of your helper. You must never reveal the names or identities of your strategic helpers to just anyone, if at all you must release them. Dont reveal your helpers to men. They will come after you by attempting to damage your reputation and integrity before your helper.

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore, do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. (Proverbs 20:19 )

Recently, someone came to me with very damaging reports about a dear son in the Lord, telling me very negative things about him with the hope of getting me to fire him. I just smiled and said to myself, there is nothing anyone can tell me to damage the integrity of the people I love. But some people arent like this. They will shut down the flow of their assistance to you because of the negative report from someone else. Saul in 1 Samuel 9 & 10 had a similar experience. After his return from prophet Samuel, upon his anointing as the next log of Israel, his uncle asked him of his whereabouts. The Bible said, Saul did not reveal what had happened to his uncle. (I Samuel 10: 14-16). That is classic wisdom.

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Among all others, the final greatest wisdom lesson you must learn in your season of trial is to ensure that you dont play around with your prayer altar and your relationship with God. You must not turn down the volume of prayers just because your testimony has come. Some people are strong prayer warriors in their times of trials but dump their prayer tempo as soon as their stories change. Your altar is your greatest source of strength and support before, during, and after your trials. You must not dump your pastor, designating him as too low for your new status. While you were suffering, he was not too low, but now that your story has changed, hes suddenly become too low? Everything about your altar must never be compromisedyour church, your mentors, your word life, your prayer life, your giving life, and your heart for righteousness. The altar is the strength of champions. Its the greatest source of wisdom in the time of trials.

Let me prophesy on you. Your case will be like Josephs. That thing theyve thrown at you with the aim of finishing you is that same channel that will lead you to the palace. Your enemies and their strategies are taking you to your glorious destiny.

You wont die before your glory is born. Death will not advertise your glory. Right here on earth, in the full glare of the whole world, your man child shall be born. Your glory shall break forth. Your gifts and callings shall speak. You will not be quenched in the middle of your trials.

Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele@gmail.com.

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The fight against corruption is not up to scratch just yet, as evidenced in the report on a survey, which showed that a staggering sum of N721 billion was paid as bribes to Nigerian public officials in 2023. This amount translates to $1.26 billion. It is intriguing that the state authorities appear not to be getting the message beyond the accustomed jejune rhetoric that follows this sort of revelation.

On this sleaze plum are 17 categories of public officials, and those in the judiciary grabbed the dubious distinction of being the highest beneficiaries. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) conducted the survey in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) between October and November last year, with the report titled, Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends.

Judges and magistrates are said to have received the highest bribes in cash, followed by officials of the Customs and Immigrations services, then members of the Armed Forces, Land Registry and Police officers. Prosecutors topped the ranking of officials who collected bribes, at 67 per cent; Land registry officials at 58 per cent; Customs/Immigrations officers, 54 per cent; and Judges/magistrates, 52 per cent. Teachers/lecturers, medical doctors, nurses, midwives and other health personnel were all found out to be partakers in the sleaze, coming in the rear of the aforementioned public officials.

The bribes were reported as having been paid in offices and on the streets, especially during public procurements, employment exercises, the processing of international passports, promotion/retirement documentation, payroll preparation, clearing goods at sea ports/land borders and at checkpoints, among other places.

Taming the scourge is the remit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and law enforcement generally. But from the look of things, these institutions are undoubtedly overwhelmed.

This could be inferred from the lamentation of the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukeyede, when he recently received officials of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in his office. He said, When I look at the case files and see humongous amount of money stolen, I wonder how we are still surviving. If you see some case files, you will weep. The way they move unspent budget allocations to private accounts in commercial banks before midnight at the end of budget cycle, you will wonder what kind of spirit drives us as Nigerians. The scenario is incredible.

Yet, unbelievably, those involved are rarely brought to book. Even the very few put on trial use the wealth they had amassed to stifle the course of justice or ultimately escape sanction. Politicians, such as ex-governors and ministers, are adept at doing this. Routinely, they procure perpetual court injunctions, which restrain the EFCC from investigating, prosecuting or even inviting them for questioning.

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The hope of any redemption is fast fading, as underscored by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemis disappointment, three weeks ago, that the judiciary is no longer the hope of the common man but, It ismajorly now the last hope of the big shots. This, coming in the wake of the NBS/UNODC report, is highly unsettling.

So rife is the criminality that many retiring Justices of the Supreme Court routinely use their valedictory speeches to echo the concern. It has been in the public space that court officials and judges are easily bribed by litigants to obviate delays and or obtain favourable judgments, Justice Mohammad Dattijo agonisingly said last November.

Many before him had poignantly said so too. Justice Samson Uwaifo of the same apex court had warned in 2003 that, A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amuck with a dagger in a crowded street. Dattijo was so miffed by official aloofness to earlier suggestions for reforms that he had wanted to bow out of service quietly. But family members and friends had to persuade him on the valediction for record purposes.

It is a fact that a good number of judges have been removed due to the abuse of their offices. There are specific cases of soliciting bribes. But no corrupt judge has been convicted and sent to jail to serve as a deterrent to others, unlike what happens in other jurisdictions like the US and UK. The National Judicial Council (NJC) is to blame for this; with the slap on the wrist, it metes out to delinquent judicial officials who are found out, by way of compulsory retirement, with all their entitlements paid. This does not inject sanity into the system.

Whether these rogue elements are judges, politically exposed persons or top bureaucrats, what is obvious is that no government has yet demonstrated the sorely needed political will to fight corruption in Nigeria. The brazenness with which the atrocity is carried out is imponderable. Nigerias present ranking of 145 out of 180 nations in Transparency Internationals (TI) Corruption Perception Index appallingly tells the story clearer. President Muhammadu Buharis indiscreet release of two former governors from prison without them completing their jail terms, after being convicted of treasury looting, was a serious setback to the national drive dealing with the conundrum.

Public officials who loot funds, as was in the case of a former Accountant General of the Federations N109 billion heist and some ex-governors N100 billion pillage, are fittingly mass murderers. Many citizens may have died as a result of the lack of funds to provide quality healthcare, education and good roads and other essential services that enhance the public good.

Being a systemic problem, therefore, it requires a paradigm shift in the efforts at tackling it. Our present jurisprudence gives much protection to suspects who use their ill-gotten billions of naira to obfuscate their trials, hire the best lawyers, corrupt the judicial process, and bribe their way to freedom. The country can no longer condone this. The UK, despite being light years ahead in socio-economic development, in comparison to Nigeria, has enacted a law  Unexplained Wealth Orders, which transfers the onus of proof of innocence to a suspect with more than 50,000 in cash, or assets.

Our corpus of laws should be reviewed for greater effectiveness of the anti-graft crusade. We denounce the move by the Federal Capital Territory administration to build retirement residences for serving heads of Court Divisions in Abuja. The action is clearly an act of judicial corruption. The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who disclosed the plan recently, said President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to it. The president, without delay, should withdraw his imprimatur on this scheme at suborning judicial officials.

In Africa, Botswana, Seychelles, Rwanda, Namibia and South Africa are making headways in facing the plague; not to talk of Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, and Sweden, among others. Corruption is a towering binding constraint to development in Nigeria.

Consequently, the anti-graft agencies must stay ahead of the rogue elements in the public service, crack high-profile corruption cases, secure convictions in this regard, and recover those unspent budgets moved into private bank accounts at midnight. Otherwise, all the efforts will be tantamount to the oxymoron of all motion without movement.

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A member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Abdul-Majid Umar, was beaten up by a mob at an event attended by the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, on Saturday.

Mr Umar, a lawmaker of the states ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) representing Gwale Local Government Area, was attacked by some members of his constituency in the Goron Dutse area.

On Monday, the lawmaker said the deposed emir and the police had rescued him from the mob.

Mr Ado-Bayero, on Saturday, attended the annual closing prayer for peace and stability in Kano, organised by Tijjaniyya Muslim leaders at Isyaku Rabius residence in Goron Dutse, in the Gwale local council area of the state.

Mr Umar sat beside the emir at the event but was attacked soon after he left the venue.

The mob reportedly accused him of supporting the bill to dethrone the emir.

The mob reportedly injured the lawmaker before he escaped into a police patrol vehicle.

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Emir, police rescued me  lawmaker.

The lawmaker told BBC HAUSA Hausa Service on Monday that he was attacked by thousands of supporters of the deposed emir after he left the event unceremoniously.

He said he left the venue when he noticed it was not secure.

After the deposed emir arrived at the event, his supporters started abusing me and my colleagues, accusing us of repealing the emirate council law 2019 that led to the dethronement of the Emir.

The deposed emir stopped one of the palace guards who attempted to hit me. The deposed emir himself used his hand to bounce back one of the palace guards and shouted at another who attempted to hit me, Mr Umar said.

Mr Umar said he decided to leave when he noticed he was the only government official at the event.

I became more disturbed after I left the venue as people armed with dangerous weapons attacked me. I hastily jumped into a police vehicle. That was how I was rescued from the attack.

Two of my supporters were injured while we were leaving the venue, the lawmaker said.

However, one of the media aides of the deposed emir, Khalid Adamu, denied that the attackers were in the deposed emirs entourage.

He said Mr Bayero arrived at the event with many supporters, but none of them was armed.

The Kano emirate crisis began after the lawmakers on 23 May repealed the State Emirate Council Law 2019, under which former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje created four new emirates.

On the same day, Governor Abba Yusuf assented to the bill and sacked all the first-class emirs of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. He reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the sole emir of Kano the following day.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the lawmaker representing Dala Local Government Area, Lawan Hussaini, who sponsored the bill, hid following a backlash.

NNPP lawmakers from the scrapped emirates are reportedly avoiding their constituencies for fear of attack.

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Gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, on Monday robbed and killed a businessman in his office, opposite Ekeki Motor Park, Yenagoa.

The businessman, who was simply identified as Cletus, was said to have been trailed to his office in the early hours and stabbed several times in the head until he died.

The assailants were said to have left with an undisclosed amount of money, his mobile phone and a Toyota Highlander, packed opposite the office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the scene, saw neighbours mourning him. His body was discovered by his workers, who resumed duty.

The deceased, in his late 40s, was said to be a quiet businessman who had other businesses in the metropolis.

The spokesperson of the Police Command in Bayelsa, Musa Mohammed, said investigation into the matter had begun.

(NAN)

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JOLIET, Ill., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent announcement of the passing of Judy Belushi Pisano, the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) will dedicate this year's "Blues Brothers Con" to Judy's memory and lasting artistic legacy. The Museum's CEO, Greg Peerbolte, noted that she had served the Museum's Old Joliet Prison Historic Site for over five years in an advisory capacity. "Through the Prison's connection to one of the most important films ever made, The Blues Brothers, Judy shared our viewpoint that contemplating this complex historic site as a redefined community gathering space driven by education, art and music would help to bring about healing and honor the film's cultural legacy. Nowhere was this more evident in the creation of the 'Blues Brothers Con' festival" he said.

Peerbolte noted that from the moment the Museum took control of the Prison site in 2018, the penitentiary's connection to The Blues Brothers loomed large and proved to be a major factor in the decision to reopen the former penitentiary, constructed in 1858. Prior to this, the Joliet Prison sat largely vacant after its closure in 2002 and was subjected to vandalism and several acts of arson.

Efforts to host the first "Blues Brothers Con" began in 2019 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the film were stifled by the pandemic. The inaugural Blues Brothers Con was later held in August of 2022 in which 6,000 attendees descended on the Prison to watch Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi perform as "The Blues Brothers" inside the Prison walls, supported by a performance from Judy accompanied by Kate Taylor and Chicago Blues standouts like Toronzo Cannon and Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials. The inaugural event was also attended by founding Blues Brothers band members Steve Cropper and Tom "Bones" Malone.

Lucas Pisano, Judy's son, who also served as an organizer of the Blues Brothers Con since its inception, felt the dedication fitting tribute. "Our family is honored that this festival will be dedicated to our beautiful Judy. Few people are fully aware of her influence on the Blues Brothers' and John's creative magic," he said. "She served the blues community diligently in honor of his memory, and in her own right, championed this legacy. Her light and spirit are missed, but not forgotten. Through live music, good food and love, the festival will be a beautiful celebration of an extraordinary life."

This year's Blues Brothers Con, planned for 2023, was again delayed, this time by the SAG-AFTRA strikes. "It took patience, grit and determination to see this historic event through," said Peerbolte. "Judy was with us every step of the way, fighting through her health challenges to assist us with planning and coordination."

While specific plans to honor Judy at Blues Brothers Con are underway, a loan of her personal artifacts from the film, which Peerbolte termed "the Holy Grail," are making their way to the Joliet Area Historical Museum for display. She previously loaned two of the iconic black suits worn by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi throughout the film that are currently on display in the Museum's Route 66 Visitor's Center.

Peerbolte reflected that while this year's event will be bittersweet without her, he feels that Judy and the Old Joliet Prison's shared legacy is worthy of celebration. "We will be forever grateful to have hosted Judy's final public performance before 6,000 adoring fans who came from around the world to celebrate the 'universe' of The Blues Brothers in the place where the film began  a universe she crafted."

To purchase tickets and for more information on Blues Brothers Con, click here.

For high-res images of Blues Brothers Con for media use courtesy of Gill Ross, click here.

For more information about Blues Brothers Con, visit www.jolietmuseum.org.

About the JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) is a private 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that celebrates the diverse industrial heritage and culture of the Joliet region. It is funded primarily through the support of membership, sponsored programs and government grants. Founded in 2002, it operates a contemporary Museum facility in Joliet's City Center in the historic 1909 Ottawa Street Methodist Church along Old Route 66. Since 2018, JAHM has operated the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site and now operates two additional historic properties as museum experiences, the Planinsek Meat Market & Grocery Museum and Joliet Railroad Museum. In 2024, JAHM purchased the iconic "Gemini Giant" muffler man statue for display in its home community of Wilmington, Illinois and also leases the World's First Dairy Queen Building at 501 N. Chicago Street, Joliet.

Media Contacts

Greg Peerbolte

[email protected]

(815)549-9530

Madeline Sweeney

[email protected]

SOURCE Joliet Area Historical Museum
More Than 100 Amazon Workers Organizing with the Teamsters Hold Walkout Over Company's Unfair Labor Practices

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters at the company's major air hub in Southern California walked off the job Sunday in an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike over retaliation workers have faced for union organizing. The KSBD warehouse in San Bernardino is a crucial cog in Amazon's logistics network and the largest air facility on the West Coast.

"We're on strike to send a message to Amazon: treat your workers with the respect and dignity we deserve," said Anna Ortega, an Amazon air hub worker organizing with the Teamsters. "Amazon is one of the most profitable companies in the world, but it consistently treats its workers like trash. We are standing up for our right to organize and to fight for a better future at Amazon."

The strike takes place as Amazon workers continue to fulfill customer orders from Prime Day. KSBD has been a hotbed for Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters. Workers have led numerous walkouts and strikes over Amazon's unfair labor practices and petitioned management for higher wages, heat safety measures, and safer working conditions, among other key priorities.

"The workers now on strike have the full support of more than a million Teamsters nationwide," said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. "Amazon has no respect for the wellbeing of the workers who make its profits possible, and San Bernardino workers have sent a clear message to these corporate criminals that they've had enough."

"If Amazon is going to retaliate against us for organizing, then we are going to hit the streets," said Regina Herrmann, an Amazon air hub worker organizing with the Teamsters. "Amazon workers are responsible for Amazon's huge profits, especially during Prime Day. We are united and ready to exert our collective power."

The walkout in San Bernardino comes as Amazon workers nationwide organize in droves in a fight for better pay, safer working conditions, and a voice on the job, including Amazon Teamsters from Palmdale, California and Skokie, Illinois, who are currently on strike and extending their picket line to facilities across the country.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
BERRYVILLE, Va., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of Clarke has announced a new partnership with Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc. Through this collaboration, Bank of Clarke customers will receive free access to the award-winning Greenlight family finance app as part of the Greenlight for Banks program. This initiative underscores Bank of Clarke's dedication to serving its footprint by promoting financial literacy.

"Bank of Clarke's partnership with Greenlight will empower our customers to educate their children about money management, fostering healthy lifelong financial habits," said Brandon Lorey, President and CEO of Bank of Clarke. "We're proud to be the first community bank in Virginia to offer this innovative program. Some of our senior staff are already using it with their children and have given it rave reviews."

Greenlight provides parents with a convenient, cashless solution to automate allowance payments, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, and send money instantly. Children gain practical money management experience by learning to earn, save, donate, and spend wisely under parental supervision using the Greenlight debit card and app. Children also get access to Greenlight Level Up, an in-app financial literacy game with an excellent curriculum, educational challenges, and rewards.

"We created the Greenlight for Banks program to assist financial institutions in better serving families and engaging the next generation with top-notch financial education," said Matt Wolf, SVP of Business Development at Greenlight. "Community banks like Bank of Clarke are ideally positioned to enhance financial literacy thanks to their strong community ties and exceptional customer care."

As of July 16, 2024, Bank of Clarke customers can register online at greenlight.com/clarke to receive a free Greenlight subscription and link their Bank of Clarke account as a funding source. Parents can add up to five children, each with their own debit card.

About Bank of Clarke

Founded on April 1, 1881, Bank of Clarke now operates 14 full-service branches, two loan production offices, a wealth management office, and one drive-through only facility. The main office is located at 2 East Main Street in Berryville, Virginia, with additional offices in greater Clarke County, Frederick County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and the City of Winchester, VA, as well as an office in Frederick, Maryland.

Bank of Clarke's mission is to be a trusted partner in the communities it serves, providing financial solutions to help people achieve their financial goals at every life stage. The bank aims to build lifelong relationships with customers, employees, shareholders, and communities, maintaining its status as a high-performing, independent community bank that offers best-in-class technology, products, and services. For more information, visit www.bankofclarke.bank. Member FDIC.

About Greenlight

Greenlight Financial Technology is the family fintech company on a mission to help parents raise financially-smart kids. Its product, Greenlight, is an award-winning banking app, complete with a debit card for kids and teens and safety features for the whole family. Parents can automate allowance, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, and invest for their family's future. Kids and teens learn to earn, save, spend wisely, give, and invest. Together, families can also stay safe and connected with location sharing, SOS alerts, crash detection with 911 dispatch, driving scores, reports and real-time trip alerts.

Greenlight partners with more than 60 leading banks, credit unions, and employers to bring its family finance solution to more families through the Greenlight for Banks, Greenlight for Credit Unions, and Greenlight for Work programs.

The Greenlight Debit Card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of principal. Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Greenlight's bank partners. For more information, please visit: greenlight.com.

SOURCE Bank of Clarke
With more than 24 years of experience in Mexico, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) is moving forward with its strategy to deepen its presence in the country. The expansion of its new offices, the strengthening of its commercial team and its annual disbursements of almost US$5 billion position Bladex as a key player in the growth of Mexican companies. Bladex has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1992 and has been one of the most active issuers on the Mexican Stock Exchange for more than 12 years.

MEXICO CITY, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To strengthen its presence in the Mexican market, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) has undertaken a series of activities to send a clear message of its commitment to the country.

Jorge Guemez  Country Manager of Bladex Mexico, Herminio Blanco - Treasurer of the Board, Miguel Heras - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Angelica Ruiz  Director of the Board, Mario Covo - Director of the Board and Jorge Salas - Chief Executive Officer.

Bladex is a multinational bank that began operations in 1979 with the purpose of promoting foreign trade and economic integration in the region. It has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: BLX) since 1992 and its shareholders include central banks, banks, and government entities from 23 Latin American countries, as well as financial institutions, institutional investors and individuals.

For Bladex, Mexico represents nearly 15% of the bank's exposure and is the only country in which it maintains local currency loans, with significant growth in new business, syndications and disbursements, which currently exceed US$5 billion per year.

Miguel Heras, Chairman of Bladex's Board of Directors, emphasizes the bank's commitment to Mexico. "In its 5-year business plan, Bladex has chosen Mexico as a pillar of its growth in the region, strengthening its commercial teams and strategic alliances with partners. We have three Mexican directors on our Board of Directors and have established a strategic alliance with the country's development banks.

"Bladex has a clear strategic focus on growing in the coming years with each of our clients, supported by our shareholders and the enthusiasm of investors who see us as a solid institution with a great future."

In this sense, Bladex expects to grow steadily in Mexico in the coming years, based on its track record of more than 24 years in the country, over 12 years as an issuer on the Mexican Stock Exchange and a broad portfolio of clients from diverse productive sectors such as oil & gas, airlines, manufacturing, financial services and automotive, among others.

Bladex's Board of Directors met in Mexico City on July 15th for the inauguration of its new offices, an event that brought together important personalities from the Mexican business and financial sectors, a clear endorsement of the bank and its growth plan for the coming years in the country.

Jorge Salas, CEO of Bladex, emphasized that "The results of this joint commitment to the Mexican market are evident in the diversified loan portfolio, which has grown by 45% in the last 18 months, adding new clients in the construction, energy, finance, auto parts and project finance sectors, and achieving an all-time record in revenues for Bladex Mexico."

Bladex has completed significant transactions in the country, the most recent of which include leading the acquisition finance of Interceramic for US$665 million, the private securitization of Engen for US$150 million, assisting PEMEX in the refinancing of its US$8.3 billion debt, leading the acquisition finance of Trimex for US$300 million and participating in the first project finance in Mexico with ENGIE's Energia Mayakan, among others. Bladex has also been one of the top 10 most active issuers in the Mexican debt market in recent years.

Jorge Guemez, Country Manager of Bladex Mexico, commented: "Bladex remains firmly committed to helping Mexican companies and industries finance their growth, diversification and regional expansion through our extensive experience and knowledge of the region with names such as Lamosa, Trimex, Pemex, Cemex, etc. We also support the onboarding and expansion of Latin American clients in Mexico, including companies such as Carvajal, Bia Foods and Nubank, among others. The recent agreement with Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior S.N.C. (Bancomext) will undoubtedly be a catalyst in achieving this goal.

"In addition, we are an active participant in the largest marketplace for vendor invoice discounting in Mexico. We have strengthened our commercial team, developed strategic partnerships, and actively collaborated with various Fintech platforms to expand and diversify our product offering and reach more clients and industries. Mexico has put its trust in Bladex and Bladex has trusted Mexico."

On July 24, Bladex will hold its traditional market call to present its second-quarter results. "We have had great support from investors and analysts who have begun to follow our performance and continue to recommend buying our stock," concluded Jorge Salas.

Contact:

Jorge Guemez  Country Manager of Bladex Mexico

E-mail address: [email protected]

Tel: + 52 (55) 5280-0822

SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex)
In one Voting District the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives are in play. Millions of dollars are beginning to pour in to help the candidates appeal to their confused, nervous constituents. CA 32 knows Harris (D). Thompson (R) and Garvey (R) are offering the silenced, conservative voters an alternative viable candidate versus just moving our of state as so many are doing.

Will Harris win the Democrat Nomination? Will California Governor Gavin Newsom or another wanna-be president throw their blue hat in the ring? Everyone sitting at outdoor coffee shops along San Vincente Boulevard is voicing their various opinions just as they did in 1994 about the Brentwood murder of O.J. Simpson's ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

Garvey, who is in a one-on-one matchup with Adam Schiff (D) claims "the recent events have awakened a sleeping giant here." https://stevegarvey.com/

Thompson's mantra against Brad Sherman (D) is "I want everyone to simply use Common Sense with Common Civility to find Common Ground to solve our Common Issues. I'll definitely beat Sherman," he adds. I'm just glad I'm not running against Taylor Swift." www.LarryThompsonForCongress.com

All in all, Brentwood is the present hub for all things American, including the "Original Apple Pie" you can order with your cappuccino at the famous, nearby "Apple Pan."

For further information, contact:

Robert G. Endara II

12021 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 614

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 288-0700

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.LarryThompsonForCongress.com

Please click on the following link to download the photo above: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/suUEpNPhJQ

Courtesy of Larry Thompson For Congress

SOURCE Larry Thompson For Congress
DOVER, Del., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) will host a conference call on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. The earnings press release will be issued on Thursday, August 8, 2024, after market close.

To listen to the Company's conference call via live webcast, please register here prior to the call. The accompanying presentation will also be available in the registration link for listeners to follow along during the webcast.

For investors and analysts that wish to participate by phone for the question and answer portion of the call, please use the following dial-in information:

Toll-free: 800-445-7795

International: 203-518-9856

Conference ID: CPKQ224

The conference call presentation will also be made available by visiting the Events & Presentations section of the Investors page on www.chpk.com. After the conclusion of the call, a replay will be available by visiting the same section of the Company's website as noted above.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses. For more information, visit www.chpk.com.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

For more information, contact:

Lucia M. Dempsey

Head of Investor Relations

347.804.9067

[email protected]

SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
WUHAN, China, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- All stakeholders that delivered the landmark UAE Consensus must come together to implement it and advance sustainable socio-economic development, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber announced today at the eighth Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA).

Since its inception at COP28, held in Dubai in December, the historic UAE Consensus has emerged as the defining point of reference for global climate ambition and sustainable development.

Solidarity was the key to achieving the UAE Consensus and Dr. Al Jaber told ministers at the event in Wuhan, China, to draw from its "spirit of solidarity" to accelerate implementation of the UAE Consensus.

This approach to inclusivity not only helped to deliver the UAE Consensus but is now yielding real-world results and "facts on the ground", Dr. Al Jaber added.

PetroChina, which accounts for 3.5 percent of global oil production, has joined the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), which was launched at COP28 to accelerate decarbonization in the sector.

PetroChina joins 52 other companies, representing roughly 40 percent of global oil production, in the OGDC  with National Oil Companies accounting for over 60 percent of signatories, the most ever to commit to a decarbonization initiative.

The OGDC calls for the industry to align around net zero by or before 2050, zero-out methane emissions by 2030, eliminate routine flaring by 2030, work towards industry best practices in emission reduction, and invest in the energy system of the future.

PetroChina joining the Charter marks a "significant moment for Chinese leadership" and "sends a powerful signal to global companies yet to sign up to do the right thing and choose the right side of history," Dr. Al Jaber said.

The COP28 President also called on countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that "cover everything from decarbonization to deforestation."

"We are pushing every country to turn its NDC into a practical plan that transforms the UAE Consensus into facts on the ground. These plans should be comprehensive and balanced across mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation," he said.

The COP Presidencies Troika, uniting COP28 with the Azerbaijan and Brazil COP Presidencies, has a critical role to play in maintaining "political momentum," he added.

Every sector should make climate resilience "their guiding principle", the COP28 President said, urging industries to "adopt strategies that future proof their business models, put people first and protect our planet."

Alongside decarbonizing the energy system of today, boosting investment in carbon-free energies is critical, the President said, highlighting the UAE Consensus' goal of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade.

This represents "a bold ambition that will stretch us all," Dr. Al Jaber acknowledged, pointing to IRENA's latest report which found that the world needs to grow capacity by 16.4 per cent every year through 2030. Despite this, "history tells us that every time we doubt our ability to achieve great things, we beat expectations,' Dr. Al Jaber said. While just 1 gigawatt of solar power capacity was added globally in 2004, the world now adds twice that much to the grid "every single day," he declared.

SOURCE COP28
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Planners, the nation's largest home-based travel advisor franchise network was recently named to Franchise Business Review's (FBR) fifth annual "Culture100" list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in its 2024 research on the Best Franchise Cultures.

Cruise Planners founder and CEO, Michelle Fee and Cruise Planners Home Office Team

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, is the only provider of franchises rankings based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. FBR publishes its rankings of top franchises semi-annually in its Guide to Today's Top Franchises, as well as industry reports throughout the year that highlight research on the top franchises of specific sectors.

Cruise Planners was among more than 360 franchise brands, representing more than 36,000 franchise owners that participated in FBR's research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 17 unique areas that contribute to a strong company culture, including leadership, core values, franchisee community, and engagement. Cruise Planners also received a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report from Franchise Business Review for 2024. Along with Cruise Planners boasting a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report, they were also named as a Top Franchise in 2024 by Franchise Business Review.

"Finding the right culture fit is an important part of any franchise investment decision, but it can be difficult to gauge," said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. "That's why we gather data on how current franchisees rate a brand's culture. It tells you whether franchisees believe the franchisor cares about their success and how well the community of support staff and franchisees work together to achieve their business objectives."

"We are honored to be recognized by Franchise Business Review for our exceptional company culture," said Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. "Our travel franchisee owners are the heart of our business, and we are committed to providing them with the best support, tools, and community to ensure their success. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Cruise Planners."

Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as "Best-In-Category" for 2 years.

Cruise Planners received a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report from Franchise Business Review for 2024. Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.

Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors . For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ .

SOURCE Cruise Planners Franchising, LLC
MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Crum & Forster (C&F) has been recognized among Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials -- individuals born from 1981 to 1996. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for millennial employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier. Earning this distinction means that C&F has surpassed rigorous benchmarks, establishing itself as one of the country's best companies to work for.

"This award is a testament to C&F's unwavering commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace for multiple generations. We intentionally focus on programs that create opportunities for learning, connection, and mentorship so that all employees feel engaged," said Barbra Katz, Crum & Forster's Chief Human Resources Officer. "We're also a company that emphasizes wellness: physical, emotional and financial. For millennials, the largest segment of our workforce, that means benefits to support families and build a secure financial future."

To determine the Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials List, Great Place To Work collected nearly 510,000 responses from millennials at companies eligible for the list. To be considered, companies had to be Great Place to Work Certified and have at least 50 millennial employees in the U.S.

"At C&F, we are committed to fostering an environment where young professionals can thrive and reach their full potential. Our emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, and leadership development ensures that our employees are not only prepared for the challenges of today, but are also equipped for the opportunities of tomorrow," said Marc Adee, Chairman and CEO of Crum & Forster. "Winning Fortune's Best Workplaces for Millennials is a testament to our dedication to creating a dynamic and supportive workplace where career growth is both achievable and encouraged."

C&F is excited about the future and is committed to building on this success, ensuring that all employees feel empowered and connected. To learn more about career opportunities at C&F, visit https://www.cfins.com/careers .

About Crum & Forster

Crum & Forster ( www.cfins.com ) is a leading national property, casualty, and accident & health insurer, providing specialty insurance products through its admitted and surplus lines insurance companies.

Founded in 1822, C&F is one of the oldest U.S. insurance companies, and today conducts business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers. C&F had $5.3 billion in gross written premium in 2023 and is rated "A" Excellent by A M Best (2023).

The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn , X and Instagram .

Media Contact

Amy Whilldin

AVP, Public Relations & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Crum & Forster
Join the America Project for an Exclusive X Spaces Session on Thursday, 7 PM Eastern

DENVER, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The America Project is hosting an exclusive X Spaces session titled Cyber Crisis and Systemic Abuse of Power: Saving Tina Peters on Thursday at 7 PM Eastern. This session will delve into the ongoing legal battles faced by Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk, who is days away from a court appearance where she faces multiple felony charges for simply doing her job as Mesa County Colorado Clerk.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, July 25th

Time: 7 PM Eastern

Platform/Link: X Spaces at https://x.com/theamericaproj

Host: Amanda Freytas  The America Project

Topic Spokesperson  Mark Fincham https://x.com/realmarkfinchem

About Tina Peters:

As the elected Mesa County Clerk in Colorado, Tina Peters made a backup of her county's Dominion Voting System server, only to stumble across evidence of manipulation in a recent local city council election as well as the 2020 general election. Clerk Peters' discoveries ignited a chain reaction, upending her life and leading to costly legal battles and personal attacks aimed at her character.

Media Highlights:

Capitol Times Magazine: Inside Secret Story - Tina Peters - The Hidden Truth Revealed

Tina Peters shared her insights on election integrity and her experiences in a detailed interview, delving into her motivations, beliefs, and concerns regarding the electoral process.

Documentary: [S]ELECTION CODE

Follow the story of Navy SEAL Gold Star Mom, cancer survivor, and whistleblower Tina Peters as she uncovers evidence of manipulation in local and general elections.

Biography:

Tina Peters is a dedicated public servant known for her role as the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder. Her career in election administration spans several years, during which she oversaw numerous elections, including the 2020 Presidential election. Tina is also a Gold Star mom and a cancer survivor, which has deeply influenced her commitment to service and her passion for election integrity.

Legal Overview:

Clerk Peters is facing imminent legal proceedings related to her exposure of issues with the county's election system. Her trial, which has experienced multiple postponements, is now rescheduled to begin on July 29, 2024, and will be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC starting July 31st. Peters faces multiple felony charges, including tampering with election equipment and identity theft. If convicted, she could face substantial legal penalties, including fines and up to 20 years in prison.

How You Can Help:

Donate to Clerk Peter's fund: GiveSendGo https://www.givesendgo.com/tinapeters

Attend her trial: Show up in person for her trial starting July 29th, open to the public on July 31st in Mesa County: Free Tina https://freetina.com/

Join us at the Private Benefit Concert: August 4th with Nashville recording artist Trey Taylor: [Private Benefit Concert](https://freetina.com/private-benefit-concert/)

Media Contact:

Publicity Contact: Johanna: [email protected]

Official Spokesperson: Mark Fincham

Links / Social Media:

Websites: Tina Peters Free Tina Peters Social Media:

X: Tina Peters Whistleblower of fallen Navy SEAL (@realtinapeters) / X

Truth Social: Tina Peters (@TinaPeters) Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/TheRealTinaPeters

Telegram: https://t.me/s/therealtinapeters Liberty Links: TinaPeters | LibertyLinks.io

Join us for this critical discussion and support Tina Peters in her fight for election integrity and justice.

For more information please email [email protected]

SOURCE The America Project
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dover (NYSE: DOV) today announced that it has acquired Marshall Excelsior Company ("MEC") for $395M in cash. MEC will become part of the OPW Global ("OPW") operating unit within Dover's Clean Energy & Fueling segment ("DCEF").

Founded over 48 years ago and headquartered in Marshall, Michigan, MEC supplies highly-engineered flow control components for transportation, storage, and use of liquified petroleum gas and other industrial gases. MEC's comprehensive portfolio of fittings, adapters, valves, regulators, pigtails, gauges, and related accessories drives differentiated performance to meet the exacting safety, quality, and reliability standards of its customers' mission-critical applications. The business generated approximately $120 million in revenue in 2023.

MEC is a highly-complementary acquisition to OPW. It serves the liquefied petroleum gas and cryogenic markets while adding access to new transport vehicle remote monitoring and severe service valve offerings that expand OPW's participation in the compressed and liquefied gases industry.

"We are very excited about the acquisition of MEC," said Kevin Long, OPW's President. "MEC's innovative solutions expand the range of our offerings to our customers and position us to drive future growth and synergies. This strategic move enhances our technological capabilities and positions us at the forefront of innovation in the cryogenic and industrial gas markets."

Dover's President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard J. Tobin, said, "The acquisition of MEC enhances Dover's portfolio and continues the strategic evolution of DCEF into a growth-exposed set of critical components businesses catering to clean energy applications. In addition to strengthening our clean energy platform, MEC is a strong business model fit with Dover due to its significant recurring revenue of mission-critical components, differentiated product attributes with clear regulatory and safety-driven tailwinds, and large installed base with a diverse blue-chip customer base. We are excited about executing on our attractive value-creation plan with this acquisition."

About Dover:

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of approximately 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding the anticipated effects of the transaction. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be deemed, "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, general economic conditions and conditions in the particular markets in which we operate, changes in customer demand and capital spending, competitive factors and pricing pressures, our ability to develop and launch new products in a cost-effective manner, and our ability to realize synergies from newly acquired businesses. For details on the risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that may be contained herein, we refer you to the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These documents are available from the SEC, and on our website, www.dovercorporation.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact: Media Contact: Jack Dickens Adrian Sakowicz Senior Director - Investor Relations Vice President  Communications (630) 743-2566 (630) 743-5039 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Dover
Four-alarm fire destroyed the Church's 134-year-old Chapel Friday

DALLAS, July 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, July 19, a four-alarm fire destroyed a historic landmark in Dallas  the 134-year-old Historic Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Dallas. The campus was inaccessible this morning, so Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor, held a worship service for the church at The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, with more than 3,000 in attendance.

First Baptist Dallas Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress announced on Sunday morning plans to rebuild the church's Historic Sanctuary which was destroyed in Friday's fire. First Baptist Dallas Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress on Sunday morning announced plans to rebuild after a fire destroyed the church's Historic Sanctuary on Friday. First Baptist Dallas held worship at the Dallas Convention Center Sunday morning, July 21, with 3,000 in attendance.

Dr. Jeffress thanked Dallas Fire Rescue and the 100 firefighters who worked to contain the fire to the Historic Sanctuary on Friday. The rest of the campus, which spans six blocks of downtown Dallas, was preserved. He also thanked officials like President Donald Trump and others who had expressed their sentiments.

While mourning the damage to the Victorian-style structure, Jeffress stated, "It's not the building, it's what that building represents: it represented the bedrock foundation of God's Word that never changes... We are going to rebuild and recreate that sanctuary as a standing symbol of truth," Jeffress said.

Executive Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn delivered the sermon Sunday morning, commenting, "We are disappointed, but we don't despair, as the events of Friday night awakened a spiritual giant with incredible resolve."

With 16,000 members, First Baptist Church of Dallas is one of the largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Jeffress likened the events to that of Jesus' death and resurrection, mentioning that on a Friday night it appeared evil had won, but on a Sunday morning the truth of God prevailed. "We can count on the goodness and power of God to sustain us in the days ahead," he said.

"Let's have the world see and say what happened Friday night was the best thing that happened to First Baptist Dallas, because it caused them to double-down on their mission: to go to all the world and preach the gospel," Jeffress concluded. "We're going to make it through this, remember that historic place of worship and do everything we can to honor it. God has great plans for First Baptist Dallas."

The chapel was a historic landmark in downtown Dallas and plans to rebuild have already begun.

Click here to watch Dr. Jeffress' remarks about the fire, or visit firstdallas.org/fbdupdate.

About First Baptist Dallas

First Baptist Church has been a landmark in downtown Dallas, covering six blocks of the city, since its founding in 1868. First Baptist Dallas named Dr. Robert Jeffress as pastor in 2007. Under his leadership, the church has grown to a 16,000-member congregation, the largest in its history. First Baptist Dallas focuses on reaching the city, nation, and world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church's mission is to transform the world with God's Word one life at a time through its ministries, including its international broadcast of Pathway to Victory and its iCampus, which reaches millions of listeners and viewers worldwide.

Media Contact: Abigail Miller at [email protected] or 214-663-9933.

SOURCE First Baptist Dallas
RADNOR, Pa., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Fastly, Inc. ("Fastly") (NYSE: FSLY). The action charges Fastly with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Fastly's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Fastly's investors have suffered significant losses.

If you suffered Fastly losses, you may CLICK HERE or go to: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/fastly-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fsly&mktm=r

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. of Kessler Topaz by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. The lead plaintiff deadline is July 23, 2024.

CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERE or go to: https://youtu.be/MVbQwTvArKo

DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

On February 14, 2024, Fastly issued a press release providing full year ("FY") 2024 revenue guidance in a range of $580 million to $590 million. In that same press release, Fastly's CEO was quoted stating, "[t]his quarter demonstrated the progress we've made in operational and financial rigor resulting in strong gross margins and non-GAAP net income," and "[o]ur go-to-market, packaging and channel efforts through 2023 delivered an inflection in our customer acquisition as we closed out the year. This positions us well for 2024, driving our mission to make every user experience fast, safe, and engaging."

On May 1, 2024, Fastly announced its Q1 2024 results. Despite Fastly's positive statements just weeks before about its performance and near-term business prospects, Fastly reported revenue of only $133.52 million, missing consensus estimates. Fastly also lowered its fiscal year 2024 revenue guidance to a range of $555 million to $565 million, significantly below its previously issued FY 2024 revenue guidance of $580 million to $590 million, and likewise below consensus estimates of $584.62 million for the same period.

Then, on May 2, 2024, Bank of America downgraded Fastly stock from a "Buy" rating to an "Underperform" rating and cut its price target on the stock from $18 per share to a mere $8 per share. On this news, the price of Fastly shares declined by $4.14 per share, or approximately 32.02%, from $12.93 per share on May 1, 2024 to close at $8.79 on May 2, 2024.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Fastly investors may, no later than July 23, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Fastly investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Fastly, Kula v. Fastly, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-cv-03170, is filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/fastly-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fsly&mktm=r

WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?

A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
BEIJING, July 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese officials as well as domestic and foreign observers on Friday applauded the adoption of a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, highlighting China's resolve to maintain focus in pursuing high-quality development and share opportunities with the world through further opening-up to better empower the world economy and development.

Observers said the reform-themed session, often referred to as the "third plenum," will not only gather confidence to promote China's high-quality development, but also inject certainty and stability into a world that is undergoing unprecedented changes.

China's institutional advantage with the firm leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee is the source of confidence in the Chinese system and China's development, experts said, expressing confidence that China's "economic miracle" is set to continue.

Firm resolution

The adoption of a reform resolution is the most important outcome of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, Tang Fangyu, deputy head of the CPC Central Committee Policy Research Office, said at a press conference on the guiding principles from the just-concluded plenum.

The resolution, with economic structural reform as the spearhead, comprehensively plans reforms in various fields and aspects, Tang said, adding that the resolution puts forward more than 300 important reform measures, all of which involve reforms on the levels of systems, mechanisms, and institutions.

China will accelerate efforts to build a high standard market system, which is a major reform task for the country, Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, said at the same conference.

Efforts will be made to build a unified national market, including the development of a unified urban-rural construction land market, a nationwide integrated technology and data market, and a unified national electricity market, he said.

It's necessary to create a sound environment and offer more opportunities for the development of the private sector, Han stressed. He said the authorities will improve the long-term mechanism for private enterprises participating in national key projects, support capable private enterprises to lead tasks in making key technological breakthroughs and regulate administrative checks involving private enterprises.

"The just-concluded third plenum is epoch-making, as it strengthens development momentum and institutional guarantees on China's journey toward realizing the second centenary goal," Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, told the Global Times on Friday.

Over 300 specific reform measures indicate that China's new reform will be more targeted, pragmatic and problem-oriented, Xin said.

"Amid major changes unseen in a century, a series of forceful reform measures released from the third plenum showcases the CPC's precise grasp of reform direction and historical trends," Chen Chunxing, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy president of the Hubei Federation of Industry and Commerce, told the Global Times on Friday.

In particular, the third plenum attaches great importance to the development of the private economy and encourages the sector to grow stronger, which is set to give a boost to private enterprises, Chen said.

In mapping out China's grand development goal and major policies, the country's leadership has always attached great importance to opinions and suggestions from all sectors and sought to pool their wisdom to make reform decisions more rational and ensure effective implementation.

According to a Xinhua News Agency report on Friday, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired a symposium in May to solicit views and suggestions of non-CPC personages on the drafting of the CPC resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

Xi also stressed that the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the entire Party and nation should be fully mobilized.

Xi also chaired another symposium in Jinan, East China's Shandong Province on May 23, during which representatives including entrepreneurs from state-owned, private and foreign-funded enterprises put forward opinions and suggestions on deepening reform across the board.

Observers said such intensive symposiums to fully solicit opinions from the Party and non-CPC personages, while taking advice from relevant government agencies, residents' expectations and experts' suggestions in the drafting, are a vivid display of socialist democracy.

The development of whole-process people's democracy means ensuring the principal status of the people, inspiring the people's motivation, initiative, and creativity, and gathering wisdom and strength from all sides in a bid to better transform our institutional advantage into the efficacy of the country's governance, Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at the same press conference on Friday.

Positive, warm signal

Domestic and foreign entrepreneurs and observers said that the third plenum sends a positive and warm signal not only to China but also the whole world, elevating their confidence for further investment and development in the country and injecting stability to the world amid growing geopolitical tensions and protectionism.

"We're strongly inspired and encouraged," Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO of Lenovo, told the Global Times.

A series of measures to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization will create a sound institutional environment for the high-quality development of the economy, while sparking the vitality of enterprises and enhancing their innovation capacity for the accelerated development of new quality productive forces, Yang said.

Riding a wave of the milestone meeting and the tide of artificial intelligence, we will boost technological innovations in a bid to become a strong force in the development of new quality productive forces and the Chinese modernization drive, Yang said.

Boosted by China's clarion call for reform, Chinese stocks closed higher on Friday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.17 percent to 2,982.31 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.27 percent higher at 8,903.23 points.

While stressing efforts to boost reform, the communique released after the third plenum describes opening-up as a "defining feature of Chinese modernization," signifying the importance of expanding opening-up in the new era.

In promoting high-level opening-up, China will expand unilateral opening-up to the least-developed countries, and open to the rest of the world its goods, service, capital and labor markets in an orderly way, Han said.

China's reform and opening-up has strong spillover effects, Xin said. The country's reform and opening-up not only drives global growth but also offers a new blueprint, path and possibility for the world to usher in a better future, he said.

"China's reform and opening-up over the past more than 40 years shows that many countries, especially developing countries, have high expectations for further reform from China. They wish to learn from China's wisdom and China's solution to boost their own development," Xin said.

Saravoot Yoovidhya, Chief Executive Officer of TCP Group, applauded the Chinese government's resolve to deepen reform and opening-up, and the remarkable achievements the Chinese economy has made.

"With its high-quality development featured by technology and innovation, China now serves not only as the 'world factory' but also as the 'global market' and 'research and development hub'. China's economy sees more vitality with the development of new quality productive forces, empowering the global economy, and at the same time, offering more opportunities for foreign enterprises to develop in China," Yoovidhya told the Global Times.

He said TCP Group sees China as one of the most significant overseas investment markets, and will steadfastly carry out the company's long-term investment plans in China.

Economic miracle to continue

Currently, China's economy is maintaining an upward trend, high-quality development is advancing in a solid manner, and main macro-economic figures are meeting expectations, Han said at the press conference on Friday, stressing strengthened policy adjustments and palpable reforms to boost sustained economic recovery.

"Indeed, the country faces challenges, such as external shocks and uncertainties, lack of effective demand and other difficulties. However, China's institutional advantage and the CPC's leadership will allow the country's economic miracle to continue," Song Ding, a research fellow from the China Development Institute, told the Global Times on Friday.

Achieving Chinese modernization is a new long march for China - the world's largest developing country - and will be full of hardships and challenges, but I'm confident we will be able to explore a Chinese path to modernization thanks to our confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Song said.

"China's economic confidence is more solid than some have imagined," Song said. Over the past 40 years of reform and opening-up, China has made stable progress in various aspects, with the world's most complete industrial system and some high-tech industries leading the world, he said.

After China reported a 5 percent GDP growth for the first half of 2024, some international organizations and multinational banks such as IMF and Singapore-based DBS maintained their forecast for China's economic growth this year, underscoring that global confidence in stable growth in China's economy has remained unchanged.

SOURCE Global Times
BEIJING, July 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China's economy is on track for stable growth, with strong policies and reforms needed for a sustainable economic recovery, a Chinese official said following a key meeting to draw up the next blueprint for China's economy.

Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, made the remarks at a press conference on Friday, providing an overview on the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Analysts believe that reform measures adopted during the plenum will provide a boost to China's economic growth and instill confidence in the market. They anticipate that policy measures aimed at stimulating domestic demand and promoting the development of new quality productive forces will be implemented.

China's economy is currently showing signs of stable and healthy development, with key macroeconomic indicators meeting market expectations. However, there are still challenges such as insufficient effective demand, difficulties in business operations for some companies, and financial challenges for certain pockets of the country, which required targeted policy effort and reforms, Han said.

The remarks came after the plenum emphasized the unwavering commitment to achieving the 2024 social-economic development goals and responded to questions of a "temperature difference" between China's booming macro data and experiences of individual businesses and industries in the Chinese economy.

During the press conference, Han highlighted the importance of ensuring the stable and healthy growth of the real estate market, promoting the rapid development of emerging and future industries, boosting domestic demand and stabilizing employment, in boosting the sustained growth of Chinese economy.

There is still considerable room for high-quality development in China's real estate sector as China's new urbanization advances. Efforts will be made to ensure delivery of homes, eliminate modes of excessive debt, high turnover, and high leverage, while better meeting the needs of genuine homebuyers, Han said.

Efforts should also be made to cultivate and strengthen emerging industries and establish investment mechanisms for emerging industries, as highlighted by the third plenum, Han said.

Han also emphasized on expanding domestic demand, particularly consumer spending, leveraging the advantages of China's large-scale market to boost consumption and investment.

The Chinese government has expressed a willingness to proactively boost domestic demand. We expect that efforts will be made to put in place stimulus policies aimed at expanding domestic demand, improve employment environment and maintain stable growth, Darius Tang, associate director of Corporates, Fitch Bohua, told the Global Times in a statement on Friday.

New quality productive forces driven by artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and advanced manufacturing will continue to facilitate the successful transformation and upgrading of China's economic structure, Tang said.

Efforts will be made to build a unified national market, including the development of a unified urban-rural construction land market, a nationwide integrated technology and data market, and a unified national electricity market, Han added

China will also make institutional improvements to facilitate high-quality and full employment, and enhance the development of the aged care industry.

"We expect that China will increase investment in the fields of education, healthcare and pension that are directly linked to people's livelihoods and well-being, boost consumer confidence and convert current excessive household savings into new forms of consumption," Tang said.

The third plenum has adopted a resolution which puts forward more than 300 important reform measures, all of which involve reforms on the levels of systems, mechanisms, and institutions.

The third plenum has provided a boost and confidence for China's modernization goals. The emphasis on promoting market vitality and establishing a unified national market, as well as prioritizing the well-being of the people, will likely lead to new growth opportunities and measures to promote the wellbeing of the people, He Weiwen, a senior fellow from the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Friday.

"The reforms outlined in the third plenum are both forward-thinking and practical, and are expected to have a positive impact on the economy in the second half of the year," He said.

China's GDP expanded 5 percent to reach 61.68 trillion yuan ($8.49 trillion) in the first half of 2024, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed, demonstrating the resilience and innate strength of the world's second-largest economy.

SOURCE Global Times
Poll was conducted after Donald Trump's RNC Speech, but before President Biden's announcement he won't seek reelection

Vice President Harris performs similarly to President Biden but is better able to sway undecided voters and alleviates concerns among the democratic base

GOP has doubled its congressional ballot performance downrange, now winning 44% to 39% for the Democrats

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A national survey released today by HarrisX and Forbes Breaking News shows former President Donald J. Trump more than doubling his lead over both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the aftermath of the Republican National Convention (RNC). The poll, taken before Biden officially dropped out of the race, indicates Trump leading Biden among registered voters 48%-40%, up from 45%-42% prior to RNC, and leading Harris 50% to 41%.

Forbes logo

Among likely November voters, Trump's lead increases to double digits: 49%-39% against Biden, with 12% undecided and 51%-40% against Harris, with 9% as undecided voters.

The poll, which was conducted July 19-21, 2024 with 2,753 registered voters, also shows that voters expect Trump to win in November. Nearly two in three (65%) expected him to win against Biden and nearly as many (63%) say he would win against Harris.

"Kamala Harris starts her 2024 battle behind Trump, who is enjoying a strong post-convention bump and leads her by almost digits in our polling," commented Dritan Nesho, CEO and chief pollster at HarrisX, on the findings. "If the polls don't start to close and show better traction for her, Biden's decision to step aside for Harris may be a case of 'too similar, too late.' That said, Vice President Harris alleviates concerns among the democratic base and is better able to sway undecided independents and suburban women, showing some promise."

C.W. Benston, VP of ForbesTV, added: The Forbes Newsroom is committed to bringing its audience real-time, actionable and accurate intelligence on the state of markets and the economy, politics and the 2024 election, and momentous events like this past weekend. That's why we have partnered with Dritan and HarrisX, the most accurate pollster in the 2020 presidential cycle, to present an anchored, data-driven view of the world to our audiences."

Other results from the HarrisX/ Forbes poll include:

VOTERS SHOW POSITIVE REACTIONS TO DONALD TRUMP'S RNC SPEECH

Trump's RNC speech broke through with voters. 78% percent watched or heard about the speech, including 87% of Republicans, 74% of Democrats and 72% of Independents.

Among those aware of Trump's RNC speech, a slight majority (56%) reacted favorably to it. However, voters were divided on whether the speech was uniting (52%) or divisive (48%).

One-in-three (33%) voters said the speech made them more likely to vote for the former president compared to 22% who said it made them less likely to support the Republican candidate. Nearly half (46%) said it made make no impact on their vote. Among Independent voters 52% said it made no impact on their vote, 19% said it made them less likely to support Trump while 28% said they were more likely to vote for him.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS POLLS SIMILARLY TO BIDEN PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT

The poll also shows that prior to Biden's announcement to drop out of the race and endorse Vice President Harris, Harris was performing similarly to President Biden across key metrics.

President Biden's job approval is at 38%, the same as those who say they approve of the job Harris has been doing as Vice President. Both Biden and Harris are also seen unfavorably by a majority of voters (58% and 53% respectively).

However, Harris shows slightly higher job approval among young voters (18-34) at 42% versus Biden's 36% and Hispanic (42% vs. 38%). Independent voters also appear to lean more towards Harris than Biden, with 29% of independents saying they are leaning towards support her over Trump versus 28% leaning towards Biden over Trump.

GOP DOUBLES ITS LEAD IN THE GENERIC CONGRESSIONAL BALLOT

Republicans lead Democrats by 5 percentage points (44% to 39%) in the generic congressional ballot among registered voters, and 8 percentage points (49% to 41%) among likely voters.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States from July 19th  July 21st, 2024, among 2,753 registered voters via the HarrisX Overnight Poll. Respondents for the HarrisX Overnight Poll are recruited through opt-in, web-panel recruitment sampling. Recruitment occurs though a broad variety of professional, validated respondent panels to expand the sampling frame as wide as possible and minimize the impact of any given panel on recruiting methods.

The results reflect a nationally representative sample of registered voters. Results were weighted for age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, political party, education, ideology and area type where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 1.9 percentage points.

About HarrisX

HarrisX, a Stagwell company, is a leading global market research and data analytics company that conducts multi-method consumer and voter research across the U.S. and over 40 countries. With offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, London and Toronto, HarrisX advises Fortune 100 companies, public policy institutions, global leaders, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations. According to The Washington Post and American Research Group, HarrisX was the most accurate pollster of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The HarrisX Overnight Poll runs 365 days a year in the United States as an omnibus survey.

About Forbes Breaking News

Forbes Breaking News is a premier source for up-to-the-minute news coverage, delivering the latest headlines on politics, business, technology, and more. As part of Forbes Media, Forbes Breaking News provides reliable, real-time information to keep the public informed on key issues shaping the world today.

SOURCE HarrisX
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Japan Airlines' agreement with Boeing for up to 20 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) today announced an order from the airline for GEnx-1B engines to power the new aircraft.

"GE Aerospace and Japan Airlines have a long and enduring relationship that stretches back decades, including being the launch customer for the GEnx engine," said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. "We're honored Japan Airlines continues to place their trust in our products and services with this new order."

The GEnx engine family has more than 56 million flight hours since entry into service in 2011 and is the fastest-selling, high-thrust engine in GE Aerospace history with nearly 3,000 engines in service and on backlog, including spares.

"As a launch airline for GEnx powered 787 Dreamliner, we are delighted at introducing additional 787s. Since incorporation into our fleet, the GEnx engine has proven to be high performance, reliable and fuel efficient through thousands of flight hours," said Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines. "The GEnx engine is essential to the expansion of our 787 Dreamliner fleet."

The GEnx-1B powers two out of every three 787 aircraft in service. Like all GE Aerospace engines, the GEnx can operate on approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends today. Representing a giant leap forward in propulsion technology, GEnx uses lightweight durable materials and advanced design processes to reduce weight, improve performance, and lower maintenance, making it the best engine choice for long-haul flights.

Japan Airlines and their subsidiary currently operate a fleet of 53 Boeing 787s powered by the GEnx engine, reaching 3 million engine flight hours in early 2024. The airline is also powered by GE Aerospace's CF6, GE90, CF34 and CFM56* engines.

*CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft with a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed base of more than 44,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the future of flight.

About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan's first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 227 aircraft (as of March 2024) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 384 airports across 64 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious "World Class" Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide. For details and to learn more, visit JAL's official website at https://www.jal.com/en/.

SOURCE GE Aerospace
LAS VEGAS, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DOJO, a new rising star in vaping industry, releases a sneak peek to the new Sphere X vaping device, featuring a 360 wraparound screen that encompasses the vape.

It is the world's first disposable vape to seamlessly integrate such an immersive and expansive screen. Guided by DOJO's "Create & Share" philosophy, the DOJO Sphere X embodies the spirit of "Create to Xcel." A vape created for vapers, to improve the enjoyment and social experience of vaping, to ultimately support a pleasant transition to smoke-free life-style.

DOJO Sphere X

The "Sphere" is inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere, a revolutionary establishment that expands the boundaries of the venue, to allow people inside and outside to enjoy the experience. The screen also aims to "Xpand the Boundary" through its stunning interstellar themed interface, dynamically displaying various modes and statuses, all in a sleek, futuristic design. A visual language of starry sky illuminated along with the moon, creating a futuristic visual experience to pair with the out of the world flavors. The Sphere X's unique design and features are sure to turn heads.

Stay tuned for more flavors and features from DOJO Sphere X soon to be revealed at www.dojovape.com.

About DOJO:

DOJO is a space of cultivation, a space for a like-minded community to work together in pursuit of a better self and world. We are united in our mission to enhance the vaping experience by crafting superior quality products guided by our "Create & Share" philosophy. DOJO exists for vapers, which is why DOJO is constantly driven by innovation, dedicated to high-end quality, and consumer-centered commitment.

SOURCE DOJO
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club, on the sentencing of U.S. Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a reporter for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Kurmasheva was sentenced to 6.5 years after a trial held behind closed doors.

"We are deeply troubled and outraged to learn that Russia has continued its mockery of a case against Alsu Kurmasheva and sentenced her to more than six years in prison. The sham trial- done completely in secret- underscores that Russia has no case against her."

"Alsu is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime."

"We call on Russia to immediately release Alsu and clear her of any convictions. We call on the U.S. to do everything they can to bring Alsu back to her husband Pavel and her daughters Miriam and Bibi. Further, the State Department must declare Alsu wrongfully detained - now."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, [email protected] for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
DALLAS, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") plans to release its second quarter 2024 results on August 6, prior to Sempra's (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE) second quarter 2024 results conference call. Oncor's earnings release will be available on Oncor's website, oncor.com.

Sempra executives will host a conference call at 12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 6 that will include discussion of Oncor's second quarter 2024 operational and financial results. Investors, media, analysts and the public may listen to a live webcast of the conference call by registering on the Investors section of Sempra's website and clicking on the appropriate link. Prior to the conference call, an accompanying slide presentation will be posted on sempra.com/investors.

For those unable to obtain access to the live webcast, it will be available on replay a few hours after its conclusion at sempra.com/investors.

Oncor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2024 will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after Sempra's conference call and, once filed, will also be available at oncor.com.

Headquartered in Dallas, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC is a regulated electricity transmission and distribution business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor (together with its subsidiaries) operates the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas, delivering electricity to more than 4 million homes and businesses and operating more than 143,000 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by two investors (indirect majority owner, Sempra, and minority owner, Texas Transmission Investment LLC), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of disinterested directors.

SOURCE Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC
Measures can improve service efficiency, consolidate supply chain, experts say

BEIJING, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

China's continuous reform measures and high-level opening-up will inject fresh momentum into its economic growth, creating more opportunities for multinational corporations to invest and thrive in the country, said market observers and business executives on Sunday.

They added that China's accelerated cultivation of new quality productive forces, along with its industrial transformation and upgrading, will further facilitate trade and investment globalization, and make global businesses profitable in the country.

Their comments came as China vowed to deepen reform for better management of foreign investment.

According to the full text of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, which was released on Sunday, China will expand the catalog of industries encouraging foreign investment and reasonably reduce the items on the negative list for foreign investment access.

China will fully remove the restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and promote wider opening of sectors such as telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare, according to the resolution.

Chen Wenling, chief economist at the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that China's new round of economic reforms will effectively curb the protectionist behavior of some local governments, consolidate the global supply chain system, and create a closer synergy between foreign investment and the country's economic development.

Denis Depoux, global managing director at market consultancy Roland Berger, said the reforms in China's economic sector and the development of its new quality productive forces aim to enhance productivity through innovation.

"This, in turn, will drive higher domestic consumption and stimulate further economic growth," Depoux said.

Zhang Chundi, vice-president for China at Decathlon, said the French sporting goods manufacturer and retailer plans to open 20 to 30 new stores in China in each of the next two years.

As one of the few markets globally that are proficient in manufacturing, logistics, product design and retail, China currently accounts for 44 percent of Decathlon's global business volume.

"China's consistent opening-up measures have brought multiple benefits to foreign companies," said Zhang, adding that this not only provides wider market access, but also helps simplify administrative procedures and improve service efficiency.

Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, said that China is making substantial efforts to help companies, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers, achieve effective industrial upgrades and transformation.

By enhancing the high-end, intelligent and green aspects of the manufacturing industrial chains across the country, these efforts will offer significant opportunities to global investors, he said.

Oliver Giersberg, senior vice-president and chief operations officer for China at BSH Home Appliances Group, a German manufacturer with 11,000 employees in the country, said that China's overall environment has fueled the company's creativity and innovation, boosting its development globally.

Amid China's vigorous push for innovation, Giersberg noted that the country's fast-growing digitalization and artificial intelligence sectors closely align with the company's growth strategy. "Now, more than ever, we are eager to leverage these factors to achieve global success," he added.

China saw the establishment of 26,870 new foreign-invested enterprises in the first half of the year, marking a 14.2 percent year-on-year increase, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

On Wednesday, the ministry emphasized that it will continue to promote high-level opening-up and improve the business environment, ensuring equal treatment for domestic as well as foreign companies.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
WHO: Prof Franklin Tao, his wife, his lawyer, Peter Zeidenberg, Members of Congress, representatives from Asian American civil rights and scientific organizations

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: July 23, 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm

WHERE: Cannon House Office Building, Room 454, Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prof Franklin Tao and his wife, victims of the discriminatory and now defunct China Initiative, will be holding a press conference on Capitol Hill in the Cannon Building on July 23 at 3:00 pm. This press conference follows their recent victory in a federal court appeal related to their case.

Joined by their lawyer Peter Zeidenberg, Members of Congress, and representatives from various Asian American civil rights and scientific organizations, such as United Chinese Americans (UCA), Asian American Advancing Justice (AAJC), Committee of 100, Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Prof Franklin Tao and his wife will discuss their legal battle, the impact of the China Initiative on their lives, and the broader implications of the initiative on the Asian American and scientific communities.

Members of the media are invited to attend the press conference and hear from Prof Franklin Tao, his wife, and other key stakeholders. There will be an opportunity for questions following their statements.

SOURCE United Chinese Americans (UCA)
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) today announced the following schedule and contact information for its second quarter 2024 earnings release and investor call.

Earnings Release: Monday, August 5, 2024 (after market close)

Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's

website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/

Teleconference: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (ET)

Participate live by phone or listen to live audio webcast through

the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at

https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/

Dial-in Number: +1-877-269-7756 (toll-free)

+1-201-689-7817 (toll)

Please call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

No password required.

If unable to participate live, select from one of the following replay options:

Digital Replay: Available through August 20, 2024

Call +1-877-660-6853 (toll free) or +1-201-612-7415 (toll)

Conference ID No. 13747414

Archived Webcast: Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/

About Quaker Houghton

Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, container, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,400 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more.

SOURCE Quaker Houghton
MILWAUKEE, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Pinkham, Chief Executive Officer of Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX), announced that the Board of Directors, at its regular quarterly meeting held on July 21, 2024, declared a dividend of $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable on October 11, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 27, 2024. The company has paid a dividend every quarter since January 1961.

About Regal Rexnord

Regal Rexnord's 30,000 associates around the world help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable solutions that power, transmit and control motion. The Company's electric motors and air moving subsystems provide the power to create motion. A portfolio of highly engineered power transmission components and subsystems efficiently transmits motion to power industrial applications. The Company's automation offering, comprised of controls, actuators, drives, and precision motors, controls motion in applications ranging from factory automation to precision control in surgical tools.

The Company's end markets benefit from meaningful secular demand tailwinds, and include factory automation, food & beverage, aerospace, medical, data center, warehouse, alternative energy, residential and commercial buildings, general industrial, construction, metals and mining, and agriculture.

Regal Rexnord is comprised of three operating segments: Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Power Efficiency Solutions, and Automation & Motion Control. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, including a copy of our Sustainability Report, visit RegalRexnord.com.

SOURCE Regal Rexnord Corporation
WNBA Legend and Four-Time Gold Medalist Lisa Leslie to Keynote Exclusive Revision Skincare Event for Medical Aesthetics Experts on the Evening of the Kick Off of the Big Summer Games

DALLAS, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Revision Skincare, a leading medical-grade professional skincare brand, will be hosting their highly anticipated third annual Elite Retreat for 130 medical aesthetics partners this summer. Slated for July 26 and 27 at the Thompson Hotel in Dallas, TX, where the brand is headquartered, the event will feature special guest, WNBA star and 4-time Olympic gold medal winner, philanthropist and former Wilhelmina model, Lisa Leslie as the keynote speaker.

Lisa Leslie

The invitation-only retreat will bring together a dynamic mix of the most highly-regarded industry experts in skincare, including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spa physicians, other healthcare professionals, as well as key leaders from various innovative brands to focus on growing overall business across the industry through strategic partnerships.

Revision Skincare has generated a robust agenda and inspiring speakers' content, with a focus on global aesthetics trends, disruptive science, business mentorship, advancements in social media, and a fireside chat with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie focusing on the importance of female leadership. Elite Retreat will also have a philanthropic component, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in aesthetics through their charitable giveback to Meharry Medical College, a renowned HBCU (Historically Black College/University) dedicated to educating physicians, researchers, and health policy experts.

"In our third year of the Elite Retreat, we continue to innovate our approach and concept, while still focusing on disproportionately growing our top accounts through business, science, and relationships." says Chris Murray, VP, Strategic Partnerships at Revision Skincare.

Enhancing the event this year is the addition of Flaunt, a premiere loyalty management platform, who will use advanced AI technology to create a one-of-a-kind, elevated customer experience. Other notable sponsors of Elite Retreat include Phil Sitter, Founder of VIPinsiders and RepeatMD, Danny Grant, owner of Maple Hospitality Group, and entrepreneur Jon Jacques.

With over 83% of their workforce being female, Revision Skincare continues to expand in the medical-grade skincare market both domestically and internationally, and is now represented in 27 countries, a 59% increase in the last 12 months. Under the dynamic leadership of CEO Maria Carell for the past seven years, Revision Skincare has experienced unprecedented growth and has quadrupled its revenue since 2017. Carell attributes this achievement to the company's dedicated and talented team, stating, "Our success begins with our people. I am proud to say that from our executive and R&D teams to our incredible field staff, we are predominantly led by women who possess a natural aptitude for business and science." Carell also expressed her enthusiasm for partnering with trailblazing women leaders, noting, "It brings me tremendous pride to collaborate with an inspiring icon like Lisa Leslie at this year's Elite Retreat to share her exceptional voice as a woman and business leader."

To learn more about Revision Skincare and this year's Elite Retreat, tune in on Instagram (@RevisionSkincare) to follow along.

About Revision Skincare

Revision Skincare was founded to change the way professional skincare results are achieved. We believe every product should deliver benefits patients see for themselves, whether as part of a rejuvenating regimen or an enhancement to in-office procedures. Our superior formulation philosophy is driven by an unwavering passion to provide transformative results while promoting and protecting the microbiome and overall skin health. We guarantee the efficacy of our innovative technologies and formulas by holding ourselves to the highest standards of clinical excellence, conducting rigorous, conclusive testing validated by physicians to deliver true visible results.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Revision Skincare
MINNEAPOLIS, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today DeWitt LLP announced Minnesota Super Lawyers selected seven of its attorneys for inclusion on the 2024 Super Lawyers and Minnesota Rising Stars lists. Minnesota Super Lawyers named four attorneys as top attorneys in Minneapolis for 2024 and three attorneys were included on the 2024 Minnesota Rising Stars list.

The attorneys selected for inclusion as 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers are attorneys Robert Due, R. Leigh Frost, Julie Nagorski and Kathleen Newman. Attorneys Zachary Armstrong, Mitchell Sullivan and James Todd are included on the 2024 Minnesota Rising Stars list.

2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers

About Robert Due

A partner at DeWitt, Due has considerable experience in high-net-worth cases with complex assets that are challenging to value, such as commercial real estate, intellectual property, and closely held business entities. He is adept in both alternative dispute resolution and litigation and has been extremely successful in trying cases through conclusion and mediating settlements. Due has deep appellate court experience before the Minnesota Supreme Court as well as the Minnesota Court of Appeals. He is also listed on the Minnesota Supreme Court Roster of Qualified Neutrals. He holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Carleton College.

About R. Leigh Frost

Frost is a partner at DeWitt, amassing over 20 years' experience managing a broad range of family law matters. She guides and advises clients across the Twin Cities and nearby areas on a variety of issues including divorce, child support, custody and visitation, and spousal maintenance. She holds a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

About Julie Nagorski

A partner at DeWitt LLP, Nagorski has vast experience litigating disputes in many areas of the law, with a concentration in construction and real property. Along with her significant litigation experience, she has taken numerous cases through jury and bench trials and arbitrations and has argued multiple cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Nagorski holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.A., with highest honors, from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

About Kathleen Newman

Newman is a partner at DeWitt who is well-versed in every aspect of marital dissolutions, including high-net-worth cases, as well as those with closely owned businesses, professional practices, and complex custody matters. She also has considerable experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Newman is Board-Certified as a Family Law Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. A skilled mediator, she is approved for inclusion in the Minnesota ADR Statewide Neutrals Roster in every category of Family Neutrals and is on the Minnesota Supreme Courts list of Appellate mediators. Newman holds a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a B.A. from Hamline University.

2023 Minnesota Rising Stars

About Zachary Armstrong

Armstrong is an associate attorney in DeWitt's Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, and Transportation & Logistics practice groups. His practice primarily deals with general civil litigation, and he has experience in trade secret litigation, patent litigation, commercial litigation, false advertising, transportation & logistics litigation, real estate litigation, and personal injury matters. He holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and a B.A. from Carleton College.

About Mitchell Sullivan

Sullivan is an associate at DeWitt who supports the Real Estate and Business practice groups. He represents clients in matters dealing with real estate, mergers & acquisitions, corporate law, and general commercial issues. In the area of real estate specifically, he has represented investors, developers, brokers, lenders, landlords, contractors, property managers, common interest communities, manufacturers, as well as his general business clients. He holds a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.A. from Concordia College.

About James Todd

A partner at DeWitt, Todd specializes in family law. He has experience with many types of family law cases, including the dissolution of complex marital estates, spousal maintenance litigation, jurisdictional issues, closely held business valuation disputes, contested custody disputes, and domestic abuse cases. He has been successful trying and arguing cases in Minnesota's district and appellate courts and is adept in litigation and alternative dispute resolution with a high degree of success in both. He holds a J.D. and M.B.A, cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas and a B.A. from William & Mary University.

About Super Lawyers

The selections for Minnesota Super Lawyers are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, which is a service of the Thomson Reuters legal division based in Eagan, Minnesota. Each year the team conducts a thorough selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area and a good-standing and disciplinary check.

The final list of Minnesota Super Lawyers features the top five percent of attorneys in more than 60 practice areas. Lawyers featured on the Rising Stars list are selected based upon similar criteria as Super Lawyers; however, a candidate must either be under 40 years of age or in practice for 10 years or less, and a peer evaluation is not conducted.

About DeWitt

Founded in 1903, DeWitt LLP is one of the ten largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 130 attorneys practicing in Green Bay, Madison and Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Minneapolis, Minnesota and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. DeWitt is known for its work in a variety of legal areas including family law, background screening, business law, employee stock ownership plans, employee benefits, intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, construction litigation, employment relations, environmental, estate planning, family business, litigation, real estate, tax law, and more. Additional information is available at dewittllp.com .

SOURCE DeWitt LLP
Over 50,000 SHEIN Campus Ambassadors Embrace Community, Networking, and Financial Opportunities Through Fashion

LOS ANGELES, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SHEIN , a global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, hosted its second annual Campus Retreat in Los Angeles on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th. The event commenced with a Friday evening reception at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, welcoming over 150 of the nation's top SHEIN campus ambassadors.

SHEIN Campus Ambassadors gather to take group photo at the Summer House.

On Saturday morning, the retreat continued at the SHEIN Summer House with fun-filled activations including a clothing suite featuring brands such as GLOWMODE, evoluSHEIN and an exclusive sneak peek at SHEIN's latest clothing brand, WESTFADE, now sold on SHEIN. Activities included a yoga session, a permanent jewelry station, a SHEIN Studio offering full-glam makeovers and more.

Ambassadors also participated in SHEIN's circular fashion movement, the SHEIN Exchange program. Participants brought in gently used clothing to exchange for pre-loved items from peers in order to extend the life of the items as long as possible. The initiative served as an opportunity to continue to inspire the SHEIN community to give their pre-owned clothes a new life while promoting the environmental benefits of swapping clothing over buying new.

Saturday evening, the students gathered at One Hotel in Los Angeles for the SHEIN Campus Gala, where top ambassadors were honored with awards in categories including Most Influential, Above & Beyond, Best State Chapter, Most Creative and Ambassador of the Year.

The SHEIN Campus Ambassador Program has more than 50,000 participants from across the United States. The program supports its fashion-loving community by organizing various live and virtual events featuring engaging discussions about the fashion industry, career mentoring and networking opportunities that can open doors to future professional connections. Ambassadors also receive benefits, including commissions and rewards, special giveaways, access to internship opportunities and mentorship programs.

To become a SHEIN Campus Ambassador, applicants must be at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in a university or college in the United States and authorized to work in the United States.

To learn more about the SHEIN Campus Ambassador program, visit: https://us.shein.com/campaigns/campus.

About SHEIN:

SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, offering SHEIN branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, SHEIN is committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all, promoting its industry-leading, on-demand production methodology, for a smarter, future-ready industry. To learn more about SHEIN, visit www.sheingroup.com.

SOURCE SHEIN Distribution Company
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- StimAire, a paradigm-shifting injectable neuromodulation company developing medical devices for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is pleased to announce the appointment of Arthur Rascon as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective July 22, 2024.

Mr. Rascon brings over two decades of experience in operational leadership and a proven track record of driving innovation and commercialization in the medical device industry. Prior to joining StimAire, Arthur Rascon served as the Chief Executive Officer at Valencia Technologies Corporation, where he led the company's neuromodulation therapies.

Before Valencia Technologies, Arthur was Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering at Medtronic Diabetes, where he played a crucial role in enhancing manufacturing processes and ensuring product quality.

At Advanced Bionics, Arthur served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality Engineering, and Senior Director of Product Engineering, where he was instrumental in product development and operational management.

"We are thrilled to welcome Arthur Rascon to the full-time leadership team," said Tarek Makansi PhD, President and Chief Technology Officer of StimAire. "Arthur will move our company and product forward from a demonstrated technology to a certified medical device offering with the goal of improving the lives of those affected by obstructive sleep apnea."

Arthur Rascon said "I am deeply impressed with StimAire's ultra-tiny injectable neuromodulation device, which already has human data supporting efficacy and safety. The path to a successful product is very clear to me, and the recent Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA will accelerate our progress".

StimAire recently completed its first-in-human study of its groundbreaking injectable stimulator for OSA, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey to provide innovative solutions for sleep disorders.

StimAire is a portfolio company of University Associates Venture Capital (UAVC). For more information about StimAire and UAVC, please visit www.stimaire.com or www.uaventurecap.com.

SOURCE StimAire Inc
NEW YORK, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sycamore School is proud to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with BrainLit and Hagerman to install state-of-the-art Biocentric lighting. This initiative marks Sycamore School as the first Early Childhood (EC) through eighth grade institution in the country to adopt this innovative lighting technology, designed to enhance the learning environment and improve the well-being of students and staff.

This installation is part of a broader initiative by the BrainLit and Hagerman partnership to bring Biocentric lighting to a wide variety of Hagermans projects, including educational institutions, corporate offices, and healthcare facilities, creating environments that support both learning and overall well-being.

The installation, which is set to be completed by August, integrates BrainLit's Biocentric lighting system in the school's media center. This system is scientifically proven to synchronize circadian rhythms, improve sleep quality, and boost cognitive function, thereby fostering an optimal learning environment.

"At The Sycamore School, we strive to provide our gifted students with an outstanding learning environment," said John Huber, Head of School at Sycamore. "We were looking for creative solutions to bring the best possible lighting to our new Media Center, and we were thrilled to introduce Biocentric lighting as a way of enhancing this space and giving us the ability to maximize learning."

Research has shown that traditional fluorescent lighting can negatively impact students' sleep patterns and cognitive performance. In contrast, Biocentric lighting mimics the natural progression of daylight, supporting circadian rhythms and promoting better sleep, mood, and concentration. Studies indicate that exposure to blue-enriched light can enhance alertness and improve academic performance, making it an invaluable tool in educational settings.

Jeff Hagerman, Chairman of Hagerman, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with BrainLit and The Sycamore School on this pioneering project. Biocentric lighting represents the future of educational environments, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation."

This installation is part of a broader initiative by the BrainLit and Hagerman partnership to bring Biocentric lighting to a wide variety of Hagerman's projects, including educational institutions, corporate offices, and healthcare facilities, creating environments that support both learning and overall well-being.

Kyle Harris, CEO of BrainLit, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, "Our collaboration with Hagerman allows us to innovate across diverse spaces, from educational institutions to corporate environments. The Sycamore School's adoption of Biocentric lighting is a testament to the growing recognition of its benefits."

The completion of this project will not only set a precedent for schools nationwide but also showcase the transformative impact of Biocentric lighting solutions on various environments.

For more information about BrainLit and its Biocentric lighting solutions, please visit BrainLit's website.

About BrainLit

Founded in 2012 by Tord Wingren, one of the inventors of Bluetooth technology, BrainLit is dedicated to improving life under artificial light. The company has pioneered the development of Biocentric lightinga technology that simulates natural daylight indoors to enhance health, well-being, and performance. Today, more than 35,000 individuals across various sectors experience the benefits of BrainLit's environments daily.

About Hagerman

Hagerman, founded in 1908, is a family-owned construction company headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a rich history spanning over a century, Hagerman has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in the construction industry. The company specializes in a wide range of services, including general contracting, construction management, and design-build projects. Hagerman is committed to delivering high-quality projects that meet the unique needs of their clients, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and community engagement. Through its collaborative approach and dedication to customer satisfaction, Hagerman has become a trusted partner for educational institutions, healthcare facilities, commercial developments, and more.

About Sycamore School

Sycamore School, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a private, independent school dedicated to serving gifted students from early childhood through eighth grade. Established in 1985, Sycamore School offers a challenging and enriching curriculum designed to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth. The school is committed to creating an environment where gifted students can thrive, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Sycamore School's mission is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages students to reach their full potential, preparing them for lifelong success and leadership.

SOURCE BrainLit North America Inc
PASADENA, Calif., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ExchangeRight , one of the nation's leading providers of diversified real estate DST and REIT investments, has announced that the Net Asset Value ("NAV") of the Essential Income REIT has increased again to $27.26 per share, based on an independent real estate valuation of the REIT's real estate by KPMG combined with its other assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2024.

This favorable valuation is further evidence of the strength and economic resilience of our REIT - ExchangeRight Post this PASADENA, Calif.  The Net Asset Value (NAV) of ExchangeRight's Essential Income REIT has increased again to $27.26 per share, based on an independent real estate valuation of the REITs real estate by KPMG combined with its other assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2024 (Monday, July 22, 2024).

As of June 30, 2024, the Essential Income REIT's portfolio includes 353 properties net leased to 36 primarily investment-grade tenants successfully operating in the necessity-based retail and healthcare industries and diversified across 34 states, providing added value for investors through ExchangeRight's aggregation strategy.

The Essential Income REIT's monthly distributions to investors have remained stable and consistent since its 2019 launch and throughout unprecedented economic volatility. The REIT's Adjusted Funds From Operations continue to fully cover its current annualized net distribution of 6.38% for Class I shares and 6.00% for Class A shares. The REIT's AFFO-to-distribution coverage is 105.95% since inception through March 31, 2024, its most recently reported period. This healthy distribution coverage helps to ensure that investors are paid exclusively from its operations and not from financing, forced sales, or investors' capital. The past performance of the REIT is no guarantee of future results.

Joshua Ungerecht, a managing partner at ExchangeRight, shared that this additional NAV increase is a result of the REIT's investor-centric design, which is structured to provide stable cash flow and preservation of capital, even through times of economic and market volatility, making the REIT's strong performance stand out in the market.

"We are excited to achieve this consecutive increase in the REIT's Net Asset Value on behalf of the Essential Income REIT's investors, especially in an economic environment that has been so incredibly volatile," said Ungerecht. "This favorable valuation is further evidence of the strength and economic resilience of our REIT, which we credit largely to the enhanced diversification and risk mitigation created by aggregating together high-quality assets with historically recession-resilient tenants that successfully operate in necessity-based industries." The past performance of the REIT is not a guarantee of future results.

About ExchangeRight's Essential Income REIT

The Essential Income REIT, a Maryland statutory trust, is a self-administered real estate company, formed on January 11, 2019. The REIT is available to accredited investors only and focuses on investing in single-tenant, primarily investment-grade net-leased real estate. The REIT currently pays an annualized distribution rate on new investments of 6.38% for its Class I shares and 6.00% for its Class A shares, and targets 6.00% monthly tax-efficient income with a 10% total annual internal rate of return for its Class ER shares. The REIT has fully covered its dividend with Adjusted Funds from Operations since its inception and through its most recently reported period. The Company, through its operating partnership, ExchangeRight Income Fund Operating Partnership, LP, owns 353 properties in 34 states (collectively, the "Trust Properties") as of June 30, 2024. The Trust Properties are occupied by 36 different primarily national investment-grade necessity-based retail tenants and are additionally diversified by industry, geographic region, and lease term. The Company has elected and is qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Please visit the REIT's website to learn more about its Class ER , Class A , and Class I shares.

The past performance of the REIT, its tenants, and ExchangeRight does not guarantee future performance. "Investment-grade" refers to tenants whose long-term corporate debt rating is considered investment grade by Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and/or Fitch. An investment-grade rating is a rating that indicates that a corporate bond has a relatively lower risk of default than a corporate bond with a speculative grade. Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) as defined by NAREIT measures a real estate company's recurring/normalized FFO after deducting recurring capital improvement funding that is typically capitalized by REITs and the adjustment to GAAP revenue related to "straight-line" rents. There is no guarantee that the REIT's objectives will continue to be achieved. The REIT is subject to the regular risks associated with real estate. Please review the offering memorandum to understand the REIT's business plan, risks, and potential benefits.

Media Contact

Lindsey Thompson

Senior Media Relations Officer

[email protected]

(626) 773-3448

SOURCE ExchangeRight
Legendary NYFW Runway Show to be Hosted by Actor Madison Tevlin Featuring Adaptive and Universally Designed Apparel from Victoria's Secret & PINK, Kohl's, Target, JCPenney and Tommy Hilfiger, with Footwear Provided by Zappos.com

NEW YORK, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for a monumental celebration as the Runway of Dreams Foundation , the trailblazing nonprofit championing inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity in fashion and beauty for people with disabilities, proudly announces its spectacular 10th-anniversary event, FASHION REVOLUTION. This landmark occasion, presented by VS&Co, will take place during New York Fashion Week on September 9th, 2024, at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, NY.

FASHION REVOLUTION will showcase the pioneering efforts of leading companies in the Adaptive and Universally Designed space on over 60 models, representing a diverse range of disabilities and backgrounds. This extraordinary event will unite over 500 influential leaders and advocates of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) under one roof, all driven by a shared mission: to celebrate and elevate inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries. Brands included on the runway will be: Victoria's Secret & PINK, Kohl's, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger, with footwear provided by Zappos.

Runway of Dreams Foundation proudly announces its spectacular 10th-anniversary event, FASHION REVOLUTION. Post this

Canadian actor, model, and advocate Madison Tevlin from the groundbreaking comedy "Champions" will host FASHION REVOLUTION. Madison stars in the 2024 viral campaign "Assume That I Can," which accumulated over 150M views in under a week, for World Down Syndrome Day.

"Runway of Dreams and NYFW are everything that I love. New York, fashion, advocacy, and a big party! Walking the runway and hosting FASHION REVOLUTION ''are what dreams are made of. I can't wait to be part of this incredible event!" said Madison Tevlin, Host, Runway of Dreams FASHION REVOLUTION 2024.

Runway of Dreams is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to this year's show. In a project called "NEXT GEN," six talented Fashion Design students from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) will partner with models who have varying disabilities to create runway-ready looks that address their specific dressing challenges in three categories: intimates, athleisure, or pajamas. Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams, and members of the VS&Co Adaptive design team will work closely with FIT students to ensure the looks are both functional and stylish, taking into consideration the models' comfort and mobility. The final pieces will be the grand finale of the Runway of Dreams 2024 FASHION REVOLUTION show.

VS&Co will also receive the Runway of Dreams Foundation's 2024 Pioneer of Change Award.

"I'm incredibly proud of the team who worked tirelessly to bring our Adaptive product collection from concept to reality," said CEO Martin Waters. "We are grateful to be honored with the 2024 Pioneer of Change Award and truly value our relationship with the Runway of Dreams Foundation, as it helps us live our commitment of removing barriers for women and supporting them at every life stage."

"For the past decade, the Runway of Dreams stage has been the ultimate platform for brands to unveil their cutting-edge Adaptive designs and products. I am beyond excited that with unwavering support and active involvement of our sponsors, this year's runway show will be our most memorable yet!" said Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams.

Follow @RunwayofDreams across all social platforms for up-to-date information regarding the event and viewing options.

ABOUT RUNWAY OF DREAMS FOUNDATION: (RoDF) (2014) is a public charity that is empowering people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through inclusion in fashion and beauty. RoDF advocates for everybody to have access to fashion and beauty by celebrating and encouraging innovation that is exciting and empowering. RoDF raises awareness through large-scale runway shows; campaigns for inclusion, educational programs that inspire and develop the next generation of design innovators and marketing leaders; and advocates on the need and necessity of inclusion of people with disabilities. runwayofdreams.org.

Press Contact:

Lindsey von Busch

732-284-9089

Marnie Nathanson

347-620-7443

[email protected]

SOURCE Runway of Dreams Foundation
Raleigh area residents in the Durham and Brier Creek areas can now order fresh treats from the original warm cookie delivery company delivered to their door.

AUSTIN, Texas, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiff's Treats , the original warm cookie delivery company, has officially launched two new delivery-only outposts in the Raleigh-area Brier Creek and Durham metros, marking the newest delivery locations in North Carolina for the beloved baked goods and gifting brand, joining their storefront location in the Village District. Raleigh-area residents can continue to spread cookie kindness and celebrate occasions of all kinds with their loved ones in these new areas, enjoying gifts of hot and fresh treats that are baked-to-order and delivered on-demand.

Tiff's Treats Arrives in in the Durham and Brier Creek areas.

"We are beyond excited to expand Tiff's Treats warm cookie delivery to Durham and Brier Creek in Raleigh," said Tiffany Chen, co-founder and chief creative officer of Tiff's Treats. "This city has been so good to us since opening our first location in the Village District, and we look forward to continuing to be a resource for delicious gifts and bring cookie kindness to residents on demand for any occasion."

Founded by Tiffany and Leon Chen when they were sophomores at The University of Texas at Austin, the brand has earned millions of loyal fans with its unique straight-from-the-oven delivery model and has grown to over 120 locations and counting. These new Raleigh delivery locations are the latest step of many growth milestones for Tiff's Treats, which will continue to expand in other cities and states throughout the year.

Durham and Brier Creek-area residents will be able to have treats baked-to-order and delivered warm to their doorstep Monday  Sunday from 10 a.m.  9:15 p.m. Cookie flavors include all of Tiff's Treats' classic favorites, as well as a rotating Flavor of the Month. Flavors include Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Sugar Cookie with M&Ms, Double Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Peanut Butter, Pecan Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chip Almond, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Catering trays, milk and select specialty packaging will be available for special occasions like birthdays and thank you's. The new locations will also boast a new flavor in honor of Tiff's Treats' 25th anniversary, Birthday Confetti with white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles.

Tiff's Treats warm cookie delivery is available as of July 18th in the Durham and Brier Creek areas. Orders can be placed through cookiedelivery.com , the Tiff's Treats mobile app, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

ABOUT TIFF'S TREATS

In 1999, Tiffany Taylor accidentally stood up Leon Chen for a date. As an apology, she baked and delivered a batch of warm cookies, and the concept of warm cookie delivery was born. Tiff and Leon, just 19-year-old sophomores at The University of Texas at Austin at the time, opened Tiff's Treats with $20, a cell phone and a dream. Since then, the business has grown to over 120 retail distribution locations and counting in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma, California, Kentucky, and New Mexico, with more than 1,700 employees. The founders are now married and the business continues to grow, but Tiff's Treats has the same core mission: creating memorable moments with treats baked to order and delivered warm . Customers can order online at cookiedelivery.com, with the Tiff's Treats app or by phone, all supported by industry-leading technology and customer service.

SOURCE Tiff's Treats
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DXtrade, a multi-asset trading platform for FX/CFD brokers developed and maintained by Devexperts, has partnered with TipRanks, a fintech company that provides data and tools to help investors make informed decisions. DXtrade will integrate TipRanks' data-driven insights for stock screening and research into its platform.

With the addition of TipRanks' vast datasets and research tools, DXtrade is upgrading its platforms to offer new analytical tools. TipRanks is currently available in DXtrade's demo environment as an option that brokers can integrate into their services. DXtrade's customers will be able to access TipRanks' Trending Stocks Screener, Analyst Insights, and Breaking News, among other features, allowing them to see real-time updates impacting the markets.

DXtrade's offerings include a web trader, Android and iOS apps, and broker-dealing and client management tools. The platform provides advanced risk management functionality for FX dealers, allowing them to configure limits or exposure on instrument, group, and/or account level without the need to restart the platform. Traders benefit from flexible risk management settings with stop-loss and take profit settings in the order entry and on chart; and an embedded trading journal and dashboard to track their performance and strategies. Other features include alerts, responsive charting with 100+ studies and 40 drawings for technical analysis tools, market news, and economic calendars.

TipRanks has earned a sterling reputation for providing a wide offering of data and insights on publicly traded securities. Through its numerous tools such as breaking news feeds, real-time portfolio analysis, and data-driven insight services, TipRanks has become a "must have" for institutional and retail investors alike.

"We are very excited to be combining forces with DXtrade," said Gilad Gat, Co-Founder and CTO of TipRanks. "TipRanks is committed to spreading transparency and information throughout the capital markets. We are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our reach to Devexperts' many customers, helping investors from around the world make data-driven decisions."

Jon Light, Head of OTC Platform at Devexperts, said, "We are continuously looking for ways to develop and improve our offerings wherever possible and believe end-users will benefit from the addition of the TipRanks widget to our platform. This will allow for more informed trading decisions, with insights and updates being delivered in real time for maximum support and efficacy."

About Devexperts

Devexperts has been developing software for the capital markets since 2002. The company's flagship solution is DXtrade, a platform for brokers offering investing in stocks, commodities, futures, options, forex, funds, and cryptocurrencies. Among their clients are retail and institutional brokerages, wealth-management firms, banks, and exchanges. With headquarters in Ireland, Devexperts' development team consists of 900 engineers located in offices in the USA, Germany, Bulgaria, Singapore, Portugal, Turkey and Georgia.

About TipRanks

TipRanks is an investment research company that levels the playing field, giving every investor access to invaluable stock research information that was formerly available only to top Wall Street experts. Using machine learning and AI, TipRanks gathers publicly available information about stocks, and presents it in easy-to-understand datasets. Brokerages and banks as far spread as the U.S., Singapore, England and Canada have incorporated TipRanks' stock research data into their platforms, giving their customers the means to bolster their investment returns.

Contact:

Gilan Miller-Gertz

[email protected]

SOURCE TipRanks Ltd.
Explore a lineup of wines and spirits, each in option to be paired with sophisticated customisation options like gourmet gift baskets, glassware, accessories, and custom-bottles. Today, in our release, discover our top recommendations for holiday wine and spirits gifts to turn these year-end celebrations into lasting memorieswhether for a cozy Thanksgiving, a much-awaited Christmas, or an exciting New Year's Eve countdown.

Elegant Wine Gifts Chosen By Origin:

Napa Valley Wine Gifts : Known as America's most recognized and renowned wine region, gifting a loved one a best selection from Napa Valley wine is a thoughtful choice that brings the pinnacle of American winemaking to their palate. Choose from prolific varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Known as America's most recognized and renowned wine region, gifting a loved one a best selection from wine is a thoughtful choice that brings the pinnacle of American winemaking to their palate. Choose from prolific varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. French Wine Gifts : If you appreciate sophisticated and authentic wines that cross borders, look to France . Known for its strict wine production regulations, France offers diverse terroirs with unique grape varieties and production techniques. Top choices include Champagne from the Champagne region, roses from Provence, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Burgundy, and red blends from Bordeaux .

If you appreciate sophisticated and authentic wines that cross borders, look to . Known for its strict wine production regulations, offers diverse terroirs with unique grape varieties and production techniques. Top choices include Champagne from the Champagne region, roses from Provence, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Burgundy, and red blends from . Italian Wine Gifts : For wines that capture the essence of the old wine world, Italian winemaking offers unmatched grace. Italy boasts over 500 native grape varieties, each crafted into wines that reflect regional styles. Explore Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, Prosecco, and Super Tuscans.

For wines that capture the essence of the old wine world, Italian winemaking offers unmatched grace. boasts over 500 native grape varieties, each crafted into wines that reflect regional styles. Explore Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, Prosecco, and Super Tuscans. Australian Wine Gifts: Discover wines from Australia , a rising star known for innovative and sustainable winemaking techniques. Explore its rich terroir, showcasing varietal excellence, especially in Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Look for renowned regions like Barossa Valley, Margaret River , and Hunter Valley .

Channelizing your gift-giving with these holiday wine gifts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the recipients. They will cherish a wine hand-selected from a region that excels in that specific wine style with its exceptional terroira true mark of the successful journey from vines to wines!

Sophisticated Spirit Gifts As Per Suitability:

Whiskey: Revered for its diverse styles and rich flavors, whiskey is an amber elixir cherished worldwide. Consider national Bourbons or Tennessee whiskey, or explore international gems like Scotch, Canadian, Irish, or Japanese whiskeys, each offering a unique character.

Revered for its diverse styles and rich flavors, whiskey is an amber elixir cherished worldwide. Consider national Bourbons or whiskey, or explore international gems like Scotch, Canadian, Irish, or Japanese whiskeys, each offering a unique character. Gin: Derived from a complex blend of botanicals, primarily juniper, gin is a versatile spirit perfect for both casual sipping and creative mixology. It's an essential component in classic cocktails such as martinis and gin and tonics.

Derived from a complex blend of botanicals, primarily juniper, gin is a versatile spirit perfect for both casual sipping and creative mixology. It's an essential component in classic cocktails such as martinis and gin and tonics. Vodka: Known for its clean, neutral profile, vodka enhances cocktails without overpowering other flavors. Whether in a crisp martini or a refreshing mixed drink, vodka adds a smooth touch to any occasion.

Known for its clean, neutral profile, vodka enhances cocktails without overpowering other flavors. Whether in a crisp martini or a refreshing mixed drink, vodka adds a smooth touch to any occasion. Rum: Share the essence of tropical indulgence with rum, a spirit synonymous with relaxation and celebration. From smooth-aged varieties to spiced and flavored blends, rum gifts evoke the warmth of island vibes amid the holiday season's chill.

For a curated selection, visit Bourbonandwhisky.com, a US-based spirits store offering the best from top brands at competitive prices and nationwide delivery services.

So why wait? Prepare for the racing holiday season today with these thoughtful suggestions for wine and spirit gifts, each distinctly unique to impress a drinker and elevate celebrations with unforgettable moments from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Cheers to a season of fine wines, spirited gifts, and joyful festivities!

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SOURCE Wine And Champagne Gifts
International research highlights how overwhelmed customers feel when booking travel due to newfound proliferation of offers

58% of travelers feel overwhelmed by too many choices

56% of travelers say airline offers are more difficult to understand now than they were 10 years ago

71% of travelers feel anxious about whether they got the best deal after they've booked their trip

88% of travelers would prefer to see all flight options and fares on one screen

LANGLEY, United Kingdom, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelport , a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, today released its 2024 State of Modern Retailing Report. Combining international independent research, cross-industry comparisons and consumer insights, the headline of 2024's report asserts that searching and booking travel directly from travel providers has become more time-consuming and complicated than ever.

"Despite travel providers favoring direct-to-consumer connections, the sheer volume of options is overwhelming to travelers, making them less confident in their booking choices," said Jen Catto, Chief Marketing Officer at Travelport. "Our research found that instead of feeling excited after booking a trip, most travelers are left feeling anxious, wondering if they got the best deal. For the travel industry, this signals a growing need and opportunity for travel agencies. Their expertise in comparison shopping aids travelers in confidently booking the best option, based on their personal preferences."

71% of travelers feel anxious about whether they got the best deal after they've booked their trip Post this

KEY STUDY HIGHLIGHTS:

More Choice Leaves Travelers Feeling Overwhelmed

Travelport estimates that air travel options have gone from about 500 economy/ business options available in 2010 to over 10,000 options in 2024 (economy, economy plus, flexi- family, business, first, etc.). That's a 1,900% increase.

The majority of travelers (58%) feel that the volume of choice is overwhelming.

56% of travelers say that airline offers are more difficult to understand now than they were 10 years ago.

61% of travelers also believe there are more penalties now when changing a flight than there were 10 years ago, with 66% citing that there are too many hidden fees.

The majority of travelers (71%) sometimes feel anxious about whether they got the best deal after they've booked their trip, with 42% feeling like airline offers have become 'less suitable' over time in meeting their personal preferences.

DTC (Direct to Consumer) Feels More Like Difficult to Compare

Most travelers (80%) agree that comparing fares from different airlines is very time-consuming, with more than two-thirds (69%) feeling that information is often restricted on some airline booking sites.

When it comes to shopping for all components of their trip, 60% said they spend an average of one to four hours planning, while more than one-third (36%) spend more than five hours searching and comparing options before booking.

Most respondents (88%) agree they would prefer to see all flight options and fares on one screen, which is likely the reason that more than half (54%) said they frequently use a comparison site to search for information before purchasing their ticket.

The majority of Millennial (70%) and Gen X (64%) travelers often use online travel agencies (OTAs) to book, citing choice and price transparency as the primary reasons.

Travelers are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to provide more than just a chatbot, and agencies will increasingly rely on their technology partners to implement AI and ML (machine learning) in creative ways, such as Travelport's Content Curation Layer.

Amenities That Matter Most

When booking flights, respondents said that luggage allowance (63%), cancellation and change policies (50%) and seat selection (50%) are the most important factors to compare.

Most travelers (63%) also stated that they feel airlines do not put the customer first when it comes to customer servicing matters (flight cancellations, exchanges, etc.)

The hotel features that were cited as most important to travelers were WiFi availability (48%), complimentary breakfast options (47%), and hotel facilities (45%).

International Insights

Dynamic pricing and offers among US-based airlines could be complicating the retailing experience for American travelers, as more US respondents (49%) feel shopping for flights takes more time than comparing hotels (40%), car rentals (8%) and restaurants (3%).

Additionally, more US travelers (47%) feel like airline offers are not customized to their needs, compared to travelers from Germany (34%), South Africa (35%) and the U.K. (45%).

(34%), (35%) and the U.K. (45%). Unlike American respondents, hotel shopping is the more time-consuming experience for travelers from Germany (52%), South Africa (54%) and the UK (59%).

"Travel providers are continually refining and expanding their offerings to fit their customers unique needs and preferences," Catto added. "Prioritizing partnerships with agencies will ensure a truly personalized service to their travelers. That will make the shopping experience seamless for all."

For more information and to read the 2024 State of Modern Retailing report, please visit Travelport.com/difficult-to-compare.

Notes for Editors

The survey was conducted by Travelport using the Toluna Research platform.

The research sample consisted of 1,659 consumers from Germany , South Africa , the United Kingdom , and the United States that have taken at least one or more flights for business or leisure within the last 12 months.

About Travelport

Travelport is a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. Buyers and sellers of travel are connected by the company's next generation marketplace, Travelport+, which simplifies how brands connect, upgrades how travel is sold, and enables modern digital retailing. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and operating in more than 165 countries around the world, Travelport is focused on driving innovation that simplifies the complex travel ecosystem.

SOURCE Travelport
DUBAI, UAE, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced partnership with Visit Valencia with the support of Tourspain, to enhance the city's visibility as a premier travel destination.

Image courtesy of Visit Valencia

Wego will utilize its comprehensive platform to highlight Valencia's distinct attractions and experiences. From its rich historical landmarks and vibrant markets to its beautiful beaches and famous festivals, Valencia caters to every kind of traveler. Together with Valencia Tourism, Wego will develop tailored marketing campaigns, captivating content, and great travel options designed to draw a wide variety of travelers to discover the wonders of Valencia.

"We are excited to join forces with Visit Valencia to introduce the charm and vibrancy of Valencia to our users," said Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. "This partnership is set to boost tourism in Valencia and offer our users remarkable travel experiences. Valencia is a city that seamlessly blends historical richness with contemporary allure, and we look forward to showcasing its diverse attractions on our platform."

Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is known for its stunning mix of old and new, where ancient buildings stand alongside modern architectural marvels. The city is famous for its festivals, such as Las Fallas, and its delicious cuisine, including the iconic paella. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring the historic old town to relaxing on the Mediterranean coast.

Visit Valencia Vice Deputy Director, Miguel Angel Perez, said: "We are delighted to kick off this campaign with Wego and the suppport of Tourspain to promote Valencia, the European Green Capital. This campaign will not only showcase our Arab heritage but also invite travelers to experience the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines our city. We look forward to welcoming travelers to explore all that our city has to offer."

Summer in Valencia is synonymous with outdoor experiences  whether lounging on the sun-kissed beaches of Malvarrosa or savoring traditional paella at a quaint seaside tavern. Valencia boasts a natural bounty that beckons adventurers.

About Wego

Wego is the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

It provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites.

Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website.

The company was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2464371/Wego.jpg

SOURCE Wego
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Gaza, July 22 : The Israeli army has bombed the central Gazan refugee camp of Nuseirat 63 times in seven days, killing 91 Palestinians and injuring 251 others, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said.

The Gaza-ruling faction on Sunday held the Israeli and the US administrations "fully responsible" for continued killings in the refugee camp, which currently houses nearly 250,000 people, including the recently displaced ones, Xinhua news agency reported.

The operations sparked deep concern on Tuesday when a major strike involving the use of rockets killed at least 23 people and injured 73 others at a UNRWA-established school, but the Israeli military later said the attack targeted active "terrorists" there and was "based on precise intelligence".

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces accused Hamas of "exploiting civilian structures and population as human shields for its terror attacks against the State of Israel".

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the besieged Palestinian enclave to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 64 people and wounded 105 others, bringing the total death toll to 38,983 and injuries to 89,727 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out last October, the Gaza-based health authorities said on Sunday.
Tel Aviv, July 22 : Israeli political leaders have expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his backing of Israel throughout his long career after the Democratic incumbent announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential election, media reports said.

Biden, who made his first overseas trip as a young Senator to Israel, ended his bid for re-election on Sunday following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the presidential election, The Times of Israel reported.

Israel's Opposition Leader Yair Lapid on Sunday shared an undated photo on X of him shaking hands with Biden, writing, "Thank you."

President Isaac Herzog extended his thanks for Biden's "friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career".

"As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples," Herzog posted on Sunday on social media platform X, noting the US President Biden's visit to Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 massacres, The Times of Israel reported.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday thanked Biden for his "unwavering support of Israel over the years".

"Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable," he added.

"We are grateful for your leadership and friendship."

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Biden "a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments".

"During my tenure as Prime Minister, I witnessed his unwavering support of the State of Israel. Thank you for everything," he wrote on X on Sunday.

There was no immediate response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is still scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Biden in Washington, according to a source in the Prime Minister's Office.

Biden has held close ties with Israel throughout his political career. As a 30-year-old fresh Senator, he visited Israel in 1973, where he met then-Prime Minister Golda Meir, The Times of Israel reported.

The US leader has noted his encounter with Israel's only female premier several times, and once called it "one of the most consequential meetings I've ever had in my life".

After Hamas-led terrorists went on a rampage across the border on October 7, murdering some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza, Biden spoke in detail of the brutal atrocities carried out during the massacre and provided Israel with a boost in weapons shipments to effectively carry out its war against Hamas.

He also warned neighbouring countries seeking to enter the fray during those initial days of the war: "Don't." And he demonstrated his support by sending two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean Sea to deter an all-out war with Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups.

But US-Israel tensions have simmered in recent months over the civilian toll in Gaza and the pace of delivery of humanitarian aid there, as well as the lack of a tangible plan by Netanyahu for Gaza's post-war governance. Concerned with Israel's offensive in Rafah, Biden withheld certain arms from the country, leading Netanyahu to publicly feud with the administration.

One member of Netanyahu's government even explicitly endorsed Biden's rival, former US President Donald Trump, in the upcoming election.

Despite the tensions, Biden recently reaffirmed his support for Israel and his identification as a Zionist.
Baghdad, July 22 : Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has stressed the urgent need to halt the attacks against Lebanon and Palestine and called for concerted efforts to prevent the escalation of regional conflict.

Al-Sudani made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Baghdad, according to a statement from al-Sudani's media office released on Sunday.

The two leaders also discussed a bilateral agreement on the supply of Iraqi oil to Lebanon and explored the current political and security developments in the region, the statement said.

Al-Sudani emphasised that Iraq's stance on Lebanon is rooted in the commitment and brotherhood that bind the two nations, as well as Iraq's responsible regional and international role regarding regional developments, the statement noted.

Mikati expressed appreciation for the Iraqi government's efforts to support economic relations with Lebanon, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also outlined his government's efforts to enhance security cooperation with Iraq in combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

The Lebanese Prime Minister, who arrived in Iraq on Sunday, also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. They reviewed bilateral relations and developments in the Arab and international arenas, stressing the importance of concerted efforts to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and address the tragic humanitarian situation, according to a statement from the presidency media office.
Jammu, July 22 : An army soldier was injured on Monday when terrorists fired at a newly set up army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, officials said.

Official sources said that an army soldier was injured on Monday when terrorists fired at the newly established Rashtriya Rifles camp in the Gundha Khawas area of Rajouri.

"Terrorist fire was returned. The soldier injured in the firing by the terrorists was shifted to hospital."

"A search operation has been started in the area. More reinforcements have been rushed in to carry out the search operation," sources added.

The army has deployed around 4,000 additional soldiers in the hilly districts of the Jammu division to deal with the group of terrorists operating in these districts.

Soldiers drawn from the elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed in these districts to eradicate terrorism.

Terrorist attacks have registered a spurt in the otherwise peaceful Jammu division. The security forces have employed a revised strategy to deal with the hit-and-run tactics of the terrorists.

Six terrorist attacks have been reported in the Jammu division since June 9 this year in which 12 security personnel have been martyred.

These attacks have taken place in the Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Kathua districts in which the terrorists used the element of surprise to carry out ambushes in densely forested areas.

--IANS

sq/khz
In 2016, I was meeting with my primary care doctor who also happens to be a friend. She worked for a large medical group, was feeling burned out, and was looking for a new job.

I was an employment lawyer and she asked me to review a non-compete agreement she signed years earlier when she first joined the practice out of medical school. I had the hard job of telling her that noncompete agreements were enforceable in New York and that she would not be able to take a job she was offered at different medical group in the City of Buffalo without violating the noncompete agreement.

She was flabbergasted to learn that she had to either work out of town or stay in her current position. Who would believe that was legal in the U.S.?

A noncompete agreement prohibits an employee from leaving their job to take a job in the same industry. These agreements are used widely in the U.S., with one in five workers are subject to them, amounting to about 30 million workers in the U.S.

Many employers impose a noncompete requirement after employees have already accepted employment and it is often buried in the paperwork they receive their first day son the job. Noncompete agreements are common in all occupations and industries  even fast food workers.

Employers require noncompete agreements because, in many cases, noncompetes prevent employees from leaving to make more money. With a noncompete agreement, an employer can terminate an employee and still prevent the employee from going to work for another employer. I recall an accounting firm in Buffalo firing a young accountant and then threatening to sue her if she went to work for a competitor.

Employers like to claim that noncompete agreements protect business secrets, but most noncompete agreements bind employees who have no access to trade secrets. Also, employers can legally prevent employees from stealing trade secrets by simply having them sign non-disclosure agreements.

Some states have banned non-compete agreements, and on April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission found that noncompete agreements are an unfair method of competition and adopted a ban on non-competes for all workers except senior executives. For American workers, this was a time to unshackle and celebrate.

Though legal challenges to this ban are now in progress, it is essential that this ban prevail in the courts and take effect for the lasting benefit of American workers.

Cathy Creighton is director, Cornell University ILR Buffalo Co-Lab.
Jerusalem, July 22 : The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that an Israeli delegation will visit Qatar later this week to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal.

Netanyahu held a lengthy discussion on Sunday with members of the negotiation team and senior security officials regarding the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, according to his office.

The delegation, headed by Mossad Chief David Barnea, will arrive in Doha on Thursday and engage in indirect negotiations brokered by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the US, Xinhua news agency reported.

The new round of negotiations had been delayed for about a week after Hamas halted the talks in protest over an Israeli attack on Khan Younis on July 13, which killed at least 90 Palestinians.

Previous rounds of talks in Qatar have so far failed to produce an agreement to end the more than nine months of conflict in Gaza, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.
Seoul, July 22 : The striking labour union of Samsung Electronics held a rally on Monday, a day before resuming talks with the company to resolve the industrial action over a wage hike, union officials said.

About 1,200 unionised workers of the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU) joined the rally at a Samsung building in Yongin, south of Seoul.

Clad in black T-shirts and wearing headbands with "general strike" printed on them, the unionised workers pledged for a "victory" in their strike, reports Yonhap news agency.

Son Woo-mok, head of the NSEU, told the workers that the strike "will not change all at once, but let's change it one by one."

"Let's make our Samsung Electronics with a long breath," Son said.

The union and Samsung Electronics are set to hold talks on Tuesday, in what would be the first face-to-face meeting since the union declared a strike on July 8.

The NSEU's demands for the strike include a 5.6 percent basic pay raise for all members, a guaranteed day off on the union's founding day and compensation for economic losses due to the strike.

Samsung Electronics has said there has been minimal impact on production, despite the strike.
Jammu, July 22 : An unidentified terrorist was killed and a soldier injured on Monday in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Officials said that the terrorists attacked a newly set up Army 'Naka' (Checkpost) near the house of a Shaurya Chakra awardee Parshotam Kumar, a village defence committee (VDC) member at the Gundha Khawas village in Rajouri district around 3 a.m.

"One soldier sustained bullet injuries in the attack while a cow was killed. The checkpost had been set up after receiving inputs about the movement of terrorists. Parshotam Kumar was recently awarded Shaurya Chakra by the President for helping to kill a terrorist in the Kalakote area of Rajouri district. After the attack, a massive search operation was launched which is now underway," officials said.

The Army has deployed around 4,000 additional soldiers in the hilly districts of the Jammu division to deal with the group of terrorists operating in these districts.

Soldiers drawn from the elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed in these districts to eradicate terrorism.

Terrorist attacks have registered a spurt in the otherwise peaceful Jammu division. The security forces have employed a revised strategy to deal with the hit-and-run tactics of the terrorists.

Six terrorist attacks have been reported in the Jammu division since June 9 this year in which 12 security personnel have been martyred.

These attacks have taken place in the Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Kathua districts in which the terrorists used the element of surprise to carry out ambushes in densely forested areas.
Washington, July 22 : US Vice-President Kamala Harris stands once again on the edge of history in a political career replete with milestones.

President Joe Bidenas exit from the White House race and endorsement of Kamala Harris make her the top contender for his mantle as the Democratic partyas nominee for President, which will make her the first African American woman, the first Asian American, and the first Indian American to claim and win, if she does, a major political partyas nomination for President, the highest political office in America.

Harris has already won the endorsements of President Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Endorsements are pouring in from other Democrats, both lawmakers and party officials.

If Harris wins the nomination and goes on to win the race, the 47th US President will be the first woman President.

Harris already comes with a clutch of firsts: the first woman, the first African American, the first Asian American and the first Indian American to hold the vice-presidency of the United States.

Married to Douglas Emhoff, she is 59 years of age, considerably younger than both Biden, 81, who she hopes to succeed on the ticket, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who is 78.

Born to a mother from India's Tamil Nadu and father from Jamaica, Harris has been a trailblazer in US politics, cutting her teeth as a state prosecutor in California. She went on to win two terms as Attorney General of California. She ran for the US Senate in 2016 and won, the same year when Donald Trump beat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

As Senator, Harris became known for a strict and no-nonsense style of interrogating witnesses at hearings and confirmation hearings. "Youave been speaking for almost eight hours to this committee about all sorts of things you remember," Harris said to Brett Kavanaugh. Trumpas nominee for Supreme Court in September 2018. "How can you not remember whether or not you had a conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at that law firm?" This was said with reference to former FBI Director Muller who investigated Trump campaignas Russia links as a special prosecutor.

Harris had her sight on a higher office and became one of the first to throw her hat into the ring for the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee to take on Trump. She flamed out early as well after a debate in which she accused Biden, who was also in the race which he went on to win and win the White House, of working with US Senators known for their racism and for opposing busing of African American children to previously white schools. Biden still picked her as his running mate.

She had a rocky start as Vice President with tensions between herself and Bidenas staff. She was also given some impossible assignments that were doomed for failure such as resolving the issue of undocumented migrants coming into the US from Hondurans, El Salvador and Guatemala, known as the Northern Triangle. High rates of crime and low incomes have been the key drivers of migrants from these countries entering the US illegally. After the Supreme Courtas epic 2022 decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion, Harris emerged as the administrationas strongest and loudest voice on the issue. The backlash to the courtas decision helped the Biden administration survive a "red wave" in the mid-term election of 2022 and the issue remains top of the agenda for the Democratic party in 2024, having found traction even with women in Republican states and areas.
New York, July 22 : Dropping out of the presidential race, President Joe Biden has forced the Democratic party into a race against time on an unchartered course.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison acknowledged in a statement on Sunday that the situation facing the party is "unprecedented" but promised "a transparent and orderly process" to select the candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump.

Harrison did not explain what the process would be because he would first have to find a consensus  or at least a semblance of one  to keep the party together.

And, he and the other leaders have a tight-rope walk between a coronation of Harris that looks like a fiat from above and what is a transparent democratic nomination process.

The party's elder statesmen, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton appear to be divided on the nomination of Vice President Harris, who has been anointed his successor by Biden.

Clinton and his wife, Hillary, have endorsed her, but Obama hasn't, saying instead: "I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."

That opens the way for a challenge to Harris.

Another important leader, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also not endorsed her.

Clinton, Obama, Harrison, Pelosi, and the Democratic Party's leader in the Senate Chuck Schumer and in the House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries will influence the election.

Whoever the Democrats choose will have to defeat Trump and the polls show that Harris's standing is not too different from that of Biden -- a statistical tie, about 2 per cent behind the Republican, according to the latest polling averages computed by The Hill.

Biden has swept the party primaries and caucuses winning 3,896 delegates, far more than the 1,976 needed for the nomination, with 36 delegates declaring themselves as uncommitted and seven going to others.

Although he has endorsed Harris, he cannot transfer his delegates to her and they would be free to vote for whom they like.

With the November 5 election only 105 days away, the party faces tight deadlines.

The party's convention where the party would officially nominate its candidate is barely a month away  from August 19 to 22 in Chicago  and the pick to take on Trump would have to be in place by then if the leadership wants to avoid a chaotic meeting with an open fight for the nomination.

Moreover, with just three and a half months to go before the election, the party can hardly wait till the convention as it will lose almost a month of campaigning.

The party was facing a tighter deadline under Ohio rules which required a party candidate to be in place before August 7 to be on the ballot, but a new legislation extended the deadline to the end of the month.

The party had planned to hold a roll-call vote before the August 7 deadline to confirm the candidate, but even after the extension, there was a push to go ahead with the virtual poll to avoid any legal challenges.

Now the early poll is up in the air, but an early confirmation of a candidate would help the campaign against Trump.

The easiest path for the party would be to go ahead with Harris picked by Biden as his successor  but how to go about it is still a question.

She has rapidly received endorsements from several party officeholders and legislators, but it is not unanimous so far although a challenger hasn't emerged.

Harris has said that her "intention is to earn and win this nomination" implying that she would prefer not to have a "coronation", yet it is unclear how she would go about earning the nomination.

She will have to choose a vice president soon, whether she automatically gets the nomination or has to "earn" it.

Time is also a factor here as the candidate would have to be vetted adequately to avoid a debacle the party faced in 1972 when Thomas Eagleton had to drop out as the vice presidential nominee because it was discovered that he had mental health issues.

Harris's strongest point is that she can automatically access the $240 million in campaign funds that Biden has amassed, which cannot be transferred directly to any other candidate.

She can also turn the age debate on its head, brandishing her 59 years to Trump's 78.

As a woman of Indian and African descent, when could also enthuse minorities and women for a bigger turnout.

As the vice president, she had high national visibility, was apprenticed in the Oval Office, and could take credit for the Biden administration's achievements.

On the other hand, she is also weighed down by the shortcomings  real and optical  of the Biden-Harris Administration as it is officially called.

Trump said it wouldn't matter who the Democratic candidate would be as he will be running against the Biden record.

Also, Harris's dismal performance when she tried to run for president could haunt her.

After announcing her candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination in 2015 and launching her campaign, she dropped out of the race even before the first primary.

The fact that she could not garner enough support within the party for even a credible run for nomination raises questions about her claim to party endorsment.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
New Delhi, July 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the first budget of his government's third term will set the foundation for achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He called upon parliamentarians to "rise above party lines" and serve the nation.

Addressing the media ahead of the budget session in Parliament, the Prime Minister stated, "Today, is the first Monday of Shravan, and on this auspicious occasion, an important session is commencing. I congratulate all countrymen. The monsoon session of Parliament begins today, and the country hopes this session will be positive, creative, and lay the groundwork to fulfill the dreams of the citizens."

Reflecting on the significance of the session, he remarked, "I see this as a step in India's 'gaurav yatra' (pride journey). After 60 years, a government has come to power for the third time to present its budget. This is a landmark in the country's pride journey."

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the budget, calling it crucial for the 'Amrit Kaal'. "This budget will chart the path for the next five years, guiding us towards our resolution of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, the time our country completes 100 years of Independence," he said.

Highlighting India's economic progress, PM Modi noted, "It is a matter of pride that, today, India is the fastest-growing among all the major economies in the world, with a continuous growth rate of 8 per cent over the last three years. Positive outlook, investment, and performance are at their peak, presenting immense opportunities."

Urging all parliamentarians to focus on the country's welfare, the Prime Minister said, "I urge all MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to dedicate themselves to the nation. We must fight for the empowerment of farmers, youth, and the country. The mandate has been given; now, it's our responsibility to work together for the nation's progress."

Expressing concerns over the obstructionist tactics of the Opposition, PM Modi said, "With sadness, I have to say that after 2014, some MPs came for 5 years, some stayed for 10 years, but many were there who were not able to present their views, opinions and the issues of their areas because of the negativity of some political factions," adding that it "had wasted valuable time of the parliamentarians."

He appealed to all MPs, especially newcomers, to engage constructively.

PM Modi charged the Opposition with attempting to "suppress the voice" while he was speaking in the Parliament.

He said, "You must have seen that in the first Session of the Parliament, an attempt was made to suppress the voice of the government that has been elected with a clear mandate by a majority of 140 crore people of the country. For 2.5 hours, an attempt was made to suppress the voice of the Prime Minister. The people of the country have sent us for the country and not for the party. This Parliament is for the country, not for the party."

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for "unity and a focus" on national interests. "This Parliament is for the country, not for the party. Different views are welcome, but negativity is not."

He urged all the parliamentarians to use the position to meet the "expectations of our countrymen."
New Delhi, July 22 : Insulin resistance, a significant health concern, is increasingly recognised for its profound effects on brain function, potentially contributing to vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases, experts say.

Insulin resistance is a phenomenon in which cells ignore the hormone insulin, causing high blood sugar. The condition causes metabolic changes in glucose and lipids, which contribute to illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. In addition, this also gives rise to fatty liver and hormonal abnormalities.

Dr Parth Lalcheta, MCh (Neurosurgery) at HCG Hospitals, Rajkot, emphasised the need for targeted strategies to protect brain health.

"Insulin resistance affects brain function, contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This highlights the importance of developing strategies to safeguard brain health and enhance overall well-being," he told IANS.

Experts say that brain insulin resistance hampers the capacity of the brain to function effectively, leading to a decline visible in the form of behavioural issues.

Dr Darshan Doshi, Consultant Neurology at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, explains how the recognition of insulin resistance's implications on the brain is important.

"Brain insulin resistance causes neurodegeneration, leading to cognitive decline and behavioural issues. Understanding this response is essential for developing effective strategies," he told IANS.

The prevalence of insulin resistance, often linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, is rising globally. This disorder hampers the body's ability to use insulin effectively, leading to various health complications, a common symptom among them headaches, which are common in many neuro conditions.

Dr Shailesh Rohatgi, HOD of Neurology at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, explained that insulin resistance can also be associated with headaches.

"Headaches are common in many diseases. They can be primary, like migraines, or secondary, indicating underlying brain pathology. Timely consultation with a neurologist is crucial for diagnosis and treatment," he told IANS.

Experts stress the need for awareness about insulin resistance's impact on brain health and the importance of preventive measures. Healthy lifestyle choices, like weight management, and good blood sugar control can help mitigate adverse effects and promote well-being.
New Delhi: One month after visiting India to mark her presence in third-time PM Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony, and within three weeks of becoming the first foreign leader to pay a state visit to India (21-22 June) after the PM's re-election, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina went on a four-day visit to China.

Hyped as the visit that will bring home at least USD 5 billion in loans for Bangladesh and herald a significant upgrade in the ties between the two countries, the affair seems to have left a sour taste as PM Hasina left Beijing a night earlier than planned.

Although the reason cited was her daughter's ill health, a closer examination points the finger towards Bangladesh's disappointment at China's reception.

First, let us briefly go over the outcomes of this visit. A total of 21 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the two countries and the relationship was elevated from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

These agreements covered a range of domains like infrastructure development, construction of the 6th and 9th friendship bridges between Bangladesh and China, cooperation in disaster management, and so on.

Bilateral talks were held on the expansion of BRI, which Bangladesh joined in 2016, the Rohingya issue and other matters of regional and global geopolitical importance.

A Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities led to 16 MoUs in sectors such as textiles, solar power, fintech, and electric vehicles, garnering around USD 500 million in Chinese investments into Bangladesh.

China, which has been Bangladesh's largest trading partner for 13 years and is also its second-largest source of FDI, is heavily involved in the latter's infrastructure development- contributing to several bridges, highways, power stations and railway projects.

However, the bilateral trade suffers from a massive deficit, with Chinese exports to Bangladesh constituting USD 21 billion, against a measly USD 680 million of Bangladeshi exports to China.

The two countries, during this visit, agreed on a feasibility study for a Free Trade Agreement, which may be tricky grounds for Bangladesh, given this colossal deficit, despite China giving zero-tariff treatment to 98 per cent of Bangladeshi goods.

Despite these seemingly welcome advancements, the Bangladesh PM has fair grounds to believe that the purpose of the whole visit remained unmet. Ahead of the visit, Bangladeshi media reported citing officials involved in preparing the proposals that the country was promised a USD 5 billion credit line by Beijing (which would be offered in yuan), in addition to a USD 15 billion in investment in development projects.

However, China ended up offering just 1 billion yuan, that is, around USD 137 million to Bangladesh.

Moreover, according to an ET report, the visiting PM had to endure diplomatic discourtesy from the Chinese side, as President Xi Jinping, who was expected to hold a lengthy meeting with her, provided her company for only half an hour.

Meanwhile, Chinese PM Li Qiang was left to be her "principal interlocutor". Even Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not seek to attend to her, and the state-run media too did not accord respectable space to the visit.

For close observers, it is inferable that Xi Jinping, by undermining PM Hasina's visit both in optics and substance, is signalling Chinese displeasure, most likely at Hasina's visible overtures towards India.

As previously mentioned, within a month before her China visit, PM Sheikh Hasina had twice come to India, demonstrating her proactive interest in strengthening bilateral ties with the neighbour. Not only that, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud had expressed that they would prefer India's financial proposal on the Teesta River restoration and management project over China's as the river flows through India and Bangladesh. This sentiment has been echoed recently by PM Sheikh Hasina. The two neighbouring countries, despite some sticky points, have enjoyed deep cultural, geographical, linguistic, and political relations, since Bangladesh's independence in 1971, in which India played a vital role.

Bangladesh has frequently called India its 'political friend' while China 'a friend for attaining development'.

In recent times, it has been clear that Bangladesh is trying to balance the regional rivals, milking the benefits of cooperation with both. China has significantly helped Bangladesh, prominently by funding large infrastructural projects such as the Payra Thermal Power Plant, enabling Bangladesh to claim 100 per cent electrification, and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli River.

China has also been accused of trying to create an encirclement or 'String of Pearls' around India, through its BRI initiatives, with Bangladesh as a crucial component.

The latest events indicate that China perceives regional geopolitics as a zero-sum game and will not shy away from expressing its objection to Bangladesh's balancing act.

Due to its declining foreign reserves, Bangladesh is in dire need of assistance, for which it was looking up to China. Going forward, the country will have to assess its approach and devise a way to reduce its economic dependence on China and look towards more reliable partners.
Bengaluru, July 22 : Karnataka Minister for Labour, Santhosh Lad, stated on Monday that the government is under pressure from the IT industry to bring forth new legislation proposing extra hours of work for techies, but is evaluating the matter.

He clarified that the government is still evaluating the Bill that would allow software professionals to work for 14 hours a day.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Minister Santhosh Lad said, "The Bill has come to us because of pressure from the IT industries; it is not the IT Minister (Priyank Kharge) himself who has come up with this idea. The industrialists are pressuring us for this. Since the pressure is from the industry, the Bill has come to us, and we are still evaluating it from the labour department's perspective."

"Now, the question is, I want all industrial heads to discuss it as the issue is in the public domain. People are free to express their opinions. I want all the major stakeholders to debate this. Since the matter has come to the public, there is dissent among IT employees.

"I want people to share their opinions. Based on this, we, as a department, will definitely look into the issue," he stated.

When asked about the personal and social life of IT employees, he responded, "IT heads and leaders of big companies in the country need to discuss this. They will come forward for discussions over these issues, right? Let IT companies, owners, and directors come forward and discuss whether it is necessary or not."

"Now, the dissent is coming from the union, isn't it? Why don't the IT heads talk about it? Whether the feedback is positive or negative, the government will look into what needs to be done," he stated.

"Because it is an IT industry concern, we are addressing it. Nothing has been done suo moto by any department; neither has the IT minister acted independently. The pressure has come to the government from the IT industry.

"The government has done nothing on its own. The government and my department, in our wisdom, will make a decision," he assured.

"My request and appeal to everyone is to give their opinion because it is in the public domain," he appealed.

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) expressed its concerns over this potential change, highlighting the significant impact it would have on employees' mental and physical health and their work-life balance.
Mumbai, July 22 : Actor Lakshay Khurana, who plays the role of Aditya in the show 'Ishq Jabariya', has shared his experiences working with seasoned actors and discussed whether he feels intimidated or pressured when sharing the screen with them.

Reflecting on his experience, Lakshay said: " 'Ishq Jabariya' is my eighth show, and through this project, Iave had the chance to work alongside seasoned actors like Kamya Panjabi and Pranoti Pradhan. Having worked with senior actors before, I donat feel any pressure."

The actor continued: "On set, we are fully immersed in our characters and focus on our lines and scenes. While some actors might feel intimidated working with veterans, I see it as a valuable learning opportunity."

Lakshay added: "Even if I were working with Amitabh Bachchan, I wouldnat feel pressured. I believe there is much to learn from experienced actors, and their presence motivates and inspires me to work harder."

'Ishq Jabariya' is a romantic drama set in Begusarai, Bihar, and tells the heartwarming story of Gulki (Siddhi Sharma), a cheerful young woman who dreams of becoming an air hostess.

The show features Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi, and Lakshay.

Lakshay, who is portraying a positive role for the first time on Hindi television, previously commented: "Playing a negative role is much easier for me than playing a positive one. In negative roles, I have more freedom to explore and express the character."

The actor added: "However, when playing a positive role, I have to be much more careful and thoughtful, especially in scenes where I need to show anger. Thereas always a fear that if I overdo it, the character might come across as negative."

The show airs on Sun Neo.
Seoul, July 22 : Tae Yong-ho, the new Secretary General of the presidential advisory council on unification, on Monday, vowed efforts to let North Koreans understand South Korea's efforts to craft a peaceful unification vision based on a national consensus.

Tae, a former North Korean Deputy Ambassador to Britain, was appointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol last week as the Chief of the Secretariat of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Yonhap news agency reported.

He has become the first North Korean defector to serve in the deputy ministerial post since the council was established in 1980.

At the inaugural ceremony, Tae accused North Korea of increasing animosity toward South Korea and denying efforts to pursue a peaceful unification, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other."

Against this backdrop, Tae said that he would do his best to provide good policy proposals to Yoon and build a national consensus on unification. South Korea is working on a new unification initiative based on liberal democracy.

"I will also do my best to let North Korean people get to know the national consensus (on unification) built from the bottom," Tae said.

He said that his appointment to the post sent a message to North Korea that South Korea has a firm commitment to seeking peaceful unification with North Korea.

Tae fled to South Korea in 2016 in a high-profile defection by a ranking North Korean diplomat. He was elected in the affluent district of Gangnam in Seoul in 2020 as a lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party but failed to secure a second term in the April parliamentary elections.
Bengaluru, July 22 : Senior BJP and Opposition leader, R Ashoka announced on the floor of the House on Monday that his party will continue its agitation until the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

While BJP legislators staged a protest in the Well of the House, Ashoka stated that the BJP MLAs were protesting regarding the alleged scam in the tribal welfare Board.

"The money belongs to the government and Dalits. The funds need to be brought back to the state treasury, and the guilty need to be punished," he said.

"The House has debated the issue for three days, and it needs to be taken to a logical end. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah spoke about everything except the scam when he made his statement in the House. The CM reserved his speech to target the BJP," Ashoka claimed.

The government has published CM Siddaramaiah's response as an advertisement in the media, this is not good and is an insult to the House, Ashoka said.

"The BJP will continue its agitation until CM Siddaramaiah resigns," Ashoka announced.

BJP MLAs staged a walk out from the Assembly following this remark.

Congress MLA Nayana Motamma chided the BJP MLAs, saying they were walking out of the House fearing a discussion on the Hassan case.

"The whole state is observing them," she stated.
Patna, July 22 : RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday criticised the Nitish Kumar government for the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar.

Lalu Prasad Yadav blamed the "double engine" government for the current state of affairs, highlighting concerns over safety and governance.

He criticised the Nitish Kumar government for its inability to control the increasing incidents of crime in Bihar.

"Incidents like murder, rape, gang rape, and loot are regularly taking place in Bihar, and Nitish Kumar's government is failing to control the situation. The criminals are fearless in Bihar," Lalu Prasad Yadav said.

Former Chief Minister Rabri Devi has also criticised the Bihar government for the poor law and order situation in the state.

"The Mafia Raj is going on in the state. The Nitish Kumar government has no control over the criminals in Bihar," the former Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, the RJD MLA from Hasanpur Tej Pratap Yadav also demanded resignation of the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Nitish Kumar should resign. Instead of addressing the poor law and order situation in Bihar, I am surprised that the ruling parties are questioning us. Nitish Kumar should reveal why he touches the feet of anyone. He is failing to control the law and order of Bihar and that is why he touches the feet of anyone," Tej Pratap Yadav said.

The Bihar government is under intense pressure for the worsening law and order situation, with frequent incidents of murder, rape, gang rape, dacoity, loot, and theft.
Bengaluru, July 22 : Former Karnataka minister B. Nagendra, arrested in connection with the Tribal Welfare Board case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been remanded to judicial custody till August 3.

The Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru passed the order after ED produced him before the court on Monday. His custody with the ED had ended today.

The BJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the case over his alleged involvement. The ruling and the opposition parties have discussed the case for over nine hours in three days of the Assembly session.

The Chief Minister had stated that there is no link between the case and his government. He stated that the SIT is already investigating the financial irregularities that occurred in the Tribal Welfare Board and the government has full confidence in its investigation.

The ruling party has also charged that the ED has been sent to probe the case to destabilise the Congress government in Karnataka.

The scam has been investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The BJP and JD-S are demanding the arrest of the chairman of the board and Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal and Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil.

The scam had come to light following the suicide of the accounts superintendent of the Valmiki Development Corporation, Chandrasekaran. The SIT has already arrested 12 people in connection with the case and seized cash worth Rs 34 crore, additionally, around Rs 46 crore transferred to various bank accounts have been frozen.

Nagendra, who was the Minister for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Tribal Welfare was asked to resign following the pressure from the opposition.

--IANS

mka/dan
Suva, July 22 : The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said that while under-five mortality rates in the Pacific are generally stable, there are concerning trends as malnutrition remains a significant issue among countries.

Veitch made the remarks while addressing the critical issues of malnutrition and health among children in Fiji and the broader Pacific region, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

Children can be vulnerable to early death if they don't get proper nutrition at the early age of life, he said, noting that it is "completely avoidable," reports Xinhua news agency.

Veitch said UNICEF is working closely with the Fijian Ministry of Health to combat these challenges.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said educating parents about proper nutrition and ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrients are vital steps in addressing this problem.
Kolkata, July 22 : The oath ceremony of the four new Trinamool Congress legislators, namely Madhuparna Thakur, Dr Mukut Mani Adhikari, Krishna Kalyani and Supti Pandey, will be held on Tuesday, Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay has said here.

The decision on this count was taken at the meeting of the business advisory committee of the state Assembly which was conducted on Monday within the Assembly premises.

Sources said that despite communiques being forwarded to the office of the Governor both from the Assembly as well as the state Parliamentary Affairs Department office requesting the Governor to either administer the oath or nominate anyone.

However, sources said that till Monday no positive response from the office of the Governor House has reached the Assembly in the matter.

In that case, the Speaker can himself administer the oath under Section 5 of Chapter 2 of the 'Rules of Business', which authorizes the Speaker to do so when the House is in session, as was done recently in the case of the new Trinamool Congress MLAs, namely Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Houssen Sarkar.

Legal experts say that there still is a constitutional clause regarding the participation of the newly elected MLAs in Assembly proceedings without the nod of the Governor of the state which involves a point of financial penalty for the MLAs concerned if they participate in the proceedings or even occupy the chair allotted with the approval from the Constitutional head of the state.

Article 193 of the Indian Constitution gives the power to the Governor to impose such a financial penalty.

"If a person sits or votes as a member of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council of a State before he has complied with the requirements of Article 188, or when he knows that he is not qualified or that he is disqualified for membership thereof, or that he is prohibited from so doing by the provisions of any law made by Parliament or the Legislature of the State, he shall be liable in respect of each day on which he so sits or votes to a penalty of five hundred rupees to be recovered as a debt due to the State," reads Article 193.
New Delhi, July 22 : Maintaining proper hygiene and regular eye checks is key to avoiding eye problems related to lenses, said experts on Monday, as noted TV actress Jasmine Bhasin reportedly is suffering from corneal damage due to her lenses.

In an Instagram, the 34-year-old actress shared that it will take her at least four to five days to recover fully from corneal damage that she got after wearing contact lenses at an event in Delhi.

Bhasin thanked her followers for their love and blessings and noted that she is now recovering.

Earlier in a media interview, Bhasin of 'Tashan-e-Ishq' and 'Dil Se Dil Tak' fame, reported that despite feeling pain in her eyes, she continued with her work commitments, opting to wear sunglasses during the event.

However, her condition worsened, and she eventually lost her vision temporarily. She said she was diagnosed with corneal damage and had her eyes bandaged.

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Bhavya Reddy from Aster Whitefield Hospital stressed the need to maintain hygiene, use lenses appropriately, and avoid contaminants.

"The key pointers include washing hands before lens handling, fresh cleaning solution usage, and disposing of any irritating contacts immediately. Take off the lens immediately and get a quick checkup with an ophthalmologist if you suspect redness, irritation, and pain soon after when wearing contact lenses. Always keep a pair of backup spectacles," Dr. Reddy said.

Common symptoms of corneal damage include sharp, stabbing pain worsened by blinking or light exposure, redness, blurred or cloudy vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing or dryness, and mucus-like discharge.

"Visual distortions such as halos around lights may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an eye care professional immediately," Dr Neeraj Shah, Chief Medical Officer and Consultant, Sankara Eye Hospital Jaipur told IANS.

The experts advised following proper guidelines on lenses like buying contact lenses of the correct size and fit. Maintain hygiene by washing hands before handling the lenses. Adhere to the recommended wear schedule; lenses are made of materials that determine their safe wear time. Avoid sleeping in lenses unless prescribed. Schedule regular eye check-ups to monitor eye health and lens fit.
New Delhi, July 22 : The government must remove or limit the 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mental health services, and allocate resources strategically to help India become a mentally resilient society, experts said on the eve of Union Budget presentation on Monday.

Mental health is a key area of concern that can have a significant impact on the productivity and economy of the country.

"Mental health issues are highly prevalent, yet are poorly managed and are affecting a significant number of our population. In the upcoming Budget, we urge the government to remove or reduce the 18 per cent GST on mental health services," Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director of Manasthali Wellness, told IANS.

According to experts, with declining mental health, there has been an increase in the need for health insurance policies that cover both physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, people are not reporting these conditions as the cost of the available medications and therapies often proves challenging.

Divya Mohindroo, counselling psychologist, highlighted the need for comprehensive policies to handle India's mental health crisis and the need to increase the workforce in the sector.

"Out of an estimated 150 million people needing mental health services, only fewer than 30 million seek help," Mohindroo told IANS.

"Lack of mental health professionals is crippling in India, with merely 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers available per 100,000 people," she added.

"There should be specific measures for mental health, and we are hopeful the Budget will prioritise this urgent issue. There is an immediate need to strengthen India's mental health workforce, with just one psychiatrist per two lakh people," Mohindroo said.

She also suggested "scholarships to train professionals to help reduce this gap".

The experts also suggested incorporating mental health services into healthcare insurance coverage.

"While government centres receive some relief, private practitioners are left burdened. Extending tax benefits to private practitioners is crucial, given the high operational costs for the average therapist. In addition to acknowledging the financial difficulties experienced by private practitioners, this change would help lower the cost and increase public accessibility to mental health care," Kapoor said.

"This will help our citizens access mental healthcare without burdening them financially," added Mohindroo.
Patna, July 22 : Gopalganj police arrested two shooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, confirmed an official on Monday.

The sharp shooters, identified as Kamal Rawat and Shantanu Shivam, are residents of Rajasthan.

They were apprehended during a vehicle checking drive at the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh Balthari border on Sunday.

The SHO of Kuchaikote police station confirmed the arrests and stated that the police team recovered four pistols of Austrian make from them.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime in the region.

"We have interrogated these two shooters, and they confessed to their involvement in murders in Rajasthan. They have also revealed the names of some of their handlers in Rajasthan. On the direction of the District SP, a police team has been sent there for their arrest," said the SHO.

The officer mentioned that the accused were close to the top bosses of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldi Brar gang.

During interrogation, they confessed that they had specific targets in Muzaffarpur and Motihari and had plans to execute there.

The police are currently interrogating them further and will produce them in the District Court for remand.
Pyongyang, July 22 : In a first, Russia's Prosecutor General is visiting North Korea as the two countries continue to bolster ties following the summit meeting between their top leaders last month.

Igor Krasnov arrived in Pyongyang on Monday and will meet with his counterpart and discuss bilateral cooperation with other officials during his visit, his office said in a statement.

Krasnov received a warm welcome from the representatives of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office upon his arrival at the airport in the North Korean capital.

A major highlight of his visit will be the signing of a cooperation programme between the Prosecutor General's offices of Russia and North Korea for 2024-2026, along with an updated agreement.

"This visit marks a significant milestone in the relations between the prosecutors' offices of both countries, which have maintained constructive ties over the past decade based on a Cooperation Agreement signed in 2010," stated the Russian Prosecutor General's office.

On Sunday, representatives from the supervisory agency and the Military University of the Russian Ministry of Defence delivered a series of lectures in Pyongyang which majorly covered the main directions and specifics of the activities of the Russian prosecutor's office.

Moscow believes that Krasnov's visit also highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and North Korea in legal and prosecutorial matters.

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang - his first trip to North Korea in 24 years - at the invitation of the country's leader Kim Jong-un.
New Delhi, July 22 : Congress party on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's interim stay on the 'nameplate' display order along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and said that the Apex Court has rightly halted the 'communal' agenda of BJP-led governments.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, in a video message, said, "We are very happy that the SC has given such a strong order and I hope that the Prime Minister makes his Chief Ministers aware of their Raj Dharma."

"We welcome the stay given by SC on the unconstitutional and illegal orders by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and MP, where they asked eatery owners to display nameplates outside their shops," he further stated.

The Supreme Court, hearing a batch of petitions on the 'eatery name display' directives by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments, stayed the orders, till further hearing. The Apex court also issued notices to UP, Uttarakhand and MP governments and fixed July 26 as the next date of hearing.

The SC observed that the directives by state governments are contrary to constitutional and legal norms as prevalent in the country.

The halt to the 'eateries name display' order in BJP-ruled states triggered reactions from many parties. Most of the Opposition parties had decried these orders, issued a week ago and called it 'biased, lopsided and driven by malice'.

Pawan Khera also appealed to the PM in his video message and asked him to ensure that his Chief Ministers don't indulge in passing such unconstitutional orders.

KC Tyagi, JD (U) spokesperson, told newsmen that he welcomes the SC order as "such decisions create division and rift in the society." He however added that there should be a ban on shops selling non-vegetarian food on the Kanwar Yatra route."

Imran Pratapgarhi, Congress MP, said that the Supreme Court's stay on the UP government's directive sends out a clear message that the country will be run as per laws laid in the Constitution and not on the basis of the state governments' diktats.

"BJP governments are unnerved over Rahul's Mohabbat ki dukaan and hence are resorting to such tactics for dividing the communities on sectarian lines," he further said.

Notably, the controversy broke out after Muzaffarnagar Police asked the owners of dhabas, eateries, and food outlets to display the names of their owners and staff members outside their shops to avoid 'confusion' for the Kanwar Yatris, along the Yatra route. This was later extended all across the state and also in adjoining states Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Manila, July 22 : Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Monday ordered a ban on online gambling firms operating in the country.

"All POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are banned," vowed Marcos during his third State of the Nation address during the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, Xinhua news agency reported.

Marcos also instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President, to wind down and cease the operation of POGOs by the end of this year.

The POGO operations "have ventured into illicit areas farthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder," Marcos noted.

Marcos also said he expects the move would solve the criminal activities linked to POGOs in the Philippines.

Officials, lawmakers, and business leaders had called for a ban on POGOs, which, according to the Department of Finance, are costing the Philippines around $1.7 billion each year.

Marcos also ordered the Department of Labour and Employment to coordinate with the economic managers to find jobs for POGO workers displaced by the end of POGO operations.
New Delhi, July 22 : The Supreme Court on Monday asked IIT Delhi to form an expert panel to give its opinion on the decision of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to treat two options as the correct answers to a Physics question in the NEET-UG examination.

A bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, said: "We request the Director of IIT Delhi to constitute a team of three experts of the subject concerned. The expert team is requested to formulate its opinion on the correct option and to remit its opinion to the registrar of this court by 12 noon on July 23."

The bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed that a copy of its order may be forwarded on Monday itself to the Director, IIT Delhi for expeditious action.

In the batch of petitions alleging irregularities in the conduct of the NEET-UG exam, petitioners questioned the award of grace marks in respect of a contentious Physics question, adding that as many as 44 candidates were able to secure full marks on account of the ambiguous question. They contended that the NTA's decision to award compensatory marks contradicts its own instruction asking students to follow the latest NCERT textbook.

The matter will be taken up for further hearing on Tuesday.

In the previous hearing, the apex court had sought a copy of the report of Bihar Police and its Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in relation to the NEET question paper leak case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta undertook that he will place on record the copy of the report filed by Patna police as well as the report filed by EOU of Bihar Police.

The NEET question paper leak case was cracked by Patna police on May 5, the day of the examination and an FIR was registered at the cityas Shastri Nagar Police Station. The case was later transferred to the EOU of Bihar Police for investigation. On June 23, the Centre decided to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The SC also asked the NTA to release on its website centre-wise results after redacting personal information, including the roll number of the candidates. During the hearing, the apex court had asked the petitioners to illustrate that the leak was so systematic that the exam must be cancelled in its entirety and conducted afresh. It reiterated that if tainted cases cannot be segregated from untainted ones, the entire examination has to go.

Earlier, the top court had directed the NTA to make full disclosure regarding the nature of the paper leak, the places where leaks took place, and the lag of time between the occurrence of the leak and the conduct of the examination. It also asked the CBI to file a status report indicating the status of the investigation and the material collected during the course of the probe.
Seoul, July 22 : South Korea and Albania discussed ways to enhance cooperation on security, new technologies, and the overall economy, Seoul's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with his Albanian counterpart, Igli Hasani, in Seoul to discuss bilateral relations.

During the meeting in Seoul, Cho expressed hope for stronger relations with Albania on a wide range of issues, such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technology sectors, as South Korea is working to boost cooperation with the major European nations in the arms industry and nuclear sectors, among other fields, Yonhap news agency reported.

Cho also called for the two nations to work more closely on joint responses to growing cross-border security threats.

Hasani noted the importance of bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economy and information and technology, and voiced expectations for brisk business-to-business exchanges and stronger ties in the culture and tourism industries.

Cho stressed the need for stronger unity of the international community to sternly deal with the military ties between North Korea and Russia in violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban arms transfers to North Korea.

According to Seoul's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hasani pledged to join global efforts for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

The Albanian Minister arrived here on Sunday for a five-day stay, marking the first official visit by the European country's top envoy since 2011.
Mumbai, July 22 : Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande on Monday urged the Mumbai Police Commissioner for the immediate closure of the 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' show due to obscenity, saying that the OTT show has crossed all limits.

She pointed out that in the episode of 'Bigg Boss OTT 3' aired on July 18 showed the actors doing very lewd and disgusting acts in front of the camera.

"Even kids watch this show. So this show should be stopped immediately. Strict action should be taken against the producers of this show and the CEO of the broadcasting company by filing a case under cyber crime. A written request has been made to the Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter," said Kayande, who is also the state Secretary and Spokesperson of Shiv Sena

Kayande also blamed the actors for trampling social values by crossing all boundaries of family relations.

She said that she will soon meet the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister to demand that OTT also be brought under the purview of the censor board.
Kolkata, July 22 : The office of West Bengal Governor, CV Ananda Bose, on Monday, shot off letters to the two new Trinamool Congress legislators Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Houssen Sarkar cautioning them of financial penalties if they take part in the proceedings of the House.

After taking oath administered by Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay, the two MLAs reached the Assembly premises to participate in the Monsoon Session that started from Monday.

However, they received emails from the office of the Governor asking them to clarify who had administered their oath.

The notice reminded the two MLAS that as the oath was administered by the Speaker instead of the Deputy Speaker of the House who had been nominated by Governor Bose to do so, the oath is unconstitutional.

Article 193 of the Indian Constitution gives the power to the Governor to impose a financial penalty on the two MLAs if they participate in the proceedings or even occupy the chair allotted on the floor of the House, without the approval of the constitutional head of the state.

"If a person sits or votes as a member of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council of a State before he has complied with the requirements of Article 188, or when he knows that he is not qualified or that he is disqualified for membership thereof, or that he is prohibited from so doing by the provisions of any law made by Parliament or the Legislature of the State, he shall be liable in respect of each day on which he so sits or votes to a penalty of five hundred rupees to be recovered as a debt due to the State," reads Article 193.
New Delhi, July 22 : In a first, the economic impact of mental health was discussed in the Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled by the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Monday.

The Survey talks extensively about mental health, its significance, and implications on policy recommendations. It also associated mental health disorders with "significant productivity losses".

It is because the condition leads to "absenteeism, decreased productivity, disability, increased healthcare costs, among others".

Citing the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, the Survey noted that 10.6 per cent of adults in the country suffered from mental disorders. However, the treatment gap for mental disorders ranged between 70 per cent and 92 per cent for different disorders. It also showed a higher prevalence of mental morbidity in urban metro regions (13.5 per cent) as compared to rural areas (6.9 per cent) and urban non-metro areas (4.3 per cent).

The Survey also pointed out poverty as a reason for increasing mental health issues among people. It showed that "stressful living conditions, financial instability, and a lack of opportunities for upward mobility contribute to heightened psychological distress".

It also highlighted an increasing prevalence of poor mental health among adolescents exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Citing the NCERTas Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey, it showed that 11 per cent of students reported feeling anxious, 14 per cent as feeling extreme emotion, and 43 per cent experiencing mood swings.

The Survey noted key initiatives and policies such as the National Mental Health Programme and National Tele Mental Health Programme by the government to tackle the rising burden of cases. It also informed of increasing mental health professionals by sanctioning 25 Centres of Excellence to increase the intake of PG students.

The government also provisioned mental health services for 22 AIIMS, also provided online training courses via digital academies to general healthcare medical and paramedical professionals. The Survey stresses important policy recommendations including redoubling efforts to increase the number of psychiatrists, and sensitising mental health at the preschool, and at the Anganwadi level to provide precious early identification of disorders.
Bhopal, July 22 : Upset after being divested of the key Forest and Environment portfolio, first-time Cabinet minister in Madhya Pradesh, Nagar Singh Chouhan, on Monday threatened to quit from the Council of Ministers in the next two days.

Chouhan, a four-time tribal MLA who is now left with the Scheduled Caste Welfare portfolio, said he would quit the ministerial post and serve the people of his community, adding that his wife Anita Nagar Singh Chouhan, who is a first-time Lok Sabha member, might also quit as an MP.

On Sunday, Nagar Singh Chouhan was divested of the Forest and Environment portfolio which was allotted to Ramnivas Rawat, a six-time Congress MLA who switched sides to the BJP on April 30.

"I have been associated with the BJP for over 25 years. Yet I wasn't consulted before the decision to divest me of the Forest and Environment portfolio was taken. I have already discussed the issue with (state BJP chief) V.D. Sharma. I will announce my decision in the next two days," Chouhan told mediapersons on Monday.

The BJP leader also said what made him more upset was the fact that the ministry was allotted to someone who joined the party from the Congress only a few months back.

When asked if his 'pressure tactic' had anything to do with the possibility of him being dropped as a minister in a future Cabinet reshuffle, Chouhan said he never asked for any post in 25 years of his political career.

"I never asked for a ticket for my wife before the Lok Sabha polls. It was the party that chose my wife as its candidate, and we didn't disappoint as she won by more than 2 lakh votes, the highest winning margin ever from the seat (Ratlam).

"Now if the party feels that two members from the same family cannot be bestowed with key responsibility, I'll quit as a minister and remain just an MLA, while my wife will step down as an MP," said Chouhan, considered a loyalist of former CM and current Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Notably, this is the first resentment shown by any BJP leader after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav assumed office in December last year.
Kolkata, July 22 : The ruling Trinamool Congress will move two special motions on the floor of the West Bengal Assembly this week during the Monsoon Session.

The first motion will be for scrapping of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the second will be on the three new criminal laws introduced in India, confirmed the Assembly Speaker.

The decision to move these two special motions was taken at the Business Advisory Committee of the state Assembly on Monday, when the Monsoon Session resumed.

However, as per convention, on the first day the session was adjourned after obituary mention.

The Speaker said that the motion demanding scrapping of NEET and restoration of the previous system of individual state governments conducting such examinations, will be moved on the floor of the House on Tuesday and there will be debates on the matter on Wednesday.

Similarly, another motion on the three criminal laws in the country will be moved by the Treasury Bench on Friday and debates on the matter will be conducted on next Monday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 24 raising the same demand on scrapping of NEET examination.

She had also written to the Prime Minister objecting to the implementation of the three new criminal laws without proper groundwork and preparation.
Patna, July 22 : After the Central government turned down the special status for Bihar, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Centre has refused to give the special status to Bihar so Nitish Kumar should resign from his post. We will fight for special status at any cost," the RJD Chief said.

He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over not granting special status to Bihar.

"PM Modi and Nitish Kumar shamelessly gave Bihar a 'Jhunjhuna' (toy). If not the status of a special state, then give anything to Bihar in the name of a special package! JD-U bowed down to BJP," he wrote on X.

The demand for special status for Bihar has been a recurring issue, with various leaders from the Janata Dal (United) advocating for it.

JD-U Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha had brought up the issue in an all-party meeting, stating that the Central government should either grant special state status or arrange for a special package for Bihar.

Similarly, JD-U MP Rampreet Mandal raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, emphasising that special state status is essential for promoting economic development and industrialisation in backward states.

Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the Water Resource Minister of Bihar, said, "We have a longstanding demand of special status for Bihar but if any technicalities arise in it, Centre should consider at least a special package for a backward state like Bihar."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Four individuals, including a husband and wife, were arrested for fraud and money laundering, having scammed three people out of ZWG223,000. The suspects - Rumbidzai Tsongora (24), Tranos Taurai Muzanenhamo (26), Timothy Bvuramiti (27), and Bradwell Shangwa (24) - were charged in the Harare Magistrates' Court with fraud, possessing articles for criminal use, and contravening the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.On July 9, 2024, the first and second accused, posing as Ruth Machakadya, replaced her SIM card at an Econet agent in Marondera. Using this line, they advertised on WhatsApp, claiming to exchange US$5,000 for local currency. Three complainants transferred a total of ZWG223,000 to the accused's bank account. The funds were then exchanged into foreign currency on the black market.The police arrested the suspects in Chitungwiza and recovered 30 unused Econet SIM cards, 36 used Econet SIM cards, 4 used Net One SIM cards, 4 Telecel SIM cards, 5 O Mari bank credit cards, and a Toyota Hiace. The court ordered the accused to be held in custody until July 22, 2024.
Zanzibar, July 22 : Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has replaced the country's foreign and information ministers in the latest Cabinet reshuffle.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba will be replaced by Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania's ambassador to Italy; Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology Nape Nnauye will be replaced by Jerry Silaa, former minister of lands, housing, and human settlements development, according to a statement issued Sunday by the Directorate of Presidential Communications.

Hasan also revoked the appointment of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Stephen Byabato, said the statement issued in Zanzibar.

In the latest Cabinet reshuffle, Hassan also appointed Ridhiwani Kikwete as minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for labour, youth, employment, and people with disabilities, succeeding Deogratius Ndejembi, who was appointed as minister of lands, housing, and human settlements development, Xinhua news agency reported.

Cossato Chumi, a member of parliament for the Mafinga Urban constituency, was appointed deputy minister for foreign affairs and East African cooperation, replacing Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, who will be reassigned to a new position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has two deputy ministers.

Mbarouk announced his resignation on Sunday, citing personal social responsibilities, in a letter to the Office of the Parliament of Tanzania.
Mumbai, July 22 : The cardiovascular surgeon and husband of Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, Shriram Madhav Nene, has shared a video of their son Arin giving life lessons on the forms of expression.

Dr Nene, who has 696K followers on the photo-sharing application on Instagram, shared a reel video, wherein we can see his son Arin talking about valuable life lessons.

The video shows Dr Nene and Madhuri carefully and happily listening to their bundle of joy.

The snippet shows Arin saying: "I think everyone has both of those sides to themselves and they pick different ways to express them. But at the end of the day, art in all forms is a form of expression. It can be anything. It could be paint, you sing, you cook, but we all find ways to express ourselves."

"It could be through Excel spreadsheets that you find a way. Maybe you colour-code everything. You should never doubt that you can't pick something out. I think that there are things that you must learn early. And it will be a lot harder if you do it later. But that doesn't mean it's impossible," shared Arin.

He further added: "I've known there's this one jazz pianist who is Japanese and he started learning at the age of 18, and then he would go on to put out amazing works. His name is Rio Fukui. He is fantastic, and he started very late in life and his work is some of the stuff that inspires me to learn."

The post is captioned: "Never a dull moment when the boys lean in and teach us! Always listening to our youngsters," followed by a red heart emoji.

Madhuri had tied the knot with Shriram in October 1999. The couple have two sons -- Arin and Ryan.

On the work front, Madhuri was last seen in the movie aMaja Ma'. It stars Gajraj Rao, Ritwik Bhowmik, Barkha Singh, Srishti Shrivastava and Simone Singh in pivotal roles.
Jerusalem, July 22 : A Canadian citizen was shot and killed by Israeli forces on Monday after he attempted to stab security personnel outside the Gaza Strip, in what police described as "a terror attack."

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released a press statement saying the suspect arrived at the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, an Israeli community adjacent to the Gaza Strip, after entering Israel as a tourist on Sunday. He stepped out of his vehicle and "threatened with a knife members of the community's rapid response team operating in the area."

The team responded with fire and "neutralized" the suspect. The police later pronounced his death, Xinhua news agency reported.

The police released a photo of the kitchen knife and said the suspect used it to perpetrate the attack. Video footage on social networks showed two men opening fire at the suspect before his body was taken into an ambulance.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that he was chanting "Free Palestinian!" during the attempted attack and said he was carrying it out because "Israel kills people in Gaza."

Israel's emergency service Magen David Adom reported that there were no other casualties.
Mumbai, July 22 : NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and held detailed discussions on issues relating to irrigation, milk prices and the problems faced by sugar producers in Maharashtra.

In addition, the senior Pawar reportedly raised the ongoing protests by Maratha and OBC communities over the contentious reservation issue.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed the meeting between Sharad Pawar and CM Shinde.

"They discussed issues concerning irrigation, milk prices, and sugar factories," the CMO said.

These are critical issues currently faced by the agriculture and dairy sectors in the state.

Sharad Pawar last week had extended his support to the agitating milk producing farmers who are demanding Rs 40 per litre for milk, implementation of Fair and Remunerative Price and Revenue Sharing policies for the dairy sector, curbing milk adulteration and reducing the prices of cattle feed.

The NCP(SP) supremo had assured the agitating farmers that he would meet CM Shinde and take up these issues for an early resolution to their woes.

Sharad Pawar has also sought the Maharashtra government's intervention to help the sugarcane growers who are facing financial problems as they cannot export surplus sugar.

Sharad Pawar pressed the Mahayuti government to take up the matter on a priority basis with the Centre for an early resolution.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar is believed to have sought information with regard to the discussion between CM Shinde and pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil on the Maratha reservation issue.

Besides, Sharad Pawar also asked for the details pertaining to the talks held between a group of ministers and OBC leaders with regard to the quota issue.

The senior Pawar's move to raise the reservation issue comes days after NCP minister and Samta Parishad chief, Chhagan Bhujbal sought his mediation to address the present stalemate over the reservation issue.

Sharad Pawar had assured Bhujbal that he would discuss the issue with CM Shinde.

CM Shinde has briefed him about the line of action on Jarange-Patil's demand for the execution of draft "sage-soyare" notification that recognises Kunbis as blood relatives of the Maratha community members.

The discussion on the Maratha quota issue coincided with the fresh indefinite fast launched by Jarange Patil from last week.
Abuja, July 22 : At least four people, including a police inspector, were killed in an attack by unknown gunmen in Nigeria's southeastern state of Abia on Sunday, the police said Monday.

The attack claimed the lives of three civilians as the gunmen targeted a group of security personnel on patrol in the commercial city of Aba, said Maureen Chinaka, the spokeswoman for the Abia police.

Two assailants were killed and several others escaped with bullet wounds after security forces responded to the attack, Chinaka said, Xinhua news agency reported.

An investigation has been launched into the attack, the spokeswoman said.
Yangon, July 22 : Myanmar police seized 250,000 stimulant tablets in eastern Myanmar's Shan State, according to the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Monday.

Acting on a tip-off, the joint anti-narcotics task force inspected a motorcycle in Ywangan Township of Shan State on July 17 and confiscated the drugs, it said.

The seized drugs had a street value of 125 million kyats (38,487 US dollars) and a suspect was arrested, it added, reported Xinhua news agency.

Further investigation was underway, the committee said.
New Delhi, July 22 : The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on Monday joined hands towards building joint innovation programmes in the Global South.

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan said that innovation is India's strength.

"This pathbreaking partnership between AIM and WIPO will take the best of India's innovation models to countries that are on similar development trajectories, and will enhance understanding and awareness about IPR right from the school level and unlock the innovation potential of the world as well as foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth," he said.

According to Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director, WIPO Academy, intellectual property (IP) is a powerful catalyst for innovation and creativity, essential for addressing the development of youth and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Our focus on youth is an integral part of our work to build a more inclusive global IP ecosystem, and our partnership with Atal Innovation Mission demonstrates WIPO's commitment to ensure youth's participation in innovation and creativity," said Saadallah.

Last year, Daren Tang, Director General, WIPO had visited the AIM ecosystem and advocated for Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AIC) to be a good template for innovation and entrepreneurship through South-South cooperation.

Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog said that WIPO's recognition of India's entrepreneurship development model is a proud moment for India and NITI Aayog. "This deepens an already productive relationship between NITI Aayog and WIPO on national competitiveness," said Bery.
New Delhi, July 22 : Rajya Sabha MP Vikram Sahney on Monday raised the issue of direct flights to Britain and Canada from Amritsar and Chandigarh airports in the House.

He said lakhs of Punjabis travel to and from Britain and Canada to Punjab.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol replied that granting points of call to the designated carriers of foreign countries depends on the benefit to the Indian aviation sector, the presence of the Indian diaspora in the country, and the future plans of Indian carriers.

The minister said various airlines of India are free to select destinations they wish to service and operate within the ambit of the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA).

Sahney said the government should impress upon carriers like Air India to start more direct flights from Punjab to Britain and Canada and also consider new points of call for any foreign carriers to use the Amritsar and Chandigarh airports as it satisfies the condition of a considerable presence of the Indian diaspora in these countries.
New Delhi, July 22 : A Delhi High Court judge on Monday recused himself from hearing the bail plea of former JNU scholar and student activist Umar Khalid who is behind bars since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) A Delhi High Court judge on Monday recused himself from hearing the bail plea of former JNU scholar and student activist Umar Khalid who is behind bars since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

After Justice Amit Sharma withdrew himself from hearing the case, the bench presided over by Justice Prathiba M. Singh directed the matter to be listed before a different combination on July 24 after obtaining approval from the Acting Chief Justice.

Before this, a court here on May 28 had rejected Khalid's application seeking bail on the grounds of delay in completion of trial proceedings and parity with other co-accused who had been enlarged on bail.

Earlier, a trial court in April 2022 dismissed Khalid's first bail application, and later his appeal was also rejected by the Delhi High Court.

In February this year, Khalid withdrew his special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court seeking bail due to a "change in circumstances" and sought liberty to apply afresh for bail before the trial court.

Khalid has been booked under the stringent anti-terror law and several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and has been in custody since September 2020.
With Joe Biden out of the presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris the front-runner for the top of the ticket with his endorsement, the veepstakes on the Democratic side are kicking into high gear.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged Bidens decision to drop out of the race and endorsed Harris as the best choice to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision.

It was still unclear how Democrats will pick a new nominee. While Newsom and many others rallied around Harris on Sunday, some Democrats could still mount a challenge to the vice president.

Newsom had been named as a potential Democratic nominee or running mate, along with Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Theres just one problem for a potential Vice President Newsom: the 12th Amendment.

The amendment outlines how presidential electors in the Electoral College cast ballots for the presidential ticket.

It states electors vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.

While Harris lives at the vice presidents residency at Washington, D.C.s Naval Observatory, she maintains official residency and is registered to vote in California.

That means a ticket with two California residents would essentially void the states 54 electoral votes, according to legal experts.

If Kamala Harris were the presidential candidate and Gavin Newsom were the vice presidential running mate, the electors couldnt vote for both of them, said Barry Burden, a political science professor and director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. So that would then create a dilemma, maybe a crisis, for those electors to decide which one of them they would vote for. It might cost the ticket electoral votes.

For electors in 49 states and District of Columbia, a Harris-Newsom ticket is not a problem, said Derek Muller, a professor at Notre Dame Law School. Its only a problem in the state of California. It would prohibit Californias electors from voting for both Harris and Newsom.

Democrats have relied heavily on Californias 54 electoral votes in presidential elections for decades. The last time a Republican presidential candidate won in California was in 1988, when George H. W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis.

Nobody wants to lose California, Muller said. That many electors, and especially if the race is close, that could play a huge, a huge role.

Theres one potential workaround: for one candidate to change their residency. Thats what happened in 2000, when George W. Bush selected Dick Cheney, another Texas resident, to be his running mate.

Cheney moved back to Wyoming that summer, where he had previously lived and represented in Congress, and updated his driver license and voter registration.

Thats probably unlikely for a sitting governor like Gavin Newsom, but its possible that Vice President Harris could reestablish her residency in the District of Columbia, Muller said.

Theres also the political consideration of two Californians on one ticket.

There are some prominent Democrats in California, people like Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi, who are real boogeymen to the Republicans there, Burden said. So loading up on the California image just is probably not the best way for the party to portray itself in a presidential election.
Colombo, July 22 : Sri Lanka's Tamil political parties have decided to field a common candidate to represent minority Tamils at the upcoming Presidential election slated to be held in September.

Colombo, July 22 (IANS) Sri Lankaas Tamil political parties have decided to field a common candidate to represent minority Tamils at the upcoming Presidential election slated to be held in September.

It will be after more than four decades that a Tamil could feature as a candidate in Presidential polls.

Late Kumar Ponnambalam, a leader of All Ceylon Tamil Congress, was the last Tamil Presidential candidate who contested in the 1982 Presidential race. He was assassinated in Colombo in 2020.

The group of Tamil political parties, including Tamil People's Alliance led by former Northern chief Minister C. V. Vigneswaran, Selvam Adaikkalanathan's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO), D. Siddharthan's Peopleas Liberation Organisation Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), Srikantha's Tamil National Party and Suresh Premachandran's Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), together with the leaders of a civil society groups including Tamil Peopleas Congress Association (TPCA) have now come to a consensus to nominate a common candidate to represent the minority Tamils in the island nation.

However, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) - the main Tamil political party in the country with the largest number of MPs under the umbrella group of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) - has not joined the pact signed on Monday.

The date for the decisive presidential poll is to be announced in the coming week while unconfirmed reports indicate that the election might take place on September 21 with nominations to be accepted by mid-August.

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, together with his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country amidst public protest, is completing his five-year term with the Election Commission now empowered to announce the nominations date for the next election.

The main Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who broke away from Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP), and Marxist party Jathika Jana Balawegaya (National People's Power) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake have announced candidacy.

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are yet to announce whether they will be contesting the elections together or separately.
Varanasi, July 22 : Common people have high hopes from the Union Budget 2024-25 which will be presented in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Speaking to IANS, small traders from Prime Minister Narendra Modias Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi have shared their thoughts on the Union Budget.

Chandanlal, who runs a Banarasi saree business, said, "We have a lot of expectations from the Modi government, including reduction of GST on Banarasi sarees. There is high demand for our art and tradition, but due to increasing GST, sales are decreasing. If the government provides some help to promote our business, Banarasi sarees can reach people at lower prices."

Surya, who runs a guest house in Varanasi, told IANS, "The government should put an end to the commission given to brokers who bring guests to hotels or guest houses. Also, the GST on stays is very high. Even if a guest stays for one day, he or she will have to pay 12 per cent GST. To promote tourism, the government should reduce GST."

Another trader said, "We hope the government will provide tax relief to small businesses. Also, the prices of goods used in restaurants, such as lentils and raw materials are increasing. The government should address this problem faced by the small traders like us."

Another trader from Varanasi hopes that the government will present a Budget that provides relief to both traders and the common people.

"The government should ensure that people do not get disappointed with the Budget. Also, the government needs to reduce taxes."
Jaipur, July 22 : Nipah virus alert has been issued in Rajasthan after the detection of the dreadful virus in Kerala which has claimed a life, the officials said on Monday.

Director of Health Directorate Dr. Ravi Prakash Mathur issued an order alerting all the medical college principals, CMHO and PMOs and instructing them to detect the suspected patients coming to the hospital and to share their information.

Doctors have said that patients complain of severe headaches and fever. "Its symptoms can become severe over time. The risk of brain infection or encephalitis can increase due to this virus attack," the doctors said.

Instructions have also been passed to keep an eye on the passengers travelling from Kerala.

The administration has also alerted the hotel operators to monitor the tourists coming from Kerala.

IANS

arc/dan
Guwahati, July 22 : Northeastern region's leading biodiversity conservation organisation, 'Aaranyak' and a few organisations in Assam on Monday demanded legal action against the alleged illegal disposal of elephant carcass inside Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) campus in Golaghat district.

Member of the Steering Committee of the government's Project Elephant Bibhuti P Lahkar also in a letter to Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav demanded proper inquiry into the illegal disposal of elephant carcasses inside the NRL campus.

The Assam Forest Department exhumed the carcass of the elephant on July 19 and later, a post-mortem was carried out.

A case under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was registered by the Forest Department after the NRL buried the carcass of the wild elephant without informing the Forest Department.

'Aaranyak', a member of the State Board of Wildlife, Assam and former member of the National Board of Wildlife, expressed its deep concern and outrage about the July 18 incident involving the death of a female wild elephant inside the Numaligarh Oil Refinery campus in Golaghat district of Assam.

"This tragic event is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by elephants in their natural habitat, particularly in the Golaghat district, which is part of a critical elephant corridor," 'Aaranyak' said in a statement.

It said that reports indicate that the elephant died due to suspected electrocution after coming into contact with an exposed power cable within the Butterfly Park adjacent to the refinery, set up by the government under the provisions made in the historic Assam Accord signed on August 15, 1985.

'Aaranyak' said: "What is even more shocking is that the refinery authorities buried the elephant without notifying the forest department, in gross violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 2022.

The biodiversity protection body said that the elephants are classified as Schedule I animals under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022, and recognized as endangered species, besides the National Heritage Animal in the country, deserve the highest level of protection and respect."

This incident raises serious questions about the operational protocols of the NRL, its intention and its commitment towards the welfare of wildlife, it said.

Various students and wildlife-related organisations in Golaghat district also demanded a probe and legal action against those responsible for the death and illegal burial of the elephant.

On July 12, Assam Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika requested the state's Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary to take measures to prevent elephant deaths hit by trains.

Hazarika's request to Patowary comes four days after an adult wild elephant died after being hit by a speeding train in Assam's Morigaon district on July 9.

Officials said the mishap took place in the Jagiroad area on the outskirts of Guwahati city.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials said that the area was not an elephant corridor, so there were no speed restrictions.
Jaipur, July 22 : The Rajasthan government on Monday demolished the 'illegally' constructed house of an accused involved in the Sub Inspector (SI) recruitment paper leak in Churu.

Officials said that the accused, Vivek Bhambhu, had 'illegally' constructed permanent structures on two plots in Poonia Colony of Churu.

"The JCB and tractor of the Municipal Council reached street number 11 of Poonia Colony, where the accused had made illegal construction on plot numbers 114 and 115 without the permission of the council. These constructions were demolished with the help of JCB," DSP Sunil Kumar Jhajharia said.

He said that the house was built on the boundary of the Municipal Council illegally without permission. "That is why the house was demolished," he said.
New Delhi, July 22 : The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday announced another round of protest starting August 1 to oppose the Haryana government for "stopping the farmers with tear gas and bullets" on the Punjab-Haryana border.

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday announced another round of protest starting August 1 to oppose the Haryana government for "stopping the farmers with tear gas and bullets" on the Punjab-Haryana border.

The farmers' unions said they have been opposing the Haryana government's decision to recommend Police Medal for Gallantry for six officers for stopping the farmers on the state's borders during their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation in February this year.

"We will also do a tractor march on August 15, besides burning copies of the three new criminal laws," they told the media here.

"We will also protest on August 31 as our initial protest will complete 200 days. We will do rallies in September in Haryana's Jind and Pipli," they added.

"We have been demanding legalised MSP (minimum support price) guarantee. The government says it will burden the economy but we discussed the matter with experts who said the notion is not true," the farmers' unions claimed.

The farmers have been protesting over their demands, including MSP guarantee for crops. They have been camping on the Shambhu border since February 12.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has now directed the Haryana government to remove the barricades on the border, citing inconvenience to commuters. The Haryana government has challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court.
Pune, July 22 : In another chilling crime, a man and his friend allegedly dumped the body of a woman, who died from a purportedly botched-up abortion in Thane, into a river here and also mercilessly flung in her two minor kids, a police official said.

The Talegaon MIDC Police Station have arrested the two accused a" Gajendra Dagadkhair, who reportedly admitted to having an affair with the woman, plus his accomplice Ravikant Gaikwad, police station official Suresh P. Jadhav said.

"They were arrested and produced before a Magistrate court here on Monday and it sent them to police custody till July 30," Jadhav told IANS.

The shocking triple-murders took place over three days (July 6-9) with the body of the woman a" Samreen Nissar Nevrekar, 25 a" dumped into the Indrayani River, and then her children, Ishan, 5, and Ijan, 2, also flung into the same river. However, nothing was known about the crime for a few days till her parents, Ghulam Gavandi and his wife Fazina Gavandi lodged a amissinga complaint for their daughter and the Talegaon MIDC Police launched a search for her and her two kids.

After making detailed inquiries in the neighbourhood, the investigators learnt that Samreen had been separated from her husband but was in an alleged romantic affair with a youth living in the vicinity, the prime accused Dagadkhair, who was detained on Sunday.

His sustained questioning by the Talegaon MIDC Police team unravelled the ghastly triple-murder crime and the entire circumstances leading to it during the three days last fortnight.

Dagadkhair, in his statement to the police, admitted that he was in a romantic liaison with Samreen and she became pregnant a few months ago, Investigating Officer Shyam Mhaske told IANS. Panicking at the unwanted development, Dagadkhair convinced her to accompany his friend Gaikwad and undergo an abortion at a private hospital in Thane on July 6.

Gaikwad took Samreen along with her two kids in his car to a Thane hospital and got her admitted there for the abortion, said the official. However, since she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, the woman succumbed after a couple of days though details of the hospital where the procedure was performed and the exact causes of her death are still being investigated.

Shaken by her death, Dagadkhair sought Gaikwadas help to dispose of her body which they took in his car to an isolated spot along the Indrayani River near Induri village and threw it in. Seeing this, the two minor children started crying, howling and screaming, and enraged by the ruckus, Dagadkhair-Gaikwad even flung them one after the other a" alive a" to their watery graves. Mhaske said that the police have not recovered the bodies of the trio till now as the Indrayani River is in a swollen state after last weekas heavy rains in the region, and it is feared they may have been washed away downstream.

The police team, led by API Mhaske, is still questioning the accused duo for more details, including about the Thane clinic where the abortion was allegedly performed without taking into account the risks to the womanas life, and the entire crime sequence that has shocked Pune.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, July 22 : A sailor was missing after Indian Navy's frontline INS Brahmaputra, which was engulfed in a major fire last night at the Mumbai naval dockyard, was severely damaged and has tilted extensively to come to lie on one side, officials said here on Monday.

A fire had broken on Sunday evening on board the ship while it was undergoing a refit at the naval dockyard, and the blaze was brought under control by this morning. Subsequently, on Monday afternoon, the ship, in a badly damaged condition, started tilting on the left (port) side as water entered it.

"Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to an upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side," a Defence Ministry statement on Monday evening.

All the naval personnel on it have been accounted for barring one junior sailor who is missing and a search has been launched for him.

The blaze was first detected by the shipas on-duty staff when the maintenance works were being undertaken on board last evening. The shipas fire-fighting team immediately launched a massive operation to control the conflagration and rushed reinforcements from the naval dockyard fire brigade beside other ships in the vicinity.

The Indian Navy has ordered an investigation into the incident and the blaze, the exact causes of which are not known.\
New Delhi, July 22 : Indian Oil has handed over a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Navy for trials and performance testing as part of the government's green initiative.

The event held at the Nau Sena Bhavan in the national capital was marked by the signing of an MoU between Indian Oil and the Indian Navy to pioneer the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility.

Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Indian Oil Chairman S.M. Vaidya, and senior officials were present at the event.

"We will be testing one of the hydrogen buses and looking forward to deploying environment-friendly transportation in larger numbers, and I must thank Indian Oil for choosing the Indian Navy as their partner," the Navy chief said. The Indian Oil Chairman said: "As we continue to support our defence forces with innovative, forward-looking solutions that cater to tomorrowas needs. Indian Oil has been leading the way in advancing Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies."

The project will assess the performance of fuel-cell electric buses for public transit in the demanding climatic conditions of the Delhi NCR region, analysing the impact of local fuel and air quality on the performance of fuel-cell systems and vehicles. Additionally, it will evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational reliability of fuel cell buses intended for public fleet utilization, according to an Indian Oil statement.

Indian Oil is currently operating 15 fuel cell buses in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, accumulating a total mileage of 300,000 kilometres, where each bus is expected to run at least 20,000 km. This initiative aims to promote hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, positioning the Indian Navy as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in collaboration with Indian Oil, the premier energy company of India.
Amaravati, July 22 : YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Monday that in just 50 days, Andhra Pradesh's TDP-led coalition government has failed on all fronts.

He alleged that law and order had collapsed, causing public fear.

"They couldn't even present a full budget, relying on a vote-on-account for 7 months, exposing their inability to fulfil promises," he said.

The former Chief Minister alleged that fearing questions, Chandrababu Naidu's government created chaos to divert attention and used violence to suppress opposition.

Jagan Mohan Reddy reiterated the demand for recognising YSRCP as the opposition.

"In the current Assembly, there are only two sides: the ruling party and the opposition. Our party should be recognised as the opposition, but the government fears this. Recognising us means giving us the right to speak in the assembly, which they want to avoid," he said.

"Despite 50 days in power, Chandrababu Naidu governs in fear. His attempts to murder democracy reminds us of Shishupalaas sins, indicating that his day of reckoning is near," he added.

The YSRCP chief said he, along with party MLAs, MLCs, and leaders, will stage a protest in Delhi on July 24 to protest and highlight the state's "misrule, political murders, and violence".

"We will advocate for the President's rule in Andhra Pradesh and continue our fight along with allied parties," he said.
Washington, July 22 : US Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle told lawmakers at a hearing that the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was the "most significant operational failure" for the agency in decades.

Washington, July 22 (IANS) US Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle told lawmakers at a hearing that the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was the "most significant operational failure" for the agency in decades.

"The Secret Service's solemn mission is to protect our nation's leaders. On July 13th, we failed," Cheatle told members of the House committee Oversight and Accountability.

"As the Director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse," Cheatle conceded in response to a question from Congressman Ro Khanna whether the attempt on Trump's life was the single biggest failure of the agency since the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan on March 20, 1981.

However, Cheatle declined to resign as the Secret Service Director.

"I will stay in the job and make the agency stronger. We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure an incident like July 13th does not happen again," she testified.

Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic Party attacked the Director for her agency's failure to prevent the assassination attempt in which a lone gunman shot at Trump during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The bullet hit the former President's right ear and he dropped to the ground, Secret Service agents had thrown themselves on him to provide him extra cover.

A Secret Service sniper killed the gunman, who was positioned on the roof of a nearby building.

Jame Comar, Chairman of the Committee, opened the hearing, calling for the Director to resign.

"The American people will make their own decisions based on her answers today," James Comer said, speaking before an oversised photograph of Trump being whisked offstage after the shooting.
Hyderabad, July 22 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has sought Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre for the prestigious Musi Riverfront Development project under the National Rivers Conservation Plan.

The Chief Minister met Union Jal Shakti minister C.R. Patil in Delhi on Monday and briefed him about the governmentas plans envisaged for the Musi River development project on a 55-km stretch.

Revanth Reddy told the Jal Shakti Minister that the state government decided to clean river Musi which is filled with sewage and leads to pollution.

The Chief Minister appealed to the minister to extend Central assistance to the Musi cleaning project, construction of flood water canals, raising the level and beautification of the river.

As the Center is planning for the conservation and development of rivers in the Deccan Plateau under the National River Conservation Plan, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to allocate Rs 4,000 crore for the Musi cleaning project.

The Union Minister was also requested to sanction Rs 6,000 crore for the construction of reservoirs to fill Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar water bodies with Godavari River water.

The Chief Minister said that the two water bodies will cater to the drinking water requirement of Hyderabad and will also rejuvenate the Musi River by filling them with Godavari water.

He also appealed to C.R. Patil to release funds to Telangana under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

According to 2019 statistics, 77.60 per cent of the houses are getting tap water and the recent survey conducted by the state government disclosed that 7.85 lakh houses are deprived of safe drinking water supply through the tap connection.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that it required Rs 16,100 crore to provide tap water connections to the 7.85 lakh houses along with the houses constructed under PMAY (Urban and rural).

Revanth Reddy also met the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi and urged him to immediately release the pending dues relating to paddy procurement and rice supply.

He told Joshi that the Centre kept pending the release of Rs 1,468.94 crore subsidy amount in respect of the procurement of additional levy during the Kharif season in 2014-15. He reminded him that all the related documents have also been submitted to the central government.

The Chief Minister also requested the minister to release Rs 343.27 crore pending dues with regard to the supply of 89,987 metric tonnes of rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana from May 2021 to March 2022 by confirming the orders.

The Chief Minister urged the Civil Supplies minister to immediately release the pending dues of Rs 79.09 crores related to rice distributed under Non-NFSA (National Food Security Act) from May 2021 to March 2022.
Mumbai, July 22 : Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual medal at the Olympics, has been conferred with the Olympic Order for his outstanding services to the Olympic movement. The Olympic Order is the highest award given by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for meritorious services. Bindra, a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, is the first Indian to receive the Olympic Order and was hailed by many prominent persons for this achievement.

The decision to confer the award on Bindra was taken at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Paris on Saturday. The information was put on social media by many handles associated with government bodies.

"It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the IOC Executive Board has today decided to award you with the Olympic Order for your outstanding services to the Olympic November," IOC President Thomas Bach informed Bindra in a letter on Monday.

Bindra was informed that the award ceremony will take place during the 142nd IOC Session to be held in Paris on August 10.

"May I take this opportunity to address you my most sincere congratulations on this award. Looking forward to seeing you in Paris," Bach said in the letter dated July 20, 2024.

Dr. Mandaviya hails Bindra

Among those who wrote congratulatory messages to Bindra was Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

"Congratulations to @Abhinav_Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians," Dr Mandaviya, who is also Minister of Labour and Employment, wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The official handle of IPL side Lucknow Super Giants also congratulated Bindra on getting the award.

"History-maker, once again, Congratulations Abhinav Bindra," said the post on X, which was accompanied by a photo of Bindra when he won India's maiden individual gold medal in men's 10mair rifle in Beijing 2008.
Guwahati, July 22 : The Gauhati High Court on Monday issued notices to BJP's Lok Sabha member Kripanath Mallah, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and a returning officer in response to a petition filed by defeated Congress candidate Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury.

Guwahati, July 22 (IANS) The Gauhati High Court on Monday issued notices to BJPas Lok Sabha member Kripanath Mallah, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and a returning officer in response to a petition filed by defeated Congress candidate Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury.

A single-judge bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi summoned Mallah, the EC, and the returning officer for the next hearing of the petition on August 19.

In his petition, Choudhury challenged the results of the Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency, where he was defeated by BJP's Kripanath Mallah by a margin of 18,360 votes.

Seeking the election to be declared null and void, Choudhury alleged that the BJP candidate indulged in multiple "corrupt practices" both while campaigning as well as on the day of elections, including widespread rigging, booth capturing, voter intimidation through undue influence and bribery, etc.

On the day of polling on April 26, the petitioneras legal team head Gautam Choudury continuously filed complaints with the ECI via email, flagging the "specific cases of rigging and booth capturing" across 20 polling stations.

Choudhuryas election agent had also submitted a complaint on the day of the polling, detailing the "corrupt electoral practices" in 31 polling stations.

The petition alleges booth capturing across 47 polling stations, which account for almost double the number of votes than the margin between the two candidates.
Amaravati, July 22 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre was ready to extend financial assistance to the state.

Addressing all the MLAs and MLCs of the TDP-led NDA here, he said he explained the poor financial condition of the state to the Central leaders during his recent visit to New Delhi.

Naidu called on the leaders of all three alliance partners to work in close coordination without causing any harm to the sentiments of any party.

After the Governor's address to the joint session of the state legislature, the Chief Minister had a detailed meeting with the MLAs and MLCs which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and all the ministers.

"The people have handed over the power to us by reposing immense faith in us. We should, thus function by providing good governance and should maintain the trust," he told the legislators.

Regretting that the previous government "completely destroyed the systems", Naidu said that this has pushed the stateas finances into a very bad position.

"Perhaps this kind of situation does not exist in any other state. The previous government has brought the economic condition of the state to such a pass that funds cannot be spent from the exchequer even for emergency purposes. There are now several challenges before our government and while resolving all these issues we have to take up welfare and development," he added.

Alleging that YSRCP leaders played drama with regard to the murder of Jagan Mohan Reddy's paternal uncle Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, Naidu said that they have mastered the art of escaping safely after committing the crime.

The latest incident in which the files containing the details of assigned lands and lands under Rule 22A were set on fire at the Madanapalle Taluk Office is a classic example of this, he said, adding that now they are trying to convert it into a fire accident, but there are a lot of doubts on this.

"I immediately asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to rush to the spot and also directed him to speed up the investigation process. The style of functioning of the administration and how it collapsed is clearly understood after witnessing the Madanapalle incident," he said.

Maintaining that the Vinukonda incident is another example of how the YSRCP is resorting to a fake campaign, the Chief Minister pointed out that though the murder was purely on personal rivalry, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy is demanding that President's rule should be imposed in the State.

The Chief Minister made it clear that there is no compromise on the maintenance of law and order in the state, he said that if leaders, belonging to any political party, try to take the law into their hands, it will not be tolerated at all.

"I was in jail for 55 days and you can imagine how I suffered. But still, there is no question of adopting any kind of vengeful attitude. Let us punish anyone as per the provisions of law but no political vengeance and the leaders of all the three alliance partners should be very clear on this," he said.
Guwahati, July 22 : A special court here on Monday convicted former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) Chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul and 31 others in connection with a cash-for-jobs case related to the appointment of Agricultural Development Officers (ADO) in the state.

Special Judge Dipankar Thakuria, who acquitted 11 others in connection with the case in 2017 for lack of evidence while one person turned approver, is likely to announce the quantum of the sentence of the convicted persons on Tuesday.

Besides Paul, two other APSC members -- Basanta Kumar Doley and Samedur Rahman - were also convicted while the fourth member turned approver.

The case was registered at the Bhangagarh police station here under the Prevention of Corruption Act on August 17, 2017, following complaints regarding irregularities in the conduct of the ADO Examination by the APSC.

Meanwhile, Paul, along with the other members and officials of the APSC, were arrested for a separate cash-for-jobs case related to the Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) for the recruitment of civil, police and other service officials. Paul was arrested by Dibrugarh police in November 2016 and released on bail in March 2023.
Patna July 22 : The Araria district police have rescued a seven-year-old girl from the clutches of human traffickers and arrested four persons in connection with the case.

Araria district SP Amit Ranjan said the police have successfully rescued the 7-year-old girl who was sold to human traffickers for Rs 50,000.

At around 10 p.m. on Sunday, a woman named Kuniya Khatoon informed the Raniganj police station that her 7-year-old daughter had gone missing from the market area. The woman claimed she had gone there for treatment at a clinic when a youth named Sonu approached her. So after, her daughter had gone missing.

"As the matter was sensitive, we immediately constituted a team headed by the SDPO (Sadar) for the rescue operation. Based on technical surveillance, the location of Sajharul alias Sonu was traced to the Pratapganj bus stand in adjacent Supaul district," the SP said.

Acting promptly, the police rescued the minor girl and arrested Sonu from the location along with a woman named Jahana Khatoon and her husband Shah Mazhar, a resident of Hingoli in Maharashtra,

"The arrested persons confessed that they purchased the minor girl from her mother, Kuniya Khatoon, for Rs 50,000. It was Sonu who established contact with Kuniya Khatoon to buy her daughter," Amit Ranjan said, adding that the minor girl's mother has also been arrested.

In his confession statement, Shah Mazhar admitted that he and his wife Jahana Khatoon were involved in purchasing minor girls and pushing them into prostitution.
Moscow, July 23 : Moscow will wait for concrete actions, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, while commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal of possible talks with Russia.

Russian representatives should be present at a second peace conference on Ukraine, which is scheduled to be held in November, said Zelensky on Monday.

"What exactly is behind these words? What specific plans are we discussing? What actions are being proposed in this regard?" Peskov asked, noting that it was too early to judge and necessary to wait for specific actions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Spokesman said that Washington would likely keep supporting Ukraine, and the financial burden increasingly be placed on its "European subordinates".

Western aid to Kiev would "not contribute to the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, but on the contrary, will prolong it," said Peskov, adding that it would not affect the outcome of Russia's special military operation in any way.
Peter Jovanovich, one of publishings true gentlemen, died on July 15 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He was 75. Son of the irascible William Jovanovich, who built the onetime publishing powerhouse Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Peter carved his own place in the book world, leading several of the countrys largest educational publishers.

Jovanovich began his career as a textbook salesman at Macmillan in 1972 before moving to HBJ, where he started as director of the trade division and was later named head of the college and professional group in 1984. During much of Jovanovichs career, educational publishers drew the attention of outside investors because of their relatively good operating marginswhich was precisely the case at HBJ.

In 1987, the company fended off a hostile takeover attempt by British publisher Robert Maxwell, with Jovanovich named CEO in the aftermath, in 1989. Two years later, Jovanovich was unable to prevent General Cinema, which owned movie theaters and such retailers as Nieman Marcus, from acquiring the company. Shortly after the acquisition, General Cinema renamed the house Harcourt General, dropping the Jovanovich from its name.

After the General Cinema takeover, Jovanovich left the company, and was eventually appointed head of Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. As the educational publishing merger frenzy continued, he was appointed president of the McGraw-Hill educational and professional publishing group. In 1997, Jovanovich moved to Pearson, where he helped shape the company into the countrys largest educational publisher, with sales close to $3 billion in 1998. That year, he was named CEO of the educational group by parent company Pearson.

During his career, Jovanovich was active in a number of organizations, including the Association of American Publishers, where he served as chair from 1998-2000. In 2007, he was elected to the Educational Publishers Hall of Fame.

Jovanovichs career was derailed in 2003 when he was diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis, for which he received a doubled lung transplant in 2004. He took an extended leave of absence from Pearson, but returned to work on a part-time basis in May 2004. Asked by PW why he went back, Jovanovich said: I've been in publishing all my life. It's hard not to publish books." Despite Jovanovichs efforts, continuing health problems forced him to retire in 2005.

At the AAP annual meeting that year, Jovanovich received the Mary McNulty Award for service to school publishing. During his acceptance speech, Jovanovich recalled that despite his 32-year career, as he was being prepared for surgery, his thoughts were not on corporate synergy or even Len Riggio, but his wife and family.

A service for Jovanovich will be held July 31 at 11 a.m. at Rye Presbyterian Church in Rye, N.Y.
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TERMS OF AUCTIONPLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE PLACING A BID AS THEY SHALL GOVERN THE SALE OF THE REAL ESTATE BEING AUCTIONED IN THIS LISTING. BY PLACING A BID, YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS, INTENDING TO BE LEGALLY BINDING UPON YOU:THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE AUCTION. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER IS PURCHASING ALL OF THE OWNERS RIGHT, TITLE AND INTEREST IN AND TO THE PROPERTY. TITLE TO THE PROPERTY IS BEING CONVEYED FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, MORTGAGES, DELI...

Price: $ 16,900 Seller State of Residence: Pennsylvania Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: 137 N Otter St Zip/Postal Code: 16137 Zoning: Residential City: Mercer State/Province: Pennsylvania Location: 161**, Mercer, Pennsylvania

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"GRAND CANYON WILLIAMS /VALLE"RANCH LAND HOMESITE "2.13 acres" TWO ADJOINING LOTS" THIS IS NOT FOR PAYMENTS!!!! THIS IS FOR FULL CASH PRICE!!! "SORRY PLEASE DONT ASK FOR PAYMENTS" I was just able to add these highly sought out property to my current inventory and they won't last!!!! This is flat, undeveloped land and it is located in Williams (Valle) Arizona, Coconino County. Home of the famous Grand Canyon and much more!!! This parcel is zoned agricultural residential. These lots are located in...

Price: $ 4,499 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Mixed City: Williams / Valle State/Province: Arizona Location: 346**, Holiday, Florida

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INVEST IN THE BEAUTIFUL GULF COAST BEACH AREA of MISSISSIPPI GREAT TIME TO BUY LAND  WE OFFER 0% Interest Financing Only $59 down & $59 per month until paid off Total Price $10,900 Purchase land to use as collateral for other investments Great opportunity for new investors - Start or add to your land portfolio now! NO FINANCE CHARGES  EVERYONE IS APPROVED REGARDLESS OF CREDIT HISTORY EXTRA BONUS: WE WILL PAY THE REAL ESTATE TAXES DURING THE FINANCING PERIOD This property is only a few mile...

Price: $ 59 Seller State of Residence: Mississippi Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: E. Kemper Street, Bay St. Louis, MS Zip/Postal Code: 39520 Zoning: Residential City: Bay St. Louis Area State/Province: Mississippi Location: 395**, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi

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Another Great Vacation Ownership available from Buy & Sell TimesharePoints can be used at all Wyndham Timeshare Locations. Name of Resort:Wyndham Westwinds at Myrtle Beach Buyers First Year of Usage:2024*Usage:Annual - Free Closing Points Info: 77,000 Annual Wyndham Points, January RenewalFull amount of points available from January 2024 if transferred in time.* You can use these points at all Wyndham Resorts Wyndham transfers are taking around 6 months to complete. Estimated Maintenance fees...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Montana Type: Attractions Property Address: 3405 S Ocean Blvd Zip/Postal Code: 29582 City: Myrtle Beach State/Province: South Carolina Location: 295**, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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ATLANTIC PALACEAtlantic City, NJ Bordered by Atlantic Citys deep, spectacular beach and world-renowned boardwalk, this luxurious 31-story resort offers intrinsic oceanic views amidst myriad nightlife venues, casinos, dining offerings and retail shops. Whether being entertained by a headline performer, dancing the night away, shopping, surfing, or solving the crime at a mystery dinner theater, Atlantic City will give you an unforgettable experience Resort Amenities Elevator Beach Salon Game Ro...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Missouri Property Address: 1507 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 Zip/Postal Code: 08401 City: Atlantic City State/Province: New Jersey Location: 658**, Springfield, Missouri

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BLUEGREEN'S VACATION CLUB LAUREL CREST RESORT Pigeon Forge, TN In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains lies Laurel Crest, a cozy country haven less than a mile from the action of Pigeon Forge, but far enough away to offer rest and relaxation. Enjoy mountain views from the outdoor hot tubs and keep an eye out for local wildlife including wild turkey and black bear from the from the wraparound clubhouse deck. You can do the same from the comfort of your vacation suite. Resort Amenities BBQ Grills ...

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(Due to West Virginia guidelines on purchasing Real Estate; West Virginia Residents will not be able to participate in this Auction) HILTON'S BAY CLUB AT WAIKOLOAWAIKOLOA, HI (BIG ISLAND)TIMESHARE FOR SALE Usage: Odd Year Use Starting 2025DeededPlatinum Season Floating WeekTrading Company: RCI Mortgage: Paid in Full, Title is Free & Clear Maintenance Fee: $1490.18 (every other year)Post Auction and Payment Information: All funds and signed contract are due within 72 hours of auction's end. Accep...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Texas Property Address: 69-450 Waikolo Beach Drive Type: Beach/Ocean Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 Zip/Postal Code: 96738 City: Waikoloa State/Province: Hawaii Location: , Waikoloa, Hawaii

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MOUNTAINVIEW RESORTJACKMAN, ME Mountainview Resort offers a unique experience in one of the last pristine frontier areas in the Northeast. 40 acres provides plenty of room for its 10 spacious log cabins, and 10 lodge suites, assuring that you will enjoy comfortable private accommodations as you reconnect with nature. It is difficult to find a view that is not breathtaking. Located in beautiful Jackman, Maine, Mountainview Resort is the perfect home base for all your outdoor adventures year round...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Missouri Property Address: 263 Main St, Jackman, ME Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 Zip/Postal Code: 04945 City: Jackman State/Province: Maine Location: 658**, Springfield, Missouri

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PALM BEACH SHORES RESORT West Palm Beach, Florida Overlooking the ocean, this elegant beachfront resort is 7 miles from the Flagler Museum and 8 miles from the Norton Museum of Art. Chic suites come with balconies, kitchens and living rooms with sofa-beds, as well as free Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players. Some suites have ocean views. A relaxed restaurant serves American fare, and there's also a poolside tiki bar. Other amenities include a private beach, 2 outdoor pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Missouri Property Address: 181 S Ocean Ave, Palm Beach Shores, FL Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 Zip/Postal Code: 33404 City: Palm Beach Shores State/Province: Florida Location: 658**, Springfield, Missouri

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WorldMark by Wyndham 10,000 WorldMark Credits allocated January 1st of every year Currently 19,000 credits available with 10,000 to borrower. Worldmark charges $399 for the transfer. I will split the cost, so there will be a $200 transfer fee is all due to the buyer. Maintenance fees are approx. $108 every month and will be billed to you upon completion of the transfer. WYNDHAM WILL TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS TO COMPLETE THEIR END OF THE TRANSFER. WorldMark is a pure, credit-based timeshare product that...

Price: $ 299 Seller State of Residence: Utah Property Address: 6277 Sea Harbor Drive Zip/Postal Code: 32821 State/Province: Utah Location: 841**, Salt Lake City, Utah

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WYNDHAM FAIRFIELD SAPPHIRE VALLEY Sapphire, NC Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley is quietly tucked away within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and is the perfect vacation destination to discover the peaceful beauty of Western North Carolina. Known as, 'The Land of Waterfalls' this area has breathtaking scenery close to culture, crafts, shopping and gaming. From exhilarating wintertime recreation to summertime vacation thrills, there's always something to do at Club Wyndham Resort ...

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Another Great Vacation Ownership from Buy & Sell Timeshares BUYER WILL RECEIVE A $300 VISA GIFT CARD AT TRANSFER. Name of Resort:Wyndham Riverside Suites Buyers First Year of Usage:2025Usage:Annual - Free Closing & Usage Week Info: Fixed Week#7 Friday Check in February 14th - 21st, 2025. Unit Info: Fixed Unit#0707 2 bedroom 2 bathroom, Sleeps 8, Full Kitchen Estimated Maintenance fees & Taxes: $1,409.80 due annually January 1stProperty Tax: Included in MF bill amount BUYER WILL RECEIVE A $300...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Montana Type: Attractions Property Address: 218 College St Number of Bedrooms: 2 Number of Bathrooms: 2 Zip/Postal Code: 78205 City: San Antonio State/Province: Texas Location: 782**, San Antonio, Texas

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Mark your calendar! On August 7, Tata Motors is unveiling a revolutionary vehicle -- the Curvv, billed as India's first SUV coupe.

The Curvv breaks away from the traditional boxy design, giving us a coupe with SUV functionality.

Its aerodynamic design, evident from the concept stage which we saw in 2022, carries through in the final product.

The high ground clearance, and tough cladding around the squared off wheel arches, show a powerful stance.

The sloping roofline shows that the car can cut through wind resistance, while the large wheels and increased ground clearance will ensure a planted and balanced drive.

The Curvv debuts in two stunning colours: Virtual Sunrise for the Curvv EV which will be launched first on August 7, and Gold Essence for the Curvv with internal combustion engine (ICE).

Here is a video of the Curvv ICE reveal:

The Curvv promises good performance with powerful petrol and diesel engine options, alongside the electric variant that boasts an impressive long driving range.

The petrol variant will have a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 125 horsepower.

The front of the ICE version has the Signature Tata Motors split headlamp design with a connecting LED bar (similar to the New Tata Harrier) and the grille below it.

The rear has a sloping roof which ends in a dual looking spoiler which is meant to increase the car's aerodynamics.

The key differentiator between the EV and ICE models will be the charging port in front which replaces the grille in the EV version.

See the reveal video of the Tata Curvv EV below:

The Curvv is poised to redefine the mid-SUV segment with its fresh design.

Its performance and Tata's focus on comfort and technology will be tested when the car is launched on August 7.

All photographs and videos, courtesy Tata Motors.
Amidst strained ties with China, the pre-budget Economic Survey on Monday made a strong case for seeking foreign direct investments (FDI) from Beijing to boost local manufacturing and tap the export market.

As the US and Europe are shifting their immediate sourcing away from China, it is more effective to have Chinese companies invest in India and then export the products to these markets rather than importing from the neighbouring country, the Survey said.

India faces two choices to benefit from 'China plus one strategy' - it can integrate into China's supply chain or promote FDI from China.

"Among these choices, focusing on FDI from China seems more promising for boosting India's exports to the US, similar to how East Asian economies did in the past.

"Moreover, choosing FDI as a strategy to benefit from the China plus one approach appears more advantageous than relying on trade.

"This is because China is India's top import partner, and the trade deficit with China has been growing," it added.

It also said that increased foreign direct investment inflows from China can help increase India's global supply chain participation and push exports.

The Survey explained how increased FDI inflows from China can help in increasing India's global supply chain participation along with a push to exports.

These economies have typically pursued two main strategies - reducing trade costs and facilitating foreign investment.

At present, the bulk of the FDI coming into India falls under the automatic approval route, however, FDI from countries sharing land borders with India needs mandatory government approval in any sector.

China stands at 22nd position with only 0.37 per cent share (USD 2.5 billion) in total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to March 2024.

Countries which share land borders with India are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a stand-off since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

Following these tensions, India has banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps such as Tiktok, Wechat, and Alibaba's UC browser. The country has also rejected a major investment proposal from EV maker BYD.

However, earlier this year the Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared JSW Group's proposed acquisition of a 38 per cent stake in MG Motor India Pvt Ltd.

MG Motor India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai-headquartered SAIC Motor.

The government is also looking at further streamlining processes for timely approval of visas for Chinese professionals and technicians whose expertise is required by the Indian industry to set up manufacturing capacity.

Certain Indian industry players have approached the government stating that they are facing problems in getting visas for Chinese professionals whose expertise is required for things like setting up machines in factories.

Though India has received minimal FDI from China, the bilateral trade between the two nations has grown multi-fold.

China has emerged as the largest trading partner of India with $118.4 billion two-way commerce in 2023-24, edging past the US. India's exports to China rose by 8.7 per cent to 16.67 billion in the last fiscal.

The main sectors which recorded healthy growth in exports to that country include iron ore, cotton yarn/fabrics/madeups, handloom, spices, fruits and vegetables, plastic and linoleum.

Imports from the neighbouring country increased by 3.24 per cent to $101.7 billion.

The trade deficit has widened to $85 billion in the last fiscal from $83.2 billion in 2022-23.

According to the Commerce Ministry data, China was India's top trading partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18 and also in 2020-21.

Before China, the UAE was the country's largest trading partner.

The US was the largest partner in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
'Bilateral trade has suffered seriously because of the growing unrest.'

'There is a standstill on both sides amid the curfew.'

IMAGE: Protesters clash with Border Guard Bangladesh and the police outside the State-owned Bangladesh Television in Dhaka, July 19, 2024. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

The Bangladesh supreme court's decision on Sunday, July 21, 2024, to abolish most quotas for government jobs has raised hopes of an end to nationwide student protests that have disrupted business operations for Indian companies in the country.

The violent unrest has claimed at least 114 lives and led to a curfew across Bangladesh.

A number of Indian companies with factories in Bangladesh, including Emami and Indofil Industries, have been forced to halt operations due to the turmoil.

Data from the high commission of India in Bangladesh indicates that major Indian companies that have invested in the country include Marico, Emami, Dabur, Asian Paints, Pidilite, Godrej, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, and Hero MotoCorp.

Further escalation of the crisis could directly or indirectly affect these companies.

Conversely, the unrest might benefit India's textile sector, with companies in Tiruppur expecting a 10 per cent increase in orders due to the long-term impact on US and European brands' confidence in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh supreme court's appellate division on Sunday overturned a lower court ruling, deciding that 93 per cent of government jobs should be filled based on merit, according to reports.

Kolkata-based Emami, which has a manufacturing unit in Gazipur, Bangladesh, is among the affected businesses.

Company director Prashant Goenka commented: "Our plant is currently shut due to the prevailing environment. Like every other business in Bangladesh right now, we are also impacted. We hope that normalcy returns soon."

Indofil Industries, which exports crop protection chemicals to Bangladesh, has also been hit -- packaging at its factory near Dhaka has stopped.

Consultant Jayanta Chakraborty stated, "The factory is now shut and we cannot pack our existing bulk into stock. Even the import of bulk has been impacted.

"If the situation persists, the crop in Bangladesh will be affected."

The country relies heavily on India and China for crop protection chemicals.

Two FMCG majors operating in Bangladesh, however, reported no interruptions so far but are monitoring the situation closely.

An executive from one firm said: "Right now there has been no impact on our operations. We will continue to monitor how the situation unfolds."

The economic impact of the protests in Bangladesh is estimated at Taka 6,500 crore daily (over Rs 4,600 crore/Rs 46 million), according to a local media report citing the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"Trade has been growing rapidly on the import and export fronts. Bangladesh is strong in garments but the rest of its demand is met by other countries, including India.

"Currently, however, bilateral trade has suffered seriously because of the growing unrest. There is a standstill on both sides amid the curfew," said Sumit Goyal, chairman, CII Eastern Region, International Trade Committee.

Work at major land borders has slowed, impacting trade, and with the shutdown of Internet services, communication between business partners is limited.

Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh's second-largest trade partner in Asia.

Bangladesh exported $1.97 billion of goods to India in 2023-2024, with total bilateral trade at $14.01 billion.

The Indian automobile sector, with significant exposure to Bangladesh through sales, views the situation as temporary.

Bangladesh is a key destination for Indian auto exports, alongside African and Latin American countries.

Maruti Suzuki, which exports around 18 models to 100 countries, stated that its exports are "well-diversified".

Rahul Bharti, executive director (corporate affairs) at Maruti Suzuki, said: "Our car exports are well diversified across about a hundred countries. A good chunk is to far-off countries in the regions like Latin America; so, we are hardly impacted by the Bangladesh issue."

Similarly, Bajaj Auto, which exports almost 1.5 million units a year, primarily to Africa, described the Bangladesh situation as a "temporary blip".

Its executive director, Rakesh Sharma, expressed hope that the situation in the neighbouring country, though "unfortunate", would be resolved soon.

Tata Motors has a major presence in the country through its dealership networks.

A message to Abdul Matlub Ahmad, chairperson of Nitol Niloy Group, which imports and distributes Tata Motors vehicles in Bangladesh remained unanswered.

Meanwhile, India's textile industry, facing tough competition from Bangladesh, sees an opportunity.

"We expect a 10 per cent rise in our orders due to this crisis," said K M Subramanian, president of the Tiruppur Exporters Association.

With inputs from Sharleen D'Souza

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'As a lot of them are converted to other tokens, and since crypto is dealt with internationally, it can go to any exchange in any country.'

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sergei Tokmakov, Esq./Terms.Law/Pixabay.com

Calls for stronger regulations and legal recourse for users to get back their funds have intensified after India's leading cryptocurrency exchange WazirX suffered a data security breach, leading to theft of digital assets worth $230 million.

Last week, the crypto exchange confirmed the security breach on its platform which led to a theft of about 50 per cent of its total assets.

While WazirX has called it a 'force majeure event' beyond its control, the company has said it is trying to locate and recover the lost funds.

Recovering the amount from a sophisticated cyber attack on its platform may not be an easy feat, crypto executives and those close to the development have said.

"Recovering stolen crypto is hard as a lot of them are converted to other tokens, and since crypto is dealt with internationally, it can go to any exchange in any country," said Ashish Singhal, co-founder, CoinSwitch; a crypto exchange platform.

"The silver lining is that transactions can be tracked and in a few past cases it has been recovered too," Singhal added.

He noted that recovery of funds following a cyber attack of this scale was a tedious process as the stolen quantum can remain in a wallet for many years at a stretch.

In the backdrop of a lack of regulatory environment for crypto in India, it becomes a challenge to terminate transactions that involve stolen tokens.

"Although it is trackable, you still cannot stop its usage everywhere. That becomes the real problem as there will always be a decentralised platform where these tokens can be converted from one to another, or one wallet to another one," said Edul Patel, CEO, Mudrex, a crypto platform.

Legal experts tracking the sector believe that users who have lost their funds can look at the country's consumer protection laws for recourse.

"In terms of consumers, there is no specific law which you can go to and refer to in this instant cyberattack," said Navodaya Singh Rajpurohit, Legal Partner, Coinque Consulting and founder, Pravadati Legal.

"But in any case, consumer laws would be applicable if there is any negligence found on the part of WazirX, claiming that there was a deficiency in their services, further depending on the remedies sought by the customers relief under the Information Technology Act, 2002 or Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996" Rajpurohit added.

On Sunday, WazirX announced a bounty programme to track and freeze the stolen amount.

The company has promised that it will reward those assisting in recovery with a bounty pegged at 5 per cent of the recovered amount as part of the programme.

'In response to the cyber attack, we have filed an online police complaint and are processing a physical complaint,' WazirX said in a statement.

'We have reported the incident to the Financial Intelligence Unit and CERT-In. We are reaching out to over 500 exchanges to block the identified addresses,' added WazirX.

"What should now come out of this is that there should be conversations around active regulations, making self-custody a real possibility for people, allowing decentralised exchanges to conduct transactions, which is one of the ways to secure a user's money," Patel from Mudrex said.

Home-grown cryptocurrency firms had earlier suggested that regulating the sector may necessitate the involvement of multiple agencies, given the approaching deadline to develop a unified framework, Business Standard reported this month.

Industry participants said that creating comprehensive legislation through a single regulator could be complex and time-intensive ahead of the 2025 timeline.

"This incident could potentially prompt regulatory changes in India. To date, no regulatory body has taken the initiative to regulate crypto in the country," Rajpurohit pointed out.

'While the Financial Intelligence Unit exists," he added, "its primary mandate is the prevention of money laundering, not addressing cyber attacks, which may limit its jurisdiction in this matter, unless it is found in the investigation that the money has been laundered through this cyberattack."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The number of people at risk for contracting Nipah in the contact list of the 14-year-old boy who lost his life to the rare infection, has been increased to 406, out of which 194 are in the high-risk category, Health Minister Veena George said on Monday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: AN Photo

In a relief for Kerala, the test results of 11 people whose samples were sent to the Kozhikode Medical College virology laboratory and the Advanced Virology Institute at Thiruvananthapuram for testing, have returned negative.

"This includes two people from Palakkad, two from Thiruvananthapuram and the parents of the deceased boy," she said.

The health department said two of the persons on the contact list are from Palakkad, while four are from Thiruvananthapuram.

The two from Palakkad are working in a private hospital, while the four from Thiruvananthapuram have reached Perinthalmanna for treatment.

The Health Department informed the media that out of the 194 high-risk contacts, 139 are health workers, out of which 15 are admitted at various hospitals.

George said those who would be discharged from hospitals should remain in isolation as per protocols issued.

The minister also said that the friends of the deceased child have informed them that he had consumed a fruit from a nearby property in Pandikkad panchayat, where the presence of bats has been detected.

The 14-year-old boy from Kerala's Malappuram who was under treatment here for Nipah infection died on Sunday morning.

The minister said that the friends of the deceased child would be given counselling to help them cope with his loss, and that their classes will be held online.

The department has released a detailed route map of the boy's movements and has asked the people who are suspected to have come into contact with him to contact the health department and seek treatment.

"As of now, that locality is the primary source of infection, but it can be confirmed only after scientific examination. A team from the NIV, led by Dr Balasubramanyam will reach Kerala today (Monday) to observe the bats and their habitat in the areas," George said.

Meanwhile, a team from ICMR has already reached Kerala and the mobile laboratory from Pune NIV will reach the state on Tuesday.

A total of 224 fever surveillance teams have been deployed, the health minister said, adding that they were conducting surveys across the houses in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats.

"Eighty teams are in Anakkayam, while 144 are in Pandikkad panchayat. A team of the Animal Husbandry Department is conducting a field survey and observing the health condition of pets and livestock," the minister said.

In a statement, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had exhorted everyone to work together to combat the Nipah virus and implored citizens not to destroy the natural habitats of bats.

He had also cautioned people against eating fruits bitten by animals and those found abandoned and also to avoid consuming the nectar found in plantain flowers.

In case humans have had any contact with bats and their excreta, or have been bitten, he said they should wash their hands with soap or use sanitiser immediately. They should contact the Nipah control room for clarification if needed, the CM added.

The state government had announced recently that a special action calendar was being prepared for the prevention of Nipah outbreaks, which have haunted the state on four occasions in the past.

The outbreaks were reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and in Ernakulam district in 2019.

The presence of Nipah virus antibodies was detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts.
Indian Navy's frontline guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra sustained severe damage and tilted heavily to one side following a fire onboard the ship while it was undergoing refit at the naval dockyard in Mumbai.

IMAGE: Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra tilts to one side (port side) inside the naval dockyard, in Mumbai, July 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

One junior sailor went missing following the fire on Sunday evening and rescue operations are going on to trace him, Navy officials said, adding the warship is now resting on her left side.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Monday apprised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the fire incident and the damages caused to the ship.

Singh's office said the defence minister prayed for the safety of the missing sailor and that he directed the Navy chief to take "appropriate action".

INS Brahmaputra is the first of the indigenously built 'Brahmaputra' class-guided missile frigates and it was commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2000.

The nearly 3,600-tonne ship is fitted with an array of weapons including surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, medium range guns, anti-submarine rockets, radars, sonars and state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems.

"A fire had broken out onboard Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra, a multi-role Frigate, on the evening of July 21 while she was undergoing refit at the naval dockyard," the Navy said.

It said fire was brought under control by the ship's crew with assistance of firefighters from the dockyard and other ships in harbour by this morning.

"Further, follow-on actions including sanitisation checks for assessment of residual risk of fire were carried out," it said.

"Subsequently, in the afternoon, the ship experienced severe listing to one side (port side). Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position," it said.

"The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side," the Navy said in a statement.

It said all personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the matter.

INS Brahmaputra has a length of 125 metres, a beam of 14.4 metres and is capable of sailing at a speed of 30 knots.

The ship, when it sails, is manned by a crew of 40 officers and 360 sailors.

Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi briefed the defence minister on the fire incident.

"Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has apprised RM Shri @rajnathsingh of the fire breakout onboard Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra and the damages caused by the incident," Singh's office said on 'X'.

"RM prays for the safety of missing sailor. RM Shri @rajnathsingh has directed the Navy Chief to take appropriate action," it said.
Heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai on the second consecutive day on Monday, with some areas receiving up to 34 mm of rainfall in just one hour in the morning, affecting local train services during the rush hour between Kalyan and Thakurli stations of the Central Railway network.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: People wade through a waterlogged road in Mumbai Dadar area as heavy rain lashes the city.

In the last 24 hours ended at 8 am, the island city recorded an average of 135 mm of rainfall, eastern Mumbai 154 mm, and western Mumbai 137 mm, officials said.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Mumbai to tackle any situation amid the forecast of a high tide and heavy rains in the city and its suburbs.

In its forecast for the next 24 hours starting at 8 AM on Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "heavy to very heavy rain in the city and suburbs, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places."

According to the civic body, a high tide of 4.59 meters is expected at 12.59 PM.

Malabar and Mulund Hill recorded 34 mm of rainfall between 6 am and 7 am, followed by Bhandup with 29 mm, Wadala East with 24 mm, and Versova with 20 mm.

Western Railway stated that local train services were running normally on Monday morning, however, commuters claimed trains were running late by 5 to 10 minutes.

Central Railway also stated that local services on all four corridors were normal. Commuters, however, said train traffic was affected between Kalyan and Thakurli stations in the morning rush hour due to a signal problem.

"Many commuters are walking on the tracks as trains are halted for a long time," a passenger said.

A civic official said buses of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) were not diverted.

A day earlier, heavy downpours pounded Mumbai and suburbs, inundating roads in many areas, diverting flights, and briefly affecting local train traffic between Dadar and Matunga stations.

The Mithi River, which originates in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and meets the Arabian Sea at Mahim, swelled due to continuous rainfall in Mumbai since Sunday. It was flowing at 1.5 meters on Monday morning, but its flood level reached 2.26 meters Sunday night.

In other parts of Maharashtra, Konkan and Vidarbha regions have been receiving heavy rainfall since the weekend, causing rivers to swell and low-lying areas to submerge. As a result, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Mumbai and other parts of the state.

"We have deployed NDRF teams at Vasai (Palghar district), Thane, Ghatkopar and Powai (in Mumbai), Mahad (Raigad), Khed and Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kudal (Sindhudurg), Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara due to the monsoon season as pre-positioning, apart from three teams in Mumbai and one team in Nagpur as regular deployment," an NDRF official said.

He said teams are on alert for any emergent response at their locations, conducting reconnaissance in low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
The Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra that was marred by violence last year concluded peacefully on Monday as it passed through Nuh amid tight security arrangements, with members of both Hindu and Muslim communities welcoming the procession at different points.

IMAGE: Heavy police deployment during Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh, Haryana, July 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Mahamandleshwar Swami Dharamdev said the yatra conveyed a powerful message of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood across the country.

Chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Sri Ram", devotees started the yatra from Nalhar Mahadev Mandir and proceeded to Jhir Mandir in Ferozepur Jhirka in Nuh.

The yatra, which spanned nearly 80 km, concluded at the temple in Singar village in the evening.

Ahead of the yatra, tight security arrangements were made with deployment of over 2,000 security personnel including paramilitary and surveillance through drones to keep a check on malcontents.

Meetings between representatives from both communities proved effective in making the yatra conclude on a peaceful note, officials said.

The yatra, which entered Nuh district around 11 am, ended around 5.30 pm with the 'Jalabhishek' in the district's three main temples -- Nalhar Mahadev Temple, Ferozepur Jhirka's Jhir Temple and the temple in Singar village.

In the morning, many devotees gathered at Radha Krishna temple in the adjoining Gurugram's Sector 10 before leaving for the Nalhar temple.

Before the yatra began, a large group of women also reached the Nalhar Mahadev temple where they were accorded a warm welcome by Muslims at the Tiranga Chowk.

Several groups of Muslims welcomed the saints part of the yatra with garlands along the route.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of All India Imam Organisation, had on Sunday visited Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh to appeal for peace.

Many welcome gates were erected and food stalls set up for the members of the procession.

Liquor shops had been ordered shut on Sunday till the yatra was completed.

Nuh deputy commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said the yatra was carried out smoothly amid stringent security.

He and Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap Singh had visited the three temples before the procession overseeing all arrangements.

"The district administration had ensured preparations and arrangements on a large scale in view of today's religious programmes. A large number of devotees worshipped with full enthusiasm in all the temples of the district," Khadgata said.

"District Nuh has had a tradition of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood for years, which was clearly visible again in today's event," he added.

For a peaceful conduct of the yatra, Khadgata was felicitated by the Shiv Temple Development Committee.

Devender Singh, a leader of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Manesar, said the procession became even more devotional and brotherly when Muslims welcomed the Hindus with garlands.

Nuh SP Singh said, "What happened last year was unfortunate but this time the Yatra was peaceful and successful. The efforts of police and administration proved effective."

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric of a Gurugram mosque, died in the clashes that erupted when a mob attacked a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession in Nuh on July 31 last year.

According to officials, over 2,000 personnel from police and paramilitary were deployed in the district ahead of the Monday procession.

The Haryana government had suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district a day before for 24 hours.
Top Democratic leader and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee after President Joe Biden stepped aside amid concerns from within their party that he would be unable to defeat Republican Donald Trump.

IMAGE: US Vice President Kamala Harris (left), US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and US Representative Nancy Pelosi (right) attend a memorial service for the late US Senator Dianne Feinstein in California, US, October 5, 2023. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Harris, 59, is mostly likely to be the presidential nominee of the Democratic party now that she has been endorsed by President Joe Biden, who announced on Sunday that he will not seek re-election, as well as other top party leaders including former president Bill Clinton.

Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country's future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Pelosi said in a statement.

The endorsement from Pelosi, 84, is significant given that she is a towering personality within the Democratic Party.

Officially, I have seen Kamala Harris's strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman's right to choose, she said.

Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute  and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November, Pelosi said.

Biden's exit on Sunday, prompted by Democratic worries over his fitness for office, was a seismic shift to the presidential contest that upended both major political parties' carefully honed plans for the 2024 race.

Aiming to put weeks of intra-party drama over 81-year-old Biden's candidacy behind them, prominent Democratic elected officials, party leaders and political organisations quickly lined up behind Harris in the hours after he announced dropping his re-election campaign.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Director, IIT-Delhi to set up a team of three experts that would go into a particular question of Physics asked in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate 2024 examination and submit a report on the correct answer by Tuesday noon.

IMAGE: Students holding placards as wait outside the Supreme Court amid the hearing the regarding the alleged irregularities in NEET UG 2024, in New Delhi, July 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The top court's order to IIT Delhi to set up a team of three domain experts to examine the issue of the correct answer to a question came at the fag end of the day-long hearing on a batch of petitions including those which are seeking a re-test of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG on grounds of question paper-leak and other malpractices.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud asked the petitioners seeking re-test to show with the help of data released by the National Testing Agency, which holds the examination, that there was a "systemic failure" in its conduct, and the paper leak was "widespread" and not restricted to Patna and Hazaribagh only.

"How do you establish that the paper leak was all over India?" the CJI asked.

During the hearing, the bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took note of the submissions of some aspirants that a question of Physics had two correct answers and a set of examinees, who gave one particular answer out of the two correct ones, were awarded four marks.

It also considered submissions that there were three sets of aspirants, and one set got minus five for the correct answer, the second secured four marks for another correct answer, and the third group comprised those who skipped it for either want of knowledge or due to the fear of getting negative marks.

This would have a significant impact on the merit list of successful candidates, the bench was told.

The bench reproduced the controversial question in its order and said, "As indicated..., four options were indicated in the question as framed, of which, students had to select one option as their answer."

"In order to resolve the issue as regards the correct answer to the ...question, we are of the considered view that an expert opinion should be sought from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

"We request the Director at IIT Delhi to constitute a team of three experts of the subject concerned. The expert team constituted by the director is requested to formulate its opinion on the correct option for the above question and to remit its opinion to the Secretary General of this Court, preferably by 12 noon on 23 July 2024," it ordered.

It asked the SC's Secretary General to communicate the order to the IIT Director for "expeditious steps".

The court made it clear that the order seeking the opinion of experts on a question would not mean that the pleas for cancellation of the examination have failed.

It will resume hearing as many as 40 petitions on Tuesday, when it will hear submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and others on behalf of the Centre and the National Testing Agency.

Earlier in the day, the bench sought data from senior advocate Narender Hooda, appearing for students, to show that there was a "systemic failure" in conducting the test.

Observing that there was no material on record so far to show that the leak was widespread, the bench said there have been instances of some wrongdoing in Patna and Hazaribagh but they were not sufficient to indicate a systemic failure.

Hooda said the NTA and others admitted to the paper leak and its dissemination through social media.

At the outset, the bench asked as to what emerged from the city and centre-wise data of results put out by the NTA.

It also perused the statements of the accused recorded by Patna police and said the question papers were leaked either on the night of May 4 or a day after when the test took place.

Hooda alleged the probe was botched up because of the stand taken by the Centre.

"Don't take the name of the Government of India...I am answerable to students, to the court...Please don't make any such statements," Mehta responded.

The law officer said the NTA has conducted an exercise about the success rate of particular centres, cities and states, allegedly affected by the question paper leak, and there was "no abnormality".

"We have to see if the leak is localised and see if the paper was leaked at 9 am and solved by 10:30 am (on exam day). If we do not believe this, then you have to show us that the leak was beyond Hazaribagh and Patna," the bench told the counsel for the examinees.

The bench drew the attention of lawyers to the award of grace marks and time to students who appeared at three centres at Jhajjar in Haryana.

Hooda referred to a school in Jhajjar and said the principal went to State Bank of India and Canara Bank branches and collected two sets of question papers. This was done despite the fact that only question papers in SBI's safe custody were to be distributed for the test, he said.

Question papers from Canara Bank were distributed, and when it became public that there were six students who got 720/720 at a centre in Jhajjar, the NTA said grace marks were given to them to compensate for the loss of time, he said.

"But the principal says there was no delay. And the Canara Bank question papers were distributed instead of SBI's," he added.

The bench asked the NTA to tell in how many centres the question papers collected from Canara Bank were distributed.

"How did Canara Bank give the papers with the letter of authorisation and who issued this letter of authorisation?" the bench asked.

The director general of the NTA gives the authorisation letter to the city examination superintendent, the law officer said.

"Giving some examples here and there will not establish that this leak was all over India," Mehta contended.

Hooda alleged there was a "complete systemic failure" and listed out some more instances. He said there was "no address verification" and "no CCTV camera monitoring" at examination centres.

Hooda claimed a student from Gujarat, who failed the class 12th board examination, scored big in the NEET after appearing at a Centre in Karnataka.

"If this court is not considering re-NEET, at least qualified people should be asked to retake the exam, which will be about 13 lakh people," Hooda said.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde said, admittedly, there has been a leak from Hazaribagh and it was caught in Patna.

"We do not know today where all it leaked. Investigation reports say some of the messages went to about 100 people," he said.

More than 23.33 lakh students had taken the test on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 overseas.

The NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country
Glimpses outside the White House, from Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, where he is recovering from COVID-19, and Times Square in Manhattan after US President Joe Biden announced he is stopping his bid for re-election.

IMAGE: A child holds a placard says 'Great President true patriot! as people gather outside the White House after Biden announced he is stopping his bid for re0-election. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

IMAGE: Children hold placards, one of which says 'Thank you Joe! For everything'. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

IMAGE: A person holds a placard says 'Bye Joe!, the other kept on the side says 'Kamala Harris for the people'. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

IMAGE: A placard says 'Dedicated Public servant, Thank you Joe'. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

IMAGE: A lady holds a placard says 'Thank you Joe!' Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

IMAGE: Placards on a vehicle in support of Biden says 'Thank you Joe' and 'We stand on your shoulders' in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

IMAGE: A news ticker in Times Square in Manhattan announces that Biden is dropping his re-election bid. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

A Day Earlier

IMAGE: A day earlier, July 20, 2024, protestors outside the White House demanded Biden withdraw from the 2024 election race.

The placards said 'Pass the torch save the democracy', 'Pass the torch Joe', 'Country over self Pass the torch', 'Please save us from Trump, Don't act like Trump'. Photograph: Allison Bailey/Reuters

IMAGE: This placard says 'We Love you but it's time #PassTheTorch'. Photograph: Allison Bailey/Reuters

IMAGE: This placard says rather cryptically, 'Thank you Next'. Photograph: Allison Bailey/Reuters

IMAGE: Katherine Meyer chants during the protest with a placard saying 'Joe it's time to go!' Photograph: Allison Bailey/Reuters

Photograph curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 41F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 41F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Two people were hospitalized with serious injuries after a crash involving three vehicles at the intersection of Route 12 and River Road in Westmoreland, N.H. on Sunday.
Guilford resident Jason Herron has filed a number of open meeting and public records complaints against the Guilford Select Board. On July 12, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of Herron's appeal, agreeing with the trial court.
BARRE  The Washington County State's Attorney's office is planning to drop a driving while under the influence charge against a state legislator from Bennington if he completes both a safe driving course and the Restorative Justice Program.

Rep. James T. Carroll, 62, left much of the talking to his public defender, Avi J. Springer, during the 5  minute hearing in Vermont Superior Court in Barre on Friday afternoon.

State's Attorney Michelle Donnelly charged Carroll with DUI after Montpelier Police pulled him over outside the Statehouse as he headed for the legislature about 8:30 a.m. Feb. 21.

Donnelly said after the hearing she believed she was precluded from saying much about the DUI case until it is dismissed. If Carroll were to fail to complete one or both programs, the DUI would continue toward a possible trial.

Judge John Pacht said if the two steps are completed, the state can just dismiss the charge. If they do not get completed, Carroll will have another court date in late September.

Carroll, shortly after his arrest, checked himself into Valley Vista, a 21-day residential treatment facility in Bradford and he said it was a life-changing event. Carroll said one speaker noted alcohol is never fully metabolized until 11 hours after the last drink.

Carroll said he has been sober for 21 weeks and 2 days as of Friday and he continues one day at a time. Carroll said he also has lost 23 pounds.

The state safe driving class is about 5 hours. The Vermont Safe Driver Program focuses on the consequences of unsafe, impaired, or distracted driving and is available to all people.

Carroll may petition to have the Restorative Justice Board in Bennington County consider his case, instead of traveling to Washington County.

Restorative Justice allows defendants to take responsibility, understand the harm they have caused, make amends, and build or restore relationships in communities that may prevent future harm.

"I'm glad its over. If I can help anybody avoid a similar fate, I'm glad to help," Carroll said.

Deputy State's Attorney Joshua Rice, who was filling in for Donnelly at the hearing, echoed several of the same points by Springer.

Springer said he thought the state might have trouble showing Carroll was impaired. He said Carrolls evidentiary breath test was below the legal limit.

"I believe the State would have had great difficulty proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Carroll was actually impaired at the time he was driving," Springer said.

"While we are confident that we could have prevailed at trial, Mr. Carroll wished to resolve the matter without a trial in order to save himself the ordeal and in order to conserve the scarce resources of the already overburdened court system."

Carroll declined to do any standardized field sobriety exercises for police, but a preliminary breath test showed an alcohol level of 0.801 percent, records show.

Patrol Sgt. Chris Quesnel took him into custody and brought him to the city police station. A court-approved breath test showed an alcohol level of 0.066 percent one hour after the traffic stop.

Carroll was fingerprinted, photographed and released with a citation ordering him into criminal court, Quesnel said. He was initially due in court March 7, but he had entered re-hab. There was confusion over his new court date, but he eventually got to enter a not guilty plea in late April.

The state initially tried to charge him with two forms of DUI, but Pacht ruled he did not find probable cause of one of the two counts, court records show.

Carroll was not planning to contest the court case initially, Rep. Kathleen James, D-Manchester, the assistant majority leader in the House, told the Bennington Banner a few hours after the arrest.

Carroll provided a public statement through James that said:

I have been and remain dedicated to the people of Bennington. I know I have disappointed people and disappointed myself, Carroll's statement said.

"I want to get better, and Im going to take active steps to do that. I am grateful to everyone for giving me the time and support I need," it said.

Carroll told the Bennington Banner on Friday he had some drinks the night before his arrest. He said he got up in the middle of the night and went to the bathroom and had a beer about 3 a.m.

In the morning, he headed to the Statehouse from the Vermont College of Fine Arts where he has a room during the legislative session.

Pacht noted that the arrest centered more on a defective equipment issue with Carroll's car and not reckless driving.

Quesnel said his attention was attracted to the car when it went by him near the former U.S. Post Office on East State Street with a loud muffler. The veteran officer followed the car west on East State Street, take a right onto Gov. Aiken Drive and onto Baldwin Avenue, where he pulled into a legislative parking lot.

Quesnel said Carroll was smoking a cigarette when he got out of his Honda Accord and he acknowledged the car had a defective exhaust, court records note.

Carroll had a strong odor of intoxicants emitting from his person, while his eyes were bloodshot and watery, Quesnel said. He said based on his experience he knows intoxicated people will use cigarettes and candy to mask their breath.

When Carroll was getting vehicle documentation out of the passenger side of the car, Quesnel said he spotted a nylon reusable shopping bag with some empty "Natty Daddy" alcohol cans, which appeared to be empty, court records show.

When the DUI processing was completed at the police station, Carroll was brought back to his car in a state parking lot at the so-called Pink Lady. The historic multi-story building serves as the home for the Joint Fiscal Affairs Office at 1 Baldwin Street.

The hearing had been listed as a status conference, but Springer announced at the beginning that a settlement had been reached to resolve the case.

Carroll serves on the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Carroll also served a term in the House from 2019-2020. He returned in 2023 after ousting Rep. Michael Nigro, D-Bennington, who had bumped Carroll out of the House two years earlier. They will meet again this fall.

The Bennington native is a 1980 graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School and received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and English literature from Southern Vermont College.

Carroll's legislative biography notes he has been self-employed throughout his working life.
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Voters in Chicago spoke to RFE/RL about President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection campaign and endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the Democratic Party nomination. Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention on August 19-22.
Israel has claimed that the successor to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has likely been "eliminated," while U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called Tehran the greatest adversary of the United States.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 8 said that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, was an "organization without a head."

"Nasrallah was eliminated -- his replacement was probably also eliminated," Gallant told officers at the military's northern command center without providing details.

"There's no one to make decisions, no one to act," he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later echoed those comments, saying, "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities."

"We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Netanyahu said.

Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollahs political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and a cousin of Nasrallah, was widely expected to be named to the group's top position, but his whereabouts and condition are a mystery since an Israeli strike hit a suspected Hezbollah leadership meeting on October 2.

Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine's fate, although unidentified members have told various media that the group had lost contact with him since the attack.

Safieddine has been declared a global terrorist by the United States.

Meanwhile, Harris told CBS TV's 60 Minutes program in an interview that she considered Iran to be the greatest adversary of the United States.

"Iran has American blood on their hands," she said. "And what we saw in terms of just this attack on Israel, 200 ballistic missiles, what we need to do to ensure that Iran never achieves the ability to be a nuclear power -- that is one of my highest priorities."

Harris -- the Democratic presidential nominee who will face Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election -- declined to speculate on whether the United States would take military action itself should proof be uncovered that Iran is building a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has denied it is building such weapons and says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

The comments came as the battered and bloodied leadership of Hezbollah suggested it might be ready to negotiate a cease-fire with Israel

Deputy leader Naim Qassem, in a televised speech, for the first time did not suggest that ending the war in Gaza was a precondition to reaching a truce with Israel in Lebanon.

Qassem said the group backed an effort by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, to reach a deal to halt the fighting.

Late on October 8, the Syrian government said that seven civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike in Damascus. A war monitor said the strike targeted a building used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah.

Israel did not immediately comment and the reports could not be verified.



The Israeli military said earlier on October 8 that it had killed another senior Hezbollah commander, a day after marking the somber anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people.

Suhail Husseini, who was responsible for overseeing the logistics, budget, and management of Hezbollah, was killed in a targeted attack on October 7, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

"Husseini played a crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah," the statement said, adding that he was also in charge of distributing advanced weapons to the group's members and for its "most sensitive projects" that included operations against Israel.

The IDF said Husseini was also a member of the Jihad Council, the supreme military body of Hezbollah.

There was no immediate confirmation from Hezbollah.

The Israeli announcement came after Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of rockets on October 7 into Israel, where President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence to mark the start of last year's Hamas attack, which started at Kibbutz Reim in the south of the country.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.

In Washington on October 7, President Joe Biden condemned Hamas on the anniversary, while also stating again the U.S. administration's commitment to reaching cease-fire agreements to end fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon.

"On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7 attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in a statement.

In Jerusalem, relatives of the some 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity, out of a total of 250, gathered outside Netanyahu's residence and stood in silence as a siren wailed in a gesture of protest against what relatives say is the failure of the government to secure their loved ones' release.

The conflict in Gaza is still raging while Israel is now fighting on a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.



Following the October 7 attack, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. Some 90 percent of the population of Gaza has been displaced and large areas have been destroyed by Israeli bombardments.



The Israeli military said on October 7 that over the past year it has bombed more than 40,000 targets in Gaza, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites.

Israel in recent weeks has been carrying out air strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, and has staged a ground invasion into south Lebanon in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership.

In the attacks, Israel killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and dozens of other leaders of the group.

On October 6, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of the IRGC -- had also not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Tel Avivs campaign against Hezbollah prompted Iran to respond by attacking Israel with a large wave of rockets that were largely shot down by Israeli air defenses without causing substantial damage, but the attack renewed fears of a larger regional conflict.

Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel.

With reporting by CBS and AP
U.S. President Joe Biden's endorsement of his vice president, Kamala Harris, to replace him as the Democratic Party's candidate for president has given her a strong position as the front-runner -- but it does not officially make her the candidate.

Harris has garnered many endorsements from Democratic members of Congress, former politicians, and major donors in the hours since Biden's announcement on July 21 that he was withdrawing from the presidential race.

They include former President Bill Clinton and his wife -- former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton -- along with more than half of the Democrats in the Senate and dozens of Democratic members of the House of Representatives.

But several major Democratic Party figures have not yet endorsed her -- including ex-President Barack Obama, former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer -- to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump in the November 5 election.

The nomination will officially be made at the Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19-22.

Calls For An 'Open Process'

The Democratic National Committee's rules committee -- which is required to meet two days after a candidate who has won the primary contests withdraws from a presidential election -- will meet on July 24 to determine the timeline and process for deciding on the party's presidential candidate.

Harris or a competitor must win the support of a majority of the more than 4,000 Democratic Party Convention candidates.

Despite the calls for an open process to be held with multiple candidates, no one had stepped forward to throw their hat in the ring several hours after Biden's announcement.

"It is telling that no one has announcedthat they're going to challenge [Harris]. And so right now she is the odds on favorite to be the nominee," Matthew Dallek, a presidential historian at George Washington University, told RFE/RL.

Possible Challengers To Harris

Though some possible challengers have already announced their support for Harris -- including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro -- these are some of the people who still could challenge her:

-- Gretchen Whitmer (52 years old), governor of Michigan. A popular governor in a crucial swing state, Whitmer is relatively young and has national recognition, as she has often been mentioned as a possible replacement for Biden if he withdrew. Trump is currently leading opinion polls in Michigan and Whitmer could help secure the state for the Democrats.

-- Joe Manchin (76), senator from West Virginia. A maverick legislator who has angered Democrats for not always voting with his fellow Democrats, Manchin registered as an independent earlier this year. He said on July 22 that he is "pushing the process" and expressed hope that others will join in the race to be the Democratic nominee.

-- Other possible candidates include Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (59), New Jersey Senator Cory Booker (55), Maryland Governor Wes Moore (45), and former first lady Michelle Obama (60).

Who Could Be Harris's Vice President?

If support continues to coalesce around Harris and she gains the nomination, then the spotlight will be on who would run as her vice president.

The possible challengers to Harris would likely become leading candidates to be her vice president.

The one exception might be Newsom, because he's from California, the same state as Harris, and there is a clause in the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that has been interpreted as disallowing two candidates from the same state from running on the same ticket.

Herewith are the most likely candidates to join Harris as her vice president:

-- Shapiro (51), Pennsylvania governor. Much like Whitmer, Shapiro is a popular young governor of an important swing state. Biden won Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election but has been running behind Trump in the polls.

-- Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (60). Like Shapiro, Kelly is from an important battleground state that is key for Democrats to win the election. Biden won Arizona in 2020 but has been polling well behind Trump in recent months. A former astronaut and U.S. Navy captain, Kelly is married to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was severely injured in an assassination attempt in 2011.

-- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (46). A popular Democratic leader in a state that strongly votes Republican, Beshear is viewed as a candidate that could win votes from independents and moderate Republicans. First considered to be a possible challenger to Harris, Beshear endorsed her on July 22 to be the presidential candidate.

-- North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (67). Another popular Democrat in an important swing state that has recently voted for Republicans in national elections. Much like Beshear, he could attract moderate Republicans and independents to vote for Harris.

Unless the Democratic National Committee's rules committee changes the timeline when it meets on July 24, virtual voting by the delegates to the party convention is set to begin in early August. That does not leave much time for Democrats to nominate Harris or someone else and for that candidate to select a vice president.
One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history.

In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group.

Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon.

RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war.

RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack?



Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences.

There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings.

Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good.

RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis?



Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months.



RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices?



Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other.

People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term."

So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire.

Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home?

One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective.

RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families?



Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular.

At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families.

Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen.

RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas?

Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk.

It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important.

Why? For a couple of reasons.

First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005.

RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future?



Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent.

I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term.
Increased NATO-led patrols are running along the Kosovo-Serbia border in the wake of rising tension. Northern Kosovo is a Serb-majority area with a porous frontier that has allowed smugglers and militants to cross into Kosovo towns, sometimes sparking deadly clashes. KFOR units guard against the prospect of further attacks.
At a meeting in Soviet Russia's Krasnoyarsk territory in 1930, residents of Solona Village listened to state functionaries espousing what they claimed were the advantages of collective farms. No one dared to object until one Manchenko, an Evangelical Christian, took the floor. Villagers should not rush to join the collective farms, Manchenko told the crowd, because a far more tempting prospect lay ahead in the fledgling Soviet Union. "For we Baptist Christians a new city, a city of the sun will be built in the center of Siberia where only Baptists will live and build our own industries. It will be ideal for us." A secret policeman at the meeting noted down Manchenko's words. The project the Baptist speaker had mentioned had very nearly come to pass but, unbeknown to Manchenko and other Evangelical Christians, it had recently been shot down by Josef Stalin.

In the 1920s a great city in Siberia that was to be called "Evangelsk" was envisioned by Ivan Prokhanov. Prokhanov was an Evangelical Christan leader who founded the All-Russian Union of Evangelical Christians in 1908 and then led the religious organization. When the Bolsheviks swept to power in 1917, Prokhanov stayed quiet about Russia's militant atheist rulers, apparently to leave room for potential cooperation. The religious leader believed Siberia could become, "a land on which Evangelical Christians would create a new, better life for the Russian people and turn it into the most advanced and developed part of the continent." Many among Russia's religious groups outside the Russian Orthodox Church had initially welcomed the establishment of Soviet power in Russia, in part because of the appeal of communal living among some sects. In 1919 a leader of the Tolstoyans, a Christian movement influenced by the philosophy of Russian author Leo Tolstoy, told a meeting of Soviet revolutionaries, "We wish to cooperate with you in the cause of building communism. He then asked that the religious sect not be reproached for "heading toward communism by a different path."

In 1920, Tolstoyan leadership drafted a document claiming they knew how to overcome the reluctance of Russia's peasantry to commit to the "new communist principles." The answer, they claimed, was to attract Christian sectarians who were the most "conscious and rationally religious set of the Russian people." If permitted by the Soviet authorities, "the 6 or 10 million-strong mass of Russian sectarians scattered throughout Russia, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Siberia" would give the peasants an example of how life under communism could work, the authors claimed. The document was handed to Vladimir Bonch-Bruevich, an expert on the history of Christian sects who also happened to be Vladimir Lenin's personal secretary. Bonch-Bruevich believed that Evangelical Christians, Baptists, Dukhobors, Old Believers, Jehovah's Witnesses, Enochians, Tolstoyans, Dobrolyubovites, and all other sect members would be willing partners in building Russian communism. He was able to put this belief to the test. In 1920, Bonch-Bruyevich organized the Lesnye Polyany state farm near Moscow, convincing members of several religious sects, including pacifist Dukhobors who had fled oppression in tsarist Russia, largely to Canada, to join a collective farm. Lenin took a personal interest in how the experiment was going.

In a letter Lenin wrote to Bonch-Bruevich in August 1921, the Soviet leader asked: "Is it true that you took the Dukhobors to the state farm and that you're very pleased with them? 2) How are things going with the transportation of the Dukhobors (a) from Canada, (b) from the Caucasus to Russia?" Bonch-Bruevich responded, writing, "Dear Vladimir Ilyich! That's right, they came to the state farm with the greatest joy and pleasure," he claimed. "Almost everything is communal, from the canteen and the children's dormitory to the common wardrobe and linen. Of course there is a common cash register, etc. They work amazingly well. They do not require any prodding, but only always ask to precisely define the task." The Lesnye Polyany farm, which supplied goods to the Soviet elite, was a success and in 1921 the Soviet mouthpiece Izvestia published an appeal "to sectarians and Old Believers living in Russia and abroad" to join collective farms. The state promised "not to interfere in religious affairs" of the settlements. What followed was dubbed "the golden age of sectarianism" in which followers of various Christian movements received plots of land and created their own agricultural communes throughout Soviet Russia. The idea then emerged of creating an entire city of various Christian denominations who would work and live together in the wilderness of the Soviet Union.

Prokhanov had firsthand experience of Christian communes. In 1894 he was one of the founders of one in Crimea called Vertograd. Prokhanov held fond memories of the religious settlement. "After a hard day's work we gathered together for dinner. I read from church history, the sisters sewed and mended," he recalled of the commune. "These were unforgettable evenings. We were very happy in our Vertograd." But the religious village was shut down by Russia's tsarist authorities four years after opening. With the Bolsheviks in power, Prokhanov watched closely as religious communes sprang up. The success of some of these initiatives gave Prokhanov the idea for an entire city, in which, in his utopian vision, electricity would reduce the need for hard physical labor, and no one would cheat, drink, or smoke. "Even in poor houses there is to be exemplary order, the rooms will be tidy and all things in their place. The children will be properly dressed, the hostess has her hair done and will look welcoming," he wrote of the imagined city. Along with a screed that noted how many times inhabitants of the fantasy city should clean themselves and brush their children's hair, Prokhanov imagined a "bright electric 'sun'" that would shine over the center of the settlement. "The Gospel settlement must shine like a bright beacon in the distant surroundings and call other villages to transform and renew their lives." Much of the utopian dream seems obviously untenable, including the giant electric 'sun' that would make sleep difficult for the city's inhabitants after long daylight hours of work. But the Soviet government recognized in Prokhanov, with his fastidious details on dictating how life needed to be lived, an ideological fellow traveler.

Remarkably, the idea for a Christian city was supported by the Soviet authorities, including Yevgeny Tuchkov, one of the most ruthless of Lenin's henchmen, whose role was to stamp out Orthodox Christianity within the Soviet Union. Tuchkov was behind the arrest and execution of several Orthodox clergymen. It is hard to determine what lay behind Tuchkov's support for the building of a religious city in Siberia. Some have speculated that it stemmed from the desire to get followers of Christian sects out of the cities and villages throughout the Soviet Union where their ideas could spread. If condensed into one place the Christian groupings could be closely watched and easily controlled if the state required. Tuchkov was directly involved in the planning of the new city and helped get permission from Kremlin bureaucrats for an expedition to Soviet Russia's Altai region in order to choose a location for the "city of believers." The site the expedition settled on was a deserted shore at the confluence of the Biya and Katun rivers. The expedition leaders planted North American maple and Siberian cedar seedlings to symbolize the unification of believers from two continents, then gave speeches heralding a bright future for this obscure patch of land.

Neither Prokhanov nor his companions knew why such a beautiful place was uninhabited. Before the Bolsheviks seized power, Russian Old Believers lived here. They had transformed the area into a prosperous farm but were exterminated after rebelling against the Bolsheviks during Russia's civil war. The cedar and maple trees were placed nearly on the graves of the former inhabitants of the land. All appeared to be on track for the religious settlement to begin construction, but in May 1928 the project reached the ears of Josef Stalin, the new ruler of the Soviet Union. The Georgian was incensed by the "outrageous fact" that Soviet bureaucrats had allowed the planning of a religious city to reach an advanced stage. Soviet leadership requested that Yemelyan Yaroslavsky, the head of the Union of Militant Atheists, look into the plans for a religious city. The anti-Christian crusader saw religious sects as "a complex and powerful apparatus of agitation and propaganda." Christians, he said, were "building their nests everywhere." After Yaroslavsky filed a critical report on the city-building initiative, the Kremlin decided to "liquidate the case of the All-Union Council of Evangelical Christians organizing the city of Evangelsk in Siberia."
BALKAN PROVINCE, Turkmenistan -- Denizens of the coastal city of Turkmenbashi have only 40 minutes a day to fill their buckets and tanks with water amid a crippling rationing severely restricting the drinking water in the middle of Turkmenistan's scorching summer.

Water is provided to residents twice a day for 20 minutes -- at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. -- with the taps dry the rest of the day, people say.



"First it was 30 minutes in the morning and 40 minutes in the evening, so the problem has gotten [significantly] worse," said a Turkmenbashi resident who didn't want to give his name for fear of retaliation in the authoritarian country.



The water crisis has affected hotels and businesses in the city's resort district of Awaza at the peak of the summer holiday season, although the situation is slightly better in that area as it gets water supplies three times a day.



It's unclear if places like hospitals or nurseries are exempt from the rationing. Authorities did not respond to RFE/RL requests for comment.



Water shortages are being reported in many parts of Turkmenistan, hitting the Central Asian country amid searing summer heat where temperatures hover around 35-40 degrees Celsius.



In Turkmenabat and the surrounding areas in the eastern Lebap region, residents report there have been frequent outages of drinking water since mid-June. The blackouts come without any prior notice and can last for several days, locals say.

One outage in Turkmenabat and the suburban Charjew district lasted July 8-12, they said.



"It was a big problem," one resident said. "There was no water in the taps for days."

A man from Charjew's Darghanly village told RFE/RL that the price of bottled water went up overnight as a result. Others said people were going to neighboring districts in search of water.



Antiquated Infrastructure



Residents blame the crisis on aging water pipes and authorities' inability to fix the problem.



Turkmen cities rely on the decrepit centralized network to distribute drinking water. In most cities the pipes have not been replaced since Soviet times, leaving residents with chronic water shortages.



In a country where corruption is widespread, many people suspect that money allocated for the overhaul of the infrastructure has been embezzled.



"We're tired of asking the city authorities to resolve this problem once and for all. But we know that our complaints don't bring any results," said a resident of Turkmenabat's Uchpunkt neighborhood. "The city administration always tells us that the problem will soon be taken care of, but people don't believe it anymore."



In some Turkmenabat neighborhoods, residents have decided to take the initiative into their own hands, collecting money to replace broken and corroded pipes.



"People are collecting $30 per household," said a resident of the neighborhood known as Mikrorayon N3.



Dirty Water



In addition to the water shortages, there have been reports in some cities of the poor quality of water coming from the taps.



"The tap water in new Turkmenbashi apartment buildings and in the Awaza hotels has a yellowish color and smells like metal," a local resident said on July 18.



"People wait for hours for the dirt in the water to sink to the bottom before using it for tea or food," another resident said, adding that "not everyone in our city can afford filtered water for $4 for a 5-liter bottle."

A similar problem in May in the capital, Ashgabat, was blamed by city officials on floodwater temporarily affecting the quality of the water. Several people were hospitalized with suspected contamination from the water, but the secretive authorities didn't acknowledge there had been a health crisis.



In the town of Annau in Akhal Province, people complain about what they describe as "high levels of salt" in the water.



"It tastes salty," an Annau resident told RFE/RL. "When you wash your clothes in this water, white stains appear on the clothes after drying."



It's unknown if authorities have launched a probe to determine if the water is safe to drink.



There is no transparency or accountability for authorities in Turkmenistan, who don't acknowledge the problems regarding their handling of the important issues that citizens face.

Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondents
With just over 100 days left before U.S. voters cast their ballots in a presidential election, President Joe Biden has dropped his bid for reelection. RFE/RL asked Ukrainians on the streets of Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv what they think about Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and how it might impact Ukraine.
President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the U.S. presidential race and Donald Trump has picked J.D. Vance as his running mate. Sam Greene, director of Democratic Resilience at CEPA and a professor at the King's Russia Institute, discusses what these developments could mean for Ukraine and its defense against the Russian invasion.
BREAKING: Terrorists attack Army Camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri Today

Recent attack on the Army camp in Rajouri is similar to the 2016 Uri attack.

Jammu and Kashmir Terrorists Attack on Army Camp in Rajouri Today Latest news: In a shocking incident, one Indian Army jawan was injured after terrorists attacked an Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Monday.

According to information, the attack was thwarted in a remote village of Rajouri, news agency ANI reported, quoting PRO Defence Jammu. Likewise, a gunfight broke out with terrorists.

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Reportedly, the firing took place at nearly 4 am, after which the security personnel retaliated.

On July 19, two terrorists were killed in an encounter as security forces foiled an infiltration attempt at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector.

In a similar incident, two soldiers were injured in an encounter with terrorists in the Kastigarh area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Notably, the encounter came days 4 four army soldiers, including an officer, were killed in an encounter with terrorists in the Doda district.

It may be recalled that the recent attack on the Army camp in Rajouri is similar to the 2016 Uri attack wherein 4 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists from Pakistan opened fire at an Indian Army brigade headquarters near the town of Uri in the Indian Jammu and Kashmir.

(For more news apart from Jammu and Kashmir Terrorists Attack on Army Camp in Rajouri Today Latest news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Plea in High Court challenging Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singhs victory in Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Vikramjit Singh has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging his victory in Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh victory in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Latest News: Trouble mounts for newly elected Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh as an independent candidate Vikramjit Singh has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging his victory in Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Vikramjit Singh has alleged in the petition that Amritpal Singh, who contested from Khadoor Sahib seat, hid several important information in his nomination form.

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Vikramjit alleged that Amritpal has also not given full details of the expenditure incurred on his election. During the election, many meetings were held daily in his support and no details were given about the vehicles and election material used besides, it has not been told from where the expenditure was made, the petitioner said.

He further alleged that religious places were also used in his election campaign and were promoted on social media without permission.

Many such allegations have been made and a demand has been made to the High Court to cancel his election. The Punjab and Haryana High Court may hear the matter soon.

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(For more news apart from Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh victory in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Radio NOREA

Radio NOREA was one of the international radio stations to broadcast in Romanian during the Cold War.

Radio NOREA

Steliu Lambru, 22.07.2024, 14:00

Between 1945 and 1990, a number of international radio stations used to broadcast in Romanian. These were mainly stations from Western Europe and were targeted at the Romanian public in Romania in an attempt to make up for the failure of domestic stations to cover subjects of interest. One such international station broadcasting in Romanian was that belonging to NOREA, the Nordic Radio Evangelistic Association, a church mission society. NOREA began its first Romanian broadcast in 1971, but it was in fact one man who did it all, namely pastor and journalist Dutu Moscovici.

The beginnings of Radio NOREA can be traced back to Norway, a country with a majority Christian Lutheran population. The station broadcast from Monte Carlo, in the south of Europe. In time, the associations station expanded to Denmark, where it set up its first recording studios. In 2000, Radio Romanias Oral History Centre recorded an interview with Dutu Moscovici in which the latter recounted how he began his career as a radio journalist:

I was in Lubeck, in Germany, with my wife, visiting a very famous church. While we were admiring a painting, someone approached us and asked me if I was pastor Moscovici from Romania. I said yet and it turns out I knew the man, he was a Hungarian pastor. At that time, he was working for the Hungarian section of Radio NOREA, in Oslo. I told him I was going to think about it and then after a while I said I agreed to do the Romanian broadcast. That was the beginning.

Dutu Moscovici began recording at NOREAs studio in Oslo. Denmark, which supported the project, built studios in Denmark, and Dutu Moscovici and the Romanian service grew attached to the new location. The pastor would travel once a month from Hamburg, where he lived, to Denmark and do all the recordings for the entire month. The tapes would then be sent to Monte Carlo by post, and Moscovici would always listen to the broadcasts when they were aired to make sure they got the order right. Radio NOREAs Romanian language broadcast was aired once a week, on Friday, and lasted 15 minutes. Later, it grew to 30 minutes, to be followed by two broadcasts a day, 15 minutes each. It eventually began to broadcast every Saturday and Sunday at 6.30 pm Romania time.

Dutu Moscovici remembers what the broadcast consisted of:

The broadcast began with the words: From Radio Transmondial in Monte Carlo, you are listening to Radio NOREAs evangelical broadcast in the Romanian language. This was followed by a short intermezzo of instrumental music, the tune of the German hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God, the traditional song of the Lutheran Church around the world. We would begin with a short presentation of the programme. We would say that we are broadcasting a biblical study, a text about the Bible, or the biography of a missionary. The programme needed to be diverse, but the core was the presentation of a biblical text. We also had words of the week, a short quotation from the words of some important person, for example Blaise Pascal. We would also have a guest in the programme. I had such interviews with the bishops of Oslo; over 30 years there were a number of bishops and we hosted all of them. Even Norways prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik was once a guest.

Dutu Moscovici was also asked if he had full freedom with respect to the content of the broadcast:

I had absolute freedom. However, there was one condition that we had to observe, but no one ever checked. The condition was not to interfere into political matters and not to have a critical attitude towards other religious denominations. We had to stick exclusively to the preaching of the gospel. The programme in Romanian was written by one person, me. Undoubtedly, many others contributed to the programme, but in fact everything was in the hands of a single person who had absolute power. No one was imposing anything on me, no one was controlling anything. It was a matter of trust.

How did Radio NOREA correspond with its listeners in Romanian? Dutu Moscovici is back with details:

At one point, we had to deal with the issue of letters from listeners. There was a time when the letters, if they were addressed to the radio station NOREA, were likely to be stopped by censorship in Romania, and their author could be in trouble. We had different approaches. For example, from our address we excluded the word radio, we kept only NOREA. I used to tell listeners that if they wanted to write to us, they should write NOREA, followed by the address in Denmark.

Radio NOREAs Romanian language programme had the mission of spreading Christian principles and values and encourage people to hope that better times would come. And for its listeners this effort mattered a lot.
Oil prices were subdued on Monday, after having fallen to a four-week low on Friday on concerns about the outlook for demand from China.

Benchmark Brent crude futures slid 0.2 percent to $82.48 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 0.2 percent at $78.47.

Renewed hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza weighed on prices as Israeli forces battled Palestinian fighters in the southern city of Rafah.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recently said that a long-sought ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was within sight as negotiators were "driving toward the goal line."

A weaker dollar helped limit the downside to some extent as investors weighed the implications of U.S. President Joe Biden's exit from the presidential election race.

Amid growing calls within his Democratic Party for his stepping down, Biden endorsed his Vice-President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Meanwhile, a surprise rate cut by China's central bank saw investors expecting near-term improvement in economic momentum.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
A growing number of Democratic leaders have rallied behind Kamala Harris after Joe Biden quit the race and endorsed his vice president as the party's presidential candidate.

Under pressure of calls for the 81-year-old President to step out of the campaign for re-election since his below-par performance at the first debate between the presidential candidates, Biden announced his surprise decision Sunday.

Biden announced in a statement that he is withdrawing from the election race "in the best interest of my party and the country," and endorsed Kamala Harris to be the replacement for him as the Democratic Party's nominee.

He made it clear that he will remain in office until January, 2025, and address the nation this week.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee."

Biden continues to carry out his official duties from his Delaware residence after testing positive for Covid last week.

Harris, who stands a good chance to become the first Black woman and first American of Indian origin to receive presidential nomination, said she was "honored" to receive the endorsement and vowed to work hard to "earn and win" the nomination.

"I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination," she said in a statement.

Despite Biden's support, it remains to see if around 4,700 delegates will choose Harris as the party's new nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.

The party will "undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November," Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison said in a statement.

Since the Biden-Harris campaign amended filings in a letter sent to the Federal Election Commission to declare Harris as its candidate for president in the November election, it would give the 59-year-old politician and attorney access to campaign funds, reports say.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said "no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision" than Harris, who was the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017.

Other prominent Democrats who voiced their support for Harris include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Clearwater Paper Corp. (CLW), a supplier of consumer tissue and bleached paperboard, announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its tissue to Sofidel America Corp., a unit of Italian paper maker Sofidel S.p.A., for $1.06 billion.

The deal price is subject to adjustments for debt, cash, transaction expenses and net working capital.

According to Clearwater Paper, the sale, following the review of strategic options for the business, represents the next step in its transformation to become a premier independent supplier of paperboard to North American converters.

The sale is expected to close in the latter part of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Net proceeds from the transaction of around $850 million are projected to be used to meaningfully delever its balance sheet and invest in growth initiatives for its continuing operations.

In the deal, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Clearwater Paper, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is serving as legal advisor.

Arsen Kitch, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Sofidel, which we believe positions Clearwater Paper for its next chapter of growth and value creation. Clearwater Paper is transforming into a premier paper supplier in North America. Upon completion of this transaction, we intend to deleverage our balance sheet while scaling and diversifying our paperboard business to meet the needs of our customers."

Further, Luigi Lazzareschi, Chief Executive Officer of Sofidel, said the acquisition of the tissue business is another important milestone on its path to meet the growing demand for its products in the United States.

In a separate release, Clearwater Paper announced that it will release its second-quarter results on August 6.

In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Clearwater Paper shares were gaining around 2.2 percent to trade at $50.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the deadly Israeli strikes on Yemen has opened the potential risk of regional escalation.

Responding to Israel's airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, which reportedly killed at least six people and injured more than 80, he called for all parties involved in the conflict to "exercise utmost restraint".

In a statement, the UN chief noted that Israel had claimed responsibility for the strikes on Saturday, as a response to previous attacks on Israel by the Houthis - formally known as Ansar Allah - a group which controls swathes of territory in Yemen, including Hudaydah.

The strikes came after a drone attack on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Friday killed one person and wounded 10 others. The attack was claimed by the Houthis and led to a senior Israeli Government minister vowing to "settle the score". The Israelis strikes on Saturday hit electricity infrastructure and a refinery, creating a large fire.

Efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Yemeni government have stalled in recent months and, following the onset of the war in Gaza in October, the Houthis pledged to attack what they deemed to be pro-Israeli shipping interests along the Red Sea coast, as a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

In turn, a U.S.-led coalition defending shipping in the Red Sea has continued to strike areas controlled by Houthis in Hudaydah, the capital Sanaa and Taiz.

The Houthis reportedly warned that the group's response to the Israeli airstrikes will be huge and that the group would continue to attack Israel and that there would be no "red lines".

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Days on Earth are growing slightly longer, and that change is accelerating. The reason is connected to the same mechanisms that also have caused the planet's axis to meander by about 30 feet in the past 120 years. These findings come from two recent NASA-funded studies focused on how the climate-related redistribution of ice and water has affected Earth's rotation.

This redistribution occurs when ice sheets and glaciers melt more than they grow from snowfall and when aquifers lose more groundwater than precipitation replenishes. These resulting shifts in mass cause the planet to wobble as it spins and its axis to shift location  a phenomenon called polar motion. They also cause Earth's rotation to slow, measured by the lengthening of the day.

Researchers used more than 120 years of data to decipher how melting ice, dwindling groundwater, and rising seas are nudging the planet's spin axis and lengthening days.

Analyzing polar motion across 12 decades, scientists attributed nearly all of the periodic oscillations in the axis' position to changes in groundwater, ice sheets, glaciers, and sea levels. According to a paper published recently in Nature Geoscience, the mass variations during the 20th century mostly resulted from natural climate cycles.

The same researchers teamed on a subsequent study that focused on day length. They found that, since 2000, days have been getting longer by about 1.33 milliseconds per 100 years, a faster pace than at any point in the previous century. This was due to the accelerated melting of glaciers and the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets caused by the human-caused greenhouse emissions. Their results were published July 15 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Canadian market is up firmly in positive territory Monday afternoon with investors, tracking global stocks and picking up shares from across several sectors.

Real estate, healthcare, utilities, , consumer discretionary and industrials shares are among the prominent gainers. Financials and energy stocks are up as well.

Investors are closely following the developments on the U.S. political front, where President Joe Biden decided to not seek another term, and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 168.11 points or 0.74% at 22,858.50 a little while ago.

Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc (ZZZ.TO) shares are soaring 28%. The company announced today that has inked a deal to be acquired by 16133258 Canada Inc., a newly-formed subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (FFH.TO) for C$35 per share or around C$1.7 billion in cash. The purchase price represents a 28% premium to the closing price on July 19.

Bombardier Inc (BBD.B.TO) is gaining about 2.75%. CargoJet (CJT.TO), Constellation Software (CSU.TO), EQB Inc (EQB.TO) and Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC.A.TO) are up 2 to 2.5%.

Thomson Reuters (TRI.TO), Kinaxix Inc (KXS.TO), WSP Global (WSP.TO), goeasy (GSY.TO) and Intact Financial Corporation (IFC.TO) are gaining 1.6 to 2%.

Real estate stocks Northwest Healthcare Prop REIT (NWH.UN.TO) and Interrent Real Estate (IIP.UN.TO) are up 5% and 3.2%, respectively. Primaris REIT (PMZ.UN.TO), Crombie Real Estate (CRR.UN.TO), Allied Properties (AP.UN.TO), CT Real Estate Investment (CRT.UN.TO), CDN Apartment (CAR.UN.TO), FirstService Corp (FSV.TO) and Dream Industrial (DIR.UN.TO) are gaining 2 to 3%.

Air Canada (AC.TO) is down by about 4%. The company announced that it registered operating revenue of C$5.5 billion in the second quarter, higher than C$5.4 billion, posted for the same period previous year.

The airline revised down its adjusted EBITDA guidance to C$3.1 billion to C$3.4 billion from C$3.7 billion to C$4.2 billion, to reflect lower yield environment, lower-than-expected load factors for the second half, competitive pressures in international , and others.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Following the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's criticisms, Microsoft defended its decision to introduce 'Game Pass Standard' subscription at $14.99 per month, costing 36 percent more than the soon-to-be discontinued Game Pass for Console.

In a filing, the federal regulator has called the Redmond-based company's decision as "product degradation - removing the most valuable games from Microsoft's new servicecombined with price increases for existing customers, is exactly the sort of consumer harm from the merger the FTC has alleged".

In a letter to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Microsoft stated, "It is wrong to call this a 'degraded' version of the discontinued Game Pass for Console offering. That discontinued product did not offer multiplayer functionality, which had to be purchased separately for an additional $9.99/month (making the total cost $20.98/month)."

The tech giant added, "While Game Pass ultimate's price will increase from $16.99 to $19.99/month, the service will offer more value through many new games available 'day-and-date. Among them is the upcoming release of Call of Duty, which has never before been available on a subscription day-and-date."

The Xbox parent company also noted that the FTC was not so concerned about the price rise during the Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard (ATVI).

"Setting aside that it is common for businesses to change service offerings over time, the FTC case in all of its alleged has always been premised on Vertical foreclosure, that Microsoft would withhold Call of Duty from rivals and therefore harm competition", the tech giant continued.

"But even in the alleged subscription market, Call of Duty is not being withheld from anyone who wants it. And there remains no evidence anywhere of harm to competition: Sony's subscription service continues to thrive, even as they put few new games into their subscription day-and-date, unlike Microsoft".

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Rhodes University and Canon Collins Trust unite to support Southern African postgraduate excellence

By The Division of Communication and Advancement

Rhodes University and the Canon Collins Trust have announced a landmark partnership to increase educational opportunities for Southern African postgraduate students. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in fostering academic excellence and providing vital support to these students, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of higher education in the region.

This initiative, known as the Canon Collins Scholarships at Rhodes University, is designed to support Southern African postgraduate students in pursuing higher education at Rhodes University. The scholarships will be available for any postgraduate degree, with the scheme set to commence in the academic year 2024/25 and continue until 2028/29.

The Canon Collins Trust will award a minimum of three and a maximum of five scholarships per annum. The Trust will handle the solicitation and processing of applications, providing a shortlist of up to ten suitable candidates to be considered by a joint Rhodes University/Canon Collins panel. Candidates must have already been accepted to Rhodes University for postgraduate study.

The scholarship covers tuition fees and a maintenance allowance of up to R120,000 per successful candidate per year.

This initiative aligns with Rhodes University's objective to increase the number of African students at the institution. It also supports the Canon Collins Trust's mission to provide educational opportunities to students from Southern Africa.

Earlier this year, Rhodes University hosted a first-of-its-kind Postgraduate Funding Fair to foster connections between postgraduate students and potential funders. The event was a resounding success. This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing academic research and support at the institution, explained Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships. She added that the University will continue maintaining its legacy while adapting to new realities.

This involves creating conditions that allow for the continuous development of research excellence and ensuring that the impact of its work is widely recognised and celebrated. The universitys commitment to impactful knowledge is about advancing just societies and using research to address real-world problems, she said.

For more information on postgraduate funding, please email pgfunding@ru.ac.za or visit the Postgraduate Gateway at https://www.ru.ac.za/postgraduategateway.
While updated Alcazar will have refreshed exteriors, the petrol and diesel powertrain options will be carried forward

Hyundai is readying the Alcazar facelift to enhance its capabilities in the mid-size SUV segment. Test mules have been spotted frequently in recent months. Reports indicate that Hyundai could launch the Alcazar facelift by September.

Alcazar facelift  Whats new?

Based on latest sighting at a fuel station by Aditya Patnaik, changes can be seen across the front grille and bumper. The lighting setup is expected to be largely the same as earlier. It appears that Hyundai is aiming to achieve a higher level of differentiation with the Creta. A test mule was recently spotted in a unique Maroon shade, indicating the possibility of new colour options. Alcazar already offers users a comprehensive range of colour options to choose from.

Side profile has been updated with a new design for the body cladding. A new set of alloy wheels help achieve a sportier profile. Some slight modifications to the door panels are also noticeable. Alcazar facelift continues with the blacked-out pillars and conventional door handles. At the rear, the tailgate appears entirely new. Tail lights have also been updated, with focus on achieving a sharper rear profile. The new tail lamps have a dynamic mix of vertical and horizontal lighting elements.

ADAS kit

Talking about the equipment list, one of the key updates will be ADAS. This is urgently needed since rivals like Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector are already equipped with ADAS. The ADAS kit for Alcazar facelift is expected to be borrowed from the new Creta.

Onboard Creta, users can access a total of 19 Level 2 ADAS features. It includes forward collision warning and avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning and avoidance assist, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, lane following assist, leading vehicle departure alert, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, surround view monitor and blind spot view monitor.

Same powertrain

Hyundai Alcazar is known for its dynamic and reliable performance. It is a versatile SUV, with capabilities to meet expectations across a wide variety of terrains and environments. Its made possible with drive modes of Comfort, Eco and Sport and traction control modes of Snow, Sand and Mud.

The current engine options will be carried forward for the facelift model. Alcazars 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine generates 160 PS and 253 Nm. Transmission options include 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT. The 1.5-litre diesel engine generates 116 PS and 250 Nm. It is offered with transmission options of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

Alcazar facelift pricing

Alcazar facelift will have a refreshed dashboard and a dual-screen setup. The latter is expected to be similar to that of the new Creta. Updates are also possible across the upholstery and interior theme options. With the updates, Hyundai Alcazar facelift will be available at a higher pricing. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 16,77,500. The top-spec variant is listed at Rs 21,28,400, ex-sh.

Source
If Hyundai Genesis GV80 Coupe is launched in India, the luxury car buyers would be spoiled with a competitively priced option to choose from

If we take a look at Hyundai Groups brand positioning across the world and then India, there is a stark difference. Globally, Kia is the lower end, Hyundai is in the middle and Genesis at the top. In India, however, Kia is the more premium one and Hyundai is the lower end, while Genesis is not introduced yet. But will that change?

Hyundai Genesis GV80 Coupe

India is currently on the verge of witnessing the dawn of coupe SUVs. Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt are on the verge of launching. In a rather interesting turn of events, Hyundai has trademarked a coupe SUV in India. But not in the compact SUV segment to rival Curvv and Basalt.

Instead, Hyundais upcoming (not confirmed) coupe SUV is a luxury offering that may introduce the Genesis brand in India. Genesis, is Hyundais luxury division. In the same line as Acura is for Honda, Lexus is to Toyota, Infinity is to Nissan, Cadillac is to General Motors, and many other examples.

In January 2023, Hyundai Genesis GV80 test mules were spotted testing on Indian roads without any camouflage too. Probably on a market study of some sort. Now, Hyundai has trademarked Genesis GV80 Coupe in India, as seen in the images below. Hyundai hasnt confirmed introduction of Genesis brand in India and is likely to be an IP protection exercise.

If youre wondering where the vehicle will land if launched in India, Genesis GV80 Coupe is a stylish coupe SUV measuring 4,965 mm in length, 1,975 mm in width, 1,710 mm in height and has a 2,955 mm long wheelbase. It comes with either a 300 bhp 2.5L TGDi engine or a 410 bhp supercharged 3.5L V6 petrol or a 375 bhp twin-turbo 3.5L V6 petrol. 80L fuel tank, AWD system with e-LSD, active suspension are other notable elements. .

Will Genesis redefine luxury segment in India?

Specs aside, we have to take a look at Genesis GV80 Coupe in a different light as it is a luxury offering. Genesis GV80 Coupe was just updated for MY2025 and that is what Hyundai has trademarked in India. In Genesis SUV lineup, GV80 Coupe is the flagship, which is longer than the GV80 it is based on.

It rivals the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Audi Q8, BMW X6, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and others. Hyundai Genesis GV80 Coupe packs a lot of style and substance and is price-wise competitive to give the European rivals a run for their money. We would like Hyundai to launch Genesis vehicles in India apart from trademarking them for their IP protection.

Exterior design highlights include the large 22-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome to accentuate sportiness, red-painted 4-pot monoblock brake calipers, signature Genesis grill, Two-Line MLA headlights, matching LED tail lights, dynamic welcome lights, Coupe-specific bumper, dual mufflers with quad tips, Coupe-exclusive split spoiler, a bunch of glossy and matte colour option, among others.

Luxury highlights include acoustic double-glaze glass, front and rear ventilated and massaging seats, front and rear electrically operated seats, extensive use of soft-touch plastics and other exquisite materials, single-piece 27-inch OLED screen on the dashboard for infotainment and instrumentation, soft-close doors, ambient lighting, swanky Bang & Olufsen audio system, electrically operated boss-mode for rear occupants, optional 6-seat layout with captain chairs, plush carpets and more.
In this new image, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has focused its lens on the central part of the spiral galaxy NGC 3430.

NGC 3430 is located around 100 million light-years in the constellation of Leo Minor.

Otherwise known as IC 2613, LEDA 32614 or UGC 5982, this galaxy has a diameter of about 85,000 light-years.

NGC 3430 was first spotted on December 7, 1785 by the German-born British astronomer William Herschel.

Several other galaxies are located relatively nearby to this one, just out of frame, the Hubble astronomers said.

One is close enough that gravitational interaction is driving some star formation in NGC 3430.

That NGC 3430 is such a fine example of a galactic spiral may be why it ended up as part of the sample that Edwin Hubble used to define his classification of galaxies.

Namesake of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, in 1926, he authored a paper which classified some four hundred galaxies by their appearance  as either spiral, barred spiral, lenticular, elliptical or irregular.

This straightforward typology proved immensely influential, and the modern, more detailed schemes that astronomers use today are still based on it.

NGC 3430 itself is an SAc galaxy  a spiral galaxy lacking a central bar with open, clearly-defined arms, they added.

At the time of Hubbles paper, the study of galaxies in their own right was in its infancy.

With the benefit of Henrietta Leavitts work on Cepheid variable stars, Hubble had only a couple of years before settled the debate about whether these nebulae, as they were called then, were situated within our galaxy or were distant and independent.

He himself referred to extragalactic nebulae in his paper, indicating that they lay beyond the Milky Way Galaxy.

Once it became clear that these distant objects were very different from actual nebulae, the favored term for a while was the quite poetic island universe.

While NGC 3430 may look as if it still deserves this moniker, today we simply call it and the objects like it a galaxy.
Bangladeshs internet has been mostly shut down since Thursday amid an outbreak of violence between demonstrators and police, but the government has denied responsibility for the blackout, despite the countrys recent history of internet-related shutdowns during political unrest.

According to Netblocks, internet connectivity in Bangladesh plunged on Thursday from close to 100% availability to a little over 10%, where it has been ever since.

The shutdown occurred after student protests against a new jobs quota system turned violent. The jobs quota system  which was scrapped in 2018 but reinstated earlier this year  reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs 1971 war of independence against Pakistan, which protesters say favours the ruling Awami League party led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The protests have been going on for weeks, but escalated last week after student protesters were allegedly attacked by students supporting the Awami League, after which the government instigated a crackdown on the protests and imposed a curfew. According to media reports, at least 114 people have been killed in the ensuing violence.

The Bangladesh government has claimed that its not responsible for the shutdown, saying that protesters are to blame.

According to the Associated Press, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) claimed protesters set fire to one of its data centres on Thursday. Bangladeshs minister of state for information and broadcasting, Mohammad A. Arafat, told news site Rest of World (ROW) on Friday that arsonists vandalised several key establishments and cut broadband cables across the country.

Neither claim has been independently verified as we went to post.

However, according to ROW, ISPs and telcos it contacted have said the blackout was a government decision. Mobile operator Robi Axiata told ROW that the government has temporarily suspended mobile internet services in the light of the ongoing situation in the country.

Arafat has denied this, telling ROW, Whats our benefit here? If we wanted to put a halt on misinformation and communication between the protesting students, we could have just shut down social media.

However, digital rights watchdog Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition noted in an open letter on Friday that internet access in Bangladesh has been throttled, and social media and messaging apps blocked, multiple times since 2018, with no explanations offered by either the government or telcos. Such incidents have typically occurred during protests and opposition rallies, Access Now said.

Access Now and #KeepItOn called on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the BTRC to restore internet access immediately, saying that even partially disrupting and blocking app and internet access violates fundamental freedoms of expression and access to information under Article 39(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh. The letter also said the BTRC and other government agencies are not explicitly authorised under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 and other applicable laws to issue shutdown orders.

Access Now and #KeepItOn also said the internet shutdowns are costly and harmful to communities and businesses  a point backed by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, whose president, Russell T Ahmed, told ROW that the countrys ICT sector is collectively facing staggering financial losses as well as damage to its collective reputation.

According to the Daily Star, Bangladeshs ICT market contributed 1.28% to the GDP in 2023, and currently generates around US$1.4 billion per year in export income.

Meanwhile, its unclear when internet services will be restored, as the student protests are ongoing. Al Jazeera reported on Sunday that Bangladeshs Supreme Court scaled back the controversial job quota system from 30% to 5%. However, the student groups said that while they welcomed the decision, they will continue with the protests until their key demands are met, which includes the release of jailed demonstrators and the resignations of officials responsible for the violence.
Nokia and Bharti Airtel partnered to complete a 5G non-standalone Cloud RAN trial in India, a move for the operator to take a major step to equipping its network for the future.

Nokia said in a statement, the trial was conducted using 3.5GHz spectrum for 5G and 2,100MHz for 4G. Airtels commercial network achieved throughput of over 1.2Gbps.

Nokia explained the trial was a significant milestone in Airtel pushing its operations to the cloud and making its network more scalable and agile.

Bharti Airtel CTO Randeep Sekhon said: This successful Cloud RAN trial is a significant step forward in our consistent efforts to integrate the latest and most efficient technologies into our network and leverage these to deliver brilliant customer experiences. This partnership with Nokia has enabled us to pioneer innovative solutions to upgrade our capabilities in 5G.

Nokia President of Mobile Networks, Tommi Uitto added: This successful trial with our long-term partner, Bharti Airtel supports their ambitions for building scalable, agile and highly automated networks. Nokias approach to Cloud RAN means that our customers can flexibly evolve to Cloud RAN with choices in Cloud infrastructure and data center hardware. This will drive efficiency, innovation, openness, and scale in their RAN evolution.
Bills on Aliens, Migration and Citizenship will be submitted for "analysis" by Cuban representatives in the Third Period of Sessions of the 10th Legislature of the National Assembly of Popular Power, which begins on July 17. The three were published in June on the official website of the Cuban Parliament and defended, days later, by officials with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) at a press conference.

"There is no limitation of rights," said First Colonel Mario Mendez Mayedo, head of the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Aliens (DIIE), a division of the Interior Ministry. Nothing could be further from the truth.

With regards to the Immigration Bill, some media sources have praised its recognition of foreign citizens' right to inherit property in Cuba without having to reside on the Island, and it can also be said that it gives Cubans and foreigners equal rights; what this means, however, is that, like Cubans, foreigners will also have their freedom of expression curtailed.

Articles 4, 5, 20 and 28 (mainly, although there are others) establish the rights and duties of foreigners within Cuba. The duties include "maintaining a conduct of respect for and compliance with the Constitution (...) and other provisions in force (...) and abiding by (...) the traditions and customs of the Cuban people."

Foreigners who are expelled from Cuba under Article 74 of the bill for political reasons, or when it is argued that the expulsion is part of a sanction for engaging in acts, actions or activities undermining national security or internal order, will not have access to justice.

It should be recalled that the current Administrative Process Law states that the courts with jurisdiction over such matters are not competent to admit, handle or resolve any conflicts presented by an individual or legal person when the "defendant" (the regime) alleges that the conviction involved protecting "national security, constitutional order and/or the interior."

The right to inherit property in Cuba, an area where many harbor high hopes, can also be exercised only by foreigners who are close to the regime, or who at least do not openly express their opposition to it. The Migration Bill sets out the cases in which "an alien" may be declared "inadmissible," which includes the classic "for reasons of national security."

Therefore, a foreigner (or Cuban) who receives an inheritance, but is declared an opponent of the regime, could be deprived of exercising a right that, for the first time, will actually be recognized by law, but these people may be barred from entering Cuba for "having a record for acts of terrorism, trafficking in persons or illicit trafficking in migrants, trafficking in drugs or similar substances, money laundering, carrying or possessing illegal weapons, or other internationally prosecutable acts," as established in paragraph a) of Article 96.1 of the Migration Law project.

Obviously, the regime is selective regarding its prohibition of entry into Cuba of foreigners with such a background, as the Cuban authorities have allowed members of Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN), and of the Basque terrorist group ETA, including confessed perpetrators of kidnappings and attacks, onto the island.

Future Migration Law: Investing, Yes; Voting, No

This second bill, as already announced in November 2023 by Ernesto Soberon, General Director of Consular Affairs and Cubans Residing Abroad, attached to the Ministry of External Affairs (MINREX), eliminates the figure of the "emigrant."

This is not the result of a desire by the regime to recognize more rights for Cubans who decide to settle abroad, but rather a need for them to invest in the island's ailing economy.

In its explanation of the rationale behind the bill, the MININT admits that the objective of the law is "to establish the normative bases aimed at regulating an updated migratory system that corresponds to the current constitutional postulates (...)", and stresses that "in relation to Cuban citizens, migratory solutions are offered that contribute to their insertion into the new Cuban economy."

The new migratory categories established by the bill for Cubans are: resident in the national territory, and resident abroad, in accordance with its Article 26. The second includes investors and businesses, which are "those who participate in the Cuban economic model, based on the modalities approved by law."

By changing the category of "emigrant" to that of "resident abroad," the bill ensures that those who fall into this category, despite being able to invest and enjoy certain economic rights, do not have the very limited political rights that "residents in the national territory" do, like the right to vote in elections and referendums, or to exercise their initiative as citizens to propose modifications, annulments or additions to Cuban laws.

Article 30 states that "Cuban citizens who fall into the Migration Category of 'Resident in the National Territory' enjoy the rights and guarantees established by the Constitution of the Republic (...), with no limitations other than those established by law (...)". The bill does not establish the same conditions for residents abroad.

Rather, it features a third category, that of "transitional resident," which "allows the interested party to maintain a physical presence in the country, until they spend enough time in it to obtain Effective Migratory Residence," according to Article 27.2.

To become a resident in the national territory, it is not enough to remain in Cuba. According to Article 30, those who "intend to obtain the migratory category of resident in the national territory must comply with the other requirements established by the Regulations of this Law."

Said regulations will not be published until the law is approved, which, presumably, the deputies will do unanimously, as they usually do with any bill submitted for their review by the regime.

Future Citizenship Law: who told you that to be Cuban it is enough to be born in Cuba?

The Citizenship Bill, which will allow the regime to strip any Cuban of their nationality, will repeal Decree 358, "Citizenship Regulations" (1944), and is, actually, more retrograde than that rule 80 years ago.

Said regulation included the possibility of denying citizenship to people who sought to acquire it, but once in possession of nationality, especially for having been born in Cuba or being the son of at least one Cuban national, the person could not be stripped of it. This was protected by the then-current Constitution of 1940 and the regulation itself.

The current bill allows both Miguel Diaz-Canel and the Interior Ministry to deprive even a person born in Cuba of their nationality, and renders its maintenance contingent upon the fulfillment of "reciprocal rights and duties."

Thus, one's right to hold Cuban citizenship does not depend on their place of birth, or the nationality of their parents, but rather on their conduct towards the regime. Justifications for the deprivation of citizenship include "enlistment in any type of armed organization with the aim of undermining the territorial integrity of the Cuban State, its citizens and other persons residing in the country; or, from abroad, carrying out acts contrary to the political, economic and social interests of the Republic of Cuba, whenever so deemed by the corresponding authority."

This last sentence in Article 55.1 means that it suffices for Diaz Canel or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conclude that a Cuban has carried out acts contrary to the political, economic and social interests of the country (read that: the interests of the Government) to deprive him of his nationality.

The Citizenship Bill, thus, is a direct threat to the exercise of human rights, not only inside but also outside Cuba, potentially leading to the loss of other rights, such as that to property, and inheritances. After its approval, a considerable number of Cubans could be left stateless.
Kefi Gold and Copper reported recent advancements at the Tulu Kapi Gold Project in Ethiopia in an update on Monday, where the early works programme, initiated in May, was progressing well.

The AIM-traded firm, which was holding its annual general meeting, said the programme was set to continue until September, preparing the project for the finalisation of a $320m project finance package.

Major works were expected to start in October, with production set to start in mid-2026.

Tulu Kapi, designed to international standards, would be Ethiopia's first large-scale mining project in three decades, and was projected to become one of the countrys largest export generators.

In Saudi Arabia, Kefi's GMCO joint venture was emerging as a key player in the mining sector, the board added.

The companys projects, Jibal Qutman and Hawiah, were receiving robust regulatory support amidst the Saudi government's initiatives to attract international expertise.

Extensive drilling over the last year had refined known mineral resources and discovered new deposits.

Feasibility studies were underway to determine optimal development strategies and the potential scale of the projects.

GMCO's exploration efforts also extended to four additional project areas within their numerous licences.

The board said the past year had seen significant progress for Kefi, leveraging its early-mover advantage in the Arabian-Nubian Shield.

It said it had assembled top-tier teams, forged strong partnerships, and established banking relationships and contractor alliances to advance its mining projects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.

The favourable shift in both host countries policies and record high metal prices presented an opportunity for Kefi to push forward with its developments.

I, and my fellow Kefi board members, are committed to delivering a substantial return on investment deserved by our patient Kefi shareholders and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Kefis stakeholders for their continuing commitment and support, said executive chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams.

The coming months are pivotal for Kefi, particularly with our Tulu Kapi project in Ethiopia, and I look forward to the exciting next stages in the development of our projects.

At 1147 BST, shares in Kefi Gold and Copper were down 6.32% at 0.64p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Investors' attention over the coming week will be divided between a raft of purchasing managers' surveys due out and the ongoing stream of corporate results in the States.

On Wednesday, consultancy S&P Global is scheduled to publish preliminary purchasing managers' surveys for manufacturing and services in the euro area, UK and US during the month of July.

The night before, Alphabet and Tesla will update investors on their performance over the three months to June.

In particular, markets will be attention to how profit growth is holding up at the latter while in the case of Tesla everyone is looking for an update on its robotaxi initiative.

Also in focus will be the first look at second quarter gross domestic product growth in the US, courtesy of the Department of Commerce, on Thursday.

It will be followed on Friday by a reading on the PCE price deflator for July and the preliminary results of the University of Michigan's closely followed consumer confidence survey for the US.

Monday 22 July

GMS

Inspiration Healthcare Group

FINALS

AdvancedAdvT Limited NPV (DI)

AGMS

Inspiration Healthcare Group , KEFI Gold and Copper , LondonMetric Property, Metals one , Tasty, TPXimpact Holdings, TPXimpact Holdings

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Beeks Financial Cloud Group

Tuesday 23 July

INTERIMS

Science Group , SThree

FINALS

Cropper (James), Marlowe

AGMS

B&M European Value Retail S.A. (DI), B.P. Marsh & Partners, Fidelity China Special Situations , Fuller Smith & Turner, GB Group, Mitie Group, Praetura Growth Vct , Triple Point Venture Vct

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Compass Group, JTC, Luceco , Mitie Group

Wednesday 24 July

INTERIMS

Breedon Group , Breedon Group , Primary Health Properties, RHI Magnesita N.V. (DI), Unite Group

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crude Oil Inventories (US) (15:30)

GFK Consumer Confidence (GER) (07:00)

MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (12:00)

New Homes Sales (US) (15:00)

Q2

Banco Santander S.A., PensionBee Group

FINALS

Totally, Van Elle Holdings

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Castings

EGMS

SDIC Power Holdings Co.,Ltd GDR (Reg S)

AGMS

Ajax Resources, Atome, Atome, Audioboom Group, BiVictriX Therapeutics, Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited NPV, Molten Ventures, Motorpoint Group, Norcros, Pennon Group

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Baillie Gifford China Growth Trust , Serica Energy, Worldwide Healthcare Trust

Thursday 25 July

INTERIMS

Aptitude Software Group , AstraZeneca, Centamin (DI), Howden Joinery Group, Indivior, Lloyds Banking Group, Rentokil Initial, Sound Energy , Unilever

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Compass Group

INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Blackrock Income And Growth Investment Trust, Coral Products, Synectics

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Brunner Inv Trust, General Electric Co (CDI)

QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE

City of London Inv Trust, HICL Infrastructure , JPMorgan Claverhouse Inv Trust, Tufton Oceanic Assets Limited NPV

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Continuing Claims (US) (13:30)

Durable Goods Orders (US) (13:30)

GDP (Preliminary) (US) (13:30)

IFO Business Climate (GER) (09:00)

IFO Current Assessment (GER) (09:00)

IFO Expectations (GER) (09:00)

Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30)

M3 Money Supply (EU) (09:00)

Pending Homes Sales (US) (15:00)

Q2

AstraZeneca, Centamin (DI), Unilever

FINALS

Cambridge Nutritional Science

SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Octopus AIM VCT

EGMS

Kibo Energy (CDI)

AGMS

Alpha Real Trust Ltd., Arkle Resources (CDI), CMC Markets, Lifesafe Holdings , Milton Capital, Montanaro UK Smaller Companies Inv Trust, MS International, Oxford Instruments, Oxford Instruments, Petards Group, Petrel Resources (CDI), Riverfort Global Opportunities , Streaksai , Tate & Lyle, Victoria, VP, Workspace Group, Workspace Group, Workspace Group, Young & Co's Brewery 'A' Shares

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Paragon Banking Group, Vodafone Group

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Franchise Brands, Fuller Smith & Turner, Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Bloomsbury Publishing, Calnex Solutions , Celtic 6% Cnv Cum Prf, City of London 4.2% Cum 1st Prf Stk, City of London Investment Trust 4.2% Non-Cum 2nd Prf Stk, City of London Investment Trust Preference Ord Stk 14% Non-Cumulative 1, Nexteq, Northern 2 VCT, Northern 3 VCT, Northern Venture Trust, Octopus AIM VCT, Palace Capital , Pennon Group, QinetiQ Group, SSE, Volex, ZCCM Investments Holdings 'B' Shares

Q1

Airtel Africa

Friday 26 July

INTERIMS

Drax Group, IMI, Rightmove, SEGRO

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Barings Emerging Emea Opportunities , Gooch & Housego, Hargreave Hale AIM VCT , Paragon Banking Group, The Character Group, Union Jack Oil

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Alpha Real Trust Ltd., Patria Private Equity Trust, Real Estate Credit Investments Ltd

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Personal Consumption Expenditures (US) (13:30)

Personal Income (US) (13:30)

Personal Spending (US) (13:30)

U. of Michigan Confidence (Final) (US) (15:00)

FINALS

Babcock International Group

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Hargreave Hale AIM VCT

AGMS

Axis Bank Ltd GDR (Reg S), CT UK High Income Trust, Discoverie Group, Discoverie Group, Keras Resources

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Record

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

3i Group, Airtel Africa , Anpario, B.P. Marsh & Partners, Berkeley Group Holdings (The), Big Yellow Group, Bisichi , British Land Company, Edinburgh Inv Trust, Inspired, Land Securities Group, Premier Foods, Skillcast Group, Templeton Emerging Markets Inv Trust, Value and Indexed Property Income Trust, Vertu Motors, Wynnstay Properties
BT's former chief executive officer, Philip Jansen, is plotting to takeover Rentokil Initial with the help of private equity. As part of the acquisition, Jansen would take over as executive chairman. In particular, the corporate dealmaker and his financial supporters would focus on making Rentokil's 2022 purchase of US peer Terminix work. In a second phase, the company would move on to acquiring other US companies in the same sector. - Sunday Times

Asset manager Columbia Threadneedle Investments is forecasting that UK families' energy bills are set to rise by 194 a year as the energy price cap jumps from 1,568 to 1,762 as a result of the war in Ukraine. The prediction from Columbia's chief economist, Steven Bell, was based on the recent jump in energy future contracts as a result of the fact that Ukraine was losing the war. Bell said there was concern that storage and transhipment facilities in Ukraine might come under threat. - Sunday Telegraph

Crowdstrike, the cybersecurity outfit behind the global IT outage that hit companies around the world, said on Sunday that it had deployed a fix for the "defect" that had triggered the crisis. However, according to the British Medical Association, it will take time to clear the backlog that resulted at NHS. Wizz Air for its part reported that its systems were up and running but added that it would take "some time" for flight schedules to "return to normal". - Guardian

Bonds issued by TalkTalk fell sharply during the previous week due to concern that the broadband provider might find it difficult to refinance over 1bn of debt maturing over the next seven months. The bonds' lost 10p in price to end the week at 80p in the pound due to a lack of a substantive update on its talks for a capital injection from Macquarie. - The Sunday Times
The Asian Coalition for Health Empowerment (ACHE) in collaboration with Doctors Against Addiction (DAAD), held Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India campaign. Receiving support from medical professionals and the public, for an addiction free and healthy India.

The 'Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India' is galvanising the nation with its signature campaign. Lead by the Asian Coalition for Health Empowerment (ACHE))in collaboration with Doctors Against Addiction (DAAD), the campaign is garnering unprecedented support from medical professionals and the public, paving the way for a healthier, addiction-free India.

For the past eight months, the campaign has received huge support from more than 1,000 medical doctors, public health experts, and undergraduate (UG) and post-graduate (PG)medical students signing on to support the campaign. These signatures are being compiled and shared with health organizations and policymakers, including the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), to advocate for stringent measures in tobacco cessation.

Dr Narender Saini, Former General Secretary, Indian Medical Association (IMA), asserts, The Nasha Mukti Indradhanush Abhiyan India is not just a campaign; its a movement towards a healthier future. The campaign embodies a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the grip of tobacco addiction while advocating for stricter policies to curb tobacco use and other harmful substances. We are witnessing a dynamic shift in how tobacco cessation is approached. The collective efforts of our dedicated healthcare professionals and the broader community in dispelling myths and fostering awareness are crucial steps toward a healthier society.

The campaigns focus spreads awareness beyond tobacco, pointing addictions like drugs, alcohol, and even smartphone overuse. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG-3), which highlights guaranteeing healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages, embodying a preventive and curative approach to tackling the crisis.

Dr Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital Delhi, highlights the campaigns comprehensive approach, stating, We are witnessing a paradigm shift. Our strategy integrates global best practices with local insights, ensuring a robust framework for tackling addiction. By uniting healthcare professionals and concerned citizens, this campaign creates a powerful voice to advocate for better health practices and policies. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving our goals and making a lasting impact on public health".
In 2023, the global higher education sector had over 26,000 universities and colleges, offering more than 4,500 different undergraduate and graduate programs. Despite these impressive numbers, many institutions face falling enrollments, which have dropped by ~5% over the past decade in several countries, including the United States and India. This decline threatens the sustainability and growth of many colleges and universities.

Suhas Jangoan, an expert in data engineering with 12 years of experience, is tackling this challenge head-on. With experience at multinational firms like Zendesk, EAB, and MedeAnalytics, Suhas is now partnering with Kuppam Engineering College and Jawaharlal nehru technological university (JNTU) - affiliated community colleges to boost their student enrollments using advanced data-driven strategies.

Data Engineering and Technology in Education

Suhas Jangoan believes that data engineering and technology can play a vital role in increasing college enrollments. He has created a framework that includes AI-powered data management platforms, cloud-based data storage, and education-specific data warehouses. These tools help colleges access reliable data quickly, making it easier to make informed decisions.

"Building a strong data system is essential for solving enrollment issues," Suhas says. "With the right tools, colleges can get insights fast, speed up reporting, and tackle enrollment problems effectively."

Data-Driven Marketing Campaigns

Enrollment rates can improve with data-driven marketing campaigns. Suhas has successfully used these campaigns to find the right students and build stronger connections with them, leading to higher enrollment rates. Under- standing how Gen-Z communicates is key to effective marketing. Using various channels, early applications, and student-friendly application processes creates immediate interest and boosts application numbers.

"Personalized communication is crucial today," Suhas notes. "Using CRM systems and AI chatbots, colleges can give timely and relevant information, making the application process smoother for students."

User-Friendly Analytics and Visualization Tools

Suhas advocates for giving colleges access to easy-to-use analytics and data visualization tools. These tools help teams make predictive models and explore data relationships, such as how financial aid affects student success. AI features like Query Assist and Data Search Assist make finding necessary data easier, increasing confidence in data-based decisions.

Optimizing Financial Aid Strategies

Furthermore, financial aid is a major factor for many students choosing a college. Suhas helps colleges optimize their financial aid strategies using data analytics, attracting a diverse range of students and boosting enrollments. Additionally, virtual tours and robust analytics to track engagement are essential tools for engaging prospective students.

Beyond Education: Mentorship, and Community Engagement

Beyond his contributions to education, Suhas is committed to community engagement and mentorship. Recognized as a top 1% mentor on ADPList, he advises aspiring engineers globally, helping them build technical and leadership skills. He has led STEM outreach programs in the United States and contributes articles to platforms like DZone and the British Computer Society Discover. His work makes complex data technologies accessible to a global audience by breaking down intricate concepts into simple, understandable language. His research on explainable AI and privacy-preserving techniques addresses both the ethical and technical challenges of AI, offering practical solutions for responsible implementation.

A sustainable Future for Education

By using technology and data engineering, colleges can significantly improve enrollments. Effective financial aid strategies, immersive virtual tours, predictive analytics, and personalized marketing campaigns are key to over- coming current challenges. Suhass work at Kuppam Engineering College shows the power of these approaches.

"The highest levels of performance come to people who see a problem as an opportunity," says Suhas Jangoan. "Using data and technology, colleges can create a sustainable and successful future."

Suhas Jangoan's innovative data-driven strategies are transforming higher education. His work at Kuppam Engineering College and beyond shows how technology and data engineering can address enrollment challenges, paving the way for a sustainable and successful future for educational institutions.

For more information visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhasjangoan/
Tata Communications Ltd has begun incorporating the initial batch of Nvidia's artificial intelligence (AI) chips within the company, according to Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) A.S. Lakshminarayanan in an exclusive interview. The digital infrastructure provider is investing in developing its own AI capabilities. Lakshminarayanan stated that select customers will have access to the chips shortly, with broader availability anticipated by the end of the year.

We have received some chips and are currently installing and implementing them, said Lakshminarayanan. We are investing internally in AI, using these chips for various internal use cases. Select customers will get them first, but broader availability will be by the years end.

Nvidia and Tata Communications are working together to develop an AI cloud in India. This partnership aims to provide critical AI computing infrastructure and platforms for enterprises, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS). Tata Communications reported a ?333 crore profit for the quarter ending June 30, down 13% from the same quarter last year, despite an 18% increase in revenue to Rs 5,633 crore.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) increased by 9.8%, reaching Rs 1,124 crore compared to Rs 1,024 crore in the same quarter last year. Despite this rise, the Ebitda margin declined by 150 basis points to 20% from 21.5% in Q1 FY24. The reduction in profit was attributed to the acquisition of The Switch and Kaleyra, along with other non-profitable subsidiaries. However, the top executive mentioned that the decline in Ebitda margin was anticipated and in line with their strategy of investing in future growth.

During the March 2024 quarter, the company mentioned that one of its subsidiaries had issued a termination notice to a customer, hinting at Vodafone Idea Ltd without naming it, and was in discussions on a disengagement transition plan. Further discussions are ongoing regarding pending dues. We expect the payments due to us will be made as our relationships were good last quarter. We are still in the early stages of contract termination and separation, Lakshminarayanan said.
The Union Budget 2024-2025 is set to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability initiatives, aiming to drive long-term economic growth and environmental resilience, experts said.

Last month, the World Economic Forum (WEF) praised India's progress in the global energy transition, noting the country's leadership in creating replicable outcomes.

Saunak Saha, Partner of Climate Change and Sustainability Services at EY India, emphasized the need for enhanced incentives for green technologies, stricter carbon emission regulations, and increased funding for sustainable infrastructure projects. "Our energy and transport sectors need to decarbonize, which will help other sectors with their decarbonization agendas. These measures will not only help India meet its climate commitments but also position the nation as a leader in sustainable development", Saha stated.

India added a record renewable energy capacity of 18.48 GW in 2023-24, a 21% increase from 15.27 GW the previous year, according to government data.

Shailendra Singh Rao, Founder of Creduce, highlighted the need for substantial funding for clean energy projects, including solar, wind, e-mobility, and green hydrogen. "This should encompass investments in grid infrastructure, tax breaks, and subsidies. This will be a significant relief, particularly for the transition sector. To accomplish our immediate 2030 objective, we must concentrate on the same", Rao said.

Experts also anticipate budgetary support for enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources, particularly battery storage solutions.
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DEAR ABBY:

My husband is brilliant, classy, faithful, a great father and handsome at 46, with not even a wrinkle. Hes been in a financial rut for about a decade and has let himself go. I respect him, but when I try to help him look better, he says, I dont care. Go ahead and leave me, which I think is very immature.

I am becoming resentful because Ive been with him for so long and have contributed 50% to our finances and 100% to his dreams as he has moved us around the USA. Im 42 and beginning to find younger men attractive. While Id never cheat, I cant help but miss the man I fantasize about in my dreams. Its hurtful that he doesnt care. People think hes my father when they meet him. Please help.  MISSING THE REAL HIM



DEAR MISSING:

Has it occurred to you that when a brilliant, classy, faithful, handsome 46-year-old man who has been in a rut for the last 10 years lets his appearance go, he may be depressed? Rather than a physical makeover, he may need a mental one. Tell him you love him, that you are worried about his physical and mental health, and try to convince him to tell his doctor how hes feeling. If you do, it may be the answer to your problem.

** ** **

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

** ** **

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order How to Have a Lovely Wedding. Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
Actress Esta TerBlanche, star of the long-running soap All My Children has died at the age of 51, according to TMZ. The cause of the South African actress death is unknown.

Her goddaughter, Barbie Ashley told the outlet that TerBlanche died unexpectedly in her North Hollywood home and is believed to have been dead about a day before she was discovered. The South African actress  who was a former Miss Teen South Africa 1991 was 51 years old.

TerBlanches manager, Annie Spolianski, confirmed her death with PEOPLE, saying: We are deeply saddened by this news. Esta was such a kind, loving, giving, and caring person. Im grateful to have known her for the time that I did, and devastated to learn of her passing.

A representative for TerBlanche also confirmed her death to USA TODAY, after an announcement was made on Facebook by her publicist, Lisa Rodrigo.

I can not believe I am posting this, Rodrigo said on Facebook. Its with a heavy heart that my friend and client Esta TerBlanche passed away Thursday of natural causes. An autopsy report is pending. I am still processing and in shock.

Esta was a beautiful soul in and out, she added. I was proud to know her and work with her. More to come in the days ahead.

TerBlanche rose to fame on All My Children from 1997 to 2001, portraying Gillian Andrassy Lavery, a Hungarian princess opposite the character Ryan Lavery, portrayed by actor Cameron Mathison. The character of the trouble-making princess was killed off in 2001.

Her first acting role was as Bienkie Naude Hartman on South Africas first soap opera, Egoli: Place of Gold, from 1992 to 1995.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Maker Park Radio  an all-volunteer, non-profit streaming station in Stapleton  marked its seventh anniversary with a vibrant Music & Arts Fest at Maker Park, located at 450 Front Street, attracting more than 400 attendees.

The celebration featured performances by New York City bands Grandma Drinks, Modern Day Machines, King Like Mom, PONS, Lip Critic, and A Place to Bury Strangers.

Between sets, Albert Cadabra, known for his work at Ripleys Believe It Or Not and Six Flags Fright Fest, captivated the audience with a straight jacket escape act.

In addition, 13 local vendors offered unique items, from local honey by Green Stinger Beekeeping to live printmaking by Old Town Press and a photo booth by Cristine Cruz Photography, with a walk-in art show curated by tattooist Magie Serpica, featuring 20 local artists.

Food and beverages were provided by Seppe Pizza Bar, The Burrito Bar, and local breweries Killsboro and Flagship.

Their next event, a Funk and Soul-inspired show featuring Lee Fields, Snacktime & The Jazztronauts, is scheduled for August 3.

Concertgoers enjoy A Place to Bury Strangers the Maker Park Radio's 7 Year Anniversary Music & Arts Fest event on July 20, 2024. (Courtesy Katie Dadarria)Courtesy Jack Ferrie

MORE ABOUT MAKER PARK RADIO

Maker Park Radio is a Non-Profit Community Streaming Radio Station broadcasting from MakerSpace NYC in Stapleton. providing free training and air-time, along with various workshops. They organize about 10 musically diverse events annually.

Started in 2017 by founder Kristin Wallace in order to create a hub for artists and music lovers, Maker Park Radio has grown to be an integral part of the arts on Staten Island, supported by community sponsors and volunteers.

MPR amplifies the incredible arts and cultural communities on Staten Island and creates a space for artists to showcase their work as well as a safe space for discourse through discussion of the arts, supporting artists across mediums and genres.

A Place to Bury Strangers performs at Concertgoers enjoy the Maker Park Radio event on July 20, 2024. (Courtesy Jack Ferrie)(Courtesy Jack Ferrie)

MPR also provides a free space for people to celebrate their passion for music and culture, championing talent and encouraging the curation and documentation of music and and the art of DJing. DJing is free at Maker Park Radio.

MPRs DJs and radio hosts are community members with varying DJ experience. Free practice space and time and workshops in DJing, broadcasting, marketing, and journalism are offered.

Maker Park Radio, Inc. is funded in part by The National Endowment for The Arts, The Staten Island Foundation, New York Counsel On The Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

For more info, email: MakerParkRadio@gmail.com

Photo booth fun at the Maker Park Radio's 7 Year Anniversary Music & Arts Fest event on July 20, 2024. (Courtesy Jack Ferrie)(Courtesy Jack Ferrie)

Albert Cadabra performs at the Maker Park Radio's 7 Year Anniversary Music & Arts Fest event on July 20, 2024. (Courtesy Jack Ferrie)(Courtesy Jack Ferrie)

Poster Screenprinting at the Old Town Press at the Maker Park Radio's 7 Year Anniversary Music & Arts Fest event on July 20, 2024. (Courtesy Jack Ferrie)(Courtesy Jack Ferrie)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The 13th Annual Smooth Sounds by the Sea offered a relaxing afternoon of soulful jazz and R&B at the historic Alice Austen House in Rosebank.

The yearly event pays tribute to and celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and the music and culture of America by showcasing a diverse range of live jazz and R&B performances.

This is an outstanding event that brings music to the community, said Beth Coleman-Oliver, chairwoman of Staten Island Black Heritage. We have people who have been coming for 13 years and they really enjoy the event, were hoping that the day stays nice and doesnt rain. But even if rains, well still stay out here. A lot of the bands come from the community, but we have bands from outside of Staten Island to celebrate the rich history of music in the community.

The Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet was one of several groups to entertain at the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" event on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

Against a clear sky featuring a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline and the backdrop of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, guests made themselves comfortable in lawn chairs while enjoying a wide array of food, beverage and live music.

Im just here for the music; you couldnt have picked a better day, said Ronnie Heath of St. George.

Tameka Schenck of Mariners Harbor said that shes been attending the event yearly to hear jazz for the last three or four years.

Dozen gathered at the Alice Austen House in Rosebank for the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" event on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

This years musical guests included The Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet, a vibrant and energetic group that blends Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz music; Never Lose Touch, otherwise known as NLT, a Queens-based band of six members, who performed soulful classics, as well as contemporary R&B and pop hits; and from New Jersey, V Music, founded by Vernon Crowe Jr., which entertained the audience with their eclectic sound.

Since it started, its always been a nice event with a nice crowd, Doretha of Grimes Hill said.

New Jersey-based V Music entertains the enthusiastic crowd during the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" in Rosebank on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

During a moment between bands, Morielle (Nubia) Braithwaite and Rev. Dale Smith were both presented with Smooth Sounds Lifetime Achievement Awards for their significant contributions to youth development by cultivating leadership skills and an appreciation for the African/African American culture of Staten Islands North Shore youth.

Braithwaite, with her 20 years of teaching African dance, and Rev. Dale Smith, co-founder of the Michael Hines Saturday Academy, where youth receive academic tutoring and African drumming classes, have both played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the African rich cultural heritage.

Even though its a fundraiser for Staten Island Black Heritage, its a community event, event organizer Minnie Graham told the Advance/SILive.com. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

Even though its a fundraiser for Staten Island Black Heritage, its a community event, event organizer Minnie Graham told the Advance/SILive.com. We welcome everyone to come in and share and enjoy the music, the view and the Alice Austen House. Weve had numerous other groups from our community come down and hold events here which is really great because it builds up unity and fellowship on Staten Island. We all reside on this borough here. Especially in these times when people are fractured and divisive, an event like this breaks down barriers, dispels myths and brings people a feeling of good will.

Graham went on to say that its music that can transcend everyday issues, as its the universal language of love.

Proceeds from Smooth Sounds by the Sea will significantly support the 13th Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, when the kick-off ceremony happens at 11 a.m. on Vanderbilt Avenue and Richmond Road.

The parade will follow at noon (Vanderbilt Avenue) and the We Are Family Festival (at Tappen Park in Stapleton), from 1 until 5 p.m.

For more information about the Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day, sponsorship opportunities, vendors, or parade participation, kindly visit www.SIBlackHeritageDay.com.

Dozens made their way to the Alice Austen House in Rosebank for the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" Jazz and R&B event on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

Dozens made their way to the Alice Austen House in Rosebank for the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" Jazz and R&B event on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod

Dozens made their way to the Alice Austen House in Rosebank for the 13th annual "Smooth Sounds by the Sea" Jazz and R&B event on Sunday, July 21, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Scott R. Axelrod)Scott R. Axelrod
A man with a lengthy criminal history convicted last year of killing a missing 21-year-old New Jersey woman in 1980 in California has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

The conviction brings a measure of closure to the surviving family of Holly Ann Campiglia who had been found by two workers in a cornfield in Dixon, California, on Aug 3, 1980 after being shot to death, according to a statement from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office and a report in the Courier-Post that was published 44 years ago.

The body was an unidentified Jane Doe until being identified in 1992 as Campiglia by the National Missing Persons Unit, according to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

She was identified after her family noticed her name had been mistakenly removed from a national missing persons database, the Courier-Post reported in 1992.

Authorities didnt charge anyone for decades later, though. In late 2021, Campiglias family asked if any of the original evidence could be re-tested using the improved technology available, the sheriffs office said.

Investigators learned the DNA on the evidence was a match for then 76-year-old Herman Lee Hobbs, who was already serving time in a California prison for a the murder and sexual assault of a teenager and the sexual assault of another in the early 2000s.

Detectives then obtained a warrant to obtain new DNA from Hobbs and it proved to be a match for a second time. Hobbs was charged with Campiglias murder in February 2023.

Hollys family has suffered tremendously over the past four decades, the sheriffs office said in a statement. They turned their grief into action and never gave up in their search for justice, sheriffs office officials said in a statement. We know that todays sentencing will not bring Holly back, but it is our hope that it gives them some peace.

Campiglia had run away from home multiple times when she vanished for good in Cherry Hill on June 10, 1980, according to the Courier-Post.

The oldest of five sisters, Campiglia jumped out of her mothers car on Route 70 in Cherry Hill while being driven to a counseling center, the Courier-Post said.

She began running away from the familys home in 1977 while a freshman attending Glassboro State College (now Rowan University).

Campiglias family last heard from her in July 1980 when she mailed them a letter with a return address of Sacramento, California, saying she was living with two men and that they should try not to think of her anymore, her now deceased mother told the newspaper in 1992.

The return address proved to be fake.
Its been a month like few others in American political history.

And now weve seen something that most of us have never seen in our lifetimes: a sitting president and presumptive nominee for re-election bowing out of the race.

Thats what President Joe Biden stunningly did over the weekend, saying that it was better for the country for him to step aside rather than see the fight through to November against former GOP President Donald Trump.

In standing down, Biden endorsed his number two, Vice President Kamala Harris, for the Democratic nomination.

Its a historic moment, putting in motion the possibility that America could have its first woman and its first Black woman as president.

The last time something this titanic happened in a presidential race was 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson stood down after a poor showing against Sen. Eugene McCarthy in the New Hampshire primary and amid increasing unrest over the Vietnam War.

But there are key differences.

LBJ bowed out in March, not a month before the Democratic National Convention, as Biden has done. And Johnson did not immediately endorse his own lieutenant, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, for the nomination.

And Johnson had not suffered the mental and physical decline that weve seen with Biden, including during that disastrous debate against Trump in June.

But if Biden really thinks that Harris is fit for the presidency, then Biden should resign and let Harris be the nations chief executive for these months leading up to Election Day in November.

If Biden is not fit for the campaign trail, hes certainly not fit for the White House.

And resigning would give Harris a leg up in the race and, more importantly, would allow Americans, including the millions of Democrats who voted for Biden in the primaries, to vet her in the actual office.

Because lets remember that Harris didnt exactly set the world on fire during her own presidential run in 2020.

She got a big boost when she went toe-to-toe with Biden on the debate stage, taking Biden to task for his stand against forced busing decades ago. Harris as much as called Biden a racist in front of the whole country.

But that turned out to be Harris high-water mark. Her campaign was riven by internal strife and her poll numbers eventually cratered. She exited the race before a single vote was cast.

She has also had her own word-soup struggles and will have to answer just the same for Biden administration shortcomings, including the open border, which was a main piece of the Harris portfolio.

Ironic, to say the least, that Biden, who was furious about the debate encounter, has now given Harris his imprimatur for the presidency, a brass ring that Biden spent more than 30 years chasing before nabbing it.

As it is, not every Dem has rushed to back Harris for the nomination, most notably former two-term President Barack Obama.

You would think that Obama, the first Black president in the nations history, would be quick to get behind Harris, as many other Democrats, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, have been.

Maybe Obama will find that he no longer speaks with the loudest voice in the national Democratic Party. Because the Dems look more than eager by the minute to make Harris their standard-bearer, no matter what the 44th president has to say about it.

Every week, it seems, the 2024 presidential race has been transformed.

We had Bidens debate flameout, which brought extraordinary calls from within his own party for him to step aside.

We saw the assassination attempt against Trump, and his fist-pumping response that electrified supporters. It was another echo of 1968, when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were felled by assassins bullets.

Now weve seen Biden stand down in favor of Harris, which has again remade the race.

Instead of two older white men battling it out, we see an older white man versus a younger Black woman. Theres a different kind of energy now.

At least until next week.
The Kamala Harris nomination train could be unstoppable.

Less than a day after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Harris to replace him, Harris has already rung up support from hundreds of Democratic delegates for the nomination.

The Associated Press reported that more than 700 delegates have either publicly announced or told the news agency that they plan to support Harris for the nomination, more than a third of the total needed for the nod.

Bidens exit from the race releases his 3,896 delegates to support whomever they want at next months Democratic National Convention.

Quoting Democratic party rules, the AP said that 1,976 delegates are needed to win the nomination.

The Hill reported that three entire state delegations have already pledged themselves to support Harris for the Democratic nomination at the convention.

North Carolina voted unanimously during a conference call on Sunday to commit its 168 delegates to Harris, with Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton writing on social media: Im proud of our party. LFG!

In a conference call on Sunday, Tennessee voted to commit all 77 of its delegates to Harris, the Hill said.

And South Carolina pledged all 55 of its delegates to Harris after a virtual meeting on Sunday.

It will be up to the delegates to choose the nominee. Democrats will kick off their presidential nominating convention in Chicago on Aug. 19.

Candidates need at least 300 delegates in order to be considered for the nomination at the convention.

No rivals have yet appeared for Harris, and major party figures, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, have already endorsed her.

Additional endorsements Monday, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, left a dwindling list of potential rivals to Harris, the AP said.

Former President Barack Obama has notably not endorsed Harris. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has also yet to endorse Harris.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for a federal emergency declaration from President Biden, in the wake of a series of storms and an unprecedented number of tornadoes that hit New York State this month.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Hochul wrote: New York has seen an unprecedented 17 confirmed tornadoes so far this month  more than Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Iowa combined.

New York has seen an unprecedented 17 confirmed tornados so far this month  more than Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi, & Iowa combined.



As we help communities recover from last weeks severe weather, Ive requested a federal Emergency Declaration to support our efforts. pic.twitter.com/c8oYLQj9de  Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 20, 2024

The call for an emergency declaration comes as Hochuls office looks to help communities recover from last weeks severe weather that impacted 15 counties between July 15 and 16.

An EF2 tornado touched down in Rome, Oneida County, with six others touching down in five counties, according to a press release by the governors office.

The Rome tornado, according to Hochuls office, was the strongest recorded in Oneida County since July 23, 1990.

A federal emergency declaration, according to the release by the governors office, would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide reimbursement for debris removal operations, emergency protective measures like search and rescue operations, and actions to eliminate or reduce immediate threats of significant additional damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities and utilities.

The counties that were affected by last weeks storm include Chemung, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oswego, Oneida, Ontario, Saratoga, Schuyler, Steuben and Warren.

According to the press release, there were a total of 41 tornado warnings on July 10 and Lewis County saw a record-breaking 6.02 inches of precipitation.

The last time New York has seen a large number of confirmed tornadoes for the month of July was in 1992, when the state saw 13.

Several agencies across New York State, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, are working together to help communities back up.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Recipients of Social Security benefits are among the most common targets of online scams, prompting legitimacy concerns among beneficiaries any time they receive a message claiming to come from the federal government.

However, one recent message that may have raised eyebrows is fully legitimate and poses no threat to recipients, their benefits or their personal information.

The Social Security Administration recently distributed emails announcing that residents who created their online My Social Security account before Sept. 18, 2021 must transition to a Login.gov account to continue accessing their online services.

Officials said the change is being made to simplify the log-in experience for the millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits and bring all accounts in line with federal authentication standards.

Were excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies, said Social Security Commissioner Martin OMalley.

My Social Security accounts provide information on the status of applications, replacing Social Security cards, estimating future benefits and managing existing benefits.

To transition, account holders should sign in to their My Social Security account, at which point they will be prompted to quickly transition to Login.gov.

Once the accounts are linked, a confirmation screen will appear and users will be able to access all their personal information and service options.

Existing Login.gov or ID.me account holders do not need to create a new account or take any action.

The Social Security Administration offers the following tips to residents to help identify potential scams.

Scammers may use legitimate names and phone numbers of Social Security Administration (SSA) or SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) employees. Do not rely on names or caller ID to verify that the caller is a government employee. Many scam calls spoof official government phone numbers, or even numbers for local police departments, according to the Social Security Administration.

Residents should be wary of any call, text, email, letter, or message on social media that:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With Vice President Kamala Harris now appearing poised to become the Democratic nominee in a November showdown with former President Donald Trump, speculation has begun to spread as to who she will select as her running mate.

President Joe Biden, who ended his reelection bid on Sunday amid growing pressure from fellow Democrats, has now endorsed Harris to take his place in the upcoming presidential election.

While her nomination has yet to be made official, Harris is now viewed as the presumptive Democratic nominee, prompting question as who will run alongside her to oppose Trump and his newly-minted running mate, JD Vance.

SILive.coms sister site, AL.com, has compiled a list of eight potential vice presidential running mates for Harris, some of whom may hold the keys to critical battleground states that could swing the election.

Heres a look at eight possible running mates, according to AL.com.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

The senator, who previously served as a U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut, assumed office in 2020, becoming the first Democrat to win his Arizona seat since 1962.

Shortly after news broke that Biden had dropped out of the race, Kelly issued a statement on social media throwing his full support behind Harris.

I couldnt be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future, Kelly wrote in a post on the social media network X. She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby [Giffords] and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

There had been some speculation that Newsom would challenge Harris for the Democratic nominee in the aftermath of Bidens withdrawal.

The California governor has since indicated that wont be the case, issuing a statement in support of the current vice president.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris, Newsom wrote on X.

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock

Warnock, the first African American to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate, could help secure Black voters in a crucial swing state and has thrown his support behind Harris.

Ive been proud to work alongside him & our very able Vice President, @KamalaHarris. I am proud to endorse her candidacy to be the next President of the United States, Warnock wrote on X.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Pritzker, a billionaire businessman and the 43rd governor of Illinois, has been steadfast in his opposition of Trump, calling the former president, a convicted felon, an adjudicated rapist, and a congenital liar. Hes a racist, sexist, misogynistic narcissist who wants to use the levers of power to enrich himself and punish anyone who dares speak a word against him.

His work in Illinois closely aligns with many of the Democratic partys national priorities, including the strengthening of abortion rights and banning of assault weapons.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

The 46-year-old Democrat has already shown the ability to prevail in difficult elections, having won twice in the deep-red state of Kentucky.

The son of former Gov. Steve Beshear, he and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman are currently the only Democratic statewide elected officials in the entire state of Kentucky.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Whitmer, who has previously said she would consider serving as Harris vice president, announced Monday that not only is she endorsing Harris, but also serving as a co-chair of her campaign.

In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a candidate they can count on to lower their costs, protect their freedoms, and build an economy that works for working people. Donald Trump is a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, and drove our economy into the ground. We cannot let him anywhere near the White House. Vice President Harris, you have my full support. Lets win this, Whitmer wrote on X.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Having recently campaigned with Harris in his state, Coopers selection could potentially help swing North Carolina, which voted for former President Trump in 2020.

Former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean recently supported a Harris-Cooper ticket during a CNN interview, saying, I think we could pick up North Carolina as a result.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Shapiro, who secured a convincing 14.8-point victory in his 2022 gubernatorial run for the swing state of Pennsylvania, has issued a ringing endorsement of Harris and her ability to lead the nation.

Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President, Shapiro wrote on X.
Traditional HR and payroll practices are often slow, cumbersome, and lack the flexibility required in todays dynamic business landscape. Thats where innovative HR and payroll solutions come in.

These cutting-edge technologies and strategies are revolutionizing the way we manage our workforce, offering significant benefits for both businesses and employees.

This Tech Tuesday dives into top HR and payroll platforms designed to help streamline your workforce management, no matter where your team is located.

Deel

Deel, an all-in-one HR and payroll platform, revolutionizes the management of global teams, making it as easy as running a local business. By streamlining complex HR processes, Deel simplifies hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, payroll, compliance, and now device management through its latest acquisition of Hofy.

The platform ensures businesses stay compliant with international regulations, handling immigration, tax obligations, and contractor relationships, all backed by local experts in over 100 countries. Deel offers a seamless, scalable solution for managing a global workforce.

Amid the challenges of remote work and economic fluctuations, TaxTank introduces a financial wellness platform designed to improve employee wellbeing and productivity. Starting at just $9 a month, the platform simplifies personal finance management, promoting smarter spending and financial literacy.

By empowering employees to take control of their financial health, TaxTank enhances overall wellbeing, productivity, and retention, providing a substantial return on investment for companies. The platform is a proactive solution for fostering a healthier, more productive work environment.

Remote

Remote offers a comprehensive HR platform to manage globally distributed teams, simplifying international employment complexities from compliance and payroll to benefits administration and contractor payments.

The platforms five core featuresHR Management, Employer of Record, Contractor Management, Payroll, and Remote APIallow businesses to choose the services they need. Remotes innovative approach integrates all aspects of HR management into a unified service, enabling companies to scale their operations globally with ease and compliance.

BrightHR

BrightHR provides award-winning HR software and support services tailored for SMEs, turning essential business management tasks into seamless processes. The platform offers 24/7 compliance support, shift planning, expense tracking, holiday planning, and custom reporting.

Accessible from both desktop and mobile devices, BrightHRs complete software packages start at just $12 a month, helping businesses save time, reduce stress, and stay on top of their legal obligations.

WithYouWithMe Potential

WithYouWithMe Potential is an award-winning platform that identifies, grows, and mobilizes employees skills to align with organizational needs. Using a proprietary assessment algorithm, Potential creates a holistic profile of each employees capabilities and future job matches, streamlining upskilling opportunities. By aligning individual career aspirations with organizational goals, Potential fosters mutual success for employers and employees.

Workday Payroll for Australia

Workday Payroll for Australia offers a comprehensive, AI-driven solution designed to streamline payroll processes by automating data integration and ensuring compliance. The platform features continuous payroll calculations, smart audits, and real-time reporting, reducing manual entry and operational errors.

It integrates payroll, HR, and financial data into one system, providing real-time worker cost insights and compliance with Australian regulations, making it ideal for industries seeking efficiency and accuracy in payroll management.

G-P

G-Ps AI-powered onboarding is designed to help businesses quickly and compliantly manage the hiring and onboarding experience from generating the offer to signing the employment agreement to managing all of the onboarding and benefits set-up. It provides contextual compliance-assured insights and support in real-time, customising the onboarding experience and streamlining hiring workflows for both employers and employees.

In addition, it leverages G-Ps Global Intelligence Assistant  GIA  introduced in 2023, to provide users with instant answers 24/7 to aid in a compliant onboarding journey. GIA puts global regulatory compliance at users fingertips. Built on G-Ps 13+ years of proprietary expertise, GIA removes the need to become or hire experts on global and local HR, tax and legal matters.

G-P delivers instant contextual intelligence through GIA, enabling a more intuitive and efficient hiring and onboarding experience, including: employment contract creation and customisation, employee profile updates, benefits recommendations and compliance support.

Teamified

Founded in 2020, Teamified leverages humans, tech, and AI to transform the way businesses build and manage global teams. The platform reduces time-to-hire by 50% with tools that enable seamless communication, performance management, and workflow automation.

By integrating with teams, culture, and goals, Teamified strategically scales the workforce, reduces costs, and centralizes operations. Its AI-driven approach automates labor-intensive tasks, allowing human resources to focus on providing the best service experience, making it the ultimate hub for empowering global teams.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Eric Adams announced several new citywide actions on Monday, each one aimed at preventing more deadly lithium-ion battery fires in New York City and promoting safe e-bike charging and usage.

When used correctly, e-bikes are a convenient, low-cost transportation option that reduce congestion and emissions, and tens of thousands of delivery workers rely on them every day, Adams said in a press release. But too often, those bikes are powered by unsafe, uncertified batteries that at any minute could combust. That is why we are doing everything in our power to put a stop to these deadly fires and make use of safe lithium-ion batteries more affordable.

Hizzoner said the city will soon be cutting red tape so property owners can install charging stations outside in front of their buildings. The administration also announced that it will be launching the nations first municipal trade-in program, so delivery workers can swap their dangerous bikes and batteries for certified, safe versions. A new campaign to let New Yorkers know that uncertified batteries can be ticking time bombs will also soon be released by the FDNY.

Dubbed the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator, the push includes efforts from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), which will propose a rule to expedite approvals for property owners to more quickly install e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, removing barriers to their installation and making them accessible and usable for e-bike users.

The FDNYs $1 million public education and awareness campaign on the dangers of unsafe lithium-ion batteries, will stress new data showing that 59% of 2023s lithium-ion battery fires started when those batteries were not charging.

The reality is that lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous even if they are certified, and even if they are not charging, said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. We implore every user of a device with a lithium-ion battery to closely review this campaign and see for yourselves the deadly and destructive fires the device in your home may cause. We are not kidding around, and need everyone to think about their safety, and the safety of their families, their neighbors, and first responders.

According to the mayors office, illegal and unregulated batteries  which power tens of thousands of micro mobility devices in New York City  pose significant risks to residents and first responders due to their potential for explosive and deadly fires. Since 2019, lithium-ion batteries have started 733 fires, killing 29 New Yorkers and injuring 442 more. Notably, in 2023, 133 fires started from lithium-ion batteries that were not charging, compared to 91 that occurred while they were.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Ronnie Littman is on a mission to help revitalize the Stapleton waterfront. His efforts paid off when hundreds of adults and children came to the Stapleton Esplanade on Saturday, where they enjoyed a day filled with music, dancing, and food.

This was the fifth annual community get-together in the park, with the New York City skyline and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge as a backdrop. It all started during the COVID-19 lockdown when people were tired of being stuck in their homes, and they came down to the waterfront, explained Littman. It just kept getting bigger and all eyes are on the waterfront.

The former West Brighton resident is passionate about the waterfront. I love it, I call it my baby, thats my vision. You have cruise ships going by and can look at the Verrazzano Bridge.

Littman is particularly proud that people come from West Brighton, New Brighton, Stapleton and other North Shore communities. This event is about unity in the community. Its neutral ground. People from all cultures, all races. No fights, no trouble. Kids are having fun. I did this for five years, not one fight.

People are now coming from out of town to see people they havent seen in 30 years. And down the block you have the radio station, so we combine sometimes. We even had a block party.

Despite the warm and muggy weather, guests danced to non-stop music by DJ Pookey, DJ Thrilla, and WBLS radio personality Antoine Qua, while an occasional cool breeze blowing in off the water offered some relief.

There was no shortage of food with the many vendors who attended. Otha Spruill of Otha and Dink Fish & Brisket fried freshly battered fish as brisket cooked on a nearby grill.

Nearby, Malik Lewis of S.I. Fish and More cooked jerk chicken in a giant portable smoker. Other choices included Big Mamas Kitchen and Taqueria El Buchon. Those looking for a cool treat headed over to Hustle Ma Iceez where Narail and Natasha Miles dished out frozen deserts.

Littman expressed gratitude to the Teddy Atlas Foundation, Assemblyman Charles Fall (D-North Shore/Brooklyn/Lower Manhattan), City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore), and Minnie Graham, a 2024 Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement for helping with the event.

Littman commended the NYPD Community Affairs officers who quickly reunited two young children who became separated from their families as the event was winding down.

Littmans next event on Aug. 18 will be a Gospel Fest. He asks people to bring chairs, not double park, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront.
EDITORS NOTE: Tipping Point? is a journalistic initiative launched by Advance/SILive.com to inform Staten Islanders how NYCs City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal could impact the borough. The plan, which will be voted on by the City Council this year, calls for significant zoning changes designed to spur development of new homes and apartments amid a citywide housing shortage.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When longtime Staten Island urban planner Phil Rampulla was asked to review a massive rezoning proposal designed to create more housing across the Big Apple, he knew changes would include more residences around commercial strips and transit hubs.

And the principal of the New Dorp-based Rampulla Associates Architects believes this is the most beneficial way to provide more housing across Staten Island.

Personally, I have always advocated for housing near transit, especially for our elders and our younger generation, said Rampulla, who also co-chairs the City Planning Committee for the New York City Building Industry Association. A good example is in Dongan Hills, which already has three-, four- and five- story buildings peppered around [the Staten Island Railway]. Its not dense. Theres no adverse impacts from that.

The concept is part of the proposed plan, dubbed City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, that Rampulla thinks could work across Staten Island, which has a less dense housing landscape than the other four boroughs.

An example of town center zoning is pictured. (Credit: NYC Planning)Credit: NYC Planning

You could have a commercial hub on New Dorp Lane, or in Great Kills, or on Lincoln Avenue, right down the street from the railroad, then I think you can increase the density, and people will use the train to get to Manhattan. Im for that, said Rampulla. I think a mixed-use building in the heart of a train station town is the way to go.

This type of housing Rampulla described could fit into two categories of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan: town center zoning and transit-oriented development.

Town center zoning would allow for mixed-use apartments to be built atop stores in low-density commercial corridors, which can be found in older areas of the borough where it was permitted during the first half of the 20th century, but later outlawed.

Transit-oriented development will allow modest, three- to five-story apartment buildings where they fit best: large lots, within half a mile of subway or rail stations, that are located on wide streets or on the short end of the block, says the proposal.

Randy Lee, a Granitevile-based attorney with nearly a half century of real estate experience on Staten Island, agrees that the portions of the City of Yes housing proposal that could work here are transit-oriented and mixed-use housing.

Transit-oriented development will allow modest, three- to five-story apartment buildings where they fit best: large lots, within half a mile of subway or rail stations, that are located on wide streets or on the short end of the block, says the proposal. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) (Jason Paderon/Staten Island Advance)

I think they [city officials] need to study the transportation corridors. If you ride down North and South Railroad avenues and New Dorp Plaza, youll find there are plenty of locations where it would be appropriate to have three- or four-story multiple dwellings, said Lee, noting there are also many North Shore locations, like on Bay Street or Victory Boulevard, where small apartment buildings could work.

Opposition to Tiny Houses

While Rampulla and Lee agree with the concepts of transit-oriented and town center zoning, there are other aspects of proposal with which they vehemently disagree. Both said tiny houses and backyard cottages, without accounting for off-street parking, would be detrimental to the car-centric borough.

For me, the accessory dwelling units are just a non-starter, said Rampulla. If the property is large enough it could be done. But it would be something that would have to be decided on a case-to-case basis.

During the ongoing public review period for the proposal, Mayor Eric Adams administration has received significant pushback from lower-density parts of the city, including Staten Islands community boards and elected officials, all of which have voiced serious concerns that the proposed reforms would change the character of the boroughs quiet, residential neighborhoods and exacerbate existing issues with the boroughs infrastructure.

What we really need is a Borough of Yes for Staten Island -- a plan designed for Staten Island. What works in other parts of the city doesnt always work here, said Lee.

Need for Affordable Housing

Both Staten Island real estate experts agree there is a great need for more housing -- affordable for both younger and older generations -- across the borough.

We come out of a bedroom community, and we usually age in place or aid those who age in place and would like to see our younger family around us, said Rampulla. But we dont have housing types for both. Theyre few and far between.

Several floors of apartments are shown above retail storefronts in Stapleton on Wednesday, July 11, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Jason Paderon(Jason Paderon/Staten Island Advance)

Legalizing Mother/Daughter Apartments

Lee said hes also in favor of legalizing basement and attic apartments, often referred to as mother/daughter apartments, which already are plentiful across the borough. This another aspect of the City of Yes housing proposal.

These mother/daughter homes are already all over the Island, and if they became legal there could be benefits for the homeowner, such as when there are rent disagreements [which could end up in court], and it would add to the tax rolls, said Lee.

If you provide an easy roadmap to legalize mother/daughter and basement apartments in a safe way, this can really help homeowners who have empty basements. What a lot of this has to do with is when you get to retirement age, you want to carry the house, but cant afford it, he added.

A rental income would also allow Islanders to stay in their homes rather than fleeing to cheaper states, like Florida, in their retirement, said Lee.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Islanders may have to tough it out one more summer with an influx of pesky spotted lanternflies in numbers higher than last year before seeing a decline in future years, environmental experts predict.

While agriculture and environmental authorities who spoke to the Advance/SILive.com differ on how intense the spotted lanternfly infestation will be this summer and fall, one thing they agree on is a likely decline in numbers going forward.

Last year, Staten Islanders were relieved to see reduced numbers of the spotted pests, while other boroughs in the city, including Manhattan and Brooklyn, experienced peak numbers.

But Staten Island may see a bigger population of the annoying, plant-eating pest than in summer and fall 2023, since the borough had a more standard winter this year than last, said Jose R. Ramirez-Garofalo, of Fort Wadsworth, an ecologist in the Lockwood Lab at Rutgers University and the newly elected president of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods on Staten Island.

He said that residents should prepare for a late summer and fall population similar to the larger one Staten Islanders experienced in 2022.

That summer, many residents spent the best weather days of the year indoors, avoiding the black-and-red spotted, flying nuisances. Residents complained they were all over, everywhere,' and they made outdoor life and the use of public parks impossible. They were urged to trap and kill the creatures, which were reproducing at an alarming rate.

So, brace yourselves.

Yet, the ecologist agreed with Brian Eshenaur, an invasive species specialist with the Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University, who said the numbers on the Island would most likely decrease in seasons to come.

The populations do kind of cycle, and after theyre up really high, we often see a decline in the populations, Eshenaur told the Advance/SILive.com. What has happened in most areas, you have that population peak, and after that they never reach that peak again.

Eshenaur said thats what happened in Philadelphia and some other locations in Pennsylvania, including Berks County, where spotted lanternflies were first discovered. They were first detected on Staten Island in 2020.

There are year-to-year fluctuations, but they never again get to that level, he said.

Plant-sucking species

The plant-sucking species, a native of China and southeast Asia, is known for being hard to spot, harder to kill and bad for the countrys agricultural economy, and Eshenaur said grape growers in New York states are still paying close attention to the critters.

They feed on more than 70 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, and the pests are known to be a threat to plants and crops. They feast on grape vines, threatening the wine and grape juice industries when they suck the sap from the plants in upper New York state and on Long Island, Eshenaur said. New York produces a big portion of the worlds supply of Concord grapes, used for making jelly and jam, he said.

In other boroughs of the city, Eshenaur predicted adult lanternflies will be noticeable any day now, as nymphs have been documented in higher numbers. Big numbers are expected in areas that have thus far been unaffected, he said.

In other parts of New York City, were seeing a lot of nymphs in places and numbers that we really havent seen before, he said. In Brooklyn, were hearing quite a bit about them and in the lower Hudson Valley and Westchester.

Eshenaur, along with federal agricultural authorities, urged New York City residents to use caution when traveling to upstate New York, to avoid accidentally bringing the pests with them on their car or in their luggage when they travel to other markets.

Spotted lanternflies also tack themselves onto agricultural goods, like stone shipments and nursery stock, which is why federal and local agricultural agencies urge people in cities and rural areas alike to destroy them whenever they can.

Dont bring along any hitchhikers, he implored. Grapes are the primary crop that were concerned about in New York state. Theyre removing copious amounts of sap, and that sap is important for vines to survive over winter.

Recently, after a case of artificial spread that occurred along with a delivery from New York, the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) urged winegrowers to be on high alert for spotted lanternflies, with peak populations expected there in late summer or early fall.

Its terrifying to know that a small pest has the potential to devastate the livelihood of our growers and ravage an industry that is so vital to the California economy, a CAWG spokesperson told Fox News Digital last week.

Closer to home, Eshenaur expected lower numbers here, while Ramirez-Garofalo predicted that New Yorkers should prepare for a more typical year  so more than last year.

I think well probably bounce back to a normal year this year,' Ramirez-Garofalo, who is also director of science and research development at Fresh Kills Park, told the Advance/SILive.com.

Eshenaur urged residents to kill the creatures whenever they can  safely. Avoid the use of pesticides, which are not a necessary or safe choice in crowded cities like New York, he stated.

Trapping lanternflies remains one of the best options, and vacuuming them up, he said.

A handheld vacuum or shop vac can really do a pretty good job, he said, noting that, though annoying, spotted lanternflies arent dangerous to people or most plants.

They dont bite, they dont sting and for most trees, they wont harm them, he said.
President Joe Biden officially pulled out of the presidential race, throwing his vote behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the November election.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to X Sunday afternoon.
Singapore remains one of our most valued defense partners, and I'm proud that our defense partnership keeps growing stronger, said U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a recent bilateral meeting with Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Singapore is a crucial partner in protecting U.S. interests and security in the Indo-Pacific region. During the past few months, the two countries have worked together to increase cooperation as well as the development of new technology for both trade and defense, said Secretary Austin.

Last December, our teams finalized the security of supply arrangement, and now we're taking steps to strengthen our supply chain resiliency. In May, our team signed an important Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Innovation. This will help both of our countries to source cutting edge technology quickly and effectively.

To further this digital technology partnership, the United States and Singapore this month signed a new statement of intent for data analytics and artificial intelligence cooperation, said Defense Secretary Austin.

This major arrangement will strengthen interoperability and promote the responsible use of AI and defense. Our militaries also continue to train together across all domains.

In addition to digital defense, the United States and Singapore are working together to bolster the physical defense in the Indo-Pacific region, said Secretary Austin.

Singapore is one of 29 countries participating in a RimPac [Rim of the Pacific] exercise in Hawaii. All these accomplishments underscore the outstanding progress that we've made together to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo Pacific.

Secretary Austin said he was proud of robust partnership between the United States and Singapore and praised Defense Minister Ngs efforts to help Singapore uphold and protect peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.
Hit: 48m at 5.8g/t gold from 167.3m

Santana jagged this hit in one of two diamond drillholes put into its Rise and Shine (RAS) deposit as part of a resource definition program aimed at validating continuity of high-grade results in previous drilling  and to ensure correct projections for an imminent update to its resource model.

As partial confirmation of the programs aim, a second diamond hole just 90m south of the first hole came up with a similar 39.5m at 5.1g/t gold from 167.5m in an almost identical structural location as the headline hit.

Santanas tenements cover 251 square kilometres in NZs Central Otago goldfields, 90km north-west of Oceana Golds world-class Macraes gold mine that has produced more than 5 million ounces of gold since 1990.

In 2020, Santana bought Matakanui Gold, which held the exploration permits at Bendigo-Ophir. Drilling continued in 2021, when the company put in the RAS discovery hole that intercepted 40.3m averaging 2.05g/t gold.

The companys Bendigo-Ophir resources occur in four known deposits, including the RAS deposit within the RAS shear zone that hosts gold mineralisation in a strike distance of more than 20km. The RAS deposit has been traced about 1.7km down-plunge, with drilling intersecting consistent thicknesses often exceeding 25m and up to 40m of high-grade gold.

The thick, wide, tabular continuity of the RAS deposit makes it a unique gold system amenable to both open pit and underground exploitation.

The company undertook the diamond drill validation program because it had previously constrained the extents to which high-grade zones were extrapolated in its resource modelling. It was done to avoid the possibility of metal content over-estimation, which is often an issue in high-grade gold deposits.

Management says it welcomes the results from the first two holes which, combined with further structural and alteration logging, show that mineralisation in the core zone is more robust and continuous than it had previously believed. The increased confidence in the core zone estimation is important, given that the zone underpins the companys prefeasibility study (PFS) mine plan and financial projections.

Santana has already completed five more holes in its resource validation program and is now waiting on results.

As of June, the company has identified multiple gold discoveries through 5km of strike along the RAS shear zone. The combined indicated and inferred resource estimate for the RAS deposit alone is 30.6 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.3g/t gold, containing 2.217 million ounces of gold.

The entire indicated and inferred endowment in Santanas Bendigo-Ophir resource estimate for the shear zone is an impressive 36.8 million tonnes at 2.1g/t gold for a total of 2.463 million ounces.

Santana says its project has the potential to generate between 100,000 and 120,000 ounces of gold each year.

Santana Minerals project area was once abuzz with prospecting and mining, with about 40,000 diggers in Otago by 1863, hoping for a big gold strike.

Predictive Discovery

Bankan project  Guinea

Hit: 43 at 5.58g/t gold from 128m

Predictive reported this superb hit among a bevy of gold runs from resource definition drilling at its BC area within its 5.38 million-ounce Bankan Gold project in Guinea, north-west Africa.

The results comprise part of a suite of assays from five diamond drill holes totalling 848m of infill drilling at the companys smaller BC deposit in the south-west corner of its tenure. The headline hit comes from one of those diamond holes, which infills previous drill-spacing in the central part of the deposit, returning multiple significant intercepts below the PFS pit design.

That hole intercepted the 43m at 5.58g/t gold from 128m in a metasediment-tonalite-skarn complex close to the footwall shear and entirely outside the current PFS pit design, but within the overall resource pit shell. It includes a high-grade component of 17.3m running 11.03g/t gold from 152.7m.

Higher up the same hole, but still below the PFS pit floor, other significant intercepts within the inferred mineral resource pit shell envelope include gold runs of 3m at 1.21g/t from 80m, 3.1m going 3.65g/t from 87m, 5.15m running 1.4g/t from 98m, 8.1m at 2.52g/t from 108m, and 4.2m at 0.95g/t from 119.8m.

The BC deposit hosts an estimated mineral resource of 487,000 ounces of gold, including ore reserves of 207,000 ounces, about 3km west of the main projects NEB deposit that contains an estimated indicated and inferred resource of 4.89 million ounces of gold.

The companys resource definition drilling programs are ongoing to support its definitive feasibility study (DFS) and is aimed at refining the current mineral resource estimates and establishing additional deposits to extend the projects planned 12-year mine life, which management says is already robust.

Venture Minerals

Brothers project  65km south-west of Mount Magnet, WA

Hit: 57m at 3430ppm total rare earths oxides (TREO) from 36m

Venture emphatically shouldered its way back onto our Big Hits board with a new record AC drill intercept from the north-west corner of its sensational Jupiter carbonatite-hosted rare earths target. The headline intercept also includes 32m at 4193ppm TREO.

Management says drilling in the area has been particularly successful and has also reached a singular milestone, for not only has it finally received all the assays from across the entire Jupiter target, but it has also found that three of the top 10 intercepts in the project have come from its latest batch.

Venture has now completed 356 drillholes for about 22km of drilling into the Jupiter target. Assays and logging from the comprehensive program have confirmed that broad clay zones, up to 80m thick, occur through the entire near-surface projection above the Jupiter alkaline intrusion that contains broad, high-grade rare earths mineralisation with excellent grade and thickness.

The recent receipt of the final batch of assays marks the completion of the companys stage-one resource drill-out, with Jupiter now having been drilled to a density of 500m by 250m across its entire 40sq km area. The company now has a detailed, consistent and regularly-spaced dataset and is well-positioned to focus on initial resource estimation work and advance a comprehensive metallurgical program.

On-going assessment of the dataset continues to confirm that the valuable magnetic rare earths component consistently averages 23 per cent and that uranium and thorium levels both remain extremely low throughout the entire Jupiter system.

The company now holds about 1180sq km of granted exploration licences and 178sq km of exploration licence applications comprising its extensive Brothers project. Venture says it is also now well-positioned to complete its maiden resource estimate.

Jupiter is well-situated in regional WA. It lies about a six hours drive from Perth via the Great Northern Highway and about 65 km south-west of the regional town of Mount Magnet. It places it away from significant population centres, yet usefully close to important infrastructure, being less than 10km from the main bitumen highway between Mount Magnet and Geraldton.

And this scribe cant help but wonder how long it will be before we get a look at some fresh core from the alkaline host to the widespread near-surface rare earths signature.

DevEx Resources

Nabarlek North target  2km north of Nabarlek uranium mine, NT

Hit: 7.5m at 1821ppm uranium oxide equivalent from 133.4m

DevExs recent follow-up RC drilling of previously-reported high-grade intercepts along the Nabarlek Fault Corridor has intersected 7.5m at 1821 parts per million uranium oxide equivalent from 133.4m.

The result comes from about 2km north of the companys 100 per cent-owned historic Nabarlek uranium mine that lies in the heart of the world-class Alligator Rivers Uranium Province (ARUP) in Australias Top End. The Nabarlek mine was once considered  and may still be  Australias highest-grade uranium mine, with past production of 24 million pounds (Mlbs) at a grade of 1.84 per cent uranium oxide equivalent.

In its search this year for other Nabarlek-style mineralisation beneath the important unconformity contact, DevEx drilled the Nabarlek North Fault on broad 100m-spaced traverses, testing multiple uranium prospects along the U40 Fault and the Nabarlek Fault Corridor. The campaign is testing targets at the nearby U40 prospect where drilling confirms significant uranium mineralisation within an altered fault breccia at depths well below the unconformity.

Results obtained to date include 1.1m going 4452ppm uranium oxide equivalent from 252.3m, with an impressive internal run of 0.4m at 8637ppm. The system is believed to remain open to the south where the company is planning further follow-up drilling.

DevEx says new drill targets are also emerging adjacent to the Nabarlek Fault Corridor, south-west of the mine.

Two big induced-polarisation (IP) chargeability anomalies have been identified at Coopers South below previous uranium intercepts that include a significant hit of 5m at 1600ppm uranium oxide equivalent from 46m, which was reported last year. Planning is underway to test both targets next month with RC and diamond drilling.

The nearby world-class Jabiluka mine and the prestigious Ranger uranium mine, which produced 300Mlbs at 0.23 per cent uranium oxide equivalent over 40 years, remain DevExs principal exploration target models for big, fault-hosted, unconformity-style uranium deposits.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
George Clooneys opinion piece calling for Joe Biden to step down as the presumptive Democratic Party nominee two weeks before the president ultimately did illustrates how powerful celebrity endorsements  or dis-endorsements  can be in politics.

Now that Biden has withdrawn from the race, another wave of Hollywood celebrities have weighed in to express support and share thoughts for the future.

Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee, Cher and Robert De Niro are among those to have expressed support for Kamala Harris (centre). Credit: Artwork by Marija Ercegovac

A long-time opponent of Donald Trump, Robert De Niro told The Hollywood Reporter: In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president  because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you, Mr President!

Familiar to the White House through her role in Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus also thanked Biden on X, while Barbra Streisand called him a man who accomplished significant achievements.
Fancy yourself handy with an Allen key? Then a show coming to Brisbanes Anywhere Festival could be just your cup of Swedish glogg.

IKEA Wars is a competition between two contestants to build a piece of flatpack furniture in front of an audience.

Kieran Bullock is a New Zealand-born comedian and the host of IKEA Wars. Credit: Kieran Bullock

Coming to Brisbanes Paint Factory for three shows only, its the brainchild of New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based comedian Kieran Bullock, who said he got the idea after bringing an IKEA toilet seat to a stand-up comedy gig.

I was kind of bored of my own material so I thought, wouldnt it be funny if I built the toilet seat on the stage? Thinking that it would be more or less preassembled, he said.
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Eating outJust open You wont find bog-standard smashed avo at these three new cafes, and they are all the better for it Start your day right at these newcomers serving brunch that flips the cafe script. Tomas Telegramma July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the August hit list. See all stories .

Cafes that colour outside the lines arent in short supply in Melbourne, with many of the citys most popular daytime-dining options stretching well beyond smashed avo. These three welcome new additions  from the CBD to Northcote  are no exception, weaving in flavours from their owners backgrounds to pull away from the pack. Todo Good Coffee Bogota-born couple Santiago Villamizar and Carolina Talero have long been injecting their Colombian heritage into Melbournes cafe scene: they opened Fitzroys South American-style Sonido in 2010 and followed it up with Prestons Arepa Days in 2018. Since 2019, theyve been roasting their own Colombian coffee for both venues under the label Todo Good (todo means all, so all good, says Villamizar). And recently they opened a cafe of the same name  their third  in a cute corner spot in Northcote.

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Todo Good Cafe occupies a former antique shop in Westgarth. Luis Enrique Ascui Doing the fit-out themselves, all burgundy tiles and pops of green, Villamizar and Talero started building a community of locals even before opening, and now the cafe heaves. Instead of bread, we have arepas, says Villamizar. The palm-sized cornbread pockets from Arepa Days come with fillings such as fried eggs, Istra bacon and barbecue sauce; and ropa vieja (pulled beef), guac and salsas. There are also rice bowls with similar toppings, as well as Colombian classics like empanadas, pandebono (cheese bread) and ajiaco, which Villamizar describes as a traditional mountain soup of potatoes and corn. The bacon and egg arepa at Todo Good Cafe. Luis Enrique Ascui

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Todo Good roasts about 120 kilos of coffee beans a week and serves only three single-origins at a time, for espresso, filter and decaf. You can buy beans for home in 250g bags, or fill your own bag at the self-serve station, then pay by weight. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3.30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm 1A Timmins Street, Northcote, todogood.com.au Cafe Jabelle Carlton Norths tree-lined Rathdowne Village has a new address for Middle Eastern dining: the family-run, Lebanese-inspired Cafe Jabelle, which opened early last month.

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While owner Fadi Hamka has previously run Italian restaurants across Melbourne, I thought it was about time I show off my [Lebanese] heritage, he tells Good Food. And show people that you can eat this beautiful Middle Eastern food at any time of day. Cafe Jabelles sujuk egg bake. Traditional home-style Lebanese dishes  such as cumin-spiced fava bean and chickpea stew  stand out on the all-day breakfast menu. Theyre joined by more typical cafe dishes souped up with Middle Eastern flourishes. Theres grilled sujuk (spicy sausage) in the brekkie roll, and halva and rosewater syrup atop the pancake stack. Thursday to Saturday, Jabelle is also open for dinner (and, when its liquor licence is approved, drinks), serving both Lebanese small plates and big mixed-grill platters. Open Tue-Wed 7am-3pm; Thu-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-3pm

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645 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North, instagram.com/cafejabelle Hareruya Pantry Kantaro Okada opened Japanese convenience store Hareruya Pantry in Carlton two years ago. But being in a laneway in the Melbourne CBD has always been a dream of mine, he says. Now, he has realised that dream with the opening of a second Hareruya Pantry, in Somerset Place (off Little Bourke Street near bustling Elizabeth Street), where hes bringing his cut-above grab-and-go offering to the office crowd. Kantaro Okada, who also founded sake bar Leonie Upstairs, sandwich specialist Le Bajo Milkbar and onigiri cafe 279, is bringing all of the Carlton favourites to the city. That includes seasonal bento boxes packed with a kaleidoscopic selection of osouzai (Japanese side dishes), and nikuman  warm, fluffy steamed buns filled with pork and glass noodles.

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Australias deadliest year on the roads in more than a decade has sparked calls for mandatory learner driver first-aid training to halt the climbing death toll.

There were 1310 road fatalities last year, up 11.7 per cent on the previous financial year, according to data from the Australian Automobile Association. On average one person died every eight hours.

The quarterly Benchmarking the Performance of the National Road Safety Strategy report is stark reading for road users, showing the nation is not on track to reduce fatalities and the number of child deaths almost doubled.

Of those who died, 531 were driving a vehicle, 218 were passengers and 155 were pedestrians. The remaining deaths involved motorcyclists or cyclists.

Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recorded road deaths per head of population that were more than the national average.

NSW was the most deadly for road users with 358 deaths while the Northern Territory doubled its fatalities year-on-year from 26 to 54. In Victoria, deaths on the road increased by 9 per cent to 290.

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Only Tasmania and the ACT recorded a decrease.

Association managing director Michael Bradley said the figures showed Australias approach to road deaths was failing and states and territories must report data on the causes of crashes, quality of roads and the effectiveness of policing.

We need a data-driven response to a problem killing more than 100 people every month, he said.

The first three to five minutes after a traffic accident were critical to survival, St John Ambulance NSW said.

The organisation is calling on the NSW government to bring the state into line with numerous countries and mandate first-aid training for learner drivers.

AAP with Lachlan Abbott
Wherever Ive lived for the past 30 years, artist Arthur Boyd was there too. A hand-coloured lithograph that I call Arthur, bought with the proceeds of a freak Melbourne Cup win, has hung on the walls of my homes in Canberra, Sydney, Washington and Paris.

When I bought it, I was asked: Will it match your furniture? Ha. I didnt own a house or any furniture back then, except a wonderfully awful gold couch, a street find that matched the equally delightful gold flock wallpaper in the house I was renting.

Called Magic Flute, Queen of the Night, the print, which originally had a beautiful gold leaf frame, features a cockatoo that seems to be coming to a screeching, swooping stop on the viewer.

Some of Arthur Boyds landscapes from 1984 are on show at Bundanon for the first time. Credit:

When I first visited Bundanon Art Museum and The Bridge, which opened in 2022, I looked for Boyds cockatoo-filled landscapes. Most of his work was corralled in the museums other site, where the old Boyd Homestead is packed with work by four generations of Boyds.
Attacks on teens and the elderly with hammers and broken bottles, sexual violence, even dragging a woman toward the tracks  these are the faces of 16 people sought by NSW Police investigating incidents across Sydneys transport network.

Investigators this month launched a statewide blitz dubbed Operation Waratah to round up those believed to be behind disturbing incidents on the public and transport workers on the citys trains and buses.

These offenders are targeting some of our most vulnerable passengers thinking that they can get away with it. Operation Waratah is here to prove they cannot, Superintendent Andrew Evans, Commander of Police Transport Command North West Sector told the Herald.

The physical and emotional damage these offenders inflict on members of the public is criminal.
The family of a 35-year-old builder who is clinging to life in hospital are demanding a thorough and fair investigation by Victoria Police after an arrest left him in a coma.

Two police officers have been interviewed, but no charges have been laid, after the tragic incident outside a Hoppers Crossing convenience store on July 15 put Luke Briggs in a critical condition in the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Luke Briggs has been in a coma for more than a week following his interaction with police.

Briggs family said they did not expect him to survive.

The pain and suffering we are experiencing as a family are indescribable. Seeing Luke in such a fragile state is soul-crushing, and our thoughts are solely focused on spending our last few precious days with him, the family said in a statement.
After weeks of pressure, US President Joe Biden has finally withdrawn from the 2024 election race. He then moved swiftly to endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, to run in his place.

But who is Harris? And what does she stand for?

North America correspondent Farrah Tomazin joins The Morning Edition podcast from Washington to talk about Harris rise from district attorney to a senator remembered for her questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and her advocacy for womens reproductive rights.

You can listen to the episode in full in the player below.
Later, she addressed staff at what used to be Bidens campaign headquarters in Delaware  which are now the headquarters for her own campaign  and began to make her case for the presidency. Citing her time as Californias attorney general and also as a courtroom prosecutor, she said: I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say: I know Donald Trumps type. Biden, still isolating from his home in Delaware, also phoned into the event, telling his former staff: I know yesterdays news was surprising, it was so hard for you to hear, but it was the right thing to do. I know its hard because you poured your heart and soul into me... Im hoping youll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, kisses second gentleman Doug Emhoff as she addresses staff at Harris HQ in Delaware Credit: AP The televised remarks were the first the public has heard from Biden since his decision to withdraw from the race. The vice president spent Sunday afternoon in her Washington home, dressed in her Howard University hoodie and sweatpants, working the phones to secure the support of dozens of Democratic leaders across the country.

By Monday morning, she had secured endorsements from the majority of Democrats in the House and Senate, two key unions and more than half of the nations 23 governors, including three who have often been touted as presidential contenders: Michigan firebrand Gretchen Whitmer; Illinois governor JB Pritzker; and Maryland rising star Wes Moore. Loading She is the fighter we need at this moment to realise the full promise of our nation, Moore said. Their backing came on top of other often-named contenders including California governor Gavin Newsom and Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg  effectively ending speculation of a serious challenge for the presidential nomination. Former Democrat turned independent Senator Joe Manchin, who had flirted with the idea of throwing his hat into the ring, also said he would not seek the nomination.

The momentum behind Harris means she will probably be selected as the Democratic presidential nominee when thousands of delegates descend on Chicago next month for the partys national convention. While some party members are still pushing for a mini-primary or open convention in the interest of democracy  which would allow other candidates to throw their hat into the ring and make their case to delegates  it is highly unlikely they would have the kind of backing Harris does. Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Credit: nna\KCampbell Biden, meanwhile, remained in COVID isolation in Delaware but is expected to address the nation later this week. After weeks of defections within his ranks, the president has been praised for his decision to withdraw from the race  including from Trumps former Republican vice president Mike Pence, who wrote on X: President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own.

After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Bidens decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to Americas friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world, he added. Trump, however, began the day trolling Biden, putting out a post on his Truth Social platform saying: Its a new day and Joe Biden doesnt remember quitting the race yesterday! He is demanding his campaign schedule and arranging talks with Presidents Xi of China, and Putin of Russia, concerning the possible start of World War 3. But the former presidents humour belies the work going on behind the scenes as Republicans move tweak their campaign from Biden to Harris. While they are ratcheting up attacks over her role as the administrations so-called border czar and claiming she covered up Bidens cognitive decline, it is not clear how much emphasis they will put on the sensitive issues of race and gender.

The daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris is a former California attorney general, a district attorney of San Francisco and has been a key member of some of the Senates most powerful committees. In recent months, she has also played a central role galvanising voters over abortion and other social justice issues. However, some Republicans and conservative US media outlets have long portrayed her as someone who got her job due to identity politics rather than merit. This continued today, with Tennessee congressman Tim Burchett describing her as a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hire with an abysmal record. Biden said first off hes gonna hire a black female for vice president. What about white females, what about any other group? When you go down that route, you take mediocrity and thats what they have right now as a vice president, he said.
Philippines 'to assert our rights' after China sea deal



Manila, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Manila insisted Monday it will continue to "assert our rights" over a hotspot South China Sea reef, after reaching a deal with Beijing for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on a grounded warship.

The Philippine foreign ministry also rejected suggestions by China that the "provisional arrangement" announced Sunday required Manila to give Beijing "prior notification" and verification of deliveries to the BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including Second Thomas Shoal, which lies about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

"The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions," foreign ministry spokeswoman Teresita Daza said in a statement.

"The (Chinese foreign ministry) spokesperson's statement therefore regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate," Daza said.

Daza said the Philippines "will continue to assert our rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones", which included Second Thomas Shoal.

The fish-rich shoal has been a focus of violent clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to almost the entire South China Sea.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the latest June 17 confrontation when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday Beijing had agreed to an arrangement with the Philippines over Filipino resupply missions "based on our principled position" that the shoal was part of Chinese territory.

"Should the Philippines need to send living necessities to the personnel living on the warship, China is willing to allow it in a humanitarian spirit if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted," the spokesperson said.

But it would "absolutely not accept" the delivery of large amounts of construction materials to the ship and attempts to "build fixed facilities or permanent outpost".

The resupply arrangement followed talks with Beijing this month when the countries agreed to "de-escalate tensions" and increase the number of communication channels to resolve maritime disagreements between them.

A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the decrepit BRP Sierra Madre that was deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's claims to the area.

They require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations.
Taiwan remodels war games in the face of China's threats



Taipei, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Taiwan launched annual war games on Monday aiming to more realistically simulate an attack from China, dropping drills deemed to be out-of-touch with the growing threat of conflict.

Self-ruled Taiwan's military has discarded exercises "that were more for demonstration purposes", such as live-fire drills laid on for the media on the main island, said new Defence Minister Wellington Koo.

Officials have said such drills will now be held on Taiwan's outlying islands, where Chinese vessels and warplanes have edged closer in recent months, and that troops would now take part in "impromptu" exercises.

The changes come as Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has increased its military presence in the skies and waters around the island.

"Nowadays the situation is more threatened than before, so this type of public relations exercise is useless," Ou Sifu of Taiwan's Institute of National Defense and Security Research said of previous drills.

He said Koo "is putting pressure on our conservative military, forcing them to conduct exercises that are more realistic to actual war".

Koo has eliminated goose-step marching and bayonet training for the military in the two months since he was appointed, saying they were ineffective in modern situations.

Another major change for the drills is the new focus on decentralising the command structure, which the defence ministry said would familiarise troops with "the increasing complexity and uncertainty of the battlefield".

Participants were previously briefed on every scenario they would face but "this year the troops are not told in advance and they have to respond spontaneously," said military expert Su Tzu-yun.

"This is more in line with the real situation," he said, calling it "the most crucial point for the reform of Taiwan's military".

"It can improve the morale and self-confidence of the participating troops," Su told AFP.

The navy conducted an "emergency departure" off the coast of Taiwan's northern Yilan county on Monday morning as part of a rapid response exercise, the defence ministry said.

Koo, wearing military fatigues, oversaw a drill registering reservists for emergency mobilisation in northern Taoyuan.

Major drills were also expected this week in eastern Hualien county, home to an airbase for fighter jets, and on the island of Penghu in the narrow waterway separating Taiwan from China.



- 'Catastrophic consequences' -



China has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control.

Beijing launched war games three days after President Lai Ching-te was sworn in in May as "punishment" for an inauguration speech it called a "confession of Taiwan independence".

Chinese coast guard ships have also ramped up their presence around Taiwan's outlying islands and Chinese aircraft are more frequently sighted near the main island, according to daily reports from Taipei.

The military could become "less sensitive" with such actions being "normalised", said retired Major General Richard Hu.

"This 'boiling frog syndrome' could really trigger catastrophic consequences when (China) decides to launch its full-scale invasion of Taiwan someday in the future," Hu told AFP.

Japan has reportedly concluded that a ground landing in Taiwan by Chinese troops would now be "possible in less than a week" instead of the previous estimate of a month.

The International Crisis Group's Amanda Hsiao said it was "critically important" for Taiwan to accelerate its defence reforms, which would require dividing the attention of its troops between "the everyday challenges of Chinese military pressures" and a potential invasion.

"Without clarity of vision, there is the risk that Taiwan is ill-prepared to deal with both types of threats," she said.

Asked about the war games, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said "any attempts to exaggerate tensions, seek independence by force, or resist unification by force are bound to fail".
UN warns Iraq becoming major regional drug conduit



Baghdad, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Iraqi authorities seized record quantities of the potent stimulant captagon last year, at an estimated value of up to $144 million, with the country increasingly a critical drug conduit, a UN report said Monday.

"Iraq has been experiencing a dramatic surge in drug trafficking and consumption for the past five years," according to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report.

In 2023 alone, authorities "seized a record-high 24 million captagon tablets", the equivalent of over 4.1 tonnes, with an estimated "retail value" of between $84 million and $144 million, it said.

"Iraq appears to be at the nexus of regional trafficking routes for both methamphetamine and captagon", UNODC said, adding that it is "becoming a critical juncture in the complex trafficking dynamics observed in the Near and Middle East region."

Captagon seizures in Iraq "reportedly tripled between 2022 and 2023, and overall amounts seized in 2023 are 34 times higher than in 2019."

An amphetamine derived from a once-legal treatment for narcolepsy and attention disorder, captagon today is trafficked through several Middle Eastern countries, with Syria the main country of origin and Saudi Arabia by far the biggest market.

Authorities in conflict-scarred Iraq regularly announce large seizures of captagon, much of it moved across the porous 600-kilometre (370-mile) border with war-torn Syria.

According to UNODC, 82 percent of the captagon seized in the region between 2019 and 2023 originated in Syria, followed by neighbouring Lebanon, at 17 percent.

Iraq is also becoming a conduit for the flow of highly addictive methamphetamine stimulants produced mostly in Afghanistan and headed to the Gulf and Europe, with seizures in Iraq increasing almost sixfold in 2023 compared to 2019.

The country faces an explosion in domestic drug use, with the repeated crises that have gripped the conflict-ridden country of 43 million people driving up usage.

Governments in the region have recently stepped up their efforts to crack down on drug trafficking under pressure from the oil-rich Gulf states.

During an anti-drug conference attended by regional officials, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani called for regional cooperation.

"Coordinating and cooperating to pursue and dismantle drug gangs will serve regional and international security," he said, adding that "Iraq is open to all cooperation" to fight "cross-border crime".

"We will support any effort aiming to eliminate drug hubs, manufacturing stations, and cutting off their supply chains."
Blinken, Austin to meet Japanese counterparts for defence talks



Tokyo, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will meet their Japanese counterparts for four-way talks this month, Tokyo's foreign ministry said Monday.

Meeting in Japan on July 28, they will discuss "security challenges facing the two countries" and the "strengthening of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance", a ministry statement said.

It follows a state visit by Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington in April.

At that meeting, Kishida and President Joe Biden unveiled plans to restructure the US military command in Japan, the biggest such change since the 1960s.

The move was aimed at making US and Japanese forces more nimble in the event of threats, such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Blinken and Austin will also hold a "ministerial meeting on extended deterrence" when they meet Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara, Monday's statement said.

"The four Ministers will discuss bilateral cooperation to further strengthen US extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan's defense capabilities," it said.

Japan plans to double its defence spending to the NATO standard of two percent of GDP by 2027, although the falling value of the yen may dent its purchasing power.

Blinken will be in Japan from July 28-29 as part of a trip that also includes an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meeting in Laos this week.

He said on Friday he would meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting.
Uganda 'hosting peace talks' between DRC warring sides



Kampala, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Uganda is hosting peace talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and an alliance of rebel groups including the M23 militia, a Ugandan official said on Monday.

While the negotiations were confirmed by a source within M23, Kinshasa said no-one had been mandated by the government to hold any discussions with "terrorist" groups.

The M23, which had lain dormant for about a decade, launched an offensive in North Kivu province in eastern DRC at the end of 2021 and since then has seized large swathes of territory.

The conflict in the mineral-rich region has killed scores of people and displaced several million more.

But the situation has been relatively calm since a 15-day extension of a humanitarian truce between M23 rebels and government forces was announced last week.

"A high-level delegation from the DRC government and M23/AFC are meeting in Kampala to bring peace in DRC," an official in the office of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni told AFP, without giving a timeframe.

The creation of the AFC or Alliance Fleuve Congo grouping several rebel outfits was announced in December by Corneille Nangaa, the former head of the DRC's election commission, who is living in exile in Kenya.

"Given the complexities involved, this is still a secret meeting but the details will be made public later," the Ugandan official said on condition of anonymity.

"Our wish is to have a permanent ceasefire and peace returning to DRC."

A source within the M23 confirmed the talks but said they had not yet started.

"All I know, they were called to Kampala, nothing else," the source told AFP in Goma, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

But DRC Communications Minister and government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said on X: "No-one has been mandated by the government for any such discussion with the terrorists of the RDF (Rwanda Defence Force) or M23 in Kampala."

Last week, Kinshasa summoned Uganda's charge d'affaires following a recent expert report commissioned by the UN Security Council that said Kampala was giving "active support" to the M23.

Uganda's deputy defence spokesman Deo Akiiki has described the allegations as "laughable, baseless and illogical".

The experts' report also said 3,000 to 4,000 RDF soldiers had been fighting alongside the M23 rebels and that Kigali had "de facto control" of the group's operations.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has not explicitly denied the presence of Rwandan forces in DRC, but has made no bones about his willingness to take a "defensive" position to protect Kigali's interests.

gm-burs-txw/cw
Iraq hangs 10 'terror' convicts: sources



Nasiriyah, Iraq, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Iraq hanged 10 "terror" convicts on Monday, officials said, in the fourth such execution in three months, prompting a rights group to call for an end to the death penalty.

Courts have handed down hundreds of death and life imprisonment sentences in recent years to Iraqis convicted of "terrorism", in trials rights groups have denounced as hasty.

Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president.

A health official said 10 Iraqis "convicted of terrorism crimes and of being members of the Islamic State group were executed by hanging" at Al-Hut prison in the southern city of Nasiriyah.

A security source confirmed the executions.

They were hanged under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law and the health department had received their bodies, the health official told AFP.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Al-Hut is a notorious prison in Nasiriyah whose Arabic name means "the whale", because Iraqis believe those jailed there never walk out alive.

Iraq has been criticised for the trials, with the "terrorism" offence carrying the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter.

On May 31, Iraq executed eight people convicted of "terrorism". Eleven people were hanged on April 22 and another such group was executed on May 6, security and health sources said.

In June, UN experts said they were "alarmed by the high number of executions publicly reported since 2016, nearly 400, including 30 this year."

"When arbitrary executions are on a widespread and systematic basis, they may amount to crimes against humanity," said the special rapporteurs including the expert on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution.

They added that according to official records there are 8,000 prisoners on death row in Iraq.



- 'Halt executions' -



The experts urged Iraqi authorities to "halt all executions".

They also said they were "horrified" by the high number of reported deaths in Nasiriyah prison due to "torture and deplorable conditions".

The experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, do not speak on behalf of the United Nations.

Rights groups have also denounced the proceedings as rushed, warning confessions were sometimes believed to have been obtained under torture.

"Iraq's continuous implementation of the death penalty -- despite national and international outcry -- means we could be hurdling toward a human catastrophe unfolding on its death row," said Amnesty International's Iraq researcher, Razaw Salihy.

She said Iraqi authorities "must halt executions immediately in order to address the gross injustices that landed thousands on death row and the horrendous conditions they languish in".

The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces.

But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.
EU moves key ministers' meeting from Budapest to Brussels



Brussels, Belgium, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



The EU will hold its next meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Brussels instead of Budapest in a "symbolic" slapdown to Hungary for its rogue diplomacy on Ukraine, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday.

The shift of location for the August 28-30 meeting is a reputational blow to Hungary just weeks after it took up the rotating European Union presidency.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has infuriated almost all his EU partners by conducting breakaway diplomacy with Moscow to explore the path to ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Orban -- who is Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the bloc -- has also accused the EU of having a "pro-war policy" by maintaining military and financial support for Kyiv.

He has repeatedly stalled Brussels' efforts to punish the Kremlin and to aid Ukraine in its fight against the invading forces.

"I can say that all member states -- with one single exception - are very much critical about this behaviour," Borrell said after chairing an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.

"It is Putin, who is the war party. The only one which provokes is Putin, who is calling for Ukraine's partition and rendition as preconditions for any talks and any ceasefire," he said.

The Orban government's position "has to have some consequences". As a result, "we have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal" to Hungary, Borrell said.

Thus, "I think it was much more appropriate to show this feeling and to call for the next foreign and defence council meetings in Brussels," he said.

Borrell said 25 of Hungary's 26 EU partner countries on Monday criticised Orban's rogue initiative, which Budapest has billed as a "peace mission".

Only Slovakia backed Hungary's position.

"We fully support Hungary and the initiative for peace," Slovakia's interior minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, said as he went into another EU meeting Monday for home affairs.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has directed her commissioners to snub EU meetings being held in Hungary and to send lower-ranking civil servants in their place.

Last week she slammed Orban's go-it-alone diplomacy, saying "this so-called peace mission was nothing but an appeasement mission".

"Russia is banking on Europe and the West going soft, and some in Europe are playing along," she told the European Parliament last Thursday, just before it confirmed her for another five-year term as EU chief.
A cargo plane is landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 13, 2024. (Xinhua)

GUIYANG, July 21 (Xinhua) -- With the launch of a new cargo route linking Guiyang and Moscow earlier this month, the number of international cargo routes connected to southwest China's Guizhou Province has reached four. This expansion is creating a more efficient and convenient air passage for trade.

Guizhou is known for its mountainous landscapes in China, which poses challenges for road and rail transportation, necessitating the need to develop air traffic.

Guizhou Shuanglong Airport Economic Zone, with Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport as its core, was established in 2014. Besides the newly-opened route, it also operates the other three freight lines linking the provincial capital with India's Kolkata and Delhi, as well as Karachi in Pakistan.

Loaded with Russian seafood products such as snow crabs, king crabs, and sea urchins, the IL-76 cargo plane departed Moscow for Guiyang on July 13, and returned with 40 tonnes of Chinese goods, mainly electronic products.

The route is currently customized according to the market. But the operator said that if the operation is well received, the round flights will become regular starting from September, which will drive Guizhou's annual import and export trade volume to around 3 billion yuan (about 420.7 million U.S. dollars), with a cargo throughput of around 15,000 tonnes.

It used to take 60 to 70 hours to transport seafood from Russia to Guizhou by rail and sea. The new air route shortens the transportation time to 12 to 13 hours, said Su Bowenhao with Guizhou First Catch Supply Chain Management Company.

According to Su, the company plans to open a route to Norway in the second half of the year, aiming to import salmon and export Chinese goods sold on e-commerce platforms.

Up to July 9, the other three routes have operated 156 flights, and transported a total of 1,098 tonnes of exported goods worth 50.81 million U.S. dollars, and 416 tonnes of imported goods worth 2.97 million U.S. dollars, official data showed.

Foreign trade enterprises in Guizhou have played an important role in the launch of the cargo routes, by docking the supplies and demands of markets at both ends, applying for government subsidies, and negotiating lease agreements with airline companies.

"With these routes, we can export clothing accessories, machine parts, electronic components and other commodities to South Asia, and import India's specialty crab," said Wu Xiong, director of Guizhou Coconut Elephant Supply Chain Management Company.

Wu said that the company plans to open an international cargo route from Guiyang to Ho Chi Minh City to import Vietnamese green lobster and fruits, and export more Guizhou commodities. 

Cargos are seen at a warehouse of Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 13, 2024. (Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Workers and the work that are absolutely central to the transition should be supported through it and as part of it and that is the only way you can have a proper transition.
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BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday rolled out comprehensive guidelines to combat obesity among primary and secondary school students, emphasizing prevention, early intervention and disease early warning efforts.

The "technical guidelines for comprehensive prevention and control of overweight and obesity in primary and secondary school students" was jointly issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the Ministry of Education, the National Health Commission, and the General Administration of Sport of China.

Weight issues and obesity affect the health of primary and secondary school students, necessitating urgent intervention, the guidelines note.

Key recommendations include promoting healthy eating habits with reduced salt, oil and added sugar, providing scientific intervention methods and encouraging schools to hire qualified nutritionists.

The guidelines also call for ensuring daily physical activity with at least one physical education class per day, conducting regular health screenings, and establishing health records for students, with timely feedback to parents.

A self-assessment form for overweight and obesity risks has been introduced to enable families and schools to perform evaluations under professional guidance.

The new measures aim to effectively prevent and control the occurrence and development of overweight and obesity among Chinese students, ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Editor: Zhang Zhou
It cannot go on, we need an immediate ceasefire, hostages out, aid in, a huge scale-up of humanitarian assistance. That is the policy of this Government and an immediate ceasefire is the only way to achieve it. So we will do all we can in pursuit of these goals.
"The Labour Party and indeed the Home Secretary in her statement likes to talk tough on border security, but today's statement, despite all the hyperbole and the made up numbers, is basically an admission of what we knew all along, he said.
Russia's aggression, digital diplomacy, the Middle East will be the main points on the agenda of the minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, on Monday, at the meeting of counterparts from the EU member states - the Foreign Affairs Council, which will take place in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs in a press release.

The European officials will also have an exchange of views with the president of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calvino, at an informal working lunch.

Discussions regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine will focus on the acceleration of military support for Ukraine, the situation in the Ukrainian energy sector, sanctions, the coordination of EU diplomatic efforts 'in support of president Zelensky's Peace Formula'.

Regarding the security situation in the Middle East, it is shown in the press release, the European ministers will address the latest security developments, EU's support for solving the crisis in the Gaza Strip, as well as the prospects of the political process for a lasting and comprehensive peace.
The minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, on Sunday talked by phone with her Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, about the concrete ways to further increase the economic and sectoral cooperation, a MAE press release sent to AGERPRES, reads.

The two chief diplomats discussed the deep bilateral relations that the two countries have built over time, with over 115 years of history of official diplomatic interactions.

"The dialogue also revealed concrete ways to further increase economic and by sectors cooperation, especially in areas of priority mutual interest, such as tourism, agriculture, trade and investment, labour, energy. The two dignitaries agreed that the organization of the Joint Economic Commission in Bucharest, in the near future, will provide the necessary impetus to achieve these objectives," the release adds.

According to the communique, the two ministers also had an exchange of views on the security developments in the immediate vicinity of the two countries.

"In this context, Romania's role in ensuring food security amid the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, especially on the African continent, was mentioned. The increasingly worrying developments in the Middle East were also reviewed. The Romanian minister of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for Egypt's special role in identifying solutions to the current regional crisis," the MAE release also reads.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, participated on Monday in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), in which context she emphasized Romania's support for Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) reports.

According to the cited source, the agenda of the meeting included Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. At the Current Affairs point, the EU High Representative for foreign policy presented the latest progress achieved at the EU level in the field of digital diplomacy.

During an informal lunch, the EU foreign ministers had an exchange of views with the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calvino.

The discussions regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine began with a video conference presentation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, regarding the developments on the ground and the needs of the Ukrainian army.

Minister Odobescu highlighted the need to accelerate the European Union's support for Ukraine, including in the military field. On the energy level, she informed about the recent trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, where the interconnection in the energy field between the three states was discussed and he highlighted the support of our country to increase Ukraine's ability to maintain the functionality of the energy infrastructure.

At the same time, the Romanian minister emphasized the need to maintain constant pressure on Russia, by implementing the sanctions in force. In the context of the intensification of Russia's hybrid threats to the member states, but also to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, she expressed her support for the rapid adoption of an EU regime of restrictive measures for an adequate EU response to these malignant actions.

The Romanian minister reiterated Romania's support for President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula, capable of guaranteeing a just and lasting peace, respecting territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter.

As to the Middle East, concern was expressed over the security situation on the border between Israel and Lebanon. Romania supports EU measures to help the Lebanese government and international efforts to keep this country out of the conflict.

Support was reiterated for the efforts aimed at implementing the Peace Plan proposed by President Biden and the Security Council resolution, which refers to the need for the release of all hostages and the unfettered access of humanitarian assistance for civilians.

Romania expressed support for the resumption of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah crossing point (EUBAM Rafah), when the conditions on the ground allow it. The importance of the EU's support for the Palestinian Authority and for the reforms it must carry out in order to strengthen its governance capacity was highlighted. The EU must remain engaged in efforts regarding the perspectives of a political process, based on the two-state solution, in coordination with international partners, the U.S., Great Britain and the states in the region.

During the discussion with the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calvino, the Romanian minister welcomed the opportunity to evaluate the methods of adapting the financing of the necessary investments in key areas, such as the defense industry, energy, connectivity, the impact of climate change, in a context marked by multiple challenges to the EU.

Luminita Odobescu welcomed the active involvement of the EIB in efforts to strengthen administrative capacity and critical infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the EU, in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans. She highlighted the importance of the Black Sea region for the reconstruction of Ukraine and for global food security, as well as for the EU's connectivity with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. In this context, she encouraged EIB investments in projects dedicated to the region, considering its strategic relevance for the whole Union.
Garanti BBVA Leasing has signed a new EUR 10 million loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to support the development of SMEs in Romania.

According to a Garanti BBVA Leasing press statement on Monday, the company will use the loan to finance new leases for SMEs for capital expenditure, enabling them to access equipment and vehicles.

Moreover, under this new agreement, at least 30%of the loan proceeds will be used to finance green assets which support climate change mitigation.

"We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and continue to support the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania. The inclusion of dedicated green financing funds represents a significant step forward, perfectly aligning with Garanti BBVA Leasing's strategy to offer companies leasing options for sustainable, environmentally-friendly projects," says Garanti BBVA Leasing General Manager Okan Yurtsever.

I'm pleased to expand cooperation with our longstanding partner Garanti BBVA Leasing. The project will improve access to finance for SMEs while also encourage investments in green technologies. Garanti BBVA Leasing's focus on SMEs is aligned with EBRD's strategic objective for Romania to support SME lending," says EBRD Head of Romania Victoria Zinchuk.

In 2023, the EBRD invested EUR 658 million in Romania. Since the EBRD began working in Romania in 1993, it has committed almost EUR 11 billion to 525 projects in the country, of which 81% per cent is in the private sector.
Romania should move in terms of green gas production, because it has potential, but currently there is no strategy regarding biomethane, according to the representatives of the Federation of Associations of Energy Utility Companies.

"We have 60,000 km of gas distribution network and potentially new production capacities, plus biomethane production potential, which is an easy decarbonization tool, using the existing infrastructure, without the separate investments, i.e. infrastructure investments. We should be unskilled, in the happiest way to say it, so that we don't exploit this matter. Not having any strategy as a country that still wants to be the biggest gas producer in the EU and not having a strategy how to maximize your infrastructure benefits, I think it is a great example of a lack of vision", said Daniela Daraban, the executive director of the Federation of Energy Utility Companies Associations (ACUE), at a meeting with the press on Monday.

According to the data presented by the gas sector operators, based on the estimates of the European Biogas Association and the European Commission, Romania should rank 6th compared to the EU-27 in terms of biomethane production potential until 2030 (2 billion cubic meters - bcm - annually) and in 7th place compared to EU-27 until 2050 (8 bcm/year).

Although there is discussion about giving up methane gas until 2050, for now it is considered a transition fuel, and Romania can be considered privileged from this point of view, because it will have the Neptun Deep project. However, there is potential for replacement with renewable resources, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, and Romania should move from this point of view, say ACUE representatives.

As far as green hydrogen is concerned, things have stagnated, including at the EU level, as there are still gaps in regulation and commercial aspects, they emphasize.

The Romanian Energy Strategy Project 2025 - 2035, with the 2050 outlook, emphasizes that, given that biomethane and natural well gas have the same chemical composition, biomethane can be used in the existing networks and facilities, without the need for specific adaptation theirs.
Romania is better placed compared to last year regarding the completion of the process of full accession to the Schengen area, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, said on Monday.

He made the clarification in a telephone intervention to Euronews Romania, when asked, after participating in the informal JAI Council in Budapest, if there are chances for Romania to join the Schengen area also with land borders.

"We are better placed than last year, because last year we were a non-member state and now we are a Schengen member state. Yes, it is true, only with two out of three borders, but we are still inside Schengen and looking at precedents, there was no situation in which a Schengen member state would partially enter with one or two borders and greatly delay the entry with the third border", said Predoiu.

He advanced a term of one year, being asked what greatly means.

"A year from now, for example. There are no such precedents either, although there have been situations. Romania is not the only or the first state to enter the Schengen space in stages, first with part of the border and then completely. We are not the first state, if I'm not mistaken, even Austria experienced the same kind of accession and practical experience shows that the process is irreversible, once entered. So, compared to last year, we are, yes, better placed", explained Predoiu.

On the other hand, he pointed out that, in parallel or in comparison with last year, it is a more complex situation from a political point of view this year, because the formation of the European Commission is due, a process that will probably be completed in the autumn.
ST. LOUIS  Police on Monday identified the motorist who was killed earlier this month in a crash on Interstate 64 in St. Louis.

Clark Williams, 55, died at a hospital after crashing on eastbound I-64 near the South Sixth Street exit. The crash was about 11 p.m. on July 13.

Williams was from Inman, South Carolina.

Williams was driving a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. Williams was trying to change lanes when his vehicle hit an impact attenuator, police said. His vehicle then hit a semi-trailer and the median before being struck by the semi.

The truck driver was not injured.
Two B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., fly in formation with fighter jets from Romania and Finland as they arrive at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, on July 21, 2024. Earlier in the day, the B-52s were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea. (Seth Watson/U.S. Air Force)

STUTTGART, Germany  Two U.S. Air Force long-range bombers that had a close encounter over the weekend with Russian fighters over the Barents Sea landed at an allied base near the Black Sea hours later, according to the service.

The arrival of the B-52H Stratofortress bombers at Romanias Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base on Sunday marks the first time U.S. strategic bombers have operated from the installation, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa said the same day.

The base, known as MK to forces deployed there, serves as the main operational hub for the U.S. military in the Black Sea region. It is undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion by NATO that will make it larger than even Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Earlier in the day, the bombers were intercepted more than 1,000 miles away by Russian fighters over the Barents Sea on a preplanned mission that involved coordination with NATO fighter planes, USAFE-AF said.

The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, USAFE said.

The B-52s, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, are in Europe in connection with the Air Forces ongoing bomber task force missions, which involve short-term deployments to the Continent.

Through collaborative efforts with our allies, the U.S. enables our forces to combat current and future threats, USAFE-AF commander Gen. James Hecker said in a statement.

In Europe, encounters between allied and Russian aircraft are relatively commonplace. In most cases, intercepts occur over international airspace without incident.

However, allies on occasion have accused Russia of crossing into their airspace. In June, Finland said four Russian military aircraft crossed into its airspace for several minutes.

Other aerial confrontations have risked potential escalation between Russia and the U.S. military, such as when a Russian fighter in March 2023 collided with a U.S. drone over the Black Sea, forcing the unmanned aircraft to crash into international waters.
An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at Osan Air Base, South Korea, July 9, 2024. (Chase Verzaal/U.S. Air Force)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Air Force fighter jets are temporarily moving closer to North Korea to optimize combat capability and increase readiness on the Korean Peninsula.

Nine F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, roughly 115 miles southwest of Seoul, will be assigned for a yearlong trial to the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, about 30 miles south of the capital, according to an Air Force news release Thursday.

The F-16s began arriving at Osan earlier this month, 7th Air Force spokesman Maj. Rachel Buitrago told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday. Two fighter squadrons of F-16s and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are permanently stationed at the base.

This test is an opportunity for us to see if squadrons of this size increase our training effectiveness while also increasing our combat capability if deterrence fails, 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. David Iverson said in the release.

Around 150 service members will be moving to Osan, home of the 7th Air Force, as part of the trial, according to the release. The 36th Fighter Squadron will have 31 aircraft with the F-16s from Kunsan.

The 7th Air Force mission is to deter aggression and maintain the armistice in place between North Korea, China and the former Soviet Union on one side and the U.S., South Korea and United Nations Command on the other. The armistice signed 71 years ago this month stopped the fighting, but the war technically has not ended, because a peace agreement was not reached.

Airpower overflights by the U.S. and South Korean air forces have served as a response to North Korean missile tests and other demonstrations.

Four F-16s from the fighter squadron flew over international waters alongside two Japanese F-2s on June 20 as part of broader aerial drill in the region, according to a 51st Fighter Wing news release that day.

Roughly 30 F-16s from the 8th Fighter Wing temporarily relocated to Osan for six months last year due to routine repairs on Kunsans runway. The $22 million project to replace over 1,500 concrete slabs was completed in August.

The most recent relocation follows a series of U.S fighter jets moves in Japan.

A squadron of F-35C Lightning IIs will replace one composed of F/A-18 Super Hornets in Carrier Air Wing 5 based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, according to a Navy news release on July 15.

The Air Force this month also announced the permanent deployment of 36 F-15EX Eagles to Okinawa to replace 48 F-15C/Ds. Another 48 F-35As are going to Misawa to replace 36 F-16s, the Air Force said in the same announcement July 4.

Pacific Air Forces released a report in September citing a need to revamp its programs for deployed aircraft to minimize response times for crises and deter threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Our current basing posture, optimized seventy years ago, adversely affects our ability to rapidly respond to natural disasters and man-made crises today, the report said. PACAF is expanding access, basing, and overflight to include distributed operations in new strategic locations.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hao Y. Li, 41, died July 15, 2024, at American Lake on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (U.S. Army)

The soldier who died at American Lake on Joint Base Lewis-McChord had served in the Army for nearly 19 years, including two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, base officials said Monday.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hao Y. Li, 41, died July 15 at about 7:30 p.m. near the popular Shoreline Beach Park at the Washington base, according to Maj. Matthew Pargett, spokesman for I Corps, the lead Army command at the base that is operated jointly with the Air Force.

Li is married and has a son, Pargett said. No additional information about Lis family or circumstance of his death was provided.

Following the incident last week, base officials barred swimming at lakes, rivers and bayfront on the base. The Army provides lifeguards at base swimming pools, but none are assigned to American Lake or other recreational areas. The Army said the ban would remain in place through at least the end of July while a safety review is conducted.

American Lake is 1.7 square miles between Interstate 5 and the Puget Sound. Its a popular day trip for miliary members and their families. The Army also uses it for Special Forces and parachute training. A portion of the lake is outside the base and is open to the public.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hao Y. Li in an undated photo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., with Mount Rainier in the background. Li died July 15, 2025, of an apparent drowning at American Lake at the base. He served nearly 19 years in the Army, including two deployments to Iraq. (U.S. Army)

Li was a property book officer with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion for I Corps at the time of his death.

Lt. Col. Brian Evans, the battalion commander, issued a statement on Monday praising Li as a respected and admired soldier.

We feel deep sorrow over the loss of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Li, Evans said in the statement. His passing is a profound loss to our unit and all those that knew him.

Evans said the Army was providing resources and support to Lis family.

Li joined the Army in Virginia in August 2005 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced individual training as a unit supply specialist at Fort Lee, Va.

Li deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as a unit supply clerk and supply sergeant with responsibility to support more than 200 soldiers in forward operating bases.

He became a warrant officer in September 2015, specializing in logistics. Li earned a bachelors degree in management at the University of Maryland in May 2019.

Lis military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Basic Recruiter Badge.
A crewman aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry tosses a heaving line to set up a tow to the crew of the luxury yacht Black Pearl 1 after responding to a distress call on July 21, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard rescued 26 people over the weekend from two vessels in distress in the Western Pacific.

The first was a 154-foot yacht designed for scuba diving excursions of a week or more. The second was a 28-foot recreational boat carrying migrants seeking entry to Guam.

The Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry on Sunday and Monday towed the yacht, the Black Pearl 1, and its crew of 11 to Palau after the boat was disabled and began to take on water.

The Black Pearl 1, a luxury yacht designed for fishing expeditions, was en route to Cebu, Philippines, for maintenance when its rudder locked about 230 miles west of Palau, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam spokeswoman Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir wrote in a Sunday news release.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guards Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam alerted a nearby U.S. cargo vessel, the SLNC York, and the Oliver Henry, which was on a routine patrol of the region.

The York arrived just after midnight Sunday and found the ships crew attempting repairs and in no need of assistance, Muir said.

However, the Oliver Henry arrived about six hours later and found the the Black Pearl 1 still unable to steer and now taking on water. Coast guardsmen boarded the vessel to assist, while the cutter began towing it back to Palau.

The Oliver Henry and the yacht arrived there safely around 2 p.m. Monday with no injuries reported, Muir told Stars and Stripes by email that day.

The yacht, owned by Pearl Fleet, weighs nearly 500 tons and can accommodate up to 24 guests. An eight-day diving trip aboard the yacht costs $2,940 per person, according to Pearl Fleets website.

A spokesperson for the company did not respond to a call and email requesting comment.

A rescue team from the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry approaches the luxury yacht Black Pearl 1 about 230 miles west of Palau, July 21, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Third rescue of this type

On Sunday, first responders from Saipan reported the recreational vessel in distress about 24 miles south of Saipan, according to a news release from Muir on Monday.

Weather conditions and lack of communication from the distressed vessel led to an urgent request from Saipan for help from anyone nearby.

A MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the Navys Sea Combat Squadron 25 spotted the vessel around 5:20 p.m. and evacuated two boaters before it had to return to refuel.

The naval logistics vessel USNS Jack Lummus arrived about two hours later and evaluated the remaining 13 people.

All were taken to Saipan, where they were met by various law enforcement agencies.

The vessels final destination was not clear as of Monday evening, Muir told Stars and Stripes in a separate email. One boater told the Coast Guard they were headed to Rota, but Muir said it was possible Guam was the final destination. She identified the occupants as three U.S. citizens and 12 Chinese citizens.

This is the third significant rescue of this type weve effected between Guam and the CNMI since January, Coast Guard Lt. Chelsea Garcia, search and rescue mission coordinator, said in the news release. While this case appears to involve the transit of foreign nationals from the CNMI, we cannot comment further on the ongoing law enforcement investigation.

Saipan regularly serves as a point of departure for Chinese citizens attempting to illegally enter Guam  usually in search of work  due to a visa waiver program offered by Saipan.
First Lt. Aivree Kamalzadeh of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit verifies liberty cards and driving documents on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 19, 2024. (Megan Roses/U.S. Marine Corps)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Members of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly visited Tokyo on Friday to file protest and petition letters addressing two U.S. service members recent indictments on sexual assault charges.

A seven-member delegation led by Ryotaro Odo flew to the capital that morning and delivered the letters to the U.S. Embassy, Japanese Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a spokesman for Okinawa Prefectures Political Affairs Research Division said by phone Monday.

The delegation met with U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Japan Katherine Monahan, Japan Cabinet Secretariat Councilor Masaya Tanaka, Japan Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hisashi Matsumoto and Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshifumi Tsuge, the spokesman said.

They filed the petition and protest letters and exchanged opinions, the spokesman said. Some Japanese officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

Monahan told the delegation the U.S. will take measures to prevent future cases, and will announce additional measures in the coming days, Odo told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday.

Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington pleaded not guilty July 12 in Naha District Court to charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December. The March indictment was revealed publicly in June, setting off protests from Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki and the prefectural assembly.

In a second indictment also revealed in June, Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton was charged with attempting to sexually assault a woman in Yomitan village in May.

Two formal letters  one a protest, the other a petition  were approved by the prefectural assembly July 10. The petition calls on the U.S. government to take measures to prevent further incidents, and to apologize to and compensate the girl and the woman identified by police as victims.

The committee also requested that Japan and the U.S. drastically revise the status of forces agreement governing U.S. military and civilian personnel in the country, saying it privileges U.S. military members.

Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and III Marine Expeditionary Force commander Lt. Gen. Roger Turner wrote an opinion piece calling for one set of liberty time rules across all branches of the armed forces.

A Foreign Affairs official admitted to the delegation that the ministry was responsible for stopping information about the cases from going public, and that it will disclose information as necessary from now on, Odo said.

All the officials we met recognized the problem, and we could discuss countermeasures, Odo said. I could feel that they were working to solve the problems. Id like to watch attentively and see if these measures will work for future cases.

In response, the Marine Corps has ramped up sobriety checks at gates to almost 100% the past two weekends and increased courtesy patrols by the Provost Marshals Office at popular destinations.

Several people with blood-alcohol content over Japans 0.03% legal limit were stopped July 12-13, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman Capt. Brett Dornhege-Lazaroff said by phone Friday, without providing an exact number. No further information was available Monday, he said.

Emanuel, in an X post on Saturday, praised Turner and III MEF for quickly implementing a series of new and heightened measures that reinforce expected standards of behavior and discipline for all [U.S.] personnel.

Our Japanese hosts, allies, and friends expect  and deserve  nothing less, he wrote. And we will deliver.
Rosettes recently were placed beside the names of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper, left, and Army Pfc. Harry Hosfelt on the Wall of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. The rosettes signify that the remains of the two service members killed during World War II have been recovered and identified. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)

NAPLES, Italy  Two U.S. service members who died in Italy during World War II are no longer considered missing.

Rosettes were placed Friday beside the names of Army Pfc. Harry Hosfelt and Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper at the Sicily-Rome American Cemeterys Wall of the Missing in the Italian town of Nettuno, the American Battle Monuments Commission said in a statement Monday.

The bronze markers indicate that the remains of the service members have been identified.

Hosfelt was killed Feb. 9, 1944, during a battle with German forces near the town of Cisterna di Latina. The 20-year-old Connellsville, Pa., native was assigned to Company A, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

His remains were recovered in March 1945, but officials did not have enough information to positively identify him. The remains subsequently were buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said in a June 6 statement.

In 2021, Hosfelts remains were exhumed and tested, and he ultimately was officially accounted for on Sept. 28, 2023, according to the DPAA. He was buried in Connellsville on June 29.

Rosettes placed recently on the Wall of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery indicate that the remains of two U.S. service members who went missing during World War II were recovered and identified. The rosettes were added July 19, 2024, beside the names of U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper and Army Pfc. Harry Hosfelt. (American Battle Monuments Commission)

Knepper, 27, of Lewiston, Idaho, was killed on July 10, 1943, when the P-38 Lightning fighter plane he was flying came under enemy fire and crashed near Caltagiorne in Sicily, the DPAA said in a separate statement July 11.

Kneppers plane crashed in one of many sorties against enemy forces during Operation Husky, the first effort of Allied powers to take back Europe. More than 2,000 U.S. service members were killed in the operation.

From 2015 to 2023, the Defense Department and its partners researched, investigated and excavated a crash site near Caltagirone, recovering evidence and remains thought to be associated with Knepper. He was accounted for on Aug. 10, 2023, according to the DPAA.

Knepper, assigned to the 49th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group in the north African and Mediterranean theater, will be buried in Lewiston on Aug. 2, the DPAA said.

The rosettes for Hosfelt and Knepper are the 18th and 19th additions to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Wall of the Missing, which features the names of 3,095 U.S. service members, the AMBC said.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will join finance ministers from Group of 20 nations in Rio de Janeiro this week. (Tuane Fernandes/Bloomberg)

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will join finance ministers from Group of 20 nations in Rio de Janeiro this week for a series of meetings addressing urgent global issues, but the talks are likely to be overshadowed by U.S. politics.

With former U.S. President Donald Trumps bid to recapture the White House gathering momentum, many global officials will have to grapple with the possibility that Washington will soon place much less emphasis on engaging with multilateral bodies like the G-20.

The Treasurys top international deputy appeared to allude to the issue in remarks to reporters on Friday.

Under President Biden and Secretary Yellens leadership, the United States has renewed our commitment to engaging with the world, not turning our back on it, Undersecretary for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh said.

In Brazil, Shambaugh said Yellen will also restate the Biden administrations commitment to aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia  another area where U.S. policy could drastically change should Trump win in November.

One policy area likely to see continuity: Washingtons tough stance on China.

During this weeks meetings, Yellen is expected to continue airing Washingtons objections over Chinas reliance on exports and mass subsidies for its manufacturing. Yellen has repeatedly warned that Chinas overcapacity threatens to flood global markets with artificially cheap goods, killing off industries in the U.S. and around the world.

In May, Biden increased tariffs on a range of Chinese-made products, and Yellen has been at the forefront of urging U.S. allies also to act on the issue. In Rio, she may encourage emerging market countries to voice their concerns over Chinese exports.

Answering questions from reporters, a senior Treasury official highlighted that some emerging markets, including Brazil and India, had already revealed their displeasure by taking actions to protect their industries from Chinese exports. The official expected the topic would come up during ministerial meetings this week, but declined to say whether public criticism of Beijing could be expected.

Most emerging market countries have typically avoided attacking Beijing on the issue to avoid diplomatic backlash. By contrast, the U.S. and its top industrialized counterparts have become increasingly aggressive in their language on China. That was on display in a Group of Seven communique in May.

If the Brazilians or Indians did speak up more forcefully, that would mark a big win for the U.S., according to Josh Lipsky, director of the Washington-based Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Center.

I see the U.S. trying to take that argument to the Brazilians and to the Indians, Lipsky said. The question is, can they get the large emerging market countries to say something publicly.

Yellens schedule includes a press conference at 8 a.m. New York time on July 25. The group meetings are also expected to address the stalled implementation of a global tax deal struck three years ago, debt relief for low-income countries and multilateral development bank reform.

On July 27, Yellen will attend a gathering hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank in the northern Brazilian city of Belem. Shes set to deliver a speech on the Biden administrations policies on climate change.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Palestinian civilians move away from the eastern districts of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip following evacuation orders by the Israeli army on July 22, 2024. (Bashar Taleb, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  The Israeli military ordered civilians to leave parts of the Gaza city of Khan Younis due to a renewed assault against Hamas, even as it reduced the size of an already overcrowded humanitarian zone where they could potentially take shelter.

The Israel Defense Forces is about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organizations, the military said in a statement early Monday. The remaining population in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis should temporarily move to the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, it said.

Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by more than nine months of fighting have taken up residence in Al-Mawasi, a sandy coastal expanse with little by way of infrastructure. Many families who were staying there have opted to return to Khan Younis  Gazas second-largest city  to escape appalling living conditions after Israeli ground forces initially withdrew from the town in early July.

The decision to decrease the size of the humanitarian zone and the order for civilians to relocate were based on precise intelligence that Hamas was operating in those areas, the military said.

The latest development in the conflict was announced as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarks on a trip to Washington, during which he is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden and address a joint session of congress.

The U.S. is a key ally of Israel and has supported it during the conflict, while attempting to broker a cease-fire and urging more help for civilians. Biden announced on Sunday that he would no longer seek re-election in November and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris in the contest against Donald Trump.

Calls to leave Khan Younis were communicated to residents through text messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic. Israel directly contacted Gazan health officials and international aid organizations to stress there is no need to evacuate hospitals in the area.

Residents of eastern Khan Younis reported heavy shelling early Monday. Thirty-five people were killed and 80 were injured in the aerial and ground bombardment, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said.

Iman Abu Baraka, who lives with her three children in a tent next to her ruined house in the area, said she received two calls on Monday morning instructing her to move to Al Mawasi.

This would be our seventh displacement. We dont know where to go or how to get to Al Mawasi, she said by phone. Im thinking to stay here.

The Israel-Hamas war began when Hamas militants burst into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. Israel responded with an air and ground assault has claimed the lives of 38,000 people, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which doesnt distinguish between between fighters and civilians. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union.

About 120 hostages remain in Gaza, including four who have been held there since 2014. On Monday, the Israeli military said Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchschtab had died, bringing to at least 46 the number of captives that have been confirmed as dead based on intelligence, videos and survivor testimony. Officials have said the number could be as high as 60.

Israels government has faced sustained public pressure to agree to a cease-fire that would secure the hostages release, but internationally mediated talks have failed to yield positive results. Late Sunday, Netanyahu said he had approved the departure of an Israeli team to participate in further negotiations, although his statement gave no details on where they would be held.

Last month, the Israeli leader said intense fighting in Gaza would end very soon. Barring temporary cease-fires, Israeli forces intend maintaining a military presence in the strip that would allow them to carry out targeted operations to ensure Israels security is safeguarded, several officials have said.

The risks of a wider conflict in the Middle East have mounted over the past few days, with Yemen-based Houthi rebels launching a drone attack on Tel Aviv that claimed the life of one man and injured several others. Israel responded with an air strike on the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port, destroying a fuel depot and damaging an electricity grid.

With assistance from Fares Akram, Paul Abelsky and Greg Sullivan.

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Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Andrew Pender (51) is also charged with handling a stolen garda uniform, after a full uniform including handcuffs was found by officers

Gardai have established that the suspected illegal drugs seized on Friday evening in Dublin 11, are estimated to be worth approximately 9.6m and the cash seized to be over 1.1m.

A DAD-of-four charged following the seizure of an estimated 9.6 million worth of drugs told detectives he had been "skimming off the cocaine" for his personal use, a court heard.

Andrew Pender (51) is also charged with handling a stolen garda uniform, after a full uniform including handcuffs was found by officers, following the search of a property in north county Dublin.

A detective claimed in court that Mr Pender was "a central part of this drug supplying operation".

Mr Pender was refused bail, after a judge accepted garda concerns that he was a flight risk, and he was remanded in custody until Friday.

Mr Pender was arrested and charged after gardai raided a premises in north county Dublin on Friday night.

It is alleged that gardai seized cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, LSD and MDMA, with an estimated street value of 9.6 million, subject to forensic analysis, with over 1.1m in cash also seized.

Detectives said the search was carried out following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Team.

On Monday morning, Mr Pender appeared before Blanchardstown District Court, where Detective Garda Naill Mangan gave details of arrest, charge and caution.

The accused, with an address at Ely Green in Tallaght, is charged with two counts of laundering money, as well as handling a stolen garda uniform, and possession of cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and mdma and having the drugs for sale or supply.

Gda Mangan said the accused was handed a true copy of the 14 charge sheets and, in reply to 12 of the charges, Mr Pender replied "not guilty".

Objecting to bail, Gda Mangan alleged that gardai stopped Mr Pender in a vehicle on Finglas Road, Finglas on Friday evening, July 19, 2024. A sum of cash, some 9,100, and a small amount of cocaine, and two keys were found in the vehicle, the court heard.

As gardai brought Mr Pender to a garda station for questioning, Gda Mangan said officers were executing a search warrant on a property at The Ward, north county Dublin.

Gda Mangan said gardai searched a container on the property, and cannabis, worth an estimated 1.46m, as well as cocaine of 4.48m, 1.8m of mdma as well as ketamine and LSD, was found.

Gda Mangan further alleged that cash of 1.09m was found concealed under the seats of a van parked at The Ward property, and a further 45,000 cash was found in follow-up searches in properties linked to Mr Pender.

Gda Mangan also alleged that gardai seized a number of high value items, including vehicles and clothing during follow-up searches.

Gda Mangan said Mr Pender was interviewed, and he told officers there was "100pc no chance" that property linked to him would be found in the container.

However, Gda Mangan said officers found a package addressed to his wife, as well as other items belonging to his family.

Gda Mangan further alleged Mr Pender made admissions, during interviews, that he was "skimming off the cocaine" for his own personal use.

Gda Mangan said gardai believed Mr Pender was an "immediate flight risk", and he asked the judge to refuse bail.

Applying for bail, defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said Mr Pender had strong ties to the State, and had lived in Tallaght his whole life.

The accused was a married man, with four children, and some family members were in court to support him, Mr MacLoughlin said.

Mr Pender was a carer for his father, who suffered dementia.

Mr MacLoughlin also said Mr Pender had a deviated septum, had breathing issues, and was unable to fly.

Judge David McHugh said Mr Pender enjoyed the presumption of innocence, but he was refusing bail, due to the nature of the evidence and garda fears that the accused was a flight risk.

Judge McHugh remanded the accused in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Friday.

Mr MacLoughlin applied for legal aid, but Gda Mangan objected, and Judge McHugh adjourned the application.
Ryan ODriscoll (28) had 131 previous convictions

Ryan ODriscoll was jailed for three months over the incident

A young man found with a single bullet in his pocket said he had taken possession of it after it arrived in the post to his mothers home as a threat.

Ryan ODriscoll (28) had the round of ammunition on him when officers were at the address separately and the prosecuting garda did not believe the reason he gave, a court heard.

Judge John Hughes jailed ODriscoll for three months, suspending a further seven months imprisonment to foster rehabilitation.

ODriscoll, a father of two of Patrick Heaney Crescent, Summerhill, pleaded guilty to possession of one round of ammunition without being authorised by a firearms certificate.

Dublin District Court heard the accused was at his mothers home at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, on June 8, 2021, when he was in possession of a bullet  a round of 9mm Luger calibre, M.K.E brand ammunition.

He told gardai it had been received in the post as a threat.

ODriscoll had 131 previous convictions.

The prosecution garda agreed the accused was under threat at the time but he did not accept that was the reason ODriscoll had the bullet.

However, he could not prove otherwise, he said.

The bullet arrived in an envelope and ODriscoll took possession of it, his lawyer said. He then arrived back on the same day that gardai were at his mothers home and told them how he came into possession of it, he said.

ODriscoll had been in the throes of addiction at the time of the incident but was now clean and in employment, and had transformed himself.

There was a glowing probation report before the court on ODriscoll, who had not come to garda attention in the recent past, the lawyer added.

Judge Hughes said ODriscoll had pleaded guilty to a serious offence. Sentencing him to 10 months in prison, he said he would suspend seven months of that for two years.

Conditions are that he completes a drug treatment course and education. The judge also ordered the destruction of the ammunition.
Brave Aisling says paedophile still poses potential risk to children after his release

The Sunday World found Declan Hannon at a house in Gorey, Co Wexford

Child rapist Declan Hannon is back on the streets and is now living a short distance from a creche.

The paedophile was released from the Midlands Prison earlier this month after serving just five years in prison for the repeated rape of a nine-year-old girl.

Despite keeping a low profile since he gained his freedom, we tracked Hannon down on Wednesday evening last to a house in Gorey, Co Wexford, on an estate filled with young families.

When confronted, the beast refused to speak as we attempted to ask him whether he is still a danger to children.

Instead, he slammed his front door in our reporters face.

Told of Hannons proximity to a creche, the predators victim Aisling Vickers said she was alarmed by the development.

She also called for further reform of sex offenders legislation making it mandatory for parents to be told if a sex offender is living in their midst.

Declan Hannon did not want to speak to our reporter this week

I believe it is important that his whereabouts and face are known to those living in the area where he is, she told the Sunday World.

The public have no ready access to information like this and that is why I have spoken out about him.

The public dont have access to a sex offenders register that anyone can check so thats really been my motivation in all of this.

My whole thing was that if people Google his name, then it will be there alongside the crimes he had committed.

It will all be there in black and white.

Asked whether she believes Hannon is still a danger to children, Vicki responded: Yes, potentially, 100 per cent!

He never showed any remorse.

The fact he put me through a court case shows that.

I said this in my victim impact statement.

He chose the path of deception and he lost.

He had the ability to spare me the ordeal of a trial and admit his guilt and he didnt.

That shows the type of person he is  he was stone faced through the lot.

That doesnt bode well for the potential of him offending again.

I know people say you do the crime you do the time.

But thats not how life works.

My whole motivation is to protect children and if parents have that knowledge, then they know to keep their children away from someone like him.

They dont have to do anything with that knowledge but at all costs we have to protect our children and all women against these predators.

Vile Hannon first raped Aisling, then a nine-year-old girl, during a game of hide and seek when he was aged 17.

He raped her three more times during the summer in around 1987 or 1989.

A local sergeant told the court how Hannon, the victim and other children were playing hide and seek when Hannon persuaded her to go into a shed where he raped her.

He told her not to tell anyone and that it was their secret.

Aisling recalled another incident about two weeks later where she was again playing with other children and Hannon brought her to his bedroom and raped her.

She recalled two more incidents that summer where he brought her to waste ground on the promise of money for sweets and raped her, with a further rape in a caravan.

Aisling said she was initially unable to tell anyone for fear of what might happen and did not say anything for years.

Her mother became aware of what had happened and gardai and the HSE were notified but for various reasons her mother did not want the case to proceed at that time.

Hannon denied the allegations when interviewed by the health board.

Aisling was approached by gardai in 2013 and asked if she was now in a position to make a statement. She decided to do so.

Hannon was arrested but the interview with him was non-productive.

Aisling first gave evidence in a trial in May 2016, but the jury had to be discharged due to witness unavailability.

A second trial, in which Aisling gave evidence twice, also had a jury discharged due to issues with documents.

Another trial proceeded in March 2019, but the jury was discharged again.

A second jury was empanelled, and this trial proceeded to conclusion and conviction.

Aisling had given evidence in public and in legal argument in these trials.

Hannon also gave evidence and denied all charges during the final trial.

John Fitzgerald, SC, defending Hannon, said the offences had happened while Hannon was himself a child and he has since lived a good and normal life.

He said Hannon had worked at all times, most recently as a general operative and tree surgeon.

He asked the court to take into account the delay in the case which had not been caused by his client.

He said the person who committed the offence was a very different person to the man now before the court.

Mr Fitzgerald also asked the court to take into account the effect a custodial sentence for Hannon would have on his son, who has special needs.

In sentencing, Mr Justice Michael White said Hannon carried out the brutal and cynical rape of an innocent child.

He set a headline sentence of 11 years but, in consideration of a number of mitigating factors, reduced this to seven years of which Hannon would serve five years in custody.

At the end of the sentencing hearing lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) asked the judge to impose reporting restrictions on identifying either Aisling or Hannon and the judge agreed.

Aisling was present at the court at the time but wasnt asked and didnt realise the reporting restrictions had been imposed until days later.

It wasnt until 18 months after his conviction that Aisling succeeded in naming Hannon publicly.

Even then, due to a ruling relating to the law on identification of child victims of crime, the media was prevented from publishing Aislings name.

Thus began a lengthy and arduous battle in the courts for Aisling to be able to identify herself.

Aisling says one of the key reasons she fought to waive her anonymity rights was because she knew the day of Hannons eventual release would come.

All I want now is for people to be aware he is out, to know what he looks like and to keep their children safe, she said.
They now have an additional 36 hours to carry out questioning of the man and woman

Police discover a body at a property on Donegall Avenue, south Belfast, on July 20, 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police discover a body at a property on Donegall Avenue, south Belfast, on July 20, 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police discover a body at a property on Donegall Avenue, south Belfast, on July 20, 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police have been granted an extension to question two people arrested as part of a sudden death investigation in south Belfast.

They now have an additional 36 hours to carry out questioning of the man and woman after a body was found in a property on Donegall Avenue on Saturday during searches for a missing person.

In a statement, police said: Police have this morning (22 July) been granted a 36-hour extension to question a man and woman arrested in connection with an investigation into a sudden death in the Donegall Avenue area of Belfast on Saturday July 20.
Stash including cocaine, cannabis and ketamine is found with money and designer goods in searches

An 9.6 million drug seizure confiscated alongside a stash of 1.1 million in cash is suspected of belonging to associates of drug dealing brothers David and Christopher Git Waldron.

The drugs were discovered when gardai carried out a raid on a home in The Ward in Co Dublin on Friday night.

Gardai said the search was carried out following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dublin Crime Team.

The massive seizure

The drugs found included cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, LSD and MDMA, and will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Approximately 1.1 million in cash, vehicles and designer goods were also seized in a number of follow-up searches across the Dublin region.

Gardai confirmed that a man aged in his 50s was arrested under section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 in connection with the seizure, and is currently detained at a garda station in Dublin.

David Waldron is a major player in the drugs business

Sources said the seizure of the drugs and cash will come as a hammer blow to the associates of the Waldron brothers.

Commenting on the operation late on Friday, Garda Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Angela Willis, said: The seizure of what is a significant quantity of drugs and cash is a major blow to this organised crime group which has been causing so much misery in communities right across the city.

Cash is the lifeblood of crime groups and the seizure of amounts of this scale causes significant disruption. Gardai continue to target those that destroy lives through their activities.

The Waldron brothers are well-known drug dealers who have been linked to organised crime in Finglas for years.

Earlier this year, the High Court accepted that David Waldron has been a major player since 2000 and that his main income was from drug dealing.

He was heavily involved in drug dealing and has had access to large sums of money generated by drug dealing.

The Waldrons took over a leading role in sourcing and supplying drugs in Cabra after the murder of Eamon Dunne in April 2010.

Git Waldron

David Waldron was a close associate of Darren Kearns, Michael Kelly and Daithi Douglas, who were all shot dead in gangland murders between 2011 and 2016.

His former business associate Richard Keogh, who sourced drugs for Waldron in Spain, was shot dead outside Malaga in January 2009.

Last November, following a three year legal wrangle, Christopher Git Waldron lost his home in Cabra to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), bringing an end to a three-year legal wrangle.

A ladies Rolex watch valued at more than 17,000 and two mens designer watches were also kept by CAB after the proceeds of crime case was settled

David is also hurting financially after losing a four-year battle with the Criminal Assets Bureau earlier this year.

The 48-year-old fought the Criminal Assets Bureau over possession of his homes in Dublin, Kildare and in particular a renovated luxury 1.6m mansion, complete with a man den in Co Wexford.

Last April, Judge Alex Owens found that the properties were all purchased with the proceeds of crime by Waldron, who, he found, is a major player in the illegal distribution and sale of drugs.

The judge said he agreed with the Chief Bureau officer that Waldron has been a major player in the distribution and sale of drugs in Dublin since 2000  and that this activity has been the mainstay of his means, income and lifestyle during this period.

The judge also concluded that his wife Charlene, who was also named in the proceedings, knew that the purchase of the mansion did not come from legitimate means.

She cannot but have been aware of the source of her means and of her husbands means to engage in these activities, the judge said in his judgement.

Speaking after the case, the Chief Officer of CAB, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Gubbins said it shows why theres a need for the bureau.

This was an individual who over 20 years amassed well over 3.3 million which they expended on three properties which the Bureau have taken to the High Court and proven their case that these are the proceeds of crime, he said.

I think it establishes why the bureau was established and more importantly, it sends a message to the community of the value and the work the Criminal Assets Bureau is doing in their area.

Its not just the money we are taking off them but the houses of these individuals.

Waldron denied to the court that he was a major criminal and claimed he had decided to go down the country to start a new life away from Dublin between the time of a violent assault he was involved in in 2013 and his imprisonment in 2015.

He had claimed he worked as a handyman in the building industry and also did plastering, block work, carpentry and electrical work.
RTE documentary investigates church handling of claims against late cleric

He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked, said Patricia Donovan. Photo: RTE

The niece of Bishop Eamonn Casey has spoken on camera for the first time about how she was raped by her uncle when she was aged five.

Patricia Donovan, the late bishops niece and one of his accusers, said the sexual abuse continued for years.

Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets, which airs tonight on RTE, investigates the Catholic Churchs handling of allegations against the former Bishop of Galway, who died in 2017.

Ms Donovan told RTE she felt so absolutely and completely and utterly betrayed by the church she was brought up in.

Some of the things he did to me, and where he did them. The horror of being raped by him when I was five, the violence. And it just carried on in that vein, she said in the documentary made in conjunction with the Irish Mail on Sunday.

He had no fear of being caught. He thought he could do what he liked, when he liked, how he liked. He was almost, like, incensed that I would dare fight against him, that I would dare try and hurt him, I would dare try and stop him. It didnt make any difference.

Ian Elliott, the former chief executive of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, described Bishop Casey as a sexual predator and offender.

Mr Elliott told the investigation he found Ms Donovans account of what she has been through entirely credible.

The fact of the matter is that individuals have come forward and spoken about numerous sexual activities, some consensual, others not. Many involved very young people, he said.

That is wrong and there is no justification for that, and it should have been stopped. Those that have been distressed and hurt should be helped and supported by the church. That is a major priority.

Casey, born in Co Kerry, served as bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh from 1976 to 1992, and was seen as a progressive voice within the church.

He resigned in 1992 when it was revealed he had an affair with a young American woman, Annie Murphy, with whom he had a child.

He was sent to do missionary work for several years in South America and then ministered in England.

In 2019, the Galway Diocese received the allegation of child sexual abuse against Casey from Ms Donovan. However, the diocese also confirmed it had records of five people who had complained of childhood sexual abuse against him at the time.

These independent accusations relate to alleged events in every Irish diocese where Casey worked.

By early 2006, the Vatican had received at least two allegations of child sexual abuse against him.

The Vatican has now confirmed for the first time that Casey was formally banned from public ministry in 2007, following allegations, which included his nieces complaint.

Despite his resignation in 1992, he remained a bishop until his death and claimed his removal from ministry was unjust.

RTEs investigation also revealed how the Limerick diocese paid more than 100,000 in settlement to one of Caseys accusers after his death.

Casey consistently denied all the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him and was never prosecuted despite complaints being reported to An Garda Siochana.

Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets will air at 9.35pm tonight on RTE One and on the RTE Player

Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information https://www.independent.ie/service/helplines-40487532.html
Downfall of organised crime gang has seen six convicted, with six more before court

The biggest garda investigation into an organised crime gang outside of the capital led to the sentencing last Friday of four more associates of the mob for their roles.

All had links to Sligo crime lord Barry Young (39), who is serving an 11-year jail sentence for directing a criminal organisation.

Six people, including two women, have now been sentenced for their various roles in Youngs gang.

However, the Sunday World can reveal another six men are before the courts charged with organised crime offences in relation to their alleged roles, and the huge investigation remains ongoing and active.

Not included in the six men who are facing charges is a gang member from Sligo who is the chief suspect for the gun murder of notorious Dublin hitman Robbie Lawlor in Belfast more than four years ago.

The suspect, who is aged in his 30s and described as an enforcer for the gang, was arrested by the PSNI in May and questioned about Lawlors murder before being released on police bail.

Hitman Robbie Lawlor, whose murder has been linked to the Young-led gang

There is an expectation that he could be charged with the high-profile murder, and sources previously revealed the PSNI also wants to question Young about his suspected logistical involvement in the gangland shooting.

The murder suspect is currently based in England and is said to be deeply concerned that if he was to return home, he would be arrested by gardai investigating the Young organised crime gang.

It can be revealed that, apart from Young, the other five people sentenced for their roles in his gang had no knowledge or involvement in Lawlors murder.

At Galway Circuit Court last Friday, Brian Cummins (27), of Balgaddy Road, Tuam, Co Galway, was jailed for five years after he pleaded guilty to money-laundering charges.

The sentencing judge remarked that Cummins was a willing participant in the organised crime gang.

In Tuam there was an aura of menace, especially for those who allegedly owed money to the criminal organisation

Sources described him as being Barrys local representative in Tuam in an operation in which up to 20,000 of cannabis was being sold every week.

In Tuam there was an aura of menace, especially for those who allegedly owed money to the criminal organisation, and there was an incident when a home was attacked that contained two innocent children and two women in it at the time, a source said. This is how the crime gang operated.

However, the gang is now in tatters after the operation led by Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken and senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig.

Young was arrested by Sligo detectives on January 11, 2022, as he sat on board a Ryanair flight to Alicante at Dublin Airport  and his mobile phone was seized.

An analysis of this device revealed all who worked for him and the inner workings of the gang. It has led gardai to charge a dozen people to date in the biggest ever organised crime investigation in western Ireland.

Young had links to a number of the countrys main crime organisations, including the Mr Big gang, and he was a close associate of Mark Guinea Pig Desmond for years, with the west Dublin enforcer moving to Sligo to work as a heavy before his murder in a park in Lucan in December 2016.

However, Young is now described as being goosed because sources say he has lost huge credibility in the criminal underworld given it was the 16,000 unencrypted messages from WhatsApp on his own phone that led to his downfall and that of a large number of his associates.

His gang also had links to criminals in continental Europe and Young spent a lot of time living in Spain, but Sligo town was always the centre of the gangs operations. It controlled much of the drugs-distribution business in western Ireland, Co Donegal and into Northern Ireland.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken led the operation

At Sligo Circuit Court on Friday, three associates of Young were sentenced for their roles supporting his organised crime network. Two Sligo men were jailed and a woman received a suspended sentence.

Judge Keenan Johnson heard all three came from respectable backgrounds and their involvement in crime happened during vulnerable periods of their lives and came as a result of duress and fear.

Keith Harris (37), of Meadow Vale, Sligo, pleaded guilty to a range of charges including possession of cocaine for sale or supply, possession of weighing scales and benzocaine, a mixing agent for cocaine. Harris also admitted having 5,800 in cash that was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Father-of-three Harris also pleaded guilty to commission of an offence for the benefit of a criminal organisation under section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.

It is clear that the accused was involved in very serious offending not only at the behest of Barry Young, but also to generate income for himself

Judge Johnson said text messages sent by Harris to Young showed he was also involved in criminal activity for financial gain, which was a hugely aggravating factor.

It is clear that the accused was involved in very serious offending not only at the behest of Barry Young, but also to generate income for himself, he said.

Judge Johnson set the headline sentence for the Section 73 offence at three years and six months, four years for sale and supply of drugs and four years and six months for the money laundering.

Judge Johnson suspended the final three years of each sentence, which must run concurrently.

Michael Duffy, of Orchard Grove, Carney, Sligo, admitted stashing 28,050 in cash belonging to the Barry Young gang at his home.

Duffy pleaded guilty to a money-laundering charge in respect of the cash seized on January 15, 2022, and also to having cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply on the same occasion.

The court was told that following the arrest of Young at Dublin Airport, a search warrant was obtained for Duffys home on foot of the analysis of text messages between the two men.

Setting the maximum sentence for each offence at four years, the judge suspended the final three years of each count.

Also sentenced was single mother-of-one Sinead McCormack (36), of Bruach na hAbhainn, Coolaney, whom gardai discovered had sent 725 via Western Union at Ballisodare post office on August 1, 2020, to a person in China to pay for cocaine mixing agent benzocaine.

Katie Banks, former partner of gang boss Barry Young

The mixing agent had been sent to her by a Chinese company but was intended for the Barry Young gang.

McCormack pleaded guilty to a charge of money laundering and a Section 72 offence, which prohibits a person engaging in activity that is likely to contribute or assist a criminal gang.

Ranking her offending on the lower end of mid-range and after mitigation, the judge set her sentence at three years and six months, suspended in full.

She was the second woman to be sentenced for their role in the gang after Barry Youngs former partner Katie Banks (30) received a suspended sentence in March when she pleaded guilty to money laundering and facilitating her then boyfriends criminal organisation.

The court was told the mother of two had been manipulated during a toxic relationship with Young and she received an 18-month suspended sentence.
Popular Dublin locations documented on social media include the Vico Baths, Herbert Park, and Howth Harbour.

Dublin has been listed as one of the most picturesque summer destinations in Europe, according to a new study.

New research from award-winning travel company Travelbag shows that Irelands capital is the sixth prettiest city in the continent, with more than 23,000 Instagram posts using the hashtag #SummerinDublin and over 1,300 searches a month.

Popular Dublin locations documented on social media include the Vico Baths, Herbert Park, and Howth Harbour.

Travelbag analysed Instagram hashtag data and Google search trends to determine the most picturesque travel destinations to visit this summer.

It found that the best spot for an Insta-worthy experience this summer is London with over 175,000 posts under the hashtag #SummerinLondon.

The British capital also receives a large volume of Google searches, with a monthly average of 4,400 global searches for the term summer in London.

Paris ranks as the second prettiest city in Europe to visit during summer, with over 161,000 posts on Instagram and the highest global search volume, with an average of 5,400 searches a month for summer in Paris.

Berlin takes the third spot on the list, followed by Athens, Vienna, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich, and Copenhagen.

It comes after Bray was named one of the world's most underrated travel destinations by a top travel guide last week.

Time Out put the Wicklow seaside town on its list for a second time, highlighting its stand-out appeal among 24 other global destinations, including Prince Edward Island in Canada, Tasmania in Australia, Karpathos in Greece and Plymouth in England.

Bray first appeared on the list in 2023, receiving praise for its diverse range of activities and dining options.

This year, the town secured the 24th spot. Time Out's article recounts how Bray's popularity soared with the arrival of the railway in 1854, earning it the nickname "the Brighton of Ireland."

Eugene Finnegan from Bray Tourism commented on the significance of this recognition for tourism in the town, and highlighted Brays unique appeal.

"Being acknowledged again by Time Out is a testament to Bray's enduring appeal, he said. The support from the Bray Municipal District and Wicklow County Council has been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the town's amenities and public realm."
Council demands that new plan for house must be restrained

Guests arriving at Conor McGregors planned mega-mansion will be greeted with a view of the basement swimming pool through a glass floor - if he can persuade planners to give him the green light.

These images show the UFC stars spectacular plans to re-build his luxury home, but it is dead in the water until Kildare County Council is convinced the plans live up to its rural housing policy.

One wing of the house hosts an extensive open-plan dining and living room area that opens on to a covered terrace which leads to an outdoor swimming pool.

There is also a playroom, a chefs kitchen, pantry and cloakroom as well as a more private dining room on that side of the house.

McGregor wants to build this sprawling house in Co Kildare

Moving across to the other wing, there is an office, a snug, another smaller sitting room and more storage rooms.

Plans for a big open area at the side show a bar, a pool table, card table and more living space.

This opens to the barbecue area where there is plenty of space to entertain family and friends.

The sunken basement, where the 20-metre-long indoor pool will be, also has plans for a 14-seat cinema.

The basement is where the gym is to be located along with a jacuzzi, a dry and wet sauna as well as a treatment room.

The curved double staircase leads to the first-floor bedrooms where the master suite takes up an entire side of the house.

Off the master bedroom are a mini-bar and snacks room and an office, with balconies at the back and front of the house.

The plans include a 14-seat cinema, 20-metre swimming pool, treatment room and a wet and dry sauna

A master robe which the same size as the bedroom, is marked down as a spot where rows of casual and formal outfits will hang.

The bathroom is also to be equipped with a sauna and Jacuzzi.

The bedroom wing is also accessible by a lift beside the downstairs dining and living area. The second upstairs wing contains the houses five other bedrooms, to be equipped with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in-wardrobes along with a childrens den, all with access to the first-floor balcony.

At the moment Kildare County Council is seeking further information on the planned rebuild at Castledillon, Straffan.

In the planning applications design statement by Tyler Owens Architects it was stated that McGregors existing house is substandard in its construction.

It noted the styles and sizes of some of the local properties in the vicinity such as Straffan Lodge and The K Club, adding: We believe our proposal is suitable for the size of the site, and the local character of these buildings indicated.

This month, the council wrote to McGregor requesting further information on his plans and outlined some of its issues with his application.

Conor McGregor

Concerns were expressed over the size and scale of the development, which isnt consistent with the councils design for rural houses.

The council also states that the site for the propertys waste water treatment system is unsuitable for various reasons.

It said a new plan must also comply with rural house design guidelines by designing buildings that are restrained and absent of fussy add-ons or frills, and not include unnecessarily large rooms.

McGregor must respond to the Planning Authoritys request for further information within six months.

Earlier this year, Fingal County Council rejected McGregors plans to build a 35-bedroom hotel at the site of the Waterside bar in Howth, Co Dublin for which he paid a reported 1m.

He was also refused permission to construct an eight-storey, 113 unit apartment block in Drimnagh.
He said the organisation has not learned from the riot in Dublin last November

A former Assistant Garda Commissioner has criticised the organisation for leaving frontline gardai vulnerable in Coolock, describing the sight of young gardai standing on the Malahide Road, dodging rocks, wearing no protective clothing and not being trained.

He said the organisation has not learned from the riot in Dublin last November and frontline gardai have been left unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with situations like what unfolded in Coolock last week.

A fourth fire in four days broke out on Sunday evening at the site in Coolock that is intended to house asylum seekers, where gardai have been involved in major clashes with protestors since last Monday after a protest camp at the entrance to the former Crown Paints facility was cleared, with a security guard hospitalised and equipment on the site burnt out.

The Public Order Unit was deployed on several occasions throughout the week as protests turned violent.

A youngster throws a bottle towards gardai (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking to Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One, former Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael OSullivan said the organisation must immediately issue gardai with riot helmets and extend public order training to a greater number of officers.

"When you look at whats happening in Coolock, you have to look as far back as November, to the riots in November, youve got to look at the way things unfolded there, he said.

"It was obvious at that stage you had a large number of guards who werent trained in public order training and had no riot helmets.

"The sight of young guards standing on the Malahide Road, dodging rocks, wearing no protective clothing and not being trained these guards are doing the best that they possibly can  standing in harms way very courageously  but I think the organisation hasnt learned anything since November.

Mr OSullivan said helmets should have been issued since the violent scenes in Dublin eight months ago and a process of training more gardai in public order should have been initiated.

He said incidents like that in Coolock are likely to continue as criminal thugs who have no political affiliations escalate situations involving legitimate peaceful protestors.

These guys basically travel to wherever the next row is to cause mayhem, to injure police men and women, and to damage police vehicles and set fires.

This rabble of a crowd must be dealt with very proactively, but theyre a feature of Irish society now and theyre going to pop up at the next incident whenever it happens.

Mr OSullivan said the matter of community engagement is one for Government and he is concerned with the issue of law enforcement and professional training for frontline gardai who are being left extremely vulnerable.

You cant just press a switch and the Public Order Unit will arrive in 20 minutes. Hence the delays, hence the injuries.

He said the gardai must be upskilled in public order training and all members must immediately be issued with helmets.

"It was realised back in November in the riots on OConnell Street which guards lost control of  through no fault of their own  having seen that, nothing has been done to rectify the situation, he said.

"You cannot continue the way they are operating. It is not the guards fault. You cannot ask people to put themselves in harms way very courageously and duck and dive when rocks come flying through the air.

Gardai face off against rioters at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins

Mr OSullivan said those engaging in violence are criminal thugs who should not be confused with normal peaceful protestors.

There is a fear among the guards when theyre on the ground in these situations. Not a fear of the rocks and the petrol bombs, a fear of looking over their shoulder because a system has now developed within An Garda Siochana where if somebody gets proactive in the use of force  all guards are trained in the use of force, when to use it and within human rights compliance  but if they get proactive and they end up on social media or worse, they end up with a complaint against them, they know that they are in danger of being suspended.

He added that gardai are reluctant to be proactive as they feel in greater danger of getting into trouble within your organisation.
Firefighters quickly brought the small fire under control

The Sinn Fein leader said the local community has been ignored and left behind time and again. Photo: PA

A fourth fire in four days broke out on Sunday evening at the site in Coolock that is intended to house asylum seekers.

Dublin Fire Brigade was again called to the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road that has been the focus of protests over the past week, to deal with what was likely a fourth arson attack in as many days.

Firefighters quickly brought the small fire under control.

There have now been four fires at the site of the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road in as many days, despite garda patrols. On Friday, three gardai were also injured in violence, with one hospitalised with facial injuries.

The Public Order Unit was deployed on several occasions throughout this week as protests turned violent at the site earmarked to house asylum seekers.

There were major clashes with gardai on Monday after a protest camp at the entrance to the former Crown Paints facility was cleared, with a security guard hospitalised and equipment on the site burnt out.

Engagement

The latest fire came as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told Taoiseach Simon Harris that there is an urgent need to engage with the community in Coolock following totally unacceptable scenes of violence this week.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said on Sunday afternoon that he believes the scenes in recent days do not represent the community in Coolock and described this mornings call with Ms McDonald as a good constructive conversation.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said he believes that there are two distinct issues here which can never be conflated when it comes to migration.

"Firstly, violence and criminality and attacks on gardai, frontline workers and property which must be met with the full rigours of the law and secondly, the important issue of engaging with people in their community, providing information and trying to address issues, the spokesperson said.

The Taoiseach believes the scenes in recent days do not represent the community in Coolock - a good, decent community - and working cross-party is important on this issue.

They added that the Taoiseach has been briefed by both Integration Minister Roderic OGorman and Justice Minister Helen McEntee this morning.

The Sinn Fein leader said the local community has been ignored and left behind time and again. Photo: PA

He also phoned Ms McDonald following an open letter she shared yesterday calling for more engagement with local residents.

"They had a good constructive conversation and agree on the need for violence and attacks on the gardai and the Coolock site to stop and for those responsible to be brought to justice. They also discussed important issues around community engagement.

Ms McDonald spoke to Mr Harris on Sunday morning to outline what she said was the urgent need for intervention in Coolock to ensure that order is restored and that engagement with the community begins, a spokesperson for the Sinn Fein said.

The Sinn Fein leader said the violent scenes at the former Crown Paints site over recent days are totally unacceptable and that the local community has been ignored and left behind time and time again.

I spoke with An Taoiseach this morning about the urgent need for engagement and dialogue with the community in Coolock, she said.

The violent scenes at the former Crown Paints site over recent days are totally unacceptable. The violence must end and those responsible need to be held to account. It is crucial that order is restored.

There is an urgent need for engagement and dialogue with the community in Coolock. This is crucial in a community which has been ignored and left behind time and again. People must be heard and responded to.

The lack of dialogue, failure to listen and lack of resources and services has driven anger and fear. This can be fixed and it must be addressed urgently.

On Monday around 20 people were arrested after a day of major clashes with gardai after a protest camp at the entrance to the former Crown Paints facility was cleared, with a security guard hospitalised and equipment on the site burnt out.

Fireworks and missiles were thrown at gardai, with Public Order Unit gardai using batons and pepper spray on violent protesters.

There were further gatherings throughout the week, and on Thursday night part a building on the site was set on fire despite the presence of large concrete barriers at the entrance and gardai stationed at at the site.

Around 1,000 people gathered on the Malahide Road on Friday, which was closed in both directions for a time on Friday evening, with speeches being made by activists during the peaceful rally under the Coolock Says No banner.

Later, protesters clashed with gardai at the entrance to the site.

Local Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan on Sunday said there is a need for increased engagement with the local community who have been almost completely ignored by the Government on the issue.

He said the change will not come overnight but engagement with local residents and leaders will help de-escalate the situation in Coolock.

There is a wide spectrum of views on this in Coolock and there is a good deal of misinformation as well. There is a lot of work to be done there.

Mr OCallaghan said some local residents living close to the site have sometimes felt trapped in their homes due to the violent scenes taking place outside.

At times, (they) have felt very unsafe coming and going from their homes in terms of effectively having a riot situation take place outside your home.

"Thats a completely unacceptable situation. For people using the Malahide Road, which is a main thoroughfare for public transport as well.

It has been causing huge disruption in the local community. There is a lot of work to be done to try and repair this and de-escalate it.

He said there is resentment amongst a number of local residents who feel they have not been engaged with and the spread of misinformation on social media is cause for concern.

You have a community that before this already felt not listened to, not engaged with, marginalised from the decision-making process. That feeling would already have been there and this has compounded it.

He said the Government must understand that engaging with local communities does not mean handing a veto over who lives there and who doesnt live there.

Thats not the same. Thats not the same as having good communication, good listening. When thats not done, it just creates more and more vacuums for misinformation.

At the weekend, the Taoiseach admitted the Government had to do more to engage with communities with genuine questions around planned asylum centres.

Mr Harris said the attacks on gardai were not caused by concerns over a lack of community engagement. He insisted it was instead thuggery and lawlessness perpetrated by people who will exploit any divisive situation.

While the Taoiseach insisted the issue of community engagement was a separate one, he acknowledged the Government did need to do more on that front.

I think we do need to do more as a government in terms of community engagement, he said.

Im very clearly drawing a line down the middle here because Im not conflating the two (community engagement and those engaged in violence). I refuse to conflate the two, I find that a despicable concept.

Mr Harris added: I also think this summer were going to see something quite important happen, and its not without challenge, but we are going to see a number of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and community centres that were being used for migration being put back into public use.

So yes, we have a lot of work to do in relation to this.
The national forecaster said possible impacts include surface flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for four counties this evening.

The alert, covering Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, is valid until 11pm.

The national forecaster said possible impacts include surface flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

There were some sunny spells today ahead of the arrival of rain spreading from the west, turning heavy at times this evening.

Highest temperatures were expected to peak between 17 to 22 degrees today before dropping between nine to 13 degrees overnight, when rain will clear to leave dry conditions and clear skies with some cloud in the south.

It was mainly dry with some sunshine on Tuesday as highest temperatures reached 18 to 22 degrees during the day and will hit lows of nine to 14 degrees overnight.

Rain and drizzle in the west will start the day on Wednesday morning and spread eastwards later as highest temperatures are forecast to reach 19 to 21 degrees.

It will be mainly dry with just isolated showers on Wednesday night and lowest temperatures of 13 or 14 degrees.

Met Eireann forecasts further rain and drizzle on Thursday, which will give way in the evening to clearer conditions as temperatures remain warm at 18 to 22 degrees.

Sunshine and showers on Friday are likely on Friday, when temperatures will reach between 17 and 19 degrees.

Current indications from Met Eireann suggest that there will be just isolated showers on Saturday with longer sunny spells in between and the potential for a drier day overall on Sunday and becoming warmer by Monday.
Adair said the Trump terror attack took him back to a time he was shot in the head at an open-air concert in Belfast.

Former loyalist terror chief Johnny Mad Dog Adair has claimed he showed the same mental strength when he was shot in the head as former US President Donald Trump.

The one-time UDA Brigadier spoke out in praise of Trump in the wake of an attempt on the ex-presidents life as he delivered a rabble-rousing speech at a Republican rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last week.

One man died and three others, including Trump, were injured when a lone gunman struck. The would-be assassin was later shot dead by members of the security services. Trump came within millimetres of being killed when a bullet pierced his ear.

But Adair  who was sent down for 16 years for directing terrorism during the Troubles  insists Trumps mental reaction to the gunmans bullet reminded him of his own reaction to being shot in the head.

He said: Trumps response was top class. He was grazed by the bullet and when he saw the blood he went into shock. But seconds later, he was on his feet again. He took over from the Secret Service. And with a clenched-fist salute, he was shouting Fight, Fight, Fight!

That proved Trump had the mental strength to pull himself through the worst of circumstances. Its all about mental strength, Adair maintained.

Trump rises after assassination attempt

Speaking from his home on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland, Adair said the Trump terror attack took him back to a time he was shot in the head at an open-air concert in Belfast.

At first I didnt know what it was and I was momentarily blinded. But without doubt I felt the worst pain of my life. I had never experienced pain like it before or since, he said.

Within seconds my sight came back and I could see a well-built man in front and he was punching me. I could tell he was a boxer and I had no alternative but to fight back.

Johnny Adair

Another man joined in, so I was fighting two of them. But just I knew in my heart that I couldnt afford to go down, so I fought like a tiger.

Blood was streaming down my face. But we got out of the park and found a taxi.

The driver took us to hospital where doctors removed part of a spent bullet from my head, said Adair.

He is convinced it was his determination to stay on his feet which saved his life.

He said: When I heard the bang, I knew I had been shot.

But my mental strength kicked in and a voice in my head kept saying, Dont drop to the ground and thats what saved me.
When she was interviewed in April of that year, she said she was aware of her obligations and admitted she had not advised that her children were no longer in her care.

But it was not until 2021 that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) uncovered her deception, worth $64,624.13, which included the benefits and winter energy payments.

Tamara Ohlson-Pitman, of Hamilton, was granted the domestic purposes benefit (DPB) on December 19, 2012, and briefly cancelled it on November 11, 2019, before reapplying for the sole parent benefit a month later.

A young woman who defrauded the Ministry of Social Development of more than $60,000 later found out she would have been eligible for other benefits if she had been honest with them.

She said she intended to continue to help support them, but then their father stopped providing her with bills to pay.

As a result of MSD inquiries, it was found she had not had her children in her care since March 2017.

But had Ohlson-Pitman advised the ministry of her true circumstances she might have received the jobseekers benefit over that period, totalling $44,969.14.

The ministry has deducted that figure from the total monies owed and she was now repaying the outstanding $19,654.99.

But she still had criminal charges to answer to.

The 30-year-old appeared in the Hamilton District Court last week for sentencing on two charges each of obtaining by deception and using a document for pecuniary advantage.

Ohlson-Pitmans counsel Hayden Bell said she had been having counselling and urged Judge Philip Crayton to hand down a sentence of supervision and community detention so she could keep her job.

Taking money away from those who really need it

Judge Philip Crayton said benefit fraud was the type of crime that offended against her own community.

It takes money away from those who really need it and it means that every person who is seeking the assistance which they should get from the Government, they come under suspicion and of course, that of itself brings about feelings of guilt for them.

This is offending which dates back several years and as a consequence you received and you are about to repay, a very large amount of money.

He noted she had a positive pre-sentence report but most importantly she had not looked to pass the blame onto anyone else or sought to divert responsibility.

You have reconnected with family and support and that is vitally important, and you have a job.

Judge Crayton sentenced Ohlson-Pitman to 12 months supervision and six months community detention.

You do not want to be coming back before the court for this type of offending or any type of offending, he told her.
As the country settles into the new school term, the weather settles into a drier pattern while retaining a wintry feel.

There are road snowfall warnings in place for Lewis Pass and Porters Pass this evening, when snow flurries are expected about the summit of both roads, with a risk of 1 to 2cm accumulating.

If youre planning on travelling these roads tonight, make sure to check the Waka Kotahi NZTA Journey Planner for any updates. Drive to the conditions, accounting for reduced traction, MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan advises.

New Zealand's current showery weather will give way to mostly clear skies as last weekends low pressure system moves away to the east.

This was expected to happen overnight for the South Island and then this morning for the lower and central North Island.

Northland, Auckland, and Waikato will remain showery until the sun comes up on Wednesday, then clear skies are there to stay. However, there is a small chance of a gusty thunderstorm on Wednesday before dawn.

Expect widespread frosts in the South Island on Tuesday and Wednesday, also about sheltered inland parts of the North Island, says Dan.

Daytime maximum temperatures for the first half of the week are forecast in the low to mid-teens, though sheltered parts of Central Otago will struggle to make it into double digits until Wednesday, given the weaker sunshine this time of year.

Southwesterly winds in places that are more exposed to this direction, like Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, and Dunedin, may make it feel cooler than the temperature suggests.

From Thursday, a northwesterly wind flow will boost daytime temperatures into the high teens and reduce the chance of overnight frosts.

A rapidly rising southwesterly swell is forecast to affect southern and western coasts of the South Island and the west of the North Island on Wednesday.

These waves will have a long period (time between each wave), meaning they will carry a lot of energy, making for hazardous coastal conditions.

-MetService
A burglars dreams were dashed when their plan to steal some bedroom furniture was interrupted by night shift staff from a Waikato Public Safety Team, says Hamilton City area commander, inspector Andrea McBeth.

"The officers were roused by some suspicious activity in central Hamilton in the early hours of Saturday morning thanks to an alert witness.

"At about 6.30am on 20 July, a male was found at a Nixon Street address where he had been seen taking furniture out of the address and putting it into his vehicle.

"A member of the public raised the alarm after being woken up hearing what they thought was a vehicle crash as the offender entered the property.

"Police arrived shortly after to find a vehicle leaving the address with several items of household furniture on board.

"During the burglary, the offender had removed bedroom furniture from the address, including a bed base and a dressing table  the latter was found strapped to the roof of the vehicle."

Andrea says the offender was arrested without incident.

"A 34-year-old local man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today 22 July and faces burglary charges.

"While the arrest is positive, attending police were concerned at the boldness of the offender, who had spent some time removing furniture from the address.

"This type of offending creates frustration and a sense of violation of privacy for our victims. We are very grateful to the member of the public who alerted us to the burglary while it was in progress.

"Our staff were able to get to the scene quickly and halt the offending."

Andrea says the property will be returned to the victim.

"This is a timely reminder for everyone: if you see any suspicious activity or witness any unlawful incidents, contact Police via 111 if its happening now," says Andrea.

Information can also be provided to Police by calling 105 or making an online report at 105.police.govt.nz

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alekk M. Saanders Nerja Monday, 22 July 2024 | Updated 24/07/2024 09:33h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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There is one house in Nerja that could easily be described as one where love lives, not just the love between its owners, but also their love for their Spanish home.

Swedish couple Sune Dahlgren, 76, and Benita Heidenborg, 70, have renovated their Nerja home in a way that everything has been preserved, built and designed with care. Not surprisingly, this special house attracts the attention of passers-by, many of whom stop in admiration and might even be invited inside for a better look.

Coast to coast

Sune and Benita met through their work about 15 years ago. Benita was a chef with two restaurants. Sune worked as a shoe retailer.

"At the very beginning of our relationship, we asked each other, 'How can we get away from the not-so-pleasant winter in Sweden?' First of all we tried to find the answer in Asia. We had travelled a lot to my father's place in Thailand. This meant that we had a fair amount of knowledge of exotic countries. Eventually we both realised that our nesting place should be in Europe. Finally, Spain was chosen and that's where we went looking for a house," Benita told SUR in English.

It was a real house hunt, long in every sense of the word. The search lasted more than five years and covered a distance of more than 600 kilometres.

Benita and Sune began searching in Alicante province. The small coastal town of Altea, which is a particular favourite among Scandinavians, ended up not to their liking. Though their financial situation could have allowed them to buy a house in Marbella, the association with glamour crossed this town off their list of interests.

However, its neighbour, Estepona, seemed like a good option to the Swedish couple. As for Nerja, it was just a place they had passed every time they travelled between the Costa Blanca and the western Costa del Sol. One day, when they decided to stop in Nerja, this charming town immediately captivated the couple, tempting them with an offer that Benita and Sune could not refuse.

The attraction of Nerja

"In fact, every time we drove past Nerja, Benita said this is where we should settle down. However, it wasn't until November 2016 that we stopped in Nerja, on our way to Estepona. By that time we had viewed about 50 properties. Right by the main attraction of the Balcon de Europa we saw a sign saying 'Se Vende' and immediately contacted the seller. To cut a long story short, we ended up cancelling our trip to Estepona and buying the apartment the next day," Sune said.

Buying the perfect home means buying a place where you feel at home. The magnificent view of the Nerja coastline is somewhat reminiscent of the limitless shores of Northern Sweden and the Norwegian fjords. However, that flat was quite "limited" for them, a bit labyrinthine for Swedish tastes.

"We know that Andalusians prefer to have more rooms and less light. We, on the contrary, value spaciousness and sunlight whenever and wherever possible. That's why we couldn't do without redesigning the apartment. First of all, we needed someone who could understand our Nordic preferences and who could incorporate them into Andalusian style. We were lucky enough to find a Swedish entrepreneur, Joakim, who had a team of Andalusian builders here in Nerja. It was a success. We did a grand renovation in 2017 and lived in this apartment until 2020, which was when we found our gem in the centre of the old town," explained Sune.

A house in the old town with a rural feel

This gem was a house hidden in a small pedestrianised street, which is considered the most beautiful in Nerja due to the stone mosaic of the pavement, framed by typical town houses.

The old house and the street immediately charmed Benita and Sune, as not far from the centre they were able to feel the Andalusian atmosphere and literally touch its history that was visible in its columns, fountain and wooden window frames.

"The house was last renovated about 40 or 50 years ago. Anyway, we were genuinely excited about the renovation, because it brightened up our routine in the midst of the pandemic and quarantine and thus dispelled our dreariness. We turned again to our compatriot, who introduced us to the three Antonios, who were fantastic. The renovation took six months, and every day was a joy. The house was remodelled in Moorish and Andalusian style. We tried our best to do everything possible to preserve the character and authentic flavour of the house. We are very happy with the result," Benita and Sune proudly stated.

Today the house reflects the past of Andalucia and the essence of today's owners. The columns are the oldest features of the house, perhaps even dating back to the days of Moorish rule. The Moors were fond of water, stones, and flowers. Sune and Benita's house has all these in abundance.

The pool in the 'patio' seems as if it had been brought from the Alhambra itself. Persian carpets on the floor add an oriental flavour to the atmosphere of the house. The fountain and downspouts go back to the Catholic times of Andalucia. Swedish motifs are represented in some pieces of furniture and curtains.

"There is no feeling here that you are in the very centre of the town, but somewhere in the countryside. Apart from the patio, the roof terraces with lots of plants and fruit trees help us with this. One of the terraces with a barbecue is for us only, because the way there is through our bedroom. The other terrace with a lounge is good for receiving guests. By the way, this is where we interact with our neighbours, the locals, on a daily basis. We have almost a dozen of them in the six houses around us," Benita added.

Less annoying

Benita and Sune are becoming more and more integrated into Andalusian society.

"We have a lot to learn from the Spanish. You know, we have met many Scandinavians living here in Nerja. We have been surprised how happy they look, much happier than those who stay back in the north for the winters. Additionally, we both think that the quality of life here in Spain is very high indeed," Sune said.

Sune and Benita could not bear to sit in a house in Sweden in winter and watch the fog, rain and wind. Nerja allows them to spend their time outdoors and keep their spirits high. Benita and Sune are not even annoyed by uninvited guests, or rather curious passers-by.

"It is never too late to change your mindset and habits. A good example is what in Sweden can be annoying and even frightening is already ok with us. For example, in Sweden, no one would stop in front of a house, looking through the window. Here, almost everyone who passes by our house stops. Some of them knock on the door to tell us what an amazing house we have. Of course, we are very pleased to hear these kind words," Benita and Sune said.
Juan Cano Malaga Monday, 22 July 2024, 17:22 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A gang of criminals which ran the largest network of drug traffickers in the world has just been dismantled by police in Spain.

The investigation began in June 2020 and was carried out jointly with the UK authorities when a British organisation based in Spain was detected, which had international trade channels for trafficking cocaine from South America to Europe through Spain. Police investigations led to the identification of the criminals and the discovery they had a fleet of boats at their disposal, which they registered in the name of third parties, according to the ministry of the interior.

There was one robber in its ranks: a Norwegian ex-convict who, after 15 years behind bars for robbing banks and armoured vans, turned to drug trafficking. The gang, which had been sending large shipments to Europe for years, relied on the ringleader to keep the operation going.

The macro-operation, in which Spain's National Police worked together with Norwegian and British authorities, resulted in the arrest of 50 people in different countries and another 50 raids, of which 13 were carried out in Malaga province, where the criminal group was operating from.

The criminals allegedly lived a life of luxury on the Costa del Sol and owned businesses which allowed them to sell the profits they made from drug trafficking.

Zoom A bathroom 'tiled' with 50 euro notes: National Police officers found this curious photo during the operation against the largest network of drug traffickers in the world.

The criminal organisation also operated on the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and Lanzarote, establishing maritime links to South America with which they created "narco-routes". From the south of Spain, those in charge of the gang coordinated and directed the transport of each boat.

The alleged ringleader of the organisation, known as The Professor (El Profesor), recruiting members of the gang. The leader, who is believed to have been operating in drug trafficking for more than 20 years, had the full confidence of the Colombian and Mexican cartels, with whom he coordinated the production of the drug and its transport through South America until it could be shipped to Spain.

During the investigation, agents identified a total of 10 boats the organisation had authorised for the narco routes, and that had different operational bases in South America and Spain. They used ports of Valencia, Alicante, Almeria, Malaga and the Canary Islands.

On the other side of the Atlantic, they had bases in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Panama, where they kept the sailboats ready to await orders from The Professor and his lieutenant to set sail to load the drugs. The organisation's communications for these operations were carried out with encrypted security systems. The ringleaders had up to 15 telephone terminals each.

Sailing ships

Once the criminal structure was known, police detected the preparation of two sailing ships that were going to receive more than 1,000 kilos of cocaine each. An operation in international waters which involved numerous countries - Norway, Bulgaria, Portugal, United Kingdom, Panama, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, France, Poland and Spain - was launched to stop the boats.

Officers carried out 28 searches in Spain in the provinces of Malaga (13), Valencia (6), Almeria (5), Alicante (2), Girona (1) and Murcia (1), where 26 people were arrested, allegedly members of the criminal organisation. Among those arrested are 16 Norwegians. One of them is a former bank and armoured car robber who had already served 15 years in prison and who, a year ago, had joined the ranks of the criminal group due to his criminal experience and respect he received from the Eastern European mafias.

In the searches carried out, 1,500 kilos of cocaine were seized and eight boats, 36 vehicles and more than 85 telephones confiscated.
Albany, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul this weekend requested federal disaster assistance as communities across Upstate New York recover from severe thunderstorms that hit the region last week.

President Joe Biden will now determine whether to issue an emergency declaration, which would unlock federal dollars for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
By James Finn | The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate (TNS)

Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson signaled Sunday that the GOP will meet President Joe Bidens decision to drop his reelection campaign with a slew of state-level lawsuits.

Johnson delivered those remarks hours before the sitting Democratic president announced his historic decision to drop out of the race less than four months before the election. The decision followed mounting pressure from within Bidens own party after his stilted debate performance last month against former Republican President Donald Trump.

Johnson told ABC News Sunday morning that if Biden dropped out, the GOP would argue that switching to a new candidate at this late stage could clash with some states ballot rules. Election law experts have been skeptical of that theory, noting that the Democratic Party has not yet picked an official candidate and any legal challenge to a presumptive nominee would lack teeth.

Well, these elections are handled at the state level, Johnson told the news station.

So, it would be wrong and I think unlawful in accordance to some of these state rules for a handful of people to go in the backroom and switch it out because theyre  they dont like the candidate any longer, he added. Thats not how this is supposed to work.

Biden had remained adamant in recent days that he would stay in the race even after prominent Democrats said publicly and privately that he should step aside and cede his candidacy to another member of the party.

He made a sharp about-face mid-day Sunday.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.

Picking Bidens replacement

Biden announced moments later that he would endorse Kamala Harris, the current vice president, as his replacement on the ticket.

While the 82-year-old incumbent president had been the Democratic partys presumed nominee for months, the party will not select an official nominee until it holds hold its convention in Chicago starting on Aug. 19.

Biden controls most of the partys nominating delegates  he won every state primary and caucus earlier this year and only lost the territory of American Samoa. At least 3,896 of the partys 4,700 delegates had pledged to support him.

Current party rules do not allow Biden to pass those delegate votes to another candidate. Politically, though, his endorsement is likely to be influential.

Elections experts skeptical of challenges

Election systems are set up differently in many states, and legal observers note that the political leanings of judges at various levels of the judiciary could impact litigation surrounding ballot access.

But Rick Hasen, an attorney, legal expert and political science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a memo earlier this month argued that theories brewing in conservative legal circles about how to challenge a non-Biden ticket have generally lacked merit.

Thats simply because Democrats have not yet held a convention to nominate an official candidate for president, he wrote.

Joe Biden is not the partys nominee now, and states generally point to the major partys nominee as the one whose name is on the ballot, Hasen wrote.

In the unlikely event that a state law would make Biden be forced to be listed on the ballot (Im not even sure how that could be), then I expect litigation would place the actual nominee of the party on the ballot, he added. Voters should have the right to vote for the partys candidate, and there are cases that affirm this principle that go back a while.

According to the National Task Force on Election Crises, a cross-partisan group of election law, national security, voting rights and other experts, legal precedent dictates that if a candidate dies, steps down or becomes incapacitated before their partys convention, the party delegates would select their nominee at the convention from among other candidates or new entrants.

While the rules vary slightly by party, Republicans and Democrats also have rules in place to pick a new a candidate after one dies or steps down after the party convention.

Legal precedent shows that ballot access is preserved in scenarios where a party has changed its candidate amid the election process, the group wrote, because voters technically cast their votes for a group of electors whove anointed their partys candidate at a convention, rather than for the candidate themself.

It is well within our political norms and the laws of our election processes for a political party to manage such an unfortunate event, the group wrote. Voters should feel confident that political parties and states have rules in place that anticipate such contingencies.

READ MORE:

Biden drops out of 2024 race after disastrous debate inflamed age concerns

Read full text of President Bidens letter ending 2024 reelection bid

What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Heres how that might work

American hero or unfit to serve: What Upstate NY leaders are saying about Joe Bidens withdrawal

After dropping out of presidential race, Joe Biden endorses VP Kamala Harris

5 candidates who could replace Biden as 2024 Democratic presidential nominee

___

(c) 2024 The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Mexican restaurant chain based in Ohio has opened a location in the former Kirbys space in Westvale Plaza.

Plaza Grande Cocina Mexicana & Cantina opened in the past few days. Kirbys closed its doors at 2112 W. Genesee St. in Westvale in October 2022, soon after the Kirbys restaurant in Fayetteville closed.
CentreOfGravity BHPian



Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Mumbai Posts: 217 Thanked: 2,084 Times

Re: Ex-BMW & Rolls Royce design boss murdered at home; Penned Z8 & 2003 Phantom



Quote: The search for the suspect who allegedly murdered former Rolls-Royce design head Ian Cameron at his German mansion last week continued on Wednesday. The investigators have narrowed a suspect based on the CCTV footage of a local supermarket, where he was seen hours before the crime. Cameron was stabbed to death at the doorstep of his $3 million mansion in Germanys Herrsching at Lake Ammersee on Friday evening. According to the officials, the incident appears to be a robbery attempt.



Investigators say that the suspect is believed to have rang the door of Camerons house and attacked him when he answered the door. At the time of the incident, Camerons wife Verena Kloos was in the house and escaped the attack by scaling a wall. She reached her neighbours to inform the police.



The officials were able to match the suspects appearance based on the clothes found abandoned near the crime scene.



Quote: CCTV footage showed that the power cables to the garages, where valuable items were stored, had been deliberately cut. Police has been searching Ian Cameron's house for any potential evidence related to the stabbing, the report added.



Very heartbreaking, even though I didn't know who he was. He was 74, but this is not the ideal way to go. The extent to which humans can go for money is baffling. There is no gain for either party; the victim lost his life, and the killer lost the rest of his life to jail, full stop. But there is no point in saying this here because it won't reach the people it is intended to. Even if it does, what's the guarantee that they'll change based on advice from some random guy from the internet? Such incidents keep reminding me that there are heartless creatures out there too. All the more reason for us to be good human beings.



It bugs me why there was no security at such a huge mansion though. Some more information:Source: Business Standard Source: Hindustan Times Very heartbreaking, even though I didn't know who he was. He was 74, but this is not the ideal way to go. The extent to which humans can go for money is baffling. There is no gain for either party; the victim lost his life, and the killer lost the rest of his life to jail, full stop. But there is no point in saying this here because it won't reach the people it is intended to. Even if it does, what's the guarantee that they'll change based on advice from some random guy from the internet? Such incidents keep reminding me that thereheartless creatures out there too. All the more reason for us to be good human beings.It bugs me why there was no security at such a huge mansion though. Last edited by CentreOfGravity : 19th July 2024 at 19:51 .
theflycatcher Newbie

Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6 Thanked: 63 Times

Gallivanting in Scotland | On bicycles & in trains TBD



One morning in June, I served Son the ultimatum before going to work "Set an itinerary today or else!". By evening, an itinerary was served. He declared it would be a Scottish bicycle ride through interesting castles. That was worth a thought, but there were many things to work through:



Logistics



1. Where do we source bicycles? We could have taken ours from Bangalore to London, but that would be an added layer of complexity and planning.



Finally, we zeroed on:



They had many choices. I not going to choose a road bike - thin tires can easily puncture and will require you to top up pressure every once in a while. It needed to be a hybrid bike which I finally chose. And it had to take Panniers like these to hold a few clothes and essentials during the ride.



The pannier I had was an old one picked from decathlon some years back:





2. How do you take bikes to Edinburgh?



It occurred to us that we could have rented the bikes in Edinburgh instead of London. But that would have required us to return to Edinburgh, which we didn't want to.













Bikes location in Avanti Trains:









Bikes when packed. On whether they needed to be locked, he said "I'd suggest you don't!"







3. How easy is it to get around on bicycles?



Google Maps will give you bicycling routes. They also skew to prefer bicycle only lanes.



This is when we discovered the



4. What route would we take?

Google suggested NCN754 which was to take us from Edinburgh towards Stirling.







5. Where would we park bikes?



UK has a wonderful culture of bicycling. You will spot people across all age groups commuting in London on utilitarian cycles. You will occassionally spot some really fancy bikes (which I would excitedly point out to my son) that could cost as much as a compact car in India!



But bicycle thieves are everywhere. A big fat lock is a must. Fortunately, the bike rental company gave us a lock/key for each bike. But locking is insufficient if the vehicle is away for more than a few hours. Our hotel host on day 1 told us to bring the cycles in and park it inside the pub after hours



We ended up (story coming up further down in this post), parking the bike in the university. University campuses are thought to be safer.







On the final day we parked it in the (gasp!) Kings Cross Railway Station on one of the platforms. But that was also thought to be safe given that it is right under a CCTV's watch.





6. What about the rains!?



We both carried a rain jacket to keep dry in case, though it would have never been sufficient if there had been a downpour. But my past experience had prepared me (mentally) for very wet rides which would have been a bit cold and challenging.



We just got lucky! It rained all over in London, but Scotland was relatively dry on the days we were there.



7. My brother and nephew, who live in London were joining, but without a bike. How would we plan to merge our agendas?



Scotland is very well networked with train stations. It's very easy to hop in/out of trains and change your plans on a jiffy. We ended up doing this a few times to get around.



8. Getting in and out of Scottish castles can be expensive. Is there a way to find a "season ticket"



We stumbled on these during the travels. The explorer pass allows you to visit a number of castles on the route over a 14 day period. It doesnot cover every location. For example, a private castle which is still resided in, would not come under the scope of this pass.



https://www.historicenvironment.scot...ses/#section-1



The actual trip



We set off on our bikes from London.





Riding through the city was a challenge, with some cycling paths vanishing every once in a while. It is also common to have routes closed on the way. Google Maps is usually a dear friend for all things local navigation.



The bike also needed a train ticket! (free, though!)







After a night's halt at a hotel (where we parked the bikes in the Pub), we spent the morning at Edinburgh Castle. Note bike lane markings - very generous accommodations given. (Will our Bangalore traffic planners ever catch up!?)



Edinburgh Castle:





The castle was a delight to explore:











After refreshing with some lemonade, we set off to ride on our 80km route for the day.



Cycling route 754 is a delight. You'll ride along a water canal that will see the occasional leisure boat or even an odd canoeist practicing as sport.







Common to see pets on the trail. All of those dogs were trained well to not bark/chase us cyclists/strangers.





You'll see many aqueducts and bridges on the way. Not a single car encountered so far!







We encounter Falkirk which as it turned out is an engineering achievement to link two canals at different elevations. The two canals being linked are vertically 35 meters apart. I've known that the Panama Canal deals with height differences between the two oceans. But in a "small" canal?! Impressive.



Their website describes it as: "The worlds only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering  and the same power it would take to boil eight kettles"



A picture from the internet shows how cool this is:





We then proceeded to reach Stirling where we stopped for the night.



The hotel was housed in Stirling University which has an impressive sports facility. It looks like Andy Murray (the twice Wimbledon champ) was a local. Was fun to see the tennis connect here (as club level tennis players ourselves).







I got to hear that this facility was busy training some of its athletes destined for the Paris Olympics 2024 - like this swimmer.

Note the "No Cameras" sign! This pic was taken with permission





Stirling Castle was quite different from Edinburgh's.





Attachment 2629823











Queen's garden





King's Knot. An octagonal stepped mound rising to 3m high. The scale of the gardens is best appreciated from the Ladies' Lookout in Stirling Castle.



















As we proceeded, we joined my brother & nephew. That evening we did a lovely hike with a mild drizzle in the open grassland/meadow.





Wild flowers and ...





... grass swaying in the wind







(Contd.) The month of July suddenly seemed close enough to ring an alarm bell. We had postponed almost every serious discussion around the logistics of travel other than the broad dates. Everything else wasOne morning in June, I served Son the ultimatum before going to work "Set an itinerary today or else!". By evening, an itinerary was served. He declared it would be a Scottish bicycle ride through interesting castles. That was worth a thought, but there were many things to work through:1.We could have taken ours from Bangalore to London, but that would be an added layer of complexity and planning.Finally, we zeroed on: https://www.onyourbike.com/london-bike-rental.php They had many choices. I not going to choose a road bike - thin tires can easily puncture and will require you to top up pressure every once in a while. It needed to be a hybrid bike which I finally chose. And it had to take Panniers like these to hold a few clothes and essentials during the ride.The pannier I had was an old one picked from decathlon some years back:2.It occurred to us that we could have rented the bikes in Edinburgh instead of London. But that would have required us to return to Edinburgh, which we didn't want to. https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ has a neat way to pre-book your bicycle slot. Usually coaches come with a few biking slots, or sometimes a different kind of coach accommodates staff and bicycle slots.Bikes location in Avanti Trains:Bikes when packed. On whether they needed to be locked, he said "I'd suggest you don't!"3.Google Maps will give you bicycling routes. They also skew to prefer bicycle only lanes.This is when we discovered the National Cycle Network , which is a comprehensive site listing cycling routes across the UK - and even better - they number them. Google's directions call out these NCN routes!4.Google suggested NCN754 which was to take us from Edinburgh towards Stirling.5.UK has a wonderful culture of bicycling. You will spot people across all age groups commuting in London on utilitarian cycles. You will occassionally spot some really fancy bikes (which I would excitedly point out to my son) that could cost as much as a compact car in India!But bicycle thieves are everywhere. A big fat lock is a must. Fortunately, the bike rental company gave us a lock/key for each bike. But locking is insufficient if the vehicle is away for more than a few hours. Our hotel host on day 1 told us to bring the cycles in and park it inside the pub after hoursWe ended up (story coming up further down in this post), parking the bike in the university. University campuses are thought to be safer.On the final day we parked it in the (gasp!) Kings Cross Railway Station on one of the platforms. But that was also thought to be safe given that it is right under a CCTV's watch.6.We both carried a rain jacket to keep dry in case, though it would have never been sufficient if there had been a downpour. But my past experience had prepared me (mentally) for very wet rides which would have been a bit cold and challenging.We just got lucky! It rained all over in London, but Scotland was relatively dry on the days we were there.7.Scotland is very well networked with train stations. It's very easy to hop in/out of trains and change your plans on a jiffy. We ended up doing this a few times to get around.8. Getting in and out of Scottish castles can be expensive. Is there a way to find a "season ticket"We stumbled on these during the travels. Theallows you to visit a number of castles on the route over a 14 day period. It doesnot cover every location. For example, a private castle which is still resided in, would not come under the scope of this pass.We set off on our bikes from London.Riding through the city was a challenge, with some cycling paths vanishing every once in a while. It is also common to have routes closed on the way. Google Maps is usually a dear friend for all things local navigation.The bike also needed a train ticket! (free, though!)After a night's halt at a hotel (where we parked the bikes in the Pub), we spent the morning at. Note bike lane markings - very generous accommodations given. (Will our Bangalore traffic planners ever catch up!?)Edinburgh Castle: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

The castle was a delight to explore:After refreshing with some lemonade, we set off to ride on our 80km route for the day.Cycling route 754 is a delight. You'll ride along a water canal that will see the occasional leisure boat or even an odd canoeist practicing as sport.Common to see pets on the trail. All of those dogs were trained well to not bark/chase us cyclists/strangers.You'll see many aqueducts and bridges on the way. Not a single car encountered so far!We encounter Falkirk which as it turned out is an engineering achievement to link two canals at different elevations. The two canals being linked are vertically 35 meters apart. I've known that the Panama Canal deals with height differences between the two oceans. But in a "small" canal?! Impressive.Their website describes it as:A picture from the internet shows how cool this is:We then proceeded to reach Stirling where we stopped for the night.The hotel was housed in Stirling University which has an impressive sports facility. It looks like Andy Murray (the twice Wimbledon champ) was a local. Was fun to see the tennis connect here (as club level tennis players ourselves).I got to hear that this facility was busy training some of its athletes destined for the Paris Olympics 2024 - like this swimmer.Note the "No Cameras" sign! This pic was taken with permissionwas quite different from Edinburgh's.Queen's gardenKing's Knot. An octagonal stepped mound rising to 3m high. The scale of the gardens is best appreciated from the Ladies' Lookout in Stirling Castle.As we proceeded, we joined my brother & nephew. That evening we did a lovely hike with a mild drizzle in the open grassland/meadow.Wild flowers and ...... grass swaying in the wind(Contd.) Last edited by theflycatcher : 20th July 2024 at 22:12 .
In brief: Nvidia's dominance of the AI hardware market has seen it become the third-largest company in the world, with a market cap of $2.9 trillion. SK Group and Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Chey Tae-won believes the company will stay on top for at least three years, but its dominant position depends on the changing environment and profitability of the AI industry.

Update: SK Hynix has informed Techspot that the source material (The Korea Times) updated Chey Tae-won's words. The original article has been amended to reflect this.

Speaking to attendees at the 47th KCCI Jeju Forum (via The Korea Times), Chey had some warnings for the AI industry and Nvidia. He pointed out that while Jensen Huang's company is generating huge amounts of money from its AI hardware, that will change if the billions of dollars that firms are investing into the area don't eventually turn into profits.

Venture capital firm Sequoia Capital recently estimated that the tech industry needs to make $600 billion annually just to break even on its AI investments. As the cost of training AI LLMs increases, that figure will keep going up.

Companies might believe that people are happy to pay more for their AI technologies, but a recent survey with over 20,000 participants found that 84% were unwilling to pay extra just because something had AI capabilities/features.

Chey compared the generative AI boom to the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. Nvidia is like the pickaxe and jeans sellers that made a fortune from selling their items to the miners who migrated to California looking to make their fortune. "When there was no more gold, the sellers became unable to sell pickaxes," Chey said.

Nvidia briefly became the most valuable company in the world last month when its market cap reached $3.34 trillion, pushing it above Microsoft and Apple.

Many analysts have warned that the amount of money being poured into the AI industry might lead to a dot-com-style bubble that inevitably bursts, causing a market-wide disaster. Such an event would likely be a long way off, so Nvidia will likely be more concerned about competitors right now. At least Team Green might put more focus on its gaming segment if an AI market crash did occur.
Christ for all Nations (CfaN) Completes 15 Simultaneous Mass Gospel Crusades in Uganda with Overwhelming Success

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Christ for All Nations (CfaN)

July 22, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla., July 22, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christ for all Nations (CfaN), led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, has successfully completed over 70 nights of mass gospel crusades in Uganda, conducting 15 simultaneous crusades. This extraordinary evangelistic effort is part of CfaN's 50th-anniversary mission to conduct 50 crusades this year, "From Cape Town to Cairo," aiming to reach over 10 million souls in 2024. They have already completed 22 of the 50.

During these crusades, CfaN witnessed extraordinary spiritual breakthroughs, miraculous healings, and thousands of lives transformed by the Gospel. Each crusade lasted approximately five nights and was held in the following cities: Busia, Hoima, Lira, Mbale, Gulu, Iganga, Nabweru, Lubaga, Kaliro, Bidi Bidi, Masindi, Pabo, Tororo, and Kampala.

The crusades saw immense crowds gather nightly, responding enthusiastically to the message of salvation. The power of the Gospel moved the crowds, as thousands of hands were raised during the altar calls all over Uganda. Miraculous healings occurred as people were healed from various sicknesses and diseases, with many set free from demonic oppression and torment.

Despite facing intense spiritual warfare and opposition from radical religious fanatics and witch doctors, "The Blood of Jesus" confronted witchcraft and animism, leading many to burn their fetishes, charms, and occult items in a powerful act of liberation. Hundreds of thousands of people have repented and accepted Jesus all over Uganda, leading to unprecedented growth in local churches. One church in Gulu reported a 400% increase in membership growth.

CfaN is renowned for its follow-up system, ensuring new believers are connected to local churches for continued discipleship. Each new believer receives a booklet providing guidance for their new journey in Christ and a follow-up form to connect them with local congregations.

Before they had finished in Uganda, CfaN was already preparing for their next set of eight mass crusades in the Congo as part of their series of 50 for the year. These Congo crusades are in some of the remotest locations, making it difficult to get their trucks there safely and without damage. Bret Sipek, one of CfaNs Executive Crusade Directors, said, "We knew going to these locations would be very difficult, but these people need the Good News. They tell us they never have crusades there--we see such hunger for the Gospel!" CfaN isnt stopping or slowing down; they are going, going, going for the Gospel!

For ongoing updates and more information, please visit the CfaN website at www.cfan.org.

About Christ for all Nations: Founded by Reinhard Bonnke in 1974 and led by Daniel Kolenda, CfaN is renowned for conducting large-scale evangelistic campaigns, particularly in Africa. Since 1987, CfaN has seen over 92 million documented decisions for Christ. The ministry is a global leader in raising up evangelists with premier training programs, ensuring the ongoing work of evangelism and discipleship within their communities.

SOURCE Christ for all Nations

CONTACT: Mary-Kathryn Manuel, CfaN USA Director, Mary-Kathryn Manuel, 407-854-4400, MKManuel@cfan.org


What just happened? A cutting-edge brain-computer interface made from graphene is gearing up for its first test run in actual human patients this summer. The implant, created by the Barcelona startup Inbrain Neuroelectronics, could eventually allow for next-level treatment of neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Most existing brain implants use metal electrodes to monitor brain activity and enable mind-machine communication. But the graphene chips cooked up by Inbrain provide some key advantages over the old-school metal tech.

For one, as Inbrain CEO Carolina Aguilar told IEEE Spectrum, graphene doesn't suffer from "faradaic reactions" that degrade metal electrodes over time when they're exposed to the brain's conductive bio-fluids. Since it's basically just pure carbon, graphene can stimulate neural tissue for longer without its performance decreasing  that's with 200 times more charge, too.

The graphene chips made by Inbrain consist of "graphene dots" that range in size from 25 to 300 micrometers. Meanwhile, the chip as a whole, manufactured on a wafer using traditional semiconductor technologies, is 10 micrometers thick. The small scale allows incredibly precise two-way communication between the implant and individual neurons. The chip also features a neural processor with a wireless rechargeable battery that powers signal processing.

Inbrain's first test of its potentially game-changing neural interface will happen soon at the University of Manchester. Neurosurgeons there will use the graphene chip as an interface to guide them during brain tumor removal operations. The implant will help differentiate between tumors and areas controlling speech, cognition, and other vital functions.

Aguilar told the publication that Inbrain has already run biocompatibility tests on its graphene chips in large animals over the last three years, so the startup is confident the upcoming human trials will be a success.

Brain surgery is just the first step. Inbrain's ultimate goal is to use their graphene wizardry to tackle Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The chip can interface with the brain's movement control pathways and decode neurological signs like tremors and muscle rigidity. Since it's all done in real-time with micrometric precision, the implant could help optimize medication dosages for Parkinson's patients.

Inbrain's Parkinson's ambitions have already earned them a "Breakthrough Device Designation" from the FDA. If human trials go well, the startup could be on the fast track to upgrading brains with futuristic graphene circuitry. Diseases that have confounded doctors for centuries might finally get remapped and reprogrammed.
Rumor mill: There have been plenty of rumors and claims stating that Nvidia will launch the first of its RTX 5000-series Blackwell graphics cards this year. However, according to a prolific and usually reliable leaker, Team Green won't announce the next-gen GPUs until 2025.

With the AI revolution having pushed Nvidia into third place on the list of the world's most valuable companies, not to mention the Lovelace series being pretty disappointing overall, consumers eagerly anticipate what Blackwell will offer.

Some analysts and leakers have predicted that Nvidia will officially reveal the RTX 5000-series late this year, with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 arriving ahead of the mid-range cards.

I think we won't see RTX 50 until CES.  kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) July 22, 2024

Now, prolific leaker kopite7kimi has joined those who say the RTX 5000 cards won't get here until next year. There is good news, though: the leaker wrote in his X post that Nvidia will hold the unveiling event during CES 2025, which takes place between January 7 and January 10, so we won't have to wait very long into the new year for our first glimpse of Blackwell's gaming line.

All rumors should be taken with the required dose of salt, of course. However, Kopite7kimi wrote in November 2023 that the then-unreleased RTX 4000 Super cards would be unveiled during CES 2024. Sure enough, Nvidia took the lid off the GeForce RTX 4080 Super, RTX 4070 Ti Super, and RTX 4070 Super at a Special Address during the world's largest consumer electronics show on January 8.

Given how much money Nvidia is generating from its AI hardware, the company isn't going to be in a hurry to rush out the RTX 5000 series.

kopite7kimi has made several other predictions and claims about the Blackwell gaming series this year. He said the RTX 5080 will outperform the RTX 4090 and be the first in the series to launch. He added that the cards will be based on the GB202 and GB203 GPUs and use 28Gbps GDDR7 memory with a 512-bit interface. They're also said to be physically smaller than their predecessors. It remains to be seen whether they'll be more expensive.
A hot potato: We've seen companies use plenty of underhand, cruel, and legally questionable ways of forcing workers back into the office. Indian multinational IT consulting firm HCL Technologies has implemented what sounds like a new one: telling its workers to come back in at least three days per week or lose vacation days.

India's Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) union told The Register that HCL's India-based workers are being told they must come into the office three days per week and at least 12 days per month.

For every day that an employee is absent from the office, India's third-largest software exporter will remove a day of eligible annual leave.

HCL employees who have worked for the company for less than three years are eligible for 18 days of annual leave and one day of personal leave. Those who have been employed by the firm for more than three years are given 20 days of annual leave and two personal days.

What's especially worrying for the workers is that once all their leave days are used up, their pay could be reduced for not coming in.

NITES says the policy is illegal under Indian labor laws, especially the Shops and Establishments Act. It added that any changes to the leave policy should be made in consultation with the employees and should not lead to undue hardship.

"In the post-pandemic era, flexible working arrangements have become the norm, and imposing such rigid requirements is a step backward," NITES said.

It was only four months ago when HCL employees were called back into the office. Those who were part of its Digital Foundation Services (DFS) were told in February that failing to follow the mandate would result in a pay cut.

An HCL Technologies spokesperson said, "Our hybrid work policy provides flexibility where people in middle and senior level management follow any three days a week work from office arrangement which supports collaboration."

"All other employees follow the working arrangements as necessary to meet the client commitments and these are planned by the respective managers."

Another Indian IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is doing something similar, linking office attendance to performance bonuses. HCL says it won't go down this path, though its bonuses are already said to be pretty insignificant and not applicable to everyone.

It's not just India where workers are essentially being blackmailed into returning to the office with legally questionable threats. It was reported earlier this year that Dell will not allow full-time remote workers to apply for promotions or new roles at the company. Despite the lack of career advancement, nearly half of Dell's workers have opted to stay fully remote, which really says something about how much people hate offices.

This is all still better than what companies like Amazon do to employees who don't comply with RTO mandates: fire them.
Shardul Kadale's story is one of determination, resilience, and innovative spirit. A business leader and entrepreneur from Mumbai, India, Shardul has carved out a significant place for himself in the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley. Currently serving as the Global Engagement Manager at HCLTech, a multinational corporation with an annual revenue of $13 billion, Shardul handles large-scale deals and partnerships within the Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT) vertical. His journey from Mumbai to the heart of the tech world in Silicon Valley is a testament to his unwavering commitment to business leadership and entrepreneurship.

Early Life and Education

Shardul Kadale's journey began in Mumbai, where he completed his bachelor's degree in Business Management from Mumbai University. His passion for technology and business led him to pursue a Master's in International Business. Starting in Paris at SKEMA Business School, Shardul's academic journey was marked by his determination to succeed despite financial constraints and personal challenges. He transferred to North Carolina State University (NCSU) through an exchange program, which provided him the opportunity to complete his studies and gain valuable experience in the USA.

Overcoming Challenges

Shardul's path was fraught with obstacles, from financial limitations to navigating complex visa regulations. His journey to the USA was driven by a profound belief in his destiny to succeed in the tech industry. Despite being hospitalized with COVID-19, Shardul aced his interview for SKEMA Business School from his hospital bed. His relentless pursuit of opportunities led him to NCSU, where he faced and overcame the challenges of securing a job in a highly competitive market. Personal setbacks, such as the loss of his grandmother and a significant breakup, only strengthened his resolve to succeed.

Professional Achievements

Shardul's career at HCLTech has been marked by notable achievements. As the Global Engagement Manager, he has managed large deal charters exceeding $50 million, showcasing his capability to handle complex, high-value projects. His strategic vision and expertise in enterprise sales, go-to-market strategies, and business development have driven significant value creation for the company. Shardul's work extends beyond corporate success; he has volunteered his consultancy services to prominent Silicon Valley startups, contributing to substantial value creation in the tech ecosystem.

Unique Perspective and Contributions

What sets Shardul apart in the technology industry is his distinct blend of core skills and strategic acumen. His client-centric approach in enterprise sales builds long-term relationships based on trust and a deep understanding of client needs. His ability to develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies has led to substantial market penetration and growth. Shardul excels at identifying synergies between business entities, forging collaborations that drive innovation and growth. His proven track record includes leading initiatives that resulted in revenue growth, market expansion, and enhanced client satisfaction.

Notable Career Highlights

Shardul's career is dotted with significant milestones. He distinguished himself as the highest earner among his peers from SKEMA Business School, a testament to his drive and skills. At HCLTech, his role as Global Engagement Manager involves overseeing complex projects, demonstrating his ability to deliver exceptional results. His advisory roles for Silicon Valley startups highlight his ability to leverage his expertise to support and grow innovative businesses. As a host for Idea to IPO events, Shardul has connected with and provided a platform for some of the brightest minds in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Personal Anecdotes

Shardul's journey to Silicon Valley is filled with personal anecdotes that illustrate his determination and resilience. In 2021, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, he declared to his parents, "I will be in America, or I will die trying. There is no in-between." This determination drove him to take an interview for SKEMA Business School from his hospital bed. His journey from Paris to North Carolina State University and eventually to Silicon Valley showcases his relentless pursuit of his goals. Shardul's story is a testament to his commitment to achieving his ambitions and making a significant impact in the technology and business landscape.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Shardul envisions himself closing 8- and 9-figure deals for HCLTech, further solidifying the brand's reputation and expanding its global footprint. He aims to transition to one of his ventures as a full-time co-founder, scaling the business to unprecedented heights. On a personal note, Shardul aspires to obtain a skydiving license, embracing this exhilarating hobby that resonates with his approach to life and business-taking bold leaps, pushing boundaries, and enjoying the journey.

Conclusion

Shardul Kadale's journey from Mumbai to Silicon Valley is a story of perseverance, strategic vision, and innovative spirit. His professional achievements and contributions to the tech industry are a testament to his expertise and dedication. As he continues to achieve his goals and make a positive impact in the industry, Shardul Kadale stands as a beacon of business leadership and entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

For more information and updates, follow Shardul Kadale on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The driest desert, now adorned with a breathtaking array of flowers, is a sight to behold. This unexpected transformation, sparked by the rare occurrence of rains in North Chile, has turned a portion of the Atacama desert into a canvas of white and purple blooms.

Researchers have uncovered a fascinating link between these blooming plants and climate change. The sight of plants in full bloom in the middle of winter, a rare occurrence in the Atacama Desert, adds to the intrigue.

Some claim that the unusual bloom results from rain in North Chile during the fall season in the Southern Hemisphere.

A local term for morning fog, "camanchaca," along with approximately 0.4 inches (11 millimetres) of rain, fell in mid-April and sparked plants that can remain dormant for up to 15 years. The white "sighs of the field" and the vivid fuchsia-coloured "pata de guanaco" flowers were the species that created the scene.





The flowering mainly occurred in areas ranging from 115 to 155 square miles. Cesar Pizarro, the head of Scientific Research and Biodiversity Conservation at the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) in Atacama, affirmed this.

When about 200 different types of flowers bloom, a full flowering desert can often cover 5,800 square miles and occurs primarily between September and October due to winter rainfall.

Most of the time, flowers bloom in the spring, July, August, and June. The El Nino effect, which raises precipitation in Chile above average, is mostly to blame.

There was a lot of blooming a few years ago in 2015 when there were rains in March, but it's unclear if it will happen this time. Experts predict that before La Nina arrives, this state will persist for one additional month.

Regardless, if La Nina strikes again, these flower patches might be the only ones to appear this decade. The Atacama desert's uncommon winter flowering also raises issues.

Read Also : June Heat Wave in US Shatters Records; 36 Million Americans Under Excessive Heat Warnings

Government's Actions on the Flower-Covered Desert

According to sources, Cesar Pizarro, the head of biodiversity protection at the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), a government-run institution in Chile, said that the blooms are not yet widely distributed enough to be officially included in the "flowering desert."

However, he noted that more rain is predicted, which means the blossoms might disperse farther.

In 2022, the Chilean government announced the establishment of a new national park in the Atacama desert to preserve these uncommon blooms and the fauna they sustain, such as insects, reptiles, and birds.

Flowers Also Bloom in Antarctica

Scientific research last year found that one of the elements mentioned for the flowers' blossoming, climate change, was also why flowers grew in Antarctica.

The two blooming plants in question, the Antarctic Hair Grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and the Antarctic Pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), are native to Antarctica. Their growth rates have increased dramatically due to rising temperatures, which are primarily attributable to human activity.

According to reports, these activities led to an unparalleled rate of warming of the Antarctic terrain. Sources at the time indicated that Antarctica's distinct ecosystem- distinguished by its harsh circumstances and sparse biodiversity- is perfectly adapted to the harsh environment of the continent.

This delicate equilibrium, which has evolved over centuries, is now under threat. The rapid shifts caused by climate change could lead to lasting ecological harm, a prospect that should concern us all.
The social media world made a big fuss when President Joe Biden officially dropped out from the Presidential race as the Democratic Party candidate last Sunday, July 21, with memes trending all over the platforms. In this recent announcement, the POTUS passed over the torch to the current Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, according to his announcement.

Online users had mixed reactions to Biden's decision, with some gleeful over this announcement and others not too ecstatic, but a significant number made memes about it.

Memes Flood Social Media as President Biden Drops Out

The huge announcement from President Biden over the weekend caused a significant event on social media, which led to many users creating memes about it and trolling the POTUS. The entire fiasco started with the play on the President's nickname, "Joe," and combining it with the word "over," giving birth to the biggest meme of this moment: "It's Joever."

Internet memes flooded out as soon as President Biden announced with a further revelation that her former running mate, VP Kamala Harris, was the next nominee for the race.

Some users responded to this announcement by being relieved that POTUS Biden dropped out, while others expressed support for the President no matter what.

Read Also : Trump2024 Campaign Sparks Controversy with Unauthorized AP Photo Use on X

'It's Joever' Memes and Other Sentiments on Biden

The "Joever" meme also saw massive engagements online, with many attaching GIFs and other kinds of media that ride on this trend on social media platforms, mainly on X.

There was also a meme about 'Joever' and VP Harris being next in line, calling this moment "Kamencing" for the new Democrat nominee. Additionally, First Lady Jill Biden's emoji retweet of President Biden's announcement also gained attention from users,

You say it's Joever; I say it's just Kamencing. pic.twitter.com/xuGv8KM949  Dan Cluchey (@dancluchey) July 21, 2024

The 2024 US Presidential Elections

The upcoming 2024 US Presidential Elections have been notorious over the past year because of the massive presence of generative AI and its view as one of the top threats that would disrupt the process. Different types of restrictions were placed on AI systems, including OpenAI, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and others.

One of the infamous events that took place amidst the upcoming elections is the spread of AI-generated images depicting black voters supporting Donald Trump. It was revealed that this propaganda was a way to convince the African American voters in the country to back the former President, a move done by his supporters as part of campaigning for him.

Additionally, massive misinformation attacks have been spread online and via robocalls, which have since confused the American voting body. After serving one term, President Joe Biden is no longer running for the next Presidential elections, handing it over to VP Harris. Social media has a lot to say using memes.
The latest ground tests for the Starliner run by Boeing and NASA engineers from the surface have already completed their study, and it is now time to review the data before the fated return of the rocket. This said study is crucial to the Starliner's return to the surface from the International Space Station, bringing with it the astronauts that were part of the mission.

It is known that the Starliner's first crewed flight to the ISS saw different complications and problems, particularly with the helium leak and other issues.

Boeing, NASA Completes Starliner Ground Tests, Data Review Starting

According to the latest news release from Boeing, the company, alongside NASA, has completed the Starliner thruster ground tests at its White Sands Test Facility in Mexico, with the next phase to start. After the tests, the team would need to review the data, and this is a must before the fated return of the rocket.

Starliner's Reaction Control System (RCS) observed the thruster degradation of the rocket which was essential in understanding why these failed during its June flight. The team also simulated the new thruster's launch-to-docking firing sequences to simulate the Crew Flight Test's conditions.

These tests offered significant insights to the team which it will need to review, with Boeing and NASA regarding Starliner's return will commence in the coming weeks.

Read Also : Boeing to Plead Guilty to Fraud Charges to Settle DOJ Case Over Deadly 737 MAX Crashes

Boeing Starliner's Expected Return to Earth From ISS

During this review, Boeing and NASA would then proceed to thruster disassembly, also inspecting it before it goes to its next phase of finalizing Starliner's flight rationale.

NASA Commercial Crew's next move with Boeing would have the Starliner return to the planet, to detach from the ISS, all while carrying commander Butch Wilmore and astronaut Suni Williams.

Boeing Starliner and the Commercial Crew Program

The much-awaited Boeing Starliner's first test flight took place last June and it was a historic mission for the company and NASA, particularly as it is part of the Commercial Crew program. It saw two astronauts board the rocket aboard United Launch Alliance's Atlas V first-stage rocket, with this mission best known for facing significant delays all these years.

However, amidst the mission the rocket faced massive issues which first manifested three helium leaks, one of which was identified by the company beforehand. Additionally, the rocket's reaction control system thrusters also failed mid-flight, during its approach to the space station.

The hot-fire tests done by the crew onboard were able to bring back four out of five thrusters which enabled them to manually pilot the Starliner as it docked to the ISS.

It was initially revealed that the Starliner would only stay for a few days docked to the ISS, particularly as it was there only for the test flight, but this turned into a whole month already, and counting. Now, Boeing and NASA have wrapped up their ground control tests but would need more time to review the data, and when all has been said and done, Starliner will make its awaited return to the planet.
In several weeks, Google will unveil the Pixel 9 series to the world, but a new hands-on leak now revealed the specs behind its top variant, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The device is said to be packing a punch thanks to its significant update with new internals to enjoy, detailing how the latest flagship smartphone changed since last year's Pixel 8 series release.

Some of the important features of Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL are its new storage and memory, as well as the latest technology from Samsung.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: New Specs Leak Ahead of Event

The latest from XDA Developers shared a leak behind the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, showing off the specs of the device based on its hands-on analysis of the flagship smartphone. Perhaps the first thing to notice from the device is its new flat-edged and rounded body, moving away from the curves, but there are massive changes to its storage and memory.

First off, there is the 256GB storage capacity from Google offered for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the first since its 128 GB variants were released before.

Additionally, leaks behind its memory claimed that Google brought four more gigabytes to the RAM, now offering 16 GB.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Uses The Latest Tech from Samsung

It was also revealed in the latest leak that Google is using Samsung's Exynos 5400 modem for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and this is the latest 3GPP Release 17 standard. It is capable of maximum data throughput of 14.79 Gbps and is a 4nm process that is similar to the Tensor G4 chipset.

One of the most iconic features of this Samsung modem is its satellite support, which suggests the satellite network capabilities for the flagship smartphone.

Google Pixel 9 Series: Rumors and Speculations

Google Pixel 9 is the next in line from the company's flagship Android smartphone lineup, centering on its annual releases of the device which has grown this year. Initially, it was revealed to the world how the new smartphones would look like from leaked renders, with the recent teaser from Google confirming that its releases would feature flat and rounded edges.

Next up, one of the most important updates for this new release from Google would be its dedicated chipset, with Pixel 9 to get the Tensor G4 SoC. However, early leaks of the Tensor G4 regarded that its benchmark test only delivered slight improvements compared to the old Tensor G3 from the Pixel 8 series, but was said to feature a new ARMv9-A core.

Last week, Google brought a massive teaser on the Pixel 9 series which confirmed some of the speculations behind the device, including Pixel Fold 2 now known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It is only weeks away from the upcoming Made by Google event which will finally reveal the Pixel 9 series, with leaks behind the Pixel 9 Pro XL revealing massive changes to the device.
The Microsoft outage last week, linked to CrowdStrike's faulty update, caused a significant fiasco over access to its Windows operating system. This is the top story in this new edition of Tech Times Weekly Wrap. However, there are also growing rumours and speculations about the next-generation tablet, the iPad mini 7, and what it will bring next.

Lastly, there is also the major controversy behind the Trump2024 campaign, particularly its unauthorized use of an Associated Press photo.

Microsoft Outage: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Over the past weekend, a massive outage took place on Microsoft-based computers which led to significant disruptions not only to PCs, but also to different services like television broadcasts, and other infrastructures. This was regarded to be a cybersecurity issue, and it was later found that it was rooted in a faulty CrowdStrike issue which saw problems in its update.

Because of this fiasco with CrowdStrike, Microsoft's Windows saw major problems occur, including the inability to boot the operating system which led users to the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD).

Infected computers in this cybersecurity incident faced this boot problem, which resulted in critical infrastructure issues, as well as grounding flights. The issue grew further because of CrowdStrike's lackluster customer service assistance.

Apple iPad mini 7 Refresh Rumors: Coming Soon?

Reports are now growing behind the speculated refresh of the iPad mini 7, with Apple said to have already been working on this next-generation device that will allegedly come later this year. One of the main issues of the previous compact tablet is its 'jelly scrolling' which infamously led to Cupertino facing a class-action lawsuit from affected owners.

Another speculation behind it is its new A17 Bionic chipset which is known as the latest from Apple, also upgrading to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

There are no confirmations yet on the iPad mini 7 refresh from Apple for this year, with the device already nearing three years since it was last updated by the company.

Trump2024 Campaign Controversy on AP Photo

Presidential candidate and former POTUS Donald Trump has recently faced controversy behind the Trump2024 campaign against the Associated Press (AP) after it used a photo of the politician without any proper authorization. This follows the shooting incident against Trump who was grazed by a bullet, with AP capturing the moment where he raised his fist after being shot at.

The image was then used into a "Trump2024" banner with the label "Promoted by Team Trump," and later appeared on the What's Happening summary on X.

AP then later confirmed that this was an unauthorized use of their photo, taken by their photographer, Evan Vucci. X's statement was unclear about the copyright use issues behind this image.
A recent report by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reveals a disturbing trend: AI is being used to create deepfake images of child sexual abuse. What's alarming is that the pictures used are based on real victims.

While AI tools used for generating these images remain legal in the UK, the creation of AI child sexual abuse images is illegal.

Real-Life Victims Targeted by AI

One harrowing case involves a victim, referred to as Olivia, who was subjected to rape and torture from ages three to eight. Despite her rescue by police in 2013, dark web users continue to exploit AI tools to create new abusive images of her.

The IWF discovered that a model for generating images of Olivia, now in her 20s, is available for free download. Additionally, a dark web forum shared links to AI models for 128 other named child sexual abuse victims.

"For many survivors, the knowledge that they could be identified, or even recognized from images of their abuse is terrifying," the organization said.

Related Article : UK Looks to Crack Down on Sexually Explicit Deepfake Images

The Impact of Deepfake Images on Survivors

A spokesperson for the IWF highlighted the continuous victimization of survivors like Olivia, whose abusive imagery is persistently shared, sold, and viewed online.

According to The Independent, the advent of generative text-to-image AI has intensified this torment, allowing perpetrators to produce unlimited images of the children. This ongoing circulation of abusive imagery inflicts mental torture on survivors, who fear being recognized or identified from these images.

The Scale and Realism of AI-Generated Images

IWF analysts found that 90% of AI-generated images were realistic enough to be classified under the same laws as accurate child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Moreover, the images are becoming increasingly extreme, with some achieving near-flawless, photo-realistic quality. Because of the close realism of the pictures, IWF warns that hundreds of images can be created at the click of a button, exacerbating the suffering of survivors.

Urgent Need for Action

IWF chief executive Susie Hargreaves emphasized the need for immediate and effective responses from industry, regulators, and the government to address this growing threat.

More importantly, child predators should be detected quickly to put an end in the circulation of disturbing child sex abuse images online.

Richard Collard of the NSPCC echoed these concerns, highlighting the rapid development of AI-generated child abuse images and the lack of child safety considerations in AI product development. He called child protection a vital component of any government legislation on AI safety. He urged tech companies to take decisive action to prevent the spread of AI-generated abuse.

Government's Response to Prevalent AI Deepfakes of Child Sexual Abuse

A government spokesperson acknowledged the IWF report and pledged to consider its recommendations carefully. The increasing prevalence of AI-generated child, sexual abuse images, underscores the urgency of implementing robust measures to protect children and support survivors.

The rise of AI-generated deepfake child abuse images is a troubling challenge. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, and regulatory bodies, to collaborate and take strong, proactive measures to combat this issue.

By doing so, they can help protect vulnerable children and provide justice and support for survivors like Olivia.

Students are commonly the victims of AI deepfakes, but teachers are no exception. Tech Times reported last month that students from a Melbourne-based catholic school used AI to create explicit images of a female teacher.
A faulty software update from U.S-based cybersecurity provider CrowdStrike caused a massive outage for Microsofts Windows-based devices globally on Friday.

It has been observed that threat actors are exploiting this glitchy update to target companies with data wipers and remote access tools.

For those unaware, 8.5 million Windows devices were impacted due to a malfunction of the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor, a security solution installed on Windows devices, causing them to crash and display the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error message on affected devices.

Following the outage, CrowdStrike acknowledged the problem, rolled back the problematic update, and deployed a fix. It also published relevant vendor guidance so that affected businesses and organizations can take the necessary action.

Even Microsoft has released a Recovery Tool to deal with the CrowdStrike issue.

Despite these preventive measures, researchers and government agencies have noticed an increase in phishing emails that are urging companies and individuals to download and install a legitimate-looking hotfix for the problem.

This incident was first reported by cybersecurity researcher g0njxa on Saturday. It concerns a malware campaign that installs the Remcos RAT and is delivered as a fake CrowdStrike Hotfix update targeting BBVA bank customers.

The malicious file installs HijackLoader, which then delivers the Remcos RAT (remote access tool) to the infected system.

The name of the ZIP archive file that carried the malware is crowdstrike-hotfix, and was distributed through a phishing site, hxxps://portalintranetgrupobbva[.]com, which pretended to be a BBVA Intranet portal.

In addition, attackers have been spotted distributing a data wiper via fake CrowdStrike hotfixes.

Malware analysis platform AnyRun has reported indications that malicious actors are attempting to impersonate CrowdStrike through phishing scams.

It decimates the system by overwriting files with zero bytes and then reports it over #Telegram, AnyRun says.

In connection with this data wiper, the pro-Iranian hacktivist group Handala claimed responsibility for the attack.

It stated on Twitter that it had sent emails to Israeli companies disguised as CrowdStrike delivering the data wiper.

The threat actors sent emails from the domain crowdstrike.com.vc convincing customers to download a tool that would fix the CrowdStrike problem and bring Windows systems back to normalcy.

Further, the phishing email sent by Handala to targeted companies included a PDF seen by BleepingComputer that contained detailed instructions on how to apply the fake update and a link for downloading a ZIP file, which comprised an executable zip file named Crowdstrike.exe.

When this fake CrowdStrike update is executed, the data wiper is downloaded and extracted to a folder under %Temp% and then launched to overwrite files and data stored on the device.

In a separate blog post, CrowdStrike too has warned about the increase in phishing emails claiming to be from CrowdStrike support, impersonating CrowdStrike staff in phone calls, posing as independent researchers, claiming to have evidence the technical issue is linked to a cyberattack and offering remediation insights, and sale of scripts claiming to automate recovery from the content update issue.

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike Founder and CEO, has urged customers to remain vigilant and ensure that they engage with official CrowdStrike representatives, as they expect adversaries and bad actors to exploit this incident.

Customers are advised to check the support portal for updates. We will also continue to provide the latest information here and on our blog as its available.

We recommend organizations verify they are communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels, the company wrote in a blog post.
Flooding drives Liberia to mull capital city move



Monrovia, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



Severe flooding in Liberia has led a group of senators to propose relocating the capital city away from overcrowded and poorly managed Monrovia, a suggestion met with a mixture of enthusiasm and hesitancy in the West African country.

Flash floods triggered by torrential rains between the end of June and early July left nearly 50,000 Liberians in urgent need, the national disaster management agency said.

The flood-prone capital was particularly badly hit, owing in part to overpopulation, a poor sewage system, and a lack of building regulation.

Meeting to discuss the persistent flooding problem, a senate joint committee in early July suggested establishing a new city to replace Monrovia.

"It's a good idea because our current capital city is a mess," said Chris Kpewudu, a young motorbike driver in the capital.

"There is garbage all over the city and also when it rains, there is flooding everywhere, but with a new city, it will be well laid out and our capital city could look like, or more than, Abuja," he added.

Nigeria's Abuja is one of a handful of planned capital cities on the African continent.

Tanzania's capital Dodoma and Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast were also established as administrative capitals towards the end of the 20th century, with all three cities occupying geographically central positions in their respective countries.

Monrovia is home to 1.5 million people and lies on the Atlantic coast of Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world.

The city is the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country, with the Freeport of Monrovia providing a gateway for Liberian exports including iron ore, rubber, and timber to reach the United States and Europe.

But the city's poorly functioning infrastructure can barely keep up with its ever-expanding population.

The Ministry of Public Works told AFP it was carefully reviewing the proposal, adding that the the plan did not yet include an exact location for the move, and that any decision would come down to economic viability.

"Having a new city is capital-intensive," said T. T. Benjamin Myers, the ministry's communications director.

"As a country, our national budget is still around $600 million... so having a new city will require a lot of technical, financial, and economic factors to be seriously considered," he added.



- 'Not a quick fix' -



The proposal to replace the capital is not a new one in Africa's oldest republic.

In 2012, then-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf suggested relocating Monrovia to a new city called Zekepa in the centre of the country.

"We were all enthusiastic and looking forward to that," Marayah Fyneah, the national program officer of the Liberian Women's Legislative Caucus, told AFP.

"But unfortunately, we did not even see a plan to show what the city would look like," she added.

Fyneah said she was sceptical that a new Liberian capital would ever materialise in her lifetime, given the failure of the previous attempt.

Some residents interviewed by AFP were also hesitant and said the government should first prioritise improving infrastructure and tackling poverty before searching for a new capital.

"Our lawmakers are forgetting the issues that we have on hand as a country. Even the city of Monrovia is poorly managed in terms of sanitation and a lot more," said one commentator, the journalist Princess Elexa VanjahKollie.

Experts have also warned of the extensive urban planning needed to create a viable new capital.

"To establish a new city is not a quick fix," Christopher Wallace, an economics lecturer at the University of Liberia, told AFP.

"You want to consider the economic activities that would make the economy vibrant in that area, and you must have done zoning to have a clear layout of what such a city will look like," he added.
Desperate search: Gazans scour ruins for water



Jabalia, Palestinian Territories, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



To get his family the water they need for drinking, bathing and laundry, Ahmed al-Shanbari steels himself for a lengthy search through the north of the Gaza Strip.

Shanbari said most of the wells near his makeshift shelter in the Jabalia refugee camp have been destroyed.

And the water distribution network barely works after more than nine months of war that has devastated Gaza's infrastructure.

Water was already scarce before the conflict erupted in October, and most of it was undrinkable. The 2.4 million population relies on an increasingly polluted and depleted aquifer, humanitarian agencies say.

To collect what little of the fetid supply remains can take Shanbari four hours in sweltering heat.

He sets off with his three children, buckets in hand, weaving through mounds of rubble and trash in search of a working spigot or an aid agency hose connected to a water truck.

"We are suffering greatly to obtain water," he told AFP.

Shanbari said the situation has worsened since heavy fighting broke out in Jabalia in May between the Israeli army and Hamas.

"After the last incursion, not a single well remains," he said.



- 'Exhausted' -



The UN humanitarian office OCHA said most of Gaza's groundwater was contaminated with sewage even before the war. More than 97 percent was unsafe to drink.

Today, many aid groups describe the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic".

For weeks, Palestinians in Gaza have told AFP journalists about the intense thirst that drives them to delirium, their dreams of a cup of tea and the humiliation of being unable to wash.

For the Shanbari family, water is so precious they try not to spill a single drop after finding it.

From the jerrycans they haul home, they carefully transfer the water into basins for cleaning dishes and pitchers for bathing.

The parents say they are "exhausted" by the constant struggle to get the barest of necessities, and their children are sick.

"All my children have fallen ill, they're suffering from kidney failure, jaundice, itching, cough," said Shanbari. "I don't know what to say, and there aren't even medicines available in the north."

Not far from the Shanbari home, huge puddles of sewage, sometimes as big as ponds, cover the roads.



- Inoperable -



Even if he could locate a well with water, Shanbari said there is no fuel in the north to run the pumps needed to extract it.

Wastewater treatment plants are also reportedly shutting down because of the lack of fuel and fighting.

An expert on water infrastructure in the Gaza Strip described the territory's water distribution system as effectively inoperable.

Only a ceasefire could get it back up and running again, he said, given the need for spare parts and experts to access the stations and wells.

The Israeli military on Sunday maintained that water collection points were accessible in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, to which it has ordered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move.

But people are afraid to go there after Israeli strikes on Al-Mawasi killed at least 92 people and wounded 300 on July 13, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Israel, UN agencies and the Palestinian Authority have all raised the prospect of resupplying electricity from Israel to a desalination plant and a water treatment plant in Gaza.

But the local electricity distribution company said the line was still too damaged to distribute power.

The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 44 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,006 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.
Deep ocean 'dark oxygen' find could rewrite Earth's history



Paris, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



In the total darkness of the depths of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have discovered oxygen being produced not by living organisms but by strange potato-shaped metallic lumps that give off almost as much electricity as AA batteries.

The surprise finding has many potential implications and could even require rethinking how life first began on Earth, the researchers behind a new study said on Monday.

It had been thought that only living things such as plants and algae were capable of producing oxygen via photosynthesis -- which requires sunlight.

But four kilometres (2.5 miles) below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, where no sunlight can reach, small mineral deposits called polymetallic nodules have been recorded making so-called dark oxygen for the first time.

The discovery was made in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), an abyssal plain stretching between Hawaii and Mexico, where mining companies have plans to start harvesting the nodules.

The lumpy nodules -- often called "batteries in a rock" -- are rich in metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper and manganese, which are all used in batteries, smartphones, wind turbines and solar panels.

The international team of scientists sent a small vessel to the floor of the CCZ aiming to find out how mining could impact the strange and little understood animals living where no light can reach.



- No sunlight required -



"We were trying to measure the rate of oxygen consumption by the seafloor," lead study author Andrew Sweetman of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) told AFP.

To do so, they used a contraption called a benthic chamber which snatched up a bunch of sediment.

Normally, the amount of oxygen trapped in the chamber "decreases as its used up by organisms as they respire," Sweetman said.

But this time the opposite happened -- the amount of oxygen increased. This was not supposed to happen in complete darkness where there is no photosynthesis.

This was so shocking that the researchers initially thought their underwater sensors must have been on the blink.

So they brought up some nodules to their ship to repeat the test. Once again, the amount of oxygen increased.

They then noticed how the nodules were carrying a startling electric change.

On the surface of the nodules, the team "amazingly found voltages almost as high as are in an AA battery," Sweetman said.

This charge could split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen in a process called seawater electrolysis, the researchers said.

This chemical reaction occurs at around 1.5 volts -- around the charge of a AA battery.



- 'Exciting' -



SAMS director Nicholas Owens said it was "one of the most exciting findings in ocean science in recent times".

The discovery of oxygen produced outside of photosynthesis "requires us to rethink how the evolution of complex life on the planet might have originated," he said in a statement.

"The conventional view is that oxygen was first produced around three billion years ago by ancient microbes called cyanobacteria and there was a gradual development of complex life thereafter," Owens added.

But the team's discovery showed that "life could have started elsewhere than on land," Sweetman said.

"And, if the process is happening on our planet, could it be helping to generate oxygenated habitats on other ocean worlds such as Enceladus and Europa and providing the opportunity for life to exist?" Sweetman asked.

The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

The work was partly funded by Canada's The Metals Company, which is aiming to start mining the nodules in the CCZ next year.
US warns of China-Russia cooperation in Arctic



Washington, July 22 (AFP) Jul 22, 2024



The US Defense Department warned Monday of increasing Russian-Chinese collaboration in the Arctic as climate change opens the region to greater competition over maritime routes and resources.

"We've seen growing cooperation between the PRC and Russia in the Arctic commercially, with the PRC being a major funder of Russian energy exploitation in the Arctic," Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks told journalists, using an abbreviation for the People's Republic of China.

There is also growing military cooperation, "with Russia and China conducting joint exercises off the coast of Alaska," Hicks said as the department released its 2024 Arctic strategy.

"All of these challenges have been amplified because the effects of climate change are rapidly warming temperatures and thinning ice coverage, and it's enabling all of this activity," she said.

The Arctic strategy describes it as "a strategically important region" for the United States that includes "the northern approaches to the homeland" and "significant US defense infrastructure."

Russia has in recent years beefed up its military presence in the Arctic by reopening and modernizing several bases and airfields abandoned since the end of the Soviet era, while China has poured money into polar exploration and research.

The rapid melting of polar ice has sent activity in the inhospitable region into overdrive as nations eye newly viable oil, gas and mineral deposits as well as shipping routes in an area with a complex web of competing territorial claims.

"The Arctic may experience its first practically ice-free summer by 2030, and the loss of sea ice will increase the viability of Arctic maritime transit routes and access to undersea resources," the Arctic strategy says.

"Increases in human activity will elevate the risk of accidents, miscalculation, and environmental degradation," and US forces "must be ready and equipped to mitigate the risks associated with potential contingencies in the Arctic."
Pan Asia Metals has roused interest in its RK lepidolite-hosted lithium project in Thailand, with efforts to nail down a strategic partner for the projects development attracting leading Chinese lepidolite processor and lithium chemical producer, Yongxing Special Materials Technology, to a site visit.

The companys memorandum of understanding (MoU) partner, IRPC Public, also attended the trip as management explores the possibility of a three-way collaboration to advance the project. It noted that Yongxings visit demonstrates the strategic importance of RKs geographic positioning in supporting Southeast Asias burgeoning lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub.

Pan Asia Metals hosted representatives from leading lithium chemical producer Yongxing at its RK lithium project in Thailand.

More specifically, Pan Asia is looking to leading Chinese lepidolite processors as potential strategic and technology partners to employ their prowess in lepidolite and lithium chemical processing in the region.

In July last year, the company entered the non-binding MoU with Thai integrated petrochemical business, IRPC, to gauge the potential for producing components for the lithium-ion battery supply chain in Thailand. The duo is assessing the viability of developing a mining operation at RK, which produces a lithium oxide concentrate that feeds into a conversion facility at IRPCs industrial zone in the Rayong Province of Thailand to yield a lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) chemical product.
While stepping up to buy tickets at the cinema on Friday evening, I had a moment of panic. As I shuffled to the front of the line, two signs glared at me: one declared the venue was cash-free, the other that card payment terminals were down. Comedic in retrospect, a dilemma at the moment.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the man at the box office assured me they were accepting card payments. That, he said, pointing to the second sign, was just during the outage. I felt my heart rate steady  until he flashed me a knowing smile as I asked for tickets to Yorgos Lanthimos absurdist black comedy Kinds of Kindness. (If you havent seen it, its weird. And deeply unsettling.)

More blue screens of death, or worse, may be on the way due to long, interconnected supply chains that have improved our lives over recent years.

The point of the film isnt immediately apparent  at least to an amateur like me. But there was one line that got me thinking. Paraphrased, it was this: its better to rely on something consistently available, rather than something that depletes each day. Now, how does this relate to CrowdStrikes outage? Bear with me.

Over the past decade, cash  and cash use  has been dwindling. At the end of the 2022-23 financial year, the total value of cash in circulation fell by almost $1.1 billion to $101.3 billion  the smallest amount since November 2019. And cash usage has plunged from about one-third of transactions in 2019 to just 16 per cent in 2022. At the same time, many venues are switching to cashless trading.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The words celebrity collaboration usually signify stars lending their names to garish sneakers or overpriced perfume, but this years most anticipated celeb alliance is an altogether different affair; no brands involved, and a decidedly more enjoyable product. The internets favourite actor, Keanu Reeves, has teamed up with British sci-fi author China Mieville to co-write a novel, The Book of Elsewhere. Released worldwide this week, the speculative fiction is inspired by the world of the BRZRKR comic books, which Reeves co-created with writer Matt Kindt and artist Ron Garney in 2021 and quickly became the highest-selling original title of the 21st century. A live-action film (starring Reeves, of course) is planned, as well as an anime series. But first, Reeves wanted to expand the world he had created in the story of B, an immortal demigod cursed by and compelled to extreme violence. Keanu Reeves imagined a character who can punch you through the chest and rip your arms off. Credit: Brian Bowen Reeves, who may never escape his Bill & Ted stoner dude image, and whose many acts of kindness on film sets and to fans have seen him widely referred to as the internets boyfriend, seems an unlikely fan of what he calls hyper-violence. But he grew up loving comics, and lets face it, hes portrayed his fair share of inscrutable killers. In his John Wick franchise, his protagonist racks up 415 violent kills across the four films. The concept came to Reeves when he was filming the second John Wick film, as a character who can punch you through the chest and rip your arms off, who was cursed with violence  trying to figure out who they are and reclaim their humanity.

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A couple of years ago, Reeves approached Mieville, a Marxist with a doctorate in international relations and an award-winning author of weird fiction, whose books feature intricate world building, often with a political undertone. It seems an odd pairing, but in an announcement about the project, Mieville said it was an honour, a shock and a delight to be asked. Speaking over Zoom  fittingly, Reeves, in the US, is perched on a chair in a sunny room and Mieville, in the UK, has his darkened background blurred (having got up at 4.30am, Im just trying to look awake)  they reveal that theyd never met before the project. I was just a fan of (Chinas) work, says Reeves, who, of course, is lovely, and genuinely excited about the project, and I reached out to see if he would be interested in writing a novel inspired by BRZRKR. BRZRKR bears a striking resemblance to Keanu Reeves in the comics pages. Credit: Artist Ron Garney and colourist Bill Crabtree Mieville, whose best-known works include the Bas-Lag series, Perdido Street Station, The Scar and Iron Council, has always loved Reeves work, but had no idea that the actor was a fan of his books. That was obviously a great surprise and great pleasure, he says. And just how did it work, given the pair live on different sides of the world?

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We first met in Berlin (in 2021) for the first kind of preliminary investigation, explains Reeves. China came very prepared and was basically, you know, Does this work? or How do you feel about this? Ill let China speak to what he was thinking, but  we met a few times over the course of the novel, but generally, it wasnt in person. The plot thickened as China Mieville and Keanu Reeves tossed around ideas. Credit: NYT Mieville says they front-loaded a lot of their ideas when they first met, and corresponded substantially before they pulled the trigger. We wanted to make sure this was going to work, he says. It was really only the first draft where I wrote most of the lines myself, but by that time we had done a lot of work on the structure, the shape, and on the tone of the different threads on the characters. It wasnt a question of Mieville writing something and delivering it to Reeves; the pair talked regularly, mapping out the plot, with Mieville writing drafts and editing on Reeves suggestions. In the short time I spent with them, its clear they had a ball collaborating  later in our chat theyre even bouncing around ideas for further projects.

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I think your idea of an epic poem could certainly be perceived well, Reeves says to Mieville. A modern Gilgamesh! Mieville points out that Gilgamesh is a whippersnapper compared to B. But hes down for the epic poem idea. Ive been angling for this for some time, he says. Not for me to write it, by the way  but I would love to see that. Born in mysterious circumstances (involving his mothers prayers and some mystical blue lightning) around 80,000 years ago, B  whose original name in the novel is revealed as Unute (Its an older-sounding word, says Reeves, it has something other to it; its exotic)  has wandered the world for centuries; hes seen the rise and fall of civilisations and species, he speaks ancient, long-dead languages and hes fought in many wars. Its been really great that this kind of demigod alien god could, in Chinas hands, be so emotional and philosophical. Keanu Reeves Hes been revered as a god and feared as an agent of the devil, although he believes he is neither of these things. And hes tired; all he really wants is to be mortal, and, eventually, to die. In the present day (or near future), B has found what he thinks is a refuge, working for the US government, both as a warrior and as a specimen for them to research (theyre especially interested in his berserks, the frenzied states he enters during which he commits serious violence), in exchange for the US Armys Special Forces helping him learn the truth about his existence, and how to end it. There are moments of pulpy John Wick-esque violence both in the modern-day setting and the alternating chapters that recount Bs experiences over the millennia, some of which are told from the points of view of people he has encountered throughout history. There are mystical elements and world-shaping that will be familiar to readers of Mieville; its a fun, genre-bending sci-fi mash-up. Oh, and theres also an immortal babirusa (I had to look it up  its a prehistoric-looking Indonesian swine known as a deer pig), who has hunted B for at least 78,000 years, and who may be his closest relative.

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But for an immortal defined by extreme violence, B exhibits a lot of humanity - when hes not punching through someones chest cavity. Hopefully theres a pathos to the character, says Reeves, A melancholy. Its been really great that this kind of demigod half-human, half-other, alien god cursed with violence and being immortal, could, in Chinas hands, be so provocative, and moving and emotional and philosophical about life, and love, and grief. And  searching for meaning. And yeah, the big ideas, the big thoughts! The books philosophical motifs might surprise those who underestimate Reeves, but they might also please those who enjoy the Sad Keanu memes that hes destined to never escape. China Mieville and Keanu Reeves co-wrote The Book of Elsewhere. Its not a new idea, Mieville says, to use a popular genre to make serious statements. You dont have to do that and it isnt necessarily something that all readers expect, he says. We had all the stuff in it that was promised by the fact that it is a novel about an immortal warrior, so it has the ultra-violence, it has the helicopter chase, but we also wanted  moments of pathos and quiet and solicitude and thoughtfulness. I hope that surprises people, in a good way. It surprised me to find that, by the books end, B is ultimately defined more by his empathy than by his compulsion to barbarity.

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Eating outComing soon Team behind Paddys Markets revamp vows project wont be just another food court The developers of the Haymarket venture insist it will cater for everyone, as work starts on 47 food outlets. Scott Bolles July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The team behind the multimillion-dollar makeover of Paddys Markets in Haymarket has revealed key details about the project, insisting the venture will be an accessible and affordable mixed food market when it opens in January. Construction begins next week at the historic market after Sydney Markets Limited won a bitter battle in the NSW Supreme Court with standholders, who have been forced to relocate internally to make way for it. A computer generated image of the hawkers stall at Paddys Markets. Supplied With that final hurdle to the project cleared, Doltone Hospitality Group, which is spearheading the food precinct, has revealed that fresh food shopping will be central to the development. A butcher, grocer, deli, fishmonger and cheese stall will be among the 47 new outlets. Therell also be tons of spices [for sale], Doltones head of strategic growth and concepts, Peter Melick, says. We want to cater for everyone, [youll also] be able to grab a margarita and a lobster roll. Peter Melick, Doltone

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These will open alongside eat-in and takeaway venues offering everything from Cypriot barbecue to tin can beverages from a themed bar. Melick says affordability is a cornerstone of the project, and it will be a site where Sydneysiders can get pizza by the slice, sit at a dumpling bar, chow on Lebanese street food or take a seat at an Italian sandwich bar. The mix is crucial to a successful market, Melick says, and Doltone has studied Adelaide Central Market and Melbournes Queen Victoria Market, as well as markets in the United States. Our managing director, Joseph Murray, did a lot of research on European markets, Melick says. A computer-generated impression of the food project backed by Doltone Hospitality Group. Supplied Its a market, we didnt want to go into food court mode. It has to be flexible, so youll be able to eat at our pasta bar, but also buy pasta sauce to take away. Melick says the project will include a large hawker section, including Asian food. We want to cater for everyone, [youll also] be able to grab a margarita and a lobster roll, he says. A tie-in with a yet-to-be-disclosed chef is also in the works.

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The Haymarket market dates back to the 1800s, with its food lineage diluted by the relocation of wholesale fruit and vegetable operations to Flemington in 1975. Once the epicentre of Sydney fresh produce, it has experienced a steady increase in bric-a-brac and speciality traders, although some food operators remain. Melick declined to discuss the cost of the interior fitout, designed by Loop Creative, which is believed to be around $12 million. He says the sites history played a part in the design brief. We wanted it to be a homage to what happened there in the past. Originally, we wanted to capture the 1950s, with Lebanese, Italian and Greek immigration. But its history goes so much further back, and its location [next to Chinatown]. Its also important we capture whats happening right now in Sydney, he says. Exclusive Coming soon: 16 hot new Sydney restaurants still to open this year

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FoodFood Too boring to warrant the kilojoules: The five most overrated French foods Plus, five of the most underrated according to Good Food Guide editor Callan Boys. Callan Boys July 23, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

God bless the French. They gave us roux, which gave us bechamel, which gave us the opportunity to eat leftover lasagne on the couch and watch trash TV. They gave us Asterix, Obelix, Moon Safari and the stethoscope. They gave us those Brets Fromage du Jura potato chips, which go surprisingly well with guacamole. For the most part, Australia gives French foods the credit theyre due. Croissants, baguettes and pork rillettes. Steak frites, saucisson and oeufs mayonnaise. Pissaladiere. Bouillabaisse. Crepes Suzette! Whos for more gougeres? But with the Paris Olympics upon us, and all media outlets now required by law to publish at least six tie-in articles, here are five overrated foods from the land of beurre blanc and blokes named Bertrand (plus five that deserve more love). Overrated Too boring to warrant the kilojoule count. Lisa Maree Williams

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Fromager dAffinois Look, I lived on this stuff when I was a student. Its affordable, its gooey, its cheese. Chuck it on a board and crack open the Bowlers Run, Desperate Housewives is about to start. But there are far more cheeses available now than when I was muddling my way through university, especially at the supermarket giants, which have become dAffinois natural home. In short, this cheese is too mild (read: boring) to warrant the kilojoules. Something like a traditionnelle brie fermier will likely be triple the price, but it will also have 10 times the flavour. The name croque monsieur covers a lot of ground. Josh Robenstone Croque monsieur If it looks like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and it tastes like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with added bechamel, then its a croque monsieur. In its platonic form, heavy with gruyere and butter, the croque is too rich to face down in one sitting, no matter how sharp your side salad is.

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Meanwhile, at the other end of the sandwich spectrum, croque monsieur is just a nifty way for airport cafes to sell a sad toastie made with Primo and Bega. Crudites Lets call this for what it is: a plate of raw vegetables, mostly carrots, and some dip. Theres nothing wrong with any of this, mind, but slicing a celery stick into quarters is hardly Escoffier-level stuff. Black olives: the bete noire of salade nicoise. William Meppem Salade Nicoise

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I want to like it, really I do. Anchovies. Handsome wedges of hard-boiled egg. Ripe tomatoes, cucumber and an assertive dressing. But too many versions of Nicoise salad also feature those rubbery sliced black olives that make everything they touch taste like a Super Supreme. Escargot Waiter, theres a chewy slug in my parsley, garlic and butter! Recipe collection 40 fantastique French recipes for the Paris Olympics (and beyond) Underrated

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Macarons Hear me out  macarons are delicious. I will be taking no further comments. Its easy to forget just how delicious, though, now that Coles has help-yourself tubs of the little guys, and cut-rate resorts like to put cut-rate versions on your pillow. A macaron made with care and skill is the perfect two bites, and Id urge anyone to splash out on a pack from La Belle Miette (there are stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and they can ship domestically) if you need a refresher in the form. (Pistachio is the best, followed by Strawberry Basque Cheesecake, not to mention the Blackberry and Limoncello.) Three cheers for simmering beef or chicken in a really good broth. William Meppem Pot-au-feu

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Im not sure why there isnt more pot-au-feu in Australian restaurants, but it probably has something to do with the amount of time, effort and scum removal required to produce deeply flavoured, clean-tasting bouillon. That broth will then be used to slow-cook a piece of meat of your choosing (beef rib is good) and fashioned into a bonus soup course. The main-event protein is ideally served with tender, radiant vegetables, and the recipe may or may not have inspired pho in Vietnam. Tune in next week for a dissertation on tete de veau (calfs head). Bowl of crunchy frites not pictured. Benjamin Dearnley Steak au poivre In the hot-chip dipping sauce power rankings, a properly sharp bearnaise comes in at number three. Gravy takes home the silver, naturally, and first place goes to poivre. Magical pan juices. Brandy. Black pepper. Whats not to love? (Tomato sauce is last, by the way. While White Crow has its place on a FourN Twenty, its too sweet and tangy for chips. Please direct all feedback to letters@smh.com.au.) Rump cap au poivre

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Ratatouille A real one, though  not the out-season vegetable medley passed off ratatouille thats more of a stewed caponata that would earn you expulsion from Provence Cookery School. Thyme-enhanced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and capsicum  ripened to the height of their powers and roasted with care  is regional French cooking at its best. Opera cake With layers of buttercream, chocolate ganache and coffee-syrup-soaked almond sponge, the opera cake is a tiramisu that went to finishing school. Like pot-au-feu, you cant just bang an opera cake in the oven and forget about it, and thus it will never compete in popularity with tarte tatin.

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And then they [the union] ring him and say, Listen, go to this site as well, put four boys there. But only put two, but we invoice for four  You take one, we take one. Loading Asked so no ones pretty much auditing anything?, Korras points to how long the governments Big Build projects take, ranging from three to 10 years. Last year, the Victorian government was rocked by a labour hire company on the Big Build fraudulently invoicing taxpayers for ghost shifts, including one worker who supposedly did three shifts in 24 hours. However, then-premier Daniel Andrews said at the time he believed the incident was isolated.

On previously aired extracts of a covert recording, Korras claims to an undercover operative who said he was a building firm owner that, in return for kickbacks paid to Victorian CFMEU officials, Korras can obtain union backing for firms and also place them on state government projects. Korras has denied any wrongdoing. The CFMEU did not respond to requests for comment. Cbus support under scrutiny Separately, allegations that firms have been paying kickbacks for CFMEU support and placement on union-influenced construction sites  and that Cbus might have aided the practice  have been made in NSW as part of a covert investigation targeting Greenfield and which led to him being charged with corruption offences in September 2021. His son, Michael Greenfield, the NSW CFMEUs assistant secretary, was also charged. Both cases remain before the courts and are yet to be tested by a jury. There is no suggestion of their guilt.

According to official documents sighted by this masthead, NSW investigators allege Greenfield senior told a building company owner he would exert his influence over Cbus in 2019 to ensure the super giant instructed the lead contractor to use subcontractors favoured by the CFMEU. One project Greenfield allegedly claimed he could influence via his Cbus ties was the union giants development project in Epping, NSW. Langston village in the Sydney suburb of Epping. Credit: www.sydneyimages.com.au The Langston development was finished in 2022 and involved a mixed-use precinct comprising three apartment towers and retail space. Cbus Property, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cbus, financed the $500 million development. While the lead contractor was large commercial building company Hutchinson, Operation Brownsmith officers allege Greenfield repeatedly claimed he would leverage his relationship with Cbus connections, whom he was meeting regularly, to control which subcontractors secured work on the project.

In return for influencing the awarding of work, the union boss allegedly sought kickbacks. Greenfield also allegedly claimed that unnamed Cbus employees sought his direct input into which subcontractors should win work. Around 12 per cent of Cbus default MySuper option is invested in property, of which around 85 per cent is unlisted. A spokesman for Cbus Property said it was unable to and will not comment on matters before the courts. Cbus Property undertakes a detailed process on each development site to appoint an independent contractor to manage its construction projects. The independent contractor enters into agreements with all subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractors on all sites are appointed by the contractor, not Cbus Property. While many leaders in the union movement anticipated Greenfield would step aside as the CFMEUs NSW secretary when he was charged with serious corruption offences, he refused to do so and still wields considerable industrial power in the state.

In a development unrelated to the police inquiry, this masthead can reveal CFMEU officials pushed for the appointment of Simon Gutierrez, a convicted drug dealer, as union delegate on a different Cbus and Scentre Group joint venture development. Gutierrez was also recently appointed to the NSW Branchs powerful committee of management. In his position as the delegate on the redevelopment of the former David Jones in the Sydney CBD Gutierrez can influence which sub-contractors are hired on the project. There is no suggestion that Gutierrez has taken any kickbacks or is involved in the Greenfields alleged bribery. Among Greenfields key supporters are Cbus director Rita Mallia, a senior CFMEU NSW official. Greenfield has insisted he has done nothing criminal and said last week that because the matter was before court, he couldnt comment on the police allegations.

The CFMEU and Mallia did not respond to requests for comment about Greenfields allegedly improper use of Cbus. Loading On Sunday, it emerged that Mallia and Greenfield had signed a letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns on Friday attacking him for backing a major clean-up of the CFMEU in response to revelations by this masthead and 60 Minutes that the union had been infiltrated by organised crime and was allegedly involved in serious corruption. In the letter signed by Greenfield and Cbus board member Mallia, the CFMEU threatened to release the names of MPs, ministers and public servants who Greenfield met with prior to the last state election. This masthead is not suggesting that Mallia is involved in the conduct alleged against Greenfield, including that involving Cbus. It comes as Victorias shadow cabinet on Monday ticked off on a private members bill which would effectively ban construction companies whose employees have links to organised crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs from winning lucrative government contracts

The private members bill, which will be sponsored by opposition major projects spokesman David Southwick, would force construction giants bidding for work to guarantee its employees, including subcontractors, didnt have a history of organised crime and that workers didnt consort with organised crime figures. Employees with pending criminal charges of organised crime offences would also be excluded from working on major government projects in a move the opposition says mirrors similar reforms in other jurisdictions. Opposition Leader John Pesutto said bikies and organised criminals have no place on taxpayer-funded construction sites and the new laws will keep them out for good. For a decade, Labor has turned a blind eye to worsening misconduct and organised criminal infiltration of major projects for which every Victorian is paying the price, Pesutto said. The Coalitions bill lists more than two dozen entities caught up in the ban, including outlaw motorcycle gangs the Comanchero, Hells Angels, Mongols, Finks, Bandidos and Rebels.
Your guide to succeeding in the 2024 HSC examinations.

A gifted dancer who earned a place at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Grace Loscos talent clearly wasnt confined to the dance studio  achieving equal first in HSC Business Studies.

Although her days included 90-minute treks between school and her Parramatta home, Losco said it wasnt until senior high school that she really stepped up.

Grace Losco of Newtown High School of the Performing Arts was equal first in HSC Business Studies.

I was an average student for most of my schooling. During years 11 and 12, I decided it was time I applied myself because I had goals I wanted to achieve, she said.

I used the resources at my school to help me decide on some subjects. Once I decided, I knew I had picked subjects that would be good for me.
A woman accused of targeting a young mother in a fatal hit-run attack will remain behind bars after her case was mentioned in court.

Police allege Kiesha Thompson, 23, was deliberately struck by a four-wheel-drive after dropping her daughter at daycare in Daisy Hill, south of Brisbane, on Friday.

Thompson died in hospital that night, and police later charged Larissa Rita Mae-Leigh Sant, 24, with her murder. It has been deemed a domestic violence offence, although Thompson and Sant were not in a relationship.

Police allege Kiesha Thompson, 23, was the victim of a domestic violence murder. Credit: GoFundMe

We will allege that that event was not in fact an accident, and the young lady who has tragically lost her life was, in fact, targeted, Detective Inspector Chris Knight told reporters on Sunday.
Good evening Perth. Thanks for following along today.

We leave you with this somewhat disquieting fact: of all the places rents have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, Perths seen far and away the biggest rise across the capital cities.

Perths soared 71.9 per cent, to hit a median $550 a week.

Sydneys rose 38.5 per cent to a median $720 a week, Melbournes 27.9 per cent to $550 (now same as Perth) and Brisbane 53.8 per cent to $600.

The median asking rent for units across the combined capital cities hit $630 a week in the June quarter, Domain figures show, up 40 per cent from $450 in March 2020.

For more on that topic, heres the full story.

Those of us with a secure roof over our heads tonight have plenty to be grateful for.

Well be back here tomorrow for a fresh-baked batch of news. Until then, good night.
Extending Sydneys light rail along Broadway, supporting start-ups, enhancing the night-time economy and accelerating the transition to greener industries are all part of a 10-year plan by the City of Sydney to boost the citys prosperity.

An economic development strategy to 2035, formally presented to councillors on Monday, includes more than $540 million to be directly invested by the council in economic development. The City of Sydney will also spend $100 million on public works to support proposed new light rail corridors through Broadway and to Green Square.

An artists impression of the proposed light rail line along Parramatta Road. Credit:

The extension would underpin the growth of the Tech Central innovation district to the south-west of the CBD near Sydney University and University of Technology, Sydney.

During the past three decades the CBD has emerged as a globally competitive hub for financial and professional services. At 26 square kilometres, the City of Sydney council area generates about $142 billion in economic activity each year, or about 6 per cent of Australias gross domestic product.
A handful of Sydneys most coveted lifestyle and premium locations recorded cheaper house rents than a year ago, new data shows.

Experts said while rental conditions remain tight, with Sydney house rents holding steady at a record $750 a week, tenants even in the top end of town were feeling the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

There were only 20 Sydney suburbs that recorded house rent declines in the year to June, Domain data shows  bucking the trend of widespread rises  but almost all had a median weekly asking rent of $1100 or higher.

Clovelly led the way with the steepest fall of 16.2 per cent to a median asking rent of $1550 a week. That was followed by a string of suburbs in the northern beaches, the city and the east, some of the most in-demand areas at the height of the pandemic, including Palm Beach (down 11.1 per cent to $1600) and North Curl Curl (down 8.4 per cent to $1500).
I was in Shanghai late last year when Qantas reinstated its convenient non-stop flights, which now sadly have been halted due to lack of interest . I wondered why Australian tourists arent so keen on China now.

Its an attempt to ramp up inbound tourism, which has been seriously flagging since the pandemic. Foreign visitors are arriving at only 30 per cent of 2019 levels, even though domestic tourism is booming.

Last month the Chinese government, on a panda diplomacy tour of Australia, announced it will grant Australian travellers visa-free entry for 15-days. The program began at the start of this month.

I love Shanghai and Ive been several times. I was daunted by the DFAT warnings that Australians may be subject to arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws but my burning curiosity about what it would be like after the dramatic COVID-19 lockdowns won me over.

The biggest hurdle has always been the visa application process. Tourists needed to negotiate long lines at visa application centres, rigorous demands (the photo requirements are especially irksome) and scrupulous questioning of itineraries and professions.

But when I applied a few months ago, even though the lines at the Sydney visa centre were still painfully slow, I was barely questioned once I reached the counter. The immigration officers were spending far more time with Chinese Australians than anyone with non-Chinese ancestry. I picked up my visa within two days.

Getting a visa is one thing. Fronting immigration on arrival at the destination is another. This time, it did not go smoothly. The uniformed officer behind the counter seemed puzzled by my passport and kept on consulting his computer and tapping in figures, looking stern.

When he asked me to wait while he consulted a superior, I admit I started to tremble. My fellow travellers waved as they went through without a hitch, and I worried I may never see them again.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington to make a politically precarious speech for the US Congress just as US President Joe Biden announced he will drop out of the race for the White House.

With efforts ongoing to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, rising concerns about the war spreading to Lebanon and Yemen, and the United States in the midst of a dizzying election campaign, Netanyahus speech has the potential to cause disarray on both sides of the ocean.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday. Credit: AP

The risks only increased with Bidens decision on Sunday (Monday AEST) to withdraw his re-election bid, especially since the choice of a replacement Democratic nominee  and the potential next American leader  is still up in the air.

A person familiar with Bidens schedule confirmed the president will host Netanyahu at the White House. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said the exact timing of the meeting had not been established because Biden was recovering from COVID-19.
Washington: It was not the ending he wanted, nor was it the ending he deserved.

But four years after running for office in the hope of healing a fiercely fractured nation, US President Joe Biden has withdrawn his bid for a second term  in the hope of uniting his divided party to beat Donald Trump once again.

Kamala Harris is the frontrunner to go up against Donald Trump. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

In a decision that has upended an already extraordinary election year, Americas oldest president succumbed to internal pressure on Sunday (Monday AEST) and announced he would drop out of the race, publicly endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down, the 81-year-old said in a statement posted on X at 1.46pm in Washington.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Weve protected and preserved our Democracy. And weve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. Weve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. Weve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America cant do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.

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After President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for the November election, expectations have turned towards Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his place. The 59-year-old former prosecutor and senator, if she wins in November, would become the first female president of the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the first woman and black person to serve as vice president. Credit: AP

Who is Kamala Harris?

Harris is already the first woman and black person to serve as vice president. She began her career as a prosecutor in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2003, she moved into politics, running for district attorney and winning. While District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004, Harris refused to seek the death penalty against David Hill, who was convicted of murdering a California police officer.

In 2007, she flew to Iowa to stump for then-candidate presidential Barack Obama. When Obama was elected, he endorsed her successful 2010 campaign for California attorney general. Later, she was elected as senator of the powerful state of California, in 2017.
AKRON, Ohio, July 22, 2024 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ("Goodyear" or the "Company") today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Off-the-Road ("OTR") tire business to The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited (TYO: 5101) ("Yokohama") for $905 million in cash. The transaction follows a previously announced strategic review of the OTR tire business in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Goodyear's OTR tire business provides industry-leading OTR tires around the world for surface and underground mining, construction and quarry, and port and industrial end markets. Goodyear OTR offers a comprehensive suite of trusted products, services and tire management solutions that help customers optimize their operations and improve productivity and efficiency.

"The sale of the OTR business marks an important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan," said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. "We are grateful to our OTR colleagues who have driven the success of the business and are committed to working closely with Yokohama to ensure a smooth transition for customers and associates."

Goodyear will retain its business providing OTR tires for U.S. military and defense applications. Pursuant to a Product Supply Agreement to be entered into with Yokohama in connection with the closing of the transaction, Goodyear will manufacture certain OTR tires for Yokohama at some of its manufacturing locations for an initial period of up to five years after the closing of the transaction.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by early 2025. Goodyear intends to use transaction proceeds to reduce leverage and fund initiatives in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

Evercore is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to Goodyear.

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.
Vertical Aerospace Begins Testing on New VX4 Prototype

LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today announced that testing on its most advanced eVTOL aircraft, unveiled last week, has started with initial powered ground tests, including propeller balancing, successfully complete.

Propeller balancing and spinning tests measure weight distribution of each propeller blade to ensure vibrations are minimised for smooth, stable flying.

Over the coming days, the company will conduct powered, propulsion system testing of its most advanced powertrain, which includes proprietary battery packs capable of producing 1.4 MW of peak power and has been designed and built to certification safety standards at its multi-million-pound Vertical Energy Centre.

These next tests involve securely anchoring the aircraft to prevent lift-off and running the engines at various power levels to measure thrust output, system integration, and structural integrity. Together, these tests will ensure the VX4 meets the highest standards of operational safety which are needed for piloted flights.

The company will then move onto its wheels up phase with tethered flight tests before progressing to low-speed untethered flights, once it has been issued its Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

David King, Chief Engineer, Vertical, said:

"These tests are a crucial step forward in our mission to certify the VX4 and make a cleaner, quieter, and safer way of air mobility a reality. Every day we are seeing amazing progress from the team at our Flight Test Centre, each test providing valuable insights to help shape the next. We continue to work alongside our regulator to develop the safest and most advanced eVTOL aircraft in the world.

As the aerospace world meets in Farnborough this week, we could not be prouder of the team and look forward to sharing more on our progress towards piloted flights.

This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power to weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph  the certification aircrafts intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Verticals next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UKs most advanced aerospace battery facility.

Notes to Editor

Piloted flight test programme explainer:

Tethered: the VX4 will perform stabilised hover while loosely tethered to the ground. Untethered: the VX4 will hover without a tether. Thrustbourne: the VX4 will take-off and land vertically and conduct low speed flight manoeuvres with lift generated by the propellers. Wingbourne: the VX4 will take-off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing. Transition: The VX4 will transition between thrustbourne and wingbourne flight, and vice versa.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation.

Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the worlds most advanced and safest eVTOL.

Vertical has 1,500 pre-orders of the VX4 worth $6bn, with customers across four continents, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UKs aerospace industry, Vertical was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of the OVO Group, Europes largest independent energy retailer.

Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 22, 2024 -- Lockheed Martin announced today at the Farnborough International Airshow that the worldwide C-130J Super Hercules fleet recently surpassed 3 million flight hours. With 545+ Super Hercules delivered worldwide, this achievement reflects the C-130J's unmatched global reach, multi-mission versatility and proven tactical performance capabilities.

Operators and crews from 21 nations contributed to this achievement, logging hours through 18 different mission requirements including combat, transport, aerial refueling, Special Operations, medevac, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, weather reconnaissance, firefighting and commercial freight delivery.

"From the highest landing strip in the world to the snow-packed runways of Antarctica and all the many mission locations in between, these 3 million hours represent the proven power and wide-reaching presence of the C-130J's global fleet," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. "In celebrating this achievement, we also honor the many crew members, maintainers and airlift partners who truly keep the global Super Hercules fleet ready for any and every mission requirement."

3 million hours by the numbers

These hours were logged beginning with the C-130J's first flight on April 5, 1996 , through the beginning of July 2024 .

, through the beginning of . Countries with C-130Js contributing to these flight hours include (in order of delivery) the United Kingdom , United States (the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; Pallas Aviation), Australia , Italy , Denmark , Norway , Canada , India , Qatar , Iraq , Oman , Tunisia , Israel , Kuwait , South Korea , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , France , Bahrain , Bangladesh , Indonesia and Germany .

, (the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; Pallas Aviation), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and . Also contributing to these flight hours is the Lockheed Martin Flight Operations team, whose crews are the first to fly every C-130J produced, and the U.S. Air Force Defense Contract Management Agency crews that support C-130J test flights at Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics site in Marietta, Georgia , home of Super Hercules production line.

, home of Super Hercules production line. Super Hercules variants used to log these hours include: C-130J and C-130J-30 (tactical airlifter), KC-130J (tanker), WC-130J (weather reconnaissance), EC-130J (information operations), MC-130J (Special Operations), HC-130J (search and rescue, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard variants), AC-130J (gunship) and LM-100J (commercial freighter).

Hours flown include test, training and operational missions on all seven continents.

Always evolving, continually innovating and ready for what's next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions, offering a multitude of advantages found in no other medium-sized tactical airlifter in production or operation today.

These discriminators include proven operational readiness with the greatest ease of transition, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, certification by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and engine-out performance with extended range. The C-130J also delivers unmatched interoperability with NATO and global air forces, robust industrial partnerships and verified low life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters.

See how and why the C-130J continues to be the worldwide choice in tactical airlift through the newest episode of "Into the Cockpit" on Lockheed Martin's YouTube channel, which offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Super Hercules.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Almqvist brings its gin and aquavit to UK

Swedish spirit maker Almqvist Destilleri has announced its expansion to the UK market, in partnership with Speciality Drinks. The expansion is the distillerys first launch in a new market since it opened in Sweden in 2022.

Almqvist was founded by Bex Almqvist, who began her career as a bartender in London. A job with Absolut Vodka, for whom she worked for 10 years in roles including marketing manager, brought her to Sweden, where she founded Almqvist Destilleri in the village of Rejmyre.

The brand has two products which will come to the UK: Rejmyre Aquavit and Nordic Dry Gin. The aquavit was created to modernise the aquavit category through Swedish tradition. Both Almqvists aquavit and gin are made with a range of botanicals with a Nordic influence.

Bex Almqvist commented: I am incredibly excited to be expanding into the UK where I began my career in the drinks industry. I believe this marks such an important step in Almqvists journey, through the support of Speciality Drinks we will be able to reach a wider audience and introduce my take on Swedish spirits to the UKs best bars and restaurants.

22 July 2024 - Lucy Schofield

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25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall The engineers task continued after ceasefire too





Col Rajesh Kulkarni, Sena Medal, with his wife Aarti during their recent visit to Nagpur.

By Kartik Lokhande :

On July 26, 1999, ceasefire was declared and the enemy started vacating the posts/heights that they had occupied in Drass, Batalik etc. However, for engineers in the Indian Army, end of the Kargil War marked the beginning of another important task -- of creating infrastructure at the challenging heights to ensure that Indian troops stayed put all through the year defending the positions from the enemy. These operations continued for more than a year thereafter for the engineers, says Col Rajesh Kulkarni. The entire 8 Mountain Division was inducted to replace a brigade in Kargil Sector. A lot of infrastructure was to be constructed to accomodate troops in a very short time, before the winter set in. We had special tasks including clearing of mines, track construction, launching of bridges, water supply, electricity supply etc in a stipulated time-frame because the heights we had recaptured had to be sanitised and manned during winters too. We could reach several posts after an arduous walk of over two days. Construction at the posts was difficult as weather would not permit long working hours.

Men had to work in sub-zero temperatures even during day hours.We had to maintain morale of the men as everyone wanted to go home after the war was over. The task was enormous, says the man decorated with Sena Medal. In Drass, 108 Engineer Regiment were tasked to set up Brigade Headquarters at a new location and accomodation for special units. It was set up at the base of Tololing. Towards the end of the tenure, the regiment was tasked to construct a war memorial at Bimbat to honour the fallen soldiers of the Division. I am proud to have been a part of 108 Shatrunashees. My regiment was part of 1971 War and Kargil War, and got two unit citations, two battle honours, and two theatre honours, Col Kulkarni mentions with pride. Asked what has changed in 25 years since Kargil War of 1999, Col Kulkarni replies, We are better prepared realistically. A lot has been invested in training of men, modernisation of machines, improvement in infrastructure, food, clothing etc. Apart from Col Kulkarni, another engineer officer of the Indian Army who got gallantry medal (Shaurya Chakra) is Col Rupesh Pradhan from 2 Engineer Regiment. With Col Kulkarni, his team-members namely JCO Swarn Singh and Sapper Laxman Chate also got Sena Medals.

Tough times refined us: Aarti Kulkarni

Kargil War was certainly a rough start but it definitely laid a strong foundation and refined us as human beings, says Aarti Kulkarni, the better-half of Col Rajesh Kulkarni, Sena Medal. The lady wearing a gentle smile recalls that they married in March 1999, moved to Srinagar in April 1999. When Lt Rajesh Kulkarni proceeded on an operation for a few days, no one knew that he would return only after a year. The entire unit had moved towards Drass in batches in days to follow. The war news had started pouring in on television. Since the downward movement of vehicles from Srinagar to Jammu was closed, she couldnt go home and got stuck for two months in the Old Air Field Cantonment in Srinagar. Civil flight operations also were curtailed. It was a testing time. I was alone. No family support, no friends, no mobile phones. There was only one telephone booth in the Cantonment. Family couldnt contact me. I had to wait in a long queue at the booth to contact family.

In those days, Rajesh could contact me only twice, say for five minutes. You can understand how a newly-wed girl would have felt in such a situation, recalls Aarti with memories of those days making her voice tense for a few moments. Soon, black-out (no lights after 6 pm) was declared in the Cantonment as it was adjacent to the Air Force Station. She adds, I used to sit in candle light. The most difficult moments were those of hearing the news about the loss of our brave soldiers. The Tiranga-clad coffin used to flash in front of eyes. Each day was challenging. Food used to come from langar. I used to pray for courage and strength for all our soldiers. My faith couldnt remove the fear and pain, but it got me through the tough times. After 25 years, reflecting upon the past, Aarti Kulkarni says that people are not permitted to select plans for their destiny but her destiny taught her a few invaluable lessons of life like the value of human life and value of relationships. Many people say to Rajesh, you are lucky to have participated in the Kargil War. Indeed. Today, we feel that tough times refined us. We are the chosen ones, the blessed ones! she observes.
14-hour work day in IT sector: Employees union slams Karnataka Govts plans





BENGALURU :

KARNATAKA State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has urged the Siddaramaiah-led Government to reconsider its reported plans to extend the working hours of the IT/ITeS/BPO sector. According to the union, the Government plans to increase the working hours to 14 hours a day. The proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act in this regard, was presented in a recent meeting called by the labour department with various stakeholders in the industry, it said in a release. Labour Minister Santosh Lad, officials from the Department of Labour and IT-BT Ministry attended the meeting, in which the representatives of the union took part.

The union strongly opposed the proposed amendment which, it said, poses an attack on the basic right of any worker to have a personal life. The Labour Minister agreed to have one more round of discussion before taking any decision, it added. Noting that the proposed new bill Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024 attempts to normalise a 14-hour work day, the union said, the existing act only allows a maximum of 10 hours work per day, including overtime. This amendment will allow the companies to go for a two shift system instead of the currently existing three shift system, and one third of the workforce will be thrown out of their employment, it claimed. Noting that during the meeting KITU pointed out the studies on the health impact of extended working hours among the IT employees, it said, the Karnataka Government in their hunger, to please their corporate bosses, completely neglects the most fundamental right of any individual, the right to live.

This amendment shows that the Government of Karnataka is not ready to consider the workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates to whom it serves, it added. The union further pointed out that this amendment comes at a period when the world starts to accept the fact that increased working hours are negatively impacting productivity and more countries are coming with new legislations to accept the right to disconnect as a basic right of any employee. The union urged the Government to rethink and warned that any attempt to go with the amendment will be an open challenge to the 20 lakh employees working in the IT/ITeS sector in Karnataka, it said. KITU calls upon all the IT/ITeS sector employees to unify and come forward to resist this inhuman attempt to impose slavery on us, it said.
25 years of Kargil Retd 18 Grenadiers commandant recalls Tololing battle, deputys final moments





Brig Khushal Singh Thakur (retd.), who was the commanding officer of the 18 Grenadiers that captured Tololing and Tiger Hill during Kargil war. (PTI)

By Bhanu P Lohumi :

SHIMLA

TWENTY-FIVE years since the Kargil War, Brig Khushal Singh Thakur (retired) vividly remembers to this day the moment his second-in-command in the 18 Grenadiers Lt Col R Vishwanathan breathed his last on his lap during the battle of Tololing. It was agonising. He was not required to go to the front and could have stayed back at the administrative base, but since I decided to go, he insisted on accompanying me, Thakur recalled.

Thakurs regiment, along with the 2 Rajputana Rifles, had captured the Tololing peak, which proved to be a turning point in the 1999 war as it allowed India to get a foothold in the enemys defensive layout and then proceed to clear the other intrusions such as the Tiger Hill in Dras sector of Ladakhs Kargil district. Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Brig Thakur (retired) took a walk down memory lane, remembering the battle to reclaim the pivotal Tololing peak. We had taken over the approach to Tololing but a few bunkers at the top were still standing... The fighting was confined to the night as the enemy could see the Indian Army approaching on the barren hill during the day and the intensity of enemy firing increased and so did our casualty, he said. On May 29-30, we lost Major Rajesh Adhikari in the bunker area and I decided to lead and give the last push, Thakur said, adding that the morale of soldiers was down, and all eyes were on us to take Tololing.

Amid heavy automatic, MMG and rocket fire, we started crawling to the top where the bunkers were located and I asked Subedar Randhir Singh to move forward but he was shot dead. I sensed that my handset was not moving and found that radio operator Ram Kumar had also been shot, Thakur said. He recalled it was at this time that he heard a shout that Vishwanathan had been hit. There was total chaos. Two young officers pulled him behind a boulder but we could not light up anything or provide first-aid as we were just 15 yards from the enemy, who was constantly firing at us. We tried to apply bandages but there was heavy bleeding. I put his head on my lap, started massaging and he breathed his last on my lap and that is one moment I always carry with myself and can never forget, Thakur said. Vishwanathan was the senior-most officer to die on the front in the war. Thakur also remembered his conversation with the lieutenant colonel from the day before he died.

A day back, we got a satellite phone and I told Vishwanathan to speak to his wife and children but he asked to let the jawans speak with their families first. Later, the phone battery died due to cold weather conditions and he could not speak to his family members, he said. Thakur said the enemy had intruded into about 150 square kilometres and was targeting the national highway connecting Srinagar, Drass, Kargil and Leh. The operation started on May 22 with no exact information about the enemy, no time for acclimatisation and absence of high-altitude clothing and artillery as it was the first battle and we were under the impression that there were only a few militants, he said. We lost 34 brave soldiers during the two-month-long battle. However, winning Tiger Hill was easier compared to Tololing as we had realised that it was the Pakistani Army. We had time to prepare, were equipped with multi-barrel rockets, air force support, artillery and the 8 Mountain Division with 120 guns firing at the Tiger Hill, Thakur added. The Kargil war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after India successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces that had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh.





Indian Armed Forces personnel celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayantiat Bhisiana in Bathinda district on Saturday. (PTI)

Aerial display at AFS Bhisiana to mark Vijay Diwas

NEW DELHI,

THE silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated at the Air Force Station in Punjabs Bhisiana on Saturday with great pride and fervour to honour the bravery, valour and the sacrifices made by Indian bravehearts during the 1999 war. The No.17 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, operating MiG-21 Type-96 aircraft, based then at the Bhisiana AFS participated actively in the operations, undertaking several reconnaissance and strike missions to flush out the enemy troops, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

An aerial display was conducted which included para-drop by the Akash Ganga Skydiving team, flypast in Vic formation by three Rafale jets and three Jaguar fighter aircraft, Slithering and Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) operations by the Mi-17 1V helicopter, and low-level aerobatics by Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, it said. The event also witnessed a flypast in the Arrow Head and Missing Man formations flown by MiG-29 aircraft in the memory of the brave air warriors. The spectators were also mesmerised by the scintillating display by the Air Force Band and Air Warrior Drill Team, the statement said.
At all-party meet on the eve of Parliaments Budget session





NEW DELHI :

Govt calls for smooth running of Parlt

OPPOSITIONparties drew the battle lines on the eve of Parliaments Budget session on Sunday as they asked the Government at an all-party meeting to allow discussion on a host of contentious issues such as the Uttar Pradesh Governments order to eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route and exam paper leaks, including of the prestigious NEET. The Government, which breaking from the recent practice invited a number of smaller parties for the meeting to signal its political outreach, conveyed its willingness to discuss all issues but Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stressed that it should be in accordance with the rules. He called for cooperation from all parties for running Parliament smoothly, saying it is a collective responsibility. Representatives from the JD(U), a BJP ally, the BJD and the YSR Congress Party demanded special category status for Bihar, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, at the meeting of 44 parties, including some having only one MP.

During the meeting, which was chaired by DefenceMinister Rajnath Singh Opposition RJD echoed the demand for Bihar. Congress leader K Suresh told reporters that his party wasjoinedbyother I.N.D.I.A. blocmembersin seeking the Lok Sabha Deputy Speakers position for the Opposition according to convention. He said they also flagged the need for discussion in Parliament on a host of otherissues,including the spate in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Manipur situation, train accidents, unemployment and price rise. The Congress flagged the issue related to alleged irregularities in the exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, whose chairperson resigned recently for reportedly personal reasons.

The stand of several opposition parties, including the Congress, the DMK and the AAP,madeit allbutitwascertain that the political heat sparkedbytheUttarPradesh Governments order asking eateriesandcartsselling eatablestodisplay theirowners names on the route of kanwarias willreach Parliament when thesessionbegins from Monday. Samajwadi Partys Ram GopalYadav alleged that the move is clearly targeted at Muslimsandaccused theruling BJP in the state of pursuing communally divisive politics. Suresh said Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi criticised the decision at the allparty meeting, while AAPs Sanjay Singh added that he also spoke on similar lines. Singh said he raised the issue of misuse of central probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, and accused the Narendra Modi Government of targeting AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal,whoislodgedin the Tihar jail in the excise policy case.
BANGLADESH SC REDUCESVeterans job quota to 5%, JOBS ON MERIT FOR 93%





DHAKA :

Earlier, 30% of Government jobs were reserved for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971

BANGLADESHS top court on Sunday scaled back a controversial quota system for Government job applicants, in a partial victory for student protesters after days of nationwide unrest and deadly clashes between police and demonstrators that have killed scores of people. Students, frustrated by shortages of good jobs, have been demanding an end to a quota that reserved 30% of Government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971. The Government previously halted it in 2018 following massstudent protests, but in June, Bangladeshs High Court reinstated the quotas and set off anew round of protests. Ruling on an appeal, theSupreme Court ordered that the veterans quota be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit.

The remaining2%willbesetaside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people. The protestshaveposed themost serious challenge to Bangladeshs Government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive termin Januaryelections that were boycotted by themainOpposition groups. Universities have been closed, theinternet has been shutoff and theGovernment has ordered people to stay at home. The protests turned deadly onTuesday, aday after students at Dhaka University began clashing with police. Violence continued to escalate as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets and hurled smoke grenades to scatter stone-throwing protesters. Bangladeshi authorities havent shared any official numbers of those killed and injured, but the Daily Prothom Alo newspaper reported Saturday that at least 103 people have died so far. Sporadic clashes in some parts of Dhaka, the capital, were reported on Saturday but it was not immediately clearwhether therewere any fatalities.
Gurujans hold the highest position in Indian culture: CM





Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav honouring gurus and teachers during a ceremony.

Staff Reporter :

All schools and colleges across the State will celebrate Guru Pournima every year: CM

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that Gurujans have highest position in Indian culture. Along with education, Gurus also impart knowledge. They play an important role in leading their disciples from darkness to light. Respect for Gurus is an important part of Indian tradition and culture. Guru Pournima festival will now be celebrated every year in all schools and colleges in the State to honour the teachers. Students will be told about the importance of Gurus. He asked students to join this event and express their gratitude towards their Gurus. Chief Minister Dr Yadav was addressing Guru Pournima programme organised at Devi Ahilya University auditorium in Indore on Sunday. C M Dr Yadav mentioned many incidents of Mahabharata and explained importance of Guru-Shishya traditions. He said that Guru gives knowledge along with education.

They teach us to fight against injustice. Life teaches art and gives punishment and knowledge. They do not let their hard work get in the way of this work. Positive change in the life of a disciple with the help of a Guru is now there and he begins to achieve success. He said that Guru-Shishya parampara is tradition of blessing proper humanity. He specifically mentioned Acharya Sandipani and said that Gurujan instills nationalist thought in his disciples. Acharya Sandipani is also a good example of this. Acharya Sandipani has taught the spirit of nation building with his knowledge and dedication to his nation. The importance of Gurus should come before everyone. For this we have decided to celebrate Guru Purnima every year in schools and colleges in the state with full faith and faith. He said that India has got the status of world guru on the basis of its knowledge. Mithila Prasad Tripathi, former Vice-Chancellor of Maharishi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University, said that Gurus have an intact importance in life. Guru also removes the darkness of Antas.

The Guru gives everything to his disciple. Reflected in Guru Shishya Mein. Along with knowledge, the Guru also teaches Sanskar and values ??of life. The decision of the state government to celebrate Guru Purnima every year to show the importance of Gurus is commendable. Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education KC Gupta reflected on the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship in the Indian tradition. In the beginning of the program Devi Ahilya University Vice Chancellor Professor Renu Jain delivered the welcome address. Former vice-chancellors and teachers of other universities including Devi Ahilya University were also felicitated.

Along with this, the students who performed well in the essay competition organized on the occasion of Guru Purnima were also felicitated. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also released books written on Indian Mathematics. In the program, he also felicitated Anshika Jain, a girl who developed software and converted Modhi script into Devanagari script. He reached among the Gurujans and honored them by showering flowers Chief Minister Dr. Yadav arrived today to attend a program organized at Devi Ahilya University on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Dr. Yadav came down from the stage and reached among the gurus. He honoured the former Vice-Chancellors and teachers present in the auditorium by showering flowers.
Ram Niwas Rawat is new Forest and Environment Minister





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla :

newly inducted Cabinet Minister Ram Niwas Rawat has been allocated Forest and Environment portfolio. Fourteen days after taking oath as Cabinet Minister, Rawat has now replaced Nagar Singh Chauhan and has been assigned Forest and Environment portfolio. In this regard, a notification was issued on Sunday. As The Hitavada reported about allocation of portfolio to Rawat, he has been given the charge of Forest and Environment. On July 8, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expanded his Cabinet.

In this expansion, prominent leader from Chambal region Ramniwas Rawat, who joined BJP from the Congress, during Lok Sabha elections, took oath as a minister. Since then speculations about his minister berth were doing rounds. Rawat became the 31st minister of Dr Mohan Yadav Government. Joining of six times MLA from Vijaypur Assembly seat of Sheopur was seen as a setback to Congress. He is a prominent OBC face in the region, during Congress rule he was given the berth of minister. He contested Parliamentary elections against former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Ramniwas Rawat has also been Working President of the State Congress Committee.
Tea industry seeks higher RoDTEPrates to make exports competitive





HE tea industry has soughthigherrates under the Ro DTEP scheme to make exports more competitive in the overseas markets. Leading industry body Indian Tea Association(ITA),inits pre-budgetmemorandum,saidthatthepresent RoDTEP rate for bulk tea is 1.7 per cent (freeonboard) subject to a cap of Rs 6.70 per kilogram. The association urged the Government to increase the reward base rate underthe Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for black tea in bulk to remain competitive in the international markets.

The RoDTEP scheme ensures that exporters receive refunds on embedded taxes and duties that were previously non-recoverable. Another industry body Tea Association of India (TAI), inits pre-Budgetproposal submittedto the Government, said the RoDTEP rate for tea should be higher than the earlier MEIS (merchandise exports incentive scheme) of five per cent to enable Indian tea to retain its competitiveness in the global market. Sinceitsinceptionin January 2021, the RoDTEP scheme has already provided support amounting to Rs 42,000 crore to more than 10,500 export items, an official statement saidinMarch.Theassociation has also sought for imposition of an antidumping duty on imports of Nepal tea.

TheTAI said that this measure would preventthedumpingofcheapanddutyfree tea from Nepal and boost exports of genuineDarjeeling tea. Sucha measure would also thwart the passing off of Nepalese tea as a geographical indication (GI) tag product. The ITA said that the Government should exempttea from levy onTDS on cash withdrawals due to a lack of banking infrastructure in the tea-growing areas in the country.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. Illegal nuclear tests have been conducted in French Polynesia for 30 years, said International Advisor on Governance Carlyle Corbin at a side event of the Baku Initiative Group during the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

He emphasized that these tests have had a severely negative impact on the environment and the health of local people.

"Although the French authorities are obligated to compensate for the damage, they categorically refuse to do so," he added.

To note, the II Shusha Global Media Forum was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures, as well as 60 heads and representatives of local media.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Negotiations are underway with Egyptian carriers on opening direct flights to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transportation Rashad Nabiyev said at an event dedicated to Egypt's National Day, Trend reports.

"Cooperation between our countries also includes the spheres of culture and tourism," he said.

The minister noted that the number of tourists traveling from Egypt to Azerbaijan has doubled over the past two years after the pandemic. The number of Azerbaijani citizens traveling to Egypt has increased almost three times.

"Direct flights can further increase these numbers. Azerbaijan Airlines currently operates two direct flights between Baku and Sharm el-Sheikh," Nabiyev added.

To note, the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 27, 1992. The Egyptian Embassy in Baku has been functioning since April 1993, and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Cairo since January 1994.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. Panel discussions themed "Climate action and media" have been held within the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum on the topic Exposing false narratives: combating disinformation," Trend reports.

The discussions moderated by host of "Riga TV24" and "Latvijas Radio" Ansys Bogustovs were attended by the Arabian Gulf Business Insight Editor-at-Large Francis Martin Kane, Executive Director of the Berliner Zeitung Newspaper Holger Friedrich, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Nigar Arpadaray, and UK Energy Security Specialist John Roberts.

The discussions pointed out that climate change is a serious issue, and journalists must be attentive to this matter, balancing interests while ensuring the well-being of humanity, emphasizing the necessity for journalists covering environmental issues to have substantial experience.

Additionally, the discussions mentioned that media outlets should have a deep understanding of environmental problems and report them to the public appropriately.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.

09:55

The final day of the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum is being held on the topic Exposing false narratives: combating disinformation," Trend reports.

This day will feature two panel discussions.

The panel discussions themed "The impact of artificial intelligence on reality, media, and disinformation: promoting media literacy" will be held.

Then, at the forum's fourth and final panel, participants will exchange views on the topic "The climate movement and media," moderated by Ansis Bogustovs, a host and producer from "Riga TV24" and "Latvijas Radio".

Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, the CEO of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, will give a presentation on the topic "Solidarity for a Green World - COP29".

Furthermore, at the request of the Baku Initiative Group, there will be a presentation of the report "The evolution of french colonialism: a political and constitutional study" written by renowned UN expert Carlyle Corbin (US).

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum is attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) began to provide support to the colonies of the Netherlands, Executive Director of BIG Abbas Abbasov said at the group's side event within the framework of the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

He emphasized that the Baku Initiative Group would continue activities in this direction, supporting the colonies struggle for independence.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum is attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Assam Rifles History: Myth of Cachar Levy becoming the Assam Rifles

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Lt Col M Ranjit Singh (Retd)

For many years, people have believed that Cachar Levy, an irregular force raised during the early 19th century in the Eastern Frontier of India for a specific purpose, was the forerunner of modern-day Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force in India. The main culprit, if I may use the word, for this myth is Colonel LW Shakespear, the author of History of Assam Rifles, published in 1929. Colonel Shakespear, in his book, wrote, The first unit of this new organisation was raised by Grange, in civil charge of Nowgong district, during 1835, and was named the Cachar Levy, with a strength of 750 all ranks, viz Inspectors, Head Constables and Constables, as they were called until 1883, in virtue of their being a purely civil force. The Cachar Levy thus formed the earliest embodied unit of what eventually developed into the fine force of the five Assam Rifles battalions of the present day.

Interestingly, Major General DK Palit, in his book Sentinels of the North East: The Assam Rifles (1984), another history book of the Assam Rifles (post-independence period), copied the same narrative as given by Colonel Shakespear on the origin of Cachar Levy. Major General Palit even wrote that the Expedition carried out by Grange was with a small detachment of regular troops from the 1st Assam Light Infantry ! 42 Gurkha Rifles (later 6 Gurkhas) were called the 1st Assam Light Infantry from 1844 to 1861 and were not part of Granges Expedition. The regular troops that went with Grange were the 1st Assam Sebundy Corps, which, in 1844, became the 2nd Assam Light Infantry. It is worthwhile to remember that till the middle of the 19th century, any force raised by the British in India, such as Levy, Militia, Local Corps, Irregular Corps, and Extra Regiment were meant to be of a temporary nature. However, some of the Levy like the Sikh, Dogra, Garhwali, and nine Gurkhas became regular army units.

The geopolitical situation in the North East Frontier of India after the First Anglo-Burmese War was that the Burmese, by the treaty of Yandabo, ceded Assam to the East India Company. The British in Assam in 1833 controlled the administrations of Kamrup, Nowgong, and Darrang only. The remaining districts were under the control of Maharaj Purandar Singh, except Lakhimpur, which was under Moamarias. The British resumed Maharaja Puranders territories in October 1838, and Lakhimpur resumed in 1842. Earlier, Cachar became British territory on August 14, 1832. However, North Cachar Hills was transferred to Assam and attached to the district of Nowgong. The British administration made elaborate arrangements for the better distribution of justice and revenue collection.

However, organising civil administration in Assam suffered considerably due to the absence of officers. Consequently, there were large-scale postings of Bengal Army officers to Assam, and many junior officers were appointed to work there. Among the new officers appointed were Edmund R Grange, CR Strong, and H Driver, with their date of seniority being November 30, 1838. They were employed as Junior Sub-Assistant to the Governor Generals Agency, North East Frontiers. Their employment was notified in the Calcutta Gazette of March 28, 1839. Interestingly, Edmund R Grange was employed as an Acting Sub Assistant to the Nowgong Division by F Jenkins, an Agent in NE Frontier, on September 10, 1838, before getting confirmation from the Government.

F Jenkins took ex-post facto sanction from the Government for employing him. In the letter F Jenkins wrote to the Government, he mentions that Grange is a European with good connections (sic), education, and some experience in managing a sugar plantation. Grange had good knowledge of the native language and had been regularly studying lately, which was sufficient to make him conduct the duties that would devolve on himself, he added. Sugar plantation was a fad in the early 19th century in India, including Assam. F Jenkins personally had 600 acres of sugar plantation farms in Assam. Grange may have been working on Jenkins plantation. It is a wild assumption from my side. In the Journal of the Asiatic Society of 1840, there is an article on the Expedition into the Naga Hills on the Assam Frontier by Lieutenant Grange, an Assistant Political Agent.

The Expedition is about the second Expedition undertaken by Grange in December 1840. Whether Grange became a Lieutenant in the Bengal Army is not known, but there are two officers with the surname of Grange on the Bengal Army list of 1840. One is RG Grange (page 104), and the second is Grange (page 138). RG Grange was on extended leave and furlough in Europe in 1840, and R Grange was shown as Quarter Master in some units. I highlight that Edmund R Grange was employed only in 1838 as an Assistant sub-agent. He, therefore, could not have raised Cachar Levy in 1835 as written by Colonel Shakespear and mindlessly followed by others.

Now, on to Cachar Levy. For many years, the Angami Nagas have been coming down regularly to the plains of Cachar to deprecate the Cacharees. The main aim of their attacks was to extract conch shells, clothes, and any valuable items, and also to seize as many persons as they could, to obtain ransom from their relatives and kill all that attempted to escape, cutting off their heads, which their relatives would then ransom. The captives were kept as enslaved people to be sold off to the Bengali merchants. The going rate for an enslaved person then was 20 packets of salt, and the cost of seven packets was only Re 1 (one). These details are from the report submitted by Grange. In the middle of 1838, a body of Angami Nagas came down to the village of Bungygram in Upper Cachar. It killed 12 and carried off 13 men. According to British sources, the probable reasons for the attack by the Angamis were due to long-running feuds arising over the possession of salt springs between the Nagas and Cacharees. The atrocities may also have been the result of a recent expedition carried out by Manipuris against Nagas in the adjoining areas of the sources of the Jiri River, where they burned and destroyed many Naga villages. The Nagas may have been exasperated and brought on their retaliation to the Cacharee villages as they were friends of Manipuris. This was the appreciation of the local British officers.

The norms of the Government have always been to strike a sudden blow immediately following and caused by such outrage. The Government, also responsible for providing security and protection to its peaceful subjects, decided that it was most necessary to take some immediate measures to retaliate against the Angami Nagas incursions.

The Government of India, therefore, resolved to send a military detachment into the Cachar Hills to institute an investigation into the causes of the recent Angamis intrusions and to punish the perpetrators, if possible or else to inflict such punishment upon them, by burning their villages and crossings, as this may deter them from future aggressions. The forces available in Assam were then limited, so the Government decided to raise a levy. On November 21, 1838, the Governor General in Council approved raising 200 Cacharees for the expedition against the Nagas as the mode levying this body of men appears to have been very reasonable and their service indispensable. The Military Board of India was told to issue 200 fusils, 20,000 rounds of ammunition, and 200 pouches and belts either repaired or of an obsolete pattern. The arms and ammunition were to be sent to Brigadier Little at Sylhet for onward transmission to Cachar. The Superintendent of Cachar, Captain Burns, was made responsible for raising the Cachar Levy as it was thought that Naga locations were closer to Cachar than Assam.

Subsequently, the responsibility for dealing with the Nagas was delegated to Assam as North Cachar Hills, under the administrative control of Assam, was closer. The composition of the troops of this Levy is interesting. There were 30 Manipuris from Cachar, 50 Shans, and the rest were Cacharees. The 30 Manipuris were old soldiers of Gambhir Sings Levy (Manipur Levy). And many of the Cacharees were also old soldiers from Maharaj Govinchandras army. The advantage of recruiting these old soldiers was that time would not be wasted on their training on the use of firearms. The Shans were old soldiers of the Burmese army who stayed back in Assam after the First Anglo-Burmese War. Around 350 Shans settled in Assam during that time. Six Angami Nagas may also have been members of this Levy. These Angami Nagas were held at Sylhet Jail. There is a correspondence from the Superintendent of Cachar specifically requesting these Angamis.

The reply from the Government is not traceable, but Grange used a few Angami interpreters during his expedition. The pay of the Sepoys was fixed at Rupees 5 per month as Barkandazes (Mercenaries) working at Haflong then were paid the same amount. There was one Subedar and one Jemadar in the Levy, and their monthly pay was fixed at Rupees 50 and 20, respectively. Subadar Dhana Ram Barman and Jamadar Byasa Ram were on loan from Sylhet Light Infantry (later 1/8 Gurkha Rifles). The Government was unsure of the completion of the raising of the Cachar Levy before the expedition; Assam Sebundy Corps (later 2/8 Gurkha Rifles) was told to send One Subadar and fifty Sepoys along with Grange.

Captain W Simonds raised Assam Sebundy Corps at Gauhati on April 13, 1835. The word Sebundy has long gone out of use. It probably came from Southern India, where a similar word meaning foreigners can be traced. Sebundies were irregular foot soldiers who, in pre-British times, constituted the armed forces which always accompanied the tax-gatherers, and were also employed on police duties.

Grange, after his initial employment at Nowgong for about a month, was to be posted out to Jorhat. Still, he was retained at Nowgong at the request of Lieutenant Bigge, Principal Assistant to the Agent, Nowgong. The officer initially selected to command the Cachar Levy was Lieutenant Hunt. At the last moment, Grange was chosen to lead the Cachar Levy as Lieutenant Hunt was severely ill. The instructions given to Grange for dealing with the Angami Nagas were It will be the duty of him to proven any attack upon the Naga Villages until he was quite satisfied that they have participated in the offences they are charged with and until he had made an attempt to obtain the surrender of the persons of the perpetrators by mediation, but this failing he will direct the Commander to endeavour to seize the individual or to lay both of any other Nagas of the same village as hostages, or to inflict such other punishment as he may be able on any Naga apprehended in this manner.

Grange and his party of Sebundies and Shans left Nowgong on January 5, 1839. On reaching Goonigogoo on January 11, he needed help finding information on the incursions of the Angami Nagas. With an escort of 14 Sepoys, he then proceeded to Silchar to meet Captain Burns, leaving the rest of the party behind. He reached Silchar on January 17, met Captain Burns and got additional information on the Angami Nagas. The weapons sent from Calcutta had not reached Silchar then. Captain Burns put all available and workable muskets at Silchar for repair. Finally, 30 muskets were repaired, and equal numbers of men from the Levy armed with the repaired muskets accompanied Grange on January 19.

One Subedar and 20 more men from the Levy joined Granges party on January 26. The expeditions administrative planning needed improvement, and the expedition could only achieve a little. The main difficulties faced by the team were the need for more armed troops to oversee the large population of hostile Nagas, the non-availability of a regular supply of rations, the deficiency of reliable porters and the lack of knowledge of the geographical locations of the main and large Naga Villages. Many times, the party had to survive on a meal per day.

The party had to resort to occasionally forcefully collecting grains from the Naga villages. Granges responsibility to the troops was to provide rice only. It must be remembered that Sepoys of the Levy had been given an advance of one months pay, and they were to manage salt and other requirements of the rations by themselves. At Umbolo or Kichong, Grange met a Manipuri who had been captured. He was sold as a slave to a Naga of the village and later on married a Naga girl. The most significant achievements of Granges expedition were his meetings with the younger brother of powerful Khonoma Chief Inpuijee on February 26 and with Ikkari, Chief of Mozemah, on March 8. In his report, Grange wrote that Ikkari wore a collar studded with human hairs from his enemys scalp.

On both occasions, traditional and most sacred oaths of the Angami Nagas were taken not to molest in future any persons or subjects of East India Company. The oath-taking ceremony consists of holding one end of a spear by one party and the other end by another, cutting the spear into two halves, each retaining its bits. The biggest failure of Granges expedition was his inability to bring back the captives held by the Angami Nagas, as his force was too small and ill-armed to fight with the numerically superior Nagas. He returned on March 15, 1839. Cachar Levy was disbanded on May 16, 1839. A report was made by the Superintendent of Cachar to the Government of India on May 29, 1839, which mentions that  I have the honour to inform you that except one Native Officer and 30 men, the Cahar Levy was paid and discharged on 16th (May 1839) instant. The 30 men referred to above were Manipuris who opted to join the Pioneers and Sappers Regiment and then made a new road to connect Cachar with Manipur. A second expedition was carried out against the Angami Nagas by Grange from December 3, 1839, to March 2, 1840. The details of the forces that accompanied Grange have yet to be discovered.

In Assam, till the 1870s, the police were divided into two branches: (1) civil police for detection and prevention of crimes and (2) the armed or frontier police whose duty was to guard jails and treasuries, furnish escorts and main frontier outposts.

Three Regiments of Gurkhas have always been posted in Assam since the conclusion of the First Burmese War. These Regiments and also the Armed Civil Police used to hold 60 frontier posts in Assam. The Bengal Government in 1870 took up a case with the Government of India to remove the three Gurkha Regiments from Assam and, in their place, raise two local regiments who would do the duties of armed police and also hold the entire frontier posts, including those held by the Gurkhas. The two local regiments being raised should be a force having a military organisation, but so drilled, officered, and mobilised as to be capable of taking up an outpost and detached duty without material detriment to its corporate efficiency.

Assam was part of Bengal till February 1874. The reorganisation of the Civil Armed Police to the Assam Frontier Force was affected in 1885. The four battalions were Lakhimpur, Naga Hills, Cachar and Garo Hills. Two Commandants were from the army, and two were from the police. The name of Assam Frontier Force was changed to Assam Military Police in 1887.

In June 1917, the Chief Commissioner of Assam took up a case with the Government of India that the name of Assam Military Police should be changed to Assam Rifles. It must be remembered that a total of 23 JCOs and 3174 Sepoys of Assam Military Police went as drafts to various Gurkha Battalions during the First World War, and they fought along with the regular troops of the army. But many times, they were looked down upon because they were called Military police, the word Police being the cause of ridicule. Many Army Officers refused to volunteer for the force as they considered it derogatory to join the force, which had the word police nomenclature. Even the GOC, 8th (Lucknow) Division commented that the change in nomenclature was necessary in order to give more prestige to the Forceforce and raise the status and esprit de Corps of officers and men of the battalions. The Government of India gave the sanction for change in the name of the force to Assam Rifles on August 13, 1917. As American Historical Association member James McPherson had said, There is no single, eternal, and immutable truth about past events and their meaning. The time has come to change the narratives of the origin of Assam Rifles.

The primary documents used in writing this article are available at the National Archives of India at Delhi under Political Consultations of Foreign Department (183039).
Current existence of the people Surviving Manipur

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Surviving Manipur. This is life lesson number 1 for majority of the people and this should be understood beyond the ongoing ethnic clash that has claimed over 220 lives, displaced thousands with many others still untraceable. So even as thousands continue to languish in the different shelter homes set up across the length and breadth of the State, people have to cope with the acute shortage of cooking gas and sky rocketing prices of all essential items. Hits the common people, not the suited, booted class of people and the shortage of cooking gas may be understood better in the backdrop of the report that the IOCLs Sekmai bottling plant is likely to release 40 truckloads of filled LPG cylinders to the consumers. This report comes in the backdrop of the statement purportedly given by a Government official that there is enough stock of LPG or no shortage in the stock of cooking gas at the bottling plant. The fact however is that many families are running short of cooking gas and hereby hangs a tale, a tale which may prompt the more discerning citizens to read between the line to get a clearer picture of the reality. If the bottling plant at Sekmai has enough stock of cooking gas then why hasnt the same been distributed to the consumers, is the question that should follow. It is amid this that LPG distributors were constrained to go on a sit-in protest just a few days back against the inability to meet the demand of the consumers as well as the monetary demands served on them by different power players. No one knows when things will improve and the bigger area of concern is no one knows what steps the Government has taken up or is mulling to take up to put the State on the track of normalcy and the gravity of the unrest may be better understood against the fact that a number of travel agencies whose vehicles operated on the Imphal to Dimapur or Imphal to Guwahati line have been left high and dry and this has been going on for over 14 months now. The situation should be looked beyond the owners of the inter-State buses and taxis but also at the plight of the drivers, the handy men, those at the ticketing counters, those dealing in arranging transportation of parcels by road etc. Normalcy should be understood beyond the loud reports of gunshots or direct clashes but also whether the earning avenues of the people have been restored or not. This is one primary reason why the recent claim of the Prime Minister that situation has normalised a great deal found no takers in Manipur. A case of being misled or a refusal to take cognizance of the fact and this does not paint the stand of Delhi in any positive light and the BJP led Government at Imphal and Delhi should understand why its candidate lost so badly in the Lok Sabha election in the Inner Parliamentary Constituency and why the candidate the BJP had supported in the Outer Parliamentary Constituency failed to cut ice with the voters.

Everything that can go wrong went wrong a long time back, and the matter of greater concern at the moment is the seeming lack of any effort from the side of the Government to restore normalcy. Imphal and Delhi should acknowledge the reality and sincerely see what may be done. The Sangai Express has been maintaining that it is important for Delhi to chart out the roadmap to restore normalcy and explore all the possibilities. The Peace Committee that was set up during the initial days of the clash has turned out to be a damp squib and it is only right that Delhi looks at the possibility of forming another such committee. Rope in the service of the Naga community, a community which has maintained a neutral position. See if the service of Naga organisations such as the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Peoples Organisation of Senapati, the Tangkhul Naga Long of Ukhrul etc may be utilised to break the ice and start the process of bringing people from either side of the clash divide to the dialogue table. What may be included in the agenda of the dialogue may be left to the wisdom of Delhi. So even as Manipur and her people continue to reel under the impact of the ongoing clash, other things that can go wrong have also gone wrong and the tragedy of the place and her people seems to be complete. Acute shortage of cooking gas, erratic power supply, pathetic road conditions in the heart of Imphal and this is where the line surviving Manipur becomes relevant.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. A total of 1,048 people have been nominated for the extraordinary parliamentary election in Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, of the nominated candidates for MPs, 700 people were approved.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the dissolution of the Azerbaijani Parliament of the sixth convocation and the appointment of an extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament.

The extraordinary election is scheduled for September 1, 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. Azerbaijan plays a key role in supporting colonies seeking independence, said International Advisor on Governance Carlyle Corbin at a side event of the Baku Initiative Group during the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

Corbin highlighted Azerbaijan's potential to raise awareness and draw international attention to the plight of colonies fighting for independence.

"There are many colonies around the world, but we lack comprehensive data on all of them. It's crucial to bring this issue to global attention. The natural resources of these colonies have been plundered, and their freedom has been stripped away.

These colonies don't have the platforms or opportunities to voice their issues and are often unaware of events in other regions. Azerbaijan is a vital partner in amplifying their voices globally. Azerbaijan has been a great support to us in this effort," he added.

The 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum has attracted 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media outlets, and 60 leaders and representatives from local media.
Asansol Cyber Police has arrested three cyber criminals from Andal Police Station limits yesterday. Sunil Kumar Choudhury, CP of Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) said that on the basis of information that some cyber fraudsters from Jamtara in Jharkhand, are presently residing at a rented house at Ukhra under Andal police station area and committing fraudulent activities by using different mobile phones and SIM cards officers of cyber police zeroed on the house and nabbed the criminals.

Acting on a specific tip off last night a raid was conducted by Asansol Cyber Police Station at Saradapally, Ukhra in Andal police station limits and three persons namely Manish Mandal (20) of Dewalbari in Jharkhands Jamtara, Amar Mandal (21), of Jagari in Deoghar district of Jharkhand, Santosh Mandal (35), of Patol in Jamtara district were arrested. Seventeen smartphones, two debit cards and three SIM cards have been seized from their possession. A specific case has been registered vide Asansol Cyber Crime PS61/2024, dt.-21.07.2024, u/s 316(2)/ 318/ 319(2)/ 61(2)/ 3(5)/3(6) of BNS. Today all these three accused persons have been taken into police custody for 10 days for further investigation.

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The dengue situation in Kolkata is under control in Kolkata till now with the city registering fewer cases as compared to that of the last year, informed the officials of Kolkata Municipal Corporation yesterday. According to officials of the civic body, last year, till 14 July, 220 cases of dengue were reported under the limits of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The number of cases has seen a significant fall this year with only 146 cases being reported this year during the same period. As learnt from officials, the percentage of malaria cases this year, too has seen a reduction of about 57 per cent. As reiterated by mayor Firhad Hakim, even with the reported figures, nothing could be ascertained at this point of time as the monsoon has arrived late in the city. In view of this, the civic body is carrying out vector control measures intensively.

As pointed out by the mayor, the KMCs vector control teams are conducting loudspeaker awareness campaigns and spraying anti-larvae chemicals in various neighbourhoods. The teams are also checking if there is water logging under lifts or in under construction buildings. The measures would be continued as the rainy season is not yet over. As informed by Mr Hakim, the fear of dengue continues even after one or two months after the monsoons are over. Notably, the civic body also releases guppy fish at places in water bodies to prevent the spreading to mosquito larva. However, water bodies covered with water hyacinth obstruct sunlight hindering the sustenance of guppy fish. According to the mayor, this challenge makes this time of the year tough in terms of fighting dengue in the city

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Alarge number of students, mostly from India, arrived at the Changrabandha Immigration Check Post in Cooch Behar by this afternoon. At least 550 students were escorted by the Bangladesh Army and Police for their safety as they returned from their respective educational institutions in the neighbouring country amidst widespread violence. Many students, including 40 per cent girls, expressed relief upon reaching the Indian side with full protection from the Bangladesh government. The Border Security Force (BSF), immigration officials, and West Bengal police made extensive arrangements to receive them from the Bangladesh side as quickly as possible.

The BSF noted that while a majority of the students were Indian, there were also Nepalese and Bhutanese students, as well as one student from the Maldives. Yesterday, 33 students had fled Bangladesh and crossed into India through Changrabandha in Cooch Behar. Other students returning from Bangladesh are using different ICPs such as Fulbari, Hilli, and Malda in North Bengal. The West Bengal police provided free bus services for these returning students ~ some were taken to Siliguri while others went directly to Cooch Behar town from Changrabandha Immigration Check Post. Due to a lack of internet services, both the students and their parents were unable to contact each other which was a cause for concern. As stated by the students, the Bangladesh government instructed them to return to their own countries until the violent situation is under control.

According to Indian officials, the situation in Bangladesh remains unstable as evident by a two-day strike called by agitators since yesterday. However, this may change after the Supreme Court of Bangladesh overturned a High Court order on the controversial reservation system. According to officials, tourists from Bangladesh who had planned to visit Darjeeling and other parts of India are now leaving early and heading back to their own country. Similarly, Indians from North Bengal who travelled to Bangladesh to visit family members are also making their way home. The imposed curfew has resulted trade between India and Bangladesh being nearly suspended ~ a few trucks carrying export items have been stranded at customs stations as the unloading process could not commence. Exporters have reported that their vehicle drivers and their assistants are currently in the custody of the Bangladesh government for their safety

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One person was killed and three severely injured at Shyampur in Howrah last night following a village arbitration meeting, which was held to resolve a land dispute. Police said the meeting suddenly turned violent, resulting in one person being killed and at least three others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday night within the Shyampur police station limits of Howrah. Police have begun investigating the incident. According to local sources, the arbitration meeting was held on Saturday night in Chapabari village of Bachhri Gram Panchayat to settle a land dispute between two families.

However, the meeting was disrupted by a commotion. A quarrel broke out between Ziaul Khan and his family and Raja Khans family. It is alleged that in the midst of the altercation, Raja suddenly drew a knife and started stabbing Ziaul indiscriminately. Ziaul died on the spot, and three others were injured and rushed to a local hospital. They are currently being treated at Uluberia Hospital. The family of the deceased accused 28-yearold Raja and his father, Nazrul Khan, of being responsible for the attack. A family member said: An arbitration meeting was held on Saturday night and continued late into the night. There was an argument, but no resolution was reached. Suddenly, Raja lunged with a knife and started stabbing Ziaul indiscriminately, resulting in his death. The name of the local panchayat members husband, Saiful Khan, has also come up in connection with this incident.

It is alleged that under his instigation, Raja attacked Ziaul Khan, Sabina Begum, Intajul Khan, and Rahima Begum with a knife during the arbitration meeting. Howrah Rural Police Superintendent Swati Bangalia said: There was a dispute between two families over a land issue. Discussions were underway to resolve the matter when the incident occurred. Four people were injured in the knife attack, one of whom has died. The accused are absconding, and a search is ongoing to apprehend them. Police have been stationed at the scene.

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Gunotsav-2025 will be held in over 45,600 schools in 35 districts of Assam from January 6 to February 9 next year, Assam Education Minister said.

Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu said that, the Gunotsav-2025 will be held in three phases starting from January 6 next year.

All preparations are progressing on time. 43,23,499 students in 45,629 schools will be assessed in Gunotsav, Dr Ranoj Pegu said.

According to the state education department, the self-evaluation of the first phase of the 6th round of Gunotsav will be held on January 6, and the external evaluation in 11 districts will be held on January 7-9 next year.

The self-evaluation of the second phase of Gunotsav will be held on January 18, and the external evaluation in 13 districts will be held on January 20-22 next year. The self-evaluation for the third phase of Gunotsav will be held on February 6, and the external evaluation will be held in 11 districts on February 7-9 next year, said Samagra Shiksha, Assam, in a letter.

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The letter also stated that, Gunotsav for Bajali and Tamulpur will be conducted by Barpeta and Baksa, respectively.

Gunotsav is an initiative of the Assam government to improve the quality of school education.

The four core areas, viz., scholastic (learning by outcomes of children), co-scholastic, infrastructure, and community participation, are evaluated in the Gunotsav exercise. Schools are graded as A+, A, B, C and D on the basis of performance (90% on Scholastic , 5% each on Co-Scholastic & other areas, and Community Participation & Contributions).

This exercise helps in identifying the learning gaps and ensuring that all children take appropriate remedial measures to attain grade specific learning outcomes.
In the build up to Indias Union Budget 2024-25, Economist and Author Dr Rajiv Kumar, Chairman, Pahle India Foundation and Former Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog shares his thoughts on key economic issues in an interview with Sabyasachee Dash.

1) Sir, considering your long association with a Multilateral Agency like ADB, it would be of interest to know your perspective on how international institutions view Indias prospects, especially in light of the wide range of reforms implemented over the past decade.

A. All the multilateral agencies like the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have retained their growth forecast for the Indian economy, some have even improved it. The general consensus seems to be that in 2024-25, the economy will grow at 7%, which will make India clearly the fastest growing large economy in the world. Moreover, my understanding is that India will contribute a substantial percentage to the overall growth of the world economy as a whole in the next decade. Now, this growth momentum that we are beginning to see, and I think which will be retained for the next decade, or even couple of decades or so, has been due to the reforms undertaken not just in the last 10 years by the Modi government, but the whole series of reforms that started in 1991 when I was in the Ministry of Finance working in the Department of Economic Affairs. The good thing has been that the direction of reforms has been consistent, though the pace has varied, which has created a strong expectation that the Indian economy will continue to see these structural reforms and therefore retain the growth momentum.

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2) Where did the idea of the 100-Day initiative originate? Do you think this timeframe is too short to effectively implement major programmes in a country as vast and complex as ours? I hope this initiative isnt merely symbolic and perpetuating ad hocism rather than addressing long-term issues.

A. The 100-days idea originated with the Honorable Prime Minister himself, and he had done that even the last time in 2019, when the new government was formed. I was then in NITI. We also contributed to the programme. The 100-day timeframe is not meant to be the window for implementation. It is meant to indicate what all reforms and the steps that can be or rather should be undertaken at this time. Then the line ministries are given these go-aheads, which are to be implemented over a longer period. I dont think it leads to a downturn, but my only issue is that very often the 100-day programme starts and then pretty much remains on paper. It gets forgotten, except for a few which are directly supervised by the Prime Minister himself. This is the weakness that we have to address i.e. how to hold the line ministries accountable to the plan of action or to the programme that they have outlined.

In my time at NITI, we had established a strong Development Monitoring and Evaluation office. The DMEP would ask for targets from the line ministries and then review and monitor them. Something like that ought to be done with the 100-day program as well, otherwise it loses credibility and becomes a part of the rhetoric.

3) Generally, theres an expectation that the Government will stick to its projections for tax revenues and non-debt capital receipts, including asset monetization, as outlined in the Interim Budget of February 2024. What are your thoughts on this?

A. The first part is true, which is that the government will adhere to the tax revenue projections. In fact, may even improve them from the last interim projection because GST has shown greater buoyancy than in the past.

On the non-debt capital receipts, Im afraid Im quite disappointed. This non-debt capital receipts, the vast majority come from the privatization of the public sector enterprises or asset monetization. We had prepared a thorough list of potential candidates, all the values were given when I was in NITI, but Ive seen in the last two or three years that the targets have been diluted. The momentum and the attention on the privatization of public sector enterprises has shifted away. Theres no talk now of the privatization of two public sector banks as there was earlier and the entire asset monetization program has been put on the back burner. Now this in my view is something which is essential. Its because the revenues from the non-debt capital receipts can be and should be used to reduce the amount of debt that we have in the country, which is now about 83-84% of the GDP. The real issue is that 40% of our tax revenues is spent on paying the interest on these debts. This leaves very less for allocation of funds to the important sectors like health and education. So, the Debt to GDP ratio has to be reduced and the only way to do it really is to have a very vigorous programme of asset monetization and public sector enterprise privatization.

4) Do you suspect its possible that the speed of the reform journey may be impaired due to the re-emergence of the coalition era?

A. I dont think so at all because in the past actually the coalition governments have shown a much better performance of reforms than a majority government. Also, because especially the TDP, is a pro-reform party. I have no fear that the coalition government is going to directly imply that the reform agenda or the reform push will slow down.

5) The February 2024 budget showed a strong commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services. Can we expect this focus to continue and strengthen in the upcoming budget?

A. The focus on health, as well as education, has increased quite significantly. These are the two sectors which require a lot of attention and a lot of public resources. Universal Access to high-quality education and Universal Access to high-quality primary health services is a sine qua non for a democracy. Its an absolute must for any market economy and democratic society. I think thats what we have to ensure. We are a long way away from that at the moment. Ayushman Bharat was a particularly good initiative covering 500 million people. But I think the next 500 will have to be covered sooner, which will still leave about 400 million who presumably can take care of themselves, but thats not the case. The social sectors have to be strengthened very rigorously.

6) What measures do you believe the Government should take to revive the rural economy, which is largely dependent on agriculture? Additionally, how eager do you think the Government is to implement the National Cooperative Policy?

A. The first thing we must recognize is that our agriculture is quite backward at the moment. We are living in a state of denial because we have food security, we dont have a globally competitive agriculture. Our agriculture sector, our yield, our productivity, our price, our costs are all way out of line if you compare it to any other country. We need to recognize that. Only 10% of our food products are processed. 20 to 25% is wasted. Im told that we need 70,000 cold storages in the country, which would make life very much different for our farmers. About 50% of our workforce is engaged in agriculture, and that produces only 18% of the GDP. So, you can see that the per capita productivity of agricultural workforce is much lower than the workforce elsewhere in the economy. Agriculture needs a lot of attention, requiring a complete paradigm shift.

Green revolution, the biochemical-based evolution, which gave us our food security, did very well, but it has run its course. There are now declining returns to chemical fertilizer. They are spoiling our environment, our soil health, and much worse, the health of both our farmers and consumers. So therefore, rural Indian agriculture needs a fresh look. Ive been passionately propagating the spread of natural farming, like Zero Chemical farming, and I hope that this budget will at least do one thing, that it will give the proportionate amount of subsidies to those not using chemical fertilizers and pesticides and are following a much better and healthier agricultural practice.

7) Regarding energy security and transitioning to sustainable energy sources, theres talk of a new hydro policy to promote carbon-free energy, subsidies for battery storage, and Indias first offshore wind concession. How do you view these initiatives in the context of our economic goals?

A. In the last 10 years, weve connected all our villages. The power availability is much better, but we still use only 1200 kilowatts of energy per capita compared to the global average of 3700 and the Americans guzzle up to around 25,000. So, we have a long way to go to meet the energy requirement of our population. A large number of people live with much less energy than they should be using, but then we must ensure that we have a green energy transition. If we go the fossil fuel route, then we will neither have an Indian environment nor will we have a planetary environment left for us to sustain and survive.

Therefore, the green energy transition is a big issue, because we have to quadruple the production and yet we must reduce our carbon footprint, which is a huge policy challenge. This will require significant concerted attention for us to be able to do that by putting together a platform where government, industry, academia and experts all come together to make this green energy transition a success.

8) Theres a general demand for 100% GST exemption on all educational expenses for students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Low-Income Group (LIG) families. What is your reaction to this? Also, how do you see the potential for a closer collaboration between policymakers, the government, and startups through PPPs in the education sector?

A. I completely agree with it. I mean, theres no reason for us to have GST on educational services, especially for our students from below poverty line and low-income groups. I would even go as far as to say that except for private higher education establishment, everything else in the education sector should be exempt from GST. Essentially, youre investing in human capital. There is no reason for us to charge tax on human capital.

On GST itself, though, Im in favour of two rates. Today weve got a plethora of rates, all the confusion, which it causes, leading to rent seeking. The ideal GST is a uniform GST, with one Sin Tax, leviable at a higher rate. The present GST to GDP ratio, is not revenue neutral. Its a little lower than what it was earlier when we had 14 taxes, which were all subsumed in the GST. So, the middle rate has to be raised, so that we can have a more rationalized tariff structure say 5% and a 14% and be done with it, to achieve revenue neutrality and simplicity. I also think the GST Council must now discuss the inclusion of petroleum products, natural gas and electricity within GST and prevail upon the states to let this be included.

9) The food manufacturing sector expects the Government to address the current inverted tax structure under the GST framework. This structure affects food manufacturers ability to claim full Input Tax Credit (ITC). Do you think theres a chance this issue will be resolved?

A. I think to encourage downstream food processing, the ability for claiming full input tax credit should be simplified. Its fair to rule out segmental distortion across industries.

10) The retail and consumer sector are awaiting the formulation of the National Retail Policy and a financing window specifically for retailers and distributors. What are your thoughts on these expectations?

A. The previous government had already allowed the entry of multinationals in retail trade. I think its time that we open it up, liberalize it, because modern retail is a necessity for our economy and to improve our productivity and overall efficiency. I dont think the fear that it will destroy our mom-and-pop stores and our small traders, is true. Only about 5% of the total retail trade is done by large stores, even if it quadruples in the next 20 or 30 years, it will be 20%. Both can coexist and help each other better compete and improve productivity for consumer welfare. I had done a study in which where 3,000 people were surveyed, where we found out that they will compete with these guys and they will improve their own services, the home delivery, and the credit availability, etc. A liberal retail trade policy will uplift everybody across the board. All those sectors which are open, empirical studies reveal that it has contributed to overall efficiency.

11) The aviation and tourism industries are keenly anticipating strategic measures from the Government to support their growth. Do you believe these sectors will play a crucial role in our economic growth trajectory?

A. The aviation sector doesnt need handouts from the government, thats for sure. But what needs to be done, the Prime Minister has been talking about it very often; is to now concretize our tourism plans and infrastructure. Our infrastructure capability at tourist destinations is extremely poor. We dont have the capacity to handle large numbers of tourists. For example, in the Char Dham Yatra, we havent paid enough attention to sustainable levels of tourism. In fact, I was surprised to see in Garhwal that the local residents dont want tourists any longer. Because they think that they are disrupting the society and the social fabric.

A review of the policy framework and how to create a dynamic and yet an environmentally and socially sustainable tourism in the country, is the need of the hour. It can become a large employment generator and a revenue earner, but we must do it carefully.

12) There are expectations for enhancements and tax reliefs, such as increasing the 80C deduction limit and offering additional incentives for taxpayers to switch to the new tax regime. How do you view these potential changes, especially in terms of boosting investments in property and affordable housing projects?

A. I believe we have had enough of tax reliefs. We should not tinker with the tax structure, the longer we leave it in place, the better off we are. Essentially, we need to whittle down the existing exemptions. We need to take them away because that only complicates matters only benefiting the CAs and not the taxpayers. If we want to expand the tax base as we must, then our tax structure should be as simple as possible.

Moreover, the trust in the tax administration has to increase so that people feel that they are being fairly treated. There should be no retrospective demands that goes back 10 years, 20 years. Trust is the basis for improving our tax collections, our tax compliance and for widening the tax base. Despite the digitization and the faceless mechanism, I still find that at the level of the trader, the middle-class professional, the businesspeople, the degree of trust is still abysmal.

13) There is one school of opinion thats advocating in favour of abolition of Income Tax and at the same time rationalize the GST slabs to mitigate its inherent regressive nature. Do you think such concept has any viable background in our economic landscape?

A. I did work on this in great depth in 2013, when I prepared the vision document for the BJP, and I got in touch with the people of Arthniti in Pune who had been advocating this. Its a very tempting and attractive idea but I dont think we are still prepared for it politically. Well have to shelve it for a while, but a day must come when, what as they propose, the abolition of income tax as well as all indirect taxes could be tried and replaced by a marginal levy (the transaction tax). Since this will be foolproof, corruption free and rises with the economic growth, it is something worth examining, no other country has tried it, but I dont see any harm in at least looking at it much more carefully.

14) Do you see there are inconsistencies and lack of fairness under the mask of Climate Action? To put a perspective EUs Carbon tax and recent ban on import of certain Indian origin products someway go to suggest its a concerted effort to prevent import from Developing countries. Do you see the climate cause is being used as a smoke screen?

A. I dont want this but the carbon tax, etc., by the developed economies is bound to be there because they are doing the same with their own citizens. I dont think there is a discrimination here and its just that we need to be better prepared because this is coming. You cant deny it. So let me leave it at that.

15) Your perspective on Freebies and Subsidies (other than merit subsidy) in the context of the ongoing debate of Good Politics vs Good Economics!

A. Absolutely, you use the word merit subsidies and thats good enough. Handouts are not a substitute for quality employment, and they dont add to your self-dignity. They dont meet the requirements of a holistic consumption even; I think its high time that we remove all of these things and pay much greater attention to generating high quality employment to reintegrate our small and medium enterprises which is where real employment is going to be. Integrating the small and medium enterprises into the global and regional production chains by bringing anchor investors who can create a supply chain of local vendors is the way forward.

Still 80% of our employment is in the unorganized sector and thats something that we need to look at very carefully. The labour codes, which have been there in the making for the last six years; should be finalized in such a way that entrepreneur has zero incentive to replace labour with capital. Lastly, crucial point is that this requires huge thrust on our export industry, which is generally labor intensive. Thats where the real benefit will come from and not in handing freebies and subsidies to all and sundry.

16) Before you sign off, would like to hear your views on Atmanirbhar Bharat and India being seen as the substitute to China as a trusted partner in the global value chain particularly aftermath of the pandemic. As a corollary to it, do you see a resultant interplay between comparative and competitive advantage?

A. Lets be clear that Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliance is not equal to self-sufficiency. That is an important distinction to remember, self-reliance means a country which can pay for all its dues and look after its people without having to be dependent on others and can look after its own security means without being dependent on import. So, in that sense, this government has done quite brilliantly, to reduce the import dependence on our defense equipment  which used to be 78% in 2014, and now its down, I think, by about 20%. Manohar Parrikar Sir started this process and its particularly important because defense production can also give a huge spurt to our domestic economy. Thats what the Americans and Chinese are doing. The defense production, technologies, procurement, all can boost our domestic industries.

However, on the other side, which is the manufacturing sector, we need to do is to be plugged into the global and regional production networks, which require multistage imports and exports of components and of services, etc. It means that you become an export surplus nation, like China has become. If youre structurally in a current account deficit, i.e., imports are much higher than your exports, your dependence continues, and it must be replenished by capital inflows from abroad, either in the form of debt or, hopefully, equity, but very often in the form of debt.

Now comparative advantage is seen to be an old and outdated idea. If South Korea can become competitive in steel, which it has become; it is only competitive advantage that matters. That implies you create capacities, which are efficient and have high productivity. We can learn from many countries in this regard.

Unfortunately, our states and our line ministers are not yet prepared to implement the China plus one option. There are still a large number of regulatory compliances despite a clear call by the Prime Minister to eliminate them. These result in rent-seeking. What you need to become a substitute for China is an ecosystem where your private enterprise can flourish and for support look towards the government at critical times.

We have to change that on the ground by recognizing and pursuing that it is only the private enterprises, headed by private entrepreneurs that can give India the growth dynamism. The government must be in support of such enterprises, and neither be a substitute for it nor certainly be an obstacle to it. Till we do that, we cant succeed in China plus one, as Vietnam or even Bangladesh have done. The people who are moving out of these countries are looking for the ease of doing business that they experienced there. I think its time that we look at this very carefully.
Leaders of various parties on Sunday attended an all-party meeting convened by the state government ahead of the budget session of the Odisha assembly, which will start on Monday.

The budget session will commence with the address of Governor Raghubar Das.

Detailed discussions held on the suggestions made by the leaders of all the political parties during the meeting to ensure the smooth conduct of the current session of the 17th Odisha assembly, said Speaker Surama Padhy who chaired the all-party meeting.

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The new governments first session is going to begin on Monday. We hope that the house will run smoothly under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the guidance of Speaker Padhy, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling told the media persons.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo in a rare gesture of statesmanship went to the residence of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Sunday and requested him to attend the all-party meeting.

Today morning, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met the LoP Naveen Patnaik at his home and invited him to participate in the all-party meeting. Chief Minister Majhi also urged Patnaik to attend the assembly session regularly and offer his constructive suggestions to the government, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling said.

Though the LoP skipped the meeting, the Chief Whip of Biju Janata Dal and former Speaker Pramila Mallik attended the meeting.

Mallik told reporters, after the all-party meeting, that the leaders deliberated on how to run the house smoothly and peacefully.

However, the leaders from the opposition Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) skipped the all-party meeting.

Notably, the election for the Deputy Speaker post is scheduled to be held on July 24 while the BJP government will present its first budget for the 2024-25 financial year in the assembly on July 25.

The budget session will continue from July 22 till September 13.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has termed lifting ban on government employees joining RSS function is an appeasement move without any national interest. She has demanded withdrawal of such an order.

In a couple of tweet on Monday on social media X, Mayawati wrote, The Centres decision to lift the 58-year-old ban on government employees visiting RSS shakhas is beyond the national interest and a politically motivated decision to appease the Sangh, so that after the Lok Sabha elections, there will be intense conflict between the two regarding government policies and their arrogant attitudes.

It is necessary for the government employees to work impartially in the public interest and welfare within the ambit of the Constitution and law, whereas the activities of the RSS, which have been banned many times, have not only been quite political but also electoral for a particular party. In such a situation, this decision is unfair and should be immediately reversed, she said.

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The Budget Session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed a walkout by the Opposition as the YSRCP protested against the law and order situation under the TDP-led coalition government, both inside and outside the House.

The YSRCP MLAs and MLCs led by party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy donned black scarves and held up placards proclaiming Save Democracy while arriving at the entrance of the Assembly.

The police however, did not allow them inside with the placards and in the melee some of them were even torn.

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A fiery Reddy then upbraided the police personnel for the torn placards and posters asking them who gave them such authority to tear the posters. He pointed at the lions in the insignia of their caps and said The lions symbolize the protection and not destruction of democracy.

Once they were allowed inside with their black scarves, the YSRCP MLAs continued their protest as Governor S Abdul Nazeer read out his address. They were up on their feet when the Governor stated his address and raised slogans such as stop political killings, We want justice.

Despite their repeated attempts to disrupt the speech, the Governor continued to read amidst the uproar. After some time, the YSRCP MLAs walked out of the House.

Reddy on Sunday met the Governor and demanded a probe by central government agencies into the atrocities allegedly committed by the TDP. He also alleged that Constitutional institutions have failed and there was total breakdown of law and order machinery in the state.

The YSRCP has announced that the party will stage a dharna on 24 July in Delhi to highlight the breakdown in law and order and the political killings in the state under the new government. The TDP, however, has accused him of trying to escape the Assembly where he has only 11 MLAs by staging the dharna.
The Congress on Monday welcomed the Supreme Courts stay on directives of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to display names of shop owners situated along the Kanwar Yatra route, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make the chief ministers of the BJP-ruled states aware of their rajdharma.

Congress Chairman of Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera said, We welcome the stay given by the honourable Supreme Court on the completely unconstitutional orders by the Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments wherein they have asked all the shopkeepers and eateries to put their name and their identity on the boards outside, especially during the Kanwar Yatra.

This was unconstitutional. The Congress party along with the entire Opposition opposed it. We are very happy that the Supreme Court has given such a strong order, he said in a video.

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Taking a jibe at the Prime Minister, Khera said, We hope the Prime Minister makes his Chief Ministers aware of their rajdharma. Unfortunately this is the same Prime Minister when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee asked him to follow rajdharma, he defied Atal ji. I hope his Chief Ministers dont defy him. He should stop his Chief Ministers from indulging in these unconstitutional measures.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had also slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over its order to display names of shop owners situated along the Kanwar Yatra route across the state and demanded its immediate roll back.

Asserting that the order is an attack on the Constitution of India, she called it divisive.

Our Constitution guarantees every citizen that they will not be discriminated against on the basis of caste, religion, language or any other basis. The divisive order to put up boards with the names of their owners on carts, kiosks and shops in Uttar Pradesh is an attack on our Constitution, our democracy and our common heritage. This order should be immediately withdrawn and strict action should be taken against the officers who issued it, she added.
DMK veteran and Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy on Monday claimed Ram Rajya is the Dravidian model of governance and Lord Ram is the epitome of such a model of statecraft.

Like Lord Ram, Chief Minister M K Stalin is running the government by ensuring social justice for all and upholding equality and brotherhood, he said, addressing the conclusion of the 10-day 49th annual celebration of Kamban Kazhagam at Pudukottai on Sunday.

The ruling DMK appears to be not shy of appropriating Ram to counter the propaganda of the saffron brigade that the Dravidian major is anti-Hindu. A common thread runs between the principles enunciated in Kambaramayana and the Dravidian model of governance. That there should not be any discrimination or inequality in society was the purpose of the Rama Kavya of Kambar, the minister said addressing the event.

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From a societal perspective, it will become clear that Kambars Rama espouses social justice, equality, and brotherhood without discrimination. Our leader Stalin too is walking the same path. Kambars vision and that of the Dravidian model is the same and this should not be misunderstood Rama Kavyam teaches good morals to be followed. Whether Ramayana happened or not, what is important is to imbibe the good teachings.

We are not concerned about which community Rama belonged to, but his concern for common good. In this Ram was a pioneer ahead of Periyar EV Ramaswamy, the iconoclast social reformer, Anna, founder of DMK and late Chief Minister, Kalaignar, late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, and MK Stalin, Regupathy explained adding, Ram was the only hero of the past whose ideals were similar to the Dravidian movement.

During its initial years, the DMK had carried out a campaign against the Ramayan, dubbing it as a work of northern Aryan hegemony over the southern Dravidians.

DMK founder Anna had authored a book Kamba Rasam, a selection of sensual portions from Kambars kaavya. But, when the party took the plunge into electoral politics, Anna gave up atheism and coined the slogan God is one, so is society, borrowing the verse of Saivite philosopher-saint Thirumoolar. No wonder, the DMK dethroned the Congress in 1968 and since then, no national party is able to break the stranglehold of Dravidian parties.
Kerala has been put on high alert after a 14-year-old boy from Chembrasseri near Pandikkad in Malappuram district died of Nipah virus on Sunday while under treatment for the disease at Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Monday said that six people in the deceased victims contact list are from other districts. Four of them are from Thiruvananthapuram district and two are from Palakkad district.

Four people in the contact list are from Thiruvananthapuram district and two of them had direct contact with the deceased, the Health Minister said.

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Among the two Palakkad natives, one is a staff nurse at the hospital where the boy sought treatment and the other one is employed as a security guard in the same hospital, Veena George said in Malappuram.

Four people in the contact list from Thiruvananthapuram visited the hospital in Perinthalmanna on the same day the boy was treated there.

It is learnt that some people from Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad districts have developed symptoms of Nipah infection.

In all, 350 persons are currently in the contact list and 101 among them are in the high-risk category. A total of 13 samples including the swab of the (deceased) boys parents will be sent for the test today. Though the boys parents have not shown any symptoms till date, we are following the procedures, said Veena George.

We urge the people to take necessary precautions including wearing masks at public places and avoid hospital visits unless absolutely necessary, the health minister said.

Among the 350 people in the contact list, 68 are healthcare workers. The private bus used by the deceased boy to travel to his tuition centre after contracting the disease has been identified. The people in the bus who came in contact with the boy are being determined with the help of CCTV footage.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Health Department has released the detailed route map of the 14-year-old boy who died of Nipah in the state. The Health Department has directed those who were present in the places indicated in the route map to inform the same to the Nipah control room.

Although a preliminary route map was prepared earlier, a detailed route map has been released following the boys death.

In this connection, it has been reported that the 14-year-old boy, who died of Nipah, had consumed hogplum (ambazhanga).
Ahead of the commencement of Budget Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly criticized the Opposition for not letting him speak during the previous session and emphasized the need for unity among lawmakers to work for the nations progress.

In his customary address before the Budget Session, PM Modi remarked, You must have seen that in the first session of Parliament, an attempt was made to stifle the voice of the government that has been elected with a majority by 140 crore people of the country. For 2.5 hours, an attempt was made to suppress the voice of the Prime Minister. They tried to not let me speak in Parliament in the last session. The people of the country have sent us for the country and not for the party. This Parliament is for the country, not for the party.

Highlighting the significance of the current session, he stated, This is the Budget session. The guarantees that I have been giving, we are moving forward to implement those guarantees on the ground.

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PM Modi underscored the importance of the Budget for the Amrit Kaal, a term he and his party often use for the crucial period for Indias development.

He expressed confidence that this Budget would set the direction for the nations journey towards realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047.

This Budget is an important Budget of the Amrit Kaal. The opportunity of five years that we have, this budget will decide the direction of that journey as well as lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047, he said.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the auspicious timing of the session, coinciding with the first Monday of Sawan, a significant month in the Hindu calendar.

Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this auspicious day. I extend my greetings to the countrymen on the first Monday of Sawan. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. Today the whole country is looking at it. This should be a positive session, he noted.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey at 1 PM on the first day of the Budget Session. She will present the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday.
The Monsoon session of the Bihar legislature, starting on Monday, is expected to be quite stormy, as the opposition led by Tejashwi Yadav, gears to take on the Nitish Kumar government on a number of issues, including the law and order situation and the incidents of collapsing bridges.

Since June 18, over 15 bridges and culverts have collapsed in the state and Tejashwi Yadav has been proactive in releasing crime bulletins and data on infrastructure failures to underscore the governments inefficiencies.

The opposition is accusing the Nitish Kumar government of rampant corruption across various departments, contributing to these issues.

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The INDIA bloc has also been active in highlighting these concerns, staging a protest march in Patna on Saturday to draw attention to the poor law and order situation in Bihar.

Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Neeraj Kumar Bablu said: The government is prepared to address the questions raised by the opposition. Constructive dialogue is essential if the opposition resorts to creating chaos within the assembly, it will hinder the possibility of meaningful discussion.

CPI-ML MLA Mahboob Alam said: The state government is unable to tackle criminals effectively and this has led to the increasing number of crime incidents in Bihar. Corruption remains a significant concern that needs to be raised in the Assembly. The frequent collapse of bridges and culverts indicates the widespread corruption within various departments. We will raise these points in the house.
As Parliament commenced its monsoon session on Monday, the Opposition clashed with the government on the NEET examination paper leak issue in the Lok Sabha and staged a walk-out over Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans replies during the Question Hour.

Reacting to the Ministers statements, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said it is obvious to the whole country there is a serious problem in the examination system; not just in NEET, but in all major examinations. The Minister does not seem to appreciate the current crisis, he said.

Millions of students are convinced the Indian examination system was not trustworthy, he said. This is what is at stake here. Millions believe that if you are rich you can buy the system. This is a systemic issue, and what exactly is the government doing to fix the issue at the systemic level, he said.

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Mr Pradhan said it was unfortunate Mr Gandhi had said that the countrys examination system is not trustworthy, I condemn it. The UPA government, he said, had brought three Bills including the Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Examination Bill in 2010 to reform the educational system and the Bills were deferred.

The NDA government, he said, has shown courage to get a Bill enacted on the unfair practices issue. The UPA government had brought the Bill to reform the examination system, and why was it withdrawn. Was it done under pressure from private institutions, he asked.

As the Opposition members kept rising on their seats on the Ministers replies, Speaker Om Birla intervened and said there have been governments in States run by different parties and there were paper leaks also.

It would not be fair to students to make allegations and raise questions on all examinations, he said. It should be seen what improvements can be made in the system and the government can take suggestions from all to work out a better system.

The CBI is investigating the current issue and the Supreme Court is monitoring it, he said, and it would not be fair to raise questions on all examinations.

The entire Opposition, dissatisfied with the Education Ministers answers, walked out of the House.

Responding to the question by Mr Manickam Tagore (Congress) and Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy (DMK), the Education Minister said over 24 lakh candidates registered for the NEET (UG) 2024 examination, out of which over 23 lakh took the examination.

Certain cases of alleged irregularities/cheating/malpractices were reported and there was one instance where there was a likely breach of chain of custody of Question Paper, he said. The Ministry of Education has asked the CBI to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case.

Mr Tagore said there were question paper leaks 70 times during the last seven years and wanted to know what steps including use of technology were being taken to prevent recurrence of the complaints.

The Education Minister said there was no evidence of any paper leakages in the last seven years. The current case was before the Supreme Court and the CBI was investigating it. After the National Testing Agency (NTA) was set up, five crore students had applied for 240 examinations and 4.50 crore students took the examinations.

Mr Tagore said should the Education Minister not resign, accepting his responsibility for the severe breach in the examination, and its impact on the 24 lakh students. Mr Pradhan said he was holding the post at the pleasure of the Prime Minister and accountability was collectively of the government. There was only one case of anomaly and it was being investigated by the CBI.

When Dr Veeraswamy said the NEET examination had taken lives of students, Mr Pradhan said the decision on the NEET examination was taken by the UPA government in 2010 and twice the issue came up in the Supreme court and the need for the single examination for the country was upheld by it.

The NEET was first held by the CBSE and later by the NTA, and the current agitation against it is only because of political reasons, the Minister said.

Mr N K Premachandran (RSP) demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee as the issue concerned a large number of students. The credibility of the competitive examination was already lost, he said. Mr Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) said students getting highest marks should be investigated.

The Minister said the government has nothing to hide and everyone should wait for the Supreme Courts guidance as all facts had been placed before it. He said SC, ST and OBC students had done well in the examination and asked if it would be fair to contest their performance.

Mr Hibi Eden (Congress) raised the NEET examination issue again during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Monday said that the recent wave of militant attacks in Jammu region has completely shattered the illusion of peace and normalcy fabricated by the BJP in J&K.

Partys chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq launched a scathing attack on the Centre, blaming them for the increase in militant activities.

He stressed that the government must be held answerable for their negligence in counter-militancy operations, which has allowed militants to wreak havoc in Jammu unchecked.

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The brutal truth is that 55 brave security personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past two years. It is crucial to hold the current government to the same standards as its predecessors, he said.

The government cannot escape accountability for the failures in counter-militancy operations that have led to the current crisis in Jammu. There should be no room for political finger-pointing, only a steadfast commitment to accountability, he added.

He said the government must cease its deceitful tactics and take swift, decisive action to safeguard the people and ensure responsibility is upheld.

The empty promises of the BJP are being laid bare in Jammu and Kashmir. The sudden spike in terrorist activities in regions previously deemed safe is deeply concerning, he added.

With the sacrifice of 55 security personnel, it is imperative that someone is held responsible. Who will step up and take ownership, he asked.

This surge in violence, Tanvir said, should serve as a stark reminder of the harsh reality facing the region, dispelling any false sense of security that may have been falsely perpetuated.
The Palam 360 Khap delegation met the District Magistrate in the wake of the land acquisition notice given by Delhi Development Authority in Bakkarwala village of Delhi, said Khap leader Surrender Solanki on Monday.

Solanki elaborated that about 49 bighas of land has been marked by the DDA and notice to vacate the marked land, which is a densely populated area, has been served.

He added that earlier in 1993, notices were sent by the DDA for the acquisition of this land, whereas in 1997, this land was de-notified and then in 2004, notices were served again for the acquisition of this ground.

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This entire area is a densely populated and is adjacent to the village and several houses of poor villagers are built on it, he stated.

Highlighting the problem, Solanki further stated that in 2007, when DDA officials came to take possession of this place, a poor farmer had committed suicide.

If things like this happen here in the future and the lands are taken over by the DDA, then somewhere an attempt is being made to uproot the villagers and we will not tolerate this at all, he added.
The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Ashish Mishra  the prime accused in mowing down four farmers at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh in October 2021, who were agitating against the now repealed three farm laws intended to corporatise the agriculture and its produce. In all, eight people lost their lives including four farmers.

Granting bail to Ashish Misra  son of former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra  a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan also granted bail to farmers in the case and directed the trial court to expedite the hearing.

We direct the trial court to fix the schedule, keeping in view the other time-bound or urgent matters that are pending but prioritising the pending subject, the bench ordered.

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Ashish Mishra was granted interim bail by the top court on January 25, 2023, as it noted that the trial in the case is unlikely to conclude early. Since then, the interim bail has been extended from time to time.

On September 26, 2023, the Supreme Court permitted Ashish Mishra to visit Delhi to take care of his ailing mother with conditions not to interact with the media on the issues relating to Lakhimpur Kheri violence and other matters.

Mishra was first arrested in the case on October 9, 2021. He walked out of jail on February 15, 2022, after the Allahabad High Court had granted him bail.

In October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, that erupted following the mowing down of the four farmers, eight people lost their lives including four farmers who were mowed down.

Granting interim 8-week bail to Ashish Mishra, which was extended from time to time, the bench in its order had said, We are conscious of grave allegations levelled against the petitioner (Ashish Mishra) but we must also acknowledge that principle of procedural fairness requires these allegations to be proved in the trial proceedings. In the present case charges have been framed, and the petitioner is in custody for more than a year. In view of the large volume of oral and documentary evidence, trial cannot be expected to conclude that early.

On December 6, 2023, an Uttar Pradesh court had framed charges against 14 persons including Mishra. Mishra has been charged with a number of offences including murder, attempt to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. The trial had begun on December 16, 2023.
The Supreme Court on Monday stalled the order of the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh governments asking owners of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names.

Issuing notice to the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh governments where Kanwar Yatra takes place, a bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti said that police cannot force shopkeepers to display their names and they can only be asked to display food items being sold.

Until the returnable date, having regard to the discussion, we deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, the food sellers hawkers etc. may be required to display the kind of food they are serving to Kanwariyas but they must not be forced to disclose the names, the bench said in its interim order and posted the matter for hearing on July 26, 2024.

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The directive to display the names of the w owners of the eateries was reportedly enforced across many districts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh also came up with similar directives.

The top courts order came while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the directive issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, to shop owners to display their names outside shops during the Kanwar Yatra season. Police had said that the decision was in the interest of law and order.

As the hearing started, the bench asked whether any formal order had been passed to enforce such direction.

Senior advocate Chander Uday Singh, appearing for the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, said that while the authorities were claiming it was being voluntarily done, the directive was being enforced.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Mahua Moitra, Kanwar Yatras have been happening for decades and people of all religions including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists help them on their way.

The top court was moved by the petitions including Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra, Association for Protection of Civil Rights, and Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand along with senior journalist and activist Aakar Patel.

The petitioners have challenged the directives saying it is causing religious discrimination and questioned the source of power of the authorities to issue such directions.

Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. The Second Shusha Global Media Forum has provided a wonderful experience for all attendants, Dan Mason Media Managing Director Dan Mason told Trend on the forum sidelines.

"This forum gathered representatives from 40 nationalities in an incredible location. It is remarkable that we were able to see not only the beautiful place but also the restoration work that has been done to bring Shusha and the Karabakh region back to life in such a short time," he emphasized.

Mason mentioned that the forum brought together outstanding professionals in the media field and organized excellent discussions that stimulated thinking and generated new ideas.

"It was a fantastic mix of cultures, with many people becoming acquainted with Azerbaijan and the Karabakh region. What role will this forum play in combating disinformation? So many media professionals and so many people with different perspectives who can share their views, their understanding, and their current stance on disinformation have gathered here.

Therefore, the opportunity to step back and observe how AI (artificial intelligence) and disinformation are navigating the global agenda in such varied ways is, I believe, the strongest factor of this forum in the fight against disinformation," he added.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum is attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Coming as it does in the wake of the episode of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar selected under disability criteria, a senior bureaucrat from Telangana courted controversy by questioning the need for a quota for the specially-abled in the civil services.

Following her post on social media platform X questioning the quota for the specially-abled, Smita Sabharwal, the member secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission came under fire not only from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi and Supreme Court advocate Karuna Nundy but also from former civil servant and activist Bala Latha Mallavarapu, who called on the state chief minister to take action against the bureaucrat under conduct rules.

Smita Sabharwal, a 2001 batch IAS officer of Telangana Cadre, questioned the specially-abled quota citing the field work and long taxing hours required for All-India Service Officers. In her post on X, she wrote With all due respect to the differently-abled. Does an airline hire a pilot with a disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability? The nature of the AIS (IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field work, long taxing hours, and listening firsthand to peoples grievances -which requires physical fitness. Why does this premier service need this quota in the first place!

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Her post drew sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi who dismissed her views as pathetic and exclusionary. Senior Supreme Court Advocate Karuna Nundy called her out for being fundamentally ignorant about disability pointing out that disability has no impact on stamina or intelligence.

Then the IAS officer who was previously posted at the chief ministers office (CMO) during the BRS government, further wrote,  Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is that the IAS is no different. To live in an inclusive society is a dream that we all subscribe to. Insensitivity has no place in my mind.

However, differently-abled UPSC Civil Services trainer Balalatha Mallavarapu demanded a public apology from Sabharwal within 24 hours while accusing her of discrimination and undermining the decisions of Parliament and the judiciary. Her comments are derogatory, acrimonious, atrocious, and reprehensible. They are not justifiable and against the Constitution, Constitutional values (and) plurality, she said while threatening to launch a protest on Tank Bund.
Uttarakhand government will collaborate with Tata Group in the states multi sector growth in coming days.

The Pushkar Singh Dhami Government has asked Tata Trust of the Tata Group to hammer out an action plan for improving the health sector in Uttarakhand and skill development of the youths in its institutions across the nation.

In a meeting with Tata Trust officials in Dehradun on Monday, it was decided that Tata Trust will work out an intensive growth plan for the states health care sector, telemedicine and prevention of malnutrition in women and children.

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Trust will also, in due course, script a skill development plan for the youths, girls education, increasing participation of women in the government and capacity building and training of Anganwadi workers in the state.

State chief secretary Radha Raturi who headed the meeting with the trust officials said Tata Trust will come up with work plans on various aspects of the growth and development in the state.

Raturi said while core areas of working of Tata Trust will be health care, medicine and prevention of malnutrition in women and children, it will also prepare a road map for training of the youth in Tata Groups skill development Institutes in different parts of the country including Mumbai. This will be done as per the requirements skill preferences of the youths of Uttarakhand.

Raturi instructed the state officials to identify the blocks and provide the data to the trust in order to make an action plan to be made by the group.

She ordered officials to identify the target hill districts and blocks and conduct their health analysis and prepare a report on health facilities, basic medical infrastructure, and staff in the health department. Chief secretary directed the officials to involve McKinsey, already working with the state government, for a comprehensive study of the states health sector.

According to Raturi, Tata Trust will also work for improvement of the states maternal and infant mortality rates in coming days.
A fortnight after he was awarded Shaurya Chakra by the President Droupadi Murmu, terrorists in the wee hours on Monday attacked the house of the Village Defence Committee (VDC) member Parshotam Kumar in the remote Gunda village of the border Rajouri district.

An Army soldier, a civilian and a terrorist have been injured in the gunfight that followed the attack.

Parshotam Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra by the President in a ceremony at New Delhi on 5 July for having challenged two heavily armed terrorists while he along with his wife was collecting firewood from the jungle.

The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army said that terrorists fired upon the house of a VDC at Gunda, Rajouri at 3.10 AM. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued.

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A defence spokesman said that a nearby Army column reacted swiftly and repulsed the attack.

The spokesman said that a major terror attack on Army picket in remote village of Rajouri thwarted. The operation is in progress.

Reports said that an alert sentry at a newly established Army picket near the house of VDC reacted and thwarted the terrorist attack.
Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Monday administered the oath of office and secrecy to the three newly elected MLAs at the Vidhan Sabha, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The MLAs, who took the oath of office on Monday, included Kamlesh Thakur, wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Suku from Dehra, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur and Hardeep Singh Baba from Nalagarh.

This is the first time in the history of the state legislative assembly both husband-wife duo is its members.

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Secretary of Legislative Assembly Yashpal Sharma conducted the proceedings.

Addressing the media after the oath ceremony, Kuldeep Singh Pathania said, The three newly elected members have taken oath as members of the Legislative Assembly and I extend my hearty congratulations and best wishes to all of them.

Expressing hope that all of them will give their valuable support in the State Legislative Assembly, he said, I expect that all of them will live up to the expectations of the people of their respective constituencies and will work in public interest with a spirit of dedication and will try to find solutions to the problems of their area.

Responding to a media query relating to the upcoming monsoon session, the Speaker said that it is a constitutional responsibility to start the monsoon session before 28 July, because the budget session had concluded on 28 February, therefore, it is mandatory to organize the session within six months.

The monsoon session would be held in the last week of August, he added.

The chief minister, who participated in the oath-taking ceremony of the three newly elected MLAs, congratulated the newly elected MLAs on the occasion.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar, Ministers, and MLAs were also present on the occasion.

Later, while interacting with the media, Sukhu said that the people of Himachal Pradesh have firmly rejected the politics of horse trading. He alleged a conspiracy hatched by the BJP to topple the elected government, resulting in Assembly by-elections.

The Congress party, he said, exposed the BJPs conspiracy to the voters, who responded decisively in favour of the Congress Party.

The chief minister said the Congress representation in the Assembly has again increased to 40 MLAs and urged the BJP leaders to abandon negative politics and cooperate with the state government for the development of the state.

He also asked the BJP to stop obstructing projects from the Union government meant for the state in the larger interest of the people.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government had worked on a war footing during the disaster period last year, receiving global appreciation.

Despite meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state has not received any assistance from the Centre for disaster relief, he rued.

Responding to a media question, the chief minister criticised the previous BJP government for excessive borrowings without investing in development works.

The present government is forced to take loans to repay the interest on the inherited debt. Nonetheless, steps taken in the past year have improved the states economic condition by twenty percent, he claimed.

He reiterated the Congress governments commitment to continue to work in the interest of the people relentlessly and make concerted efforts to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
In a freak incident, gravel was dumped on two women protesting against the construction of a road in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh as a result of a land dispute, police said on Monday.

The incident was reported from Hinauta Kothar village in Mangawa area of Rewa.

According to police, the incident resulted from a land dispute between members of a family.

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Police said the women, Mamta Pandey and Asha Pandey, were opposing the construction of the road alleging that it was being constructed over their leased land.

The other group, led by Gaukaran Pandey and his son Vipin Pandey had called the murram for road construction in the dumper (MP 17 HH 3942).

The two women opposed the construction and went and sat behind the dumper in an attempt to prevent it from throwing the gravel on the ground.

However, the accused allegedly ordered the dumper driver to open the back flap and dump the gravel upon the women. He did so and released the murram.

One of the women got buried neck deep while the other was stuck up to her waist inside the murram. One woman lost consciousness while villagers tried to bring them out of the gravel.

According to Rewa SP Vivek Singh, both women were sent to a hospital and were discharged after treatment.

The SP said police registered a case and arrested one accused, Vipin Pandey. Police were searching for two more accused.

Reacting to the incident, MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari accused the BJP state government of failing to provide safety to women. Patwari said the law and order situation in the state was utterly grave and crimes against women were happening unabatedly.

MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav said the safety of women is the top priority of the state government. He warned that anyone committing a crime against women would not be spared and the harshest punishment would be given.
In the modern world, think tanks are the brains behind the brawn of national and global policy. In the intricate world of policymaking, the influence of think tanks is undeniable. These private organizations provide crucial research and analysis on socio-economic, political, and strategic issues, shaping the policies that govern nations. In recent years, corporate giants in India, such as the Adani and Ambani groups, have ventured into this domain, further amplifying their role in national and international policy discourse.

The Adani Groups decision to establish the Chintan Research Foundation is a testament to the growing involvement of private corporations in policy formulation. This new think tank aims to focus on critical areas such as energy transition, climate change, economics, trade, and geopolitics. With an initial funding of Rs 100 crore, the Chintan Research Foundation aspires to be an independent and globally respected institution. Similarly, Reliance Industries Limited has backed the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), one of Indias leading think tanks. Established in 1990, ORF has gained prominence through initiatives like the Raisina Dialogue, an annual geopolitical and geo-economic conference that attracts policymakers and scholars from around the world. ORFs success demonstrates how corporatebacked think tanks can significantly impact policy-making and public opinion. Foreign policy, often perceived as the domain of government officials, is increasingly shaped by the research and recommendations of think tanks.

These organizations analyze global trends, assess risks, and propose strategies, thereby influencing the decisions made by governments. Think tanks such as the Rand Corporation, Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Heritage Foundation, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Chatham House are pivotal in this regard. In India, the Chintan Research Foundation and ORF are set to play similar roles. The Chintan Research Foundation, under the leadership of Gautam Adani, will operate with a governance structure that ensures its autonomy from the Adani Group. It aims to contribute to policy-making in areas such as energy security, climate change, and strategic affairs. With branches planned in Washington and London, Chintan is poised to make a global impact. In Western countries, think tanks often collaborate with top universities, enhancing their research capabilities and credibility.

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Institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale work closely with think tanks, contributing to their high rankings in global university assessments. These partnerships provide governments with valuable insights and recommendations, influencing national policies. Singapore also exemplifies this model, with advisory groups like the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), and the Rajaratnam School of International Studies working in conjunction with universities. These collaborations ensure that think tanks remain at the forefront of policy analysis and formulation. India ranks second globally in the number of think tanks, following the United States. Prominent among them is the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), which receives financial support from the defense department. ORF remains a key player in Indias policy landscape. Other influential think tanks include the India Foundation and the Vivekananda International Foundation, both of which contribute significantly to policy-making. These organizations offer a plethora of opportunities for students and researchers in international studies, economics, and strategic affairs.

Their work not only shapes policies but also provides valuable insights into global trends and challenges. The involvement of corporate giants like the Adani and Ambani groups in think tanks underscores the strategic role these organizations play in shaping policy. Chintan and ORF will play a key role in influencing Indias foreign, economic, defense, and energy policies. This growing corporate presence in policy formulation reflects a broader trend where private sector interests intersect with national strategies. Chintans focus on energy security, climate change, and strategic affairs aligns with the Adani Groups diverse business interests, which include green energy, ports, cement, power, coal, and FMCG. This alignment ensures that the think tanks research and recommendations are both relevant and impactful to its main patron.

In conclusion, think tanks play a pivotal role in shaping the policies that govern our lives. Their research and analysis influence decisions on cr itical issues such as war and peace, economic strategies, and global health crises. As these organizations continue to grow and evolve, their impact on policy-making will undoubtedly increase, shaping the future of nations and the world at large. Notably, the arms lobby also plays a significant role in funding think tanks, influencing the timing of war and peace decisions globally.

(The writer is Associate Professor, Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University)
US Vice-President Kamala Harris got down earning the nomination of the Democratic Party for President calling lawmakers, party leaders officials, and outside support groups soon after President Joe Biden announced he was exiting the race and endorsing her.

Harris had collected some important endorsements within a short while including from former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senators Chris Coon and Amy Klobuchar and State Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Gavin Newsom of California, who were once mentioned as probable rivals for the nomination.

Harris has been endorsed also by the Black and Hispanic Caucuses in US Congress.

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ActBlue, an online platform for raising money for the Democratic Party, reported raising $27.5 million in small-dollar donations in the first five hours of Harriss presidential campaign. Donations, both small and large, had been on hold as the party waited for Biden to withdraw, clearing the way for a different candidate and once that happened, the sluice gates opened.

But Harris had promised to earn the nomination. Accepting President Bidens endorsement, Harris said in her first and only public remarks on the historic developments of the day, my intention is to earn and win this nomination and not claim it by virtue of her exalted office as Vice-President. And thats what she set about doing, as she also prepared to set up a campaign team.

The Democrats are scheduled to officially nominate their presidential candidate at the party convention on August 9 in Chicago, Illinois. The process is usually a formality to anoint the winner of the Democratic primaries, which would have been Biden who had won close to 3,000 delegates, securing the support of 14 million Democrats who participated in the party primaries.

It could still be a formality if Harris can round up majority support in the party. But the race will be thrown open if challengers surface for the nomination in which case the nominee will be determined at an open and contested convention in which delegates will be wooed and courted by rival contenders. So far, only Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat who left the party to become an Independent, has expressed interest reportedly by re-registering as a Democrat.

The Democrats dont have the luxury of time to mount a campaign effective enough to stop former President Donald Trump, which was the key reason why the party pressured President Biden to take the unprecedented step to withdraw from the race after winning the primaries and before being anointed the nominee. Harris has two weeks to wrap up the nomination until then. And four weeks from the convention, early voting starts in September further shortening Harriss window for reaching out to voters beyond her party.
Democratic Party leaders have lavished President Joe Biden with praise, calling him the most accomplished, true patriot, and consequential leader in American history, following his announcement to end his re-election bid just months before the November election.

US Representative Nancy Pelosi, who reportedly was one of several lawmakers nudging Biden to withdraw, has called Biden a patriotic American who has always put the US first.

Taking to X, Pelosi stated, President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness.

Former US President Bill Clinton and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also praised Bidens service and endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

President Biden has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world. By any measure, he has advanced our founders charge to build a more perfect union and his own stated goal of restoring the soul of our nation. We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being whats best for the country, Bill and Hillary said in a statement posted on X.

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In the joint statement, Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, warned about the threat posed by former US President Donald Trumps second term and stressed that it is time to support Kamala Harris.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her. Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it, they said.

US House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called Biden one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history. He also said that Biden rescued the US from the COVID-19 pandemic and brought the economy back from the brink of recession.

President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history. In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief. America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful, Jeffries stated on X.

US Representative Ro Khanna said that Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President, who has put the country ahead of self-interest by announcing to stand out of the next presidential race.

Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40+ years of economic policy that has devastated working class communities. He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self interest, Ro Khanna posted on X.

US Senator Chuck Schumer praised Joe Biden, calling him a great president, legislative leader and a truly amazing human being. He said that Bidens announcement shows that he is a true patriot and great American.

Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but hes a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American, Schumer stated on X.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting is underway among the senior leaders of the Democratic National Committee in the wake of Bidens announcement, sources told ANI.

Biden announced his decision to not seek re-election in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the country. He said that he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail.

Bidens announcement to withdraw from the race to be the next president comes following mounting pressure from Democrats after his incoherent performance in the nationally televised 90-minute debate with Trump on June 27.

In a letter posted on X, Biden stated, And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party and called on Democrats to come together and beat Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. He even encouraged Democrats to donate to Harris campaign.

He said that the US has been a strong economy in the world and they have made historic investments in rebuilding the nation, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors and expanding affordable healthcare to a record number of Americans.

Highlighting the achievements of his government in the past, Biden said, Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. Weve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.

Weve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today, he added.

Stressing that it had been a greatest honour of his life to serve as US President. Biden said, I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Weve protected and preserved our Democracy. And weve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President.

He expressed gratitude to US Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner for him. He even thanked people who worked for his re-election.

He said, For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America cant do  when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.

Notably, Biden has been isolating at his home in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday while he was campaigning in Las Vegas. Biden (81) is vaccinated and has also had COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, the most recent being in September 2023, according to the White House.
Former President Barack Obama, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have yet to make their stand clear on endorsing Kamala Harris for the Presidential nomination. This even as a slew of Democrat Party leaders on Sunday displayed a show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris as their new presidential candidate, Politico reported.

Former President Barack Obama in a post on the platform Medium said We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

The statement, however, stops just short of officially backing Harris for the top job. Obamas endorsement of Harris will be critical given that the Democratic National Convention is being held between August 19 to 22 on Obamas home turf of Chicago.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis reaction to the withdrawal of Joe Biden from the presidential race was one of effusive praise for Biden but had nothing to suggest that she had endorsed Harris.

President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment, she said on X.

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After President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the new Presidential nominee, Harris got support from several Democrats like former President Bill Clinton, and former Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In a statement, the Clintons said We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever to support her.

Congressman Ro Khanna also endorsed Kamla Harris saying I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African American woman and first Asian American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future.

Congressman Jim Clyburn representing South Carolinas 6th Congressional district said he echoed President Bidens endorsement of Harris.

I echo the good judgement he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud today to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Partys 2024 nominee for President, he said.

The goal now for the supporters of Harris is to get enough backers on board to help her win the nomination when the Democratic National Convention gets underway.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has been spoken of as a potential Vice Presidential running mate to Harris called for the party to unite behind her and focus on winning the election.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency. the contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States, Shapiro said in a statement on X.

With barely a month to go before the Democratic party convenes in Chicago the task before them is tough, Donald Trump already has a head start and only a united front can hope to wrest the initiative from him
Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump has questioned Joe Bidens fitness to continue as president after he dropped his re-election bid.

Fox News quoted him on Sunday: He is not fit to serve, and I ask  who is going to be running the country for the next five months?

Echoing him, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said: If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately.

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Republicans overwhelmingly continued their attacks on Biden after he announced he was no longer seeking the Democratic Partys presidential nomination.

The one notable exception was the Republican presidential candidate in 2012, Senator Mitt Romney, who said: I respect President Biden. His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.

Writing with mangled syntax and capitalisation on Truth Social media platform, Trump said that Biden was the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our southern border to energy dominance, national security, international standing, and so much more.

Many Republicans lined up to repeat Trumps attack in various forms.

Trump crowed: He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard.

After the June 27 debate in which his performance raised questions about cognitive abilities and his capacity to match Trumps campaign vitality, Biden announced that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys candidate.

Trump alleged that the people around him lied to America about his complete and total mental, physical, and cognitive demise to prop up Biden.

Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same, he said.

He told CBS on Sunday that Harris could be far less competent [than Biden], which is hard to believe.

CNN reported that he said that Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden.

On Saturday, at a campaign rally, Trump ridiculed Harris by mispronouncing her name.

He said: Kamaala, I call her laughing Kamaala. Have you seen her laughing? She is crazy. You can tell a lot by a laugh. She is nuts. She is not as crazy as [former speaker] Nancy Pelosi.

Trumps son Donald Jr said: Kamala Harris owns the entire leftwing policy record of Joe Biden. The only difference is that she is even more liberal and less competent than Joe, which is really saying something.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. The Second Shusha Global Media Forum has focused on the fight against disinformation, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency (MEDIA) Ahmad Ismayilov told reporters, Trend reports.

"Our goal in holding this forum is to attract the attention of both the local and international media communities to the measures that can be taken in this area. The meeting of President Ilham Aliyev with the forum participants on the first day of the event reflects the attention paid to the media sector in the country.

The panel session held within the forum spotlighted both local and international experts on issues related to countering disinformation and the spread of fake news. Their consensus was that an international platform should be established to combat disinformation," he added.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum was held on July 2022 and attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel


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Job Title: Project Assistant (4 Job Vacancies)

Organisation: Windle International Uganda (WIU)

Duty Station: Nakivale (Nakivale, Oruchinga, Kyaka II, Rwamwanja), Adjumani (Adjumani, Palabek, Palorinya, Kiryandongo), Arua (Imvepi, Bidibidi, Rhino Camp) and Kampala Urban, Uganda

Reports to: Senior Programme Officer (Scholarships) Administrative supervisor: Education Project Officer

About Organisation:

Windle International Uganda (WIU) is an International Non-Governmental Organization managing Education programmes in refugee settlements in Uganda. WIU is the lead agency for education in 9 out of the 12 settlements, although we operate in all 12 settlements including Kampala. We work in close collaboration with Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister.

Job Summary: The Project Assistant will lead the pilot implementation of the Peer-to-Peer Solutions Advisory Network Program (P2P). The program aims to provide refugee youth access to trained refugee university guidance experts who can advise on relevant options and pathways they are eligible for and support them to prepare for application processes into tertiary education, employment and potential third country opportunities. Through the P2P, trained Refugee Solution Advisers will provide a tiered range of services to refugee students.

Overall purpose and scope of the job:

The overarching objective of this role is to support the implementation of the peer-to-peer advisory network project. This role includes elements of training, project management, public speaking, leadership, learning content development, advocacy, facilitating group information sessions, one on one advising, scheduling and coordinating meetings, leading counselling sessions and discussions, and other relevant capacities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Training, learning, content development and Counselling:

Create training resources based on lessons learned: Develop educational materials and resources derived from lessons learned during project implementation to enhance future training sessions.

Provide training and technical support: Includes delivering training sessions or workshops and offering technical assistance to individuals involved in the project, ensuring their proficiency and competence to support the scholarships programme.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Change Management and Reporting:

Report against the projects M&E reporting tools: Requires providing updates and insights using Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) reporting tools, contributing to the assessment of project performance and impact. Propose improvements and changes in the program: Based on own training and training delivered, identify areas for enhancements and modifications to the existing program structure, processes, and materials. Success Stories: Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them to WIU Communications Officer for publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

Provide annual and end of assignment reports on project actions, results, challenges and opportunities

Work on the administrative processes of the project: including handling documentation, record-keeping, and ensuring organizational processes run smoothly.

Community Engagement:

Promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work such as engaging with the Tertiary Refugee Students Network, DAFI Student Clubs or other relevant student groups

Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the locations assigned; Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

A Bachelors Degree from a recognized institution.

Active participation in the DAFI Alumni Association is required Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Must possess a Class A driving permit and be able to ride a motorcycle. This is required.

Knowledge of native tongues, i.e. Arabic, Burundian, French, Rwandese languages, etc

Experience in facilitating training programs for youth

Knowledge of scholarships for refugees and the skillset to pursue these opportunities

Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate eectively with advisors and students

Lived experience of forced displacement (must have a valid refugee attestation form/ ID) Strong oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, presentation and reporting skills; Attention to detail in document production and editing;

Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

Good overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; and office technology equipment

Personal Attributes

High level of integrity, commitment and professional responsibility.

Organized, confident, decisive, and enthusiastic

Ability to establish and maintain a professional relationship with students and parents

Ability to work independently within guidelines and clear expectations.

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WIUs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

How to Apply:

All interested DAFI Scholarship alumni who meet the required competencies and wish to apply should visit our website at the link below.

Click Here

NB: Only applications submitted through the recommended link on the website will be accepted.

Deadline: 1st August, 2024 at 5:00pm.

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline

Date Posted 2024-07-21T22:14 Valid Through 2024-08-01T17:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Windle International Uganda Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda

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Equity benchmark indices bounce back after plunging in early trade on Monday, after it they were weighed down by Reliance Industries and Kotak Mahindra Bank as well as weak global cues.

The 30-share BSE Sensex plummeted 504 points to 80,100.65 in early trade and bounced back to 80,800.92 by 10.50 am. The NSE Nifty, which has initially slumped 168.6 points to 24,362.30, recovered losses and touched 24,595.20 by 10.50 am.

Besides Kotak Mahindra Bank and Reliance Industries, Sensex companies that lost significantly included Larsen & Toubro, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Axis Bank.

Heavyweights like UltraTech Cement, NTPC, HDFC Bank and Power Grid were among the top gainers. HDFC Bank, which plunged by Rs 13,124.01 crore to reach a valuation of Rs 12,22,701.34 crore last week, zoomed 1.57 per cent on Monday morning after the company's consolidated net profit grew 33.17 per cent to Rs 16,474.85 crore in the June 2024 quarter.

Another major factor impacting Indian indices were the US markets that ended lower on Friday and Asian markets like Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai were trading lower on Monday.

Budget expectations are likely to influence the market further for the remainder of the day. Among market heavyweights, Bajaj Finance, Hindustan Unilever, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Larsen & Toubro, DLF, Tech Mahindra and Nestle will release their quarterly earnings this week. This will also leave a mark on the market performance before weekend.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The aircraft of the Azerbaijan Air Force have conducted training flights under the training plan for 2024, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

"Prior to the flights, military personnel were informed about safety rules. The checkup of military pilots was followed by practical flights.

In accordance with the scenario of the training flights, Su-25ML and Su-25 aircraft accomplished the tasks of takeoff, landing, and difficult pilotage combat maneuvers at different altitudes in the daylight hours.

Military pilots demonstrated high professionalism during training flights focused on improving combat capabilities," the ministry added.

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A junior sailor is missing after a fire broke out onboard INS Brahmaputra, Indian Navys multi-role frigate, on Sunday evening when the ship was undergoing a maintenance at the naval dockyard in Mumbai.

The rescue teams have launched a search for the sailor while the Navy has ordered in investigation into the accident.

The Navy said the fire was brought under control by Monday morning, but the warship experienced severe listing to one side (port side). Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position, it said.

The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side. All personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the accident, the Navy said in a statement.

It further informed that the fire was brought under control by the ships crew with the help of firefighters from Mumbai Naval Dockyard and other ships in the harbour.

Further, follow-on actions including sanitisation checks for assessment of residual risk of fire were carried out, the force said.
Terrorists on Monday attacked the house of a village defence guard(VDG) in Rajouri at Gunda.



Soon after the attack, the Army camping in the area rushed to the spot and challenged the terrorists resulting in an exchange of fire. Terrorists attacked the house of a VDC at Gunda, Rajouri at 0310h. A nearby Army column reacted and a firefight ensued. Operations are continuing, Armys White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

Reports suggest that an army trooper was injured in a brief exchange of fire between terrorists, while three to four terrorists are believed to be held up in the area. According to Defence PRO in Jammu, A major terror attack in the remote village of Rajouri was thwarted. The operation is in progress.

It is unclear whether the attack was carried out by a fresh group or those who infiltrated earlier. The attack comes a day after the Director General of BSF carried out a visit to the frontier locations. Security is already on a high alert in Jammu following a series of attacks in Katua, Doda and Udhampur.

On Saturday, the Army chief held a security meeting with the top army, police and intelligence officers in Jammu and ordered them to deal with terrorists with an iron fist. The attacks in Jammus Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur have left 48 soldiers dead in the last 32 months, heightening concerns about Jammu becoming the new hub of terrorism.
The Supreme Court on Monday imposed an interim stay on an order issued by the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments, directing eateries in the Kanwar route to display nameplates.



A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti heard a batch of pleas, including that of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, challenging the order and imposed an interim stay for implementing those directions. The bench also issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh governments and sought their response.

"We deem it appropriate to pass interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," the bench said, reported PTI.

In her plea, Moitra has sought a stay on the orders passed by the two state governments saying such directives aggravate discord between communities.

The Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments had issued orders, asking eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of owners.

Besides them, the BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation had directed shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments in the ancient city. Violators will have to pay a Rs 2,000 fine for the first offence and Rs 5,000 if they defy this order for the second time, Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal said on Saturday. This order is aimed at ensuring safety and transparency and not intended to target Muslim shop-keepers, the mayor added.

Extensive arrangements have been made across several states for the Kanwar Yatra that started on Monday with the beginning of the Sawan month of the Hindu calendar during which lakhs of Shiva devotees carry holy water from the Ganges in Haridwar to their homes while offering it at Shiva temples on their way.

The Uttar Pradesh government faced a huge backlash after it issued orders directing eateries in the Kanwar Yatra route to display nameplates.

-with inputs from agencies.
When the Budget session of Parliament began on Monday, the INDIA bloc MPs, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, sought to corner the Modi government over exam paper leaks row.

Gandhi said the issue was not just with NEET but all major exams and that millions of students are concerned. If you are rich and if you have money, you can buy the Indian examination system. This is a systemic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix it at the systemic level?" he asked Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Following this, Pradhan, who was responding to queries during the Question Hour, dismissed their claims, arguing that there was no proof of paper leaks in the last seven years and that it was unfortunate that Gandhi described the examination system as rubbish.

Speaker Om Birla said there should be constructive discussions on developing a better examination system. He said that if questions are raised about all exams, it will have an impact on the Indian education system and the perception about it around the world. "We should look at developing a better system... it is not right to raise questions about all examinations," he said.

The CBI has lodged six FIRs in connection with the NEET irregularities while the issue is under the lens of the Supreme Court.

Though Gandhi tried to speak after the Speaker's remarks, he was not permitted. This prompted Gandhi and almost the entire Opposition MPs to stage a walk-out.

Congress Deputy Leader in the House Gaurav Gogoi demanding the resignation of Pradhan while Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav also raised questions about the paper leaks case.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to constitute a three-member panel of experts to ascertain the right answer for a question from the NEET-UG 2024 exam that purportedly has at least two correct answers based on old and new syllabus of the NCERT.

On the basis of this, the National Testing Agency (NTA), the premier agency that conducts the examination, awarded grace marks to some students as a remedy.

Taking cognizance of this, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ordered the board of experts to place their opinion before the court by 12 noon on Tuesday.

This comes two days after the NTA published center and city-wise results online, but with masked identities of the students in a bid to transparently look into anomalies in the pattern of awarded marks. The published list did red flag more patterns of multiple students scoring high marks from one particular center.

Even as the Supreme Court will continue hearing the matter on Tuesday (Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and the NTA will present their argument), with every passing day the students are losing precious time in securing admissions. The NEET controversy, cancellation of UGC-NET and then re-test for over 1000 CUET (exam for entrance of the students into UG programmes) candidates have delayed admissions way past July 15, the sacrosanct date on which Delhi University begins its session.

Says Jaun Samuel, a resident of Delhi, who applied for CUET and is waiting for the mess to get over, The results are still not out and we are nearing the end of July. All time-lines are going for a toss.

Adds a teacher with a private university in Meerut, on condition of anonymity, The private universities across the country are making use of this situation and are literally blackmailing the students and the parents to book a seat. With uncertainty over the announcement of CUET results, the parents and the students are in a real dilemma.

The candidates who appeared for the NEET and UGC-NET are also waiting for the final Supreme Court verdict to take the next step.

On plans of some universities to compensate for the lost time by holding extra classes and curtailing holidays, teachers say, Why should students pay for the mistakes made by the institutions like NTA?

This is a peculiar situation where the educational institutions supposed to ease the load on students are doing exactly the opposite.
Why are papers leaked and is it possible to have zero paper leaks? For those who are losing hope given the string of paper leaks we are witnessing, I have an emphatic response that the illegalities can be stopped if we start treating the leaks not as mere malpractices but look at it from the prism of organised crime. This will enable the inculcating of best practices of state governments who have been able to crack down on the mafia that exploits loopholes in recruitment and entrance examination processes. If we take the example of Assam, a series of exams were conducted for Assam Police recruitment leading to employment generation for over 14,000 youth in the police force between 2020 to 2023. More importantly, not a single court judgement adversely impacted the recruitment process.

The big question during this period was what was expected out of police recruitment examinations and what would be the consequences if anomalies were detected. This was a time when the Assam Police was already investigating a paper leak case in the previous recruitment exam and made several arrests, including a serving Superintendent of Police in 2020. In this backdrop, the message from the Chief Minister was unambiguous; the sanctity of the recruitment process cannot be breached and there would be zero tolerance in case of malpractice.

The first step was taken by setting up a Nodal Committee under the state police chief, who was also made the Chairperson of the State Level Police Recruitment Board (SLPRB). Since I was serving as the police chief at that time, I knew the responsibility had to be fixed from the top and it was decided that Assam Police would have no role in setting the question papers. We would select an independent academic institution whose credentials and record in conducting zero-leak exams would be unquestionable. We also decided to form a group of young IPS officers to provide broad directions around the general topics on which we would evaluate the candidates. Accordingly, 100 such topics were suggested by this group out of which, the institution setting the question papers would select only a few.

Secondly, we selected Dibrugarh University and subsequently Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA) for setting the question papers for its reputation and infrastructure facilities for safe custody of the question papers and subsequently the answer sheets.

I visited Dibrugarh University several times to assess their ability and ensure that the message of zero-tolerance for any misconduct was well appreciated by them. It was decided that multiple questions would be prepared and processed by separate individuals and those finalising the question paper would furnish an affidavit that they have not retained copies in any shape or form. In subsequent exams, in order to accommodate the scale and reach, we partnered with SEBA. SEBA had its own challenges in conducting exams but the zero-tolerance message was driven home.

Thirdly, we decided not to be involved in the printing process and ensured the police force had no knowledge of where the papers were being printed. The University would take on this responsibility. In fact, by the time the printed question papers reached Dibrugarh or Guwahati Airport, all we knew was that it had come on a connecting flight. Even as the Chairperson of SLPRB and the DGP of the state, I would have no information about the printing.

Fourthly, from the time the printed question papers reached Dibrugarh or Guwahati Airport, it was Assam Polices responsibility to protect them with the same Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are used for protecting Electronic Voting Machines for our elections. From guarding and digitally tracking them through their journey from the airport to the strong rooms in the University to CCTV monitoring of the strong rooms and providing round-the-clock security for the strong rooms, no stone was left unturned in providing the utmost level of security and surveillance to the question papers.

The next challenge was the distribution of the question papers to examination centers across the state and bringing back the answer sheets to Dibrugarh or Guwahati for evaluation. Not only was it a logistical challenge, we also wanted to avoid any chances of leakage by our own personnel, which unfortunately had happened in the previous exam. To address this, we decided that forces of one district will be involved in the distribution of question papers and bringing back answer sheets for a different district. While this doesnt seem overly complicated, anyone who understands Assams geography would be able to appreciate the enormity of the task.

In the examination centers, not just the students but also the invigilators, the civilian staff on duty as well as the police personnel were barred from carrying mobile phones. Based on intelligence, certain miscreants were put under surveillance and some even detained following due process. Given the number of candidates, this was no mean job either.

Finally, the physical tests were conducted in a transparent manner under CCTV monitoring at all times. Candidates were tagged using RFID at the time of enrolment and their performance was judged using the same. The results were displayed on large LED screens transparently for all candidates to see and validate. The result of each phase of the physical exam was given to the candidates on the spot eliminating any chances of manipulation later.

The outcome was zero paper leaks! I consider this one of the most fulfilling achievements of my 34 years of public service. I feel it is time state governments come forward to adopt such practices and learn from each other. The key remains political will to tackle such organised crime and enforcement of air-tight processes which can be adopted by all departments to achieve zero-leak exams.

Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta is serving as Chief Information Commissioner, Assam. A former Director General of Police in Assam, he is also serving as general secretary of SHARE, a think tank working on Northeast and South & Southeast Asian policymaking

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
A Pune Court remanded the mother of controversial IAS trainee Puja Khedkars mother Manorama Khedkar to judicial custody in a land dispute case. Manorama was arrested by Pune police after a video emerged showing her threatening a farmer with a gun.



Manorama Khedkar was produced in Magistrate Court on Monday on expiry of police custody period. The Court remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody. Pune police booked Puja's parents Manorama and Dilip and four others after a video surfaced showing her allegedly threatening some persons with a gun over a land dispute at Dhadwali village in the district's Mulshi tehsil in 2023. Police informed court that they had recovered the pistol used in the crime.

The two-minute video shows Manorama Khedkar brandishing a pistol to threaten a group of farmers, yelling at a man over what appeared to be a land dispute. She, however, conceals the pistol on realising that she is being recorded.

Manorama is heard in the video yelling at a man in Marathi, asking him to show her "satbara" (land documents). He replies that his name is on the land document and the case is in court. She then asks to see the court order and warns the man not to "teach me the rules". Manorama was apprehended on Thursday morning from a lodge, where she was hiding, at Hirkaniwadi village near Mahad in Raigad district.
Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's spokesperson and former MP Sanjay Nirupam on Monday accused Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray of creating an uproar on the issue of Dharavi redevelopment merely for financial gains.

Nirupam demanded that Uddhav swear on (Sena founder) Bal Thackeray's name and declare whether he had received funds from industrialist Gautam Adani.

Speaking at a press conference at Balasaheb Bhavan in Mumbai, Nirupam said that in January 2019, during the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government, Adani's tender for Dharavi's redevelopment was rejected while Seclink Company won the tender. However, due to technical difficulties, Seclink withdrew from the project. In 2020, the Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government cancelled the Seclink tender, paving the way for the Adani Group.

Nirupam questioned whether this decision was influenced by external pressures, possibly from NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar and his relationship with Adani.

Nirupams allegations came a week after Uddhav demanded cancellation of Dharavi redevelopment tender and stressed that his party would not allow Mumbai to become an Adani City.

Nirupam, however, stated that the tender terms for Dharavi's redevelopment remained unchanged under the current coalition government. He accused the Sena (UBT) of opposing the project without any substantial reason.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced plans to provide housing to both eligible and ineligible residents of Dharavi for the welfare of slum dwellers. Nirupam pointed out that Sena (UBT)'s protests in December 2023 and again in July 2024 seemed to be a reaction to this decision. He questioned Uddhav's silence over the past six months, suggesting that the protests might be a strategy to secure election donations.

Nirupam also claimed that Sena (UBT) is engaging in selfish politics aimed at derailing the dreams of Dharavi's slum dwellers.

He then challenged Uddhav to take an oath in late Balasaheb's name and declare whether he took money from Adani.
Twenty-five days after his disastrous debate performance, Biden announced on Sunday that he was dropping out of the presidential race, just four months before Election Day. The President said he would complete his current term and backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee.

Biden, who at 81 is the oldest sitting president, took the crucial decision after his floundering campaign failed to recover from the disastrous debate performance and alleviate Democrats' doubts. Over 40 congressional Democrats called on him to step aside, despite Biden declaring himself earlier as "the most qualified person to beat Trump".

He became the third President in the last 75 years after Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson to drop out of a reelection bid.

In a statement posted on social media, Biden said: "While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for my term."

"I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision," he added.

In another post on X, Biden gave his "full support and endorsement" for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party's nominee. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President," Biden posted. "And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year."

Harris stated on Sunday saying she is "honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."

"Over the past year, I have travelled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election," Harris said. "And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

The move dramatically reshapes a White House contest and a political gamble for the Democrats as Harris could become the first Black and Asian American woman to run for the White House.

That said, it is still unclear if she would become the nominee, or what process the Democratic Party would take to select an alternative. The next decision will come from the delegates to the partys national convention. DNC chair Jaime Harrison said Sunday afternoon that "in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November."

"This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people," Harrison said.
With President Joe Biden dropping out of US presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, it is highly likely that she will be picked as the official Democratic nominee, provided she is gets backing of delegates at the partys national convention in August.

Now all eyes are on whom Harris will pick as her running mate for the upcoming November polls. There are a few names circulating in the US media and here is a look at the top contenders for the Democrat vice presidential nomination.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan is also another battleground state and being the first woman to become the Democratic leader of the state Senate makes Gretchen Whitmer a strong candidate. If she becomes Harris's running mate, it would be the first time that both presidential and vice presidential candidates of either parties are women. She is a vocal voice for abortion rights and has opened up about her sexual assault in the past.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly

Arizona is a swing state and that makes Senator Mark Kelly a potential nominee for VP. He is also a more popular name nationally compared to other contenders. His appeal among Republicans and independents could woo voters. He is a stauch advocate of gun control.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

North Carolina, which has 16 electoral votes, is a swing state where Trump recorded a narrow victory in 2020 and 2016. This alone makes governor Roy Cooper an ideal VP pick for the Dems, given his consecutive wins in the state and the senate. He also has backing from across the aisle from Republicans. Another advantage for Cooper is his past collaboration with Harris when both of them were attorney generals of their respective states.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania is another swing state, where Trump was shot last week by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. It was here that Biden won in 2020 and Hillary Clinton lost in 2016. Being a moderate Democrat, Josh Shapiro is seen appealing among centrist voters. However, his backing for Israel could be a dampener for progressive voters.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

Illinois is a Democratic state and hence is not advantageous in expanding the party's victory. However, J.B. Pritzker comes from a family of influential donors and his own wealth could bolster the party's campaign.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

The red state Kentucky voted for Andy Beshear twice despite overwhelmingly voting for Trump earlier. He is lauded for the way he navigated the state during the pandemic. However, many see it doubtful if he can help Harris win in the GOP fort.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Another popular national figure among the Democratic VP contenders is California Governor Gavin Newsom who formerly serves as San Francisco mayor. He is a progressive Democrat who may not be able to woo Republicans and independent and California is not a swing state, both factors which are disadvatageous to his candidacy for VP.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree conferring the honorary title People's Artist on Farrukh Zakirov, Trend reports.

According to the decree, Farrukh Zakirov was awarded the honorary title People's Artist for merits in the development of cultural ties between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Kolkata, Jul 22 (PTI) Potato traders in West Bengal have called for an indefinite strike, protesting against alleged harassment by the state government and local administrations in exporting the tuber to other states.

The strike is likely to lead to an increase in prices, which are already high, ranging between Rs 36-40 per kg depending on size and variety.

The strike was called from Sunday by the Progressive Potato Traders' Association (PPTA), which alleges that the authorities are "illegally" detaining trucks carrying the tuber going to neighbouring states.

"There has been no response yet from the government, and the strike will continue. The government cannot stop the movement of potatoes under the new law," a senior PPTA official said.

Though no comments were available from state administration on the strike, it is believed that the government is restricting potato exports to control prices for consumers in Bengal consumers.

"Due to the strike called by traders across the state, there have been no buyers. Potatoes have not been moved out of cold storages," said a source from the Cold Storage Association.

He said the potatoes sought to be exported are of small-sized variety which is not consumed in West Bengal but has demand in neighbouring states.

In a recent meeting with the agriculture task force, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had directed officials to bring down potato prices, but the measures did not work as desired.
New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) A steering committee of the Union government on greenfield airports has granted site clearance for the proposed airport at Parandur in Tamil Nadu.

As per Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, state government-owned Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) submitted an application to the civil aviation ministry for grant of site clearance for the airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

"The proposal has been examined in consultation with Airports Authority of India (AAI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Defence/Indian Air Force as per GFA Policy.

"After completion of the consultation process, the proposal was placed before the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports and the same has been recommended for grant of site clearance to TIDCO for the development of greenfield airport at Parandur, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu on 09.07.2024," Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Monday.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, he also said as per the policy, the responsibility of implementation of airport projects, including funding and land acquisition, rests with the TIDCO.

Meanwhile, the AAI has decided to bear expenses worth nearly Rs 485 crore for filling and levelling of land for RESA (Runway End Safety Area) at the Calicut airport in Kerala.

Following a deadly plane crash at the airport in 2020, a committee of aviation experts was set up by the ministry to oversee implementation of the recommendations made by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Subsequently, AAI projected a land requirement of 14.5 acres to the Kerala government to provide for RESA of 240 metres at both the ends of the runway at the Calicut airport.

The state government handed over 12.54 acres of land to AAI on October 19, 2023 and environmental clearance for the work was issued by the government on July 11, 2024, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said in a written reply.

"AAI as a special measure, keeping in mind the viability and feasibility of operation of wide body aircraft at Calicut airport, has offered to bear cost of filling and levelling of land for provision of RESA at the Calicut international airport. Administrative approval and expenditure sanction has been accorded for Rs 484.57 crore (including GST) by AAI for RESA provision," he told the Rajya Sabha.

According to him, the projected timeline for the completion of the work is December 2025 and it will depend on various factors, including mandatory clearances.
New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday said it has partnered with Airtel Payments Bank to facilitate a host of digital payment solutions for its commuters.

Under this partnership, the bank will process National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), issued by any other bank, transactions for customers to help them travel on all lines of Delhi metro, including Airport Express line.

"The rights of maintenance and processing of digital payment solutions via the National Common Mobility Card have now been accorded to the Airtel payments bank," DMRC said in a statement.

The efforts are in continuation to introducing more digital ticketing solutions for the convenience of passengers, DMRC added.

The bank will issue these NCMC-enabled cards at metro stations which will enable seamless travel on Delhi metro and on other open loop implemented transport systems across the country, along with retail purchases, ATM and e-commerce transactions.

"This partnership will enable us to offer seamless and hassle-free movement for our daily commuters in the National Capital Region," DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar said.

One can use this card across travel segments, including metro, bus, railways, and parking lots with NCMC payments facility, the statement said.

At an event in DMRC's headquarters here, Airtel Payments Bank also launched debit and pre-paid NCMC-enabled cards.

"This collaboration aligns with the nation's vision of One Nation One Card. This takes us one step ahead to serve our customers better with our diverse offerings, and make our services available to a wide range of users," Anubrata Biswas, MD and CEO of Airtel Payments Bank, said.
Chennai, Jul 22 (PTI) Confederation of Indian Industry National MSME Council Co-Chairman Ponnuswami on Monday said the government should actively support micro, small and medium enterprises, in their digitisation processes.



Expressing his view on the Economic Survey presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ponnuswami said there needs to be an effort through close coordination between the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of MSMEs and Ministry of External Affairs to help MSMEs access new markets, especially in the case of first time exporters.



"The government needs to continue actively supporting MSMEs in their digitisation processes and implementing Industry 4.0" he said in a statement.



Ponnuswami said MSMEs have plenty of opportunity for growth in Defence, Electronics, EV manufacturing.



"The government needs to undertake outreach programmes in Tier-2, Tier-3 and rural areas," Ponnuswami, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Pon Pure Chemical India Pvt Ltd said.

"We appreciate the enhancement of credit access to MSMEs through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises, by raising the guarantee limit of Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore. The disbursement of Rs 3,000 crore of NSIC Venture Capital to MSMEs in FY24 was a significant achievement," he added.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Jul 22 (PTI) Mangaluru International Airport, under the management of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), has reached a notable milestone in the first quarter of Financial Year 2024-2025, officials said on Monday.



The airport reported a substantial 21 per cent increase in passenger traffic, with 552,689 travellers passing through its terminals compared to 457,859 in first quarter of Financial Year 2023-24.







According to a statement from the Mangaluru International Airport here, the breakdown of passenger traffic includes 393,598 domestic travelers and 159,091 international passengers. Dubai was the leading international destination, while Bengaluru and Mumbai were the top choices for domestic travel. The airport now efficiently processes over 180,000 passengers each month.







Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) also saw a significant boost, with 3,820 ATMs recorded in the first quarter of FY 2024-25, representing a 21 per cent increase from 3,174 ATMs in the same period last year.



Domestic ATMs totaled 2,956, while international ATMs reached 864, compared to 2,263 and 911, respectively, in the previous year.







Mangaluru International Airport continues to broaden its global reach, servicing eight international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Muscat.



Domestically, it connects to major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, it stated.







As the second busiest airport in Karnataka, Mangaluru International Airport remains dedicated to improving connectivity for the regions residents and facilitating seamless travel to destinations both within India and worldwide, it added.







In a notable development, Air India Express launched a daily service between Mangaluru and Abu Dhabi starting July 22. Flight IX 819, which took off on the same day, enhances connectivity to the UAE for the local community. This new service further underscores Mangaluru International Airport's growing importance as a major gateway for both regional and international travel.
Colombo, Jul 22 (PTI) A group of Tamil parties sans the main party, ITAK, on Monday signed an agreement to field a common candidate for the presidential election to be held later this year.

Last week, the election commission said that the date for the much-awaited presidential election in the island nation will be announced by the end of this month. Earlier this month, the election commission has indicated that the election is likely to take place on a date between September 17 and October 16.

The leaders of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO), People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), Tamil National People's Front (TNPF), and Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) along with leaders of a civil group, Tamil Peoples Congress Association (TPCA) signed the agreement in Jaffna, sources said.

However, the main Tamil party Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), which heads the umbrella group Tamil National Alliance (TNA), was not a party to the agreement, they said.

The Tamils from the north and east regions have aligned historically with the opposition candidate in presidential elections since 1982.

Among the group which signed the pact for a common Tamil candidate is the former northern chief minister CV Wigneswarans TPA.

Wigneswaran, a former Supreme Court judge, was publicly endorsing incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe until Monday's signing of the agreement to field a common candidate.

Wickremesinghe as the then-opposition challenger at both the 1999 and 2005 presidential elections had received TNA backing. In 2005, a Tamil vote boycott led by the LTTE saw Wickremesinghe narrowly lose to the then-candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa.

President Wickremesinghe is yet to announce his candidature, while the main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and the leader of the third force the Marxist JVPs Anura Kumara Dissanayake both have announced their intent to contest.

Sri Lanka has seen a presidential candidate assassinated in the 1994 election and five years later the incumbent Chandrika Kumaratunga survived a suicide bomb attack losing an eye.

Both attacks were blamed on the LTTE, the Tamil separatist group.
Washington, Jul 22 (PTI) Former US president Barack Obama and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Sunday praised President Joe Biden for deciding to step aside from the presidential race but stopped short of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee for the November 5 general elections.

Biden (81) announced that he was withdrawing from the race to be the next president, following mounting pressure from Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican candidate Trump last month. He has endorsed 59-year-old Harris to be the new Democratic nominee.

Though Biden's endorsement almost seals Harris' position as the presidential nominee of her party, she still needs to get elected by the party's delegates during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. Biden has 3,896 delegates in his kitty, as against 1,976 required to win the nomination.

Harris immediately secured the endorsement of former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be the nominee, thus making it a bit easier for her to win the delegate battle during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago beginning August 19.

However, Obama, who is considered to be Harris' mentor, did not immediately endorse her.

"We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges," the former president said in a statement.

"I believe that Joe Biden's vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us is prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond," Obama said.

He said Biden has been one of America's most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to him. "Today, we've also been reminded -- again -- that he's a patriot of the highest order," Obama said.

"I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn't make this decision unless he believed it was right for America."

It is a testament to Joe Biden's love for the country and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow, Obama added.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also did not immediately endorse Harris.

"President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history," she said.

"With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment," she said.

Multiple media reports claimed that she has been advocating for an open convention of the Democratic Party.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 election is "another heroic act in a long-running series of heroic acts by Joe Biden on behalf of the American people".

He described Biden as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. "In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief," he said.

"America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful," Jeffries added.

Earlier, Biden announced that he has decided not to contest the presidential election.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made," Biden said.

The 81-year-old president's decision comes four months before Americans go to the polls on November 5.

Such a decision from Biden comes amid a visible deterioration in his health. The president is currently in self-isolation at his Delaware residence after he tested positive with COVID-19.

Biden said he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.
Washington, Jul 22 (PTI) All five Indian-American lawmakers have hailed President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race and three of them threw their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's likely presidential nominee.

Biden, 81, announced on Sunday that he decided to give up running for re-election as president of the United States and endorsed his deputy Harris to be the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party with just 107 days left until the November 5 elections.

There are five Indian-American lawmakers in the current House of Representatives  Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera. They all are Democrats.

Three of them  Khanna, Thanedar and Jayapal -- have endorsed Harris, 59, so far. Harris is the first-ever Indian American to be elected as the vice president of the country.

Congresswoman Jayapal was the first among the first of the five Indian-American lawmakers to endorse Harris to be the presidential nominee of the ruling Democratic Party. Kamala Harris for President. Lets beat Donald Trump and make history, Jayapal said in a post on social media throwing her full support to Harris.

They two spoke over the phone as well.

Vice President Kamala Harris just called me and I told her I am 1000 per cent in for her to be our President! She has the smarts, the experience, the accomplishments and the agenda to lead us to victory in November. Lets go! Jayapal said.

The four-term lawmaker, Jayapal is the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Over the last few years, she has emerged as a powerful voice in the party and is considered as one of the most influential Democratic lawmakers.

I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African American woman and first Asian American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future, Khanna said.

Khanna said Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40-plus years of economic policy that has devastated working-class communities.

He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self-interest, he said.

Thanedar in a statement said he had no doubt that President Biden would have beaten Trump.

"But I respect his decision and fully support and echo his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. She would be a fantastic nominee and would be an amazing President. I look forward to another 4 years of a Democratic presidency that puts people first," Thanedar said.

President Bidens policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American history, Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.

Through his decision today, Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country, and his fellow Americans, first, he said in a statement.

Congressman Bera said Biden is the most consequential and effective president of his lifetime.

From passing historic investments in infrastructure to restoring American leadership on the world stage, I am proud of what weve been able to accomplish under his leadership. Thank you for your 50-plus years of unwavering service and dedication to our great nation, he said.

Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam also announced his endorsement.

I'm proud to endorse Vice President Harris as our standard bearer this year. Kamala Harris is the right leader at the right time to get the job done. But, we won't be able to accomplish anything next year if we don't win the House and the Senate, he said.

With President Biden's announcement that he will no longer seek the Democratic Party's nomination, I am beyond proud and excited to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for this historic opportunity, said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner.

In the coming weeks and months, I will be hosting fundraising events for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania and New York and across the country, he said.

Ashwin Ramaswami, candidate for Georgia State Senate, offered his full support for Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Ramaswami would be the first Gen Z Indian-American state legislator in the country.

Vice President Harris would make history as the first Indian-American President of the United States, said Ramaswami.

This would be a major step forward for Indian-American and AAPI representation in this country and is an inspiration to young people such as me. And just like Kamala Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, my mother is from Besant Nagar, Chennai, which makes this incredibly special for me, he said.

The Asian American Action Fund PAC in a statement announced its full endorsement of Harris for President of the United States in the 2024 presidential election.

Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the values we hold dear: equality, opportunity, and justice for all. Her track record speaks volumes about her capability to lead our country towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to stand with her and are confident in her ability to address the needs and concerns of the AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander )community and all Americans," said its chair Albert Shen.
Washington, Jul 22 (PTI) The Biden campaigns rapid response account on X has been renamed Kamala HQ" after US President Joe Biden bowed out of the presidential race and endorsed his deputy Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

@BidenHQ account on X was rebranded as @KamalaHQ on Sunday soon after Biden's announcement.

The campaign uses the account to push out its message and respond to attacks by rivals.

@BidenHQ, the social media rapid response account on X for the Biden-Harris campaign, has officially been rebranded to @KamalaHQ, in another sign of how the Biden team has quickly shifted to its new task ahead, CNN reported.

Harris, 59, is poised to become the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the ticket of a major American political party.

Harris said she was honoured to receive Bidens endorsement and intends to earn and win the nomination of the Democratic Party.

Democratic Convention Rules Committee will discuss the nomination framework on Wednesday after Biden's decision to quit the race for the White House on November 5.

It is now the Committees responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, said co-chairs Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and longtime Democratic operative Leah Daughtry.

The process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, they said.
Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Jul 22 (AP) The Israeli military on Monday ordered the evacuation of part of an area in the Gaza Strip it has designated a humanitarian zone.

The military said it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip.

Many Palestinians have been uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israeli's punishing air and ground campaign.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone it declared covering a stretch of about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Much of that area is now blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, U.N. and humanitarian groups say. Families live in the midst of mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage.

The announcement came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire in Gaza, with U.S. and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement is closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are continuing to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday morning on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden, who announced Sunday that he will not seek another term, and address Congress.

Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next U.S. president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always. He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while also pushing him for more support on certain issues.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 38,900 people, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

The Israeli military said on Monday that it is continuing to operate in central and southern Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people, including women and children, in Gaza, according to hospital officials and a body count by an Associated Press journalist.

The already precarious humanitarian conditions inside besieged Gaza have worsened with the discovery of the polio virus as water and sanitation services have deteriorated for the territory's 2.3 million people, most of them displaced. Traces of the virus were found in sewage samples in Gaza. The World Health Organization has said no one has been treated for symptoms caused by the disease.

Israel's military said soldiers would be vaccinated and it would work with organizations to bring in vaccines for Palestinians.

Netanyahu has vowed to wipe out Hamas' military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and thousands of other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones home. (AP)

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on amendments to the decree On approval of the new composition of the joint commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Bulgaria on the part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

As per the decree, the words "of the joint commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Bulgaria from the side of the Republic of Azerbaijan" were added to the title of Article 203 (Volume I) and the first paragraph of Part 1 of the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 2708 of March 6, 2008, which approved the new composition of the joint commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Bulgaria from the side of the Republic of Azerbaijan" (Collection of Legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2008, No. 3).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must send an appropriate notification to the Bulgarian side on the change made in the decree.
Deir al-Balah, Jul 22 (AP) The Israeli military on Monday ordered the evacuation of part of an area in the Gaza Strip it has designated a humanitarian zone.

The military said it is planning to begin an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip.

Many Palestinians have been uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israeli's punishing air and ground campaign.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least 1.8 million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone it declared covering a stretch of about 14 kilometres (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Much of that area is now blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, UN and humanitarian groups say. Families live in the midst of mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage.

The announcement came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire in Gaza, with US and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement is closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are continuing to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday morning on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden, who announced Sunday that he will not seek another term, and address Congress.

Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next US president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always. He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while also pushing him for more support on certain issues.

Also Monday, Israeli police said a Canadian citizen was killed after threatening Israeli security forces with a knife near the Gaza border.

The Israeli military said the man drove to the entrance of an Israeli town close to the border, left his vehicle and approached the security forces with a knife. The forces opened fire and killed the man. There were no other injuries.

The attack took place at the entrance of the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara, which is just 300 metres (yards) north of the Gaza border. On October 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed after gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 38,900 people, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

The Israeli military said on Monday that it is continuing to operate in central and southern Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 people, including women and children, in Gaza, according to hospital officials and a body count by an Associated Press journalist.

The already precarious humanitarian conditions inside besieged Gaza have worsened with the discovery of the polio virus as water and sanitation services have deteriorated for the territory's 2.3 million people, most of them displaced. Traces of the virus were found in sewage samples in Gaza. The World Health Organisation has said no one has been treated for symptoms caused by the disease.

Israel's military said soldiers would be vaccinated and it would work with organisations to bring in vaccines for Palestinians.

Netanyahu has vowed to wipe out Hamas' military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and thousands of other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones home. (AP) GSP
Islamabad, Jul 22 (PTI) Pakistan police on Monday arrested jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insafs information secretary Rauf Hasan in a raid at the partys central secretariat here, stepping up the crackdown on the Opposition party.

Initially, it was reported that PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan was also arrested but Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Zulfi Bokhari rejected the report about Khans arrest while confirming that Hasan had been arrested.

It was not clear what are the charges against Hasan who was also attacked by unknown persons a few weeks ago that left bruises on his face.

The party also condemned the move through its official X account and lambasted the Islamabad police.

Its absolutely shameful how Islamabad Police continues to completely mock and disregard every law in this country, the party said. Law of the jungle is reigning over Pakistan!

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman claimed that police personnel were confiscating documents and equipment from the partys office.

Weve been informed that theyve locked staff in a room & waiting for [the] prison van to arrive & have taken computers & important documents, he wrote on X.

Earlier, SSP Hassan Jahangir Wattoo led the raid as the police encircled the PTI headquarters in the federal capital.

The raid comes just days after PTIs international media coordinator Ahmad Waqas Janjua was arrested on Friday.

According to Bokhari, he was presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad, which handed him over to police on a seven-day remand.

According to the charges, explosives were recovered from Janjua during his arrest and his links with banned organisations are to be investigated, police said in the court.
Washington, Jul 22 (AP) A Russian court has convicted Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for the US government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, of spreading false information about the Russian army and sentenced her to 6 years in prison after a secret trial, court records and officials said on Monday.

The conviction in the city of Kazan came on Friday, the same day that a court in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison in a case that the US called politically motivated.

Kurmasheva, an editor for RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir service, was convicted of spreading false information about the military, according to the website of the Supreme Court of Tatarstan. Court spokesperson Natalya Loseva confirmed to The Associated Press by phone that Kurmasheva was sentenced to 6 in prison in a case classified as secret, with no details available of the nature of the accusations against her.

Asked about the verdict on Monday, Stephen Capus, RFE/RL president and CEO, denounced the trial against Kurmasheva and the conviction as a mockery of justice and said that the only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors.

It's beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family, Capus said in a statement to the AP. (AP) PY

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United Nations, Jul 22 (AP) The US ambassador to the United Nations travelled to Haiti on Monday to meet leaders of the new transitional government and the Kenyan police who are the vanguard of a UN-backed force meant to help the country's national police curb widespread gang violence.

A senior US administration official said Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's one-day visit also seeks to encourage action on Haiti's humanitarian crisis and political reform leading to democratic elections in 2026.

The ambassador will make two major announcements related to Haiti's security and humanitarian crises, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of the visit.

Gangs have grown in power since the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moise and are now estimated to control up to 80 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have spread into surrounding areas. The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.

There has been wide international support for the new transitional government led by Prime Minister Garry Conille, a former UN development specialist who arrived in the country in early June. Earlier this month, he told the UN Security Council that the Kenyan police will be crucial to helping control the country's gangs and moving toward democratic elections.

According to UN agencies, the violence has displaced 580,000 people, more than half of whom are children, and resulted in 4 million people facing food insecurity.

In a signal of support for the UN mission to Haiti and the Kenyan police, Thomas-Greenfield will visit the police force's living complex and meet Conille, members of the transitional presidential council and UN and civil society representatives.

Haiti asked for an international force to combat gangs in 2022, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward.

A second Kenyan contingent of 200 police officers landed in Haiti last week, following the first contingent of 200 officers last month. The multinational force will eventually total 2,500 personnel from Kenya, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica. They will be deployed in phases at a cost of some USD 600 million a year, according to the UN Security Council.

The US has provided over USD 300 million to the force, which Thomas-Greenfield helped establish through a UN resolution, the official said, adding that the ambassador played a central role in securing international pledges of funding, equipment, and logistical support.

The Kenyan police will train the Haitian national police for joint security operations that have not yet begun, the official said. (AP) GSP
Washington, Jul 22 (PTI) US Vice President Kamala Harris has said she was honoured to have President Joe Biden's endorsement as the nominee of the Democratic party for the presidential election and asserted that her aim was to unite the nation in "defeating Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda".

Her remarks came after Biden (81), in a stunning decision, on Sunday announced that he was withdrawing from the race to be the next president in 2024 and endorsed Harris, who is of both Indian and African origin, as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

Biden's decision to nominate Harris (59) follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after his disastrous presidential debate performance against his Republican rival and former US president Donald Trump last month.

"I am honoured to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination," said Harris, who has been serving as US' first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president since 2021.

Though Biden's endorsement almost seals her position as the presidential nominee of her party, she still needs to get elected by the party's delegates during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

Harris immediately secured the endorsement of former president Bill Clinton, thus making it a bit easier for her to win the delegate battle during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago beginning August 19.

"On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country," she said.

Harris said over the past year, she has travelled across the country, talking to Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election.

"And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party -- and unite our nation-- to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda... We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win," she said.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quickly endorsed Harris to be the nominee. "We've lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term," they said in a joint statement.

"He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we've got to elect her," the Clintons said.

In her statement, Harris thanked Biden on behalf of the country's people for his extraordinary leadership and said, "His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office."

"It is a profound honour to serve as his vice president, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states," she said.

"As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his dad. The kind of father and the kind of man he is. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe's leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people," Harris said.

With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and the country above everything else, she added.

Earlier, Biden announced that he has decided not to contest the presidential election.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made," Biden said.

The 81-year-old president's decision comes four months before Americans go to the polls on November 5.

Such a decision from Biden comes amid a visible deterioration in his health. The president is currently in self-isolation at his Delaware residence after he tested positive with COVID-19.

Biden said he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.
Rewa, Jul 22 (PTI) The number of arrests in the incident in Rewa in Madhya Pradesh in which two women were half-buried during a protest after a truck dumped murrum on them has reached three, a police official said on Monday.

A video of the incident, which took place in Hinota Jorot village under Mangawa police station limits on Saturday, went viral on social media. In the video, two women can be seen sitting behind a truck, which off loads murrum (loose reddish soil used for construction activities), partially burying them before others come to their rescue.

Five persons were booked in connection with the incident and three of them have been arrested so far, Superintendent of Police Vivek Singh said.

Police had earlier said three persons were named in the case.

The women, Mamta Pandey and Asha Pandey, were protesting against the construction of a road, Additional Superintendent of Police Vivek Lal said.

Asha Pandey said the incident was the fallout of a dispute related to a piece of co-owned land with her relative Gokaran Pandey.

Pandey said she and her sister-in-law protested as a road was being built on disputed land.

The dumper truck has been seized, police said.
Mumbai, Jul 22 (PTI) Three persons were arrested from Pune for allegedly kidnapping a businessman from Chira Bazar in south Mumbai, a police official said, adding the crime was solved in 12 hours.

On Sunday afternoon, four persons forced garment trader Hemant Kumar Rawal into a car and fled, the LT Marg police station official said.

"Rawal's friend, who saw the incident, alerted the police control room, after which a kidnapping case was registered. A team rushed to the spot. CCTV footage of the area was checked and the car was intercepted in Kondhwa area in Pune. Three persons were arrested and the businessman was rescued," he said.

"Our probe has found Rawal, hailing from Gujarat, had taken Rs 25 lakh from the accused but was allegedly delaying in repaying the amount over the last three years. This led to the kidnapping. The role of three more persons has come up in the case and efforts are on to nab them," he added.
Mumbai, Jul 22 (PTI) The Eknath Shinde government is responsible for the delay in providing reservation to the Maratha community, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said on Monday.

The then Congress-led government had provided quota to the community before the 2014 assembly polls but this ordinance was not concerted into an act by the Devendra Fadnavis dispensation that followed, he claimed.

Fadnavis had promised to give quota to the Maratha, Dhangar and Halba communities at the time but did nothing on this front, Patole added.

"If Fadnavis is in power (he is deputy chief minister in the Shinde government), then there is no point in blaming the opposition for the government's failure to provide quota. Opposition parties have held numerous meetings on Maratha reservation. But ultimately it is up to the state government to take the decision," he said.

Criticising Union Home Minister Amit Shah for calling NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as "sargana" of corruption, Patole said the NDA government had given the opposition stalwart Padma Vibhushan.

"It is perplexing that he's now being portrayed as the ringleader of corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the real ringmaster of corruption in this country," Patole claimed.

Addressing the BJP's state convention in Pune on Sunday, Shah had said, "If there is the biggest 'sargana' of corruption in Indian politics, it is Sharad Pawar. There is no confusion in my mind about this. I am saying it openly that Pawar has institutionalised corruption in the country."

Patole also alleged the recent violence at Vishalgad fort in Kolhapur district was state-sponsored.

"Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made comments related to encroachment at the Vishalgad fort. The locals had already requested the district collector and other officials that there might be a protest at the fort, but it was not addressed," Patole alleged.
Agartala, Jul 23 (PTI) Two separate delegations of the opposition CPI(M) and Congress were on Monday stopped from visiting Gandatwisa in Tripura's Dhalai district where violence between two communities claimed a life earlier this month.

While the CPI(M) delegation was led by Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, the Congress team was headed by its state president Asish Kumar Saha.

A brawl between people of two communities escalated into a clash on July 7, injuring several people. One of the injured died while undergoing treatment on July 12, triggering a fresh flare-up in which many houses were set on fire, leaving at least 80 families homeless, officials said.

The CPI(M) delegation was stopped near Amarpur in Gomati district on the ground that prohibitory orders were in place in Gandatwisa.

"We were on the way to Gandatwisa to meet the people who are living in a temporary camp following the violence but the police stopped us. The police or administration can't stop us from meeting the violence-hit people citing prohibitory orders," Chaudhury told the reporters.

The CPI(M) leader said he spoke to the district magistrate on Sunday and was given permission to visit the area.

"Why are the police restraining us from visiting Gandatwisa if the situation is normal? Police can't curtail the liberty of a person. I will raise the issue at the appropriate level," he said.

The Congress delegation was stopped near Kalajari in Gomati district on the same ground.

"Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma and a government team headed by Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy were allowed to meet the affected families. Why are we not allowed? The police and administration can't adopt a partisan attitude," Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman said.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Gandatwisa Chandrajoy Reang said, "The political delegations were denied entry to Gandatwisa because of prohibitory orders. After 10 days of hard work, we have brought the situation under control. Now, we can't take any chance."
Bhubaneswar, Jul 22 (PTI) Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday assured the people of the state that swift action would be taken against those involved in the alleged assault of a government official at Raj Bhavan in Puri on July 7.

The incident, where Governor Raghubar Dass son Lalit Kumar allegedly assaulted an assistant section officer (ASO) during President Droupadi Murmus visit, prompted strong demands for accountability from the opposition BJD and Congress.

Harichandans reassurance came after BJD and Congress members walked out of the Assembly, protesting the lack of action against Lalit Kumar.

He clarified that the Governor's secretariat had instructed the Puri collector to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit a report within 15 days, emphasising that subsequent actions would be based on this inquiry.

Earlier in the day, BJD and Congress lawmakers staged a walkout during the Governor's address, citing dissatisfaction with the response to the assault and alleging inaction by the police.

Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik expressed dismay over what he perceived as a breakdown in law and order under the BJP government in the state.

"We were deeply shocked by this. Law and order seems to have completely broken down in our state," Patnaik told reporters.

He further said immediate action was taken against ministers, MLAs, MPs, senior government officers whenever they broke law during the previous BJD regime. "The state government should take action according to the law," Patnaik said.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati vowed to continue their agitation until the culprit is apprehended.

Reacting to Harichandans assurance, former law minister and BJD leader Pratap Jena said he wanted to know why no police case was registered against the Governors son.

"Does the law minister mean that all the criminal cases will now be probed by the district collector instead of police? Is it the Odia asmita (pride) based on which the BJP came to power," Jena posted on X.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree On making amendments to the "Regulations on the ASAN Visa system," Trend reports.

The list of information required for foreigners to obtain an electronic visa to Azerbaijan through the "ASAN Viza" system has been amended.

Therefore, foreigners will no longer be required to enter into the system information about their visits to Karabakh and other regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which were under the occupation of the Republic of Armenia after 1991.

The Cabinet of Ministers is entrusted to solve the issues arising from this decree.
Bhubaneswar, Jul 22 (PTI) Opposition BJD on Monday alleged that the microphone was switched off when Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik was speaking.

It is an effort to suppress the voice of the opposition in the House, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik asserted.

We have made a written complaint to the Speaker as to how the microphone and camera were switched off when Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik was speaking in the House, Mallik told reporters.



Patnaik was a former chief minister.



Stating that the party condemns such behaviour, the Opposition Chief Whip said they expect justice from Speaker Surama Padhy.



Congress MLA Sofia Firdous also made a similar allegation, claiming that the microphone was turned off when party leader Rama Chandra Kadam was speaking in the Assembly.



Both the leaders had attempted to speak something in the House before staging a walkout protesting against the alleged assault on an assistant section officer (ASO) by the Governors son Lalit Kumar and police inaction in the matter.



She, however, said that Congress will continue to raise its voice against injustice.



People are watching everything and they will not accept it, Firdous said.



Both BJD and Congress boycotted the Governors address on the opening day of the Assembly session in protest against the alleged assault on the ASO.
New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Monday alleged that arrested Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar and former INLD legislator Dilbag Singh, their family members and associates "control and manage" an illegal mining syndicate in the state's Yamunanagar district that has generated Rs 500 crore in slush funds.

Panwar, the 55-year-old legislator from the Sonipat assembly seat of Haryana, was arrested by the federal probe agency last week under the anti-money laundering law and is currently in ED custody.

Dilbag Singh and his aide Kulwinder Singh were arrested in the same case in January after the ED filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED case stems from multiple FIRs filed by the Haryana Police under various sections of the IPC and the Environment Protection Act to probe "illegal" mining of sand, boulder and gravel in Yamunanagar by mining lease holder companies like Mubarikpur Royalty Company, Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd, Delhi Royalty Company, JSM Foods Pvt Ltd, PS Buildtech, and various stone crushers.

"The syndicate of illegal mining in Yamunanagar area is controlled, managed and run by Surender Panwar, MLA, Dilbag Singh, ex MLA and their family members, and other key associates," the ED alleged in a statement.

It said that Panwar and his family members are "major" shareholders in Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd., which is allegedly involved in "illegal mining and part of the mining syndicate."

The agency said the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a penalty of Rs 2.5 crore on Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd., Rs 4.2 crore against Delhi Royalty Company and Rs 12 crore on Mubarikpur Royalty Company for "violating" environmental norms including illegal mining, diversion of river flow, etc.

The total proceeds of crime generated out of illegal mining activity in this case is estimated to be more than Rs 500 crore, it claimed.

Congress MP Deepender Hooda had accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of misusing central agencies against opposition leaders following Panwar's arrest on July 20.

The state will go to polls later this year.
Nuh (Haryana), Jul 22 (PTI) The Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra that was marred by violence last year began here on Monday morning amid tight security arrangements.

The yatra started from Nalhar Mahadev Mandir, from where the devotees will proceed to Jhir Mandir in Ferozepur Jhirka here.

The yatra route spans over nearly 80 km and ends at Singar via the Jhir temple.

Before the start of the yatra here around 11 am, a large group of women reached the Nalhar Mahadev temple from Bhuteshwar temple here. They were accorded a warm welcome by members of the Muslim community at Tiranga Chowk.

Earlier in the morning, many devotees taking part in the yatra gathered at Radha Krishna temple in adjoining Gurugram's Sector 10 before leaving for the Nalhar temple.

The Haryana government has beefed up security for the yatra and ordered suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours with effect from 6 pm Sunday.

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric of a Gurugram mosque, died in the clashes that erupted when a mob attacked a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession in Nuh on July 31 last year.

According to officials, over 2,000 personnel from police and paramilitary have been deployed in the district to ensure foolproof security for the yatra this time.

Nuh Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap Singh had said on Sunday that security forces would be deployed along the procession route.

"We will keep a close eye on everyone through drones," Singh said.

Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata had told PTI on Sunday, "The situation is very peaceful, cordial ahead of the yatra and both communities (Hindus and Muslims) are ready to welcome it."

Many welcome gates have been erected and food stalls set up for the members of the procession, he said.

Meanwhile, a mobile internet suspension was ordered by the government "to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours" through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, among others.

On Sunday, a flag march was taken out in the district in the SP's presence.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of All India Imam Organization, visited Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh on Sunday to appeal for peace.

Liquor shops will remain closed till the yatra is completed, according to an official order.
Mumbai, Jul 22 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on the police and civic authorities for their inability to find a solution for the illegal hawking menace and asked if vendors would be allowed to put up stalls outside the Mantralaya or the governor's house.

A division bench of Justices M S Sonka and Kamal Khata said if the issue of illegal hawkers and vendors was a recurring problem, a permanent solution is required, and the authorities cannot claim to be helpless.

The court said there must be a stop, and it cannot keep recurring blatantly.

It also lamented the fact that the civic bodies and police authorities do not take any action on citizens' complaints against illegal and unauthorised hawkers and vendors.

"You (authorities) want citizens to come and sit in court every day? This is sheer harassment of people. This is complete lawlessness. The corporation does not look into citizens' complaints, and the police do not. What should a common man do?" the court said.

"Those who want to abide by the law suffer. The entire state machinery has collapsed. Brazenly, these unauthorised hawkers come. Let this happen in front of the Mantralaya or the governor's house, then see how all this stops. You have all the security there," the bench said.

Last year, the high court had taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the issue of illegal and unauthorised hawkers and vendors in the city.

Last month, the court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police to file a detailed affidavit about their action against illegal hawkers and steps to prevent the problem.

On Monday, BMC counsel Anil Singh and government pleader Purnima Kantharia, appearing for the police, sought more time to file their affidavits.

Irked by this, the bench said this was a serious matter, and if the authorities cannot follow court orders, then the court should just close.

"Burn the midnight oil and file an affidavit within a week," the court said, posting the matter for further hearing on July 30.

The bench sarcastically also asked if the Army should be called in, as the police and civic authorities were unable to keep illegal hawkers and vendors at bay.

In its order last month, the court had noted that hawkers and street vendors have virtually taken over streets and bylanes, leaving no place for people to walk on footpaths.

It said in addition to haphazard parking, pedestrians were forced to navigate between unauthorised hawkers and haphazardly parked vehicles.
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Jul 22 (PTI) The second meeting of the first assembly session since the formation of the new TDP-led government in Andhra Pradesh began on a stormy note here on Monday, with YSRCP legislators staging a walkout over alleged attacks against its party cadres.

YSRCP legislators, led by party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, chanted and protested during Governor S Abdul Nazeers speech to the first joint session of the state legislature.



Reddy and the opposition party legislators arrived in the assembly wearing black scarves.



They chanted slogans such as 'Save Democracy' and 'Murderous Politics Should Stop', in protest against the allegedly deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state.



Police intercepted the YSRCP leaders at the assembly gate before they entered the House, as they arrived protesting.



"The police snatched and tore the placards held by the YSRCP MLAs and MLCs. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy confronted the police, questioning who had given them such authority," a YSRCP press release said.





The YSRCP chief warned a police official for allegedly tearing the placards and admonished him. Party legislators expressed intense displeasure over alleged police highhandedness.





The protests outside and inside the House today follow Reddys meeting with the governor on Sunday, where he requested an investigation by central government agencies into the alleged atrocities and deteriorating law-and-order situation in Andhra Pradesh.







In his meeting with Nazeer, the former chief minister alleged that constitutional institutions have failed in the state and administration has been paralysed.





According to the opposition leader, the TDP-led government started targeting people who did not support the NDA alliance in the recently-concluded polls.





Reddy alleged that TDP has begun terrorising YSRCP sympathisers by humiliating, beating and even killing them. Recently, a YSRCP activist was hacked to death allegedly by a TDP activist in Vinukonda.





Later, the House was adjourned, following the governors address to the joint session of the legislative assembly and council.











As many as 88 new MLAs and nine MLCs are expected to attend the session along with experienced legislators.







The governor noted that the TDP-led government has proposed to table the budget after meaningful deliberations during the session.





In his speech, Nazeer said the tenure of the YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024 had emerged as a bigger "debacle" in the form of inept governance, especially after the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh.





"In fact, the damage and losses during the period 2019-24 have been more severe compared to state (united Andhra Pradesh) reorganisation in June 2014, he said.





Observing that 'Brand AP (Andhra Pradesh)' has taken a beating, the governor emphasised that it has become difficult for the new government to meet even the essential committed expenditure with the reduced revenue of the state.







Pointing out that putting governance back on track is a herculean task, Nazeer said the TDP-led government has already started fulfilling its pre-poll promises.







He reposed faith in the "able and proven leadership" of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state.







Meanwhile, Naidu is likely to release three white papers on law and order, excise and the state's finances during the session, which is expected to last for five days.
Srinagar, Jul 22 (PTI) The Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU), a conglomerate of Islamic Scholars in Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday said they will not allow attempts to spread sectarian discord that can destroy harmony in the valley.

"The MMU expressed its firm resolve to disallow any attempts to spread sectarian discord in Kashmir and harm the region's traditional sectarian harmony," the amalgam of scholars said in a statement after a meeting chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The scholars stressed that the religious personalities of Islam should be respected by all.
New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) A BJP Lok Sabha member on Monday said the appointment of an IAS officer as "foreign secretary" by the Kerala government was "unconstitutional" and an "encroachment" on the responsibilities of the Centre.

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, BJP member P P Chaudhary said the Kerala government order of July 15, appointing IAS officer K Vasuki as "foreign secretary" was a "blatant outreach".

"Is the Kerala government treating itself as a separate nation," Chaudhary said in the Lok Sabha.

The Kerala government had on July 15 issued an order giving Vasuki, Secretary in the Labour and Skills Department, the additional charge of "the matters connected with External Cooperation".

Chaudhary said external cooperation meant dealing with various nations, Indian embassies and missions abroad, functions that formed part of the Union List as per the allocation of business rules.

"As per the allocation of business rules, these functions can only be performed by the Government of India through the Ministry of External Affairs," the BJP member from Pali in Rajasthan said.

"So, the action on the part of Kerala government by issuing such an order and appointing an IAS officer as foreign secretary is unconstitutional, and it is an encroachment on the union list," Chaudhary said.
Before entering politics, President Trump donated $6,000 to Kamala D. Harriss reelection campaign while she was California attorney general, campaign finance records show. The donations, made in 2011 and 2013, have raised speculation that they were related to Trump Universitys legal troubles.

Harris, now Joe Bidens likely successor as the Democratic presidential nominee, was Californias attorney general from 2011 to 2016. During her tenure, her office took no action against Trump University, which was facing a class-action lawsuit and investigation by the New York attorney general.

A Biden campaign spokeswoman said Harris did not solicit the donations and they had no effect on her offices handling of allegations against Trump University. Harriss predecessor had decided not to pursue a case, and her office re-examined the issue in 2016 and also chose not to investigate.

Trumps donations to Harris have been seen as unusual, given his shift towards donating exclusively to Republicans around 2010. Trump has said the contribution was a favor for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who had asked him to make the donation.

The donations have also previously been cited by Trumps campaign as evidence that he is not racist, given that Harris is a black woman.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A judge in Milan has ordered an Italian journalist to pay 5,000 euros (nearly $5,500) in damages to Premier Giorgia Meloni for making fun of her height in social media posts.

The judge ruled on Wednesday that two social media posts by journalist Giulia Cortese, who was also handed a suspended fine of 1,200 euros ($1,300), amounted to body shaming.

In October 2021, when Meloni was still in opposition, Cortese posted a digitally altered picture on X, showing the far-right politician standing in front of a bookshelf with an image of Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the background.

Meloni reacted on Facebook by saying that the fake image was of unique gravity and announced that she would take legal action.

In the exchange that followed, Cortese described Meloni as a little woman. She then wrote in a separate post: You dont scare me, Giorgia Meloni. After all, youre only 1.2 meters tall. I cant even see you.

Italian media report that Melonis height is between 1.58 and 1.63 meters (5 feet, 2 inches, and 5 feet, 4 inches), though she has never officially disclosed it.

Reacting to the judges verdict, Cortese said late Thursday that the Italian government has a serious problem with freedom of expression and journalistic dissent. She added that she may consider appealing the verdict.

Its not the first time that Meloni has taken legal action against a journalist or someone who had criticized her publicly. Her far-right government has been accused by the center-left opposition of using legal action to put pressure on journalists and critics.

Melonis lawyer said she would donate the 5,000 euros to charity if the sentence against Cortese is confirmed and the money is paid.

(AP)
It was revealed on Sunday that two IDF soldiers were killed last month while securing the Biden administrations pier built off Gaza to provide humanitarian aid to innocent Gazan civilians.

The $320 million pier, built solely to pander to Bidens progressive anti-Israel and pro-Hamas voters, was a colossal failure and was dismantled last week after operating for only 21 days.

Last month, it was reported that two reserve soldiers, Staff Sgt. Major Elon Waiss, H,yd, 49, and Cpt Eitan Koplovich, Hyd, 28, were killed in the northern Gaza Strip when an explosive device detonated near their tank. Another two soldiers were seriously wounded in the incident.

JNS reported on Sunday that according to an Israeli military source, Waiss, zl and Koplovich, zl, were killed while securing the US humanitarian aid pier.

What led me to talk is really just the frustration towards the end of the last few weeks, the source said. Its a very unsafe operation; anything could happen. They [the United States] could have delivered the aid through any land port and finished within a week, but for whatever publicity reason they built the pier. Then they failed and tried to cover it up.

The source said that while soldiers were carrying out an operation to secure the pier, IDF tanks ran over a large IED, killing the two soldiers and wounding two others.

The operation was conducted in defense of the pier. Anything that occurred in the area, they [the Israeli troops] were responsible for protecting it [the pier]. Ultimately, the reason they were engaging these terrorists is because they posed a threat to the forces protecting the aid. The mission was in support of the larger goal of protecting the pier and occurred within that context. Soldiers would not have been positioned within these areas otherwise.

When the pier broke the first time, it was a lot more dangerous than they made it sound. It sounded like they were on top of things, but Israel had to fix it all for them. Everything they tried to accomplish, whether it was a defensive operation or daily operations, nothing went without a hitch.

There were many tunnels in the area that had not yet been found or had been found but not destroyed. [Gazan] snipers took shots at us from high buildings in the area. I had a bullet go pretty close to my head.

The source added that U.S. forces went to extreme measures to maintain the appearance that no US troops were operating in Gaza. Sometimes, they would lay out mats on the floor and walk into Gaza because technically thats no boots on the ground. They deceived the public into thinking theyd carried out something that they did not.

Additionally, the aid was not even successfully delivered to Gazan civilians. The food sat in the sun for a month and a half with rats and dogs eating out of it, the source said. Bags of flour either arrived damaged or got destroyed by animals. As of last week, a lot of it was no longer viable. As for canned food sitting out in the sun, it probably is salvageable if it eventually gets picked up by the U.N.s World Food Programme.

We were supposed to be able to deliver 30 trucks of humanitarian aid a day to Gazans, which is insignificant in comparison to what comes through land crossings, he continued. Each truck contains between 18 to 22 pallets. But this goal fluctuated tremendously. There were days when the pier was down, the equipment didnt work, nothing was accomplished.

The source said that the information provided to the public about the pier was inaccurate. A lot of the information is outright false or embellished and for the most part the operation was a complete failure. There were many other ways [to deliver aid] that were efficient and safer. They [the United States] did it for good media attention. When the media came, theyd use the best equipment. It was very much a show, everything would magically work smoothly somehow. They werent really concerned about getting food to Gaza, it was secondary at best for them, he added.

JNS twice reached out to the IDF to confirm the sources claim but both times, it was referred to the IDF website and Telegram channel for information regarding fallen soldiers.

The U.S. militarys Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for operations in the Middle East, referred JNS back to the IDF.

JNS also spoke with the relatives of the fallen soldiers, who cast doubts on the sources claims.

I know that my father was very close to the location of the pier, Elons son Yedidya Waiss, 27, told JNS. He told us even before he was deployed that he would be located around there. I dont remember him saying anything about guarding it though. All I know is that he was close to it.

The IDF told us that he was on a mission to destroy a Hamas compound, weapons and tunnels when he was killed. They told us about how they heroically rescued the bodies of my father and of Eitan and the two other wounded soldiers. They did not mention anything about the pier, because he was deployed close to it. There may have been a connection, but the IDF did not directly mention it.

Yedidya added that his father was deployed in the north together with Koplovich, zl, before being transferred to Gaza.

Eitans wife was expecting a baby while they were in the north so he had to go on leave for a month and a half. My dad was very happy to see him come back.

We didnt really worry. He kept telling us that he was near the Netzarim Corridor [controlled by the IDF and separating northern and southern Gaza], and that it was not like fighting in Rafah or Jabalia. We were really interested to know how his death could happen, but when the IDF mentioned that he was out on a mission, we stopped asking.

Eitans brother Yishay told JNS: Eitan was close to the pier, he told me that he was sitting on the water close to it, about 100 yards away.

I served in the IDF for 25 years in the reserves. Something can happen in any kind of battle, I cant really blame anyone. You can always find yourself in the wrong place and at the wrong time. I dont think that what Eitan did in the week and a half that he was in Gaza had to do with humanitarian aid. The pier was working but I dont think it was something that affected him too much.

The IDF wasnt there because of the pier. The United States, however, was there because they were looking for the safest place to set up the pier. They put it on the beach in the area at the end of the Netzarim route. They were looking for a location under strong Israeli control. They couldnt exactly put it on Gaza City beach.

I guess that his side mission was to protect the pier, but his brigade would have been there regardless. Nobody that I spoke to in the army mentioned the pier as a factor in relation to the mission, he concluded.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has considered an appeal on the registration of authorized representatives of the Ana Vatan party in connection with the extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament, scheduled for September 1, 2024, Trend reports.

According to the information, the issue was put up for discussion at the CEC session on July 22 and adopted by voting.

To note, earlier, the issue of the registration of authorized representatives of the Future Azerbaijan, Musavat, Azad Vatan, Vahdat, and Adalat parties in the extraordinary parliamentary election was discussed at the meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC). The issue was put to a vote and adopted.

On June 28, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and calling for an extraordinary election.

The snap parliamentary election in Azerbaijan is scheduled for September 1, 2024.
The Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis in Yemen traveled for more than 16 hours and over 1,600 miles before striking a residential building in Tel Aviv, killing one Israeli.

An IDF investigation has found that the modified Samad-3 drone took a non-direct route, flying west from Yemen over the Red Sea, then north over Sudan and Egypt, before reaching the Mediterranean Sea and approaching Tel Aviv from the west. It was only when the drone appeared on Israeli radar as an unidentified target that it was detected, just six minutes before impact.

The investigation revealed that the drone had been tracked for six minutes before dropping in and out of radar coverage, and was in the air for 16 hours, flying at 80-100 knots. Despite being aware of Houthi capabilities, the IAF had no prior information on the attack.

Human error by air traffic control operators, who were tracking another drone launched by an Iran-backed group from Iraq, contributed to the failure to classify the target as a threat. The IAF has since doubled the number of radar operators and increased aerial patrols to detect incoming threats.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has denounced potential US sanctions against him and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir as politically motivated and a fatal injury to Israeli sovereignty and US-Israel relations.

Smotrich responded to reports of White House discussions on sanctioning the two far-right cabinet members, saying he is no different than Reut Ben Haim or any other settler who have faced US sanctions. He criticized the move as an unfortunate decision stemming from internal US political needs, using anti-democratic tools against a brave partner and the only democracy in the Middle East.

Smotrich boasted of his efforts to prevent a terrorist state in the West Bank, saying he is proud and ready to pay any price for his actions. He dismissed US and European sanctions as a passing shadow, warning that imposing sanctions on a democratically elected minister would have serious consequences in many areas.

Smotrich claimed to have discussed the issue with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying things will be clarified in a way that is not ambiguous.

The Biden administration has maintained an effective boycott of Smotrich and Ben Gvir, refusing to meet with them due to their views on Palestinians. The administration has expressed frustration over Smotrichs efforts to block enforcement against illegal settlement construction and his withholding of Palestinian tax revenues.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu departed from Israel on Monday morning to Washington, his first visit to the US since returning to office in 2022.

Netanyahu is scheduled for a meeting on Tuesday with US President Joe Biden, who announced his withdrawal from the presidential race on Sunday, and will also meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. On Wednesday, the prime minister will deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress.

Netanyahu is also expected to meet with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump but a meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Netanyahu and his wife were accompanied on the plane by Ayelet Samerano, the mother of Yonatan, Hyd, whose murdered body was abducted to Gaza on October 7th by a UNWRA employee; Shelly Shem-Tov, the mother of Gazan captive Omer Shem-Tov; and rescued hostage Noa Argamani and her father Itzik Argamani.

They were also accompanied by bereaved father Itzik Bonzel, whose son Amit, Hyd, was killed in combat in Gaza; and Yehoshua Shani, whose son, Cpt. Ori, Hyd, lost his life battling Hamas terrorists on October 7th.

Netanyahu and his wife greet the bereaved relatives and the families of the hostages who accompanied him on the trip:

Netanyahu and his entourage flew on the premier flight of the Wing of Zion, the prime ministers official plane  a plane designed and built to serve Israeli leaders. Prior to the October 7th massacre, the planes maiden flight was scheduled for November 2023 to transport Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog to the Climate Summit in Dubai.

The plane has a section for the prime minister and his wife, another section for the prime ministers senior advisors and security officials, and a separate section for journalists. The plane also has a conference room that can be converted into a surgical ward in case of emergency, similar to the one on Air Force One.

The section of the Wing of Zion designated for the press:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
A terrorist on Monday morning attempted to stab IDF soldiers at the entrance to Netiv HaAsara, a moshav in the Gaza border area.

The terrorist was neutralized by the soldiers who opened fire. Baruch Hashem, no soldiers were injured.

A 61-year-old woman who was nearby and heard the gunfire was treated for shock.

According to reports, the terrorist was a Muslim with Canadian citizenship who arrived in Israel on Sunday as a tourist. He rented a car and drove to the moshav on Monday from the Ashdod area. When he got out of the car, he began yelling at the soldiers in English that the IDF kills civilians in Gaza and ran toward them with a knife. The soldiers opened fire, killing him.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF announced on Monday that two additional hostages, Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchshtav, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, have been confirmed dead. The news comes after new intelligence information was obtained, revealing that the two men died several months ago while in Hamas captivity.

Dancyg, 75, a renowned Holocaust educator and activist, and Buchshtav, 35, a musician and soundman, were abducted by Hamas terrorists from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim during the October 7 onslaught. The IDF has not disclosed the circumstances of their deaths, citing an ongoing investigation into the possibility that they were killed by Israeli fire.

Dancyg, a Polish-Israeli, was born in Warsaw in 1948 to Holocaust survivors. He spent his life educating about the Holocaust and teaching other educators how to teach about the Holocaust. He led a program for 120 Israeli and Polish schools to meet together during Israeli school trips to Poland. Israels Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial mourned his loss, saying, Today, we deeply grieve the loss of our cherished and esteemed colleague, Alex Dancyg His essence embodied both in spirit and substance, his love for the land and thirst for knowledge.

Buchshtav and his wife, Rimon, were hiding in their safe room when they were abducted. Rimon was released in a hostage deal with Hamas on November 28, but Yagev remained in captivity. The couple, known for creating a home full of music and rescuing abused animals, had met in high school and reconnected years later, marrying in 2021.

The deaths of Dancyg and Buchshtav bring the total number of confirmed hostage fatalities to 44, out of the 116 hostages still being held by Hamas since October 7, out of a total of 251 who were abducted that day.Hamas is also still holding the bodies of two soldiers since 2014 and two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Israeli military has released footage showing gunmen attempting to commandeer trucks carrying humanitarian aid in the Rafah area of the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF has been saying ever since the Gaza war began that Hamas operatives regularly try to hijack aid deliveries along designated humanitarian aid routes.

Troops from the Nahal Brigade raided a school adjacent to the humanitarian route where a group of gunmen were hiding. The IDF says the terrorists planned to take control of the route used by aid trucks. Using drones, the Nahal troops eliminated the gunmen and later discovered a tunnel shaft in the schools courtyard.

In a separate operation, the IDF released footage of a tunnel found in the Brazil neighborhood of Rafah, which was later demolished. The tunnel, several hundred meters long with multiple levels, was likely intended for use in future attacks.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism after being photographed with a cap bearing the inscription Total Victory during his trip to the US to address Congress. The cap, associated with Channel 14 personality Yinon Magal, sparked accusations of Netanyahus involvement in a marketing campaign.

Netanyahu was pictured with his wife Sara in the conference room on the Wing of Zion plane, Israels version of Air Force One, with the cap prominently displayed on the desk. Online commentators quickly criticized the prime minister, with one reader saying, To ensure that the total victory is not just a hat, it seems to me that we need more than just posing for the camera. Others dubbed him the leader of total failure and accused him of being disconnected from reality.

The controversy surrounding the cap began when a complaint was filed with the Second Authority for Television and Radio, alleging that Magals promotion of the cap on his program The Patriots constituted covert advertising. The complaint claimed that Magal used his broadcast license to profit from selling the cap, potentially in coordination with the Channel.

Israel Hayom correspondent Amir Ettinger weighed in on the issue, writing, The man is a campaigner. A hat hides the head, but does not cover the eyes of the hostage families and the residents of the north, and hides the sad reality.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israel Police officers on Monday arrested an IDF reserve officer for allegedly forging military credentials identity cards for six Palestinian Arabs.

The forged cards allowed the Arabs to stay in Israel illegally for years under the guise of working in various positions for the army. The positions, such as recruitment officials for Bedouins to the IDF, did not exist.

The Arabs, who are all members of the same family from Tulkarm, were detained for questioning.

Over the past few months, the police, in cooperation with the military police, carried out an investigation, which began as a covert investigation, against the IDF officer.

The investigation is still ongoing.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Defence contractor Leonardo will this week make its pitch to seal a 1billion deal to replace the UK's ageing Puma fleet of helicopters.

The Italian-owned firm is battling with rivals Airbus and America's Lockheed Martin for the Ministry of Defence contract, with the winner to be announced next year.

Despite pressure on the Government to hike defence spending, there are fears the deal could be scrapped after Labour's defence review. One industry source said it was an 'obvious candidate'.

The Puma fleet's life could be extended to the 2030s instead. Leonardo will argue the case for its AW149 helicopters, made in Yeovil, at this week's Farnborough Airshow.

It employs more than 3,000 staff at Yeovil, where helicopters have been made for 80 years. It already sells the AW149 to Poland and others.

Making a pitch: Leonardo is battling with rivals Airbus and Lockheed Martin for the Ministry of Defence contract to replace the Puma

Airbus and Lockheed would also make the helicopters in the UK if they win the contract, with Airbus building a facility in Wales where it already makes wings.

The helicopters replace Pumas, which date back to the 1970s.
Ryanair said that airfares will be substantially lower this summer after the airline's profits almost halved.

Europe's largest airline revealed profits were down 46 per cent year-to-year for the three months to the end of June to 360million (303million), despite a 10 per cent increase in passengers to 55.5 million.

Ryanair blamed a more 'frugal' consumer environment and chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said it had been forced to engage in 'more price stimulation than we had previously expected'.

Cheap flights: Ryanair is Europe's biggest airline and boss Micheal O'Leary said more frugal consumers were leading to lower airfares this summer

O'Leary said: 'While Q2 demand is strong, pricing remains softer than we expected, and we now expect Q2 fares to be materially lower than last summer (previously expected to be flat to modestly up).'

The profit figure was considerably lower than analysts' forecasts of 538million (453million).

In a trading update, the Dublin-based firm said that average fares per passenger fell 15 per cent from a year earlier over the same period.

The second quarter (July-September period) is typically where Ryanair makes a bulk of its profit.

O'Leary added that in the last 10 days of June the firm 'suffered a significant deterioration in European ATC capacity which caused multiple flight delays and cancellations'.

He said this made it 'more urgent than ever that the new EU Commission and Parliament deliver long delayed reform of Europe's hopelessly inefficient ATC services'.

Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, put the poor results down to consumers being 'a little bit more frugal, a bit more cautious'.

He said: 'I think we've just had two years of double-digit (percentage) growth, both on fares and on traffic, and so there's a bit of push back.'

Ryanair also said it would receive 20 fewer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft than scheduled for its peak summer season, down from a backlog of 23 forecast in May.

As recently as May, Ryanair reported a 34 per cent rise in annual profits to 1.92billion (1.64billion), slightly ahead of analysts' forecasts of 1.905billion.

The better-than-expected profits were able to offset a 24 per cent rise in operating costs with fuel prices also increasing by 32 per cent.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. A total of 16 candidates for deputies have been registered in connection with the extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani parliament, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov said, Trend reports.

To note, out of 1048 nominated candidates, 700 have been approved so far, and 609 of them have received signature sheets.

On June 28, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and calling for an extraordinary election.

The snap parliamentary election in Azerbaijan is scheduled for September 1, 2024.
Premium French TV channel Canal+ is set for an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange, marking a rare vote of confidence in the City.

It comes as part of plans to break up parent group Vivendi in efforts to boost the value of its business units and help them to grow.

Communication firm Havas and book publisher Lagardere are also being split into separate companies.

Canal+ will seek a London listing, while the Havas advertising business will be listed in Amsterdam and Lagardere in Paris.

IPO: The move would be a boost for London after several years of high-profile defections

Vivendi said Canal+'s listing in London would 'reflect the company's international dimension, with 'close to two-thirds' of its subscribers based out of France and operations 'on all continents'.

It added that the City represents 'an attractive solution for international investors likely to be interested in the group'.

Canal+ will need Vivendi shareholder approval before listing in the UK, but it would mark a boost for London markets after several years of high profile defections to foreign markets and domestic companies opting to go public elsewhere.

Cambridge-based computer chip maker Arm listed in New York last year in a mammoth $54billion float, while betting giant Flutter, building materials company CRH and plumbing firm Ferguson have also left in favour of a US listing in recent years.

However, Canal+ would remain a French company for tax purposes, and would not be subject to mandatory stock market regulations on public offers in either the UK or France.

Canal+, which could also have a secondary listing on the Johannesburg stock market, is currently going through a combination with South African TV giant MultiChoice.

Vivendi said it will IPO with 'virtually zero net debt, with the exception of the debt put in place by Canal+ for the MultiChoice public tender offer'.

The group's controlling Bollore family will continue to own a 30.6 per cent stake in the business, which will operate out of Paris.

Should investors back the proposals, Vivendi will essentially become a listed investment holding company, managing notably a 10 per cent stake in Universal Music Group after spinning it out three-years ago.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The European Union's decision to send military aid to Armenia after the steps taken by France to equip Armenia with multipurpose armored vehicles "Bastion" and self-propelled artillery units "Caesar" is an extremely erroneous and dangerous step and serves to increase tension in the region, the Spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aykhan Hajizada said in a response to a media question about the military aid to Armenia within the framework of the "European Peace Fund," Trend reports.

He noted that such actions by the European Union are clearly unilateral and biased, representing a manifestation of the policy to create "dividing lines" in the region.

"The mentioned military aid to Armenia and urges for further increase of such aid will serve to strengthen the military potential and destructive activities in the region of Armenia, which has kept part of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan under occupation for almost 30 years and even now does not give up claims regarding our territorial integrity.

We strongly protest against this decision of the Council of the European Union, and we expect transparent information on the assistance provided.

The European Union must cease such steps, which promote a policy of armament and militarization in the region, and understand that there is no alternative to peace and cooperation in the region. Otherwise, the European Union will share the responsibility for any possible destabilizing provocation by Armenia," he noted.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Egypt has increased 4.5 times during the first six months of this year compared to the corresponding period in 2023, Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transportation Rashad Nabiyev said at an event dedicated to Egypt's National Day, Trend reports.

"The official visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Egypt in June this year broke a new page in the history of our cooperation," he said.

Rashad Nabiyev noted that this year the countries celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"Over thirty-two years, 49 bilateral documents have been signed, which has further strengthened relations between our countries," he said.

To note, diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 27, 1992. The Egyptian embassy in Baku has been functioning since April 1993, while the Azerbaijani embassy in Cairo has been functioning since January 1994.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The UScontinues to work to try to reach a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing, Trend reports.

"Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to make significant progress toward finalizing a peace agreement. We are committed to supporting that process. The time for peace is now, and we continue to work to try to reach an agreement," he said.

Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia held a meeting on July 10 the sidelines of summit dedicated to the 75th anniversary of NATO.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart have agreed to keep working on peace agreement.

The parties noted the progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia towards concluding a historic peace agreement and establishing interstate relations, and agreed to continue work in this direction.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan once again in July, Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Representative Office of the ICRC Ilaha Huseynova told Trend.

According to her, meetings were conducted with the detainees, and arrangements were made for them to communicate with their families.

She emphasized that the ICRC, in line with its mandate, evaluates the treatment and detention conditions of these individuals, facilitating the re-establishment or maintenance of contact between them and their families. Following ICRC protocols, observations and recommendations from visits are solely communicated and deliberated with the detaining party.

To note, a total of 15 members of the separatist regime are under prosecution in a criminal case investigated by a joint team from the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Security Service. Over the years, the Prosecutor General's Office initiated criminal cases against these individuals, who were subsequently placed on the international wanted list.

Following last year's anti-terrorist measures in Karabakh, law enforcement agencies apprehended and brought to Baku former so-called "presidents" Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, and former so-called "foreign minister" David Babayan, so-called "chairman of the parliament" Davit Ishkhanyan, and generals Leva Mnatsakanyan and David Manukyan, and former so-called "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan.

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Today the Azerbaijani press celebrates its 149th anniversary. On July 22, 1875, thanks to the great efforts of Hasan bey Zardabi, kinci (Ekinchi) - the first native-language newspaper and the flagship of Azerbaijani journalism was launched.

Leading mobile operator Azercell Telecom, which attaches great importance to Azerbaijani media for their exceptional role in promoting national and universal values, congratulates journalists on their professional holiday. Azercell presents a 5 GB mobile internet package to all "Mediacell" tariff users and media employees who participated in the Second Karabakh War.

The gift pack can be used within one month (30 days) from the date of activation. For more information, please visit https://www.azercell.com/en/about-us/press-releases/news/milli-mtbuat-v-jurnalistika-gene-kampaniyasi.html.

Also, on this day, "Azercell Telecom" honors the memory of martyr journalists Magerram Ibragimov and Siraj Abishov, who died while performing their duties on the territories liberated from occupation.

Azercell congratulates all media representatives on their professional holiday and wishes them success in their future endeavors!
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 22. Participants of the global media forum held in Shusha toured the city of Lachin, Trend reports.

According to the report, the foreign guests of the forum visited the creative center Khochazfilm and received detailed information about it.

Forum participants will visit several other places in Lachin.

To note, the II Shusha Global Media Forum was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures, as well as 60 heads and representatives of local media.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Nar congratulated media representatives on the occasion of July 22 - National Press Day and expressed its support by holding an educational training program focused on sustainability and climate change. This initiative demonstrates Nar's commitment to supporting the development of professional media representatives who can effectively drive the sustainability and climate change agenda.

Within the framework of the training held by "Sustainera Solutions", which provides expert services in the field of sustainability and climate change, important aspects were emphasized about the decisive role of the media in promoting sustainability and climate change, the importance of eco PR and the role of trends in sustainability communication.

Hokuma Karimova, Director of Nar's Public Relations and Corporate Communication Department, congratulated the media representatives. At Nar, our goal is to support journalists in their initiatives to inform and involve the public on vital environmental issues, and thus lead to a greener and more sustainable world. As our country will host COP29 this year, we believe it is of great importance that media representatives are empowered with the necessary knowledge to report on sustainability and climate change issues", she noted.

In addition to a training event on sustainability and climate change, a Fibonacci intellectual game was organized for journalists celebrating the press day. Journalists representing 30 media organizations competed in 6 teams. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners were presented with various valuable prizes. You can watch a short video from the event here.

Nar currently provides high-quality communication services to 2.2 million subscribers. Nar is the leading mobile operator in the country according to the Net Promoter Score for the last 5 years. The mobile operator adheres to a customer-centric strategy and provides best-in-class service at an affordable price.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts Eurasia's gas production to increase by 4 percent in 2024 to 864 bcm, Trend reports.

According to the agency's data, the region's gas output experienced a significant decline of 13 percent (or 130 bcm) between 2021 and 2023. This sharp decrease was primarily due to a dramatic drop in Russia's piped gas deliveries to Europe and declining upstream deliverability in Uzbekistan. However, the IEA's outlook indicates a recovery in the first half of 2024, with production increasing by 6 percent (or 25 bcm) year-on-year, driven by stronger domestic demand and higher exports.

According to the IEA, Russia's natural gas production fell by 15 percent (or 125 bcm) between 2021 and 2023, with 95 percent of this decline attributed to lower piped gas exports to Europe. Gazprom, Russia's monopoly pipeline exporter, saw a 30-percent (or 155 bcm) reduction in output during this period, while Novatek and Rosneft increased their production levels.

According to the IEA, Russia's natural gas production grew by over 7 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, with nearly 40 percent of this growth driven by stronger pipeline and LNG exports. Piped gas exports to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline grew by 35 percent year-on-year, with total deliveries expected to exceed 30 bcm. Piped supplies to Europe increased by over 5 percent year-on-year, supported by higher deliveries to the EU and Turkiye. Additionally, Russia began supplying Uzbekistan with around 9 mcm/d starting October 1, 2023. LNG output grew by nearly 10 percent (or 2 bcm) year-on-year, with Asia accounting for almost half of these exports. Domestic gas deliveries increased by 5.5 percent (or nearly 15 bcm) year-on-year, partly due to a colder-than-average first quarter and stronger thermal power generation.

Natural gas production trends varied across Central Asia, according to the IEA. Preliminary estimates indicate increased piped gas deliveries to China, primarily driven by higher output in Turkmenistan. Conversely, Uzbekistan's natural gas production declined by 5 percent (or 1 bcm) year-on-year in the first five months of 2024, reflecting deteriorating upstream deliverability and increasing reliance on imports, including from Russia.

The IEA's data shows that Kazakhstan's sales gas production grew by 4 percent (or 0.5 bcm) year-on-year during January-May 2024. Azerbaijan also saw a 4-percent (or 0.6 bcm) year-on-year increase in sales gas production in the first five months of 2024, supported by higher deliveries to Europe, which rose by 4 percent (0.4 bcm) year-on-year during the same period.

The IEA forecasts Eurasia's gas production to increase in 2024, although it will remain 10 percent below 2021 levels. Russia is expected to account for the bulk of this growth, with higher gas production supported by both domestic demand and exports.
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Credit where it's due . . .

Connection to delicious fare is an important to stay in the good graces of constituents.



Here's a roundup of her recent adventures . . . Check-it:



During todays conversation with KC-area BBQ restaurant owners, we discussed important issues facing our small businesses, from navigating economic challenges to maximizing federal resources, said Davids. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Im committed to ensuring these entrepreneurs have the support needed to thrive and keep serving up Kansas Citys world-renowned BBQ in our community.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Rep. Sharice Davids Releases Updated Report on Small Business Growth in Kansas' Third District | KCLY Radio By Trish Svoboda Today, July 18, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a conversation with several Kansas City-area BBQ restaurant owners at Jack Stack Barbe ...

Related . . .
A suggestion regarding Prez Biden stepping down actually has widespread report here in Trump Country Missouri & Kansas.

Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith thinks it's a good idea.

And here's the headline quote from the former morning news anchor . . . Check-it:



He has served his nation; Ill give him that, (Congressman) Alford said. He did the right thing today by resigning the campaign, but I think its time to resign the White House, as well.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC-area republicans react to President Biden's decision to end reelection push Republican leaders in Kansas City react quickly to President Biden's decision to end his 2024 reelection campaign.

Alternatively . . .

Top Missouri Democrat commends Biden for dropping out, says calls for resignation are 'B.S.' - Missourinet Missouri's delegates for next month's Democratic National Convention will be asked to nominate someone other than Joe Biden for president. State Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan commends Biden for dropping out of the presidential race and "doing the right thing." He said Biden's decision has boosted the political energy.

Developing . . .
In the very near future Mayor Q might be front and center campaigning for the current Veep on her slightly historic effort to become the first ever Prez of South Asian Indian heritage.

She's also campaigning as a Black lady which is her right given that campaign 2024 is mostly gonna be a popularity contest fought on a culture war battle ground because nobody really understands what's happening with the economy, Israel or Ukraine and it's easier to ignore topics that don't garner much social media relevance.

But here's the important question for voters . . .

GIVEN THAT HE WAS TOTALLY WRONG ABOUT PREZ BIDEN'S CAMPAIGN: WHY SHOULD KANSAS CITY TRUST MAYOR Q SUPPORT FOR VEEP KAMALA HARRIS?!?

It's not a mean question . . . We merely suggest that Mayor Q "show his receipts" and acknowledge his recent political miscalculation and why that doesn't impact his judgement going forward. In some circles they call this kind of thing "accountability" for political rhetoric.



Of course any kind of honest conversation about political judgement never happens in Kansas City.

Instead . . .

What we've seen from leaders, talkers and political denizens of all sorts is a ritual invocation of demographics, talking points and blather that was designed on K Street spouted by lesser minds pushing the same kind of meaningless cowtown conversation.

As always our mission is to provide some kind of alternative but to do that we have to demonstrate the mainstream conversation and why it's mostly a bad joke . . . And so we share a relevant quote, further reading and hope that we've inspired our blog community to think about the opening rounds of this contest just a bit differently . . . Check-it:



If Harris emerges as the Democratic nominee, she will become the first Black woman to lead a majority-party ticket in U.S. history. The Biden-Harris campaign has amended filings with the Federal Election Commission to declare her a candidate a move that would give her access to campaign funds. Overnight, Harris received nearly $50 million in campaign donations.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

The Kamala Harris cheat sheet: 19 things to know about the woman who might be president Get up to speed with the Democrat frontrunner - who officiated the first gay wedding in California and won a huge victory when she went to war with the mortgage companies

Scoop: Biden doubted Kamala Harris' election chances This next week will be critical for Harris, 59, to prove doubters wrong.

Donald Trump has donated to Kamala Harris twice, but she didn't keep the money Trump donated a total of $6,000 to support Harris' bid for reelection as attorney general of California in 2014. Years later, Harris' team said she had given that money to a human rights nonprofit.

'VEEP' Clips Go Viral As America Dry-Heaves At Kamala's Potential Nomination Clips comparing Vice President Kamala Harris to the fictional "VEEP" character Selina Meyer went viral Sunday

America Is Ready for a Black Female President-but Not Kamala Harris If Kamala Harris and her supporters, driven by ego and their own desire to see history made, help elect Trump, then her legacy will end up just as damaged as Ruth Bader Ginsburg's.

Watch: Steve Kornacki breaks down Kamala Harris' starting point in polls as race reboots Steve Kornacki, MSNBC national political correspondent, talks with Rachel Maddow about how Kamala Harris polls against Donald Trump in comparison to Joe Biden's polling and how soon we might expect the rapid consolidation of Democratic support around Kamala Harris to be reflected in new polling, particularly in crucial swing states.

Who could be Kamala Harris's VP? The potential list, briefly explained. Popular Democratic governors from swing states are among those likely in contention.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The Chamber of Accounts has revealed financial violations worth 91 million manat ($53.5 million) based on the results of external state financial control, Trend reports.

According to the report on the activities of the Azerbaijani Chamber of Accounts for the first half of 2024, 39.3 million manat ($23.1 million) amounted to losses for the budget.

The audits revealed cases of non-compliance with the unified budget classification, procurement procedures after the provision of services, and other violations. Materials from two audits with signs of criminal offenses were sent to law enforcement bodies.

Furthermore, it is noted that, following the plan for 2024, the Accounts Chamber conducted 38 external public financial audits, of which 15 were conducted for the first time. The main focus was on management efficiency, including support for breeding livestock and safe waste management. Compared to the previous year, the number of such audits doubled.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani Chamber of Accounts continued to actively participate in international projects such as the Global Reporting Initiative of Supreme Audit Institutions and the Project on Quality Management in Supreme Audit Institutions.

Memoranda were signed with the National Audit Office of China and the Chamber of Accounts of Turkiye. Azerbaijan also participated in the audit of the financial statements of the ASOSAI Secretariat.

Meanwhile, it is emphasized that within the framework of the annual operational plan, the Chamber has implemented 93.4 percent of the 122 planned activities. Special attention was paid to participation in the budgetary process, including the assessment of the execution of the state budget and budgets for extra-budgetary funds.

To note, the activities of the Chamber of Accounts are regulated by the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan, "On the Chamber of Accounts".

Under this law, the Chamber implements measures of external state financial control, gives an opinion on projects and execution of the consolidated budget, including the state budget and budgets of extra-budgetary state funds (institutions), strengthens financial discipline based on the results of measures of external state financial control, financial control activities, conducts regular analysis for planning purposes, improves implementation of state financial management and state financial control, It also provides recommendations on the effective and targeted use of public funds and other state property, cooperates with institutions and international organizations performing relevant functions in foreign countries, international organizations of supreme audit institutions.

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Udaku Special

Serikali Yatangaza Nafasi 11,015 za Ualimu.....

The Public Service Recruitment Secretariat (PSRS) is a government organ with a status of independent Department established specifically to facilitate the recruitment process of employees to the Public Service. Public Service Recruitment Secretariat was established by the Public Service Act No. 8 0f 2002 as amended by Act No. 18 of 2007, section 29(1)

On behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Local Government Authorities (MDAs & LGAs), Public Service Recruitment Secretariat invites qualified Tanzanians to fill 11,015 teachers vacant posts as mentioned in the PDF file attached;

TAMISEMI: 11,015 Ajira Mpya za Walimu Tamisemi July 2024 | Apply Now

Please follow the link below for full job details and mode of application....

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To submit your application, Follow the link provided above to read all the teaching job advertised








The European Commission welcomes today's decision by the Council of the EU to change the format of the EU's participation in the international Register of Damage for Ukraine from associate member to participant.

The European Commission announced this on Monday, Ukrinform reports.

"The Commission welcomes today's adoption by the Council of the decision to change the Union's status in the Register of Damage for Ukraine, from Associate Member to Participant. The Register of Damage serves as a record of evidence and information on claims for damages, losses or injuries caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It aims to ensure full and effective reparation for Ukraine and its people," the message reads.

Read also: EU renews economic sanctions against Russia for another six months

The Register was established by the Council of Europe on May 12, 2023, with the 43 states and the EU joining so far, including 26 EU member states.

On May 30, 2024, the Commission proposed to the Council to change the Union's status to further strengthen the Union's commitment to the activities of the Register.

"By becoming a fully-fledged participant, the Union keeps up and strengthens its commitment to ensure that all violations of international law committed by Russia will be duly compensated. The change of status also contributes to the financial stability of the Register as the Union commits to providing a mandatory annual financial contribution," the statement reads.

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: "Russia must pay for the damage caused by its aggression against Ukraine. The Register of Damage constitutes an important step in that direction, by securely recording evidence and information on claims for damages, losses or injury suffered by Ukrainians for future adjudication and compensation. I welcome today's decision that confirms and steps up the EU's strong support to this mechanism."

As of April 2024, the first claims related to damage or destruction of residential property started to be registered, with an expected total of 300,000 to 600,000 claims in this category. By August, twelve additional categories of claims will be open for submission, including those from individuals most affected by the war, and claims related to the damage or destruction of Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. COP29 stands as an important milestone in collective efforts to implement the Paris Agreement, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Energy of Slovenia Bojan Kumer said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as he visited Baku

"We made significant progress at last years COP, but we know that we cannot afford to stand still, and certainly, we cannot afford to backtrack. Slovenia, as a member of the European Union, will therefore actively work to contribute to the success of the COP29. We must deliver on the new financial goal which will help developing countries to implement their future climate policies and measures. Slovenia has been demonstrating its commitment to climate finance, exemplified by, amongst others, its pledge to the Loss and Damage Fund. As one of the smallest country-sized donors, this commitment serves as a significant signal within the complex multilateral landscape," he said.



Kumer noted that making progress on mitigation is also of key importance.

"Within the EU, we are currently deliberating on the new climate goal for 2040, which will be basis for the ambitious National Determined Contribution (NDC) to be submitted in time. All these elements, together with strong follow up of last years first Global Stock Take process will form a package for a successful COP29. During the meeting with Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev, I was informed that preparations are developing very well. I offered any assistance from Slovenian side to him and his team," said Kumer.

He pointed out that Slovenian team is fully prepared to constructively participate in negotiations and political initiatives and contribute to successful outcome of the COP Presidency of Azerbaijan.

"We also welcome very much the Azerbaijani initiative for Peace Day and the gender equality. Furthermore, we are actively supporting youth participation and inclusion of civility society at COP29. Last, but not least, sectors such as water and agriculture hold paramount importance for both Slovenia and Azerbaijan. We are eager to advance agendas in these fields, understanding that sectoral approaches play an increasingly vital role in climate action," he added.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COP - the Conference of the Parties - is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The international financial system should be reformed to make climate financing more accessible, the President of COP28, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said at the eighth Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA) in Wuhan today, Trend reports.

"It's important for all sectors of the world's economies to recognize the importance of climate resilience as a core principle. The international financial system needs to be reformed to make climate financing more accessible. Investment from the private sector needs to be encouraged," said the COP28 President.

According to him, the COP Troika (UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil) is intended to play a key role in maintaining momentum in the fight against climate change.

"We urge all countries to present their NDCs (nationally determined contributions to emission reductions) at COP29. These commitments need to be turned into practical plans. The plans should be comprehensive, balanced, and aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change," Al Jaber added.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn.

COP30 will take place in late 2025 in Brazil.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Azerbaijan is striving to make COP-related funding sustainable, Azerbaijan's Deputy Energy Minister and Chief Executive Officer of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, said during a presentation on "Solidarity for a Green World - COP29 at the II Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

We should have a unified position. In this way, we can get new models. Regarding the Climate Change Fund, we would like everyone to contribute. Certain issues have already been brought to the public's attention. We, the working group, are working on it, he added.

Will be updated
In declaring her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris could become the first graduate of a historically Black college or university to hold the nation's highest office.

Harris, a 1986 graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., is entering the presidential race at a challenging time, with President Joe Biden dropping out and the Democratic National Convention less than a month away. However, the former California attorney general stated on Sunday that she intends to "earn and win this nomination," and has already secured endorsements from key Democrats.

HBCU students and faculty also recently expressed optimism about Harris' campaign.

"A black woman who is a product of an HBCU and who is also from the Bay Area. There are so many levels and parallels to how important it is to me," North Carolina A&T State University student Charles-Anthony Woodfork told WFMY News 2.

Historian and professor Stephen G. Hall also commented on X that HBCUs "will definitely show up and absolutely show out. We are so proud of Kamala Harris. She will be our 47th President."

The Biden administration has boosted federal funding and investments in HBCUs in the past three years, totaling more than $16 billion.

"As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence. For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America's leadership at home and abroad," Harris said in a statement in May.

Howard University did not respond to a request for comment.
The University of Wyoming has selected academic technology transfer expert Arundeep Pradhan for the newly created position of deputy vice president for research and innovation.

Pradhan had been working in an interim director role for the UW Technology Transfer Office.

Pradhan will work closely with UW Vice President for Research and Economic Development Parag Chitnis, who oversees the universitys Research and Economic Development Division (REDD). Together, they will jointly manage 20 units of REDD, which coordinates the origination, organization and execution of UWs research mission with principal investigators, departments, colleges, centers and institutes.

The division also works with faculty, staff and student inventors through the Technology Transfer Office to identify, protect and commercialize intellectual property. These services are provided so that scholarly activities accomplished at UW enhance the creation of new knowledge and new applications of existing knowledge while having a positive impact on economic development and society in general.

We are extremely delighted Arun has accepted this critically important role with us, Chitnis says. His demonstrated expertise and passion in fostering research translation and commercialization are what UW needs in strengthening and broadening its innovation enterprise for economic prosperity in Wyoming.

As interim director of the Technology Transfer Office, Pradhan grew the technology transfer program to meet the unique needs of both the university and Wyoming. His work featured a customer-needs-driven strategy for commercialization and utilization of research outcomes.

He previously served as president of Apio Innovation Transfer (APIOiX), an internationally recognized consulting firm that specializes in academic technology transfer, business startup support, entrepreneurship, business development and training. APIOiXs clients included UW among several other universities, small and medium enterprises, government agencies and development banks around the world.

Before this position, Pradhan led technology transfer activities at Oregon Health & Science University, Colorado State University and the University of Utah. He also has served as president of AUTM -- formerly the Association of University Technology Managers.

I am thrilled to be joining the REDD team to develop and fulfill the universitys research and innovation vision, Pradhan says. I enjoy working with people to solve problems and am passionate about developing and building ecosystems that support research, entrepreneurship and innovation.

About the University of Wyoming Research and Economic Development Division

REDD is a service organization to the faculty, staff and students of UW. Its goal is to provide swift, accurate and expert service to enhance the research missions of individuals and various units within the university. REDD empowers researchers, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs with stewardship of expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration and transformational impact and prosperity for Wyoming and the world. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/research.
The Austrian Grand Prix saw McLarens Lando Norris and Red Bulls Max Verstappen go head-to-head as they battled into Turn 3. However, it was seen several times that Verstappen had moved under braking  an action that is outlawed in the F1 Driving Standards Guidelines which stewards use. This incident ended with the pair colliding, ending Norris's race and pushing Verstappen back to fifth.

Verstappen was awarded a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points as he finished fifth with Norris retiring after both received punctures.

The F1 Driving Standards Guidelines states: "When defending, there must be no change in direction by the defending car, after the deceleration phase has commenced, except to follow the racing line." However, at the time, Verstappens actions were not deemed to be outside the rules which is why there was no intervention.

With McLaren upset after the race about how things were handled at the Red Bull Ring, the matter was discussed in Thursday evenings team principals meeting at the British Grand Prix. F1 race director Niels Wittich told all the competitors that, following reflection in its regular post-event review that the FIA conducts into how each GP is run, it was agreed that the governing body should have done more.

McLarens Reaction

At initial investigations, McLaren argued that the collision could have been avoided if Verstappen had been promptly warned for his actions  which were clear violations of the sport's regulations.

McLaren's Team Principal, Andrea Stella, commented on the FIAs post-race analysis, We are happy because I think the FIA have expressed their opinion around what happened in Austria and we are satisfied that this opinion confirms that our understanding straight after the race was correct, and during the race to some extent.

During the race, you're not in condition to influence very much, because you can't even talk to the stewards. You can talk to the race director, but actually, he does not talk to the stewards. So, our understanding was confirmed by the FIA, who will have obviously reviewed internally and might have updated their interpretation And I think we all concluded that a warning should have been given to Max, if not black and white flag. And this would have prevented an escalation that led to the collision.

Refining its guidelines

The incident has prompted the FIA to refine its guidelines regarding the use of the black and white warning flag. Amendments to Appendix H of the FIAs International Sporting Code will broaden the conditions under which this flag can be deployed.

In a reworking of Appendix H of the FIAs International Sporting for the start of 2024, the black and white warning flag is no longer just restricted for use for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

The new Article 2.5.4.1 f) states that: This flag should be shown once only and is a warning to the driver concerned for unsportsmanlike behaviour or for an action which may result in a penalty if repeated.

Past incidents with no sanctions

During the 2019 Italian Grand Prix, the flag was shown to Charles Leclerc during his battle for the lead with Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc squeezed Hamilton wide under braking for the second chicane, forcing him to take to the escape road. The Monegasque was shown the flag but did not receive further sanction.

There were also the repeated collisions between Verstappen and Hamilton in 2021.

Max Verstappen's reaction

From Verstappens perspective, the incident is something that he believes will be discussed between himself and Norris, but he admitted that now is not the time for this to happen.

Of course we will talk about it, he added. At the moment I think its not the right point, its better to just let things cool off I think ideally. But besides that, Im more annoyed also with just how the performance of the race was, the mistakes that we made that normally we dont make.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. The process of reducing methane emissions requires the involvement of all countries, Azerbaijan's Deputy Energy Minister and Chief Executive Officer of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, said during a presentation on Solidarity for a Green World - COP29 at the II Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

There is no country in the world that can find a method to reduce carbon emissions without damaging its economy. All countries must join the process of reducing methane emissions. The amount of funding directed by nations towards adaptation must be increased.

We need high-level support. For instance, there will be a ministerial meeting in China. Also, a meeting will be organized in the Shamakhi district of Azerbaijan. Each of these events is aimed at support, Soltanov said.

To note, the Second Shusha Global Media Forum is attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including news agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 heads and representatives of Azerbaijani media.
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The 12-month grace period for student loan borrowers ended on September 30. The "on-ramp" period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score.

"The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments," said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges.

With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven't been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default.

If you have student loans, here's what you need to know.

What was the on-ramp period?

The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower's transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate.

"Normally, loans will default if you fall about nine months behind on making payments, but during this on-ramp period, missed payments would not move people towards defaulting and then being subject to forced collections. However, if you missed payments, you still be falling behind ultimately on repaying your loans," said Abby Shaforth, director of National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project.

Since this grace period has ended, student loan borrowers who don't make payments will go delinquent or, if their loans are not paid for nine months, go into default.

Borrowers who cannot afford to make payments can apply for deferment or forbearance, which pause payments, though interest continues to accrue.

What happens if I don't make my payments?

Borrowers who can't or don't pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If a borrower missed one month's payment, they will start receiving email notifications, said Shaforth. Once the loan hasn't been paid for three months, loan servicers notify to the credit reporting agencies that the loan is delinquent, affecting your credit history. Once the borrower hasn't paid the loan for nine months, the loan goes into default.

If you're struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can see whether you qualify by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you've worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days  roughly nine months  the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

Once a loan is in default, it goes into collections. This means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

What if I can't pay?

If your budget doesn't allow you to resume payments, it's important to know how to navigate the possibility of default and delinquency on a student loan. Both can hurt your credit rating, which would make you ineligible for additional aid.

If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for deferment or forbearance  allowing you to temporarily suspend payment.

To determine whether deferment or forbearance are good options for you, you can contact your loan servicer. One thing to note: interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Both can also impact potential loan forgiveness options. Depending on the conditions of your deferment or forbearance, it may make sense to continue paying the interest during the payment suspension.

What is an income-driven repayment plan?

The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of several plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased.

What is the latest with the SAVE program?

In August, the Supreme Court kept on hold the SAVE plan, the income-driven repayment plan that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.

Eight million borrowers who had already enrolled in the SAVE plan don't have to pay their monthly student loan bills until the court case is resolved. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.

The next court hearing about this case will be held on October 15.

What happened with the Fresh Start program?

The Fresh Start program, which gave benefits to borrowers who were delinquent prior to the pandemic payment pause, also closed on September 30. During this limited program, student loan borrowers who were in default prior to the pandemic were given the opportunity to remove their loans from default, allowing them to enroll in income-driven payment plans, or apply for deferment, among other benefits.
U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to not seek a second term has upended the 2024 presidential race, leading to an unpredictable and possibly chaotic nominating process with few parallels in modern U.S. history.

Biden announced Sunday he would step aside and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, succumbing to weeks of pressure from Democratic Party colleagues concerned about his age and mental fitness.

Bidens decision isnt unprecedented. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and Harry S. Truman in 1952 also started re-election bids and then withdrew from the race.

However, both of those men dropped out much earlier in the election cycle, giving their parties more time to reorganize and strategize for the general election.

In contrast, Bidens withdrawal came after the primary voting process had concluded, and less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, where he was set to be formally nominated.

No U.S. presidential candidate has ever dropped out so late in the race, said Peter Loge, a professor at George Washington University, who called Bidens decision absolutely historic.

The U.S. political system isnt like most of the rest of the world. Our elections are endless  and endlessly expensive, Loge said. Suddenly it feels like were having a snap election in the way that theyve had in the U.K. recently.

Coalescing around Harris?

While Biden's exit set off a last-minute scramble to appoint a new nominee, senior Democratic Party leaders quickly tried to coalesce around Harris.

In the hours after Bidens withdrawal, a wide range of high-profile Democrats, including some who had been seen as potential presidential contenders, endorsed Harris, saying it was important that the party unite to defeat former president Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee.

Sufficient support for Harris could prevent a scenario known as an open convention, in which there is no predetermined nominee at the start of the gathering. Some observers warn such an outcome could be highly divisive and uncontrollable.

Perhaps you dont want a convention that is completely open because it tears the party apart, as opposed to rallying around one particular candidate, said Gary Schmitt, a political scientist and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

The next few days are pretty critical [in terms of] how much the Democratic pollsters and donors rally behind Harris or not, he added.

How it usually works

In normal years, almost any uncertainty regarding a partys presidential pick is resolved before its convention.

Since the 1970s, the conventions have been preceded by a series of state-by-state elections, known as primaries, which effectively determine the partys presidential nominee.

To win the nomination, a presidential candidate must secure a majority of party delegates, who are apportioned according to the outcome of each states primary.

Those delegates then attend the convention, where they effectively ratify the voters choice.

As a result, party conventions have become tightly scripted, made-for-TV events, with passionate political speeches and celebrity performances typically overshadowing the largely perfunctory presidential nomination process.

This time may be different

However, when Democratic delegates gather in Chicago on August 19, the details may matter.

The overwhelming majority of Democratic Party delegates  about 3,900  had already been secured by Biden. But after Biden dropped out, his delegates will now be freed to support whomever they choose. In an open convention scenario, any candidate would be eligible to run if they can first secure the signatures of 300 delegates.

All delegates would then participate in a first round of voting. If no candidate receives a majority of delegates, the convention would head to an even more contentious setup known as a brokered convention, in which candidates and influential party figures attempt to win over delegates during mostly private negotiations.

However, some reports suggest the party may attempt to avoid that outcome by holding a virtual vote or by finding another way to essentially lock in Harris or another candidate as the nominee before the convention.

In a statement Sunday, the Democratic National Committee, which organizes the convention, vowed a transparent and orderly process, which will be governed by established rules and procedures.

Legitimacy worries

Depending on the outcome, there are potential concerns about legitimacy. For the first time in decades, a presidential nominee will not have been chosen directly by voters.

However, such concerns may be lessened if Harris becomes the nominee, since she appeared on primary ballots as Bidens running mate, said Thomas Schwartz, a historian and professor at Vanderbilt University.

If Harris doesnt win the nomination, that could create resentment among some of her supporters, Schwartz added.

It could cause issues because as an African American woman, and an Asian woman, the idea that they were sort of changing the rules, that could provoke some unrest among some of the partys strongest supporters, Schwartz said.

So, I do think an open convention poses a question of legitimacy, even if it would I think in other ways be somewhat exciting and may perhaps actually restore some momentum for Democrats, he added.

Uncertainty

Recent opinion polls have shown Trump with a growing lead against Biden, even in so-called swing states that could sway the outcome of the election.

If history is any indication, there is no guarantee that Democrats will improve their fortunes by switching candidates.

When Truman and Johnson  both Democrats  dropped out of the race, their party went on to choose new candidates, both of whom later lost to their Republican challenger.

Jennifer Mercieca, a scholar of presidential rhetoric at Texas A&M University, says the situation is highly uncertain, except for the fact that there will likely be significant power struggles behind the scenes.

Its all speculation at this point, she said. We have no idea  we havent seen anything like this before.

VOA's Serbian Service, VOA's Georgian Service, and White House Bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
The news of U.S. President Joe Bidens decision to end his reelection campaign quickly became a trending topic on Chinese social media platforms Monday.

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon U.S. time, Biden announced his decision to not run for a second term and vowed to focus his energy on fulfilling his duties as president.

So far, the Chinese government has remained tight lipped about the decision. At a regular press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to comment, and said the presidential election is an internal affair of the United States.

Online, however, the entry Biden withdrew from the election attracted more than 400 million views on the Chinas microblogging site Weibo and tens of thousands of comments.

Other topics went viral as well. Topics such as Zelensky respects Bidens decision to withdraw from the election, Harris praised Biden, and Trump thinks Harris is easier to beat were all in the top 20 searches Monday on Weibo, which is similar to the social media site X.

Several major media outlets in China, including the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Peoples Daily, and the Global Times, covered Bidens withdrawal from the race extensively.

Many Chinese netizens expressed the view that Bidens decision ensures that Trump will win the election in November while some said things have suddenly changed for Ukraine, referring to Trumps repeated criticism of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Tonight will be a sleepless night for Zelensky, Chinese netizen Yo-Huai-To-Bi from northeastern Shandong province wrote on Weibo.

Other Chinese netizens argued that the United States will continue to compete with China and try to contain the countrys rise regardless of who wins the election in November.

We shouldnt be too happy about this news because Trump will likely continue Bidens strategies toward China and he might roll out harsher measures, a netizen called BIGTREE33 from Chinas southeastern Fujian Province wrote on Weibo.

Some Chinese commentators said the Democratic Party will have very little chance of winning the presidential election in November without Biden.

No faction in the Democratic Party can rebuild a campaign that can challenge Trump within a short time, so after Biden withdrew from the race, the Democrats will return to a very divided situation, Jia Min, an affiliated researcher at Shanghai Development Research Foundation, told Shanghai Morning News in a video.

Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of Chinas state-run tabloid Global Times, wrote on X that whoever becomes the Democratic Partys presidential candidate will make little difference to the presidential race in November.

Because Trumps personality is so outstanding, American voters are now divided into two groups: Trump lovers & Trump haters, he wrote, adding that Novembers election will be a choice between Trump or anyone.

Harris vs. Trump

After Biden endorsed U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to be the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party and Harris vowed to win the Democratic Partys nomination, the entry Could Harris defeat Trump quickly became a trending topic on Weibo.

More Chinese netizens seem to believe Harris has very little chance of beating Trump in the presidential election. If Hillary Clinton couldnt beat Trump back then, Harris would just be a joke, a netizen named Falling in Love with Jia-tze-hu from Shandong Province wrote on Weibo.

Some Chinese analysts said Harris lacks the experience and achievement to serve as the next president of the United States.

Looking at Harris's overall track record, her performance as vice president has not been particularly outstanding, and she has not achieved satisfactory results, Sun Chenghao, a fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, told Chinese online media outlet the Paper.

Beijing-Washington rivalry to continue

While Bidens decision to pull out of the presidential race will likely shape the development of the U.S. presidential election, some analysts say the Chinese government may think that these developments wont change the fact that Beijing and Washington are engaged in an intense competition.

Beijings view is that the U.S. and China are in this rivalry, and it will continue no matter who runs in the election, Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, told VOA by phone.

Other experts say the Chinese government may not have clear expectations about how different candidates may focus on issues related to China.

Despite being the vice president, Harris hasn't said that much on foreign policy, especially compared to the known track records of both Biden and Trump, said Timothy Rich, a political scientist at Western Kentucky University.

So, a known Trump, however erratic, may be easier [for Beijing] to prepare for than Harris, he told VOA in a written response.

If Novembers election becomes a race between Trump and Harris, Rich thinks a potential Trump victory would mean more tariffs on Chinese commodities and a more explicit view of trade as a zero-sum game. A potential Harris administration, he adds, may adopt a more nuanced approach to address Washingtons trade relationship with China.

On the issue of Taiwan, Rich said the fact that the Republican National Committee excluded Taiwan from the party platform may suggest Trump is thinking transactionally about how cutting off support for Taiwan could lead to some big trade agreement with China.

In contrast, I cant see a Harris administration deviating on support for Taiwan much from her predecessor, he told VOA.
President Joe Biden is dropping out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump, throwing the Democratic Party into chaos just months before the election. We talk to Charles Chamberlayne from Chamberlayne PR in Southern California. The Israeli army on Sunday sent out the first batch of 1,000 draft orders to ultra-Orthodox men, in a move that could threaten the Israeli government. And 55 years ago we heard one giant leap for mankind. Those words endure as one of the best-known quotes in the English language.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris moved quickly on Monday to cement her front-runner status for the Democratic presidential nomination, collecting tens of millions of dollars in donations and winning endorsements of key elected officials in the party.

She raised more than $50 million for her campaign in the hours after President Joe Biden stunningly withdrew Sunday from the 2024 contest against former President Donald Trump and endorsed her candidacy. Her campaigns total was amassed along with a larger haul of more than $80 million collected at ActBlue, the online donation-processing portal used by Democrats.

Numerous Democratic officials endorsed the candidacy of the 59-year-old Harris, and no key challengers have announced they will fight her for the nomination. Former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, still an influential figure within Democratic circles, endorsed her ascent to the presidential nomination, with other party leaders in Congress expected to follow.

Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States, Pelosi said in a statement. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for president is official, personal and political.

In addition, numerous Democratic governors across the country endorsed Harris, including J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Wes Moore of Maryland, Gavin Newsom of California, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin. The names of several of them have been floated as possible vice-presidential running mates with Harris although she has made no public comments about who is under consideration.

Biden had established the Biden-Harris national campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, the eastern U.S. city where his longtime home is.

Harris is visiting there late Monday to meet with campaign officials. But whether she moves the headquarters back to Washington to be close to the official vice-presidential residence or even swaps out high-level campaign officials was not known in the immediate transformation of her role in the campaign.

Democratic officials have yet to settle whether they will hold a virtual presidential nominating contest starting in early August or wait until the Democratic National Convention meets in Chicago from August 19-22 to formally pick a candidate to run against Trump, the Republican nominee.

Several state delegations to the convention announced they are supporting Harris for the partys presidential nomination.

Harris was a senator from California, the countrys most populous state, before Biden picked her as his vice-presidential running mate in 2020. She had been running for reelection for another four-year term as Bidens second in command before he relented to a growing number of calls from Democrats to drop out of the race after his faltering debate performance against Trump in late June.

While a Trump-Harris contest wasnt etched onto ballots yet, the campaign quickly began as news of Bidens withdrawal from the contest took hold.

On Sunday night, a Harris campaign video mocked Trump as a world leader in temper tantrums while casting her as a politician who never loses her cool.

Meanwhile, Trumps campaign contended that Harris was aware that the 81-year-old Biden was declining mentally and physically. Kamala was in on it, the ad said. She covered up Joes obvious mental decline. But Kamala knew Joe couldnt do the job. So, she did it. Therefore, the ad claimed, Kamala owns this failed record.

Harris made her first public appearance since Biden withdrew from the race at a White House tribute early Monday to honor championship college athletic teams from the past year.

She did not allude to the coming campaign but praised Biden for his big heart and his deep love of our country.

I am a firsthand witness, she said, that every day, our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.
Human rights defenders and international agencies have broadly condemned a Cambodian courts decision to sentence 10 environmental activists to six and eight years in prison for plotting against the state and/or lese-majeste (defaming the king) earlier this month.

The case concerned Mother Nature Cambodia, an award-winning environmental group that successfully stopped Chinese-led construction of a hydroelectric dam in 2015 and managed to secure a ban on exporting coastal sand in 2016.

Dozens of rights groups in Cambodia and abroad maintain authorities charged the activists to stifle their environmental work.

Cambodian authorities dismissed criticism from the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the European Union and others that the defendants were convicted for their environmental activism.

Their sentencing was based on sufficient facts and full legality, and that process was established through a clear investigation by authorities, which led to their conviction, Chin Malin, secretary of state and spokesperson at the Ministry of Justice, said July 4.

That is false.

U.N. Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said, many aspects of the trial procedure in the case against the activists may have failed to comply with international human rights standards binding on Cambodia.

Phil Robertson, the director of the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates consultancy, told Polygraph.info that prosecutors and police just made things up to convict the activists, contending serious evidence is not necessary when a political case reaches the courts in Cambodia, as the guilty judgment is already pre-ordained.

That assessment tracks with a 2023 U.S. State Department human rights report, which said the Cambodian government generally did not respect judicial independence and impartiality, adding the countrys judicial branch could not ensure due process, fair trials or verdicts free from political influence.

Rights groups say authorities targeted the Mother Nature Cambodia activists for nearly a decade, with the charges against them referencing alleged acts committed between 2012 and 2021.

Authorities prosecuted the activists after an unidentified party allegedly hacked and recorded a May 2021 Zoom meeting of Mother Nature Cambodia members, which was then leaked to pro-government media, the International Federation of Human Rights said.

Amnesty International said that a 2015 law permits the Cambodian government to undertake unfettered surveillance of digital communications in the absence of adequate safeguards and oversight, violating the right to privacy as guaranteed by international human rights law.

The video clip was posted to a Facebook account called Kamchatchunkbot, meaning defeat the traitor, which prosecutors used as evidence that the activists intended to overthrow the government, CamboJA News reported.

Prosecutors contend that individuals participating in that meeting, specifically Spanish environmentalist Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, the co-founder of Mother Nature Cambodia who was deported from Cambodia in 2015, used language that insulted King Norodom Sihamoni and former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Evidence presented in court included interviews Gonzalez-Davidson provided to VOA, VOA-sister organization Radio Free Asia (RFA) and other media criticizing Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for decades before his son Hun Manet took the helm last year.

Gonzalez-Davidson was denied the right to due process, as Cambodian authorities would not allow him to return to the country to stand trial.

Cambodias pro-government EAC News reported Gonzalez-Davidson said, Api Sihamoni during the zoom meeting, which it translated as damn the king.

Mu Sochua, president of the Khmer Movement for Democracy, disputes that.

Api does not mean, even loosely, damn the king. It is the equivalent to 'that guy, Sochua told Polygraph.info, noting that the other two activists sentenced for defaming the king did not use the term.

They are pulling any evidence they can find, Sochua said, adding the case against the environmentalists would have been dismissed by any independent court due to the "many irregularities in the trial and the weak evidence.

Yim Leanghy, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for plotting and lese-majeste, said the court never provided evidence supporting his conviction on either charge.

Several members of Mother Nature Cambodia were first charged in 2021 after they documented waste run-off near the royal palace in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The fact that the pollution into the river in Phnom Penh was near the palace was apparently enough to move towards a charge involving defamation of the king, Robertson told Polygraph.info. Once again, it's clear that in the hands of the Hun Manet government, the lese-majeste law is being weaponized to attack freedom of expression.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. China's Wuhan will host a ministerial meeting on COP29 by the end of the week, which will follow the 8th Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA) initiated by China, the EU, and Canada, Chief Executive Officer of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, said at a panel discussion on "Solidarity for a Green World - COP29" in Shusha, Trend reports.

According to him, the ministerial meeting on COP29 in Wuhan will be followed by a meeting of experts in Shamakhi at the end of the month.

This is a very important event. It will start in China and continue at the expert level already in Shamakhi. Then, an international meeting on COP29 is planned for September, followed by a meeting of the preparatory committee for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Soltanov said.

He noted that all negotiations within COP29 are going successfully, and Azerbaijan expects to keep this accelerated pace.

Chief Executive Officer of COP29 recalled that during the climate summit in Baku on November 1122, the following will be discussed: climate finance and its new models, the Paris Climate Agreement Article 6, the work of the current loss and damage fund, and several transition programs (from fossil fuels to low-carbon).

We must target zero emissions by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Nowadays, the world consumes 97 million barrels of oil per day, but this is planned to be reduced to 2530 million barrels per day by 2050. Gas consumption is planned to be reduced from the current 4 trillion cubic meters per year to 1 trillion cubic meters per year by 2050, and coal consumption from 8 billion tons per year to 1 billion tons per year. This will make it possible to achieve NetZero, Soltanov added.

To note, the oil, gas, and coal production and export sectors produce the largest emissions into the atmosphere, which provoke global warming and climate cataclysms.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Relatives of 85 people who died 20 years ago at a protest in Thailands Muslim-majority south are in a race against time to take former military and police officers to trial before the statute of limitations for their alleged crimes runs out.

A court in southern Thailand is holding hearings that continue this week to decide whether to indict nine former officers for the so-called Tak Bai Massacre of Oct. 25, 2004, which is still the deadliest single event in Thailand since a Muslim insurgency began earlier that same year.

On that day two decades ago in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, soldiers and police responding to a protest for the release of detained rebel suspects shot seven people dead. The officers forced many more protesters into police trucks destined for a military camp some 140 kilometers away, leaving them packed inside and forced to lie on top of one another for hours.

Seventy-eight of them died. A state inquest later determined that they had suffocated. Many others were injured, some for life.

No one has ever been charged over the deaths or injuries, let alone convicted.

Hoping to change that, 48 survivors and relatives of the dead filed a lawsuit with the Narathiwat provincial court in April against nine officers, all since retired, for unlawful detention, malfeasance and murder.

The court began hearings on whether to indict any of the accused last month. It held a third day of hearings last Friday and is due to hold another on July 26.

With the statute of limitations due to expire in October, exactly 20 years from the event, it is a race against time for the plaintiffs, including Latipah Mudo, whose 62-year-old father, Sama-ae Mudo, was among those who died in the trucks.

I was very sad when it happened, and the feeling is the same today, Mudo, who is now 45, told VOA.

I want the perpetrators to be punished for what they did to us. Tak Bai should be an example that this kind of thing will never happen again, she said.

Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, a human rights activist and lawyer representing a survivor of the trucks whose arm and leg were permanently paralyzed, says the plaintiffs want to hear the accused account for their actions on the record.

This incident has been haunting  the communities, she said. They want the perpetrators to [stand] up in the court and tell them what happened, why did they do this, why did they do [or act] as a not human.

The plaintiffs hope their case can help prevent similar alleged abuses in Thailands insurgency-racked south from recurring, she added.

Once the seat of a Muslim sultanate, the southern provinces of modern-day Thailand were deeded to the then-kingdom of Siam by the British in 1909. Rejecting the transfer, several armed ethnic Malay Muslim groups have waged a guerrilla war against the Thai state to win independence for the provinces.

More than 7,000 people have died in related violence since fighting intensified in January 2004.

Since the deaths at Tak Bai, locals and rights groups say Thai authorities have repeatedly abused the martial and emergency laws imposed on much of the south in the years that followed in a bid to put the insurgency down. They cite several cases of alleged torture and extrajudicial killings of suspected rebels in custody. Thai courts and prior governments have rejected claims of the states responsibility in a number of those cases.

As I learned from the locals since Ive been working on other documentation of torture, enforced disappearances, the violence still continues, from then until now. And most of the time there [was] no power enough to bring perpetrators to justice, Pornpen said. We wanted to bring the [Tak Bai] case  to prove that something like this should not happen again.

In December 2004, a fact-finding committee appointed by the government concluded that security forces used inappropriate measures to disperse the Tak Bai protesters and that commanding officers failed to adequately supervise the transport of the detainees. But authorities did not pursue charges, and the police claimed force majeure, a legal term referring to events beyond the parties control.

The plaintiffs reject the claim.

Its not true. It happened because of somebodys actions; thats why they died. Their excuse is not reasonable, said Mudo.

According to local media reports, the Narathiwat court said Friday it would announce its decision whether to take any of the accused to trial on August 23. The court could not be reached to confirm or comment on the date.

Pornpen said the plaintiffs had not filed a case sooner for many reasons, including the compensation the government paid out to relatives of the dead and fear of reprisal from authorities, especially during the intervening years of military-led and -backed governments.

After nearly two decades, though, the events of Oct. 25, 2004, continue to loom large over the countrys deep south, says Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a lecturer at the Peace Studies Institute of southern Thailands Prince of Songkla University.

She says the deaths remain a prime recruiting tool for the insurgent groups, and an enduring example of what many Thais believe to be a two-tier justice system.

It is a testament of the culture of impunity that [is] happening in southern Thailand, so people want to see that those responsible are being punished, brought to [the] justice system, and that has never happened in the past nearly 20 years, she said.

Insurgent groups often draw on generations-old grievances to entice and inspire new recruits.

But when they use the Tak Bai incident, this is something that they dont really have to tell people so much [about] because its still vivid in their memory, so its easy  to encourage people to join the movement, Rungrawee said.

While bombings, assassinations and shootouts across the south continue to occur alongside police raids and arrests, the pace of the violence has waned over the years. The government has gradually scaled back some of its emergency powers over the region as well and is in talks with some of the rebel groups over the terms of a possible cease-fire.

Should the Narathiwat court decide to indict the retired officers and ultimately be seen to have held them accountable, Rungrawee said the Tak Bai case could also help ease tensions and even move the peace talks forward.

It would help to create a better atmosphere, she said, to show  that the state does not endure this culture of impunity, [that] the rule of law will be strictly respected.
The family of an American doctor who died while being held in Syria filed a lawsuit Monday against the Syrian government, accusing it of wrongful death and false imprisonment.

Majd Kamalmaz, a Syrian-born American psychotherapist, was treating refugees from war-torn Syria during the time of his abduction. U.S. officials said he was last seen in 2017 at a checkpoint manned by forces loyal to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus where he was visiting a family member.

His family received official confirmation of his death from the U.S. government in May.

Today, on behalf of the Kamalmaz family, we have taken just the first step towards holding the Syrian regime accountable for its crimes against Majd Kamalmaz which culminated in his murder, Kirby Behre, a lawyer representing the Kamalmaz family, said Monday in a statement.

The lawsuit was filed in a U.S. District Court in Washington, under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act's "state sponsor of terrorism" exception, seeking compensatory damages for wrongful death, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment. The plaintiffs also seek punitive damages, bringing the total claim to at least $70 million, according to the 19-page court complaint.

Maryam Kamalmaz, the daughter of Majd Kamalmaz and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, says she hopes this legal action will help raise awareness about other cases that are like her fathers.

There are hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have gone through this, she told VOA in a phone interview. Im just hopeful it raises awareness about those people who are being killed at the hands of the Syrian government. Those innocent people never get a trial. They are being tortured and killed for no reason.

Since the beginning of Syrias conflict in 2011, more than 350,000 civilians have been killed and more than 13.5 million people have been displaced at home and abroad, according to the United Nations.

The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

said in a report in early July that 155,000 Syrians have been detained or forcibly disappeared since 2011. Rights groups blame the Syrian regime for most of the cases.

We support Majds family and the families of all those who are missing or unjustly detained in Syria in their quest for accountability, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement in June.

Even as we pay tribute to Majd today, we will keep fighting for all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, he said.

Kamalmaz is one of several Americans who have disappeared in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in 2012 at a checkpoint near Damascus. The Syrian government denies kidnapping or holding Americans in its territories.

We will not stop at filing a civil case, said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a Washington-based advocacy group that has been involved in the case.

There needs to be a criminal investigation and a criminal case against the Assad regime for the torture and murder of Majd Kamalmaz, he told VOA.

Moustafa said his group was ready to cooperate with U.S. government agencies to provide documentation, witness statements and evidence to support a criminal case against Syrian government officials.

Lawyer Behre said the Kamalmaz family too is counting on the U.S. government to initiate criminal charges against Syria.

Last week, U.S. authorities announced the arrest of a former Syrian military official who oversaw a prison where alleged torture and abuse routinely took place. Samir Ousman al-Sheikh was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Moustafa said his organization alerted several federal agencies about al-Sheikh and worked with them to build a case against him.

As a humanitarian worker, Maryam Kamalmaz said her father had dedicated his life to helping those in need. He had worked with survivors of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, victims of the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, and the Bosnian genocide in the 1990s.

My father had a big heart who cared for everybody and wanted the best for everyone, she said. Its been very hard without him and its a big loss to have him gone this way.
Severe flooding in Liberia has led a group of senators to propose relocating the capital city away from overcrowded and poorly managed Monrovia, a suggestion met with a mixture of enthusiasm and hesitancy in the West African country.

Flash floods triggered by torrential rains between the end of June and early July left nearly 50,000 Liberians in urgent need, the national disaster management agency said.

The flood-prone capital was particularly badly hit, owing in part to overpopulation, a poor sewage system, and a lack of building regulation.

Meeting to discuss the persistent flooding problem, a senate joint committee in early July suggested establishing a new city to replace Monrovia.

"It's a good idea because our current capital city is a mess," said Chris Kpewudu, a young motorbike driver in the capital.

"There is garbage all over the city and also when it rains, there is flooding everywhere, but with a new city, it will be well laid out and our capital city could look like, or more than, Abuja," he added.

Nigeria's Abuja is one of a handful of planned capital cities on the African continent.

Tanzania's capital Dodoma and Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast were also established as administrative capitals towards the end of the 20th century, with all three cities occupying geographically central positions in their respective countries.

Monrovia is home to 1.5 million people and lies on the Atlantic coast of Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world.

The city is the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country, with the Freeport of Monrovia providing a gateway for Liberian exports including iron ore, rubber, and timber to reach the United States and Europe.

But the city's poorly functioning infrastructure can barely keep up with its ever-expanding population.

The Ministry of Public Works told AFP it was carefully reviewing the proposal, adding that the the plan did not yet include an exact location for the move, and that any decision would come down to economic viability.

"Having a new city is capital-intensive," said T. T. Benjamin Myers, the ministry's communications director.

"As a country, our national budget is still around $600 million... so having a new city will require a lot of technical, financial, and economic factors to be seriously considered," he added.

'Not a quick fix'

The proposal to replace the capital is not a new one in Africa's oldest republic.

In 2012, then-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf suggested relocating Monrovia to a new city called Zekepa in the center of the country.

"We were all enthusiastic and looking forward to that," Marayah Fyneah, the national program officer of the Liberian Women's Legislative Caucus, told AFP.

"But unfortunately, we did not even see a plan to show what the city would look like," she added.

Fyneah said she was skeptical that a new Liberian capital would ever materialize in her lifetime, given the failure of the previous attempt.

Some residents interviewed by AFP were also hesitant and said the government should first prioritize improving infrastructure and tackling poverty before searching for a new capital.

"Our lawmakers are forgetting the issues that we have on hand as a country. Even the city of Monrovia is poorly managed in terms of sanitation and a lot more," said one commentator, the journalist Princess Elexa VanjahKollie.

Experts have also warned of the extensive urban planning needed to create a viable new capital.

"To establish a new city is not a quick fix," Christopher Wallace, an economics lecturer at the University of Liberia, told AFP.

"You want to consider the economic activities that would make the economy vibrant in that area, and you must have done zoning to have a clear layout of what such a city will look like," he added.
With Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee, she could become the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to head a major party ticket.

Harris has served more than three years as the nations second-in-command, but after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, she became a prime contender for the nomination.

While she has taken on high-profile tasks as vice president, she has also struggled to find policy wins and to connect with voters.

Harris made history in 2020 when she became the first woman to win the vice presidency, as well as the first Black woman and first woman of Asian descent to hold the office.

She entered the role with expectations that she might carry the mantle of the Democratic Party into the future, possibly becoming next in line for the Democratic nomination.

While Harris quickly took on high-profile policy tasks as vice president, they were often complex issues that proved too intractable for her to make major gains.

Watch related report by Carolyn Presutti:

One of her early assignments was to address root causes of migration to the southern U.S. border by working to improve conditions in the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The task put her at the forefront of the politically charged issue of immigration. During a 2021 NBC News interview, after being asked repeatedly why she hadn't been to the U.S.-Mexico border when she had traveled to Central America, Harris replied with a widely panned answer: "And I haven't been to Europe. And I mean, I don't understand the point you're making."

While Harris' staff argued that the vice president was charged specifically with examining root causes of migration and not securing the border, Harris' own message to potential migrants during her trip to Central America helped tie her to the issue.

"Do not come. You will be turned back," she said at a news conference with then-Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei.

Harris also took on the task of overseeing the Biden administration's efforts to pass voting rights legislation and comprehensive election reform, bills that always had long odds of passing in the evenly divided Senate. The legislation failed in January 2022, despite Biden giving a speech in Atlanta, Georgia, in a final attempt to secure its passage.

Supporters of Harris say she has recently found her stride championing issues such as abortion access and gun safety.

Since the Supreme Court overturned federal protections for abortion rights in June 2022, Harris has made abortion access a key part of her speeches and campaign message. To mark the second anniversary of the court decision, Harris told a Maryland rally, "This is a fight for freedom: the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not having her government tell her what to do."

Next in line

Harris' position in the White House took on heightened importance due to Biden's age. The president will be 82 in November, and polls showed most Americans thought he was too old for another term.

After his struggle during the June 27 presidential debate, some Democratic lawmakers and donors called for him to drop out of the race. Less than a month later, when he announced he would bow out of the contest, he endorsed Harris.

She issued a statement saying her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

At a July press conference, Biden was asked what about Harris qualifies her to be at the top of the ticket.

"First of all, the way she's handled the issue of freedom of women's bodies  to have control over their bodies. Secondly, her ability to handle almost any issue on the board. This was a hell of a prosecutor," Biden said, adding that "she is "qualified to be president  that's why I picked her."

Before Bidens withdrawal, Harris had strongly defended Biden's place at the top of the ticket.

"One thing we know about our president, Joe Biden, is that he is a fighter.  He is the first to say, 'When you get knocked down, you get back up,'" she told supporters at a July campaign event in North Carolina.

Struggles with voters

During her vice presidency, Harris has struggled with poor polling numbers.

An NBC poll from June 2023 said her net-negative rating (-17) was the lowest for a vice president since the poll started in 1989.

A Pew Research Center poll in June, taken just before the first presidential debate, found that nearly six in 10 people (59%) held unfavorable views of Harris, while 36% rated her favorably. Another 3% said they had not heard of her.

Since the presidential debate performance raised questions about Biden's ability to win reelection, Democrats have largely rallied around Harris as a potential successor to Biden.

A July poll by The Economist/YouGov found that 73% of Democratic voters would "somewhat" or "strongly" approve of Harris as Biden's replacement if the president dropped out of the race.

Road to the vice presidency



Before becoming vice president, Harris had already achieved several political firsts.

The child of a father from Jamaica and a mother from India, she was the first Black attorney general of the state of California as well as the first woman to hold the job. Her 2016 election to a U.S. Senate seat representing California made her the first woman of South Asian heritage to do so.

Two years into her Senate term, she launched her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Despite a strong start, with 20,000 people attending her 2019 hometown kickoff rally in Oakland, California, her poll numbers steadily declined. By December she announced her departure from the race.

When Biden announced in March 2020 that he would choose a woman as his vice-presidential running mate, Harris' name was always among the top contenders.

Harris holds an undergraduate degree from Howard University in Washington, a historically Black college. She earned a law degree from the University of California, Hastings (now the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco), before working in the Alameda County district attorney's office.

She served two terms as district attorney of San Francisco before being elected California's attorney general. Her California record has been a target of scrutiny, with critics faulting her for not enacting criminal justice reforms and not doing enough to investigate police shootings.

While in the Senate, Harris was known for her aggressive questioning of witnesses during Senate hearings, including then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General William Barr.
Hundreds of migrants from around a dozen countries left from Mexico's southern border on foot Sunday, as they attempt to make it to the U.S. border.

Some of the members of the group said they hoped to make it to the U.S. border before elections are held in November, because they fear that if Donald Trump wins, he will follow through on a promise to close the border to asylum-seekers.

"We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked," said Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador. He feared that a new Trump administration might stop granting appointments to migrants through CBP One, an app used by asylum-seekers to enter the U.S. legally  by getting appointments at U.S. border posts, where they make their cases to officials.

The app only works once migrants reach Mexico City, or states in northern Mexico.

"Everyone wants to use that route" said Salazar, 37.

The group left Sunday from the southern Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, which is next to a river that marks Mexico's border with Guatemala.

Some said they had been waiting in Ciudad Hidalgo for weeks for permits to travel to towns further to the north.

Migrants trying to pass through Mexico in recent years have organized large groups to try to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials as they travel. But the caravans tend to break up in southern Mexico, as people get tired of walking for hundreds of kilometers.

Recently, Mexico has also made it more difficult for migrants to reach the U.S. border on buses and trains.

Travel permits are rarely awarded to migrants who enter the country without visas and thousands of migrants have been detained by immigration officers at checkpoints in the center and north of Mexico and bused back to towns deep in the south of the country.

Oswaldo Reyna, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant, crossed from Guatemala into Mexico 45 days ago and waited in Ciudad Hidalgo to join the new caravan announced on social media.

He criticized Trump's recent comments about migrants and how they are trying to "invade" the United States.

"We are not delinquents," he said. "We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs."
Current Vice President Kamala Harris will run for president now that Joe Biden has withdrawn from the race, and much of the Democratic party has already lined up behind her. The move, however, is not without controversy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on his way to Washington to address congress as tension between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen are increasing. The latest from Kyiv plus Doctors Without Borders has a dire warning for Sudan, and in Bangladesh the army is in the streets.
Pakistan's police raided the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political party office in Islamabad on Monday and arrested its spokesman for carrying out anti-state propaganda, the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said officers also arrested Ahmad Janjua, a media coordinator for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI party. Janjua was arrested over the weekend in a separate raid.

The arrests have drawn criticism from Gohar Ali Khan, the chairman of PTI, who said authorities also arrested some other workers of the party's media wing, in a series of police raids in recent weeks.

Pakistani authorities often accuse the PTI of running a campaign against the country's institutions, a reference to the military, a charge the party denies.

Khan has been embroiled in more than 150 cases since 2022 when he was ousted through a vote of no-confidence in the parliament.

He has been held at a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi since last year after his arrest.
A Russian court confirmed Monday that American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was convicted in a closed-door trial on charges seen widely as retaliatory.

Kurmasheva, who works at VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, or RFE/RL, in Prague, was sentenced Friday to six and a half years in prison for spreading what Moscow views as false information about the Russian army, according to the website of the Supreme Court of Tatarstan.

This secret trial and conviction make a mockery of justice  the only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors, RFE/RL president and CEO Stephen Capus said in a statement. Its beyond time for this American citizen, our dear colleague, to be reunited with her loving family.

The closed-door trial took place in the city of Kazan, where Kurmasheva has been jailed since October 2023. Kazan is about 800 kilometers east of Moscow.

It is a sham trial, and the fact that it was behind closed doors only confirms our doubts even more that this could have been a fair trial  which it wasnt, Karol Luczka, who covers Eastern Europe at the International Press Institute in Vienna, told VOA.

Kurmasheva, an editor for RFE/RLs Tatar-Bashkir Service, was initially accused of failing to register her American passport and failing to self-register as a so-called foreign agent. She was later charged with spreading what the Kremlin views as false information about the military. The charges carried a combined sentence of up to 15 years behind bars.

Kurmasheva, 47, traveled to Russia in May 2023 to care for her elderly mother. Authorities prevented her from leaving the country in June and confiscated her passports. Then, in October, she was taken into custody.

WATCH: Russia convicts 2nd American journalist

The journalist and her employer have consistently rejected the charges against her. The U.S. government has also called for her immediate release.

Kurmashevas jailing has taken a severe toll on her husband and two daughters in Prague.

It would be one thing if she was only away from me for so long, but to know that shes in an unsafe place and that she is in danger and shes not comfortable, thats something that really makes me sad, Kurmashevas eldest daughter Bibi Butorin told VOA in Prague earlier in July.

Kurmasheva is a dual U.S.-Russian national, but Russia has denied her U.S. consular access.

Court spokesperson Natalya Loseva confirmed to The Associated Press that Kurmasheva was sentenced to six and a half years in prison in a case classified as secret, with no details available of the nature of the accusations against her.

This secret trial and the sentencing itself illustrate the unprecedented level of arbitrariness achieved by Russia courts, which take orders from the Kremlin, Jeanne Cavelier, the head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk at Reporters Without Borders, told VOA from Paris.

The charge of spreading what the Kremlin views as false information about the Russian military highlights Moscows extreme sensitivities over war coverage, according to Luczka.

At least in terms of reporting on the war, there is no independent reporting in Russia because it is banned, he said.

The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately reply to VOAs email requesting comment for this story.

Kurmashevas secret trial took place on the same day that American journalist Evan Gershkovich, 32, was sentenced to 16 years in Russian prison on espionage charges that he and the U.S. government vehemently deny.

Although Kurmasheva and Gershkovichs trials were both shams, Luczka said he hopes the speed with which their cases have been advancing may be an indication that a prisoner swap will happen soon.

The hunch would be that if these convictions are happening this fast right now, that a potential prisoner swap is being prepared, Luczka said. We want these journalists out. They should never have been arrested.

At a press briefing on Monday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States is continuing to call for Kurmashevas release.

We remain focused on the case of Alsu Kurmasheva. Shes a dedicated journalist who is being targeted by Russian authorities for her uncompromising commitment to speaking the truth, Miller said. Journalism is not a crime.

In June, 19 media and press freedom groups called on the U.S. to do more to assist in Kurmashevas case, including by declaring her wrongfully detained, which would commit the U.S. government to seek her release.

In a joint letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, the organizations said that Kurmashevas arrest is because she is a journalist and journalism is not a crime.

Russias only motive for holding her is to trade her for one of their assets, the letter added.

During Mondays press briefing, Miller said the State Department is still deciding whether to designate Kurmasheva as wrongfully detained. He declined to elaborate on the determination process.

Media watchdogs say Russia has a dire record for jailing journalists, with 22 detained as of late 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Nearly all those in custody are foreign nationals.

Kurmasheva and Gershkovichs cases highlight the lack of media freedom in Russia, Luczka said.

We cant really speak of any press freedom in Russia, he said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
Officials in Russias Krasnodar region said Monday a Ukrainian drone attack damaged an oil refinery.

The Tuapse refinery, owned by Russian oil giant Rosneft, sustained a fire that was later put out, officials said.

The same plant was damaged by several Ukrainian attacks earlier this year.

Russias defense ministry reported Monday destroying 75 Ukrainian aerial drones overnight in areas along and near the Russia-Ukraine border, including eight over Krasnodar.

Ukrainian drone attacks are typical in those regions, but the scale reported Monday was larger than usual.

The Russian defense ministry said 47 of the drones were destroyed over the Rostov region, where officials said there were several small brush fires but no injuries.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor the Belgorod region, said on Telegram a Ukrainian drone killed one person driving a tractor and injured another person.

Russian air defenses shot down one drone each over Voronezh and Smolensk, where officials reported no injuries.

Another 17 Ukrainian drones were downed over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, the Russian defense ministry said.

The ministry said Russian air defenses shot down five more Ukrainian drones Monday morning over the Astrakhan region.

Ukraines military said Monday its air defenses destroyed 16 Russian drones during the past day.

Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram that Russia attacked with artillery and kamikaze drones, striking several villages and damaging homes.

Officials in the Sumy region also reported Monday that Russia carried out shelling and drone attacks.

The latest Russian aerial bombardments came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his countrys air defenses had been bolstered by the arrival of more Patriot missile systems.

We will be able to do more in the skies, Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Sunday. Of course, there is still much work ahead, and this is far from guaranteed protection, but nevertheless, it means more strength for Ukraine.

Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A gunman opened fire at a nursing home in Croatia on Monday, killing six people and injuring six others, according to authorities and media reports.

State broadcaster HRT reported that the unidentified gunman entered the nursing home in Daruvar, located 129 kilometers east of Zagreb, and began shooting.

Croatia's police chief, Nikola Milina, said five people died immediately, while one more person died in a hospital. The suspect fled the scene, but the police soon caught him in a cafe near the facility in the town of Daruvar, he said.

The victims were five residents of the care home and one employee, Milina said.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic later confirmed the death toll and called for a thorough investigation by authorities while expressing condolences to the victims families.

"We are shocked," Plenkovic told reporters in the town of Split. "This is really a monstrous act of the murder of a group of people, of the mother and other very old people who happened to be there. ... We condemn this crime."

Police were alerted to the incident at 10:10 a.m. and confirmed that the suspect had entered the nursing home and used a firearm.

The suspect is currently under police supervision, according to a statement from the regional police office.

"It's hard for me to understand that this can happen in our town, country," Daruvar Mayor Damir Lnenicek told N1 regional broadcaster.

According to Lnenicek, approximately 20 people were residing in the nursing home at the time of the shooting.

The Croatian newspaper Jutarnji list described the alleged shooter as a "retired military police officer" who killed his mother along with other residents and staff.

N1 regional television reported that the shooter was born in 1973, was a former fighter in the 1991-1995 war in Croatia and was a relative of one of the nursing home residents.

Police have not yet disclosed a motive.

Some information from this report comes from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 22. Azerbaijan plans to gradually establish a 250 MW storage facility for green energy by 2027, Chief Executive Officer of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, said at a panel discussion on "Solidarity for a Green World - COP29 within the framework of the II Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

We expect to produce 2 GW of green energy from renewable energy sources by 2027. Azerbaijan needs an energy storage capacity of 250 MW for this volume. We will create this storage in stages starting in 2024, Soltanov stated.

He mentioned that Azerbaijan plans to create conditions for storing the first 50 MW of green energy in 2024 with the support of foreign partners.

The details of creating the remaining 200 MW will be specified later, as necessary, Soltanov added.

To note, the availability of energy storage allows balancing energy flows in case of unforeseen changes in weather, on which the operation of renewables depends, and other force majeure circumstances.
Dozens of al-Shabab militants have been killed in new clashes in the southern Jubaland state, officials said.

The clashes followed three separate coordinated attacks the militants carried out on military bases manned by federal and regional forces in the west and south of Kismayo town.

The militants have attacked Bulo Haji, Harbole, and Mido, all of which were seized from al-Shabab since last month. The militants also fired on a fourth base at Bar Sanguni in an apparent attempt to disrupt possible reinforcement to the bases under attack.

Spokesperson for the Jubaland regional forces Major Mohamed Farah Dahir told VOA Somali that 135 militants were killed in the attacks.

Overall, we killed 135, confirmed, he said.

We have also seized weapons from their dead. ... I have never seen such a large number of deaths in my life in one spot.

He said at least six militants were captured alive. He also said that the biggest casualty event occurred in Bulo Haji.

But the federal government, which has soldiers deployed in the bases that came under attack, has given a different casualty figure. In a prepared statement, the federal Ministry of Information claimed that all the attacks were repelled and over 80 militants were killed.

Purported video clips and pictures published by social media accounts show dozens of dead bodies.

Al-Shabab claimed their militants overran the bases and said that more than 70 soldiers were killed in their attacks.

The video clips and casualty figures given by both sides have not been independently verified by VOA.

Al-Shabab has been fighting to oust Somalias central government in Mogadishu for nearly two decades.

The government has joined forces with local clan militias to fight the Islamist militants in an ongoing campaign supported by African Union forces and U.S. airstrikes.

Meanwhile, the Somali government has awarded a medal of honor to a prison guard who was shot dead after he refused to give the keys to militant inmates during an attempted jail break at Mogadishus central prison on July 13.

Private Hassan Hussein Rage, 28, refused to give up the keys despite the threat to his life from the one of the militant inmates who was carrying a pistol, according to Colonel Abdiqani Mohamed Khalaf, spokesperson for Somalis Custodial Corps, a branch of the security forces responsible for operating prisons in the country.

He was keeping the keys at the center of the prison, when the bandit carrying the pistol ordered him to put it down, the key, he said.

The guard threw the keys to guards at a high observation post and was fatally shot.

He said the other prison guards collected the keys; and shot and killed the inmate.

Khalaf said the inmate intended to open all the gates and free the other prisoners.

Five militants and four prison guards were killed in the incident. Four of the five militant inmates were on death row and the fifth inmate was serving a life sentence.

The Somali government suspended the head of the prison after the attempted jailbreak and appointed an eight-member committee to investigate the incident.

Adan Mohamed Salad contributed to this report.
Some members of the U.S. Congress have called for South Africa to be excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a U.S. program that grants duty-free access to the enormous U.S. market for many South African exports. South Africa presses to remain eligible for the trade program and its evolving relationship with the U.S.

Sonwabile Ndamase remembers when U.S. President Bill Clinton came to Soweto in 1998. Ndamase, a fashion designer who created the iconic Madiba shirts worn by then-South African President Nelson Mandela, got a last-minute request from Mandelas office.

[T]hey wanted to give something as a gesture and as a gift to President Bill Clinton and then they called me. They said, listen, you need to do something  the president, Bill Clinton, would be coming in. So I had to go to the house of late President Nelson Mandela and deliver the shirt, he said.

That was during a period of good relations between the U.S. and Africa as a whole and the U.S. and South Africa in particular. In 2000, Clinton initiated the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market for most agricultural and manufactured products from eligible African countries.

But times have changed. As U.S. lawmakers consider whether to extend AGOA past its September 2025 expiration date, there are calls in Washington to exclude South Africa due to its geopolitical stance on key issues, such as its refusal to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine and calling Israels actions in Gaza a genocide.

Political analyst Daryl Glaser from the University of Witwatersrand said tension has existed between the United States and South Africas longtime ruling African National Congress party since 2000.

Yeah, there has always been a tension at the heart of ANC foreign policy between, on the one hand, a kind of human rights focus and a desire to appear to the West a human rights and democracy champion, and on the other side what you might call anti-imperialism or anti-Western imperialism, in particular combined with a kind of loyalty to the countries that supported South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, he said.

Those countries include Soviet-era Russia.

Despite the tension, South Africa has sent a delegation to Washington to advocate for its continued participation in AGOA.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020, South Africa has become Americas largest trading partner in Africa, with over $20 billion in two-way trade volume.

Economist Dawie Roodt said South Africa cannot afford to lose AGOA, given the country's high unemployment rate and slow economic growth.

He thinks a new coalition government, the result of inconclusive May elections, will help the countrys cause.

"I think what is important, what happened in South Africa in the last couple of weeks, South Africa now has a national government of unity and thats the message that we need to send. Basically, it's a coalition between the ANC and the DA, a political party slightly to the right. Weve got a government now that is not a left-leaning government -- its a government that is forming a coalition with a more business-friendly alliance partner, he said.

If its status in AGOA is revoked, South Africa can still trade with the United States, but it won't receive the preferential rates enjoyed by other African nations.
The United Arab Emirates has handed lengthy prison sentences to 57 Bangladeshi expatriates for protesting against their government while in the Gulf country where demonstrations are banned, state media reported Monday.

Protests have swept Bangladesh this month against a quota system for civil service jobs that critics say benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15 years of autocratic rule.

The near-daily marches escalated last week into civil unrest which has left 163 people dead. More than 500 people, including some opposition leaders, have been arrested in Dhaka since the violence began, according to police.

On Monday, the official Emirati news agency WAM said three Bangladeshi expatriates were sentenced to life, 53 others to 10 years in prison and one to 11 years for participating in alleged protests.

The defendants had "gathered and incited riots in several streets across the UAE on Friday," WAM said, adding they would be deported after the completion of their prison terms.

The charges follow a swift investigation that was ordered on Friday, according to WAM.

A witness confirmed "that the defendants gathered and organized large-scale marches in several streets of the UAE in protest against decisions made by the Bangladeshi government," it added.

The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms, is populated mostly by expatriates, many of them south Asians who work as laborers.

Bangladeshis form the third largest expatriate group in the UAE, after Pakistanis and Indians, according to the UAE foreign ministry.

The oil-rich Gulf state bans unauthorized protests and prohibits criticism of rulers or speech that is deemed to create or encourage social unrest.

Defamation, as well as verbal and written insults, whether published or made in private, are punishable by law.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced $60 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Haiti, as well as armored vehicles for the national police, during a visit Monday to the Caribbean nation, which is struggling to restore security and constitutional order amid gang violence.

This funding will help USAID partners fill critical gaps in nutrition, food security and shelter, Thomas-Greenfield said at a press conference in Haiti of the new U.S. assistance. She is the U.S. envoy to the United Nations and a member of President Joe Bidens Cabinet.

She said the aid would also help improve water and sanitation services and help affected communities buy essential commodities.

At least 80% of Port-au-Prince is no longer under the control of Haitian authorities, and violence is spreading to other parts of the country. The United Nations says at least 578,000 people have been displaced by the violence, which includes murders, kidnappings and rape. Hunger is also at catastrophic levels in parts of the island nation, with nearly half the population acutely food insecure.

Last year, Haiti requested international support to defeat the gangs, and in October the U.N. Security Council authorized a non-U.N. multinational security support force, or MSS. After months of delays, the first group of Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti on June 25, and last week 200 more arrived. In all, about 2,500 police from a handful of nations are expected to make up the mission.

Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged that the MSS would inevitably face hurdles.

And yet this mission has opened a door to progress, where there wasnt one before, she said.

Kenya is leading the force, which will assist the Haitian National Police in subduing the gangs. The United States is the missions largest donor, committing more than $300 million toward logistics, equipment and training support.

In Port-au-Prince, Thomas-Greenfield announced that the Pentagon would provide a significant number of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles to the MSS, strengthening its capacity. She said the State Departments Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs also planned to send additional armored vehicles for the mission.

This enhanced vehicle package will further assist the MSS in combating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Thomas-Greenfield said. I hope that this funding and support serves as a call to action for members of the international community to join suit.

The United States has already sent 16 armored personnel carriers to Haiti this year, as part of the $200 million Washington has provided for improving the Haitian National Polices capacity to deal with criminal gangs and protect civilians.

During her visit, Thomas-Greenfield met Haitian officials, including Prime Minister Garry Conille and members of the Transitional Presidential Council.

We had a very productive discussion about the situation here in Haiti, how we can continue to work together to improve both security, but more importantly, to work on development so that the Haitian people can see the benefits and receive the dividends from this effort to provide security here to them, she told reporters earlier Monday.

She also called on Haitis transitional government to swiftly appoint a credible and inclusive Provisional Electoral Council to lay the groundwork for free and fair elections.

In attempting to restore security, the MSS will also help to create conditions necessary for credible elections, which Haiti hopes to hold no later than February 2026.

As we discussed today, Haitians deserve free and fair elections, and a government that is truly accountable to the people, she said at the news conference.

The ambassador met with U.N. officials and civil society representatives, and she visited the MSS's life support area, a complex that includes living quarters, a hospital training center and a water treatment plant.

The U.N. Security Council has sanctioned five gang leaders for their roles in the violence in Haiti, including Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer turned influential gang leader known as Barbecue.

A senior U.S. official said the U.S. and other nations would continue their efforts to put names forward and sanction individuals responsible for enabling gang violence in Haiti.

Washington has expressed its disappointment over an "unexplained hold" placed by the U.N. Security Council sanctions committee on a proposal to list Youri Latortue, a former Haitian Senate president, for allegedly arming the gangs, to whom hes financially linked.

"It is important for the council to send a very strong message that those individuals who are not contributing to the betterment of Haiti must face the consequences for their "nefarious activities," the official said.

Haiti has been in turmoil since the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moise at his home in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Petion-Ville. The installation of the transitional council in April and its selection of Conille as prime minister in late May are seen as critical steps toward getting Haiti back on the path to stability.

VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.
After a rising chorus within his own party urged U.S. President Joe Biden to pass the torch, he did just that on Sunday, immediately becoming a single-term president and a lame-duck leader.

Biden announced on social media that he was ending his 2024 reelection bid against former President Donald Trump, the Republican partys nominee for a third consecutive election. Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Biden made the announcement as he was recovering from a third bout with COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, vacation home near the Atlantic Ocean.

Watch related report by Carolyn Presutti:

A half-hour after his initial surprise announcement, Biden endorsed his second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris, to be the Democratic presidential nominee to run against Trump in the November 5th election. If Harris is accepted by the party to replace Biden, she would be the first Black woman and South Asian major party presidential nominee in the 248-year history of the United States.

Biden has seen his national polling numbers decline since a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June. During the event, the president often appeared to lose his train of thought, failed to forcefully press his case against Trump or defend his own 3-year tenure in the White House.

That prompted a number of Democrats to suggest the 81-year-old Biden would likely lose to 78-year-old Trump.

Biden persevered, insisting he would not quit the race unless the Lord Almighty asked him to or if he was shown in polling numbers that he could not beat Trump a second time or advised by his doctors he was not physically able to continue.

I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the reminder of my term, he said in a statement Sunday. His term ends in January.

The statement was issued one minute after the presidents senior staff were notified, according to The Associated Press.

Biden said Harris has been an extraordinary partner and has his full support and endorsement to be the nominee of our party this year. Biden said he would speak to the country later in the week about his decision.

The president, according to the White House, spoke Sunday to a number of Members of Congress, governors, and supporters, and will continue to engage with key stakeholders tonight and tomorrow.

Harris, who is 59, quickly announced that she would seek the nomination. She was a senator from the countrys most populous state, California, when Biden picked her in 2020 as his vice presidential running mate after Harris challenge to Biden and other primary contenders fell apart.

Her approval ratings in national surveys have largely reflected the president's, but some surveys of likely voters show Harris faring slightly better than Biden against Trump and, in a few, she has polled ahead of Trump.

Harris said in a statement that Biden, by withdrawing from the race against Trump, is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump, she said. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

All of that prompted a groundswell of Democratic lawmakers, governors and at least one Biden Cabinet member, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, to endorse Harris, following unanimous praise among top party figures for Bidens decision to withdraw.

Media reports said all 50 Democratic Party state chairs have also thrown their weight behind Harris. There was a Sunday surge of big money and grassroots donations for Harris, according to CNBC. Some top fundraisers for Biden had gone to the sidelines following the debate.

Trump showed the Democrats no mercy following Sundays announcement, assailing both the president and the vice president.

Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! Trump posted on social media, adding that Harris was just as bad as Biden.

"Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been," Trump told CNN

Many Republicans reacted by calling for Biden to resign as president.

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, who is second in the presidential line of succession behind Harris, called on Biden to step down, claiming if he is unfit to keep his candidacy alive for another four-year term, he is also unfit to remain as president until January 20.

If Biden were to resign, Harris would immediately be sworn in as the countrys 47th president, at least until the inauguration for the victor in Novembers election.

Names of other prominent Democrats have been floated as potential candidates other than Harris, including several state governors: Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Gavin Newsom of California. Shapiro and Newsom endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who served as secretary of State under President Barack Obama, also endorsed Harris in a statement. Obama, whom Biden served with as vice president for eight years, thanked Biden for his patriotism, but did not indicate whether he was supporting Harris or any other potential contender.

Media reports in the hours following Bidens withdrawal quoted sources close to Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, now an independent, saying he was considering rejoining the Democratic Party to try to replace the president at the top of the partys ticket.

There are two ways for Democrats to replace Biden as the partys standard-bearer.

One would be a virtual vote among delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago that would lock in a new nominee in early August. Chances are this process would favor Harris, avoiding conflict at the convention in front of a national television audience.

The other way Democrats could pick a new nominee would be an open convention in which several candidates, including Harris, would seek the presidential nomination, a scenario the party hasnt experienced since 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson dropped his plans to run for reelection in face of widespread opposition to his handling of Americas war against North Vietnam.

Johnson was ultimately succeeded by Republican Richard Nixon, who became snared in the Watergate scandal and the only president to resign in 1974, facing impeachment and a likely Senate trial.

Democratic Party delegates are to gather in Chicago in August. An open convention there could throw the gathering into disarray if party delegates do not fall in line and support Bidens endorsement of Harris.

The last time the Democrats failed to select a presidential candidate on the first vote was in 1952. It took four rounds for delegates to unanimously agree on Adlai Stevenson II, the Illinois governor. He lost the general election to war hero and retired Army general, Dwight Eisenhower, the Republican nominee.

Some Democrats are suggesting the party quickly hold a mini primary to allow Harris and anyone else to openly compete.

Biden has no public events on his schedule for Monday. The White House said details on his schedule for the rest of the week will be forthcoming. He had been set to meet with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to officials in Israel.

Some material for this article came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
The director of the U.S. agency charged with protecting the countrys president and former presidents admitted to the most significant operational failure in decades for the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle appeared before lawmakers Monday, nine days after a 20-year-old man climbed a roof adjacent to a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and fired multiple shots, injuring the former president and two rally attendees and killing another man.

We failed, Cheatle testified. As director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency.

I will move heaven and earth to make sure an incident like July 13 never happens again," she added.



Cheatle said a full accounting by the agency of its own failures would not be available for about 50 days, and repeatedly declined to answer questions, citing the ongoing internal investigation.



She also raised the ire of both Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Committee by refusing to resign.

"Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent," said Republican Representative Mike Turner, who also chairs the House Intelligence Committee.



"If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable," Turner added. Not only should you resign, but if you refuse to do so, President [Joe] Biden needs to fire you."



Democrats on the committee were also incensed.



"This relationship is irretrievable, said Oversight Committee ranking member Representative Jamie Raskin, joining a formal call by the committees chairman, Representative James Comer, for Cheatle to step down.



I think the director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment," Raskin said. "We need to very quickly move beyond this."



Cheatle defended her decision to stay on at the agency despite the failure to protect former President Donald Trump from harm at the Pennsylvania rally.

"Like every Secret Service agent, we don't shirk our responsibilities," she said. "I will remain on and be responsible to the agency, to this committee, to the former president and to the American public."

Details on precisely why a would-be assassin was able to get within 140 meters (150 yards) of Trump with a straight line of sight, however, were scarce.

Cheatle did not provide answers on how the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to climb the roof of a building adjacent to the Trump rally on July 13 without being stopped, why Secret Service agents were not positioned on the building, or why the rally was not stopped after Crooks was identified as a suspicious person well before Trump took the stage.

Those are absolutely questions that we need to have answers to, she said.

During questioning, the Secret Service director confirmed reports that Crooks was seen with a range finder, an optical device used to measure distances, prior to the shooting. But, she said, "at a number of our sites, especially when you're at outdoor venues, a range finder is not a prohibited item."

She also said that while Crooks was identified as a suspicious person, he was not characterized as a threat and that agents were not aware he had a weapon.

If the [protection] detail had been passed information that there was a threat, the detail would never have brought the former president out on to the stage," she said.

The Secret Service director sought to refute some rumors and conspiracy theories, saying the evidence suggests the shooter acted alone.

Cheatle likewise dismissed media reports that requests from Trumps team for additional security had been denied.

"For the request in Butler, there were no requests that were denied," she said, while being questioned.

"A denial of a request does not equal a vulnerability," she added. In generic terms, when [protection] details make a request, there are times that there are alternate ways to cover off on that threat or that risk."

Mondays hearing is just the first of several Congressional efforts to examine how the Secret Service failed to prevent the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

The director of the FBI, which is conducting its own investigation into the attempted assassination, is set to appear Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee.

The Secret Service is responsible for protecting President Joe Biden, Trump and 34 other individuals, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries, Cheatle told lawmakers.

The agency has about 8,000 employees, including uniformed officers and special agents. Cheatle said the goal is to hire another 1,000 people in order to meet future and emerging needs.

U.S. national security and law enforcement officials have been warning for years that the country is facing a heightened threat landscape.

Public assessments have warned the greatest threats come from lone offenders or small groups, often driven by a variety of personal grievances.

The most recent public assessment, issued this past September, also warned attacks could be directed at "government officials, voters, and elections-related personnel and infrastructure, including polling places, ballot drop box locations, voter registration sites, campaign events, political party offices, and vote counting sites."
A top State Department official says the United States supports non-political representation by Myanmar, also known as Burma, at this weeks Association of Southeast Asian Nations' foreign ministers' meetings in Vientiane, Laos.

This Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Asia to hold talks with ASEAN officials, including discussions on the ongoing crisis in Burma. Officials say Washington also continues to engage with the Burmese democratic opposition groups.

In a phone briefing on Monday, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told VOA that it is his understanding that there will be a representative from Burma at the meetings.

It will be at the permanent secretary, non-political level," Kritenbrink said. We believe that any Burmese representation in the ASEAN meeting should be at a downgraded, non-political level, and that is what you will see in this coming week.

In January, Myanmar's military junta sent a senior official to attend an ASEAN foreign ministers' retreat in Laos. Since it launched a coup in 2021 that ousted Myanmars democratically elected government, the junta has been barred from sending political appointees to high-level meetings of the Southeast Asian bloc.

Marlar Than Htaik, the permanent secretary of the foreign ministry under the control of Myanmar's junta, attended meetings earlier this year on January 29.

Last week, more than 300 Burmese civil society organizations and revolutionary forces endorsed a letter sent to ASEAN's secretary-general, Kao Kim Hourn, and other bloc officials.

The letter urged ASEAN to exclude Myanmars military junta members from all meetings and events and to ensure Myanmar is represented by its democratically elected leaders.

We've spent probably even more time and effort in engaging the democratic opposition, various Burmese related groups inside and outside of Burma, and our commitment to those groups will continue going forward, Kritenbrink told VOA.

He added the U.S. will continue to implement "unprecedented sanctions and other measures" to cut off the junta leaders' ability to "acquire the funds necessary to continue to prosecute the atrocities.

The U.S. also "strongly supports" the ASEAN five-point consensus on ending the Myanmar crisis.

Shortly after the military coup began, the leaders of nine ASEAN member states and the Myanmar junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, agreed to an immediate end to violence in the country. They also agreed to the appointment of a special envoy to visit Myanmar and to meet with all parties and promote dialogue and humanitarian assistance from ASEAN.

Despite those promises, the Southeast Asian bloc, has largely been divided over the conflict in Myanmar, analysts say.

The most authoritarian members of ASEAN, which would be Laos and Cambodia, to an extent, are still sticking with the junta, Priscilla Clapp, a senior adviser at the United States Institute of Peace, told VOA.

Other members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, have had some level of interaction with the Myanmar resistance.

I would say that none of the ASEAN countries really understands fully what's happening on the ground in Burma, Clapp said in a recent interview.

She added that since ASEAN operates by consensus, achieving unanimity when dealing with the junta is difficult, given the differences among individual governments.
In January 2022, on the eve of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hackers broke into the computer networks of Ukrainian state institutions and critical infrastructure.

They deleted computer systems, leaked Ukrainian citizens stolen personal data and published a threatening message on Ukrainian websites.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, their goal was to cause chaos and make Ukrainians fear for the security of their data.

Among cybersecurity specialists, their destructive malware came to be known as WhisperGate.

On June 25, 2024, a Maryland grand jury indicted one of the alleged hackers: 21-year-old Russian citizen Amin Stigal. According to prosecutors, he acted in conspiracy with the Main Intelligence Directorate, commonly known as the GRU, the foreign intelligence agency of Russias Ministry of Defense.

The alleged crime was so serious that the U.S. government offered $10 million for information on his whereabouts.

But that wasnt the first time the United States had charged a Stigal with a cybercrime. Five months earlier, in January, prosecutors unsealed an indictment laying out wire fraud charges against his father, Tim Stigal.

In comments to Voice of America, both the father and son denied that they had committed the alleged crimes. The younger Stigal called the charges complete nonsense and lies.

Now, in a new investigation based upon open-source data, VOA has painted the clearest picture yet of the young, alleged hacker and his father.

At the time of his alleged actions, Amin Stigal was a 19-year-old gamer in provincial Russia. His father is a previously noteworthy blogger and activist with the pro-Kremlin youth movement Nashi in Dagestan, a Muslim-majority region in Russias North Caucasus.

U.S. law enforcements move to identify and indict Amin Stigal contributes to a precedent of identifying the real people behind the hackers online personas and pressing charges against them, according to Alexander Leslie, a threat intelligence analyst at cybersecurity company Recorded Future.

Both the DOJ and the FBI declined to comment on the charges against the Stigals.

Allegations

According to prosecutors, in January 2022, Stigal and his accomplices conducted an attack on protected computer networks of two dozen Ukrainian government entities, including several ministries, government agencies, and Diia, the Ukrainian digital portal for government services.

The WhisperGate malware placed a message on these computers stating government agencies could buy back stolen data for a payment of $10,000 in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. In reality, the malware had already destroyed the data.

The hackers also published a message on the Diia mobile application: Ukrainian ... All information about you has become public. Be afraid and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future.

Then, the hackers went on forums on the dark web  an overlay network on the internet that can only be accessed with the Tor browser  and offered to sell the data on 13.5 million Ukrainians for $80,000.

(Diia previously told VOAs Ukrainian service that the figure of 13.5 million people is a compilation of various databases that were leaked much earlier from private companies, and that the government services portal only had 1.5 million users at the time of the hack. Researchers who study the dark web have also cast doubt on claims that all the data advertised online was actually stolen in the January 2022 attack.)

According to U.S. prosecutors, between August 2021 and February 2022, the same group of hackers attempted to break into the computers and servers of an unnamed U.S. government agency in Maryland. In October 2022, they also hacked a computer network connected to the transportation sector of an unnamed central European country that has actively supported Ukraine during the war.

For these alleged crimes, Stigal could receive up to five years in prison.

Amin Timovich Stigal attempted to leverage malware to aid the Russian military in the invasion of Ukraine, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate said in a press release. Todays indictment demonstrates the FBIs unwavering commitment to combat malicious cyber activities by our adversaries, and we will continue to work with our international partners to thwart attempts to undermine and harm our allies.

According to cybersecurity expert Leslie, Stigal is likely not the leader or a central participant in the hack.

We know that historically the GRU leverages non-GRU Russian nationals  to engage in influence operations and provides them with tools, access, and infrastructure, he said.

Working with non-agents like cybercriminals and hackers gives GRU officers a degree of plausible deniability and allows them to absolve themselves of responsibility for the hacks and operations, Leslie added.

There are fewer available details about the allegations against Stigals father.

According to the indictment, in 2014-2016 Tim Stigal participated in four conspiracies to traffic in payment card data stolen from the customers of three unnamed American companies. In one case, he allegedly threatened to release the customer data unless one of the companies paid a ransom.

If found guilty, Stigal could face more than 20 years behind bars.

Asked whether the Stigals had tried to prove their innocence to the U.S. authorities, both father and son said that they could face legal repercussions in Russia if they contacted the FBI.

Hacker or gamer?

There is very little publicly available official information about Amin Stigal. He has a number of social media pages, but none appears to feature his photograph or much personal information. The one available image of him  a passport photo published by the U.S. authorities  depicts a young man with dark hair and a longish beard.

The U.S. government states that Stigal was born in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, a Muslim-majority region in the North Caucasus.

VOA found that, in the months before the Ukrainian infrastructure hack, Stigal lived with his older sister and two younger brothers separately from their parents in the central Russian city of Saratov.

Citing unnamed sources, the independent Russian news site The Insider reported that, during his school years, Stigal began spending time in online chats for hackers and carders, people who traffic in stolen credit cards.

There is evidence online that Stigal, at a minimum, was interested in hacking during his teenage years. In 2017, he published two questions on the Russian social network Moi Mir (My World): Help with a hack, and, Is it possible to turn off the Internet through the admin panel for people who are connected to WiFi?

In June 2021, Stigals sister, writing in her channel on the Telegram messenger app, described her brother as a first-year student at Saratov State Technical University.

In a message to VOA, Stigal said that he only briefly studied at the university.

According to him, he performed poorly on his college entrance exam in 2020 after contracting COVID, and thus was only able to enroll in the local agricultural university. After his first year there, his friends from high school encouraged him to transfer to the information security department of the technical university, he said. But after a few weeks, he decided cybersecurity wasnt for him.

I abandoned my studies and was expelled for poor academic performance, Stigal told VOA. I have been playing online games for many years, DotA and CounterStrike [...] and in general I am only interested in e-sports.

Stigal denies the allegations against him.

I didnt hack anything, I didnt pay for anything, and I have no connection to this hack or to hackers in general, he wrote.

Tim Stigal also says that his son is not a hacker, doesnt work, and only plays video games.

But according to Recorded Futures Leslie, these activities are actually connected.

Teenagers  particularly those with few economic or educational opportunities  are commonly found among Russian hackers engaged in high-level cyber activities, including work for intelligence agencies. Hacker forums often provide a sense of community to these young men, and gaming is part of that culture.

E-sports is really popular among the Russian cybercriminal underground, not only as a [separate] hobby, but also as a pastime with regards to hacking  sharing game cracks, game exploits, the analyst said. So, its kind of the gateway drug into the hacker subculture.

Blogger, activist, trader

When social media users discovered that Amin Stigals father, Tim, was also accused of cybercrimes, they couldnt refrain from cracking jokes.

Families that commit state-sponsored-cyber-espionage stay together, VX Underground, an account that actively comments on malware, wrote on X.

In fact, Tim Stigal is not accused of working at the Russian authorities behest, although his biography features more than its fair share of politics.

According to open-source information and media reports, Tim Stigal was born in the Chechen village of Kurchaloy, but lived for a long time in Dagestan and other parts of Russia.

His birth name was Timur Magomadov, but in the mid-2000s he chose the pseudonym Tim Stigal, he told VOA. Since 2006, he has officially been Tim Vakhaevich Stigal.

By profession, Stigal is a financial markets trader. His social media and LiveJournal pages pay significant attention to subjects like Forex and cryptocurrency.

At the same time, he says he has never dealt in stolen card data.

I have never traded in anything so forbidden, he told VOA in a message.

Stigal has a wide range of interests. He is the author of the book The Grail of Iman, which analyzes financial and stock markets on the basis of the Quran and Sunnah, the Islamic text outlining the customs and practices of the Prophet Muhammad. He has also published a monograph online called The Chechen Trace in Ancient Mythology, which claims that the words athlete and atlas are derived from the Chechen language, and has put forth a concept for a mountain political party to unite the mountainous North Caucasus region.

Before Stigal was charged in the U.S., he attracted attention for his involvement in local politics and in Nashi, a controversial pro-Putin youth movement.

In November 2011, Stigal was listed as the Dagestani leader of Pharmacies Without Narcotics, a national program by Nashi that aimed to counter the abuse of medications. Stigal also appeared in a photo of a rally in Moscow where Nashi activists celebrated the ruling United Russias partys victory in Russias 2011 parliamentary elections.

At some point, the Stigal family left Dagestan. His daughter wrote on Telegram that before the COVID pandemic, her parents lived in two cities  Moscow and Saratov.

After the pandemic began, they remained in Saratov, but lived separately from their children. Tim Stigal now lives in Khasavyurt, Dagestan.

The Insider reported that leaked Russian interior ministry databases indicate that Stigal is suspected of involvement in extremism or terrorism. However, this information does not fit with the broader picture of his activities  and Stigal told VOA he is not sure where it came from.

Since at least 2011, Stigal has attempted to cooperate with authorities. Over time, his views appear to have only become more pro-Kremlin. On X and Telegram, he regularly publishes posts aggressively criticizing the United States and Ukraine.

Open questions

Recorded Futures Leslie emphasizes that the charges against the Stigals are quite different.

Although the indictment against Tim Stigal was unsealed in January, it dates back to 2020. His alleged transactions with stolen payment card data represent an older variety of cybercrime characteristic of the 1990s and 2000s. And there are no indications that these alleged crimes are related to intelligence agencies, Leslie said.

The case of Amin Stigal is more complicated. The DOJ openly accuses him of collaborating with the GRU.

But its almost impossible to determine the extent of this alleged collaboration because there is so little publicly available information and many different ways such a collaboration could have taken place. Leslie says he cannot even rule out the possibility that Stigal carried out work for the GRU without realizing it.

Its not uncommon for the GRU to take non-GRU criminals and hackers and effectively get them to do things on behalf of the GRU, he said. And then they cut ties for the purpose of plausible deniability.
WASHINGTON  Momentum appeared to be on the side of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, as a groundswell of Democratic lawmakers, governors and financial donors expressed their support for her to be the partys presidential nominee in the November election after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Biden followed his surprise announcement Sunday by issuing his own endorsement of Harris to face former President Donald Trump, the Republican Partys nominee.

Harris, who is 59, quickly announced that she would seek the nomination. She was a senator from the countrys most populous state, California, when Biden picked her in 2020 as his running mate after Harris challenge to Biden and other primary contenders fell apart.

JULY 21, 2024

President Biden withdraws from the 2024 presidential election race

President Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 race will reshape the Democratic presidential ticket just weeks before the Democratic national convention.

Biden immediately backed Harris as the party's nominee

Biden accrued nearly 4,000 Democratic delegates during the campaign. By endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden is encouraging the delegates to vote for Harris, but they aren't required to vote for her. | Learn more about Harris

A possible virtual vote

Prior to Biden's announcement, the Democratic Party was considering holding a virtual vote of delegates before the official Democratic National Convention, set to take place Aug. 19-22.

Facing off against Trump and Vance

The Democratic Party faces a tight timeline to coalesce around a new nominee and mount a competitive general election campaign against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance.

UP NEXT

Numerous party officials have said they support Harris to replace Biden as the partys standard-bearer against Trump. But others want to open next months Democratic National Convention to other nominations. | These are the likeliest contenders.

Her approval ratings in national surveys have largely reflected Bidens, but some surveys of likely voters show Harris faring slightly better than he does against Trump. In a few, she has polled ahead of Trump.

Harris said in a statement that Biden, by withdrawing from the race against Trump, is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump, she said. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

SEE ALSO:

Early Monday, the Harris campaign said it had collected $49.6 million in small-dollar donations since Biden withdrew and she announced her candidacy. That stood in contrast to weeks of waning support for Biden, particularly among top donors, following his stumbling performance in a late June debate against Trump.

The Association of State Democratic Committees said in a statement that an overwhelming majority of state party leaders backed Harris as the partys nominee, with several abstaining for procedural reasons.

Sundays outpouring of support for Harris also included at least one Biden Cabinet member, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who said he would do all I can to help elect Harris.

If Harris is accepted by the party to replace Biden, she would be the first Black woman and South Asian major party presidential nominee in the 248-year history of the United States.

Bidens announcement Sunday followed a rising chorus within the Democratic Party urging him to pass the torch amid his declining national poll numbers and concerns raised by his debate performance. During the debate, the 81-year-old president often appeared to lose his train of thought, failed to forcefully press his case against the 78-year-old Trump or defend his own tenure in the White House.

SEE ALSO:

Biden persevered, insisting he would not quit the race unless the Lord Almighty asked him to or if he was shown polling numbers that he could not beat Trump a second time or advised by his doctors he was not physically able to continue.

But on Sunday, he said in a statement, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term, which ends in six months in January.

Biden said he plans to address the nation about his decision later this week.

Trump responded to the announcement by assailing both Biden and Harris.

Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! Trump posted on social media, adding that Harris was just as bad as Biden.

"Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been," Trump told CNN.

Many Republicans reacted by calling for Biden to resign as president.

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, who is second in the presidential line of succession behind Harris, called on Biden to step down, claiming if he is unfit to keep his candidacy alive for another four-year term, he is also unfit to remain as president until Jan. 20.

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If Biden were to resign, Harris would immediately be sworn in as the countrys 47th president, at least until the inauguration for the victor in the November 5 election.

Names of other prominent Democrats have been floated as potential candidates other than Harris, including several state governors: Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Gavin Newsom of California. Shapiro and Newsom endorsed Harris on Sunday.

It was not immediately known who Harris might pick as her vice-presidential running mate.

Former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama but lost the 2016 presidential contest to Trump, endorsed Harris in a statement.

Obama, whom Biden served with as vice president for eight years, thanked Biden for his patriotism in leaving the race, but did not endorse Harris or any other Democrat to be the partys presidential nominee.

Media reports in the hours following Bidens withdrawal quoted sources close to Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, now an independent, saying he was considering rejoining the Democratic Party to try to replace the president at the top of the partys ticket.

There are two ways for Democrats to replace Biden as the partys standard-bearer.

One would be a virtual vote among delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago that would lock in a new nominee in early August. Chances are this process would favor Harris, avoiding conflict at the Aug. 19-22 convention in front of a national television audience.

The other way Democrats could pick a new nominee would be an open convention in which several candidates, including Harris, would seek the presidential nomination, a scenario the party hasnt experienced since 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson dropped his plans to run for reelection in face of widespread opposition to his handling of Americas war against North Vietnam.

Some Democrats are suggesting the party quickly hold a mini primary to allow Harris and anyone else to openly compete.

Biden has no public events on his schedule for Monday. The White House said details on his schedule for the rest of the week will be forthcoming.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is headed to Washington to address Congress on Wednesday and said he also plans to meet with Biden.

Some material for this article came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
By Nike Ching

World leaders reacted to U.S. President Joe Bidens announcement on Sunday that he would end his 2024 reelection bid against former President Donald Trump and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Some described it as a statesman-like decision.

Here are some reactions from around the world to Biden's decision to withdraw from his reelection campaign for November:

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X, "Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations."

Britain

Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X that he respects Bidens decision and looks forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency.

I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X, "Ive known President Biden for years. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians  and a true friend.

To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.

Czech Republic

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Biden has made undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades.

In a post on X, Fiala wrote, It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the U.S. that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.

Fiala had previously praised Biden for his leadership in support of Ukraine during an April meeting at the White House.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X and praised Biden as having achieved a lot for his country, for Europe, for the world.

Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.

Ireland

In a statement on X, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris commended Biden for his "global leadership."

Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate advocate for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this.

Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude to Biden for his "steadfast support of the Israeli people" throughout his decades-long career.

"As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples," Herzog wrote on X.

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that Biden has made difficult decisions many times that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and strengthened democracy and freedom.

I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.

Russia

The Kremlin said on Sunday that it is closely monitoring developments following Biden's decision to end his reelection bid.

The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a Russian news outlet. He was referring to the war in Ukraine.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his "admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision" made by Biden.

He wrote on X, Thanks to his determination and leadership, the U.S. has overcome the economic crisis following the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol. The U.S. has also been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin's Russian aggression. This is a great gesture from a great president who has consistently fought for democracy and freedom.

Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 22. Kazakhstan and the US have discussed a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership between the parties, covering a wide range of areas, from traditional energy sources to the latest technologies in the field of renewable energy, Trend reports.

Discussions took place during the Working Group Meeting within the framework of the US-Kazakhstan Strategic Energy Dialogue (SED).

SED efforts are currently focused on key areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy sources, extracting and processing critical materials, and ensuring energy and global nuclear security. In this area, the participants discussed the work plan for bilateral cooperation for 2024 and the current status of creating working subgroups in the above areas.

Following the meeting, the parties summed up the results of the first meetings of the working subgroups on the issues of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mining and processing of critical materials.

On February 8, the first meeting of the Critical Minerals Dialogue was held in the "C5+1" format, with the participation of the heads of relevant ministries of the Central Asian countries and representatives of the US State Department.

The Critical Minerals Dialogue highlights prospects for cooperation to achieve common minerals goals, including market diversification and technology development.
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There were scenes of great celebration in the Portlaw area of County Waterford recently when local woman, Teresa OConnor, celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

Members of the local community were also present to join in the celebrations for one of the local areas most respected and popular citizens.

The party took place in the local community hall and there was a great atmosphere on the day.

Fr Liam Callaghan, Minister Mary Butler TD, Teresa O'Connor and Fr Frances PP

Teresa was in great form remembering people from times past and talking to some of those present about family members of theirs going back generations.

Teresa saw a remarkable number of events and changes during her lifetime including WWII, the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, JFK's assassination and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Teresa pictured with her niece

Mass for Teresa was celebrated by Fr Francis and Fr Liam and the party took place following the mass.

In her younger years Teresa trained as a confectioner and was employed in Frank Madders, Portlaw Bakery, where she imparted her skills to many of her young apprentices.

Fr Frances chats about Teresa

Very talented in her profession, she enjoyed teaching the skills of the craft to the apprentices.

Such was her ability and reputation, whenever there was a wedding Teresa was the person who everyone consulted with about their wedding cake.

However, her creations were more than just cakes and were widely regarded as veritable works of art.

They were often displayed in a beautiful glass display cabinet in Jack Corcoran's shop on Bridge Street.

Memories of local peoples weddings always included Teresa.

Teresa is congratulated on her 100th birthday celebration

Such is her popularity that large numbers of people turned up to wish Teresa best wishes on her milestone day. It was day she thoroughly enjoyed.
The Gardai in Waterford have launched an investigation after a number of vehicles were taken in the city over the weekend.

The thefts occurred on Saturday, July 20, and according to a spokesperson for the force a number of thefts took place.

"This type of offence is not something we see too often in the city," said the spokesperson.

"So we are appealing to people to be extra vigilant and particularly to any taxi drivers who may have seen these cars being driven in the city on Friday night [into] Saturday morning," she added.

The first vehicle was taken from Rockenham, in Ferrybank, sometime after 2.30am on Saturday, July 20. The car, an '11C...' registered blue Toyota Vitz Hatchbatch, was was discovered burnt out in the Johns Park area of Waterford City later that morning, at around 7am.

The second vehicle was taken from the Castlegrange area, in Williamstown, sometime early on Saturday morning. It was an '07MO...' registered white Toyota hatchback. It was also discovered burnt out in the Johns Park area of the city at 7am.

"We had a third attempt to steal a vehicle close at Waterpark Apartments, which are close to UHW," said the spokesperson.

"There was damage to the ignition in this instant, but the vehicle was not stolen," she added.

All three vehicles have been taken for technical examination and CCTV footage has been obtained.

"If you live in these areas and have any information that can assist Gardai please contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 391620 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111," said the spokesperson.

With regard to practical advice to vehicle owners, particularly those who don't have immobilisers fitted, the Garda spokesperson said they can be retro-fitted.

Alternatively, motorists are advised to consider getting a steering lock, visible from the outside of the car and of a type that can't be removed easily or quickly.

"These are readily from local motor factors or online," said the Garda.

Anyone who observes a crime being committed is asked to phone 112 or 999.

"If you have any information, you can also use the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111," said the spokesperson.

More details are also available on the www.garda.ie and the Garda Siochana Waterford Facebook Page.
The organisers of a recent scooter run in County Waterford have acknowledged all those who contributed to the event, ensuring it was a great success.

Members of the Only Fools On Scooters group along with colleagues in the Kickstart Scooter Club took part in the Dave Scanlon Memorial Rideout.

(Watch a video of the ride-out below)

The run saw the participants take in some of the most spectacular scenery in the country as they made their way from Waterford to Dungarvan. Commenting on the event to Waterford News & Star, one of the organisers said: "Dave was one of our scooter mates and his sister is still involved."

Some of the scooterists who took part in the Dave Scanlon Memorial Rideout, with all the proceeds going to the Palliative Care Team at UHW. Photo: Joe Evans

Dave, who passed away two years ago, was from Waterford but lived in Dungarvan and had numerous friends in both places. A very popular member of the group he is still very much missed by all who knew him.

As a tribute to him the club members decided to organise an annual ride out and the proceeds from this years run will go towards palliative care support in University Hospital Waterford.

Some of the scooterists who took part in the Dave Scanlon Memorial Rideout, with all the proceeds going to the Palliative Care Team at UHW. Photo: Joe Evans

In addition to members of the two Waterford groups there were also scooter enthusiasts from Carlow, Thurles, Cork and Clonmel involved, much to the delight of the organisers.

When the participants arrived back in Dungarvan they were treated to some delicious treats and home-baking. The proceeds from the run will be donated to the palliative care team in UHW in the coming weeks.
It's the intention of local councillors and the executive of Waterford City and County Council to keep the pressure on Government regarding decisions on Waterford Airport.

At the July Plenary Council meeting, Cllr Mary Roche asked if there was any update from the Government considering the recent approval of other major national projects, despite the change of Ministers: "I know it's at a critical time now. I noticed when the Minister for Transport announced his resignation suddenly the road between Cork and Limerick got the go-ahead, so I'm just wondering, is there a possibility that the airport might get the go-ahead in light of that?" asked Cllr Roche.

Acting CEO for Waterford City and County Council, Ivan Grimes, responded to Cllr Roche's question and told the members, "there is no update on the airport, is the short answer."

Cllr Roche then asked Mr Grimes if it would be possible for him to follow up with the Airport Board.

Despite the Interim Chief not being a member of the board of management for Waterford Airport, Mr Grimes said he would still follow up with them.

As the councillors discussed other business, Cllr Jim Griffin (a former board member of Waterford Airport) supported Cllr Roche's request that Mr Grimes writes to the Chairperson of the Board and the Minister of Transport to "ask them if we could have real urgency on this".

"I know we have two board members here today, but if we don't have diggers on the ground before this autumn..."

"I agree with you," said Mayor Jason Murphy to Cllr Griffin, adding that "Mr Grimes has said he'd contact the board and I've no problem supporting that as well."

As previously reported by the Waterford News & Star, the Department of Transport has confirmed the Airport's business plan is being reviewed having received the relevant information two months ago.
By Rebecca Black, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has thanked Joe Biden for his friendship to the Irish nation after the US president withdrew his bid for re-election.

The Taoiseach said Mr Biden had been a voice for reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions.

Mr Biden was warmly welcomed to Ireland last year for a trip that included addressing the Dail as well as tracing his family roots in Co Louth and Co Mayo.

He also visited Northern Ireland and met then UK prime minister Rishi Sunak in Belfast, as well as undertaking an engagement at the Ulster University.

US President Joe Biden delivers a speech at St Muredachs Cathedral in Ballina, on the last day of his visit to the island of Ireland. Photo: PA.

Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Biden following the announcement on Sunday evening that he had withdrawn from the US presidential race.

In a statement, the Taoiseach said: On behalf of the people and government of Ireland, I, as Taoiseach, would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 US presidential election.

He said Mr Biden had expressed a fierce pride in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions.

Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this, he said.

My statement on US President @JoeBiden. pic.twitter.com/5WltCqip06  Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 21, 2024

On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year he himself said it was like coming home.

The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the President is held in his ancestral home.

Earlier, the Tanaiste reacted to Mr Bidens withdrawal decision with sadness and admiration.

US President Joe Biden receiving a standing ovation after addressing the Oireachtas Eireann during his visit to the island of Ireland. Photo: Tony Maxwell/PA.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin described Mr Biden as an abiding friend of Ireland.

I heard the news of President Bidens decision with both sadness and admiration, Mr Martin said in a post on the social network X, formerly Twitter.

He has been an abiding friend of Ireland, providing invaluable support for peace and prosperity on this island.

I heard the news of President Bidens decision with both sadness & admiration.



He has been an abiding friend of Ireland, providing invaluable support for peace & prosperity on this island. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/pbamsn5Tmx  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 21, 2024

His visit last year will long be remembered as a powerful & joyous celebration of our relationship with the US

This has no doubt been the toughest of calls, but one done, as ever, with dignity and class.

I know that the people of Ireland will wish President Biden the very best.
The Alfa Nero superyacht, which has been abandoned in the Caribbean for more than two years, has a new owner.

The 81-metre vessel, complete with a baby grand piano and a swimming pool that turns into a helipad, sold for $US40 million ($60 million) last week, said Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbudas ambassador to the US. He declined to name the buyer, citing a confidentiality agreement.

Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev abandoned the luxury yacht in Antigua in March 2022, after being sanctioned by the US Treasury. Credit: Internet

The sale marks the latest attempt to end the years-long Alfa Nero saga. A Russian oligarch abandoned the luxury yacht in Antigua in March 2022, after being sanctioned by the US Treasury. Then tech billionaire Eric Schmidt tried buying it at auction, only to give up when the sale became a legal quagmire.

Meanwhile, the vessel sat in Antiguas Falmouth Harbour being tended to by a skeleton crew and costing over a $US100,000 a month to maintain.
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Eating outFood Brisbanes most exciting bar openings of 2024 (so far) From a wine spot hidden in a CBD garage to a British-inspired gastropub and the return of a classic Spring Hill boozer, heres whats caught our eye so far in 2024. Matt Shea July 18, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Old venues reimagined and relaunched has been the theme so far for 2024s drinking scene, with three of the boozers listed below calling a heritage building home. But theres also the return of a James Street classic after a temporary closure earlier this year, and a homely wine bar hidden inside a garage down a CBD laneway. The Alliance in Spring Hill has been given a new lease on life by one of Brisbanes best bar groups. Markus Ravik Heres whats caught our eye so far in 2024. The Rose & Crown, South Brisbane

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English-themed gastropub the Rose & Crown occupies the heritage-listed Collins Place in South Brisbane, which since 1889 has, among other things, done time as a private residence, a police station and, during Expo 88, a spaghetti restaurant. Most recently, it was Little Big House, a Queensland-themed pub, which closed in December. The Rose & Crowns Scotch egg with mustard mayo. Markus Ravik The Rose & Crown retains the bones of Little Big House, with its brick and timber fit-out, downstairs and upstairs bars, and latticed wraparound verandahs and outdoor areas with views across Grey Street, but husband-and-wife owners Alex and Bella Derrick have given everything a very English vibe, with a white and teal paint job, walls decorated with plates and old-school paintings, and heavy timber tables. Each bar has 12 taps pouring a mix of European and Australian beers and ciders, including Magners and Guinness. Theres also a Euro-centric 40-bottle wine list, and a clutch of cocktails. Alex is particularly proud of a traditional cask ale the bar is serving thats produced by Capalabas Bacchus Brewing. Legit British gastropub opens in heritage-listed South Brisbane space

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Food is just as important here, with the kitchen producing a menu that mixes British classics with more modern dishes. For snacks and starters theres a Scotch egg with mustard mayo, pork sausage rolls, and smoked mackerel pate with toast. Mains include beer battered fish and chips with mushy peas, a braised steak and Guinness pie, and Cumberland sausages with leeks, mash and onion gravy. The Rose & Crown opened in South Brisbane in late February. Markus Ravik Theres also a Sunday roast menu that features beef, chicken, and nut roast served with Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables and gravy. Club Felix, CBD

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Upstairs, on the first floor of the newly reopened Naldham House, is Club Felix, a 110-seat lounge bar pitched as a CBD supper club. Club Felix opened this week on the first floor of Naldham House in the CBD. Markus Ravik Here, its all about a champagne list available via Coravin and signature cocktail list, accompanied by a late-night food menu. For cocktails, you might order a Brulee Flip (Martell VS Cognac, Madeira fortified wine, burnt sugar syrup, chocolate bitters and grated chocolate), Raspberry Tea Julep (black tea-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, raspberry syrup, mint and Peychauds bitters) or a Newtons Law (Ketel One vodka, Old Kempton apple liqueur, Granny Smith apple juice, citric and milk). Exclusive An 1888-built icon finally reopens as a multi-level food and beverage precinct

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Food is a menu of shareable Euro-inspired comfort eats such as a jamon and Comte toastie, fried whiting sandwich fingers with herb mayo, potato pave fingers topped with caviar and creme fraiche, bacalao (salted cod and potato) croquettes, and caramel profiteroles. Celebrated designer Anna Spiro has given the room an International Klein Blue colour scheme with large velvet banquettes and a restored original bar built from silky oak. Cru Bar, Fortitude Valley If it aint broke, dont fix it  just make it larger. That might be your initial impression of the reopened Cru Bar, but the devil is in the detail. Sure, this Valley classic still has its signature chandelier, sheer curtains, breezy courtyard and glass-topped high tables (now refurbed), but a partial expansion into the old Spoon Deli space (with restaurant Emme taking up the rest of that tenancy) has allowed for a much larger open kitchen, new tables along its flank opposite the Aesop store, and a series of lush velvet booths at the back of the venue. The onyx bar tops have been reworked, and there are terracotta-tile floors.

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Iconic James Street spot reborn as beautiful all-day wood-fired eatery Think Cru Bar, but a higher resolution take on the original. What hasnt changed is the focus on wine, with the venues award-winning wine list now surpassing 2000 bottles. Theres also a by-the-glass selection that changes weekly, an imaginative cocktail menu, and the Cru Cellar is present and correct. The larger kitchen means chef Richard Ousby has expanded his food menu to include a set option. A la carte dishes include Mooloolaba prawns with lobster bisque and cherry tomatoes, char-grilled spatchcock with roasted eggplant and picada, and wagyu sirloin steak frites served with a butchers sauce. Milquetoast, CBD

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Youll find Milquetoast hidden in a garage down the end of a laneway opposite the Hilton Hotel on Elizabeth Street. It makes for a neat two-hander with Alice, a dive bar, just next door. Youll find Milquetoast tucked away in a garage on a laneway just off Elizabeth Street. Markus Ravik Inside, its homely rather than fancy, owners George Curtis and James Horsfall scouring Facebook Marketplace for vintage timber tables and leather and velvet chairs and bar stools. A bar and open kitchen runs down one side of the venue, and exposed girders are lined with wine bottles. Its the vino that takes centre stage here. Horsfall has put together a 50-bottle list that covers both Australian and international drops and focuses on small producers, grower champagnes, limited allocations and the like. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best new bars is this wine joint hidden in a CBD garage

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For cocktails, venue manager Aidan Perkins has written a list that focuses on higher end spirits. Theres also a martini menu that each month showcases a different distillery and presents house interpretations on dry, wet and dirty martinis, as well as a retro riff on an espresso martini, a mini martini, and a martini highball served with tonic. Milquetoast ran its first service last week. Markus Ravik For food, chef Solenn dHeilly (formerly chef de partie at Bennelong, at the Sydney Opera House) is cooking seasonal produce that taps into a revitalised interest in British food (Curtis is from England, as are Horsfalls parents). It will change regularly but the launch menu features devilled eggs with bacon and leek cream, a cured fish crumpet with curry aioli, Urban Valley mushrooms on toast, and Cumberland sausages with Puy lentils and gremolata. The Alliance, Spring Hill

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The changes at the relaunched Alliance might initially feel subtle, but then co-owner Peter Hollands explains that there was a lot of low-hanging fruit at this iconic 1864-built pub. The Alliance Hotel after its recent relaunch in Spring Hill. Markus Ravik In the beautiful old front bar, he and co-owners Emma Hollands (Peters wife), Kat Makarov and Nick Winter (who between them are known for slick CBD bars Frogs Hollow and Alice) have replaced the bar top and beer lines, covered the walls in Australiana  think old Fosters, Fourex and Fourn Twenty pie posters  and thrown open the windows to better catch the sun as it tracks across the old Spring Hill workers cottages to the north-west, filling the venue with a lovely afternoon light. On tap there are 10 beers that split the difference between big box drops such XXXX Gold, Tooheys New and Guinness, and a rotating selection of craft brews. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best bar groups has relaunched an iconic 1864-built pub

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Out back, the old bistro has also been given a new bar top and renamed The Whisky Warren. There, head chef Julian Oliver is cooking a menu of Australian game dishes that changes depending on what he can get his hands on. You might order kangaroo tartare served with onion and bean puree on toasted brioche; butterflied harissa-marinated whole quail with cauliflower puree, sauteed kale and crisp enoki; or a slow cooked rabbit stew with mushroom, potato and tomato. The rest of the venue has been given over to a series of private dining rooms and function spaces. Upstairs, theres the light-filled Leichhardt Room with capacity for 160 guests. Downstairs, beneath the public bar, theres the Actress and the Bishop Bar, with capacity for 45 people; and the 60-person Mirror Room, which features a mirrored ceiling. Theres also a 14-seat private dining room in the venues wine cellar.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 22. The small hydroelectric power station Kok-Art in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad region has been put into operation, Trend reports.

According to the information, the station was inaugurated by President Sadyr Zhaparov.

In his speech, he noted the significant contribution of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund to the completion of this hydropower plant in a short period of time. In particular, the total investment involved in the project amounted to $7.8 million. Half of this amount came from the Uzbek-Kyrgyz fund, and the other half was invested by a private investor.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the electricity produced would be sufficient to meet the needs of more than 10,000 residents in Suzak district. The President also recalled the planned launch of the second unit of the Toktogul HPP and the fourth unit of the Uch-Korgon HPP.

Zhaparov noted that the Isfayram-1, Beles, Avletim, Leilek, Kurak-Tektir, Adyn-Unkur, Buyga, Kozho-Kair, Kara-Zhygach, Leninpol, and Amanat hydropower plants are being prepared for commissioning. The total capacity of these hydropower plants will be about 140 megawatts.

He also mentioned the construction of HPP Kambar-Ata-1, noting that investors have already been found, and shortly, with proper and economical use of water resources, the country will start exporting electricity.

The construction of the Kok-Art small HPP, located in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad region, started in August 2023. The installed capacity of the hydroelectric unit is 6.8 MW. The estimated annual electricity generation will be 25 million kilowatt-hours.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Words can be cheap in politics, but in the real world, words without corresponding action can be very costly.

Take the tow truck industry in WA. Its been unregulated and lawless for years with a growing list of dubious operators able to charge whatever towing fees they want, knowing theyve got the average motorist and their insurance companies over a barrel.

A tow-truck operator clashes with a motorist in Perths southern suburbs. Credit: Nine News Perth

The extortion, organised crime, standover tactics and turf wars have been exposed time and time again.

As a reporter behind some of the worrying headlines, I sound like a broken record whenever I point out that the tow-truck cowboys and crooks are no closer to being tamed.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 21. Turkmenistan confirmed its intention to sign an agreement on the creation of the Caspian Sea-Black Sea international transport route, Trend reports.

The news followed a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov with State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania Adrian Gheorghe Fogis.

During the meeting, the participants confirmed their intention to prepare for the signing in Bucharest in 2024 of a quadripartite (Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania) intergovernmental agreement on the creation of the Caspian Sea-Black Sea international transport route.

At the same time, the parties discussed the implementation of previously reached agreements in the context of the activities of bilateral working groups in the field of transport, as well as the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the transit-transport field, including within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative.

Meanwhile, the Caspian Sea-Black Sea transport route, which involves Romania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, is poised to deliver substantial benefits to the region. This route enhances trade between Europe and Asia, facilitating the movement of goods between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea through a combination of maritime, rail, and road transport.

Anticipated reductions in transportation costs and delivery times will make the corridor more efficient and cost-effective.
David Young, PA

A man accused of keeping his dead father in a freezer in the family home has been remanded in custody.

John Garrett OSullivan (55) appeared before a judge at the Magistrates Court in Derry on Monday morning charged with attempting to prevent the lawful burial of his father, 86-year-old Noel OSullivan.

The court heard that the pensioners remains were found in the living room of the house on the Culmore Road in Derry wrapped in plastic sheeting and a duvet.

His head was placed inside an open fridge freezer while the rest of his body lay on the floor beside the open door of another freezer.

Deputy district judge Philip Mateer remanded John OSullivan in custody as he expressed concerns about the state of his mental health.

The accused, who is unemployed but has a PhD in electrical engineering, appeared via video-link from a police custody suite.

OSullivan, who lived at the family home on Culmore Road with his father, albeit at times residing in the garage, spoke briefly at the outset of the hearing to confirm his date of birth and that he understood the charge facing him.

He is accused of attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of his father on dates between July 1 and July 17.

Police forced entry to the home where Mr OSullivan and his father lived (Niall Carson/PA)

Outlining the circumstances of the case, a detective constable told the court that officers received a report from one of Noel OSullivans daughters on Wednesday July 17th expressing concern that she was unable to contact her father or gain entry to the house. On arrival, police forced entry.

On entering the property, officers have reported that there was an odour of human remains, the officer told the judge.

On entering the living room, police observed a duvet leading into a fridge freezer which was turned on and running with a second fridge freezer located next to it.

Police began to remove the layers of duvet to reveal a plastic sheet. On removing this, human remains of Mr Noel OSullivan were located.

The body of Mr Noel OSullivan appeared to be lying for some time. It was wrapped in clear tarpaulin plastic. There was an adult nappy on his head and hands. He was also wrapped in dry night bedding with a wet wipe type cloth inserted into his mouth.

The deceaseds head was placed into the fridge freezer and his body was surrounded by the open door of a second fridge.

John OSullivan was arrested later that day when he was found walking on the Culmore Road toward the house.

He was initially detained on suspicion of murder but later re-arrested on a charge of attempting to prevent a lawful burial.

The court heard that the results of a post-mortem examination on his father had been inconclusive.

The court was told that the daughter who contacted police on July 17th normally lives in Brussels and that she last spoke to her father on July 1st.

The judge was told she had difficulty accessing the home on previous occasions and had been in touch with police raising concerns about her father.

Police subsequently sent safeguarding referrals to social services in regard to the living conditions and the ability of Noel OSullivan to look after himself.

The court heard that his widow has dementia and is residing in a nursing home.

The officer told the judge that social services called at the house on July 10th in relation to Mrs OSullivan but had been unable to gain entry.

The detective constable said John OSullivan gave an account to officers that he had found his father drinking and ranting and raving in the living room of the house in the early hours of July 7th.

He claimed that his father was, at times, having difficulty breathing but was also being abusive toward him.

He said he left the room due to the abuse being directed at him and went to bed and, when he returned in the late afternoon of the same day, he found his father dead.

On the death of his father, he described that he did not contact the authorities as it was a bank holiday weekend, said the officer.

He stated that he told his mother that his father had died. However, Mrs OSullivan is currently in Rush Hall nursing home and is being treated for dementia.

He stated he did research as to what the procedure for sudden death was and, in the meantime, he refrigerated his father, as this is what Altnagelivn (the hospital in Derry) would do.

He felt there was no point in ringing a GP as he was dead, and he confirmed that he did not tell anyone else of the death of his father.

The officer told the court that OSullivan later told a police custody nurse that his father died on July 8 following a collapse episode.

He stated that he wanted his father to be kept in the house to preserve his privacy and dignity, said the detective constable.

And he felt that if he rang the ambulance his father would have been put in a fridge in Altnagelvin, so he decided to preserve his fathers body himself using fridges.

He told the nurse that he would exercise his fathers limbs as he had heard from other people that undertakers would break his bones to put them into the coffin.

In further details outlined to the court, the officer said OSullivan attended a GP practice on July 10th inquiring on what to do in the event of a sudden death.

She said he also spoke with staff at a parochial house at a church in Buncrana, Co Donegal, on July 4th and asked if a priest and undertaker were necessary if he was to bury his mother in the parish.

He implied to the staff that he would like to bury his mother himself in the night, but he was told that this was not allowed, the officer told the judge.

The officer said it was not believed that the accuseds mother is anywhere near to death.

She added: Police query whether he was asking these questions with the knowledge that his father had died.

The officer objected to bail on the grounds of the accused having no suitable address to reside in and that he could flee the jurisdiction to Co Donegal.

She also raised concerns about OSullivans mental health. The court heard he had an episode of psychosis in 2010 but had been living in the community without incident since then. The accused also has no criminal record, the judge was told.

A defence solicitor said he had raised concerns that, upon arrest, his client should have been held in a hospital setting, rather than a custodial one.

He acknowledged there currently was not a suitable bail address but suggested the judge should consider releasing him from custody if such an address could be agreed with police.

The judge said it was distressing case for the family and an unusual case for the court to deal with.

Refusing the bail application, deputy district judge Mateer said a primary concern was the lack of suitable address.

He also raised concern about the accuseds state of mind.

I just dont believe it would be appropriate to take a decision releasing him into the community without some sort of proof that it would be safe to do so, he added.

OSullivan was remanded into custody to appear before the same court, via video-link, on August 15th.
As Woodies Heroes marks its 10th anniversary, the campaign proudly announced 3-year-old Iris Carty from Co. Mayo as an ambassador for Down Syndrome Ireland in this year's fundraising initiative. The Woodies Heroes 2024 campaign, running from now until 10th August, aims to raise essential funds for four Irish children's charities: Down Syndrome Ireland, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Childrens Health Foundation, and ISPCC Childline.

Iris is a happy 3-year-old with Down syndrome, living with her family in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo. Her parents, James and Ciara, have found invaluable support from Down Syndrome Ireland since Iriss birth. James, a Sergeant with An Garda Siochana, and Ciara, a theatre nurse at Mayo University Hospital, credit the charity with providing the tools and community they needed to navigate their journey.

James is also the Chairperson of the Down Syndrome Ireland Mayo branch in Castlebar Speaking about their experience James and Ciara said, "The support from Down Syndrome Ireland has been a lifeline for us, particularly the speech and language therapy for Iris. It has not only benefited her but also brought us closer as a family. The community support has been incredible, connecting us with other families and providing a strong network of understanding and encouragement."

The Woodies Heroes campaign aims to raise funds to further develop the Early Years Communication Programme for young children with Down Syndrome. This initiative is critical for families like the Cartys, ensuring children receive the necessary resources to reach their full potential.
There is widespread grief in West Mayo following the tragic death of a woman who lost her life in a drowning accident on Sunday.

The woman has been named locally as Cathy Hughes. Ms Hughes, who was aged in her 60s was a member of one of Westports most successful and best-known families.

She drowned at Old Head on Sunday despite efforts to save her. A postmortem was due to be conducted today.

The sad passing of Ms Hughes has stunned her homeplace and her adopted city of Galway where she was a leading light in art circles.

A hugely talented artist, Ms Hughes had been living in Salthill, Co Galway but regularly returned to her native county and was a frequent visitor to Westport and Louisburgh.

One of a family of 13, the landscapes of Louisburgh and Old Head influenced much of her art.

Her mother, Maura Kelly, was a cousin of legendary Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, and began the Irish craft and knitwear business Carraig Donn Industries.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 22. Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries amounted to $6.9 billion from January through May 2024, Trend reports.

As per data from Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, this figure has increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year ($6.4 billion in JanuaryMay 2023).

The volume of exports to EAEU countries reached $2.1 billion, which shows 10.5 percent growth compared to the same period last year ($1.9 billion in JanuaryMay 2023).

Uzbekistans imports from EAEU countries totaled $4.8 billion during this period. This indicator has increased by 6.6 percent over the past year ($4.5 billion in JanuaryMay 2023).

Foreign trade turnover with Russia amounted to $4.7 billion, Kazakhstan - $1.5 billion, Kyrgyzstan - $294.3 million, Belarus - $265.2 million, and Armenia - $8.7 million.

The share of EAEU countries in the total volume of foreign trade turnover amounted to 25.9 percent.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover volume amounted to $26.7 billion from January through May 2024. This figure indicates a 3 percent growth year-on-year ($25.9 billion in JanuaryMay 2023).

Uzbekistan's exports reached $10.8 billion, while imports totaled $15.9 billion during this period.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JULY 16 EDITION)

Recently appointed president of University of Galway, Ballyhaunis native Professor Peter McHugh is a frequent visitor to the town.

Yes, I visit Ballyhaunis a few times a year, he told this column. My parents passed on over 20 years ago, but I do have cousins in the locality, and there are quite a few people who remember me I hope, and I still have a very strong emotional connection to Main Street where I grew up. My house was where Eddie Murphys Menswear is now, opposite the Courthouse.

Professor McHugh was appointed Deputy President and Registrar earlier in the year and part of that role is to deputise for the President.

Professor Ciaran O hOgartaighs decision to step down from the role of President was unexpected, creating a vacancy. The Governing Authority of the University - Udaras na hOllscoile - essentially oversees all the major decision-making at the University, and their considered view was that an Interim President should be put in place for a year, starting in September. I am delighted that Udaras asked me to take on this role and to have been given the opportunity to lead the University.

Asked about the priorities for his tenure, Professor McHugh explained: University of Galway is a great institution with a proud history stretching back over 175 years so it is an enormous privilege for me to be given the opportunity to lead the University. Being faithful to this history and looking to the future, my priorities will be to strengthen and build upon our international reputation for excellence and impact in teaching and research, to strive for the very best student experience, and to empower our staff to achieve.
The Clare Senior Hurling team and the Liam MacCarthy Cup will be welcomed back to the Banner on Monday evening with a homecoming event in Ennis.

Brian Lohan's team won the county's fifth All-Ireland Senior Hurling title on Sunday, beating Cork by 3-29 to 1-34 after extra time.

Captain Tony Kelly put in a man of the match performance, scoring 1-4.

The Champions are coming home .

Keep an eye on Clare GAA Social Media Platforms for updates . pic.twitter.com/SeQHUZ9ORN  Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) July 22, 2024

Kelly is the fourth Clare man to lift the MacCathy Cup for his county, joining Ambrose Power (1914), Anthony Daly (1995 & 1997) and Patrick Donnellan (2013).

The team will make their way to Ennis via Lohan's club, Wolfe Tones GAA in Shannon, where they are expected to arrive at 4pm.

They will then continue on to Clarecastle for around 6pm, before heading on to Ennis where the homecoming event will get underway at the Fair Green from 7.30pm.

Clare GAA said updates on the day's events will be posted on their social media channels.

Meanwhile, the Cork team will be welcomed back with an event at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

The ticketed event will include live music, with gates opening at 4.30pm before the team's arrival.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The "Security, Rescue, and Assistance in the Caspian Sea 2024" drills started today on the initiative of the Iranian Navy and in cooperation with all the naval forces of the Caspian countries, advisor for the drills Abbas Hasani told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, for the first time, representatives from Caspian countries are observing various stages of the drills.

Hasani mentioned that the drills include operations for firefighting, air rescue, transporting the wounded by helicopter, and engaging air and sea targets.

"The Caspian Sea is a sea of peace and friendship. Based on this, Iran is enhancing cooperation with Caspian countries," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Foreign tourists pose for a photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Ju Huanzong]

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua)  Edward Hayward, a junior at Carleton College in the United States, has found a new favorite activity this summer: riding buses through streets of Beijing, the Chinese capital city, and enjoying the view outside.

"I am surprised by how beautiful Beijing is, and amazed by everything I see," said the 21-year-old.

This summer vacation, he is spending two months in intensive Chinese language immersion courses at Beijing Normal University under the "Young Envoys Scholarship" (YES) program.

"My Chinese has seen a level of progress I could have only dreamed of a few months ago," said Hayward, who has spent 10 to 12 hours a day practicing pronunciation, improving his speech and studying new words over the past few weeks.

In November 2023, the Chinese government laid out a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over the next five years, aiming to further expand exchanges and promote mutual understanding between Chinese and American people, particularly among the young generation.

To implement the initiative, China established the YES program, which integrates resources from universities across China to provide quality programs, a diversified range of activities, and high-level platforms and channels for young Americans to study and enjoy exchanges in China.

Chinese and American students make paper cut works featuring the dragon boat during a cultural event at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, June 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Wang Xiao]

Though Hayward has been interested in Chinese culture and society since a young age, it is his first visit to China.

"China is sometimes depicted from the outside as a country that forgot its traditions and history in exchange for rapid modernization. After coming here, I can see how wildly inaccurate such a description is. China is advancing rapidly, yet never left any part of its rich culture behind," said Hayward.

Many other American students resonated with Hayward. "I have studied Chinese history for a long time, but to me, it means such a great difference to actually come here and be immersed in the language, culture and history of the area," said Michael Connelly from the University of Chicago who is taking a summer program in Peking University in Beijing.

On Thursday, a "U.S.-China Youth Leaders Dialogue" event was held at Peking University, co-hosted by the university and China Education Association for International Exchange. Over 200 students from nearly 50 Chinese and American universities, including Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Chicago, Peking University and Tsinghua University, participated in the event.

Students from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions, sharing their experiences of traveling and studying in China, and views on global issues such as youth exchange for enhanced understanding, climate change and green development, and technological innovation.

"We are dedicated to granting every student that comes to China for study or exchange with an immersive experience, where a real and stereo China could be vividly felt," said Chen Jie, vice minister of education, at a ceremony of the event.

He believes that everything the American students see, hear and taste in person throughout the journey might make them realize that China is actually different from how it is presented in some books, classes, TV or other media.

"The sites and artifacts here are no longer simply words on a page or pictures in a book, but now have a real tangible weight and importance," said Connelly, who visited automated ports, a smart factory of NEVs, and logistics company in the Yangtze River Delta, an economically vibrant region in east China. "I am no longer just studying Chinese history, but walking amongst its very makings."

The event on Thursday also featured the release of a joint initiative by the Chinese and American youth, which advocated for enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges and safeguarding green development. It also called on the youth from both countries to engage in sci-tech innovation for a brighter future for humanity.

Chen noted that the friendship between Chinese and American youth is an important foundation for enhancing trust and cooperation between China and the United States.

"As the world is in an era filled with uncertainties, the ultimate answer to these uncertainties comes from all the young people in attendance here today, and comes from the collective efforts of the young generation of China and the United States," Chen said.

"Young people are the next generation of economic, political and societal leaders, and should play a pivotal role in cross-cultural exchange. It allows us to appreciate the differences in each other's cultures and societies, and find common grounds, even if we live on the opposite sides of the planet," said Luke Aloe from Dartmouth College. "As we continue to engage in dialogue throughout today's program, we are on our way to overcoming misunderstandings and building friendships."

Gong Qihuang, president of Peking University, said at the event that the university will continue to promote educational exchanges between China and the United States, and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with American universities to foster mutual understanding between the youth of both countries.

"During this historic period of China-U.S. relations, there's a lot more we could be doing to better understand, appreciate and respect each other," said Connelly.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Recognition came too late, but it has changed perceptions of an architect who left an indelible mark on China, Hou Chenchen and Zhu Xingxin report in Taiyuan.

The delayed Bachelor of Architecture degree, issued to Lin by the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania. [Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

For young Lin Huiyin (1904-1955) it truly was a case of being in the right place at the wrong time. The 20-year-old had traveled all the way from China to Pennsylvania, the United States, no mean feat in the early 1920s, to attend the US state's eponymous university. Lin's designs were clear: to realize a long-held desire to study architecture. However, there was one big problem: She was a woman.

Despite her obvious, laudable ambitions, the university's architecture program under its school of fine arts summarily rejected her application on those very grounds.

However, its school of fine arts was a little more relaxed, and Lin would enroll there, completing all her courses over the years  including compulsory ones in architecture  with one notable exception. The university's regulations did not countenance women doing live figure drawing, on the grounds that it would expose them to the male body.

Guests attend the exhibition, including Liang Jian (left in middle photo), grandson of architects Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng. [Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

It would not be until 10 years later, in 1934, that more enlightened attitudes would prevail and women were able to take their rightful place in the architecture program, but of course for Lin it was too late.

Lin is widely known in China, not for her architectural talent, but as a prominent figure in novels and television dramas that depict her as a poet and as a romantic heroine.

Last month, a century after Lin began her studies in Pennsylvania, her granddaughter Yu Kui arrived in Shanxi Province, where her late grandmother did research, with a special document in hand: the architectural degree for which Lin had worked so assiduously, but which she had been denied. In May, recognizing this historic injustice, the University of Pennsylvania publicly and posthumously bestowed on Lin the degree she so richly deserved.

Visitors to the Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin Academic Document Exhibition at the Changjiang Art Museum in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province , in June. [Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

One reason Yu had brought the prized document was to deliver it to the Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin Academic Document Exhibition in Foguang Temple, Wutai County, Xinzhou, and to the Changjiang Art Museum in Taiyuan, both in Shanxi Province. The temple played a key role in Lin's studies, as it was the subject of a well-known architectural survey she undertook with her husband Liang Sicheng (1901-1972). Also on display in both exhibitions is a manuscript of hers dated June 29, 1937, that details the work.

As Lin and Liang surveyed the wooden temple in 1937, her keen eye picked out faint inscriptions beneath the main beam, providing crucial evidence of the building's age, her son Liang Congjie wrote in his article, Reminiscing About My Mother Lin Huiyin, in 1987.

Visitors showing great interest in research documents by Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng and their architectural drawings and sketches at the exhibition. [Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

Wang Nan, senior engineer at the Palace Museum in Beijing, and one of the curators of the exhibitions, says recognition of Lin's discovery represented the first time that she had been allowed to stand on the same academic and intellectual pedestal as her husband.

"Liang is often regarded as the father of modern Chinese architecture, and a common misconception is that he sparked in her an interest in architecture. With the discovery of more records, and Lin's manuscripts, her outstanding contribution to architectural history becomes evident."

In a paper published last year in the journal Modern Science, researcher Meng Zhaoyuan analyzed media coverage of Lin over the past century, in which she is often portrayed as a member of the literati and an activist, overlooking her identity as an architectural scholar. In fact in newspaper reports over the decades, mentions of her beauty and romantic life very much eclipse other things.

Guests attend the exhibition. [Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

On June 10, the 120th anniversary of Lin's birth, the architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania, which is now under the Weitzman School of Design, put everything in its correct perspective. At its annual graduation ceremony, it awarded Lin, who died in 1955, a Bachelor of Architecture degree in recognition of her pioneering contributions to Chinese architecture.

"All the men from China received full scholarships and Lin got half of one. She was the only woman and the only student who wasn't allowed to get an architecture degree," Dean Fritz Steiner said.

"My mother had a strong sense of freedom," Liang Congjie wrote in his article. "Even though she was a university teacher, published articles and was famous, she was stripped of her own identity and simply regarded as Liang Sicheng's wife."

Su Dan, deputy director of the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing, says that it was through Hou Youbin, a disciple of Lin and Liang Sicheng, and an expert in ancient Chinese architectural history, that he first got wind of Foguang Temple. Over the course of 40 years, Su says that he visited the temple countless times and retraced the couple's steps as they explored ancient buildings.

"Generations of Chinese architects grew up heavily influenced by the couple," Wang says. "I have visited Shanxi many times, far more than even they did, yet everything I do is rooted in their work."

Visitors showing great interest in research documents by Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng and their architectural drawings and sketches at the exhibition. [Zhu Xi ngxin/China Daily]

Shanxi is a repository of ancient Chinese architecture, and is home to more than 80 percent of the ancient wooden buildings of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and earlier. Yet, the couple visited the province just four times.

In July 1937, as they left Foguang Temple, they received news of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in Beijing, marking the full-scale outbreak of the Chinese people's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Amid national turmoil they threw themselves into protecting ancient buildings.

By that time, young women who studied architecture at Pennsylvania University were finally able to treasure their diplomas, a joy Lin never experienced.

After her death, she was buried at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing, which she designed, taking a revered place with many other important figures of modern Chinese history.

The words that her husband Liang Sicheng chose to inscribe on her tombstone could be no simpler, nor more fitting  "Lin Huiyin, architect".

(Source: China Daily)

Editor: Wang Shasha
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Discussions on a nuclear program in Iran will continue based on the formation of a new government and positions announced by the elected president, Deputy Director General for International Political Affairs Reza Najafi said at a press conference in Tehran on July 22, Trend reports.

According to him, the main question is the readiness of the other side for discussions. Following the US presidential election and the withdrawal of President Joe Biden's candidacy, it is necessary to wait to see how US policy will be.

Najafi noted that Iran has never abandoned negotiations and is ready to continue them.

Referring to the US withdrawal from the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action by the Donald Trump administration and the renewal of sanctions against Iran, the Iranian official noted that, in consequence, Iran has utilized the provisions of the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action and started taking steps.

The deputy minister stated that Iran has fulfilled its obligations under the nuclear agreement and is committed to its implementation. This is confirmed by 15 reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

Meanwhile, in late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the JCPOA signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is pictured during a press briefing in Washington, DC, on July 15. Mayorkas unveiled the experts who will be conducting an independent review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, tapping former senior Homeland Security officials who served under multiple administrations, as well as law enforcement officials.
Health Secretary Eluned Morgan considers bid to become First Minister

This article is old - Published: Monday, Jul 22nd, 2024

Health Secretary Eluned Morgan is giving serious consideration to standing to replace Vaughan Gething as Wales first minister.

This comes as Welsh Labour announced that Wales will welcome a new first minister by mid-September, following Gethings resignation.

The leadership change was triggered by the departure of three ministers and the Welsh Governments chief legal adviser last week.

Mr Gething, who assumed office less than four months ago, confirmed his resignation after the high-profile departures on Tuesday.

His tenure has been hit by several controversies, including a 200,000 donation from a convicted polluter, a lost no-confidence vote, and the sacking of a minister accused of leaking.

Julie James, Lesley Griffiths, Mick Antoniw, and Jeremy Miles resigned, urging Mr Gething to step down for the nations benefit. Initially resistant, he ultimately yielded to their demands.

Former leadership contender Jeremy Miles has nominated Eluned Morgan in the election for Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister.

In response to Morgan confirming she is considering a bid for the Welsh Labour leadership, Miles said, I am today nominating Eluned Morgan for leader of Welsh Labour. I hope Eluned becomes our leader  her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government.

Miles praised Morgans experience and values, adding, Eluned is a friend as well as a valued colleague. She has stood up for the interests of Wales in the Senedd, but also in Europe and Westminster. The values she champions  of fairness, prosperity for all, a greener future, and a strong devolution settlement  are ones which I passionately share. Welsh Labour under Eluned would reach out and represent all parts of our nation.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: The next leader of the Labour party in Wales was always likely to be a Minister who has overseen the decline in either health outcomes or educational standards.

Waless future success cannot be left to those too wedded to old thinking and failed ideas.

The people of Wales want an injection of hope and can-do attitude from a new government which is relentlessly focused on putting Wales before the interests of Westminster.

Wales needs to break the cycle of Labours revolving door of First Ministers who have no direct mandate from voters.

The Welsh Labour Party has set a timetable for selecting a new leader.

Nominations for candidates opened on Saturday evening, with Labour Senedd Members having until midday on Wednesday to declare their support.

The new leader will be chosen by Welsh Labour members and affiliated organisations, including trade unions.

Ballots will be distributed from August 22, with a return deadline of September 13.

The new leaders announcement is scheduled for Saturday, September 14.

Mr Gething will face his final First Ministers Questions on September 17, with the election of the new first minister set for September 18.
North Wales MS praises vital work of The Venture

This article is old - Published: Monday, Jul 22nd, 2024

A North Wales Member of the Senedd has praised the work of an integrated childrens centre in Caia Park.

Carolyn Thomas, Welsh Labour MS for North Wales, visited the Venture with the Senedds Equality and Social Justice Committee, as part of an inquiry into childcare and parental employment.

The Venture was established in 1978 as an adventure playground to help combat youth crime, with early years provision following in 1987 and 1988.

In addition to the adventure playground, The Venture hosts an early years centre that provides Flying Start childcare.

The much-loved facility also provides an alternative learning project for young people who are at risk of becoming unemployed or leaving education  along with a youth club and weekly sessions for the community including a community advice surgery and community policing sessions.

Carolyn Thomas MS, said: I was thrilled to visit the Venture in Caia Park, Wrexham and meet the incredible team including Chief Officer Malcolm King OBE, who has been involved for 46 years, along with staff and project workers.

I visited the early years area and then was guided around the adventure play area by a group of young people.

It was such a joyful, happy environment and I congratulate all those involved in creating and sustaining it.

Carolyn Thomas MS added: Three of the five wards in Caia Park have the highest rate of child poverty in Wales, so the Venture plays a vital role in helping tackle this, with 70% of the children who attend the Venture living within 500 yards of the centre and around 90 children attending the centre each day.

The Equality and Social Justice Committees inquiry is designed to measure the progress that has been made to improve childcare provision in Wales, and what work there is still to do, including analysing the progress of the Welsh Governments commitment to expand 12.5 hours of free childcare per week to all two-year olds in Wales.
Plaid Cymru councillors defect to Labour over concerns about Plaids handling of sexual harassment claims

This article is old - Published: Monday, Jul 22nd, 2024

Update: The BBC LDRS have been provided with a response this evening and have updated their story to include it: Plaid Cymru ask defected councillors to hold by-election and challenge Welsh Labour to publish defamatory allegation in full

Original information below:

Welsh Labour have said they welcome two defecting former Plaid Cymru councillors over concerns about Plaids handling of sexual harassment claims

Gwersyllt North councillor Emma Holland and Offa councillor Kate Wilkinson both left the Plaid Cymru group on Wrexham Council this month, and moved to unaligned status. That has now updated today to show they are formally now part of the Labour grouping.

In a statement earlier this month Cllr Holland told Wrexham.com that she had a number of ongoing issues with Plaid Cymru that senior group members were aware of.

She added: I gave notice a few weeks ago, but left it until after Becca Martins election campaign had ended, in order to avoid causing her any unnecessary drama.

I wish all my colleagues in Plaid all the best for the future and hope that we can work alongside each other, if not together, for the greater good of the people of Wrexham.

In a statement this afternoon Welsh Labour central office in Cardiff have said, Two former Plaid Cymru councillors on Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) have today defected to Welsh Labour after concerns over Plaid Cymrus handling of sexual harassment claims.

Cllr Emma Holland, of Gwersyllt North, and Cllr Kate Wilkinson, of Offa, were welcomed into the Welsh Labour WCBC group by Labour Group Leader, Cllr Dana Davies

Labour Group Leader on Wrexham Council Cllr Davies locally added, We are pleased to welcome Councillors Emma Holland (Gwersyllt North) and Kate Wilkinson (Offa) into the Labour Group at Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC).

Both are dedicated public servants who are deeply committed to their residents and communities.

With our shared values, I am confident that each will be a valuable contributor to the collective efforts of Team Labour.

Councillors Holland and Wilkinson will be withdrawing from social media effective immediately.

I kindly ask the residents of Gwersyllt North and Offa to show compassion during this period and to use the updated contact information available at the link here.

A key priority for me at present is ensuring a safe environment for all elected members, particularly our female councillors. I am currently finalising safeguarding plans and working with Welsh Labour and leaders within the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to implement a comprehensive awareness program on sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation. This initiative is crucial for fostering the culture change that is urgently needed. I am committed to working collaboratively to create a safe environment for women, both locally and nationally. As a woman supporting women, regardless of political affiliations, we must collectively speak out against inaction regarding these harmful behaviours, which are extremely debilitating for women.

The Wrexham Council website has also been updated to show the changes:

We have contact local Plaid Cymru for comment.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The important issue for Iran regarding its nuclear program is the responsible return of the US to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani said at a press conference held in Tehran on July 22, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran is the party that remains committed to all its obligations under the Comprehensive Joint Action Plan, and other parties should return to fulfill their commitments.

The official stated that the issue that could change the terms of US-Iran relations is the change in US policy toward Iran. From this perspective, the change of personalities and governments in the US is irrelevant.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

Meanwhile, in late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the JCPOA signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

Based on the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

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According to the Institute of Economics and Business Development (Iedep) of Peru, more than 1.5 million young people between the ages of 15 and 29 years are known as ninis, because they are neither in school, nor do they have work (ni estudian, ni trabajan).

Among the youngest cohort, two out of every five between 15 and 19 years old do not have job opportunities or access to education, the Iedep study shows. This portrait of the conditions confronting Peruvian youth becomes even starker when one considers that in 2023 one in three of them was officially poor, representing an increase of 12.8 percent compared to the previous year.

Demonstrators block the Pan-American highway to protest against President Dina Boluarte's government and Congress in Ica, Peru, Friday, Janaury 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Martin Mejia]

Due to the continuing deceleration of the Peruvian economy these numbers remain worse than pre-COVID pandemic levels: they went from 1.3 million ninis in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2020, the worst year of the pandemic, undoubtedly reflecting the fact that Peru had the highest per capita COVID mortality rate in the world. The figure dropped to 1.6 million in 2021, when the economy showed some signs of recovering, only to fall back to pre-pandemic levels, increasing by 2.4 percent by the end of 2023.

Women have made up a disproportionate percentage of ninis, 72.1 percent in 2019, 57.4 percent in 2022 and 52.4 percent in 2023.

According to the head of Iedep, Oscar Chavez, there is a high risk that the number of ninis will continue to increase in the near future.

This assessment is supported by Carolina Rivelli, an economist at the Institute of Peruvian Studies (IEP). Writing for the business newspaper Gestion, she said, Young people who are reaching working age are having a bad time; they dont see a promising future, and 62 percent want to leave the country, a figure 20 percent higher than the national average. This number is alarming considering that two thirds report they do not plan to return.

The factors behind the high emigration rate, according to IEP, are the adverse employment situation, poor economic forecasts, the lack of educational opportunities and the deterioration of democratic institutions.

Data collected by INEI (National Institute of Statistics and Information) show that in metropolitan Lima, where approximately 43 percent or 657,000 ninis reside, the number of young people under 24 years of age looking for jobs fell almost 3 percent compared to last year, and 10 percent since 2019.

The so-called economic recovery from the pandemic has only marginally benefitted the youth. Polls indicate that 57 percent believe that the Peruvian economy is continuing to deteriorate, and another 37 percent believe it has not improved in the last year. As to the immediate future, 46 percent think the situation will deteriorate further.

Carolina Trivelli ties the overall impoverishment of millions of families throughout the country to the deterioration of educational institutions and teaching.

The Peruvian government has otherwise utterly failed to reduce long-term poverty, as well as informal employment. Seven out of 10 workers are not on a regular payroll, do not enjoy paid vacations or medical insurance, and do not receive the traditional two months of paybonuses in July for National Holidays and in December for Christmas.

It is hardly surprising that polls show that Peruvian youth overwhelmingly distrust organized institutions and political parties.

The youth played a central role in the massive protests that followed the ouster of President Pedro Castillo after his failed self-coup and jailing in December 2022, and the massacres carried out under his successor and former vice president, Dina Boluarte.

Boluarte now is massively opposed. She has only a 5 percent approval rating in recent polls, the lowest figure of any president since 1980, when democracy returned after 12 years of military dictatorship under Generals Velasco Alvarado and Morales Bermudez, from 1968 to 1980. Congress is equally detested: 91 percent disapprove of the legislators performance.

Boluarte also has been charged by Perus attorney general with genocide in connection with the mass repression, as well as with graft and corruption.

A report released by Amnesty International last week found that Boluarte and other top officials bear criminal responsibility for the deaths of 50 protesters who were killed in what amounted to extra-judicial executions and as a result of illegitimate use of force by the police and army. Another 1,300 people were injured in the repression.

Reflecting mass disaffection with the entire political setup, 30 candidates are already running for the 2026 presidential election. The traditional parties of the Peruvian bourgeoisie, such as APRA and Accion Popular, are on the verge of collapse, and seeking new candidates from within the most right-wing and reactionary sectors.

Peru is an economic, social and political tinderbox. The prevailing conditions confronting the masses, which are shared by many regions of the planet, could quickly give rise to the kind of mass youth eruptions seen in recent weeks from Kenya to Bangladesh.

The only solution for the masses of workers and youth of Peru facing this social catastrophe is to organize themselves to take power, in alliance with the working class throughout the Americas.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ordered a law-and-order crackdown by West Yorkshire Police against a riot in Leeds, England provoked by the violent seizure of four Romanian children from their family last Thursday night.

Police forcibly removed the children, aged between 7 and 14 years, from their sisters home in Harehills on safeguarding grounds, handcuffing one of the children and dragging them from the property into a marked police van.

A video of the incident shared on TikTok exposes police gestapo tactics against minors. Distressed relatives, friends and neighbours can be seen protesting the police brutality.

Riots ensued, with youth attacking police vehicles and setting fire to bins, wooden pallets and a bus. The situation was inflamed by the arrival of police in riot gear who later retreated as local elders appealed for calm.

The incident has exposed the brutal state of class relations in Britain, with a newly elected Labour government responding to acute social problems produced by decades of austerity with police methods and the criminalisation of the poor.

Rather than express any sympathy for the family, Labour politicians immediately used the event to further their law-and-order agenda. Cooper tweeted at 10:41pm: I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles and public transport in Leeds. Disorder of this nature has no place in our society.

Those responsible for the nights audacious criminality should feel the full force of the law, she later declared.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visits Leeds Police Station to meet with officers from West Yorkshire police after the riots in Harehills, Leeds [Photo by Andy Taylor/Home Office. / CC BY 2.0

Starmers spokesperson called on West Yorkshire Police to take the strongest possible action against perpetrators, adding disorder of this nature has no place in our society.

Starmer also echoed calls by West Yorkshire Police to stop speculating on the cause of the disorder. But he refused to publicly name those responsible for spreading far-right disinformation and fake news aimed at inciting race hatred.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, attending the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin, sought to whip up anti-Muslim sentiment, posting on X: The politics of the subcontinent are currently playing out on the streets of Leeds. Dont say I didnt warn you. Farages intervention, like that of Tommy Robinson and other fascist dregs, was given sustenance by labours law-and-order response.

Family challenges media lies

On Saturday, reporters from the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) spoke with family members.

Florin, the uncle of the children seized by police, spoke on behalf of Maricel, the childrens father. Florin challenged the many lies circulated by the police and national media outlets.

Florin and other relatives insisted that social workers were not present at any stage last Thursday to take the children into care, and that police alone removed the children.

Florin

He said: How the children were removed was very bad. Putting handcuffs on a 14-year-old child. Using physical force on young children to take them away as they were crying no, I want to stay with my family.

I have no words to describe these very bad things. The parents are very upset. The father is finished. Hes crying all the time.

The incident that triggered the childrens removal happened in April. Maricels eight-year-old daughter had been playing with her two-year-old nephew when she dropped him. The child didnt cry and the family didnt realise until they saw a bump on the toddlers head the next day. They took him straight to hospital.

Florin described media stories the children were home alone as a big lie. The childrens auntie, who is in her thirties, was home with them. The children are never left alone, Florin insisted, despite both parents working different shifts at a local factory.

Florin says many in the Romanian community are now scared to take children to hospital in case the same happens to them.

On Saturday, the childrens auntie was arrested, with Florin adding, Nobody knows why. I asked the police. They said they were not allowed to give an explanation for why she was taken. She was released on Sunday.

The familys hospital visit in April resulted in a referral from social services, and social workers soon visited the family, placing the couples children into the care of their elder sister. Florin said the family has been given no reasons for the childrens removal from their sister.

Local residents say there is a long history of Romanians and Roma being openly discriminated against by police and local authorities. Florin explained: What happened here was the same as in 2001: aggressive policing.

When the police see someone from a different country they stop them without any reason. They stopped me two times. I asked if I had done anything wrong, but they said it was just a check. But I have a drivers license, my road tax is paid. I work, I pay taxes herewhy do they want to check me? Why dont we enjoy the same rights here as everyone else?

We are called gypsy because our skin is a little bit dark, but were not gypsy, we dont talk gypsy language, were just talking Romanian.

Maricel and his family came to the UK four years ago. He and his wife work in the meat industry and work up to 12 hours a day for minimum wage.

Leeds: a microcosm of social polarisation

Starmer and Coopers intervention over Harehills reflects extreme nervousness that the same social tensions that produced Thursdays riots exist in cities and towns across the UK.

Efforts since the 1990s to turn Leeds into a financial centre of the north have helped further socially polarise the city. Tory and Labour governments have implemented wave after wave of austerity.

Beyond the prosperous city centre are suburbs described by demographers as a doughnut of deprivation. More than one in five Leeds residents live in poverty (176,376 people), while 31.3 percent of the citys children and young people (55,780 youngsters) live in poverty (above the national average of 29 percent).

Harehills is a poor, diverse working-class district less than two miles from the city centre. 38 percent of residents of Harehills and neighbouring Gipton described themselves in the most recent Census as being from Asian backgrounds, 36 percent white and 17 percent black. There is a more recent population of Romani in the area who are officially classified as Eastern European.

A street in Harehills, Leeds

A combination of deteriorating social conditions and heavy-handed and discriminatory policing has made Harehills and surrounding areas a scene of rioting and social disturbances (often in conjunction with national riots) during the past half-century. This includes the Chapeltown riots in 1975, 1981 and 1987; Hyde Park Leeds riot in 1995; Harehills riot in 2001; Leeds Festival riot in 2002; and riots across England in 2011.

More than a decade since the 2011 London riots and nearly 25 years since the 2001 riots in Harehills, social conditions facing broad masses of workers and youth of all nationalities have worsened, as a direct result of policies aimed at enriching the financial and corporate oligarchy.

Social worker speaks out

On social media, social workers were among the many voices condemning Thursdays violent attack on children. A social worker from Yorkshire told WSWS: Myself and a colleagues watched a video of two police officers dragging two children out of their home as if they were a threat to them. I felt physically sick and any decent thinking social worker would. I have attended many situations where sadly, for immediate safeguarding, a child or children have to go to a place of safety either temporarily or for good.

Social workers are trained to de-escalate those very tense situations and safely and respectfully take the child. I have never seen this before and strongly condemn it. The police officers should be facing charges of assault on minors. The children and any child who witnessed this will be traumatised for life.

I understand why the community were appalled and showed that in their protests. A few colleagues have said, would the police have done this to a wealthy family and question if this was because it was a poor immigrant family.

I would call on all social workers to condemn the actions of the police and resist any attempts by the Labour government to submerge our profession with police under the Child Protection banner. Social Work values of fighting social injustice and anti-oppressive practice in no way align with fascistic bullying and assaults on children, clearly the value base of the police.
The announcement by Audi management that its plant in Brussels, Belgium, is to be gradually shut down has caused huge unrest among the factorys approximately 3,000 employees and those working in related supplier plants. Last Thursday, the Audi Works Council met for the second time to discuss its response.

Audi plant in Brussels [Photo: Karmakolle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons]

A week ago, the company management informed the works councils that production of the Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV is to be completely discontinued earlier than planned, namely at the end of next year. Due to falling demand, production is to be cut back significantly this year. This will result in a drastic reduction in the workforce. By October, 1,400 or even 1,500 workers could lose their jobs, said Franky De Schrijver from the Social Democratic General Trade Union Confederation (ABVV) and Ronny Liedts from the Christian Trade Union Union (ACV).

At the beginning of the month, the union representatives on the Audi-Brussels Supervisory Board voted against managements plans and Supervisory Board Chairman Manfred Doss was only able to ensure a majority for his stance on the Supervisory Board (which has 50-50 management/union representation) by making use of his tie-breaking rights. This is something that hardly ever happens in German supervisory boards because the IG Metall union acts as co-manager in the company economic committees, advising company management and helping draw up closure programmes long before they are announced.

The trade unions in Belgium are no different from IG Metall, but they are under strong pressure from employees. Audi workers in Brussels are very ready to fight. Many workers have a migrant background and know that they have little chance of finding a comparable job. According to a study by the German trade union Hans Bockler Foundation, Belgium is the country in Europe with the most strike days per employee.

To prevent spontaneous action, the shutdown announcement was made during a period of production stoppage. The production lines will remain idle until the Belgian bank holidays on July 21, with the workforce ordered to take compulsory leave. Immediately afterwards, the scheduled company holidays begin. Despite this, 50 workers took part in a vigil in front of the closed factory gates as soon as the planned shutdown was announced.

The works council announced that the first phase of the so-called Renault Act would now be initiated. This involves close co-operation between management, the works council, trade unions and the government with the aim of finding a socially acceptable solution. The name Renault Law comes from the fact that when the Renault plant in Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant) was closed in 1997, a law was introduced to protect the workforce from sudden management decisions and being presented with a fait accompli.

The law stipulates that a company based in Belgium planning to cut jobs due to restructuring or plant closures must inform the works council and the workforce before announcing the respective steps. Together with the trade unions, a so-called company council is formed, which also liaises with government representatives and strives to achieve a balance of interests.

However, similar to German co-determination and social partnership laws, this cooperation between management, trade union and government does not take place in the interests of the workers, but rather serves to shape company decisions with the help of the government in such a way that job cuts can be implemented against resistance from the workforce.

This was made clear by a report on the first round of government talks that took place last Tuesday. Flanderninfo magazine reports: The unions at the Audi factory in Forest (Brussels) met with outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) and Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS) at the Prime Ministers office on Tuesday.

The current government, however, is only in office on a caretaker basis. Parallel to the European elections on June 9, elections were held in Belgium for the Chamber of Deputies of the federal parliament, as well as the regional parliaments in Wallonia, Flanders, East Belgium and the Brussels-Capital Region. On this super election day, right-wing parties made significant gains and the formation of a government is still continuing.

Nevertheless, trade union officials have praised the government talks. There is also a political interest to save as many jobs as possible at Audi-Brussels, explained a spokesperson for the Association of Salaried Employees and Technicians (BBTK).

Despite announcing protest actions, trade union representatives have made it clear in the government talks that they are prepared to implement the job cuts. They proposed that older employees be made redundant via the so-called SWT system. This means that the unemployment benefits of those affected are topped up by a company bonus. They also demanded that the government should try to create replacement jobs.

The Audi workers in Brussels must not rely on the trade unions under any circumstances, but must prepare for a principled fight against the plant closure and in defence of all jobs. This requires close co-operation with VW workers in Wolfsburg, Germany and all other sites of the VW parent company.

The decision to shut down Audi Brussels was taken at the company headquarters in Wolfsburg and is part of a far-reaching restructuring programme that involves massive job cuts at many plants. The Wolfsburg-based group includes not only Audi, but also Porsche, Skoda, Seat, CUPRA, Ducati and other brands. No other car manufacturer employs as many workers worldwide as VW. It operates 120 production facilities with 662,000 employees in 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa.

With an annual turnover of over 250 billion, VW is one of the worlds largest auto manufacturers. Only Toyota has sold more cars in recent years. Despite the coronavirus crisis, supply chain problems and chip shortages, VW has made billions in profits over the last three years.

However, the switch from vehicles with combustion engines to electric cars has intensified the merciless competition between the major car manufacturers for the cheapest labour costs, sales markets and secure supply chains. This is being played out on the backs of workers in all countries and locations, who have to work more and earn less, while hundreds of thousands lose their jobs.

In this transition, the competition, above all with Tesla and the Chinese manufacturers of electric cars, are far ahead of Volkswagen. The days when VW was market leader in China are long gone. The Chinese manufacturer BYD, which already produces exclusively electric vehicles, is systematically expanding its market share and other Chinese manufacturers such as Nio, Geely and Great Wall also sell far more electric autos than Volkswagen.

Sales of the Audi Q8 e-tron, which is the only model built in Brussels and at 80,000 is more than twice as expensive as comparable Chinese models, have fallen sharply.

In addition, the transition from combustion engines to electric cars is being used by corporations and investors to reduce production costs and increase profits. According to a report by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, half a million autoworkers will lose their jobs by 2040 in Europe alone, including 121,000 in Germany, 74,000 in Italy, 72,000 in Spain and 56,000 in Romania. The Ifo Institute for Economic Research even expects 215,000 jobs to be lost in Germany by 2030, i.e., 40 percent of the countrys autoworkers.

This is why the fight against the plant closure in Brussels must be made the prelude to a mobilisation of all autoworkers in Europe and internationally.

This is exactly what the VW management in Wolfsburg fears. When the closure plans became known, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ran the headline: Fear of the Belgian revolt. The article reads: Burning oil barrels, smashed shop windows: these are the images that bring back memories of the yellow vest revolt in France for many a Volkswagen manager, should it come to the worst in Brussels. A closure of the car factory in the Belgian capital could trigger violent demonstrations.

The World Socialist Web Site not only reports on the struggle of the Audi workers in Brussels, but also supports and organises Europe-wide and international cooperation. We are fighting to combine the principled defence of all jobs with the struggle against social cuts and the growing threat of war.

This requires a clear perspective, which essentially comprises three points:

First, the defence of jobs must not be left to the trade unions and their works councils. They are paid stooges of the corporations. An independent action committee must be set up at Audi-Brussels, as at other plants, which opposes the unions capitulation, and calls on VW workers at all sites to express solidarity and prepare a joint struggle. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is coordinating this work in Europe and worldwide.

Second, the defence of jobs and the struggle against war requires a socialist strategy. The needs of working people and society as a whole take precedence over the profit interests of corporations and banks. Their dictatorship must be broken and they must be transferred to public ownership.

Third, the nationalist policies of the trade unions, which play one location off against the other and support the war policies of imperialist governments, must be countered by the international unity of the working class, regardless of nationality, origin and skin colour.

We call on workers to adopt this perspective. Get in touch with us. Write a Whatsapp message to the mobile number +491633378340 or register using the form below.
More than a week after former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated by a 20-year-old amateur shooter, there are multiple unanswered questions concerning the complete security breakdown at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania where the shooting occurred.

Former president Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents on stage at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

The shooting left one member of the rally audience dead and critically injured two other people. Trump himself, according to his former White House doctor, now congressman, Ronny Jackson, suffered a 2 cm bullet wound. The gunman has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a recent graduate of Community College of Allegheny County, who was employed at a local nursing home.



As of this writing, no political motivation has been offered by authorities or family members. A search of his cell phone by police turned up images of Trump and Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray. In addition to registering for Trumps Butler, Pennsylvania rally, Crooks looked up the dates of future Trump events as well as those for the Democratic National Convention.



In the last week, no plausible explanation has been given by the US Secret Service, one of several agencies under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security, as to how the shooter was able to scale a roof with a rifle and shoot Trump from a relatively short distance, even after having been identified by police and attendees as a threat hours before.

In an interview with ABC on Monday, the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly A. Cheatle, claimed that agents did not secure the roof of the building where Crooks had an unobstructed view of Trump because that building in particular has a sloped roof at its highest point, and so, you know, there is a safety factor that would be considered there, that we wouldnt want to put somebody on a sloped roof.



In congressional appearances, television interviews, and even the Republican National Convention, Cheatle has faced intense scrutiny. Dozens of Republicans, including Speaker Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have called on Cheatle to resign.

Cheatle took over the agency from the previous director, James M. Murray, after Murray oversaw the purging of text messages on Secret Service agents cell phones in the wake of Trumps failed coup.

Cheatle began working at the Secret Service in the 1990s. According to a biography on the agencys website, she specialized in financial crimes in Detroit. After five years in Detroit, she was transferred to Washington D.C., where she was assigned to work on the protective detail of then-Vice President Dick Cheney. On September 11, 2001, Cheatle was one of the agents who escorted Cheney to a bunker as planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.



Cheatle also worked on Bidens security detail when he was vice president under Obama. In a statement announcing her appointment as director of the agency in 2022, Biden wrote that he and Jill Biden came to trust her judgment and counsel... She has my complete trust, and I look forward to working with her.

Faced with a congressional subpoena, Cheatle is expected to appear before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday.

Previewing the hearing on Face the Nation Sunday morning, Rep. Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, reiterated his demand for Cheatle to resign, saying the failures are absolutely outrageous and incredible.



Turner said that according to a timeline presented by the agency to lawmakers earlier this week, the Secret Service knew of a particular threat nine minutes before Trump took the stage. Citing the same timeline provided by the Secret Service, Turner said that the agencys counter snipers did not fire at the would-be assassin until after Trump had already been shot.



Every aspect of their failure, Turner said, leads right to giving an opportunity to shoot Donald Trump.



Turner said Trump campaign officials had previously asked for more security and been turned down by the agency. Press reports confirmed this, while noting that such was not the case at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the agency, had previously issued a blanket denial that the organization ever rejected requests for additional security from the Trump campaign. However, in response to detailed questions from the Washington Post, Guglielmi confirmed over the weekend that the agencys headquarters may have, in fact, denied some requests for additional security from Trumps detail and was reviewing documentation to understand the specific interaction better, the newspaper reported.

On Sunday, Rep. Brendan Boyle (Pennsylvania) became the first Democrat to call on Cheatle to resign. In his statement, the ranking member of the Budget Committee wrote: The evidence coming to light has shown unacceptable operational failures. I have no confidence in the leadership of the United States Secret Service if Director Cheatle chooses to remain in her position.



On July 19, the Wall Street Journal first reported that Crooks was able to fly a drone over the Butler Farm Show grounds the day of Trumps rally. The Journal reported that law enforcement officials confirmed that the drone flew on a pre-programmed path, suggesting Crooks had previously gathered intelligence on the grounds.



The Journal confirmed that Crooks first signed up for the rally on July 7, four days after it was announced by the campaign, and that he visited the farm show grounds a few days later to scope it out.



Recent advances in technology and production techniques have led to an explosion in the use of drones by workers, students and youth for leisure, photography and film-making. At the same time, police and military forces in the US and internationally are adopting the technology for surveillance and combat operations. In Gaza, the US-backed Israeli military has used quadcopter drones to assassinate healthcare workers and fleeing civilians.

The Secret Service is comprised of some 8,000 employees and has a budget of over $3.1 billion. Within the agency there are several divisions, including the Special Operations Division (SOD). Within the SOD there are specific branches that specialize in different aspects of security, including the Airspace Security Branch, which develops and implements security plans to monitor and control the airspace surrounding locations visited by the president and vice president of the United States. and other designated major events.

Another specialized branch within the SOD is the Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Branch (C-UAS). In the agencys own words, C-UAS members use a variety of technologies to screen the area around a protective venue and coordinate defensive responses in the event of an unauthorized UAS intrusion.



Despite these specialized branches existing within the agency, following a closed-door meeting between Cheatle and lawmakers on Wednesday it was reported, and has since been confirmed, that the agency did not fly its own drones prior to or during the rally.

On his podcast, Verdict, Texas Senator Ted Cruz claimed that one senator asked Cheatle during Wednesdays meeting, Were there drones, yes or no? Cruz said the reply from the head of the Secret Service was, We determined that the risk from that rooftop was mitigated by countersnipers.



In addition to his AR-15 rifle, Crooks was armed with a remote detonator. It appears the detonator was linked to a pair of homemade bombs and a receiver in Crooks car, which was parked near the rally grounds. Police say they also found body armor and three 30-round magazines inside his car.

In a search of Crooks residence, police claim to have found a bulletproof vest, another remote-controlled bomb and a 3-D printer.



According to multiple reports, on July 12, the day before the Butler rally, Crooks visited the Clairton Sportmens Club, a gun range to which he and his father are members. The next day, the morning of the rally, he purchased a five-foot ladder at Home Depot and 50 rounds of ammunition at the Bethel Park ammo shop. Crooks then drove to the rally and apparently made himself known to authorities by attempting to enter the secured area with a rangefinder, a device used primarily by hunters to measure distances to remote targets.



After being allowed to enter the secure areawith the rangefinderat around 3 p.m., a little more than three hours before the shooting, Crooks was allegedly tracked by police agents. Crooks eventually left the secure area and was recorded shortly after 5 p.m. walking near the American Glass Research International building. The building is located roughly 400 feet from where Trump spoke. Crooks used its roof to line up his shot. It appears that at that time he did not have the rifle on his person.



At 5:45 p.m., Crooks was spotted by a Beaver County cop who was looking at the same AGR International building. Ten minutes later, Secret Service agents were warned by local police that there was a suspicious person in the area that posed a threat. Ten minutes after that, at 6:05 p.m., Trump walked out onto the stage.

Four minutes later, Crooks was observed using an outside air conditioner unit to scale the roof with his fathers rifle. At 6:10 p.m., multiple police and bystanders were around the building pointing toward Crooks. In several videos, people are heard shouting, Hes got a gun!



At that point, two cops attempted to scale the roof, with one cop using the other as a boost to lift himself up. As the cop attempted to ascend the roof, Crooks noticed him and pointed his gun at him. The cop retreated and fell to the ground.

At 6:11 p.m., Crooks began shooting at Trump, firing up to eight times, hitting Trump once in the ear before he was shot and killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper team.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. Kamala Harris only announced her presidential candidacy yesterday, and already today, ANCA, the largest Armenian lobbying organization in America, is pressuring her and the entire Democratic Party.

The organization issued something akin to an "ultimatum" to Harris, claiming she could secure the Democrats' strong support among Armenian Americans if she meets their "conditions". Unsurprisingly, the Armenians are singing the same old tune - demanding sanctions against Azerbaijan. Additionally, they now want to push for a certain UN mission to return Armenians to Karabakh under U.S. leadership. The purpose of such a mission seems unclear even to the Armenians themselves.

ANCA has repeatedly and openly stated that Armenian votes are nothing more than commodities at an auction. From the very beginning of the election campaign, the organization launched the so-called "swing state" project, which allowed Democrats and Republicans to identify states where they could secure Armenian support. It's now evident that the Democrats have won here - recall the recent "letter" published on behalf of Adam Schiff, the Armenians' best friend in the House of Representatives, and 47 other congressmen calling for increased support for Armenians who left Karabakh in 2023.

But with this blatant blackmail of Kamala Harris, Armenians in the US have lost the last remnants of their conscience. Vote blackmailing has become an established strategy of the Armenian lobby. Will it pay off this time? How will the Democrats react to such statements? Time will tell.
Take up the fight for rank-and-file control! Join the US Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee by filling out the form below.

APWU president Mark Dimondstein (left) with Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib at the convention in Detroit, Michigan, July 16, 2024. [Photo: The American Postal Workers Union]

The biennial national convention of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) came to a close last Friday in Detroit, Michigan. The assembled delegates also held a rally in downtown Detroit Wednesday afternoon.

The four-day convention was an exercise in doubletalk, with one speaker after another using populist phrases to cover for their own record of betrayals. One of the most grotesque examples of this was the conventions adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza genocide, only for the same body to endorse Genocide Joe Biden for re-election.

The ill-timed endorsement came only days before Biden, 81 years old and in failing health, stepped down as the Democratic candidate.

The speakers list confirmed the role of the union bureaucracy as an agent of capitalist, especially Democratic Party, politics. Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson, who was the Chairman of the now-defunct January 6 Committee, spoke at the convention, along with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.

These are generally considered left figures in the Democratic Party, and predictably none made any criticism either of Biden or of the APWUs endorsement. This included Tlaib, who led a campaign to vote uncommitted in the Michigan primary, claiming this would pressure Biden into abandoning his administrations support for the Israeli military.

In general, the union bureaucrats and the Democratic Party lefts were among the hardest campaigners for Biden to remain the candidate. This expressed their fear that an open contest for the nomination could lead to the raising of political issues, including the Democrats pro-war policies, for which they are desperately trying to provide the party with political cover.

Delivering for America

Contracts with three of four postal unions and the United States Postal Service (USPS) either expire this year or have already expired. Postal workers are determined to use this as an opportunity to defeat the Delivering for America program, a vast restructuring effort to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs and close hundreds of local post offices.

Workers determination, however, collides with the union bureaucracy, which is determined to prevent such a struggle. Because of this, workers must organize themselves independently in order to fight a two-front battle against both USPS and the union bureaucrats. This is what the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee was founded last September to organize.

Because of a series of high-profile debacles in its rollout, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has been compelled to temporarily halt the plan. But the basic aim of Delivering for America (DFA), to prepare USPS for privatization, has bipartisan support. It also has the support of the union bureaucracy, which is trying to conceal even basic knowledge of the plan from postal workers.

APWU President Mark Dimondstein directed his State of the Union speech on Delivering for America and the threat of dictatorship. Speaking on DFA, he downplayed issues with the restructuring plan as the product of managements incompetence and did not call for it to be ended, instead limiting his comments to saying the plan must be slowed down and some of the management decisions reversed [emphasis added].

In other words, Dimondsteins problem with DFA is not that it is part of an effort to destroy jobs and privatize the post office, but that its implementation has been riven with problems.

APWU backs Biden days before his withdrawal

Turning to the presidential election, he said: With an election this fall, we should weigh the ramifications of the dangerous march toward dictatorship and what it would mean to the rights of the people, workers, our unions, the public Post Office, and the well-being of society. We must unite...and reject wanna be dictators as part of defending our union and worker rights.

The danger represented by Trump, who heads an emerging fascist movement in America, is very real. It can only be opposed by a movement of the working class connecting the fight against inequality and poverty with a defense of democratic rights, which is incompatible with capitalist exploitation.

By contrast, the spinelessness of the Democratic Party and Biden has created a situation where Trump, less than four years after the failure of his January 6 coup, is stronger than ever. By attempting to subordinate workers to the Democrats, and opposing an independent class struggle against war and dictatorship, Dimondstein and the APWU also bear major responsibility.

Dimondstein concluded his remarks by saying that The sturdy ship APWU, built over generations of struggle, will continue to chart the course to safe harbor and a bright future for postal workers and the postal public. But only two days after the convention, that ship ran aground after the candidate they claimed to be the last line of defense against dictatorship was forced to withdraw from the race.

Union bureaucrats join ranks

The convention delegates heard from high-ranking officials from other unions, including Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America (AFA-CWA), Shawn Fain of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Brian Renfroe of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO.

Every one of these figures, responsible for huge sellouts, sought to posture as militants. Nelson, who is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, declared: If youre done with pension defaults for Main Street and stock buybacks for Wall Street, build your union. If you believe that every person in this country deserves the opportunity for an education, build your union. And APWU, if you just want to tell the boss to kiss your ass, build your union!

Nelson specializes in this sort of vulgar rhetoric. But her main accomplishment as AFA-CWA president was joining with management to secure tens of billions in corporate bailouts in the opening stages of the pandemic. She openly boasted of this at the 2022 Labor Notes conference, where she also spoke out against a break by workers with the Democratic Party.

In his remarks, Renfroe declared that in talks with USPS We refuse to accept anything  that does not recognize our value and reward us for our contributions to The Postal Service. We fight with you and we will do what we have always done. We will win with you. But NALC has partnered with USPS to impose the new TIAREAP monitoring system behind the backs of letter carriers, and then secretly extended it .

NALC openly endorses Delivering for America, and Renfroe even lied to a WSWS reporter earlier this year when he claimed that it would not lead to job losses. The APWU made no attempt to reconcile Renfroes presence as an honored guest with their nominal opposition to DFA.

UAW President Fain played up the supposed victory won in last years strike in the auto industry. He claimed that we let working class people lead the fight. We gave our members the information, we gave them the tools, and we gave them the courage to stand up for themselves. Thats the winning formula. If you follow those core principles you will not lose and I can guarantee you this, the UAW will have your back every step of the way.

Far from letting workers lead, the UAW limited the strike to a handful of plants and then rammed through a contract which is now being used to eliminate thousands of jobs. Since then, Fains administration has been exposed as illegitimate through a lawsuit filed by socialist autoworker Will Lehman over vote suppression in the election which brought Fain to power. He is under investigation by a federal monitor on corruption charges, and the UAW bureaucracy has broken out into factional infighting, with each attempting to blame the other for mass layoffs.

Fain, a top ally of Biden, also denounced Trumps campaign as a vision of America in which the wealthy rule everyone and everything, and the working class is forced to settle for scraps, as though this was not already the case and that this vision was not shared by both parties.

What way forward?

The proceedings at the convention make clear that the APWU is preparing similar betrayals in its next contract.

But the convention and its aftermath also make clear that the crisis which has erupted in the Democratic Party has totally implicated the union apparatus. Biden, the self-described most pro-union president in American history, has cultivated close ties with the union bureaucracyin particular those figures who spoke at the APWU conventionin order to suppress the class struggle.

A central purpose of this is to prepare American society for full-scale war. Biden himself made this explicit two weeks ago, when he called the unions his domestic NATO during a visit to AFL-CIO headquarters.

The bureaucrats only real concern about a Trump presidency is that this corporatist alliance should continue no matter who is the next president. A section of the bureaucracy, represented by Teamsters president Sean OBrien, are making overtures to Trump to that effect. When OBrien gave an ultra-nationalist, America First speech at last weeks Republican National Convention, he was criticized by other union bureaucrats primarily for not having given it at the Democratic National Convention instead.

The alternative to the bureaucratic alliance with either capitalist party of war and layoffs is the development of workers power. This is what the US Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee is fighting to build. The committee is fighting to build new structures, controlled by workers themselves, to take control of the fight and clear the way for a broad struggle, uniting USPS workers across the world in a common fight against layoffs.

In opposition to the nationalism of the bureaucracy, the PWRFC insists on the unity of the interests of workers across the world. Through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, it has contact with postal workers from Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia and other countries, as well as other delivery companies such as UPS.

In a statement last year, the committee explained:

It is to their real allies, the global working class, the majority of human society which creates the worlds wealth, that postal workers must turn to, not to the Democrats and Republicans or to trade union functionaries who are on the other side. There are powerful forces lined up against the postal workers, but the working class, if it is organized around an independent strategy, is more powerful.
Kathe Kollwitz, Museum of Modern Art, New York, March 31-July 20, 2024

If my works continue to make such an impressioneven after decadesthen I will have achieved a great deal.

The prints of Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945)intaglio etchings, lithographs and woodblockshave been widely displayed in a variety of contexts over the century since their creation. However, the Museum of Modern Arts recent exhibition, Kathe Kollwitz, which ended July 20, was the first museum retrospective in New York exclusively dedicated to her entire body of work.

Kathe Kollwitz by Hugo Erfurth, 1927

It included her three main suites of printsA Weavers Revolt (created between 1893 and 1897), Peasants War (1902-1908), and War (1921-22); Woman with Dead Child (1903) together with several proofs; her monumental woodblock In Memoriam Karl Liebknecht (1919) of the murdered leader of the failed German Revolution; and many riveting self-portraits she made over the course of her life. The show also included preparatory drawings and revised proofs offering insight into her creative process, as well as sculptures, posters and more.

If at the outset of the 20th century, Kollwitzs prints were exceptional, they are even more meaningful today when the threats of world war, fascism and genocide, far from being things of the past, are again very much on the agenda. One cant help but think of Kollwitzs images of dead women and children when reading reports of the Israeli genocide carried out in Gaza.

However, Kollwitzs ability to create such powerful images derived not solely or even primarily from her being a woman and a mother herself. After all, the remarkable painters Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) and Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) also painted women and children but without the same social power. While the MoMA shows curation includes the fact that Kollwitz was also a socialist, it underplays the essential role that this played in Kollwitzs depiction of the exploitation and poverty of the working class and the impact of war, on the one hand, and the drive of the masses to revolutionary struggle, on the other.

As we wrote of an exhibition that included Kollwitzs Portrait of a Woman in a Blue Shawl at the Worcester Museum in Massachusetts in 2005, which we repost here and on which this review is based:

Kollwitzs life and career, as much as that of any artist, were bound up with the growing self-consciousness of the German working class, its socialistic aspirations and its political organization, with all the latters strengths and weaknesses.

Kathe Kollwitz was born in 1867 in Konigsberg, East Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). She grew up in a cultured atmosphere where critical thinking, directed toward social and moral idealism, was nurtured. The spirit of democracy and socialism encouraged by the Revolution of 1848 was venerated in the family, and her father, Karl Schmidt, joined the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), the party formed under the influence of Marx and Engels. Her elder brother Konrad Schmidt also became a leading member of the SPD and a friend of Engels, although he later turned sharply to the right. From early childhood, her father felt she was destined for a career in art, despite the unfortunate fact that she was a girl.

Kathe Kollwitz, March of the Weavers (Weberzug) 189397, published c. 1931 [Photo]

In 1891, she married Dr. Karl Kollwitz, her brothers boyhood friend, who practiced medicine in a working class district of Berlin. World War I took the life of her son Peter, heightening the urgent emotional and anti-war character of her art. Kollwitz subsequently drew great inspiration from the Russian Revolution, without ever seeing eye to eye with Bolshevism. When Hitler assumed power in 1933, she was expelled from the Berlin Academy of Art, and her works were removed from German museums and destroyed. Linked with socialists and communists, she faced hostility and increased restrictions but was never imprisoned. Kollwitz died in the last days of World War II in 1945.

Lithography

Early on, Kollwitz was attracted to graphic art, as opposed to painting, as a medium. She felt it was of paramount importance her work be moderately priced and widely accessible.

She became an established artist when her print series A Weavers Rebellion created a major sensation at the Great Berlin Art Exhibition in 1898. Comprising six prints, the Weaversa depiction of the 1844 revolt by Silesian workerstraces a dramatic pattern of poverty, death, conspiracy, a procession of angry weavers, the storming of the owners house and death by soldiers rifles.

It was a landmark of class-conscious art: for almost the first time the plight of the worker and his age-long struggle to better his position received sympathetic treatment in pictures. ... What Millet did with the peasant, she did with the workerprojected a way of life, envisioned a noble world. (Prints and Drawings of Kathe Kollwitz, selected and introduced by Carl Zigrosser) The series earned her the ire of Kaiser Wilhelm who, admonishing her work as gutter art, intervened to veto her gold medal award.

Kollwitzs second print cycle was the Peasants War. A rendering of the 16th-century peasant uprising, the series emphasized the intolerable conditions of the poor (in this case, the rural poor). What is unusual in the series is that in four of the seven plates the protagonist is a woman. Increasingly, the urge to give voice to woman as the universal mother, protector and combatant was to find expression in her work. The second print in the series, Raped, is one of the earliest pictures in Western art to portray the female victim of sexual violence sympathetically.

World War I

The impact of titanic eventsWorld War I, the betrayal of Social Democracy (however Kollwitz may have perceived it), the sacrifice of her son to that war, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the aborted German revolution of 1918-1919forced Kollwitz to reevaluate the purpose of art and the relationship of technique to meaning in a work of art. She decided that many of the devices she had avidly used in previous works, such as intaglio, seemed irrelevant to the new requirements placed on art in times of war and social revolution.

Kathe Kollwitz, Woman with Dead Child (Frau mit totem Kind) state VIII/X1903 [Photo]

Kollwitz wrote in her diary in 1919: Lithography now seems to me the only technique I can manage. Its hardly a technique at all, its so simple. In it only the essentials count.

In 1919, Kollwitz executed a commission to memorialize the funeral of Karl Liebknecht, the leader, along with Rosa Luxemburg, of the revolutionary Spartacus League. Liebknecht and Luxemburg were both assassinated in January 1919 by reactionary soldiers, with the connivance of the right-wing SPD leadership, having opposed the imperialist war and defended socialist internationalism.

The Karl Liebknecht Memorial is a jarring piece in which Kollwitz captures the psychic devastation caused by Liebknechts murder in the working class. The woodcut presents workers somberly crowding around the corpse of the fallen leader, stoically paying their respects. Kollwitz renders the event with a combination of naturalism and symbolism, distilling the emotional mood of the population in the style of a Christian Lamentation.

In writing about the memorial to Liebknecht, Kollwitz reveals something of her internal artistic process:

As an artist I have the right to extract the emotional content out of everything, to let things work upon me and then give them outward form. And so I have the right to portray the working classs farewell to Liebknecht, and even dedicate it to the workers, without following Liebknecht politically. Or isnt that so?

Kathe Kollwitz, The Volunteers (Die Freiwilligen), state IV/IV, plate 2 from War (Krieg) 192122, published 1923 [Photo]

Part of her reflection on the grim consequences of war took the form in 1923 of a set of seven woodcuts, entitled War, illustrating the reaction of women to the global slaughter of 1914-1918. The Volunteers, the most famous in the series, shows a group of four youth following a leader, who is none other than Death. In 1916, Kollwitz wrote:

When I think I am convinced of the insanity of the war, I ask myself again by what law man ought to live. ... I shall never fully understand it all. But it is clear that our boys, our Peter [her son], went into the war two years ago with pure hearts, and that they were ready to die for Germany. They diedalmost all of them. Died in Germany and among Germanys enemiesby the millions. ... Is it a breach of faith with you, Peter, if I can only see madness in the war?

Kollwitz and the USSR

Kollwitzs views on the vicissitudes of German and international socialism in the 20th century are not precisely known. She was first and foremost an artist of great honesty and seriousness, not a politician. However, her general sympathies can be gleaned from her public actions.

In 1924, Kollwitz participated in an exhibition of German art in the Soviet Union, and in 1927, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the October Revolution, she was invited to visit the USSR, now deep in the process of Stalinization. Anatoly Lunacharsky, the remarkable commissar of enlightenment, discussed her work in his essay, An Exhibition of the Revolutionary Art of the West:

This truly admirable apostle with the crayon has, in spite of her advanced years, altered her style again. It began as what might be described in artistic terms as outre realism, but now towards the end of her development, it is dominated more and more by pure poster technique. She aims at an immediate effect, so that at the very first glance ones heart is wrung, tears choke the voice... As distinct from realism, her art is one where she never lets herself get lost in unnecessary details, and she says no more than her purpose demands to make an immediate impact; on the other hand, whatever the purpose demands, she says with the most graphic vividness.

Kathe Kollwitz, In Memoriam Karl Liebknecht (Gedenkblatt fur Karl Liebknecht) state V/VI 1920 [Photo]

Prompted by a group of Russian artists, Kollwitz made a poster called Solidarity: The Propeller Song in 1932. In order to make my position clear regarding an imperialist war against Russia, I drew this lithograph with the inscription: We Protect the Soviet Union (Propeller Song), explained the artist.

During the second half of her career, Kollwitz created her famous anti-war posters, such as Never Again War! She also completed the memorial to her son Petera process that took 17 yearsand focused on the theme of death in a final series of lithographs.

Toward the end of her life in 1941, Kollwitz summarized in her memoirs the source of her artistic and aesthetic commitment to the working class:

My actual motive, however, in choosing from now on the representation of the life of the worker was that selected motifs from that sphere simply and unconditionally were what I perceived as beautiful. ... People from the bourgeoisie were entirely without charm for me. The bourgeois life seemed entirely pedantic to me. On the other hand the proletariat had great style. Only much later, when I became acquainted, especially through my husband, with the difficulty and tragedy of the depths of proletarian life, when I became acquainted with the women, who came to my husband seeking aid and incidentally also came to me, did I truly grasp in all its power, the fate of the proletariat...

Kollwitz demonstrated that despite the experience of fascism and Stalinism, she, unlike many artists at the time, never lost her bearings and succumbed to despair. One year before her death, in a 1944 entry in her memoirs, she writes: Every war is answered by a new war, until everything is smashed. ... That is why I am wholeheartedly for a radical end to this madness, and why my only hope is in world socialism.

Kathe Kollwitz, Raped, 19071908, Sheet 2 of the cycle Peasant War [Photo]

In her most tendentious art, in which she sought, through pointed emotionalism, to exhort to action, Kollwitz struggled with technique, always intent on subordinating means to end. For this reason, she returned to lithography almost exclusively from around 1920 until her death. This choice was not without difficulties because at times she seemed to lose a certain critical distance from her subject, allowing them to hover precariously on the edge of sentimentality (Kollwitz Reconsidered, Elizabeth Prelinger).

The best of Kollwitzs last works are those in which her fluidity of style yields to visual economy, to images that are unsentimental but sympathetic.

In an era now dominated by abstraction, Kollwitz staunchly adhered to representational forms in her drive to depict the great questions facing humanity. While I drew, and wept along with the terrified children I was drawing, I really felt the burden I am bearing. I felt that I have no right to withdraw from the responsibility of being an advocate. It is my duty to voice the sufferings of people, the never-ending sufferings heaped mountain-high, penned the artist in 1920.

Driven to chronicle the depths of humankinds anguish, Kollwitz declared in 1916: A pure studio art is unfruitful and frail, for anything that does not form living rootswhy should it exist at all? And again in 1922: One can say it a thousand times, that pure art does not include within itself a purpose. As long as I can work, I want to have an effect with my art.

The betrayal of August 1914

The collapse of German Social Democracy and the Second International in August 1914 were blows to the socialist workers cause. These experiences did not leave Kollwitz untouched. In an April 1917 letter to her son Hans, she addresses the implications and lessons of these upheavals:

My dear Hans! ... You know how at the beginning of the war you all said: Social Democracy has failed. We said that the idea of internationalism must be put aside right now, but back of everything national the international spirit remains. Later on this concept of mine was almost entirely buried; now it has sprung to life again. The development of the national spirit in its present form leads into blind alleys. Some condition must be found which preserves the life of the nation, but rules out the fatal rivalry among nations. The Social Democrats in Russia are speaking the language of truth. That is internationalism. Even though, God knows, they love their homeland. It seems to me that behind all the convulsions the world is undergoing, a new creation is already in the making. And the beloved millions who have died have shed their blood to raise humanity higher than humanity has been.

Kathe Kollwitz, The Widow II (Die Witwe II), state VII/VII, plate 5 from War (Krieg) 1922, published 1923 [Photo]

Kathe Kollwitz recognized that her lifes artistic mission was to alert and sensitize others to the human condition. Endowed with a tremendous capacity for empathy and employing a consciously chosen epigrammatic form, she made clear her socialist sympathies in a variety of forms: historical settings, the immediate conditions of workers, in fierce anti-war agitation. In her memoirs in 1915, Kollwitz writes: I do not want to go until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown.

It can hardly be accidental that the life and work of one of the greatest female artists of the 20th century were inextricably linked to the democratic, egalitarian cause of international socialism.
Join the movement for rank-and-file power! Fill out the form at the bottom of this article.

UPS workers hold a rally, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Atlanta. [AP Photo/Brynn Anderson]

The UPS and US Postal Service Rank-and-File Committees endorse the July 24 demonstration in Washington, called by the Socialist Equality Party, against the appearance of the Israeli Prime Minister before Congress. It is urgent that workers take up the fight against the genocide in Gaza and against the threat of world war.

Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, responsible for the deaths of close to 200,000 Gazans, according to one estimate by The Lancet medical journal. But his appearance in DC shows that the Israeli government is acting with the total support and involvement of both corporate parties in America. They are joining hands to ship tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons, including 2,000 pound bombs capable of leveling city blocks, to be used on the defenseless population of Gaza.

The slaughter puts to rest the endless claims by the US government to be fighting wars for democracy and human rights. In reality, this is a government of, by and for the rich. In addition to the profits which are always made out of war by defense contractors, the Palestinian people are being sacrificed for the control by US corporations over the Middle East, its natural resources and supply chains.

But this is only one front in an emerging world war. Another dangerous front is the US-backed war against Russia in Ukraine. While they slander all opponents of the Gaza genocide as antisemitic, they are in league with open neo-Nazis in the Ukrainian government and military. Earlier this month, the US government and NATO pledged to deploy long-range missiles capable of hitting Moscow, and to establish a command center inside Ukraine itself.

And preparations are being made for another war against China, which the US corporate elite see as their biggest competitor worldwide.

We insist that we, the working class, must become the basic force against war. The trillion-dollar war budget comes directly from the value we produce with our labor, and which could be used to improve our wages and working conditions. As the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees said in a May 1 statement: Workers and their children will be shipped off to fight these wars, which are being paid for by the destruction of wages, pensions, healthcare and social programs.

It concluded that the student protests against the Gaza genocide this year: anticipate an even more powerful movement in the working class.

The issues they have raised cannot be resolved on the campuses, but rather in the factories, warehouses, railroads and docks. The working class, the most powerful social force on earth, which creates all wealth through its labor, must leverage that power to force an end to genocide and war.

There is huge potential for the movement in the working class against exploitation to link up with the fight against war. All three contracts are currently up at USPS, where Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is trying to ram through a massive Delivering for America restructuring plan which will cost tens of thousands of jobs. At UPS, workers are fighting against similar mass layoffs under the companys Network of the Future program, made possible by the sellout contract the Teamsters officials rammed down our throats.

Major contracts are also set to expire soon for:

over 30,000 workers at Boeing, where cuts to safety inspectors have led to plane crashes which have killed hundreds;

Over 40,000 east coast dockworkers are also gearing up for a potential strike at the end of September, and;

Teachers in major school districts such as Chicago and Detroit are fighting against huge budget cuts.

The fight against war means a fight against the trade union bureaucracy. Officials in the Teamsters, the postal unions, the United Auto Workers and others not only ramming through sellouts and signing off on mass layoffs. They are helping the government prepare the home front for war. Earlier this month, Biden visited the AFL-CIO headquarters, where he called the unions his domestic NATO.

The meaning of this statement is that he sees them as allies in the war against us, the working class.

Without a fight against war, we cannot defend our democratic rights at home. Biden and the Democrats are joining hands with Republicans to carry out mass arrests against people for using their democratic right to peacefully protest against war. And last weeks Republican National Convention shows that the corporate oligarchy is driving towards dictatorship and fascism.

The development of a mass, working-class anti-war movement requires the development of a network of rank-and-file committees, to counterpose to the corporatist alliance of the bureaucrats with the government and management genuine organizations of workers power.

Our committees have been formed in opposition to the naked betrayals of the Teamsters and the postal unions. We have sought continuously to arm our coworkers with the information and the strategy which they need to organize a fight against both management and the union bureaucrats.

Building real workers power means breaking from the corporate parties. At the RNC last week, Teamsters President Sean OBrien claimed that his presence at this filthy meeting, where he hailed Trump and other fascists, showed he and the bureaucrats were not beholden to any party. In fact, it proved they are beholden to Wall Street, which controls both parties.

OBrien claimed the problem facing workers was corporations which were disloyal to the US. But the issue for workers is not to promote patriotic American capitalists, but uniting with our class brothers and sisters all over the world to put a stop to war and exploitation by multinational corporations. The ruling elites in every major country, above all the US, are using their governments and their militaries to try to conquer the world and put down unrest at home. Those who suffer are the workers in every country, who have no interest in war.

We urge our coworkers to turn out in wide numbers for the July 24 rally. But this is only the beginning. In a statement, WSWS chairman David North explained the purpose of the rally is to set into motion a new and powerful mass movement of the working class against the Gaza genocide and the global escalation of imperialist militarism by the US ruling class and its NATO collaborators.

We agree that this is the urgent task of the day. We must build up this movement in every factory and working place. We must learn to use our power as the working class to force a halt to the war machine, starting with the halting of weapons shipments to Israel and other for-profit killing fields.

If you agree, then join us! Fill out the form below to become involved in our committees, or for help setting up one of your own at your workplace.
The Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (HWRFC) in Australia met this month and unanimously passed a resolution, published below, supporting the call by the Socialist Equality Party, International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), for a demonstration in Washington D.C. on July 24 to oppose the visit to the US of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Part of the healthworkers vigil outside Westmead Hospital in Sydney on November 20, 2023.

The meeting was attended by doctors, nurses, aged care and disability workers, as well as hospital services employees. It discussed the horrific impact of Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza, which recent reports estimate has killed nearly 200,000 Palestinians, and the connection between the wars led by US imperialism and its allies abroad and the increasing government attacks on public health, education and other social services at home.

Health workers discussed the deepening assault on various aspects of healthcare by the Albanese Labor government and the Victorian state Labor governments ordering public hospital administrations to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from their annual operating budgets.

This meeting of the Health Workers Rank & File committee (Australia) endorses the demonstration in Washington DC on July 24 opposing the genocidal war in Gaza and the decision by the US Congress to invite the war criminal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to address it. We call for the widest possible participation of all those able to attend the event.

The demonstration called by the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) aims not to beg the Congress to change its policies but to develop a mass movement of the working class against the genocidal war and its root cause, capitalisma system in which health and lives are subordinated to private profit.

The fact that the genocide in Gaza has been supported, funded and armed by the major capitalist powers is a warning to the working class. The imperialist powers have made clear that there are no red lines they will not cross in their struggle to maintain their hegemonic rule.

Virtually the entire health system in Gaza has been destroyed over the past nine months. This includes hundreds of health workers who have been directly targeted, tortured and murdered as part of the Zionist project to ethnically cleanse Gaza.

As health care workers representing practitioners from a wide range of health services, we support the campaign to develop a struggle to defend humanity against the increasingly callous disregard for human life and health.

In Australia and around the world millions are striving to find a way to stop the criminal madness only to be blocked by the organisations they have turned to for aid. The unions and professional associations, where they do not openly oppose the protests against genocide, stifle the independent actions of workers and search for every reason why workers cant use the social strength to stop the crimes being carried out against humanity.

The Australian Labor government along with the US Congress and political elites around the world continue to endorse the barbaric genocide in Gaza. We say no support for the genocide and down with its defenders!

We stand with all those who oppose the continually expanding war in the Middle East, Ukraine and the preparations for conflagrations against China and who struggle to unite workers in every country for a shared socialist future. We support the call to declare war on war!

Email: sephw.aus@gmail.com

Twitter: @HealthRandF_Aus

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/hwrfcaus
The UK COVID-19 Inquiry has published its first findings more than three years after it was instigated by former Conservative government Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The inquiry is chaired by former High Court judge, Baroness Heather Hallett, who in 2009 acted as coroner in the inquest of the 52 people killed in Londons 7/7 terrorist bombings.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry report, "The resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom" [Photo: UK Covid-19 Inquiry]

Hallett released a 240-page report covering its Module 1 which examined The resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom. It examines the state of the UKs central structures and procedures for pandemic emergency preparedness, resilience and response. The Module 1 hearings were held in London in June and July 2023, with the Inquiry hearing from current and former politicians as well as key scientists, experts, civil servants and bereaved family members.

Reports on a further at least eight modules will be published over the course of the next two years with the Inquiry not due to complete until summer 2026.

Over 235,000 people have been killed by COVID in the UK, with the population suffering one of the worst death rates in the world due to the homicidal policy of the Johnson government, summed up in his infamous outburst at the height of the pandemic, Let the bodies pile high in their thousands!.

So widespread was the infection of the population that over a million people are estimated to be suffering from the debilitating impact of Long COVID.

Bereaved families gather outside the UK COVID Inquiry on the day that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave evidence

In the first section of the report, Hallett cites testimony from two witnesses, Professor Jimmy Whitworth and Dr. Charlotte Hammer, who told the inquiry, The COVID-19 epidemic was unprecedented in recent times, and it would not be reasonable to expect the UK to be fully prepared for a hypothetical epidemic of this size of a previously unknown pathogen.

In response, point 1.17. of the report reads: The Inquiry agrees  The potential disruption to social and economic life, and the cost (in real financial terms and opportunity) as the result of a false alarm, may be disproportionate to the burden of an actual epidemic or pandemic. There are proper limits to preparedness and resilience (as there are for security), but improvements, even radical ones, can still be made. It is critical for any government, with the publics approval, to steer a course between complacency and overreaction.

The callousness of the suggestion that governments should not spook the markets by overpreparing for the real threat of an epidemic/pandemic is staggering and frames the entire report.

The report acknowledges that by the time the COVID pandemic hit, Britain had over a decade of pandemic planning in place but concludes that the main problem was that The UK prepared for the wrong pandemic. The significant risk of an influenza pandemic had long been considered, written about and planned for. However, that preparedness was inadequate for a global pandemic of the kind that struck.

Moreover, it claims, the government, individual ministers and their scientific advisers were all victims of groupthink. In fact, many witnesses who gave evidence to the Inquiry blamed groupthink. This is a phenomenon by which people in a group tend to think about the same things in the same way.

Among those availing themselves of this convenient get-out clause were David Cameron (Prime Minister from May 2010-2016), George Osborne (Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010-2016) Jeremy Hunt (Health Secretary from 2012-2016), leading Tory Sir Oliver Letwin, and Sir Chris Whitty (the governments Chief Medical Officer during the pandemic).

Among others, who, while not explicitly attributing blame to groupthink, nonetheless agreed that it was a risk that needed to be mitigated, were Sir Patrick Vallance (Chief Scientific Advisor to the government during the pandemicwho now advises the Starmer Labour government and sits in the House of Lords) and another leading Tory, Michael Gove.

The guilty are clinging to the only alibi in sight. Johnsons advisor during the early months of the pandemic Dominic Cummings pioneered the strategy in evidence given to the House of Commons own investigation in 2021, where he used the term groupthink no less than 15 times. In the Guardians reporting, It was applied to the government in general, to the Department of Health and to Sage [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies]. It was used to explain the delay in understanding the threat posed by the virus, in locking down, in closing borders, in building a testing system, in developing vaccines.

Describing the UK parliaments pandemic report as The first draft of a political whitewash, the WSWS explained at the time: The authors central claim is that the disaster in the UK was the result of groupthink between government ministers and scientific advisers, who were all thinking in terms of a flu pandemic rather than SARS-CoV-2.

The WSWS noted that far from previous exercises for a flu pandemic being any cause for complacency, the 2011 UK Influenza Preparedness Strategy warned of anything from 210,000 to multiple millions of deaths.

The WSWS rejected the claim that a different type of viral pandemic was unforeseen noting how the report omits any reference to Exercise Alice, carried out in 2016, which envisaged a response to an outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). That 23-page report warned of the rapid development of a large scale outbreak and recommended increased stockpiles of PPE, an extensive contact tracing system and the screening of travellers from abroad.

Halletts introduction also glosses over why, when the pandemic hit, no contingency measures were put in place, and the necessary lockdownonly finally enacted on March 23, 2020delayed for weeks.

Dealing with the state of the health and public health service prior to the spread of COVID-19, she notes, though in very mild terms, that Going into the pandemic, there had been a slowdown in health improvement, and health inequalities had widened. High pre-existing levels of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and obesity, and general levels of ill-health and health inequalities, meant that the UK was more vulnerable. Public services, particularly health and social care, were running close to, if not beyond, capacity in normal times.

But all thisthe result of savage austerity imposed on public services by Labour and Tory governments in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crash and bailout of the banksis excused with the lines: The Inquiry recognises that decisions as to the allocation of resources to prepare for a whole-system civil emergency fall exclusively to elected politicians. They must grapple with competing demands for public money and limited resources. It may be tempting for them to focus on the immediate problem before them rather than dwell on what may or may not happen.

The impact of such unprecedented cuts to the health service, and skyrocketing poverty, are clouded with thousands of words and pages of graphs detailing the labyrinthine  complexity of the institutions and structures responsible for emergency planning. This is corporate management speak designed to confuse rather than clarify. According to the report, it was Processes, planning and policy . . . within the UK government and devolved administrations and civil services that failed their citizens, not the choices of political criminals.

The slightest of admonitions is delivered with a sentence: Proper preparation for a pandemic costs money.

Not only was the government cutting funding, it was actively championing an anti-health and safety culture, with Cameron boasting in 2012, I will kill off safety culture. His 2010-15 coalition government with the Liberal Democrats was waging war against the excessive health and safety culture that has become an albatross around the neck of British businesses.

From the beginning the Johnson government was aided in enacting its policies of social murder by the Labour Party, first under Jeremy Corbyn, who pledged to work constructively with the Tories, then Sir Keir Starmer. Now prime minister, Starmer continued his services, moving quickly to endorse Halletts first chapter of the whitewash. The report, he said, had confirmed what many have always believedthat the UK was under-prepared for COVID-19, and that process, planning and policy across all four nations failed UK citizens.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson walk to the House of Lords to hear the Queen's Speech in May 2022 [Photo by Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/Flickr / CC BY-NC 4.0

No one, of course, would be held responsible. People should be satisfied that this government is committed to learning the lessons from the inquiry.

Starmer knows that no-one in ruling circles will be brought to any sort of justice by the Inquiry. Initiated by Boris Johnson, of all people, and held under the Inquiries Act 2005, it is specifically prohibited from ruling on or determining anyones civil or criminal liability. Halletts first report shows she has no intention of even coming close.
The World Socialist Web Site recently conducted an interview with journalists from the Kharkov-based underground journalist collective assembly.org.ua. The website publishes news about social and environmental problems and struggles in East Ukraine. It advocates an end to the war from below, by the soldiers themselves, in opposition to both the Ukrainian and the Russian governments. The journalists have also declared their support for the campaign to free Ukrainian anti-war socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk.

Below, we are posting the interview with minor edits for length and clarity. It was conducted before July 16, when the new laws for the current mass mobilization went into effect. As the journalists explain, these laws have dramatically worsened the situation for masses of workers and young people in Ukraine overnight.

Clara Weiss: Your outlet focuses on the situation in Kharkov, which has been at the center of the war. Can you describe the situation in Kharkov facing ordinary people? What are social conditions like?

Assembly: Kharkov isnt really at the center of the war. After February 24, 2022, the front line ran right along its ring road and closest northern outskirts. In September of the same year, it rolled back to the Russian border (30 km from the city in a straight line). After the border assault by Russian troops on May 10th of 2024, the front stopped 20 km from the city.

Every day, attacks with ballistic missiles and guided aviation bombs continue. The targets of Russian troops are military infrastructure, energy facilities, industrial enterprises. Damage to residential buildings around them does not bother them at all. Everyone has generally gotten used to daily power outages for many hours, lasting up to half a day. Blackouts have been going on since the missile strike on March 22 of this year. The electricity supply is provided from other regions.

Of the approximately two million pre-war population, about half remain in Kharkov. There is no large outflow, because those who had somewhere to go have, for the most part, left long ago. Those who remain have several options: To be homeless in a basement or tent, living on the 2,000 hryvnia (about $50 a month) in payments that are given to internally displaced persons; to go to jail for evading mobilization, or to join the army. And from there, you only return in a coffin, or after having deserted, or after having given a bribe.

Many streets and neighborhoods of Kharkov were almost empty even before the big Russian invasion due to the uneven population distribution. Now, citizens liable for military service are trying not to leave their homes: the 60-day period for updating military registration data for men between 18 and 60 expired on July 16, and then the full-scale safari season opened: Anyone who fails to update their military registration data will already be officially considered a draft dodger with all the consequencesfrom being forcibly grabbed off the streets to the territorial recruitment center to a fine of 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnia (between $415 and $622). For reference, the average salary in Ukraine in 2023 was 17,400 hryvnia, (around $424).

If Ukraine is the backyard of Europe, Kharkov is the backyard of Ukraine. People here live either out of love for thrills, or out of complete hopelessness. If in 2020, according to then-Mayor Gennady Kernes, the average age in Kharkov was 35, then at the beginning of the full-scale war there were mostly pensioners, and now the average age of the population is about 50. Although this is only the visual impression one gets at public places, due to the mobilization. Of course, there are places where raids by enlistment teams arent a threat, such as beaches and cafes, the owners of which are rumored to give bribes. There are a lot of people there, especially on weekends.

Just like before the war, ecological disasters regularly occur in Kharkov. Thus, at the end of February 2024, all four rivers of the city turned black due to a huge oil spill after Russian drones attacked an oil depot between residential buildings, which had previously been fined for the lack of normal fire-fighting infrastructure. One of the two pine forests in the city recently died due to global warming. On the first day of this summer, the second remaining one began to be cut down to expand a sand quarry. The community of a nearby neighborhood stopped it and has since been watching to make sure that foresters dont resume.

A protest by residents of Kharkov seeking to save the local forest. Courtesy of Assembly.org.ua

Our outlet is almost the only one that supports the protesters. Supporters of the quarry justify this by saying that sand and wood are needed for the construction of fortifications, and no one cares about the devastation of an ecosystem protected by international agreements.

Poisoned rivers and springs in Kharkov. Courtesy of Assembly.org.ua

We see no reason to believe that in the case of a Russian occupation of Kharkov the official attitude toward the environment would change. Even if we consider the blowing up of the Kakhovka dam by their troops to be unproven, the barbaric deforestation of Siberia alone bears comparison with the devastation of the environment by the US military in Vietnam. Its very difficult to imagine that with such an approach to nature at home they would care about the Ukrainian ecology.

CW: How has the mood in the population changed with regard to the war since last years failed NATO-backed counteroffensive?

The failure of the counteroffensive has caused apathy and a desire to leave Ukraine. Many in Kharkov and other Russian-speaking cities, who in 2022 rejected their native language as the language of the enemy, have switched back to using it. The popularity of Trump, Erdogan, Orban and other foreign politicians who are talking about a peaceful solution to the conflict is also growing.

A war veteran who has lost a leg and a woman standing in front of a cemetery in Ukraine with war dead. [Photo: Assembly.org.ua ]

In turn, all the mouthpieces of the Presidents Office and oligarchy have begun to throw mud at draft evaders (understood as everyone who doesnt belong to high society and doesnt want to serve in the army), emigrants or those wishing to leave, as well as those in Ukraine who speak Russian. In relation to these categories of people, the well-known Stalinist rhetoric about enemies of the people, outlaws, the state comes first, not a step back, etc. has been clearly revived.

But there is no talk of opening the borders so that all these false Ukrainians can leave the country to the most worthy citizensthe sale of ransom from captivity is a colossal business for the authorities. The consequence of this hysteria is that its no longer considered shameful to avoid military service. Already in April of this year, when the law on mobilization was adopted, videos with proud Ukrainian men singing songs like Im an evader began to gain millions of views on social networks.

Finally, from winter to the present day, there has been a spontaneous wave of direct street action against representatives of the regime. Just the other day, the Assembly presented With bayonet and grenade. In it, we review dozens of such episodes, which we distinguish from incidents of Russian-backed sabotage, and draw some political conclusions.

An opinion poll conducted by the Razumkov Center last month asked Ukrainians whether they consider it shameful to evade military service. 29.1 percent believe that it is, 46.1 percent believe that it is not, and another quarter were undecided (or probably afraid to choose the second answer). The elderly (over 60) are the ones who condemn evaders the most37 percent.

Outcome of an opinion poll conducted in June 2024. It asked whether Ukrainians consider it "shameful to evade the draft now, in times of war." 46.1 percent responded "no," 29.1 percent responded "yes," and 24.8 percent said they had "difficulties to answer the question." Courtesy of Assembly.org.ua

CW: How would you describe discussions taking place in a typical working class household in Kharkov today? What concerns do people have?

People are quite withdrawn now, so any description wont be completely representative. It can be said that the governments reliance on outright violence in replenishing the army and in governing the country in general plays into Russias hands: There is an atmosphere of complete demoralization, indifference to the citys fate and a desire to leave and go as far away as possible. Many people perceive the arrival of the Russian army as a lesser evil because there the Russians have not imposed a ban on going abroad for men aged 18-60.

Our journal tries to confront these sentiments, proving that one shouldnt rely on the Kremlins mercy and one should take ones life into ones own hands. But even among people who have no illusions in this regard and are simply tired of the war, far-right conspiracy theories about a war to eliminate Ukrainians for the settlement of Jews in Ukraine and so on are widely spread.

Interest in left-wing ideas is also growing but, so far, much less. Most likely, this is due to the fact that Western socialists and anarchists prefer to limit themselves to verbal condemnations of the war, which have no effect on anything in Ukraine, instead of going to Ukrainian embassies with demands to open the borders. Of course, its difficult to imagine that a dictatorship would comply with such demands. However, above all, such actions would show to the Ukrainian working class that it isnt alone in its troubles. Without this, we have what we have.

The situation on the labor market is currently approximately as follows:

Although a huge number of Kharkov enterprises have been destroyed or evacuated, even those remaining here lack personnel. Back in the spring of 2023, a labor shortage was beginning throughout Ukraine, even of unskilled workers. Men are hiding from mobilization en masse, women dont want to do hard work or dont have the necessary qualifications, labor migrants from third countries are only numbering in the hundreds throughout the country.

In order to somehow attract personnel, companies are raising wages. This growth, against the backdrop of a declining economy, is increasing the cost of living in Ukraine. This is not to mention the fact that the government has committed before the IMF to raising gas and electricity tariffs to avoid a default on its foreign debt. The rise in energy prices, in turn, leads to an even greater rise in food prices. And theres also a planned increase in taxes for military expenses. Naturally, war fatigue and discussions about when peace negotiations will start are very important topics for the working class now. We hope that our publications help save the lives of at least some of those who dont want to die for someones yachts and villas.

CW: Our Comrade Bogdan Syrotiuk was arrested for opposing the war from a socialist and internationalist standpoint. Are there other cases of arrests of opponents of the war?

In total, in 2023 alone, Ukrainian courts issued 1,274 sentences in criminal cases for evading military service (Art. 336 of the Criminal Code). This is a third of the 3,746 sentences issued since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2014. Among them are both suspended sentences and real prison terms.

For example, in our region, since the fall of 2023 courts have stopped issuing suspended sentences under this articleeveryone began to be given three years in prison, although many draft dodgers agree to this option, hoping to avoid the army and perhaps even get out earlier under the amnesty. Alexei Matukhno from Kharkov now faces up to 8 years for obstructing the legitimate activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period (Art. 114-1 of the Criminal Code), i.e., for leaving comments in a local chat at the end of 2023 about the locations of subpoenas. It seems that this is the first precedent of such a criminal prosecution in the country which is not related to the administration of channels on the social media app Telegram where such locations are often indicated (sentences for such cases in different regions are already quite common.)

As for the persecution of those who oppose the war from a socialist and internationalist standpoint, such people are not yet numerous enough in Ukraine to pose a serious threat to the regime. Therefore, the main targets for repression are people who are far removed from politics and who simply dont want to fight. Plus, without being personally familiar with the case, its often impossible to understand whether a particular person is really against the war: both in Ukraine and in Russia, those who actually support the other warring party often describe themselves publicly as anti-war activists.

Memetic frame depicting, on the right, a man who is forcibly drafted off a Kharkov street in the winter of 2024 and, on the left, the classic cartoon "On the offensive" from the First World War. Courtesy of Assembly.org.ua

CW: Can you describe the changes that have taken place in Ukraine in recent years, not only since 2022 but also since the 2014 coup, with regard to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom to associate. Would you say that there is democracy in Ukraine?

If theres no male population in public places and there are vans driving through the streets like under the Hitler occupation of Kharkov, catching passers-by in basements to be beaten up and tortured, this speaks volumes about the situation with rights and freedoms. Of course, this slide into dictatorship began immediately after the Maidan [in 2014], when the disloyal half of the citizens were declared to be wrong, the aim being to forcibly assimilate them or push them out of the country.

Now Ukraine bears characteristics of a totalitarian state, which openly decides for the population what music it must listen to, what language it must speak and what church it must go to. But we dont think that if the Maidan had been suppressed the situation would have been much better: The same policy would have been carried out in relation to the pro-Western and nationalist part of the society, as has been the case in Belarus after the 2020 suppression of protests and its de facto occupation by Russia.

At the same time, throughout the government-controlled territory of Ukraine, video evidence appears daily of how concerned passers-by help to defend those kidnapped on the street against enlistment patrols. They are often using physical force, but we know about only one example of prosecution for this: When on March 29th in the Khmelnytsky region a group of women smashed a military minivan during the subpoenas distribution, one of them was fined 85 hryvnia (about $2) for petty hooliganism (this was, in fact, the cost of the stick with which she broke the glass).

That is, some relative freedom of gathering in Ukraine still remains. Unlike in Russia, where there are no officially banned languages and national cultures, the borders are open for men to leave (except for those who have received a subpoena to the army), and the violent roundup of men for military service is being carried out only for conscription, while the front is staffed with contract soldiers. But there you can get a criminal case and go to prison just for an unauthorized picket.

Its quite obvious that the scope of rights and freedoms under capitalism is determined by the size of the wallet, and the ruling class has much more opportunities to educate its children in its native language or to buy the possibility of leaving Ukraine. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian Business Council, which unites 113 leading industry associations comprising 28,000 enterprises, called on the parliament to revise the draft law on mobilization at the beginning of this year.

However, no one removed either the blocking of bank accounts for evaders or the ban on property transactions for them, or the confiscation of their drivers licenses, or the right to arbitrarily seize for military use means of transportation owned by enterprises, or other rules that the bourgeoisie called unconstitutional. As we can see, the state can afford to ignore even its own opinionbecause it lives at the expense of Western partners economic base. In general, Ukraine is now somewhere halfway between the American Confederacy and North Korea.

CW: How has this slide to dictatorship, as you call it, impacted the work of journalists like yourselves?

First of all, local journalism has practically died (this process was completed by early 2022). Social and mass media have generally turned into news aggregators, simply distributing official press releases. Naturally, under such conditions, the publications by Assembly cant be referenced by nation-wide media either. Our Ukrainian readers sometimes complain that they cant access the Assemblys website.

Screenshot of an error notice some Ukrainian readers receive when trying to access Assembly.org.ua. Courtesy of Assembly.org.ua

We dont receive grants from abroadother organizations dont want to risk getting into trouble with the authorities by funding a counter-information initiative. Our hope lies entirely with like-minded people. At this link you can make a one-time donation to us or commit to a monthly donation. Any amount is very important to us, because the Assembly opens the eyes for people from below to this society and publishes things useful to help them save lives. No one knows what impact any of our words will have!

CW: Thank you very much for the interview.
In the public statement announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 US presidential elections, Joe Biden claimed, Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic. Out of a series of delusional claims about his presidency, this was the most glaringly absurd, as Biden issued the letter while still in isolation with his third COVID-19 infection.

Undoubtedly, Bidens bout with COVID played a role in his decision to withdraw from the elections. While official pronouncements on his infection have stated that he is on the way to recovery, COVID-19 remains a dangerous pathogen for anyone, especially those above 65 years old.

President Joe Biden coughs during an event with Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Biden tested positive for COVID-19. [AP Photo/Susan Walsh]

Now at 81, Bidens body and mind were clearly impacted by his first infection and subsequent rebound in July-August 2022. While one cannot say with certainty that his mental decline is directly attributable to his prior COVID infections, it is entirely possible that he could be showing symptoms of brain fog, fatigue and other neurological symptoms commonly associated with Long COVID.

The fact that Biden, the most protected person on the planet, was allowed to contract COVID-19 last week underscores the growing recklessness and self-delusion of the American ruling class. Having fallen for their own lies that the pandemic is over, the last remaining testing measures were lifted in the White House in March.

Great pains are being taken to care for Biden round the clock, including checks on his vital signs led by a team of highly trained healthcare practitioners and access to costly anti-viral medications. Additionally, Biden is isolating, not according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) anti-public health policies, but based on actual scientifically grounded recommendations.

The double standards for the American and international working class are glaringly obvious. Anti-viral medications and vaccines have become cost prohibitive or entirely inaccessible for the vast majority of the worlds population. For workers in the US, attempting to obtain a prescription for the anti-viral Paxlovid usually means waiting days for a call back from your physician.

Meanwhile, regardless of the infectious nature of the constantly evolving virus, those with asymptomatic infections or mild symptoms are forced to return to work, risking the well-being of colleagues. Without proper rest and treatment, which the medical community emphatically endorses, workers raise their risk of developing Long COVID, which can have tremendous consequences on their ability to earn wages and provide for their families.

Biden is one of millions of Americans who have been infected in recent weeks amid the deepening annual summer surge. According to the latest wastewater data released Friday, the US now has the highest concentrations of the coronavirus in wastewater for this date of any year in the pandemic, with current estimates placing daily infection rates somewhere between 780,000 to 850,000 per day. The surge is deepest in the West and South, but spreading to every region of the country.

The 9th wave of mass infection in the US is being driven by the KP.3 and KP.2 subvariants and their daughters, which account for more than 75 percent of all recently sequenced viral genomes. In particular, the emergence of KP.3.1.1with high ACE2 binding affinity and considerable immune evasive characteristicsand its ability to outcompete its recent descendants, underscores the tremendous capacity for this virus to continue to evolve and infect humanity.

Test positivity rates are now at a highly elevated 12.6 percent across the US, while in the Southwest this has reached 16.4 percent. Both hospitalizations and emergency room visits for COVID have been climbing once more, despite the concerted efforts to cover-up these data. Official weekly fatality rates are up 31 percent over two weeks at nearly 400 deaths per week, while more than 25,000 people have already died of COVID in the first six months of 2024.

These limited statistics, which are no longer being addressed in the media, underscore the complete lie being promulgated by Biden and the entire state that the pandemic is over.

Now in the fifth year of the pandemic, as the world faces yet another massive wave of infections, a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) last month demonstrated that uptake of the anti-COVID vaccines across the globe has by all accounts come to a virtual halt.

Given the known benefits of vaccines, which have been proven to reduce severity of disease and ones risk of Long COVID, these developments are deeply disturbing from a public health perspective.

In the first quarter of 2024, across 73 WHO Member States, only 9.8 million doses of the vaccines were given, representing 0.12 percent of the general population. Only 4.9 million older adults from 60 Member States (0.42 percent)people who are at higher risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and deathreceived the COVID-19 vaccines. Most egregious of all, only 0.17 percent of healthcare workers across 40 Member States reported being inoculated against COVID in the first quarter of 2024.

Graph showing drastic decline in anti-COVID vaccine uptake globally [Photo: World Health Organization]

The downward trends in immunization became firmly established after May 5, 2023, when Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, declared the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency. At the time, the WSWS wrote, This decision has no scientific basis, but rather serves to provide ex post facto justification for all capitalist governments scrapping of anti-COVID public health measures since the emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021.

Dr. Nilufar Ahmed, a psychologist in social sciences at the University of Bristol, attributed the decline in vaccinations to the lack of any media coverage of the virus and opaque public health directives that have created a false sense that the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. Ahmed added, Its very low in public communications. We see very few people masking, and the response if you see someone wearing a mask is that you assume they must have COVID  not that theyre wearing it as a preventative measure.

Indeed, even as the ink was drying, Ghebreyesus admitted then that COVID was claiming a life every three minutes, and thats just the deaths we know about. In his comments to the press just over one year ago, he stated that COVID was here to stay, even though it is still killing, and it is still changing. The risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.

The ending of the vaccination campaigns are not just a byproduct of an anti-public health campaign and blackout in the media that have promoted the false notion that the pandemic is over. They are also due to the profit imperatives of the pharmaceutical monopolies, whose executives calculate that the profits their shareholders can expect no longer make their manufacturing and distribution lucrative.

The criminality of the capitalist denigration and denial of vaccines was underscored by the latest study published by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly and colleagues, which showed that the incidence of Long COVID in the era of Omicron can be lowered to 3.5 percent if people are vaccinated. Without vaccination, the risk of Long COVID rises to 7.76 percent if someone is infected with an Omicron subvariant of the virus. Given the stalled rates of vaccination and the high rates of transmission now being experienced, these will have untold consequences for the worlds population.

Based on modeling estimates from wastewater data, two-thirds of all Americans will be infected this year. If one projects these rates to the rest of the world and employs the incidence of Long COVID from infections as illustrated by Al-Aly, this would mean well over 200 million more people may face some level of debilitation this year alone, irrespective of the severity of their acute infection. In 2020, the global estimate of Long COVID cases was at least 65 million.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trigger event in world history, proving that capitalism has no progressive solution for the broader issues raised by climate change and unplanned globalization, both of which raise the threat of pandemic pathogens. In their use of imperialist war to prosecute their economic interests, the financial oligarchy eviscerate all the gains made by more than a century of developments in public health infrastructure.

Not only have infectious diseases skyrocketed internationally this year, but there has also been a historic backslide in providing routine immunizations to children, according to Dr. Katherine OBrien, director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological at WHO. World targets for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccinations have fallen two percentage points from 2022 to 2023 and stand at 84 percent, far short of the agenda goal of 90 percent set for 2030.

These setbacks are part of the broader disruptions in health services, growing logistical challenges especially in places like Gaza where the genocide is deepening, and, to a significant degree, anti-science and anti-public health campaigns being proffered to discredit outlooks based on science and socialism. These are part of the deepening promotion of fascistic politics that sees scientific truth and socialism as a threat to the capitalist profit system.

Biden, literally exhausted in his service to the capitalist state, has fallen victim to his own herd immunity policy and is now being put to pasture.
The fallout from the biggest worldwide collapse of information systems in history, which occurred on Friday, continued into Sunday, with planes grounded, trains stopped and stores closed, among many other serious problems.

Banks, hospitals and other vital operations were scrambling on Saturday and Sunday to identify and correct the impacts of the loss of an estimated 8.5 million Windows computers from a flawed security software update from CrowdStrike.

A technician works on an information display near United Airlines gates at Chicago OHare International Airport on Friday, July 19, 2024, after a faulty CrowdStrike update caused a major internet outage for computers running Microsoft Windows. [AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster]

Air travelers are continuing to experience chaos at airports around the world from the outage. In the UK, flight delays and cancellations at London Gatwick, Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport and Belfast International Airport were reported to be continuing, with a ripple effect, throughout the weekend.

While airline check-in systems are reported to be back up and running, flights may still be subject to delays and cancellations, according to a website statement from Manchester Airport. The airport also advised passengers to regularly check the status of their flights before they leave for the airport.

Airports in the US and Asia, including in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, reported that operations resumed or were mostly back to normal. But flight-tracking service FlightAware listed more than 33,000 total flight delays on its website and more than 2,700 cancellations as of Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

In Saudi Arabia, Matarat Holdings, provider of aviation services in the kingdom, said operations at its airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Cluster 2 in the capital had resumed effectively, according to an unconvincing statement from the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

In a written statement to National Public Radio in the US, Noah Brown, director of global communications at Massachusetts General Brigham, a hospital system in Boston, said the healthcare provider was back to operational on Saturday after canceling all non-urgent surgeries and other appointments on Friday because of the outage.

Brown said, Our response teams are continuing to work diligently throughout the weekend to address the many additional downstream impacts across our system from the CrowdStrike failure.

The IT security agency of the government in Germany warned that numerous companies were still struggling with the consequences of the far-reaching outage. Many business processes and procedures have been disturbed by the breakdown of computer systems, the BSI agency (Federal Office for Information Security) said on its website.

While the agency said Saturday that many impacted areas had returned to normal, it also said that cybercriminals were seeking to exploit the situation through phishing, fake websites and other scams, and that unofficial software code was in circulation.

A leading doctors organization in Austria said on Saturday that the global outage exposed the vulnerability of healthcare systems reliant on digital technologies. Yesterdays incidents underscore how important it is for hospitals to have analogue backups, stated Harald Mayer, vice president of the Austrian Chamber of Doctors.

The organization said the government should impose high standards in patient data protection and security and on health providers, including staff training and installing systems to manage future crises.

Blue screens appeared on displays at retail establishments, airport kiosks, electronic billboards and other locations that run the Windows operating system unattended, and the antivirus software was installed automatically.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) became a euphemism over the weekend for the perpetual reboot cycle that each Windows-operated computer went into once it installed the update to CrowdStrikes Falcon antivirus software that had the faulty code in it.

The blue screen had the following message on it:  Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart. Were just collecting some error info, and then well restart for you. 0% complete. After the machine was rebooted, the same blue screen message would appear without end.

Microsoft Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security David Weston was quick to point out that less than 1 percent of Windows machines worldwide were impacted by the outage. Weston then went on to say that the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services, as though Microsoft had no responsibility for what happened.

Microsoft is the most valuable company on Wall Street, with a current market capitalization of $3.25 trillion. After a brief sudden drop in its stock value on Friday of 4 percent, investors jumped back in. This shows how concerned the ruling class is about the serious warning that this tech outage represents.

The ubiquity of Windows-based computers and their essential role in the functioning of society has now become more evident than ever. It highlights the burning need for the capitalist monopolies of the computer technology industry to be taken out of the hands of the financial elites and brought under the control of the working class, so it can be run as a public utility and as part of a planned socialist economy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22. The export of automotive industry products from Turkiye to Kazakhstan decreased by 42.6 percent from January through June 2024 compared to the same period last year and amounted to $57.5 million, the statement of Turkiye's Trade Ministry said, Trend reports.

"Turkiye exported $10.5 million worth of automobile industry products to Kazakhstan in June this year, which is 46.2 percent less than in June last year," the statement from the ministry read.

Furthermore, it should be noted that Turkiye's automotive industry exports increased by 2.3 percent year-on-year to $17 billion from January through June 2024.

"Turkiye exported automotive industry products worth $2.6 billion in June this year, which is 12.4 percent less than in June last year," the statement from the ministry added.

To note, Turkiye exported $35.4 billion worth of automotive products over the past 12 months (from June 2023 through June 2024).
And its GPHG entry that is the talk of watch town

My discovery of the Pirro jewellery house was a surprise from start to finish. It began with a message from a colleague to meet her in our conference room. Not knowing why I had been summoned, I grabbed my notebook and charged into the room, only to find two smartly dressed women waiting for me on the company sofa. After an awkward introduction (on my side), it quickly transpired that they were from the Albanian brand Pirro and they had just submitted their first-ever watch to the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) in the category for Artistic Crafts.

Primordial Passion  Pirro / Higher resolution pictures are available on Pirro's website.

A Fascinating Tale

As they told the story of their brand and its founder, it sounded more like the stuff of a Netflix drama than the usual new-watch-brand story. The tale began in the 1980s with Pirro Ruco, a mechanical engineering student living in Berat, Albania. His family was persecuted during the communist era and he was forbidden from continuing his studies. Far from content with this new state of affairs, he decided to find another way forward. Turning his bedroom into a workshop, he developed a pantograph that could reproduce an image of the leaders head on coins and medals. He presented it to the Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly, who was not only extremely impressed by the young mans work but granted him the right to continue his studies in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering where he could develop his skills further.

Once his studies were complete, he set up a laboratory and continued to make coins and medals for the countrys leaders as well as jewellery and other works of art. Over the years, he would bring his creations to BaselWorld, where he would meet several watchmakers, whose work intrigued him and would provide the spark for his very own watch.

Primordial Passion  Pirro / Higher resolution pictures are available on Pirro's website.

Back in the Conference Room

Back in the conference room, more colleagues had now joined our meeting, all of whom were hanging on to Alba Rucos (Pirro Rucos daughter) every word. She casually asked if we would like to see the watch, to which we all nodded enthusiastically, like primary school children at storytime! Gloves and a velvet-lined tray magically appeared and the watch was presented in all its glory to a collective wow.

Primordial Passion Unique Piece

What first caught our eye were the 12 miniature dancers in 18-karat yellow gold, each one representing a different region. They were holding hands and dancing together under a large sapphire crystal dome in a scene that was so intricately decorated that you could even see the embroidery on the ladies dresses. While only 9-10mm tall, the figurines hold all the characteristics of a true sculpture. The backdrop of the dial was created from a micro-mosaic of Murano glass stones in eight different shades of red and black using 64 different cuts, the smallest being only 0.2mm. Over 25,000 mosaic pieces needed to be cut to provide the final 1,500 mosaic tiles that would become the dial. By doing so, Pirro managed to meticulously set the stones in a design and technique that had never been used before; this in itself is an audacious novelty at the 2024 GPHG.

The centre of the dial was also of note as it featured four musicians with their Albanian instruments seated within a black-gold eagle structure.

Primordial Passion  Pirro / Higher resolution pictures are available on Pirro's website.

Agenhor Connection

Seeing such a watch, we were almost scared to ask about the movement, for fear of it not matching the level of artisanal craftwork that we were witnessing. We need not have worried, however, as Ruco had chosen to work with the master watchmakers at Agenhor for an exclusive movement that indicates the hours and minutes with hands shaped like eagle claws no less.

For a new watch brand, Pirro is certainly a wonderful surprise on so many levels. Lets hope this surprise factor will also lead to a GPHG nomination for the newcomer, who in my humble opinion, is going to catch the attention of the worlds watch collectors, with or without a trophy.
Barron Trump and his next step: List of college move-in dates for fall 2024

In one month, will Barron Trump have moved from Mar-a-Lago to a college dorm?

Barron Trump, the sole child of Donald and Melania Trump, is headed to university this fall  but neither of his parents have revealed where Barron would seek his college degree.

In fact, the youngest son of former president Donald Trump has been keeping a low-profile: Barron Trump was the only Trump family member who did not make an appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week. His mother, former first lady Melania Trump, has not delivered any speeches or made public appearances during her husband's campaign until last week  she did make a surprise appearance at the 2024 RNC, sitting in the Trump family box and appearing on stage alongside Donald Trump.

This week, thousands of parents are likely soaking up time with their class of 2024 grads before the new freshmen start their college career. Most move-in dates occur the week of Aug. 17 to 25 for fall 2024.

While it is not known where Barron Trump will attend classes in the fall, below are the move-in dates for universities he's been linked to as well as the major universities in Florida  just in case Barron Trump breaks tradition and decides to pursue college in the Sunshine State, where each of his family members lives.

As of Monday, July 22, it has not been announced where Barron Trump will attend college, but going to university is his next step, his father, former president Donald Trump confirmed July 9, 2024, at a rally in Doral, Florida.

"He's now going to college, got into every college he wanted to," Donald Trump said of his youngest son. "He made his choice and he is a very good guy."

Barron Trump's half-siblings  Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump (born to Donald Trump and Ivana Trump) and Tiffany Trump (born to Donald Trump and Marla Maples)  have ties to the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

When are college move-in dates for University of Pennsylvania?

Donald Trump graduated and studied at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, graduating in May 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics. Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Jr., graduated from UPenn in 2000. Like his father, Donald Trump Jr. has a bachelor's degree in economics from Wharton.

Donald Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, was a student at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown, but transferred after two years to the Wharton School of Business at UPenn. Ivanka Trump graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics from UPenn in 2004.

Like her father, Tiffany Trump attended UPenn and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Four years later, Tiffany Trump graduated from Georgetown Law School as part of the class of 2020.

According to UPenn's calendar, "move-in" dates for fall 2024 are Monday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 25, for new and returning students. "Guests" (usually parents and family) will have to be registered by Tuesday, Aug. 1, to accompany fall 2024 students on "move-in" day. New student orientation at UPenn will be from Aug. 21-26, with first day of classes Tuesday, Aug. 27.

When are college move-in dates for Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.?

Barron Trump's older brother Eric Trump graduated from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor's degree in finance and management in 2006.

According to Georgetown University's calendar, arrival of new undergraduate students for fall 2024 will be Thursday and Friday, Aug. 22 and 23. Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 28.

When are college move-in dates for New York University?

Another speculated possibility for Barron Trump is New York University. The NYU campus is not far from where Barron Trump spent much of his childhood, Trump Tower in Manhattan  and lived until his father was sworn in as the 45th president in early 2017. Barron Trump lived in the White House with his parents until 2019, when Donald and Melania Trump permanently relocated to Trump's private club, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

Living on campus at NYU is optional, however, "first-year residents of Manhattan-based schools are assigned to Manhattan residence halls only. There are no exceptions," the university's site states. College move-in dates for NYU, which has its own NYU housing handle on Instagram, are Aug. 24 and 25, 2024. More than "5,000 first-year students will arrive at NYU's campus!" an April 11 IG post states.

According to NYU's calendar, fall 2024 classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day.

When are college move-in dates for Florida universities?

While it's unlikely Barron Trump will attend college in Florida, below is a list of move-in dates for the major universities here, according to their respective calendars:

Florida State University: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

University of Central Florida: Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 15-17, 2024

University of Florida: Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 15-17, 2024

University of Miami: Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 12 and 13, 2024

University of North Florida: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

University of South Florida: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024

Contributing: Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Barron Trump is heading to college. Key dates for housing, dorms
According to Bay View Community Center President and CEO Mike Mortell, the centers emergency food pantry is busier than ever.

Before the pandemic, we were serving about 120 people every month. Then, when the pandemic hit, it went up to around 500 people, he said. Now, were easily serving 1,000 people per month.

To support the growing food pantry, the center has been planning creative fundraising efforts, including an upcoming dinner where guests can taste food from Milwaukee-area chefs while sipping locally brewed beer.

The six-course dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 28 will feature dishes from Jon Monyo of Morel, John Levine of Coco's Seafood & Steakhouse, Suzzette Metcalfe of The Pasta Tree, Gregory Leon of Amilinda, Kevin Bauman of Halverson House and Kurt and Katie Fogel of Dairyland.

For the pig and a brew dinner concept, each chef will present one course, with dishes including porchetta-stuffed cannoli with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomato, charred pork belly rillette with tellicherry gastrique, pork tostada with caramelized pineapple, pickled Serrano, Roma tomatoes and corn elote, a pulled pork francesinha sandwich with shoestring potatoes, and a dark chocolate frozen custard with pretzel praline and marshmallow fluff.

Chef AJ Dixon, who has been involved with the Bay View Community Center for more than 17 years, helped organize the dinner, including tapping the chefs who are volunteering their talents. She will add a welcome dish at the start of the meal: a deviled egg with pimento cheese and fresh ham.

Each course will include a beer pairing with brews from Bay View breweries including 1840 Brewing Co., Component Brewing, Enlightened Brewing Co., New Barons Brewing Cooperative, Supermoon Beer Co. and Torzala Brewing Co. Wine and nonalcoholic beverage pairings are available, as well.

Tickets are available for $150 per person. Guests must be 21 years or older.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. under a tent at The Exchange, the beer garden in the newly renovated Zillman Park, 2168 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

The Exchange beer garden in Bay View's Zillman Park, 2168 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., will be the site of six-course chef dinner to support the Bay View Community Center's emergency food pantry.

The Exchange, which opened in late May, is another fundraising effort for the Bay View Community Center. Open Thursdays to Sundays, it features eight taps with Wisconsin-made beer, including from Bay Views breweries. It also serves Cache Cider, Odyssea Sangria, System Seltzers and Sprecher Brewing Co. soda.

Proceeds from beverage sales directly support the Bay View Community Centers programs.

There's only so many times you can send a letter or write for grants, Mortell said. There's a lot of need out there. So these efforts help us be a little more entrepreneurial, a little more self-sustaining and create kind of a social enterprise.

For tickets and more information, see bayviewcenter.org.

Rachel Bernhard joined the Journal Sentinel as dining critic in June 2023. Shes been busy exploring the Milwaukee area food scene to share her favorite finds with readers along the way. Like all Journal Sentinel reporters, she buys all meals, accepts no gifts and is independent of all establishments she covers.

What should she cover next? Contact her at rseis@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @rachelbernhard or on Instagram at @rach.eats.mke.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bay View Community Center to host six-course beer dinner
Floyd Hamilton, one of Bonnie and Clyde's getaway drivers, photographed with a Bible. Journalist Joe Holley tracked him down, but never interviewed him. But even that made a compelling story.

Joe Holley is many things.

Above all else, the Texas journalist and author is a crackerjack storyteller.

He sets a distinctive scene. Singular people inhabit his worlds of words. A story surges forth with the clarity and ease of a Hill Country creek escaping from a gushing spring.

The author of seven books  and a columnist for the Houston Chronicle since 2013  Holley is a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. He earned the big prize in 2022 as part of the newspaper's editorial team, which documented the "Big Lie" of voter fraud and the history of voter suppression in the state.

Recently, Trinity University Press released a short collection of his "Native Texan" columns under the title "Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart."

Each column, often informed by his family's long history in Texas, is a gem.

In this series, Holley covers subjects similar to the ones found weekly in "Think Texas." Yet an unforced literary grace elevates Holley's doggedly reported narratives about the state's people, places, culture and history.

With the author's permission, I offer one excerpt, set in Hillsboro, Texas.

As Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie wrote: Any tale belongs to whoever best tells it.

Author and journalist Joe Holley wrote the columns collected in "Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart," published by Trinity University Press.

'A Brush with Bonnie and Clydes Getaway Drivers'

Under a metallic-gray sky on a winter afternoon in the early 1930s, a young man with a double-barreled shotgun in the crook of his right arm trudged through a post oak thicket.

He was a mile or so from the small farmhouse where he and his wife and two children lived. A boy, scuffing through fallen leaves, trailed a couple of steps behind his dad. The youngster, his cheeks red from the cold, wore a corduroy cap, the flaps covering his ears.

The two were hungry, as were the wife and girl back at the house. Twice the man scared up a squirrel; twice he fired. And missed. With no more shells, he and his son turned toward home.

Late that night, the young husband and father, desperate to feed his family, went out hunting again on a neighboring farm. This time he was more successful, although success came at a price. As court records show, he was found guilty of the offense of the theft of one chicken. The court decreed punishment by confinement in the jail for a term of one hundred days.

The young man who served time in the Hill County Jail was my uncle; Im his namesake. I read the court documents during my recent visit to this pleasant Central Texas town a couple of weeks ago.

One of Joes cellmates was a young punk from West Dallas named Raymond Hamilton. Already a hardened criminal at age 20, Hamilton and his older brother, Floyd, were drivers for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. One writer has remarked that the Hamilton boys could drive like hell and were afraid of nothing.

The younger Hamilton was behind bars for the 1932 murder of John N. Bucher, a Hillsboro jeweler and optician, during a burglary attempt gone awry. Even though Hamilton had been in Michigan at the time of the murder, a Hill County jury found him guilty but couldn't agree on his sentence, so the judge declared a mistrial. He was in jail awaiting a new trial.

On March 21, Hamilton and two other men escaped. Family lore has it that a deputy sheriff brought a group of students upstairs to the second-floor cells on a tour of the jail. Hamilton got the jump on the deputy, grabbed his gun, and asked Joe if he wanted to come along. Thanks, but no thanks, he said, or something to that effect.

Hamilton, five feet, three inches tall and not yet 21, led the students back down the stairs as if he were conducting the tour. He and his cohorts ran across the street to a gas station, stole a car, and headed out of town. Or so the story goes.

Dick McMahan, a resident of nearby Whitney and the author of "The Bucher Murder Was the Turning Point for Clyde Barrow, Bonnie Parker and Raymond Hamilton," tells what is probably the more accurate story. He writes that Hamilton and two other inmates slipped in behind two deputies who were bringing another prisoner to his cell, took their weapons and keys, and clattered down the stairs to freedom.

Armed with a .30-30 Winchester and a .12-gauge shotgun, the trio hurried across the street to a gas station and stole a car belonging to Mrs. Beatrice Hare. About 12 miles west of Hillsboro, the car blew a tire, the law caught up with the escapees, and they surrendered. They were unaware that Hare had brought her car in to have the tire looked at.

Hamilton and friends were free for about an hour and a half. No harm was done to anyone and we were just having some fun, the so-called Depression Desperado told the Hillsboro Mirror.

On June 2, 1933, Raymond Hamilton was found guilty of the Bucher murder and sentenced to life in prison. In January 1934, he and four other inmates fled the notorious Eastham Prison Farm in a daring scheme engineered by Clyde, Bonnie and Raymond's brother Floyd, who were waiting in a nearby car. One of the escapees shot and killed a prison guard.

Recaptured in Lewisville five months later, Raymond Hamilton was tried and sentenced to death. In January 1934, he escaped again, this time from death row. He was on the lam for nine months before being recaptured in Dallas County. By then Bonnie and Clyde were dead, shot to pieces in a law enforcement ambush in rural Louisiana.

Raymond Hamilton went to the electric chair on May 10, 1935. His last words were Well, goodbye all. He was 22.

Joe, my uncle, served his hundred days, left the farm for other lines of work, and in 1934 received a pardon from Gov. Miriam Ma Ferguson. His pardon was one of several thousand she granted to Texans convicted of such minor Depression-era crimes as small-time bootlegging and chicken-thieving. The old yellow-brick jail where he served his hundred days still exists. It's now the Hill County Cell Block Museum.

Not long after Raymond Hamilton's execution, Floyd went on a bank-robbing spree in the Midwest and was declared Public Enemy No. 1. He spent time in Leavenworth and in Alcatraz, where he lived in a cell next to the legendary Birdman, Robert Stroud. In 1943, he escaped. Wet and cold, he holed up in a shoreline cave for two days before surrendering. He then spent nine years in solitary confinement.

Released from prison in 1958, Floyd returned to Dallas, caught on as a night watchman for a Dallas car dealer  former Dallas County sheriff Bill Decker vouched for him  and lived a quiet life in the West Dallas neighborhood where he and Raymond had grown up. (West Dallas, a tough neighborhood then and now, was also known as the Devils Back Porch.)

One afternoon in the late 1970s, I knocked on the front door of a small frame house in West Dallas. An elderly man with a fringe of white hair peered through the screen door. When I told him I was a reporter, he invited me in.

We sat in the dimly lit living room, and I asked Floyd Hamilton if he would consent to an interview. Well, maybe, he said. Why dont you call me back in about a week, and Ill let you know.

When I called, Hamilton was not happy. Since we had talked, he had consented to an interview with a young reporter from one of the Dallas papers. He was telling her about hard times in solitary and how he developed pyorrhea, a dental disease.

She heard another word, one that rhymes with pyorrhea, and thats what she went with in her story.

I'll never talk to another reporter again, he told me over the phone.

Floyd Hamilton died in 1984. Whether he kept his word about reporters, I cannot say. I know he didnt talk to me.

Michael Barnes writes about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. He can be reached at mbarnes@gannett.com. Sign up for the free weekly digital newsletter, Think, Texas, at statesman.com/newsletters, or at the newsletter page of your local USA Today Network paper.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Joe Holley shares story of Bonnie and Clyde drivers in 'Native Texan'
"The Deliverance," a film directed by Lee Daniels and loosely based on one of Indiana's most notorious supernatural cases, will be released in theaters and on Netflix next month.

The film  which stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo'Nique, Omar Epps and Caleb McLaughlin (whom you'll recognize from "Stranger Things," based in the fictional Hawkins, Indiana)  will release in select theaters Aug. 16 and be available for streaming Aug. 30.

The film's trailer notes the story was inspired by true events: the experiences of Latoya Ammons, who shared her story with IndyStar in 2014.

Watch the trailer below:

Who is Latoya Ammons?

In 2011 Ammons moved her family into a rental home in Gary, Indiana, and immediately began noticing strange things happening. Swarms of black flies in the screened-in porch in the middle of December. The sounds of footsteps and doors opening in the middle of the night. Ammons said her children levitated and climbed walls. Eventually, someone reported her to the Indiana Department of Child Services, alleging Ammons suffered from a mental illness and she was neglecting the children. The children were performing for her, the anonymous caller alleged, and she was encouraging their behavior.

But a nurse and police officers witnessed a bizarre incident at an area hospital in which Ammons' youngest boy appeared to be "lifted and thrown into the wall with nobody touching him," according to a DCS report. An agency caseworker also wrote in an official report that she witnessed a 9-year-old walk backwards up a wall and flip over his grandmother from the ceiling.

Eventually, the family was exorcised by a Merrillville priest.

Read our 2014 story: The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons

Ammons' former home was the subject of a 2018 documentary, "Demon House," featuring Zak Bagans, host and producer of the Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures." The home was demolished in 2016 as part of the documentary's production.

What is Netflix's 'The Deliverance' about?

Here's the plot synopsis shared on Tudum, Netflix's partner news site: "Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children."

Tudum describes the film as "a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power."

'The Deliverance': How to watch

The movie will be released in select theaters Aug. 16 and will be available to stream on Netflix on Aug. 30.

Afraid you'll miss it? Netflix users can search "The Deliverance" within the app/site and set a reminder for its release. You'll then get a notification in the app when the movie is released and it'll display in your My List watchlist.

Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more  and the stories behind them

Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'The Deliverance,' inspired by an Indiana haunting, hits Netflix Aug. 30
Its been several episodes since a major character died on House of the Dragon, but the sixth installment of Season 2 hinted at considerable carnage to come. After Rhaenyra and Jacaerys hatched their plan to find new dragonriders, Ser Steffon Darklyn became the first guinea pig  and he soon perished in a jet of flame shot from Seasmokes throat.

Related: 'House of the Dragon's New Opening Credit Sequence, Explained

As George R.R. Martin fans know, however, Ser Steffon isnt the only person to try (and fail) to ride a dragon in Fire & Blood. Before Rhaenyra finds the four people who actually can ride dragons, many more would-be beastmasters will die trying to tame Silverwing, Vermithor, and the like. Until the next battle between the Greens and the Blacks, these characters are the most likely candidates for death in the next episode.

Keep reading to see who might not be long for this world on House of the Dragon:

Who will die in Season 2 Episode 7 of House of the Dragon?

Gormon Massey

Gormon, played by James Dreyfus, is one of those guys whos always present in Rhaenyras council meetings, and you dont quite know who he is but you know everybody trusts him. So far, Rhaenyra hasnt asked him to ride a dragon, but in the book, he tries to mount Vermithor, and  spoiler alert  gets burned alive immediately. If he makes the same attempt on the show, it seems likely that hell suffer the same fate.

Related: How to Read Every 'Game of Thrones' Book (Including the Prequels) in Order

Silver Denys

In the book, Silver Denys claims to be a descendant of Maegor the Cruel and takes a stab at dragon riding during the Sowing. He hasnt yet appeared on the show, but actor Robert Rhodes has reportedly been cast as the character. Like Gormon, however, Silver Denys doesnt succeed in his attempt to mount a dragon. He gets devoured by a wild dragon named Cannibal after trying to mount another wild dragon, Sheepstealer. Neither Cannibal nor Sheepstealer have been on the show either, but at least one of them might be dropping in soon: In episode 6, Rhaena discovered that there seems to be a wild dragon wreaking havoc in the Vale.

Next, What Will Happen on 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, According to the Books
FILE - 2018 Kennedy Center honoree Cher attends the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors at The Kennedy Center on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Washington. Hollywood was quick to react to the news on Sunday, July 21, 2024, that President Joe Biden was ending his bid for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Cher wrote on X that she was tortured because she doesnt believe the Democrats could win without Biden. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)

Hollywood was quick to react to the news that President Joe Biden was ending his bid for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Barbra Streisand, a Democratic supporter, wrote Sunday on X that we should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy. While many paid tribute to Bidens presidency, others wondered about the future.

Cher wrote on X that she thought Biden dropping out was the best chance for Democrats to win. She had written in a post she said was made before she saw Sunday's Biden news that she was tortured because she didn't believe the Democrats could win with Biden. She said it was time to think way outside the box and proposed a split ticket.

In recent weeks, several high-profile Hollywood names had begun calling for Biden to exit the race. Just weeks after headlining a record-breaking fundraiser for the president's reelection campaign, George Clooney wrote a New York Times opinion piece calling for Biden to end his bid.

Clooney argued that the party should pick a new nominee, saying the process would be messy but wake up voters in the partys favor.

Others who attended or participated in the starry fundraiser in Los Angeles included Julia Roberts, Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, former President Barack Obama, Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman.

Ralph, on Sunday, posted a photo of herself and Harris writing President Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris!

Here are some notable celebrity reactions:

Barbra Streisand

Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.  via a post on X.

Cher

"DEM PARTY MUSTREALLY, REALLY THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. WINNING IS ALL,DONT WIN CANT CHANGE ANYTHING & THE TIMES THEY MUST BE A CHANGIN."  via posts on X.

Rob Reiner

Joe Biden is a man of the highest character. He has tirelessly and effectively served US for over 50 years. He has shown what real leadership is all about. Selfless with a deep respect for our Constitution and the Rule of Law.  via a post on X that ended with a jab at Donald Trump.

Mark Hamill

@JoeBiden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime. He restored honesty, dignity & integrity to the office after 4 years of lies, crime, scandal & chaos. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. Its now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honor & further your legacy.  via a post on X. The Star Wars star visited Biden in the Oval Office in May, jokingly calling him Joe-bi-Wan-Kenobi.

George Takei

I want to honor our President @JoeBiden. He has served our nation admirably for decades, he is a decent honorable man, a hugely successful president, and a patriot. Now let us unite behind @KamalaHarris and defeat Donald Trump in November!  via a post on X.

Russell Brand

Joe Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after ending re-election bid. Were in a wild world, mate.  via a post on X. Brand recently said voters should pick Trump over Biden.
Wild aircraft are the hallmark of AirVenture, the worlds largest get-together for pilots, which starts today in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) airshow last year attracted more than 677,000 visitors, who stayed at local hotels, camped or volunteered. Among the 3,365 aircraft at the show, there were 1,497 vintage aircraft, 1,067 homebuilt aircraft, 380 warbirds, 134 seaplanes, and 41 rotorcraft.

But arguably the most interesting category, at least for aviation enthusiasts who want to fly with the fewest number of restrictions, is the ultralight category. Last year, there were 194 ultralights registered at AirVenture, though a number of homebuilt aircraft could also qualify for that category.

More from Robb Report

These ultralights, which fall under Part 103 FAA regulations, and the slightly larger gyro-aircraft, are designs that you dont see every daycapable of literally launching from someones lawn. Because they only seat one person, they duck several rules for larger aircraft that can, frankly, do more damage if things go awry.

Powered ultralights, which have a maximum speed of 55 knots, dont require a pilots certificate or FAA registration, and they can be sold by manufacturers as build-it-yourself kits, or delivered as a complete aircraft. Even the category name is a bit of a misnomer: They can look like small fixed-wing airplanes, amphibs, helicopters, or gliders.

Ultralights are also evolving with a new category of personal electric vehicles like the Pivotal Helix or Jetson One, spurred by the urban air mobility movement. Public acceptance for these new electric aircraft is the biggest hurdle, says Dan Johnson, a longtime aviation journalist focused on this sector. Aircraft like the Helix or Jetson One can operate on their ownthey dont have to haul people around like larger air taxisso if this kind of flying interests you, youll be able to get into them in pretty short order. Pivotal, for example, is taking orders for its new Helix for delivery in 2025.

Here are eight of our favorites that will be flying around AirVenture throughout the next week.

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Hawk UltraAir

Hawk UltraAir

The CGS Hawk Ultra, considered one of the best ultralights around, is a proven design thats now 42 years in production. Since there are more than 2,600 flying, they will be front and center on the flightline in the Ultralight area at Oshkosh (it has its own grass runway just for the show). With the Hawks high wing, mostly enclosed cockpit, and high thrust-line engine, its especially good for those new to flying these minimalist aircraft.

Thats what drew owner Mark Schaible to purchase a Hawk four years ago. It is so similar in handling to other conventional aircraft, he says. Some other ultralights, including very popular designs, have a very different feel. As ultralights go, the Hawks handling is relatively quick, crisp, and honest.

Were seeing a resurgence in recent years of interest in the ultralight category, says CGS Hawk owner Bob Samtos. Most home builders can complete the Hawk kit for around $23,000.

Pivotal Helix

Pivotal Helix

If the Hawk UltraAir represents old-school ultralights, Pivotals new all-electric Helix could be its future. The one-person eVTOL maker from Silicon Valley will have an outsized presence at AirVenture, showing off its new Helix and older pre-production Blackfly models, as well as having three flight simulators that demonstrate in high-quality virtual reality what its like to fly a Helix.

The Helix has eight propellers, each with its own electric motor and battery pack, and triple redundancy through the system if one fails. It takes off and lands vertically in Hover mode, while flying forward in Cruise. The fly-by-wire aircraft was designed to be operated by a single joystick, with intuitive maneuvers that have been proven through nine years of testing and 7,000 flight hours. Its available in three versions priced from $190,000 to $260,000.

Calidus Gyroplane

Calidus Gyroplane

Gyroplanes extend beyond the ultralight category in terms of weight and complexity, but have the same adventurous spirit. The aircraft class may look like a helicopter, but its rotor is free spinning, rotating in the air that comes up through the blades, so it generates lift without direct power. Without the torque of a helicopter, it doesnt need a tail rotor. Gyroplanes are considered relatively safe and easy to operate.

The Cavalon and Calidus (pictured) gyroplanes from Autogyro USA are two fine examples that will be displayed at AirVenture. The Calidus, for example, seats two, and is powered by the owners choice of a Rotax 916is, 914ULS, or 912UL engine, which translates into a speed of 120 knots and endurance of up to 4.5 hours flight time.

A suite of small-scale Garmin navigators and radios can go into the avionics panel. With nimble handling on the flight controls, and great stability for its weight class (649 pounds) in turbulence, this is one wild aircraft thats easy to justify.

Pricing starts at $105,000 for the kit version, or $110,000 for a factory-completed model.

TrueLite by Aeromarine

TrueLite by Aeromarine

We get bigger and bigger each year, says Aeromarine owner Chip Erwin, referring to the companys presence at AirVenture. Erwin has several aircraft on display, starting with the companys TrueLite ultralight model.

Its a real ultralight in all aspects, says Erwin, noting it doesnt exceed 55 knots, per FAA Part 103 rules, and weighs under 240 pounds.

The TrueLite boasts a 28-foot wing (longer than originally designed), with big flaps and a fast wing fold for easy storage and transportation in a custom trailer. Hangar space has been an issue for decades, says Erwin, noting his aircraft wont need one. He also points to the two-minute fold for the wing as another selling point. If an airplane takes an hour to assemble, youre not going to fly it, he adds. The TrueLite retails for $32,000 for a factory-finished model.

ELA REVO

ELA REVO

The recently introduced Eclipse REVO should be the star of the autogyro section. It not only has the sleek look and James Bond cool factor that ELA instills in its other gyroplanes, but allows for vertical takeoff without the need for a runway. The 160 hp engine delivers a top speed of 110 mph and 400-nautical mile range.

Aeromarine MerlinLite

Aeromarine MerlinLite

Another Aeromarine aircraft, the MerlinLite is a step up from its TrueLite Ultralight: It can fly at 120 mph, with the potential to fly for four hours at slower speeds. This aircraft is a means of keeping people flying who have lost their medical certificates, says Aeromarine founder Chip Erwin, noting its classification as a motorglider requires just a glider license.

The MerlinLite comes with short or long wings, and Aeromarine will be displaying both at the showon the same aircraft.

The company is also looking to the future of power. Were developing our own electric motor, he says, to avoid high costs and longer lead times associated with off-the-shelf electric motors. The electric engine will be very efficient, capable of flying for about an hour.

Retail pricing for the MerlinLite starts at $35,00 or, with the long wing, $39,000. Avionics and a parachute are options. The company also builds its own floatsturning the MerlinLite into an amphib.

Evolution Rev

Evolution Rev

Evolution Trikes bills its ultralight Rev as a dirt bike in the sky, thanks to its big tires, all-wheel suspension, and short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft brakes. The Rev can fold in about 10 minutes, making it easy to garage or trailer, and the all-terrain wheels means it can take off from a field rather than a landing strip. In kit form, the Rev starts at $25,900.

MXL 2 Sport

MXL 2 Sport

Want to try tandem flight? Air-Techs MXL2 Sport ultralight trainer has been produced since 1988, designed for easy handling and good control response, thanks to its dual-surface wing, in-flight adjustable trim, steerable nose wheel, and many other features. Its standard engine is a Rotax 582/B gives it a cruise speed of 61 mph.
The legendary Ukrainian composer Oleksandr Zlotnyk told us about the proposal that Putin's Ivan Okhlobystin made to him on the eve of 2014. The Russian actor came to Kyiv to meet with the famous Ukrainian.

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Oleksandr Zlotnyk told about this in an interview with OBOZ.UA. The composer explained why he refused the offer of the hurrah-patriot.

"Yes, we met in Kyiv, in the capital's Cinema House," says Zlotnyk. "He wanted me to become the composer of a film for which he wrote the script. And then came 2014, with all the tragic events, and of course, cooperation was out of the question. In addition, we know what position Okhlobystin chose regarding Ukraine."

Zlotnyk also admitted that because of the Russian invasion, he had cut off communication with everyone he knew in Russia: "I do not communicate with anyone  neither with friends nor with relatives."

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Earlier, Russian actor Ivan Okhlobystin, whom Ukrainians may remember from the TV series "Interns," claimed the territory of Ukraine and stated how he sees it in the future. According to him, the country should be divided among its neighbors, and he was willing to give Ukraine as much as one region.

In addition, the propagandist Ivan Okhlobystin has been spreading nonsense about the "brotherhood" of Russians and Ukrainians. He considers Ukrainians and Russians to be one people but with a certain nuance: the former are called Nazis. However, he respects the "greatest Nazi," Zelenskyy.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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What age can kids stay home alone in Georgia? Here's what parents need to know

One of the biggest questions that comes up in parenting is When is it safe to leave my child home alone? This may be particularly prevalent in the next month as schools reopen, with some students getting home before their parents can get off work.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported in 2017 that more than 40% of children are left home at some point. However, if they are too young and safety plans are not put into place, this could lead to injuries or worst.

Safety leaders on the state and national level have guidance on when children may be left home alone and how to do it safely. Heres a closer look:

At what age can kids stay home alone in Georgia?

Georgia Division of Children and Family Services has a Lack of Supervision Reference Guide. In it, they list the following guidelines for determining if a child is old enough and mature enough to be left without adult supervision:

Children age 8 or younger should not be left alone.

Children ages 9-12, based on maturity levels, may be left alone for brief periods of time (less than two hours).

Children age 13 or older who are adequately mature may be left alone and may be a babysitter, as authorized by a parent, for up to 12 hours.

Stranger things in Georgia: Find our more about the tree that owns itself in Athens

How do you determine if your child can be left home alone? Georgia has a checklist

Georgia DFCS' reference guide has an extensive checklist for parents to review before deciding when a child can be left at home. Here are some of the considerations listed:

Does the child know the family's emergency plan and can they demonstrate it?

Does the child have access to the phone numbers of caregivers, nearby relatives, neighbors, or friends? Can the child recite the numbers?

Are there environmental factors that add impending dangers to the situation i.e. firearm safety, water safety, etc.?

Does the child demonstrate dependability, responsibility and trustworthiness?

Does the child have any physical, developmental, genetic, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or psychiatric disabilities?

How does the child feel about being left without adult supervision?

What will the child be doing while they are left alone?

What are some things to do before you let your child stay home alone?

The American Red Cross advises parents to set rules for their children when being left alone. Here are some they recommend, according to the Red Cross's website:

Lock the doors and, if the home has an electronic security system, children should learn how to turn it on and have it on when home alone.

Never open the door to strangers, delivery people, or service representatives. Always check before opening the door to anyone, looking out through a peephole or window first. Ask delivery people to leave the package at the door or tell them to come back at another time. Service representatives, such as a TV cable installer, should have an appointment when an adult is home.

Never tell someone on the telephone that the parents are not at home. Say something like They are busy right now. Can I take a message?

Don't talk about being home alone on social media websites. Be cautious about sharing information about their location when using chat rooms or posting on social media.

Never leave the house without permission. However, if the child smells smoke or hears a fire or smoke alarm, they should get outside and ask a neighbor to call the fire department.

Don't have friends over to visit when your parents arent at home unless you have permission to do so. Don't let anyone inside who is using drugs or alcohol, even if you know them.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What age can kids stay home alone in Georgia? Tips for parents
Sweet Dahlia Baking co-owner and chef Chris Wadkinss retro truck turned seating area was the chosen spot for Carl Jones, of Port Orchard, and his kids Rhett, 4, and Quinn, 7, to eat their maple bars at the Sweet Dahlia Bremerton Counter on Callow Avenue in the Charleston District on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

There's a new splash of pink on Bremerton's Callow Avenue.

The festive color is courtesy of Sweet Dahlia Baking's new retail counter, which opened in April. On Saturdays  currently the only day the counter is open  Sweet Dahlia co-owner and chef Chris Wadkins loads display cases, transforms his retro truck into a makeshift seating area, and sells an array of fresh breakfast offerings including handmade doughnuts and sandwiches.

"It's real food, it's good food," said Stacey Wadkins, Chris's wife and Sweet Dahlia's co-owner. "We make everything from scratch."

You might have visited Sweet Dahlia's other retail location on Bainbridge  or bought one of their famous apple fritters on the ferry. But the Sweet Dahlia brand precedes both the retail location and the ferry contract.

Former islander Kate Berry, who died in 2021, founded Sweet Dahlia in 2011. She worked out of the bakery's current Bainbridge kitchen, selling creative pastries at local farmers' markets and cafes.

When Berry put Sweet Dahlia up for sale in 2016, Chris Wadkins, then a caterer at Bainbridge Senior Living, took notice.

"I was kind of always on the lookout," he said. "You know, everybody who works for somebody else is on the lookout for something else."

"He definitely has that entrepreneurial spirit," Stacey added.

Sunlight illuminates the fresh doughnuts for purchase at the Sweet Dahlia Bremerton Counter on Callow Ave. on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

A long time coming, and a long time to get it right

The Wadkinses bought Sweet Dahlia and expanded it, opening the Bainbridge kitchen for retail and picking up a wholesale contract with Washington State Ferries.

As part of that contract, Stacey and Chris acquired a commercial kitchen on Callow Ave, next door to the storage unit that would eventually become their retail counter. They had plans to renovate and open the counter as early as 2020, but were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the setback, Sweet Dahlia itself was well equipped to survive the pandemic. In 2017, the Wadkinses figured takeout pub food would be a hit with patrons of the winery, brewery, and distillery that all share the Coppertop Loop business park with Sweet Dahlia. Their initial idea gradually morphed into a three-times-a-week Sweet Dahlia dinner club, with Chris and his co-chefs cooking up a vast array of creative and occasionally elegant meals.

The club's text format meant that by the time the pandemic hit, Stacey and Chris were familiar with the online to-go model necessary for pandemic survival.

"We didn't miss a lick," Chris said. "While everyone else was like, 'Oh, no, COVID.'"

The couple has brought their dinner club  a hit with everyone from young singles to retirees  to Bremerton. Those interested in participating in the club can text "Callow counter" to 877-757-2207 for the weekly menu, and pick up their meals at the Callow Ave location.

Stacey's recommendation: Chris's popular handpies, which he sometimes stuffs with chicken tikka or chili colorado.

Sweet Dahlia Baking co-owner and chef Chris Wadkins pulls fresh croissants out of the oven in their Bremerton kitchen on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Callow Ave: on the up and up

Stacey and Chris believe Sweet Dahlia's presence on Callow Ave is in line with the revitalization of the street, which belongs to Bremerton's historic Charleston District.

"This area is trying really hard to step out of its old reputation," Stacey said. "And we're happy to be a part of that."

Jim Cline, the president of the Charleston Business District, said "big box retailers" sent Callow, once a vital hub, into disrepair. A lack of new businesses then cemented the street's struggles.

But recent efforts to revitalize the area and make it "Bremerton's second downtown," have been fruitful, Cline said. He said Callow Ave has seen an uptick in businesses that provide "places for people to meet," a crucial aspect of building community.

Also coming to Callow: Poulsbo's Slippery Pig moving brewing operations to Bremerton

Cline, who admires Sweet Dahlia's walk-up storefront and Chris's innovative truck seating, hopes that Chris and Stacey will one day open the counter full time.

Notably, Sweet Dahlia is not the only Kitsap business that has recently expanded to Callow Ave. Dave Lambert, who owns Poulsbo's Slippery Pig Brewery, is opening a second Slippery Pig location on the historic street.

Sweet Dahlia Baking co-owner and chef Chris Wadkinss retro truck turned seating area was the chosen spot for Carl Jones, of Port Orchard, and his kids Rhett, 4, and Quinn, 7, to eat their maple bars at the Sweet Dahlia Bremerton Counter on Callow Ave. in the Charleston District on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Taking it slow

The Wadkinses deliberately eased into their new venture, minimizing both the counter's hours and its public promotion.

"We're not all about making a big boom," Chris said. "We didn't put the big 'grand opening' sign out, let the media know and get the mayor down here."

"We didn't do any advertising," said Stacey, who is in charge of the business side of Sweet Dahlia. "We didn't do any of that. All through word of mouth. And quite frankly, that organic growth is good."

A few months into the Bremerton counter's "organic growth," both Stacey and Chris are feeling good about their experiment. And Chris in particular is making plans for what comes next.

"We're thinking in the winter, maybe we make it so you can come in here, too," he said, pointing around the back of the counter space. "If we turn this and make it so you can actually sit at the counter, we'll put windows in there so you can see outside."

Chris also hopes to begin serving lunch, and  to Jim Cline's delight  to expand the counter's hours.

"This just had to start off as the counter on Saturday," Chris said. "That's just how it had to start. But that's the start. That's not the end."

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Sweet Dahlia bakery brings a fresh brand to Bremerton
Bike Clinic & Community Ride

DOVER  Tuesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. join the Dover Public Library for a bicycle clinic with Colin McKenna from Colonial Bicycle Company, and a community bike ride following! Bring your bicycles and meet us on the front lawn where Colin will give a demonstration of simple bike repairs. Afterwards, join Dover Public Library for a community ride taking place on the Dover Community Trail.

The Dover Community Trail.

Summer Crafternoon: Socktopus

DOVER  Tuesday, July 23 at 3 p.m. kids entering grades K-5 are invited to join the Dover Public Library in the lecture hall to make a sock octopus. Please pre-register for this event: library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Birds of Prey with Monadnock Falconry

DOVER  Wednesday, July 24 at 3 p.m., at Henry Law Park, join the Dover Public Library as Monadnock Falconry offers the chance for nature enthusiasts of all ages to imagine life as a bird of prey. The hour-long program gives the opportunity to meet a Harris' Hawk and see it on the wing, while answering all your questions about their life histories and relation to their human handlers. The program is open to all, including those with disabilities.

Family Concert

PORTSMOUTH  Free family concert Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), at the Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth. North River Music (Americana), bubble station, playground open, bring a picnic dinner, blanket or lawn chair. Rain or shine.

UNH Hospitality and Campus Services Job Fair

DOVER  Wednesday, July 24, 12-4 p.m. UNH Hospitality and Campus Service departments are hiring. Hiring managers will be available for one-on-one interviews on the spot. UNH offers flexible and regular schedules, competitive pay, opportunities for promotion, tuition benefits, and an easy commute with transportation options. The job fair will be held at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 550 Central Ave. in Dover.

Journal Making

DOVER  Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m. kids ages 9 - 12 are invited to join the Dover Public Library in two fun journal making sessions. We'll be making up-cycled journals to write, doodle, or draw in. All supplies provided by the library. Registration required: library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Firefighter Storytime

BERWICK, Maine  The Berwick Fire Department will be at the Berwick Public Library (with their fire truck) for Firefighter Storytime on Friday, July 26, at 10:30 a.m. The firefighters will read a story, teach about fire safety, and talk about all the gear they wear when they're fighting fires.

Music Makers and Shakers

DOVER  Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. join the Dover Public Library for this fun music program for kids of all ages and their caregivers. We'll sing, dance and celebrate, using instruments, clapping, stomping, and movement to share in a jubilee of musical expression.

Eliot Antique Tractor & Engine Show

ELIOT, Maine  Friday, July 26, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Eliot Antique Tractor & Engine Show at the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum is the place Where Tractors & Engines Meet each year. This is the largest fundraiser for the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum and raises funds to educate future generations about farming history and continue preserving the 33 acre circa 1800s dairy farm. Admission is $8 per person, children 12 and under get in free. Plenty of free parking. For directions and full schedule visit raittfarmmuseum.org.

Arts & Crafts Fair

NEW CASTLE  The New Castle Congregational Church Guild is hosting a juried Arts and Crafts Fair on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the New Castle Congregational Church, 65 Maine St., New Castle. Artist and crafters from Mass., N.H. and Maine will be offering art works in oils, watercolors, fiber arts, photography, acrylics and other media as well as jewelry, crafted wood items, handsome bags, ceramics and other items. There will be a strawberry social, hot dogs and a raffle. See new-castle-congregational-church-guild-2.newcastlecongregationalchurch.org for a list of vendors.

Best Damm Show in Town '24

DOVER  Saturday, July 27, 4-8 p.m. Get ready for an evening of local live music at the most unique venue in Dover: The Woodman Museum. Catch performances from Alcoa and Ezra Cohen & the Big City Band, and enjoy food and beverages from Juniper Kitchen, Dover Dogs, and Maeve's Mobile Cocktails. All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Woodman's historic buildings. Cost $16 to $18. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Bike clinic, antique tractor show, family concert: Community events July 22-28
Craft beers, hiking the trails come together in a new Door County fundraiser

STURGEON BAY - Stroll through a nature preserve, drink craft beers, support a worthwhile cause. How Door County can you get?

That's Trails & Ales, a brand new event being launched by Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay to raise funds for the 200-acre preserve, and tickets are now on sale.

Scheduled for the Saturday after Labor Day, the event will offer beers poured at sampling stations from all eight craft, micro and nano breweries based in Door County to guests hiking along a specially designated, one-third-mile Ale Trail on the Crossroads grounds. All proceeds will support programming, stewardship and outreach efforts at Crossroads.

As a nature preserve with eight miles of hiking trails and 200 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands and shoreline to explore, this is a beautiful venue to host our local breweries for Trails & Ales, Crossroads executive director Samantha Koyen said in a press release.

The breweries taking part are Bridge Up Brewing and Starboard Brewing Co., both of Sturgeon Bay; Door County Brewing Co., Hacienda Beer Co. and Sway Brewing + Blending, Baileys Harbor; Shipwrecked Brew Pub & Restaurant and One Barrel Brewing Co., Egg Harbor; and Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery, Sister Bay.

Also at Trails & Ales, authentic Mexican food from the Sturgeon Bay-based Taqueria Neri food truck is available during the event, and a raffle with brewery-themed and Door County-themed items as prizes will be held.

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to inspiring environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds through education, research, restoration and outdoor experiences. Its Collins Learning Center is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays but the preserves and their trails are open daily.

Trails & Ales takes place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St. (County TT), Sturgeon Bay. The event will happen rain or shine; if trails are impassable because of weather, the event will be held in and around the Collins Learning Center. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 on the day of the event. For tickets, visit doorcountytickets.com. For more information, visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org (where a link to the Door County Tickets site is on the event page) or call 920-746-5895.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.

MORE: A very heavy piece of Great Lakes shipping history relocates back to Sturgeon Bay

MORE: Spencer Milligan's playfulness, love of acting showed through on 'Land of the Lost,' Door County productions

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: New Crossroads benefit brings together craft beers, hiking the trails
One of Wichitas most recognizable historic mansions has for years looked more like a creepy haunted house than a cherished part of Wichitas history. Its been looted. Its been vandalized. Within the past decade, someone even tried to set it on fire.

But those whove driven past the 1886 Sternberg Mansion at 1065 N. Waco lately have noticed that it looks almost new again. Theres no more broken glass. The house has new storm windows. And  most noticeably  its gotten a fresh coat of paint: white with gray trim.

The mansion, which during its 138 years of life has at various times served as a private residence, a boarding house, and a weekend handyman project, now has a new purpose.

A sketch of the Sternberg Mansion when it was first built

Its been owned since December 2022 by Pepin Suter, a local contractor and home remodeler whose specialty is kitchens and basements. He paid $125,000 for the house and spent nearly two years and $450,000 fixing it up, both inside and out. Recently, he opened it as his second local How It Works sober living house and has dubbed the home, which features 5,216 square feet of living space, Waco Mansion. He says it can accommodate up to 14 men in recovery, and the house, which has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, already has two residents.

Suter, 50, is a history buff and fan of old houses who says hes always loved the Sternberg Mansion. He said hes driven by the house for at least 15 years and always felt envious of whoever owned it, even if it was in shambles.

A lifelong Wichita resident, Suter started his own framing business when he was 23 years old. But by his late 30s, he was addicted to alcohol and drugs, which he says ruled his life. He was in and out of jail.

Suter finally got sober seven years ago, and he credits his recovery to Oxford House, a national organization that runs sober living houses across the country. When he finally decided to get clean, Suter said, he found himself in a Wichita Oxford House, where he stayed for two years, thriving under the fellowship and support.

The Sternberg Mansion, originally built in 1886, has sat in disrepair for years. Two years ago, home remodeler Pepin Suter bought the home and has transformed it. The mansion will be used as a sober living home.

The experience saved his life, Suter said, and it allowed him to start over. Now, hes the owner of a successful business, Pepin Suter Remodeling, which he started in 2017. And he feels called to help others who are struggling with addiction.

Ive seen how well Oxford works for people. I see more success out of sober living houses than I do anything else related to recovery, he said. ...My thought was get this house, turn it into a sober living house, then I get to have a mansion and also have a part in other people recovery, which I really enjoy that. Im passionate about it. It changed my life completely.

Victorian masterpiece

The Sternberg Mansion, which today sits across the street from a strip center that contains Juarez Mexican Bakery and Molinos Mexican Cuisine, is a Queen Anne Victorian that was originally built by William H. Sternberg, one of Wichitas most notable builders during its early boom days. Sternberg, a New York transplant, also was responsible for building the Sedgwick County Courthouse and more than 100 other houses and businesses throughout the city.

He built the home at 1065 N. Waco as his own residence but also as a model that would showcase his abilities. The house, which had 14 rooms and four fireplaces, was characterized by its many porches, its intricate gingerbread detailing, its stained glass windows, its soaring chimneys and its peaked roof. Sternberg is said to have lived in the home for only four years.

The Sternberg Mansion in 1975, when Wichitas Urban Renewal Agency decided to save it.

In 1920, the mansion was converted into a boarding house and served as one for decades. Eventually, a local businessman proposed demolishing it and nearby houses to make way for an apartment complex.

But in 1975, Wichitas Urban Renewal Agency decided that the house had enough historical and architectural significance that it should be protected. The agency  which hoped to demonstrate how historical homes could be saved  bought the house for $11,200 and spent $52,000 rehabbing it. It even performed paint chip analysis in an effort to repaint the house in its original colors.

In 1976, the agency put the house up for sale, setting the minimum bid price at $55,000 and stipulating that the buyer would be responsible for bringing the houses plumbing, wiring and mechanical equipment up to code.

Sally and David Dewey are pictured outside of the Sternberg Mansion in 1978, the year after they bought it from Wichitas Urban Renewal Agency for $30,000. The couple remodeled the home and moved in with their six children. They owned it from 1978 until 1998.

In June of 1977, local lawyer David Dewey and his wife, Sally, bid $30,000  far under the original asking price  and purchased the home to live in with their five children. With help from loans, they undertook a major renovation of the houses interior, removing the temporary walls that had been put up when the house was used as apartments and wallpapering its many rooms.

The Sternberg mansion was designated as a local historic landmark in 1976, and in 1989, it finally was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Deweys, who had occasionally let the public tour their home  usually for fundraisers  put the house up for sale in 1993, asking $240,000. Theyd loved the house, they said, but all but one of their children had grown up and left home, and they wanted to downsize.

David and Sally Dewey are pictured inside the Sternberg Mansion in 1978 with an original mantle sculpture of a boy riding a sea creature. The carving has since been stolen, but new owner Pepin Suter filled the empty space with a different antique carving.

The couple didnt find a buyer until 1998, and that owner lived in the house only a short time. In 2004, Wichita State University employee Ken Elliott bought the house and moved in, telling the Wichita Eagle that he planned to turn the first-floor parlors into a mini-museum that would be open to the public. Hed live on the third floor, he said, and would also rent the house out for receptions and meetings. Eventually, Elliott turned to crowdfunding to help him with renovations, but the bank foreclosed on him.

The house sat empty until Brad Dody, who owned a construction company, bought it in 2016. Over the years, Dody said, the home had been frequently vandalized and looted. But he wanted to save it. He worked on it off and on over the years  most significantly repairing the foundation  then sold it to Suter.

I saw the for-sale sign outside one day and just thought I would ask, Suter said. And then I came in and looked at it, and I fell in love with it. Normally Im very decisive on things like this. It took me a little bit of thinking  at least a day  to decide whether I wanted to take this on because I knew it would be a huge challenge. And it was.

The main staircase in the newly remodeled Sternberg Mansion.

I want to fix everything

When Suter walked into the house for the first time, he was confronted by many sad realities. Nearly all of the original wood floors were gone, and many of the homes most intricate original details  including one of its grand fireplaces  had been either stolen by vandals or taken out by previous owners.

But he saw the potential in the place, which still had the wallpaper Sally Dewey hung. (And, despite some peeling, it was in pretty good shape.)

Suter, who qualified for a $90,000 grant, worked to protect the houses remaining details. Inside, he found that the only remaining wood floors were in the dining room, so he put down laminate wood floors throughout the first floor.

The dining room of the newly remodeled Sternberg Mansion at 1065 N. Waco

He restored the original windows, redid sagging ceilings, repaired walls, and put the kitchen back together. He redid the bathrooms, put new carpet upstairs, installed a new HVAC system, put in new plumbing and replaced missing basement bearing walls.

He rebuilt the termite-damaged second-floor balcony that faces Waco and recreated pieces of the missing gingerbread trim.

I want to fix everything, he said. But you cant fix everything.

A first floor bedroom in the newly remodeled Sternberg Mansion.

The house still has its huge formal parlor, music room, detailed wood trim, massive pocket doors and intricate U-shaped staircase, and Suter had those all thoroughly cleaned. He put beds and dressers in most of those rooms, as well as in the five bedrooms on the second floor and in the giant third-floor ballroom space. The house also features a small fourth-floor room with a window that opens to provide sweeping views of north Wichita, its many grain elevators and Via Christi Hospital. But its empty for now; the stairs that lead up to it are too steep.

When he bought the house  and his other sober living house at 918 N. Stratford  he planned to renovate them and offer them to Oxford House. But the properties didnt fit their specifications.

Pepin Suter looks out the very top window of the Sternberg Mansion, which he bought two years ago for $125,000. After an extensive remodel, the home will now be a sober living house.

So he decided to open his own sober living houses and rent space to men who were serious about getting clean. At the Waco Mansion, which is run by a house manager, hes charging $200 a week  a tier above the $100-$130 that most recovery places go for.

This is not a halfway house, and its not for low bottom people that just have to fill a requirement, he said. I want people to live here who want to change and want to reap the benefits of sobriety.

The newly remodeled Sternberg Mansion will serve as a sober living home that can house up to 14 people.

While working on the house, Suter said, he became obsessed with its history and read everything he could find about Sternberg, Dewey and anyone else who had been associated with it over the years.

For a brief moment, he was tempted to live in the mansion, but Suter is a minimalist he said, and he couldnt justify it.

So far, hes encountered only a little resistance from a neighbor who was against his plans for turning the mansion into a sober living house, he said. And on social media, he found a post that criticized him for his exterior paint choice, calling it monochromatic.

A view of Waco from one of the many balconies at the Sternberg Mansion.

But he can live with that.

I dont mind that. I appreciate it. And I can relate. I can understand that, he said. If I had my way, I would fix it up just the way it was, exactly. I love this place.
It had just gone 7am. I was brushing my teeth, when I heard a knock on the cabin door. Weve already seen one and its a large male, reported our guide, Arif. Quickly pulling on some clothes, I ran out and clambered up the wooden stairs to the top deck  though I neednt have rushed: the orangutan, hanging languidly from a branch by the long, curved fingers of one hand, wasnt going anywhere.

I stared, spellbound, as his dark brown eyes swivelled to meet mine  then he blinked, and turned back to the tranquil dawn panorama on Borneos Kahayan river: Rahaii Pangun, our eight-passenger vessel, lying still in the water, and a backdrop of birdsong as the dense forest came to life.

They have no predators, only us, continued Arif as the Bornean orangutan (or Pongo pygmaeus  the largest of the three species of these great apes) was joined by four others; their arrival heralded by their loud trampling of the undergrowth, and the tree boughs shaking and bending beneath their weight. It was an incredible introduction to Indonesias justifiably self-proclaimed magnificent seven; orangutans, Komodo dragons, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, giant fruit bats and the kaleidoscope of some of the earths richest coral reefs.

The three-day exploration of remote rivers and backwaters in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, also familiarised us with the inspiring work of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Founded in 1991 to rescue displaced and orphaned orangutans  their mothers often brutally killed by poachers  it also raises awareness about the plight of these endangered creatures, which share 97 per cent of their DNA with humans, and their diminishing habitat.

Writer Jeanine explored Borneo on the eight-passenger Rahai'i Pangun - Mat Hall

The 20-plus orangutans we saw were in the various stages of rehabilitation, some on protected islands after a three to 10-month programme where theyre taught to socialise, climb trees, build nests and hunt; survival instincts never learnt while being illegally kept in captivity. Once living independently, theyre moved to another island before a monitored release into the wild.

My journey, which began after a two-hour flight from Jakarta to Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan, was the result of a new collaboration between Indonesia expedition cruise operator, SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, and Wow Borneo, which pioneered trips in search of orangutans aboard traditional wooden vessels converted into cosy houseboats.

After a hop-over stop in Bali, and another flight to Flores Island, this theme continued on our next ship. Ombak Putih, which translates as white waves in Indonesian, is a tough ironwood pinisi vessel launched in 1997 to carry cargo and sympathetically refurbished by SeaTrek to carry 24 passengers. Flores is the main gateway to Unesco-listed Komodo National Park, an archipelago of 29 volcanic islands with jagged peaks rising dramatically from turquoise waters and blush-pink beaches created by red pigment on coral reefs.

Approximately 73 per cent of Borneo is Indonesian territory - Mat Hall

That evening, there was a palpable air of excitement, and a few jitters, as we listened to tour leader Dions briefing about our visit to Komodo Island. Its home to the majority of the parks estimated 5,000-strong population of Komodo dragons, the worlds largest land lizards. Measuring 10ft and weighing around 300lb, theyre indigenous only to this region.

They hunt alone, use their tails to lunge at prey and have two venom glands which create toxic saliva, he explained, as I took an extra-large gulp of my gin and tonic. But dont worry, weve never lost a SeaTrek guest so far. Reassured, I had no trouble falling asleep that night in the gently rocking wood-panelled cabin.

Diving and snorkelling are popular ocean activities in Indonesia - Mat Hall

SeaTrek ensured we were the first boat to arrive on Komodo the next day, at the time when the lizards come out into the open to warm themselves in the sun and are most visible. Accompanied by rangers, I was once again mesmerised as the first gigantic dragon lumbered into view on ponderous scaly limbs, its yellow forked tongue flicking in and out.

As our leisurely voyage continued, the remaining five wonders came thick and fast. Ombak Putih moored off Satonda Island, where the blood-orange sunset was the curtain-raiser to the ensuing aerial spectacle above the ships masts. Each night, thousands of fruit bats (AKA flying foxes) with 3ft wingspans fly to the neighbouring isle of Sumbawa for a nocturnal feast of fruit and nectar from night-opening flowers.

A whip fight, in which two rivals armed with rattan shields and a whip try to hit each other while dancing to traditional music

Each day, we snorkelled, sometimes carried along effortlessly on warm currents we nicknamed lazy rivers, and immersed our faces into an underwater utopia of marine life interspersed by occasional streams of bubbles created by volcanic gases. Before dinner there were slideshows and Dion would run through what wed seen (or indeed missed, as there was so much to discover).

Nevertheless, nobody failed to spot the pair of whale sharks, around 40ft long, off Moyo Island. If I hadnt had my lips clamped around the snorkel my mouth would have been wide open at the sight of the worlds largest sharks, albeit gentle giants, which dwarfed us as they swam slowly and gracefully by; oblivious to our awestruck presence. Needless to say, there was never a lack of conversation as we swapped tales of daily adventures back on Ombak Puti over buffet meals of delicious, freshly prepared food.

All meals on Rahai'i Pangun are freshly prepared

SeaTrek and Wow Borneo both spearhead sustainable and respectful tourism, and our trip to swim with manta rays was cancelled when we arrived to find a mass of day-trip boats crowded around the rays. Nobody complained.

Elsewhere, we took an active part in a coral restoration project off Hatamin Island, where the reef was almost destroyed by decades of dynamite fishing to kill and stun fish. As I carefully attached tiny coral fragments to a nursery rack frame lowered onto the seabed, I hoped my small effort would contribute towards making a lasting impact on this incredible part of the world  just as it had made such a lasting impression on me.

Essentials

Jeannine Williamson was a guest of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures (seatrekbali.com), which has the 12-night SeaTrek with Orangutans and Dragons (Borneo and Komodo) cruise from 6,622 per person, including internal flights from Borneo, airport transfers and a resort stay in Bali. Calling at villages on the Kahayan river and islands managed by the BOS Foundation in Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan), and a round-trip sailing from Flores visiting islands in Komodo National Park. Departs May 6 2025.

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Whether or not you should drink kombucha while breastfeeding depends on a number of factors.

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOGMedically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG

Kombucha is a popular fermented tea touted for its many health benefits. Drinking kombucha is generally not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, primarily due to its alcohol content and the fact that it's often unpasteurized.

If you were looking forward to drinking kombucha after your baby was born, you may feel disappointed to learn that there are some precautions you need to take if you want to drink it while breastfeeding. Keep in mind that kombucha doesnt need to be entirely off-limits if you are a breastfeeding parent. You just need to time your consumption of itand limit the amount you drink.

Dmitriy Sidor / Getty Images

What To Know About Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented drink usually brewed with black, green, or oolong tea. Sugar is then added and the tea is fermented using a bacterial/yeast culture. The fermentation process lasts about 7-10 days. Kombucha isnt newits origins go back to about 220 B.C. in Chinabut its only become popularized in America over the past decade or so.



As Heather Johnson, MD, retired board-certified OB-GYN and author of What They Don't Tell You About Having a Baby explains, there unfortunately isnt a lot of data out there on the safety of kombucha while breastfeeding. Dr. Johnson says its likely OK to drink while breastfeeding, but that it should be in moderation with some precautions in place.

Generally, the amounts of caffeine and alcohol in kombucha are low, and occasional imbibing is likely not harmful, says Dr. Johnson. But there are potential risks to breastfeeding parents, especially those who consume a lot of it.



Can You Drink Kombucha While Breastfeeding?

If you're going to consume kombucha while breastfeeding, it should be a limited amount.

Because kombucha is fermented, it naturally has some alcohol content, explains Sherry Ross, MD, OB-GYN at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. "Kombucha may contain harmful bacteria which could be dangerous during breastfeeding even though both these risks are minimal," says Dr. Ross.







How Much is OK?

Dr. Johnson's advice is to limit any drink that has caffeine and alcohol content while breastfeeding and to delay breastfeeding your baby for a few hours after consuming it.





The levels of caffeine, alcohol, along with potential bacteria in raw foods, varies across each brand of kombucha, says Dr. Johnson. Too much can pose a risk and its hard to say how much is too much.









Ashley Georgakopoulos, lactation consultant and medical advisor at Motif Lactation, agrees that the alcohol content and caffeine content in kombucha are the main concerns for breastfeeding parents. But she says that kombucha should be safe to drink if you are mindful of these considerations.

As a rule of thumb, alcohol should only be consumed after a feeding or pumping session if [you are] planning to have it, Georgakopoulos advises. As for caffeine, very little passes into breast milk, says Georgakopoulos, and the main concern would be if the breastfeeding parent was sensitive to caffeine.

Is Kombucha Safe for a Baby?

Kombucha has anywhere between 0.5% to 1.25% alcohol content. Georgakopoulos says that any product that contains any amount of alcohol cant be considered completely safe for breastfeeding babies.

Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol can cause issues with infant growth and motor function. It can also make babies fatigued, cause fluid retention, and hormone imbalances.

As for caffeine, some parents report that their babies are extra wakeful or fussy when they consume caffeine. However, this is usually when very large amounts of caffeine are consumed. Kombucha is made of tea, which does not have as much caffeine as coffee or other popular caffeinated beverages.



Benefits of Drinking Kombucha While Breastfeeding

There is limited data on the benefits of drinking kombucha in general, and no published data on drinking it while breastfeeding, says Dr. Ross. Drinking kombucha isnt likely to increase your milk supply or have any particular nutritional benefits for your baby.

Still, Georgakopoulos says that drinking kombucha may offer a boost for the breastfeeding parents immune system, and in turn, benefit the baby.

Its a wonderful source of probiotics, which do boost the immune system in the [breastfeeding parent], she says. Some of these immune factors may be passed through breast milk from the breastfeeding parent to their baby, Georgakopoulos explains.



Safety Precautions to Consider When Drinking Kombucha While Breastfeeding

The key to drinking kombucha safely while breastfeeding is doing so in moderation and with safety precautions in mind. Many breastfeeding parents enjoy caffeinated beverages and beverages with alcohol by understanding what the parameters for usage are.

Of course, you should also talk to a health care provider about what particular precautions you need to take, as all breastfeeding parents and their babies are different.

Delay breastfeeding after consumption to limit alcohol exposure

Because alcohol is present in breastmilk after consumption, and the amount of alcohol in kombucha isnt regulated, Dr. Johnson recommends waiting two hours after consuming alcohol to breastfeed.

Georgakopoulos agrees that caution is warranted, but points out that kombucha has small amounts of alcohol in it, as compared to a normal serving size of an alcoholic beverage.

Like anything with any level of alcohol, keep to one serving and wait until after feeding or pumping, she advises.

However, the CDC notes that not drinking any alcohol while breastfeeding does remain the safest option.

Reduce caffeine by limiting intake

Caffeine consumption in moderate amounts is safe while breastfeeding, says Dr. Johnson. But you should limit that amount to about 200 milligrams a day, she says. Caffeine does transfer to breast milk, but not in very high amounts and is highest 1-2 hours after breastfeeding, she explains. Approximately 1% of caffeine passes into breast milk. Additionally, safety and caffeine elimination in infants is slower than in adults until about 6 months.

Most caffeinated teas contain less than 60 milligrams of caffeine per serving, including black and oolong teas, which are often used to make kombucha. Green tea usually has less caffeine than either of those, so you may want to select a kombucha made of green tea.

Drink pasteurized kombucha

Dr. Johnson says that bacterial contamination is a concern for breastfeeding parents who drink kombucha. For this reason, you'll want to consider drinking kombucha that has been pasteurized. You may also want to abstain from drinking homemade kombucha, which is unlikely to be pasteurized.



Breastfeeding Safe Alternatives

If you are limiting your kombucha consumption or have decided there are too many risks, here are some similar foods and drinks you can consume instead.

Yogurt or Kefir: If you are looking for a food that is high in probiotics, but that doesnt have alcohol or caffeine, yogurt or kefir are great options. Breastfeeding parents usually need an extra 450-500 extra calories a day. Yogurt is high in protein and is a healthy way to get those extra calories and nutrition.

Fermented Foods: Foods like sauerkraut are a great way to get your probiotics, and are safe for breastfeeding parents to consume. Other popular fermented foods include kimchi and pickled vegetables.

Probiotic Supplements: You can take probiotics in pill or powder form. The research about probiotic safety and breastfeeding is limited at this time. Johnson recommends you discuss the benefits and safety of taking probiotics while breastfeeding with a health care provider or midwife.



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Family getaway: Try these 7 day trips near northwestern Pa. this summer

For many schools, summer vacation ends in a little over a month. If the kids are getting restless at home, maybe a day trip can add some more fun to summer and create family memories.

You could head to Presque Isle, the Erie Zoo or Waldameer, but if you want to explore just a bit farther afield from Erie, quite a few landmarks and institutions are just miles away from the area.

Here is a select list of just some of the fun activities to consider while getting out of town for the day:

Drake Well Museum and Park

Address: 202 Museum Lane, Titusville

Phone: 814-827-2797

Website: drakewell.org

Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Drake Well serves as the heart of Pennsylvania's Oil Region National Heritage Area. It's about 46 miles from Erie, or a 70-minute drive.

The museum has been preserving the site of Drake's Well for more than 80 years and tells the story about the birth of the petroleum industry.

Visitors will enjoy a 240-acre site along with 12,000 square feet of interior exhibits and more.

Drake Well includes bike trails, fly fishing, hiking trails and more.

Things to do this summer: Festivals, movie nights, and more

Geneva-on-the-Lake

Address: 5540 Lake Road E., Geneva, Ohio

Phone: 800-862-9948

Website: visitgenevaonthelake.com

Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ashtabula County, Ohio, is 63 miles from Erie and a destination that has something for everyone.

From family attractions to live music, Geneva-on-the-Lake offers much to explore with entertainment that sits near Lake Erie.

Some of the activities include mini golf, axe throwing, arcade games, fishing, haunted historical walks, spa treatments, zip-lining and more.

More: Try the zip line at Geneva-on-the-Lake

National Comedy Center

Address: 203 W. 2nd St., Jamestown, New York

Phone: 716-484-2222

Website: comedycenter.org

More: Nate Bargatze, Jeff Ross and many more comics to perform at Lucille Ball Comedy Festival

Just under an hour away is the cultural institution dedicated to preserving and telling the story about comedy.

The National Comedy Center is a 37,000 square-foot building filled with comedy collections, educational exhibits, interactive technology and more.

Families can walk through more than 50 immersive experiences as they take a journey through comedy history while having some laughs along the way.

More: At National Comedy Center in Jamestown, you're in on the joke with hands-on, personalized exhibits

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad

Address: 49 S. Perry St., Titusville

Phone: 814-677-2192

Website: Octrr.org

All aboard! Along with Drake Well, the Oil Creek Valley is famous for its history and people.

The Oil City and Titusville Railroad takes riders through oil country during a vintage train ride.

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad will take riders back over 150 years into oil country during a vintage train ride.

The 3-hour round trip will take passengers through Oil Creek State Park to discover the history of oil in Pennsylvania.

Panama Rocks

Address: 11 Rock Hill Rd., Panama, New York

Phone: 716-703-0021

Website: panamarocks.com

Take the family on a hike. Just 38 miles away from Erie, Panama Rocks was listed the No. 1 nature and hiking trail in New York by iloveny.com.

Visitors will enjoy towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, small hidden caves and more.

Pymatuning Deer Park

Address: 804 East Jamestown Road, Jamestown, Pa.

Phone: 724-932-3200

Website: pymatuningdeerpark.com

This deer park features more than 250 animals and birds from around the world.

The park allows families to get up close with domestic farm animals while seeing both domestic and exotic animals.

More: Erie Zoo otters get larger, updated space. How much did it cost?

Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Address: 311 Curtis St. Exd., Jamestown, New York

Phone: 716-665-2473

Website: rtpi.org

Why not take a trip with some enrichment and art inspiration?

The Roger Tory Peterson Institution, 49 miles from Erie, is the largest collection of Roger Peterson's work. The art institution includes works that illustrate the beauty of nature and challenge viewers to confront environmental issues.

The institute serves as a gateway to the natural wonders that inspired Peterson throughout his career.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Family day trips near Erie PA: 7 places to go this summer
Gabriela Hearst, who staged her spring 2021 collection in the French capital, is returning to Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2025 edition.

According to the provisional calendar released Monday by the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, who showed in New York last February as part of a collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, and Y/Project, which sat out the fall 2024 runway season to focus on internal investments, are also returning with Paris runway shows.

More from WWD

New names on the official schedule, which runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, include Niccolo Pasqualetti, one of eight finalists for the LVMH Prize this year, and Alainpaul by designer Alain Paul, who showed off-calendar last October when he launched his brand following a 10-year career working for labels including Vetements and Louis Vuitton.

Hearsts show is programmed for 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, a day which also includes spring 2025 collections by Stella McCartney, Zimmermann, Sacai, Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin and others.

Hearst expressed her gratitude to the Federation for letting her be part of the Paris Fashion Week calendar. Its international reach and remarkable platform for creative expression will enable us to pursue our development based on a long-term view, combining luxury and sustainability, she told WWD.

Born in Uruguay and based in New York, Hearst last year wound up an eventful three-year stint as creative director of Chloe in Paris, while also developing her signature brand, which she recently paraded during New York Fashion Week.

Surely among the most anticipated shows in Paris will be Valentino on Sept. 29, marking Alessandro Micheles runway debut at the Roman house, and Dries Van Noten on Sept. 25, the first womens show without the founder, who retired from the runway with a swan song menswear show last month. His studio team is to produce the womens spring 2025 collection.

Among familiar names missing from the calendar are Givenchy, which also sat out the mens runway season awaiting its next creative director; Marine Serre, who showed her womens and mens collections as a guest designer at Pitti Uomo last month, and independent design duo Victoria Feldman and Tomas Berzins, who are shuttering business operations of their Victoria/Tomas label to focus on collaborations and other design projects.

Off-White and Avellano also do not appear on the provisional list. Off-White is to show in New York City on Sept. 8 at noon.

Of the 38 presentations on the schedule, new ones include Polish designer Magda Butrym, Vaillant by Paris-born Alice Vaillant, Belgian designer Julie Kegels, Spanish brand Abra, and Vautrait by Israeli designer Yonathan Carmel, a semifinalist for the LVMH Prize 2024. Meanwhile, returning presentations include Aigle, Heliot Emil and Christopher Esber, grand prize winner of the 2024 ANDAM Fashion Award.

There are a total of 70 shows on the provisional agenda, with Weinsanto, Vaquera and CFCL opening proceedings on Sept. 23 and Chanel, Peter Do, Miu Miu, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton among those scheduled on Oct. 1.

While Vuitton officially closes Paris Fashion Week as usual, there will be a Coperni event later that night. As reported, the fashion brand cofounded by Sebastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant has booked Disneyland Paris for a full experience in the parks Fantasyland area.

The Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode also disclosed participants in The Sphere showroom for emerging brands. Weinsanto by Victor Weinsanto and Abra are new, while returning designers include Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner, Maitrepierre, Lucille Thievre and Paolina Russo.

Valentino by Alessandro Michele, resort 2025

Best of WWD
While we love an all-American beef burger, let's head across the Atlantic for some flavor inspiration that leans more on the lighter side. Drawing from the flavors of the Mediterranean, Greek turkey burgers with tzatziki are a lighter take on a burger that doesn't compromise on flavor. Recipe developer Kate Shungu notes, "There is a lot going on in this burger, in a good way! We have oregano and feta mixed into the burger, plus a homemade tzatziki on top." Green leaf lettuce adds freshness, along with roasted red peppers which expands the flavor profile even more. A bun loaded with sesame seeds is yet another nod to Greece. "These burgers are a fun twist on burger night that you can make in a little over 20 minutes," Shungu adds.

While the burgers look decadent, there are a few ways they're lighter than the average beef burger. We'll use dark meat ground turkey instead of beef, and instead of a creamy mayo spread on top, we'll use Greek yogurt to create a creamy cucumber tzatziki. With all the fresh flavors, these burgers are an international twist on a classic that'll help switch things up for burger night at home.

Read more: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Shopping At Costco

Gather The Ingredients For Greek Turkey Burgers With Tzatziki

ingredients for Greek turkey burgers - Kate Shungu/Mashed

The first step in this recipe is making a homemade tzatziki. It's easier than you think  grating the cucumber is the most complicated step. The cucumber is mixed with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt to create the tzatziki. The burgers themselves are made with ground turkey, oregano, a little more salt, and feta cheese. Green leaf lettuce and roasted red pepper strips add fresh flavor to the burgers, which sit atop sesame seed buns.

Step 1: Preheat The Grill

grill heated to medium high - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2: Grate The Cucumber

grated cucumber with a box grater - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Finely grate the cucumber.

Step 3: Drain The Cucumber

grated cucumber in a colander - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Place the cucumber in a colander to drain, pressing on it with a spatula until most of the liquid has been drained out.

Step 4: Make The Tzatziki

tzatziki in a glass bowl - Kate Shungu/Mashed

In a medium bowl, stir together the grated cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic,  teaspoon salt, and olive oil to make the tzatziki.

Step 5: Prepare The Burgers

ground turkey and seasonings - Kate Shungu/Mashed

In a large bowl, gently toss together the ground turkey, oregano, feta, and remaining  teaspoon salt.

Step 6: Form The Patties

turkey patties with feta - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Form the mixture into 4 patties, about -inch thick.

Step 7: Grill On The First Side

raw turkey patties on a grill - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Place the patties on a grill, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the patties release easily from the grill.

Step 8: Flip And Continue Grilling

grilled turkey patties on a grill - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Flip and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through.

Step 9: Start Assembling The Burgers

lettuce and red pepper on burger buns - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Place the bottom of the buns on a work surface. Top each with a lettuce leaf and a slice of roasted red pepper.

Step 10: Top With The Burgers And Tzatziki

turkey burgers with tzatziki - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Top the roasted red peppers with the burgers, followed by 1 to 2 tablespoons of the tzatziki on top. Place the top half on each bun on top.

Step 11: Serve

turkey burgers with tzatziki - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Serve immediately, with any remaining tzatziki on the side.

Greek Turkey Burger With Tzatziki Recipe

greek turkey burger with tzatziki - Kate Shungu/Mashed

What Can I Do With Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?

turkey burger with tzatziki - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Homemade tzatziki is one condiment you'll be happy to have left over  it can be used in myriad ways. First and foremost, it's the perfect dip. Try it with fresh veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, or cauliflower for a low-calorie snack. Add some whole grain crackers, potato chips, and pita chips to that veggie platter to make it even more satisfying. The tzatziki will complement the heat from spicy potato chips quite nicely.

Tzatziki is also great for jazzing up other dishes with Mediterranean flavor. Try dipping homemade falafel in it, or wrapping both falafel and tzatziki up in a fluffy pita to create a falafel sandwich. A copycat Panera Mediterranean bowl is just begging for a drizzle of tzatziki on the side, as are these simple chicken kabobs. Tzatziki will also dress up a simple veggie and cheese sandwich quite nicely. Pile thinly sliced veggies, sliced cheese, sprouts, and a thin smear of tzatziki on your favorite whole-grain bread for a fresh and flavorful vegetarian lunch option.

What Are Tips For Grilling Juicy Turkey Burgers?

three greek turkey burgers - Kate Shungu/Mashed

Heat from the grill can dry out a lean cut of meat quickly. No one wants a dry burger, a tough pork chop, or a chicken breast that can barely be chewed. Pork chops and chicken breasts can be marinated, but burgers are a bit trickier. The first step to a juicy turkey burger is to use dark meat turkey. For all the same reasons that dark meat is juicier in a Thanksgiving turkey, it holds the same for ground turkey. Dark meat simply contains more fat per serving. While it's still lower in fat than many varieties of ground beef, it's just enough fat to keep the meat from drying out.

The next step is to add fat. Sure, you can add olive oil to a turkey burger. But since these burgers are inspired by Greece, we'll add the renowned Greek feta instead. Feta both contains fat that keeps the meat moist and adds a briny, pungent bite to the turkey. The final step is to not overcook the meat. It seems obvious, but just 5 or 10 degrees can take a turkey burger from juicy to dried out. Cook the burger to 160 F, then let it rest for a few minutes after taking it off the grill. It'll hit 165 F after resting and be perfectly juicy.

Read the original article on Mashed.
The late Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain's dislike of her grandson Prince Harry's chosen one, Meghan Markle, has long been known. Her Majesty was afraid that her surprisingly emotional grandson would lose his mind, although at the beginning of the couple's relationship she believed that the girl would be able to contribute to the royal family because she worked as an actress.

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After the public outcry, Elizabeth II began to worry about the constant slander against the family. According to the Telegraph, this is why the monarch said a 6-word warning in the first days after her marriage.

It is worth noting that she spoke 6 words in English, and 5 words when translated into Ukrainian. It sounds like this: "Perhaps a little over-in-love" ["perhaps a little over-in-love"].

This was told by Giles Brandreth, a TV presenter and royal expert close to the royal family. According to him, the Queen was initially happy to have Prince Harry as her chosen one and had high hopes for the American actress's contribution to public life. However, after several employees left the service, and later there were allegations of bullying, which were denied by the Duchess's lawyers, Her Majesty expressed her concern.

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"The Queen's only concern in the early days of the Sussex marriage was that she asked a friend of hers if Harry was 'perhaps a little too much in love. To my knowledge, she did not say a single word to the new Duchess of Sussex," Brandet said.

According to the Daily Express, citing the biographical book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, the late Queen loved Meghan and did "everything to make her feel welcome." She suggested that she "continue to be an actress." However, Meghan Markle wanted to feel herself in a new profession and demanded to step away from her career for the sake of royal duties.

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After the funeral of Elizabeth II on October 14, 2022, Meghan Markle did not set foot on British soil, even when her husband came to important events in England. The Duchess now lives with Prince Harry and two children in the United States.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Meghan Markle broke off ties with her own father in 2018 when, due to two heart attacks, he was unable to walk her down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry. Because of this, the man does not even receive birthday greetings.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
While dining alone is something not everyone has the nerve to do, in the case of one tiny restaurant in Finland, it might be a good idea to go solo. (In fact, during the pandemic, it was mandatory.) Kuappi, which is a variant of the Finnish word for "cabinet," can seat two people, but its 86 square feet might make for a tight fit. Technically you won't be eating alone anyway, since you'll have plenty of one-on-one time with the single staff member who also manages to squeeze in there. Still, if you've been able to secure a reservation, you can boast of having visited what may well be the world's smallest restaurant. The Guinness Book of World Records reportedly named it as such in 1994.

If you're wondering how Kuappi manages to do any cooking inside this tiny cabin no larger than a closet, the answer is, it doesn't. The food actually comes from a sister restaurant called Olutmestari, which means "Beer Master." You can, however, have a drink made on the spot as Kuappi does have a full bar, albeit a scaled-down one since all of the liquor bottles are miniatures -- you know, the kind of booze you might be served on an airplane flight. Should you partake of a beverage or two, you may be glad to know that bathroom facilities are also available onsite so you needn't make use of an outhouse nor sprint down the road to another establishment.

Read more: Waiters Reveal What Restaurants Get The Best Tips

Kuappi Is Surprisingly Inexpensive

exterior of Kuappi - Kuappi / Facebook

You might think a restaurant that only seats two, tops -- or maybe four, if the weather permits dining at the one outdoor table -- would charge a premium price. If the restaurant in question is Italy's Sol per Due, then you'd be correct, as this upscale dining experience costs upwards of $325 per person. Kuappi, however, isn't catering to the luxury trade. Entrees on its moderately-priced menu range from about $16 to $28.

Kuappi's menu ranges from burgers to escargot, but if you've gone to the trouble of traveling to Iisalmi, Finland, just over 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, you might as well sample some Finnish specialties such as salmon soup, vendace (a small white fish) fried in a ruisleipa (rye bread) crumb crust, and hunter's bread, which is also fried and smothered in mushroom sauce. Those mushrooms might even be locally picked, since Iisalmi lies in Finland's lakeland region where foraging in the woods is a summertime institution.

If you're sold on the tiny dining experience and are already googling airfares to Kuopio, Finland (the closest airport to Kuappi), be aware that it's only open during the summer. What's more, you'll need to book at least two days in advance  more, if another lucky diner has beaten you to the punch. If you miss out, though, you can console yourself with a meal at Olutmestari, the aforementioned sister restaurant that supplies all of the food.

Read the original article on Mashed.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Less than 1,000 tickets are available to reserve for this years St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway!

This years St. Jude Dream Home is more than just a home, it also has many hidden Houdini features that make for more than meets the eye.

Brandi Whisler, Drippe Homes Director of Sales and Design gave 27 News a preview of all the magic that comes within the home.

The first one is a hidden office. We trimmed out this wall, to where it looks like the other side, but when you push right here, it takes you into an entirely different space which is the study, front office for the home, Whisler said. So, that was just a fun thing we could do to allow you to have more of a formal entry and a door right off it.

But the fun doesnt end there. Even the kitchen provides a unique touch. In fact, you wouldnt really know where anything was located if you were a guest in the Dream Home.

One of the first things we decided to do was a panel ready refrigerator from Bosch. Bosch donates all our appliances for this home and nationally for St. Jude Dream home, Whisler said. Custom Woods was able to put some really great wood panels on this fridge.

The refrigerator isnt the only hidden Houdini feature when it comes to the kitchen.

Drippe Homes also did a large pantry door that was hidden within the cabinets that opened up to an entirely different room. Whisler mentions that a lot of guests have missed that feature when touring the Dream Home.

The hidden features dont end in the kitchen. Theres also a unique way to bring groceries in with a bypass window from the laundry room to the pantry.

Large bags go right into the pantry so youre not hauling them around, Whisler said. The other thing I love that Custom Woods did is they had this cabinet, both of them actually, be open from both sides.

So lets say you have green beans or tomatoes that you just purchased, you can put the new ones right in the back so when you are in the pantry grabbing those to cook with, you are grabbing those that were first purchased rather than last purchased.

And when it comes to ordering online, the St. Jude Dream Home makes it where you dont have to worry about Porch Pirates.

There is a Box Gobbler donated by MB Sentinal that allows Amazon or mail personnel to drop off your package into a safe location with a pin. Whisler said. That you will give in the delivery instructions. This allows for the package to be safely transferred into the interior of the home.

The winner of the home will be announced on KSNT on July 31st.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
July is Disability Pride Month. Here's what you should know.

This month marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and Disability Pride Month was officially established nearly a decade ago.

As one blind author and illustrator recently pointed out, disability exists on a spectrum. And the fight for community, inclusion and acceptance is still going strong today.

In the U.S. in 2021, nearly 42.5 million people  or 13% of the population  had a disability, according to the American Community Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 1.3 billion people have a significant disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, which is 16% of the global population, or 1 in 6 people.

When is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month occurs annually in July, coinciding with the anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) being signed into law. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush and protects the rights of people with disabilities against employment discrimination, while fostering inclusion in society.

President Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act on the South Lawn of the White House on July 26, 1990. Sharing the dais with the president are (standing left to right): Rev. Harold Wilkie of Clairmont, California; Sandra Parrino, National Council on Disability; (seated left to right): Evan Kemp, Chairman, Equal Opportunity Commission; and Justin Dart, Presidential Commission on Employment of People with Disabilities. / Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The goal was also to expand access to all levels of government, public establishments, transportation and communication  building on the protections afforded by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The 1973 law was the first legislation that addressed the rights of people with disabilities, but its protections only extended to employers who received federal funding.

Disability pride is also celebrated worldwide  sometimes at different months  including in the United Kingdom, South Africa and elsewhere.

What is Disability Pride Month?

Disability Pride Month was officially established in 2015 during the 25th anniversary of the ADA, with New York City hosting its first Disability Pride Month parade that year.

Celebrations honoring the landmark law began much earlier. The first disability pride events were held in Boston in 1990, the same year the civil rights law was signed. In 2004, Chicago held its first disability pride parade.

The idea of disability pride is rooted in the issue of visibility, much like the LGBTQ and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) pride.

Chicago's Disability Pride Parade defines its mission in three ways: change "the way people think about and define 'disability'"; break down and end the "internalized shame among people with disabilities"; and promote the belief in society that disability is a "natural and beautiful part of human diversity."

Disability impacts all of us. Patrick Cokley, senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, noted that 1 in 4 Americans will develop a disability in their lifetime. Cokley has low vision.

"If we pretend that it's a small group we've never heard of, or a tiny population, then we do ourselves a disservice," he told CBS News in an interview earlier this year. "We're then also leaving out all of the other myriad of people that might have hidden disabilities, have aging disabilities or acquired disabilities."

Starting points for how to interact with people with disabilities

As a spinal stroke survivor and a late-diagnosed adult with autism, Marisa Hamamoto's lived experience highlights the intersectionality and variety of the disabled community.

She remembers her earliest experiences of feeling like she never fit in, but believes dance is a universal experience that belongs to everyone. Hamamoto founded Infinite Flow Dance in 2015, an award-winning dance company based in Los Angeles.

Six dancers from Infinite Flow Dance. From left, front row, deaf dancer Shaheem, wheelchair dancers Auti, Marc, and Mia, and an amputee dancer Dmitriy, who holds his prosthetic leg in one hand. Marisa poses behind the wheelchair dancers in the second row. / Credit: Infinite Flow Dance

"Being the only Asian American growing up in my neighborhood, I got picked on at school for looking different," she said. "Yet, you know, society  the dance world  was sending out this message that dance was only accessible to a select few."

Her nonprofit employs disabled and nondisabled dancers with a mission to advance disability inclusion  one dance at a time.

"Stigma and discrimination has led to people not having access to education, to employment, to recreation and so many other things in life, and that is not right," she told CBS News. "So we want to really shift that narrative."

Part of that is education. Hamamoto's advocacy has grown over the years since founding Infinite Flow, but she is quick to admit that she is always learning.

Here are some starting points for how to interact with people with disabilities, according to Hamamoto:

DO

DON'T

Start a conversation focusing on what's similar, instead of what's different. Direct your questions toward the person, not other people that they're with.

Ask "What's wrong with you?" or "What happened?"

Ask for permission before moving canes or wheelchairs. Their mobility devices should be seen as an extension of themselves and should be treated that way.

Move their cane or wheelchair.

Remember that people with disabilities are people first. Treat them accordingly.

Be overly nice and overly cheerful.

"It's also important not to make assumptions," she said. "No two disabled people have the same needs."

Disability Pride Month is important to highlight because it gives those in the disabled community a collective power, Hamamoto told CBS News.

She said the road to disability acceptance is a personal journey, but was quick to note that those with disabilities are not alone and there is strength in numbers.

"For some of us, we were born with a disability. For others, disability was acquired in the middle of life," she said. "Disability is a big part of how we live our lives, and disability can be a strength."

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Hot air balloon and full moon in the Cappadocia region in Anatolia, Turkey. . | Credit: Sercan Kucuksahin/Anadolu via Getty Images

July's full moon captivated skywatchers worldwide as it shone brightly over the weekend.

A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. It officially reached full illumination at 6:17 a.m. EDT (1017 GMT) on July 21 but still appears relatively full for a few days around the peak.

The July full moon is also known as the Buck Moon or the Thunder Moon, the former because it coincides with the time of year when male deer antlers are in full growth and the latter because it is also when thunderstorms are common in many parts of the world.

Related: Look up! See the moon meet Saturn, watch for shooting stars and find the Northern Crown this week

Photographer Robbie Pesiwarissa sent us this beautiful photograph of the full moon rising at Sydney Harbour, Australia on July 21.

"It was a cold and windy day, hard to keep the camera steady even on a tripod," Pesiwarissa told Space.com in an email.

a full moon shines in a dusty pink sky above water. A small sailing boat is in the foreground of the image.

Pesiwarissa had to battle not only the elements but also a lot of traffic on the water including from large cruise ships which temporarily blocked the view.

"Luckily I managed to capture a smaller sailboat that adds interest to the picture," Pesiwarissa continued.

The next day at dawn Pesiwarissa set out to capture the full moon once again, this time the image was photobombed not by a boat but by a cheeky seagull!

a city skyline in the background with a bright full moon in the upper right corner of the image. A flying seagull is visible below the full moon.

In Turkey, the full moon shared the sky with dozens of hot-air balloons gliding over the historical Cappadocia region in Anatolia.

Photographer Sercan Kucuksahin captured the beautiful scenes unfolding in the dawn sky on July 22, 2024.

Image 1 of 2

Hot air balloons in Capaddocia during a night of full moon

Image 2 of 2

Hot air balloons in Capaddocia during a night of full moon

With the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games only days away, the golden full moon took the number 1 position in the skies above Paris on July 21, 2024.

This stunning image of the full moon shining next to the Eiffel Tower adorned with Olympic rings was captured by photographer Wang Zhao.

This photograph shows the Olympic rings displayed on the Eiffel Tower at night, with the full moon appearing, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games, in Paris on July 21, 2024.

Lisa Shislowski sent us this lovely image of the full moon shining bright over the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.

"As the boats went by, with the full Buck Moon, it was a sight to enjoy," Shislowski told Space.com in an email.

full moon shines in the upper right corner of the image against a deep blue sky. there is a building to the left of the moon and palm trees below with the front of a boat visible in the foreground of the image and water below.

A blood red full Buck Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City.

This dramatic photograph was captured by photographer Gary Hershorn on July 21, 2024.

blood red full moon in the background and the top half of the statue of liberty in the foreground.

Below, a striking full moon rising behind the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey.

The image was captured by photographer Kemal Aslan on July 21, 2024.

a blood orange color full moon rises behind a spire on the top of a large tower against a black sky.

Another stunning entry from Turkey shows the Buck Moon setting in the early hours at Anitkabir, a mausoleum complex in the Cankaya district of Ankara. The mausoleum serves as the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of the Turkish Republic.

Photographer Muhammed Abdullah Kurtar captured the dramatic scene on July 21, 2024.

A large illuminated building on the left with eight large columns, next to a large blood red full moon

Photographer Allen Berman sent us this dazzling image of the Buck Moon rising over Santa Monica, California, U.S. The image was captured from Pacific Palisades, almost 4 miles across the bay.

full moon shining in sky above skyline and colorful ferris wheel

"I thought the juxtaposition of the moon and the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel could be interesting," Berman told Space.com in an email.

"The initial plan was to see the moon just above the white building in the background. But, I had to wait almost 10 minutes for the moon to emerge from behind a cloud all the while running along the Pacific Coast Highway to keep the moon above the Ferris wheel. Still turned out kinda nice I think," Berman continued.

We agree! The image turned out very nice indeed.

In Greece, the Full Buck Moon rises behind the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion in stunning fashion.

Photographer Nicolas Economou captured this stunning scene on July 20, 2024.

bright large full moon behind temple ruins of numerous columns standing tall.

In Spain, the full moon of July put on quite the display as it rose behind Seville's Cathedral. The blood red moon is partially hidden by the Algamitas mountain.

The scene was captured by photographer Joaquin Corchero on July 21, 2024.

blood red full moon rising behind a mountain with a top of a cathedral in the foreground.

In Italy, the full moon painted a delightful scene in the sky as it rose behind clouds above the Rocca Calascio Castle.

The image was captured by photographer Lorenzo Di Cola on July 20, 2024.

bright golden full moon partially obscured by clouds above a ruin of a large castle.

If you're in search of a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon, our guides to the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals can assist you. Additionally, our recommendations for the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography will help you get ready to capture your next skywatching event.

The next full moon will occur on Monday, Aug. 19 at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT.) August's full moon will make for an interesting skywatching and photography target as it will be the first supermoon of the year.
List shows top cities in the U.S. for people to move to. Where does Jacksonville fall?

A small rainbow forms in the spray of Friendship Fountain late Friday afternoon. Visitors made their way to the newly rebuilt Friendship Fountain on Jacksonville's south bank across the river from downtown Friday, February 2, 2024. The fences allowing the public access to the park came down Thursday.

A new study shows moving to Florida is still a popular choice, but the most desirable cities in the state have shifted.

Jacksonville ranked as the sixth most popular big city for people to move to in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2024, according to a new report from moveBuddha.com.

Miami is no longer in the top 10 of large cities for people to move to.

Local activities: Fun things to do and places to cool off when it's hot in Jacksonville

Other Duval rankings: Which Northeast Florida city was ranked as a top location for corporate headquarters?

Traveling to Jax: Overseas visitors in Florida: Where does Jacksonville rank among state's top destinations?

The most popular big city for incoming residents was Orlando, followed by Charlotte, North Carolina; Tampa; San Antonio; and Houston.

Orlando had about 160 moves into the city for every 100 moving out, the report said.

Behind Jacksonville were Las Vegas; New York; Dallas; and Portland, Oregon, respectively.

Among cities of all sizes, Ocala ranked as the top for incoming residents in early 2024 with the highest inflow-to-outflow ratio, the report said.

The report described Ocala as affordable and offering a "quiet lifestyle and growing cultural options."

Similarly, other small cities in the South fared well on the report, including Cary, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which were just behind Ocala.

Although Florida wasn't among the top 10 states for its move-in-move-out ratio at the time of the report  ranking at No. 17  it still had a high share of cities in the top 10 of both the large city list and the overall list.

Florida cities made up 20% of the top 10 move-to cities nationwide so far this year and ranked third for net in-migration, behind Texas and North Carolina.

Florida and Tennessee, which have seen significant increases in population since 2020, also had two of the most exit-heavy cities.

Cities that saw the highest number of exits so far were San Bernardino, California; Tallahassee; Oakland, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and San Jose, California, respectively.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida tops new report naming most popular cities for incoming residents in early 2024
PINEVILLE, WV (WVNS)  The McGraw family of Wyoming County can count themselves among the few families who have continually held family reunions every year for decades.

Tracing their family line back to one man, the McGraw family has dozens of members among them.

These people are proud of their family history and celebrate it every year by holding a reunion to reconnect with members who have moved away or who they just have not seen in a while.

Scott McGraw helped organize this years reunion and said the history of these gatherings goes back decades.

Owl found in Kentucky familys Christmas tree

The McGraw family reunion, were in our 71st year this year. It began in 1953. And the way the McGraw reunion began is the McGraw family had come together and built a church over in McGraws, which is a town near here and as a celebration of the opening of that church, they had their first meeting there at the church and they had a picnic on the grass is what they called it. And the very next year, they decided, This was great! Were gonna have a McGraw reunion! So, thats where the McGraw reunion started. explained McGraw.

The family history dates much further back than 1953. This branch of the McGraws dates back to John McGraw who was born all the way back in 1824.

They are also incredibly widespread, with David McGraw winning Furthest Visiting McGraw by making the trip from Costa Rica.

United States McCraw Family Association Reunion

David McGraw said it was important to him to attend this year.

It means a lot of history Familyand you know, and strong family ties. David McGraw said.

The McGraws can trace their history back further still to a William McCraw who was born in 1690 and died before the Revolutionary War.

Scott McGraw said his so-many-times great grandfather changed the last name to McGraw around 1870 and they still have not figured out why.

More than $14 million announced for projects in West Virginia

McGraw said he knows there are more of his kin out there just from John McGraw.

His obituary stated that he had over 200 living descendants at the time he passed away. He had fifth generation great children alive at that time. He had eleven children to survived to adulthood. So, theres got to be thousands and thousands and thousands roaming around the United States today just because of John. said McGraw.

He encourages anyone who has a McGraw in their family tree to do some digging and if they find a common ancestor, to come on down to next years reunion in Pineville.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The aged Bucker & Gibbs Plow Co. walk-behind "flip plow" Ken Recker found in Fall 2023 in Everett, Pennsylvania, was stored in his garage for months, but now has been donated to Southern Cove Power Reunion in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, a group that holds vintage tractor events and plow days.

The Bucher & Gibbs plow discovered on farmland in Pennsylvania has found a home.

"I donated it to a local group that Allen Boyd belongs," said Ken Recker of Everett, Pennsylvania, who discovered the plow while clearing brush on a neighbor's property in Bedford County at the edge of the Allegheny Mountains. He enlisted Boyd to research the farm implement and get it to where others could enjoy seeing it.

The final destination for the B&G plow, manufactured in the 1800s by Bucher & Gibbs, is Southern Cove Power Reunion in New Enterprise, Pennyslvania, a group that holds tractor events and plow days. The group also operates an exhibit building sitting on several acres of land upon which it harvests wheat and hay. "Our mission is to preserve the farming lifestyle of the past," its Facebook page notes.

Stark County-made implement unearthed: Pennsylvanian preserves remnant of Bucher & Gibbs Plow Co.

"They are going to restore it," Recker said, "and display it."

Boyd is planning to get the plow ready for the public to view at an upcoming event sponsored by Southern Cove.

"I am going to get that plow sandblasted," he said. "It will be displayed at our tractor show in September."

Plow hidden from view

The plow had been tucked in weeds and forgotten for years before Recker came across it.

"The owner, Walter Weyant, used the plow when he returned from World War II at his family farm on Black Oak Ridge in Bedford County," Recker said. "His dad fell ill so Walter took over the farming with the mule-drawn plow for a number of years. His father passed away and they pretty much quit farming. Apparently, Walter kept the plow through numerous moves, and it was left outside where I rescued it. Walter passed away a few years ago.

"He was a great guy. He also collected Indian motorcycles. He had five or six when he passed."

Decendent of B&G Plow Co. helps out: Plowing through decades of the past

Weyant's former home was going up for sale by its current owner as Recker cleared some overgrowth.

"I saw it in some brush, Recker said. "I didn't know if it was valuable. I didn't know if it was worth anything to anyone. I didn't know if a museum would want it."

Reckert asked his neighbor who owned the property if she wanted to keep the vintage farm implement, and she said, "No, just take it."

So, Reckert, who "didn't want an antique to go to the scrap heap," enlisted his wife to move the plow to a corner of his garage while he did research on it with Boyd.

The plow Ken Recker found in weeds in Pennsylvania was manufactured in Canton by the Bucker & Gibbs Plow Co. Its wooden handles had rotted away over decades. It will be placed on display at a vintage tractor event in Pennsylvania in September.

Descendant provides history

The story about the plow has unfolded in a pair of articles published in The Canton Repository previously this year.

"This one is a flip plow and I'd guess it would have been on the newer end (of B&G's product history)," said Boyd. "I think it would have been extremely innovative for its time."

Following the initial report of the finding of the B&G farm implement, a descendant of Joshua Gibbs, the partner of John Rex Bucher in the the B&G Plow Company, stepped forward with some history about the farm implement manufacturing firm originally founded in 1836 by his great-great-great-grandfather as the Joshua Gibbs Plow Co.

Attorney Richard Gibbs, who practices law in North Canton, noted that the newly discovered plow is a symbol of Stark County's prominent place in the manufacturing of farm implements  B&G was one of a handful of companies manufacturing agricultural equipment in the 1800s  in much the same manner the pair of images on the clock tower of the Stark County Courthouse representing industries driving the economy of the Canton area in the 19th century.

"One of which is the manufacturing of plows depicted in the left angle of the tower," he noted.

Becoming a display in a museum

Gibbs reached out to Recker and Boyd telling them how pleased the Gibbs family was that the plow had been recovered.

The pair at the time the original article was published noted that they were hoping to have the plow displayed as an historical artifact.

"I like to preserve this kind of stuff," said Recker in January, "and put it somewhere that people can see it."

Now that wish has become a reality.

The Southern Cove Power Reunion is the name for both the organization and its September event. The three-day celebration of antique tractors will be all day Sept. 20-22 at the organization's land at 145 Cave Road near New Enterprise, north of New Bedford and south of Altoona in the south-central portion of Pennsylvania.

Among activities at the Reunion are grain threshing, straw bailing and corn bonding and chopping. A tractor parade is held daily and farm stock is available to be viewed. Food vendors also set up their shops.

"We have tractor pulls at night," said Boyd, whose father helped organize the Southern Cove group.

An antique tractor pull is scheduled at 4 p.m. Friday Sept. 20 and a children's pedal pull will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday Sept. 22.

The B&G plow will be on display at the Reunion, likely in an honored place just outside the entrance of the Reunion building, where it is expected to "draw people in," said Boyd.

Plans call for refurbished museum

The plow will be a static display, since the wooden handles on it  long since disintegrated  have not yet been replaced.

Although plans call for it to be an outdoor display for this event, ultimately it probably will be brought inside the building to be exhibited in a more museum-like setting.

Efforts are being made, Boyd said, to pour concrete on the floor of the Reunion structure, and more properly display the implements kept inside it.

"Our vision is to get it real organized," said Boyd. "We've got some neat stuff in there. Our focus is to get it displayed like a museum."

Ultimately, the B&G plow will be one of the implements given a prominent place in the revamped display space.

"I'll get the plow sandblasted and looking good, and put together with the pieces we have," Boyd promised. "If we find parts through future years, we'll get them on it. It's pretty cool."

Reach Gary at gary.brown.rep@gmail.com. On "X" (Formerly Twitter): @gbrownREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County-built farm plow gets spot in Pennsylvania museum
When is the next full moon? It's going to be a super one in August

There's something super fishy about the full moon coming in August. Named for the monster fish, the "Sturgeon Moon" comes as young deer start to come of age (remember: July's full moon was the "Buck Moon"), and the fish become plentiful in the cold and deep waters in the northern United States. It's also a supermoon, the first of four in a row for 2024.

When is the full moon in August 2024?

The Sturgeon Moon will hit peak illumination at 11:26 a.m. Pacific on Monday, Aug. 19. A supermoon will appear bigger and brighter than the other full moons we've seen so far this year.

Why is August's full moon called the Sturgeon Moon?

Sturgeon, an important staple food for Native Americans who lived in what is now the Great Lakes states and northern New England, was "quite abundant" in late summer, though rarer today, according to the Farmers' Almanac. Thus, the Sturgeon Moon will rise as late July wanes into August.

What is a supermoon?

In the simplest of terms, a supermoon is one that appears larger than others because the moon is closer to the Earth. The Farmers' Almanac explains that by this "broad" definition, there can be several super moons per year, defined by a moon that is near "perigee" (the point where the moons orbit is its closest to Earth).

A more strict definition of a supermoon means there can only be two per year: the single closest new moon and full moon of the year.

When are the super moons in 2024?

After the full Sturgeon Moon on Aug. 19, the other supermoons of 2024 will be the full Harvest Moon on Sept. 17, the full Hunter Moon on Oct. 17 (which is also a Blue Moon), and the Beaver Moon on Nov. 15.

When are the supermoons in 2025?

There will be three super moons in a row in 2025: Oct. 7, Nov. 5, and Dec. 4.

Best way to view the full moon: Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a good place to view the full moon in Southern California? Consider Joshua Tree National Park, where the dark night skies make for excellent viewing. Incidentally, we are in "Milky Way" season for JTNP ... meaning the Milky Way is most visible at that vantage point during this time of year.

There's one catch though. You'll need to choose between full moon viewing or Milky Way viewing, as a bright moon will obscure your view of the galaxy.

What are the different full moons called? When will they be?

Each full moon has its own name. Here in North America we take the names of the full moons from Native Americans from different areas of North America.

In the 1930s, the Maine Farmers' Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons, according to NASA. Here's a look at when other full moons are expected to happen in 2024, according to NASA:

Sept. 17, Harvest Moon

Oct. 17, Hunter's Moon

Nov. 15, Beaver Moon

Dec. 15, Cold Moon

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: When is August's full moon? Here's when, why it's the Sturgeon Moon
Pan Am is returning to skies in 2025, and packages start at $65K: Whats included?

(NEXSTAR)  Longing to return to the airline industrys Golden Age of travel, with spacious seating, in-flight freebies and an open bar?

Just be prepared to pay for it.

A Pan Am-branded plane will be returning to the skies in 2025, offering a select group of passengers a multi-destination travel experience that retraces some of the now-defunct airlines original transatlantic routes for one all-inclusive price.

Terrell Davis details deplorable treatment, handcuffing on United flight

The flight program, appropriately called Tracing the Transatlantic, kicks off June 27, 2025, in New York City before making stops in Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London and Foynes in midwestern Ireland, where guests can tour a full-size Pan Am Clipper replica before heading back to the States on July 9. At each stop, travelers will enjoy accommodations at notable hotels including the Waldorf Astoria in NYC, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz in Lisbon, The Savoy in London, and a literal castle in Ireland.

The flights and accommodations were chosen to invoke a sense of luxury and exclusivity, according to the official website of Criterion Travel, a U.S.-based tour operator who partnered with Bartelings, a U.K. charter company, to plan the trips under an official license from Pan Am Brands.

In other words, its not cheap. Tickets are priced at $59,950 per person for passengers traveling as a couple, or $65,500 per person for solo travelers.

Passengers deplane after a flight from New York to Brussels. The airline, once the unofficial flag carrier of the United States, filed for bankruptcy in 1991. (Getty Images)

Costs include more than just travel and accommodations. The flights  chartered on an all business-class plane  will feature lie-flat seats, an open bar and continental cuisine. The inclusive rate also includes all meals (except for a dinner in London), and some exclusive branded swag, according to the Criterion and Bartelings sites. (A representative for Criterion was only able to say the swag will include Pan Am-branded items and collectibles; Pan Ams official site currently sells pens, bags and sweatshirts, among other items.)

Additionally, Criterion indicated that the passengers  of which only 50 will be allowed  can partake in optional excursions at the destinations. Guests will also enjoy expedited screening at customs and immigration checkpoints, per the Tracing the Transatlantic site.

A spokesperson for Criterion Travel added that the plane itself (a Boeing 757-200) will feature Pan Am livery, indicating it may resemble the airlines aircraft of yore.

Delta Air Lines adopts new rules for flight attendant uniforms after Palestinian pin flap

Despite the price, the idea of revisiting the Pan Am era has proven to be quite popular: The first Tracing the Transatlantic trip is already sold out. Criterions spokesperson has confirmed that a second departure is already in the planning stages, though they did not say when that trip would take place.

Craig Carter, the CEO of Pan American World Airways, had already indicated that future flight programs could take to the skies in coming years, calling the 2025 experience just the first of many exclusive themed flights back into the luxury travel space. A full itinerary on the Bartelings site also teases exciting centenary plans for Pan Am in 2027.

Pan American Airways, founded in 1927, was once regarded as a leading international airline. The carrier filed for bankruptcy in 1991 amid increased competition from commercial carriers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Nate Bockbrader and his dog Cosmo walking over the bridge. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for a new Rainbow Bridge Pet Remembrance Path next to Hounds Town Space Coast pet daycare center at 3905 U.S. 1 in Rockledge at the intersection of Barnes Blvd. on Saturday evening. It is open to the community, where people who have lost beloved pets can leave a collar, a leash, or purchase a plaque in their memory. Mayor Tom Price, and council members Mike Cadore and Duane Daski joined owners Leslie Bottesch and Jane Banke to open the bridge to the public.

Brevard County welcomed a new place to honor pets who have passed away.

A ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurated the new Rainbow Bridge Pet Remembrance Path next to Hounds Town Space Coast pet daycare center at 3905 U.S. 1 in Rockledge at the intersection of Barnes Blvd.

David Raucci places the collar of their much loved beagle Sadie, who died three weeks ago, on the new Rainbow Bridge Pet Remembrance Path next to Hounds Town Space Coast pet daycare center at 3905 U.S. 1 in Rockledge.

The remembrance path is open to the community, where people who have lost beloved pets can leave a collar, a leash, or purchase a plaque in their pet's memory.

Rockledge Mayor Tom Price, and Council members Mike Cadore and Duane Daski joined owners Leslie Bottesch and Jane Banke to open the bridge to the public on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Rainbow Bridge Pet Remembrance Path in Rockledge opens
Most of today's stars can only dream of the incredible popularity of the Marenych Trio. However, for about 20 years, almost nothing has been heard about the group. The creative tandem broke up, and the artists started working independently of each other.

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Ukrainian composer Oleksandr Zlotnyk spoke about this in an interview with OBOZ.UA. He also recalled how much the super-popular artists earned, and told how their fate developed after fame.

The band's founder is considered to be Antonina Marenych (before her marriage, Sukhorukova). She is the sister of Svitlana, who was also a member of the band, and the wife of Valerii Marenych, another vocalist of the famous trio. Antonina and Svitlana Sukhorukova are from Kuibyshev, Russia (now Samara). Valerii Marenych was born and raised in Kryvyi Rih. Only Antonina had a higher musical education in the group, and she began her singing career in Yuriy Saulsky's Moscow pop orchestra VIA-66. She began her creative collaboration with Valerii Marenych in 1971. At first, they performed as a duet, and later Svitlana joined them.

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Antonina Marenych told the story of the trio's creation on her Facebook page as follows: "The idea to create a musical trio came up in one of the hotel rooms in Novosibirsk, where my husband and I were vacationing. Valerii and I were listening to a music radio program where they were premiering songs and talking about well-known and new artists. A duet of guys came on the radio, and I said: "We need to make a trio because there are no more duos."

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The band first appeared on television in 1978 and quickly gained popularity not only in Ukraine but also far beyond its borders. The following year, the Melodiya company announced their first record, and the Ukrtelefilm studio created a TV version of the recordings. In 1979, the Marenychs represented Soviet Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest with the songs "Oh, in a Grove by the Danube" and "Halia Carries Water."

There are several versions of why the band disappeared from the pop scene so quickly. According to one of them, the band members had a dispute with officials of the Ministry of Culture of the Ukrainian SSR. They were invited to perform at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 but had to refuse due to Antonina's illness. Then they were offered to sing to a backing track, and they were outraged because they always sang live on stage. Another reason was given: the artists refused to perform Soviet patriotic songs, and Valerii was fond of Sich Riflemen songs instead.

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Meanwhile, the artists had a very influential supporter, the Russian poet and songwriter Robert Rozhdestvensky, who was known to everyone in the USSR. He admired the Marenychs' work, and they were friends. And, according to another version of the trio's disappearance from the pop scene, it was because of Rozhdestvensky.

"I wrote for them (the most famous songs are 'Red Poppies' and 'Silence Around'  Ed.), we toured," says Oleksandr Zlotnyk. "We also worked together on two musical films. For one of them, "Flowers of the Meadow", Robert Rozhdestvensky wrote the poems, and I wrote the music. Robert was a big fan of the Marenychs.

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Zlotnyk rejects the version that the authorities began to destroy the Marenychs at Rozhdestvensky's suggestion: "No, it's not true. There was a story that he was offended when they didn't come to Moscow for his anniversary. It was not known until the last moment whether they would come or not. I was already on stage, and suddenly they called me on the phone. And Antonina, Valerii's wife, said: "Sasha, we won't be there, we decided to sing exclusively in Ukrainian." At one time, they sang in different languages-Ukrainian, Spanish, and Russian (Antonina and Svitlana are from a Russian city). They were looking for themselves.

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"They started a rumor that they fled the USSR to Canada," explains composer Zlotnyk. "It was done deliberately, and there were conversations at all levels. For example, I have Valerii Marenych at home in Kyiv. I run to the grocery store, pardon me, to get a bottle. I'm walking down Volodymyrska Street, where I lived at the time, and one of the highest-ranking officials comes to meet me: "What's up with your Marenychy? Are they drinking whiskey already?" I reminded him that Marenych was at my house. Is he okay? I said: "What are you talking about?" Even Rozhdestvensky called me: "Sasha, is it true that the Marenychs have left?"

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"The rumor was started by their administrator. Valerii fired him for one big mistake, and he publicly promised to "thank" him," adds Zlotnyk, "And for some reason, this rumor spread with incredible speed and force. And those were the days when you couldn't refute it as easily as you can now, through social media or the media. And when they were going to Canada and the United States, not for permanent residence, but for concerts, we had great difficulty getting permission for the four of us to leave. Before we went on tour abroad, I decided that we needed to "run the repertoire". We traveled around the Kyiv region with concerts. There were full houses. But sometimes people would throw me out of the audience: "What, you want Ukrainian bacon? Are you back?"

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"And so, returning to Rozhdestvensky, I could have asked him to influence this harassment, because it was obvious that the attitude of 'wetting' these artists was supported by the top, but he was offended by them for the concert that they did not attend. That's why I didn't ask him for help, and he didn't offer it," Zlotnyk says.

The Marenychs were virtually unheard of until 1994 when the trio gave a big concert in Kyiv at the Ukraine Palace. Since then, they have released several CDs of old and new songs. In 2003, Antonina, Svitlana, and Valerii Marenych were awarded the title of People's Artists of Ukraine. At the end of 2004, the artists announced that they were stopping working together.

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"Valerii is a solo artist, and Antonina also tried to record songs separately," says Oleksandr Zlotnyk, "I even wrote a song for her. But you see, their unique value was in the group. At one time, the Philharmonic gave them a three-room apartment in one of the best houses in the city. However, it is written on the Internet that they all lived in a one-room apartment, which is a lie. I was in that apartment, in the so-called regional committee house."

"They were really insanely popular, but they were paid a pittance," Zlotnyk continues, "The rate was 19 rubles 50 kopecks per concert. And stadiums were packed with 30 thousand people. Even if a ticket cost a ruble, you can imagine what kind of money it was. In general, artists used to be very profitable touring artists for the state. Sophia Rotaru, Nazarii Yaremchuk, and Vasyl Zinkevich  they were very well attended, and people bought tickets. All philharmonic societies dreamed of their arrival. After all, several concerts of the band at the stadium financially supported the work of the institution for some time. They could pay salaries to their orchestras, which did not earn money for themselves.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Woman Searching for Bride After Finding Wedding Dress in a Highway Ditch 'Fluffing Around in the Wind'

Denise Gannon and her husband were driving along Highway 144 in Iowa when they spotted the dress next to the road

KCCI/YouTube A photo of the dress that Denise Gannon found along an Iowa highway on June 12

A woman is hoping to reunite a bride with her wedding dress after finding the formal garment on the side of a highway in Iowa last month.

Denise Gannon told local Des Moines news outlet KCCI 8 that she and her husband were driving along Highway 144, north of Rippey, on June 12 when they spotted a white object in a grassy ditch by the road.

"We had to go get parts one day into Perry  and here was this on the side of the road," Gannon recalled. "All this fluff was just fluffing around in the wind."

The couple stopped to retrieve the dress, which is a size 18W and made by Alfredo Angelo. It features a strapless design with tiers of tulle ruffles.

Over the past month, Gannon has made it her mission to track down the owner of the wedding dress  but so far, she has had no luck. "I really thought that if I put it on Facebook, somebody would notice it and want it," she told KCCI 8. "But nothing."

Related: Wedding Dress Finally Returned to Family 30 Years After It Was Lost at Dry Cleaners

She initially thought she had a solid lead in her search, as she found the dress next to a garment bag from Bliss Bridal, a wedding shop in nearby Mason City. However, when she called the shop, she was told that they don't carry the Alfredo Angelo brand.

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As she's shared her story, Gannon has had lots of different theories suggested to her about the lost dress  including that the bride changed her mind or that the dress was swept up during the tornado that ripped through Greenfield on May 21.

But Gannon isn't quite sold on either of those theories. "I just don't know if somebody was hauling or moving and it blew out of their vehicle," she told KCCI 8.

She said she will donate the dress if she doesn't succeed in finding the owner in the next few weeks.

"Hopefully somebody will just find it and say, 'Hey, that's my dress!' " she said.



Related: A Bride's Wedding Dress Is Lost After Groom Accidentally Left It on the Roof of His Car and Drove Off

In a similar story back in March, an Australian bride-to-be lost her wedding dress after her fiance accidentally left in on the roof of his car.

Lindel Cain told local outlet 7 News at the time that she and fiance Tom Mitton had been retrieving some items at their storage unit when Mitton placed a box containing her $2,000 dress on top of his vehicle. She said he had been worried that the box would be damaged or crushed by other items.

When the pair finished up at the storage unit, they drove off  with the dress still on the car's roof. They quickly realized their mistake and backtracked.

We were pulling into Burnside Village [a local shopping center] when the penny dropped for him, and we quickly turned around and tried to retrace our steps, Cain told 7 News. We parked the car and walked along Port Wakefield Road with trucks going 90 kilometers per hour past us, trying to find the box somewhere on the side of the road."

Sadly, they did not manage to find the dress and later put up a $500 reward for anyone who helped them find the lost garment.



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Read the original article on People.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Pinellas County deputies are investigating a shooting that left a man dead on Sunday evening.

Around 5 p.m., deputies responded to a home at 8198 49th Avenue North regarding a person being shot.

2-year-old found dead in Florida canal after accidental drowning, deputies say

The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

It is unknown what events led up to the shooting.

The sheriffs office said the incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(KRON)  The Vallejo Police Department announced the citys fifth traffic collision fatality of the year. A driver has died after a two-car crash on Friday.

At 5:18 p.m. on Friday, Vallejo PD was alerted to an injury-involving car crash in the 1800 block of Solano Avenue.

Responding officers found that two sedans, a 2015 Infiniti Q50 and a 2013 Hyundai Accent, were involved in a collision east of Shasta Street. According to police, both cars had one occupant.

3 Fremont homicides in July prompts police statement

According to Vallejo PD, the Hyundai was traveling southbound on Shasta Street while the Infiniti was traveling westbound on Solano Avenue. Police said when the Hyundai was crossing Solano Avenue heading to Mayo Avenue, the Infiniti struck the Hyundai at the intersection.

The driver of the Hyundai sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. The driver was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Solano County Sheriffs Coroners Office is holding the deceaseds name until the next of kin is notified.

The driver of the Infiniti remained at the scene and cooperated with the police, according to Vallejo PD. Police said drugs and alcohol were not believed to be a factor in this collision.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Colin Eaton at (707) 648-4329 or email Colin.Eaton@cityofvallejo.net.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
1 injured in crash that closed portion of Murfreesboro Pike

1 injured in crash that closed portion of Murfreesboro Pike

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  At least one person was injured in an overnight crash that shut down a portion of Murfreesboro Pike in South Nashville.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) responded to the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Arlington Avenue just before midnight on Monday, July 22.

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Source: WKRN

Source: WKRN

Source: WKRN

At the scene, an officer told News 2 that one person was taken to the hospital. However, the extent of their injuries remains unknown.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The portion of Murfreesboro Pike has since reopened. It remains unclear what led to the crash.

Additional details were not immediately released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
1 killed, 2 hurt in crash on Highway 17 near Murrells Inlet, highway patrol says

1 killed, 2 hurt in crash on Highway 17 near Murrells Inlet, highway patrol says

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  One person was killed and two others injured Sunday evening in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 17 near Murrells Inlet, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

It happened at about 6:10 p.m. when a 2011 Honda Accord and a 2023 Subaru Outback collided near Highway 17 Business, SCHP Lance Cpl. Lena Butler said.

The driver of the Honda died in the crash, and a passenger was taken to a local hospital by EMS, Butler said. The Subaru driver was also taken to a local hospital by EMS.

No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
FILE - A Medicaid office employee works on reports at Montefiore Medical Center, Nov. 21, 2014, in New York. The federal government requires every state to recover money from the assets of dead people who, in their final years, relied on Medicaid for long-term care. Now, critics want the federal government to stop doing that because, they say, the program collects a bit of money from the poorest people. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

Nearly 1 of every 5 uninsured working-age adults across the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid eligibility are stuck in a health care limbo known as a coverage gap, according to a new analysis.

That means they earn too much money to receive Medicaid but not enough to qualify for financial help to purchase their own plan on the marketplace.

In Alabama and Mississippi, more than a quarter of uninsured working-age adults are left with no affordable pathways to health coverage, according to the analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank that researches federal and state budget policies.

Overall, 1.65 million adults between the ages of 19 and 64 face the situation in the non-expansion states, including 83,000 South Carolinians. Texas accounts for the most, at 726,000 people.

According to a new analysis, 83,000 South Carolinians without insurance fall into the coverage gap. A closer look at who they are:

44,000, or 53%, are male

40% are ages 19-34

29% are ages 35-49

32.5% are ages 50-64

48% are white; 40% are Black; 6% are Latino; 4% are multiracial

57% are working families; 22% are disabled adults; 16% are parents at home with children; 6% are self-employed

Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report

They are all people with incomes below the federal poverty level, and yet they have no financial assistance or coverage, said Gideon Lukens, senior fellow and director of research and data analysis with the organizations health policy team.

The analysis also found that more than 60% of those who fall into this gap are people of color: Latino people account for 35%; Black residents account for 24%; and Asian people account for 2%.

Mississippi state Rep. Robert Johnson, a Democrat, said the lack of insurance coverage contributes to other problems  such as the closures of hospitals that have to cover the cost of treating uninsured patients  in all types of communities.

This is not a conservative or liberal issue. This is about the people that we represent in the state of Mississippi, whether they be Black or white, Johnson said in an interview. This is a life-or-death issue for not just individuals, but the whole communities.

Whats the coverage gap?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid eligibility as the law intended before the U.S. Supreme Court made it an option rather than a mandate.

Those states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The high courts ruling meant the Affordable Care Act allowed states to expand Medicaid to cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty line. The costs of insuring more people would be paid for primarily with federal funds and a smaller state match. People who earned more than that could receive tax credits to subsidize health insurance costs.

But in the states that didnt expand, many people with low incomes were left without affordable options.

Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at the nonprofit health research organization KFF, told Stateline most people in the coverage gap have jobs but may work in industries and for employers that are much less likely to provide health insurance coverage, such as in the service industry or construction.

They simply dont have access to affordable health insurance coverage, and therefore fall into what we call the coverage gap, Tolbert said.

In Alabama, for example, people are only eligible for Medicaid if they earn at or below 18% of the federal poverty line, about $4,678 a year for a three-person household. But health insurance cost subsidies would only kick in for people earning at 100% of the federal poverty line, which means those in the coverage gap may be stuck with premiums at upward of hundreds of dollars a month if they got a marketplace plan.

In South Carolina, non-disabled, working-age adults without children also dont qualify for full coverage by Medicaid. Childless adults below 195% of the poverty level can get limited family planning coverage, which pays for services to prevent pregnancies, such as birth control, and preventive exams. Pregnant women with incomes below 200% of the poverty level qualify for full coverage until the childs first birthday.

Otherwise, parents qualify if they make 67% of the federal poverty level or less, which is just $16,650 per year for a family of three. Children 18 and under still qualify if their parents earn at or below 208% of the poverty level, or a maximum of $53,706 for that same family of three.

Considering expansion

Some analysts say that, despite misgivings about the Affordable Care Act, holdout states will need to reconsider expansion to bring in federal matching funds and help their residents.

There is no real solution to ensuring some level of health insurance coverage for this population, absent a Medicaid expansion, said James C. Capretta, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right public policy think tank.

If youre going to have a safety net insurance system in this country, which we should have, it absolutely has to be reliably there for people in this kind of income with these kinds of income levels, Capretta said. There needs to be some push and movement to see if there is a way forward to get the coverage gap fully closed.

In Mississippi, where Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he would veto any bill on Medicaid expansion, there has still been some movement.

Both chambers of the Mississippi legislature earlier this year approved versions of bipartisan legislation that would have expanded Medicaid with work requirements. But the measure failed after legislators were unable to settle on a final version.

My argument to my Republicans has been, The ACA is with us. With 40 states now enacting it, its going to be with us, White told Stateline. And if you cant get there for the compassion and the health care coverage for these low-income working Mississippians, get yourself there because of the savings and the cost benefits it is for our health care industry and for our state economy as a whole.

White said the Republican caucus has been seeing a change in temperature, with more support for expansion. He added that for the first time, the Mississippi business community supports a pathway to Medicaid coverage, which could help get a veto-proof bill through the legislature.

We have finally seen the thawing of the ice here, White said. Now, where that leads to the next session in the coming years, I dont know. But Im encouraged.

SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.

Like the SC Daily Gazette, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
11-year-old Georgia boy holds up heartbreaking sign asking for help to bury his mom

People in Lindale, Georgia were greeted with a heartbreaking sight this week: An 11-year-old boy holding up a sign asking for help to bury his mother.

Shannon Mount, 45, went into cardiac arrest on July 8, according to GoFundMe. Paramedics were able to revive her and she was put on life support until she died on July 16.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

After her death, her son 11-year-old Kayden Ely, stood beside the railroad tracks in his small town for two days with a sign that read Please help bury my mama.

Multiple people in the community shared Elys plea with Channel 2 Action News. Family friend Jennifer Grissom started a GoFundMe to help Kayden secure his mothers funeral expenses.

TRENDING STORIES:

So far, the community has donated more than $8,500 of the $7,100 goal.

Mounts funeral is set for July 27 at the Good Shepherd Funeral Home in Rome.

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According to Mounts obituary, she was the mother of five and grandmother of one.

**Community, we need your help!** I came across a heartbreaking photo of two young boys holding a sign, asking for help... Posted by Rajeshkumar Miniyar on Sunday, July 21, 2024

Shannon was a straight shooter. She didnt sugarcoat anything and was always ready to tell you off if you needed it. She loved her kids fiercely, even when life got messy, family members wrote. She wouldnt want anyone to dress up her life to be what it wasnt. She was raw, real, and unapologetic. She wasnt a perfect mother or housewife, but she tried her best

You can donate to the GoFundMe HERE. Donations can also be made to the Good Shepherd Funeral Home in Rome.
13-year-old gang member arrested in Porterville on gun charges, police say

13-year-old gang member arrested in Porterville on gun charges, police say

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 13-year-old gang member from Visalia was arrested on multiple gun charges on Saturday afternoon, according to the Porterville Police Department.

Officers say they were called to a home on the 200 block of South Ohio Street around 3:45 p.m. to respond to a possible theft from a vacant house.

Officials say officers made contact with a juvenile whom they found to be carrying a concealed, loaded handgun.

14-year-old among gang members arrested in Visalia

Officers also found two other loaded guns, a short-barreled semi-automatic assault rifle, and several large-capacity magazines all discarded nearby.

According to Porterville police, over 100 marijuana plants were also found growing in the home.

Police say the juvenile was taken into custody and booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Officials say the juvenile was charged with possession of a handgun, possession of ammunition, possession of a privately manufactured firearm (Ghost Gun), possession of a loaded firearm by a gang member, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any other criminal street gang activity is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through the departmental Facebook or Instagram page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 14-year-old was one of three arrested in a Visalia park Saturday evening among gang members, the Visalia Police Department announced.

An officer was conducting a security check at Ruiz Park on East Buena Vista Avenue just before 11:15 p.m. Saturday police say, due to recent violent crimes.

Upon arrival, the officer contacted a group of people, including known Norteno gang members. As he approached, investigators say 21-year-old Anthony Canchola walked away and attempted to hide a loaded gun in a bush.

Officers report Canchola was later found with cocaine in his socks.

Detectives say for safety they searched the other individuals and discovered a loaded gun in the waistband of a 14-year-old. After searching their vehicle, officers also found a third gun linked to the driver, 20-year-old Janesa Smith.

As a result, the teen and two adults were arrested. Canchola was booked under suspicion of being a felon with a firearm and ammunition, having a controlled substance while armed, attempting to hide evidence, and a no-bail warrant for shooting at an inhabited dwelling.

Police say the 14-year-old was booked under suspicion of being a minor in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Smith was booked under suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Modern technologies allow representatives of many professions to work online, which, in turn, opens up travel opportunities that can be combined with work. But which country should you choose to get a great vacation and save money at the same time?

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In resort areas, the summer months are the high season, when the cost of living rises sharply and can be unaffordable for many. Euronews has analyzed the feedback from users of the r/travel forum on Reddit and compiled a list of the most affordable places to stay in Europe in the summer.

Budva, Montenegro

The undoubted advantage of this city is its location on the Adriatic Sea. In addition, architecture lovers will be able to admire the medieval Old Town. Monthly rents start at 700 euros per month in high season. For those who can't afford to take a break from work all summer, various coworking spaces can be found throughout the city.

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There are also opportunities for local travel for guests of Budva. For example, Galija Beach is a 20-minute drive from the city, and Kotor, a wonderful town with many cuddly cats on the streets, a medieval fortress, and stunning views of the Kotor Bay, is a 40-minute drive away.

If you don't want to crowd the beach with other vacationers, one Reddit user suggests heading to the mountains of Montenegro instead. The Durmitor limestone massif in the northwest of the country is popular for its hiking trails, canyons, and glacial mountain lakes. You can also find cheap accommodation in Pluzin, which is famous for its picturesque canyon, or head south to Skadar Lake near the border with Albania.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

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North Macedonia is off the beaten path for most travelers, and that's what makes it an ideal country for a summer vacation. First of all, it allows you to keep prices lower than in popular resort countries. The downside is the lack of access to the sea.

Nevertheless, ancient Ohrid is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid and can offer excellent beaches. In addition, the city has a developed network of coworking spaces, which are praised for their convenience for remote workers.

The weather in Ohrid is not so hot in summer. Yes, it can be 30-35 degrees during the day, but the local climate is pleasing with cooler nights, so you can sleep here even without air conditioning. Other advantages include delicious and cheap food, fast internet, and a vibrant nightlife. July and August are the perfect months to visit Ohrid, as the city comes alive with the Summer Festival, which showcases Macedonian folklore in music and dance.

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For even cheaper short-term rentals, head east to Bitola. Here you'll find neoclassical architecture, a vibrant cafe culture, and apartments for as little as 200 euros per month, according to Reddit users.

Belgrade, Serbia

Choosing a big city instead of a resort town by the sea is one of the best ways to control your budget. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, offers such options. In summer, you can rent an apartment here for as little as 380 euros per month.

At the same time, you will not be left without a beach vacation, as the Danube and Sava rivers flow through the city. The local climate is not too hot, so you won't have to suffer from stuffiness.

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For local culture, head to the bohemian Zemun neighborhood, where you'll find riverside cafes and lively nightlife. If you want to merge with nature, then the Great Ratna Island is a nature reserve located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Just a few hours south of the Bulgarian capital Sofia is the mountainous city of Bansko, best known for its winter ski slopes. But there are plenty of reasons to visit in the summer as well.

Located at the foot of Mount Pirin, the city is the gateway to the hiking trails of the national park of the same name. There are amazingly clear rivers that meander through flowering valleys and coniferous forests, home to wolves and brown bears.

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July-September brings to Bansko several cultural events and festivals, ranging from movie screenings under the stars to jazz and folklore festivals. The monthly rent of a room in the summer starts from 230 euros, and the local climate will please you with mild temperature changes and lack of heat.

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What can 15 seconds reveal? In Milwaukee, a collision of policing, politics and activism

A dozen officers from Ohio chat in a Milwaukee park.

Gripping their bicycles, they prepare for their shift and discuss protests outside the Republican National Convention, the event bringing them to the city.

Then they notice two men poised to fight.

"He's got a knife!" one officer says.

They run, shouting for the man to drop the knives.

When he does not, five officers open fire and kill the man, named Samuel Sharpe Jr.

The shooting was over in 15 seconds. But the events of July 16 carried the weight of years of tension and debate in Milwaukee and nationwide over the role of police officers, the force they use, and the way they interact with vulnerable populations.

Crowds quickly formed Tuesday afternoon at the scene. Sharpe, 43, was a well-known member of a tent encampment nearby, often seen carrying a Bible or taking care of a dog named Ices.

You got all of this locked up downtown. All of that locked up. And you come over here? Webb Evans, who hires some of the men like Sharpe, shouted at a line of officers.

These people aint voting for Donald Trump. He aint coming over here to campaign, he said.

What kind of sense does this make?

To Webb and others, the shooting confirmed the fears they had when Milwaukee was chosen to host the RNC, a national security event requiring thousands of outside officers to assist the Milwaukee Police Department.

To others, including the citys police chief and mayor, the shooting showed officers taking a life in order to save one.

There are an endless series of what if questions. What if Milwaukee police officers had handled the situation? What if no officers had been present? What if those living in tents had housing and their basic needs met?

And behind those questions, another series rises:

If any factor had been different, would Sharpe be alive? Would the other man have died?

Would everything still be the same?

Neighborhood has services to help people without permanent housing

The King Park Neighborhood sits atop a hill just west of downtown Milwaukee.

Anchored by a 21-acre park and community center, the neighborhood has a mix of people living there  longtime homeowners, renters and a sizeable population of people without permanent housing.

Two encampments have popped up over the past seven years, tucked behind buildings off West Vliet Street, near North 14th Street.

Sharpe had been staying there for about 10 months, a purposeful choice to spread the Gospel and give people hope, those who knew him said. He identified with the name Jehovah, getting it tattooed on his chest.

Sharpe had multiple sclerosis, a degenerative muscle disease impacting his mobility, but it did not stop him from being an active member of the community, his family said.

Samuel Sharpe Jr. and his dog, Ices

The neighborhood is a place where people can find help, share a meal and have a safe place to rest. A growing collection of services are clustered in the area. The Guest House and Repairers of the Breach have shelters nearby, and a soup kitchen is down the hill. The countys new mental health emergency center is close by, as is the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center.

It's also a place where there can be conflict, over loud music, litter or other issues.

"You can't be mad because they are people in need and they need to go somewhere, one homeowner told the Journal Sentinel.

And at the same time, it is hard to be a homeowner right here.

The local police officers who patrol that area  part of Milwaukee Police District 3, where the departments current chief once served as captain  would be well aware of those dynamics.

So would the departments specialty crisis response teams, which pair a county mental health counselor and officer to respond to non-violent mental health calls. Those units are based out of a city building about two miles west on Vliet Street.

Jeffrey Norman, the police chief, has said Milwaukee briefed all outside officers for the RNC about their duties and areas of patrol. Until Tuesday, much of the public did not realize those areas stretched into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Norman told reporters he could not share more specifics about the briefings.

Activists apprehensive about outside officers coming for RNC

Months before the RNC, activists peppered city officials with questions about the role of outside officers.

Where are they from? What rules do they have to follow? Will they wear body cameras?

The city convened meetings but rarely answered questions there, instead opting to respond in writing to attendees days later. One activist later called the sessions a "joke."

The fear of an occupying force descending on neighborhoods echoed earlier calls for police reform in Milwaukee and elsewhere.

In 2014, a white police officer killed Michael Brown, a Black teen in Ferguson, Mo., setting off waves of protests over racial injustice and police brutality encapsulated in the Black Lives Matter movement.

That same year, a Milwaukee police officer shot and killed Dontre Hamilton. Hamilton had been resting in Red Arrow Park when the officer responded to a call and confronted him, beginning the interaction that ended in Hamiltons death.

It was a watershed moment in the city.

Since then, the Police Department has required more training for officers, added body cameras, banned chokeholds and changed other policies while activists kept up a steady push for change and accountability.

The department also continued to face controversy: A fatal police shooting in 2016 led to several nights of civil unrest. The departments response to racial justice protests in 2020 came under intense criticism. The same year, an off-duty officer was charged with homicide after putting a man in a chokehold and later acquitted.

When the city won the bid to host the RNC, activists immediately raised questions about policing.

Milwaukee police officials said they did not intend to use outside officers for "forward-facing" roles, and they wanted Milwaukee officers to be the ones interacting with local residents. The agreements signed by the outside agencies reflected those goals, too.

But bicycle units, like the one gathered at King Park this week, were not considered forward-facing, the department later acknowledged.

At a vigil to remember Sharpe, activists including Hamilton's mother decried the recent shooting and condemned the role of outside officers. Speaking across the street from a mural depicting local Black leaders, they felt their fears had been prophetic.

"We warned them for years that it would be out-of-state police that would cause issues," said Alan Chavoya with the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

"We told them this would happen."

A 'tragic' situation leaves a man dead and a family mourning

The neighborhood, the RNC, years of police reform  all of it collided last Tuesday in the aftermath of Sharpes death.

That man didnt do (expletive) to nobody! one man yelled in the moments after the officers shot Sharpe.

"He didn't touch anyone with that knife," another said.

Hours later, Milwaukees police chief appeared before reporters for a brief news conference. He, too, raised his voice, but it was in defense of the officers.

"Someone's life was in danger," he said.

It was the second, and last, time the chief addressed reporters in a public briefing during the RNC. Earlier in the day, he had been named one of two finalists for the chief job in Austin, Texas.

"These officers who are not from this area took upon themselves to act to save someone's life today," he said.

Soon after Norman finished speaking, police officials in Columbus released a 31-second clip of body camera footage of the shooting.

It shows police officers making a decision to use deadly force in seconds based on the situation in front of them.

How people judge that decision depends on their perspective.

Prosecutors focus on a tight window of time showing the use of force, in this case roughly 15 seconds. They weigh officers' claims that they perceived an immediate deadly threat to themselves or others.

Police departments often consider the full encounter to determine if an officer broke internal rules or policies, and look to see if decisions officers made increased the danger and likelihood of using deadly force.

In this case, outside experts have said the shooting appears lawful. Several have suggested local police, even if they were familiar with Sharpe, would have acted the same.

People are saying that if the officer was from the area, they would have known, said Thaddeus Johnson, an assistant professor at George State University and a former Memphis police officer.

Thats a very hard task to put on a police officer, like theyre almost trying to predict the future.

The city's mayor, Cavalier Johnson, called the situation "tragic" for all involved, including the officers.

"No one, absolutely no one, wanted this outcome," he said the day after the shooting.

For many members of the public, and especially Sharpes family, its impossible to untangle any one piece of the interaction: The role of outside officers in town for the convention, the decision to place them in King Park, the population of people living without permanent housing and example after example of police killings.

"What's legal and what's moral isn't always the same," Sharpes sister, Angelique Sharpe, said.

Drake Bentley and Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: At 14th and Vliet, a fatal shooting shows tension of police, politics
15 vice presidents who became president themselves

Fifteen former vice presidents have gone on to become president themselves.

Some were unexpectedly inaugurated after the president's resignation, assassination, or illness.

Others, like Joe Biden, ran for office after their terms as vice president ended.

Throughout US history, 15 men who served as vice president have gone on to become president themselves.

Some vice presidents had no choice but to assume office due to the death or resignation of their predecessors, like Lyndon B. Johnson after John F. Kennedy's assassination. Others, like Joe Biden, chose to run for president after serving as second-in-command in the White House.

As Kamala Harris launches her presidential campaign following Biden's exit from the race, she could join the ranks of vice presidents who went on to serve as president.

Here are 15 vice presidents who became president of the United States.

After serving as the nation's first vice president under George Washington, John Adams became the second president of the United States in 1797.

John Adams. Stock Montage/Getty Images

Adams wasn't fond of the vice president role. He described it to his wife, Abigail Adams, as "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived," according to the White House's official website.

Thomas Jefferson served as President John Adams' vice president, then defeated him in the election of 1800.

Thomas Jefferson. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

After losing a bitter contest, Adams did not attend Jefferson's inauguration, according to the White House Historical Association.

Martin Van Buren served under President Andrew Jackson before being elected president in 1836.

Martin Van Buren. Universal History Archive/Getty Images

Van Buren was 5 feet and 6 inches tall, earning him the nickname "Little Magician." He served one term, defeated by the Whig party's William Henry Harrison in 1840.

John Tyler was the first vice president to assume the presidency due to the death of a president.

John Tyler. Hulton Archive / Stringer / Getty Images

William Henry Harrison died in 1841, making Tyler the president. His opponents called him "His Accidency," according to the White House.

Tyler was the first president to marry while in office. After his first wife, Letitia Christian Tyler, died in 1842  the first wife of a president to die in the White House  he secretly wed Julia Gardiner Tyler in 1844.

Millard Fillmore became president when President Zachary Taylor died in 1850.

Millard Fillmore. National Archives / Handout / Getty Images

Fillmore was a member of the Whig party. He was the last president who was neither Democrat nor Republican, according to the White House. He served as president until 1853.

Andrew Johnson took over the presidency after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.

Andrew Johnson. Library of Congress

Johnson fought with the Republican-controlled Congress, vetoing their legislation to protect freed slaves, so much so that the House of Representatives voted to impeach him. The Senate acquitted him by one vote, according to the White House.

Chester A. Arthur succeeded President James Garfield after he was assassinated just six months into his presidency in 1881.

Chester A. Arthur. Bettman/Getty Images

Arthur's wife had died in 1880, so his sister, Mary Arthur McElroy, served as first lady and White House hostess, according to the White House.

After President William McKinley was assassinated, his vice president Theodore Roosevelt took over in 1901.

Theodore Roosevelt. Hulton Archive / Stringer / Getty Images

At 42 years old, Roosevelt became the youngest president to assume office, according to the White House.

Calvin Coolidge became president after President Warren G. Harding died in 1923.

Calvin Coolidge. Bettman/Getty Images

Coolidge learned he had become president at 2:30 a.m. while visiting his family in Vermont. His father was a notary public and swore him in with the family Bible, according to the White House.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1945, making Harry S. Truman the new president.

Harry S. Truman. Bettmann/Getty Images

Truman's presidency included the end of World War II, the outbreak of the Korean War, and the beginning of the Cold War.

Lyndon B. Johnson took office after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

Lyndon B. Johnson. Bettmann/ Getty Images

Despite enacting landmark legislation such as Medicare, Head Start, the Voting Rights Act, and the Civil Rights Act, Johnson couldn't end the Vietnam War and decided not to run for a second term. He retired in 1969.

Richard Nixon served as vice president from 1953 to 1961, and then as president from 1969 to 1974.

Richard Nixon. AP Images

Nixon was the first president to ever resign from office. He did so after the Watergate scandal came to light in 1974.

Gerald R. Ford assumed office after Nixon resigned in 1974.

Gerald R. Ford. Don Carl STEFFEN/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Nixon's former vice president granted him a full pardon for the events of the Watergate scandal, according to the White House. Ford ran for another term in 1976, but lost to Jimmy Carter.

George H.W. Bush served as Ronald Reagan's vice president from 1981 to 1989 before serving one term as president.

George H.W. Bush. AP/Ron Edmonds

Bush, who was president between 1989 and 1993, lost his reelection campaign to Bill Clinton.

President Joe Biden served as President Barack Obama's vice president for eight years before winning the 2020 presidential election himself.

President-elect Joe Biden. Susan Walsh/AP

Biden and Obama's "bromance" became an internet phenomenon. Their relationship reportedly soured when Obama discouraged Biden from running for president in 2016 and threw his support behind Hillary Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump.

CNN also reported that Obama and Nancy Pelosi had discussed their concerns about Biden winning the 2024 election.

Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHICAGO  An 18-year-old man was shot during a robbery Sunday night near the University of Chicago campus.

The man was walking in the 1400 block of East 57th Street at around 9:15 p.m. when a white sedan stopped near him.

Police believe four males exited the sedan and approached the man. He was robbed of personal belongings and shot in the knee, according to police.

The males returned to the sedan and fled the scene.

The 18-year-old was transported to the University of Chicago in good condition.

No one is in custody. Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
2 boaters burned after vessel malfunctions in Hernando County

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Two people suffered burn injuries after their boat had mechanical issues, according to Hernando County Fire Rescue.

On Sunday, officials responded to the area near Channel Marker 3 off Bayport Park.

3 people saved after boat capsizes in Pasco County

When crews reached the disabled vessel, they began ALS medical care on the boaters, as they brought them to shore.

The two victims were taken to a nearby hospital. Their current condition is unknown.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to get the stranded boat.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Two people have been charged in connection to an alleged false bomb threat in Fredonia last week, according to the Fredonia Police Department.

20-year-old Jayden Feaster and 45-year-old Melinda Jackson, both homeless, are charged with falsely reporting an incident.

Police said that they received a call about an occupant of a vehicle who was using a gun to honk the horn of a vehicle at the Crosbys on East Main Street in Fredonia around 8 a.m. Thursday. Officers approached the car and saw towels and blankets blocking the officers view into the car. Both allegedly claimed that there was a bomb in the car.

The area was evacuated and a section of the area was closed for several hours throughout the morning. It was found that a BB/pellet gun was used to honk the horn.

Both Feaster and Jackson were released on appearance tickets and will return to court at a later date.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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The Concord Fire Department said a car and a tractor-trailer hit two of its engines within 24 hours. One of the incidents was a hit-and-run crash.

Concord Fire posted about the crashes on Facebook on Sunday and on Monday. The department said the second crash was the fourth one this year that involved a Concord engine.

ALSO READ: Man dies in head-on crash in southeast Charlotte, CMPD says

The first of the recent crashes happened on Interstate 85 on Sunday.

In the second crash, the department said Engine 11 was hit by a tractor-trailer while it was blocking for a call. The tractor-trailer left the scene of the crash, firefighters said.

All the firefighters are OK and werent near either of the engines during either crash.

The fire department said its working with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Concord police for the hit-and-run investigation.

We cannot stress this enough.SLOW DOWN, PAY ATTENTION, and MOVE OVER! Concord Fire said.

Incredibly frustrating

It is incredibly frustrating, said Dep. Chief Thomas Knox. We actually worry more about our men and women that are working out on the interstate than we do when they go in a house fire.

Crews strategically set up a scene on the interstate with cones as an advanced warning for motorists.

They also have a fire engine that acts as a barrier between drivers and first responders who tend to patients.

The strategy protected firefighters in the recent crashes, but the two engines are out of commission.

There was significant damage to the bumper and the body back here, said Knox who showed the damage to Channel 9s Hannah Goetz.

Knox wants to remind the public of emergency responders work and keep their safety in mind.

The damaged trucks were taken to shops, which specialize in the repair work that is needed.

Reserve trucks will be used in the meantime.

(WATCH BELOW: 1 dead after tree falls on east Charlotte apartments, Charlotte Fire says)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two Nashville men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to distribute five pounds of methamphetamine, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

According to U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Michael C. Leventis, Brian Dotson, 45, and Lavantrez Johnson, both of Nashville, where charged in a superseding indictment for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute the drugs.

Johnson is also charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and Dotson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Pedestrian killed in collision along Gallatin Pike

The two were arrested on May 4, 2023, by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Tennessee Bureau and Investigation (TBI) and the DEA, according to the DOJ. Metro officers arranged to purchase five pounds of meth from Dotson in the joint operation.

Dotson then reportedly met with Johnson to obtain the drugs. The two drove separately to the sale location, where Dotson was apprehended. Johnson, however, fled in his car, evading arrest even after officers deployed a spike strip.

While he was fleeing, Johnson reportedly threw a bag out of his car. When officers recovered the bag, they found three plastic bags containing a substance later confirmed to be cocaine. Officers were able to apprehend Johnson a few miles away and discovered a 4-year-old child in his car.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Both men are currently in federal custody, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
2 Romanians sentenced after stealing bank card numbers at Northwest Florida credit union, officials say

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG)  Two Romanian men were sentenced to prison for stealing bank card numbers at a local credit union, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Florida.

Neighbor recounts gunfire after 3 shot at Airbnb in Toulminville, leaving 2 dead

Those two men are Zamfir Nitu, 48, and Irinel Irimia, 42, reports said.

According to a USAO press release, Nitu and Irimia were arrested and eventually sentenced after Eglin Federal Credit Union found they had installed skimming devices into two of its ATMs in April 2023.

The two men obtained approximately $17,000 with the devices and unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw another $35,000.

The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office, and Homeland Security Investigations worked on the case.

Additionally, the assistance of Eglin Federal Credit Unions Fraud Investigation Division was critical in gathering the necessary evidence, the release said.

Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case.

Jason R. Coody, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences for Nitu and Irimia after they pled guilty to conspiracy to steal bank card numbers and possession of bank card numbers.

Anglers hit the Dauphin Island coast for 91st annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

The men now face 14 months in federal prison, a one-year supervised release, and deportation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Two people were seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash in Westmoreland, New Hampshire Sunday.

New Hampshire State Police responded to the intersection of Route 12 and River Road North around 12:38 p.m. when a Toyota Sienna struck a 1980 Fiat Spider waiting for traffic to pass before turning left. The impact pushed the Fiat into the oncoming opposite lane where it was hit by a 2002 Ford F-350.

The driver of the Sienna, Kim Carrier, 46, of Swanzey, New Hampshire and a child inside the Toyota was not injured.

The driver of the Fiat, Peter Friedrichs, 67, and his passenger, Irene Friedrichs, 73, of Keene, became trapped in the vehicle with serious injuries.

Responding firefighters were forced to use the Jaws of Life to remove them.

Peter Friedrichs was rushed to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Irene Friedrichs was flown by medical helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts to be checked out for her serious and unknown injuries.

The driver of the F-350, Landon Lake, 19, of Walpole, New Hampshire, was not hurt.

Route 12 was closed for more than an hour due to the crash.

The New Hampshire State Police was helped at the scene by members of the Walpole, New Hampshire Police Department, the Westmoreland Fire & Rescue Department, Cheshire County EMS, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

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Ukraine has reached an agreement in principle with its creditors to restructure its $20 billion public debt by 2029. This means that there will be no default  neither technical nor full-fledged  in Ukraine in August. And billions of dollars will be saved in the coming years. Experts say that such a deal will not only free up funds for Ukraine's urgent needs but also improve its reputation as a borrower.

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Thus, on July 22, the bondholders' committee recognized nominal losses of 37% of its assets on 13 bonds, waiving claims worth $8.67 billion. This was stated in a statement on the terms of the deal.

Against this backdrop, the value of Ukrainian Eurobonds on global exchanges increased by 13-20%. According to closed data from the Bloomberg trading platform provided to the media by ICU Group analyst Mykhailo Demkiv, by 12:00 Kyiv time on July 22

Euro-denominated bonds maturing in 2028 increased by 17.55% to 32.6% of the face value, in 2032  by 20.45% to 30.71%;

USD-denominated bonds maturing in 2024 rose by 14.49% to 36.18%. Those maturing in 2025 increased by 16.96% to 36.67%;

"long" securities maturing in 2031 and 2035 added the most to their nominal value  18.88% and 19.77%, respectively.

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It is worth noting that when the price of government securities rises, it means that investors consider them less risky and see the point in investing. But when the price falls and bond rates rise, the situation is unfavorable.

Ukraine will save tens of billions of dollars: where will it be spent?

As a result of the agreement, Ukraine expects to save $11.4 billion over the next three years, until 2027, the Ministry of Finance notes. By 2033, the savings will reach $22.75 billion.

The freed-up funds will be used for defense and security, social spending, and recovery needs. "The completion of this restructuring agreement will create conditions for Ukraine's early return to the international capital market when the security situation stabilizes to finance the rapid recovery and reconstruction of our country," said the head of the Ministry, Serhii Marchenko.

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According to him, Ukraine now intends to implement the restructuring deal as soon as possible, provided the documentation is ready. Marchenko calls the deal an important step to ensure budgetary stability and preserve Ukraine's financial resources needed to continue financing defense.

"We are restoring debt sustainability. Today we have reached an agreement in principle with the Ukrainian Eurobondholders' Committee. This is an important stage in the debt restructuring process," added Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

Restructuring terms: what is known about the deal

Back in August 2022, Ukraine agreed to a two-year deferral of debt service on direct and sovereign-guaranteed Eurobonds. Now, a new agreement has been reached.

Thus, an agreement in principle was reached with the creditors' committee, which includes Amundi SA, BlackRock Inc, and Amia Capital LLP, as well as other investors, who together hold about 25% of the bonds. At least two-thirds of them must approve the deal to finalize the debt restructuring.

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The previous payment freeze was due to expire on August 1, 2024, with the coupon payment on the bonds maturing in 2026. Ukraine needed to restructure this debt in accordance with the terms of the IMF program. Both the IMF and the country's bilateral creditors, including the United States and the Paris Club, signed off on Ukraine's proposals to its creditors.

The government and creditors agreed to restructure the claims in two packages - "A bonds" and "B bonds" will be issued. The B bonds will be a future incentive for Eurobond holders, as they will be subject to higher payments if Ukraine's nominal GDP growth in 2028 exceeds the IMF's forecast for that year by 3%. Such a one-time payment on the B package will be made in 2029, with regular repayments on the package scheduled for 2030, 2034, 2035, and 2036.

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The coupon payments on the new bonds issued under the A bonds will start in 2025 at 1.75% and reach 7.75%. Payments will start in 2029. In total, the A bonds will have four series maturing in 2029, 2034, 2035, and 2036.

The arrangements are supported by the Committee of Creditors of Ukraine and are in line with the targets of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility program, in particular: (1) debt-to-GDP ratio of 82% by the end of 2028, (2) debt-to-GDP ratio of 65% by the end of 2033, (3) average financing needs of 8% of GDP in 2028-2033.

The Ministry of Finance also planned to include in the agreement a revision of the terms of payment for GDP warrants issued as part of the previous restructuring in 2015. However, so far, no agreement has been reached on the warrants, although the Cabinet of Ministers promises to continue negotiations with their holders.

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Also, as Bloomberg notes, the parties agreed to eliminate the so-called cross-default clause between international bonds and warrants maturing in 2041, the payments on which are tied to economic growth. The clause meant that a technical default on one instrument would be transferred to the other.

Not just a postponement: what experts say about restructuring

Experts explain that reaching an agreement in principle with creditors nullifies insinuations about Ukraine's allegedly possible default in August 2024. According to Maria Repko, deputy director of the Center for Economic Strategy (CES), the negotiations were not easy, but eventually, the situation stabilized.

"There will be no default... The agreement in principle is very good because the parties entered the negotiations with quite different expectations. The situation was further complicated by the IMF factor - the government's proposal had to satisfy not only private creditors but also the Fund," Repko explained.

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According to her, it is also important that the government agreed not on another deferral of payments, but on debt restructuring. "We have shown the people who once lent us money that we can negotiate sensibly. This is necessary for future investments," the expert summarized.

Danylo Hetmantsev (Servant of the People), chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy, made similar predictions. "I had no doubt that an agreement would be reached. The debt restructuring will free up the necessary resources for defense and social support during the war. The agreement is a prerequisite for ensuring debt sustainability, returning to external commercial capital markets as soon as possible, and maintaining macro-financial stability in general," he said.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers was granted the right to temporarily suspend payments on the external public debt if necessary. This right was introduced until October 1, 2024, to ensure a smooth process of concluding a debt restructuring agreement.

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A similar technical solution was already used in 2015 during the public debt restructuring. Back then, Ukraine adopted the law "On the specifics of transactions with state, state-guaranteed and local debt" in May, reached agreements in principle with investors in late August, and announced the completion of the deal in November.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Vice President Kamala Harris had a busy 24 hours after being endorsed as the Democratic presidential candidate by President Joe Biden. She has secured enough delegates to earn the partys nomination and raised more than $81 million, a record sum for the 2024 political cycle. Harris also spoke Monday at a White House celebration with the NCAA championship teams, her first appearance since President Biden announced he was leaving the race.

Meanwhile, The Secret Service directortestified before a congressional committee and was called on to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

Follow the APs Election-2024 coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.

Here's the Latest:

Harris: I look forward to accepting the nomination soon

Shortly after securing the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her partys nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.

Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our partys nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home states delegation helped put our campaign over the top," Harris said.

The 2024 election is about two different visions for America's future, Harris said.

Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights," she said. "I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.

The AP is not calling Harris the new presumptive nominee because the convention delegates are still free to vote for the candidate of their choice at the convention in August or if Democrats hold a virtual roll call ahead of that gathering in Chicago.

Harris has enough support of Democratic delegates to become partys presidential nominee: AP survey

Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her partys nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey taken in the aftermath of President Joe Bidens decision to drop his bid for reelection.

Harris, who was endorsed by Biden minutes after he announced he would not accept the Democratic nomination, worked to quickly lock up the support of her partys donors, elected officials and other leaders, and has so far received support from at least 2,214.

However, the AP is not calling Harris the new presumptive nominee. Thats because the convention delegates are still free to vote for the candidate of their choice at the convention in August or if Democrats hold a virtual roll call ahead of that gathering in Chicago.

For young voters, Harris is far closer in age

Tatum Watkins, a 19-year-old college student from southwest Iowa and a delegate to the DNC, said she appreciates as a young woman that Harris is speaking out on issues like reproductive rights and is far closer in age to a whole new generation of voters.

She is very much leaning into whats popular right now, Watkins said. Ive seen already her branding is what I can best describe as brat summer.

Watkins said that has energized and excited her and other young Iowans, making what will be her first experience voting in a presidential election even better.

Rep. Dean: Ive never been more optimistic about America

The mood among many House Democrats lifted quickly as lawmakers returned to Washington with Biden having handed off the election to Harris.

Ive never been more optimistic about America because of his leadership, his selflessness, his putting country first, said Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania.

And then Kamala  woo!  I am excited, she said. Im hearing from my constituents and folks they are so fired up.

She said one way Harris could approach campaigning in a swing state like hers would be to pick Pennsylvanias Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate for the vice presidential spot.

Biden to return to the White House, Harris will hit the campaign trail

President Biden is set to return to the White House tomorrow after spending six days at his beach home in Delaware convalescing from COVID-19. Biden became ill while campaigning in Las Vegas last week and headed to his vacation home to isolate.

Vice President Harris, meanwhile, will head to the battleground state of Wisconsin as her campaign for the White House kicks into high gear.

The event in Milwaukee will be her first full-fledged campaign event since announcing her candidacy on Sunday.

Kansas DNC delegates vote to support Harris

Kansas delegates for the DNC met virtually Monday evening and agreed to give all 44 of the states votes on the presidential nomination to Vice President Harris.

We are united in our endorsement, the delegations leader, state party Chair Jeanna Repass, said after the meeting. Time is not our friend. We have got to be united.

Repass rejected suggestions  some from Republicans  that the Democratic Party is ignoring the will of its primary voters. She said primary voters who backed Biden understood that Harris would be president if something happened to Biden.

She said there is still time for other candidates to come forward if they can get enough delegates to sign onto their efforts.

This has already been adjudicated through the primary process, Repass said. Thats why youre seeing us come together so quickly. She has been our choice since 2020, and she is still our choice today.

New ad contrasts Trump and Harris as felon and prosecutor

A Democratic group is targeting Trump and trumpeting Harris past as a prosecutor with new ads in the swing states expected to be key to the general election.

American Bridge 21st Century says it is launching a $20 million ad buy in the northern swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin later this week.

The group says the spots feature voters from the trio of states with the goal of contrasting Harris  a former prosecutor  with Trump, recently convicted on 34 felony charges.

The $20 million ad buy is part of a $200 million campaign American Bridge launched in May and is aimed at swing voters in smaller media markets that are less saturated with political advertising. The group hopes to reach people who may be on the fence.

The first round of ads focuses on abortion rights and health care access. One of the new ads shared by American Bridge features a Pennsylvania veteran who says he felt violated by the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and called it an example of Trump spitting on all of us who served.

Democrats plan to push forward with a virtual roll call

The Democratic Party plans to push forward with a virtual roll call in which delegates to its convention can choose a presidential nominee before they meet in person next month in Chicago, with Vice President Kamala Harris heavily favored now that President Joe Biden has abandoned his reelection bid.

The convention rules committee will meet Wednesday to approve how the virtual roll call will work, but a draft of what they are set to approve was obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

It does not list a date for when the roll call will take place, but Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said the process will be completed by Aug. 7. It could contain multiple rounds of voting, but to qualify, candidates will need 300 electronic signatures of support from convention delegates.

The Democratic National Convention opens Aug. 19. State delegations to the gathering began pledging their near-unanimous support for Harris in the hours after President Joe Biden announced he was abandoning his reelection bid on Sunday.

Trump campaign advisers peg Harris as dangerously liberal

Trumps campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles have released a memo after Harris visit and remarks at Bidens campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, calling her dangerously liberal and saying she is as bad, if not worse, than Joe Biden.

Its a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to defeat not just one Democrat nominee for president, but two  in the same year!

The advisers have called this a ploy to try and shake up the race and said Harris is just as responsible for Bidens policies at the U.S.-Mexico border, which saw illegal crossing arrests reach record highs at the end of 2023.

Harris leans into her prosecutor background and draws contrast with Trump

Vice President Harris is honing the political message she plans to use to seek the White House in November.

Rallying staffers at Bidens campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, now hers to inherit, Harris emphasized her professional background as a prosecutor. She contrasted that with Trump, who has been convicted on 34 felony counts in a hush money case in New York.

I took on perpetrators of all kinds, Harris said, adding, I know Donald Trumps type.

She also announced that Jen OMalley Dillon, who had chaired Bidens reelection campaign, will run her bid.

Biden calls into Harris appearance with campaign staff

President Biden called into a campaign staff meeting while Vice President Harris was visiting, pledging, If I didnt have COVID, Id be standing there with you.

Harris traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, today to rally campaign staffers a day after Biden withdrew his presidential candidacy and endorsed Harris to replace him atop the Democratic ticket.

The crowd at first gasped, then cheered as Biden promised, Im going to be on the road and campaigning for Harris.

I want people to remember, what we have done has been incredible, Biden said. He added, I want to say to the team, embrace her, shes the best.

Harris devoted much of her brief remarks to praising Biden, saying, I love Joe Biden. I know we all do.

Interest in the Harris campaign surges

More than 28,000 new volunteers have registered to join Harris campaign since Biden chose to withdraw his candidacy and bestow his campaign infrastructure to his VP. Its a rate more than 100 times an average day from the previous Biden reelection campaign, underscoring the enthusiasm behind Harris.

Ohio state Senator regrets suggesting civil war would follow a Trump lose

A Republican state senator from Ohio who spoke at Vances first solo rally has apologized for saying on stage that it would take a civil war to save the country if Trump loses.

The apology from George Lang, the state lawmaker, came after Harris team highlighted his remarks in a post on X.

I regret the divisive remarks in the excitement of the moment on stage, he said on the same social network. Especially in light of the assassination attempt on President Trump last week, we should all be mindful of what is said at political events, myself included.

Voter Voice: Nothings been handed to him in life

Trump supporter Christina Chrisley, who lives in Virginias New River Valley, said she knew very little about JD Vance before he was announced as the Republican vice presidential nominee. She had hoped Glenn Youngkin would be selected.

But after doing more research, she said shes excited by Vance. She has respect for Vances background and service as a marine and thinks hell do everything he can to help Donald Trump win the election and do everything he possibly can for blue-collar workers.

Nothings been handed to him in life, she said, sitting in a lawn chair looking out at the New River in a hot pink Trump shirt before the rallys start.

She also said she was impressed by Vances speech at the RNC, calling him eloquent and very well-spoken.

DNC Delegate: There is incredible excitement

Ron Meehan, who works at an Anchorage food bank and, at 25, is the youngest member of Alaskas Democratic delegates, said Harris is creating a buzz in the party.

I think that there is incredible excitement among Democrats right now, and particularly the young Democrats that had maybe been tuned out of the process, he said Monday. Were on the verge of making history, the first woman president.

Meehan is the western regional adviser to the Democratic National Committees Climate and Environmental Crisis Council.

Climate issues in particular are ones that I think young people across the country, including myself, are watching very closely, he said. Meehan credited the Biden-Harris administration for protecting southeast Alaskas Tongass National Forest, both the nations largest national forest and the worlds largest intact temperate rainforest, reinstating restrictions on road-building and logging there.

I think that she has the policy and track record, the temperament and the skill set to run a very strong campaign and to be a strong president, he said.

Harris raises $81 million in 24 hours, setting new presidential donation record

Vice President Harris team has raised more than $81 million in the 24-hour period since President Biden announced his decision to step aside.

The massive fundraising haul represents the largest 24-hour fundraising sum by either party in the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump reported raising more than $50 million in the 24-hour period after his felony conviction in the New York hush money trial. Biden reported $38 million in the four days after his disastrous debate performance.

Harris new total features donations from hundreds of thousands of first-time donors, the campaign said.

Top California Democrat urges delegates to support Harris

The head of the California Democratic Party, Rusty Hicks, is urging delegates to quickly line up behind Harris and has circulated an online form to submit endorsements.

I am asking delegates from our great state of California and home to our vice president, Kamala Harris, to officially endorse her nomination, wrote Hicks, who also heads the nations largest delegation to the August convention.

The future of our country is at stake in this election, Hicks added in an email to delegates, who were expected to hold a virtual meeting on Harris nomination later Monday.

Vance calls Democrats a threat to Democracy  not Trump

Sen. Vance also sought to deflect the criticism that Trump, who has refused to accept the 2020 election results and tried to overthrow his loss, is a threat to democracy by instead claiming that the Democrats were the threat.

The idea of selecting the Democrat partys nominee because George Soros and Barack Obama and a couple of elite Democrats got in a smoke-filled room and decided to throw Joe Biden overboard, that is now how it works, Vance said. That is a threat to democracy. Not the Republican Party.

With Biden stepping aside, Democrats technically start with an open convention. But realistically, his endorsement of Harris pushes Democrats into murky territory. Harris has solidified support among more than half of the almost 4,000 party delegates and 700 more so-called superdelegates.

Harris governor endorsements roll in

AP survey finds Harris now backed by more than half of delegates needed to win nomination vote

An AP survey finds that Vice President Harris has the support of more than half of the delegates shell need to take President Bidens place at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Over 1,000 pledged delegates told The Associated Press or announced that they plan to support Harris in a forthcoming vote to pick a new White House nominee.

Democratic National Committee rules most recently set 1,976 pledged delegates as the benchmark to win the nomination. Of the about 1,070 delegates who have spoken to the AP or announced their plans, fewer than 60 either declined to answer or said they were undecided. And Harris is the only Democrat to receive support from delegates so far.

Pat Chesbro, an Alaska delegate and former U.S. Senate candidate, said she could think of no better option than Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket. People are doing their best to find the best candidate in this situation, which is pretty unusual, she said. I look forward to the convention and to seeing whatever the next phase is, said Chesbro, a lifelong educator.

Bipartisan leaders call Secret Service director to resign

Bipartisan leaders of the House Oversight Committee have ended a contentious, nearly five-hour hearing with the Secret Service director by calling for her to resign after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

In a rare moment of unity for an often divided committee, Reps. James Comer and Jamie Raskin issued a letter to Director Kimberly Cheatle, asking for her to step down as director given her own description of the most significant operation failure in the agencys history.

Cheatle, a 29-year veteran of the Secret Service, spent the majority of the hearing fielding attacks from both sides of the aisle and deflecting questions about the details of the ongoing criminal investigation into the July 13 shooting. But she remained defiant, saying that she believes she is the right person to lead the agency at this time and that she will move heaven and earth to get to the bottom of what went wrong.

Harris fires off first campaign fundraising email

Kamala Harris is launching her first campaign fundraising email with a nod to the campaign theme she adopted as far back as her campaign for California attorney general 14 years ago.

My whole life, Ive only had one client: the people, the email begins, referencing her abbreviated 2020 presidential campaign theme, Kamala: For the people.

Its a riff on a prosecutors role and the customary introduction in criminal proceedings.

That was true when I was a prosecutor in California, when I served in the Senate and throughout my time as your Vice President, Harris email states.

And its true as I make this announcement to the world. My name is Kamala Harris, and Im running for President of the United States.

Speaker at JD Vance campaign event warns of civil war if Trump loses election

While Republicans touted a unifying message last week and decried inflammatory language in the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump, one of the first speakers to introduce Vance on Monday in his hometown took a sharp departure from that message and suggested the country may need to come to civil war if Trump loses in November.

I believe wholeheartedly, Donald Trump and Butler Countys JD Vance are the last chance to save our country, said George Lang, a Republican state senator. Politically, Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country and it will be saved. Its the greatest experiment in the history of mankind.

Secret Service director says she apologized to Donald Trump after his assassination attempt

Speaking during a congressional hearing, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said she apologized to Trump in a phone call after the rally in Pennsylvania.

White House chief of staff: Theres still much work to be done

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients told White House aides and political appointees across the administration that there remains much work to be done in the next six months, according to two people familiar with this message, even as Biden suspends his candidacy for president.

In separate calls, Zients told hundreds of aides and appointees that in every call hes had with Biden in the last 24 hours, the president has urged his team to focus on key policy goals, such as continuing to implement his legislative achievements and zeroing in on efforts to lower health care and housing costs.

As for Bidens successor, Zients stressed Biden has been clear on his thoughts and acknowledged Harris tenure, which he described as extraordinary. Zients noted that as an official side employee, he had been advised by the White House counsels office that he could not speak about politics nor who the next president would be  whomever she is.

 Seung Min Kim

Secret Service chief: Roof where shooter fired was identified as a potential vulnerability days before rally

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said the roof from which the shooter fired had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Cheatle said Monday that her agency failed in its mission to protect Trump during a highly contentious congressional hearing with lawmakers of both major political parties demanding she resign over security failures that allowed a gunman to scale a roof and open fire at the campaign rally.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Harris for president with enthusiastic support

Pelosi, who had been one of the notable holdouts to Harris, initially encouraging a primary to strengthen the eventual nominee, endorsed Harris on Monday. Pelosi said she was lending her enthusiastic support to Harris effort to lead the party.

More than 700 pledged delegates have told The Associated Press or announced that they plan to support Harris at the convention, which is over one-third of the pledged delegates she needs in order to clinch the nomination. Democratic National Committee rules most recently set 1,976 pledged delegates as the benchmark to win the nomination.

French president wrote letter to Biden praising spirit of responsibility that led him to leave race

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote President Joe Biden a letter praising the courage, spirit of responsibility and sense of duty that led him to withdraw from the presidential race.

Just after we commemorated together the 80th anniversary of D-Day, I share a hope that this spirit of partnership between the two coasts of the Atlantic continues to animate the historic relations between our two countries, the letter reads, according to excerpts released Monday by his office.

AP survey of Democratic delegates finds early signs that Harris is consolidating support for presidential nomination

More than 700 pledged delegates have told The Associated Press or announced that they plan to support Vice President Kamala Harris at the convention, which is over one-third of the pledged delegates she needs in order to clinch the nomination.

Democratic National Committee rules most recently set 1,976 pledged delegates as the benchmark to win the nomination.

Secret Service director: Agency had been told about suspicious person at Trump rally 2 to 5 times before shooting

In her first congressional hearing over the July 13 assassination attempt against Donald Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged that the agency was told about a suspicious person somewhere between two and five times before the shooting.

Yet, Cheatle gave no indication Monday that she intends to resign even as she said she takes full responsibility for any security lapses at the Pennsylvania rally. Cheatle vowed to move heaven and earth to ensure that nothing like it ever happens again.

Lawmakers peppered Cheatle with questions about how the gunman could get so close to the Republican presidential nominee when he was supposed to be carefully guarded and about why Trump was allowed to take the stage after local law enforcement had identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as suspicious.

Republican JD Vance to make first solo campaign appearances as Trumps running mate

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance is making his first solo appearances on the campaign trail, a day after the 2024 presidential race was thrown into upheaval as President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Vance, an Ohio senator, and is scheduled to hold a rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, on Monday afternoon, followed by a second rally Monday evening in Radford, Virginia.

Vendors outside of the Vance event in Ohio appeared for have pivoted quickly with the news of Biden dropping out. They had removed merchandise referencing Biden and added coffee mugs, t-shirts and other items that featured Vance.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper: The vice presidential conversation needs to occur later

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said on MSNBCs Morning Joe that he had a great conversation Sunday with Vice President Kamala Harris about winning this race.

Cooper, a term-limited governor with a history of strong support for the Biden-Harris administration, is a possible contender for Harris running mate should she win the nomination. Asked twice if he would consider being Harris running mate, Cooper instead said the focus needs to be on Harris alone this week.

The vice presidential conversation needs to occur later, Cooper said. I want to make sure Kamala Harris wins. Im going to work for her all over this country and do what I can to stop Donald Trump.

Cooper also said he had a conversation with President Joe Biden on Sunday, where he told him he cemented his legacy among the greatest of presidents.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says Harris called him after Bidens announcement

The vice president called me personally yesterday and called me within a couple of hours of President Bidens announcement," Beshear said. "And that meant a lot to me, to reach out to me personally and ask for my support.

The Democratic governor said he pledged his support to her.

The rest of that conversation I said would stay between us, he said.

Asked if she mentioned the No. 2 spot on the ticket, Beshear said: Im not going to get into any of those details, but the call was about asking for my support and I pledged it.

Harris heading to Delaware to meet with Biden campaign staff

Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to Delaware to meet with staffers of the reelection campaign that President Joe Biden gave up.

Her office says Harris will hold a campaign engagement in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday afternoon. Biden reelection campaign headquarters occupies space in two buildings there.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after announcing he was leaving the presidential race. The campaign announced raising $49.6 million in the hours after his announcement.

Harris is not yet the formal Democratic presidential nominee, but top party elected officials and donors, as well as labor unions and leading advocacy groups, have endorsed her.

Secret Service director faces storm of criticism at congressional hearing

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced a storm of bipartisan criticism at a congressional hearing Monday, with many lawmakers asking why she had not yet resigned from her job in the wake of the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

The director, whos spent nearly three decades combined at the agency, remained defiant that she was the right person to lead the agency despite overseeing the most significant operational failure in decades.

Even so, both Republicans and Democrats pushed Cheatle on why she wasnt more forthcoming with details about what went wrong on July 13 or how she would ensure it never happens again.

Tell us what went wrong! Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, yelled at Cheatle. Tell us and dont try to play a shell game with us.

Harris praises Biden but doesnt mention her own candidacy in remarks at the White House

Vice President Kamala Harris says President Joe Bidens list of accomplishments are unmatched in modern history.

In her first public remarks since Biden announced he was leaving the presidential race, Harris made no comment of her own presidential candidacy.

Speaking at a Monday event with NCAA athletes on the lawn of the White House that Biden missed as he recovers from COVID-19, Harris said that Biden, in one term, got more done than many two-term presidents.

I am firsthand witness that every day, our President Joe Biden fights for the American people, she said. And we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.

Senior adviser to Obama: Democrats didnt have a chance on Sunday and now they have a chance

David Axelrod, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, said Bidens withdrawal and his endorsement of Harris doesnt simply erase concerns about Biden but elevates Harris as a motivating, tested national candidate whos grown while in office.

Democrats didnt have a chance on Sunday and now they have a chance, Axelrod told The Associated Press Monday. Its really that simple.

I think that its a different race now because she has maybe some of his liabilities and she may have some of her own, Axelrod said. But no one judges her as too old, or unfit in that way.

The electoral map stays essentially the same, with Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin being the most pivotal states, he said. And within them, Harris will motivate in particular younger voters, Axelrod said.

But Harris faces the daunting task of launching a campaign and building one at the same time. Which is hard, but it can be done, Axelrod said.

The reaction in the Gaza Strip on Bidens exit from the race

In the central city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians coping with more than nine months of the devastating Israel-Hamas war say they feel indifferent about Bidens withdrawal from the presidential election.

We feel the United States is a partner in the assault on Gaza, Hassan Shaqalieh told The Associated Press. The news that matters the most to us is the end of the war.

Biden in May presented a deal that aims to end the war in Gaza and return the Israeli hostages the Palestinian group Hamas kidnapped in their surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, but Washington is Israels biggest political and military ally.

Hamza Fayyad who was displaced from the southern city of Khan Younis, says there has been no trust in Washington for the Palestinian peoples aspiration to a state and end to Israels occupation in the Palestinian territories.

Someone bad leaves, only for someone worse to come in, he said.

The reaction from China on Bidens exit from the US presidential race

Chinas foreign ministry on Monday said it had no comment on Bidens exit from the presidential race, citing that the presidential elections are the U.S. own affairs.

The official Xinhua news agency, however, opined that it once again exposed the ugly reality of U.S. politics.

Bidens withdrawal once again expose the chaos and the essence of U.S. politics where partisan interests rule supreme and money drives elections, Xinhua said in an editorial.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorses Harris for president

The second-term Democratic governor from one of the most-contested presidential states said in a news release Monday, Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

Whitmer continued, In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people.

Whitmer had been mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential prospect.

So Michigan, lets go to work, Whitmer said. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go!

Secret Service chief says she takes full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency after Trump rally attack

The director of the Secret Service says the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was the agencys most significant operational failure in decades.

Director Kimberly Cheatle told lawmakers Monday during a congressional hearing: On July 13, we failed. Cheatle says she takes full responsibility for the agencys missteps related to the attack at Trumps Pennsylvania rally earlier this month.

Prominent Democrats endorse Harris, who has no declared rival, as party rapidly coalesces around her

Additional endorsements Monday, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, left a dwindling list of potential rivals to Vice President Kamala Harris as she moves to lock up Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House.

Winning the nomination is only the first item on a staggering political to-do list for her after Bidens decision to exit the race, which she learned about on a Sunday morning call with the president. If shes successful at locking up the nomination, she must also pick a running mate and pivot a massive political operation to boost her candidacy instead of Bidens with just over 100 days until Election Day.

Amid calls to resign, Secret Service director to testify before congressional committee

The Secret Service director is set to testify Monday before a congressional committee as calls mount for her to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

The House Oversight Committee hearing will be Director Kimberly Cheatles first appearance before lawmakers since the July 13 Pennsylvania rally shooting that left one spectator dead.

Lawmakers have been expressing anger over how the gunman could get so close to the Republican presidential nominee when he was supposed to be carefully guarded.

How Vice President Kamala Harris, in sweats, began launching her presidential bid

As President Joe Biden was deciding to withdraw from the race Sunday morning, Vice President Kamala Harris had multiple phone conversations with him, according to a person familiar who spoke only on background to more freely divulge details.

Harris was at the vice presidents residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington. She was surrounded by family and staff and wore a hooded Howard University sweatshirt, workout sweats and sneakers, the person said.

She spent 10-plus hours Sunday placing calls to more than 100 party leaders, members of Congress, governors, labor leaders, and leaders of advocacy and civil rights organizations. Harris told all that she was grateful Biden endorsed her upon leaving the race but she planned to earn the Democratic presidential nomination in her own right.

The vice president also called her pastor, Amos Brown III, who, along with his wife, prayed over her.

Harris arranged lunch and dinner for assembled aides. They ate afternoon sandwiches and salad and pizza in the evening. Harris pizza had anchovies, which the person said is her go-to topping.

 Will Weissert

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris while sidestepping questions about becoming her running mate

The vice president is smart and strong, which will make her a good president, Beshear said during a Monday morning appearance on MSNBC. But shes also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president.

Beshear praised Harris resume as a former prosecutor and says shes ready to assume the presidency. He says hes willing to do everything he can to support her.

Asked if hes open to potentially joining the ticket, Beshear said he loves his job as governor. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country, he said.

Beshear defeated Trump-endorsed Republicans to win the governorship in 2019 and to win reelection last year in his Republican-leaning state.

Sen. Joe Manchin says - again - that hes not running for president

Speaking on Monday to CBS, the West Virginia Democrat-turned-independent said I dont need that in my life.

Manchin had been the latest senator to call for Biden to exit the 2024 race before Sundays announcement by Biden that he would do just that.

Manchin had already mulled a late-breaking 2024 White House bid of his own but said in February after a listening tour that he didnt want to be a spoiler. As a Democrat, he had often bucked his own partys leadership.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister praises Bidens courageous and difficult decision

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel praised President Joe Biden for his announcement that hes ending his bid for reelection.

It takes courage for a politician to say Im a bit old and Im not capable of doing it anymore, Bettel said, describing it as a courageous and difficult decision by Biden.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York endorses Harris

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, endorsed Harris and called her an unwavering champion for families, workers and justice.

Gillibrand, who ran against Harris in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, said in a statement Monday that the vice president is incredibly well-qualified, with experience as a prosecutor, as a lawmaker, and as a leader on the world stage.

Now is the time to unite, the senator said. VP Harris has the grit and toughness to beat Donald Trump and Im eager to join her in this fight.

Small -dollar donations total $46.7 million for Harris

ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform, announced that it had collected $46.7 million as of 9 p.m. ET from small-dollar donations for Vice President Harris campaign.

The Biden campaign and affiliated groups previously had about $96 million in cash on hand. The Republican National Convention, by contrast, reported a campaign fund of $102 million in June.

Trumps campaign quickly pivots to Harris after Biden withdraws

Donald Trumps campaign has spent the last year and a half viciously attacking Joe Biden, ridiculing his policies, mocking his fumbles and relishing a rematch they felt they were winning.

But it has also spent weeks preparing for the possibility that he might exit the race, readying a bevy of attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris that it unleashed as soon as Biden made his stunning announcement Sunday that he would step aside.

Biden soon after endorsed Harris, who was quickly winning support from Democrats to be the partys nominee.

The shakeup less than four months before Election Day lays out new challenges for Trumps team, which had until recently been focused on contrasting the former presidents vigor and mental acuity with Bidens.

Read more about the Trump campaign's pivot toward Harris.
Millennials Are Getting Brutally Honest About Who They're Supporting For President In November, And It Might Surprise You

This post was written before President Biden dropped out of the race on 7/21.

Hello folks, we're back with BuzzFeed's 2024 Election Diaries! Inspired by one of the most divided election years in US history, every week, I ask different groups of voters what their #1 political issue is AND which candidate they plan to vote for in November.

BuzzFeed

For this round, we asked millennials (voters ages 2843) to share their honest thoughts on the 2024 election. Millennials make up nearly 1/4 of the entire voting population in the US, and they're getting honest about their plans for November.

68.3% of millennial respondents to our poll said they would support Joe Biden for president, the second highest rate of support for Biden among all groups we've polled in the series thus far. Almost 13% of millennial respondents expressed support for Donald Trump, while RFK Jr. received 5%. BuzzFeed

Here are 22 political confessions from millennial voters:

All voter images used are AI-generated.

1."Preserving democracy is my top issue. I disagree with Joe Biden on a lot, particularly his handling of Gaza. But if Donald Trump is elected, I don't know if we'll ever have free and fair elections again."

"If he wins, the Supreme Court is going to be taken over by an ultra-conservative supermajority for most of the rest of my life, and our rights will crumble. Trump is significantly worse on every single issue I care about, and I genuinely can't believe anyone is willing to let him become president again." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

2."International stability is my top issue. I am disappointed with the Democratic Party's choice to stick with Biden, who I deem too old and unfit for the role. Trump is a terrible person. I do not know what to do."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

3."Education and parental rights are my top issues. I'm aligned with the party vision of patriotism, less federal oversight, more localized decision-making, a return to self-reliance, and not being judged by the color of your skin but rather by the content of your character."

"Based on his first term and the wise pick of J.D. Vance as his running mate, I believe that Donald Trump will effectively make progress toward getting us to that vision as a country." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

4."RFK Jr. represents an opposition to the two-party system, which has repeatedly disappointed us. He has expressed interest in addressing the unreasonable cost of living and the chronic disease epidemic."

"Moreover, he has experience as an environmental lawyer, and it is clear that we are living in times that call for a dramatic increase in public concern for the environment." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

5."Transgender healthcare and rights are very important to me. I don't feel like any of the top party candidates reflect my values, and I really don't want to support someone who supports genocidal Israel."

"At the same time, I'm scared about being able to live and access healthcare as a transmasc person. Trump's VP pick is very anti-LGBTQIA+. I feel like voting has become about damage control." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

6."Ending the war in Gaza is my #1 issue. Unfortunately, I think both Biden and Trump are acting as war criminals for their unlimited support of Israel. If Israel wants to level Palestine, they can do it without US weapons."

"Israel has a right to exist, but they do not have a right to commit war crimes, and both Hamas and Israel need to be held to account. Trump will be far worse than Biden with his unlimited support, and I feel like that's at least a plus." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

7."There isnt a single candidate where I agree 100% on every issue. What is important to me is voting for someone who has the best intentions for our country and not their party in mind. RFK Jr. is the only candidate who ever answers a question with a response about what he will do rather than deflecting to talk about what the other candidates have done wrong."

"He has open conversations with people who disagree with him and always remains respectful. We live in a time where Americans look at their neighbors as the enemy just for having a different political opinion, and I believe RFK Jr. can heal this divide in our country." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

8."The economy is most important to me. In my opinion, Democrats are gutting this country. It feels like nothing has changed for the better since Biden took office. Only the wealthy are thriving right now. I'm self-employed, wages are lower than before COVID-19, and costs remain high."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

9."I am 100% anti-genocide. I'm voting for Jill Stein because she's the only anti-genocide, anti-fascist, anti-capitalist candidate."

"She wants universal healthcare, a living wage, and the cancelation of student and medical debt, and she will actively fight for a green world. We need to vote outside of the two corrupt parties for someone who will work for the working class, not the 1%." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

10."I have two children, and I want to do everything in my power to reduce the effects of climate change on their future. Joe Biden is the only candidate in the race that will take that seriously."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

11."Social Security is my top issue. I can't live without it, and, like many, if not most Social Security recipients, I need my benefits to be a lot (at least 2x) higher than they currently are because of the high cost of everything. I plan to vote for Claudia De la Cruz."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

12."The Biden administration is the only thing keeping millions of Americans, myself included, on the Affordable Care Plan, Medicaid, and Medicare with prescription caps and putting money into social security for older Americans."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

13."Women's and LGBTQ+ rights and protections are important to me. I'm a pansexual Mexican woman  three things the other party doesnt like."

"One party wants to lift people up, and the other wants to literally abolish groups of people. This has transcended politics and become a debate of morality, and I find the fact that this could go to the Republican party blatantly terrifying." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

14."My top issues are the economy and war. I'm undecided, but I could support Donald or RFK Jr. If this is the best the USA can come up with and we don't have any other choices, my stance is anyone that isn't Biden will lead us in the correct direction."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

15."Immigration is currently the most important issue to me. I was going to vote for RFK Jr. before the assignation attempt against Trump, but immigration is out of control, and the economy felt better under Trump. He's just more fun in general."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

16.Healthcare is my top issue. Ive been a Republican all my life, but the party has significantly changed, and I dont feel most of the big names merit the respect their title provides."

"Then, when former president Trump mocked people with disabilities similar to what my son deals with, I knew I couldnt continue to vote Republican and tell my son I wanted someone in power who didnt respect him and his differences. His health matters! I cant in good conscience vote for someone who continues to support the removal of health rights for any group of people." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

17."My top issue is gun rights. Chase Oliver is antiwar, pro-freedom, and would be good for the economy. I would feel represented and proud to have an openly gay man as our country's standard bearer."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

18."This election year, I'm focused on economic growth. I believe Biden is unfit for office, so despite the divisive views I have of Trump, I feel obligated to vote for him as he is the 'better of two evils.'"

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

19."I believe womens rights must be protected. I am voting for President Joe Biden because hes not a felon and is not a threat to our democracy."

Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

20."To be honest, I don't care if they choose Biden, Harris, Michelle Obama, or whoever else to run. I'm tired of the news cycles railing on whether Biden is fit. I don't care who runs at this point; I just don't want to let fascist right-wing extremists take even further hold of the government and give a pathway to Project 2025."

Michaela Bramwell/ Meta Imagine

21."I am a teacher, and I believe in the public education system, but there are so many flaws that need to be addressed. I disagree with school choice and vouchers and am concerned about where things are headed if something doesn't change."

"Teachers are overworked and underpaid. I don't know who I will be voting for because I really don't like Trump, but I also have concerns about Biden's capabilities. In my personal opinion, they should both step aside for younger candidates." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

And finally...

22."Freedom of choice is my #1 issue this election. Biden has spoken out against the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, I felt like a second-class citizen, and where I no longer had the autonomy to make decisions regarding my own body."

"After having a child, I know that raising children is a massive undertaking that changes your entire life. No one should have to go through that until they are absolutely ready and willing." Michaela Bramwell / Meta Imagine

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we'll see ya next round!
A Virginia man was arrested after police said he sent sexually explicit photos to a Georgia girl.

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On June 21, a citizen reported to Valdosta officers that she discovered inappropriate content on her 7-year-old nieces phone. The woman also told police that she noticed a man sent sexually explicit pictures to her nieces phone, as well as the 7-year-old sending photos to the man.

When authorities questioned the child, she had met the man, later identified as Kyle Flores, 22, of Springfield, VA through an app called Monkey Cool.

According to the apps website, its a live one-on-one video chat that connects people locally and worldwide.

TRENDING STORIES:

Valdosta detectives got arrest warrants for Flores that include obscene internet contact with a child, sexually explicit conduct of a minor, child molestation and furnishing obscene material to a minor.

After VPD obtained the warrants, they contacted Fairfax County Virginia police, who conducted a search warrant, and arrested Flores. He is currently being held in Fairfax County Adult Detention Center with no bond awaiting extradition to Lowndes County.

This was outstanding teamwork by numerous agencies to get this sexual predator into custody. If your children have smartphones, please pay attention to the apps that they have on their phones. If you see the Monkey Cool app, know that it is being used by sexual predators to find child victims and you need to contact law enforcement. Keep monitoring your childrens phones and know what apps they have access to, Chief Leslie Manahan said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Anyone with information on this case or any other cases, is asked to call the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online.

IN OTHER NEWS:




MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three men have been charged after a shot was fired at a Memphis Police officer.

Memphis Police say 18-year-old Antonio Bland, 21-year-old Timothy Turner, and 19-year-old Tyreone Flemmons are facing several charges, including theft of property, evading arrest, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

You could have a job, (be) moving out, going to college, Memphian Abigail Hill said. They thinking about being bad.

3 detained after police find suspects accused of firing at officer

According to police, an officer saw a vehicle sped down Springdale Street and turn onto Matthews Avenue early Friday morning. When the officer stopped at the intersection, a passenger allegedly got out of the car and fired a shot at the officer.

Officers responded to a prowler call on Park Avenue Saturday afternoon and reportedly spotted the vehicle used in Friday mornings incident. Memphis Police say officers tried to stop the car, but the driver refused and a pursuit ensued.

Police say the car eventually crashed on Salem Street. Three men ran away on foot but were later captured in the area.

Shooting at Indianola, MS nightclub kills 3, injures more than 12

According to police, officers found three weapons and burglary in Blands backpack. Police say one weapon was stolen and another had a conversion device on it. One of the guns allegedly belonged to Flemmons.

Memphis Police say Turners backpack contained two handguns, marijuana, a scale, and baggies. Turner is also facing drug charges.

Police say the car the three were in was determined to have been stolen. No bond has been set for any of the men.

I think us young folks, we can come together and make a change, Hill said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
An investigation is ongoing following a "senseless shooting" in the early hours of July 21, police said

Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Crime Scene Unit in Philadelphia on July 21, 2024

Three people have died and six others were injured after a shooting broke out during a gathering in West Philadelphia.

On Sunday, July 21, the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed in an update on Facebook that a "senseless shooting" had taken place on 1200 Alden Street that morning. Police stated in a news release obtained by PEOPLE that the incident occurred at 2:02 a.m. local time.

"Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Preliminary information indicates an exchange of gunfire between multiple parties resulting in a nonuple shooting and triple homicide," police said, per Facebook.

"Multiple calibers of FCCs were recovered from the scene, which is consistent with an exchange of gunfire between individuals on location," authorities continued, adding that an "investigation is ongoing."

Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Crime Scene Unit in Philadelphia on July 21, 2024

Police confirmed to PEOPLE that the three victims were males ages 23, 29, and 33. The 33-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:12 a.m., while the other two victims died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Additionally, authorities said that a 26-year-old woman and five men between the ages of 27 and 30 years old were in stable condition following the incident after being taken to three nearby hospitals.

"At least one weapon has been recovered. The scene remains held as the investigation continues," the police said, adding that "further details will be provided as they become available."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Per the Associated Press, more than 100 people had been at the party in the Carroll Park neighborhood when the shooting occurred.



According to the outlet, Inspector D.F. Pace said that the man who died at the scene was shot at close range and appeared to have been the intended target. No arrests were "immediately reported."

"It appears that there were multiple shooters. It's unclear at this time how many. But we have counted at least 25 to 30 spent shell casings at this time," Pace said, per ABC affiliate WPVI. "We're not sure if it was a block party or just simply a group of individuals who were invited from other parts of the city. It's just not clear at this time."



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Read the original article on People.
3 men get decades in jail for robbery, fatal shooting of L.A. police officer

Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang were sentenced in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer who was house shopping with his girlfriend two years ago, officials announced late last week.

The deadly encounter unfolded on the night of Jan. 10, 2022, as the three men, members of the L.A.-based Florencia 13 or F13 gang, were driving around the Florence-Firestone neighborhood and spotted Fernando Arroyos and his girlfriend.

The defendants decided to rob Officer Arroyos because he was wearing gold chains around his neck, a press release from the United States Attorneys Central District of California Office stated.

The defendants are:

Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, aka Lil J and Lil Malo, 30

Ernesto Cisneros, aka Gonzo and Spooky, 25

Jesse Contreras, aka Skinny Jack and Flaco, 36

Rios and Cisneros got out of the truck, approached Arroyos and patted him down before taking his chains and wallet, which contained the officers LAPD ID card, according to the DOJ.

Rios later approached Arroyos girlfriend, identified in court documents as A.M., patted her down and also stole her belongings.

After robbing the victims, Rios and Cisneros opened fire. Arroyos, 27, was struck by single bullet, which killed him, the DOJ detailed.

LAPD Officer Fernando Arroyos

Officials say that earlier the same day, Rios and Contreras committed armed robberies against two victims outside a bar within F13s territory.

The trio pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

On July 19 of this year, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson ordered the three men sentenced to the following:

Rios was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $31,000 in restitution

Cisneros was also sentenced to 50 years in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $29,000 in restitution

Contreras was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $31,000 in restitution

Fernando Arroyos should be with us today, helping to protect a city he was ready and willing to give his life for. Yet he died in a way none of us could have imagined said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. With Officer Arroyos senseless killing, we lost a protector, and most importantly, his family lost someone who meant the whole world to them.

Additionally, Haylee Marie Grisham, 20, an F13 associated and Rios girlfriend at the time, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering for participating in the fatal robbery. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department investigated the incident. LAPD also provided substantial assistance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police were at the scene of a triple shooting that happened in the middle of the day on Monday in Southeast D.C.

In a post made at 1:20 p.m. on X, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the shooting happened in the 3600 block of 22nd Street SE.

There, three men were shot.

List: Roads closed, parking restricted in DC as Benjamin Netanyahu visits

They were all taken to local hospitals while conscious and breathing.

As of 3:15 p.m., there was no information regarding possible suspects.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Three people were rescued over the weekend after a Georgia homeowners grandson intentionally set the familys house on fire, authorities reported.

The fire broke out around 8:53 p.m. Saturday night in Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said online.

A neighbor called for help and told authorities there was smoke coming from the outside of the home but everyone had been evacuated. The neighbor also said the homeowners grandson tried to burn the house down.

Fire crews showed up and found that the garage and the backside of the home were on fire. Firefighters used three hose lines to put the fire out and searched the home to make sure everyone had made it out safely.

Man kills grizzly: 72-year-old man picking berries in Montana kills grizzly bear who attacked him

A house fire in Gwinnett County, Georgia on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

The house was extensively damaged and medical crews helped one person at the scene who had a minor medical complaint.

When the fire broke out, there were three adults in the home.

Firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Gwinnett County, Georgia on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Neighbor alerted homeowners so they could get out of the house

According to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, the neighbor who made the 911 call saw an individual run away from the home after obviously setting the home on fire using gas cans.

The suspect jumped the fence into the neighbors yard, allowing the neighbor to detain him until Gwinnett County police arrived.

The back of a house that caught on fire in Gwinnett County, Georgia on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

There were no operational smoke alarms inside the home at the time of the fire, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said, adding that neighbors told the occupants to leave the home.

According to fire investigators, the fire started on the ground level in a back corner room.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lawrenceville, Georgia house fire: Grandson 'intentionally' set fire
Three engineers working in a Serbian weapons factory have been arrested on suspicion of spying for a "foreign organization," the country's interior ministry said on July 22.

The accused are all current or former employees at the state-owned Krusik factory which manufactures weapons and ammunition including 155 mm artillery shells.

Last month it was reported that Serbian-manufactured ammunition worth $855 million had made its way indirectly to Ukraine, despite Serbian-Ukrainian relationships complicated by Belgrade's friendly attitude toward Russia.

The three men are accused of "taking out confidential business-technical documentation from this company without authorisation and handing it over to a foreign organization," Serbian police said in a statement quoted by AFP.

It added that their actions were "to the detriment of security, defence, military and other interests, as well as weakening the power of the Republic of Serbia."

Several European countries have in recent months reported cases of espionage and sabotage suspected of being carried out on the behest of Russia.

Alleged Russian spy rings have been discovered in countries including Ukraine, the U.K., and Slovenia.

The U.K.'s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency Mi5 has reportedly been ordered to prioritize targeting spies over terrorists due to a significant recruitment drive by Russia, China, and Iran.

In May, it was revealed that Russia is recruiting violent right-wing extremists to carry out sabotage attacks in Europe and the U.K., raising concerns among intelligence chiefs.

Read also: From Estonian university professor to convicted Russian spy: the curious case of Viacheslav Morozov

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine cannot counter Russian attacks from the sky with air defense systems alone. This is because the Russian occupation forces drop about 3,500 bombs on Ukrainian cities every month. And this is not counting drones and missiles.

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It is too expensive and almost impossible to counter such attacks with air defense systems alone. That's why Ukraine is asking its partners for permission to strike at the Russian army's airbases, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the BBC.

He noted that Ukraine will never have enough air defense missiles to shoot down all Russian bombs. He reminded that one missile for the American Patriot air defense system costs about $3 million. Moreover, their production is limited.

"The Russians use 3,500 bombs every month against civilians. We will never have the same number of missiles. It is very expensive. And no one in the world can produce such a number of missiles for air defense every month," Zelenskyy said.

The aggressor country should be afraid to use its aircraft, so Ukraine needs weapons that can hit these aircraft at their airfields, the head of the Ukrainian state said.

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He added that he was looking forward to a decision from the UK on the use of long-range weapons against targets in Russia, but did not put pressure on the new prime minister.

Earlier, US Department of Defense spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said that after the NATO summit, the country's position on allowing the use of ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russia had not changed. At the same time, she emphasized that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have other long-range weapons for such strikes, which were not provided by Washington.

Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to the Presidential Administration, explained that by the phrase "strikes deep into Russia," Ukraine does not mean demonstrating single explosions in Russia, but rather the systematic destruction of Russian air bases and military production facilities. The right strategy involves weakening the aggressor country in three ways.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Pentagon spokesman said that the United States did not give the Armed Forces permission to fire ATACMS missiles deep into the territory of the Russian Federation because of fears that the war could "go beyond Ukraine." Washington does not want to see the "unintended consequences" that such strikes could cause.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EDITORS NOTE: An earlier version of this story misstated the location where the incident occurred. We regret the error. (July 22, 2024)

(BCN)  A security guard was among three people injured Friday night in a shooting at a party in Danville, Virginia.

Police responded at approximately 9:56 p.m. to a 911 call of shots fired at a home in the 1500 block of Halifax Way. Officers discovered a 40-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg.

While on scene, a 19-year-old man and 20-year-old woman, both from Danville, arrived at a local emergency room with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds from the same party.

3 Fremont homicides in July prompts police statement

Police said the private party was staffed by multiple hired security officers.

The 40-year-old victim was a security guard and the other victims were attendees. Police said it appeared shots were fired from a vehicle near the residence, hitting all three victims.

Two victims were treated and released. The third victim was transported to another medical facility and was expected to be released this morning.

Anyone with information about the shootings can contact the Danville Police Department at (434) 799-6510 or (434) 799-6508 option 3, and option 1 again, or by contacting Crime Stoppers at (434) 793-0000 or via email at crimetips@danvilleva.gov. People can use the crime tips app CARE at www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#.

Anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction could be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Approximately 4,100 voters are receiving mail notices that they will vote at a different polling place on Aug. 6.

Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater said the assigned polling location for the primary election has changed for residents in precincts 105, 130 and 339. Those precincts are near the I-135 and Kellogg interchange.

The voters in those precincts were initially assigned to vote at Heart of Christ Church, 856 S. Green. Now, they need to vote at Linwood Recreation Center, 1901 S. Kansas St. The change only affects the August primary election.

KSN Election Guide: 2024 Primary Candidate Profiles

The election office said in a news release that the change has something to do with the churchs heating and air conditioning system.

It is anticipated the HVAC system at Heart of Christ should be fixed in time for voters to cast ballots at this location for the Nov. 6 General Election, the election office said.

Voters in precincts 105, 130 and 339 are receiving a letter from the Sedgwick County Election Office. The new polling site will be in bold lettering.

If you are unsure where to vote on Aug. 6, visit VoterView, a service of the Kansas Secretary of States Office. VoterView can tell you your precinct, polling location and hours and show you a sample ballot.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  In a special 4 The People Extra, host John Holt sits down with Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

Senator Marshall reacts to President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race but is also urging him to give up the keys to the car and step down as president.

Candidate Conversations: Scharf for Missouri AG, Morrison for Governor

Senator Marshall also weighs in on the Secret Service and Kimberly Cheatles testimony before the House Oversight Committee, and updates us on a U.S. Postal Service audit, with an initial report just released. Is he confident that the USPS can get its delivery issues resolved?

Watch this special digital edition of 4 The People Extra for his answers to that and more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
40-year prison term for man who fatally shot another man outside an Ocala grocery store

A man convicted of murder has been sentenced to a 40-year prison term.

Here's what we know about that case and others heard at the Marion County Judicial Center the week of July 15.

State v. Leandre Rashad Cox

Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith and defense attorney A. Antonio Tomas.

Charge: Second-degree murder with a firearm.

Reason for Cox's court appearance: Sentencing. A six-member jury found Cox guilty on Feb. 7.

When was he sentenced? July 15.

What was the sentence: 40 years in prison. He has credit for 839 days spent at the county jail awaiting resolution of this case.

About the case: In 2022, Cox, now 21, surrendered at the Ocala Police Department after officers said he shot and killed Jacorie McCullough.

The shooting took place occurred in the 7 Days Food store parking lot, located in the 2000 block of Northwest First Avenue. Two minors also were arrested, but murder charges against them were later dropped by the State Attorney's Office.

State v. Justin Michael McCullough

Lawyers: Adam Smith for the state and Michael C. Nappi for the defense.

Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

Charge: Leaving the scene of a crash without rendering aid involving death and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

Why was McCullough in court? In May, McCullough pleaded no contest to his charges. His sentencing was delayed until July 16.

What happened at the hearing? McCullough took the stand and told the judge he's receiving counseling, works full time, and doesn't want to go to prison. He accused the victim's family and friends of harassing and threatening him on social media.

Nappi argued his client suffers from anxiety and depression and panicked after the wreck. He said McCullough cooperated and was remorseful. The lawyer said neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the crash.

Smith said after the incident, McCullough drove away. He said McCullough hid in the bushes and called his father. The attorney said it's only when troopers came to McCullough's house did he tell them what happened.

What did the judge say? The judge told McCullough he wasn't a young and inexperience driver and has an arrest record. While he understands McCullough's mental condition, McCullough left the scene, did not call police, and left the victim to die.

What was McCullough's sentence? Four years in prison. Once he's released, his driver's license will be suspended for three years. McCullough has five days of credit for time already served.

Any special conditions? Yes. He must speak at a victim impact panel, complete 120 hours of community service and take all medication prescribed to him.

About the crash: FHP officials said the 37-year-old was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that struck and killed a 27-year-old man in 2022.

State v. Tiara Lynn Kirkland

Charge: Two counts of DUI manslaughter.

Judge: Circuit Judge Tim McCourt.

What's the status of Kirkland's case? Prosecutors announced on July 16 that they are pursing the two DUI manslaughter charges against the 44-year-old woman.

Where's Kirkland now? At the county jail, where she is being held without bail.

When is Kirkland's next court date? October, for a pre-trial conference.

About the case: Ocala police officials said in June, Kirkland's vehicle hit another car while she was trying to make a turn from U.S. 441. Ethan Reeves, 22, a passenger in the car that was hit Kirkland's car, died at the scene. The driver, 28-year-old Kendrick Johnson, of Ocala, died several days later at a local hospital.

State v. Normad Eliud Rosario-Otero

Charge? Trespass in occupied structure or conveyance, burglary of a conveyance with battery, and attempted burglary of a conveyance.

Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

About the case: Rosario-Otero was arrested by sheriff's deputies after an attempted carjacking at State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Avenue.

What has happened since? Rosario-Otero, 53, was sentenced by the judge on July 18 during a change of plea hearing.

Prison: 24-year prison sentence for Thanksgiving Day 2021 stabbing

Plea: Guilty.

Sentence: Rosario-Otero was sentenced to 54 months in prison. He has 745 days of credit for time already served at the county jail.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Shooting death outside Ocala store leads to 40-year prison term
Closing in downtown Boise, this restaurant will get its buns to Garden City instead

In a stretch of turnover, another restaurant is leaving the Warehouse Food Hall.

Bao Boi plans to shutter within days at the downtown Boise dining collective. An Asian-inspired street food concept, Bao Boi announced the decision on social media Monday.

After two amazing years, were closing our warehouse doors at the end of the week, Bao Boi wrote. Thank you for your incredible support and for helping us grow! Excited to announce our new location along the Boise River, opening mid-October!

Bao Boi on the River will be part of a new multifaceted food-and-drink destination coming to The Boardwalk Apartment Homes, 521 E. 41st St., in Garden City.

Specializing in steam bun sandwiches and Japanese curry, Bao Boi was one of the original vendors at the Warehouse Food Hall, which opened in July 2022.

Bao Boi is an original tenant at the Warehouse Food Hall.

Bringing his passion for Asian cuisine to life, Chef Frank Jordans Bao Boi takes warm, fluffy dough, fills it with sweet or savory meats and veggies, then steams it to perfection, the Warehouse Food Halls website says. Pair your steam buns with a side of street corn, gyoza or fries and your taste buds will be singing Bao Chica Bao Bao. See what we did there?

The Warehouse, 370 S. 8th St., typically offers more than a dozen places to eat or drink. Bao Bois departure is the latest shakeup in a recent string of comings and goings. Four concepts have vanished this year, while five new ones have been announced so far. Among them:

 Totally Smashed, a burger concept from food hall operator Geronimo Hospitality Group, replaced grilled-cheese vendor Totally Toasted. The new menu offers smash burgers, fries and shakes.

 The former Piedaho spot has reopened as the first brick-and-mortar location for Foys Franks, previously a local hot dog cart.

 Mazzah Mediterranean Grill, which operates a Boise restaurant at 1772 W. State St., plans to bring authentic Greek and Middle Eastern flavors to the food hall, according to a media release,  with its delectable menu featuring savory gyros, falafel, kababs, baba ghannooj and more. Mazzah will open in a new build-out next to KBs Burrito.

 Driftwood FryHouse will revive seafood at the Warehouse with Alaskan cod, shrimp, lobster bisque and other fish-and-chip options. It will take over the former home of Freshies Lobster Co., which closed in March.

 And Poppy Seed Bakery and Cafe is slated to open its third Boise location at the Warehouse Food Hall. It will be in the former Paddles Up Poke space.

Its not clear whether a replacement vendor is waiting in the wings for Bao Bois spot. A message to Geronimo Hospitality Group was not immediately returned.
(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department said it recently recovered about $5,000 of stolen merchandise from a suspect who was a repeat offender at a business in Arden Fair Mall.

This arrest would not have been possible if it werent for the security officers swift action in reporting the crime in progress, along with the partnership with Arden Fair Management and their security team, Sacramento police said. They were instrumental in communicating invaluable information that led to the arrest and assisted our investigation.

Northern California man arrested after deputies dismantle massive illegal marijuana operation

On July 17, around 11:30 a.m., Sacramento police officers were called to an unnamed business at Arden Fair Mall for reports of a grand theft in progress. Police said that security at Arden Fair Mall monitored the suspect as police made their way to arrest them.

When police arrived, they were quickly notified of the suspects location and detained him as they recovered the stolen merchandise.

Detectives will be looking at the suspects involvement in previous thefts at the same business, police said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rank high in national speculation about the Democratic nomination for vice president on a ticket headed by Kamala Harris.

Vice President Harris is regarded as virtually certain to become the presidential nominee after President Joe Bidens announcement of dropping his re-election effort and endorsing her for president.

Recap: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after he drops out of 2024 election

Who will be her running mate for vice president? There are many prosects. Two, Buttigieg and Whitmer, are well-known  and well-liked in terms of past election results  in Michiana.

Neither is regarded as THE favorite. Nobody is. The final say is expected to rest with Harris after analysis of polling, evaluations of ability to serve and recommendations of strategists.

Mike Schmuhl, Indiana Democratic chairman, who was campaign manager for Buttigiegs 2020 presidential campaign and first campaign for mayor of South Bend, said in a telephone interview that Pete would be a terrific choice.

Word from home: South Bend-area leaders react to President Biden's announcement he won't seek reelection

While Schmuhl agreed that the choice will rest with Harris, he cited five reasons for selecting Buttigieg. He said Buttigieg:

1. Is an excellent communicator, one of the best, who could effectively present Democratic views on television, including in a debate with the Republican vice-presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

2. Would provide geographical balance on the ticket with Harris, who is from California. She needs someone from the heartland, Schmuhl said, and Buttigieg is a Mid-Westerner through and through.

3. Has already been vetted, with scrutiny as a presidential candidate, Cabinet nominee and in heading the massive Transportation Department through times of crisis.

4. Is familiar already with the functioning of the administration as one of only two from the 2020 presidential campaign continuing on in the administration. The other is Harris.

5. Fulfills the desire to turn to younger generations where there now is so much energy. Buttigieg is 42 years old.

A Survey/USA ranked choice poll in early July in six swing states found Buttigieg the top choice as a new vice-presidential nominee, if Harris moved to the top of the ticket, as now she will. Buttigieg was first choice of 20%. Whitmer was second, at 19%. Third was Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 14%. There will be lot of new polling.

Newsweek reported that Buttigieg was first in betting odds.

The former South Bend mayor is receiving attention because of his meteoric rise in the 2020 race for the Democratic presidential nomination. He won the Iowa caucuses and came close to winning the New Hampshire primary but then faded and provided one of the key endorsements of Biden for the nomination.

Whitmer is high in speculation because Michigan is a key state, and she won overwhelming re-election as governor there in 2022, leading Democrats to winning control of both chambers of the legislature.

If Whitmer was picked, the result would be the first-ever national ticket with two women. There is debate over whether that would help or hurt in the present situation. Democrats are counting on a strong outpouring of women voters.

Schmuhl also had praise for Whitmer and said an all-woman ticket would be truly historic.

Buttigieg now is a Michigan resident, but not associated with the crucial state as much as the states governor. He moved to Traverse City in 2022 with his spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, and their two children.

How a running mate would perform in a debate with Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, will likely be an important consideration.

Whitmer and Vance have strongly differing views on abortion. She favors keeping abortion legal in many circumstances. He has advocated a national ban. That likely would be a major topic if they debated.

Buttigieg, the first openly gay Cabinet member, would be in a debate with a Republican nominee who has opposed LGBTQ causes and advanced claims LGBTQ people "groom" children.

Buttigieg gave a preview of how he might confront Vance when he appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher right after Vance was selected as Donald Trumps running mate.

Asked about support of wealthy tech executives swinging to Vance and Trump, Buttigieg said, I know there are a lot of folks who say, Whats going on with these Silicon Valley folks veering into Trump world with J.D. Vance and backing Trump? . . . Weve made it way too complicated. Its super simple. These are very rich men who have decided to back the Republican Party that tends to do good things for very rich men.

Buttigieg, looking back to his own Ivy League days at Harvard, said of Vance, a Yale law graduate, I found a lot of people like him who would say whatever they needed to, to get ahead. Five years ago, that seemed like being the anti-Trump Republican, so thats what he was . . . Five years later, the way he gets ahead is that (Trump) is the greatest guy since sliced bread.

Whitmer would bring to campaigning and debate a use of humor that sometimes has enabled her to turn attacks on her to her own advantage.

In her just released book, True Gretch, the governor tells of taking advantage of how Trump, during the rise of the coronavirus, instructed during a news conference on Covid assistance, Dont call the woman in Michigan. She turned that into distribution of T-shirts, bumper stickers and email messages with, That Woman from Michigan.

When Trump referred to her as HalfWhit  mer, she jokingly featured some family recipes as HalfWhit favorites.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Mayor Pete, Governor Gretchen two top contenders to be Harris VP pick
Since the invasion of the north of the island by the Turkish army in 1974 in reaction to a coup d'etat by Greek-Cypriot nationalists who wanted to attach it to Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, has been divided into two parts.

The southern part of the Mediterranean island, inhabited mostly by Greek Cypriots, is ruled by a UN-recognised government, while the north, the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is recognised solely by Ankara.

Five decades later, thousands of people are still missing, leaving families on both sides unable to hold funerals for them and end their mourning.

Those missing continue to be commemorated, even as the search continues.

"We are looking for our missing. It doesnt matter whether we are looking for Greek or Turkish Cypriots. We are looking for ours, all of them belong to Cyprus," says Cypriot archaeologist Ceren Craloglu at the site of a mass grave just outside Nicosia from 1974.

The islands Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), which is made up of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, along with archaeologists, is trying to find the remains of those who are still missing.

Eyewitnesses have stated that at least 16 people were buried there at the time. Archaeologists monitor the search, always in pairs: one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot.

"Archaeologists found the bones you see on these tables," says anthropologist Theodora Eleftheriou.

"We were brought boxes of them to the lab. Some bones were all jumbled together. We tried to synthesise the bones to create the skeleton of these four individuals."

Even as scientists struggle to identify the bones being discovered in Cyprus, the Committee for Missing Persons has already found almost 1,000 people, including missing civilians and soldiers, from both sides of the conflict.

Sometimes only a few bones are found, and sometimes an entire profile of a body is revealed. But it often takes years before it becomes clear exactly who that person is. If that happens, if all the pieces of the puzzle have fallen together and identification can take place, then that is a very important moment for family and relatives. They can then finally close a chapter," Eleftheriou said.

But for some relatives, this alone can be enough.

As bones, a skeleton he came back. But we are happy that he has finally come back, and we shall bury him next to our mother. We were very happy because now we are at the end of our story, Kutlay Erk, a relative of one victim and the former mayor of Turkish Cypriot North Nicosia, said.

These are the things Petros had in his pocket," said another relative. "Something of Petros. The shoes.

One country or two states?

Cyprus has been relatively calm for years, but the situation remains tense.

The island nation gained independence from the UK in 1960, but violence sparked by Athens swiftly tore apart the combined government between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

As all three sides  the UK, Greece and Turkey  were guarantors of peace on the island, Anakara saw protecting Turkish Cypriots, who accounted for around 18% of the population, from the Greek military junta-backed coup d'etat as part of its mandate.

Almost 160,000 Greek Cypriots were driven south, and more than a third of the island was taken over by Turkey. More than 3,000 people died.

Attempts to reunify Cyprus have so far failed.

The four-part UN-backed Annan Plan meant to restructure the island's two parts into a "United Republic of Cyprus" was rejected by 75.8% of Greek Cypriots in a 2004 referendum.

Just last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruled out resuming talks based on the Annan Plan.

The Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking Cypriots do not agree on, among other things, the geographical division of the island. While Greek Cypriots want reunification, Turkish Cypriots want a two-state settlement.

Brussels has admitted the entire island of Cyprus as a member state in the "Big Bang" enlargement swoop in the same year despite its ongoing issues  going against its policy of barring candidate countries from membership until they resolve their territorial disputes. The EU considers the Turkish presence in the north an illegal occupation.
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  All lanes of I-57 in Champaign County are open again after a rollover crash early Monday morning.

Officials with the Illinois State Police said that at 5:36 a.m., a van was driving north between Tolono and Savoy when it crossed into the median and rolled over. Why the van went into the median is a mystery at this time.

Woman found dead in Jacksonville overnight, man in custody

State Police said there is no indication that the driver of the van was taken from the scene due to injuries.

The left northbound lane was shut down shortly after as part of the crash investigation. It reopened at 7:30 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Police in Manhattan arrested a local woman Sunday in connection to a drug-related death.

The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) announced in a press release that a 59-year-old Manhattan woman was arrested around 10:15 p.m. on July 21. The woman was charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in fatality and distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin of unknown quantity.

The woman is being held on a bond of $125,0000. Her arrest comes from an incident in January 2021 when officers investigated the death of a 61-year-old man in Manhattan.

The RCPD said an investigation into this death is ongoing along with other investigations into fentanyl-related overdoses in the community. People with information on situations like this are encouraged to come forward and assist law enforcement.

East Topeka occupied house fire causes $25,000 in damage

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president in November. Donald Trump's advantage over Harris, according to opinion polls, averages 2 percent.

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The Hill writes about this. Although Harris still has to win enough delegates to the party's national convention next month to be officially endorsed, she is now the clear heir apparent.

This will come as a relief to many Democrats who have been dismayed by the disappointing poll results for Biden in recent weeks.

Trump, who was officially nominated by the Republicans at the GOP convention last week, leads Harris by 2 points, according to a combination of national polls, from 47 percent support to 45 percent. That's about the same as Trump's 2.5-point lead over Biden, with 46 percent support to the incumbent's 43.5.

When independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is included, Trump boasts a 6 percentage point lead over Harris: 43 percent support to 37 percent, while Kennedy has only 6 percent.

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Trump's lead over Harris averages 2 points, down markedly from 8 points at the beginning of the year, and other recent polls give her supporters reason to hope.

In an Economist/YouGov poll conducted in mid-July, roughly 8 in 10 Democrats said they would favor Harris as the nominee if Biden were to drop out, and just over a quarter said they thought she had a better chance of defeating Trump than Biden.

A CBS News poll released last week found that Harris fared better against Trump than Biden: Harris was 3 points behind, and Biden was 5 points behind.

At the same time, hypothetical Trump-Harris polls in individual states indicate a tough fight. Biden trailed Trump in several key battlegrounds before dropping out of the race, and the latest numbers point to a similar situation for Harris.

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It's worth noting that US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will run for the presidency from the Democratic Party. The current American leader supported her candidacy.

It is noteworthy that Kamala Harris has been condemning Russian aggression since 2014 when Russia occupied Ukrainian Crimea. She has also repeatedly stated that support for Ukraine is not charity and that the future of the Ukrainian state is a strategic interest of the United States.

In June, Harris led the American delegation to the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. On the sidelines of the event, she assured that Washington would continue to defend democratic values and stand up to dictators.

She called the terms of Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin's terms a "surrender demand" rather than a sincere attempt to end the war. Harris also promised that she and President Biden would continue to support Ukraine and raise the price for Russia.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Democrats could convince Biden to withdraw from the election, and he could make a decision this weekend.

The media also wrote that Democratic leaders in Congress privately warned Biden that he would not be able to win Trump's election and expressed fears that the party's chances of winning the House of Representatives would be destroyed.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
7 armed robberies committed in one hour on Southwest, Near West Side, CPD says

7 armed robberies committed in one hour on Southwest, Near West Side, CPD says

CHICAGO  Chicago police seek the publics help locating a group of unidentified males linked to an early morning armed robbery spree on the citys Southwest and Near West Sides.

According to police, in each instance, three men in all-black clothing pulled up in a stolen silver Hyundai Sonata, threatened the victim with handguns, and took their property.

One of the victims was also pistol-whipped, police added.

According to police, the following incidents took place within an hour:

3000 block of South Archer Ave on June 26 at 4:50 AM.

3800 block of South Francisco Ave on June 26 at 5:10 AM.

1700 block of West 47th St on June 26 at 5:22 AM.

4600 block of South Wood St on June 26 at 5:38 AM.

2400 block of West Pershing Rd on June 26 at 5:34 AM.

5800 block of South Oakley Ave on June 26 at 5:37 AM.

2300 block of West Cermak Rd on June 26 at 5:48 AM.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

CPD also released a video of one incident:

Anyone with information should call police or leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.  Vice President Kamala Harris effectively locked up the Democratic nomination for president just one day after President Joe Biden's stunning exit from the 2024 election upended the race for the White House.

For three weeks, Biden had remained defiant amid a chorus of Democratic detractors calling for him to step aside following his disastrous June 27 debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

But Biden finally gave in over the weekend, issuing a letter Sunday addressed to Americans saying "it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down." Harris moved quickly over the next 24 hours to take the torch, securing support across the Democratic Party that makes her nomination close to inevitable.

Here are seven takeaways on Biden's dramatic withdrawal and Harris' quick rise, with now just 106 days until Election Day.

Why Biden bowed out  no explanation necessary

Biden did not explicitly say in his letter why he ended his campaign, but an explanation wasn't necessary.

His decision followed intense pressure from Democratic leaders  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  sounding the alarm privately to him that his path to beat Trump in the general election had vanished and his candidacy threatened to doom Democratic chances in House and Senate races

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks as President Joe Biden looks on during an event to mark the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, June 17, 2021, in Washington.

Biden has long dismissed polls that showed him losing to Trump. Had Biden dug in further, he would have risked inviting Pelosi and others to go public with concerns they had kept private, adding to the 35 congressional Democrats who had already called for Biden to step aside.

While self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del. with COVID-19, Biden huddled Saturday night with two of his top White House advisers, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, who supplied the president with his campaign's own polls showing Biden's chances to beat Trump were gone, according to reporting by Politico.

Biden made his decision to exit that night, notified a larger number of top White House aides early Sunday afternoon, and posted his withdrawal letter on X, formerly Twitter, at 1:46 p.m. ET. Biden is expected to give an address later this week to provide more detail on his decision.

VP Harris quickly clears field for Dem nomination

By Monday morning, Harris quickly coalesced support of the majority of the Democratic Party, likely ending the possibility of a contested Democratic Convention next month.

Biden endorsed Harris minutes after announcing his exit, clearing the way for his pledged delegates in states across the country to shift their support to Harris. Tennessee's 77 Democratic National Committee delegates became the first state to pledge support to Harris, with other states following suit.

All 50 Democratic state party chairs announced support for Harris. More than 180 Democratic members of Congress did the same  from Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., to influential progressive Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris as well, along with all 23 Democratic governors.

More: Inside KamalaHQ: How Harris quickly began plotting campaign after Biden's shocking exit

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

The list includes several Democratic governors whose names were once speculated as possible nominees to replace Biden  including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania  pledged their support for Harris, effectively clearing the field for Harris' nomination.

Some Democrats had pushed for an open convention to pick their new nominee should Biden exit, but Democrats ultimately opted for unity over chaos and uncertainty.

The Democratic National Convention's Rules Committee meets Wednesday to outline a framework to nominate a presidential candidate. The DNC convention is set to begin Aug. 19 in Chicago, but DNC leaders had previously discussed confirming their nominee virtually before Aug. 7 to meet ballot deadlines of various states.

Harris takes over Biden campaign funds, staff

Shortly after Harris confirmed her intention to seek the Democratic nomination, the Biden campaign morphed into the Harris campaign.

What was previously known as the Biden for President campaign filed a notice with the Federal Election Commission changing its name to Harris for President, making Harris' presidential bid official.

This procedural transition was significant because it enabled the Harris campaign to take over Biden's campaign account and the $240 million it reported having in the bank at the end of June.

The ability to seamlessly transition campaigns is one strategic advantage Harris held over other potential Democratic nominees.

In addition to the transfer of campaign funds, Harris was able to inherit the Biden campaign's organization. Many former Biden campaign staffers immediately assumed the same roles working now for Harris. Biden's former campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held an all-staff campaign call Sunday to inform them they were all now working for Harris, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

A supporter holds a sign as members of the San Francisco Democratic Party rally in support of Kamala Harris, following the announcement by President Joe Biden that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, on July 22, 2024 at City Hall in San Francisco.

VP search begins in earnest

With Harris on the verge of securing the Democratic nomination, she will quickly need to find a running-mate before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, set to begin in Aug. 19.

And a decision could come even sooner. That's because the Democratic National Committee has said it intends to confirm their presidential nominee and vice presidential nominee through a virtual roll-call vote before Aug. 7 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states.

The speculation begins with Democrats crop of governors  particularly Whitmer and Shapiro, who both hail from battlegrounds states that Harris will almost certainly need to win to defeat Trump in November.

More: Democrats to hold off on early virtual nomination of President Biden amid party outcry

More: Q-and-A: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's candid conversation with USA TODAY

An all-female ticket of Harris and Whitmer would be especially intriguing, with the possibility of further energizing the Democratic base and driving home abortion access as a defining issue in the campaign.

Others in the hunt could include North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who is also from a swing state, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also from a battleground state Another possibility is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Each was among the Democrats to quickly back Harris' presidential bid.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visit the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.

Harris lifted by historic fundraising haul after Biden exit

After Biden dropped out, Harris raised massive amounts of campaign cash online to make up for fundraising that slowed precipitously after Biden's disastrous debate performance.

In all, the Harris campaign announced it raised $81 million in its first 24 hours from 880,000 individual donors  60% of whom made their first donations of the election cycle.

The fundraising haul marked "the highest 24-hour raise of any candidate in history," the campaign said.

Democrats appear to be clearly motivated by a fresh face. The deluge of donations reflects a reenergized base of Democratic voters, who have indicated in poll after poll they had deeps concerns with Biden's age and ability to effectively serve another four years.

The rush of financial contributions was desperately needed after Biden's fundraising dropped significantly while he faced growing calls from Democrats to end his campaign bid.

Vice President Kamala Harris hosts an event honoring National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship teams from the 2023-2024 season, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on July 22, 2024.

Harris nomination could change electoral strategy against Trump

With Biden as the nominee, Democrats' path to 270 electoral votes to beat Trump started to narrow: It appeared increasingly likely that Biden would have to rely on sweeping the three so-called "blue wall" states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

But Harris could be positioned to make stronger plays in southern and western battleground states where Biden was struggling.

Polling had showed Biden losing considerable ground in three other battlegrounds states he won in 2020  Georgia, Arizona and Nevada  as well as a fourth state that Democrats hope to flip blue, North Carolina.

Biden's slide in these states was in part from underperforming among Black, Latino and young voters  three key constituencies in the Democratic coalition  compared to the 2020 election.

Many observers believe Harris has a chance to improve on Biden's performance with all three of these demographics, expanding the paths to victory and changing the electoral strategy against Trump.

"All year, Bidens least implausible path to 270 ran through the Rust Belt trio rather than the Sun Belt trio," Dave Wasserman, election analysts with the nonpartisan Cook Political Reporter, wrote on X: "I suspect Harriss path is more evenly distributed across the 'core six' (battleground states) owing to more upside than Biden among young/nonwhite voters."

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on reproductive freedom at El Rio Neighborhood Center in Tucson, Arizona, on April 12, 2024.

Trump starts as the favorite against Harris

If eventually nominated as the Democratic nominee, Harris still heads into the general election the underdog against Trump, at least for now.

While Biden's approval rating in office has typically hovered around 40%, Harris' job performance has often polled even worse. According to a 538 average of polls, Harris has a disapproval rating of 50.4% in her job as vice president and an approval rating of 38.6%.

Hypothetical polling in a Harris-Trump election has been a mixed bag, with Harris still something of a wild card.

More: As President Joe Biden steps aside, is America ready for President Kamala Harris?

A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted between July 5 and 9 found that 49% of registered voters would choose Harris while 47% would choose Trump in an election matchup. The same poll found Biden and Trump tied at 46% apiece.

But a recent poll from NBC News found Trump leading Harris 47%-45% in a possible matchup, while a recent Fox News poll found Trump leading Harris 49%-48%.

Harris will have to overcome potential bias among some voters about electing the first woman president  who would also be the first Black female president and president with South Asian descent.

More: How to pronounce the new Democratic presidential frontrunner's name

And she has some obvious liabilities the Trump campaign has already sought to exploit. Harris has a reputation of being more liberal and hails from San Francisco. She served as Biden's czar overseeing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, an issue the Trump campaign has attacked relentlessly. And her previous run for the Democratic nomination in 2020 was a flop, with Harris dropping out of the race before voting got underway.

Republicans have also signaled they will accuse Harris of helping to "cover up" Biden's mental decline over the past four years.

"Not only would Harris be a disaster in the White House, but she also helped Biden cover up his declining health while in office, which destroys her credibility," Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, co-chairs of the Republican National Committee, said in a statement.

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris v Trump: 7 things to know as she takes Biden's torch
Just hours after the dramatic exit of President Joe Biden from the 2024 campaign, some 700 Volusia County Republicans gathered at the Ocean Center for the Lincoln Day Dinner, an extension of last week's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, and got in some final jabs at the outgoing president.

Here are seven takeaways from the event.

Republicans say they're ignited

Rep. Tom Leek, in a heated primary race for state senate against former St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar and former professional athlete Gerry James, was a delegate in Milwaukee, and one of several Republicans to talk about the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

I think it certainly stirred something in me that I didnt quite know existed or understand. I think it stirred something in a lot of us," Leek said. "It made us as passionate as we could ever be about making sure that we elect a Republican president, and Donald Trump as president.

Biden left the race; some say he should also exit the Oval Office

Prior to Sunday's dinner, the two congressmen who represent Volusia County, Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, both suggested that Biden should not only be out of the 2024 race, but he should depart the White House six months before his term ends.

State Rep. Tom Leek emcees the Volusia County Republicans' Lincoln Dinner at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Leek is running for state Senate, District 7, in a primary with two other GOP candidates.

Leek joined them, saying the Biden Americans saw at the now-infamous June 27 debate didn't come as a shock to Republicans.

"... Amazingly, it was a shock to a great part of the nation, but if youre not competent enough to run for president, then how can you continue to be competent enough to act as president?" he asked.

Congressman Michael Waltz recounts his presentation with Gold Star families of fallen U.S. service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Waltz spoke at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Turning 'democracy' argument around

For three-plus years, Democrats have accused Republicans of being anti-democratic because of their refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election won by Biden. Waltz suggested that by pushing Biden out, Democrats ignored the will of primary voters who nominated Biden.

"Its pretty amazing now to see after three years of being lectured as the party of democracy, that you just witnessed history. Of watching Pelosi, the Clintons, the Obamas and some rich donors stage a coup," Waltz said. "I mean, they just pushed him out. Dont ever, ever let a Democrat lecture you about democracy again. Fourteen million votes just went poof in a back room.

Waltz indicted Vice President Kamala Harris and others in Biden's circle.

Either they knew all along and covered it up and let the world get lit on fire by utter incompetence or vacancy in the White House or they really didnt know, had their head in the sand and theyre willing to take out a president because of a debate and some polls," he said. "Either one is really pretty bad. Which is it? Were not going to let them forget it. In the end it doesnt matter. Donald Trump is going to wipe the floor with them.

'Divine intervention' and Christianity's role in GOP

Mills described the United States as "one nation under God," with a Judeo-Christian foundation of beliefs where rights are "God-given."

And he talked about how Trump's survival echoed Ephesians 6:11, which says the reader should wear "the armor of God" to fight against Satan's evils.

It was 6:11 p.m. when Trump was shot.

"If you cant understand what a divine intervention this is, you cant understand the millimeters and milliseconds of change that would have made this from an attempt to an assassination, as President Reagan would say, youre just not looking, Mills said.

Congressman Cory Mills speaks at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Mills represents Florida's 7th District in Seminole and southern Volusia counties.

Earlier, state Rep. Chase Tramont, an ordained minister, was called upon for the evening's invocation.

He prefaced it with a declaration about what the November election means to him.

So while the left has sought to mainstream lawfare and lunacy, Nov. 5 is our time to mainstream law, liberty and the Lord Jesus Christ in this country.

Digs at Biden

There was no grace period for Biden, who Democrats had said was putting the country ahead of himself by stepping aside amidst growing questions about his health and capacity to serve four more years as president.

He was the butt of jokes all night.

U.S. Sen. Scott said he's traveled all of Florida's 67 counties in the last eight months and found people are "fed up" with the federal government.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott says if reelected, he intends to run for Senate president. Scott addressed an audience of about 700 people at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

"Nobodys out there saying, Man, under Biden we feel really good. Nobody is. And Bidens probably not. Although he probably doesnt know, Scott said.

Waltz made a reference to the 1980s comedy "Weekend at Bernie's," in which two guys attempt to convince others the dead host of their weekend party is actually alive. I thought they were going to prop up Bernie all the way to the end."

Two seeking leadership roles

Mori Hosseini, chairman of ICI Homes and longtime Republican power broker, turned to Leek and said: Im going to say something, and you may hate me for this," he said. "If you elect Tom Leek for Senate, he will be Senate president.

Leek was House Appropriations Committee chair and relishes the opportunities leadership brings to his district.

Scott endorsed Leek, saying: I completely support Tom. I want him to win. But if Mori is right, OK, and he can become the Senate president, do you realize the impact that has on this area in the quality of governance youre going to get from the state?

Meanwhile, Scott said while he unsuccessfully challenged Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2022, he is running for that post again, and if the GOP wins back the Senate, he could become Senate president.

Trump legend-building

There were numerous examples of effusive praise for the 45th president, convicted felon and odds-on favorite to become the 47th president.

There was Trump the tough guy.

Leek: Whats he, 78? Have you ever seen anybody that tough? I mean, literally jumped on by all kinds of Secret Service. You know, pushed his way up. It was just remarkable.

There was Trump the editor.

Waltz, who was vice chair of the GOP platform committee, said Trump  on the day after his shooting  stayed up late the night before the platform was to be presented, whittling down an "82-page monstrosity" to 12 pages of easy-to-read, communicative pillars. "Talk about a man with a motor," Waltz said.

And Trump the deejay.

Retired Ambassador Stanley Escudero accepts a lifetime achievement award from the Volusia County Republican Party at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Behind him is Republican Party Chair Paul Deering.

Waltz repeated much of his Wednesday night convention speech, which introduced the families of 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The families, who had complained of being mistreated by Biden, had, through the help of Waltz, met with Trump, who gave them some six hours of his time, listening to them, comforting them and ultimately, hosting a dance party.

I call him D.J. Trump: He takes out his iPad and he starts playing Sinatra, he starts playing James Brown. ... He had em all dancing.

I already admire and respect the guy," Waltz said. "Now I love that man. I truly love that man.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 7 takeaways: Volusia Republicans reflect after Trump shooting, RNC
8 people hospitalized with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in Somers

8 people hospitalized with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in Somers

SOMERS, Conn. (WTNH)  Eight people were taken to the hospital Sunday after a hot water heater malfunctioned at a home in Somers, causing high levels of carbon monoxide, according to fire officials.

Firefighters responded to a home on Grasshopper Lane at 11:49 a.m. Sunday, after receiving a report of a medical emergency. Fire officials said paramedics took a pediatric patient to Bay State Hospital.

Less than two hours later, at 1:40 p.m., the fire department received a second call to the same home for another medical emergency and found a patient in the driveway.

Bear struck, killed by 3 cars on Route 8 in Torrington

Fire officials said paramedics decided to check the home for carbon monoxide, and meters detected high levels as crews approached the front door.

The home was immediately evacuated, and according to the fire department, carbon monoxide levels that exceeded 400 parts per million were found inside.

Ambulances from East Windsor, Ellington and East Longmeadow also responded, and eight people who were showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning were taken to Bay State Hospital.

The fire department determined that the source of the leak was a malfunctioning hot water heater.

Fire officials said that while carbon monoxide incidents are more commonly associated with winter, Sundays situation serves as a reminder of the importance of having carbon monoxide alarms in homes year-round.

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Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin is backtracking after his pitch for Democrats to replace President Joe Biden on the 2024 presidential ticket with a Republican drew ire from prominent liberals across the internet on Sunday.

But now that Biden has officially dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic front-runner, Sorkin borrowed The West Wing cast member Joshua Malinas X account to declare, I take it all back. Harris for America!

In an op-ed published by The New York Times, Sorkin said the Democratic Party could put their money where our mouth is by nominating a GOP moderate like Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT).

A Romney nomination would be a clear and powerful demonstration that this years presidential election isnt about what our elections are usually about it, but about stopping a deranged man from taking power, according to Sorkin. Surely Mr. Romney, who doesnt have to be introduced to voters, would peel off enough Republican votes to win, probably by a lot.

Aaron Sorkin Is Working on a Jan. 6 Movie: I Blame Facebook

More than a few Democrats werent convinced by Sorkins suggestion, which he said was a play on how he would write for his award-winning show The West Wing.

We need a complete and total shutdown of op-eds entering the United States until we can figure out what the hell is going on, tweeted former Obama staffer turned podcaster Tommy Vietor.

To political consultant Christine Pelosi, daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sorkins plan sounded like bad reality TV.

No Aaron Sorkin, were NOT nominating Mitt Romney. Hey Palin-picker Steve Schmidt with replacement fever game show dreams, wake up! she tweeted. Republicans are the party of reality TV; Democrats are the party of reality. And here in reality, 4,000+ Biden DNC delegates get certified today.

No Aaron Sorkin, were NOT nominating Mitt Romney. Hey Palin-picker Steve Schmidt with replacement fever game show dreams, wake up!



Republicans are the party of reality TV; Democrats are the party of reality. And here in reality, 4,000+ Biden DNC delegates get certified today. pic.twitter.com/sWa6o0oSnt  Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) July 21, 2024

Democratic communications consultant Tim Hogan was in disbelief that the essay was authored by Sorkin, tweeting, I had to go to the NYT op-ed page to make sure the Aaron Sorkin piece wasnt fake.

However, activist Monica Lewinsky was among the few Democrats who applauded Sorkin for adding to the discourse about how the party could move forward without Biden.

Whether you agree with this Hail Mary or not, its brave to put it into the mix for discussion, Lewinsky tweeted. All options should be on the table. the stakes are too high. via @NYTOpinion.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Abortion is on the Florida ballot. Democrats say they want Kamala Harris involved

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is looking more and more likely to get the Democratic nomination for president, the campaign for Floridas abortion-rights ballot initiative is coming into sharper focus.

Harris has been the White Houses leading voice in messaging on abortion, often laying the blame for the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade with former President Donald Trump. And while Florida Democrats have sought to make the issue nonpartisan, they still want Harris to lean into that message.

Shes very clear about which party will protect this freedom, Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa told the Herald/Times, adding that Florida Democrats language has been in lockstep.

Driskell continued, The way to talk about this issue is to talk about protecting Floridians freedom to make their own personal medical decisions without governmental interference, and thats how Vice President Harris talks about abortion access.

A leading voice on Florida abortion-rights for the White House, Driskell moderated a roundtable held by Harris in Orlando in 2022 after the fall of Roe v. Wade. Shes since participated in other abortion-rights events with Harris, including on the campaign trail.

Driskell endorsed Harris for president on Sunday, as did two other notable Democratic leaders in the Florida Legislature: Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando and outgoing Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book of Davie.

Breaking News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story:

 With Biden out of presidential race, Kamala Harris emerges as front-runner with his endorsement

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to Joe Biden dropping out. Heres what he said

 Why some say Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make a great VP candidate

 With Biden out, what could be next for NC Gov. Roy Cooper?

Supporters of Floridas proposed constitutional amendment, though, havent always been thrilled about messaging around the vote from the top of the Democratic Party, given the interest in winning over voters of all persuasions to support a ballot question that needs 60% support to pass.

Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director for Floridians Protecting Freedom, the sponsor of the abortion-rights ballot amendment, said their group had no stance Harris messaging on the issue going forward should she become the Democratic nominee.

Eskamani criticized President Joe Bidens campaign in April for politicizing the abortion issue when they called Florida winnable after the state Supreme Court cleared the amendment for the November ballot.

But Eskamani said Bidens team has since changed its tune, recognizing that the Florida ballot initiative is non partisan.

They should absolutely talk about how former President Trump and Republicans are responsible for Floridas extreme near-total abortion ban, Eskamani said. That accountability is essential and, as a woman, [Harris] is well-positioned to share the stories of so many women from across the country.

Book, the highest-ranking Democrat in Florida, said in a statement that Harris uniquely understands whats at stake in Floridas abortion ballot initiative.

As a prosecutor, shes spoken to me about bringing justice for victims and the crucial importance of ensuring survivors of rape and incest have autonomy over their own bodies, said Book, pointing to a new Biden-Harris campaign ad of a young woman speaking about being impregnated by her step-father at age 12.

Book added: This fight is about ensuring access to healthcare for women, girls, and sexual assault survivors because  as Kamala Harris knows  the government has no place in our exam rooms.

In a press call Thursday, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said the abortion-rights ballot initiative has a broad coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans backing it.

Were talking about healthcare, said Fried. Were talking about freedom, the freedom to choose what is best for you and your family.

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, said it doesnt matter who the messenger is on abortion-rights.

The issue resonates across the board and across the aisle, Smith said during the call.
ActBlue rakes in nearly $50 million in 7 hours after Harris campaign launch

Correction: A total of $47 million was donated via ActBlue to all races in the seven hours after Harris launched her campaign Sunday. A previous version of this article contained incorrect information.

Small dollar-donors gave nearly $47 million on ActBlue in the seven hours after Vice President Harriss campaign for president launched Sunday afternoon, the Democratic fundraising platform announced Sunday.

As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election, ActBlue wrote in an update posted to social media platform X.

The figure is the total amount raised on the platform, not only donations to the Harris campaign.

President Biden announced just before 2 p.m. Sunday that he would be stepping aside in the presidential race and quickly offered his full support and endorsement of Harris.

ActBlue previously said that in the first five hours of Harriss campaign, the platform raised more than $27.5 million through small donor donation.

The New York Times reported that Sunday marked the single biggest day for online Democratic donations since the 2020 election. The Times said the previous record was set the day after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in September 2020, when ActBlue raised about $73.5 million.

Key Democratic donors are also throwing their support behind Harris in the wake of Bidens decision.

Trump had eaten away at Bidens fundraising lead in recent weeks, and big-dollar donors reportedly froze some $90 million from the presidents re-election campaign amid calls for him to exit the race.

Bidens move to not seek reelection comes after weeks of Democrats urging the president to withdraw from the race following a disastrous debate performance with former President Trump. Biden and his campaign repeatedly dismissed the calls to step up until this weekend, despite a growing number of Democrats calling on him to withdraw.

In the hours since Bidens announcement, Democrats have rallied behind Harris as their likely nominee for Novembers election. Harris said later on Sunday that she intends to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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An Air Force colonel was fired from his post at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, just days before he was scheduled to depart via a July 18 change-of-command ceremony, Air Force officials confirmed.

Col. Jeremiah Hammill was relieved of his duties as commander of the 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group on July 15 due to a [loss of] confidence in [his] ability to lead, an Air Force Materiel Command spokesperson told Military Times in an email.

Hammills actions, which service officials did not detail, raised concerns about good order and discipline within [the unit], the spokesperson said. At this time, we are not going to comment further on the circumstances leading to this decision.

Col. Michelle Sterling, who was already slated to take Hammills place at the time of his firing, has assumed command. Sterling was previously the commander of the 324th Training Squadron out of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Mid Bay News was first to report on Hammills firing.

When asked about the possibility of charges, the Air Force Materiel Command spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to speculate.

In accordance with Air Force regulations, relief of command may be used as a basis to support subsequent collateral adverse administrative action in some situations, the official said.

Hammill first assumed command of the 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group in June 2022. The unit tests and evaluates Air Force air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance systems, command and control systems, and Air Force Special Operations Command Systems, according to the Air Force Test Center website.

The wing provides services to the Air Force, other segments of the Department of Defense, and U.S. agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and NASA, among others. The group currently oversees 11.6 million square feet of physical plant and over 3,200 facilities, according to the units website.
Airlines are still catching up from Fridays computer outage. At RDU, one in particular.

The second busiest airline at Raleigh-Durham International Airport is still struggling to recover from the worldwide outage of Microsoft computers on Friday.

As of 11 am. Monday, Delta Air Lines had canceled 14 flights out of RDU, accounting for nearly all of the canceled flights for the day. Another five Delta flights were listed as delayed.

Deltas CEO, Ed Bastian, said Fridays outage forced the airline and its Delta Connection partners to cancel 3,500 flights going into its busiest weekend of the summer. With 90% or more of the seats on Delta flights already sold, the airline is having a hard time rebooking.

I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events, Basian wrote in a statement Sunday afternoon. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.

The computer outage originated with a software update by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company used by governments and businesses around the world. Among the businesses hardest hit were airlines, which canceled and delayed thousands of flights.

Delta offers meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and transportation to stranded passengers, where available, and says it is providing Delta SkyMiles and travel vouchers, as a gesture of apology.

It encourages customers to track the status of their flights on the Fly Delta app or at delta.com.

Through June, Delta has handled 26.5% of passengers at RDU, second only to American Airlines.
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45 years ago, the triumph of the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua took place. It was a critical moment in Latin America, constituting the first and last time an armed leftist group came to power in the region after Cubas turn in 1959. Today Nicaragua, just as it was back then, is a young country. Its population has an average age of 24 (in the United States, the average is 38.5.) Fewer and fewer people can say they lived through the collapse of Somozas dictatorship, the revolutions great reforms and the bloody war between the Sandinista government and the Contras.

Most Nicaraguans werent around for any of that. But still, our lives have been deeply impacted by the eras conflicts, and even more so by our cloudy memories of them. When they came to power on July 19, 1979, the nine commanders of the Sandinista Front for National Liberation (FSLN) averaged around 30 years of age. In one of the continents poorest nations, governed for decades by a family of dictators, the youth of this new leadership symbolized hope for a dramatic renewal. At the international level, these boys rose above because they seemed to shatter the Cold Wars ideological barriers by declaring an innovative revolutionary model that fused respect for political pluralism with a determination to redistribute wealth  which is to say, democracy and social justice.

The latter would take priority for this revolutionary leadership, inspired in some ways by Marx, throughout its 1980s administration. In the end, they were unable to vanquish poverty and inequality due to external factors (such as U.S. support of the Contras) as well as internal ones (the administrations own errors and excesses). But as a paradox of history, the revolution left as an inheritance that which had not been its most enthusiastic proposal: a transition to liberal democracy, which was consolidated in 1990 with the FSLNs recognition of its own electoral defeat. Such was the conclusion of Sandinista writer and statesperson Sergio Ramirez in his memoir, entitled Adios muchachos. For Nicaraguans who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, the previous decades utopian project was omnipresent, its slogans and murals unmissable elements of the urban landscape. But the revolution was also an enigma and only shadows remained of the initial euphoria that is so characteristic of revolutions and their endless possibilities to put an end to backwardness and injustice. We also internalized from an early age the violence of an armed conflict that tore the social fabric, even if we still didnt completely understand what the purpose of so much violence had been.

The wars poorly healed traumas and unfulfilled promises of socioeconomic well-being, as well as the revolutionary decade and democratic transition, were all notorious factors in the germination of a new dictatorship. After rising to power in 2007, the Sandinista caudillo Daniel Ortega offered social peace and economic growth  while avoiding the radical redistributive measures of the past  in exchange for the centralization of power in the hands of him and his family.

When a massive wave of protests interrupted Ortegas 2018 authoritarian consolidation, they were led by young people from the post-revolutionary generation. Some were the offspring of FSLN militants, others came from anti-Sandinista families who were dispossessed or persecuted by the 1980s government. On one hand, they conjured up the spirit of the past and borrowed symbols from the anti-Somoza insurrection. On the other, they discarded armed struggle as a means of national reconstruction. The 2018 rebellion was, for the most part, peaceful. And so, the Sandinistas patria libre o morir (free country or death) became patria libre para vivir (free country to live).

Ortega justified the lethal repression of protestors as a way of saving the revolution, in whose steps he claimed to be following, and echoed 1980s accusations that the United States was supporting the protestors. Likewise, the governments most loyal followers saw the demonstrations not as a demand for democracy, but as an apparition of Somozas counter-revolutionary movement, an attack on the memory of a political project that, despite its material failures, gave voice to large sectors of the nation who had been previously marginalized. Now, the country is in crisis, bereft of both democracy and social justice. This is due to various factors. One of them, doubtlessly, is that Nicaragua has not yet reckoned with its past. Despite the time that has passed, memory of the revolution is still polarized, even within the fragmented and exiled anti-Ortega opposition that is formed by everyone from Contra members of the military to historic Sandinistas. Instead of treating it as a complicated process that deserves to be studied and understood, it continues to be seen as something that must be simply celebrated or mourned. Those who were born after the revolution tend to see the past through the eyes of their parents and grandparents, who experienced the revolution as any revolution is experienced: as a painful struggle between the good and the bad, light and darkness.

In consequence, Nicaraguans have no shared history to tell them where they came from. Without one, it is difficult to imagine where they will go.

Mateo Jarquin is a Nicaraguan historian and professor at Chapman University.

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Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 25, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Republicans in the Alabama House of Representatives have refiled a bill that would attach criminal penalties for having some materials in libraries that are accessible to children.

HB 4, sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, would apply certain criminal obscenity laws to public libraries, public school libraries and employees or agents acting on behalf of the legitimate educational purposes of the K-12 public school libraries or public libraries.

The bill, which does not apply to institutions of higher education, does not outline the level of felony or misdemeanor that would be applicable. Other penalties under the Alabama Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act include mostly fines, with some potential imprisonment.

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Mooney did not return messages seeking comment.

The bill, which has nearly 50 co-sponsors including Republican leadership, would add another definition of sexual conduct to the Alabama code: In K-12 public schools or public libraries where minors are expected and known to be present without parental presence or consent, any sexual or gender-oriented conduct, presentation, or activity that knowingly exposes a minor to a person who is dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, who is stripping, or who is engaged in lewd or lascivious dancing.

Mooneys legislation provides 15 business days for staff to move material to an age-restricted section; remove material; cease conduct; or make an official determination that the material or conduct does not violate the law.

If the parent, resident or guardian does not receive not receive notice within 25 days, the copies can be taken to law enforcement.

Protecting Alabamas children will always be a top priority, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, one of the co-sponsors of the legislation, said in a statement.The goal of HB 4 is to ensure that our school and public libraries are an educational resource for children that parents can trust. I look forward to continued conversations and moving this legislation through the process.

The legislation comes amid attacks on public libraries nationwide. A 2024 report from PEN America found that there were more than 4,000 book bans in the first half of the school year.

Mooney filed a similar bill last year but with fewer co-sponsors. The bill passed the House but not the Senate. Last years version of the bill did not allow library staff to make a determination that material did not violate obscenity laws.



Craig Scott, the president of the Alabama Library Association and a library director in Gadsden, said in an interview that the bill does not offer a reasonable timeframe for the material to be removed from the library.

If a book is objectionable, we will review it as a staff and make a decision if whoever the challenging person or persons are, he said. If they dont like our determination to move it or not move it, okay, then they can appeal that and here in Gadsden, it goes to a committee or and then it would go to our library board. In other libraries, it would go straight to the library board to adjudicate, okay? So, its a process, and its going to take a lot longer than 25 days. I sure wish they would have put 60 in there.

He also said he takes great offense to the bill.

My long story short, we have been doing the moving of books, or not ordering books, whatever the case might be as part of our jobs that a librarian has been trained for decades upon decades, and now these extremists and our legislators want to legislate our activities, he said. In other words, they dont trust us.

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  The new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is being formally installed Saturday, and she is first woman and first Black person to hold the post.

The Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells was elected bishop in February and has been in the leadership role since May. She is being ordained and consecrated by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Wells succeeds former Bishop Brian Seage, who was elected in 2014 and had been in the role since the 2015 retirement of his predecessor.

The Mississippi diocese has about 17,600 members in 87 congregations.

Wells is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and studied vocal performance at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She earned a law degree from the University of Memphis and practiced law for 18 years in Memphis before becoming a priest.

Former Senator Doug Jones speaks on Joe Biden dropping out of presidential race

She earned a master of divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Emory University.

Wells told the Clarion Ledger that she does not focus on being the first woman and first Black person to become the Episcopal bishop of Mississippi.

She was previously rector of St. Georges Episcopal Church in Germantown, Tennessee, and chaplain of the churchs preschool. She had been there since 2013. She said leaders of the Mississippi Diocese are looking for ways to help small, rural congregations serve their communities.

It is a priority to re-energize and get people excited again about all of the ministry opportunities that we have, she said.

Wells said she wants people to emphasize their faith in everyday interactions.

If it ends when our time together ends on Sunday mornings, then we have already missed the message, Wells said. That should be the beginning. When we walk out the doors, that becomes the beginning of us showing that radical love and hospitality.

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Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich, with sign-holding supporters, waves to Midtown Anchorage motorists on Election Day in 2022. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich, with sign-holding supporters, waves to Midtown Anchorage motorists on Election Day in 2022. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

In some Alaska races, Republican candidates have pledged to withdraw from the general election in November if they do not receive the top votes among fellow party members in the primary.

The most high-profile pledge was made by Nick Begich III, who is running for Alaskas single U.S. House seat. Begich publicly pledged in April to withdraw from the race if he is bested by another Republican in the primary election. Josh Walton, Begichs campaign manager, confirmed last week that Begich still plans to abide by his pledge.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom is another prominent Republican running for the U.S. House seat, which was won by Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola in 2022. Earlier this month, Dahlstrom said she will not drop out of the race if she places behind Begich in the primary. Her press team confirmed last week that her position has not changed.

Similar pledges were signed by some Republican candidates in two state legislative races in Anchorage.

Both of these pledges were written by Trevor Jepsen, who is the chief of staff to Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage, and also consults part-time for campaigns. For Jepsen, the pledges are a way to circumvent ranked choice voting by treating the open primary like one under the old system.

In 2020, Alaskans voted to establish ranked choice voting in the state. Since then, Alaska has become nationally recognized for the system, drawing both praise and criticism.

Alaskas ranked choice voting system is used in the general election, but not in the primary. The primary is open to all candidates, regardless of party, with voters choosing one.

The top four vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election. Then, in the general election, voters can rank up to four candidates. After the votes are counted, if a candidate receives the majority of first-place rankings, they are the winner.

However, if there is not a majority, the lowest-ranked candidate is booted from the count and their votes are reassigned to the voters next preference. This process repeats until there is a winner.

Right now, Jepsen is making what he described as a main push for candidates to commit to the pledge in Senate District H and House District 9 in Anchorage. According to Jepsen, Republican candidates in those districts risk losing because both races have multiple Republican candidates running against a member of another party.

We cant win that Senate seat with two Republicans in the race. The numbers dont work out. Its not possible, he said. And that district nine seat, we would have three Republicans going to the general. Even though thats technically a Republican seat, you know, they split the vote, exhausted ballots.

Exhausted ballots is a term for ballots that are not included in the final ranked choice count because the voter ranked only candidates who were already eliminated.

In Senate District H, which stretches from Ted Stevens International Airport to Campbell Lake, McKay and Liz Vasquez are the two Republican candidates on the ballot, as well as incumbent Democratic Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage.

McKay signed the pledge to withdraw. Vasquez has been given the pledge but not yet signed it, and did not respond to an interview request.

According to McKay, he signed the pledge because he felt like we could win that seat if its one-on-one in the general election.

For McKay, the pledge eliminates the complexity created by voters with exhausted ballots. When their ballot is exhausted, then they dont get a second bite at the apple, said McKay.

Meanwhile, in House District 9, which covers the Anchorage Hillside, Girdwood and Whittier, three Republicans are running against one independent. Two of those Republicans, Lucy Bauer and Brandy Pennington, have both signed the pledge.

Pennington proposed the pledge to the other candidates. The pledge was written by Jepsen, who is currently working on her campaign.

Bauer and Pennington did not respond to requests for comment.

Lee Ellis, the president of Midnight Sun Brewing Co. and the districts third Republican candidate, was the lone Republican holdout on signing the pledge. Ellis described the pledge as an ill-conceived effort that ignored the voting history of the district.

Ellis said his campaign research shows that a significant percentage of House District 9 voters ranked their choices when voting in 2022. His choice to not sign the pledge, he said, is about historical behavior.

And while Ellis is more favorable toward open primaries, and less favorable toward ranked choice voting, he said he spoke with a number of campaign experts who advised him not to sign the pledge.

Ellis suggested that the candidates sit down after the primary election and decide what the best pathway forward was, but because the pledge was non-negotiable, he chose not to sign.

Anchorage attorney Scott Kendall was a key author on the 2020 legislation that launched ranked choice voting. While Kendall declined to comment on a specific race or pledge, he said that pledges such as these harm the party that is signing them.

The pledges rely too strongly, he said, on the assumption that Alaskans will always vote along party lines. Were a small state, people know each other. People know other peoples reputations. So this idea that you can drop out and just sort of give all of your support to another candidate seems very flawed to me, Kendall said.

Ranked choice voting is praised for reflecting the complexities of voter identification, especially in Alaska, which has the highest share of independent voters in the country. In 2022, the first time that Alaskan voters used nonpartisan open primaries, more than half of voters split the ticket, meaning that they didnt vote strictly along party lines.

Another issue with pledges, Kendall said, was their reliance on results from primary elections. Voter participation in primary elections is consistently lower than general elections, meaning that a candidate who receives a low number of votes in a primary could still prove very popular in the general election, when a larger group of people are voting, said Kendall.

By taking one of your horses out of the running as a Republican Party, youre lessening the chance the Republican Party will win, Kendall said.

A proposed ballot measure seeks to repeal ranked choice voting. If approved by voters in November, in future elections, voters would choose only one candidate in the general election, instead of ranking multiple candidates. The states open primary system would also be eliminated, and political parties would be able to limit who can vote and who can run in primaries.

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Orpin: to the end of his life he was deeply affected by the loss of life he witnessed, with gliders shot down in daylight and landing zones littered with burning aircraft

Allan Orpin, who has died aged 98, was believed to be the last survivor of those who served with 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (6th AARR) in the glider-borne landings in Normandy and in the forced crossing of the Rhine.

On March 24 1945, Operation Varsity was launched with the aim of establishing a bridgehead across the Rhine for the main allied advance into Germany. Orpin, a Jeep driver with HQ Squadron, enplaned at RAF Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, and landed by Horsa glider near Wesel.

Orpin said afterwards that his abiding impression was that of total chaos. Eight Locust tanks had flown in Hamilcar cargo-carrying gliders; several of these had smashed on landing. In the trees, hanging from the branches, were American paratroopers who had been shot. Many of their comrades had been killed on landing: the static line had failed to open their parachutes, and their torn tunics showed that they had made desperate attempts to pull the ripcords of their reserve chutes.

The preliminary bombardment had obscured the battlefield with dense smoke and glider pilots found it difficult to identify their zones. There was also intense anti-aircraft fire. In daylight, gliders made easy targets and many were shot down at a height of a few hundred feet. Orpin found the landing zones littered with burning gliders.

Troops disembarking from gliders found themselves under attack and sometimes overwhelmed from pockets of fierce resistance. There were heavy casualties and Orpin helped to collect the dog tags from many of the fallen. To the end of his life, he was deeply affected by what he had seen.

Gliders towed in Operation Varsity to support ground troops crossing the Rhine. Near Hamminkeln and Wesel, Germany, March 24, 1945 - Everett Collection/Alamy

Allan Gordon Orpin, the youngest of four children, was born in Walthamstow on January 17 1926. One Sunday in September 1939, immediately after the declaration of war, the air-raid siren sounded. Young Allan was a choirboy in church at the time. The whole congregation panicked and rushed down to shelter in the crypt. It was a false alarm.

He left school at 13 and began working 12-hour days as a signwriter. At home during the Blitz he heard the whistle of bombs falling, and everyone in the family put their heads under the kitchen table.

One day, when an incendiary bomb fell by their front gate, his mother ran out and extinguished the flames by throwing sand on it. An ARP Warden appeared with a stirrup pump and sprayed the device with water, which set it alight once more. Allans mother, furious, shouted: I put the fire out. Youve started it again. Push off and find your own bloody bomb!

Orpin did not want to be a Bevin Boy and work in the coal mines, and he enlisted in the Army at the Romford recruiting office. In October 1943 he was just under 18 when he was sent to No 1 Infantry Training Centre at Warley Barracks, Brentwood, Essex, to begin his basic training.

He had been trade tested and demonstrated an aptitude for mechanics, so he was posted to the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Training Centre at Bovington in Dorset, where he trained as a Jeep driver and mechanic. Having responded to a request for volunteers for airborne forces, he was posted to HQ Squadron 6th AARR at Larkhill, Wiltshire. He received an extra half-crown pay a day.

The basic role of the regiment was to crew and fight their light tanks after accompanying them by glider into battle. It was made up of volunteers from across the Army, mostly from the RAC, the Royal Tank Regiment and cavalry regiments. They were never granted their own cap badge, but retained the insignia of the regiment from which they had been drawn. As airborne soldiers, however, they all wore the maroon beret, airborne titles and Pegasus flashes.

On the evening of D-Day, June 6 1944, Orpin, a member of Jeep Troop, 6th AARR, took off from RAF Brize Norton and landed by Horsa glider near Ranville in Normandy. The undercarriage of the glider collapsed and the glider itself finished up half way into a hedge. He and his comrades unloaded the Jeeps and trailers and dug slit trenches. They then reverted to an infantry role: their immediate task was to be ready to repel a counter-attack.

Recce patrols were ordered to obtain information about the enemys strength and dispositions, in difficult country with high banks, thick hedges and narrow lanes. The Germans were well sited, and covered with a protective screen of machine gun and anti-tank guns which was hard to penetrate. In early September, 6th Airborne Division was withdrawn from Normandy and 6th AARR accompanied them to England for rest, retraining and reorganisation.

Orpin: enlisted rather than be sent down the pit as a Bevin Boy

In mid-December, the Germans achieved complete surprise with an offensive in great strength through the densely forested region of the Ardennes between Belgium and Luxembourg, the so-called Battle of the Bulge. All Christmas leave was cancelled. On Christmas Eve, Orpin drove his Jeep to Tilbury in Essex.

He broke regulations by visiting his mother at Walthamstow on the way. His absence was not missed, though, and at midnight the Jeep was loaded on to the deck of the LST (Landing Ship, Tank). Orpin spent the night in the vehicle, preferring that to sharing a bunk below deck.

At dawn, near the mouth of the Thames, the vessel ran into heavy fog and spent the next three days at anchor off Sheerness. To dispel the boredom, someone bet the colonel a bottle of whisky that he could not swim around the ship in the bitterly cold weather. The colonel dived into the water and won the bet.

Two days later the ship docked at Ostend. Orpins squadron spent the night in a convent before pushing on to Villers-sur-Lesse in the Ardennes and subsequently to Sevenum in Holland. The regiment deployed in Cromwell tanks on the River Meuse. There was patrolling in heavy snow and freezing fog, low-level infiltration by the Germans and the constant danger of booby traps, but the real enemy, he said afterwards, was the weather.

After Operation Varsity, during which he was a member of Jeep Troop, Orpin drove the second-in-command of HQ Squadron from the Rhine to Wismar on the Baltic, where 6th AARR linked up with the Russians at the end of the campaign. On the way they came up against fanatical resistance from members of the Hitler Youth armed with Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons.

After the war, Orpin served in Palestine with 6th Airborne Division and was severely injured in Tel Aviv when he was hit in the chest by a rock thrown by a protester. In February 1946, the Regiment was disbanded and members of 6th AARR awaiting demobilisation were transferred to the 3rd Hussars.

At a reunion in Normandy, Orpin, left, met Bill Gladden, a veteran of 6th AARR: they had landed in the same zone on D-Day

As his demobilisation date drew near, he responded to a call for ex-servicemen in Palestine to join the Metropolitan Police. Having been accepted subject to passing the medical test, he returned to England. But to his dismay, he was failed. His health, after the earlier chest wound, rapidly deteriorated. One of his lungs collapsed and he was admitted to a civilian hospital in London as an emergency case.

After several months recuperating in a sanatorium in Bournemouth, in July 1947 he received a medical discharge from the Army, but he did not receive a full disability pension until a considerable time after the war.

Orpin worked as a trainee toolmaker before transferring to a time-management job. He subsequently worked on various engineering contracts overseas, which took him to Kuwait then to the Taikoo dockyard in Hong Kong, followed by projects in Zambia, Libya and Egypt. Aged 80, in 2006, he finally retired.

In 2014, after many years without any contact with fellow veterans, he attended the 70th-anniversary commemorations in Normandy and was thrilled to meet up with Bill Gladden, a veteran of 6th AARR. They had not met before, but had both landed on the same landing zone on D-Day. Gladden died in April, aged 100.

On June 18 2016, at a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, Orpin was presented with the insignia of the Legion dhonneur by the French Honorary Consul.

In retirement he divided his time between East Sussex and Egypt. In Cairo, he became something of a VIP with the British and German embassies, regularly invited to attend commemorative events in the city as well as at Alexandria and El Alamein. A talented artist, poet and wood carver, Orpin was commissioned to paint a mural in the expatriates club. He was also a keen fisherman and wrote articles for local papers in Cairo.

Allan Orpin married, in 1950, Patricia Bealin, who had been a Wren during the war. She predeceased him and he is survived by their son and daughter.

Allan Orpin, born January 17 1926, died June 1 2024

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In the battle for the soul of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, a temporary cease-fire is in effect across much of the state this election season.

The ideologically charged party primaries between progressive and moderate Democrats that set the tone of the last several state election cycles are fewer and farther between this year than they've been in decades.

There will be 19 contested General Assembly Democratic primaries on the Sept. 10 ballot finalized Friday, roughly half the number of primaries (38 and 40, respectively) in 2022 and 2020. (There are no Republican Assembly primaries this year, compared with three in 2022 and two in 2020.)

Political Scene looked through the last six state elections back to 2012 and could not find one with fewer than 23 primaries.

The secretary of state's office confirmed this was the fewest primaries not only since the General Assembly downsized in 2003, but since there were 16 in 1982, the year there were no Senate elections, according to a review of results by Deputy Secretary of State Rob Rock. (The 1982 Senate races didn't happen after a judge tossed the gerrymandered district maps drawn under Majority Leader Rocco Quattrocchi, inspiring a GOP campaign against "Rocco's Robots.")

This year, neither of Rhode Island's congressmen  both freshmen emerging from bruising first campaigns  face primary challengers. (Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse will have a Democratic opponent in Michael Costa.)

And the highest-profile mayoral race, in Cranston, does not feature a Democratic primary.

What's happening?

For starters, the wave of left-flank challenges to the Democratic establishment that began building from 2014 to 2016 and grew through former President Donald Trump's election and to the COVID years appears to have crested in 2022 and begun to ebb  at least for the moment.

Several of this year's most hotly contested and closely watched Democratic primaries feature a role reversal, with recently elected progressive incumbents facing a more conservative challenger.

More: It's election season in Rhode Island once again. These are the storylines to watch.

There were relatively few General Assembly retirements this year, meaning fewer of the open-seat contests that typically draw a crowded field.

And one group that's had an outsize impact on recent campaigns is conspicuously absent: the Rhode Island Political Cooperative.

In 2022, the Co-op alone backed 25 candidates in General Assembly primaries, plus candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.

This year the Co-op slate features zero candidates.

Other progressive groups are soldiering on but face headwinds in a presidential election year that many Democrats  from socialists to blue dogs  are unexcited about.

"It definitely seems like the network of progressive groups that fielded candidates in previous years (of which the Co-op was front and center, but not the only member) has run out of steam," Providence College political science professor Adam Myers wrote in an email.

With the dearth of primaries, 57 seats in the 113-seat General Assembly, more than half, are going uncontested. (Typically around a third of seats go uncontested.)

Republicans recruitment wasn't amazing either. There are 43 general election contests.

What's going on with the Co-op?

Bursting onto the scene in 2019, the Political Cooperative was not the first progressive group to organize candidates against the state's Democratic machine.

And it wasn't the most well-financed or best connected.

But it was easily the most brash, colorful and ambitious.

"We're going to take over the whole [expletive] State House," Co-op co-founder and former secretary of state Matt Brown famously said in his gubernatorial announcement video in 2021.

Unlike other progressive groups, the Co-op held a taboo (if not outright prohibition) against members compromising or voting with the establishment. In 2020, then-Representative-elect Brandon Potter backed K. Joseph Shekarchi for speaker at a Democratic caucus and was purged from the Co-op by the time lawmakers had filed out of the Crowne Plaza ballroom.

The Co-op contested as many races in as many places as possible, even if it meant running political novices in tough districts or against other self-identified progressives.

Former Secretary of State Matt Brown, once a prominent member of the progressive Rhode Island Political Cooperative.

The volume of candidates recruited from kitchen tables and between shifts at their day jobs helped drive the narrative of a grassroots revolution, but it was hard to sustain.

A number of lawmakers whom the Co-op helped elect parted ways as incumbents to pursue their own agenda and get legislation passed. Relations with other factions of the progressive movement became strained.

After the disappointing 2022 primaries, the Co-op was gripped by infighting. Brown left and was later denounced by former running mate Cynthia Mendes as part of a seemingly unrelated feud with Aaron Regunberg, the previous Rhode Island progressive to run for lieutenant governor.

Without Brown's money and connections, the group has been largely dormant.

But co-chair and former state Sen. Jeanine Calkin says it is not defunct.

"The RIPC is in the process of analyzing the current political landscape and looking at the 2026 elections," Calkin wrote in an email. "While the co-op is not formally running any candidates, many of our members are working on campaigns."

Does Calkin think the dearth of competitive primaries in Rhode Island this year is a detriment to Rhode Island voters?

"Yes absolutely. One of our goals is to hold elected officials accountable and pushing them on the issues," she wrote. "We feel our work over the last 6 years has done that  RI has passed legislation for a $15 minimum wage, passed protections on choice, passed a resolution in the RI Senate to support Medicare For All, and other progressive issues. When people challenge the status quo by running for office, good things can happen."

It's not 2016 anymore

Rhode Island progressives startled Democratic establishment leaders in 2016 when, with the help of the Working Families Party, Providence schoolteacher Marcia Ranglin-Vassell unseated House Majority Leader John DeSimone.

Ranglin-Vassell's campaign shared similarities with many of the successful progressive upsets of the period. They targeted older, conservative Democrats, many of them white, in urban districts that skewed younger with more residents of color and college students.

In more recent years, as formerly Republican suburbs have turned blue, progressives have also targeted affluent coastal areas with lots of highly educated voters.

At this point, most of the low-hanging electoral fruit has been picked.

As the Co-op's 2022 results showed, running left-wing campaigns in the purple suburban districts of Cranston, Warwick, Johnston or the Blackstone Valley isn't easy.

Finding good candidates and campaign managers to take on those races is also tough, especially in years where Democrats aren't particularly united or energized.

As Providence College's Myers explains, "Many of the conservative Dems who faced primary challengers in previous years are not facing any this year (obviously, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is an important exception). Yes, the legislature has drifted left some, but the relatively low number of left-wing challengers to more conservative Democrats this year seems like the bigger factor."

With the Co-op out of action and the Democratic Socialists of America Rhode Island having sworn off the Democratic Party, the job of backing progressive candidates this year will largely fall back on groups like the Working Families Party of Reclaim Rhode Island. Working Families is so far backing two primary challengers  Kelsey Coletta in Johnston and Giona Picheco in Cranston  while defending three incumbents: Potter and Pawtucket Reps. Cherie Cruz and Jennifer Stewart.

"As RI Working Families Party continues to make year-over-year gains at the State House, some corners of the establishment are looking to send a message in 2024 by propping up challengers to WFP candidates," Zack Mezera, Working Families RI coordinator, said about the different flavor of this year's campaigns.

Mezera said additional WFP endorsements could come over the summer.

Reclaim organizer Dan Denvir said progressive activists in Rhode Island don't currently have the capacity to organize widespread political campaigns and policy-specific legislative efforts. (Reclaim, which will be campaigning in some primaries, is focused on organizing a state tenants union.)

Progressive proposals like rent control are popular. But we lack electoral infrastructure to recruit and run a sufficient number of candidates who will champion those ideas," Denvir wrote. "And we urgently need something both bigger and more basic than more candidates: we need grassroots groups that organize large numbers of working-class Rhode Islanders."

Of the Co-op, Denvir said its "refusal to collaborate with other Democratic lawmakers and Matt Browns quixotic gubernatorial ambitions" were problems, but that the group produced some "great legislators."

Leftward march

In some ways, the low number of primary challenges is a symptom of Rhode Island progressive success.

The state Democratic Party, like the national party, has moved left over the last decade on a whole host of issues.

In 2014, the state had just legalized gay marriage, the minimum wage was $8 an hour (it will be $15 in January) employers were not required to provide paid sick leave and state law did not recognize a woman's right to abortion.

It was easier to make the case that the legislature, with pro-life, pro-Second Amendment Democrat Nicholas Mattiello as House speaker was to the right of voters in many districts than it is with Shekarchi and Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski in charge.

There's a very good chance this lull in contested primaries could be temporary, especially if Republicans retake the White House and Democratic political engagement spikes the way it did after Trump's 2016 victory.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, left, with Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski in the House chamber.

Races to watch

There may be fewer contested Assembly primaries this year, but there should still be plenty of intrigue. Here are seven races worth following:

House 9 in Providence. Two years ago Rep. Enrique Sanchez unseated three-decade incumbent Anastasia Williams , one of the most colorful lawmakers Smith Hill has ever seen. Now Williams is back for a rematch against DSA-backed Sanchez, a leftist who has not been shy about breaking with leadership. Santos Javier has also made the ballot.

House 16 in Cranston. Now with WFP support, Potter faces a challenge from Joe Graziano , an employee of Secretary of State Gregg Amore . Potter reportedly did not endear himself to Ruggerio with his vocal opposition to the latest bills to help Bally's casinos.

House 42 in Johnston. The Cardillo family feud is back. Two years ago Rep. Edward Cardillo took 41% of the vote on the way to beating nephew Dennis Cardillo Jr. after a testy campaign and a three-way race. The non-Cardillo candidate in the race, WFP's Colletta, came in second, with 36%. All three are on the ballot again this year.

House 51 in Woonsocket. Rep. Robert Phillips was planning to run for mayor, then thought better of it this spring. But by that point City Councilman Garrett Mancieri had set his sights on what would have been the open House seat and is not getting out of the race now that Phillips wants his seat back.

House 58 in Pawtucket. Progressive Rep. Cherie Cruz is seeking a second term and battling City Hall to get there. Cruz has clashed with Mayor Donald Grebien over Morley Field, and Grebien is backing a challenge against her from Elizabeth Moreira , a former city employee. (Grebien faces a long-shot challenge of his own from Camron Segalla .)

Senate 4 in North Providence and Providence. Ruggerio has twice beaten progressive challenger Lenny Cioe and is the clear favorite in this latest rematch. But the 75-year-old Senate president has been battling cancer and missed much of the last legislative session, so politics watchers will be interested to see how vigorously he campaigns.

Senate 28 in Cranston and Providence. The retirement of longtime Sen. Josh Miller has drawn the most crowded primary field of the year. Those vying to replace him are: Lammis Vargas, Darrell Brown, Melissa Carden, Bernice Morris and John Croke.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island has fewer primaries than ever this election cycle
Monday

Potter County Commissioners' Court

9 a.m.: Potter County Commissioners' Courtroom, 350 S.E. 6th Ave., Ste. 2141

Consider and act upon the following: Hear a report from Cari Snider, 4-H agent, Potter County Extension Office; receive an invitation and announcement from Melodie Graves regarding the 2nd annual Major Taylor's Unity in the Community Bike Ride on Aug. 10; consider and act upon the approval of two additional projects to the Potter County Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Investment Plan; approval of an interlocal agreement with Amarillo College for the training services needed to implement Project 17: Mental Health Training for Public Safety Responders; extending a ban on outdoor burning in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Section 352.081 for another 90 days; Amended Holiday policy and Amended Vacation Leave policy; Lactation Policy; approving revised inmate housing contracts with Deaf Smith County, Scurry County and Garza County; receive a complaint regarding wastewater discharge occurring at Love's Travel Stop located 14701 I-40, Amarillo, Texas 79124, and if necessary, to consider an order granting permission to discharge effluent onto the Potter County right-of-way; acknowledge a donation of a network rack from the 7th Court of Appeals to Potter County; Elevator Monitoring Line agreements; progress report on the upcoming FY25 Budget; employment items.

City of Canyon

3 p.m.: Commission Chambers of City Hall, 301 16th St., Canyon

Budget work session; annexation ordinance; bids for Ground Storage Tank Foundation Construction and Transmission Line for PDCGC Irrigation Project; rezoning ordinance; executive session - regarding economic development negotiations and board appointments, with public action thereafter.

Tuesday

Randall County Commissioners' Court

9 a.m.: Commissioners' Courtroom, Finance Building, 501 16th St., Ste. 305, Canyon

Discuss and take action on the following: Appointment of Randall County Road Superintendent for a two-year term beginning Aug. 1; Utility Joint Use Agreement between Randall County and Southwestern Public Service Company to bury underground lines and install overhead utility pole at Arnot Road and Co Road 58; Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS) plan regarding a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees and plan authorization for FY2025; bond for Road & Bridge Superintendent; project at Country Club Road; Drainage Improvements at Hix Drive. Closed session for business and financial issues relating to contracts being negotiated and real property; recess. Consideration and approval of an order authorizing the issuance of "Randall County, Texas Combination Tax and Limited Pledge Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2024" providing for the payment of said certificates by the levy of an ad valorem tax upon all taxable property within the county and further securing said certificates by a lien on and pledge of the pledged revenues of the county's jail system, authorizing the execution of any necessary engagement agreement with the city's financial advisors, and providing an effective date.

Amarillo City Council - work session

1 p.m.: City Hall - Council Chamber, 601 S. Buchanan St., 3rd Floor

Executive session - discuss property located in the Central Business District.

Amarillo City Council

3 p.m.: City Hall - Council Chamber, 601 S. Buchanan St., 3rd Floor

Discussion items: Center City Update, Independence Day +1 Event, Charter Review Citizen Committee recommendations and alternative proposals as requested by City Councilmembers, Street Department Operations and Maintenance Update, analysis of accounting for 2016 Proposition 1 Bond Funds (Forensic Analysis Report). Consent items: second and final reading to consider an ordinance rezoning Lot 20, Block 3, Estancia Addition Unit No. 1, from Office District 1 to General Retail District; ordinance annexing into the City of Amarillo, on petition of property owner, territory generally described as 168.77 acres of unplatted land in Potter County - applicant: Highland Park Independent School District, vicinity: East Hastings Avenue and Loop 335/Lakeside Drive; public utility easements; public right-of-way dedication; pump at the Osage Treatment Plant; airport entrance loop road and parking lot pavement replacement; community health assessment; various departmental purchases and agreements; Center City Gateway arches rehabilitation. Non-consent items:public hearing and first reading for an ordinance rezoning in C.R. Austin's Subdivision to change from Residential District 1 to Moderate Density District; construction contract for the FY 23/24 Street Maintenance project; resolution ordering a special election for Nov. 5; agreement between Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo ISD, Amarillo College and Amarillo Economic Development Corporation to fund the Thrive Program; AEDC sale of nearly 20 acres of land at Axiom Drive to Endries Enterprises, LLC for a new Cold Storage facility; location incentive agreement between AEDC and Old English Field, LLC for a new Fixed Base Operator at the Rick Husband International Airport. They have contracted on a ground lease with the airport to construct a new 42,500 square foot facility with a cost of $8.5 million that will employ 20 new employees at an average wage of $57,000.

Wednesday

Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors

8 a.m.: The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, 2601 East Interstate Dr.

Work session - Visit Amarillo Review; Then vs. Now; Impact; Mission; Mission vs. Vision: Understanding the Difference; Lightning Demo: Search a City; 10 for 10 Note & Vote: What's Your Vision?; Objectives and Key Results: Goals Objectives; Review: How does the board support Vision/OKRs?

Thursday

South Gateway Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3

12 p.m.: Amarillo City Hall, Room 306, 601 S. Buchanan

Quarterly Financials Report; updated TIRZ #3 Investment Policy; FY2024-25 TIRZ #3 Annual Budget.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area public meetings for the week of July 22, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote Presidential Town Hall at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on July 13 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

OPINION: I know Kamala Harris personally. She gives Democrats our best chance to defeat former President Donald Trump and save America from his destructive policies.

Editors note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the authors own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

President Joe Bidens decision to drop his campaign for reelection Sunday and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee for president was a selfless act of patriotism and a strong vote of confidence in the extraordinarily talented woman he selected four years ago to be his partner in governing.

America needs Kamala Harris. Democrats must unite behind her

Biden picked Harris to be his vice presidential running mate in 2020 because he knew the former prosecutor, California attorney general and U.S. senator would be able to succeed him should he be unable to carry on with his duties due to severe illness, injury or death. He made a wise choice.

Harris has played a key role in Bidens long list of achievements, including passing historic legislation to improve Americans lives, implementing a wise foreign policy, and effectively defending our nation.

Biden has now made another wise decision that Harris is the candidate best qualified to be elected and serve as our next president. I know Kamala Harris personally. Ive worked with her, and I believe she gives Democrats our best chance to defeat former President Donald Trump and save America from his destructive policies. Democrats should unite behind Harris because she would do an outstanding job as president and build on all Biden has done to benefit our country.

As Biden knows, there is no better preparation for the presidency than serving as vice president. Fifteen vice presidents have gone on to become president.

The American people owe President Biden a debt of gratitude for his lifetime of service to our country. He has accomplished more than most American presidents and continues to provide strong leadership for our nation.

But Biden is a realist. After his weak performance in his June 27 debate with Trump prompted a growing number of Democratic elected officials to call on the 81-year-old president to end or at least reconsider his candidacy, Biden clearly realized it would be enormously difficult to unite the Democratic Party behind him.

U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stand onstage and wave to the crowd at a Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally at George Mason University on Jan. 23, 2024, in Manassas, Virginia. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Biden cant deny his age, any more than Trump can deny he is just three years younger at 78. Yet, I have trouble understanding Trumps status as a senior citizen never became as significant as Bidens. I hope that now the media will put Trumps age and obviously diminished abilities under the microscope.

It would be foolish of Trump to attack the 59-year-old Harris  19 years younger than him  as too old and frail to serve as president, as he sought to depict Biden. Trumps main line of attack will be gone if Harris becomes the Democratic presidential nominee.

Dropping out of the presidential race must have been one of the hardest decisions Biden has ever made. But he understands that we are approaching one of the most important elections in American history. He knows that Trump poses a clear and present danger to all we hold dear, including our democracy, our freedoms, our national and global security, our economy and jobs, our health, and the rights of women, people of color and the LGBTQ community.

Biden put the interests of our country above his own personal desire to serve our nation for another four years. He followed the guidance of one of his heroes, President John F. Kennedy, who said in his 1961 inaugural address: My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you  ask what you can do for your country.

Of course, Harris will make history if she is elected Americas first woman president and becomes the second Black person and the first Asian American to hold our nations highest office. But despite the vicious and insulting attacks she is sure to face from Republicans, she is not a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) candidate. Her qualifications are greater or comparable to past American presidents before they assumed office.

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Harris is battle-scarred and battle-tested. She is focused on the future rather than the past. Trump constantly cavils about his grievances and falsely claims he won the 2020 election. Unlike Trump, she is interested in serving the American people in the spirit of Presidents Biden and Kennedy and not benefitting personally from the presidency.

As a former prosecutor, Harris will not let the American people forget that Trump is a convicted felon, awaiting sentencing on 34 counts of falsifying business records growing out of hush money payments to an adult film actress who alleges she had a sexual relationship with him  a claim he denies.

In addition, Harris will remind voters that Trump has been indicted on federal and Georgia charges of trying to illegally overturn his 2020 election defeat, and has been hit with hundreds of millions of dollars in civil fines for business fraud and for defaming and sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll. Special counsel Jack Smith is appealing a decision by a U.S. district judge to drop charges of mishandling classified documents against Trump.

I feel confident that Harris will become the Democratic nominee for president and wage a strong campaign that will put her in the Oval Office. She has the abilities, experience, background, compassion and patriotism we need in a president.

America needs Kamala Harris. Democratic leaders and activists need to unite to put her in the Oval Office.

Donna Brazile Headshot thegrio.com

Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist, Senior Advisor at Purple Strategies, New York Times bestselling author, Chair of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and sought-after Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning media contributor to such outlets as ABC News, USA Today and TheGrio. She previously served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee and of the DNCs Voting Rights Institute. Donna was the first Black American to serve as the manager of a major-party presidential campaign, running the campaign of Vice President Al Gore in 2000. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Women and Gender Studies Department at Georgetown University and served as the King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University and as a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. She has lectured at nearly 250 colleges and universities on diversity, equity and inclusion; women in leadership; and restoring civility in American politics.

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American Airlines flight attendants have reached a tentative contract agreement with the carrier, their union announced in a statement.

The tentative agreement comes after years of negotiations that included help from federal authorities, including Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, to avoid a strike.

We have reached a long overdue agreement with American Airlines, which addresses our concerns in compensation, work rules, and retroactive pay, Julie Hedrick, the president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, said in the statement.

After receiving approval from the unions board of directors, the agreement will go to membership for a final vote.

If approved, this agreement will put billions of additional dollars into compensation and work rules for our flight attendant workgroup, Hedrick said.

The last update to Americans flight attendant contract was in December 2019.

Hedrick said the tentative agreement meets the unions needs in terms of compensation and retroactive pay.

Further details wont be released until late next week, officials with the union said.

We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, a spokesperson with American Airlines said in a statement, adding that the airline is proud of the agreement and believes its one its employees deserve.

President Joe Biden expressed his approval of the agreement on social media, issuing congratulations to the union and the airline.

Collective bargaining works, the president said.
On July 3, without seeking it out, a dozen foreign tourists experienced something that is not in the Lonely Planet guides: the funeral of a commander of an illegal armed group. It was 2 p.m. and we travelers were descending from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range that rises steeply from the Caribbean Sea and which is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. In the mud, heat, and rain, we had spent two days climbing up to the famous Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). Then, after exploring the spiritual capital of the Indigenous people of the Sierra, we spent two more days hiking back down, covered in sweat and mosquito bites. Eber Cretton, a 34-year-old Brazilian professor, recalls that we were on the last stretch of the trail, heading toward a small village called Machete Pelao from where the excursions to Ciudad Perdida depart, when he saw around 100 men dressed in military uniforms. They had ammunition belts on their backs and large rifles in their hands.

I didnt know what to think, I looked at my guide and it seemed to me that he didnt know what was going on either, says the Brazilian, now back home. Cretton says he noticed something strange about the men: their faces were covered and their uniforms did not bear a Colombian flag but the acronym ACSN. They were standing in two rows, flanking both sides of the narrow street. In the middle of it all, there was a cross and a coffin. They were the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces), a guerrilla organization of which little is spoken aloud. According to experts, the group dedicates itself to extortion and providing logistical services to the cartels that export drugs along several coasts in the departments of Magdalena and La Guajira, an area known as the Caribbean trunk road. Although they have tried at times to join the process of Colombias plan for total peace, which proposes negotiating with all the countrys armed groups at the same time, so far the dialogue has not borne fruit. The ACSN are the blind spot of total peace.

Cretton says that, upon learning who was surrounding him, he felt the atmosphere become more tense. Should we eat, should we wait? It was confusing. I didnt want to offend them, he recalls. Sigilfredo Camacho, our guide, admits over the phone that he was totally freaked out. The street was packed. Residents were standing around with the self-defense groups. Then the ceremony began.

A man dressed in camouflage fatigues, standing on the trunk of a pickup truck, took a microphone and began to speak. We, the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces, pay posthumous homage to our friend and comrade, to our Commando 27. He is gone, but he will live in our hearts, he said in a military tone. He ordered the other armed men to get ready. Then he shouted, What are we? Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces! they answered. A military song struck up over a loudspeaker. When it ended, the man in the truck shouted, shoulder arms! The rifles went up. The commander slowly counted to three. The soldiers began firing into the sky. The noise was deafening. Several residents hurried away. The shooting lasted 10 seconds.

Two weeks after the encounter, Cretton recalls that the situation was frightening, surreal: When they started shooting, I thought, This is horrible. I hope the bullets dont land on us. He says the guide, Camacho, warned him not to do anything unusual. He couldnt eat because of his nerves. Then, a man approached Camacho and told him that the self-defense groups were going to close the road to the town, that the tourists had to leave now or stay two or three hours longer. Cretton says fleeing was a relief: I just wanted to leave. I just wanted to get away from those men. This is not the first time tourists have been caught in the middle of the armed groups activities. In April 2022, 70 people had to be evacuated from the trail to Ciudad Perdida due to clashes between the ASCN and the Colombian security forces. The clashes occurred precisely in Machete Pelao.

Criminal governance

Luis Fernando Trejos is a professor and researcher at the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, the main city in the Colombian Caribbean. For the organized crime expert, the funeral that the ACSN held in Machete Pelao demonstrates their territorial control. In an interview with EL PAIS, he says these self-defense groups represent the latest mutation of a line of armed organizations that have exercised control over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for more than 40 years.

According to Trejos, the ACSN made their debut as a political-military group in 2020. However, he claims they are the continuation of various criminal structures that emerged in the 1960s as a group of marimberos, as people who exported marijuana were called at the time. Over the years, they have changed roles and names  they have called themselves the Autodefensas del Mamey, the Tayrona Resistance Front, the Oficina Caribe, Los Leales a Giraldo, and Los Pachenca, among others  but they have always found a way to control the region. They fulfill state roles there. They always adapt, they are like a chameleon: they mutate, they advance, they retreat, they change to survive. They are a very resilient criminal group, he says.

The expert explains that the social control of the ACSN is so strong that they can guarantee full security of the territory against common crime: They fulfill police roles. That is why there is very little crime in the area. It is this security, combined with the paradisiacal beaches and majestic mountains covered in tropical vegetation, that have made the Sierra Nevada and its surrounding area a hub for international tourism. Between Santa Marta and Dibulla (La Guajira), accommodation of all kinds abounds, from cheap hostels to five-star hotels that charge hundreds of dollars a night. Trejos says that the ACSN have been able to take advantage of that.

They regulate all the tourist activity on the Caribbean trunk road, he says. The tour operator pays them to be able to develop activities, so that nothing happens to the tourists. According to the researcher, it is not only the tourism industry that is affected by this extortion. People pay for any business in the area: from selling red wine to selling land.

Norma Vera Salazar, a human rights activist and security consultant in the region, explains by phone that this neo-paramilitary group takes advantage of the absence of the state in rural areas of the Sierra Nevada to move drugs to the coast and extort residents. According to her, in her eight years investigating the ACSN and its former structures, some 200 people on the Caribbean trunk road have reported being victims of extortion. However, she warns that out of fear, it is very difficult for them to admit it to the press.

Alleged members of the ACSN in a still from a video published on December 24, 2023. ACSN

Testimonies from the tourism sector

Camacho, the tour guide, agrees to a telephone interview from the village of Guachaca, a few kilometers from Machete Pelao. He has lived in different villages in the Sierra Nevada for 37 years and for more than 15 years he has been taking groups of tourists to Ciudad Perdida. He has also served as a representative of the tour guides on two occasions, for tenures lasting years. As such, he assures that he has close ties with the people who work on the trail, the peasant communities, and the Indigenous people. I can say with full confidence that no armed group has ever asked us for anything. To other people who have other businesses, I dont know, he says. According to him, the funeral was held in Machete Pelao because the commander who died was from there.

He admits that sometimes the ACSN plays policing roles in the community: They dont want people who commit violence. When there are people hurting the community, they dont accept it. Thats where they come in and lay down their rules. But Camacho adds that they dont mess with the community. What I have always heard is that they only protect the Sierra so that the Gulf Clan doesnt move in, he says, referring to the largest criminal group in the country, heir to the former paramilitaries. There have been multiple battles between the ACSN and the Gulf Clan in the past year. According to Trejos, the self-defense groups managed to drive the Clan out of the Sierra Nevada. Now, the clashes only occur in La Guajira.

Luz Zenith Canas Ibarra, the director of Corpeteyuna, a corporation that works for the development of tourism in Ciudad Perdida and the Sierra Nevada, also denies that the armed groups ask them for money. It is not true. On the trail to Ciudad Perdida we dont pay extortion. We have nothing to hide. We are open to the government, let them check us out, she declares by telephone, adding that the funeral held in Machete Pelao is something that had never happened before. She then offers a theory as to why it took place there: I imagine it was to make themselves known. To show everyone that they exist.

Tourists on the trail to Ciudad Perdida, in 2015. Thierry Tronnel (Getty Images)

Total peace

Like their biggest rival, the Gulf Clan, the ACSN are in a gray area with regards to total peace. They are not involved in the negotiation, but they are not on a war footing either. At least not a declared one, notes Trejos. Through a communique, the armed group stated in September 2022 they were willing to join the plan for total peace. Since then, they have published dozens of video communiques on X in which they express their desire to negotiate with the government. A bilateral ceasefire involving the ACSN and other armed groups was established, which in theory was to last between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, but it was not extended.

In January of this year, a dialogue was held in the region between members of the armed groups and representatives of the civilian population. However, the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace did not participate. At the end of February, the criminal organization announced that it wanted Salvatore Mancuso, the top living ex-paramilitary leader and recently appointed peace manager, to help them launch a peace process in the Caribbean. So far nothing has come of that request.

While the self-defense groups try to negotiate, the government seems to be working to dismantle their structure. Three leaders have been captured in recent months: Camilo in April, and Muneca and El Menor in June. Despite the arrests, the ACSN insists on its desire to join the total peace roadmap. They are among the armed groups that have made the most requests to the government to be included in the negotiations, says Trejos. But while they remain the blind spot for total peace, the ACSN will continue to commit crimes along the Caribbean trunk road.

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Analysis-Tougher tone on Israel, steady on NATO: how a Harris foreign policy could look

By Matt Spetalnick and Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to stick largely to Joe Biden's foreign policy playbook on key issues such as Ukraine, China and Iran but could strike a tougher tone with Israel over the Gaza war if she replaces the president at the top of the Democratic ticket and wins the U.S. November election.

As the apparent frontrunner for the nomination after Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her on Sunday, Harris would bring on-the-job experience, personal ties forged with world leaders, and a sense of global affairs gained during a Senate term and as Biden's second-in-command.

But running against Republican candidate Donald Trump, she would also have a major vulnerability - a troubled situation at the U.S.-Mexico border that has bedeviled Biden and become a top campaign issue. Harris was tasked at the start of his term with addressing the root causes of high irregular migration, and Republicans have sought to make her the face of the problem.

On a range of global priorities, said analysts, a Harris presidency would resemble a second Biden administration.

"She may be a more energetic player but one thing you shouldn't expect  any immediate big shifts in the substance of Biden's foreign policy," said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for Democratic and Republican administrations.

Harris has signaled, for instance, that she would not deviate from Biden's staunch support for NATO and would continue backing Ukraine in its fight against Russia. That stands in sharp contrast to a pledge by former president Trump to fundamentally alter the U.S. relationship with the alliance and the doubts he has raised about future weapons supplies to Kyiv.

STAYING THE COURSE ON CHINA?

A lawyer by training and a former California attorney general, Harris struggled in the first half of Biden's term to find her footing, not helped by being saddled early on with a major part of the intractable immigration portfolio amid record crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.

That followed a failed 2020 presidential campaign that was widely considered lackluster.

If she becomes the nominee, Democrats will be hoping Harris will be more effective at communicating her foreign policy goals.

In the second half of Biden's presidency, Harris - the country's first Black and Asian American vice president - has elevated her profile on issues ranging from China and Russia to Gaza and become a known quantity to many world leaders.

At this year's Munich Security Conference she delivered a tough speech slamming Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and pledging an "ironclad" U.S. commitment to NATO's Article 5 requirement for mutual self-defense.

The Kremlin said on Monday that Harris had made no noteworthy contribution to relations with Moscow except for statements "unfriendly towards our country." She has accused Russia of waging a "barbaric and inhumane" war in Ukraine.

On China, Harris has long positioned herself within Washington's bipartisan mainstream on the need for the U.S. to counter China's influence, especially in Asia. She would likely maintain Biden's stance of confronting Beijing when necessary while also seeking areas of cooperation, analysts say.

Harris has made several trips aimed at bolstering relations in the economically dynamic region, including one to Jakarta in September to fill in for Biden at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the visit, Harris accused China of trying to coerce smaller neighbors with its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Biden also dispatched Harris on travels to shore up alliances with Japan and South Korea, which have had reason to worry about Trump's commitment to their security.

"She demonstrated to the region that she was enthusiastic to promote the Biden focus on the Indo-Pacific," said Murray Hiebert, a senior associate of the Southeast Asia Program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies.

While she could not match the "diplomatic chops" Biden had developed over decades, "she did fine," he added.

However, like her boss, Harris has been prone to the occasional verbal gaffe. On a tour of the Demilitarized Zone between South and North Korea in September 2022 to reassert Washington's support for Seoul, she mistakenly touted a U.S. "alliance with the Republic of North Korea."

If Harris becomes her party's standard-bearer and can overcome Trump's lead in pre-election opinion polls to win the White House, the Israel-Palestinian conflict would rank high on her agenda, especially if the Gaza war is still raging.

Although as vice president she has mostly echoed Biden in firmly backing Israel's right to defend itself after Hamas militants carried out a deadly cross-border raid on Oct. 7, she has at times stepped out slightly ahead of the president in criticizing Israel's military approach.

In March, she bluntly stated that Israel was not doing enough to ease a "humanitarian catastrophe" during its ground offensive in the Palestinian enclave. Later, she did not rule out "consequences" for Israel if it launched a full-scale invasion of refugee-packed Rafah in southern Gaza.

Such language has raised the possibility that Harris, as president, might take at least a stronger rhetorical line with Israel than Biden, analysts say.

While her 81-year-old boss has a long history with Israeli leaders and has even called himself a "Zionist," Harris, 59, lacks his visceral personal connection to the country.

She maintains closer ties to Democratic progressives, some of whom have pressed Biden to attach conditions to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel out of concern for high Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza.

But analysts do not expect there would be a big shift in U.S. policy toward Israel, Washington's closest ally in the Middle East.

Halie Soifer, who served as national security adviser to Harris during the then-senator's first two years in Congress, said Harris' support of Israel has been just as strong as Biden's. "There really has been no daylight to be found" between the two, she said.

Harris is expected to have a previously scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington this week, her first encounter with a foreign leader since Biden ended his re-election bid.

IRAN NUCLEAR THREAT

Harris could also be expected to hold firm against Israel's regional arch-foe, Iran, whose recent nuclear advances have drawn increased U.S. condemnation.

Jonathan Panikoff, formerly the U.S. government's deputy national intelligence officer for the Middle East, said the growing threat of "weaponization" of Iran's nuclear program could be an early major challenge for a Harris administration, especially if Tehran decides to test the new U.S. leader.

After a series of failed attempts, Biden has shown little interest in returning to negotiations with Tehran over resuming the 2015 international nuclear agreement, which Trump abandoned during his presidency.

Harris would be unlikely to make any major overtures without serious signs that Iran is ready to make concessions.

Even so, Panikoff, now at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, said: "There's every reason to believe the next president will have to deal with Iran. It's bound to be one of the biggest problems."

(Reporting By Matt Spetalnick and Simon Lewis; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay; Writing by Matt SpetalnickEditing by Don Durfee and Rosalba O'Brien)
Andrei Nastase was targeted by Russian mafia for exposing corruption. Now he aims to bring Moldova into the EU

Democracy and the rule of law has a difficult road in Moldova, says Andrei Nastase, who wants to become the countrys next president (Supplied)

Andrei Nastase became a marked man due to his role in exposing a criminal network run by the Russian mafia and shady powerful oligarchs which had laundered a staggering $22bn (17bn) of illicit money.

Guns were fired near the lawyer and former prosecutors family home in the Moldovan capital Chisinau; a hidden camera was later discovered planted inside the house. Cars with number plates from Transnistria, a Russian enclave, followed him daily. His wife and children were harassed, as was his brother Vasile, a journalist and former MP.

Doctors suspected Nastase was the victim of poisoning when five times the normal level of mercury was found in his blood after he became suddenly ill. He decided, after recovery, to send his wife and children out of the country for their safety.

The family were separated for eight months in 2012, with Nastase and other pro-democracy activists facing constant pressure during the turbulence still present after more than a decade of independence from the Soviet Union. The reformers continued to fight back. In 2018, Nastase stood for, and won, the mayoral election for Chisinau, beating the pro-Russian candidate Ion Ceban.

The election, however, was declared invalid by the courts on a technicality. Nastase had campaigned on election day in an alleged violation of rules. The decision led to prolonged street protests and extensive criticism from the US administration and the European Union, with Brussels suspending a 100m (84m) aid package to Moldova as a punishment.

Moldovas Court of Appeal eventually overturned Nastases ban and reinstated him as Chisinaus mayor. He was, however, serving as interior minister by then in the liberal cabinet led by prime minister (now president) Maia Sandu. He went on to become deputy prime minister but the government later fell, having lost a vote of no confidence. Sandu became president after winning the election in 2021.

Nastase went into academia. But he is now standing in the presidential election due in October, at a time when Moldova is caught in geopolitical crossfire with war in next door Ukraine, tensions over breakaway Transnistria  legally, a part of the country but with a heavy Russian military presence  and warnings of the Kremlin seeking to assert control in former Soviet states.

Andrei Nastase out on the street during a protest about Moldovas future (Supplied)

Nastase will be campaigning, he says, on backing the future of Moldova in the European Union, strengthening law enforcement against corruption and organised crime, and integrating Transnistria into the country through dialogue.

He says that Moldova, although small with a population of just 3.3 million, will be of international significance due to its strategic location and is seeking to press his countrys case abroad. He went to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week and plans to attend next months Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Democracy and the rule of law has a difficult road in Moldova. The threats of violence we faced were really stressful and I was very worried about my family. These powerful people also misuse the law. The oligarchic regime blocked me from being mayor despite my winning because on election day, I urged people to go out and vote. I did not say, Vote for me, just vote for whoever. Other candidates have been much more partisan in elections but the vested interests used this as an excuse to stop me, says Nastase.

Weve been activists since we were young. My brother Vasile was one of the signatories of the declaration of independence [from the Soviet Union]. I feel I can serve my country in public life when we are going through a really difficult situation. Both at home and internationally, we face very hard challenges.

The West and Russia view this small country as a sought-after prize in the contest between the West and Russia. October will also see a referendum on the countrys eventual membership of the European Union; accession talks have already begun.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has left Moldova in the middle of the escalating tensions between Russia and the West (via Reuters)

Moldovas security service claims that the Kremlin has secretly sent millions of dollars for bribing officials and buying votes in local elections. Last month, the US, British and Canadian governments accused Russia of seeking to undermine Moldovan democratic institutions in the lead-up to the October presidential elections and a referendum on Moldovas EU membership.

A number of judges, it is claimed, owe their position and loyalty to oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who is under sanctions by the US State Department for allegedly using legal officials to target political and business rivals.

The US Treasury, meanwhile, has sanctioned Ilan Shor, who was convicted of fraud in 2017 over the theft of $1bn from Moldovan banks three years earlier. The pro-Kremlin billionaire and politician who now has Israeli and Russian citizenship lives between Moscow and Tel Aviv.

Nastase has crossed swords with both men. Plahotniuc is seen as the prime mover behind getting the mayoral election annulled. And Nastase is said to have incurred Shors animosity during his investigations into the clandestine Russian Laundromat money scheme in which 16 judges and four court officials faced accusations of corruption. Apart from the $22bn in Moldova, another $60bn is believed to have been washed through other former Soviet bloc countries.

Nastase says: I uncovered operations involving the Russian mafia. This scheme funnelled billions of dollars through Moldova using at least 21 shell companies which fabricated debt claims in Moldovan courts, which were then used to transfer funds to Moldovan banks and subsequently to banks in different countries. From there, the money was dispersed to over 5,000 companies in 96 countries.

President of Moldova Maia Sandu at the recent European Political Community summit in London (Getty)

Shor formed his own political party, Sor, which was dissolved after a court ruled that he had been funding disorder and unrest. But the decision was reversed by the Constitutional Court after claims that the ban was imposed too hastily.

Shors group was expected to be joined in the pro-Moscow bloc by Ion Ceban, who briefly became mayor of Chisinau by default when Nastase was banned. They can expect support from a section of the electorate in Moldova, as well as sizeable numbers in Transnistria and Gagauzia, a region whose Turkic population speak Russian and whose leader Yevgenia Gutsul has close ties with both Shor and Vladimir Putin. Former president Igor Dodon, who was also expected to run, says he is withdrawing amid reports that he will put a protege in place.

Sandu, the only pro-European candidate until Nastase decided to run has had the broad backing so far of Western states. Nastase, who has been out of mainstream politics for four years, maintains that his campaign will gain momentum in the coming months.

I am going to keep to my message I strongly support Moldovas integration into the European Union, he says, adding, however, that there was a need for utmost care to be given to ensure people with socially conservative values are not alienated.

I believe the EU must recognise and respect the diverse cultures of its member countries, acknowledge the historical, social, and cultural contexts that shape nations while fostering unity and cooperation. This cultural sensitivity will surely strengthen the EU and ensure that all member states feel valued and respected.

Nastase and Sandu were once allies. She strongly backed his mayoral campaign. In the 2016 presidential election, he stepped aside for her, despite leading marginally in polls, to ensure the pro-European vote was not split against the pro-Moscow group.

But they fell out over the role of Sandus party in appointing a general prosecutor, which was adjudged to be unconstitutional and illegal. Its act, he charges, led to a progressive government falling, precisely what psychosis and hysteria fuelled by KGB propagandists had sought to bring about.

My reason for standing now is that I dont think the government has delivered on its promises. I think its very important to engage in the democratic process to challenge those in power. That keeps people engaged in politics, he says. If we fail to engage the people, there is apathy and that creates the conditions for the oligarch regime to win. Thatll be bad for Moldova and bad for Europe.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  An Angola man has pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge in connection with a fatal crash that took the life of a Hamburg woman in February, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Monday.

Anthony Rydzewski, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree manslaughter. Around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, he was driving at a high rate of speed on Route 5 in Hamburg when he caused the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle, 37-year-old Jenny Zuhlke, died at the scene. Rydzewski was taken to ECMC where he was treated for injuries.

She was a ray of sunshine: Co-workers remember woman killed in Hamburg crash

Rydzewski was located in Crawford County in Pennsylvania and was brought back to Western New York in April.

He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 30. He is being held without bail.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Another hotel on Huger Street? Development is planned for this vacant Columbia site

Another hotel soon could pop up on Columbias busy Huger Street, right next to a hotel currently under construction.

The new four-story, 123-room hotel would sit across Senate Street from the under-construction Homewood Suites and Tru Hotel by Hilton being built behind the McDonalds at Huger and Gervais streets. It would join a slate of new projects underway in the Huger Street corridor.

Plans for the new hotel on the corner of Senate Street have been percolating since 2020, but stalled when the original developer sold the site. In 2021, an LLC called Huger Senate Hotel Associates purchased two adjacent parcels between Huger, Senate and Pendleton streets, next to Stormwater Studios, for a combined $2.2 million.

Columbias Design/Development Review Commission approved the architectural plans for the new hotel in June, but on the condition that the design be slightly altered, including the elimination of a vehicle entrance on Senate Street.

Now, a month later, the developer is returning to the commission to ask that the Senate Street entrance be allowed.

The applicant has determined that the elimination of the Senate Street vehicular access is not a viable option for the development, the application submitted for the July 25 meeting reads.

This change has residents who live in the City Club neighborhood between Gervais and Senate streets concerned, said Carolyn Leedecker, president of the City Club homeowners association. Leedecker previously told The State that it is already difficult to navigate the traffic on Gervais and Huger streets, which are two major city thoroughfares.

The portion of Huger Street between Gervais Street and the Interstate 126 interchange is the second-busiest road in downtown Columbia. It recorded an annual average daily traffic count of 38,300 in 2022  surpassed only by Elmwood Avenue, which recorded figures nearing an average of 50,000 vehicles per day.

Eliminating the entrance to the new hotel on Senate Street was a top priority for the City Club neighborhood, Leedecker said. Now that the developer is asking to reinsert that entrance into the design, Leedecker has started a letter-writing campaign to lobby against the change in design.

City staff have recommend the request to reinsert the driveway be approved, but the request will still need to be given the green light by the commission at its regular meeting Thursday.

The new hotel plans also include a 120-space parking lot.

If approved, the hotel would join a fast-growing corridor that has seen major developments come online or being proposed in recent years. Once known as the home of the South Carolina state prison that housed notorious killer Pee Wee Gaskins, Huger Street is seeing new momentum.

A new 250-unit apartment complex is moving forward on a sliver of the former Kline Iron and Steel site, and a new $100 million housing development next door has received tax incentives from Richland County. A major student housing development is also planned for the corner of Huger and Blossom streets.

Huger Streets moment has arrived. Why this Columbia spot is prime for a development boom  finally
A new paper from researchers whose abortion-pill studies were retracted touts C-sections and induced labor as alternatives for pregnant patients in medical emergencies as a federal appellate court revisits a pivotal case in Idaho. (Getty Images)

The day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the medical board that certifies OB-GYNs in America released a statement calling legal pregnancy termination and knowledge of abortion procedures essential to reproductive health care.

But a small number of influential anti-abortion doctors have spent the last two years trying to change the reproductive health care standards in state and federal health policy, in a way that is potentially dangerous, doctors representing major medical institutions say.

The question of when abortion is essential health care that states cant ban is central to several ongoing lawsuits, including Moyle v. United States, a case about whether emergency rooms receiving federal funding have to treat pregnant patients with stabilizing care if it might result in the end of the pregnancy. The U.S. Supreme Court recently kicked the case back to the appellate court, a move that newly allows doctors in Idaho to perform emergency abortions. But the issues remain unresolved, with doctors in Idaho (as in other states) still seeking clarity about whether what theyve long considered necessary care is legal.

Now as the case returns to the U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals, researchers behind retracted studies claiming abortion drugs are dangerous are out with new policy recommendations that say when pregnancy termination is necessary, doctors should opt for procedures considered by the wider reproductive health community to carry bigger health risks, such as cesarean sections, rather than less invasive abortion procedures.

[M]any physicians argue that it is almost never necessary to end the life of a child directly and intentionally by an abortion procedure, public health researcher James Studnicki and OB-GYN Dr. Ingrid Skop, of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in a paper published this summer in Medical Research Archives, a journal of the European Society of Medicine. [W]hen a pregnancy endangering the life of the mother requires termination, a direct dismemberment dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion may be unnecessary, as delivery can usually be performed with a standard obstetric intervention such as labor induction or cesarean section (if indicated).

Experts told States Newsroom that Charlotte Loziers claims contradict national standards of care. And they come at a time when states with strict abortion bans like Texas and Louisiana are seeing a rise in surgical incisions like C-sections and hysterotomies to end pregnancies, even though they carry higher risk, delay future pregnancies, and can affect fertility.

The end goal of doing a medical intervention to end a pregnancy and save a patients life is the same as when we do an abortion. They are just calling for more complicated, sometimes invasive procedures to get to that same end goal, said Atlanta-based OB-GYN and complex family planning specialist Dr. Nisha Verma. I think this is really dangerous  it creates confusion. It prevents the public from understanding that abortion is a necessary life-saving procedure.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute has for more than a decade worked to build the anti-abortion movements credibility, by providing research and data to defend anti-abortion laws in the legislature and in the courts. Their claims frequently contradict major American medical institutions on abortion science and safety, and their research methods have faced academic scrutiny  while continuing to wield influence.

Between 2019 and 2022, Studnicki and Skop co-authored three papers in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, two of which were used by anti-abortion plaintiffs and judges to argue for the restriction of abortion pills in a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which the Supreme Court rejected this term for lack of standing. But earlier this year, Sage Journals retracted these studies following a reader-prompted investigation, in part for methodological flaws and data misrepresentation. The Charlotte Lozier researchers have insisted the retractions were meritless and politically motivated.

Skop, an OB-GYN from San Antonio, Texas, and Charlotte Loziers director of medical affairs, now has even more influence, after her controversial appointment to Texass maternal mortality review committee. Skop has made unfounded claims, including that abortion bans will improve maternal mortality rates and that rape or incest victims as young as 9 can safely give birth to a baby. But experts say minors are at increased risk for serious complications like preeclampsia and likelier to give birth to low-birth-weight babies.

Last year the San Antonio-based OB-GYN served as a state expert witness when Kate Cox from Dallas asked a Texas judge to grant her an abortion for a nonviable pregnancy. Skops sworn affidavit alleged Cox was not at risk of death or substantial impairment of a major bodily function, though Coxs doctor recommended an abortion to preserve her health and future fertility. Denied the abortion in her home state, Cox aborted in New Mexico, and is newly pregnant again.

As a fellow for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which has more than 60,000 members, Verma said she has regularly testified before Congress alongside OB-GYNs with minority-held positions on reproductive health policy like Skop and Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the anti-abortion American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which comparatively has approximately 7,500 members.

It can be really deceptive and confusing for the public who just hear different things coming from two OB-GYNs, Verma said.

Studnicki and Skop argue that abortion is not evidence-based because many people do not seek abortions for physical health reasons, and because much of the existing abortion-safety and efficacy data does not involve randomized controls, i.e., comparing groups of people receiving abortion procedures with those delivering unwanted or nonviable pregnancies to term.

Based upon the research standard of the Cochrane guidelines, our study shows the science required to consider abortion evidence-based, alone or in comparison to other interventions, does not exist, said Studnicki in an written statement, referring to guidelines for systematic reviews, named after British medical researcher Archie Cochrane. All of us who want the best for women should desire better quality data, including comparison of abortion to other pregnancy outcomes like childbirth, so we can best address the needs of women in heartbreaking circumstances.

They do not mention the longitudinal Turnaway Study, produced at the University of California San Francisco, which found short- and long-term improved health and socioeconomic outcomes for women who received versus were denied wanted abortions. (Editors note: Reporter Sofia Resnick contributed proofreading and editing to UCSF professor Diana Greene Fosters 2020 book about the study she led.) Anti-abortion activists have criticized that study, including in a published critique that was retracted following concerns about its peer review.

Studnicki and Skop did not agree to an interview but provided a fact sheet for their claims, which notes that OB-GYNs should adhere to guidelines set by ACOG when it comes to life-threatening situations, but also asserts that existing abortion bans do not preclude necessary care.

Claim: Almost all induced abortions demonstrate no therapeutic intent or medical necessity.

That abortion is not legitimate health care is a similar argument that a coalition of anti-abortion doctor groups including AAPLOG (of which Skop is a member) made in the abortion-pill case. Its an argument Charlotte Lozier advanced in an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court in Moyle v. United States.

And its an argument featured in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a potential future GOP presidency, which says that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act should not be interpreted to cover abortions. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from Project 2025s proposed federal abortion restrictions, though they were authored by officials from his previous administration.

But decades of research have established the high safety record and medical benefits of termination.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly shows that pregnancy is a condition that can kill you, said Dr. Sarah Horvath, an OB-GYN and complex family planning subspecialist and researcher at Penn State Universitys Hershey Medical Center, in an email. As a mother, I can tell you that the benefits of a wanted child often, but not always, outweigh the risks of pregnancy complications and death.

According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2022, with rates for Black women more than double, at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that by contrast the risks from an induced abortion are smaller than the continuing a pregnancy: In the first trimester (more than 90% of all abortions), the rate of maternal death is less than 1 per 100,000, and for abortions at 18 weeks gestation or higher, the risk of death is 6.7 per 100,000.

In the two years since the Dobbs decision overturned federal abortion protections, OB-GYNs in states with near or total abortion bans have reported denying critical care because of these new laws. Many have become politically active, trying to impress upon lawmakers and the public that pregnancy is highly variable and vague exceptions to prevent death are impossible to interpret medically, especially as complications are not always immediately deadly but could become so if not treated promptly.

Claim: When the separation of a mother and her baby is necessary, C-sections and inductions should be prioritized over induced abortion to allow parents to express appropriate grief.

Referring to a medically indicated abortion as the separation of a mother and her baby, which is not a medical term, Studnicki and Skop pose labor induction or cesarean section as the ethical choice.

Beyond 22 weeks gestation, the baby will often survive separation from the mother if given active medical intervention, and even if too young or sick to survive, the family can show the child love and express appropriate grief with the assistance of supportive palliative care, Studnicki and Skop write. No study has compared the well-being of a woman and family who end their childs life in these tragic circumstances to those who continue to allow their child to live until a natural death.

Verma said depending on the situation and especially before 20 weeks, induction or a C-section could introduce unnecessary risks and delays of care. And the patient would have to wait longer to try to get pregnant again.

I have a hard time even understanding this claim that a C-section is equally invasive and morbid to abortion procedure, Verma said. Thats a major abdominal surgery. We are making a large incision in the abdomen, making incisions in the tissue below the skin, pulling apart the muscles, going into the abdominal cavity, the peritoneal cavity, cutting open the uterus and removing a pregnancy.  If the patient wants to get pregnant again, after a D&E procedure, they can start trying a month later, whereas after a C-section, you have to wait months to be able to safely start trying again without as much risk of your uterus rupturing in the next pregnancy.

Verma said that sometimes C-sections do make sense in these cases, and that many of her patients do opt for labor and delivery to hold their dead or dying child, but she doesnt believe these options should be forced on patients.

Claim: Rape and incest victims  who are often adolescents and children  dont need abortions.

The emotionally provocative scenario of a young adolescent girl seeking to abort a pregnancy conceived in rape or incest is repeated in the media at a rate which is grotesquely disproportionate to the rarity of its occurrence, Studnicki and Skop write. The question of importance is whether an abortion in this circumstance improves the mental or physical health status of the victimized girl. Understandably, there have been no clinical trials addressing this question, so even an abortion in this tragic circumstance cannot be characterized as an evidence-based medical intervention.

But there is evidence that children and teens face greater physical health risks from pregnancy and childbirth than adults. And Verma noted that the incidence of young children getting pregnant, often by rape or incest, is small but real.

I have treated young kids in, like the 10-, 11-year-old range, Verma said. Its not something thats happening every day, but there are many reasons why people need abortions, and that is something that we see and it is terrible.

Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist and associate professor at UCSF who specializes in the impact of abortion policies on young people, told States Newsroom that initial research out of Texas is showing fewer young people able to access abortions. According to a national 2021-2022 patient survey, about 10% of abortion seekers were 19 and younger, and about 2% were 17 and younger. Ralph noted that many rape and incest cases among young people are likely underreported.

The rarity of it, I dont think diminishes its importance in conversations around the reasons why people seek abortion, for young people in particular, who are victims of sexual assault, Ralph said. We know that theyve had their autonomy violated once, and then if you deny them access to a wanted abortion and force them to continue a pregnancy and give birth, that violates their autonomy yet again.

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A new paper from researchers whose abortion-pill studies were retracted touts C-sections and induced labor as alternatives for pregnant patients in medical emergencies as a federal appellate court revisits a pivotal case in Idaho. (Getty Images)

The day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the medical board that certifies OB-GYNs in America released a statement calling legal pregnancy termination and knowledge of abortion procedures essential to reproductive health care.

But a small number of influential anti-abortion doctors have spent the last two years trying to change the reproductive health care standards in state and federal health policy, in a way that is potentially dangerous, doctors representing major medical institutions say.

The question of when abortion is essential health care that states cant ban is central to several ongoing lawsuits, including Moyle v. United States, a case about whether emergency rooms receiving federal funding have to treat pregnant patients with stabilizing care if it might result in the end of the pregnancy. The U.S. Supreme Court recently kicked the case back to the appellate court, a move that newly allows doctors in Idaho to perform emergency abortions. But the issues remain unresolved, with doctors in Idaho (as in other states) still seeking clarity about whether what theyve long considered necessary care is legal.

Now as the case returns to the U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals, researchers behind retracted studies claiming abortion drugs are dangerous are out with new policy recommendations that say when pregnancy termination is necessary, doctors should opt for procedures considered by the wider reproductive health community to carry bigger health risks, such as cesarean sections, rather than less invasive abortion procedures.

[M]any physicians argue that it is almost never necessary to end the life of a child directly and intentionally by an abortion procedure, public health researcher James Studnicki and OB-GYN Dr. Ingrid Skop, of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in a paper published this summer in Medical Research Archives, a journal of the European Society of Medicine. [W]hen a pregnancy endangering the life of the mother requires termination, a direct dismemberment dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion may be unnecessary, as delivery can usually be performed with a standard obstetric intervention such as labor induction or cesarean section (if indicated).

Doctors say those claims contradict national standards of maternal care

Experts told States Newsroom that Charlotte Loziers claims contradict national standards of care. And they come at a time when states with strict abortion bans like Texas and Louisiana are seeing a rise in surgical incisions like C-sections and hysterotomies to end pregnancies, even though they carry higher risk, delay future pregnancies, and can affect fertility.

The end goal of doing a medical intervention to end a pregnancy and save a patients life is the same as when we do an abortion. They are just calling for more complicated, sometimes invasive procedures to get to that same end goal, said Atlanta-based OB-GYN and complex family planning specialist Dr. Nisha Verma. I think this is really dangerous  it creates confusion. It prevents the public from understanding that abortion is a necessary life-saving procedure.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute has for more than a decade worked to build the anti-abortion movements credibility, by providing research and data to defend anti-abortion laws in the legislature and in the courts. Their claims frequently contradict major American medical institutions on abortion science and safety, and their research methods have faced academic scrutiny  while continuing to wield influence.

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Between 2019 and 2022, Studnicki and Skop co-authored three papers in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, two of which were used by anti-abortion plaintiffs and judges to argue for the restriction of abortion pills in a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which the Supreme Court rejected this term for lack of standing. But earlier this year, Sage Journals retracted these studies following a reader-prompted investigation, in part for methodological flaws and data misrepresentation. The Charlotte Lozier researchers have insisted the retractions were meritless and politically motivated.

Skop, an OB-GYN from San Antonio, Texas, and Charlotte Loziers director of medical affairs, now has even more influence, after her controversial appointment to Texass maternal mortality review committee. Skop has made unfounded claims, including that abortion bans will improve maternal mortality rates and that rape or incest victims as young as 9 can safely give birth to a baby. But experts say minors are at increased risk for serious complications like preeclampsia and likelier to give birth to low-birth-weight babies.

Last year the San Antonio-based OB-GYN served as a state expert witness when Kate Cox from Dallas asked a Texas judge to grant her an abortion for a nonviable pregnancy. Skops sworn affidavit alleged Cox was not at risk of death or substantial impairment of a major bodily function, though Coxs doctor recommended an abortion to preserve her health and future fertility. Denied the abortion in her home state, Cox aborted in New Mexico, and is newly pregnant again.

As a fellow for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which has more than 60,000 members, Verma said she has regularly testified before Congress alongside OB-GYNs with minority-held positions on reproductive health policy like Skop and Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the anti-abortion American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which comparatively has approximately 7,500 members.

It can be really deceptive and confusing for the public who just hear different things coming from two OB-GYNs, Verma said.

Studnicki and Skop argue that abortion is not evidence-based because many people do not seek abortions for physical health reasons, and because much of the existing abortion-safety and efficacy data does not involve randomized controls, i.e., comparing groups of people receiving abortion procedures with those delivering unwanted or nonviable pregnancies to term.

Based upon the research standard of the Cochrane guidelines, our study shows the science required to consider abortion evidence-based, alone or in comparison to other interventions, does not exist, said Studnicki in an written statement, referring to guidelines for systematic reviews, named after British medical researcher Archie Cochrane. All of us who want the best for women should desire better quality data, including comparison of abortion to other pregnancy outcomes like childbirth, so we can best address the needs of women in heartbreaking circumstances.

They do not mention the longitudinal Turnaway Study, produced at the University of California San Francisco, which found short- and long-term improved health and socioeconomic outcomes for women who received versus were denied wanted abortions. (Editors note: Reporter Sofia Resnick contributed proofreading and editing to UCSF professor Diana Greene Fosters 2020 book about the study she led.) Anti-abortion activists have criticized that study, including in a published critique that was retracted following concerns about its peer review.

Studnicki and Skop did not agree to an interview but provided a fact sheet for their claims, which notes that OB-GYNs should adhere to guidelines set by ACOG when it comes to life-threatening situations, but also asserts that existing abortion bans do not preclude necessary care.

Claim: Almost all induced abortions demonstrate no therapeutic intent or medical necessity.

That abortion is not legitimate health care is a similar argument that a coalition of anti-abortion doctor groups including AAPLOG (of which Skop is a member) made in the abortion-pill case. Its an argument Charlotte Lozier advanced in an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court in Moyle v. United States.

And its an argument featured in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a potential future GOP presidency, which says that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act should not be interpreted to cover abortions. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from Project 2025s proposed federal abortion restrictions, though they were authored by officials from his previous administration.

But decades of research have established the high safety record and medical benefits of termination.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly shows that pregnancy is a condition that can kill you, said Dr. Sarah Horvath, an OB-GYN and complex family planning subspecialist and researcher at Penn State Universitys Hershey Medical Center, in an email. As a mother, I can tell you that the benefits of a wanted child often, but not always, outweigh the risks of pregnancy complications and death.

According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2022, with rates for Black women more than double, at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that by contrast the risks from an induced abortion are smaller than the continuing a pregnancy: In the first trimester (more than 90% of all abortions), the rate of maternal death is less than 1 per 100,000, and for abortions at 18 weeks gestation or higher, the risk of death is 6.7 per 100,000.

In the two years since the Dobbs decision overturned federal abortion protections, OB-GYNs in states with near or total abortion bans have reported denying critical care because of these new laws. Many have become politically active, trying to impress upon lawmakers and the public that pregnancy is highly variable and vague exceptions to prevent death are impossible to interpret medically, especially as complications are not always immediately deadly but could become so if not treated promptly.

Claim: When the separation of a mother and her baby is necessary, C-sections and inductions should be prioritized over induced abortion to allow parents to express appropriate grief.

Referring to a medically indicated abortion as the separation of a mother and her baby, which is not a medical term, Studnicki and Skop pose labor induction or cesarean section as the ethical choice.

Beyond 22 weeks gestation, the baby will often survive separation from the mother if given active medical intervention, and even if too young or sick to survive, the family can show the child love and express appropriate grief with the assistance of supportive palliative care, Studnicki and Skop write. No study has compared the well-being of a woman and family who end their childs life in these tragic circumstances to those who continue to allow their child to live until a natural death.

Verma said depending on the situation and especially before 20 weeks, induction or a C-section could introduce unnecessary risks and delays of care. And the patient would have to wait longer to try to get pregnant again.

I have a hard time even understanding this claim that a C-section is equally invasive and morbid to abortion procedure, Verma said. Thats a major abdominal surgery. We are making a large incision in the abdomen, making incisions in the tissue below the skin, pulling apart the muscles, going into the abdominal cavity, the peritoneal cavity, cutting open the uterus and removing a pregnancy.  If the patient wants to get pregnant again, after a D&E procedure, they can start trying a month later, whereas after a C-section, you have to wait months to be able to safely start trying again without as much risk of your uterus rupturing in the next pregnancy.

Verma said that sometimes C-sections do make sense in these cases, and that many of her patients do opt for labor and delivery to hold their dead or dying child, but she doesnt believe these options should be forced on patients.

Claim: Rape and incest victims  who are often adolescents and children  dont need abortions.

The emotionally provocative scenario of a young adolescent girl seeking to abort a pregnancy conceived in rape or incest is repeated in the media at a rate which is grotesquely disproportionate to the rarity of its occurrence, Studnicki and Skop write. The question of importance is whether an abortion in this circumstance improves the mental or physical health status of the victimized girl. Understandably, there have been no clinical trials addressing this question, so even an abortion in this tragic circumstance cannot be characterized as an evidence-based medical intervention.

But there is evidence that children and teens face greater physical health risks from pregnancy and childbirth than adults. And Verma noted that the incidence of young children getting pregnant, often by rape or incest, is small but real.

I have treated young kids in, like the 10-, 11-year-old range, Verma said. Its not something thats happening every day, but there are many reasons why people need abortions, and that is something that we see and it is terrible.

Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist and associate professor at UCSF who specializes in the impact of abortion policies on young people, told States Newsroom that initial research out of Texas is showing fewer young people able to access abortions. According to a national 2021-2022 patient survey, about 10% of abortion seekers were 19 and younger, and about 2% were 17 and younger. Ralph noted that many rape and incest cases among young people are likely underreported.

The rarity of it, I dont think diminishes its importance in conversations around the reasons why people seek abortion, for young people in particular, who are victims of sexual assault, Ralph said. We know that theyve had their autonomy violated once, and then if you deny them access to a wanted abortion and force them to continue a pregnancy and give birth, that violates their autonomy yet again.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
A new paper from researchers whose abortion-pill studies were retracted touts C-sections and induced labor as alternatives for pregnant patients in medical emergencies as a federal appellate court revisits a pivotal case in Idaho. (Getty Images)

The day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the medical board that certifies OB-GYNs in America released a statement calling legal pregnancy termination and knowledge of abortion procedures essential to reproductive health care.

But a small number of influential anti-abortion doctors have spent the last two years trying to change the reproductive health care standards in state and federal health policy, in a way that is potentially dangerous, doctors representing major medical institutions say.

The question of when abortion is essential health care that states cant ban is central to several ongoing lawsuits, including Moyle v. United States, a case about whether emergency rooms receiving federal funding have to treat pregnant patients with stabilizing care if it might result in the end of the pregnancy. The U.S. Supreme Court recently kicked the case back to the appellate court, a move that newly allows doctors in Idaho to perform emergency abortions. But the issues remain unresolved, with doctors in Idaho (as in other states) still seeking clarity about whether what theyve long considered necessary care is legal.

Now as the case returns to the U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals, researchers behind retracted studies claiming abortion drugs are dangerous are out with new policy recommendations that say when pregnancy termination is necessary, doctors should opt for procedures considered by the wider reproductive health community to carry bigger health risks, such as cesarean sections, rather than less invasive abortion procedures.

[M]any physicians argue that it is almost never necessary to end the life of a child directly and intentionally by an abortion procedure, public health researcher James Studnicki and OB-GYN Dr. Ingrid Skop, of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, wrote in a paper published this summer in Medical Research Archives, a journal of the European Society of Medicine. [W]hen a pregnancy endangering the life of the mother requires termination, a direct dismemberment dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion may be unnecessary, as delivery can usually be performed with a standard obstetric intervention such as labor induction or cesarean section (if indicated).

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Experts told States Newsroom that Charlotte Loziers claims contradict national standards of care. And they come at a time when states with strict abortion bans like Texasand Louisiana are seeing a rise in surgical incisions like C-sections and hysterotomies to end pregnancies, even though they carry higher risk, delay future pregnancies, and can affect fertility.

The end goal of doing a medical intervention to end a pregnancy and save a patients life is the same as when we do an abortion. They are just calling for more complicated, sometimes invasive procedures to get to that same end goal, said Atlanta-based OB-GYN and complex family planning specialist Dr. Nisha Verma. I think this is really dangerous  it creates confusion. It prevents the public from understanding that abortion is a necessary life-saving procedure.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute has for more than a decade worked to build the anti-abortion movements credibility, by providing research and data to defend anti-abortion laws in the legislature and in the courts. Their claims frequently contradict major American medical institutions on abortion science and safety, and their research methods have faced academic scrutiny  while continuing to wield influence.

Between 2019 and 2022, Studnicki and Skop co-authored three papers in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, two of which were used by anti-abortion plaintiffs and judges to argue for the restriction of abortion pills in a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which the Supreme Court rejectedthis term for lack of standing. But earlier this year, Sage Journals retracted these studies following a reader-prompted investigation, in part for methodological flaws and data misrepresentation. The Charlotte Lozier researchers have insisted the retractions were meritless and politically motivated.

Skop, an OB-GYN from San Antonio, Texas, and Charlotte Loziers director of medical affairs, now has even more influence, after her controversial appointment to Texass maternal mortality review committee. Skop has made unfounded claims, including that abortion bans will improve maternal mortality rates and that rape or incest victims as young as 9 can safely give birth to a baby. But experts say minors are at increased risk for serious complications like preeclampsia and likelier to give birth to low-birth-weight babies.

Last year the San Antonio-based OB-GYN served as a state expert witness when Kate Cox from Dallas asked a Texas judge to grant her an abortion for a nonviable pregnancy. Skops sworn affidavit alleged Cox was not at risk of death or substantial impairment of a major bodily function, though Coxs doctor recommended an abortion to preserve her health and future fertility. Denied the abortion in her home state, Cox aborted in New Mexico, and is newly pregnant again.

As a fellow for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which has more than 60,000 members, Verma said she has regularly testified before Congress alongside OB-GYNs with minority-held positions on reproductive health policy like Skop and Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the anti-abortion American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which comparatively has approximately 7,500 members.

It can be really deceptive and confusing for the public who just hear different things coming from two OB-GYNs, Verma said.

Studnicki and Skop argue that abortion is not evidence-based because many people do not seek abortions for physical health reasons, and because much of the existing abortion-safety and efficacy data does not involve randomized controls, i.e., comparing groups of people receiving abortion procedures with those delivering unwanted or nonviable pregnancies to term.

Based upon the research standard of the Cochrane guidelines, our study shows the science required to consider abortion evidence-based, alone or in comparison to other interventions, does not exist, said Studnicki in an written statement, referring to guidelines for systematic reviews, named after British medical researcher Archie Cochrane. All of us who want the best for women should desire better quality data, including comparison of abortion to other pregnancy outcomes like childbirth, so we can best address the needs of women in heartbreaking circumstances.

They do not mention the longitudinal Turnaway Study, produced at the University of California San Francisco, which found short- and long-term improved health and socioeconomic outcomes for women who received versus were denied wanted abortions. (Editors note: Reporter Sofia Resnick contributed proofreading and editing to UCSF professor Diana Greene Fosters 2020 book about the study she led.) Anti-abortion activists have criticized that study, including in a published critique that was retracted following concerns about its peer review.

Studnicki and Skop did not agree to an interview but provided a fact sheet for their claims, which notes that OB-GYNs should adhere to guidelines set by ACOG when it comes to life-threatening situations, but also asserts that existing abortion bans do not preclude necessary care.

Claim: Almost all induced abortions demonstrate no therapeutic intent or medical necessity.

That abortion is not legitimate health care is a similar argument that a coalition of anti-abortion doctor groups including AAPLOG (of which Skop is a member) made in the abortion-pill case. Its an argument Charlotte Lozier advanced in an amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court in Moyle v. United States.

And its an argument featured in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a potential future GOP presidency, which says that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act should not be interpreted to cover abortions. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump has attempted to distance himselffrom Project 2025s proposed federal abortion restrictions, though they were authored by officials from his previous administration.

But decades of research have established the high safety record and medical benefits of termination.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly shows that pregnancy is a condition that can kill you, said Dr. Sarah Horvath, an OB-GYN and complex family planning subspecialist and researcher at Penn State Universitys Hershey Medical Center, in an email. As a mother, I can tell you that the benefits of a wanted child often, but not always, outweigh the risks of pregnancy complications and death.

According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world at 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2022, with rates for Black women more than double, at 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. Research in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that by contrast the risks from an induced abortion are smaller than the continuing a pregnancy: In the first trimester (more than 90% of all abortions), the rate of maternal death is less than 1 per 100,000, and for abortions at 18 weeks gestation or higher, the risk of death is 6.7 per 100,000.

In the two years since the Dobbs decision overturned federal abortion protections, OB-GYNs in states with near or total abortion bans have reported denying critical carebecause of these new laws. Many have become politically active, trying to impress upon lawmakers and the public that pregnancy is highly variable and vague exceptions to prevent death are impossible to interpret medically, especially as complications are not always immediately deadly but could become so if not treated promptly.

Claim: When the separation of a mother and her baby is necessary, C-sections and inductions should be prioritized over induced abortion to allow parents to express appropriate grief.

Referring to a medically indicated abortion as the separation of a mother and her baby, which is not a medical term, Studnicki and Skop pose labor induction or cesarean section as the ethical choice.

Beyond 22 weeks gestation, the baby will often survive separation from the mother if given active medical intervention, and even if too young or sick to survive, the family can show the child love and express appropriate grief with the assistance of supportive palliative care, Studnicki and Skop write. No study has compared the well-being of a woman and family who end their childs life in these tragic circumstances to those who continue to allow their child to live until a natural death.

Verma said depending on the situation and especially before 20 weeks, induction or a C-section could introduce unnecessary risks and delays of care. And the patient would have to wait longer to try to get pregnant again.

I have a hard time even understanding this claim that a C-section is equally invasive and morbid to abortion procedure, Verma said. Thats a major abdominal surgery. We are making a large incision in the abdomen, making incisions in the tissue below the skin, pulling apart the muscles, going into the abdominal cavity, the peritoneal cavity, cutting open the uterus and removing a pregnancy.  If the patient wants to get pregnant again, after a D&E procedure, they can start trying a month later, whereas after a C-section, you have to wait months to be able to safely start trying again without as much risk of your uterus rupturing in the next pregnancy.

Verma said that sometimes C-sections do make sense in these cases, and that many of her patients do opt for labor and delivery to hold their dead or dying child, but she doesnt believe these options should be forced on patients.

Claim: Rape and incest victims  who are often adolescents and children  dont need abortions.

The emotionally provocative scenario of a young adolescent girl seeking to abort a pregnancy conceived in rape or incest is repeated in the media at a rate which is grotesquely disproportionate to the rarity of its occurrence, Studnicki and Skop write. The question of importance is whether an abortion in this circumstance improves the mental or physical health status of the victimized girl. Understandably, there have been no clinical trials addressing this question, so even an abortion in this tragic circumstance cannot be characterized as an evidence-based medical intervention.

But there is evidence that children and teens face greater physical health risks from pregnancy and childbirth than adults. And Verma noted that the incidence of young children getting pregnant, often by rape or incest, is small but real.

I have treated young kids in, like the 10-, 11-year-old range, Verma said. Its not something thats happening every day, but there are many reasons why people need abortions, and that is something that we see and it is terrible.

Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist and associate professor at UCSF who specializes in the impact of abortion policies on young people, told States Newsroom that initial research out of Texas is showing fewer young people able to access abortions. According to a national 2021-2022 patient survey, about 10% of abortion seekers were 19 and younger, and about 2% were 17 and younger. Ralph noted that many rape and incest cases among young people are likely underreported.

The rarity of it, I dont think diminishes its importance in conversations around the reasons why people seek abortion, for young people in particular, who are victims of sexual assault, Ralph said. We know that theyve had their autonomy violated once, and then if you deny them access to a wanted abortion and force them to continue a pregnancy and give birth, that violates their autonomy yet again.

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Anti-drone laser fires from British Army vehicle for first time

The test fire took place at the Government's Porton Down science and defence technology campus in Wiltshire - Raytheon

A high-powered laser weapon capable of shooting down aerial drones has been fired from a British military vehicle for the first time.

Raytheons high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) was mounted on a British Army Wolfhound armoured truck for the test-fire, which took place at the Governments Porton Down science and defence technology campus in Wiltshire.

It is the first time the weapon has been trialled in the UK as part of an ongoing Ministry of Defence (MoD) programme to develop directed energy weapons.

HELWS, which is already cleared for use by the US military, is designed to shoot down small drones and be compatible with existing air defence systems such as radar.

Developing anti-drone systems is increasingly important as low-cost weapons become more common on the battlefield. For example, Russia and Ukraine have relied heavily on drones to launch attacks on one another.

British and American ships were recently forced to fire multimillion-pound missiles to shoot down inexpensive unmanned drones launched by Houthi rebels on the Red Sea.

Shooting down drones with lasers, which cost far less per shot than the drones themselves, offers a much cheaper solution.

James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK, said: We have proven that the Raytheon high-energy laser weapon system can track and engage targets whilst mounted on a vehicle.

The speed at which this capability was delivered is only possible due to the hard work of our British partners, coupled with the operationally proven technology developed by Raytheon.

UK-based companies including Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems and Cambridge Pixel contributed technology to the project.

The test comes after the MoD demonstrated Dragonfire, another laser weapon that the Navy hopes to mount on to warships by 2027.

Dragonfire was developed by a consortium including MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ.

Raytheons HELWS is being developed in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), which are both part of the MoD.

Matt Cork, of DSTL, said: The joint working between DSTL, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator.

The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army.

He added: This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.

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Anti-Trump conservatives ponder what to do in November  and beyond

Former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele, right, speaks at a Milwaukee gathering hosted by the anti-Trump organization Principles First on Wednesday, July 17. Looking on, from left, are George Conway and Heath Mayo. (Photo by Erik Gunn, Wisconsin Examiner.)

MILWAUKEE  While 2,500 Republican delegates were gathering to nominate Donald Trump at the party convention in Milwaukee, a group of conservative Trump opponents gathered four blocks away to talk about the existential threat the GOP candidate poses to the country.

The event was organized by Principles First, which calls itself a nationwide grassroots movement of pro-democracy, anti-Trump conservatives. Over the course of three hours about 100 people dropped by.

The Republican Party is sick, okay  it has been led astray by populist demagogues and it has abandoned its principles, Heath Mayo, president and founder of the group, told the crowd inside Best Place, part of the redeveloped Pabst Brewing complex just west of the convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

He condemned a convention speaker for saying the Russian invasion of Ukraine wasnt Vladimir Putins fault but instead that of the United States. That is absurd. Its dangerous, Mayo said. It is absolutely antithetical to anything the Republican Party has ever stood for.

He expressed dismay at the platform given to Teamsters President Sean OBrien for a complete class warfare speech.

And Mayo summarized a recurring sentiment he heard while watching the convention: That there are certain Americans out there  whether its based on their race, their religion, their job or their occupation, who are real Americans, while others for the same reason are not quite real Americans.

That is the most pernicious, new idea in the Republican Party that exists, because it goes right to the heart of what America is supposed to be, Mayo asserted. Where we all, no matter our race, religion, who we love, have the same opportunity to succeed and realize the benefits of this nation. And the Republican Party on that stage has abandoned it over and over and over again in the interest of just populist political gain. And it is infuriating.

Politically homeless

The Principles First website describes the groups founding in 2019 by people on the right and center-right who were concerned about the health of American democracy.

We are what the pundits and the writers would say are the politically homeless, said Mayo. We are the most important and critical voting bloc in the country right now, because we have stood up and said, Republican leaders, Democratic leaders, you cannot count on our votes in November. We may have voted with you in the primaries. But if you abandon our principles, you cannot count on our votes simply because you are a Republican.

Among the speakers at the event was Charlie Sykes, who was prompted to leave a long career in conservative talk radio by Trumps election in 2016.

The Republican party is in the midst of a wrenching change, abandoning free markets and international engagement, said Sykes. I dont think we can overstate the enormity of the moment that were in right now.

Sykes now edits the anti-Trump political news and commentary outlet The Bulwark.

This is a party that is very, very clearly intending on forcibly deporting perhaps 10 million human beings when they get into power, he said. Which means you may be a couple of years away from one of the greatest humanitarian disasters of our time. We better talk about it.

Wisconsins easy embrace of Trump

One of the few Wisconsin residents at the event besides Sykes was James Wigderson, a widely followed conservative writer who has been outspoken not just against Trump but against leaders of the state Republican Party and its most visible politicians, including those he once supported.

I dont see any organized opposition to Trump on the right in Wisconsin, Wigderson says. I just see the gradual erosion of Republican support in the suburbs that Ive been watching from election cycle to election cycle. Its falling without any organization or anything in the state thats presenting a clear alternative.

Wisconsin Republicans effortless shift to line up behind Trump even though he lost the states 2016 GOP primary had an important precedent, Wigderson believes: The state party establishments seamless embrace of the tea party movement in the previous decade.

In other states, there was a definite tension between tea party supporters and the local Republican establishment, he observed, but not so much in Wisconsin.

Reince Priebus  the state GOP chair at the time  made a point of reaching out to the tea party and welcoming them into the Republican Party, Wigderson says. When Donald Trump came along, it was just a natural progression for that next step.

Throughout the Principles First event, Wigderson listened intently, recording the conversation and making notes.

I think, unfortunately, theres still a muddle of views, he said in an interview a day later. And there doesnt seem to be a clear path forward yet for anybody thats conservative, but is anti-Trump.

A wide range of perspectives

Anti-Trump conservatives came in all flavors during the three-hour session.

One was Amanda Stewart Sprowls, co-chair of the Haley Voters Working Group made up of supporters of Trumps primary challenger, Nikki Haley.

In a panel discussion, Sprowls said she voted for Trump twice, but shes finished with the former president. She pointed to his repeated infidelities in his marriages and her skepticism of his business practices.

Is he trustworthy? No. Is he honorable? No. Will he pay his contractors? Well, no, right? There is no surprise in any of that, she said. And I think that as women  and as Haley voters, I think a lot of us understood that we just want better.

Sprowls said that she might cast a write-in vote rather than voting for Democrats in November, however.

Sprowls mentioned in passing that she was a pro-choice Republican on abortion rights.

On the other hand, Kendal Unruh of Colorado, an evangelical Christian, said she has always opposed Trump but worked on the 2016 Republican platform committee to ensure the platform included language affirming the fundamental right to life.

Unruh criticized the partys 2024 platform for muting its language on abortion and scorned the Trump talking point of platforms dont matter.

She could never vote for a Democrat, Unruh said: What do they represent to a value system that I share?

And she left the Republican Party for much the same reason: They certainly have elected the most immoral man probably in the history of the presidency, Unruh said.

Stephanie Sharp is a cofounder of the super PAC Women4US with the goal of mobilizing women voters in swing states, including Wisconsin, to vote against Trump.

There are not enough Republicans to elect Donald Trump, she said. There are not enough Democrats to elect whoever the Democratic nominee ends up being. They have to have the middle  its just math.

Republicans for Democrats

Mayo said that were gonna have to do everything we can to make sure we keep things on the track in November  but he steered clear of an outright endorsement of the Democratic ticket.

The stars of the night werent so reticent. Several also forecast the collapse of the Republican Party, especially if Trump loses  as they hope he will.

You either believe in this moment that he is a threat to our democracy or you dont  stop there, said Joe Walsh, a one-time tea party congressman from Illinois who voted for Trump in 2016 but subsequently renounced him.

He stood [before] the country a month ago and he said, If I lose, I wont accept the results, Walsh said. Donald Trump Jr. suggested this week that if his father loses in November it would be because the election was stolen, he added.

That is an attack on democracy, Walsh said. You either believe it, folks, or you dont. And if you believe it, you have to vote for the only person who can defeat that man  and thats the Democratic nominee, no matter who the hell it is.

George Conway, now divorced from Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway after he spent most of Trumps term in office publicly criticizing him, said he only understood Trumps behavior after reading psychological analyses of the former president. Conway pulled out a pair of posters listing the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders.

When you combine these two, this explains everything about Donald Trump, Conway said. It explains his criminality, the fact that hes a rapist and a convicted felon, that he tried to overthrow democracy, explains his love for authoritarianism, his desire for vengeance, explains his racism, his misogyny  everything comes down to the fact that he is a narcissistic sociopath.

Michael Steele, the first Black chair of the Republican National Committee, who parted ways with the party leadership after Trumps rise in 2016, voted for Joe Biden in 2020.

Trump is not worth the paper his name is written on, he said. Because he doesnt care about you in this room. He doesnt care about your neighbors, your family, your community. He doesnt care about this country. He cares about himself.

Steele said he would vote for Biden again.

You cannot give up on us, he said. And I know its not easy. Right now, the Republican Party that I led, in which I was a county chairman, state chairman and elected official, needs the biggest political enema it has ever seen.

And the only way they get it is if we give it to them. And the only way we give it to them is to vote.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III (L) and Secretary of State Antony Blinken converse before an event on the Ukraine Compact at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington on July 11. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

July 22 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin plan to travel to several countries in the Indo-Pacific Region amid high tensions in the Asian area.

They are scheduled to meet with their counterparts from Japan and the Philippines on Sunday and July 29.

Blinken also will visit Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia from Wednesday to Aug. 3. Austin leaves for the region Friday.

"Secretary Blinken will reaffirm the importance of the work the United States does with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to advancing security and prosperity and facilitating a share division for a free and open region," according to a Department of State news release Monday.

"The secretary will further underscore the United States' enduring commitment to deepening and expanding ties to unprecedented levels and creating mutually reinforcing relationships to tackle today's greatest challenges."

It will be Blinken's 18th trip to the Indo-Pacific region and Austin's 11th since their appointments in 2021.

"Secretary Austin will engage counterparts from four U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific as the Department of Defense continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with regional allies and partners in support of a shared vision for peace, stability and deterrence," according to a Defense Department news release.

On Sunday, Blinken will meet with Yoko Kamikawa, the Japanese minister for Foreign Affairs, and Austin will meet with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and South Korean Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik.

The Trilateral Ministerial Meeting will be the first to take place in Japan or South Korea.

After Tokyo, Austin and Blinken will travel to Manila, Philippines, and meet with their counterparts.

Last month, Chinese sailors attacked a Filipino crew with machetes and seized weapons and equipment.

Also, Chinese ships have rammed and sprayed Filipino sailors with water cannons at the disputed reef Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines has sought to resupply its presence at a beached ship.

The Philippines and China reached a provisional agreement to lower tension in the South China Sea, according to the two countries.

A vice foreign ministerial dialogue took place on July 2 in Manila.

In Laos, Blinken will participate in the annual ASEAN-U.S. Post Ministerial Conference, 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Blinken said he would meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting.

In Singapore, Secretary Blinken is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan "to review the growth of our bilateral cooperation with this pivotal regional partner on shared security, economic, climate and technology objectives."

Blinken also will lead the second round of the U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialogue, "where the two sides will advance initiatives to strengthen ties between our innovation eco systems and reduce barriers to collaboration while protecting national security."

In Mongolia, Blinken will meet with senior Mongolian officials "to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Partnership."

North Korea and South Korea have abandoned a 2018 pact to demilitarize the border between them. North Korea has been launching missile rocket tests and spy satellite launches.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

W. G. Sebald was a German writer who died at the beginning of the century in Norfolk (United Kingdom), in a traffic accident at the age of 57, after suffering a heart attack. He stood out for altering reality without being noticed, that is to say, for constructing fictions and with them achieving what is called the reality effect. Sebald used photographs to illustrate his texts. In one of his books, entitled The Emigrants, the writer used his own memories to reconstruct four biographies, four lives of people who one day had to emigrate and leave their roots in search of other branches.

One of the chapters is dedicated to a great-uncle of the writer, a peculiar man who spent his life working in luxury hotels and ended up as a butler and man of company to the son of a wealthy banker. At one point in the narrative, Sebald tells us that his great-uncle told stories so far-fetched that he seemed to suffer from Korsakoffs syndrome. And it is here that the narrative begins to take on a scientific orientation, since Korsakoffs syndrome is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder related to a severe deficiency of vitamin B1 or thiamine, which in most cases is associated with alcohol consumption.

The main symptom of this syndrome is a marked loss of memory; amnesia in its two basic types, i.e., anterograde amnesia, or the inability to form new memories, and retrograde amnesia  the inability to remember events that occurred before the onset of the disorder, although childhood memories are usually preserved. To this must be added the confabulations, especially in the first stage of the disease. Hence, fiction suddenly jumps into the patients daily life. This is a symptom that connects directly with the unconscious; the workshop  lets call it that  of the narrators.

In The Emigrants, the author retraces the last days of his great-uncles life. At this point, we no longer know if he really existed or if it is another of his healthy confabulations, as when he tells us about his admission to the psychiatric hospital and the electroshock treatment his great-uncle attended punctually and stoically.

Dr. Abramsky, in charge of applying the therapy, described to Sebald that his patient received the shocks without complaining, with the electrodes on his forehead, a rubber wedge between his teeth, and tied to the table with straps like a corpse that is about to be thrown into the sea. The reality of all this is that electroshock is a method in which a majority of patients present memory disorders after its application, which leads us to think that Sebalds literature is constructed with the material with which memory is invented when the memory itself has no choice but to falsify the facts.

In his literary game, Sebald leads us through a gallery of mirrors where autobiography is mixed with travel and scientific knowledge. The descriptions of nature are so meticulous, delve so deeply into detail, that they become a poetics of the quantum world. They suggest to us that beneath the layers of our reality lies a whole universe of latent phenomena.

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Firefighters contained a fire that spread through a south Kansas City apartment building and displaced at least 10 residents Monday.

Fire crews responded to the blaze shortly before 11 a.m. at the Gatehouse Apartments & Townhomes, near 116th Street and Winchester Avenue, in the Crossgates neighborhood, said Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins with the Kansas City Fire Department.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital for evaluation for heat-related issues. No serious injuries to residents were reported.

One firefighter was treated for overheating, according to the Kansas City Fire Department, during a two-alarm fire at the Gatehouse Apartments & Townhomes, near 116th Street and Winchester Avenue on Monday, July 22, 2024, in south Kansas City

The fire damaged a building with 12 units, 8 of which were occupied, Hopkins said. Red Cross assistance was requested for 10 occupants.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and an investigation is ongoing, Hopkins said.

After crews initially entered the burning building to attack the fire and search the space, they had to evacuate and fight the fire defensively, Hopkins said. Firefighters used ladder trucks to spray water down onto the fire below and eventually contained the blaze.

Michael Slowter, a resident of one of the damaged units, said he woke up to find his apartment full of smoke and his patio engulfed in flames. He watched as the fire grew on the roof and spread out of control, he said.

Something just told me to get up, something made me jump up, he said. I dont know what it was, but something made me jump up.

Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze shortly before 11 a.m. at the Gatehouse Apartments & Townhomes, near 116th Street and Winchester Avenue, in the Crossgates neighborhood, said Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins with the Kansas City Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
Arab American advocates in metro Detroit are relieved President Joe Biden announced Sunday he's stepping down as the Democratic Party nominee, blaming him for a war in Gaza that has resulted in thousands of deaths. And now, they're hoping the nominee who replaces him will be someone who will lessen support for Israel and be more sympathetic to Palestinians.

"Everybody in my community is very thrilled that Biden is out of the way," said Osama Siblani, a longtime Arab American advocate who is publisher of the Dearborn-based Arab American News. "We don't have to worry about someone who is a partner to the genocide on the head of the ticket for the Democratic Party. ... There is a sigh of relief that Biden is out of the way."

Mohamed Almaweri, of Dearborn, center, along with other attendees chant "Ceasefire Now" during a community rally at Fordson High School in Dearborn on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 to boycott President Biden's visit to Michigan.

At the same time, Siblani and others told the Free Press they will wait to see if the new Democratic nominee will be someone more critical of Israel. Siblani has been in discussions this year with Democratic, Republican and independent party leaders about garnering the Arab American vote in Michigan. There is hope Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden has endorsed, may be more liberal in her views on Gaza, but they said it's unclear what her positions will be and hope to dialogue with her.

"It's premature to evaluate ... how it's going to reflect on the Democratic Party," Siblani said. "What's their agenda? What are they going to do? What is their position on things that we believe are important for us?"

Those questions will be wrestled with in coming months by many in metro Detroit as they decided who to cast their ballots for in November. Michigan has the highest concentration of Arab Americans among all 50 states; many of them pushed in recent months for voters to reject Biden, held protests and launched an "Uncommitted" movement that resulted in Biden losing to the "Uncommitted" vote in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck in the February presidential primary. There were a couple of movements, including Listen to Michigan and Abandon Biden, launched by Arab Americans that asked voters to reject Biden. "Genocide Joe" became a chant often heard at protests in Dearborn.

Some compared their movement to oust Biden to the anti-war protests of the late 1960s, which some historians say led in part to President Lyndon Johnson announcing he would not run for reelection in 1968 as the U.S. became increasingly involved in Vietnam. Earlier this month, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, an outspoken critic of the administration's support for Israel's attacks, said Biden should step down.

"Arab Americans are pleased that he has stepped down," Abed Ayoub, a Dearborn native who is national legal and policy director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the largest Arab American civil rights group.

"Many people were happy, many people were excited," Imad Hamad, an Arab American advocate who is executive director of the Dearborn-based American Human Rights Council, said of Biden stepping down. "Definitely it's a positive step because it has opened the door ... for potential hopeful change. Now, how hopeful is the question."

Hamad, who is of Palestinian descent, said that while it's a positive that Biden will not run for reelection, it's not about just about one person, but about administration policies.

"Changing the name is not changing the narrative," Hamad said. "Changing the policy is what counts."

A cease-fire in Palestine protest unfolds near the parking lot of The Henry Hotel in Dearborn as government officials with the Biden administration plan to meet with community leaders in Dearborn on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.

Biden will still be president for six more months and so Hamad hopes Biden uses his time left to push for a cease fire and stop sending weapons to Israel.

"I hope something will change," Hamad said. "I hope he will not end up with this legacy of being 'Genocide Joe.;"

Siblani and Hamad said they're not yet decided yet on whether to support Harris. Hammoud also was not yet committed to supporting Harris, saying there should be a discussion at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

"Dems have an opportunity to be bold this convention," Hammoud wrote on X after Biden announced he was dropping out. "To nominate a candidate who can usher historic policy domestically AND abandon the genocidal course charted in Gaza and beyond. America needs a candidate who can inspire voters to come out to the ballot box this November."

Ayoub said that Biden stepped down because of the movement by Arab Americans and progressives outraged over his support for Israel's military actions in Gaza and other areas such as Lebanon and Yemen.

"This is a direct result of the way he handled the genocide, pulling him down on the polls, making him unpopular with the progressive wing of the party, and him not being able to recover," Ayoub said. "That's why he's out of the race."

Dearborn attorney Amer Zahr, a Palestinian-American activist who often leads protests, agreed, saying Biden lost a lot of support because of his support for Israel. But, he added on X, "it's not a time to celebrate. Stay focused."

Amer Zahr speaks as people march to call for cease fire in Gaza in downtown Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

For months, the Biden administration has sought to address concerns by Arab Americans, sending high-ranking administration officials to Dearborn, but critics say it was more symbolism than substance. Surveys by the Arab American Institute showed Biden losing support among Arab Americans in Michigan and other states. There are about 310,000 residents of Michigan with Middle Eastern ancestry. They are a diverse group of different ethnicities and faiths. Many in Wayne County have voted for Democrats in recent years, while the sizable Chaldean (Iraqi Catholic) population in Macomb and Oakland counties tend to be more aligned with Republicans.

Layla Elabed, a sister of U.S. House Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who is part of the Listen to Michigan and Uncommitted National Movement, called upon "Harris to take a clear stance against weapons for Israel's war and occupation against Palestinians."

Elabed said "Harris can start the process to earn back trust by turning the page from Bidens horrific policies in Gaza.

Tlaib, an outspoken critic of Biden's policies on Gaza who is the only member of Congress with Palestinian ancestry, did not release any statement Sunday indicating support for Harris.

Republicans and Trump campaign officials have been courting Arab Americans in Michigan. A Trump son-in-law and his father, who are of Lebanese descent, have been visiting metro Detroit in recent months to meet with Arab American advocates.

Ayoub added that Harris and other Democrats should not assume Arab Americans and progressives will automatically support Democrats even though Biden is out.

"They have to earn the votes of our community," Ayoub said.

Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Arab Americans pleased President Joe Biden stepping down as nominee
Archaeologists discovered a 4,000- to 5,000-year-old ceremonial temple within a sand dune in Peru.

Tucked between the ruins walls, the excavation team located burial remains of three humans.

Experts believe the site served as a religious complex.

Archaeologists recently found the lost ruins of a ceremonial templecovered in sand and 4,000 to 5,000 years oldin northwestern Peru. The excavation team first discovered the walls, and subsequently unearthed a mix of features indicating that the structure was once a temple. And then came the skeletal remains of three adults tucked between walls.

We may be facing a 5,000-year-old religious site that constitutes an architectural space defined by walls built by rammed earth, Luis Armando Muro Ynonan, director of the Cultural Landscapes Archaeological Project of Ucupe  Valle de Zana, said in a translated statement from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

The oldest portion of the site features not only the up-to-5,000-year-old walls, but also various architectural features that help define the site as a ceremonial temple. We have what would have been a central staircase from which one would ascend to a kind of stage in the central part, Muro Ynonan said, noting that the stage could have hosted ritual performances in front of an audience.

The ruins include friezes with images of cats, the claws of a reptile, and a human body with the head of a bird. The designs are preserved in fine plaster, which has helped scientists nail down the exact age of the site and the origins of the religion. The team plans to study the chemical makeup of the pigments in the murals painted on the walls to help confirm how old the site is this fall.

But it wasnt just architecture located in these sand dunesthere were human remains, too. According to Reuters, the excavation team located the remains of three adult bodies positioned between the walls of the temple. Nearby was also a bundle wrapped in linen that potentially served as an offering.

It was amazing, said Muro Ynonan, according to a statement from the Field Museum in Chicago. This discovery tells us about the early origins of religion in Peru. We still know very little about how and under which circumstances complex belief systems emerged in the Andes, and now we have evidence about some of the earliest religious spaces that people were creating in this part of the world.

Muro Ynonan said that the newfound temple likely contains more information about a people group that predated the known inhabitants of the region. We dont know what these people called themselves, he said, or how other people referred to them. All we know about them comes from what they created: their houses, temples, and funerary goods.

The excavation team was invited to the site after the local government observed looting in the area. It was so surprising that these very ancient structures were so close to the modern surface, Muro Ynonan said. We think that a large temple was built into the side of the mountain, and weve found one section of it.

Archaeologists also found a more recent temple, dated to sometime between 600 and 700 A.D. Muro Ynonan believes the second site comes from the Moche culture. This one also features remainsthose of a young child, possibly between 5 and 6 years oldbut from a more recent time.

The people here created complex religious systems and perceptions about their cosmos, Muro Ynonan said. Religion was an important aspect of the emergence of political authority.

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CLARK COUNTY, Ark.  A crash on Interstate 30 in Clark County has brought traffic to a near stop.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the crash happened near Exit 63 on westbound I-30 and involved two semi-trucks as well as an additional vehicle.

ARDOT officials said there is a possible injury caused by the crash.

Traffic is being diverted off of the interstate at Exit 69.

Just before 5 p.m., iDrive cameras show one lane of traffic is open and traffic flow is slowly moving forward.

For more live traffic updates, visit our Traffic page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Arkansas Department of Corrections in North Little Rock on June 5, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

The seven members of the Arkansas Board of Corrections met Monday morning for a special-called meeting to discuss applicants for a new public information officer.

Following an hour-long private conversation during executive session, members voted to form a committee that would whittle down the applicant pool from 26 to five for the board to interview on Friday. Members of the committee include board member Lona McCastlain, Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne, Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace, department personnel director Nicholas Stewart and department attorney Thomas Burns.

Following the action, Chairman Benny Magness said the board was looking for what we call a true public relations person. He said the person should be more active with good news about the agency.

The boards main concern is getting somebody back  I hate to use the term of What it used to be  when we had a public relations officer that actually met with the press, got the press coming and viewing our facilities, some of the things we did. It just dont seem like were proactive enough with good news.

Much of the boards media coverage over the last eight months has focused on its dispute with the governor over the expansion of prison bed space and firing of former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri. A legislative committee in June approved an audit looking into the boards hiring of outside counsel to represent it in legal battles related to the dispute.

Dina Tyler, who formerly held the PIO position, completed her last day with the agency on June 21. Tylers information is still listed as the public information officer for the Department of Corrections on its website, though the phone goes unanswered and emails are returned with an automated message.

Tyler held a position with the Department of Corrections for nearly three decades. She announced her intent to retire as the communications director in May 2020, returning to the post in 2023.

The job description for the public information officer states the person will be responsible for representing the department in disseminating information and establishing positive relations with the public and the media.

Functions of the job include supervising a small staff, giving advice to staff when needed, attending meetings or legislative functions as a representative of the department and coordinating media coverage for programs.

Part of the committees responsibilities in selecting what applicants the board will interview is checking their minimum qualifications, which include a bachelors degree in criminal justice, journalism, communications, public administration or a related field. The applicants are also asked for four years of experience in a related field, including one year of management or supervisory experience.

During Mondays meeting, the board started to discuss the roles of the staff members the public information office would oversee  ones who would assist and write policy reports  but McCastlain recommended they hold that conversation for another time.

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Correction: Former Board of Corrections spokesperson Dina Tylers last day was June 21, and she previously returned from retirement in 2023. A previous version of this story had incorrect information.
Waterworks Park, a project of Pueblo Water, is an $11 million renovation designed to improve safety and create a natural water park along the Arkansas River in Pueblo.

The quarter-mile section of the river set to become Waterworks Park is located north of Pueblo City Park, east of Pueblo Boulevard and west of Wildhorse Creek. Construction is scheduled for completion in the fall; once it's complete, the park is expected to be populated by river tubers, rafters, kayakers and even paddleboarders next summer.

Reconstruction of the area's Southside Diversion Dam and Raw Water Intake facility will allow river enthusiasts to safely ride from the Pueblo Dam east of the reservoir to the Grove neighborhood near Runyon Lake. The project also will include a pair of bridges, an "island" beach area, and passageways to allow fish species to migrate and spawn in the area.

Pueblo Waterworks Park, set to be completed this fall, will allow safe travel along the Arkansas River for recreationalists and fish species alike.

"We want people to know that Pueblo Water is excited for this project and we're excited to bring this to the City of Pueblo and the community of Pueblo," Pueblo Water Public Relations Specialist Joe Cervi told the Chieftain. "It's going to be a great attraction for out-of-towners... For those who are river users anyway it's just going to add a whole new dimension to it."

Some excitement has been generated around Waterworks Park for its potential as a surfing area. Endless Waves, an online blog dedicated to river surfing in Colorado, speaks of an emerging "Waterworks Park Wave" that "significantly steps up Pueblos surfing game" on its Pueblo page while warning surfers to avoid the area during construction.

Cervi told the Chieftain that Pueblo Water does not discourage anyone from river surfing at Waterworks Park if they are able to once construction is completed. However, he said that the area is not designed to be a "surf park."

Pueblo Waterworks Park is closed between Pueblo Boulevard and Wild Horse Creek just north of City Park as construction continues on the popular Arkansas River whitewater feature.

"It's designed to be a lot more user-friendly for everyone instead of a specific group like that," he said. "We all wanted to make the river safer, fully navigable, the fish passage for migration, lots of recreation. There's going to be a lot better river health down there because there was so much overgrowth."

Planning for Waterworks Park began in 2018 and construction began in November 2023. Crews will be continuing construction for the "next month and a half, if not longer" while being "at the mercy of the river," Cervi said.

Duane Nava, president and CEO of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, told the Chieftain that Waterworks Park will be an outdoor recreation amenity that brings an "economic boost" to Pueblo once completed.

"I'm sure everybody can find something to do in this amazing community that we have, but we're seeing a lot of outdoor (recreation) when it comes to Pueblo right now," Nava said. "I think the word is getting out about how great the city is with our bike trails, our river system, our lake and all that we have to offer here."

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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: $11 million Arkansas River park nearing completion in Pueblo
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The next school year is on the horizon so parents may want to get started on getting their kids vaccinated.

Several hospitals and some school districts are offering free back-to-school immunization clinics for the 2024-25 school year.

UAMS awarded more than $31 million in grant funding by National Institutes of Health for translational research

Baptist Health has scheduled several free immunization clinics across central Arkansas. Hospital officials said before shots are given parents must provide each childs shot records and proof of Medicaid coverage or other health insurance, if applicable.

North Little Rock New Hope Baptist Church (1821 Edmond St.)

Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to Noon Heavens Loft (518 W. 26th St.)

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sherwood Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church (9921 AR 107)

Thursday, Aug. 8, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas (6221 Colonel Glenn Road)

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Little Rock Southwest Community Center (6401 Baseline Road)

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3 to 7 p.m. West Central Community Center (8616 Colonel Glenn Road)

Thursday, Aug. 15, 3 to 7 p.m. Greater 2nd Baptist Church (5615 Geyer Springs Road)

Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Baptist Health Community Outreach (10117 Kanis Road)

Monday, Aug. 19, 2 to 7 p.m.

Jacksonville Jacksonville Middle School (2300 Linda Lane)

Saturday, Aug. 10, Noon to 4 p.m.



Officials with Baptist Health said the first 50 children who receive immunizations at each location will get free backpacks filled with school supplies.

Arkansas ranks 45 out of 50 in the KIDS COUNT national childrens well-being study

Jefferson Comprehensive Care System will be offering free immunizations on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College Station Health Center at 4206 Frazier Pike in College Station.

Officials say that no appointment is necessary but shot records are required for the children getting shots.

The Little Rock School District is offering a free shot clinic to district students going from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Tuesday and ending Thursday.

The district provided an online form to sign up for the clinic. More information can be found on LRSD.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Severe flash floods closed roads in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after storms dumped rain into the burn scar of the still burning South Fork and Salt fires. The National Weather Service is warning of continued flood risk the weekend beginning July 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of City of Ruidoso)

Nearly 30 Arkansans from various fire departments and emergency teams across the state helped with search and rescue efforts in New Mexico, where deadly wildfires exacerbated the flood risk for communities.

Danny Akines, a training and logistics officer from the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, was one of those deployed to monitor Las Vegas, a town of about 13,000 near Sante Fe, and Ruidoso, a small mountain village about 200 miles south of Albuquerque.

From June 29 to July 13, Akines traveled with the Arkansas team back and forth from Las Vegas to Ruidoso monitoring potential flash floods and training for swift water rescue. Their skills were put to the test during two days of major flooding in Ruidoso where they rescued 21 people and three dogs, evacuated 14 people and reported 15 more who remained in place.

We get called to go right around the corner, out of sight of where were at, and theres a newborn baby and two women trapped in a car, Akines recalled of his first water rescue. Theyve been kind of washed sidewaysand the current is taking them off.

Over the two most intensive days of the two-week trip, the Arkansas team spent eight hours responding to assistance calls of people trapped in their homes or cars. The water, which traveled down a nearby mountain faster than anything Akines said hes ever seen in Arkansas, carried logs, boulders and debris from homes destroyed in the wildfires.

It goes fast, but thats what we went for, Akines said. We hate that this type of event is happening to those people, but were there to help. Were glad were there when it happens.

No flood-related fatalities have been reported, though two people were reported dead from the wildfires that destroyed at least 850 houses in New Mexico, according to a report from Source NM. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently approved the states request for temporary housing, which should provide relief for people who are couch surfing or staying in hotels.

Weve got them spread out, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford told Source NM. Were trying not to lose them forever, because we need them to work and live here.

After the Arkansas rescue team safely made contact with people in need, they transported them to higher ground or to a shelter managed by the local community. Akines said local officials and community members expressed their appreciation throughout their presence in the area.

Were just glad that were able to help people, Akines said. Whether its here, there or wherever. All the guys are very professional, no matter where we go, and theyre very dedicated.

The New Mexico project marked Akines third deployment with the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, where he has volunteered since 2009 and worked full time for two years. His other trips included providing aid in Texas and Florida as hurricanes threatened the states.

The Arkansas agencies footed the initial bills for the emergency deployment, though the state is expected to provide a reimbursement, Akines said. New Mexico officials will then reimburse the state of Arkansas for its services.

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When words turn harsh and civility in politics seems to be lost, can art save diplomacy?

Rahm Emmanuel, the former Mayor of Chicago and current U.S. Ambassador to Japan, thinks so. He and Madeleine Grynsztejn, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago's Pritzker Director, are using art to bridge the worlds of two seemingly disparate places. This is thanks in part to the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies program, which has worked to provide artworks and throw exhibitions in embassies, consultants, and other diplomatic facilities around the world for nearly five decades. In this case, the program has helped Grynsztejn and Emmanuel acquire and place art in institutions in both Japan and Chicago.

"Our work between Japan and Chicago sits inside a historic arch of deep understanding of the U.S. government about the importance of soft power and cultural diplomacy," Grynsztejn tells T&C. "We know that visual arts have the capacity to cross linguistic borders, and cultural differences, and create human connections through wonder and curiosity."

The power of art internationally isn't limited to what's hanging on embassy walls, however. Earlier this year, Emmanuel and Grynsztejn spent time in Tokyo to facilitate and celebrate a monumental occurrence: Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates opened a solo exhibition, Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei, a survey (open through September) of his techniques through several mediums, including sculpture and ceramics, at the Mori Museum. He is the first Black artist in history to have a solo exhibition in Japan.

Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

Interestingly, these mediums have historically been popular with Japanese artists, such as Isamu Noguchi and Toshiko Taekeazu (who recently had a retrospective at the Noguchi Museum in New York). The connection between Gates, Noguchi, and Taekazu is something of a mirror image of the work of Emmanuel and Grynsztejn: different worlds colliding to bring understanding and new perspectives through artistic expression.

The opening of Gates's exhibition came just before Grynsztejn debuted Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eat Its Own Leg (on view until September 24) at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. The exhibition features the works of Takashi Murakami, a Japanese artist who has collaborated with musicians and fashion houses like Louis Vuitton.

And those are just the institutional examples. In the ambassador's eyes, the conversations begin at home. "The various pieces loaned by MCA Chicago become talking points during the many embassy events and dinners with officials I host. Human emotion and experiences bind us all, and art reflects this," he says. In his own residency, the walls are illustrated with art, two-thirds of which are by Chicago-born or based artists. What better way to warm up a conversation on international affairs than finding commonality in curiosity?

"Last fall, I hosted an exhibition from the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles at the Ambassadors residence in Tokyo. The works of art by Japanese Americans interned in the United States during World War II were a potent reminder of a shameful moment in our history," Emmanuel tells T&C. "But we can only progress as a nation when we face up to those difficult periods of our past and learn from them. Art has the potential to spark important conversations."

As a trained ballet dancer, Emmanuel's attitude toward art is heavily woven into his politics. When he held office as mayor, he sought to expand the spirit of art already so present the city by creating the Chicago Public Art Plan, which, among many other goals, increased the commissioning budget for public art throughout the city. He also introduced a two-hour-a-week minimum of arts education in elementary schools and launched the 50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project with a goal to introduce art to all 50 wards in Chicago.

"Art is a powerful medium for bringing people together to reflect, learn, and exchange ideas. These are all critical components of diplomacy," he says.

Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

There is no divorce in the marriage between art and politics, as both have used the other to get their messages across: artists will create works that speak on, say, feminism or racism, while political propaganda will use cartoon caricatures to illustrate points. Emmanual and Grynsztejn's mission, however, is to underscore that can be used to connect rather than divide.

"Sometimes, the world is so dynamic that art is best served either as an interpreter or a point of wonder and curiosity as opposed to a direct hit," Grynsztejn says. "I believe our number one job right now is to create conditions that bridge cultural differences and different perspectives. I think art does that automatically just by virtue of being an object that you look at. Its greater political purpose is to demonstrate that there are many, many, many different points of view and that they are all worthy of respect and attention."

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ASBURY PARK - The Mercy Center will demolish its existing three buildings on Main Street and replace them with one new facility complete with a bigger food pantry.

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt an amended Main Street Redevelopment plan at the July 17 meeting to allow the Mercy Center to revamp its building and expand its food services in the community.

The Mercy Center operates a food pantry on Main Street and the Sisters Academy of New Jersey on Springwood Avenue, as well as other "wrap-around services," that work to end generational poverty by educating young women in the Asbury Park area. Those services include a series of targeted, holistic assistance such as food, clothing, and money for utilities, as well as advocacy, counseling and behavior modification services for families.

The adopted ordinance amends the Main Street redevelopment plan to add a new permanent use, specifically soup kitchens and food pantries, so that the Mercy Center can redevelop its property to improve the existing facility.

The Mercy Center on Main Street in Asbury Park. July 18, 2024

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In 1986, the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic order of nuns, purchased and renovated 1106 Main St. and incorporated under the name Mercy Center.

In 1991, Mercy Center purchased the adjacent property and after complete renovation, the building opened as the Family Resource Center, providing multilingual services such as English as a second language classes, parenting classes and family counseling.

In 2003, Mercy Center opened a third building that contained a pantry on the first floor and additional conference/meeting space on the second floor.

A 'food desert' in Asbury Park

"Asbury Park is considered a food desert," said Kim Guadagno, executive director of Mercy Center and the lieutenant governor under the Chris Christie administration. "I know that is hard to believe but what that really means is that 13% of the population of Asbury Park will go to bed tonight not knowing where their next meal is coming from. That is roughly 2,000 people."

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On July 17 alone, the Mercy Center served 143 families, she said.

"Over the last year we served 100,000 people. That is a 3,000% increase over two years ago and a 200% increase over last year," Guadagno said.

She called the Mercy Center's food pantry "a vital lifeline to the people in this community."

"We are the only pantry open five days a week in this part of the county, and we are the only pantry who is ensuring the people of Asbury Park get the food they need in order to survive," Guadagno said.

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She added "that is just one aspect of what we do." The Mercy Center has 15 licensed social workers and advocates who speak English, Spanish, Arabic and Creole.

"And they serve the community by giving them a chance to live full lives. If you don't have a full stomach, you're not going to have a full life. And then we end the cycle of poverty by what we do on Springwood Avenue, the fourth-to-eighth grade girls school called the Sisters Academy," Guadagno said.

She added "it is imperative that we upgrade our facilities here, we simply have run out of space."

Getting food without the stigma

In 1999, the city granted Mercy Center a variance to operate a pantry for dry goods and storage that served eight to nine families per day. The proposed expansion double the size of the current pantry to allow clients to shop more conveniently, in a stigma-free way, as if shopping at any grocery store.

"I drove there this morning and I pulled up to the building and I looked at the people in the line. There were little babies, different ethnic groups, and it broke my heart," said Veronica Gilbert-Tyson, director of the Family Resource Center who has worked at Mercy Center for 28 years. "The people, the poor, the underprivileged, we need to serve them with dignity, with respect, with compassion."

She added "people should not have to be lining up feeling embarrassed, ashamed, to be standing there for food."

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"More would come more readily because of the privacy (with the renovations) and we need to continue to operate in the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy and we can only do that if we enhance our building," Gilbert-Tyson said.

People using the pantry will select their own food, both dry goods and fresh produce, and bag their groceries as would any person at a grocery store. The food pantry will include storage rooms, refrigeration for fresh food and produce along with space for volunteers and staff.

Shoppers will enter through a reception area in the back of the building and exit through the front. In the event there are lines, there will be space in the back of the building for families to wait comfortably out of the weather. Like the current pantry, the new one will be open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

The Mercy Center hopes to occasionally provide special distributions after hours to better accommodate working families and holidays.

The reception area will have public bathrooms and allow shoppers to take advantage of our other services on the second floor, with access to a public elevator. The staff will have private access to the second and third floors with a second elevator.

The one-story cafe at the corner of Third and Main allows for future development of commercial space in a prime location at the corner of the property. At this time, Mercy does not have an agreement for the use of the space but they anticipate a cafe-type setting that is consistent with the nonprofit use of the rest of the property. It will at no time be operated as a soup kitchen.

The second floor is for office and conference space for the Family Resource Center, and will provide more spacious offices to the clients they currently serve. Outside of the office space, there will be a rooftop area, that substitutes for the small park-like setting which will become parking, to allow for outdoor services and programs for children and adult clients.

The smaller third floor will house the administrative offices and provide conference room space for board and other group gatherings. This means all of Mercy Center's services will be under one roof for the first time since its beginning in the 1980s.

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park Mercy Center seeks bigger food pantry, expanded facility
John Adams, the second president of the United States, defined the vice presidency as the most insignificant office, and Republicans consider that the Democrat Kamala Harris tenure as VP has been precisely that. But the 59-year-old Harris  the first female vice president, the first African-American and first Asian-American vice president to take the oath, in 2021  now has a historic opportunity to hit back at the Trump universe. Never in the history of the United States has a vice president taken up the fight for the presidency at such a late stage of the campaign.

Before he was president, Adams was George Washingtons vice president, so he knew what he was talking about. He set the precedent for the transition from one office to another, and since then, at the end of the 18th century, three sitting vice presidents have been elected president, as well as two former vice presidents, including Joe Biden. It has been a kind of Sudoku of ambitions and misfortunes, like those that brought her boss to the White House in 2020 and, this Sunday, permanently distanced him from it.

Since the era of Adams and the founding fathers, the position of vice president has gained in substance: Harris, the successful California lawyer  too Californian, that is to say, too liberal for the Republicans  has assumed part of the immigration policy of the Biden Administration since 2021, to the point of being ridiculed by the opposition as the immigration czarina. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, the doctrine that enshrined the constitutional protection of the right to abortion, in June 2022, Harris also became the standard-bearer of womens sexual and reproductive health, a political ace that allowed the Democrats to save the day at the midterm elections in November of that year. A self-confessed feminist, her decision to wear white on the night of the celebration of the Democratic victory in Wilmington (Delaware) recalled the role of the suffragettes.

A pure example of the Democratic elite, Harris arrived at the White House as Bidens number two after having challenged him in the primaries. Her resume included a term in the Senate (2017-2021) and, previously, six years of experience as Attorney General of California (2011-2017). Attorney General and Senator, in that order: the classic ladder to power in the United States; the culmination of years of experience as, first, deputy district attorney (1990-98) in Oakland, a position that earned her a special reputation for being tough on cases of gang violence, drug trafficking and sexual abuse, and district attorney (2004), the springboard to the State Attorney Generals Office.

Those were the days of Democratic president Barack Obama, and of the hangover from the Great Crisis of 2008, with its history of bankruptcies. Harris demonstrated her political independence, rejecting pressure from the government to reach an agreement on a national lawsuit against mortgage lenders for unfair practices (the junk or subprime mortgage hole had not yet been closed). Persevering and tough, in 2012 she achieved a debt relief five times higher than the one Washington was urging her to close. But her special merit was overturning Proposition 8 (2008), a California ballot proposition and a state constitutional amendment intended to ban same-sex marriage, in 2013. Her book Smart on Crime, published in 2009, was considered a model to address the problem of criminal recidivism.

In addition to being the most natural and above all an automatic replacement for Biden without having to deal with an emergency convention four months before the elections  something that the progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among others, had warned against  Biden now seems to be returning the favor to Harris. In 2020, she had seemed like a solid contender for the Democratic nomination in a particularly crowded primary, but she threw in the towel in December 2019. Three months later, at the dawn of the Covid pandemic, she gave her support to Biden, the sixth of all candidates for the position. The Democratic competition was then reduced to a duel between Biden and the leftist Bernie Sanders, but Harris support for the current president was decisive in bringing him to the White House.

Even then, her name appeared with some frequency in the vice presidential pools, just as now, since the fatal debate on June 27 that showed Bidens decline, she sounded like a candidate for the presidency. The Republicans, who this week joked about the debate that will pit the two vice presidential candidates against each other by refusing to set a date because they dont know the identity of the vice president that Kamala Harris would choose, appear to have got it right.

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Ashland man dies after motorcycle collides with car at intersection in Holliston

HOLLISTON  An Ashland man died Sunday after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car, authorities said.

Holliston police identified the man as Andrew Palumbo, 62.

According to a press release from police, Palumbo was riding the motorcycle at about 7:48 p.m. when it collided with a car near the intersection of Prentice and Mill streets.

First responders found Palumbo lying in the road suffering from multiple injuries. Police officers and firefighters provided emergency medical care and hebefore Palumbo was flown to UMass-Memorial Medical Center in Worcester by medical rescue helicopter. He died of his injuries, police said in the release.

A medical rescue helicopter was called Sunday evening to transport an Ashland man to the hospital after he was injured in a two-vehicle crash in Holliston. The man later died.

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The driver of the car involved in the crash, a 72-year-old Holliston man, was uninjured.

"He has been fully cooperative with our agency as the investigation continues," police said in the press release.

The driver has not been cited.

Police Chief Matthew Stone said Monday there was no further information available.

The crash is being investigated by the Holliston Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Andrew Palumbo of Ashland dies two-vehicle crash July 21 in Holliston
Jury selection began Monday in the case of a former ballerina accused of killing her husband, despite a last-minute attempt by the defense to delay the trial.

Judge Matt Whyte denied an emergency motion filed Friday by Ashley Benefield, 32, and her lawyer that would have delayed the murder trial. The defense asked for a continuance and argued that recent rulings by the court have severely impaired Benefields ability to present an effective defense.

Neil Taylor, Benefields attorney, referenced the judges earlier decision that paralegal Jack OKeefe would not be able to sit with the defense at the counsel table during the trial because he is not a fully licensed attorney.

Taylor said in the motion the denial was issued without providing any reasoning, leaving the defense team suddenly bereft of crucial assistance on the eve of the trial.

A continuance is not merely warranted but absolutely necessary to safeguard Mrs. Benefields fundamental rights and the integrity of these proceedings, Taylor wrote.

But Whyte said the defense has had more than enough time to prepare an adequate defense in the more than three-and-a-half years since Benefield was first arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm as part of an investigation into the September 2020 death of her 58-year-old husband, Doug Benefield.

Ashley Benefield returns to the courtroom after a brief break in the voir dire portion of her trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.

Benefield trial set to begin Tuesday

I think the state has every right to and is ready to go to trial. I think both sides should be ready at this point. There has been more than sufficient time for preparation, said Whyte.

Taylor also asked the judge to voluntarily recuse himself from the trial, arguing that Whytes ruling at a July 2023 Stand Your Ground hearing showed bias against Ashley Benefield.

In the 27-page ruling, Whyte wrote that the evidence showed that the state proved Doug Benefields death wasnt a singular act of necessary self-defense but was instead the culmination of a lengthy, concerted effort by Ashley Benefield.

Ashley Benefield and attorney Neil Taylor stand before potential jurors in the voir dire portion of her trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.

Whyte denied the request to recuse himself and instead moved forward with jury selection. Whyte said he expects the trial to begin Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and could extend into next week.

Supporters of Ashley Benefield once again gathered in downtown Bradenton in front of the Manatee County Courthouse Monday morning ahead of jury selection with signs that read We stand with Ashley.

Supporters, friends and family members, such as Ashleys mother and her 6-year-old daughter, have marched to show their support ahead of multiple hearings over the last couple weeks.

Was Benefield shooting in self-defense?

On Sept. 27, 2020, a man in the 11300 block of White Rock Terrace in Lakewood Ranch dialed 911 after his neighbor, Ashley Benefield, ran to his house shouting for help. Benefield, then 28, said her husband attacked her and she shot him in self-defense, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.

Deputies with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said they found Doug Benefield with gunshot wounds in his right leg, right arm and right chest area. He died at a local hospital later that night.

Detectives said at the time they found no evidence that Ashley Benefield was acting in self-defense when she fired multiple shots at her husband.

Ashley Benefield appears before potential jurors in the voir dire portion of her trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.

The couple had been separated and were in the middle of a custody battle over their then 2-year-old daughter, according to court documents.

A little more than a month after the shooting, the sheriffs office arrested Ashley Benefield and charged her with second-degree murder.

Murder in the second-degree with a firearm is punishable by up to life in prison and carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison, according to Florida Statutes.

Ashley Benefield is out on bond after posting $100,000 in November 2020 and is wearing an ankle monitor, according to court records.

Judge Matt Whyte addresses the courtroom as Ashley Benefield appears before potential jurors in the voir dire portion of her trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.

Assistant State Attorneys Rebecca Freel and Suzanne ODonnell stand as potential jurors file in for the voir dire portion of Ashely Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.

Ashley Benefield and paralegal Amrita Duckett before the start of the voir dire portion of Benefields trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband in 2020 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, July 22, 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to become the first Democratic nominee of South Asian descent.

Its a moment in history that is not lost on Georgias growing Indian and South Asian population.

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Channel 2s Candace McCowan was in Johns Creek Monday, where any say Bidens endorsement of Harris could be a game-changer in the swing state.

One community that hosts a Diwali Festival here in Newtown Park attracts tens of thousands of people. The South Asian community in Johns Creek is flourishing, and while people are excited about Harris future, some say it will take more than her heritage to win their vote.

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For Dr. Jagdish Sheth, an 85-year-old Emory economic professor, watching this big moment for Harris isnt lost on him, especially with metro Atlantas blossoming Indian community.

I think its a sense of extreme pride, Sheth said. My own future would not have been realized if I was back in my country or any other country. This country has a knack of getting things out of you.

Sheth said he knows her potential nomination wont guarantee votes.

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The Indian population may not be as strong Democratic, Sheth said. There is a Republican side of Indians that are mostly wealthy Indians.

Seema Garg, a mother of three, realtor and community influencer considers herself a Republican.

As for me, I dont want to vote based on color, religion or sex, Garg said. Male or female, anybody who can do better for this country. Lets make America great. Thats the only thing I want.

Ashwin Ramaswami, a future state Senate candidate, said that identity matters to many. Harris mother is from the same area that Ramaswamis mother is from, a place called Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Ramaswami said the Indian community would make a difference for a Harris campaign in Georgia.

Joe Biden won Georgia in 2020 by over 11,000 votes, Ramaswami said. My district alone has 15,000 South Asian Americans, which is larger than his margin of victory in 2020. Imagine Harris being on the ticket.

Ramaswami said Harris will energize young voters and inspire the next generation. He said the community is really taking ahold of their political power.
Attempts to further restrict abortion fail to cross the finish line in Oklahoma

Empty chairs are pictured inside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Oklahoma City. Despite a near-total ban on the procedure, Oklahoma legislators have continued efforts to restrict abortion. These efforts failed to become law in 2024. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Despite a near-total ban on abortion, Oklahomas state Legislature saw dozens of bills attempting to impose more restrictions.

But none crossed the finish line to become law this session.

Bills ranged in focus, from restricting chemical abortions and abortion pills to personifying fetuses and restricting travel for the procedure. Oklahoma law bans abortion, with the only exception being to save the life of the pregnant person. It does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, attributed the lack of action to weakness among the Republican caucus.

Olsen has authored many anti-abortion bills, including a constitutional amendment that would have established the personhood of a fetus at conception. He is an outspoken advocate to restrict abortion access further.

The House did slightly better than the Senate, but only slightly, Olsen said. We have a super majority  so anything that we as a caucus really want, we can get. So its just weakness among the members.

But Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said legislators were exercising caution to prevent legal challenges that end up before the states Supreme Court. Following the 2023 Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that abortion is protected in life-threatening situations, Daniels said legislators are watching the issue with great interest.

I do not want to give our Supreme Court the opportunity to declare a right to elective abortion. Right now, our ability to protect life is balanced on a knife edge, said Daniels, a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and an author of anti-abortion legislation.

However, she said that there is room to further restrict abortion, specifically when it comes to clarifying current statute. Daniels said the closest thing the state has to clarity is a 2023 opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond that said women will not be punished for abortions.

I believe its really important for us to be clear about what is and is not allowable, Daniels said.

She said it is also important the Legislature clarify that mental health should not be included as a life threatening condition to allow for abortion.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma tracked around 70 bills relating to reproductive freedom across the past two legislative sessions, said Executive Director Tamya Cox-Toure. The ACLU of Oklahoma opposed over half.

Cox-Toure, who is also co-chair of Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice, said this session was considered a success because no anti-abortion bills became law.

We are seeing other states propose and pass abortion protections, she said. So there also, I think, was a school of thought that if we create any more harm around abortion, that itd be possible that Oklahomans would band together to try to push a proactive abortion access protection ballot initiative.

Neighboring states including Arkansas, Colorado and Missouri have seen efforts to bring abortion-rights to the ballot in November, putting the future of abortion access in the hands of voters. In 2022, the right to abortion was enshrined in Kansass Constitution when voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have eliminated it at the ballot box.

Oklahoma has yet to see major pushes to bring abortion to the ballot. But conversations on possible ballot initiatives are being had, Cox-Toure said.

Were fighting hard because we dont believe that our neighbors in Kansas should have more rights than Oklahomans, and we really are continuing to try to educate Oklahomans that abortion is health care, Cox-Toure said.

She said an influx of legislation to restrict abortion can also be tied to election years and campaigning.

And although Oklahomas most recent legislative session was deemed a success by abortion-rights advocates, Cox-Toure said she does not believe it marks the end of anti-abortion efforts in the state.

I definitely think we have very extreme conservative legislators that want to push these bans even further, she said.

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David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to former President Obama, said Sunday that President Bidens decision to step down from the 2024 race was sad but necessary.

In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Axelrod said the decision Biden made was difficult, and may not be the final chapter the president imagined or deserved.

But there is a real focus on the question that he has put in front of people again and again and again and that is who and how can the Democratic Party defeat Donald Trump, and I think in that regard, the party took a step forward today, and the president recognized it and did the hardest thing you can do and stepped aside, he said.

Axelrod has been a prominent Democratic voice calling for the president to step aside and let someone else take his spot atop the Democratic ticket. After Bidens NATO press conference last month, Axelrod said the presidents chances of beating Trump were very very slim.

Axelrod on Sunday said the Democratic Party will now be singularly focused on who can defeat Trump in November.

Biden quickly moved to endorse Vice President Harris, but Axelrod said some of Harriss supporters have done a disservice by saying you cant bypass her.

The real case they should be making is why shed be the strongest candidate he said, adding that Harris would be a stronger candidate if she was chosen via an open process.

She may be battle-scarred, but shes also shes battle-tested in a way others arent and they should be making that case, but I think that people are going to take a hard look at this. Try and open up the process and see if others step forward, others may not, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Baby foxes in your backyard? It's that season in Austin. Here's what to do if you see them

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled the name of Jules Maron, director of the Austin Wildlife Rescue.

Has Austin seemed extra foxy lately?

Many local residents have noticed furry, four-legged friends getting cozy in their yards. Austin Wildlife expert Jules Maron said it is completely natural for this time of year as baby foxes who were born in the spring start to get more curious. She advised residents to keep their distance, as one would with any wild animal.

Why are we seeing more foxes around Austin right now?

Many foxes will have their babies in trees or in dens under residential decks in the spring. Maron said foxes are similar to cats. As the babies grow up, they become curious about the world around them and start to follow their moms outside the den. This is especially true with gray foxes, the most common fox species in the Austin area.

Foxes at Austin Wildlife Rescue's rehabilitation center in Elgin, Texas. The center normally tends to 9 thousand animals in July and August each year, but are expecting 9,500 this year due to taking in extra animals from rescue centers impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

So, just like kittens would, they want to start poking around and looking at their environment, Maron said. Mom is actually bringing them a lot of food right now too, and teaching them how to hunt. So I'd say, if you have foxes in your yard, you're very lucky because you're probably not going to have any rodent issues going on. They are very adept hunters.

What should you do if you see a baby fox?

Maron, who is executive director of Austin Wildlife Rescue and a certified wildlife rehabilitator, said that if Austin residents spot baby foxes, they should give the animals some space.

You don't want to try to approach (the foxes) aggressively, Maron said. Because obviously, the mother is going to be there and be very protective of her babies, as any wild animal would. So if you see them, I'd say just try to give them some space and know that they're not going to be staying there in that area.

Foxes at Austin Wildlife Rescue's rehabilitation center in Elgin, Texas. The center normally tends to 9 thousand animals in July and August each year, but are expecting 9,500 this year due to taking in extra animals from rescue centers impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

In about four to five weeks, when the babies are older and know how to hunt, Maron said they will move on to another place with their mother.

Maron said unless the foxes are orphaned or injured, residents shouldnt worry about having them around.

If somebody just finds a baby, we usually ask them to leave it where it is, and see if mom comes back for it, Maron said. That's usually going to be the thing that we want to try first."

Austin Wildlife Rescue will take in animals if the mother has not returned, if a dead mother was found nearby, or if the babies are very skinny and in poor shape.

If the babies seem healthy and accompanied, Maron said not to worry.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin wildlife expert says baby foxes in area are perfectly natural
The Archdiocese of Baltimores bankruptcy case moved closer to the critical mediation phase Monday, as attorneys for the Catholic church, its insurance carriers and a committee of sex abuse survivors reached a tentative agreement on the terms for upcoming negotiations.

The agreement is tentative because the lawyers still need their clients approval for a last-minute detail hashed out in the hallways outside of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Baltimore: Whether the archdiocese will drop its breach-of-contract lawsuit against its insurers, and what the survivors role would be should they choose to refile it later.

Scheduled for a contested hearing Monday, attorneys in the case settled their differences in time to avoid debating legal issues in court. After being briefed on the tentative agreement, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle M. Harner credited the lawyers for creating a mediation structure thats acceptable to all.

During mediation, attorneys and their clients get together with independent mediators to negotiate the amount of money the archdiocese and its insurers each have to contribute to settle survivor claims, as well as an eventual reorganization plan for the church featuring protocols designed to prevent the scourge of clergy sexual abuse from happening again.

The tentative agreement reached Monday would allow the archdioceses insurers to jointly nominate a third mediator, in addition to the two already proposed by the church and the survivors committee: Robert J. Faris, chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Hawaii, and attorney Brian J. Nash, an attorney who specializes in mediation.

Attorneys would be able to challenge the mediator proposed by the insurance companies.

Baltimores diocese, Americas oldest, declared bankruptcy Sept. 29, two days before Marylands Child Victims Act took effect. That law lifted previous time limits for people who were sexually abused as children to sue their abusers and the institutions that enabled their torment.

Legislators passed the child victims law following the release of a state attorney general report which found that 156 clergy and other officials in the Baltimore diocese tormented more than 600 children and young adults, dating to the 1940s. The abuse spanned the dioceses jurisdiction, which covers Baltimore and nine counties in Central and Western Maryland.

When the archdiocese declared bankruptcy, survivors who planned to sue the church had to repurpose their stories into claims in the bankruptcy proceeding. Harner set a May 31 deadline for survivors to file. That deadline came and went with hundreds of claims being filing in the case, though the exact number has not been disclosed publicly.

Baltimore Archbishop William Lori recently struck a unified tone with leader of the survivors committee, Paul Jan Zdunek, but tensions remained with the churchs insurance companies.

The church sued its insurers alleging breach of contract for failing to cover, or indicating they would not provide coverage for, claims of sexual abuse of minors. The survivors committee, which was also at loggerheads with the insurance companies, sought standing in that lawsuit. The insurers pushed back on the committees request at the same time it sought to argue the lawsuit, asking for the complaint to be moved from bankruptcy court to the U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

That lawsuit still was pending as of Monday, but the archdiocese tentatively agreed with insurers to dismiss the complaint. They reserved the right to file suit again and, if they do, the attorneys tentatively agreed that the survivors committee would have standing in that case. The details over the lawsuit were the one item attorneys had to consult their respective clients with.

Which of the archdioceses insurance policies were applicable to the sexual abuse at the time it occurred  and how much money those companies are on the hook for  will be subject to mediation. The church and survivors committee each hired expert insurance lawyers to examine the policies, which are numerous.

Edwin Caldie, an attorney for the survivors committee, said in court Monday that the tentative mediation agreement the church and committee struck with insurers was the subject of great cooperation and candor, adding that the dialogue created more trust and a bit of hope for the mediation process.
(Bloomberg) -- Bankrupt Steward Health said it found buyers for two of its hospitals in Arkansas and Louisiana, as the nations largest for-profit health system braces for a bipartisan Senate investigation into its financial woes.

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Steward is selling the Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope, Arkansas, to Pafford Health Systems Inc. and Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, Louisiana, to an affiliate of American Healthcare Systems. Pafford and AHS have agreed to pay $200,000 and $500,000 for the hospitals, respectively, and assume certain liabilities, according to court documents filed on Sunday.

The deals, which must be approved by a bankruptcy judge, ensure both hospitals will remain open and operating under new owners. Dallas-based Steward has been marketing its portfolio of more than 30 hospitals in bankruptcy amid scrutiny from state and federal lawmakers.

The heads of a powerful Senate health committee announced last week they plan to hold a vote on July 25 to compel Steward Chief Executive Officer Ralph de la Torre to testify. Lawmakers intend to question de la Torre about the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care and the financial arrangements leading up to its insolvency, Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and ranking member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said in a joint statement.

Lawmakers have also questioned the role Stewards former majority owner, private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, has had in its financial woes. Cerberus and de la Torre formed Steward in 2010 after acquiring six hospitals run by a nonprofit health-care system; it then continued to expand.

Steward management acquired Cerberuss stake in 2020 by issuing the private equity firm a $350 million convertible note. Steward borrowed $335 million the following year to buy out the Cerberus debt, according to court documents.

Cerberus has defended its past ownership of Steward and said it helped save failing hospitals.

Steward said it had about $1.2 billion in long-term debt and about $6.6 billion in lease obligations when it filed for Chapter 11 protection in May.

The case is Steward Health Care System LLC, 24-90213, US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District Court of Texas.

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stands with former President Barack Obama during an event hosted by U.S. Presdent Joe Biden on the Affordable Care Act, Obama's top legislative accomplishment, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 5, 2022. REUTERS/Leah Millis

President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race Sunday shook the political world.

Democratic power players have aligned with the Biden behind Vice President Kamala Harris. "I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination," Harris said in a statement.

Whoever takes over the role of Democratic nominee has a major decision to make in selecting a vice-presidential candidate. One name who has come up as an option is former President Barack Obama.

Choosing the popular two-term president would push the party further into uncharted waters as no former president has taken the vice-presidential nomination.

Here's what the Constitution says about Barack Obama possibly serving as vice president.

What does the Constitution say about a former president serving as vice president?

The 22nd Amendment says that, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice."

Ambiguity arises over the restriction of the 22nd Amendment causes a twice-elected former president to be Constitutionally ineligible.

The 12th Amendment states that, "no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States.

Michael Dorf, a law professor at Cornell University, argued in a 2000 column for CNN that a theoretical ticket of Al Gore and Bill Clinton was constitutionally permitted. "Bill Clinton can serve as vice president, because the 22nd Amendment's prohibition on running for a third presidential term is not a condition of the office of president," Dorf wrote.

Not all constitutional scholars agree as Gary Nordlinger, an adjunct professor at The George Washington University, told CBS affiliate WUSA9 in 2016 that a twice-elected former president is ineligible.

"If anyone tried this," he said. "It would for sure end up at the Supreme Court. Because thats who decides conflicts within the constitution.

22nd Amendment prohibits Obama from running as president

Biden's decision provided the chance for some Americans to brush up on the Constitution, particularly the 22nd Amendment.

The 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951 in response to Franklin D. Roosevelts unprecedented four-term presidency, which raised concerns about the potential for excessive executive power. This provision ensures that if someone has served two terms as president, they are constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency again, even after a break.

The Democratic nominee to replace Biden will be decided during the Democratic National Convention, which takes place in Chicago from August 19 to August 22. Since Biden cannot appoint a replacement, his delegates will determine the nominee at the DNC.

Contributing: Jeremy Yurow

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Constitutional scholars disagree on whether Barack Obama can be VP
Press Release

July 22, 2024 EdCom 2 to DepEd: implement effective learning intervention recovery program for K to 12 learners Commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) at the House of Representatives today filed House Resolution No. 1805, urging the Department of Education to suspend the regular academic program for 8-12 weeks and implement an effective learning recovery program for K to 12 learners to ensure that they attain functional literacy and numeracy. According to the World Bank study, 9 out of 10 Filipino children aged 10 are unable to read and understand a simple text appropriate for their age, further estimating a learning gap of 5.5 years. "To say that these figures are alarming is an understatement. The Philippines consistently ranks among the lowest in international large-scale assessments, and we cannot just sit down and do business as usual. We need to urgently and strategically address the learning gap and ensure that our learners are able to achieve necessary academic standards," says EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Representative Roman Romulo. House Resolution No. 1805 introduced by EDCOM 2 Commissioners Rep Romulo and Jose Francisco Benitez intends to suspend the regular school schedule for 8 weeks to allow the uninterrupted and focused implementation of the learning recovery program. The House Resolution also urges conducting assessments for all learners before the start of the intervention program to determine the level of proficiency of each learner. It further recommends assessing learners at the end of the program to ascertain if additional intervention is needed to help them achieve the required competencies for their grade level. "We understand the intention of DepEd's National Learning Recovery Program and Catch-Up Fridays but these seem to be insufficient to close the learning gaps of struggling learners. In EDCOM's school visits and consultations, we have observed that learners are not only catching up for proficiencies of their current grade level but are also lacking the proficiencies of earlier grade levels. Remediation should therefore be continuous throughout the year. And remedial teaching should be targeted and differentiated according to varying learning needs of struggling learners," says EDCOM 2 Commissioner Rep Benitez.
After learning that President Joseph Biden is withdrawing from the presidential race, the first global leader to react was the prime minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer. I respect President Bidens decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people, he posted on X.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said on Monday that Israel will be the United States strongest ally in the Middle East regardless of who is elected president in November. Netanyahu made the statement before flying to Washington, where he was due to address the U.S. Congress. I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains Americas indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.

The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said on Monday that the European bloc respects Bidens decision. We have had a very positive relationship, but if President Biden decides to withdraw because he thinks that another candidate may have more strength to win the elections for the Democratic Party, we respect his decision, said Borrell said in statements to the media after arriving at the meeting that EU foreign ministers are holding today in Brussels.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs also wished the best for the next Democratic candidate for the White House and noted that there will be an important difference in the transatlantic relationship depending on whether it is a Democrat or the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, who comes to power.

The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, expressed all my admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision. Like several other European leaders, he also underscored Bidens exemplary support for Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that my friend Joe Biden has achieved a lot for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the United States is a good and reliable partner for us. 

Russia was one of the few countries where there was no statement admiring President Bidens decision. Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov said that there are only four months left until the elections, and that everything can change in that time, so we must be patient and see what happens. The priority, he added, is the military operation in Ukraine.

China is another country that failed to show overt support for Biden. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday refused to comment on the presidents decision to step down from the race. It is an internal matter of the United States, we will not comment on that, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at the departments official press conference when asked about the matter.

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A 22-year-old New Bedford woman has been arraigned in the case of Baby Doe, a male infant found dead at Fort Taber Park in December.

Daniela Michell Escobar-Mejia, the infants mother, faces a single charge of improper disposal of a body. She was arraigned in New Bedford District Court and released on personal recognizance.

She was also ordered to abide by all orders of the Department of Children and Families while the case is pending.

Escobar-Mejia is due back in court for a pretrial conference on Sept. 12.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn is seen in this 2023 file photo.

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How the infant's body was discovered

According to the Bristol County District Attorney's office, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, a woman was walking along a path near the water with her pre-teen niece when she saw a blanket near a thicket of bushes adjacent to the walking path. The woman also detected an odor of decay, police said.

She approached the blanket and found a white plastic bag wrapped inside of it. A decomposing, dead infant was inside the plastic bag. She called out to people nearby who called 911.

The infants body was taken to the Massachusetts Medical Examiners Office; the DAs office also partnered with a private lab in Texas to perform extensive genealogical and forensic testing of DNA and other evidence collected in this case.

According to the DAs office, investigators determined the infant was allegedly left in the park on Nov. 6, meaning it was there for more than a month prior to it being discovered.

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How evidence led the District Attorney's Office to the suspect

The DAs office said DNA analysis, review of surveillance footage in and around the park and other investigatory methods led detectives to the defendant. Subsequent DNA testing determined she was the infants mother.

Due to the state of decomposition the infant was found in, the medical examiner was unable to determine if the baby had been alive prior to the alleged dumping of the infant in the park. No cause and manner of death could be determined.

Escobar-Mejia was summonsed into court after a lengthy investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorneys office and prosecutors.

I want to thank investigators for their efforts in this very sad and tragic case, said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Bedford woman in court; accused of leaving baby to die in park
After Bee report, Sacramento council set to change how it discusses raises for city manager

After The Sacramento Bee reported the city of Sacramento may have been violating state law by discussing raises for its city manager in private, the council is set to update its rules.

The update, which the council will consider Tuesday, will clarify that the citys Human Relations employees are to negotiate raises with City Manager Howard Chan, then bring them to the council to discuss and vote on in public.

The Bee called Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela last month to tell her that an expert had said elected bodies are not allowed to discuss raises for employees in private. Valenzuela then called for the city attorneys office to probe whether the council had violated the law during its closed meeting June 11.

City Clerk Mindy Cuppy Friday said that the City Council rules have always been in alignment with the Brown Act, the state law that requires governmental bodies to inform public on the agenda items that will be discussed at meetings.

Government bodies shall not include discussion or action on proposed compensation except for a reduction of compensation that results from the imposition of discipline, the act states.

Asked if the probe into the June 11 discussion revealed that there was a violation of the council rules or the state law, Cuppy stated Councilmember Valenzuela asked that the rules be clarified which is why this report was brought forward.

The council is set to consider adding language from the Brown Act into its council rules of procedure. The new language spells out that negotiators are the ones to speak with an employee about his or her raise.

Valenzuela said she will vote yes on the item Tuesday.

Im thankful for them making these changes so we can make sure our closed sessions follow not just the law but our publics desire for transparency, Valenzuela said.

The new language added to the council rules appears to follow the Brown Act, said David Loy, an attorney with the First Amendment Coalition specializing in the act.

However, if Chan is allowed in the meeting while the council talks to the negotiators, it would be a violation, Loy said.

They could not bring the owner of the building into closed session and do the negotiations for its purchase in closed session, Loy said. I think the same principle applies here.

Valenzuela said Chan has been in the room previously while the council discussed his salary.

Its unclear whether under the new language Chan will still be in the room. City spokesman Tim Swanson, who is also Chans spokesman, declined to answer that question referring The Bee instead to the City Clerks Office.

Ahead of the June 11 closed session meeting, the city in its agenda notified the public it would be discussing a performance evaluation for Chan  one of the few reasons the states Brown Act allows elected leaders to talk behind closed doors.

That exemption allows councils to discuss disciplinary pay decreases for city employees, but not raises, Loy said.

The private discussion was slated to start at 3 p.m. and went on for over two hours. Meanwhile, members of the public were filling the council chambers to share their viewpoints on the $1.6 billion city budget the council would approve later that night. By the time the council entered the packed chambers to start the meeting, the council meeting was 34 minutes behind schedule.

Chans salary has been under high public scrutiny in recent years.

In December, in a late-night meeting without proper public notice, the council voted to give him a raise to bring his $400,000 base salary to $420,000, including 240 hours of leave time that could be cashed out at his discretion.

Valenzuela, along with Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Mai Vang, abstained. In early January, after The Bee reported the raise had violated the Brown Act, the council effectively rescinded it, pulling it for consideration at a future meeting, which has not yet happened. It also changed the rules to prohibit Chan from placing a raise for himself on future agendas. But in June, the item to discuss Chans performance showed up on two closed session meeting agendas, indicating he may have been still trying for a raise.

Chan did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment for this story.

Data released from the California Controllers Office late last month showed Chan for the second consecutive year earned more in total wages than any other active city manager in the state. Chan earned $593,240 in total wages last year, up 8% from 2022, the data showed.

Thats more than the city manager of San Jose, the biggest city in California that, like Sacramento, has a system of government where the council and the manager wield executive power, and is also more than Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Chans contract expires Dec. 31. He became city manager in 2017.

The item the council will consider Tuesday would also ban members of the public from displaying items on the overhead projector during public comments.
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the 2024 We Are EMILY National Gala. US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the race to be the next president, in a historic decision that throws the Democratic Party into uncharted territory as Republican rival Donald Trump's campaign gains steam. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib on Monday praised United States Vice President Kamala Harris as a "strong woman" as President Joe Biden withdraws from the US presidential election.

"First of all, I would say that Biden did a great job for many, many years," said Lahbib, adding that his withdrawal was "a courageous decision."

"I wish all the best to - maybe - Kamala Harris, who will take the lead now for the Democrats. It's a woman. It's a strong woman, and I wish her all the best," Lahbib told reporters as she arrived at a European Union foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.

Most other EU foreign ministers struck a diplomatic tone when asked about developments in the US and the prospect of Donald Trump's return to the White House, wishing Biden well but declining to comment on the election.

"It is for the US citizens to decide. I don't want to interfere," said EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell. "I don't think it's our role to go and tell the Americans what to do or to express preferences for one or the other," Borrell said.

"We will work with whoever is democratically elected in the US," said Latvian foreign minister Baiba Braze. "Let's remember the Trump administration previously was actually good for European defence. They put more money, more troops in Europe," she said.
Belleville City Council turned down a request for the city to give $25,000 in tax-increment-financing funds to owners of a historic building thats being renovated to house an Irish pub.

Aldermen who voted no at a meeting last week indicated that timing and lack of specificity were factors in their decision. None mentioned the disappointment by historians that the original architecture of a significant building in a historic district wasnt preserved.

TIF funds are often distributed to developers as incentives for them to take on projects. The partners who plan to open The Harp Pub on West Main Street already have been working on it for more than two years.

Ward 7 Alderman Phil Elmore said their request, presented in the form of a development agreement with the city, didnt specify how they would spend the money or whether the expenditures were TIF eligible.

Im glad the motion was denied, Elmore said. It was the right thing to do. We have to consider all the other businesses that need help, and we have to consider the taxpayers, of course. This one just didnt check all the boxes for me.

But Im excited about The Harp Pub opening. I cant wait. I love the location. I love what theyve done so far. Its going to be fantastic.

The partners developing the bar and restaurant at 1112 W. Main St. (formerly 1110-1112) are Glen McElligott and Greg Partelow, who operate under the company name G Level and Squared.

They didnt attend the City Council meeting last Monday night. The BND reached McElligott by phone on Wednesday.

It wouldnt be prudent for me to say anything at this point in time, he said, noting that he wasnt sure what had been discussed at the meeting or why the request was denied.

In the development agreement, McElligott and Partelow had promised to spend $395,000 on renovations, complete them by Oct. 31, operate the business for at least five years, produce $300,000 in annual sales subject to sales tax and employ three full-time employees in the first year and seven additional part-time employees in the second year.

The partners would have had to return the $25,000 if they failed to meet these requirements.

Greg Partelow, left, and Glen McElligott plan to open The Harp Pub in Belleville. Theyre operating under the company name G Level and Squared.

Aldermen split on vote

The City Council vote on The Harp Pub request was 7-7, with Ward 2 Alderwoman Jamie Eros and Ward 6 Alderman Chris Rothweiler absent. Mayor Patty Gregory could have broken the tie, but City Attorney Garrett Hoerner noted that nine votes  a majority of the councils 16 members  were needed for approval.

Those voting against were Elmore, Ward 1 Alderwoman Lillian Schneider, Ward 3 Aldermen Kent Randle and Scott Ferguson, Ward 4 Alderman Raffi Ovian, Ward 5 Alderman Ed Dintleman and Ward 7 Alderman Dennis Weygandt.

Those voting in favor were Ward 1 Alderman Bryan Whitaker, Ward 2 Alderwoman Carmen Duco, Ward 4 Alderman Johnnie Anthony, Ward 5 Alderwoman Shelly Schaefer, Ward 6 Alderwoman Mary Stiehl and Ward 8 Alderwomen Nora Sullivan and Kara Osthoff.

McElligott and Partelow bought the West Main Street building in 2021 from Kevin Kubitschek for $137,500, according to St. Clair County records. Kubitschek, a historic-preservation enthusiast, used it for his law practice and rented out retail and office space.

Since McElligott and Partelow werent at the City Council meeting, Cliff Cross, the citys director of economic development, zoning and planning, answered questions on their behalf.

Cross told aldermen that the partners didnt ask for TIF funds at the beginning of their renovation project, like many developers, but decided to do so after incurring unexpected costs.

It was a standard agreement, Cross said after the meeting. We do them all the time. Now theyre subject to the development. Theyre subject to funding availability. There are certain conditions, but ... We were definitely not asking for any more than any of the others.

At the meeting, Randy Smith, director of waste water treatment and sewer lines, alluded to a disagreement between the partners and city officials on issues related to the tap-on process and related fees.

Elmore noted that tap-on fees arent TIF eligible, but he said he was satisfied that the partners werent intending to use the $25,000 for that purpose.

This file photo shows a historic building at 1112 W. Main St. (formerly 1110-1112) before its original storefront doors and windows were removed.

Historians disappointed

Larry Betz, president of Belleville Historical Society, said he would have opposed G Level and Squared getting TIF funds from the city because of what the partners have done to the architecture of an important historical structure in Town of West Belleville Historic District.

They removed the original storefront doors and windows, replaced them with two garage-style doors and painted the brick yellow and black, patterning if off brightly-colored buildings in Ireland.

The two-story building was constructed in the 1850s or 1860s on the town square of West Belleville, a municipality that merged with Belleville in 1882, according to Belleville historian Bob Brunkow. The original owner, Ernst Weissenborn, was a German immigrant who operated a dry-goods and grocery store and served on the village board.

Over the years, the building housed several saloons, a drug store, boarding house, hotel, pool hall, apartments, a shoe store, coffee shop and most recently a book and card shop and professional offices.

Brunkow called the current renovation a missed opportunity.

We want to see that area developed, but were concerned about how its developed, he said. We met the (buildings) owners. Theyre very nice. They said, We want to do something good for Belleville, and I guess that means different things to different people.

They couldve emphasized the historical significance of the building, and that didnt happen. Perhaps it will be a popular place to go, but the cost ... Its not a zero-sum game. Something was lost in the community.

The Historical Society has been working for years to protect and promote Town of West Belleville Historic District. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

But the neighborhood isnt a Belleville historic district, so it has no restrictions beyond regular housing codes, and despite years of lobbying by Betz, the city hasnt enacted a landmark ordinance. Officials have speculated that many property owners would be against it.

McElligott said he supports the Historical Societys overall mission.

Im not going to be upset with someone if they dont like my interpretation of what I want to do, McElligott said. (Historical Society leaders) probably need more funding, and they need more help if they want to restore and retain as much of the old as possible.

I work in St. Louis, and Ive seen a lot of older buildings do modern touch-ups and stuff like that, and it hasnt (taken) away from the quality of the structure.

The Ebeling-Maurer House is a German American folk house built in 1876 in the former town of West Belleville. Its being restored by Belleville Historical Society.

City owns town square

The Historical Society is restoring an 1876 brick German folk house, known as the Ebeling-Maurer House, in Town of West Belleville Historic District with plans to turn it into a museum. Its next door to The Harp Pub building.

Both buildings border the former West Belleville town square, where farmers came to weigh hay, coal and other commodities. Weissenborn was the official village weigher.

Betz and Brunkow would like to see reproduction weigh station built someday to give visitors a glimpse of life in the 19th century.

Betz said he wishes the city, which owns the town-square property, hadnt allowed McElligott and Partelow to build a patio on it. Cross countered that its no different from the city allowing restaurants in downtown Belleville to put tables and chairs on sidewalks.

Its just really an improved outdoor dining area in a public space, he said.

There will always be conflicts between historic preservation and economic development, said Jack LeChien, co-chairman of the Gustave Koerner House Restoration and former longtime chairman of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission.

LeChien was part of the effort to get Town of West Belleville Historic District placed on the National Register of Historic Places. He and other historians thought preserving and promoting the neighborhoods unique history could attract businesses and increase tourism.

LeChien gave the example of New Orleans as a city that has capitalized on the distinctive charm of its historic architecture.

Ultimately, it comes down to, Are we going to trade this for that? Are we going to encourage some new bar to come in and create some jobs and some tax revenue, or is (a building) going to sit there awhile, and who knows what?

I think generally that (West Belleville) could have a rebirth, but it does start with a spark, and when one guy does something, word starts getting around that, Hey, things are starting to happen there. And thats when other rehabbers and developers understand that they can make a buck, and thats what its all about. Youve got to make money.
Beloved N.J. Dog Died at Groomer, Who Was Just Arrested on Drug Charges. Is There a Connection?

Trevor Hunt, the owner of K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, N.J., was arrested after police found suspected heroin during a search of the pet grooming center

provided by Ashley Jenkins Harley

The death of a dog at a New Jersey pet grooming salon led to the arrest of the business owner on drug charges, authorities said.

On July 12, officers responded to K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, N.J., on a report of a dogs death, according to a press release shared by the Woodbury City Police Department on July 16.

The dogs owner told police that he dropped his dog off at the grooming salon earlier that day and said the business owner, Trevor Hunt, later contacted him, saying the dog had died, the release states.

Ashley Jenkins told NJ Advance Media that she and her boyfriend dropped off her familys 3-year-old border collie-Australian shepherd mix named Harley for a regular grooming appointment at the business and were shocked at the call.

provided by Ashley Jenkins Harley

According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by NJ Advance Media, police found the dog dead on a table at the pet grooming salon. Authorities claimed in the report that when they tried to speak with Hunt, he became uncooperative.

Hunt allegedly immediately became tense and attempted to delete evidence off his phone, police claimed in the affidavit, adding that they guided the defendant to the ground, where he resisted arrest, the outlet reports.

Once a search warrant for the business was served, investigators allegedly found more than 60 small plastic bags of suspected heroin, according to the affidavit, which was also cited by the Courier-Post. Some of the baggies reportedly read, Alien Rock, House Party III and "El Loco, the affidavit alleges.

Hunt now faces charges of tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, according to the police departments press release. Its unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Jenkins told ABC7 NY that Harley had no underlying health conditions and that the dogs cause of death is still under investigation.

She loved people, Jenkins said of Harley, per ABC7 NY. She loved to be played with. She loved to run. We were very close to her. She came with us everywhere.

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According to police, Hunt is being held at the Salem County Jail pending a detention hearing. They added that the investigation is still ongoing.

"We are still just trying to adjust to Harley not being here anymore and hoping that she gets justice," Jenkins said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Woodbury City Police Det. Nicholas Cacciola at ncacciola@woodburypd.com or 856-845-0065, ext. 142.



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Beloved Postal Worker Was 'Mother to the Neighborhood.' She Was Killed in Broad Daylight on Mail Route

Octavia Redmond, 48, was in front of a Chicago home when someone shot her multiple times and fled the scene on July 19, police say

Octavia Redmond/Facebook Octavia Redmond

A beloved U.S. Postal Service carrier was killed in broad daylight while working her mail route in Chicago and authorities are searching for a suspect.

Octavia Redmond, 48, was in front of a home in the citys West Pullman neighborhood when someone shot her multiple times and fled the scene in a vehicle around 11:40 a.m. on Friday, July 19, police said, according to KCBD, ABC 7 and Fox 32.

A neighbor who wished to remain anonymous told FOX32 that Redmond had just delivered her mail before she heard multiple shots being fired.

According to KCBD, a local worker said Redmond was like a mother to the neighborhood.

My heart is shattered because she was a nice lady, Kim Sanders told the outlet. She just come up and down the block and deliver the mail, didnt bother nobody.

Redmond worked for the postal service for 15 years, ABC7 reported.

According to Fox 32, police are looking into whether she may have been a victim of a targeted attack but authorities have not made any arrests. The outlet also reported that a car believed to have been involved in the killing was found burned Saturday, July 20, on the city's South Side.

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The U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that it is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Redmonds killing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the agency at 877-876-2455.



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Benefit fraud cost taxpayers a record 7.3bn last year as a wave of criminality sweeps Britain, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The DWP blamed the surge on the publics growing willingness to commit fraud since Covid, particularly people seeking to cheat the benefits system.

While laying bare its most recent findings, the departments latest annual report also warned that the countrys total fraud bill is unlikely to shrink any time soon.

DWP no longer expects Universal Credit fraud and error to return to the levels seen before the significant increase during the Covid-19 pandemic, said the report, which referenced the increasing propensity for fraud in society.

It added: DWP has assumed a 5pc increase in fraudulent behaviour each year in its forecasting.

If it fails to stop that rise, it implies the annual amount lost to criminals will rise above 10bn come the next decade.

The DWP said that a range of evidence indicates that there is a long-term rising trend in fraudulent behaviour towards organisations and a softening of attitudes regarding fraud in wider society.

Fraud database Cifas indicates that offences have increased by 11pc in each of the last two years, more than doubling the 5pc growth rate seen before the pandemic.

It comes alongside a surge in shoplifting, with theft from stores hitting a record high this April, according to police data.

The DWP did not pinpoint exact drivers for the latest increase but it said the general public were becoming more lenient.

According to the British Social Attitudes Survey, more than one-quarter now believe it is not wrong or only a bit wrong if a person on unemployment benefits fails to declare 3,000 of cash earnings from a casual job.

Similarly, 27pc of young adults now say that if they were struggling financially, they would be likely to mislead an insurer to save money.

These responses have prompted the DWP to ramp up its anti-fraud measures, including enhanced scrutiny of suspicious Universal Credit claims.

As well as hiring more staff, DWP said it is developing the use of machine learning, a form of AI to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud activities.

However, the department acknowledged its efforts to bring down the bill may not work.

There is a risk that plans DWP has in place to reduce fraud and error are not successful owing to a failure to execute the ambition of the plan successfully; and/or the increased propensity of fraud in wider society, its annual report said.

It comes as Rachel Reeves confirmed plans on Monday to appoint a commissioner tasked with recouping billions of pounds from Covid procurement fraud.

The process to select a Covid corruption tsar will begin this week, with the Chancellor hopeful of recouping 2.6bn from flawed and fraudulent contracts during the pandemic.

A DWP spokesman said: This government will not tolerate fraud or waste anywhere in public services, including in the social security system.

We are determined to reduce fraud and error and are currently exploring all options on how best to achieve our goal.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) endorsed Vice President Harris for president Monday morning amid speculation over whether he could serve as her running mate.

I am excited to fully endorse Vice President Harris for the next president of the United States. The vice president is smart and strong which will make her a good president. But shes also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president, he said on MSNBCs Morning Joe.

Beshear has boosted his profile among Democrats by winning the governorship of a ruby-red state. He defeated a Trump-backed GOP challenger to win reelection last year in a state that former President Trump won in 2016 and 2020.

The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldnt be clearer, Beshear said in his statement. The vice president is ready, she has my full endorsement, Im going to do everything I can to support her.

Endorsements have been coming in for Harris steadily since President Biden dropped out of the race Sunday and endorsed her to be his replacement.

While it is not 100 percent clear that Harris will not have a challenger, it appears more of the drama will be in picking her running mate, and a a slate of governors and senators could be considered for the role.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on MSNBC on Monday morning endorses U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. (Screenshot via YouTube)

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear offered his full endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in a national TV interview Monday morning and fielded questions about his interest in becoming her running mate.

Throughout his comments on MSNBCs Morning Joe, Beshear contrasted Harris with the GOP ticket  former Republican President Donald Trump and newly minted running mate J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio. Beshear, who has been rumored as a possible running mate choice for Harris, criticized Vance unprompted and called speculation on joining a Harris ticket flattering.

Beshear was repeatedly pressed on if he would like to join Harris as her running mate pick. He did not answer directly but said he would consider any opportunity to help Kentuckians and Americans and would listen if she called. Some media reports say they did have a phone call on Sunday.

I love my job. I love serving the people of Kentucky. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country, Beshear said. I also think whether Im asked for that or not that its important to be out there contrasting the vice president and those that she is running against.

The vice president, who is now seeking the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his candidacy Sunday afternoon, is smart and strong but also is kind and has empathy, Beshear said in the interview. Those are values he wants in a future president.

The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldnt be clearer, Beshear said. As a prosecutor, as an attorney general  like I used to be  she prosecuted rapists, domestic abusers, stood for victims and put away those abusers. Now look at the other side, where J.D. Vance calls pregnancy arising from rape inconvenient. No, its just plain wrong.

According to a recent fact-check from Poynter, Vance said in a 2021 interview that society should not view a pregnancy or birth resulting from rape or incest as inconvenient.

(Vance) suggests that women should stay in abusive relationships, Beshear continued. Listen, a domestic abuser isnt a man. Hes a monster, and no one should support anyone having to stay in those relationships.

Beshear was apparently referring to comments highlighted during Vances 2022 run for Senate. The governor himself has called on the Republican-controlled General Assembly to add exceptions to Kentuckys abortion ban in cases of rape and incest and supports the standard set by Roe v. Wade. The issue of abortion has been key for Democrats this presidential election cycle.

Beshear also went after Vances depiction of Appalachians. Vance has some family ties to Kentucky, which he highlighted in his book, Hillbilly Elegy. He grew up in Middletown, Ohio, north of Cincinnati, where Vances grandparents had migrated. The family returned often to Breathitt County in southeastern Kentucky where Vance also spent time during summers and owns land.

I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, because let me just tell you that J.D. Vance aint from here, Beshear said. The nerve that he has to call the people of Kentucky  of Eastern Kentucky  lazy. Listen, these are the hardworking coal miners that powered the Industrial Revolution, that created the strongest middle class the world has ever seen, powered us through two world wars. We should be thanking them, not calling them lazy.

When asked on CNN earlier this month about joining a Harris ticket, Beshear said he has a good relationship with Harris and the two have worked on initiatives like decriminalizing marijuana.

In the days following Bidens poor debate performance against Trump, Beshear told reporters that he would support Biden as long as he continues to be in the race. Beshear was also among Democratic governors who joined a meeting at the White House to discuss the election.

Since his reelection last November, Beshear was already taking steps to elevate his national profile, such as launching a political action committee, In This Together, aimed at supporting candidates across the country. He will be the keynote speaker for an Iowa Democratic Party dinner this weekend.
Beshear says he will appear on MSNBC Monday to talk about Biden and the path forward.

After President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, Gov. Andy Beshear posted Sunday night on Facebook he will appear on the MSNBCs Morning Joe show to talk about the path forward.

Looking forward to going on Morning Joe tomorrow morning to thank Joe Biden for his service and to talk about the path forward. Tune in at 8:10 am!, Beshear posted.

Kentuckys 46-year-old governor has been mentioned by many as a potential VP candidate for the presumed new Democratic presidential contender, Kamala Harris.

The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that Vice President Harris held calls Sunday with at least three Democratic governors who have been mentioned as potential running mates in her likely race against former President Donald Trump, including Beshear.

Harris held separate calls with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Kentucky Gov. Andrew Beshear, according to people familiar with the calls, the newspaper said.

While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done., Beshear said earlier Sunday about Bidens decision.

A spokesperson for Beshear did not respond directly to a question on whether hes open to participate in the VP sweepstakes, the Herald-Leader reported.

The governor has, when asked about it previously, not denied the possibility of leaving the governors office in Frankfort if he felt he could help the commonwealth through another opportunity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested an in-person meeting with former President Donald Trump while in the U.S. this week, according to two people familiar with the outreach.

Netanyahu is coming to Washington this week to meet with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He is also slated to give a speech in front of Congress Wednesday.

Netanyahu and Trumps teams have in recent days discussed the possibility of the two leaders meeting face-to-face, potentially in Florida. Trump has yet to agree to a meeting, but also has not outright rejected the idea, the people said.

One of the people said if the meeting does take place, it will likely be later in the week following Trumps rally in North Carolina on Thursday.



The Trump campaign and the Israeli embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

The conversations come amid a historic decision by Biden to pull out of the race and as Harris ramps up her campaign for president. Harris is still in the midst of forming her team and ironing out her foreign policy stances, including how she will present her position on the war in Gaza.

Trump is a staunch supporter of the state of Israel and in 2017 formally recognized Jerusalem as its capital. He moved the U.S. embassy there the following year.

But he and Netanyahu have had a falling out in recent years. Trump was angered by Netanyahus congratulatory statements following Bidens win in 2020. And the former president condemned Netanyahu for the countrys intelligence failure around Oct. 7. He has also threatened the prime minister that if he doesnt cement a deal to bring home the hostages soon, a Trump administration wont look kindly on him.

They better be back before I assume office, or you will be paying a very big price, Trump said in his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week.

If Netanyahu secures a meeting with Trump this week it could help him build support with the former president and for his policies in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as his campaign on its northern border against Hezbollah.

It would also give Trump a chance to establish more formal communications with Netanyahu at a time when Harris campaign is still trying to work out how it will handle a prime minister that has been increasingly at odds with parts of the Democratic establishment.

The U.S. and Israel are this week hoping to move forward talks to help reach a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages. Delegations from both countries, as well as teams from Egypt and Qatar, were set to meet in the Middle East last week before Israel informed Washington that it had decided not to send its team.
Bickering in DuPage County reveals lack of oversight and loss of millions of tax dollars

When recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois in 2020, it seemed like an easy source of new revenue for local governments. DuPage County was among many that enacted a sales tax on cannabis.

But by mid-2021, officials there noticed they werent getting any of the new money.

The Illinois Department of Revenue said the county never notified it to collect the tax.

The county clerk said she sent notification, but there was no record of it. County officials estimate they lost some $3 million in 18 months.

Then a separate dispute arose in DuPage over $265,000 in clerks bills for election materials. County officials delayed payment, saying the bills didnt comply with requirements  while the clerk replied that the county had no such authority over her.

While dealing with that, officials discovered that the county auditor had failed to file legally required quarterly reports since taking office in 2020.

This dysfunction was unusual for DuPage, but was not unprecedented in Illinois. Kane County also missed out initially on cannabis taxes due to a similar lack of notice to the state, leading to finger-pointing among county officials. At least every decade or so, the Illinois attorney general has been drawn into battles between county boards and elected county officials.

This time, the DuPage clerk controversy even led to a change in state law. But the bickering continues, and more are apt to crop up statewide.

This is an issue of transparency and fiscal responsibility with our voters, DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy said. Were doing everything we can to make sure  we can stop these disputes.

Clerk Jean Kaczmarek blames county officials for failing to realize they were missing out on cannabis taxes, and remains defiant, refusing to appear before the County Board, saying the law is on her side.

I came in as an activist, and Im going to continue to challenge the county and make sure theyre following the law, she said. Im not going to look the other way.

Kaczmarek, a Democrat, was part of a sea change in the politics of the county, which had been a Republican stronghold for decades. She was first elected in 2018 as part of a blue wave, on a pledge to improve DuPage County elections. Even critics credited her with speeding up election results and allowing residents to vote at any polling place, though Republicans challenged the 2020 results.

Conroy, a former state representative and school board member from Elmhurst, became the first Democrat in decades and first woman to lead the majority-Democratic County Board when she was elected in 2022.

Auditor Bill White, an attorney and certified internal auditor, was elected in 2020 by a thin 58-vote margin against incumbent Bob Grogan, who plans to run again this year. White describes himself as vigilant watchdog of county finances, and said the failure to file quarterly reports was due in part to a lack of technology and staff, after several key office members left.

He said he will get those reports filed by the end of July doing it the old-fashioned way, by hand.

Both Kaczmarek and board members have criticized White, but Conroy said he at least is trying to work with the county to do his job.

To prevent a repeat of the cannabis tax fiasco, White filed a report recommending the clerk develop written procedures for transmittal of ordinances, including using certified mail to ensure delivery to the state.

Kaczmarek said while the clerks office routinely sends hundreds of such notices, its up to the county Finance and other departments to make sure that ordinances are being followed and taxes collected.

The county administration and clerk have resolved most of the initial backlog of bills. But new contract payments keep getting delayed because county officials maintain they should have been put out to bid, or gotten proper authorization or paperwork.

We are concerned that the clerks office is not following Illinois state law and continues to not listen to or take the legal advice of our states attorney office, 10 board members wrote in a letter to Conroy. This issue of the clerk not working with the county has come to a tipping point and now we are talking about hundreds of thousands of taxpayers money that have no oversight or transparency.

Kaczmarek said she runs an independent office that has to make expenditures to ensure fair elections and has internal controls to keep contracts on the up and up.

Frustrated by the clerks lack of cooperation, Conroy got state lawmakers to change the law to require county officials to comply with procurement procedures, she said. The clerks office said its unclear what effect the change will have.

Meanwhile, contractors continue to have to wait months to be paid.

Truly Engaging CEO Brenda Baird-Watterson called for the county to pay her company and other vendors.

Whoever has the legal authority  please pay your bills, pay us and pay those that are waiting as well.

The County Board is due to meet Tuesday and may consider some of these issues.

Alisa Kaplan, executive director of good-government group Reform for Illinois, urged the parties to come together to improve these basic functions.

There seem to be several layers of dysfunction here, both within individual offices and in their relationships with each other, she told the Tribune. It does seem like county officials are taking these issues seriously and trying to address them. Hopefully therell be a thorough review of how these failures happened and how to prevent similar problems in the future.
Joe Biden is dismissing Republican calls to step down as president  including from the speaker of the House  now that he's abandoned his reelection bid, charging headlong this week into high-stakes conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other major priorities.

The White House confirmed Sunday that Biden will remain commander-in-chief even as he abandons his pursuit of another four years, saying he looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people.

The statement comes after Republicans began openly calling for Biden to resign, questioning his cognitive fitness for the job and contending that he could not continue running the country for the next six months if he wasnt going to seek another four-year term.

Bidens decision to step aside served as confirmation that he was no longer capable of performing his presidential duties, a host of GOP lawmakers argued on Sunday, echoing a theory advanced in recent days by Donald Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and echoed Sunday by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Biden aides and allies have universally dismissed the push as offensive and off-base, insisting that Biden is both able and determined to serve out the final months of his presidency.

Ill use a polite term: utterly graceless and shameful baloney, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told POLITICO of the GOP push to oust Biden. When an American leader like Joe Biden makes a courageous and selfless decision for the sake of the nation, some of these Republicans just race to the bottom.



Biden in the coming days was slated to meet with Netanyahu, amid ongoing efforts to clinch a cease-fire in Gaza that aides view as a top priority in the run-up to Novembers election.

The administration is aiding negotiations on Capitol Hill aimed at keeping the government funded and reauthorizing the nations defense budget that will heat up later this fall. And Biden is also deeply involved in managing the ongoing international efforts to defend Ukraine against Russia  a two-year alliance that hes taken personal pride in holding together.

That agenda, aides and allies said, remains instrumental to Democrats efforts to keep hold of the White House  even if Biden wont be the occupant come January 20.

Joe Biden has more experience in foreign policy than any national leader, and to have him step aside now, I think, would be a great disservice to this nation and a profound disrespect, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden ally, said on CNN.

Another Democrat in close touch with the White House and granted anonymity to speak freely, surveying the priorities facing the White House in the coming months, put it more bluntly: "There's no fucking chance that Joe Biden is planning to resign."

Democrats hope that Bidens decision will help them escape a weekslong nightmare of a news cycle thats prevented the party from attacking Trump  and shifting voters focus to the sharp policy differences that they view as far friendlier territory.

Biden, they said, will now be able to focus solely on finishing out a final few months that could be consequential for both his domestic and foreign policy legacy  and potentially boost Vice President Kamala Harris candidacy  as the government races to finalize a series of regulations and manage delicate diplomatic initiatives abroad.



The rest of the party, meantime, now has its first chance in nearly a month to coalesce behind a new candidate and try to reset the state of the race. Democrats' concerns over their path to victory in November were never rooted in Biden's ability to build a policy case for reelection, lawmakers stressed in recent weeks, but their belief that other Democratic leaders could articulate and advance that argument on the campaign trail far more vigorously than Biden.

"The country will quickly unify around democracy over Project 2025 and all the craziness happening with former President Trump and Vance," said one prominent Biden donor, who predicted Democrats would fall in line behind Harris in the coming days. "This will wake up the base in a completely different way."

Still, in the hours after Biden announced hed end his campaign, aides shocked by the news grappled with a glut of unanswered questions as to how the decision would affect their daily activities  and if it would prompt any pivots in West Wing strategy.

Who am I supposed to talk to on Monday? said one administration official, who questioned whether Bidens decision would prompt shifts in hierarchy and personnel. I dont know.

Senior White House officials working to calm aides frayed nerves have signaled that theyre focused on maintaining as much continuity as possible, with little in the way of staffing changes or drastic alterations in policymaking. Chief of staff Jeff Zients was due to hold a conference call on Monday for all White House staffers, as well as a separate session with political appointees across the federal agencies.

Harris is widely expected to structure her abbreviated campaign around the administrations existing record, touting the similar range of health care, economic and climate policy achievements that Biden has campaign on  and that Democratic allies conspicuously cited on Sunday as belonging to the Biden-Harris presidency.



Were having a conversation now about the next several years in the future, said one high-level Democratic official close to party leadership, adding that theres no time or compelling reason to drastically shift tactics. Its not like were a year out from the election.

Some forthcoming proposals, Democrats ventured, could even take on greater importance as Harris works to nail down support within the party for her candidacy. Biden has been preparing a Supreme Court reform package that would propose instituting term limits and an enforceable code of ethics, an initiative that progressives have long pushed the White House to embrace.

Finalizing that proposal could help reassure those on the left that Harris plans to maintain the progressive streak thats defined much of the administration agenda up to this point.

Thats high-profile stuff that will help her electoral prospects become more likely, said one Biden adviser, granted anonymity to discuss the evolving internal calculus.
President Bidens announcement that he will no longer seek reelection to the White House is set to reverberate across Capitol Hill this week, as lawmakers return to Washington amid a new political environment and an unsettled presidential race.

The news  which shook the U.S., especially Washington  is already rocking the Democratic Party, with some lawmakers racing to endorse Vice President Harris as the nominee, which Biden did immediately after his announcement, and others are pushing for an open process.

Notably, top Democrats in Congress  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.)  stopped short of endorsing Harris on Sunday, raising questions about the path forward ahead of next months convention.

Also this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress, a highly anticipated speech that will put a spotlight on long-running divisions in the Democratic Party over Israel. House lawmakers will also focus on probing last weekends assassination attempt on former President Trump, which has led to overwhelming scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service.

On the Senate side, pressure is sure to mount on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign from his seat after he was found guilty of bribery, acting as a foreign agent and other charges. The New Jersey Democrat has remained defiant that he has no plans to bow out of the upper chamber.

Biden drops out, rocking Capitol Hill

Bidens decision not to seek reelection in November will be the talk of the town on Capitol Hill this week as Democrats chart their path forward amid unchartered waters, Republicans call on Biden to resign from the White House, and members of both parties adjust to the new political environment that is taking shape less than four months to the November election.

Scores of Democratic lawmakers rallied around Harris in the wake of Bidens announcement, which was immediately followed by an endorsement of his vice president. Schumer and Jeffries  the top Democrats in both chambers  however, stopped short of offering that backing, a posture that raised some eyebrows.

Both Jeffries and Schumer spoke to Harris on Sunday.

The apprehension is not completely unheard of from Jeffries, who typically holds off on making significant decisions before meeting with the House Democratic Caucus and hearing the thoughts and concerns of all members. The group is scheduled to huddle Tuesday morning for its weekly meeting.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) told The Hill in a brief interview Sunday he thinks some top Democrats may be holding off on an endorsement for Harris to minimize the image the party is holding a coronation for the vice president. Instead, he said, allowing for some sort of process that inevitably ends with Harris as the nominee would make her stronger at the top of the ticket.

There are some who believe that Kamala will be stronger and more legitimate if there is a bit of a process, Huffman said. But I dont hear anyone suggesting that shes not gonna be the nominee at the end of that process. I just see this inexorable consolidation happening in real time.

Harris, meanwhile, is already moving to lock up support on Capitol Hill. The vice president, who served four years in the Senate before moving to the White House, spoke with the leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition, three key groups in the House that cover a diverse array of the Democratic Caucus.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said he heard from a member of Harriss team, noting her operation is officially underway.

Her team is fully activated and phones are ringing, emails are blowing up, this thing is rolling, Huffman told The Hill in a brief interview Sunday. This has taken off like a rocket ship.

On the Republican side of the aisle, lawmakers are calling on Biden to resign from the presidency immediately, arguing that he should not be allowed to finish his term  roughly six months  if he is unable to run for reelection.

That sentiment is coming from the very top of the House GOP conference.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote on the social platform X. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

GOP lawmakers could translate their calls into legislation. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), after Bidens disastrous debate performance last month, introduced a resolution that urges Harris to convene the Cabinet and declare Biden unable to carry out the duties of the Oval Office. Harris, however, would be unlikely to do so.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced Sunday she would introduce a similar resolution Monday. And Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), the chair of the House GOP conference, said she plans to put forward a resolution condemning Harriss role as Joe Bidens Border czar leading to the most catastrophic open border crisis in history, a sign of the attacks Republicans may lodge at the likely new Democratic nominee.

Netanyahu to address Congress

Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, a controversial appearance that will put Democratic disagreements over Israel front and center.

The speech, scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT in the House chamber, will be the latest flashpoint in the long-running tensions between the Democratic Partys staunchest allies of Israel and pro-Palestinian progressives who are up in arms over the mounting humanitarian deaths in the Gaza strip.

A number of liberals have already said they plan to boycott the speech, raising concerns with Netanyahus conservative government and his handling of the war between Israel and Hamas.

Ive spoken to several members in the House and the Senate, actually, who had gone to the last speech, the last time he was here, even though they had a lot of misgivings about it, and have been clear that theyre not planning to go this time, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told reporters last month.

She said she would not attend the speech.

The address comes at an inopportune time for Democrats  including Biden  who are already dealing with the fallout of the presidents seismic decision not to run for reelection in November.

Biden is expected to meet with Netanyahu this week, though the timing of that gathering remains unclear because the president is still recovering from COVID-19, a source familiar with Bidens schedule told The Associated Press.

Biden himself has had a difficult relationship with Netanyahu since war broke out in the Middle East, as the Israeli prime minister draws criticism for his handling of the conflict. Biden told Time magazine in an interview in late May that there is every reason for people to draw that conclusion that Netanyahu was prolonging the war in the region for his own political benefit.

Congress to zero in on Trump assassination attempt

U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, who is facing widespread calls to resign from Republicans in wake of the assassination attempt, is set to testify before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in a 10 a.m. hearing Monday.

Her appearance comes after Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) subpoenaed her to compel her attendance despite saying she had previously agreed to appear, worrying she might back out of the hearing. In a rare bipartisan statement, Oversight Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) joined a statement with Comer encouraging her to attend.

While Cheatle testifies before the Oversight panel, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) will lead a bipartisan group of the panels members to tour the site of the Butler, Pa., Trump rally on Monday. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), who was in the front row at Trumps rally during the shooting, will also attend.

Green scheduled his own hearing with the Homeland Security panel Tuesday and invited Cheatle to testify along with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Chris Wray  though Wray and Mayorkas have declined the invitation, according to a committee aide.

The House is also scheduled to vote this week on creating a task force, as promised by Speaker Johnson last week, to investigate the assassination attempt. The resolution creating the task force has it functioning essentially as a select committee, with 11 members in total subject to the approval of the Speaker, including five appointed in consultation with Jeffries.

The resolution creating the task force is scheduled to be considered this week under suspension of the rules, requiring two-thirds approval from the House.

The increased scrutiny on the Secret Service comes as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling on the agencys director to resign from her post. Johnson, along with other Republicans, have called on Cheatle to step aside, in addition to Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle (Pa.).

Menendez in Senate spotlight

The spotlight will be on Menendez when the Senate returns to session on Tuesday, which will mark the first time the upper chamber is back in D.C. following the New Jersey Democrats criminal conviction.

A jury last week found Menendez guilty on all 16 counts he faced, including charges of accepting luxurious bribes in exchange for his political power and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.

A number of Senate Democrats, including Schumer, have called on Menendez to resign in the wake of his conviction or face expulsion. The New Jersey Democrat, however, is unlikely to leave on his own terms. After NBC News reported Menendez was telling allies he will tap out of Congress, the senator told CBS New York, I can tell you that I have not resigned nor have I spoken to any so-called allies.

Seems to me that there is an effort to try to force me into a statement. Anyone who knows me knows thats the worst way to achieve a goal with me, he added.

The support for expulsion, however, is sure to put pressure on Schumer to move on a punishment for the senator. Senate sources say Schumer could stage a vote on the expulsion resolution, but they note that recent chamber precedent says the matter would first be referred to the Senates Select Committee on Ethics, which is led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.).

If Menendez resigns or is expelled, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) would be tasked with appointing the senators temporary replacement.

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Doris Turner of the Illinois legislature speaks to reporters on Monday with attorney Ben Crump and members of Sonya Masseys family.

Doris Turner of the Illinois legislature speaks to reporters on Monday with attorney Ben Crump and members of Sonya Masseys family. Photograph: John OConnor/AP

Joe Biden has called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, moments after shocking police video was released showing an Illinois officer fatally shooting Sonya Massey after she called police fearing a home intruder.

In his first public statement since dropping his bid for re-election, Biden said the shooting of Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by white Sangamon county sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson, in her home in Springfield, after a dispute over a pot of boiling water, reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Related: Body-cam video shows Illinois officer fatally shooting Black woman in face

Biden, who is recovering from Covid at his home in Delaware, said Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter and young Black woman  should be alive today.

When we call for help, all of us as Americans  regardless of who we are or where we live  should be able to do so without fearing for our lives, he said in the statement, adding: Sonyas family deserves justice.

While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving, he continued. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.

The act, known as HR-1280, addresses a range of issues in policing practices, including excessive force and racial bias and increases accountability for law enforcement misconduct. The bill was passed by the House in 2021 but stalled in the Senate.

The statement came as a protest march is planned for Monday evening after police bodycam video released showed a rapidly escalating situation.

Massey had been retrieving a pot of water from the stove after Grayson told her he did not want a house fire. Massey asked the officers  who visibly distanced themselves from her as she goes to handle the pot  why they moved away from her.

Where you going? she asks them.

Away from your hot steaming water, Grayson answers, with a laugh, before Massey responds: Away from the hot steaming water? Oh, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

You better fucking not. I swear to God Ill fucking shoot you right in your fucking face, Grayson warns.

Massey can be heard saying, Im sorry, as Grayson continues to advance. Im sorry, she says again as Grayson, with his gun drawn, fires three shots, killing her instantly. After the shooting another deputy said he was going to get his medical kit.

No, a head shot, dude, shes done, Grayson responds.

Later on in the video, Grayson calls Massey fucking crazy.

The prominent civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Masseys family, previously said the video would shock the conscience of America like the pictures of Emmett Till after he was lynched, referring to the photograph released after Till was lynched in Mississippi in 1955.

Crump also likened the video to the police killing of Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times in the back by police in Chicago in 2014, and to the police murder of George Floyd in 2020.

It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional, Crump said at Masseys funeral on Friday. This video is tragic in every sense.

Grayson has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond until his trial is set to begin. Springfield resident Tiara Standage told the Guardian that when she watched the George Floyd tape, it pissed me off. When I watched this, it pissed me off even further.

Antwaun Readus Sr, a local community activist, criticized city officials for spending money on police equipment but neglecting basic community services.

They militarized the whole police department, he said, predicting that when the police video of Masseys death was released, the whole country can go upside down.
With Biden out, what could a Kamala Harris presidency mean for Ukraine?

All eyes turned toward Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely person to lead the Democratic ticket this fall following U.S. President Joe Bidens announcement that he would be leaving the 2024 presidential race.

If Harris is officially confirmed as the candidate to take on Republican Donald Trump in November  the Democratic partys national convention delegates still have to select her as the candidate  and becomes president, the question for Ukraine is what that could mean for the course of the war.

While it is likely that if elected Harriss policies toward Ukraine would remain similar to Bidens, her appearances at three consecutive Munich Security Conferences  the first being in 2022 just five days before the start of Russias full-scale invasion  offer clues into the stance she would take on Ukraine.

Representing the U.S. at each conference, Harris has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, using the platform to prove herself on the global stage and reiterate U.S. support for Kyiv.

Speaking at the conference in 2023, Harris said: "As President (Joe) Biden often says, 'The United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.' We will not waver.

And at this years Munich Security Conference, she even did what appeared to be a bit of campaigning, taking shots without naming names at Trump and his partys foreign policies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (R) as well as members of their delegations, meet for talks at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, southern Germany on Feb. 17, 2024. (Tobias Schwarz /Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

She also recently represented the U.S. at the Peace Summit for Ukraine this June, announcing $1.5 billion in energy and humanitarian assistance and again condemning Russia for its brutal war.

"In the past, these moments on the global stage have been good for (Harris), Matt Bennett, who served as an aide to former Vice President Al Gore, told CBS News in June. She looks presidential and very capable among world leaders."

John Herbst, the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, said he doesnt expect American policy toward Ukraine to deviate much from Bidens should Harris secure the White House in November.

Even if the next few weeks dont equate to Harris as the Democrats nominee, Herbst expects a Ukraine policy roughly similar to Bidens if any Democrat is elected this fall, especially if there isnt much turnover at places like the Defense Department.

The global stage was also reminded of Harriss professional experience as a former lawyer and attorney general during the Munich conference in 2023 when she expressed that the U.S. has determined Russia committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

I say to all those who have perpetrated these crimes, and to their superiors, who are complicit in these crimes, you will be held to account," Harris said. There are inalienable human rights, which governments must respect and that the rule of law must be preserved."

Making Russia pay, metaphorically and literally, has been a consistent presence in Harriss remarks on the war in Ukraine. She has said that if the U.S. stands by while an aggressor invades a neighboring country with impunity, history will repeat itself and they will keep going.

Harriss focus on Ukraine at each conference has struck various chords, straightforward at times and focused on peace and returning Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia at others.

During the 2024 Munich conference, she said it is in the strategic interest of the U.S. to continue supporting Ukraine.

International rules and norms are on the line  including the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, she added.

U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris wave to members of the audience after speaking at a campaign rally at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on May 29, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Harris continued, saying the U.S. will support Ukraines efforts to reach lasting peace when the country can emerge from the war as a nation that is free, democratic, and independent.

Without naming former president Trump directly, Harriss remarks regarding the war in Ukraine have also at times served multiple audiences.

In these unsettled times it is clear America cannot retreat. America must stand strong for democracy, Harris said during the 2024 conference. We must stand in defense of international rules and norms and we must stand with our allies.

Some in the United States disagree, she added in those remarks.

They suggest it is in the best interest of the American people to isolate ourselves from the world, to flout common understandings among nations, to embrace dictators and adopt the repressive tactics and abandon commitments to our allies in favor of unilateral action, Harris said.

That worldview is dangerous, destabilizing, and indeed shortsighted.

Harris's foreign policy experience, especially of late as shes gone from years in the shadows to now in the spotlight, has been an intimate engagement with Ukraine.

Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the conservative Hudson Institute, said, however, that it was unclear how Harris would approach Ukraine if elected.

"Although we don't know how Kamala Harris would handle the Ukraine file as president, we do know that she is not a foreign policy specialist and holds progressive values," Rough said.

"For now, I expect continuity on the campaign trail from Harris as she defends the administration's record and seeks to rally the Democratic party."

Read also: With a Trump victory more likely, Ukraine launches charm offensive

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Fresno-area Congressman Jim Costa issued a statement on Sunday in response to President Joe Biden withdrawing from the 2024 race, describing it as one of the bravest and most difficult decisions of his career.

Costas statement was issued hours after President Biden made his own announcement about his future. Biden has been battling to stay in the race after his physical and mental acuity were called into question following a prime-time debate in which he struggled to finish sentences, gave confused looks and fumbled through his answers.

I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media.

Newsom responds to Bidens withdrawal from 2024 race

On Sunday, Congressman Jim Costa recognized the presidents triumphs during his term.

We need to praise him for his legacy of leadership and long list of accomplishments, Costas statement read.

Costa concluded by looking forward to the Democratic Party coming together in a united front.

Assuring all Americans and our allies that we are the leaders of the free world and recognize our actions, both at home and abroad, reflect upon our character.

Following President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race, he later endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for Novembers election.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been busy since President Joe Biden announced he is ending his presidential campaign Sunday and threw his backing behind Harris.

Now, Harris  who headed to Delaware Monday afternoon to visit what will now become her campaign headquarters in Wilmington  is working to secure the Democratic nomination.

Heres what we know about who has endorsed Harris in the First State so far.

What will happen to the Delaware delegates?

This year, Delaware did not hold a Democratic presidential primary. In accordance with state code, if one candidate files for party nomination by the deadline, the candidate will be named the winner.

Prior to Bidens announcement, all 19 delegates would have gone to him, as he was running unopposed.

Because delegates are not bound to one specific candidate, Harris will not automatically receive Bidens delegates.

Related: Who gets President Biden's delegates? How many does Delaware have

Will Delaware's delegates support Kamala Harris?

As of Monday, the Delaware Democratic Party has not yet made or announced a final decision as to whether they back Harris campaign.

Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, who had previously served as the co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign back in 2020, announced his endorsement for Harris and has since urged fellow Democrats to do the same.

How many delegates does Delaware have?

The First State has 19 Democratic delegates.

What is next for the delegates?

In light of his decision, all 3,900 delegates already pledged to Biden announced they would reconvene at the Democratic National Convention to cast their first ballots for a new party candidate.

The convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois from Monday, August 19th to Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.

During the convention, the new candidate must get the majority of delegates. If the vote does not produce a clear winner with this majority, then an additional 700 superdelegates will vote, and continue to do so until there is a clear winner.

Next on the agenda: What happens to Joe Biden's delegates now that president has dropped out of election

What comes next for Joe Biden?

Biden has said he will remain in office to serve the remainder of his presidential term until his successor is formally inaugurated in January 2025.

Have the Democrats picked a nominee yet?

It has not yet been decided when the Democratic Party will pick their nominee. Should the party unite around Harris campaign and proceed with a pre-convention virtual roll call  which is currently planned to take place the first week of August  then Harris can be formally nominated before August 7th.

Who else is throwing their support behind Kamala Harris?

Vice President Harris has already received further support from Rep. and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, a fellow Democrat from California; former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; and the Congressional Black Caucus, among others.

(FILES) US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an Emily's List discussion on reproductive rights one year after the Dobbs decision, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2023. Joe Biden on July 21, 2024 dropped out of the US presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee, in a stunning move that upends an already extraordinary 2024 race for the White House. Biden, 81, said he was acting in the "best interest of my party and the country" by bowing to weeks of pressure after a disastrous June debate against Donald Trump stoked worries about his age and mental fitness. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: 2162344521

Other political figures, including former President Barack Obama, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have released statements regarding Bidens decision, but have not yet mentioned Harris.

More: Harris endorsements: See who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president as Biden steps aside

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Will Delaware's delegates support Kamala Harris?
Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on health care in Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 26. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. Matt Kelley via Associated Press

WASHINGTON  The big blue airplane, the Marine Corps band, having the White House switchboard place your calls  there are good reasons why most incumbents who have run for reelection in modern times have won.

Yet the grand imagery of the presidency combined with the reluctance of many voters to switch horses midstream was not enough to buoy President Joe Biden, so with barely over three months to go, Democrats will head into the November election having ceded the power of incumbency.

He had no choice. With 86% of American voters thinking the incumbent is too old to serve effectively in another term, incumbency is not an advantage, said Republican pollster Whit Ayres.

In post-World War II America, seven incumbent presidents seeking a second four-year term have won it, while only Democrat Jimmy Carter, Republicans George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump have lost. Republican Gerald Ford, who became first vice president and then president thanks to resignations, and who then lost to Carter in 1976, is a unique case, never having run a race outside of a Michigan congressional district.

Having the pageantry of the military attend to ones travel aboard the Air Force 1 Boeing 747 and the Marine 1 helicopter, the ability to place calls with the introduction: Please hold for the president, and generally commanding the bully pulpit offer tremendous benefits to a reelection campaign.

Political consultants and pollsters of both parties as well as independent analysts, though, said that in the case of Biden, those advantages simply were not enough.

The polling kept coming back to his age, said Steve Schale, a Democratic consultant who worked with the Unite the Country superPAC that backed Biden, and which on Sunday afternoon announced it would now back Vice President Kamala Harris. In the end, he didnt want to be that guy who handed the country back to Trump because of his own selfishness.

Bidens situation is most analogous to that of Democrat Lyndon Johnson, who ended his reelection bid in 1968, although he did so after nearly losing the New Hampshire primary, while Biden, running largely unopposed, did not lose any primary.

Johnsons withdrawal from the race led to a contentious remainder of the primary season and the infamous nominating convention in Chicago  ironically the same city Democrats are holding theirs this election cycle, too. Johnsons vice president, Hubert Humphrey, emerged as the nominee, who went on to lose to Republican Richard Nixon.

That Humphrey lost does not necessarily mean Harris would lose this year, observers said. Nixon did not attempt a coup after he lost the 1960 election to John F. Kennedy. Trump did after losing the 2020 election. Nixon in 1968 was not a convicted felon and a court-adjudicated sexual abuser. Trump is both of those things.

She needs to redefine herself as a presidential candidate immediately before Trump defines her, said Neil Levesque, director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College. The incumbency is huge but being a fresh face with a campaign that is about the future will mean a lot.

The vice president has a pretty big plane, too, added Larry Sabado, head of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Most people will answer a call from the vice president, and the nominee of the incumbent party for president. Joe Biden isnt running now, but he can still make lots of calls and host loads of events, fundraising and otherwise, for his VP.

While it is correct that a vice president also has considerable stature, the accoutrements and status of the two offices are worlds apart. The presidential plane, for example, is one of the largest jets in the world, while the two planes used as Air Force 2 are the same models used as short-haul airliners.

Al Cardenas, the former chair of the Republican Party of Florida who broke from the GOP after it embraced Donald Trump, said more important than incumbency at this point is the complete reset of the presidential race that Bidens decision brings.

Momentum is huge in final lap of a political campaign, he said. Lots of free media this week for Democrats as Trumps campaign fades for a week or two while Dems determine their VP and gush over likely better poll numbers. Then the Democrats get four free days of coverage at their convention as they praise President Bidens patriotic decision.

Cardenas said he cannot predict how it will play out, but that it least gives Democrats a better chance of beating Trump. A couple of days ago I thought this campaign was all but over, and now its anyones guess with Dems having all of the momentum at this point, he said.
With 78-year-old Donald Trump now certain to face a Democratic candidate younger than he is, the Republican could have the tables turned on him over the questions of age and mental agility that he often sidestepped while Joe Biden was his opponent.

The age gap between Trump and any of his likely Democrat opponents  Kamala Harris, 59; Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, 52; Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro, 51  could make him the sole focus of voters desire for a generational handover of power.

And with Bidens often stumbling public appearances  and especially his disastrous debate  now a thing of the past, there is likely to be a fresh focus on Trumps mental acuity and his frequently rambling, confused campaign speeches.

Last month, for example, Trump got the name of his own doctor wrong. Previously he has made high-profile campaign trail gaffes, in which he seemed to think Barack Obama was still president and mistook his arch Republican rival Nikki Haley for Nancy Pelosi.

Nearly 60% of US voters said last month that Biden should definitely or probably be replaced, while Trumps favorability rating had risen to 40% since his hush-money conviction and the attempt on his life eight days ago. Harriss favorability sits at around 39%.

Bidens departure from the ticket upends several aspects of Republicans calculations, including that Trump the felon will now possibly have to debate Harris the former prosecutor in September  if she receives the nomination.

The vice-president proved her debating skills in 2019 when she delivered a highly personal attack on Biden on the issue of race that he later described as hurtful and chilled relations between the Biden-Harris camps before she was named vice-president.

Political commentator Anthony Michael Kreis posted on Twitter/X soon after Bidens announcement: I cant believe the GOP is running an old guy for president. Yikes.

Related: Trump leads Republican taunts of Biden after president drops out of 2024 race

Trumps reaction to his recent assassination attempt  pumping his fist and mouthing Fight, fight, fight!  has been full of vigor and helped unify his Republican party behind him and after his brush with death, he vowed to run a unity campaign.

But that pledge dissolved on Saturday when he returned to disparaging Biden, Harris and the Democratic agenda and has been delivering his usual rants on the campaign trail, often laced with conspiracy theories and even a repeated and bizarre reference to a shark.

After Biden announced he would abandon his re-election effort, Trump responded to Bidens announcement, saying his now ex-rival was not fit to run for president and not fit to serve.

Trump said last week he didnt think that switching out Biden for Harris would make much difference, he told Bloomberg. I would define her in a very similar [way] that I define him.

A pro-Trump Super Pac accused Harris on Sunday of being in on a cover-up of Bidens mental decline, and characterized her as the driving force behind the administrations policies.

Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf says that Trumps less than gracious response to Biden stepping down is something Democrats will hope continues as a successor to Biden emerges. Trump is reverting to type, Biden is out of the picture, and Trump is the only one who can seize defeat from the jaws of victory.

Without having Biden as his opponent, and calling him Sleepy Joe, who is he going to rail against? How he attacks a woman is very different but you can already tell from the way he attacked Biden on Sunday that hes not thinking clearly. His vitriol has taken over again.

Democrats will be able to use Harris as an offensive chess piece in the suburbs of the country, womens right to chose and reproductive freedom, and hope that Trump screws up by overreacting so they can accuse him of bring incapable of controlling himself because of his age, Sheinkopf said, and it becomes a different race.

Read more about Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 election:
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbents fitness for office.

The unprecedented announcement, delivered less than four months before the election, immediately upended a campaign that both political parties view as the most consequential in generations.

The president  intent on serving out the remainder of his term in office  quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump and encouraged his party to unite behind her, making her the partys instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, nominated by Biden in late 2020, praised Biden as an extraordinary guardian of Americas national security in a statement Sunday.

I am deeply grateful for his leadership and statesmanship, Austin said. He has a secure place in American history as one of our great foreign-policy presidents.

Bidens Sunday announcement is the latest jolt to a tumultuous campaign for the White House, coming a week after the attempted assassination of Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.

A partys presumptive presidential nominee has never stepped out of the race so close to the election. President Lyndon Johnson, besieged by the Vietnam War, announced in March 1968 that he would not seek another term after just a single states primary. Bidens July decision comes after more than 14 million Democrats cast votes supporting him through the primary process.

Harris, in a statement, praised Bidens selfless and patriotic act and said she intends to earn and win her partys nomination.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda, she said.

Bidens decision to bow out came after escalating pressure from his Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former presidents many falsehoods.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted Sunday to his X account.

Nearly 30 minutes after he delivered the news that he was folding his campaign, Biden threw his support behind Harris.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, he said in another post on X. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump.

There were early signs that the party was moving to coalesce around Harris, who scored the endorsements of the Congressional Black Caucus and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton even before she had commented on Bidens decision to quit the race. But notably, former President Barack Obama held off, pledging support behind the eventual party nominee.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.

But Obama, who had privately shared doubts about Bidens reelection chances, stopped short of endorsing Harris even as he praised Biden for his decision to leave the race.

I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, he said in a statement.

Bidens decision came as he has been isolating at his Delaware beach house after being diagnosed with COVID-19 last week, huddling with a shrinking circle of close confidants and family members about his political future. Biden said he would address the nation later this week to provide detail about his decision.

Harris found out about Bidens plans on Sunday morning and senior campaign and White House staff were notified just minutes before the letter went out, according to people familiar with the matter who commented on the private discussions on condition of anonymity. Biden had been reflecting on his future for the past couple days and the decision was closely held.

Now, Democrats have to urgently try to bring coherence to the nominating process in a matter of weeks and convince voters in a stunningly short amount of time that their nominee can handle the job and beat Trump. And for his part, Trump must shift his focus to a new opponent after years of training his attention on Biden.

The decision marks a swift and stunning end to Bidens 52 years in electoral politics, as donors, lawmakers and even aides expressed to him their doubts that he could convince voters that he could plausibly handle the job for another four years.

Biden won the vast majority of delegates and every nominating contest but one, which would have made his nomination a formality. Now that he has dropped out, those delegates will be free to support another candidate.

Harris, 59, appeared to be the natural successor, in large part because she is the only candidate who can directly tap into the Biden campaigns war chest, according to federal campaign finance rules.

Bidens campaign formally changed its name to Harris for President, reflecting that she is inheriting his political operation  a sign of the leg up she has in the race for the Democratic nomination. Democratic groups, including the Democratic National Committee, also filed paperwork changing the names of their joint fundraising committees to reflect Harris candidacy.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, but the party had announced it would hold a virtual roll call to formally nominate Biden before in-person proceedings begin.

It remained to be seen whether other candidates would challenge Harris for the nomination. The Democratic National Committees chair, Jaime Harrison, said in a statement that the party would undertake a transparent and orderly process to select a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

Harris was spending Sunday afternoon calling Democratic elected officials and delegates as she works to lock up the nomination.

Harris received her first delegates for the Democratic presidential nomination on Sunday. The Tennessee Democratic Party posted on X that its delegation voted during a meeting Sunday to back Harris after Bidens departure from the campaign.

Trump reacted to the news in a post on his Truth Social site, in which he said Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve.

We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly, he added. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

While Trump and his team had made their preference for facing Biden clear, his campaign had nonetheless ramped up its attacks on Harris as pressure on Biden to step down intensified.

Democratic officials, including many who were behind the effort to push Biden from the race, quickly released statements praising Bidens decision.

His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York praised Biden as one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Biden should immediately resign if he is not fit enough to run for office. In a statement, Johnson said, November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

In addition to his planned address to the country, Biden still intends to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week, according to a person familiar with the presidents schedule who was not authorized to comment publicly.

The exact timing of the meeting is still not set in stone as Biden continues to recover from COVID. Netanyahu is scheduled Wednesday to deliver an address to Congress and he is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris while in Washington.

In 2020, Biden pitched himself as a transitional figure who wanted to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders. But once he secured the job he spent decades struggling to attain, he was reluctant to part with it.

Biden was once asked whether any other Democrats could beat Trump.

Probably 50 of them, Biden replied. No, Im not the only one who can defeat him, but I will defeat him.

Biden is already the countrys oldest president and had insisted repeatedly that he was up for the challenge of another campaign and another term, telling voters all they had to was watch me.

And watch him they did. His poor debate performance prompted a cascade of anxiety from Democrats and donors who said publicly what some had said privately for months, that they did not think he was up to the job for four more years.

Concerns over Bidens age have dogged him since he announced he was running for reelection, though Trump is just three years younger at 78. Most Americans view the president as too old for a second term, according to an August 2023 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A majority also doubt his mental capability to be president, though that is also a weakness for Trump.

Biden often remarked that he was not as young as he used to be, doesnt walk as easily or speak as smoothly, but that he had wisdom and decades of experience, which were worth a whole lot.

I give you my word as a Biden. I would not be running again if I didnt believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job, he told supporters at a rally in North Carolina a day after the debate. Because, quite frankly, the stakes are too high.

But voters had other problems with him, too  he has been deeply unpopular as a leader even as his administration steered the nation through recovery from a global pandemic, presided over a booming economy and passed major pieces of bipartisan legislation that will impact the nation for years to come. A majority of Americans disapprove of the way hes handling his job, and hes faced persistently low approval ratings on key issues including the economy and immigration.

Bidens motivation for running was deeply intertwined with Trump. He had retired from public service following eight years serving as vice president under Obama and the death of his son Beau but decided to run after Trumps comments following a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, when white supremacists descended on the city to protest the removal of its Confederate memorials.

Trump said: You had some very bad people in the group, but you also had people that were very fine people on both sides. On both sides.

Bidens wife, first lady Jill Biden, responded to the presidents announcement by reposting Bidens letter announcing his decision and adding red heart emojis.

Granddaughter Naomi Biden Neal said on social media, Im nothing but proud of my Pop. She said he has served the country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction and our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him.
US President Joe Biden attends a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Not Pictured) in the Oval Office at the White House. Biden has withdrawn from his bid for re-election, saying: "I believe it in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down". Niall Carson/PA Wire/dpa

US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the race to be the next president, in a historic decision that throws the Democratic Party into uncharted territory as Republican rival Donald Trump's campaign gains steam.

Biden said that Vice President Kamala Harris had his "full support" to replace him on the ballot in November's election. He also said that he will finish out the remainder of his term, which ends on January 20, 2025.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote in a letter.

But with the party's presumptive nominee now gone and just over 100 days to go, the clock is ticking for Democrats to begin the fraught process of replacing him and launching a viable campaign to take on Trump.

Harris vows to 'earn and win' nomination

Hours after Biden's bombshell withdrawal, Harris issued a statement in which she promised to do "everything in my power" to defeat Trump.

"I am honored to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, she said.

In endorsing Harris, Biden wrote: "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

Harris, 59, is the first female vice president in US history, as well as the first black woman and person of South Asian descent. Prior to becoming Biden's deputy, she was a senator from California and the state's attorney general.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a rising star in the party who has long been seen as having White House ambitions, praised Harris.

"Tough. Fearless. Tenacious," he wrote on social media platform X.

"With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, Kamala Harris."

It was not immediately clear if other candidates would scramble to put themselves forward to be officially anointed Biden's replacement at the national party convention next month in Chicago.

Former Democratic president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton jointly said they would like to have Harris run.

The Congressional Black Caucus, a key group of Biden allies in Congress, also threw their support to Harris.

Former president Barack Obama described Biden as "patriot of the highest order" but did not say who should replace him.

Leaders praise Biden's decision and work

Biden's decision sent shockwaves across the country - and globe - and came after massive pressure from within his own party not to put himself forward as the official nominee.

Biden's decision deserved respect, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

"My friend [US President] Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world," Scholz wrote on X.

"Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves respect," Scholz wrote.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he respected Biden's "tough but strong decision" not to run again.

Zelensky was grateful to Biden for his "unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom," he wrote.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has paid tribute to Biden as an "extraordinary guardian" of the country's security.

"President Biden has been a stalwart defender of free government, a fearless foe of tyranny, and a historic champion of an open world of rules, rights, and responsibilities."

Biden's age and debate struggles fuel Trump's attacks

A television debate performance against Trump at the end of June, during which 81-year-old Biden struggled several times to give coherent answers or challenge falsehoods uttered by Trump, prompted nationwide concern about whether he was still mentally fit for office.

The issue of Biden's age has since dominated the US election campaign, overshadowed a NATO summit, and been used repeatedly by Trump, 78, to attack his opponent as old and feeble.

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!" wrote former president Trump on his online platform Truth Social in response to Biden's announcement.

Opinion polls at both the national level and in the key battleground states that will determine this year's winner of the presidency have shown Trump pulling ahead by considerable margins.

The attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 reinforced a sense of unity among Republicans, with the party's fervour for their candidate on full display at last week's national convention in Milwaukee.

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Munich Security Conference. Sven Hoppe/dpa
President Biden's announcement Sunday that he was dropping his bid for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee answered the big question that had been swirling around his candidacy since his halting performance at last month's debate. But it triggered a slew of new ones.

Here are five questions that could be answered in the coming days.

When and where will Biden address the nation?

President Biden announced Sunday that he was dropping his reelection bid, and endorsed Harris for the nomination. (Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images)

In a letter announcing his departure from the 2024 race, Biden said he would address the nation later this week about his decision. At the moment, it is unclear when or where that will be. Biden is currently at his home in Delaware recovering from COVID-19. He is still expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House sometime this week. Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday.

When and where will Harris hold her first 2024 presidential rally?

Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event in Fayetteville, N.C., last week.(Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In a statement Sunday, Harris said that she was "honored" by Biden's endorsement and vowed to "earn and win" the Democratic nomination. She had been scheduled to travel to Milwaukee for a campaign event on Tuesday. It is not clear whether Biden's announcement or expected address to the nation will change those plans.

Does Harris have any serious challengers?

After Biden's endorsement, numerous prominent Democrats  including some who were tabbed as possible candidates for the top of the ticket  quickly lined up behind Harris. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona have all endorsed her campaign.

And Beshear said he would consider joining Harris as her running mate. "I love serving the people of Kentucky. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believe I could further help my people and help this country," he said on MSNBC's Morning Joe. "I think if somebody calls you on that, what you do is at least listen."

How will Republicans, including Trump, respond to her candidacy?

Former President Donald Trump at a rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Saturday. (Tom Brenner/Reuters)

In a series of posts on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump did not directly reference Harris while responding to Biden's exit.

"He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard," Trump wrote. "He was not fit to serve from the very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Last week the Trump campaign sent a fundraising email that suggested Democrats would try to "steal the election" by swapping out Biden. After Biden's announcement on Sunday, Trump asked in a post on Truth Social if the Republican Party should "be reimbursed for fraud."

Will Trump agree to debate whoever becomes the Democratic nominee?

A Harris supporter outside the White House on Sunday. (Kevin Mohatt/Reuters)

Trump and Biden were scheduled to have their second debate of the 2024 election on Sept. 10, hosted by ABC News. But the former president said in yet another Truth Social post on Sunday that it should be held on Fox News. "Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC," Trump wrote.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Biden has dropped out of the presidential race and is endorsing his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

President Biden said its been the greatest honor of his life to serve as president.

He said hes proud of what hes done the last three and a half years in office but its time to step out of the race.

He made the announcement on X, writing, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President.

Shortly after, he endorsed Vice President Harris.

The move comes after intensifying calls for the president to drop out after the June 27th debate.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin told ABC This Week the president would preserve his legacy by withdrawing.

So, with that I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation, said Manchin.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said the presidents decision put the country before himself.

President Biden has been one of the greatest, most courageous and consequential presidents of American history, said Blumenthal.

Former president Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social writing, All those around himknew that he wasnt capable of being President, and he wasnt

House Speaker Mike Johnson told ABC Democrats could face legal trouble if they try to replace President Biden.

14 million Democrats voted to make Joe Biden the nominee, so it would be wrong, and I think unlawful in accordance to some of these states rules for a handful of people to go in a back room and switch it out, said Johnson.

The presidents endorsement of Harris could also complicate the Democratic National Convention according to George Washington University professor Casey Burgat.

Remember that she had zero delegates attached to her name, they all went to President Biden, said Burgat.

However, Vice President Harris said she intends to earn the nomination and win in November, writing, I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump

President Biden is currently isolating at his Delaware home with Covid. He said he will address the nation about his decision later this week.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 22, 2024 - 22:43 | All, Japan, World

U.S. Forces Japan said Monday it will create a "new forum for cooperation" with Okinawa's government and local residents, amid criticism over recent revelations of cases of alleged sexual assault involving U.S. military members in the southern island prefecture.

The forum, to be launched in coordination with Japan's central government, will "serve as a venue for the constructive exchange of ideas in the pursuit of shared goals," U.S. Forces Japan Commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp said in a press release.

In Okinawa, a U.S. Air Force serviceman was indicted in March for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor the previous December, and a U.S. Marine was arrested in May on suspicion of attempted rape resulting in injury.

The incidents were not announced by U.S. and Japanese authorities until the media uncovered them late last month, further fueling long-existing anti-base sentiment among Okinawans.

Under a 1997 bilateral agreement, the U.S. military is supposed to notify the Okinawa Defense Bureau, a local branch of Japan's Defense Ministry, of such criminal cases, but the rule was not observed in the latest cases.

Rupp said the "allegations of misconduct" stand in opposition to "our commitments to the U.S.-Japan alliance" and "overshadow the friendship and professionalism we exhibit daily."

The U.S. forces will increase joint patrols with police in Okinawa and increase the frequency of sobriety checks for those passing through checkpoints when entering and exiting U.S. military facilities.

"I will continue working hard toward our shared commitment to defending Japan while ensuring our service members and families remain devoted ambassadors to this beautiful country," he added.

Following the incidents, Japan's government has vowed to inform Okinawa's prefectural government of any sex crimes related to U.S. military personnel without exception, even if they are not made public by police.

Okinawa police chose not to make public the two incidents, citing the need to protect the victims' privacy. The Foreign Ministry was aware of the cases but refrained from providing the information to the prefectural government, taking the police's decision into account.

Related coverage:

Japan police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops

U.S. airman pleads not guilty to sexual assault of minor in Okinawa
Members of President Bidens family are offering public words of support after his decision to drop out of the presidential race on Sunday.

Naomi Biden, the presidents grand-daughter, said she was proud of his decision to step aside.

Im nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction, said Naomi Biden, the daughter of Hunter Biden.

Not only has he been  and will continue to be  the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nations history, Naomi Biden wrote on THE social media platform X.

He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years. Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him. To the Americans who have always had his back, keep the faith. He will always have ours, she continued.

Naomi Bidens message came minutes after the president announced his decision to step aside following weeks of calls from Democrats to do so. Bidens family had offered him support in those days, saying he should stay in the race.

First lady Jill Biden also reacted to Bidens statement about his political future with a heart emoji on X.

Later on Sunday, Naomi Biden posted a statement from Hunter Biden about the presidents decision.

For my entire life, Ive looked at my dad in awe. How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others? Not only in the policies he passed, but in the individual lives hes touched, he wrote in a statement shared by his daughter on X.

Hunter Biden noted that he has seen his father absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans.

That unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent. He is unique in public life today in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years, he said.

Im so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
What President Joe Biden did by giving up power early isnt quite on par with what George Washington did by refusing to run for a third term, though for the modern era of politics, nothing else comes close.

Washingtons stepping down came despite cries for him to stay in the White House. Bidens stepping down came after a hard push from his party. Still, he had the right to hold on and decided not to.

But Biden did something Washington would not have done: hand the baton to a Black woman.

Issac Bailey

It may discomfort some, but we should stop for a moment and consider the trajectory of our nations history. Our first president owned Black women. The 46th president endorsed Kamala Harris, who is also South Asian, to become the first woman to lead the oldest democracy on the planet. He did it at a time when control of womens bodies is again at the forefront of our politics. This time the fight isnt about women being taken back to the darkest days of antebellum race-based slavery, but about being able to access the health care they need and want, the kind that might save their lives or let them maintain their ability to have children.

Bidens decision also throws into stark relief the primary difference between our two major parties. Each party was being led by a man many Americans did not believe was right for the presidency in 2025  though for drastically different reasons.

Democrats have been impressed by what Biden did during his presidency, particularly on the domestic front. They simply didnt believe he was up to the job for another four years because of health-related reasons, and that he couldnt run an effective campaign because of it.

Many Republicans, and Republican-leaning independents, including some who liked many of former President Donald Trumps policies, believe he is unfit for the presidency because he is corrupt and showing signs of age-related health problems.

And yet only one party had the courage to make a change before it was too late. It showed that Democrats are loyal to the United States  and that Republicans are loyal first to Trump.

The Republican Party talks America first. Democrats walk it.

Democrats are risking in-party chaos to pass on an incumbent president at what feels like the eleventh hour because they believe that is whats best, not only for their party, but for their country. They (rightly) believe Trump is a threat to democracy, and that it would be bad to re-empower the man who less than four years ago incited a violent insurrection attempt and still refuses to accept defeat.

Republicans are slavishly following the man who is now the oldest major party nominee in American history, a man who regularly forgets or mixes up names and events, even names of world leaders, creating serious doubts he has the stamina to take on the presidency again.

Our country would be weakened with Trump back in the Oval Office not only because he isnt what he was health-wise even four years ago. It would prove that open and repeated immorality and criminality are not deal-breakers for whats supposed to be the greatest nation on Earth.

Harris has to officially secure the Democratic nomination over the next month to prevent that from happening. She has to reunite a party that has had a bruising, even if necessary, debate over the past few weeks about Biden. On the biggest stages, she will need to shine and connect with the broader American populace in a way she didnt when she ran for the presidency in 2020. She will have to overcome racist and misogynistic attacks, which have already begun, no matter how unfair a task.

And she will have to do the unprecedented, overcome Americas inglorious standing as a country that has never been led by a woman. Having to overcome has never stopped a Black woman before. Theres no reason it should now.

Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina.
Biden is out  what happens next for Ohio?

Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Now that President Joe Biden has ended his reelection bid, Ohio has until Sept. 1 to certify a new Democratic candidate.

For Joe Biden to admit it was time to make a change for the good of the country, thats the best thing to ever happen, Northeast Ohio voter Keven Blake said.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle agree with Blakes sentiment but for different reasons.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who has one of the most competitive congressional elections this year, thanked the president for his work.

I thank President Biden for his years of committed service to the country we love  as Senator, as Vice President, and as President.

This comes two days after he became the fourth Democratic senator to ask Biden to drop out so that our full attention could be on growing jobs and stopping a federal abortion ban.

For the past month, Biden has dealt with backlash from his poor debate performance, as well as struggles with donors and colleagues.

Republican Vice Presidential nominee and Ohio U.S. Senator J.D. Vance posted on social media that Biden has been the worst President in his lifetime.

Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way. Over the last four years she co-signed Bidens open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Bidens mental capacitysaddling the nation with a president who cant do the job.

Just before Biden dropped out, he posted that the president dropping out would be a sign that he was not mentally fit to keep being commander in chief.

It should be for somebody who is younger  like the vice president, voter Ewing Ivan said.

Biden endorsed his VP Kamala Harris to replace him, and some Ohio Statehouse Democrats are now supporting her, like state Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland.

We have an opportunity to support the first Black woman to be a major nominee for our party of serious consideration, Brent said. This is a time for us to organize and be focused. For the longest time, the Democratic Party has been focused on trying to figure out if somebodys old enough or somebodys a felon enough. Now, we can just focus on how we can work together.

Many Cleveland voters we spoke to are also on board.

I think Kamala is a fabulous politician, Blake said.

Not everyone does.

Im not sure if our next choices are any good, but gotta go with it, right? voter Ken Kuehls said.

Democratic delegate coordinator state Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, explains that just because she has support doesnt mean she will automatically get the nomination.

With Joe Biden dropping out, all delegates are theoretically free agents and can now vote for whomever they think is best, DeMora said.

A virtual roll call was supposed to be held to nominate Biden to Ohios ballot the first week of August ahead of the Democratic National Convention. But thanks to a new law passed in May  due to the states unrelated Biden Ballot Debacle  Democrats have until Sept. 1 to certify another candidate.

And while there has been chaos inside the Democratic Party the past month, DeMora said its the right party to vote for.

Whoever our nominee might be, whether its the vice president or if someone else comes out of this process, theyre a much better candidate, DeMora said. Theyre not felons, theyre coherent public servants who are going to serve the people of the United States honorably and legally.

Many other politicians on both sides, like Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, are wishing Biden well for the remainder of his term.

I have known President Biden since 1995, when I entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fran and I wish President Biden and the First Lady all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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Biden is out, Harris is in. But Florida is probably in the same position

For the first time in decades, Florida isnt a presidential election battleground. Joe Bidens decision to bow out of the 2024 race isnt likely to change that.

The Sunshine State, once among the most coveted prizes in any presidential race, has proven elusive for most Democrats in recent years, as Republicans have racked up a massive voter registration advantage and rebranded the state as a Mecca of modern conservatives and Donald Trumps MAGA movement. For months, Florida polls have shown Biden trailing Trump  sometimes by double-digits.

But Florida isnt likely to experience the kind of earth-shaking political change that more-competitive states might expect to see in the wake of Bidens abrupt exit from the presidential race, political operatives on both sides of the aisle said.

Fernand Amandi, a Democratic pollster who worked on former President Barack Obamas 2012 reelection campaign, said that, at least for now, Florida remains off the table for Democrats. The focus, he said, will be on battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan  a handful of states known collectively as the blue wall.

President Biden and the Democrats have made a very difficult yet clear-eyed decision, and that decision means doing everything possible to get 270 electoral votes in the states that they have the best chance of winning, Amandi said. It remains to be seen if Florida can be an expansion state, but right now, the focus is not on Florida. Its on the blue wall.

Bidens exit from the presidential contest on Sunday ended a weeks-long drama within the Democratic Party that centered on concerns over the 81-year-old presidents age and fitness for office following a disastrous performance in the first presidential debate last month.

Breaking News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story:

 With Biden out of presidential race, Kamala Harris emerges as front-runner with his endorsement

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to Joe Biden dropping out. Heres what he said

 Why some say Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make a great VP candidate

 With Biden out, what could be next for NC Gov. Roy Cooper?

Within minutes of announcing his decision to bow out of the race, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. But even some Florida Democrats acknowledged that having a new candidate atop the ballot wasnt likely to alter the course of the election in a major way.

Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, the chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, said that he would support Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination and called on his fellow Democrats to do the same. He insisted that Florida Democrats are putting in the work to improve their chances in the state.

But replacing Biden with Harris on the ticket isnt the kind of lightning in a bottle that would change things overnight, he said.

I think were probably in the same position, Jones said. Were in a position of progression. We have an opportunity to bring along individuals from the Black community, women, from the fraternity and sorority community in Florida to get behind someone that can galvanize people.

Jones GOP counterpart, Florida state Rep. Alex Rizo, who leads the Miami-Dade Republican Party, said that the growing number of calls from Democrats for Biden to drop out of the race made it virtually impossible for the president to remain as his partys nominee.

Still, he said, that decision is unlikely to give Democrats a better chance of capturing Florida in November.

It doesnt change anything in Florida, Rizo said. Florida is solidly Republican and we will be and well show that Nov. 5. The Democrats are in disarray here in Florida and nationally. Theres no way for them to win a statewide race here.

Florida Democrats on Sunday largely said that they would coalesce around Harris as their new nominee, insisting that doing so is necessary to avoid the kind of internal fighting that might further compromise their electoral chances in November.

Democrats have hopes this fall beyond the presidential race. The party is hoping to unseat U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, and eat into Republican advantages in Congress and the Florida Legislature.

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat who represents an Orlando-area congressional district, endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination on Sunday, but said that it was incumbent on her to earn the partys support. Frost said that he hoped that having Harris, whos 59, on the ticket would motivate younger voters to turn out for Democrats in November, but acknowledged that turning the political tides in Florida remains a heavy lift this year.

Im not going to lie and say were going to flip the state in one cycle. Its going to take time, its going to take work, Frost said. Hopefully, her being at the top of the ticket will help alleviate some of the concerns that I know a lot of voters had.

Joe Geller, a delegate to the convention and former Miami-Dade Democratic Party chairman, said he was saddened on Sunday by Bidens decision, claiming that Democrats had just lost their strongest candidate.

He said that he is inclined to follow Bidens recommendation and cast his vote for Harris, noting that Democrats had just had a circular fire squad over whether Biden should remain as their nominee.

We dont need another one, he added.

Despite the shakeup at the top of the ticket, Geller said that he believes that Democrats have a chance of winning Florida in November.

I think Florida is in play, Geller said. I thought it was in play before. I certainly think its in play now.

Juan Cuba, another delegate and the president of the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus, said he is also supporting Harris for the Democratic nomination and predicted that the party would coalesce behind her candidacy quickly. He said its impossible to know right now what effect Bidens exit would have on the presidential race in Florida. Still, he added: dont count Florida out.

Floridas traditionally been a state thats won at the margins, he said. I think we had a good chance before [Biden dropped out of the race], so well see how things play out. People are still digesting the news.
Biden just dropped out and endorsed Harris. What happens now?

Vice President Kamala Harris has been endorsed by President Biden to lead the Democrats' presidential ticket. (Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images)

President Biden has ended his bid for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the top of the ticket as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

But with the election less than four months away, what happens next? Here's what we know.

Read more: Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee

Is Harris automatically the next Democratic nominee?

No.

Moments after he announced in a letter to the American people that he was dropping out, Biden sent a second message giving Harris his "full support and endorsement."

Even so, the nominee must be chosen by the party. Harris acknowledged as much in a statement, saying she intends to "earn and win this nomination."

Through his wins in Democratic primaries and caucuses in U.S. states and territories, Biden amassed nearly 4,000 party delegates who were pledged to vote for him to be the party nominee at the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Read more: Harris, with Biden endorsement, says she intends to 'earn and win this nomination'

His departure from the race means those delegates are now free to pick another candidate. They are not pledged to Harris.

Choosing a new nominee will be their primary task at the convention.

Jaime Harrison, the party's chair, said in a statement Sunday that "the work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear."

Harrison said the party will "undertake a transparent and orderly process" to select a new candidate that "will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party."

He said the party would provide more information about "next steps and the path forward" in "short order."

How will Democratic National Convention work now?

Alice Travis Germond, who served as secretary of the Democratic National Committee for years, said that although delegates will now be "free to vote their conscience," they will also be under huge amounts of pressure from party influencers, state governors and advocacy groups.

Such party stalwarts "have tremendous sway over the delegates" and will have their own feelings about who the next nominee should be, Germond said.

Amy K. Dacey, executive director of the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics at American University and former chief executive of the Democratic National Committee, said a candidate can lock up the party's nomination with a simple majority of pledged delegates  more than 1,900  voting for them on the first round of ballots.

Dacey said she was watching closely to see if party officials and other political influencers rally around Harris.

"All those individuals who called for Biden to step down  are they going to use their voice now to say they are supporting Harris, or that they are waiting?" she said.

If Harris locks up a substantial amount of support quickly, the process ahead would be pretty straightforward, Dacey said.

However, if other would-be nominees step forward, today's open convention could also turn into a contested convention.

Under this scenario, a candidate would have to show that they have support from at least 300 delegates to get their name on a convention ballot, Dacey said. Anyone interested in being nominated now has a small window to garner such support  and is probably already putting feelers out to delegates.

If more than one candidate does come forward, she said, the convention "becomes a sort of mini-primary."

What will California's role be?

Serious candidates will be trying to lock down support, especially from big delegations, and California, with 496 delegates, is the party's largest.

Harris' team is no doubt doing such outreach with large delegations and other delegates previously pledged to Biden. "This becomes a little bit of a campaign for the vice president," Dacey said.

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, sent a message to California delegates Sunday calling on them to back Harris.

"I am asking delegates from our great state of California and home to our Vice President, Kamala Harris, to officially endorse her nomination for President of the United States at the convention in Chicago," Hicks wrote, before including a link to a form for them to fill out to register such support.

Read more: Californias delegation could be pivotal at Democratic National Convention  depending on Biden

What is a superdelegate?

There is another type of delegate as well, and that is superdelegates  elected Democrats and officials from around the country. In other words: party insiders.

There's about 700 of them  including Biden himself. They are also not bound to any candidate.

Superdelegates are not allowed to vote on the first ballot to nominate a Democratic presidential candidate, unless it is determined that one candidate has an absolute majority of pledged delegates behind them. Biden would have had that, but it's less likely that Harris or some other candidate will.

Again, Dacey said she will be watching to see if party insiders and superdelegates start lining up behind Harris.

They could have substantial influence on how the process plays out from here, especially if they appear unified.

"Is there a coalescing that's going to happen among the superdelegates?" Dacey said.

Paul Weich, a writer and lawyer from Arizona  and a delegate  said he thinks Harris will give the Democratic Party a much better chance of winning swing states  including his own.

"I'm proud to be a Biden-Harris delegate today. Today I become a Harris-whoever delegate," Weich said. "Every political junkie always wants an open convention, and I've always been one of those as well. But I think that it's a clear choice that at this point  Kamala Harris needs to be the nominee, and I dont think it will be a wide open convention.

What happens after the convention?

Once the party has selected its candidate, that person will square off against former President Trump in November.

Republicans have signaled that they will challenge the Democrats' decision to replace Biden at this late stage, based in part on Biden having been the victor in the state primaries.

"Every state has its own system, and in some of these, it's not possible to simply just switch out a candidate," House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

Dacey said that argument is baseless  and a loser legally.

Read more: A presidential campaign is 'a $2-billion startup.' If she gets the nod, Harris has 3 months

While Biden was the party's presumptive nominee before Sunday, he was never formally nominated, she said  just like Trump was not the formal Republican nominee until that party's convention last week.

Democrats are "going into the convention trying to figure out who is the Democratic nominee, who will appear on the ballot," Dacey said. It is "the regular process" and exactly what the Republican Party just did.

"There is nothing for them to contest," she said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden is out of the 2024 race for the White House, but his team is signaling hes not nearly done yet when it comes to foreign policy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Hours after Biden announced that he wont seek a second term, his top diplomat, Antony Blinken, wrote on X that the president had restored US leadership around the world. I look forward to building on that record with him over the next six months, Blinken wrote.

The post was an unmistakable message to allies and adversaries that he has no intention of letting up on US efforts to broker an Israel-Hamas peace deal, press for more weapons and funding for Ukraine and push back against Chinese support for Russian forces fighting there.

There will be a huge focus on foreign policy toward the final five, six months of his presidency, said Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. That is going to be one of the core pieces of his legacy.

Listen to the Big Take on iHeart, Apple and Spotify. Read the transcript.

As with any transition of power, theres a risk that Americas foes conclude Biden is a spent force in world affairs and the time is ripe to challenge the US before he hands the reins to a largely untested Vice President Kamala Harris or to Donald Trump, who routinely condemns most everything the president has stood for. Russias President Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping may be tempted to confront  or simply ignore  the lame-duck American president.

Still, Biden has long believed foreign policy is one of his strengths. Its one of the themes on which he spoke most confidently as he argued he should remain in the race despite questions about his advancing age and declining acuity. With an eye toward his legacy, Biden may look to emulate predecessors such as Bill Clinton, who made a last-ditch attempt at Middle East peace with a summit at Camp David months before the 2000 election.

Theres something to not having electoral pressure that allows you to act a little more boldly, said Julian Zelizer, a historian at Princeton University. Even though often kind of being a lame duck can be a disadvantage, I actually think in this case he might have some room to maneuver in the next few months on the issues that matter to him.

Netanyahu Visit

Biden will get the first test of how much sway he still retains  or has already lost  when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for a previously planned visit this week.

Biden is scheduled to meet Netanyahu and seek to exert what influence he has to persuade the Israeli leader to commit to a cease-fire deal with Hamas that would end the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip and provoked fears of a wider war since the Iran-backed group attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7.

But the relationship has been turbulent for some time, especially given Netanyahus open support for Trump in the years he served as president. US officials are anxious about what Netanyahu may say when he addresses Congress later in the week and whether he goes after a weakened Biden.

The 2021 botched withdrawal from Afghanistan already did some considerable damage to global perceptions about Biden as a foreign policy leader, and the Gaza war has reinforced some global perceptions about Americas weaknesses, said Brian Katulis, a former US official now at the Middle East Institute. But America still retains substantial capacities to shape outcomes around the world.

Biden clearly believes he has that capacity too.

Seeking a major foreign-policy win  possibly including new efforts to confront China over its support for Russias war in Ukraine  would also allow Biden to neutralize some of the attacks featured at the Republican National Convention. With one night dedicated to the theme of Make America Strong Again, speaker after speaker hammered Biden over his purported weakness standing up to Iran, Russia and China.

On Friday, a day after the convention, his national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, signaled the US was gearing up for a fresh effort to take action against China over its support of Russia, saying the world should expect to see additional sanctions measures as we watch this picture continue to evolve. That could include Chinese banks, a move that Beijing would see as a major escalation.

Harris on China

A vice presidents assignment in foreign policy is to echo and reinforce that of the president. Still, world leaders will search for clues about ways in which Harriss foreign policy positions may align or diverge from Bidens. For example, even though she hasnt embraced Israel nearly as vocally as Biden has, she offers a degree of continuity.

Harris has stuck closely to Bidens stance on China, telling the Munich Security Conference in February that the US would stand up to Beijing when necessary and also working together when it serves our interest.

Foreign leaders must now grapple with uncertainty about how the policies of a victorious Democratic candidate would differ from Biden, said Danny Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. For China in particular, this argues for a cautious wait-and-see posture.

It will also force foreign leaders to change their own calculus after a gloomy series of international summits gave them an up-close look at Bidens growing frailty.

For them, Trumps victory had begun to seem a foregone conclusion. Many had already begun outreach to Republican surrogates in hopes of gaining the presidents ear. Harris upends the race and may  if recent polling can be trusted  offer Democrats a better chance of keeping the presidency.

If anything, this strengthens Biden and strengthens the US, Georgetown Law professor Rosa Brooks said. This will make allies more, not less, likely to work with the current administration and it will make adversaries think twice about counting us out.

--With assistance from Josh Xiao.

(Updates with analyst comment in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
With Biden out, how will Oklahoma Democratic delegates cast their votes? What we know

President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign less than a month before the Democratic National Convention was scheduled to formally nominate him and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him.

What does that mean for Oklahoma's Democratic delegates who, by law, are supposed to vote for the candidate who won the state's presidential primary?

Heres what to know about the unusual circumstance delegates will face at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

How many Democratic delegates does Oklahoma have?

Out of the 3,896 delegates heading to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention in August, the Oklahoma Democratic Party is sending 36 "pledged" delegates along with state party officials, who are known as superdelegates.

This number comes from a Democratic bylaws formula, which is based on each states population and percentage of the total Democratic vote.

More: Read President Joe Biden's full statement on leaving the 2024 presidential race

Pledged delegates are typically required to vote for the state's primary winner. In this case, it's Joe Biden.

Only the pledged delegates are bound to voting for a specific candidate, barring unusual circumstances. The superdelegates are free to select any candidate but cannot cast a ballot in the first round.

Do Oklahoma delegates have to vote for Biden?

Joe Biden received 73% of the vote during Oklahoma's Democratic presidential primary election on March 5. This result gave him 36 committed delegates from Oklahoma, adding to the nationwide total that made Biden the presumptive nominee.

In any other historical timeline, those delegates would have to cast their nomination vote for Biden at the convention. But the president's announcement that he will not accept the party's nomination triggers a section of Oklahoma law releasing them of that obligation.

More: How will superdelegates at the DNC handle Biden dropping out?

Title 26 of Oklahoma law requires delegates to cast their vote for the candidate who received the most votes during the primary. However, the statute also says this:

"If that candidate is for any reason no longer a candidate, the votes of the Oklahoma delegation shall be cast for any candidate of their choice."

When is the Democratic National Convention?

The DNC is slated to take place Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. It's the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How many delegates does Oklahoma have? How will they vote at the DNC?
Insights from The Conversation, Chatham House, Axios, and The Associated Press

The News

Outgoing US President Joe Bidens legacy will be shaped by his decision to step aside from Novembers presidential race but how history will remember the longtime lawmaker is still unclear and could depend on the elections outcome, analysts say.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Biden advanced progressive policies and the economy

Sources: The Associated Press, Axios

History will be kinder to Biden than voters were, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama told The Associated Press, touting his progressive policies and defeat of Donald Trump in 2020. Under Biden, the White House advanced elusive progressive priorities, including student loan forgiveness, a modest gun control bill, and prescription drug price negotiation, Axios noted. Biden also appointed more than 200 federal judges, including Ketanji Brown-Jackson in the Supreme Court, marking the first Black woman to hold the role. And critically, the president took the US economy out of the throes of COVID  into one that is growing faster than any of its peer economies, Harvard University economist Jason Furman said.

Biden has safeguarded his legacy by standing down

Source: The Conversation

If Biden hadnt stepped out of the presidential race, he risked tarnishing his legacy forever, said analysts. He would have been judged as self-centred, hubristic and arrogant to believe he was more important than the cause of defeating Trump, wrote Bruce Wolpe, a non-resident senior fellow at the University of Sydneys United States Study Centre. Now if Vice President Kamala Harris, Bidens pick for the Democratic nomination, goes on to stand and defeat Trump in November, his decision to stand down will be seen as both courageous and statesmanlike.

The election will determine how Biden is viewed

Source: Chatham House

The elections outcome will ultimately determine how Biden is remembered, one analyst wrote. If the November presidential vote is contested or violent, Biden could find himself criticized, Leslie Vinjamuri, director of Chatham Houses US and the Americas Program, wrote. The president could be blamed for delaying a crucial decision that left his party with too short a runway to consolidate around a candidate capable of winning, Vinjamuri noted. If Democrats win, however, Biden will be viewed as a politician that was able to beat Trump twice, she added.
Biden raised millions for his presidential campaign in Georgia. Where does that money go?

President Joe Bidens campaign raised more than $400 million nationally, including more than $3 million from Georgia residents and companies, but his decision to drop out of the race means that money will be spent elsewhere.

Residents in Macon and Columbus raised more than $70,000 for Bidens campaign this year alone, according to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit that tracks political donations in the United States. Columbus-based insurance giant Aflac donated over $830,000 to Democratic candidates.

Jeff Glas, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Georgia who spent eight years working in campaign fundraising, said the money will likely follow the nomination, and Biden has thrown his weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kamala Harris is already on the presidential ticket. Shes already listed on the campaign account, Glas said. She should seamlessly be able to access this money if she receives the nomination in the next couple of weeks.

Harris nomination could be secured as early as Aug. 1, when the Democratic National Convention plans to hold a virtual roll call to certify the partys ticket. Glas said a direct transfer to Harris is expected, but Biden can exercise other options if legal challenges are presented.

We saw the signal already this weekend. It sounds like a lot of Republicans want to start filing lawsuits, Glas said. President Biden can just transfer all that money in one fell swoop to the DNC to become party money.

Biden could also opt to create a super PAC if he wanted more direct control of his remaining money. A super PAC is a relatively new type of political fundraising, created after the 2010 decision in the Speechnow.org v. FEC case.

These are social welfare organizations, Glas said. Theyre permitted to engage in unlimited fundraising and unlimited spending expressly advocating for the election or defeat of candidates under the pretense that what theyre doing is considered social welfare.

Glas said Bidens creation of a super PAC is the least likely path the former nominee would take. A slightly more feasible option is the transfer to the DNC, giving it control of the nearly $200 million left in Bidens campaign fund to distribute however it wanted.

If she receives the nomination, Harris would be entering the presidential race significantly later than the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. While that would typically put a candidate at a disadvantage, Glas said Harris is in a unique position.

She has the name recognition of being a vice president without the baggage of a presidency, he said. She probably starts out at a bit of an advantage that open-seat election candidates otherwise wouldnt have.

As the Democratic Party sorts out its path forward, Glas said money will be crucial.

Funding is absolutely essential, campaigns are expensive, he said. Theres going to be a lot of it. I imagine several million dollars for the campaign is going to be spent between now and the election.
Producers, anchors, correspondents and executives had spent days gaming out their plan should President Joe Biden end his 2024 campaign.

We were planning for the news to leak out, followed by an address to the nation, one producer says.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Instead, the president caught the media brunching.

Enjoying a Wolf Spritzer at El Presidente restaurant here in DC, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer posted on Instagram at around 9:45 a.m. PT, holding a cocktail in one hand and a menu in the other.

An hour later, of course, Biden revealed his decision to end his campaign, a leak-free announcement made in the form of a PDF letter. Blitzer traded in the cocktail for a suit and tie and was on the air at noon PT. CNN was televising a replay of Fareed Zakarias program when the news broke.

A week after the shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trumps life, TV news divisions once again spun into overdrive.

On ABC, Rachel Scott, who was in Butler, Pennsylvania, covering Trumps rally a week ago, led the networks coverage with a special report at 11:04 a.m., with the full slate of ABC anchors, correspondents and contributors signing on to join her.

Hallie Jackson anchored NBCs special report at 11:02 a.m. Lester Holt would go on to join coverage, and will host not only NBC Nightly News, but a two-hour special report beginning at 4 p.m.

Kristine Johnson anchored CBS special report, with Norah ODonnell joining later in the hour. The network is planning to run a special from 3 to 5 p.m.

On cable, MSNBC and Fox News appeared to be similarly surprised by the move.

Mike Emanuel anchored on Fox News, which was the first channel to break the news at 10:50 a.m. Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier phoned in to coverage, calling the move a tectonic shift in politics. John Roberts and Sandra Smith then took over at 11, with Baier joining them in the studio.

Fox, of course, quickly blew up its normal Sunday special to bring in most of its primetime opinion hosts, including Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters and Sean Hannity, as well as Mark Levin.

MSNBC, meanwhile, had Bidens former press secretary Jen Psaki break the news to viewers.

Im just going to say on a personal note, Im just digesting this myself here because I worked for him for a year and a half and he is a remarkable person, a remarkable president, Psaki said. Hes had such a tremendous presidency where he has overcome the odds and defied peoples expectations.

Rachel Maddow joined coverage shortly thereafter, and was similarly magnanimous: This is history writ large, you know. Well all remember where we were and what were doing at this moment, Maddow said. And just thinking about the President right now, you know, what a man. What a patriot. What an act of selfless devotion to your country.

MSNBC will have Maddow, Psaki and Nicolle Wallace hosting beginning at 4 p.m..

Perhaps most notably: A week after it was pulled from the schedule in the wake of the Trump assassination attempt, Morning Joe will be on MSNBC Monday morning.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter
GAZA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 37 Palestinians were killed and 120 others injured during Israeli attacks in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Monday, the Gaza-based health authorities said.

Nasser Medical Complex in the city has called on locals to "urgently donate blood, for the benefit of the wounded and sick inside the complex, given the severe and major shortage of blood units," the health authorities added.

Israeli warplanes launched an intensive bombardment on the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis after immediate evacuation orders were issued. The eastern areas began to witness mass displacement towards the city's west, especially Al-Mawasi, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Monday morning that it "is about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organizations and therefore calls on the remaining population left in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi."

"The calls for the temporary evacuation are being communicated to residents through SMS messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic," it added.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,006, the Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday. 
'American people will now surely have to decide on an upper age limit for their president', argues a Telegraph reader. - MANDEL NGAN/AFP

Joe Biden announced he will stand down from the US presidential race on Sunday night. The US President also endorsed Kamala Harris, the vice-president, as his replacement.

Telegraph readers have in turn shared their thoughts on what this will mean for Donald Trumps chances and the US election as a whole.

Some readers shared a more sympathetic view of Mr Biden standing down, believing the move to be the correct decision.

The right decision

Fiona Whyte, for instance, claims, Joe Biden has done the right thing, arguing that the American people will now surely have to decide on an upper age limit for their president.

Another reader, Elizabeth Kirkby, shares a similar view: I am glad to see Joe Biden has now made the right decision. He can now stand down as president with a certain amount of dignity and integrity.

Im not sure about what will happen next. I do feel sorry for the people of the US. They still do not have much of a choice regarding the next president of the United States.

An anonymous reader weighed in: Well done, Mr President, you have given a life of service to your country, and hoped that Donald Trump can now be defeated by the Democratic candidate  otherwise we all have a very bleak future.

Others were left feeling bitter by the decision. One anonymous reader voiced: A massive manipulation of the American people by those surrounding Joe Biden and the US media. He was not fit to run four years ago. He has been a president in name only. A Democratic Party disgrace and dishonour on the people of America.

Why leave it so late?

Nevertheless, others criticised the presidents timing for standing aside, arguing that it is too late.

Paul Freeman asserted: I dont see how this can play out as anything but terrible optics for the Democrats. It shows a terrible level of judgment.

He questioned: Why now? Did they honestly not realise this months ago?

Another anonymous reader added: We knew it was coming, the pressure was too great, but why leave it so late? How is anyone else going to be prepared within such a short space of time?

The reader continued: All Donald Trump has to do is stay the course and highlight the poor decision-making in the Democrat party for keeping Biden in for so long.

Kamala Harris candidacy will restore the Democratic cause

Readers have also been discussing who they think could replace Joe Biden, as well as speculating how the decision will impact the remainder of the election.

Kamala Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major party's presidential ticket - Patrick Semansky/AP

Mark Hays argued: Although Kamala Harris isnt great, shes only a few points behind Donald Trump in the polls.

He adds: Perhaps the notion of a female president will create some excitement and energise the democratic base.

An anonymous reader believes it to be a mistake to think Kamala Harris would lack a strong following.

So, broadly which segments of American society might vote for her? Well, hardcore Democrats for sure, those of African, Caribbean, Indian and Hispanic heritage, women, those appalled at Donald Trumps personal relationship record, and those who just think its about time America had a female president.

And thats before the debate and persuasion starts.

Sharing a similar sentiment, David Macdonald argued a week is a long time in politics, and whilst Kamala Harris has many weaknesses, her candidacy will restore the young and women to the Democratic cause.

I suspect Trump will out-poll her all the way to November, but this will be the tightest election weve ever seen.

Trump will win the popular vote

On the other hand, many readers believe the election is now a foregone conclusion, arguing that Trump winning is a certainty.

Bob Bayliss shared: Bidens decision was three months too late to make any difference, regardless of who the Democrats put up.

Donald Trump has momentum and will win the popular vote which no Republican has done since Ronald Reagan.

Meanwhile, also on Trump, Eddie Doyle asserted: Hes on the front foot now and will hopefully save us from the sickening rise of work liberalism that is rotting society.

Some readers, however, were left unimpressed with Trumps response to the news. Reader MD Baily labelled Bidens reaction to the attempted murder of Trump as respectful, polite and expressed sympathy along with relief that the assassination attempt failed.

But Trumps reaction after Bidens withdrawal, they add says everything you need to know about the sort of individual Donald Trump is. I just hope the majority of US voters realise what sort of person he is and do not vote for him.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Biden steps down, supporting Harris on Democratic ticket. What to know about the VP

President Joe Biden is no longer seeking reelection, the politician announced Sunday, and he's endorsing current Vice President Kamala Harris for the position.

Here's what we know about Harris and her political career.

Kamala Harris: Full coverages as Joe Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race

Who is Kamala Harris?

Harris is the Vice President of the United States and was sworn into office on January 20, 2021, according to The White House. She is the first woman, Black American and South Asian American to be elected to the role.

Is Kamala Harris running for president?

Yes. According to a post from the politician on X, formerly Twitter, she is "honored to have the Presidents endorsement" and intends to "earn and win this nomination."

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.



I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

Did Biden endorse Harris for president?

Yes. Biden endorsed Harris for the presidential position in the November election after stepping down Sunday. According to a post from Harris on X, she hopes "to unite the Democratic Party--and unite our nation--to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda."

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If youre with me, add a donation right now.https://t.co/xpPDkCRhoZ  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

 Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after he drops out of 2024 election: Recap

 As President Joe Biden steps aside, is America ready for President Kamala Harris?

Who has endorsed Kamala Harris?

Those publicly supporting Harris through endorsements include Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn and more, as previously reported by USA TODAY.

 Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gives Harris 'full endorsement' for president

Who will be Kamala's VP? Possible running mates

IndyStar reported that transportation secretary and former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg could be in the running. As previously reported by The Courier Journal, possible running mates include Kentucky Gov. Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

Learn more below.

 Pete Buttigieg has a shot at being Kamala Harris' VP pick. Here's what to know about him

 Biden out, Beshear in? What Kentucky's governor is saying about potential run for VP

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris: What to know about her
President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, leaving the Democratic delegates he earned during the primary race in an unprecedented and potentially sticky situation.

The problem? Biden may have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee, but it's the delegates themselves who decide the Democratic party's nomination, and there is no automatic system to transfer them over.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends an infrastructure event addressing high speed internet at the White House in Washington, D.C. on June 3, 2021.

Live Updates: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race and endorses Kamala Harris: Live updates

The 3,896 delegates who will gather in August at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago can vote for someone other than Biden, even if he won their states' primaries earlier this year.

That's possible because of a section in the DNC rules referred to as the "good conscience" clause, which states delegates shall "in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them." The word 'sentiment' is where much of the delegates' support will hinge, and opens the door to all manner of interpretation.

Vice President Joe Biden greets delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2016.

Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and member of the DNC rules committee, told USA TODAY there is "no such thing as Biden releasing his delegates."

"The primaries elect delegates to the convention, but the legal authority for choosing the nominee of the Democratic Party, or for that matter, the Republican Party, is not the primaries, it is the delegates voting in convention," Kamarck said. "When that happens, you have a formal nominee."

Before Biden's announcement, Kamarck said that his endorsement of a replacement candidate could effectively steer his supporters' votes to someone else. Now that Harris has confirmed she will be running and with Biden's backing, it appears this is the route Democrats are taking leading into the convention.

With just four weeks before the convention, attention will undoubtedly shift to delegates, who, at this stage of the election, well after the primaries, hold the future nomination entirely in their hands.

USA TODAY elections fellow Sam Woodward contributed to this report.

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Why Kamala Harris isn't the guaranteed Democratic nominee
With Biden out, Virginia Dems pray for new nominee and a boost from the top of the ticket

SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA - JUNE 02: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on gun violence during an event at John R. Lewis High School on June 2, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. Vice President Harris spoke on the administrations efforts to reduce gun violence to commemorate the National Gun Violence Awareness day. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Until Sunday afternoon, Democrats in Virginia and elsewhere were in deepening despair over their prospects in the presidential election less than four months down the line. They had two options: worse and worst.

President Joe Bidens Sunday concession to the ravages of advanced age (already the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, he would turn 82 just 15 days after the election) doesnt assure the Democrats victory on Nov. 5. It does, however, lift the worst option, at least for the immediate term, and offers Virginia Democrats a glimmer of hope.

Biden labored under alarmingly poor job approval numbers before his abysmal performance in a June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, which raised profound questions about Bidens mental fitness and sent his campaign into an unrecoverable death spiral.

As Bidens polling plunged, Democrats in Congress and Hollywood wrung their hands and differed publicly over whether he should abandon the race. Making things worse, Trump seemed not only invincible but inevitable after a rifle bullet grazed his right ear during a July 13 Pennsylvania campaign rally. Days later, wearing gauze over his wound, Trump was hailed as a mythic hero at the Republican National Convention.

In public polling, the separation grew wider between an ascendant Republican campaign and a Democratic one seemingly disintegrating by the day with donors threatening to close their checkbooks.

If the seeming red wave grew into a tsunami, not only would Democrats likely lose Virginia in a presidential race for the first time in 20 years, it could threaten them in competitive contests for open U.S. House seats their party now holds, wrote Mark J. Rozell, dean of the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government.

A poll of 809 Virginia adults conducted by Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs from June 24 through July 3 found that 39% favored Trump and 36% supported Biden. The results are within the polls margin of error of plus-or-minus 4.8 percentage points, in a survey whose outcome is further clouded because the debate occurred on day four of the 10-day survey. Even so, its an outcome that didnt comfort Democrats in a state Biden won by 10 percentage points over Trump just four years ago.

A landslide Biden defeat that includes Virginia could even imperil the re-election of Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., against a prohibitive and little-known GOP underdog, Hung Cao, Rozell predicted.

Maybe Sunday changed that trajectory.

A more recent New York Times/Siena College poll of 661 likely Virginia voters conducted July 9-12 found Vice President Kamala Harris (whom Biden endorsed to succeed him as the putative nominee) was the choice of 43% compared with 39% for Trump. That slight advantage is within the polls 4.4 percentage point margin of sampling error. The survey was completed before the July 13 attempt on Trumps life.

As long as the narrative focused on Democratic disarray, Bidens age and doubts about his ability continued, Trump and the Republicans looked unbeatable. Now the narrative changes as the Democrats have a chance to unite and put the focus back on Trump, Rozell said in an interview Sunday.

Bidens retreat is a critical reset opportunity for Democrats, not a guarantee for success, he noted. Thats a vital distinction, given the Democrats demonstrated penchant for squandering opportunities.

Lets see what the Democrats make of it. There is always the chance for a different kind of disarray, Rozell said. Imagine if there is a strongly contested convention with multiple ballots, for example, and Harris gets nudged out.

An intramural power play that leapfrogs Harris would rip apart vital elements of the Democratic coalition  women and Black voters  and inflict long-lasting damage on the party as Trump never could. Harris, of Jamaican and South Asian descent and the daughter of immigrant parents, is the first woman ever elected on a national ticket.

If youre a Democrat in Virginia running in two of the most fiercely contested congressional swing districts  the 7th and 10th districts in the Washington, D.C., suburbs and exurbs  youre praying for a swift, smooth and enthusiastic alignment behind the chosen successor of the president your party just shoved out of the race.





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(L-R) First lady Jill Biden, U.S. President Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff join hands as they depart a Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally" at George Mason University on January 23 in Manassas, Virginia. During the first joint rally held by the President and Vice President, Biden and Harris spoke on what they perceive as a threat to reproductive rights. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma Democrats had mixed emotions following President Joe Bidens decision to end his campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Bidens announcement Sunday came after a disastrous June 26 debate in Atlanta in which Biden couldnt finish thoughts, got mixed up and didnt use up his allotted time.

Supporters chalked it up to a cold and a bad debate, but questions mounted about his health in the days following as Biden continued to appear confused on titles in his public addresses.

I am sad for Joe given the fact that hes done an extraordinary job, said former Gov. David Walters, a national committeeman who serves on the Democratic National Committee. And Im also frankly excited that we have the opportunity to, in an open and transparent way, select new leaders and really energize the party because I think the party was, you know, in remorse if you will, for two or three weeks here (as) the President was trying to decide what he needed to do.

It will be a tough campaign, but Harris prosecutorial instincts will kick in, helped by her elocution, ability to make counter arguments and energy, Walters said.

I think she will automatically notch up the vote among African American voters, Walters said. I think the level of enthusiasm will go up. I think well see much higher turnouts.

As a result, a lot more eyes will be on the Democratic National Convention because of the uncertainty of it all, Walters said. The convention is Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

I think we will have an opportunity to spin out of that as a very energized team trying to defeat Donald Trump from getting back to the White House, Walters said.

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democratic Party stalwart and Biden supporter, said the president made the right decision for his family, the party and the country.

He believes that with Harris at the top of the ticket, it will help down ballot candidates and energize the party.

Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, is a DNC delegate.

She said she supported Biden and believes he was put under undeserved extreme pressure.

But she will now support Harris, who she said is a better candidate for the top of the ticket than Trump, a convicted felon.

In 2016 and 2020, Trump carried all 77 Oklahoma counties in his quest for the White House.

State law requires that the nominees name be submitted by Aug. 21, a day before the convention ends, said Misha Mohr, Oklahoma State Election Board spokeswoman.

But it has a provision that if the convention doesnt end by the submission deadline, a provisional certification may be made, Mohr said.

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Joe Bidens withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race injects greater uncertainty into the world at a time when Western leaders are grappling with wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a more assertive China in Asia and the rise of the far right in Europe.

During a five-decade career in politics, Biden developed extensive personal relationships with multiple foreign leaders that none of the potential replacements on the Democratic ticket can match. After his announcement, messages of support and gratitude for his years of service poured in from near and far.

The scope of foreign policy challenges facing the next U.S. president makes clear how consequential what happens in Washington is for the rest of the planet. Heres a look at some of them.

Israel

With Vice President Kamala Harris being eyed as a potential replacement for Biden, Israelis on Sunday scrambled to understand what her candidacy would mean for their country as it confronts increasing global isolation over its military campaign against Hamas.

Israels left-wing Haaretz daily newspaper ran a story scrutinizing Harris record of support for Israel, pointing to her reputation as Bidens bad cop who has vocally admonished Israel for its offensive in Gaza. In recent months, she has gone further than Biden in calling for a cease-fire, denouncing Israels invasion of Rafah and expressing horror over the civilian death toll in Gaza.

With Biden leaving, Israel has lost perhaps the last Zionist president, said Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York. A new Democratic candidate will upend the dynamic.

Bidens staunch defense of Israel since Hamas Oct. 7 attack has its roots in his half-century of support for the country as a senator, vice president and then president. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years.

Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable, Gallant wrote on social media platform X.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Biden as a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples and a true ally of the Jewish people. There was no immediate reaction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an ally of former President Donald Trump whose history of cordial relations with Biden has come under strain during the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he respected the tough but strong decision by Biden to drop out of the campaign, and he thanked Biden for his help in preventing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Ukraine

Any Democratic candidate would likely continue Bidens legacy of staunch military support for Ukraine. But frustration with the Biden administration has grown in Ukraine and Europe over the slow pace of U.S. aid and restrictions on the use of Western weapons.

Most Europeans realize that Ukraine is increasingly going to be their burden, said Sudha David-Wilp, director of the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund, a research institute. Everyone is trying to get ready for all the possible outcomes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that he respected the tough but strong decision by Biden to drop out of the campaign, and he thanked Biden for his help in preventing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country.

Trump has promised to end Russias war on Ukraine in one day if he is elected  a prospect that has raised fears in Ukraine that Russia might be allowed to keep the territory it occupies.

Trumps vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is among Congress most vocal opponents of U.S. aid for Ukraine and has further raised the stakes for Kyiv.

Russia, meanwhile, dismissed the importance of the race, insisting that no matter what happened, Moscow would press on in Ukraine.

Thats it for Biden, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security council, said on the Telegram messaging app. The goals of the special military operation will be achieved, he added, using the Kremlins term for the war in Ukraine.

China

In recent months, both Biden and Trump have tried to show voters who can best stand up to Beijings growing military strength and belligerence and protect U.S. businesses and workers from low-priced Chinese imports. Biden has hiked tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and Trump has promised to implement tariffs of 60% on all Chinese products.

Trumps America First doctrine exacerbated tensions with Beijing. But disputes with the geopolitical rival and economic colossus over wars, trade, technology and security continued into Bidens term.

Chinas official reaction to the U.S. presidential race has been careful.

The U.S. elections are U.S. internal politics. I have no comment on this, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

The editor of the Communist Party-run Global Times newspaper, Hu Xijin, downplayed the impact of Bidens withdrawal.

Whoever becomes the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party may be the same, he wrote on X.

Iran

With Irans proxies across the Middle East increasingly entangled in the Israel-Hamas war, the U.S. confronts a region in disarray.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthis struck Tel Aviv for the first time last week, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes inside war-torn Yemen. Simmering tensions and cross-border attacks between Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group and the Israeli military have raised fears of an all-out regional conflagration.

Hamas, which also receives support from Iran, continues to fight Israel even nine months into a war that has killed 38,000 Palestinians and displaced over 80% of Gazas population.

The U.S. and its allies have accused Iran of expanding its nuclear program and enriching uranium to an unprecedented 60%, near-weapons-grade levels.

After then-President Trump in 2018 withdrew from Tehrans landmark nuclear deal with world powers, Biden said he wanted to reverse his predecessors hawkish stance. But the Biden administration has maintained severe economic sanctions and overseen failed attempts to renegotiate the agreement.

The sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi  the supreme leaders hard-line protege  in a helicopter crash vaulted a new reformist to the presidency in Iran, generating new opportunities and risks. Masoud Pezeshkian has said he wants to help Iran open up to the world but has maintained a defiant tone against the U.S.

During a briefing Monday, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, brushed off Bidens withdrawal.

To us, the coming and going of governments and persons on top of the U.S administration is not important on its own, he said. What can change the atmosphere of relations is a fundamental change in this (U.S.) hostile policy against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

President Joe Biden pumps his fist during a family photo at the NATO summit, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Europe and NATO

Many Europeans were happy to see Trump go after his years of disparaging the European Union and undermining NATO. Trumps seemingly dismissive attitude toward European allies in last months presidential debate did nothing to assuage those concerns.

Biden, on the other hand, has supported close American relations with bloc leaders.

That closeness was on stark display after Bidens decision to bow out of the race. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called his choice probably the most difficult one in your life. The newly installed British prime minister, Keir Starmer, said he respected Bidens decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.

There was also an outpouring of affection from Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, who called Biden a proud American with an Irish soul.

The question of whether NATO can maintain its momentum in supporting Ukraine and checking the ambitions of other authoritarian states hangs in the balance of this presidential election, analysts say.

They dont want to see Donald Trump as president. So theres quite a bit of relief but also quite a bit of nervousness about Bidens decision to drop out, said Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Like many in the United States, but perhaps more so, they are really quite confused.

Mexico

The close relationship between Mexico and the U.S. has been marked in recent years by disagreements over trade, energy and climate change. Since President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took power in 2018, both countries have found common ground on issue of migration  with Mexico making it more difficult for migrants to cross its country to the U.S. border and the U.S. not pressing on other issues.

The Lopez Obrador administration kept that policy while Trump was president and continued it into Bidens term.

On Friday, Mexicos president called Trump a friend and said he would write to him to warn him against pledging to close the border or blaming migrants for bringing drugs into the United States.

I am going to prove to him that migrants dont carry drugs to the United States, he said, adding that closing the border wont solve anything, and anyway, it cant be done.

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London, Daria Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Josh Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.
Bidens withdrawal from the US presidential race spells new uncertainty for Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  U.S. President Joe Bidens decision to end his campaign for reelection brings a new element of uncertainty for Ukraine, which is struggling to fend off Russian military advances even as it worries about the future of American support.

The prospect of victory for former President Donald Trump, the Republican contender, has long concerned Kyiv, which fears he would choke off support and force Ukraine to sue for peace on terms that favor Russia. The Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, leading to more than two years of war.

But while the Democrats hope Bidens decision to drop out and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris will inject energy into their campaign, it's unclear whether it makes Trump's defeat more likely. Officials in Moscow, widely thought to favor Trump, were noncommittal.

Kyiv resident Yulia Loginova said she found it impossible to predict how Biden's departure would affect Ukraine.

I dont know, honestly, she said. Surprises every day. But he did the right thing.

Phillips OBrien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, said Bidens withdrawal changes the narrative of the campaign, but its too soon to say how much it will alter the dynamic of the presidential election.

If it makes the Democrats more likely to win, then Ukraines happy, he said. I dont think a Harris administration would be that different from a Biden administration.

Ukraine may be facing tough times regardless of who wins. While the U.S. is Ukraines most crucial backer, under Biden it has sometimes been seen as a frustrating friend.

Standing in Kyivs Independence Square beside a sea of small Ukrainian flags left in tribute to those killed in the war, a solider said victory is impossible without the support of the U.S.A., that is a fact. They have the largest number of weapons, influence and everything.

Still, the soldier, who gave only his nickname, Sadik, in line with military rules, said that if the U.S. had provided more support, the war would have ended a long time ago.

But a new Trump administration would make things far worse, he added.

If Trump wins, there will be little or no weapons, he said, adding that he feared Ukraine would be forced into concessions to end the war, where the Kremlins troops are making gradual battlefield gains.

Trump has boasted that he could end the conflict within 24 hours, and Ukrainians think any such settlement would be on Russias terms.

Trumps choice of Ohio Sen. JD Vance, an opponent of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, as vice-presidential running mate has triggered more alarm.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a visit to Britain last week that dealing with Trump would be hard work  but he added that Ukrainians arent afraid of hard work. Ukraines leader and Trump spoke by phone on Friday, a call both men described as good on social media platform X.

Zelenskyy thanked Biden for his unwavering support and bold steps during the war.

The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that Americas continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off, Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Yet Ukraines gratitude for U.S. support is tinged with frustration at its limitations.

As Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraines cities and infrastructure, Zelenskyys government has pushed for the Biden administration to authorize the use of American-supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Ukraine wants to target the sites, often far from the border, that Moscow uses to launch airborne attacks on Ukraine. Washington has not given permission out of concern the conflict could escalate.

The Ukrainians are pretty disappointed with Biden, said Edward Lucas, a senior adviser at the Center for European Policy Analysis. Bidens dithering has a price, paid in the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and the slaughter of Ukrainian civilians, and in unnecessary battlefield casualties.

So although Trump might be worse  a continuation of the Biden line is already pretty grim.

Several senior U.S. Democrats have quickly lined up to support Harris as the nominee. On foreign policy, her public statements have  unsurprisingly  been in lockstep with Bidens. She told an audience at the Munich Security Conference in February that President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine and pledged the administration would work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs.

Heather Hurlburt, a former Biden administration official now with the Chatham House think tank, said Harris had been very front and center in the Ukraine policy, and would likely keep to the same course as Biden.

In Moscow, meanwhile, officials suggested Bidens departure would not deter them from their goals in the war and offered no opinion on whether it would make a difference to icy Russia-U.S. relations  though Trump and President Vladimir Putin have traded praise over the years.

Its not our business to assess the U.S. presidents decisions, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This is something the U.S. voters should be concerned about.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, said on the Telegram messaging app that Biden's departure wouldn't change Russia's strategy in Ukraine.

The goals of the special military operation will be achieved, he added, using the Kremlins term for the war.

Ukraine and Americas other allies also worry the U.S. could grow less dependable regardless of who wins. With a divided electorate and Congress, the next president could easily become consumed by domestic challenges before even reckoning with multiple flashpoints around the world. Gridlock in Congress that stalled a $61 billion package of military aid to Ukraine for months before it was finally approved brought home the precariousness of the situation.

In Kyiv, Ukrainians absorbed the latest twist in a U.S. election that may determine their countrys future.

I love Biden because he supported Ukraine, said Mykyta Kolesnikov, who manages a car wash business. He sent us important assistance for the war when we needed it.

But Kolesnikov, 21, said he understood that Biden had to step aside and just hoped the Democrats would field a stronger candidate.

Zelenskyy says that he can work with Trump, but it will be very hard for Ukraine to work with Trump and his team, Kolesnikov said.

___

Lawless reported from London. Associated Press journalists Vasilisa Stepanenko and Samya Kullab in Kyiv contributed to this story.
"The president has said it several times," Quentin Fulks, Biden's principal deputy campaign manager, told reporters last Thursday. "He's staying in this race.He is and will be the Democratic nominee."

Sunday morning on Face the Nation, campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond reiterated that Biden had no intention of dropping out. "I want to be crystal clear," Richmond said. "He's made a decision, and that decision is to accept the nomination and run for reelection, win reelection."

Hours later, Biden announced that he is not running for reelection after all. Although he had said it would require divine intervention to stop him from running, intervention by leading Democrats who argued that he could not hope to overcome voters' doubts about his cognitive condition proved sufficient.

That dramatic reversal continued a pattern established by Biden's long career in politics. Again and again, Biden has changed his mind about momentous matters, abandoning positions he had confidently and sometimes passionately defended without satisfactorily explaining the reasons for the turnaround. Often he has downplayed the extent of the shift or even pretended it never happened.

Reason's Matt Welch has aptly described Biden as a "rusty weather vane" who eventually "creak[s] in the direction of the prevailing political winds." But unlike a weather vane, Biden is a human being with the capacity for rational reflection and introspectionqualities he has rarely displayed when contradicting his prior opinions.

During his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden presented himself as a drug policy reformer. But for most of his 36 years as a Delaware senator, he was one of the most vociferous drug warriors in Congress, eager to show that Democrats could be even tougher than Republicans. He played a leading role in the top anti-drug hits of the 1980s and '90s, demanding punishment of the drug users he blamed for the black market created by prohibition, bragging about his efforts to subsidize prisons and put more cops on the street, and backing mandatory minimum sentences that sent drug offenders to prison for years or decades based on nothing more than the weight of the substances they possessed, sold, or helped distribute.

Biden's enthusiasm for punishment included a federal sentencing scheme that treated smoked cocaine as if it were 100 times worse than the snorted kind and prescribed a minimum five-year sentence for possessing as little as five grams of crackless than the weight of two sugar packets. "If you have a piece of crack cocaine no bigger than this quarter that I am holding in my hand," he said in 1991, "you go to jail for five years. You get no probation. You get nothing other than five years in jail. The judge does not have a choice." Far from recognizing the insanity of that penalty, Biden complained that the Justice Department under Richard Thornburgh, George H.W. Bush's attorney general, was not pursuing it often enough.

Running for president in 2020, Biden implied that he had seen the error of his old punitive instincts. He went from insisting that the government "hold every drug user accountable" to promising that he would "decriminalize the use of cannabis and automatically expunge all prior cannabis use convictions" (neither of which actually happened). He went from pushing ever-harsher drug penalties to promising that he would "eliminate mandatory minimums" (which likewise did not happen). He also promised to "end, once and for all, the federal crack and powder cocaine disparity" (ditto).

Even if Biden had a problem with follow-through, these were all positive changes. But Bidenwho as late as 2015 was still publicly proud of the incarceration-expanding Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (or, as he preferred to call it, "the 1994 Biden Crime Bill")never really explained his conversion, leaving the impression that he was simply responding to changes in public opinion, especially within the Democratic Party.

"I haven't always been right on criminal justice," Biden conceded in a 2019 speech. In particular, he said, the penal distinction between smoked and snorted cocaine, which had a glaringly disproportionate impact on black defendants that critics were noting by the late 1980s, "was a big mistake when it was made." Although "we thought we were told by the experts that crackwas somehow fundamentally different," he explained, "it's not different." That misconception, he added, "trapped an entire generation." Even while admitting error, Biden sought to blame bad advice from "the experts," or at least his own possibly mistaken impression of what they were saying.

Biden's views on gun control evolved in the opposite direction. In 1986, he supported the Firearm Owners' Protection Act, which was backed by the National Rifle Association. That law, which passed both houses of Congress by overwhelming margins, included several provisions that were welcomed by gun rights supporters, along with new firearm restrictions.

"I believe the compromises that are now a part of this bill have resulted in a balanced piece of legislation that protects the rights of private gun owners while not infringing on law enforcement's ability to deal with those who misuse guns or violate laws," Biden said in July 1985. "During my twelve and a half years as a member of this body, I have never believed that additional gun control or federal registration of guns would reduce crime. I am convinced that a criminal who wants a firearm can get one through illegal, nontraceable, unregistered sources, with or without gun control."

Nowadays, Biden is an enthusiastic advocate of "additional gun control," including "universal" background checks for gun buyers, a crackdown on homemade firearms, "red flag" laws, and a federal ban on so-called assault weapons. Biden favors that last policy even while conceding that such legislation leaves murderers with alternatives that are "just as deadly." In other words, the distinction he perceives between "assault weapons" and other guns is just as illusory as the distinction he once perceived between crack and cocaine powder.

In 2019, when asked about the contradiction between such positions and Biden's stance circa 1986, Biden campaign spokesman Bill Russo pretended there was nothing to reconcile. "Cherry-picking an out-of-context quote from 1986 doesn't even begin to address Joe Biden's unparalleled record on gun safety," Russo insisted.

Biden was similarly shifty in discussing his stance on the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. When President George W. Bush reacted to Al Qaeda's 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by targeting a country that had nothing to do with them, Biden did not just vote to authorize the use of military force against Iraq. He steadfastly defended the administration's strategy, warning his colleagues that "failure to overwhelmingly support" the resolution was "likely to enhance the prospects that war will occur."

Biden later claimed he never thought Bush actually would go to war, seeing the authorization as a way to pressure Saddam Hussein into cooperating with international arms inspectors. "Immediately, the moment it started, I came out against the war at that moment," he told NPR in 2019. But that was not true. Although he occasionally criticized Bush for acting too hastily and with insufficient international backing, Biden repeatedly voiced support for the war. He did not publicly acknowledge that his vote to authorize it was a mistake until November 2005, more than two years after the U.S. invasion.

On abortion, Biden in recent years has steadfastly defended Roe v. Wade, castigated the Supreme Court for overturning it, and supported federal legislation that would guarantee access to the procedure. At the same time, he has said he personally opposes abortion, consistent with his Catholic faith. And while he said it would be wrong to impose his religious beliefs on others, he has not always felt that way.

"I don't think that a woman has the sole right to say what should happen to her body," Biden said the year after Roe was decided, during his first term as a senator. "When it comes to issues like abortion, amnesty, and acid, I'm about as liberal as your grandmother. I don't like the Supreme Court decision on abortion. I think it went too far."

In 1977, Biden opposed legislation that would have allowed Medicaid coverage of abortions for pregnancies arising from rape or incest. Five years later, he supported a bill declaring that "the Constitution does not secure the right to an abortion." In 1994, he assured a constituent that he continued to oppose public subsidies for abortion. "I do not view abortion as a choice and a right," he told the Texas Monthly in 2006, during his last term as a senator. He added that abortion is "always a tragedy," that it "should be rare and safe," and that "we should be focusing on how to limit the number of abortions."

In a Meet the Press interview the following year, Biden said he supported a ban on late-term abortions, which Roe precluded in situations where an abortion was deemed "necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother." He said he had changed his mind on the merits of Roe, concluding that it is "the only means by which, in this heterogeneous society of ours, we can reach some general accommodation on what is a religiously charged and a publicly charged debate."

During a vice presidential debate in 2012, Biden agreed that "life begins at conception" but said he refused to impose that view on others. In June 2019, Biden abandoned his opposition to public funding of abortions, saying "circumstances have changed." He was referring to state abortion bans and the possibility that Roe would be overturned. But circumstances also had changed within the Democratic Party, making even mild objections to abortion politically untenable. The following year, Biden said he was "proud to stand" with abortion rights groups, vowing to "protect women's constitutional right to choose."

The death penalty is another area where you might expect Biden would be influenced by religiously inspired pro-life sentiments. Yet back in 1994, he touted his crime bill's dramatic expansion of the circumstances in which defendants could be executed. He proudly declared that "the liberal wing of the Democratic Party is now for 60 new death penalties."

According to Gallup, support for the death penalty among Democrats has fallen substantially since then, dipping below 40 percent by 2017. Biden's views changed accordingly. During his 2020 campaign, he promised to "eliminate the death penalty" because "we cannot ensure we get death penalty cases right every time." He said he would support "legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level" and "incentivize states to follow the federal government's example." As with many of his criminal justice promises, nothing came of that. But Biden, who thought promising more executions made political sense in 1994, around the time that the violent crime rate began a steep decline, clearly recognized that "circumstances have changed."

Likewise with gay marriage, an issue on which public opinion also has changed dramatically during the last few decades. As a senator in 1996, Biden supported the Defense of Marriage Act, which said no state would be required to recognize same-sex unions recorded in another state. By 2012, when he was vice president, Biden had come around on the issue. "I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying another are entitled to the same exact rights, all the civil rights, all the civil liberties," he said on Meet the Press in May 2012. "And quite frankly, I don't see much of a distinction beyond that."

At that point, half of Americans agreed, but they did not yet clearly include President Barack Obama. Within days of Biden's comments, Obama finally took the plunge. This is one case where Biden was, if not exactly ahead of public opinion, more courageous than other leading Democrats.

On immigration, by contrast, Biden has gone back and forth. In the 1990s, he supported a crackdown on illegal immigration, including a border fence and expedited removals, that resembled tactics he later deplored. As of 2006, he was still advocating more border barriers, saying employers who hire unauthorized residents should go to prison, opposing driver's licenses for people who can't prove their citizenship, and condemning "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement.

During his 2020 campaign, Biden promised a change from Donald Trump's immigration policies that would "restore our moral leadership." Among other things, he said he would "immediately end the horrific practice of separating families at our border," "terminate the travel ban against people from Muslim-majority countries," "raise our target for refugee admissions," and "reverse Trump's detrimental asylum policies." But as president, The Hill noted last month, Biden adopted "hard-line policies that borrow elements from those used by his predecessor."

Those policies included an executive order imposing broad, prohibitive restrictions on asylum applicants. "The policies announced today are near replicas of Trump-era asylum bans," the National Immigrant Justice Center complained. "Only now, they come from an administration that vowed to protect the right to seek protection and support immigrant communities." It is probably not coincidental that Biden's reversion to Trump-style policies coincided with a surge in public support for immigration restrictions.

Biden also took a zig-zag path on the issue of mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. As president, he said in June 2020, "I would insist that everybody out in public be wearing that mask." Biden reiterated that promise at the Democratic National Convention two months later. "If I'm your president," he said, "on day one we'll have a national mask mandate." But he changed his mind the following month, conceding that "I cannot mandate people wearing masks."

In the end, Biden settled for an executive order requiring masks on federal property and in interstate travel, including airlines. The latter policy, which was implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provoked legal challenges that were ultimately rendered moot after the mandate was lifted.

A charitable view of Biden's reversals is that he changed his mind in light of new evidence. But that explanation is hard to buy in many of these cases, especially when his old and new positions hinged on matters of principle or when he tried to rewrite history by minimizing or denying the change in his views. Biden's shifts were always politically convenient, which made him reliably unreliable.

The post Biden's Final Flip-Flop appeared first on Reason.com.
BAGHDAD, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Sunday stressed the urgent need to halt the attacks against Lebanon and Palestine and called for concerted efforts to prevent the escalation of regional conflict.

Al-Sudani made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Baghdad, according to a statement from al-Sudani's media office.

The two leaders also discussed a bilateral agreement on the supply of Iraqi oil to Lebanon and explored the current political and security developments in the region, the statement said.

Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq's stance on Lebanon is rooted in the commitment and brotherhood that bind the two nations, as well as Iraq's responsible regional and international role regarding regional developments, the statement noted.

Mikati expressed appreciation for the Iraqi government's efforts to support economic relations with Lebanon. He also outlined his government's efforts to enhance security cooperation with Iraq in combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

The Lebanese prime minister, who arrived in Iraq on Sunday, also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. They reviewed bilateral relations and developments in the Arab and international arenas, stressing the importance of concerted efforts to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and address the tragic humanitarian situation, according to a statement from the presidency media office. 
President Joe Biden's performance in his June 27 debate with Donald Trump was so bad that it ultimately resulted in his withdrawal from the election. It was also so bad that it distracted attention from his opponent's flagrant prevarications. But Trump's longstanding tendency to make stuff up, to the point that you have to discount almost anything he says by at least 90 percent, should not be dismissed as a personal quirk or standard political practice.

While politicians commonly bend the truth, Trump routinely bends it to the breaking point, saying things that are not accurate by any stretch of the imagination. Reason's Nick Gillespie, in a piece arguing that Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention was politically canny, notes in passing "his inability to say two true statements consecutively." Americans have become so inured to Trump's habitual hyperbole that it may not make a difference in this election. But it really should, because it reflects not just an utter disregard for the facts but an arrogant assumption that voters don't care whether the nation's highest elected official even aspires to tell the truth.

During the debate, Trump alluded to his never-substantiated claim that the 2020 election was rigged, saying "the fraud and everything else was ridiculous." But even apart from his stolen-election fantasy, he said a bunch of things that were demonstrably false.

"We had the greatest economy in the history of our country," Trump declared at the very beginning of the debate. "We had never done so well."

Gross domestic product growth during Trump's four years in office averaged 2.3 percent. Even during the three pre-pandemic years, the average was a modest 2.5 percent. That's a bit higher than annual GDP growth under Barack Obama and George W. Bush, and it's significantly higher than the average rate under George H.W. Bush. But it is lower than the growth seen during the Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon, Johnson, Kennedy, and Eisenhower administrations.

"I gave you the largest tax cut in history," Trump also claimed. That is also inconsistent with the historical record.

According to the Tax Foundation, "the five largest tax reductions since 1940 are the Revenue Acts of 1945, 1948, and 1964; the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981; and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012." Those cuts "reduced revenue by between 1.6 percent and 2.89 percent of GDP, on average." By comparison, the reduction achieved by the Trump-backed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 amounted to 0.7 percent of GDP, placing it ninth on the Tax Foundation's list, a slot shared by two previous pieces of legislation.

"I also gave you the largest regulation cut in history," Trump averred. That claim likewise does not withstand scrutiny.

"Under my administration," Trump said at a July 2020 press conference, "we have removed nearly 25,000 pages of job-destroying regulationsmore than any other president by far in the history of our country." According to a November 2020 report from the Penn Program on Regulation, that is "simply false."

At the end of 2019, the report notes, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) ran to 185,984 pages"actually a somewhat greater number of pages, not fewer, than when President Trump took office." While the number of CFR pages dipped by 0.5 percent from 2017 to 2018, "this tiny decrease was offset by comparably sized increases from 2016 to 2017 and then again from 2018 to 2019." And even that one-year drop was small compared to the 10 percent decreases seen in 1954, 1957, and 1964; the 5.3 percent reduction in 1985; and the 4.4 percent decline in 1996. In short, "President Trump's record does not even come close to previous years showing the largest drops."

Trump has variously claimed that his administration eliminated seven, "nearly eight", and 22 regulations for each one it issued. Taking the Trump administration's own classifications at face value, the Penn Program found, the ratio was more like 5 to 1. But even that calculation "overstates the Trump Administration's deregulatory accomplishments," the report says. "In terms of the significant actions that have substantial impacts on the lives of Americans, the number of deregulatory actions is at best very close to the number of regulatory actions and possibly significantly below that number."

When it comes to "the number of new rules issued," the report's authors concede, the Trump administration was less active than the Obama administration. During its first three years, the Trump administration issued "an annual average of 3,204 final rules," a 12 percent decrease from the first three years of the Obama administration, which "was itself a 12 percent decrease [from] the first three years of the George W. Bush Administration." Furthermore, Trump "issued 107 economically significant rules

during his first three years," while "the average for the first three years of the prior five

presidencies was 118 such rules." That difference, while a far cry from Trump's promise that he would eliminate 70 percent of federal regulations, is significant.

As usual, however, Trump cannot resist gilding the lily. He has claimed that he "launched the most dramatic regulatory relief campaign in American history by far" and asserted that his administration "eliminated more regulations in our first year than any administration has ever eliminated." As the Penn Program report notes, "little support exists" for such claims, since the Trump administration did not cut "the overall number of pages" in the CFR and "completed far more regulatory actions than deregulatory ones once the full data are examined." The report adds that "nothing the Trump Administration has done compares to the deregulation of the airlines, rail, and truck transportation that was executed by the Carter Administration in the late 1970s."

Trump is on firmer ground in claiming credit for appointing the Supreme Court justices who clinched a majority in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. But even here, he rewrites history by wishing away the controversy surrounding that accomplishment. After Roe, Trump claimed during the debate, "everybody, without exception," thought abortion policy should be turned "back to the states." According to Trump, that included "every legal scholar throughout the world." He thus pretended that half a century of debate about the merits of Roe, which included "legal scholar[s]" on both sides, never happened.

Trump's criticism of Biden was also absurdly hyperbolic. "We had the safest border in history," he said. "Now we have the worst border in history.Because of his ridiculous, insane, and very stupid policies, people are coming in and they're killing our citizens at a level that we've never seen."

As Reason's Fiona Harrigan notes, there is little evidence to support Trump's claim of an unprecedented migrant crime wave. "Crime is actually down in the cities that received the most migrants as a result of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's busing operations," she writes. "The partial crime data that exist for this year show consistent declines in major crimes in major cities," Cato Institute immigration expert David Bier told Harrigan. He added that "the most significant crime spike in recent years occurred in 2020when illegal immigration was historically low until the end of the year."

So it went with other aspects of Biden's record. The sloppy withdrawal from Afghanistan was not just "a horrible embarrassment"; it was "the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country." Biden is not just a bad president; he is "the worst presidentin the history of the country""the worst in history by far."

While these judgments are admittedly subjective, there is a lot of competition on both scores. Historians probably would place slavery, segregation, genocidal campaigns against Native Americans, the detention of Japanese Americans during World War II, the torching of the White House during the War of 1812, or the Vietnam War higher on the scale of national embarrassments than the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which at least put a stop to a disastrous intervention that (even according to Trump) should have ended much sooner. And leaving aside the question of where exactly Biden should rank on the list of worst presidents, we probably should leave some room for the likes of James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and (for libertarians especially) Woodrow Wilson.

According to several possibly premature and ideologically tinged assessments by historians and political scientists, Trump himself belongs at or near the bottom of presidential rankings. But according to unspecified "polling," Trump said, "they rate me one of the best."

As has always been the case with Trump, it is hard to say whether he actually believes the things he says. He is either reflexively dishonest, self-deceiving, or a little of both. None of these characterizations bodes well for a second Trump term.

The post Biden's Race-Ending Debate Performance Was So Bad That It Eclipsed Trump's Flagrant Falsehoods appeared first on Reason.com.
US President Joe Biden joins G7 leaders as they gather to watch a parachute drop at San Domenico Golf Club. Biden has withdrawn from his bid for re-election, saying: "I believe it in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down". Christopher Furlong/PA Wire/dpa

US President Joe Biden's announcement that he is withdrawing from the presidential race is expected to dominate a meeting on Monday of EU foreign ministers, amid concern across much of Europe at the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency.

The main topics scheduled for Monday's regular meeting are the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, however Biden's historic decision is likely to overshadow the Brussels talks.

Biden's announcement that he would not run for a second term came on Sunday, throwing his Democratic Party into upheaval as they scramble to nominate a candidate who can take on Republican rival Donald Trump on November 5.

Relations between the European Union and the United States soured under Trump's first presidency, and fears are rife across much of the bloc that a second Trump term could have far-reaching consequences for the war in Ukraine, global trade and European security in general.

Not all EU capitals share these concerns, however, with the bloc undergoing a political shift to the right - exemplified in last months European Parliament elections.

Initial reactions on Sunday evening included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the one hand, who praised Biden on X for his "many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger."

At the other end of the spectrum, Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch far-right Party for Freedom, reposted a tweet showing Trump with his fist raised following last week's assassination attempt, alongside the words "President Trump" and a flexed biceps emoji.

Attention will likely also focus on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who met Trump earlier this month in a flurry of diplomacy that also included visits to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Hungary took over the EU's rotating presidency in July, but top EU officials and fellow leaders have distanced themselves from Orban's self-proclaimed "peace mission."
MADISON  Just days after Republicans packed up and left Milwaukee following the Republican National Convention, the state's Democratic delegates were shoved into the spotlight as President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

High-ranking Wisconsin Democrats on Sunday praised Biden's withdrawal from the the race and threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the top of the ticket, while Republicans cast suspicion over the way Democrats have handled the saga.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who had previously declined to say whether Biden should remain on the ballot as she faces her own tight reelection race, told reporters at a campaign event in Stoughton that Biden's decision to withdraw from the race was "the patriotic thing for him to do" and said she would back Harris.

Is there any historical precedent for such a development in a presidential campaign?

"No," Barry Burden, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the university's Elections Research Center told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "There's nothing like this."

Who will Wisconsin send as delegates to the Democratic National Convention?

Wisconsin has 95 delegates and seven alternates to the DNC, out of about 4,000 overall. The DNC will be held in Chicago Aug. 19-22.

The delegation includes Baldwin, Gov. Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Wisconsin Elections Commission chair Ann Jacobs, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and other state and local-level Democrats.

See the full list, including alternates, here.

How do Democrats select their presidential nominee?

Delegates make the decision.

"It seems like Biden has released (the delegates from their pledges). He didn't say that formally, but they're also not formally bound to him," Burden said.

In contrast, Republicans have delegates who are bound to a particular candidate.

"The Democrats have looser rules. They say that the delegates are pledged to the candidate, and they should vote for that person in good conscience, that they're linked to," Burden said. "But there aren't actually rules that force them to do that."

When Democrats have a primary, they're not technically electing a candidate, Jacobs told the Journal Sentinel  they're electing the delegates who will vote for that candidate.

"Because we haven't had a convention yet, the delegates haven't voted yet. So that's what's happening with this part of the process," Jacobs said. "The delegates across the nation are lining up for Kamala Harris, which means when we go to convention, or roll call  those persons will vote for Harris, and then Harris would become the nominee."

How likely is it that Vice President Kamala Harris will be the nominee?

Very.

A section of the DNC rules, known as the "good conscience" clause, states delegates shall "in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them."

Burden said he thinks it would be difficult for any Democratic politician, no matter how prominent, to edge Harris out of the frontrunner position.

Has anything like this happened before?

The current system of delegates, selected via primaries and caucuses, has only existed for about 50 years, Burden said.

"During that era, we've never had a candidate, an incumbent president, bail out after the primaries and caucuses were over," Burden said.

Have any Wisconsin DNC delegates spoken since Biden's announcement?

Yes.

Wisconsin Elections Commission Chair Ann Jacobs, a Democrat and delegate to the Democratic National Convention, posted a joint statement with seven other Milwaukee delegates praising Biden as someone who "always put his country first."

"We are excited to support Kamala Harris as our presidential nominee," Jacobs wrote in a joint statement. "We have full confidence in her and are energized to help her win this November!!"

Jacobs told the Journal Sentinel the conversation among Milwaukee delegates acknowledged feelings of sadness for Biden.

"We had all been Biden supporters, and remain Biden supporters. And so in that regard, the first part of the conversation was sort of talking about that feeling of sadness on his behalf," Jacobs said. "The second part of the conversation was really about  there wasn't a hesitation to support Kamala Harris. It was very straightforward. And so that's what the decision was, and we put out a unified statement."

Jacobs said the alignment of Democratic delegates behind Harris has been "organic," because they believe "she's the best person for the job with Joe Biden withdrawing."

"So in that regard, I think what you're seeing is is that manifestation, and I think that's really positive and really good," Jacobs said. "It shows there's unity within the party for her."

How does this affect Republicans' game plan?

"In the short run, I think it trips up the Republicans, who have had a really wonderful week," Burden said. "(Biden's) age, his feebleness, his mental capacity, those were the things that the public had major concerns about.  that's now gone as an issue."

Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Brian Schimming accused Democrats of "subjecting the American people to chaos, uncertainty, and an incapacitated presidency."

Schimming told the Journal Sentinel a shift from Biden to Harris would not dramatically change Republicans' approach to the campaign because "Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are tied at the hip."

"As far as I'm concerned, Kamala Harris is Joe Biden: The Sequel," Schimming said. "In addition to the fact that I can't wait for her to answer the question of when she finally realized that Joe Biden was not capable of being president, it really gets to the issue of, if he's not capable of being a candidate for president, and the rigors of that, how is he capable of being president?"

Harris has "all the disadvantages of having spent four years with Joe Biden and none of the advantages of making decisions on her own," he said.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What Biden's withdrawal means for Wisconsin's DNC delegates
President Joe Biden's decision not to seek a second-term may have sent shockwaves through the nation, but for local election officials, it's not expected to affect preparations for the August primaries or November general election.

Supervisors of elections in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties cannot place a Democratic presidential or vice presidential nominee on the ballot until one is selected at the Democratic National Committee  Aug. 19-22 in Chicago  rendering any scare on a local level moot.

"The president's decision really does not affect our office at all," said Indian River County Supervisor of Election Leslie Rossway Swan. "We can't begin laying out the ballot for the general election until we have the results from the primary election."

Voters across Florida will first cast their votes in the Aug. 20 primaries. But since Republicans already voted for president in the March 19 presidential primary, and there was no Democratic presidential primary, Bidens decision will have no impact whatsoever on officials' ability to get ballots printed and distributed, agreed Gertrude Walker, St. Lucie County supervisor of elections.

Election officials must wait to receive the names of the regional and federal nominees for the Nov. 5 general election from the Florida Division of Elections. The Division of Elections must certify and send the primary election results to election offices by Aug. 29, according to Vicki Davis, Martin County supervisor of elections .

Only then can election officials begin making preparations for the November election.

Planning for local elections, though, must be finalized by each county's supervisor of elections by Aug. 28.

More: With months to go, race for sheriff already most expensive in St. Lucie County history

More: Who is Kamala Harris? Heres the new presidential candidates recent ties to Florida

Upcoming deadlines

Aug. 8 is the last day voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot. The supervisors of elections offices must receive completed mail-in-ballots no later than when polls close, 7 p.m. Aug. 20.

Early voting begins 8 a.m. Aug. 10 and ends 5 p.m. Aug. 17.

Early voting locations are:

Indian River County

Sebastian City Hall, 1225 Main St., Sebastian

Indian River County Main Library, 1600 21st St., Vero Beach

Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Office, 4375 43rd Ave., Vero Beach

Martin County

Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 E. Thelma Waters Ave., Indiantown

Martin County Supervisor of Elections Office, 135 SE. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stuart

St. Lucie County

Renaissance Business Park, 4132 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce

Zora Neale Hurston Library, 3008 Avenue D, Fort Pierce

Indian River State College Veterans Center of Excellence, 500 N.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 S.E. Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie

Paula A. Lewis Library, 2950 SW. Rosser Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Robert E. Minsky Gym, 750 SW. Darwin Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Once early voting begins, voters can pick up mail-in ballots from the elections offices only if they have an emergency and with an affidavit. A person can pick up a mail-in ballot from the elections office for a family member or friend with an affidavit, also starting Aug. 10.

Midnight Monday is the deadline for individuals to register to vote or change their party affiliation in advance of the primary. For the general election, that deadline is Oct. 7.

Staff writers Wicker Perlis and Keith Burbank contributed to this article.

Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: How President Biden's decision effects local election offices and prep
(WJW)  Bill and Hillary Clinton are praising Bidens extraordinary career of service and have joined him in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

President Biden has capped his extraordinary career of service with a presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world, Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement shared to X. By any measure, he has advanced our founders charge to build a more perfect union and his own stated goal of restoring the soul of our nation.

Biden drops out of the 2024 race: Now what happens?

While issuing a thank-you to President Biden for the accomplishments in his career, the Clintons also endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic partys nominee for president.

We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being whats best for the country.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, the statement continued.

The Clintons went on to express their worry about former President Donald Trumps possibility of getting reelected for a second term.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it, the statement concluded.

Biden, 81, announced Sunday he will no longer seek another four years in office. The president said he would address the nation later in the week about his decision.

Biden endorsed Harris to become the Democratic Partys nominee shortly after his announcement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Hours after President Joe Biden announced he will forgo seeking a second term on Sunday, billionaire Bill Ackman began pushing and amplifying conspiracy theories that speculated on the president's involvement in the decision to withdraw from the race.

Ackman, the Pershing Square Capital Management CEO who recently endorsed former President Donald Trump, posted claims and reposted several from other users on X that questioned the legitimacy of Bidens signature on a letter the president posted online Sunday to announce his decision.

Several of the posts claimed there was no proof Biden signed the letter himself, and a few looked for differences in Biden's signature on Sundays letter compared with his John Hancock that has adorned other documents in recent months.

Some of the posts, without evidence, claimed or suggested Bidenwho has been recovering from COVID at his Delaware home over the past few dayswas unaware he was making the decision himself.

If I were China, I would invade Taiwan tomorrow, Ackman fired off in one of the posts to his 1.3 million followers.

In another, he wrote: If this were a hostage situation, that letter would not qualify as proof of life.

There has been widespread speculation over Bidens health since his poor debate performance against Trump late last month. The White House has maintained the 81-year-old commander-in-chiefs mental acuity and physical health remain strong, however.

Ackman, who has been a vocal critic of Biden, publicly endorsed Trump online earlier this month, shortly after the attempted assassination of the former president at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Biscuitville opens in Boiling Springs, third location in Upstate, here's what to know

Biscuitville Fresh Southern opened its third restaurant in the Upstate area on Tuesday, July 23. The Southern, scratch-made biscuit franchise opened at 4441 Highway 9 in Boiling Springs.

Tuesday marked their eighth franchise arrival in the Palmetto State. Their first day in Boiling Springs featured a grand opening from 8 a.m. until noon, when 10 recipients of their "free breakfast for a year" contest were announced. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 2:15 p.m.

Over the last year, Biscuitville has opened locations at 940 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greer and 1679 E. Main St. in Duncan.

The new Boiling Springs restaurant will join Duncan and Greer, Indian Land, Hartsville, two Columbia locations, and Florence as the eight restaurants in South Carolina.

What is Biscuitville Fresh Southern?

Biscuitville Fresh Southern is a family-owned restaurant chain in Greensboro, North Carolina. It specializes in Southern food made from locally sourced ingredients and has been known as the "Home of Biscuit Window," serving freshly made biscuits every 15 minutes.

Biscuitville Fresh Southern in Boiling Springs at 4441 Highway 9 on July 22, 2024.

Biscuitville is a breakfast-based establishment that originated in North Carolina in 1966. It offers biscuits, muffins, pancakes, and more.

They host over 80 restaurant locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

No adult beverages: A Greenville bar is changing after liquor liability insurance costs strain business

How to win free breakfast for a year at Biscuitville Fresh Southern?

To qualify for Biscuitville Fresh Southern's "free breakfast for a year" contest, entrants filled out an online application before the grand opening at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.

Ten winners were randomly selected and announced at the new restaurant at 4441 Highway 9 in Boiling Springs.

Food Knowledge: When is peach season in South Carolina? Test your knowledge of peaches with our quiz

 A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Biscuitville Fresh Southern opens in Boiling Springs, what to know
Black voters feel excitement, hope and a lot of worry as Harris takes center stage in campaign

ATLANTA (AP)  Black voters, who helped power Joe Biden to the White House, expressed a mix of hope and worry Monday over his exit from the presidential race and the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.

A key Democratic constituency, Black voters were among Biden's most steadfast supporters, even as calls for him to quit grew. But as much pride as many Black Americans feel about the possibility of Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent, becoming president, the upending of the race has some voters feeling scared.

I felt like we were doomed, said Brianna Smith, a 24-year-old school counselor from Decatur, Georgia, recounting her reaction to Bidens announcement. I dont see America actually accepting the fact that a Black woman is running for president.

The apprehension of some Black voters was reminiscent of 2008, when Barack Obama sought the presidency alongside Biden, the vice presidential candidate. Millions of Black people were proud of Obamas candidacy even as they feared he wouldnt be accepted by Americans overall.

Cyria Adams, a 37-year-old hairstylist from Smyrna, Georgia, called Biden's decision heartbreaking. As speculation spread last week that the president might withdraw, she prayed it was just a rumor.

I'm nervous. I'm really nervous, Adams said.

Bidens support of Harris and the immediate coalescing of other party leaders around her makes her the prohibitive favorite to replace him at the top of the presidential ticket. But in interviews in Atlanta, where voters helped flip Georgia for Democrats four years ago, some Black voters were nervous.

People really dont like women, especially Black women, said Mary Jameson, 46. If a white woman cant win, how can a Black woman win?

Carrington Jackson, a 23-year-old chiropractic student from Marietta, Georgia, said she immediately felt fearful when Biden dropped out. Though she believes Harris is a great candidate, she worries about her facing not only the popularity of the GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump, but the prejudices of the American public.

With me being a Black woman, I understand that shes at the intersection of sexism and racism, Jackson said. I think now thats going to be a whole other battle, as well as competing against Donald Trumps supporters.

An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll fielded prior to Bidens announcement Sunday found about 6 in 10 Democrats believe Harris would do well as president. More broadly, among all adults, the poll showed skepticism of Harris, with only 3 in 10 Americans saying she would do well as president.

But Black people were more likely to see Harris in a positive light.

In a show of enthusiasm about the vice president, more than 40,000 Black women participated in a Zoom meeting Sunday organized by a group called #WinWithBlackWomen. The call was held just hours after Bidens announcement and participants raised more than $1.5 million for the Harris campaign.

Many Democrats followed Bidens lead in expressing their support for Harris. The Congressional Black Caucus said it fully backs the vice president.

And some Black voters, dismayed by what they saw as Bidens dwindling chance of winning in November, said they would support whoever could best compete with Trump.

If they can express the policy of the Democratic Party better than Biden, then I will gladly take that person, said Pierre Varlet, 30, an anti-money laundering specialist in Atlanta.

The AP-NORC polling shows Black people generally view Trump negatively. But while about 7 in 10 Black adults have an unfavorable view of Trump, his numbers have improved notably since early 2021.

Trump's campaign has sought to win over more Black voters and members of other minorities.

Anaya Bridges, a 22-year-old student at Georgia State University, said she believed some people have been swayed by Republican outreach to communities of color, and she is concerned about voter turnout.

The timing is terrible, she said of Biden's announcement.

Jon Diggs, a 40-year-old Atlanta therapist who has generally voted Democratic in past elections, said he was shocked by Biden's decision. Both parties, Diggs said, have work to do.

I dont think that either party has done a good job for the middle class and particularly the middle-class African American person, he said.

Johnny Bester, a 37-year-old from Atlanta who was riding a scooter alongside Diggs in Piedmont Park, said he was not loyal to any brand of politics. He said Biden should have dropped out long ago and that he wasn't a fan of the president's endorsement of Harris.

A lot of us forgot that she was even in the office, because she hasnt been too vocal. She hasnt been too visible, Bester said.
ZAGREB, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and several others wounded in a shooting in the Home for the Elderly in Daruvar in eastern Croatia on Monday and the killer has been arrested, according to the police.

The killer broke into the Home for the Elderly at around 10:10 local time on Monday and started shooting. Five people were killed on the spot, and the wounded have been rushed to a local hospital, the police said.

The killer, a retired military policeman who is believed to be a family member of one of the killed, ran away after the shooting, but was soon arrested by the police in a cafe in Daruvar, the police added. 
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Japan and the Philippines at the end of this week as tensions have reached a high point in the Indo-Pacific region amid clashes between Filipino sailors and Chinese crews.

Austin will make his 11th visit to the Indo-Pacific region since becoming defense secretary when he departs on Friday for Japan, where he and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with their Japanese counterparts.

In Tokyo, Austin will also meet with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and South Korean Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik in the first meeting between the three since founding a historic trilateral alliance last year.

That meeting will come amid a rise in tensions between North Korea and South Korea, who have both recently abandoned a 2018 pact to demilitarize the border between them. Pyongyang has begun sending trash balloons over the border and Seoul has broadcast messages to North Koreans with loudspeakers, while North Koreas missile rocket tests and spy satellite launches have increasingly worried South Korea.

After Tokyo, Austin and Blinken will travel to the Philippines and meet with their counterparts in Manila and then return to Annapolis, Md., to meet with Australian officials on Aug. 6.

The upcoming meetings underscore the U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific as Washington increasingly looks to counter China in the region and ensure the territorial sovereignty of Taiwan, an island nation Beijing considers part of the mainland.

The trip also comes after Chinese ships have rammed and sprayed Filipino sailors with water cannons over repeated clashes at the disputed reef Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines has sought to resupply its presence at a beached ship.

The fighting reached a high point last month when Chinese sailors attacked a Filipino crew with machetes and seized weapons and equipment. At least one Filipino sailor lost his thumb in the confrontation.

China and the Philippines announced a deal on Sunday that may avert further escalation in the region, according to The Associated Press. Its not clear what the exact terms of the deal are, as the text has not been released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Bentonvilles Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is asking for donations of all blood types, according to a news release.

The blood center says its supply is depleting rapidly, with less than a one-day supply available for patients in need. CBCO has partnered with local hospitals and is asking eligible donors to give as soon as possible at the donor center or to participate in their blood drives.

CBCO is currently facing extreme shortages of blood, with reserves at critically low levels. As the sole provider of blood to area hospitals, this shortage has a significant local impact, Michelle Teter with CBCO said. We have not experienced a blood shortage like this in over two years,

Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and may have not given blood in the past 56 days, the release said.

Bentonville Planning Commission approves large-scale development for 84 townhomes

Eligible participants can donate at one of four CBCO donor centers located in Bentonville, Springdale, Joplin or Springfield. There are also opportunities to give at mobile blood drives across the Ozarks.

Washington Regional, like other hospitals in Northwest Arkansas, relies on the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks as our primary blood supplier, Washington Regional Chief Operating Officer Birch Wright said. CBCO is the sole source of blood, platelets and plasma for as many as 45 healthcare facilities in the area, proving essential to keeping our community flowing.

To avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged by the CBCO. To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or schedule on its website.

It does matter where you donate and the only way to maintain a healthy blood supply for local patients is to donate with CBCO, Teter said. If you are eligible, we urge you to donate. If you have never donated before, now is the perfect time to start.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Bluffton woman arrested for fraud after taking over $12K in food stamps, officials say

A Bluffton woman has been arrested for allegedly receiving over thousands in food stamp money she was not eligible for, according to the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Marcia Marie Kidd, 45, was charged Monday morning with fraudulent acquisition or use of food stamps, receiving a felony count due to the alleged fraud exceeding $10,000. DSS agents accused her of wrongfully receiving $12,571 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between February 2019 and December 2021.

Kidds arrest warrant says she knowingly failed to report her husbands income on six certification forms over two-and-a-half years in order to qualify for the program. SNAP eligibility is determined using a households annual combined income: A family of two must earn below $26,572 per year to qualify, according to the federal governments benefits website.

The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office, according to a Monday press release from the DSS. Under South Carolina law, the felony fraud offense is punishable by up to $5,000 in fines, 10 years in prison and a year of disqualification from future SNAP benefits.

DSS personnel noticed the suspected fraud during an observation in February 2022, according to spokesperson Danielle Jones, although Kidds arrest warrant would not be obtained until June 4 of this year. Kidd is the first person to be accused of food stamp fraud in Beaufort County since June 2021.

Kidd was released Tuesday afternoon from the Beaufort County jail on a personal recognizance bond, judicial records show.

A September 2023 study estimated that food stamp fraud accounts for $25 billion of SNAPs annual $127 billion budget, with about a fifth of cases involving agents being unable to verify the composition of a household.

Reports of program fraud can be made to the DSS Office of Inspector General at dss.sc.gov/about/fraud or by calling 1-800-694-8518.

When we publish mugshots

The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances:

In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested

In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety

In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims

Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WGNO)  The man accused of housing older adults inside of a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse during Hurricane Ida has pleaded no contest to criminal charges related to the 2021 incident.

On Aug. 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida landed and hit Louisiana as a category four storm.

Bob Dean, who owned several nursing home facilities across the state, evacuated more than 840 residents to a warehouse that was reportedly not equipped to properly care for the residents.

Environmental Protection Agency grants $49M toward New Orleans greenhouse gas reduction projects

The conditions led to a decline in health for a number of older adult residents and even death for some. Families of the residents said they were unaware of the location of their family members and the conditions in which they were living.

The Louisiana Department of Health intervened and removed residents from the location where sanitation was not maintained and there was not sufficient food.

In total, 15 nursing home residents died while at the warehouse.

Dean was ultimately stripped of his nursing home facilities and arrested by the Louisiana Attorney Generals office.

A class action lawsuit filed against Dean in 2022 reached a settlement of $12.5 million to be paid to the families impacted by his actions. The amount was to be split between hundreds of patients.

Attorneys for the families all believed that the amount was not enough, and that Dean should have paid out of pocket for the damage caused and not from his insurers.

Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed by Louisiana DNC Delegation for presidential nomination

On Jan. 12, 2023, it was reported by the United States Department of Justice that Dean had misappropriated one million dollars in federal money intended to make the warehouse a suitable shelter.

Rather than using the funds to prepare the warehouse for a hurricane. Dean funneled much of that money to his personal bank accounts, the DOJ reported in 2023.

On Monday, July 22, the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court reported Dean pled no contest to the following charges:

Eight counts of cruelty to the infirmed

Five counts of felony Medical Fraud

Two counts of Felony Obstruction of Justice

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill released a statement on the hearing.

Our prosecutors urged that Mr. Dean be held accountable for his conduct, which led to the deaths of numerous elderly individuals. We asked specifically that he be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years in prison, and not be given only probation. I respect our judicial system, and that the judge has the ultimate discretion over the appropriate sentence, but I remain of the opinion that Dean should be serving prison time.  Attorney General Liz Murrill Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill

As a result of the case, Dean is set to serve a total of three years on probation.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Body-worn camera footage shared by the Illinois State Police on Monday showed a deputy shooting a Black woman in her home after she had previously called 911 to report an intruder.

The harrowing video, released on Monday afternoon, shows former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson, 30, and another deputy knocking on the door of 36-year-old Sonya Massey after she called police to report a prowler, in the early morning hours of July 6.

In the video, Massey allows Grayson and another deputy, whose name authorities havent revealed, to enter her Springfield home. The two deputies can be seen asking Massey for her name and identification. At one point in the video, Grayson appears to point his finger toward Masseys kitchen, where a pot of boiling water is sitting on the stove. Massey then moves to grab the pot off the stove, as one of the deputies can be heard saying, We dont need a fire while were here.

Massey then says, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to which Grayson says, You better f-cking not, I swear to God. Ill f-cking shoot you right in your f-cking face.

Massey immediately apologizes, and Grayson pulls out his gun and points it at her, telling her to drop the f-cking pot. Massey crouches down, and Grayson then fires three shots, one of which hit Massey, authorities had previously said.

The other deputy can be heard saying in the footage that he was going to get a medical kit from his vehicle. But in the video, Grayson tells him not to because Massey was shot in the head. Grayson did not have his body-cam on until after the shooting while the other deputys body-cam recorded the entire encounter.

The other deputy can be seen rendering aid to Massey until an ambulance arrived. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said in a Facebook post on July 8 that preliminary findings of an autopsy reveal that Massey died from a gunshot wound.

The footage was released just days after Grayson was arraigned in Sangamon County Court on three counts of first-degree murder, as well as one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and another of official misconduct, according to court records. Grayson pleaded not guilty to all charges.

(You can view the body camera footage here, though note the video contains graphic footage that viewers may find upsetting.)

Masseys family has hired renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who said at Massey's funeral on Friday that the footage would show a crime comparable to the lynching of Chicago teenager Emmett Till in Mississippi, the murder of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer, and the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

Read More: Milwaukee Police Refers Four Felony Murder Charges Over Death of DVontaye Mitchell

Illinois State Police investigated the shooting, and Grayson was later terminated from the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office, the office announced Wednesday. The office also apologized to Masseys family and friends, calling the shooting a tragic incident.

It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards, the Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office or law enforcement as a whole.

Masseys funeral was held on Friday at Ruby Funeral Services and Chapel in Springfield.

Today is about peace, today is about my big sister. Its not about that man thats gonna rot in jail, its about my big sister, Masseys younger sister, Breeanna Toles, said at the service.

Masseys family watched the body cam footage for the first time on Wednesday. Masseys death has gained national attention and sparked protests in Springfield. On Wednesday, about 200 people gathered at the Springfield NAACP building to express solidarity with Massey and her family.

Crump held a press conference on Monday afternoon after the footage was released. Standing with Masseys family, Crump called the video shocking and disturbing.

Where is the humanity? Crump said of Graysons actions.

Crump lambasted Grayson for (trying) to justify his actions in the video. Grayson can be heard in the video saying after the shooting that Massey came at me with boiling water. Crump said that Grayson can be seen walking around the corner before firing his gun.

If youre in fear for your life, you dont walk towards the person, Crump said. He couldve did any number of things. He couldve created distance, he couldve used a taser, he couldve called for backup.

A few of Masseys family members spoke at the press conference, including her father, James Wilburn. He said the Sheriffs Office was an embarrassment, and called on politicians to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Acta police reform bill that would address racial profiling and use of force.

The only time Im gonna see my baby again is when I leave this world, Wilburn said. I dont ever want anybody else in the United States to join this league.

Wilburn said he learned that Grayson had previously been convicted of driving while under the influence. A county spokesperson told The Illinois Times that the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office was aware that Grayson had two misdemeanor DUI convictions in Macoupin County related to incidents in 2015 and 2016. A former Springfield police chief also told The Times that misdemeanor DUI convictions dont automatically disqualify a person from being hired as a police officer in the state.

At another press conference Tuesday afternoon, Wilburn called on Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign, criticizing the way the department has handled the incident.

Crump said Tuesday that he has been informed that the U.S. Department of Justice is opening an investigation into Masseys death.

President Joe Biden released a statement Monday, saying that he was heartbroken for Masseys family and that her family deserves justice.

Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today, the President said. When we call for help, all of us as Americansregardless of who we are or where we liveshould be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonyas death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Grayson was remanded to the custody of the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office while awaiting trial, according to court records. His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
5:45 p.m. Update:

WCIA reviewed the video. The following is a summary of the body camera footage.

Springfield woman Sonya Massey told deputies she loved them. Three minutes later, one of them shot her.

Crump speaks out on body cam footage showing Sonya Massey shooting

Body camera footage released Monday shows the police response to Sonya Masseys home after she called 911, thinking there was an intruder, that escalated to her clinging to life on her kitchen floor after being shot in the face.

The footage starts with the deputies, Sean Grayson and another whose name has not been released, searching her property for a prowler, but they didnt find anything. They ended up talking to her after in front of her door.

Grayson asks for Masseys ID to help with paperwork. The deputy then notices a pot of boiling water on her stove, which Massey goes to move.

Thats when things take a turn.

Grayson pulls his gun, threatening to shoot Massey in the face. He later said thought Massey was going to throw the pot of boiling water. The woman put her hands up and got to the ground.

Three shots were fired. One hit the mother of two in the face.

Her final words were, Im sorry.

Sonya Massey should be alive today: President Biden speaks out on death of Springfield woman killed by deputy

The other deputy said he will get his medical kit from their vehicle, but Grayson tells him not to.

Grayson was recorded on camera telling others what he said happened several times.

What else can we do? Im not taking a pot of boiling water to the face, he said.

Grayson also says several disparaging comments about Massey while she was on the floor bleeding, telling an officer that f****** b**** was crazy.

I think she set it up on purpose, he added. I had no choice.

The Sangamon County States Attorney disagreed, and did not find his use of force justified. Grayson has been charged with three counts of first degree murder, as well as aggravated battery with a firearm and one charge of official misconduct. He has been detained pre-trial.

2:30 p.m. Update:

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  State Police have released the body camera footage from both of the deputies that responded to Sonya Masseys residence when she was shot and killed on July 6. The full video can be found here on YouTube.

The body camera video is graphic and viewer discretion is advised. Masseys body after being shot has been censored at the request of her family.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The body camera footage from the shooting of Sonya Massey, where the Springfield woman was shot and killed by a Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy earlier this month, is set to be released Monday afternoon.

Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser announced the date the body camera footage will be released when he charged Sean Grayson with three counts of first degree murder Wednesday. On Wednesday, the Sangamon County Sheriff also announced he had fired Grayson from the force after being charged.

Pritzker, Sangamon Co. officials speak out on deputys shooting charges

The body camera footage was originally scheduled to be released at 10 a.m. Officials announced over the weekend that the release of the footage will be delayed to 2 p.m. at the request of the family.

Massey called 911 on the night of July 6 for reports of a prowler. Prosecutors said in court that while Grayson and another deputy were responding to the call at Masseys residence, Grayson asked Massey to move a pot of hot water on her stove to prevent an accidental fire. When she did, Grayson drew his weapon on her, threatening to shoot her unless she put the pot down.

Community rallies for Sonya Massey; family meets with Sangamon Co. authorities

According to court documents, Grayson only turned on his body camera after he shot Massey. The other deputy present had their body camera footage activated the entire time.

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump is expected to speak to the media in Springfield after the body camera footage is released. Ben Crump is also representing the family of Earl Moore Jr., a Springfield man killed in late 2022. Two EMS workers were charged with murder in the case.

Massey family calls for total justice at daughters funeral

The Springfield community is also gathering for a rally led by the group Intricate Minds. The group is meeting outside of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 3 p.m. before a march to Comer Cox Park.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Just months into his new job, Kentuckys juvenile justice commissioner, Randy White, is learning the depths of problems at his troubled state agency.

A Herald-Leader review of public records from the first four months of 2024 reveals contraband smuggling in a juvenile detention center that led to the felony arrests of three officers, as well as several officers body slamming teenagers in state custody while sometimes using inaccurate and misleading language to report what they just did.

The records, obtained from internal investigators, also show continued improper use of pepper spray on youths who dont follow orders and a social service worker who was fired after having a very inappropriate relationship with a teen boy who received tutoring sessions in her private office.

Gov. Andy Beshear appointed White in March to replace Vicki Reed, who resigned after two years of controversy and calls for her ouster from state legislators because of assaults, riots, escapes and other problems at the states eight juvenile detention centers. where more than 200 teens are in state custody as of last month.

Juvenile Justice Commissioner Randy White

The problems prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to announce in May that it has opened a civil-rights investigation of the state Department of Juvenile Justice to learn if youths in state custody are being abused or neglected.

Overall, the Herald-Leader identified 18 serious acts of misconduct involving 15 employees at the Department of Juvenile Justice that internal investigators substantiated during the first four months of this year. It obtained 259 pages of investigative reports from the department through the Kentucky Open Records Act.

Of those cases, six employees were fired, six were suspended, one resigned and two received a written reprimand, said Morgan Hall, spokeswoman for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

White declined to be interviewed for this story.

H-L investigation: Smuggling at KY juvenile jail yields felony charges against officers

How KYs open records law reveals abuses inside states juvenile detention centers

Before his recent appointment by Beshear, White spent 27 years with the Kentucky Department of Corrections, where he served as deputy commissioner of adult institutions and as warden of Kentucky State Penitentiary and Green River Correctional Complex.

In a prepared statement to the Herald-Leader, White said hes aware of the problems the newspaper identified and he takes them seriously.

Confirmed incidents in our facilities involving contraband, sexual misconduct, violations of policies and procedures and excessive use of force will not be tolerated, and corrective action has and will be taken, White said.

Body slammed or assisted to the ground?

Investigators for the Justice Cabinet said three juvenile justice employees inappropriately picked up youths and threw them to the ground during separate cases early this year, according to security video and interviews with staff and youths.

Officers at the juvenile detention centers are trained to use Aikido, a martial art involving nonviolent locks and holds, when they restrain youths.

However, at the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Newport, Correctional Officer Jerrell Jordan followed a teen boy out of the facilitys cafeteria on Jan. 9, leaving it unguarded. He then started a fight with him in the hallway after the pair had an argument about a mess that someone left on the salad bar, investigators said.

The Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Newport

Jordan moved around a colleague in the hallway who tried to intervene, and he body-slammed the boy, telling investigators later that he was hot and bothered and should have walked away.

Jordan was fired the next day, personnel records show.

In two other body-slamming cases, officers inaccurately described their actions in their incident reports to make them sound less violent than they actually were, raising concerns among investigators.

Security video at the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Lexington showed Correctional Capt. Jeremy Baker lifting and slamming a teen-aged boy to the floor on Feb. 20 and then falling on him after the boy tried to pull away from his grasp.

The boy said he coughed up blood afterward.

A teacher told investigators he wiped up bloody slobber from the hallway floor where the boy landed during the body-slam.

However, Baker said in his report that he escorted the boy to the floor, investigators wrote.

Baker was suspended for 30 days, said Hall, spokeswoman for the Justice Cabinet.

Likewise, at the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bowling Green, Correctional Lt. John Washer wrote in his report he assisted a teen boy to the floor on Feb. 18. But video showed Washer lifting the boy off his feet and slamming him onto the floor to gain control over him, hurting the boys knees, investigators said.

Washer stated the word assisted on the incident report is the verb he was instructed to use to describe any bring-down, investigators wrote. He stated on a previous incident report that he used the word slammed, and he was advised not to use aggressive words on his incident reports.

Washer was given a three-day suspension with an intent to dismiss on July 1, Hall said.

Inaccurately reporting body slams and other acts of violence has been a recurring problem at the Department of Juvenile Justice in recent years.

In 2021, youth worker Jezreel Bell, who also worked at the Warren County facility, told the Herald-Leader he was instructed by his superiors to omit incriminating facts from his incident reports and to use passive language.

The Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bowling Green, Ky., photographed Sept. 6, 2021.

The way I was trained to write reports, they never wanted you to use direct words like hit or struck, or push or shove, Bell told the Herald-Leader at the time. You never pushed somebody down. You assisted them to the floor.

They want you to make it sound as buttery as possible. They want you to make it sound like you used all the right Aikido moves, all the training moves. But truthfully, all the training that they teach you doesnt do crap, he said.

In his prepared statement, White said he wants to make changes in how incident reports are written.

I am not satisfied with the current structure for completing incident reports and changes will be made, White said.

White said he has asked the departments training director to revise the curriculum on incident report writing for new hires and staff who receive annual training. The department also will install a new system for employees to use when submitting incident reports, he said.

All these items are in the development stages but are a priority for me and the training director, White said.

When to use pepper spray

Investigators also criticized two incidents involving pepper spray, a painful, burning chemical that sometimes is misused by juvenile justice officers, making it one of the specific focuses of the federal civil-rights investigation.

According to department policy, pepper spray should be used by specially trained staff only to prevent loss of life, injuries, significant property damage or a riot.

But on Jan. 13 at the Warren County facility, a correctional lieutenant pepper sprayed a teen boy to keep him from exiting his isolation cell after she opened the door, investigators said. The officer was reprimanded and informed July 1 of the departments intent to dismiss her, Hall said.

A youth service program supervisor at the same facility pepper sprayed a teen boy in his eyes Feb. 15 when he resisted an escort back to his cell by a half-dozen colleagues. She explained that she believes its appropriate to pepper spray youths if they dont follow directions during a show of force, investigators said.

The supervisor was suspended for three days.

In a different type of misconduct incident, at the Fayette County juvenile detention center, a correctional officer was suspended for three days after she argued with and cursed at a teen boy Feb. 9 and then left several other youths unsecured in the unit, allowing them to assault the boy, investigators said.

The Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center on Spurr Road in Lexington.

Other staff members rushed to restrain the attackers. The officer said she did not assist her colleagues because of shock, mainly.

And at the Adair Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Columbia, a social service worker was fired after investigators concluded she had what the facility superintendent described as a very inappropriate relationship with a teen boy at the facility in March and April of this year.

Interviews and a review of security video and love letters the boy gave the social worker showed that although they did not have sex, physical and emotional boundaries were crossed while the two spent time together in the social workers private office for study sessions, investigators wrote.

The social worker should have immediately reported the boys sexually forward behavior  for example, tickling her foot and grabbing her breast  rather than appear to encourage him, facility officials told investigators.

Years of failure: What led to a federal investigation of KYs juvenile justice agency

Federal officials: We may be investigating KYs juvenile lockups for a year or more
Companies are being urged to sack underperforming staff and extend probation periods ahead of Labours sweeping overhaul of workers rights.

Lawyers are advising their clients to take action in anticipation of the Governments incoming Employment Bill, which is expected to include awarding workers full rights from day one.

Labours proposals have raised concerns about a wave of unfair dismissal claims, as staff will no longer have to wait two years until they have to submit lawsuits.

This has led to lawyers urging bosses to review how they dismiss underperforming staff.

Nicholas Le Riche, an employment lawyer at BDB Pitmans, said: Were definitely flagging the upcoming changes with clients and highlighting that now is the time to consider their workforce structures for the rest of the year.

One City solicitor said he has told companies to think about sacking workers sooner rather than later if they are approaching two years in the job.

Already, this has sparked an increase in quick-fire redundancies, says Charlie Thompson, a lawyer at Stewarts.

James Davies, an employment lawyer for Lewis Silkin, added that some companies are also considering beefing up their probationary periods.

He said: The advice we are giving at present includes looking at contracts for new hires to make sure they have properly drafted probationary periods.

Many employers have historically managed them poorly as there was little legal significance to an employee failing a probationary period and an employer deciding a little later that it wasnt working out.

Caspar Glyn, chairman of the Employment Lawyers Association, added that businesses will want to set up and implement more rigorous systems to ensure that new staff who dont measure up can be fairly dismissed within their probationary period.

However, day-one workers rights are not the only area making managers nervous, as the Government prepares for the biggest overhaul of employee rights in a generation.

This includes making flexible working the default for all staff members, which has led to some City bosses seeking ways in which they can work around the proposed policy.

Andrew Taggart, head of employment at Herbert Smith Freehills, said the hope is that ministers consult with businesses early before enacting their legislation.

He said: Businesses need to think about what changes might be needed.

Were advising that clients get ready to contribute meaningfully to the consultation because the devil is in the detail.

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Vice President Kamala Harriss presidential campaign has wasted no time courting young voters, quickly posting memes about Venn diagrams, brat summer and viral Harris quotes to appeal to Gen-Zs sense of humor.

Hours after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, Kamala HQ social media accounts emerged across multiple platforms and made their presence known.

On X, Harriss team posted a Venn diagram to illustrate the similarities between her and Bidens campaigns  a nod to a viral running joke about Harriss vocal love for the diagram style.

Meanwhile, on TikTok, the Harris campaign posted a screenshot from popular artist Charli XCX endorsing the vice president and made their own version of Charli XCXs lime-green album cover.

The artists recently released album, brat, has been on the Billboard 200 chart for five weeks, with its popularity inspiring memes from fans declaring this season brat summer or creating their own versions of the neon-green album cover.

Even the Kamala HQ banner on X is now a version of the brat album cover.

kamala IS brat  Charli (@charli_xcx) July 22, 2024

Potential voters are already using the brat version of Harriss campaign logo to show their support. A group of supporters were photographed over the weekend donning neon green T-shirts with kamala printed on them.

On social media, one fans edit of Harris, featuring a song by Charli XCX, went viral with more than 3.5 million views. An edit is a video compilation, usually made by a super-fan, that features images and videos of a celebrity of popular figure.

why did I stay up till 3am making a von dutch brat coconut tree edit featuring kamala harris and why cant I stop watching it on repeat pic.twitter.com/hqcmerD1Pb  ryan (@ryanlong03) July 3, 2024

BRAT Kamala shirts already on Fire Island. The gays move SO FAST pic.twitter.com/Zq3e9yctzv  Michael Del Moro (@MikeDelMoro) July 21, 2024

While it may seem silly, securing the votes of younger people  which helped Biden get elected in 2020  will be critical to her campaign.

Though young voters lean more left than right, recent polling from The New York Times and Sienna College showed that voters between 18 and 29 years old were far less enthusiastic about voting for Biden this year than they were in 2020.

Approximately 40 percent of poll respondents said they believed Biden was too old to be an effective president.

But Harris has the opportunity to reset the image of the Democratic Party, just three months before the general election, and part of that will include reaching young voters and instilling renewed confidence.

One of the better ways to reach that audience is by leaning into ridiculous internet humor  and there is no shortage of that with Gen Z.

Over the last few weeks, as rumors that Biden was dropping out circulated, young people got to work hyping up Harris by sharing emojis, memes and phrases associated with coconut trees, which have become synonymous with Harris thanks to one of her viral quotes. .

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you, she said in a May 2023 speech, as she explained how a new initiative, aimed at young Hispanic Americans, would also impact the community as a whole.

Born to fall out of a coconut tree, forced to live in the context  Daniel (@growing_daniel) July 2, 2024

Since then, Operation coconut tree has become a rallying cry for Harris supporters who are eager to see her take on Trump in the 20204 presidential race. Fans have also seized on her quote everything in context from that same 2023 speech.

Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is embracing it all: Their current social media tagline is providing context.
BAGHDAD, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has inaugurated a new power line that will bring electricity from Turkiye to the country's northern provinces as authorities seek to alleviate the country's chronic power outages.

Speaking via a video statement, al-Sudani emphasized the significance of connecting with the Turkish grid, describing it as a strategic energy option for the future, according to a statement from his media office.

"This will enable Iraq to integrate into the regional energy system, allowing diversification and exchange under different peak load conditions," the statement added.

The 115-kilometer line will facilitate the transmission of 300 megawatts from Turkiye to the Iraqi provinces of Nineveh, Saladin, and Kirkuk during peak loads.

Iraq has faced a chronic power shortage since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 as decades of war have pulverized the country's infrastructure. 
Brazil's Lula hopes US elects best candidate, be it Trump or Democrat

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday he hopes the American people will elect the best candidate in November, whether Donald Trump or a Democrat, and that relations between Brazil and the United States remain "civilized."

"Whether it's a Democratic candidate or Trump, our relationship will be a civilized relationship between two important countries that have a centuries-old diplomatic relationship that we want to maintain," he told international news agencies. "We have important strategic partnerships with the United States," he added.

Lula said President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw his re-election bid was a "personal decision" and that he has the "utmost respect" for the U.S. president.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Editing by Brad Haynes)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva takes a sip of coffee as he gives a press conference at his official residence Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, July 22, 2024. Lula called for the press conference to speak about foreign policy, key elections around the world, his challenges in office, and environmental issues. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro should respect the results of the elections scheduled for Sunday, and said he was frightened by Maduro's reference to a possible post-election bloodbath.

The veteran leader will send a top diplomat to neighboring Venezuela as an observer of the vote.

Maduro knows that the only chance for Venezuela to return to normality is to have an electoral process that is respected by everyone, Lula told reporters at the presidential residence in Brasilia. He has to respect the democratic process.

Maduro has governed Venezuela since 2013, taking over after the death of predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez. The 61-year-old has won elections that his adversaries deemed not to be free and fair. His 2018 reelection was widely considered a sham, as major opposition parties and candidates were banned from participating.

His main adversary will be Edmundo Gonzalez, a former diplomat chosen by the opposition coalition to replace the fiery leader Maria Corina Machado on the ballot.

If Maduro wants to contribute for growth to return to Venezuela, for people who left Venezuela to come back and to establish a state of economic growth, he needs to respect the democratic process," Lula said.

Lula, who for many years refused to openly criticize the Venezuelan leader, said he will send former foreign minister Celso Amorim to watch the elections on Sunday. Other Brazilian observers will also be present.

I got frightened with Maduro's statement saying there will be a bloodbath if he loses. When you lose, you go home and get ready to run in another election, Lula said.

In recent weeks, Maduro and allies have increased their references to post-election violence, asserting that the opposition will carry out violent demonstrations and reject the results, which the ruling party claims will show it victorious.

The destiny of Venezuela depends on our victory, Maduro told a rally this month. If we want to avoid a bloodbath, or a fratricidal civil war triggered by the fascists, then we must guarantee the biggest electoral victory ever.

Lula also said he tried to speak to Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega on behalf of Pope Francis about the leftist leader's decision to eject more than a dozen Roman Catholic clergymen from the Central American nation. But Ortega has not picked up the phone, the Brazilian president said.

Nicaragua has become a problem for Nicaragua, said Lula, adding he is open to talk to other leaders, including Argentina's President Javier Milei.

But he needs to apologize first, the Brazilian leader added. Milei has criticized Lula and avoided speaking to him since he took office.

The 78-year-old Brazilian leader, who is governing the South American nation for the third time, also said he deeply respects U.S. President Joe Biden for his decision to step down as the Democratic candidate for this year's elections. He said he will work with whoever wins.

Whether its a Democratic candidate or (Republican candidate, Donald) Trump, our relationship will be a civilized relationship between two important countries, Lula said.

___

AP writer Regina Garcia Cano contributed to this report from Caracas.

___

Follow AP coverage of global elections at https://apnews.com/hub/global-elections/
Many, if not most, high-ranking Republicans think Donald Trump is unfit to be president.

Many, if not most, high-ranking Democrats have concluded President Biden is incapable of winning reelection or performing the duties of the presidency through 2028.

The difference is, Democrats just did something about it.

The Democratic Party started applying pressure on Biden to step aside within minutes of him leaving the debate stage, where he laid bare the full extent of his apparent age-related decline. Biden on June 27 demonstrated, at the very least, he was ill-suited to the most basic rigors of a presidential campaign.

Democrats gently, and then more firmly, made it untenable for Biden to ignore the reality everyone else saw.

Nonetheless, Biden's exit Sunday was not a foregone conclusion. Biden made clear he wanted to stay in the race. Democrats forced him out.

Briggs: I don't want to age like Joe Biden

That is how functional organizations work. When someone at the top makes selfish, detrimental choices, other leaders rise to prevent that person from dragging the entire organization down a path of self-destruction.

Republicans have spent the better part of eight years teetering at a similar precipice, from "Access Hollywood" to Jan. 6, 2021, and repeatedly making the opposite choice.

That's why it's risible for Republicans like U.S. Rep. Jim Banks to imply Democrats are up to something nefarious now.

"The party of 'democracy' is invalidating the vote of millions of Americans! Very shameful," Banks wrote Sunday.

Banks in his quieter moments likely knows a thing or two about shame. He is someone who viewed, and perhaps still views, Trump as unbefitting of the presidency. Banks publicly expressed displeasure over Trump, as did many other Republicans, including the newly minted vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance.

US Representative (R-IN) Jim Banks speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 16, 2024. Days after he survived an assassination attempt Donald Trump won formal nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and picked right-wing loyalist J.D. Vance for running mate, kicking off a triumphalist party convention in the wake of last weekend's failed assassination attempt.

In the end, Democrats acted responsibly

Republicans in 2016 contemplated taking drastic action to remove Trump from the party's nomination after the "Access Hollywood" video surfaced showing Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women. Eventually, then-vice presidential nominee Mike Pence excused Trump's words as "locker room talk" and Republicans made peace with their consciences.

Banks did, too. But he continued to express misgivings that seemed to come from a true place of personal integrity.

Trump is extremely flawed, Banks told National Review in 2016. Im sad that weve set the bar as low as we have when so much is at stake.

Banks later wrestled with how to be an independent-minded Republican in Congress during the Trump era before suppressing that pesky integrity.

The bar remains exactly where Banks said it was in 2016, if not lower. Trump, in addition to his own bouts of rambling, nonsensical speech, is 78 years old with a long record of sexual misconduct, tax avoidance and fraud and, of course, an attempt to overturn an election.

Biden's defiance has been painful to watch. But, ultimately, the president accepted the truth that his campaign was unsustainable. He deserves credit for that.

Meanwhile, Trump has not yet admitted he lost the 2020 election.

Republicans have had opportunities to break Trump's reality distortion field, yet have repeatedly opted to let the former president operate in his parallel universe.

Another Indiana congressman, Rep. Rudy Yakym, said Sunday that "no one helped orchestrate the conspiracy to hide Joe Bidens cognitive decline from the public more than Kamala Harris," who presumably will take Biden's place atop the presidential ticket.

I'm skeptical of the conspiracy storyline, in large part because it was the Biden campaign's idea to debate Trump in June  a tactic the campaign apparently thought would put to rest concerns about the president's age. That obviously didn't work.

It seems likely that at least some people close to Biden sought to shield the extent of the president's struggles from the public. What matters more, though, is that as soon as Biden's decline became obvious, Democrats waged an insurmountable campaign to push the president aside.

Now, the Biden problem is resolved and Democrats are moving on. See how that can work?

One of America's two major political parties just showed it is capable of acting responsibly. The other is heading into November with the oldest presidential candidate in U.S. history.

Contact James Briggs at 317-444-4732 or james.briggs@indystar.com. Follow him on X and Threads at @JamesEBriggs.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Democrats did to Biden what Jim Banks won't do to Trump
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  Bristol police, firefighters and other first responders will take part in training exercises at Tennessee Middle School during the last full week of July.

According to a news release, the Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD), Bristol Tennessee Fire Department and other agencies in the area will be using the middle school as a training site.

WCSO: Man arrested after elderly woman found living in deplorable conditions

The BTPD stated that people in the area will likely see a large number of emergency vehicles and personnel near Tennessee Middle while training takes place. Community members are advised not to worry as agencies take part in the exercises.

Training exercises will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 25. Training will also take place from 2-10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact BTPD Captain Justin Bush at 423-989-5268.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) - The British Army has carried out its first test of Raytheon's anti-drone laser weapon from a military vehicle, the company said on Monday, in the latest sign that drone warfare is a growing priority for Western armed forces.

The high-energy laser, which is designed to wipe out aerial drones, was fired aboard a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle in Porton Down, a military facility in southern England, Raytheon's parent company, RTX Corp. said in a statement. The company did not say when the test took place.

The war in Ukraine has been characterised by the deployment of drones on an unprecedented scale, with thousands of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used to track enemy forces, guide artillery and bomb targets.

This transformation in battlefield tactics has increased global demand for both drone and anti-drone equipment, defence companies say.

"The increasing prevalence, proliferation and evolution of drone warfare makes the rapid adoption of counter-UAS technologies ever more important," RTX said.

The United States army has already deployed Raytheon's high-energy laser, which has logged more than 40,000 testing hours and downed more than 400 targets, the company said.

(Reporting by Joe Brock and Joanna Plucinska, Editing by William Maclean)
The F-35 is the West's most advanced stealth fighter - Peter Brauns/Alamy Stock Photo

The US is to buy British-made decoy devices to protect Navy F-35 stealth jets from incoming missiles, in a boost to the UKs defence industry.

Around 1,000 to 2,000 of the BriteCloud devices, which are produced in Luton by Leonardo UK, will be purchased per year to begin with.

The expendable decoys, which are the size of a drinks can, are ejected from the back of an aircraft to draw away incoming missiles by mimicking the signals of the original target.

They are fired out of the aircrafts flare dispenser in the same way as chaff or flares.

BriteCloud is also used by the Royal Air Forces Typhoon fighter jets and has been cleared for use with the F-16 fighter jet in the US previously.

According to the public notice published by the Pentagon, the US now wants to buy BriteCloud devices from Leonardo UK for use with the F-35, the Wests most advanced stealth fighter.

It added that Leonardo was the only contractor who possesses the manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity and platform qualifications to complete all requirements.

The notice said: The Naval Air Systems Command intends to negotiate and award a contract ... to Leonardo, United Kingdom.

Iain Bancroft, senior vice president electronic warfare at Leonardo, said BriteCloud protects an aircraft and its pilot from any incoming missiles using advanced jamming and signals technology.

Speaking to The Telegraph at the Royal International Air Tattoo, he added: This is absolutely cutting edge, nobody else in the world has this capability.

It is in operational use with the UK and we have been doing testing in the US with the Air National Guard since 2018.

BriteCloud is an expendable, programmable, active decoy with no integration costs.

It effectively jams signals and spoofs an incoming missile, so it will not know where the aircraft is.

The device was designed and developed in Luton and we now have a large manufacturing facility there as well.

The F-35 'fifth-generation' jet is the most expensive weapons system in military history - SA Duncan Bevan/USAF, SWNS

Around 1,000 people are employed at Leonardos factory in Luton.

The F-35 fifth-generation jet is the most expensive weapons system in military history.

The US Department of Defense estimated that each F-35B, the vertical take-off and landing variant used by the Royal Navy, had a 2015 cost of $251m (194m).

Made by Lockheed Martin, they are capable of sneaking through enemy air defences to carry out bombing missions, as well as conducting air-to-air missions and intelligence gathering.

Britain has committed to bringing 48 F-35s into service by 2025, at a cost of 9.1bn. It has placed an order for 138 overall.

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BENSONHURST, Brooklyn (PIX11)  A man accused of killing four family members, including two children, in a bloody rampage stuffed the two kids in garbage bags and hid them in the closet, prosecutors said on Monday.

Shahboz Rajabboev, 24, claimed he was high on mushrooms when he allegedly killed his mother, sister-in-law, 5-year-old niece, and 4-year-old nephew in the apartment on West Eighth Street near Avenue P in Brooklyn at around 9 p.m. Friday, according to court records.

Rajabboev was arrested at the scene and allegedly told police he was high on mushrooms during the attacks, officials said. He was arraigned Sunday on four counts of murder.

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A relative saw Rajabboev leaving the home with blood on his face before finding his family members dead in different parts of the house, authorities said.

Fayzieva Mavlyuda, 56, was found on the floor with multiple stab wounds to the neck and body, and Maftuna Khakimova, 27, was wrapped in a blanket in a garbage bag, according to the complaint.

Rajabboev allegedly strangled Khakimova and her two children, Timur Shavkatov, 4, and Kamila Shavkatova, 5, prosecutors said. The kids were found stuffed in garbage bags in a closet, according to court records.

None of the victims were breathing when authorities arrived at the scene.

Neighbors said the family was from Uzbekistan and had lived in the building for years. One of the distraught neighbors, Jennifer Ponti, was still reeling after seeing officers remove body bags from the apartment.

Its sad. Its horrible. Babies shouldnt die no matter what, Ponti told PIX11 News on Saturday.

The suspect pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is being held without bail. His attorney could not immediately be reached Monday.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Broome County political party leaders weighed in Sunday after President Joe Biden's announcement that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

The departure comes after weeks of scrutiny surrounding Biden's mental fitness and mounting pressure from lawmakers calling for him to end his bid for reelection. Biden also posted his announcement to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

More: Read President Joe Biden's full statement as he drops out of 2024 presidential race

In a statement Sunday, Broome County Democratic Committee Chair Karen Beebe applauded Biden for having "dedicated decades in service to this country," and said the committee would "always be grateful" for his work.

His decision is as selfless as always, putting country above all," Beebe said.

Local Democrats believe the news brings "an opportunity to engage and energize" voters.

"Democrats in Broome County and across the country are prepared to fight for democratic values and Democratic leadership," Beebe said.

Broome County Republican Committee Chair Benji Federman called Biden's departure from the race a last-minute "bait and switch."

New York Democrat leaders said for months that Joe Biden was fit to campaign and serve," Federman said. "We now know Democrats were deceiving us for their political benefit."

Despite the race shakeup, he said, local voters will not be swayed by Biden's departure.

"While national Democrats undergo a divisive nomination process, local Republicans are united and ready to lead.

Biden said Sunday he would speak to the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Biden's drop from presidential race assessed by Broome party leaders
A highly contested proposal for a 150,000-square-foot warehouse in Buckingham is expected to go before the township supervisors Wednesday.

Preliminary land development plans, submitted by developer J.G. Petrucci Company, of Asbury, New Jersey, outline the redevelopment of the DiGirolamo Tract for a warehouse with 30 truck bays, two parking areas, an access drive for trucks at Stony Lane and another driveway for employees off Progress Meadow Drive.

Latest on Buckingham warehouse plan: Buckingham denies warehouse on DiGirolamo tract. What developer plans next

Buckingham Township building on Hughesian Drive.

Having cleared the township planning commission in May  by a 5-1 vote recommending the proposal with an extensive set of conditions  the land development plan will appear for the first time in front of the supervisors at the July 24 meeting.

Candlewyck sold to new owners: The Candlewyck is under new ownership. What it means for this longtime Buckingham tavern

Buckingham warehouse plan widely criticized by residents

Raising concerns over traffic, safety, and environmental issues, the proposal has been met with fierce criticism from neighboring residents who banded together to form a group called, Stop the Warehouse, which currently has more than 1,600 members in its private Facebook group.

Our group is grass roots and entirely made up of our neighbors. There are no special interests in our group other than keeping Buckingham safe, said group organizer Mike Bateman.

Our sole goal with the supervisors at this meeting is showing them very clearly that the proposed project was submitted under an incorrect zoning designation and that the actual use of this building does not meet Buckinghams own zoning ordinances. By allowing something as egregious as this project to skirt zoning regulations but holding us neighbors accountable for something as small as a misplaced fence or adding a deck is antithetical. We must hold large developers to the same strict standards that they hold individual homeowners to and no one should get special treatment.

Jennifer Potthoff, a Buckingham resident and member of the Stop the Buckingham Warehouse coalition, distributes t-shirts before the start of a Buckingham Township planning commission meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Where does Buckingham rank in wealth: What are the wealthiest towns in Bucks County? Check out our list

Greg Rogerson with J.G. Petrucci, said in May his team intends to comply with zoning requirements and address concerns throughout the process.

A number of the issues they brought up will be addressed by the board of supervisors and others will be addressed by outside agencies  including the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bucks County Conservation District  and we will comply with whatever requirements are presented by the municipality and all outside agencies having jurisdiction over this project.

How to attend the Buckingham board of supervisors meeting

The board of supervisors are scheduled to review the warehouse plan at its next meeting, which is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at the Buckingham Township at 4613 Hughesian Drive.

But getting into the meeting itself could be an issue for some.

As criticism of the proposed warehouse continues to gain momentum, meeting attendance has quickly grown to the point that, in May, people were turned away at the door as the room hit maximum capacity.

With chairs, the occupancy limit is 257 people, according to the township.

Jeff Glauber, a Buckingham resident, presents his concerns to the Buckingham Township planning commission, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, about a proposal to build a 150,000-square foot warehouse on the DiGirolamo Tract off Cold Spring Creamery Road.

Anticipating a large turnout, Stop the Warehouse organizers are setting up a number of accommodations, including refreshments, overflow parking at Brown Bros. auction house, shuttle service and broadcasting a livestream of the meeting on the front lawn of the township building.

Additionally, township supervisors recently announced plans to stream the meeting via Zoom. Log-in instructions will be posted on the township website closer to the meeting date, and a recording will be available online the day after the meeting.

In a response to an email from this news organization asking if those watching through Zoom will be provided a chance to participate during the public comment period, a township official said people wanting to speak at the meeting should attend in person.

State officials ask Buckingham supervisors to deny warehouse plan

In June, state Senator Steve Santarsiero and state Rep. Tim Brennan, whose districts each include Buckingham, sent a letter expressing their concerns about the proposal.

The letter urges the supervisors to deny the application,citing health, safety, property values, and overall quality of life.

The proposed plans discuss traffic of up to 90 trucks per day traveling along Stony Lane, Landisville Road, and Old Easton Road. These roads are woefully inadequate to accommodate this level of traffic both in terms of volume of traffic and vehicle size. The negative impact on the residents in the vicinity will be significant, including noise pollution, air pollution, stormwater management issues, and risk to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists that use the roads on a daily basis, the letter reads.

The letter then goes on to reiterate concerns expressed by residents that the application is inconsistent with the uses permitted in the proposed location.

The plans describe a truck terminal rather than a warehouse, and according to the zoning a truck terminal must be located within an industrial park, more than 1000 feet from any existing well, and access must be from an arterial highway. The property on Stony Lane meets none of these requirements.

Former Plumsteadville firefighter dies: Plumsteadville Fire Co., community mourn sudden death of ex-volunteer firefighter Joe Kay

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Buckingham warehouse plan to come before township supervisors July 24
JAKARTA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has broadened its mineral and coal online tracking system, Simbara, to encompass nickel and tin commodities.

"Building on the success of Simbara for coal commodities, today we begin expanding it to include nickel and tin," said Isa Rachmatarwata, director general of budget at the Ministry of Finance, on Monday.

Launched in 2022, this system has contributed up to 7.1 trillion rupiah (around 437 million U.S. dollars) in state revenues through the prevention of illegal mining, risk profiling, and an automatic blocking system.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati highlighted that Indonesia's mineral commodities hold a vital position in the world's geopolitical constellation.

"Therefore, if we can organize it better, we will achieve maximum impact for the prosperity of the people," she said.

Indonesia hosts 21 million tons or 24 percent of the world's nickel reserves. The Southeast Asian nation also holds up to 800,000 tons or 23 percent of global tin reserves, ranking second worldwide.

In 2023, the archipelagic nation produced 1.8 million metric tons of nickel, accounting for 50 percent of global production.

Similarly, in the same year, Indonesia mined 78,000 tons of tin, comprising 22 percent of global production and ranking second worldwide. 
New charges have been filed against a Bucyrus man, including reckless homicide, in connection with the death of 28-year-old Guilianno Yamani.

Zachery Cole, 27, pleaded not guilty to one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, in April and has now pleaded not guilty to a new charge of tampering with evidence as well as one count of reckless homicide, both third-degree felonies, during his arraignment Thursday.

Yamani was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound March 15 at 10:49 p.m. when officers were called to 817 S. Highland Ave. for a reported shooting.

Gavel

According to a report from the Bucyrus Police Department, the Outlaw Bikers use the Highland Avenue location as a clubhouse and Yamani was a member of the Outlaws.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was called in to assist in processing the crime scene for evidence.

Coles original bond of $150,000 was continued in his new case.

He is being represented by Mansfield attorney James J. Mayer III.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus man facing reckless homicide charge for March shooting
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, answers questions from journalists before the start of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Philip Dulian/dpa

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell announced on Monday a boycott of next month's informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Budapest.

"We have to send a signal, even if its a symbolic signal," he said in a press conference after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

In a post on X, Borrell said "EU Member States overwhelmingly criticized Hungarys lack of sincere and loyal cooperation" during the foreign ministers meeting.

The informal meeting, called a Gymnich, will take place in Brussels instead. It remains unclear what specific consequences the decision may have.

The boycott was taken in response to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's self-proclaimed "peace mission" to Moscow to end the Ukraine war after Hungary took over the EU's rotating presidency in July.

Top EU officials and fellow leaders have distanced themselves from Orban's travel, stressing that the Hungarian leader had no EU mandate, amidst fury at his flurry of diplomacy that included visits to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The "ego trips of the last few days" have caused great irritation, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said before the meeting, referring to Orban's meetings.

Baerbock highlighted that the potential boycott was for Borrell to decide as he organizes gatherings of EU foreign ministers but did not say if she supported the idea.

A number of EU foreign ministers were cautious about the proposal to boycott the meeting with Luxembourg, Spain and Slovenia voicing early disapproval.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel criticized the plan and said that EU foreign ministers would end up in a game of "cat and mouse" with Budapest, searching for reasons not to attend.

"That's why I'd rather we go there and tell each other honestly: to our faces, without mobile phones, without employees, what we think of each other," he said.

An EU diplomat said the decision to move the meeting was a good move, as there was "no guarantee" that the Gymnich in Budapest would not be manipulated by Hungarian-government controlled media.

An alternative proposal emerged on Monday to hold the informal meeting in Ukraine.

However this was opposed by Hungary, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said, "in a minority of one, unfortunately."
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was sentenced to over 20 years in prison Monday in connection with a 2023 shooting that left one man dead and another injured, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

Just before 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 5, 30-year-old Jerry Simpson shot and killed 37-year-old Jermaine Underwood with an illegal gun on the 900 block of Kensington Avenue. The second victim, a 31-year-old man, sustained injuries to his legs. He was treated and later released from ECMC.

Simpson originally pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter on May 16, 2024. He was sentenced Friday to 23 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Bulgaria may send surplus ammunition to Ukraine, minister says

Sofia is open to transfer surplus and unnecessary shells to Ukraine, Bulgarian acting Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported on July 22.

Bulgaria has provided Ukraine with a variety of aid since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but pro-Russian sentiment has remained strong in the country.

An inspection showed that the Bulgarian army has extra ammunition and equipment, Zapryanov said.

Part of this property, some ammunition of certain types, can be provided to Ukraine. This package will also be linked to an agreement with an ally country on compensation, similar to the previous package we sent, the general said.

The decision on military aid to Ukraine is yet to be approved by the Bulgarian government and then coordinated with the country's partners and Kyiv.

Initially a hesitant partner, Bulgaria has become increasingly supportive of Kyiv as the war has progressed. In December 2023, the country's parliament has greenlighted the provision of armored vehicles and Soviet-era air defense missiles to Ukraine.

Soon after, Kyiv received a first batch of armored personnel carriers.

Read also: Bulgaria has yet to send Ukraine pledged armored vehicles

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Bulgaria may transfer its surplus of ammunition and other military equipment to Ukraine if these supplies are compensated by allied countries.

Source: Acting Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, as reported by European Pravda citing Bulgarian news agency BNR

Details: Zapryanov said that the analysis of the Bulgarian Defence Ministry revealed what is surplus and unnecessary for the Bulgarian army.

"Part of these supplies  part of ammunition of certain types  can be provided to Ukraine. This package will also be linked to an agreement with an ally country on compensation, similar to the previous package we sent," he added.

Zapryanov noted that the Bulgarian government still has to make a decision on military assistance for Ukraine, then coordinate it with its allies and Kyiv, and provide logistics.

As of now, two packages of Bulgarian military assistance to Ukraine are publicly known, approved in late 2022 and June 2023. In addition, Bulgaria has unofficially supplied Kyiv with more than a billion dollars worth of ammunition and weapons.

Recently, Bulgaria was reported to be considering providing Ukraine with 80 million worth of military assistance, if the parliament agrees.

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(Bloomberg) -- Bulgarias political stalemate deepened further Monday, bringing the country closer to a seventh general election in less than four years, as an attempt to form a coalition with an anti-corruption agenda failed.

An alliance led by former premiers Kiril Petkov and Nikolai Denkov ended their efforts to form a cabinet, saying they lack sufficient backing in parliament for their anti-graft agenda. An earlier bid by a long-time Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to return to power after victory in June elections also failed.

Unfortunately, it turned out impossible to conduct anti-corruption reforms in this parliament, Denkov told President Rumen Radev.

Bulgaria is facing the prospect of another snap election as early as October if the third and final attempt to appoint a government fails, which is looking increasingly likely. Repeated elections have hindered Bulgarias efforts to join the euro area, tackle widespread graft and gain full access to European Union aid.

Deep political and social divisions and years of corruption scandals have kept the Black Sea nation without a stable majority since 2021, when months-long protests ended the dominance of Borissov and his Gerb party.

Efforts to end the stalemate have been complicated by the growing influence of Delyan Peevski, a lawmaker and former media mogul sanctioned by the US for corruption. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing as he appeals the US sanctions.

Peevskis party has played the kingmaker in parliament since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, but plagued by conflicts, it doomed Borissovs bid to form the government this time around.

A new election is unlikely to change the situation with turnout already at record lows. Meanwhile, the turmoil has boosted support for populist and pro-Russian parties in the country, which is one of the EUs major suppliers of Soviet-style ammunition still needed by the Ukrainian army less than 200 miles away.

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How Butlers local newspaper worked through the traumatic Trump rally shooting: We have some healing to do

BUTLER, Pa.  When gunshots echoed at the Trump rally where she was working, Butler Eagle reporter Irina Bucur dropped to the ground just like everyone else. She was terrified.

She hardly froze, though.

Bucur tried to text her assignment editor, through spotty cell service, to tell him what was going on. She took mental notes of what the people in front and behind her were saying. She used her phone to take video of the scene. All before she felt safe standing up again.

When the worlds biggest story came to the small western Pennsylvania hamlet of Butler a week ago, it didnt just draw media from everywhere else.

The front cover of the Butler Eagle newspaper holding up a special edition of the paper published after former President Donald Trump was shot at a rally in Butler on July 13, 2024. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Journalists at the Eagle, the communitys resource since 1870 and one that struggles to survive just like thousands of local newspapers across the country, had to make sense of chaos in their backyard  and the global scrutiny that followed.

Photographer Morgan Phillips, who stood on a riser in the middle of a field with Trumps audience that Saturday evening, kept on her feet and kept working, documenting history.

After Secret Service officers hustled the former president into a waiting car, the people around her turned to shout vitriol at the journalists.

A few days later, Phillips eyes welled with tears recounting the day.

I just felt really hated, said Phillips, who like Bucur is 25. And I never expected that.

Morgan Phillips, staff photographer with the Butler Eagle, was working at the rally during the shooting. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Mobilizing in the most harrowing of situations

Im very proud of my newsroom, said Donna Sybert, the Eagles managing editor.

Having put a coverage plan in place, she had escaped for a fishing trip nearby with her family.

A colleague, Jamie Kelly, called to tell her something had gone terribly wrong and Sybert rushed back to the newsroom, helping to update the Eagles website until 2 a.m. Sunday.

Bucurs assignment had been to talk to community members attending the rally, along with those who set up a lemonade stand on the hot day and people who parked cars.

Donna Sybert, the Butler Eagles managing editor, said she is proud of how her paper covered the assassination attempt. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Shed done her reporting and settled in to text updates of what Trump was saying for the website.

The shooting changed everything. Bucur tried to interview as many people as she could. Slightly dazed after authorities cleared the grounds, she forgot where she had parked. That gave her more time for reporting.

Going into reporter mode allowed me to distract myself from the situation a little bit, Bucur said. Once I got up, I wasnt thinking at all. I was just thinking I needed to interview people and get the story out because I was on deadline.

She and colleagues Steve Ferris and Paula Grubbs were asked to collect their reporting and impressions for a story in the Eagles special, eight-page wraparound printed edition on Monday.

The first few gunshots rang out like fireworks, they wrote. But when they continued, people in the crowd at the Butler Farm Show venue dropped to the ground: a mother and father told their children to crouch down. A young man hunched over in the grass. Behind him, a woman started to pray.

Butler Eagle reporter Irina Bucur started interviewing people immediately after the shooting. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The special edition clearly resonated in Butler and beyond. Extra copies are being offered for sale for $5 in the Eagles lobby. Thats already a bargain. On eBay, Sybert said, shes seen them going for up to $125.

A small newspaper struggling to endure

Beyond its status as a local newspaper, the Eagle is an endangered species.

It has resisted ownership by a large chain, which have often stripped news outlets bare. The Eagle has been owned by the same family since 1903; its patriarch, Vernon Wise, is now 95.

Fifth-generation family member Jamie Wise Lanier drove up from Cincinnati this week to congratulate the staff on a job well done, general manager Tammy Schuey said.

The Butler Eagles newsroom is at the same location at its printing press. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Six editions are printed each week, and a digital site has a paywall that was lowered for some of the shooting stories. The Eagles circulation is 18,000, Schuey said, with about 3,000 of that digital.

The United States has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005 as the Internet chews away at once-robust advertising revenue.

An average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week in 2023, according to a study by Northwestern University. The majority were in small communities like Butler.

The Eagle abandoned a newsroom across town in 2019, consolidating space in the building where its printing press is housed. It has diversified, starting a billboard company and taking on extra printing jobs.

It even stores the remnants of a long-shuttered local circus and allows residents to visit.

A copy of the Butler Eagle getting printed on July 18, 2024. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The Eagle has about 30 employees, although its now short two reporters and a photographer.

Cabinets housing old photographs lie among the clutter of desks in the newsroom, with a whiteboard that lists which staff members will be on weekend call.

Its staff is a mix of young people like Bucur and Phillips, who tend to move on to larger institutions, and those who put down roots in Butler.

Sybert has worked at the Eagle since 1982. Schuey was initially hired in 1991 to teach composing room employees how to use Macs.

This is a challenging business, Schuey said. Were not out of the woods yet.

Local understanding makes a huge difference

When a big story comes to town, with the national and international journalists that follow it, local news outlets are still a precious and valued resource.

The Eagle knows the terrain. It knows the local officials.

The Eagle only has 30 employees. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Smart national reporters who parachute into a small community that suddenly makes news know to seek out local journalists. Several have reached out to the Eagle, Schuey said.

Familiarity helps in other ways. Bucur found people at the rally who were suspicious of national reporters but answered questions from her, and the same is true for some authorities. She has tapped her network of Facebook friends for reporting help.

Such foundational trust is common. Many people in small towns have more faith in their community newspapers, said Rick Edmonds, the media business analyst at the Poynter Institute.

Its just nice to support the locals, said Jeff Ruhaak, a trucking company supervisor who paused during a meal at the Monroe Hotel to discuss the Eagles coverage. I think they did a pretty good job covering it for their size.

Tammy Schuey, the Eagles general manager, said the community has to heal after the traumatic shooting. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The Eagle has another advantage as well: It isnt going anywhere when the national reporters leave. The story wont end. Hurt people need to recover and investigations will determine who is responsible for a would-be assassin being able to get a shot at Trump.

In short: responsible journalism as civic leadership in harrowing moments.

Our community went through a traumatic experience, Schuey said. I was there. We have some healing to do, and I think the newspaper is a critical piece in helping guide the community through this.

So, too, must people at the Eagle heal, as Phillips raw emotions attest. Management is trying to give staff members some days off, perhaps with the help of journalists in surrounding communities.

Bucur said she would hate to see Butler turned into a political prop, with the assassination being used as some sort of rallying cry. The divisiveness of national politics had already seeped into local meetings and staff members have felt the tension.

Sybert and Schuey look at each other to try and remember what was the biggest story that Butler Eagle journalists have worked on. Was it a tornado that killed nine back in the 1980s? Some particularly bad traffic accident? Trump paid an uneventful campaign visit in 2020. But theres no question what tops the list now.

Despite the stress of the assassination attempt, covering it has been a personal revelation for the soft-spoken Bucur, who grew up 30 miles (48.2 kilometers) south in Pittsburgh and studied psychology in college. Her plans changed when she took a communications course and loved it.

This, she said, was a moment I told myself that I think Im cut out for journalism.
Calif. Teen Disappears While Riding Bike to Visit Family: I Haven't Slept in Days,' Says Mom

As more time passes, the teen's mom said she's "afraid the public will lose interest, and it will be harder to find her"

Monterey Park Police Dept. Allison Jillian Chao

Authorities in California are looking for a 15-year-old girl who disappeared while riding her bike to visit family nearly a week ago.

"Alison left her residence on July 16, 2024, at approximately 5:32 p.m. in the 200 block of North Ynez Avenue in the City of Monterey Park, Calif," according to a news release from the City of Monterey Park. "Video footage shows Alisons last known whereabouts on July 16 at 6:23 p.m. on the 4400 block of Collis Avenue, Los Angeles, in the El Sereno area."

Alison was riding a blue mountain bike and carrying a black backpack when she left her home in the 200 block of North Ynez Avenue in Monterey Park around 5:30 p.m.

City officials said Alison was en route to a family members residence in the City of San Gabriel, Calif., but apparently never arrived at the residence.

Related: Vanished Teen's Dad Speaks Out After Livestream Solved His Disappearance: He Went Through a Lot' (Exclusive)

I havent slept in days, and its just every parents worst nightmare, Allisons mother, Annie, told CW affiliate KTLA.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The more time that goes on, the scarier it gets, Annie said. Im afraid the public will lose interest, and it will be harder to find her. Theres less evidence.

Chao is described as being 5-foot-2 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes and weighing approximately 96 lbs.

Related: Everything We Know  and All the Unanswered Questions  Surrounding Missing Student Caleb Harris' Death

The teen was last seen wearing a purple T-shirt, black shorts and dark-colored shoes, according to city officials.

Authorities are now working with Chaos family to find the missing teen while canvassing neighborhoods in the area, reviewing surveillance video footage, and interviewing possible witnesses in hopes of finding her.

Officials said there is no threat to public safety in connection with Chaos disappearance.

Anyone with information about the missing teen is asked to contact the MPPD at 626-573-1311. A website dedicated to finding Chao has also been set up.

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San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at a rally in support of Kamala Harris at City Hall on July 22, 2024, a day after President Biden announced that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Biden has endorsed Harris to be the Democratic nominee. (Loren Elliott / Getty Images)





The California delegation, the largest in the Democratic National Committee, unanimously voted to back Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee during a meeting Monday evening.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi put forward the motion to back Harris, according to two people who took part in the online gathering.

Harris "represents a new generation of leadership and has the ability to unite our party and beat Trump in November, state Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said in a statement. The California delegation quickly coalesced behind Vice President Harris for President because shes smart, shes tough and no one is better prepared to prosecute the case against convicted felon, Donald Trump.

Earlier, Hicks had urged the delegation to endorse Harris.

"Now it is time for Democrats to unite around our common calling  defeating Donald Trump, retaking the House of Representatives and preserving our democracy," Hicks said in an online message. "I am asking delegates from our great state of California and home to our Vice President, Kamala Harris, to officially endorse her nomination for President of the United States at the convention in Chicago."

San Francisco Democrats, including Mayor London Breed, hastily organized a Monday morning rally for Harris on the steps of the Beaux-Arts City Hall.

The potential for California to flex its political muscle on the national stage follows a period of waning power for the Golden State.

For years, Californians enjoyed seats in the highest echelons of power  Pelosi (D-San Francisco) became the most powerful woman in congressional history as speaker of the House. Then her Republican successor, Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, wielded the gavel. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of San Francisco became the longest-serving female senator in U.S. history and served on powerful committees.

But in quick succession over the last two years, California's power slipped. Pelosi stepped down in 2022 to offer space for a new generation of Democratic leaders. McCarthy lost his speakership in a historic fallout with his own party, and then resigned from Congress. Feinstein died in September.

If Oakland-born Harris, who served as California's senator and attorney general before she became vice president, secures the Democratic nomination, a Californian would be a major party's presidential candidate for the first time in decades.

Read more: Inside Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff's L.A.

Another Democrat could emerge to vie for the party's nomination at the Chicago convention, but California's bloc of delegates will be crucial in securing it. Already, several California political leaders have quickly called for Democrats to support Harris  including Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Tough. Fearless. Tenacious, Newsom said in a statement on social media. With our democracy at stake, and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President.

Newsom was widely considered as another potential replacement for Biden, though he repeatedly swatted down rumors of harboring his own presidential aspirations. The governor served as a surrogate for the Biden campaign, crisscrossing the country to stump for him  and raise his own national profile.

But as speculation mounted in recent weeks over Biden, Newsom made it clear he would not compete with Harris. Of course, Newsom said recently, when asked whether he stood by comments he made last year about not running against Harris. Yes.

California Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler also threw their support behind Harris.

Read more: Democrats hail Biden as a hero for stepping aside; Republicans want him to resign

"This is a woman who has dedicated her entire career to public service," Butler said in an interview Sunday. "This is a woman who has never  backed down from a fight."

Speaking at a news conference Monday morning, Padilla, who filled the Senate vacancy left by Harris when she became vice president, emphasized her qualifications as someone who has led on issues of climate and fundamental rights.

Pelosi, the Democratic king- and queenmaker and Harris' Bay Area colleague, had reportedly fielded calls in the last several weeks from Democrats who were upset about Bidens disastrous debate performance and fearful about his reelection chances. Though Pelosi has not been as close with Harris as she has been with other Bay Area politicians, on Monday, the former speaker offered her "enthusiastic support" for the vice president to become the Democratic nominee.

"Officially, I have seen Kamala Harriss strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a womans right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service," Pelosi said in a statement Monday. "Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute  and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November."

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) said that he was confident Harris would become the nominee, but that some Democrats are debating the best way for that to happen.

"You've got some national Democratic leaders who are very supportive of Kamala Harris but also feel strongly there should be some sort of process," Huffman said Sunday. By mid-Monday, he was calling Harris' potential nomination "historic, hopeful, and exciting" on social media.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), a close confidant of Pelosis and a veteran California leader in Congress, immediately gave Harris his support. Schiff was the topmost congressional leader to call for Biden to drop out last week.

She has the judgment, experience, leadership, and tenacity to take on and defeat Donald Trump, Schiff said in a statement Sunday. I worked with her when she was our Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President, and I cant wait to work with her as President.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), who backed Harris' presidential bid in 2020 and is on Bidens national campaign committee, said he was "proud to support the vice president."

For California, especially, this is an incredible step forward and an incredible day," he said. "I think the whole state and the party is unifying behind her and I think shell be the nominee within a couple of days.

Although the California political class is lining up behind Harris, the delegates could still be a toss-up. Steve Maviglio, a Democratic political consultant who is an alternate delegate from Sacramento, said the delegates he's spoken to are unified in their desire to defeat Trump in November. The consensus, he said, is to hope for "a seamless hand-off from the Biden campaign to the Harris campaign."

"I dont think theres a lot of appetite for a mini-primary, four more weeks of turmoil," Maviglio said. "We want to get this done, focus!"

Practically, he added, it would be impossible for another candidate to emerge and mount a proper fight against Trump in the next four months. Already, Biden's campaign coffers are being transferred to Harris. As vice president, Harris also is already familiar with key Democratic donors, while potential rivals lack her presence on the national stage.

"Its weird in that people will look back and say, 'Thats historic.' But you actually feel like you're living history right now, and its a very peculiar feeling," Maviglio said. "I just hope this doesnt come back to bite us in our butt."

Times staff writer Noah Bierman contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California Governor Gavin Newsom worked with Vice President Kamala Harris for years in their home state, and now the influential executive is throwing his weight behind her after Sundays shakeup in the Presidential race.

In a post to X, formerly Twitter at 4:34 p.m. Sunday, Newsom endorsed Harris as his choice to lead the country just hours after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the election. Biden endorsed Harris himself shortly after.

Tough. Fearless. Tenacious, Newsom said. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris joins Gov. Gavin Newsom at a rally against the recall at the IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Center on Wednesday in San Leandro. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)

The pair worked tightly beginning about two decades ago. In 2003, they were both elected to prominent positions in San Francisco  Harris as District Attorney and Newsom as Mayor.

They both served in those positions until 2011, when they both took positions at the state level. Newsom then served as Lt. Governor and Harris as Attorney General. Harris was later a Senator during the first two years of Newsoms stint as Governor.

Now, Newsom is offering his endorsement to Harris, who began her campaign for the Presidency on Sunday.

Newsom himself was considered a potential pick for the White House when speculation began that Biden could step down after his disastrous debate performance late last month. The California Governor shot down questions regarding his interest in the job, and now his endorsement of Harris likely puts that speculation to rest.

Newsoms term as Governor expires in early 2027.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
This photo taken on July 21, 2024 shows a scene of the 6th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Sunday opened its sixth mid-year coordination meeting in Accra, the capital of Ghana, calling for the peace and solidarity of the continent.

The meeting on the theme of "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century" brought together the AU, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the AU members, among some others.

In his remarks, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat stressed the role the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) played in promoting integration in the continent.

"The AfCFTA is obliged to become a lever that catalyzes structural reforms which, in turn, will facilitate the creation of wealth, through the improvement of economic governance, the mobilization of financing and human capital," Faki said.

The chairperson further called on African countries to maximize the potential of the AfCFTA to make it an engine of growth and diversification of the economies to increase trade within the continent.

Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who opened the meeting, said some regions in Africa are still being plagued by conflict, instability, and violence that hinder development and pose a threat to broader continental security.

The president therefore called on his African counterparts to work hard to find solutions to a myriad of conflicts on the continent.

The AU introduced its mid-year coordination meeting in 2017 as the principal forum to align the work of the AU and RECs and coordinate the implementation of the continental integration agenda. 

Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivers a speech at the opening of the 6th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, July 21, 2024. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)
Legislation being considered in California would prohibit social media companies from sending children notifications at night and during school hours. (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

California lawmakers are pursuing legislation aimed at protecting children from the dangers of social media, one of many efforts around the country to confront what U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and other public health experts say is a mental health emergency among young people.

But Californias efforts, like those in other states, will probably face the same legal challenges that have thwarted previous legislative attempts to regulate social media. The tech industry has argued successfully that imposing rules regulating how social media operate and how people can use the online services violates the free speech rights of the companies and their customers.

A previous effort at confronting the issue, the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act in 2022, now rests with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. A tech trade association sued to block the law and won an injunction from a lower court, largely on 1st Amendment grounds. The appeals court heard oral arguments in the case on Wednesday.

At the end of the day, unconstitutional law protects zero children, said Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel for NetChoice, which argued for the tech giants before the federal appellate court.

Like the design code act, the two proposals now working their way through the California Legislature would reshape the way social media users under 18 interact with the services.

The first bill, by state Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), prohibits sending push notifications to children at night and during school hours. Skinners measure also requires parental permission before platforms can send social media offerings via algorithms designed to keep people looking at their phones.

The second measure, by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), would prohibit businesses from collecting, using, selling or sharing data on minors without their informed consent  or, for those under 13, without their parents approval.

Both bills have bipartisan support and are backed by state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. We need to act now to protect our children, Bonta said earlier this year, by strengthening data privacy protections for minors and safeguarding youth against social media addiction.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been vocal about youth and social media and recently called for a statewide ban on cellphones in schools. He hasn't publicly taken a position on the social media bills.

Californias efforts are especially significant because its influence as the most populous state often results in standards that are adopted by other states. Also, some of the big tech companies that would be most affected by the laws, including Meta, Apple, Snap and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, are headquartered in the state.

Parents are demanding this. Thats why you see Democrats and Republicans working together, said Wicks, who, with a Republican colleague, co-wrote the design code act that is tied up in litigation. Regulation is coming, and we wont stop until we can keep our kids safe online.

Read more: California lawmakers want to make social media safer for young people. Can they finally succeed?

The fate of the design code act stands as a cautionary tale. Passed without a dissenting vote, the law would set strict limits on data collection from minors and order privacy settings for children to default to their highest levels.

NetChoice, which immediately sued to block the law, has prevailed in similar cases in Ohio, Arkansas and Mississippi. It is challenging legislation in Utah that was rewritten after NetChoice sued over the original version. And NetChoices lawyers argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that efforts in Texas and Florida to regulate social media content were unconstitutional. Those cases were remanded to lower courts for further review.

Though the particulars differ in each state, the bottom line is the same: Each of the laws has been stifled by an injunction, and none has taken effect.

When you look at these sweeping laws like the California laws, theyre ambitious and I applaud them, said Nancy Costello, a clinical law professor at Michigan State University and the director of the schools First Amendment Clinic. But the bigger and broader the law is, the greater chance that there will be a First Amendment violation found by the courts.

The harmful effects of social media on children are well established. An advisory from Surgeon General Murthy last year warned of a profound risk of harm to young people, noting that a study of adolescents 12 to 15 found that those who spent more than three hours a day on social media were at twice the risk of depression and anxiety as nonusers. A Gallup survey in 2023 found that U.S. teenagers spent nearly five hours a day on social media.

In June, Murthy called for warnings on social media platforms like those on tobacco products. Later that month came Newsoms call to severely restrict the use of smartphones during the school day in California. Legislation to codify Newsoms proposal is working its way through the Assembly.

Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologized to those attending a U.S. Senate hearing in January for "the types of things that your families have had to suffer" because of social media harms. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)

Federal legislation has been slow to materialize. A bipartisan bill to limit algorithm-derived feeds and keep children under 13 off social media was introduced in May, but Congress has done little to meaningfully rein in tech platforms  despite Metas chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, apologizing in a U.S. Senate hearing in January for the types of things that your families have had to suffer because of social media harms.

It remains unclear what kinds of regulation the courts will permit. NetChoice has argued that many proposed social media regulations amount to the government dictating how privately owned firms set their editorial rules, in violation of the 1st Amendment. The industry also leans on a federal law that shields tech companies from liability for harmful content produced by a third party.

Were hoping lawmakers will realize that as much as you may want to, you cant end-around the Constitution, said Szabo, the NetChoice attorney. The government is not a substitute for parents.

Skinner tried and failed last year to pass legislation holding tech companies accountable for targeting children with harmful content. This years measure, which was overwhelmingly passed by the state Senate and is pending in the Assembly, would bar tech companies from sending social media notifications to children between midnight and 6 a.m. every day, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days. Senate Bill 976 also calls for platforms to require minors to obtain parental consent to use their core offerings, and would limit their use to an hour to 90 minutes a day by default.

Read more: California lawmakers kill bill aimed at making social media safer for young people

If the private sector is not willing to modify their product in a way that makes it safe for Californians, then we have to require them to, Skinner said, adding that parts of her proposal are standard practice in the European Union.

Social media has already accommodated users in many parts of the world, but not the U.S., she said. They can do it. Theyve chosen not to.

Wicks, meanwhile, said she considers her data bill to be about consumer protection, not speech. Assembly Bill 1949 would close a loophole in the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act to prevent social media platforms from collecting and sharing information on anyone under 18 unless they opt in. The Assembly approved Wicks measure without dissent, sending it to the state Senate for consideration.

Costello suggested that focusing the proposals more narrowly might give them a better chance of surviving court challenges. She is part of an effort coordinated by Harvards T.H. Chan School of Public Health to write model legislation that would require third-party assessments of the risks posed by the algorithms used by social media apps.

It means that were not restricting content, were measuring harms, Costello said. Once the harms are documented, the results would be publicly available and could lead state attorneys general to take legal action. Government agencies adopted a similar approach against tobacco companies in the 1990s, suing for deceptive advertising or business practices.

Szabo said NetChoice has worked with states to enact what he called constitutional and commonsense laws, citing measures in Virginia and Florida that would mandate digital education in school. There is a role for government, Szabo said. (The Florida measure failed.)

But with little momentum on actual regulation at the national level, state legislators continue to try to fill the vacuum. New York recently passed legislation similar to Skinner's, which the state senator said was an encouraging sign.

Will NetChoice race for an injunction in New York? We are having lots of conversations about it, Szabo said.

This article was produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Camden man, found with victim's blood on his sneakers, gets long prison term

CAMDEN  A city man found with his victim's blood on his sneakers has received a 65-year prison term for murder.

Corey Malloy, 45, must serve more than 55 years before parole eligibility, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

A jury convicted Malloy in April of killing Nathaniel Perry, 57, also of Camden.

The September 2019 murder followed a religious dispute between the men, the prosecutor's office said at the time of Perry's arrest.

Second attack was fatal: South Jersey man pleads guilty to murdering his mother

Perry was found around 8:30 a.m. bleeding heavily from his head and in a pool of his own blood, according to the prosecutor's office.

Witnesses identified Malloy as the attacker. They said he punched Perry several times, then stomped on his head after the victim fell.

Malloy stopped the attack only after the witnesses intervened, police said.

Malloy was found later in the area "and his sneakers tested positive for the presence of Perrys blood," the prosecutor's office said.

Perry was hospitalized, but died a few weeks later.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Detectives found blood alleged to be victim's on suspect's sneakers
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH)  State prosecutors are bringing dozens of teenagers into their offices in Rocky Hill.

Not because the students did anything wrong. In fact, they are doing something very right.

Young legal minds head to Camp Justice

They are learning all about the criminal justice system at what the State Division of Criminal Justice calls Camp Justice.

Obviously, there is a focus on prosecution and the prosecution function, but we have judges coming in to talk to the kids, explained Chief States Attorney Patrick J. Griffin. We have defense lawyers; we have some field trips to courthouses.

Top state prosecutors opened their doors to campers for the first time last summer, showing them everything from courthouses to law enforcement demonstrations.

It really made an impression on Oliver K, who came back as a camp counselor this year.

Free criminal justice camp available to Connecticut students

Youve got to see all different parts of the justice system and how they all work together to create a legal system thats fair, and that tried to work for the best of everybody, Oliver said.

Camp Justice runs all this week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation and lunch are included and its all free.

The State Division of Criminal Justice hopes students will learn about the system and maybe someday join it.

I think this is important work across the board, and maybe we light a spark in one or two of these young people that will bear fruit down the line, Griffin said.

Summer camp teaches Hamden students about public safety

With only one year and one day in the books, its a little early to see the results, but it sure opened Olivers eyes.

This camp really showed me the possibilities of a career in the legal field, Oliver said.

If you know a student who is about to start eighth grade and would be interested in attending this camp next summer, email conndcj@ct.gov for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Canadian attempts knife attack on Israel security unit, is shot dead, authorities say

Israeli officials work at the scene of an attempted stabbing attack, in Netiv Haasara

Israeli officials work at the scene of an attempted stabbing attack, in Netiv Haasara

NETIV HAASARA, Israel (Reuters) -A Canadian citizen attempted to attack an armed civilian security unit with a knife in southern Israel near the Gaza border and was shot dead, Israeli authorities said on Monday.

The incident took place at the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, a town where security has been intensified since Hamas-led militants killed around 20 people there during the Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza war.

The Israeli military said the suspect "exited his vehicle and threatened with a knife members of the communitys rapid response team operating in the area".

"The rapid response team responded with fire and neutralised the suspect. No injuries to the security forces were reported," the military said.

A police spokesperson said the attacker was a Canadian citizen.

Reuters television footage showed a dead body, apparently of the suspected attacker, being taken to an ambulance.

(Reporting by Amir Cohen and Ari RabinovitchEditing by Alison Williams, Bernadette Baum, Peter Graff)
TORONTO (Reuters) - Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on Monday they charged two Alberta men with uttering threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian political leaders.

Police said one person allegedly posted threats on May 10 on social media platform X to kill Trudeau and another posted threats on YouTube on June 7 to kill Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh.

A 23-year-old Calgary man was charged with one count of uttering threats and a 67-year-old Edmonton man with three counts of uttering threats. Each is scheduled to appear in court this week.

"In the digital age, where so many interactions occur online and are perceived to be anonymous, there is a belief that virtual actions and words do not have consequences," Inspector Matthew Johnson said in a statement.

"When these virtual actions or words cross the boundaries of Charter-protected speech and constitute criminal activity, police will investigate thoroughly to hold those responsible accountable."

Following the assassination attempt against U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump earlier this month, Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc said Canadian security and law enforcement officials were exercising increased vigilance.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Canadian wildfire smoke is back in Wisconsin, although not as bad as last year.

A post on X from the Green Bay National Weather Service office reported hazy skies as a result of elevated wildfire smoke from Western Canada.

"Patchy dense fog will result in locally hazardous travel in parts of central and north central Wisconsin early this morning. Morning commuters should use caution," the National Weather Service said on its website.

Ben Miller, meteorologist for the Weather Service office in Sullivan, said the smoke is widespread across the Midwest and Great Lakes area.

Miller said the smoke is thousands of feet up in the air. That could cause colorful sunrises and sunsets, and also potentially polluted air.

"The air quality is currently stagnant, but as days progress pollutants increase," Miller said.

Miller said pollutants from the smoke would have to move closer to the surface to become more of a concern.

He predicted the smoke will hang around a while until a strong cold front pushes it out. There is a cold front on its way tomorrow, which will help slightly, but not clear it up entirely.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke returns to Wisconsin
If youre curious about what toxins may be in your tap water, a tool from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group will tell you, but you may not like what you find.

EWGs Tap Water Database breaks down detected contaminants by zip code and how much of each substance was found.

As the Los Angeles Times notes, however, its important to consider that EWGs standards differ from the maximum levels prescribed by federal and state governments.

Keep that in mind when the Tap Water Database tells you, for instance, that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Powers water contains 430 times more arsenic than EWGs guidelines.

Despite alarming figures like that, Jonathan Leung, the LADWPs director of water quality, told the Times that theres no health concern, as levels of arsenic and other contaminants meet federal limits.

Thats where, collectively, all the toxicologists and water quality specialists and scientists have worked together to set national standards, he said. As a water quality utility, thats what we set our sights on. The public should take confidence that the legal limits are protective of public health  and we strive to do better than that.

Scientists seem to be in agreement with Leung. Water researcher Daniel McCurry of the University of Southern California said he drinks water straight from the tap without concern, the Times reports.

If youre still worried about possible carcinogens like nitrate and uranium, however, the EWG has a guide to water filters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
One of the men charged with murder in the Chiefs Super Bowl rally mass shooting is facing a new felony charge of causing catastrophe, the Jackson County Prosecutors Office announced Monday.

A Jackson County grand jury added the charge last week, alleging that Lyndell Mays knowingly caused a catastrophe by releasing a crowd surge or stampede of people that caused serious physical injury to 10 or more people, according to court documents.

Mays, who remains in Jackson County jail on a $1 million bond, is expected to be arraigned Monday on the new charge, according to a news release from the prosecutors office.

In addition to the new charge, the 23-year-old Raytown man has been charged with second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action, in the mass shooting on Feb. 14 outside Union Station. Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old Johnson County mother of two and a beloved party DJ, was killed.

Twenty-two others, nearly half of whom were children under 16 years old, were left with gunshot injuries, and about 60 others reported injuries or went to a hospital in connection with the stampede that followed.

Two other adults, 19-year-old Dominic M. Miller of Kansas City and 21-year-old Terry J. Young of Kansas City, both face identical charges of second-degree felony murder and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as two counts of armed criminal action.

Police have said that an argument between two groups set off the shooting at the end of the large celebration. Prosecutors alleged that Mays drew and fired first. Gunfire from Millers firearm struck and killed Lopez-Galvan, according to court documents. Young can be seen in surveillance video drawing a gun, and he appears to shoot several times, a detective wrote in court documents.

Under Missouri law, a person who did not pull the trigger can still be charged when someone is killed during the commission of a dangerous felony.

Jury trials have been scheduled for next March for Young and September 2025 for Mays. A trial date has yet to be set for Miller.

Three teens have also been charged in the shooting. The Jackson County Family Court administrative judge ruled last month that one of the teens, a 16-year-old who was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting arrest, will not face prosecution as an adult.

A certification hearing for another juvenile, a 15-year-old charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of armed criminal action, was scheduled for Thursday. The proceedings will allow a judge to determine whether the youth should be prosecuted as an adult.

The third teen was detained on gun-related charges that do not rise to the level of being tried as an adult.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The family of Tessie Prevost-Williams will host a series of ceremonies and events to celebrate the life of the civil rights pioneer.

At the age of 6, Prevost-Williams walked alongside Gail Etienne and Leona Tate as they were Americas Little Soldier Girls who integrated New Orleans Lower 9th Ward school, McDonough 19 on Nov. 14, 1960.

New Orleans political strategist William Rouselle Jr. dies at 77

That same day, Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School.

Years later, purchased by the Leona Tate Foundation and Alembic Community Development purchased the closed-down school to turn it into the TEP Center in honor of their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.

Tessie Prevost, Leona Tate, Gail Ettiene (WGNO)



(Courtesy/ The New Orleans Agenda)

On July 6, it was reported that Prevost-Williams died from a series of medical complications at the age of 69.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tessie Prevost, a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights. Ms. Prevost was among the first African American students to integrate McDonogh 19 Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Facing intense hostility and unimaginable challenges, her courage paved the way for greater educational equality throughout the United States. Her passing is a profound loss, but her contributions will continue to resonate for generations to come. May she rest in Gods perfect peace. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell

Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed by Louisiana DNC Delegation for presidential nomination

Friend and civil rights partner, Etienne remembered life with Prevost-Williams as a youth.

Its an experience that I had with her that I will never ever forget. Im truly going to miss her. When we would all get together and just talk about the things that happened, those were the good times even though we would talk about things that werent good, but just the fact that we were together. Gail Etienne

Other Louisiana officials expressed their condolences

Shell be sorely missed, but the fight that she took on and the fight that she continued to take on until her death is one of equality, fairness, and justice, Carter said. Carter says it is a reminder to never take for granted our freedoms. The freedoms we enjoy are not free. they require our involvement, our civic duty they require us to vote and to hold people accountable. Congressman Troy Carter

On behalf of NOLA Public Schools and the Orleans Parish School Board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Tessie Prevosts family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life. May her legacy of courage and commitment to justice forever inspire us to uphold the values of equality and inclusivity in education and beyond. NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams

The series of events commemorating the life and legacy of Prevost-Williams will happen on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. The family provided a schedule of the events.

A Ceremony to Honor One of Americas Little Soldier Girls

The procession in front of Gallier Hall will begin at 11 a.m. The flag-draped casket of civil rights pioneer Tessie Prevost-Williams will be carried by a joint services New Orleans Police Department honor guard, U.S. Federal Marshals and National Park Service Rangers to lie in state at Gallier Hall on July 26 in New Orleans.

Prevost will lie in State for public viewing from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 3 p.m.  Her flag-draped casket will be carried out of Gallier Hall by joint services NOPD honor guard, U.S. Federal Marshals and National Park Service Rangers to be placed in the Charbonnet Labat Hearse.

Funeral services for Tessie Prevost-Williams Saturday, July 27  Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA Branch Bell Baptist Church, 1231 St. Maurice St. Viewing: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Service: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Final Salute at the Tate, Etienne and Prevost Civil Rights Interpretive Center, 5909 St. Claude Ave.

Ceremonial laying of wreath and New Orleans Jazz Funeral March Tate, Etienne and Prevost Civil Rights Interpretive Center Procession & Ceremony 1 p.m. Black Men of Labor will lead the brass band for a special New Orleans Jazz Funeral March. They will be followed by the joint services NOPD honor guard, U.S. Federal Marshals and National Park Service Rangers who will march in front of the Hearse carrying the remains of civil rights pioneer Prevost-Williams. The slow-dirge funeral procession will start behind the school building on Marais Street, turn onto Gordon Street and turn onto St. Claude Avenue, where the public is invited to join them. Mrs. Dorothy Prevost (mother of Tessie Prevost-Williams) will be joined by civil rights pioneers Etienne and Tate in laying a wreath in memory of Prevost-Williams in front of the Tate, Etienne and Prevost Civil Rights Interpretive Center.

Second Line and Final Farewell Celebration March 1:30 p.m. Immediately following, the Black Men of Labor and Grand Marshal will lead a special second line down St. Claude Avenue from Alabo Street to St. Claude Avenue and Reynes Street. The second line will disburse and the hearse followed by the vehicles carrying the family will cross St. Claude Avenue Bridge

Interment Rising Star Pilgrims Rest Cemetery 1103 Cardinal in LaPlace, LA.

Repast TEP Center 5909 St. Claude Ave. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.



The family has invited the public to join them in the celebration of her life and bidding their final farewell to the civil rights pioneer in front of the TEP Center.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Some Central Florida students already heading back to school

Some Central Florida students are already heading back to school.

While most kids dont return for another three weeks, hundreds of students at Challenger 7 Elementary School are getting an early start.

And they will stay in school as a part of a year-round schooling pilot program.

Read: Back to school: See when school starts back up in your county

There will be classes every month throughout the year.

There will also be early release Fridays sprinkled in to give kids time off.

Read: Florida to open back-to-school sales tax holiday

The decision to implement the program was approved unanimously by the state legislature last year.

I have a child who struggles with summer slide, so I have heard great things from teachers who have done it in the past, said parent Hannah Brenan.

Read: Scores are in for end-of-year state testing: Heres how Central Florida compares

Right now, this is just a pilot program to see how the school will handle and adapt to the change.

So far, there are no plans to expand this across Brevard County.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Press Release

July 22, 2024 CHIZ SHELVES CHARTER CHANGE, PRIORITIZES PRACTICAL LEGISLATION IN FINAL CONGRESS SESSION Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero announced Monday that pending bills on Charter change (Cha-cha) will be set aside in the final regular session of the 19th Congress to give way to more important measures that genuinely enhance the lives of Filipinos. In his speech at the resumption of Senate session, Escudero underscored the need to focus on legislation that directly benefits the public and avoid measures that cause unnecessary division and political discord. "In this final regular session of the 19th Congress, following Quezon's advice, we will set aside items which merely dissipate our energy and divide the public," Escudero said, referring to the late President Manuel L. Quezon, who served as the country's first Senate President more than a century ago. He confirmed that Cha-cha proposals would be placed on the back burner and follow the standard legislative process, if considered at all. "In its stead, bills which can effect the same result-- but without the needless political noise and bickering -- will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures which the people truly need," he added. Escudero said that senators will focus on the common legislative agenda forged with the executive branch and the House of Representatives, pointing out that "legislation is not a one-way process." "We are not mere processors of proposals, but also proponents of them. And the Senate is best, as we know it, when it incubates brave ideas and initiates bold legislation," he explained. To ensure legislative effectiveness, Escudero introduced a three-way test for prioritizing bills: "Will it make the lives of our people easier? Will it help us move faster? Will it make our people's burdens lighter?" "This applies as well in deciding whether we need to legislate in the first place," he said. "For the Senate does not only propose new laws, it also disposes with needless or obsolete ones." CHIZ: CHA-CHA ISASANTABI, MAHAHALAGANG BATAS PARA SA PILIPINO UUNAHIN Inihayag ni Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero nitong Lunes na isasantabi ng Senado ang mga panukalang may kaugnayan sa Charter change (Cha-cha) sa huling regular session ng 19th Congress upang bigyang daan ang mas mahahalagang batas na tunay na magpapabuti sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Sa kanyang talumpati sa pagpapatuloy ng sesyon ng Senado, sinabi ni Escudero na kailangan nilang tumutok sa mga panukalang batas na maghahatid ng direktang benepisyo sa publiko at iwasan ang mga mungkahing nagdudulot ng pagkakawatak-watak at alitan sa pulitika. "In this final regular session of the 19th Congress, following Quezon's advice, we will set aside items which merely dissipate our energy and divide the public," pahayag ni Escudero na tumutukoy sa yumaong Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon, ang nagsilbing kauna-unahang Senate President ng bansa mahigit isang siglo na ang nakalipas. Kinumpirma ng pinuno ng Senado na hindi bibigyan ng agarang atensiyon ang Cha-cha proposals at susundin ang karaniwang proseso ng lehislatura, kung isasaalang-alang man ito. "In its stead, bills which can effect the same result--but without the needless political noise and bickering--will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures which the people truly need," dagdag pa niya. Ayon kay Escudero, pagtutuunan ng pansin ng mga senador ang mga common legislative agenda na binuo kasama ang executive branch at House of Representatives, sabay sabing ang "legislation is not a one-way process." "We are not mere processors of proposals, but also proponents of them. And the Senate is best when it incubates brave ideas and initiates bold legislation," paliwanag niya. Para matiyak na epektibo ang lehislatura, ipinakilala ni Escudero ang tinawag nyang "three-way test" para sa pagbibigay-priyoridad sa mga panukala: "Will it make the lives of our people easier? Will it help us move faster? Will it make our people's burdens lighter?" "This applies as well in deciding whether we need to legislate in the first place," saad pa ni Escudero. "For the Senate does not only propose new laws, it also disposes of needless or obsolete ones."
ISTANBUL, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Two climbers, including a woman, who had gone missing on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkiye were found dead near the summit on Monday, local media reported.

According to Demiroren News Agency, a group of climbers from various cities across Turkiye successfully ascended the 5,137-meter summit of Mount Ararat, located in the Dogubeyazit district of Agri province on Saturday.

During the descent, the group became stranded at a high altitude near the summit due to fog and a snowstorm, while the two climbers, Dilek Gokbulak and Muhammed Halim Dalgin, went missing, the agency said.

Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, National Medical Rescue teams and gendarmerie units launched unmanned aerial vehicle-supported search and rescue operations in the region.

The climbers' bodies were discovered frozen on the northern route known as the "glacier plateau" at an altitude of 4,800 meters, Demiroren said.

Efforts to recover the bodies have been initiated by rescue teams, it added. 
The Centre County Democratic Committee is backing Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign after President Joe Biden announced Sunday that hes leaving the race.

Officials across the country have issued statements about Bidens decision to drop out, including former President Barack Obama and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Many Democrats have hailed the decision as a courageous one that puts the United States first.

In a statement issued Sunday night, Centre County Democratic Committee Chair Margie Swoboda applauded Bidens decades of public service, calling him the man who led us back from the brink after four chaotic years under Donald Trump.

(Dropping out) was a selfless decision, and millions of Americans who love Joe Biden  myself included  are both heartbroken and grateful for his leadership, Swoboda wrote in the release. Joe Biden put love of country above all else.

She called Biden one of the most accomplished and consequential presidents in United States history.

Against staggering odds, he passed historic legislation that improved the lives of millions of Americans and guided an economic recovery that is the envy of the world, Swoboda wrote. We have benefited enormously from his wisdom earned through a lifetime of service and the example of his resilience and empathy forged in personal tragedy.

Breaking News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story:

 With Biden out of presidential race, Kamala Harris emerges as front-runner with his endorsement

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to Joe Biden dropping out. Heres what he said

 Why some say Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make a great VP candidate

 With Biden out, what could be next for NC Gov. Roy Cooper?

Bidens Sunday decision follows weeks of speculation and calls from within his own party to exit from the race. A June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump raised questions about the presidents age, health and electability.

The day after that debate, Swoboda told the Centre Daily Times that voters should look at the work Biden has done in the past three and a half years of his presidency, not the 90 minutes of a debate.

After announcing his decision Sunday to drop out of the race, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee for president in 2024. Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, and others have followed in supporting Harris.

The Centre County Democratic Committee is also endorsing the vice president, said Swoboda, who is also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

When the Democratic Party convenes in Chicago on August 19, we will be UNITED to honor President Bidens sacrifice and legacy! Thank you, President Joe Biden, for leading us out of the darkness, for standing in the breach against Trumps big lie, for all that you have done  and will continue to do  at this critical moment in the life of our nation, she wrote in the statement.

Ezra Nanes, State College Boroughs mayor and a Pennsylvania delegate, also announced his endorsement of Harris on X, formerly Twitter, Sunday afternoon. On Monday, the Pennsylvania delegation to the Democratic National Convention unanimously voted to endorse Harris candidacy.

While some Republicans were swift Sunday to criticize Harris as the potential nominee, U.S. Rep. Glenn GT Thompson, R-Howard, did not address her in a written statement.

I was surprised to learn that President Biden has ended his campaign, pushed out under the pressure of Democratic Party elites, alongside vulnerable House Members and Senators, who saw risk to their own political futures by being tied to an executive who is clearly not up to the task, Thompson said.

Harris has vowed to earn and win the nomination, and would face former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.

Understanding the News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Find out more about what's happening beyond the headlines with these stories:

 Joe Biden is out. How do Democrats pick a new presidential nominee?

 Biden makes history, but 2 other sitting presidents cut it close to Election Day

 What to know about ballots now that Biden has exited the race

 What does Kamala Harris record show? Take a look
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Penn States budget  increasing tuition 2-4% for University Park students  and resolving the Universitys budget deficit was approved, but with dissent from some board members Friday.Board of Trustee members voted to approve the proposed Education and General budget that resolves the Universitys budget deficit by summer 2025.Four board members voted No with some raising concern about the tuition increases for in-state students at the University Park campus, during the Board of Trustees public meeting at Penn State Altoona campus on Friday.In-state tuition will increase by 2% for the 2025-26 school year for undergraduate students at Penn States University Park campus. The 2024-25 tuition rates are $20,066 (estimated, depending on credit hours) per year. The new yearly tuition rate will be $20,468  an estimated increase of $402.

From the 2023-24 year, tuition will increase a total of $796, which accounts for increases over a 2-year period.

Nonresident tuition for undergraduate students will increase by 1% at the Commonwealth campuses and 4% at the University Park campus.

Board members applauded the continued freeze of in-state tuition for undergraduate students at the Commonwealth campuses. This follows a recent unanimous vote by Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to freeze in-state tuition for undergraduate students.

For Penn State University, this only applies to in-state tuition at the commonwealth campuses, which means graduate and out-of-state students will have increased tuition by 1-2%.

The tuition rate increases, and other budget expenditures, resolves most of the $44.5 million budget deficit in the 2023-24 year. The current projected deficit will now be less than $7 million, according to Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business/treasurer, in a statement.

Our new budget model is allowing us to be more strategic and data-driven with how we allocate our resources, but it is flexible enough that we are still able to invest in the things that make Penn State one of the worlds top public universities, Thorndike said.

According to a statement, the $38 million deficit improvement is due to cost savings related to services and natural employee attrition.

The university announced last month that 383 employees of the Commonwealth campuses accepted a voluntary separation program  a 10% drop in personnel. The program was a way to help reduce the $49 million deficit by incentivizing employees to leave Penn State and pursue other opportunities or retire.

About 52% of staff participating in the program left the University by June 28, with the rest departing later this summer or fall.

Penn State University President Neeli Bendapudi expressed her understanding that tuition increases impact the finances of students and their families.

That is why we have held tuition flat for 18,000 students at the Commonwealth Campuses for the third year in a row and implemented modest tuition increases for all other students at the remainder of our campuses that are line with the percentage increases seen in recent years, she said in a statement.

Commonwealth Campuses

No increase for in-state undergraduates

1% for out-of-state undergraduates.

1% for in-state graduate students.

2% for out-of-state graduate students.

University Park

2% for in-state undergraduate and graduate students.

4% for out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students.

World Campus

1% for all Penn State World Campus students (undergraduate and graduate, regardless of residency).

Law schools

5.5% for Penn State Law students.

2% for Dickinson Law students.

College of Medicine

2% for in-state medical students.

4% for out-of-state medical students.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA)  The Charleston Fire Department will be celebrating a milestone anniversary this weekend: their 150th.

For more than a century, the Charleston Fire Department has served generations of people. Countless firefighters have called the station their second home. Last month marked the big milestone.

Well, I take exceptional pride in it because my dad actually started here as a as a firefighter in the 90s, Lieutenant Jordan Philpott said.

He said continuing his fathers legacy adds a whole new meaning to his job.

You know, as a kid, growing up and being able to come into the fire station and being exposed to that, it made me have the desire to do it, Philpott said. And so thats thats what got me here today.

Lost hiker, child found in Coles County through innovative location tracking tool

The Charleston Fire Department was established in 1874. About 100 years later, in the 1970s, they took over the ambulance service from a private company.

Throughout the month, the Charleston Fire Department has been leading up to the anniversary celebration by posting historical photos to their Facebook page. Photos have included their historical trucks, their station, which opened 50 years ago, and the departments integrated ambulance service, a Central Illinois standout among other fire departments that rely on privately-run ambulance services.

Today, Peyton Daugherty is training to officially become a firefighter EMT.

I always kind of looked up to these guys. I liked seeing what they did for the community. So, it means a lot to be here, he said.

Daugherty said that, along with his love for the community, are what shaped his career path.

Relationships you make with one another here, you know, you do a lot of community events for the town.

Monticello hosts BBQ showdown at first Smoke N Octane Festival

Both Daugherty and Philpott say the next goal is to keep things operating smoothly.

Hopefully to still be around, still serving the community in the same capacity. Obviously, technologies evolve, needs evolve in communities, Philpott said.

The fire department will be hosting a community celebration of their founding on Saturday. Food trucks and kids activities, including a bounce house and face painting, will be on hand for the event. There will also be a fire truck parade consisting of both modern and historical Charleston equipment.

The Charleston Fire Departments 150th anniversary celebration will take place at the Coles County Courthouse starting at 1 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
LINCOLNTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two people are facing charges for separate business break-ins that occurred in the Denver and Stanley areas, according to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

On June 10th, a restaurant near the 500 block of Brentwood Road in Denver was broken into. The suspect entered through a door after hours and stole an electronic gaming machine.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

A month later on July 10, another business was broken into near the 6000 block of Old Plank Road. Suspects broke in after hours and stole an ATM that had several thousand dollars in cash inside.

During a follow-up on a case unrelated to the break-ins, deputies located a vehicle and trailer used in the break-ins and part of an ATM outside of a residence near the 2000 block of Cardinal Loop in Stanley.

Detectives with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office responded and executed a search warrant at the residence. Multiple items of evidence were seized as well as the stolen ATM and gaming machine from both break-ins.

Based on the evidence and other information collected, detectives were able to determine the identity of the suspects involved.

Queen City News

Lincoln County

Charles Raymond Stancil, 59, of Stanley was charged with two felony counts each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. Stancil was also served with an outstanding warrant from Gaston County for similar charges. Stancil received a $30,000 secured bond.

Savoy Starr, 58, of Charlotte is facing charges of one felony count each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. Starr has yet to be located and arrested.

The investigations are ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Starr is urged to contact Detective Propst with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office at 704-732-9050.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
China finally agrees with Trump on something  they both think Kamala Harris can't win

Chinese social media has no faith that Vice President Kamala Harris can beat Donald Trump in November.

The failed assassination attempt on Trump has convinced Weibo that his victory is a foregone conclusion.

Harris is relatively unknown in China, with officials like Antony Blinken fielding a stronger presence there.

President Joe Biden's ditched election bid has gone viral in China, where online consensus is veering toward former President Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric.

Initial reactions from Chinese pundits have dismissed Vice President Kamala Harris  endorsed by Biden as the heir apparent to the Democratic nomination  as fielding an even lower chance of winning the White House than her former running mate.

Trump, now the official Republican nominee, takes the same line and said on Sunday that Harris would be "easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been."

China's heavily moderated social media is no true indicator of its foreign policy, but such discussions provide a glimpse at what rhetoric the authorities allow to survive and thrive.

"Trump has basically secured the presidency, there's no need for others to continue the act. It's awkward and not even entertaining," wrote one blogger based in Gansu.

"The Democratic Party's chaotic replacement of generals is like the medicine of Wu Dalang," wrote another blogger, referring to a famous Chinese tale of a man who survived poisoning but was still suffocated to death by his wife. "You will die whether you take it or not."

On Weibo, China's version of X, commenters on state media reports about Biden's endorsement of Harris kept asking the same question: "Who is she?"

Harris, despite having met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at an APEC forum in Bangkok, has a far smaller presence on China's social media than Biden or his state secretary, Antony Blinken.

Vice President Kamala Harris met briefly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2022 at her request during the APEC forum that year. Ding Haitao/Xinhua via Getty Images

She's been the main subject of two viral topics on Weibo. One received 190 million views in 2021, when she spoke of wars that may soon be "fought over water." The other received 140 million views in 2020, when her husband, Doug Emhoff, resigned from his law firm to support Harris' vice presidential bid.

Meanwhile, Blinken  the Biden administration's point man on China  has been the center of over a dozen viral topics since 2021, some ranging up to nearly 800 million views, per data seen by Business Insider.

As for Trump, the former president is often the subject of memes in China, mocking him as a secret agent for Beijing.

But the recent failed assassination against him and the viral photos of the attempt  has galvanized Weibo's masses into believing he presents too strong of a campaign to lose in November.

Trump has intensified his attacks on Harris since rumors emerged that Biden may step down, using the nickname "Laffin' Kamala" in a bid to disparage the way she laughs as a detriment to her leadership.

Montages of Harris laughing on camera have also surfaced in China, though most are not derogatory. Some are praising her for having a "contagious laugh and smile."

Coincidentally, Harris' name, translated to Chinese, starts with the same character as the word "laugh."

The Democratic Party's deadline to select its nominee is during its national convention on August 19 to 22, and Harris has quickly been securing the heavyweight support she needs to clinch the position.

Despite the predictions from Trump and China, a FiveThirtyEight round-up of the latest polls shows that Harris' performance with voters differs from Biden's by only a small margin  typically by one or two percentage points at most. At times, she fares better than the president.

Most July polls put either Democratic leader behind Trump, though typically by a slim disadvantage of one to five percentage points.

The press team for the Biden-Harris ticket did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- China officially avoided commenting on Kamala Harris late entry into the US presidential race. But state-backed news outlets and social-media users cast her as a weak vice president whose candidacy didnt present a major threat to the worlds No. 2 economy.

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The Global Times, a Communist Party-backed media outlet, cited Chinese experts who called Harriss performance in the White House mediocre and claimed she lacked the experience and achievements to serve as president. Another state-run outlet highlighted Donald Trumps campaign trail claim Harris would be easier to beat than the sitting president.

Does this mean Trump is set to win? one person asked on Chinas X-like Weibo, where the Biden exit hashtag garnered some 490 million views as citizens tried to parse what the shift meant for the Asian nation. An online poll of 12,000 users of that platform found nearly 80% believed the Republicans would now prevail in the November vote, without portraying that as a negative outcome.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Monday sidestepped a question about President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the 2024 race and endorse his running mate, calling it a domestic affair. We will not comment on that, she said at a regular briefing in Beijing.

Most analysts agreed Harris would, at least initially, bring continuity on trade and foreign policy, meaning little impact for Beijing on the switch-up in the likely Democratic candidate.

There is a well-established strategic continuity that is driving the US position right now, said Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international relations at Shanghais East China Normal University. And at the level of whether its Biden or Trump or Harris, its really just a matter of style.

Fundamentally, the next president has to represent the economic and strategic interests of the United States, he added.

Tensions between the worlds largest economies have flared in recent years over Chinas military aggression toward Taiwan and Washingtons campaign to cut Beijing off from high-tech chips. While Biden used a meeting with President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last year to steady ties, fresh American complaints about a surge in cheap Chinese exports are adding friction to the relationship.

Vice President Harris has only met Xi on the sidelines of a summit in Thailand, and hasnt visited Beijing in her current role. While Biden is set to be the first US president since Jimmy Carter not to travel to China while in office  a point noted on X by Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times. Despite that, Biden has repeatedly touted spending more time with Xi than any other world leader at about 90 hours.

Former prosecutor Harris will need to quickly build trust with national security advisors to guide her on China policy, said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.

Harris does not have a track record on China, and it is not an area she is particularly comfortable, added the former Pentagon official. Biden has keen instincts and long-standing relationships with world leaders including Xi Jinping, but Harris does not.

One asset she could leverage is Californian governor Gavin Newsom, whose trip to China last year won praise inside the Asian nation for bringing a more constructive message of cooperation than visits from other Biden administration officials.

While Chinese citizens touted Newsom as a Biden replacement after the presidents bad debate performance, the Californian has backed Harris for the ticket. Tough. Fearless. Tenacious, he wrote of the vice president on his official X page. No one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision.

Newsom in a senior cabinet role could help Harris harness the rapport hes established with Chinese leaders. Both Democrats built their careers in California, the only US state to send a governor to Beijing for a meeting with Xi during Bidens term and one with strong business ties to the Asian nation.

The vice presidents public comments display a willingness to uphold the current administrations tough stance on trade, which has seen Biden build on tariffs imposed by Trump. Those curbs have been justified as necessary for protecting both national security and American jobs.

Following a summit of Southeast Asian countries in Indonesia last year, Harris said there was a need to protect American interests and ensure we are a leader in terms of the rules of the road, as opposed to following others rules.

During that event, she slammed Beijing for bullying citing its attempts at controlling access to the South China Sea, where China has sweeping claims of sovereignty. Harris also visited Palawan in the Philippines, an island close to an area thats in heavy dispute between China and neighboring countries.

The vice presidents foreign policy overall is expected to align with Bidens, especially regarding China, according to Zhu Junwei, a former researcher in the Peoples Liberation Army who is now director of American research at Grandview Institution.

The two parties dont have much difference on China, she said of Republicans and Democrats. On China theyre quite the same.

--With assistance from Josh Xiao, Colum Murphy, Rebecca Choong Wilkins and Lucille Liu.

(Updates with Hu Xijins post on X.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Chinas ruling Communist Party pledged to accelerate a new housing model that emphasizes renting and ramps up affordable homes, following a record property slump.

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The partys Central Committee said the new model will promote both renting and buying, in line with its call made since 2017, according to a resolution published by the official Xinhua News Agency on Sunday. China will also build and supply more affordable residences to meet the needs of working-class people, the top leadership said after a key meeting in Beijing.

The twice-a-decade event  known as the Third Plenum  is one of the most important in Chinas political calendar, often setting the course for economic policy in the long term. At this years gathering, President Xi Jinping unveiled sweeping plans to bolster the finances of indebted local governments.

China has long sought to transform the housing market for younger, first-time homebuyers who have been pushed out by spiraling home prices. In 2017, President Xi Jinping delivered his now-famous mantra that houses are built to be inhabited, not for speculation, which aimed to tame runaway property prices and push a housing model that emphasizes renting.

In recent years, progress was slowed by the property downturn, towering local government debt and economic woes brought on by the Covid pandemic. The housing bust has led to massive oversupply, leaving the country with the equivalent of 60 million unsold apartments that will take more than four years to sell without government aid, according to Bloomberg Economics.

The meeting also signaled more loosening measures to be made at the local level. China will support various needs to upgrade housing and will give cities full power to set policies based on local conditions, according to the resolution.

It will also make it easier for some cities to remove or ease restrictions on the number of properties an individual or household may own. In addition, some local governments will be able to lower buying thresholds on bigger or more expensive residences by removing restrictions placed on them.

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As a part of TechCrunch's ongoing Women in AI series, which seeks to give AI-focused women academics and others their well-deserved  and overdue  time in the spotlight, TechCrunch interviewed Lakshmi Raman, the director of AI at the CIA. We talked about her path to director as well as the CIA's use of AI, and the balance that needs to be struck between embracing new tech while deploying it responsibly.

Raman has been in intelligence for a long time. She joined the CIA in 2002 as a software developer after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her master's degree in computer science from the University of Chicago. Several years later, she moved into management at the agency, eventually going on to lead the CIA's overall enterprise data science efforts.

Raman says that she was fortunate to have women role models and predecessors as a resource at the CIA, given the intelligence field's historically male-dominated ranks.

"I still have people who I can look to, who I can ask advice from, and I can approach about what the next level of leadership looks like," she said. "I think that there are things that every woman has to navigate as they're navigating their career."

AI as an intelligence tool

In her role as director, Raman orchestrates, integrates and drives AI activities across the CIA. "We think that AI is here to support our mission," she said. "It's humans and machines together that are at the forefront of our use of AI."

AI isn't new to the CIA. The agency has been exploring applications of data science and AI since around 2000, Raman says, particularly in the areas of natural language processing (i.e., analyzing text), computer vision (analyzing images) and video analytics. The CIA tries to stay on top of newer trends, such as generative AI, she added, with a roadmap that's informed both by industry and academia.

"When we think about the huge amounts of data that we have to consume within the agency, content triage is an area where generative AI can make a difference," Raman said. "We're looking at things like search and discovery aid, ideation aid, and helping us to generate counterarguments to help counter analytic bias we might have."

There's a sense of urgency within the U.S. intelligence community to deploy any tools that might help the CIA combat growing geopolitical tensions around the world, from threats of terror motivated by the war in Gaza to disinformation campaigns mounted by foreign actors (e.g., China, Russia). Last year, the Special Competitive Studies Project, a high-powered advisory group focused on AI in national security, set a two-year timeline for domestic intelligence services to get beyond experimentation and limited pilot projects to adopt generative AI at scale.

One generative AI-powered tool that the CIA developed, Osiris, is a bit like OpenAI's ChatGPT, but customized for intelligence use cases. It summarizes data  for now, only unclassified and publicly or commercially available data  and lets analysts dig deeper by asking follow-up questions in plain English.

Osiris is now being used by thousands of analysts not just within the CIA's walls, but also throughout the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. Raman wouldn't reveal whether it was developed in-house or using tech from third-party companies but did say that the CIA has partnerships in place with name-brand vendors.

"We do leverage commercial services," Raman said, adding that the CIA is also employing AI tools for tasks like translation and alerting analysts during off hours to potentially important developments. "We need to be able to work closely with private industry to be able to help us not only provide the larger services and solutions that you've heard of, but even more niche services from non-traditional vendors that you might not already think of."

A fraught technology

There's plenty of reason to be skeptical of, and concerned about, the CIA's use of AI.

In February 2022, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) revealed in a public letter that the CIA, despite being generally barred from investigating Americans and American businesses, has a secret, undisclosed data repository that includes information collected about U.S. citizens. And last year, an Office of the Director of National Intelligence report showed that U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, buy data on Americans from data brokers like LexisNexis and Sayari Analytics with little oversight.

Were the CIA to ever use AI to pore over this data, many Americans would most certainly object. It'd be a clear violation of civil liberties and, owing to AI's limitations, could result in seriously unjust outcomes.

Several studies have shown that predictive crime algorithms from firms like Geolitica are easily skewed by arrest rates and tend to disproportionately flag Black communities. Other studies suggest facial recognition results in a higher rate of misidentification of people of color than of white people.

Besides bias, even the best AI today hallucinates, or invents facts and figures in response to queries. Take Microsoft's meeting summarization software, for example, which occasionally attributes quotes to nonexistent people. One can imagine how this might become a problem in intelligence work, where accuracy and verifiability are paramount.

Raman was adamant that the CIA not only complies with all U.S. law but also "follows all ethical guidelines" and uses AI "in a way that mitigates bias."

"I would call it a thoughtful approach [to AI]," she said. "I would say that the approach we're taking is one where we want our users to understand as much as they can about the AI system that they're using. Building AI that's responsible means we need all of the stakeholders to be involved; that means AI developers, that means our privacy and civil liberties office [and so on]."

To Raman's point, regardless of what an AI system is designed to do, it's important that the designers of the system make clear the areas where it could fall short. In a recent study, North Carolina State University researchers found that AI tools, including facial recognition and gunshot detection algorithms, were being used by police who weren't familiar with the technologies or their shortcomings.

In a particularly egregious example of law enforcement AI abuse perhaps borne out of ignorance, the NYPD reportedly once used photos of celebrities, distorted images and sketches to generate facial recognition matches on suspects in cases where surveillance stills yielded no results.

"Any output that's AI generated should be clearly understood by the users, and that means, obviously, labeling AI-generated content and providing clear explanations of how AI systems work," Raman said. "Everything we do in the agency, we are adhering to our legal requirements, and we are ensuring that our users and our partners and our stakeholders are aware of all of the relevant laws, regulations and guidelines governing the use of our AI systems, and we are complying with all of these rules."

This reporter certainly hopes that's true.
Local nonprofits had a $1.4 billion impact on the economy in 2022, according to a recently released study from the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County. Here's what to know.

Why was the study done?

The most recent Cincinnati Futures Commission report did not include the nonprofit sector, so Mike Moroski, executive director of the Human Services Chamber, wanted to show its impact.

The Human Services Chamber is an organization that represents over 90 human services groups in Hamilton County, with the mission of developing and advocating for public policies that provide opportunities for all community members to reach their full potential, according to its website.

"I think people take us seriously for the work we do, but I don't know if we're always taken quite as seriously for the impact we have on the economy," Moroski said.

Moroski said he wants people to recognize that the nonprofits in the region are an industry, a business and one of the largest employers in the region.

Who did the study?

This was the first study of its kind in the area. The Human Services Chamber worked with the Alpaugh Family Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati to study the economic and fiscal impacts of themselves, the Leadership Council for Nonprofits, and OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

Interact for Health and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation helped partially fund the study, with the rest being funded by the Human Services Chamber.

What did the study show?

The Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, Leadership Council for Nonprofits, and OneSourceCenter for Nonprofit Excellence used the Alpaugh Family Economics Center to study their economic and fiscal impacts. This was done by collecting information from the nonprofits' tax filings, unemployment insurance data, and a database of 312 nonprofit organizations in the area.

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, a nonprofit, is among the 312 agencies included in the Human Services Chamber study. Together, the nonprofits directly employed 24,003 individuals in 2022.

A total economic impact is the sum of direct and indirect impacts. For this study, direct impacts included expenditures, jobs and wages. Indirect impacts included additional impact due to demand, income, jobs in other industries, or connections to other industries, according to the study.

The study found that nonprofits directly employed 24,003 people in the area in 2022, with these individuals earning wages totaling $751.4 million. The wages are spent and taxed, which contributes to the economy.

"Nonprofits here in Greater Cincinnati work not only to fulfill their mission and serve their stakeholders, but they are generating a substantial amount of economic activity and supporting jobs and wages," Brad Evans, director of research at the economics center, said.

The wages supported by the nonprofit organizations included in the study generated a total of $55 million in earnings tax revenue for state and local jurisdictions in 2022, and the spending of the wages resulted in about $32.1 million in sales tax revenue for state and county governments.

The study found that in 2022 nonprofits in the Cincinnati area had a direct economic output of $1.4 billion and an additional indirect economic output of $1.5 billion, through which 17,020 additional individuals were employed.

This gives the 312 nonprofits studied a total of $2.9 billion in economic output, 41,023 jobs, and $1.3 billion in wages.

The Last Mile Food Rescue is one of the nonprofits included in the Human Services Chamber study, which showed that area's nonprofits had an economic output of $2.9 billion in 2022.

Why does this matter?

The study is important because it shows the direct and indirect impact that the nonprofit business sector is making, Moroski said.

In the appendix of the report, he said, local residents will recognize many of the agencies listed, but might have had no idea that they are making a billion dollar impact.

"We're called nonprofit but the only thing that separates us from Procter and Gamble is the fiduciary relationship between the board and the ED (executive director) and that people can get tax write offs for donating to us," Moroski said.

The full report can be found here.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: First of its kind study shows area nonprofits have $1.4 billion impact
Cincinnati weather: Summer rain and heat to move through Ohio Valley region this week

Showers and thunderstorms will hit Greater Cincinnati this week, as a cold front is forecast to move into the region starting Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a few isolated storms may occur on Monday. Expect temperatures in the low 80s and light winds by late afternoon.

An increase in showers is likely to occur late Tuesday afternoon across our far southern zones. Otherwise, expect to see only a few widely scattered showers and storms during peak heating hours. Tuesday's highs will reach the mid-80s.

A cold front will push into the area Wednesday afternoon, resulting in another round of showers and thunderstorms. After a brief break in precipitation Wednesday night, showers and thunderstorms should increase coverage again by Thursday.

High pressure and southerly winds will build in for the end of the week, resulting in above-normal temperatures.

[420 am 7/22/24] Showers and a few embedded thunderstorms will move across the region this morning. While not a perfect presentation, this model simulation does give an idea of how the precipitaiton will track through the area. pic.twitter.com/6ZE6jO7snj  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) July 22, 2024

Detailed 7-day weather forecast for Cincinnati

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. High near 84. Light north wind. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest at 5 to 9 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 67. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Source: National Weather Service at Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati weather: Showers, hot temps forecast through the work week
SUVA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said while under-5 mortality rates in the Pacific are generally stable, there are concerning trends as malnutrition remains a significant issue among countries.

Veitch made the remarks while addressing the critical issues of malnutrition and health among children in Fiji and the broader Pacific region, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.

Children can be vulnerable to early death if they don't get proper nutrition at the early age of life, he said, noting that it is "completely avoidable."

Veitch said UNICEF is working closely with the Fijian Ministry of Health to combat these challenges.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said educating parents about proper nutrition and ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrients are vital steps in addressing this problem. 
These cities are subsidizing cab rides to help women be safe at night

Increasingly, taxi companies are providing women drivers to ensure the safety of women and children travelling alone in a mini-cab during the night. Andreas Arnold/dpa

Rushing down the street with keys clutched in hand, getting home at night is an all-too-common ordeal for many women and girls.

"When I walk home at night after a party, I always share my location with friends and listen for any noise behind me," Chiara, 26, says.

In Germany's financial hub Frankfurt, where she is based, taking a taxi is usually not a feasible option, as "prices are much higher than usual at night."

According to Deutscher Frauenring (DFR), a leading women's rights organization in Germany, women are particularly at risk of violence and sexual assault in public places at night - an issue that is not specific to Germany.

A YouGov study from 2019 found that 50% of women from the US always or often feel unsafe walking alone at night.

Data published in 2021 by End Violence Against Women, a UK-based group, revealed that "one in two women felt unsafe walking alone after dark in a quiet street near their home, compared to one in seven men."

The group also found that two out of three women experienced some form of sexual harassment in the past year, including catcalls and sexual comments.

In the German city of Giessen, near Frankfurt, 61% of women said they don't feel safe when walking at night, according to a study on nightlife published in 2023.

Among those identifying as neither male or female, that figure stood at 54%. By comparison, only 24% of men said they felt unsafe at night.

Similar schemes in other German cities

In an effort to make women feel more at ease, the city of Giessen has started to hand out coupons worth around $5 to subsidize taxi rides. Since June, girls, women, transwomen and non-binary people from the age of 14 are eligible to redeem them.

Similar measures have been launched in Munich and Mannheim.

"Unlike any other means of public transport, taxis make a significant contribution to ensuring that women can reach their destination safely and feeling safe - even at night and in areas where they feel most vulnerable," said Karen Leifeld, member of the Women's Advisory Board of the German Taxi and Hire Car Association (TMV). According to the TMV, customers can also request female drivers with some companies.

In Munich, women have been able to redeem taxi vouchers between 10 pm and 6 am since early 2020. At the beginning of this year, the city increased the subsidy to around $10, saying the demand was enormous with some 3,500 coupons used by May.

Women are disproportionately affected by harassment, sexual assault and sexual violence, Marion Bar from Munich's Equal Opportunities Office for Women points out.

Feeling insecure at night restricts their mobility, she says. With the taxi scheme, she explains, the city hopes to counter the problem.

In Mannheim, some 70 kilometres south of Frankfurt, women have been offered a reduced fare for up to 20 night-time cab rides annually for years.

In the western city of Dortmund, discussions are under way to introduce similar measures, according to the TMV.

Not everyone is on board

While the subsidies are considerably small, with a night-time cab ride in a major German city easily costing $20 and more, they do send a signal to women that the issue is on officials' agenda.

But not everyone believes that subsidizing taxi rides is the way to go.

In Berlin, a sprawling city with a vibrant nightlife, there's no such scheme in place at the moment, and a spokesman for the city told dpa that while such efforts can increase a woman's personal sense of safety, taxis are not necessarily a safe place for women, citing data on sexual assault in cabs from the United States.

"The real problem is violence against women," the spokesman said.

Back in Frankfurt, a plan to implement a cab voucher for women failed over a lack of funding, with the original earmarked amount of $80,000 turning out not to be enough, according to the city administration.

Officials also pointed out that reduced fares would do little to solve the overall problem, stressing that the most dangerous place for a woman is "their home."

Plus, how someone feels at night in a public space is subjective, they claimed.

To help women feel safer, the city plans to improve night-time lighting in public spaces. It also recommends that women avoid areas where they don't feel safe at night.

On top of that, social change is needed, the city said, and "women need to reclaim (public) space while men need to take 'a step back'" - advice that is likely to leave some feeling they have been left to fend for themselves.

Data published by End Violence Against Women, a UK-based group, revealed that "one in two women felt unsafe walking alone after dark in a quiet street near their home, compared to one in seven men." Andreas Arnold/dpa
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative (CDCC) will be hosting the first Climate Engagement Series for the community to learn about the Regional Climate Action Plan (CAP) for El Paso and Hudspeth counties.

In partnership with the City of El Paso, the open-house style events will allow the community to learn more about the Climate Action Plan.

Community involvement is essential in shaping a plan that truly addresses our regional climate

challenges, said Nicole Ferrini, the City of El Pasos climate and sustainability officer. We are

excited to continue this collaborative process and work together to develop a sustainable future for the Paso Del Norte Region.

The following are the dates and times for the CAP Climate Engagement Series meetings:

Tuesday, July 23 From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Valle Bajo Recreation Center 7380 Alameda Ave.

Tuesday, July 30 From 5 to 7 p.m. at Patriot Place Apartments Clubhouse 9500 Kenworthy St.



The meetings are the first of five community touchpoints in the Climate Engagement Series, according to the news release sent out by the Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative.

This will allow the communitys voices to help shape climate policies and how investments managed by the local government are used to create a resilient and healthier region, the CDCC said.

Residents who are not able to attend the session can watch an informational video and fill out an online survey at the El Paso Climate website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Since President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not stand for reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris has quickly emerged as the most likely candidate to replace him on the top of the Democratic Partys presidential ticket.

Several right-wing political influencers have called into question her eligibility for office, despite her serving as vice president for three and a half years.

Kamala Harris is not eligible to run for President. Neither of her parents were natural born American citizens when she was born, says one post with more than 5.4 million views. Even though Kamala was born in Oakland, California, neither parent was a naturalized citizen when she was born so she doesnt qualify as a natural born citizen. She is just a citizen, says another.

Kamala Harris is not eligible to run for President.



Neither of her parents were natural born American citizens when she was born.  Mike Engleman (@RealHickory) July 21, 2024

The U.S. Constitution does not actually define natural born citizen, and the terms precise meaning has not been litigated directly by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, American legal scholars broadly agree that a person born in Harris circumstances would be considered natural born and qualify to serve as president.

What does natural born mean?

Article II Section I of the U.S. Constitution specifies that, No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

While the Constitution does not speak further to the meaning of natural born citizen, American legal scholars have traditionally understood it to mean any person who holds citizenship from the moment of birth. Because Section I of the 14th Amendment establishes that any person born in the U.S. and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is a citizen, most scholars agree that being born in the U.S. alone qualifies a person as naturally born.

In a 2018 survey article on the original meaning of the phrase, Fordham law professor Thomas Lee determined that natural born citizen applied to almost any individual born in the U.S. regardless of parentage. I believe that the constitutional natural born citizen requirement to be President, as a matter of original public meanings, meant anyone who was (1) born in the United States who is not the child of a foreign diplomat or invading army; or (2) born outside of the United States to a U.S. citizen father abroad on a non-permanent basis, Lee told The Dispatch Fact Check. Because Harris parents were both lawfully admitted graduate students and she was born in the United States, I think that she qualifies as a natural born citizen eligible for the Presidency, at least from the perspective of originalism, Lee added.

In a 2015 Harvard Law Review article, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement and former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal reached a similar conclusion. All the sources routinely used to interpret the Constitution confirm that the phrase natural born Citizen has a specific meaning: namely, someone who was a U.S. citizen at birth with no need to go through a naturalization proceeding at some later time, they wrote. Because Harris was a citizen at birth, even if her parents were not yet citizens themselves, she qualifies to serve as president under this interpretation.

Mary Brigid McManamon, an emerita professor of law at Delaware Law School and author of a 2015 law review article on the natural born citizen clause, echoed Lee, Clement, and Katyals positions. [Harris] is definitely eligible. The only children born in the U.S. who would not be eligible are the children of diplomats, as long as the eligible children have reached 35 years old and lived in the US for 14 years, she told The Dispatch Fact Check.

Concerns surrounding presidential eligibility are nothing newseveral presidential hopefuls have been subject to eligibility questions in the past, though mostly for being born outside of the U.S. to American citizen parents. In 2008, both John McCain and Barack Obama saw challenges to their eligibility. McCains natural born status was questioned because was born at a naval air station in the Panama Canal Zone, and Obama faced challenges both because of his fathers Kenyan citizenship and unfounded conspiracy theories that he had been born outside of the U.S. More recently, some raised questions about the eligibility of Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who was born in Canada to an American mother and a Cuban father.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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Former employees of Rainbow Health, a health care and social service provider for the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ community, are demanding answers from the board of directors after the organization suddenly closed last week.

After operating for more than 40 years, Rainbow Health informed some 80 employees Thursday that it would close immediately, and union members said Monday that little reasoning has been given since.

None of us were prepared, Ash Tifa, the former legal services program coordinator for Rainbow Health, said Monday.

Workers, 60 of whom are union-represented, received an email Thursday morning about an all-staff meeting where just two hours later they were informed of the closure, according to a news release from Rainbow Health Workers Union, which is represented by SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa.

During the all-staff meeting, Tifa said employees pressed for answers as to why the closure needed to happen that day. The only answer they were given was, We cant pay you past today, Tifa said.

Just days before the announcement of the nonprofits closure, CEO Jeremy Hanson Willis resigned following a unanimous vote of no confidence, according to the union.

Leading up to the closure, employees had been calling for accountability and transparency, Tifa said, adding that a pattern emerged in regards to the organizations executives being unable to answer questions relating to our finances.

Community impact

Lee Start was meeting with a client during last Thursdays emergency meeting.

I learned a few minutes before 1 p.m. that I had until 5 p.m. to terminate services with almost 40 clients, Start said Monday. I had a client in the waiting room while staff was in the hall sobbing.

Start, who worked for Rainbow Health as a psychotherapist since 2019, said the sudden closure is causing trauma to people who are already traumatized.

Rainbow Healths roots in the Twin Cities date back to 1980 when volunteers launched the Minnesota AIDS Project, which focused on providing a support network and information for gay and bisexual men in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. It eventually grew to include a formalized referral network in the early 2000s and merged with Rainbow Health Initiative in 2018, briefly becoming JustUs Health before being renamed Rainbow Health in 2021.

Many of the clients we see, this is the only safe space and support they have, Start said.

As a result, some of Rainbow Healths former employees are providing pro-bono services like food and ride assistance to their clients while they sort through next steps, Start said.

Friday, the day after the closure, Tifa hosted a name-change clinic where more than 50 people showed up, Start said.

There are thousands of people this is impacting and we demand and deserve answers, they said. Our clients deserve better than this.

The Rainbow Health board of directors said Monday night in a prepared statement: First and foremost, we deeply regret the abrupt nature of this closure and the distress it has caused. The decision to close Rainbow Health was made with heavy hearts after exhausting other options. Due to growing and insurmountable financial challenges, including decreased funding, grants that were not renewed or fully funded, and unforeseen cash flow issues, we reached a point where continuing operations were no longer possible. The Board chose to close the organization immediately to ensure employees receive compensation for the time they have worked since their last pay period.

The statement goes on to outline three immediate priorities: Ensuring continuity of care for our clients, supporting our staff through this difficult transition and preserving and managing organizational records. The organization also said it plans to make the final return and audit publicly available.

We are working diligently with our community partners to minimize service disruptions and ensure that our communitys critical needs continue to be met, the statement reads. We deeply regret the pain and disruption this closure has caused. Rainbow Healths mission has always been to support and empower our community, and we are heartbroken that we can no longer continue this important work. We are grateful for the dedication of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to serve our community.

Next steps

In addition to answers, the union is demanding the employees be paid out PTO and the 30-day notice period they were never given, which Tifa said was stipulated in their contract.

The union is currently trying to reach the board to discuss its demands. The board, which said it would respond Monday, had yet to reach out as of early Monday afternoon, Tifa said.

Uzoamaka McLaughlin, a former medical case manager coordinator with Rainbow Health, praised the union Monday, saying, This platform has given us a voice. If it wasnt for the union, I dont know who would be talking on our behalf.

Rainbow Health Workers voted to form their union in early 2022 due to alleged racial abuse and retaliatory firing practices, McLaughlin said.

According to a 2022 open letter to the community, Rainbow Health staffers wrote that they had witnessed instances of tokenization and exploitation of Black staff by Rainbow Health leadership, potentially/perceived retaliatory employment termination for people who object to Rainbow Health leaderships treatment of staff and hostile shut-down tactics creating a culture of non-transparency and fear amongst staff.

McLaughlin went on to say the union had had its best meeting ever last December where the outgoing board recommended the new board members meet with the union in three months time. But the meeting never happened, McLaughlin said, despite repeated requests.

We dont even know who to channel our questions to, McLaughlin said.

Caleb Hensin contributed to this report.

Related Articles
Climate change poses a major existential threat to humanity, meaning billions of people could die as the planet becomes too hot and unstable to live. Case in point, the rash of record-breaking heat waves that have dominated this summer thanks to unprecedented temperatures have caused mass casualty events. This includes more than 100 people in India dying of extreme heat in the last three-and-a-half months, to more than 60 people who died in a Mexican heat dome, to nine confirmed deaths in Las Vegas during its recent heat wave, to more than 550 people who died in Saudi Arabia while performing an important Islamic religious journey known as Hajj.

While summer heat waves have pretty much always been a thing, it's clear that human activity is making them hotter and deadlier. emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases and water vapor into the atmosphere, they continue overheating the planet, pushing Earth's life forms to the limits of their thresholds for survival.

"If we dont adapt, heat wave mortality will increase sharply," Michael Wehner, a senior scientist in the Computational Research Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, told Salon. "Fortunately, humans are an adaptable species and some of that is already happening in efforts to increase awareness of heat wave dangers."

Yet this can only accomplish so much, as the high temperatures are inherently dangerous "and people will die from them as we wont be able to adapt completely," Wehner said. "Those at risk  the very poor, the very old, the very young the very ill and those who work outdoors  must be very careful during these unprecedented heat waves."

Martin Siegert, a glaciology professor at the University of Exeter and former co-director of Imperial College London's Grantham Institute for Climate Change, elaborated on exactly why both heat waves and the other major extreme summer weather event linked to climate change  storms  are so dangerous.

"For heat, when temperatures get too hot for the human body, between 40-50 C the body needs more energy to cool itself - and stops functioning properly," Siegert said. "As temperatures push above that, or consistently at it, then we expect many deaths. Perhaps in huge numbers in places where air conditioning and shelter is absent. For storms, the situation is different  here risk to life is in flying debris, floods and poor decisions when risks are high  such as driving through floods, or under flooded underpasses."

This is not the limit of how global heating will endanger people, Siegert said; in a seeming paradox, the warming phenomenon can actually lead to "some colder conditions as the atmosphere becomes more energetic  and this too is a killer."

Patrick Brown, a visiting research professor at San Jose State University's Wildlife Interdisciplinary Research Center, disagrees with those who say climate change is causing increased mortality, citing the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report while doing so.

"Heat deaths are declining over time, despite warming, because societies are becoming less sensitive to temperature faster than temperatures are rising," Brown, who also works for the Breakthrough Institute founded by Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus, said. "Here is how the IPCC puts it: 'Heat-attributable mortality fractions have declined over time in most countries owing to general improvements in health care systems, increasing prevalence of residential air conditioning, and behavioural changes. These factors, which determine the susceptibility of the population to heat, have predominated over the influence of temperature change.'"

Some have argued that fossil fuel companies, being directly responsible for these deadly temperatures, should be charged with homicide. The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Citizen released a model prosecution memo last month laying out a case to hold major fossil fuel companies criminally accountable for deaths from climate disasters as well as other climate-related harms in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

However, some experts believe climate-related deaths could peak as humans adapt. Indeed, because of humanity's technological advances, Brown expects death rates in general to go down in the foreseeable future.

"I don't expect death tolls to increase but instead continue to decrease because crop yields and calories available per person have increased," Brown said. "Death rates from malnutrition and famines have decreased; the share of the population with access to safe drinking water has increased; the rates of climate-influenced diseases like malaria and diarrheal disease have decreased; death rates from natural disasters have decreased; death rates from non-optimal temperatures (hot and cold) have decreased; and the fraction of people in extreme poverty has plummeted."

Siegert offered a contrasting perspective, anticipating that in addition to increased deaths caused by heat waves and super storms, people should also expect heightened mortality rates because of flooding, whether due to sea level rise or weather events.

"The largest impacts from hurricanes are flood-related," Siegert said. "Many people drown in these events both from saltwater floods driven by storm surge and by freshwater flooding driven by copious amounts of rainfall. Many of these deaths are avoidable if people would heed evacuation notices."

Siegert added, "There is some concern about increases in the range of infectious tropical diseases but that is not as well understood as heat wave risk."

By contrast, Brown told Salon that finds it "interesting that many people are under the impression that we should expect to see large increases in deaths from climate change-related shifts in natural disasters when the evidence for this is so weak. I think this speaks to the information environment that we live in being potentially quite divorced from reality."
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police released its midyear crime stats on Monday.

Overall crime, calls for service, arrests, and overall interactions are all up. Most troubling is violent crimes, which are up 8% year-over-year. CMPD cited that one of the reasons for this is Charlotte being one of the most rapidly growing cities in the nation.

The 8% increase includes a disturbing 36% increase in homicides and an 8% increase in assaults with a deadly weapon. CMPD said 12 juveniles so far this year have been charged with homicides. Separately, 7 juveniles have been victims of homicides in 2024, up from four from last year, CMPD said on Monday.

Auto thefts mainly involving Hyundai and Kiu thefts continue to be a major issue that plagues the city. CMPD said 74 percent of the auto theft arrests involve a juvenile.

CMPD said 61% of juvenile arrests this year are of repeat offenders.

A lack of space to house juveniles should not be an excuse for allowing repeat offenders to rack up dozens or even hundreds of charges by the time theyre 17 years old, CMPD said. The number of repeat juvenile offenders has pointed to an undeniable need for more accountability post-arrest and to house juvenile offenders in a detention facility locally.

CMPD referenced one teenager who was arrested, 17-year-old Anthony Celis, who is facing 48 charges in 27 separate criminal cases. They also cited a 13-year-old who has been linked to four separate crimes and is out on electronic monitoring. CMPD also used an example of two juveniles who escaped from the Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center in Cabarrus County, stole a car, drove around in the car while in shackles, and live-streamed the entire ordeal on social media before being caught.

The first half of the year did not come without severe pain for the department. Four law enforcement officers were killed when a US Marshals Task Force attempted to serve a warrant on a suspect at an east Charlotte home. One of those killed was a CMPD officer who was responding to the scene to assist.

2024 CMPD MIDYEAR CRIME STATS

Violent crimes: 3,693 offenses in 2024 compared to 3,419 offenses in 2023.

Homicides: 61 in 2024 compared to 45 in 2023.

Aggravated Assaults: 2,844 in 2024 compared to 2,620 in 2023.

Rapes: 121 in 2024 compared to 124 in 2023.

Armed robberies: 413 in 2024 compared to 429 in 2023.

Property crimes: 18,092 offenses in 2024 compared to 18,085 in 2023.

Residential burglaries: 858 in 2024 compared to 950 in 2023.

Commercial burglaries: 1,181 in 2024 compared to 845 in 2023.

Larcenies from automobiles: 4,887 in 2024 compared to 5,373 in 2023.

Vehicle thefts: 4,011 in 2024 compared to 3,731 in 2023.

Arsons: 81 in 2024 compared to 56 in 2023.

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Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman during the 143rd Fancy Farm Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Democratic Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman will not be attending the Fancy Farm Picnic because she will be attending an event to support cancer survivors  a cause she says is personal to her because of a recent medical diagnosis.

The Graves County church picnic has become a Kentucky politics highlight over its decades-long history. Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed with organizers last week that he also will not attend this year.

Fancy Farm is a uniquely Kentucky event, and sadly, I will miss the barbs and bbq due to a commitment I made on the heels of my health diagnosis earlier this year, Coleman said in a statement to the Kentucky Lantern.

Instead, Coleman will be at a Horses and Hopes Race Day in Henderson with cancer survivors, a cause that has become very personal to me, she said. Horses and Hope was started in 2008 by former First Lady Jane Beshear, the current governors mother, along with the Kentucky Cancer Program and University of Louisville with additional support from the Pink Stable.

Coleman underwent a double mastectomy in December after she and Beshear won reelection. She said in a previous interview with the Lantern that she did not have cancer but was unsure until after pathology results came in after the surgery.

While Ill miss seeing friends and supporters, I was just in Graves County on Thursday dedicating a home to a family who lost theirs in the 2021 tornado, Coleman said. Every time Im there it is a reminder of what a special place west Kentucky is, and how important the people are to Team Kentucky. I look forward to being back very soon.

Coleman was among politicians who attended last years picnic. Among those confirmed to be attending are state-wide Republican officers Attorney General Russell Coleman, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Treasurer Mark Metcalf.

The Fancy Farm Picnic is set for Saturday, Aug. 3, and political speakers will begin at 2 p.m local time. Father Jim Sichko, of Lexington, will be this years emcee.
Columbus police have identified a Hilliard man whom they say was ambushed and killed Sunday amid an ongoing dispute with another man over a woman.

Andrew Stephens, 28, of Hilliard, was driving his vehicle Sunday morning in the 2400 block of Timbertrail Drive North on Columbus' Northeast Side when police say he was shot in the head by 33-year-old Erik Wagner of the Forest Park West neighborhood on the North Side.

Columbus Division of Fire medics transported Stephens in "extremely critical condition" to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, where he later died at 4:09 p.m., police said.

Court records say Stephens had driven a woman back to an apartment complex on the Northeast Side and when the woman got out of Stephens' vehicle, Wagner came out from behind a tree and shot at Stephens.

Stephens, who was struck, then crashed into two parked vehicles, police said.

"Mr. Wagner admitted to being there and was upset because (the woman) was his girlfriend and she was cheating on him with Mr. Stephens," Columbus police wrote in an affidavit.

The woman told police Wagner had been stalking her for the past month.

Police arrested Wagner later Sunday.

He had his first court appearance Monday morning, where he was ordered held in the Franklin County jail on a $1.5 million bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31, court records show.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hilliard man identified as victim of fatal shooting in Columbus
Maine Democrats participated in the party convention on May 31 and June 1 in Bangor. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

While the Maine Democratic Party has not yet said whether it will be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee, Democratic elected officials and leaders in Maine have individually announced their support, including at least one delegate headed to the national convention.

Tonight, the Maine Democratic delegation will be meeting, and Ill be nominating or seconding the nomination that we put our Biden votes towards Harris, said Laurie Osher, a delegate and state representative from Orono. I cant tell you how the rest of the [delegates] feel, but I hope theyre with me. Ill be making a pitch to them for Kamala Harris.

Delegates pledged to vote for President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president were released from that non-binding agreement when he withdrew from the race on Sunday. Several of Maines Democratic delegates said they are waiting for guidance before signaling who they will back.

To a certain extent, its up to the individual delegates, said Mark Brewer, who chairs the political science department for the University of Maine. But also to the individual state delegations to decide what theyre going to do.

The party is not sharing information about which candidate it is supporting yet, said Annina Breen, communications director for the Maine Democratic Party, on Monday. The state party endorsed Biden after he won the primary in June, but the state party charter does not have guidance for endorsing a candidate outside the primary system.

A rule could be adopted by a charter amendment, though given the short timeline before the convention, which will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, it is more likely that will instead come about through informal discussions within party leadership.

Following the presidents withdrawal from the race Sunday, Maine Democratic Party chair Bev Uhlenhake thanked Biden and said, we are excited for this newfound opportunity to showcase the next generation of Democratic leadership. The goal of the Maine Democratic Party remains the same: to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance and elect Democrats up and down the ballot this November.

Option 1: Coalescing behind one candidate

While Biden did not formally say hed released the delegates bound to vote for him, his withdrawal from the race means as much, Brewer explained.

We also know that the president has endorsed Kamala Harris, but that endorsement doesnt mean that the delegates automatically go to her, Brewer said.

One option could be that Maines entire state delegation could come out and make a statement saying theyre supporting Harris. This has been the case in several states so far, such as Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Other people could seek the nomination, too. Theyd need to get 300 signatures from delegates to be put into the running, with no more than 50 from any one state, though Jim Melcher, a professor of political science at UMaine Farmington, thinks that bar would be hard to achieve for others aside from Harris.

Melcher pointed specifically to the need for money. Donations for Harris flowed in the hours after Biden endorsed her, with ActBlue raising $46.7 million as of 9 p.m. Sunday evening.

Democratic donors may have been withholding campaign contributions to encourage Biden to drop out, Melcher said. Harris has the best chance at getting those donations if shes the nominee.

Brewer also predicts no other candidate will challenge Harris, given the growing number of officials and state delegations pledging to support her, as well as the fact that the Biden campaign has turned over its operations to her.

If youre any other nominee whos not Harris, you would have to essentially cobble together a national presidential campaign on incredibly short notice, Brewer said. Harris is getting the keys to a very well-running car at the moment.

Osher said shes excited to vote for Harris at the convention, and that her democratic constituents who were skeptical of her pledge to Biden have echoed the same sentiment to her.

Shes incredibly qualified, you know, certainly more qualified than [former President Donald] Trump ever was when he ran for president, and shes been part of a winning team thats done an amazing job for the country, Osher said.

The timeline for when the actual vote for a nominee will occur is also currently up in the air.

The Democratic National Committees Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to decide whether and when the nomination process could occur via a virtual roll call ahead of the convention. The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that require the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the convention.

Option 2: Individual delegate choices

Another possibility is for the vote to come without the party having coalesced support behind one particular candidate.

If thats the case, Brewer explained, there will be a lot of negotiations going on  some of which will focus on state leaders trying to get entire slates of state delegates. Some of it will be focused on the individual level, trying to get individual delegates and everything in between.

As of Monday afternoon, some of Maines delegates were waiting for guidance on who to back.

I think well see some folks providing an indication of who they support and I think Ill make a decision based on my sense of who Maine Democrats would like the delegation to back in Chicago, said Ryan Fecteau, a delegate for the first congressional district. If thats Vice President Harris, I will be extremely proud to cast my vote for her.

Another delegate for Maines first congressional district, Marpheen Chann, said, Im waiting to hear back from folks about the situation.

While Brewer sees a brokered convention as the less likely option, if that ends up being the case, superdelegates could take on a greater importance.

Under Democratic National Committee rules, if a candidate gets a majority of delegate votes after the first round, then the nomination is secured. But if no one gets a majority on the first ballot, superdelegates come into play.

Maine has eight superdelegates, who are party leaders and elected Democratic officials. Some have already expressed their support for Harris, including Gov. Janet Mills, 1st District U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and Speaker of the Maine House Rachel Talbot Ross.

Since the current pledged delegate system has been in place since 1972, Brewer said there has been nothing even remotely close to this. The most comparable situation Brewer sees is the 1968 presidential election, when President Lyndon Johnson announced the March before that he would not seek another term.

Ultimately, Brewer said, historical precedent provides little to no insight into how the coming weeks and months will play out.

People say, Oh, weve never seen this before. Thats almost never true in American politics. Youd almost always seen it before, Brewer said. But you can really say, I never have seen this before. Weve never seen this before. So, how its going to play out  we can speculate, but we dont have a great example, or even a bad example, to fall back on because we truly have never seen it before.

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This past winter, Great Lakers noticed something conspicuous by its absence  ice. Ice coverage on the lakes was the lowest in 50 years. Lake scientists told us that 2024 was one year of a long-term trend of less ice connected to the impacts of the climate crisis on our lakes.

According to research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Michigan, average temperatures in the region have risen 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1951. Summer lake surface temperatures have been increasing faster than the surrounding air temperatures, with Lake Superior rising by 4.5 degrees.

Fast-forward to this already-sweltering summer when both major U.S. political parties are hosting presidential nominating conventions in Great Lakes cities: first, the Republican National Committee convention in Milwaukee, followed by the Democratic National Committees nominating event in Chicago, set for Aug. 19 to 22.

Candidates and campaigns will have a clear opportunity to stake out solutions and remedies for the threats to our regions most precious natural resource  the Great Lakes. The lakes hold about 22% of the worlds fresh surface water. As North America gets hotter and dryer, protecting our source of drinking water is paramount.

While tens of millions of Americans rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water, a healthy Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are also economic engines. They generate billions of dollars in the fishing, recreation and tourism industries. If it were its own country, the Great Lakes region would have a gross domestic product of $6 trillion  making it the third biggest economy in the world.

Aside from being home to one of Earths globally unique natural resources, the Great Lakes region contains critical manufacturing centers, six of the nations top corn-producing states and thriving urban treasures such as Chicago and Milwaukee. The region is large, diverse and reflective of a wide range of American experiences, and 113 members of the U.S. House of Representatives hail from the eight Great Lakes states. The Great Lakes face a host of environmental challenges  threats that climate change is already making worse.

From 1951 through 2017, the amount of precipitation in the heaviest storms increased by 35% in the Great Lakes region. These deluges overwhelm crumbling stormwater and sewage infrastructure already at a tipping point. Water levels in the lakes rose at an astonishing rate from 2014 to 2020. Erratic and extreme water level changes, combined with heavier rainfall, put coastal properties and communities at risk.

Lake Erie is so fouled from agriculture pollution that toxic summer algal blooms mean daily warnings for people and pets to stay away from the water. Adding insult to injury, Ohio residents pay extra for safe drinking water due to treatment costs. The poison algae problem has spread to all five Great Lakes. Warmer water turbo-charges these blooms and causes them to appear earlier and grow bigger.

Voracious ecosystem- and economy-destroying invasive carp are massing in the Illinois River, threatening to invade Lake Michigan. Invasive species can thrive in water made hotter by our warming atmosphere, while native cold-water species can get pushed out.

Plastic pollution isnt caused by climate change, but the production of single-use plastic depends on fossil fuels. Our Great Lakes suffer from a plastic pollution scourge like the oceans, but with scant attention in comparison. More than 85% of shoreline debris over the last two decades was either partially or totally composed of plastic. And plastic particles dont go away; they just break down into smaller pieces called micro- or even nano-plastic. Plastics are now found in our Great Lakes, our drinking water, our food and our bodies.

We remain underprepared for these challenges ahead, even as the Great Lakes region is viewed by some as a climate refuge  both for people and for businesses that rely on water access.

States, cities and organizations are working every day to solve these problems. But the Great Lakes cross state, tribal and international lines, so the federal government has a huge role to play. Two decades ago, the region came together to seed what eventually became known as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is paying for the ongoing cleanup of some of the worst contaminated sites in the region. Our question today: What new commitments will the next administration advance to support this vital part of the country?

Whether replacing failing infrastructure, reducing sources of plastic pollution, stopping invasive species or reckoning honestly with agriculture, federal priorities can be the difference between clean lakes and healthy people, and festering problems that damage human health, our economy and the environment.

In 2025 and beyond, the more than 30 million Americans who rely on Great Lakes water every day need federal leadership and action to help us keep the Great Lakes healthy and economically thriving.

_____

Joel Brammeier is CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect the fresh, clean and natural waters of the Great Lakes.

_____
JAKARTA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government is set to accelerate the export of durians from Central Sulawesi province to China, as the Southeast Asian country has identified a promising market and high demand for the fruit among Chinese consumers.

"We certainly do not want to waste this opportunity. Central Sulawesi must take part in the durian export market to China," said Central Sulawesi Governor Rusdy Mastura after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in Jakarta on Monday.

He assured that the province, located on Sulawesi island, could lead the durian export to China, boasting around 30,000 hectares of durian plantations with a total of more than 3 million trees spread across its 12 districts.

According to data from Indonesia's Agricultural Quarantine Agency, durian exports from Central Sulawesi to China were valued at around 600 billion rupiahs (36.9 million U.S. dollars).

The Montong durian variety is the most popular, Mastura said, though other varieties such as Musangking, Super Copper, Matahari, and Raja are also in high demand.

"We hope for the support of the central government so that this export activity can proceed smoothly in the future. Currently, we have 1,634.29 hectares of land registered with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). We employ 133 registered farmers and manage 10 durian packing houses," he said.

The governor also noted that the province has adequate port facilities and is well-equipped for direct exports to China, with an estimated travel time of seven to nine days.

He anticipated that the durian exports to China would boost the regional economy, improve the welfare of durian farmers, and strengthen Central Sulawesi as a support zone for Indonesia's new capital city in Kalimantan Island. 
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is backing Vice President Harris as President Bidens replacement after the president announced his decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday.

The CBC political action committee (CBCPAC) released a statement Sunday on behalf of caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and CBCPAC Chair Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.).

The Congressional Black Caucus PAC joins President Biden in fully supporting Kamala Harris as our partys nominee. She has been instrumental in delivering the accomplishments of the last 3.5 years and has led on lowering maternal mortality rates, protecting reproductive freedoms, and ensuring economic opportunities for all, the statement read.

She will do an excellent job as President of the United States.

The statement also praised Biden.

President Joe Biden is the ultimate stateman. Hes dedicated his entire career, amid great personal sacrifice, in service to the values of democracy; civility, freedom and opportunity. He is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished presidents in American history, a trailblazer on the issue of gun safety, a staunch advocate for civil rights, and a bipartisan lawmaker who has created millions of jobs across the country, the statement read.

Americans and democracy loving people around the world owe Joe Biden a great deal of gratitude, the statement continued.

Numerous Democrats have already followed Bidens lead to unite behind Harris after the president announced Sunday afternoon that he would be stepping aside from the race and endorsed Harris as his replacement.

The CBC statement comes just weeks after Horsford reaffirmed his support for Biden as many Democrats called on the president to withdraw from the race.

Former President Trumps campaign and his allies, meanwhile, have already unloaded on the vice president, with the campaign saying she will be even worse than Biden.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) advocated alongside nursing home workers on Monday morning for a controversial federal staffing mandate.

Two dozen nursing home staff with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gathered outside the Connecticut Capitol holding signs that said, Safe Staffing Now! The union supports the Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities rule that was finalized earlier this year by the Biden administration. The rule requires facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding to have a minimum number of hours of specified care per resident per day, and have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day.

Bonnie Gaudreau has worked in the nursing home industry for more than 30 years. She is in favor of the staffing standard mandate.

People are dying by themselves, people are waiting too long for help, she said. And when you work in these settings, you become their family. You dont want to desert them, thats why you want to advocate for them because they deserve better.

Connecticut officials who have endorsed Kamala Harris for president so far

The mandates requires a nurse staffing standard of 3.48 hours per resident per day, which must include at least 0.55 hours per resident per day of direct registered nurse care and 2.45 hours per resident per day of direct nurse-aid care. The mandate also requires facilities to have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Abdul Wilson is also in favor of the mandate. He sees the issue from multiple sides, as an employee at a nursing home, having a mother in a facility and as a resident himself in 2018.

I was able to get up on my own, but there are so many residents that cant, who need assistance, he said. When they have their call light on for 30, 40 minutes, and no ones coming, thats dangerous.

Wilson added that the rule is necessary to make sure all patients, including his mother, get proper care.

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) filed a lawsuit in May against the rule. The complaint says in part, To be clear, all agree that nursing homes need an adequate supply of well-trained staff. But imposing a nationwide, multi-billion-dollar, unfunded mandate at a time when nursing homes are already struggling with staffing shortages and financial constraints will only make the situation worse.

Matthew Barrett, president and CEO of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, which is a state affiliate with the AHCA, said the focus should be on better wages and benefits for nursing home employees, instead of a workforce mandate.

There are simply not enough workers to fill the positions that would be mandated, so essentially, youre setting up a health care system, which is struggling to get to the other side of this health emergency in healthy way, youre setting it up to fail, he said.

In addition to the lawsuit, there are proposed bills in the U.S. House of Representatives that could reverse the staffing mandate.

Blumenthal stood beside workers Monday encouraging the Senate to not pass that legislation.

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Connecticut to benefit from over $700 million in climate pollution reduction grants

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut will benefit from over $700 million in grants for community-driven solutions to cut climate pollution throughout New England, including $450 million to accelerate the adoption of cold-climate heat pumps and water heaters.

Nine-and-a-half million dollars will go towards a networked geothermal system for Union Station in New Haven.

Big Lots closing 3 Connecticut locations

No community should have to worry about a future of heat waves, flooding, and sea level rise, and every community should be able to seize the opportunities of a transition to a clean energy future, EPA Regional Administrator David Cash said.

An additional $250 million will be spent on electric vehicle charging infrastructure along Interstate 95 for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

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Connecticut officials who have endorsed Kamala Harris for president so far

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Several Democrats in Connecticut are endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.

Biden posted a statement just before 2 p.m. Sunday announcing he would stand down from seeking reelection. Just about a half-hour later, he publicly backed Harris for president.

Connecticut lawmakers react to Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) formally endorsed Harris on Monday.

Im going to stand with Kamala Harris as the candidate for the Democratic Party, Blumenthal said. I did not endorse her yesterday [Sunday] because I wanted to give President Biden his day, and he deserves that reverence and respect, but I know carrying on that legacy of caring, compassion and courage and the extraordinary leadership and legacy that he leaves means electing Kamala Harris now as president of the United States.

VIDEO: Blumenthal endorses Harris as Democratic nominee for president

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) endorsed Harris Sunday night.

We know how effective she is, Murphy said. Joe Bidens success has been Kamala Harris success.

After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) posted a statement, saying, The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe she will be the front runner when our convention meets next month.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D-Conn.) said Its time for new leadership.

There is no one more qualified or more prepared to become our next president than Kamala Harris.

Sen. Christine Cohen, Rep. Josh Elliott, Rep. Kate Farrar and Rep. Corey Paris  four members of the Connecticut General Assembly who are Connecticut delegates for the Democratic National Convention  strongly endorsed Harris.

We face a critical moment in our countrys history to come together to fight for our democracy, our freedoms and our future, their statement read. Vice President Harris has proven she is prepared to lead and will continue the incredible legacy that she shares with President Joe Biden. Time is of the essence to unite and win this election in November. We encourage fellow Connecticut delegates to join us in support of Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party nomination.

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) also threw his support behind Harris.

Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a force in one of the most productive administrations in history, he said Monday. As a prosecutor, a senator, and our Vice President, Kamala Harris has demonstrated the leadership, competence, and grace needed to defeat Donald Trump and lead our nation. I will do everything possible to see her elected in November.

Trump campaign: Harris will be even worse than Biden

During the last three and a half years, hes [Biden] had a great partner in Vice President Kamala Harris, who I strongly support to lead the Democratic Party to build on their record of success with a new agenda focused on our future, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) also voiced her support of Harris.

I join President Biden in saying we should come together to support Vice President Kamala Harris, she said.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, Now, it is time to focus on the work of electing Kamala Harris as the next President and winning back the House so we can continue to deliver for the American people.

Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) said Harris is the right person to move the Democratic Party and this nation forward.

She is fiercely intelligent and highly capable of leading in this moment Winfield said. At a time when so much is at stake, let us unite behind the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris.

Attorney General William Tong said he couldnt be more proud to endorse Harris.

As the daughter of immigrants, the Vice President lives and leads a welcoming, inclusive vision for our country one that restores and enables the American Dream and that every day helps families do better for themselves and their children. For women and their freedom to choose, for our climate future, for gun safety, for the legitimacy of our democracy at home and abroad, she is the leader we need right now, he said.

Connecticut Republicans have strong words

The Democrats are in utter disarray, Connecticut COP Chair Ben Proto said. I think we have answers and solutions to issues Americans are talking about at the kitchen table.

I do not believe his administration has been successful, quite the opposite, Senate Republican Leader Steve Harding said.

JD Vance slams Kamala Harris during his solo campaign debut as the GOP vice presidential nominee

Some Republicans said our country has suffered these past few years.

I think there are people who are discouraged and kind of disgusted with politics, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said.

Theres also a push for greater transparency about how this historic change to the Democratic ticket is being made.

What does this really look like? What is the precedent this is setting? What is it doing for democracy? We had a primary for better or worse, Candelora said. All those 14 million people that voted their votes are irrelevant now.

BIDEN ENDS REELECTION BID

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Over the past decade, Republicans have ardently stood by raw, unpasteurized milk.

Their biggest victory came last May when the Iowa Legislature passed a bill legalizing the sale of raw milk directly from farms to consumers. Dubbed the fresh milk bill, Senate Bill 315 was approved following a 37 to 13 Senate vote, allowing producers to sell raw milk to Iowans, along with raw milk products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream. The bills earliest iteration was conceived back in 2008, after Iowa State Senator Jason Schultz visited a local farmer who received a cease-and-desist letter for selling unpasteurized milk to his friends and neighbors. In the wake of Senate Bill 315s passage, Schultz and many of his Republican supporters celebrated the so-called win. Schultz said hes waited 17 years for a raw milk bill to clear the Legislature.

However, amid the recent right-wing fervor, a raw milk creamery based in Walton, New York, was found to be the source of Listeria monocytogenes that sickened eight people, killing two of them in 2016. On July 9, Johannes Vulto, the owner of Vulto Creamery, was sentenced to three years probation, a $100,000 fine and 240 hours of community service by the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Vulto could have been sentenced to up to a year in prison but agreed to pay a $100,000 fine, according to his plea agreement.

Court documents revealed that Vulto Creamery started producing and shipping raw milk cheese in 2012. Samples of Vultos cheese repeatedly tested positive for listeria species between July 2014 and Feb. 2017, ultimately leading the federal court to shut down the creamery in 2018.

Vulto Creamery initiated a recall of its Ouleout cheese on March 3, 2017. Four days later, it expanded its recall to include all soft and semi-soft cheese. All Vulto cheese products were recalled on March 11, 2017. And on April 5, 2017, the creamery destroyed all cheese in its inventory and other returned products from prior recalls.

Upon further inspection of Vulto Creamery, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found several health and safety violations. Vulto employees reportedly didnt wash their lower or upper arms before submerging them in whey to stir and break up fresh cheese curds. According to FDA investigators, one of those employees had several cuts and abrasions on their arms. Black mold was also found throughout the creamerys factory. The FDA listed 18 total violations.

The recent case with Vulto Creamery underscores some of the dangers of raw milk consumption. The FDA has advised against drinking raw milk and eating raw milk products  mainly sourced from cows, sheep and goats. Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter and other pathogens that cause foodborne illness.

Despite those risks, the pro-raw milk movement has only intensified, even in the midst of a recent outbreak of bird flu among dairy cattle. As of July 8, the H5N1 strain has infected dairy herds in 12 states: 27 herds each in Colorado and Idaho, 25 in Michigan, 21 in Texas, 12 in Iowa, eight in New Mexico, seven in Minnesota, five in South Dakota, four in Kansas, and one each in North Carolina, Ohio, and Wyoming.

Within humans, the consequences of drinking unpasteurized milk from cows infected with bird flu remain inconclusive, although one study suggested that it may be dangerous. Researchers at the University of WisconsinMadison discovered that mice that were fed samples of milk from a herd of H5N1-infected cows subsequently grew very sick. They said more research is needed to determine whether humans who drink raw milk containing the H5N1 virus would be affected in a similar manner as mice. However, researchers did conclude that H5N1-positive milk poses a risk when consumed untreated.

Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said consuming raw milk could come with serious health risks.

There is concern that consumption of unpasteurized milk and products made from unpasteurized milk contaminated with HPAI A(H5N1) virus could transmit HPAI A(H5N1) virus to people; however, the risk of human infection is unknown at this time, the agency wrote.

However, last month, sales of raw milk were on the rise as the number of bird flu cases increased.

Thats largely due to conservatives decrying both the government and Big Milk for allegedly violating their right to consume raw milk, regardless of whether it fueled the human-to-human spread of bird flu. As explained by Salons Ashlie Stevens, Its an attitude that closely mimics the partys approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which their members refused to participate in even basic public health and safety measures. Avoiding the consumption of raw milk has become the new masking for Republicans, Stevens added.

Take for example Infowars host Owen Shroyer, who called the FDA a gangster mafia that wanted to make raw milk illegal.

So, now that more people are going to local farms and farmers markets and consuming raw milk, this angers the FDA, Shroyer said in April. This angers Big Milk. Say, No, you need to pasteurize milk, its a lot less healthy for you. See, eventually, theyll just make it illegal. Theyll just make raw milk illegal. Thats what this is all about.

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That same month, right-wing media outlet TheBlaze published an article titled Blaze News Investigates: The truth about raw milk the government doesn't want you to know: Close to a perfect food, which claimed that the so-called experts are not telling you the full story and that unfortunately, the potential benefits of raw dairy are a secret to most Americans.

Conservative youth organization Turning Point USA also promoted drinking raw milk with a plain white t-shirt featuring an image of a cow and the words got raw milk? under it.

What will it take for conservatives to realize that prohibiting the consumption of raw milk isnt merely a violation of ones rights  its a safety measure at large? Is it another Listeriosis outbreak? Or is it more dairy cattle infected with bird flu? Science and public health concerns are clearly out the window. So perhaps, the question remains unanswered for the time being.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  The Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office asks for the publics help after they shared on Facebook that a contractor was arrested and charged with contracting without a license in the area.

UPDATE: Gulfport man died in Gulf Shores Parkway crash: GSPD

According to the SRCSOs Facebook post, a fraud alert has been issued for the area after 34-year-old Aron Carrillo allegedly contracted without a license for two years throughout the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Louisiana.

Carillo allegedly took $19,000 for a job which required a contractor license and electrical license, the post said. He also failed to obtain the proper permits and permit inspections for the job.

In addition, he reportedly caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to a home he worked on, including potentially damaging the support beams vital to the houses structural integrity, the SRCSO said.

Carrillo was operating under the business name Tres Carrillos LLC, authorities said.

The post said Carrillo was charged with grand theft, two counts of contracting without a license, and failing to obtain business permits. He is being held in the Gadsden County Jail and awaiting extradition, according to authorities.

Neighbor recounts gunfire after 3 shot at Airbnb in Toulminville, leaving 2 dead

The SRCSO encourages anyone who previously conducted business with Carrillo to contact them at 850-983-1100 to file a report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Across the nation, COVID-19's shadow has become more pronounced lately, with the usual seasonal uptick in travel and socialization spawning a fresh spate of infections. Above, travelers at Los Angeles International Airport on July 19, 2024. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Coronavirus levels in California's wastewater now exceed last summer's peak, an indication of the rapid spread of the super-contagious new FLiRT strains.

California has "very high" coronavirus levels in its wastewater  one of 21 states in that category, up from seven the prior week, according to estimates published Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That means about 155 million people  nearly half of America's population  live in areas with "very high" coronavirus levels in sewage. Besides California, the other states with "very high" levels are Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Washington, D.C., is also in that category.

Coronavirus levels in wastewater are also surging in Los Angeles County  and the rate of increase has been accelerating. The county also has seen notable jumps this month in newly confirmed infections, coronavirus-positive hospitalizations and the share of emergency room visits attributable to COVID-19.

Nationally, overall viral levels in wastewater are considered "high" for the second straight week, the CDC said. The estimates are subject to change as more data come in.

Most Americans probably know a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance who has come down with COVID-19 recently, perhaps being infected while traveling or at a social gathering.

"If you call  I don't know  20 or 30 friends, you're very, very likely to find a bunch of them actually have COVID, or have had COVID recently, or are starting to be symptomatic," said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a COVID expert and chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System in Missouri.

One notable recent case was President Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday while traveling in Las Vegas. Biden returned to Delaware to recover. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tested positive a few weeks ago, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) said Tuesday that she was celebrating her birthday while recovering from COVID.

"Our fight against COVID is not over!" Lee said on social media.

Read more: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas; 'mild symptoms' reported

Across the nation, COVID-19's shadow has become more pronounced lately, with the usual seasonal uptick in travel and socialization spawning a fresh spate of infections. Many cases are relatively mild, but nevertheless disruptive  forcing trips or plans to be canceled.

Some recently infected people have described painful COVID symptoms, such as a throat that feels like it's studded with razor blades. Overall, however, there are no indications the FLiRT subvariants are associated with increased illness severity that would trigger a substantial increase in hospitalizations.

The CDC estimates that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 41 states, including California. There are no states where the coronavirus is declining or likely declining.

The COVID resurgence comes as the sprawling FLiRT family is increasing its dominance nationally. For the two-week period that ended Saturday, the CDC estimates that about 80% of the nation's coronavirus specimens are of the FLiRT subvariants, up from about 65% for the same period a month earlier.

Read more: Rising COVID clashes with carefree California summer as cases jump, precautions fade

Across California, the rate at which COVID tests are returning positive results is also on the rise. For the week that ended July 15, 12.8% of tests came back positive. That's up from 5.9% a month earlier and close to last summer's peak of 13.1%, which was recorded at the end of August and early September.

For the 10-day period that ended July 6, the most recent for which data are available, coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater were at 36% of last winters peak, up from 27% for the 10-day period that ended June 29.

Newly confirmed COVID cases are rising faster, too. For the week that ended July 14, there were an average of 359 new cases a day in L.A. County, up from 307 the prior week. A month earlier, there were 154 cases a day.

Official COVID-19 case tallies are certainly an undercount, as those figures include only tests done at medical facilities, not those taken at home, and also don't account for the fact that fewer people are testing when they feel sick. But the overall trends are still helpful to determine the trajectory of the summer wave.

COVID hospitalizations are also ticking up, though they remain below last summer's peak. For the week that ended July 13, there were an average of 287 COVID-positive people per day in L.A. County hospitals, up from 139 for the comparable period a month earlier. Last summer's peak was the week that ended Sept. 9, when an average of 620 COVID-positive patients were in the region's hospitals per day.

For the week that ended July 14, L.A. County reported that 2.8% of all emergency room visits were COVID-related  up from 1.8% for the comparable period a month earlier, but below last summer's peak of 5.1%.

Coronavirus levels are also high in the sewage of Santa Clara County, the San Francisco Bay Area's most populous region and home to Silicon Valley. As of Friday, coronavirus levels were "high" in all of its sewersheds  San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Gilroy.

Doctors say it's important to get tested if you have COVID symptoms, such as fever, aches, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose or headache, as well as less-common ailments such as vomiting, diarrhea and stomachache.

Read more: 'Playing COVID roulette': Some infected by FLiRT variants report their most unpleasant symptoms yet

Most health insurance plans in California  at least those regulated by the state  are required to reimburse covered people for eight at-home test kits per month, if an in-network provider is used.

Additionally, "if you have insurance, your health insurer is required to cover the entire cost of testing if a doctor orders the test. You do not need to have symptoms to request a test," according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Eligible individuals can also search for no-cost testing locations through a CDC website, testinglocator.cdc.gov. Those who have insurance may need to provide insurance information.

People who don't have health insurance in L.A. County can also get free COVID testing at the county's public health center nurse-only clinics and multi-service vaccination sites. Seniors age 65 and up who live in L.A. County, as well as residents who are unable to leave home, can also ask for two free test kits to be mailed to them by filling out a form online. Libraries in L.A. County, as well as food banks and senior centers, may also have free COVID test kits available.

Health officials also have urged people to consider asking medical providers for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, to help battle an active COVID illness. Antivirals can be used to treat people with mild to moderate illness who are at risk of seeing their condition deteriorate.

"Waiting for symptoms to worsen is not recommended," the California Department of Public Health says.

Read more: California hits 'very high' COVID levels as virus in wastewater jumps significantly

Health officials previously have said that antiviral drugs are underused and they implored healthcare providers to properly prescribe them when indicated.

In an advisory, the California Department of Public Health said, Most adults and some children with symptomatic COVID-19 are eligible for treatments. ... Providers should have a low threshold for prescribing COVID-19 therapeutics.

The state of California once made virtual medical COVID visits free for residents, but that program ended in March. The contractor that provided the service, sesamecare.com/covid, now offers those medical services for a fee, though with a discount for California residents.

There has been relatively low uptake of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which became available in September. Since then, 36.7% of Californias seniors 65 and older have received at least one dose of the updated vaccine, as have 18.5% of adults age 50 to 64 and 10% of younger adults, up to age 49.

Read more: Positive test not needed for long COVID diagnosis, experts conclude

For people who havent received an updated COVID vaccine within the last year, you should think about getting it, especially if youre older and immune-compromised, said UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. People at highest risk of dying from COVID are those who are older or have weakened immune systems and haven't been recently vaccinated.

Getting the 2023-24 vaccine now will still allow you to get the updated COVID vaccination that is on track to become available this fall. The CDC will recommend everyone 6 months and older get the updated 2024-25 version of the vaccine.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Delta Airlines employees walk in the 2022 New York City Pride march on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Delta Airlines employees walk in the 2022 New York City Pride march on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)

This story was produced in partnership with OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that tracks money in politics. Albert Serna, Jr. is a reporter at OpenSecrets. He can be reached at aserna@opensecrets.org.

Throughout Pride Month, it has become increasingly common for corporations to adorn their websites in rainbow flags, espouse their support for LGBTQ+ rights and try to win over a community that has historically been stereotyped as having a disposable income. But some of those companies still steer big money to groups and politicians who oppose LGBTQ+ rights.

Chief Economist at the Koppa LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab, Lee Badgett, said that the idea that LGBTQ communities have more money to spend is a misrepresentation of the community as a whole.

Theres long been an incorrect stereotype about LGBTQ people that they are well off, lots of income, no real financial problems, Badgett said. We know that gay and bisexual men and bisexual women in particular tend to have lower earnings than their heterosexual counterparts. Same for transgender and cisgender people, transgender people are earning less.

Lack of clarity on how politicians and corporations are spending can create a false narrative that a specific corporation or political figure solely aligns with LGBTQ rights, when they may also give to anti-LGBTQ groups. OpenSecrets has found that even corporations that publicly condemn anti-LGBTQ legislation regularly steer tens of thousands of dollars in political contributions to legislators who advanced those bills.

Delta Airlines has sponsored multiple Pride events, yet also gave $8,500 to Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who has supported anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Melissa Michelson, professor of Political Science at Menlo College, calls this behavior during Pride month a type of rainbow washing.

Politicians engage in rainbow washing for the same reason that corporations do because they want consumers, slash voters, slash potential donors to think well of them. And maybe that means you will donate money to them, or maybe you will consider voting for that, Michelson told OpenSecrets. Either way thats the currency of politics, whether its a financial donation or a vote, thats what every candidate needs.

Fairweather support

Large donors to Pride events in June have done everything from changing their logos to making posts on social media, but some of their political giving tells a different story.

Delta Air Lines sponsored multiple Pride events in California, New York and Washington D.C.

The airlines PAC donated more than $300,000 to Republican candidates, including $8,500 to Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and $5,000 to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.)  both of whom have supported anti-LGBTQ legislation according to GLAAD. Blackburn has been a vocal opponent of gender-affirming care for transgender youth, and Scalise who has a long history of introducing and supporting anti-LGBTQ bills. All Republican Senators who received funds from the PAC received less than 20 from the Human Rights Campaign Congressional scorecard. Many did not reach the double digits.

The airline donated another $45,000 to GOPAC and $10,000 to the dark money group Alliance for American Exceptionalism, both of which work to elect conservatives with records of voting against LGBTQ+ rights at the state and federal level. Mark Green who compared LGBTQ Americans to ISIS, received $5,000 from GOPAC, filings show. GOPAC also gave $5,000 to Michigan State Sen. Tom Barrett whose campaign sent out anti-trans text messages.

Another big sponsor for Pride events across the country is MasterCard, whose PAC also steered more than $100,000 to Republican candidates in 2024, including $10,000 to Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and $4,000 to Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Both politicians have openly opposed bills that would protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals, including a vote in 2022 against the Respect for Marriage Act. Republicans who received funds from Mastercard did not pass 60 on the HRC scorecard while Democrats did not score below 90.

Defense contractor Booz Allen Hamiltons corporate PAC contributed almost equally to Republicans and Democrats in 2024, giving more than $100,000 to Republican Candidates and $87,000 to Democrats. Some recipients from the defense contractors PAC include $4,000 each to Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) and $5,000 to Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.). Calvert has a long history of opposing LGBTQ rights but his views shifted to ostensibly support marriage equality after his district was redrawn to include Palm Springs, a city that has the largest LGBTQ population per capita in the U.S. But in 2023, Calvert voted for the Parents Bill of Rights Act, legislation that would force schools to out transgender students.

Gallagher backed two amendments that would remove protections for transgender people experiencing homelessness in 2019. He also voted against the Equality Act in 2021 which would have explicitly protected LGBTQ people through federal civil rights law. The Booz Allen PAC makes contributions on a bipartisan basis to U.S. federal congressional candidates, a spokesperson from Booz Allen said in a statement to OpenSecrets. The PAC continues to evaluate and execute a giving strategy aligned with our diverse global business, our corporate values, and our interests as a large employer.

Delta and MasterCard did not respond to requests for comment.

While some companies sponsoring Pride events have made contributions to groups and politicians with records of opposing LGBTQ rights, it is noteworthy that the organizations publicly support Pride because that is not something that historically happened, Michelson told OpenSecrets.

I dont remember 10 years ago that youd walk into Target and there were rainbows everywhere, Michelson said. In the same way that corporations are responding to this new kind of national focus on LGBTQ rights I would imagine that thats paralleled in the political arena.

That support, however, isnt without its own issues. Earlier this year the national brand Target announced that it would be limiting its pride section after conservative pushback on pride-themed items and bathing suits for transgender people.

Despite the pullback on pride merchandise, Target has still been a corporate sponsor for a number of pride events around the country. How much theyve donated in those sponsorships is unclear.

It has become common for various groups like airlines, big banks, and defense contractors to sponsor stages or portions of Pride events, which have historically worked to offset the cost of hosting the events.

Every June, every corporation, every politician, everybody wants to say, Im supportive of LGBTQ rights, Im an ally of the community, Michelson said. Maybe you never hear anything from them about issues facing the community the rest of the year, but suddenly in June, theyre very concerned and very supportive.
PHNOM PENH, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The central banks of Cambodia and Timor-Leste on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening banking and financial cooperation, said a news release from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).

The MoU was inked by NBC's Governor Chea Serey and Central Bank of Timor-Leste Governor Helder Lopes after their first bilateral meeting, the news release said.

"The MoU aims at strengthening cooperation between the two central banks in payment connectivity, digital financial innovation, banking supervision, financial inclusion, and human resources development," the news release said.

"Through the MoU, the experts of the two central banks will strengthen technical cooperation through regular discussions, exchange of views, and sharing of information and data related to economics and finance as well as experiences and knowledge on technical work," it added.

During the meeting, the two central bank governors also discussed and exchanged views on economic situations, monetary policies, and banking development processes in both countries, the news release said.

The two sides also shared experiences and strategies on local currency promotion and other important topics of interest for both central banks, it added. 
People examine the work of a robotic weeder during a field day hosted by UC Davis. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

The smell of burnt vegetation wafted through a lettuce field here one recent summer morning as nearly 200 farmers, academics and engineers gathered to witness the future of automated agriculture.

Thirteen hulking machines with names like "Weed Spider" and "Mantis" crawled through rows of romaine. One used artificial intelligence cameras to scan the crops and spray them with herbicides. Another zapped weeds with lasers. Yet another deployed robotic arms to cultivate and pick through the foliage.

"It's a hurdle for people to get over, but the reality is, the numbers don't lie," said Tim Mahoney, a field representative for Carbon Robotics, a Seattle-based company that created one of the machines on display  a 9,500-pound apparatus known as the LaserWeeder.

A robot cuts weeds around romaine lettuce during field day hosted by UC Davis researchers in Salinas recently. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

The massive machine uses deep-learning AI models to scan fields and identify weeds in real time before vaporizing them with more than 30 high-powered lasers, all while protecting the crop. The company says it reduces farming costs, increases yields and improves soil health while avoiding the need for chemical herbicides.

"This is the future," Mahoney said as the LaserWeeder moved through the lettuce, leaving small wisps of smoke in its wake.

The high-tech field day comes at a moment when Californians are strongly reconsidering their relationship with traditional herbicides and pesticides. Chemicals such as paraquat, dacthal and glyphosate  also known as RoundUp  have for decades been used to eliminate weeds and pests from the state's crops, but are increasingly associated with cancer, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, respiratory ailments and birth defects, among other potential health risks.

Steven Fennimore, a weed researcher and professor of plant sciences at UC Davis, said the industry's technological shift arrives as state regulators are "weeding out the old stuff." Assembly Bill 1963  a bill seeking to ban the use of paraquat in California  is working its way through the state Legislature and will be heard by the Senate Appropriations committee in August.

What's more, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation last year released a roadmap for sustainable pest management that aims to transition the state away from harmful chemicals and toward safer, organic alternatives by 2050.

Carbon Robotics' LaserWeeder rolls along a field during a recent demonstration. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

Fennimore, who organized the field day in Salinas, said many of the state's most popular herbicides and pesticides have been around for more than half a century and come with considerable baggage despite their effectiveness. Dacthal was first registered for use in the United States in 1958, paraquat in 1964 and glyphosate in 1974.

Machines enhanced with AI and robotics can help solve many of the same problems without the use of antique sprays and pollutants, he said.

"We're not getting a lot of new pesticides because the path to commercialization is a whole lot different than it was in 1958  it's much more expensive, the toxicology has to be pristine, you can't injure wildlife in any way," Fennimore said. "So the machine vision products that are weeding are very much welcome, very much needed."

Mahoney, of Carbon Robotics, said the company is selling about one $1.4-million LaserWeeder per week, with more than 80 on the market worldwide already. Some customers run it 24 hours a day, including one grower who has it programmed for more than 40 individual crops, he said.

He added that the weeder can zap thousands of weeds per minute, compared with the roughly 40 weeds per minute that can be picked by hand.

"It's kind of like a Swiss Army knife," Mahoney said.

Read more: California moves to ban the use of paraquat, a powerful weedkiller

A shift from herbicides and manual labor to intelligent robots would have far-reaching consequences for California's $50-billion agriculture industry and local economies.

The potential loss of hand crews is raising concerns. In Monterey County, where Salinas is located, agriculture accounts for nearly a quarter of all jobs and represents the largest employment sector by far, ahead of both government and tourism, according to county data.

Some experts fear the new technology could eliminate farm positions without offering suitable replacements.

"It's going to be a whole mixed bag of complications," said Barbara Meister, a consultant with the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative, who also attended the field day.

"This weeder is an example of replacing human labor with mechanical labor," Meister said as she pointed to one of the machines. "So for us, we're thinking about, does this technology enhance labor, replace labor, or create new job opportunities?"

Chris Benner, director of the Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz, likened the new tools to the mechanical tomato harvester, which displaced some 30,000 farm jobs when it was first introduced in the 1950s, but also ushered in a new era of industrialized food production.

Romaine lettuce grows in a Salinas agricultural field. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

"We need more efficiencies in agriculture to improve profit margins and be able to pay workers in the field more, but that's ultimately going to displace some people," Benner said. "What do we do, in that context, to support people who need new training into other types of jobs? The social challenges are much harder than the technical training challenges."

But agriculture is also facing a shortage of labor. Multiple farmers at the field day said they're having a tough time finding workers to pick weeds and crops  a tedious and challenging job that often offers only short seasons and minimum wage. The work can also be dangerous, especially when it involves applying potentially toxic chemicals to plants, or toiling in extreme heat.

Pete Anecito, a director of farming with Sabor Farms, said his team is already running a LaserWeeder around the clock, which is being used on spinach mixes and other high-density plantings. It performs the work of roughly two human crews in a 24-hour period, he said.

"All of them lend themselves to different applications that are going to save us time and money," Anecito said as he checked out the new machines. "These are great trials out here. We need to see what it does to the operation."

Read more: Its environmental racism: Monterey County sued over farm chemicals near mostly Latino schools

While experts continue to weigh the labor implications, the environmental benefits of the technology are much clearer, according to Fennimore.

"We're not using herbicides, not using pesticides, not using fumigants," he said. He noted that one machine his team is working on  a smart steamer that sterilizes soil  can be used near schools, where people don't want "nasty chemical stuff."

In fact, a coalition of environmental groups, social justice organizations and teachers sued Monterey County agriculture officials and state pesticide regulators in April, alleging the use of restricted pesticides in close proximity to three elementary schools.

"This stuff does serious damage, sometimes permanent damage, and the worst part is it can take decades  if ever  for our regulators to act on this, and that's the pattern we have to disrupt," said Mark Weller, a campaign director with Californians for Pesticide Reform, one of the groups involved in the suit.

The use of such chemicals can amount to a form of environmental racism, he said, because the people most likely to be exposed to and sickened by herbicides and pesticides are often low-income people, Latinos, migrant farm workers and other vulnerable populations.

Farmers study a weed control device during a recent field day in Salinas. Lasers and other technologies are being marketed as a replacement for harmful herbicides. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

Weller noted that there are more than 130 pesticides used in California that are not approved in the European Union, including paraquat, which is banned in about 60 countries. However, the group's call for pesticide reform is not focused on artificial intelligence, but rather organic agriculture and integrated weed management strategies, many of which are outlined in the state's 2050 roadmap.

Among the strategies Weller recommended are inter-row hoeing, which helps suppress weeds; thermal weeding, which uses heat to kill weeds; and bio-herbicides, which use microorganisms for weed control.

UC Davis' Steve Fennimore, right, listens to speakers during a field day hosted by university researchers to preview new farming technology. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

There is also growing interest in replacing herbicides and pesticides at the molecular level. One recent study published in the journal Nature highlighted the ways in which nanotechnology typically used in the medical field could be used to deliver pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to specific biological targets in plants where infections and other issues can occur.

"There's a whole field of integrated weed management that existed before pesticides, and exists all across the world," Weller said. "So it's increasingly frustrating to hear 'Big Ag' and the regulators saying there's no substitute."

Indeed, many agricultural companies are resistant to change since their products are still effective and profitable, Fennimore said. Syngenta, a leading manufacturer of paraquat, raked in a reported $32 billion in sales in 2023, according to its annual report.

The industry is also filled with deep pockets and powerful lobbyists, which can make it difficult to bring about significant change. But while the companies that created the original products may feel threatened by new AI innovations, "it really doesn't matter what they think," Fennimore said.

"The ag-chem companies  they understand that they're really not parties to this development," he said. "And they they see the old chemistry under fire and it causes them lots of worry."

Read more: This weed killer is banned in 58 countries. U.S. workers say it's giving them Parkinson's

Still, AI farming technology has a ways to go, according to Brad Hanson, an herbicide researcher with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.

Robots and lasers that work on 30,000 acres of lettuce or broccoli may not yet be applicable or economical for millions of acres of soybeans, he said. However, their appeal is growing.

"There's interest and there's opportunity," he said. "[With] high labor costs, environmental and toxicity issues with poured herbicides, regulatory challenges more broadly in California, this kind of thing is becoming important  and will become even more important."

At the field day in Salinas, it was clear that innovation is marching steadily forward.

In one row, growers used a joystick to operate a Lego-like, $25,000 modular robot on wheels that can be coded for use as a cultivator, a seeder, a data collector, or whatever else is needed on the field, according to its creator, a group called Farm-NG.

Nearby, a metal behemoth from the company Laudando & Associates looked like a Tesla Cybertruck as it combed through a field deploying lasers for weeding and thinning. Next to it, a smart cultivator from Stout Industrial displayed its use of AI vision and mechanical blades to remove weeds from around the crops.

Following each display, a crowd of growers and researchers squatted in the rows to examine the machine's work, murmuring among themselves about charred leaves or disrupted dirt. Representatives from each company touted their product's benefits over a megaphone.

A spokesman from Greentech Robotics, which created the WeedSpider, said the 2,000-pound machine was using LIDAR sensors to create a 3-D elevation profile of the field in real time, which could be used for mechanical weeding, thinning or precision spraying. The device can service up to 28 acres a day, he said.

And, like most AI tools, it is constantly learning as it goes.

"Every machine out in the field is always improving," he said, as the robot's mechanical arms sifted through the soil behind him.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Could Black voters swing the election for Trump? Meet a man trying to make that happen.

Meet Orlando Owens. He grew up on 21st and W. Hampton Ave on Milwaukees north side.

His parents divorced when he was young. He grew up poor, struggled in high school and in his early college days, but later graduated from Morris Brown College, a historically Black college and university in Atlanta. Given that background, you might peg him to one political party.

On the contrary, hes a proud Black Republican working to woo young Black and Hispanic residents in Milwaukee to vote for Donald Trump through his grassroots organization Project Move the Needle. He was also a prominent volunteer at the Republican National Convention last week.

I sought out a Black Republican who supported Trump in the hopes of understanding why he believes Trump, who refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election and is accused of inciting his supporters to engage in violent acts to overturn the results, deserves another opportunity. We spoke at length at the Sherman Perk coffee shop and I later interviewed him on "Black Nouveau" on Milwaukee PBS.

Owens, 50, said to understand his perspective, you have to start with a series of pivotal moments in his life in his 20s.

Neighborhood meeting sparked his shift to Republican Party

The first took place after he graduated from Morris Brown. Upon returning to Milwaukee, he attended a neighborhood meeting where Alderman Marvin Pratt informed constituents that their taxes would increase.

That didnt sit well with me because I couldnt see what we were getting in return. It made me question many things that didnt add up, Owens said.

The second occurred while listening to Black talk radio. The late talk show host Eric Von mentioned talk show host Rush Limbaugh on his show. Owens didnt know who Limbaugh was, so he tuned in to his station but discovered that a local talk show host, Mark Belling, was filling in.

Belling was sharing his thoughts, and I started to agree with some of his thoughts. I wouldn't have said it like he did, but his message resonated with me," Owens explained.

He started listening to Belling and Limbaugh and found value in their conversations about issues like guns, education, crime and the importance of strong family values.

"Being raised in a church and seeing the principles my grandparents lived by felt like their ideas aligned with my family's beliefs," Owens said. "It was then that I had a moment of realization and thought, I think I am a Republican."

Rappers, strippers and a felon: Is this Donald Trump's new Republican Party?

Owens, married and the father of two, admits he is not your typical Republican. He was raised on 21st and Hampton and was a C student until he joined the 220 busing program, which allowed him to attend Wauwatosa West High School.

While at Wauwatosa West, he first observed the disparities between the privileged and the underprivileged. It was a revelatory experience. After graduating, Owens enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and by his sophomore year, he became a dad.

He started working to save money for his family but wanted to return to school. He had some cousins who attended historically Black colleges in the Atlanta area, and after talking with his grandparents, he went for a visit.

He was sold on Atlanta as soon as he set foot on the campus of Morris Brown. Owens majored in business in college and became involved in student government. He graduated with honors.

Life is about what you put in. There are no shortcuts, he said.

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After graduating and returning to Milwaukee, he was shocked at how little had changed compared with Atlanta, where Black residents held various leadership roles and the Black middle class was flourishing. Despite being under Democratic leadership, Milwaukee still faced high rates of Black male incarceration, poverty and a low Black homeownership rate.

I know for a fact that my grandparents, who were renters, had paid for the place we lived in at least twice, he said.

Project Move the Needle will target frustrated voters

Owens oversees a team of 10 part-time employees focused on engaging disenchanted men under 32 who are registered voters but may not participate in the elections. Their location? The historic Bronzeville district on the corner of King Drive and North Avenue.

Since mid-May, Owens and his team have canvassed Black areas, asking potential voters if their lives have improved during President Joe Bidens term compared with when Trump was in the Oval Office.

He said if he could get 10,000 people who did not plan to vote to support Trump, Wisconsin could turn red and put Trump back in the White House. After all, Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020 by just more than 20,000 votes.

Republican Orlando Owens, left, talks with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, a Democrat, at the Sherman Perk coffee shop. Owens grassroots program, Project Move the Needle, aims to target frustrated Black and Latinos to vote for Donald Trump for President.

In recent years, the relationship between Black Americans and the Republican Party has received considerable attention. A report by the Pew Research Center found that in the 2020 presidential election, a higher percentage of Black men voted for Trump compared with Black women.

In the 1920s, Black Americans split their support between the Republican and Democratic parties. However, a shift toward the Democrats began under Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s and was solidified after President Harry Truman issued an executive order in 1948 to desegregate the U.S. military. By the 1960s, during the Civil Rights Movement, Black Americans strongly aligned with the Democratic Party after President John Kennedy intervened to get Martin Luther King Jr. released from jail.

According to the Pew Research Center, 1 in 10 Black adults identify with or lean toward the Republican Party today. Owens said the number is growing.

He said Trump's felony conviction in New York has not significantly affected his support among young Black men. He mentioned that most people he spoke to appreciate Trump's boldness and unfiltered commentary.

"They like him because he tells it like it is, and they respect that," Owens said.

Trump campaign courts Black voters: Why did Trump start Black voter outreach in a white Philly ZIP code? They wouldn't say.

Project Move the Needle targets districts with a high level of minority frustration. Owens mentioned the recent financial instability and staff turnover at Milwaukee Public Schools, including several school board members, have created an opportunity for those wanting a shake-up in leadership across the political landscape.

I sympathize with the frustration expressed, although I question whether it would compel individuals to support a convicted, some might say even a racist, individual for the presidency. I, too, share frustration. I oppose increased taxation without corresponding service improvements, but I doubt Trump will enact legislation that would lead to significant changes for the city of Milwaukee, especially since he called Milwaukee a horrible city just a few weeks ago.

Trump being a convicted felon should not ingratiate him with Black and brown voters, especially since we know that having a felony on record precludes most of those same individuals from voting and locks most of them out of the white-collar, high-wage earning positions.

If a felon can run for the highest position in the country, then having a felony should not prevent anyone from employment, loans or housing.

He was rejected and homeless at 15. Now he leads the LGBTQ group that gave him acceptance.

Give Owens credit for reaching out to neglected, ignored voters

After speaking with Owens at Sherman Perk coffee shop, I realized that he had an excuse for each of Trump's flaws, and he hit on the basic talking points that most Republican supporters talk about. For example:

Owens, a gun owner, holds the belief that Democrats aim to restrict responsible gun owners from purchasing specific types of firearms and from acquiring multiple guns.

He said that during Trumps presidency, there was low Black unemployment, restored funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and the establishment of opportunity zones. However, it must be cited that even with low unemployment rates, Black people still had fewer jobs and lower pay than their white counterparts.

On incarceration, Owens asked, "Who could better advocate for a felon than a fellow felon?"

Owens' group faces a tough challenge in persuading Black voters to support Trump. Still, they are reaching out to neglected individuals, including poor Black and Hispanic voters, whose needs are ignored by both parties.

This situation serves as a reminder that both parties must work hard to listen to people and address their concerns.

Regardless of political affiliation, they need to work together to improve our lives at both national and local levels. We all suffer if this doesn't happen, regardless of who wins come November.

James E. Causey is an Ideas Lab reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where this column originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@jrn.com or follow him on X: @jecausey

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump campaign courts Black voters in swing states. Could it work?
President Joe Biden wants to pass off the baton smoothly. After dropping out of the election, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her an "extraordinary partner" in his administration. And in many policy areas, a Harris administration would probably be equivalent to a second Biden term.

But foreign policy is the one area where the president's personal feelings matter the most, because he or she is unilaterally calling the shots. Biden himself has bucked the Democratic Party consensus many times, going out of his way to take a more hawkish line on Israel and more dovish line on Afghanistan than his colleagues.

Harris has been surrounded by very different influences than Biden, from her father Donald Harris, an unorthodox economist who scrutinized military Keynesianism, to her stepdaughter Ella Emhoff, who publicly raised money for Palestinian charities. Her national security adviser, Philip Gordon, is a former Obama administration official who became an outspoken dissident against the foreign policy consensus.

"The next time U.S. leaders propose intervening in the Middle East to change a hostile regime, it can safely be assumed that such an enterprise will be more costly, less successful, and more replete with unintended consequences than proponents of such action realize or admit," Gordon concluded in his 2020 book, Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East. "So far at least, it has never been the other way around."

There are reasons for peace doves to be optimistic about Harris replacing Bidenalthough not too optimistic. Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio) has also been a harsh critic of regime change wars, yet at the Republican National Convention last week, he called for bombing Iran. Whether Harris presents herself as a fresh start from Biden's war hawkery, or whether she attempts to out-hawk her Republican rivals, remains to be seen.

As vice president, of course, Harris has taken the same line as her boss. At the Munich Security Conference in February, she vowed to keep arming Ukraine against Russia "as long as it takes" and "make sure Russia pays damages to Ukraine." And at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations conference last year, she accused China of "bullying" its neighbors, while denying that the United States itself is "seeking conflict."

Biden and Harris differ the most on the Middle East. Harris has publicly criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians, and reportedly pushed Biden in private to be "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace." An adviser told The Nation that the differences between Biden and Harris on the issue are "not in substance but probably in tone."

The best clue to the philosophy driving the Harris team's approach to the Middle East is Losing the Long Game. Reflecting on his own experiences in the White House, and warning that then-President Donald Trump was repeating the same mistakes in his attempts to overthrow the Iranian government, Gordon wrote that the record "shows no case of clear success, some catastrophic failures, and universally high costs and unintended consequences" for regime change efforts.

Gordon has an almost-libertarian criticism of the foreign policy establishment: "The bias of American political culture, resulting from the country's record of achievement and belief in its own exceptionalism, is to believe every problem has a solution, and the bias of the U.S. government is to act forcefully to try to solve those problems, no matter how difficult they might appear."

But Gordon also took care to separate himself from people who have "a principled opposition to the use of military force" or believe that "the United States has little at stake in the Middle East." Instead, he prefers a combination of "engagement, diplomacy, and containment," along with "selective military actions."

That leaves a lot of room for the "light footprint" operations and proxy wars that Biden pursuedand that ultimately allowed for the post-October 2023 explosion in the Middle East. Gordon himself warns that regime change critics can turn into regime changers, if they're convinced that they're more clever than their predecessors.

"Books and articles are written by key protagonists, explaining that victory could have been achieved if only U.S. leaders had been wiser, more determined, and willing to commit adequate resources to the task," Gordon writes. "Over time, the American public sours on the results of the intervention andthe policy is shelved, usually after a new president enters office and blames the problem on the ill-conceived or poorly implemented strategy of his predecessor. This rejection of the policy then lasts until the next time leaders consider trying it againsometimes in the very same country where it failed the first time."

Gordon's view of history points the way to the opportunities, and the dangers, of his boss's candidacy.

The post Could Kamala Harris Be an Anti-War Candidate? appeared first on Reason.com.
Who could Kamala Harris pick as VP if she wins the Democratic nomination?

As Vice President Kamala Harris begins her 2024 presidential campaign following President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid, predictions are swirling around possible Harris running mates.

ABC News' chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl weighed in on a few possible contenders for a potential Harris ticket this November.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- a lawyer, educator and former prosecutor -- has served the state since 2018.

Since taking her oath of office, she has signed executive directives to clean up Michigan's drinking water, end discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation and gender identity, secure equal pay for equal work and expand opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses, according to her congressional biography.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has been serving the state since 2023 and was previously elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2004. He represented the 153rd District until 2012.

MORE: Kamala Harris is Biden's heir apparent, but some Democrats not sold: ANALYSIS

Shapiro ran for Pennsylvania attorney general in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.

The governor gained national attention following the I-95 overpass collapse in June 2023, when he worked to reopen the intersate in just two weeks.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is the state's 75th governor and has worked in public service since 1987.

As governor, Cooper says he has "created tens of thousands of new jobs, fought to boost public education, tackled the opioid crisis, revitalized rural communities and made sure North Carolinians have the training to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow," according to his website.

Cooper previously served four terms as state attorney general.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has led the state since 2018 and is the first Democratic governor to serve a second term in 44 years.

Since taking office, Murphy has championed the state's $15-per-hour minimum wage and expanded paid family leave, according to his website.

The governor has led initiatives to provide a tuition-free public college education for qualified students, embraced policies that have driven down the cost of health care and expanded protections for the states immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Murphy has enacted gun safety laws to combat gun violence and promote responsible gun ownership.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is currently serving his second term for the state after initially being elected in 2019.

Beshear has led an "education-first administration" and works to "protect public education and support teachers," according to his website.

MORE: Harris thanks Biden as she receives growing chorus of endorsements

He believes affordable health care is a "human right" and has expanded access to health care for nearly 100,000 Kentuckians by eliminating governmental roadblocks as governor.

In 2022, Kentucky was one of only eight states to see a decrease in drug overdose deaths, according to his website.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been serving the state since 2022, when he became the state's first Black governor.

He previously served as a U.S. Army captain in Afghanistan and was the CEO of Robin Hood Foundation, New York City's largest poverty-fighting organization.

MORE: Where Kamala Harris stands on Green New Deal and climate initiatives

Moore gained national attention for his efforts to get full federal funding for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse in March.

The governor pardoned more than 175,000 convictions of cannabis possession and paraphernalia possession, according to his website.

Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker

Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker is serving his second term in office after being elected in 2019 and again in 2022.

He is known for enacting progressive reforms in health care, labor rights and climate change, according to his website.

Pritzker is working to bring reform to the criminal justice system and has worked to prioritize mental health, his website states.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has been in office since 2020 and is a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut.

During his tenure, Kelly has advocated for military aid to Ukraine and Israel and is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Joint Economic Committee, according to his website.

Who could Kamala Harris pick as VP if she wins the Democratic nomination? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
While other council members shied away, Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote called Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's comments made in a secret recording an "overreach" and "adversarial."

In June, a secret recording of Lumumba came to light during the wrongful termination trial of Mary Carter, the city's former deputy director of water operations who was fired in 2022. Carter was secretly recording the mayor while they were both discussing "alarming drops in pressure" the city's water system was experiencing at the time.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote, seen here in this Nov. 17, 2022 file photo, called Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's comments about takeovers of the city's water system as an effort to "make the city no longer Black" an "overreach" and "adversarial."

Lumumba can be heard telling Carter he believes "theres a coordinated effort to take this water treatment facility and that effort ... its bigger than the little politics that we get into. If that happens, that is going to be the first step of trying to make the city no longer Black."

On July 8, during a press conference, Lumumba told reporters he stood by those comments.

Since the mayor made the comments in 2022, the state temporarily took over the city's water system during the Jackson Water Crisis. In November 2022, a stipulated order was signed by the city and the federal government, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Deptartment of Justice, appointing an interim-third party manager to stabilize the system.

The last two years have also seen attempts by the Mississippi state Legislature to takeover the city's water system once Henifin leaves. Two bills have been filed  both ultimately died during the legislation session  that would create a nonprofit called Capitol Region Utility Authority," consisting of a nine-member board and a president with appointees by the mayor, the Jackson City Council, the governor and lieutenant governor.

Last week, the Clarion Ledger reached out to each member of the Jackson City Council to see if they had any reaction to the mayor's comments in the recording. Only Foote responded.

Capital City embezzlement: Jackson's embezzlement investigation done, sent to AG's, auditor's offices for 'deeper dive'

'It's really about clean drinking water'

In a July 19 phone interview, Foote said he disagrees with the mayor's statements in the secret recording, saying the various takeovers weren't "trying to do anything about the ethnic ratios in the city, they're just trying to deliver reliable, clean drinking water to the citizens."

"To say that this is all about making the city less Black or more Black or whatever, I think is an overreach," Foote said. "Political leaders need to focus on the delivery of services that citizens need: public safety, water, sewers, good roads, bridges, infrastructure and schools. The focus on ethnic ratios and whether they're going in one direction or another, those are features of the city, they're not something that should be addressed through policy changes."

As far as the federal government's takeover of the system, Foote, who was president of the Jackson City Council at the time, said it's simply that Jackson failed to provide clean drinking water to its residents, so the EPA had to step in. He admitted he was frustrated by the state legislatures' takeover attempts, calling them "ham-handed."

"When they (The EPA) came in and took over the water system, it's because their No. 1 focus, since they got started 40, 50 years ago, was to provide clean drinking water for citizens, Foote said. "That was the whole rationale for the EPA getting fed up to begin with. So to get into discussions and say, 'Well there's some nefarious rationale behind their actions here,' I think is really disingenuous. This is all about citizens getting the basic services that are expected to be delivered in the United States."

Foote said the EPA stepping in was "honest and forthright," praising them for taking action "to make sure that Jacksonians had reliable drinking water."

"To turn it into a race thing I think is a mistake," Foote said. "I don't think that serves anybody's interest to try and twist this as if it's all about race. It's really about clean drinking water ... He (Lumumba) wants to turn it into an adversarial situation and I don't think that serves the interest of the citizens or the city."

Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell, Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley, Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay did not respond to a request for comment.

Lumumba was not available for comment.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS councilman reacts to Lumumba's water takeover comments
Couple Found Dead in Lifeboat After Attempting to Cross the Atlantic: 'They Were Amazing People'

A couple who lived in Canada set off for the Azores in the Atlantic, but were found dead weeks later in a life raft floating near the coast of Halifax

Sarah Justine Packwood/Facebook James Brett Clibbery and Sarah Justine Packwood.

A couple living in Canada has died after attempting to sail across the Atlantic.

According to a press release shared on July 12 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, investigators responded to reports of human remains of two people found in a 10-foot inflatable boat, which had washed ashore at Sable Island National Park Reserve, a sandbar off the coast in Halifax.

On Monday, July 22, police shared an update, announcing the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service had officially identified one of the people as a 70-year-old man, and that investigators were confident the other remains belonged to woman a 54-year-old woman, both from British Columbia.

Multiple outlets, including The Guardian, CNN and the Vancouver Sun, identified them as Sarah Packwood, 54, and Brett Clibbery, 70.

James Brett Clibbery/Facebook James Brett Clibbery and Sarah Justine Packwood.

According to police, the couple was first reported missing on June 18 after leaving the coast of Nova Scotia in their 42-foot yacht Theros the previous week.

The couple had set off for the Azores  a collection of Portuguese islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 2,000 miles away from where they started  and planned to embark on a 21-day trip. The Guardian reported that Clibberys GPS device was last detected about 40 miles southwest of Sable Island on June 13.

The life raft they were found in is believed to have belonged to their larger vessel, according to the Sun.

Related: 18-Year-Old Son and Mom Killed in Crash While They Were Returning Home from College Orientation

Clibbery's son James spoke out about his father and stepmother's death in a post shared to Facebook on July 13.

"They were amazing people, and there isn't anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their, so far unexplained passing," he wrote. "Living will not be the same without your wisdom, and your wife was quickly becoming a beacon of knowledge, and kindness. I miss your smiles. I miss your voices. You will be forever missed."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Guardian previously profiled the couple and their relationship in 2020. According to the newspaper, the pair met in the U.K., where Packwood was originally from. Clibbery told her about his love for sailing and about Theros, where the pair would later get engaged and married. They moved to Canada together in 2018.

The couple also documented their travels on their YouTube channel  titled Theros Adventures  and said in April that they had modified the yacht themselves so that it would rely on sails, solar panels, batteries and a car engine.

Were doing everything we can to show that you can travel without burning fossil fuels, Clibbery said in one video posted on April 12, per the Sun.

"It's probably the biggest adventure of our lives so far," Packwood added.



Related: Bodies of Children, 3 and 5 Years Old, Recovered, Dad Still Missing After Sailboat Capsizes in Wisconsin

According to police, the couple's deaths are "not believed to be suspicious in nature" and an investigation is still under way to determine what may have happened to the Theros.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police noted that "an update will be issued should the investigation uncover any criminality."

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Read the original article on People.
Karlie Roberts sells fireworks to Sam Khadka at a TNT tent selling fireworks in Salt Lake City on July 1. Gov. Spencer Cox said he wants Utahns to be careful with lighting any personal fireworks for Pioneer Day as wildfire conditions worsen. | Marielle Scott, Deseret News

A little more than two-thirds of Utahs wildfires this year have been caused by various human activities, including one that sparked in the foothills northwest of Ensign Peak on Saturday.

And with Utah's second July fireworks window opening on Monday ahead of Pioneer Day, Gov. Spencer Cox said he wants Utahns to be careful with when and where they light any personal fireworks.

"I'm urging all Utahns to please, please, please celebrate safely. Play it smart with fireworks," he said during his monthly briefing with Utah reporters on Friday. "We've had a couple of very concerning wildfires. ... We've really gotten close to some catastrophes and been able to avoid that because of the great work of our firefighters."

Cox made those remarks a day before the Sandhurst Fire sparked in the foothills north of Salt Lake City, prompting an evacuation of 40 homes that was eventually lifted Sunday night. Firefighters have determined it is a human-caused fire but have yet to determine what the exact cause was.

About 72% of Utah's 592 wildfires this year have been determined to be human-caused, according to state and federal wildfire data updated Monday. Human-caused fires also account for nearly half of the close to 40,500 acres of land, or about 63 square miles, that have burned this year.

Firefighters walk through the Sandhurst Fire near Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City on Sunday. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

With fireworks legal again from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday  and up to midnight on Wednesday  Cox urged Utahns to follow fireworks restriction maps and make sure that all fireworks are set away from any vegetation.

"It's been an extremely hot month with below-average rainfall, which is a bad combination when it comes to wildfires," he said.

Salt Lake City firefighters also expressed concerns with the conditions ahead of Pioneer Day while they battled the Sandhurst Fire. Most of Utah, including a large chunk of the Wasatch Front, is now considered "abnormally dry."

Utah's capital city has only received 0.31 inches of precipitation since meteorological summer began in June, all of which fell on June 21. Per federal climate data, Salt Lake County posted its 31st driest second quarter  April 1 through June 30  on record, while it has been equally dry or worse in other counties.

Washington County only collected 0.53 inches over the same period, propelling the southwest Utah county to its fifth-driest second quarter ever. Summit County  in northern Utah  ended up with the worst anomaly within the state: Its 4.6 inches of precipitation fell 2.21 inches below the 20th-century average.

What's concerning, Salt Lake fire spokesman Bob Silverthorne explained on Saturday, is that the dry conditions emerged after back-to-back strong winters. Productive storms boosted vegetation growth, which is now drying out and creating large fire fuel loads.

That's why he recommends that Utahns follow fireworks restriction zones, which aim to protect a community's sensitive areas.

"If you live in a firework restriction area, be that person that is kind of holding people accountable," he said. "If you do decide to light fireworks to celebrate Pioneer Day, just do it responsibly."

Cox also reminded Utahns to soak all fireworks with water after using them. Firefighters determined that used fireworks that had been tossed in a garage garbage can ignited a fire that caused at least $800,000 in damages to a home in Pleasant Grove on July 4.

Other safety concerns

It's not just fireworks that the governor and state firefighters are concerned about ahead of Pioneer Day.

The governor also urged anyone heading outdoors for camping to make sure they have a bucket of water with them so that all campfires are left "cool to the touch." Anyone target shooting should use "safe" ammunition and targets, and be in an area away from dry vegetation, as well.

Utah land managers previously warned about an uptick in fires caused by vehicles and debris burns this year. Jamie Barnes, the state forester, said earlier this month that many of Utah's fires this year have been "preventable."

Those parties that cause a wildfire can and will be held accountable for the damage caused, she said. The state actively pursues cost recovery to pay fire suppression costs.
UPDATE: Northbound traffic resumed in both lanes just before 3 p.m. Monday.

The original story is below.

A collision on Interstate 5 in Burlington has traffic backed up nearly 2 miles.

The collision is blocking the northbound lane, and traffic is backed up over a mile and growing, according to the Washington State Patrol, which is on scene and advising people to take alternate routes if possible.

No other information regarding the collision has been released.
Crime Reports: Robbery, multiple assaults reported in Abilene over weekend

Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

1500 block of S 8th Street  Robbery

A report for robbery was taken in south Abilene.

3200 block of Beltway South  Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse

Credit card fraud was reported.

100 block of N Clack Street  Theft of Motor Vehicle

A car rental company reported one of their vehicles was missing.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  Criminal Mischief

A known suspect allegedly rammed his bike into another persons car after an argument.

1000 block of S Clack Street  Assault Family Violence

A physical altercation between roommates was reported.

3900 block of Enchanted Rock Road  Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information

A social security card and drivers license were reported stolen.

4400 block of Cole Drive  Burglary of Habitation

Earrings and medication were reported stolen.

4600 block of Carrie Ann Lane  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported she was assaulted by her husband.

5700 block of Golden Eagle Drive  Assault

Police responded to a south Abilene residence in reference to assault.

2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Burglary of Habitation

A report was taken for burglary of habitation.

300 block of Orange Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim was attacked by 2-3 random suspects.

1000 block of Fannin Street  Criminal Mischief

A victim reported a known suspect damaged his truck.

200 block of N Jefferson Drive  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her boyfriend hit her in the face, causing her pain.

3400 block of Ambler Avenue  Theft of Property

A book of scratch of lottery tickets was stolen by an employee.

4300 block of Southwest Drive  Theft of Property

A suspect was arrested for stealing $40 worth of Mikes Hard Lemonade.

2700 block of N Judge Ely Boulevard  Theft of Property

$500 worth of cash was reported stolen.

1600 block of Hwy 351  Criminal Trespass

A suspect was arrested for criminal trespass.

3500 block of W Lake Road  Assault Family Violence

A report was made for assault family violence.

3700 block of Rolling Green Drive  Assault Family Violence

A victim was scratched on the face by his wife.

300 block of Green Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported her boyfriend struck her in the face and grabbed her arm, causing her pain.

1600 block of Hwy 351  Theft of Property

Two suspects were cited for theft.

1900 block of Pine Street  Assault Family Violence

A victim reported a suspect assaulted her in north Abilene.

1900 block of S 15th Street  Assault Family Violence

A report was taken for assault family violence.

2200 block of Brenda Lane  Burglary of Vehicle

A report for Burglary of Motor Vehicle was taken in south Abilene.

400 block of Amarillo Street  Assault Family Violence

A suspect was arrested for assault family violence.

2400 block of S 28th Street  Assault Family Violence

A suspect was arrested for assault family violence.

3700 block of S 1st Street  Aggravated Assault Serious Bodily Injury

A report was taken for aggravated assault.

3700 block of S 1st Street  Assault Family Violence

A suspect was arrested for assault family violence.

2100 block of N 6th Street  Criminal Mischief

Arrests

Lance McWilliams  Public Intoxication, Evading Arrest

Jaycee Mitchell  Possession of Controlled Substance

Harry Trejo  Public Intoxication

Arthur Murillo  Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful Carrying Weapon

Cynthia Mann  Prohibited Camping

Alive Sphor  Theft of Property, Public Intoxication

Paul Martinez  Warrant

Joseph Stiles  Public Intoxication

Carson England  Driving While Intoxicated

Eleazar Landa Herrera  Driving While Intoxicated

Jose Soto  Public Intoxication

Jamie Rodriguez  Warrant

Ray Camacho  Warrant

Jose Vega  Criminal Trespass

Dwayne Duson  Possession of Controlled Substance

Ottis Lewis  Warrant

Natasha McReynolds  Driving While Intoxicated

Kevin Webster  Driving While Intoxicated

Mary Hillis-Brown  Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance

Jose Gonzalez  Assault Family Violence

Erik Mendoza  Assault Family Violence

Elias Chacon  Public Intoxication, Assault Pregnant Person, Unlawful Restraint

Melissa Smith  Possession of Controlled Substance

Patrick Oldani  Assault Family Violence

Jesus Salas  Warrant

Jessica Gonazles  Theft of Property

Brian Hodges-Ervin  Theft of Property

Vanessa Martinez  Assault Family Violence

Donald Long  Warrant

Edgar Ocon  Driving While Intoxicated

David Guerrero  Assault Family Violence, Warrant

Bobby Rogers  Public Intoxication

Selena Pieczynski  Assault Family Violence

Joshua Weaver  Warrant

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SOFIA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) coalition, the second largest group in Bulgaria's National Assembly, refused the president's proposal to form a government on Monday.

The announcement was made at a ceremony where Bulgarian President Rumen Radev handed the exploratory mandate to Nikolai Denkov, the PP-DB's nominee for prime minister.

Denkov, whose parliamentary group holds 39 seats in the 240-member parliament, returned the mandate unfulfilled, stating that it was impossible to form a stable majority within the parliament.

In accordance with the Bulgarian Constitution, Radev first entrusted the task of forming a new government to the 68-seat GERB-UDF coalition on July 1. Moments after receiving the exploratory mandate, GERB-UDF proposed the structure and composition of a new government.

However, in a parliament vote on July 3, the proposal was backed by only 98 legislators, comprising those of GERB-UDF and some of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), the then-second-largest parliamentary group.

Delyan Peevski, chairperson of the MRF parliamentary group, insisted on supporting the GERB-UDF government proposal. Those who voted against it were expelled, while others left on their own. As a result, the MRF group now has 22 MPs, down from the originally elected 47.

Meanwhile, the smallest parliamentary group, the Greatness party, with 13 seats, ceased to exist after six MPs left. According to the rules, a parliamentary group can only exist if it has 10 members.

According to the Constitution, Radev should hand the third exploratory mandate to one of the minor parliamentary groups. New parliamentary elections will be scheduled if no agreement on forming a government is reached again.

Bulgaria's parliamentary elections were held on June 9 after Denkov, then prime minister, resigned on March 5, and subsequent attempts to form a new government failed. 
A federal grand jury in Raleigh is seeking information about a domestic violence monitoring program that has drawn concerns over how state lawmakers set it up by providing $3.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds to a newly formed nonprofit in 2020.

Late last month, the N.C. Department of Public Safety received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina to produce records related to Greenville-based nonprofit Caitlyns Courage and 15 other individuals or businesses that are identified as relevant parties.

An official criminal investigation of a suspected felony is being conducted by an agency of the United States and a federal grand jury, said the subpoena, dated June 26. FBI Special Agent Caleb Jobe in the Greenville office is listed as the point of contact.

The individuals identified in the subpoena as relevant parties include Jordan Hennessy and Marion Warren, who co-authored the legislation, according to legislative correspondence The N&O obtained for a news story on Feb. 3, 2021. The N&O reported then that the legislation atypically included specifications that a legislative attorney feared would exclude some businesses from competing for the monitoring work.

Grand juries are not open to the public. Its their job to determine if enough evidence exists to indict a person or company. A relevant party is not necessarily the target of a grand jury investigation.

Jordan Hennessy

Who are the relevant parties named in the subpoena?

Hennessy, 29, of Manteo, is a former legislative aide and Republican National Convention delegate who is a key figure in two businesses formed in recent years as state lawmakers released state budget money to help Dare County with dredging and affordable housing. He is a recent appointee to the state Coastal Resources Commission, which sets policy for coastal development.

Warren, 58, a Brunswick County Republican, is a former state assistant district attorney and district judge who later ran the state Administrative Office of the Courts under then Chief Supreme Court Justice Mark Martin. Warren is also a member-manager of the affordable housing company that includes Hennessy as a principal.

Last year, UNC-Wilmington hired Warren to be its legislative liaison and special assistant to the chancellor at a $213,200 annual salary.

Hennessy and Warren could not be reached for comment.

The other individuals are connected to Tarheel Monitoring, the Wilmington company that Caitlyns Courage paid to provide the monitoring. They are owner Larry Powell, his wife Sonja, Shawn David Sullivan and Lance Jeremy Cable.

At least five of the other companies listed in the subpoena are tied to Tarheel, including Securus Technologies, which manufactures the devices Tarheel deploys for the monitoring.

One of those companies is Monotec, which lists the same address as Tarheel, according to LexisNexis. Hennessys statements of economic interest filed with the State Ethics Commission show that last month he revised his reports for 2023 and 2024 to show a financial interest in Monotec.

He reported in the 2024 disclosure that Monotec is doing business with the state, providing electronic monitoring services for high conflict cases ordered by a court order from a judge.

Two companies that do not appear to be connected to Tarheel Monitoring are also listed in the subpoena. One is Pamlico Management Group, a business consulting company founded by Hennessy. The other is Juristrat, which lists Warren as a company official. Both companies have the same registering agent, Tonia Trest Twigg of Shallotte in Brunswick County. She filed organization papers for them on the same day, Oct. 23, 2020.

Not listed among the relevant parties are the state lawmakers identified as helping earmark public money for the monitoring program.

What is Caitlyns Courage, and how was it funded?

Caitlyn Whitehurst, 25, killed in 2019 in Pitt County by an ex-boyfriend who then took his own life. Her parents started a domestic violence prevention nonprofit that won $3.5 million from state lawmakers.

Caitlyns Courage was formed in 2019 by Beth and Judson Whitehurst of Pitt County. They lost their daughter Caitlyn to domestic violence when her ex-boyfriend killed her and then himself.

Beth and Judson Whitehurst. He is the father of Caitlyn Whitehurst, who died in a domestic violence driven murder-suicide in 2019.

They sought to create a program that would provide tracking devices so that victims of domestic violence would know if their attackers were in the vicinity.

Then state Rep. Perrin Jones, who represented Pitt County, filed a bill in 2020 providing $100,000 for a pilot program. His bill never got a hearing in a legislative committee. But when lawmakers passed a massive COVID-19 relief bill later that session, they included $3.5 million for the nonprofit to launch the program in several judicial districts.

Jones, an anesthesiologist and a UNC-Chapel Hill trustee, did not respond to phone calls or a note delivered to the gated community in Charlotte he now calls home. Greenville attorney Les Robinson, a member of Caitlyns Courages board, also did not return phone calls to his cell or office.

The funding immediately drew questions from people who run programs to help domestic violence victims in North Carolina. The $3.5 million nearly rivaled the $4.8 million allocated annually to the states domestic violence centers fund.

The budget provisions language included detailed qualifications that a legislative bill drafting attorney said could exclude electronic monitoring vendors from bidding. The nonprofit also gave potential bidders a short period of time to discover and respond to its bid request.

Rep. Donny Lambeth, a Forsyth County Republican who is a top budget writer in the House, was included in the legislative email correspondence for the funding. He told the N&O in 2021 he was not involved in the details. He referred questions to Jones.

Sorry but I dont always know what goes on from a member and the speakers office, Lambeth said.

Tarheel Monitoring has two ties to House Speaker Tim Moore, a Cleveland County Republican who is now running for the 14th Congressional District. Sonja Powell, the chief financial officer and wife of Tarheel Monitorings owner, and Sullivan, the chief technology officer, each gave Moores reelection campaign $3,000 in June 2019.

State records also show Raleigh attorney Gene Davis, a close friend of Moores who shares legal clients with him, reported an ownership in an offshoot of the business in 2013 and 2014. Davis is a House-appointed member of the UNC Board of Governors.

Moore has not received any subpoenas or inquiries from federal authorities regarding Caitlyns Courage or any other matter, said Demi Dowdy, his communications director.

WBTV of Charlotte reported in April 2021 that billing records indicated Tarheel Monitoring was charging much more than the going rate for electronic monitoring.

Later that year, the state Houses budget proposal included a $27 million statewide expansion of the electronic monitoring program. Again, House budget writers did not identify who sought the provision. It did not end up in the final version of that years budget, but state lawmakers shifted the $3.5 million in annual funding from Caitlyns Courage to the state Criminal Justice Information Network.

The network is governed by a 21-member board that includes appointees from the governor and the legislature. The N&O was not able to reach Executive Director LaVonda Fowler for this story. The networks most recent budget report said it has expanded use of the monitoring program and found that it is effective in protecting domestic violence victims.

The subpoena required the public safety department to return relevant records, including billings, correspondence and legislative requirements, to the grand jury by July 16, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Duffy granted the department a monthlong extension at the departments request.

Duffy and Jobe could not be reached for comment.

Caitlyncourage Ausa Subpoena Dps by Dan Kane on Scribd

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Power + Secrecy is a News & Observer investigative series exploring both in North Carolina state government, especially the the N.C. General Assembly since 2011, when Republican lawmakers won control of both chambers . Find all stories at www.newsobserver.com/topics/power-secrecy

Charlotte Observer staff writer Ames Alexander contributed to this report.






Data Crash

AI companies typically build their AI models on lots of publicly available content, from YouTube videos to newspaper articles. But many of these content hosts have now started to put up restrictions on their content.

Those new restrictions could bring about a "crisis" that would make these AI models less effective, according to a new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Data Provenance Initiative.

The researchers performed an audit of 14,000 websites that are scraped by prominent AI training data sets. The intriguing result: that about 28 percent "of the most actively maintained, critical sources" on the internet are now "fully restricted from use."

The administrators of these websites have made these restrictions by adding increasingly stringent limitations to how web crawler bots are allowed to scrape their content.

"If respected or enforced, these restrictions are rapidly biasing the diversity, freshness, and scaling laws for general-purpose AI systems," the researchers write.

No Free Lunch

It's understandable that content hosts would put restrictions on their cache of now-valuable data.

AI companies have taken this publicly available material, much of it copyrighted, and are using it to make money without permission. This has understandably upset many, from The New York Times to celebrities like Sarah Silverman.

What's particularly galling is that people like OpenAI CTO Mira Murati are saying that some creative jobs should disappear  even though it's the content made by these creative people that power models like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The arrogance on display, and the resulting blowback, have created a "consent in crisis," as the study researchers call it  meaning the once free-willing internet with no walls is becoming a thing of the past, and AI models will be more biased, less diverse and less fresh.

Some companies are now hoping to work around these constraints by using synthetic data, which is essentially data generated by AI, but so far that's been a poor substitute to original content produced by actual human beings.

Others, like OpenAI, have struck deals with media companies, but many have expressed alarm at these agreements  for good reason, because the goals of tech companies and media outfits are at odds.

Time will tell how the whole thing shakes out. One thing's for sure, though: stockpiles of training data are becoming more valuable  and scarce  than ever.

More on AI: Even Googles Own Researchers Admit AI Is Top Source of Misinformation Online
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The Audubon Zoo has welcomed the hatching of two critically endangered chicks in its Wings of the World Exhibit.

Want to make Spring Rolls at the New Orleans Library?

According to leaders with the Audubon Nature Institute, the Blue-crowned Laughingthrush chicks are the first successful hatching of these species. The two chicks, one male and one female, are regarded as integral to the survival of the species.

The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, a bird native to a small region of China, is extremely rare in the world with less than 300 of its kind. With its small stature and bright blue crown, the birds name comes from its call sound, which resembles the sound of laughter.

After Hurricane Ida destroyed New Orleans muffuletta home, when will Central Grocery reopen?

The Audubon Nature Institute reports that the Audubon Zoo is one of 60 zoos across the country that is working to save the endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Donald Trump made a bizarre and erratic series of posts attacking Joe Biden on Sunday night, prompting critics to speculate that he was freaking out about the presidents decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.

Trump first reacted to Bidens announcement by trashing his record and calling him the single worst president by far in the history of our country.

By Monday morning, he had posted on Truth Social 10 more times about Biden. He claimed the president never had COVID-19 and called him a threat to Democracy and argued, Its not over! Tomorrow Crooked Joe Bidens going to wake up and forget that he dropped out of the race today!

On Monday morning, Trump bizarrely claimed that Biden was trying to arrange talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping concerning the possible start of World War 3.

Biden and many Democrats have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take over as the partys nominee, upending a presidential race that would previously have included the two oldest nominees in history.

Donald Trumps social media feed is getting sadder by the minute, the anti-Trump MeidasTouch group said of the screeds.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) wondered if Trump is aware that President Biden is no longer his rival?

Anyone who thinks Trump isnt running scared of Harris should check out his last few Truth Social posts, commented former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan.

Another X user quipped that Trump is doing something known in legal circles as sh*tting his pants, with tremendous dignity.

See those reactions and others below.

Donald Trumps social media feed is getting sadder by the minute. pic.twitter.com/GWWkjGrEW2  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 22, 2024

Strangely enough I am not on Truth Social, but it would seem that since Bidens announcement, elderly convicted felon and sex offender Donald Trump is doing something known in legal circles as sh*tting his pants, with tremendous dignity. pic.twitter.com/sMlYsbuB3N  Alistair Barrie (@AlistairBarrie) July 22, 2024

Looks like donald is afraid  Dr. Dana  (@ackley_dan) July 22, 2024

hes acting like the joker when batman dies https://t.co/aN3bYp1XPM  Gwen ready 4 BB | Free  (@gwenjamjam) July 22, 2024

Biden never had Covid. Trump melts down on Truth Social. pic.twitter.com/5lm9mC0y2c  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 22, 2024

BREAKING: Donald Trump just posted on Truth Social pic.twitter.com/fj6IUvGg5Q  c s  (@Trump_Detester) July 22, 2024

Has Donald Trump read the news? Is he aware that President Biden is no longer his rival?



I am shocked that the truth not yet reached Truth Social. pic.twitter.com/8UoUVEMqur  Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) July 22, 2024

this is an astonishing admission of weakness lmao pic.twitter.com/cmMIlK5Gqg  catturd2.bsky.social (@thetomzone) July 21, 2024

Anyone who thinks Trump isnt running scared of Harris should check out his last few Truth Social posts.  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) July 21, 2024

To all those talking about a new, more human, kinder and empathetic Donald Trump, just read this nasty, petty and vindictive (not to mention false) post he wrote about Biden's resignation on Truth Social.



Think it shows he may be scared about facing someone other than Biden pic.twitter.com/hnNzQkXt55  David Gilbert (@daithaigilbert) July 21, 2024

Trump is melting down on truth social saying Biden never had Covid and that Fox should do the next debate. His diaper is full of shit just like he is. pic.twitter.com/eCg21LN8kx  READ PROJECT 2025 and VOTE KAMALA (@eilishparker78) July 21, 2024
Crypto Traders Bullish as Biden Bows Out of US Presidential Race

(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin edged up to the highest level in over a month as traders evaluated the implications of US President Joe Bidens decision to abandon his reelection bid.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The largest digital asset recovered from earlier losses to hover around $67,600 as of 9:31 a.m. in New York on Monday as markets reacted to the possibility of a match-up between pro-crypto Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Read: Harris Says Shes Running for President as Biden Drops Out

The move higher is a reflection in the markets eyes that the Democrats under Kamala Harris cannot overtake Trump in the race for the White House and that a new dawn is emerging for Bitcoin under a pro-crypto US president, said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Australia Pty.

We expect the market to become a lot more investible under a Trump administration, said Benjamin Celermajer, co-chief investment officer at Magnet Capital. He said he expected that tokens with real value drivers would perform well, citing as examples the coins linked to the Maker, Aave and Lido protocols.

Listen and follow The Big Take on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

Trump, who has taken a notably pro-crypto turn over the last several months, is scheduled to speak at a major Bitcoin conference in Nashville on July 27.

The Republican presidential candidate will also host a fundraiser on the heels of the conference, for which prospective attendees have been asked to contribute $844,600 per seat.

By contrast, what we dont yet know is Harris views on crypto, said Caroline Bowler, CEO of BTC Markets. On something like crypto where it could end up being a make or break election subject for either of the candidates, we could see some more insights into her views in the coming weeks.

Read: Trump Seizes on Crypto as Wedge Issue as Donors Cheer Him On

Over on X, where Elon Musk sported an avatar featuring the laser eyes often considered to be a signifier of Bitcoin enthusiasm, popular crypto accounts celebrated the burgeoning rally.

Teong Hng, chief executive at crypto investment firm Satori Research, said activity in the over-the-counter options market suggested Bitcoin might revisit its all-time highs soon.

Rising interest in December 2024 calls with a strike price of $100,000 suggest institutional investors are becoming more bullish. Hng said he was expecting a strong year-end rally punctuated by a Trump win.

Bitcoins relatively strong performance over the past week, as calls for Biden to withdraw increased in both frequency and intensity, diverged from the weakness in stocks.

Further, the underlying momentum behind recent inflows into Bitcoin-backed exchange-traded funds suggests we could see another tilt at $70,000, Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group, wrote in a note.

Read: Cryptos Biggest Winners, Losers in a Trump White House

(Updates to add comments, chart on Bitcoins one-month high)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Cumberland County community becomes an official Bird Town

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Upper Allen Township announced that it has officially been recognized as the 57th Bird Town in the state of Pennsylvania.

Bird Town Pennsylvania is a local organization that works in partnership with local municipalities and other like-minded organizations to promote community-based conservation actions in order to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people.

The organization says its program provides tools for municipalities to engage, educate, and empower their residents, schools, and businesses to make more positive social, economic, and ecologically friendly decisions and promote a culture of conservation.

According to their website, there are six strategy areas where Bird Town leaders are encouraged to focus their efforts, which include Municipal Actions, School District Actions, Community Engagement, Habitat Enhancement, Collaborations, and Advocacy.

Once becoming a Bird Town, you then receive a rank which is determined by the number of tasks accomplished under each of the six strategies listed above.

The four different rankings are:

Green: All new Bird Towns start here Bronze: One task completed in 4 of the 6 strategies Silver : Two tasks completed in 5 of the 6 strategies Gold: Three tasks completed in all 6 strategies

Currently, Upper Allen Township is ranked as Green since it just recently became an official Bird Town.

For more information on Bird Town Pennsylvania or the different Bird Towns near you, you can visit their website by clicking here.

abc27 news will keep you updated as we learn more.

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The United States has, for the first time since 2021, declassified its nuclear weapons stockpile inventory numbers. The move is a further indication of a new level of transparency around this highly sensitive information, which also reveals that last year, the United States dismantled only 69 retired nuclear warheads, the lowest number since 1994.

The latest information was published by the National Nuclear Security Administration or NNSA, which oversees Americas nuclear weapons stockpile. The standout figure is the overall total of nuclear warheads in the U.S. stockpile  3,748 as of September 2023.

As defined by the NNSA, the stockpile includes both active and inactive strategic and non-strategic (tactical) warheads. While active warheads are those considered operational and ready for use, plus logistics spares, inactive ones are stored in depots in a non-operational status. While they could be deployed, this process would take some time, including installing their tritium bottles and other components that have a more limited lifespan.

A Trident II missile is launched from an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine. Getty Images A successful launch of a Trident II from a U.S. Navy Ohio class submarine. Photo By Getty Images

Tritium, together with deuterium, is used to boost the chain reaction in nuclear weapons, making for a more powerful explosion. In thermonuclear weapons, tritium is typically used to boost the fission primary or first stage. Since tritium is radioactive and decays rapidly, these bottles are removed from inactive warheads.

Not included in the stockpile are retired warheads, which are considered non-functional, and dismantled warheads, which have already been broken down into their component parts.

A W78 warhead used on the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. USAF

Looking at the stockpile numbers in more detail, the NNSA compares the 3,748 warheads listed as of last September with the maximum level of 31,255 warheads achieved in 1967, at one of the most critical points of the Cold War. Meanwhile, when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the U.S. stockpile comprised 22,217 warheads. The latest figure represents an 88 percent reduction since 1967 and an 83 percent decrease since 1989.

Much of this reduction was achieved through the dismantling of non-strategic  i.e., tactical  nuclear weapons, numbers of which have been reduced by more than 90 percent since 1991.

The then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell uses a chart to explain the nuclear arms reorganization plan under the administration of President George H. W. Bush, on September 28, 1991. Getty Images Mark Reinstein

Looking at strategic and non-strategic warheads combined, the NNSA reveals that 12,088 warheads were dismantled from fiscal years 1994 through 2023. Since September 2020 alone, 405 nuclear warheads have been dismantled. At the same time, there are around 2,000 more nuclear warheads that have been retired and now await dismantlement.

Its important to note, however, that these figures only tell part of the story. Indeed, they have very likely been selected by the NNSA to highlight the overall reduction in the size of the stockpile, rather than the fact that the pace of this reduction has actually slowed in recent years.

NNSA

Clearly, the U.S. nuclear stockpile is far smaller than during the Cold War and, while there have been more reductions since 2000, since 2007 the reduction has been relatively modest.

This is something that has been noted by the U.S.-based Federation of American Scientists (FAS) think tank, which has long campaigned for increased transparency around nuclear stockpiles around the world.

In his analysis of the NNSAs revelations, Hans Kristensen, the director of the Nuclear Information Project at FAS, points out the following:

Although the New Start treaty has had some indirect effect on the stockpile size due to reduced requirement, the biggest reductions since 2007 have been caused by changes in presidential guidance, strategy, and modernization programs.

An unarmed B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb test article is seen here on a trailer during a U.S Air Force test of the weapon in 2023. USAF

For example, in 2023 only 69 retired nuclear warheads were dismantled  the lowest number since 1994.

Its because the rate of dismantlement has slowed that the aforementioned figure of retired warheads awaiting dismantlement  roughly 2,000  is so high, at least compared to previous years. As FAS observes, in 2015 there were around 2,500 warheads stored and awaiting dismantlement.

While this suggests that dismantlement is now a lower priority, the reasons for that are unclear.

At the same time, Kristensen notes that the NNSAs chart showing the fluctuations in the stockpile between 1945 and 2024 is not completely reliable:

The chart released by NNSA is not entirely accurate because the period 2010-2023 does not show the 1,096-warhead drop between 2012 and 2018. As a result, the chart gives the impression that the stockpile is larger today than it actually is.

The NNSAs chart showing the fluctuations in the U.S. nuclear stockpile between 1945 and 2024. NNSA

Generally, though, the numbers provide a useful indication of how the size of the stockpile has remained relatively stable for the past seven years. Within that timeframe, changes in the total have not been driven by any policy shifts, but instead by the normal movements of warheads in and out of the stockpile due to maintenance work and life-extension efforts.

The decision to release this information is also interesting.

The degree of transparency around the U.S. nuclear stockpile has been determined primarily by the priorities of successive administrations, with the Obama administration being the first to introduce this policy of openness.

U.S. President Donald Trump walks to Air Force One prior to departure from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, on July 24, 2017. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images AFP Contributor

A period of nuclear secrecy was then ushered in under the Trump administration before being overturned by the Biden administration in its first year, after which warhead numbers were classified again. As a result, FAS requests for stockpile transparency were rejected in FY2021, FY2022, and FY2023. Figures for those years have now been declassified by the NNSA, however.

Presumably, the return to transparency has been calculated to encourage other nuclear-armed states to divulge similarly detailed information.

In its executive summary, the NNSA states:

Increasing the transparency of states nuclear stockpiles is important to nonproliferation and disarmament efforts, including commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and efforts to address all types of nuclear weapons, including deployed and non-deployed, and strategic and non-strategic.

A Russian RS-24 Yars intercontinental missile ballistic system is driven during the Victory Day Red Square Parade on May 9, 2023, in Moscow, Russia. Photo by Contributor/Getty Images One of three RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers (NATO reporting name SS-29) is driven through Red Square during the Victory Day parade on May 9, 2023. Photo by Contributor/Getty Images

Whether Beijing and Moscow actually respond in kind is altogether more questionable, however, given their past track records in this regard.

It should be noted, too, that France and the United Kingdom  two nuclear-armed U.S. allies  have also consistently maintained a veil of secrecy over many details of their nuclear warfighting capacities.

Broader concerns about the future of nuclear arms control agreements have been growing in recent years. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between the United States and Russia, which despite its name covered nuclear and conventional missiles of various types, collapsed in 2019 and the Kremlin suspended its participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Washington last year. In 2023, the Russian government also rescinded its ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, but has insisted it will not restart live nuclear weapon testing unless the United States does first. American officials have also now publicly accused their counterparts in Russia of working toward fielding a nuclear-armed space-based weapon, which would be in violation of the Outer Space Treaty.

With all this in mind, the value of transparency on the part of the United States, as long as it remains a one-way street, may become more questionable.

On the other hand, bearing in mind the current security environment, with tensions between Russia and the West at their worst for decades and with China rapidly building up its nuclear forces, some would argue that now is not the time to divulge more nuclear secrets, especially amid calls for the United States to expand its own nuclear arsenal.

The United States has declassified the number of nuclear weapons in its arsenal  just before NPT PREPCOM.



FAS applauds the Biden administration for restoring US nuclear transparency and urge other countries to follow the example.



Here is our analysis: https://t.co/l9AicioOJZ  Hans Kristensen (@nukestrat) July 20, 2024

Even without any kind of reciprocal disclosures from other nuclear powers, the return to U.S. transparency about its nuclear stockpile will still be welcomed by those who champion this kind of openness as a means of reassurance, that ultimately help mitigate the risk of reigniting nuclear arms races.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Ohio Reps. Jim Jordan and Mike Turner accused U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle of cutting corners instead of protecting former President Donald Trump from an assassination attempt.

A 20-year-old shooter attempted to assassinate Trump at a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One attendee, Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed and two others were left in critical condition.

The assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades, said Cheatle, who is resisting bipartisan calls for her to resign.

Kimberly Cheatle, director of the Secret Service, arrives to testify in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on July 22, 2024, in Washington.

Jim Jordan to Cheatle: 'You cut corners'

During a Monday hearing before the House Oversight Committee, Jordan, R-Urbana, hammered Cheatle about the Trump campaigns repeated request for more security at events.

You cut corners when it came to protecting one of the most important individuals, most well-known individuals on the planet, a former president, likely the guy thats going to be the next president, said Jordan.

Cheatle would not say how many times the Secret Service denied the Trump campaigns requests for more security but said the campaigns needs for the Butler rally were fulfilled. The Secret Service is judicious with their resources, she said.

Maybe they got tired of asking, Jordan suggested.

Rep. Mike Turner says President Joe Biden should fire director of the United States Secret Service

Turner, R-Dayton, questioned why Trumps security wasnt beefed up because of a credible threat from Iran. Trump ordered the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani, who led Irans elite Quds Force.

Is an Iranian assassin more capable than a 20-year-old? Turner asked Cheatle. Turner said FBI Director Chris Wray briefed lawmakers on the shooting and that Wray was shocked that the threat from Iran was not baked in to the Secret Service plan for the rally.

Turner said President Joe Biden should fire Cheatle if she doesnt resign. Because Donald Trump is alive, and thank God he is, you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, Turner said.

Rep. Shontel Brown: 'You're not making this easy for us'

The Ohio Republicans weren't the only House Oversight and Accountability Committee members frustrated with the Secret Service's response. The committee's top Democrat, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin said the Secret Service had "stunning security failures" that day. He also called for a ban on the sale of the AR-15, the weapon used in the July 13 shooting.

Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Cleveland, asked Cheatle about the number of local police and Secret Security members assigned to the Trump rally, but the director wouldnt provide them. Those numbers that were requested were provided," Cheatle replied.

Youre not making this easy for us, Brown said.

Brown also emphasized the importance of attacking policies rather than personalities in politics. It is deeply unfortunate that political violence has become far too common.

USA Today contributed to this article.

Jessie Balmert is a political reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Donald Trump assassination attempt: Ohio reps hammer Secret Service
VLADIVOSTOK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers on Monday found the Robinson helicopter that went missing last Friday in Yakutia in Russia's Far East, local media reported.

The pilot and three passengers onboard were dead, Russia's TASS News Agency quoted the press service of the East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office as saying.

"According to the information received from the head of the Sakha (Yakutia) branch of the Federal Air Transport Agency, the Robinson helicopter was found completely destroyed during search and rescue operations. The bodies of the pilot and three passengers were found," said the report.

Adverse weather conditions severely hampered rescue efforts last Friday to Sunday. On Monday morning, a Mi-8 helicopter in the Aldan District of Yakutia discovered the wreckage on a mountainside.

According to previous reports, the Aviation Space Search and Rescue Center detected that the emergency beacon from the Robinson R44 II helicopter carrying a pilot and three passengers was activated in Yakutia last Friday. 
Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, right, stands in front of an Orthodox Christian icon after the same was repatriated and displayed at the Archeological museum in capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, July 22, 2024. The returned artifacts numbering around 60, including jewelry from the Chalcolithic Period dating between 3500-1500 BC, Bronze Age bird-shaped idols, jars and spearheads as well as many Orthodox Christian icons were part of a larger haul of 250 antiquities that German authorities had seized from Turkish art dealer Aydin Dikmen in 1997. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  Cyprus on Monday put on display artifacts  some of them thousands of years old  that were returned after a Turkish art dealer looted them from the ethnically divided island nation decades ago.

Aydin Dikmen took the artifacts from the country's breakaway north in the years after Cyprus split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup mounted by supporters of union with Greece. The antiquities were kept in Germany after authorities there seized them in 1997, and protracted legal battles secured their repatriation in three batches, the last one this year.

Addressing the unveiling ceremony at Cyprus' archaeological museum, President Nikos Christodoulides said the destruction of a countrys cultural heritage as evidenced in recent conflicts becomes a deliberate campaign of cultural and religious cleansing that aims to eliminate identity.

Among the 60 most recently returned artifacts put on display include jewelry from the Chalcolithic Period between 3500-1500 B.C. and Bronze Age bird-shaped idols.

Antiquities that Dikmen also looted but were returned years ago include 1,500-year-old mosaics of Saints Luke, Mark, Matthew and James. They are among the few examples of early Christian works to survive the Iconoclastic period in the 8th and 9th centuries when most such works were destroyed.

Cyprus' authorities and the country's Orthodox Church for decades have been hunting for the islands looted antiquities and centuries-old relics from as many as 500 churches in open auctions and on the black market.

The museum's antiquities curator, Eftychia Zachariou, told the ceremony that Cyprus in recent years has benefited from a shift in thinking among authorities in many countries who now opt to repatriate antiquities of dubious provenance.
Czech initiative secures funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells so far in 2024

The Czech-led ammunition initiative has secured enough funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells by the end of the year, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in Brussels on July 22.

Prague continues searching for additional finances among the allies to bring this number up to 800,000, the minister added.

Czechia unveiled the international initiative earlier this year amid Ukraine's shell shortages, which were largely caused by delays in U.S. assistance.

Czech President Petr Pavel initially said that with partners' support, Prague could facilitate the purchase of 500,000 155 mm shells and 200,000 122 mm shells, though Lipavsky said in March the total supply could go as high as 1.5 million rounds.

"We will send another 100,000 rounds in July and August. Now we are looking for funds for additional purchases, so that the initiative can continue also in 2025," Lipavsky said in comments reported by the Czech Press Agency.

This is in addition to the roughly 45,000 shells shipped in June, the minister said, adding that the deliveries will pick up pace starting September.

Eighteen countries have pledged support to the initiative, of which 15 have fulfilled their promises and provided the funds, according to Lipavsky.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visited Prague on July 16 to discuss the ammunition initiative and other areas of defense cooperation, including joint military production.

Only days later, the two countries signed a bilateral security agreement solidifying Czechia's support for Ukraine.

Read also: Czechia to open bullet factory, start production of assault rifles in Ukraine

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Czechia becomes 16th member of Drone Coalition for Ukraine

Czechia has officially joined the international coalition for providing Ukraine with drones, which is headed by Latvia and the UK.

Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence on 22 July, reports European Pravda

Details: Czechia joined the Drone Coalition after its delegation signed a memorandum of understanding during the NATO summit in Washington on 11 July.

The number of coalition members increased to 16 after Czechia joined.

Quote from Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds: "Every member state of the Coalition can make significant contribution to Ukraines efforts, and also support development of their national industry at the same time."

During the NATO Summit in Washington, member countries of the Drone Coalition signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate cooperation, develop, and apply unmanned technologies in Ukraine and strengthen NATO members' defence capabilities.

A joint fund for 45 million was to be created, and plans to supply Ukraine with one million FPV drones confirmed, within the framework of the memorandum.

Background: Latvia has prepared the next batch of aid for Ukraine, consisting of 2,500 drones, which will be delivered gradually throughout July as part of the Drone Coalition.

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It seems like, barring a miracle, vice-president Kamala Harris will become the new Democratic presidential nominee after Joe Biden announced his decision to stand down over the weekend. So who is she?



Kamal and Camilla speak to Democratic political strategist Garry South, from Kamala Harriss home state of California, to find out more about who she is, what she stands for and whether she can beat Donald Trump.



Plus, Reform leader Nigel Farage is in the Daily T studio for his take on whether Trump will be more worried by the prospect of facing Kamala Harris than he was Joe Biden.



And they also ask the question - what will Joe Bidens legacy be?

Watch episodes of the Daily T here or on YouTube.

Or if you would prefer to listen to the audio only, then use the player above. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates.

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Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) at the National Republican Senatorial Committee building on June 13, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Trump is visiting Capitol Hill to meet with Senate Republicans and participate in additional meetings. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images)

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines said President Joe Biden needs to do more than bow out of the re-election race  he needs to resign altogether.

As a country, we all watched the debate and it was immediately clear there is something wrong with President Biden, said Daines, a Republican, in a statement from his office. Since then, several prominent Democrats have come forward with stories that suggest Joe Biden has a condition that is getting worse, not better.

If Joe Biden is no longer capable of running for re-election, he is no longer capable of serving as President. Being President is the hardest job in the world, and I no longer have confidence that Joe Biden can effectively execute his duties as Commander-in-Chief.

After pressure from Democrats following a lackluster-at-best performance at the June 27 presidential debate, President Biden on Sunday announced he was not going to seek re-election. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris of California, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 primaries.

However, Biden also said he would keep doing the job for the remainder of my term.

Montana Republicans agreed Biden shouldnt seek another term but raised questions about the timing of his decision. Montana Democrats praised him for being a champion for working people and for his public service.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Montanas senior senator, earlier urged Biden to step aside, and he lauded the presidents move.

I respect President Bidens decision and believe it is the right thing to do for our country, Tester said in a statement. Sharla and I thank him for his lifetime of public service and dedication to our great nation.

Tester earlier said he supports an open nomination process for a replacement.

The Democratic Party said it will undertake a transparent and orderly process to select a candidate who will be able to defeat Republican and former President Donald Trump.

Harris, former U.S. senator, said she intends to be the nominee, although her selection is not assured.

Harris is a champion in the Biden administration of reproductive rights and abortion access, and she previously served as the attorney general of California and district attorney of San Francisco.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte questioned both Bidens ability to complete his current term and Harris role in shielding his condition from the public.

There are a lot of questions here, and the American people deserve answers, Gianforte said in a statement. If Joe Biden is incapable of running for reelection and serving another term, its a fair question whether he can or should finish out his current term.

And as Joe Bidens vice president, Kamala Harris should come clean about why she actively hid Joe Bidens condition from the American people.

Biden didnt cite any condition in the letter he released announcing his decision to drop out, only that he believes it is in the best interest of my party and the country.

However, during the recent presidential debate, he looked confused, his mouth frequently hung open, and he make nonsensical remarks.

Biden attributed his poor performance to age. Until Sunday, he had pledged to remain in the race, but the letter said he would speak in more detail later this week about his decision to drop out.

On social media, Republican U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale also said Biden shouldnt be on the job.

President Bidens decision to not seek reelection was the right move, albeit far too late, Zinke said in a post to X. The Biden Presidency has been an unmitigated disaster both foreign and domestic.  Regardless of who the democrats nominate what they fail to realize is Donald J. Trump is more than a man. He represents a movement of millions of Americans who are ready to Make America Great Again and Save Our Country.

Trump is a convicted felon. Hes slightly leading in recent polls over both Biden and Harris.

Rosendale said the following on X: Im glad the Democrat party is coming to grips with the fact that Joe Biden CANNOT and WILL NOT serve four more years as President.

Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Sheila Hogan, however, praised Bidens record.

From revitalizing Americas infrastructure to bringing down the cost of health care, the President has been a champion for working people and were grateful for the historic accomplishments of this administration, Hogan said in a statement. We respect President Bidens decision and thank him for a lifetime of public service. Montana Democrats are committed to working hard for our candidates up and down the ballot and winning in November.

The Montana Republican Party, however, joined in the call for Biden to resign in a statement posted to Facebook: If Joe Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he is unfit to serve as President. He must resign immediately.
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  An 82-year-old Danville man was killed early Sunday morning after he was hit by a car.

The Danville Police Department arrived near North Gilbert and West North Streets at 3:43 a.m. A vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident was reported. The vehicle driver was at the scene and was not hurt in the incident, however, the pedestrian was found unresponsive.

Gibson City man killed in weekend crash

The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Illinois State Police are now handling the investigation, Danville Police said. They said they are waiting for more details and will share it with the public once it is received.

In the meantime, Danville Police ask anyone with more information on this incident to call them at 217-431-2250 and share what they know. You can also anonymously call Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at 217-446-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Deaths from drug overdoses and poisoning reached a plateau last year in Los Angeles County  the first time in a decade that such fatalities had not continued a year-over-year rise, public health officials said.

Across L.A. County, 3,092 lives were lost to drug overdoses or poisoning in 2023, a slight decline from 3,220 deaths the year before, according to a newly updated report. County officials welcomed the change after years of devastating increases in overdose deaths but said much work remains to be done to save lives.

Dr. Gary Tsai, director of the substance abuse prevention and control division at the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said that as the county has pushed to expand treatment, prevention and harm reduction efforts, "we're excited to see the progress, but also recognize that it's not a win."

"We're still in the worst overdose crisis in history," Tsai said. Still, he said, the new numbers could at least disrupt the "sense of inevitability that comes with trend lines that don't seem to ever change."

Earlier this year, L.A. County officials said they were relieved to see that the rate of deadly overdoses had stopped surging among unhoused people in 2022. Health officials credited a dramatic increase in community distribution of naloxone, a medication that can rescue people from an opioid overdose.

The flattening numbers also echo early estimates on the national level, which showed that overdose deaths had fallen slightly last year in the U.S. Experts have cautioned against declaring victory, however.

Read more: Naloxone helps prevent opioid deaths. Here's how to find and use it

"It's too early to tell," said Dr. David Goodman-Meza, an overdose researcher in L.A. County who works with Wellness Equity Alliance. "On an optimistic side, we would hope that this flattening is related to all the harm reduction activities that we've been undertaking" in L.A. County and nationwide, such as handing out more naloxone, as well as making it easier to access medications that help people shake off addiction.

But in the past, the U.S. has seen deadly overdoses dip one year, only to resurge. "It's hard to know at this point if we're in the eye of the storm," Goodman-Meza said.

As drug-related deaths have slowed nationally, health researchers have also raised the grim possibility that fentanyl has had such a devastating effect that there are fewer people remaining to be killed.

Fentanyl and methamphetamine have both played a fatal role in drug deaths in L.A. County, with many overdoses involving a mixture of drugs. The updated analysis from the L.A. County Department of Public Health focused specifically on the toll of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has caused a skyrocketing number of deaths in the county  rising from 109 to 1,970 fatalities between 2016 and 2023.

Read more: Shoshanna Scholar: Harm reduction strategist

Among the other findings:



Death rates from fentanyl dropped for young adults ages 18 to 25 for the second year in a row but continued rising for other age groups, particularly adults ages 26 to 39. Tsai said one possible reason is that for younger people, it may be easier to avoid risky decisions before they have started using drugs regularly. "For them, the decision may be, 'OK, there's this bowl of pills at this party I'm at  I'm not going to do it,'" Tsai said. "It's easier to hold back on that than someone who's been using methamphetamine for the past 20 years trying to avoid fentanyl-tainted drugs."

There is a growing gap in the mortality rate from fentanyl overdoses between Black and white residents: The death rate from fentanyl continued to grow for Black residents of L.A. County, hitting a point roughly twice as high as that among white residents, whose mortality rate from fentanyl fell slightly last year. "We're beginning to sort of bend the curve in the right way on overdose deaths, but not for everybody," said Ricky Bluthenthal, a professor of population and public health sciences at USC's Keck School of Medicine. Harm reduction has had "a historic challenge in consistently reaching Black communities," he said. In the past, Bluthenthal and fellow researchers found that in L.A. and San Francisco, Black and Latino people were less likely to have received naloxone than white people. In light of the widening gap, he said, the question in L.A. County should be, "What can we be doing different that's going to make sure that Black folks who are using fentanyl have naloxone readily available to them?"

Latino residents also saw a rising rate of fentanyl-related deaths. Although their rate remained lower than that of white people in L.A. County, the increase drove the number of Latinos in L.A. County who died from fentanyl above the number of white residents killed by fentanyl for the first time, public health officials said.

Although fentanyl has taken lives in rich neighborhoods and poor ones, the death rate from fentanyl was at least twice as high in the poorest areas of L.A. County than in areas with lower poverty. The rate of fentanyl deaths continued to surge in the poorest parts of the county. The report also divided L.A. County into geographic regions and found that the rate of fentanyl-related deaths has been starkest in its "Metro" region, which spans from Eastside neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights and El Sereno to West Hollywood and includes downtown L.A., Westlake and Hollywood.

Read more: In California, opioid settlement money helps fund lifesaving drugs and police projects

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An aerial drone photo taken on June 6, 2024 shows the wind power equipment at a low (zero) carbon-dioxide emission industrial park in Sheyang, Yancheng, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

NANJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- In the coastal county of Rudong in Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, the fan blades of low-wind-speed turbines atop towers over 70 meters high were slowly rotating, harnessing the power of the wind.

A short drive away, energy storage facilities, including electrochemical and gravity-based energy storage systems, are either humming with activity or taking shape.

This city, nestled along the coast of China's Yellow Sea and the banks of the Yangtze River, is a cornucopia of wind power resources. It has attracted multiple companies to establish their bases here, with the State Power Investment Corporation being among the most prominent.

In addition to the extensive development of wind farms, the construction of switching and power booster stations, along with other ancillary power infrastructure, has become pivotal in optimizing wind energy utilization and nurturing a comprehensive industry chain in the city.

Inside an energy storage station, 80 orderly arranged electrochemical energy storage units, painted in blue and white, stand as sentinels of power. This station, the largest of its kind in Jiangsu, boasts a millisecond response time to grid demands, ensuring seamless operation.

Since its grid connection in November last year, this station has fed over 60 million kWh of electricity into the grid, with a significant share being green energy. The facility has also attracted new energy companies looking to meet their energy storage needs at this shared power station.

Currently, the initial phase of this project boasts a total energy storage capacity of 400,000 kWh. Based on an average household consumption of 10 kWh per day, the station can supply a day's worth of electricity to 40,000 families with a single charge and discharge cycle.

In the vicinity bustling with various power facilities, stands a gravity energy storage tower measuring 148 meters in height and 35 stories high, resembling a colossal sentinel. Inside, 12,672 energy storage blocks, each weighing 25 tonnes, ascend and descend like elevators.

During off-peak hours, the gravity tower hoists these blocks using surplus power. When demand peaks, it lowers them, converting gravitational potential energy back into electrical energy to feed the grid. Upon completion, the project is designed to generate up to 100,000 kWh of electricity within a four-hour period.

"When we prepared the gravity energy storage tower for grid connection in March this year, there were no established industrial standards in China," said Sheng Yuanmao, operational director of the new energy technology development company, under China Tianying Inc., in Jiangsu. "We collaboratively designed the standards with some grid and electrical power research institutes, with constant support from local governments."

In the riverside city of Zhenjiang, clean energy exploration is underway, with natural gas and electricity gradually replacing traditional diesel fuel for maritime propulsion.

Jing Haiguo, an expert working at the Zhenjiang branch of CSSC Power (Group) Cooperation Limited, pointed to dual-fuel engines designed for engineering and container ships. "These engines, by igniting 1 percent diesel to fire 99 percent natural gas, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 percent compared to diesel engines alone," he said.

The sea breeze, once a mere whisper across the ocean, is now not only a source of land-based electricity but also a power source for maritime voyages. Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., has commenced the construction of the world's first tugboat powered by a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and liquid-cooled lithium batteries, aiming to cut carbon emissions by over 1,400 tonnes annually.

Under China's dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the country's clean energy, energy storage and grid consumption capacities have seen sustained growth in recent years, propelled by ongoing investments from the government and enterprises in the new energy sector. 
FILE - Homeland Security logo is seen during a joint news conference in Washington, Feb. 25, 2015. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Fox News on Monday, July 22, 2024, that accused it of defaming Nina Jankowicz, a former government official who served on a short-lived U.S. government media disinformation board. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

A defamation suit against Fox News by a government official who served on a short-lived U.S. government media disinformation board was dismissed Monday by a federal judge.

The lawsuit from Nina Jankowicz alleged that Fox News had defamed her on numerous occasions, leading to waves of online attacks and threats of violence after the formation of the Disinformation Governance Board, where she served as a director.

In May of 2022, just weeks after its launch, the Department of Homeland Security paused the boards work and accepted Jankowicz's resignation. The board was officially dissolved and its charter rescinded in August of that same year.

In rejecting Jankowicz's claims, the judge said that 36 of the 37 statements made on Fox News programs were about the disinformation board and not Jankowicz. The judge ruled that the remaining statement  which was also a reference to the board and not Jankowicz, despite showing an image of her as it was said  was not disinformation because it was a factual statement that matched the wording in the board's own charter describing its purpose.

This was a politically motivated lawsuit aimed at silencing free speech and we are pleased with the courts decision to protect the First Amendment, Fox News said.

The disinformation board was launched by the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to counter disinformation coming from Russia as well as misleading information that human smugglers circulate to target migrants hoping to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Dozens of Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits took to social media immediately after the board's launch, calling for it to be disbanded. They described the board as an Orwellian body that could be used to suppress free speech.

In April of last year, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems nearly $800 million to avert a trial in the voting machine companys lawsuit that would have exposed how the network promoted lies about the 2020 presidential election.
President Biden has endorsed Vice President Harris to take over as the Democratic nominee to be president, but shell still need to secure enough delegates to officially replace him.

Close to 4,000 delegates will gather at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago starting Aug. 19. Biden has won more than 3,800 of those delegates, who will now all be released to vote for whomever they choose.

To win the nomination, a candidate must secure 1,986 delegates. As of 2:15 p.m. on Monday, 770 delegates had been pledged to Harris.

A number of senior Democrats followed Biden in rallying behind Harris on Sunday, though there were notable exceptions. And its unclear if Harris will face a serious challenge.

Regardless, it will ultimately be up to delegates at the convention to pick the nominee.

Per Democratic National Committee rules, a candidate must receive pledged support from 300 delegates to appear on the ballot at the convention.

Harris has already begun reaching out to delegates to win their support. Tennessee was the first state to pledge all its eligible delegates to Harris, with South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida following shortly behind Sunday.

Here are the delegations who have backed Harris, in order of release:

Tennessee

The states Democratic delegates met during a conference call Sunday and later announced that they were committing all 77 delegates for Harris.

South Carolina

All 55 of the states pledged delegates endorsed Harris following a virtual meeting. South Carolina was the first state to hold a Democratic primary this cycle, a historical shift away from the Iowa caucuses as the first-in-the-nation nominating contest.

North Carolina

A group of 168 of North Carolinas delegates voted unanimously to endorse Harris, according to the state party chair, Anderson Clayton. She wrote on social media, Im proud of our party. LFG!

New Hampshire

A group of 25 of the states delegates endorsed Harris after a meeting Sunday.

We look forward to the National Convention in August and the next 107 days of campaigning for Vice President Harris and Democrats up and down the ticket, the delegates wrote in a statement.

Florida

Florida is the fifth state to endorse Harris, as first reported by NBC News. The state is the largest delegation thus far, with 224 votes behind Harris.

Louisiana

The states 48 pledged delegates are coalescing behind Harris following a call Sunday night.

Guam

Per the state Democratic Partys vice chair, the territorys 12 delegates voted to pledge for Harris.

Kentucky

The states 53 delegates have pledged for Harris after Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) called on the delegation to back the vice president.

Pennsylvania

The states 159 delegates voted unanimously to back Harris after an emergency delegate conference call on Monday, according to one of the attendees.

Alaska

The states 15 delegates will vote for Harris at the DNC, per a spokesperson for Alaska Democrats.

Wisconsin

The states Democratic chair announced that more than 90 percent of Wisconsins delegates have pledged for Harris. The state has 95 delegates total.

Updated: 4:52 p.m. on July 22

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The delegates will decide the next Democratic nominee as a groundswell forms for Harris

Democratic convention delegates are draining the political drama from Joe Bidens decision to give up the presidential nomination by quickly coalescing around his chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The North Carolina and Tennessee delegations came out in unanimous support of Harris late Sunday. South Carolina Democrats also delivered a public vote of confidence.

Harris swift ascent provides some rare good news for Democrats who have been agonizing over Bidens fate for weeks. Bidens endorsement has weight, but no formal bearing on the process. The makeup of ticket now rests with the roughly 4,700 delegates who will, in the coming weeks, vote for a new standard-bearer.

Interviews with more than two dozen delegates in the immediate aftermath of Bidens announcement suggest the vice president is the clear leader. Delegates pledged to Biden are under no obligation to support his choice, but their loyalty to him and his wishes suggests the lions share will quickly fall in line behind Harris. Many already have; some are now contacting other delegates, with no input yet from Harris campaign, to shore up her support.

Every one of us (delegates) were vetted and worked for Biden or the Biden campaign in some way, whether we volunteered or donated or something. These are all Biden people, said Joe Caiazzo, a Biden delegate from Massachusetts who praised the presidents selfless, patriotic decision.

What follows is less than certain  and unprecedented in modern political history.

Current party rules were largely designed to pass the nominating process off to primary voters and ahead of an orderly, made-for-TV roll call vote to confirm their choice. But that pro forma process is not set in stone. The Democratic National Committee will likely need to do more work, either through interpretation of their existing rules or by passing new ones, to clarify the next steps.

In short order, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party on next steps and the path forward for the nomination process, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said on Sunday.

Even before Bidens bolt landed, Democrats were at odds over when and how the nominating vote would take place.

Under a proposed plan outlined Friday to the convention rules committee, it would be up to Harrison and convention chair Minyon Moore to set a specific date for voting to begin, though not before August 1. Delegates would vote via digital ballots, with at least 24 hours notice, much like they did in 2020 during the largely remote convention. That year, voting ran for nearly two weeks and, of the 4,747 ballots they sent out, only over a dozen were not returned, according to Andrew Binns, a senior adviser to the convention.

An open letter from more than 75 current and former DNC members, shared with CNN, praised Biden for his decision to give way to a new generation of public servants and insisted that Harris is the only person that can credibly claim the torch from the Biden-Harris Administration.

We also firmly believe that Vice President Harris and her Vice Presidential selection will help Democratic candidates for U.S. House, Senate, and in the states we need to win in November, enabling us to enact laws that truly benefit the American people, the authors said, addressing one of the concerns that led so many Democratic lawmakers to call for Biden to step aside.

In the critical swing state of Michigan, where party chair Lavora Barnes almost immediately endorsed Biden, the leadership of the uncommitted movement  which won about 30 delegates during a protest campaign against the presidents handling of Israels war in Gaza  opened the door for Harris.

Its time to align our actions with our values, said Layla Elabed in a statement datelined Dearborn, a Detroit suburb where more than half of the population is of Middle Eastern or North African descent. Vice President Harris can start the process to earn back trust by turning the page from Bidens horrific policies in Gaza.

Harris made headlines in March when she called for a ceasefire in Gaza during a speech on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

One California delegate, who like others spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity to offer a candid assessment in this pivotal moment, said hes relieved and excited after hearing Biden stepped down. The delegate, who wanted Biden to quit the race after seeing his shaky performance in last months presidential debate, said he hoped Harris would replace Biden at the top of the ticket, calling her the strongest candidate.

Another California delegate said shes feeling a huge sense of relief. She had privately been concerned about Bidens viability following the debate and hoped for weeks he would step aside.

We couldnt go on like that any longer, the delegate said, without jeopardizing the entire election up and down the ballot.

A Massachusetts delegate told CNN that while he still strongly supports Bidens agenda, the presidents vision has failed to reach Americans. The delegate said he has not yet decided who to support for the nomination, and believes the party needs a leader who can help Americans understand whats at stake.

Another erstwhile Biden delegate from Colorado said, It is long overdue that there is a competitive nomination for president at the Democratic convention. She also told CNN shes not yet decided on who to support for the nomination. When asked about Harris, the delegate said shes not convinced the vice president can win in November.

It is not clear that (Harris) is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump, she said.

A delegate from Florida told CNN hes disappointed Biden dropped out and said Democrats owe Biden a debt of gratitude for winning the 2020 election and setting up Democrats to defeat Trump again.

He said hes taking his cues from Biden and plans to back Harris, who has been making calls to Democratic lawmakers asking for their support as she tries to consolidate the party over the coming days.

In South Carolina, one Democratic delegate told CNN they were sad to hear the news, noting that the Palmetto State had been so critical in Bidens primary victory four years ago.

We saved and relaunched Bidens campaign, so its sad to see his electoral career  that we take a lot of pride in - come to an end, the delegate said, while also warning that this affection and loyalty would not necessarily be passed on to Harris.

The delegate told CNN they would prefer Harris wins in a competitive process, reasoning that that shed be a stronger nominee if she isnt anointed. Though getting the support of Rep. Jim Clyburn, the states most powerful Democrats and a close Biden ally, could settle the matter,

Hes still the titan of politics in South Carolina, the delegate said. Is he going to put his full shoulder into whipping for Harris? Thats all unanswered,

In a statement issued shortly after Bidens, Harris on Sunday confirmed she is running for president and said she was honored to receive Bidens endorsement. Harris said she intends to earn and win the presidential nomination in her first public statement since Bidens stunning announcement.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead, Harris said, before hinting at the condensed timeframe. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington state Democrats, said the party is currently calling all their delegates to get a temperature check and make sure everyone has up-to-date information on the process ahead. They have a group call scheduled for later Sunday.

Conrad, who officially endorsed Harris, is the first South Asian women to lead a state party and said she is thrilled that Harris is on track to become the nominee.

It really means that we are fully a part of this American story, Conrad said, and that people who look like her and look like myself in this country have a place in leadership.

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Delta was the hardest-hit US airline during the mass IT outage, and 3 days later, it's still suffering

Delta was the hardest-hit US airline during the mass IT outage, and 3 days later, it's still suffering

A CrowdStrike update on Friday caused a global IT outage, disrupting flights, trains, and banks.

Delta Air Lines was particularly badly impacted, canceling over 4,500 flights in four days, per FlightAware.

Delta's CEO apologized, citing issues with Microsoft Windows affecting crew-tracking tools.

A mass IT outage connected to a flawed update issued by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm based in Austin, disrupted flights, trains, banks, and media outlets worldwide.

Airlines were hit especially hard, with United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and others grounding flights and announcing delays.

Delta Air Lines, however, was the worst affected by flight cancellations on Friday, the day of the incident, and in the subsequent days.

Delta canceled a total of 1,207 flights on Friday, almost a third of its total flights, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking data platform.

The airline with the next highest number of cancellations was United, which canceled 694 flights.

Over the weekend, most airlines managed to return to some semblance of normality, but three days after the outage, Delta is still struggling to restore operations to full capacity.

On Saturday, it canceled 1,208 flights, and on Sunday it canceled 1,384. This represented 36% of its scheduled departures on both days.

There were 709 cancellations for Delta on Monday as of 11 a.m. ET, making up 19% of Delta flights. There were 1,335 flight cancellations in total across airlines around the world.

Over the weekend, over 40% of Delta flights were delayed, FlightAware reported.

In total, Delta has canceled more than 4,500 flights since Friday, FlightAware's data shows.

By contrast, on Sunday, the worst affected airline after Delta, United, canceled 266 flights, with cancellations for most others in the tens or single digits. On Monday, next to Delta, China Eastern Airlines canceled 109 flights by 11 a.m. ET, representing just 4% of scheduled departures.

Delta's CEO says sorry

Delta CEO Ed Bastian has apologized for the disruption to passengers caused by mass delays and cancelations. Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

In a statement on Sunday, Delta's CEO Ed Bastian apologized to every customer whose travel plans had been disrupted by the outage.

"The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our reaccommodation capabilities," he said.

Bastian said many of Delta's applications use the Microsoft Windows operating system, which was affected by the meltdown. One of the airline's crew-tracking-related tools had become unable to effectively process the number of changes prompted by the software shutting down.

He announced that customers who experienced flight disruptions were being offered meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation where possible, along with Delta SkyMiles, the airline's loyalty program that offers points to passengers for upgrades and flights, and travel vouchers.

Delta did not immediately respond to a request from Business Insider for further comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Democratic delegates face big decisions on a presidential nominee

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

Tennessee Democratic Convention delegates are supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, shown hear speaking at Nashville's Fisk University in April 2023. (Photo: John Partipilo)

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.

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DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it.  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Precious McKesson, representing the Nebraska Democratic Party and the local Biden campaign, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process. However, I dont think it changes anything. I think it re-energizes, McKesson told the Nebraska Examiner after Bidens announcement.

Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik said she will vote for Harris at the convention and will use every ounce of my energy in the next four months to elect her the 47th President of the United States.

It is not possible to overstate what a historic day this is for our country, Beretta-Perik said in a statement Sunday afternoon. In a matter of hours, we now have a transformed, united, energized party. A party with a clear mission to not only defeat Donald Trump, but also keep the US Senate majority and win back the House.

Three of Rhode Islands four congressional delegates said they backed Harris. The holdout was U.S. Sen. Jack Reed who issued a statement saying Biden has already accomplished more in one term than most presidents achieve in two but stopped short of making an endorsement for his successor.

Todays decision cements Joes legacy as a selfless leader, Reed said.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.

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DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 12: DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (File/Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection.

A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, makes his way to his seat at the Statehouse for King Day at the Dome on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. (File/Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.
URUMQI, July 22 (Xinhua) -- As the sun falls below the horizon and stars begin to sparkle amid the soothing moonlight, holiday-goers to the Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili in Xinjiang, cannot help humming a melodious song "Night on the Prairie."

The classic Chinese folk was declared as a "world-famous oriental serenade" by UNESCO in 1990. The place mentioned in the lyrics is "Cocodala," which is a combination of the Kazakh and Mongolian term meaning "green fields."

This once obscure farm, which was rarely marked on maps, has transformed into a modern city with a population of approximately 200,000, thanks to rapid economic and social development. In 2015, the city was named Cocodala echoing its poetic charm and sublime scenery.

Long been a region where diverse ethnic cultures converge, Xinjiang's colorful ethnicity and advantaged landscape can also be reflected in the naming of its communities.

Urumqi, the regional capital, means "beautiful pasture" in Mongolian. Aksu, in southern Xinjiang, means "white water" in Uygur language. Throughout the long course of Xinjiang's historical development, these names serve as the most vivid cultural imprints and records of the region's transformation.

Gulchman Nuri, a resident of Cele County in the Hotan Prefecture, deeply sympathizes with such changes. She used to live on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, China's largest desert known as the "Sea of Death," with no stable sources for food and income.

"In the past, we lived in dilapidated adobe houses. The land was severely desertified, making it impossible to grow crops, and there were no other sources of income. Our family earned less than 3,000 yuan (about 420.7 U.S. dollars) a year," she recalled.

A relocation project was put on the agenda of local authorities agenda to improve the livelihood of local residents. By moving to the flatland, locals can not only shake off poverty, but also have access to quality education, medical treatment and higher income.

But such a mega project is a tall order. China has been implementing "pairing assistance" programs in Xinjiang since 1997, channeling financial, technical and human resource support across various sectors from different regions of the country to the region.

Official data shows that the assisting provinces and cities had invested nearly 170 billion yuan in Xinjiang within a decade by 2023, with 80 percent of the funds spent on improving people's lives by providing them with access to safe housing, asphalt roads, tap water, and better education and medical services.

Gulchman Nuri's new home village was named Minhang, which means civil aviation, to show gratitude for the assistance from the national civil aviation administration's Xinjiang branch.

"The houses in our new village are neat and modern. The kindergarten and primary school are as good as those in the city. Life is so more convenient that we don't even have to leave the village to see a doctor," said Gulchman Nuri with a content smile.

Such stories can be found in many areas across Xinjiang, with the names serving as logs of its development. Ayzuhra Tursun, a resident in Shache County, expressed satisfaction with their current living conditions.

Their former life in Dmsi Township on the mountainside was often threatened by floods and rainstorms, and seeing a doctor was such a pain. Now, gone were these nightmares and they have embraced a brand new life with comfort and satisfaction.

"The name of our new village, Kangle, represents our current life, which literally means health and happiness," said Ayzuhra Tursun. 
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison is joined by business and political leaders during a lakeside event held to announce that Chicago was chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention on April 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago last hosted the convention in 1996. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Democratic National Convention delegates from across the country praised President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his reelection bid, and a few state party leaders followed Bidens endorsement and immediately threw their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates are scheduled to hold a virtual roll call vote early next month to officially select the partys pick to face Republican Donald Trump in November, with the nominee to accept the nod at the partys convention on August 22.

Until recently, that candidate was presumed to be Biden, but a poor debate performance on June 27 presaged a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic leaders to drop out of the race. Biden heeded those calls Sunday.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after saying midafternoon Sunday he would not seek reelection. A handful of state delegations were ready Sunday afternoon to shift their support to Harris, though Democratic officials in many more states had not made any statements about whom theyd support at next months Democratic National Convention.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement Sunday that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he said. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrison did not include details about how the party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris gains support

Reaction among state Democratic party officials on Sunday was near universal in praising Biden for his accomplishments as president and decision to leave the race.

Delegates in several states have already thrown their support behind Harris.

We will be supporting Kamala Harris, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley said, according to the Alabama Reflector.

In Colorado, several delegates and elected officials, some of whom would have a vote after the first round of balloting at the Democratic National Convention, said they would back Harris.

One delegate in Colorado, state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, was a co-chair for Harris 2020 presidential campaign in Colorado.

Herod told Colorado Newsline that she would be supporting Harris campaign and that the vice president is committed to not only our country, but the people in it  Shes not an isolated leader. She is one that leads with the people and alongside of them.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, told the Louisiana Illuminator that the state delegation will support Harris nomination and that she will energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Tennessee delegates reached Sunday by the Tennessee Lookout indicated they were inclined to support Harris.

Im extremely pleased he has endorsed Kamala Harris and it would be awfully difficult to not strongly support her, said Chip Forrester, an at-large delegate from Tennessee.

All the congressional Democrats from Wisconsin, a key battleground state in Novembers election, quickly endorsed Harris, the Wisconsin Examiner reported. The states Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and party Chair Ben Wikler both stopped short of endorsing the vice president.

One national delegate reached by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, said he would vote for Harris.

Indiana state Sen. Karen Tallian said she would support Harris, even as others among the Hoosier States 88 DNC delegates declined to comment Sunday.

Holding out on endorsements

But far from all Democratic delegates have lined up behind Harris.

South Dakota delegates have not taken a position on endorsing Harris. Instead, they are waiting for guidance from the national party, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, Dan Ahlers, said to South Dakota Searchlight.

Delegates in North Dakota praised Bidens decision, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Jamie Selzler, a DNC national committee member from North Dakota, said the process to choose a replacement should be transparent.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday that Democrats would unite behind a candidate who will defeat Donald Trump this November.

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Democratic donors are throwing their support behind Vice President Harris as the nominee, following President Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race.

Key donors said they would support Harris, and others pledged to do the same in the immediate hours following Bidens announcement.

This is exactly what we needed at this moment, some direction and hope, said one longtime Democratic bundler. I dont think Ive felt as energized as I do now this entire cycle.

The bundler said he had heard from dozens of donors on Sunday afternoon who said they would help support Harris should she become the Democratic candidate. Before Bidens announcement, the bundler said donors had frozen checks because of the uncertainty surrounding Biden.

No one wanted to give a cent, the bundler said. People were completely demoralized and down. Things seem to be turning around very quickly.

In interviews last week, some donors told The Hill they were leaning toward an open convention should Biden drop out of the race. Some were still feeling that way on Sunday, with slightly more optimism.

I would prefer that they do a mini process. They wont, said one prominent fundraiser.

It will be Harris-Kelly, the donor added, referring to Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Some donors and fundraisers said Harris was likely to galvanize the Democratic base, but they expressed concern about her ability to speak to independent voters in key battleground states.

Would she excite our base? Yes. But Im not sure she has the ability to sway some of these other undecided voters, one fundraiser said.

Another donor said having an open convention would bring a new level of excitement to the party.

I know some people think it would be chaotic and maybe it would but I think it would also inspire a lot of people and show them what the party can do. And if Harris wins, so be it. But we show we can be adults and do whats best for the party in order to defeat Trump, the donor said.

Officials at Democratic super PACs said they were also hearing positive feedback from donors about Harris.

Every donor Ive talked to is supportive and ready to get to work, said one super PAC official. And other Democratic groups like the Progressive Turnout Project were soliciting donations within hours.

On Sunday afternoon, the Biden campaign officially filed paperwork to rename their campaign committee Harris for President, which some donors said was a seamless transition.

Several donors acknowledged that backing Harris would be the most seamless choice. With the clock quickly dwindling and just more than 100 days before the election, they worried it was too late to get behind another candidate.

Shes already on the ticket. Shes been tested. And we really dont have the luxury of time here, a second donor said. Were heading into August and ideally this process would have happened months ago so were not building the plane as we fly it.

One longtime Democratic bundler who has supported Harris for years said Sunday was a very good day.

Donors who were holding their money, even commitments, literally wrote the checks today, the bundler said.

Two Democratic bundlers told The Hill on Sunday that donors were writing checks and quickly backing Harris. Theres a lot of movement today, one of the two donors said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Twenty-seven minutes after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, he announced that he would offer his full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. He added that it was time to come together and beat Trump. Putting his money where his mouth is, Biden turned over his campaignand its bank accountto Harris.

The decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris likely ends whatever drama was in store about the miniprimary to come. For the most part, Democrats in leading positions have been quick to follow the presidents lead and circle the wagons around his heir apparent.

Other leading figures, though, wary of appearing as if they were coronating Harris, kept their powder dry.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, in a joint statement, said that they were honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.

Now is the time, the Clintons added, to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.

Leaders of nearly all House Democrats power centers lined up behind Harris. Rep. Annie Kuster, chair of the vast, moderate New Democrat caucus, gave Harris her full-throated endorsement. Further to the left, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal said she looked forward to Harris becoming the first South Asian American and first Black woman to serve as President of the United States of America. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Nanette Barragan endorsed Harris, as did the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, which had been one of the last bulwarks of support for Biden since the disastrous June presidential debate.

Rank-and-file members and senators across the board, from Sens. Mark Warner and Chris Coons to Reps. Ilhan Omar and Jamaal Bowman, were falling in line at a rapid clip throughout Sunday afternoon.

Youll notice some other major Democratic names, though, missing from this list. And theres something that they all have in common.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said in her statement, President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

God blessed America, she added, with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was similarly reverential, saying, America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace, and dignity. We are forever grateful.

And Bidens old boss, former President Barack Obama, paid his respects by writing an article-length statement rather than a couple of nice sentences. In regard to the path forward, Obama said, he had extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Bidens vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August.

What do these fourwho did not explicitly endorse Harrishave in common? Well, theyre all at severe risk of being dropped from Bidens Christmas card list this year, as these were the four leaders who appeared to do the most work behind the scenes to nudge Biden out of the race.

Since they are already facing some backlash from the minority of Democrats who wanted Biden to stay on, they dont want to appear as if theyre also determining the next party nominee. As Politico reported recently, Pelosi was among those in a recent discussion who stressed the potential political downsides of party elites quickly crowning the vice president as the next nominee.

Harris also recognizes that there would be political downsides to coronating herself. In her statement Sunday, she said she was honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. In other words, she is not accepting the nomination right now.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris added. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

So is Harris nomination a lock? What of the fabled miniprimary?

Its worth at least parsing statements from arguably the two other would-be top rivals to Harris for the nomination: California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Whitmer posted a statement that read: My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan. And Newsom, in a brief post, said that Biden will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents. [Update, July 21, 2024, at 8:11 p.m.: Newsom released another statement later in the day that said, No one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, Kamala Harris.]

Neither of those statements endorses Harris. And neither Whitmer nor Newsom has shut the door to their own presidential hopes this cycle either. (Another Bloomberg report said that Whitmer did not intend to challenge Harris for the nomination this cycle. Well, I didnt intend to be working on a Sunday afternoon, but here we are.) If Democrats have learned anything this cycle, its to keep their options open.
After President Joe Biden announced that he is bowing out of the presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday, other big names in the party are swirling around for his replacement.

Bidens announcement comes nearly a month after his rough debate performance, which led to a wave of Democratic officials, party members, and donors calling for his resignation from the race. Even though Biden threw his support behind his vice president, its still just an endorsement, not an official nomination.

More: Harris pays tribute to Biden in first public remarks since launching campaign: Live updates

If Harris receives the partys nomination in August, she will make history again after becoming the first Black and Asian-American woman to serve as U.S. vice president.

As the new Democratic frontrunner, Harris potential candidacy brings to mind former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons race against former President Donald Trump in 2016 as the first female nominee of both major parties. Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million ballots, but lost the Electoral College to Trump.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton participates in an event on women's role in building a climate-resilient world, at COP28 World Climate Summit, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 4, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Though her name is not among those being floated for Bidens replacement, could Clinton replace the president on the Democratic ticket?

Could Hillary Clinton receive the Democratic nomination?

While its possible for Clinton to replace Biden on the Democratic ticket, it is improbable. Shortly after Harris announced her candidacy on Sunday, the former U.S. Secretary of State and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, endorsed her in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, they wrote in the statement. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her.

In August, 3,896 delegates will gather at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to back who they choose, even if Biden won in their states primaries this year. According to DNC rules, delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.

This good conscious rule means delegates are encouraged to vote for the winner of the state primary, but can vote for someone else. However, multiple state parties, including South Carolina, have pledged their delegates to Harris at the DNC her candidacy announcement Sunday.

Other names being floated as Bidens replacement include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Could Hillary Clinton replace Biden on the Democratic ticket?
Democratic lawmakers and officials on Sunday rallied to back Vice President Harris to replace President Biden atop the partys presidential ticket, boosting her in the hours after Biden announced he would not run for another four years in office.

Harris was swiftly endorsed by Biden, former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and, as of 6:30 p.m. Sunday night, 17 Senate Democrats, including multiple members of leadership.

The lawmakers backing Harris include Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a House member seen as close to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who faces a competitive race this fall in a swing state. Her endorsement served as an initial vote of confidence in Harris from a lawmaker whose job could be on the line in the fall.

But the endorsements on Sunday did not include Pelosi herself, or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Former President Obama also did not offer an endorsement in a statement praising Biden.

Their silence does not necessarily reflect a lack of confidence in or support for Harris.

Some Democrats viewed Sunday as being about Biden and did not want to issue any statement that took the attention away from him.

People are holding back because theres a certain amount of respect that Joe Biden is due on this day and, frankly, for the rest of his days on this planet for what he is and what he has done, former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) told MSNBC.

Some Democrats also have signaled theyd prefer for there to be some kind of process or contest to replace Biden, to strengthen an eventual nominee.

Shes indicated that she wants to earn it and no one wants to see a circling of the wagons in that way that looks nefarious, but at the same time no one wants to see division, one Democratic operative told The Hill.

Members coming out helps her cause, but it has to be authentic, the operative added, referring to Harris.

There were no public challenges to Harris as of Sunday afternoon, and the vice presidents campaign was showing signs of revving up as she held calls with various senators to win over support.

The initial wave of endorsements gives Harris an early leg up on any potential challenger four weeks before the Democratic National Convention is set to officially cement who will challenge former President Trump, the newly minted GOP nominee.

Harris supporters on Sunday were quick to point out her fundraising advantage, as the Biden-Harris campaign has $96 million in its coffers that can only follow Harris if she is the nominee.

Democrats said they expect the campaign  which officially refiled as Harris for President on Sunday afternoon  to announce record-breaking fundraising totals for the vice president in the coming days.

A number of folks are getting behind her. She has the resources of the Biden-Harris infrastructure, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a Harris supporter, told MSNBC on Sunday, adding that his phone had hundreds of messages from volunteers and voters asking where do I donate? Where do I knock on doors? How do I get to Michigan and Pennsylvania to look voters eyeball to eyeball to make the case?

People are fired up for Kamala, he added.

Notably, the calls for the party to hold a full-on open convention in less than a month in Chicago or shows of support for any other potential candidate have been minimized early on, but Democrats still have their eyes on other potential options.

Some in the party are keeping close tabs on what the horde of governors who were widely considered to be on the shortlist for 2028  headlined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov JB Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear  do in the coming days.

Another high-profile Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, endorsed Harris on Sunday, saying the best path forward was for the party to quickly unite around Harris. Shapiro has also been mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate.

The hill for any non-Harris Democrat is appearing steep given her financial and early advantage with top party members.

Youre going to need a really good reason to do it, the Democratic operative said, rattling off what they would have to overcome. First female president. Black woman. Current vice president. [Biden] already endorsed her.

Its going to be a tough argument to craft and run against her, they added.

Others in the party also believe that the conversation could turn entirely from who will be atop the ticket to what will be other pressing matters.

Yes, theres a process to go through and, yes, she must earn it. But she earned in many ways when Joe Biden selected her to be his vice president, McCaskill said.

It will very quickly move into the discussion about who her vice presidential candidate will be, she added.

Mychael Schnell contributed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Newsom and Buttigieg among top Democrats endorsing Kamala Harris. Heres who hasand hasntbacked her for president

Following weeks of mounting pressure from within his own party, Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his choice to replace him on the ticket.

The move has left Harris as the clear frontrunner to become the Democratic presidential nominee, paving the way for her to take on Donald Trump in November.

Many high-profile Democrats have publicly endorsed Harris in the hours since the president announced he was stepping aside.

But there are a few notable exceptions.

Heres your guide to which Democrats have endorsed Kamala Harris  and which havent:

Who is backing Kamala Harris for president?

Joe Biden

Minutes after announcing that he would be stepping down, Biden threw his support behind Harris.

Writing on X, he said: I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (REUTERS)

Former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement about an hour after Biden endorsed Harris, paying tribute to the presidents extraordinary career of service, before backing the vice president as the Democratic nominee.

We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her, their statement read.

Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect.

Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro gave Harris his official backing on X on Sunday night. The Pennsylvania governor had long been considered a potential replacement for Biden should he step aside and is now seen as a frontrunner for Harris pick for running mate.

Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades, he wrote. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency.

Pete Buttigieg

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (Getty Images)

Pete Buttigieg backed Ms Harris in the early hours on Monday morning. The transportation secretary rose to prominence in 2020 when he became a frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primaries.

Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President, he wrote on X.

I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President.

Elizabeth Warren

Senator Elizabeth Warren has also confirmed her support for Harris, having previously said she would support the vice president topping the ticket if Biden dropped out.

Warren was a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, placing third behind Biden and Bernie Sanders.

When youre up against a convicted felon, who better than a former prosecutor to take it straight to Donald Trump? she said in a video statement on X.

Shes ready to do this job, and shes going to win.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor Gavin Newsom (AP)

California Governor Gavin Newsom has long been rumored to be a potential Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 race.

But, he quickly ruled that out by backing Harris, calling her: Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris, he wrote on X.

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer had also been touted as a potential candidate to replace Biden if he stood aside from the race.

In a post on X, she praised Biden but didnt mention Harris.

President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump, she said.

My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.

Despite not mentioning Harris in her public statement, Whitmer joined a campaign call for Harris on Sunday night, throwing her support behind the vice president as the presidential candidate, Politico reported. She has also previously ruled out running in 2024 if Biden dropped out of the race.

And who has not endorsed Harris?

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Barack Obama and Joe Biden in 2008 (Getty Images)

In a lengthy statement posted online, former president Barack Obama paid tribute to Biden as a patriot of the highest order  but stopped short of backing Harris for the top of the ticket.

Instead, he wrote: I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times.

Nancy Pelosi

Former House speaker and prominnt Democrat Nancy Pelosi has likewise remained silent on Harris.

She also paid tribute to Biden on X, calling him a patriotic American who has always put our country first.

God blessed America with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness, she added, making no mention of the presidents choice to back his VP as nominee.

Bernie Sanders

Previous Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris take part in the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June 27, 2019 (Getty Images)

Bernie Sanders also paid tribute to Biden, calling him the most pro-working class president in modern American history but didnt mention Harris.

The Vermont senator ran to become the Democratic presidential nominee in both 2016 and 2020, coming second both times.

Thank you, Mr. President, for all youve done, he wrote.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and President Joe Biden in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 14 Credit - Bonnie CashUPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

After a poor debate performance unleashed weeks of pressure, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was ending his campaign for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. The process was agonizing and it's not immediately clear if endorsements from Biden and scores of Democratic politicians, as well as numerous convention delegations, will be enough to clear the field for Harris.

The difficulty of orchestrating the situation reflects a process that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Before that time, the Democratic Party structure was well-suited to the task of a late-in-the-game replacement and coalescing around a preferred nominee. Indeed, the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago has emerged as an instructive moment in which a nominee and platform were ratified at time of tremendous contention for the nation and party. But, the changes to the Presidential nomination process that came after that storied convention reveal why the Democrats have had to work so hard to convince Biden to step aside, and why the party leadership can't just select a replacement.

Before 1968, Lyndon Johnson firmly led the Democratic establishment. But as Johnsons policies in Vietnam provoked rising opposition in the country, factions within the Democratic Party launched a ferocious and debasing assault against his reelection campaign in 1968. Nearly three weeks after Johnson beat an antiwar Democrat, Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy, in an uncomfortably close primary race in New Hampshire, the unpopular Johnson abruptly ended his campaign during a nationally televised address on March 31, 1968.

With no warning, Vice President Hubert Humphrey was thrust into the Presidential campaign. He first worked to secure the political base he had courted for more than a decade as a U.S. Senator and then as Vice President by meeting with party leaders around the country and aiding mayors and governors in need of the administrations help. He expected, as had Presidential candidates for decades, to reap the reward of securing support from the national, state, and local party organizations. They continued to control the selection of delegates to national conventions; by 1968, only 38% of delegates were selected by primaries, with far fewer bound to specific candidates than are today. The result was that the party establishment chose nearly a third of the delegates before the 1968 primary elections even began, and by reaching out to party insiders in the months leading up to the convention in Chicago that summer, Humphrey jumped to a healthy lead in the delegate count.

Humphrey built up a bulwark of support, despite having to contend with a formidable antiwar challenge from well-financed, popular New York Senator Robert Kennedywho had entered the race that March and performed well in Democratic contests that spring, before his tragic assassination in June on the heels of winning the primary in delegate-rich California.

Read More: If Joe Biden Steps Aside, Kamala Harris Should Be Included But Not Anointed

But the politics of 1968 soon upended the old system and Humphreys apparent glide path to the nomination. Popular unrest about the Vietnam War combined with the ambition of younger politicians to topple the Democratic Partys nomination process. While political insiders accepted Humphreys steady march to the nomination as following long-established rules, supporters of Sen. McCarthy, who solely commanded the antiwar base after Kennedys assassination, were outraged that their candidate won a plurality of primary votes (2.9 million votes or 39%), yet he lost the nomination to Humphreywho received about 150,000 votes but 67% of delegates. (McCarthys delegate count amounted to 23%.)

The discord inside the convention hall over Humphreys nomination was overshadowed in the national media coverage by the protests and riots on the streets of Chicago. In the lead-up to the convention, the national Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the largest antiwar group in the country with chapters on many college campuses by that point, castigated government policies as unrepresentative of the interests of vast numbers of people and ridiculed Humphreys nomination as unrepresentative government. Their bitter disdain was displayed in a mock convention staged outside the hall by Yippie leader Jerry Rubin, who nominated a large pig named Pigasus as the Democratic candidate. The remedy, the young activists declared, was filling the streets with protesters and practicing democracy in action. They chanted, The party belongs to the people, and The streets belong to the people.

Chicagos Mayor Daley tried to squash these displays with an overwhelming display of local, state, and national law enforcement, and the protests soon turned violent. The media trained its eyes on these events outside, while inside the hall, McCarthy refused to follow past precedent and endorse Humphreys nomination.

Presidential conventions are designed to unify the party and slingshot candidates into the fall campaign. Not so for Humphrey. The Vice Presidents closest advisers surveyed the damage in Chicago and concluded it was a mean Convention that humiliated the Minnesotan and left him a wreck.

Following the Chicago convention and Humphreys close loss to Republican Richard Nixon in the general election that fall, Oklahoma Senator Fred Harris, a rising young star in the Democratic Party, launched a surreptitious plan to revamp the nominating system that had caused such disarray. Harriss schemecarried forward by South Dakota Senator George McGovern and Minnesota Congressman Don Fraserwould transform participation in the Presidential nomination process and shunt aside the national and state party establishment and their allies.

The path forward, according to the Commission on Party Structure and Delegate Selections report, Mandate for Reform, was to democratize the Partys internal operations. The aim, it vowed, was to strengthen our Party and American democracy and regenerat[e] the Democratic Party as a more responsive and dynamic servant of the American people.

Read More: The Lesson of Lady Bird Johnsons Role in LBJs Decision Not to Run Again

The practical effect of these lofty aims was the adoption of Presidential primaries by Democratic state parties in 1972, with the Republican Party generally following along afterward. (The GOP was not driven by the elite divisions and ambition that propelled Democrats. Instead, state laws passed by mostly Democratic legislatures and the lure of media coverage, which favored Democratic candidates battling in the 1972 primary races, compelled the GOP to shift.)

The number of Presidential primaries rose rapidly from 15 in 1968 to 27 in 1976 and 37 in 1980, where it has hovered, moving a bit higher or lower depending on the competitiveness of Presidential nominations. Because of the adoption of primaries to replace party control, the proportion of delegates chosen by primary elections to both party conventions more than doubledfrom about 40% in 1968 to 94% by 2020.

Though this may sound more democratic in principle than party members negotiating at a convention for the best ticket, the drawbacks of more democracy have been in display over the past few weeks: due to the limited power of party officials, the organized party leadership had no real way to manage the crisis over whether Biden had the capacity to win reelection. Delegates pledged to Biden from every statewho were selected in the largely uncontested Democratic Presidential primaries since Januarywill vote in the nomination process. But there is no avenue for the kind of high-stakes negotiation that would have easily induced Biden to step aside and coalesced around a replacement.

Bidens 3,896 pledged delegates were essentially handed to him on a silver platter in a process once billed as advancing democracy. The development of that process rendered the practice of party officials running their partya concept widely accepted in other representative systems that would prove useful today undemocratic.

While Biden heeded the calls to step aside, the choice was his, and party leaders had limited options if he had chosen otherwise. Once the direct primary was adopted for Presidential nominations in the 1970s, the party structure that would typically make decisions about who leads the ticket was disempowered and has shriveled in the interest of more democracy.

And that may yet have ramifications in terms of whether Harris faces significant opposition in her quest to become the Democratic nominee. Party leaders can try to orchestrate her nomination, but they have no real lever to ensure that it happens.

Lawrence R. Jacobs is the Director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota and the author of several books, including his latest, Democracy Under Fire.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
Democrats hail Bidens decision as selfless, but Republicans are urging him to resign

WASHINGTON (AP)  Democratic lawmakers hailed President Joe Bidens historic decision on Sunday not to seek reelection, praising him as putting his country and his party before himself. Republicans called on him to resign from office, saying that if he could not run for another term, then hes unable to serve as president.

Bidens announcement came after more than two weeks of Democrats urging him to withdraw from the race. Nearly three dozen lawmakers had publicly called on him to end his reelection bid. Others had voiced concerns privately about what the ramifications would be for down-ballot Democrats if he remained in the race. When the president heeded those concerns, Democrats called it a selfless move.

Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

Does Kamala Harris automatically become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

Republicans have seized on Bidens poor debate performance last month to batter him as incapable of serving four more years. Now that hes out of the presidential election, many said he should resign his office, too.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough, House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

If the Democratic party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for reelection, hes certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately, tweeted Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

Bidens former chief of staff, Ron Klain, called on Democrats to quickly unite around Vice President Kamala Harris as the natural successor to Biden, saying on social media that its time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign.

Lets get real and win in November, Klain said.

But in their initial statements, many Democrats made no mention of Harris. Some are calling for an open process in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee.

Schumer and Sen. Dick Durbin, the top two Senate Democrats, did not offer support for Harris.

Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort, Durbin said.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, the first House Democrat to call on Biden to step down, said once again President Biden comes through for America, putting country over ego in a way that Donald Trump never could. And while Harris is clearly the leading candidate to replace Biden, he said we should be open to all talented individuals who wish to be considered.

Many Democrats did quickly assemble behind Harris, however.

The leaders of two of the largest Democratic House caucuses, Reps. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the left-wing Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Annie Kuster, chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris. The endorsements were part of an effort among Democrats in Congress to quickly assembly behind a candidate and try to put behind the weeks of intraparty tension that have marked the aftermath of the June 27 debate.

Millions of Americans cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the primary. Vice President Harris has proven time and time again that she can prosecute the case against Donald Trump and campaign vigorously for Democrats down the ballot, Jayapal said in a statement.

The Congressional Black Caucus also, through its political action committee, gave its support to Harris as the next Democratic nominee. The Black caucus had stood by Biden since the debate last month even as many other Democrats called for him to step aside.

President Joe Biden attends an event on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington, July 11, 2024. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21, ending his bid for reelection. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Rep Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., warned that an open nomination process would be damaging.

Anyone musing about a romanticized free-for-all at the Democratic National Convention is living in a dangerous fantasy land and is asking for a continuation of the chaos and confusion that has consumed Washington, D.C., he said.

At least 10 Democratic senators quickly weighed in with support for Harris, including Patty Murray of Washington, Mark Warner of Virginia, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

The reaction to Bidens announcement reverberated around the county and the world.

Former President Barack Obama saluted his vice president of eight years.

Joe Biden has been one of Americas most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, weve also been reminded  again  that hes a patriot of the highest order, Obama said.

Internationally, Israels president, Isaac Herzog, offered heartfelt thanks to Biden for supporting the Israeli people over his long career.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the difficult decision Biden had to make and said Poland, America and the world are safer and democracy stronger because of the U.S. president.

Biden drops out of the 2024 race: Now what happens?

American voters have also been anxious to hear what Biden would do as polling showed that nearly two-thirds of Democrats said Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.

David Strong, a 64-year-old retiree and Democratic voter from Denver who was on vacation in Portland, Oregon, said he was relieved that Biden was leaving the race after a debate performance he described as shocking and terrible.

I thought it was the best thing to do, he said. I just didnt feel like he was our best shot to beat Trump.

On Governors Island in New York Harbor, word of Bidens announcement quickly spread among picnickers.

I feel sad for him, said Jess Carter, 33, a software engineer and Democrat. But it seems to be the right move.

I do think it was a good decision. I wish he had done it sooner, said David Gruber, 35, a marketing consultant and Democrat from the borough of Brooklyn.

On the prospect of Harris taking Bidens place, Gruber said: Shes making me nervous. But if shes the pick, Ill vote for her.

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Darlene Superville and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report from Washington, Claire Rush from Portland, Stephanie Nano from New York City.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Democrats hail Bidens decision as selfless, but Republicans are urging him to resign

WASHINGTON (AP)  Democratic lawmakers hailed President Joe Bidens historic decision on Sunday not to seek reelection, praising him as putting his country and his party before himself. Republicans called on him to resign from office, saying that if he could not run for another term, then hes unable to serve as president.

Bidens announcement came after more than two weeks of Democrats urging him to withdraw from the race. Nearly three dozen lawmakers had publicly called on him to end his reelection bid. Others had voiced concerns privately about what the ramifications would be for down-ballot Democrats if he remained in the race. When the president heeded those concerns, Democrats called it a selfless move.

Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

Does Kamala Harris automatically become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

Republicans have seized on Bidens poor debate performance last month to batter him as incapable of serving four more years. Now that hes out of the presidential election, many said he should resign his office, too.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough, House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

If the Democratic party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for reelection, hes certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately, tweeted Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

Bidens former chief of staff, Ron Klain, called on Democrats to quickly unite around Vice President Kamala Harris as the natural successor to Biden, saying on social media that its time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign.

Lets get real and win in November, Klain said.

But in their initial statements, many Democrats made no mention of Harris. Some are calling for an open process in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee.

Schumer and Sen. Dick Durbin, the top two Senate Democrats, did not offer support for Harris.

Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort, Durbin said.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, the first House Democrat to call on Biden to step down, said once again President Biden comes through for America, putting country over ego in a way that Donald Trump never could. And while Harris is clearly the leading candidate to replace Biden, he said we should be open to all talented individuals who wish to be considered.

Many Democrats did quickly assemble behind Harris, however.

The leaders of two of the largest Democratic House caucuses, Reps. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the left-wing Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Annie Kuster, chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris. The endorsements were part of an effort among Democrats in Congress to quickly assembly behind a candidate and try to put behind the weeks of intraparty tension that have marked the aftermath of the June 27 debate.

Millions of Americans cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the primary. Vice President Harris has proven time and time again that she can prosecute the case against Donald Trump and campaign vigorously for Democrats down the ballot, Jayapal said in a statement.

The Congressional Black Caucus also, through its political action committee, gave its support to Harris as the next Democratic nominee. The Black caucus had stood by Biden since the debate last month even as many other Democrats called for him to step aside.

President Joe Biden attends an event on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington, July 11, 2024. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21, ending his bid for reelection. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Rep Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., warned that an open nomination process would be damaging.

Anyone musing about a romanticized free-for-all at the Democratic National Convention is living in a dangerous fantasy land and is asking for a continuation of the chaos and confusion that has consumed Washington, D.C., he said.

At least 10 Democratic senators quickly weighed in with support for Harris, including Patty Murray of Washington, Mark Warner of Virginia, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

The reaction to Bidens announcement reverberated around the county and the world.

Former President Barack Obama saluted his vice president of eight years.

Joe Biden has been one of Americas most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, weve also been reminded  again  that hes a patriot of the highest order, Obama said.

Internationally, Israels president, Isaac Herzog, offered heartfelt thanks to Biden for supporting the Israeli people over his long career.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the difficult decision Biden had to make and said Poland, America and the world are safer and democracy stronger because of the U.S. president.

Biden drops out of the 2024 race: Now what happens?

American voters have also been anxious to hear what Biden would do as polling showed that nearly two-thirds of Democrats said Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.

David Strong, a 64-year-old retiree and Democratic voter from Denver who was on vacation in Portland, Oregon, said he was relieved that Biden was leaving the race after a debate performance he described as shocking and terrible.

I thought it was the best thing to do, he said. I just didnt feel like he was our best shot to beat Trump.

On Governors Island in New York Harbor, word of Bidens announcement quickly spread among picnickers.

I feel sad for him, said Jess Carter, 33, a software engineer and Democrat. But it seems to be the right move.

I do think it was a good decision. I wish he had done it sooner, said David Gruber, 35, a marketing consultant and Democrat from the borough of Brooklyn.

On the prospect of Harris taking Bidens place, Gruber said: Shes making me nervous. But if shes the pick, Ill vote for her.

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Darlene Superville and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report from Washington, Claire Rush from Portland, Stephanie Nano from New York City.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows two China-Europe freight trains running through the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Li He)

Staff members of Manzhouli Customs inspect a China-Europe freight train at the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 17, 2024. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Staff members of Manzhouli Customs inspect a China-Europe freight train at the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 17, 2024. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Li He)

This photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows an outbound China-Europe freight train waiting to depart from the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Staff members of Manzhouli Customs inspect a China-Europe freight train at the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 17, 2024. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Li He)

A drone photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows a China-Europe freight train entering China through the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Staff members of Manzhouli Customs inspect a China-Europe freight train at the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 17, 2024. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Staff members of Manzhouli Customs inspect a China-Europe freight train at the Manzhouli railway port in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, July 17, 2024. According to statistics from Manzhouli Customs, in the first six months of 2024, the Manzhouli railway port has handled 2,327 China-Europe freight train trips. The import and export value with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries reached 59.88 billion yuan (about 8.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports are mainly cars, home appliances and other mechanical and electrical products, imports are mainly resource commodities such as coal, metal ores, and grain. (Xinhua/Li He)
US President Joe Biden joins G7 leaders as they gather to watch a parachute drop at San Domenico Golf Club. Biden has withdrawn from his bid for re-election, saying: "I believe it in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down". Christopher Furlong/PA Wire/dpa

Following US President Joe Biden's decision to end his re-election bid in the 2024 race, Democrats are busy rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris to pick up the baton.

The 59-year-old is seen as the most likely replacement candidate on November 5, having received the endorsement of Biden himself and numerous other leading Democrats. So far, no major party figure has said they will run against her for the nomination.

The final decision will be made at the Democratic National Convention due to take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22, although a party consensus could form well before then.

On Sunday, 81-year-old Biden pledged his "full support" for Harris and said that he will finish out the remainder of his term, which ends on January 20, 2025.

The camp surrounding the newly nominated Republican candidate, Donald Trump, reacted angrily to Biden's withdrawal.

Trump posted a slew of scathing comments on his online platform Truth Social, lamenting the time and money his team had invested "on fighting Crooked Joe Biden."

"Now we have to start all over again," Trump wrote, questioning whether his party should now be "reimbursed for fraud."

Senior Democrats have quickly came out in Harris' favour, including Governors Gavin Newsom (California), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) and Roy Cooper (North Carolina). All three had been touted in recent weeks as possible candidates to replace Biden.

From the left wing of the party, Harris received support from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Former president Barack Obama, meanwhile, spoke only of his confidence that "an outstanding candidate" would be found.

Aside from beating Trump outright, many Democrats are hoping that Harris can at least prevent the Republicans from taking control of both chambers of the legislature.

All seats in the House of Representatives and around a third of the seats in the Senate will be up for grabs in the autumn election.

With Biden's withdrawal, Trump is the oldest presidential candidate in US history.

The 78-year-old was officially chosen as his party's candidate at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee last week, as was JD Vance as his running mate.

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the 2024 We Are EMILY National Gala. US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the race to be the next president, in a historic decision that throws the Democratic Party into uncharted territory as Republican rival Donald Trump's campaign gains steam. Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Dems have big problems. But for once, they also have relief.

First Joe Biden dropped out. And then came most of his party coalescing around Kamala Harris, and a gangbusters day of grassroots fundraising. Now, for the first time in nearly a month, Democrats are entering a week not in abject despair about their electoral prospects.

It was a long time coming  first with Biden's abysmal debate performance in late June, followed by a spate of further missteps and, then, a Covid diagnosis.

Even before then, Democrats for years had told pollsters they thought Biden was too old and that they wanted someone else. In recent weeks, many had sunk into a near-depression, while others were on hold, waiting for Biden to decide.

And now?

Hallelujah! said Doug Herman, a Democratic strategist who was a lead mail strategist for Barack Obamas 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Sanity returns.

Democrats still have major problems. Less than four months before the election, the party does not have a nominee  or a running mate for them. Instead, the party is confronting the prospect of a contested convention in Chicago. And if Harris does become the partys standard-bearer, recent polling suggests little difference between the vice president and Biden in how they would fare against Donald Trump.

But for a party that has become conditioned by one setback after another in recent weeks, Bidens decision not to run was, at a minimum, a relief. Suddenly, Democrats think they have a fighting chance.



About time, said Paul Maslin, a top Democratic pollster who worked on the presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter and Howard Dean. Still uphill, but a chance. She has to avoid the big mistake. Shell make a few small ones of course. But get these next three weeks mainly right. And we can go from there.

Before Bidens withdrawal, nowhere were things looking so bleak as in Michigan, the battleground where a Detroit Free Press poll on Sunday found Trump with a 7-percentage-point lead and Biden losing every region of the state  one he had won in 2020 by 2.8 points.

The polling put out just today showing Trump up in Metro Detroit should give all Democrats pause, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow told POLITICO. But Harris at the top of the ticket will ignite the energy I know we need  from Detroit to the suburbs  to ensure Trump stays a one-term president.

Steve Grossman, a former Democratic National Committee chair and superdelegate, said Bidens decision has given people a fresh bounce in their step, while taking the air out of the Trump campaign following its convention last week in Milwaukee.

So boosted were Democratic spirits that small-dollar donors had contributed more than $46 million to Harris campaign in the first eight hours of her nascent presidential bid. ActBlue, the clearinghouse for those donations, called it the biggest fundraising day of the cycle.

"The last three weeks have been gut-wrenching to say the least, said Mike Schmuhl, a member of the Democratic National Committees executive committee, Indiana Democratic party chair and Pete Buttigiegs former 2020 campaign manager. I think the Dems have an opportunity to make the next three weeks and our convention energizing and inspiring so we can get to work and defeat Donald Trump.

The excitement spanned the map, in battleground, red and blue districts.

In Texas, State Rep. James Talarico, an Austin Democrat, said that Kamala is already firing up the anti-Trump coalition  the largest coalition in American politics, adding: Were offering a young, energetic leader who can prosecute the case against an old, wannabe dictator.

Asked how hes feeling, the New York lobbyist and consultant Jason Ortiz  a registered Democrat  sent a video of himself singing Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA at a karaoke event from a few years ago.

Joe Biden was the best president of my lifetime. Full stop, he said. We can focus anew on articulating a case against trumpism and fight to preserve and protect president bidens legacy, Ortiz said.

Said a New York Democratic operative, who supported Biden but referred to the last few weeks as Groundhog Day for the presidents campaign: It allows us to change the conversation and turn the page.

And even among Democrats who still expect Trump to beat Harris or any other Democrat on the ticket, some speculated Sunday that she might at least keep the race closer in some key states  helping Democrats in critical House and Senate contests.

I mean at this point Biden had lost swing voters and the base turnout we need, said one Democratic strategist involved in down-ballot races in the Midwest.

While the strategist predicted Harris would lose, he said, at least we get the base turnout to win all the key Senate races.



For all of the relief, there was an abiding sense of grief, too, for Biden. Not only had he defeated Trump before, but he had been a fixture in Democratic Party politics for decades.

Jay Parmley, executive director of the Democratic Party in South Carolina, the state that revived Bidens presidential primary campaign in 2020, described the mood as a mixed bag,  heartbroken for the president and excited about resetting the race.

He said, I know how difficult it was for the president to make this decision because hes been a consistent warrior for our party and he has served the country selflessly.

There is, of course, a faction of the party that was convinced that Biden would lose but is also no more optimistic about Harris chances  resigned to the prospect she will be the nominee, while recalling her own failed presidential primary campaign four years ago.

It didnt work well for her in 2020, Maslin said. But then again, Biden ran bad campaigns until he didnt finally.

And when he left this race, finally, he was widely hailed as a party hero.

Joe Biden saves us again, said Pete Giangreco, a longtime Democratic strategist.

Lisa Kashinsky, Sally Goldenberg and Heidi Przybyla contributed to this report.
Dems rally behind Harris with some exceptions

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Democrats appear to be uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Im ready for her to lead, said Rep. Steven Horsford(D-Nev.), who is also the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

He says its time to focus on winning in November.

She is best prepared and most qualified to win this nomination to defeat Donald Trump, he said.

Dozens of influential Democrats, from the Clintons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, are all pledging their support for the Vice President.

But notably, some congressional Democratic leaders, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, stopped short of a Harris endorsement. 

Were going to have an open orderly democratic process, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said, and then we will come together with an excitement and exuberance, even a joy.

He suggests the party will have an open primary to allow delegates to weigh in before formally nominating a candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month.

In a statement, Harris vows to earn and win over support. So far, no other Democrats are challenging Harris for the nomination, although Independent West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin appears to be flirting with the idea.

Legislative affairs expert Casey Burgat says with the president behind her, Harris has a huge advantage.

Thats about as good as an endorsement as you can get, he claimed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Deputies release name of suspect shot killed, following standoff in Orange County

The Orange County Sheriffs Officer released the name of the man shot and killed on Friday following a standoff with deputies that lasted for nearly six hours.

Deputies responded to 6809 Colony Oaks Lane regarding a man who had shot and stabbed the mother of his child.

When deputies arrived, the suspect, Deshaun Albert Dunmyer, remained inside the house with the child and a gun and refused to surrender.

Read: Crews monitor large hole that opened up underneath Groveland home

Investigators negotiated with the suspect for several hours, but the 31-year-old man refused to surrender while continuing to hold his child hostage.

Just after 11 p.m., SWAT officers breached the door and saw the suspect holding the child as a shield with the gun in his hand and fearing for the safety of the child; they shot and killed the suspect.

Read: Deputies: Couple died in murder-suicide in Orange County

The child was not injured during this incident.

The mother remains in the remains in the hospital.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.

Read: Officials investigate Orange County inmates death

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A Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy is facing nearly four years in prison after being accused of assaulting an inmate at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse more than two years ago, officials announced late last week.

The incident, according to a news release from the L.A. County District Attorneys Office, occurred on Jan. 20, 2022, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Prosecutors allege that 43-year-old Deputy Maria Torres, who was working in the court lock-up, encountered an inmate that refused to leave his cell.

Torres allegedly unlawfully sprayed the inmate through a gap in the cell door and then falsified a report about her use of force, the release stated.

The 43-year-old has been charged with a felony count of assault by a public officer and felony count of filing a false report by a police officer.

3 men get decades in jail for robbery, fatal shooting of L.A. police officer

The alleged actions of Deputy Maria Torres are not only contrary to the values and principles that we uphold in law enforcement, but they also represent a significant breach of trust within our community, District Attorney Gascon said. The victim deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

If convicted as charged, Torres could be sentenced to a maximum of three years and eight months in state prison to be served in local custody.

The investigation into the allegations was being handled by the L.A. County Sheriffs Departments Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Des Moines City Council preliminarily approved a change that would ban camping and reduce the number of days people have to remove their belongings from public spaces, despite resounding objections from community members and area homeless service providers.

About 80 people flooded council chambers early Monday morning, many to address a proposed ordinance that would take what city leaders call a "harder-line" approach to addressing homelessness. It would end Des Moines' complaint-based system of dealing with homeless campsites and empower city staff to remove and clean them up on their own initiative.

Council members must approve the changes at two more meetings before they take effect.

Des Moines City Council members started at 7:30 a.m. to finish up a council meeting delayed from last week's tornado before they dove into a work session about an hour later to explain the proposed changes. Several people left by the time the special meeting to vote on the changes came around  a few mumbling they had to leave for work. Many people who were lined up to speak on the items were unable to.

More: Des Moines proposes 'harder-line' on homelessness, with camping ban, speedier removal

"This ordinance is cruelty. And as they say, you can wrap a rotten fish in a nonbinding ordinance, but it still stinks, and this whole thing stinks from the head down," Des Moines resident John Noble said during the comment period. "If this ordinance goes forward, I am ashamed of this city. I am ashamed of the way we treat our neighbors  I am ashamed to live in this city because it is clear that this city does not care about poor people."

But some attendees spoke in favor of the proposed changes.

Sara Schuler, director of human resources at downtown advertising agency Flynn Wright, said that she and other employees have had concerning experiences while walking through the skywalk and city streets and that incidents have escalated since COVID-19. Schuler said the agency employs about 100 people in its downtown office.

Schuler told a story of a young female employee who was leaving from the office to a parking lot and was chased by a person. The company called the police, but because the person didn't hurt her, "there was nothing more that could be done."

"It is imperative that we have a safe place for our employees, not just inside the walls but outside the walls, too," she said. "When you're onboarding new employees, there's lots of things that you cover with them. And I have not necessarily always had to cover safety in downtown, but I do."

Proposed changes follow increase in numbers of homeless people in Polk County

The proposed changes follow the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said people experiencing homelessness can be arrested and fined for sleeping in public spaces. The 6-3 decision involving the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, the most significant on homelessness in decades, overturned a lower court's ruling that enforcing camping bans when shelter space is unavailable is cruel and unusual punishment.

It also comes amid a more than 12% increase in homelessness to a total of more than 650,000 people in 2023, the largest unhoused population since the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development began tracking it in 2007.

Des Moines City Council member Chris Coleman, who led the charge seeking to pass the ordinance, which in large part is modeled after the one in Grants Pass, said unsheltered people are becoming more visible and more concerning to Des Moines residents. The latest figures from a semiannual point-in-time count in Polk County, conducted over a 24-hour period in January, showed 715 people experiencing homelessness  an 11% jump from the previous year.

The proposed camping ban includes a $50 fine for violators and reduces the number of days people have to clear their belongings from public spaces to three days from 10. Both items passed 5-2, with Josh Mandelbaum and Mike Simonson voting no.

Additionally, council members unanimously approved a resolution that would direct city staff to work to remove common barriers for homeless people to access shelter, such as concerns over storage of belongings and separation from their pets.

Community member Joe Dolack told council members the city should not place the burden of operations onto service providers and nonprofits, and said the work to help people experiencing homelessness needs to be a regional effort, not just in Des Moines.

"Chris Coleman, I disagree with this ordinance that you proposed in saying that it's not criminalizing the homeless, because it is. Because if it's $5, $50, $5,000 " Dolack added before a bell sounded to end his two-minute speaking period.

What would new Des Moines ordinances on camp cleanups include?

During the council work session on Monday morning, multiple city leaders walked through the proposed ordinance changes, which have two distinct elements.

The first involves altering the city's current encroachment policy, which says structures, tents or shelter items left untended on public property can be removed and disposed of under city code.

Under the current rules, encroachment cleanups are primarily prompted by complaints from community members. The owners of the items have 10 days to remove their belongings before the city's Neighborhood Inspections Division  a department whose duties include overseeing condemned buildings and junk abatement  clears the site.

The cost for the public property cleanups that staff have completed so far in 2024 has totaled $150,872 for 93 cases, city officials noted in the presentation. The fastest a camp can be cleared out under the current ordinance is just under two weeks, weather permitting, said Dalton Jacobus, neighborhood inspections administrator.

More: How much has Des Moines spent on clearing and cleaning up homeless camps in 2024?

Should the proposed ordinance pass, the city wouldn't need to wait for a complaint. Instead, a team of city staff such as police officers and public works employees would likely take action proactively depending on resources, Des Moines Assistant City Manager Malcolm Hankins previously told the Des Moines Register. The city also would reduce the time owners have to remove their items to three days. Any order still could be appealed within those three days.

After three days, city staff would remove any remaining property. People's items of value would be stored in containers without charge for up to 30 days, Des Moines Neighborhood Services Director Chris Johansen said.

The second proposed change is an ordinance that prohibits people from camping in public spaces, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, parks and under bridges.

People found occupying a campsite in a public space would have 24 hours to clean it up. After that, the city could remove the campsite and personal items. As with encroachment cleanups, belongings of value would be stored for 30 days.

People who violate the rule could be fined up to $50, the proposed ordinance states. Violations would be misdemeanors and would not include imprisonment. Des Moines city leaders on Friday lowered the fine from an initial proposal of $120.

Campers in violation of the ordinance would be offered one-time transportation to shelter space or given directions to shelter. A camper would not be penalized if there is no shelter space in Des Moines. The city could order community service if a person cannot afford to pay a fine.

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Hankins said last week that the camping rules wouldn't apply to designated campsites in city parks, during special events or other times when the city authorizes camping. He said, ideally, the ordinances would prompt people to clean up their campsites so that the city wouldn't have to.

The city would continue to hold off on notices and camp cleanups when the National Weather Service forecasts wind chill below 10 degrees over 48 hours, as well as during the winter and summer point-in-time counts.

If approved, the ordinances would go into effect 14 days later.

Council approves resolution to find storage space, transportation to shelter for people experiencing homelessness

Coleman and Mayor Connie Boesen said the city is simultaneously working to remove common barriers to accessing shelter, such as concerns over storage of belongings, separation of people from their pets and lack of transportation.

In addition to providing 30-day storage, the city approved a resolution to formalize partnerships with organizations such as the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to host pets and to work more closely with local service providers and shelter operators to connect with people who are camping in public spaces.

Some service providers already get a heads-up from the city about encroachment complaints, allowing the providers to link up with people experiencing homelessness before the cleanup occurs.

Boesen on Monday added three additional provisions to the resolution: Public restrooms should be added to multiple parking garages, and the city would hire four service providers that would work with people who are homeless, as well as a hearing officer.

None of the ordinances would be implemented until these "safety nets" are put in place by the city manager and staff, Boesen added.

Ahead of the vote, Mandelbaum said that the steps in the resolution were important but that it gave him "a little bit of heartburn" over it being a nonbinding resolution compared to the law, which once passed, would be binding.

'I'm confused by this process': Council member poses questions over proposed ordinance

Council members, primarily Mandelbaum, asked multiple questions during the work session about timeframes for notices and how the city would enforce violations.

City staff struggled to answer a question from Mandelbaum on why the timeframe for the notice was shortened to three days, except to say that city officials wanted to create a model for due process.

Mandelbaum also noted the city has an existing 90-day storage policy in its ordinance and asked why it would be changed to 30 days under the new ordinance. Johansen clarified it was under the discretion of the city, but under the new ordinance, the city would be mandated to store belongings for 30 days.

Questions also swirled about imprisonment, fines and jail time under the proposed camping prohibition ordinance.

Mandelbaum cited a section of the proposed ordinance that noted people can be immediately removed from the premises if they are violating the ordinance.

"By immediately removed, do we mean arrested?" he asked.

Des Moines Police Department Maj. Michael McTaggart said it was his interpretation that the police would ask people to leave  after giving them time to pack up  and if someone refused, officers would enforce it by arrest.

"How does that comport with the statement that imprisonment is not a punishment for this offense?" Mandelbaum asked.

Des Moines city attorney Thomas Fisher reiterated that violation of the ordinance is a simple misdemeanor, and he said an arrest is not the same as imprisonment.

"I guess I'm confused by this process, right, because we say imprisonment is specifically excluded, but we also say a remedy is immediate removal, and what I've been told is there's no other way to immediately remove someone who doesn't voluntarily comply other than arrest," Mandelbaum said.

Ahead of the vote on the camping ban, Mandelbaum called the ordinance both overly "broad" and "punitive."

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'Harder-line' homeless policies get initial OK from Des Moines council
Des Moines in its early years was a man's world, with men holding just about every position of authority both in government and business.

The city's economy was booming, but it was more than a little rough around the edges. Editions of the Des Moines Register and its predecessors from the late 1800s and early 1900s make reference to grimy streets, a trash-strewn riverfront, smoky industrial warrens and other family-unfriendly environs.

One story quoted a railroad boss inveighing against the "disreputable hell holes" that had made his depot on the east side of the Des Moines River "a place to be avoided by women and children."

So how did a group of women manage to exert their influence to make Des Moines a better place?

Their history is emblematic of the way that, as business shaped Iowa's economy, other institutions, from universities to choral societies, religious congregations and summer camps, arose to help shape our society.

The Des Moines Register, celebrating its 175th birthday this month, invited Iowa nonprofit institutions with at least 100 years of history to join the party. Across the state, they responded, sharing stories of their founding, their achievements and continuing goals. You can find the full list at desmoinesregister.com.

More: Some of Iowa's oldest institutions join Register's birthday celebration. See list of 44:

19th century Des Moines: Women didn't have the vote, but they had a voice

Des Moines in 1868.

One venerable example, the Des Moines Women's Club, has an eye-opening history at odds with stereotypes of socialites sharing tea and gossip. Hundreds of stories in the Des Moines Register archives show that, beginning with its founding 139 years ago, the club has been about far more than ladies lunching. Members' efforts have influenced attitudes and public policy in ways that still resonate today.

A visit to Des Moines by author and lecturer Julia Ward Howe in 1885 galvanized the 22 women who founded the club. Defying the conventions of the time, Howe, leader of the Association for the Advancement of Women and a founder of the New England Women's Club, traveled the country advocating for women's suffrage, still more than three decades in the future, and women's rights in general.

While in Des Moines, she delivered a lecture on "Men's Women and Women's Women," which, according to one account, "praised the latter for they are the true women who labor for the welfare of their sex, while she scorned the former for wasting their time trying to attract men and for using their charms and talents to please the other sex.

Not long after she left town, the women set about organizing the Women's Club. And from the very start, they signaled it would be a force in Des Moines' public life.

Immediate past club President Sharon Wilkinson marvels at the accomplishments and intellect of her most distant predecessor, inaugural President Margaret Cleaves. Overcoming short funds and family pressure to earn her medical degree, Cleaves went on to pioneer electrotherapy for people with mental health conditions and later in her career developed the use of radiation to treat cervical cancer. In her spare time, she also wrote books about subjects like physics.

Accounts of early meetings of the club reflect Cleaves' concerns with improving health, especially for women, Wilkinson said.

"They were very provocative subjects. Birth control, hygiene for women, teaching women about the physiology of their bodies," she said.

An early Register article confirms that those topics  hardly considered fodder for polite conversation in those days  were discussed, and that the women advocated for them to be taught in public schools.

The Register reported that another early meeting, held at Cleaves' house, featured a female attorney from Iowa City who at length addressed the property rights of women under Iowa law.

"She really went to try to change minds." Wilkinson said of Cleaves, noting that the distinguished physician, who had begun her career treating patients at Iowa's State Hospital for the Insane in Mount Pleasant, directly challenged a noted male author who asserted that women didn't actually suffer from depression and should be ignored when despondent.

More: Des Moines Register at 175: Celebrating businesses with family ties that help Iowa endure

More: From insurers to builders to a co-op, these Iowa businesses have stood the test of time

'That which we do not discuss, we cannot think rightly about'

Nicole Sheridan tells a story about travel during the Des Moines Register's Storytellers Project in June. Hoyt Sherman Place, built by the Des Moines Women's Club, hosts the program and many other cultural events.

Cleaves moved on from Des Moines after a few years, but her activism set a direction for the club, which became vocal on issues of public policy. They were women of their era  for example, members voted all but unanimously to support of hanging as a form of capital punishment. But they also pushed for a better cityscape and other civic and societal improvements and weren't afraid to take on the city's male hierarchy when they felt it was moving in the wrong direction.

When the city proposed to build a public library, the building that is now home to the World Food Prize, the club rose up to oppose the then-seedy riverfront location, protesting that it would be a barrier to the library's use by women and children. When it ultimately was built there, Wilkinson said, they took to the alleys in the neighborhood with brooms in a concerted cleanup effort. They also won a battle to require the library's floors be made of durable tile rather than cork, outmaneuvering the male library board chair.

They frequently hosted city leaders for discussions, as in 1898, when they arranged a debate between Mayor John McVicar and Conrad Youngerman, a prominent builder, over a proposal to build a public water works to replace the then-private operation.

Speaking as the event began, President Virginia Reichard noted that the club had ruffled feathers with its advocacy, but would not be cowed.

The motto of the Des Moines Womens Club is, That which we do not discuss, we cannot think rightly about," Reichard told the mayor, who supported the project, and Youngerman, who opposed taxation to pay for it. "The club will continue openly and fearlessly to discuss all questions, whether literary, philanthropic or political.

As the club grew from its original handful of members to 1,200 at its peak, one of its biggest accomplishments was launching the City Beautiful movement that laid the foundation for transforming Des Moines' riverfront from an eyesore into the crown jewel depicted on the city's flag. And given the keys to the empty, city-owned Hoyt Sherman Place, they fulfilled a promise to convert it into the city's first art gallery, open to all, and build its adjacent auditorium, securing the necessary financing "on their own integrity" rather than relying on their husbands' wealth and influence, Wilkinson said.

It opened in 1923 and over the following decade hosted lectures by luminaries including Helen Keller, the author and educator who overcame deafness and blindness; aviatrix Amelia Earhart; poet and playwright Edna St. Vincent Millay; composer and conductor John Phillips Sousa; and artist Grant Wood. It still serves as a cultural center for the people of Des Moines, where, for example, the Des Moines Register stages its three-times-a-year Storytellers programs.

The club also began awarding scholarships, especially for artistic studies, fostering an art school that was a predecessor to the Des Moines Art Institute, Wilkinson said.

"They got things done at a time  when I think women didn't have a voice in anything." said the former Roosevelt High School teacher. "Today, a lot of young women, they take for granted we've always had these things."

Women's Club members 'didn't just have tea parties'; they spoke out

From left are Des Moines Women's Club Women Who Make a Difference award winners: Roberta Yoder, Kellie Markey, Robin Fulton and Wanda Everage. At far right is Sherry Wilkinson, the club's immediate past president.

During her club presidency, Wilkinson established a Women Who Make a Difference awards program that, though modestly funded, recognized and rewarded little-heralded central Iowa women who have devoted themselves to fulfilling particular societal needs.

The initial recipients included Roberta Yoder, an international education advocate; Wanda Woods Everage, a retired Drake University vice provost who has been recognized for her mentiorship of students; Maggie Crabb, who established a meals program in Altoona that ensures children get adequate nutrition during the summer, when school lunch programs aren't available; Robin Fulton, who founded May's Helping Hands to help expectant mothers, their families and babies with basic needs; and Kellie Markey, whose Dorothy's House provides services to victims of human trafficking.

Wilkinson believes the effort is in keeping with the spirit of the women who founded the club, and turned it into a vocal advocate for civic and societal betterment.

"In those days, they were not supposed to speak out," she said. "That was a job for their husbands. But they did. They did speak out. They did move to do things. They didn't just have tea parties."

Helping establish a tradition of nonprofit advocacy, they did it by bringing people together around common causes. As a Women's Club president, identified by the Register in the parlance of the day as Mrs. G.D. Ellison, said in her 1909 inaugural address, "We are a great and strong organization. If each member felt her strength and all were united, there is little we might not accomplish. So let us think, plan and do for the city of Des Moines and the club we all love so well."

Bill Steiden is the business and investigative editor for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at wsteiden@registermedia.com.

These 44 nonprofit institutions are part of Iowa's century club

As part of its 175th anniversary celebration, the Des Moines Register asked nonprofit institutions that have served Iowans for a century or more, from the state universities to small charities and civic organizations, to share their stories. Here's a list of the 44 that responded, plus their main office locations (many have regional or statewide footprints). Go to desmoinesregister.com to read about their founding, milestones and continuing work, plus see photos from many of them.

4-H, statewide

AAUW of Iowa, statewide

American Home Finding Association, Ottumwa

American Legion of Iowa, Des Moines

American Red Cross in Iowa, Des Moines

Camp Fire Heart of Iowa, Des Moines

Camp Foster YMCA, Spirit Lake

Central Presbyterian Church, Des Moines

Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, Des Moines

Des Moines Community Playhouse, Des Moines

Des Moines Host Lions Club, West Des Moines

Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines

Des Moines University/Medicine & Health Sciences, West Des Moines

Des Moines Womens Club, Des Moines

Drake University, Des Moines

EveryStep, Des Moines

Florence Crittenton Home of Sioux City (Crittenton Center), Sioux City

The Fortnightly Musical Club, Des Moines

Goodwill of the Great Plains, Sioux City

Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M, Cedar Rapids

Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines

Guthrie Center Lions Club, Guthrie Center

Hope Ministries, Des Moines

Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, Des Moines

International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Des Moines

Iowa Bankers Association, Johnston

Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, Cedar Rapids

Iowa Medical Society, Des Moines

Iowa State Bar Association, Des Moines

Iowa State University, Ames

Lutheran Services in Iowa, Des Moines

Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames

Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines

National TTT Society, West Des Moines

Okoboji Protective Association, Okoboji

Orchard Place, Des Moines

Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, Des Moines

Putnam Museum and Science Center, Davenport

St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines, Windsor Heights

Temple B'Nai Jeshurun, Des Moines

University of Iowa, Iowa City

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

Waypoint, Cedar Rapids

Willkie House Inc., Des Moines

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Register at 175 celebrates groups that built Iowa's society
The front page of the Deseret News on July 22, 1937, as FDR's plan to add justices to the U.S. Supreme Court failed.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On this day in 1937, the U.S. Senate rejected President Franklin D. Roosevelts proposal to add more justices to the Supreme Court.

According to historical accounts, in February of that year, Roosevelt shocked America by introducing a plan to expand the Supreme Court, to gain favorable votes. FDRs war on the court was short lived, and it was defeated by a crafty chief justice and Roosevelts party members.

Roosevelt had enacted wide-ranging legislation along with congressional Democrats as part of his New Deal program, starting in 1933.

By 1937, Roosevelt had won a second term in office, but the makeup of a conservative-leaning Supreme Court hadnt changed since he took office four years earlier. Four of those justices  nicknamed the Four Horsemen: Justices George Sutherland, a Utahn, Pierce Butler, James McReynolds and Willis Van Devanter  were conservative enough that their votes against most New Deal plans were expected. A fifth justice with conservative leanings was the chief justice, Charles Evans Hughes, who also narrowly lost the 1916 presidential race to the Democratic incumbent, President Woodrow Wilson.

Adding to the tension between the president and the Supreme Court were a series of decisions by the justices that halted key components of the New Deal. After his reelection, Roosevelt developed his plan to reform the court in secrecy, working with his attorney general, Homer Cummings, on a way to ensure the court would rule favorably about upcoming cases on Social Security and the National Labor Relations Act.

The plan was to pass a law  the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937  that would allow the president to appoint an additional justice for every sitting justice who was over 70 years of age. Roosevelt could add six of his own justices to the court. With two liberals already on the bench, that would put the odds in FDRs favor.

While the idea may seem outlandish today, Roosevelt must have felt the bill stood a good chance of success. The president used one of his famous fireside chats via radio on March 9 to make his case to the American people.

However, many Americans believed the high court was sacrosanct, and opposition to the plan steadily built inside Washington. It wasnt assured that the proposed law would even make it out of committee for a vote on the Senate floor.

Within five weeks of the presidents announcement, the court-packing plan, as it came to be known, was heading toward a dead-end in the Senate. By June, the Judiciary Committee had sent a report with a negative recommendation to the full Senate. The bill is an invasion of judicial power such as has never before been attempted in this country. ... It is essential to the continuance of our constitutional democracy that the judiciary be completely independent of both the executive and legislative branches of the government, the report read.

In the meantime, changes were afoot that made sure the whole idea of a court-packing plan wasnt coming back in the Roosevelt administration. The Roosevelt administration was on the winning side of three court decisions involving the minimum wage, Social Security and the National Labor Relations Act. Some have argued this started when Justice Owen Roberts began voting with the more liberal justices to save the legislation, also known as the switch in time that saved nine.

In the end, FDR outlasted seven of the nine justices who sat on the bench in 1937.

Here are some perspective pieces from Deseret News archives on the plan and where the Supreme Court issue is today.

Packing the Supreme Court? History shows its a bad idea

Report: President Biden expected to propose major changes to Supreme Court

Does the Supreme Court need to be reformed?

Should the Supreme Court have term limits?

The Supreme Court is doing its job

Sen. Mike Lee: Inside the fight against the lefts plan to pack the Supreme Court and destroy American liberty

Sutherland, who spent much of his early life in Utah and served in the Utah Legislature, served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court between 1922 and 1938. He died in 1942.

U.S. justice served Utah, the law well
BEIRUT, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Two Lebanese soldiers were injured on Sunday in an Israeli attack targeting a watchtower in the southwestern border region, according to the Lebanese military.

The Lebanese Army Command reported that the Israeli strike hit the army watchtower located outside the village of Alma al-Shaab. The two soldiers were wounded in the attack and were transferred to the hospital.

Meanwhile, military sources told Xinhua anonymously that an Israeli Merkava tank fired a shell directly at the watchtower. The sources added that the soldiers sustained moderate injuries and the watchtower was extensively damaged.

The Lebanese Army Command has requested the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to conduct a field investigation into the incident.

In response, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted the Israeli military's Zarit barracks with artillery shells. The Lebanese militant group also reported attacks on the Israeli Northern Corps command headquarters at Ein Zeitim base and on soldiers in Hanita, an Israeli kibbutz, with Katyusha rockets, resulting in casualties.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified on October 8, 2023, following a rocket barrage launched by Hezbollah in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day. Israel retaliated by firing heavy artillery into southeastern Lebanon. 
Despite pervasive perception, South Bend still less violent than 2023, city officials say

South Bend Police Operations Division Chief Dan Skibins, Mayor of South Bend James Mueller and Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski discuss the quarter 2 Public Safety Update for South Bend on July 18, 2024 at the South Bend Police Department.

SOUTH BEND  After a June everyone perceived as violent, South Bend officials were as surprised by the actual statistics as anyone else.

Mayor James Muller, along with South Bend Police Operations Division Chief Dan Skibins, the department's detective bureau's Lt. Kayla Miller and Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski, spoke about the city's most serious crimes in their Quarter 2 Public Safety Update on July 18 as Ruszkowski differentiated that "feels like" and "fact" are two very different things.

At the July 17 Board of Public Safety meeting, Ruszkowski told the board that in June 2024 part 1 crimes, consisting of criminal homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny theft and motor vehicle theft according to the FBI, were down from June 2023.

The Police Transparency Hub shows 412 Part 1 Crimes from June 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 and 390 from June 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.

June 2023 had 412 part 1 crimes, whereas June 2024 had 390, according to the Police Transparency Hub. Part 1 crimes did increase this year from May to June. May 2024 had 370 part 1 crimes.

So while June felt awful, it still represents a continuing decline in violent crime in the city, officials said.

"It sure doesn't feel like it, but facts are facts," Ruszkowski said.

Board of Public Safety member Dr. Darryl Heller, who is also director of Indiana University-South Bend's Civil Rights Heritage Center, asked Ruszkowski what he attributes the decrease to.

Ruszkowski replied that more community support, a staff of 252 officers and dedicated detectives played a significant factor in the overall decrease.

He said he hears, "It feels like there's shootings all the time," but said that it's not correct, as he pointed out the "notable" decrease from quarter 2 in 2023 from 417 incidents to 335 incidents of quarter 2 of 2024 on July 18.

The South Bend Police Department show their gun violence snapshot comparison from quarter 2 in 2023 to 2024 on July 18, 2024.

Although the facts say crime is decreasing, Ruszkowski said, he and the department are still very concerned with the perception and what people are saying.

He cautioned people from believing everything they hear or see on social media, saying at times, scanner pages rely on overheard information. A recent incident was communication through dispatch that did not pan out to be what it at first seemed to be, he said.

He said the statistics the police department provides, including on the Police Transparency Hub, is "vetted information."

"Those are vetted factual numbers that are put in there, not hyperbole or rhetoric," Ruszkowski said.

Shooting victims increase in Quarter 2 2024

The South Bend Police Department show their gun violence breakdown comparing fatalities in 2023 to 2024 on July 18, 2024.

The number of criminally assaulted shooting victims in quarter 2 of 2024 increased in comparison to those months last year from 33 to 35.

"Almost half of our shooting victims occurred in June," Ruszkowski said, saying he's not sure why. "We're obviously looking at every angle we possibly can to figure out why this is occurring."

Police showed that more than half, 57%, of shooting victims involved members of gangs or affiliated groups, a number that was also decreasing from 2020, but elevated in 2024.

Nationally, Ruszkowski said the trend is that there's an increase in crime in the summer months.

"We're not alone in this," he said.

South Bend was seeing a downward trend in shooting victims since 2020, but 2024 interrupted that trend, however Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024 has four fewer shooting fatalities compared to that time span in 2023, five fatalities compared to nine.

In the span of quarter 2 in 2024, South Bend Police confiscated 388 illicit guns, 42 more than quarter 2 of 2023, when 346 illicit guns were confiscated.

"That's 388 less instances where something bad or tragedy could happen," Ruszkowski said.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Despite "violent" June, police say facts show crime decrease from 2023
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on Monday followed President Joe Biden's lead and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris after the president's stunning decision Sunday to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

Among other Democratic mayors, Duggan is standing alongside Biden, his friend and political ally, to support Harris in a campaign against former President Donald Trump, according to Duggan spokesman John Roach. More than 250 mayors endorsed Harris on Monday through the Democratic Mayors Association.

As mayors, we are the closest to the people and understand better than most that too much is at stake for our communities to endure another Donald Trump presidency. Our rights, freedoms, and very democracy are on the line. With just over 100 days until the election, Democratic mayors remain fully committed to doing everything in our power to continue the momentum and legacy that President Joe Biden created," according to a statement from the mayors.

Duggan's political future is up in the air, as he has yet to confirm whether he plans to seek another term or run for higher office, in which he has been rumored to chase after the governor's seat.

The third-term mayor ran as a write-in candidate in 2013 and has since held the seat during multiple presidencies. Duggan and Biden's relationship kicked off in 2014, when he asked the then-vice president for aid in expanding city services after Detroit was emerging from bankruptcy. Since then, Duggan firmly backed Biden throughout his campaigns and maintained deep links to the White House, following several Detroit mayors' footsteps in capturing federal funding and resources for the city, including lobbying for a record $826 million in American Rescue Plan Act money.

However, with Biden leaving office, and Duggan's political future in question, Detroit's needs will be in the hands of candidates with less visible links to the White House. Candidates who have filed thus far include Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and ex-businessman Joel Haashiim, though several others are rumored to go after the mayor's seat.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Mayor Duggan endorses Kamala Harris for 2024 presidential run
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles was closed Monday after a ransomware attack, which officials said did not appear to be related to the CrowdStrike software update that paralyzed computers around the world last week. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles County Superior Court, the biggest trial court in the country, remained closed Monday as it sought to recover from a ransomware attack on its computer systems, officials said.

The attack was detected Friday and doesn't appear to be related to the CrowdStrike software update that paralyzed Windows computers around the world and affected governments, airlines and other agencies last week, court officials said in a Sunday news release.

This closure affected all 36 courthouses in the county, but the court issued a statement Monday afternoon, announcing that all 36 courthouses will reopen Tuesday. The statement included directions for some potential jurors who were summoned for jury duty but also warned that "court users should expect delays and potential impacts due to limits in functionality.

The affected court systems span the My Jury Duty Portal for jurors and the court's website, as well as the court's case management systems. A preliminary investigation showed no evidence that court users' data were compromised, officials said.

Read more: What is CrowdStrike, and how did it cripple so many computers?

Ransomware, a type of malware, encrypts computer data and prevents files, systems or entire networks from being accessed. Cybercriminals will often steal data and cripple the affected computer system until a ransom, which may range from thousands to millions of dollars, is paid, experts say.

Last year, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received 2,825 reports of ransomware attacks across the United States, resulting in losses of more than $59.6 million. Healthcare and public health operations, critical manufacturing and government facilities were the sectors most affected, according to an FBI report.

Typically, ransomware infects computers after someone clicks on a malicious link in an email or visits a website that contains the malware. In some cases, though not frequently, hackers can exploit a "zero day vulnerability," or a weakness in a system that hasn't been patched, to gain access.

"Ransomware is so frustrating to cybersecurity professionals because it's the most preventable type of attack," said H. Bryan Cunningham, executive director of the UC Irvine Cybersecurity Policy and Research Institute.

"All you really have to do to insulate yourself from a successful ransomware attack is have a fully encrypted, frequent backup of your data where the backup is not connected to the internet when you do it," Cunningham said, noting that these backups can be done on a separate hard drive or a cloud service.

A team of consultants, vendors and law enforcement officials has been trying to get the court systems working again, but some were still inaccessible as of Sunday, officials said.

Court officials declined to answer questions about how the attackers got control of the systems, whether the county paid a ransom, what confidential information, if any, was exposed or whether any data was lost. The L.A. County district attorney's office referred questions to Superior Court officials.

This isn't the first time a U.S. court system has been affected by a ransomware attack. In Fulton County, Ga., a ransomware attack in January upended court operations and other county services. Officials were grappling with the fallout for months.

Although many governments and industries have taken steps to prevent this type of attack, hacking isn't going to dissipate over time, said Steve Garrison, senior vice president of marketing at Stellar Cyber, a cybersecurity firm.

"You can't spend your way out of this," he said. "Even if you spend infinite money you can still have risk because hackers take pride in finding the best way to get in, even if they think you're well protected. That's just human nature. We have to be aware of it every day."

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that no inmates would be transported to court Monday because of the closure. However, the court disruption "does not affect the release date of an individual who has been sentenced and is scheduled for release that day," the department said.

On the other hand, county officials said, there may be delays getting orders for releases from juvenile hall and transferring people to programs.

Evictions and move-out orders were suspended for the day, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The attack didn't affect the L.A. County public defenders office, the agency said in a news release, adding that it's communicating with the Superior Court "to ensure the protection of our clients' rights."

Read more: LAPD website goes offline; officials give no cause but say it's 'not ransomware'

Public defender offices were open Monday and attorneys remained available to provide legal counsel.

"The right to a speedy trial is a cornerstone of justice, and this remains our priority," the office said in the release. "We are actively monitoring the impact of the attack on court schedules and will take all necessary legal steps to protect our clients constitutional and statutory rights."

The public defender's office will also be prioritizing expedited release process for eligible clients.

Emergency matters, such as warrants and removal orders, were set to be addressed by the Department of Children and Family Services' court magistrate, officials said. Transportation for children scheduled to appear Monday was canceled.

Child support hearings scheduled for Monday didn't go forward as scheduled because of the closure, and participants were to be notified of their new court date. Filings were also not accepted Monday because of the closure.

There could also be delays in conservatorship proceedings and CARE Court services for the Department of Mental Health, officials said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DHL Group is tapping a new partner to help push its quest to achieve net-zero emissions across its logistics operations by 2050.

The logistics giant is teaming with China-based energy technology company Envision to further support its decarbonization initiatives, particularly across aviation.

More from Sourcing Journal

In this strategic collaboration, Envision will provide sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for DHL to help the firm move further toward its goal to increase its SAF to 30 percent of total fuel used by 2030.

SAF is a liquid fuel that is claimed to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dramatically when compared to petroleum-based jet fuel, while still enabling the same flight performance. It can be produced from feedstock including waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste and non-food crops.

The partnership framework with Envision represents a further step towards global sustainability leadership for DHL Group. By leveraging our unparalleled logistics expertise and unique global network, we are committed to supporting Envision in their international expansion and logistical challenges. said Tobias Meyer, CEO at DHL Group in a statement. Together, we will lead the change in integrating green technologies and optimizing supply chains, setting new benchmarks for sustainable innovation and global environmental impact through the energy transition.

Envision is just one of multiple companies that are partnering with DHL on SAF-related initiatives, with Prada Group entering a deal with the company to use SAF credits.

Already in 2023, the partnership with DHL allowed Prada Group to save approximately 4,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, which would correspond to 7 percent of the Groups total transport associated emissions.

DHL Express signing an agreement with sustainable aviation company World Energy to buy 668 million liters of the fuel alternative last October through SAF certificates.

Under the certificate system, the fuels environmental attributes are separated from the fuel itself using a book-and-claim model, with the aim of ensuring that the emission reductions associated with each credit are accurately transferred and verified by a third party.

Last July, DHL Express and law firm Linklaters partnered on the use of SAF to reduce emissions generated by air shipments in Asia and UAE. In he previous month, DHL Global Forwarding and IAG Cargo also partnered on the purchase of SAF.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF could contribute roughly 65 percent of the reduction in emissions needed by the aviation industry to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. But both association and Envision caution this will require a massive increase in production in order to meet demand.

The aviation sector is currently trailing targets largely due to high costs associated with green hydrocarbons and their derivatives, said Lei Zhang, chairman of Envision Group, in a statement. Envision, through systematic innovation, can reduce cost and revolutionize the production of SAF at scale. The development of this new oil will support global efforts towards carbon neutrality.

Alongside DHL, Flexport joined the SAF bandwagon late last year, teaming with climate action software platform Chooose to enable customers to buy SAF certificates when booking freight.

The DHL-Envision deal goes beyond sustainable fuel. Envision will provide comprehensive green energy transition solutions, including electricity, to support some of DHLs other renewable energy goals through focused green power procurements.

The agreement leveraging DHLs network across over 220 countries and territories to support Envisions goals in entering new markets for renewable energy. As Envisions preferred logistics partner, DHL will deploy fully integrated logistics solutions to improve efficiency and quality, ensuring seamless global supply chain management, and comprehensive support in navigating regulatory requirements and operational challenges.

Envision and DHL will also explore opportunities for the joint development and construction of a Net Zero Industrial & Logistic Park across various industry sectors.

The Net Zero Industrial Park is a new class of industrial parks that are fully powered by a comprehensive clean energy solution, and built to integrate the supply chains of several industries, such as electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

The park concept aims to advance new electric power models and foster green industrial ecosystems, while ultimately expediting the global green transition for customers across industries.

The first park already debuted in Ordos, Mongolia, with Envision expected to expand its global footprint in Europe and the Middle East, with the support of DHL.

Founded in 2007, Envision provides renewable energy system solutions for global enterprises, governments and institutions, with a focus on areas including smart wind turbines, energy storage, and green hydrogen solutions.
It Seems Biden May Have Finally Had Enough of Netanyahu

As Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington, D.C., this week with a plan to address Congress, he may not be meeting with President Joe Biden.



Citing a source in the Israeli prime ministers office, Axioss Barak Ravid reports that Netanyahus meeting with Biden, originally scheduled for Tuesday, isnt expected to happen.



We are still waiting for an answer from the White House, the official said.



Only last week, the White House said that Biden was expected to meet with Netanyahu this week, despite the president being diagnosed with Covid-19 on Wednesday. Now that Biden has withdrawn from the race, circumstances seem to have changed, although its possible he may still be experiencing symptoms from the virus.



Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday, despite a backlash and calls to boycott the address from Democrats. Some Democrats have reportedly discussed attending the speech but protesting or disrupting it in some way, and Speaker Mike Johnson has threatened police action in response.



But the most conspicuous action at Netanyahus address might be Vice President Kamala Harriss absence. The Biden campaign scheduled Harris to speak at a campaign event in Indianapolis, likely not by accident, which, coupled with the possibility of Biden choosing to meet with Netanyahu, could signal a shift in U.S. policy toward Israel, or at least toward Netanyahu.



Bidens support for Netanyahu and Israels brutal war in Gaza cost him a lot of support, particularly from young people and communities of color, and may have been a contributing factor in his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. Netanyahu is arriving in Washington as the International Criminal Court has filed for arrest warrants for him, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and top Hamas leaders over accusations of war crimes. Is Biden finally seeking the wisdom of cutting ties with Bibi? If so, the next step is to take action to push for a cease-fire and cut off weapons shipments to Israel.


How did this historic Abilene boulevard get its name?

Have you ever given a second thought to where Judge Ely Boulevard got its name? Who was Judge Ely, and why did Abilene honor him with a grand boulevard?

Judge Walter Raleigh Ely Sr. went from county attorney to district judge to Texas Highway commissioner in the span of his long life here in the Big Country. While he is not an Abilene native, he called it home for nearly 60 years.

He even braved a 40-mph dust storm in the fashion of true Abilene weather to witness the historic naming of his boulevard that crosses Abilene from north to south.

Motorists turn west onto East Highway 80 at the Judge Ely Blvd. intersection July 9, 2024. The northwest corner is home to a plaque dedicated to the man for whom the thoroughfare is named.

From humble beginnings to the 42nd District Court

Ely was born in Kentucky in 1879 before "finally settling on a farm in Callahan County in 1895," according to "Abilene History: In Plain Sight" by Jay Moore. Ely was the youngest of 10 children and was destined to make his mark far from home.

Ely went on to pass the Texas bar in 1903 and was later elected county attorney before winning a seat as county judge in 1912.

He finally settled in Abilene in 1919 when then Gov. William Hobby appointed him to fill a vacant judgeship in the 42nd District Court, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

His most notable court case was a trial for the murder of cattle inspectors in Gaines County, according to the association.

Apparently, he took his seat quite seriously, however, as he was quoted in a 1921 Abilene Reporter-News article as saying, "I am sure that those who are inclined to laugh have not been at this trial before and heard what I have said about order being maintained."

Earl Bailey points to the sign renaming Stadium Way to Judge Ely Blvd. as Judge Walter Raleigh Ely Sr. looks up in appreciation April 4, 1974. Bailey, president of Bailey Bridge Co. Inc. in Abilene, was a co-contractor on a street improvement project for Judge Ely Blvd.

Ely went on to remark that he would fine the first person he caught laughing $50.

That fine would be the equivalent of $887.20 in today's dollars, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 42nd District Court judge seat is now occupied by Judge James Eidson who will retire soon, and new judge Arimy Beasley will hold the gavel come Jan. 1.

Beasley will likely make more per year than Ely did.

Ely made $4,500 per year during his eight-year judgeship, according to "Abilene History: In Plain Sight." In 1927, however, he gave that up to make only $1,000 per year on the Texas Highway Commission after being appointed by President Calvin Coolidge.

Judge Walter R. Ely Sr in later years. Ely died Jan. 31, 1978 and is the namesake of Judge Ely Boulevard in Abilene.

Highway architect to roadway famous

Under Ely's leadership of the Texas Highway Commission, "a new road system began to emerge throughout Texas, with wider pavements and expanded right-of-ways," Moore said in the book.

Ely also worked to beautify Texas roads by planting nearby trees and installing roadside parks.

During his tenure on the commission, he also practiced private law and "served as chairman of the Taylor County gasoline and tire rationing board" during World War II, according to the historical association.

In celebration of his dedication to the city, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce decided to honor Ely with a road name grander than expected.

Technically, boulevards have a dividing strip down the middle, but the chamber decided that "boulevard" had a nicer ring to it when paired with "Judge Ely," according to Moore's book.

Initially, they planned on "North Judge Ely Boulevard," but then-City Councilman Scott Taliaferro raised the question of if it would even fit on a sign. The street was thereby dedicated "Judge Ely Boulevard" on April 3, 1974, in conjunction with a citywide celebration of his 95th birthday.

Eloise Sweeney cuts a slice of cake for her father, Judge Walter R. Ely Sr, on his 92nd birthday April 3, 1970, during a celebration dubbed Judge Ely Day."

The dedication and celebration even occurred during a 40-mph dust storm, but it could not stop the wide grin on the judge's face.

So "Judge Ely Boulevard" it was and will stay in honor of Abilene's own district judge and roadway architect who helped shape the way our highways are today.

Ely lived to the grand age of 99  just two months shy of his 100th birthday  and died in his beloved Abilene on Jan. 31, 1978.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Who was Judge Ely and how did the Abilene boulevard get its name?
How did a scrap of George Washingtons tent end up at Goodwill?

The fragment of George Washingtons war tent on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Museum of the American Revolution)

In 1778, while serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington accepted the delivery of a new campaign tent that would accompany him through all the fire and chaos of the American Revolutionary War.

Nearly 250 years later, a fragment of that tent turned up on Goodwill's online thrift store  for the barely believable price of $1,700.

History buff Richard 'Dana' Moore, 70, paid the tiny sum for the scrap of fabric in an online auction in 2022. Suspicious of its provenance, he initially kept the purchase hidden from his wife.

"I was like, 'this cant be'," Moore told CNN. There are a lot of fakes out there. Theres always something thats not real, that looks to be real."

In fact the fragment was authentic, and today it is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, along with the rest of the tent.

"The discovery of this fragment adds to our understanding of the growth of Washingtons tents as symbols of the fragile American experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government," Museum curator Matthew Skic told The Independent. "The tents, and each fragment of them, serve as tangible links to the founding of the United States. They help us realize the hard work and perseverance that was required to create this nation and is still required to safeguard its future."

So how exactly did this relic of American history end up in Goodwill?

The Washington treasures and the Civil War

The story of Washington's tents begins in 1778, when his previous tents apparently wore out and needed replacing. He had three in total: a baggage tent, a large dining marquee and his own personal bedroom and office tent, which is where this fragment came from.

Museum chief executive Scott Stephenson told The Philadelphia Inquirer that Washington would regularly set these tents up on the highest hill available, so that they were easily visible to his soldiers.

After Washington's death in 1799, the tents became a family heirloom, together with other pieces of memorabilia such as fine china and the old general's actual deathbed.

Washington and his wife Martha had no biological children of their own, but Martha had four from a previous marriage. Hence, the artifacts were passed down into the hands of her grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, a prominent Virginia slaveholder and plantation owner who had served in the War of 1812.

Washington had three tents in total: a baggage tent, a large dining marquee and his own personal bedroom and office tent, which is where this fragment came from (National Archives)

In those days, the USA was still exceptionally young, and its power appeared precarious. Custis considered himself a custodian of Washington's memory, often pitching the tents on the grounds of his manor to host events. In the 1820s, he began cutting pieces off as souvenirs.

Custis's daughter, Mary, married Robert E Lee, the future Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Army. She was as evangelical about Washington's memory as her father, and turned the couple's grand mansion in Arlington, Virginia, into a private museum for the so-called "Washington Treasures.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, the Union Army occupied the couple's house  which was strategically situated atop a hill south of the Potomac, within artillery range of Abraham Lincoln's White House.

Some of the soldiers began stealing artifacts, but were confronted by Mary Custis Lee's personal maid Selina Gray, who alerted their commander and secured the treasures' safety.

A note from 1907

Following the war, Custis Lee and her children engaged in a decades-long campaign to demand the government give back the treasures, which they ultimately won in 1901.

That is how the tent ended up on display at the Jamestown Exposition in Virginia in 1907. Mary Custis Lee's daughter, also called Mary, had loaned it out for the event (two years later, she would sell it to a collector to raise money for Confederate war widows).

This appears to be where the fragment bought by Moore was cut. A note included with the fragment reads claims that it was taken "from the history building at Jamestown Exposition 1907", adding that it is "property of John Burns Dec 23rd 07.

A note that accompanied the fragment. It reads: A piece of George Washingtons tent, from the history building at Jamestown exposition 1907, property of John Burns, Dec 23rd 07. (Museum of the American Revolution)

After that, the fragment's path is unclear. Historians don't know what Burns did with it, nor how it ended up being given to Goodwill.

For now, it will be on display at the Museum of the American Revolution as part of an exhibit called 'Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent' until January 5.

After that, it will return to Moore, who says he and his wife were overjoyed to see the relic on display earlier this month.

"I never got chills like that in my entire life," Moore told CNN. "We were both over the moon. We still cant believe it."
Who are the DNC delegates for San Diego set to pick Bidens replacement?

Who are the DNC delegates for San Diego set to pick Bidens replacement?

UPDATE: Harris claims most of the delegates she needs for the nomination, sets new fundraising record

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  With President Joe Biden opting to step down as the Democratic Partys top-of-the-ticket candidate, delegates headed to the partys upcoming convention will have an outsized role to play this year in selecting his successor.

In the hours since Biden announced his decision to withdraw, Vice President Kamala Harris has positioned herself as the natural pick to take over as the partys nominee for president, but it will ultimately be up to the delegates to decide where to throw their support.

Typically, delegates are bound to cast their vote based on the results of their respective primary elections, but now they may vote for the candidate of their choice during the Democratic National Convention  a dynamic that thrusts the often faceless delegates into the spotlight.

Gov. Newsom endorses Kamala Harris: Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.

Under current party rules, a candidate will need to lock up support from at least 1,976 delegates on the first ballot of the convention to win the nomination. They would also need to secure the support of the partys superdelegates, consisting of former presidents and other party elders.

By Monday morning, at least 375 delegates from across the country had already announced intentions to back Harris next month, according to a survey conducted by the Associated Press. That jumped to nearly 2,688 by Monday evening, positioning her to receive the nomination.

No California delegates had responded to the survey as of Monday morning, however, at least three delegates from San Diego County had endorsed Harris on social media. By late Monday, the states delegation unanimously voted to throw its support behind Harris on a call.

Like our first president George Washington, Joe Biden knows when to give up power, Kevin Sabellico, one of the regions delegates supporting Harris and a member of the countys Environmental Health and Quality Advisory Board, said on X Sunday afternoon  one of the first such statements after Biden stepped down.

That kind of leadership is what separates him from former president Donald Trump, and its why we must unite behind Kamala Harris to continue the work of the Biden-Harris Administration, he continued.

With the focus now turning to the delegates individual decisions, here is a break down of who will be representing San Diego County at the upcoming DNC in Chicago.

Who are San Diego Countys delegates?

Californias delegation to the Democratic National Convention consists of 277 district-level delegates, 92 at-large delegates, 55 delegates who are party leaders or prominent elected officials, and alternates.

The county also has automatic delegates, or superdelegates, who do not vote in the first round, but will play an important role in later ballots. This includes the regions Democratic congressional caucus  Reps. Mike Levin, Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters and Juan Vargas  and former San Diego County Democratic Party chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy.

The district-level delegates are divided by congressional boundaries, while the at-large and public official delegates were selected by Democratic presidential campaigns from a statewide pool, according to the state party.

Of the district-level delegates, San Diego County has 27 headed to Chicago for the DNC, where the party will confirm Bidens replacement as presidential nominee.

Heres how replacing Biden would actually work

San Diegos political junkies may recognize some of the names of this years delegate slate: San Diego Unified school board member Sabrina Bazzo; San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburns staffer Ryan Darsey; City of San Diego Public Library Board Member Sarah Moga; San Marcos City Council candidate Alan Geraci; South Bay political strategist Brenda Aguirre; and San Diego County Democratic Central Committee member Tina Rynberg, among others.

Younger party members and labor leaders also have a notable presence on the slate with delegates like San Diego County Young Democrats President Codi Vierra, SEIU Local 1000 organizer Brian Polejes, and IBEW 9th District political coordinator Gretchen Newsom, who is an alternate.

District 48 (Currently held by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa)

Nancy Young

Sharon Cox

Andi McNew

Ryan Darsey

Sam Hernandez

District 49 (Currently held by Democratic Rep. Mike Levin)

Nicole Serrano

Laurie Martinez

Kevin Sabellico

Douglas Mangione

Jay Clevenger

Robert Mellette (alternate)

District 50 (Currently held by Democratic Rep. Scott Peters)

Shaina Tigar

Codi Vierra

Sarah Moga

Alan Geraci

Brian Polejes

Michael Chan

Gretchen Newsom (alternate)

District 51 (Currently held by Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs)

Douglas Moore

Tina Rynberg

Nicole Crosby

Sabrina Bazzo

Christopher Pearson

Ryan Trabuco

Mohammad Rahimi (alternate)

District 52 (Currently held by Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas)

Michelle Krug

Marquetta Brown

Mike Thaller

James Moffat

Brenda Aguirre

Jen Crumley (alternate)

Live updates: Harris gets Pelosis backing, as Vance rallies in Ohio hometown

Joining Sabellico, other delegates like San Diego deputy city attorney Nicole Crosby and local political organizer Andi McNew had openly voiced support for the party coalescing around Harris in posts on social media, as of Monday morning.

I was proud to vote for @KamalaHarris for CA [Attorney General] and for Senate, McNew wrote in a post on X Sunday night. As a DNC Delegate from California, I am now proud to endorse her for President of the United States and look forward to casting my vote for her nomination.

The nominee will be officially selected during the DNC in Chicago next month. The convention will run from Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Press Release

July 22, 2024 CHIZ: WE MUST EASE THE BURDENS OF OVERWORKED, UNDERPAID FILIPINOS Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero on Monday vowed to focus on crafting laws that ease the burdens of overworked and underpaid Filipinos, as he formally opened the third and final session of the 19th Congress. In his speech, Escudero called for a shift in priorities to address the immediate needs and challenges of the public, envisioning a Senate that "bridges social divides and builds a path to prosperity for every Filipino." "Our people are overworked, underpaid, and overburdened. A comfortable life has eluded them for generations," Escudero lamented. "Their dreams and struggles, more than any policy paper, provide what our legislative agenda should contain and inspire us to work hard towards the same," he stressed. "I say that it is time to reframe our work--and pivot to laws that would make the life of the Filipino easier." Escudero said the foremost task of senators is to be the "Chief Common Sense Officers of the government," believing that common sense is crucial for bringing ease to the lives of Filipinos. The Senate President lamented the frequent absence of common sense in government. "Ang hirap lang palagi sa common sense, hindi po madalas common. Hindi nakikita sa maraming ahensya, opisyal at empleyado ng pamahalaan," he noted. Escudero stressed that the Senate should lead in applying common sense to balance and properly address every issue and problem it aims to solve. In calling for a fundamental change in lawmaking priorities, Escudero criticized the current focus on laws that primarily benefit big businesses. "I have noticed that we have passed a raft of laws that ease the burden on big business, that provide for ease of paying taxes, that provide ease of unloading bad loans," he observed. The Senate President questioned the absence of legislation aimed at improving essential aspects of daily life for the general population. "Bakit walang ease of commuting and connecting? Ease of finishing school and finding work? Ease of healthcare for the sick? Ease of acquiring justice? Ease of growing food and feeding our families?" he asked. Escudero committed to ensuring that every law and budget decision is made with the best interests of the Filipino people in mind. He detailed the Senate's meticulous approach to lawmaking, including trimming lengthy provisions, reducing projected costs, testing for constitutionality, and addressing stakeholders' concerns. "We do this because legislative haste often leads to time and resources wasted," Escudero noted. "Bills that are not forged in the fire of debate often come out half-baked, and eventually require remedial sequels." Escudero assured that the Senate will ensure well-crafted laws reach the President's desk, with a particular focus on the annual budget. "Sisiguraduhin po natin na pulido ang mga batas naaabot sa mesa ng Pangulo," Escudero said. He emphasized the importance of meticulous decision-making in the budget process, recognizing the hard-earned taxes paid by Filipinos and the debt burdens future generations will bear. "Dahil pagpapawisan ng taumbayan ang buwis na popondo dito, at papasanin ng kanilang mga anak ang pambayad sa utang na pupuno dito, dapat ang trilyon-trilyong pisong bubunuin nila ay dapat lang maghatid ng ginhawa sa kanilang buhay," he said. Escudero highlighted that the Senate's role extends beyond lawmaking to correcting wrongs and flawed policies. "To write laws is not the only duty of the Senate. It also has the duty to right wrongs and wrong policies," he explained. "To this end, irregularities will be probed. Relief will be provided, and justice will always be pursued without letup." Escudero also reaffirmed the Senate's independence, saying it is driven by debate and committed to scrutinizing government proposals without external influence. "Daily, our independence is livestreamed and blasted to all media platforms, where you see your senators who can only be won over to a cause if you debate them, and not dictate upon them," Escudero pointed out. "It conveys one unchanging truth: that senators are subjects only of the people, and subsidiary of no other branch, party, person, or interest." He continued, "This time-honored tradition is what makes our institution strong and respected. We embrace the full ventilation of views, either in contra or in conformity, whether by those in the majority or in the minority. But at the end of the day, we vote. We divide the house, but only on issues, out of policy differences. Never should we allow politics keep our house divided permanently." The Senate President ended his speech with a quote from Quezon: "A Senate that serves the people, the way the people themselves want to be served. A Senate which works for the people, and which is worthy of their support. We cannot fail, for our failure is their failure, and our defeat will be their defeat." "For me, the reverse is also true. Our triumph, as a country and people, will be their triumph as well. And in this regard, your Senate shall not falter, and we will always prevail in the name of the Filipino people," he concluded. CHIZ: PAGAANIN ANG PASANIN NG MGA 'OVERWORKED' AT 'UNDERPAID' NA PINOY Nangako si Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero sa pagbubukas ng ikatlo at pinal na sesyon ng 19th Congress nitong Lunes na tututukan ang pagbuo ng mga batas na magpapagaan sa pasanin ng mga "overworked" at "underpaid" na Pilipino. Sa kanyang talumpati, nanawagan si Escudero sa pagbabago ng prayoridad upang pagtuunan ang kagyat na pangangailangan at hamon ng publiko, sabay paglalarawan sa Senado bilang tulay sa panlipunang dibisyon at magbubuo ng daan para sa kasaganaan ng bawat Pilipino. "Our people are overworked, underpaid, and overburdened. A comfortable life has eluded them for generations," giit ni Escudero. "Their dreams and struggles, more than any policy paper, provide what our legislative agenda should contain and inspire us to work hard." Sa kanyang panawagan para sa pagbabago ng mga prayoridad sa paggawa ng batas, binatikos ni Escudero ang kasalukuyang pokus na pabor sa malalaking negosyo. "I have noticed that we have passed a raft of laws that ease the burden on big business," ani Escudero. "Pati ease of paying taxes, at ease of unloading bad loans, meron tayo niyan." Kinuwestiyon din ng Senate President ang kakulangan ng mga batas na nagpapabuti sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga tao. "Bakit walang ease of commuting and connecting? Ease of finishing school and finding work? Ease of healthcare for the sick? Ease of acquiring justice? Ease of growing food and feeding our families?" tanong niya. Tiniyak ni Escudero na ang bawat batas at desisyon sa budget ay para sa interes ng mga Filipino. Idinetalye rin niya ang masusing diskarte sa paggawa ng batas, tulad ng pagputol ng mahahabang probisyon, pagbawas ng gastos, pagsubok sa konstitusyonalidad, at pagtugon sa mga alalahanin ng mga stakeholder. "We do this because legislative haste often leads to time and resources wasted," aniya. "Bills that are not forged in the fire of debate often come out half-baked. And these eventually require remedial sequels." Binigyang-diin ng beteranong mambabatas mula sa Sorsogon ang pangako ng Senado sa paghatid ng maayos na mga batas sa Pangulo. "Sisiguraduhin natin na pulido ang mga batas na aabot sa mesa ng Pangulo," pagtitiyak niya. Tinalakay din ni Escudero ang papel ng Senado sa taunang proseso ng budget, at binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng makatwirang paggastos. "Dahil pagpapawisan ng taumbayan ang buwis na popondo dito, at papasanin ng kanilang mga anak ang pambayad sa utang na pupuno dito, dapat ang trilyon-trilyong pisong bubunuin nila ay dapat lang maghatid ng ginhawa sa kanilang buhay," pagbibigay-diin ni Escudero. Binanggit din ni Escudero ang dobleng papel ng Senado sa pagbuo ng batas at pagwasto sa mga maling polisiya. "To write laws is not the only duty of the Senate. It also has the duty to right wrongs and wrong policies. To this end, irregularities will be probed. Relief will be provided, and justice will always be pursued without letup." Pinagtibay ni Escudero ang kalayaan ng Senado at nangakong susuriin ang mga panukalang batas nang walang panglabas na impluwensya. "Daily, our independence is livestreamed and blasted to all media platforms, where you see your senators who can only be won over to a cause if you debate them, and not dictate upon them," ani Escudero. "It conveys one unchanging truth: that senators are subjects only of the people, and subsidiary of no other branch, party, person, or interest." Dagdag pa niya, "This time-honored tradition is what makes our institution strong and respected. We embrace the full ventilation of views, either in contra or in conformity, whether by those in the majority or in the minority. But at the end of the day, we vote. We divide the house, but only on issues, out of policy differences. Never should we allow politics keep our house divided permanently." Tinapos ni Escudero ang kanyang talumpati sa pamamagitan ng pahayag mula kay Quezon: "A Senate that serves the people, the way the people themselves want to be served. A Senate which works for the people, and which is worthy of their support. We cannot fail, for our failure is their failure, and our defeat will be their defeat." "For me, the reverse is also true. Our triumph, as a country and people, will be their triumph as well. And in this regard, your Senate shall not falter, and we will always prevail in the name of the Filipino people," pagtatapos ni Escudero.
CANBERRA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has launched a new campaign to end elder abuse.

In a speech to the National Elder Abuse Conference in Adelaide on Monday, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus described the exploitation of older Australians as a shameful and often hidden form of cruelty and mistreatment.

He announced 4.8 million Australian dollars (3.2 million U.S. dollars) in funding for a national advertising campaign to raise awareness about elder abuse.

According to a government study published in 2021, one in six older Australians had experienced abuse in the previous 12 months but over 60 percent did not seek help or advice.

"If an older person does not feel that they can reach out for help, then we have failed them," Dreyfus said on Monday.

"In addition to physical abuse, elder abuse can involve psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. It is ugly, it is unacceptable and it must be eliminated."

The advertising campaign, which will run on television, online and in health clinics around the country, will encourage Australians to have conversations about elder abuse to increase awareness of the issue and available support measures.

Dreyfus said Australia's aging population brings greater urgency to addressing elder abuse.

Australia's Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, in June called for the country's retirement living industry to implement new nationwide strategies to better identify and respond to the abuse of residents.

He cited a 2023 study conducted by the New South Wales Retirement Village Residents Association that found the most common form of abuse in retirement villages is resident-on-resident. 
When is the DNC? Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race

On the heels of President Joe Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from scores of his own party leaders, all eyes are now on Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off next month.

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term." Biden, 81, released in a letter addressed to Americans on Sunday.

Prior to his historic decision, Biden withstood calls for him to step aside following his disastrous June 27 debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

The Republican National Convention ended Thursday night in Milwaukee, where Trump formally accepted the party's nomination and announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya for a state visit to the United States on May 23, 2024, at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Mississippi Democrats: See who MS Democratic leaders want as their next choice for presidential nominee

Here's what we know about the 2024 Democratic National Convention and who could potentially become the party's nominee.

When is the 2024 DNC?

The DNC is slated to take place August 19 through August 22.

Where is the 2024 DNC?

The 2024 DNC will be held in Chicago. It's the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

What happens at the DNC?

Delegates for the Democratic Party will travel to the DNC where they will express support for the party's nominee.

Democrats could end up choosing their nominee before the convention. Prior to Biden's announcement, the DNC had decided to confirm their nominee during a virtual roll call sometime before Aug. 7 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states.

DNC members are set to meet Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the nomination process.

Who could become the nominee?

Biden's announcement to drop out took place just over 100 days out from the Nov. 5 election, when he planned to take on Trump.

The president officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

The campaign formerly known as Biden for President, in a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission, changed its name to the Harris for President campaign.

That makes Harris bid for the Democratic nomination official, with her campaign assuming control of Bidens campaign money. It also allows Harris to begin raising money for her own presidential bid.

In a statement the same day Biden made his historic announcement, former President Barack Obama praised Bidens decision to end his campaign, saying he selflessly put America's interests ahead of his own. Obamas statement made no mention of Harris, who is considered the frontrunner to replace Biden on the ticket.

Shortly after Biden announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race, in a phone interview with CNN, Trump said he expects to run against Harris, and predicted he would win.

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris speaks at the San Joaquin Valley Leadership Conference held at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in downtown Stockton. [CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]

Who are the other options?

In addition to Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have all also been floated as possible replacements. All have been Biden supporters and campaign surrogates who were working to help get him reelected.

Marianne Williamson is technically still in the race after unsuspending her campaign in late February. However, she has received zero delegates. Rep. Dean Phillips (D- MN) dropped out after Super Tuesday, receiving four delegates overall.

Contributing: Michael Collins, Joey Garrison and Victor Hagan

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: When is the DNC? Democratic convention after Biden out
When is the DNC? Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race

LANSING  A day after President Joe Biden dropped out of his bid for a second term, it remains an open question what the Democratic ticket for president will look like when voters head to the polls in less than four months.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on social media platform X in the hours after his announcement, but the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in August will select the new Democratic presidential nominee. Delegates pledged to Biden after a series of state presidential primary wins can now cast their votes for someone else. All eyes are now on Chicago where the Democratic National Convention will be held.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, long speculated as a candidate as calls for Biden to step down swirled following a disastrous June debate with former President Donald Trump, said again Monday she has no interest running this year for president. On Monday morning at an event in Lansing, she endorsed Harris. Whitmer has not said whether she's among the Democrats Harris may consider as potential running mates but seemed to bat away the suggestion, telling reporters Monday that she's not planning to leave Michigan.

Biden, in a Sunday letter to the country, said "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

Biden, 81, withstood calls for him to step aside for weeks that grew following the debate and a series of missteps during public appearances.

The Republican National Convention ended Thursday night in Milwaukee, where Trump formally accepted the party's nomination and announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya for a state visit to the United States on May 23, 2024, at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Here's what we know about the 2024 Democratic National Convention and who could potentially become the party's nominee.

How will President Biden's drop impact Michigan ballots?

Absentee ballots have to be available for Michigan voters by Sept. 26, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, a Democrat, wrote in thread on X, reassuring people that Biden's drop out will not impact Michigan ballots. Byrum added, "no matter who appears on the ballot, Election Administrators in Michigan will conduct a safe and secure November Presidential Election, as we always do."

When are the upcoming elections dates in Michigan?

Michigan's Presidential Primary Election took place Feb. 27, which Biden won handily. The next election will be the state Primary Election on Aug. 6, and following will be Michigan's General Election on Nov. 5, where Trump and Vance and a Democratic presidential ticket will be on the ballot.

When will Biden will address America? National address coming this week, president says

When is the 2024 DNC?

The DNC is slated to take place Aug. 19-22

Donald Trump berates Joe Biden: Prepares to campaign against Kamala Harris

Where is the 2024 DNC?

The 2024 DNC will be held in Chicago. It's the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

What happens at the DNC?

Delegates for the Democratic Party will travel to the DNC where they will express support for the party's nominee.

Democrats could end up choosing their nominee before the convention. Prior to Biden's announcement, the DNC had decided to confirm their nominee during a virtual roll call sometime before Aug. 7 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states.

DNC members are set to meet Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the nomination process.

DNC virtual voting set: Democrats to hold off on early virtual nomination of President Biden amid party outcry

Who could become the nominee?

Biden's announcement to drop out took place just over 100 days out from the Nov. 5 election, when he planned to take on Trump.

The president officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

The campaign formerly known as Biden for President, in a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission, changed its name to the Harris for President campaign.

That makes Harris bid for the Democratic nomination official, with her campaign assuming control of Bidens campaign money. It also allows Harris to begin raising money for her own presidential bid.

In a statement the same day Biden made his historic announcement, former President Barack Obama praised Bidens decision to end his campaign, saying he selflessly put America's interests ahead of his own. Obamas statement made no mention of Harris, who is considered the frontrunner to replace Biden on the ticket.

Shortly after Biden announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race, in a phone interview with CNN, Trump said he expects to run against Harris, and predicted he would win.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Harris came to Jacksonville to denounce the state's 6-week abortion ban that takes effect the same day.

Who are the other options?

In addition to Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Whitmer have all also been floated as possible replacements. All have been Biden supporters and campaign surrogates who were working to help get him reelected.

Marianne Williamson is technically still in the race after unsuspending her campaign in late February. However, she has received zero delegates. Rep. Dean Phillips (D- MN) dropped out after Super Tuesday, receiving four delegates overall.

Contributing: Michael Collins, Joey Garrison, Victor Hagan and Clara Hendrickson.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Democratic National Convention: 2024 DNC dates, location
When is the DNC? Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race

On the heels of President Joe Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from scores of his own party leaders, all eyes are now on Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off next month.

"I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term." Biden, 81, released in a letter addressed to Americans on Sunday.

Prior to his historic decision, Biden withstood calls for him to step aside following his disastrous June 27 debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

The Republican National Convention ended Thursday night in Milwaukee, where Trump formally accepted the party's nomination and announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya for a state visit to the United States on May 23, 2024, at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Here's what we know about the 2024 Democratic National Convention and who could potentially become the party's nominee.

When will Biden will address America? National address coming this week, president says

When is the 2024 DNC?

The DNC is slated to take place August 19 through August 22.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Donald Trump berates Joe Biden: Prepares to campaign against Kamala Harris

Where is the 2024 DNC?

The 2024 DNC will be held in Chicago. It's the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

What happens at the DNC?

Delegates for the Democratic Party will travel to the DNC where they will express support for the party's nominee.

Democrats could end up choosing their nominee before the convention. Prior to Biden's announcement, the DNC had decided to confirm their nominee during a virtual roll call sometime before Aug. 7 to satisfy ballot deadlines in several states.

DNC members are set to meet Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the nomination process.

DNC virtual voting set: Democrats to hold off on early virtual nomination of President Biden amid party outcry

Who could become the nominee?

Biden's announcement to drop out took place just over 100 days out from the Nov. 5 election, when he planned to take on Trump.

The president officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

The campaign formerly known as Biden for President, in a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission, changed its name to the Harris for President campaign.

That makes Harris bid for the Democratic nomination official, with her campaign assuming control of Bidens campaign money. It also allows Harris to begin raising money for her own presidential bid.

In a statement the same day Biden made his historic announcement, former President Barack Obama praised Bidens decision to end his campaign, saying he selflessly put America's interests ahead of his own. Obamas statement made no mention of Harris, who is considered the frontrunner to replace Biden on the ticket.

Shortly after Biden announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race, in a phone interview with CNN, Trump said he expects to run against Harris, and predicted he would win.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Harris came to Jacksonville to denounce the state's 6-week abortion ban that takes effect the same day.

Who are the other options?

In addition to Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have all also been floated as possible replacements. All have been Biden supporters and campaign surrogates who were working to help get him reelected.

Marianne Williamson is technically still in the race after unsuspending her campaign in late February. However, she has received zero delegates. Rep. Dean Phillips (D- MN) dropped out after Super Tuesday, receiving four delegates overall.

Contributing: Michael Collins, Joey Garrison and Victor Hagan

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Democratic National Convention: 2024 DNC dates, location
The White House in Washington, D.C., on Sautrday, March 26, 2022 (Photo by Marisa Demarco / Source New Mexico)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony on July 4, 2024, at the White House.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony on July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Erin Scott/official White House photo)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly from 2 to 5 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee co-chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with co-chairman of the German Left Party Martin Schirdewan in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with co-chairman of the German Left Party Martin Schirdewan in Beijing on Monday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is ready to work with Germany to take the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the all-round strategic partnership between the two countries as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between political parties and legislatures, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward China-Germany and China-EU relations.

Li also provided relevant information on the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

Schirdewan said that the Left Party is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with the CPC and promote the development of Germany-China and EU-China relations. 

Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with co-chairman of the German Left Party Martin Schirdewan in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Erin Scott/White House photo)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony on July 4 at the White House (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott).

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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PHNOM PENH, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024 has provided a great opportunity for both countries to reinvigorate the long-standing ties as this year also marks the 66th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, a Cambodian scholar said on Monday.

Thong Mengdavid, Institute for International Studies and Public Policy lecturer from Royal University of Phnom Penh, said cultural and commercial exchanges between Cambodia and China dated back to the ancient Silk Road era and that mutual respect and collaboration between the two countries have always been hallmarks of their historical relationship.

"Building on this historical basis, the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024 has presented a great chance for the two countries to commemorate and reinvigorate their long-standing ties," he told Xinhua.

The scholar said the people-to-people exchange year is poised to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to both Cambodia and China, enhancing cultural exchanges, such as art exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances, and culinary festivals.

"These celebratory activities have not only helped boost the tourism sector, but also created new economic opportunities for local businesses," he said.

Mengdavid said educational exchanges, including student and teacher exchanges, have also fostered innovation and knowledge transfer, which are crucial for economic development.

"By facilitating these exchanges, both countries can tap into each other's strengths, driving economic growth and development," he said.

On the diplomatic front, the people-to-people exchange year has served as a strategic initiative to strengthen bilateral ties at a time when global geopolitics is increasingly complex, he said, adding that by focusing on people-to-people interactions, Cambodia and China can build a robust foundation for enduring diplomatic relations.

"This initiative also signals to the international community that both nations are committed to peaceful cooperation and mutual prosperity," he said. "Moreover, it provides a platform for addressing and resolving any bilateral issues positively and constructively."

Recognizing cultural diplomacy as a powerful tool for promoting mutual understanding and respect, Mengdavid advocated for joint cultural events, such as film festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional performances to showcase the rich cultural heritage of both countries.

He said by focusing on cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, economic cooperation, tourism promotion, people-to-people connectivity, and effective media communication, Cambodia and China can build a strong foundation for enduring and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

"In conclusion, the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024 is a significant initiative that holds the potential to strengthen the historical, socio-economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations," he said.

"This year-long celebration of the people-to-people exchange is not just about celebrating the past but also about creating a prosperous and harmonious future for both countries," he added. 
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. Official White House Photo by Erin Scott.

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, on July 4 at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic National Committee will move forward with the process to formally nominate a presidential candidate Wednesday when one of its committees meets in public amid ongoing efforts to set up a virtual roll call vote ahead of the convention, States Newsroom has been told.

The nomination process has been playing out for months as the DNC committees with jurisdiction have been meeting to iron out the details for a virtual roll call.

The need for a virtual roll call was triggered by deadlines in Ohio and some other states that required the political parties to have their nominee certified before or during the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to take place from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.

Following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, the co-chairs of the DNC Rules Committee announced that it will be the panels responsibility to implement a framework to select a new nominee, which will be open, transparent, fair, and orderly, according to an individual familiar with their statement.

The committee is scheduled to meet publicly on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. The meeting will be live-streamed on the DNCs YouTube page.

DNC Rules Committee Co-Chairs Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the process presented for consideration will be comprehensive, it will be fair, and it will be expeditious, according to an individual close to the process who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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Docs: Fight over gang affiliations led to fatal apartment shooting in far East El Paso

Docs: Fight over gang affiliations led to fatal apartment shooting in far East El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 24-year-old man is dead after an argument about opposing gang affiliations escalated to a shooting at an apartment complex in far East El Paso this past weekend, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.

According to court documents, Damian Alexander De La Riva, 19, is facing a charge of murder after Omar Infante Jr., 24, was shot and killed just before 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, at the Gonzalez Place Apartments in far East El Paso.

De La Riva was arrested and booked into El Paso County Jail on Monday, July 22 under a $1 million bond. Police have yet to release his mug shot.

Court documents say there was a small get-together that Saturday morning at an apartment where two witnesses, Infante, De La Riva, and another male suspect were present.

Court documents say an argument ensued between Infante and the male suspect regarding their opposing gang affiliations.

De La Riva, the male suspect, and Infante were kicked out of the apartment by one of the witnesses.

Infante and the male suspect agreed to fight each other and walked down the stairwell of the apartment building toward the parking lot area.

De La Riva stayed at an upper level of the stairwell. Infante and the male suspect then began fist-fighting when De La Riva ran down the stairwell, pulled out a black handgun, and pointed it at Infante, according to court documents.

Infante then released his hold on the male suspect and backed away from both men with his hands in the air.

Court documents say video footage shows a shot striking Infante with both men beating Infante in the face afterward while lying on the floor motionless. Court documents say Infante was beaten, stomped, and pistol-whipped numerous times.

Court documents say De La Riva and the male suspect grabbed an unknown item from Infantes torso and walked away. They then fled the apartment complex in a vehicle.

Police are still seeking the second suspect in this case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
It was like taking away the car keys away from your proud grandpa, CNN anchor Van Jones said on the air Sunday.

Jones was describing President Bidens decision not to seek re-election. The president made his announcement in a letter posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday afternoon. Bidens political career has spanned five decades.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president, Biden wrote. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

The announcement comes after weeks of scrutiny and speculation toward Bidens fitness to effectively govern as president for another term  and the presidents repeated statements saying that he wasnt going anywhere.

Vice President Kamala Harris now emerges as Bidens heir apparent. Minutes after announcing he was dropping from the presidential race, Biden threw his support behind Harris new campaign.

Bidens decision is the latest earmark in an eventful past few days an attempted assassignation on former President Trump and the selection of the Republican vice presidential candidate, J. D. Vance.

What MS political leaders think

Bidens dropping out allows all 3,896 delegates who had committed to voting for him to now vote for whoever they wish to be nominee at the Democratic National Convention. Harris needs the backing of 1,976 delegates to win at the convention which starts on August 19.

That includes all 40 of Mississippis delegates. Each one backed Biden. Rickey Cole, Democratic Chair of Mississippis Fourth District, said he expects all of Mississippis going to rally behind Harris.

I dont know of any delegate from Mississippi who is not enthusiastically backing our vice president for the presidential nomination, Cole said.

It takes a lot of ego, he said, for someone to run for president, but it takes a lot of humility to put that ego aside and do what he believes is best for the country.

I am going to wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris, said Mississippi Democratic delegate Curley Clark from Pascagoula. We have a tremendous opportunity to elect someone who is going to carry out the current policies that have been established by President Biden and also make history in the process by electing the first Asian and African-American female.

He seconds Coles beliefs. He fully expects all of Mississippis delegates will back Harris.

Clark believes Harris will further policies initiated by Biden while benefiting the diverse working-class folks that make up the U.S.

I dont think it matters who the Democrats put at the top of their ticket, said Mississippi Republican Chairman Mike Hearst. Because at the end of the day, their policies havent changed and their policies have run our country into the ground.

To him, Harris presents a new and more outwardly competent name and face, but otherwise the same opponent. He questions why Biden wouldnt resign now but would drop out of the race under the principle that he isnt fit to run the country.

Democratic county chair of Hancock County Bruce Northridge said the 81-year-old president should be owed some respect, from both sides of the political aisle, on account of his age.

Hes gone from one of the youngest senators to the oldest candidate for president. We want to respect our elders. Its one of the toughest jobs in the world.
New Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced an illegal immigrant blitz. Immigration Enforcement teams will descend on nail bars, beauty parlours and car washes to find illegal immigrants. Meanwhile others at the Home Office will be working to fast track deportations, with a focus on nationalities like the Vietnamese, who are easier to return to their country of origin because it is considered safe.

That sounds tough, but is it actually new? Just last year the previous government announced the first cross-government ministerial taskforce on immigration enforcement in order to crack down on illegal immigrants working, with raids boosted and another 200 staff hired. That led to the most immigration enforcement visits ever in one day, with 159 visits and 105 foreign nationals arrested. Nail bars and car washes were among the targets.

Similarly, if the Vietnamese are easier to return, then that is in part also because the last government signed a deal with Vietnam on illegal immigration. So its hard to see what is that different about Labours newly announced plans.

Its unlikely that this blitz will have a significant effect. Returns are at historically low levels, largely because expanding human rights law has made it increasingly difficult. Only 1.3 per cent of those who arrived on small boats between 2018 and June 2023 were returned during that period. Even those asylum seekers whose cases fail are unlikely to be returned, with just 10 per cent of those who claimed asylum in 2020 and were refused it having been removed. Of those who were returned, a disproportionate amount came from other European countries like Albania or Romania.

Thats because, while most small boat arrivals come from places like Iran and Afghanistan, those countries arent considered safe to return to. So even if their asylum claim fails, its unlikely they will actually be made to leave Britain. This is what led to the Rwanda Plan: if human rights law made returns so difficult and if the last Conservative government was unwilling or unable to change those laws, then the only way to stop illegal immigrants was to designate a third party country as safe and fly them there instead.

Having axed Rwanda immediately on entering office, Labour no longer have that option on the table. Theyve said theyll use foreign aid to incentivise potential migrants to stay at home and are seeking deals with Slovakia and Slovenia to crack down on smuggling gangs. The idea that 100 million ploughed into local economies will persuade people from countries much poorer than ours not to come is hardly convincing, while further deals with European partners are useful but fail to tackle the main challenges.

The government is surely aware that the latter half of the year always has more small boat arrivals than the first half, meaning that they can look forward to months of stories on illegal immigrants using the calmer seas to arrive in ever-larger numbers.

Perhaps therefore this big announcement is a return to the Blairite focus on publicly cracking down on illegal immigration to persuade voters they are listening to their concerns. Even as senior New Labour figures described how they sent out search parties to find migrants to come to Britain and used mass migration to rub the Rights nose in diversity, they were also instituting strict controls on asylum seekers, trialling ID cards and considering radical plans like bulk deportations in RAF planes.

Theres no doubt that this had an effect, with the Blair government achieving a much higher rate of returns than we currently have. However, the Human Rights Act which they passed has slowly choked off the ability to replicate that. If the Home Secretary wants fast track deportations, shell have to explain how it will be different to the Detained Fast Track, which was suspended in 2015 after a legal challenge and has never been brought back.

So while it is good that the government wants to enforce our immigration laws, especially on industries which rely heavily on labour exploitation, the current plans are too modest to have much effect. Estimations of the size of the illegal immigrant population living here already go as high as 1.2 million. Tackling that will require a much bigger commitment.

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The News

Donald Trump ended Joe Bidens campaign with a debate. But its not clear yet if there will be another one as Trump and his campaign are sending mixed messages about whether theyll stick to their planned Sep. 10 debate with a new nominee.

Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC, Trump wrote on Truth Social after Biden announced he would no longer seek re-election.

That could be a convenient way to get out of another debate, which so far looks likely to feature Vice President Kamala Harris, the early frontrunner to succeed Biden for the nomination. Democrats would be less likely to agree to terms that are contingent on having a conservative network play host.

Some Republicans have argued that with a new Democratic candidate, the old agreements for the presidential debates have flown out the window. The Trump campaign, however, maintains there will be a debate: Trump advisor Jason Miller, when asked if theyre committed to another debate, told Semafor yes  but added that the debate host *could* change.

Trump seemed to indicate shortly before Biden announced his departure from the race that he still planned to debate as well. I dont know who Im going to debate, he told CBS News. So far, we havent determined who is going to be on that side. But I think whoever it is, Id like to debate. Yeah, sure.

RNC chairman Michael Whatley later told ABC News that they welcomed a debate anywhere, any time with Kamala Harris or anybody else so that Trump could make the case against their combined administration.

Multiple spokespeople for ABC News did not respond to requests for comment about whether the network had been in contact with the Trump campaign about the debate.

This isnt the first time Bidens debate debacle has come up in discussions of future campaign meetups. After Harris agreed to a vice presidential debate date earlier this month, Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes pushed back, pointing out that they did not yet know who would be the vice presidential nominee for the opposing party.

Shelbys view

One way to view the sudden uncertainty around the debate: Trump might think he has the upper hand against a to-be-determined nominee and is loath to give it up just yet.

That would certainly fit a pattern of in-or-out games hes played with prior debates in which hes either tried to either leverage concessions or bail if it suited him. He didnt participate in a single debate during the 2024 Republican primaries in order to deny his rivals oxygen, skipped a debate in 2020 over health rules around his COVID diagnosis, and dropped out of a debate before the Iowa caucuses in his 2016 run to protest Fox News moderators.

Notable

Trump declined to take part in all of the primary debates, and the overwhelming consensus was that it helped him, Semafors Dave Weigel reported last year.

When Trump was set to square off with Biden, his team seemed inclined to agree to as many debates as possible  approving a third debate that caught team Biden by surprise.
It is tempting, when you look back at the raucous, joyous scenes from last weeks Republican National Convention, to assume that Donald Trump is stronger than ever. This is not the case.

The last insane, chaotic, stupid month in American politics has obscured a simple, basic truth: Trump is a deeply unpopular, eminently beatable politician. He is a man that most Americans do not like and do not want to vote for. And he is just as unpopular now as he was six months ago, or four years ago, or eight years ago. If you run a reasonably competent person against him without significant flaws, you have a more than reasonable chance of winning.

Joe Biden, as became very clear in last months debate, was not that person. On Sunday, he belatedly arrived at that conclusion himself. Enter Kamala Harris.



The next three months in American politics will undoubtedly be chaotic, and probably very aggravating. But Democrats are now in a significantly better position than they were on Sunday morning. They can run an energetic, positive campaign that highlights the numerous threats that Trump poses to the country. They can do this with Harris, a flawed nominee who also will be a perfect contrast to Trump, and an eminently qualified vice presidential nominee.



For most of the last year, Democrats could not adequately prosecute the case against Trump because their leader and presumptive nominee was simply not capable of it. Four years ago, Biden could shut down Trumpby literally telling him to shut up. That Biden is long gone, and his own deterioration made it difficult, and often impossible, to draw a sharp contrast. He often garbled the case for why, precisely, Trumps return to the White House would be an existential threat. Trump is also old and derangedbut Biden was hardly the messenger for that argument, as he was markedly showing more signs of aging than his opponent.



What doesnt get said enoughand here I agree with Team Bidens whining about the press coverageis that Trump and Biden are weak in some of the same ways. Trump is also really old! He also struggles to speak coherently and isnt great on stairs! But see, theyre both geriatric was hardly an argument for why Biden should have remained in the race. In fact, it was the most compelling reason to put someone else, pretty much anyone else, atop the ticket. Against any other candidate, Trumps diminishing abilities would be clear. His unpopularity would be overwhelming. He wouldnt stand a chance.



Biden apparently came to realize this, and now Trump is the oldest presidential nominee in American history. What was the Democrats greatest liabilitytheir nominees ageis now one of the many, many drags on the Republican ticket. Looking for a reason not to vote for Trump? You have several. At the end of his term, he will be older than Biden is now. He is a convicted felon. He is a fraudster. He has been found liable for sexual assault. He ran the most disorganized, incompetent presidential administration in American history. The risk of global conflict would skyrocket. He would reward autocrats and authoritarians of all stripes. He would use the presidency to enrich himself and his family. He is surrounded by right-wing ghouls. He is planning on deporting 10 million people. He is Donald Trump, for Gods sake. (How did we get here again?)



For a month, this case has been undermined by wholly legitimate concerns about Bidens fitness for office. But there should be no concerns about Harris. She has been vice president for nearly four years and is more than capable of doing the job. As a campaigner, she can makeand has made, especially recentlythe case that Trump poses a unique threat to the country.

There will be hand-wringing about Harriss candidacy. Much of this will focus on her own mediocre run for president five years ago. This anxiety is misplaced, however. Yes, Harris is a limited politician without a clear ideological or policy program. Thats a problem in a party primaryand certainly was one for her in 2020. But she doesnt have to worry about that now. Shes not trying to show how shes different from other Democrats. She only needs to point to the Biden administrations many successes. Having served as vice president for nearly four years, she is more than capable of running the country.



But Harriss own qualifications pale in comparison to the case against Trump. That case is simple and easy to make. Donald Trump is a fascist. He is a felon. He will be the oldest president in American history. All the Democrats need is someone who can repeat these facts again and again. Joe Biden sadly wasnt that person. Kamala Harris is.


As Kamala Harris appears poised to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, a past connection between herself and Donald Trump has garnered interest: the GOP nominee once donated to her re-election campaign while Harris was serving as California attorney general.

From 2011 to 2013, Trump gave $6,000 to Harriss campaign. Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, also donated $2,000 to Harris in 2014.

The past disclosure began to circulate on social media as Harris announced her intention to "earn and win" the Democratic nomination.

Live updates: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race and endorses Kamala Harris

Was a wise investment pic.twitter.com/S7C18nDFzA  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 21, 2024

Trump: 'I've given to everybody'

News about the donation first started to circulate in 2020, when Harris was running as Biden's Vice President. USA TODAY's Fact Check explored the claim then and rated it True, noting:

"Though Donald Trump has a history of derisive comments about Harris since taking office, political contribution data, reviewed by USA TODAY on the California Secretary of State website show he gave $5,000 to Harris during her first bid for attorney general in 2011 and $1,000 in 2013 during her reelection. Ivanka Trump contributed $2,000 in 2014 for Harris' reelection campaign."

In 2015, Harris redistributed the donations by giving the funds to a nonprofit focused on Central American civil rights.

Its interesting: I was looking at the ones Im running against. Ive contributed to most of them. Can you believe it? Trump said while campaigning in 2016. Ive given to Democrats. Ive given to Hillary. Ive given to everybody! Because that was my job. I gotta give to them. Because when I want something, I get it. When I call, they kiss my (expletive).

Donors hail Biden: Harris 'jolt of adrenaline' will energize Democratic base

The spotlight on these donations comes as President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race and endorsing Harris. Bidens exit followed a challenging debate performance that led to calls for him to step down, many within his own party.

The Democratic nominee to replace Biden will be decided during the Democratic National Convention, which takes place in Chicago from August 19 to August 22. Since Biden cannot appoint a replacement, his delegates will determine the nominee at the DNC.

Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yes, Donald, Ivanka Trump donated to prior Kamala Harris campaigns
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with a delegation led by Raj Subramaniam, board chair of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with a delegation led by Raj Subramaniam, board chair of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), here on Monday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, briefed the delegation on the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, China's economic situation and its opening up.

It is hoped that the USCBC will give full play to its influence, and encourage U.S. companies to seize opportunities by actively participating in China's further deepening of reform comprehensively and Chinese modernization to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve win-win development, He said.

The guests said the USCBC is willing to continue to play a positive role and make new and greater contributions to the development of U.S.-China economic and trade relations. 

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with a delegation led by Raj Subramaniam, board chair of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Downtown bar and kitchen thats been in Columbus since 2016 has closed its doors after its lease went unrenewed.

Hadleys Bar and Kitchen on the corner of South 4th and East Cherry streets recently shut down after eight years. The closure was confirmed by Crafted for You  the group behind the restaurant  with the company citing the end of its lease.

The buildings ownership has received offers to purchase the building and the parking lot that they are currently reviewing, said James Ball, director of operations. Unfortunately, those offers have different plans for the retail space.

With the lease approaching its end, the company chose to put up the shutters so it could transition its staff to other locations. Grandview Cafe is among the other locations operated by Crafted for You.

The restaurant served bar food like burgers and wings, brunch such as chicken biscuits and doughnut French toast with candied bacon, craft beers, and more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, officially endorsed Vice President Harris to become the Democratic presidential nominee on Monday, joining a growing list of influential Democrats to back her bid for the White House.

Durbin becomes the highest ranked Senate Democrat to throw their weight behind her nascent campaign, joining House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the No. 2 House Democrat.

Nearly three dozen Senate Democrats have endorsed her for the top of the ticket in less than a day since President Biden revealed that he will step aside from that position.

Im proud to endorse my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris, he said in a statement. Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years.

Count me in with Kamala Harris for President, he said.

While Durbin made his move official, top Democrats still had not officially backed her run for the presidency.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have yet to endorse her. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former President Obama also have yet to publicly bless her campaign.

Part of the wait, Democratic strategists and party figures suggested on Monday, was out of respect for Biden after his unprecedented decision.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
New Durham school zones target segregation as district rolls out free lunch for all

What does a third-grader changing schools eat for breakfast before her first day?

For Novah Hines, it was a Pop-Tart, chocolate.

She smiled shyly from the front seat as her dad Langston Hines idled, first in the drop-off line, outside W.G. Pearson Elementary School.

Novah is one of about 1,500 students changing schools under the Durham Public Schools Growing Together plan, an initiative to reduce racial and socioeconomic segregation and improve everyones neighborhood elementary schools, according to Matthew Palmer, the districts director of planning and operations.

Thats about 13% of Durhams elementary school enrollment. Students in fourth and fifth grade  who started school during the COVID-19 pandemic  were exempted to spare them further disruption.

Its the most ambitious effort to combat school segregation in Durham since the 1992 merger of the city and county school systems. Melody Marshall, director of student assignment, said earlier this summer that there had been three decades of unintentional drift since then.

Novah is transferring from C.C. Spaulding, where her older sister, Naomi, was allowed to stay.

(The principal) took the time to actually sit down with me in a private room and talk about their vision and what theyre trying to do with test scores and all, Hines said. So were excited.

Students and teachers reunite on the first day at W.G. Pearson Elementary School, which is now a year-round option for anyone in Durham Public Schools.

Under Growing Together, every Durham elementary school will now have Spanish classes, dedicated arts classrooms and an integrated STEM curriculum, an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math. And all students can choose to attend year-round if theyd like.

But the ability to enroll in magnet schools, which offer specialized programs like Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs, is limited by geography in ways it wasnt before.

Its not about choice, said Julie Pack, who led magnet programs before taking a new job this summer with Orange County Schools. Its about making sure the option in my neighborhood is a great place to go.

Elementary schools were only the first step. This year, district leaders will begin planning for reassignments at middle and high schools.

Year-round and free school lunch for all

Novah knows some other kids at her new school. She hopped out of the car to hug one of them, backpack on, 30 minutes before the bell rang.

Principal Kendell Dorsey said 40% of students are new this school year, as W.G. Pearson transitions to year-round. The school is expecting about 300 kids.

We are now an option that anyone in the county can go to, Dorsey said.

Ive talked to other parents and theyve had a good experience with year-round school, said Allana Potts, whose second grader donned all pink for her return to W.G. Pearson. So Im just excited for her and for us to get started.

Hines said the year-round schedule is making after-school care tricky, since the Boys & Girls Club operates on the traditional calendar.

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore said its a shift, but one that helps prevent learning loss for children and burnout for staff.

In my experience, I have found that families and staff come to love the year-round calendar because of the frequent breaks, she said. That really does provide respite and recovery time.

Students walk in on the first day of year-round school at W.G. Pearson Elementary in Durham, N.C. on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Also available to all this school year? Free lunch and breakfast, regardless of family income, after Durham signed on to a federal government program in the spring.

Were excited about being able to provide that to all of our students. We know how important healthy meals are, Moore said.

The transitions come on the heels of a tumultuous new school year, with resignations and strikes after financial mistakes came to light in January.

But Moore said she hopes theyve turned a corner.

There are fewer vacancies than in the past two summers, she said. County commissioners voted to spend $27 million  14%  more than last school year to provide raises to workers.

Weve tried to work really hard to market the district as one that is ready for teachers, ready for professional staff, Moore said. We have one of the highest local (pay) supplements in the state of North Carolina.

Her permanent replacement, Anthony Lewis, starts as superintendent in August.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee Fire in Baker County as officials say it has ballooned to 116,431 acres, or about 182 square miles, Sunday morning, with 0% containment.

The Conflagration invocation was requested by the Oregon State Fire Marshal, meaning that additional resources from around the state  such as fire crews from outside the local vicinity  can be redirected to help fight the fire.

Pacific Power outage impacts thousands of customers in Portland

Baker and Malheur County currently have level 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place. Additional information about evacuations can be found on the social media pages for the Baker County Sheriffs Office and the Malheur County Sheriffs Office.

This all comes after a Red Flag Warning is in effect for various dry areas of Oregon amid forecasted lighting and guys winds over the next 24 hours, officials said.

This latest round of weather is extremely concerning, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. Our firefighters are doing everything thing they can to rise to this immense challenge, but they are taxed, and we need our fellow Oregonians help. Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.

There are still 81 active wildfires in Oregon, overall, totaling 504,692 acres  or 788 square miles  as of Sunday morning, officials said. In addition to the Durkee Fire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has directed resources to help fight the Lane Rock/Boneyard Fire, the Falls Fire and the Battle Mountain Complex Fire in various counties across the state.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
ST. LOUIS  Starting Tuesday, many area voters can cast absentee ballots without needing an excuse for the August 6 primary election. No-excuse voting will be available for two weeks before Election Day.

Voters should visit the absentee polling location, show their ID, fill out their ballot, and cast their vote. Voters can vote early at six locations in St. Louis City. St. Louis County voters have 14 locations. There are two places to vote in St. Charles County and one in Jefferson County.

Voters Guide: Missouris August 6, 2024 Primary Election

For many years, the state of Missouri allowed absentee voting only for specific reasons, such as being out of the country on election day, illness, or physical disability. The state has not adopted a widespread no-excuse mail-in voting system. But, there are systems in place in the St. Louis area.

Absentee by mail applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 24. More information is available on the St. Louis County Board of Elections website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka firefighters doused a house fire in east Topeka Sunday morning which caused thousands of dollars in damage.

City of Topeka spokeswoman Rosie Nichols said in a press release the Topeka Fire Department was called around 5 a.m. on July 21 to a residence in the 320 block of SE Lake Street. Firefighters arriving at the scene found smoke and flames coming from a single-story home.

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Firefighters found one resident who was able to leave the home without injury. The fire was contained to the single-story home and put out.

Nichols said an investigation into the fire found it caused about $25,000 of damage. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Kansas resident falls for lottery imposter scam

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
About eight years ago, while still an undergraduate, I was selected for the Intercollegiate Studies Institutes annual summer honors program, a weeklong immersion into the great books at a mountain resort in Southern Washington State. I delighted in sitting among the lush forests of the Columbia River Gorge and discussing the intricacies of the past with new friends and mentors. For a student like me, who was brand new to the serious study of the Western intellectual tradition, the program was a treat.

Though the debates that took place at the ISI program were always framed in the context of conservative philosophy, their general tone remained broadly pluralist. There was a mix of neoconservatives, traditionalists, and classical liberals in the program (and no one objected to my being an old-school Appalachian Democrat). ISI felt like an oasis secluded from the troubles of contemporary politics, a rarity in the modern world where young people could simply relish the liberal arts.

But in recent years, the tone of ISIwhich since 1953 has been one of the main players in campus conservatism, organizing conferences, reading groups, and the like for undergraduateshas sharply shifted. Once only concerned with current events in the most abstract way, the institute now seems consumed by them. Their lectures are just as likely to concern the war in Ukraine or declining American birth rates as they are Plato or Russell Kirk. This shift mirrors the broader politicization of all facets of political life in our contemporary age, but for ISI it represents something more: A loss of its greatest attribute, its antiquarian, tranquil appreciation of great books.

By tethering the study of Western Civilization to contemporary politics, ISI has morphed into the activist mindset it so frequently denounces as having plagued our universities. There is a great difference between reading Plato to debate the meaning of justice and reading him to attack proponents of immigration or same-sex marriagea difference that ISI increasingly fails to see.

That said, the move toward current events is not half as distressing as the ideological trajectory that ISI is adopting. Once open to a range of conservative viewpoints, the interlocutors at ISI are now a consistent mixture of post-liberals, integralists, and national conservatives. Headliners for this years ISI honors program include few well-known moderate conservatives or libertarians, but it did include liberal critic Patrick Deneen and professional provocateur Michael Knowles. The organizations podcasts now frequently feature everything from conspiratorial screeds about how Marxism is controlling America to discussions laced with apologia for the Confederacy. ISIs intellectual range has narrowed to a focus on the supremacy of particular strands of Americas cultural heritageand theyre often being pushed in the most brutally unintellectual way imaginable.

Such an ideological orientation is inimical to the principles that supposedly undergird ISI in the first place. The institute was built to defend the ideas of Western civilization through a serious appreciation of great books and thinkers. Admittedly, Western civilization is a complex and varied affair that has produced just as much darkness as lightafter all, both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler emerged from the backdrop of the early 20th century. Yet ISI has always been remarkably good at cleaving to the brightest parts of Western Civilization. The tagline of the organization, educating for liberty, signals this noble past. For over 50 years it has stood for the high-minded conservative liberalism that is the hallmark of Hamilton, Lincoln, and Kirk. In practice, this has meantin the broadest terms possibledefending the idea of a restrained national government, local democracy, and free markets. These three principles are general enough to allow people of drastically different political persuasions to coexist harmoniously.

Yet by embracing nationalism today, ISI has narrowed its intellectual horizons. Conservatismthough far from universally belovedis generally speaking a much broader ideological camp than nationalism. Nationalism, as it is espoused by ISI, begins with a simple premise: that the individual traditions of a nation are infinitely superior to both local customs and international human rights. If this is the case, then the diverse array of ideas that make up a political community must be simplified to fit some larger narrative that can stand opposed to both pluralism and multiculturalism. Not only are these nationalist narratives antithetical to the prudent wisdom of conservative philosophy, but they effectively shut down most philosophic debates. For example, it is impossible to have an open debate about the meaning of justice if the primary goal of one of the interlocutors is to uphold a predetermined national viewpoint.

In turn, the emphasis on the national undermines the study of great bookstransforming it from close reading to something like indoctrination. This is because great books, in all their complexity, do not easily fit into simple narratives. Many on the nationalist right may argue that the great books are great because they defend the national against the cosmopolitan. Yet writers in the canonsuch as John Stuart Mill and Georg Hegelare just as likely, if not more likely, to argue on behalf of a liberal universalism. That cannot be seriously ignored if one wishes to understand the history of Western civilization.

At one point, ISI was even open to engaging with thinkers outside of the traditional conservative mold. In 2008, it granted its conservative book of the year award to A Secular Age by Charles Taylor. By granting the award to a social democrat Canadian Catholic, ISI proved that it cared simply about the quality of the ideas expressed in a book rather than about the authors political bona fides. This was true at the ISI events I attended less than 10 years ago. I distinctly recall one seminar that pitted a devotee of Willmoore Kendall against a former student of Harry Jaffa. Hour after hour that weekend we watched two of the brightest minds in their field argue about natural rights, Abraham Lincoln, and the very nature of republican government. Far from forcing each student to one side or another, the students left with a profound appreciation for the complexity of the American political tradition.

Such broad disagreements now feel like part of ISIs past.

From pessimism to radicalization.

Fusionist conservatives often act as if the nationalists emerged out of nowhereas if they seized control of conservative institutions without the slightest prelude beyond the election of Donald Trump. They instead would prefer to sweep out the nationalists and return to business as usual (read Reaganite policies and rhetoric).

The decline of ISI, however, is proof that this cannot happen. Business as usual merely opens the door to the reality we still live in. If we really wish to understand and resolve the problems of nationalism, conservatives must realize they helped cause this crisis.

From the very start, the American conservative movement was founded on a narrative of declinethe idea that Western Civilization has been steeply deteriorating in quality and strength for some time. For 70 years or so, the various schools of American conservatism have been defined by where they believe this decline originated, but in the end, they almost all accept this gloomy interpretation of American history. After all, William F. Buckley Jr.the undisputed founder of modern American conservatismonce argued that the job of a conservative is to stand athwart history and yell stop.

But this strain of pessimistic politics runs into many problems. Most notably, such narratives gradually start to make individuals willing to do almost anything to stem the tide of history. When political rhetoric focuses on how the world is going to hell in a handbasket, people become understandably panicky in their attempt to resolve the looming crisis.

This general attitude was succinctly summarized by Barry Goldwater (and possibly written by Harry Jaffa) in 1964: Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue. What Jaffa and Goldwater fail to grasp is that extremism in defense of anything is quite often the greatest political vice imaginable. Too often in history, well-meaning statesmen have unintentionally sacrificed the things that make life worthwhile for the sake of some lofty goal. Goldwater is right that we must not allow moderation to palsy our defense of that which is good, but we must also not allow our defense of those same things to permit us to lose sight of the bigger picture.

For all of its many virtues, ISI bought into the 20th-century conservative narrative of decline lock, stock, and barrel. This began with its founding up until the day I heard an esteemed philosophy professor declare to a room full of hopeful undergraduates that our only hope was to find peaceful lives in a world quickly being consumed by evil. ISI more often than not saw in its appreciation of Western Civilization an attempt to preserve cultural treasures from being eradicated by the march of post-modernity. Given this outlook, is it really surprising that ISI has started to adopt extremist methods and viewpoints to defend a cultural heritage they fear is being eradicated? Ultimately ISIs emphasis on declinelifted from the rhetoric of the conservative movement more broadlycould only ever end indoctrination, nationalism, and tragedy.

A return to hope.

In the weeks and months that followed John Quincy Adams defeat at the hands of Andrew Jackson in the election of 1828, the scholarly New Englander feared for the future of the republic. He worried that the populist demagogy of Jackson heralded the start of a steep decline in prudent, wise, government in the United States. In short, Adams began to weave his own narrative of political decline.

But rather than turning toward radicalism, Adams found a different path. In the writings of the Roman statesman Cicero, he discovered the following aphorism: While theres life, theres hope. Adams learned to banish the disease of his decline fixation by dreaming of a better tomorrow.

This may all sound a bit gimmickylike something out of a self-help bookbut as ISI demonstrates, focusing on political and cultural decline leads to a dark place. If conservatives instead approached modernity intending to improve its faults, rather than assume our contemporary culture to be almost wholly evil, it would lead to a vibrant political movementone that corrects the faults not just of nationalism but the shortcomings of American conservatism more broadly. If nothing else, there is no alternative to this attitude. What decline narratives consistently fail to understand is that there is no returning to the past, just as there is no rushing to the future. When we as a people attempt to stop the march of time, tragedy inevitably follows. In the end, we can only do the best with the present as it comes to us.

The French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville well understood this fact. He declared that it is not up to us whether we will live in an egalitarian and democratic society. However, we can choose whether that society will be oriented towards those things that sustain human flourishingcommunity, faith, family, love, and beauty. Instead of focusing on how education has been destroyed by modern accounts of diversity, a flourishing conservatism will focus its attention on finding a healthier way to include diverse viewpoints and backgrounds in our society. Instead of bemoaning the ways in which our cosmopolitan world uproots local custom, we should find ways (as Charles Taylor has suggested) of reconciling locality with a broader view of the world.

All of this requires hope. Even if we are neither sure that the present is all that great nor what the future holds, hope can completely alter our outlook. Instead of wildly clinging to a past that is fast fading away, we can appreciate and promote those eternal truths that must be adapted to each new age to survive. This is where mid-century conservatives went off the railsthey did not wish to adapt to the present; they wished to revive the past.

Organizations like ISI show the sad results of this mistake. If we wish to defend the very best of Western Civilization, hope is our best ally. But despair, nationalist or otherwise, will only lead us further and further away from liberty.

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Elderly man dies after being run over by own SUV

Elderly man dies after being run over by own SUV

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 90-year-old man is dead, and an 81-year-old man was injured after being struck by a reversing SUV on Sunday, July 21, in East El Paso, El Paso Police said.

EPPD said patrol officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian call at 8:41 a.m. July 21 at the 11800 block of Pueblo Nuevo. Thats near Montwood Drive and Saul Kleinfeld.

Investigators from the Special Traffic Investigations Unit found that the driver of the SUV, identified only as a 90-year-old elderly man, had reversed the vehicle from a driveway and exited the vehicle without putting it into park.

The driver was then struck and run over by the SUV as it continued to reverse itself, according to EPPD.

EPPD said the pedestrian, identified as an 81-year-old man, went to try to aid the driver and was also struck. The SUV then traveled onto a driveway and struck a utility trailer.

The driver died at the scene and the pedestrian was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police did not specify the severity of the other mans injuries.

This crash was the 36th traffic fatality of this year as compared to 43 during the same period last year, according to EPPD.

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A 68-year-old man has been injured as a result of the Russians dropping a projectile from a drone on the village of Antonivka near the city of Kherson. Two women were injured in Kherson hromada [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.].

Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration on social media

Details: The injured man was hospitalised with a blast injury and an injured leg. He is receiving the necessary medical treatment.

As reported by Roman Mrochko, Head of the Kherson City Military Administration, two women, aged 71 and 80, were injured in Russian strikes on the territory of the Kherson hromada. They are being treated as well.

Background: Antonivka was also struck by the Russians on 19 July. A man suffered a shrapnel wound of his forearm and chest.

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HANOI, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's cargo output through seaports is expected to reach 1.2-1.4 billion tons by 2030, according to the country's detailed planning of seaports, harbors and water areas towards 2050 submitted by the Ministry of Transport.

It is forecast that the number of domestic and international passengers passing through the seaports by 2030 will be 17 to 19 million, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday.

The investment capital need for the seaport system by 2030 will be about 351.5 billion Vietnamese dong (13.8 million U.S. dollars), including 72.8 billion dong (2.8 million dollars) for public maritime infrastructure and 278.7 billion dong (11 million dollars) for ports.

The country's cargo output through seaports in the first five months of this year was estimated at over 346 million tons, increasing by 17 percent year on year, said Vietnam Maritime Administration. 
The psychological war waged by the chavista regime on the Venezuelan citizens over the past quarter-century may have inflicted more profound damage than the horrible physical harms and tortures suffered by tens of thousands of regime victims, who have documented their cases in numerous dossiers at the International Criminal Court.

This harm fostered a collective mindset of fear, resignation, humiliation and learned helplessness for an extended period.

This tragic spell has been shattered by the tenacious opposition leader who has tirelessly toured Maria Corina Machado, the country over the past decade and, with increased intensity over the last ten months, mobilized millions of Venezuelans.

Regardless of the outcome of the Venezuelan elections on Sunday, Maria Corina Machado has already freed the minds and hearts of the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans who yearn for regime change. Machado has rekindled the sense of nationhood among a population that has been systematically humiliated and vilified.

The only remaining targets for the architects of the regimes pathological narratives are the increasingly alert elements of the Venezuelan armed forces and the democratic international community. The regimes potent propaganda machine is wholly committed to crafting a narrative that legitimizes the grossly illegitimate: a fresh wave of widespread human rights violations, without which the chavista regime has no hope of retaining control of the countrys executive branch. The master psyop currently being deployed combines the following three mechanisms:

Fabrication of a Fictitious Electoral Victory:

There is no doubt that the elections are already unjust and opaque. The regime has already enacted a series of fundamental violations of the electoral law.

It unlawfully removed the main opposition candidate from the race after Maria Corina Machado won the oppositions primary race by a landslide. It has hindered the registration of millions of voters in Venezuela and abroad. It continually alters the nature of voting centers at will. Despite this, thanks to Machados unwavering support, the opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, leads by unprecedented margins in all credible polls. To fabricate a narrative of victory, the regime concocts its own polls, presented by unknown companies with no track record in the field.

Intimidation and Repression of Voters and Opposition Leaders:

The international press has witnessed the many obstructive actions that the regime has deployed during the oppositions campaign. Maria Corina Machados audacious strategies to overcome these obstacles have become an iconic myth in Venezuela: people protecting her and transporting her on horses, motorcycles, trucks and Indian canoes, bypassing official road blockades and all conceivable forms of authority abuses. Her close collaborators have been arrested or forced to seek diplomatic asylum and her supporters have been threatened and harassed.

Demonization of citizens right to protect their votes

Given its history of electoral manipulation, the regime needs to insulate its known fraudulent methods from the outstanding and unprecedented vote-defense organization that Maria Corina Machado has been preparing for months with her millions of followers.

For this purpose, the regime is actively working to create a preventive opinion matrix, falsely portraying the opposition as having a destabilizing plan, which allegedly includes denouncing fraud just to incite violence.

With this preemptive demonization, the regime anticipates its intentions of neutralizing the appeal to respect Venezuelans human rights, preparing the ground to criminalize the citizens constitutional right to demand transparency in the scrutiny peacefully and to defend their votes from any fraudulent intentions.

Although the regime has denied the possibility of quality international observation in adequate proportions, the democratic international community can contribute in many ways to prevent another massive violation of human rights and the harmful consequences for the whole region.

Governments, institutions and democratic leaders worldwide need to keep their eyes focused on the observables at the center of this demonizing projective operation. Only their coordinated action can serve as a serious precautionary measure to protect the human rights of Venezuelan citizens and the integrity of opposition leaders.

Luis Emilio Bruni is an Associate Professor at Aalborg University in Denmark and director of the Augmented Cognition Lab, which is dedicated to neuroscientific research on narrative cognition.






Incumbent Paul Kagame has won a fourth term in office in the presidential election in Rwanda.

With all votes counted, Kagame garnered 99.18% of the vote, according to the electoral commission.

His two opponents, the chairman of the Green Party, Frank Habineza, received 0.5% while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana received 0.32% of the vote, according to final results from the commission.

More than nine million people were eligible to vote on July 15, including two million first-time voters.

Kagame has been president of the country since 2000, but has,in practice, been leading Rwanda since 1994. Back then, as leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he marched into Rwanda from exile in Uganda and ended the genocide of the Hutu militias against the Tutsi. He was then defence minister and vice president.

Kagame's party, RPF, is the strongest party in parliament following the elections. According to figures from the electoral commission, it won 37 seats in parliament, while none of the opposition parties won more than five seats.

A total of 670 candidates ran for the 80 parliamentary seats.

A special feature is that female lawmakers make up a majority in parliament.

Human rights organizations have criticized the persecution of opposition figures in the East African country with a population of over 14 million.

Lewis Mudge, director for Central Africa at the human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW), described the election as "theatre."

Rights watchdog Amnesty International claims that the candidacies of at least six opposition politicians were denied by the electoral commission, citing allegedly missing documents, although the politicians had sufficient voter support to qualify for the election.
Elgin News Digest: State finds shooting involving Elgin cop to be justified; Black & Gray downsizing, East Side Cafe moving in; Island Night being held Friday at Wing Park pool

State finds January shooting involving Elgin cop to be justified

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force has determined the non-fatal shooting involving an Elgin police office in January was justified and no criminal charges will be filed by the Cook County States Attorneys Office.

The case involved Officer Fernando Camacho responding to a call about 1:30 a.m. Jan. 13 about a suicidal person at a home in the 900 block of Oak Ridge Boulevard, an Elgin Police Department news release said.

In all incidents involving a police officer using deadly force, task force and States Attorney Office conduct independent investigations.

According to reports, Camacho arrived to the home to find a 29-year-old man with wounds to his neck and torso. He attempted to assist the victim, who struggled and grabbed a knife with which he first stabbed himself and then turned on the officer. Camacho fired his weapon as the man came at him and then rendered aid, the report said.

Camacho was placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation was conducted.

An independent, internal investigation will now be held to determine if all police department policies were followed, Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said in the release.

Video from the officers body worn camera can be seen at elgin.app.box.com/s/mibp081019vbu3am6plf2jrg6rxofet6.

Black & Gray downsizing taproom, East Side Cafe moving in

Black & Gray Brewing in downtown East Dundee is downsizing its taproom, with the additional space created to be occupied by the Eastside Cafe.

The craft brewery made the announcement via a Facebook post. The owners said they finalized a deal with their landlord to reduce their square footage because of post-pandemic market conditions, including changes in drinking habits and less discretionary spending by consumers.

Eastside Cafe owners will be moving their coffee and wine bar business from their current location at 316 N. River St.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/blackandgraybrewing.

Island Night being held Friday at Wing Park Family Aquatic Center

Wing Park Family Aquatic Center will be hosting an island night pool party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26.

The evening will feature tropical music, performances and giveaways, according to a post on the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page. Regular admission rates apply.

The aquatic center is at 1030 Wing St., Elgin. For more information call 847-289-2542.

Cone with a Cop, backpack/school supply giveaway in South Elgin

The South Elgin Police Department will be serving ice cream cones and distributing backpacks filled with school supplies from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Bear Family McDonalds, 100 N. McLean Blvd., South Elgin.

Backpacks will be available in limited quantities and given away on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a village of South Elgin social media post. Those who attend are asked to bring tabs from beverage cans to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more information, call 847-741-2151.

East Dundee to hold Thursday groundbreaking for parking deck

The village of East Dundee will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, for its new parking garage with retail space at 304 Hill St.

Village President Jeff Lynam and other elected officials will attend and Raue Center Executive Director Richard Kuranda will deliver remarks at the event, according to a news release. McHugh Construction Co. will have a booth to share information about the project and the construction timeline.

The two-level garage will feature more than 130 parking spaces, including dedicated spots for electric vehicle charging and handicapped access. Additionally, more than 6,000 square feet of commercial/retail space will be built as part of the structure facing River Street.

The ceremony takes place in advance of the villages Thirsty Thursday event, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. outside The Depot, 319 N. River St. The free event will feature live music from the Lounge Puppets and food and beverages sold by local businesses.

For more information, email eastdundee@eastdundee.net or call 847-426-2822.

Animated kids film Cars to be shown Friday at Festival Park

Elgins free outdoor movie this week will the animated childrens film Cars, which will start after dark on Friday, July 26, in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.

Other upcoming free movies include The Little Mermaid on Friday, Aug. 2, at Meier Park, 3770 Gansett Parkway; Zootopia on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Festival Park; A Bugs Life on Friday, Aug. 16, at Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Road; Coco in Spanish on Friday, Aug. 23, at Drake Field, 701 Hastings St.; and Marvels on Friday, Aug. 30, in Festival Park.

Elgin also is showing free movies on Saturday nights on the south lawn of The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way. The schedule includes a double feature of the Adam Sandler movies 50 First Dates and Happy Gilmore on Aug. 17; Breakfast at Tiffanys on Aug. 24; and Instructions Not Included in Spanish with English subtitles on Sept. 7.

Activities in advance of the movies start at 6 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite.

For more information, go to elginil.gov/1775/Summer-Movies-in-the-Park and elginil.gov/2620/Movies-on-the-Lawn.
President Joe Bidens bowing to overwhelming pressure from within his own Democratic Party and backing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him as president puts California into a position it has not held in more than 50 years: A potential king- or queen-maker.

For more than 50 years, since a June 1972 primary election race between Maine Sen. Edmund Muskie, former Minnesota Sen. Hubert Humphrey and South Dakota Sen. George McGovern, California has been little more than a political moneybag, with candidates from both parties raising vast sums of campaign cash in homes and halls from San Francisco to BelAir, Brentwood, Newport Beach and San Diego.

Not this time. If Harris  who has never overwhelmed voters within her own party or among the general California electorate  does not clinch the nomination on the August Democratic conventions first ballot, this state could gain immense new influence in picking the next nominee and possible next President.

California will get 494 votes out of 4,223 to be cast on the first ballot at the Chicago convention. On that vote, party leaders and elected officials who are automatic delegates, AKA superdelegates, cannot vote. Still, Californians would cast more than 20 percent of the 2,112 votes needed for a first-ballot win.

Add in the states 55 superdelegates, including mayors like Karen Bass of Los Angeles and state officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, and California has 549 votes on any subsequent ballots, well over one-fifth of whats needed for nomination.

Which leaves two big questions for the next few weeks: Who might Harris choose for a running mate? And can she muster a clear majority of delegates previously committed to Biden and thus avoid a second ballot?

If Harris does not win on a first ballot, she would almost certainly be toast, with others like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom or Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly then emerging as possible contenders. One of them could be Harris running mate, but that will not be Newsom, who hails not merely from the same state as Harris, but the same city. Thats San Francisco, where Harris was district attorney and Newsom the mayor.

A more important question might be this: Among this group, who might have the best chance of beating ex-President Donald Trump and his Republican running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance?

For sure, a debate or two between Harris and Trump would be very different from the Trump-Biden encounter of June 27, which eventually drove Biden into retirement.

Harris, the former prosecutor, was known for her tough questions in Senate hearings. She would never let Trump escape unscathed with lies like his claim that some Democrat-run states allow babies to be killed just after their birth. Thats murder everywhere.

But the impaired Biden did not respond at all to that claim, nor to Trumps 30-odd other lies during their debate.

But if Harris did take on a prosecutorial tone, would it appeal to voters?

And how would Newsom, Whitmer, Pritzker or Kelly do running for president? Pritzker is known for his solid performance as governor and the billions of personal dollars he could kick in, while Newsom has gotten both criticism and praise for some of his moves, like quick COVID lockdowns and what amounts to deficit financing of the state budget. He also gets blamed by Republicans whenever businesses leave for lower-tax states like Texas and Florida.

A wild card in some lists of potential candidates is Kelly, husband of Gabby Giffords, herself an assassination target who suffered far more serious damage from her shooting than Trumps spectacularly bloodied ear. A former astronaut, Kelly also carries some of the celebrity status that helps propel Trump.

But Californias clout will rest on delegation unity. The person most influential in choosing the states delegates was Newsom. If he honors his pledge never to oppose Harris, he might be able both to hold the delegation together behind her and her vice presidential pick or to solidify them behind him if Harris drops out after a potential first-ballot failure.

One thing for sure: The more doubt remaining about the Democratic choice as the campaign enters August, the greater Californias influence could be  putting this state in a position many here have long coveted.

Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Elias: Will California be a demo king- (or queen-) maker?
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Elmira woman was arrested on Wednesday after police say officers found drugs in her car during a traffic stop.

According to the New York State Police, 46-year-old Bobbi Jo Cardona was arrested on Wednesday, July 17, on several felony drug charges while having a warrant out for her arrest.

State police said that Cardona was arrested on the following charges:

Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, a class A-II felony.

Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony.

Driving a motor vehicle without an interlock device, a misdemeanor.

Aggravated unlicensed operator in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

Found as a fugitive from justice.

Police: Naked Bath man on drugs arrested after disturbance

Police said that a traffic stop was conducted on Cardonas 2011 Chrysler Town and Country van on Wednesday, where 4.5 ounces of suspected crystal meth was found.

Police learned that Cardona had an active arrest warrant out of Bradford County for drug-related offenses.

The release states that Cardona was taken to the Elmira City Court for processing and then to the Chemung County Jail pending extradition to Pennsylvania.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Heavy Allegations

Lawyers for X-formerly-Twitter are, for some reason, refusing to provide one of Jeffrey Epstein's victims with information from her own account.

As Business Insider reports, attorneys representing artist and Epstein victim Rina Oh Amen have repeatedly tried to get the Elon Musk-owned social network to provide them access to her locked-out accounts.

In response to those subpoenas, however, lawyers for X told the attorneys that they should ask Oh Amen  even though the information release demands were sent at her behest.

The subpoenas came amid legal disputes between the artist and Virginia Giuffre, perhaps the most well-known Epstein victim due to her allegedly being recruited at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. On Twitter, Giuffre accused Oh Amen of faking being a victim to get money from a fund set up for others Epstein had abused, recruiting other girls to be part of his sex trafficking ring, and cutting her leg.

In response, Oh Amen sued Giuffre for defamation, who then countersued and alleged that the artist had also sexually assaulted her. Oh Amen then countersued that suit, accusing Giuffre of doing the same to her.

The Quiet Place

While the legal maneuvering between the two women is enough to make one's head spin, the proceedings between them have, as lawyers for both parties said in legal filings viewed by Business Insider, gone "amicably" as their representatives openly began sharing the documents requested for each side's discovery.

Because she'd been suspended from one account and locked out of another, Oh Amen can't get her own Twitter data  and now, X remains the only holdout that's holding up the case.

"If they complied, ultimately, I could set a trial date and get this matter resolved," Oh Amen's attorney Alexander Dudelson told BI. "This is actually preventing us from pushing forward right now."

Even Giuffre's attorneys are shocked by X's stonewalling.

"It doesn't make sense," Giuffre's lawyer Kathleen R. Thomas exclaimed. "Why wouldn't you be able to get your own information in this situation? The plaintiff is doing the right thing."

Thomas has since asked the judge in the latest suit to begin the process of compelling X to comply with the subpoenas, which as BI notes will take more time.

When the publication reached out to X, its reporters were met with an automated email telling them that the company was "busy."

"I don't know why they were being so obstructionist about this subpoena," Thomas said. "It's baffling to me."

More on lawsuits: That Guy Who Kept Insisting He Was Satoshi Nakamoto Just Admitted He Was Lying
'Embrace her,' Biden says as Harris gives her first speech as likely Democratic nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at her presidential campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del., on Monday. (Erin Schaff / Pool photo)

Vice President Kamala Harris launched her official campaign Monday with a fiery address to supporters in Delaware  her first public address since overnight becoming a candidate for president and the Democrats' likely nominee.

Before Harris addressed the crowd at the campaign's Wilmington headquarters, President Biden phoned in to speak to the gathered staff, saying he would have attended in person if he weren't still recovering from COVID-19. He advised his team: "Embrace her. She's the best."

"The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn't changed at all," Biden said. "And by the way, I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna be out there on the campaign with her, with Kamala. I'm going to be working like hell  both as a sitting president, getting legislation passed  as well as campaigning."

Read more: Harris appears to clinch Democratic presidential nomination as she rakes in record-breaking $81 million

The president acknowledged that his decision was "surprising" but it "was the right thing to do." Some staffers in the audience cried at his speech.

But their tears turned to rousing cheers when Harris took the stage. Her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, followed Harris through the room as she greeted staff and clapped. Already, the walls were papered with Harris for President, Restore Roe and Kamala posters. A giant California state flag hung over the desks.

Harris applauded the assembled group, and acknowledged that the campaign had been a roller coaster and we're all filled with so many mixed emotions about this. She spent several minutes praising Biden, ticking off his accomplishments leading the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and passing major bipartisan legislation.

Joe's legacy of accomplishment  is unmatched in modern history, she said. In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office.

She thanked the president, who was still listening on the phone.

"Joe, I know you're still on the call and we've been talking every day," Harris said. "We love Joe and Jill. We really do. They truly are like family to us."

"It's mutual," Biden could be heard saying over the loudspeaker.

"I knew you were still there," Harris said, laughing. "You're not going anywhere, Joe."

"I'm watching you kid. I love you," Biden replied.

"I love you, Joe," Harris said.

Turning to business, Harris announced that Bidens top campaign officials  Jen OMalley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez  will stay on to run her campaign.

Read more: Who could replace Harris as the next vice presidential candidate? Meet her potential choices

The speech gave the public a first peek at how Harris will present as a presidential candidate in a breathtakingly fast four-month runway to the general election. It marked a shift from Harris usual address on the campaign trail stumping for Biden in the last several months. Her tone grew sharper as she outlined her attack on former President Trump and drew specific parallels between herself and her opponent.

She leaned hard into her background as California's senator, its attorney general and a prosecutor, contrasting her experience with that of Trump, who is now a convicted felon.

I took on perpetrators of all kinds, Harris said as her supporters broke out into laughter. Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say  I know Donald Trumps type.

We are not going back, she added, as the crowd broke into applause.

The Trump campaign zeroed in on Harris on Monday, attacking her for a "border invasion" in a memo to supporters.

"Kamala Harris is as bad, if not worse, than Joe Biden," said the memo from Trump's top campaign officials Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.

Earlier Monday, at his first campaign rally as Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance blamed Harris  as well as other Democrats and the media  for hiding that Biden wasnt capable of doing the job."

What is going on in this country is absolutely disgraceful, Vance said.

Harris said her campaign is not just about us vs. Donald Trump. She delivered her vision for America's future, "where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every person can buy a home, start a family and build wealth, and where every person has access to paid family leave and affordable childcare."

Her priorities for a Harris presidency include passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act and issuing several gun control measures, such as universal background checks, "red flag laws" to prevent potentially threatening people from purchasing guns, and an assault weapons ban.

Some of the group's loudest applause came when Harris pledged to sign into law national legislation protecting abortion access. Part of Democrats' frustration with Biden, particularly during his disastrous performance at last month's debate, was around his struggle to articulate a clear message on abortion. Abortion is one of the top motivating issues for Democratic voters, and one Harris has frequently championed on the campaign trail.

"In this election, we know we each face a question: What kind of country do we want to live in?" she said. "A country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?"

Harris seemed to relish the opportunity to shine in her first stump speech since her failed 2020 presidential bid.

We have an election to win. So are you ready to get to work? she roared with a grin, before concluding her speech with God bless the United States of America and Joe Biden."

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A St. Louis County man has been ordered to appear in court next month for allegedly stealing more than $3,000 from his employer.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, officers were called to the Clarkson Eyecare on Dorsett Road in Maryland Heights on January 1, for a reported employee theft.

Police said a store manager discovered Brenden Wicks (age not provided) had stolen $3,036.88 from the company between Aug. 8, 2023, and Oct. 30, 2023.

Residents fearful as houses repeatedly targeted by gunfire in south St. Louis

An internal store audit revealed Wicks was skimming patient refunds and depositing the money into his own account, police said.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Wicks with stealing  $750 or more. A county judge issued a criminal summons to Wicks to appear in court on August 27.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
A steersman of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy demonstrates steering for military attaches aboard a training vessel, July 22, 2024. (Photo by Li Haotian/Xinhua)

DALIAN, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Military attaches from 35 countries visited the Dalian Naval Academy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Sunday to Monday.

The visit was part of the arrangements for international military cooperation in 2024. The military diplomats invited for this trip hailed from countries including Singapore, Australia and Spain.

During their visit, the military officers attended the opening ceremony of an international sailing regatta, observed training sessions, and boarded a training vessel to experience a sailing voyage. They also toured the academy's history museum and had lunch with the cadets.

Known as the "cradle of naval officers," the Dalian Naval Academy is one of the earliest military academies established after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It has trained over 60,000 command officers for the Navy, including more than 80 percent of its ship captains. 

Military attaches observe training sessions aboard a training vessel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, July 22, 2024. (Photo by Li Haotian/Xinhua)

Military attaches pose for a selfie aboard a training vessel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, July 22, 2024. (Photo by Li Haotian/Xinhua)

Military attaches experience a sailing voyage aboard a training vessel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, July 22, 2024. (Photo by Li Haotian/Xinhua)
A sharply-divided state pane retained strict protections for gray wolves in Washington, concluding their status under the states endangered species law should not change despite signs of a growing population. (Gary Kramer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

A sharply-divided state panel on Friday retained strict protections for gray wolves in Washington, concluding their status under the states endangered species law should not change despite signs of a growing population.

In a pair of 5-4 votes, the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission rejected downlisting wolves from endangered to either threatened or sensitive, moves that would have led to lower penalties for poaching and slightly easier access to permits to kill wolves that attack livestock.

Fridays debate, the latest in the decades long fight on how to manage wolves in Washington, centered on the extent to which gray wolves are increasing in population and recovering as a species in the state.

Department of Fish and Wildlife staff recommended wolves be downlisted to sensitive more than a year ago as part of a process known as periodic status review. They pointed to a rising number of wolves. Last years annual wolf report found their population had reached an estimated 260 in the state  up about 20% over 2022 and the 15th consecutive year of growth.

Some commissioners doubted the numbers and said the biological evidence does not justify lowering the status. They worried doing so could slow recovery in the long term.

I do not believe I was presented reliable, compelling science to downlist, said Commissioner Lorna Smith.

Commissioner Jim Anderson disagreed.

We have very good data, he said. With downlisting, we are not all walking away from recovery. We are embracing recovery.

Tim Ragen, the commission vice chair, said gray wolves are doing better, but its unclear at what point they will number enough to be deemed recovered.

What is a recovered population? What is endangered? Threatened? We have not really defined them well, he said. That should be done before deciding on the status of gray wolves, he said.

Were not only considering what to do with the wolves. Were also trying to build a best management approach for all species, he said.  I want us to do all of our homework. I think we can do a better job than we have now.

Commissioners on Friday did briefly endorse a downlist for wolves, voting 5-4 to accept their staffs recommendation.

But Commissioner Woody Myers subsequently changed his mind, providing the critical fifth vote to prevent any changes. He said hed been torn on what to do.

I wish I could tell you with conviction what is the right way to go, he said before casting any votes. Im not necessarily sure there is a right decision.

A road to recovery for Washington wolves

Washingtons endangered species list has three categories: endangered, threatened and sensitive.

Endangered means a species is seriously threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range within the state. The sensitive classification means a species is vulnerable or declining and is likely to become endangered or threatened in a significant portion of its range within the state without cooperative management or removal of threats.

Department officials and supporters of downlisting said not much would change for wolves practically if their status were lowered and that its time to recognize their population growth since they were first designated as endangered.

But environmentalists and wildlife advocates said the move would lead to inadequate protection for wolves when they still havent recovered in some parts of the state, particularly the southern Cascades and Olympic Peninsula.

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They also pointed to concerns with the data considered in the process.

Science tells us that a decision to downlist wolves would have put the population at even greater risk, so we are relieved and grateful that the Commission decided to keep current state protections in place, Dr. Fran Santiago-Avila, Washington Wildlife Firsts science and advocacy director, said in a statement Friday.

While the population growth in the last year was the most in state history, environmentalists and some commissioners have been skeptical, specifically related to the higher numbers on Colville tribal lands. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation reported a significant rise in wolves in their territory despite an increase in the number of wolves killed by tribal hunters.

Wildlife advocates say the tribes have provided little information on how they gathered their data, and theyre suspicious of the Department of Fish and Wildlifes willingness to take the numbers at face value.

At a meeting in June, agency staffers told the commission that the decision to downlist was not based solely on last years numbers but instead on years of recovery efforts that are working.

I think the information is still there to make a decision regardless of what this years count is, Ben Maletzke, the departments wolf specialist, told commissioners last month in response to questions about the data.

After Friday, the next time a decision might be made is in five years when the next periodic status review is completed. In addition to state law, wolves in the western two-thirds of the state are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Washington State Standard, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Follow Washington State Standard on Facebook and X.
Who Has Endorsed Kamala Harris for President So Far?

Who Has Endorsed Kamala Harris for President So Far?



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Soon after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 election, he endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to replace him on the Democratic ticket.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President," he wrote. "And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this."

Later in the day, Vice President Harris reacted to the endorsement, writing in a statement, "I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda."

Anna Moneymaker - Getty Images

Here's who else has endorsed Harris for president:

Celebrities

So far, here's celebrities who have publicly shared their support for Harris (and what they said):

Viola Davis reposted Harris's Instagram, writing, "I'm with her!"

Sheryl Lee Ralph posted a photo with Harris, captioning it, "When she wins, we win!"

Kerry Washington shared a selfie with Harris, writing, "I believe in her and I believe in us. Lets gooooooooooooo!"

Cardi B, in all caps, posted "I told y'all Kamala was supposed to be the 2024 candidate"

John Legend wrote Harris is "ready for this fight and I'm excited to help her in any way I can."

Jamie Lee Curtis has posted numerous times so far, calling Harris "trusted" and "tested." Curtis added, "she is a fierce advocate for women's rights and people of color and her message is one of HOPE and UNITY for America at her time of great national divide."

Demi Lovato wrote "Let's do this!!" on her Instagram story with a link to donate to the Harris campaign

Jon Cryer wrote he "donated the max" to Harris's campaign.

Spike Lee: Harris "comes to the rescue" (he added lots of excited emojis on Instagram)

Shonda Rhimes: "I stood behind her in 2016 when she ran for Senate, I was behind her when she ran as @vp and I continue to stand behind her today."

Ellen Pompeo commented "Lets gooooo!!!" on Rhimes's Instagram

Charli XCX wrote "kamala IS brat," which is an endorsement (and a nod to all the Harris memes).

Yvette Nicole Brown shared her support for Harris as a fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha, writing, "Im sure it goes without saying but I FULLY stand with (and next to ) my Soror, the fabulous @KamalaHarris! She has my FULL endorsement for President of the United States!"

Democratic leaders

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quickly endorsed Harris. "Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we've got to elect her," the Clintons wrote in a statement. "America's future depends on it."

Other Democratic leaders have endorsed Harris, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (who wrote "my enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political") and influential South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn. Martin Luther King III, the son of Martin Luther King Jr. and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, also endorsed Harris.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have yet to officially endorse her, but CNN reports they will soon.

Members of Congress

As of this writing, 36 senators and 163 representatives have endorsed Harris. (See the full list here.) Those include Senators Elizabeth Warren, Mark Kelly, and Sherrod Brown, Rep. Katherine Clark, the House minority whip, and Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus.

Governors

Numerous Democratic governorssome of whom are in the running to join Harris on the tickethave endorsed her. They include:

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Prominent donors and groups

Key groups including Human Rights Campaign, AAPI Victory Fund, The Collective PAC, Latino Victory Fund, Voto Latino, Priorities USA, and Emilys List have all endorsed Harris, per the Wall Street Journal.

We'll update this as soon as we learn more about who has endorsed Kamala Harris.

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Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president? Here are some of the notable politicians and figures

Endorsements have started to trickle in as President Joe Biden is out of the race and the vice president, Kamala Harris, is now seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

Biden, 81, ended his bid for reelection Sunday in a letter addressed to Americans, saying "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

In a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission, the campaign formerly known as Biden for President changed its name to the Harris for President campaign.

The move means Harris' campaign assumes control of Bidens campaign money. It also allows Harris, an attorney and politician who previously served as U.S. Senator for California, to begin raising money for her own presidential bid.

Early donations pour in: ActBlue raises almost $50M after Kamala Harris announces campaign

Coconut trees to 'brat summer': Kamala Harris' campaign is embracing the memes

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom wave after Newsom's appearance ahead of the Republican-led recall election in September, in San Leandro, California, U.S., September 8, 2021. Newsom is one of many Democratic figures to endorse Harris in the 2024 election.

Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president?

In the hours following Biden's announcement, scores of notable politicians and figures have publicly endorsed Harris in an immediate show of support for her campaign.

Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president so far? Here is a list of some of the notable figures to back the VP's 2024 bid:

I will do all that I can to help elect @KamalaHarris the next President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/bHkiqpa7Lg  Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 21, 2024

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore;

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker;

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear;

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro;

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ);

Former President Bill Clinton;

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton;

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY);

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November.



Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.



Lets get to work.  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 22, 2024

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO);

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC);

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper;

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz;

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA);

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL);

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA);

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY);

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA);

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA);

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE);

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA);

I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. pic.twitter.com/UWMsVmOk8M  Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 22, 2024

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA);

Martin Luther King III;

The Progressive Caucus PAC;

BOLD PAC (Congressional Hispanic Caucus);

Tennessee 77 Democratic delegates (first delegation to formally endorse Harris for president);

Emilys List, an organization that supports Democratic, pro-abortion rights women candidates;

Voters of Tomorrow, a political advocacy group representing Gen Z.

Text us: Send the USA TODAY elections team your questions now.

Has Obama endorsed Harris? Notables who haven't endorsed yet

Notable figures who had not explicitly endorsed Harris as of Monday included:

Former President Barack Obama

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Biden set to address nation this week

Biden's historic move took place just over 100 days out from the Nov. 5 election, when he planned to take on former President Donald Trump, who accepted the Republican' parties nomination last week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

As of Sunday, Biden had not formally addressed the nation outside of the written statement posted to his social media accounts.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president? See notable endorsements
Harris picks up enough delegate support to win nomination on first full day of her campaign

After potential rivals, lawmakers, governors and influential labor and advocacy groups all lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris, a wave of endorsements from state delegations Monday evening pushed her over the threshold needed to secure the Democratic nomination.

Shes been backed by well more than the 1,976 pledged delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot, according to CNNs delegate estimate  a moment that arrived on the first full day of her campaign.

And with no credible challenger emerging the day after President Joe Biden announced his exit from the race and endorsed his vice president, it was already clear that the biggest remaining question about the 2024 Democratic ticket is who Harris will choose as her running mate.

Harris, who will hold a campaign event in Milwaukee on Tuesday, staked her claim to the partys standard-bearer role with an electric speech Monday evening, as she visited the campaigns headquarters in Delaware.

The vice president informed staffers who had been working for the Biden-led campaign that theyd remain onboard  and that campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez would remain at the helm.

And she laid out her case against Donald Trump, invoking a host of the former presidents scandals and legal troubles.

She pointed to her time as a district attorney and California attorney general, saying that she took on perpetrators of all kinds.

Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own game, Harris said. So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type.

In her first day as a candidate, Harris raised $81 million, the campaign announced Monday, saying it was the largest 24-hour raise by any candidate ever. The huge haul underscored grassroots enthusiasm for a shake-up to the Democratic 2024 ticket. According to the campaign, more than 880,000 grassroots supporters donated, with 60% making their first contributions of the 2024 cycle.

Democratic donation-processing site ActBlue called it the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. The Democratic super PAC Future Forward secured $150 million in commitments from donors in the 24 hours after Biden announced his decision, a senior aide to the group said. The commitments came from donors who were either uncommitted, unsure or previously stalled, the aide added.

Four governors of must-win Midwestern states  Michigans Gretchen Whitmer, Minnesotas Tim Walz, Wisconsins Tony Evers and Illinois JB Pritzker  have endorsed Harris. They join endorsements from Kentuckys Andy Beshear, North Carolinas Roy Cooper, Californias Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro. Many of those governors could be considered for the partys vice presidential nomination.

Meanwhile, the cascade of endorsements for Harris candidacy that had begun Sunday afternoon accelerated on Capitol Hill. Harris has the support of more than 40 Democratic senators and nearly 100 House members  numbers that had grown rapidly throughout Monday morning. A significant one came from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said in a Monday afternoon statement that her enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top-ranking Democrats in each chamber, were set to endorse Harris soon, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision. Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark and California Rep. Pete Aguilar, the second- and third-ranking House Democrats, endorsed Harris on Monday morning.

She also has the support of the political arms of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as two key labor unions, Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of Teachers.

Support for the vice president came across the partys ideological spectrum  from moderate populists, including Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, one of the most endangered Democratic incumbents on the ballot this fall, to progressives, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The hour-by-hour endorsements of Harris from Democratic governors, senators, Cabinet officials and state delegations unfolded by design, with the hope of reaching a majority of delegates by Wednesday, two people familiar with the process tell CNN. Harris beat that timeline on Monday.

Its a coordinated drumbeat, a senior Democratic aide working on the effort said. That sound Democrats hear is the party uniting around the vice president.

Delegate endorsements  which are not binding  continue to come in.

How Harris and her allies mobilized

Joe Bidens 1:46 p.m. ET Sunday announcement that he would not seek a second term ignited a frenetic push by Harris to consolidate the support of a party that had been in crisis in the weeks since the presidents dismal performance during his June 27 debate with Trump.

Harris knew what Biden had decided: Shed had multiple phone calls with Biden on Sunday, a person familiar with the matter said. Once the announcement came, Harris  wearing a hoodie from her alma mater, Howard University, workout sweats and sneakers  made more than 100 phone calls over 10 hours.

Alongside her family and staff, the vice presidents calls included lawmakers, governors and leaders of influential labor, advocacy and civil rights groups.

Those calls included former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The Clintons, in a statement Sunday, endorsed Harris; Obama did not, deferring to the partys process.

Harris also called her pastor, Amos Brown III, who, along with his wife, prayed over her, the source said. She ate pizza with anchovies  Harris go-to topping  for dinner.

In those phone calls, Harris made clear that while she was grateful for Bidens endorsement, she planned to earn the Democratic nomination in her own right. That echoes the statement she released following Bidens announcement to step aside.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, she wrote.

Harris supporters were also mobilizing.

Harris chief of staff Lorraine Voles and California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis led a call Monday morning with around 350 Democratic donors, fundraisers and supporters, a longtime Democratic fundraiser and supporter of Harris for many years told CNN. The source, who was on the call, said by gathering Harris core supporters from her previous campaigns and newly interested donors, they hoped to get everyone to row the right way.

The group Win With Black Women periodically holds Zoom calls  but the one that took place Sunday evening had a different tone, with 44,000 people joining, according to its leaders.

Longtime Democratic operative Donna Brazile said that she was in the process of gathering delegates to support Harris. I need all of you to sign your delegate pledge forms now, Brazile said on the call. She said voter registration and fundraising will be key in the days ahead.

Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser also spoke on the call.

I know what its like to be in the crosshairs of Donald Trump, she said. We have to defend our sister.

Former Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty and Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett were also among the speakers.

No serious challenger materializes yet

No serious challenger has emerged to take on Harris for the nomination ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which starts August 19 in Chicago.

Any challenge might need to materialize even faster: The Democratic National Committee is moving forward with a process that will determine the partys presidential nominee by August 7, party officials said Monday night.

Manchin, who had left the party earlier this year and is not seeking reelection, said Monday he will not rejoin the party and seek its nomination.

CNN has previously reported the West Virginia senator was considering re-registering as a Democrat to throw his hat in the ring. But in an interview with CBS News on Monday, Manchin said he will not be a candidate.

I could not believe that there was not going to be a primary process or a mini process. Other countries do it, Manchin said, adding that he believes Harris is too liberal but could be forced to the middle if she faces a challenge.

New York City Democratic Mayor Eric Adams announced his support for Harris in an interview with MSNBC on Monday, reversing course just hours after he told CNN, theres a process and were going to follow that process, to determine the partys nominee.

We need real, clear, leadership, and she understands it, Adams told MSNBC. She was in the position of looking over the border issue, so she understands some of the things that we need to do.

And he offered a stirring endorsement of Harris fitness to lead the ticket, urging advisers to let her be her.

Running mate jockeying begins

Democratic lawyers are beginning their work conducting a deep, yet truncated, vetting process for potential vice presidential hopefuls, two people familiar with the matter told CNN, with siloed teams being established for the leading prospective candidates.

Cooper, Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly are among the Democrats who have been asked to submit information about their finances, family histories and other personal details, two people familiar with the process said. They are part of a group that includes about 10 names, nearly all of whom are elected officials.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder and his law firm Covington & Burling will handle vetting for Harris running mate, a source familiar with the plans said.

The audition process is also playing out in public, with Cooper and Beshear appearing on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Monday  with the intent that Harris was watching. An aide said she caught at least part of the conversations.

Beshear, the two-term Kentucky governor, announced his support for Harris  and said he is open to joining Harris as her potential running mate, noting its flattering to be a part of the conversation about the vice-presidential nomination.

He also offered a window into how hed play the traditional attack-dog role of a running mate. At multiple points in the interview, Beshear attacked Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who has family ties to Beshears home state of Kentucky.

Let me just tell you that JD Vance aint from here, Beshear said, referring to his home state, taking issue with how Vance described Appalachia in his best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy.

Beshear also attacked Vance for past comments expressing support for strict restrictions to abortion access, while touting Harris record of supporting protections for reproductive health care.

JD Vance calls pregnancy arising from rape inconvenient, Beshear said. No, its just plain wrong. He suggests that women should stay in abusive relationships. Now listen, a domestic abuser isnt a man, hes a monster, and no one should support anyone having to stay in those relationships.

Cooper, the North Carolina governor who endorsed Harris on Sunday, also appeared on MSNBC on Monday, but deflected questions about whether he would be open to becoming her running mate.

I think its really important that we do keep the focus on her this week. The vice-presidential conversation needs to occur later, Cooper said. I want to make sure that Kamala Harris wins. Im going to work for her all over this country and do what I can to make sure we stop Donald Trump.

Whitmer, the Michigan governor, told a local reporter shes not planning to go anywhere when asked Monday if she would accept the vice presidential role if offered.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, meanwhile, told CNNs Dana Bash that obviously, if somebody asks, Id take a serious look at it, but that my phone hasnt rung yet.

If they do the polling and it turns out that they need a 49-year-old, balding, gay Jew from Boulder, Colorado, they got my number, Polis quipped.

This story and headline have been updated with additional reporting.

CNNs Jeff Zeleny, Jamie Gangel, Ebony Davis, Aaron Pellish, MJ Lee, DJ Judd, Eva McKend, Arlette Saenz and Alison Main contributed to this report.

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An electric vehicle charges at a public station in Henrico County, July 2020. (Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

The U.S. Supreme Courts recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine could impact environmental protections in Virginia  or not.

While the exact implications are unclear, attorneys with environmental organizations say the overturning could influence Virginias tailpipe emissions, but rules around keeping waterways clean appear to be on firmer ground.

Theres no question youre going to see more industry group challenges, said Trip Pollard, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.

The doctrine

The Chevron doctrine stems from a ruling thats been in place for decades and gives deference to agencies to interpret laws as they see fit when writing regulations.

But Last month, SCOTUS overturned that ruling by saying when a law doesnt clearly delineate authority, its up to the courts to decide how to interpret its meaning.

Of course, when faced with a statutory ambiguity in such a case, the ambiguity is not a delegation to anybody, and a court is not somehow relieved of its obligation to independently interpret the statute, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

Tailpipe emissions

On the environmental front, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys federal tailpipe emissions standards, expected to apply to Virginia next year, are one example of how protections could change.

Virginia was set to follow Californias tailpipe regulations after Democrats passed a law in 2021 tying the state to those standards, which are stricter than the federal rules. But in June, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that Virginia will revert back to the federal regulations.

Both the federal and California rules aim to cut down on tailpipe emissions by transitioning drivers to use electric vehicles, but environmental groups have said Californias faster pace of transition was needed to combate change. Republicans have pushed back against the transition because of the cost and lack of charging infrastructure concerns.

The federal rules could be scaled back even more though with a pending lawsuit against them, and Pollard said that the removal of the Chevron doctrine impact is immediate.

In an interview with Reuters, David Pettit, senior attorney for climate and energy with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said challengers will argue the EPA, did not have the legal ability to decide that the Clean Air Act covers [greenhouse gas] emissions from mobile sources, because it doesnt say that in the Clean Air Act.

Water protections

The federal legislation on protecting waterways is the Clean Water Act, which gives Virginia the authority to administer regulations alongside its own laws.

Its unclear how the authority delegated to Virginia under the CWA may be impacted without the Chevron doctrine, said Patrick Fanning, Virginia staff attorney with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

But one way the CWA applies to Virginia is through enforcement of total daily maximum loads (TMDLS) or plans to clean up polluted waterways. The TMDLS are seen as crucial components toward cleaning up rivers and streams that feed into the plagued Chesapeake Bay.

The Clean Water Act clearly states that once a waterway is listed as impaired, the EPA is able to impose clean up requirements, Fanning added.

Of course theres less specificity in the Clean Water Act than in the TMDL regulations, but the authority to do that is clear in the Clean Water Act, Fanning said.

Further, Virginia has its own State Water Control law, which is intended to be consistent with the federal laws, but doesnt appear to be in jeopardy.

Two previous cases in Virginia, Manassas Autocars, Inc., v. Couch and Commonwealth v. American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corp. in. 1960, give deference to DEQ to impose regulations from that law through the rulemaking process, Fanning added.

The Supreme Court of Virginia basically said construction of statutes by public officials, the state agencies that are charged with administering them, is entitled to deference from the court, Fanning said, while referencing the 1960 case.

Future changes

As a result of the removal of the Chevron doctrine, Pollard and Fanning say future federal laws will likely have specific stipulations, which may pose a challenge given Congress difficulty to pass a bill in general. Also, including specific regulations for toxic emissions limits may be hard if the level of toxic emissions is unknown

When congress passes something they dont and cant spell out every detail, Pollard said. Thats why we have these agencies with expertise in particular subject matter. They have their process for public input.

The number of legal challenges to regulations could also skyrocket, because a six-year statute of limitations was also changed with the loss of the Chevron doctrine. Previously, new rules could only be challenged within six years of their adoption. But now, a new business entity may be able to challenge a regulation that was crafted more than six years prior.

I think it creates a lot of uncertainty about things that had otherwise been well settled, said Fanning.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Millions have been awarded to the City of New Orleans by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for efforts to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

EPA officials awarded $49.9 million under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. New Orleans is one of three U.S. cities to receive funding.

The EPA reports the funding will support the efforts for the next five years and will reinforce New Orleans commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Part of Westbank Expressway closed due to downed power lines

As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change, this substantial funding will fuel seven pivotal greenhouse gas reduction measures that align with a cross-section of goals from the Citys Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Priority Climate Action Plan (SELA PCAP), said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Cantrell added that the grant also plays a significant part in the citys health and reaffirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity.

Congressman Troy Carter says that the grant will help to lessen the citys carbon footprint, promote economic and green job growth and create a healthier environment.

City officials say the funding is already dedicated to seven key projects that align with the citys Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Climate Action Plan:

Bike Share Expansion : Increasing the Blue Bikes bike share fleet to 2,000 and extending services to historically underserved areas

Commercial Building Benchmarking Program : Staffing and software to manage an energy benchmarking for commercial buildings

E-Bike Rebates Program : Offering 3,000 point-of-sale e-bike rebates over five years, with additional subsidies for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents

Municipal Building Decarbonization : Energy efficiency retrofits in 41 City buildings and installing rooftop solar panels on 14 municipal properties

Protected Bikeways : Constructing seven miles of protected bikeways adjacent to downtown New Orleans

Reforestation Plan : Planting 7,500 trees in underserved neighborhoods over five years

Solar for All (SFA) Local Subsidies: Providing subsidies for 1,400 solar installations for LMI households, supplementing state SFA funding

City officials say the projects will focus on high-impacted areas within the transportation and building sectors designed to deliver a high return on investment in GHG reduction, helping New Orleans achieve its climate goals and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed by Louisiana DNC Delegation for presidential nomination

This historic CPRG funding, the Citys largest ever investment in climate action, is a testament to our collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication to addressing climate change, said Office of Resilience & Sustainability Deputy Chief Resilience Officer Greg Nichols.

To read more about the project, visit the EPAs website.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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EPA provides $100 million grant to Arkansas three-district coalition, more than $45 million to central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A coalition representing roughly half of the Arkansas population has received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to improve the Natural States sustainability.

Metroplan announced the grant award for its Energy and Environmental Innovation for the Natural State proposal. The grant, which is actually $99,999,999, will fund coalition projects in central and northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.

Rock Region Metro set for federal $3 million-plus grant for low-emission busses

Officials said the coalition partnered with over 50 communities, agencies, and organizations across the three regions. Officials said the grant would be divided between regions based on population, with central Arkansas receiving $45.2 million, River Valley, representing Fort Smith, receiving $14.5 million, and northwest Arkansas receiving $36.25 million.

Metroplan Little Rock executive director Casey Covington outlined projects planned for the central Arkansas region as the organization prepares to announce its final plans next week.

Covington said $6 million of the regions $45.2 million has been allocated for land acquisition and conservation. Improvements for bike lanes and pedestrian walkways have $8 million allocated, with $5 million allocated to update existing street light systems with more modern and energy-efficient equipment such as LED bulbs.

Master plan for downtown Little Rock approved by city board of directors, needs funding

The Metroplan director added that the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport will receive $7.75 million to install a geothermal well field as an energy-efficient upgrade to its existing HVAC system.

Existing buildings in central Arkansas will have $7 million allocated for energy efficiency. Covington explained that the improvements would predominantly occur through Pulaski Countys PACE program, which provides loans to building owners that are paid back through the corresponding energy savings the funded projects provide.

Covington said transportation will receive specific funding in two areas: $2 million to support electric vehicle fleets, such as charging stations, and $1.5 million for E-bike incentives targeting low-income users.

All three regions have e-bike incentive programs.

State officials say air quality in central Arkansas may be unhealthy for some people

Pulaski County Judge and Metroplan Little Rock board president Barry Hyde called the award monumental in providing sustainability to the central Arkansas region.

I am thrilled the efforts of Metroplan, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Fort Smith have been recognized with the prestigious EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, Hyde said. This monumental award is not just a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship but also a call to action.

Metroplan releases regional outlook for Arkansas in 2024

The EPA announced $4.3 billion in grants nationwide on Monday. The Arkansas proposal was one of the 25 projects in 30 states funded by the agency.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
NEW YORK  New York City Mayor Eric Adams endorsed the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris Monday, adding to the growing chorus supporting her bid.

I think she is the voice that the party needs right now, the Democratic mayor said during an appearance on Morning Joe.

Adams, a retired police captain, cited Harris' history as a California prosecutor and her ability to staunch Democrats loss of Black and Latino voters as leading reasons she should become the partys nominee in the matchup with former President Donald Trump in November. (Harris is of Black and South Asian descent.)

Were hemorrhaging African Americans. Were hemorrhaging Hispanic voters. Were hemorrhaging those working class people who dont realize the Democratic Party has a good product, said Adams, who is a delegate for the party.

It was a shift from Sunday night when the New York City mayor declined to back Harris hours after President Joe Biden terminated his reelection campaign and endorsed his second in command.

Adams, while expressing support for Bidens now-defunct presidential bid, has repeatedly clashed with the White House over its response to the migrant crisis  an issue Harris directly oversaw.

The bitterness between the two administrations over the influx of asylum seekers became so pronounced that Bidens campaign dropped Adams as a top surrogate.

Speaking to a reporter Monday, Adams said he came around to Harris after chatting with Democratic leaders including Jay Jacobs, head of the New York State Democratic Party, and was open to helping in whatever capacity the Harris campaign might need.

"I'm a soldier," Adams said. "I do whatever the general tells me to do."
MUNCIE, Ind.  State Rep. Sue Errington has scheduled a town hall meeting for Friday, July 26, on plans by the Indiana Department of Education to restructure Indiana's high school diploma system.

The meeting, open to the public, will be 6-8 p.m. at Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road.

According to a release from Errington, a Muncie Democrat, the proposal calls for Indiana's high school diplomas to be designated solely as the "GPS Diploma" and "GPS Diploma Plus" starting with the Class of 2029.

"This would completely erase the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and the Core 40 with Technical Honors (diplomas)," the release said.

According to Errington, the changes would "reduce requirements for math, science, history, foreign language and health coursework and would require job shadowing or internships and apprenticeships, thus entirely restructuring high school education as we know it."

There would also be no academic honors diploma under the new plan, the release said.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Meeting set for July 26 on changes to state diploma system
A Doral councilwoman used her position to encourage business owners in the city to join a chamber of commerce where she was employed while discrediting a competitor, the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust concluded earlier this month.

According to a complaint filed on Feb. 5, Councilwoman Digna Cabral, who was vice mayor when the alleged incident occurred two years ago, used the city of Doral seal and city staff time and office supplies to discredit the Doral Chamber of Commerce, a competitor of CAMACOL Doral, where she served as chief executive officer. Cabral, 47, served as CEO of CAMACOL Doral from June 2022 to November 2023 on a voluntary, unpaid basis while also serving as a Doral council member.

El Nuevo Herald requested an interview with Cabral and sent questions via email last week, but her chief of staff stated that Cabral had COVID and ruled out the possibility of her responding. However, Cabral was seen at the Venezuelan Heritage Celebration at loanDepot Park in Miami over the weekend.

Doral Chamber of Commerce CEO Emmanuel Manny Sarmiento, who filed the complaint, told el Nuevo Herald that Cabral tried to damage his reputation and his chamber by claiming it wasnt a legitimate chamber of commerce in Doral. He said Cabrals actions not only harmed its reputation but also had economic impacts.

We founded this chamber 16 years ago with the sole intent to help the community, but they are trying to damage us, he said. I dont know why.

The Ethics Commission investigation suggested that Cabral on at least one occasion called a business, identified herself as vice mayor and discredited CAMACOLs competitor. The investigation explained that the letters sent by Cabral contained a direct endorsement of the entity for which she served as CEO by stating, The City of Doral has a partnership with the only community chamber that meets the proper requirements, CAMACOL-DORAL.

According to the Doral city clerk, the city does not have an official chamber of commerce, nor is there any ordinance or resolution supporting the claims Cabral made two years ago.

In a sworn statement to the Ethics Commission, Cabral stated that there were no resolutions or laws passed by the City Council to determine what the proper requirements were for a chamber of commerce, but she said, The City Council felt compelled to act and make sure businesses knew that CAMACOL was the only true chamber of commerce in the City of Doral.

At the time, then-City Attorney Luis Figueredo wrote a June 2022 legal opinion memorandum to Cabral regarding her employment with CAMACOL, specifically stating, You may not use City time, resources, or staff in furtherance of your outside employment.

However, in her sworn statement, Cabral confirmed that she had contacted the citys director of business development each month to obtain new information on businesses in the area.

After receiving the information from the Citys Director of Business Development, she then used City computers and printers to prepare letters to private businesses and mailed the letters using the City meter room for postage, the Ethics Commission found.

The Ethics Commission concluded Cabral used her position and City resources to benefit an entity for which she served as CEO, contrary to the Ethics Code. Cabrals motion to dismiss the complaint was denied, though the final order and stipulation are pending the signature of the Ethics Commission chair. She has 21 days to request a public hearing.

Cabral played a key role in ousting City Manager Barbara Barbie Hernandez earlier this year, proposing Hernandezs termination over allegations of her own conflict of interest. From January until June, the city had two interim city managers before hiring Rey Valdes, a retired major from the Miami-Dade Police Department, who served in Doral from 2018 to 2022 under Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez.

Cabral is among the council members challenging Mayor Christi Fraga after the city revoked lifetime pensions approved under Bermudezs government. The move resulted in a lawsuit from the four officials affected by the pension changes, including Bermudez, now a Miami-Dade commissioner. Fraga has called the pensions immoral.

READ MORE: Former Doral officials sue city for revoking their lifetime pensions. The mayor responds

In the ethics case involving Cabral, Fraga told el Nuevo Herald that she believes the tactics of attacking businesses are similar to those used by Commissioner Joe Carollo in the city of Miami and are not welcome in our city. Fraga emphasized the desire for a transparent city, with order and equal opportunities for everyone to work without dirty political strategies.

If elected officials believe they are above the law, it sets a dangerous precedent, she said.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Banri Kaieda, vice speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, met with Banri Kaieda, vice speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, in Beijing on Monday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that the maintenance and development of friendly and cooperative China-Japan relations conform to the fundamental interests of the two peoples and are conducive to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

China is ready to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continuously enhance political mutual trust, and abide by the principles of and consensus in the four political documents between China and Japan, he said.

China is also ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Japan in various fields, properly manage and handle sensitive issues, foster positive public opinion and social atmosphere, and push the sound and steady development of bilateral relations forward on the right track, Zhao said.

The NPC of China is willing to maintain friendly exchanges with the Japanese Parliament and strengthen exchanges at all legislature levels, and it welcomes Japanese lawmakers to visit and learn about a true China, he added.

Kaieda said the Japanese House of Representatives is willing to strengthen exchange with China's NPC, calling for peaceful coexistence, expanded people-to-people exchanges, and more cooperation in such areas as economy and culture. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Banri Kaieda, vice speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
The Council of the European Union for the first time approved assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Armenian Armed Forces with 10 million euros ($10.8 million), according to the council's July 22 statement.

Armenia has long maintained close ties with Russia but is now seeking to distance itself from Moscow. Russian "peacekeepers" did nothing to prevent Azerbaijan's lightning offensive into Nagorno-Karabakh last September.

Disappointed with Russia and fearing renewed hostilities with Baku, Yerevan has been turning West for new partnerships.

EU ambassadors approved the launch of a visa-free dialogue with Armenia last week and, for the first time in history, agreed to allocate military aid from the EPF to the country.

The EU's financial support aims to strengthen the Armenian Armed Forces' logistical capacity and contribute to improving civilian protection during crises and emergencies, according to the council's statement.

The aid will also help to accelerate the interoperability of Armenian forces in case the country may participate in future international military missions and operations, including those deployed by the EU.

"Security is an increasingly important element of our bilateral relations with Armenia. This European Peace Facility measure will further contribute to the country's resilience," the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said.

"We have a mutual interest to further scale up our dialogue on foreign and security policy, also looking into Armenia's future participation in EU-led missions and operations," Borrell added.

Despite ongoing talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, there are fears that Baku may launch a fresh offensive targeting Armenia itself. Azerbaijani officials have denied such intentions.

The European Peace Facility (EPF) was established in March 2021 to finance actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace, and strengthen international security and stability.

Ukraine also received financial assistance through this facility. Funding to the EPF is provided through tranches that individual member states can block.

Read also: Armenia to hold military drills with US amid worsening relations with Russia

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The EU Council has decided to change the EU status in the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U) from an associate member to a full member.

Source: European Commission

Details: The press release says that this decision aims to further strengthen the EU's commitment to the Register.

By becoming a full participant, the EU maintains and strengthens its commitment to ensuring that all violations of international law committed by Russia are duly compensated.

"The change of status also contributes to the financial stability of the Register as the Union commits to providing a mandatory annual financial contribution," the statement said.

Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, has welcomed the decision of the EU Council, which confirms and strengthens the EU's strong support for this mechanism.

"Russia must pay for the damage caused by its aggression against Ukraine. The Register of Damage constitutes an important step in that direction, by securely recording evidence and information on claims for damages, losses or injury suffered by Ukrainians for future adjudication and compensation," he said.

Background:

Last week, it was reported that the Register of Damage adopted new rules and application forms for those who want to receive compensation for damage caused by the Russian war.

The new application forms and rules are already available on the Register's website. Once the forms are implemented, applicants will be able to apply for 12 new categories.

It is expected that some of the new categories will be open for applications as early as August .

The first preparatory meeting on the establishment of a commission to review applications for Ukraine submitted to the Register of Damage Caused by the Russian Aggression against Ukraine was held in The Hague on 9-10 July.

The Commission will review the applications for compensation submitted and added to the Register of Damage, evaluate such applications and evidence, and determine the amount of compensation to be paid in each case.

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EU Council to discuss two issues on Ukraine on Monday

At a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, two main issues will be discussed regarding Ukraine: support for the Ukrainian energy system before the next winter and support for the capabilities of Ukrainian air defence.

Source: EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell in a comment to journalists before the meeting

Details: Borrell noted that the ministers would discuss how to avoid the complete destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure as a result of Russian attacks and mitigate the damage already caused before the onset of winter.

Quote: "70% of the power generation capacity in Ukraine has been destroyed. We are in the summer, but in the winter this will be much more difficult to bear. So, I will call the Member States to provide more support to rebuild and substitute the electricity grid [to ensure] more power generation."

More details: The second issue will be maintaining air defence capabilities. In this context, Borrell mentioned the Russian attack on the Okhmatdyt National Specialised Children's Hospital immediately after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's "peace visit" to Moscow.

"So, more air defence and more electricity generation capacity. These are the two calls the Member States will have to look at," he said.

Borrell said that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would join him at one point in the meeting.

Background:

Last week, it was announced that Lithuanian energy company Ignitis Gamyba would be transferring equipment from the Vilnius Third Combined Heat and Power Plant to Ukraine to help recover Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Poland appealed to the European Commission to supply electricity to Ukraine from its thermal power plants.

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EU foreign ministers on Monday were cautious about a suggested boycott of an upcoming informal meeting in Budapest, despite widespread anger at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's self-proclaimed "peace mission" to Moscow to end the Ukraine war.

EU diplomats began discussing a boycott after Orban's flurry of diplomacy that included visits to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The "ego trips of the last few days" have caused great irritation, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in Brussels on her arrival to a meeting of her EU counterparts.

Baerbock highlighted that the potential boycott was for top EU diplomat Josep Borrell to decide as he organizes gatherings of EU foreign ministers but did not say if she supported the idea.

The Gymnich, an informal gathering of EU foreign ministers, discusses wide-ranging policy issues and is scheduled to take place in Budapest in August under the EU's rotating presidency.

The boycott idea involved holding a foreign ministers meeting in Brussels at the same time in August.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel however criticized the plan and said that EU foreign ministers would end up in a game of "cat and mouse" with Budapest, searching for reasons not to attend.

"That's why I'd rather we go there and tell each other honestly: to our faces, without mobile phones, without employees, what we think of each other," he said.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said, "Spain is not in favour of a boycott either." Albares added that "there can be no boycott within the European Union."

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said Slovenia was not in favour either, unless there was a collective EU decision.

Borrell said before the meeting in Brussels that he would take on board the views of the EU foreign ministers before making his decision about Budapest.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock answers questions from journalists before the start of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Philip Dulian/dpa
European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday largely kept their tone diplomatic when asked about the United States presidential election, after US President Joe Biden announced that he will not seek a second term in November.

Foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, but the news of Biden's withdrawal overshadows the meeting. When asked about the matter by reporters, most ministers stuck to paying tribute to Biden while declining to comment on the November 5 US election.

However, Belgium's liberal Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib appeared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. "I wish all the best to - maybe - Kamala Harris, who will take the lead now for the Democrats. It's a woman. It's a strong woman, and I wish her all the best," Lahbib said.

Relations between the European Union and the United States soured under Trump's first presidency, and fears are rife across much of the bloc that a second Trump term could have far-reaching consequences for the war in Ukraine, global trade and European security in general.

But not all EU capitals are worried about a Trump comeback. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for instance, is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, and argues the former president would end the war in Ukraine.

Arriving at the meeting in Brussels on Monday, Latvia's centre-right Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said: "We will work with whoever is democratically elected in the US." She added: "Let's remember the Trump administration previously was actually good for European defence. They put more money, more troops in Europe."

"I don't expect any surprises" if Trump wins, Braze said. Nevertheless, "it's going to be different if that happens," she added.

Most refused to be drawn on the election when asked on Monday, including EU foreign afairs chief Josep Borrell. "It is for the US citizens to decide. I don't want to interfere," Borrell said. "I don't think it's our role to go and tell the Americans what to do or to express preferences for one or the other."

Ministers began the meeting by renewing punitive sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which were first imposed in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is leading an effort to increase ammunition deliveries to Ukraine. Ahead of the meeting, Czech Defence Minister Jan Lipavsky told reporters that the first 45,000 shells were delivered in June, and that Prague hopes to deliver 800,000 grenades this year "if we can find the money."

Eighteen countries have pledged financial support for the Czech initiative but only 15 have delivered, a Czech official said.

During the meeting, ministers are expected to draw attention to Orban's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which irritated EU leaders backing Ukraine's defensive war against the Russian invasion.

Orban called the trip a "peace mission," but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday called it an "appeasement mission."

Orban also recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At the beginning of the month, Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU, which changes hands every six months and involves chairing most policy discussions among ministers - though not on foreign affairs - and handling relations with other EU institutions.

Separately, Hungary is under pressure to lift its veto on the release of funds to support Ukraine's war effort.

The foreign ministers are due to discuss the EU's support to Ukraine, as well as the damage done to the country's energy infrastructure, which has come under attack from Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba plans to participate in the meeting by video link.

The talks are also expected to turn to the humanitarian situation in Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas war, as well as rising tensions on the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The EU is putting new pressure on Hungary's Orban over his outreach to Russia

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, right, reads a document as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, July 22, 2024. European Union foreign ministers on Monday meet to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

BRUSSELS (AP)  Hungary won't be allowed to host a strategic EU meeting next month because of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans self-proclaimed peace mission trips to Moscow and Beijing this month aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine, which EU partners overwhelmingly saw as undermining their support for Kyiv.

We have to send a signal, even if it is a symbolic signal, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Monday in Brussels, explaining why he had decided that the upcoming foreign and defense ministers' meeting would take place in Brussels instead of Budapest.

Hungary currently holds the rotating EU presidency, and as such had expected to host the annual late August gathering known as the Gymnich in late August. This gathering should now be held in the EU capital in September, Borrell announced.

Orban is seen as having the warmest relationship with Russia in the EU and is largely politically isolated in his stance on the Ukraine war. His government has held up sanctions on Moscow and huge tranches of military aid for Kyiv agreed by all other partners.

Before the decision was announced, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that the idea of moving the August meeting from Budapest to Brussels was a case of fantastic revenge. Szijjarto slammed what he called a concerted, hysterical, often mocking series of attacks on Orbans recent surprise meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jingping.

Only Slovakias deputy foreign minister had vocally offered support to Hungarys peace mission, he noted. Speaking ahead of Borrells announcement, Szijjarto nonetheless signaled that he would still attend if the meeting were to be relocated to Brussels.

Borrell said Monday that while condemnation of Hungarys recent behavior was widespread, the other EU member states had been divided between those who wanted to attend in Budapest and those who did not. Ultimately he said it was within his power to decide.

The nationalist Orban startled his EU counterparts with the appearance that he was speaking for the 27-member bloc during his meetings with Putin and Xi. Orban said he was seeking the quickest path to peace in Ukraine and portrayed himself as uniquely positioned to communicate with both warring parties.

Other EU leaders insisted that Orban was not representing them at the meetings, and in response, some EU nations as well as the European Commission said their top officials would boycott informal EU meetings hosted by Hungary and send civil servants instead.

Hungary took over the six-month rotating role July 1, and since then Orban has visited Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, China, and the United States on a world tour hes touted as peace mission aimed at brokering an end to Russias war in Ukraine. Orbans critics accuse 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 toward Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

___

Justin Spike in Budapest contributed.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  On Sunday night, the Salt Lake City Police Department informed residents that all previous evacuation orders that were associated with the Sandhurst Fire had been lifted.

Officials warned that re-entry was conditional, and said residents should continue to be prepared to evacuate if needed. Residents were also advised to follow Utah Fire Info on social media for more updates.

PREVIOUS STORY: Wildfire breaks out on Ensign Peak near Utah State Capitol building

Officials with the Sandhurst Fire incident management team were working on drafting the conditions that would reinstate an evacuation order on Sunday night, SLCPD said in a press release.

After strong efforts by firefighting resources on the Sandhurst Fire, containment has been reached on the southern perimeter, police said in the release.

SLCPD said it consulted with the incident commander over the fire, and the fire managers feel confident that the Sandhurst Fire would not progress toward the nearby community.

Officials explained which evacuation orders were lifted, saying the following:

This includes the mandatory evacuation order for residents north of Dorchester Drive, including Twickenham Drive and the voluntary evacuation of the neighborhood west of East Capitol Boulevard and east of Victory Road. Salt Lake City Police Department

While the evacuation orders have been lifted, non-residents are still being asked to avoid the area to ensure firefighting resources are not inhibited.

Trail closures near the fire  for Ensign Peak, Tunnel Springs, and the part of Bonneville Shoreline Trail closest to the fire  were still in effect at the time the evacuation orders were lifted.

According to the Utah Wildfire Dashboard, the human-caused Sandhurst Fire was estimated to be at a size of 204 acres and 10% contained as of Sunday night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
EVANSVILLE  Records unsealed Monday in the murder of 37-year-old Joshua A. Seymour, who was found dead from a gunshot wound last week inside an East Louisiana Street home, raised questions about how a supposed heated argument escalated into deadly gunfire.

A U.S. Marshals Service Task Force on Saturday apprehended the man accused of shooting Seymour, 54-year-old Martin K. Miniard, during an operation in Posey County.

Miniard was charged with felony murder, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers told the Courier & Press on Saturday, but documents describing Miniard's alleged involvement in Seymour's killing were under seal through the weekend and not publicly accessible.

Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed, of Vanderburgh County's circuit court, granted prosecutors' request to unseal the records Monday morning. The evidence and eyewitness testimony cited in a sworn affidavit presents a gruesome and at times confounding narrative about what happened inside 302 E. Louisiana Street just after a woman, Miniard's alleged girlfriend, dialed 911 around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

An Evansville Police Department cruiser parked along East Louisiana Street as officers and detective conduct a death investigation Tuesday, July 17, 2024.

A bloody scene and a shotgun blast

Miniard's supposed girlfriend, whom the Courier & Press is not naming because she has not been charged with a crime, told Evansville Police Department Detective Kayleigh Hastings that Seymour was homeless and that she let him stay at her home "off and on," Hastings wrote in an affidavit filed in support of Miniard's charging.

The woman told Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch that she arrived home Tuesday evening and found Seymour suffering from a gunshot wound. When responding officers got to the small, shotgun-style house in central Evansville, they encountered a bewildering scene.

"(Seymour) was between the stove and the set wall of the kitchen," Hastings wrote. "There was a large amount of blood covering the stove. There was what appeared to be blood splattered across the kitchen floor, on the back door, and on the set wall."

Seymour, who was lying in the kitchen near the home's back door, "had a large amount of blood on his body and the area surrounding his body," Hastings added. Seymour appeared to missing one of his thumbs, and investigators attributed his wounds to a shotgun blast.

Woman tells police shooting came after heated argument

During an interview at the EPD's downtown headquarters, Miniard's alleged girlfriend appeared to present a rambling narrative in response to detectives' questions, with Hastings noting in the affidavit that her interviewee "would often lower her head and close her eyes," prompting admonishments to stay awake.

But when asked to recount what happened that day and night, the witness reportedly said she was in a relationship with Miniard, whom she claimed was a married man. After the pair ate dinner on Tuesday, the woman said they retired to their bedroom to discuss their relationship.

"She had been tired of Marty (Miniard) dating her while still married to his wife," the affidavit states. "(She) reported she began to throw his things away while they were both in the room. She then became upset and decided to take a walk."

As Miniard's girlfriend exited the home, she reportedly spotted Seymour entering through the residence's backdoor: "She explained that Joshua (Seymour) was staying with her off-and-on and that it was not unusual for him to just enter her home," Hastings wrote.

As she continued to walk away, the woman claimed she heard a "boom" and then saw Miniard approaching and telling her to call an ambulance. Detectives wrote that Miniard allegedly fled the area in a Dodge Caravan, a vehicle whose make and model were later allegedly observed by the police at an address linked to Miniard.

Male witness claims Miniard shot Seymour at close range

On Thursday, detectives interviewed a man whose name was listed on a debit card crime scene technicians had earlier recovered from 302 E. Louisiana St., according to the affidavit. The man reportedly told the police that Miniard's girlfriend was the father of his son.

And, according to Hastings, the man claimed he was inside the home Tuesday night and saw Seymour get shot and knew who shot him. It all came after the argument described to police earlier, the man reportedly said.

"He stated he heard some yelling from downstairs but did not come down until (Miniard's girlfriend) yelled for him to do so about four times," Hastings wrote.

When the man came downstairs, he claimed to have observed "Stump" - an alias for Miniard - sitting at the kitchen table staring squarely at Seymour, who was seated in another kitchen chair near the home's back door.

"(The man) reported that 'Stump' was holding and pointing a shotgun straight at (Seymour)," the affidavit states. "(The man stated he put himself between 'Stump' and (Seymour)."

During a brief conversation in which the man said he attempted to convince Seymour to leave, Miniard allegedly opened fire, striking Seymour. Hastings wrote that the man claimed Miniard said the words, "I shot him," moments later, but the affidavit has little to say about any possible motive.

As the man, Miniard's girlfriend and at least one other person began walking toward a nearby gas station to dial 911, Hastings wrote that the man observed Miniard exiting the East Louisiana Street home "with the shotgun and belt of shotgun shells" before driving off in the Dodge minivan.

A "sawed-off" shotgun and a photo lineup

A search of 302 E. Louisiana Street turned up useful evidence, according to the affidavit: There were two "pieces" of a shotgun recovered from a kitchen chair, including the weapon's barrel and a "handle." Hastings wrote that the "action part" of the shotgun was missing.

All legally manufactured and commercially sold firearms in the United States are stamped with a serial number, according to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The organization Forensic Resources wrote in a 2019 report that shotguns commonly feature a serial number inscription "on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard."

Public court records do not state whether investigators were able to track and trace the shotgun components recovered from the home. But detectives believe the weapon could have been altered.

The male witness reportedly told investigators that the pieces, when assembled with the missing part, appeared to comprise a "sawed-off shotgun that looked like a pistol," with the witness adding that he believed the weapon was "illegal," Hastings wrote.

Before securing a warrant for Miniard's arrest, which a U.S. Marshals Service Task Force executed Saturday in Posey County, Hastings said he asked the male witness if he knew "Stump's" real name, to which the man reportedly said it was "Martin Miniard."

"I then presented him with a photo lineup where he was able to positively identify Martin Miniard as the person who shot Joshua Seymour," Hastings concluded in their sworn affidavit.

Douglas Brown, a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office, told the Courier & Press Miniard would appear in court by video at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Miniard affidavit unsealed for Evansville killing of Joshua Seymour
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Discussions of a new power station in a northeast Kansas neighborhood is causing some local controversy.

Evergy is proposing a revised application for a new switching station right across from the Konza Prairie next to the Riley County Commission. An Evergy spokesperson said the companys goal is to continue providing the community with the power it needs now and supporting its future growth.

The proposed site is west of the McDowell Creek Road and the Konza Prairie Lane intersection. Evergy provided us with before and after mockups of what the construction will look like when it is complete.

Kansas Demon Brigade returns home after deployment in Europe

The switching station is a necessary part of expanding Evergys power grid, but figuring out where to put it takes a lot of energy. Manhattan resident and board member of Friends of Konza Prairie, Ryan Klataske, is concerned about a station like this coming to the protected Konza Prairie.

Its natural and cultural heritage will be impacted significantly, Klataske said. Local people will have this, the spearhead of industrialization into this valley right here within The View shed of the Konza Prairie biological station, which is one of our states most important protected areas.

Last year, the Riley County Commission denied Evergys proposal to build an electrical switching station in Manhattan across the street from the Konza Prairie, and now Evergy is trying again. Amanda Webb, the Riley County Planning Director, spoke with us about their revised application and its current status as of July 2024.

Theyve actually made some pretty decent significant changes in response, Webb said, It has been reviewed by the Riley County planning board.

However, she mentioned that the planning board suggested a denial as they did for the first proposal, but the commission would need to make that final decision.

Evergy has proposed moving the station 1,000 feet north of the initial site. The energy company says this switching station is needed for the future of the power grid, but locals are pushing back.

I think this is an important opportunity for everyone, Klataske said. Not just in this valley and in Manhattan, but also throughout Kansas, to really come together and say that this is a valuable resource for all of us. Its a shared and treasured natural and cultural resource that we should all come together to protect.

Pres. Biden grants request for disaster declaration in Kansas

At the public hearing on Sept. 12, 2024, the Riley County Board of County Commissioners could either approve or deny the proposal. Another option is to table the issue and make the decision at a later meeting.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- A decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the initiative of building a China-Latin America community with a shared future for the first time at the China-Latin American and Caribbean Countries Leaders' Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil.

"The fact that the leaders of China and so many Latin American and Caribbean countries are gathering here is in itself of historic and global significance," he said.

Recalling Xi's speech, Fausto Pinato, president of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front of the Brazilian National Congress, said China's proposal to build a community with a shared future has demonstrated its important commitment to the region, based on a multilateral vision of the world.

"The partnership between China and Latin America is a clear example of how international cooperation can generate important benefits for all parties involved," he said.

PARTNERS FOR COMMON DEVELOPMENT

The shared dream and pursuit have brought China and Latin America closely together, said Xi ten years ago. Ever since then, both sides have been constantly moving even closer to each other.

Both China and Latin American states are developing countries and emerging economies at an important stage of development and revitalization.

China prizes its relations with Latin America, and has always regarded Latin American countries as important partners in consolidating the unity of developing countries and promoting South-South cooperation.

In June this year, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid her first state visit to China, bringing a delegation of key cabinet members and representatives from the economic sector.

In an interview, she talked about her vision for Peru's development -- "a country where children have a future," "reduce poverty," "no more hunger" ... After visiting Shenzhen, Shanghai, Suzhou and other places in China, she gained a personal experience of the achievements and prospects of the Chinese modernization, and also saw hope for her country's future.

Over the past decade, China and Latin America have maintained close high-level exchanges and strategic communications, injecting constant impetus into the China-Latin America comprehensive cooperative partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and common development.

Since 2023, Xi has interacted with the heads of state of Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and other Latin American countries, either in face-to-face meetings or through letters, messages and phone talks. "Cooperation" and "development" have been the most frequently used words on these occasions.

In recent years, five Latin American countries, namely Panama, Dominica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras, have established or restored diplomatic ties with China. China and an increasing number of Latin American partners are working together to create a new pattern of China-Latin America relations featuring sincerity and mutual trust in politics, win-win cooperation in economy and trade, mutual learning in people-to-people exchanges, close coordination in international affairs, and mutual enhancement of overall cooperation and bilateral relations.

For Penildon Silva Filho, a professor at the Federal University of Bahia, the intense visits of heads of state and senior officials from Latin American countries to China confirmed once again the trend of "Looking to the East."

"China's relationship with Latin America is part of a new framework, in a new situation, in the creation of a multipolar world. Asia is today the great economic engine of the planet. So, in this sense, a greater relationship is justified between Latin American countries and China," said Silva Filho.

BOOMING TRADE TIES

China and Latin America have enjoyed strong economic and trade complementarities, making them natural trade partners. China has been Latin America's second-largest trading partner since 2012. The trade volume between China and Latin America last year exceeded 489 billion U.S. dollars.

In recent years, China-Latin America economic and trade cooperation has expanded from traditional fields to new energy, digital technology, and cross-border e-commerce, among others.

China has inked free trade agreements with Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Nicaragua. So far, China's number of free trade partners in Latin America is second only to Asia.

This year, China held the fifth round of negotiations on the China-Honduras Free Trade Agreement and completed substantive negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement with Peru.

China-Latin America financial cooperation continues to deepen, and the internationalization of the Renminbi is steadily advancing in Latin America. China has signed bilateral currency swap agreements with the central banks of Argentina and Chile.

Chinese banks, including the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, have opened branches in many Latin American countries.

Renzo Burotto, a historian from the University of Chile, said that the economic and commercial relations between China and Latin America are highly complementary.

China is one of Latin America's main trade partners, a supplier of goods and capital, and a strategic partner for the development of industries such as renewable energies, Burotto said.

BELT AND ROAD

Xi has stressed on many occasions that China is willing to work with Latin America to promote the Belt and Road cooperation to further bilateral ties.

So far, 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China, which has benefited the people of those countries.

For instance, Botopasi, a remote village in central Suriname, used to experience frequent power outages and dozens of villages in the region had long relied on diesel power generation, with electricity available for only a few hours each day.

With the help of Chinese workers, this situation has improved. Village by village, they have built microgrid photovoltaic hybrid power stations for the region, bringing 24-hour electricity supply to thousands of locals.

Projects jointly built under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the Belo Monte Hydropower Plant ultra-high-voltage transmission line project in Brazil, Argentina's Belgrano Cargas railway and the Jamaica North-South Highway, have greatly benefited local people and beyond.

In recent years, bilateral Belt and Road cooperation has grown increasingly green.

In Peru, the main mobile equipment of the Chancay Harbor project under construction by Chinese enterprises is driven by pure electricity, reducing the idle consumption of related equipment through intelligent systems. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate built by Chinese enterprises has become the first industrial park in Latin America to be covered by a 5G network and is also equipped with solar street lights, high-standard sewage treatment systems and other environmental protection facilities.

Fernando Fazzolari, a member of the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, said the Belt and Road cooperation has been popular in Latin America and the Caribbean due to its adherence to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and its focus on mutual benefits.

"VISITING RELATIVES AND FRIENDS"

"Although China and Latin America and the Caribbean are far apart geographically, there is a natural feeling of affinity between our peoples," President Xi said during his Latin America trip ten years ago, describing it as "visiting relatives and friends."

Over the past decade, within the framework of the China-Latin America Forum, China and Latin America have built a comprehensive, multi-level, and wide-ranging dialogue and cooperation network, with exchanges between people on both sides increasing.

Since the beginning of this year, the first China-Latin American and Caribbean States Space Cooperation Forum has been held successfully; a new batch of agricultural cooperation projects has been planned at the China-LAC Agricultural Ministers' Forum.

Besides, China has recently added or resumed several direct flights to countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba, to facilitate personnel exchanges.

Raquel Leon de la Rosa, an expert on China issues from the Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico, believes that this reflects "greater dynamism" in terms of economic, cultural, political and technological cooperation.

"These flights allow us to reduce, as best as possible, these geographical distances that may exist, and this opens an important communication and connectivity channel," De la Rosa said. 
Ex-NYPD cop bought second home in Texas to be near sex abuse victim, feds say

NEW YORK  A former Staten Island cop facing child porn and child sex abuse allegations bought a second home in Texas so he could be closer to one of his young victims, the feds say in new court filings.

Ex-NYPD Officer Christopher Terranova, 34, now faces federal charges in connection with four young boys, two of whom he enticed into sexual activities, according to a new indictment filed in Brooklyn Federal Court earlier this month.

The most recent charges focus on a teenage boy living in Texas, who was 15 when Terranova started pursuing him, the feds allege in a Friday court filing.

He met the youth through social media, and enticed the boy to send explicit photos on Snapchat and live-stream sex acts on Facetime, according to the feds.

Terranova also traveled to Texas several times for sexual encounters, and even purchased a second home in Texas that was a few minutes away from [the teens] residence at the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Shanies wrote Friday. The alleged abuse took place between December 2019 and September 2022.

Terranova, who joined the NYPD in 2011, was initially arrested on Staten Island in May 2023, on state charges of dissemination of indecent material to a minor and acting in a manner injurious to a child under age 17.

The troubles started piling on from there, starting with more charges last July and a federal indictment in December.

After his arrest, police found materials about the Texas victim  photos, info about his likes, dislikes, religion and family, and letters  in a locked safe in his home, the feds allege.

In all, hes charged with crimes against four young boys, including the Texas teen, according to a July 10 superseding indictment.

He contacted one of his victims, a 15-year-old boy who was robbed on Staten Island in March 2023, after looking up the teens info in an NYPD database that had his cellphone number, the feds say.

Hey. its Chris Terranova the cop you met at the 121 that day with mom, i just wanted to reach out to see if you were doing ok after the incident, I hate seeing these things happen to good Guys like yourself, he texted the boy, according to court documents.

The boys parents knew him from their neighborhood and ran into him at the 121st Precinct in Graniteville when they went to report the crime, the feds allege.

Terranova then struck up a social media conversation with the teen, steering the topic to sex and pornography, and eventually sent an explicit photo of himself, writing, See its nothing. Your turn, the feds allege.

Terranovas lawyer, Vinoo Varghese, filed a motion last month to have the charges dismissed for three of the four teens, arguing the feds dont have the jurisdiction to prosecute because the alleged acts dont affect interstate commerce.

We moved to dismiss three of the four charges in the original indictment on the grounds that conduct that occurred purely in Staten Island had no federal nexus, he said. The government responded by adding two new charges involving a fourth minor. Chris denies engaging in any illegal conduct. We are reviewing the governments response and will reply appropriately.

Terranova was suspended after his arrest. He left the force in September, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

He remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Watch the Digital Desk with Benjamin Melusky, Ph.D. in the video player.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  On Sunday, President Joe Biden released a statement announcing he was ending his bid for reelection.

Benjamin Melusky, Ph.D., Old Dominion University Associate Professor of Political Science, joined the Digital Desk to discuss the latest news. Watch the segment in the video player on this page.

Melusky discussed the reaction to the historical moment.

We knew going into the weekend there were some signs, Melusky said.

According to Melusky, signs included public and private calls for Biden to exit. Also, a campaign event in Ann Arbor, Michigan was canceled over the weekend, with First Lady Jill Biden having been scheduled to attend.

He [Biden] was becoming more politically isolated by the day, Melusky said, COVID of course not helping that.

Then, Sunday afternoon, the historic decision took place.

Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake

It seems that this was very much, just the natural course of these actions, Melusky said. It was a pressure release as the president ultimately withdrew his nomination.

Later Sunday, Biden announced his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to run.

Harris released a statement saying, I am honored to have the presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Local political analyst reacts to President Joe Biden pulling reelection bid

Monday morning, Harris made her first public appearance since Bidens announcement. In an event at the White House for NCAA athletes, Harris spoke about Bidens legacy. She did not speak about her own campaign.

Harris to make first public appearance since Biden bow out

In the last 24 hours, Harris team has raised more than $81 million, according to campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz.

Kamala Harris smashes fundraising record with stunning $81 million haul over 24 hours

On X, Harris wrote she was heading to Wilmington, Del. Monday afternoon to say hello to campaign staff.

Some Democratic leaders are waiting to announce support for a Democratic candidate.

Its not unexpected, Melusky said. Youve seen amongst the media and social media, the presidents withdrawal is being framed as something, youve seen words like courageous. Theyre proud of the President for doing this.

Melusky said politicians are trying to take control of the narrative and the framing.

There is at least, on the opposition side, theres an opposite framing going on where this is, he was forced out, Melusky said. Youre hearing some dissenters on the Democratic side and the Republican side trying to take advantage of it, saying it was a non-Democratic way.

Monday afternoon, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) announced her support for Harris to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Pelosi said in a statement.

Pelosi endorses Harris as Democratic nominee

The latest set of polling data shows Trump and Harris in a close race, in a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 presidential election.

Emerson College/The Hill poll: More eyes on Virginia ahead of 2024 election

I always tell my students and tell people consider polling what we say, its not a forecast its a now cast, Melusky said. Its right now, how people are thinking about the candidate in that moment, in that context.

Melusky said we will have to wait a little bit to see how the context changes, and see what the polling data says.

There will be a little bit of lag in the polling as it normalizes, and then we can start to see how she [Harris] really is going to matchup and also how shell match up if you have some third party candidates on the ballot, Melusky said.

Whats to come?

On Wednesday, the Democratic National Committee Rules Committee will meet to discuss the framework to select a nominee.

Potential candidates for vice president have been raised across the news. Eyes are turning to who will join Harris if she is on the ticket.

Weve seen a lot of names short-listed of governors and senators that are either in swing states or theyre kind of like that, Joe Manchin, youre a Democrat in a Republican state, Melusky said. Youre showing you can win in a more moderate context.

According to the Associated Press, possible candidates include Kentucky governor Andy Beshear, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Az.) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Whos No. 2? Four leading Democrats emerge as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris

Watch the full Digital Desk segment in the video player on this page to hear more from Melusky.

Check back on WAVY.com for the latest updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A roll of I voted stickers at the Sugar Maple Square voting location in Bowling Green on primary Election Day, May 21, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Kentuckians should be proud that Secretary of State Michael Adam received a Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Foundation for protecting access to the ballot and ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of democracy.

In a time of rampant election denialism and threats against election workers, this state in 2021 expanded voting access while many Republican-controlled states pushed ways to restrict it. House Bill 574 allowed ballot drop-boxes, countywide voting centers, and in-person voting for three days, including a Saturday, before Election Day.

Adams, who faced down opposition from within his party, accepted the honor last month on behalf of the election officials and poll workers across America who sacrifice to keep the American experiment in self-government alive.

Yet our democracy also includes the right, even the responsibility, to challenge government policies. Thats what Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC) is doing with its June 28 federal lawsuit against the states process of removing voters from the rolls.

So far, Adams and other election officials have overreacted to the groups reasonable concern  one that legislators could easily address.

The problem: Kentucky does not notify people when they are dropped from voter rolls or allow them time to respond, as required by the 1993 federal National Voter Registration Act. While the federal law allows some flexibility in how states purge voter rolls, it outlines a process of providing written notice and even time to determine if a person votes in the next federal election.

Kentucky law allows administrators to remove voters without any notice, opportunity to respond or waiting period, which could lead to eligible voters being wrongly and unlawfully removed, the grassroots advocacy group said in a news release. A 2023 amendment to the election law requires purging within five days of receiving notice that a voter has registered in another state, The lawsuit asks for an injunction prohibiting the state from canceling voter egistrations until lawmakers can modify the law.

The notion that were disenfranchising people is absolutely ridiculous, Adams told Spectrum News. What were doing is preventing fraud, and we have an effort by this shady group that is trying to make it able for people to vote in multiple states at the same time.

Looking forward to challenging the lawsuit in court, Adams said: Weve taken 400,000 voters off the rolls in four years, and we havent gotten a single complaint, not once.

No complaints, however, does not necessarily mean no mistakes. What would it hurt to send notice of expungement, just in case another states records are wrong?

Also, there is nothing shady about KFTCs four decades of advocacy, community organizing and voter registration. In other comments, Adams described the nonpartisan group, with more than 14,000 members statewide, as fringe left-wing activists aiming to sow chaos and doubt in our elections.

As the recent attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump illustrates, our country has entered a fraught election season. Partisan groups are gearing up to aggressively monitor the polls, challenge individual votes, and block certification of elections. Trump supporters who launched an insurrection after embracing the conspiracy of a stolen 2020 election, now threaten civil war after another possible loss.

In response, 12 states and Washington, D.C., have banned firearms near polling sites. Since 2022, 20 states have passed laws to protect public officials and election workers from doxing, threats of violence and interference with their duties. Kentucky is not one of those states. Republican political dominance reduces the likelihood of being a battleground state during federal elections.

With little conflict over state election processes, the KTFC lawsuit is seen by Adams as an attack on a national success story. However, it simply points out one aspect of state law that needs changing to ensure no citizen is unfairly denied the constitutional right to vote.

Taking the extra step of notification doesnt require much courage  just common sense.

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Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line near Toretsk

Editors note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only.

DONETSK OBLAST  There was already little resembling a road in front of the driver by the time the old pickup trucks headlights were shut off.

From here up until the drop-off point, he navigates by memory only: the crescent moon hanging over this part of Donetsk Oblast isnt enough to illuminate the mangled dirt tracks that lead to the zero line.

Passing on by radio that he has turned on the trucks electronic warfare device, the driver carefully navigates the darkness to the sound of tired, bent brake discs rubbing on the wheel.

Then, the transfer: greetings of Wish you health (Ukrainian military salute) exchanged with the waiting soldiers on their way out to the shift change, backpacks and rifles thrown in the back of the truck.

Finally, a short, brisk walk begins, along a line of dead, burnt-out trees decorated in faded green summer foliage.

Marked by a weak red headlamp, the entrance to the positions leads to a long earthen walkway fitted out with wooden planks on each side.

At the end of the walk, the path dips underground, as camouflage netting appears overhead.

These trenches are the last positions held by Ukrainian forces: over the top of the sandbagged firing points is no mans land, a phrase which keeps all the meaning it acquired in World War I: the gray zone between warring sides, where any movement makes you a target.

Just 150 meters across the uneven ground, in positions that likely look very similar, are Russian soldiers.

Ukrainian soldiers at infantry positions near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

These positions defend the northern flank of the mining city of Toretsk, which spent most of Russias full-scale war in relative calm despite the proximity of the front line.

The sector is manned by Ukraines 28th Mechanized Brigade, one of the countrys most experienced fighting units, which, after playing a leading role in the liberation of Kherson, has been stationed here for over a year and a half.

Having defended the southern flank of Bakhmut with distinction and taken part in limited counteroffensive operations last summer, the brigade settled into a stable defense as Russia focused its efforts elsewhere.

Over the last month, the winds began to change.

Although the unblocked U.S. military aid has started to arrive in Ukraine and Russian forces were stopped in their tracks in Kharkiv Oblast, Moscow has continued to press forward in Donetsk Oblast, looking to capitalize on Kyivs ongoing manpower issues.

Taking advantage of a botched rotation of two Ukrainian brigades, Russian forces surged forward outside Toretsk in late June, beginning a new offensive that quickly overran defensive lines which had held strong since fighting in this area began in 2014.

Read also: Russias advance toward key eastern highway threatens Ukraines grip of Donetsk Oblast

Two and a half years after Russias full-scale invasion, the face of Ukraine's foot soldiers, facing the most consistent danger to life over time and suffering the highest casualties, has changed dramatically.

The men manning this position alone represent the diversity of todays Ukrainian infantry: from former contract soldiers who fought in Donbas before 2022, those sent to the infantry as punishment, those who came out of Russian occupation and signed up, and those who were simply mobilized.

In conditions marked by frightening new weapons of war, it is these people, living in trenches and dugouts like these for months on end, that are the keystone of the defense of the country as a whole.

Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr "Tsyrkul" looking onto no man's land at infantry positions near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

I saw them, I saw them, they showed themselves!

Clutching a thermal scope, 39-year-old Oleksandr Tsyrkul potters around the position with almost childlike excitement as the sky slowly grows lighter.

Looking carefully over the top through the bright green of the thermal scope, a bright-white spot sticks out from behind a slag heap, from which rounds can be seen firing up into the air at a low angle.

As pleased as he is to have spotted the enemy, it isnt immediately clear what exactly the little white dot represented. At dawn, when drones have greatly limited vision there is no obvious way of targeting whatever it is anyway.

A Ukrainian machine gun position in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

With a short but lean, hunched-over figure and an oversized helmet, Tsyrkul, who was drafted a year ago from a village near Vinnytsia, is a stark reminder that the average Ukrainian soldier is far from the super soldier often portrayed on recruiting posters.

Unlike in the first year of the war when tens of thousands of volunteers quickly flooded the ranks of new brigades, the bulk of the Ukrainian army is now made up of mobilized men from rural areas like Tsyrkul.

As he speaks, Tsyrkuls voice jumps effortlessly between bullish turns of phrase and somber reflection, between beaming grins and long, distant stares.

I think the war will end in 2025, maybe 2026, then things will get a little easier, he said, fidgeting endlessly with the muzzle of his rifle.

But even then I don't think I will go home straight away. If we all go home, they'll come right after us, someone needs to stay here.

Ukrainian soldier Yevhen "Jackie Chan" at infantry positions in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Infantry is where one day can last six months and six months can pass in a day, says Yevhen, the 28th Brigades press officer, as the first rays of sun begin to enter the trench.

July 2024 has been one of the hottest months on record in Ukraine, and few feel the heat more than the countrys infantry.

Despite the mercury rising quickly with the sun, the soldiers are lucky this time, as a cool, lazy breeze flows straight through the line of the main trench.

On the edge of the position are the firing points, easily accessible for soldiers to surveil their enemys movements.

Alongside the old Soviet-era light machine guns that normally adorn a trench like this, one of the positions hosts a modern new machine gun equipped with a remote, electronic aiming system.

The camouflage nets here are noticeably singed: just two days earlier, the position was targeted by Grad multiple rocket launcher fire, making a mess out of the trenches which quickly needed addressing.

The position is manned by seven infantrymen in total. Officially, they rotate sentry duty between them every three hours.

In reality, most people try to get more sleep when they get the chance, and when awake, will mill around under the net, drinking coffee, and passing the time on their phones.

Since last year, when most of them moved here, these positions have been their permanent home, through rain, hail, or shine: each man leaves the trenches for just one day a week to shower and purchase supplies.

Despite its location in the heart of Donetsk Oblast, this has been a quieter part of the front line for the better part of the last year, mainly due to the presence of the Siversky Donets-Donbas canal, which runs in between the two sides as a natural barrier to progress.

Further north, the same waterway, which Ukrainian forces fell back to last month, is now crucial to the defense of the city of Chasiv Yar.

Of course, they are not getting across the canal any time soon, said 40-year-old Oleksandr Dynia, but we shoot at each other in any case.

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Whether due to the canal, the clear skies, or more likely the extreme heat, the day is a quiet one.

Mortar and howitzer rounds whistle over the position at a steady interval, but nothing lands too close for comfort.

At this stage in the war though, the greatest immediate danger to infantry in positions like this is not traditional artillery, but drones.

Both Ukraine and Russia use a similar fleet of drones at the front lines: a mix of fixed-wing reconnaissance craft, civilian quadcopters repurposed for surveillance and bombing, and thousands of cheap, suicide FPV (first-person view) drones.

The quadcopters largely produce the same sounds no matter which side is flying them, but as the soldiers say, a drone flying parallel to Ukrainian trenches is usually a clear giveaway that the pilot is Russian, searching for a target.

You get used to everything that is flying around, said Dynia, sometimes you can hear it when it's coming for you, sometimes the sky just says hello.

An explosion from a Russian strike at the front line in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

In conversation with every one of the infantrymen, one name constantly comes up in all their stories: Netailove.

Fifty kilometers southwest of here, the small village of Netailove is located in a completely different sector of the front line, just outside the destroyed and occupied city of Avdiivka.

In the spring of this year, their company was separated from the rest of its battalion and the 28th Brigade as a whole, sent to help stop the steady hemorrhaging of territory in the area that began after the fall of Avdiivka in February and continues to this day.

The decision, made by higher-ranking Ukrainian commanders who the soldiers here mockingly call geniuses, was emblematic of a systematic tendency to split brigades apart and micromanage down to the company level that has recently become a subject of common complaint from soldiers and analysts alike.

Caught under heavy bombardment and constant assault without being able to properly set up their positions and learn the lay of the land, the company (usually around 100 people at full strength but in practice often just a few dozen) suffered heavy casualties, with four killed and over a dozen wounded.

I didn't like quiet days before, because I hadn't seen death yet, pondered Tsyrkul at his firing position. But since I saw it (in Netailove), its better quiet than loud.

Since then, I often feel the need to sleep in my armor and helmet, I'm not joking he paused. I joke a lot, but not this time.

Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr "Tsyrkul" at infantry positions in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

As the Ukrainian army continues to grapple with a severe shortage of new infantrymen, increased scrutiny has been placed on how higher command makes use of the manpower that they do have available.

When mistakes are made or resources misused, the cost is measured in the lives of Ukrainian infantry lost unnecessarily, something the men here are all too familiar with.

We were transferred there and then we returned just like that recalled Dynia about his time in Netailove, pausing frequently, ...those of us that were left, I mean. Some of the guys lay down there and didnt get up... they were good guys, warriors, all of them, truly.

Dynia, a native of Kirovohrad Oblast in the countrys center, has one 19-year-old son, who came of age when the full-scale war had already begun.

What can I tell him about this? He is young, he has his own things going on in life, said Dynia about their wartime relationship.

We don't really talk... it would be nice if we could talk more often. I will just do what I can so that he doesn't end up here himself.

Oleksandr "Dynia" in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

In the early afternoon, Tsyrkul joins shift commander Mykola Koks to work on their ongoing DIY project: a new dugout for their position.

Just three days before, a targeted Russian drone attack set fire to their previous underground shelter, burning and collapsing it from the inside out.

Having a proper place to shelter in the face of sustained artillery fire and drone drops is more essential than ever; starting again from scratch, they must not waste any time.

Stripping down to their torsos in the face of the 35-degree heat, the two men install new wooden flooring crudely cut to size with a chainsaw.

This is the last wood that we are going to have here, said Koks. Its no longer possible to deliver it all the way to the zero, its too easy to spot.

Ukrainian soldiers at infantry positions in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Koks, a 42-year-old native of Zhytomyr with a bald head and a long, biker-style beard, has spent the whole of the full-scale war in this part of Donetsk Oblast.

First serving with a separate reconnaissance battalion, he was sent to the infantry a year ago as punishment, after a personal conflict with his commanders turned violent.

People say infantry is bad, but I prefer it here, he said, the command in this brigade is alright, we understand them and they seem to understand us.

Here, you don't feel used, you feel like you are treated like a person.

Koks previous experience and firm communication style led him to be chosen as the senior in command at this position.

It's not bad, I like it. Yes, they are killing us, but still he said, his speech tapering off.

When you share your last piece of bread or drop of water at the positions because they can't resupply us, when you find yourself in the middle of hell, you understand who your real brothers are, who the real men are. The real men are the ones that are here.

Ukrainian soldiers walk out of positions at dusk in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

As the clock nears 10 in the evening and the blood-red sun dips under the horizon in the rear, it is time to leave the positions, together with rifleman Ihor Fartovyi, (Lucky) whose turn it is to take a day off.

This time, there is no car to pick up the shift change, so the soldiers must hike about three kilometers out from the zero on foot to safety. On the way, other infantrymen rotating out from neighboring positions join the party.

Twisted carcasses of civilian cars  all destroyed by FPV drones  litter the roadside, a testament to the fact that front-line mobility is nothing like what it used to be.

Up ahead, a wall of dark smoke rises from behind in front of a large slag heap to the south.

This is the village of Druzhba, where just five kilometers away from these trenches, Russian forces are actively assaulting Ukrainian lines, and where losing territory could leave the infantry of the 28th exposed on their right flank.

Back at the units headquarters, 40-year-old company commander Oleksandr Chermet watches his sectors reconnaissance feed, where drones with thermal cameras have taken over the night shift.

Recently, the character of the fighting has changed in this area, we can see an escalation, said the commander, referring to the activation of the Toretsk front line.

The enemy is beginning to conduct assaults and trying to advance not too far from us, and we can see them preparing in our area too.

Ukrainian soldiers walk out of positions at dusk in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

With the coming of night, the soldiers on position are finally given some work: Chermet tasks the remote control machine gun to fire short bursts towards a dugout where movement was spotted.

The soldiers quickly send back videos recorded by the guns scope; the sound of the intermittent, automated bursts seems almost peaceful in the silent dugout.

In how he speaks about them, Chermet conveys care and concern for the men fighting under his watch.

But with that care comes the need to remain grounded in the painful reality of this war, an understanding that for now, there is no immediate way out of their predicament.

You can see that they are a bit tired, physically, mentally, but what can you do, we can't just retreat, he said.

Everyone understands this, and they give their all to make sure the enemy doesn't go further.

Ukrainian company commander Oleksandr at his headquarters in Donetsk Oblast on July 12, 2024. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Here, the commanders words echoed those of Tsyrkul, who had remained overnight at the zero:

It gets really scary here to be honest, especially when they tell you that they could be attacking very soon, he said, looking up at the evening sky.

For the moment, we are holding, and after that... well, after that, we will keep holding, I guess, for as long as we are alive.

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Francis Farrell, cheers for reading this article. I hope that news about Russia making gains across the front line hasn't come as a surprise to you. Things are moving fast, and not in the direction we would like, but whatever happens, we are dedicated to continue being Ukraine's voice to the world, no matter how dangerous and dark this war gets. Please consider supporting our reporting.

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Why wasnt a Secret Service agent posted on top of the roof where the 20-year-old shooter targeted Donald Trump? Have investigators reconstructed the shooters precise movements during that day? Did the perpetrator use a drone in his plot?

These were some of the questions posed by Rep. James Comer to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle during Mondays House Oversight Committee hearing designed to probe the assassination attempt of the former president just nine days ago.

The hearing, which spanned more than four hours, amounted to a rolling bipartisan congressional chorus of condemnation and exasperation with Cheatles leadership and transparency.

Cheatle did not provide many answers to Comer or any other lawmaker, leaning heavily on the explanation that the details around the Trump shooting are sensitive and still part of an ongoing investigation. But unlike other partisan Oversight hearings on Capitol Hill, Mondays inquisition featured skepticism from members of both political parties of the lone witness who refused to relinquish her position.

I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time, Cheatle said.

Comer, who called for Cheatles resignation, described the Secret Service as the face of incompetence in remarks that kicked off the tense hearing. The ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, concurred with Comers call for Cheatle to step down in a letter released following the hearing.

You know you screwed up when Comer and Raskin are [in agreement],GOP consultant Liam Donovan posted on X.

While Cheatle acknowledged the agency failed its no-fail mission of protecting top U.S. leaders on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, she said the agency was still compiling what caused the unprecedented breakdown in its security protocols.

The assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades, Cheatle testified.

But under questioning from Comer, she could not say why an agent was not on top of the building from which the shooter fired at Trump.

Were still looking into the advanced process, Cheatle said.

Cheatle testified the building was outside the perimeter of the rally on the day of Trumps visit. Some reports have pronounced that local authorities were tasked with securing those areas.

Comer also probed Cheatles assertion in a television interview that an agent wasnt placed on the shooters building because it had a sloped roof.

Theres a safety factor that would be considered there that we wouldnt want to put somebody up on a sloped roof, Cheatle told ABC News.

Do you fear that that immediately creates an opportunity for future would-be assassins to look for a slanted roof? Comer asked. There have been reports that agents were supposed to be on the roof, but it was hot that day and they didnt want to be on the roof. Can you answer any of those questions?

Cheatle said she should have been more clear about personnel placements in the ABC interview, but noted an overwatch plan was in place, which could involve counter-snipers and other technology.

When providing overwatch, Cheatle said, agents prefer to have sterile rooftops.

Cheatle could not confirm if the shooter used a drone in his plot and would not reveal the number of agents assigned to former President Trump on that day.

Comer complained about the lack of communication between the agency and his committee in the run-up to Mondays hearing, requiring him to issue a subpoena to compel Cheatles testimony.

The U.S. Secret Service, which is allocated an annual budget of $3.1 billion, protects 36 U.S. leaders on a daily basis in addition to heads of state who make visits to the U.S. like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who arrived in Washington on Monday.

The bottom line is that under Director Cheatles leadership, we question whether anyone is safe. Not President Biden, not the First Lady, not the White House, not presidential candidates, Comer said.

As House Oversight chair, KYs Comer to lead inquiry after shooting at Donald Trump rally
Claim:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump once donated to Kamala Harris' campaign.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Campaign finance records showed Trump donated $5,000 to Harris' reelection campaign for California attorney general in 2011. He also donated $1,000 to the same campaign in 2013. Separately, Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump donated $2,000 to Harris' reelection effort in California in 2014.

Shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, a rumor circulated alleging that former President Donald Trump had once donated to Harris' political pursuits.

According to various outlets ranging from The Wall Street Journal to celebrity social media accounts PopCrave and PopBase, Trump reportedly made a $5,000 donation to Harris' 2014 reelection campaign for California attorney general. (Voters initially elected her to that office in 2010, and she successfully ran for reelection in 2014.)

Some media outlets and social media users shared an image of the alleged check used for the donation. Among them was U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida.

Was a wise investment pic.twitter.com/S7C18nDFzA  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 21, 2024

It was true that, in 2011, Trump donated $5,000 to Harris' reelection campaign for California attorney general, campaign finance records showed. He also donated $1,000 to the same campaign in 2013. Separately, Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump donated $2,000 to Harris' reelection effort in California.

As far as the purported image of the $5,000 check, Snopes was unable to uncover evidence to independently corroborate its legitimacy. That said, there was no indication that it was a fabricated image (i.e., digitally created), and its information aligned with California campaign finance records. The image first appeared online in 2019, when media outlets reportedly obtained a copy of the check.

By federal and state election laws, political candidates must report all campaign donations, and those transactions are publicly viewable. In this case, we used the California Secretary of State's database of campaign finances, which provides data between 2001 and the present. We limited our search results to display only donations made to Harris and used the keyword "Trump" to search for the alleged contribution.

(California Secretary of State)

We found three donations, totaling $8,000, all of which were made to Harris' 2014 reelection campaign for California attorney general. The first donation was $5,000, made by Donald Trump in September 2011. The search also showed he made a second donation for $1,000 to the same campaign in February 2013. Finally, the remaining $2,000 came from Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump's elder daughter, in June 2014.

To investigate the legitimacy of the image supposedly showing a photocopied version of the $5,000 check, we compared it with the records available via the California Secretary of State's website. The alleged check was for $5,000, which matched Donald Trump's donation in 2011. The check was dated Sept. 13, 2011, and stamped for Sept. 26, 2011, which also matched the Secretary of State's data.

We ran the image through the reverse-image search engine TinEye. Those results showed the image first appeared online on July 31, 2019.

On that date, several outlets including Fox News and the Daily Mail published articles including the image of the alleged $5,000 check. According to the Fox News article, the outlet obtained a copy of the check alongside court records regarding a 2013 ethics complaint into then-New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The complaint stemmed from the attorney general's office 2013 investigation into Trump University. (Schneiderman resigned in 2018 after four women accused him of assault.)

Both Donald and Ivanka Trump reportedly provided sworn affidavits that acknowledged the $5,000 donation to Harris, alleging it was suggested and arranged with help from a Schneiderman aide.

According to 2019 reporting from The Sacramento Bee, which spoke with Harris' campaign spokesperson, her reelection campaign donated the $6,000 from Donald Trump to "a non-profit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans." According to that reporting, Harris made that donation in 2015, a year after she won reelection as California's attorney general and as she was beginning her campaign for a seat in the U.S. Senate. (The Sacramento Bee did not say how the campaign spent the $2,000 from Ivanka Trump.)

Sources:

Advanced Search-Power Search-California Secretary of State. http://powersearch.sos.ca.gov/advanced.php. Accessed 22 July 2024.

Cadei, Emily. "Big-Dollar Donors, Including Donald Trump, Fueled Kamala Harris' Political Rise in California Read More at: Https://Www.Sacbee.Com/News/Politics-Government/Capitol-Alert/Article226975319.Html#storylink=cpy." The Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2019, https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article226975319.html.

Kenton, Luke. "Trump and Ivanka Once Donated $8,000 to Kamala Harris' Campaign." Mail Online, 1 Aug. 2019, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7308321/Donald-Trump-Ivanka-donated-8-000-political-campaign-California.html.

Singman, Brooke. "Court Files Shed Light on Kamala's Awkward Donation from Donald Trump." Fox News, 31 July 2019, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/court-files-shed-light-on-kamalas-awkward-donation-from-donald-trump.

TinEye Reverse Image Search. https://tineye.com/search/33aabfe98bf88140242db4969618d34c6bb7cd9c?sort=score&order=desc&page=2. Accessed 22 July 2024.

"Trump Previously Donated Thousands to Kamala Harris." The Telegraph, 22 July 2024, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2024/07/22/donald-trump-donate-kamala-harris-presidental-election/.

Yurow, Jeremy. "Donald Trump Once Donated to Kamala Harris Campaign in California." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/21/donald-trump-donation-kamala-harris-campaign-california/74493046007/. Accessed 22 July 2024.
Claim:

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris once said, "Ukraine is a country in Europe. It exists next to another country called Russia. Russia is a bigger country. Russia is a powerful country. Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine. So basically that's wrong."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

Harris made the statement in March 2022, responding to a journalist's request to explain the situation in Ukraine in layman's terms. She continued, "And it goes against everything that we stand for. There are terms that we use, we say, 'We respect the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of countries,' right? Their independence. Russia has gone into Ukraine militarily, unprovoked, with no justification other than to exercise its power to take over another country."

On July 21, 2024, after U.S. President Joe Biden stepped down as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, numerous videos featuring Harris began circulating online. One of them allegedly included audio of Harris commenting on the Ukraine-Russia war, saying, "Ukraine is a country in Europe. It exists next to another country called Russia. Russia is a bigger country. Russia is a powerful country. Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine. So basically that's wrong."

Seriously? This is the new nominee? pic.twitter.com/EZf6Pl2KuB  Defiant Ls (@DefiantLs) July 21, 2024

"Throwback to this gem," one X post captioned the video featuring Harris' statement, reaching more than 9.5 million views as of this writing. "It's like she's talking to 5 year olds," another X user wrote.

In summary, because Harris did indeed say the words in question, we have rated this claim as "Correct Attribution."

The statement was made in response to a journalist's request for Harris to explain the situation in Ukraine in simple language. She continued: "And it goes against everything that we stand for. There are terms that we use, we say, 'We respect the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of countries,' right? Their independence. Russia has gone into Ukraine militarily, unprovoked, with no justification other than to exercise its power to take over another country."

Harris made the viral statement March 1, 2022, during an interview with the radio show "The Morning Hustle" that has been uploaded to YouTube (the relevant portion begins at 3:00):

The journalist asked Harris to explain the situation in Ukraine in "layman's terms"  simple language anyone can understand.

"Break it down to layman's terms for people who don't understand what's going on and how can this directly affect the people of the United States," the journalist asked. The viral statement was a direct response to that question. However, Harris did not stop there and continued to explain terms such as "sovereignty," underscoring that "Russia has gone into Ukraine militarily, unprovoked, with no justification other than to exercise its power to take over another country."

Below is our transcription of the relevant part of the interview (emphasis ours):

JOURNALIST: For those who are just joining us, we're talking to Vice President Kamala Harris, and uh, if you're watching any level of news, even social media, you're seeing everything that's going on right now in the Ukraine. Break it down to layman's terms for people who don't understand what's going on and how can this directly affect the people of the United States. KAMALA HARRIS: So, Ukraine is a country in Europe. It exists next to another country called Russia. Russia is a bigger country. Russia is a powerful country. Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine. So, basically that's wrong. And it goes against everything that we stand for. There are terms that we use, we say, 'We respect the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of countries,' right? Their independence. Russia has gone into Ukraine militarily, unprovoked, with no justification other than to exercise its power to take over another country. So essentially that's what's at stake and we as America are saying that's wrong and we will stand with Ukraine in saying that that is wrong. But that's essentially where we are, that's essentially the issue. And when it comes to what we know to be principles of fairness, we know that what Russia is doing is wrong. When it comes to what needs to happen then, well there needs to be severe consequence and accountability, and that's why you'll hear on the news that we talk about sanctions, which is basically having Russia pay a financial cost to the point that we can have a real impact, put a real hurt on their economy as a consequence for their bad behavior, which is resulting in the loss of innocent lives. And that's where we are, that's what the issue is, essentially.

This isn't the first time we've investigated a claim involving Harris. For instance, in October 2020, we investigated whether Harris said of the nationwide protests against police brutality: "Everyone beware. They're not gonna stop before election day in November, and they're not gonna stop after election day  They're not gonna let up, and they should not." In July 2024, we debunked a video allegedly showing Harris saying, "Today is today and yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. So, live today so the future today will be as the past today, as it is tomorrow."

Sources:

Definition of LAYMAN'S TERMS. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/layman%27s+terms. Accessed 22 July 2024.

Eifert, Sean. "Kamala Harris Never Said 'Today Is Today and Yesterday Was Today Yesterday.'" Snopes, 20 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/kamala-harris-today-is-today-speech/.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Did Kamala Harris Say Protests Are 'Not Gonna Let Up, and They Should Not'?" Snopes, 7 Oct. 2020, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/kamala-harris-protests/.

The Morning Hustle. Vice President Kamala Harris Says There Must Be Severe Consequences For Russia's Actions. 2022. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKjCSb9eixI.
Fact Check: Yes, Kamala Harris Introduced Herself as 'Woman Sitting at the Table' in a 'Blue Suit'? Here's Why

Office of the Vice President of the United States/Wikimedia Commons

Claim:

Vice President Kamala Harris introduced herself at a meeting using "she/her" pronouns and added, "I am a woman sitting at the table wearing a blue suit."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

Despite being lampooned by partisan critics as "idiotic," Harris' self-description was consistent with both a commitment to gender inclusivity and best practices for accommodating people who are visually impaired.

In July 2024, a viral video of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris introducing herself at a gathering was widely mocked by Republicans. Harris stated at the meeting: "I am Kamala Harris. My pronouns are 'she' and 'her.' I am a woman sitting at the table wearing a blue suit."

The video, which originally showed a July 2022 event, resurfaced in 2024 after U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.

(X user @RNCResearch)

This video is accurate, though the mockery around it skirted the point of why she introduced herself like that in the first place. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado tweeted in 2022:

Kamala Harris just introduced herself with she/her pronouns at an official event.



She then clarified that she was a woman sitting at the table wearing a blue suit.



This is what happens when your speechwriter quits and you hang around with Geriatric Joe too long.  Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) July 26, 2022

When you use pronouns to introduce yourself, Im assuming everything you have to say after is as idiotic as your introduction.  Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) July 26, 2022

Harris was speaking at a roundtable with disability advocates, who were discussing the impact of the Supreme Court's reversal of its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision concerning abortion rights on people with disabilities. According to the meeting transcripts, Harris said: "So, we know that all people with disabilities, of course, in the United States should have full access to reproductive care and the reproductive care they need. But these abortion restrictions that are being put in place around our country by extremist so-called leaders in various states will have a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities."

The meeting took place on the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which enshrined the rights of people with disabilities into law.

Harris' self-description is considered a common practice to aid people who are visually impaired. According to the state-run Missouri School for the Blind, there are a number of points of etiquette that are recommended:

Introduce yourself using your name and/or position, especially if you are wearing a name badge containing this information. Be precise and thorough when you describe people, places or things. Don't leave things out or change a description because you think it is unimportant or unpleasant. Feel free to use visually descriptive language. Making reference to colors, patterns, designs, and shapes is perfectly acceptable.

A journalist with the 19th News pointed out that some people present at the meeting were visually impaired.

We have also previously reported on how the White House website contact form under the Biden administration uses gender-inclusive pronouns. Harris appeared to be promoting such inclusivity when she identified her own pronouns.

Harris' introduction was thus in keeping both with a commitment to gender inclusivity and recommended methods for accommodating people with disabilities at gatherings.

Sources:

"Does the White House Contact Form Now Have Gender-Inclusive Pronouns?" Snopes.Com, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/white-house-inclusive-pronouns/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

"How to Interact with A Person Who Is Visually Impaired." Missouri School for the Blind. https://msb.dese.mo.gov/resources/interacting-with-visually-impaired.html. Accessed 27 July 2022.

"Proclamation on the Anniversary Of The Americans With Disabilities Act." The White House, 25 July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/25/proclamation-on-the-anniversary-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

"Remarks by Vice President Harris in a Roundtable with Disability Advocates." The White House, 26 July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/07/26/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-in-a-roundtable-with-disability-advocates/. Accessed 27 July 2022.

"Republicans Mock Kamala Harris for Describing Herself to Guests with Disabilities." The Independent, 27 July 2022, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kamala-harris-disabilities-mocked-republicans-b2132004.html. Accessed 27 July 2022.
Family of 5 needs help after devastating Tri-Cities home fire. Other fires in the area

A family of five is trying to rebuild after a devastating fire destroyed their Finley home and a neighbors earlier this month.

Flames broke out at a neighbors home at the Columbia Place mobile home park on the afternoon of July 14. The Robert Salas and Maria Lopezs 12-year-old daughter was home at the time when she heard cracking noises about 4:30 p.m.

She exited out of the home to see the blaze spreading toward their home, GoFundMe organizer Jocelyn Perez said. A few moments later, the rest of the family arrived to see their home all in flames.

Benton County Fire District 1 firefighters arrived soon after, keeping the fire from spreading further but couldnt save the two homes.

A GoFundMe was created for the family displaced after a fire destroyed their Finley home.

Perez, whose mother is a neighbor, said she started the fundraiser to help the agricultural workers who are concerned about the upcoming school year for their three kids.

Lopez told Perez that they have lost everything and are heartbroken that a home they worked so hard for is gone.

The memories, their valuable belongings, the kitchen they recently remodeled, all gone within minutes, Perez wrote on the GoFundMe. No one is ever prepared to experience these kinds of situations. Within a blink of an eye your life can change completely.

Perez said any support they can give to the family would be helpful. Theyre currently staying with a family friend at the same mobile home park.

People can donate by going to bit.ly/SalasLopezFire.

Rash of fires

The Tri-Cities region has seen a series of home fires in recent weeks, including the fire that killed 65-year-old Evelyn Craig last week. She was overcome by the smoke and heat and couldnt get out in time, officials have said.

A fire demolished a home in Finley and killed one person Wednesday morning.

In Kennewick, firefighters extinguished a fire in a duplex on the 3700 block of West Sixth Avenue after a bedroom caught fire.

The occupant tried to put out the flames before calling 911. By the time, fire crews arrived in about three minutes, heavy smoke and flames was coming from a back window.

Firefighters got the fire out in about 10 minutes, stopping it from spreading to the other unit in the duplex.

Kennewick firefighters responded to a fire in a duplex on Sixth Avenue on Friday

The two people living in the unit got outside safely.

The Central and Southeastern chapter of the Red Cross was called in to help them find a place to stay.

Another fire in Finley on Sunday morning was reported shortly before noon when an electrical problem ignited a manufactured home.

The occupants smelled smoke before smoke alarms started sounding. Firefighters found a small fire in a bedroom.

One person was treated on the scene after breathing in smoke. And the Red Cross was called in to help them find another place to stay while their electrical system was evaluated.

Franklin County wildfire

Also on Sunday, firefighters responded to several more fires, including a blaze that started north of Lyons Ferry State Park. As of Monday morning, firefighters reportedly had contained the fire that started near Davin Road on Sunday about 7:30 a.m.

It burned in rough terrain of grass and sagebrush that was difficult for firefighters to reach, fire officials said. It threatened range land, wheat, Lyons Ferry fish hatchery and state park.

Washington state brought in helicopters to help put water on some of the remote areas.

What is going on?

Firefighters are normally busy in the summer with dry grass being lit on fire, but firefighters recently have found themselves busy responding to many house fires.

Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael said the cause of the fires have involved a range of factors.

But there are steps people can take to keep themselves safer in the summer months. Michael suggested that people take more caution when disposing of items, such as hot charcoal briquettes.

The big thing is to really be fire conscious, he said. People should be hyper conscious of the different outcomes that can lead to a really bad fire.

One of the leading factors in limiting property damage has been the fast response of people calling 911.

Michael noted they had a fire on a deck that they were able to contain quickly because a neighbor noticed it and called.

We want to partner with the community to finish the summer safely, Michael said.
Family of former business partner of head of Office of Ukrainian President borrows Russian money to buy house in US

Ukrainian journalists have found out that the family of Artem Koliubaiev, a Ukrainian film producer and business partner of Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, borrowed funds for the purchase of a house on the outskirts of Washington valued at US$600,000 from a Russian firm.

Source: an investigation by Slidsvto.Info

Details: The investigators discovered that in September 2023 Koliubaievs wife, Kateryna, bought a house on the outskirts of Washington for US$600,000.

Koliubaiev himself claimed that Kateryna paid for the house from her own savings, loans and money she received after selling her property.

He states that within the period from 2022 to 2024 his wife sold her two cars: Mercedes-Benz CLS 2015 and Mercedes-Benz GLE 2016. She also sold two real estate facilities in the city of Kyiv and in Kyiv Oblast.

The journalists confirmed that Kateryna had indeed sold two vehicles and apartments but only received US$350,000 which she used to pay for the house in Washington.

Another part of the amount, US$250,000, was borrowed by Koliubaieva from the A&D Mortgage firm. Slidstvo.Info found out that this Florida-based company has Russian management and ties to Russia.

Quote: "A&D Mortgage belongs to Maxim Sliusarchuk who is also the head of the Russian-speaking American Chamber of Southern Florida.

There are many Russian-speaking videos on the YouTube channel of this organisation. One of them was filmed at the event From Russia With Business which was held in June 2017 when the war with Ukraine was already ongoing. Russian Americans are trying to figure out how to live in the US after the imposition of sanctions against Russia."

Details: Kateryna stated that the firm was recommended to her by a broker, and the information about the Russian ties found by the journalists "will be checked and legally confirmed or denied".

Background:

In October 2023 the Bihus.Info media outlet found out that over the previous six months Koliubaiev had expanded his construction business, become a co-owner of a drone manufacturing firm, and had 20 million hryvnias (approximately US$547,500) invested in his film production company.

In November 2023 the journalists discovered that Koliubaievs company was granted permission to send 37.5 million hryvnias (about US$907,000) to Dubai under the pretext of meat procurement amid the full-scale war. The meat has not been delivered to Ukraine.

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SINGAPORE, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Singapore held a ceremony on Monday to hand over about 300 tonnes of canned sardines and 1,000 tonnes of rice to Gaza, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Singapore will work with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus to transport the supplies to Gaza.

"We reiterate our call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as well as the unconditional, immediate, and safe release of all hostages. We also urge all parties to allow for the urgent, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to affected civilians in Gaza," the Foreign Ministry said.

Singapore has donated supplies worth over 17 million Singapore dollars (12.6 million U.S. dollars) to Gaza. 
New strain: The KP.3 variant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, is known for its ability to evade immunity, infecting even those who are vaccinated or have previously recovered from COVID-19. Common symptoms of KP.3 infection include high fever, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, headaches and fatigue. Accounting for 90% of new cases, the variant has raised concerns about hospital capacity and the potential impact on essential services.
Officials in Fayette County Public Schools violated the Kentucky Open Records Act when they failed to respond on time to a request about costs related to the school districts rebranding, the states top law enforcement official announced Monday.

It was the second such ruling by Attorney General Russell Coleman in the past few weeks. He also ruled this month that Lexingtons Cassidy Elementary School-Based Decision-Making Council violated the Kentucky Open Meetings Act when it failed to properly document votes while cutting art courses.

In the latest ruling, issued last week but announced Monday, Coleman said resident Jerry Grooms submitted a request to the school district on June 4 for all documents related to rebranding costs related to FCPSs new slogan.

On June 18 having received no response from FCPS, Grooms appealed to Colemans office.

Under state law, a public agency shall determine within five business days whether to comply with the request and shall notify in writing the person making the request, within the five day period, of its decision, the ruling said.

The ruling said FCPS received Grooms original request on June 4, 2024, but did not respond to it until after the appeal was initiated. Thus, FCPS violated the Act, the ruling said.

FCPS stated that requested records have been delivered via electronic mail and that the issue is now moot, but Colemans ruling disagreed.

In early July, Grooms shared with the Herald-Leader a document from the school district that showed the total costs for the FCPS logo rebranding in 2023 was $80,560. 75.

Grooms on Monday said he didnt have additional comment.

Fayette district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith, in response to the ruling, said, There was no ill intent. FCPS informed the AG that we missed the response deadline by 4 days due to a missed request for an extension. We have since responded and this request has been satisfied. 

Rebranding

In a July 2023 statement, district officials said the districts 2022-27 Strategic Plan calls for A New Way Forward  one where we take everything that already makes Fayette County Public Schools great in a new direction. As part of that journey, FCPS has a new look that reflects movement and a commitment to continuous progress.

Officials said a new brand was essential for the school district to communicate a world-class educational experience and present a compelling image. It is more than just a logo, colors, and fonts  it embodies the idea that FCPS is greater than the sum of its parts.

The former slogan was, Its about kids.

At FCPS, children are at the heart of everything we do, and that will never change, the 2023 statement said. We are committed to challenging and nurturing the minds of our students as they are the ones who will create a better future. Our new brand goes beyond a slogan to highlight the many ways we focus on students and the lasting impact of an environment where every child can thrive and achieve greatness.

This is a developing story and may be updated.
These Vans sneakers were linked to several "suspicious" wildfires on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, including the Salt Fire, according to a federal search warrant application. (Photo courtesy FBI application)

A federal search warrant application filed last week revealed that the FBI believes two people are responsible for igniting the Salt Fire that began June 17 and burned more than 7,000 acres in southeastern New Mexico.

According to the July 11 document signed by an FBI agent, the suspects are a man and woman. The pair, who are boyfriend and girlfriend, are accused of starting five other suspicious wildfires occurring on the Mescalero Apache Reservation since early May.

Source New Mexico is not identifying either person because they have not been charged with a crime. The man did not respond to a request for comment Sunday, though he did post on Facebook last month denying any involvement in the fires.

The man claimed to law enforcement and on social media that he is a wildland firefighter, plus posted photos and videos of himself in a firefighter uniform responding to fires in Arizona and Utah, along with a TikTok of himself in a wildland firefighter training exercise.

The South Fork and Salt fires began within a couple hours of each other on June 17, and quickly grew in size and intensity, ultimately destroying at least 850 homes in and around Ruidoso. Two people died in the aftermath of the South Fork Fire, and flooding continues in the area as a result of the fires. The Salt Fire prompted thousands to flee as it approached Ruidoso Downs.

Investigators concluded that the South Fork Fire began with a lightning strike prior to June 17, though they have since suggested the Salt Fire was human-caused by offering rewards up to $10,000 for information about the person or persons responsible for igniting it.

The search warrant application reveals that law enforcement had been investigating a string of suspicious wildfire starts in the area since early May, an investigation that intensified when the FBI became involved after the South Fork and Salt fires began, according to the warrant application.

Since May 3, there have been 16 suspicious wildfire starts in a 25-square mile area, including the Salt Fire, on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, according to the warrant application.

Among the suspicious wildfires are four that occurred between June 16 and 18 near the Salt Fire ignition location and burned less than a quarter-acre.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs confirmed last week to Source New Mexico that the causes of those four other fires, known as the Penn Scott Fire, the 244 Penn Scott Fire, the Carrizo Fire and the Trails Fire, were being investigated along with the Salt Fire.

The warrant application sought a federal judges approval to seize a pair of Vans sneakers belonging to the woman that the FBI alleges were worn at the site of one or more of the suspicious wildfires. A judge quickly approved the request, and it was executed days later. The FBI agent who wrote the request noted that the woman voluntarily provided her shoes to law enforcement.

The FBI linked the couple to six of the wildfires after reviewing evidence like tire treads and footprints, and interviewing witnesses who saw a dark-colored Jeep flee the scenes of several fires.

The FBI agent also noted that the Salt Fire, reported just two hours after the South Fork Fire began, drew resources away from the suppression efforts.

Speculation about the causes of the South Fork and Salt fires has built since they began and continued even after investigators concluded lighting started the South Fork Fire. Local officials are calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to release more information about its determination that a lightning strike started the South Fork Fire, saying racist rumors directed at the Mescalero Apache tribe are flying in the absence of more information.

Lynn Crawford, Ruidosos mayor, in a recent interview called on members of the public not to direct blame against an entire group for the alleged actions of a few.

I dont want you to start condemning everybody at the (Mescalero) tribe for what somebody may or may not have done, he said. And so, all that were asking for is patience. I know thats hard.

Mescalero Apache President Thora Padilla did not respond to an email seeking comment Sunday.

Tire tracks and shoe prints

The following investigation into the fires began in early May, according to the search warrant application first reported by the Albuquerque Journal. The application was unsealed July 16.

Around 11 a.m. on May 3, two juveniles told local police they witnessed a dark-colored Jeep flee the area where a small wildfire was reported. Police then contacted dispatch and learned that the man identified in the search warrant application made the first call to dispatchers about the fire.

The officer contacted the man, who claimed he spotted smoke coming from the area and tried to find it and put it out. He told police he was a wildland firefighter and, upon finding the fire, tried to tamp it out with a branch and his fire boots.

Prior to being asked, (the man) stated that he did not start the fire, according to the warrant.

On May 7, around noon, another fire at Whitetail Summit was reported to dispatch. The same officer responded to the scene and saw a dark-colored Jeep driving at high speeds away from the fire. Police found a shoe print near the scene belonging to a Vans sneaker.

Around 10 a.m. on May 20, another fire was reported near Salt Well. Nearby homeowners said they saw a Jeep leave the area before police arrived.

On May 23, the Mescalero Tribe put out a statement noting that for the past three weeks, the reservation has had a few fires start, saying that the tribe and the BIA were monitoring the situation and asking for people to call dispatch if they see something suspicious or peculiar.

About two weeks later, police responded to another string of suspicious wildfires, including the Salt Fire. The first was June 16 around 7:45 p.m.

Around 8 a.m. the next morning, about three-tenths of a mile from the June 16 fire start, firefighters responded to another fire and noticed a Vans sneaker footprint with the same tread pattern as was seen after the fire May 7.

An officer spotted tire tracks later that day at another wildfire start around 12:43 p.m., tracks that he believed to belong to the ones on the dark-colored Jeep that was on polices radar. The Jeep tires were Firestones, different than typical stock or street tires, and had a unique double dimple on the edge of the tread, according to the warrant.

Around 2 p.m. on the 17th, the Salt Fire was reported to dispatchers. Starting just hours after the South Fork Fire, resources, including aircraft, were diverted from the South Fork Fire to assist suppression of the Salt Fire, according to the warrant.

Less than a mile away from the Salt Fire ignition site, police spotted the Jeep on a road leading away from the site and found the man and woman inside, according to the warrant. The FBI agent noted that, unlike the May 3 fire start that the man reported, this time he never reported this fire or attempted to fight the fire.

Police questioned the couple again on June 25, and they gave consent for law enforcement to search their phones and to collect the Vans sneakers.

Around 9 p.m. the day before being questioned, the man posted on Facebook denying any involvement in the fires. I havent been charged, nor will I ever, he wrote. Im a wildland firefighterI would never put my land or people in jeopardy.
Workers remove an air conditioning unit from a mobile home in Austin. A federal program aimed at helping low-income people with their heating and cooling bills favors cold-weather states over warmer states like Texas, advocates say. Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune

This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here.

In San Elizario, tucked between cotton fields and the U.S.-Mexico border fence, nearly 30% of the population lives below the poverty line.

When the summer heat hits here, electric bills skyrocket  and paying them is a struggle. Olivia Figueroa, executive director of the local organization AYUDA Inc., has lost track of how many people have sought help.

Lets say that if we get 30 calls a day, at least half of them are asking about funds to help pay their water or electric bill, Figueroa said in Spanish. And at the moment we dont have any funding.

Air conditioning is increasingly necessary to keep homes at safe temperatures during the summer  especially in states like Texas, where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees for weeks on end. That creates dangerous situations as electric bills overwhelm low-income households budgets.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the federal governments answer to that, helping people keep the heat on in winter and the AC running in the summer.

But the programs funding formula favors cold-weather climates. Advocates and researchers say that funding for LIHEAP, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, should be increased to address the impacts of climate change and better reflect the need in hot states like Texas, Florida and Arizona.

LIHEAP, which also provides funding for weatherization to make homes more energy efficient and crisis assistance for households at imminent risk of being disconnected, was first conceived to address the rising cost of fuel oil for heating coming out of the energy crisis in the 1970s and early 1980s. Today, the program covers only 7.6% of low-income residents total heating and cooling costs in Texas, compared to nearly 23% of total costs in a northern state like Minnesota, according to an analysis by Grace Jensen at Georgetown University.

A Duke University study found that only 5% of program funds were used for cooling assistance nationwide between 2001 and 2019. Half went to heating.

You have a program that was stamped in time during a crisis 40 years ago that hasnt been revisited in this current moment of climate change and extreme heat, said Diana Hernandez, a sociologist at Columbia University who studies energy insecurity in low-income communities. Its really to the detriment of people that endure extreme temperatures but dont have the safety net to support them through those hard times.

Texas doesnt supplement federal funds

LIHEAP, launched in 1981, at first distributed money in part based on how often a state experienced cold weather. That changed several years later after senators urged Congress to rethink the calculation.

Even so, distribution of funds still disadvantages hot states because it averages cold and hot days over a 30-year period, which doesnt reflect how quickly the planet is warming now.

The rules havent caught up with the change in temperature, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

Many states provide supplemental funding to help close the gaps. Others, like Texas, do not. The lack of federal funding is amplified, Wolfe said.

Meanwhile, energy bills continue to rise. The Energy Information Administration expects slightly higher costs this summer as temperatures peak in the 90s and 100s. Such an increase most affects low-income residents, who already spend at least 6% of their income on energy bills. Wolfes organization projected that average cooling costs nationwide will be $719 per household this summer  and $858 in the region that includes Texas.

How do we help low-income families stay current with their bills when the bills are going up because its getting hotter? Wolfe said. And federal funding is not going up.

Money only helps a fraction of Texans who are eligible

LIHEAP funds are disbursed in block grants to states. In Texas, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs then distributes funds to local agencies. Project BRAVO receives them in El Paso, and Laura Ponce, the organizations executive director, stretches the money as far as possible. But its never enough.

A household must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to receive LIHEAP assistance. Almost one in three people in El Paso County are below that threshold, which equates to income of under $46,800 for a family of four. Recipients in Texas must certify their immigration status, so undocumented people cannot qualify for assistance.

In fiscal year 2023, LIHEAP funds only covered 5% of the states eligible population. That is likely to dip lower this year, with decreased federal funding. The 2021 American Rescue Plan and the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided additional money that temporarily pushed LIHEAP to $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2023. But for fiscal 2024, Congress set funding at $4 billion, despite calls from some representatives to provide more.

Definitely more funding would be helpful, Ponce said. Funding that is at the level that would allow us to meet the need in the community.

She added: The reality is that heat kills as much as cold. So the formula shouldnt have to be based on any particular climate.

Unlike many states, Texas does not provide supplemental funding to help low-income households pay bills or to adjust their utility rates. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs said state legislators would have to authorize any additional funding. The office did not respond to questions regarding the longer periods of extreme heat Texas is experiencing.

The need is acute in communities like San Elizario, outside El Paso. Many residents live in trailers, which tend to be energy inefficient and expensive to cool. When utility assistance funds run out, AYUDA resorts to offering energy efficiency tips. The staff explains to residents how trees, insulation and caulking can help keep homes cool. But in the Chihuahuan Desert, where temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees, those modifications can only go so far.

I have seniors who have their air [conditioning] and they won't turn it on because they cant afford the electric bill later, said Graciela Ortiz, who coordinates El Pasos Extreme Weather Task Force. Theyll tell me  theyre very honest  Im dying in the heat but I cant turn on the air because I cant afford a $150 electric bill.

LIHEAP funds often help families catch up when they fall behind on that bill. The electric utility, El Paso Electric, suspends disconnections when the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which typically occurs when temperatures surpass 105 degrees. But even if a familys electricity is not shut off, bills continue to add up.

A utility spokesperson said a customer behind on their bills will not be disconnected if they establish a payment plan. Low-income Texas customers can qualify for a $99-a-year savings on electric bills.

Other states that experience extreme heat, like Arizona, report similar trends. Patricia Solis, executive director of the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience and an urban planning professor at the University of Arizona, said Maricopa County experienced over 600 heat-related deaths last year. The most at-risk residents included people who lived in older mobile homes that lacked weatherization.

And with Arizona receiving only enough LIHEAP funding to serve roughly 5% of eligible low-income households, Solis is concerned such preventable deaths will increase. Arizona is way behind, Solis said.

In March, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs requested Congress readjust LIHEAPs formula, citing the states history of being chronically short of these life saving funds.

Experts: Formula should be revised amid climate change

Researchers are taking a closer look at that formula. Some have provided new equations that would distribute funds more evenly across states. Jensen, while a graduate assistant at Georgetown last year, proposed a formula that relies on statewide heat and cooling costs across low-income families. Any leftover money would be redistributed based on energy burden. The result, according to Jensens report, would cover at minimum 13% of a states low-income heating and cooling expenditures.

Justin Schott of the University of Michigans Energy Equity Project recommended that Congress change its formula and require states to use a specific percentage of their LIHEAP allocations for cooling assistance.

How do we plug the holes while were working on a better comprehensive fix? Schott said.

In 2022 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released guidance encouraging states to incorporate more cooling assistance into their plans and offering other suggestions to address extreme heat. But experts say non-binding guidance is not enough to compel all states to factor in the risks of extreme heat.

A lot of states need something thats more firm in order to move forward with implementing meaningful changes, said Columbia Universitys Hernandez.

University of Arizonas Solis said heat is the number one killer that the country will need to prepare for. We really need to get innovative and have our systems keep up with that, Solis added, and LIHEAP is one of those.

Wolfe, with the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said program funding needs to increase across the board. Even if LIHEAP shifted funds around to more fairly support all 50 states, the money its splitting up is stretched thin.

The problem is, you can move the chairs around the deck. There still arent enough chairs there, Wolfe said.

LIHEAPs block grants only serve one in six eligible households nationwide. Solis believes the heat waves ravaging the country are evidence that more is needed.

Its a good program in the sense that it does strategically get dollars to support energy costs, she said. But its just not enough.

Disclosure: El Paso Electric Company and the University of Arizona have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Big news: director and screenwriter Richard Linklater; NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher; U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California; and Luci Baines Johnson will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  FEMA said they are opening more disaster recovery centers to help those affected by flooding and the Ruidoso wildfires. A new disaster recovery center will open at the Angus Church of the Nazarene (103 Bonita Park Road) in Angus to help those affected by the South Fork and Salt Wildfires. A mobile disaster recovery center is also opening at the Aztec Fire Station (209 S. Oliver) in San Juan County to help those affected by flooding. That center will be open through July 27.

Judge sets trial date for man accused of shooting during Espanola protest

Residents and business owners in Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan Counties as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation can visit either center to apply for FEMA assistance or learn about other resources. Both centers are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Investigators in St. Louis County say a Ferguson man opened fire on his ex-girlfriend while she was seated in a vehicle at an apartment complex.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the shooting happened on July 17 at the Sugar Pines Apartments.

Police said Charles D. Jones (age not provided) approached his ex-girlfriend while she was in her car, pointed a gun through the window, and opened fire. The bullet struck the steering wheel.

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Police said Jones gave officers permission to search his apartment. Officers found a gun tucked under a mattress that matched the description of the weapon used in the shooting.

Police said Jones admitted to firing the gun but claimed he only intended to hit the window and not fire into the vehicle.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Jones with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Jones was jailed on a $250,000 cash-only bond. Hes due in court on July 26 for a bond reduction hearing.

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Fines for sleeping outside are wrong; Des Moines can do better for homeless persons

The city of Des Moines began an ill-advised course change Monday in how it treats homeless residents.

The public resources made available to serve people who dont have permanent shelter are not adequate, in Des Moines or almost anywhere else in the country. But cities have another, separate problem: difficulty persuading some people who are homeless to take advantages of the services that are available.

Des Moines proposes in a set of new ordinances to allow fines so that more people will accept going to shelters. Some advocates said after the city made the proposal public that there is little reason to expect that to work, and many reasons to think its morally wrong.

"No" votes by council members Josh Mandelbaum and Mike Simonson took the policy change off the fast track requested by City Manager Scott Sanders and supported by the other five council members. That respite means only that the legislation will come back for second and third readings in a matter of weeks, instead of being enacted immediately. Those who voted "yes" should listen to service providers, residents and the dissenting councilmen, scrap the fines and concentrate efforts solely on improving services.

Fines for camping in public places may be legal, but that doesn't make them useful

The changes proposed for Des Moines would:

Make it illegal to sleep on public property. Violators could be immediately removed from the premises, offered transportation to a shelter and fined $50 for a misdemeanor crime.

Reduce the warning time the city must give before clearing encampments. The city says it would hold valuable property it finds for 30 days without charge.

The legislation was published 20 days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an Oregon city could arrest and punish people for camping in public without violating the Constitution. The ruling intensified debate about criminalizing homelessness, but lost in that discussion is whether criminal penalties are effective in better connecting homeless residents with services.

On one side: In practice, this will only cause more barriers to finding housing and further contribute to the current housing crisis, the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said in a letter to council members.

On the other: The council has been leading on services and affordable housing for a long time, City Councilman Chris Coleman said in an interview Sunday, citing a number of affordable housing projects approved and in the works. Now it's time that we make sure the homeless in our community know that this amazing safety net has been created by the generous people of Des Moines, and we beg them to go use it. It's created for them.

Service providers says criminal penalties arent supported by research. We acknowledge that prohibitions have their place, but too often they can create an appearance of resolute action against behaviors at the expense of more difficult work to combat those behaviors causes.

Some supporters of a harder line might hypothesize a scenario in which taking $50 from a drug addicts wallet is an involuntary step toward sobriety and stability. But its considerably easier to imagine people who, for whatever reason, are not checking into shelters continuing to reject those options and simply facing new hassles.

In January, a labor-intensive count showed an 11% year-over-year increase in Polk County homelessness. Thats what should inform adjustments to city code and programming. Its important that policymakers be clear that they are responding to more than just observations that homeless residents have become more visible from vehicle and pedestrian paths.

This is necessary, Coleman said. Our community is at the tipping point, because we lack a strategy right now for how we're going to stem the growing number of homeless people in our community. And we need to sound the alarm that a plan is necessary.

The attempt to hurriedly approve changes was unnecessary

Any portion of these changes to city policy deserves to be aired and debated in the citys typical fashion. The homelessness package is flawed on its own, but city leaders compounded their error by trying to push it through at a surprise July 22 meeting instead of waiting until their next regular meeting Aug. 5.

The Supreme Court ruling is not an emergency that justifies extraordinary action.

The proposal was first published the evening of July 18, but then it was substantively amended over the following weekend, another reason for patience. The proposed fine for violating the new camping ordinance went from $120 to $50.

Coleman said Sunday that he and Mayor Connie Boesen requested the fine be lower than what was in the original recommendation from Sanders office. He also noted the addition of a provision that community service can be performed in lieu of paying a fine.

Boesen and Coleman specified at Monday's meeting that none of the changes should be implemented until new services are fully developed and created. That's a step in the right direction; considering harsher enforcement down the road becomes more justifiable if the city ensures adequate services up front.

Better approach needs to include more help from Des Moines' suburbs

Polk Countys homelessness planning organization said this winter that more than $20 million of additional annual spending would be needed to meet the need for more shelter spaces and affordable housing units. That alone indicates that improving conditions for unhoused residents is a multi-piece puzzle.

The suburbs  and nonprofits and religious and other community groups  need to step up, too. It will require a regional effort to make shelters and other services more appealing and to increase the stock of affordable housing in the metro.

Des Moines also should not be singled out for criticism for considering fines for public camping. A Register survey found that existing ordinances in several cities, including Ankeny and Waukee, specify the possibility of fines for violating their camping rules. They fly under the radar because homeless residents mostly are in the capital city.

As with many aspects of governing the region, suburban governments should not get to enjoy the benefits of Des Moines unique attractions without participating, monetarily and in other ways, in addressing the burdens that confront the city.

While council members debating the proposal at Monday's meeting chose their words carefully, the most dispiriting part of the three-hour session came when members of the public emphasized that it was "embarrassing" for visitors and workers downtown to see evidence of homelessness.

It's repugnant to put aesthetic concerns ahead of what should be the only goal: finding the best way to help less-fortunate residents get into suitable housing while treating everyone with dignity and respect. The City Council should demonstrate leadership by insisting on that focus.

Lucas Grundmeier, on behalf of the Registers editorial board

This editorial is the opinion of the Des Moines Register's editorial board: Carol Hunter, executive editor; Lucas Grundmeier, opinion editor; and Richard Doak and Rox Laird, editorial board members.

Want more opinions? Read other perspectives with our free newsletter or visit us at DesMoinesRegister.com/opinion. Respond to any opinion by submitting a Letter to the Editor at DesMoinesRegister.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines City Council should reject fines for sleeping outside
Fire destroys 6 homes in Mariposa County trailer park

MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A fire in Mariposa County early Sunday morning destroyed six homes and left 17 people without a place to live, the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office announced.

Deputies say the fire started in the community of Coulterville and ultimately destroyed six homes. They also report power to the rest of the facility will remain cut for a few days.

As a result, investigators say 17 residents have been impacted by the fire.











The Sheriffs Office Emergency Services team, Red Cross and Mariposa Health and Human Services responded to the scene and are assisting residents and their animals with hotel rooms, food, and clothing, officials say.

Deputies say Sheriff Jeremy Briese has also visited the area to support the community, speaking with residents and surveying the damage.

The cause of the fire was not immediately released.

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The First Baptist Dallas church's steeple stands as firefighters battle a fire at the church, Friday, July 19, 2024, in Dallas. The Texas megachurch, pastored by evangelical Christian and Trump supporter Rev. Robert Jeffress, was decimated by the fire. | Chitose Suzuki

A historic church building in Dallas belonging to a prominent megachurch was decimated by a fire on Friday, per The Dallas Morning News.

Though the congregation of around 16,000 people now does most of its work and worship in a newer building nearby, the community was still devastated by the loss.

Aftermath of the fire

The Victorian-style, 134-year-old building was a Texas Historic Landmark, per Religion News Service.

It was visited by at least three U.S. presidents over the years, including Woodrow Wilson and George H.W. Bush, according to CBS News.

Though the congregation had started using a new building in 2013, the historic structure continued to serve the community. Earlier in the day on Friday, before the fire, around 2,000 children and volunteers attended Bible school in the building, Religion News Service reported.

No one was harmed in the fire. The congregation met on Sunday at a nearby facility and livestreamed its services, according to The Dallas Morning News.

As tragic as the loss of this old sanctuary is, we are grateful that the church is not bricks and wood but composed of over 16,000 people who are determined more than ever before to reach the world for the gospel of Christ, said the Rev. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at the church, per CBS News.

As of Sunday, the cause of the fire had not yet been determined and remained under investigation, according to ABC 7. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are both on the case, per The Christian Post.

Firefighters battle a fire at First Baptist Dallas church on Friday, July 19, 2024, in downtown Dallas. The Texas megachurch, pastored by evangelical Christian and Trump supporter Rev. Robert Jeffress, was decimated by the fire. | Chitose Suzuki

The Rev. Robert Jeffress and Donald Trump

In the wake of the fire, former President Donald Trump reached out with condolences to the Rev. Jeffress, according to The Christian Post.

(He) offered his help to do anything he could, the pastor said.

The Rev. Jeffress is a longtime Trump supporter. In 2021, he invited the former president, then fresh off a loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, to deliver remarks at First Baptist Churchs new facility, according to WFAA.

In 2023, the Rev. Jeffress publicly involved himself with Trumps current presidential campaign by traveling to a rally in Waco, Texas, and offering the invocation.

Father, right now I want to thank you for my friend, President Trump. ... Father, I pray that you would continue to bless him greatly. Bless his family. Give them success in everything they do according to your will, he prayed at the event.

Following the shooting at a Trump rally on July 13, the Rev. Jeffress credited God with saving the former presidents life during an appearance on Fox News.

From the miracle we saw Saturday, I think its clear that God is not through with President Trump, he said.

When First Baptists sanctuary burned down, reporters asked the Rev. Jeffress if he believed anti-Trump anger had driven someone to start the fire, per The Christian Post. He responded he didnt.

I dont believe my support for President Trump has anything to do with this fire, he said, per The Christian Post.

Firefighters work at the scene of a fire at First Baptist Dallas church on Friday, July 19, 2024, in downtown Dallas. The Texas megachurch, pastored by evangelical Christian and Trump supporter Rev. Robert Jeffress, was decimated by the fire. | Chitose Suzuki
by Jamil Bhatti, Jiang Chao

ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani businessman Anique Mansab Chaudhry has been working on his plans to explore maximum opportunities at the upcoming China-South Asia Expo for the expansion of his businesses in Pakistan.

"I am looking forward to purchasing new energy technology products at the China-South Asia Expo," Chaudhry told Xinhua in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

Chaudhry, head of the projects at Reon Energy company based in the southern port city of Karachi, is all set to visit China for the first time to attend the expo as a professional buyer.

The 8th China-South Asia Expo will be held from July 23 to 28 in Kunming, capital of China's southwestern Yunnan Province.

According to the provincial Department of Commerce of Yunnan, over 2,000 enterprises have registered for the event, with representatives from all South Asian and Southeast Asian countries.

The expo will present 15 pavilions, including two dedicated to South Asian countries, showcasing a total of approximately 800 booths.

Li Ping, director of the Commercial Representative Office of Yunnan Province in Pakistan, told Xinhua that soon after the invitation for the China-South Asia Expo was released, a number of Pakistani companies and chambers of commerce actively signed up, and finally over 70 professional importers and exporters submitted applications.

"Many professional buyers will go to the expo to import products from China, and they are most interested in electric appliances, information technology, solar energy, energy storage, new materials, artificial intelligence and other products made in China," Li said.

Chaudhry noted that his main task for this expo trip is to purchase photovoltaic modules, inverters and high-efficiency energy storage batteries to improve his company's efficiency and to provide the best to the satisfaction of customers.

"The expo has provided practical help for my career and company development. China is the largest supplier of renewable energy products in Pakistan," said Chaudhry, adding that the right solutions and the most efficient products all come from China, which can help improve the production efficiency of his company.

Chaudhry said that China's dynamic development of new quality productive forces, along with the promotion of the production and export of "new trios", including new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, will ultimately benefit the South Asian countries, and significantly reduce global carbon emissions.

"There is no doubt that Chinese products are of very good quality, which is the result of years of technological research and development," said Chaudhry.

The businessman explained that China's high-efficiency products help his company's clients achieve a good return on investment, ultimately providing clean and affordable energy for Pakistan's industrial development.

Saquib Fayyaz, senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, who has already visited China over 40 times, will lead the delegation of Pakistani exporters at the expo.

Talking to Xinhua, Fayyaz, attending the expo for the second time, said that the Pakistani delegation would set up about 120 booths in the expo, displaying products from various fields including agriculture and handicrafts.

"China is a huge and potential market, and every country wants to expand into the Chinese market, and we want to introduce our products," said Fayyaz, adding that the Pakistani business delegation will also organize a number of business-to-business meetings with Chinese counterparts on the occasion.

"The China-South Asia Expo and Business Forum have created vast opportunities for promoting economic and trade cooperation between China and South Asian countries and released positive and favorable market signals," said Fayyaz.

According to Fayyaz, Pakistan and China have achieved a win-win cooperation, in particular through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

He believes that the establishment of industrial parks by Chinese companies in Pakistan will help increase the added value and export of Pakistan's industrial products and promote the vigorous development of the economies of the two countries.

"I hope that by participating in the China-South Asia Expo and its business forum, Pakistani and Chinese companies can deepen cooperation, enhance the level of bilateral trade between the two countries, and achieve common development," added Fayyaz. 
As if firms hit by the recent massive IT outage dont already have enough to deal with, theyre now being warned to be wary of scammers and hackers looking to take advantage of the situation.

The global incident kicked off when an update for Windows hosts that contained an error was rolled out by Texas-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The ensuing chaos impacted important services around the world, with sectors such as travel, banking, retail, and health care all suffering major disruption late Thursday and into Friday.

In a blog post on Friday, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz warned that adversaries and bad actors will try to exploit events like this.

Kurtz continued: I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and ensure that youre engaging with official CrowdStrike representatives. Our blog and technical support will continue to be the official channels for the latest updates.

The following day, CrowdStrike revealed that threat actors were attempting to leverage the event to distribute a malicious ZIP archive named crowdstrike-hotfix.zip. The ZIP archive contains a HijackLoader payload that, when executed, loads Remcos, which grants an attacker control of an infected computer.

In a follow-up post on Sunday, the company again warned that customers should verify they are communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels.

Americas Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) commented on Sunday that cyberthreat actors continue to leverage the outage to conduct malicious activity, including phishing attempts. The agency is continuing to work closely with CrowdStrike and other private sector and government partners to actively monitor any emerging malicious activity, it said.

Its also possible that, because the IT outage was so huge and gained such widespread coverage, even computer users who have nothing to do with CrowdStrike could be tricked into believing they need to install an essential update to ensure their PC doesnt experience any issues going forward. With that in mind, now is the time to be extra vigilant when dealing with emails and messages, especially if theyre trying to get you to download something or click on a link.
Sen. JD Vance returned to his hometown high school Monday for his first solo rally since Donald Trump chose him as his 2024 running mate, reminiscing about his time as a student and the local haunts in Middletown, Ohio, he used to visit.

The Ohio Republican pledged to never forget where he came from in the 40-minute stump speech, where he rehashed his story about his grandma keeping 19 loaded guns in the house, fawned over Trumps policies, and claimed that after he published his book Hillbilly Elegy in 2016, Black Americans... would come up to me and say, Our story is your story.

In one particularly servile moment, Vance said he realized while writing his acceptance speech for the Republican National Convention that the country has made a lot of stupid decisions in the past 30 years, and that Trump was right about every single one being a mistake.

That includes the Iraq War, which Vance told the audience Trump didnt support, when in fact he did.

Vance also tried out a few attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, whom President Joe Biden has endorsed to replace him at the top of the Democratic ticket. Vance claimed that Harris only got the nod because wealthy Democratic donor George Soros and former President Barack Obama got into a smoke-filled room, and accused Harris of lying about Bidens cognitive capabilities.

He then expressed outrage at the idea that Trump would be the one to face Harris in a debate instead of himself: I was told I was going to get to debate Kamala Harris, and now President Trump is going to get to debate her? Im kind of pissed off about that, if Im being honest with you.

Politico reports that Trump, in fact, doesnt want to debate Harris and is coming up with ways to get out of it, should she become the partys official nominee.

Related...
(The Hill)  A U.S. Navy fighter jet pilot became the first female to score an air-to-air kill while she was deployed to fight against the Houthis in the Red Sea, where the Iranian-backed group has battled American troops for more than half a year in an engagement tied to Israels war in Gaza.

The unnamed female pilot served in Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, known as the Fighting Swordsmen, and flew an F/A-18F Super Hornet, which she used to take down a Houthi drone, according to a Navy release.

Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, who just retired from service last year, became the first female fighter pilot in the Air Force in 1993. The first Navy female carrier-based fighter pilot was Lt. Kara Hultgreen in 1994.

Also in 1994, Navy Lt. Kimberly Face Dyson became the first female fighter pilot to fly in a combat mission in an operation meant to enforce a no-fly zone over Iraq.

VFA 32 flew over 3,000 combat hours and 1,500 combat missions, firing more than 20 air-to-air missiles against the Houthis in the Red Sea, where the rebel fighters have been threatening merchant ships with rockets and drones since late October, not long after war broke out between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The fighter squadron, based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., was part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group, which deployed to the Middle East in October to prevent a wider war from breaking out in the region following the Gaza war. The strike group recently left the Middle East.

Cmdr. Jason Hoch, commanding officer of VFA-32, said he was proud of the team working under incredibly demanding conditions.

The success of the entire squadron over the past nine months is a testament to all the members of the command and their friends and family at home that support them, Hoch said in a statement.

VFA-32 also led two of the seven self-defense strikes into Houthi-controlled territory of Yemen and fired off close to 20 precision-guided air-to-surface munitions to hit targets in the U.S. mission designed to cripple the rebel group from carrying out attacks on merchant ships.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group left the Middle East in June after nine months of operations, and just arrived back home in mid-July.

The Pentagon rotated the Navy sailors out and replaced them with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.

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A crowd of roughly 50 protesters gathered outside in the Florida House plaza to voice their opposition to HB5, an abortion ban bill copying the Texas abortion ban bill, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.

Calling it "moot," a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the state's appeal challenging a 2023 circuit court's opinion on the state's abortion ballot question, known as Amendment 4.

The court tossed the appeal after the state's Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC) made final new language for the state constitutional amendment on abortion access that will be before voters statewide this November.

The proposed amendment's financial impact statement includes the language: "There is also uncertainty about whether the amendment will require the state to subsidize abortions with public funds. Litigation to resolve those and other uncertainties will result in additional costs to the state government and state courts that will negatively impact the state budget. An increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time."

"We decline to exercise our jurisdiction to decide a moot question," the opinion said, adding that the appellees, Floridians Protecting Freedom, can raise new claims about the latest financial impact statement in a new case.

The appellants, the FIEC and the Secretary of State Cord Byrd can "again raise their arguments concerning the circuit courts lack of jurisdiction in a case where there is an actual controversy presented," the opinion said.

"The order on review is based on a financial impact statement that is no longer operative. No judicial determination or action remains for the circuit court based on the complaint before it."

The Florida Legislature's Office of Economic & Demographic Research and the FIEC said the original financial impact statement on the ballot measure was "indeterminate," as analysts usually do not consider future litigation costs over an approved amendment.

But because this decision was made while Florida's six-week abortion ban was pending, lawyers argued and won in trial court that tighter abortion restrictions would cost the state more money, and therefore the financial impact statement needed revising.

Circuit Judge John C. Cooper, who sits in Tallahassee, found that the original financial impact statement was "inaccurate, ambiguous, misleading, unclear, and confusing."

Both House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo decided to reconvene the financial impact panel after the six-week ban was upheld.

The state then brought in Chris Spencer, once DeSantis' budget chief and now head of the State Board of Administration, as well as a researcher from the Heritage Foundation, a well-known conservative think tank, and an academic from the Catholic University of America to sway the results.

The USA TODAY Network-Florida recently reported that the Executive Office of the Governor paid Michael New, an assistant professor of social research at CUA's Busch School of Business in Washington, D.C., $300 an hour to speak at the FIEC meetings.

And the Florida House of Representatives paid Rachel Greszler, a senior research fellow with Heritage's Roe Institute, also based in Washington, $75 an hour to represent the House.

The latest financial impact statement has received criticism from abortion-rights activists, who say it's "politically charged language designed to undermine" the initiative.

"The current statement is a distorted narrative fueled by political agendas and a corrupted process," said the ACLU of Florida's Michelle Morton in a statement.

"It is rife with anti-abortion talking points and far-fetched scenarios designed to scare voters into maintaining the status quo of a near-total ban on abortion," she added.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Appeals court dismisses case over abortion amendment financial impact
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Florida Democrats, from members of Congress to college students, are enthusiastic in their support of Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys nominee for president and predict her candidacy could even put the Sunshine State back in play.

We know Florida will be playing a major role in what happens next, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said during a zoom meeting with the media Monday, one day after President Biden dropped the bombshell that he was pulling out of the race and endorsing Harris.

Running a former prosecutor against a convicted felon, no one is better prepared to prosecute the case against Donald Trump, Fried said. I like our odds.

At least 236 of the 254 members of Floridas delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month signed a letter pledging their support to Harris, she added.

Fried said she anticipates a renewed energy for turnout. With Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket, everything is possible at this moment, she said.

Her candidacy has also reinvigorated Gen Z voters under 30, according to Democratic youth groups.

Now were not voting for two old men, said Connor Effrain, 20, president of the University of Florida College Democrats. Were voting for an extremely old man, Trump, whos going to be the oldest nominee in American presidential history, versus a much younger candidate who really represents a new generation of American leadership and represents the antithesis to Trump.

But Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has sharply criticized Bidens fitness to lead, wrote on X Sunday that with Harris Democrats are just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

In his view, she is too liberal and too unaccomplished to appeal to voters, despite her decades of public service as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General and U.S. Senator. Other Republicans have called Harris a DEI hire, echoing a popular target of the Florida governors culture wars, diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Both state and national Democratic party officials moved swiftly to present a united front, with members of the state congressional delegation, legislative caucus and convention delegates lined up to voice their support for the historic nomination of Harris, who already made history as the first Black woman vice president.

She is the best positioned candidate to beat Donald Trump, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, noting that as a prosecutor in California Harris prosecuted felons and put rapists behind bars. She is the ultimate contrast to a lawless and toxic Trump, and represents the next generation of Democratic leaders who can directly confront Trumps fitness for office.

Harris earned the chance to be the partys nominee by successfully defeating the Trump-Pence ticket as Bidens running mate in 2020, working alongside Biden for four years, and helping Biden earn the millions of votes in the 2024 presidential primary, Wasserman Schultz said. No doubt she can beat this con man again.

Within 24 hours of announcing Harris would seek the nomination, the Democratic National Committee raised $81 million, Wasserman Schultz added.

The Florida Democratic Party and the DNC must be more united than ever, Fried said.

Floridas large number of independent voters could swing toward Harris, Fried said. One third of the states electorate has no party affiliation, Fried said, and those independent voters went 60% to 70% for Democrats in recent elections.

Democrats are united, State Sen. Shevrin Jones of Miami said, because everybody knows what is at risk if we go into a contentious convention.

The endorsement of Harris has generated excitement among would-be voters, according to an analysis by QR Code Generator of Google search data.

Searches for registering to vote exploded by 1,011% following Sundays events, the highest theyve been in the past month, the online analytics company reported. The searches were highest in Florida, with four of the top five metro areas in Florida.

Searches for donate to Harris and ActBlue, a left-leaning political committee, also surged.

This increase in register to vote searches was most pronounced in Florida, which will prove pivotal in the race to 270 electoral college votes this November, said Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, which generates free QR codes and also offers analytics services on how QR codes are being used.

State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said that having Harris at the top of the ticket in Florida will help with down ballot races where Democrats are trying to win more seats in the Florida Legislature to break the Republican supermajority stronghold.

But one prominent Biden fundraiser, Orlando attorney John Morgan, said he was disappointed in the Harris wave.

Im burned out, Morgan said in an email. And I wanted a convention not a coronation.

I love the historical aspect of her story, said Morgan, who continued to raise money for Biden even after switching his registration to independent in 2017. I just dont think she can win.

Matt Isbell, a Democratic elections analyst, cautioned that the partys enthusiasm for Harris doesnt mean Florida will stop being a stronghold for Trump supporters.

In 2020, Trump defeated Biden in Florida by about 3.4 percentage points

Isbell also said that many younger voters still may stay home on election day, failing to boost the Democrats as they hope.

Others see Harris as a game changer.

Samuel Vilchez Santiago, 27, chair of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and one of the youngest members of the Democratic National Committee, said he was thrilled to announce the unanimous endorsement of his committee for a Harris presidential bid.

As young people we see in Kamala Harris a leader who sees our hopes and dreams for a brighter and more inclusive future, Santiago said.

Harris is a huge pivot for young voters, agreed Jayden DOnofrio, 19, a Tallahassee Community College student who co-founded the Florida Future Leaders PAC earlier this year along with the chairs of the state High School and College Democrats and others.

Kamala has established herself for a while now as someone who is definitely in line with youth on the issues, DOnofrio said. Theres a new sort of motivation and energy there now that wasnt there before. Theres no sugarcoating it, the past month has been absolute hell for Democrats. And I think the past 24 hours have completely flipped the script.

Alissa Gary of the Sentinel staff contributed to this story.
Florida man accused of making threats against Trump, Vance on social media

Florida man accused of making threats against Trump, Vance on social media

Featured video: Former Secret Service agent gives perspective into assassination attempt on Donald Trump

JUPITER, Fla. (AP)  A Florida man accused of making threats against former President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. JD Vance and their families on social media was arrested on Friday, police said.

Residents evacuated after large ground depression opens up under Florida home

The Jupiter Police Department said in a news release that officers arrested Michael W. Wiseman on charges of written threats to kill.

He was taken into custody without incident and lodged in Palm Beach County Jail, according to Jupiter police Maj. Don Hennessy.

Wiseman was in custody at the facility on Friday night, a jail employee confirmed. The employee said she didnt have information about whether Wiseman had an attorney to contact for comment on his behalf.

Detectives said Wiseman had made multiple written threats on Facebook against Trump and Vance, who became the Republican presidential and vice presidential nominees, respectively, this week. Threats were also made concerning bodily harm against members of the Trump and Vance families, according to police.

Multiple people notified local police in person and online about the posts, police said.

Jupiter is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach.

The investigation was conducted in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service and the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office, police said.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  A Florida man, who refers to himself as the Wolf of Airbnb, was sentenced to over 50 months in prison for his connection in a scheme to defraud New York City landlords and the U.S. Government, United States Attorney Damian Williams said on Monday.

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Konrad Bicher, 32, failed to make more than $1 million in rental payments between July 2019 and April 2022. According to prosecutors, Bicher listed the rental units on Airbnb as short-term rentals, making at least $1,170,000. The units lessors attempted to recover the missed payments and, in an attempt to stop Bicher from listing the units on the popular website, also initiated civil litigation.

Between April 2021 and July 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bicher got a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program or a PPP loan. He filed for loans from three different companies and got over $565,000. Prosecutors said that Bicher applied for the loans using fake documents and falsifying information.

The four-year and three-month prison term came after Bicher pleaded guilty a year ago to a wire fraud charge. He was also ordered to forfeit $1.7 million and pay $2.2 million in restitution. He declined to speak at the sentencing.

In a sentencing submission, Bichers attorney argued for leniency, blaming landlords for some of the Manhattan apartment troubles.

In a submission by prosecutors, the government said Bicher fought lawsuits from landlords by falsely claiming he was suffering from coronavirus-related hardships and by lying about his residency and use of the units to benefit from the refuge of tenant protections offered in New York City.

More Crime News

Prosecutors said he was living in Florida during the fraud and traveling for leisure.

They said Bicher bragged to the media and friends that he was the Wolf of Airbnb and said the expression was meant to refer to the Wolf of Wall Street, the title of a memoir by former stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who made a fortune on penny stocks before blowing much of it on a wild and lavish lifestyle and going to prison for financial crimes.

In a release, Williams noted that Bicher had enjoyed referring to himself as the Wolf of Airbnb.

But as todays sentence underscores, those who partake in such callous and fraudulent conduct will answer for their crimes, no matter their self-given title, Williams said.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mass global IT outage a wake-up call for resilient cyber security

Xinhua) 08:18, July 22, 2024

* Just hours following the outage, scams, phishing emails, and other criminal activities started to target CrowdStrike customers concerning the incident, under the guise of customer service and technical support.

* The fact that the largest global IT outage so far was caused not by cyberattacks or ill-intentioned actors but, ironically, by a routine update from a cybersecurity software, has once again exposed the systemic risk stemming from an increasingly omniscient and intertwined digital infrastructure and a world which relies on it.

* While individual organizations are recommended to spend more resources on off-grid back-ups and staff training over working without computers, some argue the incident showcases the urgency to regulate the highly monopolized market.

Long queues of passengers are seen in front of check-in counters in Singapore's Changi Airport on July 19, 2024. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Airlines, media, retailers, hospitals, banks, and essentially, any organization that relied on CrowdStrike's service to protect their Microsoft system from viruses and malware, are still recovering from the unprecedented global IT outage on Friday, with 8.5 million Windows devices affected.

Experts and analysts regard the incident as a wake-up call for a more resilient and less monopolized global digital infrastructure, warning that the world will be more vulnerable facing such disruptions, which could become a "new normal."

UNPRECEDENTED OUTAGE

On Friday, customers across the world of CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm based in Austin, Texas, started to see the "blue screen of death" on their Windows system after installing a faulty Falcon sensor update on Thursday night.

Essentially, Falcon monitors what is happening on the computers on which it is installed and looks for signs of nefarious activity (such as malware). This means that Falcon is deeply integrated into Microsoft's system to the extent that when it falters, the system does too.

"We currently estimate that CrowdStrike's update affected 8.5 million Windows devices, or less than one percent of all Windows machines," said Microsoft in its blog post on Saturday.

Following what Microsoft calls "significant incidents," the company said it has "maintained ongoing communication with customers, and is working with CrowdStrike and external developers to collect information and expedite solutions."

A banking ATM is out of service in Istanbul, Turkiye, July 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Just hours following the outage, scams, phishing emails, and other criminal activities started to target CrowdStrike customers concerning the incident, under the guise of customer service and technical support.

"The scale of this outage is unprecedented, and will no doubt go down in history," said Dr. Junade Ali, a cybersecurity expert and fellow at the London-based Institution of Engineering and Technology.

"Unlike some previous outages that targeted Internet infrastructure, this situation directly impacts end-user computers and could require manual intervention to resolve, posing a significant challenge for IT teams globally," Ali added.

Experts estimate a full recovery from a disruption at such a scale will take weeks. "It seems that millions of computers are going to have to be fixed by hand," said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at WithSecure, a cybersecurity company.

Recovery is particularly challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises, which have fewer resources and IT staff to do the manual fixing, said Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber correspondent on Friday.

MORE DISRUPTIONS TO COME

Almost 30,000 flights were delayed on Friday and nearly 7,000 were canceled worldwide, according to Euronews.

The incident resulted in a significant drop in CrowdStrike's value, wiping billions off the company's market value when trading opened on Friday. The same day, Wall Street's major indexes declined, exacerbating a sell-off fueled by tech stocks and mixed earnings reports.

"The outage is likely to intensify regulations for critical services and risk management," said Dr. Madeleine Stevens, an IT expert at Liverpool John Moores University.

"Despite the incident not being a cyberattack, consumer skepticism will inadvertently be impacted, and this unintended demonstration of our cyber vulnerability will raise significant challenges for IT service providers," Stevens said.

Passengers wait at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States, on July 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

The fact that the largest global IT outage so far was caused not by cyberattacks or ill-intentioned actors but, ironically, by a routine update from a cybersecurity software, has once again exposed the systemic risk stemming from an increasingly omniscient and intertwined digital infrastructure and a world which relies on it.

More "digital pandemics" like this are expected to emerge from enhanced global economic integration, said John Bryson, chair of Enterprise and Economic Geography at Birmingham Business School, the University of Birmingham.

The global cyber-energy-production plexus, or the "multiple connections between telecommunications, energy, and production networks," leave us all exposed to unknown disruptions at an unprecedented scale, Bryson added.

Axel Legay, a professor of computer science at the Catholic University of Leuven, said that the more interconnected a computer is, the more vulnerable it becomes.

"The more interconnected the software is, the more vulnerable we will be, because more and more software will interact and it will increase," Legay said in an interview with Euronews Next.

BACK-UPS AND ANTI-TRUST

The largest cyber incident so far has offered lessons to stakeholders from tech companies, regulators, and businesses to prepare for more frequent and widespread disruptions in digital infrastructure in the future.

"A core issue is the ability of a digitally-enabled service function to switch immediately to manual," Bryson said.

"In other words, there needs to be an ability to provide services using paper rather than digital solutions. The real danger is that we all forget how to live and work in a pre-digital environment," he said.

The IT expert also highlighted the importance of companies having "air-gapped" back-ups, which are isolated from the cyber-energy-production plexus.

While individual organizations are recommended to spend more resources on off-grid back-ups and staff training over working without computers, some argue the incident showcases the urgency to regulate the highly monopolized market.

Passengers are seen at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on July 19, 2024. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

The outage "is the result of a software monopoly that has become a single point of failure for too much of the global economy," George Rakis, executive director of NextGen Competition, whose group advocates for more stringent antitrust enforcement, was quoted as saying by The Washington Post on Saturday.

The report added that legislators from three Congressional committees -- House Oversight, House Homeland Security, and House Energy and Commerce -- asked Microsoft and CrowdStrike to brief them on the cause and impact of the outage on various agencies on Friday.

"When just three companies -- Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet Inc.'s Google -- dominate the market for cloud computing, one minor incident can have global ramifications," wrote Parmy Olson, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology, on Friday.

Olson argues that policymakers could address the world's over-reliance on just three cloud providers and push the Big Techs to do more than simply administer a band-aid.

Why does a global computational infrastructure seem to have one point of failure? Brooklyn-based columnist Edward Ongweso Jr. asked in a Guardian analysis on Saturday.

Because of concentration, consolidation, and monopolization, he argued. "We've had these sorts of outages before and nothing has changed, partly because the tech industry has been so adept at shifting blame. If that continues, then the monopolists will do what they please and everyone will suffer what they must," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Press Release

July 22, 2024 Poe wears optimism in her last SONA In this coming State of the Nation Address (SONA) appearance on July 22, Senator Grace Poe will wear a Filipino terno reflecting her optimism as she capped 12 years of serving the people as a legislator. Poe will walk the red carpet in a one-piece white silk crepe terno designed by Filipino fashion master Paul Cabral. The gown features a small semi-bias skirt that flows and two-tone beadworks of gold and silver minute bugle beads inspired by leaves. During the opening of session in the morning, Poe will don another Cabral couture of simple sheath white silk crepe dress cut in the hips with pina fabric combination on top detailed with different types of vintage lace. "Over the past 12 years, we have seen the resilience, goodness and hope of the Filipinos. We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve," said Poe, whose term as senator will end in June 2025. There will always be work to do," she added. Like every Filipino, Poe said she also awaits President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s SONA this year and has her own wish list of issues. The senator said she looks forward to the President's bold efforts in addressing high prices plaguing every Filipino family, especially the poor. The Kadiwa stores or similar initiatives should be accessible to more communities. True to their real intent, these stores should offer quality but lower-priced goods like rice, and should help farmers find markets for their produce, Poe said. "We will watch out for pronouncements about quality jobs. Millions remain without income or stable livelihood. Every SONA should usher in hope for employment opportunities and for decent wages for our workers," she said. Poe said she will keep an ear on directives to speed up mass transportation projects. "We also have high hopes that the repairs on our airports and other critical infrastructures will no longer be hampered by delays," she said. Poe said power interruptions in Metro Manila and in the provinces must be solved. "We have authored bills for the grant of franchises to local power producers in some provinces. The development of our energy sector may take years, but officials should not grapple in the dark on how to do it," she said. Poe said she also hopes the SONA will address the lack of a clear and firm policy on the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. "POGOs have spawned crimes, trafficking, and corruption. Let our revenues come from legal and legitimate sources," she said. Poe said she also trusts that there will be no letup in the Philippines' assertion of its sovereignty and territory in the West Philippine Sea. "It's critical that all our statements and maritime activities should be in line with our historic legal victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. At the same time, we must continue to beef up our Coast Guard so it can be a reliable protector of our fishermen, our forces, and our resources at sea," she said. "Despite the disparity in power and the challenges, we must not surrender, never give up," Poe added.
DAMASCUS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad on Sunday said Syrian-Russian relations have transcended traditional friendship and moved toward a new level of strategic cooperation.

He made the remarks while addressing a cultural event at the Al-Assad House for Culture and Arts in Damascus, marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Syria and Russia.

"The long-standing Syrian-Russian relations have witnessed significant developments and important changes throughout history, allowing Damascus and Moscow to surpass conventional friendship and lay the groundwork for new levels of strategic collaboration," Mekdad said.

He stated that Syria is proud and honored to "achieve shared victories with Russia across various fields" and looked forward to seeing the triumph of a model based on dialogue, respect for others, and the interests of peoples.

Russian Ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov echoed these sentiments, affirming the resilience of Syrian-Russian relations.

"The Syrian-Russian relations have overcome all difficulties, and Russia is always ready to provide support to Syria at all times," Yefimov said. 
Lawmakers gather on the last day of the 2024 legislative session, though many expect to return for a special session later this year. Not pictured: State Sens. Joni Albrecht, Ben Hansen, John Lowe and Tony Vargas. April 18, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A flurry of new state laws took effect Friday, establishing new policies for firearms in small schools, launching Parole Board reforms and expanding open government and voting rights.

Of the 150 bills signed into law this year, more than 100 became effective last week. Some took effect in the spring while others wont get the green light until July 1, 2025.

Here is a breakdown of some of Nebraskas newest laws.

Changes coming to the schoolhouse

Legislative Bill 1402, from State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, sets aside $10 million for the state treasurer to distribute private K-12 scholarships to prospective students.

As of Oct. 31, the law will repeal its predecessor: LB 753, a one-to-one tax credit, capped at $25 million, that used scholarship-granting organizations to route funds to students and families.

Public school advocates are again seeking to block LB 1402, as they tried with the previous version. The Support our Schools ballot committee submitted signatures July 17, again seeking access to the November ballot to decide the fate of LB 1402.

LB 1329, an Education Committee package, in part authorizes school boards to create a written policy for security personnel and off-duty law enforcement to carry firearms on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities. State Sen. Tom Brewer introduced the proposal in LB 1339.

The policy must specify personal qualifications, training, appropriate firearms and ammunition, and appropriate use of force.

The State Board of Education will develop a model policy in consultation with the Nebraska State Patrol, including the appropriate number of training hours for security personnel.

The law doesnt include Class III, IV or V public school districts, or districts of at least 5,000 or more people.

The committee package also included LB 1385, from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, to streamline the application process to expand teaching certificates and explain how teachers could earn additional endorsements. It also creates license reciprocity with other states.

Also included in LB 1329 were bills to prohibit debt collection agencies and interest charges for students unpaid breakfast and lunch accounts (LB 855 from State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln); to limit the use of mercator maps in K-12 classrooms beginning this fall (LB 962 from State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha) and to allow school boards to levy additional property taxes for school safety infrastructure concerns (LB 1012 from State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont).

Workforce and economic development

LB 16 has been described as a comprehensive rewrite of the states occupational licensure policies. Conrad took up the bill after its introducer, former State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, resigned to become state treasurer.

The legislation provides additional ways to license and recognize licenses from experienced workers who move to Nebraska from other states.

LB 16 also includes language to allow interior designers to join a voluntary registry for their profession. Brewer introduced those provisions in LB 471.

Lawmakers are taking steps to eliminate poverty in Lincoln and Omaha through LB 840, from State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. It requires both cities to submit a five-year poverty elimination action plan by July 1, 2025.

That document must include goals for poverty elimination in certain areas and plans to use federal, state and local incentives to eliminate poverty in those areas.

Another bill applying to just Lincoln and Omaha officials is LB 1358 from State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, which was amended into and passed in LB 1300.

McDonnells proposal sets a ceiling for city council members and mayors to increase their salaries: no more than the average percentage change in the unadjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the period since the last salary increase, plus 1%.

Salaries cant be increased more than once every two fiscal years.

If officials seek to increase their salaries more than that level, the increase must be the subject of a public hearing, receive supermajority support from the city council and be put to a public vote.

Transparency in government

LB 43, with provisions from Conrads LB 366, outlaws special fees for public records requests and doubles the grace period before fees are imposed on records requests, from four to eight hours. Those hours include consecutive time spent searching, identifying, physically redacting or copying after a records request.

The changes apply to all Nebraskans and news media.

Recordkeepers could also waive or reduce records fees if doing so is in the public interest or likely to contribute to the understanding of the operations or activities of government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the person requesting such records.

Another provision in LB 43 was Thurston State Sen. Joni Albrechts LB 637, which requires every public body subject to the Open Meetings Act to allow members of the public an opportunity to speak at each of their public meetings. This doesnt include closed sessions.

State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, who introduced LB 43, also passed LB 71 to modernize a 30-year-old law regarding parental rights in education.

The revisions will expand what educational materials parents can access, in addition to textbooks and tests, such as employee training materials, websites or applications used for learning, digital materials and activities information.

School districts would need to specify how they would accommodate  not merely handle  parental requests to attend and monitor classes, assemblies, activities or counseling sessions.

Districts must update their policies by July 1, 2025.

Health and safety

State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward introduced LB 1296 to create a Nebraska-specific registry and list of regulations for vaping products.

Beginning Friday, passed as part of LB 1204, online or other electronic sales for vapes are no longer allowed. Violations are a Class I misdemeanor.

Manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems must complete a certification form and pay a $75 fee by April 1, 2025. The Nebraska Department of Revenue will list all approved manufacturers and products that have been approved for sale beginning Oct. 31, 2025.

The law also cracks down on advertising targeted at minors, outlawing ads or packaging that:

Depict a cartoon-like fictional character that mimics a character primarily aimed at entertaining minors.

Imitate or mimic trademarks or trade dress of products that are or have been primarily marketed to minors.

Include a symbol primarily used to market products to minors.

Include an image of a celebrity.

What we saw with schools, we saw highlighters, flash drives, thats illegal, full stop, Attorney General Mike Hilgers told the Nebraska Examiner. Even if it is registered, they cant do that.

Hilgers worked with Hughes on the legislation and said the Nebraska-based solution will help to screen out material that is counterfeit or otherwise not safe for consumers.

Another bill from Hughes, LB 1035, will establish a prescription drug donation program. While no nonprofit has yet been chosen, Hughes has eyed a likely partnership with the Iowa-based nonprofit SafeNetRx, which she visited last October.

Under the law, prescription drugs must be in single-unit doses in original, unopened, sealed and tamper-evident packaging. Nebraskans can already donate to SafeNetRxs program, but the law opens up a pathway for the medicine to be returned to Nebraska patients.

A DHHS spokesperson said the department is having conversations with SafeNetRx about how the Iowa program can work in Nebraska and about licensing and statutory obligations.

DHHS is also set to coordinate and cooperate with the Public Service Commission to ensure the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be routed to 911 servers, and vice versa. State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha introduced that change in LB 929, which passed in LB 1200.

Board of Parole and voting rights

Several changes are coming to the states parole system through McKinneys LB 631.

One major change is limiting the Board of Parole to two reasons for which it may defer parole: if there is a substantial risk that the person would not conform to the conditions of parole or that continued correctional treatment, medical care or training would substantially enhance his or her capacity to lead a law-abiding life when released at a later date.

Parole couldnt be denied solely because the department did not offer needed programming or otherwise delayed programming because of operational issues.

Parole Board members consider whether to grant parole during more than 1,000 hearings each calendar year, and they may be now removed from their post for neglect of duty.

That definition includes not attending 12 full days of hearings within a year, which doesnt include days missed for a medical appointment that couldnt reasonably be rescheduled or delayed, a family emergency, illness, an act of God or other similar circumstances.

The Parole Board will also need to begin regularly conducting Parole School sessions in each correctional facility, so offenders have the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate the process.

Another proposal, LB 20 from Wayne, automatically removes a disqualification from voting rights for any Nebraskans who have completed their felony sentence. The law removed a two-year waiting period for felons after completing their sentence, which had been established in 2005.

Enforcement of LB 20, as well as the two-year waiting period, remains in question after Hilgers issued a formal opinion to Secretary of State Bob Evnen stating that both laws were an unconstitutional encroachment on the authority of Nebraskas Pardons Board.

The secretary of state, attorney general and governor make up that board, and Pillen had cast doubt on the law in April when he allowed the law to go into effect without his signature.

Hilgers opinion doesnt carry the same weight as the states judicial system, and the legislation has not been challenged in the courts.

Conrad, a civil rights attorney, confirmed to the Examiner that thousands of Nebraskans who had been disqualified from registering to vote but were within the two-year waiting period automatically had that voting registration disqualification go away as of Friday, per the new law.

More laws that took effect

A slew of other laws that took effect Friday include:

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that officers took a man, whom some dubbed the Foggy Bottom Stalker, into custody on July 21.

Police said 39-year-old Delonta Deon Spriggs of Northeast is accused of stalking a woman in the Foggy Bottom and Georgetown community in Northwest D.C.

MPD said the stalking incidents took place on a number of occasions between July 5 and July 21.

Frightening behavior: Women say stalker followed them home in Foggy Bottom

Lauren Hines told DC News Now that she encountered a man several times and that he followed her to the Bader Condominiums one night. She said he walked back and forth in front of the building as he was prowling.

Over the course of several weeks, the situation became seemed to become an issue for many in the community. Reports included a man looking through the window of a woman who lived on the ground floor of the condos. People told DC News Now that they also spotted a man in the alley next to the building.

A dog owner grieves: 3 dogs die at PetSmart facility

MPD said with the help of the community, Spriggs was identified, located, and arrested.

Police said detectives are continuing to investigate similar acts that occurred nearby.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  A former Tyler doctor whose medical license was suspended in June 2023 has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual assault and practicing medicine without a license.

Crockett PD searching for suspects in convenience store burglary

Kenneth Haygood, 55, was initially arrested in February for three charges of sexual assault and one charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child after an investigation into him had opened in November 2023. His medical license had previously been suspended by the medical board for inappropriate conduct.

According to an arrest warrant, a condition of Haygoods restrictions was that he was not allowed to see, examine or treat female patients.

Kenneth Haygood mugshot, courtesy of Smith County Judicial Records

The Texas Medical Board reported that after the June order, Haygood did not get consent before performing a physical exam of a female patient, and discussed the encounter with the patients family via text in an attempt to intimidate them as witnesses.

Haygood was indicted on six charges of sexual assault and one charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child on May 9. He was additionally indicted on June 20 for practicing medicine without a license.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Fort Myers man pleads guilty, gets 21 years in DUI crash that killed father, daughter

Lee Circuit Judge Margaret Steinbeck on Friday, July 19, 2024, sentenced Pedro Alvarez Alvarado, 22, to 21 years in prison.

A Fort Myers man charged in the fatal head-on crash that killed a Fort Myers man and a 3-year-old girl admitted guilt last week and learned his fate.

Lee Circuit Judge Margaret Steinbeck on Friday sentenced Pedro Alvarez Alvarado, 22, to 21 years in prison. The state dropped two of the charges he faced.

Alvarez Alvarado had been held on $300,000 bond.

Manny Borjes, 28, and daughter Ema, 3, were identified as the dead, according to a GoFundMe created for the family. The fundraiser collected more than $1,800 toward its $20,000 goal.

Animal cruelty: Fort Myers man who kicked dog into wall enters plea deal, learns fate

His wife Franchesca Borjes, 27, and their other two children, 2-year-old A.J. and 7-year-old Ava, all of Fort Myers, were taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Authorities said Alvarez Alvarado was driving on Bayshore Road, near Ixora Drive, about 9:35 p.m. Sunday when he traveled over the paved median and hit the Borjes' Hyundai sedan head-on. He then crashed into a Toyota pickup.

The Toyota driver, a 46-year-old North Fort Myers woman and her passenger, a 20-year-old North Fort Myers man, were not injured, troopers said.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Fort Myers man sentenced in DUI crash that killed father, daughter
A senior noncommissioned officer at Fort Novosel, Alabama, was arrested Thursday on charges related to producing child pornography, local police records show.

Command Sgt. Maj. Josh Prescott, the top enlisted leader for 1st Battalion, 223rd Aviation Regiment, was booked in Coffee County, Alabama, on one charge of production of media involving a minor in "obscene actions," and another count of possession of child pornography.

It's unclear whether Prescott, 41, has hired an attorney yet. Prescott could not be reached for comment. It's also unclear whether the Army will file its own charges against him: As of Monday afternoon, Prescott has not yet been suspended from duty, according to a Fort Novesel spokesperson.

Read Next: Troops Will Start Getting Economic Hardship Bonuses This Month, Though Only $20 on Average

If convicted in civilian court, Prescott faces one to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography and two to 20 years for producing child pornography.

Prescott assumed the role of command sergeant major of 1-223rd Aviation Regiment in May after serving as an operations sergeant major at Fort Eustis, Virginia, for a year. Previously, he had served in senior roles at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colorado, according to his LinkedIn account.

The 1-223rd Aviation Regiment oversees flight instruction, including the CH-47 Chinook flight and instructor course.

Last year, another senior noncommissioned officer was sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to adultery and distributing child pornography.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Compton, 46, served as the enlisted leader of the 46th Engineer Battalion at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, previously known as Fort Polk. Compton was reduced to the rank of private and dishonorably discharged; he also had to register as a sex offender.

Army Pvt. Travis King, who crossed into North Korea last summer, faces child pornography charges in military court. King's lawyer and prosecutors are in the midst of working out a plea deal. King also faces charges related to assault and making false official statements.

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, a new set of special prosecutors who take on the service's most egregious cases, has not yet made a decision whether it will get involved with Prescott's case, according to a spokesperson with the office. Right now, the case is being handled by civilian authorities. If convicted under military law, Prescott would face 30 years in prison if found guilty of producing child pornography, and an additional 10 years for possessing child pornography.

Related: Army's New Special Prosecutors Hit Ground Running with Case Netting 20-Year Sentence for Rape, Assault
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Fort Smith police have identified the man arrested in connection with the Monday morning lockdown at Mercy Hospital, according to a news release.

John West, 34 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center)

John West, 34, was located in a small box in the corner of an education classroom by search teams with FSPD and other local, state and federal agencies after a more than three-hour search.

West is facing aggravated assault, felony theft, and impairing the operation of a vital public facility charges. He is being taken to the Sebastian County Detention Center with no bond set.

Fort Smith Mercy Hospital reopened after Monday morning lockdown

West was reportedly in possession of a water pistol that was painted black to look like a real firearm. FSPD said he pointed it at a security guard after being confronted on the campus.

He was also in possession of a physicians laptop and tablet.

We would like to express our gratitude to all of our law enforcement partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Highway Patrol, Sebastian County Sheriffs Office, Barling Police, Central City Police, Lavaca Police, and the Fort Smith Public School District Police Department, as well as Emergency Medical Services personnel for their prompt response and assistance, the department said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Guest Opinion. Alaska Natives have a unique status in Federal Indian Law, in part, due to their entry into the Union in a later and much different policy period.

The U.S. Army going to war with Tribes and then signing a one-sided peace treaty that involves giving up a lot of land, has been replaced with the more deceptively civil sounding settlement act. As I was once told, when you see the word settlement in a statute concerning Native America, that means that Native Americans just got cheated (they used a different word, but I will substitute for this forum). So the Alaska Natives got a settlement act.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971 recognized 43.7 million acres of land was aboriginal land and extinguished Alaskan Native land claims for a payment of $962.5 million.

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ANCSA also structured the Alaska Native population into 13 corporations based on geographic regions with more than 200 village corporations. These corporations administer federal and state funds for providing health, housing, and other services to Alaska Natives. An Alaska Native is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations as:

Native means a citizen of the United States who is a person of one-fourth degree or more Alaska Indian. . . Eskimo, or Aleut blood, or combination thereof. The term includes any Native as so defined either or both of whose adoptive parents are not Natives. It also includes, in the absence of proof of a minimum blood quantum, any citizen of the United States who is regarded as an Alaska Native by the Native village or Native group of which he claims to be a member and whose father or mother is (or, if deceased, was) regarded as Native by any village or group. Any decision of the Secretary regarding eligibility for enrollment shall be final;

A couple of differences with regard to American Indians in the continental U.S., there is a criteria of simply regarded as an Alaska Native by the Native village (25 or more) or Native group (less than 25) of which they belong. This can be done without a minimum blood quantum or other documented list. Second, the inherent sovereignty to determine a Tribes own members or citizens seems displaced by the final decision of the Secretary (Department of the Interior).

A lot of misunderstanding about the status of Alaska Natives has led to a legal challenge by American Indian tribes seeking to deny COVID-19 resources to Alaska Natives because they are corporations,'' as opposed to the Tribes or Nations of American Indians in the continental U.S. The lawsuit claimed because they were not officially federally recognized they did not qualify for the CARES Act of 2020 funding. Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the wordplay and opined in Yellen v. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation that the Alaska corporations were equivalent to federally recognized.

But much like American Indian Nations in the continental U.S., there are traditions that clash with environmentalists that end up in national and even international conflict for decades. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about the eagle feather controversy in high school graduation ceremonies which also took a long view of the conflict between Native America and environmentalists over the eagles protection.

Environmentalists and Native Alaskans

There are many clashes between environmentalists and Native Alaskans, even the issue of drilling for oil in the pristine Prudhoe Bay. However, the environmentalists and Native Alaskans have mostly aligned together against drilling in the truly pristine Arctic Wildlife National Refuge. It is complicated when heat and food are at stake with protecting one of the wildest refuges in the U.S.

Whaling and the Makah

The U.S. signed a treaty with the Makah tribe in 1855 allowing whaling (Art. 4).

The right of taking fish and of whaling or sealing at usual and accustomed grounds and stations is further secured to said Indians in common with all citizens of the United States, and of erecting temporary houses for the purpose of curing, together with the privilege of hunting and gathering roots and berries on open and unclaimed lands: Provided, however, That they shall not take shell-fish from any beds staked or cultivated by citizens.

-Treaty of Neah Bay, 1855, Article 4.

The U.S. is a member of the International Whaling Commission that had a zero limit on whaling. The CITES treaty listed gray whales as endangered and protected, to which the US is a party. Traditional killing and IWC guidelines for humane killing conflict with traditional hunts. Japan and other whaling nations object to the Makah breaking the moratorium. The Makah have gone through the Administrative Law process for a permit to harvest one or two whales per year.

The International Whaling Commission allows tribes to hunt whales for "aboriginal subsistence" if they have a continued tradition of whale hunting. The tribe has not hunted whales for over 70 years, and few tribal members remember how. But in 1997, the Makah government argued successfully to the commission that a whale hunt was necessary to the tribe's cultural survival. In 1998, the Makah were allowed to take 4-5 gray whales. A moratorium was called when environmental groups objected to the taking as well as the means of killing the whales; while Norway and Japan objected loudly to the perceived unfairness to their commercial whaling industry which was subject to a moratorium although there was vast cheating on the restriction by Japan. Japan used the scientific exception in the International Whaling restrictions to harvest more than a 1,000 whales a year, only to find them advertised for sale as whale meat on Japans amazon (warning, the photo is disturbing).

In 2019, the U.S. NOAA, Fisheries office proposed regulations to allow the Makah to resume gray whale hunting. After going through the lengthy regulation process, known as notice and comment from public input and agency consideration, on June 23, 2024 the regulations were final to allow the Makah to resume hunting 25 Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales over a 10-year period. They would still need to go through the permitting process for each hunt.

Comments were many on denying the exception to the take permit, even for the sake of indigenous culture. Lisa Distefano of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was quoted as once saying,"We're just wondering when people are going to wake up and realize this isn't about native rights." Opponents also complain that the Makahs and their supporters are bending the definition of subsistence, opening the door to possibly for-profit whale hunts.

Meanwhile, Japan dropped out of the International Whaling Commission compromising any ability to negotiate further with an already defiant Japan.

The International Whaling Commission had workshops on how to humanely kill a whale, criticizing the brutal death of a whale when a traditional harpoon was used in the Makah hunt. They developed a set of 11-points to guide nations on the humane efforts. These two points indicate the difficulty of regulating indigenous hunts:

4. RECOGNISES the difficulty in some aboriginal subsistence hunts of obtaining time to death information; and notes that, where it can be assessed, the lack of information regarding time to death on aboriginal subsistence hunts prohibits an assessment of any improvement in these hunts.

5. ENCOURAGES all Contracting Governments to provide appropriate technical assistance to reduce time to unconsciousness and death in all aboriginal subsistence whaling.

The regulations were further delayed due to an unusual mortality event (UME) declared by NOAA when hundreds of gray whales were washing up on shores on the west coast of the U.S., devastating the already fragile and low population. The event ran from 2019 to 2023, and an investigation revealed the whales were dying of malnutrition on their migratory path from Mexico back to Alaska, failing to calve as a result of that, further decreasing the recovery effort. The gray whale has started to show some recovery, in 2024.

An interesting story I would like to share was when I had the honor of teaching high school age intertribal students at the Native American Fish & Wildlife Camp and Workshop in Colorado a number of years ago. The students had been asked to bring a story and some articles for showing something about their culture and traditions. A Makah student explained this complicated political story about her Tribes effort to resume their traditional whaling, and like many other non-Natives, some of the students asked her why they had to kill a gray whale  why not kill some other whale that was not endangered? She explained that the gray whales behavior is that it swims closer to shore than the other whales and this is necessary to involve the entire tribe in the traditional harvesting processthose in the water as well as the majority who participant from the shore. That was a good example of how traditions cannot always be understood from looking from the outside and making conclusions about them or the participants.

The world the Makah once lived in was in balance, and unfortunately the world they have inherited through globalization and colonization has threatened their traditions and culture. Because this culture is so integrated with the gray whale they are in many ways tied to its fate. They are not alone. Many other Pacific coastal tribes have whaling traditions, as do indigenous people from Russia, also in conflict over the international politics that have overwhelmed their way of life.

There is reason to be optimistic with the recovery of the gray whale population, the focus of the International Whaling Commission on Indigenous whale hunting, and decades of diplomacy that has worked (for all but Japan). Traditional hunting has amassed a wealth of indigenous knowledge about whales, their behavior and their survival. Ultimately, sharing knowledge from both indigenous and western scientific perspectives may ultimately prove the answer to ensuring the gray whale continues to exist.

To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to: https://profvictoria.substack.com/

Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
The Rockefeller Institute is spending the summer reviewing the state's "Foundation Aid" formula for distributing aid to school districts across New York.

None of their five public hearings, though, will be in the Lower Hudson Valley.

So state Sen. Bill Weber, R-Ramapo, is going to hold his own discussion and "testimony session" on July 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rockland Community College's Cultural Arts Theater.

Related: More NY school aid needed to address student poverty, special needs, health, advocates say

"We finally have an opportunity to address the inequities in the Foundation Aid Formula," Weber said. "I strongly encourage every Rockland resident to make their voice heard and participate in this process, which will have a major impact for years to come."

The state will disperse $24.9 billion in Foundation Aid aid to New York's nearly 700 school districts this year. The pot accounts for 10.5% of the entire state budget and is larger than 23 states' entire budgets.

The state budget set aside $2 million for the Rockefeller Institute, an Albany-based think tank that is part of SUNY, to review the Foundation Aid formula and produce recommendations for improving it by early December. Decisions will be made by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature.

The Institute held its first public hearing in Manhattan on Tuesday and will hold four more through the summer.

New Yorkers can also submit written comments and suggestions.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY Sen. Bill Weber to host state education aid discussion in Rockland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As firefighters continue to battle smoke and flames throughout Oregon, at least four wildfires in the eastern half of the state have grown into megafires.

A megafire, according to the U.S. Interagency Fire Center, is a wildfire that reaches a size of at least 100,000 acres. Of the 100 fires currently burning in Oregon, the Durkee, Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock fires have each reached this status.

Deadly shooting of SE Portland teen death still unsolved 10 years later

Durkee Fire

Location: Baker County

Size: 145,557 acres

Containment: 0%

Injuries: 2

Structures Destroyed: 2

Cow Valley Fire

Location: Malheur County

Size: 133,490 acres

Containment: 78%

Injuries: 1

Structures Destroyed: 7

Falls Fire

Location: Harney County

Size: 120,919 acres

Containment: 15%

Injuries: 11

Structures Destroyed: 29

Lone Rock

Location: Gilliam County

Size: 116,563 acres

Containment: 40%

Injuries: 3

Structures Destroyed: 0

The 2024 wildfire season so far has burned 618,741 acres in Oregon, according to the

State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard. This converts to 966 square miles of scorched land.

The Falls Fire burning in Central Oregon moves along a preexisting burn scar from a 2007 wildfire. (Photo: Mike McMillan/USFS)

Crews battle the Cow Valley Fire on Jul. 14, 2024. (Oregon State Fire Marshal)

A truck drives along the fire line of the Cow Valley Fire burning in Eastern Oregon. (KOIN 6)

The Oregon Fire Marshal announced Tuesday that the Falls fire in now 85,348 acres in size. (Oregon State Fire Marshal)

(Courtesy: Nicholas Alexander)

(Courtesy: Nicholas Alexander)

The Lone Rock Fire in Gilliam County, July 14, 2024 (Gilliam County Sheriffs Office)

(Courtesy: Nicholas Alexander)

(Courtesy: Nicholas Alexander)

(Courtesy: Nicholas Alexander)

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has already declared a wildfire state of emergency, freeing up deployment of the National Guard along with firefighters and structural equipment from California and Washington.

To be very honest, our wildfire season is off to a very aggressive start, Kotek said in a briefing last week, adding that this summer could be a long wildfire season.

Person hospitalized with significant injuries after crash involving MAX train and car

Extreme heat and dry conditions have contributed to the states heightened wildfire risk as thunderstorms spark throughout the Pacific Northwest. However, officials with the Oregon Department of Forestry say several wildfires have also been caused by humans.

In fact, the Forest Service reported that at least 100 wildfires in Oregon and Washington were caused by people throughout June and early July.

Over 3K without power in NE Portland Monday morning

We are asking the public for help keeping human-caused fires off the map, said Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations with ODF. We have our hands full already and more lightning coming. We can address that as long as our resources are not busy dealing with other human-caused fires.

State officials urge residents to sign up for local emergency alerts and familiarize themselves with evacuation levels.

Description of evacuation levels courtesy of Clackamas County.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
FILE PHOTO: The electronic news ticker of Fox News reads at the News Corp. Building in the Midtown area of New York City

By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - Fox News Media and its parent Fox Corp won a ruling on Monday dismissing a lawsuit by a former Biden administration official who accused the media giant of defaming her as a proponent of censorship.

Chief U.S. District Judge Colm Connolly in Delaware ruled that Nina Jankowicz, who resigned from her U.S. Department of Homeland Security post in May 2022, could not back up her defamation claims.

Jankowicz sued Fox last year, claiming she was forced to resign from the Disinformation Governance Board as a result of the company's broadcasts. She said Fox had intentionally trafficked in malicious falsehoods to pad its profits. Fox denied the claims.

Fox News Media said in a statement on Monday that it was pleased with the decision, calling the case "a politically motivated lawsuit aimed at silencing free speech."

Lawyers for Jankowicz said they disagreed with the order and would appeal.

The Disinformation Governance Board quickly drew criticism from conservative critics of President Joe Biden and others after it was formed in 2022. The administration suspended the board's work in May 2022, and it was dissolved later that year.

Connollys ruling said most of the Fox News statements at issue in the lawsuit were aimed at the board, not at Jankowicz directly. The judge also said viewers would likely have understood the statements at issue to be protected opinion.

It is undisputed that from the time its existence was announced by DHS, the Disinformation Governance Board was a hypercharged subject of political debate, Connolly wrote.

Connolly also said the boards objective is fairly characterized as a form of censorship.

Last year, Fox Corp agreed to pay $787.5 million to settle a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems that said Fox News broadcast false claims that the companys voting machines were involved in a conspiracy to rig the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Fox as part of the settlement said it acknowledged the court's rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Matthew Lewis)
Turkish observers have said that many projects related to Chinese modernization have contributed to development in other countries. Here's why. #GLOBALink
Fox News went into overdrive on Sunday after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the race against Donald Trump.

Sean Hannity declared that democracy is dead in the Democratic Party, and demanded that Biden resign the presidency.

Take his family of grifters back to Delaware, he said. If he had any decency at all he would leave the White House this week and never come back.

Then he turned his attention to Harris, whom he deemed a radical on issues such as health care, the environment and ... straws:

Hannity: She wants to ban plastic straws. I love my plastic straws. I hate paper straws. pic.twitter.com/B2InDSIFTz  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

Also, she laughs:

Hannity: Heres just one reason voters seem to detest Kamala Harris



*clips of Harris laughing* pic.twitter.com/QwKufROZJ3  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

Jesse Watters claimed the entire Biden presidency has been a lie and that it was ending in disgrace.

Over on Laura Ingrahams show, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered conspiracy theories about how they havent decided who will replace Biden, and said it would be a suicide mission to run against Trump anyway.

Ingraham also spoke with longtime Trump insider Stephen Miller, who was having a normal one:

Watching pissed Steve Miller ranting and raving on Fox News about Bidens decision to drop out of the race, should tell you everything you need to know.



They. Are. Scared. pic.twitter.com/wunJEUQwWt  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 22, 2024

Meanwhile, Kellyanne Conway  who served in the Trump White House  said Harris does not speak well and does not work hard.

Kellyanne: She does not speak well. She does not work hard. She should not be the standard-bearer for the party. pic.twitter.com/IJu3O9kWu7  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

Conways former husband, longtime Trump critic George Conway, fired back on X:

Not everyone can express themselves as eloquently and with such exquisite turns of phrase as Donald J. Trump. https://t.co/O8O8w65MqW  George Conway (@gtconway3d) July 22, 2024

Fox News host Martha MacCallum predicted that Biden will be the lamest duck ever with a hard pivot to Kamala, and its gonna happen immediately.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) claimed the party is pushing Harris to see if she collapses really soon so they can then replace her as well.

For the Democrats to say democracy is on the ballot, thats hypocrisy now, he said, and compared Bidens withdrawal to the Watergate scandal.

And another Fox News host, Harris Faulkner, delivered some conspiracy theories of her own, saying democracy is being upended by Bidens withdrawal from the race, that Democrats are a threat to democracy, and then declared that Harris may not be the nominee after all:

Fox News "straight news" anchor Harris Faulkner: "If anybody was afraid that democracy would be upended, we are watching it today. Joe Biden didn't capitulate to this to give Kamala Harris a leg up."



She then says she's hearing Gretchen Whitmer will be the nominee. pic.twitter.com/pxaIILENL9  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) July 21, 2024
President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the race on Sunday came as a relief to many Democrats but sent Fox News into a frenzy of rage and anxiety. Almost immediately after Biden's announcement, the network's anchors and commentators lined up to call the president's withdrawal from his re-election campaign a threat to democracy  and Vice President Kamala Harris, his likely replacement, a radical out-of-touch liberal with a strange laugh.

"The entire Biden presidency has been a lie," Fox News personality Jesse Watters said, claiming it was now "ending in disgrace."

Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, argued that the Democratic National Committee was handpicking Harris over the wishes of voters, claiming that "if anybody was afraid that democracy would be upended, we are watching it today."

"Before we preach to anybody else about how democracy in a republic should go, we got to get our straight and the timber crossed," she continued. "All they wanted to talk about leading up from the Biden campaign. Was the threat from Trump for democracy? No, theyre the threat. Look at today. This takes the power out of the hands of the voters."

The reaction is not entirely surprising, since former President Donald Trump's campaign had reportedly seen Biden as a weaker candidate and hoped that he would stay in the race, threatening legal action if he gave way to Harris or another Democratic nominee.

The 2020 Democratic primaries, like most other nominating processes for an incumbent president throughout U.S. history (including that of Donald Trump in 2020), were largely seen as a fait accompli for Biden, with no serious challenges daring to enter the fray. After a disastrous debate performance against Trump and a series of leaks about his mental and physical fitness that turned into a downpour, polls showed Biden losing support among both Democratic voters and the American electorate as a whole, not just party elites.

This didn't stop other Fox News contributors, like former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. from comparing Biden's withdrawal to the Watergate scandal. For the Democrats to say democracy is on the ballot, thats hypocrisy now, he said.

Meanwhile, former Trump senior advisor Stephen Miller's voice cracked as he railed against the Democratic Party for acting like on "oligarchy" and wasting the GOP's money.

"The Republican Party spent tens of millions of dollars running against Joe Biden. Now they've just woke up one morning and said never mind, we're cancelling the entire primary, we're getting rid of our candidate and we're pretending the election has never even happened," he complained, echoing Trump's demands that his campaign be reimbursed for the money it spent running ads against a candidate who will not be on the ballot in November.

Some Fox talking heads pivoted to attacking Harris, who Biden endorsed to succeed him. Sean Hannity, after declaring that "democracy is dead in the Democratic Party" and calling on Biden to resign and "take his family of grifters back to Delaware," inveighed against Harris as a "radical" on issues such as healthcare, the environment and plastic straws.

"I love my plastic straws, I hate those paper straws," Hannity protested. He then played a video compilation of Harris having fun, suggesting that her laugh was off-putting to voters.

Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway agreed. "She does not speak well. She does not work hard. She should not be the standard-bearer for the party," she told him.

George Conway, her husband and frequent Trump critic, responded that same evening. "Not everyone can express themselves as eloquently and with such exquisite turns of phrase as Donald J. Trump," he said in a post, presumably with a tone of sarcasm.
FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now)  The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) will be hosting Back to School vaccination clinics next month.

The clinics will be open from Aug. 6 to Sept. 11 for children who do not have health insurance, or children who have health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines or those who are not able to get vaccinated by their healthcare provider.

HVAC technicians in Frederick County see increase in service calls due to extreme heat

All students who are enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are required to have age-appropriate immunizations. The list of required vaccinations for the 2024-2025 school year in Maryland can be found here.

These vaccinations will be free for these children, though parents will have to make an appointment. Kids who have health insurance that covers vaccinations are encouraged to see their own healthcare providers.

Appointments can be made online or by calling (301) 600-1733.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Kamala Harris on phone with Biden, 100 other Democrats as she makes her case to be nominee

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event at Westover High School in Fayetteville, N.C., on Thursday. (Allison Joyce / AFP via Getty Images)

The day that catapulted Kamala Harris to within striking distance of becoming the Democratic nominee for president of the United States was marked by a flurry of phone calls.

Harris had multiple phone conversations with President Biden prior to his announcement Sunday morning that he was ending his reelection bid, according to a person familiar with Harris activities on Sunday. The announcement, which he released on X, rocked the political world and came after growing calls that he not seek a second term after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.

From there, Harris spoke to more than 100 Democrats, including members of Congress, governors and labor and civil rights leaders, the source said.

On each of those calls, the vice president made clear that she was extremely grateful for the president's endorsement but plans to work hard to earn the Democratic nomination in her own right, according to the source.

Monday is Harris' first full day campaigning for president, and she is expected to continue trying to unify the party around her.

As Biden's news spread, Harris quickly began to win the backing of many of the top people in her party.

Though Democrats have said they will have an open contest to select their nominee, many of the partys leaders have endorsed Harris, including Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Kathy Hochul of New York, Janet Mills of Maine, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Jared Polis of Colorado and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, as well as Sens. Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla of California, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Chris Coons of Delaware, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.

There are also indications of spikes in fundraising since the announcement.

Bidens announcement ends weeks of hand-wringing among party leaders who urged him to leave the race after a disastrous debate performance last month left many Democrats fearing he was too old for office and unable to defeat former President Trump.

I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term, Biden said in a statement. He will address the nation later this week, he said.

Read more: Gov. Newsom endorses Kamala Harris for president, in show of California unity after Biden drops out

In his initial statement, Biden did not endorse Harris but later threw his support behind her in a post on X.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden wrote.

In her own statement, Harris thanked Biden for his extraordinary leadership.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, she said. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Through his wins in Democratic primaries and caucuses in U.S. states and territories, Biden amassed nearly 4,000 party delegates who were pledged to vote for him to be the party nominee at the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Read more: Harris, with Biden endorsement, says she intends to 'earn and win this nomination'

His departure from the race means those delegates are now free to pick another candidate. They are not pledged to Harris.

Choosing a new nominee will be their primary task at the convention.

Jaime Harrison, the partys chair, said in a statement Sunday that the work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear.

On Sunday, Harris was working non-stop to build her case, the source said.

Clad in a Howard University hoodie, Harris served salad, sandwiches and pizzas to her aides as she spent roughly 10 hours on phone calls to Democratic leaders on Sunday at her residence at the United States Naval Observatory, the source said.

Among the people she spoke with was her pastor, Amos Brown III, who prayed with her.

Times staff writers Kevin Rector and Faith E. Phino contributed to this report.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Iowa's licensing boards are overseen by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. (Photo by Getty Images)

The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science has fined a funeral director $350 for failing to report multiple criminal convictions to the board.

State records indicate David Dolezal of Toledo was issued an Iowa funeral directors license in 1989 and that he subsequently practiced mortuary science in Toledo.

In October 2023, he applied for renewal of his license and, according to the board, failed to disclose multiple criminal convictions. The board subsequently approved Dolezals application for renewal, but in June charged him with failing to report all criminal convictions to the board within 30 days.

The parties recently agreed to a settlement that requires Dolezal to pay a $350 civil penalty.

The board has not publicly disclosed the nature of the criminal convictions. However, court records indicate that in 2022, Dolezal was convicted of domestic abuse assault. In 2023, he was charged with two counts of second-offense domestic abuse assault and later pleaded guilty to one count with the remaining count dismissed by the court.

Also in 2023, Dolezal was arrested and charged with felony burglary and felony stalking in violation of a protective order. He was convicted of both charges and received a deferred judgment.

Dolezal declined to comment on the matter when contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, except to confirm the nature of his criminal convictions.
Editors note: The Hill is providing live coverage of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatles testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday. Follow the live coverage here.

Congressional pressure is mounting on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle over this months assassination attempt against former President Trump, with multiple lawmakers calling for her resignation ahead of a Monday morning hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Republicans have been the most vocal in criticizing Cheatle; House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have both demanded she step down.

And, in a stunning scene, a group of Republican senators who were frustrated about an unclassified phone briefing confronted Cheatle at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, demanding she answer questions about the shooting  recording and later distributing video of the public encounter.

Some of the criticism has veered into culture war battles, with several Republicans pointing the finger at the agencys diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.

And further inflaming tensions is the acknowledgement from the Secret Service over the weekend that it had previously denied some requests from the Trump campaign for beefed up security, walking back a previous statement that such assertions were absolutely false.

There are indications that Democrats are scrutinizing her leadership, too. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) on Saturday became the first Democrat to call for Cheatles resignation.

The evidence coming to light has shown unacceptable operational failures. I have no confidence in the leadership of the United States Secret Service if Director Cheatle chooses to remain in her position, Boyle said.

Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and the panels ranking member, Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), issued a rare joint statement Friday urging Cheatle to appear for the Monday hearing. Another Democrat on the panel, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (Fla.), said Cheatle should resign if she does not appear.

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Friday that Cheatle will sit for the Monday hearing, the first in what could be a series of public hearings on the attempted assassination and security failures that enabled it.

The House Homeland Security Committee has also requested her presence at a Tuesday hearing, and the Speaker has pledged to create a bipartisan task force with subpoena authority to examine the attack.

Cheatle said in an ABC News interview last week that she will not step down. Standing in support of her is Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who himself has faced intense criticism from Republicans and was impeached by the GOP-controlled House  which the Democratic-controlled Senate quickly dismissed. Mayorkas said he has 100 percent confidence in Cheatle.

A Secret Service spokesperson said Friday that the agency is fully accountable for the safety of its protectees and is pledging complete cooperation with Congress, the FBI, and other relevant investigations.

Calls for hearings and demands for answers also followed the last close call on a president or former presidents life, when then-President Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981. Hearings with top officials convened just days after the attack, in which a gunman was able to get in close proximity to Reagan in a crowd of journalists as the president exited the Washington Hilton Hotel.

Then-Secret Service Director Stuart Knight, though, was not forced out of his position. And the agency was much less eager to take immediate responsibility.

During one Senate hearing that took place in the days after the attack on Reagan, the Secret Service assistant director for protective operations said the agency would not have done anything differently, The New York Times reported at the time. Knight noted that relevant intelligence on the shooter was not passed to the Secret Service ahead of Reagans appearance, but also said a democratic society must balance security concerns with public access to the president.

Cheatle, in contrast, told CNN last week that if there are things that we need to change about our policies, or our procedures, or our methods, we are certainly going to do so.

Still, other comments she has made have raised eyebrows in Congress.

Chief among those is Cheatle saying in an ABC News interview that there were no law enforcement officers stationed on the roof from which the shooter fired because the sloped roof created safety concerns, despite other Secret Service snipers being positioned on a roof that was also sloped.

Cheatle is also getting heat over Secret Services admission that it had turned down some Trump campaign requests for more security, in a change from an initial denial that it did so.

What were hearing from the reports from requests for additional resources, that they went to the top of the organization, clearly, she was the one responsible for ensuring the safety of Donald Trump and  and Joe Biden, House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation.

Lawmakers are particularly frustrated about learning in a briefing last week that the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was identified as suspicious almost an hour before the shooting  and that Trump was allowed to go on stage 10 minutes after the hunt for the shooter began.

In addition to injuring Trumps ear, the attack killed one attendee at the Butler, Pa., rally and critically injured two others.

Some Republicans, though, have turned the focus to a familiar point of political inflammation in light of the attempted assassination: diversity initiatives.

Conservatives have in particular highlighted a diversity goal that Cheatle outlined in a CBS interview last year: to have 30 percent female recruits to the agency by 2025.

In response to conservative uproar about the DEI initiatives and criticism of the hiring female agents, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tore into baseless assertions that agents are unqualified in a statement last week, ripping the disgusting comments.

It is an insult to the women of our agency to imply that they are unqualified based on gender. Such baseless assertions undermine the professionalism, dedication and expertise of our workforce, Guglielmi said in the statement.

Trump, for his part, has heaped praise on the very brave Secret Service agents who rushed to the stage to protect him and quickly killed the shooter.

They really did. They rushed to the stage, an unusually emotional Trump said during his speech at the convention last week. These are great people at great risk, I will tell you, and pounced on top of me so that I would be protected. There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet in a certain way I felt very safe, because I had God on my side.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As Democrats scramble to name the new ticket to take on former President Donald Trump in November's election, automotive analysts on Wall Street say the Detroit automakers' future for electric vehicles could hang in the balance in this election.

On Sunday President Joe Biden gave in to calls from Democrats to step out of the race. The Detroit Three automakers each told the Detroit Free Press they did not have comments on the news at this time. But industry watchdogs are confident the entire auto industry is carefully watching what happens next.

Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a front-runner to lead the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket. Harris has said she will work to earn a nomination, and within the last 24 hours she has raised $50 million in support. She has won the endorsement of a number of key Democrats, including governors in important swing states, such as Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer.

GM is partnering with EVgo, the largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles, to triple the size of the U.S. public fast charging network in the next five years.

If Harris is at the top of the ticket and wins, it won't impact carmakers much because her policies likely would mimic those of Biden's, who strongly supported EVs and building out the charging infrastructure to encourage EV adoption. Harris' choice of a running mate could help swing the election in the Democrats' favor, keeping the EV transition on track, experts said.

More: Biden exit prompts questions about UAW's support for Harris

But if Harris still can't defeat Trump, that would likely put the brakes on a near-term EV transition  potentially allowing the Chinese to get an advantage in the EV race, the experts said. An exclusive new Free Press poll of likely Michigan voters, published Sunday, just hours before Biden stepped down from the ticket, showed Trump with a 7 percentage point lead over Biden.

"The presidential race is front and center for every EV investor in the world because Trump is anti-EV, which is negative for Detroit, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, Dan Ives, managing director and senior equity analyst at WedBush Securities told the Free Press on Monday. "From an EV perspective, a lot is riding on this. If Trump gets in, it will be a gut punch to the auto industry, which has bet a big future on EVs."

'A consistent, known set of regulations'

GM, Ford and Stellantis are all moving toward an all-electric future and have invested billions to retool or build factories to make EVs and, in some cases, their batteries. GM has said, for example, it aims to sell only all-electric cars by 2030.

The Biden administration has helped the automakers in their efforts by allowing for $7,500 consumer federal tax credits on qualifying EV purchases. It has earmarked $7.5 billion to build out the EV charging infrastructure across the nation. In 2021, Biden visited GM's Factory Zero in Detroit and Hamtramck in support of its building the GMC Hummer EVs. The Biden administration has also been a strong supporter of the UAW, which had endorsed him, as he took to the picket line in Michigan last fall during a targeted strike against the Detroit automakers.

President Joe Biden goes around giving fist bumps and shaking hands after speaking with workers picketing at General Motors Willow Run Redistribution in Belleville on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, during a stop in Michigan.

A Harris presidency could be tougher on oil and climate change going forward, which would push carmakers more quickly into EVs. That push could be detrimental, given the automakers are still losing money on the vehicles and fewer manufacturing workers per car are needed, said Erik Gordon, a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

"While the industry may not be thrilled about the emissions policies of the Biden-Harris administration, at least its a consistent, known set of regulations that they can plan for and work toward," added Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst Transportation & Mobility at Guidehouse Insights in Detroit.

What a Trump presidency looks like

Trump also visited Detroit last fall, speaking to workers at a nonunion shop, Drake Enterprises in Macomb County. He criticized Biden's efforts to push an EV transition, saying it would kill the U.S. auto industry and jobs.

Some analysts said Trump would likely be tough on direct and indirect imports from China that could swamp the U.S. EV market. Keeping the Chinese, which make quality and cheap EVs, out of the U.S. market would help Detroit automakers develop more affordable EVs and increase adoption. Biden has imposed 100% tariffs on the import of Chinese EVs to head that off.

But Abuelsamid said the only thing certain in a Trump administration is "chaotic times ahead."

"If I was in top management at any automaker and supplier, I would be extremely wary of another Trump administration," Abuelsamid said. "In any large, capital-intensive business with long lead times, the only thing worse than too much regulation is uncertainty and continual changes in policy."

If Trump is elected, he could cancel policies to promote EV infrastructure that would make long-term planning difficult for carmakers.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at Drake Enterprises in Clinton Township on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.

"There is also a strong possibility that if Trump tries to implement Project 2025-style policies, significant numbers of people that the industry wants working here may decide that its better live somewhere other than the U.S. and recruiting will become much more difficult," Abuelsamid said. "The North American auto industry should also be wary of Trumps comments about welcoming Chinese automakers to build vehicles in the U.S. That would likely be devastating to GM, Ford and Stellantis."

Not 'the end of the world'

For the auto industry, Morningstar Auto Analyst Dave Whiston said Monday that whoever the Democrats nominate, it won't likely lead to radical policy changes that would impact the auto sector. But if Trump wins, theres a higher likelihood of removal of some policies that encourage EV sales.

"But that isnt the end of the world for legacy firms that are losing billions selling them anyway," Whiston adds. "Law changes would just slow the transition."

GM, Ford and Stellantis are considered legacy automakers, meaning they largely make gasoline-powered vehicles. GM has said it expects its EVs to be "variable profit positive" later this year. Variable profit is when the revenue GM earns from selling the vehicle exceeds the direct cost of producing it. The calculation excludes corporate or fixed costs.

Whitmer and the UAW

Gordon said Whitmer's endorsement of Harris is less important to the Democrats than UAW President Shawn Fain's endorsement, and "he will endorse any candidate who is not Donald Trump."

Indeed, the UAW issued a statement Sunday afternoon noting: "Vice President Kamala Harris walked the picket line with us in 2019, and along with President Biden has brought work and jobs back to communities like Lordstown, Ohio, and Belvidere, Illinois." It said Trump did nothing to help the union workers or the auto industry.

But during all of this, Whitmer sat silent as governors from key states, such as California's Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro, endorsed Harris. Gordon said the slight delay in Whitmer's endorsement, given the importance of autos to Michigan, signaled hesitancy.

"Gov. Whitmer would have been better off being the first governor to support Harris," Gordon said. "She gained nothing by delaying her endorsement. You show loyalty by immediately announcing your wholehearted support, not by hesitating to think about it."

A running mate

The key to the auto industry's future could be in a running mate. The key battleground states are Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona.

Wayne State University business professor Marick Masters closely monitors politics and labor. He said a Harris nomination moves the needle positively somewhat in favor of the Democrats but not that much to make that much of a material difference between now and Election Day.

Vice President Kamala Harris takes a photo with supporters after speaking during a vaccine mobilization event at the TCF Center in downtown Detroit on Monday, July 12, 2021.

The Democrats must roll out her nomination well at their convention next month, Masters said, with the focus on her vice presidential selection.

Generally, that choice doesnt make much of a difference, but it could in this race based on particular states, given there are prospective nominees in battleground states, such as Shapiro and Whitmer, Masters said.

WedBush Security's Ives said Wall Street is watching Whitmer and Shapiro.

"A Harris-Shaprio ticket would be the most bullish for the EV industry," Ives said. "Newsom is the wild card, and Whitmer, many view that as more of a 2028. ... Youve seen stocks up today because now at least this is not a Trump runaway win. Theres a race. And the stocks are pricing that."

Masters said it will be important to see how the Democrats roll out Harris, if she is to be the nominee, and how she presents herself next month at the Democratic National Convention.

If she presents herself better and she gets a positive rollout at the convention, she has a stronger chance of winning than Biden did," Masters said. But he warned, "Automakers will have to consider the possibility of a Trump administration in their forecast. I am not certain where the electrical transition will be on (Trumps) list of priorities, but I think it will be high.

More: Can a breathtaking convertible concept restore Cadillac to greatness? Times running out.

More: Financing, shopping, negotiating: How to find the best deal on new, used cars

Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Analysts: Detroit 3 future could rest on 2024 presidential election
By Marcela Ayres and Bernardo Caram

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 meet this week to seek consensus on economic policy ahead of the U.S. election, with plans to avoid discussion of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to prevent them from dominating the talks.

Negotiators from the G20 major economies have agreed to leave discussion of the conflicts out of a joint statement by the finance leaders gathering on July 25-26 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian diplomats said last week.

A meeting of the same ministers and central bankers in Sao Paulo in February failed to issue a joint statement, after Russia and major Western nations were unable to agree how to describe the war in Ukraine and Israel's shelling of Gaza.

Ahead of the G20 meeting of development ministers, which runs until Tuesday in Rio, Brazil released a chair statement on Monday saying the talks will leave geopolitical issues for diplomats in future meetings.

While some group members consider the impact of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza on the global economy worthy of discussion, it said, others do not see the G20 as the appropriate forum.

"The Brazilian G20 Presidency will conduct the discussion on these issues among sherpas in the coming months in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Leaders' Summit," it said.

While avoiding deadlock, Brazil hopes the approach may also shift the focus this week to economic cooperation on issues such as climate change and poverty.

Two Brazilian government officials said the hosts also wanted to achieve an increase in support for a proposed global tax on the super-rich that Brazil has made a priority of its G20 presidency.

PRESSURE IS ON

Pressure has mounted to make progress before the next finance track meeting in October  the last before a G20 summit gathering heads of state in November, the month when U.S. elections take place.

"We're arriving in July aware that we need to close deals. October will be completely overshadowed by the U.S. election," said one of the Brazilian officials, who requested anonymity so he could speak openly.

The strong polling of former U.S. president Donald Trump, who has called for massive tax cuts for individuals, could undermine the idea of a global billionaires tax. Brazil is still prioritising a joint declaration on international tax cooperation during its G20 presidency.

Another Brazilian official who asked not to be named said tax was "a central theme in the finance track this year, regardless of the U.S. election".

Brazil has won backing for the idea from Belgium, Colombia, France and Spain, as well as the African Union and South Africa, which will assume the G20 presidency next year.

It is seeking further support by casting the proposal as a way to make the global tax system more progressive, aligning with its G20 agenda to reduce global inequality.

That marks a shift from Brazil's approach in Washington in April, when it linked the billionaire tax proposal with funding for climate policy and global poverty reduction during the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen baulked at the idea of internationally redistributing revenue from a global wealth tax.

One of the Brazilian sources said that the G20 chair would seek to build on the language from last month's G7 meeting of major Western nations, which Brazil considered positive.

This would be an important step towards demonstrating the G20's initial support, although Brazil has acknowledged the effective implementation of such a global initiative would take years.

In its joint statement, the G7 said it would "work constructively with the Brazilian G20 Presidency to advance international cooperation. We will work to increase our efforts aimed at progressive and fair taxation of individuals."

Brazil's proposal, crafted by French economist Gabriel Zucman from the independent EU Tax Observatory, calls for an annual 2% levy on fortunes exceeding $1 billion, potentially raising up to $250 billion per year from some 3,000 individuals.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres and Bernardo CaramEditing by Brad Haynes and Barbara Lewis)
GA deputy injured after truck plows into two vehicles, including patrol car during traffic stop

Georgia State Patrol is investigating a vehicle crash involving a deputy.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Sunday, a McIntosh County deputy was searching the front drivers side area of a suspects vehicle he had stopped on Interstate 95 South at mile marker 44 in Glynn County.

According to GSP, a Dodge Ram failed to move over and drove onto the shoulder, hitting both the patrol car and the suspects vehicle being searched.

The deputy was injured as a result of the crash. The suspect was not injured.

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The deputy, whose identity was not released, was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.

The driver of the Dodge Ram was charged with move over and failure to maintain the lane. The drivers age and identity were also not released.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Injured foreign volunteers are seen at the Rafidia Hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 21, 2024. Three foreign pro-Palestinian activists were injured on Sunday during an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra near Nablus in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources reported. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Three foreign pro-Palestinian activists were injured on Sunday during an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra near Nablus in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources reported.

The settlers assaulted the activists, two American women and one German man, with sticks while they were assisting Palestinian farmers in plowing farmland and clearing weeds, local sources said.

According to these sources, Qusra has witnessed repeated attacks by settlers against Palestinians and their property.

The activists are affiliated with the Palestinian-led International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The volunteers were part of the recently launched "Defend Palestine" campaign, organized by Palestinian grassroots organizers, the ISM said in a press release on Sunday.

Israeli soldiers who arrived at the scene did not make any arrests, and the Israeli Police emergency hotline declined to dispatch forces, telling the volunteer who called for help that "the army notified them there is no need to send forces," the ISM added.

Ghassan Daglas, the Palestinian Authority governor of Nablus, condemned the attack on the activists.

Israeli media reported that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who responded to the incident fired shots in the air, causing the assailants to flee. The IDF did not arrest the attackers, who reportedly fled the scene masked, and the incident was not reported to the police.

More than half a million Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which Israel occupied in 1967, alongside approximately 3.2 million Palestinians. Confrontations between the two sides frequently escalate into violence. 

An injured foreign volunteer is seen at the Rafidia Hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 21, 2024.

Three foreign pro-Palestinian activists were injured on Sunday during an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra near Nablus in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources reported. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

An injured foreign volunteer is seen at the Rafidia Hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on July 21, 2024.

Three foreign pro-Palestinian activists were injured on Sunday during an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra near Nablus in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources reported. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
SAN ANGELO, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Many people across the country have shown their support for former President Donald Trump following the assassination attempt. For one man in West Texas, his support is something hell always remember  permanently etched onto his skin.

At the Trump rally, it was evening sun, songs and blue sky. Then came bullets, screams and blood

It was the shot heard around the world, paired with images for the history books, including one iconic photo of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

I knew the magnitude of this event when I saw that image. It gave me chills, San Angelo artist Gabriel Luckey said.

From Hulkamania to those wearing matching ear bandages at the RNC, support and inspiration have been on display, and back home in West Texas, its been no different.

Courtesy of Rene Maldonado

The people that motivate me might not motivate you, but thats what makes us all unique, and so I just decided to add him to that leg. It was a monumental moment. Hes an icon, and you cant take that away from him, Luckey expressed.

With GOP convention over, Milwaukee weighs the benefits of hosting political rivals

Moments after reports confirmed Trump was hit by a bullet, Luckey quickly reached out to San Angelo tattoo artist Steven Guerra.

He was like, come on, meet me here, Luckey recalled.

While on the way to the tattoo shop, Luckey thought about a few images but kept returning to one.

For some reason, that one kept sticking out to me, and I dont know that that image had become what it is now. I just went with my gut, Luckey shared.

Courtesy of Rene Maldonado

As Guerra was preparing to ink this iconic image on Luckey, he was still trying to process what had happened to Trump.

Whats going on in the world today? What could irate somebody so bad that they just want to take his head off like that? Come on, hes not even the sitting president, Guerra asked.

Timeline of Trump rally shooting

Luckey had something else in mind for Guerra besides getting the Trump image on his leg.

He knew we were trying to be the first in the world, so he was hustling, Luckey said.

I felt a little sweat like, oh man, I got to come out correct on this one. Theres no margin for error, Guerra recalled.

Courtesy of Rene Maldonado

After 45 minutes, Luckey and Guerra were finally ready to release the iconic tattooed image to the world. Luckeys video on TikTok featuring the tattoo gained over 360,000 views and a mixed bag of comments.

You know its people talking behind a keyboard. They know nothing about me or about my reasoning. I try not to read them, but I do read them. Theres tons of good ones, but it only takes one to hurt your feelings, so Im trying to let it roll off my shoulder, Luckey said.

Meanwhile, you can say Gabriel was lucky Steven Guerra was not only able to ink the tattoo but, for starters, said yes.

I did see a good friend of ours do a similar tattoo, and he said that the guy had been running out of 3 or 4 shops and that they would not tattoo that image on him. It kind of saddened me, kind of like damn. The name for this person is that deep. I love my First Amendment, and Im always going to use it. Hopefully, they dont use the 2nd on me for using it, Guerra shared.

Trump rally shooting: What we know about the victims

For Luckey, the Trump tattoo is one thing, but regardless, we should keep the bigger picture in mind.

Its neither here nor there whether Im Republican or Democrat, but to see anybody get up from an attempted assassination, I think we should all be happy for that or excited for that or thankful for that, Luckey explained.

Although the tattoo will always serve as a reminder of the attempted assassination, Luckey and Guerra suggested that we also remember the man who died shielding his family and those who were injured.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
When is the general election? Here's when the presidential election takes place this year.

If you're planning to vote in the general election in November, make sure you are registered to vote before the deadline in October.

Here's everything you need to know about voter registration in Indiana.

What are the deadlines to register?

You must register to vote at least 29 days before the election in which you want to vote, so that means the deadline for the 2024 general election is the end of the business day on Monday, Oct. 7.

When is Indiana general election 2024?

The Indiana general election is on Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day.

How to register to vote in Indiana

The state of Indiana has a website where you can check your voter registration status, update it, or register to vote for the first time. That voter portal is indianavoters.in.gov.

You can also call or visit your county's voter registration office. Paper forms can also be found at township trustee offices and at branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In Marion County, public library branches also have forms.

To register to vote, you must:

Have a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State Identification Card.

Be a citizen of the United States.

Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.

Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 days before the next election.

Not be currently imprisoned after being convicted of a crime.

What is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?

If you need an absentee ballot, you need to submit an application.

You can find the application on the Secretary of State's website. You can also pick up an application in person at your county election office, or call and ask for one to be mailed to you. Or, you can apply online at indianavoters.in.gov.

Because of a new state law that Gov. Eric Holcomb signed in 2023, you must include with your application a form of identification.

This requirement can be satisfied by a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID, or writing one of these four numbers on your application: Indiana driver's license number, Indiana ID card number, unique voter identification number or the last four digits of your social security number.

You can hand deliver, mail, email or fax your application to the county election office, but the office must receive it no later 11:59 p.m. 12 days prior to the election, on Oct. 24.

For more information about polls and early voting check out the article below.

Indiana voter registration guide: How to check voter status, options to vote, what to know

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter@itskatiewiseman.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When is the 2024 presidential election? How do I register to vote?
General Staff: Russia has lost 567,760 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022

Russia has lost 567,760 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on July 22.

This number includes 1,050 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

According to the report, Russia has also lost 8,284 tanks, 15,980 armored fighting vehicles, 21,138 vehicles and fuel tanks, 15,637 artillery systems, 1,123 multiple launch rocket systems, 900 air defense systems, 362 airplanes, 326 helicopters, 12,475 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Around 20,000 Russians killed in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrats nominee for president via social media Sunday, after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race.

Biden made the announcement he would step aside Sunday and asked the party to throw its weight behind Harris.

In a X (formerly Twitter) post, Ossoff stated:

Pres. Bidens record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS. Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.

Pres. Bidens record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS.



Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.  Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) July 21, 2024

Another Georgia senator supports Harris

Sen. Raphael Warnock released a statement via Facebook and X praising Biden and offering his endorsement of Harris for president.

President Joe Biden demonstrated again today that he is a selfless servant leader and a true patriot, and why he is one of the most effective Presidents of my lifetime, Warnock said. Joe Biden has always put the people first.

Warnock said supported Harris, saying he is proud to endorse her candidacy to be the next President of the United States.

Columbus Democrats: Will work even harder now

In a statement posted to social media Sunday, the Muscogee County Democratic Committee said it feels as if we have lost a giant of a man when Biden decided to drop out of the race.

We will continue to work even harder now and will win up and down the ballot with our Democratic nominee at the top of the ticket, the committee said in a statement.

The committee said it was determined to win in November.
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock answers questions from journalists before the start of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Philip Dulian/dpa

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday praised US President Joe Biden's decision to drop his re-election campaign.

"I have great respect for the US president's decision. Joe Biden is putting his country's interests above his own," she said in Brussels ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Biden made his historic announcement - following weeks of speculation over his fitness for office - on Sunday, throwing his Democratic Party into uncharted territory as Republican rival Donald Trump's campaign gains steam.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the clear favourite to earn the Democratic nomination to succeed Biden.

Baerbock said the 81-year-old Biden has been vital in helping to maintain close transatlantic relations throughout his career, and especially during his term as president, which has been overshadowed by Russia's war in Ukraine.

"NATO is stronger than ever before because we have acted and are still acting united and together," she added.

Baerbock said European leaders will be following events in the United States closely, describing cooperation with the US as central to Europe's "peace and security."

Whatever the outcome of November's presidential election, Baerbock said that further investment in European security is required.

"Europe must become stronger, especially in the area of foreign, security and defence policy," she stated.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock answers questions from journalists before the start of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Philip Dulian/dpa
An estimated 4,300 species are missing to science, meaning that they havent been seen in the wild for decades, but theyre likely not extinct.

Eager to rediscover some of these species, an expedition led by the conservation organization Re:Wild explored Makira Natural Park in Madagascar, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Over the course of a few weeks (followed by months of data analysis), the team discovered 21 previously missing species, including a 10.8-inch long millipede that hadnt been spotted by a scientist in decades.

Makira Natural Park is a 930,000-acre ecological wonder in a country already known for being basically an explosion of biodiversity. Seventeen of the island nations endemic lemurs call this forest home, along with 50 percent of the countrys floral species. And it was also in this forest that entomologist Henri de Saussure and naturalist Leo Zehntner first described Spirostreptus sculptusa dark-brown giant millipede thatd likely earn the starring role in an old-fashion, bug-based horror flick126 years ago.

Then, the species was lost to science. While thats not to say locals didnt see this many-legged, (nearly) foot-long millipede milling about, scientists searching for the specimen never found it again.

That is, until Re:Wilda conservation organization founded by scientists and, of all people, Leonardo DiCapriotrekked into the forest in September 2023. The organizations Search for Lost Species program (including both experts from a variety of institutions and local guides) was in search of the millipede and many other animal species that have been lost to science. The team spent weeks in the jungle, followed by several months of data analysis, searching for these missing creatures.

In the past the Search for Lost Species has primarily looked for one or two species on each expedition, but there are now 4,300 species that we know of around the world that have not been documented in a decade or more, Christina Biggs, lost species officer for Re:wild, said in a press statement. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and Makira is an underexplored area within the country, so we decided to pilot a new model for lost species searches there.

And on this expedition, luck was on their side. Not only did the team find a particularly large S. sculptus specimen stretching some 10.8 inches in total, but they also rediscovered 20 other species of spiders, beetles, fish, snails, and weevils. Although the giant millipede was the longest lost species, many other animals rediscovered during the expedition had pulled off a similar vanishing act for more than a century. For example, a species of jumping spider, identified as Tomocyrba decollata, hadnt been seen since 1900. Echinussa vibrabunda, a spider of the non-jumping variety, has been MIA since 1901.

But this expedition wasnt one of just rediscovery. The Re:Wild team also stumbled across something quite unexpecteda never-before-seen species of zebra spider. This is a particularly exciting find, as zebra spiders (named for their zebra-like markings) werent thought to exist in Madagascars rainforest.

I immediately recognized them as something special, said Brogan Pett, director of the SpiDiverse working group at Biodiversity Inventory for Conservation (BINCO), said in a press release. Pendulous egg sacs is one of the characteristics of the family of zebra spiders this new species belongs to. I crawled a short way inside the cave and saw a few adult spiders guarding egg sacsthey were quite large spiders and it was remarkable that they had gone unrecognized for so long.

While these expeditions and rediscoveries are a nice reprieve from the bad news deluge that defines our lives during Earths sixth mass extinction, they only remind us how important it is to protect wild spaces and work to preserve the planet for all species. But thankfully, these 21 species werent gone foreveronly hidden within one of the worlds most magical natural spaces.



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FORD COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  A man from Gibson City was killed over the weekend after his truck crashed on Illinois Route 9.

The crash happened early Sunday morning at County Road 600 East, just outside Gibson City. Officials with the Illinois State Police said a Ford F-150 was driving west at 2:39 a.m. when, for unknown reasons, it crossed over the eastbound lane, went into the south ditch and crashed into a culvert.

I-57 fully reopens in Champaign Co. after rollover crash

The driver and sole person inside the truck was pronounced dead on the scene by the Ford County Coroner. Hes been identified as 27-year-old Tyler Hinshaw.

Route 9 was shut down for about two-and-a-half hours while State Police investigated. There is no further information available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
EAST HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11)  A young girl was raped by two people in East Harlem Sunday evening, according to the NYPD.

The incident happened on a roof landing near 112th Street and First Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, police said. The girl, 12, was taken to an area hospital in stable condition, police said.

More Crime News

Police made no arrests Monday. Police are now looking for two teenage males who did not know the young girl, sources told PIX11 News.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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KATHMANDU, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-five bodies of the passengers have been recovered while 37 others have remained missing since their buses were swept away into a river by landslides on July 12, a local official said on Monday.

The number of people traveling on the buses was first put at 65, but revised to 62 after verification.

"While three passengers managed to swim out of the river, the dead bodies of 25 have been recovered," said Indradev Yadav, chief district officer of Chitwan.

The whereabouts of the other people and the two buses are still unknown, Yadav told Xinhua, adding that Nepali security forces and a 12-member Indian team are continuing the search operation.

Around 130 people have been killed in rain-triggered incidents in Nepal since the monsoon season started on June 10, according to Nepal Police. 
People arrive at Munich exhibition grounds ahead of the World AIDS Conference. 10,000 participants from all over the world are expected to attend the conference from July 22 to 26. Sabine Dobel/dpa

The world's largest annual conference on HIV and AIDS kicks off in Munich on Monday, drawing more than 10,000 participants to the Bavarian capital to share research and best practices.

Doctors, public health experts and activists from some 175 countries have been invited to the 25th International AIDS Conference to discuss the fight against HIV/AIDS, for which there are treatments but no cure.

AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 69% since the peak in 2004 and by 51% since 2010, according to UN figures. Nevertheless, one person still dies every minute as a result of AIDS.

Infections have been rising in some regions like Eastern Europe; in Africa they remain high despite significant progress in recent decades.

Almost 40 million people worldwide were living with the virus in 2022.

The UN's goal is to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths by over 90% between 2010 and 2030. But the goal is in jeopardy.

Experts lament that the epidemic is no longer on the public health radar in the way it once was, leading to flattening or declining government funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

They also say that discrimination and stigmatization of at-risk populations and vulnerable groups continues to threaten progress. These groups include sex workers, transgender people and drug users who use syringes.

The conference, which runs until Friday, is being held in Germany for the first time since 1993. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is due to deliver an opening speech at 5 pm (1500 GMT).

The UNAIDS programme also plans to release new infection and death figures for 2023 on Monday.
General Motors stopped production Monday at its Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri after union-represented workers at a nearby seat supplier went on strike late Sunday.

GM builds its midsize pickups and cargo vans at Wentzville Assembly, where it employs about 4,600 people, according to its website. It is one of GM's key plants and was one of the first plants the UAW struck last fall during its targeted so-called Stand Up strike.

Earlier on Monday, GM spokesman told the Free Press that the automaker had sent third-shift workers home early due to a parts shortage and the company was continuing to monitor the situation. But later in the afternoon, spokesman Kevin Kelly said the automaker had idled the plant.

General Motors added a third shift at its Wentzville (Mo.) Assembly plant last September to build trucks and vans.

"We can confirm that GM Wentzville Assembly Plant was impacted by part shortages resulting from a labor dispute at one of our suppliers. We hope both sides work quickly to resolve their issues so we can resume our regular production schedule to support our customers," Kelly said in a statement.

The supplier is a Lear plant in Wentzville, where about 500 union-represented workers assemble the seats used for the GM vehicles. Kelly said no other GM plants are impacted by the strike.

A spokesman for Lear sent the following statement to the Free Press, asking it be attributed to the company:

We have negotiated in good faith with the UAW for some time to reach a new collective bargaining agreement for our Wentzville, Missouri, seating assembly plant. Despite progress in the negotiations, the union informed us late last night of their decision to strike. Lear Corporation stands firm in supporting our employees and the communities in which we operate. With over 100 years in the automotive industry, we pride ourselves on our successful relationships with our employees and union partners. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that will benefit all parties.

The Lear spokesman did not provide further details. The UAW provided a statement to the Free Press from Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell blaming Lear for the Wentzville shutdown.

"Shame on Lear for failing to come to a fair agreement with the 500 members of UAW Local 282 who are now forced to strike for their fair share," Campbell said. "The company has had plenty of time to make things right, but instead spent a billion dollars on stock buybacks and dividends last year. Now Wentzville Assembly is down thanks to Lear's refusal to bargain a fair deal."

More: Future of Detroit 3 for EVs could hinge on 2024 presidential election, analysts say

More: Biden exit prompts questions about UAW's support for Harris

Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GM halts production at truck plant after workers at a supplier strike
Nestled in a valley of Floyd County, the ministry outreach program called Gods Appalachian Partnership is celebrating 25 years of serving their community this summer.

And the nonprofit is nearing completion of a long-awaited, massive renovation that will increase its space more than five-fold.

What makes GAP a little different from other really good organizations is our goal is to help (residents) now but make it possible for them to help themselves in the future, said Estill Carter, a board member of GAP. Youve got to educate them, and youve got to do it in a loving manner.

GAP, founded in 1999, aims to meet the spiritual and physical needs of people in Appalachia through four main programs: distribution of resources like food and school supplies, educational ministries, home repairs and Bible studies.

The nonprofit primarily caters to Floyd County residents, but it also serves residents in Knott and Pike counties, said John Morris, GAPs executive director.

GAP was founded by Angie and Lynn Wagoner, a couple from Orlando, Florida, who wanted to do ministry work in Eastern Kentucky. They partnered with a pastor in Floyd County who helped bring their vision to life.

God just kind of brought down the family and this local pastor together, and the vision of GAP was just to meet people with their point of need so that they may know Jesus, Morris said.

GAP purchased land for a new permanent space to house their office and resource building in 2011. Work is underway on the space upgrade, but the nonprofit is waiting on more funding to finish the project.

GAP is working with Constructors for Christ to help with construction over the next five weeks. For now, the nonprofit sits on 1,200 square feet. Once the renovation is complete, Morris said, it will have a little more than 7,000.

In addition to its four main priorities, GAP also offers life skills classes, including parenting, budgeting, resume building and card making.

Morris said GAPs newest program, which opened this year is a free dental clinic. For now, GAP has a building set up with three dental chairs and equipment. GAP is waiting for local dentists, dental assistants and hygienists to donate their time to the clinic.

The dental clinic started out just as a little picnic pavilion, and different groups of volunteers who come in each year expanded it and turned it into a dental clinic, Carter said.

And though growth has been steady, GAP still faces some challenges. The most common one, Morris said, is the community not realizing they, too, can give back to the community.

Eric Allen, leader of the Kentucky Baptist Conventions mission mobilization team, noted that everyone, even if they are materially impoverished, can help and provide for others.

There are people in poverty who have who have some of the greatest attitudes and encouragement they can offer others. They have life experiences that they can offer others, Allen said. Theres a lot of stuff that we can share and give to one another as we help to make each others lives better and stronger.
An elected GOP politician from Ohio is warning that if Donald Trump doesnt win the 2024 election it will mean Civil War.

State Sen. George Lang was one of the warm-up speakers Monday at a Trump campaign rally Monday, where vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance spoke solo for the 2024 GOP ticket for the first time. The rally was held in the suburb of Middletown, Ohio, where Vance grew up  just days after a Republican National Convention at which Trump had tried to stage a show of national unity.

Lang  in sharp contrast  used his time at the TRUMP branded podium to warn of violence that could tear America apart. Lang, who represents nearby Hamilton, Ohio, took the stage shouting Trumps post-shooting battlecry, Fight! Fight! Fight! And Lang insisted that America is in a fight for the soul of our nation and for our kids and our grandkids.

He then uncorked his views on looming partisan violence. I believe wholeheartedly that Donald Trump and Butler Countys J.D. Vance are the last chance to save our country, politically, Lang said. Im afraid that if we lose this one, its gonna take a civil war to save this country.

Ohio state Sen. George Lang at JD Vances rally: Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country. pic.twitter.com/7jtJz2XsAZ  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) July 22, 2024

Lang quickly emphasized that a militarized MAGA movement would win such a war.

It will be saved, he said.

Lang didnt stop there, elaborating that if we come down to a civil war Im glad we have people like  the Bikers for Trump on our side, pointing to a group of MAGA motorcycle enthusiasts in the audience. Lang then inveighed against liberals he claimed are chipping away at our rights, insisting of the American republic, that 2024 is the last stand to save it!

The bombastic message suggests MAGA Republicans are returning to form after the RNC convention in Milwaukee, which attempted to portray Trump  in the aftermath of the attempt against his life  as a changed man and a chastened figure who would lead the country to a less divisive, unified place. I am running to be president for all of America, Trump said during his acceptance of the GOP nomination, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.

However that mask of unity was loosely applied  and the familiar divisive impulses and bellicose language of the MAGA movement were on display at side events throughout the week. At a Moms for Liberty forum, for example, former Trump presidential rival Vivek Ramaswamy compared the MAGA movement to Americas founding revolutionaries, and declared that the 2024 election would be our generations 1776.

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After President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race, Wisconsin Democrats have rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket.

Two top Democrats from the state, Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, made their support clear at an event Monday morning. But they also notably shifted the conversation back to Biden's presidency, with Evers appearing emotional while discussing the president.

"What he's done for this state of Wisconsin, and frankly, our country, has been just short of amazing," Evers said, at points becoming choked up while talking about Biden. "I am emotional. He is a good friend."

Evers said he waited until Monday morning to announce his endorsement of Harris so Biden could have a "connection to the people of Wisconsin." He initially released a statement Sunday that didn't mention Harris, but called Biden "one of  if not the most  well-accomplished presidents of my lifetime."

Governor Tony Evers speaks to press at Milwaukee Area Technical College on Monday, July 22, 2024

At a campaign event in Stoughton Sunday, Baldwin said she's heard from many Wisconsin voters in recent weeks who "care deeply" about Biden and are "very proud of his legacy," but thought it was time for him to step aside.

Evers and Baldwin toured Milwaukee Area Technical College Monday morning to recognize Wisconsin's designation as a tech hub. They talked with college leaders and visited a microbiology class before making remarks and taking questions from reporters.

Baldwin and Evers said they haven't heard from Harris since Biden's announcement Sunday but expressed confidence in her campaign.

"I know (Harris) well. I've met with her many times since she's been vice president. She's done a great job, and I believe that she's going to win," Evers said.

Evers said he would join Harris during her visit to Milwaukee Tuesday. Baldwin said she would like to be there but is looking at her schedule because the U.S. Senate will be in session.

"(Biden) said early on, in his first administration, that he wanted to be a bridge to the next generation. He's making that so," Baldwin said. "There's a new beginning, and I'm very excited."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Tony Evers becomes emotional while discussing Biden dropping out
Good moment for democracy: UT historian says there is precedent of presidents stepping aside

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A University of Texas at Austin historian said there is a long American tradition of [presidents] stepping aside.

Jermy Suri, a professor of History and Public Affairs at UT Austin, told KXAN President Joe Bidens choice to withdraw from his 2024 reelection campaign is not aberrant. From as early as George Washingtons choice not to run for a third term when there were no term limits to Lyndon B. Johnson stepping aside in 1968, Suri said there are several examples throughout U.S. history.

How are Texas leaders reacting to Biden withdrawing from presidential race?

This is what George Washington wanted. He wanted people to leave voluntarily as he did multiple times  resigning his leadership of the Continental Army [and] resigning the presidency, Suri said. That is what democracy should be about  not grasping power as long as you can. I praise Joe Biden as a historian for having the courage to do this.

Suri said U.S. presidents consistently did not run for reelection despite being eligible throughout the second half of the 19th century. For example, he said, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, could have run for a third term in 1876 but did not. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, made it so that presidents could only serve two elected terms.

[Grant] decided not to run because he thought it was in the best interest of the country to have a turnover in leadership, Suri said.

Suri said other presidents made similar moves for comparable reasons.

They wanted their own party to win, but they wanted it to be someone other than them. So we do have a long tradition of this, he continued.

Biden drops out of the 2024 race: Now what happens?

A shot in the arm for democracy

Suri said he thinks Bidens move is a return to historical precedent that will ultimately be a boon for democracy.

[This] is a shot in the arm for democracy, Surie said.

[Biden] came to the conclusion that many of the voters, who he cares about, would prefer to see someone else, he said. They might like his policies, but theyre concerned about his age. And hes not forcing his way through. He hasnt hijacked his party  hes actually turning things over to his party. Thats how democracy is supposed to work.

I see this as a good moment for democracy, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Texas Republican said he recreated the shooting at former President Trumps rally with an AR-15 over the weekend to show the security failure of the incident.

Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) said during Mondays House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing that he used his AR-15 on Saturday to recreate the events of the attempted assassination of Trump on July 13.

A shooter opened fire on Trump during a rally, grazing the former president in the ear with a bullet. The Secret Service has come under intense criticism over the incident, with bipartisan calls for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to step down.

I have never had any long-gun training in my life. I own an AR-15, and last time I shot it  I shot it one time my whole life  was six years ago. That is until Saturday, where we recreated the events, in Savoy, Texas, we recreated what happened in Butler, Fallon said.

I was lying prone on a sloped roof at 130 yards at 6:30 at night. And I knew that he had a scope. I didnt know what kind red dot or magnified, so I shot eight rounds from both. You know what the result was? Fifteen out of 16 kill shots! he said as he raised his voice. And the one I missed would have hit the presidents ear. Thats a 94 percent success rate, and that shooter was a better shot than me.

The shooting left one rally attendee dead and two injured. After the gunman fired toward Trump, a countersniper shot and killed him.

Questions have swirled over how the gunman got close enough to take a shot at Trump, and many lawmakers during Mondays heated committee hearing expressed frustration with Cheatle.

Fallon criticized Cheatle for not visiting the site of the attempted assassination.

Nine days and you have not visited the site, Fallon said. You should have been there that night.

He then called for Cheatle to be fired immediately.

During his turn later on in the hearing, Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) criticized Fallons anecdote of recreating the shooting.

I want to just point out one thing that my colleague from Texas was talking about when he said he recreated the shooting twice with an AR-15 and he had a 94 percent success rate, 15 out of 16 shots. I dont know why that doesnt convince him that we should get rid of AR-15s.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Related video: JD Vance accepts nomination for vice president during RNC

(The Hill)  Ohio state Sen. George Lang (R) said at a Trump-Vance 2024 rally on Monday that hes afraid a civil war might be necessary if Republicans lose the election.

I believe wholeheartedly Donald Trump and Butler Countys JD Vance are the last chance to save our country, politically, Lang said at a rally in Middletown, Ohio, the hometown of the first-term senator and GOP vice presidential nominee.

Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country, and it will be saved. Its the greatest experiment in the history of mankind, and if we come down to a civil war, Im glad we got people like  Bikers for Trump on our side, he continued.

Later in the day Lang apologized, posting the following statement on X:

Remarks I made earlier today at a rally in Middletown do not accurately reflect my views. I regret the divisive remarks I made in the excitement of the moment on stage. Especially in light of the assassination attempt on President Trump las week, we should all be mindful of what is said at political events, myself included.

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Officials have expressed concerns for months about the risk of political violence surrounding the 2024 presidential election, fears that went through the roof with this months assassination attempt against former President Trump.

Trump, the GOP nominee, and many of his high-profile supporters have declined to commit to accepting the election results, regardless of the outcome. Instead, they have said they are confident they will win and avoided addressing a hypothetical defeat.

Leaders in both parties have called for toning down political rhetoric in the wake of the attempt on Trumps life.

Lang spoke ahead of the headliner, Vance, whose remarks at the Ohio rally, held at his high school, marked his solo debut on the campaign trail as Trumps running mate. The two nominees appeared together at a Michigan event on Saturday.

Vance is slated to travel to Virginia later on Monday to hold a second event in Radford.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for a response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani military said on Monday that it had conducted over 22,000 operations in 2024, killing 398 terrorists in different areas of the South Asian country.

Ahmad Sharif, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, told a press conference in garrison city of Rawalpindi that intelligence-based operations had a clear target to eliminate terrorism in the country.

The director general said that a total of 398 terrorists were killed and 137 soldiers were martyred in the operations, while the arrested militants are facing trials in 22 courts dedicated to proceedings against terrorists.

According to the official, the country conducted around 112 operations on average each day in 2024, adding that majority of the anti-terrorist campaigns were held in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern Balochistan provinces.

The official added that the operations are part of a comprehensive effort against terrorism launched by the government of Pakistan.

The director general highlighted that there is an entire spectrum of illegal activities in the country, including businesses that are facilitating terrorism, which will be dealt with in the coming days. 
Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and his running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, of Ohio, appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Since his nomination as the Republican candidate for vice president, focus has intensified on J.D. Vances religious beliefs and how they connect to his politics.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Vance is a convert to Catholicism and seems to have the same policy positions that many American Catholic conservatives hold: opposition to abortion, support for the traditional family, skepticism regarding liberal immigration policies and efforts to combat climate change, and advocacy of economic tariffs.

Some news reports have also referenced Vances apparent association with Catholic Integralism, although Vance himself has not addressed the issue publicly.

So, now might be a good time to ask: What is Catholic Integralism?

What is Catholic Integralism?

The basic position of Catholic Integralism is that there are two areas of human life: the spiritual and the temporal, or worldly. Catholic Integralists argue that the spiritual and temporal should be integrated  with the spiritual being the dominant partner. This means that religious values, specifically Christian ones, should guide government policies.

Catholic Integralists disagree about how to achieve this integration between the spiritual and temporal. Some argue that Christians, particularly Catholics, should have advisory roles in government and lead by example. Other Catholic Integralists want a more comprehensive approach to organizing society along Christian principles.

Catholic Integralists share an opposition to liberalism. Generally, liberalism is understood as a political philosophy that supports limits on the governments authority and constitutional protections for the rights of individuals and minorities. But Catholic Integralists argue that liberalism is incapable of establishing deep forms of human community because it values individualism and liberty above all things.

The irony, from the Catholic Integralist perspective, is that liberalism is not really that liberal. Instead, liberalism demands  and enforces  adherence to a certain set of values, like tolerance and pluralism, that prevents creating a social order in which human beings can realize a larger, God-given meaning for their lives.

Catholic critiques

There are strong criticisms of Catholic Integralism coming from both within the Catholic church and beyond.

The Vatican II document, Dignitatis Humanae, affirms that the state should protect religious liberty for all, not only Catholics. This is a position that some Catholic Integralists would find problematic.

Other critics have argued that Catholic Integralism is unreasonable and unworkable because society needs to rely on the cooperation of individuals who inevitably have different ideas and values.

Vance and Integralist views

When considering Vances current policy commitments, some certainly seem consistent with Catholic Integralist views. For example, Catholic Integralists might justify opposing immigration and migration because they believe that society needs to be more homogeneous in order to have a shared system of values.

Additionally, Vance has recently called to criminalize gender-affirming care for minors. In one sense, Vance is expressing the overall Catholic belief that sex and gender distinctions are willed by God  a point that Pope Francis has also made. But moving to enforce this religious belief by law might reflect a Catholic Integralist position that society must respect natural law, or the order of the universe as believed to be established by God.

Right now, Catholic Integralism is of interest to a distinct minority of Catholic academics and political conservatives in the the English-speaking world. But if Vance is elected vice president, it will be interesting to see what happens if he clarifies  or expands  his apparent Catholic Integralist connections.

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With Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential race, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is again in the spotlight  this time as a possible No. 2 on the Democratic ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris.

There had been talk of Beshear for the presidency, but with Biden endorsing Harris, the conversation quickly shifted to Beshear as vice president. The Courier Journal asked readers for their thoughts, and many of the responses came from people across the nation.

Here's what some of them said:

J. D. Vance doesn't stand a chance against Beshear

Should the well-qualified Andy Beshear be chosen to run for vice president, J. D. Vance better run for his life from a debate. Vance walked all over Appalachian folk to get where he is. Beshear walks with what people need.

Laurence Smelser, Baltimore, Maryland

Beshear is a good Democrat and a good Christian

Please choose Andy Beshear as Kamala Harris vice president. He is a good Democrat, and he and his wife are both deacons of their church. You get the rust belt and good Christians. That could be a winning ticket.

Andy Beshear

Carole Glosenger, San Francisco, Calif.

Beshear a stellar choice in battle to beat Trump

I think Andy Beshear would be a stellar choice for Kamala Harris' VP. I've watched his career for a long time and find him an impressive and qualified young man. He's won several races and could help the ticket coming from the state of Kentucky. I think he would be a strong help toward our victory. Beating Trump is our goal, and I back Beshear as VP.

Candice Menzemer, Fort Myers, Fla.

Have something to say about this? Submit your letter to the editor here

Why Andy Beshear should be the next VP

Andy Beshear's combination of crisis management skills, commitment to bipartisanship, focus on health care and education, economic vision, and ethical governance make him an outstanding candidate for the vice presidency of the United States. His ability to connect with voters, work across party lines, and lead with integrity positions him as a unifying figure capable of addressing the complex challenges facing the nation. In selecting Andy Beshear as vice president, the United States would gain a dedicated public servant ready to help steer the country toward a more prosperous, equitable and united future.

Erick Tidiane, Granite Bay, Calif.

Kamala Harris would be lucky to have Beshear

Yes! I think Andy Beshear would be an outstanding VP! Kamala Harris would be lucky to have him! He is so sincere and likable and maybe most importantly not arrogant or egotistical!!! I am not related nor have I ever even met him. But have been very impressed with his decisions and actions as governor!!!

JM Miller, Louisville

I love Andy

I have been following Andy on YouTube for a long time. I love Andy and I think he would make a great VP/President!! I think he should go for it!

Natalie Shakespeare, Palmyra, IL

Beshear is the only one who will beat Trump

I do a lot of research and came up with Andy Beshear three weeks ago. He has the personality, ethics. Qualifications. Speaks well and is polished, genuine and will win people over. He is a natural. He is the ONLY ONE THAT WILL BEAT TRUMP. He will destroy Trump in the debate.I will offer my help. Time is of the essence. Pls ACT SOON!

Anne Abramson, New Jersey

Beshear a great candidate for the 'puppet masters'

Gov. Beshear is a dark horse, but darker still are the Republicans that backed his election in Kentucky. He rides the fence, and I feel he has no real convictions about anything, which makes him an outstanding candidate for the puppet masters.

Maximo Gomez, Corbin, Ky.

Beshear has been my top pick

I absolutely think he should be the vice president pick, as a matter of fact Beshear was my top pick to replace Biden had it not taken Biden so long to drop out.

Hobert Michael McKinney, Berea, Ky.

Beshear is a 'man for the people'

I think Gov. Beshear should run for president. Most definitely for vice president if he does not want to be the president. He is the Man for the People! I would hate to see him leave Kentucky. BUT I WOULD LOVEEEEE TO SEE HIM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Laverne Brasher, Louisville

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY Gov Beshear is Harris best VP choice to beat Trump
President Joe Biden takes a photo with Emma Kate Cox, Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox after speaking at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. Cox expressed sympathy for Biden in a statement thanking the president for his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox expressed sympathy for President Joe Biden in a statement thanking the president for his service as president and for his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday.

I dont need to list all our disagreements today. But I do need to thank him for his dedication and years of service to our country and for making the right decision, Cox said in a post on X.

Biden bowed out and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, ahead of the August Democratic National Convention following a pressure campaign from fellow Democrats worried about the 81-year-old presidents electability.

In his statement, Cox didnt criticize Biden, who he has frequently called out on issues like border security and energy policy. Instead, the governor focused on the difficulties of aging.

Getting old is hard. Ive watched my own dads struggles with Parkinsons disease and it has been a heavy weight for him and our family. Being in the public spotlight is hard. I cant imagine how tough it must be as president. Im sure this was a terribly difficult decision for  Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) July 22, 2024

Getting old is hard. Ive watched my own dads struggles with Parkinsons disease and it has been a heavy weight for him and our family, Cox said. Being in the public spotlight is hard. I cant imagine how tough it must be as president. Im sure this was a terribly difficult decision for President Biden and his family.

Cox said his personal interactions with the president were always positive during his yearlong tenure as chair of the National Governors Association, which included a meeting with the president in February.

He has always been gracious and kind to me and my family  and all the other governors in the NGA, Cox said. I dont need to list all our disagreements today. But I do need to thank him for his dedication and years of service to our country and for making the right decision.

Cox endorsed the Republican nominee for president, former President Donald Trump, on Friday, just days after saying he would not vote for Trump in November, just as he didnt in 2016 and 2020.

President Joe Biden talks with Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox after his arrival on Air Force One at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Cox expressed sympathy for Biden in a statement thanking the president for his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
CHELSEA, Manhattan (PIX11)  A former prison in Manhattan that has been shut down since 2012 might finally be repurposed.

The Bayview Correctional Facility on West 20th Street could be converted into 124 affordable housing units, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

More Local News

The proposed project, titled Liberty Landing, was selected after Hochul called for proposals to transform the 100,000 square-foot facility into affordable and supportive housing in September 2023.

The joint venture between the Camber Property Group and the Osborne Association will also offer supportive housing for formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the community.

In addition to building affordable housing units, the proposal includes a community facility unit for youth-oriented programming, and a 15-unit short-term transitional residence to support individuals with mental health needs who are navigating life transitions and are in need of temporary housing.

New York City officials announce $500M investment for affordable housing

The project will undergo review according to the State Environmental Quality Review Act. It will then be presented for public review and comment before final approval. and be presented for public review and comment before its final consideration and approval.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CHICAGO  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys new nominee for president a day after President Joe Biden bowed to pressure from within the party and dropped his reelection bid.

Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans, Pritzker said in a statement. From protecting womens rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She represents our Partys best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.

Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, had been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Biden, and he would be one of the few candidates who would have the financial resources to self-fund a campaign. His statement, which noted he spoke to Harris, did not address whether he would seek to join her on the ticket as the vice presidential nominee.

Noting his support for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton both times she sought the presidency, including when she ran against Illinois favorite son Barack Obama, Pritzker said, Its past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as President of the United States.

Joining Pritzker in endorsing Harris was Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, the first African American woman to hold that office in Illinois

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Illinois senior senator and the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber, also came out behind Harris on Monday.

____
(NewsNation)  With nearly 4,000 delegates up for grabs during the Democratic National Convention this August, its unknown who exactly will try to replace President Joe Biden on the ticket.

Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., tells NewsNation Prime that Bidens endorsement of his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, has slammed the door for other Democratic hopefuls like California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has already endorsed Harris, calling her tough, fearless and tenacious in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, the post read in part.

Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.



With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, @KamalaHarris.  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 21, 2024

Though plenty of politicians want a seat in the Oval Office, Garamendi explained they will just have to wait until the next election cycle to get a shot.

Hell be back on the field as a presidential candidate, Garamendi said. But hes not going to take on Harris.

Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic nominee. What happens next?

Some Democratic donors and officials are reaching out to West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to consider standing for the presidential nomination, a source familiar confirmed to NewsNation. Manchin is reportedly considering registering as a Democrat once again to join the race.

Newsom could, however, join Harris. If Harris secures the nomination, hes one of the front-runners to become part of the new Democratic ticket.

Others include:

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Garamendi thinks the female hopefuls will likely be ruled out if Harris is the nominee, but there are several that are absolutely excellent vice president candidates.

What happens to Bidens campaign funds?

Though Garamendi is sad that calls for Biden to leave grew loud enough to force his hand, he is ready to support whatever the future holds for the party: That is now yesterday.

I think weve got a terrific opportunity with Harris, he added.

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Gov. Phil Murphy was among the dozens of Democratic leaders to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday after President Joe Biden called off his re-election bid.

He said that shes been an outstanding VP and has what it takes to be an even better president.

What did Phil Murphy say about Kamala Harris?

(FILES) US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an Emily's List discussion on reproductive rights one year after the Dobbs decision, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2023. Joe Biden on July 21, 2024 dropped out of the US presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee, in a stunning move that upends an already extraordinary 2024 race for the White House. Biden, 81, said he was acting in the "best interest of my party and the country" by bowing to weeks of pressure after a disastrous June debate against Donald Trump stoked worries about his age and mental fitness. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: 2162344521

On Monday, at an unrelated event at the Statehouse in Trenton, Murphy said that he spoke to Harris earlier in the afternoon and that she is ready to rock and so are we.

Murphy said he told Harris that he and first lady Tammy Murphy were willing to do whatever is needed and that when it comes to preparing for Novembers election he doesnt intend to take for granted that the state typically leans Democratic and will hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

The governor said that while he hasnt known Harris as long as hes known Biden, he knows that she would be outstanding and it would be historic.

It wont be easy, Murphy said. This will not be a cakewalk. Theyre up against a very well-funded, very dug in, very known commodity in President Trump and now with J.D. Vance so this will not be easy anywhere.

Murphy will speak at a meeting of the states Democratic delegates Monday. He noted that the state Democratic Chairman Leroy Jones Jr. has also endorsed Harris and that the message for the meeting Monday will salute Biden and reiterate support for Harris while recognize that it is overnight that the change is being made.

We have a strong hope that we are united and being united in Chicago at the convention means youve got power. Were one of the biggest delegations at the convention, Murphy said. It will be historic for sure.

Charlie Stile Biden is out. Now, NJ Democrats roll the dice like Atlantic City gamblers

Growing Democratic support for Kamala Harris in New Jersey

More than 200 party leaders throughout the country have publicly endorsed Harris including 16 governors, 38 senators and 168 representatives as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Biden also endorsed Harris.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made," the president said. "Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this."

There was an outpouring of support and gratitude from New Jersey officials for Biden after his announcement. Murphy thanked Biden for more than 50 years of service to the nation and said his time in office "will be remembered as one of the most successful and impactful presidencies in American history."

I dont think we can underestimate how probably hard it was for President Biden but also for the extraordinary step he took on behalf of not just the party but the country, Murphy said Monday.

Rep. Frank Pallone said the "decision to step back from the nomination reflects his selflessness as a leader" and that he's grateful for Biden's "calm leadership while navigating the most challenging role on the planet, especially after four years of tumult and division sowed by Donald Trump."

Bidens legacy was acknowledged by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who said "history will remember President Biden as a towering figure" and that his decision is a "selfless act of patriotism, putting the need to defend democracy ahead of his own personal ambition.

Her colleague, Rep. Andy Kim, said Biden "has given our country everything he had" and that "Biden will go down in history as a leader of consequence and a man who loved his country."

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy endorses Kamala Harris. What he said
CHICAGO  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and state Democratic Party leaders endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president Monday, one day after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Harris himself.

The endorsements from Pritzker and state Democratic leaders come about a month before the Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago at United Center from Aug. 19-22.

Harris looks to collect endorsements, lock up Democratic nomination

Pelosi endorses Harris as Democratic nominee

What does Bidens exit from race mean for the DNC in Chicago?

Harris breaks 24-hour fundraising record after Biden drops out

Below is a collection of endorsement statements:

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday:

I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

Since I launched my first campaign for Governor in 2017, I have made it clear in virtually every political speech and statement the absolute necessity of beating Donald Trump at the ballot box. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, liable for sexual assault, and a congenital liar. He is a man wholly unfit for the office of the presidency both in character and temperament. We must defeat him and his MAGA allies at every level this November.



When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Bidens selfless decision came as a genuine surprise. I have worked hard during my time as Governor of Illinois to try and bring a sober and mature approach to decision-making. Its important to be thoughtful about whats next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention.



Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans From protecting womens rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She represents our Partys best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.



Before I was elected Governor of Illinois I served in leadership roles for Hillary Clintons presidential campaigns. I worked hard for Hillary Clinton because I thought she would be an incredibly qualified and capable President. I also felt it was important that this country finally elect a woman to the highest office in the land. I am endorsing Kamala Harris for President and will work hard to get her elected because I believe that she is the most qualified and capable person to be President. I also think its past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as President of the United States.

Governors, Members of Congress and other notables whove endorsed Harris

Internal polling shows Harris ahead of Biden in net favorability

Harris gives Democrats hope of galvanizing young voters

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez on Monday:

The Democratic Party stands united in our belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward. Vice President Harris has demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership throughout her distinguished career. From her tenure as the Attorney General of California to her service as our Vice President, Kamala Harris has consistently fought for justice, equality, and the rights of all Americans.

The Democratic Party of Illinois is fully committed to mobilizing our communities in support of Kamala Harris. We recognize the historic significance of her candidacy and profound impact her leadership will have on our state and our country.

Vice President Harris platform reflects the values and priorities of Illinoisans, including expanding access to quality healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and ensuring economic justice for all. Vice President Harris stands as our best chance to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Their radical agenda threatens to dismantle the progress weve made. We cannot allow their divisive and regressive agenda to prevail. We must protect our democracy, defend our rights, and uphold our Democratic values. As we move forward, the Democratic Party of Illinois is dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure Kamala Harris victory in November.

Illinois House Speaker Chris Emanuel Welch on Monday:

Throughout our history, strong women have built movements that united us, inspired change when we needed it most and called on our nation to continually pursue a truer vision of our founding principles. Kamala Harris has stepped up to continue this work, and I am so proud to offer her my full support. Democrats see the challenges our country faces, and we choose Kamala Harris to lead us forward. We choose Kamala Harris because we know that someone who has dedicated her career to justice is the right choice to stand up to a man who believes the law does not apply to him. We choose Kamala Harris because a champion for women and families is the right choice to hold the architect of the Dobbs decision accountable. We choose Kamala Harris because someone who embodies the power of unity is the right choice to defeat a demagogue who divides people to pursue his own power. When Democrats nationwide gather next month in Chicago, I will join Black House Speakers from Maine, Michigan, Maryland, New York, and Virginia for a celebration of diversity and unity that we call Black Excellence in Bleu.

There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Kamala Harris to lead our party forward. This November, we choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, and the rule of law. We choose womens rights, voting rights, and civil rights.

And that is why we choose Kamala Harris to serve as President of the United States.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Monday:

Im proud to endorse my former Senate colleague and good friend, Vice President Kamala Harris. Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity and not MAGA chaos. Vice President Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) late Sunday:

As we witness a significant moment in the annals of our nations history, I am moved to reflect on the exemplary leadership and enduring commitment of President Joe Biden. Today, as President Biden makes the profound decision to step out of the Presidential race, I am compelled to commend him for his unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and equity.

President Biden has led with a steady hand and a compassionate heart, guiding our country through unprecedented challenges. His efforts to heal our nation, restore dignity to the highest office, and champion the rights of all Americans will be remembered as a testament to his profound love for this country. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the fight for racial justice, his leadership has been a beacon of hope and resilience. His administrations work on infrastructure, healthcare, and economic recovery has laid a strong foundation for future generations.

In this pivotal moment, I am also immensely proud to extend my unequivocal endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as she steps forward to continue this essential work. Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a dynamic and visionary leader, dedicated to upholding the values we cherish. Her tenure as Vice President has been marked by her tenacity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She has been a steadfast advocate for the underserved and a powerful voice for those often overlooked.

Vice President Harris embodies the spirit of progress and the promise of a brighter future for all Americans. Her leadership is defined by a deep sense of empathy, a strong moral compass, and an unyielding determination to create a more just and equitable society. As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President, she has already broken countless barriers and inspired millions. I have every confidence that she will continue to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.

President Bidens decision to support Vice President Harris is a testament to his faith in her abilities and to his commitment to the future of our nation. Together, their partnership has exemplified the strength and potential of inclusive leadership. As we look to the future, I am hopeful and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead under Vice President Harriss leadership.

I urge all Americans to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unparalleled service and to stand united in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. Let us continue to work together towards the realization of the American dream, where justice, equality, and opportunity are the birthright of every citizen.

Illinois Senate president Don Harmon on Monday afternoon:

I am enormously proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the Office of President of the United States. In a short few hours after announcing her candidacy, she has energized the Democratic Party with her compelling story and her ability to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps corrupt, felonious behavior and his plans to cut taxes for billionaires and corporations while raising them on the middle class.

Over the last three and a half years, weve been fortunate to have the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to repair the damage inflicted on the nation by Trump. We cannot go back, and I will do everything in my power to help elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Sunday:

It is vital for our entire party to come together and support Vice President Kamala Harris. I am proud to give her my full endorsement.

Vice President Harris is the visionary leader that we need now to defeat the threat of another Trump presidency. She has proven herself as a fearless defender of our democracy. I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure she becomes our next President.

Indiana Democratic Party chair Mike Schmuhl on Monday:

Vice President Kamala Harris has already made history by serving in our nations second-highest office. She is tenacious, skilled, and powerful, and we are proud to endorse her as the next President of the United States so that she can continue the legacy of unprecedented job growth, historically low unemployment, and fighting for reproductive freedom in all 50 states.

As she served by President Bidens side these past three and a half years, America has had the privilege of watching her continuously fight for the rights of marginalized individuals and working families. Our party stands behind her at this moment, and we are ready to work to usher in a new generation of leadership in our state and nation  and defeat Trumpism at the ballot box once more.

(The states 88 delegates, previously pledged to President Biden, voted to endorse Harris.)

Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter on Monday:

Im excited about the National AFL-CIOs endorsement of Vice President Harris as the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America. A stalwart supporter of the labor movement, Vice President Harris has what it takes to lead our country and forge her own path as President. I cant wait to welcome the Vice President back to the hometown of the American Labor Movement for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago!

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who on Monday morning endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, has landed on the list of names being floated as her vice presidential nominee.

Walz endorsed Harris for president in a post on X, thanking her for a call and pledging his "full support."

"Let's go win this thing," he wrote.

Other possible running mates from a handful of battleground states are seen as more likely picks to run with Harris. But, as the smoke clears from President Joe Biden's weekend decision to leave the race, Walz's rising national profile has put him in the discussion as the party scrambles to put together a unifying ticket ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

Prominent Democrats in Minnesota and across the country quickly rallied around Harris following Biden's announcement, which also saw him endorse Harris as his successor. While other Democrats could still challenge Harris as the nominee, much of the party's leadership is lining up behind her, and attention has quickly shifted to who she'll pick to join her on the ticket.

Democratic governors top the list of names mentioned most frequently by donors and pundits. That includes Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, as well as Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina, states that voted for Donald Trump but also sent Democrats to the governor's office.

Those candidates, along with Walz, could provide demographic and geographic balance to a ticket with Harris, a Black woman and a former attorney general and U.S. senator from California. Governors also come with executive experience that could appeal to Harris.

"She's probably going to want someone who has established credentials. She was a senator, you might think of Walz as balancing that out as a state governor," said Kevin Parsneau, a political science professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Also reported to be on the list of potential candidates are California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took herself out of the mix on Monday.

The hunt for a running mate will be condensed from the typical few months to just days or weeks, said Brian McClung, who worked for former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty when he was considered as a vice presidential possibility in 2008 and 2012.

"Ordinarily it's a deep dive into anything a potential candidate has ever said or done," McClung said. "It's very intensive. They're going to need to do several months worth of record compiling and analysis in probably a few days. They really want to know everything so there are no surprises going forward."

With governors, much of the vetting is done in previous campaigns and years of service, McClung added.

Walz's profile has been rising nationally since he became chair of the Democratic Governors Association, a role that makes him the fundraising and campaign face helping to elect governors in 11 states this fall. As a Biden campaign surrogate for months, he's frequented cable news shows and traveled across the country to promote the president's record.

A veteran and former teacher who represented a conservative southern Minnesota district in Congress for a dozen years, Walz has earned a reputation as a more progressive Democrat as governor. He signed a historic number of Democratic priorities into law in 2023 with a one-vote DFL majority in the Legislature.

"When I travel, a lot of states like what we're doing here and I think that idea that we could do that in other places would be great," Walz said Monday on MPR News, signaling openness to conversations about being the vice presidential nominee.

"If I thought there was something that I could bring to the ticket and make a difference, especially in those states we need to win, I'm certainly listening," Walz said.

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota, in calling for Biden to leave the race last week, endorsed a Harris-Walz ticket, arguing Harris will need a "strong Midwestern running mate." A Wall Street Journal reporter posted on X Monday night that Walz was among a group of governors that the Harris campaign asked for vetting materials.

Several national forecasters shifted Minnesota to potentially more favorable to Republicans following Biden's debate performance, but the state hasn't voted for a Republican for president since 1972 and is still not seen as a top-tier target for the party this fall.

Walz's broader strength with labor unions and Midwestern voters in rural areas could have appeal for Harris, said Cindy Rugeley, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Meanwhile, a candidate like Cooper in North Carolina or Kelly in Arizona could help deliver states where Trump had been polling ahead.

"She's being pragmatic. She wants somebody who can do the job if anything should happen to her. She's also looking at winning and she's maybe looking to expand the map with this choice," Rugeley said.

The personal relationship between the two candidates is also crucial, McClung said.

"When you're going to be thrown into the mix with about 100 days left in the election, having somebody that you are on the same page with, that you trust and respect" is important, he said.

As co-chair of the rules committee for the convention, Walz will be at the center of conversations going forward no matter what. He'll help determine how the nomination process proceeds without Biden.

Even if Walz is not near the top of the vice president short list now, McClung said a lot can change over the course of conversations with candidates, party leaders and donors. Pawlenty wasn't initially high on the list in 2008, but ended up as the runner-up behind former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"Clearly Democrats are going to need to perform in Wisconsin and Michigan and Pennsylvania," McClung said. "Someone with Midwestern roots who understands what the economy is like in those states could have a lot of appeal to the Harris campaign."
GAZA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army has forced many Palestinians in southern Gaza's Khan Younis city to flee again as a new round of attacks in the area killed at least 37 Palestinians on Monday.

Residents from eastern areas of Khan Younis began to mass-displace towards the city's west, particularly Al-Mawasi, seeking safety, local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua.

Some families were seen evacuating in private vehicles loaded with luggage, while others walked on foot or pushed wheelchairs with patients. Several women carried young children, who cried as they left their homes.

"I can no longer remember how many times we have fled west," said Mohammed Qudih when walking along the street with his children and wife.

"We walk in the street without knowing where to go. There is no place that can be considered safe for us and our children," the father of three said as sweat dripped from his forehead.

Umm Youssef, dragging a child holding a toy, told Xinhua: "We were sitting in our homes eating and drinking, and suddenly there was violent bombing everywhere around us."

Noting that it was their second displacement, the 42-year-old woman said, "Here we are displaced again, without any necessities for life. This is unbearable."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Monday morning that it "is about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organizations and therefore calls on the remaining population left in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi."

"The IDF will continue to act against the Hamas terrorist organization, which uses the Gazan civilians as a human shield for its terrorist activities and infrastructure," the IDF added.

Not far from Umm Youssef, Doaa walked with three of her children, all under eight years old, carrying water bottles and bags on their shoulders.

"We left our homes to escape death and do not know where to go. There is no safe place in the Strip from north to south," she said.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes and artillery on Monday morning conducted sudden and intensive bombings targeting residential areas and agricultural lands east of Khan Younis. The attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, with many dead and wounded transferred to hospitals.

At least 37 Palestinians were killed, including children and women, and 120 others injured during the attacks, the Gaza-based health authorities said.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,006, it said on Monday. 
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Governor Laura Kelly announced her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States on Monday.

On Sunday, July 21 President Joe Biden took to social media to announce his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race.

From her time as a prosecutor getting violent criminals off the streets to serving as a U.S. Senator fighting to protect reproductive freedom to traveling across the country delivering for the American people as Vice President, Kamala Harris has always done whats best for American families. At a time when our country is desperate to restore reproductive rights, strengthen the middle class, safeguard democracy, and bring people together, we need her leadership now more than ever. Im proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as our countrys next President of the United States. Governor Laura Kelly

Auburn road closed, body found

27 News spoke to Kansas Democratic Party Chair, Jeanna Repass, on the partys thoughts on the Presidents announcement and their feelings regarding the next steps in the race.

My feelings are both bittersweet, Repass said. On the one hand, the bitterness comes because we have had a great president, a man who has served this country with honor for 50 years. His deliverables are unapparelled in recent history. So, Im sad. Im sad to see someone who spent so much of their lives finally stepping out of the spotlight.

Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Republican candidate for Congress, issued a statement following Bidens announcement:

Regardless of who the Democrats nominate, one thing is certain: Another Democrat would carry on the exact same failed Biden policies that have hurt our country and our people. When I was your Kansas attorney general, I came to know then-California AG Kamala Harris. And I will just say: We do not want her leading our country. Our Republican Party is unified behind Trump/Vance 2024. Bidens quitting changes nothing, and we will stay focused on Making America Great Again. Former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in the momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. Statement issued by Vice President Kamala Harris

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named USS Lansing, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday morning ended any speculation that she might seek to replace Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

While wrapping an event in Lansing to announce that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named the USS Lansing, Whitmers Fight Like Hell political action committee issued a press release announcing she was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys nominee for president.

Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Whitmer said in the statement. Vice President Harris has my full support. So Michigan, lets get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go!

In Lansing, Whitmer batted away questions about her joining the ticket as vice president.

Im not leaving Michigan, she said.

She is set to be at another event in Southeast Michigan this afternoon along with U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), who endorsed Harris on Sunday.

It has been a tumultuous 24 hours since Biden announced he was withdrawing his reelection bid, and then almost immediately endorsed Harris as his successor. Democrats across the country then quickly began to also endorse Harris, including Whitmers sister, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, a one-time New York congressional candidate.

Joining Whitmer in the endorsement announcement by fellow Midwestern Govs. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.), Tim Walz (D-Minn.) and Tony Evers (D-Wis.). California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who have both been mentioned as future presidential hopefuls, endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Harris has not talked about a running mate, but there have been reports that Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper are in the mix.

Theres still been speculation about Whitmer as Harris VP pick by some, including and endorsement of that ticket from former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

However, GOP consultant Andrea Bitely, who was at the Monday morning event in Lansing, believes that is unlikely.

I literally was just sitting 10 feet from her a few minutes ago, Bitely told the Michigan Advance. Shes not a vice president. Shes an executive. Shes presidential or bust in my opinion.

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Migrants on a dinghy with a damaged engine are helped by coast guard rescuers to reach the port of Thermi, as they cross part of the Aegean Sea from Turkey to the island of Lesbos

ATHENS/ANKARA (Reuters) - Greece's coast guard denied accusations by the Turkish defence ministry on Monday that it had pushed back migrants off the island of Lesbos into Turkish territory.

Earlier, Turkey's defence ministry uploaded a drone video on plaftform X showing a Greek coast guard operation, adding a Greek vessel pushes a boat carrying migrants off the north of Lesbos island and into Turkish territorial waters.

"Our coast guard command was immediately informed and the immigrants in question were rescued by the coast guard boat that arrived in the area," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on X.

A senior Greek coast guard official responded that: "This is in no way a pushback, it is detection and prevention of illegal entry into Greek territorial waters."

Greece, one of the gateways into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, has been accused by aid groups of forcibly ejecting migrants at its sea and land borders, also known as "pushbacks," an illegal practice.

Greece and Turkey, NATO allies, have long been at odds over issues including where their continental shelves start and end, energy resources, flights over the Aegean Sea, and the ethnically partitioned island of Cyprus.

The latest incident comes two days after the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of part of the island after a brief Greek-inspired coup.

Greek Cypriots want reunification as a federation. Turkish Cypriots want a two-state settlement.

The situation remains an emotional trigger for both countries, frustrating Ankara's ambitions of joining the European Union, and hindering energy potential in the east Mediterranean because of overlapping claims.

In 2023, the two neighbours agreed to revamp their relationship, establishing a roadmap to usher in a new era of closer ties.

(Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Yannis Souliotis in Athens and Ece Toksabay in Ankara; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
A decade-old Greenville bar has stopped selling alcohol due to a state law that has affected locally owned-establishments across South Carolina.

According to co-founder and owner Leah Vaughan, Local Cue will no longer sell alcoholic drinks because of rising insurance costs resulting from a 2017 liquor liability law.

I'm hoping that by staying open and doing this enough attention is put on the subject of liquor liability so that it will help all of us locally owned bars," Vaughan said. "We want people to go out and have a good time. We want people to be able to enjoy themselves. Now, that is going to change that a lot".

The South Carolina General Assembly passed the liquor liability law in 2017, which required businesses with an alcohol license and selling alcohol after 5 p.m. to maintain liquor liability insurance of at least $1 million.

Vaughan said the Local Cue insurance costs went from $60,000 annually to $141,000 and then $341,000.

Having to choose to remove alcohol has been one of the toughest decisions shes had to make as a business owner, Vaughan said.

"This has been an experience. It is scary because it's so far out of your control. You can't fix it and it's all going to change a lot of things for local breweries and bars," Vaughan said.

A post on the Local Cue Facebook page has garnered hundreds of reactions, comments, and shares on the social media platform.

The ramifications

Its awful, its horrible. We have had to just reorganize how we do things. The revenue that is brought in through alcohol allowed me to hire a deeper staff and pay people, Vaughan said. She has also had to cut benefits for many remaining employees of the business she started with her father.

This is my family, and to be able to have to lose some of them because of this, and then everybody's changed their roles. Their jobs, everythings changing, it's scary, Vaughan said.

South Carolina Bar and Taverns Association executive director Christopher Smith said the law has major ramifications for the state's local bar industry as many can't match the insurance cost.

Unfortunately, the consequence of that bill is that you have places closing left and right or theyre having to make large changes like Local Cue. It's not only here in the Upstate, but also throughout South Carolina that this is happening, Smith said.

Blind Horse Saloon was one of the businesses that shut down earlier this year. On May 14, the music venue that served alcohol announced it was closing its doors due to the rising cost of liability insurance. Smiley's Acoustic Cafe and Rotties 221 Biergarten cited similar reasons for closing.

More: DNC chair and SC resident Harrison: Dems are 'united in our resolve to win' in November

An alcohol-related incident could include an impaired driver causing a car crash or someone under the influence committing a violent act. If someone frequented a business and consumed alcohol there before the incident, then the business is liable to be included in the lawsuit.

Vaughan and Smith said the law is needed but creates loopholes or problems between businesses and their insurance companies.

I could be at my home, drink four or five beers, then I can go to a bar and I'll have a beer there. If something happens at that bar or after I leave from there, the bar is basically responsible for all that happened, Smith said.

More: Cardboard boat racing one of many events of Family Day at Broadway Lake, see the photos

What's next?

The South Carolina Senate discussed Senate Bill 533, called the S.C. Justice Act, before the most recent session ended, but it did not pass. The bill modifies the liquor liability law by allowing a court to consider the percentage of fault when theres an alcohol-related incident.

It brings in personal responsibility. The onerous is not all on the bars per se. It also would involve your car insurance, it also would involve you personally if where you would be liable for that incident, Smith said.

Smith asked supporters to contact their local representatives about whats happening to locally owned bars in South Carolina. He said that if the bill doesnt gain traction and passes then there could be dire consequences for local bars.

It affects jobs, it affects the economy, and it affects tax revenues. Ultimately, whats going to happen is we're going to only have chains in South Carolina thatll sell alcohol. That's not going to help keep people employed, Smith said.

More: Three men to stand trial Monday in death of a 43-year-old Fountain Inn man, what to know

Smith also hopes Gov. Henry McMaster and the state legislature call a special session before January to pass SB 533.

We need to help these bars because they need help now and we can't wait," Smith said. "At this current rate everything is going now with locally owned bars, it's just unsustainable.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Local Cue ends alcohol sales citing rising liquor liability costs
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks during a press conference after the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa

A group of eight EU member states called on the European Union to re-examine relations with Syria in view of large numbers of refugees from the country, according to a discussion paper seen by dpa on Monday.

"Syrians continue to leave in large numbers, putting additional strain on neighbouring countries, in a period when tension in the

area is running high, risking new refugee waves," a corresponding letter addressed to top EU diplomat Josep Borrell reads.

The EU severed ties with Syria under the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 after the escalation of violence during the civil war.

In 2017, the EU agreed that no normalization with the Syrian regime would take place until Assad participates in a political process to end the war in line with United Nations resolutions.

However, the group of eight countries, including Italy and Austria, called for a "realistic, proactive and effective" approach to Syria in light of new developments in the region.

In their paper, the group calls for the appointment of an envoy to strengthen the EU's diplomatic relations with all Syrian parties.

The paper also called for an analysis of EU sanctions imposed on Syria to ensure they are penalizing regime officials and not the private sector.

Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia and Slovakia are also part of the push to review ties with Syria at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks during a press conference after the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. Francois Lenoir/EU Council/dpa
A home in Groveland was condemned after a large hole formed beneath it over the weekend, forcing the residents living there and their next-door neighbors to evacuate as crews in the Lake County city monitor it.

The 5-feet-deep hole  referred to by officials as a ground depression, measuring about 10 feet long by 10 feet wide, according to WKMG-Channel 6  has not grown since it was first reported at 117 Compass Rose Drive on Saturday, with the damaged centered beneath the home.

The hole appeared around 6:30 p.m. that evening, and its position in a front corner of the condemned home threatened the whole structure, officials said. The hole can be seen from the street, next to a partially tipped-over tree and a bush that appeared to have partly sunk into the hole.

No injuries were reported, said Groveland city spokesperson Sarah Panko. The families living there and at 115 Rose Compass Drive, immediately next door, were safely evacuated.

Duhane Lindo, regional spokesperson for the American Red Cross, said the organization offered emergency assistance to the households affected by the depression, and one is currently receiving its services. Groveland officials have also offered to provide hotel accommodations to the affected families.

The city is concerned for all residents well-being and happy to help in any way, Panko said.

Its not clear what caused the depression to form, but sinkholes and formations like them are often caused by heavy rainfall, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Anyone affected by the ground depression in Groveland is encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767.
Gunman kills his mother and five others at care home in Croatia

Police cordon off the scene of the shooting in Daruvar - Xinhua/Shutterstock

A gunman killed his elderly mother and five other people when he opened fire at a care home in Croatia.

The unnamed man, who also wounded six others at the facility in Daruvar, fled the scene but was arrested when police caught up with him at a nearby cafe.

The victims were five residents of the care home, mostly in their nineties, and one employee, according to Nikola Milina, Croatias police chief.

Officials said the attackers mother had been a resident at the home for the past decade but it was too early to establish a motive for Mondays attack.

Andrej Plenkovic, the prime minister of Croatia, said the country was shocked at the monstrous act.

We need to see how this could have happened, he added.

The suspect is a retired military policeman who fought in the 1991-1995 war in Croatia. He was found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm when he was arrested, local media reported.

Such weapons are common in Croatia after the conflict which followed the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Davor Bozinovic, Croatia's minister of internal affairs, with security officials near the retirement home where six people were killed - NIKOLA BLAZEKOVIC/AFP

Zoran Milanovic, Croatias president, called for more rigorous gun laws after the savage, unprecedented crime.

It is a frightening warning and a last call to all competent institutions to do more to prevent violence in society, including even more rigorous control of gun ownership, he added.

The private care home had about 20 residents and a good reputation locally.

We hid under the bed, the boss escaped through the window, one employee told the HRT public broadcaster about the moment the shooter opened fire.

Relatives of the residents gathered outside the care home to inquire about their loved ones.

We have my mum here, she is 90, Nina Samot told Nova TV. We are waiting, we are all in shock. The whole town is in shock.

Daruvar resident Zlatko Sutuga said: His mum was inside, he allegedly came to kill her.

Damir Lnenicek, the mayor of Daruvar, said: What is the cause, the trigger, it is difficult to say, that will be determined by the investigation.

Police had come into contact with the suspect before, most recently in connection with a public order offence in June.

Daruvar is a spa town in the municipality of Slavonia, 80 miles east of Zagreb, with a population of 8,500.

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'You guys are going to die today': Suspected gunman takes plea deal in 2021 fatal shooting

WEST PALM BEACH  A father of five accused of kidnapping a man and shooting him to death pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday. He did so on the eve of his trial, earning a fraction of the penalty he risked had jurors instead convicted him of murder.

Circuit Judge Daliah Weiss sentenced 39-year-old Wareno Belizaire to 15 years in prison, in accordance with a deal between Assistant Public Defender Courtney Wilson and Assistant State Attorney Courtney Behar. Belizaire is the second of four co-defendants to plead guilty in connection with the Sept. 20, 2021, death of Kyle Smith.

Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies found Smith's body on the side of State Road 80, near Twenty-Mile Bend, with a gunshot wound to the chest. Severiano Pedican, Smith's cousin who escaped from the same men suspected of killing Smith, helped lead investigators back to Belizaire.

Double-homicide sentencing: DNA tied man to 2019 murders in West Palm Beach.

Pedican told investigators that he and Smith tried brokering a drug deal between Belizaire and others at a warehouse on Donna Road in suburban West Palm Beach the day before Smith's body was found. Belizaire drew a gun from his waistband and ordered the cousins to lay on the ground.

"You guys are going to die today," Pedican said Belizaire told them.

Monthslong investigation led to four arrests for death of Kyle Smith

Pedican said Belizaire pistol-whipped the men and took their cellphones, standing guard until two of his associates joined him. Deputies recovered surveillance-camera footage from the warehouse that recorded the associates escorting Pedican at gunpoint into one of the assailant's cars.

Belizaire remained inside the warehouse with Smith. It was the last time Pedican saw him alive.

Smith's cousin told deputies he was driven to a residence in the West Palm Beach area, where someone ordered that he be moved to another location and killed. Upon arriving in the area of Lake Arjaro, off 45th Street west of Military Trail, two kidnappers tried to carry out the order.

'Come on, just a little bit': Transcript of secret recording offers new details in arrest of West Palm officer for sex crime

Pedican fled on foot and later identified Belizaire in a police lineup. Deputies searched Belizaire's home and found boxes of ammunition, Smith's blue sandals and a glove stained with his blood.

Belizaire denied shooting anyone, telling deputies he had no memory of the day Smith was killed. Had he proceeded to trial and failed to convince jurors of his innocence, their guilty verdict for first-degree murder would have paved the way for an automatic life sentence in state prison.

Charged as an accessory to Smith's murder, 27-year-old Netanya Succes pleaded guilty in June. She did so without negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors, leaving Weiss to decide her sentence at a later date. Amirah Pettus, 23, and Richardson Francois, 34, are also charged as accessories to first-degree murder. Neither has pleaded guilty.

The family of Smith, whose age and place of residence are not listed in court records, watched Belizaire plead guilty on Monday. When given the opportunity to speak, none did.

Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Murder charge reduced to manslaughter in 2021 death of Kyle Smith
BAGHDAD, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Shiite militant group in Iraq known as the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" said on Sunday that it had launched a drone attack on a site in Eilat, Israel's southern port city.

In an online statement, the militia claimed its fighters carried out the drone attack at Sunday's dawn on a "vital site" in Eilat. The group said the attack was conducted "in solidarity with the people of Gaza" and vowed to continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds."

The statement did not provide details about the targeted site or casualties. Israeli authorities have not commented on the drone attack.

Since the Israel-Palestine conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has launched multiple attacks on Israeli targets and U.S. bases in the region, claiming to support Palestinians in Gaza. 
Then-Sen. Kamala Harris introduces Joe Biden at a campaign rally at Renaissance High School on March 9, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)

New Hampshire Democrats coalesced behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the preferred Democratic nominee for president Sunday evening, choosing to unify after hours of uncertainty following President Joe Bidens decision to not seek a second term.

In a closed-to-press meeting Sunday evening, the entire slate of 25 New Hampshire pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention agreed to endorse Harris, heading off any potential division ahead of the convention in a month, according to a press release from the Democratic Party.

Vice President Kamala Harris is phenomenally qualified  she has served as a prosecutor, Californias Attorney General, a United States Senator, and as Vice President, the joint statement read. She is a trailblazer, and she is not done in her service to our nation.

The delegates announcement followed other endorsements of Harris from New Hampshire politicians, including from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas.

The moves signaled an effort in the Granite State to shore up support for Harris even as some national Democrats have expressed support for an open nomination process when Democratic delegates meet in Chicago beginning Aug. 19.

And they came months after New Hampshires delegation had its own period of tumult when the state held a rogue primary in January against the wishes of the Democratic National Committee, a decision that threatened New Hampshires ability to send all of its delegates to the convention. After the state delegates pledged support for Biden in April, the DNC later voted to allow all of the states delegates to count at the convention, despite defying the party and holding the primary.

Biden made the momentous announcement on Sunday afternoon, writing in a letter released on social media that while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. Biden, 81, had faced intense calls from fellow Democrats to step down following concerns over his age and abilities following a halting debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June.

In the weeks after the debate  and the hours after Bidens announcement Sunday  speculation surrounded potential replacements for the top of the ticket; with some urging the party to rally behind Harris and some proposing other prominent Democrats such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, or Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. After his announcement Sunday, Biden endorsed his vice president and urged Democrats to support her as the nominee; Whitmer, Pritzker, and Shapiro have since endorsed her, too.

It is not yet clear when and how Democratic delegates might vote for their nominee. Some have pushed for a vote on the floor during the convention late next month. Others say the more than 4,000 delegates should hold a virtual roll call in the coming weeks to avoid a law in Ohio that could require the party to name a nominee before Aug. 7. While Ohio lawmakers have passed a fix to that law extending the deadline, some Democrats are worried the fix could be challenged in court.

New Hampshires Democratic convention delegation was one of a handful of state delegations to unanimously endorse Harris on the day of the presidents announcement; others included Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. So far, no other Democrats have put their name forward publicly to challenge Harris at the convention.

To Jim Demers, a longtime Democratic strategist in the state and one of New Hampshires 25 pledged delegates, the choice of Harris reflects the diverse makeup of the country. And he said she would be the most prepared candidate to carry on the campaign.

She does not need to be brought up to speed on any of the issues or any of the policies, because shes been working hand in hand with the president, he said in an interview Sunday night. And so I think this is a very easy transition to somebody who represents the same policies that Joe Biden did, policies that ensure (action on) a womans right to choose, climate change, and economic prosperity for people.

But the delegations vote was not pre-ordained. In an interview shortly before the meeting and vote, Demers said he was open to hearing out candidates other than Harris and allowing for a more contested process before making a choice. After the meeting Sunday, Demers endorsed Harris with the rest of the delegation.

In a follow-up interview Sunday night, Demers said no other candidate jumping in would change his support for Harris. We are rock solid, he said.

Some New Hampshire Democrats also paused initially before endorsing the vice president. While Kuster, who is retiring this year, quickly backed Harris, Pappas, who is running for re-election in the 1st Congressional District, took more time to do so. Pappas endorsement announcement came at 9:22 p.m, shortly after the Democratic delegation announced its own support.

Republicans in New Hampshire quickly began criticizing Harris and the process that would put her in place at the top of the ticket.

Kamala Harris came in 14th place in NH in 2020 after withdrawing, read a post on X by the New Hampshire Republican Party. This year, Biden skipped FITN, not even appearing on the ballot. Joe Biden received more than 14 million primary votes to become the nominee. The UnDemocratic party is now going to coronate his Vice President as nominee?

But in interviews Sunday and Monday, New Hampshire Democratic delegates said they viewed Harris as a natural successor despite some concerns about missteps as vice president.

Bill Barry, a Manchester alderman and Democratic delegate, praised Harris proven record. And he said while he supports individual delegates making their own choices, he hopes the rest of the party will follow suit and unite around the vice president.

We need to move forward now, you know? he said. The convention isnt until the week of August 19.

Rob Werner, a delegate and the state director of the New Hampshire League of Conservation Voters, agreed, saying Harris could carry the mantle of Bidens policies, which he supported.

Im very excited about it, Werner said. I think we were frankly heading into a very difficult political situation, and this is a reset.

For retiring state Sen. Lou DAllesandro, Bidens retirement is personal. DAllesandro has known the president for years; he introduced Biden at his first New Hampshire rally of the 2020 campaign, in Manchester in 2019. As recently as Saturday, DAllesandro said that he hoped Biden would stay in the race  America needs his leadership, he wrote on X.

But by Sunday afternoon, DAllesandro, too, said he would put his energy behind Harris.

I am going to stay as active as I can, he said. Ill kiss every baby in New Hampshire. Ill hug everybody. Ill travel around the world if they want me to. I will do anything I can.

Melanie Levesque, a delegate and former state senator who is running this year for an Executive Council seat, was a Biden supporter to the end. But after the presidents decision, and the delegation meeting Sunday, she felt refreshed, she said.

This morning, when I woke up, I was extremely hopeful, where I have not been for the past several days, she said.
What will happen to Emmers beloved Constitution when they carry out their mass deportation?

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican, speaks during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom.

About a decade ago, Minnesotas own U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer made a fascinating appearance on the public radio program, This American Life.

It was about the turn in St. Cloud against Somali immigrants. Some white people were calling for a moratorium on new Somali residents in St. Cloud, which  whether proponents acknowledge it or not  would require a menacing surveillance regime to control peoples movements.

Emmer, then in his first term in Congress, came across as compassionate and nonjudgemental toward longtime neighbors and friends who wanted a Somali moratorium, but also firm in his constitutional, patriotic principle. To paraphrase Emmer: People here legally can live anywhere they damn well please.

During a 2015 town hall meeting with constituents, Emmer said:

If youre asking me how I feel about immigrant populations who are in this country legally, and who are actually trying to find a better way for themselves and their families, I support it wholeheartedly. I mean, the Germans had the same problem when they came over. The Polish had the problem. The Chinese had the problem.

He called a ban on any more Somali people moving to St. Cloud un-American and attempts to enforce it unconstitutional.

I remember hearing it at the time and respecting his willingness to push back against his own constituents, including people hed known for years.

In early 2021, he again referenced the U.S. Constitution  he promised during his 2010 run for governor to practice the art of constitutional government  in his explanation for why he would vote to certify the results of the 2020 election. Congress, he said, does not have the authority to discard an individual slate of electors certified by a states legislature in accordance with their constitution. Which is what Republicans sought to do with their fake elector scheme.

Alas, the temptations of power are great.

When Emmers name was briefly mentioned to be speaker of the U.S. House, former President Donald Trump is said to have called him a globalist RINO, but rather than tell Trump to shove it, Emmer went crawling back and endorsed his presidential run.

They always bend the knee, Trump said privately of Emmers endorsement, the New York Times reported.

Last week, Emmer  who has since ascended to House majority whip, tasked with enforcing party priorities  was granted a speaking slot at the Republican National Convention, the blood and soil rally in Milwaukee. He made a hilarious claim: Donald Trump stands with the people and the police  our men and women in blue  not with the criminals and the rioters.

Trump has spent two years relentlessly bashing federal law enforcement and proposed officers work without pay until charges against him are dropped. Hes a convicted felon facing serious charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election and putting national security at risk by secreting away classified government documents at his Florida club.

Also, Trump most definitely stands with the criminals and rioters of Jan. 6, 2021, to whom he has promised pardons. So Emmers law-and-order bit seems like a stretch.

For someone who claims to revere the U.S. Constitution, however, Emmer ought to be most concerned with a particularly monstrous RNC theme and platform plank, typified by abundant signs that read, Mass deportation now!

Although the logistical hurdles to this sinister plan would make it mostly impossible, we still ought to conjure images, informed by history, of what they would do if they could. Picture children hiding in attics and church basements, a constant thud of battering rams, and massive, open air-prisons.

Consider some of the most shameful chapters in American history; they often involve the quasi-legal movement of people by force  from the Trail of Tears to Japanese-American internment to Mexican repatriation of the 1930s.



And what do you suppose happens to Emmers blessed U.S. Constitution when the government carries out a campaign of mass deportation? What in our history reassures him that such a campaign will be carried out by the letter and spirit of the Bill of Rights?

Maybe the St. Cloud anti-Somali activists should try getting Emmer on board again. Hell apparently capitulate to just about anything for a spot on the stage.
President Joe Biden is no longer running for president. With less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, delegates are at stake. What does this mean for Minnesota's Democratic delegates who were elected a little more than a week ago to nominate Biden for president?

Heres what to know.

How many Democratic delegates does Minnesota have?

Out of the 3,896 delegates nationally, Minnesota has 75 plus 18 super delegates. This number comes from a Democratic bylaws formula, which is based on each states population and percentage of the total Democratic vote.

More: Minnesotans weigh in on Biden Minnesota leaders weigh in on Biden withdrawal from presidential race

Do Minnesota delegates have to vote for Biden?

Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination in Minnesotas primary elections on March 5, getting 70% of the vote and obtaining 64 delegates. That means 11 delegates are uncommitted. In addition, the state has 18 super delegates, an unelected delegate who can vote for any candidate at the party convention, committed to Biden.

According to USA Today, there are about 740 superdelegates.

Until Biden decided not to run for reelection, the delegates were bound to vote for him, a DFL communication's officer stated to the Times. However, the President has now come out in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made," Biden said in a statement on Sunday. "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year."

What will happen with Minnesota delegates now that President Joe Biden will not run for reelection?

What does the Minnesota DFL party say about the future?

The Minnesota DFL Party released the following statement after President Biden announced he was no longer running for reelection:

President Bidens announcement is an extraordinary act of selflessness and leadership from a president who has built an equally extraordinary legacy, DFL Chair Ken Martin said on the DFL website page. As we thank President Biden for his service and for everything he has done for our country, we must also look ahead to the existential stakes in November. Our party must now rally behind Vice-President Harris and emerge as a united front ready to defeat Donald Trump in November.

Which Minnesota districts were going to Biden?

In Minnesota, there is proportional representation based on the results of the primary. There are 75 delegates and 18 super delegates, making 93 delegates and six alternates who are selected to go to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The first, third, sixth, seventh and eighth district-level delegates were committed to Biden. Minnesota's second, fourth and fifth district-level delegates, had one, two and three delegates respectively, who were uncommitted. In addition, 13 at-large delegates were pledged to Biden while three were uncommitted. Of the 10 party leaders and elected official delegates, eight went to Biden.

When is the 2024 DNC?

The DNC is expected to take place from Aug. 19 through 22 in Chicago. Former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term in 1996 in Chicago. That was the last time the convention was held there.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Biden won a large percentage of Minnesota's delegates
We should pause in our pursuit of the current hurly-burly to take note of the fact that Monday would have been Senator Paul Wellstones eightieth birthday. Its almost impossible to imagine him at that age, and not just in the cliched sense of a life of principle and purpose cut short in a plane crash twenty-two years ago. It would be impossible to think of him as eighty even if he had lived to celebrate the occasion. There was something eternally young about his enthusiasm for the politics of possibility. I have a weakness for politicians who love their work, largely for two reasons: (1) because I grew up in Massachusetts, the home office for joyful political shenanigans, and (2) because I have a healthy loathing for politicians who run for office proudly as non-politicians. Paul Wellstone was a politician who loved politics. So, I would note, is Joe Biden.

Wellstone first came to my attention during his successful 1990 senatorial campaign against incumbent Republican Rudy Boschwitz. Working with a brilliant adman named Bill Hilsman, Wellstone put together some hilarious commercials in which he was pursuing the elusive Boschwitz around the state. This marked him as someone to watch.

I met him only once, in Washington, while working on a profile of the late Sen. John McCain. We were scheduled for twenty minutes, but somehow we got off on the subject of how it was the remnants of the antiwar movement that first took seriously the unique problems afflicting Vietnam veteransPTSD, Agent Orange, and the like. Wellstone sparked up in his chair like a live wire and we ended up talking about it for more than an hour. I remember wishing I had been one of his students as well as one of his constituents. This man, I thought, loves his work for his works sake. He ennobled that work and, in doing so, ennobled all the rest of us. Man, Aristotle explained millennia ago, is a political animal. Paul Wellstone lived that ancient truth as a life worth living. Lord above, he is still so missed.



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Harris is awful. But left's love of identity politics means Democrats are stuck with her.

President Joe Biden has finally bowed out of his reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. In doing so, Biden and his party have undermined the democratic process at every step.

Democratic delegates who are pledged to Biden must now throw their weight behind Harris or risk an open convention. They must do that even though they surely realize how bad all of this looks for the party that has spent the past four years accusing Republicans of undermining the 2020 election results.

They also surely know that Harris isn't the best person to represent the Democratic Party. Yet, delegates must support Harris not only because of Biden's endorsement but also because they're shackled by their party's radical embrace of identity politics.

Democrats have no real choice but to back Kamala Harris

For years, the Democratic Party has championed woke, identity politics. Its definition is at once obscure but obvious. Progressives have demanded that race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender preferences be paramount in nearly every walk of life, from politics to higher education, corporate industries to entertainment and media.

Harris, at the time a first-term senator representing California, the most progressive state in the country, ran for the presidency in 2020. Her campaign failed spectacularly. It was so bad that she dropped out before the first primary, and even NBC News described her bid for the White House as "a mess."

A demonstrator in front of the White House on July 21, 2024, shows support for Vice President Kamala Harris, whom President Joe Biden has endorsed as he dropped out of the presidential race.

Yet, Biden still picked her to be his vice president. She has done nothing in the past four years to show she is ready to be president, and the prospect of her serving as commander in chief is downright scary.

Her policy positions are even more progressive than Biden's. That's if you can nail down what her policies are. She seems to flip-flop as much as the next slimy politician.

In 2019, she was ranked the most liberal U.S. senator in America  beating out even Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

As California's attorney general, Harris earned a reputation for being tough on crime. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But a lot of conservatives and libertarians will look down on her penchant for being unusually tough on petty crimes like marijuana possession.

Rappers, strippers and a felon: Is this Donald Trump's new Republican Party?

As vice president, it's hard to say what Harris has accomplished. In 2021, Biden assigned her the job of addressing the migrant crisis at the U.S. border with Mexico. Her efforts with that task have been almost as successful as her 2020 presidential campaign.

Observers in her home state of California note that Harris has lacked consistency on key issues such as public safety.

What does she stand for? What can she do? Why has none of this been a problem for her political ascension? Because Harris, the first Black, South Asian and female vice president of the United States, is the trifecta of identity politics: Black, female and liberal.

Harris wasn't ready to be president four years ago. The fact she polled at 3% when she dropped out of the race in 2020 is an indication of that. But the Democratic Party paired her with a much stronger (at the time) politician. Now, she'll have to do much more on her own. But she won't because she's not capable.

Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delievered to your inbox.

Democrats obsessed with Trump ignored Biden's obvious flaws

Democrats have been intensely focused on Donald Trump's shortcomings, real and imagined, since 2016. I'm a conservative, and I've blasted him many times. Yet, Democrats failed to see that their own candidate was inept and unqualified for the job until the whole world could see it on the debate stage last month.

Harris deserves a large portion of the blame for this. Biden's inner circle had to have known for some time that he was unwell and unfit to serve a second term.

As vice president, Harris had to have known it as well. But she kept quiet and helped to keep the con going  perhaps for her own gain but at least for the sake of her party.

When did Democrats know the truth? Democratic leaders' cover-up of Biden decline raises hard questions.

Harris helped to hide the truth about Biden

If Democratic convention delegates choose Harris, voters will quickly realize she is not the best choice to lead this country. She will likely fail and fail miserably.

Voters must understand this: The Democratic Party, including Vice President Harris, lied to you repeatedly, propping up a presidential candidate who had no business running for reelection, let alone leading this country.

Democrats have trapped themselves in a corner with an incoherent candidate on the way out and an inept candidate they must begrudgingly support. These are their own rules.

And to this, Republicans must say with a chuckle and sneer: Your terms are acceptable.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Desperate Democrats turn to Kamala Harris. She will let them down
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris quickly consolidated support from powerful Democrats for her nascent presidential bid, with an effort to end the turmoil that has consumed her party and alter an election that has become Donald Trumps to lose.

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Less than 24 hours after President Joe Bidens stunning exit from the race, Harris appeared to have a clear path to the nomination. No other prominent Democrats said they would challenge her. She picked up endorsements from top party figures, including Democratic governors rumored to be possible candidates: Californias Gavin Newsom, Illinois JB Pritzker and Michigans Gretchen Whitmer.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who helped nudge Biden toward the exit, on Monday endorsed Harris, joining the Democratic groundswell behind the vice presidents bid.

It is my intention to go out and earn this nomination and to win, Harris told workers Monday at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. So in the days and weeks ahead, I, together with you, will do everything in my power to unite our Democratic Party, to unite our nation and to win this election.

Biden, who is quarantining after testing positive for the coronavirus at his beach home in Delaware, called into the campaign meeting to say he would working like hell for his vice presidents bid.

I wont be on the ticket, but Im still going to be fully, fully engaged, Biden said. Ill be doing whatever Kamala wants me, needs me to do.

By Sundays end, Harris had contacted more than 100 party officials, labor leaders, activist groups, senior Democratic lawmakers and state legislators to ask for their support, according to a person familiar with the matter. That outreach included two former presidents  Bill Clinton and Barack Obama  as well as former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The vice president took over Bidens campaign, which was renamed Harris for President, giving her access to its $96 million war chest. The operation added $81 million to that total in the first 24 hours after Harris announced her candidacy. She traveled to the campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware later Monday to rally staff. She said Thursday that the campaigns leadership - chair Jennifer OMalley Dillon and manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez - would remain in place.

Harris will headline her debut rally as a presidential candidate on Tuesday in battleground Wisconsin, an opportunity to mount an offensive against Trump and move past the controversies over Bidens age that divided her party.

Earlier: Biden Bows Out, Plunging American Politics Into Uncharted Waters

Schumer and Jeffries are expected to back Harris, CNN reported.

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, a former Democratic National Committee chairwoman, on Monday predicted Harris would secure the majority of pledged delegates in short order. As of Monday midday, Harris had close to half the delegates she needed to become the partys presumptive nominee.

Shes earned this moment and this nomination, Wasserman Schultz told reporters on a conference call. Shes worked for and earned our partys support.

In another sign of how rapidly and broadly the Harris movement extended, the AFL-CIO announced on Monday that its executive council had unanimously endorsed her.

The events of the last month have thrust the nation into uncharted political waters, and Harris faces numerous challenges in the weeks ahead. Republicans hammered Bidens decision to step aside weeks before the Democrats nominating convention as a subversion of primary voters will. Some of Harris own party members have called for a competitive nomination process as well.

Harris must also choose a running mate, win back voters who drifted from Biden before early voting begins in September and gird for attacks from Trump that are poised to be highly personal.

The vice presidents ascension to become her partys standard bearer is a momentous twist of fate. Her political future seemed bleak just one month ago: Harris 2020 presidential run flamed out before a single vote was cast and her early tenure as vice president was marked by repeated missteps. Republicans have already used her assignment to address the root causes of migration as early fodder for attacks.

VP Options

Still, the fact she was able to so rapidly amass backing from top Democrats speaks to the support she has built among influential figures, from civil-rights leaders to deep-pocketed donors. It also reflects another reality: Passing over the first Black, Asian and female vice president has the potential to alienate voters of color and suburban women  two groups that Democrats need to win.

Harris first major choice will be her vice presidential nominee. Speculation has swirled around a group of White, male elected officials, many of whom are from battleground states. That included a cavalcade of governors  Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro, North Carolinas Roy Cooper, Kentuckys Andy Beshear and Minnesotas Tim Walz  as well as Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Whitmer told CBSs Lansing affiliate she was not interested in the post.

Biden endorsed Harris on Sunday less than a half hour after announcing he was dropping out, and other senior Democrats quickly followed, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a progressive icon. They were joined by heavy hitters from Wall Street and Silicon Valley, including, George and Alex Soros, Roger Altman of Evercore Inc. and Reid Hoffman of Greylock Partners, a promising sign for the party after donors abandoned Bidens bid en masse.

The Biden-allied super political action committee Future Forward in the past day received $150 million worth of new pledges from donors who hadnt previously committed to support Biden or had paused giving, putting pressure on him to drop out, according to a senior aide for the group.

The most notable omission in the early hours was Obama, who does not plan to endorse a candidate until they secure the nomination.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, Obama said in a Sunday statement.

Race Renewed

Democratic voters seemed to relish the transformed dynamics of the race after weeks of doom-saying, as polls showing the gap between Trump and Biden widening. Democrats raised more than $50 million online on Sunday alone, according to ActBlue, the partys donation platform.

A recent CBS News/YouGov poll showed Harris trailing Trump by a smaller margin than Biden nationally. Harris also performed two percentage points better than Biden in the battlegrounds of Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll.

Harris, 59, poses a fresh challenge to Trump, 78, as a younger, more energetic nominee who is well versed on Democrats strongest issue  abortion rights  and is unafraid to throw a punch. Her most memorable moment during the 2020 race was her debate-stage attack on Bidens record on school integration.

Yet Harris has vulnerabilities, including a tenure marked by frequent staff turnover and persistent doubts about her aptitude for retail politics. Questions also remain about her domestic and foreign policy agenda, a gap that Republicans could exploit.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove, Raeedah Wahid and Bill Allison.

(Updates with AFL-CIO endorsement, in paragraph.)

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WASHINGTON (AP)  It's a daunting to-do list. Vice President Kamala Harris suddenly needs to whip up a presidential campaign almost from scratch.

It's a process that usually takes months, even years. Harris has only about two months before early voting starts. And, of course, nothing is guaranteed, despite her getting the endorsement of President Joe Biden  and significant pieces of his campaign  after he exited the race on Sunday.

That means she is in a rush to raise money, figure out a strategy, hire staff, set up a website, make some ads, plan a convention and on and on. The checklist is long, but at least, as of Monday morning, she had a campaign logo.

And Harris does have a big advantage in that she's already on the Democratic ticket as the vice presidential nominee and had run previously in 2020 for the presidency. With a boost from Biden's endorsement, she's secured support from enough delegates to become her party's nominee.

Its less of a lift to do it with Harris, who has been on the national stage," says Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher.

She needs to haul in cash.

Even if the campaign is something of a start-up, Harris does have a leg up. That's thanks to the existing Biden campaign infrastructure that she will inherit. There are campaign offices already in Wilmington, Delaware. The official campaign committee has been renamed for her, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. She can retain much of Biden's campaign staff and layer in her own people.

Campaigns are basically startup companies with hundreds, of millions of dollars, with hundreds of staff, all trying to do a lot of things in a very short period of time, says Joe Caiazzo, who was the 2020 state director in New Hampshire for Bernie Sanders presidential bid. And theres a whole Democratic operating class that is ready and waiting.

But the big thing might be money: As of the start of July, the campaign committee already had nearly $96 million in cash-on-hand. That allows her to launch without waiting for checks to come in. And her ascendance has generated newfound enthusiasm after Biden's June 27 debate debacle shook the confidence of Democratic supporters and voters. Within a day of receiving Biden's endorsement, Harris had raised $81 million, the largest 24-hour haul this year by any campaign, according to her team.

There are also independent committees supporting each campaign that also increase their spending totals. But Harris enters the race as Republican Donald Trump has some financial momentum, with his campaign reporting $128.1 million in cash on hand.

She needs to make sure of Biden's delegates.

It takes 1,976 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. Harris has more than that. The quick exit by Biden allows the delegates he won in the primary process to back whomever they want. This is where endorsements from lawmakers and major Democratic allies matter.

The AFL-CIO on Monday unanimously backed Harris, after previously endorsing Biden and Harris as a joint ticket. That's a big show of support from a major Democratic bloc, as the AFL-CIO is composed of 60 labor unions representing 12.5 million workers.

Several leading Democrats who were viewed as presidential contenders in their own right have come out for Harris, a likely sign that their states' delegates will follow if they haven't already.

Harris has already received endorsements from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. She also has the backing of Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Those endorsements are also key if Harris is looking for a vice presidential pick who can go toe-to-toe with Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump's Republican running mate.

A running mate must be chosen.

In 2020, Biden announced Harris as his running mate on August 11. To meet that same date, Harris would, in theory, have less than three weeks to make her own choice. She had previously agreed to debate Vance on Aug. 13, although the two candidates never settled on terms. But Harris could also stretch her vice presidential pick to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which starts Aug. 19.

Unlike in 2020, Harris will not be able to engage in the same extensive vetting process as Bidens team with its interviews and research. Its unclear where Harris is in this process, but vice presidential candidates usually exist to help balance out the top of the ticket and help rally major voting blocs.

She'll make ads, hold rallies.

The Biden campaign had been cranking out ads, all of them devoted to positioning the president as the best man to take on Trump. The ads involved access to abortions, Trump's policies, and Trump's criminal conviction in New York. Now that Biden is out of the race. Harris needs to craft her own identity even as she defends the president's record in office.

Similarly, Harris will need to hit the campaign trail much more aggressively as the top of the ticket. Biden made nine trips so far this year to Pennsylvania, five to Wisconsin, four to Michigan, four to North Carolina and three to Georgia. These are all states that the campaign saw before the June 27 debate as paths for Biden's releection, a task that now falls to Harris.

She must build a presence online.

According to the FEC filings, her official campaign website is: kamalaharris.com.

Its not the first link that surfaces when someone googles her name. But the address is in the profile of her personal account on X, formerly Twitter. Its also where users are directed when trying to access Bidens former campaign site.

As of now, Harris site is a placeholder. There is a picture of her smiling in profile, the text of Bidens endorsement and a form to donate money to her campaign.

Shell need to build out something bigger. Trumps campaign site includes his policy platform, videos, news updates, a listing of events, ways to get involved, and a lot of merchandise. That kind of setup is needed in part so that Harris supporters can organize and network across the country.

Harris needs to get social media platforms geared to her as well to make it easy to draw audiences to her campaign events.

___

AP writers Chris Megerian and Will Weissert contributed to this report.
Vice President Kamala Harris records remarks in the Vice Presidents ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. (Erin Scott/The White House)

Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to become a first yet again.

Following President Joe Bidens announcement on Sunday that he would be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Harris, she issued a statement saying she intends to earn and win the nomination to be the Democratic Partys official candidate for president. Should she do so, she would be the first Black and the first South Asian woman to secure a presidential nomination from either major party.

I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris said. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a founding member of The 19th News Network.

According to a person familiar with the situation, Harris spoke with Biden several times Sunday before he announced his exit from the campaign and threw his support behind her candidacy. Several hours after Biden made his initial announcement, Harris issued her statement, nodding to her intentions.

Bidens announcement came three and a half weeks after his halting and unsteady debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which spurred widespread panic among Democrats and calls from dozens of elected officials, donors and pundits for Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee.

Because Biden dropped out before the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Democratic delegates are free to vote for other candidates, including Harris. Delegates will formally vote to select a new nominee either before or during the DNC, which will take place from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

Dozens of top Democrats, members of Congress and major organizations echoed Bidens endorsement of Harris on Sunday as state parties mobilized ahead of the convention. Tennessee Democrats became the first to formally pledge delegates to Harris, Reuters first reported.

Hendrell Remus, chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party, told The 19th that in a previously scheduled delegation meeting, 70 delegates present out of 72 total voted for a motion to put their support behind Harris. (The two delegates not present were Rep. Steve Cohen, who expressed support for Harris on X, and former vice president and 2000 Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore).

There were no defections or dissension or major backlash, Remus said in a brief phone interview. I think we were all ready for this. We are all ready for this process to swiftly wrap up and to move on and to really support Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee.

Harris had held several campaign events and fundraisers over the past weeks on behalf of the Biden campaign, assuaging Democratic voters and donors anxieties over Bidens debate performance. On Thursday, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Harris held a rally slamming Trumps pick of Sen. JD Vance as his running mate. Before Biden dropped out, the White House said Harris would be traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a campaign event on Tuesday. Its set to be her first campaign event as Bidens anointed presidential candidate and the Democrats leading choice.

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By Sunday evening, the Biden for President campaign had filed with the Federal Election Commission to rename itself Harris for President, allowing the newly formed Harris campaign to assume control of all funds already raised. As of the end of June, this amount was north of $95 million. Small-dollar donors gave $52 million to Harris nascent presidential campaign through the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue as of 10 p.m. Eastern, the organization said, with donations pouring in before Harris sent out a fundraising email shortly before 8 p.m. Eastern

Harris, 59, served as San Francisco district attorney and attorney general of California before being elected to the U.S. Senate from California in 2016. Biden selected her as his running mate when he ran for president in 2020, and their election to the White House made Harris the first woman and first woman of color to serve as vice president.

Throughout her career, Harris has had a special focus on two issues that have been top of mind among many voters in this election cycle: abortion and gun violence.

Harris is a strong supporter of abortion rights, an issue that shes been far more comfortable openly championing than Biden, a Roman Catholic who personally opposed abortion rights for much of his political career and stumbled talking about the issue in the June 27 debate.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks as members of the National Governors Association meet with her and President Joe Biden at the White House on Feb. 23, 2024. At right are Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, NGA chair, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, NGA vice chair. (Screenshot from White House webcast)

Over the past two years, Harris has been a leading voice opposing the Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health that overturned the federal right to abortion under Roe v. Wade. She has held numerous official and campaign events focused on reproductive rights and in March, became the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic in Minnesota.

Last week in North Carolina, Harris took aim at the Trump-Vance ticket and Project 2025, a more than 900-page blueprint of far-right policies a future Trump administration could enact in a second term. Trump and his campaign have publicly distanced themselves from the effort, led by the Heritage Foundation, though some of its ideas are echoed in the Republican Partys platform adopted at its convention in Milwaukee

You cannot claim you stand for unity if you are intent on taking reproductive freedoms from the people of America and the women of America  trying to ban abortion nationwide, as they do, and restrict access to IVF and contraception, as their plan calls for, Harris said Thursday.

She serves as the head of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the first-ever such office established by a presidential administration. In this role, she has led national efforts to expand background checks and close gun show loopholes, has been vocal about her support of a federal red flag law, and has made a point of connecting with younger voters on their concerns about the ways in which gun violence has shaped the experiences of their generation.

In March, Harris visited Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, with a group of young adult survivors of the mass shooting that happened there in 2018. During the visit, she announced two proposals to help prevent school shooting incidents. One was the launch of the first-ever National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, which serves as the first source of federal support for states in enforcing and implementing red flag laws. The other came from her calling on more states to pass red flag laws of their own and making funding and resources available to those that do so through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention has also worked with the Department of Education to encourage messaging about safe firearm storage as a safeguard against school shootings.

Last year, Harris launched the Fight For Our Freedoms college tour, aimed at speaking directly to young voters about some of the most pressing issues for their generation: gun safety, reproductive rights, climate change and voting rights. In March, the Biden-Harris campaign launched a Students for Biden-Harris Initiative, at which time Harris cited the importance of mobilizing young voters in this election cycle.

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Harris First Task: Get Emboldened Democrats to Fall in Line

(Bloomberg) -- Time is short, party tension is high, and many congressional Democrats on Sunday rushed to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris as their pick for the top of the ticket.

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The vice presidents first task in formally securing the Democratic presidential nomination will be to corral her former congressional colleagues, newly emboldened after a successful pressure campaign to force their partys leader, Joe Biden, off the 2024 ballot.

Listen and follow The Big Take on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

Biden couldnt leverage the deep relationships and ties developed over five decades in Washington to stave off the calls for him to step aside in the race against Donald Trump. For Harris, that could be even more daunting, as she barely touched down in the US Senate in 2017 before launching her first bid for the presidency.

Harris weak ties leave little time to build the kinds of unwavering alliances that she could rely on in political combat. But she wasted no time, making calls to Hill Democrats Sunday to shore up support.

This is a sprint, California Senator Laphonza Butler, a close Harris ally, said in an interview. She is making the calls to make sure that people know what she said in her statement: that shes ready to earn this nomination.

Joe Manchin, the West Virginia senator who tussled with Biden over policy and became an independent this year, emerged as a potential challenger. Hes seriously considering returning to the Democrats to run for the presidential nomination, adviser Jonathan Kott said Sunday.

There is no playbook for the coming weeks. But among the most urgent battles ahead is rapidly conveying to the US public a fuller and more compelling portrait of a woman who, despite her high office, has mostly been a minor supporting character in the political dramas that have occupied the nation. Republicans will try to present her as a villain.

Harris spent much of her career as a prosecutor and served as Californias attorney general before winning her Senate seat in 2016. She made history as the first woman vice president and would do so again if elected president.

Powerful Roles

Democratic lawmakers will play powerful roles in presenting the portrait and helping build her a political following, along with either helping consolidate her party support or feeding opposition. Theyll be calibrating how closely to join their political fortunes to her candidacy.

And theyre acutely aware of Harris strengths, as well as the problems her nomination could create for the party.

Harris has had her share of difficulties throughout her career in national politics, including some self-inflicted wounds.

Her bid for the 2020 nomination began with lofty expectations, but it flamed out before the Iowa caucuses as she struggled to convey a clear message to voters and her operation was plagued by infighting.

Earlier: Kamala Harris Has Surprise Resurgence as Biden Campaign Unravels

As vice president, shes been criticized for her role addressing the root causes of migration as crossings at the US-Mexico border surged.

But after Biden endorsed Harris on Sunday, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the partys 2016 nominee, quickly followed suit. So did members of the Congressional Black Caucus, as did some other notable Democrats, progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren and Pramila Jayapal, who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

The top two Democratic leaders in the Senate  Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin  as well as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries didnt explicitly back Harris in early statements Sunday.

As a senator, Harris, 59, drew praise for her lawyerly grilling of Trumps three Supreme Court nominees during his first term. But her voting record was cautiously centrist and her career as a prosecutor made many progressives skeptical.

New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive who supported Bidens reelection campaign even in its final days, pledged her full support for Harris.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy, she said on social media.

Other Democrats had urged against an anointed successor to Biden and argued for creating an abbreviated contest before and during the Democratic National Convention in late August.

I would support Kamala Harris as the nominee. But I think she has to earn it, Representative Adam Smith, a Washington Democrat, told an audience at a Politico event Thursday.

Lawmakers Skeptical

Smith isnt alone. Other congressional leaders of the effort to oust Biden said they werent sold on Harris. While these lawmakers dont control the convention process, they are highly influential.

They have a lot at stake. Control of both the House and the Senate hang in the balance and is sure to be heavily influenced by voters response to the top of the ticket.

Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett, the first to publicly call on Biden to step aside, on Sunday said Democrats should consider all talented individuals who wish to be considered.

Manchin, the last senator to call for Biden to stand down, called for an open process in a CNN interview hours before the president bowed out of the race.

He criticized what he portrayed as the Democratic Partys leftward drift, saying: You know what? They need to win me back.

Limited Polling

Limited polling on Harris at the top of the ticket supports worries of such Democrats. An Insider Advantage poll out Thursday found Harris faring worse than Biden in matchups in Pennsylvania, Nevada and Arizona.

Her work on immigration has led to Republicans calling her the administrations border czar.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, whose names had been in the mix, endorsed Harris on Sunday.

There are others, however, who say skipping over Harris would be a mistake. That base of support includes fellow Californians and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Pennsylvania Representative Summer Lee called Harris an obvious choice and California Representative Jared Huffman said it needs to be Harris. Floridas Kathy Castor backed Harris and called her a fighter.

Republicans Ready

Republicans say they are ready to turn their attacks to Harris once Biden is out of the way.

Republican pollster Anthony Fabrizio speaking to a Milwaukee audience outside the Republican National Convention said she is largely a blank canvass for Republican campaign gurus.

She is for a vice president fairly undefined, he said. Were ready to define her.

At least one prominent Republican supported Harris in the past. Before launching his own political career, Trump made two donations totaling $6,000 to Harris 2014 reelection campaign for attorney general of California, state campaign finance records show. Harris campaign donated the sum to charity in 2015, after she won her second term.

--With assistance from Steven T. Dennis, Christian Hall, Bill Allison and Akayla Gardner.

(Updates with Manchin a potential contender in sixth paragraph, Ocasio-Cortez endorsing Harris in 17th.)

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Now that she's running for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, here's a closer look at where Vice President Kamala Harris stands on foreign policy issues and what her experience has been so far.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in Greensboro, N.C., July 11, 2024. (Chuck Burton/AP)

Israel

In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Harris was initially a strong supporter of Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas -- knocking down a suggestion that the Biden administration might condition aid to the country in November, saying "we are not going to create any conditions on the support that we are giving Israel to defend itself."

But by December, Harris began wading deeper into Middle Eastern diplomacy during a trip to Dubai for a United Nations climate conference where she also met with leaders from the region; she took a more forceful tone with Israel than many other senior administration officials had done at the time -- declaring "too many innocent Palestinians have been killed" and saying the administration believes "Israel must do more to protect innocent civilians."

In a March address in Selma, Alabama, marking the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Harris called out Israel again -- saying its government "must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid- -- no excuses" and calling on Israel to open border crossings and ensure humanitarian workers are not targeted.

In an interview published earlier this month, Harris said young Americans protesting the war in Gaza are "showing exactly what the human emotion should be" and that while she "absolutely rejects" some of their statements, she understands "the emotion behind it."

Harris doesn't have a longstanding relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as President Biden does, but she met with Israel's Benny Gantz at the White House while he was serving on the country's war cabinet in March and met with Israel's President Herzog earlier this year on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Harris did not travel to Israel as vice president; she has made two trips to the Middle East as vice president -- visiting the UAE both times

Doug Emoff, her husband, is the first Jewish spouse at the White House:

Ukraine

Harris has been in lockstep with President Biden on Ukraine, and vowed to support its fight against Russia for "as long as it takes" earlier this year.

Intermittently, Harris has played a prominent role in the Biden administration's response to the war in Ukraine; ahead of Russia's invasion, she led the U.S. delegation to the high-stakes 2022 Munich Security Conference and last month, she represented the Biden administration at the Summit on Peace for Ukraine in Lucerne, Switzerland.

However, during both those engagements, Harris was backed up by other members of the administration with deeper experience in foreign policy, namely Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich and national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Lucerne.

Harris has met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy six times but has never traveled to Ukraine while in office.

Russia

Harris has adamantly supported NATO and said the U.S. will never retreat from its obligations to the alliance: "Our commitment to build and sustain alliances has helped America become the most powerful and prosperous country in the world  to put all of that at risk would be foolish."

She also said the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a penal colony was a "further sign of Putin's brutality."

Harris has been sharply critical of former President Donald Trump's comments about NATO countries that don't meet the 2% defense spending benchmark, saying "the idea that the former president of the U.S. would say that he encourages a brutal dictator to invade our allies, and that the United States of America would simply stand by and watch -- no previous U.S. president, regardless of party, has bowed down to a Russian dictator before," and calling it "an example of something I just believe that the American people would never support."

China

Four of Harris' 17 trips abroad as vice president have been to East Asia and she has visited seven countries in the region as well as the DMZ between North and South Korea while in office; during these trips, she has emphasized curbing China's influence in the region and sought to promote a safe and secure Indo-Pacific.

Harris has represented the U.S. during gatherings of ASEAN and APEC, two of the most important multinational organizations in the region and met with met with dozens of Asian leaders, including the heads of all five U.S. treaty allies in the region (Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Thailand); Harris has also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and briefly met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in September in Jakarta.

As vice president, Harris has been critical of China's actions in the South China Sea, accusing the country of "bullying."

She has also said while the U.S. "does not invite conflict" with China, "we absolutely are prepared to and engaged in what is necessary to compete."

Central America

During the first months of her vice presidency, Harris was assigned with addressing the root causes of irregular migration through the U.S.-Mexico border.

Administration and campaign officials say Republicans have wrongly tried to brand her as Biden's "border czar."

While Harris has courted investments from the private sector to support communities in Central America, she has been criticized for what some see as a lack of engagement; as VP, she has traveled to the region only twice -- spending three days on a trip to Guatemala and Mexico in 2021 and spending a day in Honduras in 2022.

She visited the border city of El Paso, Texas, in June 2021.

Harris on foreign policy: Her experience and where she stands originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
File photo taken on Jan. 31, 2024 shows Myanmar's Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at a meeting of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The duties of Myanmar's Acting President U Myint Swe were transferred to Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) reported on July 22. (Myanmar's Ministry of Information/Handout via Xinhua)

YANGON, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The duties of Myanmar's Acting President U Myint Swe were transferred to Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) reported on Monday.

The report said that a statement was already released that Acting President U Myint Swe was receiving medical treatment after taking a medical leave due to his health condition.

The Acting President's Office sent a letter to SAC Chairman's Office stating that the duties of the Acting President will be transferred to SAC Chairman to carry out the works of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) as necessary, and to assume the duties of the Acting President while he is absent, the report said.

After this letter was sent, the signing for transferring the duties of the Acting President to SAC Chairman was completed on Monday morning to carry out the works of the NDSC, the report said. 

File photo taken on Jan. 31, 2024 shows Myanmar's Acting President U Myint Swe at a meeting of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The duties of Myanmar's Acting President U Myint Swe were transferred to Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) reported on July 22. (Myanmar's Ministry of Information/Handout via Xinhua)
Harris Gets Muted Response in India as Few See Change in US Ties

(Bloomberg) -- Four years ago, when Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his running mate, much of India was abuzz over how the first Indian-American in the White House might affect the future of US-India relations.

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Now, Harris is a step closer to capturing the Democratic nomination for president  but few are expecting any change in ties should she win.

Despite Harris well-documented Indian heritage and family links to the country there is little indication that her presidency would meaningfully tip the direction of the US-India relationship, which has strengthened in recent decades under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

The US has sought to cultivate a deeper partnership with India as a bulwark against a more assertive China, while India has sought greater US investment and deeper cooperation in technology sharing and defense. The economic and strategic logic that underpins US-India ties would likely remain intact were Harris to win the White House, analysts and Indian officials said.

There would be a degree of continuity if shes elected to the White House, said Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank. India has had a productive relationship with Mr. Biden. And Kamala Harris was part of the administration.

Harris now has enough pledged delegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination, according to an unofficial tally by Associated Press.

In 2020, Bidens choice of Harris as his running mate sparked a wave of excitement in India, with social media users poring over her family connections to Chennai, the southern Indian city where her mother was born. Undated photos surfaced of a younger Harris and her sister Maya in saris, posing with grandparents during a visit.

Harris at the time was the first Black woman and the first woman of Indian descent on a major ticket in a US presidential election. Her joining the ticket sparked reports in Indian media over how a Biden-Harris win might further bolster ties between the two countries.

Ties have indeed continued to improve, but India has not been a personal priority for Harris, who has instead been occupied with domestic issues, like reproductive rights and securing the US-Mexico border. Harris hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House last year, where she talked about her Indian heritage and praised Modis leadership. But she hasnt visited India during her time as vice president.

While on the campaign trail in 2019, Harris criticized Modis policies on Kashmir, a region contested by both India and Pakistan and was the site of a lengthy crackdown after Modi scrapped the Muslim-majority states autonomy. We have to remind Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world, she said in September of that year.

One reason Harriss Indian ties may not be much of a political factor is that they arent a prominent part in her public persona, said Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs. Unlike say Rishi Sunak in the UK, for example, who has been very open about showing his Indian and Hindu roots, he said. Sunak was Britains prime minister until earlier this month.

Instead, Harriss African and Carribean heritage  her father is from Jamaica  is the more visible part of her public identity, Chaulia said.

Modi, meanwhile, is widely believed to enjoy warmer and more personal ties with Donald Trump, who is the Republicans candidate for president. Both leaders have hosted each other at political rallies in their respective countries, with Trump holding a Howdy Modi event in Houston before a huge crowd of Indian Americans in September 2019  just days after Modis new policy in Kashmir.

That event was followed up in 2020 with a visit by Trump to Modis home state of Gujarat for an event billed Namaste Trump. There, the US president addressed a rally of nearly 100,000 people at a stadium in the city of Ahmedabad.

Irrespective of who wins Novembers election, US-India ties should maintain their upward trajectory  despite having been tested in the last year. Allegations of Indias involvement in a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh activist on US soil, as well as Modis embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin, have both been an irritant for the US.

The relationship between the United States and India goes beyond individuals, and even beyond parties, said Sushant Singh, a lecturer at Yale University. All administrations, starting from President Bill Clinton, have advocated closer ties with India and that is not going to change, especially when the China factor looms large in both national capitals.

Still, in Tamil Nadu  the home state of Harris Indian family  pride in the prospect of an Indian-American in the White House runs high. B Krishna Moorthy, who runs the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non Resident Tamils, said the group was deeply moved and filled with pride at the prospect of a Harris presidency.

We look forward to seeing how her experiences and perspectives will contribute positively to global discourse, inspire future generations and foster the Indo-US relationship.

--With assistance from P R Sanjai.

(Updates with Harris winning enough support for nomination.)

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A Harris-Kelly team? Here's what happened when they hit the campaign trail together

Democrats pondering a possible presidential ticket headed by Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly can rewind to a campaign event last month where they appeared together.

It happened in Las Vegas and came the day after President Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance startled the nation.

As it turned out, Kelly, D-Ariz., took the same stage as Harris to urge Nevadans to support the Biden-Harris ticket and reelect U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev.

Kelly displayed a willingness to talk tough  he referred to former President Donald Trump as "a convicted criminal"  and to invoke the 2011 attempted assassination of his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., to make a point about current policy choices.

It was a reminder of Kellys usually relaxed campaign demeanor, sprinkling his remarkable biography with sharp partisan barbs.

If the event was remembered before Kelly became a subject of rampant vice-presidential speculation, it was for Harris flubbing Kellys home state in the kind of mistake that was now cause for alarm when it involved Biden.

Harris name-checked U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., whom she praised for doing an extraordinary job as a senator. She thanked New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for her leadership.

In between, Harris acknowledged Kelly.

Senator Mark Kelly, who is just always fighting for the people of Nevada and using his lifelong dedication to our country in a way that is about service and uplifting so many people, Harris said.

Kelly didnt address the debate that ultimately led Biden to quit the race.

Instead, he provided a kind of semi-celebrity endorsement for Rosen. He invoked his past as an astronaut and sent his well wishes from Giffords.

He lent his voice to supporting Biden and Harris, linking them as a team at least twice.

He said they both want to fix our broken immigration system and keep families together. By contrast, Trumps plan is to deport millions of our neighbors, Kelly said, drawing boos.

Kelly said Arizona and Nevada share some things politically, such as Latino communities that have outsized significance.

Both of us are going to play a very large part in the role of determining the direction of this country, Kelly said. So, thats why Im here. Because Nevada, Arizona and our country face a choice, a choice between continuing the progress we are making or going backwards."

And people, we do not want to go backwards.

That provided the opening for Kelly to say, I like to go forward at, like, 17,500 miles per hour in one direction: up and up.

A look at Mark Kelly: Senator could bring pluses, minuses to Democratic presidential ticket: What to know

Kelly framed the election choice as involving women having abortion rights or a national abortion ban and a tax on birth control and in-vitro fertilization.

Kelly turned serious when he noted that Giffords had been scheduled for an IVF appointment on a Monday morning. And on Saturday morning, she was shot in the head.

It drew shudders from the crowd and is part of a personal experience that he and Giffords discussed last month in a story for People magazine.

What to know: Joe Biden was struggling in Arizona. Could Kamala Harris do better against Donald Trump?

Its amazing to think how these two things can actually be interconnected, Kelly said. Weve got Donald Trump, whos out there fighting to take away those rights from you. Its almost unfathomable.

Kelly extended the political choice to continuing to bring manufacturing jobs back to America or another Trump tax giveaway to the biggest corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

It was a nod to the CHIPS and Science Act law he helped shape that uses taxpayer subsidies to bring semiconductor production to the U.S. That law has provided at least $6.6 billion to help defray construction costs of the $65 billion TSMC chip plants in Desert Ridge. That project is billed as the largest single foreign direct investment projects in U.S. history.

Kelly said Trumps tax strategy is to double down on tax cuts for rich people and is only looking out for himself. His mention of Trumps conviction in New York for fraudulent business records growing out of his secret affair with a porn star led the crowd to chant, Lock him up!

Kelly ended the chant, saying, Folks, all we have to do is vote.

He told the crowd the election is about teamwork and mentioned his four space flights and 39 combat missions as a Navy pilot in the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq.

Never once did I do that by myself, he said of those experiences. Not once. It took a team of people working together toward a common goal. Thats what we need now. We need you, all of you.

A closer look: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly once said he never aspired to politics, but 'I do get asked a lot'

Kelly praised Rosen as a great friend who sits next to him on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

She is, without a doubt, one of the best most bipartisan senators in the United States Senate, he said to applause. He also confided that Rosen often shares a sandwich with him as well.

While Kelly avoided the debate from the day before, Harris did not.

She admitted the debate didnt go well, though she didnt hint at how damaging it would prove to be for Biden.

So, last night, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump had their first debate, Harris said. And earlier today, the president said himself it was not his best performance.

But there are three things that were true yesterday before the debate that are still true today. Lets level set on this, all right?

First, the stakes of this race could not be higher. Second, the contrast in this election could not be more stark. And third, we believe in our president, Joe Biden, and we believe in what he stands for.

Her words led to cheers of Four more years!

Harris also sought to calm concerns about Bidens fitness for office.

Nevada, as vice president, I see Joe Biden when the cameras are on and when the cameras are off; in the Oval Office, negotiating bipartisan deals. I see him in the Situation Room, keeping our country safe; on the world stage, meeting with foreign leaders who often ask for his advice, she said.

Opinions: Kamala Harris doesn't scare Republicans, but Mark Kelly absolutely should

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kamala Harris and Mark Kelly hit campaign trail at least once already
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Florida on 1 May, the day the states new six-week abortion ban took effect (Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris has locked up support from almost the entire 254-member Florida delegation to next months Democratic National Convention, giving her a significant boost as she looks to earn her partys presidential nomination.

The vice president was endorsed by President Joe Biden after he withdrew from contention on Sunday.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told reporters on a conference call Monday morning that Harris has secured over 230 signatures from our DNC members in the Florida delegation pledging support for her presidential run.

The only way we win is if we stand united. We have just over 100 days until Election Day. We must use this time we have left to move forward as one team to elect Kamala Harris as president and defeat Donald Trump in November, Fried added.

Fried noted that Harris has made more than ten trips to the Sunshine State since she was sworn in, and cited the vice presidents work as a leading voice in the fight to take back our reproductive rights and hold Republicans accountable for whitewashing our history and attacking our communities.

Florida Democrats support Vice President Harris because she is the most qualified person to serve as president and the candidate best positioned to beat Donald Trump in the race for president. We are running a former prosecutor against a convicted felon. No one is better prepared than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump, she added.

Continuing, Fried said she was confident that Harris would quickly earn support from enough Democratic delegates to become the partys nominee, and said the vice presidents candidacy could make Florida competitive for the first time since the 2008 election cycle.

Separately, a Florida Democratic Party spokesperson told reporters a letter being circulated among Florida delegates has 236 signatures, leaving 18 delegates to go before Harris could claim support from the entire delegation.

Democratic Party delegates are set to vote on a nominee during a virtual roll call which party leaders have set for the first week in August.
With Joe Biden out of the presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris the front-runner for the top of the ticket with his endorsement, the veepstakes on the Democratic side are kicking into high gear.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged Bidens decision to drop out of the race and endorsed Harris as the best choice to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision.

It was still unclear how Democrats will pick a new nominee. While Newsom and many others rallied around Harris on Sunday, some Democrats could still mount a challenge to the vice president.

Newsom had been named as a potential Democratic nominee or running mate, along with Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Theres just one problem for a potential Vice President Newsom: the 12th Amendment.

The amendment outlines how presidential electors in the Electoral College cast ballots for the presidential ticket.

In first public remarks, Kamala Harris praises Joe Biden, doesnt talk presidential campaign

It states electors vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.

While Harris lives at the vice presidents residency at Washington, D.C.s Naval Observatory, she maintains official residency and is registered to vote in California.

That means a ticket with two California residents would essentially void the states 54 electoral votes, according to legal experts.

If Kamala Harris were the presidential candidate and Gavin Newsom were the vice presidential running mate, the electors couldnt vote for both of them, said Barry Burden, a political science professor and director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. So that would then create a dilemma, maybe a crisis, for those electors to decide which one of them they would vote for. It might cost the ticket electoral votes.

For electors in 49 states and District of Columbia, a Harris-Newsom ticket is not a problem, said Derek Muller, a professor at Notre Dame Law School. Its only a problem in the state of California. It would prohibit Californias electors from voting for both Harris and Newsom.

Understanding the News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on what's happening beyond the headlines:

 Joe Biden is out. How do Democrats pick a new presidential nominee?

 Biden makes history, but 2 other sitting presidents cut it close to Election Day

 What does Kamala Harris record show? Take a look

Democrats have relied heavily on Californias 54 electoral votes in presidential elections for decades. The last time a Republican presidential candidate won in California was in 1988, when George H. W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis.

Nobody wants to lose California, Muller said. That many electors, and especially if the race is close, that could play a huge, a huge role.

Theres one potential workaround: for one candidate to change their residency. Thats what happened in 2000, when George W. Bush selected Dick Cheney, another Texas resident, to be his running mate.

Cheney moved back to Wyoming that summer, where he had previously lived and represented in Congress, and updated his driver license and voter registration.

Thats probably unlikely for a sitting governor like Gavin Newsom, but its possible that Vice President Harris could reestablish her residency in the District of Columbia, Muller said.

Theres also the political consideration of two Californians on one ticket.

There are some prominent Democrats in California, people like Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi, who are real boogeymen to the Republicans there, Burden said. So loading up on the California image just is probably not the best way for the party to portray itself in a presidential election.
If Harris picks NCs Cooper for VP, would that hand the governors job to Mark Robinson?

Now that President Joe Biden is leaving the presidential race, one North Carolina figure has emerged as a potential running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, who will seek the partys nomination.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, whose term ends in January and is limited from seeking reelection, has been repeatedly mentioned as a candidate for vice president alongside Harris.

But joining the presidential campaign would likely take Cooper out of the state often leading up to November, raising questions about how he could continue to serve as governor.

Here, we answer a few questions about what a Cooper vice presidential bid would mean for the political leadership of his home state, where a Republican, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, is next in line.

Would Cooper have to resign if chosen as Harris running mate?

No, he would not.

American politics is littered with examples of people holding office while theyre running for other offices, Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, said.

If chosen as Harris running mate, Cooper would likely finish out his term as governor before his replacement was sworn in next year.

What happens when Cooper leaves the state?

Per the state constitution, when the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor becomes the acting governor.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican currently running for governor, took advantage of this in October when Cooper was in Japan.

As acting governor, Robinson issued a proclamation declaring North Carolina Solidarity with Israel Week following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.

Sam Chan, a spokesperson for Cooper at the time called Robinsons press conference a stunt prior to the details being announced.

Courts across the country in states with similar constitutional provisions have held that executive succession clauses do not apply where the Governor is able to communicate and direct state business and there is no need for action by the Lieutenant Governor, she said. This stunt by the Lieutenant Governor and attempt to undermine our states democracy is harmful to North Carolinas reputation and a reason he should never be trusted with real responsibility.

What could Robinson do as acting governor?

Robinson could hold further press conferences as acting governor and make similar declarations while Cooper was out of town.

Mark Robinsons been very good at taking the rhetorical advantage when he has it, Chris Cooper, the political scientist, said. ... I could absolutely see him taking advantage of that  grabbing the microphone when hes got it.

It would be difficult, however, for Robinson to take decisive action as acting governor, given that Cooper would likely only be gone for a few days at a time.

Cooper would be strategic enough, Im sure, to make sure there wasnt much he (Robinson) could do, Cooper said.

Who is Mark Robinson?

Known for his fiery rhetoric and disparaging comments about the LGBTQ+ community and women, Robinson won his race for lieutenant governor in 2020 as a first-time elected official.

He has referred to homosexuality as filth, said women should keep your skirt down to avoid abortion and recently told a church congregation some folks need killing when talking about World War II.

Robinson said that, if elected as governor, hed want the legislature to send him a heartbeat abortion bill, which would ban the procedure starting at five or six weeks gestation.

Robinson won the Republican primary for governor in March, beating State Treasurer Dale Folwell and Salisbury attorney Bill Graham. He spoke at the Republican National Convention this month.

NC Reality Check is a News & Observer series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com

Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan contributed to this report.

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Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress but will conduct a separate bilateral meeting with the Israeli prime minister this week at the White House, according to a Harris aide who was granted anonymity to discuss internal plans.

Harris was scheduled to attend an event for the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis before the Israeli prime ministers address date was set. The conflict allows Harris to circumvent the question of whether to attend the address, a political challenge for many Democrats who oppose the way Israel is conducting the war in Gaza.

In her one-on-meeting with Netanyahu, Harris plans to reiterate her commitment to Israels security and right to defend itself but will also convey her view that it is time for the war to end in a way where Israel is secure, all hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can enjoy their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination, the aide said.

Harris also plans to discuss the ongoing negotiations on a cease-fire deal.

Theres been some daylight between Harris and President Joe Biden on the issue of Israel and Gaza for months. Since the beginning of the war, Harris has been telling colleagues in the administration, including Biden, that she wants the White House to show more concern publicly for the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

One person close to the vice presidents office said she believes the United States should be tougher on Netanyahu. She has called for being more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution, this person said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who would have been next in line to preside over Netanyahus joint address, declined to do so, according to a spokesperson. The person also told POLITICO the senator won't be attending the address at all. A growing number of congressional Democrats are boycotting the event.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) will instead be the senator behind Netanyahu on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the plans who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Meanwhile, Capitol Police officials have warned lawmakers and staff about protesters in the days leading up to the visit from Netanyahu. There will be increased security around the Capitol complex, especially Wednesday when Netanyahu is scheduled to speak.
If Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic Party's presidential pick, expect to see a fair amount of her in Michigan over the next few months.

It won't be something new for the former California senator: from her first run as a presidential candidate in 2019 to her 2020 campaign with President Joe Biden and her nearly four years in the White House, she's crisscrossed the Mitten repeatedly.

Here's a quick (non-exhaustive) list of some of those visits, what they meant for her and what they meant for Michigan.

2019: An endorsement and debate

Amid a crowded Democratic field vying to take on then-President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, Harris came to Michigan in July 2019 hoping to gain some momentum. And she spent quite a bit of time here that month.

First, she attended the NAACP's national convention, hosted in Detroit. It was her second time in weeks speaking at an NAACP event in the city. Then her campaign garnered a little boost: the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus endorsed her after she made pledges to invest in historically Black colleges and universities.

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, a California Democrat and candidate for president, makes closing remarks after answering questions from journalist April Ryan during the Presidential Candidates forum hosted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

After making quick stops around Metro Detroit -- having done the same a few weeks earlier -- she joined other candidates in the state's largest city for a televised debate. It's the debate where then-opponent Biden told Harris to "go easy on me kid."

Although her campaign collapsed a few months later, she outlined a strategy for winning Michigan and the Midwest: attempting to generate massive turnout in the Black community while courting suburban women and other voters who supported 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

2020: Election Day in Michigan

Trump often suggests Grand Rapids is a good luck charm, noting he's ended both his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns with rallies in the west Michigan city.

But he wasn't the only top-tier candidate in Michigan on Election Day in 2020.

Harris traveled around Metro Detroit that morning, speaking at rallies to encourage voter turnout.

"We all have PTSD from 2016, yes, but there are lessons from 2016, and one of them is that in 2016, in Michigan, we missed that election by, on average, two votes per precinct. Think about that, Harris said at the time. Like, this is doable!"

It was her last of several stops in Michigan during that campaign. She visited Flint and Detroit earlier in the campaign, key Democratic constituencies in the state.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris takes a selfied with Jerrick Jefferson of Detroit during a campaign event outside of 14th congressional district office in Detroit, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.

Each time Harris visited, she noted the importance of the state.

"We will keep coming back because so goes Michigan, so goes the rest of the country, as far as we are concerned," Harris said at the time.

While the entire political landscape feels topsy turvy at the moment, the drive for both Republicans and Democrats to win Michigan's 15 electoral votes remains the same.

2021-2024: Vice presidential visits

As vice president, Harris repeatedly toured areas all over Michigan. That includes a Detroit stop to urge vaccinations against COVID-19 in July 2021 and a return to the state as recently as last week.

In 2021, she came in an effort to spur improvements in vaccination rates. As the pandemic raged, majority-Black Detroit had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Despite skepticism of vaccinations tied to experiments in Tuskegee and other issues, Harris encouraged residents to fight the pandemic by getting their shots.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with people during a vaccine mobilization event at the TCF Center in downtown Detroit on Monday, July 12, 2021.

"Detroit, you know better than most: Resilience is not automatic. Not everybody has it. Resilience is made. Resilience takes determination and it takes work. And resilience requires love. So in that spirit and the spirit of resilience, let us rise up, Detroit. Let us rise up, Michigan," Harris said.

She also helped raise money for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during her visit. Whitmer, who would go on to easily win her second gubernatorial race, is now among the names of Democrats many expected to at least consider a White House bid if Biden dropped out. While Whitmer had not endorsed Harris as of Sunday evening, there's little indication she's gearing up for a presidential bid in the immediate future.

Harris returned to Detroit in 2022 for a fundraiser, and visited Ann Arbor in 2023 on a policy visit. Specifically, she spoke with former Michigan governor and current U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about fighting climate change. The roundtable discussion did not generate much buzz, but it did outline some of Harris's thoughts on an issue that Trump continues to minimize in his campaign.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a panel discussion of the Biden-Harris administration's response to climate crisis at U-M's Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. She's joined by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Kyle Whyte, Professor at the School for Environment and Sustainability.

"You can look at, for example, the data that tells us that some of the regions in America with the poorest air quality are low-income communities and communities of color," Harris said, tying bad social outcomes to the effects of climate change.

"When you look at rates of asthma, you see correlations. When you look at which communities are suffering most in terms of extreme weather and therefore need to evacuate, you can see a correlation."

More recently, Harris made trips to both west Michigan and Detroit.

In May, she touted what she sees as the Biden administration's economic success during a stop in Detroit.

"So, Michigan, you know I believe that Americas economy is powered by the ambition and aspiration of our people  to innovate, to create and to prosper therefore to grow our economy, we must invest in that ambition and those aspirations. I believe every person in our country then must have access to the opportunity to compete to succeed and to thrive," Harris said during her remarks.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris greets the crowd after speaking at the Charles H. Wright African American museum in Detroit on her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour on Monday, May 6, 2024.

The event drew pro-Palestinian protesters. Biden weathered substantial criticism in Michigan from many who felt he should do more to end the current war in Gaza. More than 100,000 people voted "uncommitted" in Michigan's Democratic Primary in April, another effort to push Biden to act.

It's unclear how a Harris administration could change course. But in an election that could be very tight -- Trump won Michigan in 2016 by roughly 10,00 votes -- wooing voters previously frustrated with Biden's approach could be critical.

And in Portage last week, she warned Michiganders she believes Trump will strive to greatly limit access to abortion if returned to power. It's an issue that has energized Democratic voters before, although with a new amendment to the Michigan Constitution ensuring abortion access, it remains unclear how much Democrats can use the issue to drive voters to the polls.

In these moments, we should not become dispirited, Harris said at the Portage event. This is not the time to throw up our hands, this is the time to roll up our sleeves.

She also condemned the attempted assassination of Trump, agreeing with Biden and many others that "there must be unity around the idea that while our nations history has been scarred by political violence, violence is never acceptable."

While Harris's future with the party's nomination is still far from certain, she's been a consistent visitor to Michigan, a key swing state. It could prove to make the difference in November.

Contact Dave Boucher: dboucher@freepress.com and on Twitter, formerly called X, @Dave_Boucher1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Harris has made repeated trips to Michigan, a key swing state
Vice President Harris is racing to lock down support for her White House bid, just hours after President Biden announced that he would no longer seek reelection.

Harris on Sunday spoke with the chairs of three key coalitions on Capitol Hill: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.H.) of the New Democrat Coalition. All three have backed Harris for the nomination.

She also spoke with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)  She is ready to win in Wisconsin!!! he said on the social platform X  and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said he heard from her staff.

Her team is fully activated and phones are ringing, emails are blowing up, this thing is rolling, Huffman told The Hill in a brief interview Sunday. This has taken off like a rocket ship.

Asked what the sentiment of his conversation was, Huffman responded: Lets roll.

The full-court press on Capitol Hill comes as Harris looks to turbocharge her nascent presidential campaign after Biden announced that he would no longer seek the partys nomination.

Biden was facing mounting pressure from Democrats to reconsider his decision to run amid concerns following his disastrous debate performance last month. The president was at first defiant, consistently saying he would not step aside, but reversed his position on Sunday, quickly endorsing Harris for the job.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made, Biden said on X. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

Harris embraced the endorsement, writing in a statement: I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Harris is expected to maintain an aggressive travel schedule as shes been doing in recent months, according to a source familiar with the matter. Major Democratic PACs, including AAPI Victory Fund, the Collective PAC and Latino Victory Fund endorsed her on Sunday, and the Biden campaign infrastructure is pivoting to support Harris.

Harriss sprint to ramp up support comes less than one month before the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off in Chicago. A number of Democratic lawmakers have endorsed Harris for the nomination, but some key names are reserving judgment. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and former President Obama all heaped praise on Biden but stopped short of endorsing Harris, raising some eyebrows.

The path forward remains largely unclear. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison on Sunday said In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Jayapal on Sunday said she told Harris on the call that she is 1000% in for her to be our President!

She has the smarts, the experience, the accomplishments and the agenda to lead us to victory in November. Lets go! she added on X.

Barragan echoed that sentiment, writing on X: Just spoke to the Vice President to reiterate that Im all in.

Please join me and support Vice President Kamala Harris with a contribution today! she added.

Brett Samuels contributed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 4, 2024. U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his intention to drop out of the presidential race. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his intention to drop out of the presidential race, after a growing number of Democrats expressed concerns over his viability in the election since a disastrous debate performance late last month.

"While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He noted that he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.

In another post, Biden said he wants to offer his full support and endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic Party this year. "Democrats - it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this," he said.

Biden's announcement, which ended weeks of speculation over his decision, came after reports emerged that a growing number of Democrats had urged him to step down, including prominent figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

A sitting U.S. president and presumptive nominee has never dropped out of the race this late in the election process before. Biden's decision highlights the gravity of the crisis his campaign faced following the debate against former President Donald Trump, who formally accepted the Republican nomination on Thursday.

In the weeks following the debate, the president attempted to push back, asserting his commitment to remain in the race through various public appearances and meetings with Democratic officials. Even on Saturday, he said on X that it's the most important election of Americans' lifetimes, and "I will win it."

According to the latest Real Clear Politics poll averages, Trump leads Biden in all the key battleground states, including key swing state Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. 

U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris watching the Independence Day fireworks display at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 4, 2024. U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his intention to drop out of the presidential race. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
Vice President Harris raised nearly $50 million in grassroots donations Sunday in the hours after President Biden stepped aside as the nominee and backed her to replace him.

Since the President endorsed Vice President Harris yesterday afternoon, everyday Americans have given $49.6 million in grassroots donations to her campaign, said Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, in a statement.

The impressive haul is a sign of the grassroots enthusiasm among Democrats in the immediate aftermath of Bidens decision not to seek reelection, and it reflects Harriss strength as the likeliest choice to replace the president atop the ticket.

Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not run for a second term amid mounting pressure from elected Democrats for him to step aside, citing concerns he could not defeat former President Trump in November. A short time later, he endorsed Harris as the nominee.

Harris said she planned to earn and win the partys nomination, and its unclear if she will face any serious challengers in the month before the Democratic convention begins next month in Chicago.

A person familiar with the matter said Harris spent Sunday working the phones, making calls to more than 100 party leaders, members of Congress, governors, labor leaders and civil rights groups. Harris made clear on those calls that she appreciated Bidens endorsement, but that she planned to work to earn the Democratic nomination herself.

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Harris Says She Knows 'Trump's Type' From Her Years As A Prosecutor

Vice President Kamala Harris touted her record as a prosecutor and attorney general in a speech to her staff Monday, saying she knows Donald Trumps type and can take down criminals like him.

Harris, who appears to have broad support from Democrats to become the partys nominee now that President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the race, emphasized her past work taking on a range of criminals while working as a courtroom prosecutor and the California attorney general.

In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds  predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain, she said. So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type.

One jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse last year, and another in May found him guilty on 34 felony counts in his hush money trial. Over the years, hundreds of people Trump has hired have said he refused to pay them. Earlier this year, a judge determined he had manipulated business records to obtain favorable loan terms from banks and insurers and ordered him to pay hefty damages.

Harris ability to play herself up as a tough prosecutor running for office opposite a convicted felon is thought to be one of the greatest potential strengths of her campaign.

As a young prosecutor, when I was in the Alameda County District Attorneys office in California, I specialized in cases involving sexual abuse. Donald Trump was found liable by a jury for committing sexual abuse, Harris said Monday.

As attorney general of California, I took on one of our countrys largest for-profit colleges and put it out of business, she continued. Donald Trump ran a for-profit college, Trump University, that was forced to pay $25 million to the students it scammed.

Trump, meanwhile, has been attacking Harris on social media, labeling her as Dumb as a Rock and a totally failed and insignificant Vice President.

Related...
Riverside wildfire guts homes; officials say suspects who lit fireworks were seen on camera

Firefighters battle flames in the 6500 block of Hawarden Drive in Riverside. (Onscene.TV)

The fast-moving and destructive Hawarden fire, which ignited Sunday in Riverside, was the result of fireworks, according to city officials, who said an investigation was underway.

"In just over 24 hours, a moment of fireworks has had an estimated cost of over $11 million," Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a news conference Monday evening.

The fire has destroyed six structures and damaged seven others, and "once assessments are complete," the mayor said, "I fear there may be more to report."

More than 500 acres were scorched south of downtown Riverside in the blaze, which was one of two fast-moving fires sparked Sunday in Riverside County. Officials said the Hawarden fire was not making progress Monday morning and was fully contained within the perimeter.

One firefighter had a minor injury, but there were no reported civilian injuries, Steve McKinster, deputy chief of the Riverside Fire Department, said at a morning news conference.

Lock Dawson said the estimated costs of the Hawarden fire were "$1 million in response costs plus $10 million in damage to homes."

"Families have lost their homes, cherished memories and personal belongings," she said. "The damage extends beyond property."

The mayor said there was camera footage of "suspects fleeing the area, and we also have a vehicle of interest that's being reviewed by investigators." Lock Dawson said the investigation would continue "relentlessly" until the perpetrators were caught, and she vowed to "prosecute to the full extent of the law."

The fire broke out around 1 p.m. Sunday, spread rapidly and spurred evacuations  "1,500 homes are surrounding the area," McKinster said at a news conference Sunday evening.

There were 50 engines battling the fire.

Read more: California wildfires map

As of Monday morning, all evacuation orders were lifted.

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Eagle fire erupted about 2:15 p.m. at Cajalco and Eagle Canyon roads, east of Corona. The fire led to evacuation orders and warnings and burned out of control for several hours, blackening about 500 acres. The blaze continued to grow Monday morning, with more than 1,700 acres burned. It was 65% contained as of Monday evening, according to Cal Fire.

About 175 personnel were battling the fire Sunday evening, with 28 engines and a water-dropping helicopter, according to the agency. All evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings.

Fire threatens homes in Riverside on Sunday afternoon. (OnScene.TV)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Heading to Asia, Blinken aims to shore up Indo-Pacific ties and stress US commitment to the region

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the press after a bilateral meeting with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Ignoring the political chaos surrounding President Joe Bidens decision to end his reelection campaign, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Asia this week on a long-planned eight-day trip aimed at shoring up ties with Indo-Pacific allies and partners but with the priority of assuring them that the United States remains committed to the region.

The State Department announced Monday that Blinken, a longtime close aide to Biden dating from the presidents days in the Senate, will travel to Vietnam, Laos, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia for a series of international and bilateral meetings. Those will include discussions in Laos with his Chinese counterpart and strategic and security talks in Tokyo and Manila also involving Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The trip had been scheduled well before Bidens announcement Sunday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. State Department officials said there was no discussion of canceling or postponing the trip.

In fact, they said Blinkens attendance was all the more important to show that the changing political landscape in the U.S. would not affect the trajectory of American foreign policy, at least while Biden is president.

Numerous countries in Asia and elsewhere have expressed concerns about the implications of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House in January. Trump has cast doubt on the usefulness of U.S. alliances around the world and suggested during his first term in office that the American military presence in Japan and South Korea should be reduced or eliminated.

His first stop is in Vietnam to attend the funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnams ruling Communist Party and the countrys most powerful politician.

In Laos, Blinken will attend the annual meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers as well as a larger grouping that brings in senior diplomats from not only the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations but also China, Russia, India, and often North Korea.

Blinken said Friday that he would meet in Laos with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two have had a contentious but respectful relationship as ties between Washington and Beijing have frayed over security, trade and human rights issues, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

Later, Blinken and Austin will hold talks with their Japanese and Filipino counterparts. In Tokyo, the U.S. officials will also meet with the South Korean and Australian foreign and defense ministers to discuss nuclear nonproliferation.

In Singapore, Blinken will meet with the city-states relatively new leadership to go over details of the long-standing U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership. In Mongolia, he plans similar discussions when he wraps his Asia trip on Aug. 1.
When Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in November decisively won his second election in a deep red state, the punditry predicted a certain ascent to the national stage. After all, it takes a certain kind of something for a Democrat to win over a state that in 2020 voted for Trump by 26 points.

But no one could have known the ascent would happen less than a year into his second term as governor, and probably wouldnt have guessed it potentially could be as Kamala Harris running mate.

Still here in Kentucky, this doesnt come as much of a surprise: Andrew Graham Beshear, 46, is a talented candidate with the mien of a choir boy and the soul of a ruthless politician who understands exactly what it takes to win races.

Beshear learned politics at the knee of his father, two-term Gov. Steve Beshear, who himself came of age when the Democratic Party was as monolithic in Kentucky as the Republican one is today.

Andy, educated at Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia College of Law, started as a corporate lawyer in Louisville, but always kept an unofficial eye on Frankfort.

In particular, he watched as his father became one of the few governors in the South to expand desperately needed healthcare through Obamacare, despite Obamas unpopularity in Kentucky.

From The Opinion Team

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing news event, from our Opinion team:

 Bidens withdrawal solves one of Dems many problems. But it creates one, too

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 Once again, Joe Biden is giving America its best chance to defeat Donald Trump

Andy is not as smooth or charming as Steve. But people just like him. With his dorky Dad jokes, bad selfies and almost painful earnestness, he comes across as genuine.

He is, as the Associated Press once called him, Kentuckys Consoler-in-Chief, forged by killer tornadoes, cataclysmic flood waters, and countless hugs.

Politics and a pandemic

In 2015, Andy Beshear decided to join the family business.

He beat Republican State Sen. Whitney Westerfield by just 2,000 votes to become Kentuckys attorney general. He quickly started picking legal fights with then-Gov. Matt Bevin, some successful, some not.

In 2018, he won a big one  getting the Supreme Court to agree that Bevins sewer bill to reform teacher pensions was unconstitutional. (The pension was so named because it was attached at the last minute to a bill on sewer services.)

That sealed his alliance with the states teacher unions, which helped him eke out another narrow victory over the deeply unpopular Bevin, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, in 2019.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear received the first ever Distinguished Alumni Award from Henry Clay High School on May 24, 2024. Lexington, Ky.

In the early days of COVID, just three months after his inauguration, Beshear started appearing on television cameras across the commonwealth at 4 p.m. to reassure and guide a truly flummoxed public.

He spawned T-shirts and memes as Mister Rogers and Kermit holding our hands. His wife, Britainy, children Lila and Will, and the photogenic standard poodle, Winnie, rounded out the wholesome image.

And at the same time, he created a brand, Team Kentucky, and a relationship with the public that the best PR firm in the world couldnt buy, all while formulating blue-state COVID policies that infuriated Republicans.

I think Winnie is getting carried away with "Take Your Dog to Work Day." Who gave her my tie?! pic.twitter.com/LWqRX6JG4F  Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) June 28, 2024

But the daily press conferences provided a connection.

So, just before Christmas 2021, when a clearly shaken Beshear spoke from his fathers home town of Dawson Springs, literally stripped off the map by tornadoes that killed 80, people believed him.

When he went to Kenlake Resort Park to give Christmas presents to now-homeless children, people hugged him in desperation, all of them in tears. And just six months later, he did the same thing in Eastern Kentucky communities where floodwaters took 45 lives and swept hundreds of home away.

Beshear became an expert in tragedy.

On April 10, 2023, Beshear had to call Maryanna Elliott to tell her husband, Tommy Elliott, a close friend and chair of Beshears 2019 inauguration, had been killed at a mass shooting at Louisvilles Old National Bank.

He called it one of the hardest days as governor.

Unafraid of a fight

Those events have swamped much of his other work.

Most of his policies, like better pay for teachers, get stopped dead by Kentuckys Republican super-majority in the General Assembly. Its not just any super-majority either. There are only seven Democrats in the 38-member Senate and 20 in the 100-person House of Representatives.

Beshear blithely takes credit for the bills he likes, like a recent reduction in the income tax, or hands out oversize checks around the state. Republicans respond with teeth-grinding frustration.

Beshear has the ability to both convey niceness and to go on the attack, said Steve Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky who has tracked state and national political trends for several years.

That skill, the ability to fight the way the Democratic base would want to and protect his genial image at the same time, thats a skill he could bring to the national stage that could pay off.

Beshear has the quality of moderation that many voters say they yearn for, but he has remained a staunch defender of such key Democratic base issues as reproductive choice and public education.

Many believe abortion was the tipping point in his 2023 election, thanks to Kentuckys nearly total abortion ban in 2022 and an absolutely devastating ad by a young woman named Hadley Duvall, who was impregnated by her stepfather at the age of 12.

(Duvall recently appeared on national television with Harris to talk about abortion rights, one of the top issues national Democrats will be campaigning on.)

Beshear beat Attorney General Daniel Cameron by 5 points, a decisive win in which every other constitutional office was filled by a Republican. Cameron was not only a close ally of senior Sen. Mitch McConnell, the legendary Kentucky Republican, but the only candidate to be endorsed by Trump.

Their endorsements werent enough.

Beshear now talks up Kentuckys economic gains, like a huge new electric vehicle battery plant under construction, while also forming his own PAC. Beshear claims he has helped create more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $32 billion in announced investments, creating more than 54,700 jobs.

Republicans say if economic gains are happening, its because of their policies, like lower taxes. They often decry Beshears lack of cooperation in legislative matters.

Certainly, his administration has seen some black eyes. The always troubled juvenile justice system has continued with so many issues that the federal government is now stepping in to investigate. Beshear runs such a tight ship that his administration frequently restricts any experts from speaking to the media, leading to a troubling lack of transparency.

Vice-presidential material?

As Beshears name is bandied about, he has attended larger events and fundraisers, including an A-list Hollywood bash, while insisting that his success only reflects that of Kentucky.

While its nice to hear your name and things like that, Im just proud of what we have done as a state, and the president and the vice-president have been very helpful in making a lot of that happen, Beshear said in a July 2 interview with CNN.

The question is whether Beshears home-grown appeal might translate to a national stage.

Scaling up Kentucky congenial to the country is not necessarily easy, Voss said. Andy Beshear doesnt have the high-powered A-list charisma that sells in high crowds.

No one, of course, thinks a Beshear vice-presidency would have any effect on Kentuckys voting patterns in the presidential election. Remember, Trump won the Bluegrass State by 26 points four years ago.

What he does have, however, is a counterbalance to Harris. A white man, a staunch Democrat but a moderate one in tone and message, who could temper the view that Harris is a too-progressive Californian. A day after Biden stepped back from the campaign, his name is still circulating.

On Mondays Morning Joe show on MSNBC, he further auditioned for the role by heartily endorsing Harris and attacking the credibility of Trumps vice-presidential pick JD Vance as a spokesman for Appalachia.

And the vice presidents job requires a lot of duties at which Beshear excels  presiding with compassion and caring over disaster clean-ups, state funerals, and nowadays, breaking Senate ties.

All while keeping eyes on the big prize.
A Robinson helicopter carrying three FSB officers which disappeared in Russias Yakutia after its emergency beacon went off on 19 July has been found crashed.

Source: East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office on Telegram

Quote from the Prosecutor's Office: "After search and rescue operations, the Robinson aircraft was found completely destroyed. The bodies of the pilot and three passengers have been found."

Details: Earlier, it was reported that the Robinson helicopter disappeared in the Aldano-Uchur Mountains on 19 July.

Media reports indicated that the pilot and three FSB officers were on board.

Why this matters: After sanctions were imposed on Russia due to its bloody war against Ukraine, there has been an increase in aircraft accidents in Russia. This surge is attributed to a shortage of essential parts that Russia previously imported from Western countries.

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Richard Lange, president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and dean of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, poses inside "El Intercambio," a series of engraved sculptures that reference science and nature, July 1, 2024.

Richard Lange had never been to El Paso before the Texas Tech University System offered him the presidency of its health sciences center in the Sun City in April 2014. He suspected something was amiss with this job because no interviews had taken place at the campus.

Lange, who marked his 10-year anniversary at the helm of Texas Tech Health El Paso on July 1, recalled the clandestine trip he made to the city with his wife, Bobette, to satisfy his curiosity about the campus and the community.

The couple stayed at a Downtown hotel and mostly wore shorts and T-shirts as they toured the city. One of their stops was at the Texas Tech campus, 5001 El Paso Drive. It consisted of two buildings that housed the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing.

Lange, a practicing cardiologist and veteran administrator, already believed that the El Paso campus offered some of the most innovative medical curricula in the country. He considered the school a blank slate and was excited about the possibilities. As for the community, the couple quickly determined that El Paso was an interesting place to live. Upon their return home to San Antonio, he contacted Lubbock and accepted the job.

More: Did Biden drop out of the race? Texas leaders react to president ending bid for reelection

What we found was a gem, said Lange, the campus founding president and second dean of the medical school. We fell in love with (El Paso) from the very beginning.

Since his arrival, the university has added the L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in August 2014, and the Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine four years later. Lange pointed out that it was the states first new dental school in 50 years.

Also under his watch, the campus started and finished the nursing school building, built a dental clinic, doubled the campus research capacity and added classroom space. Work continues to develop a comprehensive cancer center. Additionally, there is the ongoing march to add new undergraduate and graduate degrees and instructional programs. In 2023, the university had an endowment of almost $163 million.

Lange said he is most proud of his institutions community involvement from philanthropic and legislative support that led to the dental school and cancer center to the money for student scholarships (more than $24 million awarded in the 2022-23 academic year) and to pay for health screenings.

He also mentioned the residents who participate in the many health-related and fun activities conducted at and through the campus. These events include medical and dental checkups, cancer screenings and fireworks shows.

Whats happened in the 10 years has been nothing short of remarkable, said Lange, whose previous leadership roles were at UT Health San Antonio, UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Creating, executing a vision

Rick Francis, chairman and CEO of WestStar Bank, was on the TTU Board of Regents in 2014, and chaired the search committee that recommended Lange.

Francis said that Lange distinguished himself as a skilled leader who could balance business, academia and service as a health care provider. His success at every level and his goals for TTHEP convinced the committee that he was the right choice.

He created a vision for our university, and he has executed on that vision beyond our wildest expectations, said Francis, who added that Lange and his team had created one of the regions key economic drivers.

Were creating more white-collar jobs at the corner of Alameda and Raynolds than we are in Downtown El Paso, he said, referring to the major intersection of the universitys campus.

The institution graduated 2,421 students from 2012 through 2023, and 60% of those graduates were Hispanic, according to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Fact Book 2023, Most of those graduates  56%  came from the nursing school. It was unclear what percentage of those graduates work in El Paso and TTHEP did not have an immediate response to that question.

Francis and other El Paso business and civic leaders described Lange as kind, humble, thoughtful, positive and inspirational.

Woody Hunt, executive chairman of the Board of Directors of Hunt Companies Inc., said Lange had a great professional background, and understood excellence at medical institutions and how to increase quality and quantity of programs. Additionally, he called Lange a skilled communicator.

Richard Lange, celebrating his 10th anniversary as president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and dean of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, recalls how he and his wife visited El Paso secretly before he had been offered a position, July 1, 2024. They fell in love with the city.

Hes one who can get people excited and motivated  because of how enthusiastic he is about what he does, said Hunt, whose family foundation donated $35 million for the nursing and dental schools.

Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, called Lange a collaborative leader who builds on the universitys strengths and assets.

These investments  in facilities, faculty, fellows, residents and students  are growing the number of health care providers to better meet the health care needs of our region, Yellen said.

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.

The campus has produced 1,384 medical residents from 2019 to 2023. Residents are licensed doctors who have completed medical school and have started to specialize in a particular medical field such as internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry and emergency medicine.

Among the things that make these medical and dental schools unique is that they include Spanish courses so graduates will be able to converse with Spanish-speaking patients. About 13% of the U.S. population are native Spanish speakers. According to Instituto Hispania, about 33% of the U.S. population, or about 138 million people, will speak Spanish by 2050.

Crystal Long, president and CEO of GECU, said she admired Langes ability to put an individual or audience at ease with his sense of humor, and how he can maintain his composure under difficult circumstances.

Nothing phases him as he speaks eloquently over the sound of a train roaring by right next to the (campus), she said. The train may shake the building, but nothing shakes Dr. Lange.

The TTHEP leader was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to an Air Force family. He earned his bachelors degree in biochemistry from the University of North Texas in Denton, his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and his MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

More: 'Suspicious death.' Woman found dead in Lower Valley vacant lot

Changing duties, compensation

Langes original TTHEP contract was for three years and had a base salary of $450,000. It included $300,000 in supplemental compensation, $48,000 in housing and vehicle allowances, and a country club membership. The position also came with tenure and a full professorship at the Foster School of Medicine. That means that when he decides to step down as president, he can resume his career as a teacher/researcher.

After his first annual review, his salary was increased to $459,000, with increases of 2% annually through 2018. This second contract included incremental deferred compensation packages leading up to $100,000 in 2018.

Lange signed his most recent three-year contract in September 2023 with a base salary of about $585,770 and the 2% annual increases through 2026. The annual supplemental income was $312,120. Deferred compensation will increase from $210,000 in 2024 to $220,000 in 2026.

Langes 2021 performance evaluation included a note from TTU Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell about the importance of the timing and planning for the hiring of a dean for the school of medicine.

His 2023 contract included the agreement that Lange would appoint a new dean for the Foster School of Medicine by Aug. 31. If he does not appoint a new dean by then, Lange should submit a recommendation to Mitchell, who will appoint an interim dean until a permanent replacement is chosen.

Lange said that the recruitment of a new leader for the medical school is a rigorous process that takes time. Because of multiple factors in 2021, to include COVID-19, officials decided to delay the search for a better time.

That time is now, Lange said.

Lange said the hiring committee, which includes TTU System representation, is looking for applicants who believe and understand in the schools mission and will commit to it for the long term. Additionally, the committee developed a process to ensure we hire a world-class leader for our growing institution, our students and our Borderplex community.

More: Mira Sorvino speaks about her career at the opening of the Plaza Classic Film Festival

Excelling through collaborations

Lange said he took the El Paso job thinking that he would stay about five years. His time at TTHEP is beyond the norm. The American Council on Education published in April 2023 results of a study on college and university presidents based on 2022 data. Among its findings was that the average length of service of institutional leaders was 5.9 years. That was 2.6 years less than in 2006.

Lange said one of the main challenges he faced during the past decade was building strong relationships with the universitys hospital partners. He said the time spent growing and developing those relationships has helped TTHEP and the community.

Richard Lange, president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and dean of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, poses inside El Intercambio, a series of engraved sculptures that reference science and nature, July 1, 2024.

That was especially true after COVID-19 hit El Paso. He said that he, deans, chairs and faculty would meet with CEOs of the major hospitals weekday mornings to coordinate efforts. He believes that partnership was unique in the state and the country, and led to El Paso being one of the nations most vaccinated cities.

Without our strong hospital partners, we wouldnt be able to excel, Lange said.

David Byrd, chief executive officer of the Hospitals of Providence Transmountain campus, said that he appreciated Langes efforts to collaborate with the medical community to discuss needs and solutions during the pandemic, and his help to develop programs for medical residents.

Our relationship is stronger today than it has ever been, Byrd said. We have forged a relationship built on trust and accountability as this (teaching hospital) has, at times, been challenging, but anything worth achieving always is.

Whats next for Lange? Not retirement  yet

While Lange has no plans to retire anytime soon, he has a sense of urgency in whats next for the university. He shared a few things that are on his five-year plan.

There is the new dental school building, which will allow the expansion of dental specialties in orthodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry. He expects to complete the comprehensive Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center that is funded in part by $65 million from the Texas Legislature and $25 million from the Fox family.

Other things on his list are a new clinic building that will be about 180,000 square feet, and Ph.D. programs in nursing and biomedical sciences  a first for TTHEP. He also would like to add more residencies such as one for anesthesia. Programs scheduled to start soon include pulmonary critical care fellowship training.

Its just gone by way too fast, Lange said about his time at TTHEP. Theres so much more that needs to be done here in our area. I wish I could see it all get done.

Disclosure: Richard Lange, Rick Francis, Tracy Yellen and the Woody and Gale Hunt Family Foundation are financial supporters of El Paso Matters. Financial supporters play no role in El Paso Matters journalism.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Richard Lange leads Texas Tech Health El Paso for ten years
Need help recovering from June 25 storms? Low interest loans available now

People in Monroe and its adjacent counties who suffered damage during the severe storms on June 25 can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the Indiana district office of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Who can apply for a disaster loan?

Residents (homeowners and renters) and businesses affected by the June 25 storms can apply for low-interest loans if they live in Monroe, Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Morgan, Owen as well as Vigo, Clay, Jackson, Parke, Sullivan and Vermillion counties. Businesses and private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed buildings, equipment and other business assets, said Stacey Poynter, SBA Indiana's district director, in a news release. For home loans, the limit is $500,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate and $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Widespread damage: Widespread storm damage prompts Monroe County disaster declaration

Where can people apply for disaster loans?

The SBA is opening two disaster loan outreach centers  at Frank Southern Ice Arena, 2100 S. Henderson St. in Bloomington and at Ivy Tech Community College, 8000 Education Drive, Terre Haute.

Walk-ins will be accepted, but people can schedule an in-person appointment online at https://appointment.sba.gov/.

When will the 2 SBA disaster loan centers be open?

Both centers opened Monday and will be open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for the first day.

In Bloomington, the ice arena will be then be open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. The center will close at 4 p.m. Aug. 5.

In Terre Haute, the center at Ivy Tech will be open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The center will close at 4 p.m. Aug. 5.

Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: SBA offers low-interest loans in Monroe County after June 25 storms
High School Student with Disability Who Had to Sit in Audience for Graduation Files Lawsuit: 'Humiliating'

Lawyers for the student allege that what happened on graduation day was the latest in a series of ways Lee was mistreated by the school

Courtesy Kennedy Lee A photograph from Greenfield High School's graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, shows Kennedy Lee being relegated to sitting in the bleachers rather than with their classmates.

Kennedy Lee has sued the Weakley County Board of Education after she and the two other graduating students from Greenfield High were forced to sit with the audience instead of with their peers during graduation

The suit also alleged that Lee and another student with POTS spent nearly the entirety of her school day during her junior year in a "former storage closet," as the school claimed her disability was "too much of a disruption to other students"

"This case involves extreme prejudice and insecurity towards persons with disabilities," read the complaint, which was obtained by PEOPLE

A former Tennessee high school student with disabilities has sued a school board after she and two other graduating students were forced to sit with the audience rather than with their peers after a series of alleged "prejudice."

Kennedy Lee previously told PEOPLE that she and two other graduating Greenfield High School students were relegated to the bleachers at their May 17 graduation ceremony.

It really hurt that I was not given these same opportunities as my other classmates, and my entire high school career has not been normal," Lee said at the time. "So I just wanted one night to be a normal student and be treated like a normal student, and that was robbed of me.

On July 12, lawyers for Lee filed a complaint in U.S. District Court against the Weakley County Board of Education, alleging that what happened to her on graduation day was the latest in a series of "humiliating" ways Lee was mistreated by the school.

This case involves extreme prejudice and insecurity towards persons with disabilities, the complaint, which was obtained by PEOPLE, stated. To the Greenfield High School administration, persons with certain neurological disabilities should be ushered away, not seen, segregated from their peers.

According to the suit, Lee, has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)  a condition that "causes your heart to beat faster than normal" when transitioning from sitting down to standing up, which can cause fainting, according to the Cleveland Clinic  as well as a functional neurological disorder.

Instead of following the student's 504 plan, which protects the rights of students with disabilities and is supposed to remove barriers to learning, the lawsuit alleged that Lee spent much of her junior year at Greenfield High in a former storage closet, which the school cleaned out and placed cots in.

WCS [Weakley County Schools] confined and ostracized Kennedy, the complaint read, and the other student with POTS, to the storage closet for all of their junior year of high school, the 2022-2023 school year, with no access to non-disabled peers, no access to extracurricular activities, no access to special classes like art or music, no access to eating lunch in the cafeteria with peers, no access to use of the library, and limited to no access to teacher instruction in the general education curriculum.

WCS gave Kennedy an online curriculum different from and lacking that of her non-disabled peers in the regular education classrooms, added the complaint.

An attorney representing the school district did not respond to PEOPLEs repeated requests for comment.



Related: Denver City Council Member Speaks Out After Being Asked to Get Out of His Wheelchair to Participate in Debate

According to the lawsuit, Lee's disability called for "reasonable accommodations" from the school, like getting additional time to complete assignments and being allowed to sit near teachers and friends, just in case she needed help.

"Rather than abide by the 504 Plan, WCS went to humiliating extremes," the lawsuit claimed. "It put Kennedy and another student in her grade who also had POTS in a former storage closet. WCS cleaned out the closet, then placed two cot beds on each side, one for each student. The nurse sat in the closet too, at a small desk," read the lawsuit, which included a photo of Lee in the alleged closet.

Julie Norwood Shell Kennedy Lee.

Related: Black Texas Student Suspended Over His Locs Removed from School and Sent to Disciplinary Program

The complaint claimed these measures were put in place because the school allegedly said that her POTS disability was "too much of a disruption to other students."

"Having suffered the prejudice and indignity of being isolated to the storage closet, and with WCS offering no other viable alternatives, Kennedy went on homebound status for the 2023-2024 school year, her senior year," the suit added.

By graduation, the lawsuit noted that Lee had looked forward to walking on stage with her classmates during the ceremony. But as PEOPLE previously reported, she instead sat with the audience during the official event.

"This decision targeted Kennedy's disability," the suit alleged. "The principal said WCS did not want Kennedy 'falling out' on the gym floor with someone coming down from the audience to rescue or assist her. That, the principal said, would be embarrassing for the school if posted on social media."

courtesy Kennedy Lee Kennedy Lee

Related: Wife Recalls Being Electrocuted with Husband in Hot Tub  and the Moment She Heard He Didnt Make It

The complaint alleged Lee's mother raised the issue of graduation with the Weakley County's Director of Schools, who reportedly "sympathized" but did not correct the principal.

In an earlier statement regarding Lee's allegations surrounding Greenfield Highs May 17 commencement, Weakley County Director of Schools Jeff Cupples said that all district "graduation ceremonies are planned to ensure the safety of all participants."

Weakley County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, disability, national origin, gender, age, political affiliation, or beliefs, concluded the statement.

Lee previously told PEOPLE that she did consider boycotting the ceremony but decided against it.

Instead, she attended and "watched her graduating classmates file in, while she walked in separately and sat in the bleachers," per the complaint.

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.

"After graduation, WCS created social media postings of the graduating class of 2024," the suit read. "Noticeably absent, not even mentioned, were Kennedy and the other two students with disabilities. This would be the final humiliating act of segregation and exclusion that Kennedy experienced."

In addition to "reasonable attorney's fees and costs" as well as "compensatory damages," Lee is seeking to train school officials and staff about "the harm of segregation, the integration mandate, and the rights to reasonable accommodation," per the complaint.

Lee's attorneys told PEOPLE in a statement concerning the lawsuit, "Kennedy's disability may sometimes limit her ability to physically stand, but nobody will question her standing up to this school system."



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Read the original article on People.
Hilton Head survived a wet weekend, what does this week have in store for rain chances?

After a brutal weekend of storms on and around Hilton Head, even more are on the horizon this week.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4 and 5 p.m. and a slight chance before 8 p.m. Monday.

On Tuesday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers mainly after 2 p.m. and a 50 percent chance in the evening.

The chance for precipitation on Wednesday will grow to 70%, although the NWS predicts mostly sunny skies and a high of 91 degrees.

On Thursday and Friday, there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m., with precipitation also likely in the evening.

There is a 50 percent chance that showers and thunderstorms will continue into the weekend.

All of this weather should deliver some moderate rainfall with average totals approaching and inch of precipitation.

Beachgoers should keep an eye out for for rip currents in through Tuesday evening in southeast Georgia and South Carolina, according to the NWS.

Temperatures this week in Hilton Head will range from a high of about 90 degrees to a low of about 78 degrees. The heat index value on Tuesday is expected to reach a high of 109 degrees.

Michael Stroz, a meteorologist from the NWS in Charleston, said that heat, humidity and frequent thunderstorms such as these are to be expected in the peak of July as a result of the sea breeze. Stroz advises to keep an eye out for road closures and to go inside when there is thunder or lightning in the area.
COLOMBO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Plantation Industries signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with two state banks on Monday to provide interest-free loans to agribusiness entrepreneurs and farmers for the first phase of the country's agricultural modernization, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.

The MoUs were signed with the Bank of Ceylon and the Regional Development Bank, which are the key contributors to the initial phase, the PMD said.

According to the PMD, the MoU with the People's Bank is expected to be signed shortly. In the first phase, 650 million Sri Lankan rupees (2.1 million U.S. dollars) have been allocated to implement projects through agricultural modernization centers.

In implementing agricultural modernization projects, only around 30 percent of the project costs are covered by agribusiness entrepreneurs and farmers, with the remaining 70 percent funded by the government, the PMD added. 
In a historic move, Joe Biden suspends 2024 re-election campaign. Here is what we know

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced that he would no longer accept the Democratic party's nomination. The Delawarean was in Rehoboth when the news broke that he was stepping aside.

A surprise to some, and not to others, Biden has been under intense pressure as the list of party officials calling for him to step down have been increasing since the presidential debate three weeks ago.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a written statement. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

Here is what we know:

In his letter Biden said "we have made great progress as a Nation."

He said that it has been his greatest honor to serve as President, however he believes that it is in the best interest of the party and country for him to step aside to focus on finishing his presidential term.

Joe Biden's letter: Read President Joe Biden's full letter to America annoucing he will not seek reelection

Vice President Kamala Harris announced Sunday she will seek the 2024 Democratic nomination after Biden said he would step aside and emphatically endorsed her candidacy.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made.

Harris endorsements: See who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president as Biden steps aside

We are less than a month away from the Democratic National Convention, which will be held at the United Center in Chicago.

The last DNC was held virtually in Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

When is the DNC 2024?: Who will replace Joe Biden as Democratic National Convention nears

The Republican nominee, President Donald Trump, wasted no time attacking Biden after the announcement.

He is the worst president in the history of our country," Trump told CNN in a phone interview just minutes after Biden announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race. "He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country.

During the interview, Trump said that he expects to run and win against Harris.

Trump's reaction: Donald Trump berates Joe Biden, prepares to campaign against Kamala Harris

Delaware did not hold a Democratic presidential primary. According to state code, if only one candidate files for a party's nomination by the deadline, the candidate is declared the winner. Biden was running unopposed in Delaware so all 19 delegates were awarded to him.

Who gets President Biden's delegates?: How many does Delaware have

Politicians across the nation have shared their own responses to Biden's announcement, with many thanking the president for his public service. Delaware's political leaders  from the U.S. Congressional delegation to local officials across the political spectrum  are no exception.

Local reaction: Delaware politicians react, honor Joe Biden's legacy after news he's dropping out

The winding political ascent of Delawares best-known and adopted political son to the Oval Office started with a New Castle County Council win in 1970, a rare Democrat win that year, which took only 10,573 votes to secure.

In 2020, he earned more than 76 million votes nationwide to defeat Trump to win the presidency, the most ever in American history. He is also the oldest president in the nation's history.

Ten years earlier, Wilmington was also where then-President-elect Barack Obama picked up Biden on a whistle-stop train tour in 2009, en route to the inauguration in Washington.

Ryan Cormier, Hannah Edelman and Anthony Dimattia contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: President Joe Biden drops out of the 2024 presidential race
After Hollywood and bestseller lists, she now fights global antisemitism for the U.S.

Deborah Lipstadt, nominated to be special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, with the rank of ambassador, appears during her Senate Foreign Relations nomination hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington in 2022. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

Deborah Lipstadt says shes working in a growth industry, one that is booming. And that is not a good thing.

Already well-known as an acclaimed Holocaust scholar based at Emory University in Atlanta, Lipstadt was confirmed by Congress in 2022 as the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism abroad.

Deborah Lipstadt speaks at a Feb. 14 event on Capitol Hill in Washington to raise awareness of the sexual and gender-based violence Hamas has perpetrated against women and children in Israel since Oct. 7. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

The role is well-suited for her, but it has been immensely fraught since Oct.7, when Hamas militants launched a brutal assault on southern Israel, claiming about 1,200 Jewish lives  the most in a single day since the Holocaust. The attack was followed by Israels punishing war in the Gaza Strip that health authorities there say has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians.

Among the fallout have been waves of antisemitism in the U.S. and elsewhere, in part as a reaction to Israels devastating operations and the continuing death toll. Jewish people wearing kippot have been attacked in L.A., and Death to Jews slogans have been scrawled in public places from Manhattan to Berlin.

In some ways, Lipstadts work has become easier, because antisemitism, she said, is as clear as ever.

It is more real, more pressing, more immediate, Liptstadt said in an interview in her fifth-floor State Department office during a recent break in her travels.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff greets envoy Deborah Lipstadt at a Capitol Hill event Feb. 14. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

She considers antisemitism to be the oldest and most consistent hatred in world history, pointing to its presence in Christian, Muslim and atheist societies, left and right, religious and secular.

I want people to take antisemitism seriously, she said.

Lipstadt is perhaps best known as the scholar who took on Holocaust denier David Irving in a British court in the late 1990s. The long legal battle, in which she eventually prevailed, was the subject of her book Denial and then a movie with the same name starring Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt.

During filming of the 2016 picture, the actor called the diplomat and asked her to read lines. This helped Weisz to emulate her, according to Lipstadt, who praised the actors portrayal  which is heroic, but not always complimentary.

Today, Lipstadt often finds herself challenging those who deny Israels right to exist. Her first overseas trip as special envoy was to Saudi Arabia, a country that still does not recognize Israel, like much of the Arab world. She went to the barren desert kingdom in the dead heat of summer; colleagues thought she was nuts.

Making a point, she said.

Born and educated in New York, Lipstadt, 77, has taught at UCLA and Occidental College and directed the Brandeis-Bardin Institute in Simi Valley. She wears a Star of David necklace and has rust-colored hair and an easy, throaty laugh. She is remarkably forthright in a government agency not known for candor.

The antisemitism position that Lipstadt occupies was created in 2004, but at times has been vacant  the longest absence occurring during the Trump administration. President Biden elevated the role to the level of ambassador.

Deborah Lipstadt, center, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, right, place candles at Auschwitz during 2023 ceremonies marking the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the camp in Brzezinka, Poland. (Michal Dyjuk / Associated Press)

Some critics, especially in the Muslim community, see the heightened focus on antisemitism as a bias that excludes other minorities. In late 2021, the House of Representatives passed a measure that would create a special envoy to monitor and combat Islamophobia worldwide, but the Senate has never acted on it.

The State Department says it confronts hatred against other groups  including anti-Muslim violence, which is also on the rise  elsewhere within its bureaucracy, such as in its office of religious freedom.

Lipstadt likes to think of herself as an equal opportunity defender of religious freedom and human rights.

In her first months on the job, Lipstadt defended a group of ultra-Orthodox Jews kicked off a Lufthansa flight for refusing to wear COVID-19 masks; a liberal Jewish group harassed by Orthodox Jews when attempting to celebrate bar and bat mitzvot at the Western Wall in Jerusalem; and Jews and Muslims up against a European ban on the religious-ruled slaughter of goats and other animals.

Her confirmation to the post was held up for months by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, presumably because Lipstadt had accused Johnson of supporting white supremacy by making supportive comments about the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, where some participants brandished Nazi-inspired symbols.

Today, her office is decorated with kippot that were gifts from officials and representatives as diverse as the United Arab Emirates and the FBI. She also displays a beaded menorah in the shape of a lion that was given to her during a trip to South Africa. To a visitor, she can quote passages of the Bible and recounts a recent chat with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Lipstadt at her office in Washington, D.C. (Tracy Wilkinson / Los Angeles Times)

Hearing her discuss the Old Testament, Exodus, the pharaohs and Joseph, the pope pronounced her a theologian.

Im not, she told The Times with a laugh. But I guess when the head of the Catholic Church calls you a theologian, you take it.

A large photo of the pope has joined her office decorations of kippot and menorahs.

While most government officials she meets no longer question the existence of antisemitism, many have questions on how to confront it. Education and diplomacy top a long list of options. It remains unclear how much political will there is in many parts of the world to take up the cause.

And while Oct. 7 brought anti-Jewish hatred to the fore, it also forced Lipstadt to cancel what was going to be a robust follow-up trip to Saudi Arabia. The timing of the goal of the trip, to reach out to the broader Saudi public, was not right, she said. The trip has not been rescheduled.

Lipstadts job does not include looking at antisemitism within the United States. Yet the prejudice and what she calls its political weaponization is universal and globally intertwined, she said. Incidents have been seen on American university campuses as part of the protests in support of Palestinians.

I have friends in this country and other countries who ... lean politically right, and they see antisemitism on the left, and they are accurate ... absolutely on target, she said. And I have friends on the left who see it on the right, and they too are absolutely on target. The problem is they often fail to see it standing next to them ... from people with whom they agree on most other things.

From left, Lucy Cline Huie, Deborah Lipstadt, Joseph Lowery, Robert Moses and Leah Ward Sears sing "We Shall Overcome" during a 2010 ceremony at the Carter Center in Atlanta. (David Goldman / Associated Press)

She continued: When you only see it on the other side of the political transom ... I have to ask: Are you interested in fighting antisemitism, or was your main objective to beat up on your enemies?

Lipstadt is adamant that criticizing Israeli policy should not be considered antisemitic. Were that the case, she said, youd have to brand as antisemites the thousands of Israeli Jews, some still in their military uniforms, who regularly fill the streets of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to protest the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Absolutely OK, she said of protests. But its when you say Israel does not have a right to exist that is objectionable, she said.

The state of Israel was created 76 years ago by U.N. mandate as a refuge for Jews after the Holocaust. Establishment of Israel displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Youve got ... political things that you may feel very strongly about, Lipstadt said. But that doesnt allow for prejudice, or hatred.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Fresno Fire Department released body cam footage of a firefight with a structure early Sunday morning.

Firefighters say around 3:30 a.m. they responded to a structure fire on Sussex Way and College Avenue.

Crews arrived, reporting smoke and fire coming from a portion of a home that was under construction. The fire also found its way to the attic of the main house.

Body cam footage released by the department shows a firefighters perspective as they extinguish the flames.

Fresno Fire says that while the fire may have caused significant damage, the occupants were able to evacuate safely. No injuries were reported.

In total, 25 firefighters responded and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed a bipartisan, independent panel to review this month's assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, officials said Sunday.

The panel members will have extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review of the planning for and actions taken by the U.S. Secret Service and state and local authorities before, during, and after the rally, and the U.S. Secret Service governing policies and procedures, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

The first people named to the panel are former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security adviser to President George W. Bush; Mark Filip, a former federal judge and deputy attorney general to President George W. Bush; and David Mitchell, former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for the state of Delaware.

Additional experts could be asked to join the group in the coming days, the statement said.

The panel will have 45 days to review the policies and procedures of the Secret Service before, during and after the rally on July 13 where a gunman fired at Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

We formed this bipartisan group to quickly identify improvements the U.S. Secret Service can implement to enhance their work. We must all work together to ensure events like July 13 do not happen again," members of the independent review panel said in a joint statement.

Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle said she welcomes the review.

I look forward to the panel examining what happened and providing recommendations to help ensure it will never happen again, Cheatle said in a statement Sunday. The U.S. Secret Service is continuing to take steps to review our actions internally and remain committed to working quickly and transparently with other investigations, including those by Congress, FBI and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Cheatle is set to testify Monday before the House Oversight Committee.
An eight-bed women's shelter room at the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way's Center for Opportunity in Bismarck. This summer, the shelter has housed an average of between 70 and 80 people a night. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

Nonprofits serving North Dakotas homeless will receive nearly $1.8 million in grants recently awarded by a state agency. But applicants had sought more than double that amount, leading some advocates to say more state funding is needed.

The awards come from two different grants: the North Dakota Housing Finance Agencys North Dakota Homeless Grant and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Emergency Solutions Grant. They support services like emergency shelters, transitional housing and homelessness prevention programs.

Ten organizations received $881,870 from the federal Emergency Solutions Grant, and 16 organizations were awarded $909,115 from the North Dakota Homeless Grant, according to the North Dakota Housing Finance Agencys website.

With homelessness on the rise in North Dakota, that amount just isnt enough, Katie Jo Armbrust of the Grand Forks Housing Authority told lawmakers at a June 27 Government Services Committee meeting.

She urged legislators to increase funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant to $10 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. The Legislature budgeted $1.3 million for the program for the 2023-2025 biennium.

This is what works: Allowing our community organizations to address their respective communities needs, Armbrust said.

The fact that organizations applied for more than $5 million from the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant this year is proof the funding is needed, she said.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is working on a bill draft to grant Armbrusts request. The draft will also set aside money for a number of other housing-related programs, including the Housing Incentive Fund, Mathern said.

This is going to be a comprehensive investment in housing, he said. Just addressing homelessness is too narrow of a focus.

The Government Services Committee will review the proposal during its next meeting, which is expected to take place in September, said Mathern.

Youthworks in Bismarck, which provides emergency housing to minors and young adults, this year was awarded $77,816 from the Emergency Solutions Grant and $50,000 from the North Dakota Homeless Grant.

Youthworks will use the money to cover staffing costs and operational expenses like rent, utilities and maintenance for its transitional housing units, said assistant executive director Mark Heinert.

Many nonprofits also use the North Dakota Homeless Grant to apply to federal grants that require a local funding match, he said.

Its really important to get local support from the North Dakota Homeless Grant, Heinert said. We may get $50,000 for a grant, but maybe were using that money to leverage another $150,000 or $200,000.

The Missouri Slope Areawide United Way, which operates Bismarcks only 24/7 emergency shelter, received a $100,000 award from the North Dakota Homeless Grant.

The nonprofit will use the vast majority of the funding to pay for day-to-day expenses, Executive Director Jena Gullo said.

Expanding the state grant would not only keep organizations like the United Way open, but bring homeless services to more areas of the state, said Gullo. Not every community in North Dakota has homeless shelters, she pointed out.

If you dont have basic emergency shelters in every region of the state, then theres no way to get people into housing, Gullo said.

A total of 3,830 people received services for homelessness in 2023 compared to 2,607 in 2020, according to North Dakotas Homeless Management Information System. Organizations that focus on homelessness and housing instability use the data system to track the people they help.

While the Homeless Management Information System is the most reliable measure of homelessness available in North Dakota, the numbers dont paint a complete picture, said Shawnel Willer of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.

For one, not every service provider in the state uses the data system. Participation in the system has gone up since 2020, however, which is partly why the numbers increased so much between 2020 and 2023.

Organizations have logged 2,546 people as facing homelessness from January through June of this year.

The recipients of the Emergency Solutions Grant are:

Institute for Community Alliances: $158,127

YWCA Cass Clay: $70,000

Presentation Partners in Housing: $155,580

Youthworks: $77,816

United Way Grand Forks: $50,000

Community Violence Intervention Center: $50,000

Red River Valley Community Action: $50,000

Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency: $125,000

Grand Forks Homes, Inc.: $89,647

Domestic Violence Rape and Crisis Center: $55,700

The recipients of the North Dakota Homeless Grant are:

YWCA Cass Clay: $102,300

United Way Grand Forks: $75,000

Gladys Ray Shelter: $60,000

Youthworks: $50,000

Grand Forks Homes: $88,303.60

Institute for Community Alliances: $23,511.40

Community Violence Intervention Center: $50,000

Red River Valley Community Action: $50,000

New Life Center: $75,000

Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency: $25,000

Missouri Slope Areawide United Way: $100,000

AID, Inc.: $60,000

Womens Action and Resource Center: $25,000

Abused Adult Resource Center: $50,000

Native, Inc.: $50,000

Community Action Partnership  Minot Region: $25,000
MUNCIE, Ind.  Ten single-family homes are being built in Whitely Neighborhood this summer, part of the Southern Terrace development that aims to spread affordable housing in low-income areas of the city.

The east-side neighborhood has been earmarked for development upgrades that include a new fire station, new park playground equipment and major repaving of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, an east-side thoroughfare.

Mayor Dan Ridenour said a search of city construction permits showed only four new residential homes had been built in Whitely in the past 22 years. However, in 2011 Centennial Place affordable housing was built and offers 35 one- and three-bedroom apartment homes in the neighborhood.

Southern Terrace is a project of Advantix Development Corp. based in Evansville. In addition to the work in Whitely, the company intends to build 25 townhomes on the southside at Walnut and 26th streets. That project is also underway. Advantix will also build 10 more single-family homes in Industry, Eastside and Blaine Southeast neighborhoods.

The project was awarded $1.2 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits resulting in 45 new residences in Muncie.

Ridenour again said Muncie needs new housing stock to grow. As of February, 93 new single-family homes were in development in the city.

This will increase the quality of life, said Ken Hudson, executive director of the Whitely Community Council.

He said he was glad for the efforts by the city administration to make changes that stand to make life better in the neighborhood. Were happy, he said. But he added that the city missed a chance to discuss the new housing plan before it was already done.

We kind of got it after it was already decided, Hudson said.

There were concerns about adding more rental property to the community in the short term, he said.

The program offered through Southern Terrace would have the properties available for tenants to rent the homes for 15 years. After that period, tenants will have the option to buy the home at a discount.

Hudson said Whitely has a problem with transient tenants who move in until they fall behind on rent, then move on. The neighborhood now has only a 36% home ownership rate.

This is going to be a long-term project, he said. But he hopes it will lead to stable, long-term residents.

Other enhancements for Whitely include a new No. 6 Fire Station along MLK Boulevard. The location of the new building was recently relocated from its current site southward, still inside the park but at Highland Avenue and MLK.

Ridenour said soil tests at the original site indicated the ground might not be firm enough to support the new building.

The mayor also noted that the recently built headquarters for the Muncie Sanitation District along MLK has added more positive development to the area.

Hudson said ongoing upgrades to McCullough Park as well as Riverview Park to the south have provided a real increase to the quality of life for people living in Whitely.

The Whitely Community Council, which operates a monthly food pantry, is continuing its work toward building a community center in the neighborhood at its headquarters at MLK and Centennial Avenue.

Hudson said the council is completing its silent fundraising campaign for the center, which will also feature offices for local nonprofits. The estimated cost for remodeling two buildings for the resource center now stands at about $4.5 million.

In 2022, the city council provided the neighborhood association with $500,000 in seed money for creation of the center that came from federal American Recovery Plan money sent during the COVID pandemic. Hudson said additional grants have since come from the Ball Brothers Foundation and the IU Health Foundation.

Among the organizations planned for the resource center, according to Hudson, will be PathStone Indiana, which offers financial and homeownership counseling.

David Penticuff is a freelance writer for The Star Press.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: New low-income homes in Muncie needed for growth, mayor says
Diversity efforts in business have become a lightning rod. (Getty Images)

Among the Indiana Chamber of Commerces 50-plus conferences and seminars is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) summit, now in its fourth year.

The event includes the crowning of a DEI champion, sponsored by a national employer-focused law firm.

I think that the chamber can play an important role as a convener, Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders told the Capital Chronicle.

Vanessa Green Sinders. (From Indiana Chamber)

This conference is another example of us trying to convene stakeholders  around an issue that people care about, to try to move the state forward, she said. And people can have different views on that, right? Theres a diversity of views.

DEI efforts became widespread after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd and subsequent, nationwide protests.

The initiatives are intended to promote the fair treatment of all people, and, in particular, those whove previously faced discrimination or barriers. But backlash has grown, with opponents labeling the initiatives as ineffective or pejoratively woke.

DEI efforts remain popular with some prominent members of the Hoosier business community even as companies elsewhere back away from what has become a culture war flashpoint.

Agricultural machinery firm John Deere, based in Illinois, announced last Tuesday that it would eliminate socially motivated messages from company-mandated materials and would no longer participate in external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events.

It also assured customers that diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been  company policy, but said it would still continue to track and advance company diversity.

Washington-based technology giant Microsoft laid off a DEI team this month, Business Insider reported last week, with the teams ex-lead blasting the company in an internal email to thousands. Microsoft, however, maintained that its DEI commitments remain unchanged.

Video communications platform Zoom, headquartered in California, also cut a DEI-focused team early in 2024 but similarly said it remains committed to DEI principles, Bloomberg reported.

Hoosier businesses, however, are still interested in the initiatives.

We have a whole part of the chamber thats focused on business education for our members, Sinders noted. And we are a membership organization, so we are responding to the needs and the desires of our members.

Our members tell us (that) attracting, retaining, training (and) supporting our workforce is everything, Sinders said.  I think that having a diverse workforce and thinking through these issues is something that they care a lot about.

Julie Dunlap. (From Eli Lilly & Co.)

Sinders said that, through the summit, the chamber provides best practices and resources and speakers to help our members navigate through all of this.

She said such efforts align with the chambers goals.

Our mission is to cultivate and maintain that world-class environment for businesses to operate and contribute to that economic growth and prosperity for the state, Sinders said. We stay focused as much as possible around economic policies that are helping cultivate and maintain that world-class environment. And were going to continue to approach all issues with that lens.

Individual businesses continue to work on their commitments.

Homegrown pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly & Co. runs numerous DEI initiatives, including a professional apprenticeship program to train qualified employees without four-year degrees.

The company also researches barriers and opportunities for female and disabled employees, runs company-wide training sessions and offers a variety of employee resource groups, among other efforts.

Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer Julie Dunlap called DEI essential for fulfilling our purpose of creating medicines that make life better for people around the world.

In a statement, Dunlap said the companys initiatives have helped it attract and retain the best talent, and better serve customers.

Therefore, it is not only the right thing to do but also a business imperative for Lilly, she said.

We remain committed to embedding DEI across all levels and aspects of our organization, from our leadership and governance to our policies and practices, and our culture and behaviors, Dunlap concluded.

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Horizon postmistress who died of cancer couldnt fight disease and Post Office at same time

A sub-postmistress who died while trying to clear her name amid the Horizon scandal could not fight both cancer and the Post Office, her children have said.

Fiona Watson ran a branch in Gainsborough, Lincs, with her husband from 1999 to 2003, during which the couple won Post Office of the Year.

However, just a year later Post Office auditors contacted the family to say shortfalls had been recorded on their branch accounts.

Thomas and Katie Watson, Ms Watsons son and daughter, say their mother was treated like a criminal and died while trying to prove her innocence, after being diagnosed with lymphoma during the investigation.

The siblings told their mothers story in Surviving the Post Office, a BBC documentary presented by actor Will Mellor, who played Horizon victim Lee Castleton in ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

Thomas and Katie Watson say the investigation affected their mother's chances of surviving - BBC

More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted after Fujitsus faulty Horizon software incorrectly recorded shortfalls on their accounts.

Speaking to Mellor, the bereaved son and daughter said the Post Office had been filled with love and happiness when they first moved there in 1999, when they were aged eight and 10 years old.

However, things changed dramatically once money was wrongly found to be missing from the branch accounts.

Kate Watson told Mellor: As far as I was concerned, everything was absolutely fine and then the next day my mums being treated like a criminal.

She said her mother was given two choices by the Post Office, following an internal investigation and a formal hearing. She was told that she could go home to her children if she admitted she was guilty and repaid all the money the Post Office claimed she had lost.

Alternatively, Post Office employees are said to have claimed the business had enough evidence to prosecute her if she maintained her innocence.

After choosing the former option, the sub-postmistress was suspended and ordered to make repayment.

Devastating diagnosis

The family later went on to receive even more devastating news.

Mr Watson said: Towards the end of the investigation, she noticed a lump had appeared in her armpit and had gone to the doctor to have it checked.

Doctors diagnosed cancer of the lymphatic system and she died in October 2014.

Mr Watson added: Thinking about what Mum was going through at that point, I cant even begin to comprehend the sheer magnitude of it in her mind  having to hold it together for the sake of the rest of the family.

His sister added: She was trying to battle that at the same time as battling to prove her innocence and, you know, youre sat on the sofa trying to recover from having surgery and youve got strangers walking in your house, who look at you like youve done wrong.

She added: She couldnt do both  fight cancer and fight the Post Office. She tried. She really tried. But she couldnt do both.

A Post Office spokesman said: We are truly sorry for the suffering caused to so many people by Post Offices past actions.

They added: We recognise that victims of the scandal and their families cannot move on until full redress has been paid and both Post Office and Government are committed to doing so as quickly as possible.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said: The Horizon scandal is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our history and we have a duty to right the wrongs it has caused to so many postmasters and their families.

In cases where a postmaster has sadly passed away, their family  or whoever inherits their estate  is eligible to make a claim to the relevant Horizon redress scheme.

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With the state Cannabis Control Board finalizing rules for home cannabis cultivation in New York late last month, Hornell officials are considering local action to codify the dos and don'ts of growing marijuana in the Maple City.

New York state opened this can of worms and now local governments have to deal with the unintended consequences, Hornell Mayor John Buckley said.

Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray told the Board of Public Safety July 12 the department is "dealing with the new marijuana law" and informing residents that it is illegal to grow the plants in open spaces easily reachable by the public.

What are the NYS cannabis cultivation regulations?

New Yorkers 21 years and older may grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use (three mature plants and three immature plants) and a maximum of 12 plants per household (six mature and six immature), even if there are three or more adults 21 and over in the residence.

In addition, a person may lawfully possess up to five pounds of marijuana derived from the plants in their private residence or on the grounds of a private residence.

More: NY marijuana legalization: See dispensaries map, timeline

When it comes to cultivation and storage, according to regulations, residents must take "reasonable steps" to ensure the plants are kept in a secure location and not accessible to anyone under 21.

Reasonable measures include cultivating in an enclosed area that is not plainly visible by the public and locking and storing cannabis in a manner that prevents theft, loss, or access.

More: Graffiti-marred Hornell pedestrian underpass getting surveillance system. What we know.

What Hornell is expected to do on cannabis cultivation

Counties, towns, cities and villages in New York have authority to enforce the regulations and "reasonably" administer the new cannabis laws.

Buckley said the city is considering its options. For example, with a local law in place, "at least you would have something in your toolbox to tackle those issues as they arise," Buckley said at the Board of Public Safety session.

The mayor confirmed discussions are taking place with the city attorney and the Common Council's Law and Ordinance Committee on creating city regulations and guidelines for cannabis cultivation.

In a nutshell, I dont want to see any cannabis plants that are accessible to children or pedestrians as they go by a property," Buckley said. "If someone decides to grow cannabis in accordance with state law, the plants should be in a secure location and out of plain view.

Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Cannabis in NY: Plant growing could involve strict rules in Hornell
Hornell native John Tobias enters Veterans Hall of Fame. Why his service stands out.

Hornell native Merle John Tobias, a U.S. Army veteran who has served countless others through his work at the Bath VA Medical Center, recently added another distinction to his resume.

New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Famer.

Tobias was recognized Thursday by State Senator Tom OMara (R, C-Big Flats) during the Allegany County Fair. OMara selected Tobias as his 2024 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee. A ceremony was held in Albany in May, though Tobias was unable to attend.

OMara said the state honor will ensure that his service and his commitment to area veterans will always be remembered.

John served our nation at the end of the Cold War and throughout the Persian Gulf War with great distinction and honor, said OMara. Then he came back home where he remained committed to the critical work of assisting his fellow veterans and their families.

During Thursday's meeting of the Allegany County Board of Legislators at the Allegany County Fair, State Senator Tom OMara recognized Merle John Tobias, a Hornell native selected earlier this year as a 2024 inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Tobias served in National Guard, U.S. Army

Tobias joined New Yorks Army National Guard in Hornell and was later transferred to active duty in the Army. He was stationed in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and rose to the rank of sergeant.

Tobias went on to serve in the Persian Gulf in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm with the 3rd Armored Division. He was later redeployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Southern Watch before returning to Hornells National Guard Unit, where he served until 1998.

Tobias has helped veterans facing challenges at Bath VA

Upon returning home, Tobias earned a Health and Human Services degree from Alfred State College and spent time with The Arc Allegany-Steuben.

Tobias has since held numerous roles at the Bath VA Medical Center, including Social Services Assistant for homeless veterans and veterans with substance abuse challenges.

While he has received numerous military and civilian awards and commendations, Tobias said that working directly with veterans as a Social Services Assistant has been the highlight and joy of his career, according to his Hall of Fame bio.

My biggest award is knowing I helped one person who needed it, he said.

Tobias is a lifetime member of Hornell VFW Post 2250. He has also served as a counselor for boys at Kinship Youth and Family Services in Steuben County, where he met his wife, Ann.

Development: When is the Hornell Tim Hortons opening? Construction nearing completion

Other Veterans Hall of Fame members from Steuben County

Over 1,000 New York state veterans have been inducted into the Senates Veterans Hall of Fame since it was founded in 2005.

Tobias is the fourth Steuben County native honored, joining Warren A. Thompson, a lifelong Steuben County resident and farmer who was a stalwart in the countys civic and veterans affairs; Painted Post Mayor and World War II combat veteran Roswell L. Roz Crozier, Jr.; and William K. Kastner, a Vietnam veteran and longtime director of the Steuben County Veterans Service Agency.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: John Tobias of Hornell enters Veterans Hall of Fame. Here's why.
By Elnur Enveroglu

The process of peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia has once again been slowed down due to the volatile nature and inadequate behaviour of Armenia. The refusal of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to attend the meeting organised between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the initiative of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer within the framework of the 4th European Political Community summit held last time in Oxford, United Kingdom, is now widely discussed in the media.

Although many world experts have commented that Armenia-Azerbaijan rapprochement seems uncertain this year, official Baku, the initiator of peace, does not want to agree with these opinions. On the contrary, in response to the Armenian Prime Minister's rejection of the peace platform offered by Great Britain, Azerbaijan took another step towards peace.

By inviting Armenia to the COP29 event, Azerbaijan once again demonstrated its peace-making and goodwill intentions. In the absence of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayevs sending an invitation letter to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is a manifestation of Azerbaijans inclusive approach to Armenia. However, it is questionable whether or not Baku's peace hand will be received by Yerevan.

Commenting on the issue, Azerbaijani political expert Metin Mammadli said in his comment to Azernews that the eccentric behaviour of Armenia does not allow making accurate predictions about the future.

"Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan's invitation to Armenia to the COP29 event stems from the country's peaceful intentions. However, there are a number of questions about how Armenia will react to this proposal. Because the government of Armenia, whether it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister, has always been distinct with its contradictory views. From this point of view, it is somewhat difficult to make an accurate prediction that Armenia will respond positively or negatively to Azerbaijan's invitation."

Regarding Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's refusal to meet at the 4th European Political Community summit held in Oxford, the expert said: "Nikol Pashinyan's refusal to meet at the initiative of Great Britain showed the contradictory behaviour of the Armenian Prime Minister. The negative or positive development of the fragile peace relationship between the two countries depends on the behaviour of the Armenian leadership."

Metin Mammadli associated such a step by the Prime Minister of Armenia with his unstable character. The expert said that Pashinyan hesitates to make decisions, and for this very reason, the possibility of relations between the two countries being fully normalised by COP29 seems low.

On the other hand, the expert emphasised that the current tense processes within Armenia can be an example of this. Mammadli added that the possibility of the negotiations taking place in a short time seems to be very low regarding both the internal situation in Armenia and external influences on Pashinyan.
UNITED NATIONS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- A new evacuation order for parts of Gaza on Monday, including from parts of a "humanitarian zone," reportedly is forcing families into overcrowded, sparse shelter areas, UN humanitarians said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it received initial reports that families are starting to flee toward Deir al Balah and western Khan Younis, following Israeli military evacuation orders. Both areas are already heavily overcrowded, with limited services and shelter spaces available.

OCHA said the latest evacuation order includes areas located in the eastern part of what had been designated by the Israeli military and described as a "humanitarian zone" in Khan Younis.

OCHA said relentless hostilities and frequent evacuation orders are further devastating Gaza's health system, making it increasingly difficult for people repeatedly displaced to access essential services. In the latest challenge for the health system, Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis has issued a new call for people to donate blood, with reports the facility received dozens of casualties on Monday.

The UN relief agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, reported Israeli forces shot at a UN convoy heading to Gaza City on Sunday. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said there were no casualties, but UNRWA's teams, traveling in clearly marked UN armored cars and wearing UN vests, had to take cover.

He said one vehicle was severely damaged while waiting near the Israeli forces' checkpoint south of Wadi Gaza. That vehicle left the convoy. After the teams re-assembled, they were able to reach Gaza City. Lazzarini said the convoy's movement was coordinated with the Israeli authorities. He said those responsible for the incident must be held accountable.

"It is extremely worrying," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We have seen an unprecedented number of colleagues have been killed in this operation. We have seen what happened to the World Central Kitchen (WCK). We need to get to the bottom of this and this also comes within the context of some very harsh words by a number of Israeli officials regarding UNRWA."

Israeli officials have repeatedly accused UNRWA employees of taking part in the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israelis.

Seven WCK employees were killed in an April Israeli drone attack on their convoy, previously cleared by authorities.

"As always wherever we operate, we operate under the protection of the authorities of where we work," Dujarric told correspondents at a regular briefing. The United Nations in Gaza is not armed. We do not have armed security with us. It is incumbent on all the parties in this conflict to ensure the protection of the UN and all humanitarian workers."

He said humanitarian operations in Gaza will continue.

"Our humanitarian partners report that people in Gaza continue to face severe water shortages," OCHA said. "Between July 8-21, the daily average water supply was about 90,000 cubic meters, about a quarter of the amount produced before October of last year."

Damage to infrastructure, the lack of electricity and shortages of fuel, spare parts and chlorine continue to hamper water production, purification and sewage pumping. This is despite some improvements, including the installation of a solar-powered desalination plant in Deir al Balah, with the support of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The fund reported that, on average, one Palestinian child was killed every two days in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since October.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the situation has deteriorated significantly, coinciding with the escalation of hostilities inside Gaza. 
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The rest of this years racing season at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino will move to Albuquerque after flash flooding on Saturday, July 21 damaged part of the facility, General Manager Rick Baugh said in a video statement.

The rest of the meet will move to the Downs of Albuquerque, but will still be run as a Ruidoso Downs meet, Baugh said. The Downs of Albuquerque is located at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds.

Baugh said the move is heart-breaking but New Mexicos horse racing industry is coming together to help.

The decision was made after Saturdays flooding compromised bridges and culverts around the track and flooded parts of the facility, Baugh said.

This area has never experienced this kind of flooding. You cant beat Mother Nature. You just cant, Baugh said.

Horse racing will return to Ruidoso Downs in 2025, Baugh said.

The Ruidoso area has been hit with two large wildfires this summer and subsequent flooding.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Channel 11 was there as bipartisan House Committee on Homeland Security members toured the site of former President Donald Trumps campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show.

They even got on the roof where authorities say Thomas Crooks tried to assassinate Trump.

I was on the roof, on the roof the director said was very dangerous for secret service and other personnel to be on. Im 70 years old theres nothing unsafe about that roof, said Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.).

>> WPXI exclusive photos show cell phone, transmitter found next to Trump shooters body

Lawmakers said there were obvious failures by the secret service and want director Kimberly Cheatle to step down.

What happened here last week was unacceptable. The secret service has one primary mission to protect our elected officials and they failed, said Rep Michael Guest (R-Miss.).

>> Secret Service director, grilled by lawmakers on the Trump assassination attempt, says we failed

The committee is investigating on what went wrong, how this could have happened, and want to make sure it doesnt happen again.

They toured the site for about an hour and afterward had a press briefing. They said this had led to more questions than answers. Right away, they said there were a number of vulnerabilities.

Why were there not drones to be able to spot not only where the vulnerability of the building where the shooter was? said Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.).

>> Trump rally gunman spotted by law enforcement nearly 30 minutes before shots fired, sources say

I was a former Navy Seal sniper myself and as soon I got out of the vehicle and I saw that water tower over there, I started asking hey why wasnt one of the counter sniper teams in that water tower, said Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.).

Lawmakers said this was poor planning, communication and decision-making to protect the former president. Channel 11 spoke with Mike Kelly who represents this area and was part of todays tour. Hes pushing for answers too.

If there was a belief person of suspicion, why did they ever let President Trump come up to that podium and start to speak? It doesnt make sense to me, said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.). The American people have the right to know what happened and we have the responsibility to find out. This isnt a Republican or Democrat issue. Its an American issue.

Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) said during the tour, they noticed many access points to the roof where the shooter was and said there should have been eyes all around that building.

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Hodeida, Yemen  Firefighting teams on Monday were struggling to contain a massive blaze at Yemen's Hodeida port, days after a deadly Israeli strike damaged oil storage facilities and endangered aid ships in the harbor, which is in the massive portion of the country controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement.



Heavy flames and black smoke spiraled into the sky for a third consecutive day following the strike on Saturday, said an AFP correspondent in Hodeida.

Firefighting teams appeared to be making little progress, with the blaze seemingly expanding in some parts of the port, the correspondent said, adding that there were fears the blaze could reach food storage facilities.

Rescuers arrive at the scene of giant fire at an oil storage facility in Yemen's Houthi-held port city of Hodeida, following Israeli strikes, July 20, 2024. / Credit: AFP/Getty

High-resolution satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies showed flames consuming a heavily damaged fuel storage area at the Hodeida harbor.



An analysis of satellite imagery by the Dutch peace organization PAX showed at least 33 destroyed oil storage tankers, said Wim Zwijnenburg, a project leader with the group.

"We expect (to find) more damage, as not all storage tanks are visible because of heavy smoke" from the fire and burning fuel, Zwijnenburg told AFP.

Maxar closeup satellite imagery of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida shows smoke rising from oil storage tanks after Israeli airstrikes, July 20, 2024. / Credit: Satellite image (c) 2024 Maxar Technologies

The fuel depot is run by the Yemen Petroleum Company, which said late Sunday that the six people killed in the Israel strike were its employees.



The Houthis have said that more than 80 others were wounded in the attack, many of them with severe burns.



With black smoke billowing overhead, a funeral ceremony was held Monday for the victims of the strikes.



Their coffins were carried through the streets of Hodeida, flanked by crowds and led by a Houthi marching band.



The Saturday strike was the first by Israel on the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country. It came in response to a Houthi-launched drone that breached Israel's air defenses, killing one person in Tel Aviv on Friday.

The Houthis are part of an informal network of Iran-backed groups, often referred to as proxies, across the region. The Houthis have pledged a "huge" response to the strikes and threatened to attack Tel Aviv again.

U.S. and British forces have targeted Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen for months in response to the group's regular attacks on commercial and military vessels in the vital shipping lanes of the Red Sea.

The Houthis claim to be carrying out those attacks in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war there between their ideological allies Hamas and Israeli forces.

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Huntsville Police Department invites people interested in becoming an officer to practice for the fitness test.

Once a candidate applies to be a police officer, the next step in the process is to schedule the fitness test. This test must be completed before a candidate can continue to the next hiring step.

Parents of New Hope 2-year-old killed in dog attack file wrongful death lawsuit

On Saturday, July 27 from 8-11 a.m., candidates can attend an informational meet-and-greet to practice the physical fitness test.

The state of Alabama requires all candidates to pass a standard physical fitness and ability test. The event is a time to learn what is required and receive tips on how to be successful from the HPD recruitment team.

The physical fitness portion of the application process is crucial to ensuring that candidates possess the necessary strength, stamina and agility to perform their duties effectively and safely, said HPD Recruiter Kevin Becatti.

Being physically fit isnt just about meeting the demands of the job; its about being prepared to serve and protect our community.

Decatur Police arrest woman after stabbing incident

The fitness test is comprised of:

22 pushups in a minute

25 situps in a minute

90-second agility course

A mile and a half run in under 15 minutes and 28 seconds

For more information on how to join HPD, you can visit JoinHuntsvillePD.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Hungary once again blocks EU fund used for arms procurement for Ukraine

Ministers of foreign affairs of the EU countries have once again failed to reach consensus concerning the unblocking of the European Peace Facility (EPF), which is being used to fund armament deliveries to Ukraine, at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

Source: Josep Borrell, a top EU official for foreign policy and security policy, at a press conference, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Borrell stated that the ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council had discussed the necessity of strengthening the support for Ukraine, especially taking into account the latest Russian attacks on Ukrainian hospitals.

Among other things, the discussion concerned the unblocking of the funds of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which are used to compensate the expenditures of the EU countries on military aid for Ukraine.

"Most member states insisted on the need to lift the blockage on this payment pending for months, for a year. And at the same time they stressed the importance regarding the decision to implement a new Ukrainian assistance fund which has been blocked by one member state for more than one year," Borrell stated.

"This member states that this was something unacceptable, unbearable, and, unhappily, the situation of blockage remains," he added.

Even though Borrell didnt specify the country, it is known that Hungary is blocking the allocation of over 6 billion of funding for Ukraines military aid from the EPF.

This is ongoing despite the fact that Budapest was assured: Hungarys contribution into the European Peace Facility would not be used for any military assistance for Ukraine.

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Hungary and Slovakia have asked the European Commission to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine after Kyiv hardened sanctions against Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, which led to a halt in supplies, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on July 22.

Ukraine strengthened sanctions against Lukoil in June 2024, effectively removing the possibility that Ukraine can be a transit country for the company's oil. Yet, Kyiv's ban does not apply to other Russian oil exporters who still use the pipeline.

The restrictions have created supply shortages in Budapest, which depends on Russia for 70% of its oil supply, with Lukoil providing half of that volume, according to Politico.

"The Commission has three days to execute our request, after which we will bring the issue to court," Szijjarto told journalists in Brussels.

He called Ukraine's decision "an unacceptable move," which "violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement."

Kyiv is yet to comment on the Hungarian minister's remarks.

Lukoil is one of several Russian companies that supply oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the southern part of the Druzhba Pipeline in Ukraine. On July 18, the transit stopped.

Hungary has remained Russia's closest ally within the EU and has repeatedly opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, opposed sanctions on Russia, and undermined Western aid efforts for Ukraine.

Read also: Hungary takes helm of Council of EU. Should Ukraine be worried?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of domestic abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Lebanons quiet StoneBridge community had never experienced anything like it when resident Debbie Sisco, 60 and her daughter Marie Varsos, 31, were shot and killed on April 12, 2021.

It was a domestic violence case that police said escalated.

But it was a domestic violence case that the two victims' family member Alex Youn said should not have had the legal room to spiral out of control like it did.

I didnt want other people to experience the pain our family has gone through, Youn said.

It led to a three-plus year journey to work on legislation that is now law in Tennessee. Legislation which Youn believes would have kept his mom and sister and other domestic violence victims alive if it were in already in place when the shooting occurred.

Marie Varsos with her dogs.

The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act went into effect on July 1. The law gives a judge the authority to require violent domestic assault suspects to wear a GPS monitoring system if they are released on bond.

The new law also mandates a GPS service provider to notify a victims cell phone if the suspect is within a certain proximity of their location. Local law enforcement must also be notified if the suspect violates bond conditions.

The road that followed a double homicide

Marie Varsos was a Walgreens pharmacist for a number of years. She had recently started working at a location on West End in Nashville before the shooting, her brother said.

Debbie Sisco was the president of a Middle Tennessee workers union representing more than 1,000, according to previous reports.

Debbie Sisco, left.

Marie Varsos had documented concerns about the relationship with her husband with voice recordings of confrontations and threats on her laptop that showed her reasons for separating, Youn said.

A password was left near that laptop  Alex believes intentionally  to let people know about what Marie was experiencing should anything happen. And that also motivated Youn to work with legislators to establish laws.

I wanted to know what happened and how I lost two people I cared so much about. I discovered several inconsistencies with current tools not being used - mandating GPS monitoring seemed obvious, and I wanted to focus on that, Youn said.

Alex Youn

Shaun Varsos, 36, fatally shot his wife and mother-in-law, according to police.

He had been arrested more than a month earlier in Davidson County on charges that included aggravated assault against his wife, according to court records.

But, Varsos was out on bond the morning of the shootings with no way to track his whereabouts.

The initial arrest in March 2021 included strangulation attempts and threatening Marie Varsos with a firearm, according to a report by the Davidson County Family and Safety Center.

Marie Varsos had moved in with her mom in Lebanon at the time of the shooting, Youn said.

Shaun Varsos, who had lived in Bellevue, went to Lebanon the morning of the shooting and broke into the residence armed with a shotgun, police said.

Both victims were found outside the house  one in front and one in the back yard, according to the Lebanon police report. A sliding glass door was shattered and broken glass was inside the house, police said.

Deborah Sisco, left, and her daughter Marie Varsos, right.

"Domestic violence involves an added element that is not found in other types of crimes  the history of relationship, District Attorney General of the 15th Judicial District Jason Lawson said. Many times this relationship has developed an emotional attachment that can make domestic violence victims more likely to be the object of additional crimes such as harassment, stalking or crimes of violence.

Requiring a violent domestic violence offender to wear a GPS monitoring device and providing the victim with notice of the presence of the offender is a common-sense solution that I believe will save lives in Tennessee.

Shaun Varsos died from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found near his home inside an SUV on the side of Harpeth Knoll Road in Bellevue the same morning his wife and mother-in-law died after being shot and injured during the attack, police had said.

In many cases these victims are hunted like prey, said State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, who was a lead sponsor of the legislation with State. Sen. Paul Rose, R-Covington.

Doggett is a former law enforcement officer in Giles County and has responded to domestic assault cases.

Thats where something like this would at least given (Sisco and Marie Varsos) the opportunity for more time and thats what a victim often needs  to flee or get help or both, Doggett said.

Will the new law make a difference?

There were more than 61,000 cases of domestic violence victims reported in 2022 in Tennessee, according to Tennessee Crime Stats provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The crime stats show a downward trend since 2018, but the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates nearly 40% of Tennessee women will experience some form of domestic violence.

In June, just before Tennessee's new GPS monitoring law went into effect, a Mississippi man was charged with murder in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend in that state after bonding out of jail in Davidson County on June 24. Conditions of his reduced $150,000 bail included an ankle monitor and remaining in Nashville.

Rep. Clay Doggett

But Bricen John Rivers didn't stay in Nashville.

He didn't even stay in Tennessee.

He was charged with murder in Mississippi on July 3 in connection with the death of Lauren Johansen, according to police. Records show that multiple instructions outlined in a court order for the conditions of Rivers release were not followed, which the victim's father Robert Johansen believes allowed Rivers to leave Nashville, travel to Mississippi and kill his daughter.

But domestic violence prevention advocates, and Youn, still say the new GPS requirements are a step forward and can help more victims.

I personally have had many cases that would have benefitted extremely by (the GPS requirement) being in effect when it wasnt, said Katie Brock, a victims advocate for HomeSafe, a domestic violence prevention agency which serves Robertson, Wilson and Sumner counties. It can definitely be another layer of protection against defendants who are extreme abusers. It can be very beneficial for victims to see where defendants are.

Other legislation

Youn was also involved in two bills that passed before the GPS monitoring legislation.

They are:

Sheriffs office personnel serving an order of protection must check to determine whether the person being served has an outstanding criminal warrant.

Service that provides timely information available to crime victims and interested parties about each stage of the criminal process 24 hours a day through telephone, internet or email.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How the deaths of a Lebanon mom, daughter changed Tennessee law
Hunter Biden has dropped his defamation lawsuit against Fox News. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)

President Biden's son Hunter is dropping a defamation lawsuit he filed last month against Fox News over a fictional program that depicted his legal troubles.

The motion by Hunter Biden's lawyers to voluntarily dismiss the case was filed Sunday in New York Supreme Court. Fox News was notified hours after President Biden ended his reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Hunter Bidens lawsuit asserted that Fox News defamed him in a six-part series called The Trial of Hunter Biden: A Mock Trial for the American People that was shown on its streaming platform Fox Nation.

The 2022 series featured Judge Joe Brown, a syndicated TV jurist, presiding over a dramatized court proceeding showing Biden on trial for bribery and illegal financial dealings with foreign governments. Biden has never been indicted on such charges.

Biden was convicted last month of federal gun crimes, including lying about being drug-free when he purchased a gun while he was addicted to crack cocaine.

The Fox Nation series opened with a disclaimer that viewers were not seeing a real trial and that Biden had not been charged with any of the crimes portrayed. It did use actual emails and images from Bidens laptop to make the case against him, including nude photos.

Read more: Former Fox News staffer says he was fired for challenging Jan. 6 and election fraud reporting

The program also cast some figures in the Biden story to play themselves, such as the owner of the Delaware computer repair shop where the presidents son abandoned his laptop.

Fox Nation pulled the program in April 2024 after Biden sent a letter threatening legal action.

The network called the suit politically motivated and "devoid of merit" when it was filed.

Geragos & Geragos, the law firm representing Biden, did not respond to a request for comment on why it dropped the suit.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hunter Biden dropped a bid of his own Sunday.

Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has dropped his lawsuit against Fox News. Biden dropped a filing of voluntary dismissal Sunday, just hours after his father released a statement dropping out of the 2024 presidential race (Fox, of course, was among the TV news channels scrambling to cover President Bidens decision).

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According to the filing, Biden dismissed the suit against Fox without prejudice, meaning that he could choose to refile charges later on.

Biden had sued Fox earlier this month over a fictionalized miniseries on the Fox Nation streaming service called The Trial of Hunter Biden. Fox had pulled the miniseries back in April.

Biden alleged the series intentionally manipulates the facts and distorts the truth while displaying images of him in the nude and engaged in sex acts. He brought claims for a violation of New Yorks so-called revenge porn law, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unjust enrichment.

A Fox News spokesperson referred The Hollywood Reporter to the channels original statement in response to the suit.

This entirely politically motivated lawsuit is devoid of merit, the statement said. The core complaint stems from a 2022 streaming program that Mr. Biden did not complain about until sending a letter in late April 2024. The program was removed within days of the letter, in an abundance of caution, but Hunter Biden is a public figure who has been the subject of multiple investigations and is now a convicted felon.

Biden was convicted last month on federal gun charges, though hes never been charged for crimes connected with bribery or foreign lobbying at the center of Foxs series.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects an elevator manufacturer in the Tianjin Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin Municipality, July 22, 2024. Li made an inspection tour in Tianjin on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

TIANJIN, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday urged north China's Tianjin Municipality to carry out all reform tasks, promote high-standard opening-up, actively explore innovation, and propel high-quality development through further deepening reform comprehensively.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection in the city following the recent conclusion of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

In a sci-tech innovation park, Li spoke with researchers and representatives of fintech institutions and start-up companies to learn about the construction of innovation services ecosystems and the application of research results.

More efforts should be made to promote the integrated development of technological and industrial innovation, create more effective and attractive scientific innovation platforms, and improve incentives for scientific researchers and support for small and medium-sized tech firms, he said.

When inspecting an elevator manufacturer and a financial leasing company in the Tianjin Binhai New Area, Li said that good use should be made of favorable policies such as the country's large-scale equipment upgrade program, and that enterprises should receive vigorous support in promoting innovation and application in the field of artificial intelligence.

He also highlighted the importance of financial tools, including financial leasing, in serving the real economy and facilitating industrial transformation and upgrading.

Li encouraged Binhai New Area to stimulate vitality more effectively by deepening reform. In particular, he stressed the importance of institutional innovation and the need to break bottlenecks in the reform of the pilot free trade zone, financial innovation, new urbanization and high-standard opening-up.

The area should amplify its port and shipping advantages, stimulate the enormous potential of industrial upgrading, and strengthen its cooperation on policies and projects with neighboring Beijing and Hebei Province to play a greater role in promoting the coordinated development of the region, Li said. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a sci-tech innovation park in north China's Tianjin Municipality, July 22, 2024. Li made an inspection tour in Tianjin on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
The same day his father, Joe Biden, announced that he would drop out of the 2024 presidential race, Hunter Biden voluntarily dropped his lawsuit against Fox News that had alleged the networks inclusion of sexually graphic photos of Hunter Biden in a fictionalized mock trial miniseries about him violated revenge porn laws.

According to the notice filed with the court Sunday (July 21), Hunter Biden, by and through his undersigned counsel, hereby gives notice that the above-captioned action is voluntarily dismissed, without prejudice, against the defendants Fox News Network, LLC, Fox Corporation, and John and Jane Does 1-100. The dropping of the case without prejudice means it may be refiled at a later date.

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A lawyer representing Biden did not respond to a request for additional comment.

A representative for Fox News cited the networks previous statement, which said, This entirely politically motivated lawsuit is devoid of merit. The core complaint stems from a 2022 streaming program that Mr. Biden did not complain about until sending a letter in late April 2024. The program was removed within days of the letter, in an abundance of caution, but Hunter Biden is a public figure who has been the subject of multiple investigations and is now a convicted felon. Consistent with the First Amendment, Fox News has accurately covered the newsworthy events of Mr. Bidens own making, and we look forward to vindicating our rights in court.

Hunter Bidens suit against Fox News was originally filed June 30 in New York Supreme Court but was moved to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Fox News debuted The Trial of Hunter Biden: A Mock Trial for the American People on the Fox Nation streaming service in October 2022. The news network described the six-part series, which included several sexually graphic images of Hunter Biden, as a mock trial portraying how a possible Hunter Biden trial might look. In April 2024, Fox News removed the series after being contacted by Bidens attorneys, saying it was reviewing the concerns that have just been raised about the series.

Hunter Bidens lawsuit alleged that Fox knew that its use of the intimate images of Biden in The Trial of Hunter Biden series would violate New York states revenge porn laws and that The unauthorized publication and dissemination of the intimate images has caused Mr. Biden severe emotional distress, humiliation, and mental anguish, as well as irreparable injury to his personal and professional reputation.

Hunter Biden had been convicted last month of lying about his drug use to buy a gun and illegally possessing a firearm. His lawyers have said he plans to appeal the felony conviction. The Fox Nation mock trial series about Hunter Biden examined whether he violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act and whether he committed bribery. Bidens lawsuit pointed out that he not been charged with either offense.

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(Reuters) - Hunter Biden has dropped a lawsuit against Fox News for publishing nude photos and videos of him in a fictionalized "mock trial" show focused on his foreign dealings, according to a court filing by his lawyers on Sunday.

The filing did not give a reason for the voluntary dismissal of the suit. ABC News reported that Hunter, who is the son of President Joe Biden, dropped the suit with the intention of refiling it against new defendants, citing a person familiar with the younger Biden's legal strategy.

A spokesperson for Fox News Media told news website Axios the company was reiterating previous comments that the lawsuit was "politically motivated" and "devoid of merit."

Lawyers for Hunter Biden and Fox News and media representatives for Fox News did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Fox aired "The Trial of Hunter Biden: A Mock Trial for the American People" on its Fox Nation streaming platform in October 2022 but took it down in April this year under the threat of a lawsuit by Hunter Biden's attorneys.

Hunter Biden filed the lawsuit earlier this month.

The TV series depicted a fictional trial of Hunter Biden on illegal foreign lobbying and bribery charges, crimes he has not been indicted for, and includes photos and videos of Biden in the nude and engaged in sex acts, according to the lawsuit.

The dismissal of the suit comes hours after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race under pressure from fellow Democrats.

(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue)
(This July 22 story has been corrected to say that Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to the tax charges in paragraph 3)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The criminal tax trial for President Joe Biden's son Hunter, due to begin on Sept. 5 with sessions Tuesdays through Fridays, will hold a session on Monday, Sept. 9, in lieu of Friday, Sept. 13, the judge overseeing the trial said in a schedule update.

The Department of Justice charged Hunter Biden in December with failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, while allegedly spending millions of dollars on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other big-ticket items.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges. In June he was convicted by a federal jury in Delaware on separate charges of lying about his illegal drug use to buy a gun. That made him the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward)
IATSE Endorses Kamala Harris For President As First Hollywood Union To Weigh In Since Biden Stepped Down

IATSE has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first Hollywood union to weigh in on the presidential election now that President Joe Biden has bowed out of the race.

The union called Bidens administration the most pro-union administration in history in a statement released on Monday morning, acknowledging that Harris has played a pivotal role in delivering landmark policies and legislation to benefit IATSE workers.

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A few of the moves shes made as Vice President that IATSE highlighted as pivotal to its members include casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to pass the American Rescue Plan Act, or the trillion-dollar COVID-19 stimulus package.

She also serves as the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, where she has solicited input from IATSE on executive actions and championed the unions organizing success.

President Bidens legacy as the most effective champion for Americas workers to ever occupy the White House is indisputable, International President Matthew D. Loeb said in a statement. His unrelenting support of IATSE workers and the labor movement cannot be overstated. Im proud to convey the immense gratitude of the IATSE membership for his lifetime of public service and unparalleled leadership. We honor his decision not to run for reelection and are committed to doing whatever it takes to elect Vice President Kamala Harris this November. We are united in our mission to deny Donald Trump, who crossed an IATSE picket line in 2004, another four years of assaulting workers rights, undermining unions, and jeopardizing our democracy.

Harris has already received resounding support from Hollywood, with top donors cutting checks within hours of Bidens departure. On the labor front, shes also earned the endorsement of the United Farm Workers.

It will be up to Democratic delegates to ultimately decide whether Harris should be the partys nominee. The Democratic National Convention is August 19-22, but the party wants to have a virtual roll call before then because of concerns the ticket would miss ballot deadlines or face legal challenges.

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Idaho man behind bars after crashing his Ford Mustang through house in Eagle

An Emmett man was booked into the Ada County Jail on July 18 after driving his car into a house in Eagle, according to a news release from the Ada County Sheriffs Office.

Eagle Police deputies responded to a crash around 9 p.m. in the 100 block of E. Aikens Street in Eagle, where they found an unoccupied Ford Mustang that had crashed into a house. No residents were inside the home at the time of the accident.

An Emmett man was booked into the Ada County Jail on multiple charges after crashing into a house in Eagle.

Witnesses told police that the driver of the Mustang left the scene, but a male teenage passenger remained there. The juvenile sustained minor injuries in the crash, police said.

Police discovered a loaded firearm next to the drivers seat in the Mustang, and later located the driver about a half-mile from the scene. The 27-year-old male was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

The driver was then booked into the Ada County Jail for felony injury to a child, misdemeanor driving under the influence, misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident, and misdemeanor carrying concealed weapons under the influence of alcohol.

An Emmett man was booked into the Ada County Jail on multiple charges after crashing into a house in Eagle.
Supplies of semiconductors and other dual-use goods shipped through China and Hong Kong to Russia have fallen by a fifth in 2024, even though both remain key transshipment hubs, Reuters reported on July 22, citing data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

China has positioned itself as neutral in the ongoing war but has deepened economic ties with Russia and become Moscow's leading source of dual-use goods, feeding the Russian defense industry.

Various countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., have accused China of continuously aiding Russia's war machine in Ukraine.

Deliveries of Common High Priority Items (CHPL)  advanced components, such as microelectronics, that the U.S. and EU believe could be used in Russia's war in Ukraine  through Hong Kong fell by 28% between January and May this year.

For the same period, transshipments of those items through mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, dropped by 19%, Reuters reported, citing an undisclosed U.S. Commerce Department official.

"I think there's some cause for being at least optimistic that we have been able to slow down some of this trade," the official said, but added: "China is still our number one concern."

The U.S. State Department and Treasury Department have imposed several rounds of sanctions on organizations worldwide alleged to have commercial ties to the Russian military, including shell companies involved in diverting semiconductors in Hong Kong.

The decline in illicit flows was the result of several factors, including aggressive law enforcement by the U.S. authorities and engagement with companies whose products are transported across the border, the official said.

"We are talking to any company whose items are showing up on the battlefield," the official said, without giving names.

When contacted by Reuters, the Hong Kong government claimed that it "does not implement, nor do we have the legal authority to take action on, unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries."

The region's authorities also added that, at the Chinese Foreign Ministry's instructions, they were "enforcing vigorously" sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council, including those against North Korea.

Between August and December 2023, over 200 firms registered in Hong Kong shipped nearly $2 billion worth of goods to Russian buyers, according to the customs data from C4ADS, a Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to global security.

From August to December 2023, $750 million worth of banned goods were shipped through Hong Kong, ranging from high-tech chips from Nvidia and France's Vectrawave to cheap chips from Texas Instruments and Intel, according to data outlined in a forthcoming report by the Committee for Hong Kong Freedom (CFHK) Foundation and analyzed by Reuters.

Some of the banned goods were sent to Russian firms under sanctions, according to the Committee for Hong Kong Freedom.

"Our research has highlighted numerous instances where Hong Kong-based companies have facilitated the transfer of sensitive technologies and commodities, undermining international security and stability," said Samuel Bickett, a lawyer and author of the CFHK report.

Read also: China, Russia begin joint military drills

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This article was originally published in Daily Montanan.

Imagination Library of Montana celebrated the statewide expansion earlier this summer of the program providing free books to children.

An initiative of First Lady Susan Gianforte, Imagination Library of Montana is a partner of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. The Governors Office announced in June the growth of the nonprofit that boosts early childhood literacy.

It is exciting to see how Imagination Library continues to spread across Montana and inspire a love of reading in our states youngest readers, First Lady Gianforte said in a statement. Our local partners have done a fantastic job helping families get enrolled and spreading the word that this program is available to all Montana children up to age 5.

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I look forward to seeing its continued growth and impact.

The program provides a free book each month to any child up to 5 who registers for the program.

Prior to launching the initiative, the program was only available in some Montana counties and approximately 9,500 Montana children were enrolled, said a news release from the Governors Office. Today, Imagination Library of Montana has 63 local program partners in all 56 counties serving nearly 24,000 of the states eligible children.

It said Montana is the 16th state to take the program statewide. The news release said the program is part of the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit that has gifted more than 200 million free books in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.

The Imagine Library mails more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month, said the news release.

Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More. The program has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills, said the news release. Boosting literacy to empower more Montana children and promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in our rural communities, are our First Ladys chief initiatives.

United Way of Missoula County announced this month it had delivered its 300,000th book through the Imagination Library program after opening in 2015. It operates in Missoula and Mineral counties and helped launch the program in Ravalli County.

Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan on Facebook and X.
Workers drill a borehole at the launch ceremony of a China-aided borehole drilling project in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, July 22, 2024. A total of 300 boreholes will be drilled in four provinces of Zimbabwe under a China-aided borehole drilling project launched on Monday in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

HARARE, July 22 (Xinhua) -- A total of 300 boreholes will be drilled in four provinces of Zimbabwe under a China-aided borehole drilling project launched on Monday in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province.

The borehole drilling initiative followed the declaration of a state of disaster by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 3 due to an El Nino-induced drought facing the country.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, Zimbabwean Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Daniel Garwe said the initiative will profoundly impact the lives of people in districts severely affected by the drought in Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands provinces.

"The China-aided borehole drilling project is a symbol of cooperation, compassion, and unwavering support from our all-weather friend, the People's Republic of China, to ensure access to safe water for all Zimbabweans," said Garwe.

He said the project, to be implemented by China Geo-Engineering Corporation, will go a long way in alleviating water challenges in the four provinces.

"These boreholes will not only provide safe water to the affected community, but will also serve as a stepping stone towards resilience building in view of the current El Nino-induced drought, and will also save the lives of our livestock, which is also in dire need of water," he said.

In addition, Garwe said the project will go a step further in equipping locals with the technical skills necessary to maintain and manage the boreholes.

During the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the project is another testimony to the profound friendship between Zimbabwe and China.

"I hope that the boreholes supported by China Aid will help extinguish 'the fire of drought' for our Zimbabwean friends," said Zhou, adding that over the past 10 years, China has drilled more than 1,000 boreholes across Zimbabwe, providing easy access to clean water and irrigation for about 400,000 people.

Local villagers at the Mahusekwa township, where the initial borehole was drilled after the launching ceremony, welcomed the initiative, saying the availability of water at their doorsteps will make their lives easier.

"We are grateful to our Chinese friends; they are compassionate friends who are elevating our friendship with this initiative," said Tatenda Chimbwanda, a villager from Mahusekwa. 

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding poses for photos with Zimbabwean officials at the launch ceremony of a China-aided borehole drilling project in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, July 22, 2024. A total of 300 boreholes will be drilled in four provinces of Zimbabwe under a China-aided borehole drilling project launched on Monday in Mahusekwa, a town in Mashonaland East Province. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schumhl, pictured at the Indiana Democratic Convention on June 13, 2024, said the state's delegates are "unattached" to political campaigns following the end of President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indianas Democratic delegates unanimously voted Monday to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the party nominee for president ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention next month.

The virtual vote comes on the heels of President Joe Bidens decision not to pursue a second term, dropping out of the campaign with just over 100 days left until the November general election.

Vice President Kamala Harris has already made history by serving in our nations second-highest office. She is tenacious, skilled, and powerful, and we are proud to endorse her as the next President of the United States so that she can continue the legacy of unprecedented job growth, historically low unemployment, and fighting for reproductive freedom in all 50 states, Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl said in a statement.

As she served by President Bidens side these past three and a half years, America has had the privilege of watching her continuously fight for the rights of marginalized individuals and working families. Our party stands behind her at this moment, and we are ready to work to usher in a new generation of leadership in our state and nation  and defeat Trumpism at the ballot box once more.

The Hoosier State will have 88 delegates attending the August Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month  all of whom voted for Harris Monday night.

Though Harris is in a strong position to be named the partys nominee at its convention, she has to win the support of roughly 4,000 delegates. Schmuhl previously said Indianas delegates are unattached and free to vote for Harris even though Biden won the primary.

As of Monday, no other politicians have indicated their intention to oppose Harris nomination  meaning that while party officials have called for an open and transparent race, it might not be one with a lot of competition.

Last weekend, at the state nominating convention, the Democratic partys resolutions committee advanced a resolution supporting the Biden-Harris campaign even as several prominent national politicians urged him to step aside. But now delegates must decide whether to align themselves with Harris and an unknown running mate.

Joe Biden, in three-and-a-half years, has been an exceptional president, Schmuhl said.  I think Democrats from around the state wanted to show their support of him as a man and as president.

But now that reality, just a little over a week later, is drastically different. It was his decision and his decision alone to step aside. And so that resolution, while it was powerful, is now in the rearview mirror and we need to get to the work of building a ticket, of being behind that ticket (and) making sure that were all working together to beat Donald Trump again in November.

Harris on the Indiana ballot

To be on the ballot, Schmuhl must certify to the Indiana Election Division the winner of the national convention as the partys nominee for president by noon eastern standard time on Sept. 10  the same deadline for the Republican party to certify Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, as clarified by the Secretary of States Office on Monday.

Had Biden dropped out after the county deadline to print ballots on Sept. 16, then any votes for Biden would have gone to his successor.

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The nomination and potential election of Harris  a woman who is Black and South Asian  as president would check off several firsts for the party and nation. With just over 100 days until the November election, no presidential candidate has stepped down this close to the race.

However, several national political observers note advantages for Harris, including the near-seamless transition of the 1,000-plus campaign staffers from Bidens run to her campaign. Additionally, due to the joint nature of the campaigns coffers, she shouldnt have trouble accessing the $96 million held by the campaign as recently as June 30.

In the 24 hours since Biden announced his departure from the race, the super PAC Future Forward announced it had received $150 million in new commitments from major Democratic donors, as reported by Politico.

In addition to Bidens endorsement, Harris has also won a nod from the Clintons and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  though several other prominent Democrats, including the Obamas, have yet to endorse her.

Buttigieg on the national stage?

With Harris abrupt campaign promotion, attention has turned to selecting a running mate. Some have urged Harris to pick a female candidate, like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, while others point to moderate candidates from crucial swing states, like Arizonas U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

But a shortlist from Politico includes one name familiar to Hoosiers: former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Notably, the Hoosier State has produced the most vice presidents of any state with six officeholders.

Schmuhl, who served as campaign manager for Buttigiegs 2020 presidential run, highlighted several reasons he believed Mayor Pete would be an ideal candidate for vice president.

Theres a number of fantastic people that are being floated to be Kamala Harris running mate and I will put in a plug for Secretary Buttigieg, Schmuhl said. First things first, its hard to find a better communicator in the Democratic Party. From his sparring with Republicans on Capitol Hill, to going on Fox News  he is a very effective communicator in deploying the Democratic message every single day.

Buttigieg, who served seven years as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, is also the only openly gay man to have served in a cabinet position as Bidens secretary of transportation.

His Midwest roots make him an ideal candidate, Schmuhl said, adding that Buttigieg now lives in Michigan, one of six crucial swing states in the 2024 election. Having previously run for president and working as the secretary of transportation for the last three-plus years means hes already been vetted by national media, Schmuhl said.

But his biggest advantage might be something over which he has no control: his age. At 42, Buttigieg is the youngest of nine potential vice presidential picks compiled by Politico in a race where age has dominated headlines.

Only a few years separate Biden and Trump  who are 81 and 78, respectively  and mental acuity and health issues have long been cited as concerns for the candidates, especially after Bidens poor debate performance. Harris, at 59, is 19 years younger than Trump and Trumps own vice presidential pick is nearly four decades younger.

What weve seen over the last  24 hours is theres just an excitement and energy behind Kamala Harris and what she can bring to the table and taking the fight to Donald Trump, Schmuhl said. And, obviously, Trump picked J.D. Vance as his running mate. J.D. Vance is 39 years old. I think that having youth and really showing that next generation  or generations  of leadership  is really, really important.

Delegates at the Republican National Convention formally selected Vance as the partys nominee for vice president last week in Milwaukee. Vance is one of the two U.S. Senators for Ohio and was elected in 2022.

This story will be updated.

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Andrew Tate, a 'toxic' misogynist with millions of followers online, was singled out by one officer for his negative influence on boys - AP Photo/ Alexandru Dobre

Violence against women and girls has reached epidemic levels, police have warned amid growing concerns that misogynistic influencers such as Andrew Tate are fuelling sex offences committed by teenage boys.

Police chiefs branded the crisis a national emergency after an official report found that more than a million violent crimes against women and children were recorded in the 12 months to March 2023, equivalent to almost 3,000 crimes every day in England and Wales.

The average age of suspects accused of the sexual abuse of girls is just 15, while the average age of their victims is just 13.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation offences increased more than five-fold between 2013 and 2022 from just over 20,000 to nearly 107,000, according to police analysis.

The report issued by the National Police Chiefs Council said: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has reached epidemic levels in England and Wales, in terms of its scale, complexity and impact on victims.

It found violent crimes against women and children had risen by 37 per cent in just four years. In total, two million women every year will be a victim of a violent crime, equivalent to one in 12 of all women. The report said its estimates were cautious and as we know much crime goes unreported.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, national lead for policing VAWG, described the influence on young boys online by the likes of Andrew Tate, a toxic misogynist with millions of followers online, as quite terrifying.

Tate is currently facing criminal charges in Romania for rape, human trafficking and sexual exploitation which he denies. He is also being sued in the civil courts in the UK.

Ms Blyth also disclosed that senior police officers tasked with combating violence against women and girls were in contact with teams working in counter-terrorism to examine the risk of young men being radicalised and how to prevent it.

Ms Blyth said: We know that some of this is also linked to radicalisation of young people online, we know the influencers, Andrew Tate, the element of influencing of particularly boys, is quite terrifying and thats something that both the leads for counterterrorism in the country and ourselves from a VAWG perspective are discussing.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth described social media's influence as 'quite terrifying' - John Lawrence

She said the scale of the problem had reached staggering levels, adding: And its only getting worse. One in 12 women are victims.

We also know that the police-recorded data is only the tip of the iceberg and that the numbers of victims and perpetrators in reality will be much higher.

The report found that violent crimes against women and girls accounted for almost one-in-five of all police-recorded crime, excluding fraud in England and Wales between April 2022 and March 2023.

In a scathing attack on the criminal justice system, which police chiefs described as under-resourced and under-performing, the report said it had become overwhelmed and in urgent need of government intervention in a plea for more cash from the new Labour administration.

But Ms Blyth said the scale of the violence meant it cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone.

One in 20 adults or 2.3 million people in England and Wales are perpetrators of such violence every year, the report estimated, with the actual number thought to be significantly higher.

The NPCC said police forces were seeing ever more complicated types of offending causing significant harm to victims and society as a whole.

Arrests for domestic abuse-related offences increased by more than 22 per cent in the year ending March 2023, compared with the previous period, with one in every six murders in 2022/23 being related to domestic abuse.

Womens Aid described the reports findings as alarming, and warned that the real figures were much larger than the data shows.

Clare Kelly, associate head of policy at the NSPCC, said: The scale of offending against girls is frightening and requires a society-wide response.

She added: Tech companies must also step up to stop boys from being targeted with vile misogynistic content and put safety measures in place to prevent grooming and sexual abuse proliferating their platforms.

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Editor's note: This article addresses suicide. If you or anyone you know could be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night or chat online; The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, press 1; or the Crisis Text Line provides free confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week via text message to people in crisis when they text "HELLO" to 741741.

New information has been released about the West Texas manhunt case that happened in April. Reports shed light on how a man wanted for the murder died.

New information has been released about the West Texas manhunt case that happened in April. Reports shed light on how a man wanted for the murder died.

Trevor James Myrick was pronounced dead April 16 after a multi-agency search ended with an officer-involved shooting in Irion County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety at the time.

The manhunt started when the 26-year-old of Hobbs, New Mexico, allegedly confronted a homeowner, 74-year-old Ronald Wayne Irvin, in Odessa and a struggle ensued, officials said.

Myrick shot and killed the homeowner and took his vehicle, according to allegations on the Ector County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

After a cross-country pursuit and then an overnight search for Myrick after he fled on foot, DPS troopers located him near the intersection of Duncan Avenue and North Broadway Street in Mertzon.

The Irion County Sheriff's Office received a call concerning a suspicious person riding a bicycle. After troopers made contact with the man, they believed him to be the wanted subject.

At the time of the incident, officials said it was an officer-involved shooting that took place, but the investigation was ongoing.

According to the custodial death report the DPS filed with the Texas Attorney General of Texas, Myrick's death was a suicide.

Troopers shot at him as he entered a resident's backyard, according to the report.

"A short time later, Troopers heard a gunshot," the report stated. "Upon entering the backyard, the Troopers discovered the wanted suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head."

Myrick's death date and time was listed at April 16 at 3:59 p.m.

According to the custodial death report, Myrick was suspected of capital murder, evading and theft of property.

The DPS also filed an officer-involved shooting report with the AG's Office in connection with the case.

Three male peace officers were listed as involved in the shooting, including a 34-year-old, a 27-year-old and a 42-year old.

Sgt. Justin Baker, DPS spokesman, was asked further questions regrading the officer-involved shooting report. Baker declined to respond to the questions.

He said the report was handed over to the Texas Attorney General's office and was still under investigation.

More: Law enforcement officials release more information on West Texas manhunt and murder victim

More: UPDATED: Name released of murder suspect in West Texas manhunt

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: New information released from West Texas manhunt in April
For weeks, he had stonewalled increasingly strident calls that he abandon his faltering bid for reelection, but in the end it was damning new polling data that finally convinced Joe Biden to drop out of the race.

As if that wasnt enough, there was a stark warning from Democrat heavyweight Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House.

She had orchestrated a behind-the-scenes campaign to convince Mr Biden to withdraw from the contest  and her patience was fast running out.

Nancy made clear that they could do this the easy way or the hard way, one Democrat familiar with how events at the weekend panned out told Politico. She gave them three weeks of the easy way. It was about to be the hard way.

The end, when it came, was swift and dramatic. Cracks in the presidents resolve began to appear on Saturday, when he called in key advisers and close confidantes to his beach house in Delaware.

By lunchtime on Sunday he had announced to the world that he would not be fighting Donald Trump for the White House in November.

Brand new polling results were key to Mr Bidens decision. They were presented to him on Saturday at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, by Steve Ricchetti, one of his closest advisers, and Mike Donilon, his chief strategist and long-time speechwriter. They remained at a discreet physical distance from the president, who was self isolating with a bout of Covid.

The data, compiled by Mr Bidens own campaign team during the week, suggested that there was no way he could win the election.

The numbers made for deeply depressing reading, showing that the president was trailing in all six critical swing states and that his support was collapsing in states such as New Mexico and Virginia, Democrat sources told Politico.

After weeks of insisting that his physical frailty, verbal gaffes and disastrous public appearances were nothing to worry about, the president changed his mind.

Not only were the polls bad. There were more senior Democrats waiting in the wings to publicly urge him to step down.

A powerful group of Democrats in the House and Senate were intending to call for his withdrawal from the race either on Monday or Tuesday.

We were giving him the respect of the weekend to make his decision, one of them told Politico. Some of the assessments from senior Democrats were withering. Seth Moulton, a congressman from Massachusetts, said that the president didnt seem to recognise me when they met last month during the D-Day anniversary commemorations in France.

The president finally accepted what many friends and allies had been saying, privately and publicly, for three weeks  that he was no longer up to the challenge of seeking another four years in office.

Currently suffering from Covid, Joe Biden's frailties were becoming increasingly evident - Susan Walsh/AP

He was up against an increasingly confident opponent and Trump had been further emboldened by his miraculous escape from a would-be assassins bullet at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Mr Bidens family, including his wife Jill, his sister Valerie and his son Hunter, who had been urging him to stay in the race, also reportedly changed their minds, cognisant of the immense strain that a reelection bid would put on a man whose frailties were increasingly evident.

But the change of heart was known only to a tiny clique of family and aides. Campaign officials were still insisting that Mr Biden was determined to stay in the fight. As late as Saturday, plans were being made for him to hit the campaign trail in Georgia and Texas, as long as he was given the all clear from Covid. On Saturday evening, members of the Biden inner circle said that he was resolute about seeking reelection, no ifs, ands or buts.

Having finally made the decision, the president and his inner circle were determined to control the narrative.

Jill Biden, the First Lady, was particularly insistent that her 81-year-old husbands dignity be maintained. By Sunday morning, the die was cast. The Bidens communicated their decision to the two trusted aides who were staying with them in their Delaware home  deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and assistant to the first lady Anthony Bernal.

At 1.45pm, the president told a handful of other close aides that he was pulling out of the race.

Just one minute later, before White House staffers or members of the campaign were told, he posted on X, formerly Twitter, a letter informing the world of his decision.

While Kamala Harris, the vice-president, had been informed of Mr Bidens withdrawal, there were some in the White House who only learned about it when it was posted.

The president resorted to social media to make the announcement rather than appearing on television because his Covid infection means he is still sick and raspy, according to The New York Times.

Many senior Democrats were caught off guard. Some reacted with shock and disbelief, others with tears. But for many in the party, the overriding emotion must have been relief that a president struggling with such evident physical and mental decline had finally seen sense.

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President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event in Detroit on July 12, 2024. Credit - Emily ElconinBloomberg via Getty Images

President Bidens beach house in Rehoboth, Del., sits on a marshy inlet a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. The home serves as a retreat for Biden, a place to recharge and reflect and be surrounded by his family. And it was there on Saturday evening that Biden finally decided he had gone as far as he could in his race for a second term.

The 81-year-old had spent that day recovering from COVID-19, his voice still hoarse and his words, when he spoke, occasionally interrupted by a loose cough. Chief of Staff Jeff Zients brought him up to speed on some economic news, and his homeland security advisor, Liz Sherwood-Randall, had updated him on the investigation into how the Secret Service allowed a gunman to get into firing range of his political opponent former President Donald Trump the weekend before.

But by the end of the day he knew the time had come to face the pressing question of his political future. The Republicans had just closed out their convention in Milwaukee on Thursday firmly united behind Trump and ready to make concerns about Biden's fitness for a second term a centerpiece of their election strategy going forward. The Democratic Party, in contrast, could not have looked more discordant, with more calls for Biden to drop out coming over the weekend as polls showed him slipping further behind Trump.

The President gathered together in his beach house his deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, his Congress whisperer Steve Ricchetti, and the keeper of his political voice, Mike Donilon, as well as First Lady Jill Biden and her senior advisor Anthony Bernal, according to multiple people familiar with the Presidents deliberations.

He told that small group he had come to the historic decision to step out of the race less than four months before Election Day, propelling his party into uncharted waters. They spent the night crafting his statement and plotting a way forward. But that earth-shattering news was held in confidence until the next day.

Midday Sunday, Biden called Vice President Kamala Harris to tell her he intended to leave the top of the ticket and endorse her. He soon read in Zients, his Chief of Staff, and then broke the news to Jen O'Malley Dillon, his campaign chair, who had spent the past several days assuring donors, senators, members of Congress, the press, and the Presidents allies that Biden wasnt going anywhere. She was wrong. He tried to reach his close friend and confidant, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, but Coons was speaking at a conference in Colorado and wasnt able to take the call.

Knowing the news wouldnt hold much longer, at 1:45 pm, President Biden got onto a call with his senior advisors and senior campaign aides to tell them he was out. One minute into that meeting, a letter addressed to his fellow Americans was posted to his X account in which Biden called serving as President the greatest honor of his life. He had decided, he wrote, it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

The news sent shockwaves through the country and the world, and upended the race for President. But there was still a lingering question: Would Biden weigh in on whether Harris should take over the ticket?

Twenty-seven minutes later, Biden put up a second post, this one addressed to his fellow Democrats. He wrote that picking Harris as his vice president in 2020 was the best decision hes ever made, and he offered his full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party. He urged Democrats to come together and beat Trump.

And with those two social media posts, the Biden-Harris campaign came to an end. The President spent the rest of the afternoon working to pass the baton to his chosen successor by connecting with his core base of union leaders, governors and Democratic power players. That work appeared to quickly pay off, as a wave of endorsements for what was now the Harris campaign broke through that afternoon and continued into the evening.

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President Biden and other Group of 7 world leaders at a summit in May 2023. Biden's departure from the U.S. presidential contest elicited quiet relief among some U.S. allies. (Stefan Rousseau / Associated Press)

Not so long ago, the leaders of major democracies generally refrained from political commentary of the sort that could be seen as meddling in one anothers domestic affairs.

But the current U.S. presidential campaign has featured so much upheaval that it has been difficult for friends and rivals alike to remain completely on the rhetorical sidelines.

The latest bombshell  President Biden bowing out of the presidential contest  elicited quiet relief among Washingtons closest U.S. allies in Europe, some of whom had been privately fretting over whether Biden's age and frailty enhanced the prospect of another turn in office for Donald Trump.

Read more: Why Ukraine  and much of Europe  is alarmed over Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate

From Europe and beyond, however, the allied outpouring of respect that met Bidens announcement was carefully calibrated to avoid suggesting that the Democratic incumbent would have faced a potentially humiliating loss had he not withdrawn.

Many emphasized a spirit of political self-sacrifice underpinning the presidents pullback from the race. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told journalists that Biden deserved recognition for not putting himself forward first, but giving his first consideration to being what he believes is in the interests of the United States of America, as he has done his whole public life.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, shown at a 2023 state dinner with President Biden, offered praise for the president's decision to leave the race. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Some leaders, intentionally or not, pushed back against quickly emerging Republican talking points, such as the assertion by some high-profile Trump supporters that if Biden wasnt up to a campaign, he should not serve out his full White House term, either.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took office two weeks ago, pointedly noted on X that I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.

In praising the U.S. presidents statesmanship, European leaders tactfully skipped any public reference to what had become a fierce battle among Democrats over whether Biden should bow out. German Chancellor Olaf Sholz, adopting a tone similar to other allied leaders on the continent, lauded my friend Joe Biden for his accomplishments.

His decision not to run again deserves respect, Sholz wrote on X.

German Chancellor Olaf Sholz, shown in March, lauded "my friend Joe Biden" for his accomplishments. (Darko Bandic / Associated Press)

European leaders fear that a second Trump presidency would be excessively transactional  a quid pro quo style of governing, as Laura von Daniels, head of the U.S. research division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, put it  rather than one reflecting shared values.

So there is a sense of relief, because it had become more and more obvious that Democrats had diminishing chances of winning the race, she said.

But Von Daniels added that there is a growing acceptance that regardless of who wins the U.S. election, Europe will need to take more responsibility for its own security.

Read more: NATO's birthday-bash summit in Washington comes at a gloomy time

Coincidentally, the presidents withdrawal came hours before European Union foreign ministers gathered Monday in Brussels for a previously planned meeting. The talks had been expected to be dominated by topics such as the Mideast and the war in Ukraine, but offered the top diplomats a chance to confer among themselves about the dramatically recalibrated U.S. presidential contest.

Biden's withdrawal was likely viewed as a genuine loss by European leaders who see Biden as a "last of the old breed of classic trans-atlanticists, said Richard Youngs, a senior fellow in the democracy, conflict and governance program at Carnegie Europe.

Trumps avowed disdain for the NATO alliance rattled European leaders while he was in office, and those fears have grown amid his resurgent candidacy.

But even for those who believe Bidens move will help Democrats defeat Trump in November, Youngs said, for Europe this is also an uncertain turning of the page.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with President Biden in Kyiv in 2023, expressed gratitude for Biden's support. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Some of the warmest tributes to Biden came from those for whom U.S. support has literally been a matter of life and death. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Biden had supported our country during the most dramatic moment.

In recent days, world reaction to recent U.S. campaign developments, even the most jolting ones, has largely hewed to a conventional script, such as the virtually universal condemnation in response to the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump.

As in the U.S., global expressions of sympathy and of relief that Trump was not seriously injured came from across the political spectrum, together with admonitions that political violence was never acceptable.

Read more: Analysis: 'Dodged a bullet.' In France, voters deny far right a win. But what now?

On the campaign trail, Trump routinely praises autocratic leaders, and after the attempt on his life, some far-right backers outside the U.S. rejoiced at the notion that the assassination bid seemed to have strengthened the former presidents hand.

After the attempt, for example, Geert Wilders, a far-right party leader in the Netherlands, posted a picture of the Republican standard-bearer, bloodied and with a raised fist, labeled simply: President Trump.

With the extent of that perceived boost now in question, some of those same figures greeted Bidens announcement with veiled and not-so-veiled gibes.

Nigel Farage, who won a British parliamentary seat this month as his hard-right anti-immigration Reform UK party garnered about 15% of the nationwide vote, said it scarcely mattered who the Democrats put up as Bidens replacement.

Hard-right British politician Nigel Farage, shown in June, expressed support for former President Trump. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Whoever they pick, Trump will win in November, Farage wrote on X.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and the party appeared to be coalescing around her.

From Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mused on the messaging app Telegram about prior collusion between the American media and political circles to cover up the truth about [Bidens] mental condition.

Moscow has made well-documented efforts to influence elections in Europe and the United States, but on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to strike a note of world-weary indifference over the state of U.S. politics.

In recent years, what has been happening in the United States has taught us not to be surprised by anything, Peskov told journalists. This topic should concern American voters, but not us.

Others who have overtly allied themselves with Trump were left in somewhat of an awkward limbo by weeks of uncertainty over whether Biden would heed growing calls to drop out of the race.

News of Biden abandoning his reelection bid came just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was about to set out for what had been forecast to be a contentious visit to Washington when the news came down.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with President Biden in October, is traveling to Washington this week for another meeting with the president. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Since the start of Israels nine-month-old war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Netanyahu has repeatedly clashed with the Biden administration over humanitarian aid to Gaza and measures to protect Palestinian civilians, but analysts say Bidens standing among young and Arab American voters was nonetheless hurt by his staunch support of Israel.

Even as Netanyahu's political rivals at home responded to Bidens withdrawal with heartfelt-seeming thanks for his backing, the prime minister was initially silent  recalling, perhaps, Trumps longtime grudge against him for offering pro forma congratulations to Biden for winning the 2020 election, the result of which Trump continues to question.

But on Monday, seemingly bowing to political etiquette as he prepared to leave from Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu said his trip was a chance to thank Biden for the things he did for the state of Israel, both in the war and during his years of service as a senator, as vice president and as president.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Internet Just Brought The Receipts Showing That Donald Trump Previously Donated To Kamala Harris

Welp, it turns out that former president Donald Trump was once aboard the coconut train (aka once donated thousands to Vice President Kamala Harris).

project coconut is a go  bald ann dowd (@ali_sivi) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @ali_sivi

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday, Representative Jared Moskowitz shared a photo of a $5,000 check Trump wrote for Harris in 2011 during her first bid for California attorney general. "Was a wise investment," he wrote.

Was a wise investment pic.twitter.com/S7C18nDFzA  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @JaredEMoskowitz

If you need a closer look:

Jared Moskowitz / Via x.com

Records also show Trump again donated $1,000 to Vice President Kamala Harris's reelection campaign for state attorney general in 2013. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, also donated $2,000 in 2014. Here's all the $8,000 receipts:

Shirley N. Weber, Ph. D.California Secretary of State / Via powersearch.sos.ca.gov

Naturally, the internet had many reactions:

 trump being a closet democrat will never not be funny  ladidai (@ladidaix)  see linkinbyeo (@ladidaix) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @ladidaix

OH THEYRE FANS!!! CLOCK THEIR TEA MESSYBASE  tonio (@bincoz) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @bincoz

he knows who mother is  ill (@KarmaIsAFad) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @KarmaIsAFad

well if trump supports her I guess we know who should win  Angelica Reed (@Angelica_Reed1) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @Angelica_Reed1

Were living in an episode of scandal rn i am cryin  eri*. (@eternalcumslime) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @eternalcumslime

At this point, with all the Veep-ness of this election cycle, I wouldn't be surprised if the debate stage turns into a rap battle.

He a fan he a fan he a fan  Julie Gilchrist (@JulieanneGilch1) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @JulieanneGilch1

And, um...unfortunately, there were some questionable reactions, too. Lauren Boebert quoted Moskowitz's tweet alleging that "Trump isn't racist" because he donated to a Black woman.

Twitter: @laurenboebert

It's giving the virtue signaling many white Americans employ when they think they're allies to marginalized communities but are actively complicit in their marginalization (like pushing abortion bans, ripping away lower prescription drug costs and healthcare access, and cutting education  all plans by far-right conservatives  which disproportionately affect people of color).

It's also similar to when the white family in Get Out continues to try to prove themselves as upstanding "post-racial" Americans (e.g., "I voted for Obama, so I'm not racist" ideology) but are actually nightmarishly racist.

Just as many white Americans used their Obama vote to excuse their internalized racism, Lauren Boebert seems to have adopted this same ideology, ignoring Trump's long record of racism against African Americans, Mexicans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Muslims, Jews, and immigrants, and discrimination against women and people with disabilities, just because he donated $6,000 to a Black candidate one time. Get Out / Hulu

As one Twitter user wrote, "'He can't be racist, he donated to a black woman' is exactly what racists say."

He can't be racist, he donated to a black woman is exactly what racists say.Trump is extremely racist, and we will definitely witness the extent of his racism now.   (@ChidiNwatu) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @ChidiNwatu

Anyhoo, while some would love to see Kamala spending Trump's money to defeat him, she reportedly didn't keep the $6,000 after all. A Harris spokesperson told the Sacramento Bee in 2020 that she donated the money to a "nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans."

Kamala using that $5k to buy more coconuts to end trump pic.twitter.com/8jGlUVgVAP  welp. (@YSLONIKA) July 21, 2024

Lifetime / Via Twitter: @YSLONIKA

Well, at least his money went to something good!
Iowa's delegates to next month's Democratic National Convention are holding a virtual meeting Monday evening to discuss who they are supporting now that President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign.

Several delegates said Monday that they are excited to support Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden endorsed on Sunday, but it's not yet clear whether the full delegation will unite behind her.

Harris is quickly consolidating support across the country, securing key endorsements from national figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as would-be rivals for the nomination, like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The Democratic delegations in North Carolina, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Florida, Tennessee and Pennsylvania have already issued endorsements of Harris.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Sunday afternoon, hours after Biden dropped out, that his endorsement of Harris "means a great deal" but that delegates would make their own decisions about whom to support.

"His willingness to put his legacy into Kamala Harris hands speaks volumes. ... I also am sure that the delegates recognize that this is going to be their decision, their process," Hart said Sunday. "But I absolutely think that Iowa Democrats can rally around Kamala Harris as our nominee, but we are very early in this process so we will see what happens as the hours and days go by going forward."

State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, who is a delegate to this years convention, said Monday that he plans to be on the evening call and is looking forward to discussing the issue with the other delegates.

He said he plans to support Harris, but there has not yet been a decision about whether the delegation will come together and endorse her as a unit.

We have our preferences, I'm sure, he said. I have mine. But what we would do collectively? You know, no one can speak on that right now.

Abdul-Samad said that he is sure that our delegation will come together.

This convention is historical, you know, and it will determine the future, he added. I'm honored, you know, and grateful to be part of history.

State Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, is also a delegate to the convention.

Zabner plans to support Harris, who he said presents a clear contrast to Donald Trump, particularly on issues like abortion access.

"Shes ready to go, shes been tested, shes served as vice president and shes the clear pick for me," he said Monday.

Zabner said each of the delegates will ultimately make their own decision about whom to support.

"I think thats really important to make sure that we have those conversations," he said. "We take this really seriously because its a big decision, but I ultimately think that supporting the vice president is the right call.

Adam Peters, another delegate, has also pledged to support Harris. He said Monday he was in shock when Biden announced he was dropping out.

"But seeing him endorse Kamala moments later after his first statement, thats all I needed to move forward with my personal pledge," Peters said. "She is ready, she has been the vice president for three and a half years. We do not have a person in a better position than her to win this election."

Peters said he doesn't think the party has any time to lose.

"I know a lot of Democrats who are saying they dont want to coronate someone are a little bit skeptical, but we did have an open primary," he said. "Anyone could run against Joe Biden and the only two people that did were Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson. We dont have time to have a blitz primary now as some people in the media are suggesting. We need to coalesce."

Peters said he's eager to hear from the other delegates at Monday's meeting to see how everyone is thinking. He said he's spoken to over a dozen delegates already, all of whom intend to support Harris.

"I dont know what is going to come out of this meeting," he said. "I hope that everyone is as excited as I am, but every single person is different, and it will be interesting to see what happens."

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She is also covering the 2024 presidential race for USA TODAY as a senior national campaign correspondent. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Will Iowa DNC delegates unite behind Kamala Harris for president?
Misoprostol tablets sit on Dr. Sarah TraxlerOs desk in her office at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Ames, Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The Iowa Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its ruling upholding Iowa's six-week abortion ban, moving the law one step closer to taking effect.

The state's "fetal heartbeat" law bans abortion after fetal cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound, with exceptions in some cases for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and to protect the mother's life. It was passed in a 2023 special session after a divided Supreme Court allowed a previous version of the law to remain blocked, and was enjoined by a district judge last year before it could take effect.

On June 28, in one of its last rulings of the term, the Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the law is constitutional and that the injunction should be lifted. Under Iowa court rules, it takes 21 days for a case to be formally remanded to the district court, but on July 11, Planned Parenthood asked the court to rehear the case, pushing that deadline back further.

On Monday, the court declined that request. The order is signed by Chief Justice Susan Christensen, with no noted dissents. The Supreme Court also Monday issued its ruling returning jurisdiction to the district court to lift the injunction.

Related: Inside an Iowa abortion clinic on one of the final days before abortion ban takes effect

The case has been assigned to Judge Jeffrey Farrell, who told attorneys for both sides Friday he intended to lift the injunction with at least several business days' lead time to avoid patients and physicians being caught unaware  meaning the law could take effect as soon as later this week. Until then, abortion remains legal through 20 weeks.

Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic, which sued to block the law, have said they intend to continue offering abortions as allowed under the new law, although the six-week limit comes before many women know they are pregnant. The plaintiffs have also suggested they will continue the lawsuit, litigating several constitutional arguments that were not raised in last month's Supreme Court decision.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Supreme Court will not rehear 6-week abortion ban challenge
The Iowa Supreme Court denied a rehearing request by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland on Iowa's law banning most abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy. (Photo by ericsphotography/Getty Images)

The Iowa Supreme Court on Monday denied a rehearing request for Iowas six-week abortion ban, meaning enforcement of the law will likely begin soon.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland filed the petition for a rehearing to the Iowa Supreme Court earlier in July, asking justices to reconsider the 4-3 decision on the law in June that paved the way for enforcement of the law. The ruling ordered the district court to lift a temporary injunction on the measure restricting abortions, as well as setting a lower legal standard for testing the constitutionality of state abortion laws.

The law, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023 after a special legislative session, bans most abortions after embryonic cardiac activity can be detected. The so-called fetal heartbeat law could ban abortions as soon as six weeks of pregnancy, reproductive health care advocates say. Iowas law allows narrow exceptions for rape and incest when reported in certain time frames, and when an abortion is needed to save the life of the mother.

In a call last week with reporters, Ruth Richardson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States said the organization estimates between 97% to 98% of abortions currently performed in Iowa would be banned when the law begins enforcement.

The Supreme Courts denial of Planned Parenthoods request means the injunction blocking enforcement of the law is expected to lift soon. However, there will likely be some delay before the measure goes into effect. In a Friday virtual status conference, District Court Judge Jeffrey Farrell said he will respond to the case when the clerks office notifies him its ready, but that he did not think the Supreme Court expects me to drop everything Im doing at the moment to dissolve it right then.

Farrell also indicated he will likely grant Planned Parenthoods request to give a few days notice before lifting the injunction. Peter Im, staff attorney at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said at the meeting that advance notice will allow abortion providers and patients to prepare for the change and ensure they are operating in compliance with the new law.

Until the injunction is lifted, abortion remains legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Im said the organization is likely to file a challenge to the law based on Iowa Board of Medicines rules. Planned Parenthood is seeking guidance on whether to present it as a new case or join the claim with the current lawsuit, filed alongside the ACLU of Iowa, the Emma Goldman Clinic, and Dr. Sarah Traxler.

Eric Wessan, the Iowa solicitor general representing the state in the case, asked the district court judge to resolve the challenges before trial with a summary judgement based on the Iowa Supreme Court decision.
WARSAW, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Poland may suspend the transport of goods through Belarus if Minsk fails to take action to normalize relations between the two countries, a Polish deputy foreign minister said on Monday.

"Poland has specific conditions for Belarus if it wants to normalize relations," Andrzej Szejna, deputy minister of foreign affairs, told Radio ZET. The conditions include ending hybrid attacks, extraditing the killer of a Polish soldier, and releasing imprisoned Poles.

"If these conditions are not met, we can stop the transport of goods through Belarus," Szejna said. "This is not beneficial for us either, but we are starting to mature towards it and Belarus notices that we are taking this seriously," he added.

Last month, a Polish soldier who was stabbed at the Polish-Belarusian border died in the hospital. The Polish foreign ministry then summoned the Belarusian charge d'affaires, demanding that Minsk authorities identify and hand over the perpetrator.

In response, Anatoly Glaz, press secretary of the Belarusian ministry of foreign affairs, expressed condolences to Poland for the soldier's death but accused Warsaw of being responsible for the strained relations between the two countries while speaking to Belarus' state-run BelTA agency. 
By Timour Azhari and Ahmed Rasheed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq wants troops from a U.S.-led military coalition to begin withdrawing in September and to formally end the coalition's work by September 2025, four Iraqi sources said, with some U.S. forces likely to remain in a newly negotiated advisory capacity.

The Iraqi position is being discussed with U.S. officials in Washington this week at a security summit and there is no formal agreement on ending the coalition or any associated timetable yet, the Iraqi sources and U.S officials said.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller told a news briefing that both sides were meeting in Washington this week to determine how to transition the U.S.-led coalition's mission based on the threat posed by Islamic State, adding he had no further details.

U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq in 2003, toppled former leader Saddam Hussein and then withdrew in 2011, only to return in 2014 to fight Islamic State at the head of the coalition.

The U.S. currently has around 2,500 troops in Iraq at the head of a more than 80-member coalition that was formed in 2014 to repel Islamic State as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria.

They are housed at three main bases, one in Baghdad, one in western Anbar province and another in the northern Kurdistan region.

It is unclear how many troops would leave under a deal, with Iraqi sources saying they expected most to eventually depart but U.S. officials saying many may remain under a newly negotiated advise and assist mission.

U.S. officials are keen to have some military footprint in Iraq on a bilateral basis, in part to help support its presence across the border in Syria, where it has around 900 troops.

The issue is highly politicized, with mainly Iran-aligned Iraqi political factions looking to show that they are pushing out the country's one-time occupier again, while U.S. officials want to avoid giving Iran and its allies a win.

There are also concerns about Islamic State's ability to regroup.

The jihadist group was declared territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019 but still carries out attacks in both countries and is on track to double its attacks in Syria this year compared to 2023, the U.S. military said.

The group and its affiliates have also in recent months carried out attacks in Iran and Russia, as well as in Oman last week for the first time.

While the coalition's mission is to advise and assist Iraqi forces in the fight against the Islamic State, Western officials say the U.S. and its allies also see its presence in Iraq as a check on Iranian influence.

Washington and Baghdad initiated talks on the future of the coalition in January amid tit-for-tat attacks between Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim armed groups and U.S. forces that were sparked by the Israel-Hamas war.

An agreement to draw down the coalition could be a political win for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has been under pressure from Iran-aligned factions to push out U.S. forces but has sought to do so in a way that balances Iraq's delicate position as an ally of both Washington and Tehran.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; additional reporting by Idrees Ali and Simon Lewis in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Isle of Wight deputy was on job at time of DWI arrest, sheriffs office says

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  An Isle of Wight County sheriffs deputy arrested for driving while intoxicated was on duty at the time, according to the sheriffs office.

The Isle of Wight Sheriffs Office announced Monday afternoon that 29-year-old Preston Saul, of Gates, North Carolina, was arrested on Monday, July 16 at 3:40 a.m. while acting in his capacity as an Isle of Wight County Deputy.

He was charged with driving while intoxicated: first offense, and originally placed on administrative leave. Hes since been fired.

Sheriff James Clark, Jr. said after the incident that his office will continue to hold the men and women of the Sheriffs office to the high standards our citizens deserve.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip flee from parts of Khan Younis following an evacuation order by the Israeli army to leave the eastern part of Gaza Strip's second largest city, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone, while the Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,000 Palestinians have now been killed in the nine-month war.

The military said Monday it plans an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area and used it to launch rockets toward Israel. The area includes the eastern part of the Muwasi humanitarian zone in southern Gaza.

Earlier this month, Israel said it estimates at least a million Palestinians are now in the humanitarian zone that covers about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) along the Mediterranean. Much of the area is full of tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid.

The announcements came during delicate negotiations seeking a cease-fire. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased deal that would stop the fighting and free the remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has said a negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday.

Netanyahu left Monday for Washington, where he will make a speech before the U.S. Congress and meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Heres the latest:

Israeli airstrikes damaged Yemeni fuel storage facilities, U.N. official says

UNITED NATIONS  Israeli airstrikes on western Yemens port city of Hodeida damaged fuel storage facilities that burst into flames still visible on Monday and also damaged cranes and at least one vessel docked in the key port controlled by Houthi rebels, a senior U.N. official says.

Retired Maj. Gen. Michael Beary, head of the U.N. mission in Hodeida, told the Security Council that a mission patrol observed the impact of Saturdays airstrikes on Monday, including fire and thick smoke and some ongoing firefighting activities.

He said there were four vessels in the port, including the Neptune J, which was carrying food from the U.N. World Food Program for Yemenis who are facing a dire humanitarian crisis. Fortunately, he said, the ship only suffered minor damage from a falling crane.

Beary said that shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Saturday the U.N. mission registered loud explosions lasting over 10 minutes at its headquarters in the port area, which Israel subsequently said were targeted at Hodeida, a crucial entry point for aid and commercial goods.

The Israeli airstrikes targeted Hodeidas ports, fuel storage facilities and port cranes 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) north of the U.N. missions headquarters, he said. The strikes also hit the Ras Khatib power station 20 kilometers (12 miles) from U.N. headquarters, and military police offices 12 kilometers (7 miles) northwest of the U.N. offices.

Israel said the strikes, carried out by dozens of aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were a response to hundreds of Houthi attacks.

The Health Ministry in Yemen said the Israeli strikes killed six people and wounded 83 others, many with severe burns from the fire.

Yemens civil war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis descended from their northern enclave and took over the capital, forcing the government to flee to the south and then exile in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition entered the war in early 2015 to try to restore the government to power. Since then, the conflict has turned into a proxy war between regional foes Saudi Arabia and Iran, which backs the Houthis.

The U.N. mission was established to monitor and support a 2018 truce agreement reached at U.N.-brokered talks in Sweden that called on both sides to withdraw from Hodeida and its outskirts  which has not happened.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions agree to form a unity government

RAMALLAH, West Bank  Hamas and Fatah, the main faction in the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority, said they and other Palestinian factions had agreed to form a unity government during talks in China on Tuesday.

The broad agreement is the latest move to revive long-stalled efforts between the rival factions to form a government for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. With Israel vowing to destroy Hamas in the war on Gaza, the Palestinians could try to present a unity government as an alternative to Hamas rule over the territory.

But a joint statement issued after the talking in Beijing gave no details on how or when the government would be formed, saying only that it would be done by agreement among the factions. Since Hamas and Fatah first promised to end their rivalry in 2011, repeated attempts at unity governments have fallen apart.

Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007, forcing out the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, which administers scattered pockets of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israel has refused any scenario that would see Hamas participating in governing in the West Bank or Gaza and has rejected U.S. calls for the Palestinian Authority to run Gaza after the war is over. The lack of a post-war vision for running Gaza has complicated negotiations over a cease-fire in the nearly 10-month-old war in Gaza.

Tuesdays joint statement from Beijing was signed by 14 Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, which fights alongside Hamas in Gaza, and the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Frequent evacuation orders are devastating Gaza's health system, U.N. says

UNITED NATIONS  Families have started fleeing an eastern Gaza area toward already overcrowded Deir al Balah, and in southern Khan Younis the Nasser Medical Complex issued a new call for blood donations for dozens of new casualties on Monday, the U.N. says.

The Israeli military ordered the evacuation earlier Monday of part of the eastern area that had been designated a humanitarian zone, saying it was planning an operation against Hamas militants there.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said U.N. humanitarian officials report that the frequent evacuation orders and relentless hostilities are further devastating Gazas health system  making it increasingly difficult for people who have been repeatedly displaced to access essential services.

He said humanitarian officials are also warning that aid workers in Gaza continue to face enormous risk.

The U.N. spokesman pointed to Israeli forces shooting at a clearly marked U.N. convoy from the agency helping Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA that was heading north to Gaza City on Sunday.

According to Dujarric, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reported that UNRWA personnel had to duck and one of the U.N. armored vehicles was severely damaged while waiting just ahead of the Israeli forces checkpoint south of Wadi Gaza.

He said the convoys movement was coordinated with the Israeli authorities  and those responsible for yesterdays incident must be held to account, Dujarric said.

U.N. humanitarian officials also report severe water shortages in Gaza.

Between July 8 and July 21, Dujarric said, the daily average supply of water in the territory was about 90,000 cubic meters, about a quarter of the amount produced before Hamas Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel that sparked the ongoing war.

Damage to infrastructure, the lack of electricity, and shortages of fuel, spare parts and chlorine continue to hamper water production and purification, as well as sewage pumping, Dujarric said.

Gaza death toll now tops 39,000

The toll in Gaza since the war began is now over 39,000. That's according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry doesn't distinguish between Palestinian civilians and combatants in its count.

The new toll comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes his way to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress to make his case in the nine-month war against Hamas.

New Israeli strikes near the southern city of Khan Younis killed at least 37 people on Monday, according to the ministry, the morgue at Nasser Hospital and journalists who saw the bodies. The strikes took place as hundreds of people were evacuating following a new order from the Israeli military.

Deaths of two Israeli hostages announced

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military announced on Monday the deaths of two Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

The military said that they had determined the deaths of Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, who were kidnapped from their homes in southern Israel on Oct. 7, based on intelligence.

The military did not say when the hostages had died.

Dancyg, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, marked his 76th birthday on Sunday. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Dancyg worked for over 30 years at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and passed time in captivity by giving history lectures to the other hostages.

Yagev Buchstab, 35, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim on Oct. 7 along with his wife, Rimon Buchshtab-Kirsht. Rimon was released during the November ceasefire deal after 50 days in captivity.

There are approximately 120 hostages still being held in Gaza, though Israel believes more than 40 are no longer alive.

Mondays announcement heightens pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire proposal that could secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza and end the nine-month war.

Netanyahu left for a trip to the United States on Monday morning, accompanied by some of the families of the hostages and released hostages. Other families of the hostages pleaded with Netanyahu to reach a deal before he left for the trip, worried that time was running out.

A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said.

Displaced Palestinians evacuate once again from parts of the Gaza Strip

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza  Thousands of Palestinians collected their belongings and once again began evacuating part of the area of the Gaza Strip designated by the Israeli military as a humanitarian zone.

We were displaced from the eastern regions, they called us to evacuate, we took our children and left, said Osama Qudeih. There was no safe place left in the Gaza Strip  We went out walking in the streets, not knowing where to go. Thousands of families carrying backpacks and children walked down dusty roads under the scorching summer sun, navigating dilapidated cars filled with belongings tied on top.

Another woman collapsed in exhaustion after saying it was her seventh or eighth displacement. Every day we are displaced, said Kholoud al-Dadas, as she clutched her children. Where are the countries? Where is the world, where are the presidents, where are they? Come and see how we are, our children, and what is happening to us.

The area slated for evacuation included the eastern part of the al-Muwasi humanitarian zone, in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military called for an evacuation because it said that Hamas militants had embedded themselves in the area and launched frequent rockets towards Israel.

Additionally, one person was killed and three injured in a strike outside the Al Aqsa hospital in the central city of Deir al-Balah on Monday morning, according to an Associated Press journalist on the scene.

Overnight, at least 15 people, including four women and six children, were killed in strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and a body count by an Associated Press journalist. The Israeli military did not have immediate comment.

Israeli military says 1 person killed after he tried to stab Israeli forces

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military said that one person was killed after he attempted to stab Israeli security forces with a knife at the entrance to an Israeli town along the Gaza border on Monday morning.

According to Israels Army Radio, the attacker arrived at the security checkpoint by car and in English started accusing Israel of carrying out atrocities in Gaza, before reaching into his car and taking out a knife. Security forces shot and killed the man. There were no other injuries reported.

The attack took place at the entrance of the Israeli town of Netiv Haasara, which is just 300 meters (yards) north of the Gaza border. Israeli police confirmed that the attacker was a Canadian citizen.

On Oct. 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed, after the gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials. Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the nine-month war in Gaza, though few have taken place along the Israel-Gaza border, which has heavy military presence.

Israel's Netanyahu heads to Washington

JERUSALEM  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left for Washington on Monday, leaving behind a brutal war to make a politically precarious speech before the U.S. Congress at a time of great uncertainty following Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race.

With efforts ongoing to bring about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about the war spreading to Lebanon and Yemen, and the U.S. in the midst of a dizzying election campaign, Netanyahus speech has the potential to cause disarray on both sides of the ocean.

The risks only increased with Bidens decision Sunday to drop out of the race for president, especially since the choice of a replacement Democratic nominee  and the potential next American leader  are still up in the air.

Before stepping on the plane, Netanyahu said he would emphasize the theme of Israels bipartisanship in his speech and said Israel would remain Americas key ally in the Middle East regardless who the American people choose as their next president.

In this time of war and uncertainty, its important that Israels enemies know that America and Israel stand together, he said, adding that he will meet Biden during his trip and thank him for his support for Israel.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday. He is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic Partys presidential nomination.

Israel shoots down a missile fired from Yemen

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early Sunday, hours after Israeli warplanes struck several Houthi targets in the Arabian Peninsula country.

The Israeli airstrikes  in response to a deadly Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv  were the first time Israel is known to have responded to repeated Houthi attacks throughout its nine-month war against Hamas. The burst of violence between the distant enemies has threatened to open a new front as Israel battles a series of Iranian proxies across the region.

The Israeli army late Saturday confirmed the airstrikes in the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a Houthi stronghold and crucial entry point for aid and other supplies. It said the strikes, carried out by dozens of aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were a response to hundreds of Houthi attacks.

The Health Ministry in Yemen said the Israeli strikes killed six people and wounded 83 others, many with severe burns from a major fire. Another three people were missing, the ministry said in a statement shared by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
Israel's military ordered tens of thousands of civilians to leave safe zones in eastern districts of the Gazan city of Khan Younis, warning of imminent "forceful" attacks against Palestinian armed groups it accused of using the area as cover for "significant terrorist activity and rocket fire" toward Israel. File photo by Haitham Imad/EPA-EFE

July 22 (UPI) -- The Israeli military Monday ordered tens of thousands of civilians to leave safe zones in eastern districts of the Gazan city of Khan Younis, warning of imminent "forceful" attacks against Palestinian armed groups it accused of using the area as cover for "significant terrorist activity and rocket fire" toward Israel.

"The IDF is about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organizations and therefore calls on the remaining population left in the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi," the IDF said in a post on X that was, Palestinians said, almost immediately followed by heavy air and artillery strikes in and around Khan Younis.

The military texted, called and used broadcast media advising them that "embedded terrorist infrastructure" in the area made it dangerous to remain and that it had adjusted the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone so that neighborhoods across a broad strip of the southern part were now no longer designated as safe zones.

At least 39 people, of whom 10 were children and women, were killed in the attacks, according to the enclave's Hamas-run health ministry which appealed for people to come to the city's Nasser Hospital to donate blood for the large numbers of people hurt in the attacks being brought in.

The bombardment began before the estimated 400,000 people affected, according to Palestinian Civil Defense, had time to respond to the instructions to leave.

On July 1, tens of thousands of people were forced to flee after they were ordered to evacuate eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis as well as nearby towns and villages, also because of rocket fire that the IDF alleged had originated from areas where civilians were sheltering.

Despite United Nations warnings of overcrowding and sparse-to-no services, they were sent to a coastal humanitarian zone.

Monday's attacks were the latest of a series in the past few weeks in or adjacent to humanitarian zones including a July 9 airstrike on a tented encampment for displaced Palestinians outside Khan Younis that killed at least 27 people.

The strike near the entrance to al-Awda school in the town of Abasan al-Kabira also injured at least 53 people with some in "critical" condition, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

Four days later, an IDF airstrike in al-Mawasi targeting a senior Hamas leader killed scores of civilians and injured 300.

In June, an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 27 people. An Israel Defense Forces warplane reportedly fired two missiles at classrooms on the top level of the United Nations Refugee and Works Agency school in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military ordered the evacuation Monday of part of a crowded area in the Gaza Strip it had designated a humanitarian zone, saying it is planning an operation against Hamas militants there. The order triggered a new flight of Palestinians, many of whom had taken refuge there just in the past weeks.

Thousands of Palestinians, many carrying backpacks and accompanied by children, walked down dusty roads under the scorching sun. Dilapidated cars with belongings tied on top maneuvered past buildings flattened by previous strikes. Many Palestinians have been uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israel's air and ground campaign.

We do not know where we are walking, said Kholoud Al Dadas, as she clutched her children. This is our seventh or eighth time we have been displaced. While we were sleeping in our homes, they started shooting at us, bombing from everywhere. Moments later, she collapsed in exhaustion.

Reflecting the shrinking space for Palestinians, the new evacuation order reduces by some 10 square kilometers (4 square miles) the 60-square kilometer (23 square mile) humanitarian zone to which Israel has been telling Palestinians to flee to escape its offensives.

Most of the area covered by the new order comprises parts of the southern city of Khan Younis, which had filled up with people since early May as they fled Israel troops assaulting Rafah, further south. The number of people in the evacuation zone was not immediately known, U.N. officials said.

On Monday, multiple Israeli airstrikes hit around Khan Younis, killing at least 70 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry, citing figures from Nasser Hospital. Associated Press video showed a pall of smoke drifting over the city after one explosion. Another strike hit outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in the central town of Deir-Al-Balah, where many people were living in tents on the street, killing one person and wounding three.

The Israeli military said it is planning an operation against Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the humanitarian zone and used it to launch rockets toward Israel.

Israel first declared the zone early in the war, centered on Muwasi, a largely rural area of dunes on the Mediterranean coast. At the time, in November, the military said it would only strike there with precision hits on individual Hamas leaders, saying it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza. It expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had crowded.

Earlier this month, Israel estimated at least 1.8 million Palestinians were in the expanded zone  the bulk of Gazas pre-war population of 2.3 million people.

Despite its name, the area has few humanitarian provisions. The tent camps that fill the beaches, empty lots and streets lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, U.N. and humanitarian groups say. Families live amid mountains of trash and streams contaminated by sewage.

Gazas Health Ministry said the toll from Israels nine-month war against Hamas in Gaza has surpassed 39,000 Palestinians killed and 89,800 wounded. The ministrys count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 120 remain held, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

Delicate negotiations continued for a cease-fire and hostage release, with U.S. and Israeli officials expressing hope that an agreement was closer than ever. A negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are pushing Israel and Hamas toward a phased cease-fire deal that would stop the fighting and free the hostages.

Netanyahu left Monday on a much-anticipated trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden, who on Sunday said he would not seek another term, and address Congress. Netanyahu said that regardless of who becomes the next U.S. president, our enemies must know that Israel and the United States stand together tomorrow and always. He said he will thank Biden for more than 40 years of friendship, while pushing him for more support on certain issues.

The Israeli military said it was continuing to operate in central and southern Gaza. At least 38 people were killed in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to hospital officials and a count of the bodies by an Associated Press journalist. One person was killed and three injured in a strike outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in the central town of Deir-Al-Balah, where many people have sheltered outside the facility

The Israeli military announced the deaths of two additional Israeli hostages, saying they believe Yagev Buchshtab, 35, and Alex Dancyg, 76, kidnapped on Oct. 7, were no longer alive, based on intelligence. Both were seen alive in Gaza by other hostages who had been released. Dancyg, a Holocaust educator, gave history lectures to hostages to pass the time, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.

Netanyahu has vowed to wipe out Hamas military and governing capabilities and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Families of hostages and thousands of other Israelis have held weekly demonstrations to urge the prime minister to reach a cease-fire deal that would bring their loved ones home.

Also Monday, Israeli police said a Canadian citizen was killed after threatening Israeli security forces with a knife near the Gaza border. The Israeli military said the man drove to the entrance of an Israeli town close to the border, left his vehicle and approached security forces with a knife. The forces opened fire and killed the man. There were no other injuries.

The attack took place at the entrance to the Israeli town of Netiv HaAsara, 300 meters (yards) north of the border. On Oct. 7, Netiv HaAsara was attacked and 20 residents were killed after gunmen passed over the concrete border wall using paragliders, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel has experienced a wave of stabbing attacks across the country during the war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the United Nations accused Israel of targeting a U.N. humanitarian convoy in central Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, the main U.N. group supporting Palestinians in Gaza, said that on Sunday Israel shot at the convoy near an Israeli military checkpoint and five bullets pierced the clearly marked armored U.N. vehicle.

Lazzarini said the convoys movement had been coordinated with Israeli forces. No one was injured, but Lazzarini condemned the military for targeting humanitarian workers. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

___

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ari Rabinovitch and Hatem Khaled

CAIRO/JERUSALEM/GAZA (Reuters) -Israel sent tanks back into the greater Khan Younis area after ordering evacuations of some districts it said had been used for renewed attacks by militants and at least 70 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, Gaza medics said on Monday.

The Palestinians were killed by tank salvoes in the town of Bani Suhaila and other towns fringing the eastern side of Khan Younis, with the area also bombarded from the air, they said.

Residents of the densely built-up area of southern Gaza said the tanks advanced for more than two kilometres (1.2 miles) into Bani Suhaila, forcing residents to flee under fire.

"It is like doomsday," one resident, who only identified himself as Abu Khaled, told Reuters via chat app. "People are fleeing under fire, many are dead and wounded on the roads."

The Gaza health ministry said the dead included several women and children and that at least 200 other people had been wounded. The Gaza ministry does not distinguish between militants and civilians in its death tallies.

The Israeli military said in a statement evacuation orders to the population in eastern Khan Younis resulted from intelligence information indicating militants were firing rockets from those areas and Hamas was attempting to regroup.

"Since this morning, the IAF and IDF artillery forces have struck more than 30 terror infrastructure sites in Khan Younis, including in the area from which a projectile was launched toward Nirim in southern Israel earlier today," the military said.

Around 400,000 people were living in the targeted areas and dozens of families had begun to leave their houses, Palestinian officials said, adding they were not given time to get out of harm's way before the Israeli strikes began.

Some families fled on donkey carts, others on foot, carrying mattresses and other belongings.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said two of its clinics located in eastern Khan Younis had been knocked out of operation because of the new offensive.

At Khan Younis' Nasser Hospital, some people stood outside the morgue to bid farewell to dead relatives.

"We are tired, we are tired in Gaza, every day our children are martyred, every day, every moment," said Ahmed Sammour, who lost several relatives in bombings of eastern Khan Younis.

"No one told us to evacuate. They brought four floors crashing down on civilians," Sammour added.

In nearby Deir Al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are sheltering, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent used by local journalists inside Al-Aqsa Hospital, killing one of them and wounding two other people, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said.

The new death raised the number of Palestinian journalists killed in the Israeli offensive to 163, it added.

EVACUATION ORDERS

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli military said it had issued new evacuation orders due to renewed Palestinian militant attacks, including rockets launched from the targeted areas in eastern Khan Younis. The orders did not include health institutions, Palestinians said.

The military said it was adjusting the boundaries of a designated humanitarian zone in coastal Al-Mawasi - to the west of Khan Younis - to keep the civilian population away from areas of combat with Hamas-led Palestinian militants.

The Gaza Civil Emergency Services said Israel's new orders showed it had downsized the humanitarian-designated areas in southern and central areas, where 1.7 million people were sheltering, to 48 sq km (18.5 sq miles) from 65 sq km (25 sq miles) in the past.

The Palestinians, the United Nations and international relief agencies have said there is no safe place left in Gaza.

Health officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis urged residents on Monday to donate blood because of the large number of casualties being rushed to the medical centre.

"A family, including children, were all torn to pieces while they were sleeping," said one man who arrived at the hospital in an ambulance bearing the bodies.

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in a cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, according to Israeli tallies.

The death toll among Palestinians in Israel's retaliatory offensive since then had reached at least 39,006 as of Monday, Gaza health authorities said.

A ceasefire effort led by Qatar and Egypt and backed by the U.S. has so far fallen short because of disagreements over terms between the combatants, who blame each other for the impasse.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem and Hatem Khaled in Gaza; editing by Christian Schmollinger, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones, Mark Heinrich and Alex Richardson)
WINDHOEK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has welcomed the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

In a decision delivered on July 19, the ICJ confirmed that Israel's occupation and related policies are illegal and discriminatory, and violated the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

In a statement released on Monday, Peya Mushelenga, Namibian minister of international relations and cooperation, said the court's findings are in line with Namibia's arguments.

The ICJ found that Israel's settlements and annexation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law, constitute apartheid and racial segregation, and undermine the Palestinian right to self-determination.

He said Namibia's involvement in this case is influenced by its own history of racial discrimination and apartheid.

Mushelenga expressed his desire to see the international community resorting to the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council to follow through with this seminal advisory opinion and ensure compliance in a manner that shows full regard for international law and international judicial organs.

"We commend the ICJ for its thorough examination of the facts and the law, and urge the international community to support the rights of the Palestinian people and work toward peace in the region," he said. 
By James Mackenzie

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel will be the United States' strongest ally in the Middle East regardless of who is elected president in November, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday before flying to Washington, where he was due to address the U.S. Congress.

The visit, Netanyahu's first to his most important international ally since returning for a record sixth term as prime minister at the end of 2022, has been overshadowed by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection.

Netanyahu said he would thank Biden for all he has done for Israel throughout his career and discuss with him issues such as securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, defeating the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, and confronting Iran and its proxies in the region.

A meeting with Biden is tentatively planned for Tuesday if the 81-year old president has recovered from Covid-19. Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday.

"I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East," he told reporters before taking off.

"In this time of war and uncertainty it's important that Israel's enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow and always," Netanyahu said, adding he wanted to "anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel".

After months of frosty relations with Washington over how Israel has conducted its offensive launched in Gaza after the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, the visit offers Netanyahu a platform to try to reset relations with Washington.

His speech to Congress is expected to focus on coordinating the Israeli and U.S. response to the volatile situation in the Middle East, where there is a growing danger of the Gaza war spilling over into a wider regional conflict.

The speech is likely to be less confrontational than an address Netanyahu gave to Congress in 2015, when he criticised Barack Obama's drive as president for a nuclear deal with Iran.

PRESSURE

U.S. pressure on Israel for a resumption of talks on reaching a political agreement with the Palestinians, and a U.S. threat to withhold arms, have underlined perceptions in Israel that ties with Washington have weakened under Netanyahu. He has also faced protests in Israel demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

"Part of the goal is to try to show that with all that's been said, with all the protests, Netanyahu is still the leader, still has support, he still has strong relations with America," said Yonatan Freeman, an international relations specialist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The invitation for Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress - a rare honour generally reserved for the closest U.S. allies - was orchestrated by the House of Representatives' Republican leadership, which has accused Biden of not showing sufficient support for Israel.

There was no immediate sign that Netanyahu will see Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The two forged a close relationship during Trump's presidency but Trump has since criticised Netanyahu and said the Gaza war must end quickly.

Although his welcome in Congress should be generally warm, protests roiling U.S. campuses suggest Netanyahu's reception outside official Washington may be hostile.

Activists opposing Israel's offensive in Gaza and Washington's support for Israel plan protests at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Police expect a "large number of demonstrators" and are making additional security arrangements but said there were no known threats.

Israel has been isolated internationally over its campaign in Gaza, which Gaza health authorities say has killed almost 39,000 Palestinians, the expansion of settlement-building in the occupied West Bank and Jewish settlers' attacks on Palestinians.

An opinion issued on Friday by the International Court of Justice that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal was criticised by Washington. But it followed similar developments including a decision by the International Criminal Court's prosecutor to seek an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

In Israel, Netanyahu faces growing calls for a deal that would halt the fighting in Gaza and allow the return of 120 hostages - alive or dead - still held in the enclave run by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Netanyahu has resisted pressure for an inquiry into the security failures before the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and over 250 abducted into Gaza.

Opinion polls show most Israelis hold him responsible and would vote him out if elections were held.

Netanyahu will be accompanied by Noa Argamani, a hostage rescued by Israeli commandos last month. Her presence has been criticised by other hostage families who say Netanyahu has not been doing enough to secure the release of their loved ones.

(Additional reporting by Emily Rose, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Gareth Jones)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived Monday for a scheduled visit to Washington, one day after President Biden announced he would not be running for a second term and amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ahead of his departure, Netanyahu said Israel would remain a key ally of the U.S. in the Middle East no matter who becomes the next president.

"In this time of war and uncertainty, it's important that Israel's enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always," Netanyahu said in a statement.

The Israeli leader is due to address both houses of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, as well as speaking privately with Mr. Biden in a meeting tentatively scheduled for mid- to late week, depending on the president's recovery from a COVID-19 infection that was announced by the White House on Wednesday. He's also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris during his visit.

"This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as Senator, as Vice President, and as President," Netanyahu said of Mr. Biden. "It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south."

Netanyahu met soon after arriving in Washington with family members of some of the roughly 80 hostages still believed to be alive and captive in Gaza.

"We are determined to bring them all back," the Israeli leader said. "The conditions to bring them back are undoubtedly ripening, for the simple reason that we are putting very, very strong pressure on Hamas and we are seeing a certain change, and I think this change will grow and we intend to do it, this is a war goal."

Netanyahu's visit comes after months of growing tension with Washington over how Israel has conducted its offensive in Gaza in the wake of Hamas' unprecedented Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

His invitation to address a joint meeting of Congress was organized by the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives, who accuse Mr. Biden of not showing enough support for Israel amid its war with Hamas. About 1,200 people were killed in Israel during Hamas' attack, and some 240 others were taken hostage.

But Israel's response, a full-scale military operation in the densely-packed Gaza strip, has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory. Protests in support of the Palestinian people, and against the Israeli leader's policies, are expected in Washington on the day of Netanyahu's address to Congress.

His visit comes on the heels of an opinion issued Friday by the International Court of Justice in The Hague that found Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories to be illegal. It also comes as the Israeli military, having ordered Palestinians in Gaza to evacuate from parts of an area that had been designated a humanitarian zone, mounts new military operations in the south of Gaza.

The Israeli military said intense bombardment around the city of Khan Younis was based on "precise intelligence indicating that Hamas has embedded terrorist infrastructure in the area defined as the Humanitarian Area."

An injured Palestinian child is seen at the Nasser Hospital following an Israeli military operation in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, July 22, 2024. / Credit: Doaa Albaz/Anadolu/Getty

The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health says more than 80 people have been killed in the operations around Khan Younis between Monday and Wednesday, including women and children, and scores more wounded.

Netanyahu has faced growing pressure to make a deal to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a halt in the fighting, from Washington and from regular protests in Israel. The lack of a clearly stated plan for the administration of Gaza after the war, in particular, has drawn a rising chorus of criticism from both current and former Israeli national security officials.

"Part of the goal [of the trip] is to try to show that with all that's been said, with all the protests, Netanyahu is still the leader, still has support, he still has strong relations with America," Yonatan Freeman, an international relations specialist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told the Reuters news agency.

Opponents have accused him of prolonging the war for personal political gain as he fights domestic corruption charges. Netanyahu has always dismissed the allegations against him as politically motivated.

On Tuesday, 15 former Israeli military, police, intelligence, business and public sector officials penned a joint letter to U.S. congressional leaders on Tuesday warning that Netanyahu's Washington "visit prioritizes his personal political survivability over our shared interests."

"Netanyahu has lost the support of the Israeli people and is trying to shore up his domestic coalition through a show of force in the United States," the letter, a copy of which was shared with CBS News, states. "Congress will be hosting a leader without a mandate and one who is facing prosecution for major crimes."

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(Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested an in-person meeting with former President Donald Trump while in the U.S. this week, Politico reported on Monday citing people familiar with the outreach.

Netanyahu and Trump's teams have met in recent days to explore the idea of a meeting but Trump has yet to agree, the report added.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Chris Reese)
J.D. Vance eclipses DeSantis, but he might want to watch his back

The Florida delegation to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

J.D. Vance eclipses DeSantis, but he might want to watch his back

As for the future, maybe Ronbo can land an afternoon slot on Fox

Ron DeSantis must be madder than a wet hen, sick as a parrot, fit to be tied.

His political future just got knee-capped by Donald My Ear Took a Bullet for America Trump when the convicted felon and Putin fan girl chose J.D. Vance as his running mate.

Its not that Ronbo wanted the VP slot: He doesnt do second-in-command. But he had visions of a 2028 run for the White House dancing inside his head.

If only Diaper Don had picked a sad also-ran like the once kinda sorta moderate-turned-toady Marco Rubio, the epically boring governor of North Dakota (whats that dudes name again?), or the embarrassment that is Tim Scott, Ronbo figured that, with his charisma and charm, he could whip any of those guys next time.

But Trump went and screwed him, elevating a brat senator whos younger and smarter and arguably more extreme.

Ronbos consolation prize was a last-minute speaking slot at the convention with Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, Trumps other discarded concubines.

As for the future, maybe Ronbo can land an afternoon slot on Fox.

If Trump wins and somehow doesnt declare himself president-for-life, Vance will be the nominee in 2028. Ditto if Trump loses and the country survives the violence.

Vance could end up as president before then, possibly without lifting a finger  except maybe to pass Trump the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburgers that finally tip him over into massive stroke territory.

Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and their autocracy-loving billionaire buds will see to that: Those two, along with Don Jr. (whose own cousin calls him stupid), pushed hard for Vance to be on the ticket.

Risibly ignorant

Vance is their kind of guy: not merely a jerk of the first order, but a democracy skeptic.

Ukraine? He says he cant figure out why people think Putin is a threat and really doesnt care.

Damn, yall: Ukraine is white and mostly Christian: Wonder how he feels about, say, South Korea or Kenya?

Assuming he has any knowledge of those countries. Hes already proved himself risibly ignorant when he referred to Britain as the first Islamist country with nuclear weapons.

You may know Vance from his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy in which he congratulates himself for surviving Appalachian deprivation and his mothers drug addiction to become a venture capital bro.

He trashes the poor people he grew up with, dismissing them as a bunch of lazy losers who failed, unlike him, to get into Yale Law School.

You may also know Vance from the insults he once heaped on the short-fingered vulgarian: reprehensible, an idiot, a total fraud, a moral disaster, cultural heroin, and one of USAs most hated, villainous, douchey celebs.

Sounds about right, doesnt it? But in 2021, Vance was running for U.S. Senate and needed Trumps endorsement, so he slunk down to Mar-a-Largo, prostrated himself on the floor between the boxes of classified documents, and begged forgiveness from the man he once referred to as Americas Hitler.

Thats just the kind of moral fiber we want to see in the vice president of the United States.

Class war

But Vance is not only a wholly owned Trumper, hes in thrall to Project 2025, embracing the racism, the cruelty, the science-denial, the arrogance, the authoritarianism, and especially the misogyny.

My God, the misogyny: Vance is anti-choice (of course) and wants to ban abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest, calling a pregnancy resulting from a crime inconvenient while piously declaring two wrongs dont make a right.

He blames the sexual revolution for liberating all these dang women from their God-ordained roles as incubators. Hes against no-fault divorce, once suggesting women stay in violent marriages for the sake of the family.

He disapproves of working women and has said universal day care is class war against normal people.

His wife, Usha Vance, a high-powered corporate litigator, has just quit her job, but you wonder who looked after their three kids while she was out making big money.

No doubt Vance would argue that his family is different. Special, even though Usha Vance, daughter of Indian immigrants, may be in for a rough campaign ride.

White supremacists are throwing little tantrums because Trumps running mate is married to Hindu. On his podcast, Baby Nazi Nick Fuentes huffed, Do we really expect that the guy who has an Indian wife and named their kid Vivek is going to support white identity?

But a little hatred directed at his wife and kids wont stop the ambitious Vance. He knows how to weaponize spite and stupidity.

Make America Hungary

For example, did you know the Democrats who run the country are childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too?

This will come as a shock to the Bidens, Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff, Sen. and Ms. Charles Schumer, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigeig and husband Chasten, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his wife Evan Ryan, Attorney General Merrick Garland and his wife Lynn, who all together have 12 children and many, many dogs.

I didnt trawl through the entire cabinet, but even a cursory glance reveals a distinct lack of childlessness and a sad scarcity of cats: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has one kid and four pups, for Gods sake.

But why let reality get in the way of childish insults?

J.D. Vance certainly wont. Hes on a mission to make America not so much great again (again) but to make America Hungary.

Hes a Viktor Orban wannabe, and if he gets anywhere nearer the Oval Office than the VIP tour, we will soon find ourselves living in a cross between Budapest and Gilead, a land of so-called Christian conservative governance where LGBTQ people have few rights, women have no rights over their own bodies, and none of us are free to read and think what we like.

Orban and Vance are agreed: Education and the arts should be instruments of state propaganda.

Of course, our own Ronbo concurs, as he demonstrated when he vetoed funding for museums, music, and theater with sex stuff (present only in his impoverished imagination) and destroyed the once-distinguished New College of Florida.

If he doesnt get a Fox gig, maybe Ronbo will become Minister of Information in a Vance regime.

On the other hand, ole J.D. might want to slow down and consider whether being Trumps vice-president is really worth the butt-kissing, boot-licking, and general humiliation.

He might consider the danger.

He might want to remember what happened with Trumps last VP.

On Jan. 6, MAGA insurrections erected a gallows at the Capitol, determined to hang Mike Pence.

Trump had no intention of stopping them. In fact, he thought it was a fine idea.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman speaks to an attended at a Louisville event for a childcare center. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

LOUISVILLE  Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman told reporters Monday that her job is to be ready to lead Kentucky should Gov. Andy Beshear ascend to a higher office.

Beshear is being floated as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now seeking the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his candidacy. Speaking in Louisville after a childcare center ground breaking, Coleman likened the possibility of her becoming governor to Harris moving up the ticket.

This happens all over the country all the time as governors are appointed or move on to different offices and the reason that they pick a lieutenant governor is to have that succession plan in place and they pick someone they believe is ready, Coleman said. And I wouldnt have accepted if I didnt think I was ready. And I dont think the governor would have asked me if he didnt think I was ready.

Beshear deflected questions about joining Harris as a vice presidential pick on MSNBC earlier Monday morning but gave his full endorsement to Harris for president. Coleman said she is joining Beshear in supporting the vice president.

Im really actually very excited to see a woman at the top and thats something we need more of, Coleman said. And Im really grateful that we have the opportunity to elevate that a little bit with her.

The lieutenant governor said she spoke with the governor Sunday night and he didnt mention the possibility of being Harris running mate. Coleman also said she was unaware of communication between Harris office and the governors.

Coleman also expressed gratitude for Bidens leadership. She said she saw that he was a good man up close during the aftermath of floods and tornadoes in Kentucky.

So often we forget that these elected officials and these candidates are people and theyre humans, and hes a good man and I got to see that firsthand, she said of Biden. And Im grateful for his leadership.

In office, Coleman has repeatedly expressed support for public education issues; she is a former teacher and administrator. Her father is Jack Coleman Jr., a former state representative who represented Kentuckys 55th House District.

Michon Lindstrom, a spokesperson for the secretary of states office, previously told the Kentucky Lantern that if a governor were to leave office, the lieutenant governor would become acting governor for the remainder of the term, according to the offices interpretation. As acting governor, the lieutenant governor could not appoint a new lieutenant governor.

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As Former President Donald Trump runs for the White House again, hes made rewriting the history of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack one of the touchstones of his campaign.

He calls January 6 rioters convicted of crimes at the Capitol and serving federal prison time, hostages. Hes also dangled the possibility of sweeping pardons for Capitol rioters.

Over the course of a months-long investigation, ABC News has found Trumps rhetoric is being welcomed by current and former Jan. 6 defendants and their families. Some are seeking to echo his message on far-right media and even the campaign trail, trying to paint January 6 not as a violent attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 election, but as a peaceful demonstration. Others are in prison, following the 2024 election closely and waiting for a pardon.

PHOTO: Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jose Luis Magana/AP, FILE)

I do feel like a hostage. I can't believe that this is happening," Rachel Powell said. "I mean, any other protester that have done some terrible horrible things, and they've got a slap on the wrist or they've gotten fines."

Powell called ABC News from federal prison, where she is currently serving a more than four year sentence for her actions on January 6.

MORE: Supreme Court limits scope of obstruction charge against Capitol rioters, Trump

ABC News pressed Powell  whose seen on video from Jan. 6 trying to smash through a window of the Capitol with an ice axe  on her thoughts about the more than 140 police officers the Department of Justice says were injured that day.

Well, none of us in here hurt police officers or went there with that intention, she said.

Powell mailed ABC News a photo that appears to have been taken inside of her federal prison, showing her and three other women she says are fellow Jan. 6 inmates. The words Trump 2024 are written in marker at the top.

I truly believe my husband is at this point, he is a hostage," Nicole Reffitt told ABC News.

Reffitt's husband was sentenced to seven years in prison for his actions on January 6. Prosecutors say he brought a handgun, body armor and plastic handcuffs to the Capitol that day.

Nicole said her husbands only regret is what happened to his family after he was charged. Still, she says he had every right to be there that day.

Reffitt is part of a community of protestors who gather every night on a sidewalk outside the Washington, D.C., city jail, which still houses some January 6 defendants.

They advocate for the release of the accused rioters, flying American flags, reciting a roll call of those found guilty, and  every night around sunset  singing a rendition of the national anthem. Accused Capitol rioters incarcerated in that same jail, just feet away, call in live on the phone and sing along in protest.

Trump has played a recording of that jailhouse rendition of the anthem to start some of his campaign events, including his first rally of his 2024 campaign in Waco, Texas.

MORE: 3 years later, Jan. 6 by the numbers: More than 1,200 charged, more than 460 imprisoned for role in Capitol attack

The vigil, ABC News found, is just one example of a vast network of people seeking to paint January 6 defendants as wrongfully convicted. The movement has shifted from the fringes of the Republican Party in the immediate wake of the Capitol attack, to the mainstream with Trump and other Republican notables echoing the messaging.

For example, ABC News found at least seven convicted Capitol rioters ran for Congress in 2024. Roughly half have already lost their primaries or dropped out.

One of them is Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia House of Delegates member, who served three months in federal prison for his involvement in Jan. 6 and says he doesn't feel shame for his actions.

Evans was convicted of trespassing at the Capitol and attempting to obstruct the certification of the 2020 election, a charge the Supreme Court has recently found was applied in an overly broad manner to January 6th cases. Many alleged rioters convicted of that charge are now seeking to have their sentences reduced.

In Evans case, prosecutors use a live-stream video filmed by the then-lawmaker as evidence. Evans later issued an apology for his actions on Jan. 6 and resigned from the state legislature.

VIDEO: The effort to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol (ABCNews.com)

"Do I regret what my family was forced to go through because of my actions? Absolutely," Evans said. "Do I regret that I was a part of something that allowed the media to paint this false narrative, to paint something, to twist this narrative that it wasn't? Absolutely. Do I have shame in terms of what I specifically did? No."

After his release from prison, Evans started to publicly cast doubt on the history of Jan. 6. He wrote a book titled Political Prisoner and started running for Congress, portraying himself as a political martyr and repeatedly insisting that the Jan. 6 he saw was largely peaceful.

ABC News showed Evans multiple videos he recorded on Jan. 6. In one video, rioters are seen pushing through police barricades on the Capitols east front and shoving against police riot shields. But like Powell, Evans tried downplaying the images.

"Show me where someone puts their hands on a police officer," Evans said.

When pressed, Evans did acknowledge rioters assaulted police officers on the Capitols west side, which saw some of the most violent moments that day.

"The police officers are the ones that really started the whole violence over there, Evans quickly added, repeating a claim that Trump has promoted and several Jan. 6 defendants have tried, unsuccessfully, to use as a defense in court.

According to the Department of Justice, over 140 police officers were injured that day. Evans was defeated in the Republican primary race by incumbent Rep. Carol Miller this spring.

While Powell, Evans and Refitt aren't backing down from their stances on the Capitol attack, Pam Hemphill, an 69-year old cancer survivor and onetime MAGA social media notable, told ABC News she has deep regrets about her actions that day.

After her story caught the attention of far-right social media personalities, Hemphill was featured on a post shared by Trump, which claimed that she was being unfairly treated for her actions on January 6th, for which she was sentenced to two months in prison. She received an outpouring of support and still has the letters Trump supporters wrote to her behind bars.

But Hemphill considers any assertion that she was a political prisoner an insult.

"They said, 'well, we gotta fight the government and prove to them they're wrong.' But I was wrong, I was guilty," Hemphill said. "That's what gaslighting is. It makes you feel like you're nuts. 'Oh Pam we had the right to be in there that day, it's our House.' That's all delusional."

Hemphill told ABC News that she will never vote for Trump again. But shes an outlier. Every other of the more than a dozen January defendants or family members contacted by ABC News for this story said they still support Trump.

According to the Department of Justice, more than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with Jan. 6. More than 500 are charged with violent crimes. And between the thousands of people tied to that day, some have established deep bonds and a sense of community, fueled by a deeply rooted belief that they are being persecuted.

And its that feeling Donald Trump has tapped into as he runs for the White House again.

Jan. 6 rioters, supporters work to rewrite history of the attack on the Capitol originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In 2016, JD Vance compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and now he is the former presidents running mate. Behind the scenes of the Ohio Senators transformation from a Never Trump guy to the Republican nominee's second-in-command is Peter Thiel, a billionaire venture capitalist and co-founder of Paypal.

From giving Vance a job in Silicon Valley to funding his Ohio Senate campaign  and introducing him to a network of tech billionaires who could give him more money  Thiel helped propel Vance into the MAGA-verse and onto the ballot, simultaneously bringing the agenda of the New Right into mainstream politics. The New Right is a post-Trump movement of young and elite conservatives that essentially believe federal institutions and current democratic systems have failed the United States and must be dismantled.

Vance was first exposed to Thiel in 2011 while attending Yale Law School. Thiel was giving a talk on campus in which he criticized the hyper-competitive nature of professions like law, arguing that it was connected to stifled technological innovation. In Silicon Valley, Thiel said, too much time was spent on developing mobile phones and software and not enough on developing new energy and transportation systems.

If technological innovation drove prosperity for all, Vance would later write, summarizing Thiel's talk, elite professionals wouldn't feel so competitive "over a dwindling number of prestigious outcomes."

Peters talk remains the most significant moment of my time at Yale Law School, Vance later wrote in a blog post. Vance wrote that Thiels speech made him realize he was obsessed with achievement and winning the social competition." He began plotting a career outside of law.

Inspired, Vance emailed Thiel. Stop by my house next time youre out here, the investor responded, according to The New York Times.

The connection was made.

After Yale, Vance worked just two years in law before heading to Silicon Valley, where he was hired by Frederic Moll, a friend of Thiels, to work at Circuit Therapeutics, The Times reported. In 2016, the same year Vance released his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy (Thiel wrote a blurb for it), Vance began working at Mithril Capital, a firm co-founded by Thiel. The company is named after a fictional metal from J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

Throughout Vances stint in Silicon Valley, Thiel exposed him to a network of tech tycoons, including David Sacks, who went on to financially support Vances political endeavors and lobby for him to become an Ohio Senator and now Trumps running mate. Sacks recently spoke at the Republican National Convention, where he criticized Democrats in San Francisco and Biden's support for Ukraine.

In 2019, Vance also converted to Catholicism, a move that aligned him with the young, religious crowd of the New Right. In 2020, Vance wrote that Thiel was an original inspiration for his path to Christianity despite previously calling himself an atheist.

He defied the social template I had constructed  that dumb people were Christians and smart ones atheists, Vance wrote.

Armed with a new faith and a wealth of connections in one of Americas most influential industries, Vance returned to Ohio to start his own venture, Narya Capital (also a "Lord of the Rings" reference) funded by Thiel and former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt.

It was during this time Vance began to publicly transform from a Trump critic to one of his closest allies.

Back in 2016, Vance made his contempt for the future president well known. Prior to Trumps election, Vance contemplated whether Trump was Americas Hitler in a text to a former roommate and said he couldnt stomach Trump in an interview on NPR. In 2017, Vance called Trump a moral disaster.

Just a few years later, however, Vance publicly embraced Trump, developing a relationship with Trumps eldest son Donald Trump Jr. and echoing many of the former presidents absurdities, including that the 2020 election was stolen.

In July 2021, Vance announced he would run for Ohio Senate, backed by none other than Thiel, who donated over $1.5 million to pro-Trump outfits in 2016. According to reporting from The New York Times, the billionaire orchestrated talks between Trump and Vance and even escorted him to meet with the former president at his Mar-a-Lago residence in 2021.

Just over a month before the 2022 Ohio Republican Primary, Trump announced his endorsement for Vance. Thiel donated a total of $15 million to Vances 2022 campaign, the largest amount ever given to a Senate candidate, according to Politico.

What changed my mind about Donald Trump more than anything is that I saw the corruption in our institutions, Vance said at a campaign speech in Ohio in 2022, Spectrum News reported. "A lot of what this campaign is about  and a lot of my own thinking about politics is about  is that our institutions are corrupt. We have to replace the people who run them. Some of those institutions we have to destroy. But we need better people in our government."

This rhetoric is in part what led to Vance being dubbed the face of the New Right," a movement that emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty, as opposed to international cooperation, pairing opposition to abortion and immigration with skepticism of democratic institutions. Though the New Right lacks a clear leader, the movement's ideology has been partly influenced by Patrick Deneen, the author of "Why Liberalism Failed," and right-wing blogger Curtis Yarvin, who has argued that the current system of government should be replaced by one leader who could seize absolute power and "dismantle the whole regime."

Thiel has been key in bringing the movement to the mainstream. In a 2022 Vanity Fair article, reporter James Pogue wrote that Thiel has become somewhat of a nefarious godfather or a genial rich uncle to the young crowd of Republicans.

Along with supporting Vance, he also supported Blake Masters Senate run in Arizona, donating $10 million to the former venture capitalists campaign. Masters also worked for Thiel in Silicon Valley.

Thiel has funded and spoken at the National Conservatism Conference, also known as NatCon, an annual gathering for the New Right. It was designed to bring together people who understand the past and future of conservatism are inextricably tied to the idea of the nation.

We see the rich tradition of national conservative thought as an intellectually serious alternative to the excesses of purist libertarianism, and in stark opposition to political theories grounded in race, the website reads.

These kinds of ideas have long-marked Thiel, who wrote in 2009 that he doesnt believe freedom and democracy are compatible.

I dont think its just about flipping the Senate. I think Peter wants to change the direction of the country, Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist told The New York Times of Thiel.

With Vance on the ballot, he may have a way to do so.
In 1st solo rallies, Vance lashes out at Democrats for Biden stepping down, getting behind Harris

Speaking at his first solo rally in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, former President Donald Trump's running mate Sen. JD Vance attacked the Democratic Party over President Joe Biden stepping down as the party's nominee and getting behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

"If you want to run for president, you've got to make your case to voters. You make your case to voters," Vance said.

"[Trump] faced some good competition, and he made his case to voters," Vance later said.

MORE: Election 2024 updates: Harris makes 1st public appearance at White House since Biden's announcement

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance speaks during a rally in his home town of Middletown, Ohio, July 22, 2024. (Paul Vernon/AP)

Vance's rally came one week after he was announced as former President Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 presidential election.

On Monday, Vance took center stage in his hometown, which has played a crucial role in his upbringing and was the catalyst for much of what has happened to him, including being the backdrop of his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," in which he shared his story of growing up in poverty in America's Rust Belt and being surrounded by violence and addiction.

The Ohio senator made his first official appearance at a campaign rally on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside Trump. During that appearance, Vance wasted no time attacking Harris, who only one day later would receive an endorsement from Biden and other Democrats to top the Democratic ticket.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump and Republican vice-presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance arrive at a campaign rally, July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Mich. (Evan Vucci/AP)

During the rally, Vance claimed, "elite Democrats got in a smoke-filled room and decided to throw Joe Biden overboard." Biden left the race amid mounting calls from fellow Democrats to do so since his poor debate performance last month.

"This is not OK, ladies and gentlemen. You cannot, for three-and-a-half years, take a guy who clearly didn't have the mental capacity to do the job," Vance said.

Vance then turned to Harris and Senate Democrats, repeating a claim Trump has made that she was complicit in hiding Biden's mental fitness.

PHOTO: Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance takes the stage with his wife Usha Vance during a rally at Middletown High School in his home town of Middletown, Ohio, July 22, 2024. (Paul Vernon/AP)

MORE: Trump's social media suggests a campaign scrambling from Biden leaving 2024 race

"Kamala Harris lied about it. My Senate Democratic colleagues lied about it. The media lied about it," Vance said, adding it was an "insult to voters."

During his remarks, he said the Trump-Vance ticket would fight for different groups of people including workers, parents and grandmothers.

"What President Trump and I want to do -- we want to a drill, baby drill," Vance said. "We're gonna shut down that border, we're gonna put American citizens first, because that's what American citizens are gonna elect us to do. It's common sense."

Vance held his second campaign rally of the day in Radford, Virginia, where he continued his efforts to court voters while also taking aim at Biden, and Harris' new campaign.

"Now history will remember Joe Biden as not just a quitter, which he is, but one of the worst presidents of the United States of America," Vance said.

"But my friends, Kamala Harris is a million times worse and everybody knows it," Vance continued.

Escalating his attacks on Harris, Vance also claimed that the vice president was selected by "billionaires and Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi" instead of Democratic voters -- while Trump won multiple cycles of Republican primaries -- calling the Democratic Party's actions a "threat to American democracy."

Multiple times throughout the remarks, Vance also shared his personal moments with Trump, including when Trump called him to offer him the vice presidential candidate position -- saying that he had initially missed the call.

When they eventually got on the call, Vance said Trump quipped, "JD, you just missed a very important phone call. Maybe I should offer it to somebody else."

Vance went on to bring up the assassination attempt made against Trump during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.

"That's the President Trump I know -- the guy who stood in defiance of an assassin's bullet and then just a few moments later called for national calm and unity. And they say that he's mean-spirited. That's not the Donald Trump I know," Vance said.

In 1st solo rallies, Vance lashes out at Democrats for Biden stepping down, getting behind Harris originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jeffries and Schumer set to endorse Harris soon as Pelosi throws her support behind the vice president

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top two Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, will soon endorse Kamala Harris in her presidential bid, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision.

Jeffries told reporters Monday that he is looking forward to sitting down with Harris and Schumer but stopped short of endorsing her.

Let me say that Vice President Kamala Harris has excited the community, shes excited the House Democratic Caucus, and shes exciting the country, and so Im looking forward to sit down with her in person in short order with Leader Schumer, said Jeffries, adding, Well have more to say about the path forward after the meeting.

After Jeffries spoke to reporters, he and Schumer released a joint statement praising Harris work to earn the nomination so far, but stopped short of endorsing her ahead of their meeting.

Vice President Kamala Harris is off to a great start with her promise to pursue the presidential nomination in a manner consistent with the grassroots and transparent process set forth by the Democratic National Committee, the two Democratic leaders said. She is rapidly picking up support from grassroots delegates from one end of the country to the other.

Schumer and Jeffries added, We look forward to meeting in person with Vice President Harris shortly as we collectively work to unify the Democratic Party and the country.

In addition to the current leaders, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential Democratic lawmakers in Washington, endorsed Harris campaign in a statement Monday.

Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Pelosi said. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political.

Harris candidacy has received a steady stream of endorsements that started Sunday afternoon after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed her. Harris has the support of more than 30 Democratic senators and more than 80 House members  a number that has been consistently increasing Monday.

She also has the support of the political arms of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Eric Bradner contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Joe Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris. How do the Democrats choose a 2024 nominee now?

President Joe Bidens decision to forgo the 2024 presidential nomination and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris unleashes unprecedented questions about how Democrats will choose their nominee.

Bidens move follows weeks of Democratic drum-beating for him to bow out after his poor June 27 presidential debate performance and less than three days after the Republicans completed their convention in Milwaukee. Former President Donald Trump has been generally leading Biden by modest but consistent amounts in polls, including in key swing states needed to assemble an Electoral College majority.

Bidens clear endorsement of Harris should carry significant weight with the delegates who will cast the formal votes for the nomination, either before or during the Democrats convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

Another sign of coalescing support would be widespread endorsements of Harris by elected Democrats, including lawmakers and governors. Already, former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have endorsed Harris. Former President Barack Obama praised Bidens move but did not immediately endorse Harris.

Here are questions and answers about how the next presidential and vice presidential nominees will be selected and what could become of Bidens campaign cash:

How will the Democratic presidential nominee be chosen now?

When voters cast ballots during the Democratic primary season, they were technically choosing delegates for a candidate. The delegates allocated will formally decide the successor as nominee during the Democratic convention.

There are about 4,000 regular Democratic delegates earned from primary results and more than 700 "superdelegates" consisting of party officers and elected officials. If the primary season ended with a relatively close contest, the superdelegates would not be able to vote on the conventions first ballot. But the Democratic National Committee has determined that Biden had enough delegates to win on the first ballot, meaning superdelegates may vote in that round.

By party rules, Bidens departure does not change that determination, said Josh Putnam, a political scientist specializing in delegate selection rules and founder of the political consulting company FHQ Strategies LLC.

"The convention delegates can change that, but superdelegates would be among the pool of voters making that decision," Putnam told PolitiFact.

If one candidate secures a majority, he or she would get the nomination.

The rules allow for delegates to vote their conscience, but because these delegates are almost entirely pledged to Biden, his endorsement of Harris should carry significant weight, experts said.

Bidens quick Harris endorsement might even be enough to keep alternative contenders from seeking the nomination.

How about the Democratic vice presidential nominee?

There will need to be a separate contest to select the vice presidential nominee. If Harris quickly becomes the nominee-in-waiting, Democrats would probably defer to her (and Biden) on the running mate selection, just as Trump had a free hand in choosing the Republican running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. If she doesnt consolidate support, the VP slot could become something she uses as a bargaining chip with delegates who prefer a different nominee.

Either way, the same delegate voting system holds for the vice presidential nomination as it does for the presidential nomination.

Because running mates cant hail from the same state, Gavin Newsom, Californias governor, would face an obstacle if he were to share the ticket with Harris, a fellow Californian; that poses a problem for securing the Electoral College votes of the nations largest blue state.

Is this late substitution a problem for the next nominees ballot access?

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, applauding during the White House Easter egg roll in April, might have a smooth handoff for the presidential nomination because of Biden's quick endorsement.

Assuming the nominations for president and vice president are formalized before or during the convention, there should be no problems, experts told PolitiFact.

The National Task Force on Election Crises, a bipartisan group of election law experts, academics and former officials, called state ballot access laws "no obstacle" for a nominee other than Biden in a statement.

"The ballot line belongs to the Democratic Party  it does not belong to Joe Biden," said New York University law professor Richard Pildes. "So as long as the party nominates its candidate by the end of the dates scheduled for the convention, there is no issue."

Deadlines for ballots vary by state but generally fall in late August or early September.

In Wisconsin, the Democratic Party has until Sept. 3 to certify its nominees names to state officials.

A Michigan secretary of state spokesperson told PolitiFact that the state Democratic Party has one business day after it convenes Aug. 24, the Saturday after the convention, to provide nominee information.

In North Carolina, there is no statutory deadline for names to go on the ballot, but state officials generally tell political parties to provide names by mid-August. County boards of elections are scheduled to begin mailing absentee ballots to voters who requested them Sept. 6.

In Arizona, the deadline for the political committees to file a presidential candidates name is Aug. 25.

Even before concerns arose about Bidens candidacy, the Democratic National Committee had been planning to formally nominate a candidate before the convention, given concern that an Ohio law could block a nomination formalized that late. The Ohio law was later changed. However, during a DNC rules committee meeting July 19, officials discussed other states that have deadlines that are close, falling during the week of the convention, including California, Montana, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington.

Its unclear now whether the Democrats will formalize the nomination before or during the convention.

What does the shift mean for Bidens campaign finance account?

Under Federal Election Commission rules, Harris would have an easier time inheriting the $84 million-plus currently held by the Biden-Harris campaign.

"Because Biden and Harris share a campaign committee, the vice president and her running mate can continue using the campaigns existing funds for the general election if she is on the Democratic ticket as either the presidential or vice-presidential nominee," Trevor Potter, founder and president of Campaign Legal Center, a group specializing in campaign finance issues, said in a statement.

If Harris is not on the new ticket, the money transfer gets more complicated, Potter said.

A committee such as the one for the Biden-Harris campaign can transfer only up to $2,000 from candidate to candidate per election. Beyond that, the Biden-Harris accounts can offer to refund donors or transfer funds to the national Democratic Party or state parties. FEC rules also permit the party committees to spend some money in coordination with the eventual presidential nominee.

Some $150 million is already in accounts that shouldnt be affected by a candidate switch.

Our sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How will Democrats choose a nominee to replace President Joe Biden?
MOSCOW, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Moscow will wait for concrete actions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday while commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal of possible talks with Russia.

Russian representatives should be present at a second peace conference on Ukraine, which is scheduled to be held in November, said Zelensky in recent.

"What exactly is behind these words? What specific plans are we discussing? What actions are being proposed in this regard?" Peskov asked, noting that it was too early to judge and necessary to wait for specific actions.

Meanwhile, the spokesman said that Washington would likely keep supporting Ukraine, and the financial burden increasingly be placed on its "European subordinates."

Western aid to Kiev would "not contribute to the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, but on the contrary will prolong it," said the spokesman, adding that it would not affect the outcome of Russia's special military operation in any way. 
Joe Bidens exit elevates Kamala Harris against Donald Trump and leaves his legacy to all of us | Opinion

President Joe Biden is out, Vice President Kamala Harris is his choice to be the new Democratic Party nominee, and former President Donald Trump is still Trump  divisive but ascendant a week after an assassination attempt  amid an ongoing seismic shift in this election.

The complicated reality is that Bidens campaign exit is the right thing for the nation even if some see it as a party coup that disenfranchises millions of voters. There are many Americans like me who watched last months disturbing debate and thought, This is the best we can do?

Biden was clearly not up to the task of campaigning while running the country. Republicans could see it. Democrats could see it. Independents could see it. Many people will now question whether hes able to be president, but dont expect him to resign. Still, that wont quell GOP calls for that.

In other words: Buckle up, America.

From The Opinion Team

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing news event, from our Opinion team:

 Bidens withdrawal solves one of Dems many problems. But it creates one, too

 With Biden out, Michelle Obama would be Donald Trumps worst self-inflicted nightmare

 Once again, Joe Biden is giving America its best chance to defeat Donald Trump

Last week, the nation wondered if the political rhetoric would ratchet down. As if.

Trumps harsh remarks at a Michigan rally Saturday showed it wouldnt. Bidens departure means the next debate and nasty campaign ads could be between Harris, the prosecutor, and Trump, the prosecuted, but thats not guaranteed. Either way, expect the rhetoric to be at a perpetual boil between now and November.

On Sunday, Trump called Biden a complete disgrace while former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called him a patriot without endorsing a replacement, signaling both the great debate over Bidens legacy and the great uncertainty over the next steps before the Nov. 5 election that had long been cast as Biden-Trump II, a rematch of 2020.

The most chaotic U.S. presidential election in history may become the most consequential. That could mean it also has the greatest turnout in any presidential election. Thats strange to say when Democrats are waiting to see who theyll even be voting for, and Republicans are waiting to see if the GOP mounts legal challenges in any or all 50 states. But the stakes are high.

Democratic leaders are left with the task of picking a replacement while Republican leaders reconsider their attacks. They were already saying a vote for Biden was a vote for Harris, whom they disdain. Now theyll say a vote for Harris is the same as a vote for Biden would have been.

Hours after the announcement, it was clear Harris had major support. Bill and Hillary Clinton endorsed her, and Rep. Jim Clyburn, who helped Biden become president by endorsing him as South Carolinas most powerful Democrat before the states 2020 primary, endorsed her, too.

If its Harris, Democrats will frame the election as a choice between the first female and the first felon to be president while Republicans frame it as a choice between someone who will secure the border and a vice president who failed her first job as border czar.

The ads will write themselves, leaving voters to choose a president to cement U.S. policy and Bidens legacy.

We are only three and a half months from the Nov. 5 Election Day, two months from the earliest voting starting in four states and one month from the Democratic National Convention. Emotions are high, and any process ultimately will be assailed to some degree. But there is a process.

Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison said the path forward will be deliberate, writing on X: The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear. In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Are those reassurances from Harrison, another prominent South Carolinian, going to be enough for anyone who feels disenfranchised after tens of millions of Americans selected Biden as their candidate during this years primaries? Will those votes be explained away as votes for Biden and Harris in hindsight? Are the nomination procedures going to be as airtight as they need to be to hold up in court against legal challenges? And who will be the vice presidential pick?

The Americans who are already turned off in large numbers by presidential politics are now going to be surrounded by stories and conversations about presidential election policy.

Beyond the election, of course, is the question of whether Trump (and hard-core supporters like those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when the last election legitimately, legally didnt go his way) will accept the results of a loss to Harris or some other Democrat after any legal challenge.

He should be asked as soon as possible and again and again if he doesnt definitively say yes.

The bottom line is neither Biden nor Trump knew when to exit the biggest stage in the world.

Trump urged his supporters to storm the Capitol. Biden refused for weeks to listen to a swelling chorus of Democratic leaders and one-time supporters who nudged him out, promising a legacy in exchange for leaving. He also refused to listen to Father Time who has clearly had an impact on Biden in the last three years. He sounds and looks frail. He did in his debate and he has since in subsequent interviews. The day after the debate, he seemed vigorous in North Carolina, reading prepared remarks in front of a supportive crowd. But he failed to stem criticism.

Sunday, he let a letter speak for him.

What a two-month span. A defiant Trump became a convicted felon on May 30. A feeble Biden had a disastrous debate on June 27. The U.S. Supreme Court granted Trump broad presidential immunity on July 1. A bloodied Trump pumped his fist in the air and urged supporters to Fight, fight, fight after a would-be assassins bullet grazed his ear on July 14. A judge dismissed a classified documents case against Trump on July 15. Biden got COVID-19 on July 17.

Just like that, last week, Trump, 78, was so strong a bullet couldnt stop him, and Biden, 81, was battling disease and demands from longtime supporters in public and private who were urging him to withdraw from a race they said he couldnt win, stewing and recovering out of view.

Millions of Americans who have had to take car keys away from their elders will feel the poignancy of the moment while millions of others who have been calling Bidens mental acuity into question for months despite pushback from Bidens team will feel vindicated.

Looking back, a big question is who knew what when about Bidens condition, including Harris?

So much to think about, and the nation hasnt even had time to fully process the other stunning developments in this election. All of it was shocking. But now Bidens legacy will definitively be decided by voters on Nov. 5  and by his successors deeds. Who will that be? Who knows.

Ultimately, the future of this election seems likely to energize both Democrats and Republicans. And isnt that a good thing for the great American experiment and its two-party system?

It matters less how we got here, and more that were here. Let the Republicans be excited, and let the Democrats be excited, and let those in the middle listen and vote our conscience.

Send me 250-word letters to the editor here, 650-word guest essays here and email here. Say hi on X anytime.
President Zelensky thanks Joe Biden for his unwavering support as the US President bows out of the forthcoming race. He is right to be generous. After all, without American missiles and arms, Ukraine could not have survived the Russian onslaught. Unwavering is not the right word, though. It was President Bidens remarks about how he might permit a minor incursion by Russia that helped embolden Vladimir Putin early in 2022.

Throughout the ensuing conflict, the Biden administration has used a strange combination of the spur and the reins. Obsessed with the idea that no US missile can be accused of taking aim at Russian soil, it issues Ukraine with excellent kit but then restricts its use.

This is not really because of international law, which probably permits action against a blatant aggression such as Russias, but because of the reflexive control which Putin manages to exercise over opponents. The autocrat who happily dismisses all legal and moral restraint in his own actions nevertheless keeps warning of dreadful consequences if America permits attacks on his own country. His dark threats, not quite specific, about using tactical nuclear weapons seem to terrify the White House, particularly Mr Bidens National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan.

When our newly-appointed Prime Minister met Mr Zelensky at the Washington summit two weeks ago, Sir Keir Starmer told him that he could use Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles for strikes inside Russia. Mr Zelensky hailed this as a great breakthrough.

The following week, however, it was countermanded. No, mumbled an embarrassed Whitehall, that was not what Sir Keir had meant. The Ukrainians were welcome to have Storm Shadows but could not aim them into Russia except right by the border. Mr Sullivan is alleged to have rung No 10 in a panic and made Sir Keir back off.

Within Ukraine, it is not only the Republican congressmen who delayed a new aid vote for more than six months, but also Mr Biden himself, who incurs a good deal of criticism. Britain and Poland stand higher as staunch allies than does America. The contrast between Russian ruthlessness and American hesitation is painful.

This provides context for the phone conversation between Donald Trump and Mr Zelensky which took place last Friday night. Despite all the bad things Mr Trump has said against Ukraine, the latest exchanges have encouraged Kyiv. The two great political showmen, first made famous by their television shows, seem to have got on well. Until now, Mr Trump has felt the need to assail any Biden-associated policy. Now Mr Biden has left the electoral scene, one hopes he may see political advantage in taking a lead to help Ukraine.

Dont go, Biden

How could President Bidens Praetorian guard have concealed for so long the decline of his cognitive powers? Perhaps it is less surprising than one might think  and not only because it is natural, given the constant attacks on any US president, to over-protect the boss from criticism.

We British tend to read across from our system to the American one, but the parallels are inexact. In our parliamentary politics, no prime minister can for long be protected from scrutiny. If he or she cannot speak in clear sentences at Prime Ministers Questions every Wednesday in the House of Commons, we know about it.

But a US president, being head of state as well as head of government, rarely gets into such situations. The president almost never has to debate anything with anyone  a point that Mr Bidens advisers might have considered before pitching him into that unprecedentedly early television debate with Mr Trump last month.

A president can continue for a long time fulfilling the dignified aspects of his office, as Mr Biden did and does, pleasingly. Good bearing, a well-cut suit and a twinkle in his Irish eyes have got him a long way. If his powers wane, as happened a little in President Reagans second term, others can reduce his involvement in the efficient bits.

For that reason, Mr Biden is still capable of continuing his role, as he proposes, until his replacement is inaugurated in January. What he is incapable of is dynamic political leadership. Under the American set-up, it is chiefly the imminence of an election which exposes this.

Free Education

There is talk of a crisis in British universities so grave that perhaps three will have to close. Many have serious problems due to over-expansion and over-reliance on foreign students (the latter being a prime reason for craven university attitudes to the Chinese regime). But would slightly fewer universities be a disaster?

Ever since John Majors mistaken decision to turn polytechnics into universities, there has been a rise in pseudo-academic studies. It would have been better to concentrate on improving vocational training.

The strange arrangements for tuition fees allow universities to pretend that they are all much the same. This is a deception of which students have become increasingly aware. There are more than 160 universities in Britain. If competition were allowed to do its work, several would fail, and more would develop their strengths and jettison their weak areas. Something similar happens in the independent school sector, for example, where the closure of a poor school is not usually seen as a sector-wide threat.

We have built a university system in this country, more uniform, more subject to government control, more financially fragile and often more political. Future generations would be better educated if there were less system and more independence.

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.
While thousands enjoyed the July sun and surf, just up the road, President Joe Biden was considering what was likely the most widely impactful decision ever made in Rehoboth Beach.

His announcement to step down from the presidential race Sunday came without public spectacle  a simple letter published to his social platforms and the promise to address the nation later this week. All the while, he remained tucked inside the beach home that has become a sort of refuge over his presidential term, battling another bout of COVID while fielding calls for him to remove himself from the race.

And it was here, in the little Delaware beach town known as "The Nation's Summer Capital," that Biden made the final call.

THE FULL STORY: Delaware's own Joe Biden drops out of presidential race, citing 'best interest' of country

He's long vacationed in the city and bought a home just to the north in 2017, but Biden's nearly four years as the president of the United States have seriously raised the profile of Rehoboth Beach.

Shortly after he was elected, a USA Today headline read: "Joe Bidens beach hideaway has political sun shining on Delaware's Rehoboth Beach." The article called Rehoboth a "resort town known for Atlantic waves that are sometimes surfable, fresh-cut French fries and a 1-mile wooden boardwalk that dates to the 1870s."

Friday's mention of Rehoboth in a New York Times headline had a much different tone: "Secluded in Rehoboth, Biden Stews at Allies Pressure to Drop Out of the Race."

Biden's decision marks the end of an era for Rehoboth Beach, but those who call this place home know that they haven't seen the last of Joe Biden.

What the locals think

Biden didn't go to St. Edmond's Roman Catholic Church Saturday night, as he has frequently done when in Rehoboth during his time as president.

Instead, he's been stuck in his North Shores home since last week, isolating after being diagnosed with COVID. He remained inside the blue Far View Road home as he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race Sunday afternoon.

Secret Service at the entrance to Far View Drive in North Shores, where President Joe Biden has a home, Sunday, July 21, 2024.

There was no shortage of onlookers in the hours after. The Secret Service was blocking off Far View Road at Ocean Drive, as they always do when the president is in town.

"Is Biden leaving?" a woman in a Jeep stopped to ask reporters gathered there. He wasn't.

"It's kind of sad, but I think it will be good for him," she said, the reference to her comment widely understood.

A short distance down Ocean Drive, behind North Shores' sole high-rise building, Kathy Alsmeyer was returning to her condo after walking her dog. Her family has owned the condo since it was built in the 1970s, she said, and she "knows" the Bidens.

"They're a nice family," Alsmeyer said.

The 81-year-old Biden has faced scrutiny due to his age, and as a retired nurse with experience taking care of elderly patients, Alsmeyer thinks she understands his struggle.

"It's hard. I think he did the right thing to step down," she said.

On Monday morning, there were a handful of news crews set up on Rehoboth Avenue and some early risers strolling the boardwalk. A group of men were gathered there on the white wooden benches, as they are many mornings, bantering with each other and passers-by.

They've seen Biden around town throughout his senate and vice presidential years, and now through his presidential term, though they noted gratefully that he hasn't come downtown in recent years.

WHAT YOU MISSED: How to vacation like a president at the Delaware beaches. Here's what the Bidens did

"Now he's going to be here permanently," Robert Utter joked. "Whatever, it doesn't bother us."

"He's a local guy," Louie Gouvas added. He owns Louie's Pizza and said that, though Biden has never been in the restaurant, his late son Beau Biden ate there "four times a day."

The boardwalk crew was rife with exaggeration. The only hassle with Biden in town, Utter said, is the snipers. He grinned and pointed at a pigeon on a nearby roof.

The business perspective

President Joe Biden, currently on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, rides a bike on the Gordons Pond Trail to Herring Point in Lewes on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills said Biden brings a lot of attention to the community.

"Were proud to be a welcoming place where even the president of the United States can find respite, joy in nature and being with family, and perhaps even indulge his sweet tooth," Mills said. Biden is a well-known ice cream lover.

Mike Postles, whose wife Missi owns Egg restaurant on Rehoboth Avenue, said there's an uptick in business when Biden is in town. Biden and wife Jill dined at Egg, a popular breakfast and brunch spot, earlier this year.

"People ask what he was like, where he sat, what he ate," Postles said.

President Joe Biden departs from the restaurant Egg on Oct. 22, 2023, in Rehoboth.

Though the Rehoboth Beach - Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce is, of course, a non-partisan organization, being the preferred vacation destination of a sitting president has never hurt tourism.

"If folks didnt know about Rehoboth Beach before, said chamber President and CEO Carol Everhart, "they sure do now."

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where is Joe Biden? President makes campaign exit from Rehoboth Beach
Joe Biden is out of the race. Who do Idahos delegates want to be president?

Idaho Democratic leaders quickly fell in line with Democrats across the country and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nominee after President Joe Bidens sudden exit from the race Sunday.

The presidents historic decision  this is the latest a president has dropped out of a race  casts the party into uncharted waters, giving Democrats little time to select a new nominee to face former President Donald Trump ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

But while party strategists and commentators have floated holding a competitive nomination process, or even a repeat primary in miniature, Harris appeared to all but clinch the nomination within hours of Bidens announcement and endorsement of her. Democrats in Idaho were quick to back her, too.

The state partys group of more than two dozen delegates to the DNC unanimously endorsed Harris on Tuesday, according to a news release. Idahos delegates join others around the country who have backed the vice president and likely assured her nomination at the convention, according to a tally from the Associated Press.

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea told the Idaho Statesman on Monday that she would back Harris.

She has all the credentials and experience we could want in a candidate, Necochea said, adding that Bidens departure was bittersweet for her but was in keeping with his character because hes always prioritized Americans and done what is best for the country.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, another delegate to the national convention, endorsed Harris on Monday morning, along with 250 other mayors, according to a news release. Earlier this month, amid panic in the party over Bidens candidacy following a disastrous debate performance in late June, McLean exhibited support for Biden in a post on social media.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, who is also a delegate, told the Statesman on Monday that she would back Harris and said the possibility of a competitive process at such a late date was far-fetched.

It seems that theres been a strong coalescing in the last 48  it hasnt even been 48 hours  36 hours, Rubel said by phone.

Maybe in a different world, if we had more time, it would have been good to have a more open convention process, she said. I dont think we have the luxury of time to have a fully open primary process jammed into three weeks.

That time frame may be even shorter. While the convention in Chicago is scheduled to begin Aug. 19, Democrats had planned to hold a delegate roll call vote in early August. Rubel said she expects that roll call vote, if its held, to be the binding vote for the nomination.

I think Harris is our gal, and Im happy with that, she added.

Idaho will have 27 delegates at the national convention, most of whom were selected at the state convention in June. Idaho delegates typically cast their votes to reflect the preferences of the states Democratic voters at the presidential caucus in May. Those votes overwhelmingly went to Biden. Marianne Williamson secured 3% of votes.

Latest News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story:

 Should Biden have dropped out of the 2024 race? What Americans said in new poll

 Does Kamala Harris run for president throw a wrench in Gavin Newsoms plans for 2028?

 Harris campaign vetting several Dems for VP, with conflicting reports on Andy Beshears status

Some Democrats hesitate before supporting Harris

Former President Barack Obama suggested he wanted something other than a coronation of Harris in his reaction Sunday.

I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, he said in a blog post after Bidens endorsement of Harris.

And Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, had indicated earlier this month that she would support a competitive nomination process, according to reporting in the New York Times. But she endorsed Harris on Monday.

Understanding the News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on what's happening beyond the top headlines:

 A Harris-Newsom presidential ticket? Theres one big legal hurdle: The 12th Amendment

 Biden makes history, but 2 other sitting presidents cut it close to Election Day

 What does Kamala Harris record show? Take a look

Party heavyweights like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, both New York Democrats, did not back Harris on Monday, but announced their endorsement Tuesday.

The Biden campaigns war chest and staff members were redirected to Harris on Sunday, and she swiftly took in endorsements from other party leaders. As of Monday morning, most of the prominent Democrats floated as contenders for the nomination had already voiced support for her.

Harris has a massive fundraising advantage over any potential challengers, who would have to stand up a presidential campaign from scratch. The Harris campaign raised $81 million in the day after Bidens announcement, according to her campaign.

Idaho Democrats sweat after Biden debate

While concerns about the 81-year-olds age have lingered for years, Biden faced no serious challengers in the primaries and won more than 95% of Democratic votes in the state caucus in May.

That shifted after Bidens debate performance in late June, which Rubel called a sea change for Democrats.

To say it went poorly would be a gross understatement, she told the Statesman. It really shook people up and got people concerned about Democrats chances in what is a staggeringly important election.

Already trailing in many polls, Biden appeared to slump even further in head-to-head polls against Trump.

Rubel said Bidens decision was an ultimate act of self-sacrifice that would rejuvenate the party.

I think there is a much stronger feeling of optimism now, she said.

In the hours since Bidens announcement, Republicans have attempted to paint Bidens withdrawal as a subversion of the will of primary voters. State GOP Chair Dorothy Moon in a statement said Bidens decision disregarded the will of voters.

MAGA Republicans are panicking because they see the groundswell of support around the Democratic ticket, Necochea said in response to criticism from Republicans. And they are stuck with a candidate who refuses to step down even though hes been found guilty of 34 felonies, found guilty of rape by a jury, and incited an insurrection to overturn the last election.
Joe Biden was struggling in Arizona. Could Kamala Harris do better against Donald Trump?

President Joe Biden was forced out of the presidential race in part because of his weak performance against former President Donald Trump in battleground states such as Arizona.

Could Vice President Kamala Harris do better at the top of the ticket?

Arizona Democrats are asking themselves that question as they scramble to line up behind a new nominee a mere 29 days before their partys national convention. Biden endorsed Harris Sunday when he quit the race, encouraging the party to unite behind her ahead of the November election.

It wont be easy, but Harris could pull it off, said Chuck Coughlin, a longtime Republican strategist in Arizona who left the party during the Trump era.

It's like you're in the middle of a Simone Biles double backflip twist and you're gonna have to land it coming out of Chicago, and there's a lot of moving pieces, Coughlin said. She's been living in Bidens shadow for so long, I think it's easy to underestimate her."

Political watchers in Arizona say Harris could reinvigorate the apathetic voters who have said for months that they dont like any of their presidential options, and that she has a strong message on abortion rights that will resonate here. But Harris also runs the risk of inheriting the Biden administrations bad reputation on immigration, a big issue in the border state.

Latest news: Sen. Mark Kelly being vetted by Harris campaign as possible running mate: Updates

Is anything going to be invigorating enough for Democrats, young Democrats in particular, to come out and vote? said Stacy Pearson, an Arizona Democratic strategist. The answer to that is yes. Kamala Harris can win when young Democrats are energized. So we've now solved the apathy problem. Now we're going to get into the issues.

Immigration and abortion will be the two defining issues in Arizona, Pearson added.

Harris is not a sure bet for the Democratic nominee, but she is the first major Democrat to put her hat in the ring to replace Biden. Some of her most formidable would-be opponents  California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg  have endorsed her. Harriss next task is rallying support from some 4,000 delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

A Harris spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Arizona is one of the most competitive states on the presidential map. Biden won here by fewer than 11,000 votes in 2020, his most narrow victory of any state, and presidential election polls showed him at risk of losing Arizona this fall. An Emerson College poll conducted after the debate and Trump's attempted assassination showed Biden with 36% of support, 10 percentage points behind Trump in Arizona when third party candidates are added to the mix.

Even before the debate, Biden was running behind Trump and had less support than he did at the same point in the 2020 election.

Could a different Democrat, Vice President Harris, somebody else, do better in a state like Arizona than Joe Biden? said Siena College pollster Don Levy, who surveys Arizona for The New York Times. It's hard to imagine another Democrat not at least having a chance to do better.

Immigration, a top Arizona issue, could be Harriss biggest vulnerability, said former Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz.

She was handed the border. She's not going to be able to get away from that, Salmon said.

Biden tasked Harris with handling the administrations immigration policy portfolio during his term, leading to attacks by Republicans for her performance. Harris was given the role of handling immigration at the southern border and working with Central American countries like El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to address the root of the problem in 2021.

Three years later, voters in Arizona said they were dissatisfied with the administration's immigration policy. A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted in May found that 68% of registered voters think Biden's administration has been too easy on immigrants trying to cross the border. Biden shifted rightward in response, announcing new asylum restrictions that reduced encounters at the border.

All of the sort of conventional wisdom is maybe she does a little bit better nationally than Biden. I don't think she does better in this state. Her first initiative that she was given that was a clear challenge for the administration was border security, said Chad Heywood, former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. Most people feel that she did not do a good job of managing that situation. She didn't lead on it, didn't manage it well.

Harris could combat some of the attacks by taking Trump to task for blocking an immigration bill in Congress this year, Coughlin said, and highlight that U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show encounters at the border have been trending downward over the last four months. Pearson agreed, and pointed to voters rejecting Republican Joe Arpaios bid for another term as Maricopa County Sheriff in 2016.

Arizonans have continuously rejected extreme positions on immigration, Pearson said.

Arizonans overall have a negative perception of the countrys direction, immigration and the economy. But Bidens most difficult electoral struggles were unique to him, Levy said, especially when it came to voter perception about his age and ability to do the job of being president for another four years. Despite Bidens anemic approval rating, Democrats made major gains in Arizona during the Trump era, sending Democrat Mark Kelly to the Senate and flipping the governors office, the secretary of states office and the attorney generals office, among other victories.

So far, Arizona Democrats largely have announced their support for Harris or have opted to stay quiet. Its a sign that the party is breathing a sigh of relief that a new candidate will take over the ticket after Bidens disastrous debate performance.

ActBlue, an online fundraising platform for Democrats, reported raising $46.7 million from small-dollar donors in the first hours of Harriss campaign.

It just injects enthusiasm, where there was very little, into the Democratic position, Coughlin said.

Kelly and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords were quick to endorse Harris when she entered the fray. Kelly is often named as a potential Harris running mate, with the chatter growing so loud that the Arizona Republican Party sent out a fundraising email on Sunday asking Can you believe the Democrats think Mark Kelly should be the Vice Presidential pick for Kamala Harris?

Harris also has new support from Reps. Greg Stanton and Raul Grijalva, two Democrats who publicly pressured Biden to step aside. Two of Arizonas 85 delegates to the Democratic National Convention told The Arizona Republic on Sunday morning that they plan to cast their votes for Harris, and a third said the same on social media.

As we move forward as a party and as a country, we must come together and rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris as our next president of the United States, Markus Ceniceros, an Arizona delegate, said in a text message.

Harris has spent considerable time in Arizona, making six trips here to campaign and represent the Biden administration during her time in office. The vice president came to the state most recently in June to mark the overturning of the landmark abortion case Roe vs. Wade. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff was in Phoenix Friday to campaign and catch the beginning of the WNBA All-Star Weekend.

Harris has campaigned hard on abortion rights, an issue that is on track to be on the ballot this fall. An initiative to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution is expected to drive turnout on the left, following similar measures in states like Ohio, Kentucky and Kansas.

The outpouring of support could be a double-edged sword. Harris may face a challenge with voters if they perceive her as being anointed as the nominee rather than competing in an open convention process, Salmon said. The former U.S. House member did not share who he plans to vote for this fall.

They've been making democracy and the protection of democracy one of the big themes in fighting against Donald Trump for the last year or so, Salmon said. So to now have a process that seems very undemocratic, where they just coronate somebody and then shove her down everybody's throat, I don't think that's going to go down well.

Harris seemed to guard against that perception in her presidential campaign announcement.

My intention is to earn and win this nomination, she wrote.

Opinions: Kamala Harris doesn't scare Republicans, but Mark Kelly absolutely should

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Could Kamala Harris defeat Donald Trump in swing state Arizona?
Joe Biden has finally withdrawn from the presidential race.

He let the world know with a blindsiding post that was on X first.

The move has revived Elon Musk's ambitions to make X the world's digital town square.

Elon Musk might be a full-blown Donald Trump crusader now, but that still didn't stop Joe Biden from turning to the billionaire's social media platform to make one of the biggest announcements in his career.

That's right: Biden used X to tell the world he was pulling out of the presidential race.

On Sunday, the president  who declared only days ago that only the "Lord Almighty" could force him to quit the race for the White House  took to Musk's platform to share news that blindsided many in his party.

Of course, many Democrats saw the writing on the wall after Biden hobbled his way through a debate with Trump on June 28. By their estimation, those 90 televised minutes showed why the 81-year-old president probably didn't have another four-year term in him.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Alex Brandon, Mike Stewart; AP

What they seem not to have foreseen, however, was that they would find out about Biden's withdrawal at the same time the rest of the world did. Perhaps they should have.

Since Musk's $44 billion takeover of Twitter in October 2022, both he and CEO Linda Yaccarino have been trying to sell the social media site as a digital "town square" where users can get real-time information about global developments ahead of everyone else.

They now have a fresh case to make for that and are ready to make the most of it. "X is where history happens," Yaccarino wrote in response to Biden's resignation post. "Truly no surrogate."

She may have a point  even if the announcement was subsequently posted to other platforms including Threads, Facebook and Instagram.

X is where history happens https://t.co/cUDWVWkpsq  Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) July 21, 2024

Joseph Teasdale, head of tech at research firm Enders Analysis, told Business Insider that the site has "always had strong, active networks of high-powered professionals talking shop," despite the fact "it has never been a billion-user social network" like Instagram or Facebook.

"X's staying power is a testament to the strength and value of these networks," he said. "The president's use of the service is a good example of how X has maintained its relevance."

Alexa Pavliuc, researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, also noted that X seemed to be a logical place for Biden to share his announcement as it's the nexus point of the main audience of journalists and politicians the president would have wanted to reach.

This has all helped build X's case as the internet's digital town square. Biden's post helps reinforce that case.

Spam and abuse

That said, there have been several signs in the months prior suggesting that it is hardly fit to be a digital town square.

As Teasdale notes, "spam is more prevalent" on the site, while the company remains in tough negotiations with advertisers who once "exited the platform en masse."

Pavliuc also notes that X's leaders have struggled to present the app as a "digital town square" that's fair for all. There are people who may "silence themselves" given they "receive abuse" when using it.

"It's important to think about comparing it to a physical town square where if you scream misogynistic or racist slurs at someone, would that be OK? Of course not," she said.

X rival Threads has been growing in popularity this year. Onur Dogman/SOPA/Getty Images

Then there's the constant plague of misinformation that has been allowed to spread on the site during critical moments, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict.

It is for this reason that people have felt sour towards the site since Musk's takeover, with research suggesting as much.

SensorTower data earlier this year showed that the X app's daily users were down 15% in February year-over-year, suggesting shrinking exposure. Meanwhile, rival app Threads was getting more daily users in the US as recently as April.

With Democrats now rallying around Kamala Harris, Musk may get a chance to sell his site as the digital town square again if the Vice President, who's now favorite to replace Biden, announces her official nomination on X.

Read the original article on Business Insider
July 21, 2024, was one of those "where were you when you heard" days that people will remember for a long time to come. I was online that early Sunday afternoon and I saw the news that President Joe Biden was withdrawing from the presidential race come across my social media feed in real time. A friend texted me "You were right, it wasn't going to happen until the moment it happened." That's what I'd been saying for the past couple of weeks when people would get anxious whenever Biden would say that he was absolutely not dropping out. No candidate would ever say "well, I'm thinking of giving up." They're all in until they're not.

Since the night of the debate, I was fairly convinced that the Biden candidacy was over. I kept an open mind, thinking maybe he really was just under the weather that night but it had opened the floodgates of concerns that had been out there for a while. The presidency ages everyone who is in it, even the younger ones, and it has clearly taken a toll on Biden. I figured the polls would take a while to show a drop and it was obvious that the media's 24/7 crisis mode would almost certainly have an effect. Reports from behind the scenes this weekend say that Biden was shown polling while recovering from COVID in his Rehoboth, Delaware home that said he had no chance to win. That's when he finally pulled the plug.

Everyone I know reported feeling sad when they heard the news. Joe Biden has been an excellent president, far exceeding the expectations of many of us. If time had not caught up with him, as it does with all of us, most Democrats would have been happy to see him continue. But Biden is a tough old bird, a canny political veteran who understands that if he lost the race to Donald Trump his legacy would be utterly destroyed. More importantly, he understands the stakes and knows the country may not survive another Trump term. As much as I'm sure he loathed having to withdraw, in a long life filled with searing personal tragedies, having to drop out of the race for a second term as president doesn't rank among his worst days.

Wisely, he immediately endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris, as I predicted he would some time ago. Setting aside various logistical complications, Biden needed to take the lead in settling down the chaos and reassure his own loyal voters about the campaign carrying on with his imprimatur. I wasn't sure if the rest of the Democratic Party was going to get with the program but a long string of Harris endorsements from elected officials, state party chairs and delegates throughout the day quickly indicated that there is no appetite for the kind of open primary free-for-all contemplated by some pundits and strategists. (The unspeakably daft proposal for a "blitz-primary" with events featuring Oprah, Taylor Swift, Pastor Rick Warren and Tim McGraw among dozens of others seems very unlikely now, thank goodness.)

There is some talk of West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the diva who ostentatiously left the Democratic Party just a few months ago, throwing his hat into the ring, backed by some disgruntled conservative donors. And perhaps someone else will decide that this is his moment to shine as well. But for now, the Democrats appear to be forming a consensus that Harris is their best bet under the circumstances. In fact, judging from the monster fundraising through the Act Blue platform for small donors yesterday, enthusiasm is off the charts.

So what do the Republicans think about all this? Surprisingly, they didn't seem to see this coming, which is astonishing. The Atlantic's Tim Alberta, who published a long disturbing piece a couple of weeks ago called "Trump is planning for a landslide win," noted in an update on Sunday that the Trump campaign had convinced themselves the window for Biden to drop out had closed and that the election was in the bag:

Republicans I spoke with today, some of them still hungover from celebrating what felt to many like a victory-night celebration in Milwaukee, registered shock at the news of Bidens departure. Party officials had left town believing the race was all but over. Now they were confronting the reality of reimagining a campaignone that had been optimized, in every way, to defeat Bidenagainst a new and unknown challenger. So, we are forced to spend time and money on fighting Crooked Joe Biden, he polls badly after having a terrible debate, and quits the race, a clearly peeved Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social. Now we have to start all over again.

They seem to have been caught completely flat-footed. Trump was all over his social media platform whining that Republicans should be reimbursed for spending money to run against Biden and running away from debating in September unless the debate will be held on Fox News. The best Sean Hannity could come up with was that Harris wants to take away their plastic straws and is "detested" for laughing:

Hannity: Heres just one reason voters seem to detest Kamala Harris



*clips of Harris laughing* pic.twitter.com/QwKufROZJ3  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

And Trump's close adviser Stephen Miller pretty much had a shrieking tantrum on Laura Ingraham's show about the Democrats allegedly overturning an election. (Yes, his chutzpah knows no bounds.)

Stephen Miller is melting down on Fox tonight. pic.twitter.com/o22R1IihJ3  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) July 22, 2024

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

It seems that they may not have anticipated that Joe Biden gracefully withdrawing from the race might be seen as an act of selfless patriotism in contrast to their leader Donald Trump, the grasping egomaniac who incited a riot rather than admit that he lost. The contrast couldn't be more vivid. And while the country has spent the last few weeks contemplating the toll the pressures of the presidency took on Joe Biden as he entered his ninth decade of life, starting today similar thoughts about Donald Trump are inevitable. As Rachel Maddow said on MSNBC:

Trump's remarkable recent run of political good luck came to an end with a crash. The old man in the race now is Donald Trump, 78 years old and only occasionally coherent, with a record as president that is viewed by historians as the worst in history.

The following ad is from 2019 but it is even more potent today. It's a new race and Trump is now the former president who tried to stage a coup, perpetuated the Big Lie and is a 78-year-old recently convicted of multiple felonies.

I prosecuted sex predators. Trump is one.

I shut down for-profit scam colleges. He ran one.

I held big banks accountable. He's owned by them.



I'm not just prepared to take on Trump, I'm prepared to beat him. pic.twitter.com/bg4xZ4uLne  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 20, 2019

Does Trump have the strength and the stamina to meet the challenge? I wouldn't bet money on it.
Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is reportedly considering a return to the Democratic party in the wake of Joe Bidens exit from the 2024 race.

CNNs Jake Tapper revealed in a post on X Sunday that the 76-year-old is even considering throwing his hat into the ring, citing sources close to Manchin.

Those rumors were seemingly confirmed by CBS Robert Costa, who, citing two unidentified sources, said Democratic donors and officials were reaching out to Sen. Joe Manchin to consider standing for the presidential nomination.

Costa later wrote: Manchin is now considering re-registering as a Democrat to offer Democrats an alternative to VP Harris. He added that no final decision has been made but talks continue tonight in his inner circle.

Manchin is reportedly mulling over his decision and will talk to donors and officials about his chances in the coming days.

Were looking at a Democratic party that is convulsing tonight, Costa said.

Manchin has not publicly declared his intentions, but news of his potential presidential bid comes hours after he called on Biden to drop out of the race and pass the torch to a new generation.

Im hoping for that, because I think it will leave him with a tremendous legacy as one of the greatest leaders that weve had, he told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union. I say this, and I came to the decision with a heavy heart, that I think its time to pass the torch to a new generation.

The Daily Beast has contacted Manchins office for comment.

Its not the first time Manchin has flirted with the possibility of the running for leader of the free world: In 2023 he floated a run alongside centrist group No Labels as a third-party candidate, but ultimately dropped the idea.

Not exactly unexpected, Rachel Maddow said on MSNBC Sunday night, citing two sources who also spoke with NBC News.

He has long both invited and stoked speculation that he would be a presidential candidate at some point.

BREAKING: Senator Joe Manchin is considering running for president, sources tell NBC News. pic.twitter.com/lXHBVDr9dU  MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 21, 2024

When pressed by Tapper Sunday morning about how the party should make its decision on a new nominee, Manchin said it should be an open process.

I think that we have a lot of talent on the bench, said Manchin, while naming two specific governors he thought could take up the job: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Im partial to governors because a governor cant afford to be partisan, he said.

Manchin announced in May that he was leaving the Democrats and registering as an independent, after decades of service in the party.

My commitment to do everything I can to bring our country together has led me to register as an independent with no party affiliation, he wrote on X at the time.

He subsequently said of his decision to leave the party: I can speak to both sides without having a brand. The brands have gotten so bad if you have a D by your name... youre supposed to hate Republicans. If you have a R by your name, youre supposed to hate Democrats. I dont hate either one and each one is not our enemy. We need to come together as a country.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) is considering re-registering as a Democrat to run for the partys presidential nomination, a source told HuffPost on Sunday.

The former Democrat, who left the party in May, advocated for an open process in the coming weeks to select a replacement for Biden in an interview just hours before the president announced he would not be seeking reelection.

I think that we have a lot of talent on the bench, a lot of good people, Manchin told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday.

Ive got two tremendous governors right next door to me, Andy Beshear in Kentucky and Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania, who are operating with legislators either evenly split or completely opposite of their party affiliation, he added. They havent divided their state. They havent made you pick a side and demonize the other side. They brought people together. This is what an open process would do.

Biden on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run against GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in his place, and many other Democratic lawmakers and officials quickly followed his lead, including several of her potential rivals, making her the odds-all favorite to win the partys nod for 2024.

However, some Democrats have tapped the brakes on the Harris momentum, arguing that the party should hold an open process rather than a coronation so that the nominee can earnestly win the partys support.

No disrespect to Vice President Harris  this doesnt need to be decided within minutes or hours of President Bidens decision, we need to hear from voters, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), the first member of Congress who called on Biden to step aside, said during a separate Sunday interview on CNN.

Manchin was one of the most conservative Democrats prior to leaving the party earlier this year, frequently acting as a thorn in Bidens side and opposing key Democratic priorities like filibuster reform. He also flirted with running for president before becoming an independent on the No Labels ticket.

The news that Manchin is weighing running for the Democratic presidential nomination was first reported by CNNs Jake Tapper.
GAZA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Monday condemned an Israeli attack on a UN convoy heading to Gaza City.

The global Islamic body said in a statement that the attack contravenes international law and resolutions, denouncing the Israeli army's continued deprivation of Palestinian civilians of food, water, medical care, and other essential services.

It called on the international community to impose a ceasefire on Israeli military aggression, ensure sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, confront attempts at forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, and provide protection for the Palestinian people.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said on social media platform X on Monday that heavy shooting broke out from the Israeli forces at a UN convoy heading to Gaza City on Sunday.

"While there are no casualties, our teams had to duck and take cover," Lazzarini added, noting that the teams were traveling in clearly marked UN armored cars and wearing UN vests.

One vehicle received at least five bullets while waiting just ahead of the Israeli forces' checkpoint south of Wadi Gaza, and the car was severely damaged, according to Lazzarini. The teams re-assembled and finally reached Gaza City.

Lazzarini noted like all other similar UN movements, this movement was coordinated and approved by the Israeli authorities. 
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on his own initiative, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on July 22.

The two met in Washington during the Republican National Conference on July 16.

Having discussed Russia's war against Ukraine with Trump, Johnson wrote later that he is "more convinced than ever that (Trump) has the strength and the bravery to fix it, to save Ukraine, to bring peace."

According to Stefanishyna, the former U.K. prime minister is acting on his own initiative but with the best interest of Ukraine in mind because he knows President Volodymyr Zelensky's stance.

He is entitled to his opinion. He is acting in the best interests of Ukraine and can afford to do so because he knows the position of our president and the position of Ukrainians, Stefanishyna added.

As the British Prime Minister, Johnson was a major supporter of Ukraine, and has continued to push for the West to provide Ukrainians with military aid after his resignation in 2022.

He tried to explain the situation in Ukraine (to Trump). Such a voice is very valuable because he has authority, recognition and communication channels with colleagues from the Republican Party, Stefanishyna told journalists in Kyiv.

Known for his long-term public sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and having repeatedly criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, Trump had claimed during his presidential campaign that he would end the war within 24 hours if elected, refusing to discuss the details of his plan.

During the debate with U.S. President Joe Biden last month, Trump said that Putin's declared terms for a ceasefire, demanding that Ukraine surrender four of its regions, partially occupied by Russia, and abandon the effort to join NATO, were "not acceptable."

However, earlier reports in the media said that Trump privately talked about ending Russias war by pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Moscow. He also publicly said in May 2023 that he would not commit to providing Ukraine with defense assistance if he won the 2024 election.

Johnson said he is convinced that Trump understands that a defeat for Ukraine would be a massive defeat for America, and that he could end it  on the right terms for Ukraine and the West.

Read also: Zelensky on Trumps peace plan: No one can push Ukraine to give up territory for peace

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jordan asks whether Secret Service guessing or lying on Trump request for more protection

Jordan asks whether Secret Service guessing or lying on Trump request for more protection

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) demanded Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle answer whether she was guessing or lying, accusing the agency of flipping its story over whether it had denied additional resources to former President Trump.

The Secret Service has denied claims that it rejected requests for additional security at the July 13 rally at which Trump was shot, but the agency later acknowledged it had rejected such requests previously.

So which is it? Because both statements cant be true. Were you guessing or lying when you said you didnt turn down a request from President Trumps detail? Jordan asked Cheatle.

Neither, Cheatle responded. What I can tell you is that for the event in Butler, there were no requests that were denied, she added, referring to the Pennsylvania town where Trumps rally was held.

Maybe they got tired of asking, Jordan fired back. Maybe you turned them down so darn much they said, Not worth asking!

Cheatle wouldnt say how many times Trumps team had asked for more personnel, but she defended the agencys decision.

A denial of a request does not equal a vulnerability. There are a number of ways that threats and risks can be mitigated with a number of different assets, whether that be through personnel, whether that be through technology, or other resources, she said.

But Jordan characterized the Secret Services response to those questions as a massive shift.

What to change from absolutely false unequivocally false to Oh, by the way, there were some times where we didnt give them what they wanted. Thats a huge change in five days. And the fact that you cant answer how many times you did that, thats pretty darn frustrating, not just for me, but for the country, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WHTM)  Are we not talking about concrete anymore?

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took questions from reporters in Pittsburgh on Monday afternoon at an event discussing a new $396 million federal environmental grant.

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The event came with rumors swirling over whether Shapiro would be tapped to be Kamala Harris Vice Presidential nominee. Shapiro took questions for about 13 minutes repeatedly saying Harris had a decision to make and that Pennsylvania will be the epicenter of our politics today.

Shapiro said he spoke to President Joe Biden on Sunday a few moments after he offered his statement on not seeking a second term. The Governor said he also spoke with Harris on Sunday only about defeating Donald Trump and when asked if he would say yes to joining the Harris ticket, Shapiro said he would not engage in hypotheticals after endorsing the Vice President.

When asked if hes been contacted by the law firm overseeing the search for a Vice Presidential nominee, Shapiro said he had not and that Harris should be able to make the decision without pressure.

She will now have to make an important decision, as then-candidate Biden had to make, and that is who to run with, who should be her running mate, said Shapiro. Thats a deeply personal decision and a decision that should be made really free from any political pressure.

Harris and Shapiro were both Attorneys General and although they did not serve at the same time, Shapiro said the two have been friends for nearly 20 years.

Shapiro said Harris will have to decide who she wants to govern with, who she wants to campaign with, and who can be there to serve alongside her when she serves as, God willing, the 47th President of the United States. She will make that decision when she is ready and I have all the confidence in the world that she will make that decision as well as many others in the best interest of the American people.

Shapiro went on to take repeated shots at Trump, saying he was anti-Union screwing over workers and that as Attorney General, Shapiro defeated the Trump administration in court multiple times.

Prior to Bidens announcement, Shapiro and Harris were together at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia for a campaign stop.

What I am focused on is we dont go back to Donald Trumps chaos and that we elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States, said Shapiro on Monday.

I think Kamala Harris represents the views and values of this Commonwealth and as she comes and introduces herself not as the Vice President to Joe Biden, but as the Democratic nominee God willing and as a presidential candidate, lays out her vision, her agenda for this commonwealth and this country I think the good people of Pennsylvania are going to be real excited, added Shapiro.

When asked directly whether he was interested in the job of Vice President, Shapiro said Im focused on doing my job.

Rogette Harris, the Chair of the Dauphin County Democratic Committee and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said she thinks Shapiro would be a great candidate.

We would have two prosecutors on the ticket going against Donald Trump, who was just convicted for 34, felonies and who lies every other sentence. So I think it would be a great ticket, said Rogette Harris.

I do think they have to consider, said Democratic analyst Pete Shelly, you know, the impact that Josh can have here in Pennsylvania. And I think as a campaigner youve seen that shes a very effective campaigner and a good leader.

Shelly added Josh doesnt have a lot of baggage, I can say. So I think be great for the state, but I think hell be up to the job.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have also jumped on the Shapiro bandwagon with Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) and Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) appearing to endorse a Harris-Shapiro ticket. The Pennsylvania Delegation to the Democratic National Committee also unanimously endorsed Harris on Monday, as did Senator John Fetterman and the rest of Pennsylvanias Democratic Congressional delegation.

Pennsylvania State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa says Democrats had a lack of enthusiasm and energy toward Bidens candidacy prior to him dropping out.

I dont mean that in a bad way. I just its just where things are at. I think this overnight have flipped a switch where Democrats are energized, theyre excited, said Costa.

Costa added I think we should be very proud that our governor is being considered for such a prominent role in our countrys government. I think theres no question I think hed do an excellent job.

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) formally threw his support behind Vice President Harris to lead the Democratic Partys presidential ticket in November following news President Biden will drop out of the race.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency, Shapiro said in a statement on Sunday. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania  where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.

Shapiro, who like Harris served as the attorney general of his home state, touted his working relationship with Harris and noted their similarities in the same statement.

Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results, the governor said.

Shapiro is among a number of Democratic governors who have been floated to serve as Harriss running mate or Bidens replacement at the top of the ticket. The other governors include Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D).

The governor stepped into the national spotlight in 2022 when he defeated Republican Doug Mastriano in Pennsylvanias gubernatorial contest.

Shapiro received praise last week for his unifying tone in the wake of the assassination attempt against former President Trump in Butler, Pa. The governor has also made headlines for his response to the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, which impacted Pennsylvania, last year.

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After weeks of anxiety, in-fighting and a halt in fundraising, Hollywood Democrats were largely reunited and hopeful on Sunday after President Joe Biden took the surprise step of bowing out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his stead. The move came as concerns about Bidens health and his ability to win the race reached a fever pitch, with high-powered Democratic donors like George Clooney publicly calling for the president to step aside.

The Dembargo is lifted, Emmy-winning writer/producer and Democratic donor Damon Lindelof said on Sunday. The Watchmen showrunner was one of the first to not only call for the 81-year-old Biden to step aside, but also to ask Democrats to halt fundraising until the president stepped back from the campaign. Dubbed a Dembargo, Lindelof argued donors had to induce action with their wallets.

By Sunday afternoon the faucet was back on and donors and Democratic activists were fired up about Harris.

Upon hearing news of The Presidents decision, I felt profound relief, gratitude.. and then, for the first time, genuine EXCITEMENT for the election ahead, the showrunner said on Instagram.

Meanwhile celebrities ranging from Spike Lee to Julia Louis Dreyfus to Sheryl Lee Ralph to Mark Ruffalo immediately threw their support behind Harris, as did a swath of Democratic politicians  Ive never seen so many people fall in line for something ever, Rachel Maddow quipped on MSNBC.

The sense of relief and even joy was palpable among Hollywood Democrats. The Internet went into high gear comparing the plot of Veep with events tied to Harris. Both Julia Louis Dreyfuss character Selina Meyer and Harris found themselves abruptly put into the presidential spotlight after the president stepped aside, albeit only one was in real life.

Will literally never get over the fact that were living through the plot of Veep in real time pic.twitter.com/3Y6OTfOXeE  Sophie Ross (@SophRossss) July 21, 2024

And Maya Rudolph, who has depicted Harris in Saturday Night Live sketches, became a focus of immediate Internet interest, having debuted her Harris impersonation during the 2020 election cycle in SNLs impeachment town hall sketch, when she introduced herself as Americas cool aunt. A fun aunt. I call that a Funt.

Other high-profile Hollywood Democrats have already joined in supporting Harris with donations Sunday or making pledges to donate soon, according to reports from outlets including the New York Times. While not immediately backing Harris, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who previously called for Biden to step aside, told the Times, We have hope now. Dem delegates need to pick a swing state winner. Thank you, Joe Biden.

Money also began to stream in from Silicon Valley, with one bundler saying they managed to put together more than a million dollars for Harris in under 30 minutes, according to the Times. Billionaires Reid Hoffman and Alex Soros also pledged their support.

Many pundits had predicted that Democrats would raise a historic sum if Biden were to drop out of the race, but if Harris is the nominee she will be able to use the war chest raised by Biden. Indeed, ActBlue announced on Sunday that more than $27 million was raised in the five hours after Biden stepped down, with over $46 million raised by the end of the day  the largest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.

Bidens decision to step down felt inevitable after a pair of TV interviews meant to mitigate the damage done by his debate performance  one with ABCs George Stephanopoulos and one with NBCs Lester Holt  only made things worse. Harris fellow California Democrat, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was among those who worked behind the scenes to help Biden find a dignified way out of the race. According to media reports, even former president Barack Obama was involved in these behind-the-scenes efforts.

It was midday Sunday when Biden issued a statement announcing that he was dropping out of the race after only finalizing the decision to step down earlier the same day, according to The New York Times. He did not tell most of his staff until one minute before his announcement went live on social media.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden said.

The President promised to make a public address later in the week about his decision.

Shortly after that initial announcement, Biden announced that he was endorsing his vice president. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, he said.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Harris called Bidens decision a selfless and patriotic act, saying she intends to earn and win the nomination.

Bidens decision makes Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee, though while the Democratic establishment has largely lined up behind her, she may still face some internal opposition. CNNs Jake Tapper reported that Senator Joe Manchin is considering re-registering as a Democrat to vie for the nomination.

Bill and Hillary Clinton said they were honored to join Biden in endorsing Harris, while former Democratic candidate for president and current Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said hell do all that I can to get Harris elected. The majority of the left-wing Squad group of congress members, including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, put their support behind Harris. Even those who had been on Democrats wishlist to take over for Biden endorsed Vice President: Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro released enthusiastic statements in quick succession. The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris, Shapiro said. Newsom described her as Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.

In perhaps the most pointed sign of how quickly the Hollywood tide turned, West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin disavowed an op-ed hed published in the New York Times only on Sunday morning, pitching Republican Mitt Romney as a Democratic candidate worthy of beating Trump. Hours after Biden stepped aside and endorsed Harris, Sorkin made an about-face.

I take it all back, the Oscar-winning Social Network screenwriter said. Harris for America!

The post A Jubilant Hollywood Embraces Kamala Harris for President as Biden Steps Aside: The Dembargo Is Lifted appeared first on TheWrap.
Judge denies motion for release for teen who has awaited trial for a year

Circuit Court Judge Daniel Damman rejected a request for Carmello Wilson's release, despite the juvenile having spent over a year incarcerated.

Wilson, a 16-year-old who is accused of shooting and killing 19-year-old KC Curtis Cureton in July 2023, has been in custody since the shooting and is being charged as an adult with open murder. He has also been charged with felony firearm use and resisting, obstructing, or assaulting a police officer.

Court records state multiple witnesses identified Wilson as the shooter, and that he had hidden the gun and changed his clothes to avoid matching the description given to police. He had reportedly threatened Cureton in the past, including in recorded messages.

Defense attorney Sharon Parrish argued Wilson should be released given how long his incarceration has been without being convicted of a crime.

"We are at a year, your honor, of his being incarcerated, and I think that's wrong," Parrish said.

Parrish cited Michigan Court Rule 6.909 that state a juvenile defendant must be released after 91 days.

Damman calculated how much of the delay since Wilson's arrest were caused by defense motions, including multiple switches in defense attorney, and concluded there were 129 days not attributable to the defense.

Damman said, however, the rule for adults, MCR 6.004, gives the court 180 days before a defendant should be released, and allows a judge to hold a defendant if they believe they are a flight risk. Damman asked Parrish if she had reason to believe the juvenile rule should apply before the hearing, and Parrish said she did not.

Damman denied the motion, citing that Wilson had resisted arrest.

Wilson is set to face a jury trial beginning Oct. 8. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Judge denies motion for release for teen accused of murder
A judge has denied a request by state prosecutors to remove two assistant public defenders from a 2020 murder case for alleged witness tampering. But a criminal investigation into the alleged incident by defense attorneys remains active, the state insisted Monday.

Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Shawn Abuhoff argued in his motion that the attorneys defending accused murderer Jamal Marcus Pratt hired a private investigator who tried to rattle the states key witness by impersonating a police officer. The investigator allegedly showed neighbors of the witness a recent mugshot and called her a rat as a public defender overheard the conversation on a cellphone.

Pratt, 37, is accused of shooting a Liberty City man three times and killing him as he ran into a convenience story after a fight escalated to gunfire during an altercation four years ago.

Late Friday, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Wolfson denied the states motion in a brief statement, saying that assistant public defenders Lauren Dawson and Natalie Ender conducted a thorough colloquy of the defendant who waived all potential conflicts...

The prosecutors motion prompted a statement from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Theyve been leading a bitter back-and-forth with state prosecutors over alleged prosecutorial misconduct that began in March when Wolfson removed lead state prosecutor Michael Von Zamft from the re-sentencing of gangster and convicted killer Corey Smith.

On Monday, the associations board of directors said the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office continues to engage in a pattern of unethical misconduct in cases in which defense attorneys have ... done nothing more than uphold their constitutional obligation and duty to defend their client.

The unjustified decision to publicly accuse these lawyers and their investigator of a crime highlights the inability of the State Attorneys Office to learn from its past mistakes and to prosecute their cases in an ethical manner, the board wrote.

The decision by Abuhoff and his office to move forward with the witness-tampering claim and ask for the removal of Ender and Dawson came after a failed bid last month by the public defenders to remove Abuhoff from Pratts murder trial.

Focus on key witness

The defense attorneys took issue with Abuhoff and a police officer showing up and banging on a car window as a private investigator working with the defense team talked to a key witness in the Pratt case just outside her Liberty City apartment. Wolfson quickly tossed that request, as well.

The accusations in the Pratt case are an extension of complaints filed by defense attorneys since the Smith ruling. Not long after, the defense attorneys association put together a binder of instances it perceives to be prosecutorial misconduct by the state attorneys office dating back a decade, then met with State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, demanding reform.

Included in the grouping is the murder trial of OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney and the prosecution of two former Hialeah police officers charged with kidnapping and beating a well-known homeless man. In a recent ruling, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Laura Shearon Cruz tossed evidence gathered by prosecutors in a case involving computer hacking against Clenney and her parents.

The judge said prosecutors strayed from the established legal principle of attorney/client privilege when they recovered electronic communication between Clenney and her parents in the murder case of Clenneys boyfriend Christian Obumsemli. The OnlyFans model is accused of stabbing him to death in their bayside Miami apartment in 2022.

READ MORE: In major blow to OnlyFans model computer hacking case, judge tosses states evidence

The family was able to recover his computer from the couples apartment after police overlooked it during their gathering of evidence. They tried to breach it in search of information that could help in their clients defense.

After the judges ruling, the state dropped the hacking charges against the Clenneys. That led to defense attorneys questioning whether prosecutor Khalil Quinan should remain on the case.

After Judge Wolfsons recent ruling, the state maintained Dawson and Ender continued to be investigated for possible criminal misconduct  but no longer by its office. On Friday, Deputy Assistant State Attorney Christine Zahralban forwarded emails to prosecutors saying the duo were under criminal investigation by the office, though no decision had been made about charges. The email warned prosecutors to inform defendants of the situation and any possible conflict.

Monday, without explanation, state attorney spokesman Ed Griffith said the investigation had been handed off to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The state agency had not responded to questions or confirmed an investigation by just before noon.
SANDY, Utah (ABC4)  The man accused of soliciting a minor for sex through Snapchat before being confronted by a gaggle of teenagers at a mall appeared made an appearance in court on Monday, July 22.

A judge ordered Bryce Stephen Ray, 49, of West Haven to be released from custody pending his pretrial hearings provided he does not use social media or have any contact with minors.

Ray was taken into custody in early July after a 15-year-old victim came forward saying Ray had offered her $700 so she could buy clothes in exchange for sex. According to court documents, Ray went to meet the victim at the Shops at South Town Mall where he was then confronted by approximately 20 teenagers who allegedly yelled at him, calling him a pedophile.

PREVIOUS STORY: West Haven man confronted by swarm of teens after he allegedly offered to pay 15-year-old for sex

During his appearance in court on Monday morning, Rays defense attorney, Tyson Stokes, brought up several concerns with the police affidavits

This isnt the result of a professional operation where there is an undercover police officer posing as a minor. This is a minor that is doing vigilante work, said Stokes. What happened was that there was a group of 20 or 30 teenagers that arrived on scene and basically assaulted my client. There is video footage in the discovery of that where theyre kicking him, theyre yelling at him, its very traumatic for my client.

Stokes argued for Rays release saying the photo that was allegedly shared in the Snapchat did not appear to be Ray. Stokes also claimed the check found on Ray at the time of his arrest was addressed to him by a third-party and not addressed to the victim.

Stokes also took issue with what he called discrepencies found in the Snapchat logs provided by the prosecution and what was written in the police affidavit. According to Stokes, the conversations in Snapchat logs did not show any solicitation nor the quote asking the girl how much it would take.

Upon review review of the logs, Judge Kara Pettit still took issue saying the conversations were still concerning if they were done by Ray, particularly one question asking how long it had been since the minors last sexual encounter.

Pettit did approve a pre-trial release based on the above conditions as well as any additional conditions implemented by pre-trial services.

Pettit scheduled pretrial hearing for Ray on Monday, Aug. 12.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Juror in Alec Baldwin's Rust Trial Says Case Felt 'Very Silly': 'I Don't Know What Could Have Swayed Me'

Juror No. 9 Gabriela Picayo told 'The New York Times' of Baldwin, "I think he would have trusted the people, you know, on the set to do their job"

Ramsay de Give-Pool/Getty Alec Baldwin at First Judicial District Courthouse on July 11, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico

A juror in Alec Baldwin's Rust trial is revealing what was going through her mind in the New Mexico courtroom.

The case against the actor and producer, 66, was dismissed on Friday, July 12, after his defense attorneys argued the prosecutors had buried evidence.

Baldwin was rehearsing a scene on the set of Rust in October 2021 when the gun he was holding discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has insisted in interviews he did not pull the trigger of the gun or know why it contained live ammunition.

Gabriela Picayo, a scientist who served as juror No. 9 during the trial, told the New York Times that as an actor, Baldwin should not have been expected to know a lot about gun safety, adding he instead should have trusted the experts on set.

I think he would have trusted the people, you know, on the set to do their job," she said.



Ross D. Franklin - Pool/Getty Alec Baldwin at First Judicial District Courthouse on July 10, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Related: Alec Baldwin and Wife Hilaria 'Didn't Celebrate' After Rust Case Was Dismissed: 'There's No Winning Here' (Source)

Additionally, Picayo reflected on finding out that Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was already convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Im still here, Im still open to hearing and obviously trying to stay unbiased, Picayo told the Times, but I was starting to move towards the direction of thinking that this was very silly and he should not be on trial.

Still, while she leaned against convicting Baldwin following the trial's second day, she noted that she "wasnt presented with all of the evidence, so I dont know what could have swayed me."

Juror Johanna Haag also expressed doubts in the prosecution's case against Baldwin. (If the case hadn't been dismissed, all 12 jurors would've had to come to a unanimous decision on the verdict.)

As the week went by, it just didnt, it didnt seem like a very strong case, Haag, who served as juror No. 7 and works in the advertising and marketing field, told the Times.



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RAMSAY DE GIVE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Alec Baldwin at First Judicial District Courthouse on July 11, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Specifically, Haag recalled the prosecution showing the jury emotional footage of the shooting aftermath, per law enforcement, and explained, Baldwin "looked shocked and stunned and so sad."

"It was clearly an accident, and the idea that theres anything purposeful, or the idea that there was this grave carelessness that caused this, didnt seem realistic to me," she added.

Baldwin's lawyer Luke Nikas said that "critical" evidence  namely, ammunition discovered by a man named Troy Teske (a friend Gutierrez-Reed's father)  "was never disclosed to us."

At that point, I really started to feel sorry for Mr. Baldwin, Haag told the Times. I thought, you know, Whats going on here? What is happening? 

According to the outlet, jurors learned Baldwin's case was dismissed only after they were sent home, when they received a text from the court reading Trail [sic] CANCELLED."



Ramsay de Give-Pool/Getty Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria Baldwin at First Judicial District Courthouse on July 12, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Related: How Rust Prosecutors Case Against Alec Baldwin Fell Apart in Stunning Fashion: What Have They Done? (Exclusive)

On July 12, the third day of Alec's involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out the case due to a late discovery of evidence. The actor, who was facing up to 18 months in prison if the jury had found him guilty, can't have the criminal charge brought against him again since the case was dismissed with prejudice.

Days later, a source told PEOPLE that Baldwin and his wife Hilaria are "relieved that it's over." The pair cried while hugging one another in the courtroom directly after the judge's decision.

"It's been a sad situation, and there is no winning here. They didn't celebrate," the insider said. "They were very worried and are grateful now that they are able to spend the rest of the summer with their kids."

In an Instagram message posted July 13, Baldwin spoke out about the outcome in the case, writing, "There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now. To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family."

An attorney for Gutierrez-Reed, who was sentenced to a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison, said in a statement after Baldwin's case was dismissed, "We will be filing an additional motion for Hannahs release and to dismiss, in light of the judges extensive findings."

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Read the original article on People.
Watch a previous report on the shooting in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday for one of three men charged in the fatal shooting of a Youngstown State University student outside a northeast Columbus Sheetz store in October 2022.

Keimariyon Ross, 20, is facing two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of felonious assault  all with handgun specifications  and one count of improper handling of a firearm.

Zanesville man pleads guilty to domestic violence caught on camera

Ross will be the first of the three suspects to head to trial. Tyyaun Sullivan pleaded guilty in August 2023 to two of eight charges against him. He was sentenced to 9-10 years in prison  two concurrent sentences of 3-4 years for felonious assault and two 3-year gun specification sentences to run consecutively.

The third suspect, Tommie Wilkerson, is facing four felonious assault charges with firearm specifications; he is currently scheduled to head to trial on Sept. 30.

According to police, Kevin Sobnosky, a valedictorian at Girard High School and a member of the deans list at Youngstown State University, was visiting Columbus with three other men when they were caught in crossfire at a Sheetz gas station on the 1400 block of North Cassady Avenue during the early hours of Oct. 30, 2022. Sobnosky was shot when the car he was in was hit with gunfire; he was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day.

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Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (R), chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, receives the credentials of Iran's new ambassador to Sudan, Hassan Shah Hosseini, in Port Sudan, Sudan, July 21, 2024. On the same day, Sudan's new ambassador to Iran, Abdulaziz Hassan Saleh, departed for Tehran and is anticipated to resume his duties shortly. (Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council/Handout via Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, July 21 (Xinhua) -- In a notable development towards the normalization of Sudan-Iran relations, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, formally received the credentials of Iran's new ambassador, Hassan Shah Hosseini, in Port Sudan on Sunday.

In a statement, the council described the ceremony as "the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations" between the two nations.

Sudan's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein al-Amin emphasized that the ambassadorial exchange is a "key component" in advancing cooperation.

The Iranian envoy expressed his commitment to enhancing ties, underscoring a mutual intent to strengthen relations. On the same day, Sudan's new ambassador to Iran, Abdulaziz Hassan Saleh, departed for Tehran and is anticipated to resume his duties shortly.

This diplomatic thaw follows an agreement reached in October 2023 to restore relations. Sudan severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 in a show of solidarity with Saudi Arabia, after the kingdom's embassy was attacked in Tehran. 

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (R), chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, holds talks with Iran's new ambassador to Sudan, Hassan Shah Hosseini (2nd L), in Port Sudan, Sudan, July 21, 2024.

On the same day, Sudan's new ambassador to Iran, Abdulaziz Hassan Saleh, departed for Tehran and is anticipated to resume his duties shortly. (Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council/Handout via Xinhua)
And Just Like That, Black Folks Mobilized For Kamala, Raising Millions Into the Night

As soon as President Biden bowed out and passed the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, Black folk started mobilizing. The movement was swift, phone calls, chats, fundraisers. Black people from all over started lining up behind her as the nations next leader, especially Black women and younger voters.



African Americans immediately started working their inner circles with calls and texts, pressing delegates to support Harris as the Democratic nominee and donating money in record numbers not only to her new presidential campaign but also to candidates in local, state and national races.

Still, lots of work remains, political experts warn, and now is not a time for Black voters to sit on their hands with so many issues at stake.

Sometimes we have to vote as a form of self-defense, explains Michael K. Fauntroy, Ph.D., director of the Race, Politics and Policy Center at George Mason University outside Washington, D.C.

But this is a message that Fauntroy and other experts dont have to tell some folks twice  or anything at all. On their own or through their churches, sororities and other organizations, sisters plan to stroll to the polls in even bigger numbers than they did in the past for Kamala Harris and Barack Obama.

Theyre excited, but they arent playing. They know this is a matter of survival as a people and as a democracy. They dont want to see the blood, sweat and tears that their ancestors shed to gain voting, reproductive and other human rights to be in vain. And they want to stop whats already been lost.

Thats why a group of Black women donated $1 million in less than three hours at a meeting intended for 1,000 participants that swelled by word of mouth to more than 40,000 supporters talking past midnight. Thats just one group among many that contributed to raising a record $50 million in a day.

As of 9 p.m. ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch, the Democratic fundraising platform announced on Twitter. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.

It's official: over ONE MILLION DOLLARS RAISED on the #WinWithBlackWomen call tonight for Kamala Harris. In THREE HOURS. Incredible.



Where were you on July 21st??#OneVoiceOneFight pic.twitter.com/lZkPERj2NH  Naima Cochrane (@naima) July 22, 2024

One result of this early push is that Harris is neck and neck with Donald Trump in polls  a difference of 1 to 1.5 percentage points based on analyses of recent polls by CNN and the Washington Post, respectively.

She is as well positioned as anybody else to win this election, Fauntroy said. Shes running against someone whos uniquely vulnerable.

The policies and priorities of the next administration will shape the landscape of reproductive rights, economic security, social justice and overall equality for years to come, Glynda C. Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights for America PAC, said in a statement provided to TheRoot.com. Its precisely why Vice President Kamala Harris is the only qualified and winning choice for president of the United States. Higher Heights is a political action committee formed by Black women to support Black women running for office at every level.

This is a choice election where we will have the opportunity to decide in November if we will be free or not, says Dorien Blythers, who has been working with Harris on her campaigns since 2015 and was deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What this shift is presenting us with is an opportunity to re-engage, an opportunity for people to have real conversations with their family, their friends and their communities about the stakes of this election, because this year they truly are higher than theyve ever been, said Blythers, founder of Good Rebel, a social impact agency.

Like others, Blythers suggested that African Americans read Project 2025, the conservative manifesto prepared by the Heritage Foundation to dismantle the federal government. These blueprints are nothing new, Fauntroy said, but this version is more severe than what was presented to President Reagan in 1981.

Since Trump has made such a big issue of age and cognition in this campaign, Fauntroy says that Harris should call his bluff by seeing her doctor, publicizing her test results and then asking Trump, So, when are you doing your tests?

As political commentator and former South Carolina legislator Bakari Sellers points out, Harris would be running against the oldest candidate in election history in taking on Trump.

Kamala Harris is battle tested and battle ready, Sellers tweeted. I look forward to working damn hard to make her the next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Blythers said this is also a battle between a prosecutor and a convicted felon.

She was a fighter when she was in the U.S. Senate, Blythers said. She was a fighter when she was serving as a prosecutor in California.

This is an opportunity for her to lean into her strengths and continue to prosecute the case against Donald Trump, which has been something that weve not seen over the last month, as folks have been so distracted by who would serve at the top of the ticket.

Yanick Rice Lamb is a journalist based in Washington, D.C., and professor at Howard University.

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A man was killed Saturday after he was allegedly stabbed by a juvenile suspect in a Yuba City parking lot, police said Monday.

Around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a call about a stabbing in a parking lot next to In-N-Out Burger and Chilis restaurants at 1300 Annette Way, the Yuba City Police Department said in a news release on social media.

Police located 21-year-old Andrew Porras, of Plumas Lake, with a stab wound on the right side of his chest. He was transported to a hospital in Marysville where he later died, according to the news release. His identity was confirmed by the Sutter County Sheriffs Office.

Police found and arrested the suspect, a boy, on suspicion of homicide. His identity was not released because he is a minor. The Police Department said the stabbing was an isolated incident and the suspect and victim had no known association with one another.

Yuba City police asked the public for help as they investigate the stabbing. Anyone with information regarding the crime is encouraged to call the department at 530-822-4661.
The social media rapid-response account of Kamala Harris presidential campaign uses a green-colored banner image in reference to the brat album cover of English popstar Charli XCX. Credit - @KamalaHQ/X

kamala IS brat, the British pop star Charli XCX posted on X just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden withdrew as the Democratic nominee and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the party against former President Donald Trump for the countrys vote in November.

Read More: Why Joe Biden Stepped Down

For some, the brat tweet could appear cryptic or confusing. For Gen Zand increasingly, the Kamala Harris campaign itself and the Democratic Party, toothe message couldnt be more clear: Harris is the meme candidate.

Shortly after Bidens dramatic announcement, the @BidenHQ official campaign account on X converted to @KamalaHQ, and it has already fully embraced Harris internet appeal, which some observers believe could be a meaningful gamechanger in the election.

From coconuts to Venn diagrams, the Harris campaign and her supporters have turned the virality of the Vice Presidentas well as some of her awkwardest moments that opponents once latched onto as signs of incompetenceinto profile-boosting symbols and soundbites that youth voters, in particular, can get behind.

Heres what to know about the memes that have come to be associated with Harris:

kamala IS brat

Charli XCXs album brat was released last month to critical acclaim and has topped charts around the world. Its also emerged as a summer cultural phenomenon among young people.

The artist explained what it means to be a brat on TikTok in early July: Youre just that girl who is a little messy and likes to party, and maybe says dumb things sometimes, who feels herself but then also maybe has a breakdown but parties through it. Its very honest, its very blunt and a little bit volatile.

One social media user embraced that definition for Harris by making a mashup video, featuring clips of Harris to the soundtrack of one of the club anthems off the album. It has since been viewed more than 3 million times.

why did I stay up till 3am making a von dutch brat coconut tree edit featuring kamala harris and why cant I stop watching it on repeat pic.twitter.com/hqcmerD1Pb  ryan (@ryanlong03) July 3, 2024

When @KamalaHQ launched on Sunday, it copied the stylization of the albums cover artall lowercase font over a solid bright green backgroundfor its account banner image.

The Biden campaigns official account, Biden-Harris HQ, has officially rebranded to Kamala HQ with a brat theme. pic.twitter.com/xy4FhdE5h7  Pop Base (@PopBase) July 22, 2024

Coconut context

The @KamalaHQ account bioProviding contextreferences another popular meme associated with the Vice President.

The meme has its roots in a May 2023 speech Harris gave at the White House in which she relayed an anecdote: My mother used toshe would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? she said with a laugh. You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

At the time, the GOP War Room, an arm of the Republican National Committee, shared the clip in an apparent attempt to mock her.

But Harris supporters have reclaimed the coconut tree. As pressure ramped up in recent weeks for Biden to step aside and Harris to take his place at the top of the ticket, a Democratic operative described themself as coconut pilled to CNN (a play on the red pill alt-right meme). Social media users joked about Operation Coconut Tree and a Coconut Republic, and Washington-area bars began serving coconut-inspired cocktails.

On Sunday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appended three emojis to the end of his endorsement for Harris: a coconut, a tree, and the U.S. flag.

Emilys List, a PAC dedicated to helping elect Democratic women candidates, similarly added the coconut and tree emojis to its username on X.

And Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz posted that he is ready to help the Vice President, alongside a photo of him climbing a coconut tree.

Madam Vice President, we are ready to help. pic.twitter.com/y8baSx44FL  Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) July 22, 2024

Last week, left-wing think tank Data for Progress conducted a poll in which it asked members of the public if they agreed or disagreed with the statement you exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you. A majority across both parties agreed.

Unburdened

In the same vein as the coconut meme, the Harris campaign seems to have turned around another meme that was originally circulated by Republicans.

In December and again in June, the RNC and Trump campaign shared video compilations of a common refrainunburdened by what has beenthat Harris has repeated in official speeches and along the campaign trail.

But on Sunday @KamalaHQ retweeted a screenshot of an interaction on X in which a social media user replied to a Trump campaign account advising it to drop the usage of that phrase now because Gen Z loves it.

holy shit this is too good pic.twitter.com/2tzVmPyR92  Brett Meiselas (@BMeiselas) July 22, 2024

I love Venn diagrams

Republicans have also mocked Harris very-public fondness for Venn diagrams.

I love Venn diagrams, Harris said in October 2022. I really do. I love Venn diagrams. Its just something about those three circles and the analysis about where there is the intersection, right?

The RNC compiled a minute-long compilation of her praising the charts and called it cringe.

But on Sunday, @KamalaHQ embraced the meme with a new Venn diagram of its own, showing the intersection of Bidens campaign and hers as holding Trump accountable.

Its unclear yet what other similarities the Biden and Harris campaigns will share, but a major difference has already emerged: her effectiveness at turning attention on the internet into an asset.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Insights from Politico, Kyiv Independent, South China Morning Post, and Harris national security adviser Halie Sofer

The News

The Kremlin reacted gingerly to US President Joe Bidens endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris after he dropped out of the 2024 election race.

In recent years, what has been happening in the United States has taught us not to be surprised by anything, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, adding he could not comment on Harris potential nomination because Moscow had noticed no contribution to the US Russia policy from her besides some instances of unfriendly rhetoric, Reuters reported.

Harris position as the frontrunner to be the Democratic presidential nominee has prompted questions in Washington  and from the US friends and enemies around the world  about what foreign policy would look like under a Harris administration, especially in key areas like support for Ukraine, Israel, and trade with China.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Supporting Ukraine is likely to be a priority for Harris

Sources: Politico, Kyiv Independent

Harris would likely continue to show strong support for Ukraine as president, Politico noted. She has previously appeared at international conferences and met several times with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to prove herself on the global stage and reiterate support for Kyiv, the Kyiv Independent added, and a key point in her rhetoric  likely a legacy of her experience as a lawyer and attorney general of California  has been calls to make Russia pay, both metaphorically and literally, for their actions in Ukraine.

On China, Harris hasnt shown much daylight between her and Biden

Source: South China Morning Post

A Harris administration would likely follow Bidens lead in China, but perhaps take a slightly more hawkish approach, like increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to counter Trumps protectionist goals, experts told South China Morning Post. Harris is also considered tougher on human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and on the US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, than Biden. More broadly, theres not a lot of clarity as to what stance a potential President Harris would take on China, as she had not shown any distinctive policy vision as vice-president as there was no daylight between her views and Bidens, an analyst said.

Harris may prove tougher than Biden on Israel

Sources: Al Jazeera, Harris national security adviser Halie Sofer, Politico

On Israel, Harris is expected to inherit Bidens policy of support for the country, Al Jazeera noted. She has repeatedly supported Israels right to defend itself, and she is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later this week. I traveled with her to Israel, and I saw firsthand her deep understanding of the [US-Israel] relationship and her support for Israels security, Halie Sofer, the CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, who served as Harris national security adviser in the Senate, told Semafor. But unlike Biden, Harris has also been outspoken in calling out the violence in Gaza, describing the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe, and calling on Israel to do more to protect civilians  which may galvanize voters who have taken issue with the current presidents staunchly pro-Israel stance, Politico added.
Vice President Kamala Harris heads into the dog days of summer as the clear favorite to replace President Joe Biden as the Democrats' White House nominee. But there are still members of her party left to convert into believers.

Harris is entering a moment of deep political uncertainty with significant advantages over other would-be replacements.

MORE: Harris thanks Biden as she receives growing chorus of endorsements

She is the sitting vice president; as a 59-year-old Black woman with Indian heritage, she could appeal to key demographics in the Democratic coalition; after a rocky start, she has found her voice in office, particularly around abortion; and she has support from Democratic heavyweights like Biden and Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris during a meeting in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House in Washington, DC, Feb. 27, 2024. (Leigh Vogel/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MORE: Joe Biden just dropped out. What happens next?

On the other hand, she is being relentlessly attacked by Republicans over the administration's handling of immigration, which Biden put under her portfolio, and memories of her dysfunctional 2020 campaign still give some Democrats pause over whether she can put together a campaign to face off against former President Donald Trump.

Taken together, Harris likely offers a higher ceiling among Democrats than Biden, after his cataclysmic debate last month. But Democratic anxiety over electability is still high with her at the top of the ticket, especially with Trump coming off a politically advantageous streak that saw him score legal wins, anoint a successor to his movement and literally dodge a bullet.

"What Kamala offers that President Biden didn't is upside. She has potential to win over new voters and has a higher ceiling than President Biden did," one source familiar with the Biden-Harris campaign's thinking said. "I think there's certainly some convincing to do."

Harris, who said Sunday it is her "intention is to earn and win this nomination," enters the race at a time when Democrats are clamoring for someone -- anyone -- who can take on Trump without have to answer constant questions about mental fitness or age. Harris certainly gives them that.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris during the start of her nationwide 'Fight for Reproductive Freedoms' tour in Big Bend, WI, Jan. 22, 2024. (Daniel Steinle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MORE: Election 2024 updates: Manchin says he may run as Democrat as support coalesces around Harris, sources say

While Republicans are painting her as complicit in what they claim is a cover-up of Biden's declining cognitive abilities, his departure from the race likely puts the storyline on his age on the backburner. And while Democrats' post-debate hullabaloo sent Biden into a tailspin, it offered Harris a chance to showcase her media skills, including the night of the debate, when she deftly parried worries over the president's performance.

"I think anybody who is wondering what kind of messenger Vice President Harris can be under duress, they should just watch the Anderson Cooper interview from the night of the debate. She was really crisp on message. She was really strong, really forceful. I mean, she looked and sounded like a candidate who could deliver a winning message," said Democratic strategist Peter Giangreco.

"We will immediately have a better messenger because Vice President Harris can talk about the next four years and not be stuck talking about the last three weeks. So, it's an upgrade."

On top of that, Harris has grown in her role.

Democrats of all stripes concede that she had a rough start to her tenure as vice president, seemingly unsure of what her political role was as Biden's No. 2. But she ultimately found her groove, especially as a vocal defender of abortion rights. And while her poll numbers aren't significantly higher than Biden's, supporters told ABC News there's more room to grow than with the president.

"She was polling when he was still in the race, so it was hypothetical. Now, people are gonna see her on TV every night against him," said one adviser to the Biden-Harris campaign who plans on advising Harris's team as the presidential nominee. "

"It was horrible, but that was then. This is now," the person added of her 2020 campaign. "She learned how to work with Joe Biden and win. She beat Donald Trump."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden shakes hands with Vice President Kamala Harris prior to delivering remarks on advancing the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence, in Washington, DC, Oct. 30, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Who will replace Joe Biden as presidential nominee? Kamala Harris does best against Trump in polls

And perhaps more than anything, she's a sitting vice president and a historic figure in her own right -- a resume that could intimidate other would-be replacements enough to stay on the sidelines.

Steve Phillips, a Harris supporter and Democratic donor, told ABC News he's hearing from other donors and is expecting a "surge in enthusiasm and giving."

"A lot of people aren't going to jump in. Nobody is going to sacrifice their political career to take on a Black woman who's earned the right to run," the advisor added. "If we were anointing some random member, female member of Congressional Black Caucus, people would have a right."

Already, Harris is racking up endorsements.

Beyond Biden, she's nabbed the support of Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Congressional Black Caucus and Emily's List, the Democratic outside group and financial colossus.

She's also scored the endorsements of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, four lawmakers who were mentioned as possible Biden replacements, and dozens of current and former Democratic National Committee members are circulating an open letter to garner support for Harris.

"The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency," Shapiro said. "I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States."

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden hold hands at the Democratic National Committee 2023 Winter meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 3, 2023. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: What pushed President Biden to withdraw from the reelection race?

Not every Democrat is sold that she can beat Trump, though.

Republicans are dumping millions into making Harris the poster child for the surge of undocumented border crossings -- an issue that polls show is one of the more significant policy matters in voters' minds.

A viral interview with NBC News in 2021 about her not visiting the border is already a centerpiece of the Trump campaign's opening attack ad against her, spliced together with clips of what Republicans have long said is an exaggerated laugh.

And her 2020 presidential campaign ended before any primary votes were cast, done in by severe dysfunction and a meandering search for policy stances that saw her take contradictory stances at times, including on healthcare and immigration.

MORE: Where Kamala Harris stands on Green New Deal and climate initiatives

Along the way, she also made some enemies of Biden's allies by attacking him over his stance on federally mandated school busing before struggling to come up with a policy of her own that was markedly different.

"I don't think she's authentic," said Democratic fundraiser John Morgan, who said he won't raise money for Harris. "All politicians are phony. Let's start with that. But some seem really sincere, and some seem like what I call fake phony, and fake phony is the worst phony."

"Not only was it not good, it was horrible," Morgan added of her 2020 race. "And she f----- over Joe Biden, and that's why I'm never going to be for her."

Seemingly sensing disquiet over Harris' frontrunner status, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat-turned-independent, is now considering re-registering as a Democrat to run against Harris for the presidential nomination, a source familiar with his thinking confirmed to ABC News.

Notably, other Democratic headliners, including former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also didn't endorse Harris in statements praising Biden.

And it's not even technically a done deal that Harris would be the nominee -- party members are throwing around proposals for a mini-primary of sorts, and it's still possibly someone comes in with a head of steam and supplants her, although many of her would-be rivals quickly endorsed her."

But at the end of the day, Democrats took a big exhale Sunday, arguing that Harris is likely a stronger candidate against an ascendant Trump than Biden -- jumping over a bar that had been progressively lowered.

"I think most people would say that Trump has an advantage right now, but this is an election that's taken a lot of twists and turns already, so I think it's hard to predict the future," one Democratic strategist said. "But Vice President Harris gives us the kind of fighting chance we haven't had for the last three weeks."

Kamala Harris is Biden's heir apparent, but some Democrats not sold: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
What do coconut trees have to do with Vice President Harris?

The tropical fruit-bearing plant has quickly become an informal symbol of support for her presidential campaign, thanks to an anecdote about her mother that she told more than a year ago.

President Biden made the history-making decision Sunday to drop his reelection bid and endorsed Harris to take his place against former President Trump on the November ballot.

Harris, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has four weeks to shore up her base to secure the partys nomination during its convention in Chicago in August and fewer than four months to make her case to American voters.

Many Democrats have already followed Bidens lead by formally endorsing Harris, and some are leaning into the curious symbol of a coconut tree.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) posted three emojis to his account on the social platform X to express his support:   .

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) posted a photo of himself climbing a tree to harvest coconuts. Madam Vice President, we are ready to help, he wrote.

EMILYs List, a PAC that backs Democratic women who support abortion rights, added a coconut and palm tree emoji to its profile, as did several other supporters.

And web searches for coconut tree have shot up in recent days, Google trends data show.

Harriss coconut tree connection starts with remarks she gave during a swearing-in ceremony for Hispanic educational advancement leaders.

While discussing the importance of families, communities and environment to ensure success for young people, she stressed that none of us just live in a silo.

My mother used to  she would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?' the vice president recalled, chuckling. You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.'

Harris has frequently inspired viral trends and internet memes.

When Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, her most loyal supporters became colloquially known online as the K-Hive, or #KHive, (an homage to Beyonces #BeyHive). Supporters put bee emoji in their then-Twitter feeds and would swarm to defend the then-junior senator from California whenever she faced criticism or mockery.

Washington Post tech columnist Taylor Lorenz noted Harriss ability to attract hyper-online progressive content creators and its potential to attract young voters an in a recent article.

Harris has won a surge of attention online from people recasting odd or awkward public moments into memes or viral video clips that often burnish her as relatable and down to earth, Lorenz wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the weeks leading up to President Joe Bidens bombshell announcement Sunday that he would suspend his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, two words have continued to prop up on social media: coconut tree.

As the pressure mounted against Biden, attention shifted to Harris and her many viral moments, which are often punctuated by her own laughter. But one moment of Harris time as vice president has stood out more than others.

During a May 2023 event at the White House for the Presidents Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, the vice president spoke about how equality also requires equity, how culture, environment and context are as important to opportunity as financial resources.

None of us just live in a silo. Everything is in context, she said. My mother used to  she would give us a hard time sometimes  and she would say to us, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?

As she stifled laughter, she concluded: You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

The phrase coconut tree remained rather niche until the calls for Biden to step aside reached a fevered pitch in the last week, according to Google Trends data.

Whether ironic or not, the image of a coconut tree became a rallying cry and fully crossed over into the mainstream on Sunday as coconut-pilled Democrats began rallying behind Harris.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis gave his endorsement of Harris and signed his statement with emojis of a coconut, a tree and an American flag.

EMILYs LIST, the PAC focused on electing Democratic women candidates, endorsed her, too  and added coconut and tree emojis to the groups username on X.

Brian Schatz, a U.S. Senator from Hawaii, posted a photo of himself climbing a coconut tree with the caption Madam Vice President, we are ready to help.

Some social media users were happy to provide context for Harris comments, but warned people to be careful about their use of the tropical fruit since coconut has in the past been used as an offensive term for people in the Black and Asian communities.

During a pro-Palestinian rally last year in London, a British Muslim woman was photographed holding a poster depicting then-prime minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who are both of Indian descent, as coconuts. Police searched for her and earlier this year charged her with a racially aggravated public order offense.

However, at the moment, the campaigns leaning right into the meme, too. Shortly after the Biden campaign rapid response X account switched to a Harris campaign account, its bio was changed to simply Providing context.

Like Harris, many in the Democratic Party and on social media have newfound enthusiasm for the election and are now imagining what can be, unburdened by what has been ahead of November 5.

_____
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

There is a real possibility that Vice President Kamala Harris could become the United States first woman president in 2025, now that President Joe Biden has officially taken himself out of the running and endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. If nominated, Harris would run against Donald Trump for president in November.

When the news broke, there was part of my brain jumping for joy that the US could finally, finally, elect a woman president in Harrisand a woman of color at that.

But its difficult to shake the bittersweet element to this potential historic first: If Harris does get the nomination and she wins, there may always be the sense that she was allowed to reach the uppermost echelon of power because the man in front of her in line had to bow out. And if she loses, itll be easy to leave her holding the bag for the entire Democratic party.

Its not uncommon for women in America to make history by being a mans number two at the right time. The first woman elected to the Senate, Hattie Caraway, was initially only appointed to the seat to replace her husband after he died in 1931. Just three years ago, then lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul became New York States first female governor after Governor Andrew Cuomo was forced to resign due to sexual assault allegations.

Obviously, weve made some progress since the suffragist era, and we now elect women to be senators and governors all the time. But weve still never elected a woman to be president.

Harris isnt confirmed as the Democratic nominee, but being VP and having the presidents endorsement positions her as Bidens natural successor, giving her an advantage that other women presidential candidates before her havent had. Since she is the candidate who would most seamlessly fit into the campaign, Harris has a far better shot at becoming president than she ever did on the primary campaign trail.

Harris dropped out of the 2020 presidential race early (followed later by her fellow female candidates, senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren), and some pundits speculated that Democratic primary voters were gun-shy of nominating another woman after Hillary Clintons loss in 2016.

Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate In Las Vegas Ahead Of Nevada Caucuses Ethan Miller/Getty Images

And these women candidates were also easy scapegoats. There were supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders who blamed Warren when he did not win the Democratic nomination in 2020. Hillary Clinton is still routinely blamed for the fact that Donald Trump became president, and then everything he did while president, because she lost to him in 2016. As Ralph Nader, who ran for president and lost four times, recently tweeted: A dictatorial, unelected majority in the Supreme Court has just rendered America a dictatorial president above the law. Thank you Hillary Clinton, whose blundering campaign let the dictatorial Trump become president and led to a rightwing dictatorial majority on the Supreme Court.

If Harris becomes the Democratic nominee and loses, who do you think the country will blame? Forgive me for my cynicism, but I did not just fall out of a coconut tree, and Ive seen how this works. Rather than place blame on Trump himself, or any of his right-wing supporters, or Biden for not stepping aside earlier, or even swing-state voters, it will be easier to blame Harris.

In his endorsement of Harris, Biden wrote, My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democratsits time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

What the statement does not address is that at the time, Biden billed himself as a transition candidate, and the implication was that he would not seek a second term. How much easier would he have made electing Harris had he stuck to that pledge and endorsed her from the start of this election cycle?

I sincerely hope we do elect our first woman president this year. I just wish shed had this much support from the start, and felt less like a backup solution. Maybe then it wouldnt feel quite so perilous right now.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
CONCORD  President Joe Biden is out of the 2024 presidential race. Is it too late for a new candidate to get on the general election ballot in New Hampshire?

The short answer is no, according to Anna Sventek, communications director at the New Hampshire secretary of state's office.

The Democratic National Convention is set to run from August 19 to 22 in Chicago. Once that happens, the convention chair will certify to New Hampshire the individual nominated by the convention to be that partys candidate for President of the United States.

Secretary of State David Scanlan said general election ballots are usually printed 10-14 days after the state primary, which is Sept. 10, to comply with a federal requirement that absentee ballots for military and overseas citizens are to be issued no later than 45 days before the general election.

Once that event takes place, we immediately start the process of preparing general election ballots, said Scanlan. So, we really need to know by 10 days to two weeks after the primary election who the candidate is going to be so we can start printing that name on the ballot.

It makes no difference to New Hampshires secretary of state's office who that candidate is, Scanlan confirmed.

New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, right, in 2022.

According to New Hampshire Election Law Chapter 667:21, each political party must certify the names of the presidential electors to the secretary of state no later than the last Tuesday of October.

That last Tuesday, Oct. 29, is also technically the last day the secretary of state may receive the name of a substitute candidate to be placed on the ballot and the last day for the secretary of state to deliver general election ballots to clerks, states the 2024 New Hampshire Political Calendar.

However, Scanlan said, that date is really too late as the ballots will have already been printed. While that provision does exist, it would only occur if there was the death of a candidate, or a candidate somehow became disqualified.

There is a point in time where reprinting ballots in close proximity to the general elections is just not possible, said Scanlan. In that case, the name of the original candidate would remain on the ballot.

With the DNC finishing over two weeks before the state primary, Scanlan fully expects to receive the name of the nominated candidate with plenty of time to print the ballots with the nominated candidates name.

New Hampshire's delegates pledged to Kamala Harris

Scanlan said whats most important is who the candidate is that is nominated by the party convention. When the states have their presidential primaries, he said, theyre actually voting for the delegates that will participate in the convention to cast votes to nominate the presidential candidate for that party.

New Hampshires slate of 25 Democratic delegates were originally pledged to Biden. But when he dropped out of the race Sunday, they were released to vote for whoever they wanted. On Sunday evening, they unanimously pledged their support for Vice President Kamala Harris, the leading candidate to replace Biden.

More: Portsmouth's Mary Carey Foley sad to see her friend Joe Biden exit race

What if a candidate is nominated before the DNC?

While the DNC dates are early enough for New Hampshires ballot rules, a few other states like Washington, Ohio, and Alabama have signaled that the conventions later dates may pose a problem for their states earlier ballot deadlines.

To avoid these issues, the Democratic National Committee is planning to hold a virtual nomination ahead of Ohios original Aug. 7 deadline. However, Scanlan said his office would wait until he received the certification from the chair of the convention, which he expects to come shortly after the in-person convention concludes on Aug. 22.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Can Kamala Harris (or any Democrat) replace Biden on NH 2024 ballot?
Members of 'KHive'  a play on Beyonce's 'Beyhive' fan club  are making fancams and memes of the vice president as she now seeks the Democratic nomination.

When President Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as his replacement for the 2024 Democratic nominee, meme creators reacted almost faster than Americans could learn the news.

Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with mentions of coconut trees and declarations of mother. But the jokes certainly werent new. Weeks before Biden dropped out of the presidential race, in the aftermath of his highly criticized debate performance, the internet seemed to anticipate what Washington did not: that Harris would be in the running to be the Democratic nominee.

why did I stay up till 3am making a von dutch brat coconut tree edit featuring kamala harris and why cant I stop watching it on repeat pic.twitter.com/hqcmerD1Pb  ryan (@ryanlong03) July 3, 2024

Content creators gave Harris the meme treatment by making fancam edits of her speeches and turning awkward public moments into searchable reaction clips. It was an organic reaction to the news, unlike some other attempts by the Biden campaign and others to go viral, which have been largely considered "cringe" and a turnoff for young voters.

The video that coconut-pilled the internet was a speech Harris gave in May 2023 at the White House. Coconut-pilled is a riff on red-pilled, a reference from the 1999 movie The Matrix that evolved online to become an alt-right term for being radicalized and seeing the truth that has since become a suffix that can jokingly be applied to interests or fandoms.

In this case, to be coconut-pilled is to "stan" (be a fan of) Harris, or part of the KHive, a riff on Beyonces Beyhive to describe the online Harris fan club community.

In the speech, Harris described how her mother would say, I dont know whats wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

Its not the first time the internet has latched onto something Harris has said, either. When Biden and Harris were elected in 2020, a clip of Harris calling Biden to congratulate him  We did it, Joe!  became a meme.

While there is an element of irony behind the coconut-pilled posts from some KHive members, a lot of the memes have actually helped shape Harris into someone relatable. Being able to tap into the online community, dominated by young voters, could allow Harris to make inroads with a demographic many other Democrats have struggled to.

Me, shedding my toxic Bernie Bro baggage and embracing the warmth of Momala's embrace beneath the coconut tree pic.twitter.com/uOTC37mNe4  Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) July 3, 2024

But this isnt indicative of a guaranteed win for Harris. DeNora Getachew, the CEO of DoSomething.org, one of the largest nonprofits for young people making social change, told Yahoo News in March that young millennials and Gen Z prioritize policies and action over individual candidates when it comes to elections. While Harris does support a lot of the issues young voters care about  including gun safety and abortion rights  her history as a prosecutor paints her as a little less progressive than what some young people are hoping for.

Shes clearly trying to put on a facade that shes a good guy, one voter told the Washington Post earlier this month, but we all know what shes like, we know who shes arrested, we know the things that shes done and shes had a mixed record. Shes no better than any other politician.

Read more

Read the full text of Bidens letter announcing his decision. I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down. [Yahoo News]

Timeline: Biden exit caps tumultuous three weeks in U.S. politics. Heres a summary of the milestone events in a roller coaster period in U.S. politics. [The Guardian]

Biden's 2024 reelection bid meets its ultimate match: Time. Yahoo News' analysis on the president's big decision, and how we got here. [Yahoo News]

Political reactions to Biden's decision. America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. [Reuters]

Americans react to Biden's historic decision . Finally a brave act from a politician." [USA Today]

Obama calls Biden 'patriot of the highest order' after Biden drops out of 2024 race. Joe Biden has been one of Americas most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, weve also been reminded  again  that hes a patriot of the highest order. [Yahoo News]

House Republicans say Biden must resign after ending reelection campaign. If Joe Biden cant run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said. [The Hill]

Now that Biden dropped out, what happens to his campaign funds? If Vice President Kamala Harris is the new nominee, will she get access to those funds? If one of the other rumored Democratic options gets picked, can they use that money? [Yahoo News]

FAQ: How will Democrats pick a new presidential nominee? Whats next for the Democratic Party as they hurtle toward a convention and the November election against Republican nominee Donald Trump? [Yahoo News]

Until 1968, presidential candidates were picked by party conventions  a process revived by Bidens withdrawal from race. The tradition of picking a nominee through primaries and caucuses  and not through what is called the convention system  is relatively recent. [The Conversation]

Who will replace Biden as the new Democratic nominee? Here are some of the hypothetical Biden replacements being discussed  along with how they ranked among voters in a Yahoo News/YouGov poll conducted after the debate. [Yahoo News]

Harris says she intends to earn and win Democratic nomination. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win. [Yahoo News]

Harris: What to know about her as she seeks to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee. A brief guide to her background, historic firsts and record as VP. [Yahoo News]

Harris' 2020 campaign was a mess. If she ends up atop the ticket, this time could be a lot different. Admirers say that Harris has grown in the job. [NBC News]

Would America be ready for President Kamala Harris? But from the start, there has been a hesitancy to fully embrace the countrys second-in-command, with some Democrats openly overlooking her. [USA Today]

Democrats rally behind Kamala Harris in bid to avert divisive party convention. Democratic donors who had pressured Biden to drop out of the race wasted no time in throwing their support behind Harris, the New York Times reported, quickly raising millions of dollars. [Yahoo News]
PORTSMOUTH  Following President Joe Bidens exit from the presidential race, New Hampshire became the fourth state where the state Democratic Party unanimously pledged its delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday night.

The 25 delegates announced their decision after a video call Sunday evening.

We are immensely grateful to President Biden and are proud to follow his lead and endorse Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Our endorsement reflects the sentiments of the historic number of Granite State voters who supported the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary, read their statement. Kamala Harris will defeat the Trump-Vance ticket, their dangerous Project 2025 agenda, and will build upon the successes and values of the Biden-Harris Administration.

Kamala Harris

Many of the delegates reiterated their support for Harris on social media.

Proud to be a pledged delegate & part of New Hampshires historic delegation to the Democratic National Convention in August supporting VP @KamalaHarris, pledged Maura Sullivan, a DNC delegate, Seacoast resident and NHDP 2nd Vice Chair in a post on X Sunday night.

I thought being a delegate would be easy, posted Doug Marino, a delegate from Brentwood, adding in an earlier post that Biden "deserved better than this." That evening, he posted that he is proud to join his fellow delegates in supporting Harris.

Lets win this! he wrote.

Top New Hampshire Democrats endorse Harris

As of Monday morning, all four members of New Hampshires all-Democrat congressional delegation had also endorsed Harris.

Rep. Annie Kuster, NH-02, was quick to announce her support for the vice president, releasing a statement both celebrating Biden and endorsing Harris Sunday afternoon. Kuster said that Harris has been one of the most effective and influential vice presidents in American history and has full confidence that she can defeat former President Donald Trump.

I am pleased to join New Hampshire's elected delegates to the Democratic National Convention in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to become our next President, said Rep. Chris Pappas, NH-01, said in a statement released Sunday night, a few hours after his statement on Bidens exit. Vice President Harris is an accomplished prosecutor and public servant, and Im confident in her ability to defeat Donald Trump and his extremist agenda, and move our country forward.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Rep. Annie Kuster and Rep. Chris Pappas, left to right, all New Hampshire Democrats, are seen outside the State House in Concord.

While Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen did not endorse Harris in their initial statements Sunday, Hassan voiced her full support for Harris in an interview with WMUR Monday morning, while Shaheen posted her endorsement Monday on X.

Other leading Democrats, like DNC Chair Ray Buckley, both leading Democratic candidates for NH governor Cinde Warmington and Joyce Craig, NH-02 Democratic candidates Colin Van Ostern and Maggie Goodlander, and House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, D-Manchester, also announced their support for Harris.

Delegates in more states backing Harris

Harris will need to secure 1,968 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. With Biden stepping down voluntarily, the delegates once pledged to him are now free to back another candidate of their choice.

Tennessee was the first state to pledge all of its delegates to Harris, followed by South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Florida. Louisianas Democratic Party also announced that they are backing Harris by an overwhelming majority vote.

New Hampshire and the other states decisions come even as some top Democratic leaders, like former President Barack Obama, have yet to endorse the vice president.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kamala Harris gains support of NH delegates and congressional leaders
President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement after announcing Sunday he would end his 2024 reelection campaign. The news shocked the nation mere days after Biden's campaign chair insisted the president was staying in the race.

Will Harris inherit Biden's campaign donations, and how much more is she expected to receive? Here's what to know.

People are also reading: The $240 million question: Who gets Joe Biden's campaign money if he drops out?

Harris may inherit Biden's campaign donations

In amending filings with the Federal Election Commission, the Biden-Harris campaign was renamed as "Harris for President." In doing so, Harris may be allowed to inherit the funds donated to Biden's reelection campaign.

An additional letter filed with the commission reinforced Harris' campaign for president, stating, "Vice President Harris is now a candidate for United States President in the 2024 election and will henceforth be conducting campaign activities only in pursuit of that office."

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189. Harris was in Columbus to discuss local effects of the recently-passed infrastructure bill.

More: Who is replacing Joe Biden? Kamala Harris most likely Democratic presidential nominee

The Biden-Harris campaign had nearly $127 million in June. Combined with the previous two months, the Biden campaign said it raised $264 million in the second quarter and now has $240 million on hand to spend. The transfer of funds should, in theory, be simple since Harris was already listed in the campaign, according to the Campaign Legal Center.

Specifically, because Biden and Harris share a campaign committee, the Vice President and her running mate can continue using the campaigns existing funds for the general election if she is on the Democratic ticket as either the presidential or vice-presidential nominee, Trevor Potter, founder and president of Campaign Legal Center, said in a statement.

A federal law confirms this, stating, "Any campaign depository designated by the principal campaign committee of a political party's candidate for President shall be the campaign depository for that political party's candidate for the office of Vice President."

However, some speculate Harris' reception of campaign funds will prove more complicated.

Unprecedented event reveals 'gray area'

Experts on the issue have some doubts about the transfer of Biden's campaign donations to Harris.

It is unclear where the money will go, because nothing like this has happened before. Even when President Lyndon B. Johnson dropped out of the 1968 presidential election, current campaign finance laws did not exist.

Before you go: 'It's just Kamencing': The Kamala Harris memes are in now that Biden is out

Dan Weiner, the director of the Brennan Center for Justice's Elections & Government Program, cautioned that the law leaves a lot of gray area. "Its not crystal clear because Im not sure if the people who drafted the Federal Election Campaign Act anticipated this situation," he said.

If Harris indeed gets the money, this would be Harris' only existing funding source. Her old war chests from her 2020 run for president and 2016 run for US Senate have both been zeroed out and deactivated.

Harris campaign raises $50M since Biden's exit

Since Biden's exit from the 2024 presidential race and endorsement of Harris, the "Harris for President" campaign has seen an influx of donations. A spokesperson said a large portion of the donations have come from ordinary U.S. citizens.

"Since the president endorsed Vice President Harris yesterday afternoon, everyday Americans have given $49.6 million in grassroots donations to her campaign," the spokesperson told Yahoo! News.

Biden's reelection campaign raised over $127 million in June, including $38 million in the last four days of the month. It was the campaign's single largest monthly haul of the 2024 race and was boosted by a Hollywood fundraiser hosted by former President Barack Obama and several A-list celebrities that brought in $30 million.

Biden's June numbers topped the $112 million that President Donald Trump and his allies reported raising in June, making it the first month Biden outraised Trump since March.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Will Kamala Harris inherit $240M of Biden's campaign money?
Kamala Harris will most likely not appear beside Benjamin Netanyahu when he speaks to Congress this week. Former senior Biden administration officials say that was likely by design.

Harris declined to attend Netanyahus joint address later this week, Axios journalist Juliegrace Brufke reported Monday. And the decision was made before Joe Biden announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 race.

The vice president would have sat directly behind Netanyahus podium during the Wednesday event. Instead, last week, Bidens campaign had scheduled her to speak in Indianapolis.

That probably wasnt an accident, a former senior administration official told The Times of Israel. The source theorized that Biden may keep Harris away from the White House while Netanyahu is in town to avoid images that feature Harris associating with the Israeli prime minister. This would mark a significant shift in U.S. policy, if appearing with Netanyahu is suddenly viewed as a bad thing.

At the same time, Harris is receiving flack from Zionist organizations over comments she made about student protests in support of Palestine in an interview with The Nation earlier this month. The Zionist Organization of America accused Harris of endorsing Arab Islamist criminality, among other racist remarks.

However, a current U.S. official said that a future Harris administrations policies on Palestine wont differ much from Bidens. Vice President Harris shares President Bidens support for an iron-clad U.S. commitment to Israels security coupled with a commitment to advancing a two-state solution in order to bring an end to this cycle of violence, the official said, speaking anonymously.

But Biden may also snub Netanyahu. A senior official in his office told reporters that Netanyahu may not meet with the U.S. president after all. Meanwhile, a record number of Democrats are set to boycott Netanyahus speech.
Who is Kamala Harris? What to know about frontrunner to be the Democratic Party's nominee for president

Vice President Kamala Harris leaves Nashville, Tenn., after speaking at Fisk University on Friday, April 7, 2023. At the school she met with Justin Pearson, Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville.

Vice President Kamala Harris has gone from presumed running mate for President Joe Biden to hitting the campaign trail as the presidential frontrunner for the Democrats.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, Biden said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

For the last (almost) four years Harris has been Biden's right-hand woman in the Oval Office and the California native isn't unfamiliar with the presidential campaign trail either. Harris originally ran for president in 2016 but ended her bid to become Biden's running mate.

Here's everything to know about the now presumed Democrat frontrunner for the 2024 presidential race.

How do you pronounce Kamala Harris's name?

Even after almost four years as vice president, people still seem to have difficulty pronouncing Harris' name. Speakers, and her political opponents, at the Republican National Convention last week called her "Camel-a," "Kuh-MAHL-a," or "Kuh-MEL-a"  none of which are correct.

Her name is pronounced "COM-mah-la," with emphasis on the first syllable. When pronounced correctly, the vice president's name sounds like comma-la.

What has Kamala Harris done?

Before becoming the Vice President in 2016, Harris represented California in the Senate for three years and was the states first female attorney general.

Her time in the White House as Biden's Vice President saw her at the helm of multiple initiatives for the Biden administration related to womens health and immigration. She has also taken more than a dozen trips abroad in her role, according to the White House.

Harris also made history as the nations first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to be elected vice president.

Where is Kamala Harris from?

The 59 year old was born in Oakland, California.

What is Kamala Harris's ethnicity?

Harris's mother is Indian and her father is Jamaican. If she is elected, she will become the country's first woman and first person of South East Asian descent to become president.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who is Kamala Harris? What to know about leading Democratic nominee
Kamala Harris lacks a top team to steward her 2024 White House bid after she burned through staff as vice-president amid claims of bullying.

Democrat insiders fear Ms Harris has few senior aides to rely on as she seeks to defeat Donald Trump in the election, which is little more than 100 days away.

The vice-president is primed to replace Joe Biden as the Democrats nominee, after he withdrew from the race on Sunday.

Her small-scale political operation includes her communications director, Kirsten Allen, who is in her early 30s and worked on Ms Harriss previous presidential bid; Lorraine Voles, Ms Harriss chief of staff and a former aide to Al Gore; and Stephanie Young, who joined the team last year after working for an organisation founded by Michelle Obama.

Soul-destroying criticism

Ms Harris, 59, has for years been dogged by criticisms of her leadership approach.

Some aides who worked under her in California have described her failing to read briefing materials, then blaming staff when it became apparent she was not across her portfolio.

One former staffer told The Telegraph they had experienced this first-hand.

Its clear that youre not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work, another told the Washington Post in 2021, describing Ms Harriss constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence.

The staffer added it amounted to propping up a bully.

Symone Sanders, Ms Harriss former spokeswoman, told the Washington Post of the staff complaints at the time: We are not making rainbows and bunnies all day. What I hear is that people have hard jobs and Im like, Welcome to the club.

Ms Sanders departed a few months later, a decision she insisted was unrelated to office morale, but due to wanting a break and a new challenge after three years of advising Ms Harris and Mr Biden.

Rapid turnover of staff

Analysis by news website Axios found that the high turnover in the last three-and-a-half years meant that only five of the 47 people listed as being in her employ in 2021 were still with her by spring this year.

The figure does not represent Ms Harriss full cohort of staff, which she is not required to disclose, but a substantial number of the total.

It is in stark contrast to the extremely loyal and experienced brains trust upon which Mr Biden relied, many of whom had worked with him for decades, making them adept at anticipating his thinking and reflecting his tone in their campaign messaging.

In Mr Bidens own first term as vice-president to Barack Obama, by way of comparison, 17 of his 38 aides remained with him, according to the Axios analysis.

Ashley Etienne, Ms Harriss former communications director, has disputed the suggestion she has been under-prepared while vice-president.

Harris has been in the Oval Office, [Situation] Room, deeply immersed in domestic, foreign issues the last four years, she said recently.

Ms Harris carrying a staffer's birthday cake aboard Airforce Two in 2021 - LAWRENCE JACKSON

Insiders also said multiple departures were prompted by finding working under Ms Harris particularly difficult, despite aides being accustomed to demanding hours and difficult bosses.

Ms Harriss defenders concede that she is an exacting boss, but argue the criticism against her is tainted with sexism, even comparing her style to Trumps on The Apprentice, to stress the double standards.

Persistent doubts over her management style have prompted questions over her ability to lead the 1,300-strong Biden campaign team she is poised to take on, along with Mr Bidens roughly $240 million campaign war chest.

Mr Biden himself was said to have been hesitant to quit the race because of his concerns about Ms Harriss abilities.

His private anxieties have been reflected by other Democrat figures.

Broader concerns

Some West Wing aides have accused Ms Harris of failing to pull her weight and described her as overly cautious about accepting assignments.

One example given was Washingtons high-profile Gridiron dinner, where politicians are skewered by comedians and deliver light-hearted roastings in return.

Senior White House aides reportedly requested Ms Harris attend on Mr Bidens behalf in 2022, but she declined, leaving the task to Gina Raimondo, the US commerce secretary.

Later that year, Ms Harris was reported to have been so anxious about attending a dinner hosted by media baron David Bradley, her staff staged a dry-run and played the part of her fellow dinner guests.

Ms Harriss aides even considered including wine for the mock dinner, but ultimately decided against it, according to Axios.

Lack of experience

Others say this lack of confidence stems from her relative inexperience in Washington.

Ms Harris arrived in the US capital in 2017 as a first-term senator for her home state of California, with few longtime staffers.

The trend continued when she entered the vice-presidents office; just two  Rohini Kosoglu, her domestic policy adviser, and Josh Hsu, her chief legal adviser  accompanied her from her Senate office and had worked for her for more than a year. Neither are still in the vice-presidents office.

Former aides say her staff struggles are nothing new, but a trait that has defined her lengthy career in public service, with some describing her as an unpredictable and chaotic manager.

Lenore Anderson, who worked under Ms Harris when she was San Franciscos district attorney, previously told The Telegraph she had very high standards.

However, Ms Anderson, speaking ahead of Ms Harris inauguration as vice-president, said her meticulous attention to detail was counterbalanced by her ability to laugh [and] to have a good sense of humour.

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.
Vice President Kamala Harris launched her presidential bid Sunday as the heir apparent for the Democratic nomination, leaving her with a critical decision to make at an unprecedented, historic juncture in American politics: Who should she choose as her running mate?

Her top options include names that have been floated the past few weeks to replace the ailing President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. Here they are.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Before becoming the top executive in a crucial swing state last year, Shapiro, 51, was a Capitol Hill aide before becoming a member of the state House.

As Pennsylvanias attorney general, he became known for being tough on crime, earning criticism from progressives. When he ran for governor in 2022, he did so on a platform of protecting abortion rights and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. He won by nearly 15 points.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been a vocal supporter of Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. He became one of the partys top leaders to endorse Harris Sunday evening, mentioning theyre both prosecutors and have known each other for almost two decades.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Kelly, 60, a combat veteran and former astronaut, assumed office in 2020 and won re-election in 2022, making him a Democratic unicorn who has twice carried a red border state. In 2011, his wife, then-Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ), nearly died when she was shot in the head during a mass shooting at a constituent event in Tucson.

He has at times criticized the Biden administrations border policy while advocating other more progressive priorities. Kelly, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, quickly endorsed Harris on Sunday after Biden announced his stunning withdrawal from the race and endorsed Harris.

He and his wife have become outspoken critics of the Alabama Supreme Court, sharing their personal crusade to try to have children through in vitro fertilization.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Beshear, 46, ousted Republican Gov. Matt Bevin in 2019 by less than 1 percentage point in one of the most conservative states in the nation. Last year, he secured re-election by a wider margin, proving Democrats can win in Trump country.

The son of former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, he practiced law before becoming the states attorney general, attacking Big Pharma for contributing to the opioid epidemic.

One of his first acts as governor was to restore the rights of more than 100,000 convicted felons after making abortion rights a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Cooper, 67, is another leader of a swing state high on Harriss short list, having hosted two campaign events for Harris over the past week. He also endorsed Harris for president on Sunday.

The son of a tobacco farmer, Cooper has served in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, and spent 16 years serving as the states attorney general before ousting the sitting Republican governor in 2016. In 2022, he chaired the Democratic Governors Association in a banner year for his partys gubernatorial candidates.

Now, in his last year in office, his presence on the ticket could help the party win back a swing state that has been trending red.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Whitmer, 52, said Sunday that she would not be challenging Harris for the presidency, but she stopped short of endorsing her. She was the first Democratic woman elected governor of Michigan 2011. In a 2013 debate about abortion rights, a signature campaign issue for Democrats, she revealed she was raped in college.

Whitmer briefly served as a prosecutor before becoming governor two years later. In 2020, she gave the Democratic response to the State of the Union, around the same time the FBI learned of a kidnapping plot against her.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

Pritzker, 59, was born in California into one of America's wealthiest families. He got his start in venture capital before pivoting to politics. He was a co-chairman of Hillary Clintons 2008 campaign and later took heat for making racist comments in a recorded phone call with the then-governor.

In 2018, he ran for governor, self-funding his bid to the tune of nearly $172 million. He legalized cannabis possession in the state, banned assault weapons, and easily won re-election in 2022.

Pritzker is a loyal Biden surrogate and presides over the state where the Democratic National Convention will be held next month.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

Newsom, 56, who also quickly endorsed Harris for president on Sunday, has big political aspirations but likely wont work as a veep pick, given that the Constitution doesnt allow both members of a presidential ticket to come from the same state.

But the telegenic governor has upsides as a former San Francisco mayor who advocated for same-sex marriage two decades ago.

He became the states lieutenant governor in 2011 before securing the top post in 2019. He also survived a recall attempt after attending a party at French Laundry during the COVID lockdown days.

Newsom has been one of the presidents fiercest surrogates, raising his own political standing in the process. Late last year, he challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a debate, and he defended Biden after last months shaky performance. Newsom endorsed Harris Sunday evening.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Moore, 45, a rising star and former author with little political experience before he was elected governor in 2022, was a Rhodes Scholar, White House Fellow with the State Department and a Manhattan investment banker. He led several companies while writing books, including his most famous, The Other Wes Moore. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Moore became only the third Black governor elected in U.S. history. He built his profile on reclaiming patriotism, focusing on his states infrastructure, and pardoning tens of thousands of people convicted on marijuana charges. He has sold himself as a moderate Democrat.

Moore is expected to endorse Harris on Monday morning.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner

Warner, 69, was another Democrat who quickly endorsed Harris on Sunday. The two are friends who became an internet sensation during the lockdown days of the COVID pandemic with their tuna melt v. tuna fish sandwich shtick.

One of the wealthiest senators in the country, Warner made his fortune in tech while dabbling in politics. In 2002, Warner became the states governor after running as a moderate.

Many expected Warner to run for president in 2008, but he opted against a bid. Instead, he ran for his current seat, which he easily won. He is now chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Reports after the presidential debate suggested he was making efforts to push Biden off the ticket.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg, 42, burst onto the national scene with his 2020 presidential bid, when the mayor of little-known South Bend, Indiana, attracted attention for his youthful energy and wonky policy talk. He also endorsed Harris Sunday evening.

Another Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg served in the Navy in Afghanistan. He worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company before launching a failed bid for Indiana state treasurer and then a successful one to become Mayor Pete.

When Biden appointed him secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg became the first openly gay Cabinet member in U.S. history. He has overseen a series of transportation disasters, including the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

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Who is Kamala Harris? The life of the woman stepping into the 2024 limelight

President Joe Bidens decision to end his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him in the campaign has upended the presidential race and shined a renewed spotlight on Harris.

Her career path from prosecutor to politician has been defined by many firsts: She was the nations first Indian American senator and Californias first female and South Asian attorney general. Harris is the first woman to become vice president, as well as the first Black or Asian American person to hold the office.

Now, as momentum builds to position her as the Democratic Partys 2024 presidential nominee, Harris could be on the cusp of becoming the countrys first female president.

Heres what to know about Harris life and the moments that defined her in politics.

The daughter of immigrants

Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964.

In the introduction to her 2019 memoir, The Truths We Hold, Harris noted that her name is pronounced comma-la, like the punctuation mark and that it means lotus flower, in homage to an important symbol in Indian culture.

One-year-old Kamala Harris, right, with her mother Shymala Gopalan Harris. - Archivio GBB/contrasto/Redux

Harris father, Donald, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica to study economics at the University of California at Berkeley. He is now a professor emeritus of economics at Stanford.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, immigrated to the US from southern India in the late 1950s. She earned her doctorate in nutrition and endocrinology at Berkley and became an acclaimed breast cancer researcher before she passed away in 2009.

Harris writes that her parents met and fell in love at Berkeley while participating in the civil rights movement, but the couple later divorced when Harris and her sister, Maya, were young.

Harris credits her mother for shaping us into the women we would become and for teaching her daughters to be proud of both their Indian and Black heritage.

Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage, and we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture, Harris wrote in her memoir.

My mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as Black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women.

A career of firsts

Three-year-old Kamala. - Archivio GBB/contrasto/Redux

Harris Howard University yearbook photo. - Archivio GBB/contrasto/Redux

In 1982, Harris enrolled at Howard University, a historically Black university in the heart of Washington, DC.

There, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha, the countrys oldest Black sorority, and earned a bachelors degree in political science and economics. She would later become the first HBCU graduate to be elected vice president.

After college, Harris returned to California and attended law school at the University of California Hastings. When she decided to pursue a career as a prosecutor in the district attorneys office, Harris said she knew she would have to defend her choice to her friends and family.

America has a deep and dark history of people using the power of the prosecutor as an instrument of injustice, she wrote in her memoir. But I also knew that what was wrong with the system didnt need to be an immutable fact. And I wanted to be a part of changing that.

After graduating from law school, Harris spent three decades as a prosecutor, serving as a deputy district attorney for Oaklands Alameda County before she was elected in 2004 to be district attorney of San Francisco.

In 2011, Harris became the first Black American, first woman, and first Asian American elected to be the attorney general of California.

During her time as attorney general, Harris met and befriended Bidens eldest son, Beau, who also served as Delawares attorney general.

Harris record as a prosecutor  and later Californias top law enforcement official  came under scrutiny during her 2020 presidential campaign, with progressive activists and law enforcement advocates questioning several decisions she made in office, including her stance against the death penalty.

In 2014, Harris married Doug Emhoff, a former managing partner at a law firm. The couple met on a blind date and Harris later joked in her memoir that her staffers referred to that era as A.D.  After Doug.

Emhoff is the nations first second gentleman.

In this 2016 photo, Kamala Harris celebrates winning her Senate race in Los Angeles. - Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

From prosecutor to politician

In 2015, Harris launched a campaign for the US Senate, vying to replace longtime California Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Both former President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Biden endorsed her campaign and she would later write in her memoir that election night in 2016 was surreal for many reasons  not only because she won.

I was a US senator-elect  the first Black woman from my state, and the second in the nations history, to earn that job, she wrote.

But, as it became clear that Donald Trump would become the 45th president of the United States, Harris said she abandoned the speech she originally wrote under the assumption that the country would elect its first female president, and instead urged the supporters to be committed to bringing our country together.

During her time in the US Senate, Harris served on the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence before launching a bid for the White House in 2019.

During a crowded presidential primary debate that year, Harris confronted then-Vice President Bidens record, including his previous stance on desegregation and school busing.

Biden later told CNN after the debate, I was prepared for them to come after me.  But I wasnt prepared for the person coming at me the way (Harris) came after me. She knew Beau, she knows me.

Bidens decision to later select Harris to be his running mate came as a surprise to some, but he would describe it as the best decision Ive made.

On January 20, 2021, Harris was sworn in as the countrys first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. In her role as president of the Senate, according to the White House, Harris set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president.

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Kamala Harris dramatic entry into the presidential race triggered a record day of donations for Democrats, who raised a total of $81 million in the 24 hours after Joe Biden handed over the baton.

Over 880,000 individual donors contributed to the record sum, the Harris campaign said in a press release on Monday afternoon. About 60% of those donors were making their first donations to any 2024 presidential campaign.

Harris raised $64 million in just the first 12 hours after Biden's announcement on Sunday afternoon, according to Democratic strategist Kenneth Pennington. In their best hour over the past day, the vice president's campaign raised about $11.5 million, The New York Times reported.

Former President Donald Trump, who was confirmed as the Republican nominee for president last week, raised almost $53 million in the 24 hours after his felony conviction in May. The former presidents campaign later went on raise a record $141 million over the course of the same month.

How Donald Trump Went From Harris Donor to Kamala Hater

With donors hesitating over the uncertainty surrounding the presidents health, Trumps White House war chest had recently overtaken his Democratic rival. Now Bidens decision to stand down and endorse Harris appears to have opened the floodgates for Democratic grass roots donors.

Soon after the presidents announcement, Democratic political action committee ActBlue said it hit a milestone of $14 billion raised since the donation platforms launch 20 years ago.

By 7 a.m. Eastern time on Monday morning, a ticker showing real time donations on ActBlues website surged by more than $64 million after what it called the biggest fund-raising day of the 2024 cycle.

This may be the greatest fundraising moment in Democratic Party history, Democratic strategist Kenneth Pennington wrote on X.

He posted later: Democrats have raised $63 million today on ActBlue. Looks on path to exceed $90 million by the 24-hour mark from Joe Bidens decision.

Earlier, Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, said in a statement: Since the president endorsed Vice President Harris yesterday afternoon, everyday Americans have given $49.6 million in grassroots donations to her campaign.

Bidens deputy digital director, Clarke Humphrey, tweeted: and just like that! 4-5pm this evening just became our best fundraising hour ~ever over at Team Joe. obviously this is a huge day for the campaign w Kamala Harris joining the team and i think it's only a sign of all the great things to come!

The tally is made up of smaller donors, and Democratic fund raisers have reported other boosters, including a group called Win With Black Women that raised $1.5 million in a 100-minute Zoom meeting attended by more than 45,000 supporters from around the country.

According to The New York Times, Trumps main fundraising site online took six months to raise $58 million in second half of 2023. These figures, and the donations made following the former presidents conviction for falsifying business records, were announced by his campaign.

The final first day donor figures for Democrats since Bidens announcement have not yet been verified by the Harris campaign and have yet to be filed with the Federal Election Commission. They are also a total of donations to all Democratic candidates rather than just to Harris, but, announcing the grassroots surge on its X account, ActBlue said: Small donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.

The 2024 campaign has officially changed its name with the Federal Election Commission to Harris for President, and the $96 million remaining in Bidens election coffers will now switch into his vice presidents name.

With the boost in grassroots support, Harris is reportedly now seeking to consolidate support among big money Democrat donors.

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BERLIN, July 22 (Xinhua) -- German exports to countries outside the European Union (EU) continued to fall in June, declining by 2.6 percent month-on-month to 58 billion euros (63.2 billion U.S. dollars), according to the country's Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Monday.

Compared with a year ago, the decrease in June reached 4.5 percent, Destatis reported. Exports to Germany's most important trading partners, including the United States and China, recorded sharp declines of 6.2 percent and 9.9 percent year-on-year, respectively.

These figures reflect a recent survey among businesses conducted by the ifo Institute for Economic Research, which indicated that sentiment in the German export industry deteriorated slightly in June, with expectations turning negative once again.

"No clear direction is currently emerging," said ifo expert Klaus Wohlrabe, adding that the country's export economy still needs significant improvement.

Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), remarked earlier this month that the weakness of German foreign trade is "largely home-made." He urged Germany to take a leading role in promoting free trade, warning that without such action, "nothing will happen here in the future."

Jandura also cautioned against the European Commission's tariffs on electric cars imported from China, saying that these measures are not in Germany's or Europe's interests. "We must accept international competition rather than isolate ourselves from it," he added. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollar) 
From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch

Happy Monday! We had a busy week at the Republican National Convention last week and were ready for a nice relaxing weekend. Needless to say, those hopes were dashed.

Up to Speed

Democratic senators running in tough reelection battles reacted in disparate ways to President Joe Bidens announcement Sunday that he would end his campaign for a second term in the White House. Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania all joined Biden in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Today is a new beginning for our party and our countryand Im excited to keep working together to lower costs for Wisconsin families, grow our Made in America economy, and restore our fundamental rights and freedoms, Baldwin said in her statement on X. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio confirmed his endorsement through a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana did not give a public endorsement for a particular person to replace the president as the Democratic nominee. He thanked Biden for his public service in a statement and referenced a previous call for an open nomination process to choose a person to oppose former President Donald Trump.

Trump is not likely to debate Harris and will probably call her an illegitimate candidate, one GOP source told Politico Sunday. Trump said in a Truth Social post that he wants to move the September presidential debate off of Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, which had originally planned to host it. Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC, he wrote. Trump had told CNN earlier in the day that he believes Harris will be easier to beat than Biden. After the Politico report, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told the network there will be a second debate but that the host network might change.

Businessman Sandy Pensler announced his departure from the Michigan Senate race and endorsed likely GOP nominee former Rep. Mike Rogers for the August 6 primary during a rally with Trump in the state Saturday. My campaign was always about making America better, Pensler said with Rogers, who also touts Trumps endorsement, at his side. The best way to do that is to enact President Trumps policies  To do that, we need control of the Senate. A divisive continued primary effort hurts the chances of that. The well-funded Pensler had run ads attacking Rogers for his role in the hearings on the 2012 Benghazi embassy attack. Former Rep. Justin Amash remains Rogers main opponent in the race.

Also at the rally, Trump once again attempted to distance himself from the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, which the think tank intends to be a blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration. I dont know what the hell it is, Trump said. Its Project 25. Hes involved in Project And then they read some of the things, and they are extreme. I mean, theyre seriously extreme. But I dont know anything about it. I dont want to know anything about it. Democrats have attempted to tie Trump to the project since before he first disavowed it weeks ago, pointing out that some of its architects are former officials in his administration.

What Happens at the Convention?

Vice President Kamala Harris attends a moderated conversation with former Trump administration national security official Olivia Troye and former Republican voter Amanda Stratton on July 17, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Chris duMond/Getty Images)

With President Joe Biden out less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, how will delegates actually go through the process of selecting a new nominee?

Tyler Hagenbuch, an elections attorney who advised the Biden campaign in 2020, spoke this weekend to Dispatch Politics about how we can expect things to proceed, and it begins with the simple fact that the power ultimately rests in the 3,934 regular delegates to the convention. Be it Vice President Kamala Harris or someone else, the eventual nominee must win a majority of those delegates, or about 1,968.

With all of those delegates pledged to Biden released from their obligation to vote for him at the convention by his withdrawal from the race, the first step for an aspiring nominee is to qualify for the roll-call nominating vote. Each candidate will need to collect at least 300 delegate signatures, with no more than 50 delegates from any given state, on a petition to qualify for nomination. During the roll call vote, delegates will be able to vote for any qualified candidate, and the candidate who receives the majority of delegates will win the nomination.

Its that simple, and yet there is still a lot we dont know.

We need clarity, said Hagenbuch. I think were going to need clarity over the next month on a lot of things and a lot of different stages of the process from the various committees of the DNC and of the convention.

The first point needing clarification is whether the DNC will proceed with its virtual roll call vote in early August. That vote had been planned back when Biden was still running and before the state of Ohio had amended its law to extend the period during which parties could nominate presidential candidates to appear on the ballot. Democratic Party leaders loyal to Biden appeared to be pursuing the virtual roll call anyway, which would have formally nominated Biden weeks before the August 19 start of the convention in Chicago, as the pressure mounted for the president to step aside.

Hagenbuch notes that if this moot virtual vote continues as planned, Harris (and any other candidate) will need to get the 300 signatures to qualify by August 7. That could be good for Harris, since she has plenty of advantages as the incumbent vice president and designated heir to the nomination. The delegates to this convention, it must be noted, are almost entirely Biden loyalists, meaning theyre the likeliest Democrats to take their cues from the current president on who their next nominee should be.

Another point needing clarity is whether any of the rules of the convention will change. Convention delegates can vote to change all of the rules governing how Democrats can nominate a presidential candidate. If these Biden loyalists decide to raise the threshold of petition signatures, for instance, that could happen at any point before the permanent convention rules are finalized and voted on.

None of this is permanent, said Hagenbuch. All of this can change. So I can tell you what it is right now, but the delegates from the convention can change these things.

And finally, this process for finding a new pick for president will have to happen twice, because nominees for vice president will have to meet all the same requirements and face a separate vote of the delegates. Under the current DNC rules, theres no true presidential ticket until both nominees are independently selected by the convention. If Harris has little-to-no competition and is nominated by a supportive convention, she might expect her eventual running mate to have an equally smooth time.

But if Harris faces a real fight for the nominationno serious contender has yet emerged, it must be notedthen that could bode poorly for a seamless nomination for vice president. Harris, Biden, and other party bigwigs certainly have influence and levers of power to bring to bear, and the drama of the past month may be all the delegates can handle. But with Biden releasing them, the choice of who will lead the Democratic party into Novembers election remains in the hands of the party leaders and activists from all 57 state and territorial delegations.

The delegates run the convention, said Hagenbuch.

Kamala Harris Off to the Races

Kamala Harris is racing to lock down the support of prominent Democrats and key liberal constituencies as she takes the baton from Joe Biden in the race to become the partys presumptive nominee and prevent former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House.

The Harris campaigns first press release hit the Dispatch Politics email box at 12:41 a.m. ET and featured statements from more than 100 elected Democrats. Those supporters come from across the country, include members of Congress and sitting governors, and span the center-left political spectrum. Bolstering the vice presidents prospects of rolling into the Democratic convention in Chicago three weeks hence as the partys new presumptive nominee were endorsements from three often-mentioned White House rivals: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Vice President Harris is the presumptive nominee. Anyone gumming up the works at this late date is hindering her in defeating Trump, Democratic strategist Dane Strother said Sunday in a text exchange. The prosecutor versus the criminal is a look that will bode well for Democrats nationwide.

Grassroots contributions totalling nearly $50 million had poured into the Democratic online fundraising platform ActBlue in the hours after Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 contest with a letter published on X. Separately, the Harris campaign, formerly the Biden campaign, had received $49.6 million in direct donations post-announcement as of 5 a.m. ET Monday, a campaign official said.

The cash surge, coming after donations to the Biden campaign had dried up in the weeks following the 81-year-old presidents disastrous debate performance against Trump, suggests Harris, 59, has legitimate momentum.

The vice president also has the advantage of essentially assuming command of a sprawling Biden campaign apparatus that includes hundreds of offices and paid staff in the battleground states that will decide the election. That, at least, is what appears to be happening, according to sources who participated in a Sunday afternoon conference call with Biden campaign and Democratic National Committee staff convened by Biden campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez.

Were all still working to beat Donald Trump, essentially, said one Democratic operative who was on the call.

Additionally, in a move aimed at nipping any challenges in the budwhich may prove crucial to Harris bid to secure the nomination outrightsources close to the vice president told CNN that she was looking to pick a running mate from a collection of potential opponents who could also help her unite the party. This list includes Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper; and Shapiro.

Still, even Democratic strategists convinced Harriss ascension is a fait accompliAt the end of the day, its going to be Kamala, it just is, one saidpredict the vice president will meet some pockets of resistance. Harris, a former U.S. senator from California, where she served as state attorney general, isnt a towering figure in the party. Her 2020 presidential campaign was a flop and her job approval ratings as vice president have, at best, been no better than Bidens since they took office.

In recent polls testing a hypothetical Harris-Trump matchup, the 78-year-old former president led, revealing the Democratic Partys challenge this fall revolves around more than simply the fact that voters had concluded Biden was too old and infirm to serve another four years. All of this is prompting some Democrats to look beyond Harris, or at least push the party to avoid coronating the vice president without subjecting her to some stiff competition.

I cant imagine anyone would want to get this done quickly, as opposed to correctly. No names should be included or excluded for the sake of expediency, said the former Democratic Party chairman of a swing state, who requested anonymity in order to speak candidly. Lets see who can win and go from there. The thread that binds all Democrats today is the desire to beat Trump. Delegates should focus their attention on that task.

Although likely influenced by the endorsements the vice president is picking up, those DNC delegates votes are required to make the nomination official. Thats the case every four years. But the exercise is typically an afterthought, with the presumptive nominee rolling into the convention having won the majority of Democratic caucuses and primariesand with delegates bound to his (or her) candidacy. So, in addition to burning up the phone asking for the support of prominent Democrats, Harris is no doubt doing the same with delegates.

Veteran Democratic operatives we spoke with said the next few weeks could be messy, as Biden loyalists angry about him being pushed out of the race attack Harris and leak embarrassing anecdotes about her. The same sort of material could emanate from Democrats who lack confidence in the vice presidents ability to beat Trump, hoping to foment enough skepticism about her to push alternatives into what is essentially a truncated primary campaign.

The question is whether any Democrat with the political gravitas, talented advisers, developed operation, and financial base of support will enter the fray and force Harris to look over her shoulder. Our sources are doubtful, saying Bidens endorsement, and Harris access to his (now former) campaign operation and cadre of loyalists running the DNC give the vice president a huge advantage.

Donna West, a Democratic convention delegate from Nevada, a critical battleground state, told Dispatch Politics last week that she would be extremely dispirited if Biden dropped his candidacy. It feels very undemocratic to me, West said. Millions of people voted for Biden.

But on Sunday afternoon, she immediately endorsed Harris and said she planned to get back to work knocking on doorsnow for the vice president. I have endorsed Kamala Harris and will vote for her, she said.

GOP Election Integrity Claims Enter the Chat  Again

The 24 hours since Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid have been filled with speculation about the electoral implications of changes atop the Democratic ticket. But what about the post-election implications?

Removing Bidenwho had been weighed down by low approval ratings even before his horrific debate performance on June 27 and lost additional ground as he tried unsuccessfully to show that the debate was a one-offalmost certainly improves Democratic presidential prospects, even if the candidate is Kamala Harris. But with Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, our presidential elections are no longer only about which candidate gets the most votes. Republicans have long signaled their intent to challenge the integrity of the 2024 election, and theyre already using the changes to the Democratic ticket to make their case.

For months, Trumps rally speeches have included claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election and are seeking to do the same in 2024. Republican allies of the former president have refused to commit to accepting the results in November. The Heritage Foundation, the erstwhile Reagan-aligned think tank that has undergone a radical populist makeover, declared last week that there is zero chance percent chance of a free and fair election. Mike Howell, executive director of Heritages Oversight Project, added: Im formally accusing the Biden administration of creating the conditions that most reasonable policymakers and officials cannot in good conscience certify an election. And last week, days before Bidens announcement, Trump campaign chairman Chris LaCivita told Politicos Jonathan Martin, its not over on election day, its over on inauguration day.

Bidens departure adds a new argument that goes something like this: Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential contest makes clear that Democrats dont care about voters. After all, more than 14 million Americans cast ballots for Biden in the primaries. And once it became clear that he wasnt going to win, Democratsprioritizing power over electoral integritypushed him to withdraw. Democrats were willing to steal an election in 2020. Theyve chosen to disregard votes cast in the 2024 Democratic primaries. No one should be surprised if they attempt to steal the election in November.

Joe Biden succumbed to a coup by Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and Hollywood donors, ignoring millions of Democratic primary votes, Sen. Tom Cotton tweeted Sunday after the Biden news broke. Donald Trump took a bullet for democracy. Rep. Mike Waltz tweeted: Pelosi, Obama, Schumer and a group of rich liberal elites just vetoed the votes of 14M Americans. Dont EVER lecture people about democracy again.

In a post to his Truth Social account, Trump accused Democrats of fraud for supporting Biden and then allowing him to quit the race. So, we are forced to spend time and money on fighting Crooked Joe Biden, he polls badly after having a terrible debate, and quits the race. Now we have to start all over again. Shouldnt the Republican Party be reimbursed for fraud in that everybody around Joe, including his doctors and the Fake News Media, knew he was not capable of running for, or being, President? Just askin?

Expect to hear this argument a lot in the coming days, as Democrats settle on a replacement for Biden. And if the Biden replacement prevails in November, expect the changes atop the ticket to be a focal point of GOP stolen election complaints.

Notable and Quotable

President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own. After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Bidens decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to Americas friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world.

Former Vice President Mike Pence in an X post, July 22, 2024

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The News

The stampede of endorsements for Kamala Harris means the party might avoid one scenario many of them feared if Biden stepped down  a chaotic month-long battle for the nomination in which the eventual winner would emerge beaten up by attacks and oppo research from their rivals.

But now comes the hard part: Selling Harris to a general electorate that has so far been wary of her in polls. Harris is still relatively undefined and has a chance to reintroduce herself to the nation on her own terms. But she had that same shot five years ago  and it went extremely poorly.

Benjys view

The problem for Harris is that she is burdened by what has been. Her political brand did not just fall out of a coconut tree, it exists in the context of the 2020 election cycle, a four-year race to the left among Democrats that Joe Bidens election put a stop to and that the party is still recovering from.

Her participation in that contest was not unique, nor is she the only Democrat whose image was hurt by it (Remember when Beto ORourke was the future of the party?). But she and her allies are going to have to be nimble in how they present her record and how they handle questions about her older positions and rhetoric. And a lot of those questions will date back to this period.

Harris began her first presidential race as one of the frontrunners. When I attended her first big New Hampshire event in 2019, there were lines around the block in the freezing snow to see her. She was a compelling speaker who had developed a devoted following among MSNBC-watching, rank-and-file Democrats by grilling Republican witnesses in hearings with clever questions and generating crowd-pleasing moments for partisans.

But it became clear pretty quickly that Harris had major problems as a candidate.

She picked a difficult time to run: Her most relevant experience was being a prosecutor at a time the party was increasingly suspicious of the criminal justice system, which led her to shy away from the topic.

She had a poor theory of her election: She decided she should fashion herself as a progressive warrior in response, which was not her natural role, rather than as a pragmatic law-and-order type for less ideological Democrats.

And she had a bad case of lawyer brain that made it even harder to pull off this balancing act: She was reluctant to give decisive answers on difficult questions, which led to some of her most damaging moments.

Harris was not an experienced policy hand, and often found herself caught in the middle of a nonstop debate between different left-wing factions over highly specific proposals. In the most notable instance, she signed onto Bernie Sanders Medicare for All bill, but then repeatedly waffled on its elimination of private plans in a series of debates and interviews before putting out her own still-ambitious compromise that only seemed to anger Sanders-style progressives.

Like other Democrats, she was also constantly confronted with sudden new demands from the left and struggled to address them. In one 2018 moment that Republicans are already beginning to resurface, she didnt immediately dismiss a push to Abolish ICE, telling an interviewer that the agency should consider a start from scratch approach. In her eyes, she was likely trying to avoid the question, but the answer made her one of the most prominent Democrats to even consider the idea. In 2019, Julian Castro forced the party into an esoteric conversation over decriminalizing border crossings (they still would be deportable civil offenses) that roped Harris into his position live onstage at a debate. Biden had enough experience to distance himself from it and the issue soon disappeared along with Castros campaign.

Fortunately for Harris, the job may play more to her strengths this time. She doesnt need to sift through dozens of white papers from competing progressive groups, since shes already invested in a simpler party-wide plan of protecting abortion access, defending democracy, and painting her opponent as out for himself and his rich friends. So far, shes earned strong reviews for her ability to carry that message while the party was in crisis this last month. And while shes unpopular in polls, voters dont know her well, and shes in a race to start fresh with a new brand just as Trump races to define her.

Harris will likely have more room to tack to the center if needed this time. At this point, the party is used to its leaders calling for tougher immigration enforcement and crackdowns on crime, even in deep blue cities, and Biden already committed the party to a border security bill and executive order limiting new asylum claims. Her smart on crime approach in California, which emphasized both strict policing and new reforms, made her a cop to Democrats in the 2020 cycle. Now it looks like the median Democratic position. Medicare for All barely even comes up any more as a party divide.

But Democrats should have no illusions about the challenge ahead. When pundits say the party has the most deep and talented bench of potential presidents in decades, theyre correct. But one legacy of the 2020 cycle is that most of the top tier appeared on the national scene it finished, at which point rising politicians had learned to avoid the same pitfalls. A running mate who fits that description might help, but undoing the damage will be a serious task.

Room for Disagreement

At the Washington Post, Perry Bacon, Jr. made the case on Monday that Harris poor record as a presidential candidate has been overstated. While her stumbles were real, she also struggled to overcome a primary electorate that repeatedly showed it was fearful of picking a woman or minority to lead a ticket against Trump. The withering critiques of Harriss campaign back then reflected a complicated reality: A party that prides itself on diversity really wanted to pick a White guy, Bacon wrote. Similarly, her role as VP has been dismissed on the right as a sop to identity politics, but Bacon notes she had traditional credentials for the position and the selection is often used to balance out a ticket in similar ways.

Notable

One excellent piece of early news for Harris: Her campaign and affiliated committees reported that they raised a record $81 million in the 24 hours since Biden dropped out, 60% of which came from new donors.
As Vice President Kamala Harris begins her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, public interest in her background has surged. Many are eager to learn more about her ethnicity and the personal histories of her parents. Many people are interested to know more about Kamala Harris age, who her parents are, and her ethnicity.

In this article, we will explore more about Vice President Kamala Harris parents and ethnicity.

Who are Kamala Harris parents?

Harris, the daughter of Donald Harris and Shyamala Gopalan, has often highlighted the diverse backgrounds of her parents.

Donald Harris, hailing from Jamaica, and Shyamala Gopalan, originally from southern India, both came to the United States to pursue advanced degrees at the University of California, Berkeley, as reported by TODAY. They married in 1963 and welcomed two daughters, Kamala in 1964 and Maya in 1967. Their marriage eventually ended, and they divorced a few years after the birth of their second daughter.

Kamala Harris often speaks of her mothers notable career as a breast cancer researcher. Donald Harris has also contributed significantly to economics, serving as a professor at Stanford University for 26 years before becoming a professor emeritus.

What is Kamala Harris ethnicity?

Harris was born in Oakland, California, and is 59 years old, as per Britannica. She is of mixed heritage. Her diverse background makes her the first Black and South Asian American to hold high office in the US.

The cultural roots of Kamala Harris parents deeply influenced her upbringing and she has frequently expressed pride in her South Asian heritage.

According to AOL, in her 2019 autobiography, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, Harris reflects on how her family instilled a strong sense of pride and identity in their heritage. Discussing her upbringing, Harris wrote that her mother was aware that she and her sister would be seen as Black girls, and further stated that she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women.

The post Kamala Harris Parents: Who Are They? Names & Ethnicity Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
(NEXSTAR)  After ending his 2024 reelection bid on Sunday, President Joe Biden threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden wrote in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

While his endorsement doesnt automatically guarantee Harris the nomination, it still raises questions about how she might perform against Donald Trump in November.

After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

One poll released on July 18 revealed that an overwhelming majority of Democrats approved of Kamala Harris replacing Biden, even before he officially ended his reelection campaign.

The Economist/YouGov survey found that 79% of Democrats would support Harris as the partys nominee, and roughly 28% said Harris was more likely than Biden to defeat Trump. The poll was conducted among 1,582 respondents and had a margin of error of 3.1 points.

A CBS News poll, conducted last week, showed Trump had a slight edge over Harris, leading by three points (51% to 48%) in a hypothetical matchup. Meanwhile, Trump led Biden by five points (52%-47%). The poll, which surveyed 2,247 registered voters, had a margin of error of 2.7 points.

Vice President Kamala Harris pauses while speaking at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. annual convention during the 71st biennial Boule at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on July 2 also found that Harris would lose to Trump, but only by one point (42% to 43%), while Biden and Trump tied. The poll surveyed 1,070 adults and had a margin of error of 3.5 points. Reuters Jason Lange noted that the poll indicates Harris showing is statistically just as strong as Bidens.

Another poll conducted by CNN in June revealed similar results. The poll (margin of error 3.5) surveyed 1,274 U.S. adults, including 1,045 registered voters. In a hypothetical matchup, 47% of registered voters said they would support Trump, and 45% would support Harris. Biden, on the other hand, trailed Trump by six points (43% to 49%).

Obama stops short of backing Harris

Even before Bidens endorsement, Harris was widely viewed as the favorite to replace him on the ticket. With her foreign policy experience and national name recognition, she has a head start over potential challengers, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

However, it remained to be seen whether other candidates would challenge Harris for the nomination. The Democratic National Committees chair, Jaime Harrison, said in a statement that the party would undertake a transparent and orderly process to select a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

The Hills Lauren Sforza and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Kamala Harris, the US vice president, kisses Doug Emhoff at her campaign headquarters - Erin Schaff/The New York Times

Kamala Harris is set to become the Democratic presidential nominee and is likely to pick a white man as a running mate to boost her chances in key battleground states.

Ms Harris said she was proud to have received the support of enough Democratic delegates to win her partys presidential nomination late on Monday night.

I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon, Ms Harris said in a statement, adding that tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our partys nominee.

The US vice-president, 59, raised a record-breaking $80 million in the 24 hours after Joe Biden stood down, as her potential rivals ruled themselves out of the contest and endorsed her.

Nancy Pelosi, a major powerbroker in the party, broke her silence to back Ms Harris on Monday, after working behind the scenes to end Mr Bidens run.

The former House speaker said she had limitless optimism for our countrys future under a Harris administration and described her as a champion for working families and abortion rights.

Ms Harris is now thought to be considering a male candidate from the midwestern US as her vice-presidential candidate, amid concerns her background as a liberal Californian politician could discourage blue collar voters from supporting her.

Steve Schmidt, a Democrat-affiliated strategist, told Puck News on Monday: It cant be two female candidates. It can be, but I dont think thats going to go. So its going to be a white male candidate.

Polling shows that Ms Harris is behind Donald Trump in the key blue wall states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and in all other swing states across the country.

Andy Beshear and Josh Shapiro, the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, are thought to be under consideration to be her running mate. Pete Buttegieg, a former presidential candidate from Indiana now serving as Mr Bidens transportation secretary, is a third option.

One of the few women thought to be a possible vice-presidential candidate, Gretchen Whitmer, ruled herself out of the contest to be a running mate after she was appointed co-chair of Ms Harriss last-minute presidential campaign.

JD Vance, who was named Donald Trumps running mate last week on the expectation he would perform well with blue collar midwestern voters, delivered his first solo remarks on the campaign trail in Middletown, Ohio, and Radford, Virginia, on Monday night.

History will remember Joe Biden as not just a quitter, which he is, but as one of the worst presidents in the history of the United States of America, Mr Vance said. But my friends, Kamala Harris is a million times worse and everybody knows it. She signed up for every single one of Joe Bidens failures, and she lied about his mental capacity to serve as president.

The battle for working-class voters, who contributed significantly to Trumps win in 2016, is set to become one of the main themes of the 2024 race, after Mr Bidens attempt to win back support over the past few months.

Ms Harris is considered more Left-wing than Mr Biden on some policy areas, including immigration and healthcare. During her unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign, she called for a fundamental overhaul of the immigration system to make it less cruel.

Although the process for selecting a new nominee is technically open after Mr Biden dropped out, her path appears to be clear after she received the endorsement of more than 1,000 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, more than 180 congressmen and several key trade unions.

She appeared to have surpassed the number of delegates needed to claim the Democratic presidential nomination on Monday night.

A survey by the Associated Press survey found that at least 2,471 delegates said they plan to support Mr Harris at the Democrat convention, well above the 1,976-vote threshold she needs under party rules to win on a first ballot.

On Monday night California delegates voted unanimously to endorse her.

Mrs Pelosi, who represents San Francisco in Congress, made the motion to endorse Ms Harris for president at a virtual meeting of Californias Democrat delegation, a motion that effectively means Ms Harris has earned enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination for president.

Future Forward, a political action committee (PAC) that previously supported Mr Biden, said on Monday that it had raised $150 million in support for Ms Harris in the previous 24 hours.

A separate $80 million was raised from small-dollar donors through the ActBlue fundraising platform, the organisation said. The speed of donations to Ms Harris is thought to be a record.

She will also inherit around $91 million in leftover campaign funds donated to her joint ticket with Mr Biden.

Senior Democrats are considering running a virtual roll call that would install her as the partys nominee before the convention in late August.

However, Mike Bloomberg, a major Democratic donor, urged the party to take its time in selecting a nominee to replace Mr Biden.

We dont need to get a resolution right away, but we do need to get it right, he wrote in a statement on Twitter. The decision is too important to rush, because the election is too important to lose.

President Joe Biden's lifetime of honorable public service deserves the respect of all Americans, no matter their party. Stepping aside from this campaign is an act of selflessness that only a great patriot would do. No matter what happens in November, history will record that he  Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) July 22, 2024

In her first speech since Mr Biden dropped out, Ms Harris praised his unmatched legacy in office and said he had already surpassed the record of many two-term presidents.

Speaking about her friendship with the presidents deceased son, she said: The qualities that Beau revered in his father are the same qualities that I have seen every day in our president: his honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart and his love, deep love of our country.

I am first-hand witness that every day our president, Joe Biden, fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation.

Mr Biden, who is self-isolating with Covid-19 at his home in Delaware, will return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon. He has not appeared publicly since his letter announcing the decision to stand down on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Biden has rejected calls from some Republicans to resign the presidency immediately, amid concerns about his health and age.

Ms Harris is unlikely to make a decision about her running mate until after she receives the nomination. Representatives for Mr Beshear and Mr Shapiro did not return requests for comment about their interest in becoming a vice-presidential candidate.

Ms Harriss campaign, which is largely staffed by people who worked for Mr Biden, released its first attacks on Trump on Monday.

The campaign looks set to focus on Trumps conviction in the hush money case in late May, while emphasising her previous role as a district attorney in California.

Kamala Harris stands up to fraudsters and criminals, the campaign said, adding: Donald Trump is a convicted felon.

Ms Harris, who is more than 20 years younger than Mr Biden, is also planning to launch a series of attacks on the 78-year-old Republicans age.

Erin Wilson, her deputy chief of staff in the White House, told congressmen: Her role as a prosecutor makes her the ultimate contrast to Trump, the convicted felon. She can make the issue of age and fitness a liability for Trump.

Ms Harris herself spent Sunday afternoon speaking to more than 100 Democrats on Capitol Hill as she shored up support in the party after Mr Bidens decision.

Trumps campaign, which has complained about the change between Mr Biden and Ms Harris, released a statement describing her as Biden 2.0.

The campaign accused her of defunding the police while working as a district attorney and senator in California.

Harris supported Los Angeless cuts to their police department, called efforts to add more police to the streets wrongheaded thinking, and opposed the death penalty for cop killers, the campaign said in an email on Monday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the Democrats a threat to democracy.

Legal experts said that a Republican plan to launch legal challenges to Ms Harriss nomination in some states looked unlikely to succeed.

Lawrence Otter, an electoral lawyer, told The Telegraph: I wouldnt be surprised if they tried it. But is it going to go anywhere? Highly unlikely.

Most state courts have some case law that will tell them that they have to have a liberal interpretation of their election code to allow the voters to have a choice.

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Key Democrats from across the country have come out in support of Kamala Harris as their partys presidential nominee over the past 24 hours, clearing what could have been a crowded field in the hours after President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race on Sunday.

Heavyweights in the party long seen as leading alternatives to run against Donald Trump  including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly  all announced or let known their intentions to support the vice president, falling in line behind Biden, who endorsed Harris moments after ending his own bid for reelection on Sunday afternoon.

The decision by so many potentially formidable competitors to stand down from a nominating fight reflected Harris innate strengths going into the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, less than a month away. Harris is armed with a readymade general election campaign she now inherits from her former running mate, a powerful war chest, and party allies eager to avoid protracting an intraparty battle that already took down the candidacy of a sitting president.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi threw her support behind Harris on Monday, although several other Democratic Party leaders have refrained from endorsing her. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former President Barack Obama all praised Biden for stepping aside, but went no further.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead, Obama said in a statement. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.

Democratic-aligned groups saw their biggest fundraising day of the 2024 election cycle on Sunday. But one major party donor  Vinod Khosla, a successful venture capitalist  wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he sought an open process at the convention and not a coronation. The key still is who can best beat Trump, he wrote, above all other priorities.

John Morgan, a major Democratic donor in Florida, said in a text message that he believes Bidens endorsement means Harris will be the nominee  but he thinks she has no shot.

Morgan, who said a ticket with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would be more competitive, doesnt plan to raise money for a Harris-led ticket.

You have to be enthusiastic to ask friends for money, he wrote. I would not be enthusiastic.

Yet, facing a clear field, Harris has sprinted forward, making dozens of calls to lawmakers, governors and donors across the country and earning endorsements from major Democratic politicians such as Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rep. Jim Clyburn in South Carolina, as well as major Democratic-aligned organizations like the Human Rights Campaign.

My intention is to earn and win this nomination, Harris said in a statement from the Biden-Harris campaign, now registered with the Federal Election Commission under her name. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump.

In a statement, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton  the first and only woman ever to secure her partys presidential nomination  joined Biden in endorsing Harris, saying they will do whatever we can to support her.

Now is the time to support Kamala Harris, they added, and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.

BETTER ODDS THAN BIDEN

Bidens decision to drop out Sunday came three tortured weeks after his disastrous debate performance against Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, who had led him in polls across all battleground states throughout much of the race  a lead that only extended in July.

Harris runs slightly better against Trump than Biden, and her team is expected to push that argument in order to persuade any doubters about her candidacy.

A new YouGov poll found that, by a 37% to 22% margin, Democrats think Bidens move will make Trump less likely to win rather than more likely, Carl Bialik, YouGov U.S. politics editor, told McClatchy.

But pollsters warned attitudes can change quickly. People are often not good judges of how theyd behave in hypothetical situations. So I think well need to see how people respond as the new reality sets in, said Chris Jackson, senior vice president at Ipsos Public Affairs, which conducts national polls.

Heartening to Democrats, though, was that so far, Trump has not gotten the usual bounce candidates get during and after their convention.

Typically, the party not holding the convention goes silent, and political talk is dominated by the event. But this year has been different. By mid-week of last weeks Republican National Convention, stories about Democrats defecting from Biden were sharing top billing in the media with the GOP.

Polls showed virtually no bump for Trump. An On Point Politics/SoCal Research survey taken July 17, the conventions third day, showed Trump with 52% to Harris 44%. Biden did slightly better.

Those numbers were largely the same as other polls taken this summer. What also gives Democrats new hope is that in that poll, as in many others, Harris does somewhat better than Biden with voters under the age of 30.

Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau reporter Lawrence Mower contributed to this report.

From The Opinion Team

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story, from our Opinion team:

 Yes, a Democrat could still beat Donald Trump. Itll take money, energy and smarts

 With Biden out, Michelle Obama would be Donald Trumps worst self-inflicted nightmare

 Once again, Joe Biden is giving America its best chance to defeat Donald Trump
Insights from Politico, The New York Times, Semafor, and New York

The News

US Vice President Kamala Harris is the frontrunner to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in November  the choice not just of Biden and a host of senior Democrat leaders but also the politician who polled highest as a Biden replacement before yesterdays announcement.

Her nomination isnt certain yet, but as her support coalesces, the focus is shifting to what a potential Harris administration could mean for the US. Based on her record as Californias attorney general, as senator, as a presidential candidate, and as vice president, shes known for being a staunch supporter of abortion rights, having ambitious climate goals, and for her sympathy to the Palestinian cause.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Harris could be ambitious on climate, abortion, and racial justice

Sources: Bloomberg, The New York Times, Semafor

Harris is a bigger proponent of action on the environment than Biden, Bloomberg noted: She proposed a $10 trillion climate deal and backed the Green New Deal when she ran as a candidate in 2020, and vowed to ban fracking. She has also become a key voice in the abortion rights movement  a strong voter issue for the Democrats nationally. After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, she also introduced laws to ban police chokeholds and no-knock warrants, reform qualified immunity, and establish a national standard for use of force. But as an attorney general, she also supported Californias death penalty, which drew criticism from progressives, Semafors Morgan Chalfant noted. Shes also been a vocal supporter of student debt relief.

Harris may be hawkish on Russia, China, but sympathetic to Gaza

Source: Politico

On foreign policy, Harris would likely support Ukraine, deepen relations in Asia to counter China, and support Israel, Politico noted. But shes also been outspoken in calling out the violence in Gaza, which could attract voters that took issue with Bidens staunchly pro-Israel stance. On trade, Harris was previously against two major deals Biden supported, including the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which she said would not do enough to preserve the environment and American jobs. Meanwhile on immigration, a top voter issue, shes drawn criticism from the right  she was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration to the US by Biden, and the GOP has blamed her for the number of border crossings and taken to calling her Bidens border czar.

The vice presidents chances are fair

Sources: New York, Washington Post

Vice presidents tend to have good odds to succeed in elections, New York magazine noted. Perhaps more importantly, she is a late substitution for an unpopular Democratic president facing an unpopular former Republican president, so she could offer a fresh contrast to both Biden and Trump, it added. An average of 11 polls compiled by The Washington Post shows that theres little difference between how Biden and Harris stack up against Trump  the former president still has a lead of about 1.5 points over Harris. That could change now: Harris nomination would be historic  she would be the first woman of color, as well as the first from a western state, if she were nominated  and that could energize voters as they wake up to this new reality.
Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign Says It Raised $81 Million In First 24 Hours

Kamala Harris presidential campaign raised $81 million in the past 24 hours, setting a record for the amount amassed in one day largely from small dollar donors.

Shortly after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday and endorsed Harris, the vice president officially launched her campaign, with the Biden-Harris operation rebranded as Harris for President.

More from Deadline

The campaign said that 888,0000 donors contributed in the past 24 hours, and 60% of them were making their first contribution of the 2024 cycle.

Harris said in a statement on Sunday that my intention is to earn and win this nomination. So far, though, there are no other major rivals, as a succession of Democratic lawmakers and other elected officials have endorsed her candidacy. So too have a series of governors  including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gavin Newsom of California  who had been seen as potential rivals.

Harris appeared early today at the White House at a ceremony to honor NCAA athletes. In brief remarks, she praised Biden, but did not talk about her candidacy. She then traveled to Wilmington, DE to thank campaign staff.

The Democratic National Committee has not yet said what the process will be for selecting the next nominee.

Best of Deadline

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Who is Kamala Harris? Heres the new presidential candidates recent ties to Florida

Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be the leading candidate to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic Partys nominee in the upcoming General Election.

Shortly after President Biden announced he was dropping his bid on Sunday, Harris released a statement on her intent to seek the Democratic nomination for president.

"On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country," Harris said on an X post Sunday. "I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.



I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

Who is Kamala Harris?

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris speaks at the San Joaquin Valley Leadership Conference held at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in downtown Stockton. [CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD]

Kamala Devi Harris, 59, is a former U.S. Senator from California and the states Attorney General. When elected with Joe Biden In 2020, she made history as the country's first female, Black and Asian-American vice president.

She was born in Oakland, California on Oct. 20, 1964. She graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

She is married to New York lawyer Douglas Emhoff and has two stepchildren, Cole and Ella.

How do you pronounce Kamala Harris' name?

Kamala Harris first name is pronounced COM-mah-lah, with the emphasis on the first syllable. It should sound like "comma-la" when said correctly. According to Harris herself, her name has Sanskrit origins and means lotus.

What is Vice President Kamala Harris' nationality?

Harris is a natural-born U.S. citizen and the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father.

According to USA TODAY, she worked to appeal to Black leaders and voters through conversations at barber shops and historically Black colleges and universities. She attended Howard University, an HBCU, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which mobilized behind her and could be spotted at her rallies.

Was Kamala Harris a cop? See history before becoming VP

No, Kamala Harris was never officially a cop; however, she had previously referred to herself as a "top cop." Before becoming the country's vice president and a California senator, Harris' career in the Bay Area was working as a Alameda County, California, prosecutor and later as the San Francisco district attorney in 2004.

Harris later served as California's attorney general from 2011 to 2017. According to CBS News, some of Harris' key accomplishments include reaching a multi-billion dollar deal with five U.S. banks that settled over flawed mortgage foreclosure practices, adopting a statewide body cam policy, and going up against fossil fuel companies.

Harris served in the Senate as a representative of California from 2017 to 2021.

What is Harris' approval rating?

As of Monday, July 22, Harris' average approval rating was 38.6 percent while her disapproval rating is at 50.4 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight, the opinion poll analysis website.

What ties does Kamala Harris have to Florida? See DeSantis' comments on Biden dropping out

While the current vice president has no direct ties to the Sunshine State, she has campaigned here over the years and has recently visited to denounce Gov. Ron DeSantis' policies.

She has made three trips to Jacksonville for events that highlighted a massive pandemic relief bill, rallied against how the state of Florida was teaching about Black history, and denounced tighter restrictions in Florida on access to abortion.

See Harris' stops: Kamala Harris has visited Jacksonville three times since becoming vice president

During her most recent stop in May of this year, Harris spoke against Florida's six-week abortion ban hours after it took effect and linked bans in Florida and other states to former President Donald Trump.

Here's what a second Trump term looks like: more bans, more suffering, less freedom, Harris said during her campaign speech on May 1 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. But we are not going to let that happen.

Following Harris' announcement, DeSantis released a statement on X, saying Harris was "complicit in a massive coverup to hide and deny the fact that Joe Biden was not capable of discharging duties of the office."

Kamala Harris was complicit in a massive coverup to hide and deny the fact that Joe Biden was not capable of discharging the duties of the office.



She also was the the border czar during the worst border crisis in American history.



Democrats are just rearranging the deck chairs  Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) July 21, 2024

'It's Kammencing': See social media memes about Harris

If you've been on social media anytime these last few weeks, you might have heard iterations of the quote, "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

If you think the phrase came from a classic novel or great philosopher, think again  it was Harris. And users are obsessed with it. Since announcing her intent to seek the Democratic nomination, the internet became flooded with memes.

kamala falling from the coconut tree and into the oval office pic.twitter.com/yLCbORoOjK  Alex (@alexxmalloy) July 21, 2024

if kamala harris becomes president its bc of this edit pic.twitter.com/kyDOhNIUUI  sophia (@hellopugh) July 21, 2024

kamala pushing biden out of the coconut tree pic.twitter.com/X7bGfvH4Q6 https://t.co/oIeXKZv9eS  wiLL (@willfulchaos) July 21, 2024

Users have also created memes poking fun at the Biden-Harris campaign's "Joever" joke and how they found out about the news from X's "PopCrave." Even more eagle-eyed users noted that Harris wasn't unleashing her usual laughter in interviews and press conferences, saying she "is focused."

You say it's Joever; I say it's just Kamencing. pic.twitter.com/xuGv8KM949  Dan Cluchey (@dancluchey) July 21, 2024

This is how I knew something shifted pic.twitter.com/NcBgMBCX5R  Natalie (@jbfan911) July 21, 2024

People are making Kamala Harris remixes of popular songs with the Vice Presidents laugh in it. pic.twitter.com/SlYVkzqDuz  Pop Globe (@TheRealPopGlobe) July 16, 2024

Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president so far?

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year, Biden said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

Along with Biden, here which politicians and organizations have endorsed Harris, as of Monday, July 22:

Who will be Kamala Harris' vice president?

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom wave after Newsom's appearance ahead of the Republican-led recall election in September, in San Leandro, California, U.S., September 8, 2021. Newsom is one of many Democratic figures to endorse Harris in the 2024 election.

Here are some of the names reportedly under consideration:

Pete Buttigieg

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Contributing: Karissa Waddick and Anthony DiMattia, Delaware News Journal

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Kamala Harris: See background, ties to Florida and possible VP picks
Nazrin Abdul

The UAE Consensus stands out as a practical and robust strategy for keeping the 1.5C climate target within reach, and it is imperative that we build momentum for its full implementation as we approach the next critical phase in Baku.

This message was highlighted on the official "X" account of COP28, Azernews reports.

The importance of the 8th Ministerial on Climate Action Meeting, held in Wuhan this week, was emphasized.

"This weeks 8th Ministerial on Climate Action, hosted in Wuhan, has proven to be a pivotal moment for advancing multilateral cooperation and dialogue. The meeting serves as a crucial bridge between COP28 and COP29, setting the stage for future climate action and reinforcing global commitments to climate goals."
ZAGREB, July 22 (Xinhua) -- More than 4.7 million vehicles have crossed the Chinese-built Peljesac Bridge since it was inaugurated in 2022, said a project manager from Croatian Roads in an interview with Xinhua on Monday.

Davor Peric underlined that the bridge has played a key role in boosting tourism, transport, logistics and other industries in southern Croatia.

The number of vehicles using the bridge has been increasing year-on-year, especially during the summer tourism season, Peric said, adding that moreover, there have been no traffic accidents since the bridge opened in July 2022.

"What makes us really happy is that until today we do not have any real accidents concerning passenger lives, which proves that the design of the project itself is very good," he said.

Peric welcomed the fact that the bridge has connected the Peljesac Peninsula with the Croatian mainland for the first time. Tourists and logistics drivers no longer have to make detours to go to cities in southern Croatia.

"What is really important for us is that this project gave new traffic routes to the Croatian south, and we believe that it has significantly improved life there," Peric said.

There were several unsuccessful attempts to build the bridge before, and many people in Croatia were initially concerned that the Chinese might not succeed either. "That was why everyone felt proud when it was finished, and it meant a lot to everyone in Croatia, not just the locals living in the south," Peric said.

He expressed his appreciation for the consortium of Chinese enterprises led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), for finishing the construction of the Peljesac Bridge on time, and overcoming technical difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We really needed to fight to keep the project going, and I can say that this was not easy, but the work has never stopped. We managed to finish the project on time, despite all these circumstances," he said.

"At the beginning we were a little surprised by the way they handled the work, and I think they also needed time to adapt to the local conditions and the way we do the work here. But seeing the end product, we can definitely confirm that this collaboration was very successful," he added. 
Within hours after Joe Biden stepped out of the 2024 race, vice president Kamala Harris was working the phones to clear a path to winning the Democratic nomination for president.

Harris quickly secured crucial endorsements from several influential congressional caucuses and Democratic lawmakers, as well as from party officials in key battleground states that Democrats cant afford to lose to Donald Trump in November. Meanwhile, some Democratic National Committee delegates are already committing their support to Harris, who is expected to enter the partys convention in August with a sizeable number of pledges.

The president endorsed Harris for the presidency as he announced he was ending his re-election campaign on July 21. The chair of the Democratic National Committee issued a statement shortly thereafter promising a transparent process to select the nominee.

By that afternoon, Harriss just-launched campaign and her allies were calling prominent members of Congress and DNC delegates in an effort to secure her nomination before the convention in August.

Among her first calls was to Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, who said she is 1000% in for her to be our President. Harris also secured endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus and the chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

A group of current and former DNC members also began circulating a letter that by press time had collected more than 60 signatures urging members and voters to support Harris.

By Sunday night, state Democratic Party chairs had overwhelmingly endorsed Harris, according to Association of State Democratic Committees president Ken Martin.

These state party leaders are on the front lines of winning elections at every level and know that the stakes of this election could not be higher. With our democracy on the ballot, there is no one more qualified than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump.

During an afternoon conference call, Tennessees 77 DNC delegates voted unanimously to endorse Harris as the partys nominee, becoming the first DNC delegates of any state to do so.

Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event in 2022. On July 21, she formally entered the race for the Democratic nomination to face Donald Trump. (AFP via Getty Images)

Memphis Mayor Paul Young, expected among Tennessees delegates at the convention, said that Bidens decision to leave the race shows that he is willing to continue to do what is in our best interest as a nation, and that is to allow a path for Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States.

Wisconsin Election Commission chair Ann Jacobs, who is one of Milwaukees eight DNC delegates from the key swing state, also announced she is joining all of those delegates to back Harris.

More than a dozen delegates from Michigan, another major electoral battleground, have also announced their support for Harris. And Georgias Democratic Party chair Nikema Williams said the state stands firmly behind Vice President Harris.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, widely speculated as a potential running mate, also quickly offered his support to Harriss campaign: I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th president of the United States.

She has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity, said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, another speculated pick for Harriss running mate. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket.

Harris also nabbed a key endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers, the nations second largest teachers union, within hours of her candidacy. The Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights group, also has endorsed her campaign.

Abortion rights groups including Emilys List and Reproductive Freedom for All have also reportedly been reaching out to delegates to back Harris, as Harriss campaign looks to shift significant focus towards Republican threats to abortion access in the wake of Roe v Wades collapse.

Bidens campaign  now Harris for President  and the team and campaign infrastructure are moving forward around Harris, campaign co-chair Jen OMalley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez told staff on Sunday.

Harris will need support from at least 1,969 of the 3,936 Democratic delegates during the August convention to secure her nomination.

But other party leaders, including Barack Obama and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, have not yet endorsed a nominee in the wake of Bidens departure, an apparent attempt to allow the nomination process to play out and allow candidates to duke it out to earn the partys nomination rather than a coronation-like event with Harris as a foregone conclusion.
WASHINGTON - Vice President Kamala Harris successfully moved Monday to shore up the support she needed to secure the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, potentially avoiding a bitter internal party dispute one day after President Joe Biden announced he's backing out of his own White House campaign.

A USA TODAY count of delegates shows the 59-year old Harris has secured endorsements in excess of the 1,976 delegates needed to become the party's nominee in the first round of voting. There are 3,936 Democratic delegates in total, including former presidents, state and local party leaders, members of Congress and governors, but only about half get to vote in the first round.

California's delegates put Harris over the top Monday evening when they voted unanimously to back the state's former U.S. Senator for president. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the vote.

"Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our partys nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home states delegation helped put our campaign over the top," Harris said in a late-night statement Monday. "I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon."

She expressed thanks to Biden and others in the Democratic party who support her.

"I look forward to taking our case directly to the American people," Harris said. "This election will present a clear choice between two different visions. Donald Trump wants to take our country back to a time before many of us had full freedoms and equal rights. I believe in a future that strengthens our democracy, protects reproductive freedom and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead."

Texas Democrats followed California soon after. New Jersey, Nevada and others also weighed in for Harris.

After announcing Sunday afternoon that he no longer sought the nomination, the 81-year-old Biden endorsed Harris, a move that likely inspired delegates pledged to him to endorse her.

It will ultimately be up to delegates to pick the nominee. The Democratic Party on Monday laid out plans to hold a virtual vote to pick a nominee before August 7, weeks before the Democratic National Convention that's scheduled to run August 19-22 in Chicago. Other candidates could put their name in for consideration at that time, but if Harris has secured the necessary votes any challenge would be short lived. The vice president has already largely gathered the support of the governors, Capitol Hill Democrats and others who would vote in a second round.

Per Democratic National Committee rules, a candidate must receive pledged support from 300 delegates to appear on the ballot at the convention.

More: How will delegates and superdelegates at the DNC handle Biden dropping out?

Harris has been working the phones since Biden announced Sunday night he would no longer seek the nomination. Tennessee was the first state to pledge all its eligible delegates to Harris on Sunday. South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida followed behind.

Vice President Kamala Harris applauds during an event on Monday at the White House with National Collegiate Athletic Association champion teams in her first public appearance since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

John Pitney, a Claremont McKenna College politics professor, said the speed in which Harris has been lining up delegates was still "quite surprising." He added that Harris would benefit from getting to Chicago with the nomination in hand rather than get mired in a floor fight where the party's fissures would be exposed on issues like Israel's war in Gaza.

"The sooner she wraps this up, the better," said Pitney, who has followed Harris' career for decades. "And I think that's going to happen in fact sooner than anybody expected."

On Monday, that list expanded to include the more than 250 delegates from Florida, as well as delegates in Alabama, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Iowa.

On a press call Monday to announce that Florida's delegates will back Harris, state House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell called Harris "battle tested."

"She's the most qualified vice president we've ever had in history, and she will certainly be the most qualified president and she is the trusted leader that we need in this time," Driskell said. "She has spent the past four years as a governing partner to the most experienced president in history, and she's ready for the battle

A flood of governors and members of Congress have also jumped to support her. These so-called automatic delegates don't get to vote in the first round of voting, but will get to cast a vote if no candidate secures the nomination in the first round. They are not included in USA TODAY's count.

Members of the San Francisco Democratic Party rally in support of Kamala Harris, following the announcement by US President Joe Biden that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, on July 22, 2024 at City Hall in San Francisco, California. Biden has endorsed Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

More: Harris pays tribute to Biden in first public remarks since launching campaign: Live updates

Pelosi of California, who played a pivotal but quiet role in getting Biden to step aside, said in a statement, "my enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for president is official, personal and political.

The two highest ranking Hill Democrats have not yet endorsed Harris, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York both left that door open Monday in a joint statement that they will meet with Biden's vice president soon.

Vice President Kamala Harris is off to a great start with her promise to pursue the presidential nomination in a manner consistent with the grassroots and transparent process set forth by the Democratic National Committee. She is rapidly picking up support from grassroots delegates from one end of the country to the other, the Jeffries-Schumer joint statement said.

Harris secured the endorsement of all 23 Democratic governors by Monday evening.

Altogether, less than 50 Congressional Democrats have either not directly endorsed Harris or called for a open process at the convention where other candidates can be considered.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris secures delegates needed to become Democratic nominee
Following the shocking news that President Biden would be stepping down from the 2024 election and backing VP Kamala Harris, the Democrat Party has showed massive support for her  especially monetarily.

ActBlue  the Democrat fundraising platform  revealed on Sunday night (Jul 21), that nearly $50,000,000 had been raised from small donors to fund Harris election campaign along with other Democratic houses.

As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch, ActBlues official X account announced. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.

UPDATE: As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election ?  ActBlue (@actblue) July 22, 2024

According to the New York Times, Sunday became the single biggest day for online Democratic contributions since the 2020 election.

Democratic strategist Kenneth Pennington also expressed the same sentiment on X, calling Harris support: the greatest fundraising moment in Democratic Party history.

This might be the greatest fundraising moment in Democratic Party history. https://t.co/Mn8ijlgDcN  Kenneth Pennington (@penningtonkm) July 21, 2024

President Joe Biden announced his decision yesterday (July 11), which would forfeit any chances at a second term. However, his focus is now on finishing his current tenure as Head Of State. His move comes after revealing he contracted COVID and also being advised to fall back by peers.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, wrote the 81-year-old in a open letter shared across his social media accounts.

Following his revelation, the POTUS fully endorsed VP Harris as his replacement to defeat Trump for the White House.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term, he said in another post on X. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, he continued.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

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Kamala Harris has been a regular in NC in 2024. Heres what shes told Charlotte

Kamala Harris, whos gaining momentum as the Democrats top choice to replace Joe Biden on the 2024 ballot, visited Charlotte often prior to this weekends announcement.

President Biden on Sunday announced in separate social media posts that he would end his reelection campaign and endorse Harris. Since then, shes gotten the unanimous support of North Carolinas delegates to the Democratic National Convention and a range of support from prominent Democrats, including Gov. Roy Cooper, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee frontrunner, visited Charlotte three times this year and the state seven times. In her visits, Harris talked about economic opportunity, clean energy and health care reform. Those visits and future ones could be an important part of her potential campaign to flip the the Tar Heel State in November.

In 2020, former president Donald Trump beat Biden by only 1.3% in North Carolina. Recent polls showed Trump leading Biden in the North Carolina by about 7%. No Democratic presidential candidate has carried the states electoral votes since Barack Obama did in 2008.

Kamala Harris visit in June

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, speaks at Eastway Middle School on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Harris visited Charlotte to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration latest actions to reduce gun violence.

In June, Harris visited Johnson C. Smith University on her fourth stop on a nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour. She was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper, whos now the subject of vice presidential speculation, along with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and federal officials.

Harris highlighted the Biden administrations efforts in economic opportunity, including investments in small businesses and job creation. She also addressed medical debt reform and the Biden Administrations new proposal to prohibit medical bills from being included on credit reports for more than 15 million Americans.

Your credit score is supposed to be a measure of if you are fiscally responsible, Harris said. We have now made it so that medical debt does not affect your credit score.

April visit

Anderson Clayton waves Kamala Harris fan prior to Vice President Kamala Harris remarks at the Carole A. Hoefener Community Services Center in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Harriss April visit to the Queen City came alongside Cooper again and other prominent Charlotte politicians. In uptown, she announced $20 billion in grants for clean energy projects, which she said will boost the economy and help the environment.

Everyone will benefit, Harris said to a crowd gathered at the Naomi Drenan Center, adding that the work the new grants will support will help ensure the strength of our economy and the future of our nation.

If she were re-elected, Harris told the crowd the administration would prioritize advancements in environmental concerns, maternal health and reproductive rights. She also denounced Trump for his past remarks about dictators and for nominating Supreme Court justices who opposed Roe v. Wade.

The choice is so clear, she said of the 2024 presidential election.

Harris also marked the opening of a Biden-Harris campaign office in Charlotte and visited a homeowner in the Grier Heights neighborhood.

January visit

In January, Harris visited Eastway Middle School to announce $285 million in federal funding for mental health services in schools, with North Carolina expected to get $12 million of that. She estimated the money would help bring on 332 new counselors in North Carolina and more than 14,000 nationally.

Harris also met privately with students affected by gun violence before a panel on violence prevention and mental health. She was joined by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, among others.

Lets pay attention to this issue because we can actually do something about it, she said of the connection between mental health and violence. And we have the opportunity then to address what we know will otherwise be generational and intergenerational trauma.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an interview with The Charlotte Observer at the Charlotte Area Transit Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
In the wake of Joe Bidens recent withdrawal from the upcoming US presidential election, many people want to know whether Kamala Harris will be running for president in his place and if Biden will support her candidacy. Having served in her role as Vice President in President Joe Bidens administration for the past four years, she appears to be his most prominent successor.

So, is Kamala Harris running for President in 2024 and does Joe Biden endorse her? Here are all the details.

Is Kamala Harris running for president in the 2024 elections?

On July 21, Vice President Kamala Harris declared her intention to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. This comes after President Joe Bidens announcement that he would step down from the race. In a statement, Harris lauded Bidens decision as a selfless and patriotic act. She further highlighted his unwavering commitment to the nation and its citizens.

As per The Wall Street Journal, Vice President Harris said in a statement: With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else. I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

As reported by The New York Times, Harris announcement received an outpouring of support from prominent Democrats. This includes former President Bill Clinton, 2016 Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and influential party donors.

Did Joe Biden endorse Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate?

Following his announcement that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, Joe Biden has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, as per ABC News. With Bidens endorsement, Vice President Kamala Harris is now positioned as the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination. However, despite the strong backing, Harris still has a long road ahead for her campaign.

Bidens withdrawal follows his heavily criticized performance in the first presidential debate in June. The debate raised questions about his ability to win against Donald Trump and serve a second term. The growing pressure for a new candidate within the party has led to Bidens endorsement of Harris, creating a dramatic change in the campaign landscape just months before the election.

The post Is Kamala Harris Running for President? Did Joe Biden Endorse Her? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during a campaign stop at Westover High School on Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Fayetteville, N.C.

Just hours after President Joe Biden endorsed her as his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris quickly jumped into the 2024 presidential contest, saying My intention is to earn and win this nomination.

She has a decent chance.

Polls show she runs slightly better than Biden against Republican nominee Donald Trump

The latest CBS News/YouGov poll of likely voters, taken last week, showed Trump leading Harris 51% to 48%. He led Biden 52% to 47%.

This will be Harris second attempt at winning the White House. Her first, in 2019, fizzled quickly. It began when she announced her bid before a crowd of thousands in Oakland, but got no momentum and was over by December.

Her poll numbers could still use some work. A recent Economist/YouGov poll last week found her viewed favorably by 55% of registered voters. Trump and Biden also topped 50% in unfavorable ratings.

But at least at the start, Harris run will be much different than in 2020. She not only starts with the backing of the incumbent president, but with strong support from the Democratic rank and file.

A YouGov poll earlier this month found 82% of Democrats viewed her favorably.

The new nominee will be formally chosen by Democratic delegates to the partys national convention, which formally convenes next month.

Harris issued a lengthy statement Sunday praising Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.

Harris praises Biden

She added was grateful for his friendship, saying it reached back years.

I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as attorneys general of our home states, she said.

As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of fatherand the kind of manhe was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joes leadership as President: His honesty and integrity.

Beau Biden, who died in 2015, was Delawares attorney general from 2007 to 2015. Harris was Californias attorney general from 2011 to 2017. She left after being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016.

Harris Sunday praised Bidens decision to step down.

Breaking News

President Joe Biden withdrew Sunday from the 2024 presidential race. Read more on this developing story:

 With Biden out of presidential race, Kamala Harris emerges as front-runner with his endorsement

 California Gov. Gavin Newsom responds to Joe Biden dropping out. Heres what he said

 Why some say Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear would make a great VP candidate

 With Biden out, what could be next for NC Gov. Roy Cooper?

With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else, she said.

She called herself honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

And she declared herself ready to run for his job, saying, Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Trump has not endorsed that conservative agenda.
Kamala Harris Set to Take Over the Biden Campaigns $96 Million War Chest

Vice President Kamala Harris just inherited President Joe Bidens $96 million campaign war chest.

It only took a few hours for Harris to assume the Biden-Harris campaigns finances and the presidents fundraising apparatusincluding the key joint fundraising committees, the super engines behind presidential campaignsin her newly launched presidential bid.

These are the vehicles through which Biden was raising major, high-dollar donations.

The Biden campaign is now the Harris campaign, according to newly updated FEC documents. She also now helms the joint fundraising committees, whose names were changed from Biden Victory to Harris Victory on Sunday, according to other FEC documents. The same was true for the Biden Action Fund, now the Harris Action Fund.

The vice president had previously shared that authorized committee with Joe Biden as his running mate.

President Biden and Vice President Harris share an authorized campaign committee, and theyve just amended the paperwork to drop Biden off the ticket and change the name to Harris for President, campaign finance expert Brendan Fischer from the Campaign Legal Center told the Daily Beast shortly after the news broke.

This means that Harris now controls the $96 million in the former Biden-Harris campaigns account, he said, adding the move strikes him as legally permissible.

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden in Delaware at the Hotel DuPont. Drew Angerer/Getty

However, where things get tricky is around Republican promises to hit what was formerly the Biden campaign with legal challenges.

GOP attorney Charlie Spies recently floated an argument in the Wall Street Journal that a strict textual reading of the FECs regulations would bar Harris from accessing these funds, but his reading is at odds with how the FEC has long interpreted its rules, Fischer explained.

Republican-aligned groups might file a complaint about this transfer, he added, but it is unlikely that any such complaint would be resolved before the election.

Should someone else become the nominee, then theres a much higher likelihood that money would be frozen up upon a legal challenge, thanks to precedent in campaign finance law.

Biden became the king of campaign cash once he was able to use his joint fundraising committee this year, as the Daily Beast previously reported.

However, since Trumps May guilty verdict in the Stormy Daniels hush-money trial, his campaign has seen a surge in donations, allowing him to rebound from a serious cash deficit.

Yet the newly minted Harris campaign saw its own $8 million uptick in donations in the immediate hours after the news broke that Biden was stepping aside, according to the Daily Mail.

Harris also locked up the immediate support of Bidens top finance official on the campaign.

Lets do this, Rufus Gifford, the finance chair, posted on X. The mission is clear and we are going to make history in 106 days by electing @KamalaHarri President of the United States.

In the most telling bit from his post, Gifford promised the money will all go to Harris if voters donate today.

Please give what you can today, he added, (money given here will be used 100% to elect Kamala Harris President).

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kamala Harris spent her early life, career in the Bay Area: Heres where

(KRON)  With Joe Biden announcing his decision not to seek re-election on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the leading candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election. Although Harris has yet to officially go against Republican candidate Donald Trump, many prominent Democrats endorse Harris to lead their party.

However, before Harris, 59, became Vice President of the United States, she was just like many of you  a Bay Area native and citizen.

Not only did she spend much of her early career in the Bay Area, but Harris also was born and raised in the East Bay. Harris was born in Oakland to immigrant parents, and her mom, at 19 years old, moved from India to the United States.

2024 Election Latest: Biden ends reelection bid, endorses VP Harris for Democratic nomination

(Video above: KRON4 spoke with former SF Mayor Willie Brown for his reaction to Harris being endorsed by Biden)

FILE  In this Jan. 8, 2004, file photo, San Franciscos new district attorney, Kamala Harris, right, receives the oath of office from California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald M. George, left, during inauguration ceremonies Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, in San Francisco, as Harris mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, holds a copy of The Bill of Rights. (AP Photo/George Nikitin, File)

District attorney Kamala D. Harris announced today that Maureen Faibish, the mother of Nicholas Faibish, 12, has been charged with child endangerment. Photographed by Liz Hafalia on 6/23/05 in San Francisco, CA (Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

East Bay Born & Raised

Harris attended Thousand Oaks Elementary School in Berkeley in the 1970s. She attended kindergarten with San Francisco Board of Supervisors President and mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin. He posted on social media, endorsing Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Her childhood home, located on Bancroft Way, is now the Berkeley International Montessori School (see photo below). Growing up, Harris attended both a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple in homage to her biracial heritage.

Harris and her family moved to Canada where she attended Westmount High School in Montreal.

Kamala Harris grew up in a house on Bancroft Way in Berkeley, Calif. The home is now the Berkeley International Montessori School.

Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square transitions to appointment-only operations

Career Beginnings in Alameda County

Harris finished her undergraduate studies at HBCU Howard University in Washington D.C. and later attended UC Hastings Law School.

In 1990, after passing the bar exam, Harris was hired by the Alameda County District Attorneys Office to specialize in prosecuting child sexual assault cases, according to The White House.

San Francisco District Attorney

Although Harris may have gained the reputation as a tough-on-crime Democrat, she was progressive for her time when she was running for San Francisco District Attorney.

In 2003, then working for the city attorney, Harris supported the legalization of medical marijuana. She ran to be the district attorney and challenged her former boss Terence Hallinan.

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris poses for a portrait in San Francisco, Friday, June 18, 2004. The December election of a new district attorney was supposed to signal a turning point for police-prosecutor relations in San Francisco, where lofty, ultra-liberal ideals sometimes clash with the street-level realities of law enforcement. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

FILE  In this Jan. 8, 2004, file photo, San Franciscos new district attorney, Kamala Harris, right, receives the oath of office from California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald M. George, left, during inauguration ceremonies Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, in San Francisco, as Harris mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, holds a copy of The Bill of Rights. (AP Photo/George Nikitin, File)

Harris won the election in 2004 and remained San Francisco District Attorney until 2010. She became a leader in the national movement for LGBTQ+ rights and officiated the first same-sex wedding after Proposition 8 was overturned in 2008, The White House says.

While Harris was the district attorney in San Francisco, Gavin Newsom was the mayor of the city. Harris then became California Attorney General, a position she held from 2011 to 2017. She then became a U.S. Senator before assuming the mantle of Vice President.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom holds a Thanksgiving meal while volunteering at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004. Glide prepared more than 5,000 meals for Thanksgiving. Also pictured are San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, center, and Newsoms wife Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, second from right. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Chief George Gascon (left) and District Attorney Kamala Harris (middle) at a press conference at the Hall of Justice talking about peace officers and the Brady Policy in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Any disclosure of a peace officers personnel records under a Brady policy must be done under the auspices of the Court. (Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
EMILY's List, an abortion-rights political organization, is set to launch a new 30-second TV and digital ad that both publicly supports Vice President Kamala Harris' newly launched presidential campaign and attacks former President Donald Trump over the fall of Roe v. Wade and abortion rights.

The ad, titled "Kamala Harris for President: The Time Is Now," is the first effort by the organization to publicly support Harris' campaign.

The ad, first obtained by ABC News, was paid for by the EMILYs List super PAC, Women Vote. The super PAC, which launched in March, aimed to strategically combat what EMILY's List called "sexist and racist attacks" against women.

MORE: Election 2024 updates: Harris makes 1st public appearance at White House since Biden's announcement

Women Vote will be the official super PAC for Harris' bid for the White House, aiming to raise $20 million in the next 18 weeks, sources told ABC News.

The ad touches on Roe v. Wade as abortion access remains a critical issue for voters in an election year.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to a crowd during a campaign event at James B. Dudley High School on July 11, 2024 in Greensboro, N.C. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

In the ad, a narrator highlights Harris as a candidate and includes clips of Trump taking credit for the Supreme Court's decision to overrule Roe v. Wade.

"Kamala Harris won't back down," the narrator says, later adding "With so much at stake, we don't have time to waste. Resilient, relentless, fighter. The time is now."

On Sunday, EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler endorsed Harris for president, saying in a statement that "she is the most qualified and most prepared candidate to meet this unprecedented moment and lead the country."

"In a moment when Republicans have launched a full-scale attack on our reproductive rights, an issue that will be the driving force for Democratic wins, Vice President Harris is our most powerful advocate and messenger on this issue," Mackler added.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event for Maryland Democratic candidate for Senate and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks on Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 7, 2024 in Landover, Md. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: What pushed President Biden to withdraw from the reelection race?

EMILY's List has supported Harris throughout her career, from her time as San Francisco's district attorney to when she made history as the first woman to serve as California's attorney general and again when she made history as the second Black woman in the Senate.

The group's former president, Sen. Laphonza Butler, is expected to speak to EMILY's List donors on Monday afternoon, a source told ABC News. Butler is the junior senator from California -- a role Harris held just four years ago.

Kamala Harris' super PAC launches 1st campaign ad targeting Trump over Roe v. Wade originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Fans of the Broadway musical Hamilton will remember a moment late in the show when, after a series of songs about Hamiltons personal life, one of the characters asks plaintively, Can we get back to politics? Joe Bidens courageous and patriotic decision to end his presidential campaign allows American voters to refocus their attention from questions of age and infirmity and get back to politics.

The question now is what kind of politics will it be?

With Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely Democratic nominee, our politics will bring into sharp relief, indeed sharper relief than ever, a choice between embracing America as a multicultural democracy or pursuing a White Christian nationalist future. Harris is the living embodiment of the best of the American experiment.

And former President Trump cant stand it.

Another strong, accomplished woman threatens to stand between him and his ability to satisfy his lust for power. First Hilary Clinton, then Fani Willis, now Kamala Harris. It drives him crazy.

By looking at the playbook Trump used against Clinton and Willis we can get a preview of what is to come in our politics.

Before we do, lets assess how a Harris candidacy resets the 2024 race.

First, there is the obvious jolt of energy and excitement that helps put the recently completed Republican National Convention in the rearview mirror. That jolt of energy is reflected in the torrent of donations that already have come into Democratic coffers.

The New York Times reports that Democrats greeted President Bidens departure from the presidential race with an avalanche of cash, donating more than $30 million online on Sunday and making it the single biggest day for online Democratic contributions since the 2020 election  with hours still to go.

With Mr. Biden gone and Vice President Kamala Harris building momentum to claim the nomination, the Times said, Democrats went online to contribute at a startling pace. Donations spiked from an average of less than $200,000 per hour in the hours before Mr. Biden quit to $7.5 million in a single hour later on Sunday.

This might be the greatest fundraising moment in Democratic Party history, wrote Kenneth Pennington, a Democratic digital strategist on X.

Second, the Harris candidacy will be making history. She would be the first woman of color and the first person of South Asian and Caribbean descent to head a national ticket.

She will bring an excitement to the 2024 campaign that has been absent among progressives and young people since Barack Obama ran in 2008. People who then cried tears of joy at the thought that a Black man could be president have reason to cry again.

Third, Harris will help to energize younger voters who, before Bidens withdrawal, saw nothing for themselves in the 2024 campaign. Those voters played a key role in the presidents 2020 victory.

Until Sunday, the news was bad for the Democrats. On July 11, USNews reported that many young people feel their lives have gotten worse, and they are disappointed with both major candidates for president.

Forty-nine percent of young adults say theyre still deciding whom to vote for or could be easily convinced to change their mind. And when asked about the most notable accomplishments of President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump, their most common answer was: nothing.

That changed yesterday.

And the mere thought of Harris at the top of the ticket has already brought a cascade of ugly, vile taunts from Trump, exposing last weeks appeal for unity for what it is, a sham.

At a rally in Michigan on Saturday Trump mocked her. Kamala, I call her laughing Kamala. Have you seen her laughing? She is crazy. You can tell a lot by a laugh. She is nuts.

On July 9, Trump had used an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek to suggest that he didn't think that Harris was ready for prime time. He indicated that if she became the Democratic candidate for president he would tie her to Biden.

His campaign said Biden and Harris owned each others records, and there is no distance between the two.

Trump boasted that Harris would be easier to defeat than Biden. Now the plan is to paint her as not just crazy, but worse yet, as a crazy lefty.

Trumps attack on Harris is reminiscent of what he has said in the past about women.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

In 1992, he said, women: you have to treat him like shit. Later, he told his biographer that his favorite part of the film Pulp Fiction was the scene when Sam has his gun out in the diner and he tells the guy to tell his girlfriend to shut up. Tell that bitch to be cool.

I love those lines, Trump said.

In 1997, he wrote that women have one of the great acts of all time.

The smart ones act very feminine and needy, Trump continued, but inside they are real killers. The person who came up with the expression the weaker sex was either very naive or had to be kidding. I have seen women manipulate men with just a twitch of their eye  or perhaps another body part.

In Harris, a tough, accomplished former prosecutor he will be up against someone capable of showing just how skillful such a real killer can be.

Turning to Trumps 2016 attacks on Hilary Clinton, as CNN reported, he accused Clinton, among other things, of being unbalanced and unstable, called her a dangerous and pathological liar and warned voters that a Clinton presidency would lead to the destruction of this country from within.

Previewing the kind of lines we will surely hear Trump say about Harris, he claimed: Unstable Hillary Clinton, lacks the judgment, temperament and moral character to lead this country  and I believe that so strongly,

Shes really pretty close to unhinged, and youve seen, youve seen it a couple times. The people in the background know it, the people who know her know it and shes like an unbalanced person.

In another episode of what happens when Trump runs up against a strong accomplished woman, he used an August 2023 speech to label Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who indicted him for election interference, a racist.

As Trump put it: They say theres a young woman, a young racist in Atlanta. Shes a racist. And they say, I guess they say that she was after a certain gang and she ended up having an affair with the head of the gang or a gang member. And this is the person that wants to indict me. Shes got a lot of problems.

In March 2024, he even mocked Willis first name. Its spelled Fani, like your ass.

Who knows what hateful things Trump will now say about the likely Democratic nominee for president, another woman of color?

Clinton, Willis and Harris represent the kind of strong women who threaten Trumps manhood and attachment to a bygone patriarchy. They offer a vision of a more egalitarian, inclusive America, an America that promises opportunity to people of talent no matter their race and gender.

As we get back to politics and the business of electing a president, we should remember that that vision might just be Donald Trumps kryptonite.
by Xiong Maoling, Sun Ding

WASHINGTON, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Under mounting pressure from within his party, Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

With just over three months left until the Nov. 5 presidential election, it remains to be seen whether the Democratic Party can quickly coalesce around a successor candidate, adding further uncertainty to the U.S. election landscape.

WHY IS BIDEN OUT?

Concerns about the age and mental fitness of 81-year-old Biden have persisted for some time. Calls for Biden to step aside surged after his disastrous debate performance on June 27. Over 30 Democratic lawmakers have publicly urged him to withdraw.

Some of the Democratic Party's major donors have also begun to jump ship, withdrawing their financial support for Biden's campaign. According to The New York Times, donations from Biden's big donors are expected to plummet by half in July.

Recently, U.S. media -- citing sources familiar with the matter -- reported that prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have privately expressed concerns about Biden's electoral prospects and urged him to step down.

On Friday, the day after former President Donald Trump officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination, another two Democratic Senators and 10 Democratic House members called for Biden to step down.

In the weeks following the debate, Biden attempted to counter the calls within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw, repeatedly reaffirming his commitment to continue his campaign.

The night before announcing his withdrawal, he stated on social media that this was "the most important election of our lifetimes" and declared, "I will win it." Biden's decision to drop out at such a late stage of the election cycle highlights the severe crisis facing Biden after the first presidential debate.

Only two Democratic presidents, Harry S. Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson, decided not to run again during an election year in the last 75 years. Yet, "the circumstances are quite different," the New York Times reported, citing Tim Naftali, a presidential historian and faculty scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Truman was 67 when he decided not to seek another term, while Johnson was 59 when he ended his campaign. Both withdrew from their respective reelection bids in the early months of election season as they struggled to find a way to end grinding, unpopular wars.

According to polling data compiled by the U.S. election information website Real Clear Politics, as of July 18, Trump led Biden by an average of 3 percentage points in national polls and was ahead in key swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

After Biden announced his withdrawal, Obama said in a statement that this was undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions of Biden's life. "Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life," Obama said.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY?

A party's presumptive presidential nominee has never before withdrawn from the race at such a late stage. This introduces uncertainty to the Democratic Party's election prospects and shakes up the overall U.S. election landscape.

After announcing his withdrawal, Biden offered his full support for nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate and urged Democrats to unite to defeat the Republican presidential nominee, Trump. The Clintons also expressed their support for Harris as the party's nominee.

However, Democratic heavyweights such as Obama, Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not endorse Harris in their statements. The Hill noted this "notable omission as Democrats head into an uncharted path forward."

Although Harris is Biden's heir apparent, Pelosi previously expressed a preference for determining the party's nominee through an open process.

The Democratic National Convention, initially scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, was intended to formally nominate the candidate. Whether the party can reach a consensus on a candidate before then remains to be seen.

Currently, Harris's approval ratings are not particularly high, and she does not significantly outperform Biden in polls against Trump. According to Real Clear Politics, Trump led Harris by an average of 1.7 percentage points in national polls by July 18.

Who else could be the nominee? According to U.S. media analyses, potential candidates include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who participated in the 2020 primaries. However, Whitmer has publicly stated she does not intend to run. Additionally, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat who changed his party registration to independent in May, is also a potential candidate.

"On the one hand, they (Democrats) got what many in the party wanted: Biden out. On the other, the process for what comes next is a big question -- and a potentially difficult one," The Washington Post said in an article. The Axios, meanwhile, said the DNC could be "a wild ride."

TURBULENT U.S. ELECTION

Following Biden's withdrawal from the race, the struggle for a successor within the Democratic Party may lead to continued chaos. On the Republican side, some lawmakers have begun to urge Biden to resign from office.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

"If the Democratic party has deemed Joe Biden unfit to run for reelection, he's certainly unfit to control our nuclear codes. Biden must step down from office immediately," said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer.

Trump has claimed that his campaign team was forced to spend time and money battling Biden, and now that Biden has withdrawn, they have to start over. "Shouldn't the Republican Party be reimbursed for fraud in that everybody around Joe ... knew he was not capable of running for, or being, President?" said the Republican nominee.

Biden's withdrawal is the latest twist in the chaotic 2024 U.S. election. Just a week ago, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his right ear.

In the past few days, as calls for Biden to withdraw have intensified within the Democratic Party, donors have begun to abandon him. Trump, who is leading in polls, has been drawing significant donations.

Billionaire Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman announced his support for Trump following the assassination attempt. Six months ago, he supported Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips, who ran in the Democratic primary. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently announced support for Trump's presidential bid, pledging 45 million dollars monthly to a super PAC, an independent political action committee that can raise unlimited sums from corporations, unions and big donors.

At the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Dustin Wefel, founder of DRW Campaigns LLC from Michigan, told Xinhua that funding will follow the likely winner. Enditem

(Xinhua reporter Liu Yanan contributed to the article.)
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris Monday morning and ripped Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance in the process.



Speaking on MSNBCs Morning Joe, Beshear touted Harriss previous record as a prosecutor, saying that she is kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president.



The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldnt be clearer, Beshear said, pointing out that Harris prosecuted rapists and abusers, while Vances words about rape were egregious.



Vance calls pregnancy arising from rape inconvenient. No, its just plain wrong, Beshear said. He suggests that women should stay in abusive relationships. Listen, a domestic abuser isnt a man, hes a monster.

Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris and attacks JD Vance on Morning Joe: "Vance calls pregnancy arising from rape 'inconvenient.' No, it's just plain wrong. He suggests that women should stay in abusive relationships. Listen, a domestic abuser isn't a man, he's a monster." pic.twitter.com/rO3ardI65K  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 22, 2024

Beshears endorsement carries a lot of weight, as hes a twice-elected Democratic governor presiding over a red Southern state in Kentucky. He also has been discussed as a possible vice presidential running mate for Harris, even before Bidens withdrawal from the presidential election Sunday, and in Mondays interview, he hinted that he would be interested in the role.



The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believe I could further help my people and to help this country, Beshear said. When pressed further, he added, I think if somebody calls you on that, what you do is you at least listen.

Andy Beshear on Morning Joe sounds like he's auditioning for Harris' VP spot as he draws a contrast to Vance, and says he would "listen" to a VP offer: pic.twitter.com/v0bL5Yydor  Ross O'Keefe (@RossOKeefe2) July 22, 2024

Beshear is one of the most popular governors in America. An October poll found that he has the highest net approval rating of any Democratic governor in a red state. As Harris and her campaign decide who would be the ideal running mate for the Democratic ticket, Beshears success in Kentucky can only help his prospects.


Now that President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 Presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the top of the ticket, who might be the vice-presidential candidate?

No fewer than a dozen options have been floated by various pundits, journalists, political scientists and likely voters.

Daniel Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the executive director of FDU Poll, said there are three basic strategies for selecting a vice president: pick a politician from a critical swing state, pick someone who balances out the presidential candidate in terms of demographics, region and ideology, or pick a candidate who magnifies the characteristics of the presidential candidate, as former President Donald Trump did with his selection of U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio.

When it comes to the most common strategy, the balancing strategy, Harris could pick someone older and more liberal, such as U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cassino said. Warren, a Rutgers Law School graduate, was for a brief spell the front-running candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

More: 'My intention is to earn and win': Harris seeks Dem nomination after Biden drops out

A composite photo of Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Pete Buttigieg.

If the party wants to double down on Harris with a younger and more moderate Democrat, Cassino mentioned a few relatively well-known personalities. Julian Castro, the secretary of housing and urban development under former President Barack Obama fits the bill. Also in that category is Cory Booker, the U.S. senator from New Jersey. Another would be Pete Buttigieg, the current U.S. transportation secretary and former naval officer who rose to prominence during his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election.

DNC 2024: When is the Democratic National Convention? Info on when and where for the DNC

Possible 'swing states' VP candidates for Kamala Harris

Finally, there are options from swing states.

"There's a perception, but not much data to support it, that a vice presidential candidate could help you win in a swing state," Cassino said.

In that realm, Harris finds several more potential running mates, including the front-runner in Cassino's opinion: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. North Carolina's former attorney general, Cooper was elected governor in 2016 and reelected in 2020. Due to state term limits, he is unable to run this year and would be free to take on another role in 2025.

Vice President Kamala Harris stands in the House of Representatives ahead of President Joe Bidens State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on March 7, 2024.

Cassino also mentioned U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former astronaut born in Orange, Stacey Abrams, a former candidate for Georgia governor, and the "very well-liked governor of Pennsylvania," Josh Shapiro. Shapiro beat a Trump-backed candidate in Doug Mastriano in 2022, has bipartisan support and, like Cooper, has executive experience. However, Shapiro recently took office and party bosses may be loathe to remove him, Cassino said.

Notable outliers for Democratic VP candidate role

Some other names being mentioned seem to have very slim odds, according to Cassino.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been positioning himself as an "emergency candidate" to replace Biden, Cassino said. He debated former candidate for the Republican presidential nomination Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier his year. However, due to the vagaries of Electoral College rules, either he or Harris would likely have to move out of California and establish residency in another state to be paired on the same ticket.

Other names that may be eyeing a presidential run and would probably keep themselves out of the running for Harris' potential vice-president are Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Cassino said.

Local: Redding, LaMalfa react to Joe Biden dropping his 2024 presidential run

Recent polls for Kamala Harris VP candidates

A SurveyUSA/FairVote ranked choice poll in early July found initial first-choice votes for Harris' potential running mate were closely divided among likely Democrats and independent voters in six swing states. Of the 2,050 likely voters polled in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 20% picked Buttigieg, 19% selected Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and 14% opted for Shapiro.

Whitmer, who has been discussed as a potential presidential candidate for the Democrats, is another potential option for the swing state strategy, with Michigan expected to be crucial in the path to the presidency. Biden won the state in 2020 but has been trailing Trump in recent polls. The Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-women ticket in history.

Other contenders are Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Jamie Raskin and Pritzker, who each received 5% of the first-choice vote to be paired on the ballot with Harris. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Cooper both garnered 3%, while 4% of voters preferred Harris to run with someone else and 19% were unsure.

In a ranked choice poll for a Harris running mate, Buttigieg narrowly beat Whitmer 52% to 48%.

The poll also found Harris was the clear favorite to replace Joe Biden among likely Democrats and independent voters in those same six swing states. Results showed 37% ranked Harris their first choice to replace Biden and 56% ranked her in their top three.

A separate poll conducted this month by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found adults have a more favorable opinion of Harris (43%) than both Biden (38%) and Trump (37%).

Center officials said 70% of the 1,253 adults polled said Biden should drop out of the race and allow his party to select a different candidate, while 57% said Trump should withdraw. Among Republicans, 26% said Trump should withdraw. Meanwhile, 65% of Democrats polled said Biden should drop out.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Could Newsom be VP candidate for Kamala Harris if she replaces Biden?
Who will be Kamala Harris' VP? Here's the possible contenders.

Not long after President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would drop out of the presidential race, attention swiveled to his heir apparent and vice president, Kamala Harris.

Harris, who secured Bidens endorsement, is likely contemplating who she wishes to take her place and join her as running mate.

Live Updates: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race amid growing pressure from top Democrats

Any shortlist is currently unclear, however, speculation has run rampant in recent days over who may be considered for the Harris presidential ticket. In no particular order, a litany of possible candidates is being floated by various pundits, journalists and political operatives.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer talks with the press after an announcement of a multi-million dollar investment into General Motors Flint Assembly while speaking to press and employees with other officials in the Flint plant on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Whitmer, 52, who has become one of the partys leading figures in recent years, is also floated as a possible pick. She has been governor of Michigan  a state considered a crucial battleground for winning the White House this year  since 2019. She served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006 and the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015.

The Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-women ticket in history.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Roy Cooper is the Democratic governor of North Carolina.

Cooper, 67, rose to national attention for opposing a bill that wanted to ban transgender individuals from public restrooms matching their gender identity. The governor is in his second term as governor.

The New York Times reported Cooper was an emerging favorite for Harris, and she has spoken publicly about her good relationship with the governor.

In a statement Sunday, Cooper thanked Biden for his service, saying he is deeply grateful to call President Joe Biden my friend.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro greets President Joe Biden in Philadelphia in 2023.

The 51-year-old Shapiro took Pennsylvanias governorship in 2023. Previously, he was the states attorney general from 2017 to 2023.

In a Sunday statement on X, formerly Twitter, reacting to Bidens announcement, Shapiro joined the chorus of Democratic lawmakers praising the president while saying little or nothing of Harris.

I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania  the Commonwealth that raised him, he said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom speaks after being elected governor of the state during an election night party in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 6, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The California governor, 56, has become one of the most prominent Democratic figures over the last few years, and is currently in his second term leading the Golden State. He has been one of the most vocal supporters of Biden, serving as a campaign surrogate and holding a televised governor-on-governor debate with Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The former mayor of San Francisco has also been a source of support on the issue of abortion rights, one that has become a cornerstone of Harris campaigning for Biden over the past several months and is expected to continue into her bid for president.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Gov. Andy Beshear waves with wife Britainy Beshear, right and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, at left, after winning a second term as Kentucky's Governor Tuesday, Nov.7, 2023.

Beshear, 46, is among the youngest to be floated as a possible vice presidential pick for Harris. A governor in his second term, he served as Kentuckys Attorney General between 2016 and 2019.

The Democrat has remained a vocal supporter of Biden and told The Courier-Journal that he would only consider putting his name on a presidential ticket if he could help the commonwealth even more through some other opportunity.

Since January, Beshear has traveled to out-of-state Democratic fundraisers at least five times, while launching a PAC to support Democrats in red and purple states.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker

Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker speaks during the WisDems 2024 State Convention on June 08, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A billionaire known for raking in millions for the Democratic party over the years, 59-year-old Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has been governor since 2019, is also considered a possibility.

Pritzker was widely reported to have personally appealed to Biden on Chicagos behalf to win the bid to host the Democratic National Convention.

Other contenders

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) during a press conference following the weekly Senate caucus luncheons on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on April 9, 2024.

The current U.S. transportation secretary and former naval officer Pete Buttigieg has also been suggested as a possible pick. The 42-year-old rose to prominence during his 2020 run for the Democratic nomination. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly also joins the list, as does Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Who will be Kamala Harris' vice president in 2024 election
Vice President Kamala Harris in Kalamazoo, Michigan in July 2024. Credit - Chris duMond--Getty Images)

The deep-pocketed tech industry of Silicon Valley has historically voted for Democrats. But in the last month, a cadre of tech executives has risen up for Donald Trump, both on the grounds that he will be friendlier to the industry and that President Joe Biden was unfit to serve a second term.

But now that Biden has dropped out of the race and the Democratic Party seems to be coalescing around Kamala Harris, a battle for Silicon Valleys affectionand donationscould ensue. Harris is from Oakland, and many people perceived her tenure as Californias attorney general as favorable toward the tech industry. Now Silicon Valley appears to be splitand debates will play out both on social media and in tech offices for the months to come.

Trump is backed by Elon, other major tech leaders

It would take a seismic shift for Silicon Valley to actually turn red. In 2020, Santa Clara County, which contains most of Silicon Valley, voted 73 percent for Biden and 25 percent for Trump. (The 2016 numbers were very similar.)And a recent WIRED analysis of campaign contributions found that the venture industry seems to actually be donating to Democrats at a higher rate this cycle than in years past.

But some of the most influential voices in tech have loudly thrown their lot in with Trump, especially since his assassination attempt. Elon Musk and his associate David Sacks have been active on social media in rallying support among tech executives and have been pumping millions into a Super PAC for Trumps campaign.

The crypto industry, in particular, has embraced Trump, who is scheduled to speak at a Bitcoin conference this weekend. Marc Andreessen, the co-founder of the prominent VC firm a16z, has denounced the Biden administrations more aggressive approach to tech and crypto regulation, and said that he is backing Trump after supporting Democrats through most election cycles, including in 2016.

And many tech moguls have been further energized by Trumps vice presidential pick of J.D Vance, who has deep Silicon Valley ties, including working for Peter Thiel. Sacks and the tech investor Chamath Palihapitiya even personally lobbied Trump to pick Vance at a $300,000-a-person dinner, the New York Times reported.

Read More: How the Crypto World Learned to Love Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Project 2025

But Harris has a long history with Silicon Valley

But Harriss history with Silicon Valley could stem the tide. In recent months, many Silicon Valley Democrats sat on the sidelines as Bidens campaign lost steam: the entrepreneur and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman told WIRED that tech mega-donors had been withholding their donations due to the turmoil. But Hoffman sprang back into action following Bidens exit, calling Harris the right person at the right time. Many others immediately joined him: Harris raised over $50 million in less than 24 hours after Bidens announcement.

Hoffman is one of many Silicon Valley powerhouses who supported Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign, due to her connections with the industry stemming from her time as Californias attorney general. Her 2020 donors included Salesforce co-founder and CEO Marc Benioff (who, with Lynne Benioff, is the owner and co-chair of TIME), Amazon general counsel David Zapolsky, and Microsoft president Brad Smith.

Some observers, in turn, argued that Harris was too favorable to the industry while attorney general. Her time as AG was marked by a mass consolidation in tech towards a few hyper-power companies, which critics argue she did little to stop. In 2012, she forged an agreement with Big Tech titans over privacy protections for smartphone owners, which was largely cheered by the industry. The following year, she participated in the marketing campaign for Sheryl Sandbergs Lean In while being the law enforcement official responsible for overseeing Facebook.

In contrast, she did wield her position to take an active role in pressuring platforms to ban revenge pornography. And the Biden administration has actually been marked by a hostile relationship with Big Tech, with Biden appointee Lina Khan attempting to use her position at the FTC to break up monopolies. (In a strange twist, J.D. Vance has expressed approval of Khans efforts to rein in Big Tech.) Given this trajectory, its unclear how friendly Harris will be to the tech industry if she were to assume power.

Kamala Harris built very close ties to the California-centric Big Tech industry, but much has changed in the last four years, says Jeff Hauser, the executive director of the Revolving Door Project. So itll be a question of: was she deeply committed to Big Tech, or was that just kind of like, a home state Senator with a home state industry taking the easy way out?

Some tech execs want an open convention

Then there are those in tech leadership who want to support a Democratic candidate, but are calling for the Democrats to select someone who might have a wider appeal to their industry. Aaron Levie, the CEO of Box, wrote on X that following Biden stepping down, the Democrats could gain votes by becoming the party that is wildly pro tech, trade, entrepreneurship, immigration, AI.

Reed Hastings, the executive chairman of Netflix, wrote on X that Democratic delegates need to pick a swing state winner. The venture capitalist Vinod Khosla agreedand said that although he believed Harris could beat Trump, he called for an open convention. I want an open process at the convention and not a coronation, he wrote. The key still is who can best beat Trump above all other priorities.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Kannapolis Police are asking for the publics assistance in identifying a person with information regarding a homicide that occurred last week.

(Kannapolis Police Department)

The photo was posted to an Instagram account with the name, darichestyoungin_. This account has since been deactivated.

On July 16, around 11:45 p.m., the Kannapolis Police Department responded to the 600 block of Caribbean Court in reference to shots fired in the area.

Upon arrival, officers found Damien Carter Senesaynho, 18, of Salisbury dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. Another victim was transported by Cabarrus EMS to Atrium Cabarrus for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

No suspects are in custody at this time and investigators say this is an isolated incident with no threat to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Alex Quigley at 704-920-4048 or Investigator Arthur Reid at 704-920-4070.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
LENXA, KS (KSNT)  President Joe Biden took to social media Sunday to announce his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race.

We spoke to Kansas Democratic Party Chair, Jeanna Repass, on the partys thoughts on the Presidents announcement, as well as what they are feeling regarding the next steps in the race.

My feelings are both bittersweet. On the one hand, the bitterness comes because we have had a great president, a man who has served this country with honor for 50 years, Repass said. His deliverables are unapparelled in recent history. So, Im sad. Im sad to see someone who spent so much of their lives finally stepping out of the spotlight.

But looking forward to the partys future in the race, Repass says the sweet part is how excited she is for current Vice President, Kamala Harris. Biden has endorsed Harris in hopes to become their nominee.

And I think this is a wonderful time, whoever comes out of the Democratic side, its an exciting time as well. 

Repass says its important to remember, although Harris has been endorsed by Biden, she is not yet officially running for president. She will still have to be entered into nominations that the delegates will then choose.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race has rocked the Kansas Democratic Party and left many questions unanswered, especially with the Democratic National Convention approaching.

KSN News reached out to local leaders and our political analyst about whats next for the party and who theyll likely support. Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass reflects on Biden leaving his campaign.

I think theres a sadness about seeing him exit the political stage, Repass said.

Kansas Democrats have mixed feelings about the presidents decision to withdraw from the race. State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau would have preferred a different outcome.

Rally held at Kansas Statehouse to expand KanCare

I was hoping that President Joe Biden would have stayed in the race. However, I respect his decision, Faust-Goudeau said.

With Bidens endorsement, several Kansas Democrats see Vice President Kamala Harris as the most logical match for the nomination.

He didnt just step aside and say, Let the chips fall where they may. Hes endorsing a person he really believes will be the right standard bearer for the party. I agree with him, Repass said.

I know delegates from Kansas will be in Chicago at the convention. My feeling is that we will support President Bidens choice, Faust-Goudeau said.

KSN political analyst Jeff Jarman says the Democratic Party has many challenges left and questions how this will impact the race.

The next several days will be really crucial for the vice president to build national support, especially among donors and other significant leaders in the party, Jarman said.

Whoever is chosen as the Democratic candidate, Kansas Democratic Chair Jeanna Repass believes Democrats will lend their whole-hearted support to the eventual pick saying:

This is what change looks like. Change can sometimes look scary or uncertain. But for us to get from where we are to where we want to go, we need to embrace that change. It might look a little rocky, it might look different, its definitely unprecedented but it is not a task were not up to.

Its a decision she believes will revitalize Kansas voters.

Dr. Jarman says it will take time to determine how Bidens dropping out of the race will affect other down-ballot races. He also points out that the new nominee will need to negotiate a new debate plan with former President Donald Trump.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

Kansas and Missouri delegates to the Democratic National Convention rapidly lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, but some said it was too early to back a new nominee for president.

The Star spoke to nearly 30 delegates from both states after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday he was leaving the race. Most praised Harris, who Biden has endorsed, and said explicitly they support her or that she would be a strong nominee.

Twenty-three delegates voiced some level of support for Harris, including those who said they were leaning toward voting for her. Five held off, either because they said it was too early in the process to publicly support a candidate or because they wanted more time to weigh their options and speak with voters.

The delegates interviewed included both state party chairs, leading Democratic lawmakers and local elected officials, as well as relatively unknown party activists and insiders.

The Kansas and Missouri delegations both planned to hold meetings on Monday night, according to Kansas Democratic Party chair Jeanna Repass and a spokesperson for the Missouri Democratic Party.

The delegates  more than 40 from Kansas and 70 from Missouri between at-large, district-level, elected officials and party officials  will play a critical role in selecting the Democratic nominee.

The first decision a candidate makes that really shows the kind of President theyre going to be is picking a VP. And I thought he did an excellent job four years ago, and I see no reason to try to second guess Joe Biden, said Kyle Yarber, a Missouri delegate from Sedalia who previously ran for Congress.

In interviews with The Star, delegates said Harris was already energizing the party. They reflected on the historic role they are now being asked to play, with some saying they never expected to be in this position.

And they vowed that the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, could be defeated.

Having more people who reflect the world we live in is important for our state of democracy, and that she is, you know, going to be our first woman president and a woman of color, I think, says a lot about who America is, said Missouri delegate Daniela Velazquez, a St. Louis alderwoman.

The Democratic National Convention will begin in Chicago on Aug. 18. Democrats previously scheduled a virtual roll call vote for early August to select a nominee; it wasnt clear Monday whether that vote would move forward as planned. The DNC includes nearly 4,000 delegates and Harris will need the support of 1,976 to secure the nomination on the first ballot.

Most Kansas and Missouri delegates had been pledged to Biden, who without significant opposition easily won the Kansas and Missouri primaries earlier this year. Now they are uncommitted and free to support a different candidate in the first open party convention in half a century.

Harris is moving swiftly to consolidate support within the party nationally. As of Monday afternoon, no major Democrat beside Harris had entered the race and she has gathered key endorsements, including from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat who was seen as pivotal to the effort to convince Biden to step aside.

Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat who represents Kansas 3rd Congressional District, endorsed Harris on Monday. Repass and Missouri Democratic Party chair Russ Carnahan also voiced support for Harris  a strong signal that the delegations in both states are likely to largely back Harris.

Repass called Biden a hero and said Harris is eminently qualified to be president, but she didnt expect the Kansas delegation to arrive at a unanimous endorsement on Monday.

We have very thoughtful people in our delegation who want to see this process play out, they want to make sure its open, they want to see who else might throw their name in the hat, Repass said. I do believe at some point, though, we will be at a place where we are unified around a candidate.

Kansas Democratic Party chair Jeanna Repass.

Carnahan said conversations among Missouri delegates were ongoing. He said he didnt want to say anything about the delegations position until everyone had been consulted but that action would come very soon.

He said he hadnt encountered anyone opposed to Harris in his discussions but acknowledged everyone has an opinion about who Harris vice presidential pick should be  several Democratic governors, including Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Jared Polis of Colorado, have been mentioned prominently in national speculation.

Democrats have just over 100 days until the November election, Carnahan said, emphasizing the fast-moving nature of the process.

So a lot of these things are coming together very quickly, Carnahan said.

Some Democrats cautious

Missouri Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a St. Louis County Democrat, didnt immediately endorse Harris. He cautioned against the delegation or the larger party rushing into a decision and said he wants to speak with voters.

He pointed to Harriss own comments on Sunday, when she said she wanted to earn the nomination, and said he didnt think the new nominee needed to be decided in the first 24 hours after Bidens announcement.

Still, Beck said he wasnt for or against Harris.

I wanted to kind of weigh this out, Beck said. I was hoping to have a little bit longer time period than the way things seem to be moving. Things seem to be moving pretty fast.

Shortly after Bidens announcement, Republicans claimed that elites in the Democratic Party  donors, high-profile Democratic lawmakers and Democratic strategists  were disenfranchising Democratic primary voters by pushing Biden out.

Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, claimed on Fox News that Democrats were attempting to rig the election.

I mean this is hysterical, Hawley said. It looks like, dare we say it, an insurrection.

But several Democratic delegates from Kansas and Missouri said they view the nomination as an open process  one that Harris will have to earn.

I am now an uncommitted delegate, and so I need to see all the candidates that want to get into it, said Geoffrey Gerling, a Missouri delegate from Kansas City. But Vice President Harris is probably the most likely person to continue the policy work that President Biden has done for the last four years. And if shes the strongest nominee, Ill be happy to vote for her at the convention.

Gerling was one of many delegates that stressed that the Democratic Party had a transparent process on how the party chooses a nominee. While Biden had won a majority of delegates in Democratic primaries, he was still considered the presumptive nominee; it would not have been official until the delegates voted in a roll call.

Kenneth Bacchus, a Missouri delegate from Kansas City, was dismissive of the Republican claim that the nomination was being decided by Democratic elites. Bacchus said he would support Harris at the convention, but stressed that Harris still needed to earn her way to the nomination.

I really look forward to the future, Bacchus said. Kamala will earn this, shes not going to be given this.

Some delegates acknowledged Harris was headed toward the nomination, even as they held off on formally endorsing her.

Ronald Hobert, a Kansas at-large delegate and president of the American Federation of Teachers-Kansas, the states largest public worker union, said delegates will look to guidance from Repass. At the same time, Biden had already endorsed Harris and that was where Im leaning, he said, adding that he didnt know where the rest of the delegation was headed.

John Nave, another at-large Kansas delegate and executive vice president of the Kansas AFL-CIO, stressed the importance of a pro-labor nominee. He praised Biden as a strong union supporter and said both Biden and Harris had track records of supporting labor.

We want someone whos not going to say one thing and do another thing, Nave said.

Missouri delegate Margaret Miles, of Clay County, said rumors were spreading of possible other candidates. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, for instance, was floated as a possible contender before he ruled himself out on Monday.

But Miles doesnt foresee a formidable challenger to Harris emerging.

Im currently ready to jump on board and be pro-Team Harris in this fight, Miles said.

Vice President Kamala Harris
Karen Read, center, is flanked by security as she arrives at Norfolk Superior Court for a hearing, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON (AP)  Karen Read made a brief court appearance on Monday to set dates going forward for the high-profile murder case against her involving her Boston police officer boyfriend that ended in a mistrial earlier this month.

Read is accused of ramming into John OKeefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowstorm in January 2022. Her two-month trial ended when jurors declared they were hopelessly deadlocked and a judge declared a mistrial on the fifth day of deliberations.

The judge will hear oral arguments on a defense motion to dismiss two of the three charges against her on Aug. 9, and a retrial was scheduled for Jan. 27. The court hearing lasted just a few minutes.

A boisterous crowd of several dozen, many dressed in pink and carrying signs claiming Read is innocent, greeted her with cheers as she arrived at court. A smaller group of about 20 people, dressed in blue, came out in support of OKeefe.

In several motions, the defense contends four jurors have said the jury unanimously reached a not guilty verdict on two of the three charges against Read, including murder. The jurors reported being deadlocked only on the remaining charge of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and trying her again for murder would be unconstitutional double jeopardy, they said.

The defense also argues Judge Beverly Cannone abruptly announced the mistrial without questioning the jurors about where they stood on each of the three charges Read faced and without giving lawyers for either side a chance to comment.

Prosecutors described the defense request to drop charges of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a deadly accident an unsubstantiated but sensational post-trial claim" based on hearsay, conjecture and legally inappropriate reliance as to the substance of jury deliberations.

As they push against a retrial, the defense also wants the judge to hold a post-verdict inquiry and question all 12 jurors if necessary to establish the record they say should have been created before the mistrial was declared, showing jurors unanimously acquitted the defendant of two of the three charges against her.

After the mistrial, Cannone ordered the names of the jurors to not be released for 10 days. She extended that order indefinitely Thursday after one of the jurors filed a motion saying they feared for their own and their family's safety if the names are made public. The order does not preclude a juror from coming forward and identifying themselves, but so far none have done so.

Prosecutors argued the defense was given a chance to respond and, after one note from the jury indicating it was deadlocked, told the court there had been sufficient time and advocated for the jury to be declared deadlocked. Prosecutors wanted deliberations to continue, which they did before a mistrial was declared the following day.

Contrary to the representation made in the defendants motion and supporting affidavits, the defendant advocated for and consented to a mistrial, as she had adequate opportunities to object and instead remained silent which removes any double jeopardy bar to retrial, prosecutors wrote in their motion.

Read, a former adjunct professor at Bentley College, had been out drinking with OKeefe, a 16-year member of the Boston police who was found outside the Canton home of another Boston police officer. An autopsy found OKeefe died of hypothermia and blunt force trauma.

The defense contended OKeefe was killed inside the home after Read dropped him off and that those involved chose to frame her because she was a convenient outsider.
Fountain of Athena (Anna DeLange)

Sicily has so many beautiful cities that are a must-see when spending time on this beautiful island. One of these beautiful cities, and a personal favorite, is the city of Syracuse and its historical old town on a small island connected by bridges: Ortigia (spelled Ortygia in English). This little destination is filled with beautiful baroque architecture and so much history that it is a UNESCO site. The area is filled with a lot of Greek history as well as Roman, Arab and Norman influence. You can take an MWR tour, or a local guided tour to learn all about the Greek mythology and legends that are set in this area. Regardless of its small size, Ortigia is a city that is not something to be missed, whether you are on vacation or living on the island.

Syracuse Duomo (Anna DeLange)

How to Get Here

From NAS Sigonella, it is about an hours drive south, mostly spent on the freeway. My suggestion, if you are driving, is to park in the city of Syracuse where there are a lot of options available. There are some ZTL restrictions in Ortigia.

If you are not interestd in driving, you can always take a train down to Syracuse and not worry about parking! You can either take the train from the Catania or Lentini station. It may take a bit longer if you dont live close to the stations, but the route is scenic and enjoyable.

Another option to get to this spot of beautiful history is to take an MWR tour, usually offered monthly, from NAS Sigonella. My first visit to Syracuse and Ortigia was on a guided tour through MWR and I truly would recommend it! MWR can pick you up at three locations on base; simply sit back and relax while learning history. They also have a restaurant picked out that is included in the cost.

Archway at Maniace Castle (Anna DeLange)

Sights to See

Spend just a day or keep coming back to explore this quaint town, there is so much to see. Wandering the island and trying new restaurants is always a fun escape. Walking into Ortigia leads you straight into one of the most important ancient Greek monuments located in Sicily, the Temple of Apollo. Something I have yet to get over living in Europe randomly stumbling upon ruins  I am still amazed when a ruin is right in front of me.

Another main sight that should be on anyones list when visiting Ortigia is the Duomo (Cathedral) of Syracuse. The cathedral has a fascinating history. Originally it was a Greek temple dedicated to Athena that was later walled in and converted into a church. The cathedral also has Arabic, Norman and Baroque architecture from additions during their various rules, as well as damage reconstruction over time.

Fountain of Arethusa (Anna DeLange)

Due to the location of the island, there is also an old fortress, Castello Maniace, which was later turned into a castle and is open to the public. Tickets include an audio guide. It costs nine euros for adults, while those under 18 enjoy free admission.

There are an abundance of roundabouts in Italy and even is one on this small island. Thie Ortigia roundabout houses the beautiful Fountain of Diana, built in 1906. The fountain is said to tell a love story where Aretusa sought help from Diana through the waters that led to Ortigia. There is another famous fountain named the Fountain of Arethusa. This is not a traditional fountain but more of a natural spring. The Fountain of Arethusa is actually one of only two existing wild springs in Europe where papyrus grows naturally and it dates back thousands of years. For a fun activity away from the historical sites, you can soak up the sun on the small spiaggia Cala Rossa and leave with some beautiful sea glass.

Catacomb of San Giovanni (Anna DeLange)

If you are visiting during the summer months you can visit some sundecks or solariums to enjoy the Sicilian sun.

Now, the Catacombs of San Giovanni are not on the island of Ortigia, but this Syracuse highlight has beautiful ruins and an amazing system of tunnels and tombs. I highly suggest visiting this site while in the area!
A Massachusetts judge has scheduled the retrial in Karen Read's murder case for early next year, three weeks after declaring a mistrial in the high-profile case.

Read was accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022. Prosecutors allege she hit O'Keefe with her car and left him to die in the middle of a snowstorm after the two got into an argument earlier in the day.

Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the case on July 1 after the jury said it was unable to reach a unanimous consensus on the fifth day of deliberations. The Norfolk District Attorney's Office said following the mistrial that it planned to retry the case.

MORE: Judge declares mistrial in Karen Read murder case after jury says it's still undecided

During a status hearing on Monday, Cannone proposed Jan. 14, 2025, for a pretrial conference and Jan. 27, 2025, as the new trial date.

Both parties agreed to the date, although one of the defense attorneys raised a potential concern due to that date's proximity to another case he has scheduled for trial in January.

PHOTO: Karen Read appears in court in Dedham, Massachusetts, July 22, 2024. (TVU )

Cannone also scheduled a hearing on Aug. 9 for oral arguments on the defense's motion to dismiss some of the charges.

"I assume whatever I ended up doing on the motion to dismiss will be appealed," Cannone said, adding that she scheduled the trial date in January 2025 "in an effort to make sure we have plenty of time."

Read had pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Read's attorneys have asked the judge to dismiss the charges of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal accident when the case goes to trial again.

MORE: 4th juror confirms Karen Read was found not guilty on 2 counts

In court documents filed in the wake of the mistrial, her attorneys wrote that four jurors have come forward to report the jury found Read not guilty of those two charges.

"There was no manifest necessity for a mistrial as to those counts, and therefore the Double Jeopardy protections of the federal and state Constitutions require that those counts not be retried," Read's defense attorney Alan Jackson wrote in court documents.

PHOTO: Karen Read departs Norfolk Superior Court with her attorney David Yannetti, right, following a hearing in Dedham, MA, July 22, 2024. (Charles Krupa/AP)

The case has garnered national attention. Large crowds, both in support and against Read, had gathered outside the courthouse ahead of Monday's hearing.

Read has strenuously denied the allegations, and her lawyers alleged that a fellow police officer was involved in O'Keefe's death and colluded with others in a cover-up.

Following the initial trial, a Massachusetts State Police officer who was communicating with a Canton police officer during the death investigation was suspended. The Canton police officer -- who is the brother of the man who hosted the party at the house where O'Keefe's body was found outside -- was also placed on paid administrative leave, according to Boston ABC affiliate WCVB.

Karen Read murder case: Judge sets 2025 date for retrial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Karen Read will go on trial for a second time in 2025 in connection with the death of her boyfriend John O'Keefe

John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Karen Read

Karen Read, who is accused of drunkenly running over her boyfriend in January 2022, will face a new trial on January 27, 2025.

The swift hearing regarding the trial date, which was live streamed by Boston 10, also addressed the defenses motion to dismiss charges against Read, but the judge ruled that a hearing regarding that motion will take place on August 9. Read was present during the hearing, but did not speak to the judge.



Read is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of her boyfriend, 46-year-old John OKeefe, who prosecutors say was run over by Read's SUV in late January 2022 after a night out drinking, NBC Boston previously reported. Despite evidence the prosecution says proves Read ran over OKeefe while backing out of the driveway of his friend's home, her attorneys have long claimed shes the victim of a cover-up and was falsely accused.



Related: A Mass. Woman Is Accused of Fatally Running Over Cop Boyfriend  Her Lawyers Say She Was Framed in a Cover-Up

Boston Police Department/Facebook John O'Keefe

Read was initially charged with manslaughter in connection with O'Keefe's death, but the charge was eventually upgraded to second-degree murder. She also faces charges of motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury and death, Boston.com reported.



Related: Mistrial Declared in Karen Read Case After Jury Can't Reach a Verdict in Murder Trial

On July 1, after a two-month, highly publicized trial, a mistrial was declared when the jury could not come to a unanimous decision on if Read was guilty of the charges, Boston.com, NBC Boston and MassLive.com reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.



Related: Defense Slams Prosecutors After Karen Read Mistrial as State Says It Will Retry Case

Read's lawyers have since filed a motion to dismiss two of the charges Read faced, The Patriot Ledger reported. According to the motion, her lawyers claim that the jury was only hung up on one of the charges she was facing, but they all agreed she was not guilty of the second-degree murder charge or leaving the scene of a collision, The Patriot Ledger reported.

The decision on the defense's motion to dismiss will be determined in August.

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Read the original article on People.
Investigators still dont know the motivation behind the shooter who tried to assassinate Donald Trump on July 13, but they have discovered other well-known names on his list. Thomas Matthew Crooks not only searched for other politicians on his tech devices, but he also looked at one high-profile royal family member.

Kate Middleton was in Crooks internet search history after investigators seized his laptop and smartphones from his Pennsylvania home, according to NPR. Her images, along with photos of President Joe Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Attorney General Merrick Garland, were downloaded from the web. Still, it is unclear what his intentions were with any of the public figures. NPRs Martin Kaste offered the latest insight into what Crooks might have been looking for. Hed searched for dates of Trumps speaking events, as well as the Democratic National Convention, he explained. They say they found no signs of any strong political ideology or foreign connections, but they say he did search for the term major depressive disorder. The Princess of Wales is the only foreign name on the list, which makes her inclusion even more interesting.

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Donald Trump.

Even though Kate is out of the public eye during her summer break, it only draws attention to the fact that the royal familys security is at stake daily. Theres discourse around their presence in the modern era, and its why a huge amount of the palace budget goes to protecting their safety. King Charles III and Queen Camilla even had their own security scare on Monday, July 15 during their two-day tour of the Channel Islands. While having a conversation with someone in the crowd, their security team suddenly rushed them into the Pomme dOr hotel. The New York Post later reported that it might have been an unapproved drone in the area.

Donald Trumps assassination attempt has drawn a heightened sense of security concern for the palace  any public figure can be a target in divisive times. Former BBC Royal Correspondent Michael Cole told GB News that the coolness of the Queen during their security scare shows that she took the moment seriously without drawing too much attention to the situation. However, the royal family may have to refocus their safety protocols in the wake of Kates name on the list.

But moments like these actually make me wonder if this thing could get so close to President Trump in America do we actually need to consider the [open] relationship we have with the monarchy like the ability to go, shake hands and present a bunch of flowers to them, royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo told the media outlet. Kate and the rest of the royal family might be less accessible in the coming months because they need to take their well-being seriously, even if the incident took place thousands of miles away.

Before you go, click here to see our favorite Kate Middleton mommy moments!

Kate Middleton

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(WGHP)  North Carolina 6th District Representative Kathy Manning endorsed Kamala Harris in her reaction to President Joe Bidens decision to not seek reelection.

I think what Joe Biden did is remarkable. He is a patriot, this was a very difficult but noble decision where he put the country first and there arent very many leaders around the world who have willingly given up power and passed the torch to the next generation, said Rep. Kathy Manning Sunday afternoon.

How is Kamala Harris performing in polls against Donald Trump?

I appreciate what Joe Biden has done he will go down in history for what he has achieved in many years in the senate and four years as president, but as putting the good of the American people above his own personal interests, she told FOX8.

Representative Manning says now, the goal is simple: defeating republican nominee Donald Trump.

I think when you look at what was at risk if Donald Trump were to prevail, Joe Biden did the noble thing.

Now, she says the democratic party will stand behind Kamala Harris.

He and she have worked together to pass really historic legislation that has had an enormous impact in people in our district, NCs sixth district, across NC and across the country, said Manning.

Manning believes Harris will inspire the next generation and provide a positive path for the democratic party to move forward.

I know her, i have worked with her, we watched her come into our district and she spoke to a huge gymnasium of people at NCA&T last year, she was extraordinary, she is very talented, she is knowledgeable, and she is up to the task, she said.

She said she also hopes Gov. Roy Cooper secures the nod for VP on the ticket.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
KCPD releases photos, looking for more info in two investigations

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department is seeking information about two people in connection to two unsolved cases in Kansas City.

Police identify 18-year-old in deadly KCK park shooting

Case 1:

KCPD is looking to identify a man in connection to a homicide on Friday, July 19.

According to KCPD, the man is a subject of interest in a shooting that took the life of 45-year-old Ernest J. Scott near east 55th Street and Prospect.

Police released these photos of the individual:

Case 2:

Police are also searching for a victim in connection with an assault near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard on the Fourth of July.

According to KCPD, a woman was shot to death in her car outside of a QuikTrip gas station.

When police arrived, they found a woman who had been shot inside a car. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.

KCPD identifies 25-year-old man killed in Saturday night shooting

The woman was identified as Tykeedra Henderson, a 22-year-old Black female.

These are the photos released of the assault victim, according to KCPD:

If you or anyone you know as any information regarding these two cases, KCPD asks that you contact the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Bloomberg) -- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Monday said he would consider joining a presidential ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris as attention turns to who could be her running mate if she secures the Democratic nomination.

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Asked if he would take anything other than his current role leading the state of Kentucky, he said he would if he could help the country.

I think if somebody calls you on that what you do is at least listen, he said.

Beshear has been near the top of many lists of potential running mates for Harris after winning reelection as a Democrat in his heavily Republican state. He gave her his full-throated support.

The vice president is ready, she has my full endorsement; Im going to do everything I can to support her, Beshear said on MSNBCs Morning Joe Monday morning.

For his part, another rumored vice presidential possibility North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said he had spoken to Harris on Sunday, but dodged the question about joining her ticket.

I appreciate people talking about me but I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week, he told MSNBC. She needs to concentrate on making sure she secures this nomination.

The governors endorsements follow those from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, both of whom had been seen as potential candidates for the Democratic nomination, as well as scores of Democratic lawmakers.

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Do Kentucky delegates have to vote for Biden anyway? What to know ahead of the DNC

Now that Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign, what does that mean for Kentucky's 54 Democratic delegates who were chosen to nominate Biden for president at next month's Democratic National Convention?

Are they required to vote for Biden anyway? What about his chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris? Here's what we know about Kentucky's delegates ahead of the DNC.

Biden drops out of the 2024 election

After weeks of pressure from party leaders concerned the 81-year-old Biden would lose to former President Donald Trump in November, Biden announced Sunday he would no longer seek reelection. The announcement was made in a letter the president posted to social media.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a written statement. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."

Biden's decision to drop out means Kentucky's delegates will have to select a new Democratic nominee in less than a month.

Kentucky DNC delegates: What they're saying Biden's decision means for convention

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

How many Democratic delegates does Kentucky have?

Out of the 3,896 delegates nationally, Kentucky has 54. The number is calculated from a Democratic bylaws formula, which is based on each states population and percentage of the total Democratic vote.

Are Kentucky delegates required to vote for Biden?

Biden won the Democratic presidential nomination in Kentucky's primary election on May 21 with 71.3% of the vote. However, Kentucky Democrats dont technically have to vote for Biden, thanks to a good conscience clause in Democratic delegate selection rules.

Rule 13(J) states that delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them. Its existed since the 1980s, but has never affected a nomination.

Biden dropped out. Now what?: Harris has been tapped, but its DNC delegates who get to decide.

How many Kentucky Democrats were pledged to vote for Biden?

Kentucky's Democratic delegates were chosen at a state convention in June. Out of the 54 selected, 46 delegates were committed to Biden while eight were uncommitted, meaning they could vote for Biden if they wished but weren't required to do so. There are also four alternates: three for Biden and one uncommitted delegate.

President Joe Biden speaks on economics during the Vote To Live Properity Summit at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16, 2024.

Who are Kentucky's Democratic delegates?

We don't know. The Kentucky Democratic Party has declined to share a full list of delegates heading to the convention in August. The reason, according to party spokesperson Jonathan Levin, is out of security concerns.

When is the Democratic National Convention?

The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago from August 19-22.

When is the DNC?: Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race

Louisville Courier Journal reporter Rebecca Grapevine and Nadia Scharf with IndyStar contributed to this article.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Are Kentucky Democratic delegates required to vote for Biden?
A Madison County sheriffs deputy has been charged with DUI for allegedly driving drunk and causing a wreck that sent a motorcyclist to a hospital, according to Kentucky State Police.

The crash happened just before 11 p.m. Saturday on Charlie Norris Road in Madison County. KSP said Jonathon Thompson of Richmond, pulled in front of Preston Lambart, 21, of Richmond, on Charlie Norris Road and came to a stop while attempting to make a left-hand turn into a residence. Lambart collided with the rear of Thompsons vehicle.

Thompson is a deputy with the Madison County Sheriffs Office. KSP said he was off-duty at the time of the collision.

Lambart was transported to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to KSP. Its unknown if Thompson was injured in the collision.

Thompson exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication and was arrested, KSP said. He is facing charges of DUI (first offense) and second-degree assault.

He was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center, KSP said. KSP is investigating the collision.
This story has been updated to reflect the correct number of delegates from Kentucky to the Democratic National Convention.

Sadness. Respect. Gratitude.

Thats how some Kentucky delegates to the Democratic National Convention reacted to the news that President Joe Biden will step aside as the partys next nominee.

Though the possibility that Biden could withdraw from the presidential race has dominated the news for several weeks, some delegates were still caught by surprise while they were on the road or even at church.

Kentucky will send 53 delegates to the convention next month. Those delegates were chosen at a state convention in June. Forty-five delegates were committed to Biden while eight were uncommitted, meaning they could but were not required to vote for Biden. There will also be four alternates: three for Biden and one uncommitted.

Its not yet clear what the process will be for selecting a replacement nominee for Biden. Biden endorsed current Vice President Kamala Harris as the next nominee. Though the convention is scheduled for Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago, the party may hold an earlier virtual roll-call to meet early electoral deadlines in some states  including Ohio.

Should Beshear be tapped for VP? Let us know here

On Sunday, some delegates openly shared their thoughts about Biden's decision, while others declined to comment, citing instructions from Morgan Eaves, the executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

We respectfully ask that you please refrain from speculating or speaking to the media on possible next steps, Eaves wrote Sunday in an email obtained by The Courier Journal.

The Kentucky Democratic Party has also declined to share a full list of delegates heading to the convention. Spokesperson Jonathan Levin cited security concerns.

Here's what delegates we spoke to said:

State Rep. Rachel Roberts of Newport

Kentucky State Representative Rachel Roberts talked on the House floor on the first day of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort, Ky. Jan. 2, 2024

Today is a day for reflection, for everyone to just pause and reflect upon a life of service, Roberts said, adding she feels gratitude (to Biden) for a life so far lived in servant leadership.

Jack Dulworth, a member of the Democratic National Committee who sits on the executive committee from Louisville

Today is about a great American, Joe Biden, who made a decision to move America forward, Dulworth said.

Johnalma Barnett, a delegate from Bowling Green who will represent Kentuckys 2nd Congressional District

Barnett said she was at church Sunday afternoon when an usher showed her a cell phone with the news that Biden was stepping aside. Initially she was surprised, she said, even though she was expecting the news.

Im still at a loss  I will support Vice President Harris, but I think the party just pushed him aside too quick, Barnett said. This is really based on one debate.

Barnett does think Harris can win, if she's picked as the nominee. She said she was encouraged to overhear a conversation at a store where men were expressing their support for Harris.

Barnett is not eager for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to become the partys vice presidential nominee because she doesnt want him to leave Kentucky.

Bren Martin, a delegate from Greenup County who will represent Kentuckys 4th Congressional District

I greatly respect President Bidens choice to step out of the race. I am still processing what it means for the Democratic Party, the country and the world, Martin told The Courier Journal. I know this was not easy for him to do.

Martin said she is looking forward to moving ahead with the nomination process and is grateful to Biden for his service.

Jeff Noble, at-large delegate for Kentucky

In a Facebook comment Sunday under a photo of a mock-up of a Harris-Beshear campaign sign, Noble wrote: "Although I am going to the Democratic National Convention next month as an uncommitted at-large delegate for Kentucky, I will now be supporting Vice President Harris's nomination for president. My goal as an uncommitted delegate has been achieved."

Reach Rebecca Grapevine at rgrapevine@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @RebGrapevine.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What's next for DNC after Biden's withdrawal? KY delegates weigh in
Kentucky doctor who voted to discipline other physicians guilty of illegal prescribing

A physician who served on a panel that disciplined Kentucky doctors has been convicted of illegally prescribing drugs.

Michael Fletcher, 61, was found guilty by a federal judge of three counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance. He was working at the time as a doctor at Interventional Pain Specialists in Crestview Hills, in Northern Kentucky.

In all, prosecutors said seven patients died shortly after Fletcher prescribed them opioids.

From 2016 to 2020, Fletcher was a voting member of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure  the board that decides on sanctions for doctors accused of improper or illegal behavior  according to a trial brief filed by federal prosecutors.

In one case, Fletcher voted to bar a doctor from prescribing controlled substances based on concerns that the doctor failed to address the potential that patients were addicted to drugs or inappropriately seeking drugs, prosecutors said.

At the same time, Fletcher was prescribing drugs to a patient who showed serious red flags, including failing multiple drug tests, coming to an appointment smelling of alcohol and throwing up on himself, and admitting he was taking more drugs than prescribed, according to the prosecution brief.

Fletcher continued prescribing opioid painkillers for the patient until shortly before the man died of an overdose of heroin and cocaine, according to prosecutors.

Fletcher saw high volumes of patients, sometimes 80 or more in a day, and continued his dangerous prescribing in part because it allowed him to make more money, prosecutors said.

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure barred Fletcher from prescribing controlled substances after he was charged in 2021.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning found Fletcher guilty July 19. Bunning held a bench trial for Fletcher, meaning there was no jury, and Fletcher represented himself, the court docket indicates.

Fletcher is scheduled to be sentenced in December. The charge of illegal distribution of a controlled substance is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The U.S. Department of Justice handled the prosecution of Fletcher under a program aimed at working against fraud in health care.

Since 2007, more than 5,400 providers across the country have been charged under that initiative. Those providers had charged Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies a total of more than $27 billion, according to the Justice Department.
Vance 'ain't from here,' Kentucky Gov. Beshear says while endorsing Harris for president

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced his "full endorsement" for Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president in an interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe early Monday.

"The vice president is smart and strong, which will make her a good president," Beshear said. "But she also is kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president. And the contrast between her and those running on the other side couldn't be clearer."

Beshear was referencing former President Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance, who Beshear said calls "pregnancy rising from rape inconvenient, (which is) just plain wrong."

The governor's name has been floated among a handful of Democrats as a potential vice president candidate, after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek the party's nomination and would endorse Harris for president, instead.

Should Beshear be tapped for VP? Let us know why or why not

When asked on Morning Joe if the Harris campaign has reached out about Beshear running for vice president, he said, "I don't know how that process is going to work, (but) it's flattering to be a part of it."

"I think if somebody calls you on that, then what you do is at least listen, and I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like, cause JD Vance ain't from here," Beshear said.

Beshear's interview on Morning Joe is his first media appearance since Biden's announcement.

In a statement released Sunday, he said Biden's decision could not have been easy but was in the best interest of the country and the Democratic Party. He also said Biden will be remembered as a "consequential president" for leading the country through the Jan. 6 insurrection and COVID-19 pandemic.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear surveying tornado damage on Olive Street in the Parkland neighborhood of west Louisville Friday morning, July 5, 2024. An EF-1 tornado damaged several homes and vehicles during a Fourth of July storm.

(Biden) showed up for Kentucky after devastating tornadoes and historic flooding, delivering immediate federal aid that is helping to rebuild our communities, Beshear said in the statement. His leadership provided infrastructure investments that are bringing clean drinking water and high speed internet to parts of Kentucky that for far too long had been overlooked and underserved.

Others in consideration for the vice presidential pick, according to reports, include North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

Beshear met with other Democratic governors earlier this month at the White House after the Biden's poor debate performance to discuss concerns over the president's health. During the meeting, Beshear called for Biden to speak directly to the American people about his health.

After the June presidential debate, Beshear was among a few Democrats that national outlets listed as potential candidates as a replacement for Biden, with others including Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JD Vance 'ain't from here,' Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says
Most of the Democratic challengers running for competitive seats across the country had glaring omissions in their statements Sunday about President Joe Biden bowing out of the race.

They didnt mention Vice President Kamala Harris.

It was an eyebrow-raising contrast to the dozens of House and Senate Democratic incumbents who immediately came out in support of Harris as their partys nominee. And it was even more noticeable in the blue states of New York and California, which hold a slew of districts where voters chose Biden in 2020 but have supported GOP candidates down the ballot since.

A flood of support for Harris could still come, and few Democrats called for a contested convention or backed any other candidate.

But as their safe-seat counterparts put out statements Sunday, swing-seat Democrats faced a tougher calculus. Some of them, like Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), got to yes on Harris. Others, especially challengers to Republican incumbents, stayed silent.

Their hesitation speaks to the politically murky situation as Harris coalesces support.

Battleground Democrats had been terrified that Biden  deeply unpopular and facing serious questions about his viability  would drag them down in November and hurt the partys chances of keeping the Senate and retaking the House. A replacement could help them win, but Harris is a relative unknown. Few campaigns have polling data indicating her standing in key states and districts.

Its likely her, said one Democratic operative working on multiple competitive House races, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. But whats the harm in trying to hold out hoping someone better happens?



Voters surveyed in battleground states in January and after, before Biden announced his decision to step down, showed Harris either running even with the president or underperforming compared to him. A notable exception: some of the vice presidents backers pointed to data that showed her surging among young voters and voters of color.

A few of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jon Tester of Montana, did not back Harris on Sunday in their initial statements. Brown then endorsed Harris later Sunday evening. Similarly, in Pennsylvania, Casey, a staunch Biden ally running for reelection in a key swing state, praised the president Sunday afternoon without mentioning Harris; he endorsed the vice president more than four hours later.

Arizona Senate hopeful Ruben Gallego was among those who had not yet endorsed Sunday night. He praised Bidens legacy but made no mention of Harris until a later tweet in which he touted her record and said she would work to earn the nomination. His campaign said Monday that he supports her becoming the nominee.

The House Democratic incumbents running in the reddest districts also initially declined to make any endorsements Sunday.

One member from a swing district, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said in an interview before Bidens exit that support for Harris in the district was flagging.

Kamala, eh thats not good, the member said, summarizing the voter sentiment they heard. In the primary four years ago, she didnt last very long.

Democratic House hopefuls are so far notably quiet about Kamala Harris

One group clearly unwilling to immediately signal support for Harris? The nearly 30 Democratic candidates designated as top-tier challengers by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

A POLITICO review of statements by these challengers for open and GOP-held seats found only a few voicing support for Harris. In Virginia, Missy Cotter Smasal and Eugene Vindman both publicly endorsed Harris. But the vast majority of the group released statements thanking Biden without backing a successor.

In two of the biggest and bluest states, with several districts most crucial to Democrats hopes of winning a House majority, nearly all the Democratic candidates running for Republican-held seats and some incumbent members declined to offer an endorsement.

Only one of New Yorks six battleground Democrats mentioned Harris in a statement Sunday.

Similarly, Democrats running in New Yorks swing districts reacted to the news of Bidens withdrawal with gratitude for the presidents service, but none rushed to back Harris as his successor.

Just John Avlon, the former CNN host challenging Rep. Nick LaLota on Long Island, referenced Harris.

He acknowledged Bidens endorsement of Harris but did not appear to join it himself: I respect that President Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who is a former U.S. Senator, Attorney General, and District Attorney.

Similarly, most Democrats running for swing seats in California praised Biden without mentioning their states former senator and attorney general.

Among the candidates who sidestepped the vice president Sunday were state Sen. Dave Min, Rudy Salas, Will Rollins, Derek Tran and George Whitesides. They are all vying for battleground seats.

Back in January, polling across some of Californias politically competitive regions like Orange County and the Central Valley, which are collectively home to more than a half-dozen competitive House races, showed little difference in the presidential results between a Biden vs. Trump matchup and a Harris vs. Trump contest.

Rep. Mike Levin, who represents a swing coastal district in San Diego and Orange counties, was the only battleground House Democrat in the state to quickly endorse Harris.

And as of Sunday night, the Democrats in Trump-won districts had not yet endorsed Harris. That includes Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), who put out statements that did not include mention of Harris.

Momentum is growing for down-ballot Democrats to unite behind Harris

Democrats in both chambers are desperate to move on after a tortuous three weeks following Bidens disastrous debate performance that shook his partys faith in his candidacy. Down-ballot candidates had grown increasingly panicked that Biden would make their races unwinnable, potentially giving Republicans control of the White House, Senate and House. Bidens decision to drop out of the race Sunday relieved some of that concern.

And there is a growing push toward uniting behind Harris, who Biden backed quickly on Sunday. Its possible that battleground members will come around to her candidacy but in the hours immediately after Bidens exit they were leaving their options open.



There is little reliable polling that tests Harris strength in key swing territory. Polling conducted before Biden dropped out is based on a hypothetical. Harris own 2020 campaign was a flop and many Democrats felt it was poorly managed. Still many feel anyone would be less of a drag than Biden was at the top of the ticket. Some of the most endangered members have privately said they feel Harris would do better than Biden in their districts.

More than a dozen House Democrats designated by their party as the most vulnerable quickly came out for Harris.

Wild, a congressmember who holds an extremely competitive seat in Pennsylvania, called Harris an accomplished and exceptional public servant. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) urged Democrats to unify around the vice president. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) said there was no one better to continue Joe Bidens legacy.

Harris certainly has momentum. An initial statement from Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) only praised Biden. But nearly three hours later she released a second one endorsing Harris, calling her highly qualified for the job and ready to lead on Day 1.

The number of Harris endorsements is likely to grow in the coming days, especially as other potential presidential candidates take themselves out of contention.

Sarah Ferris, Melanie Mason and Nick Reisman contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misstated Sen. Sherrod Brown's endorsement. He is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.
Here Are The Key Moments From Bidens Debate Debacle to Dropping Out

(Bloomberg) -- In one of the worst political calculations in American history, President Joe Biden bet an early debate with Donald Trump would boost his election odds. It backfired spectacularly, crystallizing concerns over his age and acuity and immediately throwing his final campaign into crisis.

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These are the highlights of the 25 days spanning the debate and the historic end to his reelection bid:

Day 1 - Thursday, June 27

Doubts emerge immediately over his viability as a candidate as more than 50 million viewers watch Biden stumble through a startlingly bad 90-minute, prime-time debate against Trump.

Before the first commercial break, Biden aides are emailing reporters and surrogates that he has a cold. One Democratic lawmaker shortly after the debate, speaking on condition of anonymity, says the party must have a conversation about replacing him on the ballot.

Day 2 - Friday, June 28

Calls for Biden to drop out intensify, including by the New York Times editorial board, but his aides insist thats not on the table.

Conversations about the campaigns future begin among party leadership and Bidens inner circle. They include senior aides at the White House such as Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, as well as top congressional Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Jim Clyburn, the South Carolina lawmaker who helped save Bidens 2020 campaign.

Day 4 - Sunday, June 30

The Biden camp goes on offense, with surrogates flooding the Sunday Washington talk shows in hopes of staunching the bleeding.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose support would later wane, says on CNN that the president shouldnt be judged by one debate. Clyburn says on CNNs State of the Union that Biden must show his capacity to lead the country.

The first signs emerge that the public mood has shifted quickly against Biden: CBS News releases a post-debate poll of registered voters showing just 27% believe the president has the mental and cognitive health to serve, compared with 35% in early June.

Day 6 - Tuesday, July 2

Democratic defections begin, with Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett the first member of Congress to call on Biden to withdraw from the race.

A leaked memo from a pollster for a leading Democratic political action committee shows Bidens favorability numbers plummeted after the debate in the largest single-week drop in nearly three years.

Former President Barack Obama, who had earlier defended Bidens bid and compared the poor debate performance to one of his own as an incumbent running for reelection, privately conveyed to allies that Bidens path to reelection is now more challenging, the Washington Post reports.

Day 7 - Wednesday, July 3

More unease among congressional Democrats spills into the public, with members calling on leadership to intervene, while Biden tells a hastily arranged meeting of about 20 Democratic governors hes still intent on running.

Democrats running for reelection in traditionally safe blue districts start circulating a letter demanding that Biden withdraw from the race.

Biden holds a call with campaign staff, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, to calm the crew: Im in this race to the end and were going to win because when Democrats unite, we will always win.

But privately, the New York Times reports, Biden has conceded to key allies he might need to drop out of the race if he cant salvage his candidacy within days. High-ranking House Democrats also meet in the evening to discuss Bidens political future, with some urging Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries to advise him to withdraw.

Day 9 - Friday, July 5

The first week of the crisis concludes with Biden digging in on ABC News, using his first prime-time interview since the debate to insist hes running and that only the Lord Almighty could stop him. He denies that hes behind Trump in the polls.

During a rally in the battleground state of Wisconsin earlier in the day, he says: Let me say it as clearly as I can. Im staying in the race.

Day 12 - Monday, July 8

With Congress back from break, Biden tries to fight back against his own party, doubling down in a defiant two-page letter to Democrats.

I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump, he writes. The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And its time for it to end.

The president chalks up the discord to a frenzy driven by the news media and wealthy supporters, saying they were ignoring a primary process that elected him the Democratic nominee.

Day 14 - Wednesday, July 10

Signs of serious doubts among the party leadership emerge as Pelosi, during an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe, dodges an opportunity to offer her endorsement.

Its up to the president to decide if hes going to run, Pelosi says. We are all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.

Peter Welch of Vermont becomes the first senator to publicly call on Biden to step down, joining nine House members. Meanwhile, George Clooney, who just weeks ago co-hosted a fundraiser for him, also says Biden should step aside, writing, we are not going to win in November with this president.

Day 15 - Thursday, July 11

All eyes turn to Bidens post-NATO press conference  his first lengthy Q&A in over a year  amid reports congressional leaders are signaling their interest in him dropping out.

Biden immediately flubs, referring to Harris as Trump in his first answer after having mixed up the Ukrainian and Russian presidents in a summit event before the presser.

Biden ends the press conference responding to whether he would reconsider his decision to stay in the race. No, unless they came back and said, Theres no way you can win, he said. No one is saying that. No poll says that.

That evening, Jeffries meets Biden at the White House and tells him that his candidacy imperils control of Congress, ABC News and the Washington Post would later report.

Reports emerge from Axios that Schumer is open to replacing Biden as the Democrats nominee and is privately signaling his concern to donors.

Day 17 - Saturday, July 13

The extraordinarily close-call assassination attempt on Trump thrusts the campaign into further crisis, putting Biden on the defensive and boosting the former presidents support.

Earlier that afternoon, Schumer visits Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and privately tells him that it would be best if he drops out of the race, according to later reports by ABC News and the Washington Post.

Ohio Senator JD Vance  who would days later be Trumps pick for his running mate  directly blames Biden for the attack, writing on X that the Biden campaigns rhetoric led directly to President Trumps attempted assassination.

Biden returns from Delaware to the White House, where he would address the nation from the Oval Office the next night, calling for a cooling of divisive rhetoric. The campaign cancels some television ads and events.

Day 21 - Wednesday, July 17

Pressure mounts again on Biden after the brief pause over the shock of the Trump shooting.

The White House reports Biden has been diagnosed with Covid-19, cutting short a trip to Las Vegas and forcing him to cancel an appearance before a key Latino advocacy group, while also preventing him from counter-programming the Republican National Convention.

Democrats decide not to hold a virtual roll call to formally nominate Biden until at least August, after an outcry from some who believed the process was being rushed at his behest to head off calls for him to stand aside.

More than a dozen Democratic donors express a deepened sense of gloom after the Trump shooting. Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg, a co-chair of Bidens reelection campaign, tells the president in Las Vegas that patience from donors is wearing thin, Semafor reports.

Day 23 - Friday, July 19

A day after a Bloomberg News report shows some members of Bidens cabinet have had private discussions among themselves about his increasingly dim electoral prospects, Biden gives still no public sign he might drop out.

Campaign chairwoman Jennifer OMalley Dillon says on MSNBCs Morning Joe that absolutely, the president is in this race, and Biden announces hell hit the campaign trail again next week.

Minutes after her appearance, the network reports Bidens family has started discussing his exit plan from the race  which White House spokesman Andrew Bates says is simply wrong.

Day 24 - Saturday, July 20

At his house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden and his closest family members are approaching the momentous decision, alongside others of the presidents inner circle including Ricchetti, Donilon, Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal. By evenings end, Biden is beginning to consider dropping out, but the campaign is told to proceed full steam ahead.

Day 25 - Sunday, July 21

With the decision made by morning, Biden places calls to Harris, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, and OMalley Dillon with the heads-up and drafts an announcement letter with his team in Rehoboth Beach.

At 1:45 p.m., Biden convenes a call with senior White House and campaign officals - including many who were learning of the decision for the first time. A minute later, the letter declaring his intent to drop out of the race is posted to social media: I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

Less than a half-hour later, Biden releases another post endorsing Harris.

Listen to The Big Take on iHeart, Appleand Spotify. Read the transcript.

--With assistance from Jennifer Jacobs.

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Kids think mom is joking when she shares Missouri lottery news. No, not this time

This Missouri mom says she is known to joke around, which explains why her children didnt believe her lottery news at first.

The woman from Manchester bought a $20 ticket, rather than her usual $5 ticket, because it was payday, according to a July 22 news release from the Missouri Lottery.

She ritualistically scratched it off top to bottom, she said. As she got to the second-to-last number, she saw the winning symbol. She had won $100,000, lottery officials said.

Elated by the win, she shared the news with her children, but they thought she was playing a prank.

They thought I was jazzing. Like, Mom, youre playing with us! she told officials. I told them, No, not this time. For real.

The woman purchased the ticket at a convenience store in Manchester, about a 20-mile drive west of St. Louis.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Lottery player out of work during cancer treatment wins big in Ohio. Its a blessing

Lottery player was killing time before a meeting. Then, she wins big in Missouri

Lottery player thinks machine is broken when scanning ticket  then she looks closer
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A defendant from Hamburg was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals Monday following a January incident that left two kittens dead and buried in the snow, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced.

On the evening of Jan. 17, Town of Hamburg Police allegedly conducted a welfare check on Southwestern Boulevard after the occupant had expressed concern about her ex-partner, two cats and three kittens. She was unable to get in touch with them for several hours. Police say they located the two cats in the apartment.

Police later allegedly found 37-year-old Joshua Taylor, also known as Moriah Taylor, in a nearby parking lot. On the balcony of the apartment, police say they found the three kittens in a zipped bad in a pillow case that was buried in the snow.

Two of the kittens were deceased and one was in critical condition. The deceased kittens cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation and/or hypothermia by the Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine. The third kitten eventually recovered after suffering from the same conditions.

Taylor was charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance.

They are scheduled to return to court Aug. 8 and remains released on their own recognizance. Taylor faces a maximum of two years in prison.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
(NewsNation)  As President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will not seek reelection in November against former President Donald Trump, he shared his full support and endorsement for his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Democratic candidate.

As Bidens performance in the first presidential debate led to a host of Democrats calling for him to be replaced as the partys official candidate, one of the most popular suggestions for a replacement has been Harris.

Kamala Harris political views from the border to the economy

While she is not the formal Democratic nominee for president yet, Harris said in a statement Sunday that she intends to earn and win [the partys] nomination.

Who is Kamala Harris?

Harris currently serves as the Vice President of the United States. She is the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American person to hold this position.

Harris graduated from Howard University before attending law school at the University of Californias Hastings College of Law.

Michelle Obama only Democrat to beat Trump in recent poll

She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1990 and then served as a deputy and assistant district attorney before being elected District Attorney of San Francisco.

Kamala Harris road to the White House

Harris was elected the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004 and served until 2011. As district attorney, Harris prioritized cracking down on student truancy and creating a reentry program for low-level drug offenders.

In 2011, Harris was elected the California Attorney General. In this role, she declined to defend Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage.

After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Dem nominee? Not exactly

In 2017, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. In this position, she advocated for healthcare reform, gun control and a path to citizenship for immigrants.

In 2020, Biden announced that Harris would be his running mate in the presidential election.

Kamala Harris and Joe Bidens relationship

After the first presidential debate, many expressed that Harris should replace Biden as the Democratic partys nominee. Major reasons include that she is much younger than him and has worked closely with him.

Before Biden announced Harris as his vice president pick during the 2020 election, the two had clashed over Bidens past policies. Harris had called out his past collaborations with segregationist senators and his opposition to mandated bussing to promote school desegregation in the 1970s.

However, Biden and Harris have bonded because of her closeness with his late son, Beau Biden. The presidents son served as the attorney general of Delaware during Harriss tenure as California attorney general, and the pair worked closely together.

What Biden said as he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race

Biden said he considered his son, who died of brain cancer in 2015, when choosing Harris as his running mate.

At an event this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, she continued to support Biden while attacking former President Donald Trump.

In a real leader, character matters more than style, and Donald Trump simply does not have the character to be president of the United States, Harris said.

Kamala Harriss political views

Harris has long supported gun control, equality for women and the LGBTQ community, and voting rights, but was criticized in her tenure as Californias attorney general for not investigating shootings by police.

Harris has called for policies such as the decriminalization of marijuana and cutting defense spending. She also released a climate equity plan with NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that would consider the impact of new climate policies on low-income communities.

Harris has previously referred to herself as a progressive prosecutor, and was endorsed by the police union when she was elected San Francisco district attorney. In this election, she beat her former boss, Terence Hallinan, who was viewed as one of the most progressive district attorneys in the nation.

During the Biden-Harris administrations tenure, Harris has worked to fight for abortion rights and gun control. The administration has also approved billions of dollars in student debt relief.

Kamala Harriss net worth

According to reports, a significant part of Harriss earnings came from publishing three books, including a memoir. According to her 2015 Congressional finance disclosure, her net worth was roughly $3.31 million. Her annual salary as vice president is reported to be $235,100.

However, the vast majority of her net worth is attributable to her marriage to attorney Doug Emhoff in 2014. The couple have reported combined assets worth about $6 million.

Kamala Harris controversies

Harris has one of the lowest approval ratings of any vice president. According to a 538 poll, as of mid-July, almost 50% of Americans disapprove of Harris as vice president, and only 38% approve of her.

Her term has seen lots of turnover in her office, including the resignation of her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff. Politico reported an anonymous source said that they, along with the press secretary and communications director, resigned because they often feel mistreated.

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris faced criticism about her tenure as Californias attorney general, especially when she did not step in to investigate shootings by police in San Francisco following the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

Kamala Harriss personal life

Harris married lawyer Douglas Emhoff in 2014 and became the stepmother of his two children, Ella and Cole. She is 59 years old and grew up in California.

Harris graduated from Howard University before attending law school at the University of Californias Hastings College of Law.

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What to know about Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by Biden as his successor

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris claps as she delivers remarks at a COVID vaccination mobilization event at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center June 14, 2021, in Greenville, South Carolina. Vice President Harris traveled to Greenville as part of a nationwide tour to encourage people to get vaccinated and highlight the administration's Covid vaccination efforts and initiatives. (File/Alex Wong/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic presidential nominee, passing the torch to the California native who has helmed administration initiatives on reproductive rights and gun control.

A former U.S. senator from California who vied for her partys presidential nomination in the 2020 primaries, Harris, 59, would represent a new generation at the top of the ticket after Biden, 81, withdrew from the race under pressure from Democratic leaders following a disastrous late June debate performance.

Harris, the nations first woman vice president, now has a chance to become the first woman president, depending on what Democrats decide. She is also the first Black vice president and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

Some in the party publicly floated her as a potential replacement for Biden following the debate. Biden initially refused to end his reelection bid despite a growing number of calls within the Democratic Party for him to step aside. He bowed out on Sunday.

Vice President Kamala Harris gives the keynote address at King Day at the Dome Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. All speakers were behind security glass. (Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden said in a Sunday post on X.

Policy initiatives

During her time as vice president, Harris became a leading voice in the administrations fight for reproductive rights and abortion access  often seen as Democrats strongest issue since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which ended nearly half a century of the federal constitutional right to abortion through the second trimester.

Harris launched a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour in early 2024, bringing her to several swing states. And after touring a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, Harris was believed to be the first sitting president or vice president to tour an abortion clinic.

Harris has also focused on gun safety throughout her vice presidential tenure. She announced the launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center in March to assist states, local governments and others in optimizing the usage of red flag laws, according to the White House.

She also called on states to pass so-called red flag laws  which enable law enforcement to petition civil courts to take away firearms from those who could pose a danger to themselves or others  and use Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding to to help implement laws already enacted.

The administration championed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Biden signed into law in June 2022. The measure was regarded as the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in almost 30 years.

Shes also been a sharp opponent, alongside Biden and other Democrats, of Project 2025  the nearly 900-page document from the Heritage Foundation that proposes a sweeping conservative agenda if former President Donald J. Trump is elected. Though Trump has distanced himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris has also drawn criticism on both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration. Biden tapped her in 2021 to help address the root causes of migration in Central America.

She visited the U.S.-Mexico border in June 2021, with a stop in El Paso, Texas, after making stops in Guatemala and Mexico earlier that month, the first international trip for her as vice president.

Republicans have repeatedly called her a border czar despite her being tasked to focus on migrations root causes in Central American countries.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was one of several speakers who dubbed her a border czar, adding the barb that appointing Kamala Harris to oversee the border is like appointing Bernie Madoff to oversee your retirement plan.

Harris also holds the record for the highest number of tie-breaking votes cast in the U.S. Senate.

Public polling and perception

Since the fallout from the June 27 debate, a slew of polls have offered mixed outcomes as to whether voters would choose Harris over Trump if the two were up against each other.

An Economist/YouGov poll conducted July 13-16 shows both Harris and Biden narrowly behind Trump, with Biden performing slightly better than Harris.

Only 39% said they would choose Harris, compared to 44% who would vote for Trump. Similarly, 41% said they would vote for Biden, compared to 43% choosing Trump.

As of mid-July, her approval ratings also appeared dim, with 50.4% of Americans disapproving of her and 38.6% approving.

California background

Prior to serving as vice president, Harris was a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021. With a long career in law enforcement, she served as the attorney general of California and was also the district attorney of San Francisco.

Harris vied for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election before ultimately withdrawing her candidacy before any votes were cast and subsequently endorsing Biden. She dropped out prior to the Iowa caucuses, ending her bid in December 2019, despite being initially viewed as a top Democratic contender.

While still in the race two months earlier, Harris announced intentions to drop out of a criminal justice conference at Benedict University in Columbia, South Carolina, after then-President Trump gave the keynote speech and received the Bipartisan Justice Award. It was the same award she received from the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center three years earlier.

She jumped back in and participated with other presidential contenders that weekend, who included Biden, after the historically Black university took control of the forum from its organizers.

Harris was born in Oakland, California, in 1964 to immigrant parents. Her mother is from India, and her father is from Jamaica. Her parents met while earning graduate degrees at University of California, Berkely.

She is married to Doug Emhoff, who is the first Jewish spouse of either a U.S. president or vice president, according to the White House. Hes also the first second gentleman in U.S. history.

Harris is an alumna of Howard University, a historically Black institution, and received her law degree from the University of California, Hastings.

SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.
What to know about Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by Biden as his successor

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a moderated conversation with former Trump administration national security official Olivia Troye and former Republican voter Amanda Stratton on July 17, 2024 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Photo by Chris duMond/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic presidential nominee, passing the torch to the California native who has helmed administration initiatives on reproductive rights and gun control.

A former U.S. senator from California who vied for her partys presidential nomination in the 2020 primaries, Harris, 59, would represent a new generation at the top of the ticket after Biden, 81, withdrew from the race under pressure from Democratic leaders following a disastrous late June debate performance.

Harris, the nations first woman vice president, now has a chance to become the first woman president, depending on what Democrats decide. She is also the first Black vice president and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

Some in the party publicly floated her as a potential replacement for Biden following the debate. Biden initially refused to end his reelection bid despite a growing number of calls within the Democratic Party for him to step aside. He bowed out on Sunday.

Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this, Biden said in a Sunday post on X.

Policy initiatives

During her time as vice president, Harris became a leading voice in the administrations fight for reproductive rights and abortion access  often seen as Democrats strongest issue since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which ended nearly half a century of the federal constitutional right to abortion.

Harris launched a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour in early 2024, bringing her to several swing states. And after touring a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, Harris was believed to be the first sitting president or vice president to tour an abortion clinic.

Harris has also focused on gun safety throughout her vice presidential tenure. She announced the launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center in March to assist states, local governments and others in optimizing the usage of red flag laws, according to the White House.

She also called on states to pass so-called red flag laws  which enable law enforcement to petition civil courts to take away firearms from those who could pose a danger to themselves or others  and use Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding to to help implement laws already enacted.

The administration championed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Biden signed into law in June 2022. The measure was regarded as the most comprehensive federal gun safety legislation in almost 30 years.

Shes also been a sharp opponent, alongside Biden and other Democrats, of Project 2025  the nearly 900-page document from the Heritage Foundation that proposes a sweeping conservative agenda if former President Donald J. Trump is elected. Though Trump has distanced himself from the platform, some former members of his administration helped write it.

Harris has also drawn criticism on both sides of the aisle for her efforts surrounding immigration. Biden tapped her in 2021 to help address the root causes of migration in Central America.

She visited the U.S.-Mexico border in June 2021 after making stops in Guatemala and Mexico earlier that month, the first international trip for her as vice president.

Republicans have repeatedly called her a border czar despite her focus being on migrations root causes in Central American countries.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was one of several speakers who dubbed her a border czar, adding the barb that appointing Kamala Harris to oversee the border is like appointing Bernie Madoff to oversee your retirement plan.

Harris also holds the record for the highest number of tie-breaking votes cast in the U.S. Senate.

Public polling and perception

Since the fallout from the June 27 debate, a slew of polls have offered mixed outcomes as to whether voters would choose Harris over Trump if the two were up against each other.

An Economist/YouGov poll conducted July 13-16 shows both Harris and Biden narrowly behind Trump, with Biden performing slightly better than Harris.

Only 39% said they would choose Harris, compared to 44% who would vote for Trump. Similarly, 41% said they would vote for Biden, compared to 43% choosing Trump.

As of mid-July, her approval ratings also appeared dim, with 50.4% of Americans disapproving of her and 38.6% approving.

California background

Prior to serving as vice president, Harris was a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021. With a long career in law enforcement, she served as the attorney general of California and was also the district attorney of San Francisco.

Harris vied for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election before ultimately withdrawing her candidacy months later and subsequently endorsing Biden. She dropped out prior to the Iowa caucuses, ending her bid in December 2019, despite being initially viewed as a top Democratic contender.

She was born in Oakland, California, in 1964 to immigrant parents. She is married to Doug Emhoff, who is the first Jewish spouse of either a U.S. president or vice president, according to the White House. Hes also the first second gentleman in U.S. history.

Harris is an alumna of Howard University, a historically Black institution, and received her law degree from the University of California, Hastings.
Kremlin says French failure to accredit some Russian journalists for Paris Games is unacceptable

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Monday that a decision by France to refuse to accredit some Russian journalists for the Paris 2024 Olympics over security fears was unacceptable and accused the French authorities of undermining media freedom.

France's caretaker interior minister said on Sunday that French security services had rejected more than 4,000 applications for Olympics accreditations, including over espionage and cyberattack concerns.

Gerald Darmanin, who said close to one hundred applications had been rejected over espionage fears, said some of those turned down were from Russia and Belarus, a staunch ally of Moscow's.

When asked about the refusal to accredit some Russian journalists for the Olympics, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call:

"We consider such decisions unacceptable. We believe such decisions undermine the freedom of the media. And they certainly violate all of France's commitments to the OSCE (The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) and to other organisations," he said.

"And of course we would like to see a reaction to such decisions from relevant human rights organisations, from organisations focused on ensuring all the foundations and rules of media freedom."

The West on Friday accused Russia of riding roughshod over media freedom after a court found U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich guilty of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in a maximum security penal colony.

His employer, the Wall Street Journal, called the ruling "a disgraceful sham conviction." saying he had merely been doing his job as a reporter accredited by the Foreign Ministry to work in Russia.

The Kremlin said the case and the trial arrangements were a matter for the court, but stated before the verdict and without publishing evidence that Gershkovich had been caught spying "red-handed".

Relations between Russia and France have sharply deteriorated over the war in Ukraine.

France has supplied military equipment to Kyiv and President Emmanuel Macron had called President Vladimir Putin's Russia an adversary, warning that Europe's credibility would be reduced to zero if Moscow won the war.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Kremlin welcomes Zelensky stance on talks and awaits new US course

Russia on Monday responded favourably to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on possible negotiations to end the ongoing war between the two countries.

"This is better than statements that any contacts with the Russian side and with the Russian head of state are excluded," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow.

"Of course, talking in one tone or another about

dialogue is much better than talking about the intention to

fight to the last Ukrainian."

In an interview with the BBC, Zelensky said earlier that he could also talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he had previously excluded this possibility by decree.

In the interview, Zelensky reaffirmed his willingness in principle to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. "And whether it will be Putin or not makes no difference," he said.

Russia previously ruled out Zelensky attending any peace summit and also questioned his legitimacy as president. Now, however, Peskov said it remained to be seen what exactly was behind Zelensky's latest remarks.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's all-out invasion since February 2022.
Kremlin welcomes Zelensky stance on talks and awaits new US course

Russia on Monday responded favourably to comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on possible negotiations to end the ongoing war between the two countries.

"This is better than statements that any contacts with the Russian side and with the Russian head of state are excluded," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow.

"Of course, talking in one tone or another about dialogue is much better than talking about the intention to fight to the last Ukrainian."

In an interview with the BBC, Zelensky said earlier that he could also talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he had previously excluded this possibility by decree.

In the interview, Zelensky reaffirmed his willingness in principle to negotiate with Russian representatives at a new peace summit. "And whether it will be Putin or not makes no difference," he said.

Russia previously ruled out Zelensky attending any peace summit and also questioned his legitimacy as president. Now, however, Peskov said it remained to be seen what exactly was behind Zelensky's latest remarks.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's all-out invasion since February 2022.

In response to Russia's illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk and Luhansk in autumn 2022, Zelensky issued a decree that Ukraine would not hold peace talks with Russia while Putin was president.

Peskov also made it clear that Russia was taking a wait-and-see approach following US President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the US presidential election campaign.

As long as Biden remains in office, nothing will change in terms of US aid for Ukraine, which will prolong the war, according to the spokesman.

"Nothing good is to be expected," said Peskov of Biden.

Russia's priority is to pursue its own goals in the neighbouring country to the end, he added.

Nevertheless, the future of Russia-US relations is of huge importance to Moscow because they are "now going through the worst time in their history."

Peskov was also cautious about the role of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden had endorsed as his replacement in the 2024 race on the Democratic ticket.

So far, she had not distinguished herself through any concrete contribution to the relationship between the two countries, but only through rather unfriendly remarks about Russia, he said.

Ukrainian foreign minister to visit China

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will travel to China for a three-day trip starting on Tuesday, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Kuleba's visit comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the ministry said.

The chief topic of the talks will be ending Russia's attacks on Ukraine and China's role in achieving an enduring and just peace, it said.

In Moscow, the Kremlin reacted cautiously to the announcement of the visit.

"For us, our relations with China are the main thing," said Peskov. "We intend to continue following the path of developing Russian-Chinese relations in all areas."

Kiev has repeatedly tried to get Beijing on its side, despite the "no limits" partnership declared by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin in February 2022.

Kiev's Western allies view China as one of Russia's main supporters, although Beijing says it takes a neutral stance in the war.

Russia says 80 Ukrainian drone attacks repelled

The Russian Defence Ministry on Monday said its air defences repelled dozens of Ukrainian drone attacks across a number of regions.

A total of 80 drones were intercepted and destroyed in six regions, the ministry said on messaging service Telegram.

Several explosions were heard in the Black Sea port city of Tuapse, where the ministry said debris from an intercepted drone caused a large fire in an oil processing plant belonging to the energy giant Rosneft.

No injuries were reported, but Ukrainian media described the attack as a victory for Kiev's military intelligence services, as the facility is seen as important to the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

The plant, which includes a major oil terminal, has reportedly been the target of previous Ukrainian attacks.

Russian authorities said the fire has been extinguished.
Mondays Top Stories

Mondays Five Facts

[1] Shoe prints lead FBI to believe couple started Salt Fire, documents show Federal investigators say they have identified two suspects they believe caused one of the wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres near Ruidoso. A month after the Salt Fire, the FBI said it is now investigating a man and woman theyve linked to at least six wildfires, including the Salt Fire. Court documents say between May 3 and June 18, there were 16 suspicious wildland fires started on the Msecalero Apache Reservation all of which were human-caused.

[2] Local political analyst talks about impact on election after Biden drops out  The University of New Mexico political professor and KRQEs political analyst Gabe Sanchez is weighing in on the impact of President Biden stepping down from the presidential election. Sanchez said hes not surprised by Pres. Bidens decision to step down following pressure from fellow Democrats after his debate against Trump in June. With the Democratic convention one month away, Sanchez said the party will need to scramble to get a presidential nominee.

[3] Stormy and muggy weather expected across New Mexico  Monsoonal rains are tapering off Monday morning after a stormy weekend for many in New Mexico as temperatures have dropped considerably below normal with breezy conditions.

[4] Horse racing meet moving from Ruidoso Downs to Albuquerque  Ruidoso Downs will be moving their races to Albuquerque for the rest of the year following severe flooding in the area. The race track and casino recently canceled races that were scheduled over the weekend after another round of flash flooding damaged the track.

[5] Santa Fe selected as finalist to host Sundance Film Festival  The City of Santa Fe is one of six cities chosen as a finalist to host the Sundance Festival in 2027. The Sundance Film Festival focuses on the independent film industry and the program includes dramatic and documentary features, short films, and episodic content. The festival also hosts daily filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and other events, according to the festivals website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Kuleba to visit China on July 23-25 for first time since full-scale war's start

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit China on July 23 for a three-day visit, marking his first trip to the country since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced on July 22.

During the visit, Kyiv's chief diplomat and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi will discuss Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, China's role in achieving just and stable peace, and Ukrainian-Chinese relations, the ministry noted.

Kuleba and Wang previously met in February at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

China has positioned itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed the country against Western sanctions. It has also shaped up to be Russia's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to China to use its sway over Moscow to help bring an end to the war, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful as the East Asian country snubbed the June global peace summit in Switzerland.

President Volodymyr Zelensky blasted China over supposedly trying to sabotage the summit efforts, drawing rebuke from Beijing.

China proposed its own alternative peace plan, which would include a conference recognized by both Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine's Ambassador to Singapore, Kateryna Zelenko, said in June that her country would consider attending if the talks are based on the principles of the "U.N. Charter and international law."

Read also: Ukraines peace summit falls short of engaging Global South  can Ukraine expand its coalition?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Kyle Larson first won the Brickyard 400.

Then made a bold statement: "How 'bout we come back next May and try to kiss these bricks on an IndyCar," Larson said during a postrace interview.

Larson added he hopes an announcement may come soon.

Larson finished 18th in May in his first Indianapolis 500 attempt on a day he intended to run the double  both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race in Charlotte  on the same day.

However after lengthy weather delays in Indianapolis forcing the IndyCar race to finish late, he didn't arrive in Charlotte until the race had started. In fact, he got to the track right as a red flag stopped the Coca-Cola 600 due to weather and never restarted.

Larson's announcement shouldn't be a big surprise. It had previously been reported that Larson had an option to run the 2025 Indy 500.

More: NASCAR returns to the Brickyard: History of Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval

Larson's Brickyard 400 win came after he took Brad Keselowski's spot in the front row inside spot after Keselowski exited the track on a restart in overtime after running out of fuel. A caution flag came out during the lap and Larson then held off Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney on the last restart before a caution came out with one lap left to end the race.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on the X platform @Kreager.

"

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kyle Larson teases return to 2025 Indy 500 after winning Brickyard 400
Ezequiel Romo, a gang leader who ordered murders of rivals and followers alike in a bid to maintain control over drug and collection rackets in Panorama City, was stabbed to death Sunday at Centinela State Prison, authorities said.

Romo, 47, was serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole after being convicted last year of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

He had recently been transferred to Centinela, a 3,000-man prison in the Imperial County desert. Around 8 p.m. on Sunday, officials said in a statement, three inmates attacked him in a day room.

Read more: After 18 years in prison, he took over his old L.A. gang. A string of murders followed

The assailants  identified by prison officials as Cristian Moreno, Johnny S. Garcia and Christian O. Hernandez  did not stop stabbing Romo until guards used four "applications" of pepper spray, authorities said. Romo was pronounced dead about two hours later.

Romo, nicknamed "Wicked," had previously been released from prison in 2014 after serving 18 years for manslaughter and assaulting another inmate. He returned to his old neighborhood of Panorama City intent on bringing his gang into line, witnesses testified at his trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Traffic streams through the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Blythe Street. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)

Blythe Street, a gang that takes its name from a few crowded blocks between Van Nuys Boulevard and Brimfield Avenue, was in Romo's view plagued with "dirty homeboys," according to a former associate who testified against him.

The witness said Romo intended to purge the gang of snitches, drug users and anyone he perceived as disloyal. He wanted Blythe Street to work under the Mexican Mafia, the syndicate that controlled the prisons where he'd spent the last 18 years.

His thing was making things right for them people," the witness said. "Taking care of people in the county [jail]. It sounded good, but a lot of violence came after.

According to testimony, the first murder that Romo orchestrated was for his own profit. The witness testified that Romo bought a kilogram of cocaine on credit, then arranged for a young member of Blythe Street to kill the dealer, Felipe Delgado, so he would not have to pay for it.

Two months after Delgado was gunned down behind a Kester Avenue apartment complex, Romo was arrested on drug charges. He pleaded guilty and was sent to serve four years at Centinela, where, with a contraband cellphone, he maintained a stranglehold over Blythe Street, witnesses testified.

Isidro "Topo" Alba, a Blythe Street veteran who clashed with Romo, was lured to a Target on Raymer Street. Waiting for what he thought was a drug deal, Alba was ambushed. Two gunmen riddled his Dodge Avenger with bullets, killing Alba and narrowly missing his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

After the bullets stopped flying, she ran into the street to flag down an oncoming car  only to realize it was being driven by the shooters. They got out and opened fire, according to video footage played in court, but somehow missed her again.

One of the men who killed Alba and shot at his girlfriend was Oscar "Smoky" Molina, Romo's fawning right-hand man. From Molina's phone, detectives recovered WhatsApp messages sent to Romo pledging to "always have ure back as long as I am around.

Gracias for ur words, Romo wrote back. They r a gift I accept more than money or shiny objects.

In his WhatsApp messages, Romo wrote of demanding "complete control" of Panorama City, described himself as a "general" and his gang as an "empire," and said of his management style: "Some say I'm too hands on."

According to a witness close to Molina, Romo ordered him to "take care of" a young Blythe Street hanger-on, Carlos Rios. The 21-year-old's sin: tattooing his face with a "B" without first being inducted into the gang. Rios was shot in the back while spray-painting Blythe Street graffiti on a wall on Valerio Street.

Molina kept Romo informed about other killings in the neighborhood, according to his WhatsApp messages. After Santos "Raider" Martinez, an 18-year-old Blythe Street member, gunned down a rival gangster and a bystander who happened to be sitting next to him on a bus bench, Molina wrote to Romo: Everything worked out perfecto once again."

Good to know... Romo replied. Gracias b safe!!!

Before long, however, their relationship soured. Romo dressed down Molina for missing his calls. Molina whined about Romo's nitpicking. "Sometimes Im not having a good day," he told his boss.

Early one morning in 2018, Molina stepped out of his Tobias Avenue apartment and was shot in the doorway by an old friend, Eder "Mousey" Mendoza, prosecutors charged. A witness testified that Romo ordered Molina's death because he'd been caught lying, he owed people money and he was using drugs.

Twelve days later, Mendoza and another Blythe Street member, Lorenzo "Scooby" Gonzalez, picked up a woman named Karen Tobar in an unlicensed "bandit cab," prosecutors wrote in court papers.

Tobar, 23, had been in Molina's apartment just before he was killed. Believing she'd talked to the police, Mendoza and Gonzalez stabbed her to death at Carey Ranch Park in Sylmar, prosecutors allege. Both men have pleaded not guilty to murdering Molina and Tobar.

In August, Gonzalez was charged with murdering his cellmate in a downtown Los Angeles lockup, Joseph "Capone" Hutchinson.

Read more: He built a booming black market empire inside L.A. County jails. It ended with his murder

Hutchinson, 51, was a longtime associate of Michael "Mosca" Torres, a Mexican Mafia member who for years controlled the Los Angeles County jail system.

Considered by law enforcement to be the dominant organized crime figure in the San Fernando Valley, Torres, 59, was killed last July at California State Prison, Sacramento, where he was serving 133 years to life for attempted murder, witness tampering and other crimes.

A month later, Hutchinson was found stabbed and beaten to death in the cell he shared with Gonzalez in the 2400 module of Men's Central Jail, according to a coroner's report. Gonzalez, 27, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Hutchinson.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Imagine looking at a bunch of unruly children and deciding that the problem was too many rules. Thats what Labour have just done. Thats where their little grey cells have taken them. Faced with alarming new data showing school suspensions reached a record high in 2022/23  with nearly 10,000 students permanently kicked out of UK classrooms and 786,961 suspensions on record  theyve decided that the answer is to phase out strict school punishments, according to a report on Sunday, including suspensions and isolation booths, [in order] to keep vulnerable children in school.

My knee-jerk responses to this ranged from the flip let me know how that works out for you? to the more salient, has anyone in our new, enlightened government ever met a child? They dont just need rules and boundaries, they crave them. Look at a childs face when they point out that they have another two minutes and thirty seconds left on the iPad. Listen to the earnest tone they use to remind you, when an exemption is made, that you said I wasnt allowed sweet things before bed. Not just earnest, but reproving. Because these rules weve made up in our heads are written in stone for them, a moral and behavioural scaffold that helps keep them stable. Take away punishments or consequences, as we prefer to call them now, and theyre left in freefall.

Only were talking about vulnerable children here, arent we? Theyre the ones exhibiting persistent disruptive behaviour in the classroom. Theyre the ones skewing the statistics. And for them, Labour believe that a different approach is needed. According to education leaders the changes being proposed would help teachers establish whether pupils misbehaviour may be due to problems at home, mental health issues, undiagnosed special needs, ADHD or autism, and allow children to be treated with the compassion they deserve.

To interrupt my Miss Trunchbull rant, a second: every child who has lived through the pandemic deserves compassion. Were only starting to assess the damage of school closures on a whole generation. But what we do know for sure is that low-income households were the worst hit, and that troubled children with absent parents or undiagnosed special needs  children for whom school was the only thing preventing them from going into freefall  never stood a chance. The shocking figures above reflect that, and Education Minister Stephen Morgan is right to call them a wake-up call, just as he is right to say that every pupil deserves to learn in a safe, calm classroom. But compassion isnt going to fix the problem, and refusing to punish a minority will only punish the majority.

Any serious discussion on this subject needs to work from the basis that several things can be true at once. Yes, the pandemic both prompted and massively exacerbated behavioural problems in children. Yes, many of the most unruly will have problems at home or undiagnosed conditions and for them suspension or expulsion will only worsen their plight. But here are a few more truths: there has been a massive expansion in special needs awareness, provision and staffing in UK schools over the past decade. Naughtiness is not a mental health condition (at least, not yet), and naughty children do exist. Pupils will misbehave more if they think they can get away with it. Parents  more permissive than ever  are a big part of the behavioural problem. Oh, and if Labour do go ahead and phase out the stricter punishments that schools can impose on their pupils, they can expect a wave of teacher resignations.

If the government really wants to help the most dysfunctional, violent children, it needs to massively increase the funding for special educational needs schools, where very small classes and appropriately trained teachers will allow those children to get the help they need. If it wants to help the occasional misbehavers  the naughty, bored and lazy  it will keep the behaviour hubs the Tories introduced to support schools struggling with poor discipline, and the punishments, when theyre due.

Katharine Birbalsingh  the high-profile head of Michaela Community School and former chair of the Social Mobility Commission  was one of the first to speak out against the governments plans to soften punishments in schools. If Labour do what they say they will do to schools, she wrote on X, disadvantaged kids will pay the price. The politicians will feel good about themselves and all the gains that have helped poorer kids over the last decade will be eradicated. But the most caustic reaction came from a teacher friend, who described Labours proposal as the kind of thing a university student with no experience of working in a school would come up with.

Its all very well being inclusive  until that inclusivity excludes every child from, as Morgan says, being able to learn in a safe, calm classroom.

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Poor households risk subsidising the rich under the Governments net zero plans, a leading think tank has warned.

The Resolution Foundation, which has close ties to Labour, said the vast majority of green projects, such as wind and solar farms, were likely to be in wealthier areas in the South of England.

In its net zero blueprint, Labour promised to ensure local people benefit directly from new energy production projects near them. This has led to speculation that the Government will either offer discounted bills or make investments in areas.

However, the Resolution Foundation, which was until recently run by Torsten Bell, who is now a Labour MP, warned that this threatened to widen the gap between richer and poorer parts of the country.

Its analysis found that the vast majority of planned green projects were in richer areas, with 60pc of proposed solar schemes in the wealthiest 40pc of neighbourhoods in the country.

Resolution Foundations senior economist Jonathan Marshall said: It is important that using financial incentives to assuage locals concerns  as proposed by both the new and previous government  does not lead to widespread compensation from younger, poorer and urban households to their older, wealthier and rural counterparts.

He said the Government should think hard about the scale of any payments as, if they were too small, they might not appease older households for whom disruption will start immediately but benefits will only be realised over decades.

Too large and they risk seeing poorer urban households overcompensating their better-off and retired counterparts.

The warning comes as Labour pushes ahead with its plans to speed up net zero, including aiming to decarbonise the National Grid by 2030.

The Government has already moved to approve new green infrastructure projects as part of the push. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, this month gave the green light to Britains biggest solar farm, which is to be built in rural eastern England.

The decision sparked a fierce local backlash, with MPs and campaigners arguing that it put the nations food security at risk and failed to take into account residents views or expert evidence.

The Examining Authority  the Governments planning inspectors  had previously found that the schemes significant costs were not outweighed by any kind of public benefit.

The Resolution Foundation said it expected projects such as new solar farms, battery storage and onshore wind turbines to face staunch resistance from local groups.

However, the think tank said the Government needs to make sure things actually get built. It said Labour could consider options to combat resistance including making decisions at a central government level rather than in local communities.

This would essentially prevent residents from being able to oppose schemes.

Mr Marshall said: [Decarbonising the economy] effectively will require overcoming opposition to development from net zero Nimbys, who often live in wealthier parts of the country.

The Government must be prepared to win these battles, which wont be popular with some voters, but are vital for the country as a whole.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: We are wasting no time in implementing the bold climate and energy plan needed to deliver our mission for greater energy independence.

In just one week, we have swept away barriers to onshore wind farms, consented more solar power than has been installed in the past year and set out plans for a solar rooftop revolution.

It is also important we listen to peoples concerns, and where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should benefit directly from it.

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Labour has been urged to ban AI paedophile manuals that teach predators how to generate images and videos of child abuse.

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a Cambridge-based watchdog, urged the Government to close a loophole in the law that allows paedophiles to create instructions on how to generate illegal deepfakes of children.

Since 2014, it has been against the law to download or possess so-called grooming manuals, which are shared by abusers to teach others how to target victims.

However, the IWF warned that a loophole remained meaning paedophiles could use online forums to train others to create AI child sexual abuse images.

Dan Sexton, chief technology officer at the IWF, said there was a very experienced technical community among abusers who are training, helping and skilling up others.

It is possible now to share a guide and all the open source tools openly, and it is only illegal once you have created an image, he said, calling for prompt action from the new government.

The IWF, which helps block child abuse images from the web, identified 3,512 illegal child abuse images generated by AI in a snapshot study of a dark web forum in March and April this year. That was an increase on the 2,978 images uncovered in a September survey.

The number of category A images - the most serious that depict rape, torture or bestiality - had risen from 22pc to 32pc in the latest study.

Using the latest AI tools, people can generate images, which can be highly photorealistic, using only text prompts.

Dan Sexton, chief technology officer at the IWF, said: The realism has improved. We know its synthetic, but it looks real enough to pass as a real child.

The IWF added that it should be made an offence for someone to use personal data to create AI models that can generate abuse images, while AI chatbots should be banned from initiating sexual communications with children.

It also called for a block on so-called nudifying apps which can take pictures of people and remove their clothing without consent.

Criminals have been taking AI software, which is often freely available to download online, and modifying it by training the technology with images of abuse.

Mr Sexton added the IWF had now seen clear evidence that abuse imagery was being created using an AI tool known as Stable Diffusion, which was initially developed by British start-up Stability AI.

He said: The evidence is very clear. The foundation models that are being referenced  it has been early versions of Stable Diffusion.

While Stability AI helped develop the image generation technology, it has since made some of its technology freely available to download and modify.

The company has previously said: Stability AI is committed to preventing the misuse of AI and prohibit the use of our image models and services for unlawful activity, including attempts to edit or create CSAM.

The IWF also warned against plans being considered by OpenAI, the Silicon Valley business behind ChatGPT, to responsibly allow its technology to be used to create adult images.

Mr Sexton said there were obvious concerns such tools could be misused.

A government spokesman said: We welcome the Internet Watch Foundation report and will carefully consider their recommendations.

We are committed to further measures to keep children safe online and go after those that would cause harm, including where AI is used to do so.

Some in Whitehall had expected Labour to reveal plans for an AI Bill, which would have included new safety measures. However, this was absent from last weeks Kings Speech.

An OpenAI spokesman said: We have strong safeguards to prevent deepfakes or the creation or spreading of material harmful to children.

A Stability AI spokesman said: We remain vigilant against bad actors who seek to abuse our open-source models. We strongly disavow the use of fine-tuned models by third parties when created for the purpose of generating harmful or illegal content.

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Labours VAT on private schools could come as soon as January

Labours plan to end tax breaks for private schools could begin as soon as next January, as the government looks to include the measure in their first autumn budget.

Despite widespread expectations that the change would be delayed until next September, it is now believed the party will attempt to push through the policy sooner.

This will mean parents of children attending private schools now face a mid-term price hike, rather than having an extra nine months to prepare for the costs.

A government source said: This was a manifesto commitment and we have been clear that the change would be included in our first budget.

We are keen for this to take effect as soon as possible and have given parents fair warning that these changes are coming, they told The Times.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (POOL/AFP/Getty)

The policy will see VAT and business rates applied to private school fees. It was a key Labour manifesto pledge.

The party says the change will raise around 1.5 billion a year, ring-fenced for reinvestment into state education. This includes funding policies such as 6,500 new expert teachers, Ofsted reform and over 3,000 new nurseries.

Speaking shortly before the election, Rachel Reeves said: Over the last 14 years state schools have had to make huge efficiencies because of the cuts to real-terms spending.

I strongly believe that private schools as well, have to be able to make efficiencies.

Critics of the policy have said it could lead to an exodus of private school pupils, which could subsequently overwhelm state schools with an influx of new students. An analysis for the Independent Schools Council predicts around a quarter of pupils could move to state schools after the price rise.

Heres everything you need to know about the proposed changes to how private schools are taxed:

What are private schools?

Private schools charge fees to most of their students, althought many will also offer some free places under bursary or scholarship schemes.

The average yearly charge for a non-boarding student at a day school is 16,000, but it depends on the school. Schools like Eton or Harrow, for instance, charge around 50,000.

Eton College, where 20 British prime minister were previously educated (Getty Images)

The price also increases considerably for pupils who board, meaning they will reside in the schools dormitorys during term-time, rather than at home. The average cost for parents in this case is 39,000.

There are around 2,500 private schools in the UK, educating around 7 per cent of all pupils. They have more freedom than state-funded schools and can decide their own curriculums.

How much are private school fees going up?

Private school fees will increase by 20 per cent after the rise, in line with the current rate of Value Added Tax (VAT). This is the levy automatically applied to many goods and services in the UK.

While the government has suggested schools should absorb some of the costs to avoid passing on large fee hikes to parents, some schools have warned they cannot afford to do so.

The rate has not historically been applied to private schools due to a legal exemption for organisations that provide education. They also hold charitable status, which will not be removed as part of Labours changes.

Adding 20 per cent to the average private school fees would see day schools rise to 19,200 a year, and to 46,800 for boarding schools.
When it comes to student loans, 7% of borrowers in the U.S. owe more than $100,000, accounting for one-third of the countrys total of $1.6 trillion.

Its true: student loan debt is considered one of the best kinds of debt because it signifies an investment in higher education and can have a positive impact on your tax burden and credit score. Nevertheless, being saddled with large monthly payments can curtail your ability to achieve other financial goals, such as buying a home or saving for retirement. In addition, paying interest on student loans over the long haul can be very expensive.

So, what can you do? One option is to pay student debt off as fast as possible.

For You: You Can Get These 3 Debts Canceled Forever

Find Out: $10K or More in Debt? See If You Could Become Debt-Free (for Less Than You Owe)

Research Your Options

Studentaid.gov has a simulator you can use to find the best repayment strategy. This is a good place to start to get an overview. Youll be guided through several steps to input your loan information. You can also enter your primary repayment goal, whether its pay off my loans as fast as possible, have a low monthly payment or pay the lowest total amount over time.

Choose pay off by a certain date and select five years as your goal to see what your monthly payments would be.

Read Next: This Is the One Type of Debt That Terrifies Dave Ramsey

Start With Your Employer

Borrowers often overlook the ability for their employers to help with student loan repayment, said Patricia Roberts, author and COO at Gift of College. Ask if your employer offers a student loan repayment benefit, or if theyre willing to consider it. Programs like these are win-wins.

Roberts said, Some employers do not even realize that the CARES Act of 2020, as amended, allows for them to offer $5,250 per employee per year in tax-free student loan repayment assistance through January 1, 2026, unless further extended. Thats $10,500 in support that can be provided this year and next.

In addition to no payroll or income tax being owed on these payments, employers can take a business tax deduction for payments made.

Kerrie Carden, CEO of Equip Advisory warned, however, that choosing a toxic work environment just for this perk can backfire.

Be concrete about the why, Carden said. For example, Ill stay in this job for three years so that my loans can be forgiven. Ill do the following things to support my mental and emotional health during that time so that I have the energy to stick with this goal.'

Apply for Loan Forgiveness

If you work in certain industries, for example in public education, you can qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after a certain number of years of paying off your loans.

Story continues

In addition, loan forgiveness may be a reason that you choose to forgo paying off your loans in five years. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) and Income Based Repayments (IBR) plans include generous forgiveness amounts if you make regular payments tied to your income for 10, 20 or 25 years depending on the plan and the amount you borrowed.

These plans may be best for those who qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or who are committed to working in lower-paying industries over the long haul.

Tighten Your Budget and Add a Side Hustle

Joe Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital, emphasized that for most student borrowers, youth is an asset.

Work like crazy, Camberato said. When youre young and full of energy, use that to your advantage. I worked as much as I could at my day job and picked up any side gigs available. All the extra money went straight to paying off my debt.

Camberato said that even on a limited income, smart budgeting is key  as is self-restraint. It takes real discipline and sacrifice to manage your money and lifestyle.

Becoming debt free sooner allows you to start saving and investing sooner, so you can tap into the magic of compound interest.

Engage Family and Friends

Roberts said that family and friends can be called upon to support your journey.

Lets face it. No one really knows what to buy you for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, she said. Now is the time to get real with those who love you and let them know that any level of support with student loan repayment would go a long way in lessening the financial and emotional weight you are carrying.

Consider setting up a basic crowdfunding campaign and sharing your story in an authentic way. Other platforms  like Roberts own GiftofCollege.com  allow you to set up a profile and share a link so that people can contribute.

Your community can also provide resources to reduce your budget. Need to move some furniture? Rather than renting a van, Carden suggested tapping friends or neighbors to help.

Leveraging  and sharing  your community resources puts money back in your pocket while strengthening your social supports, a key to creating intergenerational wealth.

Consider bartering for things like childcare or even personal services.

Pay Extra Whenever You Can

Even small amounts above your monthly minimum can make a difference, as they go directly towards the principal of your loan. You can also decide ahead of time that any unexpected windfalls you get will go directly to your loan repayment, so youre not tempted to spend that inheritance from your great aunt on something you dont need.

Advocate for Student Loan Reform

Groups like the Debt Collective have been organizing for years to reform the student loan system and release borrowers from predatory lenders. Whether you join or simply contact your elected officials, make your voice heard.

No matter what, remember to take pride in your education. Remember, when you took out your student loans in the first place, you made a commitment to a better future for yourself.

As Carden said, I know it can feel intimidating, but it is definitely possible to pay off $100K in student loan debt in five years with a plan.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Ways To Pay Off $100,000 in Student Loan Debt in Under 5 Years
Our moderate, unifying, dogma-free government is planning to ruin education. At face value, the new education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has fine motives. Britains challenge, she says, is class and mobility; her goal is to broaden the curriculum to give poorer kids access to art and sport.

But dig into the actual policies, and the personalities behind them, and youll find a project to reverse the Tory experiment in standards and behaviour  reforms that saw English pupils jump through the international rankings.

Step one: reduce discipline. It has been reported that Labour will roll back the use of frequent suspensions and isolation booths.The current behaviour tsar, Tom Bennett, whose contract expires in 2025, encouraged uniforms, silent corridors etc. Labour sources say funding for his model will be cut  although other Labour sources are now denying these claims.

Step two: liberalise the National Curriculum, with less reliance upon rote-learning and exams. Phillipson has tapped a professor of education and social justice called Becky Francis, head of the Education Endowment Foundation (EFF), to run a review of the syllabus. All schools will be compelled to implement the result, including academies that were once free to opt out.

Step Three: erode choice. Hence a VAT attack on private schools that raises barely any cash but will dissuade parents from going independent. Home schoolers will be next.

This agenda encapsulates the enigma of Keir Starmer. I am not, he says, an ideologue: he just wants to hear practical ideas to help the working class. But nothing hurts the poor more than school classes disrupted by bad behaviour, or wooly curricula that reject knowledge for self-expression (cant spell your own name, but can finger paint your emotions). Youd only pursue such policies if motivated by ideology.

Everyone sane knows the liberal teaching experiment of the 1960s was a disaster; every government since Jim Callaghan has tried to restore standards. Opposition to rigour has come from public sector elites. Whether born rich or poor, theyve climbed the greasy pole to occupy the upper-echelons of universities and quangos, far removed from the lived experience they claim to admire. Academic eductionalists are a case in point. Ive never believed that those who can, do; those who cant, teach. But Im sure that those who cant do anything, teach teaching.

Professor Francis  who has accumulated a CBE  has co-produced a number of compelling texts on race, gender and class. Her classic book Understanding Minority Ethnic Achievement in Schools, coauthored with Louise Archer, quotes the work of Stuart Hall, Michel Foucault and Judith Butler, not household names but well known within lunatic asylums. In line with the discursive, social constructionist approach to race and ethnicity, they write, we subscribe to a theorisation of sex, gender and sexuality as non-essential, fluid, contested, processual and produced through discourse. Id love to see them translate that into Latin.

The irony of such prose is that it takes aim against snobbery yet requires a fellowship from Harvard to understand (yep, Beckys had one of those, too), and it buries its radicalism in banal-sounding jargon much the way one disguises insult with etiquette. The key moment of clarity is in the books preface: there is a lot of talk of quality in education, they suggest, too little of equality.

In other words, too much emphasis upon raising grades instead of tackling injustice. Contemporary UK education is characterised by an obsession with academic achievement, they argue  and for the current government, it is the educational issue.

This book was published in 2006. The prime minister that year was Tony Blair. Its a measure of the coded ambition of the Starmer government that it has hired to review the National Curriculum someone who thought the last Labour government was insufficiently radical; on everything, from the environment to the constitution, we can expect them to go a lot further than Tony did.

Dont expect socialism, however. The USSR was good at education. Its system was comprehensive yet specialised, and ultra-disciplined: in 1943 the Soviets decreed that pupils must stand when a teacher enters the room and, if they meet one in the street, remove their hat and bow. Children were taught that anyone could excel, and the state would help  but it was each persons duty to put the work in. Stalin would have admired Michael Gove.

Starmerism does not herald the transformative redistribution of wealth and power from rich to poor, but rather from regular people to well-educated elites  experts invited to unleash a hodgepodge of social experiments upon us, coloured by their cultural biases. Almost an inverse class war.

How fascinating that cigarettes will be banned but not phones in schools. How curious that Rachel Reeves has hinted teachers will get their pay rise but the two-child benefit cap will probably stay in place (subject to a possible parliamentary revolt this week: one hopes it succeeds).

On the latter point, the Government could, if it wished, immediately lift 300,000 children out of poverty by rescinding the cap. Instead, if the EEF has its way, school children shall get a practical and tailored set of implementation strategies organised into manageable phases as part of a process of ongoing learning and improvement.

If only kids could eat nonsense, theyd never go hungry.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  A local law firm will be giving away hundreds of backpacks this weekend in an effort to create a brighter future to Louisiana children.

Laborde Earles, a law firm with offices in Lafayette and New Iberia, announced that it is hosting its third annual Project Backpack event. Each pack will be stuffed with school supplies to help prepare students in grades pre-K through eight for the upcoming school year.

The event will be held Saturday at the Laborde Earles office in Lafayette, 1901 Kaliste Saloom Road, from 9:30  11 a.m. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

There are many families in our community that find the back-to-school season financially challenging, partner Digger Earles said. We are grateful for the opportunity to help ease some of those burdens by providing backpacks and supplies.

David Laborde, a partner at the firm, said the giveaway is an opportunity for the law firm to give back and show our appreciation for the trust and support we receive from local families.

For more information on Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers & Project Backpack visit OnMySide.com.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Another Las Vegas business has been vandalized, with its owners saying they are just the latest victim in the ongoing trend of costly crime.

Mallory Gott, the co-owner of Winnie & Ethels Downtown Diner located near Charleston Boulevard and Maryland Parkway in the Downtown Arts District, said her location was just one of many in the area that had been vandalized.

Unfortunately, the cooling unit that keeps everything together had been totally disassembled, Gott said. Copper pipes had been removed, the radiator had been removed and placed off to the side.

Gott said she is familiar with the issue of chronic copper wire theft across the valley, adding that she and her husband are facing costly repairs with no time frame for completion. The diner was able to reopen Sunday but customers like Andrew Chau, who frequents the Huntridge shopping area, said he was unhappy that crime cost the diner income.

A Saturday is a big moneymaker [] especially downtown, Chau said. Theres not a lot of foot traffic here.

He admitted that the location could stand to be more secure.

I dont even see one camera right now looking at the exterior of the building, and I believe that the owners of the complex should be able to provide that safety for the tenants, Chau said.

Other small businesses in the area facing vandalism include Tacotarian, Ocha Thai Cuisine, and Dig It! Coffee Company. Yukon Pizza, which is next door to Winnie & Ethels Downtown Diner, had its glass storefront shattered in April.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Federal investigators found more than two dozen children working in Las Vegas valley pizza restaurants working more hours than federally allowed and sometimes performing dangerous tasks while on the job, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The investigation involved 28 children ages 15 to 17 years old working at 10 Blaze Fast Fired Pizza (more commonly referred to as Blaze Pizza) locations in Las Vegas and Henderson from June 2020 to June 2023, according to a department spokesperson. Those locations, owned and operated by California-based company Bryz Guyz Inc., were fined $277,414 in civil penalties following the investigation.

The news release said 23 children were operating industrial pizza dough mixers which is considered a dangerous task and five 15-year-olds were working more hours, sometimes as late as 10:30 p.m. which goes against the Fair Labor Standards Act. Children who are 15 are not allowed to work more than three hours on school days and no later than 7 p.m. during the school year.

Learning new skills in the workforce is an important part of growing up but we must protect children and ensure their first jobs are safe and do not interfere with their education or well-being, Wage and Hour Division District Director Gene Ramos in Las Vegas said. The Fair Labor Standards Act allows these important work experiences but ensures that when children work, they are employed in a manner that promotes their health, safety and educational opportunities.

John Aldrich, managing partner at Aldrich Law Firm, said labor laws on the state level are less restrictive than those on the federal. In fact, Nevada allows employees under the age of 16 to work up to eight hours in one day without a time-of-day restriction.

But, federal laws take precedence. He said both are intended to ensure a minors safety and education.

Generally, you want to follow federal law because it is what will preempt the state law, Aldrich said inside his office Monday afternoon. The work (minor employees are) supposed to be doing is supposed to be, sort of menial. Cleaning tables, washing fruits and vegetables.

The U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson and news release gave no indication that any of the 28 teenage workers were let go as a result of this investigation or ever injured on the job. Bryz Guyz Inc. operators were instead provided training on child labor standards and told to prohibit the operation of pizza dough mixers by anyone under the age of 18 years old.

The pizza company is based in Pasadena, California, and has more than 300 restaurants in 38 states. The first Nevada location opened in 2015.

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Russian occupiers began dismantling the Holy Cross Exaltation Church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in temporarily occupied Yevpatoriia; Ukraines former Deputy Prosecutor General Gyunduz Mamedov said that it was the last Ukrainian church in Crimea.

Source: Voice of Crimea; Gyunduz Mamedov, former Deputy Prosecutor General, on Twitter (X)

Details: According to the Voice of Crimea news portal, the demolition began on 21 July. The dome and the churchs upper level are already gone.

The publication reported that the parish of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has been under pressure since 2019 to comply with the decision of the Russian-controlled court to demolish the temple. At the same time, the ruling stated that the temple's community was liable for demolishing the religious structure.

Despite constant threats and pressure to follow the court ruling, parishioners refused to cooperate. As a result, the Russian-controlled authorities in Yevpatoriia filed another court appeal, this time seeking that the temple be demolished on their own and that the parishioners cover the costs.

Mamedov said that it was the last Ukrainian church in Crimea.

"Another instance of the Russian Federation's systemic discrimination against Ukrainians on a national scale during the occupation. Metropolitan Kliment stated that the final Ukrainian church in occupied Crimea is being demolished. The occupying authorities in Yevpatoriia began destroying the Holy Cross Exaltation Church of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine," Mamedov wrote.

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Since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, the governments of Israel and the United States have disagreed about who should run security in the Gaza Strip after hostilities calm down. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken want a multinational force without a substantial Israeli military presence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that, whoever is tasked with street-level law and order, the Israeli Defense Forces will remain the predominant power inside Gaza.

Netanyahu is applying a lesson Israelis have learned since the October 7 massacre: only the IDF can guarantee the security of Israeli civilians, precluding the need for destructive operations like Israels current campaign against Hamas.

Compare Israels post-October 7 behavior in two Palestinian enclaves: the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Gazas awful trajectory began in 2005, when Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon withdrew the IDF and all Israeli civilians (about 8,000 people), turning over the strip to the Palestinian Authority. Hamas violently evicted the PA in 2007, introducing Islamist rule to 1.4 million Gazans and thousands of rockets to Israels south. The IDFs absence permitted Hamas to recruit, to build an elaborate command structure and a huge tunnel network, and to plan operations like the October 7 massacre itself.

Since Israel withdrew in 2005, Gazans have endured two decades of fanatical rule. They are now suffering from a war that Hamas began by killing 1,200 Israelis. What ails Gaza is not a lack of autonomy or even a government without popular legitimacyHamas received a majority of seats in the 2006 parliamentary elections, and most Gazans still support the October 7th massacre. The basic problem is misrule by a terror group too long unresisted by the IDF.

The West Bank since October 7 is altogether different. Although Israel has fought terrorist cells in the northern cities of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nablus, nothing like Gaza-grade destruction has been visited upon West Bank Palestinians. West Bank terrorism is simply less threatening to Israelis, because over two decades of ongoing Israeli operations before October 7sometimes assisted and sometimes opposed by Hamass rivals in the Palestinian Authorityhave kept terror networks from forming.

The origins of Israels current West Bank policy are instructively similar to those that now lead the Netanyahu government to want the IDF to predominate in Gaza. During 1993-1996, as the Palestinian Authority created by the Oslo Accords assumed responsibility for Palestinians in the West Bank, the annual Israeli death rate from terrorism tripled. Twice at the end of the Clinton administration, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered PA chief Yasser Arafat a Palestinian state on nearly all the West Bank. Arafat said no, and launched a terror warthe Second Intifadathat killed more than 600 Israelis during 2001 and 2002.

Israeli deaths from West Bank terror subsided with Israels Operation Defensive Shield in the spring of 2002, and Israels military and intelligence operations throughout the West Bank have kept terrorism low ever since. The Palestinian Authority, to be sure, deserves credit for occasionally helping Israel against their mutual enemies (equally, it deserves blame for its own sponsorship of Palestinian terrorism). But the belief of the Haaretz editorial board, reporters at The New York Times, and Hamas that the PA is Israels close security partner is simply false. For several years before the current war, the Israelis had given the PA greater leeway to fight terrorism in the West Banks north. The PA was not equal to the task. Terror networks grew, and the IDF has had to pacify the area since October 7.

The Second Intifada was to Israels West Bank policy in the 1990s what October 7 was to Israels Gaza policy since 2005: a violent reminder that the IDF alone can free Palestinian enclaves from terrorism. But Israel has a further strategic reason to keep the IDF in Gaza.

Unlike Israels military presence in the West Bank, which stopped neither the Abraham Accords nor pre-October 7 negotiations with the Saudis, spasms of Palestinian violence are terrible for Israels diplomatic position. It is intriguing that the murder of 1,200 Israelis should increase support for a Palestinian state and pressure on Israel to give land, money, and legitimacy to such an entity. But whatever the cause, the fact of such an increase is evident in European states, the Biden administration, and in the Western press. Perhaps from a desire to just make the violence stop, these three power centers have tried to constrain Israel, which is more susceptible than Hamas to Western pressure. The Netanyahu government has made the obvious inference: since Israel suffers politically both for enduring and for responding to Palestinian violence, Palestinian violence should be stopped before it happens.

Could Arab states conduct counterterror operations better than the IDF? The problem is that military operations always involve civilian casualties. The governments of the United Arab Emirates or Egypt will suffer greatly at home if forces they sponsor kill Palestinians, even if the deaths are proportionate to security needs. Israel is less constrained. Besides, international forces have poor records in the region. In south Lebanon, for instance, a 15,000-troop-strong U.N. peacekeeping force has failed to prevent Hezbollah from pointing 150,000 rockets at Israeli civilians and building a tunnel network to rival Gazas. Of course, southern Lebanon was missing the key ingredient: the Israeli Defense Forces, withdrawn by Prime Minister Ehud Barak in 2000 after a years-long campaign to keep the Shiite terror group away from Israels northern border.

Proponents of Palestinian self-rule argue that an Israeli military presence in Gaza would put peace further from reach. They are mistaken. Palestinians and their institutions will suffer from the IDFs absence if terrorism forces the IDF back in. It is popularly believed that Israels long-term security depends on Palestinian autonomy. The opposite is true. Israels comparative strength means that Palestinians will gain self-rule only to the extent that Israeli civilians arent threatened by it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely accused of thwarting Palestinian independence on principle. On the contrary, the Israeli prime minister is offering Palestinians a path out of the political desert: the chance to create a new leadership class, with more responsibilities over time, under the protection of the only military capable of protecting moderate Gazans from Hamas.

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Riga has prepared a batch of more than 500 drones to be sent to Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said on July 22.

Earlier this month, Riga announced it would send more than 2,500 combat drones of different types to Ukraine in July, worth 4 million euros ($4.3 million).

Spruds shared photos on X showing a number of packed boxes that read "drone coalition." When the drones are expected in Ukraine wasn't mentioned by Spruds.

Latvia and the U.K. are the leaders of the international coalition established to supply Ukraine with drones, which became a crucial capability on Ukrainian battlefields.

The Czech Republic joined the initiative on July 11, bringing the total number of coalition members to 16.

Spruds announced back in May that the Latvian government would invest around 20 million euros ($22 million) in the drone coalition this year, and a similar sum to the development of Latvia's own drone capabilities.

Ukraine is also working to scale up domestic production, aiming to produce at least 1 million drones in 2024. Kyiv employs long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure such as airfields and logistics, as well as oil refineries and depots.

Read also: Ukraine may have surpassed Russia in number of drones, commander says

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Lawmakers call on Secret Service director to step down

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle says she personally apologized to former President Donald Trump after the attempt on his life.

On July 13th we failed, Cheatle said.

Cheatle told lawmakers on Monday she takes full responsibility for the security lapse that led to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again, she said.

However, when pressed by lawmakers to determine how, members were furious.

Can you answer why the Secret Service didnt place a single agent on the roof? Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) asked.

We are still looking into the advance process and the decisions that were made, Cheatle said as some lawmakers jeered at her reply.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) questioned why the former president was allowed to take the stage when Secret Service was warned of a suspicious person.

So, you distinguish between someone who is suspicious and someone whos threatening. Is that right? Raskin asked.

There are a number of times at protective events where suspicious people are identified, and those individuals have to be investigated and determined what is it that identifies that person as suspicious, Cheatle replied.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) became enraged the Secret Service denied some requests from the Trump campaign.

And you cut corners when it came to protecting one of the most important individuals, most well-known individuals on the planet, Jordan said.

The director says the July 13th rally had sufficient resources. But lawmakers, furious with Cheatle, are calling for her resignation.

Not only should you resign, if you refuse to do so, President Biden needs to fire you, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said.

Well, look, I believe, Director Cheatle, that you should resign, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said.

Cheatle said she will not resign and will have a more detailed report after 60 days.

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Looking to get in on some housing markets before they explode? There are a couple of key factors to be aware of: economic growth, population trends, infrastructure development, job opportunities and quality of life. Over the next decade, several markets across the country are set to make a boom with a combination of these ingredients.

Check Out: Im a Real Estate Expert  8 Overvalued Pandemic Boomtowns That Could Soon Plummet in Value

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If you are looking for property thats poised to give you a stellar return on investment, youll want to take a look at the list below. Here are eight housing markets expected to soar in value over the next decade, according to real estate agents and experts who are in the know.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with significant migration from higher-cost states, according to Jordan Woolf, CEO of the real estate investment company We Buy Houses In Bama.

The citys diversified economy  which includes growth in finance, healthcare and technology  bolsters its job market, Woolf said.

Jonathan Faccone, founder of Halo Homebuyers, said, The median home value is $431,906, up 5.1% over the past year, and predicted to rise by 18.9% in the next 10 years, as per Zillows forecast. The citys cost-of-living index is 97.3, lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters.

Woolf said Phoenixs sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle are big draws. Additionally, compared to coastal cities, Phoenix offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

Discover More: In Less Than a Year, Youll Regret Not Having Bought Property in These 20 Housing Markets

Denver

Denver is another promising housing market, Woolf said.

The citys growing tech industry and strong aerospace presence contribute to job growth, Woolf explained. Denvers access to outdoor activities and high quality of life attract a range of demographics, including many young professionals.

Keith Sant, founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers, added, Denvers housing market is expected to continue its upward trend due to the citys strong job market and growing population. The demand for housing will only increase as more people flock to this vibrant city, making it a promising investment option.

Woolf added, The city continues to attract new residents and emphasizes sustainable development, with a focus on green building and urban planning.

Story continues

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho, stands out due to its lower cost of living compared to other tech-friendly cities, Woolf said.

The city offers a high quality of life, with a mix of urban and outdoor amenities, he said. Boises emerging tech scene is creating increasing job opportunities, drawing new residents. Rapid population growth, driven by people moving from more expensive states, supports the housing markets value appreciation potential.

Tampa, Florida

Significant job opportunities in finance, healthcare and technology are fueling strong economic growth in Tampa.

The city is seeing a substantial influx of new residents, particularly retirees and remote workers, Woolf said. Tampas warm climate and coastal living appeal to a broad demographic.

Ongoing investments in transportation and urban development infrastructure enhance the citys livability and attractiveness, making it a promising housing market.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a major banking center with significant job opportunities in finance and technology, Woolf said. The city is experiencing steady population growth driven by both domestic and international migration.

Charlotte offers relatively affordable housing compared to other major cities, making it attractive to new residents, Woolf added. The citys strong educational institutions, cultural amenities and favorable climate contribute to a high quality of life, supporting its growth potential.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is another housing market expected to see significant value appreciation, Woolf said.

The areas Research Triangle, with its major universities and research institutions, fosters innovation and high-paying job opportunities, he said.

Sant added, The regions real estate market has been steadily increasing in value, with a high demand for both rental and single-family homes. With the growing population and influx of new businesses, Raleigh-Durham is expected to continue experiencing significant growth in its housing market over the next decade.

Woolf said, The regions strong job growth in healthcare, biotech and technology sectors further boosts its attractiveness. Compared to other tech hubs, Raleigh-Durham remains relatively affordable. Excellent schools, a mild climate, and a mix of urban and suburban living contribute to a high quality of life, drawing more residents to the area.

Nashville, Tennessee

Sant said Nashvilles real estate market has been on an upward trajectory for several years now, with no signs of slowing down.

The citys booming economy, low cost of living and renowned music scene make it a highly desirable location for both tourists and residents, according to Sant.

Nashville, Tennessee, is experiencing economic diversification beyond its music industry roots, Woolf said. The city has a burgeoning healthcare sector and a growing tech scene, contributing to job growth and attracting new residents.

The city continues to grow, with a steady influx of retirees and young professionals.

Nashvilles vibrant cultural scene and strong tourism industry drive economic activity, Woolf said, while significant public and private investments in transportation and housing infrastructure support continued development.

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, according to Woolf.

The city has emerged as a major tech hub, with companies such as Tesla, Apple and Oracle establishing significant operations there, Woolf said. This tech boom is driving rapid population growth, attracting a mix of young professionals and families.

On top of that, Woolf pointed out that Austins vibrant cultural scene, favorable climate and strong educational institutions enhance its appeal.

He said, Continuous investments in infrastructure, including transportation and housing, support sustainable growth, making Austin a great investment opportunity.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Housing Markets Expected To Soar in Value Over the Next Decade
Lawmakers stress need to look beyond red light cameras and other back end traffic safety measures

(Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current)

As state lawmakers discussed, yet again, legislation to authorize the use of red light cameras, some legislators turned the discussion to the role of infrastructure and other traffic safety mitigation measures.

Lawmakers heard from state traffic safety and public health officials about the increased number of crashes and deaths in Nevada at Wednesdays meeting of the joint interim Committee for Growth and Infrastructure and Health and Human Services.

The hearing was the second time proposed automated traffic enforcement, such as speeding and red light cameras, has been discussed at an interim legislative meeting this year amid the rising number of traffic facilities and accidents.

Democratic state Sen. Dallas Harris categorized some of the recommendations brought up at the meeting, like road safety cameras, as back end measures that are deployed after we catch you.

What are the suggestions you have for the front end, which is often the harder part, she asked. How do we stop people from engaging in risky driving? How do we stop people from running lights before we have to send them the automatic traffic ticket? I dont want to do the back end if were not also doing the front end.

Amy Davey, administrator of the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety within the Department of Public Safety, agreed with Harris and said lawmakers could look at changing our roadways.

She referenced the street outside the legislative building, saying you really cant go very fast.

That whole street has been redesigned to make you slow down and make it safer for all types of road users, Davey said.

The number of fatalities in the state from 2019 to 2022 has increased 36%.

Davey told lawmakers that its likely the most dangerous thing youll do today is walk, drive or ride.

The data shows there is an increased rate for fatalities in communities that have incomes less than $50,000.

Davey noted that the analysis doesnt show the demographics of the crash victim, just the neighborhood the crash occurred, adding that people drive in more locations than their own neighborhoods.

However, the data around income demographics of the neighborhood, helps us understand infrastructure and the way a neighborhood and its roads are designed and built and the way that road users use these roads have critical impacts on safety, she said.

Some local and state officials, including law enforcement, have argued measures, like automatic speed cameras, are needed to prevent a growing number of accidents and deaths.

Clark County commissioners recently discussed wanting legislation that looks at red light cameras as well.

We are just chasing losses if we continue to try to enforce our way out of this, Harris said.

On the list of ideas presented to lawmakers, other suggestions in addition to traffic cameras included increasing traffic fines in school zones and DUI intervention programs.

There are already penalties designed to deter driving while under the influence, said Julia Peek with the Division of Public and Behavioral Health with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite widespread public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement methods, the number of DUI-related incidents remain alarmingly high, she said. Traditional approaches such as fines and license suspensions have proven effective but still inefficient at addressing the root cause of the issue.

Some areas lawmakers can look at include amending the 24 Drivers License Restriction program that gives people permission to drive to and from work or for medical and mental health care.

Several other lawmakers asked about the role in infrastructure compared to other safety mitigation efforts designed to prevent speeding or other traffic hazards like running a red light

I firmly believe that most of our efforts to improve traffic safety need to be focused on engineering, said Democratic state Sen. Fabian Donate. By human nature, we cant really control behavior much. We can do a lot in terms of infrastructure.

Davey referenced a neighborhood in Southern Nevada that had significant safety concerns that stem from the design. While she didnt identify where the neighborhood was located, she said a multi-lane highway bisects a housing development and the neighborhood grocery store.

Land use planning for both streets design, zoning and development play a significant role in neighborhood safety, Davey said.

Other suggestions she pointed to outside of enforcement included looking at access to drivers education programs for youth and new drivers, in particular those who lack cars or resources to take driving courses.

Donate also questioned what data is available that compares traffic fatalities rates in cities with mass transit.

Davey said she would love to study that in a comprehensive way but didnt have any data on that for the hearing.
Three Massachusetts lawmakers are pressing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground the V-22 Osprey aircraft again until the military can fix the root causes of multiple recent accidents, including a deadly crash in Japan.

In a letter sent to Austin on Thursday, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Richard Neal called the decision to return Ospreys to limited flight status misguided.

Air Force knows what failed in fatal Osprey crash  but not why

In March, Naval Air Systems Command said the aircraft had been approved to return to limited flight operations, but only with tight restrictions in place that currently keep it from doing some of the aircraft carrier, amphibious transport and special operations missions it was purchased for. The Osprey's joint program office within the Pentagon has said those restrictions are likely to remain in place until mid-2025.

The Ospreys had been grounded military-wide for three months following a horrific crash in Japan in November that killed eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members.

Theres no other aircraft like the Osprey in the fleet. It is loved by pilots for its ability to fly fast to a target like an airplane and land on it like a helicopter. But the Osprey is aging faster than expected, and parts are failing in unexpected ways. Unlike other aircraft, its engines and proprotor blades rotate to a completely vertical position when operating in helicopter mode, a conversion that adds strain to those critical propulsion components.

The Japan crash was the fourth fatal accident in two years, killing a total of 20 service members.

Marine Corps Capt. Ross Reynolds, who was killed in a 2022 crash in Norway, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, who was killed in the November Japan crash, were from Massachusetts, the lawmakers said.

The Department of Defense should be making service members' safety a top priority, the lawmakers said. That means grounding the V-22 until the root cause of the aircraft's many accidents is identified and permanent fixes are put in place.

The lawmakers' letter, which was accompanied by a long list of safety questions about the aircraft, is among many formal queries into the V-22 program. There are multiple ongoing investigations by Congress and internal reviews of the program by the Naval Air Systems Command and the Air Force.

The Pentagon did not immediately confirm on Friday whether it was in receipt of the letter.
"The lawsuits will lose": Legal experts pour cold water on right-wing threat to sue over Harris nom

Legal experts say they're confident that lawsuits filed over the potential placement of Vice President Kamala Harris atop the Democratic ticket will fail  and said campaign finance lawsuits will wind up tangled up in legal battles that won't be settled until after the election.

President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday that he will no longer run for re-election in November set the political world in a tailspin.

Even before Biden's announcement, Republicans had already vowed to file lawsuits over such a move, which they argue subverts the democratic process and ballots cast by primary voters.

I think in states where it can be contested, I expect that it will be, and theyll have an interesting battle on their hands, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on ABC News Sunday.

Johnson added: I think they would run into some legal impediments in at least a few of these jurisdictions.

And a June Heritage Foundation memo laid out a plan for "pre-election litigation" that could "try to block a presidential candidate from withdrawing."

Northwestern Law professor Michael Kang told Salon that Biden withdrawing from the race "at this point in the year is basically unprecedented, so some of the legal questions raised are untested."

Specifically  some Republicans and legal experts have raised questions about the legality of Harris taking over campaign finance funds. Republican FEC chairman Sean Cooksey on Sunday tweeted a campaign finance regulation that says contributions "should be either returned" to donors or "redesignated" if a candidate doesn't end up running.

But legal experts see little chance of any lawsuits going anywhere  and say that Republican critics lack legal or factual basis or standing for their complaints.

"I think this amounts (yet again) to a considerable amount of noise without any real prospect of legal consequence," UCLA Law professor Justin Levitt told Salon. "There will be political consequences, and messaging consequences, and those may well driving the filing of lawsuits. But theres no way that the lawsuits actually stop VP Harris from getting the nomination or getting on the ballot, and next to no way that they stop her from using any of the funds already raised for Biden."

He said he expects lawsuits over the matter  in part because lawsuits filed chiefly for messaging or fundraising are common.

Paul Smith, a Georgetown Law professor and senior vice president at the Campaign Legal Center, said nothing bars the Democratic party from nominating Harris and getting her on all state ballots.

"Biden was never the formal nominee," Smith told Salon. "The Convention has yet to occur."

Smith said that means any lawsuit seeking to invalidate Harris' nomination or keep her from the ballot would "fail quickly on the merits."

"Standing probably would not be the main issue," Smith said.

Legal experts say lax Democratic party rules have always offered substantial flexibility for candidates who drop out.

"It doesnt violate any laws for a political party to nominate a presidential candidate, and it turns out youve got to present a plausible claim that a law has been broken in order to win a lawsuit," Levitt said. "Not only are political parties supposed to nominate candidates for office, theyve got First Amendment protection to do exactly that."

Levitt also pointed out that unlike with primaries for other officers, no voters within a state get to decide a presidential nomination unilaterally.

"Primary voters for presidential primaries are really just choosing delegates to a national convention," Levitt said. "The party sets the rules for those delegates. The Democratic Party has (for years now) said that its delegates are pledged, but not bound  theyre free to vote their conscience. Normally, that means voting for the candidate who wins the primary for any given state. But if that candidate dies, or drops out, they can vote for whomever they wish."

Kang said that internal party rules posed the main obstacle to replacing Biden if he didn't agree to step aside.

"Those would no longer restrict the delegates from nominating Harris now that Biden has agreed to step aside," Kang said.

Levitt says no part of those rules violates any law that Republicans, or anyone else, could sue over.

"But also, even if you assume there are voters who can show injury, injury by whom?" Levitt said. "And whats the remedy? Voters have no right to force Biden to accept the nomination."

Levitt pointed out that all of the states' laws for who gets on the ballot for president as based on who gets the nomination at the convention.

"There are conceivable legal issues with a candidate dropping out after a convention," he said. "But before? Nope."

Florida State University Michael Morley said because Biden "has not yet been certified to any states as the Democratic Party's nominee, he does not need to be 'replaced' on any general election ballots."

"State laws and deadlines concerning 'replacement' of candidates are inapplicable here," he told Salon. "Moreover, the fact that President Biden happened to win a presidential preference contest  a primary or a caucus  in a particular state is irrelevant to whether he appears on the general election ballot there. There are any number of reasons why the candidate who wins a state's presidential preference primary might not go on to be that party's ultimate presidential nominee."

Morley said at the end of the day, there's no substantial basis for a court to prevent the Democratic Party from having someone other than Biden appear on the ballot as its presidential nominee.

Stetson University College of Law professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy agreed, saying: "The Democratic Party has freedom of association rights under the First Amendment to choose their standard bearer. The Republicans being mad about the new turn of events of Kamala Harris being the likely nominee does not give them standing to sue."

Political and legal observers say that one reason that Biden endorsed Harris was likely to minimize any legal issues with transferring over campaign funds.

Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson told Salon that the "best reading of the Federal Election Campaign Act indicates that there are two people who can tap into the approximately $95 million raised by the Biden Harris campaign. One of them is named Joe Biden, and he is no longer a candidate. The other is named Kamala Harris, and she obviously is."

Smith said the Campaign Legal Center has come to the same conclusion.

"Our analysis is that Harris can immediately get complete access to money raised by the Biden/Harris team," Smith said. "The money was raised for both of them. Admittedly, there has never been a set of facts just like this, but we think the right answer is pretty clear."

Levinson said though critics may claim the move would be unprecedented  that doesn't mean its lawless, or that a FEC complaint or suit means a genuine legal dispute exists.

Biden's' campaign committee on Sunday submitted paperwork with the FEC to change its name to Harris for President.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Levitt said it's "likely entirely lawful" for the Biden-Harris committee to change its name and for Harris to use that funding.

"Youve got prominent Democratic and Republican campaign finance experts saying the same thing," Levitt said.

Kang said in his view, Harris can keep the campaign finance money raised by the committee she and Biden registered without Republicans successfully blocking her.

"In the alternative, the committee could transfer the money to the Democratic Party or a Super PAC, but the subsequent use of the money would be limited," Kang said.

Torres-Spelliscy agreed that because Harris is on the ticket, she could presumably take over the Biden-Harris money without limit  as long as there are no debts outstanding.

She told Salon that the FEC allows candidate committees to transfer unlimited funds to a party committee or organization, which would have to report the infusion of cash.

Levitt said Republicans have "neuter[ed]" the FEC's enforcement capacity  meaning any complaint will likely take months or longer to resolve.

He said that means an unlikely consequence would "only amount to a fine eventually imposed well after the election."

"Theres no realistic prospect of anyone stopping the money from being used before that," Levitt said.
Palestinian paramedics transport the body of a Palestinian to the morgue of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after an Israeli air strike on the city of Deir Al-Balah. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A new advance by Israeli forces in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis has resulted in dozens of Palestinian casualties, including women and children, medics said on Monday.

The army attacked in the east of the city, witnesses said. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and 80 more were injured, according to hospital staff in Khan Younis.

The information could not be independently verified.

The Israeli military previously called on residents in the eastern part of the city to leave the area immediately. It said that members of the Hamas militia were carrying out rocket attacks on Israel from there.

The army would take decisive action against this, as it would be dangerous for civilians, it wrote on its Telegram channel. To this end, the borders of a humanitarian zone for civilians were also changed because Hamas had attacked Israel from that area, it said.

According to witnesses, thousands of civilians fled. Many of them had already fled the war from other parts of the Gaza Strip.

In the past, the Israeli military had been active against Hamas forces in Khan Younis on several occasions and over longer periods of time, but had subsequently withdrawn to fixed positions outside the city.

The army accuses Hamas of having taken advantage of this to infiltrate there again and also to use parts of the humanitarian zone declared by Israel for its activities.

Injured Palestinians, including children, are brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment after Israeli attacks on Deir EL-Balah. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
President Biden walks down the steps of Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last week. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

To the editor: If Russian leader Vladimir Putin ended the war in Ukraine today, would he be worthy of praise? Of course not  one should never be congratulated for solving a problem he caused. Though not as extreme, the same principle should apply to President Biden. ("Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee," July 21)

Polling has long shown him, at best, running neck-and-neck with a person who arguably caused an insurrection. When it was clear last year that Biden had tough sledding against Trump, he should have expressed the intent to limit his presidency to one term. But he did not do as a patriot would have then.

As a result, Democrats face a mess that will unfold over the next month.

As for Vice President Kamala Harris, I will never understand why Biden selected her to run with him in 2020. Sure, he promised he would choose a woman of color as his running mate, but there were other minority women who would have been excellent vice presidential candidates. Let us not forget that Harris did not get one single vote for president in the 2020 primary process, because she was forced to drop out before the Iowa caucuses.

Democrats must be strategic in this election. They must select a nominee who can appeal to the voters necessary to win the general election. Harris is not that person. I hope they make the intelligent choice.

Joel Drum, Van Nuys

..

To the editor: There is no argument about Biden's inability to serve as president of the United States. The important question is who is responsible for the cover-up, and how long has it been going on?

This administration promised to be transparent. It has been exactly the opposite. All of America has been deceived for months, if not years. These are vulnerable times for this country, and our security may have been compromised by people who have been putting political gain ahead of what is critical leadership.

This is not the first time politicians have lied to our country, but it should be the last. Let us realize that we all may have dodged a bullet, and we don't want it to happen again.

William Carroll, Carlsbad

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LGBTQ Americans and advocacy groups are sounding alarm bells over the selection of Sen. JD Vance as former President Trumps running mate.

In addition to a history of anti-LGBTQ statements, the Ohio Republican is the primary sponsor of at least two pieces of federal legislation threatening to sharply roll back transgender rights, including one proposal that aims to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors nationwide.

That bill, the Senate version of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) Protect Childrens Innocence Act, would charge health care providers who violate it with a Class C felony, punishable by more than a decade in prison. It would also prevent institutions of higher education from providing instruction about gender-affirming care and cut funding for health plans that cover treatment.

And an October bill introduced by Vance would ban X gender markers on U.S. passports, an option the State Department has offered since 2022.

There are only two genders  passports issued by the United States government should recognize that simple fact, Vance said in a statement at the time.

The first-term senator has also repeated the false and inflammatory claim that LGBTQ people are grooming children to abuse them, and after a deadly shooting at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tenn., last year, suggested the shooters gender identity may have been a motivating factor.

In a November letter, Vance criticized the potential addition of questions about gender identity  a concept he called highly polarizing and patently false  to the U.S. Census Bureaus annual American Community Survey.

Official government surveys should reflect objective reality, Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wrote in the letter to Census Bureau Director Robert Santos. Gender identity, they wrote, is a harmful ideology.

Its hurtful to see someone who has been so overt in their hatred and bigotry for trans people selected for Senate, let alone for potential vice president, said Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio, a state transgender rights organization.

Seeing someone whos supposed to potentially represent all of us hate us with so much venom and disdain and invalidation of our personhood and right to exist just isnt fair, they added.

Adkison said they are not necessarily surprised by Trumps selection of Vance as his running mate, given the former presidents campaign promises to ban gender-affirming care for minors, cut federal funding for schools that accommodate transgender students and enact a law that recognizes only two genders, a move that would effectively end legal recognition of trans people in the U.S.

Trump as president rolled back Obama-era antidiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people, rejected requests from U.S. embassies to fly rainbow flags during Pride Month and barred transgender individuals from serving openly in the military  a policy he has said he will reinstate if he is reelected in November.

This is anything but a unity ticket, said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ advocacy group that endorsed President Bidens reelection prior to his announcement that he was dropping out of the race Sunday. We are not simply choosing between two campaigns. We are choosing between two fundamentally different visions of America.

Leading gay conservatives at this weeks Republican National Convention in Milwaukee largely brushed off concerns that a Trump-Vance administration would threaten or undermine LGBTQ rights, citing shifts including the removal of language explicitly opposing same-sex marriage from the GOPs 2024 platform.

Twice this year, former first lady Melania Trump, who has rarely appeared on the campaign trail this election cycle, hosted fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ rights group, at Mar-a-Lago, the former presidents South Florida resort.

Dont confuse the commitment to parental rights and traditional, biological gender issues as being something thats homophobic, said Charles Moran, the groups president, in a Tuesday interview with NBC News.

Some of the things [Vance] has talked about is ensuring religious freedom.  Ensuring liberty and ensuring the ability for parents to really have control of their kids education. These arent LGBT rights issues, these are just issues surrounding freedom and liberty, he said.

Moran and Log Cabin Republicans this week celebrated Trumps pick of Vance, who during his 2022 Senate campaign said he would have voted against legislation codifying same-sex and interracial marriage rights. Richard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence under Trump, said Vance is the living example of the American dream, in an apparent reference to Vances upbringing, which he documented in his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.

Ash Orr, a transgender rights organizer in West Virginia, said Vances addition to Trumps ticket should worry LGBTQ Americans, but it shouldnt stop them from hoping for a better future.

Right now is not the time to panic  this is the time for us to be organizing, getting to know our neighbors and figuring out what our communitys strengths are, he said. They want us to panic. They want us to feel isolated because, if we feel isolated, were easier to pick off.

Arienne Childrey, a Democrat and transgender woman running for an Ohio House seat, said Vance and other Republican politicians who champion policies and rhetoric targeting the community do so at the expense of solving kitchen table issues.

Nobody ever got more affordable prescription drugs because of a trans bathroom ban. No mom or dad ever got a better-paying job because of a gender-affirming care ban, she said.

He claims our Appalachian values, but I dont see it, Childrey, born to a family of coal miners in Richlands, Va., said of Vance. I see a guy who likes to claim the hillbilly elegy, and he dont know one damn thing about what it means to be a hillbilly  it means to be out there fighting for your community, not fighting against people in your community.

I am a trans woman, and I am a progressive, she said, but I am also, proudly, a hillbilly.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A liberal activist group is requesting that authorities in New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia investigate and sanction former White House doctorand current congressmanRonny Jackson (R-TX) for allegedly practicing medicine without a license in all four states.

In a letter to the New Jersey attorney general, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, director of the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the director of the Virginia Department of Health Professions, the American Muckrakers PAC called for and immediate investigation into Jacksons illegal medical activity, a cease-and-desist letter be issued to Jackson, and for Jackson to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law in your state.

Jackson has allegedly been offering his medical expertise to former President Donald Trump after his ear was wounded during an assassination attempt.

Trumps Doctor Reveals the Size of His Ear Wound

I have been with President Trump since that time, and I have evaluated and treated his wound daily, Jackson wrote in a memo released on Saturday. He is doing well.

The ex-White House physician allowed his Virginia medical license to expire in 2020. In Florida he is only licensed to provide medical care at military facilities.

Jackson, however, has a certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine that is valid until 2025, and limits his scope of practice strictly to emergency medical services.

In 2019, Jackson also found himself in hot water, receiving the nickname Candyman after being accused of overprescribing drugs as the White House physician. At one point he ordered 34 fentanyl packs, 40 morphine packs, and 34 ketamine packs in one nine-month span.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Liberal media go into meltdown mode after Biden drops out: Van Jones cries on air, Jen Psaki struggles for words

Liberal media go into meltdown mode after Biden drops out: Van Jones cries on air, Jen Psaki struggles for words

CNNs Van Jones broke into tears on Sunday as he delivered an emotional reaction to the news that President Biden was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

The senior political commentator said he was heartbroken over the decision and compared the Democrats situation to taking the car keys away from a relative who has grown too old to drive.

Hes fighting and hes fighting and everybodys so frustrated. And then you finally get the keys back. And then you just cry, said Jones, on the verge of breaking down live on TV.

President Biden announced that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday. Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

CNN political analyst Van Jones cried on air while discussing Biden. CNN

Because this is somebody that you love. This is somebody that you care about, the former adviser to President Barack Obama added.

This is somebody who was there for you. This is somebody you wouldnt be here without him. And you had to take something from him.

Jones slammed the recent media coverage that he claimed has painted Biden as some problem for the party.

I dont know anything about politics. I just know that I love this man, I care about this man, he said.

Along with Jones, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) also appeared distraught over the news live on the air, with the co-chair for the Biden-Harris campaign breaking down on CBS.

The folks in Delaware whove been texting me and calling me in the last few hours, all want me to say to Joe Biden how much we love him, how much we admire and respect his service and how grateful we all are for the decisions hes made over decades in his service and his tireless loyalty to our home state of Delaware, Coons said as he stopped to sob for a few seconds before composing himself.

Biden-Harris campaign co-chair Sen. Chris Coons appeared distraught on CBS. CBS

He is the greatest Delawarean in our history and the fact that he has chosen to be grounded in our community, in our parish, in our parishes, in the traditions and history of bipartisanship and of respecting each other and of being compassionate and decent, he added.

The latest on President Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:

MSNBC anchor Jen Psaki also appeared taken aback by her former bosss decision.

I am digesting this myself here, because I worked for him for a year and a half, and he is a remarkable person, a remarkable president. the former press secretary said as she broke the news during Sundays edition of Inside with Jen Psaki.

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki appeared surprised while discussing the news. MSNBC

Before Psaki read Bidens letter, she could be heard stuttering and pausing before going into the details, with the MSNBC anchor later noting on X that the news caught everyone off guard.

Theres very little indication from people close to him and many people in the campaign that this was about to happen, as much as there were reports of Democrats calling on him to do that, she wrote.

Bidens sudden announcement has not only thrown Democrats plans into chaos, but it upended CNN anchor Wolf Blitzers Sunday afternoon.

they said get your ass back to the studio https://t.co/pVbzGJaAvm pic.twitter.com/jTX5V7Gyo9  Jessy Han (@hjessy_) July 21, 2024

Poor guy got dragged away from enjoying his Wolf Spritzer https://t.co/MVauQ7PWqK pic.twitter.com/CDjZQBlX8B  Ben Johansen (@BenJohansen3) July 21, 2024

Wolf Blitzer is every political staffer today pic.twitter.com/cOl0Zfx1ja  Abigail Jackson (@abigailmarone) July 21, 2024

Blitzer could be seen in an X post ordering a signature Wolf Spritzer cocktail at the El Presidente restaurant in Washington, DC, around 12:57 p.m. before he was forced to return to the CNN newsroom just a few hours later to discuss Bidens dropout.

Many sympathetic journalists shared memes of the CNN mainstays dour face after being forced to broadcast yet another momentous news moment on his day off.
Two-thirds of Ohio's DNC delegates are first-timers. Their job just got more interesting

President Joe Biden's decision to leave the presidential race means delegates to the Democratic National Convention will select a candidate who didn't win the primaries for the first time in decades. It will be the first open convention since 1968.

Gavi Begtrup left his cell phone at home Sunday afternoon when he went for a walk with his wife and new puppy.

He returned about a half hour later to find the phone buzzing and pinging with missed calls and text messages.

Your life, one message said, just got interesting.

Begtrup, a former Cincinnati mayoral candidate who is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention next month, soon found out why. President Joe Biden had just ended his run for reelection, putting Begtrup and some 4,700 other convention delegates in position to choose a new nominee.

For the first time in a half century, those delegates will not perform the ceremonial duty of voting for the winner of the Democratic primaries, a rubber-stamp process thats heavy on celebration and light on drama. Instead, they will step into an open convention to do one of the most consequential jobs in American politics.

We live in interesting times, Begtrup said. I dont really know what happens next.

Neither does anyone else. Just weeks before the convention begins Aug. 19 in Chicago, politicians and rank-and-file Democrats are kicking around all sorts of possibilities. Maybe Vice President Kamala Harris, who won Bidens endorsement Sunday, becomes a clear front-runner. Maybe other candidates emerge to challenge her, and the convention becomes an old-fashioned free-for-all.

The only certainty today is that once the convention begins, the delegates will choose the Democratic candidate who will run against former President Donald Trump. Their votes, previously pledged to Biden because he won the primaries, will be up for grabs.

It will be a historic moment and potentially one filled with more drama and pressure than any political convention in decades. The delegates, including 143 from Ohio, will be in the middle of it all.

Gavi Begtrup, a former Cincinnati mayoral candidate, is one of 143 delegates from Ohio who will vote at the Democratic National Convention in August.

In modern conventions, the delegates have been almost entirely symbolic. Their main job has been to fill a seat and to clap like crazy when the nominee appears, said David Niven, a political science professor and researcher at the University of Cincinnati.

This is really a throwback delegate job, he said, to when delegates were little kingmakers.

Higher stakes and greater pressure

That is not the job those delegates signed up for earlier this year when they sought seats at the convention and were chosen by their peers at a caucus-style event. Back then, Biden faced little opposition and seemed certain to roll through the primaries.

The stakes are higher now. And most of the delegates who will make the decision have little or no experience at a national convention.

The good news is Im not alone in not having any idea how all of this is going to work, said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a delegate from Lakewood.

She and the other delegates are party loyalists  union members, elected officials, activists  but about two-thirds of them are first-time delegates. Some are so young theyve only voted in a few regular elections, let alone as a convention delegate.

Ethan Nichols is a 22-year-old Xavier University student activist who led an unsuccessful campaign last year to remove Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters, a Republican, from a justice in residence post at Xavier. Although hell be among the youngest delegates, Nichols said hes not worried about the moment being too big for him.

Im incredibly excited to see this process play out, he said. An open convention is historic.

Begtrup, a scientist who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2021, said hes also looking forward to the convention, even though his role will be different than the one he anticipated when he filled out an online form last year seeking to become a delegate.

He said he expected some party big wigs to dominate the delegate selection process but instead found a bunch of people like him, longtime Democrats who thought it would be interesting and fun to be a delegate.

Begtrup, 40, said the selection process was low key. He said he chatted with fellow Democrats at the caucus in January for about an hour, along with other would-be delegates, and then everyone voted. He got one of seven slots from Cincinnatis 1st Congressional District.

Im just some dude in Cincinnati who gets to go to the convention, Begtrup said.

'It's kind of uncharted territory'

But as he learned Sunday, it will be a convention unlike any in his lifetime.

The last open convention for either party was the 1968 Democratic National Convention, where delegates chose Hubert Humphrey on the first ballot. The last convention that required more than one vote by delegates to choose a nominee was the Democratic convention in 1952.

Its kind of uncharted territory, said state Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat who is the partys go-to rules guru. Im figuring things out. My life just got a lot more complicated and crazy.

DeMora, who also is a convention delegate, said hes not concerned about so many first-time delegates trying to navigate a suddenly upended convention process. He said it may be better to have delegates who arent set in their ways.

They are more apt to do what folks ask them to do, he said.

What theyll be asked to do, though, remains an open question. Technically, once released by Biden, delegates can vote for anyone.

In theory, at least, this creates the possibility of a convention like those that political parties ran a century ago, before the modern primary system took hold and turned the votes of state delegates into a formality. The next few weeks will likely dictate whether the Democrats convention in August will be a chaotic throwback to the days of contested conventions or a more orderly and open selection of a clear front-runner.

Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris will be a first-time delegate at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris said he sees Vice President Harris, who began collecting endorsements from top Democrats across the country Sunday, as the leader for the nomination. He said he expects more clarity before he and the other delegates gather for the convention.

I think it will become very clear, very quickly who our partys nominee will be, he said.

Harris said he hopes the open convention, which some Democrats fear will create chaos and hurt the partys chances in November, will energize the party faithful and produce a candidate who can beat Trump. It doesnt make me nervous at all, Harris said. It makes me very excited.

Begtrup said every delegate should be more excited now than when they were chosen as delegates. Their job may be harder and more complicated, he said, but their decision will carry more weight and responsibility.

For the first time in generations, no one knows for certain what will happen when they take their seats in the convention hall.

Now I actually have a vote, a vote that matters, Begtrup said. Its good when you feel like your vote matters.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio delegates brace for drama in choosing who will replace Joe Biden
Listen to the full season of The Arizona Republic's 'Rediscovering: The Roots of Radicalism'

THE ROOTS OF RADICALISM

Listen to the full season| What is going on in Arizona?

After the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and after digging into Arizona's prominent role in the plot to overturn the 2020 election, Republic reporters repeatedly heard questions we couldn't quite answer.

What is going on in Arizona?

Why does this state seem to have people willing to push the political envelope further than almost anyone else?

The podcast series "Rediscovering: The Roots of Radicalism" looks at Arizona history and Arizona extremists dating to the states time as a U.S. territory after the Civil War. It makes stops in the Barry Goldwater/John Birch Society era and revists the impact of notable figures such as impeached Gov. Evan Mecham and federal building bomber Timothy McVeigh.

The series concludes with a look at those who attempted to overturn the states legitimate 2020 election results and Arizonas QAnon shaman, the man in a fur hat and horns who became the face of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Rediscovering: The Roots of Radicalism" launches season 4 in the "Rediscovering" series.

Episode 1: An unsettled hellscape

1860s to 1940s: The Southern migration to Arizona and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in early statehood days.

Even before Arizona was a state, it was a hotbed for extremism. Images of gunfights and brothels were thrust upon it by writers back East, but it wasnt far from the Wild West mentality adopted in the territory.

Settlers, some looking for an escape from government control, found haven in the hot deserts of early Arizona, clashing with the Native Americans already living here.

Arizona teemed with residents sympathetic to the Confederate cause, and when the Civil War ended, an outsized share of Southerners settled in the territory.

Another group made its way to the sparsely populated land. Brigham Young urged Mormon families from Utah to Arizona to broaden the churchs reach at a time of sometimes violent resistance to polygamy sweeping the nation.

With these groups came divergent ideas about race, religion and politics. Arizona was positioned to be an unsettled hellscape from its beginning.

Read the transcript for episode 1.

Episode 2: The Goldwater era

1940s to 1970s: Post-World War II boom brings the Communist scare, the John Birch Society and a radical conservative: Barry Goldwater.

After World War II ended, Arizona boomed as modern comforts made life in the desert more palatable. The states growth brought political upheaval and largely reinforced a social obliviousness to civil rights.

As the state grew, it shed its loyalty to Democrats in favor of a conservatism marked with anti-Communist zealotry. Sen. Joseph McCarthy, R-Wisconsin, held the nation in a grip of fear over alleged communist infiltration at the highest levels in the U.S. government and military. He found a reliable ally in Arizonas Barry Goldwater.

He came to define a new brand of politics and governance that culminated in Goldwaters 1964 presidential run. His supporters included fringe groups such as the John Birch Society and a willingness to ignore the call for civil rights at a time when it was a rising national movement. Arizona offered a mixed record on civil rights that left Goldwater unmoved.

His presidential run ended in defeat, but it also helped plant ideological seeds for Ronald Reagans 1980 triumph. Back home in Arizona, voters sent Goldwater back to Washington for another three terms.

Read the transcript for episode 2.

Episode 3: The enemy is us

1970s to 2000s: A far-right governor is impeached, extremist sheriffs take root and the Arizona desert nurtures the Oklahoma City federal building bomber.

The upheaval of assassinations, antiwar protests and civil rights advocacy helped define an era that began in the 1960s and included flourishing political and social fringe movements.

In Arizona, far-right guerilla groups like the Minutemen and Posse Comitatus challenged long-accepted ideas of who exactly held power.

Political tumult in Arizona opened a path for a perennial election gadfly with anti-government leanings to win the governors race. Evan Mecham served 15 months as governor before being impeached and convicted, but the fallout from his time in office reverberated in the states politics for decades.

The conspiracy-minded held forth in law enforcement in Arizona and in extralegal groups distrustful of government. Arizonans had ties to the Ruby Ridge standoff, to the Oklahoma City bombing, and planned mayhem in Arizona as well.

Read the transcript for episode 3.

Episode 4: It never ends

2000s to present: Immigration and other polarizing issues tilt extremists toward election denialism and insurrection.

After Sept. 11, 2001, Americans across the country saw enemies and wanted security. In Arizona, the terrorist attacks ushered in a new era focused on the border with Mexico.

From self-appointed border patrols to a newfound focus for Americas toughest sheriff, Joe Arpaio, nativism took hold in Arizona. Initially, it drew support from people with serious personal problems and morphed into a broad, national political movement that helped propel Donald Trump to the White House.

The often-angry politics that characterized the ascendent right took a darker turn when Trump lost Arizona in the 2020 presidential election. Arizonans helped play a central role in the effort to sidestep the results, culminating in their involvement with the riot at the U.S. Capitol and a monthslong indulgence in partisan conspiracy theories. It kept the state in an unflattering spotlight.

Read the transcript for episode 4.

Behind the series

This project was edited and produced by Amanda Luberto and Kaely Monahan, with additional support from Katrina Michalak.

Hosts were Ronald J. Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl. Hansen, Pitzl, Dan Nowicki and Ryan Randazzo contributed reporting.

Social media: Arizona Republic audience team

Web production: Arizona Republic production desk

Episode oversight: Kara Edgerson

News director: Kathy Tulumello

Executive editor: Greg Burton

Music: Universal Production Music

What is going on in Arizona?

How to register to vote

Arizona's brushes with extremism: When the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a Civil War-era near-total ban on abortion this spring, many were stunned that the 19th century still cast a shadow over everyday life here. But in some ways, Arizona has always kept that hard-edged social and political bent.

More in the 'Rediscovering' podcast series

This podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com is part of the "Rediscovering" series. It's a good way to connect with important moments in Arizona history that otherwise could be lost to time.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Radio or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Previous seasons in the series told the story of murdered Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles through never-before-heard audiotapes; revisited the history of SB 1070: how it happened, who advocated for it and why it still matters; and the legacy of a Mexican boy in Nogales, Sonora, killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent through the border fence.

Don Bolles: Listen to the full season of 'Rediscovering: Don Bolles, murdered Arizona journalist'

SB 1070: Listen to the full season of 'Rediscovering: SB 1070'

Killed Through the Border Fence: Listen to the full season of 'Killed Through the Border Fence'

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Listen to the full season of 'Rediscovering: The Roots of Radicalism'
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Many people were shocked by President Joe Bidens announcement that he is stepping down from the Democratic nomination and endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Well, Im shocked to hear that he finally gave up because I kind of think that with his health and everything else going on, it was just time for him to give it up, Yazmine Williams said.

Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake

However, some say they saw Biden drop from miles away. Many democratic officials called Trump after his first presidential debate, asking for the step-down.

I wasnt shocked because of the way he did the debate, yeah, Dennis Ewalt said. Its a wise decision because, I mean, hes too old.

Some people in Little Rock take the same stance, asking for a step-down. They think his age and health are huge factors in the announcement.

His health is really declining, and I think its a dangerous situation the way that he was in, its probably the best thing the country can have right now, Scott Taylor said.

After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

As for his health declining, it was declining from the very very beginning, and they shouldve taken the initiative to have him step down, Kelly Wanner said.

President Joe Biden is dropping out of the race and endorsing Kamala Harris. This does not mean that she is the new Democratic nominee.

It sounds like hes supporting the democratic race to me, Ronald Shelton said. It sounds like hes going to be supporting Kamala Harris today.

Delegates will determine the nomination through voting during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.

Biden endorses Harris as Democratic nominee after ending his candidacy

While some people are excited about the endorsement, others do not think Harris fits the job.

I think Kamala she has some issues that is not going to help the United States right now, Scott Taylor said.

Tamesha Ingram says that she is excited because she feels like there is more hope.

I feel like we have a little bit more hope than him or Trump running, Ingram said.

Little Rock residents react to shooting of former President Donald Trump at rally

The way the country is probably going to go is the Republican Party is probably going to win, Taylor said.

He says that the party has been dominating, especially after former President Donald Trump was shot at a rally.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
I remember a year ago the first encampment I visited as mayor. The first man I talked to showed me the sores all over his back from being bitten by rats in the middle of the night while he was sleeping. He told me how hard it was to hold a job because when he left for the day to work a shift, he would come back and all of his stuff would be stolen from his tent. He talked about the people that would show up with a gun and take over his tent to turn them into a temporary home base to sell drugs before they disappeared again. He talked about how many times he had been pushed from block to block or place to place, each time forced to start all over again.

The crisis was not only affecting him, it was affecting all of us. Around the corner I went to visit businesses that were thinking of closing because the encampments had cut off the foot traffic and revenues were plummeting, we had a post office that had notified us they might close service because their staff couldnt get access to the building due to encampments, we had hospitals that patients couldnt get in and out of. On some blocks of downtown there were more tents than open businesses. And the encampments were magnets for crime, including a young Rangeview High School graduate and army veteran who got shot in the middle of the night trying to take care of his sister.

To many, there was no problem that seemed more unsolvable than street homelessness. Many cities had given in or given up, believing after COVID that homelessness and large encampments were the new normal for every American city.

There were a thousand reasons people said we couldnt succeed.

No Denverite will accept a new facility to house the homeless in their neighborhood.

You cant find enough land or units fast enough to solve this problem.

Construction timelines take 18 months not 18 weeks.

People wanted to be homeless, they wouldnt take housing if you offered it to them.

But in those stories we saw hope, in every conversation we found neighbors who wanted to help, in every tent we found a person who just needed someone to believe in them, we believed that no one was unredeemable, and no problem was too big for a city committed to change. So we went to work.

We listened to neighbors at more than 60 town halls across the city.

We called on leaders from all sectors to help, including faith, and business and non-profits and the unhoused.

We partnered with the city council to identify, build, and open 1,200 units of transitional housing in 8 different council districts across the city, and at each of those sites we have offered the wrap-around services people need.

And as of today, one year later, we have moved more than 1,600 people off the streets and into transitional housing.

In these last 12 months Denver has housed more people faster per capita than any city in America.

And in finding them a home, we created a better home for all of us.

I remember more than a year ago, before I took office, walking down the street with my daughter, and we rounded the corner and saw someone sleeping on the street and she said, Dad, why dont we do something?

We did do something, and today you can walk out this theater, take your daughters hand and walk down the mall to union station, or over to Coors Field, through the businesses in Five Points. You can walk past the Post Office to the Denver Arts Complex or Convention Center or Civic Center Park, and when you make that walk today you will not see a single tent or a single encampment in all of downtown Denver, because all those people who were living on these streets are now living indoors in dignity.

A dream that seemed impossible a year ago, that we could find a path to end street homelessness in the next four years, now feels more possible than ever.

And this year we will mark a major milestone toward this journey to end street homelessness by focusing on one of our most vulnerable populations: veterans.

Those who have risked their lives for our country deserve the decency of stable housing. That is why we are proud to share that by the end of 2024, Denver is on the path to become the largest American city ever to end street homelessness for veterans.

But our work is not done. We have much more to do to bring more people off the streets and to help people in transitional housing get placed into permanent housing. This historic effort has not been easy and it has not been without mistakes. But in it you can see the blueprint for what our city can do.

We will be bold about what is possible and humble about what it takes to get there.

We will be relentless in our focus and collaborative in our process.

We will make mistakes from sprinting fast but never from standing still.

We may fall short by dreaming big, but never by thinking small.

I would always rather be disappointed by believing in each other, than affirmed by doubting each other.

That is the story of All In Mile High, and it is the story of Denver.

As we were working to get 1,000 unhoused individuals off the streets, 30,000 newcomers arrived in our streets in the last year. Many of them arrived in the middle of winter with sandals and a t-shirt, hungry, and thirsty and tired, without money or a job or shelter.

Individuals like Daniela, who was a teacher in Venezuela and her husband had a small plastic manufacturing company. He had spoken up against the repressive government, was arrested multiple times, and their family was threatened. After he was released the last time they decided to take their 9-year-old daughter, leave their business, their house and everything they owned, and walk 3,000 miles to America.

They carried their daughter through the treacherous Darian Gap, more dangerous than Colorados most jagged 14ers, holding tight to her daughters hands on the faces where hundreds of families had fallen to their deaths, and holding her close at night in those places where thousands of young girls had been taken and sexually assaulted by cartels.

When she crossed the border, like many, she did not intend to come to Denver, but was sent here by a Governor who thought these brave newcomers would challenge our humanity, would break us, would divide us. He had decided they werent people, but problems. In this crisis, Denver saw not problems but possibility.

The people of this city responded in heroic ways. With the partnership of the City Council and the leadership of former President Torres and incoming President Sandoval, we rose to the occasion, working with incredible non-profit partners like Yoli Casas and community organizations like the Highland Moms. People stepped up, they cooked food for families, cleaned out their closets for clothes, they even welcomed families into their homes. City employees stepped aside from their current job description, and stepped in to do what our city needed them to do, setting up intake systems, opening shelters, providing meals and transit, launching legal clinics, placing people in housing, providing legal support and work authorization, and helping them find jobs. In this moment of crisis, our city employees were the highest ideal of public servants.

In this moment it would have been easy to blame someone else, to give up or give in.

But Denver did something different.

We rolled up our sleeves and believed even this problem was solvable. We put thousands of people through free legal clinics to get work authorization, we moved thousands of people into housing, and we launched the countrys first Asylum-Seekers Program that helps our newcomers get what they need most: a job.

Our program helps newcomers caught in a broken federal immigration system where they have to wait seven years for a court date without the ability to work while they wait. We found a new path, helping every newcomer in our program apply for asylum, then while they wait six months for legal work authorization, we used that as an opportunity to give them the skills they need for the jobs Denver needs. Our program, in partnership with Centro Trabajadores, helps them learn English, develop financial literacy, choose a high demand career that Denver employers cant fill, earn career certifications, get on the job work experience, and be ready to be hired the day their work authorization arrives. What was meant to be a crisis that would divide us, we turned into an opportunity to unite us. Newcomers want a path to a job to support themselves, and our businesses are desperate for a talent pipeline of committed workers who can fill our hardest to fill jobs. So we built a program to do just that.

Thanks to Denvers indomitable spirit of service, this historic effort has meant that in Denver, the city that has welcomed more migrants per capita than any other city in America, we do not have a single encampment of migrant families living on the streets. We have helped families find their way to housing, work, and the dignity they deserve.

Families like Danielas. After she arrived in one of our shelters, she and her husband applied for work authorization, which they both received. Her husband started working as a chef in a local restaurant, and she started this spring as one of the founding teachers at the school that Vive Wellness opened at the Mullen Home in Northwest Denver to welcome and teach the children of newcomers. She helps young people like her daughter when they first arrive in Denver prepare to make the transition to an American school, helping kids, some who have been out of school for years, learn the rituals and rules and systems. But shes not done yet, this fall she will start as a paraprofessional at Denver Public Schools and continue her path to get certified to be a teacher. In Denver, the American Dream is still alive and well.

These challenges from year one were daunting, and they required an entire city to rally support to make them successful. Thats why we made sure that the people leading our city represented our city and brought new ideas to the table. Working together, we built one of the most diverse cabinets in Denver history, we built the first all-female executive team, and we did it with unprecedented public involvement, partnering with more than 500 people who served on the largest and most inclusive transition in Denver history.

Our work is not done, but our progress is dramatic. Our successes here have opened up new opportunities for even greater impact in the year ahead. Inside each of these struggles we see the need for more work to be done. Walking that encampment a year ago the challenges I saw were not just homelessness, but a larger ecosystem that needed attention: I saw the need for a citywide commitment to public safety. We saw a chance to connect each of us back to each other and to our communities, the need for economic revitalization of a downtown battered by the pandemic, and the urgency to make Denver affordable for everyone. These are the priorities that will drive the year ahead.

Often when we talk about public safety people think of crime. But the opposite of crime is not safety, the opposite of crime is joy. What we want for our city is a place where every neighborhood is brimming with joy, where your kids can ride their bikes, you can go for a late night run, your mom can walk to and from the store without you ever having to worry about safety. That is why we have launched an ambitious plan to make Denver the safest big city in America. We have held community meetings in every council district to listen to residents about what our neighborhoods need, and the feedback is clear that safety is about more than police work, it is about social work, and economic development work, and educational work. It is about street lighting, and arts activation, and youth summer jobs.

So we have gotten right to work:

We started by putting 700 young people to work this summer through our Mayors YouthWorks program.

We will launch 25 community events and pop up activities that bring joy and vibrancy to streets that could otherwise be dark and dangerous.

We have aggressively targeted auto theft through license plate readers, easy vehicle registration, enhanced deterrence and swift investigation.

We have started an office of neighborhood safety, to align all the services that make our community safe and vibrant without needing an officer, making it easier for communities to engage with city services without the pressure of a law enforcement contact.

We will step up patrols in places where the risk of crime is high, knowing that when a patrol officer visits a site for 10 minutes, the chance of a crime being on that site drops dramatically over the next two hours.

We know that the best way to stop crime is to prevent it, and the best way to prevent crime is to build trust. So we will start a new practice of trust patrols, where officers can get out of the patrol car and walk into a business or a rec center or a park, and talk to neighbors to find out whats working, whats not and what we can do better. By the end of next year, we will have run more than 6,000 trust patrols this year, and anyone who has a business or an event or a location can request them from the Denver Police Department website.

And the great news is, we are already showing results. After a dark decade where Denver had the highest violent crime increases of any city in America, our strategies are already making a difference. Crime is down across the board, auto theft is down 31%, shootings and homicides are down 27%, property crime is down more than 27% and we are just getting started.

Whenever I talk to someone about their dreams for their neighborhood, the first thing they do is offer to help. With every challenge we have faced this year we have seen the selfless evidence of Denverites called to serve. Whether it was getting up early to cook breakfast for 20 migrant families, or showing up to prepare toiletries and welcome bags for folks coming out of homelessness, what has remained clear is that Denver is a city motivated by a spirit of service. We all believe these problems are solvable, and we want to do our part to solve them, and we know that we are far more powerful when we work together in service of a purpose that is greater than ourselves.

My wife Courtney has always shared that same deep call to serve others. She and I first met as school teachers in the Mississippi delta. While I worked as a teacher and a school principal and a nonprofit leader, she served as teacher and a social worker, a therapist, and then a District Attorney protecting those who had the most to lose.

When we took the oath of office a year ago, Courtney had a vision to bring Denver together around that spirit of service, and today, we are proud to launch the effort she has committed to make part of our legacy. This program, Give5 Mile High, is based on a simple idea: we all can serve, and our city is better when we do. We will ask every Denverite to give 5 hours of their time each month to serve our city and our neighbors.

Each month we will focus on a different citywide need, and partner with nonprofit organizations across the city to make it easy for Denverites to serve together. On the third Saturday of every month, we will host our Give5 Mile High service day. Our first service day will be August 17th where we will partner with Denver Public Schools to ensure every child is ready to start school with the resources they need to succeed. In September we will move our focus to Beautify Denver, launching a city wide clean-up day to make sure every block of Denver is beautiful. When you walk out of the historic Paramount Theater today youll see Courtney at a table with information you can send to friends, neighbors and coworkers to join you for our first Give5 service day.

Nearly 100 years ago this majestic Paramount Theater opened, designed by Temple Buell. It is a historic icon of the Art Deco era, and when it opened 20,000 people gathered to celebrate the art and life that it would bring to downtown. We wanted to host this state of the city here today to join the chorus, 100 years running, that this can be the heart of the most vibrant city center west of the Mississippi.

Downtown Denver is the economic and artistic engine of the city, and we cannot have a vibrant city without a vibrant downtown. Downtown Denver is the living room for every Denverite, and the playground for every Coloradan.

That is why this year we will launch our Vibrant Downtown campaign to make the largest ever investment in downtown without raising taxes. We will use these resources to turn downtown from a central business district to a central neighborhood district, complete with affordable housing, public parks, child care, great retail, restaurants, art and music and walkable activated streets where you can get lost in a vibrant world you can only find in Denver.

The catalyst for the success of downtown will be the final reopening of the 16th street mall. Every Denverite has their own memory of 16th street. I remember playing street chess at night when I first moved to Denver, I remember writing my wedding proposal to Courtney in lipstick on the window of our first apartment on 16th street. You can already feel the energy from the first few blocks we opened this summer, and we are just getting warmed up. By the next state of the city, 16th street will be open from union station to the pavilions, buses will be running, people will be strolling down our new broad sidewalks, brand new stores will be open and a whole new generation of Denverites will be coming downtown to make a new generation of memories.

A vibrant Denver has to be one that can include all of us. Denver has to be a place where the ushers who welcomed you in, the chef in the kitchen next door, and the teacher who will welcome your child back to school this fall, can all afford to live.

Tonight, a girl will wake up scared in the middle of the night and walk into her moms room expecting to find her fast asleep. But her mom will be wide awake, staring at the ceiling wondering how shes going to find a way to pay the rent that just went up $200 this month. She already added an extra shift a week to pay the last increase. Where will she go? She would have to take her daughter out of the school she loves and away from the friends shes known her whole life. She would have to find a new job or manage a long commute, she loves this city and this neighborhood and this life that she has built, and shes terrified shes going to lose it. When her daughter asks whats wrong, she stops for a moment, she can tell her daughter anything, but she cant bring herself to answer this one.

She is not the only one awake, down the street there is a grandmother who retired from 40 years of teaching school to move to Denver to be close to her grandkids. She gets to see every flag football game and volunteer in their classrooms, help pick out a dress for the middle school dance, and host dinner and sleepovers when her daughter has to work late. But the rents keep going up and her fixed income retirement does not. She can feel the lump growing in her throat wondering how she will tell her daughter that she has to move back home because she cant afford to stay in Denver any more. What will she do when the baby girl holds on to her leg and says please dont go?

Or the girl across town who should be out with her friends. She has a brand new college diploma in her hand and a job offer right here at home. Shes in her childhood bedroom, and her heart warms as she looks at the photos of all her friends that summer night at red rocks and the one of her at age seven in a tiara at her first pride parade. But the warmth recedes into fear because shes looked at the rental costs and done the math 100 times, even with this new job and what she thought was a great starting salary, she cant see a way to afford a place of her own. If she cant afford to rent here, how could she ever afford to buy a home here. Maybe she should take the other job offer in the midwest where its cheaper. But her dream was always to come home, to raise her own kids here, to watch them do mutton busting at the Stock Show and see their desks fill up with photos of memories you can only make in Denver, but she suddenly feels alone, like her hometown has left her behind.

There will be all the same doubts about this hard problem that we have heard about the others.

The problem is too complex.

Solutions are too expensive.

This is just what happens when cities grow up, they become unaffordable.

People dont want affordable housing in their neighborhood.

Our commitment is to see every problem as solvable and stay with it relentlessly until we find a way. That is why we will partner with members of City Council this week to send a measure to the ballot this November to support our plan for an Affordable Denver. This measure, funded by a half penny sales tax, would only cost Denver families about $2 a week, but it would put us on the path to bring on the 45,000 units of affordable housing we need to fill our entire gap of affordable housing over the next 10 years.

If we want to keep the mom and the grandma and the college graduate in Denver we can, but we have to choose it and we have to fight for it. This November, I will ask you to choose it by voting for an Affordable Denver on your ballot.

Finding a way to reverse the economic impacts of a global pandemic on our city center is hard, replacing cycles of violence with centers of joy is hard, living on the streets in a tent in a freezing Denver winter is hard, leaving everything you have and walking 3,000 miles with a nine-year-old to an unknown future is hard, and finding the resources and strategies to bring on enough housing to keep a growing city affordable is hard, but if there is one thing weve learned in the past year, it is that the single hardest problem we will ever face, is the belief that we cant solve these problems at all. Once we have defeated that, anything is possible.

In these uncertain times, the world will flood you with examples of hatred and division and dysfunction. It will ask you to doubt, it will tempt you to distrust, it will invite you to pass judgment, it will beg you to walk away. In those moments you will long for proof that we are right to believe in each other, that we are right to think we can find a way, that we are right to trust that we can try one more thing one more time that we havent tried before and breakthrough.

In those moments when your friend or your neighbor or your parent has given up, let them look to Denver and see that those problems that have torn other cities apart have brought us closer together. Those challenges that have overwhelmed other communities have only made us stronger, because the one thing you wont find in Denver is that destructive contagious belief that we cant. Here in this capital of the New West where the mountains are tall and the rivers are deep, people believe in each other, and they lean on each other, and they fight for each other, fortified by the deep belief that all our problems are solvable, and we are the ones to solve them.
Harris gets a chance to press reset on the 2024 race against Trump

WASHINGTON (AP)  For the past year, the presidential campaign seemed destined to be a monotonous slog featuring two candidates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who voters didnt really want.

But that all changed on a quiet Sunday afternoon just 107 days before the election.

Bidens decision to drop out of the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor resets the campaign with a swiftness that is unparalleled in modern American politics.

Once a contest between two older white men, the election will likely force Trump to contend with the much younger Harris, who was consolidating support among Democrats and would be the first woman of color atop a major partys ticket.

It shakes things up entirely, said Dan Pfeiffer, a former adviser to President Barack Obama. It turns everything on its head.

The crumbling of Bidens Democratic reelection effort, which began with his shaky debate performance against the Republican former president last month, has left both parties scrambling. Although no one has stepped forward to challenge Harris for the Democratic nomination, she still faces the unprecedented challenge of taking over a campaign only four weeks before the party gathers in Chicago for its convention.

At the same time, Trump must pivot his focus to Harris after designing his campaign for a rematch with Biden. Trumps team claimed it was prepared to run against the vice president, and Republicans stepped up their criticism during the partys convention last week in Milwaukee.

However, Trump himself expressed disappointment that we have to start all over again with the campaign. He mused on Truth Social, his social media platform, that Republicans should be reimbursed for fraud for all the money theyve spent running against Biden.

The shakeup in the presidential race came after an extraordinarily tumultuous month in American politics, starting with an unusually early debate between Biden and Trump.

The June 27 showdown catalyzed concerns that Biden, 81, was too old for a second term.

As Democrats pushed to dislodge him from the top of the ticket, Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Just a week later, Biden bowed to pressure within his party to step aside. He swiftly endorsed Harris, who is the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

The breakneck developments left the political world gasping for breath as everyone tried to reorient themselves to a new reality.

Trump, who is 78, will almost certainly be the oldest candidate on the ballot after spending months battering Biden over his age. Harris is only 59, giving her a claim to representing generational change that Biden could never fulfill.

In addition, Harris is a former prosecutor, providing a fresh opportunity to assail Trumps status as a convicted felon after being found guilty in a hush money trial earlier this year.

She is also the daughter of immigrants, raised by a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, a background that heightens the contrast with Trump, who has used racist, sexist and nativist rhetoric.

Harris tried to summarize their differences in a campaign advertisement five years ago, when she was seeking the Democratic nomination before dropping out and joining Bidens campaign as his running mate.

In every possible way, this is the anti-Trump, the narrator said. So if thats what youre looking for in your next president, theres really only one  Kamala.

The leaders of Trumps campaign dismissed the dramatic change, saying, Kamala Harris is just as much of (a) joke as Biden is.

They own each others records, and there is no distance between the two, said a statement from senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.

Immigration will remain a key line of attack against Democrats, especially because Harris was tasked by Biden to work on migration issues early in the administration. Republicans claimed she was appointed as a border czar and blamed her for unauthorized crossings.

Theyre still going to run the Gotham City playbook with an added dose of racism and sexism, said Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster. And lets not pretend that those things dont matter, because they do.

However, Belcher said, Harris X factor is her potential appeal to a diversifying electorate.

When you look at her, she is the Democrats best chance right now to re-engage and energize that coalition of younger, browner voters, he said.

Democrats were eager to turn a political weakness that hounded Biden  his age  into an attack on Trump.

This will probably boil down to Donald Trump, who is the oldest nominee in history, against Kamala Harris, said Rep. Maxwell Frost, a 27-year-old Democrat from Florida who has worked to reach young voters for Bidens campaign.

Frost, who endorsed Harris, pointed to the vice presidents work on gun violence protection as an issue that could engage young voters and said she will be able to win back a lot of the youth vote.

She is someone who really values young voices in general, he said.

At last weeks Republican National Convention, Trump pollster and senior advisor Tony Fabrizio said the campaign was 100% ready to take on Harris. He noted speakers at the event often referred to the Biden-Harris administration in their speeches and said the campaign had prepared anti-Harris videos to swap in just in case Biden stepped down sooner.

However, Trump seemed to have some doubts. After Biden dropped out of the race, Trump suggested he was having second thoughts about participating in another debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10.

Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

____

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Jill Colvin and Michelle Price contributed to this report.

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'It is so good to be back home': JD Vance returns to Middletown

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, returned to his hometown of Middletown this afternoon for his first rally after being named former President Donald Trump's running mate.

The visit comes one day after President Joe Biden announced he is dropping out of the presidential race and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

"It is so good to be back home for once," Vance said. "It's good to be here."

Vance started speaking around 2 p.m. and spoke for about 40 minutes.

"I will never forget where I came from. I came from Middletown, Ohio, and I'm proud of it," he said.

JD Vance rally in Middletown: Photos from Monday's event

During his hometown speech Vance praised his "Mamaw" Bonnie Vance who died in 2005.

"She was tough and she was disciplined and she's the reason I've had so many opportunities in my life," Vance said.

Vance graduated from Middletown High School in 2003. He then went to Ohio State University. He joked about the hometown audience being filled with relatives.

If you count fourth and fifth cousins, half of you are probably related to me at this point," Vance said.

When the crowd at Monday's rally started chanting OH-IO, Vance calmed them down.

"I can't give the state of Michigan any reason to vote against the Trump-Vance ticket," Vance said.

Vance talked about President Biden dropping out of the race Sunday and backing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

I thought I was gonna get to debate Kamala, now President Trump gets to, Im kinda pissed about that,

Here's the latest news on Vance and today's events:

JD Vance's mom at rally: 'I'm very proud of JD'

As hundreds of people began to funnel into a Middletown High School auditorium for Vance's rally, his mother, Beverly Aikins, sat in the front row. Wearing a green-and-white pinstripe shirt and black-rimmed glasses, she beamed when talking about her son.

"It's surreal," Aikins said of attending a political rally in Middletown, where she still lives, for her son.

Beverly Aikins, mother of Vice presidential candidate JD Vance, talks with supporters inside Middletown High School before the rally for Vance at his alma mater, Monday, July 22, 2024. The Ohio senator is the running mate of former President Donald Trump.

'It's surreal': JD Vance's mom attends his Middletown rally

State Sen. George Lang says civil war may be needed if Democrats win

Vance's hometown state senator said at his rally Monday that if Republicans don't win the 2024 election it could lead to a civil war to "save the country."

The comments came from Ohio state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester, right after he took the stage at Vance's first solo rally in Middletown and chanted, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

"If it comes down to a civil war... we are the last stand to save it," he said at a Middletown High School auditorium, less than an hour before Vance was set to take the stage. The crowd cheered in response. Vance graduated from the high school in 2003.

Lang represents Butler County which includes Middletown.

Security posts outside of Middletown High School, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Middletown. Vice presidential candidate JD Vance is holding a rally at his alma mater.

Republican state lawmakers praise Vance at rally

Lang, R-West Chester, said the GOP is focused on electing Trump and Vance in November.

Right now the Democratic Party is clearly in disarray. The Democratic Party is focused on saving their party. Our party is focused on saving America, Lang said at the rally. The contrast between him (Vance) and Trump couldnt be greater. Trump grew up in wealth, JD grew up in poverty. Trump went to the best high school money could buy. JD walked these halls where we are today. But JD had something Trump didnt  he had a Mamaw.

Ohio state Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Twp., called Vances nomination probably one of the most exciting things in Middletown history.

Hall represents part of Middletown and Butler County in the Ohio House.With JD its a new age of leadership. Hes young, like me, and I think his vision for America matches President Trumps vision, and I think thats why he picked him.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear slams JD Vance

One day after President Joe Biden announced he is stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, and proceeded to endorse Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" to discuss the path forward for him and his fellow Democrats. Beshear is mentioned as a possible running mate for Harris.

"I want the American people to know what a Kentuckian is and what they look like," he said. "Because let me just tell you that JD Vance ain't from here."

Protesters stand outside of Middletown High School to condemning Vice presidential JD Vances rally, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Middletown.

Vance's Appalachian roots have been a point of contention, as the Ohio senator offered a critical view of the region in his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy." Vance spent time with extended family in Jackson, Kentucky, over the years but spent much of his childhood in Middletown, Ohio.

"The nerve that he has to call the people of Kentucky, of Eastern Kentucky, 'lazy,' " Beshear continued. "Listen, these are the hardworking coal miners that powered the Industrial Revolution, that created the strongest middle class the world has ever seen, that powered us through two world wars. We should be thanking them. Not calling them lazy."

-- David Wysong, The Enquirer

Bernie Moreno, running for US Senate, speaks to media prior to the rally at Middletown High School for Vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Monday, July 22, 2024. Vance is the running mate of former President Donald Trump.

Senate candidate Bernie Moreno calls on Biden to resign

Ohio Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno told a group of reporters at the Vance rally that President Biden should resign.

This is about cognitive ability. He should resign. He should not be president of the United States. Its not about age. We all age differently. Its about cognitive ability.

Moreno is running against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in a race that could decide control of the Senate.

Who is JD Vance's sister? What we know about Lindsay Lewis Ratliff

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy speaks with a supporter, Monday, July 22, 2024, at Middletown High School in Middletown.

Congressman Davidson says he identifies with Vance's life story

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, said he connected with Vance's story in his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy.

When I got to know JD and I read his book it resonated with a lot of people like me. My dads dad was a coal miner and he died of black lung when he was in high school," Davidson said before Vance's rally. "They came up in the 50s much like JDs family did for jobs on the west side of Ohio. It resonates with a lot of people.

Davidson represents Ohio's 8th District which includes Middletown and Butler County.

Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at his rally inside Middletown High School, Monday, July 22, 2024. The Ohio senator is the running mate of former President Donald Trump.

Supporters are lining up for JD Vance hometown rally

Supporters started lining up early for Vance's speech at Middletown High School today. Vance graduated from Middletown in 2003 before going to Ohio State University and Yale Law School.

Dustin Lamb of Springboro has been waiting in line for nearly two hours. He said the line, so far, has moved only 35 feet, though he is unbothered.Id wait here 8 hours. Maybe 2 days if Trump were here, Lamb said.

Tim Denver, 59, from Manchester, Ohio, drive 71 miles to be first in line at 7 am.

I want to hear his story first hand, Dever said of Vance.

Dever has been to 12 Trump rallies and said he finds motivation in hearing the candidates in person. Although, he added, Its the first time Ive been first in line.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Donald Trump VP pick JD Vance hometown return today
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  After weeks of calls for him to drop out of the race, President Joe Biden announced hes ending his reelection bid.

In a letter, Biden said he believes its in the best interest of his party and the country for him to stand down and focus on fulfilling his duties as president for the rest of his term.

VA leaders and high-ranking politicians react to Bidens withdrawal from Presidential bid

Dr. Eric Claville, Norfolk State University political analyst, spoke with 10 On Your Side about the historic moment.

It shows that the party itself is moving in a different direction, Claville said. In that direction itself is to have another candidate that they believe is viable in order to run against current nominee former President Donald Trump.

In a separate post on X, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run for the presidency. If elected, Harris would be the first woman of color to be president.

It does hold tremendous weight because now you dont have to have an open convention, which you want to avoid that, because that would open up a lot of chaos and confusion in any convention, Claville said. At this point, anyone can throw their hat in the ring for nominee. However, the viability of them becoming the nominee is almost zero tonight.

Claville said the best thing for the Democratic Party to do now is to regroup and repair their divide.

Are they capable of doing it? They are capable of doing it. But will it be enough for those small margins of error within the battleground states i order to overcome the advantage that former President Trump and the Republican ticket has? I think not.

Bidens withdrawal injects uncertainty into wars, trade disputes and other foreign policy challenges

Many politicians took to social media to respond to Biden announcement.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted on X saying in part, Its the Biden-Harris administrations weak leadership and resulting chaos  that is on the ballot this November.

10 On Your Side asked Claville what he thought the Democratic Party should do to better their chances of winning the election.

The Democrats have to win Virginia in order to have an opportunity to win the election. If Virginia is lost by the Democrats, the election itself, for the most part, will be lost.

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EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  Local party leaders and political analysts are continuing to weigh in on President Bidens announcement that he is dropping out of the presidential race.

The Democratic Party of Luzerne County says they will support Vice President Harris if she earns her partys nomination.

Party leaders believe a new nominee could energize their voters.

We absolutely have I think maybe an energized base now. We could put a lot of this behind us. The last couple weeks weve spent saying well is this going to happen should this happen and now we know, said Democratic Party of Luzerne County Chairman Thomas Shubilla.

The Republican Party of Luzerne County says they believe this is not a positive for the Democratic Party.

PA politicians comment after Bidens withdrawal from presidential race

If I was a Democrat right now, I would feel very undermined. And thats the word I keep coming back to. The voice of the common voter they literally wanted they picked Joe Biden and now elitists in that group have pushed him aside, said Republican Party of Luzerne County Chairman Chris Huntzinger.

Well, the presidents gonna give a speech at the end of the week and I think he has to outline his record. Then the next thing they have to do is pick a vice presidential nominee for presidential nominee Harris. Thats what they have to do next, and then they have to go to the convention and have a united front, Political Analyst David Yonki said.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is one of the names being mentioned as a possible Democratic Vice President Candidate. Governor Shapiro has endorsed Vice President Harris.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Following President Joe Bidens announcement that he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, local politicians are sharing their opinions.

Many local and regional lawmakers said this gives the Democratic Party a chance to reset and disrupt the dynamic.

Some have already thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

For me, its a unifying moment, said Tennessee Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis.

Senator Lamar spoke with WREG hours after President Biden announced his exit from the race.

Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake

She said shes ready to support his endorsement of Vice President Harris, the candidate she originally supported four years ago.

Maternal health policies is one of the main things I champion at the state legislature, and she is the face for federal maternal health policy and advocacy, Lamar said. So, I will love to see her and her leadership in that position.

U.S. Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen said in part of his statement, President Biden has been one of our finest presidents. He also said, Tennessees Ninth District has felt the great impact of President Bidens work. Memphis will have a new bridge as was just announced last week, there have been major investments in MATA, the Memphis International Airport has undergone a generational transformation with even more upgrades on the way, and weve been able to secure funding for important community projects in TN-9  like housing, support for the homeless, healthcare, criminal justice, post-incarceration counseling, and education.

On the other side of the aisle, U.S. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said in part, Finally, Joe Biden has realized what the rest of the American people and even his own party already knewhe is not only the wrong leader for America, but is wholly incapable of doing the job of President of the United States. But he didnt go far enough. If Joe is too weak to stay in the race for the presidency, he should resign as our Commander-in-Chief immediately.

Congressman David Kustoff released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, By forcing Joe Biden off the ticket, Democrats have admitted what Americans already knew: Joe Biden is not fit to be President of the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration created the invasion at our southern border, skyrocketing inflation, and chaos on the world stage. America cannot handle four more years of this mayhem.

THP shooting suspect arrested in Kentucky

Tennessee Representative Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, said the news will ignite his party.

If the Vice President stays at the top of the ticket, that will excite the base here locally, because of course, with it being an African American woman, Rep. Parkinson said.

Vice President Harris made history as the first woman and first woman of color to be vice president.

Rep. Parkinson welcomes the idea of her making history again, but he warns the race could get vicious.

The hate groups and other organizations. The racism and all of that will really rise up because of the anger of the fact an African American woman could have the audacity to run for President of the United States, Rep. Parkinson said.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young posted on X Sunday evening. He stated in part, He has served our country with great skill and heart and this action shows that he is willing to continue to do what is in our best interest as a nation, and that is to allow a path for Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States.

Tennessee House Minority Leader Rep. Karen Camper, D-Memphis, stated in part, President Bidens leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring. We thank him for his steadfast resolve and the positive changes he has championed.

She went on to say, I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we will work to ensure a brighter future for our country.

Rep. Camper also released a joint statement with Tennessee Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Akbari. They wrote, We must unite behind Kamala Harris to defeat Trump and protect the future of our nation. Let us rally together and remember the urgency of this moment. Our collective efforts will ensure that our democracy thrives and that the values we cherish are upheld.

Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, stated on X, I whole-heartedly endorse Vice President Harris for President of the United States. He went on to write, Thank you, President Biden for your leadership and courage and commitment to this country.

The Democratic Party of Arkansas stated, Arkansas Democrats are incredibly proud of President Joe Biden today, not only for his responsive and selfless decision to step aside, but also for his steadfast leadership and historic accomplishments as our President for the past four years. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, more than $4 billion is being invested in Arkansas. Democrats will continue our commitment to working for a better Arkansas.

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus stated, In 2020, while everyone around me was choosing sides and lining up behind their preferred Democratic candidates for President, I patiently awaited the entry of Vice President Joe Biden into the race. Once Vice President Biden entered the race, I was locked in and vowed that I was Ridin with Biden come hell or high water.

He went on to say, The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Bidens legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better.

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-Kingsport) stated, Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection confirms what I and many of my colleagues have known for years: Joe Biden is unfit to lead.



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Chris Sigl views the military police equipment as necessary to keep first responders safe.

Sigl, 60, who served in the Army and Navy between 1981 and 1992 said the police need the military-grade equipment to meet the needs of the threats they face.

Now we need everything to keep our police, first responders, all of them safe, he said. We want them to come home, they have families, they have children.

Local armed forces veterans expressed their support toward the Sacramento Police Departments use of military equipment in the city after the agency released a draft of the annual military equipment use report for 202-24 this month.

Sacramento police, and other capital law enforcement agencies, have come under scrutiny for purchasing and using equipment that has been intended for combat. Critics say it is too expensive and sends the wrong message to the community.

In the military usage report, the police department shared the equipment they plan to acquire in the next year including nine additional unmanned aerial systems, which would cost $55,631. The department also hopes to obtain additional breaching munitions, armor-piercing rounds, flash bangs, chemical agents and less lethal munitions.

The new equipment, including the drones, would cost in total $95,330.90 if approved by the City Council. Its not clear when the report and requests would come up for a vote.

Richard Ragudo, who served in the AmTrac division of the Marine Corps in 1969, also supports police usage of military equipment. He was not bothered by the cost of the equipment, as he said it would be used to protect the community.

We need to work on our own, our own state, said Ragudo. With all these wars going on, we need to utilize some of that money to protect our own.

The AmTrac division drives amphibious tractors, useful for getting personnel and equipment in and out of water.

Those in the community who have served in the military view the equipment they use as an effective means of keeping the peace and protecting those who are charged with doing so.

Sigl referenced a bomb threat made Tuesday, when aman allegedly told an employee at the Arden Arcade library he placed a bomb inside a package outside the building. Bomb technicians determined the backpack outside the library did not contain an explosive, but Sacramento County sheriffs deputies said the suspect who allegedly made the threat was found to have a live device and two pounds of explosive material in his La Riviera home.

This guy supposedly planted a bomb at the library here in Sacramento, Sigl said. They went to his house and found a bunch of explosives, you got to take every safety precaution.

A community meeting with the citys police review commission to discuss the report and its policies will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Oak Park Community Center, 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Lockdown anxiety ignored, says court as it overturns life sentence for girlfriend killer

Antonio De Pace murdered Lorena Quaranta in a small villa in the province of Messina during lockdown

Italys highest court has overturned the life sentence of a man convicted of killing his girlfriend because it failed to take account of the anxiety caused by the pandemic.

Antonio De Pace strangled Lorena Quaranta, a 27-year-old medical student from the small Sicilian town of Favara, during the first wave of the pandemic in March 2020.

De Pace, a nurse, confessed to the murder, which took place during lockdown in a villa in Furci Siculo, in the province of Messina.

The court of cassation said the life sentence imposed on De Pace did not consider the impact of Covid or its effect on the state of anxiety of which he was prey.

The judges said the lower court failed to examine whether the specific nature of the situation, the Covid period and the difficulty in remedying it, constituted factors affecting the extent of criminal liability.

While the conviction remains, the court of cassation has ordered a regional appeals court in Calabria to review the life sentence.

There was an immediate outcry at the decision.

It is unjust

Vincenzo Quaranta, the victims father, said the judges were killing her again and the family would continue to fight for justice.

It is unjust, he told the Italian daily Il Messaggero.

Lockdown has nothing to do with it. The truth is De Pace had an inferiority complex in relation to my daughter. We didnt know he was a monster.

De Pace strangled his girlfriend. 'We didn't know he was a monster,' said the victim's father

Politicians and womens activists also criticised the decision. Elisabetta Lancellotta, an MP for the ruling Brothers of Italy party, said: Covid cannot, and must not, become a mitigating factor, especially for cases of femicide.

During the pandemic, we witnessed a considerable increase in domestic violence resulting in tragedy.

Violence against women cannot have mitigating circumstances, out of respect for the victims and their loved ones.

Mara Carfagna, from the centrist Azione coalition and a former minister for equal opportunities, said: If we open up to the idea that responsibility is less serious under stress, this is even more upsetting in a case of femicide.

The Italian government was one of the first countries in the world to feel the impact of the pandemic and in March 2020, Giuseppe Conte, the then prime minister, imposed a strict national lockdown restricting the movement of the population except for work or health reasons.

Dangerous precedent

The court of cassation referred the case to an appeals court in Reggio Calabria for review.

Liliana Lorretu, president of the Italian Society of Forensic Psychiatry, said women had paid a heavy price for violence during the pandemic and the courts decision set a dangerous precedent by reducing the responsibility of the perpetrator.

A sentence like this seems to affirm that violence in that period was normal and therefore not sanctionable, she said.

Lorena Quaranta, a medical student, was killed by her boyfriend

Antonella Veltri, president of the Donne in Rete network combating violence against women, said the suggestion that stress was a mitigating factor in the murder was unacceptable.

Our concern, in the best of hypotheses, is that there is a profound misunderstanding of what male violence against women is all about, Ms Veltri said.

Justice will take its course and we hope that it is done quickly.

Maria Gianquinto, a Messina activist from the CEDAV womens rights group, said the decision failed to recognise the gravity of femicide and the struggle to combat male violence against women.

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Stuart Brazier, CEO, and Paul Dawson, Chief Product Officer, at AIR Global, cutting the ribbon at the RDD lab (Photo: Business Wire)

Member of RDD team creating a new shisha flavour (Photo: Business Wire)

Member of the RDD team working at the lab (Photo: Business Wire)

Paul Dawson, Chief Product Office at AIR Global, at the RDD lab entrance (Photo: Business Wire)

AIR Globals Research, Design and Development (RDD) Lab will see the business invest heavily in the region, bringing in new tech talent to focus on creating world leading innovations that will reshape a cleaner shisha industry

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 22, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR Global)  the global leader in shisha and inhalation  has launched its new Research, Design and Development (RDD) Lab backed by a 100 million United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED) investment.

The R&D facility will be used to develop and hire expert tech talent, drive continuous innovation in the shisha industry, speed up the development of exciting new products, and accelerate Dubai and the UAEs position as a worldwide innovation leader.

The global hub will put science and technology firmly at the heart of AIRs operations and encourage an agile approach to developing new inhalation products that build on the success of OOKA, the worlds first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device.

OOKA set a new standard by providing a modern way for people to enjoy a cleaner shisha alternative, and the RDD Lab will accelerate AIRs ambition to create revolutionary inhalation experiences.

To date, OOKA has served hundreds of thousands charcoal free shisha sessions and is already responsible for approximately 30% of AIRs revenue in the UAE region. The business invested 200 million AED to develop OOKA, including the range of flavoured pods available.

The lab will boast newly designed laboratories and deliver purpose-built workshops to accelerate AIRs long-term investment to make the UAE a technology hub of the future; new products are in early phases of testing with the view to launching in 2025.

Paul Dawson, Chief Product Officer at AIR Global, said, "I have always drawn personal inspiration in my career from the power of technology  to create entirely new industries, disrupt existing sectors and develop products that no-one else has thought of.

"And its this exact mindset and ethos that we will achieve through the RDD Lab. With an aspirational team from around the world and cutting-edge technology at our fingertips, well be creating new prototypes and combining them with our existing range of products to fundamentally change how people experience shisha. Its an exciting time to be part of such a talented team that will drive forward innovation."

The RDD Lab represents AIRs dedication towards research and development, improving lives through technology and environmental sustainability.

The team of 26 people and 19 different nationalities will be responsible for running day-to-day operations at the lab, which boasts a 50/50 gender split and is driven by a dedication towards health-conscious innovation.

Story continues

Ronan Barry, Chief Legal and Corporate Officer, concluded, "The business is embarking on the next phase in its growth journey at an incredibly exciting time, where consumers are showing appetite for more eco-conscious, reduced risk shisha experiences. The RDD lab will not only create new products that puts sustainability, science and technology at the forefront but enable us to break ground into new global regions.

"The recent launch of OOKA in Germany, a significant shisha market, was a milestone moment for us as we aspire to bring new inhalation experiences to a European market. The launch of this lab gives us even more momentum to build on as we expand our product range and presence globally."

About AIR (ADVANCED INHALATION RITUALS)

Advanced Inhalation Rituals is the market leader in the $19 billion global shisha market, with an aim to provide superior physical, emotional and mental benefits through inhalation. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai, the business has a multinational presence in over 100 countries across the UAE, Europe, North America, India, and Africa.

Advanced Inhalation Rituals holds 47% of the shisha category market share in the markets it is present in and is the leading business in a market set to grow to $22 billion in 2026. Its portfolio of companies includes Al Fakher, the worlds leading shisha brand; Hookah-Shisha.com, the worlds number one e-commerce platform for hookahs and shisha; Shisha Kartel, a Dubai-based shisha manufacturer; and Shisha.com, a global online community of shisha and hookah users. Advanced Inhalation Rituals science program, conducted in partnership with independent accredited laboratories, enables the development of innovative products that combine centuries of tradition with cutting edge innovation to minimise harm and maximise enjoyment for millions around the world. The business has consistently outperformed competitors growing at 3x the market rate over the last 10 years, due to heavy investment in innovation, product, and user experience.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240719184743/en/

Contacts

Boldspace  airglobal@boldspace.com
Another bout of prolonged heat has kicked off across California and much of the West, expected to again bring several days of triple-digit temperatures to most inland areas.

July's second major heat wave isn't forecast to be as extreme as the last event, which set several all-time records for high temperatures. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service predicted that it will be a "long-duration heat wave," which creates uniquely dangerous conditions  especially when temperatures barely drop at night.

Heat is cumulative over multiple days," said David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. "It starts to impact more people the longer the duration  and this has that going for it."

The next few days of extreme heat could cap a potentially historic month when it comes to hot temperatures.

"Given what has already transpired, and the forecast for the next week or so, its quite likely that much of California and the Southwest will end up experiencing their hottest July on record," UCLA climatologist Daniel Swain wrote in a blog post this weekend.

Read more: These California counties endured the nation's longest streaks of excessive heat

Much of inland Southern California remains under an excessive heat warning through Thursday night, with highs forecast from 100 to 110 degrees and lows staying in the 70s and 80s, the warning said.

"There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors," the weather service warned.

Weather officials continue to urge residents across California's interior to take the heat seriously, especially after the last heat wave was linked to several deaths across the region.

In Death Valley, temperatures may not drop below 100 degrees over the next three days, with daytime highs reaching up to 125 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Influencing the heat this week will be some monsoonal moisture over the state's mountains and deserts. That moisture could cause some thunderstorms through Wednesday, forecasters said.

"Afternoon high temperatures will feel more oppressive than experienced a few weeks ago due to the increase in humidity," the weather service in Las Vegas warned.

This week's excessive heat warning also covers much of the San Joaquin Valley through Wednesday night, as well as the Bay Area's interior mountains; both regions are expected to see temperatures that easily surpass 100.

Read more: Temperature records shattered across the West as intense heat wave drags on

A less severe but still dangerous heat advisory is also in effect through Wednesday across the Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills, with highs expected to surpass 110 in some areas.

Most of the state's coastline will see only minor temperature increases due to a persisting marine layer, weather service officials said.

Slight cooling is expected to begin Friday, continuing through the weekend, Gomberg said.

But with the majority of the state expecting severe heat, officials are also bracing for an increased threat for wildfires.

We definitely have elevated fire concerns because the humidity is still fairly dry over a good part of our area," Gomberg said. He said the low humidity along with the hot temperatures and some expected onshore winds could quickly spread any fire that's sparked.

On Sunday, two fast-growing fires ignited in Riverside County, burning several buildings and forcing evacuations. Arson investigators were reportedly probing reports that one of the blazes, the Hawarden brush fire, was caused by children setting off fireworks.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
There's no question that Shirley Chisholm made history. The Brooklyn-born daughter of immigrants became the first African American woman elected to Congress, and then the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States (as a Democrat in 1972). While unsuccessful in her presidential bid, Chisholm's candidacy inspired millions in itself. She'd go on to serve in Congress for a total of 22 years, and be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Yesterday, President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on top of the Democratic ticket. That possibility is looking increasingly likely, though it won't be certain until the Democratic National Convention takes place later this month. In 2020, Harris became the first Black woman to run on a major political party's presidential ticket, and this year, she could become the first Black woman to be a major political party's nominee for president. There's no doubt that Chisholm's candidacy paved the way for her moment. Take a look back at the real-life Chisholm's groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign.

November 11, 1971

Representative Shirley Chisholm spoke to John Lindsay, the mayor of New York, at a Democratic fundraising dinner.

New York Daily News Archive - Getty Images

January 25, 1972

Chisholm announced her entry into the Democratic presidential primary, making her the first woman and the first African American to campaign for the presidency through a major political party. Chisholm made this landmark announcement at the Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Don Hogan Charles - Getty Images

January 25, 1972

Chisholm smiled during her presidential campaign announcement.

Universal History Archive - Getty Images

March 29, 1972

Chisholm was interviewed by Sherry Henry on Woman!, a CBS show, two months after Chisholm announced her presidential run.

CBS Photo Archive - Getty Images

April 20, 1972

In a fervently antiwar speech before the National Press Club, Chisholm criticized the Nixon Administration for the Vietnam War. She described the rationale for escalated U.S. bombing as "harebrained gibberish."

Bettmann - Getty Images

May 13, 1972

Chisholm spoke out against the Vietnam War during a rally in Detroit. Her presidential campaign slogan, "Unbossed and Unbought" was written on a sign below her podium.

Bettmann - Getty Images

May 18, 1972

On the campaign trail, Chisholm spoke to supporters at Laney Community College in Oakland, California.

MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty Images - Getty Images

June 19, 1972

A Chisholm campaign volunteer, Eve Gittelson, rode a bus decked out in Chisholm posters and stickers.

New York Daily News Archive - Getty Images

July 9, 1972

Democratic presidential candidates appeared on Meet the Press just before the Democratic National Convention. From left to right on the top row, Senator George McGovern, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine are seated. On the bottom row, Senator Henry Jackson and Chisholm shared a desk.

Bettmann - Getty Images

July 12, 1972

Chisholm for President supporters cheered for the Congresswoman at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.

Bettmann - Getty Images

July 12, 1972

Also at the Democratic National Convention, Chisholm congratulated Senator George McGovern after he won the Democratic presidential nomination. Republican Richard Nixon ended up defeating McGovern in the general election.

Bettmann - Getty Images

July 13, 1972

Chisholm spoke at the convention and, though she lost the nomination, she garnered 152 of the delegates votes (10% of the total).

Wally McNamee - Getty Images

November 5, 1972

The Congresswoman posed for photographers at 1467 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

New York Daily News Archive - Getty Images

November 7, 1972

Chisholm left a Brooklyn voting booth after voting in the 1972 Presidential Election. Her husband, Conrad, went with her to the polls.

New York Daily News Archive - Getty Images

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Imagine waking up one day to discover that every bank account has been prised open. That no digital record can be trusted. And that the ownership of assets has silently changed overnight. Even worse, chiefs of staff discover that the nuclear codes cant be kept secret, because there arent any secrets any more.

Thirty years ago, a distinguished MIT mathematician called Peter Shor evoked this doomsday scenario by developing a new algorithm based on the theory of quantum computing. It showed that, theoretically at least, a powerful quantum computer could speed up the time it takes to crack almost all of the worlds codes.

The implications are profound.

You really dont want people to change the ownership of data and digital assets, or rewrite history effectively by changing the digital signature, explains Luke Ibbetson, head of group R&D at Vodafone. What you think is your private record, all of a sudden isnt.

Our reliance on digital systems was highlighted last week when a glitch with CrowdStrike software used by companies ranging from banks to airlines brought large swathes of society to a temporary standstill. That disaster may look like a walk in the park compared to the scenario envisaged by Shors work.

CrowdStrike's outage caused thousands of flights to be cancelled - Alan Peebles

Not surprisingly, the algorithm created shockwaves in national security agencies as the implications became clear.

Shor had stamped an expiry date on todays digital world. He proved that no matter how secure the digital locks we use today are, a new kind of computer would surely unlock them.

With a sufficiently large and accurate quantum computer, a bad actor could break todays asymmetric cryptography, which underpins the entire digital economy, says IBMs vice president for quantum computing, Scott Crowder.

Quantum computing is as ambitious as any scientific endeavour in our history. It starts from the apparent random behaviour of the smallest units of matter, behaviour that Einstein once derided as God playing dice.

Engineers developing quantum machines use sci-fi words like flux capacitors and teleportation. Quantum computers look the part too: IBMs version is something youd expect to find in a steampunk Tardis, an ornate and baroque temple of copper. It uses superconducting wafers that must operate very close to absolute zero temperature, which is much colder than deep space. Other approaches use the molecular properties of atoms and employ laser tweezers to pick off individual electrons.

Harnessing the theoretical power of quantum physics can greatly speed up computer processing. But it is difficult and unreliable.

The qubits  the quantum equivalent to bits of data  at the heart of the machine arent very stable. The uptime, or coherence time, of a qubit  how long it can run useful calculations  is measured in milliseconds.

A classical computer can run a billion operations a second for a billion years before the silicon generates a statistical error. Quantum machines have error rates of one in a thousand, says Michael Cuthbert, director of the UKs National Quantum Computing Centre. This just isnt good enough. Even more awkwardly for the boffins, a qubit collapses when observed.

Yet despite the challenges, quantum computing is being taken extremely seriously.

The UKs National Quantum Computing Centre hosts seven different platforms. You can use them for free online, from IBM, Microsoft and others  but its very early days.

You may be tempted to file this endeavour alongside nuclear fusion as something that probably wont happen in our lifetimes. Nevertheless IBM envisages computers with more than 1,000 qubits this year and has already shown that existing quantum systems can perform certain calculations better than classical brute-force simulation.

By the early 2030s we will see quantum systems that are getting large enough to run the blackboard algorithms of Shor, Crowder believes, though some enthusiasts suspect it will take longer.

Either way, were a lot closer to that expiry date of the digital world than when Shor first authored his algorithm. Doomsday may only be a few years away.

Criminal actors are already storing up vast troves of encrypted material that they cant read. Theyre just biding their time, waiting for the day that they can.

Of course, quantum computers are not just dangerous, otherwise reputable people would not be working on them. The technology should open up new fields of discovery in medicine and materials science, in scenario planning, and in identifying patterns in vast amounts of data, such as financial portfolios and network traffic.

In Alex Garlands brilliant 2020 TV series Devs, a quantum machine visualises Christ on the cross and the different paths the lives of the developers might have taken. That might be a fantasy, but breaking the cryptographic locks we use today is not.

Alongside the race to build stable units of quantum computing is a race to create new cryptographic algorithms that the new computers cant easily crack. This effort has reached its first significant milestone: the American National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is about to publish the first batch of entirely new, quantum-proof cryptographic algorithms. This is called PQC, or Post-Quantum Cryptography. Its taken around eight years to develop four algorithms that NIST approves of. Next comes the job of implementing them.

Because cryptography is buried in all the protocols we use, uplifting and swapping them all out for ones that are quantum-resistant is not a simple task, says Ibbetson.

Network operators are working with IBM and NIST, amongst others, to secure the infrastructure. Our own National Cyber Security Centre advises that the PQC transition will happen largely behind the scenes. But its a reminder of how much of the digital ledger of our economy can be unravelled at a stroke.

Remember, changing the digital signature effectively rewrites history, says Ibbetson, which is a very dangerous and powerful prospect indeed. NISTs new algorithms must be bedded down in time for the quantum revolution that gets closer every day.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  The deadline for candidates to qualify for Louisianas six congressional races concluded Friday, marking the unofficial intensifying of campaign season and cementing who will be on the November ballot.

In a pivotal election year, most eyes are on the race for Louisianas 6th Congressional District. The political boundaries of the area were recently redrawn by lawmakers, under the direction of the courts and governor, to create the states second majority-Black district. Additionally, the GOP congressman representing the district, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, has opted not to seek reelection.

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Democrats are looking to capitalize on the redrawn district  especially given that voting patterns in Louisiana point toward a mostly Black district more likely to send a Democrat to Congress  seeing an attainable opportunity to flip a reliably red seat blue. Republicans, who have held the seat for most of the last five decades, are fighting to preserve the GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Five candidates have signed up to run in the wide-open race. Among the well-known candidates are Democratic state Sen. Cleo Fields, a 61-year-old who served in Congress in the 90s, and Elbert Guillory, an 80-year-old Republican who is a former state senator.

Under Louisianas open primary system, all candidates  regardless of party affiliation  run against one another on the same ballot on Nov. 5. If no candidate tops 50% in that primary, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election on Dec. 7.

President Biden drops out of presidential race, Louisiana officials react

Incumbents in the five other congressional districts  U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins and U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow  also qualified for the election. All face lesser-known challengers.

In order to qualify, congressional candidates must fill out paperwork and pay a $600 fee or collect 1,000 signatures from voters in their district.

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Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures to media during the Mercosur summit in Asuncion

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday urged Venezuela's government to respect the result of next Sunday's presidential election, saying he was "scared" by incumbent president Nicolas Maduro's threat of a bloodbath if he loses.

The vote pits Maduro against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

"I have told Maduro that the only chance for Venezuela to return to normality is to have a widely respected electoral process," Lula told international news agencies.

"I was scared by Maduro's remarks that Venezuela could face bloodshed if he loses," Lula said. "Maduro needs to learn that when you win, you stay; when you lose, you leave."

Lula said Brazil will send two members of its electoral justice service to observe the election, as well as his top foreign policy advisor, former foreign minister Celso Amorim.

"I will see if the lower house of Congress and the Senate can also send people to follow the election," he added.

(Reporting by Lisandra ParaguassuEditing by Brad Haynes and Kevin Liffey)
Alleged human rights abuses and environmental concerns are not just within the purview of fast fashion.

And while the ultra fast-fashion brands appear to be the most egregious of violators, it appears luxury firms need to take a closer look at their own back yards, too. Last month, Italian judges placed subsidiaries of Dior and Armani under court administration for one year after raids by Italian police indicated alleged exploitation of workers. Labor production is generally outsourced to third parties.

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Belen Satorre, associate director, ESG and human rights, at global corporate intelligence and cybersecurity consultancy S-RM, has monitored European fashion houses for human rights abuses and says that supplier vendor forms and codes of conduct are no longer enough. She believes that a governance policy prioritizing commitment to human rights is needed, and says there are steps fashion firms can take to implement a due diligence process across their value chains.

Sourcing Journal: Human rights abuses have long been a point of contention in the realm of ultra-fast fashion firms. But what about in the luxury fashion space? How pervasive is the problem?

Belen Satorre: We cannot assume that luxury brands are exempt of human rights abuses. Fast-fashion and luxury brands alike need to address human rights abuses looking back at their supply chain, increasing their visibility across their value chain and understanding where their limitations are to trace their materials back to source.

The problem is more pervasive that we think. Traditionally many brands associate human rights to child or forced labor. It is much more than that, it is about the existing lack of contracts and social security, safe working conditions and violation of freedom of association, just to name a few. Sometimes these issues do not make the public eye.

SJ: Fashion firms curtail risk to ensure that their suppliers follow certain human rights standards. And annual audits of factories typically are part of the accountability process. So where did these fashion firms go wrong when word surfaces that the brand is connected to allegations of human rights violations?

BS: There are many instances across fashion complex supply chains where human rights abuses could occur.

The supplier pre-selection process is key as many brands rely on vendors to confirm they have a human rights policy in place. As well as the lack of visibility and traceability to source, its possible for some brands to lack the internal resources to conduct enhanced supply chain due diligence, when priorities are placed elsewhere.

Most fashion brands, for example, source their materials directly from mills or tanneries, which makes it incredibly difficult to trace the origin of these fabrics or even understand the conditions under which they have been sourced. In addition, in some production hubs, sometimes the contractor must use model factories to pass certain audits while subcontracting the work to non-compliant factories to meet the buyers price or thigh lead times.

All firms should implement a third-party supplier verification process to understand where their risks are across their value chain. After, they can conduct enhanced due diligence for those suppliers identified as high risk through a Human Rights Impact Assessments and establish a monitoring system in place to mitigate or reduce human rights risks.

SJ: Why should brands bear the ultimate responsibility when violations might have been because a supplier failed to do due diligence on its third-party contractor? Should brands be penalized for violations as an incentive to do better?

BS: Ultimately, if a brand enters into a commercial agreement with a supplier, their own due diligence process should have flagged where the supplier has fell short, either through the lack of evidence, or responses in the first place. Unfortunately, many brands including luxury brands just send suppliers their own Code of Conduct and vendor form and thats as far as their due diligence goes. This is simply not enough to mitigate human rights or ESG risks. More important than being responsible, it is the accountability part that both parties, brands and suppliers alike, should have to offer remedy to those whose rights have been impacted.

SJ: What more can and should fashion firms do to restore brand reputation?

BS: Firms should take accountability, and take their customers through their own journey. It is about achieving higher standards, improving internal risk management systems and assuming accountability if anything occurs within their own value chain.

There isnt a cookie cutter solution as human rights issues in supply chains are complex, contextual, and ever-evolving. Companies must comply with expanding regulations that include a range of enforceable local and international laws if human rights issues are uncovered. By working closely with suppliers and implementing due diligence processes, companies will learn how they can reduce and prevent human rights risks before they become major issues, protecting the people within their supply chains, and demonstrating a commitment to ethics and compliance.

SJ: Youve monitored European fashion houses for human rights abuses. What has been the most common problems? ? What are the steps that are needed to get them to enforce a governance policy that prioritizes a commitment to human rights? How can fashion firms make sure that there is no further recurrence of human rights abuses across their operations? Would a deep dive into upstream suppliers help with the problem? What would be a good best practice playbook for fashion firms to implement as they review their own value chains?

BS: To start, there are some basic best practices that I would recommend following, such as: establishing a human rights policy, conducting a pre-supplier qualification questionnaire, implementing enhanced due diligence for those suppliers that are considered high risk, establishing a human rights risk register, and a monitoring process in place, as well as implementing an access to remedy strategy if a human rights abuse occurs under their watch.

The recent EU due diligence laws like CSRD and CS3D may make a difference as brands will need to map their value chain and assess their production conditions.

(EDITORS NOTE: CSRD refers to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive that requires companies to detail the impact of corporate activities on the environment and society; it also requires firms to provide an audit of the reported information.

While CSRD requires disclosure of corporate climate transition plans to meet the 1.5 C goal, CS3D, or CSDDD, is the Corporate Sustainabiity Due Diligence Directive that calls for the adoption of a responsible and sustainable policy to identify and assess adverse human rights risks and environmental impact in the global value chains. An alignment with the Paris Agreement would meet the corporate operations policy called for by CS3D.)
Rep. Phil Lyman, R-Blanding, is pictured on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Phil Lymans legal challenge to obtain voter information, part of his larger attempt to question the validity of Utah Gov. Spencer Coxs candidacy, hit a wall last week.

Still, the Trump-aligned candidate who lost by 37,525 votes says he will contest the states primary election results.

On Friday, 3rd District Judge Stephen Nelson rejected Lymans request to inspect an unredacted list of GOP voters who offered their signature so Cox and two other candidates could get on the primary ballot.

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Nelson, in the motion, wrote that Lymans attorneys failed to meet the very high bar required for such an immediate request.

In a two-word statement on Monday, Lyman said the ruling was completely expected.

With the denial, Lymans lawsuit faces an uphill battle. During a court hearing on Thursday his attorney Douglass Farr indicated that if there are enough irregularities with Coxs signatures, Lyman would try to get on the general election ballot. Its unclear whether the lawsuit will be resolved by Sept. 6, the deadline for candidates to get their name on the general election ballot, which Farr previously called the drop dead date for the legal challenge. There are no upcoming hearings currently set for the case.

Lyman, an outgoing GOP state representative from Blanding, also announced on Friday that he will contest the primary results, writing in a statement on X that he has requested election returns, including cast vote records, tabulator information, ballot images, tabulator tapes, and back up project databases, for all 29 Utah counties. No such information has been provided.

We believe that there are votes recorded in the various counties that would not stand up to a verification process. We cannot perform the verification process without access to these very basic records, said Lyman.

Contesting the results will require a separate legal challenge.

Lyman sued state election officials in Utahs 3rd District Court earlier this month  his attorneys later asked the court for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order that would force officials to hand over the list of signers by Monday.

Utah law allows candidates two avenues to get on the primary ballot. They can seek nomination by delegates at a partys nominating convention, or they can collect enough signatures from eligible primary voters. Lyman beat Cox at convention, with some delegates going so far as to heckle the governor. But Cox collected enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Lyman has repeatedly cast doubt on whether Cox got valid signatures, which could have disqualified his candidacy.

Although Lyman has shown no evidence backing his claim, the lawsuit points to Gathering Inc., a company used by Cox, Derek Brown, Brad Wilson and Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George, to get enough signatures to qualify for the primary election. Wilson, former Utah House Speaker, lost his Republican primary bid for U.S. Senate; Brown, the former chairman of the Utah Republican Party, won the GOP primary for attorney general; and Ipson won his race by 420 votes.

The Washington County clerk later identified issues with the signatures gathered by Ipson, and Lyman claims there could be similar problems with the signatures gathered by Cox.

I do not believe Spencer Cox got 28,000 valid signatures, Lyman told his followers last week after a State Records Committee meeting, where Lyman was denied access to Washington County records about the signatures.

In the lawsuit filed on July 3, the Lyman campaign and its attorneys requested the personal identifying information of voters who signed the packets for Cox, Wilson and Brown, which includes their name, date of their signature, address, age, voter identification number, and whether their signature was verified.

Lyman also asked the court for a chance to inspect unredacted Signature Packets so the campaign could evaluate and, if necessary, challenge the signatures gathered by these competing campaigns before Monday, the states canvassing deadline, which has now passed.

During a court hearing on Thursday, Farr argued the campaign would suffer irreparable harm if the information was not released by the following Monday.

If the wrong candidate is included in the general election because he didnt properly qualify, there would be irreparable harm, said Farr. The Republican Party chose Mr. Lyman and Ms. Clawson, but without the ability to inspect, there is no way for a candidate or the public to inspect or even challenge the candidates right to be on the ballot.

Nelson ultimately rejected Lymans request on several grounds  attorneys were too speculative when arguing that Lyman could suffer irreparable harm, he wrote, while their claim that withholding voter information would negatively impact transparency or integrity in the primary election process was insufficiently vague.

The Lyman campaign and its attorneys didnt sufficiently show why their request to obtain the voter information by the canvass deadline was necessary, nor did they suggest, through evidence or argument, that they could conduct a meaningful and timely investigation into the validity of the signature packets in that timeframe, Nelson added in the court filing.

The fact that the primary election already happened cuts against Plaintiffs arguments regarding irreparable harm, Nelson wrote.

And, the request for the signature packets that got Wilson and Brown on the primary ballot remains vague and non particular, the ruling reads.

Lymans lawsuit names Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Ryan Cowley, the elections director who works under Henderson, and Mallory Underwood, office administrator for the lieutenant governor.

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The Alpha Capital Family Office (ACFO) has named Will Coughlin as a senior investment strategist and partner and Alexandra Romeo Boyles, J.D. as senior wealth strategist and partner.

The headquarters of Alpha Capital Family Office are in Denver, Colorado, where both professionals are situated.

Following the recent hiring of industry veteran Tom Riley, Alpha Capital Family Office's rapid development continues with the appointments of Boyles and Coughlin.

Riley joined the firm in April after leaving Northern Trust, and he currently operates as head of portfolio management.

Coughlin and Boyles leave Citi Private Bank to become part of Alpha Capital Family Office.

Together, they oversaw more than $3bn in assets at Citi for ultra-high-net-worth ("UHNW") clients that included non-profits, endowments, foundations, single family offices, and entrepreneurs.

Boyles oversaw all facets of clients' financial portfolios, including banking, lending, investments, access to global capital markets, tax and estate planning, and fiduciary services, at Citi in Denver prior to joining Alpha Capital Family Office. She was a vice president and UHNW Private Banker at JP Morgan before.

Moreover, Boyles graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law. Her prior licenses for FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 are still in effect. She is presently a member of Denver CASA's Board of Directors and Finance Committee.

Denver CASA is a non-profit organisation that provides legal assistance for children involved in cases of abuse, neglect, and dependency. She is also an integral part of the advisory council at the University of Colorado Denver Business School's Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship.

In addition, Coughlin provides the team with over 10 years of investment management experience. He was Senior Vice President of Investments at Citi in Denver prior to joining Alpha Capital Family Office, where he was in charge of many of the company's institutional customer connections.

Before moving to the private wealth management division of Goldman Sachs as an adviser, he began his career as a financial analyst in the alternative investments & manager selection group.

Doug Campbell, founding partner at Alpha Capital Family Office stated: "Alex and Will join a team of specialists with over 250 years of collective experience. We believe that concentrating this depth of experience on a small group of clients delivers exceptional outcomes, which is our approach as an outsourced family office. This is what enables us to attract top talent from the industry's largest banks and leading wealth management firms. Unlike these institutions, where advisers are often forced to manage too many clients to provide the personalised attention required, our approach ensures each client receives the dedicated service they deserve."

Story continues

Jeff Shipley, co-founder partner, and consultant with Lumina Consulting added: "There has been a tremendous amount of change going on in the Private Banking world. Given what is going on I am not at all surprised to see two high caliber professionals like Will and Alex now join a team that empowers them with the freedom and flexibility to deliver more comprehensive solutions to clients."

"Alpha Capital Family Office adds $3bn wealth management duo" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CHICAGO  Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigans relationship with Michael McClain was perhaps best described by McClain himself, who wrote a personal note to the speaker when he retired from lobbying in 2016, saying hed still be at the ready for special assignments whenever Madigan beckoned.

I am at the bridge with my musket standing with and for the Madigan family, McClain wrote at the time  a message that became a focus of McClains corruption trial last year.

Now, after a yearslong federal investigation and a series of high-profile indictments, it appears that bond is being strained perhaps to its breaking point.

In a motion filed Friday evening, attorneys for McClain asked that he be severed in his upcoming racketeering trial with Madigan, revealing for the first time that Madigans legal team may be planning to throw McClain under the bus.

The 11-page motion said McClains right to a fair trial was in peril due to a theory of Madigans defense that would essentially make them second prosecutors, putting McClain in the position of having to defend himself not only from government accusations but his co-defendant too.

The motion completely redacted the discussion of what Madigans alleged legal theories are, but it said the speakers high-powered legal team would be able to present it without the the same legal restraints that prosecutors have when putting on evidence, including allegations of other crimes, wrongs, or bad acts committed by McClain.

Therefore, Mr. McClain will be in effect prosecuted by ambush by a team of prosecutors who will be able to spring otherwise undisclosed testimony, witnesses, and exhibits against him throughout the trial, the motion stated.

The motion also alleged Madigans lawyers could be in a position to surprise McClain, especially if he testifies in his own defense.

Winning severance at this point is likely a long shot given the nature of the allegations and the length and complexity of the trial, which is set to begin in October and will last at least two months. The U.S. attorneys office will almost certainly object, and U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey has already expressed a firm desire to see the trial kick off on time.

But regardless of its success, the admission that the Madigan-McClain bond could be broken by the trial is a major flashpoint for Springfield insiders to ponder.

It not only reinforces the Madigan image as a politician who always plays to win, but it is a recognition that McClain and Madigan both understand that the ex-speakers best shot at beating the charges would be to paint McClain as a rouge actor who was operating without the speakers knowledge.

Madigan, 82, and McClain, 76, are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 8 on racketeering charges alleging Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise while utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois put his cronies on contracts requiring little or no work.

ComEd allegedly also heaped legal work onto a Madigan ally, granted his request to put a political associate on the state-regulated utilitys board and distributed bundles of summer internships to college students living in his Southwest Side legislative district, according to the charges.

The indictment also alleged Madigan and McClain schemed to sell off a piece of state-owned land in Chinatown to pressure the developers of a hotel to hire Madigans private law firm to do tax appeals.

Both Madigan and McClain have denied wrongdoing.

The long-term relationship between Madigan and McClain dates back to their days as young lawmakers in the 1970s. Madigan, who first served as House minority leader in 1981 and 1982, put McClain on his Democratic leadership team.

McClain lost his House seat in the 1982 election, missing the opportunity to be part of Madigans leadership team as Democrats won the majority that year and began the speakers record reign that started in1983. McClain went on to become a lobbyist and picked up several major clients, including ComEd, and became a powerbroker in Springfield largely because of his close relationship with Madigan.

McClain often would sit on a special padded bench and give advice to other Madigan acolytes gathering just outside the speakers third-floor office in the Capitol Rotunda and just steps away from the main doors to the Illinois House chambers, where Madigan ruled as speaker for an American record 36 years.

McClain also often camped out in a small conference room in between the Capitol offices of Madigan and Tim Mapes, whom Madigan ousted in a sexual harassment scandal. Mapes went to prison this year on a 30-month sentence for lying to a federal grand jury about his knowledge of the Madigan-McClain relationship. Mapes lied despite being given immunity to tell the truth.

The Tribune first reported that McClain was under investigation in 2019 during the first legislative session under Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Later that year, the Tribune later revealed the FBI had tapped McClains telephone calls and that federal authorities were asking associates questions specifically about Madigan and McClain and the overall intersection of politics, lobbying and government in Springfield.

In November 2020, McClain was indicted in the high-profile ComEd Four bribery case alleging he and three other ComEd executives and lobbyists conspired to bribe Madigan by funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments to some of his most loyal political workers.

McClains closeness to Madigan was a key focus in the ComEd Four trial last year, where prosecutors sought to prove the nexus between the speakers office and the benefits ComEd expected to win from the legislature while Madigan was speaker.

In addition to McClains at the bridge email, jurors heard evidence that McClain often spoke to others about Madigan using a fond nickname: Himself, a reflection of their Irish roots and a term referencing the big man of a familys house, or in this case, the Illinois House.

Theyd meet for dinner in Springfield during legislative session nights, and theyd meet in Chicago when McClain would come to town, according to evidence in the ComEd Four trial, which included dozens of FBI wiretapped calls.

When the FBI raided McClains home in May 2019, they found a now-infamous Magic Lobbyist List, a set of names scribbled on a hotel notepad that showed Madigans favored lobbyistsparticularly former Springfield staffers and ex-lawmakers who gave up public positions to peddle influence for bigger paychecks.

____
On Monday, Mike Pence praised Bidens decision to end his presidential bid and called for national unity. Despite the normalcy of Pences rhetoric, MAGA posters immediately began blasting the former vice president for his supposed traitorousness.

President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own, Pence wrote on X (formerly Twitter). After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Bidens decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to Americas friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world.



The statement was a tame call for national unity (albeit with some jingoism peppered in). Pence biographer Tom LoBianco called it remarkably normal given the tone of things.



But Pence has been persona non grata in Trump world since his refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, and his post was flooded with replies deeming his banal call for civility further proof of his turncoat status.

The conservative interest group the Association of Mature American Citizens posted, Praising Biden, pathetic. Conservative commentator Joey Mannarino said, This is why we consider you a traitor, Mike. Fuck off. Various other MAGA accounts left comments like, Judas Pence has spoken, You knew what was at risk by certifying a stolen election yet you did it anyway, We are only in this mess because of you, so shut the fuck up, and so on.

The MAGA outrage over Pences quite ordinary statement reveals his own partys limited appetite for the unity he espouses.


As it became clear on Sunday that Vice President Kamala Harris is the front-runner to replace President Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, pro-Donald Trump conservatives went on TV to fiercely condemn her position on sipping devices.

I mean, heck, she wants to get rid of plastic straws, for goodness sake, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to former President Donald Trumps campaign, told NBC. Whereas Joe Biden was renting some of the territory on the more extreme left, Kamala Harris owns it.



In a lengthy monologue on Sunday, Fox News host Sean Hannity said Harris would be the single most radical major party candidate to run for election. He went on to condemn her environmental record, including her previous support for ending the oil and gas drilling practice known as fracking and, of course, reining in the use of plastic straws.

She wants to ban plastic straws, Hannity grumbled. I love my plastic straw. I hate those paper straws. Anyway.

Hannity: She wants to ban plastic straws. I love my plastic straws. I hate paper straws. pic.twitter.com/B2InDSIFTz  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

That the GOP response to Biden dropping out of the 2024 race immediately centered on culture-war grievances wasnt lost on Democratic pollster and strategist Matt McDermott.

Republicans are completely lost right now, McDermott wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Theyre seriously going for the plastic straw attack! Republicans are literally flailing for a message against Kamala Harris.

It is true that Harris voiced support for banning plastic straws. During a CNN town hall in September 2019, she said we do need to ban the plastic but acknowledged that current paper straws are flimsy and difficult to drink out of.

Innovation is a process, she added. Lets encourage innovation.

A few months before Harris comments, then-President Trump was also asked about whether plastic straws should be banned. In response to what he called an interesting question, Trump shined light on the broader issue of plastic pollution.

I do think we have bigger problems than plastic straws, he said. You have a little straw, but what about the plates, the wrappers and everything else that are much bigger and theyre made of the same material? The straws are interesting. Everybody focuses on the straws. Theres a lot of other things to focus [on], but its an interesting question.

Around the same time, Trumps campaign began selling packs of Trump-engraved plastic straws to troll environmentalists. Liberal paper straws dont work, read the campaign merchandise listing. STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today!

During his first term in office, Trump and his team often touted their efforts to curb plastic pollution in the ocean  an effort that Trump-era Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler called one of the Trump administrations top environmental priorities.

Now eyeing a second Trump term in the White House, the MAGA movement is making a monumental deal out of Harris measured comments about the need to move away from harmful plastics, which have polluted oceans around the globe.

At a Trump rally in Doral, Florida, earlier this month, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) defended plastic straws from Harris perceived attack.

Those paper straws suck, he said. We dont want paper straws in America.

Marco Rubio warns that Kamala Harris wants to ban plastic straws: We dont want paper straws in America! pic.twitter.com/6u0oOYE12G  Acyn (@Acyn) July 9, 2024

Related...
The MAGA faithful didnt take long to turn their fire on Kamala Harris after Joe Biden finally gave up on his re-election bid.

Their weapon of choice? The tired old suggestionresting on a long-ago relationship with the future mayor of San Franciscothat Harris slept her way to the top in politics.

First up was right-wing activist and columnist Matt Walsh, who reminded his 2.9 million followers on X that Harris had got her start in politics by sleeping with Willie Brown.

He went on: She became Vice President because Biden needed a non-white female on the ticket. Now she likely becomes the Democratic nominee for president because the guy at the top of the ticket has dementia.

Shes made a career out of begging for hand outs from powerful men. A thoroughly unimpressive human being.

Kamala Harris got her start in politics by sleeping with Willie Brown. She became Vice President because Biden needed a non-white female on the ticket. Now she likely becomes the Democratic nominee for president because the guy at the top of the ticket has dementia. Shes made a  Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) July 21, 2024

Hard on his heels was the right-wing lawyer and OutKick founder Clay Travis, who noted that Democrats had been going on for years about Donald Trumps alleged sex with porn star Stormy Daniels. So how is Kamala Harris starting her career in politics as the side chick of the married mayor of San Francisco not a hugely important story? he tweeted.

Democrats spent eight years telling us Trumps alleged sex with a porn star was major news. So how is Kamala Harris starting her career in politics as the side chick of the married mayor of San Francisco not a hugely important story?  Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) July 21, 2024

It is a charge that has been endlessly recycled whenever Harris is mentioned as a future presidentand which does not stand up to much scrutiny. A Reuters fact check in 2020 confirmed that the pair did date from 1994 to 1995, the year before Brown became mayor. (Harris went on to become state attorney general before being elected to the U.S. Senate.)

It was not a particularly conventional relationship: Brown is 30 years her senior and was legally a married man, although hed been separated from his wife for more than a decade by the time they got together.

Harris and Browns relationship was not secret and they made public appearances as a couple, the Reuters report noted.

The clearly sexist accusations against Harris come as Trumpworld, and Trump himself, try out new attack lines against the Democratic heir apparent after polling suggested that she could prove harder to beat than Biden, despite relatively high unfavorability ratings.

On Saturday, Trump held his first campaign rally since the assassination attempt against him in Pennsylvania and used it to test out his latest derogatory nickname. I call her Laughing Kamala. Have you watched her laugh? She is crazy. You know, you can tell a lot by a laugh. No, shes crazy. Shes nuts.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A major student-loan company is being sued over claims it mismanaged 8 million borrowers' accounts, blocking them from lower payments and debt relief

A major student-loan company is being sued over claims it mismanaged 8 million borrowers' accounts, blocking them from lower payments and debt relief

The American Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against student-loan company MOHELA.

The lawsuit accused MOHELA of mismanaging borrowers' accounts, blocking them from accurate payments and relief.

The Education Department previously found that MOHELA didn't send on-time billing statements to borrowers.

A major student-loan company just got hit with a lawsuit over claims it harmed the millions of borrowers it services.

On Monday, the American Federal of Teachers filed a lawsuit against servicer MOHELA, accusing it of illegally overcharging borrowers on their monthly payments, failing to process paperwork in a timely manner, and giving borrowers inaccurate billing information that kept them from receiving lower payments and debt cancellation.

The lawsuit claims that MOHELA's mismanagement has harmed the 8 million borrowers it services and requests that a judgment be entered requiring MOHELA to provide relief to harmed borrowers for violating consumer protection law.

"MOHELA was hired by the federal government to help borrowers pay down debt, but instead it hung them out to dry to line its own pockets," AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. "Rather than fulfill its responsibilities, MOHELA has abdicated and deflected themand it's well past time it's held to account."

AFT is one of the largest teacher unions in the US, representing 1.8 million teachers and early childhood educators  many of whom have student debt that qualifies for a major relief program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

In October 2023, after student-loan payments resumed for federal borrowers after an over three-year pause, MOHELA was the first servicer to have its pay withheld from the Education Department over its failure to send on-time billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers.

The lawsuit claimed that MOHELA did not properly explain the situation to borrowers, resulting in confusion as to how much they should owe, if at all. Additionally, the lawsuit accused MOHELA of poor customer service that has left borrowers with unresolved questions that have kept many of them from earning relief through income-driven repayment plans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

"Individually, any one of MOHELA's failings would be sufficient to cause financial, mental, and emotional distress," the lawsuit said. "Collectively, they result in a Kafkaesque experience and make it practically impossible for borrowers to correct account errors, make important decisions to protect their economic well-being, or even confirm basic information about their student loans."

A MOHELA spokesperson told BI that "providing support to student loan borrowers is the utmost priority to MOHELA, and any claims to the contrary are false. MOHELA will vigorously defend against the allegations in the complaint."

The company previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to the advocacy group Student Borrower Protection Center  one of the groups representing AFT in the lawsuit  following a report from the group on MOHELA's customer service, saying that "any claims that MOHELA does not act in the best interest of the borrowers we serve as a federal contractor is simply not true."

"Intentionally spreading false information and narratives about MOHELA's work on behalf of Federal Student Aid does nothing to improve the experience for students and borrowers navigating the federal student loan program and the repayment of their federally owned loans," a MOHELA spokesperson said in April.

Democratic lawmakers have also previously targeted MOHELA over failing to fulfill its contractual obligations. In February, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Bernie Sanders called for an investigation into the company, and Warren held a hearing in April on how MOHELA has serviced borrowers.

"Every borrower in the country has the right to servicing free from unfair and deceptive conduct," SBPC Legal Director Winston Berkman-Breen said in a statement. "Each time MOHELA sends an inaccurate bill, gives wrong advice, or catches a borrower in a customer service doom loop, it violates those rights. Today, on behalf of AFT, we're asking the court to recognize these rights. MOHELA can no longer profit at borrowers' expense."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The AFL-CIO and several of the largest labor unions in the country threw their backing behind Vice President Kamala Harris for president within a day of President Joe Biden dropping out of the race.

Their fast endorsements reflect the urgency within much of organized labor to rally around a single candidate to take on former President Donald Trump  and avoid a messy nomination process with less than four months to go until the presidential election.

The American Federation of Teachers said its executive board endorsed Harris for president on Sunday, while the Service Employees International Union announced that it was all in on Harris candidacy.

Then on Monday, the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Communications Workers of America and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees all said their boards had endorsed Harris as well.

Together, those five unions represent several million workers, and they had all backed Biden  whom many in labor consider the most pro-union president ever  before his withdrawal from he race Sunday afternoon.

Late in the day, the AFL-CIO labor federation, which includes 60 unions, announced it was endorsing Harris following a meeting of its executive board. In a statement, Liz Shuler, the federations president, called Harris a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history.

Randi Weingarten, the president of the AFT, said in an interview that the unions executive board held a discussion on Saturday about what to do if Biden pulled out. After his withdrawal on Sunday, the board met and agreed unanimously to get behind Harris. The union was holding its annual convention in Houston this week, so the convention delegates met on Monday and ratified the boards endorsement, with about 95% in favor, she said.

[We] said, Lets move quickly, Weingarten explained. If were going to do this, why wait for other people? If we believe this is right and we have to beat Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris is a fantastic candidate to do it lets go now.

She added, It felt like there was a real sense of passing the torch, and there was lots of excitement about Kamala Harris.

Harris also picked up the support of the United Farm Workers and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

Then-Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) talks to a union leader while she walks a picket line with striking UAW members on Oct. 3, 2019, at a General Motors facility just north of Reno, Nevada. via Associated Press

Meanwhile, the executive board of the United Auto Workers union was scheduling a meeting to discuss next steps, according to a UAW source. The UAW had endorsed Biden for reelection earlier this year, with its president, Shawn Fain, emphatically calling Trump a scab.

Harris had walked a UAW picket line during the auto workers strike against General Motors in 2019, which bodes well for the vice president getting the unions backing to square off with Trump.

Organized labor is an important ally of the Democratic Party, helping drive voter turnout in key battleground states like Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania. The vast majority of major labor groups have come out against Trump, given the deeply anti-union record of his first term.

The Democratic Party will hold its convention next month in Chicago, where delegates are expected to formally nominate their candidate.

This story has been updated to include the AFL-CIOs endorsement.
Nazrin Abdul

At a recent briefing on the progress of the Presidential Decree dated July 24, 2023, titled "On the Allocation of Financial Resources for the Expansion of the Radio Broadcasting Network Across the Republic of Azerbaijan," Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov highlighted the urgent need for modernization within the FM radio broadcasting sector, Azernews reports.

Mammadov explained that significant repair and restoration efforts are required for the existing radio broadcasting infrastructure, noting that outdated electric power plants at certain stations have underscored the importance of ensuring a stable energy supply. He emphasized that these challenges necessitate a comprehensive approach to enhance both the quality and reliability of the FM radio broadcasting network.

"The Decree is designed to address these issues by improving the radio broadcasting network and providing state support to private broadcasters," Mammadov stated. "One of the key objectives is to ensure that national radio stations can broadcast across the entire country effectively."

As part of this modernization effort, new technologies are being introduced. The project includes the development of a Radio Data System (RDS) that will enable automatic frequency adjustment as vehicles move from one region to another, thereby preventing frequency changes and loss of signal.

Significant progress has already been made, with most of the planned equipment installations completed. Currently, test broadcasts and technical adjustments are underway, and initial radio monitoring indicates that the broadcasts are of high quality. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, with ongoing efforts to coordinate the newly allocated frequencies both with neighboring countries and at the international level.
Making the cut: Longtime Fort Liberty barber to be inducted into National Hall of Fame

FORT LIBERTY  Nestled in the back room of the 18th Airborne Corps headquarters, Travis Bells barbershop walls are filled with photos and autographs.

Aside from a photo of the late NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., the photos arent of professional athletes, Hollywood actors and actresses or Grammy singers, but are of some of the nations top soldiers who have served at the former Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty.

There are photos of Bell with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who commanded the 18th Airborne Corps from 2006-2009; the 18th Airborne Corps first command sergeant major and World War II legend, Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Rock" Merritt, who has a road on post named after him.

Bell, an Army civilian barber for more than 55 years, will be inducted into the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame in September, the Army announced last month.

Pointing to a photo on his wall Tuesday of current 18th Airborne Corps commander Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, Bell said Donahue was the one who told him about the Hall of Fame induction.

He really shook me up, and said its in Oklahoma, the 84-year-old Bell said. I never flew on a plane, but Im looking forward to it  As a Lumbee who couldnt cut hair, I think Ive come a long way.

Travis Bell, 18th Airborne Corps barber, poses for a photo in his barbershop June 20, 2024, at Fort Liberty.

Cutting hair

Bell said he grew up on a small dirt farm, one of 11 children, about 7 miles from Lumberton and worked several jobs as he got older.

Bell followed in the footsteps of his oldest brother, who started cutting hair and would give haircuts to family, before getting clients in 1959.

Each family had to get a barber or somebody in the neighborhood (to cut hair), Bell said.

One Sunday in 1966, he said, a member of his church asked him if he wanted to cut hair at then-Fort Bragg.

I said, I aint got no license.' He said, You dont have to have one, and really he was right, because half of the barbers didnt have a license. I came up under the grandfather clause.

Bell said the church member told him the job would be with the 18th Airborne Corps.

At that point, Bell said, hed never been around soldiers of any rank and wasnt familiar with military units

He said, Well thats where the brass(Army officers) is at. I said, 'I aint going,' and I didnt come, Bell said.

Bell said that after working a job that paid $1.10 an hour, the church member told him about another opportunity on post as a barber at the E-4 club cutting hair for privates.

Bell said he felt more at ease knowing hed be able to cut the hair of soldiers new to the Army.

Still unfamiliar with ranks, Bell said he was nervous the first time he saw a lieutenant sitting in his barber chair.

Then-Maj. Jeremy Secrest has his hair cut by Travis Bell in September 2017. Bell has served as a barber on Fort Bragg for more than 50 years.

Corps barber

Bell worked at the E-4 Club, later known as the Noncommissioned Officers Club, for a little more than three months when on July 4, 1967, he was again told a barber was needed at the 18th Airborne Corps.

It was take it or go home, and I aint going back to farming. I said, OK, Id come. Nervous, Lord have mercy. Never met no general or sergeant major Well I came over here, and youre right in the middle of it, and Im praying, Bell said.

The first colonel to sit in Bell's barber's chair, Bell said, was the late Col. Arthur D. "Bull" Simons, a Special Forces legend best known for leading the Son Tay raid during an attempted rescue of American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Bell said that he originally found Simmons appearance daunting, and thought Simmons was a mean-looking man.

I was scared that if I messed this mans hair up, Im done, Bell said. Well, I made it through him, then a sergeant down the hall, he came in the barbershop and said CG wants a haircut. 'What is a CG?' ... He said, 'Its the general. He wants a haircut.'

The general was Lt. Gen. Robert H. York, senior commander of the 18th Airborne Corps and post.

Bell said York shook his hand, introduced himself and put him at ease.

Soon, York was a regular.

He came back and said, Do it like you did before, so that made me feel real good, Bell said.

Since then, Bell has cut the hair of 25 Corps and post commanders, some of whom went on to become four-star generals.

Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Gary Brode, left, barber Travis Bell and Jack Cox, share stories of their 40 years of friendship with Bell at his one-chair barber studio at Fort Bragg's 18th Airborne Corps headquarters in July 2017.

Returning client

On Tuesday, Retired Gen. Dan McNeill, a former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps and U.S. Army Forces Command, popped into the Bells shop.

There are quite a few stories up on these walls, McNeill said, pointing to photos of Earnhardt, who visited the post; Austin; Medal of Honor recipient Fred Zabitosky; North Carolina native retired Gen. Hugh Shelton, who is a former chairman of the joint chief of staffs; retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who served as chief of staff of the Corps and later commanded Joint Special Operations Command and the U.S. war in Afghanistan; and World War II paratrooper and former 82nd Airborne Division and Corps commander Lt. Gen. Richard Dick Seitz.

Half a century and 23 Fort Bragg commanders later, Travis Bell still cutting hair on Fort Bragg

Travis Bell, 18th Airborne Corps barber, cuts the hair of one of his regular customers June 20, 2024, at Fort Liberty.

57 years, with faith

Bell credits his faith in God for his shop being open on post for 57 years, which he said hasnt always been easy.

He said that about 10 years after he married his wife Eleanor in 1970, she started to have a bad case of arthritis, in 1980.

Not long after, he said, they learned she was pregnant, but Bell said the baby only lived a few hours.

As his wife continued to suffer from arthritis and underwent knee replacement surgery, Bell said, she became pregnant again.

Doctors told the couple the pregnancy could be terminated because of the medicine Bells wife was taking, he said, but they chose not to.

Bell said he prayed that the baby wouldnt be deformed or have health issues.

Their baby girl, Melody, was born healthy, he said, and now works as an emergency room nurse.

Thats called we believe in God. Ive been through some stuff trying to keep this shop open, Bell said.

He estimates that hes cut about 900,000 soldiers, civilians and veterans hair during the past five decades hes worked on post.

"All these peoples hair I cut, they had their time, and when it came time, they left, whether they retired or decided to go home," he said.

Bell candidly said that he gets a bit depressed at the thought of retiring in September.

Really, I dont know what Im going to do. This is my role. I just love it. Its the best job Ive ever had meeting all kinds of people from all over the world, he said.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fort Liberty Lumbee barber to be inducted into Hall of Fame
Man accused of chasing someone down Mt. Juliet street with gun

MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is facing multiple charges following a fight with another motorist that created a frightening scenario on a Mt. Juliet street Sunday evening, according to law enforcement.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department said officers responded to Ponty Pool Drive around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 after receiving reports about a man chasing another man with a gun. When authorities arrived at the scene, they quickly apprehended a man and recovered a handgun.

3 Nashville teens facing charges in Mt. Juliet after police find guns

According to officials, the preliminary investigation revealed the suspect and the victim initially got into a dispute while driving. Moments later, their paths crossed again when the victim was making a delivery along Ponty Pool Drive. During that encounter, the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and chased the victim down the street.

Police said the situation escalated as the suspect pointed the gun toward other bystanders on the street. However, there were no reports of injuries from the incident.

1 suspect in THP-involved shooting captured in KY; Reward for info about shooter raised to $20K

The suspect  described by law enforcement as a 41-year-old man from Mt. Juliet  was arrested for three counts of aggravated assault and one count of child endangerment. He has been booked into the Wilson County Jail, according to authorities.

No additional details have been released about Sunday evenings incident.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One suspect connected to the deadly shooting that happened right after the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade and rally faces a new charge, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office.

Prosecutors say a grand jury indicted 23-year-old Lyndell Mays for Causing Catastrophe, a Class A felony, by releasing a stampede of people where 10 or more were hurt.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, the prosecutors office is asking for anyone who was hurt to the point where they needed medical treatment to call (816) 881-3513.

Deep sea explorers who say they found Amelia Earharts plane share discovery

Mays, along with 19-year-old Dominic Miller, whos accused of shooting the bullet that killed Lisa Lopez-Galvan, and 21-year-old Terry Young, all face second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Mays is the only suspect presently charged with Causing Catastrophe.

Additionally, three juvenile suspects are facing charges in the shooting where Lopez-Galvan died and at least 25 other victims were hurt, many of whom were children. Investigators say the victims were caught in crossfire and chaos after an argument between two groups escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

BNSF train derails in Ottawa, spilling large amounts of corn

All of the suspects have pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutors office expects Mays will be arraigned on the charge Monday, and online court records show hes due back in court on Monday, August 26.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Man Allegedly Stabbed Teen Without Provocation at Miami International Airport, Tried to Throw Victim Over Railing

Alexander Love is facing a charge of attempted murder

Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department Alexander Love

A man is accused of stabbing and critically injuring a teen at Miami International Airport.

Alexander Love is charged with attempted murder, according to Miami-Dade County jail records. Police say the attack happened after 11:30 p.m. on July 21 in the arrivals area of Terminal J, according to reports from NBC 6, WSVN and Local 10.

Authorities say that Love also attempted to throw the victim over a fourth-floor railing, the outlets reported. The victim escaped after running down the stairs toward police, NBC 6 reported.

NBC 6 reported Miami-Dade police originally said the victim was a woman before clarifying that the person was a 17-year-old male. The victim is currently in critical condition, the outlet reported.

CNN reported that passengers in two concourses were evacuated as a result of the stabbing. Police said in a statement, reported by CNN, that the attack was "without provocation."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

It is not immediately clear if Love has retained an attorney or entered a plea. He is being held without bond, according to jail records.

"We want to assure the public that the situation is under control and the safety of our passengers, staff, and visitors remains our top priority, the airport said in a statement reported by CNN. Authorities responded immediately, and the situation was swiftly contained."



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Man arraigned on murder charge as DA identifies victim of deadly stabbing at Brockton park

A man is being held without bail on a charge of murder in connection with a deadly stabbing at a park in Brockton over the weekend.

Johnny Richmond, 36, of Brockton, was arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court on one count of murder in the death of Edmar Goncalves, 39, of Fall River, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.

Officers responding to a report of a stabbing at a park near the intersection of Crescent and Montello streets just before 6:15 p.m. on Saturday found Goncalves suffering from apparent stab wounds.

Goncalves was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminarily, it appears that Richmond was threatening several people at the park with a pocketknife that evening, and Goncalves approached Richmond to intervene before Richmond stabbed the victim, Cruzs office said in a statement.

Cruz said investigators identified Richmond as the suspect after interviewing witnesses at the scene.

State police troopers assigned to Cruzs Office are assisting Brockton police with an investigation.

Richmond is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Aug. 20.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Brooklyn man accused of stabbing a MTA bus driver on June 8 was arrested for attempted murder, according to the NYPD.

Malachi Houston, 27, was taken into custody on July 8.

More Local News

Police say Houston was involved in a dispute with the 60-year-old driver while aboard a B99 bus on Pitkin Avenue on June 8 at around 11:30 a.m.

During the dispute, Houston allegedly stabbed the driver in the neck with an unknown object, police said. He then got off the bus and fled westbound on Pitkin Avenue.

First responders rushed the man to Brookdale University and Medical Center for treatment.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Man dies after being found shot in Southeast DC apartment

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released the name of the person who officers found shot inside an apartment in Southeast on Sunday.

Police identified the victim as 27-year-old Stephon Clemmons, of no fixed address.

On July 21 shortly before 3 p.m., officers went to the 2600 block of Stanton Road, Southeast to investigate a shooting. There, police found Clemmons inside an apartment suffering from gunshot wounds.

Man, firefighter injured after apartment fire in Northeast DC

Police said Clemmons was rushed to the hospital where he died.

The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to learn the details of what led to the shooting.

MPD encourages anyone with information to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text the Departments tip line at 50411. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Man indicted in murder of estranged girlfriend in St. Pete

Man indicted in murder of estranged girlfriend in St. Pete

Video above: Footage taken from the murder scene in June.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A man who police said fatally shot his estranged girlfriend was indicted on first-degree murder on Monday.

St. Petersburg police announced the indictment of Jerome Isom, 36, who shot Yvonne Abernathy, 25, outside of her apartment.

St. Pete roommates shoot at each other with what they thought were unloaded guns

Just before 6 a.m. on June 18, Isom shot Abernathy at the Reserve at Lake Point, located at 5640 Lynn Lake Drive South.

Abernathy was reportedly found in a breezeway outside of the apartments.

(WFLA)

(WFLA)

Police said the couple had a history of domestic violence.

Isom is currently in a South Florida jail for unrelated charges involving Miami Beach police and the Florida Highway Patrol. He will be extradited to Pinellas County to face the murder charge.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis police are asking for the publics help to solve a shooting in south city early Sunday morning.

According to a spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting happened around 5:40 a.m. in the 3900 block of Eichelberger Street, located in the Bevo neighborhood.

Officers found the victim, a 33-year-old man, bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to his arm.

Residents fearful as houses repeatedly targeted by gunfire in south St. Louis

With EMS en route, police applied a tourniquet to slow the bleeding. Police said the victim, who was slipping in and out of consciousness, told the officers that a man in all dark clothing had shot him.

EMS brought the man to the hospital, where hes listed in critical condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the departments South Patrol Division at 314-444-0100. If you wish to remain anonymous or are interested in a cash reward, call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  An Asheville man will spend 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to statutory rape on Tuesday.

According to the Buncombe County District Attorneys Office, Christopher Murray Upshaw pleaded guilty to a charge of statutory rape of a child under age of 15.

A judge sentenced him to 240  348 months in prison.

In March 2023, the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office and DSS began investigating reports of a sexual assault involving an underage victim. Officials were able to identify and arrest Upshaw through the investigation.

According to the district attorneys office, Upshaw was previously convicted of felony child abuse in 2011.

The judge also ordered Upshaw to register as a sexual offender for 30 years, and have no contact with the victim for the remainder of his life.

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FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) - Aviation leaders will meet at a marque summit outside London on Monday as the industry struggles with supply chain disruptions, aircraft delays and floundering plans to reduce carbon emissions.

The July 22-26 Farnborough Airshow, a gathering of top executives from airlines, aircraft makers and weapons manufacturers, has often been a festival of orders for passenger jets from Boeing and Airbus.

Many delegates said the show is not expected to produce a flurry of orders as Airbus struggles to reach output goals and Boeing adopts a low-key posture amid its safety crisis, which was triggered by a door panel flying off a 737 MAX jet in January.

Some deals will get over the line, delegates said. Virgin Atlantic is close to placing a top-up order for Airbus A330neos and Flynas, a Saudi low-cost carrier, is poised to order up to 30 of the same widebody aircraft, industry sources said.

Japan Airlines is expected to firm up recent tentative orders for jets and Boeing is seeing leasing interest for its 737 MAX, while Turkish Airlines is in the midst of negotiations to buy Boeing jets, industry sources said. The companies declined to comment.

Industry bosses will also be looking for any further sign of weakness in air passenger demand following a handful of profit warnings from airlines. Ryanair, a low-cost carrier bellwether, will report quarterly results on Monday.

With dealmaking limited, the focus is likely to fall on how to remove supply chain blockages and speed up the delivery of planes to frustrated airlines.

Aviation was hit hard by the pandemic which saw air travel collapse only to bounce back sharply. That has left many firms scrambling to resolve labour and parts shortages.

The situation has been exacerbated by a spiralling crisis at Boeing, which has had to slow down production of its best-selling 737 MAX plane following the door blowout.

Stephanie Pope, Boeings head of commercial aircraft, said at a media briefing on Sunday that 737 MAX production was improving and the company was undergoing transformational change across safety and corporate culture.

Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury also told journalists on Sunday that the planemaker was making progress ramping up production of its top passenger jets.

POLITICAL TURBULENCE

Aerospace and defence companies, which rely heavily on government-funded programmes, are closely assessing a turbulent political period in Western democracies, with a new Labour government in Britain, a fragmented parliament in France, and an election in the United States in November.

Story continues

"We are indeed in a world that is changing all the time ... very volatile, very unpredictable, and quite challenging for industries," Faury told reporters on Sunday.

Faury's comments turned out to be prescient. About an hour later, U.S. President Joe Biden announced he was ending his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him.

This weeks air show will be peppered with sustainability panels and workshops as aerospace giants and airlines seek to emphasise their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, even as they plan to massively expand global air travel.

On the defence side, the focus will be on Ukraine, possible delays to America's future F-22 fighter replacement, code-named NGAD, and a defence review by Britain's new Labour government.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to attend the airshow on Monday. Defence executives will be looking for any signals about what impact Labours review could have on their programmes.

(This story has been refiled to fix the spelling of British Prime Minister's name to Keir, not Kier, in paragraph 17)

(Reporting by Joe Brock, Tim Hepher, Joanna Plucinska, David Shepardson and Allison Lampert; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Man who lured teen into prostitution  and told her to keep quiet to cops  sentenced to 20 years

A 21-year-old was sentenced Friday to 20 years to life in prison for sex trafficking a minor and ordering her to not report it to law enforcement.

Xavier Atu Collins, then 20, began communicating with a 16-year-old girl on Instagram in January 2023, according to a release by the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office. A jury convicted Collins after prosecutors said he groomed the girl into joining what Collins called his program by telling her over several weeks that she could find success by being a prostitute for him.

Judge Michael Bowman handed down the sentence in Sacramento Superior Court; Collins will also have to register as a sex offender, prosecutors said.

Collins presented himself as a supportive mentor to the victim, the District Attorneys Office said, but soon began threatening and physically assaulting the girl when she did not comply with his orders.

Detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office made contact with the girl one night when she was in an area known for high prostitution activity, and she and her parents revealed Collins trafficking actions.

Collins later found out about the girl telling law enforcement about criminal activity, prosecutors said, and he ordered her to not cooperate with an investigation or testify against him in court.

He was convicted by a jury in April for human sex trafficking of a minor by force or violence, persuading a minor to engage in commercial sex acts, pandering by encouraging and preventing a victim from making a report.

Through an investigation into Collins, sheriffs detectives discovered he had forced a 15-year-old girl into prostitution in a similar way, as well as his 18-year-old girlfriend, even when she was pregnant with his child.
(FOX40.COM)  A man was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison by the Superior Court of Sacramento County Friday after being convicted of sex trafficking a minor.

According to the Sacramento County District Attorneys office, in January 2023, the offender, then age 20, began talking to the 16-year-old victim on Instagram.

He told the victim that she was pretty and that she would be successful if she became a prostitute for him.

Two people found dead in vehicle off State Route 99 in Salida

The DAs office said he groomed the victim for several weeks and that she eventually agreed to what he called his program.

According to the DAs office, the man became increasingly controlling and violent, physically assaulting the victim several times.

The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office came into contact with the victim while patrolling an area known for prostitution.

The DAs office said the victim and her parents told the sheriffs department about what she had been doing with the offender.

Detectives determined he had also recruited another victim, 15 years old, in a similar manner and that he had been facilitating, directing, encouraging and benefiting from the prostitution of his 18-year-old girlfriend, even while she was pregnant with his child.

The DAs office said the man told the victim to not cooperate with authorities and not to testify against him in court.

In April he was convicted of human sex trafficking of a minor by force or violence, persuading a minor to engage in commercial sex acts, pandering by encouraging and preventing/dissuading a victim from making a report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA)  More than three million free meals have been provided by the Manatee County Schools Food and Nutrition Services, the school district announced Monday.

Since the program began in 2008, the school district has helped provide meals for kids ages 18 and under during the summer months, helping kids stay fed when they might otherwise rely on school breakfasts and lunches to get enough food.

This summer, the school district said 151,000 meals have been served over 66 locations  averaging 6,000 meals per day  including breakfast, lunch, and snacks five days a week.

A complete list of locations is available at summerbreakspot.org.

The school district said the Summer Food Service Program is part of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Child Nutrition Programs. Funding for this program comes from meal reimbursements received from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) said Monday that he is not running for office in the wake of speculation that he would pursue the Democratic presidential nomination after President Biden dropped his reelection bid Sunday.

Im not running for office, Manchin told CBS Mornings on Monday, adding, Im not looking.  I dont need that in my life.

Let me make it very clear to you: I am not going to be a candidate for president, he added.

Manchins remarks come less than a day after reports surfaced that he was considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Harris, who was endorsed by Biden to replace him on the ticket.

The West Virginia lawmaker called for a miniprimary and said he could not believe such a process was not going to take place.

People are looking in the middle. Where do you? Well, wed like to see that. Were not going to be able to see a vigorous, even a three-week primary process, Manchin said. No one else is willing to speak up. Theyll say, Well, were falling behind. Were just going to get in line. Im sorry, I dont agree with that.

Manchin said there are several topics worth discussing, pointing to border security.

His comments to CBS marked his most definitive answer regarding a potential presidential bid, after stopping short of confirmation on CNN just moments earlier.

When asked on CNN if he will run against Harris for the Democratic nomination, he said, I dont think that. I dont know. I just  well see.

He also called for going through some sort of process to pick the strongest candidate and ruled out serving as Harriss vice president.

A longtime Democrat known for his centrist views, Manchin switched to became an independent in May and floated a primary bid against Biden, but ultimately decided against it.

He is not seeking reelection in the Senate this November.

Biden withdrew from the 2024 election Sunday, setting an end date for a 50-year-long political career.

It followed a tumultuous month for the president, whose poor debate showing against former President Trump last month fueled concerns for some within the Democratic Party over his viability as a candidate.

The president said he will address the nation later this week to discuss his decision to ultimately drop out, which he announced in a letter posted to social media.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in the letter.

Hours before Biden released the letter, Manchin became the fifth senator to call on the incumbent to leave the presidential race.

I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think its time to pass the torch to a new generation, Manchin told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union.

Updated at 8:27 a.m. ET

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(The Hill)  Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) said Monday that he is not running for office in the wake of speculation that he would pursue the Democratic presidential nomination after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid Sunday.

Im not running for office, Manchin told CBS Mornings on Monday, adding, Im not lookingI dont need that in my life.

Let me make it very clear to you, I am not going to be a candidate for president, he added.

Manchins remarks came less than a day after reports surfaced that he was considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by Biden to replace him on the ticket.

The West Virginia lawmaker called for a mini-primary and said he could not believe such a process was not going to take place.

People are looking in the middle. Where do you? Well, wed like to see that. Were not going to be able to see a vigorous, even a three-week primary process, Manchin said. No one else is willing to speak up. Theyll say, Well, were falling behind. Were just going to get in line. Im sorry, I dont agree with that.

Manchin said there are several topics worth discussing, pointing to border security.

His comments to CBS marked his most definitive answer regarding a potential presidential bid after stopping short of confirmation on CNN just moments earlier.

Manchin says he wouldnt serve as Harris VP

When asked on CNN if he will run against Harris for the Democratic nomination, he said, I dont think that, I dont know. I just, well see.

He also called for going through some sort of process to pick the strongest candidate and ruled out serving as Harriss vice president.

A longtime Democrat known for his centrist views, Manchin became an independent in May and floated a primary bid against Biden but ultimately decided against it.

He is not seeking reelection in the Senate this November.

Biden withdrew from the 2024 election Sunday, capping off a 50-year-long political career.

It followed a tumultuous month for the president, whose poor debate showing against former President Donald Trump last month fueled concerns for some within the Democratic Party over his viability as a candidate.

The president said he will address the nation later this week to discuss his decision to ultimately drop out.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media.

Hours before Biden released the letter, Manchin became the fifth senator to call on Biden to leave the presidential race.

I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think its time to pass the torch to a new generation, Manchin told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union.

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Manchin insists hes ruled out a run for Democratic nomination: I dont need that in my life

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin swatted away rumors that he was mulling a White House bid as a Democrat after President Joe Biden made the historic decision to leave the 2024 race.

Im not running for office, Manchin told CBS Mornings on Monday, putting an end to reports that the independent senator was considering rejoining the Democrats to run for the nomination.

Im not going to be a candidate for president, he continued. I dont need that in my life.

Manchins announcement comes one day after he called for Biden to step aside from the 2024 race: I came to the decision with a heavy heart that its time to pass the torch to a new generation.

Manchin is sworn in by then-vice president Biden in November 2021 (Getty Images)

Later that day, Biden did  and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, for president.

The West Virginia senator has previously said he is planning on retiring after this term is up. Manchin had switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent in May  flirting with running a third party bid for president, but ultimately decided against it.

On Sunday, Manchin urged Biden to abandon his 2024 bid but also insisted that the incumbent president remain in office until the end of his term: I want him to be the president in the last five months of this presidency of his termto do what he can do is unite our country, to calm down the rhetoric and be able to focus attention to peace in the world.

Manchin called Biden one of the greatest leaders that weve had.

After Biden dropped out of the race, a flood of Democratic lawmakers and donors came forward to endorse Harris.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined the ranks, telling MSNBCs Morning Joe on Monday morning: I am excited to fully endorse Vice President Harris for the next president of the United States. The VP is smart and strong which will make her a good president. But shes also kind and has empathy, which can make her a great president.

The contrast between her and those running on the other side couldnt be clearer, he said. As attorney general, Harris prosecuted rapists and domestic abusers, while Donald Trumps vice presidential pick JD Vance insists that women should stay in abusive relationships and calls pregnancy arising from rape inconventient, Beshear said.

Im going to do everything I can to support her, he added.

Liberal political action committee ActBlue announced  just seven hours after Biden announced he was stepping aside  that it had raised a staggering $46.7 million, calling it the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Multiple agencies are searching for a man accused of shooting and killing a police officer over the weekend in Wayne County.

News 8 affiliate WDIV-TV reports Officer Mohamed Said with the Melvindale Police Department was shot and killed on Sunday. Investigators identified a man named Michael Lopez as a suspect.

The Detroit News says the incident happened before noon Sunday when Said was dispatched to a neighborhood on a report of a suspicious person. MPD chief Robert Kennaley told the News that Said found several people with a bunch of bags near a car wash but no vehicle.

They were just hanging around the car wash with all their bags, and he went in to investigate to get a feel of if they needed help, if they were homeless, just to understand what they were doing there, Kennaley told The News.

2 Michigan cities have some of riskiest drivers in US, study finds

Lopez reportedly took off running, so Said gave chase. Said tried to arrest the suspect while using his Taser, but at some point, shots were fired and Said was struck.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives put out an alert with photos of Lopez. He is in his 40s, has brown hair, brown eyes and is a little over 6 feet tall.

He was last seen riding a green bike and is considered armed and dangerous.

The ATF and Michigan State Police are offering a $20,000 award for information about Lopezs whereabouts; however, people should not engage with him.

Deputies, DNR officer rescue bald eagle hit by vehicle

Police are actively searching for this suspect, MPD said in a social media post. If you see this suspect or anyone closely resembling the suspect, please do not approach or confront. Immediately call 911 and inform the police.

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Jose Morales, Mayra Molina and Norely Lopez talk about the Venezuelan presidential elections in Draper on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The Venezuelan community in Utah is paying close attention as July 28 presidential elections loom in Venezuela. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

DRAPER  After living for years in Venezuela under the authoritarian leadership of Hugo Chavez and then Nicolas Maduro, after enduring rigged elections, after leaving the country to get away from political persecution, some expatriate Venezuelans in Utah feel a glimmer of hope.

"For the first time, we have the votes to win," said Hector Hernandez, one of millions of transplants from the South American nation who have fled to Utah and other places around the globe.

Norely Lopez, now living in Midvale, is the leader of the Utah branch of Comando ConVzla, a loose coalition of Venezuelans inside the country and around the world campaigning for the defeat of Maduro in elections on July 28. She, too, senses restlessness among many Venezuelans toward the president, who took over as the nation's leader in 2013 after the death of Chavez, a socialist and the former president.

"They are motivated," she said.

With presidential balloting looming, many Venezuelans in Utah are watching closely and, like Lopez and Hernandez, taking part in long-distance efforts to encourage voting for the main opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. "It's the only thing we're allowed to do," said Lopez, who hasn't met any Venezuelans in Utah who take umbrage with her and her colleagues' efforts to bolster the opposition.

Maduro, going for his third term, may have benefitted from rigged elections in 2018, as suggested by the U.S. State Department and many of his Venezuelan critics. Some observers remain leery Maduro's government could throw a monkey wrench into the election machinery to favor the incumbent. "But we have faith in the people," Lopez said, noting increasing public showings of support in Venezuela for the opposition Unitary Platform, the coalition backing Gonzalez Urrutia.

Norely Lopez talks about the Venezuelan presidential elections in Draper on Wednesday. The Venezuelan community in Utah is paying close attention as July 28 presidential elections loom in Venezuela. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Most Venezuelans abroad  many of them spurred to leave by their opposition to the Maduro government  can't vote because of strict guidelines governing the election process. Some 7.7 million have fled or otherwise left Venezuela under Maduro's leadership, according to the Associated Press, while representatives of Utah's Venezuelan community estimate there are 18,000 to 20,000 here. But of all those Venezuelans living abroad, plus more who departed before, just 107,000, says AP, are registered to vote outside the country. Thus, Lopez, Hernandez and others in Utah and other places who want change in Venezuela's leadership do what they can.

"It's something you can't stop doing," said Lopez, who ran a nonprofit organization in Venezuela that assisted victims of domestic violence and, ultimately, ran afoul of officials in the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela. "You always want the best for your country, the best for your people."

While she feels a measure of helplessness as the Venezuelan election process unfolds, other Latin American countries encourage involvement by expatriates, though registration restrictions, deadlines and other rules apply.

Chile, for instance, allowed in-person voting last December by expatriate Chileans on a proposed new constitution at scattered locations around the world, including Sandy. El Salvador adjusted the nation's electoral process to allow for online voting by Salvadorans in Utah and the rest of the world in presidential elections last February. Mexican authorities opened presidential elections last month to Mexicans in the United States and around the world.

Jose Morales talks about the Venezuelan presidential elections in Draper on Wednesday. The Venezuelan community in Utah is paying close attention as July 28 presidential elections loom in Venezuela. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Unable to vote, Lopez's efforts through Comando ConVzla, by contrast, include Zoom gatherings with Venezuelan friends and acquaintances to educate them, long-distance, about the election rules in the country. She also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the vote-counting process after polls close on July 28. She sometimes sends cash to help with things like transportation.

Hernandez, also active with the group, said he aims to motivate Venezuelans in Venezuela, help them organize, encourage them to vote, give moral support. Nearly 20 hold leadership posts in Comando ConVzla in Utah, while perhaps 200 more in the state take part in its efforts, according to Lopez. She, Hernandez and Jose Morales take part in the group's efforts and met with KSL.com to talk about the outreach.

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, left, and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado raise their arms during a meeting with youth at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 14. | Cristian Hernandez, Associated Press

Morales, now living in Salt Lake City, was a local elected official in Venezuela who suspects he would be jailed now if he were still in the country given his antipathy toward the ruling regime. Still, he maintains strong sentiments for Venezuela, which spurs his involvement in trying to buoy the vote.

"You're forced from your country due to persecution, fear for you and your family," he said. "We are here physically, but our head and our heart are in Venezuela."

Hernandez said the outflow of Venezuelans prompted by opposition to the Maduro government is breaking up families. "Private business doesn't exist in Venezuela. There's no work," he added.

As such, Mayra Molina, head of the Venezuela Alliance for Utah and an expatriate Venezuelan on board with the Comando ConVzla efforts, said it's difficult watching events in Venezuela from afar. "We're telling the people, 'Please, please go participate.' It's hard for us not to participate. We understand the importance of (the elections) for our country. We need to do what we can to help Venezuela," she said.

The opposition to the Maduro government notwithstanding, an online brief appearing this week on the Council on Foreign Relations website said "a democratic outcome is still far from guaranteed," even as it noted independent polling that favors Gonzalez Urrutia. "If Maduro wins, it's likely that millions more Venezuelans will join the nearly 8 million currently living abroad," it reads.

Even Utah Gov. Spencer Cox addressed the upcoming elections during his monthly press conference on Friday. Cox seemed to allude to the influx of fleeing Venezuelans, a point of contention in the state as Venezuelan asylum-seekers, among others, overwhelm homeless shelters in Utah. His hope, Cox said, is "that the people of Venezuela will be able to choose their leader and live there and live there peaceably."

Hernandez, for his part, remains upbeat, sure that the opposition has a chance.

The majority of people are looking for change, Morales said. Theres hope.
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed Avira Resources (AVW) has secured a 51% interest in the Puolalaki Ni-Cu-Co-Au project in Sweden, after completing the required Stage 2 earn-in norms.

Under the earn-in agreement, AVW was required to meet specific conditions to complete the Stage 2 earn-in.

The company has confirmed that these requirements have been fulfilled, demonstrating its commitment to the project and its partners.

As part of the agreement, AVW issued exclusivity shares to the value of $60,000 to the project owners upon execution.

The staged earn-in agreement outlined that AVW initially spent $250,000 to earn a 20% interest.

For Stage 2, an additional $650,000 was spent to acquire a further 31% interest.

Looking ahead, AVW is set to spend $1.5m to earn an additional 29% interest in the project during Stage 3.

Upon completion, an incorporated joint venture (JV) will be formed, with AVW holding an 80% interest and the project owners having a 20% stake.

Each party will contribute to JV expenses proportionally or face dilution.

Furthermore, AVW has the option to acquire an additional 10% JV interest from the owner with a $1.25m cash payment, subject to satisfying Stage 3 conditions.

If the owner's interest falls below 10%, they may contribute pro-rata or convert their interest into a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (NSR), effectively concluding the JV.

With Stage 2 completed, AVW is reviewing the next phase, planning to work closely with partners to benefit all stakeholders.

The company is preparing for large-scale drilling by planning geophysical exploration programmes and reprocessing existing drill-hole electromagnetics data from recent exploration efforts.

AVW executive director David DeLoub said: We are thrilled to have completed the Stage 2 earn-in requirement as per the terms.

This achievement is a testament to our team's dedication and the strong collaboration with our partners. We look forward to the next stages of the project and the opportunities they will bring.

"Avira earns 51% stake in Swedens Puolalaki project" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
(Bloomberg) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has outlawed online casinos catering to Chinese gamblers, responding to calls to shut down an industry that he said stoked crimes including money laundering.

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Effective today, all POGOs are banned, Marcos said during his annual address to lawmakers on Monday, referring to Philippine offshore gaming operators. He instructed the gaming regulator to wind down and close these facilities by the end of the year. He also directed economic managers to find new jobs for employees who will be displaced.

The ban will not significantly affect the economy, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement Tuesday. The industry that has dwindled since its peak a few years back has total economic costs worth 265.7 billion pesos ($4.5 billion) annually including risks to investments and tourism, according to government estimates.

Thats higher than its benefits pegged at 166.5 billion pesos per year including tax and gaming revenues, as well as impact on consumption and real estate.

The POGO sector flourished during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte  Marcos predecessor and a former ally who steered the nations foreign policy toward China. At that time, tens of thousands of Chinese nationals descended upon Manila, boosting property prices and consumption.

The president announced the ban as the Senate investigates a mayor accused of money laundering through entities with alleged POGO links. Authorities have frozen as many as 90 banks accounts linked to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and other individuals over suspected laundering, human trafficking and fraud - allegations that Guos camp has repeatedly denied.

The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of our laws must stop, Marcos said on POGO, drawing cheers from the crowd. These gambling operators have ventured into illicit areas including financial scams, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping and even murder.

In a speech that lasted almost an hour-and-a-half, Marcos remained assertive on the nations territorial sovereignty even as he showed openness to ease tensions with Beijing on the South China Sea.

We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and our principles. I know that our neighbors too are doing their very best to make this work, Marcos said without mentioning China. The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver, he added.

During a wide-ranging address that flagged measures to arrest rising cost of living, provide more benefits to poor Filipinos and ramp up infrastructure spending, Marcos sought to bolster the strength of his political coalition less than a year before the midterm election.

President Marcos has taken a principled stance against POGO, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the countrys sovereignty and standing up to transnational criminal elements, said Alvin Camba, a research advisor at Washington-based Associated Universities Inc.

This principled approach is likely to resonate with Filipino voters in the upcoming 2025 elections, as it represents a consistent and decisive leadership style that Filipinos can rally behind, Camba said.

As we enter the mid-term, our infrastructure development remains sustained, strategic, and on schedule, Marcos said, citing power, airport, rail and other public works.

He touted his achievements as his alliance with the Dutertes frayed. Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned from the cabinet this month, snubbed Marcos address and said she wont be tuning in at all.

In an apparent swipe at his predecessor, Marcos talked about his bloodless war on illegal drugs that had seized more than 44 billion pesos worth of illicit items and arrested tens of thousands of suspects.

The president also asked lawmakers to pass a proposed 6.35 trillion pesos budget for 2025, along with a legislation that will enhance incentives to lure investments. He also urged Congress to review the power industry law and find ways to cut energy costs. Marcos didnt mention an earlier proposal of his allies to amend the Constitution.

While the economy has demonstrated resilience and inflation has cooled to within the central banks 2%-4% target this year, elevated cost of living has dominated Filipinos worries. Marcos pledged measures to rein in prices that will enable his government to spread the benefits of faster economic growth.

The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at 45 to 65 pesos per kilo, Marcos said. We feel you. We are not taking your concerns for granted, he said.

--With assistance from Ditas Lopez.

(Adds finance chiefs comments from third paragraph.)

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Margaret Brennan: Sources say it would be political suicide for another Democrat to challenge Harris

CBS News Margaret Brennan said her sources warned her it would be political suicide for another Democrat to challenge Vice President Harris for the party nomination.

President Biden announced he would be withdrawing from the race on Sunday and quickly endorsed Harris to be his replacement. Brennan was responding to her colleague Robert Costa on CBS News, who said that his sources told him that they do not believe Democrats will challenge Harris at the Democratic National Convention next month.

Brennan said her reporting has suggested the same.

My sources agree with yours in terms of not seeing a head to head challenger. But the question then becomes who is the person who stands beside her August 19th at that Democratic convention to seek the nomination in that Vice President role. Thats where the focus is, she said on CBS.

Anyone, I was told, looking to challenge her would be committing political suicide to try to go head-to-head after Joe Biden had been so key in making it very clear, just within minutes of announcing he was not going to seek reelection, that he was endorsing her, she continued.

In the hours since Biden announced his decision to drop out of the race, Democrats have started to rally around Harris as the party nominee. ActBlue, a major Democratic online fundraising platform, said small-dollar donors raised nearly $47 million since Harris launched her campaign.

The Democrats are slated to start the convention on Aug. 19, and Harris, would need to earn the support of the nearly 3,900 delegates who have pledged their support to Biden during the primary. Some Democrats have suggested that there be an open convention to choose their nominee, but many have already thrown their support behind Harris.

Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison said that the party will go forward with selecting a nominee this week.

In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November, he said. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Greene attacked Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who was grilled by House members on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene fired off a string of tweets attacking Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle as she was grilled by House members on Monday over her agencys failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally rural Pennsylvania earlier this month.

The House Oversight Committee asked Cheatle to testify after the former president was struck in the ear by a bullet at the campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania  where one spectator was killed and two others were critically injured.

The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was killed at the scene. But lawmakers have raised questions as to why Crooks, who was considered a suspicious person at the rally, wasnt stopped before opening fire on the GOP nominee.

Ive never seen a more incompetent woman in my life. Cheatle should have resigned, Greene, who sits on the Oversight Committee, said of Cheatle in a post shared on X during the hearing. Instead shes covering it all up, refusing to answer questions and hand over information.

Ive never seen a more incompetent woman in my life.



Cheatle should have resigned.



Instead shes covering it all up, refusing to answer questions and hand over information.



She may be more than incompetent.



She may be complicit.  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) July 22, 2024

She may be more than incompetent. She may be complicit, the Republican congresswoman baselessly claimed.

There is no evidence to suggest that Cheatle had anything to do with the attack. But the 27-year veteran of the agency was contrite at the House hearing, admitting that the shooting amounted to the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades.

Cheatle testifies at House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday (EPA)

Greene wasnt the only House member to call for Cheatles resignation.

Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat on the panel, also suggested on Monday that Cheatle should step down over the incident.

Greene speaks at the first day of the Republican National Convention (AFP via Getty Images)

You cannot go leading a Secret Service agency when there is an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, Khanna said. I would say that about anyone.

For her part, Cheatle said that she takes full responsibility for any security lapse and will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again.

Despite a barrage of calls for her to step down, in her opening statements, she told the House panel: I think that I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.
Do Maryland Democratic delegates have to vote for a certain candidate? Learn that and more

Maryland has 63 delegates to the Democratic National Convention scheduled next month in Chicago. While some candidates for convention delegate ran under an "uncommitted" label, all those who were actually elected were committed to President Biden.

Delegates are selected according to district. District 6, which includes Washington County, has six delegates. None of them are from Washington County.

Sixth District delegate 'still grieving' the loss of Biden as candidate

Maryland state Sen. Karen Lewis Young (D-Frederick) is one of six Biden delegates from Maryland's 6th Congressional District heading to the national convention next month.

Lewis Young told the Frederick News-Post on Sunday that she was "still grieving" the loss of Biden as the 2024 Democratic nominee for the presidency.

"Whenever people asked me what I thought he would do, I always said I was 100% confident that Joe Biden will do what is best for this country and not just his personal ambitions," Lewis Young said.

Maryland leaders react: Maryland leaders react as President Joe Biden announces he won't seek re-election

Biden drops out of race: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race and endorses Kamala Harris: Live updates

Asked whether she would support Harris as the party's new nominee, Lewis Young told the News-Post it was too soon to commit either way.

But she said she planned to support Harris as Biden's running mate and would be "favorably inclined" to support her as the presidential nominee if directed to do so by Biden.

"I am a committed Biden delegate, and my word is my honor," Lewis Young said. "But my gut reaction is that I will do what Biden asks me to do."

Who are the DNC delegates from Lower Eastern Shore?

In District 1, which also has six delegates, Laurie Anne Brittingham is from Worcester County and Connor A. Romblad, Sheree Sample-Hughes and Jared Schablein are from Wicomico County.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Do Maryland Democratic delegates have to vote for a certain candidate?
Vice President Kamala Harris at a national security event last week in Kalamazoo, Mich. Photo by Chris duMond/Getty Images.

Maryland Democratic leaders, most of whom are political institutionalists, have rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris as the alternative to President Joe Biden now that Biden has departed the presidential race.

Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced Monday morning that he was endorsing Harris for president  just as the Maryland delegation to the Democratic National Convention, in an hourlong virtual meeting, was voting unanimously to support Harris nomination at the upcoming convention.

Moore became one of at least 16 state chief executives to endorse Harris less than a day after Biden withdrew from the campaign. There are 23 Democratic governors overall.

Moore, who is finance chair for the Democratic Governors Association, had been traveling the country as a surrogate for the president. The first Black governor in Maryland history and the only one currently in the United States, Moore has at times been discussed as a possible candidate for the White House some day.

In a statement Monday morning, Moore said he had lengthy conversations Sunday with both Biden and Harris in which he pledged to back the vice president.

Vice President Harris has the experience, record, vision and wisdom to unify the country, Moore wrote in the statement issued on social media. President Biden selected her to serve by his side because he knew she could lead the nation. She will have the unique ability to unify the Democratic Party base and mobilize a unique coalition, and we must rally around her and elect her to serve as the next president of the United States.

Related stories

Moore carried the same message into the meeting with Marylands Democratic convention delegates. Maryland Democratic Chair Ken Ulman and the dean of the states congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) also spoke on Harris behalf. About a dozen convention delegates chimed in with their support.

There was no dissent, according to people on the call. All 106 Maryland delegates, who had been selected one of three ways, had previously committed to supporting Biden at the convention.

Vice President Kamala Harris possesses experience that uniquely qualifies her to serve as President of the United States, a strong track record of delivering for the American people on the heels of the Biden Harris Administration, and the leadership to unite the party through this unprecedented time, Ulman said in a statement. The Maryland Democratic Delegation stands unanimously behind her candidacy, eager to cast our votes for her and campaign vigorously for a historic victory this November.

The rest of the convention delegates meeting was a discussion of the Democratic National Committee rules now that Biden is out of the race. The conversation was led by Greg Pecoraro, a Westminster common council member who is parliamentarian for the state Democratic Party.

At least a handful of other state delegations have also committed to supporting Harris for president, after all 50 state Democratic chairs met virtually Sunday evening to affirm their support for her presidential bid. It is appearing increasingly unlikely that another name Democrat will join the race, as the vice president continues to consolidate support.

Most of the other high-profile Democrats who were thought to be possible White House contenders if Biden exited the race have endorsed Harris, including Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttiegieg, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

It is still unclear whether the DNC plans to hold a virtual roll call for the presidential nomination ahead of its convention in Chicago, which runs from Aug. 19-22, or wait until the delegates are all assembled and can vote on the convention floor.

Ulman said in an interview that the DNC Rules Committee, on which he serves, is meeting Wednesday and is expected to decide then when the roll call of states will take place. He added that for now, the Biden campaign apparatus remains in place and is using all its resources to elect Harris.

The core of the operation is plugged in and ready to keep going  and frankly, from what Im hearing, highly re-energized, Ulman said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), the highest-ranking woman of color in the history of Maryland government, also offered an endorsement of Harris on Monday, though as a convention delegate she had affirmed her support for the vice president earlier in the day.

When Vice President Harris is sworn in as the 47th President of United States in January 2025, after almost 250 years, a woman of color will write our nations next chapter  one built on inclusivity, opportunity, and hope, showing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for every young person in our nation, she said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also endorsed Harris on Monday. U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and other members of the states congressional delegation had done so on Sunday.

Having served with her in the Senate, and worked closely together during her time as Vice President, Ive seen firsthand that she has what it takes to defeat Trump this November and to continue moving our nation forward, Van Hollen said in a statement. He and Harris entered the Senate at the same time, in January 2017.

Md. GOP on the attack

Although some national media reports have suggested that Republicans are dismayed that Biden has dropped out of the race, Maryland delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week suggested they were eager to face off against Harris as the alternative, citing her role as the coordinator of the Biden administrations border policy.

Maryland Republicans reinforced those arguments in the hours since Harris has emerged as the likely Democratic alternative to Biden.

Reminder: Kamala Harris is the failed Border Czar of this administration, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. We are witnessing an invasion at the Southern Border because of her failed leadership.

Kimberly Klacik, the Republican nominee in the 2nd congressional district, noted that Harris 2020 presidential campaign flamed out.

The woman that polled at 1% in 2020 is now at the top of the Democratic ticket, she wrote on X. What a time to be alive  and a great time to be a Republican down ballot.

 Bryan P. Sears contributed to this report. This story was updated Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m. to add Republican reaction and include more detail on the Democratic convention delegates meeting Monday.

The post Maryland Democrats falling in line behind Harris appeared first on Maryland Matters.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States Monday. He also indicated his intent to remain as governor and countered speculation about joining the ticket as vice president.

The American people deserve a champion who will continue the progress of the Biden-Harris Administration, and thats why I am proud to voice my full support and offer my full endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Nominee for President, said Moore, in a statement Monday morning, less than one day after President Joe Biden wrote a letter to the American people indicating he would not be seeking a second term in office.

More: Maryland leaders react as President Joe Biden announces he won't seek re-election

Moore followed that statement with remarks at a scheduled appearance at a jobs summit in Washington, D.C.

In this file photo, Maryland Governor Wes Moore attends the annual Maryland Municipal League (MML) Summer Conference inside the Ocean City, Maryland, Roland E. Powell Convention Center on Monday, June 24, 2024.

Im excited to be the leader that Marylands going to have going forward, said Moore, during a talk Monday afternoon at the Jobs for the Future 2024 Horizons Summit in Washington, D.C.

Moore on VP speculation: 'I want to stay as the governor of Maryland.'

Amid an uncertain moment for the country as Harris seeks the Democratic nomination and considers a vice presidential pick, Moore harked back to when he was asked to run for mayor of Baltimore about a decade ago and also when he was asked to run for his mentors congressional seat, the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, after Cummings death in 2019.

I said, Thats not what I want to do, its not the direction I want to go in, Moore told a packed hotel ballroom at the D.C. summit on July 22. When I decided to run for governor, there was no one who could have told me no because Id done the work.

I dont think these seats are things that people can be recruited or drafted for, he said, I think you need to know in your heart.

During a press conference with about a dozen local reporters in a hotel restaurant after his remarks, Moore again reiterated his intent to remain as governor of Maryland.

I want to stay as the governor of Maryland. I love the momentum that were seeing right now in the state of Maryland, he said.

Moore said he spoke with President Biden and Vice President Harris yesterday. He told reporters on Monday he has no interest in the position of vice president.

I have no interest and Ive expressed that, he said, I love my job.

My decision to stay in Maryland is because I still have work to do, Moore said.

More: Why at least five of the last six US presidents have come to one Western Maryland airport

Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore endorses Harris, states intent to remain gov.
Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) has tried to recruit more conservative women to run for political office. File photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

MILWAUKEE  The Republican presidential ticket is two men, Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

But women played prominent roles throughout the GOP convention week here  whether speaking on the convention floor or at glitzy events, at celebrations of donors and party activists, or making things happen behind the scenes.

Republican women are the first call you make if you want to get someone elected, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders (R) told a jam-packed gathering of the National Federation of Republican Women in Milwaukee.

Throughout the week, on venue stages and in private conversations, Republicans said theyd like to see more conservative women running for office. That same mantra was being repeated in the Maryland delegation, where a woman, Nicole Beus Harris, is chair of the state party.

Republican women in Maryland are painfully aware of the success of Emerge Maryland, the Democratic recruiting and training organization that, since its founding in 2013, has helped send dozens of women to political office, including state Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D), Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater (D) and state Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-Anne Arundel), who is almost certainly headed to Congress in January.

The Democrats are very, very organized, said state Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County), a leading conservative voice in the Maryland GOP. Its very frustrating in that Ive always had a passion for getting more Republican women elected.

Szeliga resigned from her post as House minority whip in 2021, in part to spend more time recruiting conservative women to run for office. But she said the lingering effects of COVID-19 and other factors have slowed those efforts.

Several Republicans had high hopes for Kelly Schulz, a former state lawmaker and Hogan administration Cabinet secretary, when she ran for governor in 2022. But she was deemed insufficiently conservative by the Trump wing of the GOP  which holds sway in Maryland, just as it does most everyplace else  and lost the Republican primary by more than 8 percentage points to then-Del. Dan Cox, who was clobbered in the general election.

In the General Assembly, women hold seven of the 39 House Republican seats, and just one of the 13 Senate seats. Women have 14 of the 34 Democratic seats in the Senate, and make up almost 60% of the 102-member Democratic caucus in the House.

Republicans have elected two female county executives in recent years  Danielle Hornberger in Cecil County in 2020 and Julie Giordano in Wicomico County in 2022. And Jessica Haire, then an Anne Arundel County councilmember, came close to being elected county executive in 2022, finishing almost 8 percentage points behind Democratic incumbent Steuart Pittman in the general election.

Haire was leading on election night by more than 13,000 votes, but after the mail-in ballot count favored Democrats dramatically, she lost by over 16,000 votes. 2022 also turned out to be a stronger year for Democrats, up and down the ballot, than many political analysts had anticipated.

Yet even with these victories and one near-win, Hornberger, Giordano and Haire have encountered pointed resistance and setbacks in their young political careers  the product of sexism, institutional tensions and ideological cleaves within the GOP.

In interviews last week, all discussed the obstacles Republican women face as theyre seeking to get ahead.

If you asked the 30-year-old Danielle or even the 35-year-old Danielle whether women are treated unfairly, Ive always been outspoken: Im going to go out and get what I deserve, said Hornberger, who is now 43. I never thought Id be swimming in that [sexist] environment.

Its become more brutal

Each womans circumstance has been different, even with some underlying similarities. And what theyve encountered will sound familiar to Democratic women. But the Democrats generally have more support systems for their women candidates than Republicans do, in Maryland and nationally.

Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger (R). Cecil County government photo.

Hornberger is now a lame duck: She lost her bid for a second term in the May 14 Republican primary, falling to Deputy Sheriff Adam Streight, 53% to 47%. Shell remain in office until early December.

Several Republican leaders, including Hornberger, believe her undoing was precipitated by an organized campaign by some Cecil County school officials and the teachers union, who had been at odds with Hornberger, to convince Democrats, independents and new voters to re-register as Republicans to oppose her in the primary.

The gambit appears to have worked. It produced about 1,500 new registered Republicans, and Hornberger lost the primary by about 900 votes. An ally of Hornbergers on the county council, Jackie Gregory, was also ousted in the GOP primary.

But Hornberger said the primary campaign was the culmination of almost four years of attacks on social media from political opponents, about everything from her policies to her political allegiances to her appearance. Before being elected, Hornberger worked for U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), the highest-ranking Trump-aligned official in the Maryland GOP, and she defeated a more centrist Republican incumbent in the 2020 primary.

Hornberger said she was stunned by how some men in the political world who had known her for years as an aide to Harris and as the wife of state Del. Kevin Hornberger (R-Cecil)  the couple have since divorced  began to look at her and treat her differently as county executive. And she said she was chagrined by how some of her most strident criticism came from women.

The ugly part is, we always talk about women supporting women, but we know that doesnt always happen, she said.

Hornberger said she isnt sure what shell do after her term ends and wants to focus on the next 3 1/2 months in office. But she didnt rule out another run for office some day.

Its become more and more difficult to get more people into politics  not just women  because its become more brutal, she said. You have to have an incredibly strong backbone and the will to take the arrows and do whatever it takes. Maybe people will start to see each other as humans again. But I fear that social media and the ability to hide behind a computer screen is going to make it more difficult.

A campaign against the good old boy network

Giordano has been in office less than two years and already shes facing political peril. She and the county council, despite its 5-2 Republican majority, have been feuding ever since she took office.

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano (R). File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

The council, in retaliation, has put an initiative on the Election Day ballot, asking Wicomico residents whether they want to keep the countys charter form of government, which has been in place since 2006 following a 2004 ballot initiative, or revert to a county commission form of government, without an executive.

Giordano and her allies are cranking up to oppose the ballot measure.

Were definitely going to fight it, she said. I have donors lined up and ready to go. Its not so much a fight but an education for what the people are voting for.

Giordanos predecessors as county executive have also had power struggles with the council through the years.

I think theyve always had an issue with this form of government, she said of the council. And theyve been chipping away at the inherent powers of the county executive ever since. From my perspective, theyre always looking across the hall at my office instead of looking forward.

But Giordano is the first woman to serve as county executive, the first political neophyte elected to the position, and the first person from the conservative wing of the GOP to hold the job, and those factors have also come into play in her standoffs with the council. She defeated the interim incumbent, John Psota, who was appointed to the position by the council after serving as the countys chief administrative officer for years, by 4 percentage points in the primary.

Giordano said that in the fall campaign she plans to highlight her record and the contacts she has made in Annapolis that are benefiting the county. She also plans to argue that the charter form of government is still relatively new to Wicomico, but has brought great progress, and that returning to a commission system would be a step backward.

This is just another opportunity for me to connect with people in the county, she said, and to campaign against the good old boy network.

I definitely got it from both sides

In Anne Arundel County in 2022, Haire faced a bruising Republican primary against former state lawmaker Herb McMillan, who attacked Haire on county COVID-19 mandates, property taxes and more. That required Haire to protect her right flank and burn resources before she could pivot to the center in the general election and focus on Pittman.

I definitely got it from both sides, she said. In the primary, my opponent called me a moderate, and in the general Pittman called me extreme.

Former Anne Arundel County Councilmember Jessica Haire (R). Anne Arundel County government photo.

Despite the disappointment of 2022, Haire is contemplating a second run for county executive in 2026, when Pittman is termed out of office. Haire has raised some money, and said she will be polling and talking to community leaders in the months ahead to gauge whether the county agrees with my approach.

Haire, who plans to decide about another campaign sometime next year, said her principal arguments against Pittman are even more salient today.

I said this on the campaign in 2022  I dont think most people felt better about the economy and crime than they did in 2018, and weve got the same leadership. Theres so much in Anne Arundel that needs strong and commonsense leaders.

Haire said that while encountering sexism in politics is inevitable, Republican women are succeeding in overcoming the obstacles.

We have strong women in the county, she said. We have strong women in Maryland. We have strong women in the country. We can always do a better job of helping them and promoting them.

The post Maryland Republican women seek more opportunities appeared first on Maryland Matters.
Thousands of people took to the streets to protest against mass tourism on the island of Mallorca on Sunday as pushback against holidaymakers in Spain continued.

The demonstration calling for limits on tourist numbers saw protestors carrying signs that read, Tourists we love you when you dont buy our land, and Your paradise is our nightmare, while marching through the city of Palma de Mallorca, located on the south coast of the island.

A young person holds a placard which reads as "Stop cruises" during the demonstration on Sunday, July 21. - Jaime Reina/AFP/Getty Images

Around 50,000 people took part in the protest on Sunday, which began at around 7 p.m. local time time (1 p.m. ET) according to organizers Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), although police put the figure at around 12,000, RTVE reported.

The organizers claim the islands tourism model impoverishes workers and enriches only a few.

They demanded an alternative tourism model, alongside access to decent housing, the improvement of public services, and the conservation and regeneration of natural areas.

Tourism pushback

Tourists sunbathe in El Arenal beach in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. - Juan Medina/Reuters

The demonstration included around 110 groups and social movements, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE.

It came amid growing tensions over the impact of tourism on local areas in Spain.

The Balearic Islands, made up of Mallorca, the largest of the islands, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, attracted 14.4 million foreign visitors last year, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute.

Earlier this month, protesters demonstrating against mass tourism in Barcelona sprayed visitors with water and marched through the city, chanting: Tourists go home.

The Balearic Islands issued new rules banning drinking in the streets in key tourist areas on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, with an exception for terraces and other licensed areas, back in May.

In April, a hunger strike was called by locals in the Spanish Canary Islands, protesting against excessive tourism, which protesters said is pricing out locals and leading to environmental damage.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Stocks That Will Skyrocket. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) stands against the other stocks.

The primary lure of investing, as you're likely to know, is to make money. Every day thousands of investors pour into the market to pick out what they believe will be winners to make them rich. And, the market delivers as well. This has been quite clear in 2024, with the hype surrounding artificial intelligence having delivered previously unthinkable returns. Wall Street's favorite AI stock, the chipmaker that's responsible for providing the industry with GPUs to run AI workloads, has gained a whopping 636% since ChatGPT was released in November 2022. This stock ranks 4th in our list of Analyst Says These 10 AI Stocks Have More Upside Potential, so if you haven't guessed by now, then do take a look.

Looking at these spectacular returns, one would be hard pressed to conclude that if you want to make money on the stock market, then growth is the way to go. But as is the case with most things in life, details are lurking under the hood that go against this simple supposition. On this front, professors from the University of Illinois looked at the returns of large cap and small cap value and growth stocks starting from 1969 and ending in 2001. Taking a geometric mean of these returns, they revealed that large cap growth ('glamour') stocks delivered mean returns of 4.5%, 7.9%, and 3.8% between 1969-2001, 1979-2001, and 1990-2001, respectively. On the other hand, large cap value stocks delivered returns of 16.4%, 20.4%, and 18% over the three respective time periods. What's more, is that the returns offered by the value stocks during 1969 and 2001 also surpassed the returns of the S&P 500 index which sat at 11.4%!

But what about small caps? After all, small caps are all the hype on Wall Street these days as investors position themselves for an interest rate cut. July 11th saw the S&P's flagship index bleed 91 basis points, with the technology heavy NASDAQ shedding 1.98%. The NASDAQ's drop was led by its 100 most valuable non financial companies which shed 2.15% during the same day. On the other hand, the rising fortunes of small cap stocks accelerated on the 11th. The leading small cap stock index gained 2% during the day and nearly matched this during the first half an hour of trading on the 12th by gaining 1.6% as it opened significantly higher after the after and pre market trading sessions.

Story continues

Looking at these gains, you might be wondering which small cap stocks might be worth their while. Well, we looked at analyst sentiment as part of our coverage of 8 Best Small-Cap Stocks Ready to Explode According to Analysts and hedge fund sentiment as part of 15 Small-Cap Stocks with High Potential so you should check them out if you're interested in small cap stocks.

Coming back to the professors' research, during 1969-2001, 1979-2001, and 1990-2001, small cap growth stocks, were down by 2.8%, 1.8%, and 6.2%, respectively. On the other hand, small cap value stocks delivered geometric mean returns of 18.3%, 22.8%, and 17.7%, respectively. Seems like over the long term, investing in value stocks appears to be just as, if not more, worthwhile while large cap growth stocks appear to fare better than their small cap. peers.

While you might be thinking that these stats do not apply to the current market, it's also true that they are relevant to an extent especially since 1990 to 2001 was characterized by soaring valuations fuelled by internet stocks. Right now, AI is all that anyone can talk about, even as investors are moving out of big ticket technology names into the under appreciated small caps. Back then, the shares of a California based internet connectivity equipment provider soared by a whopping 53,207% between January 1991 and April 2000. So, this would have seen $1,000 invested during the start soar to $533,000 at the peak, which, fair to say, is life changing money for most of us. Yet, those same shares are down by 36% since then and had tumbled by as much as 79% by February 2009. If you're interested in knowing what this stock is, it ranked 8th on our list of the 10 Best Communication and Media Stocks To Buy According to Hedge Funds.

At the same time, not all growth stocks end up lower. Some of the biggest examples that weathered the storm after the dotcom bubble popped are the largest companies today. They belong to the eCommerce, consumer and enterprise software, and the broader technology industries. Today's mega cap stocks have gained anywhere between 6,455% to 203,377% and 437,010% since they were listed for trading. Safe to say, these 'fads' of the time weren't fads and the market knew what it was doing.

Their returns are also what drive growth investors in droves to the stock market. While eCommerce and consumer technology were trends of the past, there are dozens of trends that newsletter publishers have embraced with open arms these days as they promise the next stock capable of delivering 10x or even 100x in returns. Since you're likely to be aware of AI at this point, we'll skip it out and list some other ideas. One of the biggest, and perhaps underreported ideas that newsletters have been pitching is quantum computing. Quantum computing expands the amount of data that a traditional computer can compute, and while its stocks haven't delivered strong returns yet, publishers believe that the future is bright. You can look at some quantum computing stocks and a broader industry overview by reading 12 Best Quantum Computing Stocks To Invest In.

One trend that has delivered returns is weight loss. Since March 2023, these stocks have delivered as much as 173% in returns, and with newer products such as pills under development, some folks believe that there's more room left for growth. Another highly pitched trend is energy, specifically nuclear energy, uranium miners, and energy infrastructure stocks. All these will benefit from the growth in electricity consumption from AI data centers, according to newsletter publishers.

Our Methodology

To make our list of the stocks that might skyrocket, we scanned investment newsletters from Stock Gumshoe and narrowed down 20 stocks from newsletters dated back as far as June 13th. These were ranked by the number of hedge funds that had bought the shares in Q1 2024 and the top ten stocks were chosen. Stock Gumshoe's thesis and the date of each newsletter are also mentioned.

We also mentioned the number of hedge funds that had bought these stocks during the same filing period. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A team of insurance professionals in a boardroom overlooking a city skyline.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors in Q1 2024: 119

Date of Newsletter: July 2nd

Coming back to Whitney Tilson, this stock is so good he'd be willing to bet not only his future but also his children's future on it by putting 50% of their inheritance in it. This stock can "generate more returns than annuities, life insurance, gold, or a house," so looks like it's relevant to just cut to the chase and see what the hype is all about.

The hype, it appears, is about Warren Buffett's investment holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B). It has a fortress of a balance sheet with $38 billion in cash and it is also the most recognizable investment brand name in America. Tilson's buy point for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) is $407, and Gumshoe also speculates that Tilson is also being a bit disingenuous in promoting the stock since it's traded above the intrinsic value for quite some time. While Buffett will be a centurion in a couple of years, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) has some of the best investment professionals on its team. It might not be the stock for the growth junkies though, as Warren Buffett's secret investment sauce is built on gradual value accretion through compounding.

Overall BRK-B ranks 3rd on our list of the stocks that will skyrocket. You can visit 10 Stocks That Will Skyrocket to see the other stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of BRK-B as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BRK-B but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The estranged wife of Zach Oyler testified in divorce proceedings that the Peoria city councilman had physically and emotionally abused her during their marriage.

Heather Oyler said under oath in Peoria County Court that Zach Oyler had been abusive, echoing accusations she made on her blog earlier this year. She also reiterated a claim that Oyler hid her in their home so she could not be found by investigators while he was being prosecuted in a domestic violence case.

However, Zach Oyler was not asked about the alleged abuse when he took the witness stand under a barrage of questioning from Heather Oyler's attorney, Norman McGill.

In the 2019 domestic violence case, Zach Oyler agreed to a rarely used Alford Plea. He was ordered to pay fines and be under court supervision. In an Alford Plea, the defendant maintains their innocence but also recognizes there is enough evidence that could convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty.

"Divorce is a painful experience for all involved and even more challenging to live it out in public," Zach Oyler said in a statement to the Journal Star about the divorce proceedings. "There are most certainly two sides to every story and unfortunately there was not time for my side to be heard on Tuesday. Heather's testimony was filled with inaccuracies as even others involved will attest. There is no doubt this marriage and lengthy multi-year divorce process has created significant financial burden which I alone have been diligently working to resolve.

"It is not my character to publicly speak negatively of someone else and I will continue to let my successful business and sterling public reputation speak for themselves as was discussed in court," Oyler added. "I hope for the sake of both of us this can come to a fair conclusion in the near future and continue to wish her nothing but the best."

Zach Oyler's attorney, Joseph Borsberry, is scheduled to make his case and cross-examine witnesses at the next hearing scheduled for October.

More: Peoria councilman's wife claims he hid her from investigators after domestic dispute

Deep financial troubles in Oyler marriage

At the hearing July 16, the questioning was centered around who is responsible for the "financial disaster" of the Oyler marriage, as McGill described it.

Testimony and evidence delivered in court painted a picture of a marriage that involved deep financial troubles. The couple admittedly spent beyond their means for years, running up tremendous amounts of debt on credit cards, unpaid taxes and personal loans.

McGill asked Zach Oyler questions about how the city councilman and his wife had managed to rack up nearly $300,000 combined in debts and unpaid taxes. The total did not include mortgages.

Zach Oyler testified that spending got "out of control" during their marriage.

He personally owes roughly $145,000 in unpaid taxes to the IRS and about $12,000 to the state in back taxes. The unpaid taxes are on top of more than $42,000 in credit card debts and tens of thousands in personal loans from friends and family, according to a financial affidavit presented by McGill in court.

More: Estranged wife of Peoria councilman says he coaxed her to lie about domestic violence case

Wife's emotional trauma

Both Heather and Zach Oyler drive luxury vehicles, a Cadillac and a Mercedes. Zach Oyler said in court that his wife has not changed her spending habits or lifestyle despite the couple's financial trouble.

Heather Oyler said in court that she does not have a permanent address or any source of income, and is spending most of her time working in "advocacy."

When asked why she has not held a job in the past four years, Heather Oyler testified that she is unable to work because of the emotional trauma of the marriage and the death of her mother in a carbon monoxide leak a few years ago.

Heather Oyler had not yet filed a financial affidavit with the court as of the hearing. However, she said she didn't have any credit card debt of her own, adding she spent the past few years paying off nearly $15,000 in personal credit card debt.

Zach Oyler, who works as a realtor, was elected to an at-large seat on the Peoria City Council in 2017. He sits on multiple boards and commissions including the Downtown Advisory Committee and the Land Bank Board, among others.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria councilman disputes wife's allegations at divorce hearing
CONWAY, Ark.  A shooting death on an interstate on-ramp in 2023 has led to a Marion man receiving a life sentence without parole in a Faulkner County court.

A Monday release from the Twentieth Judicial District said that 20-year-old Dylan Collins of Marion was sentenced to life without parole on July 17 for a charge of capital murder. A jury found Collins guilty after less than an hour of deliberation in the death of Arva Wilkerson of Russell Springs, Kentucky, on Jan. 14, 2023.

Mayflower police make arrest in deadly January I-40 shooting

According to court records, a Mayflower Police Department investigation determined that the then-18-year-old Collins shot Wilkerson in a road rage incident. Wilkerson had called 911 minutes before the shooting, complaining about a reckless driver, later determined to be Collins.

Collins told investigators he took the off-ramp in Mayflower, and Wilkerson followed him and continued to follow him onto the on-ramp. He stopped on the on-ramp to confront Wilkerson, he said.

At the on-ramp, police records show Collins got out of his car and walked towards Wilkersons pickup truck, then fired 13 shots from a handgun, striking Wilkerson three times. He then got back in his car and drove off.

Shooting investigation closes I-40 westbound ramp in Mayflower

Wilkerson died from his injuries the next day.

Twentieth District Prosecutor Carol Crews was grateful to the law enforcement support in resolving the investigation, calling Collins actions senseless.

This was a senseless case where the shooter showed no remorse for what he did, Crews said. Thankfully, Mayflower Police Department Lieutenant Taylor Decker did not rest until this case was solved, and the jury saw to it that Dylan Collins is behind bars where he cant hurt anyone else.

New details show victim and suspect in Mayflower I-40 homicide did not know each other

Crews also expressed appreciation to members of the community who gave first aid to Wilkerson immediately after the shooting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Mayor Deegan unveils 12-point plan to come into compliance with state ban on public sleeping/camping

Mayor Donna Deegan unveiled her plan to tackle homelessness in Duval County and come into compliance with Floridas new ban on public sleeping and camping Monday.

The plan will need to be rolled out by January 1 at the latest, to avoid possible lawsuits.

The mayors proposal centers around increased bed capacity to ensure every homeless individual has a place to sleep at night.

The most recent count estimated there are at least 567 unsheltered homeless individuals in Northeast Florida.

Deegans 12-point plan comes with a price tag of $13.6 million.

While the city plans to spend $10 million on the project this year, city leaders are also hoping the private sector will pitch in to help meet the overall price tag.

READ: City of Jacksonville to unveil plan to address homelessness to comply with new Florida law

We absolutely must address the unfunded mandate that has been handed down to us from Tallahassee, Deegan said.

Nearly $1.8 million would be spent to add 136 beds to existing shelters.

$4.5 million would be used to secure up to 200 hotel rooms for overflow capacity and $3.2 million would go towards the creation of a shelter village made up of modular housing units, possibly similar to these rolled out in Reno, Nevada in recent years.

READ: NE Florida unsheltered homeless population spikes as state and local leaders search for solutions

Those units would be capable of serving 100 individuals.

Roughly $650,000 will go towards implementing a new system where social workers and the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office could see current shelter capacity in real-time, to help direct individuals to the proper housing option.

Deegan argued by expanding outreach and moving to a 24/7 intake system, homeless individuals could be screened at any time and placed in the appropriate shelter to fit their needs.

READ: Jacksonville City Council moves ahead massive project to address homelessness, affordable housing

Does that person need attention for a mental illness? Does that person need attention for economic help? Whatever it is, I dont know, there may be a million reasons, but at the end of the day that is what the intake process is for, Deegan said.

If a homeless individual refuses to take advantage of the options provided by the city, they could face arrest, a $100 fine, and up to 60 days in jail according to the mayors office.

A homeless veteran by the name of Gordon Theroux, who attended the press conference, cried out in frustration after hearing about the potential for jail time.

READ: SCOTUS ruling clears path for Floridas ban on public sleeping and camping

You cant treat people like that! Theroux said.

Deegan explained the citys hands are tied by state law, which exposes local governments to lawsuits from residents and businesses if they to enforce the ban.

What I cannot do is allow this city to be sued financially or not complying with a law that they imposed in Tallahassee and provided no funding for, Deegan said.

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Deegan went on to explain enforcement is that last resort and would only be utilized in a situation where an individual refused all city shelter options and services.

We want to find permanent housing and help for people so that they can receive the services they need, Deegan said.

JSO Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey echoed the mayors words, emphasizing that JSO has no desire to arrest its way out of this problem.

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Our goal is not to arrest these individuals at all. Its quite the opposite. We dont want to arrest them. We dont want to fill up the jail. We want to be able to find the beds, Coarsey said.

The mayor said its her goal to get the new programs approved by the council and ready for launch by October 1.

As for Theroux, the mayors office told Action News Jax hes been linked up with the citys Military Affairs and Veterans Department and he was able to meet with a Veteran Service Officer and Legal Aid.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Getting stationed at McConnell Air Force Base comes with a culinary benefit  eating at an award-winning dining hall.

The Chisholm Trail Inn Dining Facility at the base won the 68th annual Air Force John L. Hennessy Trophy Award on May 17 in Chicago, beating 70 other facilities globally.

The Chisholm Trail Inn Dining Facility team poses for a photo while holding the 68th annual Air Force John L. Hennessy Award. The team took home the award after beating 70 facilities across the Air Force. (Courtesy Airman Paula Arce, 22nd Air Refueling Wing)

The award recognizes excellence in food service throughout the entire Air Force. Competitors are scored in several areas, including food quality, food service management, force readiness support, resource conservation, safety, and training.

Busy Wichita interchange to see another ramp closure

We fuel the airmen that fuel the planes, Tech. Sgt. Rontera Powell, food service section chief, said in a news release. Im constantly mentoring my airmen that, yes, our job is not always glamorous, and it is very taxing, but our job is one of the most important parts to the mission in projecting air power.

More than 60 people work at the Chisholm Trail Inn, which feeds more than 193,000 customers annually. Anyone with base access may eat there.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
The owner of a haunted attraction charged Friday with domestic assault now faces additional charges of attempted second-degree murder and rape.

McKamey was arrested Friday on a domestic assault charge, according to records.

According to a Lawrence County arrest affidavit, McKamey was taken into custody around 4 a.m. Friday at his Stephenson Road home in Summertown.

Police said McKamey strangled a woman identified as his girlfriend and raped her during a domestic altercation.

The Tennessean does not name victims of sexual assault.

The haunted attraction owner is scheduled for an initial court appearance Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. His bond was set at $60,000.

McKamey owns McKamey Manor, a haunted attraction he operates from his Summertown home.

The Hulu original documentary "Monster Inside: America's Most Extreme Haunted House," looked at three people who signed up for McKamey's brand of horror and believed he took things too far.

Screen grab from the McKamey Manor website.

The documentary led to an investigation by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who sent a letter to McKamey sharing concerns about his "business practices" in operating the "extreme haunted attraction."

In a letter sent on Halloween, Assistant Tennessee Attorney General Kristine Knowles expressed concern over the haunted attraction's business practices.

Knowles wrote that McKamey Manor either does not offer or honor participants' wishes to stop during the haunted tour, referencing the Hulu documentary. In the documentary, McKamey says, "We're known for no quitting and no safe wording."

The state's letter also details a second concern, noting that tour participants do not have access to a waiver that describes the risks involved before they sign up.

"Former participants describe the adrenaline and pressure they felt when reviewing the waiver at the start of the tour," the letter reads.

"One interviewee on the Hulu documentary said they had 'too much excitement going through my veins at the time,' and if the waiver would have said that, 'a man is going to come out of the woods and murder you during this event, I would've signed it.'"

The state is also questioning whether a $20,000 prize, offered to those who complete the tour, actually exists. It may be impossible to win, the letter says.

McKamey has been asked in the past if anyone has ever won the challenge.

"Of course not, and they never will, because it's so mentally and physically challenging, but it will be the most exciting thing you've ever done," reads his response, as noted in the letter.

McKamey filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Attorney General's Office seeking a court order to ensure he would not have to testify in a state investigation he believed to be politically motivated.

"These accusations against Mr. McKamey should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the State's highly publicized campaign against him," McKamey's attorney Davis Griffin said in a statement. "By arresting Mr. McKamey, the State has now confirmed the predictions of Mr. McKamey's lawsuit filed against Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti a mere four months ago. We will be vigorously defending these fabricated charges. The truth will come out."

In April, McKamey filed an $8.4 million lawsuit against Hulu and multiple defendants that included a production company and a participant in a documentary, which premiered last October.

The haunted attraction relocated from California to Sumertown in 2017 after it was shut down there due to public outcry, Knowles pointed out in the letter.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: McKamey Manor owner faces rape, attempted murder charges
Clouds are on the horizon in this view from the brick and marble terrace on the south side of the Rhode Island State House in Providence. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

A month ago, Gov. Dan McKee heaped praise upon the states $13.96 billion fiscal 2025 budget as he signed the spending plan into law during a ceremonial State House event.

His administration is now adopting a decidedly different tone, warning of a substantial deficit in the years to come and demanding state agencies slow their roll on spending.

While revenues continue to grow modestly, we cannot expect year-end surpluses of hundreds of millions of dollars as in recent years, Brian Daniels, director of the state Office of Management and Budget, wrote in a July 18 memo to state agency directors and financial officers. To avoid the need for broad-based tax increases or major programmatic cuts in FY 2026, we must take steps now to control agency spending.

Daniels referenced a separate analysis by House budget-crunchers which projects a $262.4 million structural deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The ominous forecast grows even more dire in future years, with the deficit swelling to $292.9 million by fiscal 2029, according to the House fiscal report.

And that doesnt account for the labor unions representing state employees, who are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, according to Daniels memo. Information about where the negotiation stands and when a final agreement will be reached was not immediately available.

Daniels memo seeks to reign in state spending by forcing state agencies to seek extra review and signoff on new hires and purchases over $5,000. The memo also states the budget office will reject any procurements that do not address immediate health and safety needs; do not support federal- or state-mandated programs; and/or are not critical to agency operations.

The dire warning stands in stark contrast to McKees enthusiastic tone when signing the spending plan a month before, praising its smart investments in Rhode Islands future.

So what changed?

The Governors Office chose to take a proactive approach to a projected deficit in FY26, employing strategies as early as possible in the new budget year to curb unnecessary spending, Laura Hart, a spokesperson for McKees office said in an emailed statement on Monday. The deficit is not a reflection of a projected reduction in revenue. Rather, we expect revenue to continue to grow steadily. Both OMB and the Governor feel that the state needs to adjust its mindset in a post-ARPA world, where large budget surpluses will no longer be the norm and cannot be used to cover budget deficits.

McKees initial $13.7 billion spending proposal unveiled in January included a projected $244.3 million deficit in fiscal 2026, shrinking to $218.4 million by fiscal 2029. Updated revenue estimates adopted at the states biannual estimating conference in May, combined with a slight spending increase in lawmakers updated fiscal 2025 budget, increased the future shortfall by about $18 million.

Hardly a surprise to Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. The fiscal policy group issued a report in May warning that McKees proposed $13.7 billion budget would contribute to and worsen the states structural deficit in the years ahead. The report specifically pointed to the use of $196 million in one-time surplus revenue to patch budget holes, a Band-Aid that will no longer be available as revenue growth slows.

The reckoning is going to happen eventually, it just wasnt this year, DiBiase said in an interview on Monday.

While DiBiase said McKee and lawmakers could have done a better job of distributing excess cash in a way that didnt worsen the deficit, he praised the state for moving to rein in spending early in the fiscal year.

I think its necessary and appropriate given the deficit they are looking at, he said. I give the administration credit for trying to get ahead of it.

Its not an uncommon strategy. Similar spending guardrails were a fixture of the state administration in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, said Gary Sasse, who served as the state administration director and director of revenue under Gov. Don Carcieri in 2008. He headed RIPEC prior to being appointed by Carcieri.

I think its necessary and appropriate given the deficit they are looking at. I give the administration credit for trying to get ahead of it.

 Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council

This is like back to the future, Sasse said. We would issue those kinds of memos all the time.

Carcieris administration corresponded with a record outyear deficit over $535 million, equal to 14.8% of projected revenues in Carcieris final budget, according to the House fiscal report. By comparison, the latest deficit projections represent about 4.5% of the states fiscal 2025 budget.

But issuing a memo and enforcing it are two different things. Sasse recalled the difficulty he faced in keeping departmental payrolls under control even under state-issued hiring restrictions.

The memo doesnt outright ban state spending or hiring, but rather requires extra layers of review.

This might not be a bad thing in Sasses eyes, particularly after a pair of investigations by the Providence Journal and The Boston Globe revealed questionable contracting practices by the Rhode Island Department of Housing under former Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor.

That is enough of a red flag that it might suggest we better take a closer look at how the purchasing office is overseeing agency procurement, Sasse said.

Hart did not respond to questions about whether specific events or agency practices precipitated the budget memo.

On the flip side, extra layers of bureaucracy could hold up important milestones in state services and projects. One forthcoming contract where time is of the essence: the rebuild of the I-195 westbound Washington Bridge, which remains in exploration stages after an initial request for proposals yielded no bidders.

Hart said the bridge contract would not be affected by the new spending restrictions.

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A $100 million project thats moving North Carolinas court documents online is saving time and providing transparency, the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts says.

But in Mecklenburg County its taking far longer for some public records to actually reach the public.

As of Wednesday, 79 search warrants filed by law enforcement had been returned to the Mecklenburg Superior Court clerk in July. Just 31 were actually available on the eCourts online portal.

And those few records are an improvement. Before The Charlotte Observer reached out to the AOC about the issue on June 21, even fewer were online. On June 25, the AOC advised the Clerks office on how to update security settings and reassign search warrants to be publicly viewable online.

Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Gary did not respond to requests for an interview.

A spokesperson for Chinn-Gary didnt directly answer questions about why some search warrants returned by police werent public, but suggested staffing was a problem. The Mecklenburg clerks office, which manages the highest volume of criminal, civil and estate filings in North Carolina, must thoroughly review and redact each record it receives, wrote Brittany Foster, Chinn-Garys spokesperson, in an email to the Observer.

Clerks look for personally identifiable information that may need to be redacted in order to maintain privacy for victims named in public records such as arrest warrants and affidavits, she said.

Public records  and search warrants specifically  reveal some of the process police and government agencies go through when investigating a crime. When officers decide they want to search a home, computer or phone, they must first prove they have probable cause to a judge. That proof of probable cause becomes a search warrant application, which the public is entitled to know about in most cases.

Paper copies without redactions, Foster said, can still be requested in person.

What can clerks redact?

Before eCourts, returned search warrants were kept in clerks and magistrates offices.

Full names, phone numbers and even home addresses were often listed.

State and federal law include some rules on what can and cant be posted to the internet.

Clerks shall at least redact social security and drivers license numbers from documents before they are disclosed to the public, an AOC policy for eCourts redactions says. And they have discretion to remove more.

Mecklenburg Countys clerks are going beyond the minimum, the Observer found when reviewing search warrants. Names, phone numbers and email addresses not associated with defendants are getting blacked out.

Scanned cases for Superior Court sit on a shelf in the criminal division on Sept. 21 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

For search warrants  some of the rare public records that show how police do their work  those kinds of redactions are unusual.

Its unclear why Chinn-Gary has been so heavy-handed with redactions. Foster said Chinn-Gary has  the discretion to redact information from documents, including victim and witness names.

Despite a lawsuit that she was previously a defendant in, allegations that eCourts has led to wrongful jail time and other issues, Chinn-Gary, who was re-elected to a four-year term in 2022, has not responded to at least four direct interview requests from the Observer since eCourts launched in Mecklenburg County.

As clerk, shes the person responsible for the countys court records.

AOC General Counsel Andrew Brown reminded Chinn-Gary and several other leaders in the local criminal justice system what is and isnt confidential in a letter earlier this year.

Names, birth dates and information protected by federal HIPAA laws in other places are not confidential in North Carolina court records, he said in the Feb. 16 letter, which the Observer recently obtained through a public records request.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, the countys Criminal Justice Services  an office that handles more administrative work and data  and others had worried that too much information was being posted in the new online portal.

A primary goal of the eCourts project is increasing the transparency and accessibility of public court information and public court records, consistent with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and  the North Carolina Constitution, Brown wrote.

Nothing had changed but where the records went, he said.

The law governing access to court records has not materially changed, but the advent of eCourts involves a significant expansion of the accessibility of public court records and information, he wrote.

Chinn-Gary says funding would fix delays

Some clerks dont know that their search warrants arent showing up publicly on eCourts portal.

After a call from the News & Observer in Raleigh, Orange Countys Superior Court clerk fixed the problem and began posting search warrants. The clerk in Alamance County Superior Court said they are working on it but their office doesnt have the staffing to get the documents redacted and uploaded quickly.

The Mecklenburg Clerks Office needs 36 more full-time positions to keep up with the filings and reduce the delays, backlog and gaps in customer service, Foster wrote in an email. Chinn-Gary requested state funding for the jobs during a March 1 meeting of the North Carolina Courts Commission. She also asked for it through city funding in February.

Mecklenburg County had the lowest staff numbers in the state for the amount of work they have to do, an AOC study from last summer found.

The state budget determines how many state-funded positions Superior Court clerks receive, said Graham Wilson, a spokesperson for the AOC.

The AOC sought 219 additional positions for clerks offices in the state budget in 2024, he said.

Raleigh News & Observer reporter Virginia Bridges contributed.

In our Reality Check stories, Charlotte Observer journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? RealityCheck@charlotteobserver.com.
Kamala Harris, in her first appearance since Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed her, praised him as a commander in chief whose accomplishments are unmatched in modern history.

Harris said that Biden in one term has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office.

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Speaking on the South Lawn against a backdrop of college-aged NCAA athletes, and before a crowd where few attendees were above the age of 30, Harris recalled that she first got to know Biden through his son Beau, when he was attorney general of Delaware and she was attorney general of California.

Beau would often tell me stories about his dad. He would talk about the kind of man and the kind of father that Joe Biden is. The qualities that Beau revered in his father are the same qualities that I have seen every day in our president  his honesty, his integrity, his commitment to his faith and his family, his big heart and his deep love of our country.

Harris remarks were at a ceremonial event to honor NCAA champions, but the contingent of reporters on hand to cover her brief remarks was far greater than is normal, more typical of the media throng that would show up to cover a major presidential announcement. Overheard: One reporter asking a colleague, Do you know anything about college sports? Because I know literally nothing.

Most major news networks carried the remarks, while ABC and CBS had special reports and NBCs Today featured it. Fox News stayed with the Capitol Hill hearing featuring Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, but featured Harris speaking in a corner box on the screen.

Biden has been in Rehoboth Beach, DE in isolation as he recovers from Covid.

Harris is scheduled to travel to Wilmington, DE later today to visit the campaign staff of the newly branded Harris for President operation. Its the first full day of our campaign, so Im heading up to Wilmington, DE later to say hello to our staff in HQ. One day down. 105 to go. Together, were going to win this, Harris wrote on X/Twitter.

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Lew Welge is a candidate for Alachua County School Board District 4 and will face incumbent Leanetta McNealy in the Aug. 20 primary election.

Lew Welge is a School Board of Alachua County candidate.

More: 2024 Voter Guide: School Board of Alachua County. See how the candidates stack up

Q&A

Q: What, in your opinion, is (are) the most prominent challenge(s) facing Alachua County schools? How do you think you can help change this?

A: Your first question... brings up the generally unexamined definitional difference in meaning between the words prominent/noteworthy and important/significant. The Israeli dissident author Amos Oz says The purpose of the Thinker is to make distinctions. A too infrequently mentioned distinction in our Western Culture is well-expressed in the epigrammatic phrase Whats popular is not always right, and whats right (correct/appropriate/efficacious) is not always popular. Prominent challenges are often superficial symptoms of deep-seated paradoxical intrapersonal psychological AND interpersonal socio-familial conflicts.

Limited to 250 words as I am, Ill just say Teachers, and Parents who are our first teachers, are behooved to view any & all challenges/problems as opportunities; because its not so important What happens to us, as it is most critically important How we deal or handle Lifes vicissitudes, the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as the Earl of Oxford wrote five & a quarter centuries ago.

Q: How is your experience as a guidance counselor relevant to becoming a school board member?

A: My #NEARLY score years experience as a Florida Public School Guidance Counselor is highly relevant to the fundamental relationship People skills required for the leadership role of a School Board member.

As my UF Counselor Education Professor Doctors of Philosophy Larry Loesche & Bob Myrick taught, we Counselors are Change Agents whose purpose is to help people feel better about themselves, and to get along better with others. Those two broad Mission Statements encouraged we their students to fully embrace the concept of Lifelong Learning, a concept I will model unto my final breath.

Q: What's your plan to incentivize children to read?

A: My plan to incentivize children to read aligns with and runs parallel to our insuring all schools have comprehensive developmental counseling and guidance plans in effect. A critically necessary component of such a plan is initial accurate assessment of preschoolers predispositions and strengths. A Brief Individual Counseling Interview and Interest Inventory will provide we parents and teachers with baseline data in four categories associated with Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological, Psychological, Sociological/Belongingness and Potentiality/Self-Actualization. This data in hand, children's families and teachers will be able to chart students growth & development with emphasize on Improvement, especially in the area of Self-Control. The charting, or graphic representation, of their strengths will foster students willingness to work to progress and improve their Reading & Writing Skills.

Q: Is there anything the incumbent school board member did that you would have done differently?

A: Im unfamiliar with what the incumbent Ms. [Leanetta McNealy] successful initiatives were and are during her past two terms, eight years in office, but I fully intend to ask her to find out.

Know where to vote

Voters can find their precinct ahead of the August election by visiting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Q&A with School Board of Alachua County candidate Lew Welge
Leanetta McNealy is the incumbent candidate for Alachua County School Board District 4 and will face Lew Welge in the Aug. 20 primary election.

Leanetta Mcnealy is running for the School Board of Alachua County District 4 seat.

More: 2024 Voter Guide: School Board of Alachua County. See how the candidates stack up

Q&A

Q: What, in your opinion, is (are) the most prominent challenge(s) facing Alachua County schools? How do you think you can help change this?

A: We have some prominent challenges facing Alachua County Schools. I would like to address recruiting and retaining certified educators, as well as closing the achievement gap between white and Black student performance. Compensation increases will no doubt be beneficial in recruitment and retention of educators. I support these employees having a major increase in their salaries. The issue is finding a continuous funding source either locally or from the state legislature. I will continue to lobby our state officials. Closing the achievement gap certainly continues to be challenging. I believe there is a need to set higher standards, align curriculum to these standards, and engage and involve parents in schools. Definitely offer more instructional time.

Q: What is your plan for improving literacy throughout ACPS?

A: My plan for improving literacy throughout Alachua County Public Schools have several components. First, provide professional learning for new teachers including the basic foundational skills. Additional support for school leaders in working with state standards, core values, and especially working on school culture. Educators will be expected to use The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) three times a year to help with instructional monitoring as well as remediation of skills. Listening to students read and give feedback will help with fluency and decoding. Encourage independent reading. For younger students, engage with word walls, fun games, and incorporate hands on learning. Finally, Alachua County Public Schools have adopted a new intelligent reading assistant named Amira Learning. This system gives students an opportunity to read out loud. This technology listens, gives immediate feedback and support. These are my recommendations for improving literacy.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment from your time on the board so far?

A: Im very proud as an accomplishment of the way that I govern. My top priority has been student achievement across the district. Also, setting goals for the district and reflecting on progress Ive made as a school board member is another accomplishment. My unwavering support of student outcomes is a number one goal of mine. Building positive relationships in the district as well as connecting with the community. I strive to be available at all times to our citizens and families. Ive certainly enjoyed the challenges of governing as a board member. Such as, setting policies that gives the district direction to set priorities and achieve its goals. Hiring and evaluating the superintendent. I have been successful in setting vision and goals for the district. I do not have a single-issue focus but rather that the success of all students in the district is paramount. Finally, I believe that my greatest accomplishment is my leadership and collaborative skills that I continue to deliver.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had done differently during your time on the board?

A: One thing for sure rezoning is needed in our district. If given the opportunity in the future, I would vote to proceed and not pause the process.

Know where to vote

Voters can find their precinct ahead of the August election by visiting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Q&A with School Board of Alachua County candidate Leanetta McNealy
President Joe Biden boards Air Force One in Las Vegas on July 17. Biden announced that he is dropping out of the White House race on Sunday. - Photo by Kent Nishimura / AFP

Now that Joe Biden has dropped out of the White House race, here is some cheerful news for the president who has been increasingly beleaguered over the past few weeks.

Hell probably get paid more by taxpayers after he leaves office than hes making right now.

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Thats the calculation by analysts at the National Taxpayers Union, a fiscally conservative Washington nonprofit that keeps a close eye on taxpayers dollars. They estimate Biden may be on track for a public pension of as much as $413,000 a year  slightly more than the $400,000 he currently pulls down as president.

Thats pretty good, given that Forbes reckons he has a net worth of around $10 million.

That pension would be on top of any other money Biden would make in retirement.

There had been growing pressure on Biden to drop out of the race following his dismal debate performance in late June. At 81, he is already the oldest person ever to hold the job  a job that is considered incredibly demanding even for people half his age.

Some are wondering if he should simply resign early, giving Kamala Harris, his vice president and likely successor, a boost in Novembers election. Historian Allan Lichtman, who has written about what he calls the keys to the White House, thinks this is the Democrats best Plan B. While Joe Biden represents the best chance to win, Lichtman writes on X, if Democrats push him out, he must institute Plan B, by resigning the presidency, letting Kamala Harris become president and the consensus nominee, conditions under which, historically the White House party wins.

Bidens pension windfall would be a result of whats sometimes called double dipping: He will be in line for one big pension from his decades in the Senate, and another one from his time as president.

It is worth pointing out that this retirement payday for a former chief executive of the federal government pales in comparison with those dished out to former chief executives of major (and even not-so-major) corporations. On Wall Street, CEOs would consider $413,000 a year to be mere pin money.

Story continues

Biden first joined the Senate in 1973, which means he had the option to be grandfathered into a very generous federal pension plan, the Civil Service Retirement System, before it was closed to newcomers in 1984.

It is possible, though unlikely, that Biden swapped that for a new, less generous pension plan in 1984. The White House press office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Members elected before 1984 are eligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) which offers a generous 2.5 percent accrual rate, writes Damian Brady of the National Taxpayers Union. The starting pension amount is determined by multiplying the number of years in office by the average of the three highest years of salary, multiplied by 2.5 percent.

Bidens eight years as Barack Obamas vice president also count toward his Senate pension, because one of the vice presidents jobs  arguably their only real job  is to serve as president of the Senate. As a result, Biden can claim an astonishing 44 years of Senate service under the old pension plan. His highest three years of salary would have been as vice president, when he earned $231,000 a year.

Bidens starting pension could be as much as $166,374, including an $18,186 set-aside in the program for the spousal portion of benefit, the NTU says. This estimate assumes that Biden sought to maximize the amount of the pension benefit.

All of this is on top of his presidential pension, which will be another $246,000 a year. Presidents have been entitled to a public pension since 1958.

Presidential pensions were created because Harry Truman was hard up after leaving office in 1953. Unlike many presidents before him and many since, Truman did not come from money, and he made little effort to cash in on his fame after leaving the White House. These days, of course, former presidents make millions of dollars giving speeches and publishing books.

Former President Obama is now worth an estimated $70 million and Bill Clinton is worth $120 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com. George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump were all independently wealthy before becoming president.

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Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, 23, shot and killed: What we know

A manhunt is underway for a convicted felon accused in the shooting death of 23-year-old Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said.

Said was shot and killed Sunday morning at Oakwood and Dix Road.

Colleagues, friends and residents are reeling over the loss of Said, who was a beloved member of the Melvindale community. In high school, he competed with the soccer team at Melvindale High School Cardinals and was described by friends as a "star."

Khalil Refai, a city council member in Hamtramck and former Hamtramck Police chaplain, posted on Facebook that he had known Said for over 10 years. He said he was "deeply saddened" by his death, noting that he was respectful, smart and dedicated to his community.

Armed and dangerous

The suspect, Michael Lopez, 44, remains at large, Melvindale police said on Sunday, warning that he is armed and dangerous. He was last seen shirtless and on a bike. Michigan State Police and Dearborn Police Department are both assisting with the manhunt.

Lopez has a criminal record, including resisting arrest and carjacking.

Police are seen near a Sunoco gas station on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, police cautioned the public not to approach Lopez, but to call 911 if they see him.

How it happened

According to information from police, around 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, Officer Said was shot while responding to a suspicious individual call at a gas station on Oakwood and Dix Road in Melvindale. Said approached Lopez, who ran. After a pursuit, Said tased him. Lopez pulled out a gun and shot him.

Officer Said is now the latest officer in Michigan to die in the line of duty. He had served for 14 months. On June 27, Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. died in Hillsdale in the line of duty.

Funeral services set

Said's funeral service is set for Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the American Moslem Society, 9945 Vernor Hwy., Dearborn.

Reward for information

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Melvindale Police Department, Michigan State Police and the Police Defense Foundation are offering a reward of up to $37,500 for information leading to the arrest of Lopez.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Melvindale Police Department.

Tips can also be received through the ATF hotline or emailing ATFTips@atf.gov or submitting information anonymously through the Report It website. When using Report It, select ATF  Detroit Field Division as the reporting agency.

Information eligible for reward must lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said shot, killed: Funeral services
Vice President Harris by late Sunday was consolidating the necessary support to become the Democratic presidential nominee after President Bidens momentous decision to step aside.

But even if she claims that prize, the war to win Novembers general election will be much tougher.

A party that has endured a collective spasm of trauma since Bidens debate disaster against former President Trump in Atlanta on June 27 appears to have little appetite for further drama.

Thats likely to help Harris take the crown as Bidens successor.

The list of credible challengers to Harris was always short, and it soon grew shorter still. Two big names  California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D)  endorsed her.

The chances of a serious left-wing candidate emerging are vanishingly small too, after key progressives including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) also offered Harris their backing.

There was some chatter late Sunday about Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) exploring the possibility of getting into the race.

But Manchins conservatism, his dalliance with the No Labels ticket earlier this year, and his general penchant for showboating make him widely disliked in the party he left in May.

Its not clear Manchin could meet the threshold required to become an official candidate. Such an effort necessitates obtaining the signatures of at least 300 delegates to the Democratic National Convention, set for Chicago one month from now.

That leaves Harris within reach of history.

She has already notched several firsts as vice president  the first woman, first Black person and first person of South Asian descent to hold the position.

Now, the presidency itself beckons.

It still may be a climb to get there.

Talk about the need for a meaningful contest for the Democratic crown if Biden stepped down had reverberated within the party before the presidents decision.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who reportedly supports the idea that a new nominee should be tested through some kind of competitive process, has not endorsed Harris. Neither has former President Obama.

Still, their reticence Sunday could also be seen as a disinclination to be seen as anointing a nominee, and as respectful to Biden.

Harris was the favorite to succeed Biden if he stepped down, and Sunday night that sense had only solidified. CNN commentator Van Jones described her as a steamroller.

The bigger challenge for Harris is stark and basic  can she beat Trump in November?

In the polling average maintained by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), Harris trails Trump by 2 points. Its a margin not significantly different from where Biden stood against Trump when he decided to bow out of the reelection race.

Harriss boosters say she can make up ground quickly. She will receive massive media attention, her party wants to unite after being mired for almost a month in division and chaos, and activists and donors will bring fresh excitement and money.

That may be true. But its not the whole story.

The memory of Harriss deeply underwhelming 2020 campaign for the presidency lingers. She dropped out of the race that year before even making it to the first primary contest in Iowa.

The fundamental problems in that race have bedeviled her before and since  the question of authenticity, what she really believes and what strand of Democratic politics she represents.

Harris has also been a top target in conservative media for years. The attacks have sharpened and grown more personal during her years as vice president, encompassing her sense of humor, her speaking style and her fondness for sometimes-nebulous rhetoric.

Trump, at a rally in Michigan on Saturday, mocked her laugh. Trumps top campaign advisers, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, responded to Bidens exit Sunday with a statement that asserted, Kamala Harris is just as much of [a] joke as Biden is.

Harris loyalists have long complained about the superficiality of many of these attacks, and have contended that the vice president is held to different standards as a Black woman than is the case for white or male political figures.

Be that as it may, the attacks have had an effect. Harriss favorability rating in The Hill/DDHQs polling average is very poor  just 38 percent of Americans view her in a positive light, while 56 percent view her negatively.

On top of all that, there is the vexing question of how many Americans might still harbor biases against electing the first Black female president.

Polling on such a loaded social question is notoriously difficult.

Obama, of course, made history as the first Black president, defying prejudices and predictions along the way. On the other hand, a number of female candidates in recent years have fared more poorly than expected, including Harris and Warren in 2020 and, infamously, Hillary Clinton in the 2016.

The path in front of Harris now is utterly unlike anything any previous would-be nominee has faced.

But its a roughly even bet whether it leads to the White House or the most painful of defeats.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Updated at 6:39 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tucked behind a sea of empty warehouses off Monteith Road in Port Wentworth is the Promised Land.

The Promised Land is the name of a family farm  the dream of brothers Robert and William Johnson, when they brought 31 acres upon returning from the Vietnam War. It is one of only a few black-owned farms in Georgia and one of only 28,700 in the U.S.

On July 13, brother Robert "Unclde Bob" Johnson passed away, leaving a hole both in his family and the Port Wentworth community. During a recent city council meeting, the city read a proclamation in his honor.

"Most of us refer to him as Uncle Bob," said Mayor Pro Tem Gabrielle Nelson. "If you are new to the community, you may not know him as anything, but you will know his truck. You will know his farm. He's been a staple in this community for longer than many of us have been in the world."

Born in 1946, Uncle Bob graduated from Effingham County's Springfield High School in 1967 before joining the United States Army as a flight engineer. He had a career in the army until 1989, the year he began his farm. His granddaughter, Normica Miller Al-Kush, was aged 6.

Robert "Uncle Bob" Johnson uses a hoe to clear some weeds from his filed at Promised Land Farm in Monteith.

Promised Land Farm sends out a call for help

Industrial barbarians at the gate: Port Wentworth residents squeezed by industrial growth

"This was Papa's world and it became our world," Al-Kush said. "For me and my cousins, we had a rich childhood. We got to experience what it's like to go out and pick peaches and watermelons and all of those things. A lot of people don't get to be in nature like that, so it's nice to have had that opportunity. It's definitely bittersweet, because Papa's not suffering anymore, and the last year was tough. But this land is everything  it's a blessing, and his legacy."

Even as his health declined, his sister, Flossie Mae White, said that every day, right after dialysis, he'd be right to the farm, telling her what to do, how to do it, when to do it.

"He never stopped," White said. "He wasn't able to do things down here, but he made sure they got done. This was his home right here. He would be here every day, all day if he could. He was dedicated to The Promised Land."

Being one of the only Black-owned farms in the U.S. was something that Al-Kush, now majoring in environmental science, began to see the importance of only as she got older, she said. Black farmers in America faced racial discrimination in agriculture, exclusion from relief programs and more, slashing the number of Black-owned farms to 2% across the country by 2019, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Families in the Monteith and Meinhard communities, including the Johnsons, faced the prospect of being erased as industrialization and the development of warehouses came knocking on their front door.

The future for the farm is uncertain, but going forward, Uncle Bob's family wants to honor him.

"I have no idea what we're going to do, but whatever we do we just have to honor him," Al-Kush said. "Him and Uncle Bill, they paved the way for this land, our family, and we're going to honor that."

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Port Wentworth remembers "Uncle Bob" Johnson of Promised Land Farms
Young men involved with the 13th edition of the Manhood Youth Development Program were honored Sunday and received words of wisdom during a ceremony at Santa Fe Colleges Blount Center in downtown Gainesville.

The theme was "Past, Present and Future: From Boys to Men."

"We needed to reach back to help these young men," said Charlie Jackson, founder of the foundation that is affiliated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

The program was created to give male youth the physical, mental and educational support they need to succeed, Jackson said.

The young men celebrated were James Freeman, Kyle Cheesborough, Aiden Dorsey, Emanuel Harmon, Elijah Harmon, Elijah Johnson, Zephaniah Sheppard, Ky'el Rowe, Brian Dykes, Charles Smith Jr. and Jayce Neal.

Through his research, Jackson said he found most of the behavioral problems he witnessed with male youth such as suspensions, arrests and dropping out of high school primarily stem from the absence of fathers in homes.

Guardian Newsletter: Gainesville Guardian will transition to an email newsletter format

"When you have support from the parents, you will remedy a lot of the problems," Jackson said. "This is a home problem. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to be a part of the development of these young men.

"There will be roadblocks in life and they provide you with a learning opportunity by coming up with an alternative to getting things done. We're not going to let nothing hinder them from getting exposure."

Temarius Sheppard, Jacksons nephew, supports the program by being a chaperone and mentor.

Participants of the Manhood Youth Development Foundation and families pose for a picture at the 13th Annual Manhood Celebration on Sunday in Gainesville.

Sheppard and each participant gave a brief explanation of the events they were part of this past year.

They visited historic locations in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Memphis and Camp Blanding in Starke.

"It was a soul-changing experience," Sheppard said. They were grateful and I was grateful to be a part of it. Being able to be in the spaces allowed the young men to be present to where history happened."

Felicia OdiorAgabi, mother of James Freeman, said Jackson is a blessing to the boys and the community.

Her son lost his father this year and the male support and program has helped him get through the grief, she said.

"The mentorship is very important," OdiorAgabi said. "Having people he can talk to is a blessing to have. He [Jackson] is very dedicated and he has a heart for the children."

Freeman started the program when he was in fifth grade at Caring and Sharing Learning School and will be entering the eighth grade this fall, OdiorAgabi said.

"The program helped my son blossom and it taught him public speaking and self-worth," OdiorAgabi said.

The foundation epitomizes the essence of the popular saying, It takes a village to raise a child, said Pastor Johnnie Jones of Fountain of Life Church, who served as master of ceremony during the event.

"When you are a part of this program, it does not mean to be dedicated to one child," Jones said. You are a part of the village. We are cheering for you."

A panel of men from different generations gave advice and shared life lessons with members of the program.

The panelists were Al Oliver, a retiree who lives in Lake City; Davin Woody of Bosshardt Reality; Malcolm Kiner, COO of Gainesville Housing Authority; and past program participants Christopher Morgan and Nyquan Morris-Hooks.

Morris-Hooks is a junior at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville majoring in biology and Morgan attends Santa Fe College and will be transferring to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee to study journalism.

Members of the program were advised not to give in to temptation, be leaders, make sound decisions and make a difference in the world.

"Prepare yourself by getting an education or by getting a trade, and seek to make a difference in this world while you're here," Oliver said.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Manhood Youth Development Program celebrates its 13th year in G'ville
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver on Monday addressed misinformation thats circulating online about how the Democratic nominee will appear on the general election ballot in November.

Social media posts with misinformation began appearing after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek reelection, according to the Secretary of States Office.

Some of this misinformation is claiming that his name [Joe Biden] cant be replaced on the ballot or things like that, or that the ballot deadline in New Mexico has passed, said Alex Curtas, communications director for the New Mexico Secretary of States Office.

Local political analyst talks about impact on election after Biden drops out

The Secretary of States Office shut down those claims in a news release, which read, in part:

Let me set the record straight: The ballot deadline has not passed in New Mexico. New Mexico follows major party rules for the selection of presidential candidates and, as long as they meet the ballot deadline of August 27, 2024, whoever is nominated for president at the upcoming Democratic Convention will appear on New Mexicos General Election ballot. I encourage voters to always seek out trusted sources of election information, like their county clerk or the Secretary of States office, and to verify information about voting and elections before repeating or reposting it. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver

Since Biden decided to drop out of the 2024 race, his campaign will need to file a notarized statement of withdrawal as a candidate to the New Mexico Secretary of States Office before August 27. As of Monday afternoon, that has not happened yet, according to Curtas.

Curtas reassured voters that presidential candidates will appear on the ballot come Nov. 5.

For the average voter, theyre still going to see a Democratic nominee, Republican nominee, some other nominees for president, on their ballot, and really this process doesnt impact us as voters. Its really just a process for the political parties and for election administrators, Curtas explained.

As for what to expect on the ballot, Republican delegates nominated Donald Trump for president at the Republican National Convention last week in Milwaukee. On the Democratic side, delegates will vote for a presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

The Associated Press reported on Monday that more than 1,150 pledged delegates have told the AP or announced that they plan to support Vice President Kamala Harris at the convention, which is more than half of the pledged delegates she needs to secure the nomination for president.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) said they helped Colorado authorities find a suspect.

Boulder County, Colorado, authorities alerted NMSP of a murder suspect identified as Frank Perez, 30, on July 20. They had an active warrant for him for murder and other felonies.

Authorities tracked down Perez, alleging he was taking a Greyhound bus towards the Mexico border. When the bus made a pit stop, NMSP officers coordinated with Colorado officials to apprehend Perez. He was taken to the DeBaca County Detention Center without incident.

Shoe prints lead FBI to believe couple started Salt Fire, documents show

Additional evidence was seized from Perez, NMSP said.

The New Mexico State Police remains committed to public safety and will continue to support other agencies in their efforts to uphold the law and protect communities. We are proud to assist our colleagues in Colorado in their investigation, reads a statement from police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Portage on July 17, 2024. | Lucy Valeski

Members of Michigans 138-member delegation to the Democratic National Convention are deciding where to place their support now that President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign, instead announcing his support Sunday for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Of the nearly 4,000 delegates who will be casting a vote for their pick for president during the DNC, which commences Aug. 19, Harris would need to secure 1,986.

States with lower numbers of Democratic delegates like Tennessee and South Carolina quickly came to a consensus to put all their states votes towards Harris at the DNC, but Michigan, a more impactful state with 138 delegates, has not announced a united front.

Another top battleground state, Pennsylvania, dedicated its partys 159 delegates to Harris on Monday over a conference call, according to the Erie Times-News.

Harris already has scored endorsements from high-ranking elected officials in Michigan  many of whom also are DNC delegates, like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing).

Whitmer, who had been on Bidens shortlist for vice president in 2020 and co-chaired his reelection campaign, announced Monday that she would be backing Harris bid and laid to rest speculation that shed join Harris as her vice president.

Im not leaving Michigan, Whitmer said in Lansing Monday, adding in a statement, Vice President Harris has my full support. So Michigan, lets get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go!

Other delegates interviewed by the Michigan Advance on Monday believe Harris is well-positioned.

Michigan DNC delegates will be convening this week to discuss whether to cast individual votes at the DNC or proceed as a group, David Woodward, chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and a DNC delegate told the Advance.

Michigan was always going to be a pivotal state. It is a battleground state. Theres almost no pathway to winning the presidency without winning Michigan, Woodward said. There has been an energy that has been unleashed in, I think, every Democratic public official [since Harris got in]. The conversations over the last many hours, people are stepping up [and asking], What do we have to do? How do we get to work? And so I see the energy. I feel the energy.

Bidens Sunday announcement was very shocking to many delegates, Woodward added, as the state was ready to support Bidens campaign.

Other elected officials amongst Michigans delegation that have announced their support for Harris include Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Michigan U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) and Michigan Lt Governor Garlin Gilchrist.

Biden stepped down because he believed it was what was best for the country when the country was at a turning point  the same way President George Washington stepped down from seeking out another term because he believed it was the best thing for a burgeoning country, Peters told reporters in Warren on Monday.

When asked about his confidence in Harris as a candidate against former President Donald Trump, Peters replied, Shes gonna win.

Ive had the opportunity of working very closely with her in the United States Senate. In fact, she was my seatmate, the two of us sat next to each other on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Peters said, remembering Harris time as a U.S. senator for California. She is a friend, but more importantly, I got to see her firsthand in the work that she did and the passion she has for this country. I think as people get to know her better,its going to be clear that she will be the next president of the United States.

Peters also heads up the Democrats U.S. Senate campaign effort.

Democrats have built a solid foundation to secure votes for Democratic candidates and not just for president, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said in a statement Sunday.

I am fired up and ready to elect Vice President Harris this November as she works tirelessly to defend our democracy and defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda, Barnes said. Kamala Harris has spent her entire career working to protect the rights and freedoms of Americans. As a prosecutor, a United States senator, and now, as the countrys first Black woman vice president, she has never backed down from a fight. In a moment where our reproductive freedom and the very basis of our democracy are on the line, Vice President Harris will lead the Democratic Party to victory this November.

But even with Barnes support, thats not a guarantee that Harris will receive the support of the whole delegation.

Biden won Michigans February presidential primary. However, with more than 100,000 uncommitted votes in the state, two of the states delegates are uncommitted, as the result of a movement of those outraged with the Biden administrations support of Israel in its war with Hamas.

One of the uncommitted delegates, Abbas Alawieh, told Mother Jones shortly before Biden dropped out of the race that he would be evaluating Harris approach to the conflict.

I am very curious to hear how Vice President Harris would differentiate her own Gaza policy from President Biden, Alawieh told Mother Jones. [I] hope that she differentiates her policy quickly and articulates a more humane approach that allows for us to, hopefully, save lives, and re-engage voters who feel deeply betrayed.

The news that Biden was stepping aside and putting his support behind Harris came as the Oakland Democratic Party was having a picnic on Sunday, Sharon Baseman, a DNC delegate, told the Michigan Advance. Although there were mixed reactions and everyone was grateful for Bidens time as president, Baseman said she is excited to support Harris and shes confident Harris can win the battle for Michigan.

I think we felt a little relieved that we now have a path forward, and I absolutely support Vice President Harris for president. I actually supported her in 2019 in the primaries  full circle, Baseman said. I absolutely support her and I know that everyone around me was very excited when all the endorsements started coming in, and President Biden endorsed her immediately. I think everyone was happy about that.

Susan Anderson is a DNC delegate and leader of Blue Brigade, a Democratic group in Mid-Michigan. She says she cant speak for all the delegates, but her friends and those in her organization have a great respect for Joe Biden and are 100% behind Harris.

Im an older person, and I think he was one of the best presidents of my lifetime, Anderson said. My members are telling me that they loved Joe Biden, and would have gladly supported Joe Biden. And now that he has dropped out of the race, we respect and admire Kamala Harris, and we will be going all full speed ahead to help her get elected.

Advance reporter Lucy Valeski contributed to this story.

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New Democratic nominee can be placed on Michigan ballots, Benson and Nessel say

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel said nothing in Michigan election law prohibits Democrats from placing a new presidential candidate on the November ballot.

Presidential candidates are certified to appear on Michigans general election ballot as a result of the outcome of their respective partys nominating conventions, the pair, both Democrats, said in a statement. Under Michigan election law, the name of a partys presidential and vice presidential nominees must be delivered to the department of state from the political parties within one business day of the conclusion of the partys convention.

Republicans concluded their convention last week in Milwaukee and nominated former President Donald Trump for president and Ohio Sen. JD Vance for vice president.

The Democrats have scheduled theirs for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

President Joe Biden hugs congresswoman Debbie Dingell at the Garage Grill and Fuel Bar in Northville before he delivers a speech to a large crowd at Renaissance High School in Detroit on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Although Biden won Michigans Democratic primary in February, he has not yet been formally nominated for the office by his party. Neither has his running mate Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considered the favorite to replace Biden at the top of the ticket.

The statement from Benson and Nessel comes amid discussion in other places about legal challenges to removing Biden from the ballot.

In the run-up to Bidens poor performance in the June 27 debate with Trump, speculation had already begun about replacing Biden at the top of the ticket.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said in a Sunday interview with ABC News that every state has its own laws and rules on how candidates are placed on the ballot and there could be legal obstacles to switching out Biden for another candidate.

Mike Howell, executive director of the Oversight Project at the conservative Heritage Foundation, wrote in June that There is the potential for pre-election litigation in some states, related to that issue, though other election law experts dismissed the idea.

Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com or on X @jwisely.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan law allows new Dem nominee to appear on ballots, Benson and Nessel say
Microsoft has blamed EU rules for enabling a faulty security update to cause the worlds biggest IT outage.

The software giant said a 2009 agreement with the European Commission meant it was unable to make security changes that would have blocked the CrowdStrike update that triggered widespread travel and healthcare chaos on Friday.

CrowdStrikes Falcon system, designed to prevent cyber attacks, has privileged access to a key part of a computer known as the kernel.

This meant that a faulty update last week resulted in millions of Windows computers and servers being unable to load at all, leading to flight cancellations, contactless payments not working and GP surgeries being unable to make appointments.

Microsoft, which offers its own alternative to CrowdStrike known as Windows Defender, agreed in 2009 to allow multiple security providers to install software at the kernel level amid a European competition investigation.

In contrast, Apple blocked access to the kernel on its Mac computers in 2020, which it said would improve security and reliability.

A Microsoft spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that it was unable to make a similar change because of the EU agreement.

Queues of passengers at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport in Thailand on Saturday after a global IT outage caused widespread disruption - Mailee Osten-Tan/Getty

Microsoft said on Saturday that the CrowdStrike update had affected 8.5m Windows devices. This was less than 1pc of all machines operating the software, but had major impacts because CrowdStrike is widely used in businesses.

The faulty update caused a blue error screen on many computer screens, rendering them unusable until they were fixed.

CrowdStrike said on Monday that a significant number of the affected computers were back online and apologised for the disruption.

Figures from data company OAG showed that 9,650 flights had been cancelled between Friday and Sunday. While many airlines had recovered, 2,619 flights were cancelled on Sunday, with US airline Delta accounting for most of those.

The NHS said that its systems were back online but that there still may be some delays as services recover.

The European Commission pursued Microsoft in the early 2000s over concerns that the companys popular Windows software gave it an unfair advantage in other areas such as web browsers.

In 2009 the company agreed to boost choice for computer users in browsers and other software.

It comes as new European laws are forcing Apple to open up its iPhone. Under the new Digital Markets Act, the company will have to allow alternative app stores and web browser engines on the iPhone.

Apple has claimed the changes will make the iPhone less safe.

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.
Brazil has curbed its exports of poultry meat and eggs to 44 countries following the discovery of the Newcastle viral disease on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul state.

The suspension, confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) late on Friday (19 July), covers all of Brazil for poultry meat and egg exports to China, Argentina and Mexico. Restrictions to other countries have been put in place on a regional basis based on proximity to the affected farm.

Newcastle disease, which according to the ministry affects domestic and wild birds, was detected on a poultry farm last Wednesday in the municipality of Anta Gorda. Earlier on Friday, Brazil declared a so-called state of zoosanitary emergency' in the state of Rio Grande do Sul state for 90 days following the detection of the pathogenic virus.

The last confirmed cases in Brazil were in 2006, discovered in subsistence birds in the states of Amazonas, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, Mapa said.

Following the international rules for trade in poultry and poultry products, the suspension of temporary certification is conducted by Brazil in order to guarantee the transparency of the Brazilian official service, vis-a-vis the countries importing the products, Mapa said in a statement.

The suspensions are related to the area or region with certification impediments, which range from suspension for at least 21 days for the entire national territory or even a restriction limited to a radius of 50km from the identified focus.

For China, Argentina and Mexico, Brazil's export suspension applies to fresh poultry meat, eggs, meat for animal feed, raw poultry material for opterapic purposes, meat preparations and untreated blood products.

Export restrictions from Rio Grande do Sul itself apply to the EU, the UK, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. At least 25 other countries, from Hong Kong to Paraguay and Ukraine, are also included in the Rio Grande do Sul export suspension.

Affected products are fresh, chilled or frozen poultry meat; eggs and egg products; meat, meat products and poultry offal; poultry, swine and ruminant meal; heads and feet; poultry fats; cooked, cured and salted sausages; processed and thermo-processed meat products; and raw materials and products for animal feed.

Within a radius of 50km from the Anta Gorda farm outbreak, restrictions have been put in place for exports to Canada, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Morocco, Mauritius, Namibia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and East Timor.

The curbs apply to poultry meat; poultry meal, feathers and fish for use in animal feed; and cooked, thermally processed, inedible meat products derived from poultry. They do not apply to products with a production date up to 8 July.

Story continues

Mapa added: It is worth noting that products subjected to heat treatment such as thermo-processed, cooked and processed products destined for Argentina, South Africa, Chile, the European Union and Uruguay do not have any limitations and may normally be certified.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture emphasises that the suspension rules are reviewed daily, taking into account the ongoing negotiations with partner countries, in which all the actions that are being carried out to eradicate the outbreak are presented.

Just Food has approached the major meat processors in Brazil  JBS, BRF and Marfrig Global Foods  for comment on any potential impact from the poultry export restrictions.

BRF confirmed the company operates five plants in Rio Grande do Sul but can reallocate production volume to its total of 38 facilities in Brazil.

The meat group said it added more than 25 new export permits during the first half of 2024 and another 66 during 2023, which will contribute to greater flexibility in volume allocation.

Mapa said Rio Grande do Sul is the third-largest exporter of chicken in Brazil, behind the states of Parana and Santa Catarina.

In the first six months of this year, the state shipped 354,000 tonnes of affected poultry products valued at $630m, compared to $4.6bn for Brazil as a whole, the ministry said.

The key destinations in that period for exports from Rio Grande do Sul were the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China and Japan.

Agriculure minister Carlos Favaro stressed last week that the Newcastle disease outbreak and not been assessed as an epidemic because the detection was limited to a single bird among a flock of 14,000.

Isolation has already been carried out, and to date, we have no trace of other sick animals on this farm or in the region, he said.

Meanwhile, Mapa said it had put a contingency plan in place. Among the actions foreseen in the contingency plan are actions to sacrifice or slaughter all birds where the outbreak was confirmed, cleaning and disinfection of the site, adoption of biosecurity measures, demarcation of protection and surveillance zones on all properties within a 10km radius, definition of sanitary barriers, among others, the ministry said.

"Brazil restricts poultry exports after detection of Newcastle viral disease" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
During a recent event that closed with a sing-a-long to You Are My Sunshine, the Leipers Fork Foundation along with Middle Tennessee State Universitys Center for Historic Preservation gathered to celebrate a community milestone.

Hosted at Fox & Locke, the event unveiled Leiper's Fork's new guidebook, Charting Your Own Vision: Lessons From Leipers Fork." Officials are hopeful the free, 20-page guidebook will help other small towns and rural communities interested in following the Leipers Fork model of success.

The guidebook features ways to build strong reciprocal partnerships with governmental agencies and private businesses to capitalize on a community so it becomes a tourist destination without creating a huge advertising budget, local officials said.

Williamson Co. Mayor Rogers Anderson, Williamson Inc. CEO Matt Largen, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell, Preservationist Aubrey Preston, Tennessee State Historian Carroll Van West, President & CEO of Visit Franklin Maureen Thornton

Leipers Fork is the heart of a living cultural landscapethe place where the beat of commerce, community life, music, faith and education keeps the community alive and vibrant, said Tennessee State Historian Carroll Van West.

Though it is constantly referred to as one of the gems of Middle Tennessee, Leipers Fork grew from an unknown village to become a best practice tourism/economic development study for small town representatives across the U.S., according Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

From its initial founding in 1818, about 30 miles south of Nashville, the town has grown and flourished. Recent preservation efforts were led by local philanthropist Aubrey Preston, who has purchased about 200 acres on both ends of town over the past 20 years and placed them into a land trust, which officials say has preserved the small town's history and charm.

According to the guidebook's committee, which includes Preston, West and Laura S. Holder, a part-time federal liaison for the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, the community of about 650 people remains committed to preserving the culture of the people who currently live and have lived there for generations. The guidebook, they said, recognizes that communities are living landscapes first and tourist destinations second.

This booklet is about a movement, West said of the guidebook. It began when residents and newcomers were determined that their village would not become just another rural anywhere USA place. Instead, they chose to take their past, their traditions, their different opinions and their strong sense of community to chisel out a pathway to lasting progress, in step with the changing times but paying due respect to those who came before.

The guidebook lays out a set of instructions for other small towns to ensure they can boost their tourism in a way that still protects the charm of living in a small town. One of the sections speaks to the importance of partnerships with not only the community, but with those trying to aid in its success.

"Since everyone has a stake in the outcome, all partners need to support and participate," the guidebook says. "The best partners are those who are willing to share the workload, share a similar vision, and have an incentive to make the community a better place."

Members of the community and state and local government officials, along with local merchants, attended the recent event to learn how theyve helped to not only grow their community in size, but make it profitable. After he purchased the land on both sides of town, Preston has been continuously involved in the community through his planning efforts and businesses that help the growing town, officials noted.

His efforts attracted others to not only aid in the preservation efforts, but open business to help make it the tourist destination it is today. For Preston, this meant purchasing the original Puckett's Grocery Store in the 1990s to ensure it wouldn't be sold and turned into a chain, he said, noting that he made sure it would keep its original charm.

Ezell, Williamson County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Matt Largen, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson and Preston all gave remarks during the event and explained how the guidebook would help to revolutionize small towns in Tennessee and beyond.

This book happened because of the vision and commitment of Dr. Carroll Van West and MTSUs Center for Historic Preservation. Preston said. Its been great to be part of a team thats helped our community accomplish so much." In the past two decades, the work of this dedicated team has ensured that Leiper's Fork has not only preserved its history, but also flourished enough to become a successful tourist destination.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone whos made it possible.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Leiper's Fork creates guidebook, wants to help other Tennessee towns
Some in the Midway community fear being overwhelmed by pending development

As Karena Stellar scrolled through iPhone photos of what remained of a woodland behind her home, the pain in her eyes betrayed the smile on her face.

"I took pictures just so I can remember the trees," she said.

Most of the forested area on the 100-acre parcel to the west of her house in Santa Rosa County's Smugglers Cove subdivision is already gone, pushed over by heavy equipment making room for 242 homes to be built between U.S. Highway 98 and the Santa Rosa Sound in Midway.

Stellar is relatively new to the region, having visited the Gulf Coast a couple of years ago, fallen in love with the area and relocated. She is only now coming to grips with terms like clear cutting and wetland mitigation, which is basically replacing destroyed wetlands by paying to have new wetlands elsewhere created, restored or preserved.

"Wetlands are so important in preventing flooding. I can't understand how you can eliminate wetlands and move them somewhere else," Stellar said. "That sounds very shady."

The biggest frustration for her and her neighbors, Stellar said, is the clear cutting taking place as crews make way for homes in a subdivision to be called Rosemary Sound.

"This is the widest swath of clear cutting right in front of the Sound I've seen," Stellar said, looking on as construction crews continued their work.

After recent rains turned her backyard into "something like a river and a lake in one," Stellar went to her first County Commission meeting to express concerns about water running off of the site and into her neighborhood.

She likened the experience to bad reality television.

Some good news for Stellar and her neighbors could be that if developers adhere to existing engineering plans, the Rosemary Sound development might actually help minimize flooding at Smugglers Cove and the Wesvic Holiday Sands RV Park on the west side of the new subdivision. said Chris Curb, a consultant with a group called Flood Defenders.

"If and when they get through with construction it's probably going to help Smugglers Cove," Curb said.

More: Development interests playing a huge role in two Santa Rosa County Commission races

In an email to Stellar, Curb explained that existing drainage in Smuggler's Cove was constructed under older codes and has some deficiencies. The wetlands on the north side of Rosemary Sound drain into a ditch that reach the sound on its southern end. With stormwater coming off U.S. 98, the wetlands overload, resulting in flooding of the type Stellar experienced.

"The Rosemary Sound wetland mitigation plan does show filling the outfall ditch from those wetlands, but this ditch would be replaced with a proposed piped drainage system," Curb said.

While concerns exist about on site wetlands and a high water table, the previous owner of the Rosemary Sound property had placed a wetland area on the northeast side of the property into a conservation easement.

The easement will be monitored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Northwest Florida Water Management District, according to Kennedy Stricklin, a managing partner of the group developing Rosemary Sound.

It will not only work to offset wetlands destroyed in the development, but 36- and 48-inch piping run from the wetlands south to a wet retention pond will conduct water away from adjoining properties and toward the Sound, Stricklin said.

"We're going to do everything according to the plans and permits that have been approved," he said.

Stricklin said it is highly likely that DR Horton, the country's largest home builder, will be constructing the residences within Rosemary Sound.

On the other side of the Rosemary Sound development, Kevin Marano, a resident of Wesvic Holiday Sands RV Park, claims construction crews at the site of the new subdivision have filled in a wetlands on the southwestern side of the parcel that served as a nursery for several species of young fish. Other RV Park employees verified that the construction crews had damaged property at the park by crossing it illegally.

For Midway-area residents like Elizabeth Pavelick, the media coordinator for Save Our Soundside, Rosemary Sound is just one example of development's encroachment into an area they think more care should be taken to protect.

In a recent newspaper column Pavelick stated that "10 residential developments are going in within a 5-mile stretch of the narrow peninsula (the midway area)."

She wrote that the addition of 1,100 more homes will result in further loss of trees and wetlands and wildlife habitat. She said added concerns include an increase in traffic along chronically congested U.S. 98, flooding and storm water runoff polluting local waterways.

"With East Bay to the north and the Santa Rosa Sound to the south, two water bodies are slowly being destroyed by the storm water runoff from these developments," Pavelick wrote.

The largest subdivision being planned will be called Soundview Cove Estates. It is projected to hold 469 single-family residences. That subdivision will be developed by Cliff Mowe and, like Rosemary Sound, will go in on the south side of U.S. 98 in close proximity to the Gulf Breeze Zoo.

Soundview Cove Estates will be created by combining four parcels encompassing approximately 173 acres. About 83 acres of the subdivision's site are jurisdictional wetlands.

Soundview Point 1 and Soundview Point 2 are to be constructed next to a new high school presently being built on the northside of U.S. 98, also near the zoo. Soundview Point 1 will feature 158 villas and Soundview Point 2 150 villas.

Soundview 1 is the former site of effluent spray fields. Mowe purchased the land from the city of Gulf Breeze. Soundview Point 2, also owned by Mowe, is comprised in part of land upon which a popular flea market once resided. The flea market sign remains standing.

County Commissioner Colten Wright, whose district encompasses the Midway community, credited Mowe with selling the Santa Rosa County School District the land that will allow construction of the sorely needed new high school. The sale came after Mowe purchased the flea market property.

Deer Ridge Crossing, off Bergren Road, will contain 58 new homes, and Forest Bay Villas, next door to Cambridge Park, will add 45 homes to the area.

New Hope Multi will feature 78 townhomes off of New Hope Road, the Nantahala Apartments will add another, unknown number, of residences across from the South Santa Rosa County branch of Pensacola State College.

Plans also call for carving out 22 lots for a subdivision off Beechwood Drive to be known as Beechwood Drive. Developments known as Roman Oaks and Heather's Place Phase 4 are also being planned.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Santa Rosa County's Midway community feeling growing pains
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris, the clear favorite for her partys presidential nomination after potential rivals lined to up back her, has a deep bench of Democratic rising stars to draw from in choosing her running mate.

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Presidential candidates usually announce their vice presidential pick around their partys convention, which for the Democrats is set for late August. Whoever the nominee is will have a short window to vet and choose a partner.

Listen and follow The Big Take on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

Heres a look at some possible picks who have all endorsed Harris bid:

The Astronaut

Mark Kelly (Age 60)  The senator from swing state Arizona holds a seat previously filled by two failed Republican presidential nominees, John McCain and Barry Goldwater. The retired astronaut and Gulf War veteran would lend significant national security bona fides to a Democratic presidential ticket. He also would appeal to those on the left for his work on gun control since the 2011 assassination attempt of his wife, then-Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords. Hailing from a border state, hes a moderate on immigration and could help neutralize Republican attacks on the Biden administrations handling of the influx of immigrants along the Mexican border.

The Centrist

Roy Cooper (67)  The term-limited governor of North Carolina is a moderate Democrat whos never lost an election in a Republican-leaning state Democrats have not won since Barack Obama carried it in 2008. Before being elected governor in 2016, Cooper served four terms as the states attorney general and in the state House and state Senate, where he was majority leader. Cooper touts his efforts to expand Medicaid, boost public education and address climate change. The New Republic once described him as the living, breathing antonym of controversy.

The Dealmaker

JB Pritzker (59) - The Illinois governor has emerged as a key Democratic power broker, using his family wealth  $4.3 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index  to support candidates and causes. He used his power and influence to secure the opportunity for his hometown of Chicago to host the Democratic National Convention next month, a huge economic boom for the city and state. He publicly supported Biden but in mid-July was caught on a hot mic saying I dont like where we are. In his endorsement of Harris Monday, he said it was past time the US elected a woman to the presidency.

The Keystone Candidate

Josh Shapiro (51)  Pennsylvanias governor since 2023, Shapiro established himself as a rising star in the party with a dominant win in 2022. He enjoys strong approval ratings in the battleground state. A former state attorney general, he gained national attention pushing back against Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. As governor, Shapiro adopted the slogan Get s done, which was on display last year when he oversaw the rapid repair of a key stretch of Interstate 95, two weeks after a fiery crash caused an overpass to collapse. Shapiro would be the second Jewish vice presidential candidate, though the first, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, was defeated with Al Gore.

The Southerner

Andy Beshear (46)  The popular governor of Kentucky was reelected to a second term last November in a state Trump carried by 26 percentage points in 2020. Beshear has won praise for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters including devastating flooding and tornadoes. Hes touted low unemployment in the state and economic development, including landing two large electric-vehicle battery plants. As a vice presidential pick, he would balance Californian Harris geographically. Asked Monday if he would accept a spot on the ticket, Beshear demurred, but added, I think if somebody calls you on that what you do is at least listen.

The New Guy

Wes Moore (45)  The first Black governor of Maryland is seen as one of the brightest stars in the Democratic Party and frequently cited as a future presidential candidate. He worked closely with the White House after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed this year in Baltimore, briefly raising his national profile. Moore was deployed to Afghanistan and led troops before serving as a White House Fellow for then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Moore spent time on Wall Street at Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. He later ran the Robin Hood Foundation, the finance-backed non-profit that works to alleviate poverty in New York, where he forged ties with Republican and Democratic mega-donors.

The Cabinet Member

Pete Buttigieg (42)  The US transportation secretary ran an improbable presidential primary campaign in the 2020 cycle from his perch as mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Buttigieg won the Iowa caucuses and came in second in New Hampshire in 2020, embarrassing the elder statesman Biden who then turned to Black voters in South Carolina to jump-start his sagging campaign. A Navy veteran of the Afghan war, would be the first openly gay man to be nominated for vice president. Hes taken a higher profile than many of his predecessors, selling Bidens infrastructure plan and making high-profile criticisms of Boeing and other transportation companies.

The Swing-State Governor

Gretchen Whitmer (52)  Michigan governor since 2019, Whitmer embraced tough lockdown rules during the coronavirus pandemic, facing tremendous pushback from some of her constituents and Republicans nationwide. Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping plot for which more than a dozen men were arrested in 2020. But she handily won reelection in 2022 and her popularity in a key swing state has earned her a spot on any list of potential candidates. She was even vetted for the vice president role in 2020. However, a two-woman ticket would be unprecedented in an already tumultuous campaign. Asked by a local television station Monday about whether shed accept the VP nomination, Whitmer said, Im not planning to go anywhere.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner.

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In a shocking turn of events on Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his bid for a second term and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination instead. The decision means that Harris, who is of Black and South Asian descent, could be the first woman of color to lead a major-party ticket.

It also means Harris will have to pick a running mate. The Democratic leadership will want Harris to pick someone who can both win over swing voters and incentivize the partys core base to turn out at the polls.

Here are some of the possible candidates that Harris could choose.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro, 51, won his race for governor in the swing state by just 700,000 votes in 2022. He had the largest electoral victory of any Pennsylvania non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate since 1946, and seemed to have been unusually popular with both rural and urban Pennsylvanians. Shapiro gained national attention after he oversaw the quick repairs on Philadelphia's I-95 overpass, which collapsed last year and was reopened just 12 days later.

The governor has a pro-Israel record which could help him with some constituencies and alienate him with others, including voters in Michigan, a swing state with a large Arab American community for whom Gaza remains a core issue. Shapiro would be the first Jewish candidate for Vice President since Joe Liebermans unsuccessful run in 2000.

Shapiro vowed to support Harris as the nominee on Sunday and called for Democrats to unite behind her. Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results, Shapiro said in a statement on X. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support.

Read More: Heres Who Has Endorsed Kamala Harris for President So Far

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly, 60, started his career in the Navy as an aviator before being selected by NASA as an astronaut. In 2011, his wife, then congresswoman Gabriel Giffords, was shot in the head during a mass shooting outside of a grocery store. Giffords has permanent disabilities as a result.

Kelly and Giffords became advocates for universal background checks and other gun control measures. In 2020, Kelly successfully ran in a special election in Arizona as a Democrat to unseat Republican incumbent Senator Martha McSally.

Known for his moderate and bipartisan rhetoric, Kelly could be a valuable asset in helping deliver Arizona to the Democrats.

I couldnt be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future, Kelly wrote on X. She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg, 42, rose to national prominence when he ran for President in 2020 as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. A Rhodes Scholar who attended Harvard and Oxford, he started his career as a management consultant for McKinsey.

Buttigieg has served as Transportation Secretary in Biden's cabinet since 2021. He was the first openly gay candidate in history to win a presidential primary and the first openly gay cabinet secretary confirmed by Senate.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

Roy Cooper, 67, is another prominent Democrat governor of a critical swing state. Like Harris, he previously served as his states attorney general. The governor could help win over swing voters, since he won both his elections in North Carolina in 2016 and 2020, despite Trump carrying the state both election cycles.

"Kamala Harris should be the next President," he wrote on X. "Ive known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity."

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

Andy Beshear, 46, is another Southern Democrat with a track record of winning over votes in a red state. He won his campaign for re-election in 2023, despite Trump winning Kentucky by approximately 30 percentage points in 2020, in large part by running a campaign that attacked his opponent for supporting the states near-total ban on abortion. Abortion will likely be a critical issue in the 2024 election, and Harris is expected to make reproductive rights and abortion access central to her campaign.

Asked Monday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" about being a potential running mate, Beshear said: "The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country."

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

The 59-year-old billionaire governor of Illinois has self-financed his entire political career. J.B. Pritzker comes from one of the wealthiest families in the U.S., which owns the Hyatt hotel chain.

Pritzker's wealth could be a campaign finance asset. Filings at the end of June showed the Trump campaign with more cash on hand than Bidens team. However, donations have poured in after Biden dropped out on Sunday, with Harris raising some $50 million through grassroots donations.

Pritzker endorsed Harris for the nomination in a statement posted on X on Monday morning, ending speculation that he would run at the top of the ticket. He said that he spoke to Harris and explained why he didnt immediately endorse her like some of the other contenders did on Sunday. "When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Bidens selfless decision came as a genuine surprise," Pritzker said. "Its important to be thoughtful about whats next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention."

He praised Harris for her work on abortion rights, calling her a "champion of the American values we hold dear."

Colorado Governor Jared Polis

Jared Polis, 49, has served as Colorado's governor since 2019 and was recently elected as chair of the nonpartisan National Governors Association. Like other potential contenders, he would bring a sense of bipartisan appeal to the ticket. Polis secured robust electoral victories in both 2018 and 2022, underscoring his appeal across party lines in a traditionally blue state.

However, opting for Polis might not strategically bolster Democratic prospects in crucial swing states, a potential drawback compared to other candidates. Polis is the nations first openly gay governor, and previously served in Congress for a decade and was a member of the Colorado State Board of Education.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

At 45 years old, Wes Moore is often viewed as a rising star in Democratic circles. He made history in 2023 as Marylands first Black governor, leveraging a multifaceted career that includes acclaimed authorship, a Rhodes Scholarship, military service, and stewardship of the Robin Hood foundation.

However, his limited tenure as governor and Marylands securely Democratic electoral landscape could present strategic challenges for a Harris-led ticket seeking to secure pivotal swing states. Despite these considerations, Moores charisma and broad appeal could make him a compelling candidate to energize the Democratic base, potentially offering a fresh narrative of leadership and diversity in national politics.

Read More: Where Wes Moore Comes From

He endorsed Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination on Monday morning. "Vice President Harris has the experience, record, vision, and wisdom to unify the country," Moore said in a statement posted on X. "The morning that the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, one of the first calls I received was from Vice President Harris. She made clear that the entire nation stood with Maryland as we confronted one of the worst tragedies in the history of our state. In that moment, she demonstrated not just her powers of leadership, but also her powers of empathy."

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Gavin Newsom, 56, worked extensively with Harris during her time as Californias attorney general. He has been involved in the states politics for decades, serving as San Franciscos mayor from 2004 to 2011 and California lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019.

However, there are questions about his popularity both within his party and whether he can appeal to swing voters. The governor was nearly recalled by California voters in 2021 and he has come under fire following reports that he had dined at an exclusive restaurant that flouted his own governments pandemic restrictions.

Picking Newsom as Harris' running mate could also be legally difficult since both are from California. The 12th Amendment says that states electors vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.

Newsom has endorsed Harris, writing on X that no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer, 52, is another governor of an important swing state whose name has frequently been mentioned as a presidential or vice presidential contender. However, when asked by 6 News on Monday if she was prepared to take the vice presidency if it was offered, Whitmer replied: "No, I'm not going anywhere." She endorsed Harris earlier in the day, and later said that she is "proud to serve as a co-chair of her campaign."

"In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a candidate they can count on to lower their costs, protect their freedoms, and build an economy that works for working people," Whitmer said in a post on X. "Donald Trump is a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, and drove our economy into the ground. We cannot let him anywhere near the White House. Vice President Harris, you have my full support. Lets win this."

While Whitmer appears unlikely to join the ticket, she could be setting herself up for a potential presidential run in 2028. During her tenure as Michigan's governor, she has become known for her focus on infrastructure and ran on a campaign to fix the damn roads during her successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign. She has been a prominent abortion rights advocate and has referred to herself as progressive.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Im running for governor because I love Missouri and believe we have incredible potential for a bright future. But extreme politicians in Jefferson City are taking us backward and not addressing the challenges we face.

Instead of focusing on creating jobs, higher wages, better schools and better access to health care, Jeff City is focused on prosecuting women and doctors for making their own private decisions about family planning, and fanning the flames of the culture wars.

But heres the good news: With the right leadership and fresh ideas, Missouri can be a place of possibility and opportunity again.

But first, we must restore personal reproductive rights here in Missouri. Whether its the right to have an abortion, access to contraception or even in vitro fertilization, politicians should never dictate how we build our families. And this isnt just an issue about protecting a fundamental right  its about our future. Missouris extreme abortion ban has driven people away, hindered our economy and made it harder to ensure a great public school education for the next generation of leaders right here in our state.

Im not a career politician. I run a fast-growing family business that succeeds because we truly care about our employees and their families. I know how to lay out a vision, create jobs, work with people I dont always agree with to solve problems and get things done.

First, wed create a business climate that works for everyone by strengthening local economies in every corner of the state, helping people start and grow their small businesses, and attracting well-paying jobs and the workforce we need.

Missouri is brimming with potential: We have a wealth of entrepreneurs, innovators and dedicated workers. But for too long, self-serving politicians have prioritized their extreme social agendas, stalling progress and driving businesses, students and families away. Ive grown my familys restaurant business from 26 to more than 200 locations, employing thousands of Missourians and people nationwide. Ive done it by incentivizing entrepreneurship, investing in workforce training and removing unnecessary barriers to employment.

Second, wed invest in Missouris people. Just as a business that neglects its workforce will falter, a state that ignores the needs of its people will stagnate and fall behind. Unfortunately, because of the usual partisan games, Missouris economy has fallen behind the national average, education has lagged, health outcomes have deteriorated, and the cost of living remains prohibitive for many families.

My familys business has been a success because weve invested in our employees and their families. We provide comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement, housing assistance, support for our student workers and an emergency assistance fund to support people during unexpected times of need. These investments have been the key to our success. And as governor, I would apply the same principles to our state. We must ensure every child receives a quality education, tackle the affordability crisis and improve our communities health and safety. Its time to view investments in Missouris people not as optional expenses, but as essential priorities.

Finally, we need our state government to work more efficiently with a focus on a customer service mindset, because success hinges on delivering exceptional service. Unfortunately, today it often behaves as if its the only option available. As Missouri lags behind our neighbors in economic growth, business creation, household income, K-12 education and more, the detrimental effects of this attitude are evident. When our government focuses on scoring political points and fails to support Missourians success, the entire state suffers.

As governor, I would always prioritize the needs of Missourians. Wed innovate how state agencies deliver services, incentivize exceptional customer service and foster public-private partnerships. Wed modernize outdated systems, implement clear performance metrics and ensure transparency. And wed address the corruption that has become all too common in Jeff City.

Ive seen firsthand the power and the possibility of our people. Missourians are resilient, ready to get back up when were knocked down. We are kind, always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor or friend in need. We are diverse, richer because of our differences, not in spite of them. And we are ready, eager to unlock our collective potential.

Possibility over pessimism. Cooperation over gridlock. Thats the Missouri I know, and thats the Missouri Id be honored to serve as your next governor.

Mike Hamra is a Democratic candidate for Missouri governor. He lives in Springfield.
Military training in UK: Ukrainians learn how to fire triple missiles three times faster than sound  photos

The Armed Forces of the UK have been training Ukrainian recruits on the Starstreak air defence system.

Source: Ukraine's General Staff citing the Ministry of Defence and the Permanent Joint Headquarters of the UK Armed Forces

Details: The Starstreak is a British man-portable air defence system, a short-range portable system optimised to provide protection against airborne threats.

The Starstreak missile travels at more than three times the speed of sound and can hit a target multiple times with its three-dart-like projectile system.

The report says the training will help Ukrainian recruits defend their skies from Russian aircraft.

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Milwaukee police reported Monday that a critically missing 15-year-old girl has been found.

She was last seen Sunday, but police sent an update on Monday morning that she was located and safe.

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

What to do if you're searching for a missing person in Milwaukee

Milwaukee police recommend you file a missing person report as soon as possible. You can go to your nearest Police District with a recent photo of the missing person. If you can't go to a police district, you can call 911 so an officer can take the report.

Families can notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at www.missingkids.com. You can register to use the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System at www.namus.gov.

Click here to sign up for the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network and receive AMBER, Silver, Green and Missing Endangered Person alerts.

RELATED: What happens when a child disappears in America?

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police say critically missing teen has been found safe
The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday that while a St. Paul man admitted to police that he "thought about raping" a woman he was strangling in 2020, that confession alone was not enough to justify the attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge he was convicted of in 2023.

Judge Matthew E. Johnson wrote in the majority opinion that the prevailing legal statute which justified the decision says: If the state introduces a defendant's confession into evidence at trial they have to "corroborate the confession by presenting evidence independent of the confession that reasonably tends to prove that the specific crime charged in the complaint actually occurred."

On May 11, 2020, Nicholas Lee Hill attacked the housing manager at a subsidized apartment building for seniors in Minneapolis. He had been to the building three or four previous times to request a housing application. The housing manager agreed to show Hill an apartment. Once inside, he shoved her into a large closet and began choking her.

Her screams were heard by a coworker who called 911 and tried to kick down the door. The housing manager scratched Lee's face and told him he needed to stop  which he did at that time. He then pulled out a knife and handed it to the housing manager before leaving the apartment, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry."

When he was interrogated by police, Hill said he had become aroused and "thought about raping ... whoever that woman was in there," but her response made him stop.

Hill was tried in Hennepin County District Court on two counts. He was acquitted of attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct while armed with a dangerous weapon and convicted for attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct while using force or coercion to cause personal injury.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The appeals court overturned that conviction Monday. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney.

At trial, Hill's accuser testified under cross-examination that "during the assault, Hill did not touch any "intimate parts" of her body, did not try to undress her, did not undress himself, and did not make any comments of a sexual nature."

Johnson zeroed in on the notion of "corpus delicti" in his opinion, a legal term which states that a person should generally not be convicted unless a crime can be proven to have occurred. While Hill confessed his thoughts about committing sexual assault, Minnesota law meant the state had to prove Hill had physically attempted to sexually assault his victim.

In that area, the appeals court found the state's argument lacking.

Johnson wrote: "In this case, the underlying uncompleted substantive crime is first-degree criminal sexual conduct using force or coercion causing personal injury. The elements of that crime are '(1) the intentional act of sexual penetration, (2) without the consent of the complainant, (3) causing personal injury to the complainant, and (4) through the use of force or coercion.'"

In Hill's case, the state needed to prove that he had committed "an act which is a substantial step toward, and more than preparation for, the commission of the crime."

The state argued that they had supplied evidence to prove namely that Hill had visited the apartment several times, had isolated the housing manager in an apartment, shoved her into a closet and began choking her. The appeals court viewed that as evidence of an assault, but not of attempted sexual assault.

Johnson's opinion continued: "We acknowledge that, in a case like this case, a person in [the housing manager's] position might fear a sexual assault or might perceive that a sexual assault was imminent. But that apparently was not so in this case."

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Peter M. Reyes Jr., wrote that even given the majority opinion that intent with physical evidence must be proven rather than just a confession, the evidence presented by the state clearly showed that Hill had attempted to carry out the sexual assault he had confessed to police.

Reyes pointed to the housing manager's actions and testimony as a clear indication of the crime that was taking place.

"That is why she pounded on the walls, scratched him, and told him to stop, and why she later testified to thinking 'That [she] needed to figure out a way to get out of the situation.' Not only do these circumstances 'reasonably tend to prove' appellant's guilt, but they point unerringly to the only conclusion that a woman in [her] situation would reach: that appellant intended on engaging in criminal sexual conduct."
About a dozen homeless people were sleeping on the floor or sitting in an air-conditioned shelter in downtown Rochester last week, as workers at the Landing MN worried where they would be sleeping that night.

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on homelessness has advocates like Dan Fifield, co-founder of the Rochester shelter, even more concerned for the people they serve. The high court ruled that cities are allowed to enforce bans on camping in public, even when there isn't shelter space available.

"It's not going to solve homelessness, it's not going to do anything except make it harder for people to get the help that they need by not allowing folks to exist in a manner that works for them," Fifield said.

On June 28, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to side with the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, which was sued by homeless people over a previous ban on sleeping in public. The court's majority said that creating laws prohibiting sleeping in public does not constitute "cruel and unusual punishment," giving cities the go-ahead to create their own bans without fear of legal consequences.

At least two Minnesota cities  Brainerd and Duluth  have proposed camping ban proposals since the Supreme Court decision. In Rochester, a camping ban has been in place since March.

The Rochester City Council adopted its camping ban on a 4-3 vote, and since then public camping has greatly decreased in the city. The proposal came after Rochester police called for more legal consequences for campers as the city dealt with a growing number of tent encampments. Mayor Kim Norton said that the Grants Pass ruling "absolutely" gave her more confidence in the city's decision to enact a camping ban.

"We've had a significant reduction in camping since we passed the ordinance," Norton said in an email, adding that the city opened an overflow night shelter to help accommodate people. "Very pleased with the results."

While some city leaders said they welcome the legal latitude for public camping bans, the Landing's staff who work with homeless people say they are left with the problem of finding enough shelter space for everyone. In June over 360 people visited the Landing's shelter, Fifield said, greater than the roughly 90 shelter beds that are available each night in the city.

"Right now we're averaging 112-ish people coming in every day for services, and the population greatly exceeds the number of shelter beds," he said.

Rochester has not fined or arrested anyone through the ordinance so far, but police have issued warnings in order to make people move. Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin said police will only fine or arrest someone for camping as a last resort. He said the first priority is to educate homeless people about what resources are available and encouraging them to seek out services.

In interviews at The Landing, its operations manager and several people experiencing homelessness were critical of the ordinance. Brandon Ball, who said he has recently been sleeping in the woods and under bridges, said he thinks it's unfair to require people to move if they have disabilities and may not be able to relocate their tent.

"What are people supposed to do? I've got my home on wheels, but not everybody can do that," said Ball, standing next to his bicycle, which he uses to tow a small storage container that he sleeps in.

But some Minnesota city officials said the court's ruling gives them an important tool to address public safety concerns and unsanitary conditions in encampments.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis said the city has had a public camping ban in place for decades. He emphasized that St. Cloud's priority is to direct people to services to find housing, and not to issues fines.

The court's ruling "may be a tool that makes it easier for us to keep people out of harm's way in a situation that's not safe for the people in the encampment or the community as a whole," Kleis said.

St. Cloud has had public safety issues in the past at an encampment located near a shelter for victims of abuse, Kleis said, and someone was recently found dead at a camp.

In Rochester, the ban also applies to people who sleep in cars on city streets. Emma Greening, 19, said she became homeless a couple of weeks ago after her mother vanished vanished from their Rochester house and she wasn't allowed to stay there. Since then she has been sleeping in a car with her boyfriend, Micah Newman. But police will often wake them up to make them move their vehicle, the couple said.

"They tell us that we need to move constantly, that we can't park here, and we've resorted to using our gas to go clear to the north side because nobody wants us on this side of town anymore," Greening said.

Since Rochester's ban became active, some who continue to camp have found more well-hidden places to avoid being seen by police. Shawna Bowman, The Landing's operations manager, said that makes it difficult for outreach workers to make connections with people who need services. She added that she thinks the ban was created to sweep unsheltered people to less-visible areas and not to address the deeper challenges of homelessness.

"It's all about being 'out of sight, out of mind,' and 'If you can't see them, then there's not a problem,'" Bowman said.

That trend of homeless people seeking hidden places to camp has also been happening in Grants Pass. Ruth Dailey, who volunteers for the Oregon outreach service provider Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT), said some people have begun moving into the wooded hills that surround the city, in preparation for another ban.

In Minneapolis, city officials said there will be no changes because of the Supreme Court case. Enrique Velazquez, Minneapolis' director of Regulatory Services, said that while the city does prohibit public camping, it does not ticket unsheltered people for violating the prohibition.

The city will continue to offer campers shelter and services through its homeless response team and partners with Hennepin County and other service providers, Velazquez said. As of May, the city had cleared 16 encampments in the city's Phillips neighborhood and the adjacent Franklin Avenue light rail station over the previous two years.

Brainerd City Administrator Nick Broyles said in a statement that city staff were waiting for a ruling in the Supreme Court case before approaching its City Council with a proposed ordinance "to ensure the language would be constitutional."

Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux said he wants the city's eventual ordinance to take into account the safety of the public, police and the homeless population. But cities don't have the ability at the local level to address the root causes of homelessness, Badeaux said, and he hopes the state and federal governments can invest more in that area.

"At the city level, we're trying to put Band-Aids on larger issues we can't fully control," he said.

Outreach providers in Grants Pass said they have been reeling from the Supreme Court ruling. Bruce Murray, the medical director at MINT, said the concerns raised are visceral for the people affected  "like being kicked in the gut," he said.
Following a challenging week where the S&P 500 recorded significant declines, the spotlight on smaller-cap stocks grows as they show resilience amidst broader market pressures. In this context, identifying undervalued small caps like Byline Bancorp becomes particularly compelling, especially when insider buying suggests confidence in these companies' potential for growth.

Top 10 Undervalued Small Caps With Insider Buying In The United States

Name PE PS Discount to Fair Value Value Rating Hanover Bancorp 8.9x 2.0x 46.13%  Thryv Holdings NA 0.7x 28.59%  AtriCure NA 2.8x 46.29%  Franklin Financial Services 9.3x 1.9x 34.77%  Leggett & Platt NA 0.4x 9.83%  Chatham Lodging Trust NA 1.4x 15.49%  Citizens & Northern 13.0x 2.9x 37.07%  Community West Bancshares 18.7x 2.9x 42.25%  Alta Equipment Group NA 0.2x -216.47%  Delek US Holdings NA 0.1x -120.08% 

Click here to see the full list of 68 stocks from our Undervalued US Small Caps With Insider Buying screener.

Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Byline Bancorp is a bank holding company primarily engaged in providing a range of banking services, with a market capitalization of approximately $366.62 million.

Operations: The company generates revenue through banking activities, with a consistent gross profit margin of 100%. Over recent years, the net income margin has improved, reaching 0.31% in the latest reporting period on revenues of $366.62 million.

PE: 10.6x

Byline Bancorp recently enhanced its financial stability by amending a credit agreement, extending a $15 million line of credit until May 2025. This move, coupled with a notable increase in net interest income to US$85.54 million and net income rising to US$30.44 million for Q1 2024, reflects solid operational performance. Despite earnings projected to dip slightly over the next three years, insider confidence remains evident as they recently purchased shares, signaling belief in the company's potential amidst market undervaluations.

NYSE:BY Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Leggett & Platt is a diversified manufacturer specializing in engineered components and products found in homes, offices, automobiles, and commercial spaces with a market capitalization of approximately $4.65 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue from three key segments: Bedding Products ($1.91 billion), Specialized Products ($1.28 billion), and Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products ($1.46 billion). Over recent periods, the gross profit margin has shown variability, with a notable figure of 22.07% in Q2 2015 but a decrease to approximately 17.83% by Q3 2024.

Story continues

PE: -10.7x

Recently, Leggett & Platt has demonstrated notable insider confidence, with key executives purchasing shares, signaling a strong belief in the company's prospects. Amidst this backdrop, the firm has navigated a complex landscape marked by its removal and addition to different S&P indices and significant leadership changes with Karl G. Glassman reassuming CEO duties. Financially, despite a dip in quarterly dividends and earnings reflecting challenging conditions, their strategic focus on acquisitions and maintaining a solid credit stance underscores resilience and adaptability. These elements collectively suggest that Leggett & Platt is positioned for recovery and growth, making it an attractive consideration for those seeking potential amidst undervalued entities.

NYSE:LEG Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: Provident Financial Services is a financial institution offering traditional banking and other financial services, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.23 billion.

Operations: This entity generates a consistent gross profit margin of 100%, with revenue reaching $441.20 million as of the latest reporting period. Net income has fluctuated, most recently recorded at $119.94 million, reflecting a net income margin of approximately 27.17%.

PE: 11.2x

Provident Financial Services recently enhanced its governance by appointing new directors and executing strategic executive changes, signaling a robust organizational focus. With earnings projected to grow by 54.74% annually, their recent $225 million fixed-income offering strengthens financial foundations, appealing to those seeking firms with solid growth trajectories and proactive management. Insider confidence is evident from recent purchases, underscoring belief in the companys future prospects amidst its current market undervaluation.

NYSE:PFS Share price vs Value as at Jul 2024

Turning Ideas Into Actions

Click here to access our complete index of 68 Undervalued US Small Caps With Insider Buying.

Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:BY NYSE:LEG and NYSE:PFS.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Mississippi ranks worst in the U.S. in womens health according to new national scorecard

Mississippi ranks last in womens health and reproductive care outcomes, according to a 2024 report released Thursday by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to independent research on health policy.

The studys authors pointed to the states lack of Medicaid expansion and strict abortion ban as two major causes.

The report, which evaluates states on health care access, affordability, quality of care and health outcomes, found mounting disparities in womens health and reproductive care across the United States, with Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma and Arkansas scoring the worst overall.

By contrast, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire scored the highest.

This scorecard yet again reminds us that where you live matters to your health and health care, said Dr. Joseph Betancourt, Commonwealth Fund president, in a press release. While some states are championing womens continued access to vital health and reproductive services, many others are failing to ensure women can get and afford the health care they need. And this failure is having a disproportionate impact on women of color and women with low incomes.

The national maternal mortality rate nearly doubled between 2018 and 2021, rising from 17.4 to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the highest spikes among Black and American Indian and Alaska Native women. In 2022, that rate went down to 22.3, according to the report.

Mental health and cardiovascular problems were the leading underlying causes of maternal death  which was most prevalent in the Mississippi Delta, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, where maternity care deserts  areas with no hospital offering labor and delivery and no practicing OB-GYNs  pervade counties.

Southeastern states had the highest rates of deaths among women of reproductive age from 15 to 44 in addition to having the highest rates of maternal deaths. The study said top causes of death included preventable factors such as pregnancy complications, substance use, COVID-19, and breast or cervical cancer.

In June 2022, Jackson was at the center of the historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling that abolished the constitutional right to an abortion. This decision had a profound impact on the state of womens health care, researchers found  not only in what services are offered to women, but also how pregnant women access care.

Many experts are concerned that abortion bans or limits may inadvertently reduce the number of providers offering maternity care, owing to increased risk of legal action that practices face, the study read.

Other studies have shown that the number of medical residency applications has declined more in states with bans than those without.

Turning Mississippis health metrics around will be very difficult to do, authors of the report said in a media briefing Wednesday, without changing the larger, politically divisive policies. The authors referenced abortion access and Medicaid expansion as two of those policy issues.

There are things delivery systems can do despite the policy choices Mississippi has made, but it is hard to do without the additional, in large part, resources  including Medicaid which would bring an influx of resources into the state were it to expand, explained Sara Collins, the studys lead author.

Mississippi is one of only 10 states not to expand Medicaid in the decade since the Affordable Care Act made it an option for states. This year, the Legislature came close to passing a version of the policy, which would have expanded income eligibility for Medicaid and provided health care to tens of thousands of Mississippians. The bill died in the last week of the legislative session after a saga of partisan politics.

Last week, Mississippi Today unveiled a digital tracker reflecting how much federal money the state has turned down since July 1  the date expansion likely would have gone into effect had it been passed. On Thursday, that number was $97 million.

Mississippi scored well on the number of women insured during pregnancy, since Medicaid eligibility is significantly more inclusive for pregnant women. Federal law mandates all Medicaid programs cover pregnant women whose household income is less than 138% of the federal poverty level. But states can increase that eligibility, and Mississippi covers pregnant women making up to 194% of the federal poverty level, which is about $29,000 annually for an individual.

Collins referenced preventative measures such as screenings for postpartum depression and breast and cervical cancer as one way to affect change at the local level in spite of state politics.

While southeastern and northeastern states differed on most measures, both areas had high rates of cesarean sections among low-risk pregnancies  which the study says is a key indicator of lower-quality maternal health care.

In the Northeast  particularly in New York and Connecticut, which had the worst rates in their region  that could be due to individual hospitals not having a culture of care supporting vaginal delivery. For example, turning to interventions too quickly, simply because they are available or efficient.

Low-risk cesareans are more common in women who are admitted to hospitals during the week, which the study said may reflect scheduling preferences.

Mississippi also ranked in the top five in an increase in syphilis cases among women of reproductive age, with the highest rates found in South Dakota, New Mexico, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The State Health Department last year began requiring medical providers to test pregnant women for syphilis after the state saw an alarming increase in babies born with the disease.
Missouri AG criticized by political rivals over alleged lack of action on radioactive waste

The three major-party candidates for Missouri attorney general, from left, Will Scharf, Andrew Bailey and Elad Gross (campaign photos).

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey insists his office is working to hold the federal government accountable for the decades-old radioactive waste contamination that plagues the St. Louis area.

We are fighting to ensure that the federal government protects Missourians from the poison that the federal government injected into the streams and creeks there in eastern Missouri, he told The Independent.

But the two candidates vying to oust him from the office say Bailey is just the latest in a long line of Missouri officials who have failed the victims who have suffered from the effects of radioactive contamination left in the area since World War II.

Activists tried for months last summer to get Baileys help, and they were met with a closed door, Will Scharf, who is challenging Bailey in the Aug. 6 GOP primary, told The Independent.

Both Scharf and Elad Gross, the Democrat running for attorney general, say Bailey could be doing much more.

The St. Louis region was pivotal to the development of the worlds first atomic bomb in the 1940s. Uranium refined downtown was used in experiments in Chicago as part of the Manhattan Project.

After the war, dangerous radioactive waste was dumped at the St. Louis airport right next to Coldwater Creek and contaminated the creek water and banks for miles. Generations of families moved into new suburban homes springing up along the creek without knowing the dangers it posed. A federal study shows children who played in its waters face a higher risk of cancer.

The waste sat at the airport for years before it was sold and moved to a property in Hazelwood also adjacent to the creek. A company bought it to extract valuable metals and trucked the remaining waste to the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton and dumped it illegally. It remains there today.

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working to clean up the creek, and the Environment Protection Agency is overseeing the cleanup of the landfill.

But after an investigation by The Independent, MuckRock and The Associated Press revealed last summer that the federal government knew the waste posed a threat to St. Louis residents years before revealing that to the public, Missouri officials and activists have said the federal government should be held accountable for the damage.

Gross argued Bailey, as the states chief attorney, wasnt doing enough to ensure that happens.

Our attorney general can sue Joe Biden for everything under the sun, Gross said during a candidate forum last month, but he cant figure out how to sue him to protect Missouri families when we need him the most.

Gross, who previously worked in the attorney generals office, said the state should reinstate the environmental division, which was dissolved when Josh Hawley was attorney general in 2017. Bailey should have more attorneys dedicated to investigating nuclear waste and pushing the federal government for better management of the cleanup, Gross said.

If thats not enough, Gross said, the state should sue the federal government. He pointed to Washington, where the attorney generals office sued over the slow cleanup at the Hanford nuclear production facility and inadequate protections for workers.

The state previously sued Republic Services, which owns the West Lake Landfill, under former Attorney General Chris Koster over a subsurface smolder in the adjacent Bridgeton Landfill that emitted a foul odor and risked coming into contact with the radioactive waste. It was settled under Hawley.

Bailey said his office has reviewed documents the news organizations used in the investigation last summer and found that they paint a picture of the federal government poisoning Missourians. But he thinks there are documents missing.

His office filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Department of Energy in March seeking further information. Madeline Sieren, a spokeswoman for Bailey, said the attorney generals office hasnt received a response from the Department of Energy.

Those documents, Bailey said, will help determine whether the state should sue the federal government.

Bailey said hes also supporting Hawley, who now serves in the U.S. Senate, as he seeks compensation for St. Louis residents who have developed cancer following exposure to the radioactive contamination. Hawley sought to add Missouri  along with southwestern states exposed to bomb testing  to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The 35-year-old federal program, however, expired before the U.S. House of Representatives took a vote on extending and expanding it.

Last month, Bailey wrote to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, demanding that the agency put up signs along Coldwater Creek, where there is currently no warning that radioactive contamination may be present.

Gross criticism, Bailey said, was an oversimplification and a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of the attorney generals office.

Im not withholding any tool at our disposal to ensure transparency, accountability and justice for the victims, Bailey said.

Gross said writing letters is one thing.Getting results is something entirely different.

Scharf called Baileys Freedom of Information Act request a good start but said hed like to see if the state could sue the federal government or the private company that dumped waste in the West Lake Landfill.

My strong suspicion, Scharf said, is that there is much more that can be done, from a legal perspective, to vindicate the rights of Missourianswho have been grievously injured by the federal action, federal inaction and the federal cover up here.

The Independents Jason Hancock and Anna Spoerre contributed to this story.
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on former U.S. President Donald Trumps guilty verdict in his hush-money trial before speaking on the Middle East at the White House on May 31, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden said Trump had a fair trial and an impartial jury found him guilty on all 34 counts and added it is dangerous for anyone to say the trial was rigged (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images).

Missouri Democratic leaders and delegates to the partys national convention next month heaped praise on President Joe Bidens decision to drop his bid for re-election  with a few prominent Democrats quickly lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, who is facing a tough primary fight for her St. Louis-based seat, thanked the president for prioritizing our nations needs, a decision that I am sure was a difficult one.

She also formally endorsed Harris, who Bush said had the vision to carry this legacy forward and defeat Donald Trump.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones also endorsed Harris, saying on social media that Biden has been the most consequential leader of our lifetime and she looks forward to supporting Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, did not directly announce an endorsement of Harris, but he did post on social media that he donated to her campaign for president, calling her brilliant, experienced, personable, relatable.

State Rep. Keri Ingle of Lees Summit, a delegate to the convention, retweeted Harris thanking Biden for his endorsement.

Several other Missouri delegates to the convention also pledged support for Harris, but not all.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City praised Biden but stopped short of endorsing Harris.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page took the same tack, as did House Minority Leader Crystal Quade of Springfield, a candidate for governor.

State Sen. Doug Beck of Affton, a Democratic delegate, said he would be taking the next few weeks to hear from as many voters as possible about how and with whom they would like to move forward.
Missouri is doing an atrocious job distributing federal funds owed to Missourians in need

The Missouri Department of Social Services has turned the process of applying for SNAP into a Kafkaesque obstacle course, which a federal judge ruled in May violates federal law (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, is our foremost tool for keeping low-income families and people with disabilities from going hungry.

Its also a deal for the states.

The federal government pays 100% of the cost of the food benefits and 50% of the cost to administer them. SNAP not only allows us to meet a basic need for our most vulnerable citizens, but that money from the feds goes straight into our local economy as recipients purchase groceries and have funds freed up to spend on other basic needs like transportation and child care.

Studies show that being able to access SNAP leads to a host of other upsides ranging from higher SAT scores to lower healthcare costs to increased earning power.

In Missouri, however, we cant have nice things.

The administration of the SNAP program is one of a slew of examples of the state failing to get federal funds to the Missourians they are intended for.

The Missouri Department of Social Services has turned the process of applying for SNAP into a Kafkaesque obstacle course, which a federal court ruled in May violates federal law.

Applying for SNAP involves three steps: 1. Filing an application. 2. Having an interview. 3. Submitting verifications of income, assets, disability status, household characteristics, etc.

Missouri has drastically reduced the ability to complete any of these steps in person, instead routing applicants to a call center where people regularly wait on hold for hours only to have their call deflected, which is DSSs euphemism for dropped.

People stay on hold for hours multiple days in a row without ever reaching a human for an interview. Then DSS denies the application for failure to complete the interview that DSS has failed to give them. Some months, more than half of those denied benefits are denied not because they were ineligible but because they didnt complete the interview they couldnt get.

One of the plaintiffs in the SNAP lawsuit, Mary Holmes  who has throat cancer and COPD and doesnt have internet or transportation  spent hours on hold over many days using up her prepaid cell phone minutes just to ask for an application.

The automated system has no option to request that one be mailed to you. Holmes ultimately paid someone for a ride to a DSS office where she was able to file an application but was told there was no staff to interview her. Then she spent more days on hold trying and failing to get an interview before having her application denied for not having an interview.

Others who cant reach anyone at the call center go to DSS in person only to be pointed to a phone and told to call the call center.

The details in the lawsuit paint a picture of such shocking incompetence (or deliberate malfeasance?) that youd think Gov. Mike Parson and his DSS director, Robert Knodell, would be embarrassed.

It is baffling that they would defend this lawsuit rather than seeking to settle it by fixing the problem.

Instead, the state has doubled down, letting the call center remain a mess for the two years since the lawsuit was filed while making unsound arguments in court that the plaintiffs dont have standing to sue and that DSS is immune from litigation.

Now, Attorney General Andrew Bailey has appealed even though there isnt even a final judgment to appeal from. All the lower court has done so far is order the state to develop a remedial plan and file monthly reports on wait times and dropped calls. But instead of trying to remedy the problem, our officials are spending taxpayer dollars to continue fighting for the right not to fulfill their legal obligations to Missourians.

This is part of a pattern.

Daycares are closing because the state cant manage to get federal child care subsidies disbursed, even though the governor has claimed dealing with the child care crisis is a priority.

Missouris worst-in-the nation wait times for Medicaid applications and renewals have drawn a federal investigation. Missouri kids are finding out at the pediatricians office that theyve been kicked off Medicaid and getting sicker from manageable conditions.

The DOJ found that Missouri is unnecessarily institutionalizing thousands of adults with mental illness in inappropriate nursing homes in violation of federal law.

The state takes federal disability and survivorship benefits owed to foster care children despite bipartisan support for a bill that would have ended the practice.

I dont understand why these arent major scandals. Instead, each failure is met with officials shrugging and pointing the finger at somebody else: The closing day cares are a contractors fault. Medicaid wait times are due to understaffing and antiquated computers. The SNAP call center is overburdened because applicants are choosing the wrong menu option.

In the SNAP case, Judge Douglass Harpool essentially said, figure it out.

He acknowledged that there are many demands for the states resources, but found it a challenge to believe the state cant administer a program where the federal government pays all of the benefits and at least half of the administrative cost. This is especially so, he noted, given that Missouri has received additional pandemic funds from the federal government, and cut taxes while the SNAP program has been inadequately administered.

In fact, the federal government barred states from using COVID funds for tax cuts. But thats hard to enforce because money is fungible, so Missouri did it anyway.

Furthermore, Missouri has rejected opportunities to streamline the eligibility process. We are one of only nine states not to have implemented broad-based categorical eligibility. Instead, the legislature gave lip service to solving the problem of recipients losing benefits due to meager pay increases by creating a convoluted new program that was never implemented because it wasnt funded and would have required DSS to build a whole new system to administer it on top of the already broken one.

There is just no excuse for this.

I was surprised to learn recently that the famous sign on Harry Trumans desk reading The Buck Stops Here, says Im from Missouri on the back. These days, the Show-Me State looks more like the Pass the Buck State to me.

Poor people arent politically powerful. So its easy for officials to throw up their hands at the rampant mismanagement and neglect that is depriving them of federal support they are owed.

But we all ought to demand more from our elected officials and political candidates. Minimally competent governance is not too much to ask.
MOCAD, The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, recently opened four spectacular new summer exhibitions as it continues its recent evolution under new directors.

MOCAD is a very special place, said artistic director Jova Lynne. Its a place that fosters strong relationships, strong networks, and strong connections to community. And I think these shows were presenting this season demonstrate those connections, and having local artists, nationally known artists and international artists all together at once, singing a similar song (but) with very different artwork is what I love about what were able to do here.

Honoring local masters

Chief in importance among the new exhibitions is Kinship: The Legacy of Gallery 7, a show celebrating the art and personalities of one of the first art venues in Detroit dedicated to the work of Black artists. Founded by the late Charles McGee, it operated for a decade starting in 1969.

Kinship: The Legacy of Gallery 7, a tribute to late Detroit artist Charles McGee's groundbreaking art space from 1969-1979, is one of this summer's major exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD).

In 1969, McGee was approached by Detroit Artists Market director Gloria Whelan, who asked him to curate a show highlighting Black artists, who were scarcely being showcased regionally at the time. The exhibition, Seven Black Artists, featured work by James Dudley Strickland, Lester Johnson, James King Jr., Robert Murray, James Lee, Harold Neal, Robert J. Stull and McGee himself. Seven Black Artists, the first gallery exhibition of its kind in Detroit, received wide acclaim, inspiring McGee to open Gallery 7, which represented a new generation of Black artists.

The MOCAD exhibition presents the works of Lester Johnson, Gilda Snowden, Allie McGhee, Charles McGee, Harold Neal, Robert Stull, Elizabeth Youngblood, and Naomi Dickerson.

Lester Johnson, 86, said the exhibition brought back great memories. He continues to work and maintain an active schedule.

These days, he said, Im working on a new show, which is going to be at the University of Michigan Dearborn from September until December. The idea of the show is to actually include both recent work and some historical work at the same time, give you some kind of perspective on how the work Im doing now was informed by earlier works.

Elizabeth Youngblood, another artist in the exhibition, said its wonderful being acknowledged and seeing her work hanging among other legends as part of the Gallery 7 legacy.

Im still drinking it all in, she said. I was a youngster at Cranbrook  and that was back in the days where there were (only) two Black people. McArthur Binion had just graduated, and Robert Murray was still there. When I came to Cranbrook, Robert Murray took me and introduced me to Gallery 7 people. They were a little bit older than I was, but I would just kind of show up and theyd let me hang around, and I got to see that there was a way that you could be a (professional) artist.

I learned from the Gallery 7 people, especially Charles McGee, that you do your work, follow your heart and your sensibilities  have the courage to do that, even though maybe it doesnt look like its enough, or maybe (your work) doesnt look like other stuff thats out there. My work is minimal, and I worry that its not narrative, its not figurative. But its what it needs to be.

Like Johnson, Youngbloods work is also receiving a separate special exhibition in the region; a retrospective titled Elizabeth Youngblood: Syntax is on display until Aug. 3 at the University of Michigans Stamps Gallery in Ann Arbor.

MOCADs Gallery 7 tribute was assembled by associate curator Abel Gonzalez Fernandez. He said the Gallery 7 artists are individual, but share a fortune, and shared a future during their time creating together.

It was one of the first actual venues that fostered, promoted and incubated Black abstraction, he said. Not only that, but it was also very important as a bridge to Pan-Africanism. Charles McGee used to have African artifacts and a sculpture and mask dealer, and they put all these artists in contact with the legacy of African art.

These were highly educated artists from the Black community that went to art school and were leaning into the Black Power and civil rights movements. They had this hunger for learning more about (the African diaspora) but also social politics, contemporary art  all these things combined and Charles McGee ended up creating this space that had very strong impact in the city in terms of education. Many of these artists ended up being professors in the most important schools in this city.

Feeding the culture

Detroit artist LaKela Brown makes her MOCAD debut with From Scratch: Seeding Adornment, an exploration of nourishment practices across the African diaspora used to cement Black culture as a conduit of liberation. It honors how Black ancestral and cultural legacies have continued across generations despite incredible odds. The exhibition depicts plants, food and jewelry in three-dimensional still life fashion that highlight their importance in the formation of Black identity.

Brown, a College for Creative Studies alum, said she draws inspiration from her environment and culture, using plaster, foam, resin, paper, handmade paper and even paint to create her works. Her work is currently on display at New Yorks prestigious Marianne Boesky Gallery, and will also be displayed in an Akili Tommasino-curated group show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in November.

Im an 80s, 90s hip-hop kid in Detroit, and Im Black American, she said. So I have two bodies of work here to have two entry points. The first gallery is ethno-botany work, about culturally significant plants and how people use plants in our culture. Then theres a second gallery centered around adornment, how we decorate our bodies, and these are all informed by our culture as well.

American history, re-examined

Zones of Non-Being, a powerful exhibition of recent works by U.S.-based, Botswana-born artist and educator Meleko Mokgosi, is anchored by a group of 15 large-scale canvas works titled Spaces of Subjections: Zones of Nonbeing, which uses imagery from a 1911 childrens picture book to tell a story in new context.

Images from Meleko Mokgosi's Spaces of Subjections: Zones of Nonbeing, part of Detroit's MOCAD summer show.

The book is Sara Cone Bryants Epaminondas and his Auntie, which relies heavily on racist tropes reminiscent of turn-of-the-century minstrel shows. In this tale, small, Black Epaminondas is a foolish, Amelia Bedelia type, prone to taking everything hes told very literally, to what supposedly comic effect. But the harmful imagery and painfully stereotypical quotes in slave dialect mire the book in Americas very ugly history, blown up bigger than life on MOCADs walls.

Mokgosis brilliant stroke with these images takes the words of James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou and other Black scholars and scrawls them in handwriting all around the edges and negative space of the books pages to recontextualize whats being seen. By doing so, Mokgosi draws critical reflection on how such imagery contributes to the generation  and, often, subjugation and condemnation  of Black identity or subjects.

A childrens book is a way that you socialize a child into the world, Mokgosi said. How we are socialized into becoming who we are. So I wanted to kind of bring in these real-life, historical figures and see what kind of questions will come out for people, and how they will engage with these histories.

A new era

Group show Word of Mouth, on display in Mike Kelleys Mobile Homestead  a separate, sister space behind MOCAD  is also on display, organized collaboratively by staff from across the museum and representing a diverse range of mediums, levels of experience and points of exploration.

Together, these four exhibitions make a seismic statement about MOCADs new era and commitment to barrier-busting, world-class art in Detroit, and it is not to be ignored. Earlier this year, the museums new leadership made the potentially risky decision to close the doors for four months to regroup, refocus, and prepare for these summer shows.

We took four months to just focus on programming for a little bit, Lynne said. I really wanted to take our time to think about how we welcome people into our space and how MOCAD can be more of a visitor center. So, it wasnt just about waiting on the shows  it was about what people youll notice when you come in the door. Theres a new admissions area, youre greeted, you get a family activity guide. If you come with little ones, you get an introduction to what the museum is.

That might seem small, but its a really big deal, and we wanted to put the same care in that our community gives back to us by doing it right. So we took our time.

MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit, and is open Wednesday through Sunday with later hours Thursday and Friday. Visit mocadetroit.org for more information.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MOCAD's powerful summer exhibitions signal bold new era in Detroit art
Sergeant Clinton LaVor Romesha is a retired member of the United States Army and a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor. Romesha earned his award by taking courageous action during the Battle of Kamdesh in eastern Afghanistan.

Background

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (Sept. 16, 2015) Seaman Brendan Harris, assigned to USS Constitution, shakes the hand of Clinton LaVor Romesha, a former United States Army staff sergeant, who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Kamdesh in 2009 during the war in Afghanistan, as a part of the Congressional Medal of Honor Societys annual convention which is being hosted in Boston for the third time. As a token of appreciation, the crew of Old Ironsides handcrafted gifts made with wood, which was once part of the ship, and copper taken from her hull. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney/Released)

Sergeant Romesha was born in Lake City, California, in 1981, and hails from a line of military veterans. His grandfather served in World War II, fighting in the Battle of Normandy, and his father served in Vietnam. His two brothers have also served.

Romesha enlisted in the Army in 1999 and underwent training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. No stranger to combat, he deployed to Kosovo and Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 3, 2009, Sergeant Romesha valiantly served at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. Engaging bravely during the battle that ensued there that day led to an ultimate recognition of courage and heroism  his Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Action

On October 3, 2009, a band of Taliban fighters stormed COP Keating. Strategically positioned in the hills of eastern Afghanistan, the outpost served as a major obstacle to Taliban operations. As such, its destruction was paramount for their leadership. An attack plan quickly formed. They would srtike at dawn.

Hearing explosions and gunfire near the bases perimeter wall, Romesha alerted his fellow servicemembers and organized a counterattack. As American soldiers fell, he engaged the Taliban snipers, running directly into enemy fire. Sergeant Romesha fired his pistol, forcing some of the Taliban snipers to take cover. As the Taliban scattered, Romesha guided the military aircraft, which had flown in to help suppress the attack. Although Romesha sustained injury, he persevered in battle and refused to back down. Unfortunately, the backup that were sent for his aid had their path blocked by an ongoing attack from a nearby operation post known as Fritsche. Romesha fought the Taliban for 12 hours, eventually assisting in the defeat of the attackers.

On October 3, 2009, Kamdesh became the scene of one of the deadliest battles in Operation Enduring Freedom. A fierce clash between US forces and over 150 Taliban militants resulted in 8 American fatalities and 27 injured soldiers. The destruction was so great that Combat Outpost Keating had to be evacuated soon after the battle concluded  a lasting reminder of this tragic conflicts impact on both sides.

Sergeant Romesha continued to serve in the Army until his separation in 2011. President Barack Obama presented him with his Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on February 11, 2013. He is also a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
Almost immediately after President Joe Biden abandoned his bid for a second term and formally backed his Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him, major figures from across the Democratic Party lined up behind her, giving Harris a wave of momentum in an unprecedented fight for a major partys presidential nomination. Yet a few notable exceptions who held back their support suggests the Vice President doesnt have the nomination locked up just yet.

Important pillars of Bidens base were already backing Harris late Sunday, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and the influential fundraising arm of the Congressional Black Caucus. Union leaders from the AFL-CIO, a crucial part of any Democratic candidates national ground game, also signaled their enthusiasm for Harris on Sunday and could vote on an official endorsement of her in the coming days.

Biden has moved swiftly to try to amass insurmountable support behind Harris well before the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago on Aug. 19. The Democratic Party plans to hold a virtual roll call vote to officially decide its candidate earlier in the month. Harris announced Sunday that she intended to "earn and win" the nomination. To officially become the partys candidate, a nominee requires the support of 1,976 delegate votes. More than 3,000 were committed to support Biden, who was already working behind the scenes on Sunday to try to send as many of his delegates toward Harris.

A few powerful Democratic voices, however, were notably silent on Harris. Former President Barack Obama, for example, issued a lengthy statement applauding the decision of his former Vice President to step aside as proof that he is a patriot of the highest order. However, Obama didnt mention Harris. We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, Obama said. Similarly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Biden a patriotic American but didnt say anything about Harris. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also stopped short of endorsing Harris on Sunday.

But many other powerful figures in the Democratic Party came out publicly to support Harris as their candidate. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, one of several Democratic governors often mentioned as a presidential contender, said Harris is ready to be president. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who ran against Harris in the 2020 presidential primary, called Harris a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion and said that Harris, as a former prosecutor would be able to press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, another former challenger to Harris, said Sunday he would "do all that I can to help elect" Harris.

Among the slew of Democrats in Congress who quickly backed Harris, few drew as much attention as Clyburn, whose support for Biden in 2020 delivered the party nomination for him. Antjuan Seawright, a political advisor to Clyburn and Jeffries, says Bidens quick endorsement of Harris, minutes after he announced he was leaving the race, was a clear message to Bidens allies that is reverberating across the party.

He promised to be a bridge candidate, thats proof in the pudding, says Seawright. But also he understands that this is not about what America was, it is about what we know she can be and hope to be and Kamala Harris represents that.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Monday July 22 is final day to register to vote in August Florida primary elections

If youre not someone who consistently stays in the loop on politics and elections, an election year can be a confusing time, especially if you live in Florida.

Many people might be wondering what exactly is the difference between Floridas presidential preference primary, the actual primary election and the general election. Thats a great question, but before it's answered, its also important to know that your voter registration is in good standing and that youre registered with the right party.

In Florida, July 22 is a big day because its the last day voters can register and change their party for the upcoming primary election on Aug. 20.

While registering to vote is obviously important, in Florida, registering with the right party is a big deal, too, because the state has closed primaries. This means voters can only vote for their party candidates, and no party affiliation (NPA) voters are not eligible to vote for any partisan candidates unless a universal primary contest happens.

Heres what to know about the upcoming Florida primary election and how to check your voter status.

How to check if you're registered to vote in Florida

Checking your voter registration status in Florida is an easy process. Heres how to do it:

Visit the Department of State website

Enter your first and last name and your birthday

Accept the terms of service by checking the option that says you understand and agree

Submit your information

After submitting your information, youll see a form that provides your voter registration information. At the bottom, youll see your registration status, which will say either active or inactive.

Register to vote online or in person

If you need to register, visit RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov to complete the registration online. You will need your Florida driver's license or ID card, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register completely online.

You can register in person at the Supervisor of Elections office at 2990-1 Apalachee Pkwy or at any of the other government offices listed below:

How do Florida primary and general elections work?

Florida is one of 12 states that use a closed primary election process. That means that you may only vote for candidates of the party you are registered with. Independent voters, or nonpartisan voters, are not able to vote for partisan candidates during closed primaries.

During the general election, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for any candidate of their choosing.

Primary election key dates

Deadline to register to vote: July 22

Early voting period (mandatory period): Aug. 10  18

Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Aug. 8

Election Day: Aug. 20

General election key dates

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to voters: Sept. 21

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: Sept. 26  Oct. 3

Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 7

Early voting period (mandatory period): Oct. 26  Nov. 2

Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Oct. 24

Election Day: Nov. 5

How to change your political party

Changing your political party is easy and doesn't require you to do any heavy lifting; you can do it from a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection.

Just head over to the Online Voter Registration System and click on the big "Register or Update" button. You'll be asked your reason for application. Just select the "record update/change" option and you can follow the steps to change your party affiliation.

If you don't want to go through the process online, you can submit a Florida Voter Registration Application to the Supervisor of Elections.

Learn more about the process at www.leonvotes.gov.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida primary elections: Voter registration deadline on July 22
More than 30 beaches in Massachusetts closed Monday due to bacteria

More than 30 beaches in Massachusetts closed Monday due to bacteria

More than 30 beaches in Massachusetts are closed to swimmers on Monday due to the presence of bacteria in the water.

As of Monday morning, there were 33 beaches, lakes, and ponds closed, including popular destinations on Cape Cod and the Islands, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Healths interactive beach water quality dashboard.

Nearly all of those bodies of water are closed due to elevated or harmful bacteria levels, the dashboard indicated.

The dashboard is updated daily at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. during beach season.

The water quality at beaches in Massachusetts is required to be monitored. This monitoring data helps local health officials determine when to close a beach due to unsafe conditions and notify the public so that beach visitors can make informed decisions about swimming at the beach.

Swimming in unsafe waters can result in gastrointestinal and respiratory health issues.

The state conducts weekly water quality testing at the start of each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Below is the current list of active closures shown in the dashboard:

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Joe Bidens decision to endorse Kamala Harris was the one thing that Donald Trump feared, according to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough.

Dems Mock Trump as Too Old to RunLike He Did to Biden

The Morning Joe host claimed the president turned the tables on Trump by supporting his vice president in the 2024 White House race.

He said that Trumpthe ultimate disruptorand his supporters have been put on the defensive by Bidens decision.

The Republican response to the move, complaining it was undemocratic and unlawful, is a telling sign that the GOP is running scared, said Scarborough.

Ive also had a good bit of reporting from deep inside the Trump camp that this is the one thing that Donald Trump feared, he continued during MSNBCs special coverage.

Joe Scarborough says that "the most telling thing about how positive this may be for the Democratic Party is the Republican response," noting that folks like Newt Gingrich and Mike Johnson are complaining that this is a "violation of democracy." pic.twitter.com/vjDNZL6cXN  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) July 21, 2024

He has always considered himself to be the ultimate disrupter. And for the first timenot just in his political life, but the first time in his media life, in his professional lifethe disruption is on the other side. People are not having to respond to the shocking turn of events from him for once, he added.

Scarborough, who hosts the MSNBC morning show alongside Mika Brzezinski, claimed that Trump and his campaign will have to respond to the Democratic nominee shuffle and he said, Theyre not happy about it at all.

I think thats why youre seeing a lot of Trumps acolytes in politics and the media coming out and bitterly complaining about this, he continued.

He cited former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for going onto X and talking about how this is a violation of democracy, how its shocking and stunning that theyre delegitimizing the votes of 14.5 million Democrats.

You also have House Speaker Mike Johnson going around saying that hes going to do everything he can to try to nullify this, despite the fact Democrats havent even had their convention yet, Scarborough said.

The Morning Joe star praised the timing of Bidens announcement on Sunday rather than allowing the uncertainty to drag on and risk further Democratic defections. He said the question was not whether Biden wanted to endorse his vice president but whether it would be better for her to fight for it, win it on her own, and not be seen as somebody who was tapped by President Biden.

The decision to endorse her, he said, brought Democrats an awful lot of relief.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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VANCOUVER, BC, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Capella Minerals Ltd (TSXV: CMIL) (OTCQB: CMILF) (FRA: N7D2) ("Capella" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following update as we focus on our Scandinavian project portfolio, following the regaining of a 100% interest in its high-grade copper-cobalt-zinc projects in the Lkken and Rros mining districts, central Norway, and including the drill-ready targets at Amot and Hessjgruva (see Company News Release dated July 19, 2024).

The Company's project portfolio was also streamlined during H1, 2024, with the divestiture of two non-core assets in the Americas (the Savant project in Ontario, Canada, and the Sierra Blanca project in Santa Cruz, Argentina), with discussions on strategic alternatives for the Domain project in Manitoba, Canada, also underway with JV partner Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSX/NYSE: AEM). This provides the Company with a clear focus on its Scandinavian projects going forward.

Northern Finland Copper-Gold Project (70% Capella; 30% Cullen Resources Ltd)

Capella's Northern Finland Copper-Gold Project consists of 5 exploration licenses ("EL's) with granted drill permits, and is located in the world-class metallogenic province of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt ("CLGB") (Figure 1). The portfolio consists of the priority Killero E and Killero W targets (former Anglo American plc Base of Till  or "BoT" - copper-gold geochemical anomalies which were never drill tested), Saattopora W (the interpreted western extension of Outokumpu Oy's former Saattopora copper-gold mine), and two conceptual gold and copper targets (Keisunselka and Jolhikko)(see Company News Release dated December 5, 2023).

The Company's priority targets for drill testing are the Killero E and W targets, in addition to the Saattopora W target. At Killero E and W, the Company is planning to trial a drone-based electromagnetic ("EM") survey over the main BoT copper-gold anomalies in late summer with a view to better-defining sulfide-rich areas for priority drill testing (Figure 2). A maiden core drilling program is then expected to be undertaken when winter conditions again provide the frozen ground necessary for impact-free access to the project area.

At Saattopora W, relogging and resampling of available drill core from historical scout drilling was completed at the Finnish Geological Survey's ("GTK") core storage facility in Loppi, southern Finland. This relogging and resampling allowed for the characterization of both alteration assemblages and metal concentrations (gold, copper, together with the pathfinder element arsenic) lying adjacent to the interpreted extensions to the main Saattopora deposit. These results will be incorporated in to the Company's drill hole targeting program for Saattopora W.

Both Jolhikko (interpreted gold and copper targets within a complex deformation zone) and Keisunselka (interpreted gold targets hosted in faulted mafic volcanic rocks) are conceptual targets with little or no surface exposure. Accordingly, the Company expects to undertake reconnaissance BoT sampling over these areas during the 2024/2025 winter season.

Figure 1. Key targets in the Northern Finland Copper-Gold project. (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited)

Figure 1. Key targets in the Northern Finland Copper-Gold project.

Figure 2. Base of Till copper-gold anomalies at Killero overlain on drone magnetic survey data. (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited)

Figure 2. Base of Till copper-gold anomalies at Killero overlain on drone magnetic survey data.

Norwegian Copper-Cobalt-Zinc VMS assets (100% Capella)

Capella's focus in central Norway is on the discovery of high-grade copper-rich massive sulfide ("VMS") deposits in the former copper mining districts of Lkken and Rros. At Lkken, exploration activities undertaken by the Company have identified 5 priority target areas located in the immediately vicinity of the former Lkken mine (past production of 24MT @ 2.3% copper and 1.8% zinc1 and which closed in 1986 due to low metal prices)(Figure 3; see also Company News Release dated December 13, 2022). These targets include the previously-undrilled Amot target, which is located approximately 5km E of the former Lkken mine operations and is defined by coincident ground magnetic, airborne EM, and soil geochemical anomalies (all favourable indicators for VMS deposits). The Company interprets the Amot target from geophysical data to lie approximately 150m vertically below surface.

Figure 3. Key targets at the Lkken copper-cobalt-zinc project. Areas of completed ground magnetic surveys and soil grids are also indicated. (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited)

Figure 3. Key targets at the Lkken copper-cobalt-zinc project. Areas of completed ground magnetic surveys and soil grids are also indicated.

At the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva copper-cobalt-zinc project, located in the northern Rros district, permits are currently in hand for a 4,000m / 8 hole drill program at the Hessjgruva A Lens. This proposed drill program consists of both infill and step-out drilling and has been designed on the back of date derived from 12,035m of historical drilling plus new data acquired for the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report as filed by the Company on September 8, 2022 (Figure 4). The central Hessjgruva project is also surrounded by additional Capella claims which cover the majority of the adjacent Nordgruve mining district, and which also includes a former copper concentrate processing facility at Kongensgruve.

Figure 4. High-grade copper-cobalt-zinc mineralization at Hessjgruva and long section of main mineralized horizon. (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited)

Figure 4. High-grade copper-cobalt-zinc mineralization at Hessjgruva and long section of main mineralized horizon.

1 Historic production values quoted for Lkken are from Grenne T, Ihlen PM, Vokes FM (1999) Scandinavian Caledonide metallogeny in a plate-tectonic perspective. Mineral Deposita 34:422471. Capella has not performed sufficient work to verify the published data reported above, but the Company believes this information to be considered reliable and relevant.

Eric Roth, Capella's President and CEO, commented: "Capella owns a compelling portfolio of copper-gold and copper-cobalt-zinc projects in the mining friendly jurisdictions of northern Finland and central Norway, respectively, and will continue to evaluate strategies for their effective advancement. In northern Finland, our priority will be to trial a drone-based EM survey prior to drilling the former Anglo American copper-gold targets at Killero (and which would then be followed by drilling at Saattopora W). In Norway, our focus will be on evaluating strategic alternatives for maiden drilling at the Amot target, Lkken, and for resource-definition drilling at the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva project.

In parallel, Capella's strategy of divesting its assets in the Americas has allowed the Company to focus on fewer jurisdictions, projects, and commodities going forward. Shares issued to Capella as part of these divestitures will also provide the Company and its shareholders with upside to exploration success on its former projects".

On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd.

"Eric Roth"

___________________________

Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM

President & CEO

About Capella Minerals Ltd

Capella is a Canadian exploration and development company with a focus on copper-gold projects in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of northern Finland & copper-cobalt projects in Norway.

In northern Finland, the Company's portfolio consists of 5 copper-gold projects  including the priority Killero E and Killero W projects, both of which were former Anglo American targets but never drilled  which are located about 40km SW of Agnico Eagle's Kittila Gold Mine, currently the largest gold producer in Europe. Capella also retains a direct interest in the Perho lithium-REE project in south-central Finland.

In the Trndelag province of central Norway, the Company's focus is on the discovery of high-grade copper-cobalt massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the former mining districts of Lkken and Rros. The Company's portfolio includes: i) the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva copper-cobalt project and adjacent Kongensgruve and Kjli projects in the northern Rros mining district, and ii) satellite copper-cobalt-zinc VMS targets around the past-producing Lkken copper mine, including the drill-ready Amot target.

Capella holds equity positions in Teako Minerals (CSE: TMIN), Prospector Metals (TSXV: PPP), European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN), and Unico Silver (ASX: USL) as a direct result of the recent divestiture of non-core assets. Capella also retains direct participation (29.6%) in a Joint Venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSX: AEM; NYSE: AEM) at the Domain Gold Project, Manitoba.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capella in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

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 release.

Capella Minerals Ltd. logo (CNW Group/Capella Minerals Limited)

Cision

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SOURCE Capella Minerals Limited
FILE - Defence lawyer Mohamed Ziane speaks to the media outside the Court of Appeal of Casablanca, Morocco, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. Ziane, a Moroccan former government minister, was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday, July 19, 2024, in a campaign finance case that his attorney described as retribution for outspokenness and work defending political prisoners. (AP Photo/Abdeljalil Bounhar, File)

RABAT, Morocco (AP)  Mohamed Ziane, an ex-Moroccan minister of human rights, was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday in a corruption case that his attorney described as retribution for outspokenness and work defending political prisoners.

An appeals court in Rabat handed down the sentence after a hearing in which the frail 81-year-old Ziane  once known for his loud and combative rhetoric  was silent as a form of protest.

The court had earlier found him and two other colleagues guilty of corruption and embezzling from their political party during Morocco's 2015 election campaign.

Ali Reda Ziane  his attorney who is also his son  strenuously denied the charges faced by his father and his two colleagues. He said the court had not followed typical procedures in the case or any of its appeals, all 17 of which the defense lost.

He also linked the proceedings to his father's defense of journalists and activists who had faced charges for unrelated offenses after criticizing the government.

It means freedom of expression has been curtailed in Morocco, he said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday.

The verdict marks the latest development in one of the freedom of expression cases that has drawn condemnation from Morocco's international allies and human rights organizations. It supplements a three-year sentence issued in 2022, in which Ziane was found guilty of 11 charges including defamation, adultery, sexual harassment and insulting a public official.

In a statement Sunday, the Moroccan Association In Support of Political Prisoners called the charges arbitrary and the proceedings unfair. The group described the case against Ziane as purely political, aiming to humiliate and subjugate the man and discourage him from expressing his opinions."

Ziane was among those profiled in a 2022 Human Rights Watch report on how Morocco has harshly cracked down on the freedom of expression of those critical of its government.

Moroccan authorities, since the mid-2010s, have increasingly accused and prosecuted high-profile journalists and activists of non-speech crimes, including crimes involving consensual sex, the report said.

Moroccos government dismissed the report as biased and said it was full of false allegations. The government spokesperson did not respond to questions about Zianes sentencing on Monday.

The report documented how authorities convicted one of Ziane's sons for hiding a witness and obstructing justice after a woman scheduled to testify in a human rights case that Ziane was defending slept at their home for security reasons before having to appear in court.

It also chronicled how pro-government media published leaked images and videos  including ones showing nudity  and suggested Ziane was engaged in an affair with a client. His son and attorney told The Associated Press that the legal complaints filed against him began after he accused Morocco's intelligence services of being behind the leak  a charge the country's Interior Ministry denied.

In 2023, Amnesty International said Ziane's legal troubles were based on bogus charges that stem from his work defending activists, journalists and victims of human rights abuses.

Those who Ziane has defended as an attorney include Taoufik Bouachrine, the former editor of the independent Arabic language daily newspaper, Akhbar Al-Youm, and Nasser Zefzafi, an activist who helped lead an anti-government protest movement in northern Morocco's Rif region last decade.

Bouachrine is currently serving a 15-year sentence for human trafficking, blackmail and sexual misconduct. Zefzafi is serving a 20-year sentence for undermining public order and threatening national unity.

Ziane's defense of both men followed decades of human rights activism that began after he resigned as Morocco's Human Rights Minister, a position he served in from 1996 to 1997. After serving as president of the Rabat Bar Association, he began defending activists and journalists critical of the government in 2017, becoming a rare dissenting voice who had once served in Morocco's government.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A motorcyclist was seriously injured Sunday night in a collision on one of Pacific Beachs main roads, San Diego police said.

The crash was reported just after 6:30 p.m. According to SDPD, the motorcyclist, identified as a 22-year-old man, was riding his 2007 Suzuki bike eastbound on Grand Avenue in heavy traffic when he broadsided another vehicle turning southbound at the Kendall Street intersection.

The other vehicle, a 2020 Jeep Cherokee that was coming from the westbound lanes of Grand Avenue, had a clear intersection and stopped traffic as they initiated the turn onto southbound Kendall Street, SDPD said.

Two shot at Chula Vista taco shop

As the Cherokee turned, the motorcyclist entered the designated bicycle lane in attempt to bypass the traffic, leading to the collision.

The motorcyclist sustained a fracture to the left tibia and fibula, SDPD said. The injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time. The driver of the Cherokee, a 33-year-old man, was uninjured.

SDPDs Traffic Division responded to the scene and is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the unit or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Kamala Harris with college athlete at the White Houses in her first public appearance since Joe Biden backed her to be the next president - SUSAN WALSH/AP

Kamala Harris was endorsed by potential challengers for the Democratic presidential nomination on Monday, boosting her chances of unifying the party behind her after Joe Biden stepped aside.

The vice-president, 59, was propelled into the spotlight on Sunday after Mr Biden announced he would step back from the 2024 race, and endorsed her to replace him as the Democratic nominee.

Staff who worked on Mr Bidens campaign were told they now work for Ms Harris, and began making calls to shore up support among Democratic congressmen and donors.

The move came amid a record-breaking day of grassroots fundraising, with more than $80 million (62 million) brought in within the past 24 hours.

Ms Harris has since received endorsements from a series of high-profile Democrats, who may otherwise have challenged her for the nomination. They included the Democratic governors Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Wes Moore of Maryland and Tim Walz of Minnesota.

Vice president Harris greets well-wishers at the White House - ALEX BRANDON/AP

Mr Newsom said: With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas vice-president, Kamala Harris.

Ms Whitmer, who is co-chairman of Ms Harris campaign, said: In Vice-President Harris, Michigan voters have a candidate they can count on to lower their costs, protect their freedoms, and build an economy that works for working people.

Donald Trump is a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, and drove our economy into the ground. We cannot let him anywhere near the White House.

Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, two Democratic figures who pushed for Mr Biden to stand down, welcomed his decision but did not immediately endorse a successor. Ms Harris reportedly spoke to Mr Obama after she received Mr Bidens endorsement.

In the hours after Mr Bidens shock statement on Sunday afternoon, as Ms Harris raced to catch up with Trumps fundraising advantage, her fundraising included almost $47 million before 9pm local time on Sunday from small contributions, according to the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue.

This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle, the platform said. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.

No credible challengers

Donors had begun to abandon Mr Bidens campaign in the final weeks before he stepped back, arguing that he had little chance of beating Trump in November.

Several states, including Kentucky and New Hampshire, have already allocated their convention delegate votes to Ms Harriss campaign, after previously backing Mr Biden in the primary race earlier this year.

More than a quarter of Democratic congressmen have already come out to support Ms Harris and two key potential alternative nominees. The vice-president herself spent 10 hours calling around Democrats to solicit support.

Although there appears to be no credible challengers, the party is keen to avoid Ms Harris nomination looking like a coronation, amid accusations that Mr Bidens endorsement of a new candidate less than four months before the election is undemocratic.

Steve Schmidt, a political strategist, told Puck News on Monday it was a mistake for him to try to anoint the vice-president, because in America we dont have coronations.

Kamala Harris has been propelled into the spotlight - NATHAN HOWARD/REUTERS

He added: This is not the Prince of Wilmington who abdicates to the Duchess of San Francisco.

There are exactly six Democrats who have standing to challenge her under the proposition of Hey, Im a better candidate.

But those people have to move on her, and absent one of them moving, she will be the Democratic nominee.

On Monday, her campaign issued its first statement criticising Trump, zoning in on his status as a convicted felon and highlighting Ms Harriss experience as a state prosecutor in California.

The campaign said: Kamala Harris stands up to fraudsters and criminals. Donald Trump is a convicted felon.

Ammar Moussa, a former Biden campaign spokesman who is now working for Ms Harris, added: Vice-President Kamala Harris has held criminals accountable her entire career  and Donald Trump will be no different.

Vice-President Harris has dedicated her career to making life better for working people  while Trump only cares about himself. Thats the contrast the American people will see over the next 106 days.

Threat to democracy

The statement suggests Ms Harris intends to use Trumps legal woes as a major campaigning tool in the months ahead. There are just 106 days until polling day, with voters in some states casting their postal ballots from September onwards.

Trumps campaign, which has complained about the switch between Mr Biden and Ms Harris, released a statement describing her as Biden 2.0.

The campaign accused her of defunding the police while working as a district attorney and senator in California.

It said in an email on Monday: Harris supported Los Angeless cuts to their police department, called efforts to add more police to the streets wrongheaded thinking, and opposed the death penalty for cop killers.

Trump himself called the Democrats a threat to democracy.

He said: The Democrats pick a candidate, Crooked Joe Biden  he loses the debate badly, then panics and makes mistake after mistake, is told he cant win  and they decide they will pick another candidate, probably Harris.

They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries  a first! These people are the real threat to democracy.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot in Southeast D.C. on Sunday afternoon.

Police said that at about 5:40 p.m., they responded to the 1200 block of Oak Dr. for the report of a shooting.

DC, Maryland, Virginia leaders react to President Biden dropping out of 2024 presidential race

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been shot.

MPD said the man died.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday demanded to know if the Secret Service was engaged in a conspiracy to kill former President Donald Trump when he was nearly assassinated earlier this month.

It was one of a number of conspiracy theories floated about the shooting during the House Oversight Committees questioning of Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director who so far has said she will not resign despite the admitted massive security failure that allowed the 20-year-old shooter to take multiple shots at Trump with a semiautomatic rifle.

Multiple members of Congress  including Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)  called for Cheatle to resign Monday.

The people there knew that there was a danger, they knew there was a threat to President Trump, and it was allowed to happen, Greene bellowed as the time expired on her questioning of the Secret Service director. Was there a stand-down order, Ms. Cheatle? Was there a conspiracy to kill President Trump?!

No, absolutely not, Cheatle responded.

Greene demanded to know why the director had not resigned and how the shooting was allowed to happen. That is what we are investigating to determine, Cheatle said.

Theres no evidence to support any claims that law enforcement participated in the assassination attempt. Greenes wild question was one of several nods to conspiracy theories about the shooting throughout Mondays hearing.

In the week since the shooting  which created an extremely tense environment that experts warn could generate more political violence  several high-profile conservatives have floated unfounded, inflammatory theories. Eric Trump heavily implied in a Fox News appearance that Democrats were somehow behind the assassination attempt, and Donald Trump Jr. hasrepeatedly suggested that the shooter did not act alone.

We need to know why he waited for multiple rounds to be fired at President Trump before the threat was neutralized, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) told Cheatle Monday, referring to the counter-sniper who killed the shooter moments after the shooting began. We need to know if he was given an order to hold fire.

There was no such order, Cheatle said, noting that Secret Service agents have the ability to neutralize threats when they see them.

Multiple Republican members of Congress referenced sexist online chatter that Trumps Secret Service detail that day appeared to have multiple women in it, while his detail at the Republican National Convention was, as the right-wing Daily Caller put it, the A-Team of secret service who all happen to be males.

Cheatle said that the agents assigned to Trumps detail on the day of the shooting were part of his permanent, normal detail  and also that the former president has a massive team of security personnel assigned to him. The convention team may have just had different agents on shift, she said.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) asked Cheatle if she was confident that the shooter was the only person firing that day at Trump. That echoed conspiracy theories, including one spread by the billionaire Trump supporter Bill Ackman, that there were multiple shooters  though no evidence has come out to support this notion.

That is the information I have at this time, yes, Cheatle told Perry.

Others appeared to splice evidence together to make the Secret Services work look even worse than reality.

For example, after Cheatle acknowledged that the shooter had been identified as a suspicious person before the shooting  but not necessarily a threat  Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) tore into her.

Here youve got a guy scampering up the side of a building, on top of a roof, its identified to you, and you said you sent a team there.

In fact, security teams had been sent to find the would-be assassin before he was spotted on the roof with a gun. However, once he was spotted on the roof with the gun and a concrete threat to Trump, it was too late: Shots rang out in Pennsylvania.

Biggs submitted a long list of far-right media sources into the congressional record, including from the far-right media personality Matt Walsh, who claimed in an article and video that The Official Story On Trumps Shooting Makes No Sense At All.

Yet Cheatle was also frustratingly short on details with the committee.

In response later in the hearing to questions from Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) about when Secret Service agents on the ground were made aware of the active threat against Trump, she said, I dont have a specific timeline. Later, she said it was less than five minutes before the shooting, but did not specify further, saying there were a number of reports.

Responding to Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) even later in the hearing, she said the shooter went from being considered suspicious to being a threat mere seconds before the shooting.

Multiple members of Congress pointed out that Cheatles refusal to answer questions  citing ongoing fact-gathering and investigation  could fuel further conspiracy theorizing.

What would dispel some of the conspiracy theories out there, what would increase trust with the American people, is for you to let facts out  for you to tell us what you know, Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.) pressed, noting that Cheatle had disclosed some investigatory details with the committee, but not others. Why is that a problem? (Cheatle had previously said that she wanted to be sure the information she was releasing was consistent and factual.)

Later, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) noted that unfortunately, another thing that is happening, because were not getting answers from you today, is the conspiracy theories. They have already begun.

Crockett pointed out that if people believe that the shooting was the result of some sort of government conspiracy, that potentially incites the next level of violence at the next event, in retaliation for this. She urged Cheatle to release more information.

So long as these conspiracy theories continue to fester, it is going to make your job that much harder, she said.

Arthur Delaney contributed reporting.

Related...
People stand by a memorial at the site where linguist Iryna Farion was shot at on Friday, July 19. The public figure died in hospital later that day, -/Ukrinform/dpa

Iryna Farion, a former Ukrainian nationalist lawmaker known for her anti-Russian rhetoric, was buried in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on Monday, three days after she was fatally injured by an unknown assassin.

Thousands of citizens and supporters bid her farewell at the funeral ceremony in a local church, according to media reports. Farion, who was 60 at the time of her death, was then buried at the famous Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv.

Farion was shot in the head outside her home on Friday and died in hospital the same day.

The police later released images of the suspected murderer, who is described as being gaunt, around 20 years old and between 1.70 and 1.80 metres tall.

In the pictures, the face of the suspected perpetrator is barely recognizable due to the floppy hat and sunglasses he is wearing.

From 2012 to 2014, Farion sat in parliament for the far-right party Svoboda (Freedom).

She became known above all for her harsh remarks against Russian-speaking Ukrainians, for whom she saw no place in the country.

These included President Volodymyr Zelensky and the world record holder in the high jump, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, whom she called "organic waste."

Zelensky, whose native language is Russian, speaks almost exclusively Ukrainian in public.

In November last year, Farion attacked Russian-speaking soldiers, in particular members of the far-right Azov Brigade, calling them "cattle."

However, the police have not ruled out a Russian connection in her murder.

A woman lays flowers at the site where linguist Iryna Farion was shot at on Friday, July 19. The public figure died in hospital later that day, -/Ukrinform/dpa
Naftogaz has accumulated 76% of gas storage target ahead of winter

Naftogaz, Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company, has accumulated 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas reserves for the upcoming winter period, the company said on July 22.

This represents almost 76% of the projected target of 13.2 bcm, which Naftogaz was tasked to accumulate by Nov. 1.

The figure of 13.2 bcm goes beyond the expected consumption and represents a "safety cushion" for the upcoming months, the company's spokesperson, Vladyslava Smolinska, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The last heating season, Ukraine used 6.7 bcm of gas," Smolinska added.

Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov said in March that Ukraine went through the winter of 2023-2024 using only its own gas for the first time in history.

Despite Russian attacks against energy infrastructure during the spring, which included strikes against Naftogaz storage facilities, the company continued to accumulate supplies for the upcoming winter season.

In the first half of 2024, Ukraine's largest gas producer, Ukrgasvydobuvannya, pumped 8.8% more gas than in the same period last year, the company announced on July 16.

Naftogaz Group companies, which include Ukrgasvydobuvannya, increased gas production by 8% over the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Read also: Ukraine state-owned enterprises weekly  Issue 136

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Trump ally Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) pounced on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle during a hearing on Capitol Hill Monday afternoon over the agency's failure to prevent an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Youre full of shit today, Mace bluntly told the agency chief, after trying to buttonhole her on a series of yes-or-no questions.

Would you like to use my five minutes to draft your resignation letter? Yes, or no? Mace had said earlier in her questioning.

Secret Service Director Takes Blame for Trump Shooting: We Failed

In a show of bipartisanship rarely seen in Congress these days, the chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and the panel's top Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), both called on Cheatle to resign over the agency's security lapse surrounding the failed assassination bid. Others followed suit.

Raskin lamented Cheatle's "extraordinary communications gap" with Congress as she repeatedly dodged questions about the agency's security failure.

"I don't want to add to the director's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day," Raskin said, "but I will be joining the chairman in calling for the resignation of the director, just because I think that this relationship is irretrievable at this point and I think that the director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country, and we need to very quickly move beyond this."

Mace (who knows how to get media attentionand prioritizes it, as the Daily Beast reported from an exclusively obtained staff handbook in November) did land a key concession out of Cheatle amid her questioning.

Was this a colossal failure? the South Carolina congresswoman asked of the assassination attempt, which occurred during a rally Trump held in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, in a particularly pointed question.

It was a failure, Cheatle replied.

Yes or no, was it a colossal failure is the question, Mace bit back.

I have admitted this is a terrible Cheatle said in an attempt to respond before Mace cut her off. Eventually, she simply said yes.

Mace then began tearing into Cheatle over the opening statement she gave in the hearing, which had leaked to the press.

I have no idea how my statement got out, the agency chief claimed.

Well, Mace said, thats bullshit.

After Mace went on to call Cheatle full of shit, fellow members on the Oversight committee groaned and called a point of order to, as Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) put it, maintain decorum in this committee, no matter how upset we get.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The News

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris presidential nomination campaign, becoming the most powerful Democrat after President Joe Biden to throw her support behind the Vice President.

In a statement, Pelosi thanked Biden with love and gratitude for his service, while adding that her enthusiasm for Harris  a fellow California Democrat  is personal and political.

Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute  and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November, Pelosi said.

While political commentators have framed Harris as the clear frontrunner ahead of the August Democratic National Convention, there is speculation that she could face a challenge from someone in the party, and independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is also reportedly considering a run.

Harris is yet to receive the public backing of other key Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced Monday that she is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee with support that she said is official, personal and political.

Officially, I have seen Kamala Harriss strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a womans right to choose, she said in a statement Monday afternoon. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute  and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.

Vice President Kamala Harris embraces then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in Washington, DC., in 2022. Drew Angerer via Getty Images

Pelosis endorsement, which was hotly anticipated, comes amid a rush of Democratic support for Harris after President Joe Biden left the race and endorsed Harris on Sunday.

By the time Pelosi weighed in Monday, Harris had already received more than one-third of the pledged delegates needed to secure the nomination, according to a tally Monday by The Associated Press.

Pelosis endorsement also followed Democrats boasting their single biggest day for online donations in years, with the party raking in more than $50 million on Sunday.

Former President Barack Obama is another who did not immediately publicly weigh in on who should replace Biden after he left the race. One source, described as familiar with Obamas thinking, told The New York Times that Obama wants to help unite the party once we have a nominee and doesnt want to interfere sooner.

Related...
Representative Nancy Pelosi is throwing her enthusiastic support behind Kamala Harris for president.

Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our countrys future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, Pelosi wrote in a statement Monday. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political.

Despite holding off a day longer than other Democrats, the fellow Bay Area politician has made clear she approves of Joe Bidens decision to step down and hand the torch to Harris.

Officially, I have seen Kamala Harriss strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a womans right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service, she wrote. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astuteand I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.

After Biden dropped out, Pelosi and Harris spoke by phone on Sunday, according to Axios.

Though Pelosi never officially called for Biden to step down, she played a critical role in strong-arming him to bow out. Privately, Pelosi warned Biden about the ripple effects for other Democrats on the ballot. Additionally, she appeared on MSNBCs Morning Joe saying she wanted Biden to do whatever he decides to do, while at the time Biden had made clear he planned to remain in the race.

While much of the Democratic establishment is falling in line behind Harris, those yet to endorse her include former President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A months-long manhunt came to an end last week after one of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives was taken into custody.

Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) had been searching for 29-year-old Michael Yarlett since Nov. 2023, when he was indicted on three counts of aided and abetted aggravated rape.

Nashvilles Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives: Several rape suspects still at large

Court documents showed that Yarlett is one of two suspects wanted in connection with the alleged assault, which took place on Sept. 5, 2022. According to police, Yarlett and another man used force or coercion to rape the victim, who was 17 years old at the time.

(Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Yarlett was added to MNPDs Top 10 Most Wanted list shortly after a grand jury indicted him on all three counts. However, he remained at large for nearly eight months before his arrest on Wednesday, July 17.

He was booked into jail on his outstanding warrants and one additional charge for felony probation violation. Court records show Yarlett has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor drug offense and facilitation of a robbery.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

As of Monday, July 22, Yarlett was still behind bars with a $300,000 bond. He is now among at least 123 Most Wanted fugitives who have been taken into custody since the program was launched in October 2022.

Investigators have largely attributed the programs success to tips theyve received from the public. To see the most recent list of Most Wanted fugitives out of Nashville, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
In response to more frequent appearances of white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in downtown Nashville over the past month, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville held a joyful pro-peace rally on the steps of the Bicentennial Park Amphitheatre on Sunday afternoon.

Around 400 attendees gathered under the bright summer sun, holding up homemade signs and cheering along as speakers and musicians encouraged peace and unity in Nashville.

Meanwhile, outside the event, a small group of neo-Nazi demonstrators  who were not allowed inside  attempted to yell pejoratives over the speakers, who easily ignored their shouts and at times openly condemned them.

Jewish Federation President Leslie Kirby opened the event with a direct message to the persistent neo-Nazi groups.

In these dark times, too many groups allow tribalism to triumph over morality, and craven self-interest is prioritized over our sacred duty of tikkun olam  repairing the world, she said. In the face of this darkness, it is time for all of us, Jews and non-Jews, to stand together and say enough.

"Our goal here today is to come together as Nashvillians, Tennesseans, and human beings and say an emphatic no to hate and yes to hope.

She gestured to the large crowd gathered around her.

Someone reached out to me earlier this week and said Leslie, it feels like were under siege. What do we do? she said. This. This is what we do. Nashville together, Nashville united, Nashville strong.

Nashville City Mayor Freddie OConnell also spoke at the event, noting the First Amendment freedoms of the gathered white supremacist groups while also asking attendees to not give them free advertising.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell speaks at the the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, Nashville Together event at Bicentennial Park in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, July 21, 2024. Community members gathered to denounce Nazi activity and antisemitism.

As someone who stands here before you today because some of my ancestors escaped the Holocaust in Poland and not all of them  I defiantly tell you, while shocked that I even have to, that Nashville stands strong against Nazis, and those who share their hateful ideology, said OConnell, to raucous applause.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen clown cars of a circus of fear and hatred bring their tour to Nashville in rented box trucks. ... Those who abuse the powers of the First Amendment for the powers of hatred and fear are not entitled to tolerance and acceptance. We will continue our efforts to ensure they confront ongoing difficulty when they try.

State Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, who spoke on behalf of the Nashville delegation to the state Capitol, urged attendees to stand against Nazi hate.

I think one of the great tragedies and challenges of the moment that we are all living in is that it has given a permission slip for these already tried, already defeated, already discredited ideologies of hate to have a resurgence, he said. It is so important that we stand together in opposition to that.

More: Hate groups in Tennessee, across US, rising, Southern Poverty Law Center report finds

The small neo-Nazi group tried to shout slurs over Metro Council member Sheri Weiner, of Bellevue, as she told a heartbreaking story of being harassed as child while walking to school in Memphis.

Its hard not to see the hatred and discrimination that so many communities face every single day . why should anyone experience such hatred? she asked. If you think youre immune, think again. We know, because history is a really good teacher. Do we shrink so were not seen? ... Do we call out the antagonists because they are looking for attention? Or do we treat them like the child who is seeking attention for bad behavior?"

When one of us is marginalized, we stand up, we speak out, and we act, she said.

She praised the strength of the Nashvillians who were in attendance at the July 16 Metro City Council meeting, where a number of neo-Nazi demonstrators caused interruptions to the meeting.

Opinion: She took on Neo Nazis and hate groups. Nashville Council Member Zulfat Suara is a boss

Just last week, antagonists wielding swastikas and unimaginable hatred verbally assaulted Nashvillians visiting the courthouse day after day, she said. They entered the Metro Council chamber and attacked citizens engaging their government officials, as well as officials these citizens were seeking to engage. Ultimately though, the strength of Nashville prevailed, as we linked arms and stood against the weak, misguided, and vile visitors who sullied our public square.

Outside the event on Sunday, Wes Scoggins, owner of the Jewish Cowboy food truck, spent the event grilling lunch for demonstrators and laughing with confusion at the odd insults tossed by the Nazi demonstrators, who inexplicably vacillated between calling themselves the master race and shouting about infant genitalia.

(This attitude) is something thats been persistent, Scoggins said. Jewish culture has had to deal with it for thousands of years. They are another group of losers on a long list of people that have tried to hurt the Jews and now no longer exist. They are losers and they are a dying breed. And thats what they are.

Attendee Jane Steinfels-Hussain has also spent many years standing against hatred. As a member of Nashville Peace and Justice Center, she has spent 34 years protesting Nazism and had protested annually at the white nationalist American Renaissance groups annual event at Montgomery Bell State Park.

Community members attend the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, Nashville Together event at Bicentennial Park in Nashville , Tenn., Sunday, July 21, 2024. Community members gathered to denounce Nazi activity and antisemitism.

These signs are many years old, she said, gesturing to the poster in her lap that read No hate in our state.

We are begging people to stop the hatred, she said, adding that the news of President Biden stepping out of the presidential race gave her hope for a continued uniting of Americans.

It makes me feel hopeful, she said. I was really convinced Trump would win, but I think this could re-galvanize the Democratic Party.

Alyssa Rosenheck, a local auditor and a self-proclaimed Israel advocate and antisemitism educator, stood toe-to-toe with a number of neo-Nazis and argued with them before speaking with The Tennessean.

The Jewish community has been throughout history a barometer of a societys consciousness, and were the yellow light before it gets to red, she said. Its important that we lead with education and awareness for the community so we can bridge our communities together.

The USA Today Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville peace rally denounces increased presence of neo-Nazi groups
Nashville police track down hit-and-run suspect by following marks left by broken caliper

Nashville police tracked down a man accused of fatally striking a man crossing the street in a motorized wheelchair by following scratches left in the road by a broken brake caliper.

Sterling L. Jenkins, 43, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death, failure to render aid, failure to file an accident report and failure to have insurance, police said in a news release.

Gregory Torrance Sr., 65, died Sunday after he was struck by a Nissan Armada driving north on Myatt Drive at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue in Madison about 8:45 p.m., police said.

Police think that the driver was Jenkins and that he did not immediately stop but instead drove to a gas station less than a quarter-mile up the road where "surveillance video showed him walking around his SUV inspecting the damage."

"Jenkins then got back into his Armada and drove off," police said. "A short time later, an MNPD detective followed the course of Jenkins travel due to the damaged vehicles brake caliper scratching the roadway."

Police found Jenkins at his Canton Pass home where he admitted to driving the vehicle and acknowledged there had been a crash, police said. He was booked and released on a $12,000 bond.

Police believe Jenkins' failure to yield the right of way to Torrance was the contributing factor in the crash.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police: Pedestrian killed in Madison crash, man charged
The National Weather Service has issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa County starting at 4:22 p.m. July 21. The warning expires at 6 p.m. July 21.

At 4:51 p.m., a wall of dust was along a line extending from near Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station to 7 miles northeast of Cotton Center to 10 miles south of Estrella Mountain Park, moving south at 30 mph.

Locations impacted include Goodyear, Buckeye, Palo Verde, Painted Rock Dam, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station, Wintersburg, Rainbow Valley, Hassayampa, and Arlington.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

A "haboob" typically occurs in Arizona during monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur across the state as high winds pick up loose dust.

"Haboob" is an Arabic word that translates to "big, blasting winds." explained Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Phoenix and former linguist.

Terminology: When did we start using haboob to describe dust storms in Arizona

What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving?

The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event.

If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway - do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle.

Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon

This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dust storm warning issued for Maricopa County Here's what to know
BUNCOMBE CO., N.C. (WSPA)  The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a flash flood warning for Sunday evening in South Central, Buncombe County.

At 9:22 p.m., doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen, and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible.

According to the NWS, urgency is immediate and responsive action should be taken immediately

The flash flood warning is predicted to last until 12:30 a.m., early Monday morning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
On the floor of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisc. (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online)

Editors Notebook. MILWAUKEE, Wisc.  Political party conventions are designed to generate enthusiasm of its partys base and hopefully attract enough votes from others to vote for their candidates in the upcoming general election.

The GOP faithful met inside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee last week to hold its 2024 Republican National Convention. It is too early to tell if the GOPs big party was enough to sway American voters in this years general election to vote for their presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump.

Still, the atmosphere both inside and outside the convention was one of unity behind the former president who still denies he lost the 2020 presidential election to President Joe Biden, and faces sentencing for his convictions on 34 felonies in September, before the November 5 election.

The unity turned the whole convention into the Donald Trump show last week.

At the convention, one could see the cast of characters who make up todays GOP: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Arizonas Senate candidate Kari Lake, and even disgraced Americas mayor, Rudy Guliani.

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I attended the Republican National Convention and have spent some time since getting back to Michigan reflecting on what I experienced in Milwaukee last week.

Convention Perimeter was a Fortress

Even before the attempted assassination of former President Trump on Saturday, July 13, 2024, the Secret Service, along with other local and state law enforcement, planned to provide intense security to protect the convention-goers. After the failed assassination attempt, the Secret Service said they would increase security in Milwaukee even further.

When I ordered a Lyft to media row at the Panther Forum, which was the media hub, my driver informed me that he could only get me within 3 blocks of the forum. As I walked toward my destination, a small parade of Independent candidate Robert F, Kennedy, Jr. supporters passed by with signs displaced on the sides of their vehicles. Scattered protestors were on sidewalks carrying signs.

Within two blocks of the convention venue perimeter, there were hundreds of officers in view. Some were on horseback, dozens were on bikes. Officers on the sidewalks carried automatic rifles. As I continued across a bridge, three police boats patrolled the Milwaukee River. In the air, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter circled the perimeter of the convention location.

Several city blocks were surrounded by high metal fences. The area was a fortress.

In order to get into the convention area, I had to put my camera case through checkpoints that were similar to the scanners at TSA airport checkpoints. On Tuesday night, my bag went through seven checkpoints.

Uncle Sam

Just before I entered the area of the first checkpoint, a elderly man dressed as Uncle Sam, with a piece of white gauze on his right ear stood at the street corner. He spoke through a megaphone in a high tone denouncing liberals in the country.

The liberals were happy President Trump was hit by the bullet. They probably think we will be for gun control now. Theyre wrong, he said as I passed by.

As I waited to get through a security point, a journalist stopped to interview him.

I saw him early the next morning getting ready to take up his post at the same intersection outside of the downtown Hyatt Hotel.

In Search of Native American Delegates

I was given a half-hour media pass to go onto the convention floor where the state delegations were seated. The floor was packed with people. Across the floor, I saw the large placard with New Mexico on it. I thought perhaps I can find a Native American delegate to interview. I thought that was a good spot to start.

As I walked towards the New Mexico delegation, I saw the Oklahoma delegation. I slowed down to see if I could see Rep. Tom Cole (Chickasaw), the longest serving Native American to ever serve in Congress, or Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee), the only Native American currently serving in the U.S. Senate. I saw neither, so I kept on my course to the New Mexico delegation.

Once there, I noticed a seated man who could have been either Native American or Hispanic wearing a cowboy hat. I showed him my Native News Online media badge and inquired if he was Native American. He said he is Hispanic. I asked if he knew whether or not New Mexico had any Native American delegates, he said no, not that he knew of.

Just then, there was a non-Native man who I assume was a New Mexico delegate who heard my questions standing to my left. He advised me to the Arizona delegation.

Maybe they will have a Native American delegate, he said.

I got caught in a jammed walkway that took me at least five minutes to walk the 75 feet to the Arizona delegation. When I got to the area where the Arizona delegation was seated, I asked a gentleman sitting at the end of a row of seats. I asked him if Arizona had any Native Americans in its delegation. He did not know of any.

I then saw the sign with Nevada on it. I leaned down to ask if there was a Native American delegate among them. I was told no.

To my surprise the non-Native man who had suggested checking Arizona was behind me. He asked if I had any luck finding a Native American delegate. When I told him no, he said:

Well, I could put on a headdress and paint my face, if you want.

He thought it was funny. I did not.

The next day, I attended the Native American roundtable. While there, I met a Lumbee man who was an alternate to the North Carolina delegation and a delegate from California, who sits on the Pechanga tribal council. I asked the California Native American if I could ask him a few questions. He told me no.

At the conclusion of the meeting I interviewed Sen. Mullin, who led the roundtable. At the end of the interview, I asked him if he knew how many Native Americans were delegates to the convention.

I dont know, Sen. Mullin said.

I saw more Native American journalists in attendance, who were fun to be with, than I did Native American delegates.

Earlier this year, I told friends, this years election is going to be a rollercoaster ride. So far, I am correct.

Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
A US Navy fighter pilot has become the first American woman to score a victory in air-to-air combat, the service has revealed.

The female pilot, who was not named in the Navy release, was flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet off the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower as part of Strike Fighter Squadron 32, nicknamed the Flying Swordsmen.

The aerial victory came against a one-way Houthi attack drone, one of dozens the Yemen-based group has deployed against civilian merchant ships in the Red Sea and nearby waters in reaction to the destruction in Gaza during Israels war against Hamas, a release from Carrier Strike Group 2 said.

The squadron amassed more than 3,000 combat hours in flying almost 1,500 combat missions as part of operations Inherent Resolve and Prosperity Guardian, the former targeting ISIS and the latter stood up in December 2023 to respond to the Houthi-led attacks on international shipping.

The Swordsmen, one of four strike fighter squadrons that deployed on the Eisenhower, fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles against the Houthi drones during those missions, the Navy said.

During one mission, VFA-32 became home to the first American female pilot to engage and kill an air-to-air contact, it said.

The first air-to-air victory by a female pilot comes 30 years after Lt. Kara Hultgreen became the first carrier-based female fighter pilot in the Navy, flying the F-14 Tomcat off the USS Abraham Lincoln that year. Female aviators also joined the Eisenhower in 1994.

US Navy fighter pilot Kara Hultgreen poses with a Grumman F-14 Tomcat, in an undated photo. - AP/File

The Eisenhower-led carrier strike group returned to US bases on July 14 after a nine-month deployment, an exceptionally lengthy deployment for a carrier. Normal deployments last about six to eight months.

Cmdr. Jason Hoch, commanding officer of VFA-32, praised the squadrons performance in incredibly demanding conditions during the deployment.

Besides the air-to-air encounters, the Swordsmen led two of seven strikes against Houthi ground targets in Yemen, destroying munitions and command and control facilities, the release said.

We proved over and over again that the flexibility a carrier strike group brings to the fight is unmatched, Hoch said.

Overall, Carrier Strike Group 2, which besides the Eisenhower included the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the destroyers USS Mason and USS Gravely, hit more than 460 Houthi targets in Yemen, according to the Navy.

The groups warships fired 155 standard missiles and 135 Tomahawk land-attack missiles during those strikes, while the strike groups aircraft fired 60 air-to-air missiles and released 420 air-to-surface weapons, the Navy said.

The Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia rebel group that controls swathes of Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and a nation that has been ravaged by years of civil war.

Since Hamas attacks on October 7 and Israels subsequent ground and air offenses in Gaza, the Houthis say they have been seeking revenge against Israel for its military campaign by targeting Red Sea shipping as well as Israel itself with drones and missiles.

Both the United Kingdom and the United States have responded to the attacks on shipping by carrying out strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Over the weekend, Israel struck inside Yemen for the first time following a deadly drone attack launched by Houthi rebels on Tel Aviv.

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A submariner is being held on suspicion of breaking the Official Secrets Act - Andrew Linnett/Handout/Getty Images

A Royal Navy sailor is under investigation after an alleged breach of security related to Britains nuclear-deterrent submarines.

The submariner is being held by military police on suspicion of breaking the Official Secrets Act.

He is being investigated after he was found to be in possession of classified material relating to the movements of the nuclear-armed submarine on which he was serving.

The sailor, in his thirties, is not thought to have attempted to sell the information or to have conducted any other activity that could constitute espionage, or be working with a foreign state.

Police at Britains nuclear submarine base, HMNB Clyde, at Faslane in Scotland, allegedly found the classified information on the sailors Huawei mobile phone while working on an unrelated investigation, according to The Sun.

Police at HMNB Clyde allegedly discovered the classified information on the sailor's phone - KEN WHITCOMBE/AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SOLUTIONS

The sailor serves as a steward on one of Britains four nuclear-armed Vanguard-class submarines, which are ready to fire Trident II D5 nuclear missiles at a moments notice, if ordered to do so by the Prime Minister.

Each submarine is designed to carry 16 missiles, capable of delivering multiple warheads, although they usually carry only eight, with a maximum of 40 warheads per boat.

Since 1969, there has always been at least one nuclear-armed submarine patrolling at sea, under the system called Continuous At Sea Deterrent.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: We can confirm that a member of the Armed Forces is under investigation. As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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(Bloomberg) -- Shares of Chinese data security companies surged on speculation a botched software update by CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. may boost demand for domestic alternatives.

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Shenzhen GuoHua Network Security Technology Co. jumped by the 10% daily limit in Shenzhen on Monday, while Hunan Kylinsec Technology Co. soared 17% before paring the advance. Shares of 360 Security Technology Inc. climbed as much as 5.9%. In contrast, major onshore benchmarks fell following a disappointing Third Plenum outcome.

The rally in a clutch of Chinese data firms came after a global IT meltdown last week, when a faulty software update affected millions of devices. The gains, however, may prove fleeting as Chinese firms lack the technology of larger global peers, with many market watchers seeing the days move as speculative trading amid a dearth of catalysts.

There is still a significant gap for Chinese data securities companies in terms of technology and research and development capacities to catch up with global leading firms, said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based investment bank Chanson & Co. These companies are keeping competitiveness in the domestic market due to policy support.

The CSI 300 Index fell Monday even as the Peoples Bank of China cut a key short-term policy rate for the first time in almost a year, and lenders lowered their benchmark lending rates. The Third Plenum concluded last week with little upside momentum for stock traders, suggesting the market may continue to languish over the short term.

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On Sunday evening, North Carolina Democratic National Convention delegates voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's nominee. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

While some Democratic politicians and Democratic National Convention delegates have not immediately jumped on the Kamala Harris bandwagon in the aftermath Sundays startling announcement by President Biden that he is stepping aside and endorsing the Vice President to take his place at the top of the ticket, that isnt the case in North Carolina.

In a statement distributed Sunday evening, state Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton announced that the states entire delegation to next months party convention had voted during an emergency meeting to endorse Harris. This is from her statement:

Our DNC Delegation is thrilled to announce that we unanimously endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States. This November itll be a prosecutor going up against a felon. It will be experience going up against extremism. We know that with the infrastructure and the organizing powerhouse we have spent years building, North Carolina will send VP Harris to the Oval Office.

Like so many other Democrats across the country, the statement also lauded and thanked President Biden for his service:

North Carolina Democrats are deeply thankful to Joe Biden. He is a true public servant and history will know him as being one of the most consequential and legislatively successful presidents in our nations history. During his administration, President Biden made historic investments in people  from our jobs, to our health care, to our infrastructure. As always, he has been a champion of our Democratic belief that every American in every community deserves to thrive.

Dr. Kimberly Hardy

A state party leader weighs in

In an interview with NC Newsline shortly after the statement was released, the partys Second Vice Chair, Dr. Kimberly Hardy, an Associate Professor at Fayetteville State University and former state House candidate, echoed the sentiments expressed in the statement  calling it both a bittersweet day for party members who feel a deep affection for Biden, but also one in which the party received a big jolt of new energy.

Describing Harris as a leader who is built and ready for this moment and someone who is exactly what you see, Hardy said the vice president has proven herself over the past three-and-a-half years as a person who is more than ready to lead the nation.

When asked whether the U.S. is ready for the kind of historic presidency that electing a woman of color would represent, Hardy said she believes the nation has indeed reached that point. While acknowledging that misogyny and racism continue to plague the nation  something that Hardy said was more than evident in the campaign of Donald Trump  she also observed that the presidencies and campaigns of both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton had done much bring about incremental progress and gradually prepare the nation for a Harris presidency.

That, she said, in combination with Harris being immensely qualified can and should make the difference. Individuals can be good leaders and good candidates whether theyre in heels or flats, said Hardy.

Hardy also quickly disparaged and dismissed the idea floated by some GOP politicians that Bidens decision to withdraw somehow indicates that he is not fit to complete his term. As a trained social worker who has worked with elderly clients, Hardy said its patently clear that Biden is not suffering from any disability that would prevent him from completing his term.

Hardy described the calls for Biden to resign as a desperate political move by a party that had premised its entire campaign on attacking the President and that has no idea how to pivot to facing Harris. Hardy added that she was especially looking forward to a Harris-Trump debate, though she expressed concern that Trump might find a way to avoid such match-up.

As for the prospects of Gov. Roy Cooper possibly joining Harris as his running mate, as has been mentioned in some circles, Hardy expressed excitement at the idea and said there is a strong argument for it  noting that Harris and Cooper have a friendship that goes back many years to the time during which they served as California and North Carolina attorneys general. In the end, however, Hardy said the decision is Harriss to make and that she was confident Democrats would unite behind whomever she chooses.

The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago from August 19-22.
Kamala Harris is continuing to gain momentum after President Joe Biden announced he wouldnt run for reelection and boosting the enthusiasm of N.C. Democratis. In this 2022 file photo, Anderson Clayton waves a Kamala Harris fan prior to her remarks at the Carole A. Hoefener Community Services Center in Charlotte.

All 168 of North Carolinas delegates to the Democratic National Convention voted Sunday night to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nomination, the state Democratic Party chair announced.

The vote happened just hours after President Joe Biden announced he was ending his campaign, and made his own endorsement of Harris.

Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said Gov. Roy Cooper also garnered delegates support as Harris running mate if she chooses him. Hes one of several possible contenders mentioned as possible running mates, which also includes Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Our delegates are enthusiastically supportive of Gov. Cooper becoming the nominee for our vice president as well, Clayton said in an exclusive interview with McClatchy.

Kinston City Councilmember Chris Suggs was on the call and posted his take on Cooper.

As a delegate to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago, I am excited about the possibility of nominating a ticket with North Carolinas Governor, Roy Cooper, on it as Vice President. @RoyCooperNC would be a phenomenal addition to the ballot with @KamalaHarris, he wrote on social media.

Clayton has yet to release a full list of delegates from North Carolina representing the states Democrats at the national convention, scheduled to begin Aug. 19 in Chicago.

She said all 168 delegates were overwhelmingly supportive of Harris and extremely excited.

Democrats across the country had been calling for Biden to end his campaign after he gave a dismal debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June that led many to question his mental agility. Now, with Biden out, the party has begun to rally around Harris to take his place as the nominee.

Diversity of delegation

You could feel the energy through this call, Clayton said.

All of these folks that are very excited, and were very vocal, tonight, about their excitement and seeing the next president become the first woman president of the country, and also the historical nomination, of the fact, that she is Indian-American. She would be the the first Black woman, Clayton said.

Harris made history in 2020 when she became the countrys first Black and first South Asian-American vice president, and Clayton said several Black and Asian American and Pacific Islander women were in the conversation Sunday night.

I think the fact that diversity is our strength, and the idea that were seeing that at the top of our ticket right now, is really mobilizing to all of our delegates, Clayton said. Especially our young people, our Black and Brown delegates and people of color on the call, were excited to see someone that looks like them representing them.

Tennessee became the first state to have its delegates unanimously endorse Harris Sunday, Clayton said.

We should be the second state, Clayton told McClatchy, in the South, at least, that says we are also pledging our support behind her.

Choosing a Democratic nominee

Clayton said the delegates in theory are pledged to Biden, but because he dropped out of the race, theyre now released from that obligation.

It wasnt until the 1970s that the Democratic Party, and then the Republican Party, began using primaries to determine who delegates would nominate as their partys presidential candidate, McClatchy previously reported.

In 1968, violent protests broke out at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago after the party nominated then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey as its presidential nominee without him having appeared in any primary.

Because of that, people believed that the nomination process was left to party insiders, instead of voters. Primaries were used to rectify that.

This years convention will likely revert back to conventions prior to the 1970s, and delegates will determine who becomes the partys nominee.

Under the Dome

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Next weekend, nearly 30 North Carolina teachers will take a trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington.

Fully funded by the North Carolina Holocaust Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, the trip will teach educators about the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust, as well as provide guidance on how those subjects should be taught.

The foundation is a nonprofit that helps fund programs from the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust, a state agency under the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

The teachers attending the foundations eighth teacher trip represent 20 different school systems across the state, according to a news release. A number of teachers on the trip are from Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas.

The trip comes at a time when antisemitism is on the rise nationally and in Charlotte, trip sponsors told the Observer.

Impact on teachers

On the trip, teachers will tour the museum, speak with a Holocaust survivor and explore other museums in D.C.

They will also have homework assignments to complete on the bus rides, North Carolina Holocaust Foundation chairman Mitch Rifkin told the Observer. According to the trip agenda, activities on the bus include watching relevant films and completing trip reflections and evaluations.

Stephanie Huneycutt, a media coordinator at Ridge Road Middle School in Charlotte attending the bus trip, said she found the opportunity through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools professional development newsletter and was immediately interested.

This can be a difficult thing to try to teach to the kids, but I feel like its really important, she said. So Im really excited to get the aspect of how do I bring this back and make this meaningful so that the kids are also interested in how do we learn more about this, how do we keep the historical relevance of this.

Huneycutt is the only CMS teacher attending this bus trip. The foundation reaches out to all North Carolina counties, inviting teachers to participate in the program, before vetting those that are interested and deciding on attendees, Rifkin said.

Sam Bernstein, the chief development and marketing officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, said the program is particularly beneficial for teachers in rural areas who may not have the resources to teach the lessons of the Holocaust.

An outside view of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington April 11, 2015.

The trip is a great opportunity to increase the emotional connection between the teachers and the history, which will create a more meaningful learning experience for students, Huneycutt said.

(The Holocaust) didnt personally touch us necessarily, and a lot of historical topics, until you see it and can have a visceral emotional reaction to it, it doesnt really mean a whole lot to you, necessarily, she said.

Albertia Burgess, an ELA teacher at Hunters Creek Middle School in Jacksonville, North Carolina, attended two N.C. Holocaust Foundation bus trips  one in 2016 and another in 2019. Burgess grew up learning about the Holocaust in school, and when she became a teacher, she sought out resources to strengthen her understanding of the events history.

Visiting the memorial museum in D.C. is one of the best ways to get foundational information on how to teach the history of the Holocaust, and will give teachers an entirely new perspective, Burgess told the Observer.

I think most teachers are used to reading it online, with different materials or through books, but when you go to the permanent exhibit, you get to look at a lot of different artifacts that have come directly from survivors, families of survivors, she said.

Rising antisemitism

Right now, the country is seeing high levels of antisemitism, especially due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Rifkin told the Observer. And, with antisemitism rising, Charlotte is not immune, Bernstein said.

The Anti-Defamation League reported 8,873 antisemitic incidents in 2023, a 140% increase from the number of incidents in 2022.

In 2021, North Carolina passed the Gizella Abramson Holocaust Education Act, which requires Holocaust education be included in the curriculum in 6th- to 12th-grade public school English and social studies classes.

Burgess said while the law hasnt been implemented for long enough for her to see a change, the N.C. Council on the Holocaust has worked hard to provide pacing guides and other resources on teaching the Holocaust for educators.

Huneycutt said the Department of Public Instruction is working on putting together standards and guidelines for Holocaust elective classes, which she hopes become readily available for students across the state, especially middle schoolers.

It would be a really good way to kind of reinforce some of those social emotional pieces that were trying to tackle with that age, she said.

Burgess added that when teachers connect with the resources provided by the foundation and the Council on the Holocaust, they can find ways to connect the Holocaust with current events in a relevant way for students.

I just think its a great opportunity for teachers to embark on, she said.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  As additional Congressional Democrats on Friday called on President Joe Biden to exit the race, he said he will resume campaigning next week following his isolation due to COVID-19.

Gov. Roy Cooper (D) joined Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Fayetteville on Thursday, as new reports show the governor remains on a short list of people to run alongside Harris if Biden does indeed drop out.

UPDATE: NC Gov. Cooper tied for 2nd in betting odds for Harris VP pick

Neither Cooper nor Harris addressed the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about who should lead the ticket during the rally.

I know that (Harris) gets the job done. And, I know that she and Joe Biden need four more years to finish the job, Cooper told the crowd. We have to be on the doors, on the phones, on social media, on top of our game to stop Donald Trumps dark vision of America and make sure Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can finish the job they started.

President Biden is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days, a report by the Hill says (click here). As of Friday, 31 Democrats in Congress had called on him to exit the race. None are from North Carolina.

There is a broad feeling among Democratic insiders, donors, strategists that the presidents campaign has failed to reassure people, members of his party, leaders after the presidents disastrous debate performance, said Alexander Bolton, senior staff writer for the Hill.

He said Gov. Cooper is among three Democrats most commonly mentioned as potential running mates for Harris if Biden exits the race and she becomes the nominee.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is also among them. But, Bolton said Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly appears to be surging right now.

You know the Democrats dont think that North Carolina is really in play in this presidential race. And, they think Arizona is more in play. And, I think thats why Mark Kelly probably has the inside track at this point, he said.

The Biden campaign has made North Carolina a key target this year, as it was the state Donald Trump won in 2020 by his smallest margin.

A poll by Emerson College released on Thursday found Trump leading Biden 47-38 when additional candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are included.

The same poll found 57 percent voters think President Biden should exit the race. Separately, 41 percent said Trump should get out.

I just think that pressure will just be insurmountable and Joe Biden is going to have to bow to reality and step down, said Steven Greene, an expert on state politics at NC State University.

Last week Cooper said he had not had conversations with Harris or the campaign about potentially joining the ticket and said it was speculation we do not need.

Greene said he thinks Cooper would balance the ticket well if he indeed ran with Harris.

Its so reductive, but the reality is to have this southern white man balancing off a California Black woman, the reality is for as long as our country has had presidents and vice presidents people have had to try to have various kinds of balances, said Greene. What hes saying, what hes doing at this point is what a savvy politician would be doing in terms of not trying to get too far out in front of things.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  President Biden announced Sunday he is stepping aside, dropping out of the presidential race, barely 100 days from the election and just a month away from the Democratic National Convention. CBS 17 asked political analysts what happens next and what this move could mean for the race.

Experts said there is still some uncertainty, and the next few weeks will be critical for Democrats, but they said Bidens decision certainly shakes things up.

Biden drops out: What happens next

Its just a massive, massive reset, said NC State political science professor Steven Greene.

Greene said he was not completely shocked by President Bidens decision to exit the presidential race.

It appeared that the pressure was only going to continue to build, and it did not seem like he had the answer in terms of being able to persuade people that he really had what it took to stay in the race and wage a vigorous campaign, he said.

With prominent Democrats, including Biden, rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris, Greene said she is likely to take over the ticket.

I think one thing that would be really fascinating is how this entirely flips the script on who is too old to be president, he said.

Harris, 59, is nearly 20 years younger than Former President Donald Trump. Greene said she could mobilize groups of voters Biden struggled with.

POLL: Trump unanimously favored in 7 swing states over Biden, including North Carolina

Young people want to find a politician to love. They want to find a politician to be excited about. My liberal students have been so disappointed in recent years because they were not excited about Joe Biden. Before that, they were not excited about Hillary Clinton, he said. I imagine theres going to be a huge surge and excitement for the Democratic ticket.

Local Democrats are also voicing their support for Harris.

She is an accomplished lawyer, senator, vice president, and she knows how to energize the party, and so Im excited about her, said Raleigh Congresswoman Deborah Ross.

Ross also emphasized the stakes of this election.

Were under threat of going backward, but not just backward four years. Were under threat of going backward to Reconstruction, she said. North Carolinians have the opportunity to change everything in this state for the better and to be part of making this country better for the future.

North Carolina could also be a key battleground state.

Candidates rush to NC ahead of Super Tuesday

I think North Carolina looks to be fairly certain to be in Donald Trumps column as things stand now, said Mitch Kokai, senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation.

However, Kokai said that could change. North Carolina Governor Roy Coopers name has been floated as a possible vice presidential pick for a Harris-led ticket.

That definitely puts North Carolina in play. Hes won six statewide elections. He won the last two elections for governor, outperforming other Democrats, Kokai said.

Much depends, he said, on what the Democrats do about selecting a new nominee. He also said their message going forward could sway voters.

Does either side come up with a message about what good they would do in the next four years? Because we really havent seen much of that. The Biden campaign is mainly been Donald Trumps a danger to democracy. The Trump campaign has been Bidens policies have failed and his mind is failing too. Neither one of those messages is a positive message, Kokai said.

President Biden, Vice President Harris give remarks in Raleigh about healthcare

Concerns have been raised that Harris will face challenges because of her race and gender, but Greene argues those concerns are given too much weight.

The negative effects of running for office as a woman or as a person of color are way overstated. In fact, there dont seem to be very many. People like to say, well, Hillary Clinton lost because she was a woman. Hillary Clinton won more votes than Donald Trump, right? She won the popular vote. Barack Obama, a black man, won two elections, Greene said. Those who suggest that that is a real drag on her possibility of winning, I think are really overstating the case.

Both analysts said Harris is the likely nominee, but other candidates could jump in the race. Greene said it would be difficult to get a campaign going with so little time left, but not impossible.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
Nearly 1,100 PG&E customers across San Luis Obispo County lost electricity Monday morning in two power outages.

According to PG&Es Outage Center website, power was off for a total of 1,089 customers due to the outages as of 9:45 a.m., both of them unplanned.

A North County outage impacted 601 customers in the area around Creston, and a South County outage affected 488 customers in a stretch between Nipomo and Arroyo Grande.

By midday, while the South County outage had been resolved, while the Creston outage had been reduced to 119 customers. Power was restored to North County customers at around 5 p.m.

More than 600 PG&E customers in the Creston area were left without power starting on Monday morning.

Nearly 500 PG&E customers in the Creston area were left without power as of 9:45 on Monday morning.

Areas in the North County reported losing power at 7:34 a.m., according to the company. South County outages were reported at 6:22 a.m.

A vehicle crashed into a power pole on Creston Road near the North County power outages at 7:39 a.m. Monday morning, which California Highway Patrol attributes as the probable cause of the outage there. Power lines were down across the road when emergency vehicles arrived on the scene, according to Caltrans.

Power was expected to be restored across the county by 4:30 p.m., but some areas may may fixed as early as 10:30 a.m., according to the utility company.
WASHINGTON  Nearly all of Wisconsin's delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month have pledged their support to Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party's presidential nominee, the state party's chairman said Monday.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler said 89 of the state's 95 delegates had declared their support for Harris as of mid-afternoon on Monday. He said the party had either not been in contact with the outstanding delegates or those who had not yet pledged were "thinking through the timeline to make a public decision."

"The level of unity and energy is through the roof," Wikler told reporters, saying he knows of "no delegate who plans to vote against Vice President Harris."

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler makes opening remarks at the Wisconsin Democratic Convention on Saturday June 8, 2024 at Potawatomi Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis.

The announcement from Wisconsin comes just one day after President Joe Biden announced he planned to withdraw from the race and endorsed Harris in the process. Wisconsin's top Democrats quickly coalesced around Harris, though the state party had refrained from making an immediate endorsement.

Wisconsin's delegates held a call Sunday night to discuss next steps, multiple people told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and about 80 of the state's delegates attended. One participant said delegates were told they were no longer bound to Biden after his decision to drop out and were free to vote for whomever they wished.

But nearly every delegate who spoke on the Sunday call, the person said, voiced support for Harris.

More: What Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race means for Wisconsin's DNC delegates

On Monday, Wikler said the party's governing body voted unanimously to officially endorse Harris. He said the party raised more than $140,000 from nearly 2,000 donors in the 24 hours since Harris announced her campaign, adding that state Democrats raised more than $300,000 in the last week.

The wave of support from Wisconsin Democrats also comes as Harris is set to visit Milwaukee Tuesday in what will be her first campaign stop of her two-day-old presidential campaign.

State convention delegations in New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have already pledged their unanimous support for Harris.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nearly all of Wisconsin's DNC delegates endorse Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a moderated conversation with former Trump administration national security official Olivia Troye and former Republican voter Amanda Stratton on July 17, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Chris duMond/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  The 34-member Nebraska delegation to the Democratic National Convention pledged its support Monday to Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign to replace President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, celebrated the announcement as an indication of the local and national parties rallying around the vice president as someone who can unite the party around beating former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Kleeb said Harris represents a new generation of Democrats who will work to continue the five decades of work President Joe Biden has started. She said she expects the vice president to articulate a new vision for America.

Nebraska is proud to stand with Kamala Harris and pledge our support to her, Kleeb said in a statement. The renewed energy across the state means more volunteers to knock doors and engage voters at the neighborhood level.

The delegation also voted to encourage Harris and her campaign to host regional town halls to hear from voters in more parts of the country on key issues for Democrats, including climate change, immigration, reproductive rights and racial equity.

Organizing an old-fashioned convention

Nebraska Democrats, like their cohorts nationally, have spent the past day organizing local delegates who are headed to Chicago next month. Such delegates usually participate in a stage-managed coronation of a nominee picked by party voters.

But now the delegates will be front and center in choosing a nominee to replace Biden after he withdrew from his re-election campaign Sunday. Bidens decision thrust Harris into the spotlight as his most likely replacement in the 2024 race.

Harris husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, campaigned in Omaha last week, his fifth trip to the state. Biden and Harris have yet to visit Omaha in an official capacity. Trump has visited twice, in 2020 and 2022.

The Nebraska Republican Party had no immediate comment on the Democratic announcement. State GOP Chair Eric Underwood has said local Republicans agree with the national GOP, which said Democrats risk angering their voters and making their problems worse.

Many national political observers expect Democratic delegates to coalesce around Harris, a former prosecutor in San Francisco, attorney general of California and U.S. senator. However, history shows curveballs at a convention are possible.

Local delegates excited

CJ King, a Douglas County Democrat who will be attending his fifth convention overall and second as a delegate, said the delegates understand the importance of the task. They get to choose a nominee for Nebraska Democrats who backed Biden.

It is super cool, King told the Examiner on Monday. Ive got a little bit of experience, but this ones unique, thats for sure. Im excited. Were making an endorsement, but theres still a process that has to happen. Its old school.

Another Nebraska DNC delegate, State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, will be attending his first national convention. He said the chance to help pick Harris would be amazing, given her track record and political experience.

It would be historic to have someone like her at the top of the ticket for the party, McKinney said. She has been the vice president. She was in the Senate.  When you compare her to Trump, to me its a logical decision.

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Vice President Kamala Harris looks on as President Joe Biden delivers remarks about border security policies in the Roosevelt Room in the White House on Jan. 5, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

OMAHA  Local efforts to keep the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District blue will have a new standard-bearer after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would not run for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, issued a statement Sunday expressing deep respect for Bidens work and for his decision to step aside. Democrats are preparing for the national convention in Chicago next month. Nebraska is sending 34 delegates to the convention.

Precious McKesson, representing the state party, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process and working with Democratic National Committee lawyers on securing ballot access for the nominee.

I dont think it changes anything, McKesson said of Bidens decision. I think it re-energizes.  Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.

Vargas-Bacon race impact

Kleeb said local partisans will be laser-focused on helping Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha win his competitive congressional race against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Papillion and on helping the Democratic nominee for president win the states blue dot.

Biden won the Omaha areas single Electoral College vote in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won it in 2016 and won Nebraskas four other electoral votes in 2016 and 2020.

The 2nd District has been Nebraskas most competitive for years, flipping between then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 to Mitt Romney in 2012.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Republican Party want to switch the GOP-leaning state to winner-take-all as soon as a special session this summer if he can find the votes. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an Electoral College vote to the presidential winner in each congressional district.

In a tweet overnight Sunday, the state GOP said the figureheads may change, but that the radical agenda of the elitists behind these individuals who need public praise and recognition will not. The tweet said the GOP must push a positive policy agenda.

Eric Underwood, the state GOP chairman, said Republicans are all on the same page with the national GOP, which has questioned whether Democrats risk angering their primary election voters and compounding their problems while Republicans rally around Trump.

Political observers say both the presidential race and the control of the House of Representatives could come down to the Omaha-area race. Vargas lost to Bacon by three percentage points in 2022. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in the district by six points.

Vargas, in a statement, thanked Biden for his longtime leadership and honorable service. He said his selfless decision to step aside will ensure the Democrats have a strong nominee who can win and serve the nation capably over the next four years.

Our greatest imperative this fall is to ensure we beat Trump, Vargas said. Thats why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms.

Bacon, in a statement, said Biden made the right decision for national security to step down. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said the last presidential debate showed Americans that Biden was no longer up to serving as commander in chief.

Unfortunately, Father Time always wins in the end, and it will happen to all of us at some point, Bacon said in a post on the social media network X.

He also criticized Vargas for waiting so long to comment on Biden after the debate.

Love, Ricketts, Osborn weigh in

Preston Love Jr., the Democratic nominee running against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, issued a statement commending Biden for his many years of public service. He said he looked forward to strongly supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.

Our focus must continue to be on preventing Donald Trump and his enablers  from winning in November, Love said. A second Donald Trump presidency would be devastating to our most vulnerable communities. Now is the time for us to come together and find a path to victory.

Ricketts, in a statement, said only one choice, Trump, will lead to security and prosperity for American citizens, and thats a Trump-Vance administration. He stressed Harris role as the Biden administrations point person on border security and said she pushed for terrible policies.

The strength of the Trump-Vance ticket has never been more evident than today, Ricketts said on X. Kamala Harris owns the Biden policies.

Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, tweeted that he respects Bidens decision. He said most Nebraskans want honest leadership who will stand up to corruption regardless of party.

Fischers campaign had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.

A new old role for convention delegates

In August, 4,000 or so delegates from across the country will shift from having a largely ceremonial role, which was expected after Biden won the Democratic primaries, into a much higher-profile role of selecting the Democratic presidential nominee on behalf of their respective states.

Picking a presidential nominee was old hat for major party convention delegates prior to 1972, when the modern primary election system emerged. But Biden becomes the first presumptive nominee from a major party to leave the race after winning his partys primary elections.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue is one of the delegates who will get to vote in Chicago. She is a candidate for Congress in the 1st District against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood.

Her first national party convention is now expected to name a nominee, which she said has her very excited because of the number of very qualified people who could step up to the plate. She said she is hopeful that maybe a woman could be one of them.

This is a whole new process, Blood said. Its democracy at its finest.

McKesson said the party hopes to have more answers Monday about the next steps for its convention delegates.

Could boost youth turnout

Retired University of Nebraska at Omaha political scientist Paul Landow, who cut his teeth helping with Omaha-area Democratic campaigns, said it is too soon to tell how Bidens dropping out might impact the presidential or House races in the 2nd District.

Harris, if chosen, could help the party better motivate young people to vote this November, Landow and McKesson said. Landow pointed to recent polling that showed Trump faring worse against a younger, more progressive Democrat than against Biden. Trump still narrowly led, however.

McKesson said she hopes people will take a little time to thank Biden for his decades of work and for what had to be a hard decision for him and his family.

I want everybody to think about what he has done, she said.

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Community college student Jennifer Toledo says earning a four-year degree is exciting, but has had difficulty navigating the complicated higher education system after growing up in Mexico.

Benjamin Gregory, a former community college student, managed to graduate with an associate degree and transfer to a four-year school despite the challenges of enrolling as an older student.

And for Loren Van Tilburg, earning a four-year degree came to a halt when he left college and started his own automobile business.

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From financial concerns to questioning the need of a four-year degree, Jennifer, Benjamin and Loren represent many students who were left unprepared to make their college decisions as the path to earn a four-year degree continues to be riddled with barriers.

If you have some understanding of what you want to make of yourself and you have a plan to apply your skills, leaving college can be the best thing for you, said Loren, who like many of his peers has had a growing interest in immediate employment and apathy for a four-year education.

Related

Job Focused Community College Programs Grow  But Grim Transfer Trend Continues

Here are the experiences that led to Jennifer, Benjamin and Lorens college decisions:

Jennifer Toledo, 19

Northwest Vista College

Growing up in Mexico, Jennifer always wanted to live in the U.S. and finally got her chance when she moved to San Antonio, Texas by herself when she was 15 years old.

But there were challenges  including when her high school stopped offering ESL classes  forcing her to learn English and complete schoolwork on her own.

It was hard, Jennifer told The 74. I was using the translator on my computer [because] I didnt know how to say anything.

But Jennifers experience changed when she took an education class in high school and the teacher helped her learn English.

Intending to join the U.S. Navy post-high school, Jennifers teacher encouraged her to enroll in classes at Northwest Vista College instead.

Jennifer Toledo at her graduation from Northwest Vista College.

Today, Jennifer has earned her associate degree in teaching and will transfer to The University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall.

Her goal is to earn a bachelors degree in bilingual education so she can teach the ESL classes she was unable to receive as a high school student.

I really want to help students, Jennifer said. I want to be that teacher who speaks and teaches them English.

But Jennifer said navigating her transfer experience was stressful because she was balancing her studies with working part-time at a local middle school.

At some point, I wanted to quit [and] go back to Mexico to stay with my family because of the stress, Jennifer said.

Jennifer attributes the counseling offered at her community college as one of the support systems that helped her stay afloat.

I needed help, I needed someone to listen to me and tell me youre okay, everythings going to be fine, Jennifer said.

Jennifer Toledos Powerful Latinas event she hosted at Northwest Vista College.



Her hope for other students is that they dont allow their inability to speak English to hinder their higher education goals.

I want to demonstrate to my family, and to everyone, that its possible, Jennifer said. I want to be an inspiration for them so they know theres no limit to what they can do.

Benjamin Gregory, 27

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Benjamin graduated high school in 2014 and enrolled at Texas A&M University where he majored in aerospace engineering.

But he was more focused on getting a PhD in partying and left school after a semester to join the workforce.

He spent three years working as a Target employee followed by one year as a mall security guard  where a physical altercation with a thief altered his life.

Being a security guard was such a terrible experience for me because I hate being mean to people, Benjamin told The 74. I got reprimanded for laying my hands on someone who on the [security footage] obviously attacked me and I ended up quitting my job.

His parents encouraged him to give college another shot.

This path working an hourly job as a security guard and as a retail worker wasnt for me. I really didnt like doing it, but it was just something I had to do to live, pay for food and rent and all that, Benjamin said. I just wanted a clean slate.

In 2019, Benjamin enrolled at Northwest Vista College and eventually transferred to The University of Texas at San Antonio where he majored in mechanical engineering.

I went from working a job where I didnt really have to do anything besides walk around a mallto having homework again, Benjamin said, adding how grateful he was to have a second chance to take courses in what he is truly passionate about.

Benjamin Gregory in the laboratory at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

But navigating college as an older student without a paycheck came with challenges  most notably how to pay tuition on top of his other bills, including car payments and credit card debt.

I didnt know if I was actually going to be able to stick with it the whole time, Benjamin said. But fortunately enrolling in community college first was significantly cheaper and a lot more relaxed because [professors] know theres other things outside of school that students have to worry about.

Enrolling in community college first offered him a better transition back into higher education, he added.

The class sizes were so much smaller so you could get to know your professor very easily, Benjamin said. And they dont really do research at a community college so they were a lot more excited to show up to class than a lot of professors you will meet in a university.

Benjamin recently graduated with his bachelors degree and will continue his studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio  but instead of a PhD in partying hell be working towards a doctorate in chemical engineering.

I know that classes can sometimes suckbut Ive been in the workforce without a degree and I know that sucked a lot more, Benjamin said.

Im thankful to my community college for the professional development and helping me be a more open person, he said. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Loren Van Tilburg, 19

University of La Verne

Loren originally enrolled at the University of La Verne and majored in economics, but quickly grew disinterested in his studies.

After his first year, Loren made the decision to leave his four-year school and get a job.

He experimented with a few ways to earn income  from day trading to dropshipping  but found his real passion was taking care of cars.

In 2023, Loren started a car detailing business which involves traveling to his clients home to clean and repair their vehicles.

I wont sugarcoat it, the decision was very difficult, Loren told The 74. But at the end of the day, I knew that I wanted to start a business and I wouldnt need a degree for it.

While balancing his budding business, he also began working with a brokerage firm to become a financial advisor, which involves studying for a securities license he aims to complete by the end of the year.

Lorens desire for on-the-job training and trade certification compared to a four-year degree reflects the mindset of a growing number of young students.

Ive always wanted to do something like this because managing money makes money, Loren said, adding that many of his coworkers had similar educational pathways.

Loren Van Tilburg with his colleagues at Primerica, a financial services company.

Its a cool environment to be in, Loren said. So if anyone chooses the path that I chose, its really good to find a community of people that made similar life choices because they will understand where youre coming from and your struggles.

For Loren, leaving his four-year school was the best decision he could make for himself despite initial pushback from his parents.

There have been ups and downs, but I definitely dont regret my decision, Loren said.

For me, if I have to resort to going back to school then I failed, he added. Im not saying if you go to college youre a failure, but I chose this path for myself so if I go back then I kind of just wasted all this time.

Related

New Data Reveals Few Community College Transfers Complete a Bachelors Degree

This article is part of a series in partnership with reporter Joshua Bays Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship highlighting the struggles of community college students.
Ulviyya Shahin

"Azerishiq" Open Joint Stock Company has announced a tender for constructing a 35 kV electric transmission line to enhance the external power supply to the Jahangirbeyli settlement in the Zangilan district, Azernews reports.

The project aims to strengthen the electricity infrastructure in the region, ensuring a reliable power supply for the settlement. The tender's estimated budget amounts to 2,315,928 manats.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and utilities in the Zangilan district, following recent developments and needs in the area.

After the liberation of the Azerbaijani territories from the Armenian occupation, along with demining operations in Zangilan, reconstruction and restoration work also continued. Infrastructure restoration works are being successfully carried out in the region. Life has returned to Zangilan.

The return of IDPs to the territories liberated from occupation began with this district. So, last year, former IDPs were returned to Aghali village, which was rebuilt based on the concept of a "smart village" in the district. The resettlement of residents to their eternal villages began in July of this year.
The Australian stock market has shown a steady rise over the past year, increasing by 9.1%, despite remaining flat in the last 7 days. In this context of expected earnings growth of 14% per annum in the coming years, identifying stocks that may be undervalued could present opportunities for investors looking for potential gains in a growing market.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Australia

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Fenix Resources (ASX:FEX) A$0.385 A$0.77 49.9% MaxiPARTS (ASX:MXI) A$2.00 A$3.95 49.4% Ansell (ASX:ANN) A$26.64 A$50.12 46.9% Strike Energy (ASX:STX) A$0.205 A$0.41 49.8% hipages Group Holdings (ASX:HPG) A$1.065 A$2.06 48.3% IPH (ASX:IPH) A$6.13 A$11.83 48.2% Australian Clinical Labs (ASX:ACL) A$2.46 A$4.70 47.6% Millennium Services Group (ASX:MIL) A$1.145 A$2.24 48.9% Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) A$0.295 A$0.56 47.2% MedAdvisor (ASX:MDR) A$0.55 A$1.07 48.7%

Click here to see the full list of 43 stocks from our Undervalued ASX Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

We'll examine a selection from our screener results.

Overview: Codan Limited specializes in developing technology solutions for a diverse range of sectors including United Nations organizations, mining companies, and security groups, with a market capitalization of A$2.18 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its Communications and Metal Detection segments, totaling A$291.50 million and A$212.20 million respectively.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 27.2%

Codan, an Australian company, is trading at A$12, which is 27.2% below the estimated fair value of A$16.49, indicating it's undervalued based on discounted cash flows. Its revenue and earnings are expected to grow at 9.1% and 16.2% per year respectively, outpacing the Australian market averages of 5.6% for revenue and 13.5% for earnings growth. Additionally, Codan's Return on Equity is forecast to be a robust 21.5% in three years, further highlighting its financial health and potential for growth.

ASX:CDA Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Nickel Industries Limited is an Australian company focused on nickel ore mining and the production of nickel pig iron and nickel matte, with a market capitalization of approximately A$3.45 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue through three primary activities: nickel ore mining in Indonesia contributing A$36.81 million, HPAL projects across Indonesia and Hong Kong totaling A$32.58 million, and RKEF projects in Indonesia and Singapore amounting to A$1.81 billion.

Story continues

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 18.3%

Nickel Industries, priced at A$0.81, is below the calculated fair value of A$0.99, reflecting a modest undervaluation. Despite a profit margin decline to 6.5% from last year's 13.1%, its earnings are expected to surge by 34.89% annually, outperforming the broader Australian market's growth forecast of 13.5%. However, its dividend sustainability is questionable as payouts are not well covered by free cash flows. Recent strategic moves include securing a new US$250 million loan to support acquisitions and extending their buyback plan until mid-2025.

ASX:NIC Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Sandfire Resources Limited is a mining company that focuses on the exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral tenements and projects, with a market capitalization of approximately A$3.82 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its MATSA Copper Operations, which brought in A$581.75 million, and its Degrussa Copper Operations, contributing A$94.49 million.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 42.2%

Sandfire Resources, trading at A$8.35, is significantly undervalued with a fair value estimate of A$14.46, marking a 42.2% discrepancy. The company's revenue growth is anticipated to surpass the Australian market average significantly at 16.8% annually compared to 5.6%. While earnings are expected to increase by 52.81% per year, Sandfire is projected to achieve profitability within three years, outpacing typical market growth rates. However, its forecasted Return on Equity in three years stands low at 10.8%.

ASX:SFR Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

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Concerned residents are pushing back on plans to demolish two buildings in the NuLu area as part of a planned expansion of Rabbit Hole Distillery along East Jefferson Street.

A newly filed petition with more than 300 signatures seeks to have the buildings designated as local landmarks, which would make it more difficult to level the structures.

We request designation, not as an anti-development effort, but to engender responsible development, reads the petition, filed July 10 with city government.

Both buildings sit on the half block on which Rabbit Hole is proposing to expand by nearly 80,000 square feet.

The project, which aims to make the property the brand home for American whiskey for parent company Pernod Ricard, would increase hospitality offerings, bring jobs to the block, and reconfigure aspects of its on-site whiskey production.

The proposed expansion of Rabbit Hole Distillery is seen in this aerial, north facing rendering of the 700 block of East Jefferson Street.

Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole founder and CEO, has said the site is limited to about 55,000-60,000 visitors yearly. The project, to include an expanded single barrel experience, would help the company achieve up to 150,000 visitors annually.

The expansion does not include an increase in distillation capacity.

Zamanian did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the landmark petition.

The resident petition argues the buildings age and high-quality construction, along with their distinct Italianate architectural style, contribute to a sense of place in NuLu that cannot be replaced once demolished.

Please help us halt the demolition plans, designate these buildings as the historic structures they are, and explore alternative solutions that honor our past while embracing future growth.

Zamanian founded Rabbit Hole in 2012 in Louisville and opened its three-story NuLu distillery in 2018 at 711 E. Jefferson St. It introduced plans to expand its footprint in March 2023.

The project would span the block bound by Nanny Goat Strut, and East Jefferson, South Shelby and South Clay streets, which is entirely owned by the distillery.

A Fermenter at Rabbit Hole Distillery.

To pull off the project and allow for aspects of its distillery operations, rezoning of the area is required. That rezoning application with the city is still pending.

In February, the NuLu Development Review Overlay Committee reviewed and approved the distillerys preliminary design, which included the demolition of the two buildings in question.

While the possible landmark case is a separate process from the rezoning case, it became a factor in a July 11 meeting of the Planning Commission at which the rezoning request was discussed.

Commissioners voted to continue the Rabbit Hole case until Aug. 1, citing, in part, the pending landmark petition. Following a commission vote, the case will head to the Louisville Metro Council for a final decision.

One existing building on the half-block, 727 E. Jefferson St., is being incorporated in the new plans and will become part of the retail space and entry lobby.

The building at 218 S. Shelby St., on the northeastern corner of the campus, would also be preserved and is slated to become the brand home of Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., a new venture from Zamanian and Rabbit Hole that launched in 2023 and is named after a pioneering Kentucky woman known as the mother of bourbon.

Mary Dowling Whiskey Company launched its first two products in August, paying homage to the Kentucky-born "mother of bourbon."

Rabbit Holes owners, however, would seek to demolish the two buildings now the subject of the landmark petition.

One building, 223A S. Clay St., is a one-story shotgun house on the southeast corner of South Clay Street and Nanny Goat Strut that has been converted to commercial use. An expanded and relocated loading dock requires the demolition of the shotgun, according to the distillery.

The new, partially covered docking area would relocate large truck activity from Jefferson Street to an on-property corral.

The second building, 749 E. Jefferson St., is a three-story structure located on northwest corner of East Jefferson and South Shelby streets. Its a rare example of a three-story brick building with Italianate architecture, according to the petition, rarity that should qualify it for protected landmark status.

The buildings are examples of the Italianate architectural style that was popular in the mid-1800s, the petition reads. Typical features of the classically influenced style include symmetry, ornate decorative details, round-arched windows and tall cornices.

Both buildings were likely built by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, according to the petition writers.

Many might mistake these buildings are run-down and in need of demo, but the peeling paint is misleading, the petition reads. Their brick is in great shape and is infinitely patchable/repairable, and their limestone construction is even more solid than concrete

The petition also makes the argument that the building is part of the communitys shared history. It posits that Muhammad Ali, who trained at a nearby gym, would have passed the East Jefferson Street building countless times.

About half of the petitions 300-plus signatures, as of July 10, belonged to District 4 residents. At least 200 signatures are required for a petition.

Eligible petitions trigger a study by the Louisville Metro Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, followed by a public hearing, after which the commission may vote to deem the properties landmarks.

Petition writers also made a plea to Rabbit Hole to relocate the two buildings, should their effort fail.

Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Rabbit Hole Distillery expansion challenged by neighbors in NuLu
Netanyahu heads to D.C. to meet with Congress and Biden

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boarded a plane to the U.S. Monday for high-stakes meetings in Washington as negotiations continue to bring the Israel-Hamas war to an end.

This week, Netanyahu plans to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and address Congress to urge continued support for Israel.

Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israeli citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south, Netanyahu said before departing Israel.

The U.S. State Department confirmed Monday negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal continue.

We have significantly narrowed the disagreements between the parties, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

However, Miller would not say whether the department expects a deal before Netanyahus address Wednesday.

Its just very difficult to predict, Miller said.

Theres significant tension among members of Congress about Netanyahus visit. Dozens of Democrats will likely skip his speech over concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Protests against the war continue to ring out around the world as well, and U.S. Capitol Police are planning for a large number of demonstrators to show up for Netanyahus address.

Theres great political uncertainty in Washington, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu acknowledged Sundays big political shakeup: President Biden withdrawing from the 2024 election and Harris now seeking the Democratic partys presidential nomination to take on former President Donald Trump.

I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless of who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains Americas indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East, Netanyahu said.

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Netanyahu says US, Israel 'stand together today, tomorrow and always'

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speaks to media at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of boarding the his plane to USA where he will address both Houses of Congress. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday emphasized the strength of his country's alliance with the United States, as he prepared to visit Washington to address the US Congress.

Netanyahu said he plans to reaffirm bipartisan support for Israel, one day after President Joe Biden's historic announcement that he will not seek re-election in November.

"I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East," he said.

His planned speech to Congress on Wednesday comes "at a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts and when there's great political uncertainty in Washington," Netanyahu added.

Despite Biden's withdrawal from the presidential campaign, Netanyahu is to meet the president on Tuesday.

"This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as senator, as vice president, and as president," he said.

Netanyahu also plans to discuss with Biden "how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south."

Netanyahu concluded: "In this time of war and uncertainty, it's important that Israel's enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always."
Netanyahus visit to the US could be crucial to a ceasefire deal. But does he want one?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington on Monday to far less fanfare than he would have expected just a day earlier.

His highly-anticipated visit  chock-full of meetings with top US officials and a prized address to Congress  will now undoubtedly be overshadowed by US President Joe Bidens stunning decision to drop out of the presidential race. But as detailed ceasefire negotiations aimed at turning a framework agreement into a final deal stretch into their third week, Netanyahus visit will still be critical to the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Senior US officials say a deal is within reach, but the prospects of a deal may hinge on the answer to one key question: Does Netanyahu actually want a deal?

The conventional wisdom in Israeli media, politics and on the streets of Tel Aviv would tell you that the answer to that question is no  that Netanyahu has much more to gain by prolonging the war and much more to lose by ending it.

The war has allowed Netanyahu to delay his share of accountability for the failures leading up to the October 7 attacks, rebuffing calls for new elections with stiff wartime resolve. His partys prospects in the next election have actually improved in recent months. And the right-wing coalition partners keeping him in power have threatened to bolt if Netanyahu cuts a deal that ends the war.

Even Biden has said there is every reason for people to believe Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza in order to stay in power.

There are also indications that Netanyahu is throwing up eleventh-hour obstacles to reaching a deal. He reneged on a key Israeli concession regarding allowing Palestinians unrestricted access to northern Gaza that was included in Israels latest ceasefire proposal and now appears to be insisting on Israel maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14km strip of land that serves as a buffer zone on the border between Egypt and Gaza. And publicly, his rhetoric has undermined confidence in Israels commitment to reaching a deal that could end the war.

And yet, Netanyahu and his negotiating team have also steadily engaged in negotiations, exchanging proposals with Hamas and bringing the two sides closer than ever to a potential deal. A growing share of the Israeli public, led by hostage families, is demanding the government strike a deal.

Benjamin Netanyahu meets with family members of US hostages, in Washington, DC, July 22, 2024. - Handout/Israel Government Press Office

Shortly after arriving in Washington, Netanyahu met with family members of the hostages held in Gaza and said a deal to secure their release could be near.

The conditions to bring them back are ripe, for the simple reason that we are putting very strong pressure on Hamas, Netanyahu said Monday, according to a statement from his office.

But one of the family members told Israeli media that the meeting with Netanyahu was not a dialogue adding that the timing of his visit was not appropriate, given the displacement of Israelis in the north and south of the country and the fact that a ceasefire deal has still not been struck.

We tried to ask the prime minister a number of questions. He did not so much address the questions but really gave some sort of overview of his own, said Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen, a 19-year-old US-Israeli soldier who was killed on October 7 and whose body was taken to Gaza.

Netanyahus allies insist he is earnest in his desire to strike a hostage release deal  just the right deal, one that could allow Israel to resume fighting in Gaza.

That tension will be inescapable now Netanyahu has arrived in Washington, where he has often sought to bolster Israels standing in the US as well as his own political standing at home.

While Netanyahu will look to showcase the support he still has in Washington (and a standing ovation from a majority of lawmakers in Congress should do the trick), his visit is also an opportunity for top US officials and lawmakers to push, prod, nudge and cajole him toward a deal  in both public and private.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden joined Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Tel Aviv, Israel, in October in a marked display of wartime support. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Chief among those eager to make that case will be the US president, who will meet face-to-face with Netanyahu this week for the first time since Biden flew to Israel in October in a dramatic show of wartime support.

The warmth and sympathy that filled the air during that October visit is likely to be replaced by something much frostier.

Biden has grown steadily more critical of Israels war in Gaza  where more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health  and Netanyahu has resisted US pressure, often publicly thumbing his nose at the White House.

Even as he has maintained strong support for Israel, Biden became the first president since Ronald Reagan to withhold some US munitions to Israel  suspending shipments of 2,000-pound bombs in May amid concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has not only resisted US calls to rein in Israeli military operations in Gaza, but has used his defiance of the White Houses calls for restraint to bolster his political standing in Israel  including in a speech just days before his trip to the US in which he talked up his refusal to bow to Bidens pressure to wind down the war and abandon a planned offensive in Rafah.

Bidens decision to drop out of the presidential race just two days before he sits down with Netanyahu will unquestionably shift the dynamic between the two men even further  exactly how remains to be seen.

Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader to sit down with the now effectively lame duck president  albeit one who still has six months in office during which he will continue to steer US foreign policy.

Former president Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Thursday. - Will Lanzoni/CNN

Loosened from the constraints of electoral politics and with a keener eye on his legacy, how will Biden now approach Netanyahu, the future of the war in Gaza and US policy toward Israel? And to what extent will Netanyahu feel compelled to heed Bidens pressure?

As the Israeli prime minister weighs that new dynamic, Netanyahu  a keen observer of US politics  may be looking to someone else as he decides whether to take a leap toward a ceasefire: former US President Donald Trump.

Trump has a track record of unflinching support for Israel and has been critical of Bidens efforts to rein in Israels conduct in Gaza. During his speech at the Republican National Convention, he warned that the hostages better be back before I assume office, or you will be paying a very big price.

But Trump in April also urged Israel to get its war in Gaza over with, and get it over with fast.

And Netanyahu no longer enjoys the cozy relationship he once had with Trump.

The first person to congratulate Biden was Bibi (Netanyahu). And not only did he congratulate him, he did it on tape, Trump told CNN analyst Barak Ravid in 2021. He was very early  like, earlier than most. I havent spoken to him since. F**k him.

Netanyahu will have plenty of opportunities to assess whether that sentiment still stands as he meets with Trump allies in Washington this week. There are currently no known plans for him to meet with Trump.

CNNs Mike Schwartz contributed reporting.

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Insights from The Washington Post, ABC, Politico, and The Washington Institute

The News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the US Congress for the first time in nine years on Wednesday during a trip to Washington, DC. Some lawmakers have called for a boycott of his speech over the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu said his speech would emphasize the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, regardless of who wins the US presidency in November, Reuters reported.

In this time of war and uncertainty, its important that Israels enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always, he added.





SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Netanyahu walks a thin political tightrope

Sources: ABC, The Washington Post

Netanyahu will walk a political tightrope in DC as he tries to satisfy several audiences, each with conflicting demands, ABC noted: Israels ultranationalist government wants him to show resolve in defeating Hamas by any means necessary; families of hostages held in Gaza want a deal; the Biden administration wants progress on a ceasefire; and Republicans want to see Biden and the Democrats take heat for their stance on the war. But the visit could also relieve some pressure, The Washington Post wrote: Netanyahu may be coming here to use Congress and the White House as props, in demonstration of his indispensability, a fellow at the Carnegie Institute for International Peace said.

The DC trip could help buy him time

Sources: Politico, The Washington Institute

Netanyahu is reportedly keen to meet with Donald Trump while in DC, and its possible he is slow-rolling ceasefire negotiations in the belief hell have more space to maneuver,and appease his far-right cabinet, if a Republican returns to the White House, Politico reported. Then Netanyahu [and his inner circle] will have any options they want. There wont be pressure on a ceasefire or hostage deal or anything else, an expert at the Israel Policy Forum told the outlet. Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly warned a hostage deal soon would be a slap to Trump and help Democrats, implying the deal should be pushed to January, when a new president will be sworn in, a fellow at The Washington Institute noted.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Rep. Steven Horsford, the Nevada Democrat and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, says Vice President Kamala Harris is the perfect candidate to face Republican nominee Donald Trump in Novembers presidential campaign.

The Republicans are running for the hills, Horsford said in an interview Sunday with 8 News Now, just hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. They know that the vice president is someone who appeals to a broad section, a diverse section of our population.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a post debate campaign rally, Friday, June 28, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)

Harris, the congressman points out, has visited Nevada six times in 2024. Most recently, the California Democrat and  until Sunday  Bidens running mate  visited earlier in July, just days before Biden fled the campaign trail for his home state of Delaware because he was diagnosed with Covid 19.

Horsford, in fact, traveled to some campaign stops with Biden Wednesday. First, the two attended an economic summit at the College of Southern Nevada and then attended another photo opportunity at Marios Westside Market in the Las Vegas Valley.

Ive been with the president, Horsford said. I understand how important and how difficult of a decision this was for him to make but ultimately hes passed the baton to his vice president.

Trump, forecasting the possibility of Bidens departure from the 2024 candidacy, riled up a crowd at a rally in Michigan Saturday, posing the question of which candidate  Biden or Harris  the crowd would prefer to see face Trump in November.

Who would you most like to run against? Trump asked the crowd in the battleground state.

He continued, receiving hearty boos in response to his question about both candidates: Ready? Kamala Harris? Crooked Joe Biden? All right. I dont think we have to go too much further.

But Horsford said Harris is the right person at the right time.

Ultimately now, the people get to decide, Horsford said. And the choices couldnt be more clear: The vice president, who is a former prosecutor. she will prosecute the case against Donald Trump. Horsford said he would expect Harris if she wins the nomination at next months Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.

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Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.

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TAUNTON  While a tenant is not yet known, construction has begun on a new facility at Myles Standish Industrial Park. The 180,000 square foot manufacturing facility, being built to lease at 55 Dever Drive, sits inside the new business park where the former Dever State School once stood.

Boston-based real estate investment firm Rhino Capital Advisors, LLC owns the 11-plus acres encompassing the facility, and said they are looking for a tenant to lease the space now, before completion.

Tyler Murphy, head of construction and development for Rhino Capital Advisors, said building on spec, before having a tenant lined up, is a common practice in todays real estate industry.

Murphy said they hope to attract a business that is referred to as tough tech, which could include higher-end manufacturing, research and development, and companies associated with life sciences.

Digital rendering of new 180,000 square foot advanced manufacturing facility, currently being built at 55 Dever Dr. in the business park of Myles Standish Industrial Plaza. The project had its official groundbreaking on July 11, 2024.

Design features

The design of the facility makes it ideal for manufacturing. Plans include five loading docks, a 32-foot clearing height in the facility, and up to 8,000-amp power capacity.

Power is the most important thing for a manufacturer, said Murphy.

The location in the Myles Standish Industrial Park is absolutely a feature for attracting new manufacturers, he said, adding the diversity of businesses and scale of the park creates a place where other tenants want to be, and where you continue to have an educated, diverse workforce in the surrounding area to supply labor to them.

The facility is however following a flexible nature, meaning a loose design where theres room for changes mid-construction if a tenant-to-be has specific features or modifications they want included.

It is anticipated the facility will support hundreds of new jobs when a tenant is found.

Construction of the manufacturing facility is expected to be completed by spring/early summer 2025. The contractor for the project is J. Calnan & Associates.

'The 45 mph couch potato' Taunton-based nonprofit rehomes retired greyhound race dogs

History of the property

The former Dever State School was founded in 1952, previously called the Myles Standish School for the Mentally Retarded. In 1959 its name was changed to the Paul A. Dever State School in honor of the former Massachusetts Governor who was in office from 19491953. It remained an institution for special needs individuals until its closing in 2002.

Redevelopment

In 2011, the state dubbing it surplus land and sold the Dever State School property, totaling 220 acres, for $1 to a partnership between Taunton Development Corporation and Mass Development Corporation (TDC/MDC) to redevelop the land and expand the Myles Standish Industrial Park.

Story continues

Kelsey Schiller, director of communications for Mass Development, said that from 2012-2020, the TDC/MDC partnership for these 220 acres, "completed MEPA permitting and traffic mitigation, demolished and remediated more than one million square feet of vacant buildings, tunnels, and water towers, and constructed new roads and utilities."

Some of the companies that were on parcels once connected to the Dever School site include a Sullivan Tire warehouse and call center, Maxon Precision Motor, and Martignetti Companies.

Acting Mass Development President and CEO Dan O'Connell said in a press release the last 12 years of transforming the former Dever State School site has resulted in $158 million in private investment and 1,400 new jobs.

Rhino Capital properties in Myles

TDC/MDC sold the remaining two undeveloped lots on the former Dever site, totaling 21 acres, to Rhino Capital Advisors, LLC in 2022.

Rhino Capital also has a separate 10-acre parcel adjacent to this land that will also be converted into a manufacturing facility in the future, but a date and schedule has yet to be determined.

Rhino Capital previously built a 100,000 square foot facility in 2019 at 130 Dever Dr., which housed industrial company NN Inc. before it consolidated operations and left Taunton in 2022. The site is now occupied by Environmental Systems, Inc.

City support

Said Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell in a press release from Mass Development: This state-of-the-art development will not only enhance our city's industrial landscape but also create hundreds of job opportunities for our residents. Our collaboration with MassDevelopment has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, showcasing the strength of our public-private partnerships and our commitment to fostering economic growth in Taunton."

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: New manufacturing facility being built in Taunton Industrial Park
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The Democratic nomination process was already jumbled by early state deadlines to get nominees' names on ballots, before President Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee, pulled out of the race Sunday. Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.

The post Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign appeared first on Maryland Matters.
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. President | Samuel Corum/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen in June 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.

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Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.
Whats next for Democrats with Biden out of the presidential campaign

The White House is seen on June 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The Democratic Party has just weeks before its delegates are scheduled to vote for a presidential candidate during a virtual roll call in early August, a process that got much more complex Sunday when President Joe Biden withdrew as the presumptive nominee.

The timeline, which was set in motion months ago, provides a small window for Democratic delegates throughout the 50 states to unify around any one candidate, an uphill battle, even with Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Delegates votes for the presidential nominee were supposed to reflect the will of voters in their home states, a hallmark of the Democratic primary process that is no longer possible.

Party leaders have insisted for weeks that Democrats must formally nominate their presidential candidate ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August to avoid any potential issue getting their candidates name on the Ohio ballot.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a written statement on Sunday after Biden announced he would step aside as the presumptive nominee following weeks of pressure from members of Congress and party loyalists concerned about the presidents cognitive abilities.

Harrison wrote that in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, Harrison added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Harrisons statement did not mention Harris or a specific date for when the Democratic Party would formally nominate a presidential candidate.

Harris wrote in a statement of her own that it is her intention is to earn and win this nomination.

Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election, Harris wrote. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.

I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party  and unite our nation  to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

Deadlines and requirements

Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Convention Rules Committee Bishop Leah D. Daughtry and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a letter on Wednesday pledging the virtual roll call process would not be rushed.

The letter, obtained by States Newsroom, notes the various deadlines and requirements that states have for putting a presidential candidates name on the November ballot.

Ballot access paperwork must be filed in the State of Washington on August 20, the second day of the in-person Convention. Deadlines in Montana and Oklahoma follow the next day, with California on August 22 and many states, including Virginia, on August 23, Daughtry and Walz wrote.

These filings involve notarized signatures from the candidates and party officials, and often must be filed in hard copy, the two added. We cannot and should not allow these timing complications to jeopardize whether the Democratic ticket appears on the ballot in must-win states.

A public meeting about how the process will likely play out took place this weekend, with at least one more meeting expected this week, though likely with many more questions than before Biden withdrew.

Before the DNC can set the date for the virtual roll call, its Rules Committee needs to approve the rules for the convention, which will contain the format for the roll call vote. After that takes place, the DNC Chair and the DNCC Chair will announce the exact day of the roll call.
By Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force's ambitious next-generation fighter jet program, envisioned as a revolutionary leap in technology, could become less ambitious as budget pressure, competing priorities and changing goals compel a rethink, defense officials and industry executives said.

Initially conceived as a "family of systems" centered around a sixth-generation fighter jet, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is meant to replace the F-22 Raptor and give the United States the most powerful weaponry in the sky well into the mid-21st century.

When it was first proposed, expectations were high, including an unmatched stealth capability to keep it invisible from even the most sophisticated radar, laser weapons and onboard artificial intelligence to process masses of data coming from the latest in sensor technology.

However, sources said the current development budget of $28.5 billion over five years ending in 2029 could be spread out over more time or scaled-back as the Pentagon searches for a cost-effective solution.

Sources briefed on the Air Force's internal budget deliberations said the anticipated 2026 fiscal-year NGAD budget of $3.1 billion would be slashed as funding shrinks, with one source adding that diminishing funds could stretch development by two more years.

While it is unclear how much the overall program will cost, it could eventually total well over $100 billion if 200 aircraft are produced, including initial costs - plus maintenance and upgrades over time. There are currently 185 F-22s in service - the plane NGAD is meant to replace.

The Air Force is also reviewing the concept for the jet - perhaps moving to a larger single-engine jet, from what is believed to be a two-engine design, or even shifting more funding to a less expensive unmanned drone to best address future air superiority needs given the potential budget cuts, industry experts said.

"NGAD was conceived before a number of things: before the threat became so severe, before CCAs (drone program) were introduced into the equation and before we had some issues with affordability that we are currently facing," Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said on Saturday at Britain's Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show.

"Before we commit to the 2026 budget, we want to be sure we are on the right path," he added on a program that will be a popular talking point at the Farnborough International Airshow this week.

The shift in focus comes as the Air Force grapples with substantial cost overruns in several vital, and expensive, programs. For example, its Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, which is set to replace the aging Minuteman III missiles, has ballooned 81% over budget, to around $141 billion.

Budget pressure has forced the Air Force to reassess its spending priorities across various modernization efforts which also include increasing production of the new B-21 bomber made by Northrop Grumman.

U.S. aerospace and defense companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing have responded to the Air Force's request for proposal for the NGAD system, sources told Reuters.

While defense firms are not exactly desperate for orders with conflicts in Ukraine and Israel driving already-strong demand, NGAD was one of several potentially giant programs many hoped would feed the bottom line in the years ahead.

An Air Force spokesperson told Reuters the department is currently building its fiscal 2026 budget which will be released early next year. Representatives for Boeing did not return requests for comment. Lockheed would not comment on NGAD.

"The part that seems to be getting stalled and re-evaluated is the air vehicle itself, the central platform," said J.J. Gertler, a senior analyst at aerospace and defense analysis firm the Teal Group.

"The Air Force is now making sure that that's what they actually want and possibly changing their mind," he added.

Possible new configurations might be shifting to a single engine for the jet to save on up-front cost and long-term maintenance. Twin-engine jets are much more expensive to buy and operate, but they are more dependable and faster, therefore more deadly in a dogfight than their single-engine foes.

Another key component emerging from this restructuring is the possibility of shifting funds toward the unmanned fighter drone known as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative.

Development of the less expensive drone platforms, designed to operate alongside the main jet, does not face budget changes.

(This story has been refiled to correct the dateline)

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)
The News

LAGOS  Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Facebook, is preparing to appeal a decision by Nigerian regulators to impose a $220 million fine against it for alleged market power abuse and privacy violations.

Nigerias Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission published the fine last week, capping a three-year investigation. The inquiry focused on data sharing practices on WhatsApp, the most widely used messaging service in Nigeria. The commission found evidence of multiple and repeated, as well as continuing infringements of the countrys data protection and competition laws and imposed the fine as a final resolution.

Meta was ordered to immediately reinstate the rights of Nigerian users to self-determine and control data sharing, and stop sharing WhatsApp users information with other Facebook companies and third parties without users active consent. It was also required to pay $35,000 to cover the cost of the commissions investigation, in addition to the $220 million penalty. Both amounts are to be paid within 60 days from July 18.

We disagree with this decision as well as the fine and we are appealing the decision, a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a text to Semafor Africa. They did not specify where and when the appeal will be lodged.

Know More

Nigeria began looking into WhatsApp, which has an estimated 51 million users in the country, in May 2021. That was four months after the app updated its global privacy policy on messaging between individuals and businesses, and how users data may be shared with Facebook.

Meta began responding to concerns detailed in Nigerias report around March this year, pledging to cooperate towards reaching an amicable resolution, according to the commission.

A remedy package proposed by Meta and sent mid-April proved unsatisfactory to the commission, however, its report said. It is not clear what this package is  an email for comment to the commission was not responded to. Nigeria still expects Meta to implement it and publish it on WhatsApps website within two weeks, in addition to the fines.

Beyond complying with its laws, Nigerias aim with the penalties is to get Meta to cease the exploitation of consumers and their market abuse, the commission said.

Alexanders view

Nigerias competition watchdog believes it is on a righteous cause against Meta but driving the social media company further away from the country  and putting other tech companies on alert  could be an unintended consequence.

In June, Meta began reducing its office space in Lagos after a round of global layoffs in 2023 that affected the companys software engineers, some of whom were in Nigeria. Microsoft, who shuttered a five-year project to develop an engineering team in Nigeria in May, is reportedly considering scaling down its physical presence in the country as well and could move roles to Kenya. Meanwhile, Nigeria is also prosecuting a controversial tax evasion case against Binance after taking a more aggressive stance on cryptocurrencys effect on the economy. Tigran Gambaryan, an American Binance staff, is facing trial in Nigeria as a proxy for the company.

That said, Nigerias apparent offensive against tech companies may merely be following successful actions that the European Union and other countries have brought against Silicon Valley. Turkey slapped a $37.2 million fine on Meta in May after investigations into data sharing across the companys family of apps.

Babatunde Irukera, a lawyer who headed Nigerias competition agency and led the inquiry until he was removed by President Bola Tinubu in February, framed the fine on Meta as a demand to treat Nigerians fairly and no less than consumers anywhere else in the world. It is a combative framing that he hopes will elicit copycat attempts from other African countries: Leading continental digital markets accountability is reflective of who Nigerians are!




More from Footwear News





Updated, July 22: The Shoe Surgeon has broken its silence regarding the lawsuit it is facing from Nike.

In a statement on Instagram on Friday, the sneaker customizer said it was confused the Nike decided to pursue legal action instead of a discussion but said that it believes the two parties can come to a resolution with proper dialogue.

Its a dream to collaborate with legendary brands, The Shoe Surgeon wrote. Especially with the brand whos message is for us to believe in something. Whos message is, its only crazy until we do it. The best is yet to come. To be better. To just do it.

The response came days after FN reported that Nike was suing the The Shoe Surgeon over selling alleged counterfeit Nike products.

What we reported on July 15: Nike is accusing a famous customizer and frequent collaborator of creating an empire built on counterfeit Nike products.

In a suit filed on Monday in the Southern District of New York, the Swoosh alleged that The Shoe Surgeon has attempted to build an entire multifaceted retail empire using Nikes trademark rights by creating and selling counterfeit Nike shoes, and selling classes that teach consumers how to make their own fake Nike shoes. Nike also took issue with The Shoe Surgeons common practice of creating unauthorized collaborations between Nike shoes and other brands that are not affiliated with or endorsed by Nike.

Nike noted in the suit that it has worked with The Shoe Surgeon on a few one-off commission projects, but the products in question were unrelated to those.

FN has reached out to The Shoe Surgeon for a comment.

In a conversation with FN, Nike said that it tried to resolve the issues with Shoe Surgeon multiple times over the last two years before it eventually took legal action. Nike also noted that despite conversations with The Shoe Surgeon, the customizer continued to scale the business and produce alleged counterfeit products.

To safeguard our brand and IP, and aligned with Nikes commitment to protect the consumer from counterfeit Nike product, we are left with no choice but to seek a legal solution to address how the Shoe Surgeon is constructing counterfeit Nike footwear from scratch and selling it as officially branded product, Nike said in a statement. Further, the Shoe Surgeon is teaching others to create counterfeit Nike sneakers. These activities are illegal, deceive consumers and create confusion in the marketplace around source, authenticity and quality of Nike products.

Story continues

Nike added that it has no problem with the customizers limited, one-off shoes done in tandem with Nike or for clients under Nike-sponsored athletes contracts.

The Los-Angeles, Calif.-based Shoe Surgeon is a custom shoe-making business known for its products that blend various brand elements into one design. For example, the company might take a well-known Nike or Birkenstock silhouette and combine it with materials and identifying marks from brands like Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and Gucci.

Nike is the second brand to take legal action against Shoe Surgeon in the last few weeks. Last month, French fashion label Goyard said in a new lawsuit that The Shoe Surgeon used designs that were identical, indistinguishable from, or confusingly similar to Goyards protected designs without the brands consent. The designs in question were featured on lighters and shoes sold by The Shoe Surgeon. Nike referenced this lawsuit in its recent filing and said that the infringing Goyard products included fake Nike shoes that also featured Goyards protected trademarks and trade dress.

Nike has previously sued several sneaker customizers for trademark infringement and selling counterfeit shoes. In 2021, Nike filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against MSCHF, the company that created and sold a number of Satan Shoes in collaboration with Lil Nas X in March. The sneakers were based off the Nike Air Max 97 and ultimately recalled by MSCHF after a settlement agreement was reached that same year.









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The 2024 presidential race has seen both parties nominees bedeviled by concerns about their age and fitness. But after Bidens decision to step aside on Sunday, Democrats have shed such concernsand the words of Nikki Haley, who railed against gerontocracy during her campaign for the Republican nomination, have come back to haunt Donald Trump.

Haley was an early observer of the publics dissatisfaction with both candidates ages, going so far as to predict that fortune would favor the party that first dropped their elderly candidate. After losing the New Hampshire primary in January, Haley took a shot at both presumptive nominees, prophesying that the first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election.



FLASHBACK: Nikki Haley in January:



"The first party to retire its 80 year old candidate is going to be the one who wins this election." pic.twitter.com/fCJJXssvfF  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 21, 2024

While the 81-year-old Biden has certainly faced the brunt of age concerns recently, a July ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that 58 percent of Americans saw both Biden and Trump as too old for a second term. With Biden out of the race, Haleys warning is being widely shared by Democrats celebrating the partys newfound advantage against Trump, who is now the oldest nominee in U.S. history.



Of course, one wonders whether Haley, who has since strongly endorsed Trump, maintains her prediction. As to its prescience, well have to wait until the election draws nearer to see.




Image source: Getty Images

Sometimes the best deals for Costco members don't come directly from Costco. Instead, Costco has partnerships with other brands that can give you special savings on a wide range of products.

Most people may not know about one of the best Costco perks: Costco Next. This is a special Costco partnership where you can buy products at exclusive discounts from partner brands. But Costco Next deals aren't found at the Costco warehouse or on Costco.com -- instead, you need to use the special Costco Next portal.

Let's look at how Costco Next works and why these deals are such a special opportunity for Costco members.

What is Costco Next?

Costco Next is a Costco perk that lets you buy a special selection of products at big discounts from Costco's partner brands. Costco Next partners offer a limited range of premium products at big savings. The companies on Costco Next are some of Costco's best suppliers, but instead of buying their products from Costco at a warehouse or Costco.com, you can buy these companies' products directly from the Costco suppliers.

Costco connects you with these deals via a special website at costconext.com. Think of Costco Next as another members-only perk. It's a way to get access to special products from high-end brands, with exclusive member discounts.

How Costco Next works

It's easy for Costco members to get access to special deals on Costco Next. Here's how it works:

Go to costconext.com Click "Sign in" Sign in to the website with your Costco.com login or your Costco membership number Click the brand that you want to see Start shopping!

Once you've signed in with a Costco membership number or Costco.com login, the Costco Next website will redirect you to a transfer website for each brand that you click. You're not shopping on Costco's website, but you're shopping with Costco membership privileges.

What you can buy on Costco Next

Costco Next offers a wide range of products in the style of Costco treasure hunts. Here are a few examples of top brands on Costco Next:

Anker: Charging products and power stations

Anker Solix: Sustainable power solutions

Bodyglove: Watersports gear

Cuckoo: Luxury kitchen and home appliances

Dearfoams: Slippers and footwear

Hotel Doggy: Pet products, including dog parkas, vests, and sweaters

Klymit: Camping gear

MOST, Inc.: K-beauty skincare and cosmetics from Korea

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Less than 24 hours after President Joe Biden bowed out of his reelection bid, nearly all of the Florida Democrats who will help pick their partys new presidential nominee have lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried on Monday said that more than 230 of the states 254 delegates to next months Democratic National Convention have pledged their support to Harris, including every Democratic member of Floridas congressional delegation. Fried said she expected that number to continue to grow.

Fried said that conversations over whom to support for the nomination in Bidens absence have been taking place for weeks, and stressed the need for Democrats to coalesce around Harris quickly, given that the November election is only three-and-a-half months away.

We must use this time we have left to move forward as one team to elect Kamala Harris as president and defeat Donald Trump in November, Fried told reporters on a video call.

Biden abruptly ended his reelection bid on Sunday after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats, who feared that questions about the 81-year-old presidents age and fitness for office would cost the party the White House and crucial congressional seats in November.

Within minutes of announcing his decision, Biden endorsed Harris to be the partys new nominee. Since then, Democrats across the country have largely rushed to support Harris, with multiple state delegations to the Democratic National Convention moving in short order to pledge their votes to the vice president.

So far, no other Democrat has stepped up to challenge Harris for the presidential nomination. Several high-profile Democrats who were seen as potential presidential contenders have thrown their support behind Harris, easing her path to the nomination.

State Sen. Shevrin Jones, the chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, said that the party held a unity meeting on Sunday night to rally support for Harris among its membership.

Everyones on board because everyone understands whats at risk if we go into a contentious convention, Jones said.

While Florida Democrats are overwhelmingly supporting Harris for the nomination, any shakeup at the top of the Democratic ticket is unlikely to dramatically alter the state of the presidential race in Florida, a longtime swing state that is now seen as a likely Republican stronghold.
A patient is moved to an ICU on a specialist Nipah ward in the southern state of Kerala last week - CK THANSEER/REUTERS

Indian health officials are anxiously awaiting the test results of six people displaying Nipah virus symptoms, after a teenage boy died on Sunday.

Authorities in the southern state of Kerala are tracking around 350 people who came into contact with the 14-year-old Nipah victim, including 101 high risk contacts and six who are displaying some symptoms, according to an update on Monday.

The highly fatal disease  which inspired the Hollywood film Contagion  is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization: it has serious potential to drive mass outbreaks: it has a mortality rate as high as 75 per cent, but there are no rapid tests, vaccines or specific treatments to fight it.

The latest outbreak  Keralas fifth since 2018  was detected on Saturday, when the teenage boy tested positive. Only a day later he died after suffering from a cardiac arrest, according to the states health minister Veena George.

There was a hope of coming back to life, she wrote on Facebook on Sunday. But the saddest parting happened at 11.30am this morning expressing sorrow and pain to the family on the demise of that beloved son.

In an update on Monday Ms George warned that six others have exhibited symptoms and are awaiting test results, which could arrive as early as Monday evening.

Health wear protective suits to bury a Nipah virus victim in Kerala, in 2018 - K.Shijith/AP

Symptoms of the respiratory disease vary  it often starts with a fever, headache or myalgia before developing into dizziness or confusion, which signals brain inflammation. In severe cases, people become comatose within 24 hours.

Of those who survive, roughly 20 per cent are left with long-term neurological conditions, including personality changes or seizure disorders.

Out of the samples sent for testing, six of the persons have symptoms, Ms George said on Monday, according to Indian outlet the Economic Times. Three of them are on the secondary contact list. Even though the parents of the deceased boy do not have symptoms, we have sent their samples also for testing to rule out all possibilities.

In all, 350 people have been traced and monitored, including 101 who are considered high risk. Around 68 people are healthcare workers who interacted with the teenager, others include those who travelled on a private bus he used after falling ill.

Nipah virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or people, though it is nowhere near as contagious as pathogens like Covid-19 and flu.

During the first known epidemic in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999, the virus jumped from pigs to farmers and killed 105 people, but more recently in Bangladesh and India it has been traced to bats in sporadic, smaller outbreaks.

In many cases, the victims had consumed the juice of raw dates, a popular food for bats, but this time officials are investigating whether the boy could have contracted the virus after eating hog plum fruit from a field near his home.

In Kerala, the pathogen was first identified in 2018, in an outbreak which claimed the lives of 17 people. The virus has sporadically reared its head in the region in the years since, with the most recent outbreak last September killing two and infecting four others. Then, schools and offices were shut and at least 800 people tracked down as the state raced to contain the spread.

There is little else that can be done. Despite a priority pathogen for the WHO, there are still no vaccines or drugs to specifically target the virus.

Several shots are in development, including candidates at the companies Auro Vaccines and Public Health Vaccines, as well as at the universities of Oxford and Tokyo. And earlier this month, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi) announced that a new monoclonal antibody treatment will progress to human trials in India and Bangladesh next year.

But Prof Linfa Wang, an emerging infectious disease specialist at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, told the Telegraph that there is also an urgent need for rapid diagnostics, to reduce reliance on laboratory tests in an outbreak setting.

We need a rapid test like the one we used for Covid. There is effort in doing just that, including our team here in Singapore. But the irony is that we need more cases to validate the test, he said.

He added that the latest outbreak is a reminder of the threat, but not yet cause for global alarm.

Its complicated: on one hand, we should be worried about non-stop spill over on a yearly basis; but on the other hand, it ironically means the virus is not very transmissible despite the frequent jumping of species, Prof Wang said. Overall, I dont think we need to be too worried at this stage.

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No prison for a nursing home owner who sent 800 residents to ride out a hurricane in squalor

FILE - Emergency personnel arrive to evacuate people at a mass shelter, Sept. 2, 2021, in Independence, La. Bob Glynn Dean Jr., who sent more than 800 elderly residents from his seven nursing homes to a crowded, ill-equipped warehouse to ride out Hurricane Ida in 2021, pleaded no contest to 15 criminal counts Monday, July 22, 2024, and was sentenced to three years of probation. (Chris Granger/The New Orleans Advocate via AP, File)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A Louisiana businessman who sent more than 800 elderly residents from his seven nursing homes to ride out Hurricane Ida in a crowded, ill-equipped warehouse pleaded no contest to 15 criminal counts Monday and was sentenced to three years of probation.

Bob Dean Jr. also must pay more than $358,000 in restitution to the state health department and more than $1 million as a monetary penalty, but state Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed frustration in a news release that Dean didn't get any prison time.

"We asked specifically that he be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years in prison, and not be given only probation. I respect our judicial system and that the judge has the ultimate discretion over the appropriate sentence, but I remain of the opinion that Dean should be serving prison time, her statement said.

Dean, 70, owned seven nursing homes in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. As Ida approached, Dean moved hundreds of residents into a building in the town of Independence, roughly 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of New Orleans.

Authorities said conditions at the warehouse deteriorated rapidly after the powerful storm hit on Aug. 29, 2021. They found ill and elderly bedridden people on mattresses on the wet floor, some crying for help, some lying in their own waste. Civil suits against Deans corporation said the ceiling leaked and toilets overflowed at the sweltering warehouse, and there was too little food and water.

Within days after the storm hit, the state reported the deaths of seven of the evacuees, five of them classified as storm-related.

By the time Dean was arrested on state charges in June 2022, he had lost state licenses and federal funding for his nursing homes.

According to Murrill, Dean pleaded no contest to eight counts of cruelty to the infirmed, two counts of obstruction of justice and five counts of Medicaid fraud. Judge Brian Abels sentenced Dean to a total of 20 years in prison, but deferred the sentences in favor of three years of probation. The plea was entered in Tangipahoa, north of New Orleans.

Defendants who plead no contest do not admit guilt but elect not to defend against the charges. They are then subject to being convicted and punished as if there had been a guilty plea.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at the University of Maryland on June 24, 2024. - Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

With President Bidens announcement on Sunday that he would no longer seek the Democratic partys nomination in the 2024 election, Republicans found themselves facing the likelihood of running against his preferred replacement: Vice President Kamala Harris. And, while they freaked out a fair amount over the shakeup, right-wing influencers still managed to start attacking their new target with misinformation.

The falsehoods, faked images, and innuendos that Donald Trump loyalists are currently trying out against his potential new opponent tend toward the sexually lurid. His voting bloc is quite interested, for example, in footage and pictures of Harris with TV host Montel Williams at a Los Angeles charity event in 2001, when the two briefly dated. (Williams had just divorced his second wife, while Harris would marry her husband, Doug Emhoff, in 2014.) Its a random bit of trivia that surfaces now and then, usually to Williams annoyance.

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.@KamalaHarris and I briefly dated about 20 years ago when we were both single. So what? I have great respect for Sen. Harris. I have to wonder if the same stories about her dating history would have been written if she were a male candidate? https://t.co/UQjkP2m5jr  Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) August 7, 2019

But MAGA propagandists have used the clips to suggest that Harris is only where she is now because of her relationships with famous and powerful men  and, bafflingly, that she has connections to Sean Diddy Combs. The hip-hop mogul has been sued by multiple women for sexual assault and is under investigation for sex trafficking (hes repeatedly denied the allegations), yet there is no proof of any association between him and Harris (or Williams, for that matter).

One user on X (formerly Twitter) with nearly half a million followers posted a red carpet video and claimed that Harris had attended Diddy parties in Los Angeles, referring to the rapper and entrepreneur as the music industrys Jeffrey Epstein. Combs, however, does not appear in the footage, nor did he organize the event in question, which was the Eighth Annual Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis. (Williams was diagnosed with MS in 1999.) QAnon promoter Dom Lucre, once banned from Twitter for sharing graphic child sexual abuse material only to have his account quickly reinstated by site owner Elon Musk, pushed the same false Diddy claim based on the non-incriminating video, with the post racking up more than 150,000 likes.

Never forget how Kamala Harris got her start. She isnt a stranger to Diddy parties in L.A. either. pic.twitter.com/kgq1Icwzxi  Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) July 21, 2024

In a since-deleted tweet that was filtered for hate speech, conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer went a step further, falsely alleged that Harris was once an escort and got her start by giving blow jobs to successful, rich, black men. Loomer drew attention to Harris relationship with California politician and future San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in the Nineties; that decade, he appointed her to two state administrative boards. But Loomer went astray again by implying that Harris dated Williams at the same time as the second woman posing in the 2001 video with him. In fact, thats Williams daughter, Ashley Williams.

Other attempts to smear Harris are just as easily debunked and even less subtle. One photo shared in pro-Trump circles on social media appears to show Harris posing with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Its an edited version of a picture in which Harris stands next to Emhoff, her husband. (The altered version is at least several years old.) Lucre also disseminated images purporting to show Harris standing near convicted sex offender and Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers annual spring ball in New York in 2012. Although Maxwell did attend this event, there is no evidence that Harris, then serving as Attorney General of California, was present. (Meanwhile, theres no shortage of authentic photos and videos of Trump with Maxwell and Epstein).

This digitally-altered image of Kamala Harris posing alongside Jeffrey Epstein is being shared in the wake of Joe Biden's endorsement of her as the new Democratic nominee.



The real image, captured in 2015, shows Harris posing with her husband Douglas Emhoff. pic.twitter.com/aQtYoK90Ke  Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) July 21, 2024

The manipulated media weaponized against Harris also includes a deepfake video of the vice president delivering an apparently slurred, nonsensical speech in which she says, Today is today. And yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow, so live today. The clip first emerged last year and was made using footage from remarks she delivered at her alma mater, Howard University. Needless to say, she did not utter what you hear in the deepfake  the audio was taken from a TikTok that parodied her speaking mannerisms.

Today is today. And yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. So live today so that future today will past today, as it is tomorrow.



 Kamala for President, 200 IQ pic.twitter.com/4WYLqyxnQL  JaguarAnalytics (@JaguarAnalytics) July 21, 2024

Most insidiously, some conservatives are mounting an argument that recalls Trumps birther attacks on Barack Obama as they seek to bar Harris from running for president at all. Kamala Harris is not eligible to run for President, a 2020 election denier tweeted on Sunday, in a post that has garnered 34,000 likes. Neither of her parents were natural born American citizens when she was born.

As fact-checkers have been pointing out ever since this falsehood gained traction when Biden selected Harris as his running mate in 2020, Harris was born in Oakland, California. She is therefore a natural born citizen as defined by the U.S. Constitution, regardless of the citizenship status of her mother and father, respectively born in India and Jamaica, at that time. Nevertheless, there have already been hints that right-wingers want to portray her as a foreigner: U.K. politician and Trump ally Nigel Farage, for example, called her a Black African woman in an interview.

Kamala Harris is not eligible to run for President.



Neither of her parents were natural born American citizens when she was born.  Mike Engleman (@RealHickory) July 21, 2024

If this opening barrage of sexism, racism, and fake ties to Diddy, Epstein, and Maxwell is any indication, Harris will be battling a formidable misinformation machine if she becomes the official candidate. Then again, any Democratic nominee hoping to defeat Trump would have to deal with absurd lines of attack. The difference is that, as a woman of color, she seems to have brought out especially ugly currents of hate in the part of the electorate that wants to restore Republicans to power. Theres no telling how much worse it might get.

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by an apparent bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

As America contends with an attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and a sitting presidents momentous decision not to seek re-election, we need to find the reset button. The country could use a deep breath, a count to 10, a break from the 24-hour news and noise cycle.

We could use some time to put into context what happened because if we dont, were surely doomed to lose whatever lesson we could have learned. With 100 plus days left in a contentious presidential campaign to choose the leader of a divided nation, that calculus gives me pause.

President Joe Bidens announcement Sunday that he was leaving the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris ended several weeks of speculation. While that news may have been foreseen, it was nonetheless stunning.

The recent attempt on former President Donald Trumps life, however, was likewise stunning as it raised the specter of political violence, evidence of the worst in us.

But after the chaos, confusion and consternation of such political violence, rarely do we spend much time in reflection, to step back and pause for a moment just to get our bearings among the din and confusion.

In Home, poet William Alexander Percy wrote:

I have a need of silence and of stars;

Too much is said too loudly; I am dazed.

The silken sound of whirled infinity

Is lost in voices shouting to be heard.

Percys words have been on my mind since a 20-year-old fired a weapon of war at Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign rally. The former presidents ear was injured, but, as the world learned soon afterward, one bystander was killed and two others critically injured in the shooting.

The shooting stopped us  for a moment. A heated presidential race is one thing, political violence surely another. The notion that the United States decides its political differences some way other than a ballot box is anathema to our way of doing things, our system, our cherished democracy to which we like to profess our fidelity.

And when those acts of violence happen, whatever sense of calm and quiet  of silence  is shattered not simply by the sound of gunfire but by the enormity of the act itself.

Welcome, then, were calls from political leaders after the shooting to dial back the heated rhetoric lest it play a role in more violence. Welcome and in a few cases ironic  as without a shred of self-awareness pleas for unity and calm also came from leaders whose own words are often filled with veiled threats and simmering hostility.

Many others, rather than pause and reflect, predictably raced to react, hoping to capture or control a narrative of which they know scant little. The social media eruption shortly after the shooting was replete with the weaving of fantastical tales of conspiracy and slanders spun without evidence, some from whole cloth, others only tinged with a shred of truth, too many in all caps  shouting to be heard.

When gunshots ring out in the political arena, the history of these civic traumas revisit our memory banks.

The Pennsylvania shooting left me, in Percys words, dazed  as I was when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated; as I was nine years later when presidential candidate George Wallace was shot and left paralyzed, as I was when President Ronald Reagan was ambushed in 1981; or as I was when Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot in Tucson 13 years ago, a murderous rampage that left six people dead, including a 9-year-old, and Giffords with permanent injuries.

Some, including President Biden, said the attempt on Trumps life was not who we were. While that certainly is the hope, the receipts are piling up nonetheless. According to researchers at Digital History, nine sitting presidents, four of whom died, have been targets of assassins. Attempts have also been made on the lives of one president-elect and now four presidential candidates. Violence has also been visited on eight governors, seven U.S. senators, nine U.S. representatives, 11 mayors, 17 state legislators, and 11 judges. That means at least 77 times, weve tried to settle our political differences with violence.

Nor do political persuasions make any difference: who voted for whom, who stands for what we believe, who stands for everything we detest. When the distemper of political violence arrives, it diminishes all Americans.

The week that followed the shooting, the Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee, where Trump was officially nominated as his partys candidate. And, as political conventions tend to be, loud and raucous carried each day, silence surely and politically incorrect at a nominating convention. The Democrats, now with a new name at the top of the ticket, will follow suit and sound in Chicago in about a month.

Then on to the hustings, no time to waste during the seemingly endless and noisy campaign for president.

All of which means whirled infinity will continue to elude us.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  The former Greyhound station property off Brambleton Avenue in Downtown Norfolk has been sold to make way for a mixed-use, roughly 220-unit apartment building called Houndstooth.

Norfolk City Council voted unanimously (with Vice Mayor Martin Thomas Jr. abstaining on PH-3) on Tuesday to approve the sale of the former bus station property and seven additional parcels of adjacent land on Granby Street and Monticello Avenue to Breeden Investment Properties, Inc. Vice Mayor Thomas, who is listed as the registered agent for the owner of the adjacent parcels, abstained.

The agreement includes a price of $750,000 specifically for the Greyhound space at 701 Monticello Avenue, which is currently valued at just under $1.7 million, property assessment data shows.

The purchase agreement for the other properties (718, 724 and 730 Granby Street, and 723, 727, 729 and 731 Monticello Avenue) though amounts to $5,250,000 total, above the roughly $2 million total assessed value for those properties.

The purchase and development agreement also contemplates a grant to Breeden to offset a portion of the purchase price for the adjacent property. A decision on that grant will be considered by council at a later date, according to council agenda documents.

The Breeden Company is a Virginia Beach-based developer behind several other Norfolk developments, including the Gravity apartments off Waterside Drive and Aspire at Church Street.

A rendering of Houndstooth. (Courtesy of Work Program Architects)

Houndstooth, which is still in the planning phase, is expected to have five floors of apartments over mixed-use on the first floor. Developers are also looking to incorporate the facade of the former bus station, first built in 1942, into the project.

After the historic Greyhound station closed in 2019, plans originally called for it be a new center for visual and culinary arts at Tidewater Community College, but things fell through. The city also briefly used the space for a homeless shelter.

The development comes as Norfolk tries to breathe new life into its arts district, the Neon District. That includes a $10.6 million streetscape and infrastructure project that started this week.

A rendering of Houndstooth. (Courtesy of Work Program Architects)

A residential development is one of the best uses for the site, said Mary Miller, president and CEO of the Downtown Norfolk Council, about Houndstooth. More density will help the district, increase safety with more foot traffic on the street, and support a wider range of businesses in the district.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
(WGHP)  North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who many have rumbled could be on the short-list for a vice presidential nomination, appeared on national news to discuss the political landscape early Monday.

Support for Harris

Appearing on MSNBCs Morning Joe program, Cooper said he spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday as Democrats coalesced around her in the wake of President Joe Bidens historic decision to drop out of the presidential race.

We understand you had a conversation with the vice president yesterday as well. How did that go? Mika Brzezinski asked Cooper.

It went great, Cooper said. We talked about winning this race.  This is a bottom-up type of thing, Mika. I think Kamala Harris soon is going to be in a position where she can really take off, and Im excited about it and feel confident that she can win this presidency. So the excitement is certainly showing itself up in dollars and cents.

Axios is reporting that Harris has raised nearly $50 million in less than a day.

Cooper elaborated on the winning qualities he believes Harris has and emphasized the 59-year-old vice presidents youth relative to 78-year-old former President Donald Trump at multiple points in the interview.

Mo Green far outpaces Michele Morrow in fundraising as North Carolina superintendent race garners national attention

She is relatively young and strong and vigorous, he said. Donald Trump is old and forgetful, and shes going to be able to make that contrast. She also has credentials of serving as attorney general, protecting consumers. Shes the protector of consumers, while Donald Trump is the con man. Theres so many ways that Vice President Harris can show that she can be president of this country.

Donald Trump wants an America where its easier to get an assault weapon than it is to get healthcare, Cooper said. So we need to bring all of these issues to the forefront. I believe she is the person to do it. She has really been hitting her stride over the last couple of years. Shes ready to run this.

Vice President Cooper?

As Harris gathers support for her potential selection as the Democratic nominee, speculation has swirled as to who could serve as her running mate, and Cooper has been discussed alongside Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, among others.

Cooper campaigned with Harris in North Carolina recently with a stop in Fayetteville on Thursday and a stop at Dudley High School in Greensboro the week before where they discussed having known each other for several years during their overlapping times as attorneys general for North Carolina and California respectively.

We must, and we will, come together, Cooper said. This election is not about what kind of president we want to have. This election is about what kind of country we want to be.

I said, Roy, you tore it up, Harris said as she came out.

The Morning Joe hosts pressed Cooper on a possible vice presidential nomination, but Cooper insisted that, until the DNC, the focus should remain squarely on Harris.

If Kamala Harris officially becomes the nominee, then the big question is who will be her running mate?' Brzezinski said. A lot of people are talking about you, governor. If she asks you to be her running mate, will you accept?

Well, I appreciate people talking about me, but I think the focus right now needs to be on her this week, and she needs to concentrate on making sure that she secures this nomination and gets the campaign ready to go, Cooper said.

When further pressed on if he would be open to the conversation, he said the vice presidential conversation needs to occur later. I want to make sure that Kamala Harris wins. Im going to work for her all over this country and do what I can to make sure we stop Donald Trump and thats what Im concentrating on right now.

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons wife speaks at pregnancy center that offers abortion pill reversal

Cooper also praised Biden and the presidents decision to step away,

I need to step back one minute and say that I had a conversation with President Biden yesterday afternoon, and I told him that he had cemented his legacy among the greatest of presidents, Cooper said.

North Carolina

The topic of conversation turned from the national races to North Carolina with Cooper all too happy to share his thoughts on some of the big races happening at home.

Cooper said he believes that the shift away from Biden and towards Harris will have a significant impact on how the state may vote.

I am really excited that not only can she win North Carolina, but she can help us with these other important races in our state, he said. Like Josh Steins governors race and Jeff Jacksons attorney generals race and Mo Green, whos running for our superintendent of public instruction in North Carolina, for our public schools.

He described the opponents in these races as extreme MAGA candidates and said that this isnt who North Carolina is.

Attorney General Josh Stein is in an expensive and heated race against the sitting lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, a Republican firebrand known for intense rhetoric. U.S. Senator Jeff Jackson (D-District 14) is up against U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop (R-District 8) for Coopers old position as attorney general, and former Guilford County Schools superintendent Mo Green is up against Michele Morrow, who defeated incumbent Republican Catherine Truitt in the primaries for the state superintendent race and has a history of sharing conspiracy theories.

Cooper also touted the Biden-Harris administrations victories in North Carolina, praising them for their contributions to the replacement of a vital bridge in Wilmington, Medicare expansion and high-speed internet.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
The merry-go-round is meant to spin a person into a euphoric experience, going into a repetitive motion until they reach peak joy. Although this concept is fun for many children, the proverbial merry-go-round of life is much less enjoyable in adulthood. The consistent pulling back of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives feels just like that: a repetitive cycle of the same thing, wondering when it will all end.

The latest announcement of organizations rolling back DEI comes out of North Carolina. According to Inside Higher Ed, the University of North Carolina (UNC) state system voted to ban DEI policies and offices. Passing with a 22-2 vote, the ban calls for state institutions to cut funding and eliminate positions related to DEI across the systems 16 campuses. In its place, the system will roll out a equality within the university policy that ensures balance across the system, claiming that previous policies did not align with the state systems culture of neutrality. While that language is ambiguous, System President Peter Hans says it is a necessary stance of neutrality in politically controversial times.

Our public universities must take a stance of principled neutrality on matters of political controversy it is not the job of the university to decide all the complex and multi-dimensional questions of how to balance and interpret identity, Hans said at a board meeting per Inside Higher Ed. This policy will preserve the universitys role as a trusted venue for that vital debate.

Schools in the state system are on a timetable to comply with the new policies. Based on a report from public radio station WUNC, the educational institutions have until Sept. 1 to fully comply. Several schools have made significant changes to meet the requirements by the stated due date.

Appalachian State University no longer has a chief DEI officer in its chancellors cabinet. The school also closed its DEI office and removed its DEI page from the website, replacing it with a more general webpage offering students university resources.

Other institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, Winston Salem State University, UNC Pembroke, UNC Asheville, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, and East Carolina University have also started their process toward compliance. These actions include altering or deleting their DEI websites, closing their DEI departments while reviewing the best steps not to displace staff, reviewing how to redirect funding, or renaming their DEI departments to be more general HR specific to comply with the requirements.

Conversely, HBCUs Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina A&T University, and Fayetteville State University have not responded to WUNCs requests for comment about their actions regarding the current ban.

North Carolinas moves, specifically in higher education, are not the first. The Southern state follows others like Florida and Texas taking steps to eliminate DEI efforts, leading to many layoffs and eliminated funding for key resources.
North Carolinians discuss next steps, who will be on ballot after Bidens withdrawal

North Carolinians discuss next steps, who will be on ballot after Bidens withdrawal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race is shaking up an already chaotic election season.

The big question now is whats next or whos next? Biden is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee. This gives her a leg up but doesnt guarantee a nomination. If the last few weeks have taught us anything, its that things can change very quickly.

The delegates at that convention are the most important people right now in American electoral politics, said Chris Cooper, political science professor at Western Carolina University. Those are the ones who ultimately are going to get to decide who the democratic nominee for president is going to be.

Harris says she intends to earn and win this nomination after Biden drops out

Its something weve rarely ever seen before in modern American politics an incumbent president not seeking re-election. The news comes one week after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and four months before a pivotal election.

Whats going to happen now is this battle to see whos the candidate and also then who is that candidates, vice presidential candidate, said Cooper.

The Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County are ready to endorse Harris as the pick.

I understand that were sort of in uncharted waters with this, but Kamala Harris has done a fantastic job as vice president and she has Joe Bidens endorsement, said Jane Whitley, president of the Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County. That is who we need to get behind.

Cooper said having Harris on the ticket could make for a smoother transition.

Its a little bit easier pill to swallow, I think for a lot of Democrats to say, hey, I already voted for this person on a ticket, he said. Theres obviously also the piece that she is the vice presidential candidate, so people assume if the president gets incapacitated, shes the one who would take over.

Cooper said some other names that could come up either as presidential or vice presidential candidates are California Governor Gavin Newsom, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and possibly North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to name a few.

If they are able to coalesce soon around a candidate, my guess is theyll get some massive fundraising bumps, said Cooper.

As for the Republican Party, Bidens announcement changes things for it too.

NC Democratic DNC unanimously endorses VP Kamala Harris, thanks President Biden for service

The States GOP Chairman, Jason Simmons, put out the following statement:

Todays announcement is an acknowledgment of what the American people already knew: Joe Biden is not capable of being President. It also exposes the craven political expediency of the Democrat Party.

They have no message, nothing to offer voters, and have benched Joe Biden solely to keep political power. As we saw at the RNC, President Trump and Senator JD Vance lead a united Republican Party that will deliver for the American people once elected on November 5.

For that to happen, Cooper said Republicans will need a new strategy.

Donald Trump has been running against Joe Biden and he knows how to run against Joe Biden, said Cooper. He knows the cases to make, to run against Joe Biden. Certainly, they have to be thinking through how do we run against all these other possibilities?

Cooper said delegates could wait until the Democratic National Convention in August to rally around a candidate. His best guess is they will make their endorsements before then.

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Impact of COVID Restrictions on Italy's Hotel Industry

Over the past two years Covid-19 has hit the hotel industry hard. On 10 January, Italy put new restrictions in place for travellers heading to the country, which will hinder the Italian hotel industrys recovery.

New restrictions have substantially hindered recovery

According to GlobalDatas travel restrictions timeline for Italy, the imposition of the restrictions by the Italian government has corresponded with falling occupancy rates. On 22 March 2020, Italy announced that all citizens were prohibited from relocating, or travelling on public or by private means of transport. Additionally, on 1 April 2020, lockdowns were extended until mid-April and these measures have had a knock-on effect on Italys tourism industry. Data from Italys national statistics office (ISTAT) shows the clear impact this has had on hotel occupancy. In April 2019, accommodation establishments in Italy registered 28.5 million nights spent. In April 2020, this figure fell to 1.3 million. From this, it is evident that there is a direct correlation between Covid-19 restrictions and hotel occupancy rates.

Although restrictions were lifted later in the year, the lasting impact was significant. According to GlobalDatas Hotels database, occupancy rates in Italys hotels fell by 44.4% YoY to just 39.7% in 2020. Despite this, additional restrictions in the hotel industry have been implemented due to the continued threat of Covid-19. For example, guests must now provide proof of vaccination or recovery from a recent infection. Travellers must also wear face coverings. The Italian government has deemed it necessary to enforce these restrictions by law, issuing fines for noncompliance. This will slow recovery in the future, with travellers not wanting to be constrained by masks or the threat of a fine.

Furthermore, sentiment amongst travelers is still quite negative, with 40% of respondents in a GlobalData Q3 2021 global consumer survey saying they are extremely concerned about the impacts of the pandemic. With the threat of further restrictions in Italy, many will opt to either stay at home, find an alternative destination, or take a domestic trip instead. The restrictions seen in the past two years have clearly had a negative impact on the Italian hotel industry. Therefore, the restrictions will undoubtedly slow recovery. With these new rules in place for the Italian hotel industry, GlobalData projections show that it could take up to three to four years for the sector to recover.

Recovery will take up to four years due to impacts of Covid-19

Projections from GlobalData show that occupancy rates will have grown to 50.6% by 2021, and to 65.2% by 2022. Despite this, occupancy will not reach 2019 levels again until 2024, according to these projections. However, further restrictions could hinder this recovery moving forwards. Ultimately, it is uncertain what will happen to the hotel industry in the wake of the new restrictions put in place by the Italian government. However, according to the data referenced, the likelihood is that these measures will prove to be detrimental to the recovery of hotels in Italy.

Story continues

"Covid-19 restrictions have had a lasting impact on Italys hotel sector" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.







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The North Heights Advisory Association unveiled the six new creative crosswalks that were done within the community Thursday.

Potter County Commissioner Warren Coble was on hand to see the finished project and reflected on its completion.

Clara Brown-Trimble, James Allen, and Meoldoie Graves of the North Heights Advisory Association stand with Amarillo City Planner Chris Jackson at the unveiling of the creative crosswalks at Bones Hooks Park in Amarillo.

The North Amarillo Advisory Association has been working on this for some time," he said. "They met a few problems, but they worked through those problems. I see a lot of people driving by these crosswalks smiling as they see them."

Coble thanked community members for their hard work in getting this project done for the community.

It's a form of community unity, and I am glad that James Allen, Melodie Graves, Chris Jackson, the neighborhood planner for Amarillo, and many others worked so hard to get this done. They are the real workers, and I am just out to support their work," he added.

He said that he sees these crosswalks as symbolic of the neighborhood's pride and a good first step in revitalizing the historic community.

One of two matching creative crosswalks from community artist Deandre Jones was completed at Bones Hooks Park Thursday in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo.

Looking at these creative crosswalks throughout North Heights just makes me smile. This is just something creative to remind us of who we are, Coble said. This is our community, and we are going to have to take care of our community. Every step matters. No matter how small the stepping stone is, it's still a stepping stone. I hope when people look at these crosswalks, they think we are getting there."

Melodie Graves, president of the North Heights Advisory Association, said this is a positive first step for the neighborhood.

For this park and the North Heights area, this is monumental. The North Heights Advisory Association focuses on preservation, development and revitalization. The sidewalks that we have installed are part of community pride. Restoring pride in our community is particularly important, which is just step one.

Graves emphasized the importance of the safety aspect of the creative crosswalks.

Community artist Deandre Jones completed a creative crosswalk in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo on Thursday, across from the George Washington Early Childhood Academy.

What happens when crosswalks are created? People know that's where they are going to walk, and with a picture of these crosswalks, people will stop further away and look at the crosswalks, which will allow people to walk across the street in a safe manner," she added.

Graves stressed that this is just one small piece of a bigger puzzle regarding the revitalization of North Heights.

These crosswalks are just the start of things, with us now working on getting 26 streetlights placed across North Heights," she said. "We will also be working on adding some sidewalks down 18th Avenue to make our community more walkable.

One of the big issues for Graves and the advisory association is to work on the appearance of the neighborhoods.

"We want to restore our community's hope by changing its appearance," she said. "Once we complete these projects, we will start discussing housing and housing development and cleaning up our community. We want to see what can happen when we all come together."

A creative crosswalk by community artist Deandre Jones was completed across from George Washington Elementary Thursday in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo.

Next Thursday, the North Heights Advisory Board will meet with interim city manager Floyd Hartman, who will give a presentation at the Black Historical Center in North Heights. The meeting will be about water accessibility, pressure, and quality in North Heights. Graves stressed that the more people who participate in the meeting, the more residents will be informed and able to create change.

Graves said that this was part of the original North Heights Neighborhood Plan under Mildred Darden to revitalize and bring pride to the community. She thanked Jackson, who helped as the city planner from Amarillo, for working toward these initiatives as soon as he started his position with the city.

Chris really wanted to get this moving forward, and this is one of the initiatives that we believed we could see progress on in a short amount of time. We are pleased to see it come to fruition for the neighborhood, she added.

Melodie Graves and Park Hills Principal Maggie Ogden stand behind the creative crosswalk done by community artist Deandre Jones, completed across from the Park Hills Elementary Thursday in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo.

When asked what she would say to the residents of the North Heights about the lack of infrastructure and quality of life improvements in the area over the years, Graves said, Frederick Douglas said that if there is no struggle, there is no progress. Progress comes in many different forms and yes, we have issues with water pressure and many other deficiencies in our community. We are going to address those things, but these crosswalks are a symbol of progress. It is a symbol that we are actually out here in the weeds getting things done, and we will continue to work with the city to make sure the North Heights neighborhood is a viable, beautiful part of Amarillo."

Speaking about choosing an area artist from the community, Graves said it was important to show some of the amazing artwork being done in the community and all around Amarillo.

Our arts community is so strong and creates such beauty, she added.

Jackson, who has been with the city of Amarillo for two years, said that these types of projects are not that prevalent in the state.

Community crosswalks are not just new to our community, but they are kind of new to the state of Texas in general, he said. Many cities have seen our work in the San Jacinto neighborhood and now will see it in the North Heights. There really has not been a guidepost on how to do community crosswalks, but I hit the ground running, working with the neighborhood association and the North Heights Advisory Association to figure out not only what they wanted to see, but how realistic it was to make that happen. Thankfully, we were able to deliver on that.

A creative crosswalk by community artist Deandre Jones was completed across from Park Hills Elementary Thursday in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo.

According to Jackson, the overall cost of the creative crosswalk project was about $42,000 for all six crosswalks. He emphasized that most of that was the material cost to make this project happen.

Jackson said that the city supported Jones's choice to do the street murals because of his previous work and commitment to the community as a young Black artist.

We had seen some of his work and thought that he could do a great job taking this art from the canvas and make it presentable on the streets, he said. The final product looks great; it seems the more I see these projects happen, the more impressed I become each time. This project is a little different because of the different materials used to make the creative crosswalk more resilient than others that have been installed. With this, he was able to do more with the pictures. These school logos look amazing when put on the crosswalks.

He said he is satisfied with how the project turned out but recognizes that bigger issues in the North Heights neighborhood must be addressed.

Community artist Deandre Jones completed the creative crosswalk near Amarillo Boulevard in the North Heights neighborhood of Amarillo.

We are trying to figure out solutions to many of the issues that plague this area and what we need in our neighborhoods, Jackson said. What is next is a streetlight project initiative to work to brighten up intersections and mid-block lighting to make things safer for those pedestrians that live here. We are also instituting a very wide sidewalk infrastructure to promote safe access to pedestrians and lighting to be able to view and navigate their neighborhood more easily.

Jackson hopes that the messages on the crosswalks will resonate with the Amarillo community because of their inherent meanings.

We want everyone, especially the youth, to know these are the messages that we want them to have available to them, Jackson said. I just want people to know if you want to be a part of more community revitalization projects to make the community even greater than it already stands in North Heights, please reach out to the North Heights Advisory Association."

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo completes creative crosswalks in the North Heights
Republican presidential nominee Trump holds a campaign rally with his running mate Vance for the first time, in Grand Rapids

Republican presidential nominee Trump holds a campaign rally with his running mate Vance for the first time, in Grand Rapids

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean state media on Tuesday criticized the United States for its elections and cast doubt over hopes of dialogue in the future regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential race in November.

The political climate between Democrats and Republicans is "confused by the infighting" and will not change, said a column carried by KCNA without the name of the author.

"Dialogue with sinister attempt and such dialogue as an extension of confrontation are needless to be held from the outset," the column from the reclusive communist-ruled country said.

The column also mentioned recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump flaunting his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"It's nice to get along with somebody who has a lot of nuclear weapons," Trump said at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week.

While acknowledging Trump's efforts to build ties during his 2017-2021 presidency, the column said no substantial positive change was brought about.

The U.S. and South Korea have been increasingly alarmed by deepening military cooperation between Russia and the North, accusing them of violating international laws by trading in arms for Russia to use against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms transfer.

A delegation of the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation arrived in Pyongyang on Monday in the latest sign of closer ties between the two countries.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Stephen Coates)
AFTON, Okla.  Aviation pursuits for Northeast Oklahoma high school students are soaring to new heights with the addition of a unique educational opportunity allowing them to build an aircraft.

Grove students launch new aviation equipment

Northeast Tech Afton Campus showcased its collaboration with Tango Flight on Thursday afternoon. An airplane vertical stabilizer was delivered to the Afton Campus, setting the stage for student instruction at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

Tango Fight is an educational non-profit organization that educates students to become engineers, pilots, aviation mechanics, and technicians.

The aviation industry will require over 2.1 million new jobs in the next 20 years, said retired U.S. Navy Captain Craig Anthony during the presentation.

He said the industry will need 42,000 engineers, 610,000 mechanics, and 899,000 cabin crew positions to fill those job vacancies.

Anthony said the high school course helps prepare a highly competitive, collaborative, and skilled youth.

He said technical and mechanical skills, fundamentals and mechanics of aircraft and avionics equipment, aviation maintenance and inspection, and aircraft structure and assembly are all part of the curriculum.

Grove Regional Airport manager honored for service

The joint venture will offer students enrolled in the STEM program a unique opportunity to build an aircraft meeting Federal Aviation Administration standards, said Jennifer Walker, Director of Communication.

Students will spend the next two years assembling the rest of the aircraft, learning essential skills such as riveting, welding, and electrical wiring, Walker said. A Tango Flight will pilot the completed aircraft, showcasing the students achievements.

Walker expects a dedication ceremony in May 2026.

This endeavor exemplifies Northeast Tech Afton Campuss commitment to providing innovative and immersive learning experiences that prepare students for success in STEM fields, she said.

Miami airport receives $1 million grant

Walker said program instructors believe building an aircraft from scratch will solidify students understanding of engineering and aerodynamics and ignite their passion for innovation and problem-solving.

She said that students will also learn about the regulatory requirements and safety standards necessary for aviation.

STEM Instructor Trishia Masterson, Tango Flight representatives, and local aviation mentors will guide students through hands-on learning experiences and applying STEM principles, Walker said.

Masterson emphasized the significance of this opportunity for students:

This project is an incredible chance for our students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of STEM, Masterson said in a prepared statement. Its a transformative experience that will pave the way for their future careers in STEM [related] fields.

We continue to strive to find real-world, hands-on practical applications of the knowledge and skills that are being taught in our programs, said Campus Director Dr. Ravonda Higgins in a prepared statement. The Tango Flight curriculum is a perfect fit in our STEM program and will not only provide a hands-on approach to learning about aerospace engineering through the building of an airplane but will also inspire students to pursue careers in aviation.

Click here for further information about Northeast Tech Afton Campus and its collaboration with Tango Flight..

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The former leader of a Los Angeles street gang who made national headlines for ordering the murders of members of his own gang was killed in prison over the weekend.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, 47-year-old Ezequiel Romo was stabbed multiple times by three fellow inmates at Centinela State Prison in Imperial County Sunday evening.

Former Los Angeles gang leader Ezequiel Romo is shown in this undated prison photo. Romo was stabbed to death in a California prison on July 21, 2024.

Cristian Moreno, 31, Johnny Garcia, 39, and Christian Hernandez, 41, are accused of attacking Romo with inmate-manufactured weapons in a dayroom at the prison. Guards issued verbal orders to break up the attack, but those orders were ignored, CDCR officials said, which resulted in multiple deployments of pepper spray to stop the violence.

Romo was taken to an on-site medical facility and was pronounced dead hours later.

Romo had been at Centinela since August 2023 after being sentenced in Los Angeles County to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit other murders.

Man extradited to face charges for deadly 2006 shooting at Orange County quinceanera

According to a 2023 profile by the Los Angeles Times, Romo was the leader of the Blythe Street gang in Panorama City and was responsible for at least eight deaths after he ordered members of the gang to turn on one another, removing drug addicts, informants, rivals and other people whom he considered dead weight from the gangs ranks.

Prior to being the main shotcaller for the street gang, Romo spent nearly two decades behind bars on manslaughter charges. He was 18 years old when he shot and killed a 19-year-old man during a fight at a fast food joint in the San Fernando Valley in 1995.

In prison, he became a soldier of the Mexican Mafia prison gang and made plans to incorporate Blythe Street into the national crime syndicate upon his release.

When he returned to Panorama City, he took over his old gang, ordered them to sell Mexican Mafia drugs and collect taxes on behalf of the criminal organization in hopes of raising his status.

His return to the streets also led to him ordering the killings of members of his own gang.

Described as a micromanager by the Times, Romo ordered hits on members of his gangs for minor infractions like getting an unsanctioned tattoo or getting high and not returning his calls.

And if you had something Romo wanted, like a kilogram of cocaine, why pay for it? His dealer got the same treatment: a bullet in the back, the Times wrote.

Romo would eventually be busted with drugs in his car and would be sentenced to more time in prison where he would continue to run the gang from behind bars before returning to the streets again.

He was ultimately linked to several murders committed by members of his gang and went to trial alongside them in 2023.

Romo would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and attempted conspiracy to commit second-degree murder.

From left: Cristian Moreno, Johnny Garcia and Christian Hernandez. The three men are accused of killing Ezequiel Romo at Centinela State Prison in Imperial County. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Romo had been at Centinela for under a year before he was killed. His alleged attackers were all convicted in Los Angeles County. Its unclear if the men have gang ties.

Garcia and Hernandez are both serving life sentences for first-degree murder, CDCR said. Moreno is serving a 20-year sentence for assault, making criminal threats and escaping custody by force.

The three suspects are being held in restricted housing. Romos death is under investigation by the prisons investigative unit as well as the Imperial County District Attorneys Office.

The California Office of the Inspector General has been notified of the homicide and the county coroner will determine the official cause of death.

The three alleged perpetrators have not yet been charged in Romos killing.

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From the Wanderland on The Dispatch

Of course Kamala Harris should be the next president. I endorse her without hesitation. She wouldnt be the first African American in the position, and so we wont have to endure that making history speech wed otherwise get. And, besides, Michael Drake has already been in the job for four years.

President of the University of California, I mean. What in the hell did you people think I was talking about?

Heres me writing back in the dark ages of 2023:

Democrats probably could buy off Harris.  They could make her a university president or the dean of a prestigious law school, help her find her way onto a few corporate boards or highly paid advisory positions, and put her on MSNBCnot hard stuff to do, all in all. Harris is 59 years old, and while she and her husband are pretty well off, making a big pile of money in your 60s has its attractions, too. And she might even be able to salvage something of her political reputation in case the political scene changesand it does changein a way that favors her future ambitions, whatever those may be.  In a spiritually and politically healthy society, Democrats could trade in Joe Biden for the same reason theyd trade in a 1999 Buick Park Avenue with 355,004 miles on itbecause the vehicle in question probably isnt going to take them where they want to go, and there are better options on the market.

To abuse the metaphor: Its no good trading in the 1999 Buick Park Avenue with 367,000 miles on it (the mileage creeps up on you, every day!) for a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander with 289,000 miles on it and a failing transmission. It wasnt a very good model to begin witha half-assed minivan pretending to be an SUVand there is a reason its career came to a quiet end.

The question for Democrats now is: Which university or law school should Kamala Harris be president of? Which MSNBC time slot does she want?

Harris may have enjoyed a little bit of a bump after Joe Bidens somnambulant debate performance, one in which he pulled off the incredible feat of making Donald Trump look like the (very, oh very, relatively) with-it and squared-away guy on the stage. But she is very likely to lose to Trump. An Economist/YouGov poll running from July 13-16 had her securing under 40 percent of the vote against him. She might have been a fine prosecutor once upon a time, but she has been a catastrophically incompetent vice president, a veritable Chopt franchise when it comes to producing word salad by the long ton and the metric boatload.

If Democrats really want to put the Biden administrations border czar up against Donald Trump, whose main issue is the border and illegal immigration, then I suppose thats their prerogative. But theyd be putting her up in front of an electorate in which 77 percent of those polled tell Gallup that the situation at the border is either a major problem or a crisis; in which the vast majority of voters favor more enforcement measures such as hiring more Border Patrol agents; and in which a majority favor more wall-building, etc. If thats what they want to do, it isnt obvious to me that having gone through the trouble of driving out an incumbent president was worth it.

As with the attempted shooting of Trump, the events in question are dramatic but not all that unusual. Democrats know how to dump an incumbent (ask Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, that other Johnson, or Franklin Pierce). You think being Joe Biden or Joe Bidens VP gives somebody some sacrosanct status?

Truman was Franklin Roosevelts vice president before he was president. Truman presided over the victory in World War II, oversaw the Berlin airlift, recognized Israel, continued FDRs agendaand by the early 1950s, the country was sick of him. He was getting on in years, his abilities were clearly in decline, and he was polling like flat beer. He lost the New Hampshire primary and announced that he wouldnt run in the 1952 election, which was probably smart; Dwight Eisenhower was not going to lose in 1952. (Ike won 39 states and 55 percent of the total vote.) But replacing Truman with Adlai Stevenson II (no, not junior; Adlai Stevenson I was his grandfather and vice president under Grover Cleveland) gave the Democrats a better shot than they would have had with the unpopular and wobbly incumbent president. (Back when we had normal political parties that could do things, one of the things they did was try to put forward the candidates they thought most likely to win and to do their party some long-term good.)

All the Democrats really need to have a real shot at beating Trump (again) is to nominate someone halfway normal and competent. They have many promising options from which to choose. Kamala Harris, whatever her virtues as a human being, is not one of them. Shes damaged goods from an unpopular administration that effectively has just come to an early end, a California weirdo who talks like some weird mix of yoga instructor, horoscope, and vice principal. Bidens withdrawal is one piece of evidence that at least some Democrats really believe what they say they believe: that Donald Trump is a unique threat to the republic. If it is really the case that Democrats sincerely believe that, then they should act on that belief.

And that means dumping Harris, too.

Harris, if she were smart, would save them the trouble. California has a governors race coming up in 2026. And who knows, Harris might actually turn out to be good at that job. But she could do her party, her countryand, realistically, herselfa favor by following the boss lead one last time and getting out of the way.

And Furthermore 

As a culture and a country, we have forgotten how to handle the issue of seemliness. Some occasions and some public figures do not go together very well. Take Hulk Hogans recent speech at the RNC. It was an embarrassing, shameful, unworthy spectacle. Hulk Hogan deserved better than to be reduced to such a level. Does he need money or something? Should we organize a telethon?

(Waittelethons arent a thing anymore, are they? A GoFundMe then.)

Economics for English Majors

At one level, free trade is reasonably simple: The Canadians have a lot of lumber, and we want to build a lot of houses. For various reasons (having to do with the relative predominance of private and public lands in the timber business), Canadian lumber often is less expensive than American lumber. They have a lot of wood, we have a lot of demand for it.

But heres a question: Do we really need to build all those houses?

In one sense, obviously, yes. In one sense, not exactly.

Because the thing is, the United States does not have a housing shortage, on net anyway. We may actually have more housing units than we need, with more than a tenth of the housing units in the country sitting vacant, according to one studymore than 15 million units, enough to house every homeless person in this country 23 times over. One factor is seasonality, i.e., vacation homes, which is why you see high vacancy rates in places such as Sarasota, Florida.

But the main problem from a public policy point of view is that so many of the houses are inconveniently located in places where the jobs and the people and the money arent. Dayton, Ohio, has the third-highest vacancy rate in the country, and it isnt because of beach houses. Dayton isnt an especially prosperous metroit has less than half the household income and more than twice the poverty rate of Austin, Texasand while the overall metropolitan area has seen some population growth, the city itself has been losing population since 1960. Moreover, the city has thousands of abandoned houses, as shown by a recent program that was launched with the goal of eliminating 1,100 nuisance properties. So, while much of the country is talking about a housing shortage, Dayton is going to spend $22 million to knock houses down. Many similar cities are in similar situations.

There are many cities such as Philadelphia that are getting by economically on public-sector and semi-public economic activity almost exclusively: government, education, health care, etc. That is not a sustainable economic model in the long term, though all of those enterprises can be important contributors to economic dynamism: a decently governed place with good health care and a first-rate university is a place that will have a good chance of attracting talented, creative people and the capital that they need to create new businesses, new lines of production, entirely new industries, innovative services, etc. For a very long time, California was able to coast by on being California, much as New York City was able to justify its period descents into urban dysfunction by being New York, but that wont last forever. The same question people ask about cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia and DaytonWhy, exactly, is this city here?will soon enough be asked about San Francisco and others if things get bad enough that the capital and the people flee.

Dayton has plenty of housing. Who wants it?

In Other News 

Theres a reason everybody hates these people.

I Have a Theory!

Why Do So Many Food Documentaries Seem to Think Were Stupid?

Words About Words

This is punctuated correctly:

But, probably because of the juxtaposition of code and decode, I read it wedding-dress the first time, i.e., not as referring to dress codes for weddings but codes for wedding dresses. Decode kind of pulled the code out of dress code and made it stand on its own, in my initial reading. If thats the kind of thing you notice and bother to write down, then, welcome to my neurosis.

People often get confused about when to hyphenate modifiers. The basic rule is that you hyphenate compound modifiers, meaning modifiers in which there are several words communicating one thing: e.g., there are color photos and there are black-and-white photos, black-and-white being a single modifier describing photos, whereas if something is in the newspaper, it is right there in black and white, no hyphens needed.

Theres some judgment needed there: A police car is a black and white car (often), but it is not a black-and-white car. It is a car with some parts that are black and some parts are white, not a member of a specific category of cars called black-and-white cars. Sometimes, the hyphen is omitted when you are dealing with a proper noun that hangs together without the hyphen: I still would write the director of African-American history is an African American, but I increasingly see the hyphen omitted in the former case, in spite of its being a compound modifier. Some things have been going together for so long that the hyphen has disappeared of its own accord (steak and kidney pie) or was never there in the first place.

Sometimes, though, whether to use hyphens is an open-and-shut case.

In Closing

Enoch Powell said: All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs. Biden has not been cut off at a happy juncture, but, as any dedicated barfly could tell you, it is better to leave on your own locomotion than to be carried out limp. The effort to canonize Biden as a Great Man will be intense and, almost certainly, short-lived. But it is better that his final major political decision should be the right one, even if it was to some degree forced upon him. Death or failureBiden is within easy reach of either. I wish him well as one of Gods children. As a politician, good riddance.

Read more at The Dispatch

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An injured Palestinian is brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment after Israeli attacks on Nuseirat camp, in Deir al Balah. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least 143 Palestinian children and young people have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the past nine months, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday.

UNICEF said that marks a 250% rise compared to the preceding nine months, when 41 Palestinian children were killed.

Two Israeli children have been killed in the West Bank in conflict-related violence in the past nine months.

UNICEF also said 440 young Palestinians have been injured by live ammunition.

"For years now, children living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been exposed to horrific violence," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

"The situation has deteriorated significantly, coinciding with the escalation of hostilities inside Gaza. We are seeing frequent allegations of Palestinian children being detained on their way home from school, or shot while walking on the streets. The violence needs to stop now."

The situation in the West Bank has worsened dramatically since the start of the Gaza war, which broke out in response to the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7.

Since then, more than 550 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, confrontations or as a result of their own attacks in the West Bank, according to health officials.

Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has also increased during this period.

An injured Palestinian is brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment after Israeli attacks on Nuseirat camp, in Deir al Balah. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Which NY Dem delegates have supported Harris so far? Which haven't?

A slew of New York Democrats who will help decide their party's next presidential candidate swiftly backed Kamala Harris on Sunday after President Joe Biden quit the race and endorsed his vice president.

Harris has gotten wide party support nationally to replace Biden and faces no rivals for the nomination at this stage.

By Monday night, all of the state's 16 House Democrats  all of them delegates at the party's nominating convention next month  had echoed Biden's endorsement on social media, saying Harris would bring new energy to the race to beat Trump and help down-ballot Democrats in congressional and state races.

Weighty role Biden drops out of presidential race. Do NY delegates have to vote for Biden or Harris?

"To meet this moment, we need a candidate who can continue to promote President Biden's tremendous accomplishments, energize voters across the political spectrum, & aggressively prosecute the case against Trump," Rep. Paul Tonko, who represents the Albany area, posted on X. "Vice President Kamala Harris is just the person for the job."

Here are the other New York delegates, out of a total 307, who threw their support behind Harris in the hours following Biden's announcement  and who didn't.

Vice President Kamala Harris enters Michie Stadium for the 2023 Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony on the campus of U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Which NY delegates have endorsed Harris?

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrive for an official State Dinner held by U.S. President Joe Biden in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2024. REUTERS/Bonnie Cash

Which New York delegates have not endorsed Harris?

Notably, the two New Yorkers who lead Democrats in Congress  U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries  have not endorsed her or spoken yet about replacing Biden, confining their remarks so far to praising Biden for his decision and his accomplishments in office.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., attends an event where U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in the East Room at the White House on June 18, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Note: This article has been updated with additional endorsements announced on Monday.

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Which NY Dem delegates have supported Harris so far? Which haven't?
NY Dems are already lining up behind Kamala Harris to replace Biden  with a few big exceptions

New York's Democratic leaders quickly coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's standard bearer for the White House after embattled President Biden announced he dropped out of the race.

New Yorks Democratic leaders quickly coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris to be the partys standard bearer for the White House after embattled President Biden announced he dropped out of the race.

However, there were a couple big exceptions to the calls to unite around Harris. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Mayor Eric Adams were both silent Sunday night about who should replace Biden.

The winds are not just blowing toward Vice President Kamala Harris. Its a hurricane for Kamala Harris for president, said Manhattan Democratic leader and Harlemite Keith Wright.

Vice President Kamala Harris is now being considered for the 2024 Presidential election. AFP via Getty Images

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, a Biden delegate, endorses Harris. Ron Adar / M10s / SplashNews.com

Shes the most qualified. Shes been vice president, a U.S. senator, state attorney general. Shes got the training.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, endorsed Harris just before nightfall Sunday  becoming one of the later New York Dems to throw her support behind the vice president.

As Democrats, our mission remains the same: doing everything in our power to defeat Donald Trump, she said in a statement sent shortly before 8 p.m. When President Biden picked Kamala Harris to be his Vice President he unleashed incredible excitement for a new generation of political leadership. That same energy will carry us to November 5 with Vice President Harris leading our ticket.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrands endorsement came even later.

At around 10 p.m., she shared a link to donate to Harris campaign on X alongside a statement announcing her support.

My friend Kamala Harris is a champion for freedom and a proven leader who is ready to defeat Donald Trump and defend our democracy, she said in the statement. Im proud to endorse her  and Im eager to join her in this fight.

The latest on President Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:

Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman Rodneyse Bichotte  a close ally of Adams  also endorsed Harris as the presidential nominee.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a fierce fighter with a proven progressive track record, deep experience in the Oval Office, and the determined drive to defeat Trump at the ballot box, Bichotte said.

The winds are not just blowing toward Vice President Kamala Harris. Its a hurricane for Kamala Harris for president, said Manhattan Democratic leader and Harlemite Keith Wright.

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced that the veep was their choice for the Democratic party as well.

We are at a crucial time in our nations history and I know that only by working together can we continue to succeed. Kamala Harris is the leader we need, Heastie said.

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.

Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said Harris will be the nominee. Robert Miller

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, a Biden delegate, said his allegiance is now with Harris.

In Vice President Kamala Harris, we are lucky to have yet another unshakable ally in Washington. This November, I wholeheartedly believe she will shatter that glass ceiling once and for all and I look forward to working with her in continuing to move America forward, he said.

Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, a Biden delegate, also said Harris will be the nominee.

Kamala has been the vice president. Shes ready for the job. I believe shes the best choice, Dinowitz, also secretary of the Bronx Democratic Party, said.

Robert Zimmerman believes Harris is fully prepared from day one to confront Donald Trump head-on. Zimmerman for Congress/Facebook

Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee delegate from New York, said Harris is fully prepared from day one to confront Donald Trump head-on. The stakes are at their highest; the threat he poses is more dire than ever. And the future we can forge together has never been brighter.

Two other key New York Democratic Party honchos with national influence  former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Clinton  were among the first in New York to endorse Harris earlier Sunday.

Sources said it was only a matter of time before key African-American members and others from the New York congressional delegation  including House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn and Queens Rep. Greg Meeks  officially endorse Harris.

During an interview on 1010 WINS radio Sunday, Adams declined to state a preference and instead focused on issues he wants the Democratic ticket to address.

Everyone in the country should know exactly what the party is going to focus on, including border security and safety, and again, affordability, public safety, and really working for working-class people who believe the everyday cost of living just seems to have eluded them, Adams said.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelynl also endorsed Harris as the presidential nominee. Robert Deutsch / USA TODAY NETWORK

I think if were clear on that message, were going to be successful in November.

State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs earlier Sunday said he wanted to discuss the future ticket with party delegates before issuing a statement. He later endorsed Harris.
Zhuangs accusations: Zhuang claims that Mayor Eric Adamss office, who defended the shelter as necessary for the community, approved its construction without the proper permits. The protest, driven by fears of increased crime due to the shelter, became chaotic as Zhuang allegedly tried to protect an elderly woman. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams found the situation disturbing, emphasizing the need for non-violence and respect for city workers. The council awaits further investigation before deciding on disciplinary actions.

Denying misconduct: Zhuang was greeted by supporters at a community center in Gravesend on Thursday. She denied wrongdoing, attributing the violence to police actions and condemning what she perceives as anti-Asian mistreatment. She stated, Mistreatment by our NYPD, who I always support, it must be stopped, AAPI hate and Asian hate in any form must end. I was approached from behind, two police officers handcuffed me, one police officer pulled my hair, another officer grabbed my neck...the issue is not unique to myself, as many members in Asian community have been subject to this excessive enforcement and mistreatment by our NYPD.
The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly.

Top 5 Upgrades:



BofA upgraded C.H. Robinson (CHRW) to Buy from Underperform with a price target of $99, up from $76. The upgrade is led by truckload brokerage margin upside from depressed spot rates, near-term rate upside in ocean forwarding and structural cost improvements, says the firm, which increased Q2, FY24 and FY25 EPS estimates.

Stifel upgraded IFF (IFF) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $115, up from $95. The firm views the company's 2024 guidance as conservative and lifted 2024-2025 sales and adjusted EBITDA estimates to 1.5% and 4.4% above the high-end of the company's expectations.

JPMorgan upgraded Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $194, up from $167. With the shares down 20% since Q1 earnings, the firm upgrades Abercrombie as its fieldwork and management access points to continued broad-based demand at the Abercrombie brand, a Hollister brand inflection only in the "middle innings," and brand momentum building internationally.

Baird upgraded Henry Schein (HSIC) to Outperform from Neutral with a price target of $92, up from $81. Baird says Henry Schein looks like a safer "core" dental name to own into 2025.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Fiserv (FI) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $175, up from $154. The firm views the stock as an "attractive earnings compounder" with opportunity to keep delivering modest upside to results and benefiting from consistent management execution and strong long-term investor support.

Top 5 Downgrades:



Goldman Sachs downgraded Lennar (LEN) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $174, down from $180. The firm see less upside in Lennar shares versus others in the homebuilder group when considering the operating environment over the coming quarters.

Morgan Stanley downgraded FIS (FIS) to Equal Weight from Overweight with a $79 price target. The firm says most of the expected price upside related to better banking growth, cost actions, management communication, and Worldpay sale have been priced into the shares.

Raymond James double downgraded Estee Lauder (EL) to Market Perform from Strong Buy without a price target. A slower recovery in China and travel retail and heavy competition in the U.S. dampen prior expectations for a more significant rebound in fiscal 2025, the firm tells investors in a research note.

Bernstein downgraded American Airlines (AAL) to Market Perform from Outperform with a price target of $12, down from $18. The firm believes there's enough working against American at present to give Bernstein pause in under-writing a longer-term investment case.

Scotiabank downgraded Crowdstrike (CWRD) to Sector Perform from Outperform with a price target of $300, down from $393. While calling CrowdStrike "a top software company, possibly one of the greatest of all time," the firm is stepping aside as it analyzes the impacts on the company's "previously unblemished record" from last week's outage incident. BTIG and Guggenheim also downgraded Crowdstrike to Neutral ratings.

Story continues

Top 5 Initiations:



Melius Research initiated coverage of both Uber Technologies (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) with Hold ratings and price targets of $77 and $15, respectively. The firm says that while growth accelerating from autonomous vehicles "is certainly possible," with Tesla (TSLA) now seemingly set on entering the market with its own robotaxis, "a new overhang has arrived."

TD Cowen initiated coverage of Berkshire Hathaway class B shares (BRK.B) with a Hold rating and $465 price target. The company's "old-school conglomerate structure" has faced challenges in a number of key areas of late despite being powered by an insurance business that "continues to shine," the firm tells investors in a research note.

Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of Webtoon (WBTN) with a Buy rating and $62 price target. The firm views Webtoon as "positively levered" to a number of long-term secular growth themes within the web-comics market as well as the creator economy. Evercore ISI and Deutsche Bank also started coverage of the stock with Buy-equivalent ratings. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley initiated the name with an Equal Weight rating.

BMO Capital initiated coverage of Driven Brands (DRVN) with a Market Perform rating and $14 price target. The firm cites ongoing car wash headwinds and the company's underperformance for the rating, saying it is in early innings in its newly integrated glass business.
Ocean County has postponed the foreclosure auction scheduled for July 23 amid concerns that unproven nonprofit agencies are taking advantage of a new law that was designed to even the playing field at sheriff's sales with investors.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy said his office has sold a dozen properties that prompted an outcry from bidders that the process wasn't fair. It plans to pause the sales indefinitely until it received more guidance from lawmakers.

"When they (enacted the law), it caused some problems, like, what designates a nonprofit?" Mastronardy said. "Until they straighten it out, we just wanted to not compound the problem and sell more properties that people complain about."

New Jersey established the Community Wealth Preservation Program in January in a bid to give low- and moderate-income residents who are foreclosed on a chance stay in their home.

Why is it so hard to find an NJ home? Here's the answer buyers are seeking, and what needs to change

The law was seen by supporters as a tool to help New Jerseyans find affordable housing in a market that has seen a proliferation of investors purchasing homes to either rent or remodel and resell at a higher price. The Asbury Park Press in 2022 found the number of LLCs owning single- to four-family homes soared from 12,000 in 2012 to more than 72,000 in nine years.

Meantime, the median price of a single-family home statewide has climbed 71% in five years, while the inventory of homes for sale has declined by 65% during that time, according to the New Jersey Realtors Association, a trade group.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy in a 2016 file photo.

The Community Wealth Preservation Program gives homeowners experiencing foreclosure, their next of kin, or tenants living in a foreclosed property the first chance when the property goes up for auction at making the minimum price a seller would accept.

NJ real estate: Ocean County home prices dipped in June; see how the average price has fallen

The law then gives a nonprofit community development corporation the second chance if it agrees in writing to buy the property for the foreclosed-upon family, their next of kin, or the tenant. The organization must negotiate an affordable lease for the family and give them the option to buy the property back from the organization.

The law is administered by the county sheriffs. Morris County Lt. Michael Turkot, who leads the civil process committee for the Sheriff's Association of New Jersey, said nonprofit organizations that aren't well known are attending the sales, raising questions among sheriffs.

Turkot said he has reached out to the legislation's lead sponsor, state Sen. Britnee Timberlake, D-Essex, for more guidance.

State Sen. Britnee N. Timberlake speaks during a May 28 news conference in East Orange.

NJ real estate: NJ's most expensive home for sale is in Colts Neck. Here's what $28M will buy you.

"We just want to make sure we can properly vet (the nonprofit groups) to ensure they are the types of companies that are doing the business of the intention of the law  to revitalize communities and keep people in their homes," Turkot said.

"Hopefully we'll be able to find a resolution sooner than later because nobody want sheriff's sales to stop," he said. "It doesn't really help anybody and it certainly doesn't put any of the people who are potentially losing their homes at ease."

Ocean County has 51 properties listed for sheriff's sales, although 18 have been adjourned to a later date or postponed.

It isn't clear if other counties have followed Ocean County's lead and postponed sales. In Morris County, the sheriff's sale is going on as scheduled, Turkot said. Monmouth County officials didn't return a call for comment, but its website has a sheriff's sale scheduled for July 29.

Commercial real estate: After eight-year lawsuit with Belmar, Boathouse owners fight off foreclosure and $4M debt

The law's advocates were surprised to hear about complaints, noting it shouldn't be difficult to ensure nonprofit groups are legitimate since they are required to file vigorous paperwork with the IRS to obtain tax-exempt status. And the law allows sheriff's to fine bad actors $100,000 and more for violations.

"I haven't heard this (happening) in any widespread way from any of our members  that would cause a county to forgo its foreclosure sale," said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, an affordable housing group.

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter for the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy, real estate industry and health care industry since 1999. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ocean County halts foreclosure sales; does law spur fake nonprofits?
Officials Ask People to Stop Taking Selfies with 'Stressed' and 'Depressed' Bear by Fla. Highway

The "big fella" was "clearly not in the mood for pictures," Walton County authorities said on social media

Walton County Sheriff's Office Florida "Depressed" bear attracting selfie seekers in Florida

Dont poke  or take selfies with  the bear!

This is the warning issued by Florida police after a distressed and depressed black bear sitting on the side of a Florida highway was swarmed by people seeking photos.

"Famous last words, 'If not friend, why friend shaped?' Because this black bear is stressed depressed lemon zest," the Walton County Sheriffs Office wrote in a Facebook post shared on Thursday, July 18.

Related: Wild Black Bear Spotted Inside Disney World's Magic Kingdom Safely Removed After Park Closures

The post, which included photos of the "depressed" bear, also stated that the animal "has shown signs of severe stress"  and did not want to be in people's photos.

"Onlookers were trying to take selfies with the bear, and he's clearly not in the mood for pictures," the social media post continued. "PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH black bears at any time. Especially those that are showing aggression like this big fella."

Walton County Sheriff's Office Florida A black bear on the side of a Florida highway on July 18

"Just leave the big fluffy forest puppy alone. He will wander away when he's ready," one commenter added, as the sheriff's office gave its stamp of approval, replying: "You're exactly right."

The Florida sheriff's office stated it was monitoring the adult male bear but planned to "leave the rest to the pros" at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Related: Wild Black Bear Tranquilized and Removed from Tree in Suburban Pennsylvania Neighborhood

Upon arrival, FWC employees found that the situation with the bear had been resolved, a spokesperson for the FWC told PEOPLE in a statement.

"FWC bear biologists and officers responded to the location after being contacted by Walton County Sheriff's Office deputies, but by that time, the bear had dispersed and walked off into the adjacent woods," the FWC spokesperson shared.

As for the bear's apparent distress, the spokesperson added, "The bear did not appear to be injured based on images shared with our staff; it may have just been overheated and was resting before moving on."

Walton County Sheriff's Office Florida A black bear spotted on the side of a Florida highway on July 18

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According to the FWC, the bear's appearance by the highway is not abnormal for this time of year.

"During the spring and summer, bears are more active, and juvenile bears (ages 1 - 2) are starting to disperse and leave their mothers' home ranges and may be seen in unexpected areas as they travel in search of a new location to settle down," the agency said in a statement. "Typically, bears will move along on their own."

If you see a bear out and about, the FWC advises skipping the selfies and simply letting them be.

"Give it space, don't try to approach it, and never feed it," the agency said. "Crowding around any bear is never recommended, as bears can become defensive when threatened; it is best to always give bears as much space as possible."

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Read the original article on People.
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Officials are searching for the driver of a vehicle that reportedly hit a firefighter while responding to a wreck on FM 850 on Sunday.

Operation Lost Hope: 60 dogs rescued from sweltering conditions in Jefferson shelter

Smith County Emergency Services District 2 said just after 8:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a wreck when a firefighter was struck by a vehicle.

Officials said the firefighter was transported, treated and has since been released. However, this is the second time a firefighter has been hit in the last month.

No injuries reported after car fire spreads to Smith County house

It was just a few weeks ago that we posted about vehicles driving around the traffic cones as firefighters were working a scene. Drivers, you MUST pay attention. Our firemen have wives, children, families of their own. This should not be happening, Smith County ESD2 said.

Courtesy of Smith County ESD2

Courtesy of Smith County ESD2

Courtesy of Smith County ESD2

Now, officials are looking for the driver who fled the scene. Anyone who recognizes the 90s model GMC Sierra 1500 step side is asked to contact Smith County ESD2 at 903-617-6578.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Officials searching for soldier who disappeared from Southern California Army base

Army officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center are searching for a soldier who went missing late last week.

According to a press release issued Sunday by the Army bases public affairs office, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment failed to report for duty on Thursday and was subsequently reported missing.

L.A. County Superior Court closed following ransomware attack

Espinola, 26, is said to be 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds. He is a native of Los Angeles, one of his friends told KTLA.

He drives a dark gray 2018 Hyundai Elantra with temporary tags, the friend added.

Authorities at Fort Irwin, which is located in San Bernardino County northeast of Barstow, are using all available means in their search for Espinola.

Person dies on 5 Fwy off-ramp after medical emergency

The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern, Col. Kevin T. Black, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander said. The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinolas family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.

Anyone with any information regarding Espinolas whereabouts is asked to call local their law enforcement agency or contact Fort Irwins Criminal Investigation Division by calling 760-442-9316.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Officials see progress after resurgence of iconic US lake system, but concerns remain: 'It's sort of counterintuitive'

Southern California's increasing demand for water has long wreaked havoc on the regions from where that water flows. As conservation progresses, though, there is still a long way to go.

What's happening?

Joint projects by Inyo County and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power have helped partially restore the barren Owens Valley, but "if these efforts are to survive in the long term, Southern California needs to rethink its water sourcing," as the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club reported in March.

The LADWP has been diverting water from Mono Lake tributaries since 1941, after extending the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The original channel was completed in 1913 to feed the growing metropolis from Owens Lake, but it sucked that water dry in less than a decade.

Mono Lake is "the most protected salt lake in the American West," according to NBC News, which reported on the lakes last June. That's because citizens banded together to prevent what happened to Owens Lake.

The Mono Lake Committee, founded in the 1970s, won a legal victory in 1983 to keep the LADWP from draining the reservoir. The lake has never dipped below its 1982 nadir of 6,372 feet (a drop of 45 feet from its 1941 level), though it has dropped to dangerous levels a few times since, including twice in the last decade.

But last year, after a record snowpack produced a "big melt," both bodies of water surged. The long dried-up Owens Lake re-emerged, while Mono Lake hit 6,383 feet by the end of the year, a level it hadn't reached in years.

Why is this important?

Mono Lake was once home to a thriving nesting California gull population, but it doubled in salinity in the decades after the aqueduct expansion, and the lakebed is now a source of toxic dust storms, just like Owens Lake about 115 miles away. The latter, once a wetland habitat, was "ecologically devastated," according to the Sierra Club.

The county and LADWP have worked to rewater the valley, conserving native plants, which have, in turn, drawn in shorebirds.

Water scarcity is a common issue in western states, as the Colorado River system is responsible for supporting so much agriculture that it no longer reaches the sea. This threatens 40 million people in the Southwest, including Angelenos, who rely on the water and dams at Lake Powell and Lake Mead for electricity.

So, despite Mono Lake's rise, it's still in danger. And on the flip side, projects to stem the rise of dust from Owens Lake may be in danger from the influx of water.

"It's sort of counterintuitive," Inyo County water director Holly Alpert said, per NBC. "We think 'more water, less dust impacts.' But as it recedes and dries again, it could lead to more dust."

Mono Lake Committee executive director Geoff McQuilkin told the outlet: "We're pretty worried about the condition of the lake. This past winter, like at the Great Salt Lake, is giving us a reprieve  a little extra time to figure things out."

What's being done about this?

The Sierra Club says Southern California needs to "rely less on imported water to quench its thirst, and emphasis ought to be placed on water conservation and reuse, rather than water from other regions at the expense of their ecosystem health."

It's a good rule of thumb. As rising temperatures around the world push water scarcity higher up the list of concerns, we can all work to reduce our consumption and find inventive ways to use what we have.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Ohio Democratic leaders are in support of Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Joe Biden as their presidential candidate, but some Republicans argue that the Dems are being unfair.

Our president Joe Biden fights for the American people and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation, Harris said in her first appearance since the president dropped his reelection bid.

But its time for a new Democratic leader.

We can just finally have a sigh of relief and know that we are all moving forward, state Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland, said.

After Biden ended his campaign Sunday, Ohio Statehouse leaders like Rep. Juanita Brent are standing behind Harris as the new choice.

We have an opportunity to support the first black woman to be a major nominee for our party of serious consideration, Brent, the vice president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, said.

Her view is joined by both House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood.

Im excited about her candidacy, Russo said. I think that she is going to inject some energy in this campaign, particularly for young voters, for voters in many of our communities. Im excited about how unified the Democrats have become in the last 24 hours.

Antonio posted a picture of her with Harris to social media, with a caption simply stating, I said Kamala!

But some Republicans like state Rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, say this isnt fair to the Ohioans and Americans who voted for Biden in the March primary.

Theyre the ones who are disenfranchising millions and millions of voters by discounting their vote and taking him down, Bird said. This is a coup from the left to take down their candidate.

He believes that the Dems are hypocritical.

The Left constantly cries about, Oh, democracy is under attack and President Trump is going to attack democracy, he said. But theyve not carried out the will of the people who voted for [Biden] Its undemocratic.

State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, feels the same, and he is calling for the party to slow down and hear from the citizens.

Its undemocratic for the Democrat Party to just have a hand-picked person by the elites, by the donors, Williams said. Do a couple of town halls leading into the convention and then your top three, your top four go to the convention, give speeches.

In a speech Republican vice presidential candidate and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance gave Monday in his hometown of Middletown, a city of 50,000 between Cincinnati and Dayton, he argued Democratic leadership was corrupt.

This entire system of ours is about, you got to persuade voters, you got to win their votes, Vance said. You dont decide who the president is in smoke-filled rooms with billionaires and senior elected officials.

No one has officially chosen Harris yet, Brent said.

Democratic delegate coordinator state Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, argued that the Republicans dont know the DNC rules, which differ from RNC.

With Joe Biden dropping out, all delegates are theoretically free agents and can now vote for whomever they think is best, DeMora said. It is an open convention because nobody is pledged to vote.

It isnt as much about the legality as it is about the idea of having a fair election, Williams said.

Thats not a Democrat process, thats not having a primary where the voters are listening to debates and they go to the polls and they decide themselves on who they want to be their nominee, the Republican added.

We went out to talk to voters in Cleveland and Columbus, Democratic strongholds. Each voter told us they were either supportive of Harris or they didnt care, as long as the individual could beat Trump.

The most wary person we spoke to, Northeast Ohioan Ken Kuehls, still backed the party.

Im not sure if our next choices are any good, but gotta go with it, right? Kuehls said.

Some Statehouse Democrats argue that the GOP is just mad because Harris is a bigger threat to Trump than Biden was. Bird denied this.

Morgan, its because theyve known for the last 3.5 years that he wasnt mentally and physically capable of doing this job  theyve known it all of this time and yet they went ahead and ran him in primaries knowing he couldnt do the job, Bird said, adding that he was an incumbent and no one could run against an incumbent. Then when their polling shows that he cant win against Donald Trump, theyre desperate to find some other way to somehow eke out a win when theyre getting ready to lose.

It is a bait-and-switch, Williams argued.

We were called the ones that were trying to be totalitarian dictators, Williams said. Now were looking at a party that gets to hand-pick their successors. You tell me what that looks like.

All Democrats we have spoken to over the past 24 hours were unbothered by the accusations from the GOP.

We can just focus on unifying for our DNC convention and unifying behind one candidate so we can beat Trump and J.D. Vance this November, Brent said.

DeMora was entertained, taking time to insult both Trump and Vance.

Whoever our nominee might be, whether its the vice president or if someone else comes out of this process, theyre a much better candidate, DeMora said. Theyre not felons, theyre coherent public servants who are going to serve the people of the United States honorably and legally.

It is laughable that Ohio Republicans would complain that Democrats are being anti-democratic, he said.

We have the most corrupt Statehouse in the United States, DeMora said, citing Republican leaders who sold out the Statehouse in exchange for bribery legislation that citizens are still paying for.

Ohio Democrats have previously cited state Republicans as going against democracy for the following: Going against the will of the voters on anti-gerrymandering reform they passed, going against a bipartisan Ohio Supreme Court that rejected said gerrymandered maps seven separate times, trying to subvert the peoples voice on abortion, marijuana and voting access (special election to make the constitution harder to amend), failing to pass constitutional funding for public schools for decades and a seemingly endless list of other fights Democrats lose time and time again (they say because the district maps are gerrymandered).

Also, the Republicans are supporting a man who tried to steal the 2020 election, DeMora added.

Hes been lying about it and he still doesnt agree that he lost the election, the Democrat said about Trump. His entire life is built on lies.

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, a delegate, endorsed Harris Monday morning, so the other 143 delegates will likely follow suit  but only because parties tend to coalesce around one candidate, DeMora said.

Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Susan Tebben contributed to this story.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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Ohio Republican calls for a "civil war" to save the country if Trump and Vance "lose this one"

Speaking at a Trump rally on Monday, Ohio state Sen. George Lang said the country might need a "civil war" if Republicans lose in November, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Lang, speaking alongside Vance at the latter's first solo rally since securing the Republican nomination, said the GOP ticket is are the "the last chance to save our country politically.

Im afraid if we lose this one, its going to take a civil war to save the country. And it will be saved, its the greatest experiment in the history of mankind, Lang said.

The rally comes after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and offered his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

Since Bidens announcement, the Trump campaign has pivoted to depicting Harris as someone who lied to the public about Bidens condition.

At the same Ohio rally, which took place at Vances former high school, Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno echoed the GOPs message, saying that "Democrats looked the other way as they put an incapacitated man in the White House, NPR reported.

Vance too accused Harris of lying about Bidens condition, Politico reported.

Kamala Harris lied about it, my Senate Democratic colleagues lied about it, the media lied about it, he told the crowd of familiar faces. Every single person who saw Joe Biden knew that he wasnt capable of doing the job. And for three years, they said nothing until he became political dead weight.
Eduardo Parra / Europa Press / Getty Images





KEY TAKEAWAYS

CrowdStrike shares are falling more than 4% in premarket trading, extending Friday's large declines, after the cybersecurity firm's software update caused a global outage in Microsofts cloud services.

Meanwhile, shares of CrowdStrike's rivals Palo Alto Networks and SentinelOne are extending their gains.

Deutsche Bank analysts said CrowdStrike's competitors "will look to seize on CrowdStrike's misfortune."







CrowdStrike (CRWD) shares are falling more than 4% less than an hour before the opening bell Monday, extending Friday's 11% declines, after an update to the cybersecurity firm's software caused an outage in Microsofts (MSFT) cloud services and disrupted businesses worldwide.

Meanwhile, the shares of CrowdStrike competitors Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and SentinelOne (S), which rose Friday in the wake of the outage, continued their gains in premarket trading. SentinelOne shares are up about 5% and Palo Alto Networks 1%.

Rivals 'Will Look to Seize on CrowdStrike's Misfortune'

In a note Monday, Deutsche Bank analysts said that CrowdStrike shares face a "non-trivial downside risk" given that it's a "premium company" whose stock trades at 15 times 2025 revenue.

"No doubt competitors like SentinelOne, Microsoft, and even Palo Alto Networks will look to seize on CrowdStrike's misfortune," they said.

CrowdStrike short sellers made more than $373 million Friday after the cybersecurity firm's stock plunged, according to research firm S3 Partners.

Despite their recent declines, CrowdStrike shares are up almost 20% this year through Friday's close. CrowdStrike provides security software to customers and apart from Microsoft Azure, its cloud platform partners include Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google Cloud, and Amazon's (AMZN) Amazon Web Services (AWS).



Read the original article on Investopedia.
The Oho Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for the Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

As Ohioans wait to legally purchase recreational-use marijuana, Republican lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly are trying to regulate adult-use hemp products.

State Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, introduced House Bill 642 on Thursday which would require the Ohio Director of Agriculture to issue recommendations for adult-use hemp products.

If the bill were to pass, the Director of Agriculture (who is currently Brian Baldridge) would conduct and issue a report to the General Assembly about the sale and use of hemp products that could be used for intoxicating purposes. The report would be in consultation with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The report could include:

A definition of adult-use hemp products that could include restrictions on the amount of THC allowed in adult-use hemp products based on serving size.

Where adult-use hemp products may be sold and how those products are stored.

Minimum age requirements to purchase adult-use hemp.

Penalties for selling adult-use hemp products to someone who is underage.

Testing standards and requirements for adult-use hemp products.

Advertising restrictions and labeling requirements for adult-use hemp products.

How to enforce these recommendations, which could be giving inspection authority to the Ohio Investigative Unit in the Department of Public Safety.

If the recommendations are adopted, they would be in effect for one year.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called on lawmakers earlier this year to ban or regulate delta-8, which he called intoxicating hemp.

Delta-8 is made from hemp, so it is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill which says hemp can be grown legally if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Hemp and marijuana are both types of cannabis plants.

Delta-8 is 0.3% THC or less, meaning it is not currently regulated and there is no age requirement to buy it, so teenagers and children can purchase it. These products are sold in smoke shops and gas stations.

At the time of DeWines January press conference, there had been at least 257 reports of delta-8 poisoning in Ohio over the last three years, according to the Ohio Poison Control Center.

I cannot do anything without action by the state legislator, DeWine said during his January press conference. Im just asking the legislature to take action so we can get these products off the shelf. In the meantime, I would ask the retail establishments that are out there  the responsible thing to do is to take it off the shelf. We do need action by the state legislature to make this illegal.

Ohio Senate

Over in the Senate, Sens. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, and Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, introduced a bill at the end of May that would place restrictions on adult-use hemp products.

Senate Bill 278 would ban selling adult-use hemp products to people under 21. It would also require stores to keep adult-use hemp products behind the counter and ID customers who want to buy those products.

Ohio lawmakers are currently on break and not expected to come back until after the November election.

Marijuana in Ohio

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Ohio after the passage of Issue 2, there is still nowhere to legally purchase weed.

The Division of Cannabis Control has yet to issue certificates of operations to dispensaries which would allow them to start selling recreational marijuana.

More than 200 facilities have qualified for a provisional license, which is a placeholder while the provisional licensee works to meet the requirements to get a certificate of operation such as having an inspection and demonstrating that employees can tell the difference between medical and recreational sales.

Following successful completion of that process, Certificates of Operation will be issued based on roughly the order in which completed applications were received, James Crawford, spokesperson for the Division of Cannabis Control, said in an email.

Again, there have been no Certificates of Operation issued to dispensaries to begin selling non-medical cannabis at this point.

Of the 216 facilities that have a provisional license as of Friday, 133 are dispensaries.

License applications must be approved or denied by Sept. 7.

There will be no one singular day when sales begin, Crawford said. We will start issuing licenses and it will be up to the retailer based on staffing, stock and other considerations as to which day they will begin sales.

Four cultivators and six processors have received certificates of operation.

This is necessary because dispensaries are not able to sell non-medical product unless the cultivator, processor and lab that have touched that particular product have received their non-medical cannabis Certificate of Operation, Crawford said in an email.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

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The Gavel outside the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

The Ohio Supreme Court enforced the laws of grammar to reject a lower court decision that allowed closed-door discussions by the Stark County Board of Elections on the purchase of new voting machines.

The county board and other county officials were sued by an out-of-state entity, accused of violating state open meetings laws in 2020 and 2021, by discussing the purchase of Dominion Voter Systems machines in executive session, rather than in a public forum.

Ohios open meetings law allows executive sessions related to the purchase of property for three reasons: to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, the sale of property at competitive bidding, or the sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use property in accordance with (state law), if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest.

The appellate court ruled that the premature disclosure language only applied to the disposition of unneeded property, an interpretation of the law with which the state supreme court disagreed.

Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, who wrote the opinion in the unanimous court decision, said the exemptions specified in state law for a proper executive session to consider the purchase of property are all impacted by the clause on disclosure of information.

We apply the ordinary rules of grammar  specifically, the rules of punctuation  to determine the plain meaning of (the ORC provisions on executive sessions), Kennedy wrote. In doing so, we conclude that the premature-disclosure clause applies to all the permissible reasons listed in the provision for entering executive session.

The court reversed the decision of the appellate court, sending the case back down to its original court, the Stark County Court of Common Pleas.

The case dates back to 2018, when the Stark County Board of Elections was looking into new voting equipment. Two years later, after going into executive session to talk about the purchase of the equipment, the board voted in open session to purchase equipment from Dominion, with whom the county had done business since 2010, according to court documents.

The approval was passed on to the Stark County Board of Commissioners, who met in executive session multiple times to consider it, but ended up denying the recommendation in March 2021.

A separate lawsuit was filed, which also went to the Ohio Supreme Court, wherein the states highest court ordered the commissioners to buy the Dominion machines.

The current lawsuit was filed by Look Ahead America, a D.C.-based group that also touts the J6 Project, which the groups website states is an employment program for the political prisoners of January 6th, the date of the insurrection that took over the U.S. Capitol amid the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election results.

Dominion has been the subject of conspiracy theories and the target of criticism from those who deny the results and legitimacy of the 2020 election, in which President Joe Biden defeated former President Donald Trump. The misinformation campaign was so intense, Dominion and similar companies filed defamation suits against Trump allies, lawyers and even conservative news organizations.

In April of last year, Fox News settled with Dominion, agreeing to pay more than $787 million to avoid a trial. Other cases are still ongoing.

While Dominion was listed as a party in the Stark County case, it was dismissed in August 2021, and the countys board of commissioners was also dismissed.

The case must now go back to the Stark County court for a new trial to rule on the alleged open meetings violations, the state supreme court ruled.

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SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW)  The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a Chardon woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash on the Ohio Turnpike in Sandusky County.

The crash occurred on the Ohio Turnpike, east of the Route 51 interchange in Washington Township at 9:50 a.m. Monday.

According to investigators, a Kenworth T880 tractor-dump trailer, heading west, went off the side of the road, plowed through concrete barriers into the eastbound lanes and hit a Ford Escape.

Harris makes first public appearance since Biden bowed out of presidential race

The dump truck then crashed into a guardrail and a Kenworth T680 tractor-trailer, OSHP said.

Investigators say the Ford caught fire.

The Ford driver, 35-year-old Samantha Smith of Chardon, died at the scene.

Youre a monster: Local mom sentenced for murder

The Kenworth T880 driver, a 58-year-old Toledo man, was flown to Mercy Health  St. Vincent Medical Center for serious injuries.

The Kenworth T680 driver, a 43-year-old Illinois man, wasnt injured in the crash.

The eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike were closed for five hours Monday after the crash, which remains under investigation at this time.

According to information from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, all eastbound lanes on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 83 in Sandusky County had been closed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The Okhmatdyt Is Healthy Childhood non-profit foundation has announced a tender for the restoration of the hospital's exterior and interior decorating, which were damaged as a result of the Russian missile attack on 8 July.

Source: the Okhmatdyt website

Quote: "We are looking for reliable partners to perform construction and repair work in order to return our institution to normal functioning as soon as possible and make it even better," the statement said.

The project will be carried out using the Design-Build paradigm, which implies that the contractor will be in charge of both design and construction.

The tender winner will have ten days to prepare and approve the work schedule, 45 calendar days after signing the contract to install windows and do inside building repairs, and another five months to finish external work.

The work is backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Background: The 8 July Russian missile strike targeted the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialised Hospital in Kyiv, destroying and damaging buildings.

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President Joe Biden announced July 21 that he would not seek a second term in office, which has sparked varied reactions from political leaders in Oklahoma.

On Sunday, the President announced he no longer sought reelection after facing pressure from politicians within his party who doubted his ability to compete against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

"If President Biden is not well enough to be the next Democrat nominee, he is not well enough to continue serving as President. President Biden should resign immediately," Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen said in a press release. "Whoever is the Democrat nominee is going to have a tough time defending the Biden-Harris record, which has been marked by historic inflation, crime, and wide-open borders. The American people have seen enough."

Oklahoma State Senator Julie Daniels echoed similar sentiments.

U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma speaks at the Bartlesville Community Center on his Town Hall tour.

"Not at all surprised. I don't believe he is capable of fulfilling the duty of being President, and I haven't for a long time," Daniels said. "I find it ironic that those who claim Donald Trump is a threat to democracy are now fine with upending the democratic process of choosing a candidate for President. Honestly, he shouldn't have run because voters didn't have an opportunity to make a thoughtful decision."

On the other side of the political spectrum, local Democratic leaders expressed their gratitude for Biden's service and optimism for the future.

More: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after he drops out of 2024 election: Recap

"We're all very grateful for everything he's done," Celeste Cleary, chair of the Washington County Democrats, said. "He's the best President I've had in my lifetime. He has been in public service his whole life and we're grateful he's made another sacrifice for the good of the country he's loved so much."

Cleary also addressed the criticism surrounding Biden's decision not to seek reelection and the calls for his resignation, saying she "respects" Brecheen's opinion.

"I will always trust Biden will make the best decision for the country," she said. "It's a valid concern that President Biden has some health issues, and everyone should be able to share their opinion and talk about these things."

Cleary isn't worried about the criticism surrounding the democratic process within the party.

"I believe our country has a history of choosing candidates at conventions, and we are going to do that next month," Cleary said. "We have a democratic process and internal party process that accounts for things like this happening."

As the nation prepares for the next election cycle, the Democratic Party will now focus on selecting a new nominee at its national convention, which will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris is a likely contender.

"The Washington County Democrats are very excited to support Vice President Kamala Harris and get her elected in November," Cleary said.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Local political leaders react to Biden not to seeking reelection
Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) introduced a bill in the House on Monday that would mandate sex-neutral assessments for Secret Service agents, as some Republicans zero in on female agents after the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

Brecheens Secret Service Readiness Act would change the agencys fitness standards to be the same for all agents.

Enough with all the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives  we need our Secret Service agents to be fully prepared and trained to do their jobs, Brecheen said in a statement.

Conservatives quickly latched onto the idea that DEI contributed to the agencys security failures during the attempted assassination of Trump earlier this month, specifically the prevalence of female Secret Service agents, with some positing that women are less physically capable or that their inclusion in the service is woke.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other top security officials have strongly denounced such attacks.

In the days following the attempted assassination of former President Trump, some people have made public statements questioning the presence of women in law enforcement, including in the United States Secret Service, Mayorkas said in a statement Saturday. These assertions are baseless and insulting.

Members of Trumps inner circle, including his family, have also stuck up for female agents.

The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny in the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump last week, with some questioning how the gunman had access to a roof that had a clear line of sight to the former president.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced calls to resign amid the criticism. She was grilled by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Oklahoma state parks are falling apart, and legislative funding is delaying inevitable failures

Someone rides a jet ski at Lake Thunderbird State Park. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

Oklahoma lawmakers had the perfect opportunity to hit a homerun by giving the green light to a comprehensive plan designed to fix our ailing state parks.

Instead, they whiffed, and gave everyone who utilizes the parks the big fat L.

As a result, our state parks and the millions of people who visit them each year emerged from the session among the biggest losers.

Our Department of Tourism and Recreation officials had proposed an eight-year plan that would invest $350 million to fix our long-neglected parks.

Supporters argue that if properly maintained, our parks should be a tourist attraction not only for Oklahoma residents, but also those living in neighboring states like Texas who often venture here to enjoy our abundance of mountains and lakes. Right now, many of our parks are eyesores due to years of neglect.

To be clear, parks officials werent proposing vanity projects  like luxury lakefront cabins, statues paying homage to our leaders or five-star restaurants.

They wanted the funding to fix crumbling infrastructure that has careened from one crisis to the next. Theres a cave-in thats gone unfixed for at least five years. Cabins that are uninhabitable. Parks with failing sewer systems and gas lines. One park didnt even have safe drinking water for a time. Another has a water well that could rob a nearby community of water access when it fails.

Lawmakers though seemingly shrugged their shoulders at these potentially catastrophic issues that, left untreated, could sicken or kill someone.

Rather than embracing what appeared to be an inherently reasonable list that prioritized maintenance needs over the next eight years, legislators allocated a fraction of whats needed.

Just $35 million. Thats 10% of Tourism and Recreations proposal.

Of that, our parks will receive $12.5 million the first year and $7.5 million for the next three years.

Its well short of what it will take to adequately fix and keep up our the most basic systems to make the parks function. Now, half the needed repairs wont get done.

State officials over the decades have ensured theres a plethora of parks.

The problem is they love the idea of opening state parks so much, we now have over $1 billion in assets to care for.

And, it seems like everytime we turn around, theyre proposing adding another or pushing back against suggestions that we consolidate.

Even as park officials were unsuccessfully begging for a long-term maintenance plan this session, our tone deaf legislators were plowing ahead with a separate plan to turn Lake Hugo back into a state park. The state transferred ownership of the park in 2013 due to low attendance and budgetary problems.

Thankfully, the bill didnt make it to the governors desk.

We dont need additional state parks right now.

We cant even afford to take care of what we have. And, theres obviously little political appetite to find that funding.

The problem is it would look cool on campaign mailers to tell folks that you opened a state park. Its less glamorous to tell voters that you paid a fortune to fix a gas line that theyll probably never see until it explodes due to a lack of maintenance.

Now is perhaps the perfect time for our elected officials to do some soul searching about the future of our parks system.

Were now at a crossroads.

Our existing state parks  from Black Mesa to Beavers Bend  should be a natural wonder that all residents can enjoy.

They shouldnt be cesspools of decay and public health hazards.

Its time to fish or cut bait because one thing is clear: The current philosophy of kicking the can down the road isnt working anymore and our parks deserve better.

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Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a cooler than average 2024 fall season is ahead for Ohio

Sweater weather is on the way.

The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a cooler than average fall this year for Ohio. The publication also says the majority of the Buckeye State  except for the northwest section of Ohio  will see above average amounts of rain.

The Ohio fall forecast differs than much of the rest of the country, with the Old Farmer's Almanac predicting warmer fall weather elsewhere.

"Your trek to the pumpkin patch may be a bit steamy this year," Almanac meteorologists Bob Smerbeck and Brian Thompson wrote in their long-range forecast. "In fact, it should be quite warm for the western half of the United States!"

The forecast also calls for a busy remainder to hurricane season, as the Almanac predicts the 2024 hurricane count to be higher than last year's.

The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began in 1792, has made a name for itself by providing long-term weather forecasts on an annual basis. The book also gives readers full moon dates, recipes and various self-help tips.

The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a wetter than average fall in Ohio this year.

What's the average fall temperature in the Akron-Canton region?

Here's what a typical fall season looks like in the region, according to the National Weather Service:

September: 65.4 degrees

October: 53.7 degrees

November: 42.5 degrees

December: 33.0 degrees

What's the average precipitation levels for fall in the Akron-Canton region?

Here's what normal precipitation looks like in the fall for the Akron-Canton area:

September: 3.5 inches

October: 3.34 inches

November: 3.08 inches

December: 2.89 inches

What areas do the Almanac predict warmer than average temperatures?

Here are the regions that are expected to see warmer than average temperatures this fall, according to the Almanac:

The Heartland

Pacific Northwest and Intermountain

Texas-Oklahoma and High Plains

Pacific Southwest and Desert Southwest

Alaska

Hawaii

What areas do the Almanac predict cooler than average temperatures?

Here are the regions predicted to see cooler than average temperatures this fall, according to the Almanac:

Southeast and Florida

The Lower Lakes

Ohio Valley

The Appalachians

The Atlantic Corridor

Is the Old Farmer's Almanac accurate?

The Old Farmer's Almanac boasts an average accuracy of about 80% for its weather reports. (It predicted a hot and wet summer for Northeast Ohio.) Last year, it reported that its average was lower, coming in at around 64%. But many weather experts disagree, saying the Almanac's weather reports may be no better than chance.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Farmer's Almanac predicts 2024 fall weather in Ohio
Find out what the Old Farmer's Almanac says the fall has in store for Lower Hudson Valley

As we sweat through July, the Old Farmers Almanac predicts autumn will bring cooler-than-average temperatures to at least a chunk of Lower Hudson Valley.

Autumn precipitation is predicted to be near average in our region, while the rest of the state and through northern New England are eyed for below average, a summary of the almanac says.

The summary said average temperatures and below-average rainfall "could translate to some pretty foliage in the Northeastern region''  so, that could mean leaf peeping will be at its best a bit north of the Lower Hudson Valley.

Most of New York state is predicted to be near its average fall temperatures, but a southern sliver is marked for below average, a summary says. The annual almanac places that sliver (the map isn't precise about which counties/towns are included) in the Atlantic Corridor, which includes below-average temps for all of New Jersey and south of there, as well as most of Connecticut, all of Rhode Island and roughly half of Massachusetts.

The below-average-temperature sliver appears to include Westchester, Rockland, perhaps Putnam, as well as New York City and Long Island. And that might prove to be cold comfort.

Thats because the almanac is predicting a warmer-than-normal autumn this year overall, with the map showing the entire western U.S. blanketed in red  meaning above-average temperatures everywhere there, a news release says, adding: "Your trek to the pumpkin patch may be a bit steamy this year!"

The Old Farmer's Almanac releases a new edition annually by September. It says its forecasts are based on climatology, meteorology, and solar science. Robert B. Thomas, a Massachusetts school teacher and bookseller, started the almanac in 1792, while George Washington was in his first presidential term. Thomass annual pamphlet aimed to assist farmers for the optimal times to plant things, and he had a formula that used astronomical calculations to predict weather patterns.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: A Lower Hudson cooler-than-average fall? What Old Farmer's Almanac says
Joe Biden is out of the 2024 presidential race, and the Democratic Party already seems to be coalescing around Vice President Kamala Harris as the pick to replace him at the top of the ticket and take on Donald Trump.

Harris, a former senator and California attorney general, made a bid for the presidency once before in 2020, but lost to Biden in the Democratic primary. In the aftermath of Bidens resignation from the race, one of Harris 2019 ads attacking Trump has gone viral, with commentators pointing to it as an example of what voters may be getting as she goes head-to-head with the former president. Democratic delegates who will decide the nomination are taking notice.

The ad, written more than five years ago, still feels like a fresh, timely attack against Trump. I prosecuted sex predators. Trump is one. I shut down for-profit scam colleges. He ran one. I held big banks accountable. Hes owned by them. Im not just prepared to take on Trump, Im prepared to beat him, the posts caption reads.

Hes a world leader in temper tantrums, she never loses her cool, the video says of the two then-candidates. She prosecuted sex predators, he is one. The attack has taken on new resonance after Trump was found liable for sexual battery and defamation in a 2023 civil rape lawsuit brought against him by author E. Jean Carroll.

Hes tearing us apart, shell bring us together, the ad continues. This is Trump, and in every possible way, [Harris] is the anti-Trump.

I prosecuted sex predators. Trump is one.

I shut down for-profit scam colleges. He ran one.

I held big banks accountable. He's owned by them.



I'm not just prepared to take on Trump, I'm prepared to beat him. pic.twitter.com/bg4xZ4uLne  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 20, 2019

Jennifer Lazslo Mizrahi, a Democratic delegate from Maryland, says she and other delegates, many of whom are lining up behind Harris, have been been really, really impressed with what she offers, and how shes going about it. Shes just very strong.

Mizrahi cited the old Harris ad when speaking about her support, saying it shows the contrast between her and Donald Trump. I think its just very timely.

Mizrahi and other delegates will be casting their votes for a nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August  or sooner if the Democratic National Committee decides to move forward with plans to hold a virtual vote in the coming weeks. Given the number of prominent endorsements Harris is racking up as the party moves to unify around her, it seems exceedingly likely that she will be the nominee.

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(Bloomberg) -- Delta Air Lines Inc. expects to cancel more flights this week as the carrier tries to recover from a crippling technology outage.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The airline grounded nearly 900 flights as of Monday afternoon, bringing its total since Fridays meltdown to almost 4,700. Delta said it was working around the clock to restore operations, with more than half of its worldwide IT relying on Microsoft Corp.s Windows operating system affected by the software error.

Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said it could be days before Delta moves past the incident, according to a video message sent to employees Monday.

Delta has fared the worst among US carriers, with most other airlines getting back on track over the weekend. The problems began Friday with an outage caused by CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., rendering the airline unable to process changes to many flights and their crews. That created a cascading effect  not unlike that which paralyzed Southwest Airlines Co. in December 2022  leaving Delta unable to get its crews and planes fully aligned.

By the time they got their crew management system back online, they had a much more complex problem to solve than the other airlines, said Bob Edwards, a former chief information officer for United. Its taken them days longer to recover from the initial blow.

The situation comes after Delta earlier this month reported worse-than-expected financial results, sending its shares tumbling. Deltas stock fell 3.5% on Monday, cutting its gain for the year to about 9%.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was a vocal critic of Southwest for its IT issues, admonished Delta over the disruptions, saying the department had received reports of unacceptable customer service conditions in a post to social media platform X. Delta said CEO Bastian, who has apologized for the disruption, discussed the flight cancellation issues with Buttigieg on Sunday.

The cancellations lingered into a fourth day as rival carriers American Airlines Group Inc., United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Southwest parked a combined 79 planes as of mid-afternoon New York time, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Uniteds operations were back to normal on Monday, CEO Scott Kirby said in a letter to customers and employees. More than 26,000 computers and devices had to be manually fixed after almost all of the carriers systems were hit by the outage, he said. American didnt immediately respond to a request about its IT systems.

Story continues

Delta said that one of its most critical systems that ensures all flights have crews assigned to its planes is deeply complex and is requiring the most time and manual support to synchronize. The problems brought back memories of Southwests meltdown during a winter storm that overwhelmed its crew-scheduling system and forced the airline to scrap more than 16,700 flights over 10 days.

Deltas response raises questions about what lessons the airline industry learned from Southwests mishap, especially since it appears both crises were exacerbated by snowballing snafus involving difficulties in getting crews to cockpits. In both cases, the two airlines were forced to resort to analog-type workarounds to relieve the stress on their overburdened IT systems.

Bastian, Deltas CEO, conceded it hasnt been Deltas finest hour in the video to employees.

Its been a horrible weekend for us all, he said. This issue came out of nowhere.

That comes as cold comfort to passengers whove grown accustomed to velvet glove treatment  and being charged a premium for that. The companys business model relies on the carriers reputation for on-time, no drama flight service. But thats being challenged.

Irate passengers took to social media to vet their frustrations, with some comparing Delta unfavorably with lower cost rivals. Some vowed never to fly the airline again, but its unclear how much of a long-term impact this will have. Southwest bounced back fairly quickly from its woes despite concerns it would be wounded for some time by lasting memories of stranded travelers.

--With assistance from Danny Lee.

(Updates from fifth paragraph with comment from former United executive.)

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How old is Kamala Harris? Vice President's age amid her new presidential run.

The advanced ages of U.S. presidential candidates continue to be a major concern in the 2024 White House race. But after President Joe Biden's decision not to seek re-election, the 78-year-old Republican nominee Donald Trump, is now the oldest candidate still in the running.

The Trump campaign has repeatedly focused on the president's age, claiming that Biden, at 81 and only three years older than Trump, was not fit for the presidency. While the Democrats repeatedly defended the presidents mental fitness, the ongoing debate over age contributed to Biden's decision to drop his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris instead.

So how do candidate ages stack up now?

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris listens during a roundtable discussion at the NAACP National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S., July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah Beier

How old is Kamala Harris?

Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, marking her as one of the younger members of the baby boomer generation which lasted from 1946 to 1964.

When she was sworn in at age 56 in 2021, Harris became the first woman, the first Black American and the first South Asian American to hold the role of vice president.

As a presidential candidate, Harris' age puts her far closer to the median age for U.S. presidents at their first inauguration  55. Most Americans agree the president should be in their 50s when taking office, a Pew Research Center survey found. If elected, Harris would be 60 years old on inauguration day, nearly two decades younger than her opponent, Trump.

Sign up for Your Vote: Text the USA TODAY elections team your questions now and get breaking news updates.

How long did Kamala Harris serve in the Senate?

Harris became a U.S. Senator from California in 2017 when she was 52 years old, beating her opponent Rep. Loretta Sanchez for the seat of retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer.

But even before her time in national politics, Harris had a lengthy career serving in California District Attorney offices. In 1990, she worked in the Alameda County District Attorneys Office specializing in prosecuting child sexual assault cases. She became the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004 and took on the role of Attorney General of California six years later.

How old is Tim Walz?

Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was also born in 1964. He is 60 years old.

After his time in the Army National Guard and as a public school teacher, Walz served six terms in the House as U.S. Representative for Minnesota's first district. He was elected Minnesota's 41st governor in 2018.

How old is Douglas Emhoff?

Harris husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, is also 59 years old. He was born just a week before Harris on October 13, 1964.

Harris and Emhoff met in 2013 and married in 2014. They were set up on a date through a mutual friend. Emhoff is a former entertainment lawyer at DLA Piper, one of the worlds largest law firms. He took a leave of absence in 2020 when Harris joined the presidential race alongside Biden. During his time as the nations first Second Gentleman, he has advocated for womens rights, hosted an antisemitism roundtable with Jewish leaders and taught law classes at the Georgetown University Law Center.

How old is Donald Trump?

Born in 1946, Trump turned 78 on June 14, placing him toward the beginning of the baby boomer generation, in contrast to Harris.

Trump was 70 when he was inaugurated in 2017. At the time, he was the oldest president ever elected. Biden took that record from him upon his 2021 inauguration at age 78.

Trumps running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, is 39 years old.

How old do you have to be to be president?

Natural-born U.S. citizens must be at least 35 years old to be eligible to hold office. Senators must be at least 30 years old and representatives must be 25 years old.

How does the Electoral College work?: Know the voting process before November

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What are the requirements to be president?" to "Who was the youngest president ever?" to "Who was the first woman elected to Congress?"  we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris' age: Here's what generation the VP belongs to
One dead after RV crashes into overturned semi-truck in Grand County

GRAND COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A passenger was killed after an RV crashed into an overturned semi-truck in Grand County early Sunday morning, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

At around 4:50 a.m. on July 21, a semi-truck was reportedly heading eastbound on I-70 at milepost 200, around 10 miles west of the Utah-Colorado border.

The driver of the semi-truck veered right for an unknown reason, police said, going off the road before overcorrecting back to the left. The semi then overturned and came to a rest in the opposite lane.

This grass can go weeks without water  and Utah just approved it

An oncoming RV was unable to avoid the overturned semi, police said, crashing into the vehicle and killing a passenger of the RV.

The individual, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other injuries were reported in this incident.

No further information is available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
One dead, two injured after being hit by train in Van Buren

VAN BUREN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  One person was killed and two others were injured after they were struck by a train on Saturday night in Van Buren, according to the Van Buren Police Department.

VBPD said they received a call around 11:10 p.m. about two women being hit by a train near Lee Creek Park.

Once they arrived on the scene, the women said a man was hit by the train on a bridge and thrown into the water below.

Minor killed in crash involving semi in Sebastian County

The department said the man and the two women were hanging out on the train tracks and decided to take pictures on the bridge when a train traveled across the bridge and hit them.

Van Buren first responders along with the Crawford County Sheriffs Office and the Fort Smith Fire Department Dive Team helped locate the mans body in the water.

The man was identified as a 59-year-old from Rudy. VBPD said they are not releasing his name at this time.

The two womens injuries were considered non-life-threatening, according to the department.

VBPD said the mans body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock to determine the cause of death and that this is standard procedure for any death investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The one thing Kamala Harris must not do is embrace the memes

Kamala Harris is benefiting from coconut-pilled brat memes. Her campaign has to be careful about embracing them too much, though. Getty Images

For now, the coconut-pilled brat memes are great for Kamala Harris's momentum.

But it can kill the vibe whenever a politician or brand leans too hard into organic memes.

Young Democrats are still emotionally scarred from "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.

Kamala Harris is enjoying a moment in the viral sun  with her #KHive surging into the mainstream, admitting they've been "coconut pilled."

But Kamala's "brat summer" could end sooner than she'd like if Harris and the Democrats do the one thing that would kill the vibe: over-embrace the memes.

One coconut emoji too many, and Harris HQ could be veering into cringe, losing the coveted brain rot demographic.

They've already started to try to capitalize on the memes  a little: The Harris presidential campaign's official TikTok account posted Charli XCX's Sunday tweet that said: "Kamala is brat." The Kamala HQ bio also reads "ready to provide context," which is a reference to another Harris-related meme.

kamala IS brat  Charli (@charli_xcx) July 22, 2024

(If the coconut and brat references don't make sense to you, a brief explanation: Brat is a reference to Charli XCX's latest album, which has a girls-just-wanna-have-judgment-free-fun vibe. Saying something is "brat" is meant as a compliment in this case. And the "coconut" and "context" references refer to a clip of Harris retelling an anecdote her mother told her when she said, "Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?")

In all of these memes, the ratio of love to irony is difficult to parse  and if you're confused, don't worry; it's not just you.

Still, right now, the memes are flowing, and there's an organic buoyancy and joy to the coconut- and lime-green Charli XCX-themed posts.

Other politicians are getting in on it, too. Sen. Bryan Schatz of Hawaii posted a photo late Sunday of himself climbing a coconut tree.

Madam Vice President, we are ready to help. pic.twitter.com/y8baSx44FL  Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) July 22, 2024

For now, these subtle and immediate reactions haven't blown it (yet).

The Harris campaign and its supporters would miss a big opportunity if they completely ignored the organic internet buzz coming from some young voters. But leaning in much harder might backfire.

We saw how a viral moment can go flat with "Dark Brandon"  a meme that started as a joke about Joe Biden being secretly good at his job  a counter to the MAGA memes about Trump. But at some point, the Biden administration latched onto this meme and ran with it themselves. They killed it.

For The Atlantic, Charlie Warzel wrote about the "coconut-pilled" #KHive memedom and how it's a tactical moment:

 The semi-ironic "coconut-pilling" of leftists on X and TikTok reveals a larger opportunity for Democrats with Biden out of the race. Not only has the Trump campaign lost its most salient line of attack (that Biden is old and unfit for office), but it's now forced to compete for attention against a candidate who, should she become the nominee, can easily attract it in droves. Harris may not be extremely online herselfshe lacks the genuine social-media prowess of somebody like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezbut her age and vibrancy are still advantages online. Whereas the Biden campaign's Dark Brandon memes felt forced, Harris's efforts are likely to appear more authentic, maybe even fun.

The worst thing that could happen to the coconut-pilled momentum would be if Kamala Harris tweeted, "Let's work it out on the remix"  a reference to a track on the "brat" album  or a coconut emoji.

That would kill the vibes along the lines of one of the most cringe-worthy moments of Hillary Clinton's 2016 online strategy when she attempted to ride the internet zeitgeist.

Even still today, the chorus of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" triggers a Pavlovian response of loathing and disgust among young liberals as a relic of the maximum millennial cringe.

Katy Perry, who performed at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, has found herself stuck in the millennial girlboss tarpits with her latest female-power-anthem single for these same reasons.

Corniness and cringe lurk around every corner. Sometimes, time is the only factor needed: Internet excitement ages like milk.

The @KamalaHQ account has now surged past 800k followers. Fast approaching 1 million-- let's gooo! pic.twitter.com/qMYVn1BOtV  Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) July 22, 2024

Of course, politics isn't the only sphere where leaning into memes can be cringe.

The mid-2010s trend of big brands like Dennys or Arby's leaning into internet trend memespeak was charming at first but eventually met a backlash.

For now, there's a moment of playfulness and fun with the organically occurring Harris fan posts. Some of it is genuine enthusiasm about the candidate, some of it is nihilistic irony, and some is a little of both.

Memes are, by nature, like weeds  growing best when uncultivated. If the Harris campaign wants to let this internet goodwill keep flowing, it should be very cautious not to overwater the seeds.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Only one third of the Florida Legislature races will have primaries

Voting sign in the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church polling location in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 19, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

Floridians have until Monday to register to vote in the primaries on Aug. 20. This year, all of the seats in the state House and half of the Senate posts are technically up for grabs; in practice only one third of those races will feature primaries.

The states closed-primary system means that if there are multiple candidates for one party, only registered voters of that party can participate in that election. However, if there is only one or no candidate for a specific party, then a primary for that party wont happen.

Although the vast majority of state legislative races wont have primaries this year, the GOP will have 27 primaries and Democrats will have 19.

Florida Senate elections in odd-numbered districts

Nine, or 45%, of 20 seats in the Senate, will have primary elections on Aug. 20. But only Senate District 25, which consists of Osceola and parts of Orange County, will have primaries for both Democrats and Republicans  three Democrats are looking to secure the election, and two Republicans want the seat. Senators serve staggered four-year terms.

Most incumbents are skating through to the general election, but three senators face primary challengers: Democrat Tracie Davis of Duval County, Democrat Geraldine Thompson of Orange County, and Republican Ed Hooper of Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Both challengers to Davis and Hooper are political newcomers. Francky Jeanty, who is running for Davis' seat, runs a college consulting business, and District 21 candidate John Siamas is a U.S. Navy veteran and tax accountant. On the other hand, Randolph Bracy, who is going for the Central Florida seat, was a state senator just two years ago. He ran for Congress, but Maxwell Alejandro Frost defeated him.

Democrats in the Senate have already won a seat even before the primary and general election because the GOP didn't put up a candidate against Carlos Guillermo Smith in Central Florida's Senate District 17. He served in the House between 2016 and 2022.

Republican Reps. Tom Leek of Volusia County and Randy Fine of Brevard County are looking to move to the upper chamber in separate races. They won't be able to campaign against Democratic candidates unless they win their primaries. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Leek and Fine got the nod from former President Donald Trump.

Fewer than a third of House races will have primaries

Every seat in the Florida House will be on the ballot November but only 33 House districts are set to have primaries next month. House members serve two-year terms.

Since last month, the Florida Democratic Party has been celebrating its feat of running candidates in every congressional and legislative election. In fact, the party has already secured nine seats in the House that Republicans aren't challenging. When it comes to the primaries, Republican voters will have a wider range of choices because the party will have 22 primaries, whereas Dems will have 14.

Additionally, 10 incumbents face primary challengers, including Democrats Angie Nixon and Kimberly Daniels of Duval County, Bruce Antone and Rita Harris of Orange County, Daryl Campbell of Broward County, and Ashley Gantt of Miami-Dade County; and Republicans Brad Yeager of Pasco, James Buchanan of Sarasota County, Dana Trabulsy of Port St. Lucie County, and Fabian Basabe of Miami-Dade.

Floridians can register to vote or change their party affiliation through the Florida Online Voter Registration System or in person at their local supervisor of elections office.
What is an open convention? Here's how Dems could challenge Harris' nomination

Democratic heavyweights helped throw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris ascending to the top of the partys presidential ticket on Sunday, but its still at least possible for now that she could face a challenge at the national convention.

President Joe Bidens decision to abandon his reelection campaign on Sunday tossed the White House race into a state of uncertainty that could linger heading into the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

Biden and party elders such as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a smattering of members of Congress, and Democratic delegates quickly cast their lot with Harris.

But that does not ensure she inherits the nomination that Biden had locked down.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., thanked Biden for stepping out of the race, but she didnt endorse Harris. Pelosi reportedly has remained committed to an open nomination battle.

Vice presidential contenders? Mark Kellys name is being floated for the ticket. Who else is on the list?

Democrats' nominating rules could complicate decision

The Democrats nominating rules make it difficult to challenge for the nomination at the convention, but there is a way to do so.

Any challenge must be made in writing no later than the day before the convention begins, Aug. 19, according to rules adopted by the party two years ago. The challenger must agree to be in the running, which eliminates the possibility of a draft movement for any candidate.

And, importantly, a challenger needs the support of at least 300 delegates. No state can provide more than 50.

Arizona, for example, has 85 delegates; California has 495, according to the Green Papers, a website that tracks the delegate counts.

Biden won about 95% of the Democrats pledged delegates during the primary selection process.

With him out of the race, those delegates have latitude to vote for another candidate. The inertia of people like Biden and the Clintons could smother drama from carrying on for more than a few days.

One person who seemed a possible rival was California Gov. Gavin Newson. But he, too, endorsed Harris on Sunday evening.

Any of a handful of Democratic governors could mount a challenge, though none of them indicated they were even considering it in their immediate response to Bidens decision. Those governors, coming from Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, are viewed as in the running for the vice-presidential pick by Harris.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who is also a VP possibility, pointedly supported the Biden-Harris ticket until Bidens decision and then he said he was backing Harris.

'An absolute earthquake': How Fox News and CNN reacted to Biden dropping out of the race

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Support builds for Kamala Harris but there's still a way to challenge
Keli Goff, a Daily Beast columnist and contributor to KCRW's Left, Right & Center, was nominated for two Emmy Awards for the documentary Reversing Roe.

I strongly believe a womana Black womancan become president of the United States. I just dont believe Kamala Harris can. So, while it pains me to say it, I hope she will consider following Joe Bidens lead by putting the country first and stepping aside.

My family, some of whom agree with me on this, worried writing this column would disappoint other Black women who disagree. Those same Black women, however, will be hurt worse by the election of Donald Trump again. Despite her general favorability ratings being lower than Donald Trumps and four preceding vice presidents, I was still open to being convinced that Kamala Harris has a viable path to the presidency.

In addition to data showing she underperforms compared to Biden among women and non-Black minorities, recent polling of Black voters provided a much-needed reality check. A recent poll of Black voters in swing states found that Harris polls a couple of points better than Bidenboth landing in the 70s, behind former President Barack Obama, whose favorables stand at 90 percent and whose unfavorables are at 10 percent. The vice presidents unfavorables among Black voters stand at 22 percent.

Joe Biden Drops Out of 2024 Race and Endorses Kamala After 23-Minute Pause

To some that may sound insignificant, but when considering how close our last few elections have been, its not. Consider this: In 2008 Obama won 95 percent of Black male voters and 96 percent of Black women. His next election he won 96 percent of Black women and 87 percent of Black men. Hillary Clintons support among Black men slipped to 82 percent and her support among Black women to 94 percent. She lost. Black voters comprise approximately 25 percent of the Democratic voting bloc.

That means if a Democratic candidate doesnt knock it out of the park with Black voters, things turn pretty desperate pretty fast. For Kamala Harris, they already are. Like Hillary Clinton, Kamala is a known quantity, with sky-high name recognition. She also happens to be a Black woman. Why arent her numbers higher? The truth is Ive been asking versions of this question for a while.

My alarm bells first started ringing when during her disastrous run for the presidency in 2019, a number of older Black women, from varied backgrounds, told me they didnt like Kamala Harris. Some of their reasons struck me as underwhelming. She was described as arrogant. (OK, but plenty of men are too.)

Some said she had relied on her looks to get ahead, a theory bolstered by President Obama referencing her good looks at a fundraiser. (OK, but if Gavin Newsom were short, and bald would he be governor?) I also heard plenty of, theres just something about her. After todays announcement, right-wing broadcaster Matt Walsh attacked Kamala in horrifying terms.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on July 4. Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

When it comes to politicians and popularity, the unsaid is often more important than what is said. Something about her, is a favorite phrase reserved for women people simply dont like. It covers a lot of ground, including the possibility that a person simply reminds you of the girl from high school who made you feel small, even if she didnt mean to.

On Sunday, the New York Times spoke to Black voters with doubts about Harris path to victory. Even in 2024, America is not ready for a Black, female president, Don Johnson, a 65-year-old truck driver from Milwaukee, said, adding that he would support her. I think shes a pretty good politician but overall it boils down to race and gender. And America is going to hold that against her.

Realizing their importance, Harris supporters are already focused on galvanizing Black female voters, with a planning and rousing morale-building call Sunday night, Win With Black Women, attended by an estimated 34,000 women.

Personally speaking, Ive noticed that the women who seem to like Kamala most are women like me: I have a graduate degree, I am child-free by choice, and I admire bossy women, probably because every now and then I get called one myself. I dont consider any of these qualities bad things, but a lot of Americans do, including, apparently some women. If that werent the case, Hillary Clinton would have become president.

If Kamala Harris comes across as the cocky homecoming queen, then Hillary was the know-it-all valedictorian who made others feel dumb. She first famously drew the ire of stay-at-home moms for defending her choice not to stay home baking cookies. Frankly, that made me like her more, but women like me are not the majority and Hillary Clinton didnt win the presidency and we were left Donald Trump, Part 1.

If Kamala Harris is the nominee I believe we will get to see Donald Trump, the sequel. Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong and for my friends who will hate this column to eventually tease me about how wrong I was. If I am right, however, and Kamala and her supporters, driven by their own desire to see history made, help elect Donald Trump, then Kamalas legacy will end up just as damaged as another feminist shero who didnt know when to exit stage left gracefully.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sarah Silbiger/Reuters

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her fans allowed the cult of RBG to blind them from what was in the best interests of those she claimed to care about. By refusing to relinquish her power in a timely fashion she ultimately gave her power to conservatives. Now RBGs fans seemed poised to do it all over again.

Im already tired of this three-ring-circus of an election. Im tired of living in perpetual terror about the future of our country, and Im tired of arguing about the same politicians we have for the last decade, including Biden, Trump and yes, Kamala Harris. Im also tired of trying to defend a woman that some people may not like because of racism, sexism and others simply because there is just something about her. The reasons people dont want to vote for someone dont have to make sense, but if those reasons are ingrained the only choice is to either accept losing their votes, or give them alternatives.

Val Demings. Marco Bello/Reuters

With that in mind, its time to turn the page. Republicans did that brilliantly by choosing J.D. Vance, not simply because hes young but because hes not weighed down by the baggage all of these other old-school candidates (including Trump) seem to be carrying. In addition to male candidates like war veteran Jason Kander of Missouri, former Ohio congressman Tim Ryan, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, there are other Black and Asian women who represent the very best of our countrys diverse leaders.

Val Demings may have lost her Florida Senate race, but her law and order record, and credibility on crime would make her a viable contender. California senator Laphonza Butlers deep roots among organized labor would also make her a great addition to any ticket. Michelle Kwans journey from trailblazing Olympian to ambassador and Sen. Tammy Duckworths record as a veteran and role model for those with disabilities also make them candidates worthy of serious consideration.

There also those who I consider fantasy draft picks, like Ursula Burns, the first Black female Fortune 500 CEO and Mellody Hobson, who in addition to her own extraordinary business record, is telegenic, and has strong Hollywood ties that would make fundraising a cakewalk.

The bottom line is, I wish I had the luxury of convincing other Americans to like the people and politicians I do, but I dont. So if asking someone I admire to step aside will help save democracy, Im willing to do it.

I just hope Kamala Harris loves America as much as I do.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Updated

After nearly three decades working in education, I would hardly call myself naive. Ive been a school counselor, principal and district superintendent. Ive served or worked in rural, urban and suburban schools. Along the way, Ive received recognition for closing learning gaps, increasing graduation rates and recruiting male teachers of color to the workforce.

Yet, for all my experience, theres one thing I underestimated: chronic absenteeism and the challenge of addressing the many factors that contribute to it.

I now recognize that chronic absenteeism is a symptom of deeper, systemic issues in schools and broader society. The reasons for missing class are complex, representing a confluence of school, home and community factors. Logistical challenges like transportation or lack of child care can pose insurmountable barriers, while young people who lack a sense of belonging at school or are generally disengaged may simply opt out.

Because students and families are the groups most impacted by these impediments to attendance, they must also be a part of developing the solutions. Research consistently shows that engaging communities leads to innovative and effective solutions.

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Im encouraged by the efforts Ive seen through my work with Digital Promises Center for Inclusive Innovation. Inclusive innovation  an education research and development model that fosters deep district-community partnership to create novel student-centered solutions  is an opportunity for students and families, who are often excluded from positions of influence in education, to lead, participate in and benefit from problem solving and decision making. Inclusive innovation is not a new concept, but it is underutilized  and has the potential to significantly impact the nations attendance crisis.

To that end, Digital Promise has launched Chronic Absenteeism: Insights and Innovations  a six-month cohort supporting 17 school districts ranging from suburban California to rural Ohio. The goal is to address chronic absenteeism through the deep investigation of its root causes, collaboration among districts around shared challenges and partnerships with students and families to identify solutions for improving attendance in their communities.

With the potential to impact more than 210,000 students, the cohort will develop strategies that meet the unique needs of their students and families, together with and alongside their students and communities. These districts will develop a chronic absenteeism blueprint by conducting data analysis; identifying the systems, conditions and processes needed to improve attendance; and engaging students in the design and development of solutions.

El Segundo Unified School District, Greenfield Union School District, Lynwood Unified School District and Mountain View Whisman Schools in California; Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Colorado; Wilmington Learning Collaborative in Delaware; NOLA Public Schools in Louisiana; Roselle Public Schools in New Jersey; East Irondequoit Central School District, Hudson City School District, Mount Vernon School District and Suffern Central School District in New York; Springfield City Public Schools in Ohio; Allentown School District and Elizabeth Forward School District in Pennsylvania; Richland School District 2 in South Carolina; and Spokane Public Schools in Washington.

The cohort will be co-led by Lynwood Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite, whose district is making progress in addressing chronic absenteeism. To start, the district asked a basic question of families: What conditions and barriers are preventing each and every student from participating and engaging in school?

To find answers, Lynwood, which is over 90% Latino/a, distributed four surveys and hosted in-person meetings with families to hear their concerns. They increased communications with parents, including a social media campaign highlighting real students and their positive experiences in school, to remind families how being present and engaged can contribute to young peoples physical and mental well-being. As a result of these efforts, the district went from 1,200 students who attended virtually last year to 55 attending online this year and the rest returning to classes in person.

Lynwood is also improving attendance among foster youth through a program created with student councils and staff. The program hires foster youth, who have lower attendance rates than other students, to work in their schools front offices or provide tutoring. This motivates these students because they know they know they have a purpose, build relationships with caring adults and are seen as role models to their younger peers. It also sets them on a pathway to entry-level jobs within the school district or at partnering agencies and afterschool programs, guiding them toward potential careers in education as well.

Another promising approach also draws a clear connection between attending school and students career and employment prospects:

Digital Promises district- and community-led cybersecurity initiative provides access to inclusive STEM pathways for high schoolers in 10 school districts, from Alabama to New York. Students participate in a three-year, in-school cybersecurity program, earning industry-valued credentials and, ultimately, opportunities to secure employment and/or enroll in vocational and trade schools or colleges and universities in a related field. In all 10 districts, actual enrollment doubled or tripled projections due to student and parent demand. And those districts have seen a decrease in absenteeism among students in the program.

For school leaders who want to develop lasting solutions for chronic absenteeism, the first step is to ensure the conditions  and the commitment  are in place to work alongside students, families and community members. This will lead to the next, crucial step: building trust and relationships to design and sustain solutions that enable all students to participate, engage in and thrive at school.
President Joe Biden walks out to the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Sept. 27, 2022. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21, 2024, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. | Susan Walsh

President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the race for a second term Sunday was more a result of uncontrollable circumstances than a political failure.

The effects of age and declining health are beyond control, and they can nullify normal political considerations. Absent these factors, Biden likely still would be the presumptive Democratic nominee.

However, Bidens announcement on X Sunday was indeed historic, especially coming this late in the campaign season. But the unfolding event will not shake the nations institutions or its ability to conduct a fair and honest election. This is an opportunity for both Republicans and Democrats to embrace the democratic process.

Biden left under intense pressure from leaders of, and major donors to, his party. This means dismantling a campaign apparatus that was well underway. Whoever is the new nominee will face huge logistical hurdles, as well as the challenge of introducing himself or herself to the nation.

Biden had no serious challenger for the nomination, which means the public will know little about his replacement on the ballot, even if the replacement is the current vice president.

The change might also produce angst among some Americans who worry about the nations overall stability. But this should not be a concern. Americas institutions are sound and holding firm.

The legislative branch  Congress  still operates and still holds the power to draft law, despite many of its members undergoing reelection campaigns of their own. The judiciary is intact. A number of recent Supreme Court decisions may have rankled various factions, but they convincingly demonstrated the independence of that branch, as well as its concern for law and the Constitution above all else.

And President Biden, despite his lame-duck status, remains in charge of the executive branch, with the authority to deal with foreign threats and to sign or veto legislation.

All three branches are independent and coequal. The nations founders were wise to establish a system that isnt dominated by one person or institution, despite the recent growing clout of the presidency.

Among the checks on presidential power was, as a 2019 essay in Harvard Law Today put it, that presidents had to get re-elected.

Which brings us to an institution about which Americans should be unequivocally confident. Despite erroneous complaints that the 2020 election suffered from massive fraud, this was not true. The Trump administration filed 62 lawsuits alleging improprieties. None were successful.

The now-popular notion of a rigged election in some circles is a big and insidious lie.

Americans may expect fair and accurate elections this year, as well. U.S. elections are governed primarily on a county basis, and the United States has 3,143 counties, each with its own rules and election methods. Widespread fraud would require an unthinkable array of multiple conspiracies involving tabulators, machines that are regularly audited, canvass procedures that include audits of actual tabulations and election judges.

And that election system also includes nominating procedures adopted by major political parties.

Whoever obtains the Democratic nomination for president will have done so without having to survive a single primary election. However, an open convention, should it come to that, would be an opportunity for candidates to appeal to delegates who represent party voters.

This wouldnt be new. Its easy to forget that primaries are a fairly recent method for assigning delegates to candidates. Party conventions used to exist for the sole purpose of choosing a candidate and drafting a platform. The last open convention for Democrats was in 1968.

The Republican nomination of 1880 may have presented the messiest example of such a convention. James Garfield, who had not been a candidate, was chosen on the 36th ballot, after what had seemed like an unbreakable logjam among official candidates. He went on to become president.

Much can happen between now and the start of the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19 in Chicago. The party could decide to continue with a virtual vote, which had been planned as a way to nominate Biden before the convention. But his almost 3,900 delegates would not be required to throw their support to his choice, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Also, as The Washington Post has reported, time is a factor. Some states have August deadlines for appearing on ballots. In some parts of the country, early voting begins in September. The Democratic Party has incentives to choose a candidate and running mate early.

Either way, however, systems and rules are in place to guide the outcome to a spirited contest between Trump, whomever the Democrats select, and those representing other parties and concerns.

Bidens late decision to leave the race may pose problems, but these are surmountable. Americans will face two major-party choices this fall. The unfolding details may be different than anything encountered before, but the nations institutions are intact and working as designed.
Consumers love a good deal.

But what they don't like is when a price is different for each consumer, a concept known as surge, variable, or dynamic pricing.

According to a new NerdWallet study, which looks at how some Americans feel about that pricing model, 22% of respondents said they would boycott a business that uses it.

But that can be nearly impossible to do, Sara Rathner, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, told USA TODAY. Consumers are probably already shopping at retailers that use dynamic pricing and may not be aware, she said.

Shoppers who boycott those businesses could also be missing out on deals, NerdWallet said.

What is dynamic pricing?

Dynamic, or surge, pricing is the practice of changing the cost of a product based on supply and demand.

Most consumers already know about surge pricing for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft during periods of high demand, but they may not know that they are already shopping from a growing number of businesses that utilize that same model, including Amazon and airlines, Rathner said.

Dynamic pricing has been around for a long time; we just didn't used to call it that.

Woman online shopping on smartphone

For instance, consumers who buy gas for their cars have long beeen subject to a shifting tab, she said.

"That's at least one instance in your life where you are in fact subject to dynamic pricing," Rathner said. Customers have also been subject to that model when grocery prices go up after a supply-chain issue, she added.

The airline industry has also used dynamic pricing for years, said Savannah Wei Shi, an associate professor of marketing at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.

Consumers get different prices for tickets based on when they buy and the availability of seats, Shi, whose area of research focuses on consumer decision making on various digital platforms, said.

But more businesses are now following suit, said Shi.

"Nowadays when you shop online and on digital platforms such as Amazon or a lot of e-commerce websites, you actually encounter a lot of dynamic pricing," but you just may not be aware of it, Shi told USA TODAY.

When does dynamic pricing feel unfair?

Consumers need to weigh what data they are allowing businesses to collect from their purchase habits, which could result in their individual price fluctuating  either up or down  based on dynamic pricing, Shi said.

That model starts to feel unfair when the price you pay is specifically targeted or based on individualized data that has been collected on your use or your perceived need for that product, said Shi.

People are more accepting of differences in prices if it involves a group of customers instead of an individual, she said.

Story continues

"At a gas station, I wouldn't feel angry if another 500 people were getting the same price as me, but I would feel really angry if I walked in and the gas station owner looked at my purchase history and the type of car I was driving and gave me a specific price just for me," Shi explained.

Shoppers can turn off third-party tracking and delete purchase histories if they want to avoid a business using that data to potentially set prices in the future, Shi said. But on the flip side, the consumers also could lose out on recommended products on sites like Amazon or lower prices based on those purchases, she said.

For instance, insurance providers offer customers a discount if the customer will agree to share driving data. The consumer needs to decide if the discount is worth the lack of privacy, she said.

There may also be certain categories where consumers are more willing to accept surge-pricing, like when ordering an Uber during times of high-traffic or demand, said Rathner.

Wendy's earlier this year announced that it would begin testing as early as next year changing the price of chicken nuggets and a chocolate frosty based on demand. But the fast-food restaurant said it changed its mind after negative reactions from the public.

And while dynamic pricing is legal, Shi said it becomes illegal when dynamic pricing is based on factors, such as race or gender.

There is also a difference between dynamic pricing and price gouging, said Rathner with NerdWallet. Price gouging can happen after natural disasters when grocery stores and gas stations significantly raise their prices when consumers have few options, she said.

Savings: Back-to-school shopping 2024 sales tax holidays: See which 17 states offer them.

Consumers want to save money with dynamic pricing

Some consumers are open to shifting prices if it will save them money. The NerdWallet study found a quarter of Americans said they would only spend money at a business that uses dynamic pricing when prices are down.

For those looking for dynamically priced deals, consumers can use apps to help them find those businesses, like a gas-price app, said Rathner.

Shoppers can also choose to travel during non-peak days or times of year to try to find savings, she said.

"Flexibility can really be your best friend," she said.

"There are moments you can vote with your wallet and make very specific purchasing decisions in a way that you can buy the things you need or want at more favorable prices," Rathner said. But "there are also moments where you might have to spend a little more. It might make you uncomoftable, but if you're able to save in other areas, if frees up more cash for those moments when you don't have as many choices."

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays,here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can consumers avoid dynamic pricing or surge pricing?
Is the Kamala Harris now being hailed as the Democrats saviorand who has prompted a huge injection of energy, enthusiasm and cash over the last 24 hoursthe same person who crashed and burned so disastrously in her campaign for the Presidential nominee in 2019?

Democrats better hope not.

If Harris is to stand any chance of defeating former president Trump in November, she will have to learn quickly from the missteps and mistakes that beset her 2019 primary campaign. And there were many.

Joe Biden Drops Out and Takes 23 Minutes to Endorse Kamala Harris

When Harris stepped out in front of 20,000 people in front of Oakland's Town Hall on Martin Luther King Day in January 2019 there were heady comparisons with Obama (whose 2007 campaign launch attracted 15,000 in Chicago). Days later a Monmouth University poll placed her third in the race, trailing only Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.

It proved a false dawn.

Harris quit the primary race 10 months later, before a single vote had been cast. By then her campaign was a shambles. She was hemorrhaging cash and she was floored in the polls. She was beset by acrimonious staff departures and had been heavily criticized for policy u-turns, uneven debate performances and a failure to build a cohesive campaign narrative.

Her rise was meteoric, but her fall was precipitous.

As the New York Times noted, days before she pulled out, in December 2019, "There is only one candidate who rocketed to the top tier and then plummeted in early state polls to the low single digits: Ms. Harris." A few days later when she announced she was quitting the race, DC news site, Politico, didn't pull its punches, "The spectacular collapse of Kamala Harris."

Days earlier, her senior campaign aide, Kelly Mehlenbacher, had just written a blistering takedown of the Harris campaign, which was leaked to the press. This is my third presidential campaign and I have never seen an organization treat its staff so poorly. With less than 90 days until Iowa we still do not have a real plan to win. An anonymous senior Harris aide told Politico, that the campaign had,

No discipline. No plan. No strategy.

Days later she pulled out.

Democratic U.S. presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and billionaire activist Tom Steyer listen as Senator Kamala Harris speaks during the fifth 2020 campaign debate at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., November 20, 2019. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Kamala Harris' problems were twofoldpersonal and political. In debate after debate she was overly-mannered and struggled to convey authenticity. She had pre-prepared answers and put-downs that often fell flat. On policy, she too often seemed uncertain and failed to plot a decisive course, and stick to it.

Her campaign style, and particularly in debates, was to rely on a prosecutorial experience citing empirical evidence and setting out the case. It was cold, and often seemed aloof.

And on policy issues, she often came unstuck. In June 2019 when asked by moderators at a debate which candidates would abolish private health insurance, Harris raised her hand. A day later, Harris changed her position, claiming she had misheard the question.

It was often difficult to decipher what she stood for on critical issues like criminal justice, which, as a former prosecutor, ought to have been her strongest suit. Instead, as the New York Times reported at the time, "Ms. Harris said she was being deliberate, but several aides familiar with the process said she was knocked off kilter by criticism from progressives and spent months torn between embracing her prosecutor record and acknowledging some faults."

Supporters of Harris, rightly, point out that she was freighted with too heavy a burden throughout her career, and certainly as Vice President. They claim she has been the subject of more intense scrutiny than most.

As the Washington Post wrote yesterday, Harris entered the history books the moment she was inaugurated as the first woman and the first person of Black and Asian descent to win a nationally elected office. One senior staffer told the Post, People expected her to make history every time she walked into a room, and added that many of the attacks appeared to be rooted in racism and misogyny. It was an impossible standard.

Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, White House, April 10, 2024. Bonnie Cash/Reuters

The Kamala Harris of 2019 ought not to be the Kamala Harris of 2024. Four years of intense political experience at the heart of the White House operation will have strengthened her hand. Most notably, she has campaigned vigorously on women's reproductive rights since the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision in 2022 to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade ruling and the subsequent move by Republican states to restrict access to abortion. On this critical issue, she will bring the fight to Trump.

But now her challenge now is a wider one, and one that any Democratic nominee will facehow to build an anti-Trump coalition in the six swing states that will decide this election. She will need to appeal to people of color, farmers, suburban women, rustbelt and sunbelt voters in order to plot a path to victory in November.

Many believe she is ready to do that, and that the learnings of the last four years will see Harris emerge as a more assured, confident campaigner, ready to take the fight to Trump.

We may be about to find out.

Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state representative and longtime Harris supporter said yesterday, You see her becoming more comfortable with being a vice president. And she now has a team of people around her that have strengthened her, and the stories that are coming out of D.C. are changing. The narrative has changed.

Democrats better hope so.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado parade through a crowd of supporters during a campaign rally this month in Valencia, Venezuela, on July 13. (Ariana Cubillos / Associated Press)

Elections in other countries dont usually affect daily life in the United States. But the vote Venezuelas authoritarian government plans to hold Sunday is an exception. Its likely to have consequences for immigration to the United States, the U.S.-Mexico border and perhaps even the race for the White House.

If Venezuelas socialist president, Nicolas Maduro, secures another term  which, given his opponents 25- to 30-point lead in the polls, would require massive fraud  even more Venezuelans will flee their country and its collapsed economy, joining the nearly 8 million already abroad. A recent survey suggested that more than 10% of the countrys population would try to emigrate if Maduro retains power. Many will head for the United States, possibly reinforcing Donald Trumps claims of an out-of-control border and diminishing Democrats prospects.

But if opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia wins in a landslide as the polls predict  and if, against all odds, a critical mass of Maduro government insiders acknowledge it  Venezuela might be poised to turn a corner toward greater stability, more democracy and less emigration.

Read more: Opinion: Organized crime threatens Latin America's democracies and fuels migration. The U.S. can help

That is what Maria Corina Machado, the oppositions charismatic leader, has promised as she has crisscrossed the country uniting voters behind Gonzalez. (Machado herself would be on the ballot if the government hadnt barred her from running.)

While Machado promises that the elections can bring change  and many Venezuelans are eager to believe her  theres no ignoring the obvious: Maduro, with U.S. Department of Justice charges, a U.S. State Department bounty and an International Criminal Court investigation of extrajudicial killings and torture hanging over his head, has every incentive to fight to remain in power regardless of the results. Many expect that he will rig the election as he has before and use the military to crush any postelection protests.

His government has already targeted numerous people tied to Machado, from her top bodyguard to vendors who sold her empanadas. On Thursday, she accused government agents of cutting her cars brakes.

Read more: Opinion: From Mexico to Brazil, Latin America's democracies face a common threat from within

But Venezuelans might not be hoping for change in vain. Authoritarians sometimes lose control of elections, even those they try to script in advance. The Philippines, Chile, Nicaragua and, more recently, Guatemala and Honduras have all seen autocrats head confidently into elections they thought they could control only to find they couldnt. Opposition landslides were too big to erase with fraud, attempts to deny the results sparked mass protests, or government insiders and militaries defected, leaving autocrats isolated.

The chances of such a scenario playing out in Venezuela, while low, are not zero. What might force Maduro to accept a loss? Three factors have mattered elsewhere and are likely to matter in Venezuela too: the military, the voters and other countries in the region.

For an autocrat, the support of military generals is the ultimate backstop. With the guys with guns on your side, you can ride out almost any amount of popular pressure. Here, Maduro seems to have his bases covered: He controls the military with a system of carrots and sticks. The carrots include military control of key sectors of the economy and organized crime. The sticks are kidnapping and torture of those suspected of disloyalty by Venezuelan and Cuban counterintelligence agents.

If the military abandons Maduro after the vote  a big if  it will be because the carrots have run out and the opposition promised protection from prosecution. The middle ranks of the armed forces  who are more likely to experience the deprivation of ordinary life in Venezuela than to share the generals spoils  are already unhappy, according to a leading expert. And between the Biden administrations renewed sanctions on Venezuelan oil and Maduros spending to get out the vote, the president could be running short on cash to line the generals pockets. Some see signs of slipping resolve in security forces relative restraint in countering some recent opposition demonstrations.

The countrys electorate is another key factor. For years, infighting within the opposition led to voter apathy. But today the opposition is united and organized as never before, energizing voters, nearly half of whom told pollsters they will protest if there's election fraud.

Make no mistake: This election will not be free or fair. The Maduro government has mastered voter suppression and manipulation.

But margins matter, and Maduro has rarely trailed so far behind his challengers in the polls. Erasing a 5- or 10-point defeat with fraud is one thing; a 30-point loss is another. Moreover, the opposition is ready to take exit polls and document irregularities. A similar effort allowed Honduras opposition to prove its landslide win in 2021 and pressure the ruling party to concede. The bigger and more irrefutable the landslide, the greater the chances Maduro will lose control.

The third crucial variable is Venezuelas neighbors  or, better put, neighborhood: Latin America and the United States. Regional powers have eased other democratic transitions by combining pressure on authoritarians with guarantees that they wont lose everything (including their freedom) if they relinquish power.

Thats trickier here. Maduro and his inner circle are used to U.S. economic sanctions and other forms of pressure. They probably fear a further tightening of sanctions by President Biden, who smartly refrained from fully reimposing them to preserve leverage, but they fear losing power even more. And Maduro isnt likely to trust many other governments to guarantee him a soft landing if he steps down. The leftist presidents of Colombia and Brazil, who have flip-flopped between criticizing and apologizing for Maduro, are unlikely to publicly push Maduro to concede, but they could mediate government-opposition negotiations in the event of a contested election.

If the improbable does happen Sunday and the result proves to be a serious threat to the regime, that will be only the beginning. Negotiations on power-sharing and a soft landing for Maduro might follow. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas could eventually reopen and start working with Venezuelas government on addressing economic chaos and the mass migration it spurs.

But if the expected happens and Maduro clings to power by fraud and other illegitimate means, Venezuela will have missed perhaps its last best chance at change for a long time. Instability will persist and perhaps deepen, and Latin America and the United States will have no choice but to absorb the consequences.

Will Freeman is a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka is asking locals to weigh in with their opinions on the search for the next police chief by filling out a new survey.

Dan Garrett with the City of Topeka said in a press release on July 22 that a survey is now open for both English and Spanish speakers to gather feedback on the qualities and priorities Topekans think are most important for the next police chief.

Survey results will play a big role in the selection process for the future police chief and ensure the candidate is aligned with the values and expectations of locals.

Selecting our next police chief is a critical decision that will impact the safety and well-being of our community, City Manager Robert Perez said. We want to ensure the selection process is transparent and inclusive, giving community members multiple opportunities to participate and share their perspectives.

This will be the first step in the overall selection process which will include public input sessions. Details on these sessions will be shared in the near future.

Search on for 4 lucky Powerball winners in Kansas

Garrett said the survey will be open for two weeks, closing on Aug. 2, 2024. People can access either the English or Spanish versions of the survey.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A synthetic opioid approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl has shown up in Sedgwick County, and public health officials dont know where its coming from.

Four Sedgwick County autopsy toxicology tests in the past three months have contained carfentanil, county officials say, which can be lethal at levels as little as two milligrams.

First synthesized in 1974, carfentanil is primarily used to tranquilize large mammals, but has no legitimate medical use on humans. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter termed the drug fentanyl on steroids.

In the mid-2010s, a wave of carfentanil overdoses hit the Midwest. After largely disappearing for a few years, the drug showed up in Sedgwick County in April.

Easter said carfentanil is very dangerous to the Wichita community. We already have parents that have left fentanyl laying around, and very young kids have ingested it and died  so this is going to contribute to those overdose deaths, without a doubt. I mean, it already did.

Carfentanil first appeared in the United States as a narcotic in 2016, often arriving from China, where it was legally produced. Frequently disguised as heroin, carfentanil showed up in thousands of drug seizures from 2016 to 2018, primarily concentrated in Rust Belt states.

In March 2017, China began regulating carfentanil, and two years later, the drug had largely disappeared from the United States. In the past few months, however, it has appeared in New York, Ohio, Florida and Kansas.

Sedgwick County wasnt hit by the initial wave of carfentanil seven years ago. Still, Easter said theyve been expecting to see carfentanil here eventually.

Our narcotics unit is working diligently to try to figure out how its getting here, Easter said.

There is no broad-level data that tracks carfentanil overdose deaths, but a 2020 study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh linked carfentanil in drug seizures to overall overdose-death spikes. For example, Ohio saw the largest increase in overdose deaths (782) and carfentanil seizures (3,540) among all states from 2016 to 2017, and had the largest decline in both deaths and carfentanil seizures in 2018.

Donald S. Burke, an author of the study, said its rare for carfentanil to be first noticed in autopsy reports rather than drug seizures as it takes such a small amount of carfentanil in the bloodstream to overdose.

Our belief is  that the laboratories completely missed the carfentanil, and the only reason that it was able to be detected as an epidemic due to carfentanil was the fact that seizures were police seizures and that was easy to test, Burke said.

This suggests that autopsy reports may undercount carfentanil. Drug identification tests, which are far better at detecting the drug, are currently backlogged at the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.

Burke said he doesnt know why carfentanil is re-emerging, but that smart money is on the origin being a single source distributing the drug across the United States.

Easter speculated that because of drug mixing, some of those that passed away from carfentanil might not have known they were taking it. Carfentanil, like fentanyl, can appear in pill or powder form, and often resembles or is mixed in with drugs like cocaine or heroin.

Some folks probably dont even know that theyre taking carfentanil, which is very dangerous, Easter said. And then you have some folks that are looking for the next bigger, better high.

Easter said his office is focused on public education efforts and finding the source of the drug.

Maybe we can get to a point where the younger generation is not experimenting with this or using it, and then it will go away somewhat, Easter said.

But youre talking years. Its here to stay.
Oregon sex offender who had eluded capture since 1994 was found living in Georgia

His neighbors sometimes saw him taking walks, listening to music while he strolled. He kept to himself, the neighbors say, never causing trouble.

He was known around the apartments that overlook one of this citys main thoroughfares as Bud.

The endearing nickname seems to have served him well.

Because the name he was living under wasnt his. And his real name, had anyone known it, may well have landed him behind bars on the other side of the country, where hed escaped from a minimum-security prison nearly 30 years ago.

Steven Craig Johnson, an Oregon sex offender, had served about five years of a 20-year sentence for crimes that included sex abuse and four counts of attempted sodomy when he slipped away while on a prison work crew at an unfenced lockup in Salem in November 1994. Published reports there said the facility housed inmates who were within four years of being released.

He was captured here at his fifth-floor apartment on Tuesday, the day after his 70th birthday.

While on the run, the authorities said he had assumed the name of a boy who died in Texas in 1962. That boys name: William Cox.

The U.S. Marshals Service, in a news release announcing Johnsons apprehension, did not offer specific details of what led marshals to Johnson, but officials noted in their statement that new investigative technology employed by the Diplomatic Security Service developed new leads in the case.

Investigators were said to have learned that Johnson had at some point stolen the identity of the Texas boy and somehow obtained the childs birth certificate. In 1995, Johnson was said to have been issued a social security number in the childs name and then, in 1998, used the alias to get a Georgia drivers license.

Upon his escape in November 1994 from a prison in Salem, Oregon, officials there believed he may have been headed to Texas. Why wasnt mentioned.

It was also not immediately known how long he had been in the Macon area, just that he had been living in an apartment here since 2011. Sheriffs officials in Macon said he had no known local arrests.

The apartment building where he was said to be staying, a five-story, 52-unit complex, is typically home to older residents. It lies about five blocks west of I-75, just east of the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House, along Vineville Avenue, which leads into and out of downtown.

An alert circulated by Oregon Department of Corrections officials in early 2019 described the hazel-eyed, 6-foot-tall Johnson as a pedophile who presents a high probability of victimizing pre-teen boys and that he should not be allowed contact with children.

Johnson was booked into the Bibb County jail on Tuesday and was awaiting extradition to Oregon, the authorities said.

Johnson, whose birth name, Steven Johnson, no doubt lent him a cloak of anonymity in his youth  in an era before computer databases made people easier to locate  appears to have adopted a similarly common and effective pseudonym, William Cox, while in hiding.

But folks at Clisby Towers apartments in Macon, where Johnson lived on the top floor, just called him Bud.

Thursday afternoon, while some residents sat in the shade of a front-door awning there, a couple of them spoke fondly of the man they had no idea had been a fugitive since 1994.

Nineteen ninety-four? I wasnt even born, said Devonte Goolsby, 28.

Goolsby, whose mother lives in the building, was unaware of Johnsons arrest.

He was a good person, Goolsby said. He was one of those type people you could actually talk to, vent to.  You know how old people try to talk to young people?  Hed say, Young man, you got it.

When a reporter informed him of Johnsons past, Goolsby said, It gives me some chill bumps, like I dont want to talk to nobody. It makes me want to stay inside the house.

Clisby Towers resident Terro Lundy said Johnson was a pretty good guy.

Bud didnt mess with no damn body, Lundy, 66, said. He didnt do nothing but speak and take his morning walk and come back in his apartment.

Lundy, who spent time in prison himself in the early 1990s for driving infractions and drug possession, said if he had been in Johnsons shoes he would have gotten a lawyer and turned himself in. Everybody makes a mistake, you know?

On Tuesday, when members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force showed Johnsons picture to the apartment managers, deputy marshal Chris Wright said someone recognized Johnson and said, Thats Bud.

Wright said he and his fugitive squad colleagues considered having Johnson called down to the front desk to pick up a package. Instead they went upstairs and knocked on his door. When Johnson opened it, he tried to stay in character, Wright said. He let the marshals in and told them his name was William Cox.

The marshals, probing to see how versed Johnson was in the details of his assumed identity, asked him where his parents, or rather the parents of William Cox, were born.

He stumbled for a second, Wright said, and said, I dont know.

Before long, the deputy marshal said, Johnson admitted who he actually was.

When 30 years of being on the run came to an end on a random Tuesday afternoon, he was surprised, Wright said. He was cordial on the ride to jail.

On the way, Wright was curious about something.

So he asked Johnson about it, whether hed ever had, in the course of his life on the lam, any close encounters with the cops.

Considering Johnsons success at laying low, his reply wasnt all that surprising.

Absolutely not, he said.
Over $3 million in free back-to-school backpacks to be given away

Over $3 million in free back-to-school backpacks to be given away

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ERIE, Pa. (WJET/WFXP)  Over $3 million worth of free backpacks will be given out to more than 120,000 students across the U.S. on Sunday.

The 12th annual Schools Rock Backpack Giveaway by Round Room, which describes itself as one of the countrys largest Verizon-authorized retailers, will take place at 1 p.m. over 1,200 participating TCC and Wireless Zone locations around the nation. Along with the backpack giveaway, family-friendly activities will also be held. Lines are expected to begin forming before the event begins.

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Since its inception in 2013, Round Room has been able to provide more than 1.3 million children with a backpack. The hope is to alleviate some financial burden associated with the back-to-school season. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for families is now around $890.

Families are invited to attend their local event, and each present child will receive one backpack while supplies last. Any leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools of each stores choice.

Visit TCC or Wireless Zone websites to find the location nearest to you.

All at the same time, on the same Sunday afternoon, theres a simultaneous period of giving at our TCC and Wireless Zone stores around the country. Its a beautiful thing. We believe in the power of community and the importance of education, which is why this initiative is so important to everyone throughout the Round Room organization. Our corporate team, store owners, and store employees work hard to make this happen every year because they genuinely want to make a profound impact. They want to help ensure every student has the basic tools they need to start the school year off on the right foot. Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room

Round Room is also hosting its spinoff on the golden rule, which is to treat others the way you want to be treated. They are holding their Golden Ruler giveaway, in which one backpack at 10 random locations will contain a Golden Ruler keychain. Those who receive the Golden Ruler keychain will receive a $100 Visa gift card to go towards other school-related expenses.

Additionally, the school that the Golden Ruler winners are attending for the 2024-2025 school year will receive a $1,000 Amazon Wishlist Buyout. On average, teachers spend over $500 out-of-pocket on their classrooms. The inaugural component of the giveaway is to minimize any personal spending on essential school supplies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DENVER (KDVR)  Although much of CrowdStrikes technical issues were resolved by IT teams on Friday, issues persisted across the U.S. throughout the weekend, including at Denver International Airport.

The issue, which was not a cyberattack, was the result of a recent content update for Windows hosts. The company said in a social media post that CrowdStrike is testing a new technique to accelerate impacted system remediation. The company also apologized for the disruption.

Travelers say issues at DIA persisted through Saturday

CrowdStrike continues to focus on restoring all systems as soon as possible. Of the approximately 8.5 million Windows devices that were impacted, a significant number are back online and operational, the company posted. We understand the profound impact this has had on everyone. We know our customers, partners and their IT teams are working tirelessly and were profoundly grateful. We apologize for the disruption this has created. Our focus is clear: to restore every system as soon as possible.

Some of the delays at DIA from Saturday into Sunday may have been due to the weather. Heavy rain led to DIA being on a ground delay and could have played a part in Sundays canceled and delayed flights.

Denver responded to 90 calls in 1 hour during Saturdays flooding

As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, DIA had over 740 flights delayed at the airport and another 102 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware. The hardest-hit airlines included Southwest with 194 delays, but United and Delta had the most canceled flights: 65 and 26, respectively.

American Airlines reported two canceled flights and 22 delays, while Frontier reported seven canceled flights and 44 delayed flights. No other airlines reported canceled flights on Sunday, but the number of delays and cancelations were climbing throughout the evening.

While not all airlines were experiencing difficulties still, Denvers airport was one of the harder-hit airports on Sunday, according to FlightAware. DIA had 43 flights canceled, far above the next highest originating airport for cancelations: Boston Logan International, which reported only four canceled flights.

DIA was also reporting more delays than any other airport on FlightAware  255 delayed flights, while the next-highest number of delayed flights was at Minneapolis/St. Paul International and Harry Reid International, each with 10 delayed flights as of 4:20 p.m.

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a message to customers Sunday that flight cancellations continued as the airline tried to recover its systems and restore operations. He noted that the pause in Deltas operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights. Delta has been offering waivers to affected customers.

Bastian noted that one of their crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system outage.

The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our re-accommodation capabilities, Bastian wrote. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events.

See the latest traffic conditions in Denver on FOX31

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Friday that all passengers who were offered only credits for canceled flights are entitled to get their money back promptly if the customers are not taking a rebooking.

If your airline is automatically giving you credits but you prefer cash, you can tell them you want a refund  and let us know if they fail to provide one, Buttigieg posted to X, linking the U.S. Department of Transportations air travel complaint form.

The DOT has also published a dashboard for the public to know what services U.S. airlines provide that mitigate passenger inconveniences due to a delay or cancellation for a circumstance within the airlines control.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Five Omaha-area senators and two lawmakers from Lincoln and Bellevue host a listening session on property taxes in Omaha on Sunday, July 21, 2024. From left, State Sens. Carol Blood, Christy Armendariz, Jane Raybould, Merv Riepe, Terrell McKinney, John Cavanaugh and Machaela Cavanaugh. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA  About 300 people turned out for a listening session in Nebraskas biggest city Sunday, many taking aim at Gov. Jim Pillens ideas on property tax relief and at him for skipping Omaha on his earlier 26-city tour to seek support.

The governor did not attend the lawmaker-led event during which seven state senators from the Omaha metro area and Lincoln heard from the group for two hours.

Some of those gathered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha alumni center spilled into a hallway. Others stood in the back as testifiers made their way to a microphone that faced Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh, Terrell McKinney, Merv Riepe, Christy Armendariz, Jane Raybould, Carol Blood and John Cavanaugh.

Local control of schools

One of the speakers, Marcia Anderson, roused applause when she suggested sarcastically that maybe eastern Nebraska should secede from the state.

Like several others who spoke, she wants public schools to remain in local control, noting that needs are different from one district to another. Anderson was opposed to any notion that the state take on most of public K-12 school spending rather than funding schools through local property taxes.

Our (governor) cares not for the eastern part of our state, so why would we give him control of our schools? she asked.

To be sure, a common refrain among those who spoke aligned with Pillens premise that property taxes have been rising, at times pushing people out of their own homes, and that the state needed to pursue ways to lift that burden.

We all recognize that property taxes are too high, Raybould said.

The question, she and testifiers said, was how best to remedy that.

Several offered ways to generate additional revenue, including: legalizing and taxing marijuana, cutting government waste, and reviewing the state income tax and public incentives such as tax-increment financing.

Others suggested looking at ways to reduce the burden for certain vulnerable populations, such as seniors, via the homestead exemption.

Rout out wasteful spending

Tracee Baker of Bennington said she moved into her home seven years ago and was tired of her property tax bill increasing.

She agreed with Armendarizs comments that the state should also rout out wasteful government spending, and pointed to several recent state auditor reports calling out mismanagement of public funds, questionable overtime costs and more in various state agencies.

There is waste in government, said Baker. Lets do something about it.

Another speaker, Tricia Westergard said she was tired of local governments getting a windfall when homeowner property tax collections go up with home valuations  yet levies arent lowered accordingly.

Its not fair, she said.

Of at least one solution, Westergard added: Hard levy caps come to mind.

Fred Robertson, a retired educator who lives in Ralston, said that while he has watched his property taxes rise significantly, he first considers the common good and those who need the most help.

I have never begrudged paying taxes for public schools, he said. Ive learned I should consider the common good before I make a decision.

Cole Pfeifer agreed, saying he was opposed to shifting the burden to sales and use taxes that would have a disproportionately negative impact on lower-income people.

It reminds me of the phrase: Its expensive to be poor, said Pfeifer.

Nebraskas Plan

The crowd gathered just three days after Pillen made public his official property tax relief plan. Upon its release, the governor said that he believes without a shadow of a doubt that it will garner more than enough bipartisan support during the special legislative session that is to begin July 25.

Some state senators have criticized what the governor calls Nebraskas Plan, saying it leaves questions unanswered, promotes ideas that arent sustainable and doesnt provide examples to support his contention that it would result in a net tax decrease.

Riepe told the group Sunday that he, too, wants to see property tax reduction. But I dont believe in the jump and the net will appear philosophy, he said.

Some state lawmakers have indicated they will introduce competing proposals to lift the weight of property taxes.

Pillen needs 33 votes in the 49-member Legislature to pass legislation.

Last week he addressed briefly why Omaha and Lincoln were not on his town hall schedule. He told reporters that he spends up to 70% of his time in the two cities.

Im with business leaders in Omaha and Lincoln nonstop, said Pillen.

Among key elements of Pillens plan:

Putting hard caps on county and municipality property tax collections, either 0% (in times of deflation) or matching the consumer price index, unless voters agree to override the caps. There would be exemptions for growth and public safety needs.

Funding more than 80% of local K-12 property tax burdens by the state, about $2.6 billion. School tax rates would be reduced from a maximum of about $1.05 per $100 of valuations to 15 cents, 7.5 cents and 0 cents in a three-year period.

Retooling existing property tax relief programs, including homestead exemptions and property tax credits. A spokesperson for the governor said there would be no cuts to existing homestead exemptions.

Removing more than 100 sales and use tax exemptions. Food, medicine and raw agricultural and manufacturing materials, along with 70 more goods and services, would continue to be exempt. Most goods and services would be taxed statewide at 5.5 cents per dollar purchase; machinery and equipment would be taxed at a lower, to-be-negotiated rate, with personal property taxes on those items removed.

Raising sin taxes on cigarettes, candy, pop, vaping, spirits, keno gambling, games of skill and consumable hemp.

Local city and county officials attend

A few elected and local government officials spoke as well, including Douglas County Board members Roger Garcia and Mary Ann Borgeson. Commissioner P.J. Morgan also attended.

Mayor Jean Stotherts chief of staff, Thomas Warren, spoke as well. He said the City of Omaha opposes the 0% hard cap on local governments, saying it would stifle the citys ability to grow our local economy.

Borgeson noted that part of the county governments charge is providing mental and behavioral health care and said she hopes services will not be compromised in any plan.

Other speakers took the opportunity to discuss other issues facing lawmakers.

Alex Nester said he and wife Lia moved to Nebraska 10 years ago because they believed it was an affordable place to raise their family.

He said he is considering moving, not because of property taxes, but for the tenor of the last legislative session. In an interview, he elaborated and said he felt the stance some elected officials took on transgender youth was active persecution.

According to an organizer overseeing the reception table at the Omaha event, about 280 people had signed in. She said several had passed by without signing in.

A similar Lincoln listening session is scheduled Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center in Lincoln.

The two lawmaker-led public forums were organized and hosted by a group of lawmakers who said it would give residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on property taxes before the expected special session.

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Owner of this 34-year-old Wichita restaurant is ready to retire, announces plans to close

Ever since her husbands death five years ago, May Khoury has been running Po Boy Pizza at 5619 E. Lincoln on her own.

Now, she says, shes ready to retire. Khoury and her grown sons, Matthew and Ryan, are announcing today their plans to close Po Boy Pizza, which has operated since 1990.

But fans of the restaurant and its unique pizza rolls should not be too despondent.

Though the restaurant will close at the end of business on Aug. 6, the Khoury brothers  both professional engineers  say they plan to revive it at a different Wichita address sometime in the future.

Po Boy Pizza at 5619 E. Lincoln has long been known for its pizza rolls.

It will likely be two or three years down the road, though, said Matthew Khoury, who works as an engineer at Cessna. His brother works in Dallas.

We had been trying to do a smooth transition to us taking it over, Matthew said this weekend. But right now, we want to get her retired and pick the restaurant up a little later on.

May, who owns the building  which sits across the street from N&J Cafe  has already sold it.

Its my age, she said. Im over 65. Im ready to retire, and thank God, my sons, they are doing very good on their own. But Im by myself. Theyre always keeping after me, saying, Mom, retire. Ive been working for 40 years.

But May said she had mixed emotions about closing the restaurant where she worked for so many years with her late husband, Michael Khoury, who died at age 81 in October of 2019.

Though shes ready to rest, shell miss her regular customers, which include alumni from Southeast High School plus McConnell Air Force Base personnel and firefighters and police officers who work nearby.

Im going to miss them a lot, she said. Its hard. Its emotional a little bit.

The late Michael Khory, right, founded Po Boy Pizza in 1990 and ran it with his wife, May, left, until he died in 2019. Now, May is ready to retire.

Michael Khoury, who immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, to attend college at Wichita State University, originally opened his restaurant where N&J Cafe operates now. About seven years later, he moved it across the street to its current location.

After he opened the restaurant, Michael brought May over from Lebanon, and the two ran the restaurant, known for its unique folded pizza rolls, together until his death.

When Michael first opened the restaurant, Southeast High School was a neighbor, and his clientele was largely high school students. In 1990, the Eagle published a story about Khoury delivering pizza rolls to students at Southeast and neighboring Curtis Middle School, going head-to-head with Pizza Hut.

It was a blow when Southeast moved to Pawnee and 127th East in 2015, Matthew said. But former students who had eaten there through high school have continued to return over the years.

Especially the Southeast folks  we want to make sure they feel thanked, Matthew said. Those people have come back and brought their own kids, too, and its been super cool to see that.

A couple of important notes: Until the restaurants final day on Aug. 6, it will offer carryout orders only. May encourages people to call in their orders in advance at 316-687-3737.

The hours will remain 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10:30 to 4 p.m. Saturdays with the exception of July 26-29, when May will be attending a family event and will close the restaurant. Shell reopen on July 30.

Po Boy Pizza menu

The Po Boy Pizza menu

Albero Cafe owner is working on a new restaurant for Central and Hillside

Flashback Friday: Wichita has somehow survived a decade without this legendary restaurant

Wichita man consumes 20,000 beers at his favorite bar. Now, its throwing him a party.
Yuri Gripas / Pool via CNP/SplashNews.com / Yuri Gripas / Pool via CNP/SplashNews.com

President Joe Biden announced he was stepping down from his reelection campaign in a letter posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, July 21, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Also: How Much Is Vice President Kamala Harris Worth?

Learn: 5 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

While the situation is still fluid, albeit moving fast due to the Democratic National Convention on August 19-22- it is transforming the campaign and making domestic and international issues even more salient. One of them is the aid to Ukraine, on which opinions have been split for months. In turn, this could also have potential impacts on the U.S. economy and, therefore, on consumers.

To put this in context, as of July 11, the Department of State said that the U.S. has provided approximately $53.7 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and approximately $54.4 billion in military assistance since Russias initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

Now, the total aid the country has spent amounts to $175 billion, which has helped institutions, including refugees, law enforcement, and independent radio broadcasters, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

Its important to note that a portion of the money is actually spent in the United States, paying for American factories and workers to produce the various weapons that are either shipped to Ukraine or that replenish the U.S. weapons stocks the Pentagon has drawn on during the war, according to the CFR.

Meanwhile, Republicans are split about continuing to aid Ukraine, and divisions around said aid center around the fact that some  such as Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance  have repeatedly argued that it is not the responsibility of the country to pay for a never-ending war, and that the country should instead focus on its domestic agenda. In essence, the argument of these opponents is that taxpayers dollars should not be used abroad, and the country should stop writing blank checks.

I do not think that it is in Americas interest to continue to fund an effectively never-ending war in Ukraine, Vance said in a May speech at the Quincy Institute. Weve done more than our fair share.

In April, ABC News reported that Vance also voted against a foreign aid package that included nearly $61 billion for Ukraine.

Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following the assassination attempt. In terms of where Trump stands, he has been very vocal about his America First stance, saying, for instance, at a Detroit rally in June that Zelensky was the greatest salesman of any politician thats ever lived.

Story continues

He just left four days ago with $60 billion, and he gets home, and he announces that he needs another $60 billion. It never ends, Trump said in the speech. I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect.

So now, with Biden stepping down, what does this mean going forward  and how could this affect the economy and Americans wallets?

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

No Impact on Consumer Sentiment and Spending

Timothy Holland, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Orion, noted that while the $175 billion in aid since March of 2022 is a very meaningful amount of money, over the past two years, the U.S. Federal Budget has totaled approximately $12.5 trillion.

So, as aid to Ukraine has represented less than 2% of federal spending, I cant imagine it has proven to be that stimulative to U.S economic growth  even if much of the money appropriated for Ukraine is going to fund the production of weapons at U.S.-based manufacturing facilities, he said.

In essence, Holland argued that the decision to no longer support Ukraine on a go-forward basis should not have much of an impact on the U.S. economy, including consumer sentiment and consumer spending.

Also, I dont think President Bidens decision not to seek reelection should have any impact on funding for Ukraine short-term, as Congress has appropriated the $61 billion in aid it approved in April of this year, he added.

Next: How Rich Is Former President Donald Trump?

No Change  No Impact on Consumers

Its also important to note that President Biden is expected to remain in office until the end of his term  as such, there wont be any policy changes on the matter.

Demetrius A. Floudas, regulatory policy lead of the global trade program at the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and senior advisor to the Cambridge Existential Risks Initiative (CERI), University of Cambridge, argued that the ongoing support to Ukraine would not change, at least until the end of this year.

The allocated funds are a small fraction of the overall federal budget, he said. The economic effects of this aid are largely absorbed by the government, with minimal trickle-down to individual consumers.

He has also noted that a large part of these outflows is redirected toward domestic arms producers, which, if anything, boosts U.S. economic indicators.

The European Union, by contrast, sends most of its aid as direct financial support, and in so doing, it has depleted its coffers significantly, added Floudas.

It is worth noting that support to Ukraine is a crucial component of the United States foreign policy, for now, he said. The day of reckoning for Kyiv will come in November, but until then, nothing will change.

Wary of Spending Taxpayers Dollars

According to the conservative think tank spearheading Project 2025, as GOBankingRates previously reported, the total aid is as much as the Armys annual budget and about $1,300 per American household.

Not a single U.S. taxpayer dollar should be going to Ukraine until our own borders are secure, Kevin Roberts, The Heritage Foundation president, wrote in a statement. The American people know they deserve better and expect policies and leaders that put their country first.

According to a survey from The Heritage Foundation, a vast majority of moderate Americans in key swing states oppose proposals that send more funding to Ukraine.

Yet, as William Ruger, president of the American Institute for Economic Research, noted, Ukraine still has many supporters in Congress, and there is no indication that a lame-duck President Biden or President Harris would change course.

However, Americans are increasingly wary of sending more taxpayer dollars overseas for another war that doesnt look like it is going to end quickly, said Ruger. So they worry about how much they are going to be on the hook for funding Ukraines war effort and reconstruction, especially as other countries are thinking about reducing their financial commitments.

According to him, the Democratic nominee, no matter who that is, could also feel some heat from a Trump-Vance ticket that appeals to American voters by rethinking our foreign policy, especially over Ukraine.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com .

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Does Bidens Withdrawal Mean for Ukraine Aid  and Your Wallet?
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The owner of a Middle Tennessee haunted attraction known for its intense scare tactics has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, rape and domestic assault.

Court records from the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office show Russ Alan McKamey was arrested at his Summertown home on Friday, July 19 after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. He was booked into jail on a $1,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim.

However, more charges have since been filed against the McKamey Manor owner, accusing him of trying to kill his girlfriend on more than one occasion. The first incident was reported on Wednesday, July 17  a day before the alleged assault.

McKamey Manor sues TN AG over investigation into haunted houses practices

In an arrest affidavit, investigators said McKamey strangled the victim to a point that she lost consciousness during a domestic altercation at his Summertown home. A second altercation reportedly took place on the same day McKamey was booked into jail.

On Friday, July 19, police said McKamey raped the victim and strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness for a second time. The additional charges now put his bond at over $100,000.

McKamey began operating the McKamey Manor on his property in Summertown in 2017 after relocating from San Diego. In the years since, the attraction has stirred up controversy due to the extreme experiences of participants, with some referring to it as a torture chamber.

McKamey Manor 2019 (Photo: WKRN)

McKamey Manor: TN AG looking into claims against extreme haunted attraction

A 2023 Hulu documentary further highlighted the controversy, with some past participants claiming there is no way to stop the tour, among other questionable practices.

The documentary entitled Monster Inside: Americas Most Extreme Haunted House featured five people who had previously been guests of the manor and included footage of the tours that was taken by McKamey and posted online.

In some of the videos, people can be seen getting dragged by chains or locked into confined spaces while water pours in. Prior to the Hulu documentary, thousands of people signed a petition in 2019 to shut the McKamey Manor down.

Deputies have also been called to the property several times in the past, with a criminal investigator for the 22nd Judicial District Attorneys Office interviewing McKamey in March 2018. However, the McKamey Manor has remained open.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Shortly after the documentary was released in October last year, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sent a letter to Russ McKamey requesting various documents and information pertaining to some of the claims of past participants.

In his letter, Skrmetti raised concerns about McKameys business practices, particularly taking issue with claims that there is no way to stop the tour nor win the $20,000 prize offered to those who complete the tour.

McKamey responded by filing a 32-page lawsuit against the Tennessee Attorney General a few months later. In the lawsuit, McKamey claims the Attorney Generals request not only violates his First, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights, but is a part of a larger effort to prevent him from engaging in lawful conduct on his private property.

As a part of the lawsuit, McKamey asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction keeping Skrmetti and his agents from forcing him to comply with the request for information. McKamey is also suing Hulu over the documentary that aired in October.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
PA and Bucks County Democrats offer praise for Biden for 'selfless act.' What they said

Pennsylvania political leaders took to social media Sunday in response to President Joe Biden's announcement that he was stepping down as the Democratic 2024 presidential candidate, and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris.

In posts and statements, Democrats universally praised Biden for his decades of public service in the Senate and then the White House, and described his presidency as among the most successful in modern history.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10, and chair of the Bucks County Democratic Party posted on X his support of Harris for president and he thanked Biden for his lifetime of service to our country adding, You will always have a home here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

History will judge Joseph R. Biden as one of the greatest presidents since the end of World War II, Santasiero said.  It will also record him as having saved American Democracy once, in 2020, and with this selfless act today, very likely this year as well.

Bucks County Democratic Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said neither she or the county would be releasing a statement on the Biden announcement. Marseglia, of Middletown, and Santarsiero are among the six Bucks County delegates committed to Biden attending next month's DNC in Chicago.

U.S. President Joe Biden is greeted by Governor Josh Shapiro upon arrival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. on December 11, 2023.

More on Biden 2024 decision Delaware's own Joe Biden drops out of presidential race, citing 'best interest' of country

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro released a statement Sunday supporting Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate ahead of the DNC. The Montgomery County native and former Pennsylvania Attorney General said that he has known Harris for nearly two decades.

He called the vice president a leader who will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union and protect our democracy and advance real freedom.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency, Shapiro added. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania.

Democrat Ashley Ehasz, a military veteran in a rematch against incumbent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick for the First Congressional District seat, wrote on X that she respected the presidents decision to not seek reelection.

I am deeply thankful for all he has done for the American People, she added.

As of Sunday evening the Fitzpatrick campaign had not released any statements on Biden stepping down as the Democratic candidate, and he had not posted anything about it on X.

Montgomery County Democrat Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, who represents the Fourth District, thanked Biden for his service in a statement posted on X, adding that Biden has led the United States since 2021 with dignity, empathy and unwavering patriotism.

He has prioritized everyday Americans, guided the United States into pandemic recovery, and enacted some of the most consequential legislation in a generation, modernized infrastructure, cleaner water, lower prescription drug costs and the first gun safety law in 30 years to name a few, Dean wrote.

Longtime Democrat Sen. Robert Casey Jr. wrote on X that Biden deserves the gratitude of a nation for his historic achievements including rebuilding our economy after the pandemic and delivering the largest infrastructure investment in modern history.

He has had an exemplary career in public service. He is a patriot who has always put our country first, Casey wrote in his post.

But not everyone on social media was offering words of congratulations and appreciation for Biden or his party.

Republican David Winkler, a military veteran challenging Dean in November, took a swipe at Democrats in a post on X in reaction to the Biden announcement calling it evidence of a coup.

Lets be clear, this wasn;t a democratic bow out by Biden. This was a coup by Democrat donors and elite who are hellbent at maintaining temporary power. The Democratic Party is everything they claim Republicans are with this move, Winkler wrote.

Winkler posted that based on the number of unbound delegates there is no legal way the party can replace Biden after the first round of voting to get to the Super Delegation calling it a move to subvert the free and fair election process of the 2024 Presidential Primary process.

Over 12 million Americans voted for President Biden across all 50 States & he won every Primary & delegate, Winkler added. This is a true danger to our Republic, that when you don't have a pathway, you change out the candidate after the people have spoken.

In a series of posts appearing on X Republican David McCormick, who is challenging Casey for his seat representing Pennsylvania in the Senate, used the Biden announcement to tie Casey to the president and what he called Democrats disastrous liberal agenda

Even though he knew Joe Biden was NOT capable of serving as Commander-in-Chief, Casey stood by him, McCormick wrote, calling Casey an empty suit, habitual liar, and career politician.

Bob Casey cant run from the disastrous liberal agenda hes rubber stamped for the past three and a half years and throughout his 30 years of collecting a taxpayer-funded paycheck, McCormick added.

Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How did Bucks, Montgomery County leaders respond to Biden dropping out
When our founders came together in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to declare our independence and establish our democracy, they did so with the clear understanding that we would only succeed if we were united. In the 248 years since, our country and our people have been tested  but the American spirit has always triumphed.

Despite our individual differences, when our safety was threatened, when our values and freedoms were attacked, when the stakes were high, Americans have found ways to come together and unite behind common cause and common purpose. Thats the lesson of our founders who gathered in Pennsylvania two-and-a-half centuries ago  and its the lesson our Party must learn from now.

Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania  where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.
It all started with a software update.

Microsofts blue screen of death upended government services and businesses across the country Friday, disrupting emergency call centers, banks, airlines and hospitals.

While Microsoft said a faulty software update from U.S. cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike was responsible for the major IT outage, the incident brought attention to just how big of a market share both companies have in their respective sectors.

When we use all the same vendors, then these sorts of things can become more pronounced when they do happen, said Dominic Sellitto, clinical assistant professor of management science and systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management in New York.

A traveler uses her mobile phone to photograph a departures board displaying blue error screens, also known as the u0022Blue Screen of Deathu0022 inside Terminal C in Newark International Airport, after United Airlines and other airlines grounded flights due to a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to CrowdStrike's u0022Falcon Sensoru0022 software which crashed Microsoft Windows systems, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., July 19, 2024. Bing Guan, Reuters

Why did the CrowdStrike outage happen?

A statement from CrowdStrike said the outage was caused by a defect in a content update to its Falcon" cybersecurity defense software for Windows hosts.

Computers with Mac and Linux operating systems were not impacted, and CrowdStrike said the incident was not caused by a cyberattack.

There's always the potential for bugs or errors when new software is launched, but most times theyre small enough the end user is generally unaware, according to Tim Ehrenkaufer, assistant professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

The nation was certainly aware Friday  the glitch disrupted everything from 911 call centers to the Starbucks mobile app.

"As companies all over the world and governments and agencies and entities are reliant on single technology platforms, it does mean that these types of events are more and more and more painful," Sellitto of the University at Buffalo said.

CrowdStrike, Microsoft market share

CrowdStrike is advertised as being used by more than half of Fortune 500 companies.

Meanwhile, Microsofts Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, and the company provides an estimated 85% of the productivity software used by the federal government, according to statements from Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., during last months House Committee on Homeland Security.

The issue we're dealing with is that the world is complex and interdependent, and the fact is that the technology that we use is global, said Scott White, an associate professor and director of the cybersecurity program and cyber academy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. "We've become dependent on organizations like (Microsoft)."

CrowdStrike outage: Global tech outage hits airlines, banks, health care and public transit

Does Congress need to step in?

Within hours of the outage, some lawmakers and cybersecurity experts discussed whether Congress  or the Biden administration and the Department of Homeland Security  need to add more regulatory guardrails to make sure an outage of this magnitude doesnt happen again.

Paul Rosenzweig, a former DHS deputy assistant secretary for policy, said the best response to Fridays outage would be to require companies and governments to have redundant systems so they have a backup when their systems go down.

Asking companies to do that on their own would be prohibitively costly, Rosenzweig said, and few would do it. But it would be hard for Congress or the Biden administration to require them to without doing the same within the government, which would be time-consuming and astronomically expensive.

Its an interesting question, said Rosenzweig, founder of Red Branch Consulting PLLC, a homeland security and cybersecurity consulting company. The government can't mandate people diversifying if it won't do it itself  and it's the biggest, if not certainly one of the biggest (Microsoft) clients."

But Rosenzweig also warned that Fridays outage is likely to happen again, and possibly with more serious repercussions, so governments and the private sector need to be ready.

They have to spend extra money to build in better protection including backups, he said. If companies aren't going to do that, this will happen again, either by accident like this time or by malicious action.

Other cybersecurity experts believe the system works as it is, and that CrowdStrike bears full responsibility for the outage in ways that wouldnt be helped by additional government intervention.

This incident appears to be a severe failure of quality control, not a malicious act, cybersecurity strategist and former FBI counterintelligence official Eric ONeill said of Fridays paralysis. While there will be damages assessed, regulation is unnecessary; the market will drive customers to other vendors or reassure them about CrowdStrike.

ONeill did say, however, better regulation of cybersecurity investment and best practices is critical because the U.S. government has reacted poorly in this crucial arena of critical infrastructure.

If the U.S. government needs to bail out CrowdStrike, which I believe is too big to fail, then taxpayers will bear the burden, ONeill said.

Critical infrastructure and international partners

In recent years, DHS and its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have worked to build out a network of public and private sector partnerships to help it respond to such global incidents, in the belief that the government cannot do it alone.

Educating the private sector and cybersecurity firms on what to do  and not to do  is a critical component of that, whether the problem is a cyberattack or a faulty cybersecurity update, CISA Director Jen Easterly told USA TODAY in a 2022 interview.

To that end, CISA on Friday said it was aware of the widespread outage affecting Microsoft Windows hosts due to an issue with a recent CrowdStrike update and is working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.

CISA also warned its network of public and private partners it observed hackers and other threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.

Where do companies go from here?

CrowdStrike and Microsoft business clients may consider alternate vendors after the global outage, but that's no solution to the crux of the issue, said Javad Abed, an expert in cybersecurity and data vulnerability and assistant professor at the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

"The CrowdStrike incident is a stark reminder that relying on a single cybersecurity tool, regardless of a vendor's reputation, creates a dangerous single point of failure," Abed said. "And implementing multiple layers with multiple vendors is crucial for business continuity and protecting critical operations."

This sort of outage can happen to any vendor or company, Abed said, but it is largely preventable, and one of the fundamental principles of cybersecurity is redundancy.

Having redundancies in the infrastructure may be costly in the beginning, but would be an investment in maintaining the trust between the businesses and their customers, Abed said. Companies should also rethink their testing and how they release updates, he says.

It's a wake-up call for cybersecurity companies to revise their procedures, Abed said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How did one CrowdStrike update affect so many businesses, services?
Two dead, one critically injured in related Brooklyn shootings near migrant shelter

Two men were killed and a third was left clinging to life after a pair of related Brooklyn shootings that erupted within seven minutes and two blocks of each other, police said Monday.

Shots rang out outside a migrant shelter opened earlier this year on Ryerson St. near Park Ave at 10:51 p.m. Sunday, cops said.

I see the two [shooters] coming down and they pulled up with the motorcycle, and there were four or five shots, said a witness who gave his name as Angel. Everyone just went down. I went down for cover.

First responders found a 21-year-old man with gunshot wounds all over his body and a 59-year-old man blasted in the head outside the shelter.

Medics rushed the younger victim, identified by police as Enny DeJesus Urbina Mendez, to Bellevue Hospital but he couldnt be saved.

A witness was at the shelter with her boyfriend, a friend of Urbina Mendez.

He tried helping his friend, but [Urbina Mendez] was passed out unconscious, she said. The bullet was stuck inside. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away at the hospital. My boyfriend was next to him at the moment of the shooting.

Urbina Mendez was living in the shelter, according to police.

A man named Angel said he was still shaken by the shooting.

The 59-year-old guy had nothing to do with it. He only sit down drinking and enjoying, There were two guys on motorcycles with masks on. Its scary.

I just heard multiple shots and started running, said another witness, a 58-year-old shelter resident. There were a lot of people outside.

That witness said the older victim, who he knew only as Gregorio, was hit by a stray bullet. Gregorio was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist in critical condition.

We were smoking a cigarette together, and then we just heard shooting, the witness said in Spanish. I immediately ran inside, but I noticed he wasnt behind me.

Gregorios friend said they had both been at the shelter about a week and are both from Venezuela.

We met each other here, he said. He had kids in Canada, and he had a court date appointment this Friday for his asylum process. He was hoping by next Monday he could make his way up to Canada.

The friend said one of Gregorios daughters is sick, and Gregorio wanted to go see her.

Cops recovered 10 shell casings at the shooting outside the shelter.

The shelter is a temporary home for single women, couples and single men, residents said. It has racked up 73 Department of Buildings complaints, including multiple complaints of noise, illegal parking and abandoned vehicles. The most recent 311 complaint, logged on July 7, was for loud talking outside the building.

Seven minutes before the shooting outside the shelter, a 30-year-old man was shot in the chest two blocks away at Steuben Playground near Flushing Ave. and Steuben St. in Clinton Hill, cops said.

Medics rushed the victim, identified as Arturo Jose Rodriguez-Marcano, to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist, but he couldnt be saved.

Two shell casings were found at the scene. Rodriguez-Marcano was homeless, police said later Monday.

The gunman fled the scenes on a dark colored moped and was last seen zipping north on Ryerson Street, police said. Police are investigating if the shooting was gang-related, sources said.

On Monday night, police released surveillance images of the gunman and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Lottery said its Starburst Awards Peoples Choice was awarded to Panorama Park in Colorado Springs which received the most votes after a month-long public vote.

This is the first The Peoples Choice Starburst Award, which gave Lottery proceeds partners, players, and the public a chance to vote for their favorite Starburst Award winner.

The Starburst Award is given to projects for their excellence in using Lottery funds. Panorama Park is a 13.5-acre park that was redesigned in 2022, thanks in part to a $350,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funded in part with Colorado Lottery earnings. The $8.5 million project is now the largest recreation area near Colorado Springs, according to Colorado Lottery.

The public vote took place from June 15 to July 15, with 13 projects across the state getting around 16,000 votes. Panorama Park got 1,858 votes, second place was San Cristobal Island by just 52 votes, and in third place was the RESTORE Colorado initiative by another 70 votes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A number of Grand Rapids Public Schools parents are concerned about turnover in upper-level district leadership just a month before the start of the school year.

In particular, the departure of GRPS director of communications and external affairs Leon Hendrix has prompted outcry among some parents.

Hendrix previously worked for News 8 as a reporter and anchor. He declined to comment for this report.

Mother of boy shot near Alger Middle School asks district for answers

Documents (PDF) obtained by News 8 through a Freedom of Information Act request show Superintendent Leadriane Roby moved to fire Hendrix in late March, citing insubordination. Roby wrote in a termination letter that Hendrix spoke poorly of GRPS and was undermining the direction of the District and the work being done by (the superintendent) and the executive team as a whole.

Specifically, the letter referenced a conversation Hendrix had with Lucas Leverett, an outspoken critic of GRPS and owner of a website calling for the firing of Larry Johnson, the districts chief of staff and public safety director.

The letter said Hendrix informed him (Leverett) that I (Roby) believe his actions were motivated by race; questioned whether (Leverett) believed (Roby) should be terminated; and suggested permitting Larry Johnson, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety and School Security to resign from his position would be an appropriate court of action.

Leverett refuted the claims.

The words themselves were definitely misconstrued, he said. The conversations I had with Leon were the kind of conversations the person responsible for community engagement and public relations should be having.

The documents show Hendrix had argued that he was the target of retaliation because of disagreements with districts deputy superintendent for preschool-12 learning and leadership, Brandy Lovelady Mitchell. In a letter to the district human resources department, Hendrix argued Mitchells behavior was disrespectful, demeaning, and in some cases intimidating to members of our team.

Mitchell is on administrative leave as those claims of hostility are investigated.

PARENTS: GRPS PREVENTING WANTS OF COMMUNITY

Leverett and a group of concerned parents had planned to attend a Monday special work session regarding Hendrixs pending termination to support him. On Friday, News 8 learned that the district and Hendrix reached a tentative agreement to mutually part ways. The special meeting was subsequently adjourned.

GRPS would like to thank Mr. Hendrix for his contributions to our district over the past two years, a spokesperson for GRPS said. GRPS remains committed to open and transparent communication with our scholars, families, staff, and community.

News 8 on Monday submitted open records request to learn about the terms of Hendrixs settlement.

Charges issued against juvenile in shooting outside Alger Middle

Parents upset about Hendrixs departure said that the separation deal means that yet again, the district (found) a way to prevent the wants of the community, staff and parents.

The tentative departure means Hendrix joins a slate of key leadership players who News 8 has learned are leaving GRPS ahead or at the start of the next academic year: district general counsel Anya Lusk, director of health services Kim Baron and director of professional learning and curriculum Erich Harmsen.

While some have already accepted jobs at other institutions  including Harmsen, who will serve as the superintendent of Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids  sources alleged to News 8 that the turnover is due, in part, to a hostile work environment created by top leadership, specifically Roby and Johnson.

Its concerning. It says a lot to me as a parent, but I also back them (the people who are leaving), said Sarah Sak-Smith, a former PTA president who has a student at C.A. Frost Environmental Science Middle High School. I support them because I think it says a lot of what is happening specifically within (the administration) building.

A GRPS spokesman said that the district does not discuss personnel matters. However, the spokesman did tell News 8 that a third-party investigation requested by Hendrix did not substantiate his allegation of retaliation by Roby.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Guan Chong Berhad (KLSE:GCB).

Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity.

View our latest analysis for Guan Chong Berhad

How Is ROE Calculated?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Guan Chong Berhad is:

9.1% = RM169m  RM1.9b (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2024).

The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. So, this means that for every MYR1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of MYR0.09.

Does Guan Chong Berhad Have A Good Return On Equity?

By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. The image below shows that Guan Chong Berhad has an ROE that is roughly in line with the Food industry average (8.7%).

roe

That's neither particularly good, nor bad. Although the ROE is similar to the industry, we should still perform further checks to see if the company's ROE is being boosted by high debt levels. If a company takes on too much debt, it is at higher risk of defaulting on interest payments. You can see the 2 risks we have identified for Guan Chong Berhad by visiting our risks dashboard for free on our platform here.

Why You Should Consider Debt When Looking At ROE

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used.

Combining Guan Chong Berhad's Debt And Its 9.1% Return On Equity

Guan Chong Berhad clearly uses a high amount of debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 1.59. The combination of a rather low ROE and significant use of debt is not particularly appealing. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it.

Story continues

Conclusion

Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, I'd generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of forecasts for the company.

But note: Guan Chong Berhad may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Police Department asked for assistance in locating the parents of a boy found in West Abilene. Shortly after a public announcement was made, the parents contacted APD.

APD reported that the boy was found near Don Juan and Saxon Street, wearing only a diaper and Crocs. Thanks to the help of our community and APDs post, his family reached out to the department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  The parents of a teen driver accused of killing a 14-year-old girl in a vehicle-splitting crash in Queens last year were convicted of child endangerment in a groundbreaking case, authorities said Monday.

Sean Smith, 40, and Deo Ramnarine, 43, were sentenced after pleading guilty to child endangerment last month for allowing their 16-year-old son access to a car when he was not legally allowed to drive, according to prosecutors. Smith was given three years probation and Ramnarine was ordered to take a 26-week parenting class and attend the Victim Impact Panel Program.

Its believed this is the first type of case to be prosecuted in New York, officials said.

With this conviction, we have shown that the culpability in a fatal crash can go beyond the driver. Parents who provide vehicles to their children and let them drive illegally can be held responsible in the case of tragedies such as this one, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

More Local News

The unlicensed driver, then 16, was going 101 mph in a 30 mph zone when he crashed his red BMW into a parked UPS truck near North Conduit Avenue and 160th Street at around 6:40 p.m. on May 17, 2023, prosecutors said.

The passenger, Fortune Williams, was ejected from the BMW after the car spun out and hit a tractor-trailer, causing the BMW to split in half, officials said.

Williams suffered a severe head injury and died at the scene. A UPS worker was taken to the hospital with a leg injury and cuts to his face and chest, officials said.

The teen had a permit to drive but was required to be accompanied by an adult but there were no adults in the car at the time of the collision

Three weeks after the crash, Smith told the insurance company his son had driven

the BMW approximately twice with him in the vehicle and that his son was a good driver, prosecutors said. However, authorities said the teen was spotted driving the BMW to school regularly in November 2022.

The parents were charged after the fatal wreck.

The driver, now, 17, was charged with manslaughter, assault, reckless driving; driving in excess of the maximum speed limit, operating or driving a motor vehicle without a license, and operating a motor vehicle in violation of a restricted permit or license, and other charges, officials said.

The teen faces 15 years in prison.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The ordinance that would make major changes to the Shelby County Land Bank passed through the Shelby County Commission on June 17 but was vetoed days later. However, that veto cannot stand, according to Commissioner Britney Thornton.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris vetoed the ordinance on June 20 and in a letter to current Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs, Harris said he could not sign the ordinance into law because it "requires an unacceptable expenditure of county resources and new hiring."

Harris also said in the letter that the ordinance is "unclear" and would be a better fit as a resolution.

When an item passed by commissioners is vetoed by the mayor, the board has the option to override the veto with a simple majority vote. Commissioners did so and the vote was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday at a special called meeting the same day as committee meetings, but there were not enough Commissioners present at the meeting to have a quorum to override the veto.

Commissioners were able to talk about the ordinance and what the plans were for the veto later in the day during the Delinquent Tax Property committee meeting.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris speaks during an Investing in America press conference to announce federal funding for a new Interstate 55 bridge in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The veto would have to be overridden before 30 days have passed since the veto was signed. The deadline for the vote was July 20, but there will be no vote to override the veto, Thornton said last week.

"We as a commission approved it. We went through multiple reads, and it ultimately was vetoed by the mayor, and then it was deemed invalid. So the veto is invalid because the process ended up as invalid," Thornton said.

According to administration and legal, Thornton said, the ordinance needed to have nine votes in order to pass because it is a change to purchasing policy to comply with the county charter. Because the ordinance did not get nine votes back in June, the passage is null so the veto is null.

Thornton last week asked if the ordinance could be reintroduced during Monday's meeting. Megan Smith of the Shelby County Attorney's office said the answer to that is not immediately clear and she would get back to the Commission with an answer, but suspected that reconsideration is still an avenue on the table.

The ordinance could still be re-introduced 60 days from now. Thornton said prior to the discussion about the veto that she wants to meet with those who previously voted against the ordinance and see if they would be willing to flip their vote.

Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton speaks during Shelby County Board of Commissioners committee meeting in Downtown Memphis, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

During the initial passage of the ordinance in June, Commissioners David Bradford, Amber Mills, Brandon Morrison and Mick Wright voted no on the ordinance. During the June meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Harold B. Collins said the administration had major issues with the ordinance, saying that the mayor's budget specifically did not allow for new hiring for the next fiscal year due to the tight budget.

The changes to the Land Bank would require the hiring of additional staff, but Commissioners were able to move money in the budget around to allocate money to the department. Administration estimated the additional staff and other changes would total $389,575 but Commissioners were only able to allocate roughly $250,000 for the Land Bank.

During discussions at the meeting, it was recommended that the Land Bank come back later in the year to ask for more funds.

Shelby County CIO awarded Tennessee Public Sector CIO of the Year

Shelby County's Chief Information Officer Sandra Jeffries-Perry was named the CIO of the Year in the Public Sector in the Tennessee ORBIE awards. According to a press release, Perry made history as the first Black woman appointed to the post for Shelby County Government.

The CIO ORBIE Awards recognize chief information officers throughout the state, winners are chosen through an independent review process based on leadership and management effectiveness, business value created by technology and innovation and engagement in industry and community endeavors.

More: Global outage: Shelby Co. Clerk's office drivers license dept. down, MFD, MPD impacted

Local: Funding for new I-55 bridge 'welds anew the heart of a nation,' again, leaders say

I congratulate Chief Perry on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication and commitment to her role sets Shelby County apart from our peers and will advance the work of every division. We all look forward to her continued success in the future," Mayor Harris said in the press release.

Perry was awarded the Tennessee CIO ORBE Award among seven other finalists from across the state, according to the press release.

Early voting for Aug. 1 election to end July 27

The Aug. 1 County General and State and Federal Primary election is fast approaching, with early voting set to end on Saturday.

The Commercial Appeal has created a voter guide for you to learn more about each candidate who is in a contested race. The questionnaires tackle key issues candidates plan to handle if they are elected into office and how they will spend their time in office if elected.

The voter guide can be found on The CA website, with links to all the key race questionnaires in the story.

Catch up on the week

Got a question for us?

Got a question for the metro reporting team you would like us to take on?

Send an email to metro@commercialappeal.com or email reporter Brooke Muckerman at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com.

The week ahead

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will meet for committee meetings on Monday at 3:00 p.m. Watch the livestream via the website, or attend in person at Vasco A. Smith, Jr. County Administration Building, located at 160 N. Main St. in Memphis.

Memphis City Council will also meet for both committee and full council meetings on Tuesday starting at 8:30 a.m. Watch the livestream via the Memphis City Council YouTube Channel, or attend in person at 125 N. Main St., Room 514.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shelby County Land Bank debate returns, early voting ends soon in Memphis
PATERSON  Ernest Rucker, a community activist and member of the Paterson Police Departments advisory council, was involved in an assault late Friday night at the Elks Club bar on Ellison Street.

Rucker, who is 71, told Paterson Press he was defending himself against a Rochelle Park man who was threatening to sexually assault him at the bar. Rucker said the man later jumped him outside his home, knocked him unconscious, and kicked him while he was on the ground, breaking two of his ribs.

The man filed a complaint with Paterson police on Saturday afternoon accusing Rucker of bashing a glass bottle against his face after the man said he intervened in a dispute between Rucker and a woman at the Elks bar.

Story continues below photo gallery

The man told police Rucker hit him twice in the head with the bottle, according to the incident report.

The man told police he subsequently followed Rucker when he realized he had suffered multiple lacerations on his face and that the two of them had a second fight away from the bar, according to the incident report. The man said he went to the hospital to get treated for his injuries.

Paterson police detectives are investigating the incident. As of Monday afternoon, authorities made no announcement on whether the detectives had filed any charges against anyone involved in the incident.

Allegedly made sexual threats against Rucker

Antwan Wilson, a loyal knight of the Paterson Elks, said he has spoken to several people who were at the bar on Friday night and said their accounts support Ruckers version of the events. Wilson said he was not at the club that night.

Wilson said people told him the Rochelle Park man made sexual threats against Rucker. Wilson said the man has caused similar problems at the bar in the past, but that the organization has not been successful in its efforts to ban him from the premises.

Ernest Rucker, a community activist and member of the Paterson Police Departments advisory council, was involved in an assault late Friday night at the Elks Club bar on Ellison Street.

David Gilmore, another Paterson activist and the citys community improvements director, said he was at the Elks on Friday night when the incident took place. Gilmore said he was at the other end of the bar and did not see the initial assault.

Gilmore told Paterson Press he then gave Rucker, a friend of his, a ride home to Van Houten Street. As the two men walked to the door of Ruckers apartment building, the combatant from the bar jumped Rucker, Gilmore said.

He came out of nowhere, Gilmore said, describing the second incident. I was able to pull him off.

Rucker plans to file a complaint

Rucker told Paterson Press that he plans to file a complaint against the Rochelle Park man. But he said he couldnt do so over the weekend because of the pain from his broken ribs. Rucker said he also went to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

It remains unclear what impact  if any  the incident will have on Ruckers role on the police advisory committee. Rucker had been a strong critic of the Paterson police department for many years. But he has praised the department  and its community outreach efforts  after the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office seized control of police headquarters in March 2023.

On July 10, Rucker was among the community activists who sat on the front dais during a police department-sponsored community listening session at School 2. Rucker sat alongside six high-ranking members of the police department and two other activists  Corey Teague and Teddie Martinez.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson activist on police advisory group in bar assault
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stopped short of endorsing Vice President Harris as the partys new nominee on Sunday, after President Biden announced that he would not seek reelection, a notable omission as Democrats head into an uncharted path forward.

Pelosi and Jeffries  both of whom were reported to have expressed concerns to Biden about his candidacy following last months disastrous debate performance  heaped praise on the president but did not mention Harris by name, nor mention who they want to see at the top of the ticket ahead of November.

President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first, Pelosi said in a statement. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness.

Jeffries echoed that sentiment, calling Biden one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history before ticking through a number of his accomplishments from this term.

America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful, he added.

Jeffries and Harris spoke with each other later on Sunday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former President Obama also put out statements that did not explicitly express support for Harris as the partys new nominee, raising some eyebrows.

A source familiar with the thinking of top Democrats told The Hill that Sunday is an emotional day and lawmakers are processing the news. They added that the day is about Biden, and that lawmakers are taking matters one day at the time.

But their lack of endorsements is notable since those Democrats  especially Pelosi  were instrumental in the behind-the-scenes effort to get Biden to rethink his decision to stay in the race.

Pelosi earlier this month, when tides began turning in Bidens direction, went on MSNBCs Morning Joe  known to be Bidens favorite news program  and said I want him to do whatever he decides to do, even though the president had been clear that he had already decided to remain in the race.

Pelosi and Biden have not spoken in more than a week, The Hill has learned.

The absence of an endorsement from the top Democrats contrasts with other members of the House Democratic Caucus who quickly offered their support for Harris.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.)  who previously served in Democratic leadership and whose endorsement of Biden during the 2020 race was key to his victory  backed Harris as the new nominee, as did Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. Clyburn had previously said hed back Harris if Biden were no longer in the race.

While the top Democrats stopped short of voicing support for Harris in the immediate aftermath of Bidens announcement, endorsements could come in the near future. Jeffries, for one, typically waits to meet with and talk to members of the House Democratic Caucus before making big decisions.

The group is scheduled to gather for its weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) told The Hill in a brief interview Sunday afternoon that some top Democrats may not be rushing to endorse Harris because they feel that allowing some type of process to unfold would make her a stronger candidate. What that process looks like, however, is unclear.

There are some who believe that Kamala will be stronger and more legitimate if there is a bit of a process, Huffman said. But I dont hear anyone suggesting that shes not gonna be the nominee at the end of that process. I just see this inexorable consolidation happening in real time.

I am completely confident, like 100 percent confident, that Vice President Harris is going to be our nominee, but its okay to allow this to play out a little bit, too, he added.

The California Democrat noted that calls from lawmakers for a more open process doesnt mean theyre opposing her.

Huffman said he expects that process to be less than a wide-open convention, deferring to the Democratic National Committees (DNC) rules committee.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison in a statement on Sunday said in the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party, he added. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(WHTM)  The Pennsylvania Delegation to the Democratic National Convention has unanimously endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

The vote came after a virtual meeting on Monday afternoon of the 185 delegates elected during the spring primary to attend the convention in Chicago in August. Delegates had been pledged to President Joe Biden prior to him dropping out of the race on Sunday, but now Democrats nationwide are pledging their support to Harris.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

President Joe Biden has a history of putting America first over a career spanning more than half a century. President Biden created over 15 million jobs, brought the economy back with historic investments in infrastructure, and developed consequential legislation to help Pennsylvanians and residents of every other state in our nation, stated Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Sharif Street.

There is a tremendous amount of excitement in seeing Vice President Kamala Harris become the nominee of the Democratic Party, added Street. More than $66.9 million was raised through ActBlue yesterday, breaking the single-day record for dollars raised. Vice President Harris will be able to take the historic success of the Biden-Harris Administration and carry it forward under her leadership, vision, and intellect.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is rumored to be among the list of potential running mates for Harris, publicly endorsed her on Sunday.

As Pennsylvania Democrats, we have a unique responsibility to defend our freedoms and our democracy  one that has been handed down to us from our ancestors 248 years ago in the halls of power in Philadelphia. Ive known Vice President Harris for twenty years, have watched her exemplary work as a prosecutor, a Senator, and now VP, and I know she is ready to serve as our president, said Governor Shapiro on Monday. I am proud to have asked Pennsylvania Democrats to put our support behind the Vice Presidents campaign today and we are ready to get to work to deliver Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes.

Harris has also received endorsements from Lt. Governor Austin Davis, Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, and the nine Pennsylvania Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Election Day is November 5, 2024.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Vice President Kamala Harris introduces President Joe Biden during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania Democrats lined up behind Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, as she announced she would seek the party nomination after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race and gave her his endorsement. At the same time, some also indicated they would support Gov. Josh Shapiro as Harris running mate, after he threw his support behind her for president.

Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results, Shapiro said Sunday. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

Shapiro added the best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency, adding the road to victory runs through Pennsylvania. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.

A Shapiro spokesman confirmed that the governor spoke with Harris on Sunday.

Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Bob Casey also endorsed Harris, a key battleground support from a longtime friend of Bidens.

With womens rights, workers rights, and voting rights on the line, the stakes of this election for Pennsylvania and the Nation couldnt be higher, Casey said in a statement. Vice President Harris has been leading on those fights and as a former prosecutor, she will draw a clear contrast between herself and former President Trump. She is prepared to be Commander-in-Chief and is the best person to meet this moment. Im proud to endorse her candidacy.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-12th District), who earlier this month defended Harris as Democrats obvious choice if Biden dropped out, reiterated her support on Sunday.

We thank President Biden for doing what he believes is best for our country and making the difficult decision to step down, Lee said in a statement. We have no time to waste  whats at stake for communities like mine isnt abstract. We need to unify and move forward to defeat Trump and fascism in November. Thats why I endorse and encourage unity behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) said shes grateful to Biden for his accomplishments in the Oval Office but also recognizes that with aging come changes that may make things difficult that werent a week, a month or even a year before.

I appreciate the fact that his tenacity has brought him to this point, McClinton said. It was his decision to make in terms of recognizing how much work it will take over the next few months, getting across the entire nation, getting them fired up and ready to participate in our democracy. And most importantly, defeat Trump.

Harris record as a public servant, prosecutor and defender of democracy and womens rights have primed her to make history as the nations first woman president, McClinton said.

Who better to turn the page in American history after 250 years, McClinton, who is the first woman and the first woman of color to serve as speaker in Pennsylvania, told the Capital-Star on Sunday. Asked how Harris could secure the swing votes in battleground states like Pennsylvania, McClinton said, The best thing she can do is choose Governor Josh Shapiro to be her running mate.

Shapiros record of working with a divided legislature to pass legislation to correct decades of inequitable school funding, return tax dollars to seniors and to fight for families, both as governor and attorney general, qualify him for the job, she said.

Of course, he hasnt had the privilege to defeat Trump personally, but running against Sen. [Doug] Mastriano, who was Trumps pick, he defeated him significantly, McClinton said. Shapiro beat Mastriano in Pennsylvanias 2022 gubernatorial race by 15 points.

Gov. Josh Shapiro would be an excellent choice to get with independent voters, to persuade moderate Republican voters, McClinton added. Given his electoral success in a battleground state like Pennsylvania, he would be a natural choice.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement that he looked forward to joining Harris on the campaign trail. Kamala has the passion, energy, and experience to win this race and deliver for the people of Pittsburgh, Gainey said.

Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, who is a Pennsylvania delegate to next months Democratic National Convention, was one of the first to endorse Harris on Sunday after Biden dropped out. Montgomery is Shapiros home county, where he previously served as commissioner. She can win, She will win, and PA will bring it home, Makhija said.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is running for state auditor general, endorsed Harris on Sunday in a thread on social media where he also praised Biden.

In January we will drop the vice and simply call her Madam President, Kenyatta said.

U.S. Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-5th District), Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District), Dwight Evans (D-3rd District) and Susan Wild (D-7th District) all endorsed Harris on Sunday as well.

Shapiro is scheduled to be in Pittsburgh on Monday, where he will join U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to announce local recipients of a climate grants program. It seems likely hell be asked about Sundays events.

This article was updated at 9:54 p.m. July 21, 2024 to add that Shapiro spoke with Harris on Sunday.
(WHTM)  U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday.

Fetterman was perhaps one of Bidens strongest supporters in Congress, repeatedly standing up for the president when Democrats nationwide called for Biden to step down.

Proud to support and be all in for the next president, @KamalaHarris Fetterman posted on X.

Fetterman was the last Democratic Pennsylvania lawmaker in Congress to publicly endorse Harris with his post coming hours after the last two members of Pennsylvanias House Democratic caucus publicly threw their support behind Harris on Monday morning.

Following President Bidens debate performance last month, Fetterman told Democrats to chill the f out and joined Biden when he campaigned in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

I dont understand why, Fetterman said, speaking on Morning Joe on MSNBC back in February about Democrats starting to sound the alarms over Bidens ability to beat Donald Trump. I dont know whats in it for you to do that whether youre just chasing clout or you want to make it in the news or anything like that. But if youre not willing to just support the president now and say these kinds of things, you might as well just get your MAGA hat, because you now are helping Trump with this.

Pennsylvanias ties to the presidential election could grow strong with Governor Josh Shapiro being floated as a potential Vice Presidential candidate.

Election Day is November 5.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
By Azernews

Ulviyya Shahin

After Ukraine and the EU's current agreement with Russia expires this year, they have asked Azerbaijan to supply natural gas to Europe via Ukraine. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed ongoing discussions with Ukraine, the EU, and Russia to continue gas supply. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy aims to secure Azerbaijani gas to maintain Ukraine's role in gas transit and support Western energy security. Aliyev noted potential challenges for Austria and Slovakia if Russian gas via Ukraine stops, underscoring Azerbaijan's readiness to increase gas exports to Europe, reaching nearly 13 billion cubic meters this year through the Southern Gas Corridor.

The international analyst, and author of books on Britain, Turkiye, and the South Caucasus, Dr. Patrick Walsh's commentary on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's speech, emphasizing that there was an interesting article in the Financial Times of London last week.

"Vaqif Sadigov, Azerbaijans ambassador to the EU, told the newspaper that the EU is currently treating the country as a firefighter by only committing to short-term gas deals despite asking Azerbaijan to boost exports of fuel to the EU. Baku needs the certainty of long-term contracts to raise the finance required to increase gas production in the Caspian Sea and meet the additional EU demand. Mr Sadigov said that they cannot be a firefighter just by sending gas for three to six months. They need the contracts so that they can go to banks for financing for drilling deep into the Caspian Sea.

According to international expert, despite discussions with the EU Commission about how to meet the targets of the 2022 deal to increase Azerbaijans annual gas exports to the EU to 20bn cubic meters by 2027, EU operators have been reluctant to sign long contracts because of the blocs ambition to curb its consumption of fossil fuels and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

"EU officials have said it is up to companies rather than national governments to make the commercial agreements. Finding new sources of natural gas has become critical for the EU since Russia, the EU's largest supplier, began to shut off gas flows in retaliation for the EUs support for Ukraine. However the EU has committed to ambitious climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040, and fossil fuel consumption should be 80 percent less than in 2021, of which only 40 percent would be gas. Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, said that to reach the EUs 2027 target for Azerbaijani imports, it was imperative to finance upstream production because Azerbaijan would not otherwise have sufficient extra gas production to meet the EU deal. Between January and June, Azerbaijan exported 6.4 bcm of gas to EU countries, about a quarter of its total production, according to Baku's figures."

"Over the past three years, Azerbaijan has increased its gas flows to the EU by 12 percent. However, it seems that Brussels is unable to finance the project because of its rules that prevent the EU budget from being spent on fossil fuel infrastructure. The European Investment Bank has similar restrictions. Ironically this EU ideology is not only an impediment to its energy security but to Kyiv, which urges Brussels to make the required commitment to Azerbaijans energy supply," Dr. Walsh concluded.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Allreal Holding is CHF117 based on Dividend Discount Model

Allreal Holding's CHF156 share price signals that it might be 33% overvalued

Analyst price target for ALLN is CHF157, which is 34% above our fair value estimate

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Allreal Holding AG (VTX:ALLN) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Allreal Holding

What's The Estimated Valuation?

We have to calculate the value of Allreal Holding slightly differently to other stocks because it is a real estate company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.2%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.4%. Compared to the current share price of CHF156, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= CHF7.3 / (6.4%  0.2%)

= CHF117

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Allreal Holding as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.351. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Story continues

SWOT Analysis for Allreal Holding

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Swiss market.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows.

Annual revenue is expected to decline over the next 3 years.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price exceeding the intrinsic value? For Allreal Holding, we've put together three important items you should consider:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for Allreal Holding (2 are concerning) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does ALLN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the SWX every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
People Are Calling Out Double Standards In The Republican Party Now That Donald Trump Is The Oldest Major Presidential Nominee In History

I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but this weekend, President Joe Biden announced that he won't be seeking reelection and subsequently dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Before dropping, Biden  the presumptive Democratic nominee  faced heavy criticism about his age and perceived cognitive abilities. His opponent, Donald Trump, even challenged him to take a cognitive test as an apparent way to prove whether Biden was fit to run the country.

Ironically, Trump confused the name of the person who administered his own test in his next sentence.

Concerns around Biden's age came from both sides, but perhaps none louder than red voters. In a poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 89% of Republicans surveyed said that Biden was too old for a second term.

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

So, when Biden endorsed 59-year-old Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential nominee for the Democratic party, there left one obvious head-scratcher...

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

...78-year-old Donald Trump, who, if elected, would exceed Biden's age while in office.

Nick Oxford / AFP via Getty Images

In fact, as it stands, Trump is now the oldest person to be nominated for president by a major party in US history  which is leading many to call out a perceived double standard when it comes to conservative complaints around Biden's age. Here's what people are saying:

Now that Trump is officially the oldest presidential candidate ever, I expect the media to spend weeks focusing on his age and his mental capacity.  I Smoked #DropOutDon (@BlackKnight10k) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @BlackKnight10k

Wow, Republicans are running a 78-year-old convicted felon for president. Yikes!  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @acnewsitics

So now that Trump is the oldest person running for President  is that going to be the top news story from the media for the next several months? Or no?  chris evans (@notcapnamerica) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @notcapnamerica

Donald Trump is the oldest nominee for President in American history.  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) July 21, 2024

Twitter: @SarahLongwell25

Republican strategists realising they've deliberately made this election about the cognitive decline of elderly men pic.twitter.com/rEW9zvrpmd  Dr Emma Salisbury (@salisbot) July 21, 2024

FOX / Via Twitter: @salisbot

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
After weeks of increasing pressure to drop out of the 2024 campaign, President Joe Biden finally put a stop to the rumors, leaks and chatter with a seven-paragraph statement that showed a resolve and dignity that has been missing in his recent interviews  and political discourse writ large.

Biden as hero, as some have described him for ceding to the Democratic Partys pleas that he exit the race, is not the right description. But the statement that finally ended the matter was certainly commendable  from the understated stationery, which read simply Joseph R. Biden Jr., to the message it conveyed, free of partisanship and rancor.

The statement, in other words, was presidential, remarkably so because of the pain that we all know lies under the stoic words.

To call Joe Biden a hero is aggrandizement, and unfair to the true heroes in our midst, the kind who run into buildings hit by planes and pull people out of burning cars. Biden is a politician who has enjoyed a long and prestigious career that the sun is setting on. Ask the average person on the street what Bidens biggest accomplishment in public service is, and before today, they might have struggled to answer. Now hes most likely to be remembered, above all, for the statement he issued today and the reasons for it: doubts about his capacity to serve another four years and to win the election.

Stepping away from power is not always a sign of defeat. Our first president, George Washington, famously relinquished power twice: first, as commander in chief of the Continental Army, and later at the end of his second term as president, at a time in which he could have been elected again.

Bidens story, of course, is much different, and in exiting, he has bestowed on the nation the sort of thing that C.S. Lewis called a severe mercy, putting America out of the misery weve all been in, to one extent or another, since the agonizing debate June 27.

Its often said that America is so divided that we cant agree on anything at all. The past eight days has shown that to be untrue. We agreed, as the Rev. Theresa Dear wrote, that none of us want to see Secret Service agents diving on top of presidential candidates under fire. And we agreed that, no matter how well meaning a person is, no matter how beloved within their party, no matter how they have performed in the past, when the time comes to step down, we should do so with dignity, and not have to be pulled off the stage with a vaudeville hook.

You could almost feel the nation exhaling in relief as the news circulated Sunday afternoon.

So where does this leave us?

It leaves us, for the moment, without a Democratic candidate for president in an election just 100 days away, although it certainly seems likely that Harris is ascendant.

It leaves us with another unpleasant debate about Biden: Is he is up to the demands of the nations highest office for even the next six months?

It leaves us with hard questions to consider as people live longer and want to keep working  should there be an upper age limit like the lower one with regard to the presidency? And what of Congress?

And it leaves us to discuss what changes might be necessary with regard to how the White House interacts with the public and the press.

Its disturbing that, up until this weekend, we have been getting mixed messages from the White House with regard to Bidens health and capabilities. The presidents angry and defiant interviews in recent weeks did nothing to convince a skeptical public that there hasnt been what amounted to a cover-up about his condition. Part of the conversation going forward should be about how we can prevent this from happening again  do we need more complete disclosure of medical records, regular cognitive tests, or a minimum number of big boy press conferences a president should be required to have? Athletes are required to sit before the press after stinging losses and triumphant wins. Why not public servants put in place by the electorate?

The events of the past month are also a fresh reminder of why a partisan bent within the media isnt just bad for the medias image, but for the welfare of the country. Accusations that the media was actively complicit in hiding Bidens decline may not be fair, but there is cause for soul-searching among journalists about why Biden was allowed to coast along with his stumbles, misstatements and outbursts of temper for so long.

But of all the lessons of Bidens withdrawal, the most important is what was articulated by Maria Shriver, when rumors of Bidens decision began to circulate. Regardless of your party, this is a human moment. This is as tough as it gets, she wrote on X.

Like the attempt on former President Donald Trumps life eight days ago, Bidens physical and cognitive struggles have brought into sharp relief the humanity that we so often fail to recognize in the men and women who hold public office.

America is having a moment right now, to be sure. It is a cultural moment, a struggle between still sharp and productive baby boomers and the younger Americans who want their jobs and their homes. It is a political moment, from Bidens cataclysmic debate to his expected yet still shocking withdrawal. But most of all, it is, as Shriver said, a human moment. One candidate survived an assassination attempt; the other revealed cognitive decline before the world.

The moment, and the people involved, should be treated with dignity.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president following President Joe Biden's Sunday afternoon announcement that he will not seek reelection. Buttigieg's endorsement adds significant momentum to Harris's campaign as the Democratic Party prepares for the 2024 general election and next month's national nominating convention in Chicago.



In a statement released Sunday evening, Buttigieg praised Biden's presidency and expressed confidence in Harris's leadership. "Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in our history. Americans are much better off because of his leadership and accomplishments. He always puts our country first, as he demonstrated today, and I know he will continue to do so for the rest of his term," Buttigieg said.

 (@)

Turning his focus to Harris, Buttigieg wrote, "Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President. I have seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand, working closely with her during the 2020 campaign and then in the historically effective Biden-Harris administration. I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President."

In the hours following the announcement, social media buzzed with speculation that Buttigieg could be a candidate for Harris's running mate. Others speculated he could be a contender to run against Harris, potentially creating a competitive race.

Adding to the surge of support, ActBlue reported that small-dollar donors raised over $27.5 million in the first five hours of Harris's presidential campaign. "Grassroots supporters are energized and excited to support her as the Democratic nominee," ActBlue wrote on X, formerly Twitter .

Buttigieg's endorsement is expected to bolster Harris's campaign, providing additional support from within the Democratic Party. Known for his historic run for president in 2020, subsequent role in the Biden administration, and exceptional communications talent, Buttigieg remains a star in American politics.

Harris, who has received endorsements from key figures, including President Biden, has expressed her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and defeating Donald Trump.

Harris also reiterated her commitment to continue engaging with Americans about the crucial choice in this election. "My intention is to earn and win this nomination," she said.

Democrats will gather in Chicago August 19-22 for what is expected to be an electric convention.

"We have 107 days until Election Day," Harris declared. "Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

This story is developing.
Village Pharmacy on the main drag in Red Cloud, Neb. Heather Ockinga, its owner, said the practices of massive health conglomerates threaten to drive it and many other small-town pharmacies out of business. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.)

RED CLOUD, Neb.  This far-flung town in southern Nebraska has an advantage its neighbors must envy.

Its favorite daughter, Willa Cather, was a literary giant of the early 20th century. Her legacy brings a steady stream of writers, artists and biology-and-birder types who split time between this small town (population 962) and the spring stopover of endangered sandhill cranes in the Platte River Valley to the north.

But step into Village Pharmacy just two doors down from the National Willa Cather Center on the main drag and youll learn that its struggling to stay in business just like small pharmacies in even more isolated towns scattered across the rolling green prairie. Those struggles threaten to make a pharmacy  and even a healthcare  desert of a huge portion of rural Nebraska, said the owner, Heather Ockinga, who is also a member of the Nebraska Rural Health Board.

Nebraska is hardly alone.

The number of small-chain and independent pharmacies had already been declining precipitously when Rite Aid announced late last month that it was closing hundreds of pharmacies in Ohio and Michigan  with more sure to come in the 14 other states where the bankrupt chain operates. Just after that announcement, retail giant Walgreens said it was planning to close 25%  or more than 2,000  stores nationally.

As the companies look to close underperforming stores, theres little doubt that many or most of them will be in poor or isolated communities.

The closures are the consequence of the squeeze put on pharmacies by middlemen that are part of massive and rapidly growing health conglomerates, Ockinga said. And community pharmacies like hers have been feeling that squeeze for years.

I dont think people paid attention to it, Ockinga said. A lot of pharmacies around the states have closed. But when people heard about Rite Aid and Walgreens, they realized that pharmacy is in trouble. Well weve been in trouble. Independent pharmacies have been closing for years because of insurance companies that own the middlemen.

The dire news of closures comes against the backdrop of last weeks scathing interim report from the Federal Trade Commission. It found evidence suggesting that anticompetitive practices by pharmacy middlemen owned by giant healthcare conglomerates are driving pharmacies  especially in small towns  out of business.

The FTC report noted the harm thats already been wrought.

Between 2013 and 2022, about 10% of independent retail pharmacies in rural America closed, it said. Closures of local pharmacies affect not only small business owners and their employees, but also their patients. In some rural and medically underserved areas, local community pharmacies are the main healthcare option for Americans, who depend on them to get a flu shot, an EpiPen, or other lifesaving medicines.

Serious harm

To those lucky enough to be healthy, it might not seem obvious. But especially in underserved areas, pharmacy plays a vital role in the healthcare system.

Its the place where the frail and even the uninsured can go and easily talk to a healthcare professional. And its nearly pointless to have a health clinic in a place that doesnt also have a place where people can get their medicine. The big health conglomerates tout their mail-order operations, but many patients and healthcare professionals say theyre a poor substitute.

In Red Cloud, Ockinga said that an independent pharmacy in the northern part of Webster County is owned by an aging pharmacist and is likely to close in the next few years. Many others are struggling with still lower reimbursements after Medicare this year tried to stop clawbacks by huge pharmacy middlemen and might also close, she said.

Ockinga said she isnt contemplating closing. But she said that if she were forced to close her pharmacy in Red Cloud and another she owns 23 miles to the west in Franklin, patients in the area will have to drive at least an hour to get to a pharmacy. In the more-sparsely populated area to the west, the situation is even more precarious, Ockinga said.

The whole western panhandle of Nebraska, pharmacies are few and far between, just because the towns are few and far between, she said. So if you close one, they rely on mail order, because theres no other way they can get their meds.

The threat isnt merely academic. According to a survey released in February by the National Community Pharmacists Association, a third of community pharmacies said that the cash crunch Ockinga described might force them to close their doors this year.

Measuring the loss of pharmacies varies according to methodology. But Anne Cassity, senior vice president of the National Community Pharmacy Association, said the losses are dire.

The numbers we have say that last year, 375 independents went out of business nationwide and close to 1,000 chain pharmacies, Cassity said last week. That was just last year. Were losing an (independent) pharmacy a day and three chain pharmacies are closing. This year, based on what were seeing, were trending to see the exact same numbers.

Those numbers are in the context of roughly 62,000 retail pharmacies in the United States as of 2022. And that number took a big hit in rapid-fire announcements late last month of the mass closures by Rite Aid and Walgreens.

Every single day, from multiple pharmacies, I hear about reimbursements from conglomerate-owned middlemen, Cassity said. Pharmacists say Im using my 401k, my personal savings just to keep this pharmacy afloat. Just to pay my staff.'

Market forces

Independent pharmacies and small chains have been bleeding out over the last decade, and the announcements by Rite Aid and Walgreens showed the losses werent just because small players lacked the size to compete, said David Burke, a pharmacist and former state senator who is now executive director of the Ohio Pharmacists Association. He said the large chains mass closures show greater forces are at work.

When you have a very mature operator like Walgreens openly saying we have to close 25% of our stores because they are underperforming  i.e., not profitable  that is more than troubling, Burke said last week. Any conspiracy theory you had up to this point has got to shift to market dynamics. Rite Aid has been in decline for a period of time, maybe they had operational issues You cant say that about Walgreens and theyre not talking about closing a few stores. Twenty five percent of their operation. If Delta Airlines decided to cancel 25% of their flights, people would freak. If Kroger was going to close 25% of its grocery stores, people would freak. Choices go down, costs go up. Weve seen that for a decade or two now.

The Federal Trade Commission report offered some new glimpses of how consolidated the healthcare marketplace has become  with shadowy middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers playing an increasingly central role in their operations.

The companies act as insurers representatives in pharmacy transactions. They decide which drugs are covered and to what extent. In exchange for putting medicines on lists known as formularies, they collect huge rebates and other fees from drugmakers.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, also create pharmacy networks and determine  through a system thats almost impossible to penetrate  how much to reimburse pharmacies for the drugs they dispense, the FTC report said.

At the same time, each of the biggest PBMs in some capacity competes with the pharmacies theyre deciding how much to pay. The biggest  CVS Caremark  is part of the company that operates the largest retail chain in the U.S. It and all of the others also operate mail-order pharmacies for specialty drugs, the most expensive class.

The conglomerates that own the biggest PBMs are increasingly vertically integrated in the healthcare space, meaning they each own major health insurers, while one  UnitedHealths Optum  owns the most doctors offices in the U.S., and they all have been expanding rapidly into new aspects of drug supply and other healthcare services.

Rapid expansion

The FTC and many others suspect the conglomerates of using their size and anticompetitive practices to crowd out competition, drive up prices and, ultimately, make Americans sicker by making it more difficult to access the medicines they need.

The three biggest PBMs  CVS Caremark, OptumRx and ExpressScripts  control nearly 80% of the insured prescriptions in the United States, and the six biggest PBMs control 94% of that marketplace, the FTC report said.

They are at the core of conglomerates that are gobbling up a rapidly increasing share of the nations vast annual healthcare spending.

The four biggest  CVS Health, UnitedHealth, Cigna/Express Scripts and Humana  received 14% of the healthcare dollars spent in the United States in 2016. That jumped to 22%, or more than a fifth of all healthcare spending, in 2023, the FTC report said.

In monetary terms, it was an increase from $456 billion a year to more than $1 trillion.

Its surprising, but its not surprising, said Cassity of the National Community Pharmacists Association. They control the ability to put other pharmacies out of business. Their pockets are growing fatter every year and on top of all that, drug costs are continuing to go up.

The FTC reported another statistic strongly indicating that the big money on Wall Street favors this consolidation: Entities that were invested in at least three of the four conglomerates owned more than a third of the companies combined value. Thats a huge stake, given that three of the corporations are among the 15 biggest in the United States and Humana comes in at 38th.

Tough practices

At least since 2018, the big PBMs have responded to criticism by saying they used their heft in the marketplace to bring drugmakers to heel and save plan sponsors and patients money. Last week, a spokesman for an industry group, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, denied that PBMs were driving community pharmacies out of business.

PBMs recognize the vital role pharmacies play in creating access to prescription drugs for patients, PCMA Vice President Greg Lopes said in an email. There are many factors for pharmacy closures, however pharmacy benefit managers are supporting community pharmacies in rural areas through programs that increase reimbursements. Blaming PBMs for pharmacy closures is not based on the facts.

However, the FTC found several practices that might stifle competitors. Among them:

Forcing pharmacies to sign gun-to-the-head contracts that give the pharmacies no idea how much theyll be reimbursed  or if theyll be able to cover their costs. In effect, the PBMs often fail to commit in their contracts to any identifiable or readily ascertainable rate for generic reimbursements, the report said.

Setting seemingly arbitrary quality standards and charging fees for not meeting them. One PBMs internal document said the fees are primarily intended to provide competitive financial benefit to [PBM] clients,' the FTC report said.

Classifying ever more drugs as specialty and pressuring or requiring that patients get them from mail-order pharmacies affiliated with the PBM if they are to be covered by insurance.

Negotiating rebates from manufacturers of branded drugs that discourage or deny coverage of cheaper generic alternatives.

They just dominate the marketplace and control everything from top to bottom: what goes on the formularies, what patients can go to which pharmacies, and  and I think this does more than anything to explain these closures  they determine what their competitors get paid, Cassity said.

The Federal Trade Commissions investigation has turned up documents indicating that PBM executives are aware of their practices and that they worry how they might appear to the public.

The agency looked at two generic cancer drugs and determined that the PBMs reimburse their affiliated pharmacies far more than their competitors and often 20 to 40 times the prices on lists published by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The report quoted an executive of one of the PBMs parent companies talking about the pricing of one of the drugs. The PBM was blatantly violating its preferred-network pricing promises, and the executive was concerned how it would look  especially since it was all but forcing patients into those networks.

[Y]ou can get the drug [imatinib mesylate] at a non-preferred pharmacy (Costco) for $97, at Walgreens (preferred) for $9000, and at preferred home delivery for $19,200, the executive said. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expects that plans that offer preferred pharmacy constructs have lower pricing in the preferred channel. Compounding the challenge/optics is the fact that weve created plan designs to aggressively steer customers to home delivery where the drug cost is ~200 times higher. The optics are not good and must be addressed.

Foot dragging

The FTC report is an interim update after the agency undertook a sweeping 6(b) investigation of the pharmacy middlemen in 2022. As it has in the past, the antitrust watchdog again complained in the interim report that at least some of the PBMs arent forking over the information theyve been ordered to.

Although the FTC issued its Orders to the PBMs over two years ago, some of the PBM respondents have not yet fully complied; they have not yet completed their required submissions, the report says. The failure of certain respondents to timely produce data and documents has hindered the ability of the Commission to perform its statutory mission. FTC staff has demanded that the companies finalize their productions required by the Orders promptly and eagerly awaits promised productions. If, however, any of the companies fail to fully comply with the Orders or engage in further delay tactics, the FTC can take them to court to compel compliance.

Even though the investigation hasnt been completed, the agency seems determined to act. Last week, news broke that the FTC was planning to sue the big-three PBMs over practices concerning certain lifesaving drugs, such as insulin.

Burke, of the Ohio Pharmacists Association, said its nearing midnight for the nations network of retail pharmacies, and government at all levels needs to do more to protect it.

Is this going to go the way of the Sears Auto Center? he asked. Thats what Im concerned about because then we have an access issue Can people get the medications they need? Were not talking about people like you and me. Im concerned about diabetics. People with breathing disorders who end up at the emergency room or in urgent care  very high-cost settings. You know as well as I do, theyre not closing the store in (affluent) Dublin, Ohio, theyre closing the store in (rural) Vinton County.

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Pharmacies are warning of delays in issuing prescriptions in the wake of the global IT outage, with slower than usual service as they cope with backlogs.

Patients waiting for medicines are being told that emergency cases will be prioritised, as the health service attempts to deal with the fallout from the chaos on Friday.

Nick Kaye, the chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: As pharmacists recover from last weeks IT outage and catch up on the backlog of prescriptions, we expect service in some community pharmacies to be slower than usual today.

Please be patient with your local pharmacy team if you are visiting them, as they may still be prioritising emergency prescriptions from their local GP surgeries as well as experiencing increased demand as services return to normal.

As ever, community pharmacies have worked hard to provide support for those who need them during this period.

GPs have warned of continued delays this week as a result of the backlog.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said the IT chaos had forced doctors to cancel appointments on Friday, which would have an impact into this week.

Mondays are normally the busiest days for doctors surgeries.

GPs said the start of this week would be particularly stretched because many patients who should have been dealt with last week would now need attention.

Dr David Wrigley, the BMA deputy chairman, said: Friday was one of the toughest single days in recent times for GPs across England. Without a clinical IT system, many were forced to return to pen and paper to be able to serve their patients.

While GPs and their teams worked hard to look after as many as they could, without access to the information they needed much of the work has had to be shifted into the coming week.

NHS playing catch up

Dr Wrigley said GPs had been pulling out all the stops  to deal with the effects of Fridays catastrophic loss of service but said the loss of the EMIS patient record system had caused a considerable backlog.

He added: Even if we could guarantee it could be fully fixed on Monday, GPs would still need time to catch up from lost work over the weekend, and NHS England should make clear to patients that normal service cannot be resumed immediately.

An NHS spokesman said: Systems are now back online, and patients with an NHS appointment this week should continue to attend unless told not to.

The outage was caused by a faulty software update produced by CrowdStrike, a cyber security company, for PCs running Microsoft Windows.

The problem is estimated to have affected 8.5 million devices worldwide. On Sunday, Microsoft released a recovery tool to aid the repair of PCs that use Windows.

CrowdStrike has issued a fix for the bug in the software update, although George Kurtz, its chief executive, said it would take some time for systems to be fully restored.

Asked whether the Government would be launching a review into what had happened, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We keep resilience under constant review.

The spokesman added that the Government has set out its plans to better protect public services and the third-party services that they use, including through a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill to ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected by putting regulators on a stronger footing.

Clearly this case is one to learn the lessons from, the spokesman said. There are lessons that we should ensure are learned from this particular incident.

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NEW PHILADELPHIA  Mayor Joel Day has sent a letter to New Philadelphia City Council members asking them to create a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) in downtown New Philadelphia.

"Downtown New Philadelphia is the undisputed heart of our community," he said in the letter, dated July 17. "With the threat to bricks and mortar retail from online merchants and fierce dining competition in the eastern Ohio market, we must do everything within our power to maintain the experiential nature of our historic downtown."

The City of New Philadelphia is taking into consideration a proposed DORA zone as seen in the 3D map.

More on DORA: New Philadelphia City Council hears arguments for and against downtown DORA district

The DORA would encompass an area bounded by Fair Avenue on the north, Front Avenue on the south, Second Street on the west and First Drive on the east.

The DORA program was created by the state in 2015. Under the rules, someone could purchase alcohol at a bar and walk around on the street with the beverage in a designated container with a logo on it. The container would have to be purchased at one of the participating establishments in the DORA. The container can only be used once. Businesses in the designated area can put up signs to prohibit the cups in their stores.

Under the mayor's proposal:

The hours of operation for the DORA : Hours of the DORA will be in effect during special events. Organizers of special events must submit an application to the DORA Board to be included. The DORA will allow qualified permit holders to sell alcoholic beverages as part of providing an outdoor dining area, as long as beverages are provided in DORA cups and DORA signage is in place.

Signage noting the boundaries ("No alcohol beyond this point'') should be placed on movable stanchions at each of the establishments during operating hours. The city will coordinate with each business to produce appropriate signage and a cohesive design.

DORA cup labels consistent with DORA branding will be purchased and distributed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1445 in New Philadelphia.

The area of operation for the DORA will be expanded to any public area only during any event that is planned in conjunction with or by the DORA Board and coordinated with the city. This will include special events such as Art on the Alley, annual summer concerts, and any future planned events approved by the DORA Board.

Members of the DORA Board will include the safety director, a downtown business owner, a city council member, a Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau representative and a representative of VFW Post 1445.

Eight qualified liquor permit holders will likely be included in the DORA  Gavin's Grill, 110 S. Broadway; Broadway Brewhouse, 123 and 127-129 S. Broadway; Ricardo's Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 115 Front Ave. SW; Craft Bistro and Lounge, 104 Fair Ave. NE; the Wine Rack/Mustard's, 150 S. Broadway; JNG Grill, 114 Front Ave. SW; The Venue, 126 Front Ave. SW; and The Delaware, 112 Fair Ave. NE.

"By adopting this ordinance in accordance with the parameters listed above, the city will advance its position as a forward-thinking and appealing community for residents and visitors," Day wrote. "It will also show our restaurant and bar owners in this area that the city is responsive, progressive and understands the opportunities that this new legislation presents for their businesses, particularly because our streetscape is designed in such a way that would require expensive fencing in order to accomplish full service outdoor dining."

New Philadelphia council meets next at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the John Knisely Centre.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: New Philadelphia mayor urges council to create downtown DORA
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. center, receives a standing ovation during his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, top left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, top right look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered an immediate ban on widespread and mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations, accusing them of venturing into crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murder.

His move to ban the Chinese-run online gambling outfits  estimated to number more than 400 across the Philippines and employing tens of thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals came amid a crackdown backed by Beijing.

That has led to the shutdown of several sprawling complexes where authorities suspect thousands of Chinese, Vietnamese and other nationals mostly from Southeast Asia have been illegally recruited and forced to work in dismal conditions.

Marcos announced the decision during his state-of-the-nation address, when he also said that the Philippines would press efforts to strengthen its defensive capability by forging security alliances with friendly countries to counter threats to its territorial interests in the South China Sea, adding that his country would only settle disputes through diplomacy.

The Philippines has a complicated relationship with China, including significant trade engagements and cooperation against crime. But they have also had longstanding disputes in the South China Sea.

Relatedly, Philippine senators ordered the arrest of a town mayor in Tarlac province north of Manila who has failed to appear at public hearings where allegations against her were being investigated, including her alleged links to a large online gambling complex near her townhall and suspicions that she fraudulently hid her Chinese nationality to be able to run for a public office reserved only for Filipinos.

The mayor, Alice Guo, has denied any wrongdoing but has been suspended from her post with her financial assets ordered frozen. Philippine senators say the massive online gambling industry has flourished largely due to corruption in regulatory agencies and payoffs to local officials.

Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder, Marcos said in his address. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.

Marcos ordered the gaming agency to wind down the operations of the gambling outfits by year's end, drawing loud applause in the House of Representatives. He asked labor officials to look for alternative jobs for Filipino workers who would be displaced because of the shutdown.

Setting out his vision for the year ahead, Marcos outlined moves to address a range of issues, including soaring costs of food and electricity, poverty and low wages.

His administration's bloodless war on dangerous drugs never aimed at extermination, Marcos said in an obvious criticism of his predecessor's brutal anti-drugs crackdown that left thousands of mostly innocent suspects killed.

The International Criminal Court has been investigating the widespread drug killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte as a possible crime against humanity. Duterte has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings.

On Manila's increasingly hostile disputes with Beijing, Marcos stressed the Philippines would not back down but would only resort to peaceful means to resolve any dispute.

"The West Philippine Sea is not only a figment of our imagination. It belongs to us, Marcos said, using the Philippine name for the stretch of the South China Sea that Manila claims.

"In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done, Marcos said. Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes.

Recent confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal and outlying waters have sparked fears of a larger conflict that could involve the United States, the longtime treaty ally of the Philippines.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government.

The Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel in a chaotic skirmish.

On Sunday, the Philippine government said it had reached a deal with China in the hope of ending confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal. Neither side released the text of the agreement.

___

Associated Press journalist Joeal Calupitan in Manila contributed to this report.
Philippines says it to still assert South China Sea rights after resupply deal with China

FILE PHOTO: Aerial view of the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea

MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines will keep asserting its rights in the South China Sea after it reached a "provisional arrangement" with China about its resupply missions to the contested Second Thomas Shoal, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

While neither the Chinese foreign ministry nor the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) provided details of the arrangement, Manila said it "will not prejudice our respective national positions."

"In our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea to manage differences in a peaceful manner, we emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it," the DFA said in a statement.

"We urge China to do the same."

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the "temporary arrangement" with the two sides agreeing to jointly manage maritime differences and de-escalate the situation.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a rusty naval ship, the Sierra Madre, that it deliberately grounded in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims.

Manila regularly sends supply missions to sailors stationed at the shoal, turning it into a flashpoint with Beijing.

The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its demand for the Philippines to tow away the grounded warship, and said it would not accept Manila shipping large amounts of building materials to the shoal.

"Between now and when the warship is towed away, should the Philippines need to send living necessities to the personnel living on the warship, China is willing to allow it in a humanitarian spirit if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted," it said in a statement.

Washington welcomed diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions in the South China Sea, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Kritenbrink told reporters.

"I think the key now from our vantage will be to ensure that it is implemented number one, and number two that China's ceases its provocative and destabilizing activities around Second Thomas Shoal that we've seen in recent weeks," he said.

The Philippine has previously said it was against informing China in advance about its resupply missions, which it maintains are lawful, and said this had not changed under the new deal despite the statement from the Chinese ministry.

"The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions," the Philippines' DFA said.

"The spokesperson's statement therefore regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate," it added.

China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law. The case was brought to the court by the Philippines.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Additional reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by John Mair and Andrea Ricci)
TechCrunch

Binance founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao was released from U.S. custody on Friday after serving out his four-month sentence in a low-security correctional facility. CZ's sentence was the product of a federal investigation that found Binance had failed to stop widespread criminal activity on the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. CZ pleaded guilty to the DOJ's charges, paid a $50 million fine, and agreed to never be a Binance executive again.
The Tempest will be one of the world's most advanced aircraft - BAE Systems/PA

The aerospace giants developing Britains next generation Tempest fighter jet have unveiled a new design of the aircraft amid fears for the future of the multibillion-pound programme.

Engineers from BAE Systems, Italys Leonardo and Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have debuted a new concept for the combat aircraft at Farnborough Air Show, despite industry fears over the projects funding.

Last week, Luke Pollard, Labours new Armed Forces minister, failed to offer a firm commitment to fund the plans amid a defence spending review ordered by Sir Keir Starmer.

Labour declined to match a Conservative election pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5pc of GDP by the end of the decade, offering a more ambiguous plan of reaching that target as soon as resources allow that to happen.

There are now worries within the defence industry that the fighter programme, which dates back to 2018, could be one of a number of projects scaled back.

The multibillion-pound project aims to get the aircraft into service by 2035 - BAE Systems, SWNS

The Global Combat Air Programme, as Tempest is officially known, hopes to get the new fighter into service by 2035. The aircraft will be one of the worlds most advanced, according to its developers, featuring intelligence weapons systems and a next generation radar that provides 10,000 times more data than current technology.

The redesigned aircraft, which is a joint effort between Britain, Japan and Italy, features a larger wingspan than previous models, which should improve the aerodynamics of the plane.

Herman Claesen, managing director of Future Air Combat Systems at BAE, said: The new model, unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet. Well continue to test and evolve the design, as we move closer towards the next phase of the programme.

The initial phase of the Tempest project, due to complete in 2025, has 2bn of funding earmarked from the British government. The ultimate project costs are likely to run into the tens of billions of pounds.

Classed as a sixth-generation fighter, the plane is intended to replace the Royal Air Forces current Eurofighter Typhoon, which has been in service since 2003.

The programme was created when British and Japanese efforts to develop next-generation jets were merged. Tempest will outclass current state-of-the-art aircraft such as the US Air Forces Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and Chinas J-20 Mighty Dragon.

The critical importance of air superiority in Europe has been demonstrated during Russias invasion of Ukraine, with Kyiv desperately seeking to procure advanced aircraft from its Western allies to counter Moscows air force and missile threat.

Asked about concerns the Tempest programme could be scaled back, a BAE spokesman said: Tempest and the Global Combat Air Programme will preserve critical sovereign combat air capability and enable the UK to retain control over its own security, support important international relationships and meet future threats, whilst contributing to economic growth and prosperity.

Were making good progress and already generating over 3,500 high value jobs across the UK. Weve engaged over 600 organisations, including SMEs and leading universities, as we bring together expertise across the sector and beyond to develop new technologies and radically transform the way we design and build combat aircraft.

The programme is estimated to contribute 37bn to the UK economy before significant additional export potential through the life of the programme, providing a real opportunity for national growth.

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MONTREAL, July 22, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX-DNG) (Dynacor or the Corporation), an international gold ore industrial corporation servicing artisanal and small-scale miners, is pleased to announce the nomination of Jorge Luis Cardenas as Dynacors Vice-President of Business Development in Latin America. This strategic nomination constitutes part of the Corporations organizational development.

"The nomination of Jorge Luis Cardenas reflects our growth and seeks to strengthen Dynacors expansion in Latin America. We recognize his work, professionalism and commitment to the development and growth of our Veta Dorada subsidiary and Dynacor for more than 27 years," affirmed Jean Martineau, President and CEO of Dynacor.

Jean Martineau said that Jorge Luis Cardenass vast experience in operations management at the Peruvian processing plant has helped place the Veta Dorada subsidiary among the top ten main gold producers in Peru for more than three years.

Jorge Luis Cardenass nomination at the regional level constitutes part of the organizational transformation Dynacor and its Veta Dorada subsidiary have undertaken since the first quarter of 2024, in order to meet global growth objectives and stakeholder demands.

Jorge Luis Cardenas developed his professional career within the Veta Dorada subsidiary, occupying various positions before reaching Veta Doradas General Management, which he then left in 2018 after he assumed the position of Vice-President of Operations at Dynacor. With more than 30 years experience in the gold sector, this top-level executive, along with the management team in Peru, contributed to Dynacor becoming a successful ore processing business in Peru through its Veta Dorada subsidiary.

Jorge Luis Cardenas is a metallurgical engineer from the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria (UNI) and he holds a masters degree in mining management from the Gerens graduate school.

Jorge Luis Cardenass nomination will take effect immediately and he will work at the Veta Dorada subsidiary office in Lima, Peru.

ABOUT DYNACOR

Dynacor is a dividend-paying industrial gold ore processor headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The corporation is engaged in gold production through the processing of ore purchased from the ASM (artisanal and small-scale mining) industry. At present, Dynacor operates in Peru, where its management and processing teams have decades of experience working with ASM miners. It also owns a gold exploration property (Tumipampa) in the Apurimac department.

The corporation intends to expand its processing operations in other jurisdictions as well.

Story continues

Dynacor produces environmentally and socially responsible gold through its PX IMPACT gold program. A growing number of supportive firms from the fine luxury jewelry, watchmakers and investment sectors pay a small premium to our customer and strategic partner for this PX IMPACT gold. The premium provides direct investment to develop health and education projects for our artisanal and small-scale miners communities.

Dynacor is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DNG).

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release.

Shares Outstanding: 36 475 656

Website: http://www.dynacor.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DynacorGold

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722517789/en/

Contacts

For more information, please contact:



Director, Shareholder Relations

Dale Nejmeldeen

Dynacor Group Inc.

T: 514-393-9000 #230

E: investors@dynacor.com
Police in Pineville say officers were able to catch a man who allegedly attacked a woman on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Monday afternoon.

Pineville police arrest man accused of attacking woman on greenway

The Pineville Police Department said a woman was jogging on the greenway at about 2:15 p.m. between Leitner Drive and Centrum Parkway when she reported that she was grabbed, slammed to the ground, and pinned by a man.

The victim was able to kick the man off of her, and she ran toward bicyclists who were nearby to call for help. PPD said officers arrived within seconds of receiving the 911 call.

>>Hear from people on the greenway hours after the arrest was made in the video at the top of this webpage.

Pineville police said officers found the suspect and arrested him. He was identified as Tyrone Lyndin Duncan, 28.

Duncan is facing charges of assault on a female and possession of methamphetamine.

(WATCH: 1 dead after tree falls on east Charlotte apartments, Charlotte Fire says)
'Plenty of time' to replace Biden on Arizona's November ballot, secretary of state says

Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the dates of the Democratic National Convention.

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race has opened widespread speculation as to who will be the Democratic ticket at the top of Arizona's Nov. 5 ballot.

But that ballot, technically, has not yet been created. There is "plenty of time" to have it reflect whoever emerges as the Democratic presidential and vice presidential candidates, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said Sunday.

"We're not worried about calendars and timetables," Fontes said.

Key dates to create the ballot

There are deadlines, however.

The first one hits Aug. 9, when the secretary's office must have the names of the presidential electors from the various political parties. It's not necessary for the electors to know who the nominee is  that decision is made by the delegates at their respective party conventions.

Former Maricopa County recorder Adrian Fontes speaks during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix on Jan. 17, 2022.

The GOP delegates have already picked Donald Trump as their nominee, and the Libertarians in May selected Chase Oliver to lead their ticket. Democrats won't nominate a candidate until they meet Aug. 19-22 at their convention in Chicago.

Delegates are selected at political party meetings, following party rules. Electors in Arizona are appointed by the political party chairmen, as state law requires. Arizona will have 11 electors, reflecting the size of Arizona's congressional delegation.

Arizona law obliges electors to cast their Electoral College votes for the candidate who won the statewide vote.

It's the convention votes by the delegates that determine which names go on the ballot, said D.J. Quinlan, a former executive director of the Arizona Democratic Party.

Even if Biden was staying in, technically theyre waiting for the DNC to announce their candidate," he said, referring to election officials.

Other deadlines

Aug. 25: The Democratic National Committee must submit its presidential slate to the secretary of state. This allows the 15 counties, which actually run elections, to start designing the November ballot.

Sept. 21: The secretary's office must provide a proof of the sample ballot to the political party chairs in each of the 15 counties. The chairmen have five days to notify the secretary's office if they spot any errors or omissions on the ballot.

Sept. 27: County election offices should have notice from the secretary of write-in candidates who have filed nomination petitions.

Oct. 3: Printing deadline for the ballots for early voters. Those ballots are sent to the 15 county recorders to mail to voters.

Oct. 9: Early voting begins.

Nov. 5: Election day.

Nov. 25: Canvass of 2024 election results.

Dec. 17: The Electoral College meets.

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on Threads as well as on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @maryjpitzl.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Plenty of time' to replace Biden on ballot, AZ secretary of state says
Police: 3 Killed, 6 Wounded in Exchange of Gunfire During Gathering in Philadelphia; No Arrests

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Three men were killed and at least six other people wounded in an early morning shootout at a gathering in west Philadelphia, authorities said.

Police said more than 100 people were present in the Carroll Park neighborhood when gunfire broke out just after 2 a.m. Sunday. Police said their preliminary information indicated an exchange of gunfire between multiple parties and shell casings of more than one caliber were recovered.

A 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and two other men aged 23 and 29 were pronounced dead later at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, police said in a statement. Their names werent immediately released. A 26-year-old woman and five men ranging in age between 27 and 30 were listed in stable condition, police said.

Inspector D.F. Pace told reporters at the scene that at least 25 to 30 spent shell casings were found at the scene. He said the man pronounced dead at the scene had been shot at close range and appeared to have been targeted.

Pace said it was unclear whether a block party was being held or those present had simply been invited to the scene.

Police said at least one weapon had been recovered. Officers were seeking surveillance footage of the shooting. No arrests were immediately reported.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Police ambassador for women wolf-whistled at passers-by while on patrol

A police ethics champion, who acted as an ambassador for women and girls, wolf-whistled at female members of the public and bragged about his sexual prowess to colleagues, a panel has found.

Sgt James Endean, who worked for Thames Valley Police for 22 years, was sacked last month without notice for gross misconduct, following the hearing.

An independent panel heard how Sgt Endean bullied his colleagues and made a string of coarse remarks about his penis and sexual abilities.

It was heard that he would rate womens attractiveness while on patrols and said some were asking for it.

Sgt Endean also told his colleagues how women enjoyed sex with him and that his fingers should be on Britains Got Talent, the hearing was told.

white ribbon champion

This was despite him being made an ethics champion in January 2022 and being appointed a white ribbon champion last year to act as an ambassador for women and girls. This is distinct from a White Ribbon Champion who is someone registered with the White Ribbon organisation.

Sgt Endean was moved from Reading to Bracknell and Wokingham, where he worked in a supervisory role, after a string of allegations were made against him last year.

Luke Ponte, representing Sgt Endean, suggested some colleagues may have all colluded to exaggerate claims.

But the panel ruled he had abused his position as a sergeant, that his sexual remarks were unwanted and grossly inappropriate and that his behaviour caused reputational harm to the force.

The panel said: There is a significant public interest, particularly in recent years, in how male members of the police service behave towards women.

This is because misogynistic or sexual comments, such as those the panel have found proved, are likely to deter victims of crime from reporting to the police because they lack trust or confidence in the police.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article stated the officer was a White Ribbon Champion but this was in reference to the Thames Valley Police initiative which is distinct from the White Ribbon organisation. We are happy to clarify.

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Police backed me, says South African who shot dead dozens of black men

Louis van Schoor, described as South Africa's most prolific murderer, has revealed local police encouraged his killing spree - Sizwe Ndingane/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty

A convicted South African murderer who shot dead dozens of black men while working as a security guard in the apartheid era has said the police sanctioned his violence.

Louis van Schoor, described as the countrys most prolific murderer, said others should share the blame for the killings which saw him shoot dead people as young as 12.

He is said to have shot dead at least 39 people, all black or mixed race, in a three-year period in the 1980s while employed to guard white-owned businesses in the city of East London.

The 73-year-old former policeman, who was convicted of seven killings, has now told an investigation by the BBC that local police knew what he was doing and actively supported and encouraged him.

He said: Every officer in East London knew what was going on all the police officers knew.

Not once did anybody say, Hey Louis, youre on the borderline or you should cool it or whatever they all knew what was happening.

Van Schoor has always said he is not a serial killer and that he acted within the law.

Every night was a new adventure

He has maintained he only shot criminals caught red-handed breaking into buildings and is not racist and did not set out to shoot black people.

However, in interviews with the BBC, he appeared to acknowledge deriving a thrill from his work.

Every night was a new adventure, if you want to put it that way, he said, and described tracking black people in the dark as exciting.

Louis van Schoor, who served 12 years for seven murders, now works on a dairy farm - Sizwe Ndingane/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty

As well as those he killed, Van Schoor shot and wounded others.

Survivors have described being shot after they had surrendered and sometimes when they had their hands up.

Others alleged Van Schoor toyed with them, asking if they would prefer to be arrested or shot, before shooting them anyway.

One 14-year-old boy shot in July 1988 said he had been breaking into a restaurant when he saw the guard and hid in a toilet.

He alleged Van Schoor called him out, told him to stand next to the wall and then shot him repeatedly.

He said: He told me to stand up, but I couldnt. While I was lying there, he kicked me in the mouth. He picked me up and propped me up against a table and then he shot me again.

Van Schoor said he had significant support from the white community in East London and he reported each killing to the police himself.

As the country began to change after the release of Nelson Mandela, and following pressure from activists and journalists, he was arrested in 1991.

Much of the apartheid apparatus remained in place at the time, however, and the case against him largely collapsed.

He was convicted of seven murders and served only 12 years in prison.

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Police are responsible for a near total failure to bring stalkers to justice, according to a victims commissioner, who has herself been subjected to a stalking campaign for 20 years.

In an exclusive article for The Telegraph, Claire Waxman, the Victims Commissioner for London, said research showed that 86 per cent of cases resulted in police dropping investigations or victims withdrawing their support after losing confidence in officers ability to solve them.

Ms Waxman said: Victims withdraw in 45 per cent of stalking cases and police close another 41 per cent, showing a near total failure to bring stalkers to justice, allowing them to continue their campaigns of terror against their victims.

This was despite one-in-five women and one-in-10 men saying they had been victims of stalking. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of stalkers were repeat offenders, according to the research, some of the most comprehensive ever undertaken into the scale and nature of the crime.

Ms Waxmans investigations follow her own experience where Elliot Fogel, 47, was found guilty for a sixth time of breaching a lifetime restraining order to stop him contacting Ms Waxman. He was given a 16-month sentence but was released immediately as he had spent time in custody.

Elliot Fogel, who stalked Claire Waxman

Other victims include TV presenter Emily Maitlis, whose stalker was jailed for eight years after attempting to breach a restraining order for the 20th time, and actress Claire Foy whose stalker was handed a two-year suspended sentence.

Stalking and harassment offences rose by 43 per cent to 709,388 in the year to March 2023, compared with the pre-pandemic year to March 2020. Despite high rates of reoffending, Ms Waxman accused police of rarely doing basic intelligence checks to establish whether a stalker had committed previous offences.

She said: Even when the same victim reports multiple crimes committed by the same offender, these are often not linked up and so police fail to see the course of conduct and instead dismiss the case or treat it as a low-level harassment.

Why cant they figure out that this report and that report and all those other reports all relate back to the same perpetrator? Why are they not able to pull that together? This is what I was recently asked by a stalking victim.

The proportion of offences resulting in a charge or out-of-court penalty has fallen from 22 per cent to nine per cent in five years, while the number of victims withdrawing from cases has doubled from 21 to 41 per cent per cent.

Emily Maitlis' stalker was jailed for eight years - WENN RIGHTS LTD/ALAMY

Ms Waxman blamed part of the problem on the flawed stalking legislation which was split into categories. One, a lesser charge, carried a maximum of just six months in jail. A second required police and prosecutors to prove the stalker had caused serious alarm and distress.

She said the majority of cases were charged as the lesser offence when, in her view, the very nature of stalking meant all cases would cause their victims serious alarm or distress.

Victims must show that they are weak and fearful to obtain the right conviction, and this gratifies the stalker and proves how successful they have been, she said.

The legislation punishes victims who resist and reject their stalkers oppressive behaviour, who are stoic and do not change their day-to-day activities and who hide their trauma to help them carry on or perhaps to minimise the impact on their children.

Stalking awareness campaign

In her report, Ms Waxman made 13 recommendations including reform of the law to create a standalone stalking offence with a clear definition that removed the onus on the victim to prove the impact of the behaviour which was set at too high a threshold.

She also called for greater use of stalking protection orders, where a breach carries a maximum five-year jail sentence and which would ensure the safety of victims. There should also be a national stalking awareness campaign to make people more aware of the behaviours that constituted such an offence, said Ms Waxman.

Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, told The Telegraph: Stalking is an insidious crime that disproportionately impacts women, putting victims in danger and leaving survivors traumatised.

We will treat violence against women and girls as the national emergency that it is, drastically improving the police and criminal justice response while ensuring sustained support for victims.

This includes strengthening the use of Stalking Protection Orders and giving women the right to know the identity of online stalkers.

Victim speaks of psychological terror

By Claire Waxman

As someone who has been the victim of a stalking campaign for more than 20 years, I know first-hand the psychological terror that this relentless crime can inflict. Victims and their families lives are disrupted, and their sense of safety taken from them.

Since my own experience I have always strived to improve the system for other victims and we have seen progress over the years  with the first stalking legislation being introduced in 2012, the maximum sentence for stalking increasing in 2017 and the establishing of specialist stalking intervention programmes in police forces in Cheshire, Hampshire, and London.

I had hoped that these advances and many others would be truly transformational for victims of stalking, but I dont see these hard-fought-for improvements in the experiences of victims.

Research conducted by the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime, published today, has shown that victims withdraw in 45 per cent of stalking cases and police close another 41 per cent, showing a near total failure to bring stalkers to justice, allowing them to continue their campaigns of terror against their victims.

One-in-five women and one-in-10 men experience stalking, reoffending rates are high and the presence of stalking ahead of homicides is well-known. But despite these high stakes, there remains a serious failing among the police in identifying stalkers, tackling their behaviours, and protecting victims.

Criticism of police has led to call for reform - ANDREW MATTHEWS/PA

A basic assumption from a member of the public would be that, when they report someone for committing a crime, the police would look to see if that person has a criminal history or is recorded on police systems, and yet these basic intelligence checks rarely take place.

Even when the same victim reports multiple crimes committed by the same offender, these are often not linked up and so police fail to see the course of conduct, and instead dismiss the case or treat it as a low-level harassment.

Why cant they figure out that this report and that report and all those other reports all relate back to the same perpetrator? Why are they not able to pull that together? This is what I was recently asked by a stalking victim, and I believe anyone reading this will be asking that themselves.

Even when stalking is recognised, getting this charged and convicted is far from a simple task. One thing which this work has shown me is that, just over 10 years on from its introduction, the stalking legislation I campaigned for is flawed, and ultimately not working for justice agencies or for victims.

Harassment and stalking, which come from the same piece of legislation, are often confused, and even stalking itself is made up of three separate offences. The lesser stalking offence carries a maximum of six months in prison, while the two labelled as stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress can carry 10 years.

In my view, the very nature of stalking means that all cases will cause their victims serious alarm or distress, and yet the majority of cases are charged as the lesser offence, meaning serious offenders that pose a high risk to victims and the public are receiving little consequence.

Stalking is perhaps the only offence where the consequence is entirely dependent on the victims reaction, and not on the offenders behaviour. A stoic victim who may resist the stalkers oppression and refuse to change their life is unlikely to ever have their stalker charged, regardless of what they might do.

The legislation hampers the police and prosecutors, and denies victims of stalking protection and justice. Todays research has made clear its time to reform the stalking laws to ensure it holds stalkers to account and protects victims.

Claire Waxman is the Victims Commissioner for London

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A St. Charles County man is accused of running an illegal salvage business and disassembling cars towed to his lot for spare parts.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the illegal yard was located in the 5300 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard in Kinloch.

A Berkeley man had reported his 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee stolen in October 2022. On Dec. 6, 2022, the man contacted St. Louis County police to report that his stolen Jeep was at the salvage yard in Kinloch.

Residents fearful as houses repeatedly targeted by gunfire in south St. Louis

Police could not access the salvage yard but were able to spot the victims vehicle from a neighboring property. The Cherokee was missing all four wheels, tires, and its entire front end.

Police eventually got hold of the owner of the salvage yard, identified as Leo F. Arnold Jr. (age not provided). Police claim Arnold admitted that he once ran a legal salvage yard but had since lost his license and was continuing to accept vehicles from tow companies. Arnold allegedly confessed to taking the vehicles apart and selling the parts for profit, which he shared with the tow companies.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Arnold with six counts of receiving stolen property. Arnold was issued a criminal summons to appear in court on August 28.

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Mexico City's police operations chief was killed in the capital on Sunday just three days after an Indigenous rights defender and his family were killed in the country, authorities said  the latest in a series of attacks targeting police, activists and politicians across Mexico.

"As a result of a cowardly attack that occurred in Coacalco, Mexico State, my colleague and friend Chief Commissioner Milton Morales Figueroa lost his life," a local security secretary Pablo Vazquez said on social media, vowing to "identify, arrest and bring those responsible to justice."

The officer, who was in charge of intelligence operations fighting organized crime, was outside a poultry store when he was accosted by a man who shot him, according to security camera footage.

"Milton was in charge of important investigative tasks to protect the peace and security of the residents of Mexico City," Mayor Marti Batres wrote on social media.

Milton Morales Figueroa / Credit: Mayor Marti Batres

Small drug trafficking and smuggling cells operating in the megacity are connected to some of the country's powerful drug cartels such as the powerful Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG).

The Jalisco cartel is better known for producing millions of doses of deadly fentanyl and smuggling them into the United States disguised to look like Xanax, Percocet or oxycodone. Such pills cause about 70,000 overdose deaths per year in the United States.

Local media reported that Figueroa's work had helped dismantle some gangs.

While several police chiefs have been targeted in other Mexican states plagued by criminal violence recent years, attacks against authorities in the capital have been rare.

Activist, wife and daughter murdered

A Mexican Indigenous rights defender was killed alongside his wife and daughter when unknown assailants riddled their car with bullets and set it ablaze, a prosecutor's office said Friday.

Lorenzo Santos Torres, 53, and his family were traveling in a pickup truck along a highway in the southern state of Oaxaca when they were intercepted and shot on Thursday.

The attackers then set fire to the vehicle with the passengers inside, the state prosecutor's office said.

"We condemn the violent way in which the crime was committed," state prosecutor Bernardo Rodriguez Alamilla told reporters, suggesting the attack could have been motivated by "revenge."

Santos Torres was an active human rights campaigner in Oaxaca.

According to the local Center for Human Rights and Advice to Indigenous Peoples (Cedhapi), the activist had received threats for his work defending the political, social and land rights of Indigenous communities.

"Lorenzo Santos Torres opposed injustices committed by the municipal authorities of Santiago Amoltepec (town)," said Cedhapi, calling for the killers to be punished.

Several human rights activists have been murdered in recent years in Mexico, which has long grappled with violence linked to drug trafficking and ancestral disputes over agricultural land.

The country of 126 million people has seen more than 450,000 people murdered since the government of then-president Felipe Calderon launched a military offensive against drug cartels in 2006.

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Police identify motorcyclist killed in crash with SUV in New Hampshire

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash with an SUV in New Hampshire over the weekend, authorities said.

Officers responding to a report of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV in the area of Old Dover and Tebbetts Road in Rochester on Saturday morning found an injured man on the ground next to a heavily damaged Yamaha V Star, according to the Rochester Police Department.

The motorcyclist, 52-year-old Kenneth Meyers, of Rochester, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Yamaha and a Hyundai Tuscon were towed away from the scene and the intersection was shut down for about five hours while crews investigated the crash.

It wasnt immediately clear if the driver of the Hyundai will face charges.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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By Gabriel Araujo

(Reuters) -Brazilian planemaker Embraer on Monday signed a contract to formalize the sale of nine C-390 Millennium military aircraft to the Netherlands and Austria, further expanding its defense order backlog.

The two European countries had previously selected the aircraft to replace their aging fleets of Lockheed Martin's Hercules C-130s, but a final deal with both nations placing a joint order was still pending.

The firm order announced at the Farnborough Airshow includes five aircraft to the Netherlands and four to Austria, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2030, according to the Brazilian firm.

"It is one of the most important days in the history of Embraer Defense & Security as it represents our largest contract for C-390 exports," Embraer's defense head, Bosco da Costa Junior, told Reuters.

Expanding its presence abroad with more C-390 sales has been a key goal of Embraer's defense division, including selling the military transportation airplane to NATO members such as the Netherlands.

In addition to the two European countries and Embraer's home country Brazil, nations such as Portugal, Hungary, the Czech Republic and South Korea have also tapped the aircraft for their fleets.

Analysts at Citi praised the announcement, saying it was a positive outcome for Embraer as global military spending rises. Sao Paulo-traded shares of the planemaker were down over 4.5% on Monday, but still up more than 75% year-to-date.

"Citi reiterates its 'Buy' rating on Embraer and is intrigued to see what other news might emerge from this week's Farnborough Airshow," the analysts led by Stephen Trent said in a note to clients.

Embraer did not disclose the deal's price tag.

Austria and the Netherlands, Costa Junior said, "had already selected the C-390 as the platform meeting all their requirements but now that becomes a purchase commitment, with deliveries and the aircraft being added to our production line."

Embraer is currently working to increase output of the tactical airplane. Its production line was planned for 18 aircraft per year, but this year four planes are being delivered and next year another six, according to Costa Junior.

"We forecast (annual) production to reach 12 aircraft by 2030," the executive said. "The challenge right now is for supply chain to keep up with it. A few months ago we had a 'C-390 Day' with our main suppliers to make sure this ramp-up will happen."

Embraer's defense backlog stood at $2.1 billion at the end of the second quarter, when it delivered one C-390 aircraft.

Story continues

"This sale makes our backlog very NATO-concentrated, but we also had a sale last year to South Korea. Asia, Middle East and obviously Europe are regions where the C-390 has been standing out," Costa Junior said. "We are very optimistic about future purchases by other countries."

India, Saudi Arabia and the United States are seen as strategic markets for Embraer's defense unit, with Sweden also a potential customer.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo in Sao Paulo; Editing by Mark Potter and Matthew Lewis)
BATH, N.Y. (WETM)  A Bath man was arrested last week in connection to a disturbance that took place in the Village of Bath.

According to the Bath Police Department, Shaun Haynes, 25, was arrested on Friday, July 19, for disorderly conduct, which is a violation of New York State penal law.

Hornell man arrested after Canisteo theft

Police say they were called to West Washington St. near West St. in the Village of Bath on Friday around 8:38 p.m. after receiving multiple reports about a fully naked man, later identified as Haynes, who was causing a disturbance.

After arriving at the scene, police say that they were met in the street by Haynes who they say was under the influence of dangerous drugs and was threatening to kill police officers and others. Haynes then allegedly spat in the direction of an officer and attempted to cause a physical altercation with police. After this, he was quickly taken into custody.

Chemung County inmate injured after hot soup was poured over him; one arrested

Police say Haynes was then taken to Ira Davenport Hospital Medical Center due to being on drugs and was issued an appearance ticket for the violation. According to police, he was just released from prison on July 18 and is currently on NYS Parole until 2029.

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Donna Massey mourns the loss of her daughter, Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot in her home on July 6. Donna Massey was attending a protest in front of the Sangamon County Building on July 12, 2024. A former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy has charged with murder. - Credit: Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register/USA TODAY NETWORK/IMAGN

Sangamon County, Illinois sheriffs office has released body camera footage captured by Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6, when he shot and killed Sonya Massey, 36, in her home after she called 911 to report a suspected intruder.

In the video, Grayson instructs Massey  a Black woman  to step away from a pot of boiling water on the stove in her kitchen. Massey can be heard saying, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, to which Grayson responds: You better fucking not, or I swear to God Ill fucking shoot you in the fucking face. When Grayson reveals his gun, pointing it at Massey, the woman states, Im sorry, while apparently ducking and lifting the pot.

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Three shots were fired shortly after both deputies could be heard yelling: Drop the fucking pot. Of the three shots Grayson fired, one struck Massey in the face. When the other deputy present announces that he is going to retrieve an aid kit, Grayson tells him: Nah, shes done. You can go get it, but thats a headshot  Dude, Im not taking fucking boiling water to the fucking head. And look, it came right to our feet, too.

Grayson has been indicted on three counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and one count of official misconduct. He has been denied pretrial release and entered a not-guilty plea. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards, Sheriff Jack Campbell wrote in a statement. Therefore, Sean Graysons employment with the Sheriffs Office has been terminated.

According to court documents, per CNN, Graysons body camera was not activated until after the fatal shots were fired at Massey. The other deputy began filming upon their arrival at the scene at around 12:50 a.m. The shots were fired at around 1:21 a.m.

In the afternoon of July 6, the Sangamon County sheriffs office published a statement on social media detailing the fatal shooting. Deputies immediately administered first aid until EMS arrived, the office stated. The woman was transported to St. Johns Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. No deputies were injured during the incident.

Masseys funeral was held on Friday, July 19. Speaking with reporters ahead of the gathering, civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated that the contents of the video footage from the shooting would shock the conscience of America like the pictures of Emmett Till after he was lynched. Crump, who is representing Masseys family, has previously represented the families of Tyre Nichols, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and more.

It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional, Crump said. This video is tragic in every sense.

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The Chicago Police Board, with its future still clouded, has drawn a line in the sand.

While most police board proceedings involving rank-and-file officers are frozen, that is not the case for Chicago Police Department supervisors.

In a unanimous vote last week, the board denied an effort by CPD Sgt. Timothy Conlan to transfer his pending disciplinary case away from the boards purview and instead have it decided by a third-party arbitrator.

Conlan is the first CPD supervisor to attempt a change of venue in a disciplinary case since summer 2023. Thats when the arbitrator overseeing contract negotiations between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents rank-and-file officers, ruled that officers accused of serious misconduct may have their cases adjudicated by either the board or an independent third party.

Most officers facing disciplinary charges have signaled that they want an arbitrator deciding their case. Those proceedings are largely on hold, though, while the FOP appeals a recent order from a Cook County judge that allowed for those arbitration hearings to be open to the public.

There are roughly 1,200 sergeants in the CPD, according to city payroll data, and those officers are represented by a different collective bargaining unit than the FOP. Representatives of the sergeants union did not respond to an inquiry from the Tribune.

The demarcation by the police board is important in part because as some high-profile cases progress, the conduct of supervisors can be called into question.

Among the charges against him, Conlan is accused of violating CPDs Rule 14, which prohibits officers from making or submitting knowingly false statements or reports.

The allegations stem from a fight at Morgan Park High School in November 2017. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has alleged Conlan lied when he told investigators that he did not see an officer punch a handcuffed teen who had been arrested near his left eye. He told investigators that he, too, was attacked during the brawl and was punched several times.

COPAs summary report noted that Conlan was not yet a sergeant at the time of the punch nor when he spoke with investigators. The agency initially recommended Conlan be suspended for two months, but former CPD Superintendent David Brown called for him to be fired.

Administrative charges were brought against him in summer 2023, records show. Charges also were brought against the officer who allegedly punched the teen, though he has since left the CPD, records show.

A sustained Rule 14 violation will, effectively, end an officers career with the CPD because they can no longer testify credibly in court proceedings. A May 2023 report from the citys Office of Inspector General found that the CPD continued to employ more than 100 officers who had sustained Rule 14 violations in their history.

Effective enforcement of Rule 14 is what stands between us and a world in which police officers get away with lying. We cannot expect effective, accountable law enforcement if we do not take every opportunity to ensure credibility, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg previously said in a statement. We cannot keep people safe from crimes we cant prosecute, and we cannot build trust without truthfulness.
Gaza's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that a deadly virus, component poliovirus type 2, was discovered by local scientists in Deir al-Balah's wastewater. Deir al-Balah is one of the largest cities in Gaza. In the aftermath of Israel's war against Gaza, more than 700,000 Palestinians are seeking shelter in the beleaguered region. Now the virus threatens to unleash a public health crisis on top of the existing strain from famine and other diseases.

The virus' presence is a "ticking time bomb," pediatric intensive care physician Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan told Al Jazeera. Normally if you have a case of polio, youre going to isolate them, youre going to make sure that they use a bathroom that nobody else uses, make sure that theyre not in close proximity to other people, [but] thats impossible" as the region struggles under a military assault, Taj-Hassan explained.

She added, "You have everybody clustering in refugee camps at the moment without vaccines for at least the past nine months, including children who would otherwise have been vaccinated for polio and adults who, in the setting of an outbreak, should receive a booster, including healthcare workers."

Last Tuesday Deir al-Balah's wastewater pumping stations stopped working because they ran out of fuel, due to Israel's ongoing blockade of the region; Palestinians there have had no electricity supplies since Oct. 7th. In a statement, city officials said that roads will be flooded by wastewater and diseases will spread" as a result of the wastewater pumping stations becoming non-operational.

Nineteen pits and two large reservoirs are unusable in Deir al-Balah, Ismail Sarsour, an official with the citys emergency committee, said prior to the release of the statement.
Polish foreign minister asks EU to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons

Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski asked to lift the restrictions imposed by their countries on Ukrainian strikes against Russia during a meeting with his counterparts from the EU.

Source: Sikorski after a meeting in Brussels, European Pravda citing TVN24

Details: He stressed that the meeting of the foreign ministers was the first "after the barbaric attack on the children's cancer hospital" in Kyiv.

"Therefore, I asked my colleagues to lift national restrictions on the use of long-range weapons. Ukraine needs to be able to prevent such attacks in the future by hitting the aircraft that fire cruise missiles and the air bases from which they take off," he said.

These actions are considered to be "self-defence, which is legitimate under international law," the Polish foreign minister said.

"Protecting children's cancer hospitals is not an escalation," Sikorski concluded.

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope during the NATO Summit that the US will lift all restrictions on strikes on Russian territory, allowing the protection of Ukrainian cities from guided aerial bomb attacks.

He later said that Ukraine was gradually changing the West's position on strikes on military targets in Russia's rear and was already receiving "positive signals" to expand the permission to use weapons from Western allies.

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is less than a month away. At the DNC, around 4,000 delegates will gather and decide if Harris should represent the party for president.

Could Harris announce her running mate at the DNC?

Its possible she could, but I would think she would want to jump on it sooner rather than later, said Julia Manchester, political reporter for The Hill. So the delegates at the convention have more of an idea of what direction theyll be going in.

Monday at 11:30 a.m., Harris made her first appearance since President Biden endorsed her. She spoke with NCAA College athletes, but did not say anything about her campaign.

Harris praises Bidens unmatched legacy, claims many of the delegates she needs for the nomination

We know that according to her campaign, shes raised over $49.6 million just since announcing President Biden announced that he would be dropping out of the race, Manchester said. We know that she secured a number of major endorsements from senators like Mark Warner, Elizabeth Warren. Obviously, President Biden endorsed her just moments after he dropped out of the race.

According to The Hill, national polls show Trump leads Harris by two points, 47 to 45. This is Similar to Trumps 2.5 percent lead he had over Biden.

Well have to see if that changes with Harris, Manchester said. I imagine there wont be a huge change, but well see.

Local political analyst reacts to President Joe Biden pulling reelection bid

As far as continuing the campaign, an NSU political analyst believes Democrats need to win over Virginia to have a better chance at winning the election.

In terms of the states that shes going to be focusing on, Virginia is a big one, Manchester said. Remember, Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance is in Radford today. We know that Democrats have increasingly been paying more attention to Virginia.

Meanwhile, Virginia Delegate Michael Feggans said a Harris presidency would be historic.

Not just being the first black woman and first woman of South Asian descent, but a member of the Divine Nine, an HBCU graduate, Feggans said. This this really does show that you can come from anywhere in this country and rise up to the to the highest office potentially.

Feggans joins the many delegates in the commonwealth who will help pick the nominee at the upcoming DNC. So far, the delegates in North Carolina unanimously pledged to vote for Harris. The delegates in Virginia will meet Monday night to decide who they will back. Feggans said they are heavily leaning towards Harris.

Many of the individuals Ive talked to, not just in their national delegates in Virginia, but across the country, are fully behind are fully behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

This morning, Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine described the Biden decision as a jolt. Despite this, he is throwing his full support behind Harris for president and believes she will get the nomination at the convention.

The contrast between a prosecutor who has prosecuted fraud, sexual assault and crime, standing on stage with a convicted felon who has also been found civilly liable for a sexual assault is one that I think is going to be very powerful, Kaine said.

Senator Kaine said the upcoming convention process is going to be unprecedented. He also expects Harris to pick a running mate very soon.

Normally, it takes about two months, Kaine explained. Ive been through the vice presidential vetting process twice and it normally takes two months. We dont have two months.

Senator Kaine said there is a zero chance he would be the running mate for Harris, since it would potentially throw off the Democrat majority in the Senate chamber.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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What are Maryland's voter registration, turnout numbers?

(Editors note: This reporting took place prior to President Joe Bidens decision not to seek reelection. In a letter to the American people on Sunday, Biden said: while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.)

Ultimately in the United States, it is the voters (through the Electoral College system), which pick the president.

Voter registration numbers can show towards which political party that a state or a county may be leaning, based on the trend. With only three days in the month after the much-discussed first presidential debate on June 27, the effect on a 90-minute performance on voter registration in Maryland is unclear.

What is clear is new voter registrations in June were way up from the totals in May, the month of the primary.

May 14, 2024 : A woman scratches her head as she casts her ballot during the Maryland state primary election at a polling station in Annapolis, Maryland.

33,685 people registered to vote in June, according to a report from the Maryland State Board of Elections, compared to a little more than 5,000 individuals during the month of May, when voter registration was closed in the weeks leading up to the May 14 primary election.

Of the approximately new 33,000 registrations statewide, a little more than 14,000 registered as Democrats, 6,824 registered as Republicans, and 11,554 registered as unaffiliated in June.

In Washington County, 170 individuals registered as Democrats, 114 individuals registered as Republicans, and 119 registered as unaffiliated during the month of June.

At the end of June, in Washington County, there were 44,115 registered Republicans (a slight decrease from the total the month prior). The county had 30,423 registered Democrats, (also a slight decrease from the total the month prior), and 23,554 registered unaffiliated voters (again, slight decrease from the total the month prior).

This brought the countys registered voters under 100,000 for the first time this year. The main reason for the drop off in registrations was more mundane than the debate or the national political climate.

We sent 85,000 sample ballots and so we got a lot of those returned to us, said Barry Jackson, election director at the Washington County Board of Elections, in a July 16 interview in his office, and so then (those registered voters) all got put into inactive status.

Political notebook

Each registered voter on the inactive list is sent a confirmation card, he said, which enables them to respond to keep their registration current. The process keeps the countys registration rolls clean, Jackson said. A similar process played out in county election boards across the state.

At the end of June, 4,175,305 individuals were registered to vote in the state in total, about 20,000 less than had been registered to vote at the end of the previous month.

As for the state, in June 2024, there were 997,311 registered Republicans, according to the state boards website. In May, there were more than 1,000,000 registered Republicans statewide .

There were more than twice as many registered Democrats statewide, according to the June report. 2,214,915 Democrats were registered, an approximately 14,000-person drop off from the primary month. 902,407 people registered as unaffiliated, about 5,000 total less than in May.

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So while new voter registrations rose statewide in June as compared to May, total voter registrations in Maryland did not. Those trends mirror those seen in Washington County.

In a year where President Joe Biden has said our very democracy is at risk, another statistic did not rise in Marylands presidential primary: turnout. In Washington County, less than a quarter of eligible voters exercised their right to vote this year. In the primary four years ago, that number was 36 percent.

Statewide, less than 28 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the primary this year, including 31 percent of registered Democrats and 29 percent of registered Republicans. When Biden carried the state in the 2020 primary with the vast majority of the vote, total turnout? 42 percent.

---Dwight A. Weingarten

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Political Notebook: What are Maryland's voter registration numbers?
According to 2017 data from the Guttmacher Institute, 88% of abortions took place before the end of the first trimester of pregnancy at 12 weeks. (Getty Images)

Its an oft-repeated talking point of anti-abortion rights groups and Republican politicians, before and after the June 2022 Dobbs decision  that those who are supportive of abortion rights also must be in favor of abortions that happen during the last weeks of pregnancy, or even after birth.

Former President Donald Trump brought it up in the June debate against President Joe Biden, saying Bidens position on restoring abortion access would lead to doctors being able to take the life of the baby in the ninth month, and even after birth.

Trumps newly announced vice presidential running mate, Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, told Fox News this week that Biden wants taxpayer-funded abortions up until the moment of birth.

And candidates in states such as North Dakota and Montana have campaigned on that rhetoric in recent months, saying some states allow post-birth abortions or abortion the day before a due date.

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In reality, abortion after birth does not happen, because it would be categorized as murder under all state laws. And while abortions do occur later in pregnancy, they are exceptionally rare and happen for many diverse reasons, such as a fatal fetal diagnosis and financial or travel barriers that extend timelines.

Abortion-rights advocates say the rhetoric is used because public opinion polls show support becomes more mixed for abortion after 24 weeks, which is the second trimester of pregnancy and the medically recognized point of viability, when a fetus can reasonably be expected to survive outside of the womb with medical interventions. That argument was seemingly bolstered by an anti-abortion groups campaign strategy meeting against Amendment 4 in Florida this week, a ballot question that would restore abortion access to 24 weeks in the state where a six-week ban is currently the law, before many people know theyre pregnant. During a presentation, the campaign organizers displayed a slide that said, How we win: We win by talking about late-term abortion.

Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Dobbs decision, abortion was only protected as a federal right until viability, at which point it could be restricted by states. So if a Democratic presidential administration or Congress were to reestablish and codify Roe as the standard, third-trimester abortion would likely remain restricted in many states. In some states where abortion is legal and there is no restriction by gestational age, such as Alaska, it is still unavailable past the second trimester because there are no clinics that provide it.

According to 2017 data from the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion-rights organization that gathers provider-specific data from across the country, 88% of abortions took place before the end of the first trimester of pregnancy at 12 weeks. A little over 10% happened between 13 and 20 weeks, and 1.3% occurred after 21 weeks, about halfway through the second trimester. Out of 862,320 abortions tracked that year, that means 11,210 happened after 21 weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a slightly lower number of 1.1% after 21 weeks, but does not receive abortion data from Maryland, as it is voluntary reporting. Guttmacher reaches out to individual clinics to collect data, and several of the small number of clinics that take patients later in pregnancy are located in Maryland.

I dont need people to feel comfortable with it

The time between 21 and 40 weeks is a long span in a pregnancy, and in 20 states, abortion is generally banned after 22 or 24 weeks. Only nine states and the District of Columbia dont ascribe gestational limits to their abortion laws, and of those, only four  Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon and Colorado  and the District of Columbia have clinics that openly say they will take patients past 28 weeks.

One of those is Partners in Abortion Care in Maryland, where Dr. Diane Horvath is chief medical officer. That clinic opened in October 2022, and saw about 500 patients in its first year of operation. Horvath told States Newsroom that because there are so few clinics that will take patients at an advanced stage of pregnancy, the people who come to them have generally had to make it through many barriers to access care. That includes their home state laws, travel barriers, time restrictions and costs. In 14 states, a near-total ban on abortion is the law, and five others have bans before 12 weeks.

Nobody ever thinks theyre going to need a later abortion, but when you need it, you need it 100%, Horvath said. Just like youd never imagine yourself needing a later abortion, this could happen to you or anybody that you love.

Its possible to feel uncomfortable about this care and the circumstances under which it occurs and still support someones ability to get that care when they need it.

 Dr. Diane Horvath, chief medical officer at Partners in Abortion Care in Maryland

The idea of an abortion happening in a persons third trimester of pregnancy can be uncomfortable for the average person, Horvath said, and for some physicians. Some doctors may have their own objections to it, or they may just choose not to make their feelings known about it at all for fear of being targeted by anti-abortion activists. Nobody should have to participate in that type of care, she said. But when a position is open at her clinic, she receives hundreds of applications.

Horvath said in all the time shes been practicing abortion care, shes never seen a patient who walked in during their third trimester of pregnancy who wanted to terminate simply because they were tired of being pregnant, as some anti-abortion groups might suggest. The idea that people are choosing that path carelessly is just wrong, she said.

The circumstances in which people are seeking abortions later in pregnancy are really dire. This is not to say every abortion has horrible circumstances, but by the time you find yourself later in pregnancy, lots has gone wrong for you, and this may be due to something that was completely out of your control, Horvath said. Its so easy to demonize when you dont want to understand something.

The most important point, she said, is that there isnt a line in pregnancy where the government becomes more well-equipped to make decisions about a pregnancy than the person carrying it, and there is no possible way to fully understand what a person making that decision is going through.

Its possible to feel uncomfortable about this care and the circumstances under which it occurs and still support someones ability to get that care when they need it, Horvath said. I dont need people to feel comfortable with it.

Women interviewed about abortions had fetal anomalies, financial difficulties

As States Newsroom has reported through a series called When and Where: Abortion Access in America, there are many situations when a clinical diagnosis of severe fetal anomalies happens at a routine anatomy scan, which is typically scheduled at 20 weeks. That leaves only two weeks to get an appointment in a majority of states with legal access  and post-Dobbs, it can be a tall order to get an appointment that quickly, as clinics have been inundated with patients from other states where no access is available at any stage.

Katrina Kimport, a professor at the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health program at the University of California San Francisco, has published at least two studies about abortions that take place in the third trimester, including one that detailed interviews with 28 women of different races between the ages of 18 and 46. Their gestational ages ranged between 24 and 35 weeks.

One woman in Kimports study who had already had a complication with a previous pregnancy was assured at 20 weeks that everything was going well this time. But at 29 weeks, her doctors observed problems with the fetus brain and initially said she shouldnt worry too much. But further testing showed pieces of the brain were missing or concave, and specialists eventually told her there was no possibility it was compatible with life.

Theres a heartbreaking number of ways that pregnancy can go wrong, Kimport said.

Two women didnt know they were pregnant until their third trimesters  both of whom were still having regular menstrual cycles, indicating they were not pregnant.

Others reported significant financial difficulties affording the procedure, which can cost at least $500 during the first trimester and increase to tens of thousands of dollars in late stages of pregnancy, on top of the costs of out-of-state travel for some of the women. One of the women reported that she and her boyfriend were living on the street. To the extent any of them received financial assistance to obtain the abortion, according to Kimports research, it was through local or regional abortion funds. Many insurance providers do not cover out-of-state abortion care.

Anti-abortion physician says there is never a reason for abortion late in pregnancy

The Charlotte Lozier Institute, a research arm of anti-abortion rights organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, did not grant an interview for this story, but sent along its own prepared papers on the subject. In one of those papers, the Institute points out there is some research that indicates fetal anomalies or maternal health conditions make up a minority of abortions that happen late in pregnancy, and more often it is because of unplanned pregnancy, economic considerations and relationship issues.

Horvath said it is true that the circumstances include people who are dealing with complex situations in their own lives, like one patient she could remember whose house burned down. That patient was already in a shelter with her children, Horvath said, and could barely provide for them.

While some might suggest having the child anyway and putting it up for adoption at that point, Horvath said that isnt something that should be forced on a person.

The idea that somebody owes society or an infertile couple a baby is not just, she said. We have one of the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, so to force someone to continue a pregnancy beyond the point theyve decided is not the right time is putting them at risk to give a baby to someone else.

The Institute also quotes an anti-abortion rights physician who says there is never an appropriate situation for an abortion at that stage of pregnancy to take place.

The infant may need to be delivered prematurely and die as a result of that, but it is not necessary to take the infants life, said Dr. Byron Calhoun, a known anti-abortion activist perinatologist. Further, if a fetus has an adverse prenatal diagnosis, all patients should be offered perinatal hospice care since this is far better for maternal health than any elective abortion. Perinatal hospice allows the parents to be parents and provide all the love they can for their child.

The Institute did not provide evidence that hospice care is better for maternal health, but perinatal hospice is an option for anyone who wants to do that rather than have an abortion, when the fetus is typically given an injection to stop the heart and then removed from the uterus. Kimport said she has also interviewed women who could not deliver a baby vaginally because of a health condition, and would be forced to have a Cesarean section surgery if abortion was not available.

Physicians who are affiliated with the Lozier Institute have also told news outlets such as the Washington Post that up to the moment of birth means any stage of pregnancy past 22 weeks, whereas others would think of it as the last two to three weeks of a 40-week pregnancy.

Some of the failure to push back on these really outrageously false claims comes from the fact that there are so many things that are wrong about it and its hard to know where to start, Kimport said.

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According to 2017 data from the Guttmacher Institute, 88% of abortions took place before the end of the first trimester of pregnancy at 12 weeks. (Getty Images)

Its an oft-repeated talking point of anti-abortion rights groups and Republican politicians, before and after the June 2022 Dobbs decision  that those who are supportive of abortion rights also must be in favor of abortions that happen during the last weeks of pregnancy, or even after birth.

Former President Donald Trump brought it up in the June debate against President Joe Biden, saying Bidens position on restoring abortion access would lead to doctors being able to take the life of the baby in the ninth month, and even after birth.

Trumps newly announced vice presidential running mate, Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, told Fox News this week that Biden wants taxpayer-funded abortions up until the moment of birth.

And candidates in states such as North Dakota and Montana have campaigned on that rhetoric in recent months, saying some states allow post-birth abortions or abortion the day before a due date.

In reality, abortion after birth does not happen, because it would be categorized as murder under all state laws. And while abortions do occur later in pregnancy, they are exceptionally rare and happen for many diverse reasons, such as a fatal fetal diagnosis and financial or travel barriers that extend timelines.

Abortion-rights advocates say the rhetoric is used because public opinion polls show support becomes more mixed for abortion after 24 weeks, which is the second trimester of pregnancy and the medically recognized point of viability, when a fetus can reasonably be expected to survive outside of the womb with medical interventions. That argument was seemingly bolstered by an anti-abortion groups campaign strategy meeting against Amendment 4 in Florida this week, a ballot question that would restore abortion access to 24 weeks in the state where a six-week ban is currently the law, before many people know theyre pregnant. During a presentation, the campaign organizers displayed a slide that said, How we win: We win by talking about late-term abortion.

Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Dobbs decision, abortion was only protected as a federal right until viability, at which point it could be restricted by states. So if a Democratic presidential administration or Congress were to re-establish and codify Roe as the standard, third-trimester abortion would likely remain restricted in many states. In some states where abortion is legal and there is no restriction by gestational age, such as Alaska, it is still unavailable past the second trimester because there are no clinics that provide it.

According to 2017 data from the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion-rights organization that gathers provider-specific data from across the country, 88% of abortions took place before the end of the first trimester of pregnancy at 12 weeks. A little over 10% happened between 13 and 20 weeks, and 1.3% occurred after 21 weeks, about halfway through the second trimester. Out of 862,320 abortions tracked that year, that means 11,210 happened after 21 weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a slightly lower number of 1.1% after 21 weeks, but does not receive abortion data from Maryland, as it is voluntary reporting. Guttmacher reaches out to individual clinics to collect data, and several of the small number of clinics that take patients later in pregnancy are located in Maryland.

I dont need people to feel comfortable with it

The time between 21 and 40 weeks is a long span in a pregnancy, and in 20 states, abortion is generally banned after 22 or 24 weeks. Only nine states and the District of Columbia dont ascribe gestational limits to their abortion laws, and of those, only four  Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon and Colorado  and the District of Columbia have clinics that openly say they will take patients past 28 weeks.

One of those is Partners in Abortion Care in Maryland, where Dr. Diane Horvath is chief medical officer. That clinic opened in October 2022, and saw about 500 patients in its first year of operation. Horvath told States Newsroom that because there are so few clinics that will take patients at an advanced stage of pregnancy, the people who come to them have generally had to make it through many barriers to access care. That includes their home state laws, travel barriers, time restrictions and costs. In 14 states, a near-total ban on abortion is the law, and five others have bans before 12 weeks.

Nobody ever thinks theyre going to need a later abortion, but when you need it, you need it 100%, Horvath said. Just like youd never imagine yourself needing a later abortion, this could happen to you or anybody that you love.

The idea of an abortion happening in a persons third trimester of pregnancy can be uncomfortable for the average person, Horvath said, and for some physicians. Some doctors may have their own objections to it, or they may just choose not to make their feelings known about it at all for fear of being targeted by anti-abortion activists. Nobody should have to participate in that type of care, she said. But when a position is open at her clinic, she receives hundreds of applications.

Horvath said in all the time shes been practicing abortion care, shes never seen a patient who walked in during their third trimester of pregnancy who wanted to terminate simply because they were tired of being pregnant, as some anti-abortion groups might suggest. The idea that people are choosing that path carelessly is just wrong, she said.

The circumstances in which people are seeking abortions later in pregnancy are really dire. This is not to say every abortion has horrible circumstances, but by the time you find yourself later in pregnancy, lots has gone wrong for you, and this may be due to something that was completely out of your control, Horvath said. Its so easy to demonize when you dont want to understand something.

The most important point, she said, is that there isnt a line in pregnancy where the government becomes more well-equipped to make decisions about a pregnancy than the person carrying it, and there is no possible way to fully understand what a person making that decision is going through.

Its possible to feel uncomfortable about this care and the circumstances under which it occurs and still support someones ability to get that care when they need it, Horvath said. I dont need people to feel comfortable with it.

Women interviewed about abortions had fetal anomalies, financial difficulties

As States Newsroom has reported through a series called When and Where: Abortion Access in America, there are many situations when a clinical diagnosis of severe fetal anomalies happens at a routine anatomy scan, which is typically scheduled at 20 weeks. That leaves only two weeks to get an appointment in a majority of states with legal access  and post-Dobbs, it can be a tall order to get an appointment that quickly, as clinics have been inundated with patients from other states where no access is available at any stage.

Katrina Kimport, a professor at the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health program at the University of California San Francisco, has published at least two studies about abortions that take place in the third trimester, including one that detailed interviews with 28 women of different races between the ages of 18 and 46. Their gestational ages ranged between 24 and 35 weeks.

One woman in Kimports study who had already had a complication with a previous pregnancy was assured at 20 weeks that everything was going well this time. But at 29 weeks, her doctors observed problems with the fetus brain and initially said she shouldnt worry too much. But further testing showed pieces of the brain were missing or concave, and specialists eventually told her there was no possibility it was compatible with life.

Theres a heartbreaking number of ways that pregnancy can go wrong, Kimport said.

Two women didnt know they were pregnant until their third trimesters  both of whom were still having regular menstrual cycles, indicating they were not pregnant.

Others reported significant financial difficulties affording the procedure, which can cost at least $500 during the first trimester and increase to tens of thousands of dollars in late stages of pregnancy, on top of the costs of out-of-state travel for some of the women. One of the women reported that she and her boyfriend were living on the street. To the extent any of them received financial assistance to obtain the abortion, according to Kimports research, it was through local or regional abortion funds. Many insurance providers do not cover out-of-state abortion care.

Anti-abortion physician says there is never a reason for abortion late in pregnancy

The Charlotte Lozier Institute, a research arm of anti-abortion rights organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, did not grant an interview for this story, but sent along its own prepared papers on the subject. In one of those papers, the Institute points out there is some research that indicates fetal anomalies or maternal health conditions make up a minority of abortions that happen late in pregnancy, and more often it is because of unplanned pregnancy, economic considerations and relationship issues.

Horvath said it is true that the circumstances include people who are dealing with complex situations in their own lives, like one patient she could remember whose house burned down. That patient was already in a shelter with her children, Horvath said, and could barely provide for them.

While some might suggest having the child anyway and putting it up for adoption at that point, Horvath said that isnt something that should be forced on a person.

The idea that somebody owes society or an infertile couple a baby is not just, she said. We have one of the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, so to force someone to continue a pregnancy beyond the point theyve decided is not the right time is putting them at risk to give a baby to someone else.

The Institute also quotes an anti-abortion rights physician who says there is never an appropriate situation for an abortion at that stage of pregnancy to take place.

The infant may need to be delivered prematurely and die as a result of that, but it is not necessary to take the infants life, said Dr. Byron Calhoun, a known anti-abortion activist perinatologist. Further, if a fetus has an adverse prenatal diagnosis, all patients should be offered perinatal hospice care since this is far better for maternal health than any elective abortion. Perinatal hospice allows the parents to be parents and provide all the love they can for their child.

The Institute did not provide evidence that hospice care is better for maternal health, but perinatal hospice is an option for anyone who wants to do that rather than have an abortion, when the fetus is typically given an injection to stop the heart and then removed from the uterus. Kimport said she has also interviewed women who could not deliver a baby vaginally because of a health condition, and would be forced to have a Cesarean section surgery if abortion was not available.

Physicians who are affiliated with the Lozier Institute have also told news outlets such as the Washington Post that up to the moment of birth means any stage of pregnancy past 22 weeks, whereas others would think of it as the last two to three weeks of a 40-week pregnancy.

Some of the failure to push back on these really outrageously false claims comes from the fact that there are so many things that are wrong about it and its hard to know where to start, Kimport said.
This week on Politics Now with host John Langeler:

-Trump accepts the Republican nomination.

-Republican candidates Sam Brown (Senate) & Drew Johnson (CD-3) talk to us from the RNC in Milwaukee.

-President Biden visits Las Vegas, announces a new housing policy & contracts Covid-19.

-We sit down with Republican CD-4 candidate Mark Robertson.

-An update on financing for the As stadium on the strip.

-Pahrump judge and former Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore facing federal charges for spending money meant for a memorial for fallen officers on her daughters wedding and personal expenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Amid a backdrop of shifting global market dynamics, the Netherlands' economic landscape remains a focal point for investors seeking growth opportunities. As international trade tensions and technological disruptions influence market behaviors, Euronext Amsterdam highlights three growth companies with high insider ownership, signaling strong confidence from those closest to the operations. In current conditions, companies with substantial insider stakes can be particularly appealing as these insiders are likely to be deeply committed to the company's long-term success.

Top 5 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In The Netherlands

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth BenevolentAI (ENXTAM:BAI) 27.8% 62.8% Ebusco Holding (ENXTAM:EBUS) 33.2% 114.0% Envipco Holding (ENXTAM:ENVI) 36.7% 68.9% MotorK (ENXTAM:MTRK) 35.8% 105.8% Basic-Fit (ENXTAM:BFIT) 12% 64.8% PostNL (ENXTAM:PNL) 35.8% 23.9%

Click here to see the full list of 6 stocks from our Fast Growing Euronext Amsterdam Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Envipco Holding N.V. operates in the environmental technology sector, focusing on the design, development, and service of reverse vending machines for recycling used beverage containers, primarily in the Netherlands, North America, and Europe, with a market capitalization of approximately 331.72 million.

Operations: The company generates revenue by designing, developing, and servicing reverse vending machines for recycling used beverage containers, primarily across the Netherlands, North America, and Europe.

Insider Ownership: 36.7%

Envipco Holding N.V. has shown a promising turnaround, becoming profitable with first-quarter sales jumping to 27.44 million from 10.41 million year-over-year and net income reaching 0.147 million after a previous loss of 2.57 million. The company is trading 15.7% below its estimated fair value, and insiders have been net buyers of shares recently, though not in large volumes. Expected to significantly outpace the Dutch market, Envipco's revenue and earnings are forecasted to grow at 33.3% and 68.9% per year respectively, signaling robust potential for growth-focused investors despite some shareholder dilution over the past year.

ENXTAM:ENVI Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Story continues

Overview: MotorK plc operates as a provider of software-as-a-service solutions tailored for the automotive retail industry across Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the Benelux Union, with a market capitalization of approximately 255.27 million.

Operations: The company generates 42.94 million from its software and programming segment.

Insider Ownership: 35.8%

MotorK, a company in the Netherlands, is navigating a transformative phase with significant executive changes, including a new CFO from Sportradar. Despite recent revenue dips to 11.25 million from 11.43 million year-over-year, MotorK's future looks promising with expected revenue growth of 24% per year and anticipated profitability within three years. This growth is considered above average compared to the Dutch market's 10.1%. However, shareholder dilution has occurred over the past year which may concern some investors.

ENXTAM:MTRK Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: PostNL N.V. operates in postal and logistics services, catering to both businesses and consumers across the Netherlands, Europe, and globally, with a market capitalization of approximately 0.66 billion.

Operations: PostNL's revenue is primarily derived from its packages and mail services in the Netherlands, generating 2.25 billion and 1.35 billion respectively.

Insider Ownership: 35.8%

PostNL, a Dutch company, is trading at 52.3% below its estimated fair value and has recently completed significant fixed-income offerings totaling 298.671 million in sustainable bonds. While PostNL's revenue growth forecast of 3.3% per year lags behind the Dutch market average of 10.1%, its earnings are expected to increase by a robust 23.9% annually over the next three years, outpacing the market's growth rate of 18.7%. However, it has experienced recent profitability challenges and high share price volatility.

ENXTAM:PNL Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Key Takeaways

Get an in-depth perspective on all 6 Fast Growing Euronext Amsterdam Companies With High Insider Ownership by using our screener here.

Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments.

Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets.

Searching for a Fresh Perspective?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include ENXTAM:ENVI ENXTAM:MTRK and ENXTAM:PNL.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
One day after President Joe Biden shelved his reelection campaign, Democrats in Polk County conveyed a range of responses: shock that he dropped, irritation that he waited so long and, in general, relief.

Biden, 81, heeded mounting calls that he yield to a younger Democratic candidate following a dismal debate that intensified questions about his age and capacity to serve for another four-year term. Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate best suited to rebuff former President Donald Trump. On Monday, the Democratic Party of Florida also endorsed Harris.

I was very shocked, said Jennifer Nanek, 47, of Lake Wales, Democratic state committeewoman for Polk County. I didn't think he would do it. I thought he would go the distance. I know that was a hard decision, and I respect him for it. He has certainly done a good service to this country over the course of his career. I thought that he was the best chance to win, but I understand that maybe that wasn't the best course to take, for reasons everybody saw.

Lakelands Perry Brokaw, one of three delegates from Polk County to next months Democratic National Convention in Chicago, had a different response.

I was just a little, I would say, dismayed because he waited so long, and the White House was in chaos for the last six months, said Brokaw, 72. He should have made the decision a lot earlier, but we'll go on from here. And I'm definitely backing Kamala, and I'm excited about the election.

Shortly after announcing on Sunday that he was ending his reelection bid, President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. On Monday, the Democratic Party of Florida also endorsed Harris.

Another delegate, William Woody Wilbanks Jr. of Lakeland, welcomed Bidens decision to vacate the nomination he earned during the primary elections.

Well, it certainly was the right decision for him, and most Democrats, I think, felt like it probably was time, said Wilbanks, 69. He was not able to do the job as effectively as he had done the last four years. The party loves Joe Biden. We appreciate Joe Biden. But I think most people kind of are relieved now. And it's time to move forward.

Octavio Hernandez of Davenport, an alternate delegate to the convention, applauded Bidens unusual act.

I agree it was the right thing, said Hernandez, 44, a candidate for the Florida House in District 51. A lot of people are upset that he took too long, or a lot of people are upset that he did it. But, honestly, I'm the type where, we have to have our bench take over new leadership. You see it across every aspect of the United States  people don't want to let go. People want to hang on.

Hernandez praised Bidens record and said he would have voted for him, but he acknowledged doubts that the president could have handled another four years in office.

Rep. Soto endorses Harris

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, praised Biden in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

President Joe Biden will go down as one of the most consequential one-term presidents in U.S. history, wrote Soto, whose district includes parts of eastern Polk County. He led us out of the pandemic and helped us rebuild infrastructure, boost manufacturing, lower healthcare costs, expand veterans benefits, and combat climate change.

Soto, an automatic delegate to the August convention, joined many congressional Democrats in promoting Harris as the substitute candidate. He posted a photo of himself greeting Harris during a visit to Florida last August.

Proud to endorse @KamalaHarris as our nominee, Soto posted on X. From prosecutor to AG, Senator to VP, she has the experience, drive & vision to lead us into the future. Lets come together to continue our progress on jobs, lowering costs, infrastructure, healthcare, vets, enviro, housing & more!

Nanek has been involved with the local Democratic Party since 1998. She seemed more conflicted about the late candidate switch than some other local Democrats. Saying that she studies history, Nanek observed that Democrats lost the last two times an incumbent opted not to seek reelection  in 1952 and 1968.

She (Harris) would do a great job as president. I think she's been an excellent vice president, Nanek said. Im anxious as to whether or not everybody else thinks so. She will have to come from behind, so that everybody can really get to know her. So this will be an uphill battle.

While many prominent Democrats  including those named as potential replacements for Biden as a candidate  have endorsed Harris, it is unclear how the Democratic Party will handle the nomination process heading into the convention. Delegates pledged to Biden through the primary elections do not automatically transfer to Harris.

I have a lot of concerns that it's going to be chaotic, which is why I had anxiety about Biden dropping out to begin with, Nanek said. This is very new territory for modern Democrats, and the discussion as to who should be the candidate, should happen. I don't think there should be an automatic coronation.

While many prominent Democrats  including those named as potential replacements for Biden as a candidate  have endorsed Harris, it is unclear how the Democratic Party will handle the nomination process.

Wilbanks appeared less worried about the process.

I understand the rules committee for the national party is getting together some time this week, in the next few days, and they'll pretty much take care of everything, plan everything out, he said. I think it'll be a be a good process and a fair process.

Hernandez said that he expects Harris to be the nominee.

I think it would be a detriment if they (party leaders) actually go around her because it would look like they're going around a woman and a Black woman, he said.

Republican National Convention Polk Countians help fuel 'electrifying' mood

In a matchup between Biden and Trump, Republicans appeared to hold a considerable edge in enthusiasm among partisans. Local Democrats expect that dynamic to change now.

Its amazing; everybody's getting pumped up, Hernandez said. I'm pumped up. I got super excited just seeing the reaction. I think, because it's so close to the election, it doesn't give people the time to sit there and complain and point fingers, the way a lot of people like to do. We don't have time for that; we have to rally behind our pick. We have to be supportive of each other and just move forward with this.

Brokaw, a retired teacher from Ohio, concurred.

I'm very excited, and I think this will make it a very interesting presidential election, he said. And I think a lot of people were not going to vote because they weren't hip on either one of the candidates  number 45 (Trump) or Biden. But now I think there's a big choice.  I think this will help a lot, and a lot of the more liberal Democrats will come out of the woodwork and start supporting Kamala.

Historical perspective

Bruce Anderson, a professor of political science at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, offered an academic assessment of Bidens departure. The last time an incumbent president chose not to pursue reelection was 1968, when Lyndon B. Johnson, facing several challengers, withdrew early in the primary season after barely winning in New Hampshire.

Anderson noted that Johnsons decision occurred much earlier in the year.

This is so late in the process, but necessarily too late in the campaign season, said Anderson, who writes a weekly column for The Ledger. Mr. Trump doesn't have anything locked up.

Democrats would be wise to hold an open convention, allowing any candidates to make their cases in Chicago, even if Harris seems the overwhelming favorite, he said. Until then, Harris can run a full-blown campaign.

As for Harris chances?

She not more unpopular than Biden was, Anderson said. And there's an argument that says that if she replaces Biden, the worst she can do is do as Biden would have done. And that looked to be developing into something of a competitive race. So, as I say, I don't think Mr. Trump ever had it locked up.

Anderson said that Harris could revive interest in the election among younger, Democratic-leaning voters.

Anecdotally, I know that students that I teach, that were absolutely moribund about the Biden thing  they were going to vote for him, but they weren't going to work for him, Anderson said. And they thought he was a terrible candidate, because he was so old. 

"There's been a quantum shift, just in the responses that I'm hearing on Facebook and DMs (direct messages) and things like that I'm getting from students, that are saying, Wow, now we can have some fun. This looks like it's worth doing now. 

Jim Powers, chair of the Polk County Republican Party, said that the episode has made Democrats seem disorganized and chaotic. He cited news reports that Biden didnt inform his staff of his decision until one minute before he announced his withdrawal on social media.

And then it seems like the news cycle (Monday) is that the Democrat Party across the country is getting behind Kamala Harris, Powers said. Honestly, I think that is unfortunate for the Democrats because she does not have a good record.

Noting that Biden picked Harris to lead the White Houses approach to mass migration at the southern border, Powers pointed to record numbers of encounters with unauthorized immigrants.

Powers said he does not think that the change in candidates will alter the strategies of Trump and running mate J.D. Vance.

I don't think it changes very significantly because the Republicans message would stay the same, regardless of who the opponent was. Republicans believe in conservative principles. We believe in trying to limit the growth of government, getting spending under control, getting back to energy independence. We're the pro-life party and the Democrats are pro-abortion. I think those messages will remain, regardless of whether it was Joe Biden or Kamala Harris.

Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk Democrats react to Biden's withdrawal, throw support to Harris
New Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Jamie Polk says she learned many positive lessons from her predecessor in the job, Sean McDaniel.

New Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Jamie Polk said lessons learned from working for, and watching, her predecessor will be important if she is to avoid the high turnover rate thats plagued that position for the past four decades.

One of her primary goals, she told The Oklahoman in a wide-ranging interview, is to build on the legacy left by former Superintendent Sean McDaniel and to do for others what he did for her.

Its hard to get from good to great if youre always starting over (or) keep starting over, Polk said. (My goal is to) just build upon (it) and then well get to the greatness that this city deserves from, Im going to claim, the largest educational institution in the state of Oklahoma. I know Tulsa is beating us, but only today, not tomorrow.

Since 1985, the district with about 33,000 students  once Oklahomas largest and now the states second-biggest  has had 17 superintendents. Only two of those lasted as long as six years, and the latter of that pair, McDaniel, left the district June 30 after unexpectedly announcing his resignation in February. Polk officially succeeded him on July 1.

McDaniel hired Polk as the districts assistant superintendent for elementary education in 2019 after shed spent 25 years working in the Lawton Public Schools district. The OKC boards chair, Paula Lewis, said on the day the board approved Polks promotion to superintendent that Polk was a leader from the beginning of the boards search process because shes been a leader here for five years.

More: 3 large Oklahoma districts among those that won't follow Ryan Walters' order to teach Bible

State Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, noted the political aspects of being a big-city district superintendent and believes Polk will rise to the occasion.

Its hard to not be impressed with Jamie, Bennett said. Shes sharp, engaged and personable. The job of a superintendent  is a political job. You have to manage expectations, inspire the workforce, and then you have this service component with the staff and kids. I think shell be a knockout in all those areas. She is going to be incredible and prove the board right in their decision pretty quickly. Future generations of OKCPS students will benefit because shes there.

Polk credited McDaniel for pouring trust and leadership abilities into members of his executive team and said his having done that will help ensure stability for the district as it moves forward without him.

When Dr. McDaniel resigned, it was real important for us to have continuity, Polk said. Everyone knows our history in regards to the number of superintendents coming and going. He hired me and brought me here, so Im forever grateful. He did six years, one of the longest tenures possible.

But there are people (here) that  have seen multiple superintendents. That continuity was important  not only the continuity of someone to be in this spot, but for the vision to continue. We all know once you restart (with a new leader), those resets, everyone is looking, Where do I fit in? Whats my role? Please note that was very important, because I would still be an employee here also. Thats what I needed, which is why I did my homework.

Polk seeks to continue stability her predecessor brought to OKCPS

McDaniels achievements included the implementation of the districts Pathway to Greatness program, which closed 15 schools and reconfigured 17 others in 2019.

That plan also included an element that has allowed every district student in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to be equipped with an electronic device to connect them to the internet, according to the districts website. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) centers also have been placed in every district elementary school. All of the districts elementary schools also now are staffed with a counselor.

McDaniel also successfully pushed for voter approval for a $955 million bond proposal  the largest in Oklahoma history  in November 2022. Polk now is charged with implementing projects authorized by that vote.

But the level of stability McDaniel brought to the district  which is acknowledged by both supporters and detractors  could prove to be his greatest legacy. Before McDaniel, the last Oklahoma City district superintendent to last as long as six years on the job was Arthur Stellar, who held the position from 1985 to 1992.

McDaniels four immediate predecessors lasted five months (Rebecca Kaye, an acting superintendent), 19 months (Aurora Lora), two years (Rob Neu) and 10 months (Dave Lopez, an interim superintendent). How does Polk avoid falling into that cycle?

I cant necessarily focus on that aspect of (it), Polk said. Whats most important to me is the empowerment of others. If it does (happen), please note my role today is to ensure the leadership capacity in others (who) can step right in. So that has been what has transpired in regards for me to step in and for others also to step in.

Thats what we have been working on. So often, thats not a shiny something that you are able to put out in the public, when you are actually building leadership capacity in others. But when were in a situation such as this, you can see the leadership has been able to rise to the occasion. Hats off to Dr. McDaniel.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New OKCPS superintendent seeks to avoid high turnover rate in that job
The Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy, a charter school for ninth- and 10th-grade students in Winter Haven, has announced it will not operate for the coming school year. Polk County Public Schools said 40 or fewer students would be affected.

Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy, a charter school based in Winter Haven, will not operate for the coming school year, Polk County Public Schools has confirmed.

Our staff is reaching out to the impacted students and families and will help place them in our schools as needed, PCPS spokesperson Jason Geary said in an email. We are glad to assist families and get them situated before school resumes; it is estimated that 40 or fewer students will be impacted by this closure.

Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy served ninth- and 10th-grade students. It opened in 2011 and operated from the campus of Berkley Accelerated Middle School in Auburndale before moving to a site in Winter Haven. Its website lists that location as 111 Ave. R N.E., in the same building as the Florence Villa Community Redevelopment Corp.

What to know Florida's back-to-school tax-free holiday is coming up

Polk County Public Schools, like all school districts in Florida, serves as a pass-through entity in distributing state funding to charter schools, calculated by enrollment. Based on an analysis of Polk Pre-Collegiate Academys final enrollment and operations, the school owes approximately $22,500 back to the district, Geary said.

As of Monday, the website for Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy still advertised that it was accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year. A voicemail left last week with the phone number listed on the site was not returned.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Winter Haven pre-collegiate charter school halts operations
Mike Pompeo has a hostile obsession with Iran. From his earliest days as CIA director in 2017, he advocated for a "leadership decapitation strategy" against Iran, reportedly telling his underlings not to worry whether that act of war would be constitutional, because "that's a question for the lawyers." Pompeo also reportedly told friends that he "will not retire from public service until [Iranian Gen. Qassem] Soleimani is off the battlefield." He got his wish in 2020, successfully pushing President Donald Trump to assassinate the general.

After Pompeo became Secretary of State in 2018, his State Department sent out a weekly newsletter titled This Week in Iran Policy, showing off the "maximum pressure" campaign he unleashed. (There was no similar newsletter for China or Russia.) Since leaving office, Pompeo has spoken at proregime change conferences, promising that the collapse of the Islamic Republic is just around the corner and arguing that U.S. policy must be "increasing pressure on the regime until it falls."

It's a hard sell in today's Republican Party. Although vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio) is no dove, he has rejected "regime change" policies abroad, especially in the Middle East. Trump himself says he wants a deal with Iran. And Pompeo's policy is a failure on its own terms. The Islamic Republic withstood years of maximum pressure, entrenching its power despite protests and making steady progress on its nuclear program. Because maximum pressure didn't work, the United States has few other cards to play, short of a full-on war.

But Pompeo has a new sales pitch: a good, old-fashioned stab-in-the-back myth. Rather than failing to live up to his promises, Pompeo was betrayed by Democrats in cahoots with Iranian Islamists, the story goes. He and other Republicans repeated this line at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last week. Republicans are becoming convinced that there's a magic button, which Biden refuses to press, to achieve regime change without war.

"When we walked out in January of 2021, the Iranian regime was afraid, and the people of Israel were strong and secure, and we treated them like the friend and ally that they need to be," Pompeo said at the RNC. "And what about Iran today? When Joe Biden eased up on President Trump's maximum pressure campaign, we gave money to the Ayatollah, so he could cut more checks to the genocidal maniacs who conducted attacks, barbaric attacks, in Israel," he added.

Pompeo is relying on the fact that most people don't know much about economic sanctions and the international banking system. Because oil is bought and sold in dollars, Iran has a lot of money in foreign bank accounts, mostly in South Korea and Japan. Both Biden and Trump (as well as Barack Obama before them) were able to use the powers of the U.S. Treasury to trap Iran's oil money abroad.

That was the central pillar of the maximum pressure campaign, which did serious damage to the Iranian economy and kicked off years of unrest inside the country. Maximum pressure nearly led to war in the summer of 2019, when Iran began retaliating against other countries' oil industries. The following year, Trump upped the ante by outright seizing Iranian oil tankers, and Iran began seizing oil tankers in return. Biden has continued all of these policies.

The sanctions have gotten less effective over time. The Iranian economy has begun to recover from the initial shock of losing export revenue, and Iranian leaders are trying to sanctions-proof the economy by doing more trade outside the American financial system. China in particular has been expanding its purchases of Iranian oil. While Iran is still not in a great position, it's no longer on the verge of total societal collapse.

Last year, Biden used some of his built-up economic leverage to get concessions from Iran. In exchange for Iran releasing five Americans held on trumped-up charges, the United States agreed to allow Iran to use $6 billion of its own money to buy food and medicine. The Iranian oil money, which had been frozen in South Korea, was moved to a Qatari bank account overseen by U.S. Treasury officials, who can veto any Iranian purchase.

Pompeo hated the deal. "If someone paid your healthcare costs and paid for all your food, you'd have money left over to spend on whatever you wanted," he complained on WABC radio at the time. "The Iranians have money that's left over and they'll spend it on their nuclear program and conducting terror and attacking Americans."

That wasn't exactly the line Pompeo took while he was in government. Facing accusations that maximum pressure was making it harder to fight back against the coronavirus pandemica claim that the U.S. military privately agreed withPompeo's State Department had insisted that U.S. sanctions would not block Iran from buying food and medicine. Pompeo also tried to create a "humanitarian channel," an arrangement that would allow Iran to pay for food and medicine through Swiss banks, much like the Qatari arrangement that Biden agreed to.

In October 2023, the Palestinian armed group Hamas attacked Israel. Because Hamas is backed by Iran, many Republicans began blaming Biden's hostage deal. None of the Iranian money released to Qatar could have possibly been used in the attackthe bank account hadn't even been touched yetbut Republican hawks left people with the impression that Biden was paying for Hamas rockets. Some even claimed that, rather than Iran's own money, it was American taxpayer dollars being moved.

"Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden administration," Trump himself said on October 7.

Although politicians will always attack their opponents as weak, the confusion around Iran matters beyond partisan politics. Pompeo's stab-in-the-back myth is muddying the waters in a Republican Party that is otherwise fed up with establishment foreign policy. Like other RNC speakers, he sold the road to war as a path to peace, and successful deal making with other countries as treason. Pompeo doesn't have to make an affirmative case for regime changehe just has to tear down the alternatives.

Trump, after all, consistently said that maximum pressure would be a way to get a "better deal" from Iran. Yet his own cabinet, led by Pompeo, consistently blocked any attempts to do something with Trump's bargaining chips. Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton even prepared to resign if Trump talked to the Iranian foreign minister. Instead of negotiating with the leverage they were supposedly building, the Trump administration continued to ratchet up the tensionshoping that Iran would collapse before a war started.

Other clocks are ticking too. Iran has accumulated enough nuclear material to build a bomb on short notice, an outcome that U.S. presidents have promised to go to war to stop. And the Iranian-Israeli conflict looks like it will only heat up from here, with Israel likely to ask for more U.S. support in places like Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. If the next administration wants to prevent war, it will have to cut deals with Iran over important issues, scale back U.S. commitments to Middle Eastern partners like Israel, or both.

Thanks to the myth of Biden's backstabbing, Republicans are uninterested in either of those things. The United States, they believe, still has cards that it is mysteriously refusing to play.

"If you want to check Iran, the way to do it is to, one, withdraw their oil money, which of course Joe Biden's been bad about, but you also have got to enable the Israelis and the Sunni Arab states to work together and actually provide a counterbalance," Vance said at an interview on the sidelines of the RNC. "You have the infrastructure there, sitting there, to weaken Iran, to strengthen our ally Israel. Joe Biden has done nothing with it. Donald Trump will reinvigorate it."

The post Pompeo Is Selling a New Iran War to Republicans appeared first on Reason.com.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Alexandria celebrates its 275th birthday this year! From April to September, the city is hosting several events to highlight its rich history and recognize this milestone.

One event on July 26 is the unique pop-up archaeology, the Buried Ships of Robinson Landing. The display showcases the historic models of three 18th-century vessels that were excavated in Alexandria in 2018.

Alexandria shows off its rich history with the display of three ships found last year

The free exhibit will sit on the corner of The Strand and Pioneer Mill Way, near BARCA. From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., visitors will have the chance to explore the ships and speak with archaeologists to learn how they were used to create new land along the waterfront.

The city said the remnants were discovered during the redevelopment along the waterfront when archaeologists were exploring the underground development.

While at the Robison Terminal South, archeologists unearthed the remains of three ships, the foundations of Hooes 18th-century warehouse and store, and the 19th-century Pioneer Mill.

However, the project was brought to life after archaeologists used digital models to compare the ships construction and answer questions about their age and use.

Now, Alexandria hopes to shine a light on the sites history.

The Fresh Market announces two new locations opening in Northern Virginia

We are excited to present the Buried Ships of Robinson Landing exhibit to the community, said Eleanor Breen, city archaeologist. This collaboration with the Robinson Landing Property Owners Association allows us to bring history to life in a tangible and accessible way, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared maritime heritage.

For more information, visit the City of Alexandrias website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Now with President Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris, for president, the vice president has the daunting task of selecting a running mate under a compressed timeline. File Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI

July 21 (UPI) -- Vice President Kamala Harris has a major task in her quest to become the next president of the United States. Make that a No. 2 task: her selection of a running mate.

Possible vice president nominees are Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Ray Cooper and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. None of them have yet said they want the job.

"The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency," Shapiro said in a statement on X. "The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania -- where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States."

Cooper posted on X that "Kamala Harris should be the next President."

"I've known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity," Cooper said. "I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket."

Kelly, a former astronaut, strongly endorsed Harris.

"I couldn't be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future," Kelly wrote in a post on X. "She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby [Giffords, his wife] and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States."

However, Beshear didn't endorse Harris yet.

"Now is time for our nation to come together," Beshear posted on X. "We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to treat our neighbors as ourselves -- and that we are all each other's neighbors."

Prominent Democrat governors also include Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois.

Newsom backed Harris, a former San Francisco district attorney, in a post on X: "Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America's vice president, @KamalaHarris."

Whitmer was noncommittal on X: "My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families' costs, banning abortion nationwide and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan."

Pritzker, governor of the Democratic National Convention's host state of Illinois, also didn't mention Harris in his statement. He wrote on X: "As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. ... I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November."
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrats nominee for president via social media Sunday, after President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race.

Biden made the announcement he would step aside Sunday and asked the party to throw its weight behind Harris.

In a X (formerly Twitter) post, Ossoff stated:

Pres. Bidens record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS. Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.

Pres. Bidens record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS.



Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. @KamalaHarris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full support.  Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) July 21, 2024

Another Georgia senator supports Harris

Sen. Raphael Warnock released a statement via Facebook and X praising Biden and offering his endorsement of Harris for president.

President Joe Biden demonstrated again today that he is a selfless servant leader and a true patriot, and why he is one of the most effective Presidents of my lifetime, Warnock said. Joe Biden has always put the people first.

Warnock said supported Harris, saying he is proud to endorse her candidacy to be the next President of the United States.

Macon Democrats urge unity

The Macon-Bibb Democratic Party has called for unity in wake of Bidens withdrawal.

In light of President Joe Bidens announcement this afternoon that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, the Macon-Bibb Democratic Committee is calling for all Democrats to come together in a spirit of unity to protect our freedom and democracy in this critical election, the party chair, Jaylan Scott, said in a statement.

Scott said Bidens legacy of restoring decency and competence to the White House will endure and its important for Democrats to come together.

The statement said with the presidential election just months away, the Macon-Bibb Democratic Committee urges local Democrats to remain focused on supporting Democratic candidates up and down the ballot who will fight for working families, expand access to health care and education and tackle climate issues.

The stakes in this election could not be higher, Scott said. While Democrats are fighting to protect the freedom and rights of every American, Republicans are working to undermine our democracy and roll back the clock on progress. Now is the time for us to put aside any differences, come together as one party and one people, and work relentlessly to elect Democrats at every level of government who share our vision for a more just, more prosperous, and more democratic America.

The local democratic committee said it will mobilize volunteers to ensure support for Democratic candidates.
How will President Biden dropping out impact the Nov. ballot in Florida?

How will President Biden dropping out impact the Nov. ballot in Florida?

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  With weeks to go before November general election ballots need to be printed, Polk Countys supervisor of elections said there is time to get the Democratic presidential nominee on the ballot.

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential election on Sunday and swiftly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Kamala Harris-coconut tree connection, explained

The good news is, although its a short time table from the campaigning standpoint, from the election administration standpoint, theres plenty of time as far as ballot preparation, said Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections.

Edwards, who is up for re-election in November, said ballots do not get printed until after the statewide primary on August 20th.

The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19 through Aug. 22, when the presidential nominee is expected to be decided.

The only time we would have started to get nervous is if there was a change in August or truly, after we sent the printing file to the printer, Edwards said. Thats when it really could have caused not only, I wouldnt say chaos, but I would say great expense.

Mail-in ballots are sent out around Oct. 1, according to Edwards.

Florida Democrats did not vote in a presidential primary in 2024.

Delegates had previously pledged their support for President Biden.

As of Monday, almost all had pledged their support for Vice President Harris, according to the Florida Democratic Party.

The official nomination will happen at the DNC in August.

I think it happened soon enough, said Terry Coney, president of the NAACP Lakeland branch.

The NAACP does not endorse candidates, but Coney said Vice President Harris will likely invigorate a younger base of voters.

Still, he pointed out, the presidential election is not the only one happening.

You still have campaigns going on at the local level and for most people, those are the elections that affect their lives the most, he said.

The statewide primary is Aug. 20, which includes partisan primaries for U.S. Senate as well as non-partisan elections to school boards and other local offices.

No Party Affiliation voters can vote in the non-partisan elections.

The deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 20 election is July 22nd.

Early voting is Aug. 10 through Aug. 17.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 7.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
After President Biden drops out of race, who will Illinois delegates vote for at the DNC?

President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on Sunday, opening the door for his Illinois delegates to vote for whomever they please as the new Democratic nominee.

Biden, who had been facing increasing calls from within his party to step down, announced soon after he would be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democrats' new candidate. And while many of the state's prominent Democrats welcomed the president's decision, Democrats like Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois did not state who they want to replace Biden.

It comes as increasing speculation surrounds Pritzker, bolstered with the personal finances to enter the race on short notice, as a potential candidate. In a statement, the governor did not mention any of his future plans, instead focusing more so on his concerns for a return to the Oval Office by former President Donald Trump.

More: Illinois Republicans and Democrats react as Joe Biden drops out of the race

"Donald Trump is a 34-time convicted felon, adjudicated to have committed sexual assault, a racist, homophobe and misogynist," said Pritzker. "Trump brags about taking away a womans right to choose, wants to rip healthcare away from tens of millions of people, proposes economic policies that will cost the middle class thousands of dollars a year, and threatens the fundamental American ideals we hold dear."

How many delegates does Illinois have?

Democrats have more than 3,900 pledged delegates and 749 automatic delegates, often called superdelegates. Illinois has 147 pledged delegates; including 32 at-large, 96 from congressional districts and 19 party leaders and elected officials; and 30 other unpledged superdelegates.

Biden won just less than 3,800 delegates, or nearly 95% of the total, during the Democratic primaries per The Green Papers, a website tracking national delegate results. The approximate 4,700 delegates will head to Chicago in less than a month for Democratic National Convention, scheduled between Aug. 19 and Aug. 22, but the decision to a name a nominee could happen earlier during a virtual roll call.

Who are the delegates?

Illinois voters selected pledged delegates during the March primary, who all went to Biden. The names include some of the state's top Democrats such as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

See the full list here.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Biden drops out: What does this mean for Illinois delegates?
Amidst a backdrop of fluctuating global markets and heightened trade tensions, the Euronext Amsterdam continues to present opportunities for investors seeking stable returns through dividend stocks. Given the current market dynamics, focusing on companies with strong dividend histories could be a prudent strategy for those looking to navigate these uncertain times.

Top 5 Dividend Stocks In The Netherlands

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Acomo (ENXTAM:ACOMO) 6.56%  ABN AMRO Bank (ENXTAM:ABN) 9.29%  Signify (ENXTAM:LIGHT) 6.60%  Van Lanschot Kempen (ENXTAM:VLK) 9.95%  Randstad (ENXTAM:RAND) 5.10%  Koninklijke KPN (ENXTAM:KPN) 3.99%  Koninklijke Heijmans (ENXTAM:HEIJM) 3.71% 

Click here to see the full list of 7 stocks from our Top Euronext Amsterdam Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. offers a range of banking products and financial services to retail, private, and business clients both in the Netherlands and globally, with a market capitalization of approximately 13.54 billion.

Operations: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. generates revenue through its Corporate Banking (3.50 billion), Wealth Management (1.59 billion), and Personal & Business Banking (4.07 billion) segments.

Dividend Yield: 9.3%

ABN AMRO Bank, with a dividend yield of 9.29%, ranks in the top 25% for dividend payers in the Dutch market but has shown volatility in its dividend payments over the past eight years. Despite this, dividends are currently well-covered by earnings with a payout ratio of 47.9%. Recent strategic expansions into Germany's wealth management sector through acquisitions could influence future financial stability and asset management growth, although earnings are forecasted to decline annually by 11.3% over the next three years.

ENXTAM:ABN Dividend History as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Koninklijke KPN N.V. operates as a telecommunications and information technology services provider in the Netherlands, with a market capitalization of approximately 14.77 billion.

Operations: Koninklijke KPN N.V. generates revenue primarily through three segments: Consumer (2.93 billion), Business (1.84 billion), and Wholesale (0.70 billion).

Dividend Yield: 4%

Koninklijke KPN has recently enhanced its strategic position by securing a significant spectrum for 5G expansion at 58.4 million and forming a tower company with Dutch pension fund ABP, reflecting its commitment to bolstering digital infrastructure in the Netherlands. Despite these advancements, KPN's dividend yield of 3.99% remains modest compared to top Dutch dividend stocks. The dividends are supported by earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 78.4% and 59.6%, respectively, indicating sustainability despite past volatility in dividend payments. Recent share buybacks totaling 200 million demonstrate ongoing shareholder value focus; however, high debt levels persist as a financial caution.

Story continues

ENXTAM:KPN Dividend History as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Van Lanschot Kempen NV, operating both in the Netherlands and internationally, offers a range of financial services with a market capitalization of approximately 1.70 billion.

Operations: Van Lanschot Kempen NV generates revenue primarily through its Investment Banking Clients and Wholesale & Institutional Clients segments, which contribute 41 million and 83.10 million respectively.

Dividend Yield: 10%

Van Lanschot Kempen, with a dividend yield of 9.95, ranks in the top 25% of Dutch dividend payers. The company's dividends are well-supported by earnings, with a current payout ratio of 70.9% and a forecasted coverage in three years at 84.6%. Despite its robust yield and value metricstrading below the Dutch market average P/E ratio at 12.9xVLK has only been distributing dividends for three years and shows an unstable dividend track record, which might concern long-term investors looking for established consistency.

ENXTAM:VLK Dividend History as at Jul 2024

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include ENXTAM:ABN ENXTAM:KPN and ENXTAM:VLK.

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Illinois lawmakers are calling the body camera footage from the Sonya Massey case "shocking, horrifying and heartbreaking" following the 36-minute video released to the public Monday afternoon.

The 36-minute bodycam footage shows the rapid escalation that led to Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean P. Grayson shooting Sonya Massey in the head. Video shows Grayson, who has been charged in Massey's murder, saying This f***ing b***h was crazy with other officers and, "I can't take hot boiling water to the f***ing face" after he fired three shots.

The latter remark was in reference to Massey, who was retrieving a pot of water from her stove Grayson had told her to move, as he didnt want to start a house fire.

The graphic video was released on Illinois State Police's YouTube channel Monday, and has reached international attention, receiving statements from congressmen and representatives across Illinois and out-of-state.

More: Video shows deputy in fatal Sonya Massey shooting say, 'I'll shoot you in the face'

President Joe Biden releases statement on the bodycam footage

President Joe Biden weighed in on the release of the footage Monday, saying "Sonyas family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonyas family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time."

Biden commended the swift action taken by the Sangamon County State's Attorney's office and asked for prayer to comfort the grieving family. The statement then went on to call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as a fundamental commitment to justice.

Illinois lawmakers react to Sonya Massey bodycam footage

Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield:

State Sen. Doris Turner said Monday she stands with the Massey family, and calls for justice and peace.

Nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much more. We need to come together to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed. I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield:

I watched the video footage this afternoon, and I am shocked and horrified by what transpired. My heart goes out to Sonya and her family, who will remain in my thoughts and prayers. They deserve justice. I commend the Sangamon County States Attorney for swiftly charging the Deputy with murder. When I was a prosecutor, I viewed hundreds of hours of police interactions and I never saw anything like this. The Deputy who committed this murder is exactly where he belongs, in jail.

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield:

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski voiced her support of the family in a statement as well.

On July 6th, Sonya Massey called 911 out of concern for her safety. Instead of receiving help, she was gunned down by an officer who was sworn to serve and protect her.

Like everyone who has seen the footage of Sonya Masseys murder, Im shocked, horrified and heartbroken. This was an act of senseless and unjustifiable violence  and it is an affront to our humanity.

I join my constituents in Springfield and Americans across the country in demanding full accountability from our justice system. And while justice for Sonya Massey will allow our community to begin healing  we must end the systemic use of excessive force against unarmed people of color.

My heart continues to go out to Sonyas children, her family and friends and everyone in our community who is still reeling from this tragedy. Sonya Massey should be alive today.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul:

In Chicago Monday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul offered his deepest sympathy to the Massey family as they relive a moment no family should experience.

As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system.

In Illinois we have made sure that the law mandates independent investigations after officer involved shootings. In this matter it appears that the investigation by the Illinois State Police and the subsequent referral to the Sangamon County States Attorneys office have complied with the letter and spirit of the law by providing the appropriate transparency and moving toward accountability.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

The killing of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, disgraceful and an abhorrent disregard of basic humanity. Sonyas murder is a heartbreaking injustice against her, her loved ones and all who see themselves represented in her story. She was a mother, daughter and a human being whose memory will not be forgotten.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher

Buscher issued a video statement regarding the release of the bodycam footage related to the death of Sonya Massey, saying her heart was broken by the senseless act and loss to the Springfield community.

I want to make it unequivocally clear that this Sangamon County deputies actions do not reflect the values and integrity of our Springfield Police Department, Buscher said. We also share in your outrage, and we stand firmly with you. There is no excuse for this violent act. And we demand accountability and justice for Sonya. As your mayor I want to thank the Illinois State Police and the Sangamon County States Attorneys Office for swiftly investigating this event and taking the necessary actions to seek justice for Sonya.

The shock, pain and grief her family and friends felt from learning of her death and from going through the process of burial is something that will never ever fade away. We as a community need to always be here for them.

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Sonya Massey: President Biden, Illinois lawmakers react to bodycam footage
President Joe Biden's decision to end reelection bid comes weeks before DNC. When is it?

President Joe Bidens decision to end his campaign for reelection comes a month before the Democratic National Convention, where a candidate is officially nominated to run for president.

Biden, who made his decision public on Sunday, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee, but whether she will lead the ticket will be determined by delegates from all 50 states and U.S. territories at the DNC later this summer.

Iowas delegates for the DNC can choose how to cast their vote, though Bidens endorsement of Harris means a great deal, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart told reporters on Sunday.

Several Iowa Democrats praised Bidens decision, including former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin who described it as a courageous and unselfish step.

Iowa Republicans also issued quick calls for Biden to resign.

When is the Democratic National Convention 2024?

The DNC is from Aug. 19-22. The party initially planned to hold its roll call vote, the process to formally count the delegates, virtually before the convention. It's not clear now when it will be held.

Where is the DNC?

The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago.

When is the next presidential election?

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is on Nov. 5, 2024. Former president Donald Trump and Ohio senator J.D. Vance, the vice-presidential pick, will run against who Democrats nominate now that Biden, who spent weeks determined to run for a second term after a poor debate performance, announced an end to his campaign.

Brianne Pfannenstiel and Stephen Gruber-Miller contributed to this article.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When and where is the DNC 2024 as Joe Biden ends his reelection bid?
A presidential campaign is 'a $2-billion startup.' If she gets the nod, Harris has 3 months

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in May. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

The Democratic Party is about to find out what its like to compete in a snap election , like the ones in Britain, France and other parliamentary systems that hold quick elections with little notice.

Only in this case, it will be one-sided. They will be facing an opponent, former President Trump, who has been running since 2022, secured his partys nomination in March and staged a highly choreographed convention last week.

Theres no template for it, said David Axelrod, former President Obamas lead strategist.

Building a new campaign around Vice President Kamala Harris, or whomever secures the Democratic nomination, will be an immediate and daunting challenge now that President Biden announced Sunday that he will bow out of his reelection campaign.

A presidential campaign now is a $2-billion startup thats open for business for two weeks, said Stuart Stevens, a strategist for Republican Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign . Starting from scratch is not impossible, but its a great disadvantage.

Read more: Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee

Stevens, who opposes Trump, said selecting Harris to replace President Biden atop the ticket is 100% the best scenario for building a campaign infrastructure and crafting a message.

She could inherit hundreds of campaign workers and an organization that is built around ground-level organizing in anticipation of a close election and a message geared toward Bidens accomplishments.

Within hours of Bidens announcement Sunday, the campaign changed the name of its fundraising committee from Biden for President to Harris for President, giving her control of its $91-million account.

People will be out walking the precincts this afternoon for her, Stevens said, compared with an alternative nominee who would need to start hiring staff and building a machine after the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention.

But whether its Harris or not, the process is certain to be tough. She would have to pick a running mate, which normally takes weeks of extensive vetting, and she would have to hope that running mate blends in with her team, which she also has not selected.

In her statement Sunday, she nodded to the compressed time frame, noting that she has traveled extensively for the last year. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win, she wrote.

Her first big decision would be how much of Bidens team to keep.

Harris ran in the 2020 Democratic primary . But the campaign ended in recriminations among top advisors, like many losing efforts.

She took only a few staffers with her when Biden selected her as his running mate, making her almost entirely dependent on his team.

Many of the people who worked on her 2020 primary campaign, who overlap extensively with Gov. Gavin Newsoms political operation, were kept at arms length during much of her vice presidency.

Read more: Kamala Harris: Everything you need to know

And as speculation around Bidens withdrawal began to swirl last month, Harris was extremely careful to avoid any sign that she was looking at her own potential future, stymieing her ability to assemble a staff or draft extensive plans.

Axelrod said the most difficult piece will be building trust with key campaign advisors, and fast.

Youre asking folks you may not know to jump into a foxhole with you in a battle that is already in full fury, he said, which may argue for retaining much of Bidens structure.

Donna Brazile, a Harris ally who led Democrat Al Gores 2000 presidential campaign, said Bidens staff needs to take a breath after placing all of their emotional energy behind him.

Give them an opportunity to mourn, she said. Give them an opportunity to grieve.

She said there would be plenty of time to build a plan around Harris.

I could do a 90-day campaign without opening my eyes, she said. In the past the summer was the time we squandered in getting ready for the fall.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ryan Wixon (center) looks at the camera as he takes a break from drumming. His daughters, Ahyoka, 10, (left) and Lily, 7, (right) gather around him. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

In line to enter a state prison north of Olympia, 10-year-old Ahyoka Wixon cannot stay still.

My dads friend made me a jingle dress! she says to a friendly man standing off to the side of the line, adorned in cultural regalia from head to toe. Her grandmother, 62-year-old Tina Wixon, pulls her away, reminding her not to bother strangers  but the man doesnt seem to mind.

Ahyokas dad, 39-year-old Ryan Wixon, is a former amateur MMA fighter who went by War Path. Hes also in prison, serving a 20-year sentence for his role in a fist fight that turned into a shoot out. He has 13 years left on his sentence.

It was an unfortunate time in my life, says Wixon, who is Shoshone.

When he sees his two girls in the visitors center of the prison, they come running and he swoops them up into his arms.

Ahyoka and 7-year-old Lily Wixon are there to participate in Washington Corrections Centers annual powwow on July 11 alongside their father, who will be singing and drumming. Wixon grew up participating in powwows and living in and out of the reservation, he said. Ahyokas name means she brings happiness in Lakota.

Indigenous people are incarcerated at higher rates than any other group in Washington state, and the disparity between Indigenous and white incarceration has roughly doubled in the past decade. Advocates attribute the disparity to over policing of Indigenous communities and high rates of poverty.

The powwow is organized by Tribal Sons, the prisons Native affinity group. Wixon and other Native leaders in prison said theyre working on rehabilitating themselves and their fellow Native prisoners, and the powwow makes all the difference.

Cultures a beautiful thing, Wixon said.

The powwow is a family affair: Prisoners  some in khakis, some in cultural garb  hug, mingle and laugh with family, until its difficult to know at first glance whos incarcerated and whos not. Around 150 to 175 people were in attendance, estimated Shawn Carnahan, the prisons religious coordinator.

LEFT: Ryan Wixon and his daughter, Lily, run across the field at Washington Corrections Center. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard). RIGHT: Visitors and prisoners dance at Washington Corrections Centers powwow. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

Charles Longshore, a lead organizer of the powwow whos serving a nearly 36-year sentence, said the powwow is a day of unification and reunification. Its different from visitation, Longshore said: Youre not connecting in a spiritual sense.

Its one day a year that incarcerated people get to show the people they love a different side of them, Longshore said. They still believe that we have not changed. Its a day we can show them who we are.

It brings us together in community

While the powwows have been happening at Washington Corrections Center for years, the tribes werent as involved in the past, said Longshore, a citizen of Skokomish Indian Tribe.

This year, a Skokomish tribal representative, Kimberly Miller, helped lead the ceremony, and the prisons superintendent, Dean Mason, began the event by acknowledging that the prison rests on Skokomish and Squaxin land, a first for the prisons powwows.

Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis  the first Native American on the state Supreme Court  was also in attendance. Longshore says that in a private moment, he took Montoya-Lewis into the gallery of artwork being presented at the powwow by prisoners, and presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She was brought to tears, he said.

I took her to her table, sat and hung out with her, Longshore said. [I said] this is a day in which you can take a look around and see people for who they truly are. Take a look around. Look at the laughter, look at the jokes, look at the dancing.

Thats what the powwow does, Longshore said. It brings us together in community for one day when we get to almost not be here anymore.

About an hour or so into the powwow, Miller hands the microphone to Ahyoka, who was now wearing the jingle dress her dads friend made her: 43-year-old Hector Tito Ortiz, who also made the drum Wixon and Ortiz were using at the powwow.

Hello! Ahyoka yells into the mic with unabashed confidence, causing a wave of feedback. Thank you for coming!

When she hands the mic back, Miller calls her a young leader in the making.

As Wixon drums and sings, his younger daughter, Lily, leaves the powwow circle to cling onto him. Wixon asks her if she wants to join Ahyoka in the circle. Lily shakes her head. She wants to stay with him.

Thats sweet, Wixon says, squeezing her with his free arm.

Soon, Wixon will have to say goodbye to his daughters. The powwow began an hour late because prison security staff had to have a briefing, as all the guards who are usually in charge during visitation werent on duty. The prisoners were told they could go for an additional hour to make up for it  until prison staff decide that they can only spare another half hour.

For now, though, Ahyoka joins Lily and her father, and Wixon continues to drum and sing, his daughters wrapped around him.

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Hector Ortizs last name in one place as Artiz.
Gov. JB Pritzker put to bed any speculation that he might enter the presidential race on Monday, officially endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Pritzker, joined with U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, announced they were backing Harris after President Joe Biden said he would be stepping out of the race on Sunday.

More: Pritzker looks to build up 'blue wall' with stops in Indiana, Ohio

The buzz surrounding Pritzker came in-part since his first statement made no mention of Harris and other potential candidates like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro endorsed her soon after Biden made his announcement.

In a new statement Monday, Pritzker said his decision came after hours of discussions with party leaders and lauded Harris as the party's best chance to defeat former President Donald Trump. Biden's decision to step out caught him as a "genuine surprise," the governor serving as a surrogate for his campaign.

Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans," Pritzker said, vowing to support her campaign fervently. "From protecting women's rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear."

More: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after he drops out of 2024 election: Recap

Part of Pritzker's endorsement also comes out of his believe that is time for a woman to hold the highest office in the land, previously campaigning for Hillary Clinton before serving as governor. Durbin said via X, formerly known as Twitter, that Harris is a unifying candidate and played an essential role in building Biden's track record.

The Democratic Party of Illinois also endorsed Harris on Monday morning, joining all 14 Illinois congressional Democrats. Stateside, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch are also supporting Harris.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twittter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: JB Pritzker officially endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic nominee
As one commercial emergency medical service is positioning itself to become the main provider of ambulatory services in Dutchess County, the county is working on its own plan to meet a growing need for reliable and faster response times to 911 calls.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 exacerbated a nationwide EMS shortage. In Dutchess County, 911 calls  close to half of which involve life-threatening situations  have increased, and the county's emergency call center has at times dispatched multiple ambulances before finding one that's available. Response time has consequently lagged, sometimes over an hour.

Enter Empress Emergency Medical Service, a vast Yonkers-based provider serving municipalities within New York City, as well as Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Ulster counties, and providing non-emergency transport for Poughkeepsie hospitals Vassar Brothers Medical Center and MidHudson Regional Hospital.

Through its acquisition of EMStar and Mobile Life, Empress' coverage has spread farther north in the Hudson Valley, currently serving roughly 80% of southern Dutchess with hopes of growing business north of Poughkeepsie.

An Empress EMS ambulance outside the Vassar Brothers Medical Center in the City of Poughkeepsie on July 3, 2024.

In Empress, some municipalities have found a solution. They have contracted with about a dozen municipalities in Dutchess County to provide dedicated services and fill the gap created when ambulances may otherwise not be immediately available nearby.

"This whole area seems to have solved this crisis of not getting an ambulance," said Robert Stuck, executive director of Empress Ambulance Service North, "because they have some level of dedicated resource whether it's (Empress), fire, volunteer fire or paid, volunteer ambulance corps and then that's pretty significant."

The city of Poughkeepsie has a contract with Empress for over $600,000 a year, but smaller municipalities are having trouble absorbing the cost of dedicated EMS service, which is done either by allocated funding or creating special tax districts. The Village of Wappingers Falls saw an increase of $110,000 in its contract with Empress for next year.

"How do we sustain paying this?" said Lori Jiava, village treasurer.

An Empress EMS ambulance at MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie on July 3, 2024.

Downside of contracted ambulance service in Hudson Valley

Village of Wappingers Falls leaders are still talking with Empress regarding their contract and are considering creating a special ambulance tax district, a lengthy process the town of Wappinger took on to pay for a dedicated ambulance service through Empress. The expected revenue from its ambulance district for 2024 is $570,377, according to the town's 2024 budget.

The city of Poughkeepsie contracted with Empress for three dedicated ambulances at $634,000 a year in January. According to reports the city receives on-call volume and response time, there were nine mutual aid requests in January before signing on with Empress, in which it took more than one call to find an available ambulance, in one day in the city. By February, an ambulance was always available.

An Empress EMS ambulance at MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie on July 3, 2024.

Poughkeepsie's fire department also continues to respond to priority 911 calls, those that are lifesaving or involve severe injury, and are sometimes the first on the scene.

"There are always many challenges (the city has) to deal with, and right now, that's not one of the challenges that we're facing," said Interim City of Poughkeepsie Administrator Ron Knapp.

The city of Kingston went another route. Empress had taken over the city's contract after purchasing Mobile Life. It then increased its contract, asking the city to pay more than $500,000, according to Kingston Mayor Steve Noble, who said the city had also been receiving complaints about the service. Kingston chose to purchase its own ambulance instead.

A Mobile Life Support Services ambulance outside the Vassar Brothers Medical Center in the City of Poughkeepsie on July 3, 2024.

"Extending our services to include transport was a logical next step in light of the privatization and consolidation efforts in the ambulance industry in our region," Noble said. The city's fire department already had trained paramedics and technicians.

Empress did not respond to the Journal's inquiry into its agreement with Kingston.

More: Dutchess County companies haven't applied for CHIPS Act funding: Here's why, what's next

Patients 'found another way to get to the hospital'

Unlike police and fire departments, EMS has historically not been considered an essential service in New York. This means local governments are not required to provide or fund them and the service is instead covered by a patchwork of providers, many of them volunteers.

"Last year, due to extended response times, over 400 times an ambulance we dispatched never reached the patient. That patient found another way to get to the hospital, and we know it wasn't under medical care," said Dana Smith, commissioner of emergency response, during a presentation to the county legislature earlier this year.

More: Dubois Forum organizers say it is 'urgently needed' in 2024: See Troutbeck event details

A particular challenge, according to Stuck, who works at Empress' Poughkeepsie location, is in northern Dutchess, which is more rural and less populated than the southern part of the county. Call times there are exacerbated by long stretches of roads and fields, and the distance to a hospital. Those areas are also less populated and do not field as many calls, which is makes service less cost-effective.

Dutchess County is looking to add an extra layer of service by contracting with a commercial provider for staffed ambulances at the county level, supervised and paid for by the county and supplementing the region's rescue squads, fire departments and those providers already contracted by individual municipalities.

Empress was one of three agencies that responded to Dutchess County's request for expressions of interest  a first step for the county to determine how to shape its request for proposals to contract with an operator. The other two agencies that applied to the RFEI were Northern Dutchess Paramedics and American Medical Response.

More: How much has Pat Ryan, a top fundraiser among Dems in hot races, raised for House bid?

The county is also working with municipalities to facilitate their own contract agreements, like they are doing with the towns of Amenia, North East and Dover, and is exploring the option of offering telemedicine for less serious calls to the 911 center.

"If the county is really trying to push for some sort of regional-based ambulance service, great, I totally support that," said Jiava. But in the meantime, Jiava would like to see the county provide grant incentives to local governments to work on agreements for shared resources.

Saba Ali: Sali1@poughkeepsiejournal.com

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: In Hudson Valley's EMS crisis, private providers gain traction
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Will President Joe Biden dropping out of the bid for the 2024 presidential ticket help or hurt the Democratic Party?

A political science professor emeritus at Calvin University believes it will help.

So many voters were opposed, but Republicans, Democrats and independent voters did not want to see a Trump-Biden rematch, even the Democratic Party and the independents and now we wont have that, said Doug Koopman, professor emeritus at Calvin University.

With Biden dropping out of the race Sunday, it could be a chance for Vice President Kamala Harris to step up.

Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake

Well probably have a candidate of the next generation, arguably, in the Democratic Party and it looks like the Vice President Kamala Harris is on track to be the favorite in the presidential nomination, Koopman said.

The political conversation will be different going forward.

Its no longer going to be about how old Joe Biden is. Its no longer going to be about the Biden Administration policy in the Middle East, its going to be about the next generation and who a good leader is, what a good presidential nomination is, what a good ticket is, said Koopman.

The country will be watching closely to see how the Democratic Party will move forward. Biden has strongly endorsed Harris, but she is not guaranteed the nomination.

After Biden drops out of 2024 race, does Kamala Harris become the Democratic nominee? Not exactly

The delegates that go to the Democratic National Convention  are pledged to a particular person and after the first couple of rounds, then they are free to vote for someone else. So Joe Biden has released all of his delegates, but they are free to do whatever they want, vote for whoever they want. If other people join the contest and want to run for president as well, once President Biden releases his delegates, they are free to pick who they want the nominee to be, Koopman explained.

When it comes to other Democratic stars like Californias Governor Gavin Newsome and Governor Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, Koopman says, they have already said that they endorse Kamala Harris so its not impossible to have a convention fight, but it looks quite good for Vice President Kamala Harris to be elevated to the presidential nominee.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Credit - Getty Images

Project 2025, the policy agenda for Former President Trumps potential first year back in the White House published by the far right conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, has been making waves recently. Some of the many destructive proposals within the agenda include the elimination of the U.S. Department of Educationalong with federal education funding and any civil rights protectionsand the diversion of public money to private school voucher programs instead.

Make no mistake: The goal is to end public education. But dismantling our public schools isnt just the plan if Trump is reelectedit is already happening.

We are on the brink of a new wave of public school closures, another step in the decades-long project to divest and dismantle the institution of public school. Disguised as school choice, federal, state, local, and private actors have prioritized paying for private and charter schools, hoarding educational resources for the haves and depleting resources for the have-nots.

The policies that Project 2025 plans to prioritizegovernment payments to families sending their children to private school and creation of new charter schools that are run like businesseshave expanded in the last few years, starving public school districts that serve all students of already insufficient resources. In the 2023-24 school year, at least 70 school districts, including in San Antonio, Texas, Jackson, Mississippi, and Wichita, Kansas, announced permanent closures of public schools, impacting millions of students. These districts are resorting to the harmful, discriminatory, and ineffective so-called solution of closing schools in Black and Latine communities, stripping those communities of their local public schools.

Read More: Everything Biden and Trump Have Said About the Controversial Project 2025

Heres how it works: Concerned about shrinking enrollments and budget crises, district leaders conclude that they must close schools, often without any evidence or analysis that it would save moneyand, indeed, it hasnt been shown to save money unless coupled with mass layoffs. They hire consultants who come up with utilization rates and then recommend closing schools with the lowest rates to rightsize the districttheir euphemism for their misguided belief that school facility usage should be guided by arbitrary numbers instead of meeting communities where they are.

The problem is that utilizationa schools enrollment over its supposed capacityis stacked against schools that have experienced historic underfunding and disinvestment in facilities repairs, curricula, extracurricular opportunities, and staff. These same schools disproportionately serve Black and Latine students, English Learner students, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty.

Closing schools is demonstrably harmfuland has real-life impact. Research on the mass urban school closures from 2012 to 2014 overwhelmingly found that academic outcomes suffered, particularly for low-performing students. A May 2024 study from Brown University linked the experience of a school closure to decreases in post-secondary education attainment, employment, and earnings at ages 2527. Additionally, closures force families to travel farther to get to schools that are not in their communities, making it harder to form relationships with staff, join extracurriculars, or get involved in parent organizations.

These communities are also often the first to lose access to the benefits of neighborhood public schools, which act as essential gathering places for social services and community resources like adult education, polling locations, a place to hold community meetings, and access to democratic community control through school board elections.

There are more equitable and educationally sound approaches than the lazy, unjust, self-sabotagingand all too commonapproach of spending money on consultants to tell districts what they have already decided to do: close the schools they value least, relying on metrics that target symptoms of their systemic neglect, and playing into the conservative agenda to make public schools obsolete.

Districts have better options to address budget woes. They can start a community-driven process to reshape the budget, wherein multiple stakeholdersrather than a selected fewplay an active role in setting district budget priorities. Districts can also employ community-led assessments of how they use buildings, allowing school communities, particularly those historically marginalized, to request the resources, support, and spaces they need.

At the very least, districts should integrate equity requirements into school closure proposals, for instance, by incorporating community-based equity audits into decision-making. States can also follow Californias lead by requiring and robustly enforcing equity safeguards for any decisions to close schools.

Young people and their communities deserve better than districts repeatedly making the same mistakes. District leaders must stop listening to expensive consultants and closing much-loved and needed schools, and instead, must listen to the communities they serve and focus on solutions that put students first. Local, state and federal governments must fully and equitably fund public schoolsschools obligated to take and educate everyoneand stop diverting money to a system of charter and private schools where students and families are forced to compete for a limited pool of high quality resources for a select few.

Project 2025 is not an inevitabilityit is a call to action for anyone who cares about public education in this country. Our public school system requires more resources to create better school environments for everyone. We need investment in our public schoolsnot closures.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The Indian stock market has experienced a slight dip of 1.3% over the past week, yet it maintains a robust annual growth of 43%, with earnings expected to grow by 16% annually. In this context, identifying stocks that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value can be particularly compelling for investors looking for potential opportunities in a growing market.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In India

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) HEG (NSEI:HEG) 2045.25 3292.68 37.9% IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (BSE:524164) 403.15 636.71 36.7% Updater Services (NSEI:UDS) 309.35 538.16 42.5% Vedanta (NSEI:VEDL) 439.80 717.96 38.7% Rajesh Exports (NSEI:RAJESHEXPO) 300.90 506.76 40.6% Mahindra Logistics (NSEI:MAHLOG) 512.70 901.81 43.1% Strides Pharma Science (NSEI:STAR) 952.70 1664.05 42.7% Delhivery (NSEI:DELHIVERY) 374.30 740.20 49.4% Godrej Properties (NSEI:GODREJPROP) 3245.75 5592.14 42% PVR INOX (NSEI:PVRINOX) 1402.50 2538.40 44.7%

Click here to see the full list of 20 stocks from our Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of from the screener.

Overview: Dalmia Bharat Limited, along with its subsidiaries, specializes in producing and marketing clinker and cement products mainly in India, boasting a market capitalization of approximately 341.09 billion.

Operations: The company primarily generates revenue from the production and sale of clinker and cement products in India.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 18.4%

Dalmia Bharat, trading at 1818.7, is perceived as undervalued against a fair value estimate of 2230.13, marking an 18.4% discrepancy. Despite slower revenue growth projections at 10.8% annually compared to the broader market's 9.6%, its earnings are expected to surge by approximately 21.33% per year over the next three years, outpacing the Indian market forecast of 15.9%. However, its dividend yield of 0.49% raises concerns over sustainability due to inadequate coverage by free cash flows and a modest forecasted Return on Equity (ROE) of only around 7%.

NSEI:DALBHARAT Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Strides Pharma Science Limited is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and sells products across multiple continents including Africa, Australia, North America, Europe, and Asia with a market capitalization of approximately 87.57 billion.

Operations: The company generates 40.51 billion from its pharmaceutical business, excluding the bio-pharmaceutical segment.

Story continues

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 42.7%

Strides Pharma Science, with a current market price of 952.7, is assessed to be trading at 42.7% below its calculated fair value of 1664.05, indicating a significant undervaluation based on discounted cash flow analysis. Despite this potential for value, the company's expected revenue growth rate at 11.2% annually falls short of the high-growth benchmark of 20%, though it surpasses India's market average growth forecast of 9.6%. Additionally, Strides is projected to transition into profitability within the next three years with an anticipated profit increase substantially above average market expectations.

NSEI:STAR Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Vedanta Limited is a diversified natural resources company that operates in the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals and oil and gas across India, Europe, China, the United States, Mexico, and other international markets, with a market cap of approximately 1.72 trillion.

Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its Aluminium, Zinc - India, Copper, Oil and Gas, Iron Ore, and Power segments which collectively contribute 1.17 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 38.7%

Vedanta Limited, priced at INR 439.8, appears undervalued by 38.7% against a fair value estimate of INR 717.96 based on discounted cash flow analysis, suggesting potential for appreciation. Recent strategic moves include a substantial private placement aimed at raising up to INR 80 billion if oversubscribed, indicating robust financing activities and future capital deployment strategies. Despite this, Vedanta's dividend sustainability is questionable as its current yield is poorly covered by earnings, reflecting a payout that may not be maintainable without adjustments in operational efficiency or profit margins. Additionally, while the company's earnings are expected to grow significantly at an annual rate of 43.25%, this contrasts with more modest revenue growth forecasts and a high debt level that could constrain financial flexibility.

NSEI:VEDL Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Where To Now?

Click here to access our complete index of 20 Undervalued Indian Stocks Based On Cash Flows.

Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments.

Invest smarter with the free Simply Wall St app providing detailed insights into every stock market around the globe.

Curious About Other Options?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NSEI:DALBHARAT NSEI:STAR and NSEI:VEDL.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Project Rescue Children (PRC) claims to have rescued hundreds of children around the world from human traffickers. But an intensive investigation by the BBC casts major doubts on this claim. Reporter Hayley Mortimer found that multiple PRC storiesincluding one involving a baby "saved from traffickers"appear to have been false and that several of the rescue centers it was supposedly fundraising for didn't exist.



PRC called the BBC's allegations "completely without merit, misleading and defamatory."

But the BBC's story appears deeply reported, with Mortimer having physically traveled to alleged rescue centers in Kenya and The Gambia only to discover they didn't exist.

Anatomy of a Scam?

PRC was founded by a former police officer named Adam Whittington, a British and Australian citizen. After leaving the police force, Whittington set up a company that helped locate kids taken abroad by their parents during custody disputes. The group later shifted focus, and it now describes its mission as rescuing and protecting children "from child trafficking and exploitation."

The group raised fundssometimes with the help of celebrities, such as British TV personality Sam Faiersby telling supporters they were helping to save trafficked children and build rescue centers in Kenya, The Gambia, Uganda, and the Philippines. But less than half of the money recently raised for a rescue center in Uganda made it to group's partner organization there, the BBC reports. And it gets worse: Alleged rescue centers elsewhere didn't seem to exist at all.

Mortimer and a BBC team traveled to the outskirts of Kenya's Kisumu to visit a PRC center "supposedly run by a woman known as Mama Jane." They found that "Mama Jane was an elderly lady called Jane Gori, who lived in the house with her husband." There were no kids there, "rescued or otherwise," and Gori had no idea PRC was using pictures of her house in fundraising efforts. "I did find out that her son, Kupa Gori, was PRC's director in Kenya and he had brought Mr Whittington to visit her home," writes Mortimer. "Whittington uses pictures of improvement work PRC has funded at Mrs Gori's house to convince donors he is running a rescue centre."

Nearby the alleged rescue center, Morimter encountered a man whose three children "have featured on the PRC website, described as orphaned, homeless, or victims of trafficking or exploitation. But none of this is true," reports Mortimer. The man told Mortimer he had received no money from PRC.

In another case, Whittington had shared a photo of a baby he claimed had been saved from traffickers in a Gambian marketplace. The group launched a fundraising campaign to help bring the baby back to the U.K., and solicited people to sponsor her. He also recruited influencer Alex Bettswho had been hired to promote the group on social mediato adopt her, and Betts went to The Gambia to meet and take photos with the girl whom they called Mireya. But when Betts raised concerns about the nondisclosure agreement Whittington wanted her to sign, PRC ended her contract and "attacked her online," the BBC reports.

Betts discovered that the picture of the baby that PRC had shared had been posted by a maternity unit two years prior to the supposed rescue:

The BBC has found no evidence that the marketplace rescue ever happened. But Ms Betts had met a babyso who was the child? In May 2024we travelled to The Gambia. Our first stop was the location of PRC's supposed rescue centre. But, just as we had found in Kenya, it was not a rescue centre and no rescued children had ever lived there. The man who owned the property told us it was just a family home.

With the man's help, they found "Mireya" in a nearby village. "The child's arms were covered in sores caused by a bacterial skin infection, as her mother couldn't afford the medication she needed," the BBC reports. The child's mom said her baby was born there. When the baby was three months old, a representative of PRC said people wanted to sponsor the baby, "so she had allowed him to take the child to meet Ms Betts," Mortimer writes. "She was amazed to hear the stories being told about her daughter online. She said she had never received any money but had been given some groceries on a few occasions."

Not the First Time

This isn't the first we've heard of people using incredible but dubious "rescue" stories about "trafficked" children to raise funds.

In the 1990s through the early 2010s, Somaly Mam was working with celebrities like Susan Sarandon and getting glowingly profiled in the likes of The New York Times and Smithsonian. Through her nonprofitsAFESIP in Cambodia, the Somaly Mam Foundation in the U.S.she claimed to be rescuing girls and women around the world from "sex slavery." Hillary Clinton even toured AFESIP's headquarters in Cambodia.

Then Newsweek's Simon Marks started digging into some of Mam's "rescue" stories. They didn't check out:

In 2009, Nicholas Kristof wrote in The New York Times about a girl named Long Pross, who had finally summoned the strength to tell her stunning story of sexual slavery. He reported that a woman had kidnapped Pross and sold her to a brothel, where she was beaten, tortured with electric wires, forced to endure two crude abortions and had an eye gouged out with a piece of metal by an angry pimp. Pross, Kristof said, was rescued by Mam and became part of her valiant group of former trafficking victims fighting for a world free of sexual slavery. Pross also told her disturbing story on Oprah and appeared in the PBS documentary Half the Sky. "Believe it or not, when I returned home, my mother and father didn't want me around. I wasn't considered a good person," she says in the documentary. Equally hard to believe is the fact that Pross's family, neighbors and medical records all tell a different story. Dr. Pok Thorn says he performed surgery on Pross when she was 13, after her parents brought her to a hospital with a nonmalignant tumor covering her right eye. Photographs in her medical records clearly show the young girl's eye before and after the surgery. So how did she come to be one of Somaly Mam's girls? Te Sereybonn, director of Cambodia's Takeo Eye Hospital back then, says his staff contacted AFESIP to see if they could admit Pross to one of their vocational training programs. Another of Mam's biggest "stars" was Meas Ratha, who as a teenager gave a chilling performance on French television in 1998, describing how she had been sold to a brothel and held against her will as a sex slave. Late last year, Ratha finally confessed that her story was fabricated and carefully rehearsed for the cameras under Mam's instruction, and only after she was chosen from a group of girls who had been put through an audition.She, like Pross, was never a victim of sex trafficking; she and a sister were sent to AFESIP in 1997 because their parents were unable to care for all seven of their children.

Around the same time Newsweek was exposing Mam's apparent deceptions, another high-profile sex trafficking story fell apart. Chong Kim's story of sex trafficking got widespread attention and was even made into a movie (Eden) that premiered at Sundance. But an investigation by the anti-trafficking nonprofit Breaking Out "found no truth to her story." What it found was "a lot of fraud, lies, and most horrifically capitalizing and making money on an issue where so many people are suffering from."

More recently, the work of Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroada U.S. group that claims to rescue kids abroad and that inspired last year's hit movie Sound of Freedomwas revealed by Vice to have been misleading people about its work.

How Did We Get Here?

The decision to conflate all prostitution with "sex trafficking" was an intentional one, cooked up by radical feminists who oppose pornography and all forms of sex work. Teaming up with religious groups, humanitarian groups, and politicians on both sides, they helped spread the messagestarting in the 1990sthat sex trafficking was rampant around the world and in the U.S.

Their statistics were wildly exaggerated when not completely fabricated. But by bringing forth individuals with horrible stories, and playing on existing fears about "stranger danger" and child abuse, they were able to fully saturate U.S. and U.K. media and consciousness with the idea that women and girls were being abducted and forced into sex slavery in unprecedented numbers.

This understandably provoked concern among lawmakers, celebrities, and ordinary Americans, creating demand for ways to help end this alleged epidemic. And it proved fertile ground for folks looking to take advantage of this concern. After all, who was going to question someone seemingly devoted to stopping horrible abuse of the most vulnerable?

But as we've seen time and again (in this arena and others), an unwillingness to interrogate sensitive stories and sensationalist subjects isn't actually helping. It just gives grifters and fabulists free reign to prey on people's empathy. It also lets law enforcement get away with things like arresting and stealing from immigrant women and calling it a blow against human trafficking. And it sowed the seeds the for wild conspiracy theories like Pizzagate and QAnon.

My colleague Jesse Walker has written about how why these narratives seem to pop upand take people inagain and again. "The captivity narrative is a primal storyline in American culture," he noted in 2014, back when Mam's reputation blew up.

This is by no means an exclusively American phenomenon. (Before anybody was producing captivity narratives in the New World, Englishmen were printing memoirs of their alleged experiences in the hands of the Barbary pirates.) But the story is well ingrained in our culture, and it is tied upwith a bunch of sexual anxieties. One particularly lurid branch of the captivity-story family tree is the series of white slavery narratives that flourished in the early 20th century. These books, films, and articles offered sensationalist accounts of women coerced into prostitution, often by the agents of a vast trafficking conspiracy. Those stories offered a deeply distorted view of prostitution as it was actually practiced, but they were widely believed, and they had a lasting impact not just on American culture but on American law. Captivity is obviously real. Many Indian captivity tales were written by people who really had been held prisoner by native tribes, and coerced prostitution certainly does exist. We know Mam is a fabulist because of the detailed reporting exposing her lies, not because those lies took a familiar form. The point is that the captivity narrative is a genre. If you do invent a story, it provides a resonant formula for your deceptions.

Walker notes that these sorts of narratives seem to resonate especially with people with "white-savior fantasies," which may help explain why so many of the sex-trafficking fabulists appealing to U.S. and U.K. audiences claim to be helping rescue children in far away countries.

There's also surely a practical element to thatit's harder for people to verify your stories if they involve faraway and remote places. I'm grateful to reporters like Mortimer for actually making it to these remote places to expose the truth behind the fundraising copy. And I hope the fact that this keeps happening again and again will make people think twice about blindly buying shocking tales of trafficking terror and heroic rescue.

Today's Image

Phoenix | 2018 (ENB/Reason)

The post 'Project Rescue Children' Exposed as Latest in Series of Human-Trafficking Hoaxes appeared first on Reason.com.
Prominent Democratic donor John Morgan said he will not fundraise for Vice President Harris, whom President Biden endorsed for the Democratic nomination after his withdrawal from the race.

You have to be enthusiastic or hoping for a political appointment to be asking friends for money. I am neither. Its others turn now, Morgan, an Orlando-based attorney, wrote on the social platform X.

The donors holding the 90 million can release those funds in the morning. Its all yours. You can keep my million. And good luck, he continued.

Morgan separately told The Hill he believes Harris will lose in November.

She would not be my first choice, Morgan said. But its a done deal.

Morgan said that he would have rather seen Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) or West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (i) at the top of the ticket.

Morgans statement could be a sign of some division among Democrats over the likelihood of Harris being their standard-bearer.

Still, other Democratic donors have signaled that are energized and ready for a Harris candidacy. On Monday morning, the Harris campaign announced it raised nearly $50 million since Biden announced he was stepping down Sunday.

Harris also has secured a number of notable endorsements from major Democratic figures, including former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Even a number of Democrats floated to replace Biden at the top of the ticket, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) have backed Harris.

A handful of big names, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former President Obama, have yet to endorse Harris.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JUPITER  Prosecutors want to keep the 68-year-old Jupiter man who on social media called for the murder of former President Donald Trump and running mate U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance in custody until the courts resolve his case.

Michael M. Wiseman's postings on Facebook and a related Threads account "indicate a disregard for the safety of the community" and there are "no conditions of release reasonably sufficient to protect the community from risk of physical harm," the State Attorney's Office argued in court documents filed Saturday, one day after his arrest.

Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe has scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning on the request, which Wiseman's attorney, Tama Beth Kudman of West Palm Beach, said she will oppose. Wiseman remained in the Palm Beach County Jail on Monday, where he is being held without bail.

Wiseman is facing a felony charge of written threats to kill for his postings, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, according to a spokesperson for the State Attorney's Office. Court records indicate no past criminal arrests for Wiseman in Palm Beach County.

Wiseman's first threat appeared online July 17. That day, Vance accepted the Republican Party's nomination for vice president on its ticket with Trump, who won the White House in 2016 but lost to President Joe Biden in 2020.

The posting also came four days after a would-be assassin opened fire at a Trump rally near Pittsburgh, a mass shooting that killed one person and seriously injured two others. A bullet grazed Trump's right ear, coming a fraction of an inch from killing him as well.

Presidential election: Biden quits 2024 campaign. What will impact be for Florida Democrats?

Jupiter man's online threats targeted Trump, Vance and their families

According to an arrest report made public Monday, Wiseman's postings called for violence against Trump, Vance and members of their families. Two of the postings spoke to the 20-year-old who shot at Trump and others with an AR-15-style rifle.

A public Facebook profile under Wisemans name on July 18 wrote, READY, AIM, FIRE. RINSE AND REPEAT with an image of Trump in the crosshairs of a sniper scope, records show.

Why is Trump allowed to be alive? We need to train patriots, read a post on a Threads social media account with the username parrotsquawk, which police linked to Wiseman. It urged a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor, a stamp and a national holiday for the 20-year-old gunman, who a U.S. Secret Service sniper killed after he opened fire.

According to a statement from Jupiter police, officers were alerted through multiple online crime tips and contacts from residents who expressed their concerns in person. The town coordinated the investigation with the Secret Service and the State Attorney's Office.

Wiseman was taken into custody without incident, police said in his arrest report. He admitted posting the threats on Facebook when police showed him printouts of them outside his home before his arrest on July 19, records show.

He first said he was on an unspecified medication when he made some of the posts, but then recanted and said he wasnt, according to police, who said he was aware of the issue regarding the threatening posts and spoke about it openly.

Who is Kai Trump? What we know about Trumps oldest grandchild, who lives in Florida

Past online threats to political figures have led to prison terms up to 18 months

In the wake of the Pennsylvania shooting, several people across the country have been fired or resigned from jobs after making offensive jokes or comments on social media expressing dismay that the shooter missed.

U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi, who led the U.S. House inquiry into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, dismissed a staff member for comments she made on Facebook immediately after the incident.

Prosecutors in recent years have pursued other cases against other South Florida residents who have threatened government officials as diverse as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a leading Democrat from California, and U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a conservative Colorado Republican. One woman who lived at Century Village near Boca Raton threatened to kill FBI agents in the wake of the Jan. 6 riots.

Guilty pleas in those cases, which involve threats made on voicemail as well as those posted on social media, have resulted in prison terms as long as 15 to 18 months.

Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: State wants Jupiter man who threatened Trump detained before trial
Prosecutors in South Korea have questioned first lady Kim Keon Hee for the first time amid controversy over her receiving a luxury Christian Dior handbag.

The Seoul central district prosecutors office said Ms Kim was quizzed at an undisclosed government building behind closed doors for around 12 hours, which began at 1.30pm on Saturday and spilled into the early hours of Sunday.

The questioning of the first lady, the first time in the history of South Korea, comes amid mounting pressure by the opposition to probe Ms Kim for allegedly accepting the luxury bag valued at three million won (1742) in exchange for favours.

Spy camera footage of Ms Kim receiving the Dior bag from a pastor in 2022 ballooned into a major political controversy, tumbling president Yoon Suk Yeols approval rating below 30 per cent and his party's subsequent defeat in the parliamentary elections.

In South Korea, government officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts that are worth more than $750. The law mandates this even if there is no seeming conflict of interest.

Choi Ji-woo, the lawyer representing Ms Kim, said the first lady diligently cooperated with the investigation and truthfully testified to all the facts.

The lawyer said the first lady was mostly asked about how the bag was received and if any solicitations were made by the pastor, according to Korea Herald.

Ms Kims close aide told the investigator earlier this month the first lady had ordered the bag to be returned to the pastor the same day. But aid said she forgot to return it because of other tasks, and the handbag has since remained unused and stored by the presidential office, according to local reports.

The spy video captures the pastor meeting Ms Kim in her private office, away from the presidential premises, and offering her a gift. The 51-year-old is heard saying Why do you keep bringing these? Please, you dont need to do this.

The pastor has said that he got acquainted with Kim during the presidents campaign and was later invited to the inauguration in May 2022. A month later, he visited her private office to thank her and that is when he claims he heard Ms Kim discussing the appointment of a high-ranking official.

Upon hearing this, he said he felt the need to expose her involvement in government affairs.

After the footage was released, the opposition started attacking the president who was already battling several domestic issues, including the slowing economy, the Halloween crush probe fiasco, and the issue of an increasingly noisy neighbour in North Korea.

In his first remarks on the bag scandal in February, Mr Yoon dismissed it as a "political scheme" and said his wife had accepted the bag only because it was difficult for her to refuse it.

Later in a rare press conference in May, he apologised "for causing concern to the public due to my wifes unwise behaviour".

Apart from the Dior bag controversy, Ms Kims roles and responsibilities have been questioned after allegations of her involvement in stock manipulation and allegations of academic plagiarism.

The allegations of stock manipulation were from the period before she married Mr Yoon in 2012. It prompted the countrys main opposition Democratic Party of Korea to pass a bill to demand a special counsel to investigate the allegations.

However, Mr Yoon blocked the bill by using his veto power.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The community is invited to learn more about the proposed project to build a deck plaza over Interstate 10 in El Pasos Downtown corridor.

An open house meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at the Center for Civic Engagement on the 17th floor of the Blue Flame Building, 304 Texas Ave.

The public can learn more about the findings of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study for the project.

The goal of the study is to explore the feasibility of creating a space that reflects El Pasos rich heritage and culture, reconnects adjacent neighborhoods to enhance livability, provides economic opportunity, and facilitates a shared sense of community for the binational region. The study is funded through a federal transportation grant awarded to the City of El Paso, which has not made any determinations related to next steps, and matching funds from the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation in the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, a news release said that announced the open house meeting.

Planners from Stantec will be on hand to review the renderings and cost estimates for the proposed deck plaza developed based on input from community members and stakeholders through a series of public meetings held from February to April last year, the news release said.

Projects like the Deck Plaza provide us with opportunities to dream big, and this and other public meetings help us gather extraordinarily valuable feedback from the community, said Joaquin Rodriguez, the Citys grant funded programs director. This study allows us to understand how we can collectively improve our urban environment to better serve our residents.

Great public spaces reflect their communities, said Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, which formed the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation to support the development of the proposed project. We are excited for Stantec to share the proposed design for the Deck Plaza based on input from the public last year to create a vibrant and engaging community space for the greater Downtown area and region as a whole.

To learn more about the design study, visit downtowndeckplaza.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A Pueblo man has been sentenced to three years in prison after seriously injuring a woman during a drunken vehicular assault on New Year's Eve.

Ronnie Muniz, 40, previously pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular assault  driving while impaired. All other charges against him, including reckless vehicular assault, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury, and driving under the influence, were dropped by the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office in an April plea deal.

No agreement was made through the plea deal on the sentence to be imposed by the court. The presumptive sentencing range was between one and three years in the Department of Corrections, according to Colorado law.

After release, Muniz will be required to serve two years of mandatory parole. He will also required to pay restitution, the amount of which has not yet been determined.

Muniz was driving a truck on West Orman Avenue at high speed on Dec. 31, 2023, when he struck the victim's car, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Chieftain.

The victim heard the collision and came outside of her house to confront Muniz, who had since driven down the block and was near the intersection of West Orman and Broadway avenues. When the victim confronted Muniz, she opened his driver's door, reached in, and tried to take his keys so he could not leave.

Muniz then accelerated, causing the victim to fall to the ground. The truck's left tire then ran over the victim as he fled.

The victim was transported to the hospital, which reported that she had sustained a serious bodily injury and faced a substantial risk of death. The victim has been in long-term care since the incident, according to the DA's office.

When Muniz was apprehended, the arresting officer observed that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy and that his breath smelled of alcohol. Muniz's speech was slurred, and he appeared unsteady on his feet, according to the affidavit.

Muniz admitted to drinking three shots of vodka on an empty stomach but said he had stopped drinking two hours before he was pulled over. However, he admitted he felt unsafe to drive, and said he felt a "little buzzed."

Four 100-milliliter bottles of alcohol were found on Muniz's person: one was empty, one was two-thirds empty, one was two-thirds full, and the last was unopened.

Muniz was transported to the police station and later a hospital, where he made several statements about being drunk, fell asleep multiple times and exhibited mood swings, according to the affidavit.

Paint transfers consistent with the victim's vehicle were found on Muniz's truck.

According to 10th Judicial DA Jeff Chostner, the plea agreement was made possible by Muniz's contrition after the incident.

"(Muniz) immediately stopped drinking, started to attend AA, enrolled in treatment and early on, appeared to show genuine remorse," Chostner said. Further, his criminal history was minimal, lacking any prior DUIs.

At sentencing, Judge Amiel Markenson credited the defendant for the mitigation and told the parties if it were not for those efforts, he would not have accepted the agreement, Chostner told the Chieftain.

Chostner also noted that the court had the option to give Muniz probation or community corrections but instead opted to sentence him to the maximum prison sentence allowable.

"All in all, within the confines of the laws passed by (the state) legislature this case was appropriately a DOC sentence," Chostner told the Chieftain in an email. "We are limited somewhat by the law, in that, it seems a vehicular assault DUI should be classified higher or alternatively, a crime of violence; allowing a court to sentence appropriate defendants outside of the presumptive range."

The victim was in the hospital from January through April, and is now home, albeit still recovering, Chostner said.

More on Pueblo crime and public safety: Pueblo police: Beware phone scam where caller claims 'cartel' kidnapped your loved one

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formally known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo man convicted of vehicular assault for New Year's Eve wreck
Pueblo's having a sizzling hot summer. Here's what it might mean for the annual chile crop

Pueblo's recent hot weather is just what the growers ordered  it is a vital ingredient their Pueblo chile plants need to thrive as they make the final push toward harvest time.

Gary DiTomaso's family has been farming on The Mesa for more than a century and he loves the hot weather.

"The chile crop is growing really good this year  chiles like the hot weather," he said.

Joe DiTomaso checks the progress of some Pueblo chiles on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Bryan Crites of Crites Produce agrees that the chile crops are "looking really good so far this year."

With hot weather, some say, the spicy flavor of the chile gets even hotter.

"The chiles are always hot, but this heat might make them a little hotter," DiTomaso told the Chieftain.

DiTomaso said his farm was preparing for a small harvest starting July 19, and in about "two to three weeks (end of July, early August) we will have a bunch of chile," he said.

Rows of Pueblo chiles grow in a DiTomaso Farms field on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The chiles are expected to be harvested in late August.

As he drives by farms along The Mesa in Avondale and Blende, he is seeing one common theme.

"Every patch of chiles looks great. It all looks great," DiTomaso said.

That sight is a welcome relief after last year's dismal chile harvest.

"We needed it bad," he said. "I've never seen anything like last year. There were one to two chiles on each plant  that was weird."

Where to get your Pueblo chiles

Following is a list of local farm stands that are open for business in the area where Pueblo chiles and a plethora of other produce are available.

Location: 135 U.S. Highway 50 East in Avondale. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during harvest

The Crites family is growing 65 acres of vegetables this year and offers Pueblo chiles for wholesale and retail, plus chile roasting and processing.

Pueblo chiles grow in a DiTomaso Farms field on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Location: 2115 Santa Fe Drive in Pueblo. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Although Peppers & Petals Owner Cheri Pullara no longer grows her own produce, she sells locally grown chiles, a variety of produce and Western Slope cherries, peaches and apricots. She expects to have a full batch of chiles by the second week of August.

Currently, the business has locally grown pickling cucumbers, corn, squash, beets and more. Pullara also said she offers locally made salsas, jams and jellies.

Location: 1037 35th Lane. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Vic Mauro Produce has been in business for more than 30 years. Located right next to Pueblo County High School, the market offers locally grown corn, watermelon, pinto beans, Pueblo chile, squash and much more.

Location: 28570 U.S. Highway 50 East. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and until 8 p.m. Friday.

The Milberger family operates a 400-acre farm and offers seasonal produce, year-round chiles, grass-fed beef and handmade baked goods. The family also operates a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Products include local honey, jams, cheeses and much more.

Location: 936 36th Lane. Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

The family-owned and operated business has involved four generations. Mauro's offers Pueblo chiles, produce and local favorites like Potica, candies, cookies and sweetbreads.

Location: 29114 S. Road. Hours: 9 a.m.5 p.m. daily.

In addition to Pueblo chiles, the Di Santi Family grows sweet corn, calabacita, zucchini and yellow squash, onions, radishes, cilantro, beets and cucumbers. For those looking for something sweeter, they've also got watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, cherries, jams, jellies and much more.

Location: 37137 U.S. Highway 50. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

DiTomaso Farms has the oldest fruit stand in the state of Colorado, according to its website. The farms main crop is the Pueblo chile, but the family also sells a wide range of homegrown fruits, vegetables and other food products.

Location: 35779 Hillside Road. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Musso family offers plenty of farm-fresh produce items, but this is the place where chile is king. Fresh Pueblo chile, fire-roasted jarred Pueblo chile, Pueblo chile powders and Pueblo chile-infused products are among the farm's fiery offerings. They even have freeze-dried Pueblo chile.

More community news: Medal of Honor trail connecting Pueblo and Pueblo West gets nearly $9 million in funding

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Hot summer, hot chile: What to expect from the 2024 Pueblo chile crop
The nearly $4 billion a year Blueprint for Maryland's Future was passed in 2021, and from salary increases to additional dual-enrollment courses, it's bringing changes to Washington County Public Schools.

The blueprint is a statewide law providing additional funds to schools across the state with numerous goals, including improving literacy and mathematical skills, adding personnel to help behavioral isssues and addressing teacher shortages in each county.

But Gary Willow, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the district was already in the process of implementing many of the initiatives even before the blueprint  but he said the law enhances and formalizes the process.

In the 2024 blueprint implementation plan, the school system identified the county's three greatest challenges: funding, staffing and academics in the plan.

So, what's changing in the county school system, and what should students and teachers expect to see?

Washington County Public Schools' Center for Education Services. Photo taken June 12, 2024.

How is funding allocated under blueprint?

The blueprint requires counties to use a weighted formula to determine where the money can be distributed. This formula is based primarily off a per-pupil dollar amount determined by the state, the number of students in the county that need extra resources and other programs that provide money to the district.

The blueprint also requires that 75% of the county school budget is invested directly into students, which includes anything from staffing to the expense of the building to materials. Both of these components could shift the way staffing and resources are allocated throughout the county based on the need and number of students at each school.

Willow said he doesn't envision these shifts affecting class numbers this coming school year.

"I think it's a possibility, but I think it might be too early to tell," Willow said. "That's probably another year or two out."

Willow said WCPS hired more supplemental staff to support teachers in the classroom, with 17 added this past year. Because of this, Willow said staff-student ratio might be more accurate in determining classroom support than just student class numbers.

Tech outage closes courts: Technology issue closes Maryland courts Friday, Gov. Moore issues statement. All to know.

Career and college readiness for high schoolers

Dual-enrollment courses allow students to enroll in community college courses while still completing their high school diplomas. Under the blueprint, county school systems are required to pay for their students' course fees.

Students can take Hagerstown Community College courses through the early college degree program. Under this program, WCPS pays for students to attend the college full time for their junior and senior years. The school system is now the largest tuition payer for HCC according to its president, Jim Klauber.

Willow said the school system had dual credit courses implemented prior to the blueprint, but many more are available for students and now, they are free of cost for interested students.

There are also more career technical courses available for students, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical courses. Willow said that, like the dual-credit courses, these opportunities existed before the blueprint was implemented but have expanded since 2021.

"We had them prior to blueprint, but there's been a look at industry-recognized credentials and a need for career-related pieces," Willow said. "Those trades have really made a comeback."

What's the deal with Pre-K?

Washington County already offers free universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in alignment with the blueprint and hopes to implement a wider pre-K program for 3-year-olds next year, said Willow.

While the pre-K program was already a priority prior to blueprint, 4-year-old pre-K is held in every elementary school as well as North Hagerstown High School and Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School. Information on registration can be found here.

Most of the classes for 3-year-olds will be placed with the school system's partners, including child-care groups across the county, said Willow. The blueprint prefers that there is a 50/50 split between pre-K offered in schools and pre-K offered through community partners. Because 4-year-old pre-K is widely available in county schools, Willow anticipates many of the programs for 3-year-olds will be held throughout the community.

Education news: District renews contract with behavioral consulting organization for Bester Elementary

Salaries for teachers are going up, but how much?

A significant measure in the plan requires all counties to have a starting salary of $60,000 by July 2026. Currently, the starting salary for a first-year teacher in Washington County is $59,295, and national board-certified teachers can receive an additional $10,000.

These salary increases are just one factor in addressing the nationwide teacher shortage, said Willow. WCPS is also working on retaining teachers, and is recruiting current students into the profession through the Teacher Academy of Maryland, which is in four district high schools, and the reading tutor apprenticeship program.

"We have reading tutors that are high school students that have been hired by WCPS," Willow said. "They go to their high school in the morning for the most part and then they leave early and work in our elementary schools and tutor our elementary students in literacy."

This program is an introduction for many students to the profession, said Willow.

Teacher planning time

The blueprint requires changes in both the amount of planning time teachers are getting and the way teachers are planning. Willow said the district is in the beginning stages of reworking professional development and collaborative planning time for teachers.

"At the secondary level, while we're not where we need to be, there is a little bit more planning time," Willow said. "There are more opportunities for collaborative planning, meaning content-like teachers working together on a weekly basis to design lessons and co-plan, but also to do professional development as needed."

Carving out planning time for elementary teachers has been more difficult because of the differences in schedules between elementary school and middle and high school, according to Willow.

The Washington County Board of Education recently approved a memorandum of understanding with the Washington County Teachers Association to allow teachers and the district to discuss the needs and possible changes that could be implemented.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: What's the Blueprint for Maryland's Future?
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to a crowd during a campaign event at James B. Dudley High School on July 11, 2024, in Greensboro, N.C. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

As Democratic officials and party leaders nationwide line up behind Vice President Kamala Harris for their partys presidential nominee, Rhode Islands Democratic delegates remain tight-lipped about who they are backing as a group.

But not for long.

The 35 elected and appointed delegates chosen to represent the Ocean State at next months Democratic National Convention are scheduled to meet Wednesday night to vote on their endorsement for party nominee, Liz Beretta-Perik, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, said in an interview Monday afternoon.

While Beretta-Perik publicly threw her weight behind Harris in a statement Sunday night, she opted not to hold a vote among Rhode Islands Democratic delegates during an impromptu meeting that same night.

We thought it was appropriate for everyone to take a few days just to think about how they wanted to cast their vote, Beretta-Perik said. Its a very important vote, and it was so sudden.

Indeed, the single-sentence good conscience clause within the Rhode Island Democratic Partys 70-page delegate selection plan has never before been used in Beretta-Periks knowledge. Like states nationwide, Rhode Island is relying upon this clause to release its delegates from backing President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention, instead freeing them to support whoever in all good conscience reflects the sentiments of those who elected them.

Despite near-constant communication with national party leaders, Beretta-Perik was as shocked as the rest of the country when Biden announced he was dropping out Sunday afternoon and backing Harris as the nominee.

Not that the whiplash-inducing news slowed the reaction among Rhode Island officials, many of whom quickly rallied behind Harris.

I believe when historians look back on July 21, 2024, it will be the day that the glass ceiling didnt just crack, but collapsed as Kamala Harris took the step that will lead her to the Oval Office as our First Woman President, Beretta-Perik said in a statement Sunday night.

At least five other Democratic state delegates publicly endorsed Harris Sunday: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, State Sen. Pam Lauria, and Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore.

Gov. Dan McKee followed suit in a post on X Monday afternoon, while U.S. Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement endorsing Harris Monday night.

Meanwhile, Rhode Islands only uncommitted delegate, June Rose, has made it clear they wont rubber stamp Harris without a commitment to ending the Israel-Hamas war.

I am open to endorsing Vice President Harris but for now I am staying uncommitted, Rose said in an interview Monday. I am waiting to see if she can meaningfully differentiate her policy position on the war in Gaza.

Rose hopes to join forces with the 35 other delegates representing uncommitted voters nationwide to apply pressure at the convention in Chicago next month. But the Democratic National Committee may still be looking to coronate its nominee virtually, with a meeting scheduled Wednesday to discuss the possibility.

While party officials say a virtual nomination prior to the convention is necessary to meet certification deadlines in Ohio and other states, Rose was unconvinced.

The notion of the virtual roll call stays ridiculous, Rose said. In a time when Democrats are under such scrutiny, why not do everything the most democratic, above-board way possible?

The Rhode Island Democratic Party issued a statement last week also stating its preference for an in-person nomination.

We thought it was appropriate for everyone to take a few days just to think about how they wanted to cast their vote. Its a very important vote, and it was so sudden.

 Liz Beretta-Perik, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party

Rep. June Speakman, a Warren Democrat and one of the states Democratic delegates who also serves as the states representative on the DNC Rules Committee, said the preference for nominating in-person has not changed with Biden dropping out.

The convention has always been after these state ballot access dates, she said. I want to go to Chicago and have an in-person roll call the way its always been done.

Though Speakman has not publicly endorsed Harris, she told Rhode Island Current Monday that she personally supported the vice president as the new nominee. Like many Rhode Island delegates, Speakman had stayed silent in recent weeks amid intensifying calls for Biden to drop out.

Beretta-Perik asked delegates in a series of internal messages obtained by Rhode Island Current to refrain from talking to the media, including after the Sunday night meeting. Speakman said she never felt silenced by Beretta-Perik; instead, her decision to keep mum was a personal one reflecting the ever-shifting sands beneath the party nationally.

Everything has felt so uncertain, she said. Do you want, as a Democrat, to withdraw your support from the president? No. Many of us were having conversations with ourselves and with each other. I didnt feel comfortable personally talking to the media.

Speakman named Bidens performance in the June 27 debate as the point when doubt began to creep in.

Age has always been a factor, but the debate really raised concern in my mind about President Bidens ability to serve four more years, she said.

His decision to step down was a relief, Speakman said, but also elicited a pang of sadness.

He is the best president weve had since FDR, maybe ever, she said, pointing to Bidens record on policies such as student loan forgiveness, relief for working families and environmental protections.

Harris offers an equally inspiring opportunity to set a new record as the first woman president, a historic moment not lost on Speakman or Beretta-Perik.

This is an election about women, and now we have a woman at the top of the ticket, Beretta-Perik said.

Updated to include endorsements of Kamala Harris by Gov. Dan McKee and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on Monday.

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Amid a backdrop of global market fluctuations and specific economic events, the Hong Kong stock market presents a unique landscape for investors looking to explore potential opportunities. As small-cap stocks gain traction in broader indices, understanding the nuances of these 'undiscovered gems' becomes crucial in navigating through current market conditions.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Hong Kong

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating E-Commodities Holdings 23.22% 6.87% 31.81%  S.A.S. Dragon Holdings 37.35% 4.13% 12.06%  PW Medtech Group NA 17.93% -2.70%  China Leon Inspection Holding 17.06% 24.06% 27.08%  Tianyun International Holdings 10.09% -5.59% -9.92%  JiaXing Gas Group 17.72% 26.04% 22.07%  Xin Point Holdings 2.03% 9.80% 15.04%  Hung Hing Printing Group 3.97% -2.51% 33.57%  Mulsanne Group Holding 186.88% -12.02% -43.54%  Laopu Gold 8.43% 26.56% 36.28% 

Click here to see the full list of 177 stocks from our SEHK Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited operates globally as an investment holding company, specializing in international telecommunications services, with a market capitalization of approximately HK$9.88 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of telecommunications services, evidenced by consistent year-over-year revenue growth, reaching HK$10.46 billion by mid-2023. It manages costs related to goods sold and operational expenses while achieving a net income margin increase from 21.34% in late 2013 to 12.81% by mid-2023, reflecting strategic financial management despite varying operating costs and depreciation expenses over the years.

CITIC Telecom International Holdings, a lesser-known yet promising entity in Hong Kong's telecom sector, has demonstrated robust financial health and growth potential. With earnings growth of 3.4% over the past year and a net debt to equity ratio significantly reduced from 77.1% to 36.2%, the company is well-positioned within its industry. Recent strategic moves include a comprehensive service agreement with CITIC Group, enhancing its offerings in data services and cloud solutions, poised to bolster future performance.

Story continues

SEHK:1883 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: C&D Property Management Group Co. Limited is an investment holding company specializing in property management for both residential and non-residential properties across the People's Republic of China, with a market capitalization of HK$3.91 billion.

Operations: C&D Property Management Group generates its revenue primarily through the provision of property management services and value-added services, with a notable gross profit margin increase to 28.06% by the end of 2023. The company has demonstrated a consistent ability to grow its net income, which reached CN467.35 million in the latest reported period.

C&D Property Management Group Co. Limited, a notable player in Hong Kong's real estate sector, has demonstrated robust financial health and growth potential. Over the past five years, the company significantly reduced its debt-to-equity ratio from 1736% to 1.2%, indicating strong financial management. Recent performance highlights include an impressive 89% earnings growth over the past year, surpassing the industry average of 0.4%. Additionally, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.8xbelow Hong Kong's market average of 9.4xthe company presents as undervalued relative to its peers. Recently, C&D declared a special dividend of HKD 0.1 per share and affirmed a final dividend of HKD 0.16 for the year ended December 2023 at their AGM on May 24th, reflecting confidence in ongoing profitability and cash flow stability.

SEHK:2156 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: LEPU ScienTech Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is an investment holding company that specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and sale of interventional medical devices globally, with a market capitalization of HK$6.42 billion.

Operations: The company primarily generates its revenue from the occluder business, which has consistently recorded a high gross profit margin, reaching 88.62% as of the latest reported period in 2024. It incurs significant operating expenses, particularly in research and development and sales and marketing, to support its technological advancements and market reach.

LEPU ScienTech Medical Technology (Shanghai) has emerged as a noteworthy contender in the Hong Kong market, especially with its innovative MemoSorb device gaining traction after recent approvals. The company's financials reflect robust growth, with net profit predictions for mid-2024 showing an increase of up to 97% year-over-year. This surge is supported by effective commercial strategies and strong R&D capabilities. Additionally, the firm's commitment to shareholder value is evident from its recent dividend announcement of RMB 0.57 per share.

SEHK:2291 Debt to Equity as at Jul 2024

Seize The Opportunity

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include SEHK:1883 SEHK:2156 and SEHK:2291.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Vice President Kamala Harris introduces President Joe Biden during a campaign rally at Girard College on May 29, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Rhode Island Democratic elected officials extended their gratitude and best wishes Sunday to President Joe Biden for both his service and decision to step aside to give their party the best chance at holding on to the White House.

Thank you President Biden for placing country above self, Secretary of State Gregg Amore said in a post on X. It is a rare person, no matter the circumstances and pressures, who at the height of power is reflective enough to set ego aside and do the right thing. History will be kind to the 46th President of the United States.

With todays announcement, President Biden is putting the good of our country ahead of his own personal interest  something that Donald Trump would never do, U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement saying Biden has already accomplished more in one term than most presidents achieve in two.

Todays decision cements Joes legacy as a selfless leader, Reed said.

Heres what Ocean State political figures are saying:

President Biden made a selfless and noble decision. We are forever grateful for his lifetime of service, compassionate leadership and all he has done for our country. His presidency will be remembered as one of the most impactful in our nations history. Thank you, @JoeBiden.  Governor Dan McKee (@DanMcKeeRI) July 21, 2024

My statement regarding todays announcement that President Joe Biden will not be seeking re-election: President Biden has served with honor and distinction throughout his long career and I thank him for his devotion to our nation.. pic.twitter.com/3wNogJ2969  Joe Shekarchi (@JoeShekarchi) July 21, 2024

I am extremely grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service. His leadership has brought historic progress for our nation, and made a tremendous positive impact on our state. Thank you, President Biden, for your selfless devotion to our nation.  Dominick Ruggerio (@SenatorRuggerio) July 21, 2024

Thank you President Biden for placing country above self. It is a rare person, no matter the circumstances and pressures, who at the height of power is reflective enough to set ego aside and do the right thing.

History will be kind to the 46th President of the United States.  Gregg Amore (@GreggAmore1) July 21, 2024

I will always be proud to have worked in @POTUS Joe Bidens White House. I look forward to making sure that Vice President @KamalaHarris is elected our next President, but today, lets celebrate all the work that weve done  and the fierce urgency to continue that work. pic.twitter.com/TMBXFJY4c6  Gabe Amo (@gabeamo) July 21, 2024

President @JoeBidens legacy will be his grace, effectiveness, and patriotism. Lets win this for Joe. I look forward to doing everything in my power to elect @KamalaHarris as the first woman president of the United States, and defeating that dangerous menace Donald Trump.  Sheldon Whitehouse (@SheldonforRI) July 21, 2024

President Bidens decision to put our country first, reminds us of what a true dedicated public servant should be. Our Democratic Party will unite behind the best candidate to ensure our country continues to move forward and build off of the Biden legacy. (1/2)  Don Grebien (@DonGrebien) July 21, 2024

I look forward to working with the nominee to protect our country and continue to improve the quality of life of the residents of Pawtucket. (2/2)  Don Grebien (@DonGrebien) July 21, 2024

Thank you, President @JoeBiden, for your steadfast leadership, dedicated service to our country and for protecting our democracy. Your commitment to progress and unity makes us stronger every day @POTUS#Unity#Gracias pic.twitter.com/aL1iVdll45  Sandra Cano (@SANDRISCANO) July 21, 2024

Thank you Mr. President youve been a great one to our nation. Im ready to work for our next President! https://t.co/Wd5WF0tEoH  Mayor Maria Rivera (@MariaForCF) July 21, 2024

Joe Biden is an incredible human and president.

He has been the most progressive and consequential president of my lifetime.

A true leader. https://t.co/EjnoIi9qCD  Pam Lauria (@pam_lauria) July 21, 2024

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A day after Joe Bidens exit from the race, Kamala Harris seems destined to challenge former president Donald Trump, who just one week ago survived an assassination attempt and urged his supporters to Fight, fight, fight at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Well, choose a fighter, America.

Harris will fight for reproductive freedom while Trump fought against Roe v. Wade.

Harris will back a womans right to an abortion while Trump has changed his position on abortion too many times to count. (Actually, CNN has counted, and hes changed his position 15 times in 25 years.)

A race that seemed poised to be about the age of its candidates and their positions on immigration will still focus on that, but make no mistake: This election will now be waged and won over the divisive issue of abortion.

Choose. A. Fighter.

The two candidates positions couldnt be more stark. Trump was the first sitting president to attend the March for Life Rally in 2020. Harris was the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic in March, something no peer or president had ever done.

Trump installed three of the six U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn 51 years of settled legal precedent by jettisoning Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. He is now so comfortable with it being a states rights issue that he rewrote the Republican Partys platform to allow states to set abortion policy and removed the GOP foundation for a federal abortion ban that dated back 40 years.

As the AP reported: The policy document sticks to the partys longstanding principle that the Constitution extends rights to fetuses, but removes language maintaining support for an amendment to the Constitution and legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendments protections apply to children before birth, a passage in the party platform first included in 1984.

Over a four-day Republican National Convention that galvanized the GOP last week, few speakers mentioned abortion, but on day one, Trump picked a running mate whose views on abortion have not shifted over the years. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance staunchly opposes it.

Asked during his Senate campaign if anti-abortion laws should include exceptions for rape or incest, Vance replied, in full, I think two wrongs dont make a right. At the end of the day, were talking about an unborn baby. What kind of society do we want to have? A society that looks at unborn babies as inconveniences to be discarded?

Asked in that interview if a woman should be forced to carry a child to term after she has been the victim of incest or rape, Vance replied: Look, my views on this have been very clear, and I think the question betrays a certain presumption thats wrong. Its not whether a woman should be forced to bring a child to term. Its whether a child should be allowed to live even though the circumstances of that childs birth are somehow inconvenient or a problem to the society. The question, really, to me is about the baby. We want women to have opportunities. We want women to have choices, but above all we want women and young boys in the womb to have the right to life. Right now our society doesnt afford that, and I think its a tragedy, and I think we can do better.

The circumstances of that childs birth are somehow inconvenient? The question was about incest and rape.

Vances words should and do speak for themselves, but note what seems a small but telling point: that Vance said women and young boys in the womb but omitted young girls. Beyond any doubt, he would extend the same right to all unborn children, but thats not what he said in an otherwise clear and concise answer about womens rights.

Context matters, and every word from either prospective president or vice president will have weight on this issue.

Thats how closely people on either side of it  and journalists seeking to hold these powerful politicians accountable  will be watching and listening.

On Saturday, a day before Bidens departure, Harris took to X, tweeting, Lets be clear: Donald Trump would sign a national abortion ban and restrict access to contraception if given the chance. That is whats at stake in November. We will stop him.

Harris comments have likewise been clear on abortion throughout her career, but Trump actually said in April that he wouldnt sign a federal abortion ban if he were reelected president. That pledge reversed one he made to sign a 20-week ban in 2016.

Its worth exploring that campaign. In 2016, few who saw it will forget this exchange Trump had with Chris Matthews, who asked him, Should abortion be punished?

Trump: There has to be some form of punishment.

Matthews: For the woman?

Trump: Yes.

Amid an uproar, Trump walked that reply back within hours, releasing a statement that said doctors performing the procedure should be punished, but not the women undergoing it. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb, he said. My position has not changed  like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions.

Except that his position had changed. And would change again.

Look, there is little doubt Trumps position on abortion helped win him enough votes in a close election to stop Hillary Clinton from being the first female president in U.S. history that year. And there is little doubt now the American people view abortion laws, if not abortion itself, differently than they did in a world where Roe v. Wade was settled law.

Polls have consistently shown how divided the nation is over the issue, but in past surveys and at this moment, most Americans support abortion, in at least some circumstances.

An April 2024 Pew Research survey shows that 63% of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases while 36% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. A May 2024 Gallup survey shows 50% of Americans believe it should be legal in some circumstances, 35% in any circumstance, and 12% in no circumstance, and that 54% of Americans consider themselves pro-choice while 41% consider themselves pro-life.

Heres how divisive the issue proved In South Carolina: The states five female senators, including three Republicans, united last year to block a total abortion ban, and the three GOP leaders lost their jobs over it in GOP primary elections this year.

Since Roe v. Wades demise left states in charge, six states have voted on related constitutional amendments. And womens rights advocates are six for six. Four states  California, Michigan, Ohio, and Vermont  protected reproductive freedom rights in their constitutions, and two others  Kentucky and Kansas  rejected limits on them in theirs.

Notice anything about that list? Michigan, one of the handful of swing states that pundits say will likely determine the 2024 presidential election, is on it.

Eleven other states will have constitutional amendment votes related to abortion on their ballots in 2024, bringing people to the polls in great numbers in many states. That list includes battleground states like Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania. South Carolina, incidentally, will likely never let voters decide a constitutional amendment on abortion because of the states ban on citizen initiatives as well as the states ruby red politics.

Of note, Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin had the most razor-thin vote margins in 2020, and Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were the battleground states disputed by Trump after the 2020 election. Those are some of the key states that could determine the winner in 2024. The mantra that every vote counts may never be more true.

On Sunday, the president of Emilys List, a political action committee focused on electing pro-abortion rights women to office, wrote this on X: This election will be fought and won on the issue of reproductive freedom, and @kamalaharris has been a pro-choice champion her entire career. She is well-positioned to turn out the voters well need to win this election, especially women, voters of color, and young voters.

Biden was a supporter of reproductive rights as well, but his abortion comments were among the inexplicable answers he gave at a disastrous debate June 27 when he had what can now clearly be called the worst debate performance in American history, looking feeble and faltering as Trump told made more than 30 false or misleading claims.

I supported Roe v. Wade, which had three trimesters, Biden said that night. First time is between the woman and the doctor. Second time is between a doctor and an extreme situation. A third time is between the doctor, I mean, between the woman and the state. The idea that the politicians, that what the founders want is the politicians to be the ones making the decisions about a womans health is ridiculous. Thats the last. No politician should be making that decision. A doctor should be making those decisions. Thats how it should be run. Thats what youre going to do. And if Im elected Im going to restore Roe v. Wade.

Compare that word salad with the impactful comments Harris gave in a speech on International Womens Day in March. Of course, she will keep abortion rights front and center going forward.

That day, Harris criticized the growing number of state abortion laws that dont make exceptions for rape or incest, saying a formative experience when she was young was when her best friend who was being molested by her stepfather came to stay with her.

The idea that someone who survives a crime of violence to their body, a violation of their body, would then be told they wont have the authority to make a decision about what happens to their body next, she said. That is immoral. That is immoral.

Today an untold number of women are silently suffering, she added. Women who are being subjected to profound judgment, women who are being made to feel that they did something wrong, that they should be embarrassed, as though they are alone. So to these women, I say, We see you and we are here with you and we are always going to stand by you. You are not alone.

Later in that speech, Harris called Trump the architect of this health-care crisis and criticized him for saying he was proud to get rid of Roe v. Wade.

He is proud, she said. Proud that women across our nation are suffering, proud that doctors and nurses could be thrown in prison for administering care, proud that young women have fewer rights today than their mothers and grandmothers. How dare he!

People can and should argue about abortion policy while respecting those with differing views, as difficult as that can be. It is heavy, complex and emotional to discuss its many facets: the humanity and faith and bodily rights and sexism and science of the issue.

Now a repeat race that had many Americans shaking their heads, between a doddering octogenarian and a distasteful septuagenarian, has been undone, and the entrance of a woman means the race will be waged and won over how Donald Trump, 81, and Kamala Harris, 59, discuss abortion and rally their supporters between her nomination and Nov. 5 to turn out and vote on it.

Choose a fighter, America, and lets debate.

Well see whos a fighter then.

Send me 250-word letters to the editor here, 650-word guest essays here and email here. Say hi on X anytime.
When will it rain in metro Phoenix? What experts say to expect after Sunday storms

Metro Phoenix residents could possibly see more rainstorms this week across the Valley, according to officials.

Arizona saw strong to severe thunderstorms throughout Sunday night, with most areas seeing winds up to 56 miles per hour. This wind also brought about dust storms throughout northwest parts of the Valley, which also reached Pima County, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

"If you end up in a dust storm, we always say, 'Pull aside, stay alive'", Isaac Smith, a meteorologist at the weather service in Phoenix, said. "You don't want to be driving in low visibility and potentially end up in a crash."

Here's when experts say it will rain again in metro Phoenix.

When will it rain in Phoenix?

The National Weather Service in Phoenix forecasted a 10% chance of thunderstorms on Monday night. By Tuesday and Wednesday, chances increase to about 20-30%.

Rain was most likely on Thursday evening when chances of thunderstorms peak at 40%, the weather service said.

The start of monsoon means that thunderstorms are often unpredictable, according to Smith. He said residents should always be prepared to be caught up in rain during this season.

"People should always be aware of the forecasts and always be prepared, no matter where they're going, for monsoon season to affect them," Smith said. "Some of these might pop up unexpectedly, so you could always end up under a shower or thunderstorm."

It's monsoon season in Arizona: Take a look back at 60 years of lightning and storms

He recommended keeping an umbrella in your car and staying updated on the latest forecasts during monsoon. He also advised to avoid flooded roadways in the event of a flash flood.

"Just keep in mind that flash flooding is the number one thunderstorm-related killer for Arizona," Smith said. "It's not worth trying to drive through a roadway, where you don't know necessarily how deep (the water) is, and there's always a chance of getting swept away in that."

How to stay safe in a thunderstorm

The Phoenix Fire Department provided other ways to stay safe during monsoon:

If you're out on water when a storm hits, get to land.

Be aware of the lighting. If you hear thunder five seconds or less after you see lightning, you are in a strike zone.

In a lightning strike zone, get at least 7 feet away from tall objects, get to the lowest point on the ground and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.

Slow your speed when driving in a storm. Rain can cause roads to be slippery.

Don't cross rain-swollen washes. This could sweep your vehicle away in a flash flood.

Annie Goodykoontz is a reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at AGoodykoontz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When will it rain in metro Phoenix? What experts say
Raising Cane's is opening July 30 in Greendale. Here's how customers can win free food.

Editor's note, 7/31/2024: This story has been updated to reflect that an opening date for the Brookfield Raising Cane's location has not been set.

The grand opening of Raising Cane's in Greendale is around the corner. The July 30 event will also mark the first Raising Cane's to open in the Milwaukee County area.

In addition to the popular chicken food chain coming to the area, customers can look forward to the chance to win free food for a year.

When is Raising Cane's opening in Greendale?

The grand opening will take place on Tuesday, July 30. So far, there are currently two Raising Cane's locations in Wisconsin: one in Madison at 579 State St. and the other in Kenosha at 6303 75th St.

There are also plans for a fourth Wisconsin location in Brookfield that's "coming soon" to 12660 W. Capitol Drive, according to the Raising Cane's website.

The Louisiana-based chicken chain first proposed a new location in Greendale in March of 2023.

The new Raising Cane's will be located at 5250 S. 76th St., which was the former site of a DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse.

The company confirmed the plans on its official X account in February:

We are planning to open in Greendale, WI later this year!  Raising Cane's (@raisingcanes) February 20, 2024

How customers can enter to win free food for a year at Raising Cane's

To register for a chance to win free food at Raising Cane's, customers must attend the grand opening between 8 and 9 a.m. on July 30. The names of the winners  20 of them  will be drawn at 9:15 a.m.

No purchases are necessary to enter the contest and customers must be at least 13 years of age to participate.

What's on the menu?

The menu will consist of chicken finger meals with sides such as fries and coleslaw, as well as drinks including soda, sweet teas and lemonade. The restaurant will also feature its signature Cane's sauce, which is made fresh daily by crew members.

You can view the full menu at raisingcanes.com/menu.

What are people on social media saying about Raising Cane's coming closer to Milwaukee?

For the most part, Milwaukee County residents seems to be excited for the Raising Cane's coming to Greendale:

The Greendale Police Department is even excited about the grand opening:

Contact Adrienne Davis at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to win free food at grand opening of Raising Cane's in Greendale
A majority of Kentucky delegates to the Democratic National Convention endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris run for president on Monday.

The delegates voted on a morning call just one day after President Joe Biden announced he was stepping aside from his run for e-election and threw his support behind Harris for commander-in-chief. A spokesperson for the Kentucky Democratic Party said that it was a nearly unanimous vote from both Biden-committed and uncommitted delegates.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge praised Harris record alongside Biden.

Over the last four years, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a proven partner to President Joe Biden and delivered on their shared vision to level the playing field for more Americans, he said.

She has a remarkable record of public service, from tackling housing costs as a U.S. senator to protecting consumers as Californias chief law enforcement office. Vice President Harris is ready to serve as president on Day 1 and finish the job that Joe Biden started. 

The pledges of support are nonbinding, but they join the voices of many others in the party, whose convention begins on Aug. 19 in Chicago. Harris had already received the explicit support of hundreds of delegates by Monday morning, though in order to secure a majority she will need just under 2,000.

Republicans have already solidified their presidential ticket  former president Donald Trump was joined by Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who has roots in Kentucky  as their convention took place last week.

Elridge also derided Trump and Vance in his statement.

During these next few months, both Donald Trump and J.D. Vance will try to claim that theres more that divides us than unites us, relying on fear to drive a wedge between you and your neighbor. We will prove them wrong, reject anger politics, and show that when Americans come together the possibilities for success are endless, he wrote.

No other nationally known Democrat has declared their intention to vie for the presidential nomination against Harris. West Virginia Independent Senator Joe Manchin reportedly flirted with the idea Sunday evening, but laid those rumors to rest Monday morning.

The call came as talks increase of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear potentially joining Harris on the ticket as a vice presidential running mate. Beshear endorsed Harris Monday morning.

When asked if hed be open to joining Harris on a recent national television appearance, Beshear said that he would take another job only if I could further help my people and to help this country. He also side-stepped a question on whether or not hes spoken to the vice presidents team about the possibility.

The governors response to a follow-up question made it sound like his interest was piqued.

I think if somebody calls you on that, what you do is is at least listen, Beshear added.
Israel and Houthis in Yemen have traded fire for the first time, escalating tensions nine months after commercial ships in the Red Sea started to come under threat from the rebel group -- in a waterway the U.S. Navy has been patrolling since the war in Gaza began.

Israel's strike on Yemen's port of Hodeidah on Saturday killed three and injured 87, the Yemeni Ministry of Health said, in a fighter jet assault over 1,000 miles away from Tel Aviv.

Israel says it was a response to a Houthi drone attack Friday that killed one person in Tel Aviv. The exchange of fire was a first for the conflict in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks had forced an Israeli port to close but had not struck its territory.

The U.S. Navy has been engaged in a firefight with the Houthis since October, hitting Houthi launch sites and batting down incoming drones and ballistic missiles. Tallies of reporting from U.S. Central Command count 14 of these missiles and nearly 60 drones fired by the Houthis and destroyed by the U.S. Navy in June alone, which by some assessments has made the sea combat the United States' most sustained naval fight since World War II.

PHOTO: Houthi supporters attend a rally against the U.S. and Israel, July 19, 2024, in Sanaa, Yemen. (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

The U.S., which in January designated the Houthis a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Group, has extended security assurances over the Red Sea -- where their attacks have hit vessels flagged by a variety of nations -- and turned up pressure on the homegrown rebel group to cease its fire.

In an interview with ABC News before the series of attacks over the weekend, U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking, the senior U.S. diplomat to Yemen, said a more severe official designation of the Houthis is increasingly under consideration.

"There's more and more talk now about a designation under the [Foreign Terrorist Organization], which will have some tradeoffs, we feel, with our ability to support humanitarian and commercial activity in Yemen," the special envoy told ABC News.

A FTO designation by the State Department, which would level the Houthis with al-Qaeda affiliates and Hamas, could make it more difficult for international humanitarian groups to operate within Yemen by requiring a license to interact with the Houthis, who control key ports including Hodeidah and the capital, Sana'a.

PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman during his visit for The World Economic Forum, April 29, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Bandar Al-Jaloud/Saudi Royal Court/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"It's the Houthis that are driving this conversation and making these options on the table that we all thought, months ago, and when Joe Biden first came into office, were not the way to go," Lenderking said.

"But when the Houthis are very clearly behaving and acting like a terrorist organization, it's forcing these questions to the fore," the diplomat said.

Twenty-four million people in Yemen -- 80% of its population -- require humanitarian assistance, with 4.5 million internally displaced. 20 million people are food insecure, according to the International Committee on the Red Cross.

The deputy head of delegation for the ICRC in Yemen, Freya Raddi, told ABC News that the initial January terror designation on the Houthis had "no concrete impact" on the organization's humanitarian work.

"However, it is uncertain whether this will remain the case in the coming months  the ongoing escalation in the Red Sea has caused delays in importing ICRC assistance to Yemen," Raddi said.

"The ICRC is concerned about any additional measures that may have adverse impacts on affected populations and the provision of impartial humanitarian assistance," Raddi said, noting that 90% of Yemen's food is imported and that "counterterrorism measures can create additional administrative and logistical burdens."

"Humanitarian organizations cannot replace the commercial import system," she said.

PHOTO: A man takes pictures of a raging fire at oil storage tanks a day after Israeli strikes on the port of Yemen's Huthi-held city of Hodeida on July 21, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

Israel said it acted alone in its Saturday attack against the Houthis, which it calls a part of Iran's "axis of evil." The Israeli defense minister phoned U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before the attack to inform him, but the Pentagon repeatedly emphasized the U.S. had no role in the Israeli strikes.

The U.S. in January intercepted arms it said were intended for the Houthis from Iran, which just elected a new president, and sanctioned the Houthis' financial networks, but it's not clear whether the Houthis take orders from Tehran or sometimes act "outside of Iranian dictates or recommendations," Lenderking said.

"We don't see any change from the new leadership in Iran yet in any dimension, but certainly not with regard to the Yemen conflict," said Lenderking of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

"There is a strong commitment by the Iranians, I think, to continue to support the Houthis," he said.

Regional powers including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring Oman -- a facilitator in talks between the Houthis and the internationally-recognized government  denounced Israel's aerial attack on the Gulf country's port, which engulfed the port in flames.

Protracted tensions on the Red Sea increasingly threaten a fragile peace within Yemen's borders, where an April 2022 truce froze an eight-year civil war between the Houthis and the former government in Sana'a. The truce has "largely held," Lenderking said, and a U.N.-led "roadmap" in December 2023 brought the Houthis and exiled government to the same table in agreement on a path forward.

Yet there are "very serious questions about what [the Houthis'] commitment is to a peace process in Yemen," Lenderking said.

"They seem far more committed to burnishing their credentials as a member of [Iran's] axis of resistance, and building ties with other terrorist organizations, deepening their ties with Iran. That seems to have been their focus rather than the Yemeni people, which is squarely where we want to see improvement in support made," the envoy said.

PHOTO: Members of Houthi security forces stand together as smoke rises from a fire, as Houthi de facto authorities burn seized narcotics, July 20, 2024, in Sanaa, Yemen. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters)

The Houthis have said they would cease fire in the Red Sea if a cease-fire is reached in Gaza, which President Joe Biden has repeatedly said is his top priority along with a release of hostages held by Hamas. "He wants that work to continue full steam ahead over the next six months," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said of Biden Monday.

The president also assembled a coalition of nations to protect mariners and commercial shipping in the Red Sea when the Houthis began deploying drones and missiles.

Lenderking said that the multinational defense arrangement, which includes countries as far as Australia and as near as Bahrain, could be bolstered.

"Of course, the option remains to the United States and the seven allies that participate in this coalition to relook at that," he said.

ABC News' Luis Martinez and Anne Flaherty contributed to this report.

Red Sea tensions reach new high as US weighs terrorist designation for Houthis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Salt Lakers watched as firefighters battled the Sandhurst Fire as it burned over 200 acres near Ensign Peak just above the Utah State Capitol over the weekend.

Among their efforts, low-flying planes could be seen dropping what appeared to be red smoke onto the mountainside. So what exactly is that red smoke that firefighters are dropping onto the flames?

Courtesy of Salt Lake City Police

Courtesy of Salt Lake City Police

According to the National Forest Service, the red smoke is a mix of fire retardant chemicals used to safely contain wildfire flames. The exact chemical makeup of the fire retardant varies, but the National Forest Service said it contains about 85% water, 10% fertilizer, and 5% minor ingredients containing colorant, thickener, and stabilizers.

Aerially applied fire retardant is used to slow the rate of spread by cooling and coating fuels, depleting the fire of oxygen, and slowing the rate of fuel combustion as the retardants inorganic salts change how the fuels burn, the Forest Service wrote in a January 2024 report.

Evacuation orders lifted for areas near Sandhurst Fire

So whats with the ultra-bright red coloring? The Green Science Policy Institute explains the color comes from added dyes that make it easier for firefighters to keep track of what areas have been treated.

With the help of aerial fire retardants, on-the-ground firefighters can then access fire areas safely and begin construction of containment lines.

This method of suppression has been used by firefighters since the 1950s. Over the decades the formula has changed to be more effective, more environmentally friendly, and safer for humans and wildlife. But thats not to say the fire retardant chemicals are unsafe.

The National Forest Service says all fire retardants it uses fall under the Environmental Protection Agencys practically non-toxic category for humans and wildlife. Of course, using the aerial fire retardant doesnt come without its side effects.

In an educational video posted by the National Interagency Fire Center in 2014, the fire retardant can decrease the intensity of the flames but it also produces a lot more smoke.

Thats one of the by-products, explained Shirley Zylstra, Wildlands Fire Chemicals Program Leader, in the video. Part of what were seeing in that smoke is some of the residual steam from the fuel moisture. All fuel will retain a little bit of moisture as its burning.

In 2023, the National Forest Service reportedly used over 340,000 gallons of aerial fire retardant on its Intermountain Region lands  which includes national forests in Utah, Nevada, and parts of Wyoming and Idaho.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A month ago, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse was one of the first high-profile Democrats to publicly acknowledge he was "horrified" by President Joe Biden's debate performance.

Now, on Monday, he characterized his party's response to Biden's withdrawal from the race Sunday as "relief, joy, enthusiasm''  and former President Donald Trump's response as a virtual meltdown.

"Trump really lost it," Whitehouse said of Trump's posts on his social media site, Truth Social, on Monday morning, saying, among other things, Its a new day and Joe Biden doesnt remember quitting the race yesterday!

"I think he now becomes the aged person with mental-health issues in the race, and he's going to have to do a lot of defending of the way he behaves on television and his inability to string logical sentences together," Whitehouse said during a Zoom call with reporters.

"And she's just very good," Whitehouse said of Biden's likely replacement at the top of the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris, a former senator with whom he served on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Harris and Whitehouse also share another distinction  they both have held the position of state attorney general.

From left: U.S. Sen Sheldon Whitehouse, Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and Gov. Dan McKee take photos as Air Force One, with President Joe Biden, arrives in Warwick in 2022.

What does Whitehouse have to say about Vice President Kamala Harris as nominee?

"She presents a case very strongly and I think this is a race in which prosecuting the case is important and that she'll do an excellent job of it," said Whitehouse.

He said that while she has been a loyal vice president, standing behind "the big guy," it's now time to let voters see her more clearly.

"I think it's going to be a pleasure to watch Democrats discover how good she is and it's going to be a pleasure to watch Republicans get tangled up [in] trying to discredit her and find, to their sorrow, how very good she actually is," Whitehouse said. "They're underestimating her, too."

During the call, he gave no comment on who he would recommend as Harris' pick for vice president, and declined to comment on the merits of a virtual roll call ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month.

More: Do Rhode Island's Democratic delegates have to vote for Biden? Here's what comes next.

Vice President Kamala Harris applauds during an event on Monday at the White House with National Collegiate Athletic Association champion teams in her first public appearance since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

Whitehouse says last 24 hours have been a contrast with post-debate emotions

The last 24 hours, Whitehouse said, have been a "sort of reverse" of the 24 hours after the disastrous June 27 presidential debate, when his email inbox and phone messages were "flooded with howls of pain and distress."

"I think you see that reflected in the pileup of donations that poured in once the news became public" on Sunday, Whitehouse said.

Whitehouse gives Biden credit for stepping out of the race

Whitehouse said the next few days will be tough for Biden and people close to him, but he looks forward to seeing the president take the stage at the DNC, anticipating it will be "one of the most emotional, touching, celebratory moments in political history."

"I think it's important to acknowledge what a impressive thing he did," Whitehouse said, given his "belief that he could have won this race."

"I take my hat off to President Biden for the decision that he made," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse describes new feel of presidential race, supports Harris
Rep. Angie Craig, who had called on Biden to drop out, endorses Kamala Harris for president

Rep. Angie Craig, running for re-election in what may be Minnesota's most competitive congressional district, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday.

"I believe Vice President Kamala Harris can campaign against and defeat Donald Trump. She has my support as the Democratic nominee for President," Craig said in a statement Monday, adding that her focus would be on her own race this fall.

Craig was one of the first Democrats in Congress to publicly call for President Joe Biden to end his re-election bid after his faltering debate last month against former President Donald Trump.

"With so much on the line this November, we need a Democratic nominee with heart, drive and the ability to win," Craig posted on social media earlier Monday. "I believe that nominee should be Vice President Kamala Harris."

Craig was elected in 2018 after losing the 2016 race by fewer than 7,000 votes. Her district, which includes southeastern Twin Cities suburbs and exurban and rural areas to the south of the metro, remains a top target for both political parties.

Joe Teirab, the Republican candidate in the Second District, said in a social media post that Biden should resign as president, and he slammed Harris for a 2020 tweet in support of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which posts cash bail for people unable to pay their own bail.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has died at the age of 74. An official statement released via social media last Friday (July 19) confirmed her passing. According to Axios, Jackson Lee was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month and was undergoing treatment. The memo did not report the cancer as her official cause of death.

Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, detailed the letter.

A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as Congresswoman by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.

Born in 1950 in Queens, New York, Lee Jackson graduated from Jamaica High School, Jamaica, N.Y., in 1968. In her continued educational journey, she earned the following degrees: B.A., Yale University, New Haven, Conn., 1972; J.D., University of Virginia Law School, Charlottesville, Va., 1975.

Jackson Lee began her political career as a municipal judge in Houston from 1987 to 1990, continuing to serve as a city council member for Houston from 1990 to 1994. From 1995 until her death, she served as a U.S. Representative from Texas 18th Congressional District.

According to the biography on her official website, Jackson Lees work includes authoring and fighting for the passage of the Violence Against Womens Act, enacted in 1994, and being a lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established the first new federal holiday in 38 years.

Additionally, Jackson Lees major legislative initiatives include the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, The RAISE Act, The Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Kaleifs Law, the American RISING Act.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) waits for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to arrive for a bill enrollment signing ceremony for the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the of the end of slavery in the United States and will be celebrated as a national holiday.

Politicians across the nation shared messages in honor of Jackson Lee as the news of her death became public.

Tonight, Texans all over are mourning the loss of a legend, true leader for social justice, public servant, and my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, wrote Texas Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett on X.

Congressional District and our most vulnerable neighbors across the Country. If you ever needed a living example of servant leadership, you could look no further  Congresswoman Jackson Lee was compassionate, resilient, and most importantly, always willing to do the work! Rep. Crockett elaborated in a follow-up post.

Tonight, Texans all over are mourning the loss of a legend, true leader for social justice, public servant, and my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. pic.twitter.com/CsdLGLFZtH  Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) July 20, 2024

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) shared, Rest in peace, my friend. You were tough, principled, and gracious. As a black woman in Texas you carried yourself in a way that demanded respect amid the racism and misogyny you encountered. I dont think people realize how hard you worked everyday.

The two-part post continued, Your grit and persistence [i]n politics, people who dont do much are considered furniture. You were the antonym of furniture. You never gave up; always kept pushing. You dont need me to say it but you made a difference  for your community, for Houston, for our country. You really mattered, Sheila.

In politics, people who dont do much are considered furniture. You were the antonym of furniture. You never gave up; always kept pushing. You dont need me to say it but you made a difference  for your community, for Houston, for our country. You really mattered, Sheila. 2/2  Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) July 20, 2024

Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, her children, Jason and Erica, her grandchildren, Ellison and Roy, per Politico.

VIBE sends our condolences to the family, friends, and communities impacted by the loss of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

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As global markets navigate through a period marked by rising trade tensions and shifting investment trends towards value and small-cap shares, the Swedish stock market presents unique opportunities for those seeking undervalued assets. Amidst these conditions, identifying stocks that demonstrate strong fundamentals yet are trading below their intrinsic values could offer potential for significant returns.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Sweden

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Granges (OM:GRNG) SEK136.90 SEK260.89 47.5% Truecaller (OM:TRUE B) SEK35.66 SEK70.77 49.6% Nordic Waterproofing Holding (OM:NWG) SEK160.60 SEK313.50 48.8% Scandi Standard (OM:SCST) SEK74.80 SEK145.57 48.6% TF Bank (OM:TFBANK) SEK260.00 SEK518.40 49.8% RaySearch Laboratories (OM:RAY B) SEK139.80 SEK278.37 49.8% Nordisk Bergteknik (OM:NORB B) SEK17.00 SEK31.02 45.2% Humble Group (OM:HUMBLE) SEK10.27 SEK18.71 45.1% Image Systems (OM:IS) SEK1.465 SEK2.85 48.6% Bactiguard Holding (OM:BACTI B) SEK69.40 SEK132.12 47.5%

Click here to see the full list of 47 stocks from our Undervalued Swedish Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool.

Overview: Billerud AB (publ) is a global provider of paper and packaging materials, with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 26.69 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from Europe and North America, with SEK 26.57 billion and SEK 10.96 billion respectively, alongside additional contributions from other solutions totaling SEK 2.84 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 35%

Billerud, with a recent rebound in earnings and an impressive forecast of 41.82% annual profit growth, appears undervalued based on cash flows. Trading at SEK107.3, significantly below the estimated fair value of SEK165.03, it presents a potential opportunity despite its challenges such as low return on equity projected at 8.3% in three years and a dividend coverage issue, with current dividends not well supported by earnings. Recent leadership changes and strategic shifts towards US packaging materials may influence future performance.

OM:BILL Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: CellaVision AB (publ) specializes in developing and selling instruments, software, and reagents for analyzing blood and body fluids, operating both in Sweden and internationally, with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 6.14 billion.

Operations: The company generates SEK 708.28 million from its automated microscopy systems and reagents segment in the field of hematology.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 20.8%

CellaVision, currently priced at SEK257.5, is assessed to be trading below its fair value of SEK325.33, marking a 20.8% undervaluation based on discounted cash flows. With earnings growth forecasted at 24.28% annually over the next three yearssurpassing the Swedish market's expected 15%and a robust projected return on equity of 23.8%, CellaVision demonstrates strong financial health and growth potential. However, its revenue growth estimate of 13.6% annually falls short of the high-growth benchmark but still outpaces the broader market forecast of 1%.

OM:CEVI Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

Overview: Scandi Standard AB (publ) is a producer and seller of chilled, frozen, and ready-to-eat chicken products across Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other European countries with a market capitalization of approximately SEK 4.89 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its Ready-To-Cook and Ready-To-Eat chicken products, with segments producing SEK 9.70 billion and SEK 2.61 billion respectively.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 48.6%

Scandi Standard, with a current price of SEK 74.8, is trading significantly below its calculated fair value of SEK 145.57, indicating a potential undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite this, the company's high debt levels and unstable dividend track record pose concerns. Recent financial agreements aim to refinance existing debts and support growth strategies, potentially improving financial flexibility. Earnings are expected to grow at an annual rate of 20.39%, outpacing the Swedish market forecast of 15% per year growth.

OM:SCST Discounted Cash Flow as at Jul 2024

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include OM:BILL OM:CEVI and OM:SCST.

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When Cory Mills reflects on last weekends attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, he thinks of the exact moment the bullets were fired: 6:11 p.m.

And he links that time to a Bible verse calling for worshippers to "put on the armor of God" in the face of evil.

Go read Ephesians 6:11, the Florida Republican congressman told a crowd of GOP Wisconsin delegates Wednesday, and you will understand exactly why he has been saved and why we continue to move forward.

More: 'Fashion statement?' Ear bandages to support Donald Trump became accessory at RNC; drew mixed opinions

I truly believe, Mills added, that what saved President Trump was divine intervention.

Religion references common thread at Republican convention

References to divine providence and Gods will have been a common thread throughout the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week. Elected officials, delegates and other attendees frequently make such allusions when referring to Saturdays shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania that left one man dead and saw Trumps right ear grazed by a bullet.

More: North Carolina at the RNC: What do Trump, Vance picks mean for the state and country?

Some have suggested that the hand of God spared Trump for a particular reason as he seeks to return to the White House in a race against Democrats presumptive nominee, President Joe Biden. The references are not necessarily new for a party that has tied itself to faith and portrayed its leader as a messiah-like figure. But the comments made in Milwaukee this week have been more frequent and at the forefront of conversations surrounding the shooting.

God spared President Trump from that assassin because God is not finished with him yet, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders told Republicans in Fiserv Forum Tuesday night. And he most certainly is not finished with America yet either.

A prayer vigil before Trump's arrival

The religious undertones crept into the city before the convention officially kicked off. On Sunday, one day after the assassination attempt, the conservative, youth-focused nonprofit Turning Point held a prayer vigil at Zeidler Union Square park.

State Rep. Chuck Wichgers, R-Muskego, bows his head during a Prayer Vigil for America on Sunday at Zeidler Union Square in Milwauke.

Vigil attendees heard from pastors and state elected officials who proclaimed God was with Trump the day of the shooting. They waved Trump flags and signed a board emblazoned with the words Get Well Soon that stood next to a giant photograph of Trumps face, which was laid flat on the park grass.

More: Heres what North Carolina needs to know ahead of the November election

May God continue blessing all that you do for us, one note read.

You are loved! You are anointed  Blessings to you  Thank you, another message said.

The woman who created the board said she intended to deliver it to the former president.

One pastor, Kevin Vigneault of Lakewood Baptist Church in Pewaukee, told the park crowd that Trump was "created in the image of God," and Vigneault later prayed for Biden's salvation. Biden is a devout Catholic and was attending Mass the Saturday of Trump's shooting.

Supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump attend a prayer vigil hosted by Turning Point Action near the venue for the Republican National Convention (RNC), at Zeidler Union Square in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 14, 2024 the day after shots were fired at a Trump rally and he was injured in Butler, Pennsylvania. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

And Wisconsin Republican state Rep. Chuck Wichgers, of Muskego, said: "We have been warned not to let politics become our religion, our faith  and to let Christianity guide our politics."

If you do not support Trump for president, Wichgers said, what are you supporting (sic) is contrast to the message that hes delivering. Hes putting himself out there against those people that are guiding and ruling you that arent with God.

Trump's Truth Social: 'It was God alone ...'

Those same themes persisted throughout the convention with nearly every speaker who addressed the shooting.

Proverbs 28 reads: The wicked flee, though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion, Lara Trump, Trumps daughter-in-law and the RNCs co-chair, said in a speech Tuesday. And that truly epitomizes Donald Trump. He is a lion.

Trump, too, referred to God in a post on his media platform Truth Social the morning after the shooting.

...it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening, Trump wrote. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.

While the religious rhetoric has dominated Republican talk in Milwaukee, leading Democrats caution against the mix of religion and politics.

Democrats: No problem with religious tone

Quentin Fulks, Bidens deputy campaign manager, said this week he saw no issue with people believing God had a role in protecting Trump from the would-be assassin. But he suggested the idea of divine intervention should not be used as a reason to justify policies that deny people bodily autonomy, referring to abortion.

I wont knock down anybody saying that they believe that God is the reason, said Fulks, when asked about Republicans linking God to Trumps survival. But I think that God cant be a reason to continue to double down on divisive things that are going to hurt many other people.

Still, Republicans see Gods intervention in Saturdays shooting.

The Secret Service says the shooters bullets were fired at approximately 6:15 p.m. on the east coast. And other estimates put the time at about 6:12 p.m.

But for Mills, the Florida Republican, 6:11 p.m. works just fine.

Let us understand that it is always darkest before the light, Mills said Wednesday morning. We will rise like never before. But we must don the armor of God.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Did hand of God save Trump? RNC faithful declare a resounding yes.
The Washington Post/Getty Images

This story was written by one of Teen Vogue's 2024 Student Correspondents, a team of college students covering the election cycle from key battleground states.

Over 120 organizations and 3,000 protesters marched through the streets of Milwaukee in the sweltering heat outside of last weeks Republican National Convention. Organizers with the Coalition to March on the RNC say they were there to protest the Republican Partys racist and reactionary agenda.

The national coalition of grassroots groups and unions convened in Milwaukee during one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent American political history. After surviving an attempted assassination attempt, Donald Trump took the stage at Fiserv Forum to accept the GOP nomination. Then the race shifted shape again, with President Joe Biden announcing he will not be running for reelection and is instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

But amid this turmoil, the protesters say theyre focused on speaking up for abortion access, Palestine, LGBTQ+ rights, and more  no matter who wins in November.

If we fight, we win, Omar Flores, co-Chair of the Coalition to March on the RNC told Teen Vogue during the march. No matter who gets into office, we have to take direct action.

Kobi Guillory, an organizer with Freedom Road Socialist Organization, co-Chair of Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and a middle school science teacher in Chicago, spoke out against what he feels are Republican attacks on Black and brown people, women, LGBTQ people, the working class, and immigrants. Defeating the Republican agenda is a matter of life and death for working and oppressed people, he said.

Students march in solidarity with Palestine

In the months leading up to the March on the RNC, students on college campuses across the country have been taking direct action to demand their schools divest from financial ties to companies supporting Israels military violence in Palestine. Many students have faced academic and legal consequences, with more than 3,000 arrested or detained and many facing suspension or expulsion.

Some of the same students that are coping with the fallout from their encampments (including arrests, and expulsions) showed up en masse to stand in solidarity with Palestine at the March on the RNC. Victoria Hinkley, an organizer from Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, was expelled from the University of South Florida in Tampa less than a week before she was supposed to walk the stage in her graduation ceremony. Still unsure if her degree will be reinstated, she and around 10 other students from Florida flew out to protest.

The only way out is through, Hinkley told Teen Vogue of her decision to join the march. The only way to win in a system like this, in our condition, is through direct action, getting out in the street and organizing.

Emily Chu, a student organizer with the Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Minnesota, echoed Hinkleys sentiments. Do not let these people in power underestimate your power, Chu told Teen Vogue. The power is with the people. We as students, we just led our encampment campaign, and we won major wins for divestment.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Israel continues to launch attacks on Palestine, killing over 38,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry (although there is still uncertainty with the numbers, the scientific paper The Lancet suggests that it is not implausible the death toll is above 186,000). The United States has provided billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, and the Biden administration has yet to call for a permanent ceasefire, leading protests from various organizations to unite over demanding justice in Palestine.

The main thing were here for is  to fight for Palestine, Jackson Robak, an organizer with the Detroit Anti-War Committee, told Teen Vogue. In Detroit, were fighting for divestment, and we wanted to take that [to Milwaukee] , and show that no matter what, no matter if he becomes president, no matter where it goes, were going to fight Trump every single step of the way.

Calls for a united front

Lo Cross, an organizer with Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression, came to the March on the RNC because of their work with families of victims of police crimes. Time and time again, Black and brown and indigenous folks are used as a scapegoat for things that are wrong with this country, Cross tells Teen Vogue. Its important that we show a united front  [against] the racist and reactionary agenda of the GOP to show them that it isnt our fault, and that we will stand up and we will fight back.

Many protestors say they feel disillusioned about the upcoming presidential race.

The country right now is really divided, Cross says. What we can unite on is a progressive front, a united front that will push both parties to represent politics and policies that are representative of us, of young people, and the futures that we want.

Young people are turning to one another to make change, instead of endorsing a specific candidate. Were in a pretty rotten system that only lets us choose from two people, Joseph Charry, a 19-year-old organizer from Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic says. More than calling on people to vote for one or the other, I want people totake to the streets to demand that their rights be respected.

Many of the entities involved in the Coalition to March on the RNC, like anti-war organization CODEPINK, also plan to head to Chicago in August to protest at the Democratic National Convention.

I hope that the progressive movement in the U.S. could bind together and realize that our struggles are intertwined, and that we need each other more now than ever, Danaka Katovich, National Co-Director of CODEPINK told Teen Vogue. Well face a lot more repression as time goes on, whoever wins in NovemberWe need to band together and realize that we cant win without each other.

Its an entire system that we are opposing here, Guillory of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization says.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republicans are calling on President Biden to resign after he announced Sunday he will not seek another term.

We are suggesting and calling upon him to resign and do the right thing for the country, Johnson said.

Johnson says if the president isnt fit to run for re-election, he shouldnt serve six more months.

He has the nuclear codes. He has major decisions that he has to make every single hour of every day, and he does not have the faculties to do so now, Johnson said.

Others are taking the calls a step further. South Carolina Republican Congresswoman Nancy Maces resolution calls on Vice President Kamala Harris to take steps to remove the president, encouraging Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th amendment. I mean look, this is common sense, Mace said on NewsNation.

Congress cannot constitutionally start that process. The 25th amendment lays out a way for the vice president and majority of the cabinet to remove a president if they declare him unable to perform his duties.

Its very difficult to do, number one, but we should be consistent in applying his ability to lead, Mace said.

But Democrats say thats not going to happen.

Joe Biden is going to continue to do a great job between now and the end of his term, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said.

Kaine says the reason the president stepped aside is, because he needs to pass the torch for the next term, not for the next months.

While Democrats figure out who to pass that torch to, with many already endorsing Harris, Republican vice presidential pick Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) is hitting the campaign trail for Trump in his hometown of Middletown, Ohio.

Are we ready to re-elect Donald J. Trump again? Vance asked the crowd.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Do Republicans see Kamala Harris as easy to beat?

Republicans say Kamala Harris will be as easy to beat as Joe Biden.

Republicans have said for weeks that they dont care who Democrats run against for president against GOP nominee Donald Trump. Whoever is on the ballot as a Democrat, they say, will have to defend the Biden administrations policies.

Kamala Harris has lied for years now about Joe Bidens mental condition and America suffered for it. Its time now for her to tell the truth and answer this one question: If Joe Biden is unfit for the campaign trail, then how is he fit for office? said Alex Pfeiffer, spokesman for the Trump-friendly MAGA, Inc.

Donald Trump Jr., the former presidents son, wrote on social media Harris owns the entire left wing policy record of Joe Biden.

Vice President Harris, the former California attorney general and U.S. senator, is the favorite to succeed President Biden, particularly after the president endorsed her shortly after he left the race Sunday.

Other potential Democratic candidates are largely unknown to the general public and for that matter to rank and file Republicans.

Two of the most prominent Democratic White House hopefuls, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, have said theyre not running.

Thats put the spotlight on Harris. During the the GOP convention, speaker after speaker snarled that she was the border czar, a reference to Biden putting her in charge of easing illegal immigration from Central American countries, a mission that appeared to have faded quickly from her policy portfolio.

Why GOP dislikes Kamala Harris

At the convention, Republicans from California, who saw her run and win three times statewide, dont see her playing well on the national stage.

The ladys constantly angry and condescending and has a smug attitude when she smiles. Shes embarrassing to women, said Linda Lopez-Alvarez, chairman of Escondido Republican Women.

Ask the people in San Francisco other than Willie Brown if they like her, said Mark Edwards, a real estate broker from Redlands. Brown, a former mayor and Assembly speaker, was Harris mentor. Harris is a former San Francisco prosecutor.

But outside of the states delegation, some Republicans warned that a candidate different than Biden could inject the Democratic Party with new energy, particularly when its national convention meets the week of August 19.

I think so because she can start over, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., meaning she can offer new ideas and new energy.

Polls show Harris running slightly better than Biden against Trump.

A YouGov poll of likely voters July 16 to 18 showed Harris trailing Trump, 48% to 51%. Biden got 47% to Trumps 52%.

Republican pollster Richard Cudahy warns that the election is far from over. The good news for Republicans, he said, is Trump fans dont care whos running.

Biden suffered because people think hes too old to be president, not because were selling our ideas, Cudahy warned. The election aint over till its over and were a long way from it being over.

Theres also the wild card of who goes on the ticket with the presidential nominee, though ticket-mates rarely make a significant difference in the races outcome.

Optimistic Republicans

Regardless of who runs as a Democrat, Republicans around the county are optimistic that Trump can win.

Any one of them, said Debbie Epling, chairman of the Aiken County, S.C. GOP when asked who Trump would rather run against. They all have the same policies, she said.

The policy that bothers Republicans most is the economy. Their talking points echoed throughout the partys convention.

Before Biden we had the strongest economy in a decade, We had lower gas prices, more jobs and better opportunity, said Michael Barnett, a Palm Beach County, Fla., commissioner.

Our prices keep going up. If Biden had been for the people things would have been a lot better, said Thelma Medina, a retired mortician from Idaho City.

The race is as much Republican vs. Democrat as Trump vs. Harris.

Ipsos Polling recently asked voters for their views on a list of potential Democratic candidates, including Newsom and Whitmer.

None of the commonly mentioned alternatives does clearly better than Biden, said Chris Jackson, Ipsos Pollings senior vice president.
President Joe Biden scrambled up an otherwise ordinary Sunday afternoon with the shock announcement he was ending his reelection campaign. He dropped the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, after weeks of turmoil for the Democratic Party over his poor debate performance in June.

He then immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to head the Democratic Party ticket.

Her name has been in the mix for weeks as a possible replacement for Biden, but many people still have this question: Can she win?

My answer: Absolutely.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign stop in Fayetteville at Westover High School on Thursday, July 18, 2024. President Joe Biden announced on social media on Sunday, July 20, 2024, that he was ending his reelection campaign and endorsed Harris as his replacement.

To be clear, there are no easy roads to the White House. Polls show Harris doing slightly worse than Biden on many head-to-head polls against Donald Trump, who secured the Republican Party nomination at its convention last week. Other polls show her doing slightly better.

Stop telling Americans to tone down their rhetoric. Silence equals death to our republic

But Harris brings many advantages to the table, some of which have flown under the radar due in part to the invisibility of the vice presidents job and a too-often incurious political media.

Here are a few.

Harris will boost the Black vote

Harris assignment for the Biden-Harris campaign has been to rally Black voters, and she has been effective in doing so. No other Democrat who would replace Biden would be able to deliver the Black votes she can, and it has become political canon that any Democratic presidential candidate needs Black voters to win  not to mention most of the down-ticket candidates, too.

More: What is Project 2025? Is it Trump's plan? What to know about the political right's plan for a conservative nation

Many people overlook that Harris' deep ties to the Black community are more than skin-deep. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., an influential organization of professional Black women for which organizing and advocating in their local communities is second nature. Harris spoke at the recent AKA convention in Houston, which drew 20,000 people.

Just days prior, the vice president was in New Orleans to speak at the Essence Festival, another massive event that is not known as well by the mainstream, but is super-known in every corner of the Black community.

Harris graduated with a bachelor's degree from Howard University, a historically Black university, and she would be the first graduate of an HBCU to hold the highest office in the land. (She obtained her law degree from UC Law in San Francisco.)

Believe me: The Howard connection will motivate millions of HBCU grads who have for generations relished in proving that their degrees are as good as ones from predominantly white institutions.

Harris is well-suited to leverage abortion rights anger

Fighting for reproductive rights has also been a big part of Harris campaign portfolio. Democratic politicians nationwide believe they have the upper hand on the issue after the far-right U.S. Supreme Court ended federal protections for abortion when it overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

Political analysts believe post-Roe politics have fueled disappointing performances for the Republicans the last three election cycles, and citizen-led referenda protecting those rights have passed in even ruby-red states. Trump himself clearly thinks the issue is a loser, having unceremoniously dropped GOP calls for a federal abortion ban from the party platform, where it had remained for 40 years.

It seems needless to say that having a woman  who could also become the first woman president  press this particular issue forward will be a plus for the Democratic ticket.

Kamala and Gen Z

I think the most underrated aspect of Harris appeal is that Gen Z likes her. In fact, indicators suggest she is stronger with Gen Z than Biden.

Gen-Z for Change  formerly TikTok for Biden  was one of the first major political organizations to endorse Harris on Sunday afternoon and said it would be dedicated to mobilizing young voters" in her support.

Why does this matter? Consider three important things to know about Gen Z when it comes to politics.

First, Gen Z voters cast ballots at a heavier rate than previous generations of young voters who are historically notorious for not turning out; second, they lean toward the progressive side of the aisle, all available data shows; and third, their youngest members are 18, which is to say this is the first election that the entire generation can vote.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a Vice President Kamala Harris campaign event in Fayetteville at Westover High School on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Harris was endorsed by President Joe Biden to replace him at the top of the Democratic ticket when he announced he was not seeking reelection on Sunday afternoon July 21, 2024. Cooper is widely considered to be on the short list for Harris' vice president pick.

Harris is an accomplished former prosecutor. Trump has issues with the law

Harris dropped in for a rally in my city of Fayetteville on Thursday, just days before Bidens announcement. I covered her speech and, of course, I was looking to see how she might carry herself if she found herself atop the ticket. Buzz was already thick by then that she was going to be the one.

I saw nothing to disabuse myself of the notion she can win. She was sharp, measured and concise and knew how to move the crowd, as the rapper Rakim once said. She took shots at J.D. Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee who had just been introduced the previous night at the Republican National Convention. She said Vance, an Ohio senator, had an inspiring personal story but accused him of concealing Republican plans (schemes) for America, which include Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations far-right vision to reshape the country, cut social programs and further restrict abortion rights.

We are not buying it, she told the pumped-up crowd in the gymnasium at Westover High School (which incidentally is my alma mater). As you know, I am a former prosecutor, so lets look at the facts, shall we?

The line drew cheers and likely previews an area of attack Harris will no doubt make against Trump: The prosecutor going after a man convicted of 34 felony counts.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper spoke at the Harris rally, and both he and the vice president mentioned that they had known each other for many years, dating back to when both were attorney general of their states (Harris in California). Cooper is on the short-list for vice presidential nominees for Harris, political experts believe  raising the prospect that TWO prosecutors will make the case against Trump.

Republicans seem happy for now

Many Republicans have been ebullient over Harris potential to head the ticket, and some have been calling for Biden to resign immediately, which would make her president immediately. They think she will be easy to beat, but they might want to think again.

By 9 p.m. Sunday, Democratic fundraiser ActBlue reported that grassroots supporters had raised $46.7 million, which it called the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.

There are no easy roads to the White House.

Opinion Editor Myron B. Pitts can be reached at mpitts@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3559. The Fayetteville Observer is a sister publication of The Tennessean and part of the USA TODAY Network.

Myron B. Pitts

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Biden dropped out, but Harris can win: How the VP can beat Trump
Podium with Kentucky Democratic Party's logo at June 14 Forward Together even in Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

Democratic convention delegates from Kentucky have overwhelmingly voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys presidential nominee following a request from Gov. Andy Beshear to do so.

The endorsement, announced in a Monday morning press release, follows Beshears national TV appearance earlier the same morning in which he personally endorsed Harris to be the presidential nominee and fielded questions about his interest in joining the ticket.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge in a statement said Harris has been a proven partner to President Joe Biden and attacked the Republican presidential ticket as relying on fear to drive a wedge between you and your neighbor.

She has a remarkable record of public service, from tackling housing costs as a U.S. Senator to protecting consumers as Californias chief law enforcement office. Vice President Harris is ready to serve as president on Day 1 and finish the job that Joe Biden started, Elridge said. Now more than ever, we must work hand in hand to elect Kamala Harris. The stakes this November  for both our beloved Commonwealth and our country  are too high.

Reuters reported Sunday all 50 state Democratic party chairs had endorsed Harris to be the nominee. Beshear is reportedly among a list of candidates Harris is considering to be her potential running mate along with fellow Democratic governors Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who have also endorsed her.
Plastic waste and plastic leakage continue to plague the health of the environmentand the apparel industry just keeps piling it on.

A new study conducted by researchers with North Carolina State University, Cotton Incorporated, Quantis, the University of California at Santa Barbara and more has found that apparels contribution to plastic waste and leakage was sky high in 2019.

More from Sourcing Journal

The report, titled The Global Apparel Industry is a Significant Yet Overlooked Source of Plastic Leakage, shows that 14 percent of global plastic pollution, which amounts to 8.3 million tons, came from the apparel industry in 2019.

Jesse Daystar, Cotton Incorporateds chief sustainability officer and one of the papers co-authors, said that amount of plastic said that amounts to 820 times the mass of the Eiffel Tower.

The report breaks down both plastic waste and plastic leakage. Plastic leakage accounts for plastic that get into the environment beyond waste management systems.

Think of a bottle on the ground, or a polyester T-shirt that isnt put in a managed waste system, or maybe is left on the ground. Thats plastic leakage, Daystar explained.

In 2019, the researchers note, the global apparel industrys estimated plastic consumption came in around 32 million tons, of which synthetic fibers accounted for about half. Even while using that amount of plastic, the industry generated about 21 million tons of overall plastic waste in 2019, with the vast majority of it being macroplastic waste. According to researchers, synthetic apparel at the end of its life made up 81 percent of that 21 million tons. Meanwhile, in the cotton value chain, the majority of plastic waste came from packaging.

Of the plastic waste created by the apparel sector, 8.3 million tons leaked into the environment, which means about 40 percent of all plastic waste from the industry is mismanaged and negatively impacts the environment further. Synthetic apparels life cycle accounted for nearly 90 percent of the leakage. The major problems in synthetics life cycle is end of life management, whether in the primary or secondary market.

Daystar said that even recycled synthetics continue to pose a risk of plastic leakage, despite being considered by some as a more sustainable alternative to virgin synthetics.

Whether its virgin synthetics or recycled synthetics, the plastic leakage would likely be very similar at a garment level in most situations, he explained. If youre using synthetics, youre going to cause plastic waste, and youre very likely going to cause some level of plastic leakage.

The secondary market, too, is a dangerous game when it comes to plastic leakage.

The U.S. outsources pre-used synthetics to countries like Guatemala, India, the Dominican Republic and Pakistan, where the scores on the Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI), or the country-specific ratio of mismanaged goods, remain high. The EU28 high-income countries similarly export to Pakistan, Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon and the United Arab Emirates, while countries like Japan export to the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan and China.

According to the report, For apparel originally sold in the EU28 high-income countries, Japan, the U.S. and EU28 low-income countries, 93 percent, 80 percent, 80 percent and 77 percent of the plastic leakage due to mismanaged synthetic apparel waste occurs in secondhand export countries, respectively.

The research states that, when waste is transported to secondary markets, part of the issue becomes the shift from a geography with robust waste management systems in place to areas with less solid waste collection infrastructure.

In the U.S., Europe and Japan, the report said, the main driver of this kind of waste is not populationas it is in India and Chinabut consumption per capita, suggesting that consumers in the three aforementioned companies have an issue with overconsumption.

Daystar said, though it can be a challenge to do so, educating the consumer could help them understand the negative effects of their choices on the environment. It could also inform them of the value of purchasing items made primarily of cotton or other natural fibers, in turn forcing brands and retailers hand on synthetic sentiment. If consumer demand for natural fibers becomes high enough, it could impact the entire value chain, he said.

Designers are going to try to create a product that consumers want, and when they design something they think consumers want, theyre going to find a manufacturer for that product. If theres strong demand from designers, from brands for natural fibers, the manufacturing supply chain is going to figure out a way to create that product and sell that product to the brand which they can sell to consumers. Signaling has to be strong to a supply chain that prioritizing natural fibers, he told Sourcing Journal.

Infrastructure, too, will play a role in attempting to lower plastic leakage. While Daystar said some parts of the world, like the EU and the U.S., may have more robust waste management systems, other areas lack that same infrastructure.

While it plays a smaller role in the overall numbers, many companies still use plastic for packaging, which, particularly in the cotton value chain, continues to cause pollution. Richard Venditti, a professor in North Carolina State Universitys forest biomaterials department and co-author of the study, said integrating more paper into the value chain could help decrease the amount of plastics needing to be disposed of at all, but acknowledged its difficulties for brands.

I think theres a big trend for people to be using paper packaging rather than plastic, he said. Paper, for boxes and bags, really works [well]. Its a natural material, so its not going to have the exact same water resistance and the exact same tear strength. So paper is challenged with, how do you make something that you can shrink wrap with paper?

Though the researchers have not yet studied the continuing the apparel industrys plastic pollution problem for any of the years after 2019, both Daystar and Venditti said they would hypothesize that the amount of plastic waste coming from the industry would have increased since then.

Unless theres some radical changes in how we treat our clothes at the end of life, the amount of consumption is going have a big impact on how much plastic pollution there will be, Venditti said.
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Several people were injured in a house fire in Escondido Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to calls for a fire at a home in the 2000 block of Eucalyptus Avenue in Escondido at 12:37 p.m. Sunday.

Highway 67 reopens as crews battle brush fire

When firefighters arrived, heavy black smoke could be seen coming from the front of the home, the Escondido Fire Department reports.

Escondido house fire (FOX 5/KUSI)

Escondido house fire (FOX 5/KUSI)

Escondido house fire (FOX 5/KUSI)

According to the fire department, a resident and neighbor were burned trying to get back into the house to save a pet and were taken to the hospital with burn injuries. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

The fire department says that pet died from smoke inhalation and the San Diego Humane Society responded.

Fire burns egg ranch in rural East County

A firefighter was also injured while battling the fire, but the fire department says those injuries were minor and he has since returned to duty.

The Escondido Fire Department, along with a fire engine from Rancho Santa Fe, were able to get the fire under control in under 25 minutes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Newest Restaurant Report Card | If you want the latest Shelby County restaurant scores sent directly to your inbox, sign up for it today on WREGs Newsletter here.

Each week WREG is rounding up the highest and lowest scores from Shelby County restaurant inspections. Find more restaurant scores from Shelby County and other Tennessee counties here.

Lowest Scores:

Corkys

1740 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018

Score: 64

Violations include: Employee on the grill using their phone; back hand sink missing paper towels; cutting boards need replacing; inconsistent date marking system; improper thawing of rolls that are supposed to be kept frozen; unlabeled seasonings; multiple flies in the kitchen; prep tables and handles have excessive food build-up; dirty bins and shelves in refrigerator; dirty drink fountains; dumpster storage area is unkept and dumpster lid is open; walls are not clean; floors are unkept; ceiling vents are dusty and black in color. Full report.

Jack Pirtles Carry Out

1370 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38104

Score: 72

Violations include: Person-in-charge could not demonstrate knowledge of temperatures; ice machine is dirty; thighs and legs not held at proper temperature; friesand biscuits that are supposed to be kept frozen are sitting out; unlabeled squeeze bottles; McDonalds meal and Lays potato chips left on prep counter; uncovered grease stored under shelves; multiple wiping rags on prep tables; in-use utensils stored in sitting water; garbage lid open; walls and ceilings extremely dirty and unkept. Full report.

Midtown Donuts

1776 Union Avenue Memphis, 38104

Score: 74

Violations include: Employee dug in his nose, did not wash hands and proceeded to handle donuts; employee used bare hands to dip donuts in icing; raw eggs stored over cheddar cheese; unlabeled bottles in refrigerator; uncovered food items throughout kitchen; cardboard boxed on the floor in prep area; walls are extremely dirty; fly traps stored in kitchen over donuts. Full report.

Wendys

1593 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104

Score: 78

Violations include: Employee grabbed fries with gloves; hand sink blocked by frosty machine; uncovered boxes of muffins on prep stations; cell phones on prep stations where burgers are prepped; no hair nets worn by employees preparing food; prep tables and grill handles need cleaning; boxes and excessive trash on the floor. Full report.

Checkers

600 N. Germantown Parkway Cordova, TN 38018

Score: 78

Violations include: Improper handwashing in between tasks; hand sinks in all locations are missing working soap dispensers; cutting boards need to be replaced; no thermometers in meat ice bins; unlabeled white substances in tin containers; trach surrounding dumpster area. Full report.

Molas Pizza

1740 N. Germantown Pkwy Cordova, TN 38018

Score: 82

Violations include: Employees washing hands improperly; improper date marking system; unthawed cheese sticks in cooler; unlabeled squeeze bottles and containers of food; uncovered containers of bread; no hair nets worn; dumpster lid open; extreme dust buildup on ceilings under hood. Full report.

100s

Potosino Bites, 3465 Lamphier Ave Memphis, TN 38122

Lapanaderia Bakery, 2782 S Perkins Rd Memphis, TN 38118

Bravos Mexican Food, 4109 E Mallory Ave Memphis, TN 38111

Havana Italian Ice, 938 S Colbert Collierville, TN 38017

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
This post contains graphic images and/or details. Reader discretion is advised.

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A retired sheriffs deputy in San Juan County was arrested on Sunday for behavior that officials said was traced back at least two decades, according to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriffs Office.

Grayson W. Redd, 74, was taken into custody after the sheriffs office executed an arrest warrant on Sunday. He is a retired sheriffs deputy for the San Juan County Sheriffs Office, according to the press release.

The arrest is the continuation of an ongoing investigation into recently disclosed criminal behavior going back at least two decades, the release said. These criminal allegations include Rape of a Child and Forcible Sex Abuse of both children and minors.

Because of Redds position within the community  and because of the prolonged duration of the charged behavior  victims of Redd were encouraged to reach out to the San Juan County Attorney Victim Advocate.

Victims may email kjensen@sanjuancounty.org or call the San Juan County Sheriffs Office at 435-587-2237 to be connected with resources.

Even crime victims who are unable or uninterested in pursuing criminal charges against Mr. Redd may qualify for resources from the State of Utahs Office for Victims of Crime, the sheriffs office said.

Officials did not immediately release further details about the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Redd, and the sheriffs office said no other information would be released because the investigation is ongoing.

The San Juan County Sheriffs Office and County Attorney are dedicated to enforcing the laws, especially in the protection of societys most vulnerable, against all perpetrators, regardless of employment or social status, the release said.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2024) - Flying Nickel Mining Corp. (TSXV: FLYN) (OTCQB: FLYNF) ("Flying Nickel") and Norway House Cree Nation ("NHCN") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a binding letter of intent dated July 21, 2024 (the "Agreement") pursuant to which Flying Nickel proposes to sell its Minago Nickel project and its related assets and undertaking located in the Thompson Nickel Belt of Manitoba, Canada (the "Minago Assets") to NHCN (the "Proposed Transaction").

In consideration for the Minago Assets, at the closing of the Proposed Transaction, NHCN shall surrender all of the common shares in the capital of Flying Nickel ("Flying Nickel Shares") held by NHCN immediately prior to closing of the Proposed Transaction. Total consideration will either be payment of (i) $7.3 million in cash and surrender of 31,015,206 (35.2%) of Flying Nickel Shares, or (ii) $8 million in cash and surrender of 17,561,862 (19.9%) of Flying Nickel Shares.

Blackstone, Sparta and NHCN (the "Shareholders") will support Flying Nickel's management at the annual general and special meeting of Flying Nickel currently scheduled to take place on July 23, 2024 (the "July 23 Meeting"), including voting in favor of the proposed plan of arrangement pursuant to which Flying Nickel would acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nevada Vanadium Mining Corp. (the "NV Merger"), and the four board nominees proposed by Flying Nickel (the "Flying Nickel Slate"). The alternative slate of directors proposed by the Shareholders has been withdrawn.

Norway House Cree Nations currently holds 17,561,862 (19.9%) Flying Nickel Shares, and collectively Blackstone Minerals Limited ("Blackstone") and Sparta AG ("Sparta") hold 13,453,344 (15.3%) Flying Nickel Shares.

The Shareholders acknowledge that some shareholders of Flying Nickel may have submitted a form of proxy or voting information form naming "Michael Ly" or "Jamie Kagan" (the "Proxyholders") with the intention to cast their shares based on the Shareholders' press release dated June 27, 2024. The Proxyholders have the discretion to cast those votes as they deem fit, and have determined that any shares represented by form of proxy or voting information form submitted that named the Proxyholders, other than forms of proxy and voting information forms submitted by the Shareholders, will not be voted at the July 23 Meeting.

Story continues

Flying Nickel has agreed to waive the proxy voting deadline and receive completed proxies at any time prior to 10:00 a.m. on July 23, 2024.

Information Regarding the Proposed Transaction

Pursuant to the Agreement, Flying Nickel and NHCN have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a definite transaction agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction by August 20, 2024 (the "Definitive Agreement"). At present and assuming execution of the Definitive Agreement, the Proposed Transaction is expected to be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and will be subject to the approval of the shareholders of Flying Nickel, the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Agreement is subject to termination in certain instances, including if NHCN is not satisfied with their due diligence investigations.

The Proposed Transaction will be subject to approval at a special meeting of Flying Nickel shareholders to be held at a date and location to be determined (the "Flying Nickel Meeting") by at least a majority of the votes cast on the resolution to approve the Proposed Transaction by the minority Flying Nickel shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Flying Nickel Meeting. The minority shareholders are defined by securities legislation and, among others, is expected to exclude NHCN.

All of NHCN's shares will be excluded from voting on the Proposed Transaction. Blackstone and Sparta have executed voting support agreements in connection with the Proposed Transaction. It is expected that each of Oracle Commodity Holding Corp. and the directors and officers of Flying Nickel (together, the "Supporting Shareholders"), which currently own approximately 11.0% of the issued and outstanding Flying Nickel Shares on a non-diluted basis will execute voting support agreements in connection with the Proposed Transaction. The Supporting Shareholders are expected to own approximately 31.9% of the issued and outstanding Flying Nickel Shares on a non-diluted basis following the completion of the NV Merger.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to customary conditions as set out in the Definitive Agreement, including the board of directors of Flying Nickel obtaining a customary fairness opinion in respect of the Proposed Transaction and receipt of all necessary court and regulatory approvals. The Definitive Agreement shall include customary representations and warranties of each party.

Full details of the Proposed Transaction will be included in the meeting materials with respect to the Flying Nickel Meeting.

No finder's fee is expected to be paid by either Flying Nickel or NHCN to any party in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

Related Party Transaction

The Proposed Transaction is expected to constitute a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and is not expected to constitute an Arm's Length Transaction as defined in the policies of the TSXV for Flying Nickel, due to the shareholding of NHCN as described herein. Flying Nickel is exempt from the formal valuation requirement pursuant to section 4.4(a) of MI 61-101 as an issuer not listed on a specified market.

Early Warning Report Matters

This press release is being issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which requires a report to be filed under Flying Nickel's profile on SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca containing additional information respecting the foregoing matters. To receive a copy of the report filed in respect of the above matters, please contact Jamie Kagan at jk@tdslaw.com.

About Flying Nickel Mining Corp.

Flying Nickel Mining Corp. is a premier nickel sulphide mining and exploration company. Flying Nickel is advancing its 100% owned Minago Nickel project in the Thompson nickel belt in Manitoba, Canada.

Further information on Flying Nickel can be found at www.flynickel.com.

ABOUT NHCN

Norway House Cree Nation is a dynamic First Nation community in northern Manitoba, with 8,700 members and significant population growth. Strategically located, 800 Km north of Winnipeg at the top of Lake Winnipeg, NHCN serves as an economic hub for neighbouring communities. It has a progressive Leadership that is focused on education, economic development and employment. It has been working with the Province of Manitoba and other First Nations to move the Minago Project forward.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

FLYING NICKEL MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

John Lee

Chief Executive Officer

For more information about Flying Nickel, please contact:

Suite 1610 - 409 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2

Phone: 1.877.664.2535 / 1.877.6NICKEL

Email: info@flynickel.com

Norway House Cree Nation

P.O. Box 250, Norway House

Manitoba, R0B 1B0

Telephone: (204) 934-2309

Attention: Jamie Kagan

Email: jk@tdslaw.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements and Cautionary Disclaimers

References to $ herein refer to the lawful currency of Canada and references to US$ herein refer to the lawful currency of the United States.

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, execution of a Definitive Agreement, completion of due diligence by NHCN, TSXV acceptance, court and disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained.

There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Flying Nickel should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Proposed Transaction, Flying Nickel's transaction with Nevada Vanadium, the number of Flying Nickel Shares owned and expected to be owned by certain parties who are executing voting support agreements, the composition of consideration for the Proposed Transaction, the terms of the Proposed Transaction and the execution of a Definitive Agreement, and the ability of Flying Nickel to obtain the requisite TSXV, shareholder, court and other approvals in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Flying Nickel, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur, including, without limitation, that all conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction will be met and the realization of the anticipated benefits derived therefrom for shareholders of Flying Nickel and perception of (i) the quality and the potential of Flying Nickel's assets, (ii) the consideration offered to Flying Nickel, and (iii) the potential of Flying Nickel's business following completion of the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of Flying Nickel 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 Flying Nickel, there is no assurance they will prove to be correct and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in market conditions; cash flow and availability of financing; the ability of Flying Nickel to obtain the requisite court, shareholder, TSXV and other third party approvals; exercise of any dissent rights, trades in the market, issuances of securities or exercises of convertible securities and other factors that could alter the share capital of Flying Nickel or other parties; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for metals; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates; the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Flying Nickel's most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Flying Nickel cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements contained herein should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Flying Nickel believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Flying Nickel 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. Flying Nickel undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Further, Flying Nickel may make changes to its business plans that could affect results.

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/217287
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is keeping political watchers wondering about his next move as he shows no signs of dropping out despite mediocre polls and a minimal chance of winning.

On Sunday, in the hours after President Biden announced he was dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, Kennedy reiterated that he saw a path to victory for his third-party presidential bid.

Kennedy continues to puzzle both Democrats and Republicans, who worry how his presence will impact an already tumultuous presidential election, which has already been rocked by the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and Bidens decision to drop out.

Its not entirely clear how Kennedy would impact the race between Trump and Harris, should the vice president officially become the Democratic nominee. A polling average from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ shows Trump leading Harris by 6 points, 43 percent to 37 percent, in a three-way matchup that includes Kennedy. The independent candidate, meanwhile, garners 6 percent.

But that average only looks at a total of six polls, meaning its not a clear indicator of where a three-way race stands.

The air of uncertainty hovering over Kennedys bid has put Trump on notice. Last week, a leaked phone call confirmed that Trump spoke with Kennedy and asked for his endorsement  the latest indication of the influence the former Democrat wields in the race despite being a longshot.

It does seem like hes trying to keep his options open, said a former senior Trump campaign official last week about Kennedys conversation with the 45th president, which occurred as the Republican National Convention was in full swing in Milwaukee.

Trump and Kennedy have kept close tabs on each other throughout the cycle. Trumps endorsement request suggests he not only sees Kennedy as a potential asset, but that he also might have some concerns that the environmental lawyer could draw support away from the former president.

I would love you to do something, Trump said. I think itll be so good for you and so big for you.

Were gonna win, Trump added to Kennedy, who offered a cool, one word, yeah, in response.

Trumps sentiment was bolstered by his son, Donald Trump Jr., in a sit-down with Axios Mike Allen.

Maybe theres a great place for him somewhere in an administration, Trump Jr. said.

An assortment of Republicans and Kennedy supporters are warming to the idea of having him nearby as Trump works to reclaim the West Wing. They hope Kennedy might embrace an if you cant beat em join em mentality  but that appears to be just wish-casting for now.

Kennedy in his comments on Sunday criticized Trump as well as Democrats, accusing the former president of sowing discord in the U.S. His remarks suggest the independent candidate, at least for now, has no intention of dropping out.

Still, some Kennedy allies have expressed approval about the lines of communication between him and Trump.

One source close to Kennedys campaign last week said they were very happy and excited to see the two candidates speak one-on-one.

Theres a large segment of the electorate that was rooting for them to team up for a unity ticket of sorts, the pro-Kennedy source said, who was granted anonymity to speak freely about the possible ways Kennedy could contribute.

The call, which was leaked on X, was an apparent attempt by Trump to broaden his support with independents, with which Kennedy has regularly performed decently in polls. An expanded coalition could come in handy against so many unknown scenarios, including how Harris or another Democrat at the top of the ticket could roil the election.

While the leaked call was a blip in an intense news cycle for Trump, it created a bigger splash for Kennedy, who is still angling for the nomination despite having yet to secure ballot access for more than 20 states, according to his campaigns public tracker.

Kennedy for his part said he was mortified the call came out.

When President Trump called me I was taping with an in-house videographer, Kennedy wrote in a social media post, verifying the call as legitimate and not doctored. I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately.

Kennedys allies, some of whom are pleased with the idea of a Trump team-up, were upset about the leak more so than the content.

I was also horrified that a private high-level conversation of that caliber was both filmed, then leaked, the source close to his campaign said. Bobby did the right thing by apologizing and owning it.

Tony Lysons, who runs the American Values super PAC supporting Kennedys third-party bid, suggested that he would accept some type of role within Trumps orbit if hes re-elected in November.

I know that in his heart what he wants to do is fight for the American people, Lyons said, adding, If he can serve in some other way, Im confident he would do it.

While theres mutual intrigue between Kennedy and Trump figures, Democrats see him as an active threat to their already fraught bid to keep the White House. Strategists pointed to the call  which featured anti-vax conspiracy theories  as another sign that the 70-year-old attorney is closer to Republicans.

The candidates discussion was mostly about vaccines. Kennedy is famously skeptical of the science around some of the most prominent shots, including to prevent diseases in children and the COVID-19 vaccine. Trump seemed to agree with Kennedys rhetoric in their talk.

The video is crystal-clear evidence of what many of us [have] been saying for sometime, Kennedys campaign is not independent, it is just a stalking horse to help Trump win, said Doug Gordon, a veteran political operative and founder of UpShift Strategies.

It is not a coincidence that the same big money donors funding the Trump campaign are also funding the Kennedy campaign, Gordon said.

Speculation is now mounting about what role Kennedy could play if Trump were to reclaim the White House

If Kennedy helps Trump win, it is safe to assume he will get rewarded with a position in a Trump Administration, Gordon said.

Democrats largely responded unenthusiastically to the clip, suggesting its more of the same GOP-friendly posturing Kennedy has conducted throughout the cycle, including when he was running against Biden in the Democratic primary earlier this cycle.

RFK [Jr.s] base is the same as Trumps so a call between him and the former president leveraging a potential position in the campaign or a would be admin isnt a novel idea, said Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist.

RFK Jr. showed who he was a while ago and hes made in MAGA image, Cross added. Trump values loyalty and wants loyalists close to him. That tells everyone all they need to know.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Robert F Kennedy Jr is running for the presidency as an independent, but he has reportedly discussed ending his campaign and endorsing his Republican rival Donald Trump in exchange for a job in his administration.

Kennedy recently spoke with Trump to discuss the possibility of dropping out of the race and throwing his support to the former president, according to The Washington Post, citing four people familiar with the talks.

Trump called Kennedy in the hours after Trump was nearly killed in an apparent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, and he floated the possibility of a cabinet-level position or other senior role charged with health and medical issues, according to The Post.

No deal was made, and Trumps team was reportedly concerned about the optics of a quid pro quo.

Kennedy and Trump have not denied that they spoke but neither campaigns have confirmed any job offers were laid on the table.

Kennedy and Trump also made plans to meet in Milwaukee during last weeks Republican National Convention, according to The Post.

In a leaked video clip of a portion of a call between Trump and Kennedy circulated on social media last week, Trump can be heard detailing the shooting and echoing vaccine conspiracy theories that have reverberated around Kennedys campaign and political career. Trump also said working with him would be big.

Anyway, I would love for you to serve, Trump tells Kennedy on the call. I think it would be so good for you and so big for you. And were gonna win  were gonna win  were way ahead of the guy.

Robert F Kennedy Jr reportedly offered his endorsement in exchange for job in the Trump administration. (AP)

Kennedy later said he was mortified that the clip was leaked.

When President Trump called me I was taping with an in-house videographer, he wrote on X. I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately. I am mortified that this was posted. I apologize to the president.

Kennedy told The Post on Monday that he is willing to talk to anybody from either political party who wants to talk about childrens health and how to end the chronic disease epidemic, and that he found Trump more open to those discussions than the Democratic National Committee.

I have a lot of respect for President Trump for reaching out to me, he told the newspaper. Nobody from the DNC, high or low, has ever reached out to me in 18 months. Instead they have allocated millions to try to disrupt my campaign.

Hours after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign Sunday, Kennedy held a 30-minute press conference to argue that Biden and the likely Democratic nominee Kamala Harris are indistinguishable, and that a cabal will ultimately select the partys candidate.

This is the swamp. These are swamp creatures, he said in remarks from Massachusette. And his pick as vice president is a salute to the CIA, to the intelligence community and to the military industrial complex.

The Independent has requested comment from the Kennedy and Trump campaigns.
RIDOT wants to know why no one filed a bid to rebuild Washington Bridge

Interstate-195 westbound traffic slows in the converted lane on the eastbound side of the Washington Bridge at 5:19 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera)

State transportation officials hit two milestones last week in the continuing saga that is the replacement of the westbound Washington Bridge. They are scheduled to hit another one Monday afternoon when Gov. Dan McKees administration will likely get the OK to borrow $140 million to help cover project costs.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) on Friday issued a request for information on rebuilding the bridge connecting East Providence and Providence via Interstate 195. The solicitation aims to collect feedback from construction firms that declined to respond when the state put the contract to replace the bridge out to bid between late April and early July.

This new solicitation came three days after RIDOT officially awarded Warwick-based Aetna Bridge Co a $45.8 million contract to demolish the shuttered highway over the Seekonk River, a process that wont likely start until September.

The western side of the Washington Bridge was abruptly closed last December after engineers discovered broken anchor rods that put the westbound section highway at risk of collapse. At the time, the state said the span carried approximately 96,000 vehicles a day.

RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said the information gathered from this latest search process will inform the next request for proposals, or RFP. Firms who want to share their thoughts on the bridge reconstruction must submit them by noon, Friday, Aug. 2.

What was so wrong with the last RFP?

RIDOT had contacted 2,100 construction companies in its initial RFP, with 67 viewing the solicitation and only one asking questions ahead of the July 3 bid deadline. The unnamed vendor asked RIDOT to shorten the timeframe to review designs and wanted the state to confirm whether the design-build team would be allowed a time extension in the event of a delay.

RIDOTs request for information suggests that department officials understand their original RFP was too aggressive in scope. Questions include:

What aspects of the proposal did you find most attractive?

Was the time provided in the RFP for the various procurement milestones a significant consideration in your decision not to bid?

Was the time provided in the RFP for construction completion a significant consideration in your decision not to bid?

Were any items included within the scope of work or base technical concept for the project considered to be too high risk?

RIDOT said it will make the names of vendors submitting responses public but not the content of their responses.

The state had set a completion date of August 2026 in its initial request for proposals with $10 million in incentives based on per-day rates ranging between $5,000 to $7,000 to get the job done as quickly as possible. Potential contractors faced daily penalties of $30,000 for exceeding the completion date.

State officials have previously declined to say if a new solicitation will impact the timeline and price to reconstruct a new bridge. At a press conference July 9, officials emphasized they anticipate no impact on Aetna Bridge Co.s demolition contract.

The contractor determines the schedule, said RIDOT Communications Director Liz Pettengill. They are using the month of August to mobilize. That means identifying and securing resources, bringing equipment in, a barge must be brought to the site, etc.

An Aetna spokesperson deferred comment on the demolition to RIDOT. The states timeframe called on the demolition to be complete by March 2025. In its proposal, Aetna promised to complete tearing down the western highway by Jan. 29, 2025.

Covering costs

As the procurement process continues, McKees administration is wasting no time in trying to secure funding to cover the final cost. The Rhode Island Commerce Corp.s Access to Capital Committee voted 2-0 Thursday, July 18, to recommend that the full board allow the state to borrow $140 million in Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bonds.

Such a bond allows the state to borrow against future allocation of federal transportation money it receives  which is usually about $350 million a year.

The full Commerce Corp. board is expected to vote on the matter during its meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday. State officials expect to close on the bonds by Aug. 29, said Commerce Corp. spokesperson Matthew Touchette.

The state tapped into such bond money in 2003 to relocate Interstate 195, highway projects following the passage of Rhode Works in 2016, and in 2020 to replace the northbound section of the Providence Viaduct Bridge on Interstate 95.

But the state may not have to tap into all $140 million, depending upon whether it can secure a $221 million U.S. Department of Transportation National Infrastructure Project Assistance discretionary grant.

State officials expect to know whether Rhode Island is awarded the federal money sometime in the fall. Should the state fail to qualify for the MEGA funds, officials previously told Rhode Island Current they would seek around $170 million from the Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. has acknowledged that the original $250 million to $300 million estimated cost of demolishing and replacing the bridge offered back in March was probably too low. McKees office in May then placed the tab at over $400 million. But the final cost of the project will likely be determined after a new request for proposals is issued.

The market will govern what the actual cost is, Alviti said at the July 9 press conference, held at the Department of Administration.

Meanwhile, the independent legal team hired by McKees administration to help build the states case against those at fault for Decembers emergency closure said a lawsuit is likely to be filed early next month.

Rhode Islands commuter crisis caused by the emergency closure of the Washington Bridge is likely a factor in McKees declining popularity. Just 29% of Rhode Islanders approve of the job he is doing in a poll released by the University of New Hampshire Thursday. A June survey by the Pell Center at Salve Regina University had McKees approval rating at 36%.

The New Hampshire poll found that 71% of Rhode Islanders have used the Washington Bridge since the westbound side was closed in December while 46% have used detours to avoid the increased traffic density. Fewer than 30% of those surveyed approved of McKees handling of the westbound bridge closure according to the Pell Center Poll. Nearly six in 10 surveyed thought McKees oversight fell short.

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Road construction this week: What you need to know

The following Ohio Department of Transportation projects could impact your drive this week in Fairfield County:

U.S. Route 33 median improvement - Installation of cable barrier along US 33 in Franklin and Fairfield counties from Gender Road to the emergency turn-around between Hill-Diley and Pickerington Road. Estimated completion is October 2024. Continued impacts: Motorists can expect shoulder closures along U.S. 33 for the installation of cable barriers.

Ohio 159 bridge replacement - This project includes bridge replacement of the Ohio 159 bridge carrying Ohio 159 over Muddy Prairie Run, just north of Pleasant Valley Road. Estimated project completion is October 2024.

Continued impacts: Ohio 159 is closed just north of Pleasant Valley Road SW for approximately 70 days for bridge replacement. Detour: Ohio 159 to Ohio 56 to U.S. 22 to Ohio 159 and reverse.

Tussing Road to close for bridge repair

The Fairfield County Engineers Office is announcing that the following road will be closed for the following dates listed below:

Tussing Road NW (TR 110) will be closed Wednesday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 1, for bridge repairs, weather permitting. This closure will take place on Tussing Road NW between Highland Park Drive and Winderly Lane.

Construction will take place between the addresses of 11030 and 10955 Tussing Road NW.

Meetings

The village of Carroll safety committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the municipal building, 68 Center Street. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss police recruitment, pay, uniforms, benefits, animal ordinances and any other business brought before the committee.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: What you need to know: Road construction this week
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  A Robeson County man convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1975 has been approved for parole, North Carolina officials said on Monday.

Leroy Richardson, 71, is scheduled to be released on July 11, 2027, according to the North Carolina Post Release Supervision & Parole Commission. He is currently housed at the Dan River Prison Work Farm in Caswell County, North Carolina.

Richardson was convicted on May 19, 1975 and sentenced under guidelines that permit his parole.

The states current sentencing law, Structured Sentencing, eliminated parole for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994, the commission said in a news release. However, the Commission has the responsibility of paroling offenders who were sentenced under previous sentencing guidelines.

Richardsons parole is part of a scholastic and vocational program known as the Mutual Agreement Parole Program, also known as MAPP, and involves the commission and the state Division of Prisons.

No information was immediately available about the case in which Richardson was convicted.

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The maker of Robitussin settled a consumer lawsuit that claimed its "non-drowsy" cough and flu medicine causes drowsiness, agreeing to pay $4.5 million and remove the "non-drowsy" claim from its packaging and marketing.

A preliminary settlement with Haleon, which was spun off by GSK in July 2022, was filed on Monday in the White Plains, New York, federal court and requires a judge's approval. Haleon denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

Consumers in the proposed class action claimed that GSK and later Haleon misled them by labeling at least 16 Robitussin products that contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan hydrobromide as non-drowsy.

They cited medical research and a 2017 GSK presentation for their claim, and said the Federal Aviation Administration forbids pilots from flying after taking medicine containing the ingredient.

The named plaintiffs, Nancy Calchi of Bloomingburg, New York, and Stacey Papalia of Ossining, New York, said they would not have bought Robitussin products in reliance on the "non-drowsy" claim had they known the truth.

Haleon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lawyers for the consumers did not immediately respond to similar requests.

The settlement covers Robitussin purchasers from Feb. 16, 2016 to the present.

Payouts may total $1.50 to $4.75 per claim, depending on the number of claims. As much as $2.05 million, or 46% of the settlement, could go toward legal fees and settlement expenses.

A trial judge dismissed the lawsuit in March 2023, prompting an appeal by the consumers. The appeal was put on hold while the parties negotiated a settlement, court papers show.

The cases are Calchi v GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 22-01341; and Papalia v GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC in the same court, No. 22-02630.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
ROCHESTER  Jason Levesque, charged with attempted murder for a shooting on Summer Street, has been denied bail by Judge Anne Edwards.

The judge issued her ruling Monday, following a dramatic bail hearing last week during which shooting victim Kyle Violette, 37, spoke in court from a wheelchair, calling Levesque, 44, a "liar."

Days after the bail hearing, a Strafford County Superior Court grand jury indicted Levesque on charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault, both Class A felonies. The attempted murder charge is a special felony that could bring enhanced penalties.

Jason Levesque, facing charges he shot a Rochester man six times, leaves a bail hearing at Strafford County Superior Court in Dover Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

In Edwards' order denying bail, the judge called Levesque a clear danger to the community and, in particular, to Violette.

Levesque has been incarcerated since his arrest April 8, four days after the shooting during a dispute between the neighbors over snow plowing on Summer Street in Rochester, according to police and prosecutors.

Violette was severely injured, and the shooting was captured on multiple videos. Violette appeared in court earlier last week, as defense attorney Mark Sisti requested bail for Levesque, claiming his client's actions were in self-defense and calling Violette the aggressor.

Reached by phone, Sisti said Monday a plea of not guilty will be entered for both indictment charges.

"We made it very clear at the bail hearing that we will be asserting self-defense, of himself and another," Sisti said. "It is clear to us that the alleged victim's words were more than provocative, they were a threat to him and to his daughter."

Assistant County Attorney Sarah Deitelhof argued against granting bail and countered claims Levesque was protecting his daughter.

Edwards wrote in part, "Defendant has every right to assert his right of self-defense of himself and his daughter. However, as the Court observed in the video, in making a decision on bail, the Court finds that defendants actions of shooting the complaining witness in the back and then continuing to shoot him while he was on the ground are clear and convincing evidence that defendant is dangerous to the complaining witness. As a result, defendant shall continue to be held on preventative detention and shall have no contact with Kyle Violette or his family."

"I'm so relieved bail was denied not only for my family, but for other families out there," said Cyndi Glenn, Violette's mother. "He is definitely a danger to society. And I wouldn't want to see any family suffer the way mine has. I feel bad that his family has to deal with this. It's a heart-breaking thing for both families. I just want justice served for Jason's actions."

A trial date had not been scheduled as of Monday morning.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rochester shooting suspect Jason Levesque denied bail
The Rock Island Fire Department is promoting more staff members. The department has promoted Captain Jon Briggs to the position of fire marshal; Lieutenant Brandon Baker to the rank of captain; and Firefighter Justin Welvaert to the rank of lieutenant as of Monday, July 22.

Fire Marshal Jonathan Briggs (Rock Island Fire Department)

Briggs began his career with the Rock Island Fire Department in 2000. His dedication and service led to his promotion to lieutenant in 2008, and to captain in 2018. He was honored with the Firefighter of the Year award from the Knights of Columbus in 2009. Briggs specializes as a fire investigator and hazardous materials technician. He has been part of developing and leading the departments drone program and improving operational capabilities. He earned a bachelors degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University. We are incredibly proud of Fire Marshal Briggs and his accomplishments, said Fire Chief Bob Graff. His expertise, leadership and dedication to the Rock Island community make him an outstanding choice for the role of fire marshal. We look forward to his continued contributions in this new capacity.

Lt. Brandon Baker (Rock Island Fire Department)

Captain Brandon Baker joined the Rock Island Fire Department in 2007 and he was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Knights of Columbus in 2016. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019. Baker has worked on the Foreign Fire Tax Board for over 10 years. He has been a vital part of the research, testing and application of the departments equipment, apparatus and operational policies to ensure the department is at the forefront of firefighting technology and practices. He is a State Fire Academy instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and a technical rescue technician with the regional response team. Lt. Bakers promotion to captain is a testament to his hard work, dedication and leadership, said Fire Chief Bob Graff. He has been an instrumental part of our team, and we are confident he will continue to excel in his new role as captain.

Lt. Justin Welvaert (Rock Island Fire Department)

Justin Welvaert has been with the department since 2006. He is certified as a Firefighter III, Fire Instructor 1 and Fire Officer 1 and is a deployable member of the regional Hazardous Materials Team. He is working toward joining the departments newly formed Drone Team. His dedication to the Muscular Dystrophy Associations (MDA) Fill the Boot event has helped raise money and awareness. Justin Welvaerts promotion to Lieutenant is a testament to his hard work, dedication and leadership within our department, said Fire Chief Bob Graff. His expertise and commitment to our community make him an invaluable asset to the Rock Island Fire Department and we are confident he will continue to excel in his new role.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

Lake Piru victim named

Lake Piru in 2023. A man who died when he apparently had a medical emergency while swimming on July 13 has been identified.

The man who died after suffering an apparent medical emergency while swimming in Lake Piru on July 13 has been identified by authorities.

Henry Rodriguez of Charlotte, North Carolina, was 50, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office.

The cause and manner of death were finalized on Sept. 9. The medical examiner determined the cause was drowning with other significant conditions as myocardial bridging (intramural coronary artery) and mild obesity, the agency reported. The manner was ruled accidental.

The incident was reported shortly after 4 p.m. on a Saturday. Callers told authorities Rodriguez was having difficulty swimming after experiencing a medical emergency and was seen submerged in the water, Ventura County Sheriff's officials said.

An off-duty captain from the Oxnard Fire Department was at the lake and helped with the response. The man was pulled from the water and life-saving measures were performed. He was flown by helicopter to Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

Santa Paula man convicted of 12 firearm crimes

A Santa Paula man was convicted last week of a dozen felony counts of unlawful possession of guns and ammunition.

Jurors convicted 38-year-old Refugio Cortez July 17 at the end of a trial in Ventura County Superior Court in Ventura.

They found him guilty of gun crimes related to his previous felony record, the court docket shows.

He was convicted of owning, possessing or controlling a firearm by a felon and one count of being prohibited from possessing ammunition. He was found not guilty of one misdemeanor count of identity theft.

Almost seven months ago, sheriffs detectives reportedly served a search warrant at a home in Santa Paula, where Cortez allegedly kept items in a shed on the property. Detectives found 12 firearms, according to a statement from the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.

The weapons were identified as six rifles, including an AK-47, which is described as a Soviet assault rifle, and six handguns.

Detectives also located several rounds of ammunition, according to the DA's office.

Cortez has a 2015 felony conviction for driving under the influence with a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing firearms, prosecutors said.

Cortez is scheduled to be sentenced at 9 a.m. Sept. 4 in Ventura County Superior Court. He remained in custody Sunday at the Todd Road Jail outside Santa Paula. He is not eligible for release.

Partial shutdown of Hwy. 33 starts Monday for repair of potholes

Road closures will start this week for a portion of southbound Highway 33 outside Ojai so crews can repair potholes, state transportation officials announced.

The closures are planned from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday of this upcoming week between Santa Ana Boulevard in Oak View and Sulphur Mountain Road in Casitas Springs.

One southbound lane is scheduled to be open to traffic with flags directing motorists at the location of work.

Pothole repair will continue for the next several weeks, starting with the southbound lanes and then moving to the northbound lanes, according to the state Department of Transportation.

These items may be updated.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Lake Piru victim identified, gun convictions reached, more
Route 125 crash in Epping: One person killed, another injured in head-on collision

EPPING  One person was killed in a head-on collision on Route 125 near the Pondside Motel, according to Epping police.

Epping Police Lt. Stephen Soares said police responded to Route 125 at 1 a.m. Sunday after receiving a report of a head-on motor vehicle crash with serious injuries.

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Nissan Frontier, driven by Amanda Wager, 31, of New Boston, was traveling southbound on Route 125 when her vehicle crossed into the northbound land, crashing into a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.

One person was killed in a head-on collision on Route 125 near the Pondside Motel, according to Epping police.

Wager was pronounced dead on the scene.

The driver of Subaru, Jacob Wallingford, 24 of Rochester, was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the crash remains under investigation. They said it is unknown if alcohol and speed played a factor in the accident.

Epping police were assisted by the Epping Fire Department, New Hampshire State Police, and police and firefighters from Brentwood and Lee.

The Epping Police Department is asking anyone with information about the accident to call Epping police Lt. Stephen Soares at 603-679-5122 or s.soares@eppingnh.gov.

More: Hampton woman faces charges for firing gun at neighbor's front door

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Route 125 crash in Epping: Woman killed in head-on collision
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Gamuda Berhad is RM6.15 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Gamuda Berhad's RM8.20 share price signals that it might be 33% overvalued

The RM7.80 analyst price target for GAMUDA is 27% more than our estimate of fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Gamuda Berhad (KLSE:GAMUDA) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Gamuda Berhad

Is Gamuda Berhad Fairly Valued?

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM827.7m RM1.03b RM1.19b RM1.34b RM1.46b RM1.57b RM1.67b RM1.76b RM1.85b RM1.93b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ 15.38% Est @ 11.83% Est @ 9.35% Est @ 7.61% Est @ 6.39% Est @ 5.54% Est @ 4.94% Est @ 4.52% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 11% RM745 RM837 RM869 RM874 RM860 RM832 RM796 RM756 RM713 RM671

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM8.0b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 11%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM1.9b (1 + 3.6%)  (11% 3.6%) = RM26b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM26b ( 1 + 11%)10= RM9.1b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM17b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM8.2, the company appears reasonably expensive at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Gamuda Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.201. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Gamuda Berhad

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Construction industry.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Construction market.

Shareholders have been diluted in the past year.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value lower than the current share price? For Gamuda Berhad, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should further research:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Gamuda Berhad , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does GAMUDA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Who is in the running to be Harriss vice-presidential candidate?

Democrats are hunting for the perfect candidate bring in the voters Kamala Harris cannot

As Democrat strategists cast around for a new vice-presidential candidate, they will be asking one question: Who can bring with them the most electoral college votes?

Kamala Harris is a female Asian-Jamaican Californian liberal. The calculation in Democrat circles will be that she can appeal to women, minorities, and coastal liberals, but Californian progressives do not always go down well in the Rust Belt.

That means her pick for vice-president may have to be something else  someone who can speak to fly-over America without raising hackles. That, after all, was one of Joe Bidens strengths.

Put bluntly, that means a man. Probably a white one, and preferably one from a red or swing state.

Such individuals dominate the list of names already circulating.

Josh Shapiro, the 51-year-old Pennsylvania governor, is one. From a battleground state that the Democrats took in 2020 and desperately need to hold in November, he is seen as a sensible, moderate Democrat with a record of effective government (his motto is get s--- done).

Hes also a rising star in the Democratic party with a not-insignificant national profile. Mr Shapiro has already endorsed Ms Harris. If she picks him as a running mate and they win, he would be only the second Jewish vice-president in American history (and the first called Josh).

Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, was mentioned in the past as a possible replacement for Mr Biden, largely because he is a Democrat who has twice won governorship of the reliably red state of Kentucky since 2019.

There are doubts about whether local popularity could be replicated outside the state: He is after all from Kentucky political royalty (his father was also governor). But he is a political moderate, which may reassure middle-ground voters, and during Covid and a series of other natural disasters he proved a softly spoken, capable, empathetic leader.

Roy Cooper, 67, has served as North Carolinas governor since 2017 and was previously its attorney general. Like Mr Shapiro he hails from a marginal rather than reliably red state: Donald Trump won North Carolina by less than two percentage points in 2020, and it is on the Democrats hit list for November.

Mark Kelly of Arizona would fit the bill nicely. A former Navy combat pilot and Nasa astronaut who commanded the International Space Station, he has full American Hero bona fides. Mr Kelly, 60, is not only from a purple state, but a border state, giving him a great deal of authority to talk about immigration.

Such credibility would be valuable: Ms Harriss most embarrassing gaffe as vice-president was related to a failure to visit the border and dismissive remarks about the gravity of the crisis there. But theres a political calculation here: can the Democrats risk losing Mr Kellys seat in the Senate?

Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan is another popular mid-Western governor who presides over a swing state the Democrats will have to hold on to if they are to win the election.

However, as a liberal woman, Ms Whitmer is perhaps too similar to Ms Harris herself in the eyes of voters.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, is the only black man whose name frequently comes up as a possible vice-president to Ms Harris. At 45, hes relatively young but gained a national profile  and credibility  through his capable handling of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore in March.

Hes also a best-selling author, combat veteran and a chief executive. Alongside Ms Whitmer and Mr Shapiro, Mr Moore outperformed Ms Harris versus Trump in a survey by the Democrat polling company, Blue Labs analytics. Maryland is no longer considered much of a swing-state  it last voted for a Republican candidate in 1988  so he might not offer the critical votes of some other candidates.

Pete Buttigieg, Mr Bidens secretary of transportation, does not bring a state with him, but he is another rising star in the party, and a confident public speaker (one of Ms Harriss weaknesses is her propensity for unfortunate gaffes in interviews).

He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in 2020. At 42, he is even younger than Mr Moore. He has endorsed Ms Harris for the nomination.

Jay Robert (JB) Pritzker, the 59-year-old Illinois governor, is one of several people on this list seen as a potential presidential candidate in their own right. Thats partly a question of money: he is a billionaire (his family started the Hyatt hotel empire) and can self-fund a campaign.

Mr Pitzker has a record of ferocious attacks on Trump, clashing with him first over supplies of protective equipment during the Covid pandemic. Like most prominent Democrats, he insisted that he was behind Mr Biden until the president pulled out of the race on Sunday. Unlike many others, he has not yet endorsed Ms Harris. When asked about his own presidential ambitions a few weeks ago, he declined to speculate on hypotheticals  a classic non-denial.

Hes white man from the Midwest. He is not, however, able to paint a battleground state blue: Illinois is one of the most reliably democratic states in the Union.

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Who is running for president in 2024? A look at the candidates still in the race

The 2024 presidential election took a turn on Sunday after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his potential successor atop the ticket for the Democratic Party.

Biden, 81, who faced increased pressure to leave the race after he appeared disoriented at a televised debate with Trump last month, passed the torch to Harris, who soon announced her bid for the party's nomination. Behind the scenes, the Biden campaign machine switched gears to benefit the vice president.

Harris is expected to be in Delaware Monday, according to U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. Harris is expected to arrive in New Castle County Monday afternoon, where she will meet with members of the Delaware delegation and go to Biden's campaign headquarters in Wilmington, which is expected to transition to hers as she mounts her presidential campaign.

Here's what to know about who is running for president in the 2024 election.

Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican Party's nomination on the final day of the Republican National Convention last Thursday in Milwaukee.

Trump, in his first public remarks since narrowly escaping a would-be assassin's bullet, described in a hushed and somber voice being hit in the ear, ducking for cover, finding his hand drenched with blood and then raising his fist in the air  an effort, he said, to reassure the supporters at the Pennsylvania rally that he was alright.

"I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God," he told the crowd at the Republican National Convention, calling for national unity.

Kamala Harris

Harris is now the presumptive favorite to earn the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

On Sunday, after Biden called to tell her he was ending his reelection campaign, Harris whipped up a statement and placed calls to lawmakers, governors, civil rights leaders and union bosses, thanking them for their endorsements and telling them how she planned to earn the presidential nomination.

Harris would ultimately make more than 100 calls over the next 10 hours, speaking to Biden multiple times as she took the reins of the flailing 2024 presidential campaign.

Inside KamalaHQ: How Harris quickly began plotting campaign after Biden's shocking exit

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an independent candidate for president.

Kennedy held a news conference in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts after Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race Sunday afternoon.

"I'm the only candidate who can beat President Trump," Kennedy said on X Sunday.

Im the only candidate who can beat President Trump.



DONATE NOW  https://t.co/XR0u87o6Go pic.twitter.com/ASeoecu54z  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 21, 2024

Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential election.

Williamson's website says she is a "bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader" and has authored 16 books, four of which have been No. 1 New York Times bestsellers.

In a statement posted on social media Sunday, Williamson said she called for Biden to "step down from his renomination bid the day after the Trump-Biden debate" on June 27.

"There is nothing we have seen since that night that wasnt on full view in the debate. Effective crisis management would have called for all those who are calling for him to step down now, to do so immediately - when I did," the statement reads.

Lets be very clear...



I called for the President to step down from his renomination bid the day after the Trump-Biden debate. There is nothing we have seen since that night that wasnt on full view in the debate. Effective crisis management would have called for all those who  Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) July 21, 2024

Jill Stein

Jill Stein announced in November 2023 that she would be seeking the Green Party's nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

Stein, 74, is a physician and environmental activist who previously ran for president in 2012 and 2016. In a video announcing her campaign, Stein said she wants to offer voters a choice "outside of the failed two-party system."

Cornel West

Cornel West launched his bid for the White House in June 2023 under the People's Party, but has since announced he is running as an independent.

West, 71, is a longtime philosopher, activist and author who has served as a professor at Harvard University, Yale University and other institutions.

Chase Oliver

Chase Oliver, a Libertarian, won his party's nomination in May.

The 38-year-old describes himself as "armed and gay" and previously ran for the Senate in Georgia in 2022, receiving about 2% of the vote.

Contributing: USA TODAY staff

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is running for president in 2024? Candidates still in the race
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WBTW)  U.S. Rep. Russell Fry on Monday slammed Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle over security breaches at former President Donald Trumps Pennsylvania rally on July 13.

Heres the frustration that people have. The buck stops with you. Youve said that yourself. But the problem here in Washington, D.C. is that its the only town in America that you can be so bad at your job that you can get a promotion or dont get fired, the 7th District Republican said during a House Oversight Committee meeting.

Fry joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers asking Cheatle to resign, faulting her for a massive safety failure that allowed 20-year-old Matthew Crooks to shoot Trump despite being confronted by law enforcement minutes before pulling the trigger.

In the nine days since Trumps attempted assassination, Cheatles agency has yet to offer a motive or other details about the investigation  exhuasting Fry, who became visibly angry during his questioning.

I think there are laypeople out there with more knowledge of the timeline than you seem to come before a subpoena in front of Congress (with), Fry said.

Cheatle told Fry the incident remains an active investigation, and her agency works closely with other federal and local law enforcement officials.

We ensure that we have counterparts in the security room  so that we have interoperability in communications, she said.

Fry pointed to a May 2023 incident when an intruder entered National Security Adviser Jake Sullivans home and the removal in April of a member of Vice President Kamala Harris detail.

There seems to be a repeated theme here, Fry said. Youve got protectees and youre not upholding your core mission.

Fry said the agencys slow response and history of bungled security details should cost Cheatle her job.

The American people are incredibly distrustful, because it has taken nine days to get a scintilla of evidence out of you, he said. I echo the bipartisan calls of his committee and all across the country that you should resign, or maybe when the president wakes up from his nap, he can fire you.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Russia accuses Kamala Harris of 'unfriendly rhetoric'  here's what she actually said

As U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris moved closer to securing the Democratic Party nomination, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made clear that Russia was paying attention.

"So far, her contribution to our bilateral relations has not been noticed," said Peskov, only to later notice the vice president's "unfriendly" remarks.

"There were statements that were replete with rhetoric quite unfriendly towards our country," he said.

While Peskov didn't specify exactly which comments from Harris he was referring to, she has been outspoken over Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on several occasions.

'Gruesome and cruel'

In February 2023, Harris described Russia as "horrendous," "gruesome," and "cruel," while announcing that the U.S. had determined that the Kremlin had committed war crimes in Ukraine.

"In the case of Russia's actions in Ukraine, we have examined the evidence, we know the legal standards, and there is no doubt: These are crimes against humanity," she said.

"First, from the starting days of this unprovoked war, we have witnessed Russian forces engage in horrendous atrocities and war crimes."

Harris then went on to list the acts committed by Russia, all of which are backed up by extensive evidence.

"Russian forces have pursued a widespread and systemic attack against a civilian population  gruesome acts of murder, torture, rape, and deportation. Execution-style killings, beating and electrocution," she said.

"Russian authorities have forcibly deported hundreds of thousands of people from Ukraine to Russia, including children. They have cruelly separated children from their families."

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for several Russians, most notably President Vladimir Putin himself last year, for the forced deportations of more than 19,000 Ukrainian children to Russia.

More recently, the (ICC) announced on June 25 that it had issued arrest warrants for Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council, and General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff, for war crimes against Ukraine.

'Unprovoked'

A day after the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Harris, in a post on social media, described it as "unprovoked" and "unjustified."

All eyes around our country and the world are on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.



I want to be clear that this is a war of choice. It is unprovoked, it is unwarranted, and it is unjustified.  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) February 25, 2022

While Russia initially claimed the invasion was launched to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine, and was provoked by "NATO expansion" as the war dragged on, even Putin has admitted otherwise.

In a speech in June 2022, he said it was an imperial war to "return" Ukraine, which he described as Russian land.

'A failure'

In February of this year, Harris described the full-scale invasion of Ukraine as an "utter failure."

Putins war in Ukraine has been an utter failure for Russia.



The world has come together, with U.S. leadership, to defend the basic principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to stop an imperialist authoritarian from subjugating a free and democratic people.  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) February 17, 2024

By the Kremlin's own standards this is an accurate assessment. Just days after the invasion began, Russian state media accidentally revealed Putin's goals and expected timeframe of victory.

In an article that was quickly deleted, several news agencies lauded Putin for Russia's swift victory, solving "the Ukraine problem," and declaring that "Ukraine has returned to Russia."

As Russia continues its brutal aggression against the people of Ukraine, we are committed to help Ukraine rebuild. Today in Switzerland, I announced $1.5 billion to help Ukraines energy system, humanitarian needs, and civilian security.  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 15, 2024

'Brutal'

Just last month, Harris described Russian aggression against Ukraine as "brutal."

In the 17 months since she described it as "gruesome" and "cruel," Russia's actions in Ukraine have only continued, and more and more cases of brutal behavior have occurred.

A non-exhaustive list of alleged war crimes include the beheading of Ukrainian POWs, using civilians as human shields, multiple incidences of targeting rescue workers with double-tap strikes, murdering teenagers, continued and escalating aerial attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the bombing of children's hospitals.

Read also: With Biden out, what could a Kamala Harris presidency mean for Ukraine?

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Andrei Klimov, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Federation Council, stated that Russia is prepared to assist Georgia's ruling party, "Georgian Dream," in retaining power if requested.



Klimov made these comments at a Friends of Russia Club meeting in Moscow, according to Georgian TV channel TV Pirveli.

He compared the situation to Syria, using Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as an example to illustrate that those who seek Russia's help receive military assistance. Russia intervened in Syria in September 2015 to support Bashar al-Assad's government against numerous internal opposition groups.

Russian forces operating in Syria have been accused by the U.N. and other organizations of committing war crimes in the country, including bombing hospitals and using "double-tap" attacks, a tactic Russia has repeated in Ukraine.

Russia has historically used its "assistance" and "protection" initiatives to expand the country's geopolitical influence and colonial efforts in various regions.

Klimovs comments come amid a recent survey revealing that most Georgians view Russia as their main enemy, with this sentiment growing as Georgian Dream appears to be aligning more closely with Moscow, including plans to restore diplomatic relations.



The survey was conducted when the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the foreign agents law, which requires organizations that receive foreign funding to be labeled as "foreign agents" and mirrors repressive Russian legislation used to crack down on Kremlin regime critics.

The controversial legislation sparked large-scale protests in the country, which escalated to violent incidents as police officers tried to quell the demonstrations with water cannons and rubber bullets.

Washington and Brussels have denounced the bill as incompatible with Western values, and voices within the EU called for freezing Georgia's membership candidate status if the law is implemented.

Read also: Most Ukrainian POWs havent seen Red Cross while in Russian captivity, ombudsman says

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Nine civilians were injured in Russian aerial strikes on the settlements in Donetsk Oblast on 22 July.

Source: the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: On 22 July, the Russian army attacked the settlement of Kostiantynivka once again. As a result of an attack on a residential district, a 38-year-old salesperson and two men aged 18 and 35 received blast injuries and shrapnel wounds.

Russian forces also struck the Volnovakha district. Four civilians, who were in their own households at the time, received injuries of varying degrees of severity in the village of Perebudova. Two women and two men were hospitalised and received qualified treatment. Two more civilians were injured in the village of Rozdolne.

Photo: the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Early reports say the Russians launched nine aerial attacks on the settlements using the UMPB D-30 SN guided aerial bombs.

Residential buildings, vehicles, a shop, a post office, a cafe and a power line were damaged.

Photo: the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

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Editor's note: The story was updated with comments from the Kharkiv group of forces.

Russia has deployed additional assault units near the village of Hlyboke in Kharkiv Oblast to prepare for offensive operations, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces, told Interfax Ukraine on July 21.

The village of Hlyboke is located in the north of the Kharkiv Oblast, 7 kilometers (4.6 miles) from the border with Russia and 39 kilometers (24 miles) from the regional center, the city of Kharkiv.

Russia launched its offensive in Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, but the assault quickly stalled. Around 20,000 Russian troops were killed during the failed push in the northeastern region, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia is currently massing new troops near the village of Hlyboke, including assault groups of the 155th Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the 18th Motorized Rifle Division of the 11th Army Corps, according to Voloshyn.

Russian troops use drones for remote mining of the area, the spokesperson added.

Voloshyn said that in the central and eastern parts of the town of Vovchansk, which became the scene of some of the heaviest fighting in Kharkiv Oblast, Russian troops continue to regroup forces for further attacks.

"It has also been confirmed that an assault unit of the 153rd Tank Regiment of the 47th Tank Division of the Russian Armed Forces has been withdrawn for recovery, its positions have been taken by the personnel of the (Russian) 128th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 44th Army Corps and the 'Akhmat' unit," the spokesperson added.

The Ukrainian military also recorded the arrival of additional personnel from the 41st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Division in the Belgorod Oblast village of Murom near the Ukrainian border to replenish the thinned ranks.

The Russian military switched to defense in the area of the occupied village of Lukiantsi in the Lypetsk community in Kharkiv Oblast, the Kharkiv group of forces reported on July 22.

Russian forces are regrouping personnel and reconnoitering the routes of advance using drones, the statement read.

Read also: We took out so many of them: Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensive

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Russia pushing toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Syrskyi says

Russian troops continue to push toward the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on July 22.

Russia is carrying out intense attacks in multiple sections of the eastern front, including in Donetsk Oblast, after it captured the city of Avdiivka in February.

Earlier in July, Ukrainian troops withdrew from the Kanal neighborhood of the embattled town of Chasiv Yar, as well as from the village of Urozhaine near the administrative borders of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

"Fierce fighting" continues in Krasnohorivka and in the areas of Prohres, Zalizne, Pivdenne, and Chasiv Yar, according to Syrskyi.

Russian forces continue their attempts to capture the settlements of Stelmakhivka and Makiivka and attack Ukrainian positions in Ivanivske and Klishchiivka, Syrskyi said.

Moscow's forces are also trying to seize the islands of the floodplain on the east bank of the Dnipro River, the commander added, likely referring to the front in Kherson Oblast where Ukraine recently withdrew from the Krynky beachhead.

"In fact, active hostilities of varying intensity are taking place along the entire front line," he said.

To stop the Russian offensive, it is necessary to hit their main forces and reserves from a long distance, as well as to conduct complex attacks at close range, Syrskyi said.

It is also necessary to maintain prepared positions, maximize the use of all weapons and ammunition capabilities, especially combat drones, and take advantage of their use to destroy Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the commander added.

"This seems to be nothing new. However, this requires skill in the use of weapons and equipment, accurate and maneuvering fire, forces, and means. That is, high-quality training of all categories of military personnel to perform combat missions," Syrskyi said.

Read also: Russias advance toward key eastern highway threatens Ukraines grip of Donetsk Oblast

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(Reuters) - Russia's southern region of Belgorod is restricting entry from Tuesday to 14 areas on the border with Ukraine that are subject to heavy attack from Kyiv's forces, measures that appeared to be part of a Kremlin strategy to set up a border buffer zone.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the restrictions applied to the localities "where the pertaining operational situation is extremely difficult," according to the Interfax news agency.

The move follows on from the Kremlin's order to protect Russian territory from Ukrainian attacks and secure areas and facilities so they are beyond the range of Ukrainian fire.

Under the restrictions, outlined by Gladkov last week in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app, checkpoints are to be set up outside the localities, public transport is barred and anyone wishing to visit must advise local authorities in advance.

"Entry will be permitted only for male adults with strict rules: in armoured vehicles with military electronic equipment and in bullet-proof apparel and helmets, accompanied by servicemen or local officials," Gladkov said.

Gladkov did not explicitly say civilians were being evacuated, but said it was "unacceptable" to allow women and children in the restricted areas and all property would be kept under strict guard.

Ukraine has subjected Russia's southern border regions to daily shelling and drone attacks, particularly settlements on or near the border in Belgorod region.

Russian forces launched a cross-border incursion in May into areas of Ukraine's Kharkiv region across from Belgorod region and the military had taken control of several towns and villages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said in recent weeks that Kyiv's forces had stabilised border areas.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Olexander Kozhukhar; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
By Azernews

Laman Ismayilova

Stunt performances are considered unique and rare. Behind the stunt profession, there is a lot of discipline and psychological restraint.

Since its inception, stunt performance has undergone a remarkable transformation and reached many countries, including Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani stunt performer Sain Farhad Farmanli is deeply engaged in advocating for the art of stunt work alongside his dedicated team.

This exceptionally skilled stunt professional has graced the screens of numerous Hollywood and international productions with his remarkable talents.

In his interview with Azernews, Sain Farhad Farmanli shared insights into his enriching experience training at the Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Training Centre, shed light on his upcoming projects, and discussed the exciting potential for the advancement of stunt work in Azerbaijan.

Why did you decide to pursue stunt work specifically?

I have been a huge fan of Bruce Lee since childhood. I wanted to be a martial arts actor like him. Then I became a fan of Jackie Chan. His stunts inspired me a lot.

When I entered the 6th grade, I started practicing martial arts. At that time, I had a desire to be in movies. Now I can say that I almost fulfilled my dream. Currently, I am preparing for the production of my own films. I want to be in the lead roles. For this purpose, I opened my own studio- Ganshar Pictures. I am currently working with my team on my upcoming movie "QAYTAN".

What is the most complex stunt or performance you have had to do?

In my opinion, all stunts are complex and dangerous. The most difficult stunt I performed was jumping from a fast-moving car with acrobatic movements. It was for a Bollywood film that will be released on Netflix.

What measures need to be taken for safety in stunt work? Are there any golden rules?

The golden rule is do adhere to safety conditions and not rush. It takes time for psychological preparation. Before each stunt, excitement always arises. I can manage my excitement because I love my job and have been disciplined in practicing martial arts for many years. The key is to turn excitement into focus. Everything needs to be planned and rehearsed so that we can perform more easily and safely on set. Physical and psychological preparations continue for years.

In spring, you trained at the Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Training Centre. Please share your impressions of this experience. Is cooperation with Jackie Chan's team expected?

In 2017, I graduated with honours from the Hollywood Advanced Stunt Course, organised by the stunt academy in California.

My trainers Jones were closely involved in the creation of such movies of great renown as Matrix, Venom, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Fast X, Bad Boys, Spider Man, X-Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fast and Furious, Independence Day, Jason Bourne, Furious 7, The Mask of Zorro, and Indiana Jones. I also did a small internship at Universal Studios.

After some time, a relationship developed with Jackie Chan. After some conversation, he wanted to watch my videos, so I sent them.

We said goodbye with the hope of meeting again. A few days ago, I set off to attend special training at Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Training Centre in Beijing, China.

I should note that it was not allowed to film on the way to the center, as the location of the center is secret. Only members of Jackie Chan's team and individuals invited by them can go there. At the training center, I was greeted by Jackie Chan's team. Unfortunately, Jackie Chan was filming in another country at the time. I visited Jackie Chan's house and workspaces a few times.

It is very hard to put into words, you just have to see it. During the training, the core members of Jackie Chan's team, who have worked with him for many years, taught us the nuances of the action genre. Apart from the fight choreography and stunts, they also taught us directing, cinematography and editing for fight scenes. One thing that pleased me was that I found confirmation of what I always knew and did. This means that I am following my work principles correctly.

I will continue to work in these three areas and teach my team so that the quality of fight scenes in Azerbaijani films can be even higher.

At the end of the training, I was awarded a certificate by the Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Training Centre. In the near future, I believe I will be involved in Jackie Chan's movies. I am considering inviting them to Azerbaijan soon. We have established a friendly relationship with his team.

I have been to Jackie Chan's studio and home several times. It was a pleasant experience. He is truly a legend. By the way, we also performed the soundtrack from the movie "Ride On" with Jackie Chan's stunt team, which you will be able to listen to soon. I express my deep gratitude to He Jun, the director of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team Action Film Training Centre, and Philip Sahagun, the director of K-Star Training Academy, for their excellent organisation.

In which Hollywood and other foreign films have you participated? Which work stands out to you the most?

Cinematic works like "RRR" and "Tomris" became memorable. The film "RRR"" also won an Oscar and received other great awards. We also received the Taurus Award for stunt performers for the film "Tomris". The Taurus Award is considered the Oscar for stunt performers. We won awards for the best fight scenes in foreign films. Every year, it is presented in a festive manner at Paramount Studios. Additionally, in 2017, I had the opportunity to learn the intricacies of my craft from some of Hollywood's best stunt performers at the Advanced Hollywood Stunt Course.

In your opinion, are there any prerequisites for stunt work in Azerbaijan?

Potential conditions for the exploration of our field have been emerging in Azerbaijan in recent years. I, along with my Sain's Action Team stunt crew, am doing my best to contribute to the advancement of this field. I hope there will be significant changes in the near future.

What would you advise young stuntmen?

I advise young stunt performers not to rush to call themselves stuntmen. Learning this craft requires training under experienced professionals and gaining several years of experience.

It takes more than just a couple of attempts to become a stunt performer. Many young individuals have ended up injuring themselves and facing big challenges by attempting stunts without proper training and experience.
Maximilian Butek, Managing Director of the German Chamber of Commerce in East China, speaks at a press conference. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

German firms doing business in China are disappointed by the outcome of last week's closely watched Communist Party meeting on long-term reforms to the world's second-largest economy, a top industry representative said on Monday.

The companies had "hoped for more guidance and specifics" when it comes to economic stimulus measures, said Maximilian Butek, the chief representative of the delegation of the German Industry and Commerce in Shanghai.

Butek said the plans laid out in public at the Third Plenum of the Communist Party's 20th Central Committee were ones of "continuity."

German companies in China must continue to prove their staying power, he said, predicting a market environment "that is unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future."

In addition to the intense competitive pressures, low level of trust in an often opaque market and subdued private sector investments are also causing problems for German companies in China.

Hopes for greater market liberalization and equal treatment of foreign and domestic companies had also been dashed in the final communique issued at the conclusion of the meeting, which is usually held every five years. This year's meeting came as China's economy struggles through a downturn.

China's leadership needs more economic growth and knows that there is no way around opening up its market, but this clashes with Beijing's desire for firm control over vast swathes of the economy, Butek said

"The Third Plenum did not help to resolve this contradiction, but rather intensified it," said Butek.

German companies in China have long complained about unfair competitive conditions and more difficult market access.

Against this backdrop are growing trade tensions. Berlin accuses China of state-supported overcapacity in areas like battery manufacturing and the solar industry, producing more than demand allows and then flooding the world market. Beijing denies this.

China was Germany's most important trading partner in 2023 for the eighth consecutive year, according to German statistics agency Destatis.
Russia said Sunday it scrambled fighter jets to intercept two U.S. military long-range bomber aircraft that approached the Russian border over the Barents Sea in the Arctic.

The crews of the Russian fighters identified the aerial target as a pair of U.S. Air Force B-52H strategic bombers, Moscows defense ministry wrote on the social media platform Telegram, specifying that the planes scrambled were MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighters.

Russia warns of possible response to US drone flights over Black Sea

As the Russian fighters approached, the U.S. strategic bombers turned away from the State Border of the Russian Federation, the ministry said.

The U.S. routinely carries out flights over international waters. Moscow has recently responded more aggressively to the exercises, accusing the U.S. in June of using its reconnaissance drone flights over neutral waters in the Black Sea to help Ukraine strike Russian-occupied Crimea.

Last month, Moscow warned of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, and Russias defense minister ordered officials to prepare a response to U.S. drone flights over the Black Sea, in an apparent warning it may take forceful action to ward off the American reconnaissance aircraft.

Washington and Moscow have clashed before over the issue. In March 2023, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet damaged a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, causing it to crash into the Black Sea. It was the first direct clash between Russian and U.S. forces since the Cold War.

A repeat of such a confrontation could further fuel tensions over the war in Ukraine.
A court in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan sentenced Alsu Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist with dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, to six and a half years in jail on a charge of "spreading false information" about Russia's Armed Forces, Associated Press reported on July 22.

According to court records, the sentence was passed on July 19 in a secret trial, AP wrote. The case was launched over a book, "Saying no to war. 40 stories of Russians who oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine," which was published in November 2022, RFE/RLE reported in December 2023.

Kurmasheva was kept in pre-trial detention since October 2023 which was extended several times by the Russian court on a charge of violating the so-called "foreign agent" law regulations.

According to RFE/RL, she lived in Prague with her family and traveled to Russia in May for a family emergency. When Kurmasheva tried to leave Russia the following month, authorities confiscated both her Russian and American passports, supposedly on the premise that she had not registered her U.S. passport.

Kurmasheva has been unable to leave Russia since then. RFE/RL wrote that she had been charged with the foreign agent violation while waiting for her passports to be returned.

Kurmasheva's arrest and extended pre-trial detention has been widely condemned by RFE/RL, the EU, Western nations, and a wide variety of NGOs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International, and others.

Kurmasheva is the second journalist with American citizenship to be sentenced in Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter from the U.S., was arrested in Russia in March 2023. He was sentenced to 16 years in jail on what are widely viewed as trumped-up charges of espionage on July 19 as well.

Read also: Russia sentences US journalist in absentia for comments on Ukraine war

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Mysterious buyers suspected of links to Russia are purchasing dozens of vessels capable of carrying liquified natural gas (LNG), possibly signaling an expansion of Moscow's "ghost fleet" of tankers, the Financial Times (FT) reported on July 22.

Russia has amassed a "ghost fleet" of largely uninsured oil tankers to avoid Western sanctions, namely the $60 per barrel price cap imposed by the Group of Seven (G7) late in 2022.

While the LNG exports have been less heavily sanctioned than oil, recent restrictions have begun tightening the noose around this sector as well.

The EU recently slapped historic sanctions against the Russian gas industry in June, applying a ban on LNG transshipment for the first time.

According to FT, a group of mysterious companies, mostly registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been rapidly buying out LNG vessels over the past year. The methods resemble those used to build up Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, the outlet noted.

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More than 50 such ships have changed ownership to UAE-based firms since the second quarter of 2023, FT says, citing risk consultancy company Windward.

Despite Brussels' target to be free of Russian fossil fuels by 2027, several EU members remain heavily reliant on Russian gas, and imports of LNG from Russia reached record highs last year.

Russia even reportedly overtook the U.S. as the lead LNG supplier to Europe in May for the first time in two years.

Seeking to curb Russia's gas export profits that the country funnels to its war effort in Ukraine, the EU banned unloading Russian LNG to smaller vessels at European ports.

In mid-April, the European Parliament also voted to pass rules allowing member states to ban imports of Russian LNG.

Some countries, such as the U.K., Latvia, and Lithuania, have already stopped buying LNG from Russia unilaterally, while Finland announced in January that it plans to ban Russian LNG from 2025.

Read also: FT: Ukraine signs first major deal with US company for LNG supplies

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Russia systemically abuses its soldiers in Ukraine to 'maintain order,' The Insider reports

Russia uses a systematic program of "gulag-style" abuse directed at its soldiers in Ukraine in order to "maintain order" and punish perceived offenders, according to an investigation by the Insider published on July 22.

The abuse of Russian soldiers by their commanders and fellow troops since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine has been previously documented. Problems with military hazing and mistreatment of subordinates by their superiors date back to the Soviet era and were also widely reported in Russia's wars in Chechnya.

According to the Insider, the patterns of abuse of Russian soldiers in Ukraine "borrow heavily from Soviet labor camp traditions."

Russian units have employed "punishment squads" that seek out soldiers who are abusing alcohol, refuse orders, or are simply disliked, and then subject them to a variety of abuse, including beatings and "confinement pits."

One of the issues, the Insider found, is that typical verbal reprimands often work to discipline regular soldiers but not the tens of thousands of convicts who have been recruited to fill the gaps created by massive personnel losses.

"(Former) inmates are impossible to control," one officer told the Insider.

Standard military disciplinary measures include fines, extra duty, or to simply verbally rebuke a soldier.

"These methods work on professional servicemen, but a man from the street, especially a convicted murderer, doesn't care," the officer said.

The enhanced disciplinary measures can only increase in severity, based on often arbitrary reasons.

In line with both Soviet and post-Soviet Russian military traditions, those who are at the end of their service or are performing punishment squad duties can keep away from more dangerous combat tasks.

Russia's use of human wave tactics that often result in heavy casualties only increases soldiers' desire to avoid being sent on what many think of suicide mission.

"No one would agree to participate in them willingly, so commanders have to resort to violence," the Insider wrote.

Read also: Stuck in legal limbo, Ukrainian civilians endure torture in Russian prisons

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Radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds dual American and Russian citizenship, has been sentences to 6 1/2 years in prison under Russia's catch-all foreign agent law. Photo courtesy of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

July 22 (UPI) -- A Russian-American journalist received a 6 1/2-year prison sentence after a court in Russia held a secret trial after prosecutors alleged violations of Russia's tough censorship laws that targeting journalists and others.

The defendant, Alsu Kurmasheva, who had been based in the Czech Republic, was an editor who covers Russia's Volga-Ural region from the network's Prague headquarters. She was one of the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty's more than 700 full-time journalists and 1,300 freelancers who report news in 27 languages in 23 different nations.

Her trial Friday was called "a mockery of justice" by the organization's president and chief executive, Stephen Capus, who said how "the only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors."

Kurmasheva holds dual U.S-Russian citizenship and was working for the organization when taken into custody by Russian officials in October last year while visiting her mother in Kazan, southwest Russia,

She initially had been detained at Kazan Airport on June 2 while returning to Prague.

Prosecutors have charged the veteran journalist and editor for failing to register as a foreign agent in alleged violation of Russia's strict censorship laws She also was accused of spreading "falsehoods" about Russia's military.

Kurmasheva, 47, is married to a fellow Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty employee and has two children. She is the second American journalist to have been sentenced in Russia in recent years over what U.S. observers called trumped-up charges.

"My daughters and I know Alsu has done nothing wrong," her husband, Pavel Butorin, wrote on X Monday morning local time. "And the world knows it, too. We need her home."

In May, a Russian court had originally extended Kurmasheva's pretrial detention until Aug. 5. The court rejected a request for house arrest. She faced up to 10 years in a Russian prison.

At least 30 journalists are known to be detained in Russia, facing lengthy prison sentences on spurious charges of so-called crimes like "disseminating false information" and "discrediting" the Russian military. Also, 12 of 17 foreign journalists currently detained worldwide are being held in Russia, according to the United Nations.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, an American citizen, was sentenced to 16 years in a high-security penal colony on espionage charges. Russian authorities claimed he was working as a CIA operative in Yekaterinburg during a 2023 assignment.

A European Commission official on Monday afternoon railed against Moscow's "appalling" treatment of Kurmasheva, calling for her to be set free.

"Journalists freely informing us is a key principle of #democracy, which #Kremlin clearly does not respect," Vera Jourova, the EU's vice president for values and transparency, posted on X.

The Russian government has intensified its crackdown on journalists and the free press since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, arresting six other journalists as recently as March while they were working for other independent news outlets in Russia on the one-year anniversary eve of Gershkovich's detention.

"Russia is proving once again its intolerance to reporting about the war in Ukraine that doesn't toe the Kremlin's line," Freedom of the Press wrote on social media, calling on the Biden administration to prioritize the release of the two American journalists.

The United States has condemned Kurmasheva's arrest. However, unlike Gershkovich, Kurmasheva has yet to be designated by the State Department as having been "wrongfully detained," a status granted to Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, an American citizen convicted in 2020 of spying.

The National Press Club and 18 other media groups called on President Joe Biden in a May 31 letter for Kurmasheva to be recognized as a wrongfully detained person.
Editor's note: The article was updated with a statement from Ukrenergo.

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 16 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on July 22.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, an 89-year-old woman was injured during Russian artillery and drone attacks against the Nikopol district on July 21, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

A recreation center, power lines, gas pipelines, and houses were reported as damaged.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed one person and injured five, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

One person was reportedly killed in Nelipivka, two were injured in Pivnichne, and one each was injured in Toretsk, Hrodivka, and Kostiantynivka, the governor said.

In Kherson Oblast, nine people were injured in Russian attacks over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

A critical infrastructure facility, a school, a printing house, high-rise buildings, houses, and other property were damaged, the governor reported.

In Sumy Oblast, Russian attacks with drones, mortars, grenade launchers, and artillery killed one person and injured another in the Bilopillia community, the regional military administration reported.

On July 21, Russian drone debris damaged equipment of Ukrenergo's high-voltage facility in an unspecified northern oblast, the company said the following day.

No blackouts were reported as a result.

Kharkiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Around 20,000 Russians killed in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says

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The Russians attacked the villages of Podoly and Senkove in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast on 22 July, resulting in two women being injured.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote from the Prosecutor's Office: "An investigation has indicated that the occupiers attacked the village of Podoly in the Kupiansk district at approximately 09:40 on 22 July. A civilian resident was injured and received medical assistance at the scene. Houses and a garage were damaged."

photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: The Russians also carried out an airstrike on the village of Senkove in the Kupiansk district, setting a residential building on fire. A 75-year-old woman was injured as a result of the attack.

photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

In addition, the Russians, using two Iskander-M missiles, launched missile strikes on the city of Derhachi, damaging an educational institution, civilian business premises and apartment blocks. No people were injured in this attack.

photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Law enforcement agencies have initiated preliminary investigations into violations of the laws and customs of war.

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Russian military enlistment offices offer US$1,150 to those who bring friends to sign contract  ISW

Russia has come up with a non-standard monetary incentive for contract service in the armed forces: a person who brings a friend to the military enlistment office is offered 100,000 roubles (about US$1,150).

Source: nstitute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: On 16 July, Mikhail Yevraev, the head of Russias Yaroslavl Oblast, launched an initiative offering a 100,000-rouble incentive to anyone who recruits a friend to sign up for military service with the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD). This programme aims to bolster enlistment numbers by providing a substantial financial reward for successful referrals.

Following suit, the Republic of Tatarstan introduced a similar scheme on 11 July. However, Yuri Sinelshchikov, Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Committee on State Construction and Legislation, expressed concerns over the potential for misuse of these recruitment incentives. He emphasised the need for legal regulations to govern this mechanism and questioned the long-term financial viability of such programmes if widely adopted across various regions.

In a separate development, Russian military forces are reportedly creating a new motorcycle unit. This initiative is likely a strategic response to the increased threat of Ukrainian drone strikes and aerial reconnaissance, prompting the need for agile and rapid transport solutions for frontline operations.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 21 July:

Russian State Duma Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin recently visited Nicaragua and Cuba, likely as part of ongoing Kremlin efforts to project its influence in the Western hemisphere and rally states against the US and the West.

The Georgian State Security Service (SUS or SSSG) reportedly recently summoned several Georgian citizens, who had served as volunteer soldiers alongside Ukrainian forces, for questioning on charges of "conspiracy to overthrow the government" and "terrorism".

Geolocated imagery confirms that a Ukrainian drone strike damaged infrastructure at the Millerovo Airbase in Rostov Oblast on the night of 19-20 July.

Russian forces recently advanced near Avdiivka.

Russian forces conducted missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of 20-21 July.

Russian federal subjects are intensifying non-standard monetary incentives for contract service with the Russian military.

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At least five people were injured after Russian forces shelled the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Governor Serhii Lysak reported on July 22.

Lysak said that a 37-year-old man was hospitalized in moderate condition as a result of the attack, and that four others were treated on an outpatient basis.

Nikopol, just across from Russian-occupied Enerhodar and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, is a regular target of Russian attacks.

Five people, including a ten-year-old boy, were injured in a Russian attack on the city on July 7.

On July 2, four people were killed, including two elderly women, and 10 others were injured in another Russian strike on Nikopol.

Read also: Death toll from Russian missile attack on Mykolaiv rises to 4

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Aftermath of a Russian missile strike in the village of Rivne near Pokrovsk

By Olena Harmash

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's top commander said on Monday that Russian forces were staging relentless assaults to try to advance towards the town of Pokrovsk, a logistics hub in the east, and that there was active fighting taking place along the entire front line.

Nearly 29 months since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has stepped up its mobilisation effort to address its manpower shortages and been reinforced by supplies of western artillery shells, but Russian troops have continued to inch forward.

"The enemy pays no attention to their fairly high level of losses and continues to push through towards Pokrovsk," Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a statement from the eastern front.

Pokrovsk is less than 25 km (15 miles) from Russian-occupied land, according to open-source intelligence battlefield maps, and lies at an intersection of roads and a railway that makes it an important logistics point for the military and for civilians in the east.

"Active combat operations of varying intensity are taking place along the entire front," Syrskyi said, noting that Russian forces were also trying to capture floodplain islands near the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson.

FIGHTING RAGES IN EAST

Fierce battles, he said, also raged near several eastern villages and towns, including Krasnohorivka and Chasiv Yar, a strategic hilltop town whose capture would bring Russia closer to threatening important Kyiv-held Donetsk region cities.

Russia staged 39 assaults on the Pokrovsk front in the last 24 hours of a total 117 registered along the front line, the military said in its daily battlefield readout.

Russian forces captured two villages in the east over the weekend, Russian media said, citing the Defence Ministry.

Though Kyiv's weary troops have been on the backfoot this year with Russia again on the offensive and keeping up the pressure, Moscow's progress has been slow.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who travels to China this week on a diplomatic trip, estimated on Friday that Russia controlled 17.68% of Ukrainian territory compared with 17.61% on Jan. 1, 2024.

A senior NATO official said this month that Russia lacked the munitions and troops for a major offensive in Ukraine and would need to secure significant ammunition supplies from other countries beyond what it already has in order to do so.

LONG-RANGE STRIKES

Russia has pounded Ukraine's electricity system with airstrikes in recent months, causing regular power cuts across the country.

Ukraine has used domestic-made drones to attack targets in Russia and staged a major overnight strike that damaged its Tuapse oil refinery, its biggest on the Black Sea.

In his statement, Syrskyi said it was vital for Kyiv to conduct long-range strikes on Russian forces, echoing Ukrainian officials who have appealed to allies to allow Kyiv to use Western-supplied weapons to attack military targets inside Russia.

Russia has warned that the use of U.S. and Western weapons against targets inside Russia could trigger a new level of confrontation.

Ukraine is also grappling with a shortage of short-range anti-aircraft missiles to repel Russian reconnaissance drones and is having to rely on drones and other electronic warfare systems for defence, he said.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Sharon Singleton)
Ghost Kitchens has deployed Richtech Robotics robotic beverage system, ADAM, at its Dawsonville location in Georgia, US.

The Dawsonville Ghost Kitchen, located inside a Walmart, is the first of 240 planned locations in which ADAM will be installed.

A non-binding letter of intent was signed between Richtech Robotics and Ghost Kitchens for the installation of the robotic beverage system.

At the Dawsonville location, ADAM, equipped with artificial intelligence, serves both traditional and speciality coffee drinks, including the Iced Foamy Hazelnut Latte.

ADAM's integration improves efficiency and customer engagement at the sites.

Richtech Robotics will oversee the programming, maintenance and repair of the ADAM systems. Ghost Kitchens will be responsible for location logistics, staff management and leasing.

ADAM's fully integrated touchscreen point-of-sale system facilitates ordering and payments, while its intelligent conversation AI offers a unique and engaging customer experience.

Richtech Robotics president Matt Casella said: "ADAM's introduction to the beverage industry addresses several key challenges, including the need for consistency, efficiency and a memorable customer experience.

By automating drink preparation, ADAM is intended to allow human staff to focus on creating meaningful connections with guests, thereby elevating the overall customer experience.

The ADAM system is designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by delivering consistent beverages.

Customer feedback on ADAM has been positive, highlighting the system's potential to redefine service standards, according to a statement from Richtech Robotics.

Casella added: The engagement with Ghost Kitchens provides important momentum as we continue to execute our business plan and provide value for stockholders. We expect ADAM to significantly improve operational capabilities at Ghost Kitchens' Walmart locations.

"Ghost Kitchens deploys Richtech Robotics robot beverage system" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, structures on the grounds of 99 medical institutions have been entirely destroyed, which is over 200 objects of infrastructure in total.

Source: Ukraines Ministry of Health

Quote: "The attacks damaged 1,642 medical facilities of 676 healthcare institutions and entirely destroyed 214 facilities of 99 institutions. The Russians deliberately attack hospitals, maternity facilities, outpatient clinics and clinics," the Ministry of Health said.

Details: The most affected medical institutions are located in the frontline regions:

Kharkiv Oblast;

Donetsk Oblast;

Mykolaiv Oblast;

Kherson Oblast;

Chernihiv Oblast;

Kyiv Oblast;

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast;

Zaporizhzhia Oblast;

Sumy Oblast.

On 20 July, Russian forces damaged hospitals in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts.

The 8 July Russian missile strike targeted the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialised Hospital in Kyiv, destroying and damaging buildings. In addition, seven people were killed as a result of damage caused by a missile wreckage hitting an ADONIS medical centre in the Dniprovskyi district of the city of Kyiv.

The Russians also attacked a maternity hospital in Dnipro in late December 2023. Fortunately, all of the patients survived because they followed doctors to a shelter as soon as the air-raid warning was issued.

According to the Ministry of Health, medical infrastructure is being restlessly repaired, with 885 medical institution objects restored since the Russian invasion began. The majority of these facilities are situated in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv oblasts.

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Two jurors involved in the Rust trial involving Alec Baldwin are speaking out following the trials abrupt end last week.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice earlier this month after special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and the Santa Fe County Police Office did not turn over information to the defense  a violation of the Brady rule.

The misconduct, which prompted special prosecutor Erlinda Johnson to resign earlier in the day, might prove favorable in the appeal of Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who is currently serving 18 months behind bars after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Rust Jurors Felt That Alec Baldwin Should Not Be On Trial

MEGA

On October 21, 2021, a gun that Alec Baldwin was holding went off on the set of a Western film. The bullet struck and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and hospitalized director Joel Souza. How live ammunition ended up on the movie set is still up for debate, with some blaming armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and others pointing the finger at the props supplier, Seth Kenney, who was never criminally charged in the matter.

Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were both charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023; however, the charges against Baldwin were dropped in April 2023 pending further investigation into the gun. Baldwin insisted that he never pulled the trigger and that it went off on its own. After a FBI forensics examination  that also broke the gun  found that the guns trigger had to be pulled, Baldwin was charged again in January 2024.

Rust Jurors Speak Out After The Trials Abrupt End

MEGA

Jurors Gabriela Picayo and Johanna Haag expressed doubt that the 66-year-old actor should be held criminally responsible in the death of Halyna Hutchins in a conversation with The New York Times. All twelve jurors would have had to come to a unanimous verdict to find Baldwin guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but Haag, who was identified as Juror No. 7, did not feel that the prosecution had a strong case against the 30 Rock actor.

As the week went by, it just didnt, it didnt seem like a very strong case, Haag told the publication. Haag recalled the prosecution presenting video clips from law enforcement officials showing the moments following the shooting from their body cameras. Haag said that Baldwin looked shocked and stunned and so sad.

Rust Juror Says Halyna Hutchins Death Was Clearly An Accident

MEGA

Haag went on to say that Halyna Hutchins death was clearly an accident and went on to say that the idea that theres anything purposeful, or the idea that there was this grave carelessness that caused this, didnt seem realistic to me.

Picayo, who was identified as Juror No. 9, also didnt buy into the fact that Baldwin, as an actor, should have been responsible for gun safety on set. I think he would have trusted the people, you know, on the set to do their job," she said.

Picayo also did not find out that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was already convicted until she was a juror. Im still here, Im still open to hearing and obviously trying to stay unbiased, but I was starting to move towards the direction of thinking that this was very silly and he should not be on trial, she recalled.

One Juror Felt Sorry For Alec Baldwin

MEGA

Although Picayo felt that Baldwin should not have been on trial, she does admit that the trial only lasted two days and she did not get a chance to see all of the evidence. Picayo noted that she wasnt presented with all of the evidence, so I dont know what could have swayed me."

On July 12, the jury was left waiting for hours as Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer and defense attorney Alex Spiro tried to determine how much evidence was not disclosed to them. At that point, I really started to feel sorry for Mr. Baldwin, Haag said. I thought, you know, Whats going on here? What is happening? The judge ultimately sent them home with instructions not to look at any information related to the case and orders to return on Monday.

Jurors told The Times that they only found out that they wouldnt have to come back in on Monday when they received a text message from the court system with the words Trial CANCELLED  with the word trial misspelled.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

SACRAMENTO DEM DELEGATES PREPARE FOR WILDCARD CONVENTION: DEFINITELY NERVOUS

As Democrats across the country react to President Joe Biden stepping down and passing the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, Sacramento-area delegates are starting to get anxious about the August Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Ill be honest, Im definitely nervous, said Michael Vargas, a lawyer and board member at Elk Grove Unified School District. The August convention will be his first as an elected delegate for the 7th U.S. Congressional District, which encompasses part of Sacramento, and West Sacramento, Galt and Elk Grove.

I, like many people who ran to be delegates, thought this would be a relatively straightforward convention, he said. I didnt think this was a possibility.

Tomas Vera, an Auburn delegate representing the 3rd U.S. Congressional District, which includes Placer County, said Friday that he was frustrated by elected officials who might put the party in complete turmoil by forcing Biden to step down without the party being unified behind a replacement.

Biden remaining in the race is the most stabilizing decision that can be made, Vera said. If he steps down, its total chaos.

When Biden dropped out Sunday afternoon, he named Harris, a Bay Area native, as his logical successor  and as Bidens running mate, all the money the Biden-Harris ticket has raised could continue to fund the election. But Vera voiced concerns about Harris popularity.

If it is Harris, Vera said, then shes got her own challenges. Shes a woman of color running for president, and its going to fire up all those people that hated Barack (Obama).

Like Vargas, this will be Veras first convention.

It was going to be a nice quiet convention, he said. Then we had Gaza; now weve got this. I dont even know if Ill have time to go out and get a Chicago dog.

Longtime Democratic consultant and two-time Democratic National Convention attendee Steve Maviglio said that the disarray among the Democratic Party is par for the course  but that the stakes are too high for it.

Last weeks GOP convention was Crazy Town, said Maviglio, an alternate delegate for the 7th U.S. Congressional District. And now, more than ever, Democrats need to show a united front.

I got more fired up watching that convention than Ive been in years, because I know we really need to stop the things being promoted. ... Dems are notorious for being disorganized and at each others throats, and were living up to that. The question now is: How do you herd all these cats going in different directions?

Like Vargas and Vera, Maviglio is a pledged delegate for Biden, and said hes prepared to vote for Bidens endorsed successor.

Were all biting our nails, he said. But Ive always thought that we should take our cues from the voters, and voters said Biden and Harris, so thats the natural hand-off.

Vargas and Maviglio both said its not lost on them that they are participating in an unprecedented political moment.

The fact that its unprecedented brings new energy to the race, Maviglio said.

The next 30 days are going to be absolute chaos, said Vargas. But honestly, after the convention and after November, its going to be a great story.

NEWSOM CELEBRATES SIX MONTHS OF JOB GROWTH  BUT CA STILL RANKS HIGHEST IN UNEMPLOYMENT

Gov. Gavin Newsom is celebrating six months of steady job growth, with 107,100 new jobs so far in 2024  more than double the number of new jobs during the same period in 2023, according to a report from the states Employment Development Department.

The report showed that seven of the states 11 industries experienced job growth, with the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry creating close to 10,000 jobs in June.

In a Friday press release, the governor boasted that California continues to lead the nations economy and create good jobs.

But despite the good news, Californias unemployment rate is still 5.2%, the highest in the country.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Its hard to believe its possible for Democrats to fall further into disarray, but here we are.

- Jessica Millan Patterson, California Republican Party Chairwoman.

Best of The Bee:

California Democrats hail Joe Biden after president drops from race, endorses Kamala Harris, via Gillian Brassil and David Lightman

By the grace of Almighty God, Trump cant help but be the same divisive self, via Tom Philp

California Governor Gavin Newsom responds to Joe Biden dropping out. Heres what he said, via Nicole Nixon

Uncharted territory: Bidens departure means Dems must get their act together, now | Opinion, via The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board

Sacramento State promised a forensic audit of Capital Public Radios finances. Where is it? via Stephen Hobbs
The Sacramento Police Department is looking for a 12-year-old boy who went missing Sunday from the Pocket neighborhood.

Marquez Hollis was last seen at 7:45 p.m. on the 7600 block of Bridge Bay Drive and is considered at-risk due to his age, police said.

He is described as 5-foot-2 with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes, police said. He was last seen wearing a camouflaged T-shirt and green-khaki camouflage pants.

Residents who spot Hollis were encouraged to call police at 916-808-5471.

Hollis was also reported missing July 13 from the same location, police said previously. He was found three days later.
How Safe Are Amusement Park Rides? Expert Reveals How Likely Accidents Are After Several Incidents (Exclusive)

I wouldnt hesitate a single second to take my family on amusement rides, the Global Association for the Attractions Industrys CEO Jakob Wahl tells PEOPLE

Getty Roller coaster

When it comes to amusement parks, even the most avid thrill-seekers might start to question how safe rides are when an accident happens.

Several amusement park and state fair accidents have made headlines just this summer, including a situation at Portland's Oaks Amusement Park where riders got stuck hanging upside down for more than 20 minutes; another at Six Flags Over Texas, where guests were stranded on the park's Roaring Rapids ride, and a third in which a girl was reportedly thrown headfirst from a carnival ride in Indiana.

But how worried does the average amusement park-goer really need to be worried next time they step onto a ride? PEOPLE spoke to Jakob Wahl  the President and CEO of the Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)  to find out.

Related: 6 Injured After Carnival Ride 'Tipped Over' During Fourth of July Celebration in Washington

Getty Roller coaster

How safe are roller coasters and similar rides?

Amusement park rides, or fixed-site rides, are especially safe in comparison to mobile attractions, like those often found at carnivals or fairs, because of the sophisticated engineering, multiple inspections, strict operating procedures and extensive maintenance that they receive on a daily basis," says Wahl.

They typically undergo daily inspections that include checking for signs of damage or malfunction before the ride can be opened to the public for the day, according to Wahl.

By adhering to these rigorous protocols, roller coaster manufacturers and operators ensure that their attractions provide a safe and thrilling experience for all riders, the expert adds.

Related: 2 People Hospitalized After Ride Malfunctions at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey

How likely is it you'll be injured on a ride?

While accidents clearly do still happen, the likelihood of being injured on a ride is actually decreasing every year,

In North America, there has been a consistent decline in the rate of injuries per million rides and per million attendees over the past 20 years, Wahl says. He adds that only 8% of injuries were classified as serious in 2023 (which is down from 19% in 2022).

Wahl explains that accidents are more likely to happen because of guest behavior on family and adult rides rather than a malfunction, as it was a contributing factor in 75% of injuries over the past year.

This includes when guests ignore safety guidelines and instructions such as standing up when theyre not supposed to, taking out their phone to record, or trying to exit the ride before it comes to a complete stop.

Related: Several People Injured After Malfunction on Six Flags Roller Coaster in New Jersey

What is the protocol when an accident happens?

In order to restore confidence in an attraction after an accident occurs, Wahl says a thorough and systematic approach must be adhered to.

Once an incident has happened, park employees are expected to quickly secure the area and close the ride while taking care of the guests who might need medical attention.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

After a series of inspections, including an initial and technical one, staff members need to be trained on any new procedures that will be implemented as a result of the inspections. The ride will then need enhanced monitoring after its reopened.



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Read the original article on People.
Salem teen arrested in May homicide of man found dead along I-5

Oregon State Police have arrested a teenager who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Salem man whose body was found in May along the shoulder of Interstate 5 in Clackamas County.

Police found the body of Oscar Lizardo Chaidez, 42, on May 29 on the shoulder of southbound I-5 near Exit 282 south of Wilsonville.

Initial reports indicated Chaidez may have been struck by a vehicle, but investigators determined he was the victim of a homicide.

A 17-year-old Salem resident was taken into custody July 18 on charges of second-degree murder and carrying/use of a dangerous weapon, according to a Clackamas County spokesperson. Investigators have not released a motive. The teen's next court date is July 31.

Chaidez had three sons and was a DJ who used the name DJ Ozroc.

At the time of his death, Chaidez was serving 36 months probation after pleading guilty in June 2023 to strangling a relative in the presence of a juvenile relative. Chaidez also had pleaded guilty to harassing his wife and assaulting another relative, for which he served 60 days in jail.

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached atifunk@salem.gannett.com or on X at @isabeldfunk

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem teen arrested in homicide of DJ found dead on I-5
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson speaks during a press conference about a new Salt Lake County human services, homelessness and criminal justice reform action plan outside of the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 19, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced a game-changing initiative aimed at curbing homelessness and reforming the criminal justice system in the county Friday afternoon.

She made the announcement outside the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, across the street from where construction crews were working on what will soon be a new mental health receiving center for individuals in crisis; "an alternative to jail for those experiencing crisis," as Wilson described it.

"This facility is truly game-changing," she said. "The construction right behind us represents significant progress in our human services, homelessness and criminal justice system, yet we know that many gaps remain."

District Attorney Sim Gill said county jails often serve as the de facto largest mental health facilities around the country and praised the facility as an investment that would result in better outcomes for people while reducing the burden on taxpayers.

Along with the expected mental health center, Wilson announced a five-year human services plan designed to ensure "homelessness in Salt Lake County becomes brief, rare and nonrecurring."

Several of the key proposals in the plan focus on reducing homelessness and drug use, including:

Adding 1,000 units of housing with space for people suffering from mental illness and homelessness.

Improving law enforcement training to respond to mental health crises.

Using the new mental health receiving center as an alternative to jail.

Adding 10 additional Drug Enforcement Agency officers.

Increasing facilities for transitional housing and step-down facilities to help inmates reenter the community after incarceration.

"We know that this one is going to change," Wilson said of the current plan, "but it is a benchmark, it's a road map. ... This is our road map; it will change over the years, but it gives us confidence that we can tackle this community concern."

The Kem And Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center is under construction in Salt Lake City on Friday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Wilson said the plan is the result of more than a year of research and planning, including several working groups that convened weekly to identify weaknesses in the county's current system of caring for the homeless.

The proposal comes after the county identified several challenges, including a lack of affordable housing for unsheltered individuals. The county estimates there are about 1,000 people living unsheltered in the county: 300 who require intensive mental health treatment and housing support, 300 who require permanent housing and case management, and 400 who have varying needs of housing support ranging from permanent supportive housing to rental subsidies.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was asked about Wilson's proposal during his monthly news conference Friday morning, and while he didn't give away any specifics of the plan, he was optimistic about its prospects and praised Wilson for putting it together. He said the various government entities that work to address homelessness  from the state, county and city levels  have been "working closer together than ever before  at least as long as I've been involved."

"I'm very supportive, I think it will make a difference," he said. "She's definitely headed in the right direction on this one."

Laurie Stringham, a member of the Salt Lake County Council, echoed Cox's comments and described the county's effort as one that transcends ideology and geography.

"This is not a simple problem in any way, shape or form," she said. "It's an issue that we have to approach from every single angle, and we need the government, we need private, we need business, we need churches, we need community organizations and we need everyday citizens involved."

Wilson stressed that the changes to policing and responding to mental health concerns are not meant to reduce accountability for those who commit crimes. The initiative includes a planned "justice and accountability center" to provide additional resources to those facing housing instability after being released from jail or prison.

"This is a great mix of compassion and accountability," said Aimee Winder Newton, a Salt Lake County Council member.

The county plans to fund the project through a combination of Medicaid funds, opioid settlement funds, grants, state and federal resources, and philanthropic contributions. All told, it carries an estimated price tag of $42.29 million, with $11.53 million going to housing operations, $18.62 million to law enforcement and criminal justice reform and $12.03 million to filling systemic gaps through workforce supports and mental health support in jail, along with other interventions.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill speaks during a press conference about a new Salt Lake County human services, homelessness and criminal justice reform action plan outside of the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 19, 2024. The new Kem And Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center, which is under construction, is behind him. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
The Salvation Army and Zion Baptist Church team up to provide school supplies for peninsula families

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  The Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula is partnering with the Zion Baptist Church to help peninsula children as they prepare to head back to school.

Since 2023, this partnership has focused on easing the burden for families that may need financial assistance during the back-to-school season.

According to organizers, they have distributed more than 1500 stuffed backpacks to peninsula families.

We are honored to stand together in support of families who shouldnt have to choose between buying back-to-school supplies and paying essential bills like food and rent, said Captain Antiono Willis, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula. Were grateful for a continued partnership with Zion Baptist and their shared dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families and students in need.

Each backpack will be stocked with school supplies tailored to the specific grade levels of the recipients.

The backpack distribution will take place on Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Boo Williams Sportsplex, Armistead Pointe Parkway B in Hampton.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Big Picture

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has for years been quietly giving folks a universal basic income (UBI) as part of a study to see how well such a scheme would work  and now, the results are in.

The Altman nonprofit that conducted the study, fittingly named OpenResearch, announced in its report on its "unconditional cash study" some intriguing  though mixed  results.

"We do see significant reductions in stress, mental distress, and food insecurity during the first year, but those effects fade out by the second and third years of the program," the report explained. "Cash alone cannot address challenges such as chronic health conditions, lack of childcare, or the high cost of housing."

The research organization enrolled 3,000 people in Texas and Illinois who had incomes below $28,000 annually. A third of those got $1,000 a month, while the other two-thirds who acted as a control group got a mere $50, and all groups were paid out over the course of three years.

Thrifty Spenders

Of the 1,000 people who received the larger payments, spending increased by about $310 per month, OpenResearch explained. Most of that cash went to rent, food, and transportation, but that cohort also helped others who were in need more than the control group, too.

Beyond helping out others, which is a documented hallmark in lower-income communities to begin with, the researchers also found that those in the $1,000 UBI cohort also saw a 20 percent decrease in "problematic drinking" and a whopping 53 percent decline in taking prescription painkillers not prescribed to them, too.

The results aren't surprising; many UBI studies have shown similarly promising results, but the political will to enact it on a large scale is currently difficult to imagine.

Notably, the OpenResearch study doesn't seem to be related to WorldCoin, Altman's other pseudo-UBI project that pays out crypto to people who allow their eyeballs to be scanned so that they can be verified as human.

More on Altman: Sam Altman Admits Its Letters-and-Numbers Salad Product Names Like "GPT-4o Mini" Are Horrible
The St. Dominic Catholic Church in San Antonio on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The church is one of eight in the city integrating mental health resources into their available services. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

After months of classes on counseling, Veron Blue got her chance to put what she has learned all year, to work.

Across from her, was fellow trainee Deborah Johnson, who, as part of a lesson, assumed the role of a hypothetical client, who had come to Blue for help dealing with depression.

Remembering to focus first on the encounters positives, Blue, pastor at San Antonios Family Life International Ministries, began, addressing Johnson directly: I am so proud of you for coming to this meeting.

By the end of the encounter taking place this month inside a local clinic, her fellow trainees and instructors broke into applause as Blue sighed in relief.

Having this knowledge with what we already know as pastors is powerful, Blue told the group.

Blue and Johnson, a member of, are among 10 people from eight different Christian churches in San Antonio who have spent the year participating in a Harvard Medical School program called EMPOWER, a unique program to bring basic counseling skills to places of worship.

From left: Gregory Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Vernon Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

From left: Gregory Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Vernon Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

From left: Gregory Carter from Family Life International Ministries, Deborah Johnson from St. Dominic Catholic Church and Pastor Vernon Blue from Family Life International Ministries participate in a mental health training exercise on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the NOW Clinic in San Antonio Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

The training is designed to help clergy, and its members become part of the mental health workforce, offering brief counseling sessions to community members. This program is not meant to handle severe mental illness beyond depression, and trainees are taught to refer cases beyond their scope to a clinical provider.

We know the people we are talking to in church, and there is already a built-up trust and dialogue, said Minister Greg Carter from Vertical Church in San Antonio. It makes sense for us to use this program.

The free 12-month program is being sponsored by The Congregational Collective, a nonprofit organization founded by H.E. Butt Foundation in 2023 to help San Antonio faith communities support mental wellness.

The organizations executive director, Rebecca Brune, said the EMPOWER program draws on 25 years of research in India, which showed how community health workers and non-clinical providers could deliver mental health assistance as effectively, if not more effectively, than clinical providers.

By the end of the year, this initial group of 10 clergy and church members will move on to an internship where they will do nine skills-building sessions at San Antonios New Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) clinic and three to five test cases under supervision. By November or December, they will be able to deliver services independently. Once they finish training, this first group will be tasked with helping train the next cohort of religious leaders.

With the workforce shortage struggle, we needed to figure out how to distribute mental health treatment from an equity perspective, Brune said. What better place to go to than faith communities, where Latinos and African-Americans already have trust in.

How the program works

When the Rev. David Murillo, lead pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in San Antonio for the past ten years, was approached by The Congregational Collective about participating in the EMPOWER program, he knew it was his calling to say yes.

This church has been intentional about outreach for centuries, Murillo said. I view this as the current iteration of the church serving the community.

Senior pastor Dave Murillo, right, listens as Roxanna Johnson, Congregational Collective coordinator at St. Paul Lutheran Church, explains the program. The Congregational Collective is a nonprofit organization founded by H.E. Butt Foundation to help faith communities in San Antonio support mental wellness. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

Roxanna Johnson of St. Paul Lutheran Church, said their church has always looked to help those with mental illness, but they didnt have the tools to address it until now. She said she had already seen the benefits of the training program when a couple from Honduras who were in America for asylum came into their church looking for help.

They had a hard time coming here. They told all kinds of stories. I assessed the woman using the training I had received, got her some help, and found her a program to get into, said Roxanna Johnson, who is now the churchs Congregational Collective coordinator. I am sure we are doing the right thing now.

EMPOWER teaches people how to treat depression using positive emotions. This is the same training mental health providers receive to treat some depression.

We have learned that people may need to see a mental health clinician, but they are less likely to speak to someone in a white coat than somebody in the church, Rev. Murillo said. This means the church needs to step up. If not us, then who?

Representatives from churches throughout San Antonio meet with members of Harvard Medical School's EMPOWER program during a training event at the UT Health NOW clinic on July 16, 2024. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

This is the first time this training program has been used in the United States, but it has been implemented in countries such as India and various places in sub-Saharan Africa. Harvard Medical Schools Mental Health For All Lab has recently translated the program from Hindi to English and Spanish, and San Antonio is the first stop.

Leveraging faith leaders has been done all over the world, said John Naslund, an instructor in Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard, helping implement the EMPOWER program in San Antonio. America is actually behind in this regard.

Naslund believes the program fits perfectly with Texas due to its size and desperate need for more mental health providers.

San Antonio was perfect because there was already interest in collaboration between churches and clinical partners, he said. Also, there is a huge need in Texas, so there is a motivation to make it work.

The partnership with the New Opportunities for Wellness clinic in San Antonio provides the EMPOWER program with ongoing clinical supervision and referrals, which Brune believes adds a layer of efficiency and integrity to their effort.

That is the exciting part. We will be able to measure it and track the referrals and the monetary value of this work, Brune said.

Father Jaime Paniagua of St. Dominic Church in San Antonio, another EMPOWER trainee, said when he referred people in the past, it might have taken weeks or months before they got help, and many people turned to their pastor before their mental health provider.

There are two reasons I believe this, and one is because we are a place of trust, and the second is that we dont charge $200 an hour, Paniagua said. I never deny a call, and everybody who wants to call me can. We serve right away here, and people know they will be served.

Father Jaime Paniagua of St. Dominic Church speaks with Dr. John Naslund from Harvard Medical School on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at St. Dominic Catholic Church in San Antonio. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

He also said now is a perfect time for the EMPOWER training because a new generation is starting to return to religion.

God created us as good spiritual beings, and we are constantly pursuing things to make us feel spiritually good, but not many places provide it, Paniagua said. Sometimes, as a church, we mess up, but we need to give the people what they seek because deep inside, we all want to be happy.

Still, there are some concerns and questions about making the church a general provider of mental health services.

I think the biggest challenge is not to get emotional, said Deborah Johnson. You have to understand that we know these people personally, and when you hear about those challenges, you want to help immediately.

David Roberts, a psychologist at the NOW clinic who is helping to supervise the program, said one of the biggest challenges for this pilot program is figuring out where the pastor's role ends and the mental health provider begins.

It can be tough to be emotionally detached from people you personally care about, but you can use those emotions to affirm your client's feelings, Roberts told the classroom of religious leaders.

Religious leaders hear all kinds of problems from their congregation, whether it be rent, divorce, spiritual conflict, and more. Their natural reaction is to help their congregation immediately, but this training program focuses on not only helping the physical but also the mental.

You have to set boundaries. You can say right now is the behavioral activation session; outside of this, I will call you as a spiritual leader, but be honest about when you switch directions, said Megan Fredrick, director of programs at the Now Clinic.

Another concern brought up by the group of trainees is what to do when someone is suicidal, and Fredrick quickly told them to refer those kinds of cases to mental health professionals.

You are going to meet people who you cant help, but you can give them actionable items to find that help, Frederick said.

Naslund stressed that this program does not replace proper clinical counseling because the participants arent trained to diagnose or prescribe medication, and its primarily used to treat depression.

The current mental health care system isnt working, he said. We had to find a different way. This is meant just to add additional help.

The relationship between mental health providers and the church can be viewed as mutually beneficial. Churches can use this program as a method of outreach during a time of declining membership, and providers can use regular people to address low-tier mental illness, freeing up time and space.

The church gets to help and serve people. The clinics can connect with clients they might have had difficulty getting a hold of. And the school can do their study, Murillo said. Everybody wins.

Dr. John Naslund sits in silence in the Adoration Chapel in St. Dominic Catholic Church, where Father Jamie Paniagua invited the Harvard Medical School team to spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

Big news: director and screenwriter Richard Linklater; NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher; U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California; and Luci Baines Johnson will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!

Correction, July 22, 2024 at 3:14 p.m.: A photo caption on a previous version of this story misspelled the name of a pastor. Her name is Veron Blue.
AKRON, Ohio, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will report second quarter 2024 financial results after market close on Wednesday, July 31, followed by an investor conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, August 1.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, USA. (PRNewsFoto/Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)

The Company will publish its results on July 31, in the form of an Earnings Release and an additional presentation on its investor relations website: http://investor.goodyear.com. The following morning, the Company will host an investor call.

The investor call can be accessed on the website or via telephone by calling either (800) 245-3047 or (203) 518-9765 before 7:55 a.m. and providing the conference ID "Goodyear." A replay will be available by calling (800) 839-4088 or (402) 220-2986. The replay will also be available on the website.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate. GT-FN

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-to-announce-second-quarter-2024-financial-results-302203148.html

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office reported Friday that it had recovered $629,000 in county funds stolen when fraudsters used a compromised vendor email address to snatch a payment intended for Milton-based Roberson Underground Utility.

It was also announced a person of interest has been identified and law enforcement is attempting to make contact with that person, who resides out of state.

The theft of the vendor payment, which totaled $853,000, was made public in April. County Commissioners voted soon after to reimburse Roberson Underground Utility, a family-owned business that had won the contract for a $5.4 million drainage project to address flooding issues within the Metron Estates subdivision in Pace.

In the Friday release, Clerk of Court Don Spencer described the utility company as "the victim of a sophisticated business email compromise scam."

Contacted for comment, he deferred questions about the ongoing investigation to the Milton Police Department. Officials were unavailable late Friday afternoon.

The Milton Police Department is continuing to investigate the theft, the release said, with assistance from the FBI and Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office.

In the immediate aftermath of the breach of security, Spencer vowed to tighten up his office's system of disbursing checks to vendors, even possibly taking the step of forcing companies doing business with the county to show up in person to sign in before receiving payment for services.

More: Santa Rosa Clerk reveals the nature of last week's theft of office funds

On Friday he announced the Clerk's Office has engaged the services of PaymentWorks to enhance payment security measures. PaymentWorks will be responsible for all vendor verification prior to payment and indemnify the Clerk of Court and Board of County Commissioners for up to $2,000,000 per transaction, the release said.

The partnership will allow the Clerk's Office to return to the way it had conducted business prior to the April theft.

Partnering with PaymentWorks gives us an extra layer of protection when making electronic payments," Spencer said in the release. "It also protects the countys vendors from the kind of fraud that occurred.

Spencer said criminal entities have shown their hands with similar recent thefts or hacking of agency computers across Northwest Florida.

With the recent cybersecurity attacks involving Ascension Sacred Heart, the city of Pensacola, the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, and this particular vendor, its clear that criminals are looking to victimize non-profits, governmental agencies, and those who do business with them, he said in the release.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Santa Rosa Clerk's Office finds person of interest in computer hack
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Lincoln County Sheriffs deputy had a close encounter over the weekend not far from secretive Area 51, a magnet for reports of UFO activity.

And if its on the internet, it must be true. Right?  Right?

Occupants of a vehicle that resembled a glass-domed saucer allowed the deputy to approach and document the visit. Official reports failed to disclose the nature of the occupants, but photos indicate the vehicle never left the ground  thus avoiding government classification as an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP).

The Facebook page for the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office appeared to downplay any possible threat to national security:

Just another day patrolling in Lincoln County on the Extraterrestrial Highway! These folks are on a cross-country trip to Roswell for a UFO Festival!

(Photo: Lincoln County Sheriffs Office)

The Extraterrestrial Highway, CR 375, between Crystal Springs and Warm Springs, skirts the northern edge of land controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. The small town of Rachel has cultivated the connection with UFOs and was even the site of 2019s Alienstock festival.

Several media reports over the past few weeks appear to confirm the Lincoln County sighting involved two beings dressed in garb from the U.S. Midwest, claiming to be from Indiana. Photos posted elsewhere on Facebook show the vehicle in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Missouri.

The vehicle was stopped on June 28 in Crawford County, Missouri. The occupants told a deputy there that the vehicle is a converted 1991 Geo Metro. He called himself Steve Anderson. Body camera video from the incident appears to show a lack of understanding of traffic laws, depite Mr. Andersons claim that he is a former member of Indiana law enforcement.

(Photo: Lincoln County Sheriffs Office)

He took a long time to produce a drivers license, having to sort through many cards  some of which carried Area 51 labels and photos that looked more like an alien. The officer told him his license plate was expired, and he produced proof of insurance that was 10 years out of date.

If the vehicle was traveling from Missouri to New Mexico for a UFO Festival, as he told the Missouri deputy, it somehow avoided detection in Texas before arriving in Roswell for the July 5-7 event. Our sister station, KRQE in Albuquerque, confirmed that the vehicle was indeed in Roswell during the event.

Anderson says he will be in Roswell until Tuesday, and then he will make the drive to Area 51, According to the KRQE report.

8 News Now has reached out to humans who took photos of the vehicle in Nevada. Mysteriously, those people have not replied.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Saved but not sorry: Waterford emergency crews rescue dog stuck in recliner couch

WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  First responders worked a unique case Saturday when a dog managed to get stuck inside a recliner.

Using their tools, Waterford firefighters helped Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control get the dog out of the motorized recliner couch and back to his family, happy to see him safe again.

House fire near White Sands Beach in Old Lyme

Saved but not sorry: Waterford emergency crews rescue dog stuck in recliner couch

Saved but not sorry: Waterford emergency crews rescue dog stuck in recliner couch

Saved but not sorry: Waterford emergency crews rescue dog stuck in recliner couch

Saved but not sorry: Waterford emergency crews rescue dog stuck in recliner couch.

Judging by his expression, I dont think he is sorry, joked animal control.

Officials reported the dog is fine but the couch did suffer damage.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The heat dome that descended upon the Pacific Northwest in late June 2021 met a population radically unprepared for it.

Almost two-thirds of households earning US$50,000 or less and 70% of rented houses in Washingtons King, Pierce and Snohomish counties had no air conditioning. In Spokane, nearly one-quarter of survey respondents didnt have in-home air conditioning, and among those who did, 1 in 5 faced significant, often financial, barriers to using it.

Imagine having no way to cool your home as temperatures spiked to 108 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius), and 120 F (49 C) in some places. People in urban heat islands  areas with few trees and lots of asphalt and concrete that can absorb and radiate heat  saw temperatures as much as 14 F (7.8 C) higher than that.

Extreme heat disasters like this are becoming increasingly common in regions where high heat used to be rare. Blackouts during severe heat waves can also leave residents who believe they are protected because they have in home air conditioners at unexpected risk. To prepare, cities, neighborhoods, companies and individuals can take steps now that can reduce the harm.

Designing shady spots for sitting and public fountains for kids to play in, like these people found in Seattle on June 27, 2021, can provide some relief from extreme heat. AP Photo/John Froschauer

In a new report, written with colleagues at universities and the Washington State Department of Health and released ahead of the two-year anniversary of the heat wave, we show how municipal planning agencies, parks departments, local health agencies, community-based organizations like churches and nonprofits, multiple state agencies, hospitals, public health professionals and emergency response personnel, as well as individuals and families, can play a vital role in reducing risk.

The 2021 heat dome was Washingtons deadliest weather disaster on record. It contributed to 441 deaths in the state between June 27 and July 3, our research shows. Medical systems were overwhelmed.

There are numerous ways to avoid this deadly of an outcome in the future. Many emerge from thinking about extreme heat as long-term risk reduction, not just short-term emergency response.

Designing environments for cooling

Greening the urban environment can reduce heat exposure and save lives. For example, planting trees and building shade structures where people are most exposed to heat can provide local relief from extreme temperatures. That includes providing shade at buildings without air conditioning and exposed public spaces, such as bus stops and parks.

Planting rooftops with vegetation, known as green roofs, or painting them white so they reflect heat rather than absorb it, can also lower roof temperatures by tens of degrees. Used widely, they can reduce an entire neighborhoods heat island effect by several degrees.

Developed areas tend to heat up more than natural landscapes, such as parks. That can increase heat stress on humans. Climate Impacts Group/University of Washington, adapted from EPA

Efforts like these, along with tree planting campaigns in public parks and rights of way, and ordinances requiring shade trees for parking lots and private development projects, can transform the urban heat landscape.

Reaching vulnerable people

When heat waves are coming, culturally nuanced outreach efforts focused on the most vulnerable populations  and involving sources they trust  can save lives.

Government heat advisories in traditional media like radio, newspapers, TV and the internet have been shown to have limited success in changing peoples behavior. In the 2022 Spokane survey, 88% of respondents indicated they were unlikely to leave their home during an extreme heat event to go to a cooling center, for example. The reasons varied, including misperception of personal risk, fear of leaving homes unoccupied, not wanting to leave pets behind and mistrust of government.

Culturally specific resources led by community-based organizations can get around the government trust issue and can be tailored to the local population.

A woman puts cold cloths on her forehead at a cooling center in Portland, Ore., on June 27, 2021. Alisha Jucevic for The Washington Post via Getty Images

That might mean opening cooling centers in churches or common community gathering places and launching heat awareness campaigns driven by trusted community messengers. New York City developed a door-to-door wellness check program that uses neighborhood volunteers to check on elderly and other at-risk residents.

Under this model, churches, libraries, community centers and community nonprofits take center stage, supported with resources from local and state governments. Baltimore developed more than a dozen resiliency hubs using this model to provide water, cooling, power for charging devices and other support.

Community-based organizations can also direct energy assistance to lower-income community members. In Spokane, one community organization created a cooling fund to provide portable air conditioners to those who cannot afford one.

Our report lays out many other strategies to achieve long-term heat risk reduction.

Landlords, employers and utilities have a role

Addressing extreme heat over the long term requires the participation of many other groups not tasked with protecting public health.

For example, landlords of multifamily housing and rental homes have an important role to play. After the 2021 heat wave, Oregon passed a law prohibiting landlords from restricting tenants ability to install window air conditioners.

Employers of people who work outdoors, or indoors in buildings without air conditioning, can protect workers by allowing more breaks, providing shade and water and adjusting work hours to avoid heat exposure  although concerns persist about rule enforcement and reduced pay.

Outdoor workers may face extreme heat for hours on end. More frequent breaks and providing shade can help when work cant stop. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Utilities can make a difference by ensuring the power stays on during high-demand periods, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods, and working with communities to reduce costs for vulnerable people that may prevent them from using air conditioning.

Ultimately, reducing extreme heat vulnerability through multiple strategies is crucial because lives are at stake.

Coordination is essential

Extreme heat waves are forecast to occur more frequently across the globe as greenhouse gas emissions continue to warm the climate. Between 1971 and 2021, Washington state experienced an average of three extreme heat days per year. By the 2050s, climate models project that will rise to between 17 and 30 extreme heat days per year  a fivefold increase.

Annual average temperatures are projected to increase, with proportionally greater changes at higher latitudes. The top map shows observed temperature changes from 1986-2016 relative to 1901-1960. The lower maps show projected changes for mid-century (20362065) and late century (20702099) depending on high and low greenhouse gas emissions. Fourth National Climate Assessment/NOAA NCEI/CICS-NC

In the end, saving lives from extreme heat is a complicated challenge requiring coordination across multiple levels of government, agencies and the civic and private sectors.

Some cities, including Phoenix, are experimenting with heat offices tasked with this coordination. But individuals have an important role to play as well.

In addition to knowing how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors, individuals can add their voices to the rising chorus calling on all levels of government and the private and civic sectors to take urgent steps to reduce heat risk.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jason Vogel, University of Washington and Brian G. Henning, Gonzaga University

Read more:



Jason Vogel receives funding from Washington state that supports the University of Washington's Climate Impacts Group to conduct data modeling and provide technical assistance on climate impact analysis to Washington communities, businesses, and governments.

Brian G. Henning receives funding from Gonzaga Center for Climate, Society, and the Environment to support teaching, scholarship, consulting, and capacity building.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris gives the keynote address at he King Day at the Dome Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. (Photo By Mary Ann Chastain/ SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The South Carolina delegation to the Democratic National Convention endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris hours after President Joe Biden announced he was no longer running for a second term.

South Carolinas Democratic Delegates join President Biden in endorsing Vice President Harris as our nominee, said state Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain in a statement late Sunday evening. We must move forward in unity for the sake of democracy; by selecting President Biden in February, South Carolina Democrats also selected the Vice President for her ability to lead.

Biden won South Carolinas primary in February, the first recognized primary in the country, by over 96% of the vote.

The Palmetto State delegation to the DNC includes 55 delegates elected in a complex process outlined on the website.

The state will also send 10 automatic delegates, or superdelegates. Superdelegates do not get to vote in the first round of the Democratic convention. These superdelegates include current Democratic members of Congress, which in South Carolina is just U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn.

Clyburn also endorsed Harris Sunday afternoon, saying he was proud to follow (Bidens) lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him.

As recently as Thursday, Clyburn told reporters that he was backing Biden. Biden credits Clyburns endorsement of him prior to the 2020 South Carolina Democratic primary for his 30-point victory in the Palmetto State, after disappointing finishes that year in Iowa and New Hampshire.

In his statement posted to the social platform X, Clyburn praised Bidens policy goals and accomplishments as president.

President Biden has improved the lives of countless Americans through his selfless service, and I thank him for his unparagoned leadership, he wrote. I echo the good judgement he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him.

Former South Carolina state Rep. Bakari Sellers, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2014 and is a political commentator for CNN, was more critical of the forces that pushed Biden out in his endorsement of Harris than Clyburn.

Democrats should be embarrassed by the way President Biden was treated by his own colleagues the last month, Sellers posted on the social platform X. He is one of the most transformative Presidents of a generation. That fight is over  Kamala Harris is battle tested and battle ready.
For Holly Alsobrooks, talking about her son publicly means speaking about his death from fentanyl.

Alsobrooks son Cody, then 25, died in 2020 from an overdose from just a single pill. She says fentanyl is like Russian roulette  death is a potential outcome if not addiction. The DEA says fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more addictive than heroin. And police and prosecutors say its easy to get, cheap, and deadly.

But while Codys death is painful to talk about, its worth the discussion if it also means talking about the dangers of overdosing and pushing for tougher laws for those who deal fentanyl.

People need to see what is going on with fentanyl, Alsobrooks said.

Alsobrooks joined more than 20 other people from York County with family members whove died from fentanyl overdoses Monday outside the Moss Justice Center in York. During the rally, some chanted fight, fight, fight as they pushed for more accountability against drug importers and dealers. They held poster-sized pictures of their dead children and siblings.

Their rallying cry: the S.C. General Assembly should pass a law that makes it a crime to sell a deadly dose of fentanyl. A bill to do that stalled in the legislature this year.

We are trying to prevent other people having to go through what we have been through, said Denise Rhodes, whose 20-year-old daughter died from a fentanyl overdose in 2020. We want laws that hold people accountable.

Prosecutor: consequences should be more severe

Paula Therrien talks to a group of family members and friends Monday at Moss Justice Center whose loved ones died of fentanyl overdoses.

Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett, York Countys top prosecutor, joined families Monday in the push for tougher laws because of the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

If you sell fentanyl and someone dies, the consequences need to more severe, Brackett said.

York County has averaged two fentanyl overdose deaths a week since 2022, officials said. And its not just here: Charlotte area police and prosecutors say fentanyl is a crisis across the state line that is coming from the southern border.

The Herald reported exclusively on July 15 that the last of five defendants in a Lake Wylie area federal fentanyl case pleaded guilty. In that case more than 60 pounds of fentanyl was seized in October 2022 from a mobile home that was used for making illegal pills. All five face 10 years to life in prison.

The amount of fentanyl seized in that 2022 case was enough to kill the entire 5 million-plus population of South Carolina.

Christina Settlemyer said her son, Jonathan, died from fentanyl overdose. A death by drug distribution law would hold the person who sold or gave the drugs responsible, Settlemyer said. North Carolina has a death by distribution law.

I have a life sentence, Settlemyer said. We lost my son.

Call it poisoning, mother says

Rally goers displayed photos of loved ones on a table during a protest at the Moss Justice Center Monday.

Drugs bought on the street are unregulated so there is no way to know what amount of fentanyl is in a street pill, Brackett said. Just a tiny amount of fentanyl is enough to cause a death. In the Lake Wylie case, drug agents seized presses and binders that were being used to make pills, Brackett said.

Melissa Anderko of Rock Hill knows all about the dangers of street pills. She said her 16-year-old son, Aiden bought two pills to help with anxiety as he was studying for a test. Aiden died in May because the pills were tainted with fentanyl, Anderko said.

It can happen to anyone, Anderko said..

Anderko also wants the public to use the word poisoning rather than overdose because of the stigma attached to the word overdose.

Carol Fancher of Lake Wylie said her son died in March 2023 from a fentanyl overdose. Fancher said fentanyl is chemical warfare being waged on the public.

Our children are not safe, Fancher said.

Brackett is also pushing another law that would require more jail time and medical treatment. The law would impose graduated sentences for addicts arrested who test positive fentanyl and give an incentive to get clean, he said. That law also has not been acted on by the S.C. Legislature.

Alsobrooks and others say theyre committed to helping and started a non-profit called fentanylkillsu.org. The group has held rallies at the S.C. statehouse, testified before the legislature and pushed for change.
SC stands alone in not criminalizing revenge porn. Some legislators hope to change that.

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA  South Carolina became the only state in the country that doesnt ban distributing nude photos of someone without permission after a law making it illegal in Massachusetts took effect last month.

South Carolina does have a law banning sexual extortion, often called sextortion, which is when someone uses sexual photos or videos to blackmail people. The sextortion law, which passed unanimously last year, is named Gavins Law after Rep. Brandon Guffeys 17-year-old son, who died by suicide after scammers posing as a college girl threatened to release explicit photos of him unless he kept sending them money.

Rep. Brandon Guffey, R-Rock Hill, speaks in House chambers on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Columbia, S.C. (Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

That law covers instances in which a person demands something, usually money and/or sex, in order to not release nude photos. But nothing in state law deals with situations in which a person posts or sends such photos without first using them as blackmail, Guffey said.

There is nothing to stop someone from releasing something without the threat, the Rock Hill Republican said.

For instance, a man angry following a breakup might decide to share or sell nude photos his girlfriend sent him while they were in a relationship, said Rep. Chris Wooten, who sponsored a bill last session making that illegal.

Thats where the revenge piece of whats been dubbed revenge porn comes in, as its often done to embarrass someone or hurt their reputation, he said.

The sharing of explicit images without consent can also lead to human trafficking, when the person circulating the photos uses them as leverage against the person in them. Still, without a threat before the images are circulated, thats not illegal under the existing sextortion law, Wooten said.

Were trying to work with law enforcement and give them another tool in the toolbox to work on the things were running into these days, said the Lexington County Republican, a Marine veteran and former highway trooper.

The state needs a law to protect people, especially young adults, from having their lives ruined because they sent an explicit image to someone they thought they could trust, he said.

Everyone makes mistakes, Wooten said. That shouldnt be held over their head.

Rep. Chris Wooten, R-Lexington, speaks in House chambers in Columbia on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. (Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

His bill, pre-filed in December 2022 and co-sponsored by Guffey and five other Republicans, never even got a subcommittee hearing over the last two years. It officially died when the legislative session ended in May.

That bill joined a long line of similar proposals introduced since 2016 that met the same fate. Other bills referred to it as cyber sexual harassment. None have made it out of the committee process.

Thats not because of opposition, Wooten and Guffey said. Both said they havent gotten any pushback on the idea.

Instead, its a matter of legislators not understanding the problem, Wooten said. He didnt know what revenge porn was until he joined a committee that looked at the issue, he said.

Only after working with the Attorney Generals Office and realizing that law enforcement had no way of prosecuting people who spread those images without consent did he start pushing for legislation, he said.

A lot of people arent aware of it, Wooten said. A lot of people dont make a big deal out of it.

Part of that may come from an older generation of legislators who dont understand image-based abuse and the harm it causes, Guffey said.

They just had to worry about a Polaroid (photo) getting passed around, Guffey said. They view it as more of a self-caused situation.

As younger legislators come into the Statehouse, that mindset is shifting, Guffey said.

The biggest question at this point, he added, is what kind of penalty to attach to the law. Guffey said hed be fine with civil litigation, meaning the person whose images were circulated could sue the one who distributed the photos.

Wooten said he prefers criminal punishments like other states have used. His latest attempt would have made the unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit materials a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or a prison sentence of up to a year.

Under the new Massachusetts law, a person who distributes nude or partially nude photos without the consent of the person in them could face up to two and a half years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Wooten plans to reintroduce his bill ahead of the legislative session that begins in January. He and Guffey are both hopeful 2025 will be the year it becomes law.

It should just be a layup for this Legislature to get something on the books, Guffey said.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) is shown various combat exercises during his visit to the mountain infantry brigade on the Reiteralpe. Peter Kneffel/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his government's military spending plans against criticism during a visit with troops on Monday in the south of the country.

Scholz pointed to a large special fund to modernize Germany's military, known as the Bundeswehr, that was created in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The attack put renewed attention on the state of many European defence forces.

"In 2017, we still spent 37 billion ($42 billion) on defence. Now, with the use of the special fund, the Bundeswehr's budget is 75 billion. That's more or less a doubling," Scholz said during a visit to an elite mountain infantry brigade at a high-altitude training ground near the town of Bad Reichenhall on the Austrian border.

Scholz's coalition has faced criticism over the small increase in the 2025 budget for defence - including from the Bundeswehr Association, which advocates for the interests of those serving in the military.

Scholz emphasised, however, that the defence budget will continue to rise in the coming years: "In 2028, the Bundeswehr budget alone will amount to 80 billion because we will no longer be able to fall back on the special fund. With this long-term perspective, the Bundeswehr can also position itself very differently than in the past."

The chancellor said that kind of funding makes it possible to prepare orders and plans that are geared towards the coming decade.

"This is actually the big qualitative difference, because we can now ensure that we don't have to procure in the short term, but can enter into long-term agreements," he said.

During the visit, Scholz also was shown how the soldiers prepare for operations and possible combat in the mountains at altitudes of around 1,700 metres.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) eats lunch with mountain soldiers during a visit to the Bundeswehr's mountain infantry brigade. Alexandra Beier/AFP POOL/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) is shown various combat exercises during his visit to the mountain infantry brigade on the Reiteralpe. Peter Kneffel/dpa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explains the financial aid from Germany at the opening of the 25th World AIDS Conference. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday reaffirmed the common goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 despite setbacks to targets, as the World AIDS Conference began in Munich.

"Although we are making progress, there is still a long way to go," Scholz told the world's largest meeting on HIV and AIDS, which was expected to draw more than 10,000 participants to the Bavarian capital to share research and best practices.

"One person dies of AIDS every minute. One person every minute! That is something we must change," Scholz said, underscoring the need for more research, more prevention, more information and thorough testing.

A new report from the United Nations' HIV/AIDS programme released on Monday suggests the world is "at a crossroads" if the aim to eradicate the disease as a public health threat is to be achieved by 2030.

Official figures show that around 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023, more than three times the interim target of 370,000 for 2025 set by world leaders in 2021.

Doctors, public health experts and activists from some 175 countries were invited to the 25th International AIDS Conference to discuss the fight against HIV/AIDS, for which there are treatments but no cure.

Almost 40 million people worldwide were living with the virus in 2022.

AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 69% since the peak in 2004 and by 51% since 2010, according to UN figures. Nevertheless, as Scholz highlighted, the death rate remains stubbornly high.

Infections have been rising in some regions like Eastern Europe; in Africa they remain high despite significant progress in recent decades.

The UN's goal is to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths by over 90% between 2010 and 2030. But the goal is in jeopardy.

Experts lament that the epidemic is no longer on the public health radar in the way it once was, leading to flattening or declining government funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

They also say that discrimination and stigmatization of at-risk populations and vulnerable groups continues to threaten progress. These groups include sex workers, transgender people and drug users who use syringes.

Scholz pledged Germany's support here too by joining the UNAIDS Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination.

Germany also wants to continue to make a significant contribution to the financing of programmes, he said. As one of the largest donors, Germany is contributing 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the current cycle.

The programmes supported by the Global Fund have so far saved 59 million lives, Scholz said.

He also expressed confidence that, following recent advances in mRNA technology, for example, a vaccine against HIV could be available in the not too distant future. Germany has a flourishing research environment in this field.

The conference, which runs until Friday, is being held in Germany for the first time since 1993.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explains the financial aid from Germany at the opening of the 25th World AIDS Conference. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) sits between Birgit Poniatowski (2nd L), Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and Sharon Lewin (2nd R), President of the International AIDS Society, at the opening of the 25th World AIDS Conference. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday reaffirmed the common goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, as he addressed the opening of the World AIDS Conference in Munich.

"Although we are making progress, there is still a long way to go," Scholz told the world's largest meeting on HIV and AIDS.

"One person dies of AIDS every minute. One person every minute! That is something we must change," he said, underscoring the need for more research, more prevention, more information and thorough testing.

In addition, the fight against stigmatisation and discrimination against certain people must be continued, he continued.

Germany will therefore join the UNAIDS Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination.

According to the Chancellor, Germany also wants to continue to make a significant contribution to the financing of programmes.

As one of the largest donors, Germany is contributing 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the current cycle.

The programmes supported by the Global Fund have saved 59 million lives, Scholz said. In addition, Germany supports UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation and will remain a reliable partner here, he assured.

He also expressed confidence that, following recent advances in mRNA technology, for example, a vaccine against HIV could be available in the not too distant future. Germany has a flourishing research environment in this field.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (C) sits between Birgit Poniatowski (L), Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and Sharon Lewin (R), President of the International AIDS Society, at the opening of the 25th World AIDS Conference. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) reported its fiscal second quarter earnings after the bell on Tuesday, beating analysts' estimates on the top and bottom lines as its cloud businesses continue to pick up steam, topping the $1 billion mark for operating profit for the first time.

For the quarter, the company saw earnings per share of $1.89 on revenue of $84.7 billion. Analysts were anticipating earnings per share of $1.85 on revenue of $84.3 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That's a jump from the same period last year of 31% and 14%, respectively, when the company reported earnings per share of $1.44 on revenue of $74.6 billion.

Advertising revenue topped $64.6 billion versus analysts' expectations of $64.5 billion, and up from $58.1 billion last year. YouTube ad revenue, however, fell short, with the segment bringing in $8.66 billion versus expectations of $8.95 billion.

Shares of Alphabet were down roughly 3% in premarket trading on Wednesday.

Google saw cloud revenue of $10.35 billion and operating income of $1.17 billion. That's better than analyst expectations of $10.1 billion and operating income of $982.2 million and higher than the $8 billion in revenue and $395 million in operating income the company reported in Q2 2023.

Alphabet shares are up 30% year to date. Shares of rivals Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) are up 18% and 22% year to date, respectively. All three companies are pouring money into building out their generative AI capabilities, spending lavishly on data centers capable of powering the AI models they offer via their cloud service platforms.

In the second quarter, Alphabet reported spending $2.2 billion building AI models across its DeepMind and Google Research organizations. That's up from $1.1 billion in Q2 2023. When exactly AI starts to generate revenue for Googles Cloud business, let alone its ad segment, is still up in the air.

It is still too early to count on AI benefits as most [companies] remain in pilot mode, and material AI [revenue] is more likely a 2025-26 event, Jefferies analyst Brent Thill wrote in a recent client note ahead of Alphabet's earnings announcement.

Google is still trying to find its footing with AI Overview, the generative AI feature that shows up at the top of Google Search results pages. In May, the company rolled out the search function, only for users to quickly discover that its answers werent always accurate, with now-famous responses telling users to put glue in their pizza or to eat a rock every day. Google responded by pulling back some of the generative AI features.

Story continues

While it spends on AI, Alphabet has been cutting in other areas, including headcount. In Q2, the company reported having 179,582 employees, down from 181,798 in the same period last year.

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Police said no charges will be sought

Getty School bus

A bus driver and safety monitors have been fired after a 4-year-old boy was accidentally left in an abandoned minibus in Rhode Island last week, officials said.



North Kingstown Superintendent Kenneth Duva said the student was "left unattended on a North Kingstown School Department bus after the driver and monitors completed their morning route."



In a police report obtained by PEOPLE, authorities said that the 4-year-old child, whose name was redacted, had been enrolled in a continued Pre-K school year summer program when he was left on a minibus on July 16.



When the boy "did not come into the school, Fishing Cove Elementary Staff marked [him] absent and believed he did not come to school," police added.



Related: 3-Year-Old Hit by Car After Being Left Unattended in Motel and Walking Along Highway with 2-Year-Old

The report said the school bus driver and monitor drove from the elementary school to the transportation parking lot, at which time the child was still on the back of the bus.



Police said the boy was "able to exit the bus and was subsequently located by town employees at the Municipal Office Building a short distance away."

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Police said no criminal charges will be sought in the matter.



The superintendent said in a letter to the North Kingston school community on July 19 that the "troubling situation was both shocking and unacceptable and does not reflect the standards of safety and care we uphold throughout our District."



Related: 5-Year-Old Left in Hot Car, Possibly for Hours, Dies in What Va. Police Call 'Tragic Accident'

"The child was uninjured during this incident and was safely reunited with his family," his statement read. "This does not negate the distress this incident may have caused both the child and his family, understandably. We are deeply sorry this incident occurred."



The superintendent noted that the school district launched an internal investigation to determine what happened. A report was also filed with police and the states Department of Children, Youth, and Families.



PEOPLE has reached out to the superintendent and the DCYF for additional comment.



Related: Newborn 'Safe and Healthy' After Being Left Inside Box on Nebraska Fire Stations Doorstep

The superintendent went on to say that their investigation found that the bus driver and monitors "failed to follow our mandatory safety procedures." This included checking the bus upon route completion to ensure no child had been left behind, per Duva.

"As a result, we have terminated the bus driver and monitors responsible for this incident, he added. "The driver and monitors will not be allowed to work for our School Department, or any contractor our School Department works with, at any point now or in the future. Further, we are in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of our transportation protocols and procedures."



In addition, the superintendent wrote that bus drivers and bus monitors would face mandatory re-training. There will also be enhanced safety checks and technology safety additions.



"I understand this weeks incident may have disturbed the trust families place in our School Department," said Duva. "I am fully committed to restoring that trust through our actions and improvement steps."



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GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Verizon-authorized retailer Round Room is hosting its 12th Annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway event in Greenville.

Round Room will give over $3 million worth of backpacks to children at more than 1,000 stores nationwide. Verizon Wireless retail locations in Greenville will have hundreds of free backpacks on Sunday, July 28, at 1 p.m.

Families can stop by the following locations to pick up backpacks:

1708 E Greenville Street Suite C

1276 Eighteen Mile Road Suite A

2098 E Main Street

2007 Augusta Street

3550 Highway 153

3935 Pelham Road Suite G

810 E Main Street Suite A

2603 Woodruff Road Suite A

2190 Southport Road Suite 13

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Blink, and you could miss a superintendent change.

Three times this summer, Rochester-area school districts have announced superintendent departures and already had successors in place, an increasingly common practice that can allow a smoother leadership transition but doesn't provide any opportunity for community input. The process lacks transparency on purpose.

In June, Greece Superintendent Kathleen Graupman announced her retirement and immediately was replaced by Jeremy Smalline, a deputy superintendent who'd been groomed for the top job.

Earlier this month, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES said longtime superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci was retiring and would be replaced by Penfield Superintendent Thomas Putnam.

Penfield in turn said it already had identified its likely next superintendent, and on Monday announced that it would be Tasha Potter, a current assistant superintendent.

In each case, residents did not even know that a transition was about to happen, much less have a chance to weigh in.

Penfield Superintendent Thomas Putnam and Greece Superintendent Kathleen Graupman at a press conference March 13, 2020 regarding coronavirus.

Penfield School Board President Emily Roberts and Greece School Board President Sean McCabe said they believed finding a quality internal candidate without a lengthy search process was the best use of district resources  and within their purview as elected officials.

"I know the community put a lot of trust in us when they voted for us to make these decisions, and we didnt take that lightly," Roberts said. "To have someone in position (this summer) to plan for the current year was really important to us to have a successful transition."

The risk is that district residents will feel ignored. Graupman, Antonacci and Putnam had all been in their positions for around a decade, meaning it has been a long time since that particular opportunity for input was last available.

In Other News: Rochester firefighter to get $521K in lawsuit settlement over racist East Avenue party

From more to less transparent

There are three basic ways to hire a superintendent. The most participatory is an open search, where multiple candidates are presented to the community in a public forum before a final selection is made. That is what the Honeoye Central School District in Ontario County did this spring before hiring its new superintendent, Natalie Pfluke.

"We wanted to be able to let the community know what we were doing as clearly as we could," Board President James Sykes said.

Then there are closed searches, where community members can provide general input but don't hear any candidates' names until the final selection is made. That was how West Irondequoit hired its current superintendent, Aaron Johnson, in 2018.

John Vay, the school board president at the time, said there were public engagement events with faculty and staff, parents, students, other residents and even former school board members.

"We threw that net out there as wide as we could get it and we got back information about what was important," he said.

The least transparent means is what Greece's McCabe called succession planning. The board realized Graupman was nearing state retirement age and so identified someone in Smalline they believed would provide a good cultural fit and a seamless transition.

"I can find a superintendent, but I want someone whos going to be committed to Greece, not someone coming in looking for a payday for three years or to pad their pension," he said.

Trend toward confidentiality

Most school boards' first call when beginning a superintendent search is BOCES. One of the services each BOCES provides to its member districts is leadership search management, with only advertising and marketing as direct costs.

Monroe 1 BOCES Superintendent Dan White has been part of many such conversations. He said there is a trend across the state for more confidential searches, in particular because they garner more candidates.

Ten years ago, he said, an open hiring process for a superintendent might draw 25 or 30 applicants. Now it would likely draw between five and 10. (In Honeoye there were eight applicants, Sykes said.)

"Youll likely get a more experienced and deeper pool if you do a confidential search process," White said. "And youre seeing more districts go toward succession planning, where we have someone internal that we really like and weve seen their work product for a number of years."

White and Monroe County School Boards Association Executive Director Amy Thomas said there's no right or wrong answer, but that every district needs to weigh its own circumstances. Urban districts like Rochester, for instance, more often conduct nationwide searches with more opportunities for public input.

The superintendent Honeoye settled upon was in fact an internal candidate; Pfluke had been principal of the elementary school. But Sykes said the open search sent an important signal to the community that the board valued its consideration.

"(Pfluke) was high on our list at first, but we wanted to be open and upfront with everyone in the district and to have them know that wed looked at more than one person," he said. "We're very happy with our decision, and we were very happy with our process."

 Justin Murphy is a veteran reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle and author of "Your Children Are Very Greatly in Danger: School Segregation in Rochester, New York." Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CitizenMurphy or contact him at jmurphy7@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: School superintendent selections lack transparency on purpose
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) praised Vice President Harris as off to a great start in her bid to win the Democratic nomination for president but stopped short of endorsing her Monday.

She is rapidly picking up support from grassroots delegates from one end of the country to the other. We look forward to meeting in person with Vice President Harris shortly as we collectively work to unify the Democratic Party and the country, Schumer and Jeffries said in a joint statement.

The Democratic leaders praised Harris for promising to pursue the nomination in a manner consistent with the grassroots and transparent process set forth by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Harris had already racked up the support of more than 500 delegates as of Monday afternoon.

The DNC announced last week that it would hold virtual proceedings between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7 to certify the partys nomination for president before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19.

Several high-profile Democrats endorsed Harris for the nomination on Monday, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.); Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D); Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; and Midwestern Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin.

Whitmer and Pritzker were floated as possible candidates for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination before Biden dropped out.

Pelosi, who worked with Schumer and Jeffries to pressure Biden out of the race, praised Harris in her endorsement as committed to public service and brilliantly astute.

Officially, I have seen Kamala Harriss strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a womans right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service, Pelosi said in her statement.

Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute  and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November, she 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.
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A mysterious phenomenon first observed in 2013 aboard a vessel in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean appeared so preposterous, it convinced ocean scientist Andrew Sweetman that his monitoring equipment was faulty.

Sensor readings seemed to show that oxygen was being made on the seabed 4,000 meters (about 13,100 feet) below the surface, where no light can penetrate. The same thing happened on three subsequent voyages to a region known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

I basically told my students, just put the sensors back in the box. Well ship them back to the manufacturer and get them tested because theyre just giving us gibberish, said Sweetman, a professor at the Scottish Association for Marine Science and lead of the institutions seafloor ecology and biogeochemistry group. And every single time the manufacturer came back: Theyre working. Theyre calibrated.

Photosynthetic organisms such as plants, plankton and algae use sunlight to produce oxygen that cycles into the ocean depths, but previous studies conducted in the deep sea have shown that oxygen is only consumed, not produced, by the organisms that live there, Sweetman said.

Now, his teams research is challenging this long-held assumption, finding oxygen produced without photosynthesis.

Youre cautious when you see something that goes against what should be happening, he said.

The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience, demonstrates how much is still unknown about the ocean depths and underscores whats at stake in the push to exploit the ocean floor for rare metals and minerals. Its finding that theres another source of oxygen on the planet other than photosynthesis also has far-reaching implications that could help unravel the origins of life.

Sampling the seafloor

Sweetman first made the unexpected observation that dark oxygen was being produced on the seafloor while assessing marine biodiversity in an area thats earmarked for mining potato-size polymetallic nodules. The nodules form over the course of millions of years through chemical processes that cause metals to precipitate out of water around shell fragments, squid beaks and shark teeth and cover a surprisingly large area of the seafloor.

Metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese contained in the nodules are in high demand for use in solar panels, electric car batteries and other green technology. However, critics say deep-sea mining could irrevocably damage the pristine underwater environment, with noise and sediment plumes kicked up by mining equipment harming midwater ecosystems as well as organisms on the seabed that often live on the nodules.

Its also possible, these scientists warn, that deep-sea mining could disrupt the way carbon is stored in the ocean, contributing to the climate crisis.

For that 2013 experiment, Sweetman and his colleagues used a deep-ocean lander that sinks to the seafloor to drive a chamber, smaller than a shoebox, into the sediment to enclose a small area of seafloor and volume of water above it.

What he expected the sensor to detect was oxygen levels falling slowly over time as microscopic animals breathed it in. From that data, he planned to calculate something called sediment community oxygen consumption, which provides important information about the activity of seabed fauna and microorganisms.

It wasnt until 2021, when Sweetman used another, backup method to detect oxygen and it produced the same result, did he accept that oxygen was being produced on the seafloor and he needed to get a handle on what was going on.

I thought, My God for the last eight or nine years, Ive just been ignoring something profound and huge, he said.

Sweetman has observed the phenomenon time and time again over almost a decade and at several locations in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a large area that extends more than 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers) and is beyond the jurisdiction of any one country.

The team took some of the samples of sediment, seawater and polymetallic nodules back to study in the lab to try to understand exactly how oxygen was being produced.

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Understanding dark oxygen

Through a series of experiments, the researchers ruled out biological processes such as microbes and zoned in on the nodules themselves as the phenomenons origin. Perhaps, they reasoned, it was oxygen being released from manganese oxide in the nodule. But such a release wasnt the cause, Sweetman said.

A documentary about deep-sea mining that Sweetman watched in a hotel bar in Sao Paulo, Brazil, unleashed a breakthrough. There was someone on it saying, Thats a battery in a rock, he recalled. Watching this, I suddenly thought, could it be electrochemical? These things they want to mine to make batteries, could they actually be batteries themselves?

Electric current, even from an AA battery, when placed into saltwater, can split the water into oxygen and hydrogen  a process known as seawater electrolysis, Sweetman said. Perhaps, the nodule was doing something similar, he reasoned.

Sweetman approached Franz Geiger, an electrochemist at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and together they investigated further. Using a device called a multimeter to measure tiny voltages and variations in voltages, they recorded readings of 0.95 volts from the surface of the nodules.

These readings were less than the voltage of 1.5 required for seawater electrolysis but suggested that significant voltages could occur when nodules are clustered together.

It appears that we discovered a natural geobattery, said Geiger, the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwesterns Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, in a news release. These geobatteries are the basis for a possible explanation of the oceans dark oxygen production.

Challenging the paradigm

The discovery that abyssal, or deep-sea, nodules are producing oxygen is an amazing and unexpected finding, said Daniel Jones, a professor and head of ocean biogeosciences at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, England, who has worked with Sweetman but was not directly involved in the research. Findings like this demonstrate the value of seagoing expeditions to these remote but important areas of the worlds oceans, he said via email.

The study definitely challenges the traditional paradigm of oxygen cycling in the deep sea, according to Beth Orcutt, senior research scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine. But the team provided sufficient supporting data to justify the observation as a true signal, said Orcutt, who was not involved in the research.

Craig Smith, professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, called the geobattery hypothesis a reasonable explanation for the production of dark oxygen.

(A)s with any new discovery, however, there may be alternative explanations, he said via email.

The regional significance of such (dark oxygen production) cannot really be assessed with the limited nature of this study, but it does suggest a potential unappreciated ecosystem function of manganese nodules at the deep-sea floor, said Smith, who also wasnt involved with the study.

Polymetallic nodules found in the seafloor in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, such as the one seen here, are rich in manganese, copper, cobalt and nickel. - Camille Bridgewater/Northwestern University

Unraveling the origins of life

The US Geological Survey estimates that 21.1 billion dry tons of polymetallic nodules exist in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone  containing more critical metals than the worlds land-based reserves combined.

The International Seabed Authority, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, regulates mining in the region and has issued exploration contracts. The group is meeting in Jamaica this month to consider new rules to allow companies to extract metals from the ocean floor.

However, several countries, including the United Kingdom and France, have expressed caution, supporting a moratorium or ban on deep-sea mining to safeguard marine ecosystems and conserve biodiversity. Earlier this month, Hawaii banned deep-sea mining in its state waters.

Sweetman and Geiger said that the mining industry should consider the implications of this new discovery before potentially exploiting the deep-sea nodules.

The University of Hawaiis Smith said he favored a pause on mining the nodules, considering the impact it would have on a vulnerable, biodiverse and pristine environment.

Early attempts at mining efforts in the zone in the 1980s provided a cautionary tale, Geiger said.

In 2016 and 2017, marine biologists visited sites that were mined in the 1980s and found not even bacteria had recovered in mined areas, Geiger said.

The sea cucumber Amperima sp. is seen on the seabed in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone. - Courtesy Craig Smith and Diva Amon, ABYSSLINE Project

In unmined regions, however, marine life flourished. Why such dead zones persist for decades is still unknown, he added. However, this puts a major asterisk onto strategies for sea-floor mining as ocean-floor faunal diversity in nodule-rich areas is higher than in the most diverse tropical rainforests.

Sweetman, whose scientific research has been funded and supported by two companies interested in mining the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, said that it was crucial to have scientific oversight over deep-sea mining.

Many unanswered questions remain about how dark oxygen is produced and what role it plays in the deep-sea ecosystem.

Understanding how the ocean floor produces oxygen may also shed light on the origins of life, Sweetman added. One long-standing theory is that life evolved on deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and the discovery that seawater electrolysis could form oxygen in the deep could inspire fresh ways to think about how life began on Earth.

I think that theres more science that needs to be done, especially around this process and the importance of it, Sweetman said. I hope its the start of something amazing.

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If Gov. Greg Abbott is angling for a Cabinet post or a key job in the White House should Donald Trump's comeback bid succeed, the three-term Texas Republican is campaigning with the same public vigor he brought to the vice presidential sweepstakes between the GOP primaries and the national convention.

Which is to say, none at all.

Abbott, who runs the nation's largest Republican state, won a prime-time speaking slot on day three of the four-day gathering in Milwaukee that nominated Trump for the third straight time as the party's choice for president. While the high-profile assignment might have fueled some speculation that Trump is considering a role for Abbott in a second stint as president, the governor's seven minutes in the spotlight most likely did not.

"If Governor Abbott was a stock, you'd hold," quipped University of Houston political science professor and author Brandon Rottinghaus the morning after the governor's appearance. "I don't think it's a 'buy now. 

Just as they did during the speculative period before Trump formally selected U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio for the No. 2 spot on the ticket, associates close to Abbott have privately cautioned reporters and others not to get caught up in the "what if" game regarding the governor being tapped for U.S. attorney general or as the point person on the border security front.

Abbott himself has said the same thing, telling a Dallas Morning News reporter after giving his convention speech, My interest is focused solely on the state of Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Because of time constraints and competition on Fox News, his speech didn't make a major splash on the national stage.

Why Abbott's name gets mentioned for a Trump post

On paper, either role under Trump would appear to be a good fit. Before being elected governor in 2014, Abbott spent 12 years as Texas' attorney general. During the four years leading up to that, he was an associate justice on the state Supreme Court.

But his response to Biden rolling back many of the hard-line border and immigration policies of Trump's presidency has cemented Abbott's status as the nations most aggressive state chief executive when it comes to the southern border.

He took the unusual step of militarizing the Texas-Mexico border by deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to the Rio Grande. And he defied the Biden administration by installing a floating barrier of buoys in the river to discourage migrants from swimming across from Mexico to Texas and by unspooling miles of razor wire along the shore to greet anyone who tried.

Abbott boasted mightily about those initiatives, and the GOP delegates inside Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum missed few opportunities to cheer him on. But because of time constraints imposed by convention planners on Abbott and the most of the other nonheadliner speakers, his speech lacked the personal narrative and the kind of breakout moment on which Barack Obama capitalized as a little-known state senator from Illinois, electrifying the 2004 Democratic National Convention as the keynote speaker.

By contrast, while Abbott addressed the GOP convention, he was overshadowed on conservative Fox News by a fellow Texan, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, whose simultaneous interview was carried live by the must-watch channel for many Republicans.

Would a Trump Cabinet job be a step down for Abbott?

Rice University political science professor Mark Jones said Abbott's nearly 10 years in the Governor's Mansion and the roles he has carved out for himself during that time lend instant credibility to speculation about national ambitions. But there would be little upside for Abbott to become a presidential appointee, Jones said.

"I generally view Abbott as enjoying the position as the most important and influential Republican governor in the country," Jones said. "For Abbott, a Cabinet position would be a step down, in many respects. (He would be) going from being a three-term governor of the second-largest state in the country  and what's far and away the most important red state, where you are the undisputed leader  to being one of many different Cabinet secretaries."

More: At Republican convention, Ted Cruz hails Trump, focuses ire at Biden's border policies

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump shakes hands with Gov. Greg Abbott at the GOP convention. There has been speculation that Trump is considering a role for Abbott in a second stint as president.

Is Abbott playing the waiting game for 2028?

Rottinghaus said that although the 2028 election cycle is not yet close to the horizon, any conversation on the Republican side would have to include Abbott.

"He's not running for president; he's waiting for president," Rottinghaus said. "That's not a bad place to be right now; the post-Trump Republican landscape is very murky. Who will emerge as a leader is unknown at this point, so being in the mix and having a net profile with a big fundraising apparatus behind you is a good enough place to be for right now."

During Abbott's governorship he has also championed state legislation dear to the national Republican conservative base. Abbott has signed legislation that allows for the unlicensed open carrying of handguns in most public places and a measure that effectively outlawed abortion except when a pregnant patient risks death or "substantial impairment of a major bodily function."

Donald Trump greets a guest in the family box at the Republican National Convention. Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to Sen. Marco Rubio at left, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump Jr. are seated at right.

Abbott also has the distinction of having had to console his state in the aftermath of at least seven deadly mass shootings, including the May 24, 2022, attack at an elementary school in the South Texas community of Uvalde and another during a Sunday service at a Baptist church in the unincorporated community of Sutherland Springs near San Antonio.

More: Trump accepts the nomination: RNC final day takeaways

Abbott, who has said he plans to seek a fourth term as governor in 2026 and already has an eye-popping $51 million in his campaign war chest, also touts a string of electoral victories in Texas dating back to the 1990s, when he was elected to a state district judgeship in Houston.

Will the 2028 Republican National Convention see Gov. Greg Abbott as a presidential candidate? Only time will tell.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement after Abbott's convention speech that the governor used that occasion and other headline-attracting events to "audition" for the next presidential election cycle.

"Crisis after crisis, Abbott has used this authority to cater to himself, billionaire donors and corporations instead of prioritizing relief for Texans," Hinojosa said.

Still, a lot of chess pieces remain on the political board before any talk of 2028 has any salience. A Trump victory, even though split by Biden's presidency, would make the GOP nominee ineligible to seek reelection. But it would leave his vice presidential nominee well-positioned to run for the top of the ticket. A Trump loss would scatter those chess pieces to the wind.

Jones said he's not certain Abbott would even want to step forward under either scenario in four years.

"I've never been convinced that the governor is dead set on running for, or becoming, president," Jones said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Greg Abbott says he's not interested in a Trump White House post
BROCKTON  Three people were stabbed during a fight outside a Brockton bar early Sunday morning, police said.

Brockton police responded to reports of a stabbing outside Bar Dino's, located at 1002 Main St. at about 1:53 a.m., Brockton police spokesperson Darren Duarte said.

When they arrived, officers found that three people  two men and one woman  had been stabbed outside the bar during a fight.

One of the male victims was taken to a hospital in Boston with serious injuries, Duarte said. Another male and the female victim were also taken to hospitals, but with minor injuries, he said.

The incident was the second stabbing in Brockton during the weekend. Hours before the incident outside the bar, a Fall River man was fatally stabbed inside a park in Brockton.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton stabbing: 3 hospitalized after incident outside Bar Dino's
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is sworn in before her congressional testimony on Monday (Getty Images)

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle admitted Monday her agency failed to protect Donald Trump from an attempted assassination at a campaign rally, calling it the most significant operational failure ... in decades.

Cheatle was grilled by House members at a contentious hearing over the blunders that allowed a a 20-year-old gunman wielding his fathers AR-15 assault-style rifle to scale a roof and open fire. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have come out demanding Cheatle step down as the agencys leader.

The tense hearing at times veered into outright hostility, with one GOP legislator calling Cheatle full of s***.

In her opening statement, Cheatle, a 27-year veteran of the Secret Service, told members of the House Oversight Committee , The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades, and I am keeping him and his family in my thoughts.

Cheatle told the panel that she takes full responsibility for any security lapse, and said she will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again.

Former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by the Secret Service moments after he was shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania rally (Getty Images)

Former federal agents have since ripped the agency for allowing the shooting to occur.

U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican committee chair, told Cheatle that he believes she should resign over the incident, which he called one of the darkest days in American political history.

Others, including Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, along with Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin, the committees ranking member, joined Comer in his calls for Cheatle to step down.

Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also surprised many by fiercely joining the criticism of Cheatle, saying that the proposed 60-day target for producing an investigation report was not acceptable.

I think its very important to understand that this is not about theater, this is not about jockeying  this is about the safety of some of the most highly targeted and valued targets internationally and domestically in the United States of America, she said.

In his own opening remarks, said he and Comer are determined to get to the bottom of the stunning security failures.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, sought on Monday to tie the Trump assassination attempt to the ready availability of high-powered weapons in the U.S. (Getty Images)

In response to a question from Raskin about the events leading up to the shocking assassination attempt, Cheatle said that if Trumps security detail had been passed information that there was a threat, the detail would never have brought the former president onto the stage.

Congress members also grilled Cheatle about why the rally was not paused despite significant security concerns from bystanders at the event, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois displayed footage of rally attendees pointing to the shooter on the roof.

Maam, that doesnt look like suspicious behavior, that looks like threatening behavior to me," he said. "And the rally wasnt paused at the point either, correct?"

Cheatle responded by saying that the moment that the agents surrounding the president were aware of the threat, they moved.

"Was there ever a moment when the Secret Service actually considered pausing the rally?" Krishnamoorthi asked.

"The Secret Service would have paused the rally had they known there was an actual threat," Cheatle replied.

"The answer is no," Krishnamoorthi said.

Democrats sought to tie the shooting of the former president to assault weapons.

Does the ubiquity of guns make your job more difficult today? Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, asked Cheatle during the hearing.

I think the job of the Secret Service is difficult every day, and we need to make sure that we are mitigating all threats, she replied, leading Connolly to fire back: That isnt my question.

The inquiry echoed Raskins opening salvo, in which he called the Trump shooting a double failurethe failure by the Secret Service to properly protect Donald Trump and the failure of Congress to properly protect our people from criminal gun violence.

It is time to pass universal background checks and build on the Biden-Harris administrations work to ensure that we permanently close the loopholes in the Brady law for gun show purchases, on-line purchases, and private sales to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of people whom we know to be a threat to themselves or others, Raskin said.

But what happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, shows why even closing these loopholes will not keep assault weapons out of the hands of potential assassins and mass murderers.

Under federal law, and in the vast majority of states, even young people who cannot legally buy a beer yet can legally purchase and own these weapons of war and even carry them in public.

The so-called gun show loophole allows buyers to bypass the existing system of background checks, a security flaw Democrats hope to fix (AP)

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the number-two Democrat on the Oversight Committee, chastised Cheatle for saying that a report would be available in 60 days when an election was a little more than 100 days away.

We have to make policy decisions and we have to make them now, she said. That may require legislation. That may require policy that we must pass in the immediate term, we are flying blind.

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina at one point savaged Cheatle over her testimony, saying, Youre full of s*** today.

As the hearing continued, some Republicans attempted to link the shooting to the increase of women in the Secret Service. GOP Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin asked about Cheatles proposed goal to hire more women. (Women presently comprise a little less than 25 percent of the agencys ranks.)

I am hiring the best qualified candidates that put in an application that want to work for our great organization, Cheatle responded.

After the hearing, Comer and Raskin released a joint letter sent to Cheatle, which lambasted her for having failed to provide answers to basic questions about the shooting, and being unable to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

In the middle of a presidential election, the Committee and the American people demand serious institutional accountability and transparency that you are not providing, the letter said. We call on you to resign as Director as a first step to allowing new leadership to swiftly address this crisis and rebuild the trust of a truly concerned Congress and the American people. 

The agency has long been plagued by security scandals. In 2012, agents reportedly brought sex workers to a hotel in Colombia during former president Barack Obamas visit. In 2014, a man jumped over a fence and made it into the White House, And in 2015, two Secret Service officials drunkenly interfered with a crime scene involving a bomb threat at the White House.

At the time, the House Oversight Committee released a report recommending more staffing. The Secret Service is roughly 8,000-strong but needs about 9,500 employees to properly carry out its mission, Cheatle said on Monday.
Lawmakers grilled the director of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, during a contentious House hearing on Monday, where members of both parties called for her resignation in the wake of the assassination attempt against Donald Trump earlier this month.

In her opening statement, Cheatle acknowledged the Secret Service had failed on 13 July, when a 20-year-old gunman was able to take a clear shot at the former president from a rooftop near Trumps campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump survived but sustained an injury to his ear, and one rally attendee, former fire chief Corey Comperatore, was killed in the attack. Two others were injured.

As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency, Cheatle told the House oversight committee. We are fully cooperating with ongoing investigations. We must learn what happened, and I will move heaven and earth to ensure that an incident like July 13th does not happen again.

In a particularly damning moment, Cheatle acknowledged that Secret Service agents were informed of a suspicious individual at the Trump rally somewhere between two and five times before the gunman opened fire.

The Republican chair of the committee, James Comer, mourned the assassination attempt as a horrifying moment in American history and demanded that Cheatle offer her resignation.

While we give overwhelming thanks to the individual Secret Service agents who did their jobs under immense pressure, this tragedy was preventable, Comer said. It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign.

Lawmakers repeatedly pressed Cheatle on how such a galling security lapse could have occurred, but the director dodged many of their questions, reminding members that the investigation of the shooting was still in its earliest stages. When Cheatle again told Comer that she could not specify how many Secret Service agents were assigned to Trump on the day of the shooting, the congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene interjected: Why are you here?

Cheatle did deny allegations that the Secret Service rejected the Trump campaigns demands for additional security on 13 July, telling lawmakers: The assets that were requested for that day were given.

But Cheatle became more vague when the Republican congressman Jim Jordan pressed her on whether the Secret Service had denied past requests for additional security at Trump campaign events.

It looks like you wont answer some pretty basic questions, Jordan said. And you cut corners when it came to protecting one of the most important individuals, one of the most well-known individuals on the planet.

Some Republicans representatives grew openly combative as they questioned Cheatle, with Nancy Mace telling the director: Youre full of shit today.

Democratic members joined in on the criticism, and at least two of them, Jamie Raskin and Ro Khanna, echoed Republicans calls for Cheatles resignation. Khanna compared the situation to the fallout after an assassination attempt against Ronald Reagan in 1981.The then Secret Service director, Stuart Knight. stepped down in the months after the Reagan shooting.

Do you really believe that the majority of this country has confidence in you right now? Khanna asked.

Cheatle replied: I believe that the country deserves answers, and I am committed to finding those answers and providing those answers.

Asked when more answers might be available, Cheatle said the agency hoped to conclude its internal investigation in 60 days, a timeline that sparked censure from committee members.

Related: House Democrat calls for Secret Service director to resign after Trump rally shooting

The notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States, irrespective of party, is not acceptable, said the progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This is not theater. This is not about jockeying. This is about the safety of some of the most highly targeted and valued targets  internationally and domestically  in the United States of America.

Raskin, the Democratic ranking member of the oversight committee, agreed with calls for accountability at the Secret Service while adding that lawmakers must reckon with the broader problem of gun violence in the US. He noted that the Trump campaign rally attack was not even the deadliest shooting on 13 July, as four people were killed later that day after a gunman opened fire at an Alabama night club.

What happened in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a double failure: the failure by the Secret Service to properly protect Donald Trump and the failure of Congress to properly protect our people from criminal gun violence, Raskin said. We must, therefore, also ask hard questions about whether our laws are making it too easy for potential assassins and criminals to obtain firearms generally and AR-15 assault weapons specifically.

With Republicans in control of the House, it seems unlikely that a gun safety bill will pass Congress anytime soon. And after Cheatles performance on Monday, it seems even less likely that she will be able to hold on to her job for much longer.
Mitchell Industrial Park, outlined in blue, has been sold. The buildings are at 6055 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Cudahy, near Mitchell International Airport.

A group of light industrial buildings near Mitchell International Airport has been sold for just under $60 million, according to Wisconsin Department of Revenue records.

The buildings, known as Mitchell Industrial Park, are at 6055 S. Pennsylvania Ave. and other addresses in Cudahy.

They were sold by four investors groups affiliated with Oak Realty Group Inc., based in Deerfield, Illinois, to a joint venture between New York-based DRA Advisors and Capital Partners, based in Edina, Minnesota, according to Colliers, the real estate firm which brokered the sale.

It's the largest industrial real estate sale so far this year in Wisconsin, according to Colliers.

The 10 buildings total 879,704 square feet and are 99% leased to 22 tenants, including DHL, National Packaging Services, Menasha Packaging and Fastenal. The buildings were constructed over the course of several decades and range in size from 24,000 square feet to 212,000 square feet.

The Milwaukee-area industrial real estate market had a 5.7% vacancy rate at the end of the second quarter, according to the latest survey from the Commercial Association of Realtors-Wisconsin. That includes a 7.6% vacancy rate in Milwaukee County.

Brokers on the sale were Tom Shepherd, Jennifer Huber-Bullock, Bill Langhoff, and Joe Langhoff of Colliers/Wisconsin, and Jeff Devine, Steve Disse, and Tyler Ziebel of Colliers/Chicago

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Light industrial buildings near Milwaukee airport sold for $60 million
Kimberly Cheatle testified before the House committee on oversight and accountability - TIERNEY L CROSS/BLOOMBERG

Kimberly Cheatle, the US Secret Service director, admitted on Monday that the agency made its most serious mistake for decades in failing to prevent the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders, Ms Cheatle said during testimony before the House committee on oversight and accountability.

On July 13, we failed, she added. As director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse.

Donald Trump's right ear was grazed by a bullet during the assassination attempt - REBECCA DROKE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Ms Cheatle, who is facing calls to resign, said the assassination attempt on Trump, who was slightly wounded in the ear while speaking at a campaign rally, was the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman, opened fire on Trump with an AR-style rifle just minutes after the former Republican president and current White House candidate began speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper 26 seconds after firing the first of eight shots.

Investigators have determined that Crooks, who lived in a town about 50 miles from Butler, acted alone. They have not been able to identify any strong ideological or political leanings.

Two rally attendees were seriously wounded in the shooting and a fireman was killed - REBECCA DROKE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Two rally attendees were seriously wounded in the shooting and Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old firefighter of Freeport, Pennsylvania, was shot dead.

Opening the hearing into the assassination attempt, James Comer, the Republican committee chairman, said this tragedy was preventable and it is my firm belief, Director Cheadle, that you should resign.

Thomas Crooks was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper - AFP/GETTY IMAGES

The Secret Services protective mission is to protect US and visiting world leaders and safeguard US elections through protection of candidates and nominees, Mr Comer said.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, he added.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence.

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.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing Tuesday in Washington on the assassination attempt.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee during a hearing at the Rayburn House Office Building on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. The beleaguered leader of the United States Secret Service has vowed cooperation with all investigations into the agency following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.

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U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by an apparent bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for gun control

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

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More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on July 22, 2024. The beleaguered leader of the agency has pledged cooperation with all investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, though members of Congress from both parties have called for her to resign. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle berated U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday over the agencys failures to prevent the attempted assassination against former President Donald J. Trump, urging her to resign amid dissatisfaction with her testimony.

Nine days since a 20-year-old shooter killed one rallygoer and injured two others with an AR-15 style rifle at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a slew of bipartisan investigations and actions have sprung up in an attempt to get to the bottom of the shooting that nearly killed the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. The gunman was killed at the scene.

The Secret Service has a zero-fail mission, but it failed on July 13 and in the days leading up to the rally, Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said in an opening statement to the panels lengthy hearing on the attempted assassination.

The Secret Service has thousands of employees and a significant budget, but it has now become the face of incompetence, Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said.

Cheatle, who testified after Comer subpoenaed her, said the assassination attempt is the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades and acknowledged that she has taken, and will continue to take, accountability.

I am responsible for leading the agency, and I am responsible for finding the answers to how this event occurred and making sure that it doesnt happen again, she added.

Both parties critical in questioning

Republicans and Democrats expressed extreme dissatisfaction over Cheatles answers, with Comer and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland calling on Cheatle to resign in a joint letter following the hearing.

The two said Cheatle failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures.

Lawmakers grilled Cheatle on how the gunman was able to execute the attack and access the roof where he conducted the shooting, how Trump was allowed to enter the stage with a suspicious person being identified and why she has not yet resigned from her post.

Director Cheatle, because Donald Trump is alive  and thank God he is  you look incompetent. If Donald Trump had been killed, you would have looked culpable, said GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Cheatles testimony

During the hearing, Cheatle noted that she was answering questions shes able to answer based on the fact that there are multiple ongoing investigations.

However, throughout the hearing, Cheatle did disclose that the Secret Service was alerted somewhere between two and five times about a suspicious individual prior to the shooting.

Youre full of s today. Youre just being completely dishonest, GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said while asking Cheatle a series of yes or no questions, including whether this was a colossal failure.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, said Cheatles answers were completely unsatisfactory.

How could this happen?  We need answers not just for the family members of the gentleman who was killed and those who were injured, but we need answers for our democracy, because as others have stated here today, we are in a highly politically charged environment right now, she said.

Rep. Byron Donalds was among the myriad lawmakers calling on Cheatle to step down, saying: You do need to be fired immediately, and it is because this is gross incompetence.

This is a joke, and Director, youre in charge, and thats why you need to go, Donalds, a Florida Republican, said.

GOP Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan also voiced her frustration over Cheatles answers.

If youre gonna lead, you need to lead, McClain said. If you wanna be in charge, then answer the question, or step aside and have someone with the courage and the guts to answer to the American people the questions that they deserve answers to.

Cheatle also took heat after saying that they were targeting an internal investigation to be complete within 60 days  a timeline that did not sit well with the committee.

Cheatle pointed out a number of Office of Inspector General investigations and the FBIs ongoing criminal investigation remain in progress while the agency conducted its own internal investigation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, noted that Novembers elections are just more than 100 days away.

So the notion of a report coming out in 60 days when the threat environment is so high in the United States  irrespective of party  is not acceptable, she said.

Calls for ban on AR-15s

Some Democrats, including Raskin, used the hearing to highlight gun violence and pushed for a ban on AR-15s.

He noted another mass shooting the same day as the attempt on Trumps life killed four and injured at least 10 others at a Birmingham, Alabama, nightclub.

This means, amazingly, that the Butler attack was not even the deadliest mass shooting to happen in America on that day, he said. We have to find the courage and resolve to pass a ban on the AR-15 and other assault weapons.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan pointed out that this year, the committee had not held a hearing on the over 260 mass shootings that weve had, killing hundreds of people, injuring hundreds, changing their lives forever.

More investigations

On Monday, members of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Mark Green, a Republican from Tennessee, visited the site of the rally. The committee also plans to hold a hearing on the assassination attempt in Washington Tuesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, whose district includes Butler, was also in attendance.

A proposal, submitted by Kelly, to establish a task force on the attempted assassination is scheduled for a vote on the House floor this week.

It would investigate and fully examine all actions by any agency, Department, officer, or employee of the federal government, as well as State and local law enforcement or any other State or local government or private entities or individuals related to the attempted assassination.

The task force would also issue a final report on its findings no later than Dec. 13.

Separately, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch an independent security review of the attempted assassination, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday named a bipartisan panel to conduct a 45-day independent review regarding the actions of the agency and state and local authorities before, during and in the aftermath of the July 13 rally.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle utterly failed Monday to reassure lawmakers that she was still the best person for the job after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, instead prompting members from both parties to call for her resignation in real time.

During the nearly five-hour long hearing in front of the Oversight Committee, members of the typically polarized committee united in questioning how Cheatle could remain on the job and lambasted her for evading inquiries  on everything from the failures that preceded the Trump rally shooting to general questions about the impact of gun violence. It was a particularly rare note of agreement for a panel that has openly and bitterly fought over a broad impeachment investigation into President Joe Biden, and a bad sign for Cheatle's hopes of hanging on.

This committee is not known for ... its model of bipartisanship, but I think today we came together unanimously in our disappointment in your lack of answers, Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) told Cheatle.

Cheatles position seemed to deteriorate as the hearing went on and the number of lawmakers piling on her for non-answers and shrugs began to climb.

Democrats were equally frustrated. Progressive Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) told Cheatle that she didnt believe any of our concerns have been addressed today, and what little weve learned has not inspired much confidence. And in a potential precursor of more calls to come, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the panel, and a handful of other Democrats joined widespread GOP calls for Cheatle to resign. Both Comer and Raskin sent a letter to Cheatle officially demanding that she step aside after the hearing concluded.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), one of the Democrats who called on her to resign, compared Cheatles performance on Monday to an unrelated hearing earlier this year with three university presidents, two of whom subsequently resigned.

Thats how this is going for you. This is where this is headed, he said, saying that he supports Cheatle resigning or being fired.



Republicans and Democrats repeatedly expressed a shared sense of outrage that the worlds premier law enforcement agency could allow a 20-year-old to get a clear shot at the former president.

Youre not doing well, as Mr. Moskowitz informed you, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) added.

Cheatle acknowledged that the assassination attempt was the most significant operational failure for the agency in decades. But she followed that admission with a series of evasive answers about the details of what went wrong, repeatedly citing the ongoing review or deferring to the FBI, which is also leading an investigation.

But that caveat bought her little goodwill with members of the committee. Instead, they repeatedly pressed her to give them answers on details, including how the gunman was able to get on a roof roughly 150 yards away from Trump, why Trump was allowed onto the stage and what actions the Secret Service has taken since the shooting.

This is not just a single shooting, this is about national security and the security of our democracy, said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). Its not just one operational failure. This is about: Are our public officials safe?

The answers that weve received here in this hearing today are completely unsatisfactory, Stansbury added.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), in remarks that sparked pushback from Democrats, told Cheatle that she was full of shit today. Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a member of the Oversight Committee, added that it looked like she wouldn't answer some pretty basic questions.

Cheatle did delve into some of the circumstances surrounding the Saturday shooting. She told lawmakers that, while she didnt have a specific number, she believed there was some sort of communication about a suspicious individual to the Secret Service between two and five times. She also told lawmakers that the gunmans vehicle was outside of the security perimeter and that the Secret Service didnt know the gunman had a weapon when they allowed Trump to walk out onto the stage.

But that was only a fraction of the long list of questions that Cheatle faced on Monday.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) warned Cheatle that the absence of information had helped fuel conspiracy theories about the shooting and that members were begging for details to help rebut them.



Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) called on Cheatle to resign and repeatedly questioned why she wouldnt. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told her that it was not acceptable to wait weeks before giving more detailed answers about the security failures. And Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) asked Cheatle why she was answering fewer questions from lawmakers than she did during an ABC News interview that has sparked scrutiny.

I dont like the fact that the media has received far more answers than Congress has.  You should have come prepared here today, Goldman told Cheatle.

Cheatle further rankled Democrats with her refusal to grapple with questions about the dangers guns pose to Secret Service protectees. They specifically pushed her on the threat posed by semi-automatic weapons like the AR-15 style rifle used in the Trump shooting.

The ubiquity of guns, dangerous weapons in America like AR-15s, has that made your job  that is to say the mission of the Secret Service  easier or more difficult? Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) asked.

I think the threat environment for protecting our Secret Service protectees is always difficult and that's dynamic, Cheatle responded, apparently wary of wading into an argument about regulating firearms. I understand the Second Amendment rights of individuals.

I didn't ask that question. I'm not questioning the Second Amendment, Connolly shot back. You're not making my job easier in terms of assessing your qualifications for continuing on as director.

Connolly, shortly after the hearing ended, called on Cheatle to resign.
On Monday, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle appeared before the House Oversight Committee, a little over a week after the attempted assassination against former President Donald Trump.

While there was certainly some partisan grandstanding, both Republican and Democratic representatives took Cheatle to task over the blatant security failure.

On July 13, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired multiple shots as Trump spoke at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania; a bullet grazed Trump's ear, two other attendees were wounded, and a former Buffalo fire chief, Corey Comperatore, was killed while shielding his wife and two daughters. Crooks had climbed onto the roof of a nearby building and perched on his stomach with a semiautomatic rifle; a Secret Service sniper shot and killed Crooks a few seconds after the shooting started.

In the ensuing days, details came out that looked even worse for the Secret Service. Rallygoers had identified Crooks to law enforcement as a suspicious person more than an hour before the shooting, and Secret Service snipers spotted him on the roof 20 minutes before he started firing. Cheatle claimed that agents were not posted on top of that building because its "sloped roof" presented a "safety factor," but she gave no explanation for why the building was not included in the Secret Service's security perimeter (nor how a 20-year-old with no tactical training was able to traverse the dangerous roof without issue). The Washington Post reported over the weekend that the agency had previously denied Trump's requests for additional security personnel.

"It was unacceptable," Cheatle told ABC News's Pierre Thomas on July 15. "And it's something that shouldn't happen again.The buck stops with me."

But in Monday's hearing, Cheatle gave noncommittal answers, noting that she did not have full information or was "still verifying timelines." She noted that she was waiting on "a full and complete report of exactly what happened," hopefully within 60 days, before she could address specific shortcomings or plans of action.

Members of Congress were not impressed.

"You're full of shit today," Rep. Nancy Mace (RS.C.) told Cheatle, prompting calls from other committee members to "maintain decorum." Mace charged that the Secret Service had not provided any information the committee had requestedincluding a list of "all law enforcement personnel" present at the rally, audio and video recordings, and internal memosdespite being asked on July 15.

"You are being dishonest here with this committee," Mace continued. "We haven't gotten a single document or piece of information or data from you or your agency in [relation] to the rally, that we have asked you for."

"You've answered more questions with an ABC reporter than you have with members of Congress," Chairman James Comer (RKy.) noted before Mace began. "We have a lot more questions, the American people are demanding that we get answers to those questions, and that's what the purpose of this hearing is today. I strongly implore you to answer those questions."

And it wasn't just Republicans who took issue with Cheatle's testimony.

"[There are] elections happening across the country in about 100 days," noted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.). "The notion of a report coming out in 60 days, when the threat environment is so high in the United States, irrespective of party, is not acceptable.It has been 10 days since an assassination attempt on a former president of the United States; regardless of party, there need to be answers."

Cheatle noted that the rally stage was about 200 yards from the building where Crooks fired from. "The individual used an AR-15 in order to act out his assassination attempt," Ocasio-Cortez said. "An AR-15 has a range of about 400600 yards. My question is, why is the Secret Service protective perimeter shorter than [the range of] one of the most popular semiautomatic weapons in the United States?"

"There are a number of weapons out there with a number of ranges," Cheatle responded. "A perimeter was established, and even though there were buildings that were outside of that perimeterit wasn't just that building, there were a number of buildings in the areathere was overwatch that was created to help mitigate some of those buildings."

Despite Cheatle's unwillingness to give specifics, the hearing did glean some useful admissions: For example, Cheatle admitted to Mace that the events in Pennsylvania were "preventable" and constituted a "colossal failure."

This is not to say that no members of Congress used the opportunity to grandstand. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (DMich.) used her allotted time to inveigh against "assault weapons," comparing the shooting in Pennsylvania to mass shootings in other parts of the country. "We just can't continue to allow this to happen," Tlaib said, calling on Congress to pass gun control legislationeven though the gun was purchased legally more than a decade ago, when the shooter was in elementary school.

Moments later, Rep. Tim Burchett (RTenn.) suggested that Cheatle only got her job because she was a woman: Referring to the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) framework that emphasizes considering applicants of diverse backgrounds, Burchett called Cheatle "a DEI horror story."

Still, it's encouraging to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognizing the enormous failure that took place last weekend, when law enforcement agents allowed an identified suspicious person to shimmy up to the top of a building with a long-range rifle and take multiple shots at a former president and major-party candidate.

In a letter released after the hearing, Comer and Rep. Jamie Raskin (DMd.)respectively the committee's chairman and ranking membercalled on Cheatle to resign. The lawmakers charged that in her testimony, she had "failed to provide answers to basic questions regarding that stunning operational failure and to reassure the American people that the Secret Service has learned its lessons and begun to correct its systemic blunders and failures."

The post Secret Service Director Receives Bipartisan Condemnation in Oversight Hearing appeared first on Reason.com.
U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle arrives Monday to testify before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee about the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

In a stunning admission, the embattled director of the U.S. Secret Service said Monday that local authorities observed and photographed the man who shot at former President Trump 18 minutes before he took the stage at a rally in Pennsylvania.

It was one of several security lapses revealed at a congressional hearing into what Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle described as the "most significant operational failure" of the agency in decades.

The new information sparked outrage from lawmakers and a rare moment of agreement between committee Chair James R. Comer Jr. (R-Ky.) and ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who called on her to resign.

"I also didn't see any daylight between the members of the two parties today at the hearing in terms of our bafflement and outrage about the shocking operational failures that led to this disaster," Raskin said.

At a campaign event in Pennsylvania on July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired eight shots at Trump from a rooftop, injuring Trump's ear and wounding three spectators, one of them fatally. Within 10 seconds of the first shot, he was killed by a Secret Service sniper.

But questions from members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability about how a man with a rifle was able to get within firing range of the former president  on a rooftop uncovered by the Secret Service, no less  went mostly unanswered.

"I am here today because I want to answer questions," Cheatle said before being cut off by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). "I don't think you've answered one question from the chairman, the ranking member, or me," Jordan said.

The director repeatedly provided vague or nonresponsive answers when pressed for specifics on the number and types of agents assigned to protect Trump at the rally and how the agency has handled earlier requests for additional security staff from the campaign.

"This is gross incompetence," Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said, calling for Cheatles resignation and saying hed get more answers from his kids if they were in trouble. Donalds said he withheld calling for her resignation until he heard her testimony.

By the time the hearing was over, more committee members were calling for her to step down.

What is depressing is the extraordinary communications gap between the director of the Secret Service and Congress," Raskin said. "I don't want to add to the director's terrible-horrible-no good-very-bad day. But I will be joining the chairman in calling for the resignation of the director just because I think that this relationship is irretrievable at this point. And I think that the director has lost the confidence of Congress at a very urgent and tender moment in the history of the country and we need to very quickly move beyond this.

Despite multiple committee members joining in calls for her to resign, Cheatle did not offer any indication that she would step down.

Though law enforcement had reported a suspicious person to the Secret Service at the rally two to five times before the shooting, Cheatle declined to provide a specific timeline for when Crooks was first spotted. She said Trump would not have been allowed to take the stage if the Secret Service had known of a specific threat.

"We take what local law enforcement relays to us seriously," Cheatle said. "We're looking into whether or not there was a communication breakdown."

In response to a question from Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.), Cheatle confirmed that a Beaver County Emergency Services unit saw Crooks on the roof and photographed him well before Trump took the stage. Knowing that Crooks had entered the grounds previously with a rangefinder, she said, his presence on the rooftop "could be termed as suspicious."

About five minutes before the first shot, something was being worked by agents to the presidents right side, Cheatle testified. But it was only seconds before the gunfire started that agents labeled the shooter as a threat.

Cheatle later said that for a person to be considered a threat, that individual would have to be seen with a weapon or capable of doing some sort of harm to our protectees.

The Secret Service's delineation between a threat and a suspicious person and its reaction goes to the heart of the decision over why the agency allowed Trump to speak.

During the hearing, committee members reminded Cheatle that she was subpoenaed and under oath. She revealed that she had not visited the rally site and acknowledged the Secret Service had not held a news conference since the shooting.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) asked why the Secret Service perimeter for the event was shorter than the range of an AR-15, one of the most popular weapons in the United States. Cheatle replied that there was no standard perimeter  the distance varied at different events.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) asked what led law enforcement to identify Crooks as a person of interest.

"We are nine days out, and there are a multitude of interviews that are still taking place," Cheatle said, referring to an ongoing FBI investigation, an internal investigation within the Secret Service and an inspector general's probe.

"Did they confront him? Did they go up to him? Did they talk to him?" Lynch asked.

"I do not have those details," Cheatle said.

In her opening remarks, Cheatle explained the Secret Service constructed a security plan at the Butler Farm grounds with three concentric rings of protection  the inner, middle and outer perimeter, the last of which was protected by the agency and local law enforcement.

Cheatle was asked about her response to an ABC interview where she explained that no agents were placed on the roof where Crooks was positioned because it was sloped.

"I should have been more clear in my answer," Cheatle said. "What I can tell you is that there was a plan in place to provide overwatch, and we are still looking into responsibilities and who was going to provide overwatch, but the Secret Service in general, not speaking specifically to this incident, when we are providing overwatch, whether that be through counter-snipers or other technology, prefer to have sterile rooftops."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) asked Cheatle if there was a conspiracy to kill Trump.

"Absolutely not," Cheatle said.

Green asked, "Then how did this happen? And why are you still sitting here not turning in your letter of resignation?"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- The embattled head of the Secret Service faced a fresh chorus of calls to resign on Monday, adding to a political firestorm surrounding the agency just months before the US election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle told lawmakers she took full responsibility for security lapses at a Pennsylvania campaign rally where former president Donald Trump was shot earlier this month. However, she also refused to disclose many specifics about the July 13 shooting, drawing ire from both Republicans and Democrats.

James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Reform set a combative tone off the bat. Americans demand accountability, but no one has yet to be fired for this historic failure, he said.

The Secret Service faces tough questions about how the shooter reached the rooftop, why the rally proceeded after the suspect was earlier identified as suspicious, and whether the agency has adequately guarded Trump.

US officials have said 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed up on a roof within sight of the outdoor stage at Butler, Pennsylvania, and fired an AR-556 style rifle, injuring Trump, killing an attendee and wounding two others. A Secret Service sharpshooter then killed Crooks.

In her appearance before the panel on Monday, Cheatle acknowledged failures leading up to the shooting. The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders, Cheatle said. On July 13th, we failed.

During her hours-long testimony, Cheatle said the Secret Service was made aware of a suspicious person between two and five times on the day of the rally, but declined to disclose many specifics around the incident.

Bipartisan Criticism

I dont think youve answered one question from the chairman, the ranking member, or me, said Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican.

South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace told Cheatle she was full of s*** after alleging that Cheatle had failed to cooperate with the panels requests for information.

Exasperation spanned the political spectrum. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, called for Cheatles resignation. Meanwhile, New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Cheatle for outlining a 60-day timeline for a mission assurance review.

Cheatle spent more than 25 years at the Secret Service before becoming senior director of global security for PepsiCo. President Joe Biden named her Secret Service director in 2022.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday launched an independent review led by former officials from Democratic and Republican administrations.

(Updated with details from Mondays hearing throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) has emerged as a surprising running mate option for Vice President Kamala Harris now that shes become Democrats likely nominee for president.

Kelly is a relatively lesser-known senator whose potential strengths as a VP candidate stem from his background  hes a former fighter pilot, an astronaut, and husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords  and from the fact that hes won statewide office in Arizona, a key swing state.

Mark Kelly is extraordinary, and I think he should be on any short list, but I wont comment beyond that, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told HuffPost over the phone on Monday.

Weve got a lot of great choices in front of us, and thats the first presidential decision that VP Harris has, so its her call, but I think youre obviously looking for someone who can be a ferocious and crisp communicator, Schatz said.

He added: You may be looking for some geographic and demographic balance.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) addresses reporters on June 6, 2024. NurPhoto via Getty Images

The conventional wisdom among Democrats is that since Harris is a Black and Asian woman, picking a white person to join her on the ticket could help her appeal to white voters. Other potential Harris VP candidates include Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.), Josh Shapiro (Pa.), Roy Cooper (N.C.) and Andy Beshear (Ky.).

Calling Harris the right person to beat Donald Trump, Kelly endorsed the vice president on Sunday hours after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid.

She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States, Kelly wrote on social media.

A spokesperson for Kelly declined to comment on the possibility hed be tapped as a vice presidential candidate.

Kelly would also check another box that could help Democrats: Hes a veteran.

The senator became a U.S. Navy pilot in 1987 and rose to the rank of captain. He flew 39 missions in the first Persian Gulf War while he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway.

The next Commander in Chief would be well-served by having a post-9/11 generation veteran  or any military veteran  at their side in the perilous times that were living in, said Allison Jaslow, the chief executive office of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

There are a few reasons why Kelly might not be the right pick for Harris, however.

Both Kelly and Harris serve in the Senate (the vice president, who previously represented California in the Senate, often breaks ties in the narrowly divided chamber). Typically, presidential campaign tickets have included more variety of experience by pairing office holders from across government or from outside of it entirely.

The Arizona Democrat is also relatively inexperienced in politics compared to others rumored to be on the VP short list. His first foray into politics was in November 2020, when he won a special election to serve out the remainder of Sen. John McCains term after McCain died. Kelly went on to be elected to his current and full term in the Senate in 2022.

More importantly, if Kelly became vice president, Democrats would need to fill his seat, potentially risking it flipping to the Republican column and imperiling the partys chances of Senate control. Arizonas Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs would appoint a Democrat to fill Kellys seat. But then that person would have to run in a special election in 2026 and again in 2028 for a full term.

In the Senate, Kelly has been a reliable vote for Bidens agenda, though there are issues where he has bucked the president. He has argued for a tougher border policy and criticized the administration for ending Title 42, which enabled officials to turn away asylum-seekers in the name of public health. And he has been one of the only Democratic holdouts who has refrained from endorsing the PRO Act, organized labors top legislative priority.

Jonathan Nicholson and Jen Bendery contributed reporting.
President Joe Biden arrives for the NATO summit in Washington, July 10, 2024. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, July 21, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. | Jacquelyn Martin

Sen. Mitt Romney said President Joe Bidens decision to drop out of the presidential race was right and in the best interest of the country, in a statement Sunday.

Im a classic Republican and hes a classic Democrat; obviously, President Biden and I usually didnt see eye-to-eye. I opposed many of his initiatives. But we did find common ground on infrastructure, Ukraine, the Electoral Count Act, adding religious liberty protections to the marriage bill, gun safety measures, and chip manufacturing, Romney said. Others will judge his presidency. However, having worked with him these past few years, I respect President Biden. His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.

Romney said he and wife, Ann Romney, send warm personal wishes to the President and First Lady.

Last year, Romney said Biden and Trump should step aside for younger candidates

Romney, who is 77, announced last year he would not run for reelection to his Utah Senate seat, saying it was time for the next generation to step forward.

When he announced his decision not to run in September, he also weighed in on Bidens age, and the age of former President Donald Trump, now the Republican nominee for president.

I wish President Trump and President Biden would we both get out of the way and let younger contenders vie for the support of the American people, he said at the time. I really wish that we could have the nominee of each party be someone whos not a baby boomer.

Romney has said he would not vote for Trump, but has not said who he would support this year. In the past, he said he wrote in his wife Anns name.

Biden had harsh words for Romney in 2012, when Romney was the Republican nominee for president and Biden was vice president.

Romney wants to let the  he said in the first hundred days hes going to let the big banks once again write their own rules, unchain Wall Street. Theyre going to put yall back in chains, Biden said at the time.

More recently, Biden and Romney found common ground on several policy issues, although Romney has also criticized the president over his handling of the border and spending issues.

In February, Romney defended Biden over charges that he was not mentally fit to run for reelection.

Im 76. Believe it or not, when you get older, your memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Dates are not as familiar. You tend to sometimes mess up words. I would note that thats been the case with President Biden, and frankly President Trump, for some time  and in my case, most of my life, Romney said at the time. Ive negotiated with President Biden. Hes an older guy, but I believe he is intellectually competent. Thats not the worry. The worry for me with President Biden is I disagree with him on the border and think hes spending too much money.
Shopping Cart At Night Getty Images/Matthias Makarinus

Since Kroger and Albertsons, two of the largest grocery chains in the country, announced plans for a merger almost two years ago, Jane St. Louis and her co-workers have been on edge. To assuage federal concerns about creating a grocery monopoly, the companies announced in April they would sell 579 locations of their various respective supermarket chains  including Marianos, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Ralphs and Pickn Save  to C&S Wholesale Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and current owner of the Piggly-Wiggly supermarket franchise.

St. Louis works at a Safeway, one of Abertsons subsidiaries, in Maryland and, while she and her fellow employees knew the merger would result in stores being sold, they had no idea which stores would be on the chopping block.

You cant imagine the anxiety we feel every day we come to work, St. Louis said in a statement issued by a collection of representatives for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals, the unions that represent many of the supermarket employees across the country. We wonder: What will happen to our store? What will happen to our jobs? What about our pensions? Will I be able to retire after all these years?

She continued: You worry. You worry about your co-workers, your family and your customers. The uncertainty is causing a lot of anxiety.

Kroger and Albertsons provided some answers in mid-July when they released the sprawling official list of locations that would be acquired by C&S if the merger were to be approved by the Federal Trade Commission, a reality that began to look less likely when, in March, the FTC sued to block the deal, alleging that it is anticompetitive. By since committing to divesting over 500 locations across the country, the supermarkets are obviously angling for federal approval in response.

However, a specter of uncertainty continues to shadow the deal, both as Kroger and Albertsons face numerous other lawsuits that are set to hit court later this month  and as community leaders nationwide begin to voice concern over whether their local grocery store would really be left in good hands were the merger to still go through.

As reported by Progressive Grocer, in February, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit in Denver District Court to block the merger. Krogers attempts to have the suit dismissed were ultimately unsuccessful and arguments in the Colorado lawsuit will begin on Aug. 12.

Similarly, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed an antitrust lawsuit in January in an attempt to block the merger. On April 26, a King County Superior Court rejected efforts by Kroger and Albertsons to dismiss the suit, which is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 16, according to Supermarket News.

Story continues

Theres a risk that courts in both states might simply recommend additional divestiture as the solution, which is one that hasnt sat well with representatives in Washington State, who, according to the Seattle Times, argue C&S is predominately a wholesaler and may not have the experience to successfully run the supermarkets it is set to acquire in the merger.

This isnt a fear thats unique to the state.

Since the release of the list, community leaders across the country have started taking tally of whether their local supermarket is one that will be affected in the merger. Representatives from C&S, Albertsons and Kroger have all maintained that no stores will close  and that no employees will lose their jobs or union benefits  as a result of the pairing, however thats not historically been the case with large-scale supermarket deals like this, including Albertsons last merger.

As a refresher, in 2015, Albertsons wanted to acquire the Safeway brand, but would need to divest nearly 146 stores in order for the FTC to approve the deal (sound familiar?). The supermarket approached Haggen, a comparatively small grocery chain that had 18 stores with 2,000 employees scattered across Washington and Oregon, and offered them a way to explode into a 164-location brand with 10,000 employees essentially overnight.

Taken by the idea of expanding their footprint into California, Nevada and Arizona, Haggen quickly dropped $1.4 billion for the Vons, Pavilions and Safeways that Albertsons needed to jettison in order for the merger to be approved, but then buyers remorse quickly set in.

Haggen claimed Albertsons sabotaged the deal. Leadership from the company cited a few alleged transgressions; Albertsons, they said, reneged on providing Haggen with proprietary software needed for a smooth transition and purposely left the divested locations understocked so as to start new leadership on shaky footing. They then slapped Albertsons with a $1 billion lawsuit, which ultimately resulted in a $5.75 million cash settlement.

Six months later, Haggen filed for bankruptcy and closed a total of their 27 new locations, leaving thousands of union employees jobless for months, according to the UFCW.

However, according to a Kroger representative, the company is confident in its current divestiture plan.

The comprehensive divestiture plan with C&S is critical to bringing the meaningful and measurable benefits of our merger with Albertsons to associates, customers and communities across America," the wrote via email.

The statement continued: "The divestiture plan ensures no stores will close as a result of the merger and that all frontline associates will remain employed, all existing collective bargaining agreements will continue, and associates will continue to receive industry-leading health care and pension benefits alongside bargained-for wages. C&S's strong operational focus coupled with its experienced management team and financial resources will position it to successfully operate divested stores for years to come. Importantly, we are committed to working closely with C&S to ensure a seamless transition of ownership for all divested stores and supporting operational infrastructure.

Underpinning the entire conversation about the merger is another element of uncertainty, one that is decidedly more ambiguous and complicated, and that is the rapidly changing nature of the grocery landscape. Supermarkets in both urban neighborhoods and remote, rural areas are closing and being replaced by dollar and convenience stores. Simultaneously, companies that are already regarded by many as monopolistic, including Walmart and Amazon, are pushing even more steadily into the grocery segment of their businesses.

This is something Krogers chief executive officer, Rodney McMullen, told members of the Senate when he appeared before the Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights regarding the merger in 2022. McMullen pointed out that Kroger currently ranks fourth in total revenue among U.S. grocery retailers behind Walmert, Amazon and Costco.

A combined Kroger and Albertsons, McMullen argued, will remain at number four.

While we firmly believe Kroger offers the best products at the best prices, we acknowledge both Walmart and Amazon have clear advantages, he said. Our combination with Albertsons will allow us to more effectively compete against non-union retailers, from Amazon and Walmart to Costco and Aldi.

Its unclear whether the federal courts will take that argument more seriously in light of the recently-released list of locations set to be divested. Kroger and Albertsons will have their first opportunity to test it out on Aug. 26 when the Federal Trade Commission will appear before a federal court in Oregon in an effort to halt the merger  though only temporarily, until the federal regulator can complete a full review of the deal.

UPDATE: This story has been updated with a statement from a Kroger representative regarding the planned divestiture.
Senate ethics panel to review Menendez in advance of possible expulsion, censure

Senate ethics panel to review Menendez in advance of possible expulsion, censure

Senate Ethics Committee leaders on Monday notified convicted Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) that panel members have voted to initiate an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules, setting the stage for a possible future vote to expel or censure him.

Ethics Chairman Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Vice Chairman James Lankford (R-Okla.) said that the committee anticipates completing the adjudicatory review promptly.

An adjudicatory review is required when the committee considers disciplinary actions, such as expulsion or censure. The adjudicatory review will be conducted in accordance with Committee Supplementary Rules of Procedure  and Sen. Menendez will be afforded the procedural rights he is due under those provisions, Coons and Lankford said in their statement.

The Ethics Committees leaders said once the adjudicatory review is completed, the Committee will move expeditiously to submit a written report to the Senate including specific findings and any recommendations for disciplinary action.

A majority of the Senate Democratic Conference, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), has called on Menendez to resign following his conviction on 16 counts ranging from bribery and extortion to obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.

At least four Democratic senators  Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Bob Casey (Pa.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.) and Jon Tester (Mont.)  say they are prepared to vote to expel Menendez if he doesnt step down from office voluntarily.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said last week that it would be appropriate to expel Menendez if he doesnt step down.

Two-thirds of the Senate would need to vote for an expulsion resolution to force Menendez out of the chamber. Only a majority would be needed to pass a censure resolution.

Menendezs term will end at the end of the year and he is expected to lose his re-election bid.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), the Democratic nominee for New Jerseys Senate seat, is the favorite to win in the November election.

Menendez last week disputed reports citing allies that he would soon announce his resignation.

I can tell you that I have not resigned nor have I spoken to any so-called allies,' he told CBS News correspondent Christine Sloan.

Seems to me that there is an effort to try to force me into a statement. Anyone who knows me knows thats the worst way to achieve a goal with me, he warned.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When Dr. David Wallace graduated from medical school in 1995, every visit note, prescription and lab request had to be written by hand.

Now, artificial intelligence writes visit notes for him before he can walk the 20 feet from an exam room to his office.

AI is actually bringing back the human component, Wallace said. Now, I can actually put the phone down and, getting the history, I can look at you. I dont have to sit here and type and try to keep up.

Wallace is one of about 200 Sentara primary care physicians testing DAX Copilot, a generative AI program that can filter through conversations with patients to compose a narrative summary of their visits. Health system administrators hope the technology can help address problems from provider burnout to a massive physician shortage.

Its the pajama time, as they say, Wallace said. If my notes arent finished, I either stay after work and finish up my notes, or now Ive got to go home and take time away from my family to finish up my notes or I come back into work on the weekends. I think that can increase burnout for providers.

An app on providers phones records the session, then automatically writes the visit note. Doctors who are part of the pilot program disclose the technologys use to patients, who are able to opt out, said Stephen Payne, Sentaras regional director of operations.

In over 20,000 visits, only one patient has objected, he said.

Payne has been looking for ways to reduce the paperwork burden on Sentaras providers for years, he said. The health care network first experimented with using human medical scribes, hiring extra medical assistants to fill the roles, but had trouble keeping the positions staffed, he said.

Sentara then considered remote human scribe services, like one Wallace used in private practice before coming to Sentara. The former Army doctors scribe was based in India and attended his appointments virtually. But those programs didnt meet Sentaras privacy standards, Payne said.

Next, Sentara tried a full-service transcription program from Nuance Communications, the Microsoft-owned company behind DAX Copilot. That program involved having a human review transcriptions, then compose the notes from the visit, which Wallace and other providers didnt like because it put them about a day behind on their paperwork.

Information technology staff, Sentaras legal team and a dedicated working group are among those that reviewed the AI program, especially in regard to privacy concerns, Payne said. Although a secure app on doctors phones records the visit, that recording bypasses phone storage and goes directly to Nuances servers.

Physicians arent walking around with patient information on their phones, Payne said.

Depersonalized data is used to continue to train Nuances AI programs, and uses may grow to provide highlights to doctors before a patients visit, suggesting what they should follow up on. The program may be able to write prescriptions and labs orders, too, Sentara leaders said. In all cases, though, the providers review and signature is vital.

Doctors may need to make small edits before signing off on the AI note, just as they might when reviewing a human scribes documentation, said Dr. Steven Pearman, Sentaras vice president and chief medical officer for primary care. But AI may also catch things mentioned in passing that a doctor could miss.

AI is augmenting humans, not replacing them, Pearman said. You should never take the human out of the delivery care model.

Pearman also doesnt feel AI in medicine is likely to replace humans anytime soon because of the existing primary care crisis. The Health Resources and Services Administration estimates that the U.S. needs more than 17,000 primary care physicians to fill current gaps and will need more than 68,000 by 2036.

Theres going to be a huge shortage of primary care physicians, and if we dont do something different, theres going to be a large percentage of Americans who dont have any primary care at all, Pearman said. Part of the solution is to produce more doctors. Part of it is to pay primary care better  and part of it is to make the work more manageable.

DAX Copilot can have a phenomenal impact in that regard, Wallace, Payne and Pearman said.

After it became available last fall, Payne said, the support and excitement from doctors was immediate.

The feedback from our providers, its been unbelievable, he said. Ive never worked on a project and seen results like this, where youre changing the lives of people youre working with.

Have a health care or science story, question or concern? Contact Katrina Dix, 757-222-5155, katrina.dix@virginiamedia.com.
This column is part of a weekly round-up of notable grand jury indictments and court decisions, following through on cases reported by Savannah Morning News public safety reporter Drew Favakeh. If there are cases you're curious about, email Drew at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

The Judge's Bench for State Court Judge Gregory Sapp inside the Chatham County Courthouse.

Jenny Parker re-hired at District Attorneys office

In early July, the Chatham County District Attorneys Office re-hired Jenny Parker, a former Chatham County prosecutor who lost the May 21 Democratic primary for Chatham County District Attorney against Shalena Cook Jones, now her boss.

Voters handed Jones, the incumbent, a resounding victory in the May 21 Democratic primary with 73.1% of the vote. Parker garnered 4,347 votes, or 26.9%, of the overall tally.

From May 2000 through November 2021, Parker prosecuted a range of crimes, including misdemeanors and felonies, according to previous reporting by the Savannah Morning News. She served as chief assistant district attorney for Chatham County until leaving in 2022. Since then, Parker served as an assistant district attorney in the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, which includes Effingham, Bulloch and Screven counties.

In an April 29 candidate forum hosted by the League of Womens Voters of Coastal Georgia, Parker argued that the District Attorneys office was understaffed due to Jones lack of leadership ability. Parker said the office lacked transparency and failed to deliver on multiple campaign promises, including failing to advance key units past the developmental stage.

Parker will prosecute at least 20 pending cases, according to a court order obtained by the Savannah Morning News.

In November, Jones will face Republican Andre Pretorius, a former deputy chief assistant for the Chatham County State Court. He works now on a part-time basis as an attorney for Chatham County government.

Leilani Simon motion hearing scheduled

A motion hearing for Leilani Simon, the mother charged with malice murder in the death of her son, 20-month-old Quinton Simon, has been scheduled for Aug. 16 of this year. The court will also hold a motion hearing on Sept. 17.

"The parties shall be prepared to present evidence and arguments to pending motions during the motions hearing," according to the order, which was signed by Chatham County Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes.

On Monday, the State must file its motion in limine  a pretrial motion that seeks to exclude specific evidence or agruments at trial  in which the defense attorneys have two weeks to file its responses.

Jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Montez Wade sentenced for jail smuggling scheme

On July 19, Montez Wade was sentenced to a total of 20 years, with the first three years to be served in confinement, for a charge of conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. Prosecutors did not prosecute charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In total, a Chatham County grand jury indicted six defendants in February, including Wade, for a scheme that involved supplying drugs to a Chatham County Detention Center corrections officer Georgette Bennett.

On March 20, Bennett was sentenced to 20 years, including a mandatory six years of confinement followed by probation. Bennett was prosecuted for trafficking illegal drugs, conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and furnishing prohibited items to inmates.

According to previous reporting by the Savannah Morning News, Bennett had worked at the CCDC for five months, despite admitting to another corrections officer that she had smuggled drugs at her previous job as a corrections officer at Rogers State Prison in Reidsville, Georgia. She also told the other officer she had been "in and out of jail in New York and that she had resigned from her old job after being accused of bringing in contraband for inmates.

The training officer filed an incident report on July 31, 2022. The Chatham County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation but didn't find evidence of Bennett, 26, selling drugs, according to Chief Deputy Gary Taylor, who said they couldnt prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

On March 20, Xavier Scott was sentenced to a total of 15 years, with the first three years to be served in confinement, for a charge of conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. Prosecutors chose not to prosecute a charge of illegal use of a communication facility.

A plea hearing for Brandon Miller was also scheduled for July 19. Miller has a jury trial scheduled for August 5 of this year.

On June 10, Jabez Reid was sentenced to a total of 15 years, with the first three years to be served in confinement for a charge of conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. Prosecutors chose not to prosecute a charge of illegal use of a communication facility.

A bond hearing is scheduled for Tavoris Johnson on July 23.

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: chatham county georgia court updates for week of July 22 2024
Rep. Sharice Davids endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Monday, as Democrats began to quickly coalesce around her candidacy.

Davids, who represents Kansas 3rd Congressional District, had held off on backing Harris in the first hours after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he was withdrawing from the race.

The choice in this presidential election is clear. Kamala Harris will fight MAGA extremism, protect our reproductive rights, and defend our democracy. Most importantly, uniting behind her gives us the best chance to prevent another term for Donald Trump, Davids said on social media.

Davids, whose district includes Johnson County, part of Wyandotte County and rural areas southwest of the Kansas City metro, is seeking her fourth term in Congress. She will face the winner of the Republican primary in August, either physician Prasanth Reddy or businesswoman Karen Crnkovich.

Davids endorsement came as key party figures lined up to support Harris, who is rapidly consolidating support among Democrats. As of Monday morning, no other major Democrat had announced they would also seek the nomination.

The population center of the 3rd District  Johnson County  has become increasingly Democratic over the past decade. Former President Donald Trump won the county in 2016 but Biden won it in 2020.
News of the Democratic presidential race moved swiftly on Sunday. Within hours, President Joe Biden dropped out, then endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee. Then Harris said she will work to be the nominee  and the endorsements that quickly followed from Democrats included North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

Cooper himself could end up being Harris choice for a running mate, if she wins the nomination.

Heres what Cooper said Sunday evening about Harris, endorsing her candidacy for the very top of the ticket:

Kamala Harris should be the next President. Ive known (her) going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket, Cooper wrote.

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks with Vice President Kamala Harris looking on during Vice President Harris trip to Durhams historic Black Wall Street district on Friday March 1, 2024.

Cooper took the stage before Harris at her two visits to North Carolina this month, praising her and her work, both in Greensboro and Fayetteville.

A source close to the governor confirmed Cooper and Harris spoke briefly by phone on Sunday, and Cooper expressed his support for her to be the nominee.

Cooper on Biden

Earlier in the day, Coopers praised Bidens accomplishments. Cooper has long been a supporter of the Biden-Harris administration, and has been widely expected to join it in some capacity if they had won reelection. Now it could end up being a Harris-Cooper ticket.

President Biden has cemented his place among our nations finest Presidents. When our democracy faced danger, President Biden stood strong as the rarest type of leader who could help us forge ahead with a vision to repair our countrys soul, Cooper said in an emailed statement on Sunday afternoon.

Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden and Gov. Roy Cooper join each other on stage after speeches on heath care during a campaign stop at the Chavis Community Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

He went on to praise Biden for being able to pass transformative legislation that will benefit our economy, our families, and our country for generations to come.

Just as impactful as the laws he passed, though, is his ability to listen to everyday people, related to their struggles, and give them hope. Im deeply grateful to call President Joe Biden my friend, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service to our great nation, Cooper said.

Washington correspondent Danielle Battaglia contributed to this report.

Under the Dome

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Editorial Note: KRQE has removed the names of the suspects reported in this article because they have not been charged.

NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A new investigation reveals the Salt Fire was not an accident. The FBI has determined more than a dozen fires, including the Salt Fire, were human-caused.

Nearly two months after the Salt Fire destroyed thousands of acres of land, the FBI is currently investigating a man and his girlfriend for possibly starting 16 fires, including the devastating Salt Fire.

Court documents said there were 16 suspicious wildland fires that started on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation between May 3 and June 18. Wildland fire investigators determined all 16 were human-caused. The investigation linked the couple to at least six of these fires.

University of New Mexico Health System provides first-time sleep apnea device surgery

According to the document, the male initially called in to report a fire in May telling officers he was a wildland firefighter and was trying to put the fire out. It even said that prior to being asked by officers, the suspect told them he didnt start the fire.

Witness and officer testimony stated the male was seen either heading towards or leaving the direction of multiple other fires on the Reservation days later. Footprints of a Vans brand shoe were also found at scenes that matched his girlfriends shoes.

Based on evidence, investigators also believe the suspects came back to the scene after one fire was extinguished. FBI investigators were able to link a dark-colored Jeep and tire tracks, which matched the description of the females car. We reached out to the FBI for comment. They say due to the ongoing investigation, they cannot provide comment at this time.

The suspects are not being named since they havent been charged.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
After months of public scrutiny and backlash from advocates and correctional staff, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections signaled an end to lockdowns at two of the state's most beleaguered maximum-security prisons.

The agency announced a return to in-person visitation at Waupun Correctional Institution on Monday, along with an increase in recreation time for those held at Green Bay Correctional Institution starting July 28.

WCI and GBCI continue to make positive changes as the facilities resume normal operations, Jared Hoy, secretary of the Department of Corrections, said in a statement. Experienced staff continue to support newer officers to help operations run smoothly and offer more opportunities to those in our care.

The two prisons have been the subject of persistent complaints from incarcerated people and their advocates since lockdowns began last year. There have been four high-profile deaths at Waupun in the last year and a homicide at Green Bay in 2022, with many advocates and loved ones arguing that the lockdown conditions exacerbated mental health challenges for those incarcerated, cutting them off from vital psychological and medical services.

Months after Gov. Tony Evers and DOC promised to lift restrictions and increase staff in Wisconsin prisons late last year, the two prisons are transitioning out of a state of "modified movement."

Modified movement, also known as lockdowns, were introduced due to security concerns at the understaffed prisons, according to corrections officials. Former DOC Secretary Kevin Carr previously disputed the use of the word "lockdown" to describe what prisoners reported as severe limitations on recreation time, visitation, showers, programming and other services.

Green Bay Correctional started offering increased recreation periods late last month with the aim of returning to normal operations at the end of this month.

The facility restarted in-person visitations in November.

Following the footsteps of Green Bay, Waupun Correctional will do the same, offering visits each weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Contact Vanessa Swales at 414-308-5881 or vswales@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Vanessa_Swales.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After lockdowns, Wisconsin prisons largely back to 'normal operations'
Are you a high earner but have not made it on to the property ladder? Write to money@telegraph.co.uk

Fewer than half of high earning first-time buyers can afford a home in their local area, according to new data.

Just 44pc of workers earning over 71,250  around twice the national average wage  could afford to buy a house where they currently live, a new home affordability index has suggested.

Economists said it painted a bleak picture and called for government intervention.

It comes despite house prices dropping steadily in relation to wages since hitting record levels in 2022.

The index, released by Skipton Group and Oxford Economics, analysed the affordability of buying a house and running it in Great Britain.

It used Skipton Groups own data, along with figures from the Office for National Statistics, the Bank of England and other third-party sources.

With the national average wage standing at 35,828, it showed that even workers who take home more than double that figure would struggle to take their first step onto the housing ladder.

Looking at workers of all salaries, it also revealed that just one in eight potential first-time buyers could afford a home locally, while almost 80pc did not have enough saved up for a deposit.

The index also suggested that among workers earning 22,850 or less, fewer than one in 100 could afford to buy for the first time.

The West Midlands, London and Wales were identified as the least affordable areas, while Scotland and East of England were the most affordable.

Stuart Haire, of Skipton Group, said: Being able to have somewhere to call home is widely recognised as one of the most important issues facing millions of people up and down the country.

For some, our findings paint a bleak picture, notably for first-time buyers. The combination of high housing costs, insufficient savings and significant regional disparities underscores the urgent need for collaborative and targeted interventions to support aspiring homeowners.

The scale of the challenge of housing affordability is so great that no one person can lead that charge, so we are calling on the Government to work cross department, cross Whitehall, cross sector and cross industry, so that together we can really start to solve an issue that impacts so many people.

Alex Stewart, of data analysts Oxford Economics, said the figures highlighted the challenges faced by households.

The economic shocks of the last four years have led to fluctuations in the index, but our analysis shows that housing affordability today is broadly unchanged compared to the start of this decade, he said.

The index appears in contrast to other data pointing to houses becoming more affordable, such as Nationwides house price index which compares prices to earnings. They hit a peak of 6.9 times the average salary in mid-2022, but fell steadily to 6.1 in the second quarter of this year.

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Signature challenges knock one GOP hopeful out of the General Assembly races. What to know.

PROVIDENCE  Cumberland Rep. Mia Ackerman has joined the ranks of Rhode Island lawmakers running for reelection unopposed after a Board of Elections inquiry left her would-be opponent short the signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.

Republican Kenneth Atkinson need a minimum of 50 signatures on his nominating petitions to qualify.

He submitted 51 signatures and acknowledged, before the elections board had finished voting on a number of signatures challenged by Ackerman, that he had come up short.

"I accept the judgment," he said.

How does this impact the General Assembly races?

With this decision, it appears 58 seats in the 113-seat General Assembly, more than half, are uncontested. (Typically around a third of seats go uncontested.)

The elections board considered challenges in two other races, but neither ended up making a difference.

State GOP Chairman Joe Powers tried to knock Republican Rep. David Place's Democratic challenger, Paul Roselli, out of the running in House District 47, encompassing Burrillville and Glocester.

Powers alleged Roselli was two signatures short of the required number, but he submitted his challenge electronically, which state law does not allow.

Over in Senate District 14 in East Providence, former Rep. Brian Coogan alleged that one of the campaign workers collecting signatures for his Democratic primary opponent  Senate Majority Whip Valarie Lawson  lied in writing about personally witnessing all the signatures he turned in. Coogan produced an affidavit from one voter to substantiate his argument and challenged other signatures.

Since Lawson had many more signatures than the number Coogan challenged, and because the accused was not present and there was no question she qualified for the ballot, the board voted to have its staff look further into Coogan's allegations between now and its meeting next month and report back.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Board of Elections knocks one Assembly hopeful out of the race
Silicon Valley-backed voter plan for a new California city won't be on the November ballot after all

FILE - Founder & CEO, for California Forever Jan Sramek talks to reporters after a news conference of a proposed new city in Solano County, in Rio Vista, Calif. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. The Silicon Valley-backed initiative to build a green city for up to 400,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area on land now zoned for agriculture won't be on the Nov. 5 ballot after all, officials said Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Janie Har,File)

FAIRFIELD, Calif. (AP)  A Silicon Valley-backed initiative to build a green city for up to 400,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area on land now zoned for agriculture won't be on the Nov. 5 ballot after all, officials said Monday.

The California Forever campaign qualified for the ballot in June, but a Solano County report released last week raised questions about the project and concluded it may not be financially feasible.

With Solano County supervisors set to consider the report on Tuesday, organizers suddenly withdrew the measure and said they would try again in two years.

The report found the new city  described on the California Forever website as an opportunity for a new community, good paying local jobs, solar farms, and open space  was likely to cost the county billions of dollars and create substantial financial deficits, while slashing agricultural production and potentially threatening local water supplies, the Bay Area News Group reported.

California Forever said project organizers would spend the next two years working with the county on an environmental impact report and a development agreement.

Delaying the vote also creates an opportunity to take a fresh look at the plan and incorporate input from more stakeholders, said a joint statement Monday by the county and California Forever.

We are who we are in Solano County because we do things differently here," Mitch Mashburn, chair of the countys Board of Supervisors, said in the statement. We take our time to make informed decisions that are best for the current generation and future generations. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard and get all the information they need before voting on a General Plan change of this size.

The measure would have asked voters to allow urban development on 27 square miles (70 square kilometers) of land between Travis Air Force Base and the Sacramento River Delta city of Rio Vista currently zoned for agriculture. The land-use change is necessary to build the homes, jobs and walkable downtown proposed by Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader who heads up California Forever.

Opposition to the effort includes conservation groups and some local and federal officials who say the plan is a speculative money grab rooted in secrecy. Sramek outraged locals by covertly purchasing more than $800 million in farmland and even suing farmers who refused to sell.

The Solano Land Trust, which protects open lands, said in June that such large-scale development will have a detrimental impact on Solano Countys water resources, air quality, traffic, farmland, and natural environment.

Sramek has said he hoped to have 50,000 residents in the new city within the next decade. The proposal included an initial $400 million to help residents buy homes in the community, as well as an initial guarantee of 15,000 local jobs paying a salary of at least $88,000 a year.
How much has your familys income increased in the last year? Is it 9%? Many would be surprised to learn that the city they live in is able to increase the property taxes they levy on an ongoing basis by as much as 9% a year.

For some of these officials, however, even a 9% increase is not enough to satisfy them. It is unfortunate that Meridian Mayor Robert Simison chose the occasion of his recent State of the City address to attack the Idaho Legislature generally, and me specifically. His chief complaint was that HB 389, which I sponsored and became law in 2021, does not allow him to increase Meridians property taxes as much as he would like.

Certainly, HB 389 does generally prevent cities from increasing the property taxes they levy by more than 8% in any given year, with a couple of exceptions, such as allowing cities that did not take the maximum property tax increases in prior years to levy these foregone balances to increase property taxes by an additional 1% on an ongoing basis.

The mayor says that because he wants to increase Meridians property taxes by more than 8% in the upcoming year, he will not only take the full 3% increase allowed for any city, plus 5% for new construction and annexations, he will also take another 1% in foregone balance  essentially spending money saved by his thriftier predecessors  for a full 9% increase in property taxes. Most families are not seeing these kinds of income increases, and make no mistake, he is spending your money. This is what can happen through the budget increases approved by your elected city officials.

The mayor says that increasing your property taxes by the further 1%, from 8% to 9%, somehow represents growth not paying for itself. This is nonsense. As he should know, there is no separate or different property tax levy rate paid by the owners of newly constructed properties. All property owners in Meridian pay the same city property tax levy rate, which is calculated simply by dividing the citys property tax budget (as approved by your elected city officials) by the taxable value of all property in the city.

So when state law prevents Mayor Simison from increasing Meridians property tax budget by more than 9% in 2024, it does not cause either new or existing properties to pay more, or have a property tax burden shifted to them. It simply means that property taxes will not increase as much as Mayor Simison would like  and that saves money for every property taxpayer in the city.

The failure of one city to plan for an orderly pace of growth is not a reason to change a law that protects property taxpayers not just in that city, but across the entire state, from massive increases in property taxes. If Mayor Simison feels like a 9% increase in property taxes is not enough for him to spend, he can certainly access some of the money sitting in his citys year-end general governmental funds balance  over $90 million, according to the citys most recent audited financial statement posted to the Transparent Idaho website  an amount almost double the citys annual property tax collections.

And keep in mind, HB 389 does not prevent Meridian or any other Idaho city from increasing property taxes by more than 9%. It simply requires the transparency of submitting a larger increase to the citys voters for approval. If a larger increase represents needs, and not wants, then perhaps that is what he should do.

Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, is the speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives.
What Is the Singularity? And Should You Be Worried?

It's a common theme in science fiction: Mankind struggles to survive in a dystopian futuristic society. Scientists discover too late that their machines are too powerful to control and they even end human life in an event commonly referred to as the singularity.

But what is the singularity, really? This popular plot might not belong within the realm of fiction forever. A hot topic with philosophers, computer scientists and Sarah Connor, this idea seems to gain more credence every year.

Defining the Singularity

Vernor Vinge proposes an interesting  and potentially terrifying  prediction in his essay titled "The Coming Technological Singularity: How to Survive in the Post-Human Era." He asserts that mankind will develop a superhuman intelligence before 2030.

The essay specifies four ways in which this could happen:

Scientists could develop advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Computer networks might somehow become self-aware. Computer-human interfaces become so advanced that humans essentially evolve into a new species. Biological science advancements allow humans to physically engineer human intelligence.

Out of those four possibilities, the first three could lead to machines taking over. While Vinge addresses all the possibilities in his essay, he spends the most time discussing the first one.

Vinge's Theory

Computer technology advances at a faster rate than many other technologies. Computers tend to double in power every two years or so. This trend is related to Moore's Law, which states that transistors double in power every 18 months.

Vinge says that at this rate, it's only a matter of time before humans build a machine that can "think" like a human.

But hardware is only part of the equation. Before artificial intelligence becomes a reality, someone will have to develop software that will allow a machine to analyze data, make decisions and act autonomously.

If that happens, we can expect to see machines begin to design and build even better machines. These new machines could build faster, more powerful models.

Robots like this might look cute, but could they be plotting your downfall? Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images

Robots like this might look cute, but could they be plotting your downfall?

Technological advances would move at a blistering pace. Machines would know how to improve themselves. Humans would become obsolete in the computer world. We would have created a superhuman intelligence.

Advances would come faster than we could recognize them. In short, we would reach the singularity.

What Would Happen Next?

Vinge says it's impossible to say. The world would become such a different landscape that we can only make the wildest of guesses. Vinge admits that while it's probably not fruitful to suggest possible scenarios, it's still a lot of fun. Maybe we'll live in a world where each person's consciousness merges with a computer network.

Or perhaps machines will accomplish all our tasks for us and let us live in luxury. But what if the machines see humans as redundant  or worse? When machines reach the point where they can repair themselves and even create better versions of themselves, could they come to the conclusion that humans are not only unnecessary, but also unwanted?

It certainly seems like a scary scenario. But is Vinge's vision of the future a certainty? Is there any way we can avoid it?

Will Artificial Intelligence Reach That Point?

Could machines replace humans as the dominant force on the planet? Some might argue that we've already reached that point. After all, computers allow us to communicate with each other, keep track of complex systems like global markets and even control the world's most dangerous weapons.

But right now, these machines have to answer to humans. They lack the ability to make decisions outside of their programming or use intuition. Without self-awareness and the ability to extrapolate based on available information, machines remain tools.

How long will this last? Are we headed for a future in which machines gain a form of consciousness? If they do, what happens to us? Will we enter a future in which computers and robots do all the work and we enjoy the fruits of their labor? Will we be converted into inefficient batteries a la "The Matrix"? Or will machines exterminate the human race from the face of the Earth?

Understanding how both human and artificial intelligence work can help us figure out how likely any of these doomsday scenarios are.

What Makes Human Intelligence Unique

Human intelligence isn't just about soaking up information like a sponge; its about how we apply what we learn in real-world situations.

Think of it this way. Its not enough to know the recipe for a cake; you need to understand how to mix the ingredients, bake at the right temperature and maybe even tweak the recipe to suit your taste.

This practical application of knowledge is where the human intellect truly shines. Our understanding of the world involves experiencing things firsthand. Imagine the joy of riding a bike for the first time or the frustration of trying to solve a tricky puzzle. These experiences shape our understanding and give us a unique perspective as human beings.

The complexity of the human brain  characterized by our ability to learn, adapt and experience  is what inspires the development of AI. Scientists and engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries, trying to replicate aspects of human brains in machine intelligence. But no matter how advanced AI research gets, it still faces the monumental challenge of truly experiencing the world as we do.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

AI development has made incredible strides. Today's machine learning algorithms can teach themselves to recognize patterns, make decisions and even beat humans at complex games.

However, creating a fully autonomous AI that surpasses human intelligence  an entity that can handle the infinite density of human thought processes and effortlessly transition from one idea to another  is still out of reach.

The complexity of human intelligence poses a significant challenge. Our brains can move seamlessly from pondering what to have for dinner to contemplating the mysteries of the universe. This fluidity and associative thinking are tough nuts to crack for AI developers. The current state of AI is impressive, but weve still got a way to go before we hit the level of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

From Narrow AI to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

AGI is like the holy grail of AI research: a machine intelligence that matches the versatility and capability of the human brain.

Unlike artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), which is designed for specific tasks (think of your phone's voice assistant or a spam filter), AGI would have the ability to understand, learn and apply knowledge across a wide range of activities.

While some AI creators and marketers boast that their products are nudging us closer to AGI, the reality is still up for debate. AGI isn't just a tech upgrade; it's a leap into a new era where machines can potentially mirror human capabilities.

But remember, this is still a work in progress, and we're not there yet.

Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)

Artificial superintelligence (ASI) takes things up even further. ASI isn't just about matching human intelligence; it's about surpassing it, potentially leading to machines with superhuman capabilities. (Picture a computer that can solve problems and innovate faster than the smartest humans.)

But some researchers believe ASI could become a reality anywhere from 2065 to 100 years from now.

Getting there, though, isn't going to be a walk in the park. Overcoming the complexity of human intelligence is one hurdle. Another is ensuring that AI development is responsible and ethical. We need to create systems that can handle the naked singularity of human affairs without causing harm or bias.

The journey towards AGI and ASI is filled with both excitement and caution. While the possibilities are endless, it's crucial to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. The path to such a singularity in AI development isn't just about technological breakthroughs  it's about making sure these advancements benefit humanity as a whole.

Implications and Consequences

As we delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, its essential to weigh the remarkable benefits against the potential pitfalls.

The Benefits of AI

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize our lives in myriad ways, and the benefits are pretty exciting.

Imagine a world where AI takes over those mundane tasks that eat up your time, like navigating through massive datasets or summarizing lengthy reports. This not only frees you up to focus on more creative and strategic tasks but also boosts productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

For employers, AI can be a game-changer for the bottom line. Enhanced productivity means getting more done in less time, and innovative AI solutions can lead to new products, services and market opportunities.

From automating routine processes to providing deeper insights through advanced data analysis, AI's potential benefits are vast and varied.

The Dangers of AI

The singularity  while still a hypothetical concept  raises questions about the future. If AI were to surpass human intelligence, what would that mean for human affairs? Could we control such a singularity, or would we be at the mercy of machines with capabilities far beyond our own?

The dangers of uncontrolled AI growth extend beyond job displacement. There are concerns about privacy, security and the ethical implications of AI decisions. If AI systems are not designed and managed responsibly, they could perpetuate biases or make decisions that have unintended negative consequences.

As we march towards a future with ever-advancing AI, it's crucial to address these challenges head-on. Responsible AI development and regulation are essential to ensuring that we harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.

Balancing innovation with caution will be key to navigating the complex landscape of AI and its implications for our society.

Expert Insights and Predictions

The concept of the technological singularity has intrigued thinkers for decades. Early in the 20th century, Hungarian-American mathematician John von Neumann first discussed the idea, contemplating a future where technological progress accelerates beyond human control.

Fast forward to this century, and we have Ray Kurzweil, a prominent computer scientist, who predicts that the singularity will occur around 2045. Kurzweil envisions a world where artificial superintelligence upgrades itself at an unimaginable pace, transforming society in ways we can barely begin to understand.

Is the Technological Singularity Coming?

Imagine an upgradable intelligent agent that enters a positive feedback loop of self-improvement. This idea, known as the intelligence explosion model, suggests that such an agent could rapidly increase its intelligence, potentially surpassing human intelligence in no time.

The timeline for achieving this singularity is a topic of much debate, with predictions ranging from as soon as 2030 to as far out as a century from now. This uncertainty adds a layer of excitement and apprehension as we look to the future of AI.

As we edge closer to the possibility of singularity, the importance of responsible AI development cannot be overstated. There's a growing consensus among experts that we need a global treaty and international cooperation to establish ethical principles and guidelines for AI development. Such measures are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with AI singularity.

Ensuring that AI benefits humanity and does not lead to catastrophic consequences, such as human extinction, is paramount. By prioritizing responsible AI governance, we can harness the incredible potential of AI while safeguarding our future.

Original article: What Is the Singularity? And Should You Be Worried?

Copyright  2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
Two new F-16 fighter jets arrived in Slovakia on July 22, the first of 14 that will replace Soviet-era aircraft donated to Ukraine.

Slovakia has given Ukraine 13 MiG-29 fighter jets since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion as they were "unusable" for the country's defense needs but would still be effective for Kyiv's pilots.

Another 12 F-16s will be in the country by the end of the year, Lockheed Martin, the company that manufactures the jets said in a press release.

Slovakia signed the contract for the 14 planes in 2018 but delivery was delayed by the COVID pandemic.

Slovakia's stance on Ukraine has dramatically shifted since with the 2023 parliament election, and the appointment of Prime Minister Robert Fico's new government, which announced it would no longer send arms to Ukraine from its own military stocks, though it does still allow commercial arms sales.

In a stark sign of the shift, last month Slovakia's defense minister accused his predecessor of "treason" for sending the fighter jets to Ukraine, and announced he had filed a criminal complaint regarding the matter.

Read also: It really is insane: Ex-defense minister on Slovakias pro-Russian turn

"Weakening the armed forces in this way, contrary to the constitution, cannot be described in our political dictionary as anything other than treason," Robert Kalinak said in comments reported by the Czech news outlet iROZHLAS.

"I don't know if it legally constitutes a crime, but he is a person who betrayed national values."

Kalinak was taking aim at his predecessor, Jaroslav Nad.

Nad responded to Kalinak's accusation on June 12, saying that all legal considerations had been taken into account before the signing of the deal to hand over the fighter jets.

"Based on that, the government made a decision as a collective body and approved the signing of an international agreement, which it had the right to do," he said.

He added that another similar criminal report regarding the MiG-29 transfer had been "swept off the table."

While the Slovak government has made its disdain for support for Ukraine clear, some of the country's people took matters into their own hands and launched a fundraising drive to purchase artillery shells for Kyiv.

Slovak citizens started their campaign "Ammunition for Ukraine" on April 16 to raise additional funds for the Czech-led initiative to procure shells around the world after the Slovak government refused to participate.

Within less than a month, over 65,000 people donated 4 million euros ($4.3 million), with one donor giving a single donation of 100,000 euros ($107,000).

Read also: F-16s are on their way to Ukraine  heres how they can help fight Russia

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(Bloomberg) -- Hungary and Slovakia asked the European Union to help convince Ukraine to reinstate the transit of a major Russian oil supplier to eastern Europe.

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Budapest and Bratislava are ready to take Ukraine to court to resolve the issue absent an agreement, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said after a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday. Kyiv last month hardened sanctions against Lukoil PJSC, effectively prohibiting the firm from using Ukraine as a transit country for its crude.

Energy is seen as potential leverage over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been a thorn in Ukraines side for repeatedly seeking to veto or dilute EU sanctions against Russia over its military invasion. Hungary and Slovakia have received exemptions from EU energy sanctions.

Hungary is seeking a so-called consultation where the European Commission has three days to find a resolution on behalf of affected EU member states, Szijjarto said. If the EU executive fails, Hungary and Slovakia will ask an arbitration court to rule on the matter, he said, adding that he considered Ukraines actions as a violation of the countrys association agreement with the 27-member bloc.

Hungary and Slovakia have initiated a consultation before court of arbitration proceedings due to Ukraines partial ban of crude oil transit, Szijjarto told reporters. He said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who joined the EU meeting by video link, denied Kyiv was responsible for the halt in Lukoil shipments.

While neither Hungary or Slovakia is likely to face a fuel shortage  alternative routes including via Croatia are available  already elevated costs at pumps may rise further, according to Tamas Pletser, an energy analyst at Erste Group in Budapest.

That may threaten Hungarys budget revenue from a special tax Mol Nyrt. pays on Russian crude profits, which was expanded earlier this month to plug fiscal holes. Mol has a refinery in Hungary and Slovakia.

This would pose a problem for the government, since the special tax on Mol is serious income, Pletser said in reference to the Budapest-based Hungarian energy company that has a refinery in Hungary and Slovakia. Plus it would not be possible to push vehicle fuel product prices below the regional average, he said, in reference to a key political goal for Orban.

Its unclear what sympathy Hungary can count on in Brussels, where ministers on Monday discussed a potential boycott of an informal meeting next month which Budapest is scheduled to host as part of its rotating EU presidency. No decision was made on Monday on the location of that gathering but Szijjarto said theres a chance it may take place in Brussels rather than in the Hungarian capital.

Western allies have been incensed by Orbans decision to use the largely administrative EU role to elevate his own profile and meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a self-styled peace mission on Ukraine  without the consent of Kyiv or Brussels.

Hungary wants Lukoil shipments to resume quickly to avoid harming the economy, Szijjarto said. He said Hungary receives around 2 million tons of crude from Lukoil annually, accounting for a third of its total imports, while Slovakia gets around 2.5 million tons, equivalent to 45% of its imports.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who survived an assassination attempt in May, worked the phones over the weekend, calling his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal to seek a resolution. He also warned him that Ukraines sanction on Lukoil may also jeopardize Slovakias supply of diesel to Ukraine  which he said accounted for a tenth of the war-torn nations deliveries.

Szijjarto also said Hungary was a major exporter of electricity to Ukraine, though he stopped short of saying that Budapest was considering cutting off those deliveries in retaliation for Kyivs move.

--With assistance from Arne Delfs.

(Updates with developments throughout. An earlier version of this story corrected the volume of Lukoils shipments.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Veteran climate negotiator Laurence Tubiana, who was put forward by Frances Socialist Party as a potential prime minister, withdrew her candidacy after the New Popular Front alliance of left-wing parties failed to unite behind her.

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I note that my name met with opposition within the New Popular Front, Tubiana wrote Monday in a post on X. All this no longer seems to me to lead to the appeasement we so badly need.

The New Popular Front, which includes parties from the far-left France Unbowed to the moderate Socialists, is struggling to agree on who to put forward as prime minister. While Tubiana had received support from the Greens and the Communists, France Unbowed opposed having her as the lefts candidate.

President Emmanuel Macrons shock decision last month to dissolve parliament threw France into political chaos, and fragmented the lower house into three primary groups  the New Popular Front, which holds the most seats; the centrist Ensemble that is second; and Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally in third.

No faction holds enough seats to govern on its own, putting the country in the unprecedented situation of having to rely on several parties across the ideological spectrum to form the next administration.

Macron is constitutionally empowered to pick a new prime minister and its been accepted practice to appoint someone from the biggest group in the National Assembly. As a counterweight, lawmakers can call confidence votes in the government.

This means choosing a premier with broad enough appeal to stay in place and build majorities on a case-by-case basis to pass legislation.

--With assistance from Tom Fevrier.

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Never push an update on a Friday, a computer scientist told a BBC reporter after information technology outages caused global blackouts, disrupting air travel as well as hospital and emergency service systems, court proceedings, finance and banking services, and restaurants. More than 1,500 flights a day have been canceled over the last three days.

A single flawed security update Friday by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike made its way onto an estimated 8.5 million electronic devicesknocking those devices out of service and causing costly delays, communication troubles, and technological headaches around the globe.

The rolling outages originated with a faulty update to a CrowdStrike product, the Falcon sensor, intended to catch potential communication between information technology (IT) hackers and malicious software they may have installed. That configuration was basically not ready to be put out, and the way it interacted with Microsoft products, in particular, the Windows operating system, caused the error that were seeing right now, said Yameen Huq, a cybersecurity director at the Aspen Institute. Apple and Linux systems that were administered with the same CrowdStrike update remained unaffected. But when the update was rolled out onto millions of Windows devices, those devices went offline, sparking mass confusion and a complex restoration process.

As technology specialists rush to get the millions of affected devices back online, does the global outage mark a blip of the digital era to learn fromor could it become more common with advanced digitalization?

Given that glitches caused by coding errors are nothing newwhat happened to elevate the mistake from a mere minor disruption to causing chaos across continents? It can come from a mixture of three big buckets, Huq said. Process, human capability or talent, and also the underlying technology.  What theyre going to be spending time now is to look at which of those forces played an impact here, and how big. Its too early to tell right now in which bucket the mistake originated. CrowdStrike traced the problem to a bug or coding mistake known as logic error that caused Windows systems to crash. Looking at that particular processand seeing at what part in the steps could we have caught this and potentially remediated itis going to be pretty, pretty critical, said Huq.

In an ideal scenario, CrowdStrike could have fixed its wide-impacting mistake by simply rolling out a new update, correcting the logic error of its predecessor. And rebooting after CrowdStrikes corrective update did bring the devices of some Microsoft users back online. But only some. Many of the customers are rebooting the system and its coming up and itll be operational, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said in an interview. But for some less fortunate users, it could be some time for some systems that wont automatically recover.

That is the core problem facing the resolution process. If devices dont respond automatically to the new update, it likely must be done manually. Thats the tricky part, right? This is, right now, kind of about as manual as an IT position can be, Huq told The Dispatch. If youre experiencing a blue screen [error]which is a typical outcome of this errorits not easy to just go online, for example, right, and remediate that problem.

CrowdStrike has said its team is fully mobilized and is actively assisting customers, and Microsoft also announced that hundreds of its specialists are working directly with customers to resolve the issue.

The technological disruption has had and will continue to have economic effects. Travel delaysmore than 1,500 flights have been canceled over three straight dayscertainly inconvenienced customers who had critical and costly events planned. Who will end up footing the bill? CrowdStrike will have insurance, Microsoft will have insurance, the airlines will have insurance, said Betsy Cooper, director of the Aspen Institutes Tech Policy Hub and the founding executive director of the University of California, Berkeleys Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. That being said, I think its going to be extremely complicated to figure out where the legal liability will lie, and it will be many years of litigation down the road.

But there are also the macroeconomic implications: A single update caused ripple effects that stretched across both geographical borders and various production or service industries. The error illustrated the interconnectedness of the emerging technologies and the global economy. One mistake by one company working with a major big tech organization can lead to huge ramifications across the globe, and one reason for that is that these systems are getting increasingly interconnected, so that a change in one can affect a change across many different industries and types of software, Cooper told The Dispatch. I think this sort of interruption is an inevitability in the future, she said. Preparation is the only thing we can really do to get ahead of it.

If coding errors are inevitable, as Cooper suggests, how does one adequately prepare for such scenarios? By compartmentalizing and being prepared, said Cooper. You want to try to ensure that not all of your systems are dependent on one particular complex software, she explained. To limit companies exposure to the risk, they should, for example, have different software for its financial services than for its data storage. You ensure that, if theres a problem with one system, the effects of it are cabined, and do not necessarily run throughout your entire organization.

But some also blame the concentration of the technology industry into a handful of companies and suggest that, if there were more viable alternatives to Microsoft or CrowdStrike, the faulty updates effects would not have been as far-reaching. Todays massive global Microsoft outage is the result of a software monopoly that has become a single point of failure for too much of the global economy, George Rakis, executive director of NextGen Competitionan organization that opposes market consolidation in the tech industrysaid in a statement. For decades, Microsofts pursuit of a vendor lock-in strategy has prevented the public and private sectors from diversifying their IT capabilities.

Would it be better for the tech industry to produce a more diverse array of technological systems, almost like biodiversity in organisms help prevent an entire species exposure to a single disease? Theres both costs and benefits to that, said Huq. One benefit to having several large companies dominate the marketinstead of a bevy of smaller entitiesis simply scale: Larger companies have larger resources, which means more time, attention, and investment into its services. Theyre going to be using software that ultimately has more eyes on it, he said. But, if a mistake does get past those eyes, its effects could be more wide-reaching. Risky practices would obviously scale out more.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
In the past year, India's stock market has experienced significant growth, rising by 43%, despite a recent dip of 1.3% over the last week. In such a flourishing yet fluctuating market environment, companies with high insider ownership can be particularly appealing as they often indicate strong confidence from those who know the business best.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In India

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Archean Chemical Industries (NSEI:ACI) 22.9% 28.9% Kirloskar Pneumatic (BSE:505283) 30.6% 30.8% Pitti Engineering (BSE:513519) 30.3% 28.0% Dixon Technologies (India) (NSEI:DIXON) 24.9% 34.4% Shivalik Bimetal Controls (BSE:513097) 19.5% 28.7% Jupiter Wagons (NSEI:JWL) 10.8% 27.2% Rajratan Global Wire (BSE:517522) 19.8% 33.5% Paisalo Digital (BSE:532900) 16.3% 23.8% JNK India (NSEI:JNKINDIA) 23.8% 31.8% Pricol (NSEI:PRICOLLTD) 25.5% 26.9%

Click here to see the full list of 86 stocks from our Fast Growing Indian Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Let's uncover some gems from our specialized screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Anupam Rasayan India Ltd specializes in custom synthesis and manufacturing of specialty chemicals, serving markets in India, Europe, Japan, Singapore, China, North America, and internationally with a market capitalization of approximately 86.21 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from the manufacturing of industrial chemicals, totaling 14.75 billion.

Insider Ownership: 39.6%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 33% p.a.

Anupam Rasayan India is experiencing substantial growth, with earnings forecasted to increase significantly at 32.98% annually, outpacing the broader Indian market's 15.9%. However, revenue growth projections are modest at 19% annually, slightly above the market average of 9.6%. Shareholders have faced dilution over the past year despite these gains. The company also maintains a high level of non-cash earnings and a forecasted low Return on Equity (ROE) of 11.2% in three years. Recent activities include a proposed final dividend and lower quarterly earnings compared to last year, reflecting some financial pressures despite growth prospects.

NSEI:ANURAS Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies primarily in India, offering a range of healthcare services globally with a market capitalization of approximately 917.63 billion.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from Healthcare Services (99.39 billion), followed by Digital Health & Pharmacy Distribution (78.27 billion), and Retail Health & Diagnostics (13.64 billion).

Insider Ownership: 10.4%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 33% p.a.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise is poised for robust growth, with earnings expected to surge by 33% annually over the next three years, significantly outstripping the Indian market's average. This growth is supported by a high Return on Equity forecast of 23.5%. Revenue projections also exceed market trends, with an anticipated increase of 15.8% per year. Despite these positive indicators, there has been no substantial insider buying in recent months, which might raise concerns about insider confidence levels. Additionally, Apollo Hospitals has expressed interest in acquiring Jaypee Healthcare, potentially expanding its market presence further.

NSEI:APOLLOHOSP Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Shalby Limited is a healthcare provider operating multi-specialty hospitals primarily in India, North America, Japan, and Indonesia, with a market capitalization of approximately 30.49 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through healthcare services, contributing 8.90 billion, and manufacturing of implants, adding another 0.87 billion.

Insider Ownership: 11%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 24.9% p.a.

Shalby has shown promising growth, with revenue increasing to INR 2.89 billion this quarter from INR 2.40 billion a year ago, though net income dipped to INR 166 million from INR 208.26 million. The company is expanding, having secured a lease for a new healthcare facility in Mumbai, enhancing its service capacity significantly. Earnings are expected to grow by approximately 24.88% annually, outpacing the Indian market's average. Despite these positives, insider buying has not been substantial in recent months.

NSEI:SHALBY Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include NSEI:ANURAS NSEI:APOLLOHOSP and NSEI:SHALBY.

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WEST PALM BEACH  Kalev Kangro lay facedown on the couch while his suspected drug dealer knocked on the front door. Investigators say the dealer came with a second supply of cocaine for Kangro, unaware that the first had killed him earlier that day.

"Really hope ur ok bro," the dealer texted later. "I waited a long time and even knocked hard as hell and no one answered."

Kangro's fatal overdose would have likely been considered an accident had it happened years earlier. However, a trail of texts between the man and his suspected dealer  as well as a recent push by Florida lawmakers to hold peddlers accountable for drug users' deaths  morphed it into something else.

Boynton Beach police officers charged 24-year-old Isaiah Delgado with premeditated murder after identifying him as the man they believe sold Kangro the fatal dose. Investigators say the drug contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin.

Overdosed and deadly: Five things to know about opioids in Palm Beach County

Without a witness to point fingers, or incriminating text messages left on the victims phone, overdoses rarely culminate in an arrest for murder. In Delgado's case, officers say they had both.

Kangro's wife, Laura Jimenez, said she watched Delgado sell her husband cocaine in the kitchen of their Boynton Beach apartment on Feb. 7, the day he was found dead. Jimenez identified Delgado in a police lineup.

An undercover officer posing as a friend of Kangro arranged to meet with Delgado the following day to buy drugs. During their meeting, Delgado told the officer he'd sold Kangro drugs "for a while," and that Kangro sometimes consumed so much of it that he overdosed.

The officer bought $7,000 worth of cocaine from Delgado over six months, according to his arrest report. He charged Delgado on July 9 with first-degree murder and 11 counts related to drug trafficking. He was denied bail and remains in the Palm Beach County Jail.

Of all dealers charged with first-degree murder, none has been convicted

Delgado, of Lantana, joins a growing list of Palm Beach County residents charged with murder in the wake of customer overdoses. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg promised in 2018 to "aggressively charge drug dealers who spread deadly fentanyl-laced heroin" and subsequently indicted a handful of people on first-degree murder charges.

Prosecutors have yet to convict anyone this way, opting instead to resolve cases with plea deals to lesser offenses.

For Subscribers: First-degree murder charges for drug dealers in Palm Beach aren't sticking. Heres why.

Calvin Warren Jr. was the first. Facing life in prison for the 2017 overdose of Travis Tekel, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder instead for a 22-year prison sentence.

Vicki Sakers was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the 2017 overdose death of her friend Candace Moreland; she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to three years of probation.

So did Joreel Sine, who sold Sakers the drug. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter in 2022. Prosecutors indicted Jamel Roseau in 2021 on two counts of first-degree murder for the overdose deaths of Holland Harriss and Michael Edgell. His case remains open.

Delgado, who is represented by the county Public Defender's Office, is due in court next at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. As a policy, the office does not comment on open cases.

Hannah Phillips covers public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lantana man linked to fatal overdose, charged with first-degree murder
A father was attempting to stop a fight when he was fatally shot by his son on the Fourth of July in the Red Sands desert, a complaint affidavit states.

Jair Navarro, 21, of Horizon City, faces a murder charge in the death of his father, 39-year-old Arturo Navarro. The suspect was involved in a fight with a group of people in the off-road desert, where crowds were gathered to light fireworks beyond the El Paso city limits.

Jair Navarro

The shooting occurred about 11:50 p.m. July 4 near the 15600 block of Montana Avenue. Jair Navarro fled the scene after the shooting and was arrested days later, the affidavit states.

A bond hearing scheduled for July 17 was canceled. El Paso Magistrate Judge Antonio Aun said later that Jair Navarro had been out on bond before the shooting on drug charges. He was rebooked into the El Paso County Jail on the drug charges.

Jesse Herrera, Jair Navarro's attorney, declined to comment until after a bond hearing is held for his client.

Witness says victim was shot in head

A Texas Rescue Patrol volunteer, who is also a reserve officer in Kountze, Texas, was flagged down by people in the Red Sands area and told about a fight involving a weapon, the affidavit states. The officer was told by another person that someone was shot in the head.

The officer arrived at the scene of the fight, where witnesses identified two suspects who got into a black Chevrolet Tahoe. The officer went up to the vehicle with his gun drawn and ordered the men out of the vehicle. The men refused the order and fled.

More: Horizon City man arrested in fatal shooting of his father on the Fourth of July

The Tahoe was seen exiting the Red Sands area off of Montana Avenue, the affidavit states. El Paso County Sheriff's Office deputies attempted to pull over the Tahoe, but the driver refused to stop. Deputies pursued the Tahoe but lost sight of it as it drove into a desert area, the affidavit states.

The Tahoe was later found at a house in the 14000 block of Frisco Drive near Red Sands in the Montana Vista area after the residents reported a car on their property that didn't belong to them.

Video shows fight, fatal shoot

Back at the crime scene, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit detectives arrived and met with witnesses. A witness provided a video of the shooting to the deputies.

The video showed a large fight involving several people. Jair Navarro is seen in the video wearing a black shirt and holding a handgun, arguing with several people, the affidavit states.

Arturo Navarro is seen in the video attempting to pull Jair Navarro away from the fight, the affidavit states. Jair Navarro, now shirtless, was punched by a man involved in the fight. Jair Navarro allegedly pointed the gun at the man who punched him.

Arturo Navarro allegedly lunged at the man and attempted to punch him. Arturo Navarro is still between his son and the man when he is seen in the video falling to the ground. He attempts to get back up when a "muzzle flash is seen coming from the gun (Jair Navarro) is seen holding," the affidavit states.

Arturo Navarro was taken to The Hospitals of Providence East Campus in critical condition. He died at the hospital July 7.

Family identifies Jair Navarro as shooter

Deputies connected Jair Navarro to the shooting by comparing a photo still taken from the video to a photo on his Facebook page, the affidavit states.

Deputies went to The Hospitals of Providence East Campus to meet with the Navarro family because they believed the shooter and the family knew each other.

Arturo Navarro's sister was shown the photo. She identified Jair Navarro in the photo as her nephew and Arturo Navarro's son, the affidavit states.

More: Man in critical condition after shooting on Fourth of July in Red Sands area

Hospital medical staff told deputies Arturo Navarro showed little brain activity that was on the decline, the affidavit states. Deputies were later notified Arturo Navarro died from injuries he sustained in the shooting.

U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Jair Navarro Friday, July 12  five days after his father died  in the 11600 block of Datsun Drive in Socorro, officials said.

He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $750,000 bond, jail records show. He remains jailed as of Wednesday, July 17, jail logs show.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Horizon City man charged with fatally shooting dad on Fourth of July
(Bloomberg) -- Within hours of Joe Bidens decision to bow out of the presidential race, many of the biggest names in Democratic politics  from Hillary Clinton to Gavin Newsom to megadonor George Soros  rushed to join him in backing Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket.

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Some prominent Democratic donors are questioning the hurry.

An open convention next month in Chicago where the partys best and brightest can make their case would generate excitement among voters and offer a prime-time showcase for Democratic policies, this line of thinking goes. Many of the donors said theyd be pleased if Harris wins the contest, but they dont want the job handed to her.

That mini bake-off is going to get more press and publicity and coverage than anything in the whole world for the next month, said Mike Novogratz, the billionaire founder of Galaxy Digital Holdings. America is ready to change.

Listen to The Big Take on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Read the transcript.

Its unlikely donors will be the one to direct next steps. Thatll be up to scores of elected Democrats and party officials. But the tension over how to proceed highlights a divide between Democrats and the people who fund their campaigns.

And as Democrats plot their next step after Bidens historic decision to step aside in the face of discouraging polls and concerns about the 81-year-olds mental acuity, party insiders, donors and strategists are jockeying to influence who gets picked as his replacement. Some are pushing the idea that candidates other than Harris may stand a better chance at defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Political Considerations

Donors are also focused on the optics. Democrats were criticized for insulating Biden from any challengers even as concern mounted about his ability to campaign, and some supporters say pushing through Harris candidacy without a competitive process would be a bad look.

But many Democratic leaders also acknowledge the risk of bypassing the highest-ranking woman of color in the party, who has strong appeal for two crucial voting blocs, women and Black voters.

Simply clearing the way for Harris wont generate public excitement about the Democratic ticket, said one major donor who works on Wall Street, asking not to be identified discussing a sensitive topic. But putting seven to eight candidates on a stage to make their case would gin up significant interest, the person said.

Many prominent Democratic office holders and the party establishment were quick to endorse the 59-year-old vice president, with statements of support from former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Others, such as former President Barack Obama, praised Bidens decision but didnt specifically endorse Harris.

In private conversations, four major Democratic donors who would prefer an open convention said that if Harris is handed the nomination, her choice of running mate will need to help clinch wins in swing states.

Veep Stakes

Trumps pick of Ohio Senator JD Vance helped boost his standing with tech executives in Silicon Valley, many of whom see the former venture capitalist as one of their own.

The major donors, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters, said the top candidates for the Democrats VP spot would be Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, retired Navy Admiral William McRaven, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Shapiro.

Trump, for his part, zeroed in on Harris, saying in a statement that shes just as much of joke as Biden is. Harris will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation.

There is no distance between the two, he added.

Trey Beck, a Democratic donor and former managing director at investment firm DE Shaw, had called on Biden to step aside after his disastrous debate performance last month, at which the president struggled to defend his record and formulate an effective attack against Trump. Now, hes urging a contest to decide on the partys standard bearer.

Any person who emerges from that process is a stronger candidate, he said. Theyll have been vetted by the public, their positions will be out there, their rhetorical skills will have been sharpened.

He said if Harris emerges as the victor, I would walk on hot coals to see her elected president.

Donor Enthusiasm

Beck, who left DE Shaw in part to focus on Democratic policies and informally advise donors where to give, has given $66,600 to Biden Victory Fund.

There was already some evidence Sunday of donor enthusiasm for a new Democratic presidential candidate. Swing Left, a grassroots organization formed the day Trump was inaugurated to elect Democrats to the House, launched a fund Sunday for whoever that person is.

In its first 90 minutes, it raised $75,000 from 700 donors, said executive director Yasmin Radjy.

What we dont want is for the theorizing, the pundits and all those conversations about an open process to slow down the deep commitment that grassroots funders have, she said.

Theres a fundraising advantage to picking Harris: Bidens campaign still has nearly $96 million left in the bank, and Harris would have access to that cash since she was part of the ticket. If another candidate emerges, that person would likely have to start fundraising from $0.

The Harris campaign said it raised $49.6 million since Biden bowed out and endorsed her, a necessary cash infusion for a campaign that has faced a fundraising drought as donors held off contributing due to mounting concerns about the presidents acuity and ability to serve a second term.

Sunday was the biggest online fundraising day for the Democrats in the 2024 cycle, according to ActBlue, the digital giving platform for the party.

Big Money

Soros Democracy PAC has given $10 million to Future Forward PAC and $5.6 million to American Bridge, which back progressive candidates.

And Jamie Patricof, a film producer and donor, also came out in support of Harris. He hosted a fundraiser for her in 2019 during her unsuccessful effort to seek the nomination.

Other people are going to see that she is the best option for the Democrats to beat Donald Trump, Patricof said in in an interview. In a debate, she will annihilate Donald Trump.

The vice presidents supporters are going to do everything we can do to beat Donald Trump, he said. Thats going to include raising money, knocking on doors, making phone calls, having events. Theres nothing more important to me than this election.

Rick Caruso, a billionaire Los Angeles real estate developer, said Harris may indeed emerge as the best choice for Democrats, but he nonetheless called for a contest to select the nominee.

Allowing an open process is consistent with the fundamental strength of our democracy, Caruso said on a post on X.

His recent donations include $50,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in March and $10,000 to the DNC Services Corp., according to Open Secrets. Hes a former Republican who registered as a Democrat in 2022, when he ran unsuccessfully for Los Angeles mayor. He spent more than $100 million of his personal fortune on that campaign.

Novogratz emphasized that anyone the Democrats nominate would be better than the alternative. The investor, who donated to Biden in 2020 but hasnt given him any cash this year, said supporters must organize quickly once the nominee is chosen.

Theres a lot that has to happen. Money has to get raised, a campaign has to be stood up, name recognition has to show up, he said. Whoever is chosen is going to look younger, smarter and more appealing than a guy with felony convictions.

--With assistance from John Gittelsohn and Bill Allison.

(Updates with details on Democratic fundraising in the 24th paragraph.)

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  The South Carolina delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention voted to endorse Vice President Harris for this years Democratic Presidential Nomination, Sunday evening.

Christale Spain, the Chair of SCDP, said Harris has earned their unwavering support.

We appreciate President Bidens decades of service to the nation. South Carolinas Democratic Delegates join President Biden in endorsing Vice President Harris as our nominee, Spain said. We must move forward in unity for the sake of democracy; by selecting President Biden in February, South Carolina Democrats also selected the Vice President for her ability to lead. Vice President Harris has been fully vetted, and she has earned our unwavering support. It will be an honor to vote for her as our partys nominee next month.

The Democratic National Convention will take place August 19 through 22 in Chicago, Illinois.

Harris and any individual seeking the nomination must qualify to receive votes from the convention delegates.

South Carolina joins Congressman Clyburn and other significant organizations and elected officials in endorsing Vice President Harris.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  South Carolinas lawmakers are reacting on Sunday, after President Joe Bidens bombshell announcement that he will not seek re-election for a second term.

I was shocked because I thought he was pretty much resigned to staying in the race, and so this was a shock to me, said South Carolina State Representative, Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers (D). I do know that there had been some growing efforts to have him to step down and allow someone else to run.

U.S. Representative William Timmons (R) of South Carolina said he wanted Biden to do more than just finish his term. He wanted Biden to resign.

The fact that he has acknowledged, in his inner circle, that he cannot run again, and he is unable to be president for four more years he shouldnt be president for another hour, said Timmons. I mean, the world is a dangerous place. We need a strong leader, and he is not. Hes asleep at the wheel.

Since last months first Presidential Debate of the 2024 election cycle, which many critics deemed disastrous for the 81-year-old presidents re-election chances, dissonance and disagreement among the Democratic Partys had been brewing with reports that former President, Barack Obama, and former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, had privately called for Biden to not run again.

Look, this guy has not been all there, said Timmons. For years, his cognitive decline has been very clear. He cant walk upstairs. He cant remember who people are. Hes had people that have been lifelong friends that he cant recognize, and this has all been so apparent, but the people that are surrounding him are just trying to keep power. Its sad. It really is sad. I mean, its elder abuse.

Now that Biden is now longer in contention for the White House, there are questions surrounding who will become the partys next nominee to take on Trump.

For Henderson-Myers, Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be the obvious choice.

I hadnt thought about anyone else running, she said. I know how passionate she is about this country and about the people in this country, and I could not think of anyone else who could fill those shoes at this point.

Harris also got the approval and support from Biden, Sunday afternoon, with the president writing:

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats  its time to come together and beat Trump. Lets do this.

South Carolina Senator Jim Clyburn (D) also endorsed Harris publicly on Sunday by penning this statement:

I echo the good judgment [President Biden] demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Partys 2024 nominee for President.

Hours after Bidens announcement, the South Carolina delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention met virtually and voted to endorse Vice President Harris for the 2024 Democratic Presidential Nomination.

In a public statement, SCDP Chair Christale Spain, who also chairs the South Carolina delegation to the convention, shared the following:

We appreciate President Bidens decades of service to the nation. South Carolinas Democratic Delegates join President Biden in endorsing Vice President Harris as our nominee. We must move forward in unity for the sake of democracy; by selecting President Biden in February, South Carolina Democrats also selected the Vice President for her ability to lead. Vice President Harris has been fully vetted, and she has earned our unwavering support. It will be an honor to vote for her as our partys nominee next month.

South Carolina was the first in the Nation Democratic Presidential Primary on February 3, 2024, where 96% of voters selected President Biden.

The Democratic National Convention will occur from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
PINEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A South Carolina man was charged with assaulting a woman on a greenway Monday afternoon.

According to the Pineville Police department, the incident occurred on around 2:15 p.m. July 22 on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway near Lietner Drive. A female jogger reported that she was grabbed, slammed to the ground and pinned by an unknown male suspect.

Local runners sharpen self-defense skills in case of emergency

Officers say the victim was able to kick the suspect off of her then ran towards bicyclists to call for help.

When Pineville officers arrived on scene, they arrested 28-year-old Tyrone Lyndin Duncan. He was charged with assault on a female and possession of methamphetamine.

There have been several security measures implemented in the last year for greenways in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Amazon workers walked off the job at a crucial warehouse in the Inland Empire on Sunday.

The workers are engaging in an unfair labor practice strike over alleged retaliation that they faced when trying to unionize, read a joint statement from the workers and the Teamsters union, who is helping the workers organize the strike.

The workers now on strike have the full support of more than a million Teamsters nationwide, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division Randy Korgan said. Amazon has no respect for the well-being of the workers who make its profits possible, and San Bernardino workers have sent a clear message to these corporate criminals that theyve had enough.

Disneyland cast members vote to authorize strike

The warehouse where the strike took place  the KSBD warehouse in San Bernardino  is Amazons largest air facility on the West Coast. The walkout comes on the heels of Prime Day, the marketplaces incredibly popular 48-hour shopping event.

Prime Day 2024  which took place on July 16-17  was Amazons biggest ever, the company says, with record sales and more items sold during this years event than any other. Millions of customers worldwide signed up for Amazon Prime in the three weeks leading up to Prime Day, also a record.

According to union officials, the KSBD warehouse has been a hotbed for Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters; striking employees have led numerous walkouts and strikes over alleged unfair labor practices in addition to petitioning for higher wages, heat safety measures and safer working conditions, among other priorities.

Amazon is one of the most profitable companies in the world, but it consistently treats its workers like trash, said Anna Ortega, an Amazon air hub worker who is organizing with the Teamsters. We are standing up for our right to organize and to fight for a better future at Amazon.

If Amazon is going to retaliate against us for organizing, then we are going to hit the streets, said Regina Herrmann, another air hub worker organizing with the Teamsters. Amazon workers are responsible for Amazons huge profits, especially during Prime Daywe are united and ready to exert our collective power.

Cancer-causing contaminants rampant in L.A. tap water, nonprofit says

Elsewhere in SoCal, Amazon delivery drivers in Palmdale went on strike last November; in a commentary piece published in Fortune Magazine last November, one Palmdale driver, Cecilia Porter, called her job extreme and said that the pressure from Amazon is unmatched.

Further away, a group of 104 Amazon drivers organized with the local Teamsters union in Skokie, Illinois, to demand the company refrain from union-busting tactics. According to reports, drivers there  who are employed by a separate contractor  claim Amazon retaliated against their unionization efforts by terminating their contractors agreement.

According to Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards, the walkout was initiated and attended by mostly outside organizers and individuals who dont work for Amazon.

Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union; they always have, Hards told KTLA in a statement. We favor opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual, and to have their unique voice heard by working directly with our team. The fact is, Amazon already offers what many unions are requesting: safe and inclusive workplaces, competitive pay, benefits on day one and opportunities for career growth. We look forward to working directly with our employees to continue making Amazon a great place to work.

There were no impacts on operations or deliveries to customers due to the demonstration, Hards added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
With his announcement President Joe Biden did what he has done consistently for the last half century. He acted in what he believes is the best interest of our nation.

Joe Biden has been a transformational President and again demonstrated his love for our country and its people. The President, after careful consideration and great reflection, has decided to stand aside and allow another member of our party to continue his legacy and build on the immense progress America has made since recovering from a once in a century pandemic and a major economic crisis.

As a Democrat I am excited about our future. Most recently, we have seen much of the national discussion center around the Presidents physical and mental health. We can now return the conversation to issues which is what I believe people want .

They want to know how the federal government can help them improve their lives. Issues like reproductive freedom, quality public education, sustainable energy, and living wages for all Americans are what we need to be talking about. I am confident that when we talk issues Democrats win.
(Bloomberg) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been summoned to testify as a witness in a criminal investigation into his wifes business dealings, adding pressure on an already fragile government.

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Sanchez will have to testify on July 30 at 11 a.m., according to a statement emailed by the court in Madrid on Monday. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is heading the inquiry, will go to the Moncloa government palace to hear Sanchezs testimony.

Sanchezs wife, Begona Gomez, is being investigated by Peinado under suspicion of influence peddling and private-sector corruption. No charges have been filed and the government has denied any wrongdoing by Gomez.

Sanchez has struggled to assert his power since the start of his current term in late 2023, and Peinados decision in April to open the inquiry has deepened the perception of a weak premier. Having to rely on a patchwork of as many as eight parties to govern, Sanchez has been almost unable to pass legislation this year and couldnt get his 2024 budget approved.

When the probe was opened, Sanchez threatened to quit and said the case is part of a far-right political and media conspiracy against him and, more broadly, an attack against democracy. Hes stuck to the line since then.

Whether the case has grounds or not, its impacting the image of the prime minister, according to Joaquin Urias, a former judge and professor of constitutional law at the University of Seville.

This case raises the problem of separation of powers, said Urias. We have an investigating judge, who, without sufficient evidence, is questioning the presidents honorability.

Sanchez has the legal right to decline to testify and given that hes prime minister, he can also choose to testify by writing, said Bernardo del Rosal, a criminal law professor at the University of Alicante. In the unlikely situation that he were to be charged, Sanchez has immunity and under Spanish law the case would have to be considered by a higher court, Del Rosal said.

Peinado opened the investigation following a complaint filed by a pressure group with far-right links called Manos Limpias  Spanish for Clean Hands.

The criminal inquiry against Gomez focuses on two main issues:

Meetings that Gomez had with the owners of an airline that was rescued by the government during the pandemic and which was also a sponsor of an African development center she ran at a private university.

Letters that Gomez signed endorsing an entrepreneur who was seeking government subsidies at the same time as he funded a masters program she ran at another university.

Given the relationship between the person under investigation and an authority, it is convenient, useful and pertinent to receive the testimony of the prime minister, Judge Peinado said in his decision on Monday.

Press officers for the prime ministers office and for the Socialist party didnt respond to calls from Bloomberg News on Monday.

Gomez was summoned to testify as a witness in court on July 19, but made use of her legal right to decline to speak.

--With assistance from Macarena Munoz, Thomas Gualtieri, Jorge Zuloaga and Clara Hernanz Lizarraga.

(Updates with details on premiers current term in fourth paragraph, comments from law professors in sixth, eighth.)

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BENGALURU (Reuters) -Wipro's shares dropped the most in over four years on Monday morning as investors punished India's no. 4 IT services firm for posting poor growth when its rivals talked of a return of client spending and reported strong results.

Shares of the company were down about 8% as of 10:46 a.m. IST, weighing on the Nifty IT index, which was down 0.3%.

Wipro on Friday reported a drop in June quarter revenue and forecast IT services revenue in the current quarter to range between a drop of 1% to an increase of 1%.

Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and HCLTech posted strong results, raising hopes of a demand recovery in the $254 billion sector.

At least six analysts cut their ratings on Wipro's stock since Friday's results, while three have cut their target price, per LSEG data.

Wipro's deal wins fell 11% from last year while Infosys, which gives number of bookings above $50 million, said its contract wins jumped 78% from last year.

Wipro's broad-based revenue pressures, muted guidance and weak deal wins suggest that growth remains a challenge for Wipro, analysts at Jefferies said in a note to clients, while those at Morgan Stanley said they expect Wipro to continue underperforming its peers in the near future.

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)
FRAMINGHAM  State Senate President Karen Spilka said Monday that she was impressed with President Joe Biden's "selfless" decision to not to seek reelection, then firmly threw her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to get the Democratic nomination for this fall's presidential election.

"I believe President Biden showed America what true leadership is," Spilka said Monday during an interview after attending an event in Framingham hosted by biomedical company Sanofi. "He selflessly stepped down for the better of the country. I think he is the most consequential president in my generation, and I believe he has been incredibly successful in getting so many things through a divided and divisive Congress, and so much of which Massachusetts has benefited from as well."

Spilka, a Democrat whose district includes Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick, added that she fully supports Harris in seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

State Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, is interviewed about President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from pursuing reelection after a press conference announcing Life Sciences Workforce Development and STEM Education grants at Sanofi in Framingham, July 22, 2024.

More: Joe Biden withdraws from race Sunday, 107 days before Election Day. What happens next?

I believe now is the time for unity and I am hoping for the Democrats, we stand behind Vice President Harris who I believe is ready, day one, to hit the ground running as president of the United States of America, Spilka said.

Spilka added that she was surprised Biden made the decision over the weekend, but said it took tremendous courage for him to withdraw from seeking reelection.

"I think almost everybody was surprised, I know there was a lot of pressure, that it must have been an incredibly difficult decision, but again, he put his country before himself, and he showed America true leadership, and for that I am very grateful to him and our country," Spilka said. "He has given hope and optimism, and Im looking forward to seeing Vice President Harris run a successful campaign for president of the United States."

Biden withdraws comes after several Democrats express concern

Biden, who turns 82 in November, announced Sunday afternoon that he would no longer seek the Democratic nomination. The decision came less than a month after he struggled during a televised debate on June 27 against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump, which led to slumping poll numbers.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president, Biden wrote in a letter posted Sunday on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

State Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, shown speaking during a press conference Monday at Sanofi in Framingham, says Vice President Kamala Harris would be the "ideal" candidate to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in this fall's election, July 22, 2024.

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Marlborough, was among seven state senators who signed a letter last week calling on Biden to withdraw, saying a loss to Trump would be devastating for the country, especially Massachusetts residents.

"I think another Trump term would be deeply traumatic for the whole nation," Eldridge told the Daily News last Friday, before Biden announced his decision. "In Massachusetts, you look at our leadership in clean energy, specifically with offshore wind, and President Trump basically suspended the progress of offshore wind through federal action, and that delayed it so that it is only now coming online."

'Concerns for many months': Eldridge, Arena-DeRosa among Mass. Democrats asking Biden to step aside

The new candidate will be selected during the Democratic National Convention, which takes place Aug. 19-22. Spilka said Harris, having served as vice president, is ideal for the position.

"Shes a different person (than Biden), but she has been in the White House for the last four years," Spilka said. "She has been there, been a part of the discussion, and she has the best information and thats why I believe she is ready, day one, to hit the ground running as president."

I havent heard of anyone else specifically that wants to throw their hat into the nomination, and I do believe Vice President Harris would make a phenomenal president, the Senate president continued. She has been in the White House  nobody else has been there in the same way, so Im looking forward to a successful run for her as president.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Spilka praises Biden, endorses Kamala Harris as next Democrat nominee
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has become the member of The Squad not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, with several of the progressive lawmakers even issuing formal endorsements after President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek re-electionendorsing Harris himself on his way out the door.

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have all come out with statements endorsing Harris as our next president and the Democratic Partys best chance at beating Donald Trump in November.

The peoples vote was a vote not only for President Biden, but a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and her ability to defeat MAGA extremism across the country, said Bush, the first Squad member to publicly endorse Harris in a statement.

In Pressleys statement, she said it is clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the best person to lead our party and our nation forward.

Thank you, Mr. President.



This was the presidents decision to make and Im grateful for his years of service to our country.



Thrilled to support @KamalaHarris as our Democratic nominee and remain committed to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in November. https://t.co/e9wcYkkopA pic.twitter.com/GJA4Ujs9ua  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) July 21, 2024

Omar tweeted a thanks to Biden for his service on X and said she was thrilled to support [Kamala Harris] as our Democratic nominee and remain committed to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in November.

On X, Ocasio-Cortez wrote that now more than ever it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. She added, Lets get to work.

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November.



Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.



Lets get to work.  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 22, 2024

However, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who has been one of Bidens harshest critics did not endorse Harris and instead called for an open convention, The Detroit News reported. In a statement, Tlaib said she was eager to speak to Harris about a permanent ceasefire and an end to the funding of genocide in Gaza.

Harris launched her presidential campaign just minutes after Bidens endorsement and announced that she would earn and win the nomination.

Several key Democratic leaders have thrown their support behind her with endorsements since then, though some big names within the partyincluding former President Barack Obama and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)have not yet endorsed Harris.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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After several setbacks, St. Augustines University clinched a victory in its latest fight for survival on Monday, with a committee of the universitys accrediting agency unanimously reversing a decision to strip its accreditation.

The decision means that St. Augustines will remain accredited  albeit on probation  despite a denied February appeal of the December vote by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to pull the universitys accreditation and remove its membership.

It is an optimistic moment for university leaders, who previously vowed to fight the arbitration committee if it upheld the appeals committees decision in court.

Brian Boulware, chair of St. Augustines Board of Trustees, called the decision a pivotal moment for the university.

The unanimous reversal by the arbitration committee rightfully corrects the injustice inflicted upon SAU by SACSCOCs initial ruling and underscores the universitys steadfast commitment to excellence and growth, Boulware said in a statement.

St. Augustines interim President Marcus Burgess said Monday the reinstatement will ensure a thriving educational environment for our students.

Mondays decision marked the latest development in St. Augs battle to stay accredited and keep its doors open, a months-long process that has involved multiple appeals to the accrediting agency and thrust the small, private, historically Black college into the local limelight.

The commitment and resilience shown by our community throughout this ordeal exemplify the spirit and determination that define Saint Augustines University, Janelle Jennings-Alexander, the universitys interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in a statement.

A SACSCOC spokesperson did not immediately respond to The N&Os request for comment.

A saga of financial and accreditation challenges

Alumni and other supporters of the university have called on the Board of Trustees to resign over the saga, saying the board breached its fiduciary duty to the school. The university sent most students home and moved to online learning in April, with the universitys interim president appearing to tie the decision to an inability to meet students needs on campus. The university has also failed on multiple occasions to pay employees on-time, citing a lack of cash flow to make the payments.

Burgess has described the universitys situation as a crisis, but has vowed to keep the school open.

Accreditation is crucial to several facets of university operations, including students ability to receive financial aid from the federal government.

SACSCOCs vote in December to remove the universitys accreditation cited the colleges failure to comply with several of the agencys financial principles. That decision came one year after SACSCOC initially placed the university on probation for many of the same financial issues. Prior to that decision, the university was previously on probation between 2016 and 2018, also for financial issues.

SACSCOC spokesperson Janea Johnson told The N&O earlier this year that St. Augs was the first university to engage in the arbitration process since it was implemented. Following a hearing, the committee must affirm, amend, or remand the appeals committees decision. According to SACSCOC policy, the decision is final and binding.

The appeals and arbitration processes undoubtedly incurred more expenses for the financially struggling university, with SACSCOC policy requiring universities appealing the agencys accreditation decisions provide $15,000 for each appeal to cover travel, lodging, meals, and venue charges incurred by the arbitrators and SACSCOC in convening and pursuing the arbitration.

Its going to cost money, it definitely is, Burgess said at a February press conference.

Potential litigation would have likely cost even more.
One could easily describe the summer of 2024 as historic for Americas political landscape.

Barely a week after a brazen assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, and three days after Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination for president, naming the youngest vice presidential pick in U.S. history  Ohio Senator J.D. Vance  President Joe Biden Biden ended is reelection bid.

Biden made the announcement Sunday in a letter noting, "...it is in the best interest of my party and the country to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term."

Democrats had been walking a tightrope after a disastrous performance by the incumbent president on June 27.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee in a separate statement on X. Harris accepted the presidents endorsement with an "intention to earn and win this nomination." But questions swirl within the deepest crevices of the Democratic Party: Is America ready for President Kamala Harris?

The St. Augustine Record reached out the local leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties, both located in St. Augustine. Here's what they had to say.

Denver Cook Chairman of the Republican Party of St. Johns County

Denver Cook, chairman of the St. Johns County Republican Party

Denver Cook, chairman of the St. Johns County Republican Party and a candidate for Clerk of Court issued the following statement.

"Americans have watched President Biden become more and more frail over the last three years and worried as his administration weakened America. Stepping down from his campaign could not have been an easy decision and I hope he is treated with greater respect and dignity than we have witnessed.

"Unfortunately, his stepping down from the campaign brings obvious follow-up questions. If he cannot run for office, how can he DO the current job? And it is unclear how Kamala Harris would perform as President given the absence of a substantial record in her position as Vice President. What has she been doing for the last three years?

"Why has it taken elites in Washington D.C. this long to act and fail to use the 25th amendment to protect America? Our nation faces incredible challenges and uncertainty, and Americans deserve competent, coherent leadership, now and for the next four years. It is clear we cannot expect the Democratic elites to select competent leadership nor honor their own election process.

"Many Americans saw what I did at the Republican National Convention: a new party united with a bigger umbrella than ever before. Republicans will win with bold policies and initiatives to protect our Constitutional Republic, secure our borders, navigate global instability, create energy independence, and restore our economy.

"As Americans, we stand strong and unified behind President Trump, and ready to Make America Great Once Again!"

Robin Dion St. Johns Democratic Party

Robin Dion, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of St. Johns County

Robin Dion, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of St. Johns County, offered this perspective:

"The St. Johns Democratic Party is deeply grateful to President Biden for his work and for all the sacrifices he has made in service to our country. He has been one of the greatest presidents in American history, and his legacy will never be forgotten. As a leader, President Biden guided us out of the COVID-19 pandemic, turned our economy around, rebuilt our crumbling infrastructure and restored Americas place on the world stage. Democrats will now secure the future of that legacy  because the race may have changed, but our focus has not. This is the most consequential election of our lifetime, and Democrats will stand united to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in November.

"Our focus is firmly on the damage a second Trump presidency would create, thanks to Project 2025  an extreme takeover plan that should scare every American. Written for Trump, by those closest to him, it guts checks and balances to consolidate power in the Oval Office and undermines our democracy by giving Trump power like no president has ever had. The plan rolls back Americans rights and freedoms, hurts the middle class, shutters agencies like the Department of Education, bans abortion nationwide, and raises taxes on the middle class while giving handouts to billionaire donors. Trumps conservative Supreme Court has already given him a blank check to do virtually whatever he wants with no regard for the rule of law. If he wins, there is no question Trump will use it to pass his Project 2025 agenda.

"We call on all voters in St. Johns County who stand for democracy to contact the local Democratic Party to volunteer, support, and work with us to win the future we all deserve."

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: What do St. Johns party leaders say about Biden dropping out?
St. Pete roommates shoot at each other with what they thought were unloaded guns

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A man is dead after he and his roommate shot at each other with what they thought were unloaded guns on Sunday evening.

Just before 5 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office responded to a shooting death at 8198 49th Avenue North in St. Petersburg.

Residents evacuated after large ground depression opens up under Florida home

Deputies found Kevin Bishop, 50, on the floor with a gunshot wound to his chest. His roommate, William Tompkins, 57, was also in the home.

Officials said the two men were drinking alcohol when Bishop showed Tompkins several of his firearms, which he claimed were unloaded.

At one point, the men both pointed firearms at themselves and each other. According to the sheriffs office, they pulled the trigger but did not fire.

Florida woman accused of punching beloved 97-year-old bartender

Detectives said when Bishop grabbed a Glock 21 from Tompkins, Tompkins released his fingers from the gun and a bullet went into Bishops chest.

Bishop was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Stan Smith: he rose to lieutenant commander in the Navy and squadron leader in the RAF

Stan Smith, who has died aged 98, was thrust into a key role in the initial assault wave of the D-Day landings at Normandy.

As an 18-year-old midshipman in the RNVR he was 1st lieutenant and second-in-command of a landing craft, tank (LCT) ferrying Sherman amphibious DD tanks towards Gold Beach on June 6 1944. (DD stood for duplex drive, though they were also known as Donald Duck tanks.)

Rough seas scuppered the planned launch of the tanks three miles offshore, so in accordance with sealed orders which they were not allowed to open until well out to sea, Smiths crew beached the LCT at the sector code-named Jig despite coming under heavy bombardment from German forces.

More than 70 years later, he recalled that the original plan had been to carry nine British-built Valentine DD (swimming) tanks, but after a disastrous exercise in Studland Bay earlier in the year in which several Valentines were lost it was decided to use American-built Sherman DD tanks instead.

Owing to their greater size, we could only accommodate five, Smith recalled. Also, because they were heavier than the Valentines and needed a greater depth of water in which to float off, we had to have extensions fitted to the ramp in the form of shallow U-shaped angle-iron channels into which the tanks tracks fitted.

When the ramp was in the raised position, they stuck up like two huge horns. When the ramp was horizontal, approaching the beach, they had the potential to trap and detonate any obstacles that got in the way.

He joined the Navy in 1943 during the German bombing of London because 'I didn't want to spend my war hiding under a staircase'

The tanks belonged to the Sherwood Rangers, part of the 50th Northumbrian Division, under the command of troop commander Captain W Eldridge, and they were supposed to be launched three miles off Jig beach at H-Hour (the beginning of the amphibious assault) minus 30 minutes.

On our arrival at the launch position the sea conditions were unsuitable to launch so we beached over the obstacles at H-Hour at Asnelles-sur-Mer [in the Jig beach zone].

Smiths job was to supervise the lowering of the ramp, then to stand on the end of it and measure the depth of the water with a sounding pole. When it was sufficiently shallow, the first three tanks were floated off and swam a few yards before touching down on the sand.

Then a mortar bomb exploded about 30 feet behind me on the tank deck, he recalled. I was unhurt, but one of my sailors was wounded, and the flotation screens of the two remaining tanks were ripped. The captain therefore had to drive the landing craft in closer so that these tanks could leave dry-shod.

As they did so, another mortar bomb exploded alongside the last tank. Captain Eldridge was riding on the turret directing operations and, though badly wounded, managed to get his troops ashore.

We lost sight of them as they made their way up the beach, Smith recalled, [but] by then we were busy with our own problems. Our landing craft was badly damaged by the first mortar bomb and by Teller mines, which had blown a 10-foot hole in the port side, opened up the plating of the port bow and twisted the port rudder hard-a-starboard.

Also, another LCT had broached to across our stern and severed the stern anchor wire. Having driven the ship so far up the beach, the captain was having great difficulty getting her off without the stern anchor to heave on.

I was busy raising the ramp and, with the aid of the coxswain, taking care of our casualty. Eventually, our landing craft slid back into deeper water and floated off. As she moved astern, a stick of three mortar bombs exploded in the water immediately ahead of us  just about where I had been standing a few moments before.

Smith and his crewmates managed to make their way to a hospital ship lying off shore to transfer the casualty into their care: We then proceeded to a pre-arranged collecting area for damaged vessels and joined an old crocks convoy for a night passage home.

Smith following his appointment to the Legion d'honneur by the French ambassador Sylvie Bermann at a ceremony in Cardiff

Following two days leave at Southampton, Smith received orders to nurse the battered landing craft to Shoreham for repairs: I reminded our superiors that the captain was on leave and that I only had half a crew, but was told that it was imperative to get her there in time to fit into the repair yards programme.

The voyage to Shoreham, listing heavily to port with one of their rudders jammed, was short, but interesting, he said.

Stanley Cyril Smith was born in Highbury, north London, on July 26 1925, and joined the Navy in 1943 during the German bombing of London because I didnt want to spend my war hiding under a staircase.

In January 1954, while serving aboard the boom defence vessel Barhill, he was involved in the salvage of debris from a BOAC De Havilland Comet airliner which had suffered an explosive decompression at altitude and crashed off the western coast of Italy, killing all 35 people on board.

As a result of the amount of wreckage salvaged through the pioneering use of underwater television cameras, it was discovered that the accident had been caused by failure of the pressure cabin at the forward automatic direction-finder (ADF) window in the roof.

These findings led to revised estimates for the safe loading-strength requirement of airliner pressure cabins.

Having risen to lieutenant-commander in the Navy, Smith transferred to the RAF in 1956, dropping a rank to flight lieutenant in order to work with Air Sea Rescue.

In March 1967 he supervised the dispersal of oil caused by the Torrey Canyon disaster off Lands End, and 12 years later was a prime organiser of events marking the end of Maltas role as a British military base. He was promoted to squadron leader in January 1972.

After leaving the RAF in 1978, Smith took on a senior role working with MoD range vessels at RAE Aberporth in West Wales. He and his wife, Emily, remained in Pembrokeshire following his retirement 12 years later.

Appointed MBE in 1979, Smith also received recognition of his actions on D-Day in 2016 when he was appointed to the Legion dhonneur by the French ambassador Sylvie Bermann at a ceremony in Cardiff.

Stan Smiths wife Emily predeceased him. He is survived by their two daughters and a son.

Squadron Leader Stan Smith, born July 26 1925, died May 12 2024

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Construction workers perform tasks on an apartment building in 2019. Algorithmic price estimates, in which landlords might rely on complex data formulas to set rental rates, have become more popular in recent years, but lawsuits question whether the algorithms amount to price-fixing. John Raoux/The Associated Press

In the past two years, more than 30 lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts alleging that companies such as RealPage and Yardi are equipping corporate landlords with software algorithms that allow competitors to collude on rent prices.

Algorithmic price estimates, in which landlords rely on complex data formulas to set rental rates, have become more popular in recent years. State and federal investigations, along with nascent pieces of legislation to crack down on the practice, could affect millions of tenants who have seen rents skyrocket in the past few years as private companies market their algorithms to corporate landlords.

According to a ProPublica investigation, the algorithms collect lease transaction data from across the country on actual rents paid, versus advertised rates, using it to churn out daily price estimates for vacant units. The results, which are then fed to corporate owners, could offer suggested rent increases that often are far higher than what landlords might try on their own.

The practice is creating an affordability crisis in housing as corporate landlords seek to maximize profits off the backs of families who are just trying to find an affordable place to live, said Liz Zelnick, director of the Economic Security & Corporate Power Program at Accountable.US, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group.

Several landlords familiar with RealPages YieldStar algorithm told Stateline that rents are often set based on factors such as occupancy as well as lease expiration and transaction data, but not renter demand or area incomes.

Both RealPage and Yardi deny any wrongdoing, saying their algorithm services use data responsibly and that apartment owners make their own decisions about rental rates.

In November, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, a Democrat, sued 14 of the citys largest landlords in an antitrust lawsuit alleging that landlords colluded with RealPage to raise rents up to 7% across nearly 40,000 apartments in the District.

Shortly afterward, Accountable.US sent letters to the attorney general offices in nine states  Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Washington  alerting them to possible price-fixing in their rental markets. The letters named corporations that were under investigation in D.C., tallied those companies rental units in each state, and urged law enforcement to probe further.

Its one of the first times were seeing federal regulators and states take on corporate greed in the rental housing space and hold these corporations accountable.

 Liz Zelnick, director of the Economic Security & Corporate Power Program at Accountable.US

Some of those states have since taken action. Arizona Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes in January filed a lawsuit against RealPage and nine apartment landlords. The complaint says that area landlords acknowledged that while they are technically competitors, RealPage helps them work together  to make us all more successful in our pricing.

And in North Carolina, Democratic Attorney General Josh Steins office confirmed to Stateline that officials are investigating RealPage over alleged antitrust concerns.

Its been encouraging to see, Zelnick said. You see some states saying, Hey, we wanna start to cut down on some of these practices that obviously are hampering peoples ability to find a home.

Its one of the first times were seeing federal regulators and states take on corporate greed in the rental housing space and hold these corporations accountable, she said.

Rising rents raise eyebrows

While rents nationwide jumped by 30% from 2019 to 2023, wages in that same period didnt keep pace, rising just 20%, according to an analysis from real estate companies Zillow and StreetEasy.

The dramatic increase in rents and subsequent rise in evictions coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic have shed light on the hurdles that renters  especially those with lower incomes  have faced for years.

I wouldnt say that the entire housing crisis is attributed to price-fixing and the ways in which corporations use them, but it certainly exacerbates the housing challenges renters face, said Sarah Saadian, senior vice president of public policy and field organizing for the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which advocates on behalf of tenants. This is something that had long been happening to renters on lower incomes.

The worry is that software systems provide landlords with essentially non-market information that can be used to increase rents, she said.

The concern there is that if many landlords are using that sort of software and concentrated in a particular housing market, it can certainly make the housing market unaffordable if every local rent is priced well above what people can afford, Saadian said.

The state actions coincided with a federal probe into RealPages algorithm by U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigators. That effort escalated with an unannounced raid in May of Cortland Management, a major corporate landlord based in Atlanta.

The DOJ is preparing to sue RealPage over alleged collusion and price-fixing within the rental housing market, according to reporting by Politico.

Last September, a Washington state resident filed a class-action suit in federal court against Yardi and 18 property managers, accusing them of using pricing software to fix rental rates. Yardi denied wrongdoing, saying in a statement, there is nothing illegal about revenue management.

Six of the largest publicly traded apartment companies  all of which are included in legal action on suspicion of alleged collusion  reported roughly $300 million combined in increased profits in the first quarter of 2024, according to an analysis by Accountable.US.

However, RealPage has denied the allegations in these lawsuits, arguing that scrutiny of their business practices began in October 2022, around the time the ProPublica story was published.

In response to questions, RealPage pointed Stateline to a lengthy statement it had posted on its website in June, saying customers that use the management software decide their own rents and can decline rent recommendations without penalty.

According to Competition Policy International, a company that reports on global antitrust issues, RealPages influence covers 70% of the nations multifamily apartment buildings and impacts 16 million units.

Legislative efforts stall

While state attorneys general are scrutinizing algorithmic price-fixing  which is illegal under the federal Sherman Antitrust Act  state lawmakers legislative attempts to weed out the practice in rental housing have stalled.

In Colorado and New York, there were bills to prohibit price setting or raising via algorithm.

The Colorado bill passed the House, but ultimately failed after suggested changes in the Senate became unpalatable to House members. In recent weeks, Colorado housing advocates have urged state Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, to open investigations into rental price-fixing, especially in its major rental housing hub, Denver.

If that bill would have passed, this sort of price-fixing would have not been an issue, said Zach Neumann of the Community Economic Defense Project, a Denver-based group that advocates for low-income residents. My hope is that the sponsors behind that bill bring it back in the 2025 legislative sessions.  In the meantime, our goal is for the attorney generals office to explore this issue, and if collusion and price-fixing is taking place, to root it out so the housing struggles many are facing arent further exacerbated.

The New York legislation died in committee.

New Hampshire state Rep. Eric Gallager tried something a bit different with his bill. Gallager wanted to discourage the use of these algorithms by making any eviction against a resident unlawful if their housing provider had been price-fixing.

I dont think I was really able to get the committee to fully understand it properly, Gallager, a Democrat, told Stateline. His bill failed to make it out of committee.

Saadian, of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and other housing advocates argue that in the meantime, stronger state and local tenant protections such as eviction caps and anti-gouging laws can act as a safeguard against algorithmic price-fixing.

That would prevent landlords from dramatically and egregiously raising rents, Saadian said.

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The majority of state Democratic Party chairs voted Sunday to endorse Vice President Harriss presidential run, hours after President Biden announced he dropped his reelection bid.

The Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC), which represents 57 state Democratic parties across the nation, said its members quickly assembled Sunday to unite behind Harris, whom Biden endorsed shortly after withdrawing from the race.

These state party leaders are on the front lines of winning elections at every level and know that the stakes of this election could not be higher, ASDC President Ken Martin wrote in a statement. With our democracy on the ballot, there is no one more qualified than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump.

Martin applauded Harriss record as vice president, calling her a cornerstone of this administrations extraordinary success.

As a Black woman and a South Asian American, Kamala Harris reflects the rich diversity of our Democratic coalition and our country. Having served alongside President Biden, she is ready on day one as a candidate and as our next President, Martin added.

No member voted in opposition, though a handful of members abstained for in-state procedural reasons, the ASDC noted.

Harris received an onslaught of support from multiple Democratic leaders Sunday, shortly after Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her candidacy.

Bidens decision not to seek reelection came after a dramatic month in Washington following a disastrous debate performance that sent shockwaves through the party.

An increasing number of Democratic lawmakers called on the president to step aside from the 2024 race over concerns he would not be able to defeat former President Trump or carry out another four-year term.

Harris said on Sunday she intends to earn and win the Democratic presidential nomination.

We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win, Harris said in a statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Laman Ismayilova

A conference themed "Muhammad Fuzuli: Ahead of Time" has been held as part of the Vagif Poetry Days, Azernews reports.

The poetry festival is co-organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Culture Ministry.

Moderated by the Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Ilgar Fahmi, the conference marked the 530th anniversary of the Azerbaijani poet and thinker Muhammad Fuzuli.

Addressing the event, director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, academician Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, stressed that the conference was organised in accordance with the plan of events prepared as part of the implementation of tasks arising from the presidential order "On holding the 530th anniversary of the brilliant Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli."

"For more than five centuries, Muhammad Fuzuli's poetry has been perceived with great love by readers both in Azerbaijan and abroad. Despite the fact that centuries have passed, admiration for the poet's legacy does not weaken every year. New generations study the works of the brilliant poet and rethink them in accordance with their worldview," the academician said.

Director of the Institute of Manuscripts, Academician Teymur Karimli, named the 500th anniversary of Muhammad Fuzuli, celebrated in Azerbaijan in 1994, a great historical and literary event.

"In those difficult years for the fate of our country, the National Leader Heydar Aliyev did not postpone the celebration of the poet's anniversary; on the contrary, he ensured that Fuzuli's anniversary was celebrated at a high level with a series of events both in Azerbaijan and in neighbouring countries," he said.

The academician stressed that National Leader Heydar Aliyev, noting the significance of the Fuzuli anniversary for the country, said that the people of Azerbaijan should promote the republic not only as an independent state, a country with rich natural resources, but also as a country with a rich history and culture.

"It seems to me that holding this anniversary is important for us from this point of view," he added.

A member of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, poet Farid Huseyn, praised Fuzuli's unique creativity. He stated that the immortal heritage the poet created will remain relevant at all times.

The young poet emphasised that the relevant order related to the celebration of Fuzuli's 530th anniversary is a clear example of the highest appreciation of poetry and masters of the pen in the country as a whole.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov touched upon the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29).

"This year, the celebration of Fuzuli's 530th anniversary coincides with the period of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), a world-scale event to be held in Azerbaijan. In this anniversary year, in addition to providing complete information about Fuzuli to writers and poets of foreign countries, we must also convey to them information about Garabagh Victory and the realities of the 30-year period of occupation," the Deputy Culture Minister said.

He drew special attention to the events carried out by Culture Culture in connection with the 530th anniversary of Muhammad Fuzuli.

A virtual database "Muhammad Fuzuli" was launched by the National Library, while the Carpet Museum presented an exhibition dedicated to the poet.

Also, a conference, "Muhammad Fuzuli and Alisher Navoi: Common Literary and Spiritual values" was held within the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Uzbekistan.

Moreover, the legacy of the great poet was promoted at international book fairs in Doha, Beijing and other cities; special corners were created at the Azerbaijani stand.

"The 10th Baku International Book Fair, to be held in October, will be dedicated to the brilliant poet Muhammad Fuzuli. At the same time, the ministry is preparing for publication a book about the life and work of the brilliant poet," Farid Jafarov said.

In conclusion, soloists of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Honoured Artist Anar Mikayilov and Roza Zeynalova, presented a composition from the work "Leyli and Majnun" by Muhammad Fuzuli.
Irelands Department of Health has introduced the Health Information Bill 2024, which is set to establish a legal framework for digital health records in the country.

The bill, which follows the Irish Governments approval, aims to provide legal provisions for the sharing of patient data for care and treatment.

It is also designed to support Ireland's commitments under the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation, due to be implemented this year.

The Health Information Bill 2024 is intended to create a national health information system that will improve patient care and the planning and delivery of health services.

According to the Department of Health, this bill is a crucial element for the successful execution of Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024  2030, launched in June.

Once enacted, the legislation will authorise the Health Service Executive (HSE) to consolidate health information from various care settings, including the private, public, and voluntary sectors.

This consolidation is for the development and deployment of digital health records for all patients.

The bill is further expected to provide enhanced access to health information for both patients and healthcare providers, leading to improved health outcomes.

In addition to improving care, the bill will bolster patient safety through improved identification processes.

It advocates for the use of Eircode and the Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to identify patients, aligning with the national digital strategy.

Ireland Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: Integrated care as envisioned in Slaintecare, needs the right information, in the right place, at the right time.

The Health Information Bill gives patients greater access to their own information so they can make informed decisions about their health and care options. It also enables health professionals to have a more complete, holistic view of the patients they are treating.

Donnelly highlighted that the bill is expected to progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas during the upcoming autumn legislative session.

Additional legislative measures are scheduled for the forthcoming months and years to fully realise the policy intent of the approved General Scheme of the Bill and to ensure compliance with the EHDS implementation deadlines set for 2026 to 2030.

"Ireland introduces bill to establish digital health records framework" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.







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As I have been saying for weeks, President Biden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions.

From ushering in an economic recovery from the pandemic that is the envy of the world, to finally rebuilding our roads and bridges, reclaiming our leadership on the international stage, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and capping the cost of insulin, President Biden has achieved historic progress for our country. Im deeply grateful for his years of service.

I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans reproductive freedoms. Im looking forward to working with my friend Kamala Harris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.
HEBRON, Conn. (WTNH)  State troopers are investigating after a bicyclist found crashed in Hebron Sunday succumbed to his injuries.

Troopers responded to the area of 667 Wall Street (Route 316) around 1 p.m. after a passerby noticed an unattended bike against a guardrail and a man with an obvious leg injury nearly in the woods nearby.

Driver dead after convertible flips in Preston crash

The good Samaritan applied a tourniquet to the mans leg while getting others to help before first responders arrived.

Troopers said the man was transported to Windham Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Bear struck by 3 cars on Route 8 in Torrington

State police identified him as 38-year-old Cui Lin, with a last-known address in Simsbury.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any other information pertinent to the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Justin Haggerty at Troop K, 860-465-5400 or by email at justin.haggerty@ct.gov . Reference case number 2400277905.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Former Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller raged on Fox News Sunday about President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 election, accusing Democrats of acting undemocratically.

The ex-White House advisor spoke to host Laura Ingraham about Kamala Harris weaknesses as a potential successor to Biden as the Democratic nominee, calling her napalm for working class voters and claiming that her party is in crisis.

Stephen Miller Hilariously Declares Trump a Generation-Defining Style Icon

Well, theyre pretending its all exciting right? Ingraham said, accusing Democrats of subverting their own democratic process after spending years trashing Donald Trump for doing literally what you just did to your own voters.

There may be what, 25, 30 percent of the voters who still preferred Joe Biden to remain at the top of the ticket, right? Ingraham added. I mean, at least that? And they dont care about those voters, Stephen. They dont care.

They held a primary! Miller squealed in response. Peoplethey had ballots! They filled out circles that went to the voting booths! They spent money on advertisements, and as President Trump said, the Republican Party spent tens of millions of dollars running against Joe Biden.

Now theyve just woke up one morning and said: Never mind, were canceling the entire primary, were getting rid of our candidate, and were pretending the election has never even happened and were gonna let donors handpick a new nominee, Miller continued.

Theyre publicly admitting that they are an oligarchy, he claimed. Miller, who reportedly helped prepare the remarks Trump delivered to followers at the Ellipse before the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, went on to make an even bolder assertion: This is as full-frontal an attack on American democracy as weve ever seen in the history of Americas major political parties.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Stilton faces a battle for relevance as Generation Z shuns speciality cheeses, an award-winning British dairy has said.

Bill Mathieson, managing director of Long Clawson Dairy in Leicestershire, said makers of stilton were struggling to appeal to younger people.

He said: I think its a bit of reluctance from younger shoppers. Weve got a profile of consumers who the bulk of them would be 50-plus. Thats the big challenge.

My best way to describe it is, if you imagine a leaky bucket, weve probably got more people falling out the bottom at the moment than were putting in the top.

The number of companies making stilton has declined over the last decade as producers grapple with the question of how to make strong cheeses appeal to the TikTok generation.

Arla, the UKs biggest dairy company, announced this year that it planned to stop production at its 244-year-old Tuxford & Tebbutt Creamery in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, after failing to find a buyer, blaming a decline in demand for specialty cheese.

Mr Mathieson said: If you go back 10 years, there would probably have been about eight stilton dairies operating and producing stilton.

[Tuxford & Tebbutt] could close by the end of the year. With that, you will be down to four. It highlights the challenge that the dairies are facing.

In an attempt to revive interest, Long Clawson has begun working with influencers and the celebrity chef Marco Pierre White to show how it can be used in a different context. The company even drafted in a mixologist to create cocktails utilising the cheese as an ingredient.

Long Clawson Dairy is attempting to revive interest in blue cheese using social media influencers - Glen Minikin

Mr Mathieson said: I think one of the ways that we can [revive Stilton] is by making it present in things like ready meals, so they have an exposure to stilton.

Id love to see stilton on a Dominos pizza.

Long Clawson Dairy has made stilton near Melton Mowbray for over a century. As well as stilton, it makes blue and red Leicester cheeses. Its 1912 blue stilton was this year named supreme champion cheese at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards.

The cheese, known for its distinct marbled look and rich taste, is geographically protected and can only be made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire using local milk.

Mr Mathieson added that a more casual approach to Christmas meals and other family celebrations over recent years had also contributed to flagging demand.

He said: Generally speaking, probably about 70pc of all stilton is eaten on a cheese board and only about 20pc of households ever now have a cheese board. So its kind of a declining occasion.

If youre not exposed to a cheese board as a younger consumer, then the likelihood is youre not necessarily going to have a cheese board as youre getting older.

If I think back to my grandparents, we had a very formal dinner, and then the cheese would have come out and then probably the port after.

But appealing to Generation Z is not the only quandary faced by cheese makers. As demand has fallen, soaring wage costs over recent years have heaped pressure on manufacturers of dairy produce.

Some of the increases weve seen in minimum wage and national living wage over recent times ... that puts a huge cost into our business. If were not able to recover that in terms of going out to customers, its just squeezing the margin of ourselves or other specialist cheese makers.

He added post-Brexit red tape and a row between Britain and Canada over cheese imports had made exporting its products harder too.

However, Mr Mathieson insisted it was not all doom and gloom for cheese makers, pointing to the companys recent win.

He said: Its a bit like us winning an Oscar in cheese.

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A new study by the University of Washington (UW) suggests that teenagers access Instagram because they are bored and feel bored while scrolling through the social media site.

With concerns about the mental health of teens because of social media use on the rise, a new study by the UW finds that negative feelings may not be the dominant experience teens have on Instagram but rather boredom.

According to the study, teens open the app because theyre bored, scroll quickly through irrelevant content, direct message friends and get off, in what researchers call content soup.

The study tracked in detail the experience of 25 teens when using the platform, including their likes, follows, unfollows, to customize their feed. It included how quickly they moved past aggravating content.

Participants were asked to complete a survey after five minutes of being on Instagram and once every three hours on an application called AppMinder. The survey collected information about their feelings and reasons for those feelings. The participants had to complete this process once a day for seven days. The research was then presented at the ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference in Delft, Netherlands.

A lot of the talk about social media is at the extremes, said lead author Rotem Landesman, a UW doctoral student in the Information School. So we really wanted to study the mundane, daily experience of teens using Instagram.

We saw teens turning to Instagram in moments of boredom, looking for some kind of stimulation, said co-senior author Alexis Hiniker, a UW associate professor in the iSchool.

The study showed that the Instagram algorithm was not feeding content the teens were looking for but it did not stop them from scrolling through hundreds of posts to find a single item of interest.

The study recommended that teens have more control over content curation, sending notifications that reinforce a teens desire to be on Instagram and collecting and combining data of emotional signals, like skipping content or logging off, to make positive adjustments.

It is not and should not be the sole responsibility of teens to make their experiences better, to navigate these algorithms without knowing how they work, exactly, Landesman said. The responsibility also lies with companies running social media platforms.

This summer the data from the study will be used with a separate group of teens.
Study reveals how artificial water sources are guiding migrating cranes: 'Protect those systems in the future'

A few recent studies have highlighted how artificial water sources such as reservoirs, stock ponds, and flooded meadows give an assist to migrating cranes.

The Wildlife Society summarized the findings, which included a study that looked into the effects of temporary flood plains utilized by ranchers taking part in grass hay agriculture. When ranchers seasonally divert water to flood their fields, some of it is absorbed into the ground, recharging aquifers that sustain wetland habitats in riparian floodplains, the organization explained.

The study's team found that migrating greater sandhill cranes use these temporary habitats as food foraging sites. Plus, another study found that whooping cranes take advantage of artificial water sources such as reservoirs and stock ponds during their migrations in drought years.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, birds support the environment in many ways, including by spreading seeds through their droppings and eating insect pests that would otherwise decimate crops.

However, of the 1,093 species of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 89 are listed as either threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and another 342 are listed as Birds of Conservation Concern, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This new information on migrating cranes can help guide management decisions in the future, which could help protect these important flyers  sandhill cranes are one of the world's few crane species that are not currently threatened, and whooping cranes are listed as endangered by the ESA.

Patrick Donnelly, author of the sandhill crane study and landscape ecologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Intermountain West Joint Venture, said offering incentives in the Farm Bill to help ranchers address natural resource protection could help preserve important habitat stopovers for cranes.

"[We need to] protect those systems in the future," he told The Wildlife Society.

Meanwhile, cranes aren't the only species in need of a helping hand. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, among the 163,000 species on its Red List, 45,300 are threatened with extinction.

The good news is that conservationists are working hard to protect animals the world over and have celebrated a number of successes.

For instance, researchers in Kenya discovered a baby black rhino in the wild following a pointed conservation effort for this critically endangered species. And in Saudi Arabia, a $500 billion rewilding effort is yielding results, as 60 baby of various species were born in the first breeding season after their reintroduction to the land.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Will Subu Vedam get a chance at a new trial? Lawyers make their case in packed courtroom

In a courtroom filled with supporters of a State College man who has spent more than 40 years in prison, Centre Countys top judge did not indicate Monday whether he plans to give him an opportunity to argue for a new trial in a case that has generated renewed interest across the state.

After listening to about 90 minutes of legal arguments, Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine said he would issue his decision in the future. He did not provide a timeline.

His questions to the attorneys largely sought to clarify what would be needed should he rule in either direction. He also complimented them for their passionate, exhaustive presentations.

Subramanyam Subu Vedam, 62, has been imprisoned more than four decades for a killing he says he did not commit. His defense team has claimed that newly discovered information was withheld during his previous trials, evidence he believes could prove his innocence.

At the forefront of his claims is an allegation that an FBI report found the size of the bullet wound in the mans head did not match the caliber of the gun Vedam was accused of using to carry out the killing.

Defense lawyer Gopal Balachandran said he absolutely believes Vedam, who appeared in the courtroom via Zoom, will be afforded an opportunity to make his case at a new hearing.

Im still very confident about it. Its pointed to something that Subu has maintained all along, which is that hes innocent, Balachandran said after the hearing. If he had this information back in his first two trials the cross-examination almost writes itself.

Defense lawyer Gopal Balachadran speaks Monday to reporters before a hearing at the Centre County Courthouse for Subramanyam Subu Vedam. Hes been imprisoned more than four decades for a killing he says he did not commit.

Centre County prosecutors told Grine they believe no additional hearings are necessary, describing Vedams claims as untimely and immaterial. Centre County First Assistant District Attorney Josh Andrews said Vedam failed to show a reasonable possibility of a different outcome.

After Mondays hearing, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said his review of the evidence presented at Vedams previous trials is sufficient to support the convictions.

If that were not the case, we would be having a different conversation, Cantorna said. ... If theres evidence to change that, I would look at it with a fresh eye. I have no vested interest in this whatsoever other than that the law and the facts support the conviction.

He declined to speak publicly about whether he would support a clemency petition if one were filed by Vedam. Balachandran also declined to speak about any conversations Vedams team has had with Cantornas office.

I think the evidence that weve shown shows that Subu is innocent and shows it pretty clearly, Balachandran said.

Following a Monday morning press conference where dozens of people displayed signs of support for Vedam, about 200 people packed the Centre County Courthouse. It took about 30 minutes for everyone to pass through a security checkpoint. Once inside, people filled the seats and lined the walls while others sat on the floor or on windowsills.

Most sat silently while the attorneys made their pitch, but a handful applauded after Balachandran concluded his presentation. That drew a rebuke from Grine, who told them to have some respect.

Thomas Kinser, 19, of Boalsburg, borrowed his parents van in December 1980 to give Vedam a ride so he could buy drugs in Lewistown. It was the last time he was seen alive by his family or friends.

Two hikers found his decomposing remains about nine months later in a sinkhole in Harris Township. A forensic pathologist determined Kinser died of a gunshot to the head.

Centre County prosecutors have alleged it was a .25-caliber bullet that killed Kinser, writing in court filings that a bullet of that size was recovered from inside his shirt and a casing was found underneath his body.

In an October 2023 filing, a result of that new evidence coming to light, Vedams defense team described that as a physical impossibility.

The wound in Kinsers skull was simply too small to be caused by a .25-caliber bullet, his lawyers wrote. Instead, they floated the possibility that Kinser was killed by a smaller .22-caliber bullet.

More than 200 people filed into the Centre County Courthouse on Monday, July 22, 2024.

No weapon was recovered at the scene. Prosecutors instead relied on information from a younger acquaintance of the two men who said he sold Vedam a .25-caliber firearm.

After recovering a bullet and casing that prosecutors said Vedam test fired before Kinsers disappearance, an FBI ballistics expert testified those and the ones found on Kinsers remains were both fired by the same gun.

Vedam was found guilty of first-degree murder in February 1983 following a five-day trial. An all-white jury convicted him on circumstantial evidence; law-enforcement agencies didnt begin developing DNA databases until the early 1990s.

The state Superior Court ruled two years later that the evidence was sufficient to sustain the conviction, but reversed it on the grounds that the judge improperly allowed testimony about Vedams prior misconduct.

He was again convicted of first-degree murder in February 1988 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Several of his following appeals were rejected by statewide appeals courts.

His latest attempt to secure his freedom gained momentum in September 2021 when Cantorna voluntarily gave Vedams defense team full access to more than 3,000 pages of documents.

Supporters of Subramanyam Vedam hold up signs outside the Centre County Courthouse on Monday, July 22, 2024.

They said their review of the documents uncovered new information that showed prosecutors concealed multiple pieces of evidence, including details about a key witness and what it described as shoddy investigative work.

Those violations, they claimed, are strong enough to warrant a third trial.

Its a complex set of emotions, right? Youve had four decades of saying you didnt do it and its hard to prove a negative. Its hard to prove I didnt do it. Its an incredible rush of hope in terms of having the horses to carry this across the finish line, Balachandran said after the hearing. ... But at the same time, in a post-conviction case, its a challenging and long and hard road, and there are many disappointments that occur on the way.

Vedam has spent about two-third of his life at Huntingdon state prison after being twice convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

If hes successful in proving his innocence and gaining his release, Vedam would become the longest-serving inmate in Pennsylvania history to be exonerated.

Im about the healing of wounds and this is a wound that needs to be healed, supporter Janet Irons said.

Its been 41 years, five months and 14 days as of Monday since his first conviction. The longest imprisoned Pennsylvania inmate to be cleared of guilt spent 40 years, three months and four days behind bars, according to data kept by The National Registry of Exonerations.

Supporters of Subramanyam Vedam hold up signs outside the Centre County Courthouse Monday, July 22, 2024.
July marks the anniversary of a monumental event in suicide prevention history  the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is two years old.

I was here the day that it launched, said Amy Castro, a crisis worker at Scioto Pant Valley Mental Health Centers Martha Cottrill Clinic. It was a Saturday.

Castro said that usage of the 988 line was slow at first when it went live in July 2022.

Our total call volume that month was 89, she said. But this May we took 179 calls. Thats a long way from 89.

The Crisis Center at SPVMHC is one of 19 across the state of Ohio that receives 988 calls. It not only serves the five counties in the catchment area of Paint Valley ADAMH, but also three additional counties to the south.

The 988 phone crisis and mental health line is important, said Dr. Barbara Mahaffey, the executive director at SPVMHC. It enables people from Ross, Pike, Pickaway, Highland, Fayette, Lawrence, Adams, and Scioto counties the ability to call and talk with Crisis Workers 24/7 who offer confidential help and connections to life/assistance resources.

On average, roughly five Ohioans die by suicide each day, according to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio  a number that has risen by 40 percent since 2007.

Before federal funding allowed the launch of the national 988 line, SPVMHC already operated a crisis line  that remains active. However, Castro said, 988 revolutionized the process.

988 marks its two-year anniversary in July. The Crisis Center at SPVMHC is one of 19 across the state of Ohio that receives 988 calls.

Its allowed us to be fully staffed so we could handle the uptick in calls and be prepared, she said. Plus, it is a lot easier to just call 988 than to look up a number for who to call  especially when youre in crisis mode.

In May of this year, SPVMHC received 1,741 total calls and 179 of them were to 988.

Its consistently 10 percent-ish of all the calls, Castro said. It used to be one person on this line almost 24/7 and now we have two people on the (evening) shift.

It took just two months for 988 calls at SPVMHC to hit triple digits. Since that point in September 2022, 18 of the next 22 months reached that point.

Our numbers have steadily gone up, Castro said. We have probably the same amount of people who express suicidal ideation, but a lot more of people who just want to talk. A lot are just having a really bad day, or they are going through any number of emotional crises.

While the focus of the 988 service is on suicide prevention, it can be utilized in a variety of ways.

Its still a crisis hotline and we want to treat it as such, Castro said. But well talk to anybody about pretty much anything if they need us.

To be a crisis worker, Castro said it requires a mixture of skills.

Youve got to be very sensitive and very tough, she said. And you have to have them at the same time. There are some hard conversations.

She said that, many times, a crisis worker does not know what led to a caller dialing 988 and they must be able to step into the situation and try to help.

You dont know what happened. You dont have the whole story. And you have to be OK with that, Castro said. And unless they verbally consent to a follow-up call, you dont know the end to the story. We offer a follow-up call to every caller, but a lot will say no. Thats where you have to be OK with it.

Over 200 centers across the nation handle 988 calls, with dedicated lines for Veterans, callers who speak Spanish and LGBTQ callers.

These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: 2 years in, 988 hotline continues to offer lifeline to those in need
Lewis Ritchie pulls a kayak through floodwater after delivering groceries to his father-in-law on July 28, 2022 outside Jackson in Breathitt County. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

Over a week in July 2022, more than a foot of rainfall came down on Eastern Kentucky bringing a deluge of flood waters that displaced thousands of people and killed more than 40. A recent study published by Kentuckys former top geologist suggests environmental damage from surface coal mining worsened the deadly disaster, perhaps significantly.

Bill Haneberg, the author of the study, led the Kentucky Geological Survey as state geologist until 2023 and fielded questions after the catastrophic floods about the role coal mining played in the flooding. That spurred him to try and find an answer, analyzing federal rainfall data from July 2022 and other datasets involving topography and where mountaintop removal sites were located in the region.

Surface coal mining, which includes mountaintop removal mining, has had sprawling impacts on the landscape in Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia. With surface coal mining, trees and soil are removed, and rock on the side and top of a mountain is blown off with explosives to reach a coal seam underneath. What remains, environmental and mine safety advocates say, is a mined surface with little vegetation and little to no water retention.

Haneberg said the July 2022 floods were a 1,000-year rainfall event and would have been a bad flood regardless of surface minings impacts. But he believes his study shows surface coal mining made the floods significantly worse.

His study found that the maximum additional water that could have been contributed by surface coal mining, compared to unmined areas, were:

28% more along the North Fork Kentucky River near Jackson, the Breathitt County seat. Thats equivalent to approximately 17 billion gallons more water added.

41% more at the confluence of Troublesome Creek and the Nork Fork Kentucky River. Thats equivalent to 6.1 billion gallons more water added.

21% more along the North Fork Kentucky River near Hazard, the Perry County seat. Thats equivalent to approximately 4.1 billion gallons of water.

22% more along the North Fork Kentucky River near Whitesburg, the Letcher County seat. Thats equivalent to approximately 0.3 billion gallons more water added.

Over 50% more in areas adjacent to mined land, and between 50% to 150% more  essentially doubling the amount of water  in small tributaries originating from mined land.

The calculations are for the maximum potential of surface minings contribution, which assumes that the mined lands in the areas studied had zero ability to absorb water. The actual amount of water contributed, Haneberg said, is likely less than the maximum. But he said the point of the study was to show the potential contributions surface mining had in the disaster, an important context to have moving forward.

Coal mining has been declining in Eastern Kentucky, but those mine lands are going to be with us for a long, long time, Haneberg told the Lantern. If you dont understand that context for the events youre trying to mitigate or the problems youre trying to solve, theres a good chance you may be wrong, and when youre dealing with hazards like this, that could be very deadly and expensive.

He said that context is especially important given that climate change is increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding events in Appalachia.

You cant fix a problem you cant define, and one of the worst things to do is deny that theres any problem at all, Haneberg said.

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, a progressive grassroots advocacy group, alongside former federal and state coal mine inspectors, last year called on the federal Office of Surface Mining Regulation and Enforcement to launch an investigation into how surface mining affected the July 2022 floods.

Davie Randsell, a former supervisor for the Kentucky Division of Mining Permits who was part of that call to action, said the potential impacts of surface mining on Eastern Kentucky flooding goes beyond active mines to include the reduced ability of reclaimed mine lands to absorb and hold back water, too.

It doesnt replicate what was there before, Randsell said of reclamation and the eons required to create new sedimentary rock that was destroyed. Its still going to be much more highly permeable, and its going to discharge more water.

She said the new study was a hallmark statement of what federal officials need to investigate. Emails sent to an inbox for media inquiries to the federal office asking whether the office was considering an investigation were not returned.

Beverly May, a retired epidemiologist with the University of Kentucky and a member of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, said the study was completely consistent with what she saw in the days after the flood and her own documentation.

May was one of the authors of a separate study from University of Kentucky researchers last year that analyzed the locations of people killed in the July 2022 floods and found a number of fatality locations were adjacent, or downstream from, mountaintop removal mine sites. The study also found more than 40% of analyzed fatalities from the July 2022 floods happened within a half-mile of Troublesome Creek, a tributary that flows into the North Fork Kentucky River.

May said she remembered driving a woman from one of the federal relief camps to visit the womans father down the hill. The woman, May said, told her during the drive she was a cousin to four children who drowned in Knott County.

May said when she turned up the road along where Montgomery Creek flows into Troublesome Creek in Knott County she saw that the force of the flood waters had washed away much of the dirt supporting the road along the creek, and the road itself was broken off along the edges.

I get almost to her dads house, look in front of me, and there is a flat horizon of a huge mountaintop removal jobit just fills up the horizon, May recalled. I stopped whatever the conversation I was having and took a breath. And I said, Do you think that mine has something to do with the flood? And she looked at it and paused a minute, and she said, I dont know. Ive never thought about that.
SASKATOON, SK, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - IsoEnergy Ltd. ("IsoEnergy", "ISO" or the "Company") (TSX: ISO) (OTCQX: ISENF) is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale (the "Transaction") to Jaguar Uranium Corp. ("Jaguar") of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares (the "Target Shares") of a wholly-owned subsidiary of IsoEnergy, which holds, indirectly, a 100% interest in the Laguna Salada Project located in Chubut and the Huemul Project located in Mendoza (together the "Properties"). Jaguar is an arm's length privately held company focused on the uranium sector with strong operating experience in Latin America and intends to pursue a listing on a recognized stock exchange in North America (the "Listing") in the coming months.

IsoEnergy Ltd. Logo (CNW Group/IsoEnergy Ltd.)

Transaction Highlights

Demonstrates Execution of Business Plan  The Transaction aligns with the Company's strategy to maximize shareholder value through accretive opportunities, demonstrating its ability to leverage non-core assets in favourable market conditions.

Enhances Focus on Core Jurisdictions  The Company maintains a focused production strategy, prioritizing near-term production in the US and ongoing development and exploration in Canada and Australia, all three of which are top uranium jurisdictions. The Transaction allows for the efficient allocation of resources and capital, maximizing the value of core assets.

Bolsters Equity Portfolio While Retaining Upside Potential  With a history of successful accretive M&A, the Transaction will enhance the Company's equity portfolio, which is estimated at C$16.9 million 1 and includes holdings in NexGen Energy Ltd., Premier American Uranium Inc. and Atha Energy Corp., by adding approximately C$13.6 million in value. Additionally, IsoEnergy will enter into an investor rights agreement, securing continued exposure as the Properties are advanced through the right to participate in future equity financings and the right to elect one representative to the board of Jaguar.

Unlocks Value Through Expertise in Latin America  The Properties will be in the hands of Jaguar, a well-capitalized company with proven technical and operational expertise in Latin America, ensuring successful exploration and development.

Philip Williams, CEO and Director of IsoEnergy, commented, "Since the merger with Consolidated Uranium late last year, IsoEnergy has been largely focused on advancing the Laroque East project in the Athabasca Basin, host to the high-grade Hurricane Deposit, and restarting its past producing uranium mines in Utah, the Tony M, Daneros and Rim Mines. At the same time, we have been pursuing opportunistic transactions to realize value from "non-core" assets in the portfolio. Today's announcement is one such transaction. We firmly believe that every uranium pound in every jurisdiction will be required to meet expected future uranium demand and Jaguar, with its Berlin project in Colombia and now the IsoEnergy Argentinian Properties, has an important roll to play in South America. By taking equity as consideration IsoEnergy remains exposed to the upside in Jaguar shares and we look forward to supporting the company and its accomplished leadership team going forward."

Story continues

____________________________ 1 Estimated as of July 19, 2024 market close

Transaction Details

As consideration for the acquisition of the Target Shares, Jaguar has agreed to deliver to the Company (collectively, the "Consideration"):

(a) upon closing of the Transaction ("Closing"):

i. USD$10 million of Class A common shares of Jaguar (the "Jaguar Shares"), being 2,000,000 Jaguar Shares at a deemed price of USD$5.00 per share.

ii. A 2% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty payable on all production from the Laguna Salada Project. Jaguar will have the right to buy back 1% of the royalty for a period of seven years at a price of USD$2.5 million.

iii. A 1% NSR royalty payable on all production from a portion of the Huemul Project.

iv. An option to acquire a 1% NSR royalty payable on all production from the remainder of the Huemul project.

(b) if the Listing is not completed within 12 months following Closing, 400,000 additional Jaguar Shares at a deemed price of USD$5.00 per share; and

(c) assuming the Listing occurs, if the Listing price of the Jaguar Shares (the "Listing Price") is less than USD$5.00 per share, such number of additional Jaguar Shares to reflect (1) if the Listing is completed on or before 12 months following Closing, USD$10 million valuation of the Properties at the Listing Price (subject to a minimum price per Jaguar Share of USD$4.00); and (2) if the Listing is completed later than 12 months following Closing, USD$12 million valuation of the Properties at the Listing Price (subject to a minimum price per Jaguar Share of USD$4.00); provided that, in the event that Jaguar does not complete a concurrent financing for gross proceeds of at least USD$5 million in connection with the Listing, all of the Jaguar Shares issuable pursuant to this subparagraph will be issued at a deemed price of USD$4.00 per Jaguar Share.

The Jaguar Shares comprising the Consideration will be subject to a contractual resale restriction of six months following the date of the Listing.

In connection with Closing, ISO and Jaguar have also entered into an investor rights agreement (the "Investor Rights Agreement"), which provides ISO with, among other things:

(a) the right to participate in any future equity financing of Jaguar to maintain its pro rata interest in Jaguar (the "Participation Right"); and

(b) the right to nominate one member (the "Nominee") to the Jaguar Board, such Nominee to be supported by Jaguar in the same manner as all other members of the Jaguar Board (the "Nomination Right").

The Participation Right and Nomination Right will continue until such time as IsoEnergy and its affiliates cease to own at least 5% of the outstanding Jaguar Shares on partially-diluted basis.

About IsoEnergy Ltd.

IsoEnergy Ltd. (TSX: ISO) (OTCQX: ISENF) is a leading, globally diversified uranium company with substantial current and historical mineral resources in top uranium mining jurisdictions of Canada, the U.S., Australia, and Argentina at varying stages of development, providing near, medium, and long-term leverage to rising uranium prices. IsoEnergy is currently advancing its Larocque East Project in Canada's Athabasca Basin, which is home to the Hurricane deposit, boasting the world's highest grade Indicated uranium Mineral Resource.

IsoEnergy also holds a portfolio of permitted, past-producing conventional uranium and vanadium mines in Utah with a toll milling arrangement in place with Energy Fuels Inc. These mines are currently on stand-by, ready for rapid restart as market conditions permit, positioning IsoEnergy as a near-term uranium producer.

X: @IsoEnergyLtd

www.isoenergy.ca

About Jaguar Uranium Corp.

Jaguar Uranium Corp. is a rapidly growing Latin American consolidator of world-class assets, focused primarily on developing uranium as well as rare earths and other high value by-products. The Company's flagship assets include the Berlin deposit in Colombia as well as Laguna Salada, Huemul and Sierra Pintada in Argentina. The Company is led by a team with substantial uranium mining, permitting and capital markets experience with a focus on advancing the portfolio towards resource development, permitting and expansion across the continent. Jaguar's investors include leading global uranium developers who are aligned with the Company's goal of building shareholder value. More information can be found at the Company's website at www.jaguaruranium.com or info@jaguaruranium.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, completion of the Listing; the future direction of the Company's strategy; and other activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Listing will be completed, that that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the failure of Jaguar to complete the Listing, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves, the influence of a large shareholder, alternative sources of energy and uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to the Company set out in ISO's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the other documents of ISO filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under IsoEnergy's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isoenergy-announces-strategic-sale-of-its-argentina-portfolio-302202217.html

SOURCE IsoEnergy Ltd.
WASHINGTON  Donald Trumps campaign has already begun bashing Vice President Kamala Harris, now that shes on track to become the Democratic presidential nominee. But before Trump starts getting predictably ugly in his attacks on her, remember one thing: He previously donated thousands of dollars to Harris when she ran for another office.

Trump gave a total of $6,000 to Harris campaign for California attorney general. He gave her money twice, once in 2011 and another time in 2013.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) on Sunday flagged one of Trumps previous checks to Harris, made out for $5,000.

Was a wise investment, Moskowitz wrote on social media.

Was a wise investment pic.twitter.com/S7C18nDFzA  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 21, 2024

It wasnt just Trump who gave to Harris; his daughter Ivanka also donated to Harris attorney general campaign. Ivanka Trump gave her $2,000 in 2014.

In 2015, Harris donated all of that money to a nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans. That was the year after she won reelection as attorney general and was looking into a run for U.S. Senate.

Aides to Donald Trumps campaign and to Harris campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Related...
Suspect arrested for kidnapping, DUI after being found traveling through Utah with missing 14-year-old girl

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A suspect is in custody after he was found traveling with a missing teen girl through Summit County on Saturday, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

Pedro Chavez Lara, 19, was arrested in Summit County on five counts of driving under the influence  passenger under 16 years of age (class A misdemeanor), kidnapping (second-degree felony), endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult (third-degree felony), among other traffic and drug possession charges.

On July 20, Summit County dispatch received information regarding an attempt to locate for a missing juvenile whose phone was pinged in the area. Shortly after the info came in, police received a call regarding three young females being dropped off in a rest area off I-80 near milepost 146.

Days of 47 parade and marathon: Road closures and delays

A UHP trooper responded to the location and quickly discovered the females were those reported missing, a probable cause affidavit states.

After a short time, the vehicle that had dropped off the girls returned to the scene and the trooper conducted a felony stop. The vehicle was reportedly occupied by three adults and two children  the adults were detained at the scene.

As I approached the driver door I observed a glass pipe with a white residue inside and a burnt end. The driver who had been detained had a package of cigarettes in his pocket, inside the box I observed two small blue baggies which contained a crystal like substance, the trooper wrote in the affidavit.

In speaking with the driver, identified as Lara, the trooper observed indicators of recent drug use and Lara submitted to a chemical blood test. Lara also admitted that the 14-year-old girl in the vehicle was a delinquent and that he knowingly continued to transport her cross-country from Iowa to Utah, with the destination being California, police said.

Details regarding how Lara came into contact with the juvenile have not been made available. Lara was booked into Summit County Jail on the charges previously stated.

No further information is available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Suspect returned to scene of arson in downtown Tacoma, police say. Shes been arrested

Police arrested a 34-year-old woman Sunday who they said returned to the scene of an arson in downtown Tacoma.

Crews responded to a fire about 6:45 a.m. Saturday in the 300 block of East 26th Street.

Investigators determined the fire was set intentionally, and police released surveillance footage of a suspect.

About 10:45 a.m. Sunday, the suspect returned and was seen accessing a restricted area behind the same business, police said in a news release Sunday evening. Members of the Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriffs Department responded quickly and took the thirty-four-year-old female suspect into custody without incident.

They booked her into Pierce County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary and possession of stolen property in an unrelated mater.

The arson investigation is ongoing, the news release said.

The Tacoma Fire Department has responded to between seven and nine fires in the past week that could have been set intentionally, spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd told The News Tribune on Saturday.

Police said Saturday it wasnt clear if the East 26th Street fire was linked to the other arsons in the area, which were set along Dock Street, Puyallup Avenue and in Fife.

The Tacoma Fire Department did say in a social media post Saturday that the East 26th Street Fire was very similar to a previous arson-related fire at the same location.

Shepherd told The News Tribune that the first suspicious fire occurred July 12. The building has an apartment upstairs, she told The News Tribune.

No one was inside the space Saturday because it was uninhabitable after the previous blaze.

In response to the increase in reported arsons, the Tacoma Police Department will be staffing emphasis patrols throughout the city, police said in a news release Saturday.

News Tribune archives contributed to this report.
(Photo: Johnson City Police Facebook)

Sean Williams, a former Johnson City businessman linked to scores of suspected sexual assaults, is expected to face his first trial Tuesday in a federal court in Greeneville.

Williams, 52, will stand trial on charges related to his attempted escapes from custody  among the lowest level of alleged offenses involving Williams, who is at the center of a widening police corruption scandal in the northeast Tennessee community.

Three separate lawsuits, including a class action lawsuit brought by victims of sexual assault, contain explosive allegations that Johnson City Police took kickbacks in a scheme to protect Williams and thwart his victims from pursuing justice.

Images of Williams allegedly sexually assaulting 52 women and sexually abusing children in his downtown Johnson City condo were discovered during his incidental arrest last year as he slept in his car on a North Carolina college campus. Arresting officers also found large amounts of cocaine and amphetamines in Williams car.

Williams has not yet been charged with crimes related to the womens assaults captured in the images discovered on his electronic devices. He faces child pornography production charges related to images of children in a federal trial scheduled for August.

Johnson City Police Department officers, a class action lawsuit alleges, conspired with Williams to participate in a venture, the purpose of which was to recruit, entice, harbor, provide, obtain, maintain, and solicit women and children, who had not attained the age of 14 years, for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.

He is expected to represent himself this week at trial after a fourth attorney appointed to represent him withdrew from the case last week. WJHL-TV reported Williams was disruptive during last weeks court proceedings, talked over the judge and sought an extension on his trial date after his attorney withdrew, which was denied.

A message left with jail officials seeking comment from Williams went unreturned Thursday.

The trial focuses on two alleged escape attempts. Jailers said Williams first attempted to escape Washington County jail last July, three months after his apprehension in North Carolina, where Williams had fled from Tennessee after he was indicted for illegally possessing ammunition.

Williams succeeded in escaping a second time in October, when he fled from a prison transport taking him to a court appearance, U.S. Marshalls said. He was captured in Florida a month later.

The case has drawn intense scrutiny as new allegations involving the conduct of Johnson City police have emerged in court filings in the civil lawsuits.

Kateri Dahl, a former federal prosecutor who previously was on a contract to aid Johnson City police with drug prosecutions, filed suit in 2022 alleging she was forced out of her role as she pursued an investigation into reported sexual assaults committed by Williams. Dahls suit is scheduled for trial October 22.

A separate class action lawsuit was filed against the Johnson City Police Department, the city and individual police officers alleging that officers took kickbacks from Williams to deter his victims from pursuing justice. That suit is scheduled for trial in April 2025.

Johnson City Police Department officers, the lawsuit alleges, conspired with Williams to participate in a venture, the purpose of which was to recruit, entice, harbor, provide, obtain, maintain, and solicit women and children, who had not attained the age of 14 years, for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.

The class action lawsuit also noted that a Department of Justice probe into the conduct of the Johnson City Police was underway. DOJ officials have declined to comment on the existence of any federal investigation.

Johnson Citys Manager Kathy Ball has denied that the police acted improperly.

A third lawsuit was filed in June by a woman who alleged Williams drugged then pushed her from a fifth-story window during an attempted sexual assault. The suit alleges police failed to investigate the incident, which has left her with permanent injuries. No trial date in that case has yet been set.

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Kamala Harris faces a giant hurdle in Arizona. Mark Kelly can help her clear it

All indications point to Kamala Harris taking the Democratic presidential nomination, but shes going to face massive hurdles here in Arizona.

Can Mark Kelly help her clear them? And should he even want to?

Arizona has gone from red to purple to blue over the last 20 years, thanks in part to a well-documented population surge from California, Washington state and Black people from New York, Chicago and other Midwestern cities where voters tend to support Democrats.

Its a huge part of why Arizonas governor and both U.S. senators caucus with Democrats, and why a traditionally conservative state Legislature is nearly an even split.

Arizona is hardly a Democratic stronghold

Still, Arizona isnt anything close to a Democratic stronghold.

Ruben Gallego is polling favorably against Kari Lake for the U.S. Senate, but the race remains close. Also, the states congressional delegation has six Republican U.S. representatives, compared to four Democrats and an independent.

The Grand Canyon State broke for Joe Biden in 2020 but Donald Trump in 2016.

Trump won eight years ago, largely because Hillary Clinton was unpopular with white voters.

White men (37% of all voters) supported Trump by 20 points.

White women (39%) broke for Trump by 7 points.

Voters may not accept a Black woman candidate

As a Black man, though, I worry about whether the state is too conservative to support a Black candidate such as Harris. Frankly, my most pragmatic and skeptical impulses lead me to think Harris should have stepped aside with Biden.

John McCain and Mitt Romney beat Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 in Arizona by wide margins.

Each of those candidates had strong ties to Arizona. McCain was a longtime U.S. senator from the state, and Romney is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which as a massive Arizona footprint.

So, should Harris fight that fire by tapping Kelly as her running mate?

I would.

Kelly is strong on foreign policy, defense and gun control  all keys to this years election.

But should Kelly accept the nomination?

The track record of vice presidential candidates from losing tickets is poor. Anybody heard from Mike Pence, Sarah Palin or Paul Ryan recently? What about John Edwards? And wasnt Joe Lieberman quiet before his death in March?

Mark Kelly can help Kamala Harris in a swing state

Still, Kelly has a profile thats much stronger than those former contenders.

His life story is begging for a Hillbilly Elegy treatment. Fighter pilot. Astronaut. Husband of a former congresswoman who was severely wounded in a mass shooting. And a Democratic senator from a traditionally red state?

The script writes itself.

Mark Kelly has experience: You won't find on any resume

Kelly is strong where Harris is perceived as weak, and his name recognition will skyrocket (pardon the pun) in the short campaign between now and November.

If the campaign fails, Kelly could return to the Senate.

Tim Kaine, after all, is the exception to the losing VP jinx, settling into a role as a U.S. senator from Virginia.

Again, as a Black man, I worry that the states voters wont support Harris, simply because shes a Black woman, regardless of whether they ever say it out loud.

I worry about the Bradley/Wilder Effect, where white voters say theyll support a Black candidate in polls, then do otherwise on Election Day.

But if anyone can help Harris clear that hurdle, its Kelly.

If she picks Kelly, and she should, he should accept.

Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @SayingMoore.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mark Kelly could help Kamala Harris with white, swing state voters
Adrianne Shropshire began her political work as a community organizer in California, focusing on police accountability, economic justice and youth empowerment in the South Los Angeles neighborhoods.

In 2016, Shropshire founded BlackPAC, an organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing African American voters. Through that work, she has designed programs to engage hundreds of thousands of voters and helped pass progressive policies around the nation.

On this weeks installment of The Switch Ups Election Series, Shropshire discusses the most pressing issues for Black voters ahead of November, where Black Americans have seen success over the last four years, and the work that still needs to be done.

Listen above.

Editors Note: This episode was recorded prior to President Bidens decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

The Switch Up podcast series  hosted by The Hills Cheyanne M. Daniels  explores the intersection of race and politics through intimate conversations with leading scholars, advocates and legislators from communities of color. Follow The Switch Up on Spotify.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tacoma SWAT responds to find man and woman shot in domestic dispute Sunday morning

A man and woman were hospitalized after they were found with gunshot wounds during a suspected domestic dispute early Sunday morning, according to the Tacoma Police Department.

About 7 a.m., police were dispatched to that dispute in the 1100 block of East 35th Street, which is south of Interstate 5 and east of state Route 7 in Tacoma.

Once at the scene, police learned a man had allegedly unlawfully entered the home and was preventing two other adults from leaving the residence.

Police tried to calm the situation, then SWAT responded to the scene.

During the ensuing negotiations, one adult was released from the home. Shortly thereafter, shots were heard and SWAT personnel entered the residence to find the following: an adult woman with multiple gunshot wounds and an adult man with a single gunshot wound.

Both were taken to area hospitals, according to police.

Police are investigating the incident as unlawful imprisonment with aggravated assault.

No shots were fired by law enforcement during the incident, according to police.
TAD just changed how often Tarrant County homes are appraised for taxes

Tarrant County homeowners will see big changes to their property tax bills.

On Monday, the Tarrant Appraisal District voted 5-3 to change the frequency of property valuations from yearly to every other year.

The vote followed the failure of a motion from the boards three newly elected members to change appraisals to every three years. They had hoped to begin delivering on this and other campaign promises but appeared to meet opposition from the boards appointed members.

The newly elected board members are Callie Rigney, former mayor pro tem of Colleyville; Eric Morris, a former Haltom City council member; and Matt Bryant, a real estate agent and former Southlake-Carroll school board president. All three were endorsed by Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare.

The board also approved a 5% threshold on recalculated appraisals. This threshold sets a soft limit on appraisal increases, but it can be exceeded up to 10% as long as the appraisal district shows clear evidence that a homes value is higher.

Rigney, Morris and Bryant had initially pushed for a 5% annual cap, but the language was changed to threshold after the board met in executive session with their lawyer for nearly four hours.

Morris declined to comment after Mondays session. Rigney and Bryant did not respond to requests for comment.

Even though they did not get everything they wanted, the reforms started by the newly elected members will make significant impacts on how property taxes are collected in Tarrant County, according to Chuck Kelley, who ran for Bryants place on the board.

Cities benefit from automatic annual increases in property taxes, using them to pay for fire, police, sewer and other services residents need. Without that guaranteed increase in tax revenue, they will have to raise taxes, Kelley said.

The ripple effects of what happened up there today have not even begun to become apparent, but every city out there that takes advantage of that automatic increase every year is now in jeopardy, he said.

If cities are forced to raise taxes higher than the caps that are set on them, theyll have to put the issue to a vote, he added.

Voters will vote them down, so the first thing they do is threaten to cut fire and police to create the fear that if I dont vote for the tax rate increase, I may not be safe, Kelley said.

Before the election of the new board members in May, chief appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt told the Star-Telegram that state law prohibited the board from capping or limiting appraised values at 5%. The law caps annual increases at 10%.

When the Texas House considered changing the law last year to lower the cap to 5% as part of a tax relief package, experts told the Texas Tribune that local governments and school districts could raise their tax rates to offset the lower property values.

Public comments at Mondays TAD meeting were divided, with some saying the moves are needed to provide much needed tax relief as home values skyrocket. Others feared the changes will hurt school districts and shift the tax burden from homeowners to renters in apartments and other multi-family units.

Property owners, we need relief, said Arlington resident Lucila Seri. This is craziness. Our property values are going up 10% every year.

Seri worked as campaign manager for John OShea, who lost his Republican primary race for U.S. Congressional District 12 to John Goodman in May.

Clearly, theres problems in the ways that we are appraising, she said. The law says that you can appraise an increase up to 10% for residential. Doesnt mean that you have to go to the full 10%.

Fort Worth real estate broker Chandler Crouch commended the TAD board members for attempting to reform property taxes in the county, but said that the proposed changes could have unintended consequences.

I dont know that these are the right decisions, he said. I think that every three years is dangerous. Every two years is a lot safer.

Crouch argued that the three-year plan would put appraisals out of sync with school districts biennial property value studies, thus leading to a loss of funding.

Homeowners have been getting screwed by this appraisal system for years, Crouch told the Star-Telegram in an interview. Were jumping for joy that theyre trying to come up with a solution. The real question is, how is it going to affect school funding, and what are the unintended consequences of this?

Representatives of the Azle, White Settlement and Birdville school districts echoed those fears in public comments, saying the reforms would affect their abilities to meet their bond debt requirements.

Several board members expressed similar concerns about the reforms effects to school districts.

Crowley-based property tax consultant Ryan Ray accused the board of picking winners and losers by shifting the tax burden away from neighborhoods that are increasing in value and placing it on neighborhoods that arent increasing as rapidly, or that are decreasing in value.

Several property tax experts told the Star-Telegram last week that a 5% appraisal cap would be a disincentive to move.

The newly elected members also wanted to freeze property values in 2025, but they were the only votes in favor of the motion, which failed 3-5.

The appraisal district sets property appraisals and administers exemptions for tax purposes.
(Bloomberg) -- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged the ruling party to better develop the publics sense of belonging to the democratically run archipelago, comments that risk worsening his difficult relationship with China.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Partys congress in Taipei on Sunday, Lai said that we will make the greatest possible effort to let all citizens know their own history and culture, and to build a national identity of the 23 million people living in Taiwan as a community of shared destiny.

The DPP had a duty to unite the people, resist annexation and safeguard national sovereignty, Lai said in the televised speech. He delivered the remarks in the local minnan dialect, rather than the Mandarin spoken on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

President Xi Jinpings government is highly sensitive to any perceived shifts in phrasing from Taiwans leaders regarding the islands status. China blasted Lais inauguration speech, saying it sent a dangerous signal of seeking independence. Any talk of a national identity for those living in the self-ruled democracy that Beijing considers its own would likely be considered a challenge to the status quo.

China has responded to Lai taking office in May with a range of measures to ramp up pressure on him, including holding large military drills around the main island that the US called provocations. It also fleshed out laws aimed at supporters of independence, setting out punishments for specific offenses that range from prison time to the death penalty.

Lais speech could also worry policymakers in Washington. While President Joe Biden has upset Beijing by repeatedly saying the US would held Taiwan defend itself if the Peoples Liberation Army attacked, he also said after Lais election win in January that the US did not support independence for Taiwan.

The US has traditionally adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity, acknowledging Chinas historical claims to sovereignty over Taiwan, and maintains only unofficial relations with Taipei while pledging defensive assistance.

Taiwan has been ruled by a separate government since the Kuomintang lost the Chinese Civil War around 1949 and has a very different society than the one across the strait. People in Taiwan enjoy a broad ranges of rights denied to people in China, namely freedom of speech and the rights to vote and protest against the government.

A poll by National Chengchi University in Taipei released in June shows that some 64% of the respondents identified themselves as Taiwanese  a figure that matches the highest level in the survey going back to 1992. Another 30% viewed themselves as both Taiwanese and Chinese, and 2% only as Chinese.

The latest survey used data collected over the first six months of the year. The poll compilers dont provide a margin of error.

The KMT, now an opposition party that is Beijings preferred negotiating partner because they share a similar cultural background, criticized Lais speech.

KMT lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang was cited as saying in local media reports that it smacked of ideology and nationalism and was a sign that Lai was moving toward despotism.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Ann Wang

TAMSUI/TAOYUAN, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwan carried out anti-landing drills on a strategic river on Monday at the start of the annual Han Kuang war games, which this year aim to be as close as possible to actual combat with no script and simulating how to repel a Chinese attack.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, has been staging regular exercises around the island for four years to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's claim of sovereignty, despite Taiwan's strong objections.

Taiwan's drills this year have cancelled elements that were mostly for show, like scripted firepower displays, while there will be intensified nighttime exercises and practising how to operate with severed command lines.

Kicking off the first day of exercises in Tamsui at the mouth of a major river leading to Taipei, soldiers practiced laying mines and nets to stymie the landing of enemy forces, part of a series of drills designed to prevent the capital being seized.

"We are trying our best to slow them down as much as possible," military office Chang Chih-pin told reporters, referring to a scenario where the enemy was trying to make landfall by sending rubber boats into the Tamsui River.

"The slower they move, the better for us," he added.

Earlier on Monday in nearby Taoyuan, outside of Taipei and home to Taiwan's main international airport, reservists gathered to get their orders as they would during a war, and civilian vans were pressed into service to carry supplies.

On Thursday, Taoyuan airport will close for an hour in the morning for the drills, though a typhoon is expected to be impacting the island that day meaning that the exercise could be delayed.

Taiwan's defence ministry also published video of air force fighter jets at the Hualien air base on the island's east coast, which has hangars cut out of the side of a mountain to protect aircraft from aerial attack.

Live fire drills will only take place on Taiwan's outlying islands, including Kinmen and Matsu which sit nestled next to the Chinese coast and were the scene of on-off clashes during the height of the Cold War.

The five-day war games will be happening in conjunction with the Wan'an civil defence drills, where the streets of major cities are evacuated for half an hour during a simulated Chinese missile attack, and test warning alarms will sound on mobile phones.

The drill scenarios this week include setting up contingency command lines after existing hubs are destroyed and dispersing Chinese forces trying to land on Taiwan's western coastline facing China, a defence official involved in the planning said.

China held two days of its own war games around the island shortly after President Lai Ching-te took office in May, saying it was "punishment" for his inauguration speech, which Beijing denounced as being full of separatist content.

But China has also been using grey zone warfare against Taiwan, wielding irregular tactics to exhaust a foe by keeping them continually on alert without resorting to open combat. This includes almost daily air force missions into the skies near Taiwan.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai, who says only the Taiwanese people can decide their future, has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed.

(Reporting by Ann Wang; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Michael Perry, William Maclean)
The mayor of Taunton is facing criminal charges after police say she bit her husband and attacked him with a gasket cleaner during a fight at their home.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna OConnell, 54, was arraigned Monday in Taunton District Court on charges including assault and battery on a family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

OConnell, a former Republican state representative who currently serving in her third term as mayor, was arrested Friday night in connection with the alleged assault on her husband at their Worcester Street home, WPRI-TV reported.

The mayors husband, Ted OConnell, told responding officers that he and his wife were involved in an argument that ended up turning physical, according to court documents. Ted OConnell also reportedly claimed his wife bit him on his left forearm and struck him on his right hand with a gasket cleaner, a tool with a chisel-end that is sharpened on the end and sides.

Ted OConnell also alleged that his wife jumped on his car as he tried to leave their home, saying he and his wife had been feuding over a marital issue.

Speaking with reporters outside of court following his wifes hearing, Ted OConnell was apologetic over everything that transpired.

I apologize for calling the police, I apologize to my wife and the people of Taunton. It was a huge mistake, he said.

Shaunna OConnell refused to comment on the allegations against her as she walked out of court with her husband.

The mayor was released on personal recognizance. She is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 12.

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TAUNTON  Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell allegedly bit her husband, attacked him with a small crowbar and then jumped on the roof of his car to keep him from leaving during an argument Friday evening, he told police prior to her arrest.

The details of the incident were part of a Taunton Police report in court documents Monday. The mayor was arraigned Monday in Taunton District Court on charges of assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. She was released on personal recognizance.

Her husband, Ted O'Connell, sat by her side in court and they left the courthouse together, holding hands. Ted O'Connell spoke to the media briefly after the arraignment outside the courthouse. The mayor declined to comment.

Ted O'Connell said he wanted to apologize to his wife and to the Taunton police.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell is arraigned in Monday, July 22, 2024, in Taunton District Court on charges of domestic assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident Friday, July 19, 2024, in which her husband Ted O'Connell called police.

What happened in court?

O'Connell's lawyer, James McMahon of Bourne, entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf and she was released on personal recognizance.

Taunton District Judge Gloriann Moroney set a condition that she not abuse the alleged victim.

Assault and battery on a household member is a misdemeanor and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon is a felony.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, left, is arraigned Monday, July 22, 2024, in Taunton District Court on charges of domestic assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident Friday, July 19, 2024, in which her husband, Ted O'Connell, seen seated next to her, called police.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office will appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case from this point forward to avoid any possible conflict of interest because the defendant is an elected official, a spokesperson for the DA's office said after the arraignment. Spokesperson Gregg Miliote said the special prosecutor, who was not in court Monday, will be private attorney Daniel Bennett.

O'Connell is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on Sept. 12.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell stands alongside her husband Ted as he speaks to the media after the mayor was arraigned in Taunton District Court Monday, July 22, 2024, on charges she attacked her husband with a crowbar during an argument.

What happened on night of the incident?

Police were dispatched to the mayor's house at 8:18 p.m. Friday, July 19, for a report of an active disturbance, possibly involving a crowbar. When they got there they found Ted O'Connell in the driveway and he said he and his wife had had an argument that had turned physical over a "marital issue," according to the police report by Sgt. George Lozado.

Ted O'Connell told police the mayor had bitten him on his arm and struck him on the hand with a small crowbar, the report said. Lozado noted that he saw an "open wound" on Ted O'Connell's arm and "multiple open wounds on his knuckles."

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell is arraigned in Monday, July 22, 2024, in Taunton District Court on charges of domestic assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident Friday, July 19, 2024, in which her husband Ted O'Connell called police.

Ted O'Connell also told police that when he attempted to leave, his wife jumped on the hood of his vehicle, according to the police report. Lozado noted a "small dent" on the front portion of the hood.

When Lozado asked Ted O'Connell where the mayor was, he told him inside the house and "he was concerned for her," according to the police report. At that point, Lozado asked if his wife had any access to weapons, including firearms, and Ted O'Connell said there were firearms in the house but they were secured in a safe.

Two other officers were attempting unsuccessfully to speak with the mayor while Lozado interviewed Ted O'Connell, the report says. At that point Lozado made his way up to the second floor where he could hear a woman on the phone behind a closed door. He asked the mayor to open the door so he could make sure she was not injured and also to obtain a statement from her, but she refused, he said. At that point, he was able to see her through a small crack and she did not appear to be injured.

After a few minutes, she opened the door and sat down on her bed, Lozado said in the police report. He said he asked her what had happened and she said, "I don't know." He then told her Ted O'Connell's description of the incident and asked her how her husband was injured and she continued to say she didn't know, according to Lozado. At that point, she told Lozado her husband had been "verbally abusive to her."

Lozado advised both Shauna and Ted O'Connell, at different times that night, of their rights to seek a restraining order and but neither was interested in doing so, according to Lozado's report.

When Capt. Daniel McCarthy, who was serving as acting chief at the time, arrived on scene Lozado told him there was probable cause to arrest the mayor, according to the report. They escorted her to the first floor where she was placed in handcuffs. Upon exiting their house, she began yelling towards her husband, Lozado said.

She was then placed in a cruiser and taken to the Taunton Police station where she was booked and placed in a cell to await bail, according to the report.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell is arraigned in Monday, July 22, 2024, in Taunton District Court on charges that she attacked her husband with a crowbar during an argument.

Mayor issues statement about incident

OConnell issued a statement Saturday saying she had been involved in a domestic incident with her husband Ted that resulted in a police response. Her statement did not mention the fact that she had been arrested.

Ted and I have been married for 27 years. Like all couples we have had challenges, OConnells statement reads.

What we knew on Saturday: Taunton mayor's husband calls police during domestic argument.

Weve been working through marital issues, the statement continues. During an argument, Ted involved the police and regrets making that decision.

We ask for privacy for our family on personal matters as we work through this matter.

The mayors statement was issued by her longtime campaign strategy advisor Holly Robichaud.

Ted and Shaunna OConnell attend her inaugural ball March 23, 2024.

Who is Shaunna O'Connell? Women Making History:Shaunna O'Connell

How long has Shaunna O'Connell been mayor?

OConnell, 54, is serving her third two-year term as Tauntons mayor. She was elected in 2019 following then-mayor Thomas Hoyes appointment as Bristol County Register of Probate.

Prior to her becoming mayor, OConnell, a Republican, served five terms from 2011 to 2020 in the Massachusetts State House as the 3rd Bristol districts state representative.

What to know about Shaunna O'Connell's husband and family

OConnell and her husband have two daughters. The younger of the two, Riley, was 18 in June of 2023 when she went missing for five days from the Evoke Wellness addiction and mental-health treatment center in Hilliard, Ohio.

During that time her parents issued pleas for information from the public as to her whereabouts and traveled to Ohio to help search for their daughter.

Police in nearby Columbus found Riley alone and unharmed reportedly wandering around in their city. She eventually moved back to Taunton to live with her parents.

How to get help if you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence

If you or someone you know needs help regarding domestic abuse or violence, call New Hope Inc.s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-323-HOPE.

With reporting by Rebecca Hyman

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Taunton police arrest Mayor Shaunna O'Connell during domestic incident
Farmers in Indiana are asking for property tax relief in the 2025 legislative session. (Getty Images)

Its the heat of the summer, which means farmers are constantly monitoring the weather, tending to livestock, and focusing on pest and disease management for their crops. Unfortunately, this summer also finds landowners reeling from property tax statements that hit mailboxes during planting season.

Farmers are experiencing a 27% increase in their farmland taxes this year after a 16% increase in 2023. Some farmers bills are increasing as much as 60 to 70% due to their local school districts debt obligations. No one should see an increase like that in one year, let alone multiple years in a row.

The Indiana State and Local Tax Review Taskforce met on June 18 and heard testimony from Katrina Hall, INFBs resident tax expert and senior director of policy strategy and advocacy, on behalf of agriculture. She shared information about farmland property tax increases and the elements of the farmland formula that impact the base value. She also requested on behalf of our members that any future reform will address stability and predictability, lasting relief, fairness between classes and ability to pay.

State Rep. Jeff Thompson, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, intends to focus this upcoming budget session on reducing the complexity of the property system, addressing some tax base problems  like farmland values  and closely examining how to effectively and fairly control the growth of tax levies. He has predicted that it will take multiple legislative sessions to accomplish the breadth of tax reforms being discussed.

In the meantime, Indiana Farm Bureau formed its own tax task force and is taking a deep dive into whats impacting a farmers tax burden. Many different elements have been discussed by our internal task force, and well continue to work with leadership in the House and Senate, as well as other stakeholders to find solutions.

Where do we go from here?

Right now, were trying to get to the root of the problem to lower the tax burden on the assessment and levy side. Weve had members from all over the state reviewing policy priorities from county Farm Bureaus throughout the summer, and property taxes were among the highest on that list. We will finalize our 2025 policy on taxes and other issues at our annual delegate session in August and look forward to sharing those with legislators to hopefully find some relief.

How can you help? Talk to your state legislators about your personal stories and how your tax bills have increased. Theyve been having conversations about legislation for the 2025 session throughout the summer, so we encourage you to have those conversations with your elected officials now so tax issues can be at the forefront.

We all have a vested interest in easing our tax burden. This is especially true for our farmers and rural communities who are grappling with predictions of lower farm income and struggling commodity markets. Farmers will be lucky to break even this year and wont see profit margins large enough to weather these exorbitant tax bills.

Success in agriculture means greater food security and a stable economy in Indiana, of which the ag industry is a primary driver.

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The Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA)'s Columbia operating center, as photographed Feb. 28 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

A federal lawsuit filed Monday accuses a quasi-governmental organization based in Missouri of illegally overcharging and actively misleading student loan borrowers.

The American Federation of Teachers filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. against the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, better known as MOHELA. The lawsuit claims the student loan servicer illegally deducted payments from borrowers bank accounts without consent, misinformed borrowers about paperwork deadlines, failed to timely process application for loan relief and a litany of other allegedly unlawful activity.

Similar accusations have been made against MOHELA in lawsuits filed in Missouri, as well as in a report released in February by the teachers union.

MOHELA was hired by the federal government to help borrowers pay down debt, but instead it hung them out to dry to line its own pockets, AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a press release announcing the lawsuit. Rather than fulfill its responsibilities, MOHELA has abdicated and deflected them  and its well past time its held to account.

A spokesperson for the Chesterfield-based company said providing support to student loan borrowers is the utmost priority to MOHELA, and any claims to the contrary are false. MOHELA will vigorously defend the allegations in the complaint.

In May, a group of advocates and progressive Democratic lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Education to end its contract with MOHELA, accusing it of being a predatory loan service and failing student borrowers.

Mondays lawsuit claims that individually, any one of MOHELAs failings would be sufficient to cause financial, mental and emotional distress.

Collectively, they result in a Kafkaesque experience and make it practically impossible for borrowers to correct account errors, make important decisions to protect their economic well-being, or even confirm basic information about their student loans.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The union representing Columbus City School teachers is suing the board of education, alleging that Ohio code was violated when contracts were not renewed for some substitute teachers.

The Columbus Education Association filed the lawsuit last week, saying the districts decision affected 28 substitute teachers. All were notified around June 25 that their contracts were not being renewed, which CEA claims violates the timelines set by the state.

How Ohio could reverse same-sex marriage ban still on the books

According to Ohio Revised Code, teachers employed under limited contracts are automatically considered reemployed unless they receive notice on or before June 1. However, the Working Agreement for Building Substitution between CEA and the school board says substitute teachers are automatically reemployed unless they receive notice on or before June 25.

The CEA said although the notifications were respectful of the date presented in the working agreement, they did not comply with the timeline laid out in state law.

According to the complaint, CEA mentioned the discrepancy to the board around June 28. The board allegedly responded that it would only comply with the working agreement. Representatives from both CEA and the school board both signed the agreement in 2023.

District Media Relations Coordinator Tyler Carter said the complaint is a misinterpretation of Ohio code and that the districts actions may not be applicable to the law CEA is citing.

Carter said the decision to not renew substitute contracts came when federal funding expired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year for a program to strengthen substitute teachers roles in the district. Thus, Carter said, the district had to adjust staffing.

Pickerington schools seek community feedback on schedule

NBC4 reached out to CEA leaders for comment, but they have not responded.

According to the complaint, CEA is requesting the board declare the working agreement as invalid and reinstate the contracts of all 28 substitutes and reimburse them for any lost wages.

Building substitutes joined the CEA collective bargaining unit in the same working agreement in April 2023. The agreement was originally intended to last through the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

This is the second lawsuit filed against the district this week after parents are alleging a teacher physically assaulted their 5-year-old.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump walks to speak to the media after being found guilty following his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)

This weekend I did a bit of doomscrolling about the global erosion of support for democracy, which research indicates is particularly pronounced among people in their 30s and 40s.

I was reminded of a finding in one of those NYT-Sienna polls a while back that showed Trump crushing Biden in Nevada.

Which comes closest to your view about the political and economic system in America, even if none are exactly right? the poll asked.

Among Nevada voters aged 30 to 44, an unsettling (to me anyway) 22%  more than any other age group  picked The system needs to be torn down entirely. Needless to say poll respondents said Trump was the one most likely to tear down the system completely.

I was also reminded of remarks (that have been getting a lot of attention this week) made by Republican nominee for vice president J.D. Vance in 2021 as he was ramping up his 2022 Senate bid.

I think Trump is going to run again in 2024, Vance said on a podcast. I think that what Trump should do, if I was giving him one piece of advice: Fire every single midlevel bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people.

And when the courts stop you, Vance continued, stand before the country, and say the chief justice has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it.

That last line of course is reportedly what Andrew Jackson infamously said after the Supreme Court ruled against the state of Georgias unconstitutional seizure of Cherokee land in the 1830s. (Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall could not enforce a ruling  its not like the Supreme Court has federal troops to enforce its ruling. But Jackson had some, which he sent to help Georgia push Cherokees into the deadly forced march to Oklahoma.)

Early this month the Supreme Court ruled that Trump (and theoretically any president, but the ruling was specifically aimed at protecting Trump) can break the law with immunity. Vances earlier concern that the U.S. Supreme Court might attempt to stop Trump from doing  anything at all  now seems outdated.

When people, their businesses, their families, their assets or their property, are hurt or jeopardized, sometimes they seek or rely on protection or remedy from the law. How will Nevadans  especially the 1 in 5 of them aged 30 to 44 who say the system needs to be torn down entirely  feel if, along with democracy, the rule of law is discarded, replaced with an arbitrary cronyism that rewards those who are in favor with Trump and his courtiers and punishes those who arent?

Meanwhile, polling also suggests a number of voters, including and especially those in younger cohorts, may not be MAGA, but have become numbed enough by years of relentless Trumpism to consider voting for him anyway. If for no other reason than to, you know, shake things up.

Polling also suggests a number of voters have no use for Trump but theyre sick of the whole show and wont vote at all, a decision which also works to Trumps favor.

The U.S. has been flawed from the start, and still is. But relative to other world-historical global powers, it has a hell of a story to tell about the expansion of rights and freedom and prosperity.

Good gawd yes its imperfect. Opportunity, prosperity, and economic and social justice are not near as broadly and fairly shared as they should be.

But tossing aside the nations political and legal institutions and empowering a narcissistic sociopath as a quasi-monarch because prices went up a lot after covid seems a bit much.

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Bidens Staff Wept in Shock and Learned He Was Dropping Out From Social Media

Joe Biden had all but made the decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race by Saturday nightbut the vast majority of his staff were not told until the literal last minute, reports said.

The president announced to the world that he was dropping his re-election bid at 1:46 p.m. on Sunday, posting a letter in lieu of a video statement that might have run the risk of immortalizing him as sick and raspylingering symptoms from a bout of COVID-19, according to The New York Times.

That morning, according to the Times, hed called three people in his inner circle to let them know what was about to go down: Vice President Kamala Harris, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, and campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon.

The most senior of his White House and campaign advisors were informed in a 1:45 p.m. video call convened by Zients. Biden was still speaking on the call when the letter went live, The Washington Post reported.

Come to me with the work, and lets get it done, the president said on the call after reading his staff the letter and thanking them for their work, according to the Times.

Zients then hosted two other calls, one with other White House officials and the other with Bidens cabinet, to confirm that the letter they were seeing on social media was real.

Some staff were in tears, the Times reported. Their reactions ran the gamut from shock to relief.

President Joe Biden walks with aides before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

There is so much more to doand as President Biden says, there is nothing America cant dowhen we do it together, Zients wrote in a message to the entire White House team at 2:26 p.m., according to the Post.

Some Biden aides expressed hurt and frustration that theyd been kept unawares. Several told the Post that theyd been told on Friday and Saturday to keep working, the implication being that the campaign was still alive and kicking.

One delegate, Nick Koenig, told the Times that a Biden campaign staffer had called him at 1:12 p.m. on Sunday, asking if the president could still count on his support. Other supporters reported getting a fundraising email from the Biden campaign at 1:38 p.m., eight minutes before the letter went up.

Its just bonkers, Koenig said.

I dont think a soul in Delaware knew, a state official told Politico.

In truth, as Biden isolated over the weekend at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, he was joined by a small coterie of trusted family members and advisers, including top aides Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon. The huddling was punctuated by very sobering discussions of his poll numbers, which took a nosedive following his abysmal debate performance last month.

Just last week, President Joe Biden took a campaign swing through Las Vegas, Nevada, greeting potential voters at a restaurant. KENT NISHIMURA/AFP via Getty Images

It was Ricchetti and Donilon who, at an acceptable social distance from the sick president, helped him draft the letter late Saturday, per the Times.

A virtual roll call where Biden would have been formally chosen as the partys candidate was set to take place early next month, just under two weeks before the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off in Chicago.

An exact date for the roll call has not yet been set, and it was not immediately clear on Sunday if it would go forward.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, remains under scrutiny over a financial relationship between his podcast and iHeartMedia and whether the company is aiding his reelection campaign, as alleged in complaints filed with the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics, including a new one submitted as recently as last week.

Arguing that the financial arrangement violates federal law, at least three ethics complaints have been lodged against Cruz over a syndication deal with the San Antonio-based audio media company that publishes the senator's podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz." Though a Cruz spokesperson has said the senator does not gain financially on the deal, the company has contributed $787,000 to a political action committee backing Cruz's Senate reelection campaign against Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Collin Allred of Dallas.

Michael Tijerina, a Collin County Democratic Party precinct chair, in a July 14 complaint filed with the Ethics Committee, accuses Cruz of violating federal law and Senate ethics rules by flouting earned income limits, a ban on receiving payments for appearances or speaking engagements, and financial disclosure requirements.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz maintains that he doesn't benefit financially from a syndication deal for his podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz."

"Senator Cruz claims to volunteer his time to appear on the podcast," that complaint Tijerina says. "However, Senator Cruz seems to be receiving a 'thing of value' for his appearances  namely hundreds of thousands of funds to a super PAC supporting his re-election campaign."

In a previous complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center and End Citizens United, the groups similarly pointed to the syndication deal as a violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act as iHeartMedia had made roughly $630,000 in payments to the super PAC, which then reported the payments as "digital revenue" or "digital income," as opposed to campaign contributions.

Since the groups made a formal investigation request of the Federal Election Commission in April  which came after a previous investigation petition based on the same accusations was sent to the Senate Ethics Committee in late 2022  Cruz's Truth and Courage PAC received an additional $156,000 payment from iHeartMedia in May. That brings the total disbursal to $787,000 since the syndication deal began.

More: At Republican convention, Ted Cruz hails Trump, focuses ire at Biden's border policies

The prior complaint filed with the Ethics Committee pointed to specific legislation related to the Federal Communications Commission  for which iHeartMedia lobbied  that was introduced in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, a panel on which Cruz serves.

The media conglomerate has said previously that the money in question is "associated with ad sales," directing further questions to the Truth and Courage PAC. At the time of the original complaint, a spokesperson for Cruz said the senator does not receive a financial benefit from his podcast being housed on the platform, likening the partnership to that of appearing on a cable or network news show.

Cruz's office did not respond to an American-Statesman request for comment on the relationship with iHeartMedia or payments to the Truth and Courage PAC.

Outside of the funding derived from iHeartMedia, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raked in more than $12.6 million between April and June, topping his opponent's contribution total of $10.5 million.

In making a renewed request to the Ethics Committee, Tijerina is asking for both an investigation into the financial situation brought about by the podcast and "appropriate remedial action" against Cruz for possible improper conduct.

Ted Cruz has a long record of putting himself ahead of Texans and his podcast is just the latest example," Tijerina said in a statement. "If Cruz is breaking Senate rules or federal election law by funneling money to his super PAC, we deserve to know.

More: Senate hopeful Colin Allred sees abortion rights as winning issue in race against Ted Cruz

The Senate Select Committee on Ethics has not issued disciplinary sanctions since 2007. A spokesperson for the committee declined to comment on Cruz's case, saying the committee does not publicly address active complaints.

Outside of the funding derived from iHeartMedia, Cruz raked in more than $12.6 million between April and June, topping Allred's contribution total of $10.5 million in a competitive race for the Senate seat Cruz has held since 2012.

A poll by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs and Texas Southern University released recently showed Cruz holding a slim lead of 3 percentage points over Allred.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Committee to probe Ted Cruz's iHeartMedia deal after $787K donation
City minister Tulip Siddiq is being lobbied by parts of the finance industry to change fraud reimbursement plans - Nicola Tree/Getty

A regulator that may not be a household name but is key to the UKs financial infrastructure is on the brink of implementing a decision that could have huge consequences for millions of people.

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is due to launch a mandatory scheme that will mean the vast majority of push payment scam victims will get their money back promptly if they are targeted by fraudsters.

However, there are fears that it may back away from this proposal at the very last minute due to intense public pressure from parts of the finance industry  which has now taken to lobbying Chancellor Rachel Reeves and City minister Tulip Siddiq in the hope they will urge the independent regulator to abandon its plans.

Almost 460m was lost to these scams last year  ranging from smaller-value purchase scams of bogus or non-existent products, to cruel romance scams, investment scams and house purchase scams  where losses can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The new system of mandatory reimbursement has been years in the making and has involved extensive consultation and evidence gathering from both industry and consumer groups. It represents a huge win for consumers and provides a much needed financial incentive for banks and payment firms to improve their anti-fraud security measures.

With these game-changing protections for scam victims within reach, the PSR must not cave in to the relentless lobbying they have faced from some payments firms, and ministers must not allow themselves to be swayed by their arguments.

That would be a huge betrayal of consumers, with devastating consequences for any scam victim who struggles to get their money back in the months  perhaps years  of delay while debates already settled during years of endless consultations are reopened.

Meanwhile, delaying vital financial incentives for businesses to improve fraud security would undermine the Governments central mission to boost economic growth. Any change at this late stage would hand a huge victory to some financial firms that dont want to take fraud seriously and the fraudsters who would continue exploiting glaring holes in their security.

The payments industry claims mandatory reimbursement for scam victims could put some smaller companies out of business  presenting this as a threat to growth. They have been pushing for the Government to slash the maximum limit for reimbursement from 415,000 to just 30,000.

Yet high value claims are incredibly rare  with only 25 authorised push payment (APP) fraud cases exceeding 410,000 in 2022  so the suggestion that this presents an impossible burden for businesses does not stack up.

Story continues

It seems more like some firms are asking for scam victims to subsidise their refusal to put in place proper security measures, which is the real threat to growth and living standards.

This is a branch of the finance industry that was warned last year by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over its role in increased money-laundering and fraud levels. The regulator expressed concern that some firms present an unacceptable risk of harm to their customers and to financial system integrity.

Rather than taking this special pleading seriously, the Government should be asking payments companies whether they have sufficient safeguards in place to prevent illegal activity  and holding them responsible if they are facilitating financial crime.

The payments lobby is also determined to dismantle the rules stating that reimbursement should be mandatory for the vast majority of victims  with only those guilty of gross negligence missing out. Their argument  presented entirely without evidence  has already been considered at length by the regulator and is based on the concept of moral hazard.

This is the idea that people will only act in a responsible way if they know they will face the catastrophic financial and emotional consequences of being scammed.

This idea has been thoroughly discredited by the only real world example of a bank that has adopted the mandatory approach to reimbursement for five years already. In 2019, TSB took a bold and game-changing step by launching its Fraud Refund Guarantee  a unique approach in the industry that has led to it reimbursing more than 90pc of victims.

Industry advocates of moral hazard warned that promising to reimburse innocent victims would lead to the bank being inundated by claims. But in a report marking a three-year review of the policy, TSBs chief executive Robin Bulloch said this argument had been comprehensively scotched.

In fact, the banks fraud losses were less than the industry average, despite paying out in a much higher proportion of cases.

The expected introduction of the reimbursement scheme has already seen some sections of the banking and payments industry take big strides in innovating and improving fraud protections  because they have a financial incentive to do so. Any firms lagging behind should be told to catch up, not rewarded with concessions for their inaction.

In the run-up to the election, it was reported that Labour had drafted plans to make tech companies contribute towards reimbursement of victims. Which? wholeheartedly agrees that companies in other sectors, particularly social media and search engines, where scams often start, but also telecoms firms, domain registrars and others, must take responsibility for their part in the UKs scams epidemic.

Thats why we campaigned for scam content and adverts to be included in the Online Safety Act  meaning tech giants could face multi-million pound fines if they fail to tackle the problem.

Whether and how these businesses contribute to scam reimbursement in the future is up to the Government to decide. But this should not interfere with the planned implementation of new rules from the PSR and Ofcom, which will introduce long overdue financial incentives for banks, payment firms and tech companies to tackle fraud.

At a time when many families are still struggling with the cost of living, it would be unforgivable to leave them at risk of facing a devastating financial and emotional hit if they are targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams.

Ministers must reject lobbying from finance firms and come out publicly to support the full implementation of the new fraud reimbursement system as planned in October.

Rocio Concha is director of policy and advocacy at consumer group Which?

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A teen was arrested and charged with kidnapping after police say he tied a man up in his car and threatened him for money.

Adrian Starks, 18, was charged with robbery, kidnapping, evading arrest to wit: vehicle, evading arrest to wit: foot, and no drivers license. His bond has not been set.

On July 19, around 6 p.m., a woman informed officers that her husband had been kidnapped in his black Hyundai Elantra. Officers responded to the kidnapping in the 6400 block of Moriah Lane.

Abduction victim safe, suspect detained after chase, crash

Memphis Police say the woman was able to keep an eye on her husbands car until officers located the vehicle. They attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle refused, initiating a pursuit which eventually ended in the car crashing near Sharpe Avenue and Robinhood Lane.

The suspect, later identified as Starks, allegedly got out of the car and attempted to run, but was detained. The victim was found inside the vehicle and was transported to Baptist East in non-critical condition, police say.

Officers were later advised that the victim was approached by Starks, who asked if he had a gun and some marijuana. MPD says the victim dropped his keys while speaking with Starks. Starks grabbed them and demanded the victim give him money to get the keys back.

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Reports say the victim did not have money, and Starks threatened to shoot him if he did not get money.

Starks allegedly put the victim in the passenger seat of his car and tied his hands and feet with an extension cord.

Reports show Adrian Starks also has prior arrests for domestic assault, aggravated stalking, violation of protection order, and violation of bail conditions.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A 17-year-old transgender girl was stabbed almost 20 times at Miami International Airport this weekend, according to a police report filed in court on Monday.

The girl, whose identity has yet to be released, was attacked without provocation just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday on the fourth floor of MIAs Concourse J in the pre-security area, according to police. She was able to escape to the third floor, where officers found her.

Alexander Paul Love, 29, is now jailed at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in connection to the stabbing. Police say he ambushed the girl with a butcher knife and sliced her 18 times, including her neck, face and legs.

A judge ordered Love held without bond on the attempted murder charges after a Monday morning court appearance.

Man, victim were living at the airport: County

Police have yet to confirm if Love and the girl knew each other, though county officials told the Miami Herald Love and the teen were living at the airport.

Ralph Cutie, director and chief executive officer of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, which oversees MIA, said its unknown how much time Love had spent at the airport.

Cutie said police do nightly sweeps and try to offer homeless individuals at the airport shelter assistance. If they return, they could be issued a written citation for trespassing.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told the Herald her office was going to review all of our protocols.

We dont want our airport to be a shelter, and we are going to continue to work diligently to find alternatives, she said. We have very excellent services to help the homeless around Miami-Dade County.

Sitting on floor when attacked, police say

Moments before the attack, the girl was sitting on the floor of the airport, eating a meal, according to the report. Surveillance footage captured Love staring at the girl before taking the knife out of his backpack.

Police recovered the butcher knife at the scene, the report states. Love was detained by Customs and Border Protection personnel shortly after the struggle.

Public records show Love, whos from Ohio, was arrested there on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in 2016. That case was dismissed shortly thereafter. The report states Love is now homeless in South Florida, and court records indicate he was arrested in Miami-Dade on low-level offenses in 2023.

When Love spoke with detectives, he told them he was possibly drugged.

Amid the initial chaos, police were called to the scene for an alleged active shooter, setting off a frenzy at the airport. That, however, turned out to be a false report.

Miami Herald staff writer Vinod Sreeharsha contributed to this report
We need to bring the temperature down in our politics. Here's how NJ could do it: Stile

State Sen. Jon Bramnick, a Republican candidate for governor next year, succeeded in winning bipartisan support in 2017 for a resolution calling on New Jersey residents to treat other with greater civility.

The measure, which passed the Assembly 76-0, had a kumbaya quaintness to it, an appeal to better angels to watch our tongues, especially here, in a crowded state where it is easy to get frustrated, especially while waiting in line or sitting in traffic," as the resolution read.

It invoked the wisdom of Aristotle and the idealism of PBS Mr. Rogers, envisioning a New Jersey where a chain of goodwill would increase throughout the stores, streets, and neighborhoods of New Jersey, even with just the slightest effort of each individual.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Obviously, this could use a little updating after last weekends terrifying assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

It was an episode that jarred a polarized nation, leading many to believe that the heated, fear-mongering rhetoric had now metastasized into political violence. Tone it down. Lower the temperature. And, in Bramnicks case, that means simply revising an old resolution.

The spirit of that resolution is as important as ever," Bramnick wrote last week. Let me be clear, debating our political differences makes us stronger. But that debate should never devolve into hateful rhetoric, treating opponents as enemies, or turning to violence.

The seal of New Jersey on the rotunda floor in the newly-renovated Statehouse in Trenton on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

So Bramnick is welcoming input  at least from his fellow legislators. Of course, the Union County state senator is trying to further burnish his civil, above-the-fray brand as the Never Trumper for the 2025 race.

Here's my proposed NJ civility resolution

But regardless of motive, a revised resolution  one with more Jersey bluntness and less Aristotelian high-mindedness  might give a chance for a needed debate about how to better reconsider political debate.

For one thing, it may require people in public life to step up and vigorously call out hateful, demeaning and sometimes racist language that spikes the political temperature and puts political tribes on a wartime footing.

It may also force those to remind that, while blame belongs to figures on both parties, Trump has trafficked in the language of anger, grievance, violence and racist dog whistles since his American carnage debut in 2016. It is no accident that this anger and division has erupted during his rise to power and his four-year exile.

So although Bramnick didn't open his suggestion box to the broader public, I took the liberty to provide some ideas for a revised resolution. I even framed them around the formal format of a resolution. Here goes:

WHEREAS, it is widely acknowledged that political debate has hit a fevered pitch;

WHEREAS, it is also common for leaders in both political parties to temporize, make excuses or hide under a rock when one of their leaders says something divisive or dreadful;

WHEREAS, failure to publicly and forcefully call out such egregious action and language helps normalize it and allow it to flourish;

NOW, THEREFORE:

We urge all Never-Trumpers to refrain from comparing the ascendancy of Trump and his Make America Great Again supporters to the rise of the Nazis in Germany in the early 1930s, even though Trumps current running mate described Trump as Americas Hitler;

We condemn President Joe Bidens declaration to donors that it was time to put a bull's-eye on Trumps back;

We resoundingly condemn the conduct of violent extremists and avoid any attempts to validate their conduct by claiming that some of the protests involved good people, such as the torchbearers chanting Jews will not replace us in Charlottesville in 2018;

We rigorously oppose any attempt to minimize the violence at the U.S. Capital on Jan. 6, 2021 as right wing talk show host and Republican candidate gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea did in the weeks after the incident.

We refuse to raise and spend campaign money on any candidate for office who has been a member of violent, white supremacist groups like the Proud Boys in hopes of denying them a public platform to spew their hateful views;

We forcefully denounce any future attempts by the ex-president or other prominent officials to validate groups like the Proud Boys, as Trump did in a 2020 debate with Biden when he urged its members "stand back and stand by," a remark widely criticized as a tacit endorsement of the group;

We publicly oppose remarks like those made by Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California, who urged voters to publicly confront and harass Trump administration officials in restaurants, department stores and other public places;

We condemn language that paints immigrants with a broad brush as rapists, drug dealers and gang members;

We forcefully condemn any future attempts by Trump to mock or make light of the violent hammer attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of New Jersey.

Charlie Stile is a veteran New Jersey political columnist. For unlimited access to his unique insights into New Jerseys political power structure and his powerful watchdog work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: stile@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to cool down U.S. politics over who's running for president: Stile
Temporary driver services center opens in Lebanon. Location, hours and what you can do

Mobile driver service center units opened Monday in Lebanon while the city's regular driver services center is closed for a remodel.

The state's mobile station will work out of two buses according to Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security spokesperson Wesley Moster. The location is at 410 Park Drive in the parking lot next to the Lebanon Public Works building, Moster said.

Hours at the temporary mobile site will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, while the regular Lebanon Driver Services Center on Maddox Simpson Parkway is closed. It is expected to reopen in January according to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Two buses are being used as mobile units for a temporary driver license services center in Lebanon while the regular DMV facility is remodeled.

At the mobile unit set up in Lebanon citizens will be able to complete:

Road skills and vision testing

Obtain a regular driver's license, commercial driver's license, Real ID, photo ID, and update, replace, or renew drivers licenses.

The mobile units will only accept credit or debit card payments. Citizens can make a road skills test appointment online at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html.

Knowledge tests will not be administered at the mobile units.

The mobile units are visible from Tennessee Boulevard. Vehicles should enter from Tennessee Boulevard, Lebanon Commissioner of Public Works Jeff Baines said. Weather should not be an issue for the buses to provide services, Moster said.

While Lebanon's Driver Service Center is closed, area residents can also visit other nearby centers, self-service kiosks or use online services, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The Wilson County Clerks Office, 129 S. College Street in Lebanon, is available by appointment only.

During the remodel, citizens can also visit nearby Driver Services Centers, the Wilson County Clerks Office, nearby Self-Service Kiosks, or utilize online services.

Teenagers between 15 and 17 years of age can take the knowledge test online under a parent or guardians supervision via the Tennessee Proctor Identification (PID) app.

Lebanon City Council took action to approve the temporary setup, Mayor Rick Bell said.

There was no city funding involved, Baines said.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mobile driver services unit opens in Lebanon as DMV center remodeled
Tennessee Democratic National Convention delegates are ready to throw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as their new presidential nominee after President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would drop his reelection campaign.

On a Sunday afternoon call, the Tennessee delegates unanimously voted to support Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, three delegates said, a signal of a fast-moving effort to coalesce behind the vice president in the hours after Biden dropped out.

Megan Lange, a DNC delegate for the Tennessee Congressional District 6, said she feels "strongly" the Volunteer State delegation will unite behind the vice president.

Vice President Kamala Harris shares a laugh with a graduate during the Tennessee State University graduation ceremony at Tennessee State University Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

"Her name is already out there. She's connected with donors and voters in a large way," said Lange, a member of the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee. "She has the stage presence that is needed, and we have 107 days left until Election Day. That is more than enough time for someone who has such a strong platform to simply expand it."

The DNC, which will be held in Chicago in four weeks, is now shaping up to emerge as one of the most historic political conventions in modern American politics.

Tennessee delegates were previously pledged to nominate Biden, who won Tennessee's spring primary, but Democratic bylaws do not legally require them to stick to that pledge.

With Biden out of the mix and open convention in play, Democrats could see a brokered convention, a rarity in U.S. politics. However, many Tennessee Democrats are already pledging their support to Harris. If a cohesive Harris coalition emerges among delegates, it could stave off a heated, drawn-out convention.

"She has the experience and unmatched ability to prosecute the case against Trump/Vance and their Project 2025," said Chris Anderson, a Tennessee delegate from Chattanooga and member of the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee.

Tennessee's delegation was already scheduled to meet on a 3 p.m. CDT convention logistics calls when Biden's announcement and Harris endorsement dropped in quick succession. Soon, the call turned into endorsement talks, and Tennessee's delegation appeared to be the first delegation to formally endorse Harris on Sunday.

For Kyler Gilkey, a Tennessee delegate from Memphis, it was an easy vote to make, given her vice presidential experience. Though Biden's Sunday announcement threw the U.S. political sphere into disarray, Gilkey praised the president for his decision to step aside during a pivotal presidential election.

"The Democratic Party isn't about one person. It's not about just Joe Biden," Gilkey said. "For him to give up his position as president for another term, it's telling of the idea of the Democratic Party and what we stand for. It was easy for me to put my full support by the vice president. She has been doing this job and understands what it takes. I feel like she will be capable on day one."

Freda Player, a delegate and Metro Nashville School Board member, said she "cannot wait" to nominate Harris in Chicago, noting Harris' experience in local, state and federal politics.

This is the most consequential election of our liftime," Player said, calling Harris the "future" of the Democratic Party. "Democracy is on the line."

As the Biden news broke on Sunday, some warned an open nomination could throw the Democrats into total disarray. Lange is confident the party can pivot to a new ticket in time to mount a serious autumn challenge against former President Donald Trump. "People have short memories," Lange said.

"I'm not worried about the timing," Lange said. "I do believe there will be young women and young voters of color who will be more energized by the idea of voting for someone who looks like them and experiences life more like them."

Are Tennessee delegates not already pledged to Biden?

Yes, but there have long been DNC bylaws in place to allow pledged delegates to change their votes due to extenuating circumstances.

With Biden declining the nomination, pledges can now take advantage of the good conscience clause, as its known.

Originally adopted in the 1980s, the "good conscience" clause was added so delegates at the DNC can vote for anyone they choose if they, in all good conscience, represent their beliefs even if the person didn't win the primary in their state.

Rule 13(J) reads as follows: "Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them."

Will all of Tennessee's DNC delegates swap to Harris?

Yes, the Tennessee delegates appeared poised to back Harris after Sunday's vote, though they may not be required to.

Anderson, the Chattanooga delegate, said he sees a "ton of support coalescing" around Harris among delegates right now. He himself supports Harris, but has "no problem" with other candidates running and delegates being released to choose who they feel is best.

"The last time Republicans nominated someone besides Trump, it was Mitt Romney 12 years ago," Anderson said. "I'm thrilled at how deep our bench is compared to theirs."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee's Democratic delegates vote to endorse VP Kamala Harris
TAMPA  For a glimpse at the race to be Hillsborough Countys next public defender, look to the scene inside a packed banquet room this past spring in the Hotel Haya. Most in the crowd seemed interested in fireworks among the three candidates vying to be the countys top prosecutor.

Rocky Brancato and Lisa McLean, who aim to work the other side of the courtroom, sat quietly at the end of the same table on stage. Amid a battery of questions geared mostly toward how best to deal with crime, the pair made dueling pitches for why they could best represent the countys indigent defendants, and took some shots at each other.

It will take her a full four-year term to learn what Ive learned in 20 years, said Brancato.

We can keep looking backward, or we can look forward, said McLean.

It has been 20 years since Hillsborough County last saw a campaign for public defender, who heads an office that employs 120 attorneys who provide legal representation to criminal defendants who cant afford their own lawyers. Julianne Holt, who has held the seat since 1993, last year announced plans to retire.

As the two Democrats trudge toward an August election open to all Hillsborough County voters, theirs is a low-key yet bitter political battle. The office carries an annual salary of $212,562.

Brancato is Holts director of operations, effectively the second-in-command, who has been with the office two decades. He has her endorsement, and the support of other elected leaders, but trails McLean in fundraising.

McLean is a private defense lawyer and a 34-year veteran of Tampas legal scene, with experience as a prosecutor and public defender. She has drawn broad support from the legal community, including from two retired chief judges, with a campaign that promises change.

A career public defender

As a young lawyer, Brancato said, he was inclined toward becoming a prosecutor. He came from a military family. His father was a judge advocate general. But as he watched his first trials in Pensacola courtrooms, he was more impressed with the public defense lawyers and the acquittals they won in the face of long odds.

He turned down an offer to work for the state attorney, instead starting his career at the public defenders office in Escambia County. In 2003, he moved to Tampa and began working for Holt.

Hes handled some of the offices most difficult cases. He led the team that represented Kendrick Morris, the teenage boy known as the Bloomingdale Library rapist. He was also part of the trial team that persuaded a jury to reject the death penalty for Richard McTear, who was accused of tossing his girlfriends baby onto Interstate 275.

Brancato, 52, said he considered running to become a judge. But when Holt announced her retirement last year, he reconsidered.

I cant imagine doing anything else, he said.

He told the crowd at the Hotel Haya that nothing needs to change in the office. Nevertheless, there are some things he wants to do differently.

He wants to staff the offices juvenile bureau with lawyers who specifically want to work those types of cases. The bureau currently serves as a training ground for new lawyers, but Brancato believes it takes a special kind of advocate to work with clients who are children. He also wants to appoint a specialist to handle juveniles who are charged as adults.

A seasoned defense lawyer

As she campaigns, McLean, 59, touts humble roots. A longtime Tampa resident, she was the first person in her family to attend college. She pursued law as a career at first with the notion of making money, believing her work would be largely transactional. But she found a calling to public service. She got her start as a legal intern for the late former State Attorney Bill James.

She became a public defender and gained early experience as a lawyer in the trenches, she said.

One case that looms in her memory involved a man who injured himself in a fall inside an apartment building. Desperate for help, he used a lighter to try to attract attention. It started a fire, which summoned firefighters, but also damaged the building. McLean represented him on an arson charge and won an acquittal.

She later moved to the other side of the courtroom, becoming a chief in the office of statewide prosecution, and then moved to private practice. She has run her own criminal defense firm since 2006.

McLean was at the public defenders office when Holt took charge 1993. She credits her with bringing positive change. But as she campaigns to succeed her, shes critical of many aspects of how the office is run. She wants attorneys to feel supported. She wants to reduce their caseloads. And she wants to bring in new technology.

Her ideas include harnessing artificial intelligence software to make it easier for attorneys to examine things like video evidence. She also wants to create an app for clients to more easily access their attorneys and case materials. She also wants to explore technology that allows defense lawyers to be notified if their client is in danger of violating probation.

Its not just technology for technologys sake, she said.

Criticisms and soured friendships

On the campaign trail, things have gotten testy. McLeans supporters took note of Brancatos comments at a recent Tea & Conversation event. McLean didnt want to discuss it publicly. But Brancato now admits he may have gone too far when he told attendees that he and McLean were no longer friends.

The comment came as he expressed frustration with criticisms McLean has voiced about the office.

She has claimed that some defendants use the public defenders services despite having enough money to hire their own lawyers. She has seen it as a defense lawyer, she said, when prospective clients tell her theyre considering going with the public defender. Such cases take away resources from those who really need it, she said.

Its an abuse of the system, she said.

Brancato insists that isnt true, that no public defender wants to represent someone who isnt indigent.

McLean says the office culture is one of distrust. One example: She claims employees must undergo a psychiatric examination before promotions.

Brancato says thats also not true. Its a leadership development program, he said, not a mental exam.

Mclean speaks of high staff turnover, with many employees who leave for other public service jobs.

Brancato says turnover is no worse than at any public agency. He noted that 20 attorneys have recently returned to the public defenders office after short stints elsewhere.

Lately Brancato has hit back with accusations of his own.

Instead of telling people what she wants to do, she wants to trash the office, Brancato said.

He has been critical of her technology proposals. He says there is no need for an app because the office already uses a software portal to share information with clients.

He has questioned whether McLean is adequately involved in the community volunteering.

Ive been much more focused on running a successful business that supports human beings and raising a family, she said.

McLean denies shes being critical of the offices lawyers. Rather, she said, shes being critical of the system in which they work.

In my mind, I have done nothing but tell the truth, she said. And if Im being critical of the office, I see that as part of my role in running for public defender and having the opportunity to point out to the community things I think can be done better.

  

Tampa Bay Times Election Coverage

2024 primary voter guide: Over 100 local candidates on the issues: Heres whos running for office and their stances on abortion, immigration, local schools and more.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Texas delegation headed to the Democratic National Convention made it official Monday night  it wants Kamala Harris to be the partys nominee for president in an overwhelming majority.

Texas Democrats said via a press release that Harris is uniquely qualified to beat Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

How are Texas leaders reacting to Biden withdrawing from presidential race?

(Monday), the Texas Democratic National Delegation proudly announced our endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as our partys nominee for President. Her historic tenure as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office of the Vice President has been marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and progress for all Americans. With her extensive experience, dedication to public service, and proven leadership, we believe Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to defeat Donald Trump and lead our nation forward  championing the values and ideals that unite us as a country. Texas Democratic Party

State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, an Austin Democrat serving as a superdelegate at the convention, said Monday shes following Bidens lead to support Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

I have been involved in the conventions in the past, and Ill tell you frankly, usually, theyre pretty boring affairs. This one is not going to be boring, Eckhardt said. Its going to be history-making, history-making in a really positive way.

Texas Democrats are sending a total of 273 delegates to the DNC, which officially begins Aug. 19 in Chicago. Angel Carroll, a first-time delegate from Williamson County, said she hoped the states delegates would publicly back Harris before they go to the convention.

We are less than 100 days away from early voting, Carroll said. We have some catching up to do. We have some work to do.

She said theres a lot more momentum and energy, though, in a potential Harris candidacy, pointing to reports about an eye-popping number of donations. A spokesperson said Monday afternoon the campaign raised $81 million in 24 hours, setting a new fundraising record for a one-day haul.

But we have to all align quickly, coalesce behind [Harris] and start hitting the streets and making sure that folks know who and what is on the ballot, Carroll said. I think shes gonna give President Trump a run for his money, and I look forward to watching it.

As of Monday afternoon, no major Democrat has entered the race to challenge Harris for the partys nomination. Thats why another first-time DNC delegate, Daniel Ayala of Hays County, said it appears the vice president is the most likely person to lead the top of the ticket.

I fully support Vice President Harris to be the new nominee, Ayala explained. By that same token, I want to make sure that we run things in an open, transparent manner and allow for folks to come in, right, because the cards the way they seem to be falling right now, its going to be Kamala Harriss job, right? But you cant just crown someone. You have to let it go through democratically. You have to let the process see itself through for that to happen, which I have no doubt it will happen that way. It just needs to allow itself to happen.

Ayala said he already spoke to a couple of Texas Democratic Party leaders and got assurances there would be no mandate for delegates to support Harris, which he appreciates.

I like that our party is understanding that were not here to just be told what to do, right, that we have a voice and it matters, Ayala added.

Eckhardt explained how the voting will work on the convention floor when the delegates select both a presidential and vice presidential nominee.

We will go into the convention with individuals who have already pledged to Harris, and then we will have our first ballot vote, I imagine will probably decide on the first ballot, Eckhardt said. As a superdelegate, I wouldnt vote until a second ballot if the first ballot doesnt produce a nominee, but I feel very confident that the first ballot is going to produce a nominee.

Several other state parties already announced their DNC delegates met Sunday and decided to pledge support for Harris as a bloc.

Texas has the third largest amount of delegates following California and New York. Where their support goes could help tip the scales if multiple candidates declare theyre challenging Harris for the nomination.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the LBJ Museum in Austin on Oct. 8, 2022. Her role on border security is already the focus of criticism from Texas Republicans. Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune

Texas Republicans on Monday attacked Vice President Kamala Harris over her role handling immigration policy for the Biden administration, a potential liability as she emerges as the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

They sought to blame Harris, the leading candidate to replace President Joe Biden after he announced he will refuse the nomination, for a surge in illegal immigration since the pair took office three and a half years ago.

At a news conference in Houston, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said on a scale of 1 to 100, hed rate Harriss performance in that role negative 6,003.

She has presided over the worst invasion of the United States of America in the history of our country; 11.5 million people, Cruz said. And its deliberate. She wanted this to happen. Joe Biden wanted this to happen.

President Biden in 2021 made Harris the administrations point person on the root cause of immigration, a broad assignment that tasked the vice president with investigating the factors behind the wave of migration from Mexico and Central American countries. Biden assigned her to focus on Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador in particular, since a surge in migrants was coming from that region.

But Cruz and others sought to link Harris to policies governing the U.S.-Mexico border. Cruz said open border policies supported by Biden and Harris are the reason why historically Democratic South Texas is shifting toward the Republican Party.

Cruz blamed these policies for allowing human traffickers to abuse children, rape women and smuggle deadly fentanyl into the United States.

Kamala Harris has been in charge of it and she deliberately produced this crisis, so sadly if she is president, the only reasonable expectation is this gets worse, Cruz said.

Joining Cruz in Houston, State Rep. Charles Cunningham, R-Humble, chided Harris for not visiting the border more often and said during his own trips to the Rio Grande he was stunned to see migrants from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

I saw several people, looked like they were still in the airport with their luggage, just rolling across, Cunningham said. That is all because of the policies we have today with this current administration.

Harris County Democratic Party Chair Mike Doyle said a lot of conservative attacks on Harris on the issue are disingenuous because Republicans in Congress blocked a bipartisan border security bill the vice president had helped negotiate with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump urged Republicans in Congress to block the $118 billion deal, which would have increased spending on border personnel and made it more difficult for migrants to request asylum.

Theyve lost their right to accuse anybody of anything based on that, Doyle said. They really did intentionally sabotage an immigration solution just to fabricate a political issue.

The first wave of Republican comments as Harris emerged as the leading Democratic contender pointed to an issue that is likely to attract even more attention. Other Republicans were quick to denounce Harris for her work on immigration.

The border czar has been an utter failure, Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, sharing a clip of Harris speaking. America's future is bleak if the border czar becomes president.

Abbott suggested that Texas may need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border.

Should Harris become her partys nominee, her campaigns messaging around immigration will be critical. In a University of Houston survey of Texas voters released July 11, 23% of respondents listed immigration and border security as their top issue informing their vote for president, more than any other issue. Of those respondents, 40% were supporters of Donald Trump and 4% backed Biden (the poll was taken before the president dropped out of the race).

Big news: director and screenwriter Richard Linklater; NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher; U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California; and Luci Baines Johnson will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 57 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!
A Texas school built to segregate Mexican Americans is now a National Park.

Blackwell School in Marfa was opened in 1909 until 1965, and served as the sole education system for Hispanic students in the area. Today, President Joe Biden adds this historic site as the seventh National Park established during his term, and the newest U.S. National Park.

A complete history of America must include everyones story. The designation of the Blackwell School National Historic Site is an important step in telling a more diverse and inclusive history of the Mexican American experience in our country, said Chuck Sams, Director of the National Park Service.

Today, the school stands to honor the memory of past students and teachers. With the original two buildings, the school house and the band house, visitors can see photos, memorabilia and quotes from those who attended.

Blackwell School is now Texas third National Park. Big Bend in the Rio Grande Valley was the first national park established in 1944. Then came Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Dell City in 1972. Texas has 14 protected areas that fall under the National Park Service which includes sites, preserves and parks.

Blackwell School was historically built because of de facto segregation for Mexican American students in Marfa, Texas in 1909. Now in 2024, it has been established as a National Park.

Blackwell School History

Segregated by prejudice rather than law, this school was a symbol of resilience as the towns Hispanic residents struggled to maintain their culture amid racist treatment and unequal educational opportunities, according to the National Park Service.

In 1909, what was formerly a Methodist church, now opened as a school for the Hispanic community who lived in Marfa. There was no state law that said the school had to be segregated, but Texas ran by de facto segregation.

The schoolhouse taught hundreds of children up until the ninth grade. They were not allowed to speak or write Spanish. In fact, Spanish words were written on pieces of paper and buried to mimic a funeral, according to Blackwell Schools website.

The school closed in 1965 because the Marfa Independent School District integrated. The building was left vacant for years until 2006, when the Blackwell School Alliance saw the need for preservation.

The one-story schoolhouse has a modified hip roof, front-gabled entry, and plastered 24-inch thick adobe walls on a stone foundation, according to the Blackwell School website. Beside minor renovations to preserve the historical school and band houses, the site stays nearly the same as when it was a running education system.

Blackwell School National Park

Blackwell School National Park is about a seven-hour drive from Fort Worth. It is located at 501 South Abbott Street in Marfa.

If you cannot make it to the National Park, Marfa public radio has a voices of Blackwell feature that features students sharing their experiences at Blackwell School. Five students have been featured and shared their experiences.

Right now, visitors can only visit Blackwell School on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., but admission is free year-round.
A sign for Boeing is seen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire/dpa

Lufthansa Technik, the aircraft maintenance subsidiary of German airline Lufthansa, has struck a licensing deal with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to overhaul the interiors of Boeing 787 aircraft.

Lufthansa and Boeing revealed the agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom on Monday.

The deal makes Lufthansa Technik the first company in the world with such far-reaching authorizations to overhaul Boeing aircraft and have the planes certified by regulators.

Up until now, cabin interior modifications and certification by the supervisory authorities were reserved for the manufacturer.

Lufthansa Technik says it offers the entire range of services for such conversions and refers to its own experience with aircraft for private customers or special missions.

Lufthansa manager Andrew Muirhead told the German newspaper Handelsblatt that an aircraft cabin is modernized approximately every seven years.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office took the time to praise a man on July 22 for going above and beyond to assist a family stranded near a roadway and thank law enforcement for their help.

According to the sheriffs office, Deputy Allen was called to help a motorist in Tom Green County on Friday, July 19. When Allen arrived, he met with a man who had stopped to assist a woman and her relative with a blown-out tire on their vehicle. The man, whose name was not given in the social media post, had called TGSO for additional help after having issues changing the tire with what he had available at the time.

Allen and the good Samaritan worked for approximately 20 minutes in the wonderful West Texas afternoon heat of 100 degrees with zero complaints to replace the damaged tire with a spare. After the vehicle was roadworthy once again, the stranded motorist and her family member thanked the men before departing. The deputy and man then split ways themselves with nothing else said or discussed.

The unexpected roadside assistance wouldnt be the last time the sheriffs office heard from the unidentified helping hand, however. TGSO stated that the man later called its dispatch to thank Allen, describing how he went above and beyond to assist the driver and her family in their time of need.

He did not ask to be identified or called back, he just wanted someone to know that Deputy Allen did a great job, TGSO said.

Dispatch would notify the patrol lieutenant of the mans gratitude. The lieutenant was then able to produce a video recorded during Allens time working the call, taking a few screenshots that showcase the deputy and civilians collaboration.

Body camera footage filmed on July 19, 2024, shows a Tom Green County Sheriffs Office deputy and an unidentified man working together to replace a stranded motorists tire during scorching afternoon heat.

Body camera footage filmed on July 19, 2024, shows a Tom Green County Sheriffs Office deputy and an unidentified man working together to replace a stranded motorists tire during scorching afternoon heat.

So thank you to our good citizens and our deputies for being who you are! TGSO said. We know this type of positive interaction happens all the time, but hey, this one got an extra highlight because of the complimentary phone call, and we appreciate the heck out of it!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
'The End': How newspapers around the world covered Biden's exit from the race

Biden's exit from the 2024 race was plastered across the front pages of newspapers around the world. (Yahoo News/Freedom Forum)

President Bidens decision to drop out of the 2024 race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris was an above-the-fold story on the front pages of virtually every newspaper in the United States on Monday  and many others around the world.

Most newspapers ran photos of a somber-looking Biden, some with him walking toward an exit or up the steps onto Air Force One. Others chose images of Biden and Harris together to symbolize his passing of the torch to the partys new standard bearer.

And nearly all of them played it straight. Even the New York Post, the tabloid owned by Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch, resisted its signature puns with a photo of Biden leaving a White House event alongside the two-word headline: The End.

The New York Post (Freedom Forum)

Below are just some of Mondays covers, courtesy of Freedom Forum.

The Arizona Republic (Freedom Forum)

The Los Angeles Times (Freedom Forum)

The San Francisco Chronicle (Freedom Forum)

The Mercury News (Freedom Forum)

The Washington Post (Freedom Forum)

The Miami Herald (Freedom Forum)

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Freedom Forum)

The Hawaii Tribune Herald (Freedom Forum)

The Chicago Sun-Times (Freedom Forum)

The Detroit Free Press (Freedom Forum)

The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune (Freedom Forum)

The Missoulian (Freedom Forum)

The (New York) Daily News (Freedom Forum)

The Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle (Freedom Forum)

The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer (Freedom Forum)

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Freedom Forum)

The Tennessean (Freedom Forum)

The Dallas Morning News (Freedom Forum)

The Houston Chronicle (Freedom Forum)

USA Today (Freedom Forum)

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Freedom Forum)

Politiken (Freedom Forum)

Augsburger Allgemeine (Freedom Forum)

The Irish Times (Freedom Forum)

Yedioth Ahronoth (Freedom Forum)

The Haaretz (Freedom Forum)

The Kuwait Times (Freedom Forum)

The (Jamaica) Gleaner (Freedom Forum)

El Informador (Freedom Forum)

De Volkskrant (Freedom Forum)

Blick (Freedom Forum)

The Daily Mail (Freedom Forum)

Correio Braziliense (Freedom Forum)
Therapists learn how to help farmers cope with stress before its too late

Jason Haglund stands outside a machine shed on his familys farm. He has seen how farmers traditional self-sufficiency can make them hesitate to seek help for mental stress.(Photo by Tony Leys | KFF Health News).

GRINNELL, Iowa  The farmers co-op here is a center of hope every spring. Its where farmers buy seed and fertilizer for the summers crops, and where they seek tips to maximize their harvest of corn and soybeans.

But on a recent morning, a dozen mental health professionals gathered at the Key Cooperative Agronomy Center to discuss why so many farmers quietly struggle with untreated anxiety and depression.

Studies have concluded that suicide is unusually common among farmers. Researchers believe its not just because many farmers have other risk factors, such as rural addresses and access to guns.

Need help?

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

The tragic trend has caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which sponsors training sessions like the one in Grinnell to help health care professionals learn how to talk to farmers about the pressures they face in wringing a living out of the land.

A lot of them are born to it. They dont have any choice, family therapist David Brown explained to the sessions participants. He noted many farms have been passed down for generations. Current owners feel that if they fail, they would be letting down their grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren.

Brown, who works for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, led the training in Grinnell. He said farmers fate hinges on factors out of their control. Will the weather be favorable? Will world events cause prices to soar or crash? Will political conflicts spark changes in federal agricultural support programs? Will a farmer suffer an injury or illness that makes them unable to perform critical chores?

Brown said surveys show many farmers are reluctant to seek mental health care, partly because they think therapists or doctors couldnt understand their lives.

Tina Recker, a mental health therapist in northeastern Iowa, attended the training session. She has lived on farms, and she has seen how the profession can become a persons entire identity.

Its just farm, farm, farm, farm, she told the group. If something goes wrong with it, thats your whole world.

Its difficult to estimate how much of farmers increased risk of suicide is due to their profession.

Part of the reason for the elevated rate could be that many farmers are middle-aged or older men, who tend to be more at risk in general.

But its broader than that for sure, said Edwin Lewis, a USDA administrator who helps oversee efforts to address the situation.

The Grinnell training session was part of a federal program called the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Lewis said the program, which also funds counseling hotlines and support groups, spends $10 million a year.

Jason Haglund sees the issue from multiple angles. Hes a mental health advocate who farms part-time near the central Iowa town of Boone. He and his brother-in-law raise corn and soybeans on the 500-acre farm where Haglund grew up. His family has farmed in the area since the 1880s. His parents hung on despite going into bankruptcy during the 1980s farm crisis, and he embraces his role as caretaker of their legacy.

Haglund is trained as an alcohol and drug addiction counselor, and he co-hosts an Iowa podcast about the need to improve mental health care.

He said it can be stressful to run any kind of family business. But farmers have a particularly strong emotional tie to their heritage, which keeps many in the profession.

Lets be honest: Farming at all these days isnt necessarily a good financial decision, he said.

Farmers traditionally have valued self-sufficiency, he said. They try to solve their own problems, whether its a busted tractor or a debilitating bout of anxiety.

With the older generation, its still, Suck it up and get over it, Haglund said.

Many younger people seem more willing to talk about mental health, he said. But in rural areas, many lack access to mental health care.

Farmers suicide risk is also heightened by many of them owning guns, which provide an immediate means to act on deadly impulses, Haglund said.

Guns are an accepted part of rural life, in which they are seen as a useful tool to control pests, he said. You cant go into a rural community and say, Were going to take your guns away, he said. But a trusted therapist or friend might suggest that a depressed person temporarily hand over their guns to someone else who can safely store them.

Haglund said health care professionals shouldnt be the only ones learning how to address mental stresses. He encourages the public to look into mental health first aid, a national effort to spread knowledge about symptoms of struggle and how they can be countered.

A 2023 review of studies on farmer suicides in multiple countries, including the U.S., cited cultural and economic stresses.

Farmers who died by suicide, particularly men, were described as hard-working, strong, private people who took great pride in being the stoic breadwinners of their families. They were often remembered as members of a unique and fading culture who were poorly understood by outsiders, wrote the authors, from the University of Alberta in Canada.

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, a psychology professor who helped write the paper, said health professionals face two challenges: Persuading farmers to seek help for mental stress, then encouraging them to keep coming back for therapy.

Back at the training in Iowa, instructors urged mental health professionals to have flexible schedules, and to be understanding when farmers postpone appointments at the last minute.

Maybe one of their animals is sick and needs attention. Maybe a machine broke and needs to be fixed immediately. Maybe the weather is perfect for planting or harvesting.

Time is money, said Brown, the therapist leading the training.

The sessions lessons included what to ask and not ask when meeting farmers. A big no-no is inquiring right away about how much land they are working.

If you ask them how many acres theyre farming, thats like asking to see their bank account, warned Rich Gassman, director of Iowas Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, who assisted with the lesson.

It would be better to start by asking what they enjoy about farming, the instructors said.

Many farmers also need to talk through emotional issues surrounding when, how, or even if the next generation will take over the family operation.

Tim Christensen, a farm management specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said some standard advice on how to deal with stress could backfire with farmers.

For example, he said, a health care professional should never advise a farmer to relax by taking a couple of weeks off. Most of them cant get away from their responsibilities for that long, he said.

Theres a common saying on the farm: No good vacation goes unpunished.

Warning Signs of Mental Struggle

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists these signs that a person might be considering suicide:

The person talks about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, or having unbearable pain.

The person increases their use of alcohol or drugs, sleeps too much or too little, displays fatigue or aggression, withdraws from activities and family and friends, visits or calls people to say goodbye, gives away possessions, or searches online for a way to end their life.

People considering suicide often seem depressed, anxious, irritable, angry, ashamed, or uninterested in activities. In some cases, they may appear to feel sudden relief or improvement in their mood.

People in crisis can reach the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
There's a surge in Americans applying for secondary passports. Political unrest ahead of the election and a rise in antisemitism are 2 major factors.

Henley & Partners cited political uncertainty and antisemitism as two reasons contributing to an ongoing surge in Americans seeking secondary passports. Simon Marcus Taplin/Getty

Henley & Partners sees an ongoing surge in Americans seeking secondary passports in 2024.

Applications spiked due to political uncertainty and antisemitism concerns, the law firm said.

Secondary passports can serve as an insurance policy of sorts, with costs starting at $200,000 per person.

The number of Americans seeking secondary passports continues to surge, according to global citizen firm Henley & Partners.

A spokesperson for the firm said it received a 125% increase in American applications between the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. That number rose again in the second quarter of 2024, with another 86% increase in applications compared to the first three months of the year, the firm said.

Judi Galst, who manages the Henley & Partners' New York office, told Business Insider that secondary passports are a sort of "insurance policy" for clients rather than a place they plan to move to permanently. She said interest in secondary passports has grown globally in the last few years, and it started with the pandemic.

It's not all doomsday scenarios driving the interest, Galst said. Some people want a secondary retirement home and the flexibility to go back and forth.

However, she said others want to diversify their assets due to political instability with the upcoming election, and Jewish Americans are increasingly seeking a possible escape method due to a rise in antisemitism.

"I talk to hundreds of clients, and I hear a lot about concern about the election and just the words 'Plan B,'" Galst said. "And, you know what, I hear from people on both sides."

One of Galst's clients, a 77-year-old living in New York who prefers to stay anonymous for safety reasons, is working with his wife and daughter to get a secondary passport in Antigua. He was born to European ancestry right after World War II ended and said he grew up listening to stories about the Holocaust.

"You live through history, you have to learn the messages from history," he said. "We thought maybe we should take some precautions."

The client said that his family decided in November 2023 that they needed a backup option. He said he had come to fear political extremism on both sides and felt intimidated by what he called a mob mentality of protests in New York City critical of Israel.

The FBI's hate-crime statistics report has found that Jews are the most-targeted religious group, and there's been a rise in hate crimes and violence against Jews since the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas. In April, the Anti-Defamation League, which records antisemitic incidents, tracked 3,283 incidents between October 7, 2023, and January 7, 2024, indicating a 360% year-over-year increase. At least 628 of the incidents targeted Jewish institutions like synagogues, the report said.

Acquiring a secondary passport isn't cheap, though. Galst said clients interested in a Caribbean passport can either make a nonrefundable contribution of $200,000 or invest in real estate for around $325,000 or $300,000.

The New York client said Antigua was one of the quicker options and his family didn't want to wait years to get it done. He also said it's becoming more common in the Jewish community as antisemitism grows  he referenced a recent incident on the NYC subway that resulted in charges against a man  and that several of his Jewish friends or acquaintances are getting secondary passports to Portugal, another common location.

"We need to have an escape," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Third of four extra-large super loads to move to central Ohio

COLUMBUS  The 14th of nearly two dozen super loads, and third of four loads that exceed 900,000 pounds, will depart the dock site in Adams County on Wednesday, July 24. The convoy will head to New Albany to deliver the load to the site of the new Intel plant in Licking County.

This load, an air processor known as a cold box used in the silicon chip manufacturing process, measures approximately 22 feet, 9 inches tall, 19 feet. 9 inches. wide, 278 feet, 2 inches long, and weighs 915,546 pounds.

The move is scheduled to take more than a week. It will make stops in West Portsmouth, Lucasville, Chillicothe, Rickenbacker, Pickerington, and Pataskala, before being delivered on Tuesday, July 30.

Complete route details can be found at transportation.ohio.gov/superload.

These extra-large loads will have significant traffic impacts as they move. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and avoid the route while the load is moving.

Due to the size of the loads and slow speed of the convoy, moves will begin earlier than previous trips to ensure each move can be completed during daylight hours.

Dozens of people came out in downtown Waverly, Ohio, to watch as the Super Load is moved from an Ohio River dock to the Intel chip-manufacturing plant in New Albany, Ohio. The Pike County Courthouse is visible at upper left.

Because of an anticipated increased interest from the public, large crowds are expected along the route. This will lead to additional traffic delays. Safety of the public and those working to move the load is the top priority. Observers are asked to stay out of the path of the transport trucks and work crews and off the sidewalks along the roadway. Spectators should obey orders to move back if instructed to do so.

Notifications will continue to be made in advance of each load leaving the dock on the Ohio River near the village of Manchester in Adams County. Updates will be provided as each load moves north toward central Ohio.You can find more information, updates, and sign up for email alerts at transportation.ohio.gov/superload.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Another extra-large super load to move through the region beginning Wednesday
Thousands in Ukraine attend funeral of former lawmaker and critic of Russia who was killed in Lviv

Soldiers carry the coffin of former Ukrainian nationalist lawmaker Iryna Farion during a funeral ceremony in Lviv, Ukraine, Monday, July 22, 2024. Farion, who often made outspoken statements defending the Ukrainian language was shot by a gunman in her home city of Lviv. (AP Photo/Mykola Tys)

LVIV, Ukraine (AP)  Several thousand mourners attended the funeral Monday in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for a former lawmaker best known for her campaign to promote the Ukrainian language who was fatally shot in the street by an unknown assailant.

Iryna Farion, 60, was shot on Friday and later died from her wounds in a hospital. A search is underway for her attacker, who fled the scene. Ukrainian officials said the attack is being investigated as an assassination.

Her daughter Sofia Semchyshyn commented about her killing. Killed, they killed her near her house during the day, on a sunny day."

Farion served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament between 2012 and 2014, and was best known for her campaigns to promote the use of the Ukrainian language, urging that Ukrainian officials should not speak Russian. She controversially criticized Russian-speaking members of Ukraines Azov regiment who defended the port city of Mariupol in the first days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Lviv resident Olha Arden, 64, praised Farion.

For me she is a patriot, a nationalist and she is our fighter for the Ukrainian language, the strongest fighter," she said. "For 32 years she fought for the Ukrainian language. We respect and honor her. We will remember her after death.
Three arrested, charged with murder of North Carolina man missing since 2021, Scotland County deputies say

SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  Three people are facing murder charges connected to the 2021 disappearance of Brandon Carl Wayne McDonald, the Scotland County Sheriffs Office announced on Saturday.

Michael Anthony Blue Bethea Jr., 32, Shelena Lynn Clark, 37, and LaKeithan Joe JuJuan Tyson, 25, have all been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and concealment of death.

All three are slated to make initial appearances in Scotland County District Court at 9 a.m. on Monday.

A combined task force involving the Scotland County Sheriffs Office and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have worked the case since McDonald was last seen leaving his home in Clarkton en route to Laurinburg on March 25, 2021.

Charlotte suspect sought, person charged for break-ins around Denver, Stanley areas

Detectives began re-examining the case in May.

After countless hours of continued investigation and newly generated information, the investigation began to move from a missing person to a homicide investigation, authorities said in a statement.

That development led to the Scotland County District Attorneys Office offering resources to assist the task force.

According to The Charley Project, a website that tracks missing persons cases, McDonald left his home about 3 a.m. without saying where he was going. His cell phone last pinged in the area of Cooper Street in Laurinburg.

At 7:10 a.m., McDonald called his father to say he was headed back home within the hour, but he was never heard from again. His wrecked pickup truck was found abandoned in Hope Mills  roughly 37 miles from Laurinburg.

South Carolina man charged with assaulting woman jogger in Pineville: Police

We are appreciative of the multiple law enforcement agencies, search and rescue teams, canine units, fire departments and emergency services wo have spent countless hours over the past three years assisting in the investigation, the Scotland County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

Additionally, we are grateful for the family members and friends of Brandon Carl Wayne McDonald who never stopped pursuing justice for him, the department said.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. E. Haywood at (910) 276-3385, the NCSBI at (800) 334-3000 or Scotland County Crimestoppers at (910) 266-8146.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
One teen is dead, and three people were arrested after a shooting at Klamm Park in Kansas City, Kansas, a spokesman for the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office said.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Branden Baskin of Kansas City, Kansas, said Capt. Michael Kroening with the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded to a shooting shortly before 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the park at 2515 N. 27th Street in Kansas City, Kansas, Kroening said. The park is behind Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Departments Station 14.

Arriving deputies found Baskin dead at the scene. They arrested three suspects, two adults and one juvenile, in the shooting and they were being held pending formal charges, Kroening said.

The sheriffs investigations unit is investigating the homicide. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxurious, classic European-style residences have long been a symbol of the elite in Indonesia, showcasing the status of their affluent residents. The demand for perfectly constructed, symmetrical, and magnificent houses with high-quality interior materials and decoration has surged in recent times. RUMAH KLASIK, an architectural consultant and contractor from Indonesia, specializes in building these classic European-style houses.

European-style classic house design by RUMAH KLASIK

RUMAH KLASIK is the ideal choice for realizing your dream homebeautiful, grand, and comfortable for family living. The founder and CEO of RUMAH KLASIK, Masjudi Yudhie , has been the maestro behind numerous successful classic house projects in Indonesia since 1997. He believes that classic European-style houses are timeless and remain highly desirable, especially among established young families.

"For 27 years, we have worked tirelessly to satisfy our clients and will continue to strive towards becoming the pioneering experts in classic house construction in Indonesia," said Masjudi on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Through #TheRealPerfection, which is evident in every detail of typical European classic buildings, RUMAH KLASIK offers comprehensive services to meet all home needs. Masjudi said RUMAH KLASIK has three main services that clients can access in one place. Starting from architectural services that offer complete architectural designs with ready-to-build 3D drawings. Contractor services have a team of professional contractors who will build a house relatively quickly within nine months. Then, interior design services combine effective, functional room decoration and complete aesthetic value.

"The selected team consists of experienced architects, contractors, and interior designers. Under the leadership of RUMAH KLASIK, we collaborate to create masterpiece buildings," he said.

To cater to residents' needs in building their dream homes both in Indonesia and abroad, RUMAH KLASIK continuously enhances digital service accessibility. The newly revamped website, www.rumahklasik.com , offers comprehensive information about their house-building services. Users can explore RUMAH KLASIK's diverse portfolio of superior projects for an immersive experience.

The exclusive features of the RUMAH KLASIK website simplify the process for clients to understand their needs, allowing them to choose their preferred style in creating a classic European-style dream home.

"RUMAH KLASIK has earned the trust of many Indonesian conglomerates to build their dream homes. We continue to develop our digital service system through our website, which can be easily accessed by anyone for an enhanced experience," concluded Masjudi.

Story continues

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/masjudi-yudhie-the-maestro-behind-classic-house-construction-in-indonesia-since-1997-302202250.html

SOURCE Rumah Klasik
Publication of the BBCs probe into former DJ Tim Westwood has been delayed again due to the ongoing police investigation, the corporation has revealed.

The BBC ordered its own investigation almost two years ago and at that point said it was expected to take six months and would be published in full. However, the report has frequently been delayed as new evidence into misconduct allegations has come to light. Westwood has strongly denied wrongdoing.

More from Deadline

A day before the publication of tomorrows 2024 annual report, the BBC said the Westwood probe has been completed but is now at the stage of going through certain important legal processes before it is in a position to publish the findings.

The review team and the BBC Legal team have been liaising with the police in order to ensure that any steps taken (including publication of the report) do not have a negative impact on any ongoing police investigation, said an update. This is taking time.

Gemma White KC, who has been overseeing the review, intends to update those who contributed before the BBC publishes, the statement added. It said another update would be provided if for legal reasons there needs to be a more substantial delay before any publication.

Westwood is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police over five alleged sex offenses, following BBC News and The Guardian reporting allegations from 18 women. The BBC has in the past declined to comment on whether Tim Davie, the Director General, was among those it questioned. The inquiry could raise awkward questions for Davie, who led the BBCs radio division at a time when Westwood was on air between 2009 and 2012. Back in 2022 and just months after Davie said the BBC had seen no evidence of complaints against the former Radio 1 DJ, the corporation then said it had received six complaints over alleged bullying and sexual misconduct.

The DJ was an influential force in the hip-hop music scene over a 20-year BBC career before he left in 2013.

The inquiry, which has searched through 50,000 documents and cost 3M according to a BBC News report, has already been delayed after a new phoneline prompted significant new information, White previously said.

The news comes with behind-the-scenes- behavior at the BBC once again under the microscope due to the Strictly Come Dancing scandal, which has seen two dancers exit the show over misconduct allegations.

Best of Deadline

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Its time for Congress to intervene with the Bonneville Power Administration

The Lower Monumental Dam on the Snake River, in southeast Washington. (Bonneville Power Administration)

While energy crisis is an overused term, recent estimates show the Pacific Northwest could face a 30% increase in electricity demand over the next decade.

Data center expansions, high-tech manufacturing growth, and a shift from natural gas toward electricity are some factors driving the trend.

Historically, the region has looked to the Bonneville Power Administration to meet rising energy demand. The BPA sells power at the wholesale level to utilities. This energy is produced at 31 federally operated dams, one nuclear plant, and other smaller power plants around the Northwest.

The problem is that a 1980 law has long-handicapped the BPA. And the degree the BPA will be able to help meet the regions electricity needs in the years ahead will depend on the Northwests members of Congress getting re-engaged around the agency.

The delegation has largely ignored BPA for decades, rendering it little more than a minion of the Department of Energy. If this continues, a bad situation will only get worse.

How did we get here?

The Northwest Power Act, approved in 1980, currently governs BPA. It was enacted because BPA in 1974 issued a notice of insufficiency, meaning it could not meet customers needs.

Panic ensued. Editorials were written, meetings held, and people got busy making a mess of things.

The act was doomed from the start because it limits BPAs flexibility to address our situation.

It imposes onerous process requirements that restrict how the agency goes about anything other than conservation  and only then with the blessing of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, whose member states include Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The laws practical effect was to relieve Congress of its traditional BPA oversight role.

This wasnt necessary. The statute creating the BPA allowed discretion to provide a reliable power supply. And this authority could have been used to deal with the predicted power crunch in the 1970s.

BPAs policy leadership rejected this authority, wary of litigation risks. The Northwest Power Act, with its provisions geared toward helping fish and wildlife affected by hydroelectric dams, was sold as a way to end lawsuits against BPA by environmentalists. But it brought even more litigation.

Amazingly, before the Power Acts approval, BPA and its customers began a power system makeover  including a hydrothermal power system.

The hydrothermal plan was for five nuclear power plants to be overseen by the Washington Public Power Supply System. The WPPSS Board  composed of well-meaning public utility members, who knew nothing about nuclear power  was given the task.

Until then, WPPSS biggest project was the small 37.5-megawatt Packwood hydroelectric facility.

Congress failed to ask hard questions: Why would BPA simultaneously propose a new law limiting its authority and support the construction of five nuclear projects  at once?

Because, in part, the power supplies of aluminum companies and public utilities were threatened, along with local economies that depended on them. And because states, tribes, fish and wildlife advocates, renewable energy proponents, and others saw an opening.

All but one of the five nuclear projects failed. But the Northwest Power Act remains law anyway.

Less than two years after the law was approved, the aluminum companies had new contracts with the BPA and Bonneville declared it had surplus power. Earlier power demand estimates that led to the notice of insufficiency were off. It turned out there was no crisis.

Coincidence?

Meanwhile, Bonneville hasnt used its authority to carry out anything other than conservation measures.

It allocated slices of its existing power and has told its customers that they are on their own if they need more. And, perhaps not surprisingly, last year, Energy Northwest  which is what WPPSS was renamed in the 1990s  announced its intent to build 12 smaller nuclear plants.

Who won and who lost?

The states planning council lost. Since BPA wasnt acquiring power, it is largely irrelevant. Northwest states, tribes, and fish and wildlife interests cut billions in side deals with BPA and ignored the councils fish and wildlife Plan. Endangered Species Act listings, which BPA had hoped to avoid, happened anyway.

Public utilities saw rates increase as they were required to help pay for private utility residential consumers lower power rates through an accounting gimmick known as the residential exchange.

As for the aluminum companies? They left town.

What should we do now?

The first lesson to be gleaned from BPAs history is you cant predict the future. In time, just as the aluminum companies moved on, so too could the server and crypto facilities.

I propose Congress reconsider the Columbia Valley Authority, a legislative proposal made by President Harry Truman, and then Congressman Henry Scoop Jackson in April 1949 but killed by Congress because of the fear of too much federal control.

And there isnt too much federal control today?

The CVA would have a presidentially appointed board and a chief executive. It would integrate and boost power, environmental, and economic development interests. A similar model has worked well in other regions. We should take a closer look at it.

Other options are available but to do nothing, and allow the status quo to persist with the BPA, is unacceptable. Its up to our congressional delegation to step up to reality. Will they? If our goal is to strengthen the availability and reliability of affordable power in the Northwest, one can only hope.
President Biden has experienced a tumultuous past few weeks that culminated Sunday with his decision to drop out of the 2024 race.

The 81-year-old president faced enormous pressure to make one of the hardest decisions of his decades-long political career, eventually announcing that he would move aside and support Vice President Harris as his successor.

Here is a timeline of events leading up to Bidens exit.

June 27: Biden was forced to rethink his political future after the first presidential debate against former President Trump. He had a dismal debate performance, during which his voice was hoarse and he struggled to finish sentences, that immediately led to calls from Democratic operatives for him to drop out.

July 2: The first sitting Democratic lawmaker called for Biden to drop out of the race when Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) publicly urged him to end his bid. By the time Biden did drop out, about 30 Democratic lawmakers had joined those calls.

July 3: Biden and his team made the rounds to try to stop the bleeding and kicked the campaign into high gear to ease concerns among Democrats. That day, he spoke with Democratic congressional leadership and Democratic governors. He also spoke with his campaign staff and had his chief of staff Jeff Zients reassure White House aides.

July 5: In an effort to show he can participate in unscripted events, Biden participated in an interview with ABCs George Stephanopoulos. During that interview, Biden said he was feeling terrible before the debate and defended his health. Also that day, Biden campaigned in Wisconsin and fought back against critics during his first major rally since calls for him to drop out piled up.

July 8: Biden dared other Democrats to challenge him at the convention in August during a defiant interview on Morning Joe. Also that day, the White House faced a series of questions over visitor logs that showed a neurologist who specializes in Parkinsons disease visited the campus several times in recent months.

July 11: Biden held a press conference at the end of the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., during which he was adamant that he was the best person to take on Trump in November. But he also faced fresh scrutiny after referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Russian President Vladimir Putins name. He also later referred to Harris as Vice President Trump.

July 12: Biden said at a rally in Michigan that hes not dropping out because voters made him the Democratic presidential nominee, taking a jab at the press, pundits, insiders and donors.

July 13: Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Biden gave three different public remarks in the days after to call for unity, and he paused campaign activities for three days. He and Trump spoke on the phone, and there was a brief pause in calls from lawmakers for Biden to step down.

July 15: Biden sat for an interview with NBCs Lester Holt, during which he sparred with Holt over his line of questioning about the fallout from the debate. He appeared frustrated when Holt asked if he would consider debating Trump again before the September debate.

July 17: Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas. He was isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., when he announced his decision to step down four days later.

July 19: Biden entered the weekend, during which he ultimately made the decision to back out of the race, after 10 more sitting Democrats called for him to drop out of the race that day. Pressure was building from party leaders like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former President Obama, who have all reportedly told Biden hes likely to lose to Trump.

July 21: Biden announced that he was dropping out of the race. About 30 lawmakers had called for him to exit, including Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in the final day.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MILFORD  Former Hopkinton police Sgt. Tim Brennan, who was terminated from that department in February after it was determined he knew about  but did not report  sexual assault allegations against now-retired Deputy Police Chief John "Jay" Porter, has a new job.

Brennan was sworn in on Monday as a Milford police officer.

"I had never known Officer Brennan, personally, ever, but I've known his work ethic, integrity and his commitment to excellent is bar none," Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino told the Daily News.

Brennan's termination in Hopkinton came as a result of a recommendation from Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett, who said the sergeant violated several department policies, including failing to report misconduct and failing to support a fearful victim. The Hopkinton Select Board voted 4-1 on Feb. 8 to accept Bennett's recommendation.

Former Hopkinton police Sgt. Tim Brennan was sworn in Monday as a Milford police officer by Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino.

Brennan fired: Hopkinton sergeant accused of not reporting other officer's sexual assaults

The move was controversial, with Brennan vowing to challenge it and residents who supported him presenting a nonbinding resolution to Special Town Meeting in May that called for the Select Board to reappoint Brennan to his post. The resolution passed, 220-99.

Brennan was placed on leave last year after it came to light that Porter's alleged victim told Brennan of sexual assault allegations in 2017. The woman was an adult at the time. Brennan said he did not report the allegations because the woman told him she wouldn't corroborate the story.

Tusino backs Brennan's efforts in protecting Hopkinton victim

Tusino confirmed he was aware of what happened in Hopkinton but said that, although he doesn't know the "intricacies" of everything, from his view Brennan was trying to protect the victim.

"I think you should be commended for doing that, and in my humble opinion, that's what I think he did," the Milford chief said.

Brennan brings 30 years of experience to the department and will work as a patrolman, Tusino said. He will take part in department training for the next few weeks and then will work solo.

"I was very happy he wanted to be here, and I think he's happy to come here," said Tusino. "I think everyone is happy he's here  he's an amazing cop."

'Here to support him': In wake of Brennan firing, Hopkinton residents start recall efforts

Immediately after he was terminated in Hopkinton, Brennan said he would fight the decision through arbitration. It's unknown whether that's still the case. Neither Brennan's lawyer, Daniel Fogerty, nor the Town of Hopkinton's attorney, Bryan Bertram, could be reached for comment.

Bennett also could not be reached for comment.

Porter retired from the Hopkinton Police Department in April 2023, shortly before he was indicted on three counts of child rape. He has pleaded not guilty and his trial is scheduled to start in December.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Former Hopkinton police Sgt. Brennan hired as Milford police officer
Goodyear's far-flung, rural southern planning area could finally see some development more than a decade after developers ditched efforts for a massive master-planned community in the area.

In 2007, Goodyear first annexed about 67 square miles in the Sonoran desert, including the small community of Mobile, a 60-mile drive from the heart of town.

At the time, Mobile was in unincorporated Maricopa County and was home to about 90 residents. Since then, Mobile hasn't grown much. The community, about an hour south of downtown Goodyear, still maintains a population of under 100.

Mobile sprawls. While the school and fire station lie north of State Route 238, the cluster of houses sits several miles east of the school and south of State Route 238. Aside from the highway, none of the roads is paved. There are no restaurants, gas stations or stores in the area, and many houses are entirely fenced off along one private road.

That remoteness could all change soon, as the Valley's fast-growing cities edge closer to tiny outposts like Mobile.

Developer EDF Renewables has proposed a nearly 2,200-acre solar power generation facility with a battery energy storage system. The project would be located about four miles south of State Route 238, which goes through Mobile.

EDF Renewables proposed the city annex an additional 800-plus acres to complete the project. But some City Council members are hesitant after the previous plans to develop the land fell through and left the city spending millions of dollars per year to provide services like public safety and road maintenance to tiny, remote Mobile.

What were Goodyear's plans for Mobile?

Scottsdale-based Montage Holdings once sought to develop a master-planned community called Amaranth when the city annexed the area in 2007. The plan called for 42,000 homes and more than 20 million square feet of retail space across 10,100 acres.

In 2008, the Great Recession, which was fueled by a crash in the housing market, led to delays in the project timeline. The developer previously had hoped to begin selling homes in 2010.

In 2008, Goodyear announced the developer's foreclosure as it had defaulted on its private $250 million loan.

City officials met with residents at the time to explain that city public safety services, which had been ramped up with the annexation, had to be scaled back. The foreclosure left Goodyear with about $5.2 million in unplanned expenses that year that would have been covered by Montage Holdings, which eventually declared bankruptcy.

Rob Antoniak, who served on the Goodyear City Council from 2003 to 2010, said he might not have supported the annexation had he known the recession was coming.

In 2000, Goodyear had a population of about 19,000, compared with an estimated 112,000 in 2023. The city was rapidly growing, making room for thousands of residents each year.

Big master-planned communities, like Estrella and Verrado, were taking off and were the development trend at the time.

Antoniak said the expectation was that development eventually would crop up in between Goodyear and Mobile, meaning Mobile wouldn't be so far away from the rest of the city. And many landowners in between who supported the annexation and Amaranth, Antoniak said.

At the time, wildcat subdivisions were also popping up throughout the Phoenix area  "subdivisions" of fewer than six lots that are exempt from certain state development laws.

"It made sense for us, as the nearest neighboring city, to take a responsible approach towards growth," Antoniak said.

Patricia Blair, who has been a Mobile resident for about 20 years, said she favored the annexation at the time because Amaranth would have provided more schools, hospitals and stores. Blair lives on the east side of Mobile and said Amaranth would have been on the west side, meaning her area would have remained relatively rural.

Now, the nearest stores and gas stations to Mobile are in Maricopa, about a 15- to 20-minute drive away. While Mobile has an elementary school, high school students attend school in Maricopa.

But Blair ultimately feels like Mobile residents were tricked into supporting the annexation since Amaranth never came to fruition.

Blair said she believes Mobile is neglected by the city, having inadequate road maintenance and emergency services. While Goodyear firefighters in Mobile will come out to houses and make sure people and animals are safe during a fire, Blair said they don't have the water to put out a fire and are forced to watch the homes burn.

Because Goodyear annexed the land, it has to provide services like police and fire to the residents of Mobile.

These days, it's home to several landfills and a training airport operated by Lufthansa. No roads lead directly to Mobile from Goodyear, meaning the area is only accessible via State Route 238.

That would make Mobile about a 60-mile drive from downtown Goodyear, despite only being located about 30 miles outside of the city geographically.

No other plans exist to develop land in Mobile. But the city is still moving toward developing Sonoran Valley Parkway, which would be a 15-mile highway that would provide a direct route from Mobile to the intersection of Riggs and Rainbow Valley roads in Goodyear.

In the works: Goodyear gets the OK to build 15-mile Sonoran Valley Parkway. Here's what the city is waiting on

The parkway construction would help with some of the problems that have plagued Goodyear since it first annexed the community, such as long response times with police and fire.

Through the years, Mobile has had different cities providing fire coverage. In 2010, the city of Goodyear paid the city of Maricopa $74,000 annually to provide services, although Goodyear currently covers the area. Mobile residents had to wait as long as 18 minutes for fire services in 2010 when Maricopa was providing fire services.

Goodyear could annex more land near Mobile

But the solar and battery storage facility would be low use, meaning it wouldn't require too much maintenance for roads, since it wouldn't cause an influx in traffic or residents.

The facility would cover about 2,200 acres, with 1,350 acres already within Goodyear city limits, said Katie Wilken, city development services director.

But the developer is also asking Goodyear to annex another nearly 830 acres near the Mobile area; 668 of the acres are owned by the Arizona State Land Department.

Nobody lives in that area.

Battery storage facilities are popping up at increasing rates in Arizona, particularly in the southwest Valley. The batteries store energy generated from storage panels during the day, so that the energy can then be used during peak hours when demand is at its highest.

City Council approval to simply begin the annexation process does not equate to final council approval. It simply allows city staff to move forward with annexation by starting conversations between the developer and city staff, Wilken said. There would still be a public hearing and conversations with city staff before the council would vote.

While the permitting and construction process was anticipated to take about five years, the solar and battery energy storage facility was projected to operate for the next 30 years.

The project would result in about $6 million in increased property taxes for the city, or about $171,500 per year. If the City Council were to deny the annexation and approve the special use permit for solar, that would only bring it about $2.7 million, or $78,400 per year, since the scope of the project would be reduced within the city limits.

EDF Renewables could still move forward with the project even if the annexation was denied. However, the process would be more complicated since it would need to get the necessary permits from a second government entity, Maricopa County.

Wilken said the act of annexing the land cannot be undone, which is how Goodyear originally assumed responsibility of Mobile.

Jordan Rose of Rose Law Group, which represents EDF Renewables, said the project also would allocate $27 million to Mobile Elementary School and Mobile Adult Learning and Education.

In the development agreement, which the city would establish before annexation, Rose said EDF Renewables also would be responsible for coming up with the funds to provide public safety, water and any road improvements to the area as opposed to the city.

Blair said she thinks she would support the annexation and solar energy facility. At about four miles away, it's far enough away that it wouldn't bother her, she said.

But what Blair really wants to see are improvements to the schools. Blair has been a school board volunteer on the three-person Mobile school board for 20 years. Students come from Maricopa to the school, and Blair said the school board hopes to one day get a bus that goes to pick up students from Gila Bend.

Although Mobile Elementary is a small K-8 school with only about 30 students, Blair said the school board hopes to keep the classes small, since some students tend to get lost in larger classrooms. And if more students come to the school, more teachers would be needed to keep the classes small.

The school also lacks amenities such as music education. Although it already has plenty of instruments, Blair said the school has been unable to find a replacement music teacher for one who left several years ago. In addition, the small school currently can't keep up with the wages seen in larger schools throughout the state.

Several things could be funded if the school gets a large chunk of money from EDF Renewables, including possibly building an entirely new school.

"They're our future presidents, Senate, House, policemen. They all need to be taught," Blair said.

Goodyear city leaders express concerns

The Goodyear City Council, with the exception of Councilmember Wally Campbell, ultimately approved the measure, which essentially allows the developer to begin discussions with city staff.

That didn't mean the decision came without concerns.

Councilmember Brannon Hampton discussed previous fires that have occurred at battery storage facilities, and said he wanted to make sure that first responders would be able to get to the site quickly. In 2019, eight firefighters were sent to the hospital after an explosion occurred at an Arizona Public Service battery storage facility in Surprise. In 2012, a facility also caught fire in Flagstaff, which Hampton cited at the City Council meeting.

In 2020, it was determined that the 2019 explosion was caused by a lithium-ion battery failure, although a report concluded that neither APS nor the first responders fully understood the risk, since the building ultimately exploded after firefighters opened the door to the facility.

More about it: Cause of APS battery explosion that injured 9 first responders detailed in new report

Hampton wanted to make sure that the Goodyear Fire Department would be adequately equipped to handle any emergencies. Rose said EDF Renewables would fund the fire services, which would include potentially improving a fire station already located in Mobile near the elementary school.

Vice Mayor Laura Kaino had similar concerns, saying that putting out a fire at a battery storage facility takes a significant amount of water in comparison with other fires. And because mutual aid from other entities is about 25 minutes away, Kaino said she's worried the one fire truck located in Mobile wouldn't have the capacity to put out a fire.

Kaino still voted to approve the city moving forward toward an annexation, hoping the issues she mentioned would be addressed before it comes time to vote for the annexation itself.

While Kaino and Hampton ultimately supported the city moving forward toward the annexation, Campbell said she is strongly opposed, saying that the city got "badly burned" with Amaranth.

"The more we expand our footprint down there, the more responsibility we're going to have," Campbell said.

Rose, in response, reminded Campbell that she still would be able to vote against the annexation if her concerns weren't addressed in the development agreement. However, Campbell still opted to vote against it.

Councilmember Vicki Gillis voted for annexation, saying that Mobile residents should be treated like all other residents of Goodyear, which means improving the schools and public safety.

On a recent trip to the area, Gillis said there are two to three classes in each room within the school. And the new project would provide a significant amount of funding to improve the school because of taxing districts, which is another reason Gillis voted for the initiative.

"I think those kids deserve better than we're giving them," Gillis said.

Controversial issue: Why some Goodyear residents are opposed to a new QuikTrip

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Goodyear eyes annexing 800 remote acres, promising change for Mobile
Today is the last day to register to vote and change parties for Florida primary

If youre not someone who consistently stays in the loop on politics and elections, an election year can be a confusing time, especially if you live in Florida.

Many people might be wondering what exactly is the difference between Floridas presidential preference primary, the actual primary election and the general election. Thats a great question, but before it's answered, its also important to know that your voter registration is in good standing and that youre registered with the right party.

In Florida, July 22 is a big day because its the last day voters can register and change their party for the upcoming primary election on Aug. 20.

Primary ballot set: August primary ballot is set. Nearly 100 have qualified to run for local elected offices

While registering to vote is obviously important, in Florida, registering with the right party is a big deal, too, because the state has closed primaries. This means voters can only vote for their party candidates, and no party affiliation (NPA) voters are not eligible to vote for any partisan candidates unless a universal primary contest happens.

Heres what to know about the upcoming Florida primary election and how to check your voter status.

How to check if you're registered to vote in Florida

Checking your voter registration status in Florida is an easy process. Heres how to do it:

Visit the Department of State website

Enter your first and last name and your birthday

Accept the terms of service by checking the option that says you understand and agree

Submit your information

After submitting your information, youll see a form that provides your voter registration information. At the bottom, youll see your registration status, which will say either active or inactive.

How to find your polling site in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties

Not sure where to go to vote? The Escambia and Santa Rosa county Supervisor of Elections websites can help you find your precinct.

To find your polling site in Escambia County, head over to the Escambia Votes website and use the "Find My Precinct" tool:

Enter your house number into the tool Type in your street name (No need to enter the direction or street type) Select your street name from the options that appear

You'll immediately see your address precinct just below the chosen address, along with upcoming election information underneath that. The location and address of your precinct's polling location will appear with the upcoming election information.

Santa Rosa County voters can use the same tool, which can be found on the Vote Santa Rosa website. Follow the same steps above and you'll be shown your precinct number.

If you're having trouble with the tool, make sure you type in the name of your address rather than copying and pasting it.

What to bring with you to vote

The most important thing to bring with you on election day is a current and valid photo ID with a signature. Any of the following photo IDS are accepted:

Florida drivers license

Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

United States passport

Debit or credit card

Military identification

Student identification

Retirement center identification

Neighborhood association identification

Public assistance identification

Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to s. 790.06

Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

If your photo ID doesn't have a signature, you will be asked to provide one that does.

If you don't have a proper ID, you can still vote a provisional ballot. To do so, you'll need to ensure that you are eligible and that you voted in the proper precinct. Your provisional ballot will count, provided that the signature on the provisional ballot matches the signature in your registration record.

How do Florida primary and general elections work?

Florida is one of 12 states that use a closed primary election process. That means that you may only vote for candidates of the party you are registered with. Independent voters, or nonpartisan voters, are not able to vote for partisan candidates during closed primaries.

During the general election, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for any candidate of their choosing.

Primary election key dates

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: July 6

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: July 11  18

Deadline to register to vote: July 22

Early voting period (mandatory period): Aug. 10  17

Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Aug. 8

Election Day: Aug. 20

General election key dates

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: Sept. 21

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: Sept. 26  Oct. 3

Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 7

Early voting period (mandatory period): Oct. 26  Nov. 2

Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Oct. 24

Election Day: Nov. 5

How to change your political party

Changing your political party is easy and doesn't require you to do any heavy lifting; you can do it from a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection.

Just head over to the Online Voter Registration System and click on the big "Register or Update" button. You'll be asked your reason for application. Just select the "record update/change" option and you can follow the steps to change your party affiliation.

If you don't want to go through the process online, you can submit a Florida Voter Registration Application to the Supervisor of Elections.

2024 offices up for election in Escambia County

Federal

President and Vice President

U.S. Senator

Representative in Congress: 1st District

State

Senator: District 1

House of Representatives: Districts 1, 2

State Attorney: 1st Judicial Circuit

Public defender: 1st Judicial Circuit

Constitutional officers

Clerk of Court

Sheriff

Property appraiser

Tax collector

Supervisor of Elections

Judicial

Justice of Supreme Court of Florida (retention)

Judge: 1st District Court of Appeal (retention)

County Judge: Groups 4, 5

Circuit Court Judge, First Judicial Circuit, multiple groups

County and school board

County commission: Districts 1, 3 and 5

School Board: Districts 4, 5

Special districts

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority: Districts 1, 3 and 5

Santa Rosa Island Authority

Escambia Soil and Water Conservation: Groups 1-5

City of Pensacola

City council: Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7

Town of Century

Mayor

Town Council: Seats 1, 2

2024 offices up for election in Escambia County

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Sheriff

Property Appraiser

Tax Collector

Superintendent of Schools

Supervisor of Elections

County Commissioner: Districts 1,3 and 5

School Board Members: Districts 2, 4

Blackwater Soil & Water Conservation District: Seats 2, 4

Avalon Beach-Mulat Fire Protection District: Seats 1, 2 and 4

Holley-Navarre Fire District: Seats 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Midway Fire District: Seats 1, 3 and 5

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District: Seats 1, 3 and 5

Pace Fire Rescue District: Seats 1, 3 and 5

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Registered to vote? Today is last day to register for Florida primary
Today: Sen. Rick Scott to make campaign announcement in Osceola County

Florida Sen. Rick Scott is set to visit Central Florida on Monday.

Scott said he plans to make a major announcement about his re-election campaign.

Hell be speaking in Kissimmee at 9:30 a.m.

READ: Some Central Florida students already heading back to school

Channel 9 will be on hand for Scotts news conference.

Monitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News at Noon for an update.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A toddler died of a fentanyl overdose. DCFS trusted his mom's friend to keep him safe

Secret Daniel was supposed to keep the bubbly toddler safe.

As a monitor approved by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services, she was responsible for supervising the Feb. 18 visit between Justin Bulley, who was just starting to talk at 17 months, and his mother, who had struggled with substance abuse throughout his short life.

DCFS had placed Justin and his two older siblings with a foster mother the previous year, after his mother's boyfriend fatally overdosed on fentanyl with the kids at home.

Around 6:15 p.m., Justin's mother called 911. The toddler had stopped breathing.

It was fentanyl, Justin's grandfather told paramedics when they arrived at his Lancaster home, according to a sheriff's report.

By that point, Daniel had left the home.

Daniel was not a social worker but a friend of Justin's mother, Jessica Darthard. DCFS had approved her as a monitor, unaware that she was living in the Lancaster home with Justin's grandfather, Jessie, who had a long history of heavy drug use, according to a county source familiar with Justin's child welfare case who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Jessie Darthard, the grandfather, told sheriffs deputies that he had fallen asleep on the couch while smoking fentanyl and awoke to Justin lying next to him, unresponsive.

Jessica Darthard, the mother, appeared inebriated, with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, according to the deputies.

An autopsy would confirm that Justin died from exposure to fentanyl, a highly potent opioid that can be deadly to kids in the tiniest amounts.

Justins death highlights dangerous shortcomings in how DCFS decides who should watch a child spending time with a troubled parent and where those visits should take place.

If youre doing the job in a comprehensive manner, youre going to want to figure out all of that, said Michael Nash, a former presiding judge of L.A. Countys juvenile courts who now oversees the countys Office of Child Protection. Who is this family friend? Whats the relationship? Where do they live? Whats the background? It's just common sense. Its not rocket science.

Its common for a family to request that a friend or relative serve as a monitor for visits, instead of a social worker. But for DCFS to permit the arrangement for a child whose case involves recent fentanyl use is extremely unusual, said Sharon Balmer Cartagena, directing attorney of Public Counsels Childrens Rights Project.

We usually see an overabundance of caution, she said. It just seems like such an aberration.

According to police and social workers' reports included in a 200-page file on Justins death, DCFS officials knew about Jessica Darthard's recent history of substance abuse. Six months before he died, Justin was in the back seat, unbuckled, when his mother got in a wreck on the 405 Freeway, according to a DCFS report. Her blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.

After Justin's death, tests showed that his 3-year-old brother and 5-year-old sister also had fentanyl in their systems, according to a sheriff's report.

So did Daniels three children, who were also living at the home, according to two county sources, one familiar with the criminal investigation and the other with Justins child welfare case, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Since November, fentanyl has claimed the lives of at least three children in the Antelope Valley, which has the highest rate of youth fentanyl hospitalizations in L.A. County. This month, two more children  toddler twins  died in Los Angeles' Winnetka neighborhood after authorities say they were exposed to fentanyl-laced drugs.

Jessie Darthard, 72, was addicted to heroin and had recently been released from jail, his daughter Jessica told detectives. On Jan. 22, he was arrested after his ex-girlfriend accused him of raping her with a glass narcotics pipe while they were both high on fentanyl, according to a sheriffs report.

The morning of Feb. 18, he bought $20 of fentanyl off the street, smoking it throughout the day, he told detectives.

He fell asleep around 4 p.m. on the living room couch and awoke two hours later with the glass pipe in his hand, his grandson lying next to him, he told sheriff's deputies.

When deputies arrived, foam was coming out of his grandsons mouth.

He later denied falling asleep with the pipe.

Jessica Darthard, 38, was also napping that afternoon, her 5-year-old daughter told deputies. Darthard told them she had fallen asleep in a bedroom after taking a double shot of Jose Cuervo tequila.

She said she called 911 after her son fell off the bed and was knocked unconscious. After deputies arrived, she said she wanted to do another shot, according to a DCFS report.

Neither Darthard nor her father mentioned a monitor in any of the social worker or sheriff's reports reviewed by The Times.

Read more: In the fentanyl crisis, infants and toddlers become unsuspecting victims

One report noted that Justins foster mother had released him and his siblings to the monitor but that it was unknown if the monitor was with mother when the incident occurred and information was not being released about all of the adults who were there.

Justin's foster mother said her daughter had handed off the toddler and his siblings to Daniel that morning at a Taco Bell. Darthard gave detectives a conflicting account, saying she had picked up the kids from the foster mother a day earlier.

Kishena Jackson, who lives next to the Darthard home, told The Times that Daniel came over with grocery bags around 7 p.m., saying she was unable to go home because of the caution tape and police cars. Daniel did not seem to know why law enforcement was there, Jackson said.

Daniel and Jessie Darthard did not respond to a letter left on the doorstep of their home.

DCFS officials declined to answer a list of questions about Justin's case, citing state confidentiality laws. The child welfare agency had opened four cases involving Darthard since 2012 and had monitored Justin on and off since his birth, when Darthard tested positive for marijuana.

DCFS said in a statement that supervised visits are critical to a childs emotional health and can ease the path for a parent to regain custody. A monitor is required for these visits if there are safety concerns, the agency said.

DCFS nearly always pushes for a monitor to oversee parental visits, even when theres no obvious danger to the child, which can make visitations difficult to arrange, said Brooke Huley, a supervising attorney with Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers. She called DCFS' discretion over the selection of monitors wide and nearly unfettered.

Monitors must pass a background check, be financially independent of the parent and have no conflict of interest, according to DCFS policy. Family friends or relatives are not paid to be monitors.

Nash, the head of the county child protection office created after the brutal murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez , said he would expect a DCFS worker to periodically sit in on visits where a family friend is the monitor.

What weve seen is when a relative or a friend is a monitor  they dont really monitor. They just let the parent be with the kid without really monitoring the visit, he said. We see that happen enough times to be concerned.

Justin's father, Montise Bulley, plans to sue DCFS for $65 million, accusing the agency of failing to protect his son by putting him in the care of a monitor with a conflict of interest.

Shes the one person that is hired to safeguard these kids, and to the extent that she has any kind of relationship with the parent she is supposed to be monitoring, thats categorically unacceptable," said Bulley's attorney, Brian Claypool, who has represented families reeling from some of L.A.s most harrowing recent cases of child abuse and neglect.

Bulley was estranged from Jessica Darthard and said he had been trying to gain custody of Justin.

In a brief email, Darthard said Bulley was lying about that night.

As a grieving mother the lies and all this is to [sic] much, she wrote. I have children that saw that and now is not the time.

Social workers described the three-bedroom beige Lancaster home as the family home and the mothers residence in reports written after Justin's death.

Darthard told detectives she was homeless and only went to the house for visits with the kids. She said it belonged to her brother, who suffered from seizures and smoked sherm, a slang term for cigarettes dipped in PCP, according to a sheriff's reports.

Jackson, the neighbor, said that when she moved in about a year ago, Daniel was already living next door. Darthard was often next door as well, Jackson said.

Justins autopsy report said that all three Darthards lived at the residence.

DCFS policy does not explicitly bar monitors from living with the parent they're overseeing. But some experts said it would be highly unusual and could be seen as a conflict of interest.

Justin Bulley's headstone was laid this month at Inglewood Park Cemetery. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

Justins foster mother said she had been trying to stop the supervised visits because she believed Darthard was drinking during them. She said Darthard sometimes smelled of alcohol.

A social worker told her that Darthard was entitled to see the children.

When I tried to speak up, nobody wanted to hear it. All they kept saying is, 'She has to have her visit, she has to have her visit,' she said, her voice cracking. Look what happened.

The foster mother, who told The Times she did not want to be interviewed but talked from her doorstep in Palmdale, said she had been trying to adopt Justin and his two siblings.

After Justin died, she said, DCFS removed the siblings from her care, accusing her of neglect.

Investigators are working with prosecutors to determine whether to file criminal charges, said Lt. Michael Gomez of the L.A. County Sheriffs Departments homicide division.

Montise Bulley, 52, said he holds DCFS responsible for his son's death.

Bulley said he battled a drug problem that landed him in prison seven times as his three older kids grew up. For Justin, his twin, he wanted a different childhood. He became a truck driver and tried to get clean.

At the children's section of Inglewood Park Cemetery last week, Bulley placed Justin's stuffed Elmo on top of the boy's gravestone.

Our Brightest Light, the stone reads. "Dads Kryptonite."

Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Secret Service chief resigns following what bipartisan lawmakers called a 'disappointing' House hearing. Here's the key takeaways from Cheatle's day on Capitol Hill.

Embattled U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned on Tuesday, following intense scrutiny of the security failures at the July 13 Butler, Pa. campaign rally, where an attempted assassination was made on former president Trump.

News of her stepping down came one day after her testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee prompted a rare show of bipartisan unity, where lawmakers on the committee issued a joint letter calling on Cheatle to resign as lawmakers expressed intense frustration over her lack of substantial answers following her Monday testimony on Capitol Hill.

She acknowledged in her opening statement that the July 13 incident was the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades.

For over four and a half hours on Monday, Cheatle  whod received a subpoena to testify before the committee  repeatedly said she could not answer specific questions about the security failures that allowed a gunman to access a rooftop from which he was able to shoot at the former president.

This committee is not known for its model of bipartisanship, committee chairman Rep. James Comer of Kentucky said in his closing statement. But I think today, we came together unanimously in our disappointment for your lack of answers.

While many questions remain unanswered, here are the key takeaways from Cheatles testimony.

 Secret Service internal investigation to be completed within 60 days

Cheatle is sworn in before the House Oversight Committee on Monday. (Rod Lamkey Jr./AP)

Cheatle testified that she expects the Secret Services internal investigation into Trumps attempted assassination will be completed in 60 days.

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York called the timeline unacceptable for the public.

This is not theater. This is not about jockeying. This is about the safety of some of the most highly targeted and valued targets internationally and domestically in the United States of America," Ocasio-Cortez said. "The idea that a report will be finalized in 60 days, let alone prior to any actionable decisions that would be made, is simply not acceptable."

Cheatle testified that the agency was not waiting on the report to take action. We have been adding additional features to our security details since this incident has occurred.

 Trump had regular Secret Service detail assigned to him on July 13

The Secret Service chief testified that the agents who are typically assigned to protect former President Donald Trump were assigned to him on July 13, the day of the Butler, Pa. rally.

However, Cheatle would not share specifics on the number of Secret Service agents that were present at the rally, saying there were a sufficient number of agents assigned. The director also said that any assets that were requested for the Butler, Pa., event were given. "There were no requests that were denied, Cheatle testified.

 Cheatle has not visited the Butler, Pa., shooting site

Cheatle testified that she has not been to the Butler, Pa., site of the campaign rally shooting as her agency is conducting an internal investigation.

"Nine days and you have not visited that site," Republican Rep. Pat Fallon said. "You should have been there that night." Cheatle also told Fallon that she did not speak with the on-site Secret Service agents the night of the shooting.

 Cheatle apologized to Trump

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, a staunch Trump ally, asked Cheatle if she apologized to Trump directly following the assassination attempt on the former president.

Yes, I did, the director answered.

I appreciate that. I appreciate that you recognize that this was your failure, Boebert replied.

 A not-so-detailed timeline of events leading up to the shooting

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also a vociferous Trump defender, pressed Cheatle on whether she had a timeline of the events that led up to the shooting.

I have a timeline that does not have specifics, Cheatle replied, which garnered laughs from the hearing room. "That's shocking," Greene reacted. "That is absolutely unacceptable. That means that you are a failure at your job."

 What was known by the Secret Service

Throughout the contentious hearing, Cheatle was pressed several times about the communication gaps between local law enforcement and the Secret Service that led to the security failure at the rally. Heres what Cheatle disclosed at the hearing:

The Secret Service had been notified of a suspicious person by local law enforcement somewhere between two and five times before the shooting, Cheatle testified.

There was no order given to the Secret Service countersniper at the Trump rally to hold fire once the gunman opened fire. Secret Service agents dont need to ask for permission to neutralize a threat. "Our agents and officers have the ability to neutralize a threat at the time they see it," Cheatle said.

Cheatle addressed conspiracy theories surrounding the shooting, which left both the gunman and another rallygoer dead and others, including Trump, injured. She testified that the attempted assassination was not staged; it was not carried out by a foreign state or government; nor was it a conspiracy orchestrated by high-ranking U.S. government officials.

The Secret Service did not believe there was a threat to the former president that would have led them to pause the rally. In response to a question from Rep. Russell Fry, Republican of South Carolina, Cheatle said law enforcement on the ground changed its assessment of Crooks from suspicious to a threat just seconds before the gunfire started.

Rep. Tim Burchett, Republican of Tennessee, asked Cheatle if the rooftop where the gunman fired shots from was identified as a potential vulnerability days before the rally. To my knowledge, yes it was, Cheatle replied.

 Heated moments

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina asked Cheatle pointed yes or no questions, in an effort to get direct answers from the chief. Mace asked the director if she supplied the requested audio and video recordings that the committee asked for on July 15.

"I'd have to get back to you on that," Cheatle responded.

"That is a no. You're full of s today. You're just being completely dishonest," Mace said. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a Democrat from Maryland, interjected, saying, We have to maintain decorum in this committee.

Another heated moment happened when Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia pressed Cheatle several times on how the Secret Services job is affected by the presence of guns.

Does the ubiquity of guns make your job easier or more difficult today?" he asked repeatedly, with Cheatle declining to answer directly each time.

You're not willing to answer that question and you wonder why we might have a lack of confidence in your continued ability to direct this agency, Connolly said.

Following a similar line of questioning from Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, Cheatle said, I think any weapon makes it difficult to do our job.

 Cheatle maintained she was the best person for the job until her resignation

Up until her resignation on Tuesday, Cheatle had remained defiant in the face of calls for her resignation. During Monday's hearing, she maintained that stance, and said, I think that I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.

 Whats next?

While several investigations are underway related to Trumps attempted assassination, theres at least one other public hearing scheduled on Capitol Hill this week. FBI Director Christopher Wray is expected to testify before the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday about the agencys investigation into the Trump rally shooting.
Major Democratic donor Reid Hoffman has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris as the partys presidential candidate, saying the vice president is the right person at the right time.

The entrepreneur  who co-founded LinkedIn and whose net worth is estimated as $2.5bn by Forbes  said the decision by Joe Biden to end his reelection bid was one of the most selfless acts weve seen from a politician in modern American history.

It comes as other major donors including Abigail Disney, who had previously threatened to stop donations to the party should Biden continue with his campaign, also confirmed she would be resuming support.

Hoffman, a venture capitalist and one of Silicon Valleys most prominent investors, said he believed Americans would make the right decision between Harris and Trump.

Joe Biden is a leader who acts with the best interests of America in mind, he wrote on X.

The Linkedin co-founder said he believed Americans would make the right decision between Harris and Trump in November (Reuters)

Not seeking re-election is one of the most selfless acts weve seen from a politician in modern American history. This is whats right for our countryand our democratic future.

He continued: Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time. Donald Trump and JD Vance are promising an agenda that will wreak havoc on the American people.

Harriss background and leadership growing the economy, fighting for bodily autonomy, and protecting our democracy uniquely position her to push back against Trumps extremism.

The Democrats are the party of policy, progress, and action. When presented with the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, I believe in the American people to make the right decision for our country. The Biden-Harris administration has put this country on the right  Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) July 21, 2024

The Democrats are the party of policy, progress, and action. When presented with the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, I believe in the American people to make the right decision for our country.

The Biden-Harris administration has put this country on the right track. Its time for us to unite. I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris and her candidacy for President of the United States in our fight for democracy in November.

It comes as other high-profile donors, including Disney and Hollywood A-Lister George Clooney, all called for Biden to end his campaign.

Other high-profile Democratic donors including Disney heiress Abigail Disney previously threatened to stop support for the party if Joe Biden was not replaced at the top of the ticket (Getty Images)

Disney, the granddaughter of Roy O Disney who founded the company with his brother Walt, confirmed to CNBC on Monday that she would be resuming support for the party, in light of Bidens shock announcement on Sunday.

In a previous statement shared with the outlet, she described Harris as an excellent vice president, and urged the party to rally around her.

If Democrats would tolerate any of her perceived shortcomings even one tenth as much as they have tolerated Bidens (and lets not kid ourselves about where race and gender figure in that inequity) and if Democrats can find a way to stop quibbling and rally around her, we can win this election by a lot.
After bankruptcy and a dicey lawsuit brought by its landlords, Melt Bar and Grilled appears to be cooked.

The Easton Town Center location sported signs Friday thanking customers for their years of service but advertised that the restaurant "has left the building" and is "permanently closed."

Melt's Columbus location page no longer exists on the sandwich chain's website, and its page on Easton's website had been taken down as of Saturday. The company did not respond to a request seeking comment via email.

Melt Bar and Grilled in hot water since 2022

This is the seventh location across Ohio to close in the past two years, including the Short North location at 840 N. High St.; Independence; Daytons Fairfield Commons Mall; Avon; Cantons Belden Village Mall; and in Cedar Point.

More: Melt Bar and Grilled declares bankruptcy, lists 2 Columbus landlords among its creditors

In past May, Easton Town Center sued Melt Bar and Grilled and its owner Matthew Fish for upwards of $220,000 for not paying rent and other lease charges when due, according to Franklin County court documents.

The Cleveland-based company filed for bankruptcy protection June 14 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, citing among its creditors EW Hubbard High, which owns the Short North location and claims it is owed $460,000; and Easton Gateway Property Co., which owns the Worth Avenue location and is still suing the restaurant.

More: Easton sues Melt Bar and Grilled, seeks 200k in damages for missed payments

Fish previously released a statement to Cleveland-based news media, saying that bankruptcy "gives us the best opportunity to reorganize and rebuild the company."

Samantha Hendrickson is The Columbus Dispatch's medical business and health care reporter. She can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Melt Bar and Grilled closes in Columbus' Easton amid lawsuit, bankruptcy
TechCrunch

As X continues to alienate advertisers, even recently suing a group over their boycott of the platform, the company is shifting its creator payments policy to be less dependent on ads. Before, creators would be paid a percentage of the ad revenue from ads shown in their replies. Now, X says it will instead pay creators directly based on engagement with their content that comes from X's Premium users.
After a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather, parts of Slovenia have been battered by storms and torrential rain.

In Kokra, a village in the north, people from three houses were evacuated after heavy rains caused a landslide on Saturday.

A bridge was also swept away in Kokra after the river there burst its banks and some local roads have become impassable.

Firefighters were forced to help move a group of Belgian scouts into a hotel after their camp by the river was swept away by the storm, according to Radio Slovenija.

Since Friday night, more than 230 weather-related incidents have been reported, mostly in northern regions.

At the Logar Valley in the north, a landslide blocked a road leading up to the Rinka waterfall, while two hikers also needed help descending the mountains, which surround the Logar Valley.

The heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Karavanke mountain range area, in the centre of the country, as well as in the Posavje region, Environment Agency meteorologist Jure Cedilnik told the Slovenian Press Agency.

In August 2023 Slovenia suffered its worst ever national disaster in August 2023 when rainfall triggered unprecedented flash flooding.

Most of the country - 183 of the 212 municipalities in Slovenia - was impacted.

The authorities have been working on a major flash flood plan designed to make Slovenia much more prepared to fight the intense rainfall, which is often associated with climate change.
UPDATE: All lanes have reopened.

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A fire in Summit County on Sunday evening caused lane closures on I-80, and some drivers were encouraged to use I-84 as an alternate route, according to the Utah Department of Transportation.

Traffic was initially affected in both directions on I-80 at mile marker 170 near Coalville, but officials later limited the closure to the left lane in the westbound direction. The fire first began affecting traffic just before 6:15 p.m., according to the UDOT Traffic website.

READ NEXT: Wildfire breaks out on Ensign Peak near Utah State Capitol building

An alert on the UDOT website informed drivers about the closures in place on I-80 Sunday evening.

The left lane of WB I-80 is closed at MP 170, at Echo Junction, through MP 164, in Coalville, due to a fire affecting the road. Unknown estimate for clearance., the advisory said.

According to the Utah Wildfire Dashboard, the fire was discovered at 6:37 p.m. on Sunday and was estimated to be a size of three acres. Officials did not immediately provide information about what caused the fire.

There is no further information at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff view a Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall from the Blue Room Balcony, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)

This commentary first published on ICTnews.org. It is republished here with permission.

President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 campaign is extraordinary for so many reasons.

Its hard to understate how hard it is to walk away from power. In my decades of reporting I have seen this story play out over and over.

Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwaters last term was unbelievably sad. And the toughest interview I have ever conducted was with Rep. Morris K. Udall when his Parkinsons disease was so severe he could not talk. I could see his eyes, trying to communicate, but the words would not come out. I broke down crying. The only time thats ever happened to me while covering a story. That interview is seared in memory.

And the most odd example was my last interview with Montana Sen. John Melcher. He had been defeated in a bid for re-election. I went to his private office on Capitol Hill and it was decorated exactly like his old Senate office. Even the office carpet used a giant Senate seal. I am not sure he was certain he was out of office when we talked  I remember shaking my head and wondering what I had just witnessed.

Of course, Biden was in a tough spot. Of all the challenges, the barrier of age  and I write this as a senior  is one that cannot be wished away. There is only one outcome ahead.

The Biden administrations record in Indian Country will be hard to match. He appointed more Native Americans to office than any of his predecessors, by a long shot. His administration invested more capital in tribal nations than any other administration ever. And again by a long shot. He has reshaped the federal judiciary with more Native American judges (although there is still a lot of work to do in order to reach parity with the population).

As a lame duck, the president now has unique challenges. When you walk away from power, you also (at least in part) walk away from your team. Yes, some members of the administration will work hard between now and January, but expect many others to leave early.

That said: There are still some agenda items that could be accomplished. But the trick will now be to do it as a last step, instead of by someone who could potentially have four more years to get the work done.

What should tribal nations expect from a Kamala Harris administration? There is a lot to work with. As Californias attorney general she was perceived as being more focused on states than tribes. But that has largely shifted. She has very much been a part of the Biden administrations focus on representation and investment.

I think its also important to note that Harris is the only sitting vice president to ever sit down with ICT. In that interview with Aliyah Chavez, she talked about her views as a prosecutor on the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis.

The other question about what happens next involves who the Democrats pick for their vice presidential candidate. There are so many interesting posibilities. Should Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer be selected, this election could be a referendum on abortion. (Reminding tribal communities about how so many Native women must continue to navigate the Hyde amendment that prohibits reproductive health services in facilities funded by the Indian Health Service.)

Or if the selection is Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, then Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan could be promoted to the top office. Or the promotion of someone who knows tribal issues deeply, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

Its easy to say a day like this is historic. But its also a new story that is just starting.
[Source]

Malcolm Woo, a pioneering Chinese American police officer in Chicago, died on July 8 at the age of 79 from heart complications.

Joining the force in 1969, Woo was one of the first Chinese Americans to serve in the Chicago Police Department. Known for his ability to blend in during undercover operations, Woo's career spanned various roles, including a decade on Mayor Richard M. Daleys security detail. He was also a co-founder of the Asian American Law Enforcement Association, a regional organization dedicated to Asian American law enforcement officers. Woos legacy includes his dedication to community service, his passion for muscle cars and his instrumental role in rebuilding the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A train appeared to derail and hit a garage on Seneca Avenue near 35th Street in Niagara Falls on Monday morning.

A Niagara Falls police source told WIVB that the call went out at 8:15 a.m. CSX said that the train was not equipped for remote control operations. The train went through a berm and hit the garage.

In a statement, CSX said that diesel fuel was lost but that there were no injuries, no impacts to waterways, and there is no risk to the public.

A WIVB photographer on scene captured the train hitting the garage on the back part of the home. There were multiple emergency crew units on scene.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
A tree grown from a seed that's been to the moon and back is now at a DeLand school

DELAND  Other than those who work for NASA, how many people can stand every day in the presence of something that's been to outer space?

The 240 students at St. Peter Catholic School in DeLand can.

Their school was selected as one of only 50 nationwide  and one of just two schools in Florida  to receive a rare "Moon Tree" seedling that comes from a seed that traveled on a rocket ship for four weeks.

A group of seven girls got the honors of planting the tiny seedling on their school property at the end of May.

"We did a ceremony with all the students and told them they're a part of history," said school Principal Charlotte Funston, who oversees a student body with kids from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. "We want our students to dream, to want something to work toward. Having this is a symbol of what can be accomplished by mankind."

A group of seven students at St. Peter Catholic School in DeLand got the honors of planting a tiny seedling grown from a seed that's been to outer space. The girls are all in the school's garden club. Also pictured in the white ball cap is Carmen Abell, the school's Spanish teacher and garden club sponsor.

The special tree, a loblolly pine, was part of a NASA program that centered on seedlings grown from seeds that had been to the Moon and back.

In 2022, the seeds journeyed 270,000 miles aboard Artemis I on its journey to the Moon. It was a 25-day trip, farther than any spacecraft made for humans has ever gone.

Each Moon Tree seedling began as one of more than 1,000 seeds that NASA sent into space. Upon their return to Earth, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service meticulously oversaw their germination and growth.

NASA did something similar with tree seeds with the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

The selection process to receive one of the seedlings was highly competitive, with more than 2,000 applications submitted from organizations across the country.

St. Peter Catholic School leaders have said they're honored to have been chosen to receive the symbol of exploration and growth.

It was particularly meaningful for Funston, whose father was a NASA engineer who worked on Apollo missions in the 1960s in Alabama. Funston wore her late father's NASA lab coat at the May 29 tree planting.

She said it was planted away from areas where kids play so it won't be damaged.

"We have it protected now," she said.

Eventually a bench and memorial plaque will be placed next to the fledgling tree, Funston said.

First the tiny tree, which is about 18 inches tall, needs to establish roots and get bigger and stronger.

"It looks like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree," she said.

Read more: 'A true champion': Volusia County Schools names Teacher of the Year

"We learn about history in the classroom, but today you're living history," Funston told her students gathered on May 29 to watch the tree planting. "This tree is going to be here for hundreds of years, generations to come, and you're part of that today."

Loblollies live between 100 and 300 years. Funston sees it as an appropriate legacy, especially since Bishop John Noonan is not only bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, but also "bishop of the moon" since his diocese includes Cape Canaveral.

"We're all part of the tree of life, and the moon is part of our life, too," Noonan said. "I am so blessed to have it as part of our diocese."

You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeLand school chosen to receive moon tree seedling
Judge Beverly Cannone on Monday afternoon set a date for the second Karen Read murder trial, just three weeks after her first trial ended with a hung jury and a mistrial.

The prosecution and defense were back in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court for a 2 p.m. status hearing, during which Cannone tentatively scheduled Reads retrial for Jan. 27, 2025.

As of now, the Jan. 27, 2025, date is considered tentative because Reads long-time counsel, David Yannetti, told Cannone that he has another trial right before that and needs to check on the other case.

Cannone also agreed to hear arguments on a motion to dismiss the case on Friday, Aug. 9, noting that she expects to hear an appeal from both sides when she rules on that motion.

Breaking: Judge Cannone schedules Karen Reads next trial for January 27th, 2025. David Yannetti says he has another trial right before that and needs to check on the other case.

Thats it. All done.  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 22, 2024

We are in a 3rd and even smaller courtroom but media gets jury seats because no jury here.



We are underway. Judge Cannone starts with scheduling.



She will hear arguments on motion to dismiss on August 9th at 2pm.  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 22, 2024

Before both sides entered Mondays hearing, crowds of Read supporters and protesters were seen demonstrating in front of the court, where a buffer zone no longer exists.

Karen Read with her new attorney Marty Weinberg and her long time counsel David Yannetti before entering court through a crowd of supporters. pic.twitter.com/DAibpDUE8s  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 22, 2024

Good Afternoon. Im outside Norfolk Superior in advance of the 2pm pretrial hearing. The buffer zone is no more so people on both sides are demonstrating in front of the courthouse.

I will update when the hearing gets underway. pic.twitter.com/l0lrksGdxK  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) July 22, 2024

Deadlocked jurors sent a note to Judge Beverly Cannone on July 1 indicating they were at an impasse and future deliberations would be futile, ultimately ending Reads two-month trial.

Reads legal team has filed motions to dismiss two of the three criminal charges that she faces in connection with the death of OKeefe, including the second-degree murder charge and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Reads attorneys have claimed in the filings that five separate jurors have come forward to notify them that the jury found Read not guilty on those charges during their deliberations.

The Norfolk District Attorneys Office has repeatedly said that it plans to retry Read and a new trial date could be scheduled as soon as Monday afternoon

Prosecutors in the murder case filed documents last week in opposition to the defenses post-trial motions to dismiss Reads criminal charges, calling the claims made by Reads attorneys unsubstantiated and sensational.

Defense attorneys said in a follow-up filing that the retrial of Read should not be allowed, calling the states continued push for a conviction in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe grossly unfair.

Cannone then indefinitely extended an order impounding the jury list from Reads murder trial on Thursday, citing one jurors credible and reasonable fear for their safety.

Read is accused of killing OKeefe by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm in Canton in January 2022.

Prosecutors said Read and OKeefe had been drinking heavily before she dropped him off at a party at the home of Brian Albert, a fellow officer. They said she hit him with her SUV before driving away.

The defense sought to portray Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside Alberts home and then dragged outside and left for dead.

RELATED:

Netflix announces 3-part documentary series about the Karen Read murder case

Karen Read is selling her meticulously maintained Mansfield home

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is scheduled to take the stand in a paternity trial, which began Monday morning at the federal courthouse in Texarkana.

The trial in the U.S. District Court, where Judge Robert W. Schroeder III is presiding, is expected to last four or five days.

As a result, Jones arrival for Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, Calif., will be delayed and so will his annual opening press conference.

The press conference has been pushed back from Wednesday until Saturday, per a Cowboys spokesman.

The team is set to arrive on Tuesday.

Jones is countersuing Alexandra Davis, who claims to be his daughter, for breaking a contract Jones had with Davis mother Cynthia, signed in 1998.

Jones filed the counter suit after Davis defamation suit was dismissed in March.

Jones denies being Davis father.

All three parties are expected to testify in the trial.

Attorney Chip Babcock opened the proceeding by telling the jury that Jones upheld his end of the bargain.

He added that Jones paid double what was agreed upon.

According to Jones claim, the agreement with Davis-Spencer included a lump payment of $375,000; reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during and after her pregnancy; and housing.

Jones also established two trusts for Davis care and benefit until she turned 21 years old, the lawsuit states.

Jones claims that up to the time Davis turned 18, he made 230 payments to her until totaling approximately $1.9 million, including $70,457 for a new Range Rover vehicle and $33,714.11 for a Sweet 16 birthday party.

Jones claims he made 140 payments to her totaling $1.2 million from the time Davis was 18 to when she filed her lawsuit in 2022,.

Plaintiff received approximately: $18,000 for a trip to Paris, France; $270,000 for four full years of undergraduate tuition and expenses at Southern Methodist University; $6,500 for a college graduation party; and $24,000 for a post-college graduation trip to Hong Kong, China, and Japan, among others, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit claims Jones has already given Davis approximately $3.2 million.

Babcock he would present evidence proving Cynthia and Alexandria knowing the breached the contract.

Jones did everything he was obligated to do and then some, Babcock told jurors.

The agreement has already been affirmed as a legitimate and legal contract by a Texas judge.

Alexandra Davis attorney Jay Gray told the jury his opening that Jones simply trying to protect his real family with the agreement.

This is a case built on broken promises from Mr. Jones to his wife ... not Alexandra Davis, Gray said.

Jones filed the countersuit after Alexandra Davis filed in March 2023, accusing him and others of a character assassination attack, stemming from her initial suit in 2022 in an effort to establish paternity a year.

The suit was dismissed in March.

Per court records, Shy Anderson, Jones ex-son-in-law, is expected to testify in the trial against Jones.

Jones family could also be called to testify, including his wife Gene Jones as well their daughter Charlotte Jones and sons Stephen Jones and Jerry Jones Jr.
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Credit: Nvidia

The U.S. is considering new trade restrictions that could prevent Nvidia from selling its China-oriented HGX-H20 AI GPU, according to a Jefferies note to clients, reports QZ. This is part of the U.S. government's plan to restrict China's access to advanced AI technology, and if implemented, it could cost Nvidia an estimated $12 billion in revenue.

Nvidia's new HGX H20 GPUs are designed to comply with U.S. export rules while still offering strong AI performance. They provide up to 296 INT8 TOPS/FP8 TFLOPS, 96 GB of HBM3 memory, and 4.0 TB/s memory bandwidth, making them competitive against entry-level AI processors. Despite appearing less potent on paper, the HGX H20 outperforms its direct competitor, Huawei's Ascend 920-series AI processors, in practical applications due to better memory performance. It is what concerns U.S. lawmakers.

Nvidia's H20 product may face a sales ban when the U.S. reviews its semiconductor export policies in October, reports QZ based on a Jefferies report. This ban could take several forms, including a product-specific prohibition, a reduction in a chip's computing power, or a limit on its memory capacity.

Most Chinese AI companies have developed their application ecosystems on Nvidia's CUDA platform, so transitioning to others (e.g., Huawei Ascend) would be expensive and time-consuming. Given that the HGX H20 GPU is fully compatible with Nvidia's CUDA platform, it is the preferred choice for many companies and applications despite being significantly slower than the full-featured H100.

It is noteworthy that despite existing export controls, Chinese companies have obtained advanced Nvidia GPUs for AI and HPC through intermediaries and by renting servers from companies like Google and Microsoft inappropriate cloud services.

The U.S. may also extend export restrictions to other Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and potentially overseas Chinese companies. However, the report says enforcing these extended controls would be complex and challenging to implement effectively.

Enforcing (or denying) access to Chinese entities from the cloud might be problematic. Given the vast processing performance requirements for AI large-language training, it is almost inevitable that Chinese entities will access GPU performance one way or another, which means they would simply rent instances in the cloud.
Tributes pour in as two October 7 hostages confirmed dead by Israel

Residents of Kfar Azza hold posters of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian Hamas militants, during a protest calling for their release. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Israel on Monday confirmed the deaths of two hostages seized by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7 attacks, including a prominent Polish-Israeli historian.

The families of Alex Dancyg, 76, and 35-year-old Yagev Buchshtab have been informed of their deaths in captivity, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Their bodies are still being held by Hamas, the IDF said.

The decision to publicly confirm the two men's deaths is based on intelligence information and was "approved by an expert committee." The circumstances of their deaths while in Hamas custody are being investigated, the military said.

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, a body established by the relatives of those abducted on October 7, led tributes to the two men.

Dancyg, a Polish historian, had worked at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem and dedicated himself to fostering closer relations between Israel and Poland, including organizing school trips.

Hostages who were freed in negotiations between Israel and Hamas said that Dancyg had given history lessons during their captivity in Gaza.

The Polish Foreign Ministry called him a "man of peace and friendship who made a great contribution to Polish-Jewish dialogue."

It said the Polish government had been aware of Dancyg's possible death since March, adding that it would continue to campaign for the unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza.

Buchshtab, meanwhile, was kidnapped along with his wife, a dual German-Israeli national who was later released.

In a post on the social media platform X, the German ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, said: "Our hearts go out to her and the whole family."

"Yagev and Alex were captured alive and should have returned alive to their families and their country," the Hostages Forum stated.

It called the deaths a tragic consequence of delays in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would involve the release of the 120 remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The forum demanded that the Israeli government immediately agree to a hostage deal. "Every week that passes means less time for the hostages," it said.
Joe Bidens exit from the 2024 campaign and the rise of Vice President Kamala Harris as the leading contender for the Democratic ticket has provoked a nuclear-level meltdown from the right  especially from Donald Trump.

Its not over! Tomorrow Crooked Joe Bidens going to wake up and forget that he dropped out of the race today! the former president wrote on Truth Social late Sunday night, hours after Biden announced he would be suspending his campaign in an open letter on social media.

In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump also complained that he had been unfairly forced to spend money campaigning against Biden, and even suggested that the Republican Party be reimbursed for fraud now that he wouldnt be running against the president.

Donald Trump suggests his campaign should get a refund for all the money they spent on attacking Biden pic.twitter.com/F9TLHuYG8d  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) July 22, 2024

Trump even hinted that he may back out of the scheduled presidential debate in September, unless major changes are made in his favor. My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September, he wrote. Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC.

Trumps musings became more unhinged as the night went on. In another post, he suggested that Biden was faking a recent Covid-19 diagnosis. The rant extended into the early hours of Monday morning, when Trump accused Democrats of having stolen the nomination from Biden. They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries  A First! These people are the real THREAT TO DEMOCRACY! He wrote.

Similar meltdowns took place across Republican politics and media. On Fox News, former Trump White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller was apoplectic about the campaign shakeup.

They held a primary! Miller squealed at a pitch that likely perked the ears of every dog in a 10 mile radius. They had ballots! They filled out circles that went to the voting booths! They spent money on advertisements, and  as President Trump said  the Republican Party spent tens of millions of dollars running against Joe Biden.

Now they just woke up one morning and said never mind we are canceling our entire primary. Were getting rid of our candidate, and were pretending the election has never even happened and were gonna let donors handpick a new nominee, Miller continued at a full blown yell.

Stephen Miller is melting down on Fox tonight. pic.twitter.com/o22R1IihJ3  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) July 22, 2024

One of the reasons Harris does make sense as a pick to lead the ticket is precisely because millions of Democrats voted for the presumptive Biden-Harris ticket in the Democratic primaries  not that Miller cares for the nuance.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told CNN on Sunday that Democrats could face legal challenges in attempting to replace Biden on the 2024 ticket. I think theyve got legal hurdles in some of these states and itll be litigated, I expect, on the ground there.

Fox News host Sean Hannity was literally grasping at straws in his reaction to the news, accusing Vice President Harris of wanting to ban plastic straws.

I love my plastic straws. I hate paper straws, Hannity told viewers. The host also suggested that the reason voters detest Harris is because of her laugh.

Hannity: Heres just one reason voters seem to detest Kamala Harris



*clips of Harris laughing* pic.twitter.com/QwKufROZJ3  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) demanded proof of life from Joe Biden today by 5:00 pm, on Monday. He needs to get in front of some camera and discuss if hes aware that he dropped out. Hiding is completely unacceptable.

Conservative influencers ran with the suggestion that Biden dropping out of the race amounted to an effective coup.

MAGA world is absolutely furious that Biden is standing down, and are suddenly very concerned about Democrats being disenfranchised. pic.twitter.com/0hNybqQOKw  Mike Rothschild (no relation) (@rothschildmd) July 21, 2024

We are witnessing a third-world-style coup engineered by oligarchs as we speak, and it isnt going to be pretty. Stay calm, folks. Its about to get crazy, Harmeet Dhillon, the California Republican National Committeewoman and prominent Trump ally, wrote on X.

The serial harassment account Libs of TikTok wrote on X that the people who called us a threat to Democracy for years just ran a coup against the sitting President. Biden will continue to serve the rest of his term, and while an incumbent president dropping out of the race is rare, it is neither unprecedented or illegal.

But even as Trumps sycophants rage at the prospect of running against a younger, more agile candidate, there are at least a few voices within Republican circles who are unconvinced that the will of Democratic voters was unceremoniously cast aside with Bidens decision. If almost 80 percent of Democrats polled say they wanted another nominee in the last four weeks, I do not think they feel disenfranchised, Fox News host Dana Perino said Monday morning.

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It wasn't long after Joe Biden announced he wouldn't seek reelection that the Donald Trump campaign turned its attention to Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive new Democratic nominee.

The official account of the Trump "War Room" (the cool-sounding name for the campaign's opposition research nerds) immediately began posting its greatest hits on Harris on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. But one of those attacks was quite curious:

"Kamala Harris helped raise money for a far-left organization that bailed a rioter who shot at police out of jail," the Trump War Room wrote on X yesterday.

Kamala Harris helped raise money for a far-left organization that bailed a rioter who shot at police out of jail. https://t.co/DweB3pf3mO  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 21, 2024

The Trump War Room appears to be referring to Jaleel Stallings, a Minnesota man who was indeed charged with rioting, attempted murder, and deadly force against police officers during the George Floyd protests of 2020.

It's not the first time the Trump campaign has tried to use Stallings' case as a political cudgel. Back in 2020, the Trump War Room posted multiple times about Stallings, calling him a "would-be cop killer who was in jail for firing at police during 'peaceful protests.'

"Now he's free thanks in part to Biden campaign officials who donated to pay bail fees," the account wrote. "Will Joe Biden apologize for helping put cops in danger?"

Jaleel Stallings is a would-be cop killer who was in jail for firing at police during "peaceful protests." Now he's free thanks in part to Biden campaign officials who donated to pay bail fees. Will Joe Biden apologize for helping put cops in danger? https://t.co/UzSNt06fuC pic.twitter.com/muwZVYOxBS  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 31, 2020

What the Trump War Room neglected to mention yesterday is that a jury acquitted Stallings of all charges, and he later won a $1.5 million lawsuit settlement as a result of his violent arrest. In fact, one of the police officers pleaded guilty last year to assaulting him.

Stallings, an Army veteran who had a concealed carry permit, was in a parking lot at night in May of 2020, five days after the death of George Floyd, when Minneapolis SWAT team officers in an unmarked van began firing rubber bullets at him.

The officers had been cruising the streets firing less-than-lethal rounds from their 40 mm projectile launchers at groups of people who were out past curfew. "The first fuckers we see, we're just hammering 'em with 40s," the team's sergeant ordered, according to body camera footage shown at Stallings' trial. Before they reached Stallings they had also taken potshots at a family trying to protect their gas station from looters and pepper sprayed a Vice News reporter who was supposed to be exempt from the curfew.

Stallings claimed he saw the unmarked white cargo van pull up with its lights off and the door slide open. He heard a pop and then felt the sharp pain of a rubber bullet hitting him in the chest. He said he assumed it was a drive-by and thought he'd been grazed by a bullet. Stallings returned fire at the van, shooting three rounds that did not hit anyone. When he realized he was shooting at police, he tossed his gun and surrendered. Body camera footage shown at Stallings' trial showed officers kicking and punching Stallings as he tried to surrender, including after he was handcuffed.

The Trump campaign and conservative media latched onto the case after Stallings' $75,000 bail was paid by the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a bail fund that Harris had tweeted support for.

"Meet the Rioting Criminals Kamala Harris Helped Bail out of Jail," a Federalist headline declared in an article that mentioned Stallings' case.

It was a weak attack that completely fell apart once the facts of the case were known.

The ostensible function of bail is to act as a surety that the defendant, who is presumed innocent, will appear at trial. In practice, it has turned into a monetary lever to keep arrestees in jail, regardless of their danger to the public. Bail funds are a workaround to this problem. (Several red states have introduced or passed laws to ban them in response.) In Stallings' case, the bail fund and the mechanism of cash bail worked exactly as they were supposed to: They kept him out of jail pending his trial, where he successfully claimed self-defense, and preserved his presumption of innocence, despite the best efforts of conservative media and the Trump campaign to publicly smear him.

The Trump War Room's repeated invocation of the case of a man who ultimately was proven to be an innocent victim of police brutality is a reminder that the Republican Party's obsequious and omnipresent "blue lives" rhetoric doesn't reflect a sincere concern for officers' safety. Rather, it's just a bit of sloppy demagoguery to keep a favored class of public employees beyond criticism and above the law.

The post The Trump Campaign Won't Stop Lying About a Minnesota Man Acquitted of Shooting at Police appeared first on Reason.com.
Former President Trumps crowning as the Republican presidential nominee after surviving an attempted assassination has cemented for Americas allies and partners the necessity of building goodwill with the Trump camp.

A phone call took place Friday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid the former presidents assertions he can negotiate an end to Russias war against Ukraine.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting, Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X.

And a bipartisan delegation of Taiwanese officials were on the ground at the Republican National Convention this week interacting with GOP lawmakers and former senior national security officials from Trumps first administration.

During his keynote address closing out the Republican National Convention, Trump repeated his promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine  along with every single international crisis.

He described having good relations with leaders of Americas most dangerous adversaries as key to avoiding bad action  and said antagonism toward democratic partner nations was pushing them to spend more on their own defense.

We have long been taken advantage of by other countries. And think of it, oftentimes these other countries are considered so-called allies. Theyve taken advantage of us for years, Trump said.

Rachael Dean Wilson, managing director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund, said shes hearing more from diplomats about the importance of fanning out across the U.S. to meet more with local and state politicians where Trumps message resonates to better understand the political environment in the U.S.

Ive talked to a number of diplomats from different countries that are engaging in  not only going to the RNC and the DNC  but almost like listening tours in the United States, she said.

I think the foreign policy piece is a big question mark in what was laid out at the RNC this week, because you saw a vision and a lot of promises, no new wars seem to be the foreign policy mantra in the speech last night. There were very scant details on how to accomplish that, she said.

Its common practice for foreign diplomats, politicians, and advocacy groups to attend political

conventions each election cycle. But some attendees remarked about a striking, triumphant atmosphere among the GOP faithful  buoyed by chaos in the Democratic party calling for President Biden to step aside as the nominee.

When youre there, everyone is in such a good mood because its like they already won among the crowd, no ones complaining about Biden because it felt like a done deal, said Alexandre Crevaux-Asatiani, a member of the Georgian opposition political party UNM who came to advocate in support of Ukraine and U.S-Georgian ties.

Im not a U.S. political expert, but I would say its still a little bit too early, theres still a long way to go, no one really knows how elections are going to turn out as early as July.

Crevaux-Asatiani welcomed Trumps condemning Russias 2008 invasion of Georgia and 2014 occupation of Crimea in his keynote speech, which was part of the former presidents argument that no new wars occurred during his administration.

What hes saying is that Russia shouldnt be invading any country, and that he proposes a vision that will address that, a vision that will prevent any invasions from happening  it doesnt mean capitulation, it doesnt mean compromise, it doesnt mean any of that, it just means strength, he said. And we saw that in the Republican platform, their whole messaging of peace through strength, really resonates, and its a good thing for us.

But Trumps selection of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate  a staunch opponent of U.S. support for Ukraine  sent immediate shockwaves through Kyivs supporters over whether the junior senator would influence Trumps position on foreign policy.

Wilson of the German Marshall Fund said the pick of Vance was definitely kind of a win for the protectionist side of the Republican Party.

Right now, what youre seeing is a very real dialogue within the Republican Party about how it wants to show up in the world and I dont think that dialogue has resolved anything yet, said Daniel Balson, head of public engagement for the non-profit advocacy group Razom for Ukraine, who attended the RNC.

Balson said Razoms mission was to clarify the benefits of U.S. support to Ukraine and reach individuals and communities who may not be familiar with the issue.

A lot of it was an intelligence gathering exercise for folks who have concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. I think its important for us to understand why.

Trump has frequently attacked foreign allies and partners as not spending enough on their own militaries and defense budgets and relying too much on the U.S., even threatening to withdraw from the NATO alliance if other countries dont carry more of the financial burden.

He recently turned that ire on Taiwan, saying in a June interview with Bloomberg that Taipei should pay us for defense were no different than an insurance company.

Taipei responded that the country has directed 2.5 percent of its GDP on defense investment, what they describe as an historic high. The Taiwan delegation brough that message to its meetings at the RNC this week.

This included Trumps former secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security advisor Robert OBrien, and a handful of GOP lawmakers from the Senate and House, including Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), according to a dispatch from the delegates of Taiwans ruling party, the DPP.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who met with the Taiwanese delegation during the convention, responded to Trumps comments on Taiwan that the the record is probably more important than the rhetoric, during a panel at the Aspen Security Forum on Friday.

He pointed to an increase in weapons sales to Taiwan during the former Trump administration and visits by administration officials, which, at that time, broke an unofficial taboo of holding back public, high-level U.S. engagement.

Sullivan called for closer ties with Taipei and to telegraph consequences to Chinese President Xi Jinping to deter an invasion of the island.

I think one of the most important things we can do  I have legislation on it  is let Xi Jinping know if he invades Taiwan that we will impose massive economic, financial and energy sanctions on him.

Trumps fixation on criticizing U.S. allies over their defense spending is part of increased alarm over a growing GOP inclination toward protectionist or isolationist policies in general.

While Trump has not directly committed to a 60 percent tariff on all imports from China  as proposed by his former national security advisor OBrien  he is floating a 10 percent tariff on all imports to the U.S.

This has prompted anxiety in Ottawa  Canadas ambassador to the U.S. Kristin Hillman said there are conversations with Trump advisors urging them to consider what the implications of applying that would be, during a panel discussion at the RNC hosted by POLITICO.

I think well have an important conversation, because we just negotiated something quite different, she said, referring to the Trump-era USMCA trade pact, which the former president has touted as the best trade deal ever made.

Karen Pierce, the UKs ambassador to the U.S., also pitched to the Republican convention attendees about preserving friendly economic ties with Americas allies.

The other thing Id say is to encourage Americans to believe that it is strategically in their interests for their close allies to have competitive healthy industries, she said, calling for friend-shoring industries, as opposed to the U.S. focusing only on domestic production.

Its very much in Americas interest that her allies believe in free enterprise and have healthy economies and an open trading system is a key part of that, she said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  Former President Donald Trumps crowning as the Republican presidential nominee after surviving an attempted assassination has cemented for Americas allies and partners the necessity of building goodwill with the Trump camp.

A phone call took place Friday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid the former presidents assertions he can negotiate an end to Russias war against Ukraine.

We agreed with President Trump to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting, Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X.

And a bipartisan delegation of Taiwanese officials were on the ground at the Republican National Convention this week interacting with GOP lawmakers and former senior national security officials from Trumps first administration.

Harris vs. Trump: What the polls tell us

During his keynote address closing out the Republican National Convention, Trump repeated his promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine  along with every single international crisis.

He described having good relations with leaders of Americas most dangerous adversaries as key to avoiding bad action  and said antagonism toward democratic partner nations was pushing them to spend more on their own defense.

We have long been taken advantage of by other countries. And think of it, oftentimes these other countries are considered so-called allies. Theyve taken advantage of us for years, Trump said.

Rachael Dean Wilson, managing director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund, said shes hearing more from diplomats about the importance of fanning out across the U.S. to meet more with local and state politicians where Trumps message resonates to better understand the political environment in the U.S.

Ive talked to a number of diplomats from different countries that are engaging in  not only going to the RNC and the DNC  but almost like listening tours in the United States, she said.

I think the foreign policy piece is a big question mark in what was laid out at the RNC this week, because you saw a vision and a lot of promises, no new wars seem to be the foreign policy mantra in the speech last night. There were very scant details on how to accomplish that, she said.

Its common practice for foreign diplomats, politicians, and advocacy groups to attend political

conventions each election cycle. But some attendees remarked about a striking, triumphant atmosphere among the GOP faithful  buoyed by chaos in the Democratic party calling for President Joe Biden to step aside as the nominee.

When youre there, everyone is in such a good mood because its like they already won among the crowd, no ones complaining about Biden because it felt like a done deal, said Alexandre Crevaux-Asatiani, a member of the Georgian opposition political party UNM who came to advocate in support of Ukraine and U.S-Georgian ties.

Im not a U.S. political expert, but I would say its still a little bit too early, theres still a long way to go, no one really knows how elections are going to turn out as early as July.

Crevaux-Asatiani welcomed Trumps condemning Russias 2008 invasion of Georgia and 2014 occupation of Crimea in his keynote speech, which was part of the former presidents argument that no new wars occurred during his administration.

What hes saying is that Russia shouldnt be invading any country, and that he proposes a vision that will address that, a vision that will prevent any invasions from happening  it doesnt mean capitulation, it doesnt mean compromise, it doesnt mean any of that, it just means strength, he said. And we saw that in the Republican platform, their whole messaging of peace through strength, really resonates, and its a good thing for us.

But Trumps selection of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate  a staunch opponent of U.S. support for Ukraine  sent immediate shockwaves through Kyivs supporters over whether the junior senator would influence Trumps position on foreign policy.

Delegate tracker: Harris gets quick start on road to 1,986

Wilson of the German Marshall Fund said the pick of Vance was definitely kind of a win for the protectionist side of the Republican Party.

Right now, what youre seeing is a very real dialogue within the Republican Party about how it wants to show up in the world and I dont think that dialogue has resolved anything yet, said Daniel Balson, head of public engagement for the non-profit advocacy group Razom for Ukraine, who attended the RNC.

Balson said Razoms mission was to clarify the benefits of U.S. support to Ukraine and reach individuals and communities who may not be familiar with the issue.

A lot of it was an intelligence gathering exercise for folks who have concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. I think its important for us to understand why.

Trump has frequently attacked foreign allies and partners as not spending enough on their own militaries and defense budgets and relying too much on the U.S., even threatening to withdraw from the NATO alliance if other countries dont carry more of the financial burden.

He recently turned that ire on Taiwan, saying in a June interview with Bloomberg that Taipei should pay us for defense were no different than an insurance company.

Taipei responded that the country has directed 2.5 percent of its GDP on defense investment, what they describe as an historic high. The Taiwan delegation brough that message to its meetings at the RNC this week.

This included Trumps former secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security advisor Robert OBrien, and a handful of GOP lawmakers from the Senate and House, including Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), according to a dispatch from the delegates of Taiwans ruling party, the DPP.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who met with the Taiwanese delegation during the convention, responded to Trumps comments on Taiwan that the the record is probably more important than the rhetoric, during a panel at the Aspen Security Forum on Friday.

He pointed to an increase in weapons sales to Taiwan during the former Trump administration and visits by administration officials, which, at that time, broke an unofficial taboo of holding back public, high-level U.S. engagement.

Sullivan called for closer ties with Taipei and to telegraph consequences to Chinese President Xi Jinping to deter an invasion of the island.

I think one of the most important things we can do  I have legislation on it  is let Xi Jinping know if he invades Taiwan that we will impose massive economic, financial and energy sanctions on him.

Trumps fixation on criticizing U.S. allies over their defense spending is part of increased alarm over a growing GOP inclination toward protectionist or isolationist policies in general.

While Trump has not directly committed to a 60 percent tariff on all imports from China  as proposed by his former national security advisor OBrien  he is floating a 10 percent tariff on all imports to the U.S.

Who could be Harriss running mate?

This has prompted anxiety in Ottawa  Canadas ambassador to the U.S. Kristin Hillman said there are conversations with Trump advisors urging them to consider what the implications of applying that would be, during a panel discussion at the RNC hosted by POLITICO.

I think well have an important conversation, because we just negotiated something quite different, she said, referring to the Trump-era USMCA trade pact, which the former president has touted as the best trade deal ever made.

Karen Pierce, the UKs ambassador to the U.S., also pitched to the Republican convention attendees about preserving friendly economic ties with Americas allies.

The other thing Id say is to encourage Americans to believe that it is strategically in their interests for their close allies to have competitive healthy industries, she said, calling for friend-shoring industries, as opposed to the U.S. focusing only on domestic production.

Its very much in Americas interest that her allies believe in free enterprise and have healthy economies and an open trading system is a key part of that, she said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A sign for the Pulitzer Prize is shown at Columbia University, Tuesday May 28, 2019, in New York. The defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the Pulitzer Board can move forward, a judge ruled. | Bebeto Matthews

A defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the Pulitzer Board can move forward, after a judge ruled on an attempt to dismiss the suit.

Senior Circuit Judge Robert L. Pegg issued the ruling Saturday. The Pulitzer Prize Board made a statement in 2022 about independently reviewing reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post about the Trump campaigns alleged connections to Russia. The two papers had won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting for these reports.

The Pulitzer Board did not immediately return a request for comment from the Deseret News.

After the prizes were issued, Robert S. Mueller III investigated whether or not Trump coordinated with Russia. According to a U.S. attorney general letter issued about the investigation, this effort did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.

Trump sued the Pulitzer Board for the statement made in 2022, after calls for the board to revoke the awards. The statement said the board commissioned two independent reviews of the reporting and determined no passages or headlines, contentions or assertions in any of the winning submissions were discredited by facts that emerged subsequent to the conferral of the prizes.

The Washington Post and The New York Times were not sued by Trump over the Pulitzer Prize-winning articles, according to the Times. The campaign did unsuccessfully sue over opinion pieces.

The court allowed Trumps suit against Pulitzer Board to move forward

Lawyers for the Pulitzer Board argued the statement was an opinion and thus, could not be defamatory.

Defendants cannot claim the statement is pure opinion when they withheld information from their audience that would have provided an adequate factual foundation for a common reader to decide whether to agree or disagree with the Defendants decision to let 2018 Pulitzer Prizes in National Reporting stand, said the court, and whether the awarded reporting had in fact been discredited by facts that emerged from the Mueller Report or the other government investigations that had been made public since the conferral of those prizes.

The court said defendants did not explain how the formal review process worked and failed to disclose who did these independent reviews.

The order also said the reader is left to wonder if the review even attempted to verify the anonymous sources that were critical to advancing the larger Russia Collusion Hoax narrative.

In addition, the court pointed toward the Pulitzer Boards use of the phrase Trump campaign. The court said candidates are closely associated with their campaign.

The court said a reasonable reader could conclude by issuing the statement asserting the reports from 2017 were true, defendants were asserting that President Trump had himself colluded with the Russians using his campaign staff, his transition team, and his administration as proxies.

If that implication proves false, as President Trump contends, it is defamatory per se, said the court.

Trump took to social media to celebrate the ruling.

Just heard that today, during our amazing Rally in the Great State of Michigan, esteemed Florida Circuit Court Judge, Robert L. Pegg, issued a Powerful Decision totally and completely DENYING the Pulitzer Prize Boards desperate attempt to dismiss my ironclad Defamation Lawsuit against them for awarding the once respected Pulitzer Prizes to Fake News Stories about the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax by The Failing New York Times and The Washington Compost, said Trump.
Former President Donald Trump, who is running for the office again, says he will build an iron dome defense system to shield the entire United States if he is re-elected this fall. The pledge is vague and has already prompted intense speculation about what is actually being proposed. So what is he talking about here and is any of it even relevant? You might be surprised by the answer.

First off, lets get this out of the way, Israels Iron Dome system isnt really applicable here, at least in a broad sense, as it is primarily aimed at protecting against low-end, localized threats, not broad area ones. Specifically, this includes artillery rockets with some drone and cruise missile intercept capabilities now also being featured. These threats are different than the far higher-end long-range ballistic missiles that have been the main focus of domestic ground-based air defense systems for many decades, but thats now changing.

Most dont realize that outside of the U.S. Capital Region and a few dozen ICBM interceptors in Alaska and California, the U.S. has no standing surface-to-air missile systems defending its territory or critical infrastructure. While military units could be deployed domestically in a crisis, that is easier said than done outside of the absolute most dire of crises. Target deconfliction in domestic airspace and plugging into the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) existing air defense architecture is a special capability set. These assets are also in relatively low supply and extreme demand globally, and would be especially so during an actual conflict.

NASAMS batteries are scattered around the Capital Region, along with short-range Avenger systems. Beyond these and Ground-Based Midcourse interceptors in Alaska and a few in California used to swat down ICBMs, no SAMs protect the US homeland. (KONGSBERG)

Today, Americas skies are policed by U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons tasked with and trained for this specific mission set. And outside the caveats we mentioned a moment ago, they are the only assets readily able to use deadly force against targets that threaten the homeland.

An unclassified map showing various NORAD air defense nodes in the contiguous United States. The Green circles, specifically, are bases that host U.S. Air Force fighter jets, including those assigned to Air National Guard units, that are tasked with the homeland defense mission. Many of these sites do not host standing alerts but are capable of doing so in a crisis. DOD An unclassified map showing various NORAD air defense nodes in the contiguous United States, including certain early warning radar sites. DOD

Whatever the details are of what Trump is really promising, there is actual relevance to the problem he is trying to address. The U.S. military has been increasingly voicing deep concerns about the lack of air and missile defenses to help guard the homeland, especially the rapidly growing threat posed by cruise missiles and drones.

Trump highlighted the proposed air and missile defense project in an acceptance speech on July 18 following his formal nomination as the Republican Party candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. We will replenish our military and build an iron dome missile defense system to ensure that no enemy can strike our homeland, he said in his remarks, which came on the last day of the Republic National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Trump, who was speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was essentially reiterating the official Republican Party platform for the 2024 election, which includes a promise to build a great Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield over our entire country  all made in America, but includes no details about what this might consist of.

The former president has made this pledge in other previous campaign speeches, as well.

"In my next term, we will build a great Iron Dome over our country."  Trump pic.twitter.com/m7VsyTurAD  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 22, 2024

In his acceptance speech last week, Trump did make direct mention of the Israeli Iron Dome system, which typically consists of launchers loaded with fast and agile Tamir interceptors and associated air defense radars linked together via a centralized fire control system. Iron Dome was originally designed primarily for what is commonly referred to as the counter-rockets, artillery, and mortars (C-RAM) mission.

Iron Dome first entered service in Israel in 2011 and has been regularly employed since then. The systems have been very heavily utilized with thousands of Tamirs fired just in the course of the fighting that erupted following the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas unprecedented attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system (L) intercepts rockets (R) fired by Hamas toward southern Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 14, 2021. Photo by ANAS BABA/AFP via Getty Images

Iron Domes capabilities have expanded over the years and manufacturer Rafael says the system now has a demonstrated ability to defeat cruise missiles and drones. A navalized Iron Dome system is now also in service in Israel integrated onto the countrys Saar 6 class corvettes and scored its first kill in April. In Israel, Iron Dome is just one layer of an expansive integrated air and missile defense network  arguably the most advanced and densest on earth  that you can read more about here. While Iron Dome is very capable and the most combat-proven modern SAM system in service, it is not used for very broad area air defense. Covering major population centers in Israel is one thing, doing it across the entire U.S., or even just its shores, is another.

In his remarks at the RNC, Trump also drew a comparison between his Iron Dome and the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) that began under President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Derisively nicknamed Star Wars by its critics, SDI was a multi-component missile defense plan that envisioned an array of ground and space-based weapons, ranging from physical interceptors to more novel options like particle beams, along with sensors and communications networks to protect the United States from the threat of a Soviet nuclear strike.

SDI never came close to achieving its ambitious goals, but research and development work on its various components resulted in important leaps forward in various technological domains. President Bill Clinton formally ended SDI in 1993 and put U.S. military missile defense efforts on a track that eventually evolved into the current Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

Regardless, relating this initiative to SDI indicates it is a far more ambitious concept than just deploying lots of Iron Dome systems to key areas or just beefing up basic air defense capabilities domestically.

As it exists today, outside of the Capital, the missile defense architecture positioned in and around the United States is primarily geared toward defeating higher-end ballistic threats, and now increasingly novel hypersonic ones, and has limited fields of coverage. Republican members of Congress have been and continue to be especially prominent supporters of expanding those capabilities, including an ongoing push for the establishment of a ballistic missile interceptor site on the East Coast, as you can read more about here.

A very general overview of the components of the US militarys current missile defense architecture. US Army

A graphic offering a very general look at the fields of coverage offered by the current elements of the US militarys missile defense architecture inside the United States and forward-deployed elsewhere around the world. US Army

Outside of the Capital Region, the task of defending the United States against air-breathing and other non-ballistic aerial threats like aircraft, both crewed or uncrewed, as well as cruise missiles, and even balloons, falls almost exclusively to U.S. Air Force (to include the Air National Guard). As noted earlier, there are short-medium-range ground-based surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems positioned around Washington, D.C., and the greater National Capital Region (NCR). However, the United States hasnt seen SAMs fielded on a broader basis across the country since the 1970s.

The U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps are working to expand their air and missile defense forces, with a major emphasis on defending against cruise missiles and drones. The Marines are even acquiring a service-specific version of Israels Iron Dome, elements of which will be built in the United States by Raytheon in cooperation with Rafael, called the Medium-Range Intercept Capability. The Army is working toward fielding a system called Enduring Shield that is very similar in form and function to Iron Dome, but uses the AIM-9X Sidewinder as its interceptor.

A Marine Corps MRIC Expeditionary Launcher. A total of 10 Tamir missile canisters are seen here loaded on the launcher, which can hold up to 20 at a time. USMC

A prototype of the launcher for the Enduring Shield system. US Army A prototype Enduring Shield launcher. U.S. Army

The Army had also acquired a small number of Iron Domes, but ultimately decided not to field them, in part because of issues networking them together with its other systems. The services Iron Domes were transferred to Israel last year to help bolster that countrys defenses.

One of the US Armys palletized Iron Dome launchers loaded onto a truck. US Army One of the US Armys palletized Iron Dome launchers loaded onto a truck. U.S. Army

Regardless, the Army and Marine Corps pushes to increase their air and missile capacities remain heavily focused on supporting current and future operations abroad. Both services plans are also geared mainly toward filling critical gaps in short and medium-range systems not meant to provide broad-area air and missile defense capabilities that would be better suited for general domestic duty.

The Armys air defense branch is already in particularly high demand and spread thin, as The War Zone has highlighted in the past with specific respect to the services Patriot surface-to-air missile systems. The long-range Patriot system is designed to provide broader area defense.

Elements of a US Army Patriot surface-to-air missile battery deployed at Easterwood Airport in College Station, Texas during an exercise in 2020. Reader Submission

At the same time, Americas near-peer competitors China and Russia continue to develop more capable air-breathing cruise missiles, including types claiming to have hypersonic performance. Those countries have also been developing new launch platforms, especially advanced ultra-quiet submarines, which could put those weapons well within range of critical military and civilian targets inside the United States. Containerized missile system could also be used transform an array of other vessels into launch platforms. The real possibility of launchers being hidden on ostensibly commercial cargo ships has been an acute point of concern for years now.

The thing that I really want to emphasize here is that the homeland is not a sanctuary any longer, U.S. Air Force Col. Kristopher Struve, the vice director of operations for the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), said during a virtual roundtable hosted by the Missile Defense Advocacy Association (MDAA) in 2021. There are opportunities for our adversaries to employ weapons from distances that they could strike critical infrastructure in the United States early in a conflict and create some challenges for us to produce our military power.

Many smaller nations, especially Iran and North Korea, have been building up their cruise, as well as ballistic missile arsenals, and those capabilities are continuing to proliferate, even among non-state actors. Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have been waging a very serious anti-ship campaign in and around the Red Sea using anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles, kamikaze drones, and other uncrewed platforms.

The onboard camera captured the moment when a missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen struck the Malta-flagged and Greek-owned MT ZOGRAFIA bulk carrier in the Red Sea on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/ZB60Jfu9ZG  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) January 19, 2024

The Houthis are the first to have ever fired an anti-ship ballistic missile in anger. The group also has a long history of attacking targets ashore in the Middle East, most recently in Israel. The Houthis drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure in 2019 were wake-up calls to these threats, as The War Zone pointed out at the time.

Drones, even lower-end weaponized commercial types, present an ever-growing threat in their own right, something that the war in Ukraine has helped finally push into the mainstream consciousness. The barrier to entry in this domain is extremely low, with terrorists, criminal groups, and other non-state actors  like the Houthis  increasingly using uncrewed aerial systems to launch attacks, as well as to conduct surveillance. Even relatively cheap examples of these systems can fly over extreme distances and strike with pinpoint accuracy. Their low and slow characteristics, and the fact that launch points can come from so far away, make them very hard to defend against. This poses a whole new threat dimension to the U.S., one in which the homeland is clearly vulnerable.

Unverified video reportedly showing a Shahed-136 strike on a building in Kharkiv on June 10. pic.twitter.com/aOGe2ktssK  War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 30, 2023

Looking outward for drone threats from Americas borders only factors in one facet of the issue. Attacks present the additional danger of being something that small groups or even individuals within the United States, can readily mount. The complexity of these potential attacks will only increase as the hardware and software to execute them proliferates even in the commercial space.

The War Zone has been sounding the alarm about drones of many capability types for years, including in regards to their threat to the homeland. This is only becoming more dire as uncrewed aerial systems look to be on the cusp of taking another dangerous step forward thanks to developments in autonomy supported by work on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Reports of concerning drone activity over military bases and training ranges, as well as other sensitive sites, inside the United States, are only becoming more commonplace. U.S. authorities have said that many sightings of what are now commonly called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), previously referred to as unidentified flying objects (UFO), have been assessed to have been uncrewed aircraft, as well as balloons, on closer examination, as well. Its worth noting here that the U.S. military and other armed forces around the world, especially China, have been actively working to develop and field high-altitude balloons as penetrating launch platforms for drones and munitions, among other missions.

A graphic depicting, in broad strokes, a Chinese concept for deploying drones via high-altitude balloon and then using a satellite to relay information to a control node. Chinese Academy of Sciences via International Journal of Micro Air Vehicles A graphic depicting, in broad strokes, a concept for deploying drones via high-altitude balloon and then using a satellite to relay information to a control node. Chinese Academy of Sciences via International Journal of Micro Air Vehicles

Just in March, The War Zone broke the news that Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, a major East Coast air defense hub, had been swarmed by drones for several weeks in December 2023, prompting a whole-of-government response that you can read more about here.

All of this, in turn, is already driving demands for additional layers of defense from within the U.S. military, as well as both sides of the political aisle. It has also been highlighting worrisome deficiencies. The intrusion of a Chinese spy balloon into U.S. and Canadian airspace in 2022 exposed what U.S. military officials conceded were serious gaps in general situation awareness that they said immediate steps had been taken to try to mitigate. That balloon, as well as three other still unidentified objects, were subsequently shot down over and around the United States and Canada by U.S. Air Force fighters.

I will tell you that we did not detect those threats. And thats a Domain Awareness gap that we have to figure out, but I dont want to go into further detail, now-retired Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, then head of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), said in February 2022. VanHerck was referring at that time to a series of spy balloon incursions into U.S. airspace dating back to former President Trumps term in office.

A picture of the Chinese spy balloon soaring over the United States in February 2022 taken from the cockpit of US Air Force U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane. DOD A picture taken from a US Air Force U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane of the Chinese spy balloon that was ultimately shot down in February 2023. The balloon is seen here soaring somewhere over the central United States. DOD

There is a major debate ongoing now between the U.S. military and Congress about the best way forward to increase protection, especially at U.S. air bases, including domestic ones, against missiles and drones. The pros and cons of expanded use of hardened aircraft shelters and active air and missile defenses like SAMs have been particularly hot topics of discussion. New and improved weapon systems, including high-power laser and microwave directed energy weapons, sensors, and communications networks, are in the mix, too.

Specifically re-establishing a larger network of SAM sites within the United States to protect critical infrastructure and population centers has been under consideration at the highest levels of the Pentagon, as well as within NORAD, in recent years. At the same time, U.S. military officials have generally agreed that it would be unfeasible and uneconomical to provide this kind of active defense coverage across the entirety of the United States.

We would place defenses on key critical infrastructure nodes. Its infeasible that we can place kinetic, you know, surface-to-air missile batteries over the entirety of the United States, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and Canada. By the time we fielded such a system, it would probably  they wouldve found a way around it anyways, NORADs Col. Struve said in 2021. So we are working closely with OSD [Office of the Secretary of Defense] and the National Security Council on where are we going to place those limited ground-based air defense assets that well have in time of conflict to really change our adversaries calculus about their efficacy of being able to execute an attack on the U.S.

Simply put: We cannot defend everything, now-retired Army Lt. Gen. A. C. Roper, then Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the Vice Commander of NORADs U.S. component, said in 2022 at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank. Placing a Patriot or THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] battery on every street corner is both infeasible and unaffordable.

Every time you start figuring out what youre going to have to deploy to do this the way we traditionally do air defense, it is an extremely costly proposition, another unnamed senior defense official said last year, according to Inside Defense. So, our challenge is going to be: How do we do this smartly, right-size this thing.

The ongoing war in Ukraine and Russias constant onslaught on drones, cruise missiles, with some ballistic missiles mixed in, is a reminder of just how costly things can get when you cant protect even critical infrastructure and major population centers. At the same time, that conflict also underlines just how precious area air defense systems are and how costly they are to produce, deploy, and actually employ in a sustained manner.

Whether or not the Iron Dome air defense shield over the United States that Trump and the rest of the Republican Party have now pledged to build materializes in any fashion remains to be seen. At the same time, there is an increasingly bipartisan consensus that threats to the U.S. homeland besides long-range ballistic missiles, and especially from cruise missiles and drones, are rapidly increasing and that new steps are required to protect Americans against them.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Kamala Harris, a potential runner for US president, was given $6,000 by Donald Trump in 2011 and 2013 - JOHN RAOUX/AP

Donald Trump has previously donated thousands of dollars to the campaigns of his potential presidential opponent Kamala Harris.

The former president donated $5,000 to her campaign on Sept 24 2011 and another $1,000 on Feb 20 2013, when she was running to be Californias attorney general, according to financial records that have been virally shared on social media.

At the time, Ms Harris Democratic opponent, Loretta Sanchez, questioned whether Trump was attempting to influence the states probe of Trump University.

Ivanka Trump, the former presidents daughter, gave $2,000 to the current vice presidents campaign in 2014.

The now-defunct Trump University, which promised to teach its students the secrets of success in the real estate industry, was facing a class-action lawsuit over alleged false advertising and high-pressure sales techniques to lure would-be students to free workshops before selling them access to expensive seminars.

While Ms Harris was Californias attorney general, her office took action against Trump University.

A spokesman for Joe Bidens campaign said that Harris did not solicit donations from Trump or his family and that they had no impact on how her office handled the allegations against the institute.

Donald Trump, pictured on Saturday in Michigan, donated to Kamala Harris when she was running to be California's attorney general, according to records - BILL PUGLIANO/GETTY

Trump gave $25,000 to Pamela Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, at the time she was also considering a lawsuit against Trump University. Her office did not join the lawsuit but has insisted that the decision was not influenced by the gift.

In 2016, Trump University agreed to pay out $25 million to settle the lawsuits.

Before he ran for the presidency in 2016 on the Republican ticket, Trump was no stranger to donating to Democratic candidates.

As a businessman in New York, he donated to both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, his main two electoral rivals in recent years. He gave the Biden campaign $1,000 in 2001, according to financial records.

Bill and Hillary Clinton were also pictured laughing with Trump and Melania, his wife, at their 2005 wedding reception.

But after 2010, records show that Trump began almost exclusively donating to Republican causes, which also coincided with his rise in conservative politics.

The donations to Mrs Harris campaign were the only odd ones out.

In a 2013 affidavit, Trump said a political figure close to Eric Schneiderman, the former New York attorney general, had asked my daughter Ivanka if she would arrange for me to make a contribution to a fundraising event sponsored by Schneiderman for newly elected California Attorney General Kamala D Harris.

Trumps campaign in the past has also argued that the donations prove he is not a racist.

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Former President Trump on Sunday went on a social media tirade against President Bidens decision not to seek reelection in November, claiming it was undemocratic and mocking Bidens mental fitness.

Trump posted 10 times on Truth Social between when Biden dropped out and Monday morning, complaining it was unfair to the Republican Party to have to face a new opponent and suggesting Biden should not be able to remain on as president if he cant run for reelection.

The Democrats pick a candidate, Crooked Joe Biden, he loses the Debate badly, then panics, and makes mistake after mistake, is told he cant win, and decide they will pick another candidate, probably Harris, Trump posted Monday. They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries  A First! These people are the real THREAT TO DEMOCRACY!

That message echoed one coming from different corners of the GOP as some conservatives sought to make the case that Democrats were ignoring the will of primary voters by replacing Biden atop the ticket. But Democrats have largely united behind Vice President Harris, who was on the ticket that received millions of primary votes.

Trump otherwise has been focused on attacking Bidens mental acuity, and at one point falsely suggested the president did not actually have COVID-19 as he isolated in Delaware.

Its a new day and Joe Biden doesnt remember quitting the race yesterday! He is demanding his campaign schedule and arranging talks with Presidents Xi of China, and Putin of Russia, concerning the possible start of World War 3. Biden is sharp, decisive, energetic, angry, and ready to go! Trump wrote mockingly in one post.

Its not over! Tomorrow Crooked Joe Bidens going to wake up and forget that he dropped out of the race today! Trump wrote in another.

The former president echoed calls from other Republicans for Biden to resign at one point, asking, Who is running our Country right now? Its not Crooked Joe, he has no idea where he is. If he cant run for office, he cant run our Country!!!

Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not run for a second term amid mounting pressure from elected Democrats for him to step aside, citing concerns he could not defeat Trump in November. A short time later, he endorsed Harris as the nominee. Harris said she planned to earn and win the partys nomination, and its unclear whether she will face any serious challengers in the month before the Democratic convention begins next month in Chicago.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former President Donald Trump returned to his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach this past weekend, as the U.S. Secret Service increased security around the historic estate following an attempted assassination July 13 at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

According to an alert from the Federal Aviation Administration, Trump arrived in Palm Beach late Saturday night, hours after a road closure went into effect earlier in the day next to Mar-a-Lago.

Law enforcement agencies on Saturday morning shut down South Ocean Boulevard from its intersection with South County Road down to the Southern Boulevard traffic circle next to Mar-a-Lago, citing a need for increased security and saying the closure will be in effect through at least the Nov. 5 general election.

The FAA alert, which notifies pilots of increased security in place for a VIP and pinpoints Mar-a-Lago, is in effect until 1 p.m. July 25. Trump is scheduled for a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, the evening of July 24.

Trump arrived in Palm Beach from a Saturday night campaign rally in Michigan, his first campaign alongside his pick for vice president, J.D. Vance, whose selection was announced at last week's Republican National Convention in Wisconsin.

A gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Pennsylvania, shot at Trump on July 13 as the Republican nominee for president spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump's right ear was grazed, and three other people were shot, one fatally. Crooks was shot and killed by the Secret Service.

A new traffic pattern is in effect at the Southern Boulevard traffic circle with South County Road in Palm Beach, as part of increased security measures at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club on July 22, 2024.

While Trump's primary residence is Mar-a-Lago, Trump typically does not spend a lot of time there through the summer months, when the club is closed and Palm Beach is in its social off-season.

Trump's return to Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night was attended by his supporters, who lined Southern Boulevard as they often to do to welcome him home.

Palm Beach officials have said they will try to seek changes to the indefinite road closure.

The increased security measures include a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office boat in the Intracoastal Waterway next to Mar-a-Lago's seawall. The Florida Department of Transportation on Saturday morning placed concrete barricades at both the Southern Boulevard traffic circle and the intersection of South County Road and South Ocean Boulevard. Residents in the area affected by the closure can only exit and enter through the northern point of the closure, officials said.

The security measures implemented over the past few days are reminiscent of those during Trump's presidency, but they were scaled back following his departure from office in 2021.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Trump returns to Palm Beach as increased security measures take effect
Former President Donald Trump returned to his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach this past weekend, as the U.S. Secret Service increased security around the historic estate following an attempted assassination July 13 at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

According to an alert from the Federal Aviation Administration, Trump arrived in Palm Beach late Saturday night, hours after a road closure went into effected earlier in the day next to Mar-a-Lago.

Law enforcement agencies on Saturday morning shut down South Ocean Boulevard from its intersection with South County Road down to the Southern Boulevard traffic circle next to Mar-a-Lago, citing a need for increased security and saying the closure will be in effect through at least the Nov. 5 general election.

The FAA alert, which notifies pilots of increased security in place for a VIP and pinpoints Mar-a-Lago, is in effect until 1 p.m. July 25. Trump is scheduled for a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, the evening of July 24.

Members of the Florida Department of Transportation place concrete barriers near the roundabout at the east end of Southern Boulevard as Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office employees direct traffic on Southern Boulevard Saturday morning July 20, 2024. Palm Beach Police announced this week the that the Secret Service is closing South Ocean Boulevard from July 20 "until the November general election at a minimum."

Trump arrived in Palm Beach from a Saturday night campaign rally in Michigan, his first campaign alongside his pick for vice president, J.D. Vance, whose selection was announced at last week's Republican National Convention in Wisconsin.

A gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Pennsylvania, shot at Trump on July 13 as the Republican nominee for president spoke at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump's right ear was grazed, and three other people were shot, one fatally. Crooks was shot and killed by the Secret Service.

While Trump's primary residence is Mar-a-Lago, Trump typically does not spend a lot of time there through the summer months, when the club is closed and Palm Beach is in its social off-season.

Trump's return to Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night was attended by his supporters, who lined Southern Boulevard as they often to do to welcome him home.

Palm Beach officials have said they will try to seek changes to the indefinite road closure.

A new traffic pattern is in effect at the Southern Boulevard traffic circle with South County Road in Palm Beach, as part of increased security measures at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club on July 22, 2024.

The increased security measures include a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office boat in the Intracoastal Waterway next to Mar-a-Lago's seawall. The Florida Department of Transportation on Saturday morning placed concrete barricades at both the Southern Boulevard traffic circle and the intersection of South County Road and South Ocean Boulevard. Residents in the area affected by the closure can only exit and enter through the northern point of the closure, officials said.

The security measures implemented over the past few days are reminiscent of those during Trump's presidency, but they were scaled back following his departure from office in 2021.

Employees of the Florida Department of Transportation and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office work together during the closure of South Ocean Boulevard near Mar-a-Lag Club Saturday morning July 20, 2024. Palm Beach Police announced this week the that the Secret Service is closing South Ocean Boulevard from July 20 "until the November general election at a minimum."

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump returns to Palm Beach as increased security measures take effect
Donald Trump reportedly told Piers Morgan that "four months is a long time in politics" - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Donald Trump said he hoped Joe Biden would stay in the US election race as long as possible after suggesting the presidents cognitive decline was damaging his campaign, Piers Morgan has revealed.

Mr Morgan said Trump made the comments during a phone conversation the pair had after the Republican candidate was shot in an attempted assassination at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, earlier this month.

Just hours after the phone call, Mr Biden, 81, dramatically quit the race and endorsed Kamala Harris to replace him, saying it was in the best interest of my party and the country to stand aside after weeks of pressure over his health and age.

Writing in The Sun, Mr Morgan revealed that Trump asked him about his television debate with the president.

Mr Bidens campaign was thrown into disarray by his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27 in which he froze and lost his train of thought.

Dozens of Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, subsequently raised concerns over his health and called for him to pass the torch and stand down.

Mr Morgan said he told Trump: It was a predictable train wreck for Mr Biden. Just so embarrassing. My 12-year-old daughter came down and asked if he was asleep.

If he stays in the race, youll win. And even if he doesnt, I still think youll win.

Mr Biden (right) had been under mounting pressure to quit following his television debate with Trump in June - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP

Trump reportedly replied: I hope so. But four months is a long time in politics. Look at the last three weeks. I just hope he stays in as long as possible.

Mr Bidens decision has plunged the Democratic Party into chaos and has made him the first president not to stand for re-election since Lyndon B Johnson in 1968, and the first to step back so close to an election day.

It has also prompted nervousness among some Republicans, who think Ms Harris has a better chance of beating Trump.

On Sunday evening, Trump attacked Mr Biden on social media, describing him as the worst president, by far, in the history of our nation.

In his column, Mr Morgan praised Trump as the Mick Jagger of politics and referenced the pairs long-standing friendship.

Trump is said to have told him: Its been good to talk. You know me very well; in fact, you know me better than most people. So, I appreciate what you said, and the Jagger compliment.

The pair first met when Mr Morgan won Trumps Celebrity Apprentice television show in 2008.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump cant stop the shift to electric vehicles, according to the head of Americas largest charging network.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Rick Wilmer, chief executive officer of ChargePoint Holdings Inc., says EV sales will continue to grow even if Trump returns to the White House. While accepting the Republican presidential nomination at the partys convention last week, Trump vowed to target President Joe Bidens electric car policies on day one if he wins Novembers election. The Biden administration has pumped billions of dollars into helping automakers switch to EVs and building a nationwide network of chargers for them.

I think that the overall market forces are a much stronger force than whatever the government can do to accelerate or not accelerate EV adoption, said Wilmer in an interview Friday. Theres been too much investment made, [and] you hear many auto CEOs  auto OEM CEOs  talk about the fact that were past the tipping point.

Wilmer, who gushes about his own electric Ford F-150 Lightning, also says most drivers who make the switch wont go back. For those who have experienced EVs, its a superior product, from a driveability perspective, from a quietness perspective, he said.

Although Trump has frequently bashed EVs  claiming they dont work well and cost too much  his comments during his acceptance speech Thursday made a mark. Stocks of electric vehicle makers and charging companies fell Friday, with ChargePoint dropping 4.9% and Tesla Inc. sliding 4%.

Even if Trump tries to end Bidens buildout of a nationwide charging network, other aspects of ChargePoints business wont be affected, Wilmer said. That includes installing chargers for commercial building owners who offer charging to their customers or tenants.

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Trump's campaign quickly pivots to Harris after Biden announces decision to leave the race

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Trump campaign has spent the last year-and-half viciously attacking Joe Biden. But they have also been preparing for the possibility that Biden might exit the race after last month's disastrous debate performance. On Sunday, they unleashed a bevy of attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris following Biden's stunning announcement that was dropping his bid. The response underscores the challenges ahead for Trump's team in a race that has now been thrown into chaos. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FILE)

NEW YORK (AP)  Donald Trump's campaign has spent the last year-and-a-half viciously attacking Joe Biden, ridiculing his policies, mocking his fumbles and relishing a rematch they felt they were winning.

But they have also spent weeks preparing for the possibility that Biden might exit the race, readying a bevy of attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris that they unleashed as soon as Biden made his stunning announcement Sunday that he would step aside. Biden soon after endorsed Harris, who was quickly winning support from Democrats to be the partys nominee.

Rest assured, we are 100% ready," Trump pollster and senior adviser Tony Fabrizio said at last weeks Republican National Convention. He noted speakers at the event often referred to the Biden-Harris administration in their speeches and said the campaign had prepared anti-Harris videos to swap in just in case Biden stepped down sooner.

Still, the shakeup less than four months before Election Day lays out new challenges for Trumps team, which had until recently been focused on contrasting the former presidents vigor and mental acuity with Bidens. Trump will now face a new, yet-to-be-determined opponent at a time when voters have made clear that they are frustrated by their current choices and desperate for new, younger options.

Though Trump aides had wanted Biden to remain in the race, they have argued a campaign against Harris  who they believe is the most likely Democratic nominee  wouldn't be all that different from their race against Biden.

They will try to tie her to what they see as the Biden administration's failures, saying Harris is complicit in everything that occurred under Biden's watch. That's particularly true when it comes to the handling of the Southern border. Harris had been tapped to lead the administrations response to the border crisis.

In a statement Sunday responding to the news, Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita and fellow campaign chief Susie Wiles railed against Harris, insisting she will be even WORSE for the people of our Nation than Joe Biden.

They own each others records, and there is no distance between the two, they said.

They will also continue to accuse her of being part of a coverup of Biden's deteriorating health, believing voters have lost trust in Democrats and the press for failing to shed light on Bidens weaknesses sooner. And they will attack her record in California, where she served as district attorney and attorney general before being elected to the Senate.

They have also made clear that they plan to continue to hammer Biden  still running against him, in a way  by arguing that if he is not fit to run than he is not fit to complete his term, and should resign as well.

Joe Biden cannot take himself out of a campaign for President because he is too mentally incompetent and still remain in the White House," LaCivita and Wiles wrote in their memo. "Biden is a national security threat in great cognitive decline and a clear and present danger to every man, woman, and child in our country.

Trump's campaign had tried to goad Biden to stay in the race, including by casting Democrats efforts to replace him as a coup."

But they began ramping up their attacks on Harris right after the debate last month.

In a post celebrating Independence Day, Trump singled out Harris on his Truth Social site, calling her his potentially new Democrat Challenger and giving her a new derisive nickname: Laffin Kamala Harris.

While Trump insisted publicly that he still believed Biden would be the ultimate nominee, he was captured in an expletive-laced video saying he thought she was going to be better as a rival.

Shes so bad. Shes so pathetic, he said.

At his rally in Michigan Saturday night, Trump polled the crowd, asking if theyd prefer that he face Biden or Harris. The crowd erupted into cheers when Trump mentioned Biden. Harris name was met with boos.

He also continued to mock Harris' laugh, and called her nuts and crazy.

When the news finally came, Republicans were ready.

Less than an hour after Bidens announcement, Trumps campaign was filling its social media channels with clips of past Harris statements that could turn off some voters, including one of her supporting a ban on plastic straws.

Trumps chief super PAC, Maga Inc., also released a new ad that tried to blame Harris for Biden's policies.

They created the mess. They  no, Kamala  owns this failed record, says the narrator.

The chaos now engulfing the Democratic Party as it scrambles to find a new candidate comes just days after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention, where Republicans rallied around Trump, presenting a united front, after he narrowly survived an attempted assassination at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley cast the unfolding situation as quite a split screen.

We are a completely unified party, Whatley said in an interview on Fox News Channel, while the Democrats are in free fall.

Whatley said Republicans were not going to change their plans despite the Democratic shakeup.

President Trump is going to run his race and whether its Kamala Harris or anybody else, they are going to run on the exact same failed agenda that Joe Biden has been running over the last four years, he said.

It remains unclear, however, how a new candidate atop the Democratic ticket will change the dynamics of the race.

Polling has shown Harris favorability ratings are similar to those of Trump and Biden. A June AP-NORC poll found about 4 in 10 Americans have a favorable opinion of her, though the share of those who have unfavorable opinion was slightly lower than for Trump and Biden.

At 59 years old, Harris would be a marked generational contrast to Trump, who turned 78 last month. She would also be the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president  a potentially barrier-breaking candidacy that could draw new support from women, minority voters and younger voters.

Trump has a long history of making insulting comments about women and people of color, something Harris is likely to highlight on the debate stage and campaign trail.

Harris has also been the Biden administrations leading voice on abortion rights, an animating issue for Democrats since the overturning of Roe v. Wade that could again motivate turnout this fall.

Facing the prospect of debating a former prosecutor, Trump on Sunday called for a change of venue to friendlier territory for the next debate, saying it should be moderated by Fox News instead of the previously-agreed-to ABC.

Speaking at an event hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and The Cook Political Report, Fabrizio, the pollster, said last week that Harris is fairly undefined for a vice president.

The one thing voters know about her is her laugh, Fabrizio said. And that cuts both ways for her.

Republicans have also hinted at the possibility that they they could try to take legal action to keep Biden on the ballot.

But Edward B. Foley, a law professor who heads The Ohio State Universitys election law center, said political parties control their nomination processes and any legal challenge by Republicans would be unlikely to succeed.

I just dont see how the Republican Party or anyone associated with the Republican Party would have any standing to bring any litigation in connection with this,' he said. Unlike general elections, in primaries, voters provide input, but they dont control the decision.

___

Associated Press writer Christina Almeida Cassidy contributed to this report from Atlanta.
The reelection of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would help the "(full-scale) war in Ukraine end sooner," Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in comments published on July 22.

The ruling Georgian Dream party under Kobakhidze has bucked the country's constitutionally enshrined goal of Western integration, and has instead sought common ground with isolationist forces in Europe and the U.S. Georgian Dream has also been accused of seeking rapprochement with Russia.

Kobakhidze and his predecessor, Irakli Garibashvili, attracted controversy for speaking at the U.S.-based Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other right-wing leaders in 2023 and 2024.

The impact of Trump's potential reelection will also cause "our region (to) calm down sooner, which will change the attitude towards Georgia as well," Kobakhidze claimed. It was unclear if he meant the Caucasus region or the wider area.

"If there will be peace in the region, the attitude towards Georgia will also change, this is the only thing that can be said in this regard, the rest is the choice of the American people, the American people should decide who will be the president of the U.S.," Kobakhidze said.

On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly touted a plan to bring the war to an immediate end if he wins in November. The plan reportedly involves ceding territory to Russia, though Trump has provided minimal details on the specifics of his proposal.

Trump will run alongside his vice presidential running mate, Senator JD Vance, who is thought to be an even more outspoken opponent of U.S. support for Ukraine, and has openly endorsed territorial concessions as part of a potential peace deal.

Separately, Kobakhidze said there were no "active" talks about NATO enlargement to either Georgia or Ukraine, which have both aspired to join the alliance.

"When the situation in the region changes, when the situation calms down, the general conditions there may also change, but today there is no active talk on the part of NATO about enlargement, which has specific reasons," he added.

Read also: Russia announces willingness to help Georgian ruling party stay in power

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former President Donald Trump and his campaign are reeling from the surprise announcement that President Joe Biden was ending his reelection bid, forced to pivot their infrastructure toward a new candidate as Trump himself airs out his frustrations publicly.

Trump campaign officials have publicly expressed confidence they can defeat any Democratic candidate; however, privately, sources have aired out frustrations surrounding new advertisement and messaging strategies.

Since Biden's announcement, Trump has taken to his social media platform to post more than 10 times, offering real-time insight into the changes Trump is going to have to make as he now has to prepare for competing against a new candidate, likely Vice President Kamala Harris.

MORE: Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race

The former president is still focusing much of his attacks on Biden, barely mentioning Harris, as he pushed unfounded claims that Biden isn't actually recovering from COVID, questioned how Biden would be able to serve the rest of his term, and even argued the Republican Party should be reimbursed for the money they've spent on challenging Biden.

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!" Trump first posted, continuing to post well into Sunday night -- then started up early Monday morning.

PHOTO: Former President Donald J. Trump holds his first public campaign rally with his running mate, Vice Presidential nominee Senator J.D. Vance at the Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids, MI, July 20, 2024. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Though campaign officials have already started to pivot their focus to Harris, posting new ads and highlighting her gaffes, Trump unveiled the realities of the wasted money and resources the Trump team now has to deal with.

"Now we have to start all over again. Shouldn't the Republican Party be reimbursed for fraud in that everybody around Joe," he said in a post Sunday night.

Sources have complained to ABC News that they won't be able to use ads they had ready to go, including ones that highlighted Biden's poor debate performance.

MORE: 'Worst president': Donald Trump reacts to President Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 election

It's unclear how much exactly the Trump campaign had spent on ads directly attacking Biden this election cycle, but pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc., which has stricter disclosure requirements on ads than the campaign, had spent more than $30 million on ad placements attacking Biden.

However, the super PAC is already attacking Harris with several "flashbacks" using her own words in an attempt to remind voters on what they believe is a failed record -- rolling out a $5 million ad campaign in battleground states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania and Arizona.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden looks down as he participates in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections with former President Donald Trump at CNN's studios in Atlanta, GA, on June 27, 2024. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

In the immediate aftermath of Sunday's decision, it appears the Trump campaign and his allies' messaging is focused on linking the Biden administration's policies to Harris as well as criticizing Democrats for the unprecedented actions to the electoral process.

Given that much of Biden's campaign has been centered around labeling Trump a "threat to democracy," pointing to his legal cases and continuously highlighting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Now, Trump is flipping the argument, saying Democrats "stole" the race from Biden after primary voters chose him as the party's nominee.

"The Democrats pick a candidate, Crooked Joe Biden, he loses the Debate badly, then panics, and makes mistake after mistake, is told he can't win, and decide they will pick another candidate, probably Harris," Trump said. "They stole the race from Biden after he won it in the primaries  A First! These people are the real THREAT TO DEMOCRACY!"

MORE: What pushed President Biden to withdraw from the reelection race?

Last week, Trump's vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance floated that if Biden doesn't seek reelection, then he should resign. Trump picked up this rhetoric following Biden's decision to step down saying, "If he can't run for office, he can't run our Country!!!"

"If Joe Biden can't run for president, he can't serve as president. And if they want to take him down because he's mentally incapable of serving, invoke the 25th Amendment," Vance said during a sit-down interview with Fox News' Jesse Waters taped on Saturday.

"You don't get to sort of do this in the most politically beneficial way for Democrats. If it's an actual problem, they should take care of it the appropriate way," Vance continued.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, July 22, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Trump, who clinched the Republican nomination for a third time at the Republican National Convention, suggested that the election was stolen in 2020. He classified his new campaign as competing for a "fourth time."

"Crooked Joe just got knocked out, so now I'll have to do it a FOURTH TIME!!!" Trump posted.

While Democrats try to lock in enough delegates for Harris to assume the top of the ticket in the coming days, the Trump campaign is forced to move forward with a new campaign strategy this week. It's a significant shift with a little more than 100 days until Election Day, in which Trump said he believed he would win by a "monumental landslide," picking up wins in battleground states and expanding the map to Minnesota, New Jersey and Virginia.

Trump's social media suggests a campaign scrambling from Biden leaving 2024 race originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Two Hero Dogs Help Save Woman with Dementia Who Spent Over 24 Hours Lost in the Utah Heat

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced that an officer and his K9 Kip were able to locate a missing 80-year-old woman thanks to her barking pet dog

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officer and K9 Kip

Utah officials are crediting a barking pup and a working dog with finding a missing woman after she became lost in extreme heat for more than 24 hours.

According to a Facebook post shared on July 11 by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (Utah DWR), an 80-year-old woman was reported missing last month to the Emery County Sheriff's Office after she failed to return home after taking her dog out for a walk on a nearby mountainside. The post added that the missing woman had dementia, which increased concerns about her safety.

According to the Utah DWR, one of the agency's officers  along with K-9 assistant Kip, who is "trained and certified to track humans"  began searching for the missing woman shortly after the report came in. By that time, it was dark outside.

Related: Texas Community Works Together to Rescue Scared Dog with a Plastic Bowl Stuck on Her Head

Although the temperatures in Emery County had dropped to 55 degrees after dark, authorities were worried about the missing woman's health since temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees earlier in the day. According to Utah DWR, "Due to the extreme heat, the amount of time that had passed, and the many search-and-rescue personnel in the area, the likelihood of Kip successfully tracking the woman was low."

However, after the officer and Kip began tracking near where the woman went missing, the pair heard a dog barking at around 3:30 a.m., according to the post. They searched the area where they heard the dog but didn't immediately find the woman.

According to Utah DWR's Facebook post about the search, a neighbor in the area called in a report the following day stating that he had also heard the barking dog, and it was coming from an area of land without homes.

Related: Video Shows Dog Trapped in Hot Parked Camper Being Rescued by Colorado Police

"After gaining access to local security cameras, they saw footage of the woman walking past with her dog, heading to the west," the post stated. "Our officer and his K-9 began their search in that direction, joined by the concerned neighbor."

Kip and the officer then took for the mountains, searching higher and higher as they attempted to get closer to the sound of the dog barking. When the group reached the noise's source, they located the woman.

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Although the woman was "extremely dehydrated," missing her shoes, and covered in some minor cuts and bruises, the Utah DWR reported that she was "in good condition" overall. The woman's dog had stayed right by her side. The neighbor that had accompanied the officer and Kip handed the 80-year-old some water before heading back to his home to call authorities and notify them that she had been found.

"Our officer stayed with the woman until other help arrived, and she was transported to the local hospital for medical evaluation," the Utah DWR's post added. "At the end of the day, her dog saved her life by barking to alert our officer and K-9 Kip. We're so glad she was found safe."

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These two Kent County housing projects have received funding from the state

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Two Kent County housing projects have received funding from the state.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has approved funding for nine housing developments throughout the state, it said in a Monday release. The nine developments will create or rehabilitate more than 350 attainable housing units.

In Wyoming, the Villa Esperanza Apartments will receive $9.5 million for a rehabilitation project. The two-story development at 1446 44th St. SW near Burlingame Avenue has 40 one-bedroom senior housing units, the state said.

Why a W MI business is using hemp to build homes

Also in Kent County, Elmdale Apartments in Grand Rapids  an 18-unit housing community at 1361 Elmdale St. near Plainfield Avenue  is set to receive $4.8 million for rehabilitation.

The funding comes as Kent County faces a housing crisis. A 2022 Housing Next Housing Needs Assessment found the county needs 35,000 housing units by 2027.

Kent Countys housing crisis: How did we get here?

But progress is being made. Throughout Michigan, the housing shortage has dropped from 190,000 to 141,000 housing units, the state announced earlier this month.

We are maintaining this progress through the Boards approval of funding for several projects across the state, increasing the number of available homes for Michiganders, Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director at MSHDA, said in the release.

Other projects that received funding from the MSHDA Board include a four Detroit-area affordable housing projects and a new 72-unit development in Southfield, which received $28.7 million in MSHDA loans.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
While not a mind-blowing move, it is good to see that the DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung AG (ETR:DFV) share price has gained 25% in the last three months. But that cannot eclipse the less-than-impressive returns over the last three years. In fact, the share price is down 47% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung became profitable within the last five years. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. So given the share price is down it's worth checking some other metrics too.

We note that, in three years, revenue has actually grown at a 19% annual rate, so that doesn't seem to be a reason to sell shares. This analysis is just perfunctory, but it might be worth researching DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung more closely, as sometimes stocks fall unfairly. This could present an opportunity.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It is of course excellent to see how DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. Take a more thorough look at DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet.

A Different Perspective

DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung shareholders are down 12% for the year, but the market itself is up 4.0%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 6% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. Before forming an opinion on DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung you might want to consider these 3 valuation metrics.

Story continues

Of course DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on German exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
FOURCHON, La. (KLFY)  Two teens were killed in a crash early Sunday morning by an alleged underage impaired driver.

The two vehicle crash happened in Lafourche Parish on LA Highway 3090. The crash claimed the lives of 18-year-old Rylan Oncale of Raceland and 18-year-old Taliyah Crochet of Houma.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation revealed that 18-year-old Axel Flores-Cordova of Honduras was driving south on LA Hwy 3090. Authorities say Fores-Cordova car crossed the center line and hit the other car head-on. Flores-Cordova was not restrained and was not injured in the crash. Both Oncale and his front passenger, Crochet, were properly restrained. Crochet died at the scene. Oncale suffered serious injuries and later died at the hospital. Two others in the crash were injured.

Lafayette Police needs help identifying driver in hit-and-run incident

Troopers say Flores-Cordova was impaired and placed him under arrest. He provided a voluntary breath sample, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration nearly seven times over the underage legal limit. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring among other charges.

Latest news

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police said two 18-year-olds from Maryland have been charged in connection to an armed carjacking in Northwest, D.C. early Monday morning.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that around 1:30 a.m., someone was operating a moped near 14th Street and U Street, Northwest, when a group of people surrounded the victim and began assaulting them.

32-year-old man shot, killed in Southeast DC

Police said the suspects removed the victim from the moped. One of the suspects then allegedly took the bike and left the scene. The other suspects fled before officers arrived.

During the investigation, two 18-year-olds, Robert Medoune Thiam and Ayomide Ikujuniof, both from Laurel, Md., were charged with carjacking.

Police said the case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 202- 727-9099 or text a tip to the departments tip line at 50411. MPD said it is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment, in this case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Sorenta Hylton was asleep in her bed around 3:45 a.m. on April 25, 2022, when bullets tore through the walls, one of them striking her in the shoulder and traveling into her lung.

About an hour later, the 31-year-old mother of three was dead.

On Tuesday, two of the men who fired into Hylton's home admitted their involvement in the shooting and received sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 18 years each.

Tyreese Watkins, 21, and Dranoel Durham, who was 17 at the time of the shooting and is now 19, both entered guilty pleas to a single count of murder. Both were scheduled to go to trial Monday.

Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor David Zeyen said Hylton, her fiance and her three children, all of whom were under the age of 13, were asleep in the apartment on the 1300 block of Vida Court on the city's Southwest Side.

No one in the apartment had any connection to Watkins, Durham, two other men charged in the case or the woman who drove them there.

Hylton's father, Ervin Hylton, said Monday that he doesn't understand why his daughter was targeted or why young people resolve their differences with firearms.

"If it wasn't my daughter, it would have been somebody else," he said. "My daughter was a very loving and caring mother and she did nothing to deserve what happened to her. There's no excuse for what they did."

Video surveillance footage from the apartment showed a Ford Fusion backing up to Hylton's apartment and four people getting out of the car. Zeyen said all four fired guns and police recovered 27 bullet casings in the aftermath of the shooting.

Detectives located the car and tied it to Dashae Tinsley, 27, who admitted to driving the four shooters to the apartment.

Tinsley was also able to help lead detectives to Watkins and his cousin, Durham, Zeyen said. Tinsley previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault and is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.

Detectives ultimately identified Watkins, Durham, 23-year-old Isaiah Alexander and a 15-year-old as being the shooters.

Zeyen said as best as detectives and prosecutors can determine, the shooters had targeted the wrong home.

Both Watkins and Durham gave brief statements to Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Kim Brown Monday, apologizing for their actions. Both said Hylton was innocent and not the intended target.

"She didn't have anything to do with anything," Durham said.

Brown ordered each man to serve a sentence of life in prison without the option of parole for at least 18 years, the only available sentencing option under Ohio law for murder with a three-year firearm specification.

Alexander's case is scheduled to go to trial at a later date.

bbruner@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Two men sentenced for killing Sorenta Hylton in apartment shooting
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Two more people were recently charged for incidents that took place at Aprils pro-Palestine protests on the University of Illinois campus.

35-year-old Elizabeth Sotiropoulos of Champaign and 25-year-old Joseph Kleckner of Savanna were each charged with mob action and obstructing a peace officer, Champaign County States Attorney Julia Rietz confirmed. They were arraigned on Tuesday last week.

Pritzker, Illinois politicians endorse Kamala Harris for president

Rietz said that mob action is a Class 4 felony that carries a possibility of one to three years in prison. For the misdemeanor of obstructing a peace officer, one year in prison can be served. Both charges are also punishable by probation, she said.

Sotiropoulos is a former Champaign Unit 4 school board member and was identified after authorities compared footage of her speaking at an Urbana City Council meeting. Kleckner is said to have been found after a license plate reader caught his vehicle dropping off supplies for the protestors.

WCIA has reached out to the U of I to confirm whether Kleckner or Sotiropoulos have any direct involvement with the university. They have not yet responded at the time of this article.

Kleckner and Sotiropoulos are the newest in a growing list of demonstrators who are facing charges. On the first day of the protest, George Vassilatos, 25, and Christopher Zelle, 37, were also arrested for mob action. Zelle received an additional charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer. Neither man was affiliated with the U of I.

Earlier this month, 18-year-old Yafa Issa of Savoy was also charged with mob action. She was later identified as a U of I student.

READ MORE: Pro-Palestine student demonstrator charged with Mob Action after U of I protest

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois issued a statement on Monday in response to all the charges being brought forth, particularly the felony of mob action.

We are aware of students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign along with community members being charged in state court with felonies related to their actions around encampments at the U of I campus at the end of the last school year. The charges are brought under a mob action law that the ACLU of Illinois opposed when it was first considered in the Illinois General Assembly, they said. We expressed concern at the time that the felony penalties available to prosecutors under this statute would be used against those engaged in protest. Despite repeated declarations by lawmakers that this was not the purpose, we see this charge now being used in this way. A felony conviction carries serious, lifelong consequences and prosecutors should pursue felony charges only where necessary.

The ACLU of Illinois then called for officials to make fair judgements on the actions of demonstrators.

In response to the student encampments on campuses across Illinois, the ACLU of Illinois has consistently urged restraint from students and administrators. We urge prosecutors to exercise that same restraint in charging any violations emanating from the protests.

An additional two people  who are not yet identified  have also been served notices to appear in court in early August. However, Rietz said these cases have not yet been reviewed or charged.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Palestinians inspect a damaged tent after an Israeli attack on Deir EL-Balah, in central of Gaza Strip. Ali Hamad/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel on Monday confirmed the deaths of two hostages seized by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7 attacks, including a prominent Polish-Israeli historian.

The families of Alex Dancyg, 76, and 35-year-old Yagev Buchshtab have been informed of their deaths in captivity, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Their bodies are still being held by Hamas, the IDF said.

The decision to publicly confirm the two men's deaths is based on intelligence information and was "approved by an expert committee." The circumstances of their deaths while in Hamas custody are being investigated, the military said.

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, a body established by the relatives of those abducted on October 7, led tributes to the two men.

Dancyg, a Polish historian, had worked at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem and dedicated himself to fostering closer relations between Israel and Poland, including organizing school trips.

Hostages who were freed in negotiations between Israel and Hamas said that Dancyg had given history lessons during their captivity in Gaza.

"Yagev and Alex were captured alive and should have returned alive to their families and their country," the forum stated.

It called the deaths a tragic consequence of delays in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would involve the release of the 120 remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The forum demanded that the Israeli government immediately agree to a hostage deal. "Every week that passes means less time for the hostages," it said.
Two teens accused of starting fire at Green Hill Park, causing $230k in damages

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Frederick County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) said charges were filed against two teenage boys who were accused of setting Green Hill Park on fire last month.

On June 29, just before 4:45 p.m., crews with the Frederick County Fire and Rescue were called to the park in the 2800 block of Decatur Drive in Adamstown for a playground on fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

North Bethesda among best US suburbs, Travel + Leisure says

Officials said the blaze left numerous pieces of playground equipment damaged, resulting in a $230,000 loss.

Credit: Frederick County Sheriffs Office

During the investigation, detectives identified two brothers, 14 and 15, who were allegedly responsible for setting the park on fire. According to FCSO, the brothers lit tissues under the park equipment and took pictures and videos of the fire.

One injured after tractor-trailer hits bridge, car on I-495 in Montgomery County

The Sheriffs Office said the brothers were referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for malicious burning and malicious destruction of property.

The successful resolution of this case is directly attributed to the assistance

received from numerous residents of the neighborhood that provided invaluable

information and videos to detectives in this case. We are very grateful for their

assistance, said the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, in a news release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Two-thirds of Ohio's DNC delegates are first-timers. Their job just got more interesting

CINCINNATI - Gavi Begtrup left his cell phone at home Sunday afternoon when he went for a walk with his wife and new puppy.

He returned about a half hour later to find the phone buzzing and pinging with missed calls and text messages.

Your life, one message said, just got interesting.

President Joe Biden's decision to leave the presidential race means delegates to the Democratic National Convention will select a candidate who didn't win the primaries for the first time in decades. It will be the first open convention since 1968.

More: Live updates: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump upends the 2024 race for president

Begtrup, a former Cincinnati mayoral candidate who is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention next month, soon found out why. President Joe Biden had just ended his run for reelection, putting Begtrup and some 4,700 other convention delegates in position to choose a new nominee.

For the first time in a half-century, those delegates will not perform the ceremonial duty of voting for the winner of the Democratic primaries, a rubber-stamp process thats heavy on celebration and light on drama. Instead, they will step into an open convention to do one of the most consequential jobs in American politics.

We live in interesting times, Begtrup said. I dont really know what happens next.

Gavi Begtrup, a former Cincinnati mayoral candidate, is one of 143 delegates from Ohio who will vote at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Neither does anyone else. Just weeks before the convention begins Aug. 19 in Chicago, politicians and rank-and-file Democrats are kicking around all sorts of possibilities. Maybe Vice President Kamala Harris, who won Bidens endorsement Sunday, becomes a clear front-runner. Maybe other candidates emerge to challenge her, and the convention becomes an old-fashioned free-for-all.

The only certainty today is that once the convention begins, the delegates will choose the Democratic candidate who will run against former President Donald Trump. Their votes, previously pledged to Biden because he won the primaries, will be up for grabs.

It will be a historic moment, and potentially filled with more drama and pressure than any political convention in decades. The delegates, including 143 from Ohio, will be in the middle of it all.

In modern conventions, the delegates have been almost entirely symbolic. Their main job has been to fill a seat and to clap like crazy when the nominee appears, said David Niven, a political science professor and researcher at the University of Cincinnati.

This is really a throwback delegate job, he said, to when delegates were little kingmakers.

Higher stakes and greater pressure

That is not the job those delegates signed up for earlier this year when they sought seats at the convention and were chosen by their peers at a caucus-style event. Back then, Biden faced little opposition and seemed certain to roll through the primaries.

The stakes are higher now. And most of the delegates who will make the decision have little or no experience at a national convention.

The good news is Im not alone in not having any idea how all of this is going to work, said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a delegate from Lakewood.

She and the other delegates are party loyalists  union members, elected officials, activists  but about two-thirds of them are first-time delegates. Some are so young theyve only voted in a few regular elections, let alone as a convention delegate.

Vice President Joe Biden greets delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2016.

Ethan Nichols is a 22-year-old Xavier University student activist who led an unsuccessful campaign last year to remove Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters, a Republican, from a justice in residence post at Xavier. Although hell be among the youngest delegates, Nichols said hes not worried about the moment being too big for him.

Im incredibly excited to see this process play out, he said. An open convention is historic.

Begtrup, a scientist who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2021, said hes also looking forward to the convention, even though his role will be different than he anticipated when he filled out an online form last year seeking to become a delegate.

He said he expected some party bigwigs to dominate the delegate selection process but instead found a bunch of people like him, longtime Democrats who thought it would be interesting and fun to be a delegate.

Begtrup, 40, said the selection process was low-key. He said he chatted with fellow Democrats at the caucus in January for about an hour, along with other would-be delegates, and then everyone voted. He got one of seven slots from Cincinnatis 1st Congressional District.

Im just some dude in Cincinnati who gets to go to the convention, Begtrup said.

Its kind of uncharted territory

But as he learned Sunday, it will be a convention unlike any in his lifetime.

The last open convention for either party was the 1968 Democratic National Convention, where delegates chose Hubert Humphrey on the first ballot. The last convention that required more than one vote by delegates to choose a nominee was the Democratic convention in 1952.

Its kind of uncharted territory, said state Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat who is the partys go-to rules guru. Im figuring things out. My life just got a lot more complicated and crazy.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks in Atlanta on June 18, 2021.

DeMora, who also is a convention delegate, said hes not concerned about so many first-time delegates trying to navigate a suddenly upended convention process. He said it may be better to have delegates who arent set in their ways.

They are more apt to do what folks ask them to do, he said.

What theyll be asked to do, though, remains an open question. Technically, once released by Biden, delegates can vote for anyone.

In theory, at least, this creates the possibility of a convention like those that political parties ran a century ago, before the modern primary system took hold and turned the votes of state delegates into a formality. The next few weeks will likely dictate whether the Democrats convention in August will be a chaotic throwback to the days of contested conventions or a more orderly and open selection of a clear front-runner.

Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris will be a first-time delegate at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris said he sees Vice President Harris, who began collecting endorsements from top Democrats across the country Sunday, as the leader for the nomination. He said he expects more clarity before the other delegates gather for the convention.

I think it will become very clear, very quickly, who our partys nominee will be, he said.

Harris said he hopes the open convention, which some Democrats fear will create chaos and hurt the partys chances in November, will energize the party faithful and produce a candidate who can beat Trump. It doesnt make me nervous at all, Harris said. It makes me very excited.

Begtrup said every delegate should be more excited now than when they were chosen as delegates. Their job may be harder and more complicated, he said, but their decision will carry more weight and responsibility.

For the first time in generations, no one knows for certain what will happen when they take their seats in the convention hall.

Now I actually have a vote, a vote that matters, Begtrup said. Its good when you feel like your vote matters.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: First time Ohio delegates brace for drama in choosing Biden replacement
The Biden administrations top diplomat at the United Nations arrived in a crisis-wrecked Haiti on Monday, where the effort to restore stability and put an elected president and parliament in office by February 2026 is not going as quickly  or as smoothly  as some political observers had hoped.

Linda Thomas-Greenfieds visit to Port-au-Prince comes a week after the latest contingent of a U.S.-backed international mission landed from Kenya, and nearly three years to the date, July 23, when she and other members of a U.S. presidential delegation hastily left the funeral of assassinated President Jovenel Moise after they heard gunshots outside the venue in the city of Cap-Haitien.

Since the short visit, the security situation in Haiti has worsened, along with the countrys humanitarian and economic outlook, while the politics continue to be mired in uncertainty and personality conflicts. Criminal gangs, which launched an armed insurgency in late February, have freed more than 4,000 inmates from the two largest prisons; attacked police stations; forced a months-long shutdown of the main airport and seaport, and created a shortage of medicines and medical care after pharmacies and hospitals were burned, looted and shuttered.

Hoping to find a path out of the chaos, in March the Biden administration ended its support for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was in Kenya finalizing the police deployment, and demanded he resign. They then brokered a deal with the 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc, known as CARICOM, along with Haitis leaders to put in place a presidential council to lead the country. The council was tasked with readying Haiti for the arrival of the Kenya force and finding a replacement for Henry. The council has since named former Haitian prime minister Garry Conille to the post.

Although Conille enjoys support among individual council members, his relationship with them as a group has been described as strained. They have bumped heads over who is in charge of running the government day to day. They were also at odds over his recent trip to Washington, where Conille met with members of Congress, the State Department and officials from financial institutions.

Those tensions became evident Thursday when a dinner being hosted by Presidential Council member Dr. Louis Gerald Gilles erupted into a near fight between Conille and the head of one of the sectors represented on the council, Claude Joseph, a former foreign minister and former prime minister. Joseph was an early supporter of Conille.

Several sources told the Miami Herald that Conille and Joseph got into a profanity-laced argument after Joseph expressed frustrations about recent government appointments, the security situation and other matters. He warned Conille that if the situation were to continue, he would be out of a job.

Conille challenged Joseph to make good on his threats. On Friday, the prime ministers office, which has not publicly commented on the altercation, announced Conille had started his day with his security close to him.

Thomas-Greenfield, who landed before 9:30 is being accompanied by Brian A. Nichols, the assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Both U.S. diplomats were welcomed by Haitis new foreign minister Dominque Dupuy at the airport, and will meet with the presidential council and Conille separately.

Thomas-Greenfield plans to encourage the council to continue to make progress towards democratic transition, including free and fair elections, the administration official said.

Though the presidential council has started the process of forming a nine-member Provisional Electoral Council, there has been conflict and criticism already over how the members will be chosen.

The issues with the electoral entity are the latest facing a council already dogged by allegations of corruption over appointments.

During her visit, Thomas-Greenfield will also highlight the dire human rights situation. Gang violence has displaced more than 578,000 Haitians from their homes and rapes of women and girls remains rampant. Meanwhile, hunger is growing. Nearly five million peoplealmost half of the countrys population  are struggling to feed themselves, according to a U. N. analysis.

Late last year, Thomas-Greenfield spearheaded the effort, along with her counterpart from Ecuador, to get the U.N. Security Council to approve the mandate authorizing the Kenya-led force. The first contingent of 200 police officers finally arrived last month. While in Haiti, she plans to meet with members of the mission. The U.S., the biggest financial and logistical contributor to the force, has been asking other countries to support the armed mission with either funding or equipment.

Kenya, which promised to deploy 1,000 police officers, has so far provided the lions share of the personnel. As of now, it has about 400 police officers in the country. A contingent from Jamaica is expected to deploy soon.

Theyre obviously going to arrive as soon as possible, another senior administration official said about the members of the Jamaica Defense Force. We are certainly confident that all of these countries who are going to be participating are going to try to do this as quickly as possible.

Another official also declined to discuss the pace of the arrival of the additional 600 police officers from Kenya. The official noted that, contrary to reports suggesting the Kenyans have been involved in joint operation with the Haitian police, the two have not yet begun those formal joint operations.

Kenyan police, he said, are working together with the Haitian force, which is the very purpose of their mission, to train and to familiarize themselves with doing operations, the senior administration official said. As with any complex multinational mission, there are some first steps that need to take place to establish command and control.

Last week, Conille said he had asked the Haitian police, along with the countrys small armed forces and the Kenyans to target gang-controlled areas. On Sunday, the communications office of the Haiti National Police issued a release saying they had thwarted an attack by armed gangs that tried to set fire to a police station at Ganthier, east of Port-au-Prince. Video shared by the 400 Mawozo gang shows that police station was burned during the gangs attack of the city in which two people were also killed, according to local media.

The Haitian police statement mentioned the involvement of the Haitian police and Armed Forces of Haiti in the anti-gang operation, but no Kenyans.

Also on the agenda for Thomas-Greenfield are meetings with the head of the U.N. political office in Haiti, which just had its mandate renewed by the Security Council for a year, and members of Haitis civil society. At both she will hear about the ongoing concerns about the escalation in violence frustrations over the lack of clarity about how the Kenyan-led mission will help dismantle gangs.
The move could lead to Sen. Menendezs possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate Committee on Ethics Monday notified Sen. Bob Menendez that its members unanimously voted for an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules, in a move that could lead to the New Jersey Democrats possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure.

Last week a jury found Menendez guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial for taking bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, car and mortgage payments from three New Jersey businessmen to do favors for Egypt and Qatar and to meddle in two criminal investigations.

At the time he took the bribes, Menendez was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The co-chairs of Senate Ethics, Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, and James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said in a joint statement that they anticipate the committee completing the adjudicatory review promptly.

At the completion of the adjudicatory review, the Committee will move expeditiously to submit a written report to the Senate including specific findings and any recommendations for disciplinary action, they wrote.

Menendezs office did not respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.

Menendez has filed to run for his seat as an independent, even as many of his Democratic colleagues have pressured him to resign. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, is running for the Senate seat against Republican Curtis Bashaw.

Two-thirds of the Senate would need to vote to expel a member, but only a majority is needed to pass a censure resolution. A censure is a form of discipline in which the Senate formally disapproves of a member, but it does not lead to removal.

Since 1789, the Senate has expelled 15 members, according to Senate archives. The last time a senator was expelled was Jesse D. Bright of Indiana in 1862 for his support of the Confederate rebellion, though numerous more attempts at expulsion have occurred since then. Two more senators were expelled that year for their support of the Confederacy.
Nazrin Abdul

Today in Shusha, the II Global Media Forum, which started on July 20, is concluding, Azernews reports.

The final day will feature two panels. One of the panels will discuss "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Reality, Media, and Disinformation: Promoting Media Literacy."

In the forum's fourth and final panel, participants will exchange views on the topic "Climate Movement and Media," moderated by Ansis Bogustovs, host and producer of "Riga TV24" and "Radio Latvia."

Additionally, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Energy and CEO of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, will give a presentation on Solidarity for a Green World - COP29.

Moreover, a report titled "The Evolution of French Colonialism: A Political and Constitutional Study," commissioned by the Baku Initiative Group and authored by renowned UN expert and U.S. citizen Dr. Carlyle Corbin, will be presented.

It is noted that the Shusha Global Media Forum was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media institutions. Additionally, 60 local media leaders and representatives participated in the forum.
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP)  Tsenguun Saruulsaikhan, a young and newly minted member of Mongolia's parliament, is unhappy with below-cost electricity rates that she says show her country has yet to fully shake off its socialist past.

Most of Mongolias power plants date from the Soviet era and outages are common in some areas. Heavy smog envelops the capital Ulaanbaata r in the winter because many people still burn coal to heat their homes.

Its stuck in how it was like 40, 50 years ago, said Tsenguun, part of a rising generation of leaders who are puzzling out their countrys future after three decades of democracy. And thats the reason why we need to change it.

Democracy in Mongolia is in a transition phase, said Tsenguun, who at 27 is the youngest member of a new parliament sworn in this week. We are trying to figure out what democracy actually means, she said in a recent interview.

Discontented voters deliver a ruling party setback

'Mongolia became a democracy in the early 1990s after six decades of one-party communist rule. Many Mongolians welcomed the end of repression and resulting freedoms but have since soured on the parliament and established political parties. Lawmakers are widely seen as enriching themselves and their big business supporters from the nation's mineral wealth rather than using it to develop a country where poverty is widespread.

Voters delivered an election setback to the ruling Mongolian People's Party last week, leaving it still in charge but with a slim majority of 68 out of the 126 seats in parliament.

Tsenguun was one of 42 winning candidates from the main opposition Democratic Party, which made a major comeback after being reduced to a handful of seats in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

She articulates a vision for Mongolia that dovetails with small government Republicans in the United States. In her view, too many people think the government will take care of them, and the large budget just feeds corruption. Government should be as invisible as possible, she said, and give people the freedom and responsibility to build their own lives.

I dont think that (the) free market has developed yet because the people are not used to this mentality, she said. People are afraid of competition.

The detention of a couple of journalists in the past several months has fueled worries that the government may be edging backward, eroding the freedoms that democracy brought.

Tsenguun said her age group, who only know the post-communist era, needs to push back. "I think we also need to fight for it, because our generation didnt have to fight for freedom, she said.

Story continues

Younger voters and female representation

The ruling party, which also ran the country during the communist period, is well-entrenched and enjoys the support of many older voters.

Retired community leaders, one wearing service medals from the government, showed up before polls opened at 7 a.m. in an Ulaanbaatar neighborhood. Elders are pioneers, one said, coming first to encourage others to vote.

Younger voters historically have not voted in large numbers, but anecdotal reports suggest their turnout may have risen in Ulaanbaatar in last week's election. Nearly half the country's population of 3.4 million people live in the capital.

It was really encouraging to see so many young people in such a long line to vote as early as possible, said Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, a former Democratic Party lawmaker and Cabinet minister who founded her own party two years ago.

When I met with them during the election campaign, I saw it in person, said Oyungerel, whose Civic Unity Party didnt win any seats. I saw their desire to fight and desire to change, really strongly.

The proportion of female representatives rose from 17% to 25% in the new parliament, but most of those came in 48 seats that are allocated to parties based on their share of the vote. Female candidates did not do well in the head-to-head competition to represent 13 multi-member districts.

As a young woman, Tsenguun sees requirements that political parties nominate female candidates as a two-edged sword. She has to fight against the assumption that she got her position only because of a quota.

I have to prove Im not too young or inexperienced, and then afterwards comes, oh, shes a woman, she said. 'We are equal people and ... we can equally be strong candidates. And thats what I want to say to my fellow female candidates."

A well-entrenched ruling party repositions itself

The People's Party has tried to reposition itself in response to the public discontent. It appointed Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, a relatively young prime minister with a master's degree from Harvard University, in 2021.

Oyun-Erdene, now 44, waited on a long line that stretched outside a polling station before casting his ballot. Afterward, he blamed malicious people for using political parties for their own interest. Today a completely new 30 years in the history of Mongolia begins, he promised a crush of media outside.

It's unclear, however, how much the government will change and whether democracy in Mongolia is really on the cusp of a new era.

Tsenguun may want to make a difference but she is a first-term lawmaker in the opposition.

Her father sent her to live with her mother in Austria when she was 9 years old to experience living abroad. Like many Mongolians, her mother had left in search of better economic opportunities.

Tsenguun admired Austria, but decided she was happier at home and return after three years. The experience showed her what Mongolia could accomplish, she said.

For me, it was not an option to go abroad and live somewhere else, she said. So therefore I wanted to change my motherland. Thats the reason why I took this path.
The move could lead to Sen. Bob Menendezs possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate Committee on Ethics Monday notified Sen. Bob Menendez that its members unanimously voted for an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules, in a move that could lead to the New Jersey Democrats possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure.

Last week a jury found Menendez guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial for taking bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, car and mortgage payments from three New Jersey businessmen to do favors for Egypt and Qatar and to meddle in two criminal investigations.

At the time he took the bribes, Menendez was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The co-chairs of Senate Ethics, Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, and James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said in a joint statement that they anticipate the committee completing the adjudicatory review promptly.

At the completion of the adjudicatory review, the Committee will move expeditiously to submit a written report to the Senate including specific findings and any recommendations for disciplinary action, they wrote.

Menendezs office did not respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.

Menendez has filed to run for his seat as an independent, even as many of his Democratic colleagues have pressured him to resign. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, is running for the Senate seat against Republican Curtis Bashaw.

Two-thirds of the Senate would need to vote to expel a member, but only a majority is needed to pass a censure resolution. A censure is a form of discipline in which the Senate formally disapproves of a member, but it does not lead to removal.

Since 1789, the Senate has expelled 15 members, according to Senate archives. The last time a senator was expelled was Jesse D. Bright of Indiana in 1862 for his support of the Confederate rebellion, though numerous more attempts at expulsion have occurred since then. Two more senators were expelled that year for their support of the Confederacy.
The U.S. Senate ethics committee has notified Sen. Bob Menendez it will conduct a review of his alleged violations of Senate rules in light of his conviction on federal corruption charges. He is shown here arriving at Manhattan Federal Court on July 10, 2024. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate Committee on Ethics Monday notified Sen. Bob Menendez that its members unanimously voted for an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules, in a move that could lead to the New Jersey Democrats possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure.

Last week a jury found Menendez guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial for taking bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, car and mortgage payments from three New Jersey businessmen to do favors for Egypt and Qatar and to meddle in two criminal investigations.

At the time he took the bribes, Menendez was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The co-chairs of Senate Ethics, Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, and James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said in a joint statement that they anticipate the committee completing the adjudicatory review promptly.

At the completion of the adjudicatory review, the Committee will move expeditiously to submit a written report to the Senate including specific findings and any recommendations for disciplinary action, they wrote.

Menendezs office did not respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.

Menendez has filed to run for his seat as an independent, even as many of his Democratic colleagues have pressured him to resign. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, is running for the Senate seat against Republican Curtis Bashaw.

Two-thirds of the Senate would need to vote to expel a member, but only a majority is needed to pass a censure resolution. A censure is a form of discipline in which the Senate formally disapproves of a member, but it does not lead to removal.

Since 1789, the Senate has expelled 15 members, according to Senate archives. The last time a senator was expelled was Jesse D. Bright of Indiana in 1862 for his support of the Confederate rebellion, though numerous more attempts at expulsion have occurred since then. Two more senators were expelled that year for their support of the Confederacy.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 10: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) arrives at Manhattan Federal Court on July 10, 2024 in New York City. Closing arguments continue in Sen. Menendez's trial with co-defendant's Fred Daibes and Wael Hana. Menendez is charged with corruption after gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash were found at his home. Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are accused of extortion, obstruction of justice and accepting bribes to perform favors for businessmen with connections to Egypt and Qatar. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate Committee on Ethics Monday notified Sen. Bob Menendez that its members unanimously voted for an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules, in a move that could lead to the New Jersey Democrats possible expulsion from the upper chamber or a censure.

Last week a jury found Menendez guilty on all counts in his federal corruption trial for taking bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, car and mortgage payments from three New Jersey businessmen to do favors for Egypt and Qatar and to meddle in two criminal investigations.

At the time he took the bribes, Menendez was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The co-chairs of Senate Ethics, Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, and James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said in a joint statement that they anticipate the committee completing the adjudicatory review promptly.

At the completion of the adjudicatory review, the Committee will move expeditiously to submit a written report to the Senate including specific findings and any recommendations for disciplinary action, they wrote.

Menendezs office did not respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.

Menendez has filed to run for his seat as an independent, even as many of his Democratic colleagues have pressured him to resign. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, is running for the Senate seat against Republican Curtis Bashaw.

Two-thirds of the Senate would need to vote to expel a member, but only a majority is needed to pass a censure resolution. A censure is a form of discipline in which the Senate formally disapproves of a member, but it does not lead to removal.

Since 1789, the Senate has expelled 15 members, according to Senate archives. The last time a senator was expelled was Jesse D. Bright of Indiana in 1862 for his support of the Confederate rebellion, though numerous more attempts at expulsion have occurred since then. Two more senators were expelled that year for their support of the Confederacy.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The University of Alabama at Birmingham is requesting the public to donate blood this week.

According to UAB, it is partnering with the American Red Cross to help run blood drives. UAB Hospital will hold its blood drive in the North Pavilion Atrium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Those who donate will be gifted a Red Cross t-shirt and ticket for the movie Twisters while supplies last.

Homewood officer shot, suspect dead following standoff

There will also be a blood drive at Regions Field from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday. Donors will earn a cooling towel and two tickets to a Birmingham Barons game while they are available. Those donating at Regions Field can park in the VIP Parking Lot at the corner of Third Avenue South and 14th Street South.

The donation process takes about 45 minutes, though the blood collection part usually lasts under 20 minutes. It is recommended donors hydrate and consume iron-rich foods ahead of donating.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
This is a locator map for United Arab Emirates with its capital, Abu Dhabi. (AP Photo)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A court in the United Arab Emirates sentenced dozens of Bangladeshi nationals to prison, including three for life imprisonment, over protests against their home government in the Gulf country, state media reported Monday.

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on Sunday handed 10-year prison sentences to 53 Bangladeshi nationals and an 11-year term to another Bangladeshi national, in addition to the three life imprisonments, according to the state-owned Emirates News Agency, WAM. The court ordered the deportation of the Bangladeshis from the UAE following their prison terms.

The court heard a witness who confirmed that the defendants gathered and organised large-scale marches in several streets of the UAE in protest against decisions made by the Bangladeshi government, WAM reported.

On Saturday, authorities in the United Arab Emirates ordered an investigation and an expedited trial of the arrested Bangladeshi nationals.

The protests in the UAE followed weeks of demonstrations in Bangladesh by people upset about a quota system that reserved up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971. The country's top court on Sunday scaled back the controversial system, in a partial victory for the mostly student protesters.

The UAE's attorney general's office on Saturday indicted the Bangladeshis on several charges, including gathering in a public place and protesting against their home government with the intent to incite unrest, obstructing law enforcement, causing harm to others and damaging property, according to WAM.

Bangladeshi nationals make up the UAEs third-largest expatriate community. Many of them are low-paid laborers seeking to send money back home to their families. The Emirates overall population of more than 9.2 million is only 10% Emirati.

Political parties and labor unions are banned in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms. Broad laws severely restrict freedom of speech and almost all major local media are either state-owned or state-affiliated outlets.
UI Health Care leads Iowa in US News & World Report rankings with top honors in 8 specialties

University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center reaffirmed its position as Iowa's premier hospital, securing top honors in the U.S. News & World's report of "Best Hospitals" for 2024-2025.

The school's various hospitals and clinics earned national recognition in eight adult specialties.

"This national recognition is a testament to the compassionate, high-quality care our teams provide, as well as UI Health Care's unique value to the state," says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, in a news release.

MercyOne in Des Moines was ranked second-best in Iowa.

The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center has been the top-ranked hospital in Iowa in each of the last 34 years. Three adult specialties were ranked in the top 50 nationally.

UIHC earned its highest placement in ophthalmology. The ears, nose, and throat specialty came in at number 14, and the cancer specialty ranked at number 41.

More: Deep discounts and fun for Iowa City's Sidewalk Sales

A UIHC logo is seen on the Pappajohn Pavilion, Friday, April 10, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City, Iowa.

University of Iowa's medical field earns high praise

U.S. News ranked five other specialties at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center among the nation's top 10%.

The high performing specialties are: cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery and urology.

Jamieson attributed the hospital's consistently high rankings as a direct correlation to the staff and their commitment to serving Iowans across the state.

"Our team members are passionately dedicated to advancing health care across Iowa and beyond through clinical care, research, and training," Jamieson said. "Iowans are fortunate to have a widely recognized and nationally respected academic health system right here in our state, so we can be there for them when they need us most."

More: University of Iowa makes Mercy Hospital transition official with new downtown signage

More: Crowded and aging: Sheriff aims to relocate 43-year-old Johnson County Jail

Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, serves as the vice president for medical affairs and dean of the UI Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa

Rankings consider patient care, research

The U.S. News and World Report's methodology is based on several key metrics. This year, the methodology examined hospitals "that are notable for the degree to which they care for patients from certain socially vulnerable backgrounds, such as lower-resourced households and neighborhoods and racial and ethnic minorities."

According to U.S. News and World Report, the updated methodology also included a review of internal hospital transfers, outpatient outcomes, observation stays, adjustments to weight of rehabilitation, and the rating of gynecological cancer.

More: Celebrating the team behind a changing University of Iowa Health Care

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: US News & World Report ranks UI Health Care as top hospital in Iowa
Police are seen outside the Manchester Arena in northern England where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing

LONDON (Reuters) - Two survivors of a deadly suicide bombing in Britain are suing a conspiracy theorist who claims the attack was staged - a case with echoes of lawsuits brought by relatives of those killed in a mass school shooting in the United States.

Martin Hibbert was paralysed from the waist down and his daughter Eve, then 14, suffered a catastrophic brain injury in the attack after an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester, northern England, in 2017.

They are suing Richard D. Hall  a self-styled journalist who claims without evidence that the attack was orchestrated by British government agencies  for alleged harassment, misuse of private information and breaches of data protection laws.

The case bears similarities to defamation lawsuits brought against U.S. conspiracy theorist Alex Jones by relatives of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.

Twenty-two people were killed and many more injured when 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a homemade bomb as parents arrived to collect children at Manchester Arena in May 2017.

The Hibberts' lawyer Jonathan Price said that Hall "does not accept any of this  his theory is that it is an elaborate hoax".

Hall has published a book, published videos and given talks in which he claims the Hibberts were not at the concert. He also filmed Eve Hibbert and her mother outside their house in 2019.

Price said the Hibberts were entitled to damages and an injunction to stop Hall repeating his claims about the attack.

Hall is fighting the lawsuit and argues that an injunction would be a disproportionate interference with his right to free speech.

"However unpleasant Mr Hall's published views are considered to be, they are protected," Hall's lawyer Paul Oakley said in court filings.

Martin Hibbert is due to give evidence at the trial, which is expected to conclude this week.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Mark Heinrich)
UK Defence Intelligence analyses how Russian Guard is deployed in Ukraine

According to UK Defence Intelligence, more than 30,000 personnel from the Russian Guard, a military unit of the Russian Federation directly subordinate to the country's leader, are currently stationed in Ukraine.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 22 July on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to the UK analysts, the majority of Russian Guard members are likely certainly responsible for protecting locations in the rear, with only a few units participating in combat on the front lines.

The primary combat force of the Russian Guard, the 116th Special Forces Brigade, is most likely made up of three regiments equipped with tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery.

Since the start of 2024, the Russian Guard has probably certainly attempted to strengthen its forces by absorbing Russian irregular units.

In May 2024, the Russian Guard effectively incorporated the Vostok battalion of the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic into its ranks.

The projected agreement to subordinate the Wagner Group's forces to the 1st Volunteer Corps of the Russian Guard most likely failed in March 2024, intelligence reports.

Earlier, the UK Defence Intelligence noted that Russia's main offensive efforts along the war zone in Ukraine are focused on the Avdiivka front.

In a review dated 16 July, UK Defence Intelligence analysed how Russia is trying to prevent potential recruits from escaping the country.

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Ramit Sethi

When you start your own business, there are many instances when you might hear the word no. Perhaps you are seeking outside investments or are applying for a bank loan. Maybe your business is off the ground, and now youre trying to sell your products or services to businesses or customers. Wherever you are in your journey, its likely that you are opening yourself up to rejection.

For You: Mark Cubans Best Advice on How To Become Rich

Find Out: 7 Reasons You Should Consider a Financial Advisor  Even If Youre Not Wealthy

Money expert Ramit Sethi believes that hearing the word no is actually a good thing for entrepreneurs. Read on to find out why, and also check out Sethis questions you must ask yourself for a rich retirement.

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

It Builds Up Your Resilience

In a recent newsletter, Sethi wrote that hearing no is a gift. One big reason for this is that it will make you a more resilient entrepreneur.

It builds your armor, he wrote. It makes you indestructible.

Sethi said that when he put out his first e-book, many people were not interested. Instead of focusing on the nos, he focused his energy on the 1,000 people that did buy his book.

In the process of doing that, I built my emotional armor, he wrote. I didnt take the no personally. Instead, I focused on serving those 1,000 people who trusted me with five bucks.

He continued, That openness and perseverance is hands down the most valuable quality Ive cultivated as an entrepreneur. It makes me a better business owner, because I know no doesnt mean the end. Even outside of my business, this resilience makes me a better person: more empathetic, slower to judge and able to weather bad news.

Read Next: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: Heres the Lightbulb Moment that Helped Me Make My First Million

It Provides Valuable Feedback

Sethi said that when you hear a no you shouldnt take this as an absolute statement.

Its No to this offer, because its not right  yet,' he wrote. Thats incredibly valuable information!

Instead of letting the no discourage you, look at it as a jumping-off point to get more feedback.

Follow each no with a question: Will you tell me why its a no for you? Sethi said. When you ask this question, you learn more about who your customers are (and arent). You start to understand more about what they want (and dont want). Once you get past the sting of rejection  and you will  each no is an opportunity to learn.

Many Successful Entrepreneurs Heard No Before Yes

Many of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time experienced failure and rejection before they got their big yes. Bill Gates first company, Traf-O-Data, never really made it off the ground. Steve Jobs was fired from Apple. Arianna Huffington was rejected by 40 publishers before she found someone willing to publish her second book.

Story continues

Failure is not the opposite of success, Huffington told The Guardian, but a stepping stone to success.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Ramit Sethi: Why No Is One of the Best Things Entrepreneurs Can Hear
Ukraine to receive 100,000 more rounds of ammunition over next two months  Czech Foreign Minister

Before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has said that another 100,000 rounds of ammunition would be delivered to Ukraine in July and August as part of the Czech initiative.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Ceske noviny

Details: Lipavsky stressed that 18 countries have joined the initiative so far, and 15 of them have already fulfilled their promises and made contributions.

Lipavsky added that this means that there are enough funds to deliver 500,000 pieces of ammunition to Ukraine by the end of the year.

"During July and August, we will send 100,000 additional rounds of ammunition. We are now looking for money to buy more ammunition to continue the initiative in 2025. This year, we could deliver up to 800,000 rounds of ammunition if we had the money," Lipavsky said.

He said that the Czech side is in daily contact with its Ukrainian partners, who greatly appreciate the initiative.

Lipavsky also noted that Russia is trying to disrupt the initiative, and that is why Czechia does not disclose where it receives the ammunition from.

Background:

In late June, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that the first shipment of ammunition under the Czech initiative had arrived in Ukraine some time ago.

At the time, Defence Minister Jana Cernochova clarified that it was 50,000 units of ammunition, and the goal was to supply 500,000 units of ammunition to Ukraine this year. This amount is currently financially secured. The first part of 180,000 units of ammunition is financed by a German contribution.

Earlier it was reported that the Czech initiative was capable of providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with 50,000 to 100,000 large-calibre shells per month.

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Key developments on July 22:

Ukraine hits Russia's Tuapse oil refinery, source confirms

Russia gathering forces in Kharkiv Oblast for fresh attacks, military says

Russia pushing toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Syrskyi says

Kuleba to visit China on July 23-25 in first visit since February 2022

Czech initiative secures funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells so far in 2024

Russia has deployed additional assault units near the village of Hlyboke in Kharkiv Oblast to prepare for offensive operations, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces, told Interfax Ukraine on July 21.

The village of Hlyboke is located in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast, 7 kilometers south of the border with Russia and 39 kilometers north of Kharkiv.

Russia launched its offensive in Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, but the assault quickly stalled. Around 20,000 Russian troops were killed during the failed push in the northeastern region, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia is currently massing new troops near the village of Hlyboke, including assault groups of the 155th Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the 18th Motorized Rifle Division of the 11th Army Corps, according to Voloshyn.

Russian troops use drones for remote mining of the area, the spokesperson added.

Voloshyn said that in the central and eastern parts of the town of Vovchansk, which became the scene of some of the heaviest fighting in Kharkiv Oblast, Russian troops continue to regroup forces for further attacks.

"It has also been confirmed that an assault unit of the 153rd Tank Regiment of the 47th Tank Division of the Russian Armed Forces has been withdrawn for recovery, its positions have been taken by the personnel of the (Russian) 128th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 44th Army Corps and the 'Akhmat' unit," the spokesperson added.

The Ukrainian military also recorded the arrival of additional personnel from the 41st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Division near the Ukrainian border to replenish the thinned ranks.

Read also: Around 20,000 Russians died in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says

Ukraine hits Russia's Tuapse oil refinery, source confirms

An oil refinery in the Russian town of Tuapse on the Black Sea coast caught fire after over 75 drones targeted multiple Russian regions overnight on July 22, local authorities said.

The strike against the refinery was carried out by Ukraine's military intelligence service (HUR), a source in the agency confirmed for the Kyiv Independent later the same day.

Russian Telegram channels claimed that the attack also started a fire near the Morozovsk airbase in Rostov Oblast.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the reports.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted eight drones over Krasnodar Krai, 47 drones over Rostov Oblast, one each over Belgorod, Voronezh, and Smolensk oblasts, and 17 over the Black and Azov seas.

The eight drones targeting Krasnodar Krai have been shot down around Tuapse between 3:17 to 4:20 a.m. local time, local official Sergey Boyko claimed, saying that there were no casualties or damage.

During a second wave of attack later in the morning, drone debris fell on the territory of the Tuapse oil refinery, resulting in damage.

The extent of damage is currently being determined, the Kyiv Independent's source said.

Rosneft's Tuapse refinery has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian strikes over the past months. Following an earlier strike, the facility underwent an emergency shutdown in May.

According to the Kyiv Independent's source, the refinery produces 12 million metric tons of petroleum products per year, with around 90% of being earmarked for export.

Read also: Russia systemically abuses its soldiers in Ukraine to maintain order, The Insider reports

Russia pushing toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Syrskyi says

Russian troops continue to push toward the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on July 22.

Russia is carrying out intense attacks in multiple sections of the eastern front, including in Donetsk Oblast, after it captured the city of Avdiivka in February.

Earlier in July, Ukrainian troops withdrew from the Kanal neighborhood of the embattled town of Chasiv Yar, as well as from the village of Urozhaine down south.

"Fierce fighting" continues in Krasnohorivka and in the areas of Prohres, Zalizne, Pivdenne, and Chasiv Yar, according to Syrskyi.

Russian forces continue their attempts to capture the settlements of Stelmakhivka and Makiivka and attack Ukrainian positions in Ivanivske and Klishchiivka, Syrskyi said.

Russian forces are also trying to seize the islands of the floodplain on the east bank of the Dnipro River, the commander added, likely referring to the front in Kherson Oblast where Ukraine recently withdrew from the Krynky beachhead.

Read also: Russias advance toward key eastern highway threatens Ukraines grip of Donetsk Oblast

Kuleba to visit China on July 23-25 first time since February 2022

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit China on July 23 for a three-day visit, marking his first trip to the country since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced on July 22.

During the visit, Kyiv's chief diplomat and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi will discuss Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, China's role in achieving just and stable peace, and Ukrainian-Chinese relations, the ministry noted.

Kuleba and Wang previously met in February at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

China has positioned itself as neutral in the war but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed the country against Western sanctions. It has also shaped up to be Russia's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to China to use its sway over Moscow to help bring an end to the war, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful as the East Asian country snubbed the June global peace summit in Switzerland.

President Volodymyr Zelensky blasted China over supposedly trying to sabotage the summit efforts, drawing rebuke from Beijing.

China proposed its own alternative peace plan, which would include a conference recognized by both Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine's Ambassador to Singapore, Kateryna Zelenko, said in June that her country would consider attending if the talks are based on the principles of the "U.N. Charter and international law."

Read also: Illegal chip flows from China to Russia slowing down, Reuters reports

Czech initiative to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells in 2024

The Czech-led ammunition initiative has secured enough funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells by the end of the year, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in Brussels on July 22.

Prague continues searching for additional finances among the allies to bring this number up to 800,000, the minister added.

Czechia unveiled the international initiative earlier this year amid Ukraine's shell shortages, which were largely caused by delays in U.S. assistance.

Czech President Petr Pavel initially said that with partners' support, Prague could facilitate the purchase of 500,000 155 mm shells and 200,000 122 mm shells, though Lipavsky said in March the total supply could go as high as 1.5 million rounds.

"We will send another 100,000 rounds in July and August. Now we are looking for funds for additional purchases, so that the initiative can continue also in 2025," Lipavsky said.

This is in addition to the roughly 45,000 shells shipped in June, the minister said, adding that the deliveries will pick up pace starting September.

Eighteen countries have pledged support to the initiative, of which 15 have fulfilled their promises and provided the funds, according to Lipavsky.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visited Prague on July 16 to discuss the ammunition initiative and other areas of defense cooperation, including joint military production.

Only days later, the two countries signed a bilateral security agreement solidifying Czechia's support for Ukraine.

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On 22 July, Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took part online in a meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers.

Source: press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, as reported by European Pravda Details: During his remarks, Kuleba urged partners to increase the protection and recovery of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

He outlined five essential initiatives to assist the Ukrainian energy system.

Quote: "The first is to strengthen air defence. The second is the rapid repair and restoration of generation and distribution facilities. The third is the decentralisation of the power system, including the installation of cogeneration units. The fourth is to increase import capacity from the EU from the current 1.7 to 2.2 gigawatts. The fifth is to attract funds and equipment from partners," the minister said.

The Foreign Minister urged European partners to increase efforts in these key areas of work.

Kuleba also emphasised that Russia's most significant strategic edge is its air terror.

In this context, Kuleba emphasised the importance of rejecting unjustified concerns about Ukrainian attacks on legitimate military targets on Russian territory.

"These strikes are completely legitimate from the point of view of international law and can really speed up the end of the war. Some decisions in this regard have already been made. They helped us thwart Russias offensive on Kharkiv. We need to take further steps and expand the area of application," the minister said.

Kuleba also said that Ukraine is starting a series of preparatory meetings at the level of ministers and national security advisers before the second Peace Summit.

Last Monday, the European Union awarded Ukrenergo a grant of 100 million, specifically for the repair and restoration of power equipment destroyed or damaged by Russian bombardment.

Estonia has decided to donate equipment from Narva power plants to Ukraine.

Lithuanian energy company Ignitis Gamyba is transferring equipment from the Vilnius Third Combined Heat and Power Plant to Ukraine to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will visit China on 23-25 July at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Source: press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Details: The parties will share their views on the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations during the meetings and negotiations.

The main topic of discussion will be the finding of ways to stop Russian aggression and China's possible role in achieving a sustainable and just peace.

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The Russians are increasing their efforts on the Kramatorsk front in Donetsk Oblast. Since the beginning of the day, they have carried out 22 offensive operations.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, information as of 16:00 on 22 July

Details: The attacks took place near Bondarne, Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Minkivka, Vasiukivka, Hryhorivka, Kalynivka, Bila Hora, Ivanivske, and Klishchiivka. Ukraines defence forces repelled nine assaults, with another 13 still ongoing at the moment of this article being released.

The General Staff said that although the Russians continue to assault the positions of the Ukrainian defenders, the defence forces are "disrupting the enemys cunning plans, inflicting significant losses in personnel and equipment."

In total, there have been 93 combat clashes since the beginning of the day.

Bordering towns in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts continue to suffer from attacks from Russian territory. On Monday, the Russians struck the city of Konotop (Sumy Oblast) with an X-59 missile.

Meanwhile, Kharkiv Oblast is under constant bombardment from Russian aircraft. Since the beginning of the day, the Russians have carried out 11 air strikes from the Russian cities of Belgorod and Shebekino. They targeted areas around the Ukrainian towns of Cherniaky, Vesele, Lyptsi, Mali Prokhody, Hlyboke, Karaiichne, and Pytomnyk. The Russians also struck the city of Derhachi with an Iskander-M missile.

Additionally, the Russians launched six unsuccessful attacks near Hlyboke and Vovchansk on the Kharkiv front.

On the Kupiansk front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions near Berestove and Hlushkivka six times. One battle has concluded, while the other five combat clashes are ongoing at the moment of this article being released.

The Russians conducted offensive operations near the settlements of Torske, Novoselivka, and Makiivka, as well as in the area of the Serebrianka Forest (Luhansk Oblast) on the Lyman front. Ukraines defence forces repelled three Russians attacks, with one still ongoing near Makiivka at the moment of this article being released.

The Russians attacked near Verkhnokamianske, Vyiimka, Spirne, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, and Pereizne seven times throughout the day on the Siversk front. The Ukrainians repelled six assaults, with one combat clash still ongoing at the moment of this article being released.

The Russians attacked Ukrainian positions near Toretsk, Zalizne, New-York, and Pivnichne nine times on the Toretsk front. Eight battles have concluded, while one is still ongoing at the moment of this article being released.

The Russians conducted offensive operations in the areas of Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Novoselivka Persha, Panteleimonivka, New-York, Lozuvatske, Tymofiivka, Prohres, Vovche, Yasnobrodivka, and Umanske on the Pokrovsk front. Ukraines defence forces are holding back the Russians advance, having repelled 17 attacks, with nine combat clashes still ongoing at the moment of this article being released. Russian losses are being verified.

The Russians attacked Ukrainian positions near Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, and Paraskoviivka 10 times on the Kurakhove front. Seven battles have concluded, while three are still ongoing at the moment of this article being released.

The Russians attempted to break through the Ukrainian defences near Robotyne on the Orikhiv front, but failed.

On the Prydniprovske front, the Russians also could not make any gains, twice attacking the defensive positions of Ukrainian units on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

In other areas along the front, the situation has not undergone significant changes.

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Ukraine's intelligence chief on murder of professor Iryna Farion: Russians want to divide our nation

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), believes that Iryna Farion, the linguist, professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University and former Ukrainian MP, was murdered by the "enemy" of the Ukrainian nation in order to "divide the nation".

Source: Budanov on social media

Quote: "Today Ukraine bid farewell to public activist and academic Iryna Farion. The cold-blooded murder of this famous linguist is a challenge for the whole of Ukrainian society, a crime against the fundamental rights and liberties of Ukrainians. This tragedy has once again shown that the enemy tries to use any tools to divide our nation."

Details: Budanov noted that Ukrainians must not forget the following truth: our political views may be different, but the right to have an opinion, the right to stand up for ones beliefs, is sacred.

Quote: "This is the foundation of our freedom, and anyone who encroaches on it must be punished. Iryna Farion died for her pro-Ukrainian position. We have no right to tolerate such crimes and will continue to defend Ukraine both in the combat zone and in terms of domestic affairs."

Read also: Iryna Farion murder: details of the assassination, lines of enquiry, and why the Lviv professor was so controversial

Background:

An assassination attempt was made on former Ukrainian MP Iryna Farion on Masaryk Street in Lviv on the evening of 19 July.

Later that night, Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi and Ukraines National Police reported that Farion had died in hospital after being shot.

On 20 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had received the latest reports on Farions murder and all lines of enquiry are being investigated, including the theory that Russia and its secret services were involved.

Farion was buried in the city of Lviv.

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Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, stated that the "peace proposals" of former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson, which have been the subject of heated debates in Ukraine, reflect his personal views.

Source: Stefanishyna during a meeting with journalists in Kyiv on 22 Monday, writes Interfax-Ukraine news agency, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Stefanishyna, Johnson "acts solely on his own initiative, these are his own thoughts."

Quote: "We should appreciate his courage, because on his own initiative he met with Trump. He tried to explain the situation in Ukraine. Such a voice is very valuable because it has authority, recognition and communication with colleagues from the Republican Party," she said.

According to her, Johnson's proposals are intended to "create a field for discussion."

"He acts in the best interests of Ukraine and can afford it, because he knows the position of our president and the position of Ukrainians," added Stefanishyna in a conversation with reporters.

On 16 July, Boris Johnson met with US presidential candidate Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. After that he unveiled a peace plan that could end the war "on the right terms for Ukraine and the West".

His vision is for Kyiv to recover control of the territory it controlled as of 24 February 2022, in which case the US will provide the country with all required armaments and will not prevent its further NATO membership. Furthermore, the Ukrainian military may eventually replace the American troops in Europe.

In exchange, Russia is promised specific guarantees of "protection of Russophones" in Ukraine, as well as the chance of rejoining the Group of Seven and possible normalisation of relations with NATO. Johnson believes Trump is capable of carrying out this strategy.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with US presidential candidate Donald Trump, during which the latter said he wanted to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table and "bring peace to the world."

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FILE - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech, following his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister, in London, Saturday, July 6, 2024. Rwanda's government said late Monday, July 8, it is aware of the United Kingdom's intention to terminate its plan to deport asylum-seekers to the East African country. Starmer said in his first news conference Saturday that the Rwanda deportation plan was dead and buried before it started. (Claudia Greco, Pool Photo via AP, File)

LONDON (AP)  A scrapped plan by former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda was the most shocking waste of taxpayer money I have ever seen," the U.K.s new home secretary said Monday as she put the cost at 700 million pounds ($904 million) in public funds.

Sunak's successor Keir Starmer spiked the controversial plan as soon as his Labour government came to power this month. Sunak had made stopping the boats a key policy as his Conservative government struggled to stem the flow of asylum-seekers across the English Channel from France, but his plans were stalled by legal challenges and were widely criticized by human rights groups.

Home Secretary Yvette Copper said the failed plan's costs included 290 million pounds in payments to Rwanda, plus chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them and paying for more than a thousand civil servants to work on the scheme.

Rwanda's government has said it was not obligated to refund the money.

The previous government had planned to spend over 10 billion pounds of taxpayers money on the scheme, they did not tell Parliament that, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told lawmakers.

The home secretary said the high number of risky small boat crossings will likely persist through the summer, when weather conditions are more favorable. She also acknowledged that more needs to be done to tackle people-smuggling upstream," but did not spell out details.

Official figures showed that nearly 1,500 migrants had arrived in the U.K. on small boats across the English Channel in the past week alone. The French coastguard said two people died amid rescue operations off the northern French coast.

Sunak's plan was meant to address the growing number of migrants from around the world  reaching a high of 46,000 in 2022  who cross the English Channel. Most who arrive that way apply for asylum, and in the past many have received it. The Conservative government argued that these migrants should not be treated as genuine refugees because they did not claim asylum in another safe country they reached first.

The U.K. struck a deal with Rwanda in 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Human rights groups and other critics of the plan called it unworkable and unethical to deport migrants to a country 4,000 miles (6,400 miles) away that they dont want to live in.

The plan was challenged in U.K. courts, and no flights to Rwanda took off under it. Cooper said that just four people have been removed to Rwanda  and they did so voluntarily.

Britains Supreme Court in November ruled that the policy was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country where migrants can be sent, with five justices unanimously saying that the removal of the claimants to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment because they could be sent back to the home countries they had fled.
Aids ribbons lie on a table as pins. A new report from the United Nations' HIV/AIDS programme suggests the world is "at a crossroads" if the global aim to eradicate the disease as a public health threat is to be achieved by 2030. Jens Kalaene/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa

A new report from the United Nations' HIV/AIDS programme suggests the world is "at a crossroads" if the global aim to eradicate the disease as a public health threat is to be achieved by 2030.

UNAIDS figures for 2023, released on Monday, show that despite concerted efforts to prevent the spread of the HIV virus and mitigate the impact of AIDS, "a person dies from AIDS-related causes every minute" across the globe.

"World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030," said UNAIDS director Winnie Byanyima ahead of the 25th International AIDS Conference, which opens in the German city of Munich on Monday.

"They can uphold their promise, but only if they ensure that the HIV response has the resources it needs and that the human rights of everyone are protected," she stated.

Targets for new infections and deaths to be missed

Official figures show that around 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023, more than three times the interim target of 370,000 for 2025 set by world leaders in 2021.

Global deaths from complications due to AIDS have fallen from around 1.3 million in 2010 to 630,000 in 2023, as a result of the growing availability of antiretroviral therapy and other treatment programmes.

Nevertheless, the figure remains far above the interim target of 250,000 deaths in 2025.

Concern in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Around 40 million people worldwide were living with the virus in 2023, the figures show, with almost one in four lacking access to life-saving treatment, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

The region continues to be the centre of the pandemic, with the incidence of HIV among teenage girls and young women remaining "extraordinarily high," even as efforts to contain the virus are gaining ground.

The report said that while "the global HIV prevention response is proceeding at an encouraging pace in sub-Saharan Africa," it has "stalled in other regions," with rates rising in three areas defined by UNAIDS: Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The situation in the latter category is particularly concerning, with deaths rising by 34% since 2010. All other regions have seen decreases over the same period, ranging from 57% in the Caribbean to 6% in the Middle East and North Africa.

Overall, AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 69% since the peak of the pandemic in 2004 and by 51% since 2010.

Stigmatization hampers fight against pandemic

The study found that discrimination and stigmatization of at-risk populations and vulnerable groups, including sex workers, transgender people and drug users, "create barriers to vital prevention and treatment services."

HIV prevention and treatment services "will only reach people if human rights are upheld, if unfair laws against women and against marginalized communities are scrapped, and if discrimination and violence are tackled head on," the report continued.

Funding for vital measures such as condom programmes and harm reduction services for drug users is being cut in many countries, with a significant impact on HIV transmission rates.

Governments must act now to speed up the effort against the global pandemic, said Byanyima.

"Leaders can save millions of lives, prevent millions of new HIV infections, and ensure that everyone living with HIV can live healthy, full lives," she asserted ahead of the annual conference, which runs until Friday.
Refresco

Press Release



Refresco announces acquisition of Frias, a leading Spanish manufacturer of plant-based drinks

Rotterdam, The Netherlands, July 22, 2024  Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands in Europe, North America, and Australia, today announces it has entered into an agreement to acquire Frias Nutricion (Frias) from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.



Frias is a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks with a production facility located in Burgos, Spain and employs around 250 people. Frias produces private label plant-based drinks, including almond, rice, hazelnut, and soy drinks, for key Spanish retailers and beyond.

CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented:

As part of our proven Buy & Build strategy, we are looking to expand our capabilities in existing and adjacent beverage categories. The acquisition of Frias significantly strengthens our position in the fast-growing plant-based drinks category. It complements our existing footprint in Spain with a production facility solely dedicated to plant-based products.

In addition, acquiring Frias enables us to further expand our service offering to retailers and branded customers and retailers across Europe, accelerates our product innovation capabilities in the plant-based drinks category, and underscores our ability to capture opportunities in the market.

Bruno Delgado-Luque, Partner Alantra Private Equity, added:

Since we acquired Frias in 2019, the company has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, confirming its leadership position in the Iberian Peninsula, and expanding its international business. Together with the Frias family, we launched a major investment plan that resulted in the creation of one of the most modern and efficient plant-based drinks factories in Europe. We are confident that Frias has a bright future ahead and will continue its successful growth with the support of Refresco.



Transaction highlights

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Closing of the transaction is expected later this year.

The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.



About Refresco

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national and emerging brands with production in Europe, North America and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees. www.refresco.com

Story continues



About Alantra Private Equity

Alantra Private Equity is a pioneer in the Iberian private equity market with more than 30 years of experience and investments of c. 2.0bn. It has a unique and proven track record in the food and beverage, healthcare, and industrial technology sectors throughout different economic cycles. Since 1990, Alantra Private Equity has led investments in more than 120 assets (60 platforms and 65 add-ons) and has completed more than 50 exits.



Media Contacts

Refresco Corporate Communications

Hendrik de Wit

+31 6 1586 1311

hendrik.dewit@refresco.com

Attachment




UNC to end its student-run honor court after more than 100 years. Why the change?

After more than a century, UNC-Chapel Hill will end its student-run honor court system  forcing a major shift in how student misconduct, in and out of the classroom, is handled at the university.

Provost Chris Clemens and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Amy Johnson announced the change in a message to campus Wednesday, saying the university will replace the student-led system with use of a conduct board, or hearing board, model, run by university staff. Thats in contrast to the current model, in which students review their peers alleged violations of the universitys honor code and impose applicable disciplinary actions.

The honor code, which all students are expected to abide by, prohibits academic dishonesty  generally meaning actions such as cheating or plagiarism  as well as nonacademic offenses, such as hazing, using illegal drugs, possessing weapons and a host of other violations.

The honor code and the student-run system that implements it have historically been points of pride at the university, with new students pledging at their convocation ceremonies not to lie, cheat or steal, and to encourage those around them to uphold the Carolina tradition. The universitys model for the system is also rare, with just a handful of universities nationwide  including the University of Virginia and Washington and Lee University  boasting student-run courts.

We are extremely proud of that history and tradition, Johnson told The News & Observer in an interview Thursday.

But Johnson noted the universe of student conduct matters has evolved significantly over the past century, with cases becoming more complicated and taking longer to resolve. Many cases now intersect with civil or criminal legal proceedings and involve outside attorneys, Johnson said. Academic cases take approximately 100 days to resolve, while nonacademic cases can take almost 140 days, she said.

That is an extraordinary amount for a student-led process to try to navigate and manage, Johnson said. And for that reason, we are moving to a hearing board model that will be guided by professional staff, but still involve the active participation of students, faculty and staff across campus.

Five student leaders within the honor system  two attorneys general, two honor court chairs and the honor court outreach coordinator  addressed the universitys decision in a statement released Friday. The leaders said they would like to collaborate with administrators in the coming weeks as the changes are implemented  something, they said, that had not happened prior to Johnson and Clemens announcement.

We are deeply dismayed by the Universitys decision but remain committed to our mission of promoting student voices, the statement read.

Concerns about student-led system

In their message to campus, Johnson and Clemens cited concerns and conversations about the existing system as the reason for moving to a new model. Asked by The N&O about who was voicing such concerns, Johnson said they generally came from students who are accused of a student-conduct violation, as well as faculty and staff who participate in the system, particularly in academic-related cases.

If it goes 100 days, that can interfere with students academic progress, Johnson said. And faculty are not only frustrated about having to participate in a process so long, but to participate in a process that potentially could impede students academic progress and their ability to continue to take courses or meet prerequisites and the like.

Johnson said the changes are not related to recent protests or other issues on campus, adding that the change has been in the works for more than a year. (In relation to pro-Palestinian protests in April, 10 UNC students received citations for trespassing and three additional students were arrested.)

In their statement, the honor system student leaders said they were informed of the proposed changes to the model less than 24 hours before Johnson and Clemens email to campus.

The University administration did not consult us  or any member of student government to our knowledge  about their decision to end a near 150-year tradition of student self-governance, the statement read. Had the administration communicated their intent to alter the student conduct process, we would have engaged in a good-faith dialogue to discuss potential changes to the Honor System.

The honor code and the long-standing history and tradition of student integrity and honor at Carolina will remain under the new honor system model, Johnson said. But instead of students governing their peers, university staff will now oversee hearings and proceedings regarding alleged violations.

The new model is the most common one in student affairs and is a best practice, Johnson said.

The hope, Johnson said, is that having professional staff overseeing the proceedings will speed up the process, given that they can dedicate full workdays to the task, without the extra responsibilities  such as attending class  that student leaders have. The universitys Office of Student Conduct website currently lists three full-time staff, and Johnson said she anticipates hiring up to two additional staff members for honor system matters.

Because this will be the full-time job of those people, as opposed to a whole team of students who are trying to work around, there will be some efficiencies of scale there, Johnson said.

The honor system leaders acknowledged in their statement that no system, including ours, is perfect. But they said their roles were never a burden, despite the time commitment.

As Branch Leaders of the Honor System, we more than willingly provided our time and effort to the Honor System because we knew that we were making a positive impact on students and the University community as a whole, they said.

How the new model will work

Johnson did not provide an estimate for how long it will take for cases to be resolved under the new staff-run hearing process. But she said she hopes there is a significant reduction.

In tandem with ending the student-run honor system, Johnson said the university also plans to streamline a variety of policies outside of the honor code in a new student conduct policy and bring them all under one roof. By doing so, Johnson hopes students will be better able to navigate the disciplinary process.

In addition to the honor code, we have our alcohol and drug policy, we have our community standards policies, Johnson said. It has become a really networked environment for students to manage just here at Carolina.

Johnson also said the university is likely to implement an informal resolution option for cases, in which the parties would reach an agreement about how to resolve the case without going through a formal hearing process. Johnson said the option would likely be best for minor policy violations.

Students who enter into a hearing with the new staff-run conduct board will still be afforded due process, with the option of appealing any decision by the board, Johnson said. Students, faculty and staff will also remain involved in the process, at least in some capacity, through a new advisory committee that will provide feedback on the new model, Johnson said. Students could also volunteer to participate as a member of a hearing board pool or to serve as a peer/professional advisor to a student involved in a case, according to an FAQ page about the proposed changes.

The honor system leaders indicated the reduced level of student involvement in the system would be a detriment to students with cases in the system.

Given the stigma surrounding academic dishonesty or conduct violations, many accused students are uncomfortable sharing their narratives with administrators or professors. Rather, they preferred a peer who would provide honest guidance and understanding, they said. Such is the value of a student-led Honor System.

The university plans to transition from the student-led system by the start of the upcoming academic year, which begins in mid-August, Johnson said. Existing cases winding through the student-led system will continue in the current model, she said, but new cases will go through the new hearing process.

The universitys student affairs division will accept feedback on the proposedstaff-run process over the next month. Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts holds the authority to end the student-run model and implement the new system.

The student leaders concluded their statement by expressing their interest in providing feedback to administrators on the proposed changes based on their knowledge of the campus communitys preferences on student conduct.

Championing the deeply-rooted Carolina tradition of student self-governance has been the privilege of a lifetime, they said. Well strive to continue to advocate for the student body in all our capacity.
Under the Dome podcast: Changes coming to Raleigh, including downtown moves and a new mayor

Start your week in North Carolina politics with our latest Under the Dome podcast, for the week of July 22, 2024. Dawn Vaughan here, your podcast host and The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. On this episode, Im joined by Raleigh politics and government reporter Anna Roman.

Down ballot, past the presidential, governor, attorney general, judicial and General Assembly races, are your local government races. Raleigh, where many in North Carolina politics work or live, will get its first new mayor in five years.

Candidate filing is now closed for the Raleigh elections for mayor and city council, and Roman tells listeners whos running to lead Raleigh. The crowded field also includes a former member of the Council of State and Senate, Janet Cowell, who is running for mayor. Listen to hear the full list of candidates for each race.

Plus we talk about changes to downtown Raleigh and issues at play in the city election. Roman fills us in on the latest on the future of Red Hat Amphitheater and Dix Park, among other projects.

Headliner of the Week

Stayed tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week. My choice is the major national news of former President Donald Trumps attempted assassination and the Republican National Convention.

Romans is about downtown Raleigh and the cool new grassy dinosaurs that are new additions to downtown.

Listen to our latest episode below and catch up on previous episodes. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music and Stitcher.
UPDATE: Rady Childrens Hospital nurses hit picket lines in historic strike

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Unionized nurses at Rady Childrens Hospital are going on strike Monday for the first time ever after failed contract negotiations.

The tentative agreement between the United Nurses of Childrens Hospital (UNOCH) Local 1699  the union representing Rady Childrens nurses  and Rady Childrens Hospital administration, was voted down for the second time over the weekend, and the nurses will be going on strike Monday morning, both the union and the hospital announced Sunday.

Rady Childrens Hospital nurses moving forward with strike

Around 1,600 union-represented nurses will begin their two-day strike at 6 a.m. Monday, ending at 5:59 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24. They are fighting for better wages and better benefits.

In a statement, UNOCH Local 1699 said the strike will begin Monday morning as planned after the results of the vote came in Sunday:

The results of the vote are in. The Tentative Agreement was voted down. The strike will begin as planned.

Tomorrow will be a historic day for UNOCH Local 1699. For the first time in our over 20 year history, the RNs at Radys Childrens hospital will be on strike for 2 days. While we know the past two weeks have been difficult and the future is still uncertain, there is one thing we know we have already won and thats unity. We have banded together like never before. Different units, different shifts, different locations, all working together as one.

Last-minute negotiations fail to avert Rady Childrens nurses strike

Lets keep up the solidarity on the picket line. For the strike to be successful, we need every member on the line. No matter how you voted on either contract, we need to stick together and come out all day on Monday and Tuesday. Even if there is not an active picket line at your location, you should not report to work.

As discussed in the strike Q&A, UNOCH will be fining members who choose to cross the picket line. Please reach out to unoch@hotmail.com if you know of a co-worker who crosses. We look forward to seeing you on the picket lines! There will be Teamster trucks and special guest speakers! Senator Toni Atkins will be speaking at 8am on Tuesday.

The union and Rady leadership have met several times since the strike was initially authorized.

Rady Childrens Hospital said in a statement Sunday the union voted to reject a fair and equitable contract agreed to by both parties :

For the second time, UNOCH/Teamsters Local 1699, the union representing Rady Childrens nurses, has voted to reject a fair and equitable contract agreed to by both parties.

The contract would have increased the average nurses compensation by approximately 25 percent when compounded over three years and included a base pay market adjustment, updated shift differentials, a refined pay grid and step increases.

Union-represented nurses will begin their strike on Monday morning at 6 a.m. for two days, ending at 5:59 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24. They will be back at work on Wednesday at the end of the two-day strike.

Rady Childrens is committed to continuing to provide high quality care. The Hospital has several hundred dedicated and experienced pediatric nurses from some of the nations top childrens hospitals ready to fill in during the strike.

This story is developing. Stay with FOX 5/KUSI for the latest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
State Rep. Bob Bezotte, R-Howell, of Michigans 50th House District, (center) met with former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD vance prior to a July 20 rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS  A state representative from Livingston County met with former president Donald Trump during his rally Saturday in Grand Rapids.

State Rep. Bob Bezotte, R-Howell, of Michigans 50th House District, spoke with Trump ahead of the rally July 20 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Trump's visit to Michigan marked his first rally since the failed assassination attempt against him on July 13 in Pennsylvania.

Bezotte had a conversation with Trump, the Republican nominee for president, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the nominee for vice president. Bezotte told The Daily on Sunday the conversation was a once-in-a-lifetime" event.

(Trumps) just an amazing man, Bezotte said. Being a retired sheriff, I told him law enforcement has his back and will always support him, especially against malicious and unfair prosecutions. He thanked me and thanked me for my service. I was very impressed with him. Hes very attentive and a caring individual.

Bezotte is also a Vietnam War veteran.

They tried to impeach him, they tried to financially destroy him and they tried to throw him in jail and hes still standing, and then they tried to assassinate him, Bezotte said of Trump.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

Bezotte has served as a state representative since 2021 and is running for re-election in a contested August primary. In a statement Saturday, Bezotte said he agreed with President Joe Bidens call to tone down heated political rhetoric, but also criticized the president for calling Trump a threat to this nation.

That kind of demonization has to stop, Bezotte said. We all have to live together in this country, and we cannot do that if we view political opponents as threats to democracy.

I know a lot of people are angry about what happened, especially because a loving father was killed simply for attending a campaign speech. But fortunately, by some miracle, Trumps OK.

Trump is OK. The situation is over, and he is calling for unity. I think we should follow his lead. If we do that, we may be able to move the country forward in a way that will last for generations.

Listen to Trump. Unite.

The message comes after officials in Howell condemned a demonstration from white supremacists on Saturday. In a separate demonstration on the overpass over I-96 at Latson Road, participants chanted "We love Hitler. We love Trump."

Bezotte denounced the display.

Anybody who does that should be ashamed of themselves."

The race for president took a turn Sunday, when Biden announced he would not accept the Democratic Party's nomination, and instead endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

 Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: 'Unite': Rep. Bezotte meets with Trump in Grand Rapids
It was more than five decades ago, on March 31, 1968, that President Lyndon Johnson stunned American television viewers by announcing he wasnt running for re-election. The news came amid growing political divides over the Vietnam War and falling approval ratings.

Since then, no incumbent president eligible to run again has stepped away from seeking a second term  until Sunday.

That day, President Joe Biden announced that he would drop out of the race, following months of gathering Democratic concerns about his age and chances of defeating Donald Trump.

Most Americans alive today have never seen such a development. Before Johnson, in February 1952, Harry Truman decided to step aside from another term he could have sought. Calvin Coolidge, James Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford Hayes and Theodore Roosevelt also declined to seek another term when eligible.

Yet no president in the modern era has dropped out of the race so close to the election, especially after winning the primaries, presidential historians and political scientists told USA TODAY.

A man holds a sign showing his appreciation for US President Joe Biden along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2024.

Its unprecedented, said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies scholar at the University of Virginia.

Pressure for Biden to step aside grew after a disastrous debate with his opponent, former President Trump, helped lead to his decision just 107 days before voters go to the polls. Bidens decision comes months later in the process than the nearest 20th-century precedents.

We've never had a candidate drop out willingly so late before, said Shannon B. O'Brien, a University of Texas professor who studies the American presidency, who also noted the possibility it will lead to a rare open convention for Democrats.

Bidens decision came just eight days after Trump survived a July 13 assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, further roiling what was already one of Americas most fraught presidential elections in decades.

While circumstances and times differed greatly for past incumbents who stepped aside, historians note that after both Truman and Johnson decided to not to seek re-election, the opposing parties won the following presidential election.

More: As President Joe Biden steps aside, would America be ready for President Kamala Harris?

Johnson took over the presidency after the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He won a full term a year later in 1964. But by 1968, the Vietnam War had fueled division in America and his popularity had plummeted.

Johnsons wife, Lady Bird Johnson, told presidential historian Michael Beschloss that he felt so torn that he wasn't sure whether he'd stay in (the) Presidential race or withdraw right down to the moment he started his Oval Office TV speech March 31, 1968, Beschloss said Sunday on social media.

After Johnson announced he would not seek re-election, Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Robert F. Kennedy emerged in a close contest for the nomination. But Kennedy was assassinated after winning the California primary, and the convention arrived with tensions running high. Protesters outside clashed with Chicago police as delegates inside nominated Humphrey. It was a choice made through the support of party leaders, and discord over the process helped cement the system of choosing candidates by primary.

Yet Johnson had stepped aside as the presidential race was in an earlier stage, not near the end of the nominating process, said Philip J. Crowley, a former professor at George Washington University and former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. State Department.

That meant there was more time for selecting another candidate than there is now, said Susan Liebell, a political science professor at Saint Josephs University in Philadelphia.

Despite that time, Humphrey lost to Richard Nixon that fall.

The next most recent example was President Truman. He took over from Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. His ailments would lead to his death soon after. Truman won the election in 1948 and could have run for another full term in 1952. But by then his ratings had fallen for a range of reasons including challenges of the Korean War.

On March 29, 1952, Truman made his announcement that he wouldnt run. Instead, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson ran and lost to Dwight Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general.

Along with presidents Coolidge, Polk, Buchanan and Hayes, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both declined to run for a third time  long before 1951, when the 22nd Amendment added a two-term limit.

Historians say Bidens place in history must be seen through the lens of todays unprecedented political landscape, one rife with deep division and spiking worries about American democracy and fears the nation will slide toward autocracy.

Despite the uncertainty that Bidens decision creates, some experts said it was a likely painful and difficult one made against Bidens own self-interests and instincts.

I think the country should take a moment and realize the magnitude of the decision that President Biden made for the good of his country, Jon Meacham, the presidential historian, said on MSNBC, who said he knows Biden personally but is not a Democrat.

Still, it has left Democrats scrambling to figure out next steps ahead of their own convention. Democrats have gone through 15 brokered conventions, but only six of these have resulted in a presidential win, according to Laura Ellyn Smith, a presidential historian at University of Oxford.

Before 2024, the significance of debates and national conventions were in question, she said. Now, for the first time since the tumultuous summer of 1968, America faces a Democratic convention without a candidate tested and victorious through the primary system.

She added: We will have to see what the Democratic convention brings.

That convention begins in a month. Again, it will be in Chicago, and again, it will be sure to make history.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Presidents dropping out of the race: LBJ, Truman were most recent
Worms are everywhere. But you wouldn't want to see them wriggle out of the salmon you just purchased at Whole Foods. Costco was also accused of selling wormy fish and sued for $200,000 by a Southern California family who plucked the little slitherers from their halibut. Whole Foods and Costco are getting a bum rap, though, because, as gross as it may seem, worm-infested fish is a natural occurrence.

Several types of parasitic worms infect fish in the wild. Nematodes are the most common. The herring worm (anisakis simplex), a type of nematode, mostly infects fish that populate the Northern Pacific, particularly salmon. An abundance of anisakis in fish could be a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. But in a 2020 study shared by Global Change Biology, researchers found that the parasite had increased by 283-fold over a 50-year time period and could pose a health threat to marine life and humans.

Another nematode is the cod worm -- also called the sealworm -- and infects cod and other bottom dwellers like halibut, as well as grey seals. In the cod worm's case, it isn't consumed by the fish, but instead, larvae burrow into the fish's belly flap. Nematodes mostly affect saltwater fish, but freshwater fish is often infected by tapeworms. The fish consume tapeworm eggs, and if humans ingest raw or partially cooked infected fish, the eggs pass into the intestines and can grow up to a fearsome 30 feet long.

Read more: 13 Different Ways To Cook Fish

How To Make Sure You Don't Eat The Worm

broiled salmon with parsley garnish - Gbh007/Getty Images

If you accidentally consume fish worms or larvae, you may experience the unpleasant symptoms of food poisoning, which, if untreated, could become severe. The biggest culprit in passing fish worms into humans is sushi. You're also at risk of illness by eating citrus-marinated uncooked fish, like ceviche, and cold-smoked lox.

Farmed fish seem to be mostly immune to parasitic infestation. Farmed fish is not as unhealthy as previously believed, and the nutritional benefits of eating wild-caught fish or farmed fish are nearly identical.

You may not always be aware that your fish is infected. Fortunately, fish worms can be killed by two methods. The first is to freeze the fresh fish. The FDA recommends freezing the fish at -4 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 days or at -31 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 hours, depending on the size of the fish. Sushi restaurants are required to freeze their fish before serving, and it is considered illegal if the fish has not been frozen.

The most effective method is cooking the fish by sauteing, broiling, or baking until its internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit (or 60 degrees Celsius). Microwaves may cook the fish unevenly, which would leave the worm larvae unharmed. Using one or both methods should get rid of any uninvited "guest" popping out of your dinner.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
The News

Israeli troops fired on an aid convoy at a checkpoint while it was en route to Gaza City, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, said on Monday.

Separately, Israels Knesset approved three bills aimed at shutting down UNRWA that would brand the agency a terrorist organization, ban it from operating on Israeli soil, and strip personnel of immunities granted to UN staff in Israel, The Times of Israel reported. The legislation will need to pass second and third readings before becoming law.

Israel has also ordered the evacuation of a humanitarian area previously designated a safe zone to the west of Khan Younis, the agency said. Some 400,000 people are believed to be sheltering in the area.

Know More

The convoys mission had been coordinated and approved by the Israeli authorities, the head of UNRWA said. No casualties were reported, but one armored vehicle was left severely damaged. This is the latest in a series of attacks that have affected aid operations in the Palestinian territory.

The incident and new evacuation orders will likely be a subject of discussion as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to address the US Congress on Wednesday and meet with President Joe Biden.
RAF FAIRFORD, England  The Air Force has reached an agreement with Boeing to build the first rapid prototype E-7 battle management aircraft, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told reporters here over the weekend.

The terms of the contract are not yet settled, but should be wrapped up next month, Kendall said at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show. The completion of this deal would resolve months of complicated negotiations between the Air Force and Boeing stemming from the services special requirements for its version of the E-7.

The Air Force in 2022 chose the E-7 to replace its aging E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, fleet. The service plans to buy 26 E-7s from Boeing by 2032, and awarded Boeing a $1.2 billion contract in February 2023 to start working on them.

Ultimately, Kendall said, the Air Force wants to have a combination of E-7s and space-based satellites monitoring battlefields and the airspace above, providing command and control, and targeting enemy forces. Until the E-7 fleet is ready, he said, the service plans to hold on to some AWACS to bridge the gap.

Australia already flies the E-7, which it calls the Wedgetail, and Boeing has deals in the works with the U.K. and other nations.

But the Air Force said it needs a modified design for its E-7 to meet U.S. satellite communication, military GPS and cybersecurity as well as program protection requirements.

Andrew Hunter, the services acquisition chief, said in February that the Air Force originally thought it was buying an E-7 that was not far off from the U.Ks version. However, Hunter said, the Air Forces requirements turned out to require a far greater level of one-time engineering than originally anticipated.

This drove up the potential price and made negotiations tricky for months, Kendall told Defense News in an exclusive June 28 interview at the Pentagon.

Theyve been hard, Kendall said of the negotiations. There are some reasons for the price to go up, but the degree to which it was going to go up originally was unacceptable.

Kendall said in June that while the Air Force is increasingly moving to space-based capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting, it still wants to have the E-7 as an airborne component for the near future.

Having some redundancy and getting to a place where we have more confidence in the space layer is going to take some time, Kendall said in June. Theres some good technical reasons to have a mix of capabilities here.  I think were going to need [the E-7]. Id like to keep it funded.

Kendall said Saturday that the Air Force brought in Shay Assad, the Pentagons former director of defense pricing, to negotiate with Boeing and bring the deal home. He said the Air Force and Boeing have arrived at a reasonable price point on the plane.

Hunter thanked Assad for his assistance in landing the deal, but also credited Boeing and its suppliers.

They did really buckle down and get their pencils out and sharpen them and do a good job to bring the cost of the rapid prototyping program down, Hunter said. Thats what we asked, and thats what they did.

These improvements will ultimately pay off for Boeing, Hunter said, as there is a considerable market among NATO nations and other partners for the E-7 in the future.

The business case was there for them, Hunter said. There are some critical design updates  [on] the overall structure of the mission systems, that are going to lay the foundation for the capability going forward. Thats a big market for industry.
(Bloomberg) -- The US will provide $60 million in humanitarian assistance to Haiti as the Caribbean island nation struggles to recover from a series of calamities, most recently an onslaught of mayhem by criminal gangs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on her first visit to Haiti in three years, also announced that the US Defense Department would provide nine military vehicles to a new multinational security mission.

She met with interim Prime Minister Garry Conille and the countrys Transitional Presidential Council as part of US efforts to encourage new elections, three years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise plunged the country deeper into chaos.

I leave here today very hopeful, having heard what I heard on the ground, she said in Port-au-Prince on Monday.

Conille met with Thomas-Greenfield and Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month during a visit to the US.

The ambassador added that she didnt hear specific concerns from Haitian officials about recent political developments in the US, but said they want assurances that our support for Haiti will continue. And again, we have a large number of people in Congress who are supportive of Haiti, and they will continue to support these efforts moving forward.

Earlier: Kenyas Mission to Haiti Faces Scrutiny After Deadly Protests

Thomas-Greenfields trip occurred less than a month after the multinational security force led by Kenya arrived in a fresh effort to bring calm to the country, which has been largely taken over by gangs since Moise was killed in July 20121.

The US and neighbors have struggled to support Haiti, which has long grappled with poverty and political instability and has been buffeted by repeated disasters both natural and man-made. A 2010 earthquake killed some 220,000 people, and thousands more died after UN peacekeepers deployed to the country after the quake inadvertently touched off a cholera epidemic.

Members of the Kenya-led force have begun patrols, the US officials said. Joint operations have not yet begun.

Thomas-Greenfield departed for Haiti from Joint Base Andrews on a C-17 cargo aircraft in the wee hours of Monday morning, the trip unannounced until the aircraft had left Washington airspace. Once in Haiti, her small motorcade of armored vehicles struggled at times to navigate traffic on the uneven, winding roads in the hills of Port-au-Prince.

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By David Shepardson and Allison Lampert

FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is urging the CEOs of major defense companies to ensure that work performed by Spirit AeroSystems will not be disrupted by Boeing's planned acquisition of the Kansas-based supplier.

Moran, a Kansas Republican who is the ranking member of the Senate Commerce aviation subcommittee, told Reuters he had spoken to the CEOs of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Airbus, General Atomics and Textron over safeguarding future defense work at the aero-structures giant.

"I want to make certain that the work continues in Kansas," Moran said, adding he wants to "make sure that we do not do anything in this acquisition that diminishes the capability of meeting our defense needs."

Boeing is set to acquire most of Spirit as the U.S. planemaker wrestles with a quality crisis that has put it under heightened legal and regulatory scrutiny after a door plug blew out of a near new 737 MAX 9 in mid air on Jan. 5.

The blowout has created ripple effects on airlines, suppliers and passengers, and is creating uncertainty in states like Kansas where aerospace is a key part of the economy.

"We have a lot of eggs in the Boeing basket," Moran said, noting there are 2,000 people at Spirit that focus on defense work.

Boeing Defense CEO Ted Colbert said in a brief interview that it was not uncommon for one major defense firm to provide parts for another company.

But Moran is seeking certainty. "We can't afford other supply chain problems," Moran added. "This work needs to be done - and there can't be a gap."

Moran said in the short-term he believes the work will continue but "in the long term is there some other company that arises that can work for a multitude of companies."

He's also reached out to top U.S. defense officials including the Air Force secretary and Pentagon acquisition chief to raise the issue.

Moran and Senator Jeanne Shaheen are leading a delegation of seven senators who are attending the Farnborough Airshow. The lawmakers are also seeking to convince aerospace firms to invest in their home states.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly noted the state is home to 450 aerospace suppliers that employ about 100,000 workers and generate $20 billion in annual economic output.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Allison Lampert; Editing by Mark Potter)
US ambassador announces $60 million in aid and new resources for police during visit to Haiti

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks with Haitian members of civil society at the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, July 22, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/Pool via AP)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations announced $60 million in additional humanitarian assistance to Haiti during a trip Monday to the troubled Caribbean country.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also said the U.S. Defense Department would provide a substantial increase in mine-resistant vehicles to a U.N.-backed, multinational security mission led by Kenya to help Haitis national police combat widespread gang violence.

The announcement came nearly a week after a second Kenyan contingent of 200 police officers arrived in Haiti, following the first contingent of 200 officers last month.

We know that progress isnt lineal. There will be inevitable setbacks and stumbling blocks, and yet this mission has opened a door to progress, Thomas-Greenfield said.

She said the USAID assistance, which now totals more than $165 million this fiscal year, would fill gaps in nutrition, food security and shelter; improve water and sanitation services; and provide Haitians with cash to buy basic goods.

Earlier Monday, Thomas-Greenfield met with Kenyan police and leaders of Haiti's new transitional government as part of a one-day visit to encourage action on Haiti's humanitarian crisis and political reform leading to democratic elections that have yet to be scheduled.

This isnt a naive sense of hope, but I do have a sense of hope. This has been a remarkable day on the ground, she said.

There has been wide international support for the new transitional government led by Prime Minister Garry Conille, a former U.N. development specialist who assumed the post in early June. Earlier this month, he told the U.N. Security Council that the Kenyan police will be crucial to helping control the countrys gangs and moving toward democratic elections.

Gangs have grown in power since the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moise and are now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital and surrounding areas. A surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.

According to U.N. agencies, the violence has displaced 580,000 people, more than half of whom are children, and resulted in 4 million people facing food insecurity.

Haiti had asked for the immediate deployment of a foreign armed force to fight gangs in late 2022, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for months for a country to lead the force before the Kenyans came forward.

The multinational force will eventually total 2,500 personnel from Kenya, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica. They will be deployed in phases at a cost of some $600 million a year, according to the U.N. Security Council.

The U.S. has provided over $300 million to the force, whose formation was supported by a U.N. resolution.

The Kenyan police will train the Haitian national police for joint security operations that have not yet begun, the official said.

___

Associated Press writer Jade Lozada at the United Nations contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP coverage of Haiti at https://apnews.com/hub/haiti
US envoy to UN announces $60 million in aid for Haiti during visit

By Michelle Nichols and Daphne Psaledakis

UNITED NATIONS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. envoy to the United Nations announced tens of millions of dollars in aid for Haiti during a visit a month after the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived as part of an international security mission aimed at tackling gang violence.

The $60 million in humanitarian assistance announced by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield while in Haiti will support the country's people and alleviate suffering caused by gang violence, according to a statement. It will fill critical gaps in nutrition, food security and shelter and improve water and sanitation services, among other support.

The U.S., through the Department of Defense, also will provide a "significant number" of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to the international security mission. The State Department also intends to procure additional armored vehicles to assist mission personnel, according to the statement.

Gang wars have displaced more than 578,000 Haitians, while nearly 5 million - almost half the population of 11.7 million - are facing acute hunger, with 1.6 million of those people at risk of starvation, the United Nations says.

Armed gangs, which now control most of the capital Port-au-Prince, have formed a broad alliance while carrying out widespread killings, ransom kidnappings and sexual violence. The U.N. has said that between January and August 2023, rape cases increased by 49% compared with the same period in 2022.

Some 200 Kenyan police arrived in Haiti late last month as part of the long-delayed multinational security support mission to help national police fight the armed gangs. The full force is set to number over 2,500, but it remains unclear when additional members could arrive and funding has lagged far behind requirements.

The U.N. Security Council authorized the force in October 2023, a year after Haiti's previous government asked for help. The United States has provided some $300 million for the mission, which is not a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

Thomas-Greenfield during her visit on Monday met with the transition council and Prime Minister Garry Conille. She also toured the international security mission's life support area, according to a pool reporter traveling with the ambassador.

The U.N. has appealed for $674 million to help Haiti in 2024, but has received less than a quarter of that target.

At least 40 Haitian migrants were killed at sea after the boat they were traveling on caught fire on Wednesday last week, the International Organization for Migration in Haiti said.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols at United Nations, Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Andrew Heavens and Bill Berkrot)
Getty Images.

This November every one of Ohios 15 U.S. Representatives will go before the voters, but only a handful of races are all that competitive.

Democrat Joyce Beatty and Republican Jim Jordan both face challengers in their districts but the territory favors their respective parties so much that their victories are a near certainty. In Ohios 2nd congressional district, a vast stretch of rural and Appalachian Ohio, nearly a dozen Republican candidates flooded into this years primary  some of them from outside the district  for the exact same reason.

There are only three races in the state that appear truly competitive. All three seats are currently held by Democrats, but the incumbents face legitimate Republican contenders. Two of those challengers have campaign experience and name recognition after long careers in state government; the third has strong ties to the Republican party in his county.

This week the campaigns turned in their quarterly finance reports, and the topline figures follow a familiar pattern  incumbents hold a strong advantage in fundraising and cash on hand. Still, a lot can change between now and November.

What about the rest of the map?

Even though only three Ohio congressional seats look competitive at the moment that doesnt mean every other race is preordained.

In Ohios 6th District, former state Sen. Michael Rulli won a special election to finish former U.S. Rep. Bill Johnsons unexpired term last month. The seat passing from one Republican to another was no surprise, but the margin was. Rulli dramatically outraised his opponent, first time Democratic candidate Michael Kripchak, but won by about 9 points in district that has swung to Republicans by about 18 points in recent years.

Ohios 7th District will see a rematch between U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-OH, and Democrat Matthew Diemer. Miller won easily in 2022, but this time theres a twist  former Cleveland Mayor and congressman Dennis Kucinich is running as an independent. While Kucinich previously served as a Democrat, his more recent rhetoric echoes conservative talking points or conspiracy theorists.

And in Ohios 15th District U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, R-OH, will face state Rep. Adam Miller, D-OH. Race watchers like The Cook Political Report and Sabatos Crystal Ball still consider it a safe Republican seat, but with experience as an elected official and a campaigner, Miller might out-perform expectations.

OH-1: Cincinnati-area

Ohios 1st Congressional district pairs the city of Cincinnati with the more conservative Warren County to the northeast. Freshman U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-OH, is defending his seat against Orlando Sonza, who has experience as a CPA and assistant prosecutor in Hamilton County. An Army veteran and West Point graduate, Sonza currently heads up the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission. Before serving in Congress Landsman was a schoolteacher and member of Cincinnati city council.

Landsman raised almost half a million dollars in the second quarter, compared to Sonzas $204,000. He also started the quarter with more in the bank. As of the end of June, Landsman had $1.9 million in cash on hand; Sonza had just shy of a quarter million dollars. Neither candidate has outstanding loans to the campaign.

About half of Landsmans quarterly fundraising came through the Democratic platform ActBlue, and he received roughly another $45,000 in donations funneled through American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. Landsman also received support from several colleagues, organized labor and professional interest group organizations.

Sonzas biggest checks so far hint at how closely national republicans are watching his race. In addition to support from the National Republican Congressional Committee, which supports GOP House candidates around the country, Sonza received a contribution from House Speaker Mike Johnsons PAC known as American Revival. He also picked up checks from Koch Industries PAC and former U.S. Sen. Rob Portmans campaign committee.

In terms of spending neither candidate has made a major splash on ads yet. Their biggest expenses so far are printing, polling and consulting.

OH-9 Toledo and Northwest Ohio

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-OH, is the longest serving woman in Congressional history, but she has been a target for Republicans aiming to flip the seat since the latest round of redistricting. Instead of the snake on the lake, Ohios 9th district is now a toss-up seat that stretches out into the rural northwest corner of the state.

The problem for Republicans has been their own inability to field a viable candidate. In 2022, J.R. Majewski beat out two seasoned state lawmakers for the nomination but lost after reports that he exaggerated his experience in the military. This cycle the Republican primary was a bit of circular firing squad. Former state Rep. Craig Riedels candidacy was tarnished by a secret recording in which he was critical of Donald Trump. Majewski jumped in the race and then out  twice  before the party settled on state Rep. Derek Merrin, R-Monclova Twp., at the eleventh hour.

Merrin raised about a quarter million dollars in the second quarter and walks into the summer with a little more than $400,000 on hand. He has also loaned the campaign $30,000. Kaptur, with the benefit of incumbency and a long head start, raised more than $650,000 during the quarter and has $2.6 million on hand.

Republican House leaders, including Speaker Johnson himself, encouraged Merrin to enter the race, and their impact shows up in his fundraising haul. The second and third largest donations he reported come from joint committees controlled by Johnson and his deputy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The biggest influx was $90,000 in transfers from Merrins joint fundraising committee with the National Republican Congressional Committee. He also picked up donations funneled through the Club for Growth and checks from business groups like the U.S Chamber and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Kaptur raised close to $300,000 from individuals through ActBlue. Trade associations and organized labor are well represented, too, with contributions from United Auto Workers, general contractors, longshoremen and mine workers. She also got contributions from agricultural interests including corn and soybean growers  among other positions, Kaptur serves on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing ag and rural development.

To this point neither campaign has really begun spending on campaign ads. Kapturs biggest expenses so far have been polling and consulting. Shes spent a little more than $3,000 on direct mail or TV and digital advertising. Merrin, on the other hand, spent close to $25,000 on direct mail this quarter, but not for the contest against Kaptur. Prior to the current quarter, Merrins campaign racked up $120,000 in campaign communication services purchased on credit. His campaign still owes a bit more than $95,000.

OH-13 Akron and Canton

In Summit County, another first term Democrat is running to keep her seat. But U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-OH, is facing a more experienced challenger in former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin.

Its been a few years since Coughlin served in public office, but he first won election to the state House in 1996 before getting appointed to fill a vacancy in the state Senate. He went on to win two terms in the upper chamber before leaving in 2010 due to term limits. After that, Coughlin mulled a U.S. Senate bid against Sherrod Brown but ultimately decided not to run.

Among the GOP challengers, Coughlin raised the most cash during the second quarter with roughly $370,000. He has also loaned his campaign $150,000.

Like Merrin, some of his largest donations come from GOP leadership in the U.S. House. Speaker Johnsons Grow the Majority joint fundraising committee sent Coughlin more than $35,000, and his American Revival PAC sent another $5,000. Majority Leader Scalises joint committee sent just shy of $22,000 and his personal PAC tacked on another two grand as well. In terms of interest groups, Coughlin got support from American Builders and Contractors as well as a trade group representing electrical contractors. Coughlin also raised close to $100,000 from individuals through the GOP fundraising platform WinRed.

Sykes, like the other Democrats, brought in a substantial share of her fundraising through ActBlue, totaling about $300,000. But she added to that with donations from several other conduit organizations. Emilys List, which support Democrats who favor reproductive rights, accounted for almost $40,000. Swing Left which backs Democrats in swing districts sent about $6,000. Interestingly, two pro-Israel organizations that dont quite see eye to eye directed thousands to Sykes campaign. AIPAC sent about $18,500 her way and J Street accounted for about $16,500.

In all, Sykes raised nearly $1 million in the second quarter. She brought in a little more than $700,000 in donations from individuals and PACs and then bolstered that total with a $277,000 infusion from the House Victory Project  a joint fundraising committee focused on highly competitive races. With about $2.4 million on hand, Sykes had nearly $2 million more than Coughlin at close of the quarter.

Like the other races, neither campaign has started buying ads. Sykes spent about $14,000 on mailers, but otherwise, the campaigns biggest expenses to this point have been polling and consulting. Like Merrin, Coughlin went into debt to cover some of his expenses in the previous quarter, but he paid off the entirety of that roughly $16,500 debt before the end of the current reporting period.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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US Navy announces new cargo ship will be named for city of Lansing

LANSING  For the first time in naval history, a U.S. ship will bear the name USNS Lansing, officials announced Monday morning on the steps of the Michigan Capitol.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Mayor Andy Schor and other dignitaries Monday to announce that the EPF-16, an Expeditionary Fast Transport ship, will bear the city's name.

Expeditionary fast transports are shallow draft, all-aluminum, commercial-based catamarans capable of short-distance personnel and cargo lift, the Navy said in a press release.

The vessels "provide commanders high-speed mobility, bridging the gap between low-speed sealift and high-speed airlift."

The ships transport personnel, equipment and supplies and can offload in austere, minor and degraded ports in support of the global war on terrorism/Theater Security Cooperation Program, intra-theater operational/littoral maneuver and sustainment and seabasing, the Navy said.

Ships such as the Lansing will enable the "rapid projection, agile maneuver and sustainment of modular, tailored forces in response to a wide range of military and civilian contingencies," the Navy said.

Whitmer is a sponsor of the ship, as well as an official honorary crewmember, her office said in a release. The ship is currently being built and is in the first steps in the commissioning process.

The EPF class ships are designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. They have a crew of 26 with airline style seating for 312 troops and fixed berthing for an additional 104.

In 2008, the Navy contracted with Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, to build the first ship in the class. Since then, it has delivered 10 ships, with four under construction and two more planned, including the Lansing.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: New Navy ship to bear name of City of Lansing
A US Navy carrier strike group fired nearly 800 missiles and bombs during its Red Sea fight against the Houthis

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group just returned from battling the Houthis.

During its deployment, the strike group fired nearly 800 missiles and bombs, the Navy has disclosed.

These include air- and ship-launched weapons used to take out Houthi threats.

US Navy warships and aircraft attached to a carrier strike group that spent months battling the Houthis fired off nearly 800 munitions during their restless Middle East deployment.

The new figures, released by the Navy last week, offer the most comprehensive and up-to-date tally of the missiles and bombs that the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group expended while engaged in active combat operations against the Iran-backed rebels from November to June. The numbers also underscore the high intensity and growing cost of the counter-Houthi mission.

The Eisenhower strike group recently returned from its deployment, but another carrier, the Truman, and additional warships are replacing it.

During its deployment, the Eisenhower strike group  consisting of the aircraft carrier Ike, several destroyers, and a cruiser  fired 770 munitions as it worked to defend merchant shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from relentless Houthi attacks. This figure is over 250 munitions higher than what Navy officials disclosed in May, representing a significant jump in just a matter of weeks.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely launching a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile in the Red Sea. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word

The warships launched 155 Standard surface-to-air missiles, used to intercept missiles or drones, and 135 Tomahawk missiles, used to hit targets on land, during the deployment. US forces frequently struck Houthi facilities, sites, and weapons in Yemen.

The carrier air wing, which was attached to the Ike and included F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters and EA-18 Growler jets, released 420 air-to-surface weapons and nearly 60 air-to-air missiles. These weapons were used to intercept aerial threats, destroy targets on the surface of the water, and strike Yemen. The air wing logged more than 31,400 hours of flight time across nearly 14,000 sorties during the deployment.

"The Houthi targets in Yemen posed an immediate threat to US, coalition, and merchant shipping, and these strikes were designed to degrade Houthi offensive capabilities across more than 460 pre-planned, dynamic, and self-defense targets," the Navy said last week.

In its release, the Navy didn't specify which air-launched munitions or how many of each ship-launched missile variant it fired, making it difficult to calculate the total cost of the weapons that the strike group expended. The Navy has identified some of the missiles it used in combat, though a total breakdown is unclear.

Sailors moving explosive ordnance on the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

By mid-April, however, the Navy disclosed that the strike group had already launched some $1 billion worth of missiles. It proceeded to fire several hundred more munitions in the following months, probably putting that figure notably higher.

The strike group returned to the US earlier this month, following what Navy officers and leaders described as an "unprecedented" and "historic" nine-month deployment. During the deployment, it faced a variety of threats in the region, including anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles, one-way attack drones, and drone boats packed with explosives.

"When called upon, the force brought the fight to the Houthis in their front yard, linking airpower and dynamic and self-defense strikes," Vice Adm. George Wikoff, the US 5th Fleet commander, said in a statement last week as the Ike's deployment came to an end.

The commander stressed that "these acts reduced the risk to shipping and also reinforced our nation's commitment to maritime security."

Read the original article on Business Insider
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) speaks to reporters before assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The leader of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee will preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress on Wednesday, Senate aides said, as Vice President Kamala Harris will be traveling outside Washington.

The vice president, who serves as president of the Senate, was scheduled to be in Indiana on Wednesday. An aide said she would meet with Netanyahu separately this week.

Senator Ben Cardin, the committee's Democratic chairperson, will be presiding, an aide said on Monday. Democratic Senator Patty Murray, who as president pro tempore normally would preside in the absence of Harris, said she was not attending Netanyahu's address.

"Securing a lasting, mutual ceasefire is of the utmost importance right now, and I will continue to push for one to be reached as soon as possible," Murray said in a statement.

She added that she hoped Netanyahu would use his speech to address how he plans to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace.

Murray is one of a few members of Congress who have said they will skip the address. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said Netanyahu should not be welcomed into Congress and in a statement harshly criticized his "war machine."

Netanyahu's visit to Washington to address Congress was orchestrated by the legislature's Republican leaders, who have accused President Joe Biden, a Democrat, of showing insufficient support for Israel, despite the billions of dollars in U.S. assistance sent during its war in Gaza.

The Israeli leader traveled to Washington on Monday, a day after Biden announced he would end his campaign for reelection, making Harris the leading contender to be the Democratic nominee.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president in the Nov. 5 election, forged a close relationship with Netanyahu during his presidency.

Israel has been criticized internationally over its campaign in Gaza, which Gaza health authorities say has killed almost 39,000 Palestinians, as well as the expansion of settlement building in the occupied West Bank and Jewish settlers' attacks on Palestinians.

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in a cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, according to Israeli tallies.

Biden's support for Israel during its offensive has drawn criticism domestically, especially among younger voters.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Howard Goller and Jamie Freed)
Pensacola is coming up on the 20th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Oriskany. The great carrier reef as its called was sunk more than 22 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass in 2006. It remains one of the most popular draws in the area for divers, but some say more shipwrecks are needed if Escambia County wants to attract more divers and the business they bring.

Could the long-retired passenger ship, the SS United States be the answer?

Launched in 1952 and once the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic to England and France, the SS United States is now facing eviction from the pier in Philadelphia it has called home for nearly 30 years. The court gave the nonprofit organization, SS United States Conservancy, until September to move.

Some members of Escambias Marine Advisory Committee would like to move the ship to Pensacola and sink it offshore as another artificial reef and diving attraction.

Just down the road in Okaloosa County, they realize that putting these reefs out there is going to get people to come visit, explained Kerry Freeland, Marine Advisory Committee chairman. People still come from all over the world to dive it, but right now we're kind of like a one trick pony.

The SS United States, the largest ocean liner constructed entirely in America and still the holder of the transatlantic round-trip speed record, has been laid up in Philadelphia since 1996. A lawsuit filed in 2022 now threatens to evict the ship.

Freeland says Okaloosa County leaders have been sinking ships and money into the area to build up business. He said they are tapping into tourist development dollars to find and purchase wrecks and the strategy is working, making Destin an especially popular destination for divers. Freeland and others would like to see Escambia County follow Okaloosa Countys lead and invest more into procuring and providing artificial reefs in the form of ships.

Weve been building up reefs over the last three years with the remnants of the old 3 Mile Bridge and money from the BP oil spill, said Freeland. While its good for the marine environment, theyre not necessarily popular with divers. We don't have the sizzle that the shipwrecks bring, so weve been asking marine resources to find us a large wreck. Well, they did, the SS United States.

Freeland asked the county and the public for support to bring the retired passenger liner to Pensacola at Monday's Marine Advisory Council meeting. At nearly 1,000 feet long and roughly 175 feet tall, the SS United States would be even bigger than the Oriskany. The smokestacks would need to come down, but once theyre gone Freeland said it would be sunk in the Gulf at a depth of 180 feet.

The cost of purchasing the ship and preparing it for the plunge is not final, but Freeland expects the expense would be in the same ballpark as the $10 million spent on the USS Oriskany project. The money would cover towing the SS United States from Philadelphia, then cleaning out pollutants and getting it ready to submerge.

Its an expense Freeland said would more than pay for itself in the long run. For example, for every dollar spent on the Oriskany, the community saw about $150 in return. According to a study by the University of West Florida, the Oriskany had a total economic impact of $2 million and 37 jobs in the first year. Researchers also found the addition of another large ship near it would increase the value significantly.

A reasonable expectation of the addition of the SS United States to Escambia Countys artificial reef will be at least $2 million per year and create at least 37 new jobs, the UWF study said. These benefits are in addition to the jobs and expenditures in the local area from the ship preparations and reefing activities. The lifespans of other local large ship artificial reefs (e.g., freighter San Pablo) justify an expected lifespan of the SS United States Reef in excess of 100 years, yielding hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits.

H2O Below Dive Charters owner, Captain Douglas Hammock, supports adding the SS United States to Escambia Countys artificial reefs. Hammock says tourists charter a trip with him to the Oriskany at least once a week. Most are technical divers and he hopes future shipwrecks offer more options for recreational divers, as well.

The county has some recreational shipwrecks options but Hammock says they could use more of them and more marketing to get the word out about them.

I just had four tech divers from Los Angeles, California, rent a U Haul truck, come to Pensacola, Florida, rent a house for seven days, spend $16,000 with me diving the Oriskany, doing tech dives. They had to eat somewhere. They rented a house here, they bought gas, you know, they went out and visited all the bars and they drove from California to do it. Is that not revenue for Pensacola?

Both Freeland and Hammock agree divers like diversity and adventure and a greater variety of dive sites brings more visitors.

It's just a great opportunity to put Pensacola back on the map with regards to being a diving destination, said Freeland.

During Escambias Special Marine Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, the committee members unanimously agreed to support the project. Some also made donations toward the cause, as did other meeting attendees who are invested in marine and diving related businesses. Together, they collected more than $21,000.

Escambia's MAC also sent a letter to each of the commissioners recommending that the county pursue acquisition of the SS United States. The decision to pursue the project will ultimately be up to the board. Time is of the essence because the ship has been court ordered to leave its dock in Philadelphia by September.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Ship SS United States could be Escambia's next big artificial reef
FILE - This April 18, 2024, photo released by the Utah Department of Corrections shows death row inmate Taberon Dave Honie, who was convicted of aggravated murder in the brutal stabbing of his girlfriend's mother. (Utah Department of Corrections via AP, File)

A man facing execution next month for the murder his girlfriends mother asked state officials Monday to spare his life, saying he is not the same person he was when he killed the woman after a day of drinking and using drugs.

Taberon Dave Honie told the Utah parole board that he never planned to kill 49-year-old Claudia Benn and doesnt remember much about the killing, which happened when Benns three grandchildren, including Honies 2-year-old daughter, were in her home. He would never have committed the crime had he been in his right mind, he said.

I earned my place in prison. What Im asking today for this board to consider is Would you allow me to exist?, he said during the first day of a two-day hearing at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City.

Honie said he wanted to continue to be able to be there for his mother and his daughter, who is in recovery for substance abuse, but he acknowledged that killing his daughter's grandmother devastated her family.

Honies daughter, Tressa Honie, also addressed the board. She said that in taking her grandmother from her, her father had also robbed her of himself, but he tries to help her as best he can now. She also spoke about how awful it is to be caught in the middle of a tragedy that has hurt both sides of her family.

There's noise everywhere, she said.

Attorneys for the state have urged the board to reject the request for a lesser sentence.

Utah Board of Pardons & Parole Chairman Scott Stephenson said a decision would be made as soon as practical after the parole board hearing.

The proceedings come after state officials said Saturday that they no longer plan to use an untested combination of execution drugs that Honies lawyers said could cause excruciating pain. They will use a single different drug instead  pentobarbital  which has been used by other states and in federal executions.

The scheduled Aug. 8 execution would be Utah's first since Ronnie Lee Gardner was killed by firing squad in 2010, according to the state Department of Corrections.

During the hearing, the defense also presented testimony that Honies childhood was infused with multigenerational trauma in part from his parents and others on the Hopi Indian Reservation where he grew up were taken away from their homes and put in government boarding schools. Both his parents had very severe alcohol problems and fought in front of their children in their two-room home, with his mother threatening to shoot herself with a gun during one fight, Victoria Reynolds, a clinical psychologist and expert in psychological trauma, said.

Honie, who was exposed to alcohol in his mothers womb, began drinking regularly when he was around 12, as his brain was still developing, and also used other drugs like marijuana and cocaine, she said.

These outcomes are larger than just Mr. Honie, she said.

Honie's lawyers say a traumatic and violent childhood coupled with his longtime drug abuse, a previous brain injury and extreme intoxication fueled his behavior when he broke into his girlfriend's mother's house and killed her following what Honie's lawyers called a domestic dispute.

Attorneys for the state said that characterization failed to capture the brutality of the attack, and the fact that Honie had said hours before it occurred that he intended to kill Benn.

Honie's lawyers blame poor legal advice for allowing Honie to be sentenced by a judge instead of a jury that might have been more sympathetic and spared him the death penalty.

Mr. Honie has always expressed genuine remorse and sadness ... from the moment he was arrested, they wrote in his commutation petition. Honie has a grown daughter and is worthy of mercy, it said.

But attorneys for the state said the judge who sentenced Honie already considered his remorse, his difficult upbringing and his state of intoxication when he killed Benn. Honie, then 22, smashed a glass door to enter Benn's house while she was home with her grandchildren then severely beat and slashed her, according to court documents.

Police arrived at the home to find him covered in blood, the documents said.

Honie says the board should show him mercy because he has taken responsibility for killing Claudia, the state's lawyers wrote. The commutation petition itself is a long deflection of responsibility that never once acknowledges any of the savage acts he inflicted on Claudia or her granddaughters.

Honie was convicted in 1999 of aggravated murder.

After decades of failed appeals, Honies execution warrant was signed last month despite defense objections to the planned lethal drug combination of the sedative ketamine, the anesthetic fentanyl and potassium chloride to stop his heart. Honie's attorneys sued, and corrections officials agreed to switch to pentobarbital.

Theres been evidence that pentobarbital can also cause extreme pain, including in federal executions carried out in the last months of Donald Trumps presidency.
Left to right, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff take part in a Reproductive Freedom Campaign Rally at George Mason University on Jan. 23, 2024 in Manassas, Virginia. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

This story has been updated following party delegates vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

After President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection with less than four months to go before the November election, Utah Democratic Party delegates unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to substitute Biden in the ticket.

The 34 Utah delegates met on Monday to discuss their thoughts on candidates and released an endorsement later that night, according to a statement by Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis.

From prosecuting criminals and investigating predatory banks as Attorney General of California, to casting the tie-breaking vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, Kamala Harris is the most qualified candidate to lead our country for the next four years, Lewis said in the statement. Her background as a criminal prosecutor makes her the perfect candidate to defeat Donald Trump, a convicted felon and twice-impeached ex-President.

Lewis had already endorsed Harris Sunday night in a post on X.

She reiterated that support after Mondays meeting, asserting that this is the most important election of her lifetime, with MAGA Republicans attacking abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Social Security, Medicaid, and our countrys democratic institutions, Lewis wrote.

Vice-President Harris is up to the challenge. In less than 48 hours, she has already built a coalition of young people, women, Latino voters, and Black voters that will carry her campaign to victory, she said.

With Bidens exit, the scheduled virtual roll call vote that was planned ahead of the Democratic National Convention is expected to be elevated from a ceremonial poll to a formal vote for a new candidate.

Though many Utah Democrats are a little sad to see President Biden go, Mason Hughes, communications director at the Utah Democratic Party said before the delegates discussion, they are confident that Harris will be able to defeat Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.

Contributing: Kyle Dunphey

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RUSAN PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED, a pharmaceutical company based in India specializing in the area of addiction treatment and pain management, recently announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has granted Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approval for its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) facility in Ankleshwar (Gujarat, India). The approval, received on May 29, 2024, followed a comprehensive five-day on-site inspection conducted from April 29 to May 3, 2024.

This milestone marks a significant achievement for the company as it paves the way for it to enter the US API market. With an active US Drug Master File (DMF) for niche APIs like Eflornithine Hydrochloride Monohydrate and Nalmefene Hydrochloride, Rusan Pharma plans to expand its portfolio with additional APIs, including Apomorphine, Buprenorphine, Naloxone, Naltrexone, Nalbuphine, Sodium Oxybate, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Nitrazepam, Oxazepam, and Temazepam.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Kunal Saxena, Managing Director of Rusan Pharma, highlights, "This GMP approval by the USFDA underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and manufacturing excellence, expanding our global presence and credibility. This achievement instils confidence in our partners and clients, reassuring them of our dedication to excellence in producing high-quality APIs that meet the most stringent global standards.

The USFDA approval of the Ankleshwar facility is a critical development in Rusan Pharma's strategy to become a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry. Currently, the company supplies APIs to various US-based companies focused on orphan drugs, addiction treatment, and obesity medications. The approval will further enhance Rusan's capabilities, expand its API product portfolio, and increase its footprint in the growing US pharmaceutical sector.

Following on-site audits, Rusans API facility in Ankleshwar is GMP approved by other stringent international agencies such as Health Canada, the European Union (EU), and ANVISA (Brazil). Rusan implemented 21-CFR-compliant software solutions like SAP, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), document & quality management systems (DMS & QMS) and electronic logbooks, ensuring a move towards paperless manufacturing. This transition, along with comprehensive staff training and monitoring, posed significant challenges that the company successfully overcame.

Before receiving this approval, Rusan Pharma established a robust presence in key markets such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, EU, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The USFDA's endorsement enables the company to market its APIs to US clients with existing marketing authorizations and those developing new formulations. This approval further bolsters our customers' and regulatory agencies' trust and confidence in us globally.

"Our vision is to be a one-stop solution provider in the niche category of addiction treatment and pain management. Integration with API enables us to remain competitive, while promoting our finished formulation in the global market. It also enables us to be independent from other companies for the supply of critical APIs for manufacturing of various finished formulations, especially for narcotic and psychotropic products. Timely delivery of quality medicine is key to any pharmaceutical business. Hence, a robust supply of API enables us to achieve a rapid time to market with critical products," adds Dr Kunal Saxena.

Rusans Ankleshwar manufacturing units strategic role in its manufacturing and distribution network is underscored by its focus on critical APIs like fentanyl and buprenorphine. The company's vision is to be a comprehensive addiction treatment and pain management provider, ensuring competitive and timely delivery of quality medicines.

In November 2023, Rusan Pharma inaugurated its second API manufacturing facility in Pithampur SEZ (Madhya Pradesh, India) with an annual production capacity of upto 400 MT, which is significantly higher than the Ankleshwar plant. By mid-2025, the company plans to seek GMP inspection of this new facility by the USFDA and other international inspecting agencies. This expansion aims to boost Rusan's manufacturing capabilities.

About Rusan Pharma

Rusan Pharma Pvt Ltd is an integrated global pharmaceutical company and market leader that specializes in the treatment of Addiction and Pain Management. They offer a complete range of super-specialized products in India and globally. Rusan indigenously develops, manufactures, and markets novel APIs and finished formulations and is one of the few notified companies, which is allowed imports of Narcotic Raw Materials (NRM) such as Thebaine, Oripavine, Codeine and Morphine for the purpose of manufacturing various APIs and finished formulation in India and then re-exporting to global markets. Over the years, Rusan has closely worked with Indian and global institutions such as NACO, UNODC, UNOPS, Global Fund, and Ministries of Health to launch Opioid Substitution Therapy in various emerging markets.

Rusan Pharmas strength lies in innovation of New Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) such as transdermal patches, implants, depot injections. Rusan was the first company to launch Fentanyl, Buprenorphine and Nicotine Transdermal Patches in India. The company supplies range of products to countries such as India, Canada, Europe, UK, Russia, CIS, South Africa and other South-East Asian countries. Rusans API and finished formulation manufacturing facilities hold GMP accreditations such as USFDA, Health Canada, EU, TGA (Australia), SAHPRA (S.Africa), RUSSIA, PIC/S (UKRAINE), ANVISA (Brazil) UAE and many more.

"Rusan Pharmas API Plant in Ankleshwar Receives USFDA GMP Approval" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump rallied in Chesapeake, Virginia about two weeks before a nationally-televised assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally left him and two others wounded, and one person dead.

While its unclear whether there will be more presidential rallies here before the November election, amid heightened public safety concerns, local and state police agencies plan to continue collaborating with federal agencies to ensure the safety of all participants.

This political violence is very scary for so many people and it really rattled the nation in so many ways, said Tim Barney, a University of Richmond professor who specializes in rhetoric and communication studies.

He added that Virginia is going to be looking to law enforcement to step up their game and to do the good work that they always do in protecting us, but to be extra careful in this heightened rhetorical arena.

Last month, Trumps campaign traveled to Chesapeake for a star-studded rally that included Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and former Republican Govs. Bob McDonnell and George Allen, and U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, who represents the second congressional district.

No safety issues related to violence were reported from the event; the biggest threat of the day was the scorching temperature.

More than 200 members of the public who attended the event were provided treatment on-site for heat-related issues, according to Heath Covey, a spokesperson for the City of Chesapeake. Covey said seven people were transported to local medical facilities.

The event was also staffed with more than 100 members of the Chesapeake Police and Fire Departments. Additionally, more than 50 Chesapeake Sheriffs Office personnel, along with additional support from the Virginia Beach and Norfolk Sheriffs offices, were involved.

While county police and sheriffs offices have jurisdiction over their respective counties and towns, the Virginia State Police have jurisdiction across the entire commonwealth. However in cases such as presidential campaign visits, its been the practice of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combine efforts.

John Jones, executive director for the Virginia Sheriffs Association, said partnering with other agencies provides maximum coverage to protect the public and that is not going to change in the future, including for a future campaign rally.

Im confident that we will be there as a partner, we will be cooperating with all the law enforcement agencies involved and will do everything in our means to ensure the safety of the public, Jones said.

Bill Carrico, a former state senator and executive board member of the Virginia State Police Association, said the way Virginia police agencies handled the Chesapeake rally exemplified why he trustsVirginias law enforcement to handle large presidential events.

We [the police association] have an organization that prides themselves on not letting things happen to individuals, Carrico said. I can assure you that the Secret Service probably understands when they come to Virginia, that our agency is going to be looking at these [operation] plans, and would have [to] push back if they think that something is left unattended, said Carrico.

The Trump campaign has not revealed whether any events are scheduled in Virginia before election day on Nov. 5. President Joe Biden ended his presidential reelection campaign Sunday, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. There are no known events in Virginia scheduled for Harris as the presumptive presidential nominee.

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  After much speculation and predictions on whether President Joe Biden would withdraw from the race, Biden officially made the announcement Sunday.

The announcement was expected by many reports as increasing pressure from high ranking Democrats called for Biden to back out of the race.

Previous Coverage: Joe Biden faces increasing pressure to quit the race, but has spent a lifetime overcoming the odds

However, confusion sparked when Biden released a statement Friday saying he was looking forward to continuing his campaign next week, making Americans believe he remained set on not dropping the race  only to do exactly that two days later. Biden also expressed that he fully endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.

Now, former presidents and high-ranking officials, including Virginia lawmakers, are responding to this both expected and yet sudden change of heart. Republicans appear to be going on the offense attacking Bidens and Harris ability to lead the country. Meanwhile, many Democrats are expressing gratitude to the president and are readying themselves to back Harris as the new nominee.

Not surprisingly, former President Donald Trump bashed Biden by attacking his competency and leadership. Trump repeated previous jabs at Bidens border policies saying the current president allowed terrorists and criminals into the country.

We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly, Trump said, in part, on social media platform Truth Social. Ending with his motto, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

In contrast, former President Barack Obama and the Clintons have reflected fondly on Bidens time in the Oval Office, releasing statements of their own.

Related: Bill and Hillary Clinton praise Bidens extraordinary career, endorse Harris

Virginian Republicans including Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the Biden-Harris Administration is hurting the country and the world.

Make no mistake, whether its border czar Kamala Harris or someone else, its the Biden/Harris Administrations weak leadership and resulting chaos around the world and here at home that is on the ballot this November, Youngkin said, on X. Its time for our nation to now come together with resolve to secure our borders, structure safe communities, grow an economy that lifts up all Americans and restores peace through strength.

Virginias Attorney General Jason Miyares slammed the president saying that if Biden believes he is not fit to be president in January 2025, then he shouldnt be serving as the current president. He called the current situation one of the greatest political scandals in American history. His statement on X saying, in part, Hes not capable to serve now and needs to resign. We cant afford any more weak leadership.

Some Virginia lawmakers were more forgiving of Bidens decision and thanked the current president for his commitment to America and his time in politics.

Delegate Don Scott, Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine have all expressed support and gratitude to the president, saying he guided the country and put the American peoples needs before his own.

As I have been saying for weeks, President @JoeBiden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself, Kaine said, in part, on X. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions 

Kaine goes on to say he was grateful for Bidens service in politics as well as endorsed Harris, saying he looked forward to working with her to keep Virginia blue.

Don Scott thanked Biden on X, saying the president calmed the country and brought us through a devastating crisis and put us back on track.

Warner called Biden a true American patriot in his statement and said he respected the decision to step aside. He goes on to endorse Harris.

I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation, his statement reads.

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson questioned the Democratic Partys integrity following the announcement. Johnson said the Democratic Party invalidated the votes of the American people by forcing Biden off the ballot.

 the self-proclaimed party of democracy has proven exactly the opposite, Johnson said, on X. The partys prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration. As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice  not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of his incapacity to serve 

Johnson reiterated previous Republicans calls for Biden to resign immediately. Republican Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilberts statement was similar to Johnsons as he, too, said the Democratic Party ousted their democratically chosen nominee.

Other Virginia lawmakers who have responded include: Delegate Mike Mullin, Sen. Angelia Williams Graves, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan, Sen. Louise Lucas, Sen. Aaron Rouse and more continue to put out statements. Most have repeated sentiments of gratitude to Biden, reflected on his leadership during the pandemic as well as endorsed Harris.

Del. Michael Feggans, whose district represents part of Virginia Beach, also released a statement in support of President Bidens decision. He said, in part, As one of the nearly 150 national Delegates representing Virginia at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, I am proud to have the opportunity to cast my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris as our next commander-in-chief. Her leadership will continue to build upon the progress we have seen over the past few years and further strengthen our nation. Thank you once again Mr. President, for your decades of service and leadership to this country. Lets go win this.

The Vice President has responded to the endorsement and decision for Biden to step down in her own statement. She started with thanking Biden and reflected working alongside him before responding to the endorsement.

 I am honored to have the Presidents endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination, Harris said, in her statement. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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MIDDLETOWN, Ohio  JD Vance used his first solo campaign appearances to attack Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming she lied about President Joe Bidens condition ahead of elite Democrats in smoke-filled rooms pushing for Biden to leave the race.

That is not how it works. That is a threat to democracy, not the Republican Party, which is fighting for democracy every single day, Vance said from the auditorium of his high school in western Ohio. This is not OK.

Just one week after being named Donald Trumps running mate, Vance received a hometown heros welcome at his debut solo campaign appearance after the presidential race had been turned upside down by Bidens announcement Sunday.

In his first of two rallies Monday, Vance addressed a crowd of familiar faces  reminiscing about his teachers, telling stories about his family members and neighbors, and discussing at length with the audience the best place in town to get a doughnut. As Vance did in other public remarks since being tapped as Trumps running mate a week earlier, on Monday he leaned into his rural roots, saying he represented people from forgotten communities.

But he also used the opportunity to hit Harris, whom Biden has endorsed for the top of the ticket.

Kamala Harris lied about it, my Senate Democratic colleagues lied about it, the media lied about it, he told the crowd. Every single person who saw Joe Biden knew that he wasn't capable of doing the job. And for three years, they said nothing until he became political dead weight.

Vance said he welcomed Democratic voters who are disgusted by the smoke-filled process to come on in, the water is warm.

He also hit Harris for talking about the United States not with appreciation, but condemnation.

But if you want to lead this country, you should feel grateful for it, you should feel gratitude and I never hear that when I listen to Kamala Harris, Vance said.

Shortly after being announced as Trumps running mate, Vance and Harris had a respectful phone call. But as Democratic heavyweights coalesce around Harris and a contested Democratic primary appears unlikely, it remains unclear who Harris will pick as her running mate  and who Vance might have to square off against in a vice presidential debate.

I was told I was going to get to debate Kamala Harris, and now President Trump's going to get to debate her. I'm kind of pissed off about that, if I'm being honest with you, Vance joked.

Throughout his speech, Vance tied his life experiences to policies that, he explained, Trump was right about.

Vance recalled being a third-grader in 1994, and this country gave a sweetheart trade deal to Mexico that sent hundreds of thousands of good manufacturing jobs, many of them in our communities, to Mexico.

We shouldn't have done it, and Donald Trump said it was a bad idea, Vance said.

And he spoke of being an 18-year-old in 2003, when America went to war with Iraq and Vance enlisted after graduating high school. He said he was wrong to have supported the war but noted Trump was right to have not.

Vance, who did not speak from a teleprompter, also tried to give Trump a softer touch in his speech, talking about the former presidents interaction with his son on the phone when he was given the news that hed be Trumps vice presidential pick.

He also addressed his past criticism of Trump. The media lies about this guy nonstop, Vance said. He is not the caricature or the lie the media has told you he is.

After appearing at his old high school in Middletown located between Dayton and Cincinnati, Vance traveled to a rally Monday evening in Radford, Virginia, a conservative part of a state that the Trump campaign says could be competitive this fall. Trump and his advisers have pointed to blue-leaning states like Virginia, Minnesota and others as potential battlegrounds, though it remains unclear what impact Biden leaving the race could have.

Vance joined Trump for his first rally as vice president nominee in Michigan on Saturday.

In Virginia, Vances speech focused less on his personal biography  although he brought up his childhood and his grandmother who raised him while his mother struggled with addiction  and more time attacking Harris and promoting Trumps policies.

He called Harris the border czar and claimed she wants to abolish ICE and defund the police.

Weve got to shut that border down, its not radical, its common sense, Vance said.

In the aftermath of Bidens announcement, the Trump campaign has scrambled to turn their attention to Harris. They have painted her as someone who deceived the public about Bidens abilities and have continued to emphasize her role within the administration handling the border and immigration.

In a gaggle with a small group of outlets, including POLITICO, on Vances new Trump Force Two Boeing 737 plane, Vance said Harris becoming the nominee would not change the calculus and said the campaign would continue to focus on running against a record of failure from the Democratic party.

In the interview, Vance knocked Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear for criticizing his Appalachian origin story. He said eastern Kentucky, where he spent time as a child, will always hold a special place in his heart and added, its very weird to have a guy whose first job was at his dads law firm and who inherited the governorship from his father criticize my origin story.

He also addressed his position on abortion and said Republican voters decided on the platform by electing Trump.

Im the vice presidential nominee and not the presidential nominee, and if I want my views on abortion to dominate the Republican party then I run for president. And I didnt and I havent. Donald Trump ran for president, Vance said. Obviously as a member of the campaign Im going to support it, which is an emphasis on states making the decision, having a respect for the will of the voters decide what local abortion policy will be.

A line of eager Trump and Vance supporters wrapped around the high school ahead of the rally, with vendors selling freshly printed Trump-Vance merchandise along the side of the road. Vance, only 39 years old, grew up in Middletown, a town of over 50,000 people, which was the setting of his bestselling memoir about growing up poor and working class. Vance graduated from Middletown High School in 2003 before deploying to Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, then heading to Ohio State University and Yale Law School.

Vance put a spotlight on his hometown during this nomination speech at the RNC in Milwaukee last week when he talked at length about his humble beginnings, family members struggles with addiction and being raised by his grandmother, whom he called Mamaw.

He continued to share personal stories about his childhood and family at Mondays event.

I love this town, and I'm so grateful to have been formed by it because I wouldn't be who I was without it. And people will sometimes say well, you got a tough life, Vance said.

It was tough, but it was surrounded by loving people and surrounded by something that if we don't fight for, is not going to be around for the next generation.

Susan Little, 72, from nearby Franklin, said she wanted to come see Vance speak because I think we are losing the America we grew up in, and if we dont take a stand and get involved, the country as we know it is going to be over.

We adore him, we think he is the great white hope, Little said. He grew up poor, hes smart, went to Ohio State, he played by the rules.

Her friend and former high school classmate, Sue Lewis from Middletown, said she feels sorry for Biden. He needs to be on the front porch in a rocking chair instead of everyone laughing at him. I hope Trump and Vance address who is leading the country.

At one point, Vance joked about many people in the audience being members of his own family.

Among them were Doug and Peggy McCarty from Hamilton, who said they are related to Vances stepmother, Cheryl, and came to see the kid they watched grow up.

I knew God had his hand on him when he was little but it seems unreal, Peggy McCarty said. He would come out to stay with his dad and stepmom on the farm  they lived on a farm  he loved to be there.

He was a funny kid, he was a smart kid, he was a thinker, said Doug McCarty.

The Trump campaign is planning to have Vance campaign heavily in Rust Belt states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where they believe Vances personal story will resonate with voters. But he still has a lot of introductions to make to the general public. Recent polling has shown Vance is still relatively unknown among the electorate. A CNN poll taken before Vance was named the vice president nominee found 56 percent of respondents had never heard of the senator from Ohio.

Ohio GOP Chair Alex Triantafilou told POLITICO that even though the state has voted for Trump in recent presidential elections, Vance will help energize Ohioans to support Republicans up and down the ticket to vote for their own.

Vance, he said, talks to the issues which is what this campaign needs to get back to. We should be talking about issues that the middle class cares about.
(Bloomberg) -- Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance called President Joe Bidens departure from the 2024 race a threat to democracy, using the same rhetoric he decried just days ago, following the assassination attempt against Donald Trump.

Most Read from Bloomberg

What is going on in this country is absolutely disgraceful, he said Monday in Middletown, Ohio, during his first solo rally since being named Trumps running mate last week, adding that Democratic party leaders pressuring Biden to step down is an insult to voters.

Vance, following the shooting at a Trump rally earlier this month, was quick to blame Democrats for the violence, saying their comments calling Trump a threat to the country instigated the attack.

The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs, he said in a post on X immediately following the attack. That rhetoric led directly to President Trumps attempted assassination.

There is no evidence suggesting that the gunman was motivated by political ideology on either the right or the left. Trumps right ear was grazed by a bullet, which he has covered with a bandage since the shooting.

The assassination attempt led to members of both parties calling to tamp down heated political rhetoric in the run-up to the November election. Those calls have been short-lived. Trump, in his Republican nomination acceptance speech last week, began with calls for unity but then segued into darker language lambasting immigrants.

2024 Focus

The fervor surrounding the race has only intensified in recent days, with Biden dropping out of the race on Sunday and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be his partys nominee. She has quickly sown up support from other major Democrats, likely positioning herself to lead the ticket.

The idea of selecting the Democrat Partys nominee because George Soros and Barack Obama and a couple of elite Democrats got in a smoke-filled room and decided to throw Joe Biden overboard, that is not how it works, Vance said Monday. That is a threat to democracy.

Vance joked that he was upset he doesnt get to debate Harris now because she will face Trump on the debate stage in September. Its unclear if Vance and whoever will be the vice president on the Democratic ticket will debate before the election.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) will not attend the speech to a joint session of Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, a Trump campaign adviser told The Hill on Monday.

Jason Miller, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement that Vance has duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for Vice President.

Senator Vance stands steadfastly with the people of Israel in their fight to defend their homeland, eradicate terrorist threats, and bring back their countrymen held hostage, Miller said.

He will not, however, be in attendance for Prime Minister Netanyahus speech to Congress.

Vance, who is holding campaign events in Ohio and Virginia on Monday, will defer to former President Trump for direct communication with Netanyahu this week, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Netanyahus speech comes as he faces growing calls to move on a Gaza cease-fire deal backed by the Biden administration.

Israels war against Hamas in the wake of the militants groups October terrorist attack has faced rising scrutiny from Democrats, some of whom plan to boycott his address.

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A supporter of opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez shows how to vote for him during pass out campaign flyers in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, July 19, 2024. The presidential election is set for July 28. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

SABANETA, Venezuela (AP)  Tears roll down the face of Tanyia Colmenares when she recalls her truncated dream of being a lawyer, which ended after two semesters in law school when she had to drop out to survive Venezuela's complex crisis.

While she never got to defend a client in court, she has agreed to try to defend something far greater at the end of this month: Venezuela's democracy.

Colmenares is among the thousands of supporters of Venezuelas typically fractured opposition who have agreed to organize, mobilize and support voters during the highly anticipated July 28 presidential election.

The main opposition coalition is banking on their efforts, some led by parties and others formed organically, to get people to the polls to cast ballots as well as to deter government actors from intimidating or coercing voters.

The lack of a truly independent electoral authority makes such work critical for the alliances ability to verify or contest the outcome. The Unitary Platform coalition hopes the mere presence of large numbers of watchful voters outside polling places will neutralize some ruling party strategies that in the past left them without representatives inside the facilities, kept them away from vote counts and rendered them voiceless in the event of irregularities.

The western Venezuela city of Sabaneta is the cradle of Chavismo  the self-described socialist movement founded by the late President Hugo Chavez that has dominated Venezuela since the turn of the century. It is also where Colmenares is banding with nine other neighbors to promote the vote and ensure opposition supporters reach their polling place. They are ready to find voters rides, provide support should they encounter ruling-party checkpoints or hand out water or food if long lines form.

Whether through social media, calls, text messages (or) personally, whatever way is easier for people, the important thing is to engage with the community and get the job done, Colmenares, a stay-at-home mother of three, said after a neighborhood group meeting earlier this month.

This months election is unlike any the ruling party has faced since Chavez was elected president in December 1998 and began transitioning Venezuela into what he described as the 21st centurys socialism.

Now led by Chavez's heir, President Nicolas Maduro, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela is as unpopular as ever among many voters. Weak oil prices, corruption and economic mismanagement by the government plunged the country into a crisis that has lasted more than 11 years. Young people have had to give up college dreams, children have gone hungry and millions have emigrated.

Economic sanctions imposed last decade failed to topple Maduro, as the United States and other governments hoped, but they contributed to Venezuela's decline.

Opposition politicians for years boycotted elections they saw as rigged, but they overcame deep divisions to coalesce behind a single candidate this time. They also kept that spot on the ballot despite sustained government repression, including the ban from the race of Maria Corina Machado, the strongest challenger to Maduros bid for a third term in office.

Machado, who overwhelmingly won the coalitions October primary, is now backing the coalition's replacement candidate, former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

Pollsters project up to 13 million people will cast ballots July 28.

The opposition estimates that more than a half million people have registered for its somewhat loose structure of neighborhood groups nicknamed comanditos  or tiny commandos.

Group members, by now all familiar with the ruling partys efforts to tilt the balance on election days, expect gas stations to not open, power outages to affect opposition strongholds, police and Maduro loyalists to block roads, and the military to limit access to polling centers.

Some groups are holding raffles and selling traditional tamale-like hallacas to raise funds to print promotional materials for their neighborhoods and cook meals for opposition supporters. Others are storing gasoline at home and offering their cars or motorcycles to transport voters.

All have been instructed by the coalition to remain outside polling centers after voting to fight fear among voters and their voting center representatives, whose duties include securing a copy of tally certificates printed by electronic voting machines after polls close. Ruling party loyalists, including armed gangs, are known to have intimidated voting center representatives, known as witnesses, into staying home or abandoning their duties halfway through an election day.

Electoral rules allow parties to have one witness for every voting station set up at polling places.

We have agreed as a comandito that after we vote, we are going to monitor and be a guarantor of the votes on July 28, local organizer Fidel Ortega said during a group meeting. God willing, we are going to defend our right to vote as Venezuelans. On the 28th, we vote; on the 29th, we celebrate; and from then on, we all win.

Ortega estimated opposition supporters have formed at least 40 neighborhood groups in the municipality that includes Sabaneta, which sits in a vast tropical grassland plain.

The government-controlled National Electoral Council chose to set up about 36,000 voting machines. Many polling places are spread thin, making it harder for the opposition to monitor them. About a third of registered voters in this election are assigned to polling places with only one or two voting machines.

The ruling party has traditionally obtained the bulk of its vote in these smaller polling places, and for this election, the electoral council added 1,700 single-machine centers. Reports of ruling party efforts to coerce and control voting during previous elections have mostly been associated with these one- and two-machine vote centers.

Although thousands have registered in their neighborhood groups, fear of retribution should the data be leaked has kept some opposition supporters from formally joining the mobilizing effort. But they are still managing groups of friends, family and coworkers with whom they plan to coordinate on July 28.

We must accompany people so that they lose their fear, said high school teacher Edgar Cuevas, who will work the polls on election day. Before they did overshadow us with their armed gangs and their stuff, but now, if 10 gang members arrive, well, they will find 20 of us.
Venice officials have hailed a temporary entrance fee to the city a success, as they experiment with measures aimed at controlling the number of people who come to visit.

A 29-day 5 reservation entrance fee and reservation experiment, which began on April 25 and ran on selected days until July 14, brought in 2,425,310 (around $2.64 million), according to Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro. The city initially expected to collect around 700,000 (about $762,163) when the plan was introduced, the mayor had said in April.

A total of 3,618,114 individuals made reservations, of whom 1,398,084 were exempted from payment because they stayed in hotels.

Other exemptions included 651,254 workers who travelled to the city on days the fee was in place, as well as 466,819 students and 217,589 residents who were not required to pay the entrance fee.

Additionally, 78,224 people were exempted because they were related to residents, and 107,146 were exempted for other reasons including being born in the city, religious activities such as the papal visit, and those participating in cultural events, according to data released by the city of Venice.

Saturdays are most popular

From a first reading of the data it appears that day-trippers and tourists prefer Saturday to Sunday, and that during all 29 days of experimentation a peak attendance day, equal to that recorded on 30 April 2023, was not reached, the city said in a statement, adding that the number of people coming to the city on red flag days gradually decreased over time.

The experiment worked and we can move forward. A more in-depth analysis of the data collected in the autumn, Brugnaro said at a press conference Friday.

Gondola rides are one of the unique Venice attractions that have tourists flooding the city year-round. - Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images

A CNN team on the ground in Venice noted that local residents told them that the crowds seemed noticeably smaller than normal and that while still busy, the local residents felt that crowds leading up to the citys summer event, the Redeemer Festival, havent been as bad as previous years.

The entrance fee officially ended July 14, but the mayors office said they will now determine if they should reinstate it during busy times of the year. No official date to do so has yet been announced.

Its a positive balance: The first 29 days of experimentation have finally given the city a tool that has allowed us to know how many people would objectively arrive in Venice and will be able to give us a way to act accordingly, tourism councillor Simone Venturini said in a statement.

The mayor of Venice and two aides are currently under investigation for corruption tied to allegedly approving a 3.7-million-square-foot commercial property development by a Singapore developer in exchange for $164 million, according to police. Brugnaro has publicly denied the allegations, but one member of the council has resigned. The CNN team noted a banner calling for the mayor to resign.

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A beautiful but injured barn owl that KTLA 5 meteorologist Henry DiCarlo helped rescue from the side of a road in Orange County has unfortunately been euthanized.

Henry was driving to work early in the morning on July 18 when he noticed the owl standing along the Gypsum Canyon Bridge over the 91 Freeway in Yorba Linda. He pulled over and called the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

A short time later, a deputy arrived, placed the owl in a ventilated Tupperware container and transported it to OC Animal Care. The bird eventually ended up at the Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, which shared the sad development on Monday.

Im sorry to report that the barn owl Henry found had a significant joint fracture that would prevent the bird from returning to normal/adequate flight capability, veterinarians said. Due to the age and temperament of the bird, it would not do well in an education center such as a zoo or sanctuary, and it would be unfair to keep the animal in captivity under such stressful conditions.

Barn Owl

The animal hospital said the owls strong wild instincts meant it would not adapt to the stress of daily human contact, so it was humanely euthanized.

According to the nonprofit Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife, barn owls are among three owl species native to L.A. Each can consume over 3,000 rodents a year and are widely used for rodent control in vineyards, farms and ranches around the world, the organization said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Delaware. Here's what we know about the visit

Vice President Kamala Harris, whom President Joe Biden endorsed Sunday after announcing he will no longer seek reelection, is coming to Delaware, according to U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.

Harris is expected to arrive in New Castle County Monday afternoon, where she will meet with members of the Delaware delegation and go to Biden's campaign headquarters in Wilmington, which is expected to transition to hers as she mounts her presidential campaign.

It's the first full day of our campaign, so I'm heading up to Wilmington, DE later to say "hello" to our staff in HQ.



One day down. 105 to go. Together, we're going to win this.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 22, 2024

REQUIRED READING: Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for president? Here are some of the notable politicians and figures

WHERE IT HAPPENED: Joe Biden makes historic decision in 'Nation's Summer Capital,' Rehoboth Beach

It's unclear whether the president will be joining the meeting, as today is Day 5 of COVID isolation after he tested positive Thursday. He's been in Rehoboth Beach battling his latest round of COVID and is expected to address the nation later this week regarding his decision to bow out of the presidential race.

Kamala Harris endorsements so far

How much has Kamala Harris raised?

Roughly seven hours after Harris announced she was seeking the Democratic nomination, ActBlue, the PAC that raises money for Democrats, said it raised roughly $50 million from grassroots supporters.

Kamala Harris VP pick

Here are potential candidates who could be tabbed as her vice president:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Kamala Harris expected in Delaware as VP seeks presidential nomination
Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign in Milwaukee Tuesday. Heres what we know.

Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign in the Milwaukee area Tuesday.

Harris has visited Wisconsin four times this election year in her role as vice president. But her stop in Milwaukee Tuesday takes on more importance:

It'll be her first campaign appearance as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Here's what we know about Harris' visit to the Milwaukee area Tuesday:

Where will Kamala Harris speak in the Milwaukee area?

Harris will speak at West Allis Central High School. West Allis is about eight miles southwest of downtown Milwaukee.

When will Kamala Harris speak in the Milwaukee area?

This also isn't known yet.

Usually campaign officials like Harris fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and spend a few hours on the ground in Wisconsin, depending on how many stops they make.

More: Voters, some hearing for the first time, discuss Biden stepping down, Harris stepping up

Where will Kamala Harris campaign next?

Harris' campaign stop in Milwaukee was announced right after the Republican National Convention ended in the city, before beginning her presidential campaign. Her trip is still on, the White House confirmed Monday afternoon.

On Wednesday, Harris plans to visit Indianapolis, Indiana, to address members of historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta at their convention. She did the same in 2023.

How many times has Kamala Harris visited Wisconsin, and where?

Harris' visit Tuesday will be the fifth time she's campaigned in Wisconsin in 2024. It'll be her ninth time in Wisconsin since becoming vice president.

In May, Harris stopped at Discovery World in Milwaukee and spoke with comedian, radio host and author D.L. Hughley. Her visit was part of the White House's "economic opportunity tour" and her remarks focused on disparities for Black homeowners and businessowners.

In April, Harris visited La Crosse  a more purple region of the state  where she announced new rules for nursing home staffing and rallied voters around abortion rights.

In March, Harris went to Madison, where she announced a new executive order aimed at promoting apprenticeships. During that visit, she visited her childhood home on the west side of Madison, where she lived from age 3 to 5 while her parents worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

More: Who is Kamala Harris and what is her connection to Wisconsin? Vice president's age, ethnicity, parents

And in January, Harris visited Big Bend in Waukesha County to kick off a nationwide tour focused on abortion access. The county has delivered smaller margins for Republicans than it used to, and Democrats have aimed to target women voters in the Milwaukee suburb who may be swayed toward Democrats on issues like abortion.

Will Gov. Tony Evers, Sen. Tammy Baldwin join Harris on Tuesday?

Gov. Tony Evers said at a press conference Monday morning that he'd join Harris in Milwaukee. Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin were touring Milwaukee Area Technical College to recognize Wisconsin being designated as a regional tech hub.

Baldwin said her staff is working with her schedule, noting the U.S. Senate will be in session Tuesday.

"I'm trying to figure out if I can be two places at once," Baldwin said. "We're trying. I'd like to be here if I possibly can."

Top Wisconsin Democrats have voiced support for Harris as Biden's replacement, including Baldwin, Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

More: What Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race means for Wisconsin's DNC delegates

Evers, who appeared emotional when talking about Biden's decision to step down, said he waited to endorse Harris until Monday morning so Biden could "have a connection to the people of Wisconsin."

"He is a good friend. He's done a lot for this country," Evers said, adding he thinks Biden is one of the presidents that has done the most for Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Heres what to know about Kamala Harris visit to Milwaukee Tuesday
The main aim of stock picking is to find the market-beating stocks. But the main game is to find enough winners to more than offset the losers At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in Yeo Hiap Seng Limited (SGX:Y03), since the last five years saw the share price fall 41%.

It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.

Check out our latest analysis for Yeo Hiap Seng

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

Yeo Hiap Seng became profitable within the last five years. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

Revenue is actually up 0.07% over the time period. So it seems one might have to take closer look at the fundamentals to understand why the share price languishes. After all, there may be an opportunity.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

Take a more thorough look at Yeo Hiap Seng's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Yeo Hiap Seng the TSR over the last 5 years was -30%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 6.1% in the last year, Yeo Hiap Seng shareholders lost 15% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 5% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for Yeo Hiap Seng you should be aware of, and 1 of them is concerning.

Story continues

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of undervalued small caps that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com


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On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris became the first female, African American, and Asian American Vice President of the United States. Three years later, she could be on the verge of more history.

Joe Bidens unexpected decision on Sunday to drop out of the 2024 presidential race has thrust Harris, 59, into the brightest of spotlights. Biden enthusiastically offered his full support and endorsement for Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee in Novembers election against former President Donald Trump.

Should she secure the nomination, Harris will become the first African American woman to lead a major party ticket. So naturally, plenty of people are reacquainting themselves with Harris and her background.

A multicultural upbringing greatly inspired Harris, including her religious beliefs. Heres what you need to know about the VPs faith.

Kamala Harris is Baptist

Harris said in an interview with Interfaith Youth Core that her faith journey started when she was young. On Sundays, my mother would dress my sister, Maya, and me in our Sunday best and send us off to the 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, where Maya and I sang in the childrens choir, Harris told the publication. Thats where I formed some of my earliest memories of the Bibles teachings. Its where I learned that faith is a verb and that we must live it, and show it, in action.

She grew up in an interfaith household

Harris mother was Hindu, and her father was Christian. She grew up attending services at a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple, USA Today reported.

Harris husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish

Harris met husband Doug Emhoff on a blind date in 2013, and the couple tied the knot a year later. She is a stepmother to Emhoffs two children from a prior relationship, son Cole and daughter Ella.

According to America Magazine, the couple smashed a glass as part of the traditional Jewish custom at their wedding. Harris told Interfaith Youth Core that she shares Jewish traditions and celebrations with Emhoff at home. From all of these traditions and teachings, Ive learned that faith is not only something we express in church and prayerful reflection, but also in the way we live our lives, do our work and pursue our respective callings, she said.

She was sworn in to the Senate on her family Bible

Getty Images

Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris represented California in the U.S. Senate starting in January 2017.

During her 2020 campaign, rumors began circulating that Harris had refused to be sworn in to the Senate on a Bible, but thats inaccurate. She used a family Bible for the occasion, noting that it was well-worn, per USA Today. All right, thats a good way to do it, then-Vice President Biden said.

She tapped into her faith on the campaign trail

In August 2019, Harris used parallels between what she hoped to achieve in politics and her faith. Jesus tells us how we should define neighbor, she said during a speech. Jesus tells us, your neighbor is not just the person who lives next door, who drives the kind of car you drive, the person shares your zip code. Jesus tells us your neighbor is that man by the side of the road who you walk by, who has faced hardship.

Harris beliefs have also influenced her position regarding womens reproductive rights. In July 2022, she held a roundtable meeting with faith leaders in Los Angeles to discuss the importance that health care decisions are made by women without government interference, and the need to work together as a coalition to safeguard this right.

Harris goes to church regularly

Prior to her election in 2020, Harris base church was the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. The churchs pastor, Rev. Amos Brown, told the Associated Press that Harris is a spiritual person and quintessential scholar.

Harris told Interfaith Youth Core that church has been a place where she draws strength and reflects. I also draw something else from it as well: a sense of community and belonging where we can build lasting relationships and be there for one another in times of need, she said.

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(Bloomberg) -- The death of Vietnams Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong has left an opening for his former anti-corruption enforcer to take the nations most powerful job at a time the one-party state seeks to maximize gains from US-China competition.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Trong, 80, died on Friday after years of speculation over his poor health and factional infighting over who would succeed him. Stepping into his post as interim general secretary is To Lam, 67, who for years oversaw a corruption crackdown that has ensnared scores of party officials, including those at the very top.

Lam, who became president in May after his predecessors resigned to take responsibility for violations, will carry out the duties of the secretary general role until the partys central executive committee chooses a successor. He is one of the few who are eligible to take over at the next Party Congress in 2026 and has become the odds-on favorite to do so, according to analysts.

Hes the front-runner now, said Le Hong Hiep, a senior fellow with the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore who was a former Vietnam foreign ministry official. There may be some resistance from other factions and against his rise, but given his current status and the current circumstances, its very unlikely that anyone can stop him from clinching the job.

A top priority for Lam will be to drive the economy as the government ramps up public spending and lures foreign investors. In the first half of 2024, Vietnam utilized less than a third of its budget, even slower than the previous year as the graft crackdown paralyzed decision-making in the bureaucracy.

Before becoming president, Lam served for eight years as the minister of public security and was the primary enforcer of Trongs legacy-defining anti-corruption campaign dubbed as a blazing furnace. His ministry oversaw several high-profile cases that ensnared numerous party officials since 2021 including Politburo members, deputy prime ministers and more than a dozen provincial leaders.

Softer Approach

Earlier this month, Lam pitched a more measured approach to combating graft, one that aims to avoid impeding economic growth and progress. Such efforts should not lead to wrongfully convicting the innocent and should create conditions for a stable environment for the countrys development, he was cited as saying.

The one important thing the government needs to address is how to issue discipline, punishment to people without hurting markets and the economy, said Tran Dinh Thien, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council and the former head of Vietnam Economic Institute.

Vietnams economy was among the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia last quarter even with the slump in state spending. Fund manager Ruchir Desai of Asia Frontier Capital Ltd. said Friday that any uncertainty offers a buying opportunity.

We believe there will be no changes to economic policies by whomever is ultimately selected as general secretary, VinaCapital Group Ltd., one of Vietnams largest asset and investment companies, said in a note to investors. These policies have been remarkably consistent over the past twenty-plus years, and we firmly believe that they will continue to drive growth and development for decades to come.

The question of who would succeed Trong has lingered for years. Even though he kept his job for an unprecedented third term during the last party reshuffle in 2021, Trong failed to position his preferred conservative candidate as successor. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who was also once seen as a candidate for the job, was ousted as president last year after assuming political responsibility for the so-called shortcomings from two graft cases.

Trade War

And while that political uncertainty had yet to rattle those who flocked to Vietnam in the aftermath of the US-China trade war, it remains a risk for a nation that has been a huge beneficiary of the spat. Foreign direct investment surged 32% in 2023, with the country attracting about $36.6 billion of funds.

In a region that has sought to balance geopolitical tensions, Lam has shown himself to be a capable practitioner of Vietnams firm and flexible foreign policy  known as bamboo diplomacy  since taking over the largely ceremonial presidency. While deepening ties with Washington, Lam has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in June during a rare visit designed to cultivate Hanois decades-long relationship with Moscow.

In Vietnams consensus-based system of governance, that strategy is expected to continue regardless of who ultimately retains power.

Holding both roles of general secretary and president is not unprecedented  Trong did from 2018 to 2021. Occupying the top two positions in Vietnams political hierarchy now could allow Lam to consolidate power ahead of the next Party Congress.

Its very likely that he will hold the two positions concurrently until perhaps 2026, Hiep from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said. Or until they can agree on the new president.

--With assistance from Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen, John Boudreau, Nguyen Kieu Giang, Nguyen Xuan Quynh and Shamim Adam.

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George Clooney was one of the most notable Joe Biden donors who came out and asked for him to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, and now The Views Ana Navarro has some words for him.

After Biden confirmed he was out of the running for re-election in this years elections, Navarro called on Clooney to make a sizeable donation after his wish came true.

More from Deadline

I was sad in the way when you see a champion athlete retire [and] leave it all on the field and walk away into the sunset. That made me say, it gave me nostalgia, Navarro said about her feelings after finding out Biden had quit the presidential race.

Navarro also noted that she was also mad because [Biden] has been dragged relentlessly for three weeks by some people who supposedly were his friends.

I hope that a lot of those donors that went out and said all sort of things about him come back with a big check now, Navarro said before looking straight into the camera and saying, George Clooney es contigo [This is for you].

Sara Haines pushed back on Navarro, calling out Clooney for criticizing Bidens staying in the race after the presidential debate, in which his ability to preside over the country was questioned.

There is room for criticism when youre talking about the biggest job in the world, and I dont think those people that are friends, even George Clooneys op-ed, was really touching and beautifully written saying, This is hard to say out loud. So a lot of those people were torn themselves and a party, is not a president, its an entire party and every election matters down that ballot as well, Haines said. They were allowed to also speak up for their constituents. So, I commend the people that took that risk and said, We need to do this. Because I do think that began some very hard conversations.

On Sunday, July 21, Biden announced he would not accept the Democratic Partys nomination to run for a second term as president. Soon after his announcement, Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee. Hollywood detractors like Damon Lindelof and Aaron Sorkin made statements supporting Harris for president, with donors being excited and motivated with the change in presidential nominee to defeat Donald Trump in November.

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By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Protection of Brazil's Indigenous communities from violence by land grabbers and ranchers was "insufficient" in 2023, according to a report published on Monday, dashing hopes that the situation would improve under leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula.

The Missionary Council for Indigenous Peoples (CIMI), an organization of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Brazil, said the Lula administration's first year in office showed contradictions in its Indigenous policy and disappointing advances in the recognition of ancestral land claims.

While Lula's government resumed the enforcement against illegal invasions of recognized ancestral lands, there were 208 murders of Indigenous people last year, mainly with gunshots, compared to the previous highest number on record of 182 murders in 2020, CIMI said, citing data from the Brazilian health ministry.

The president's office did not immediately respond to a Reuter's request for comment.

CIMI reported the involvement of police in private militias that are being investigated for Indigenous deaths. The police act as escorts for farmers, sharing information and supporting attacks against some communities such as the Guarani and Kaiowa in southern Brazil, according to the report.

Coming after the openly anti-Indigenous government of hard-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Lula started his third term in office on Jan. 1, 2023 by walking up the ramp of the presidential palace arm-in-arm with Brazil's most renowned Indigenous leader, Kayapo chief Raoni Metuktire.

His first measure after swearing in was to create an Indigenous Affairs Ministry for the first time in Brazilian history, headed by an Indigenous woman, Sonia Guajajara.

Lula also ordered a massive operation with police and troops to expel thousands of illegal miners from the Yanomami reservation, Brazil's largest, where the invaders caused a humanitarian crisis with violence, illness and malnutrition.

But Brazil's conservative-leaning Congress also approved a bill limiting Indigenous land claims, even though rights to their ancestral lands are enshrined in the constitution. Lula's partial veto of the bill was overturned by lawmakers with the backing of the powerful farm lobby.

Invasions of Indigenous lands totaled 1,381, mostly in lands in the process of being officially recognized, the report said.

The Lula government formally recognized eight reservations that will be protected by the state, a higher number than in previous years, but "below expectations," CIMI said.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks in Statuary Hall of the U.S Capitol on January 6, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images)

Even before the presidential debate, according to U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrats were concerned about a perceived lack of energy in their party.

But whatever uncertainty came with President Joe Bidens decision Sunday to end his campaign and back Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, Kaine said the elevation of Harris has brought Democrats a new sense of excitement.

I believe she has an upside that Biden probably did not have, Kaine said on a call with reporters Monday morning, explaining that Biden and former President Donald Trump are so well known there was little they could do to change many voters minds. Now that we can promote her as a pathbreaking prosecutor and attorney general and a history-making vice president whos been part of a really solid Biden-Harris track record, I think she has an upside.

Though its too early to measure what impact the Biden-Harris swap will have on the race, the move amounts to a reset in blue-leaning Virginia, where Democrats are expected to win in presidential years but recent polls pointed to a virtually tied race between Biden and Trump. Even though Democrats still had confidence Biden would win Virginia, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Harris faring slightly better against Trump in Virginia.

Multiple polls have shown Kaine, who is seeking to win a third term in the Senate by defeating Republican challenger Hung Cao, running much stronger than Biden this year in his own race. He said he had conversations with the Biden team about some of those polls prior to Bidens exit, but did not ask them to do anything in response and trusted Biden to make the patriotic decision.

Several Virginia Democrats said they expected a smooth transition for the Democratic campaign apparatus in the state. The same Virginia campaign team will be kept in place, and the 17 Biden-Harris campaign offices in Virginia are expected to continue working on behalf of the ticket, despite Bidens surprise withdrawal over the weekend.

Many Virginia Democrats who publicly backed Biden after his disastrous debate performance last month quickly shifted their support to Harris after the news broke that the president would no longer seek another term in office. Polls have consistently shown many voters felt Biden was too old to effectively serve as president, and those fears seemed to be confirmed by Bidens faltering answers in the first televised debate against Trump.

On Monday, top members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announced they would be fully behind Harris at the upcoming Democratic National Convention when the party will officially select a new nominee.

The eleven VLBC members who will serve as delegates to the convention include House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, and Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, two of the most powerful members of the Virginia General Assembly.

During a time of chaos and uncertainty after the failed presidency of Donald Trump, President Biden and Vice President Harris put America on track and made our recovery from Covid the envy of the world, the Black Caucus said in a news release. We honor Joe Bidens decency and servant leadership. We join him in our unwavering support for Vice President Harris.

All 21 Democrats in the Virginia Senate also signed on to a statement endorsing Harris, calling her the clear choice to succeed President Biden.

All six Democrats who represent Virginia in the U.S. House of Delegates have endorsed Harris, including Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic frontrunner in the states race for governor next year.

Not only will she defeat former President Trump, but she will set an example for our children, Spanberger said in a statement endorsing Harris. She will demonstrate how to be a strong, principled leader who is focused on the needs of the American people  not herself.

Sen. Mark Warner  the only prominent Virginia Democrat to publicly lend credence to the idea of Biden stepping aside  also backed Harris, saying she has the experience, energy and resolve to lead our nation.

Despite a few calls from Democrats around the country for an open, competitive process for picking a successor to Biden, there were no such statements from prominent political figures in Virginia.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who is a delegate to vote at the upcoming Democratic National Convention next month, said that Harris has been working the phones for the last 24 plus hours churning up support from elected leaders from all levels of government including mayors, state legislators and governors, and members of Congress and the U.S. Senate.

Vice President Harris said that she wanted to earn our support, Stoney said of Harris ahead of the convention where she is expected to be formally named the Democratic nominee. She wanted to win the nomination, and shes doing exactly that.

He also noted how the Biden-Harris campaign has opened several campaign offices around Virginia this summer, where staff and volunteers will be hard at work on behalf of Harris in the months ahead.

We dont have a lot of time. Thats the one thing that were working against us, is the calendar. Weve got to coalesce, Stoney said.

He believes that her experience in California state government, as Vice President, and her time as a U.S. senate  where she applied her prosecutor background to committee hearings  all lend to her appeal.

Others have signaled they already see that appeal.

Breaking with the tradition of official neutrality in unresolved nominating contests, Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Susan Swecker also signed a statement backing Harris released by an organization that represents all 50 state parties.

Harris, who served as Californias attorney general prior to becoming a U.S. senator in 2017, sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, but didnt last long enough to be among the 14 Democrats who appeared on Virginias primary ballot that year.

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Virginia, noted the role reproductive rights may play in Harris campaign and how women are the best messengers on the issue.

We can talk about [reproductive health] in a way that resonates with people beyond just the theoretical  because we live these experiences, she said.

McClellan said Harris age is another factor that will likely work in her favor. She stands to become the first member of Generation X to become president if elected.

Being a new generation of leadership, she can speak for a lot of voices that have not always had a seat at the table, McClellan said. They can relate to her in ways that they havent been able to with any other president.

Virginia Republicans reacted to the news by faulting Democrats for turning on the nominee that nearly swept their partys primaries earlier this year and arguing Harris will still have to answer for the less-popular aspects of the Biden administrations record.

Make no mistake, whether its border czar Kamala Harris or someone else, its the Biden/Harris Administrations weak leadership and resulting chaos around the world and here at home that is on the ballot this November, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Sunday in a post on X.

Virginia House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said the save democracy crowd in the Democrat party finally ousted their democratically-chosen nominee.

No matter who emerges from this mess of their own making, Democrats will continue to make life harder, less prosperous, and more dangerous for all Americans, Gilbert said.

Attorney General Jason Miyares, a potential Republican candidate for governor next year, went a little further, saying Democrats had lied about Bidens condition and disenfranchised millions of primary voters. He also called on Biden to step down from the presidency in addition to ending his campaign, saying we cant afford any more weak leadership.

Kaine dismissed the GOPs calls for Biden to resign as the work of Republican mischief-makers, saying he sees a clear difference between Biden being able to serve out the remainder of his term and being healthy enough to serve another four years.

The challenge that Joe Biden faced was not about how hes doing as president today, Kaine said. He has a record of achievement that anybody would be proud of. He reached the decision he reached because he couldnt look the American public in the eye and say: And Ive got this for the next four-plus years.

With the incumbent president now no longer in the running, Kaine also described the new race as a contrast between the past and the future. Though he said theres zero chance of him being on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate again as he was in 2016, Kaine said Harris opportunity to elevate a new leader from Democrats deep bench will help make that contrast clearer.

Hes yesterdays chaos, Kaine said of Trump. Kamala Harris and her likely VP pick  I have no idea who that will be, but I know the kinds of folks who are being mentioned  theyre about today and tomorrow.

Virginia Mercury reporter Charlotte Rene Woods contributed to this report.
VIRGINIA (WFXR) On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek re-election in the 2024 election and dropped out of the presidential race. Following this announcement, several Virginia lawmakers began posting their reactions.

This included Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, who voiced their support on the social media platform X for Bidens presidential term and his ultimate decision.

As I have been saying for weeks, President Biden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions. Biden withdraws from race in presidential earthquake -Tim Kaine

President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot. After all hes done, I respect President Bidens difficult decision to step aside in this upcoming election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week. -Mark Warner

On the other side of the ticket, Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares voiced their disapproval of the current Biden-Harris administration.

Make no mistake, whether its border czar Kamala Harris or someone else, its the Biden/Harris Adminstrations weak leadership and resulting chaos around the world and here at home that is on the ballot this November. Its time for our nation to now come together with resolve to secure our borders, structure safe communities, grow an economy that lifts up all Americans and restores peace through strength. -Govenor Glenn Youngkin

For years Washington democrats knew that Biden was not capable to serve as president yet they stood with him to hold onto power. This is one of the greatest political scandals in American history; the White House hid from the American public his decline, jeopardizing each and everyone one of us. They lied and just disenfranchised 14 million primary voters If Biden believes hes not physically capable of serving as president in January 25 it really means hes not capable to serve now and needs to resign. We cant afford any more weak leadership -Jason Miyares

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
VP candidate JD Vance to hold campaign rally in hometown today

Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance will hold a political rally in his hometown of Middletown on Monday.

News Center 7s John Bedell will break down Vances hometown rally in the Miami Valley LIVE on News Center 7 at 5:00.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hell reunite Middletown; Area residents ready for VP candidate JD Vances hometown rally

As reported last week on News Center 7, Vance was selected to be former President Donald Trumps running mate.

Vance grew up in and went to school in Middletown before beginning a long journey that took him from a deployment to the Middle East in the Marine Corps to a long educational journey to political official.

>>RELATED: Increased security measures expected for VP candidate JD Vances Middletown rally

As reported Saturday on News Center at 11, people from Middletown are excited to see on their own back in town.

Our Malik Patterson spoke with Tommy Morrison and Scott Shackleford.

I think hell reunite Middletown, said Tommy Morrison. He understands the epidemic that we have in Middletown. Its not just been for five years. Its been for a long time.

Both told Patterson their children went to school with Vance.

>>RELATED: They know the struggles; JD Vances hometown reacts to pick as running mate

>>RELATED: You can achieve anything; JD Vances hometown congratulates him as GOP running mate

As reported Friday on News Center 7 at 5, Vance will speak at Middletown High School today at 1:30 p.m. and the doors will open at 10 a.m.

As for security, Patrick Oliver, an associate professor at Cedarville University, spoke with News Center on Friday about what everyone should expect with security surrounding Senator Vance.

There will be an increase in resources, both in personnel and in the equipment used, he said. So, it is obvious the presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, has a higher threat level so theyre going to react accordingly.

>>RELATED: Ohio politicians react after Trump names Sen. JD Vance as running mate

Everyone planning to attend the rally should expect checks with the extra security on hand.

We will update this story.
VP Harris throws hat into the ring: Which Colorado politicians have endorsed her?

DENVER (KDVR)  After President Joe Biden announced his intent to not accept the Democratic party nomination for president and drop out of the race, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Sunday, several Colorado politicians weighed in on the new Democratic hopeful, including Gov. Jared Polis.

Biden endorses Harris as Democratic nominee after ending his candidacy

Polis appeared on CNN Sunday afternoon, where he endorsed Harris. He had appeared on CNN on Sunday morning as well, warning the Democratic party that a change was needed in order to win the presidential election.

I think this is the change that we need, Polis said. I think this is a forward-looking opportunity to talk about the future of our country. We now have a great way to contrast between people who want to turn the door on the politics of the past.

He also clarified that he is endorsing Harris and noted that she recently visited Colorado.

Shes smart, shes on top of it, she has a forward-looking vision to save people money, shes put prisoners and criminals behind bars, and shes ready to lead the country, Polis told CNN.

He also addressed rumors that he could throw his hat into the presidential ring and said hes backing Harris this time around but did not say if he would not run in the future.

I personally am backing Kamala Harris, Polis said.

The governor also posted to X, saying he was thrilled to endorse Harris, and also including a coconut, palm tree and American Flag emoji, a reference to a quote Harris said last year thats become a social media meme.

Biden withdraws from race: What do Colorado politicians have to say?

A slew of other Colorado politicians also endorsed Harris. Heres what they had to say.

Sen. Michael Bennet, Colorado

Bennet ran for the presidency in 2020.

Vice President Kamala Harris has the experience, record, and integrity to be the next president of the United States, Bennet wrote in a statement posted to X. From our time together on the Senate Intelligence Committee to our shared commitment to expanding the Child Tax Credit, I have seen firsthand Vice President Harris dedication to our countrys security and our childrens prosperity. She is exactly the candidate we need to beat Donald Trump.

For months, we have watched the vice president crisscross the country and passionately combat Trumps barrage of lies. As our nominee, she will inspire and lead the American people with an economic vision that brings us together, instead of dividing us. She will forcefully defend a womans right to control her own body. She will speak to the future our children and their children righteously demand.

Its my honor to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as our Democratic presidential nominee and the next President of the United States.

Sen. John Hickenlooper, Colorado

Hickenlooper, who was once Colorados governor and ran for president in 2020, endorsed Harris in a brief statement on X, accompanied by a photo of himself with Harris.

Vice President Harris is already uniting the Democratic Party, just as she will unite America, he wrote. She has been President Bidens copilot for these amazing four years and we cant wait to do everything we can to help her win.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold

I am proud to support Kamala Harris, a tremendous leader who is ready to serve this country as the next President of the United States.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

Having served as District Attorney, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and VP, Kamala Harris has the experience to lead our Nation in these difficult times. Ill be working hard to elect her as our next @potus, Weiser posted on X.

Harris is a steadfast, strong, and dedicated defender of the rule of law, of civil rights, and of justice for all, including protecting reproductive rights. This matters more than ever  because in November, our freedoms and constitutional democracy are once more on the line.

We must build on the progress of the last four years, working to make life better for all Americans, not just the privileged few. Harris will do just that. She has a record of holding big banks accountable, standing up to Big Tech, and fighting antisemitism and bigotry

Kamala Harris is a trailblazerthe first Black, Asian woman to be elected on a national ticket. I am excited to support her. We have important work ahead to elect her and Democrats up and down the ballot.

Congressman Joe Neguse, Colorados 2nd District

Vice-President Kamala Harris is a dedicated public servant and trailblazer who has delivered real progress for the people of our country, Neguse posted on X.

He also issued a fundraising email where he supported Harris.

How Bidens election race exit could affect the November election

Vice President Kamala Harris is a dedicated public servant and trailblazer who has delivered real progress for the people of our country. Today, I couldnt be more excited to endorse and support her campaign for President of the United States.

Im going to do everything I can to elect Kamala in November and help Democrats take back the House. Its going to take all of us working together to win, and the stakes could not be higher, Neguse wrote, before launching into the fundraising portion of the email.

Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Colorados 7th District

Pettersen applauded President Joe Biden for his leadership, service and record of accomplishment, before pivoting to her endorsement of Harris  and a fundraising plea.

Im proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. Im ready to do everything within my power to ensure that she defeats Donald Trump at the ballot box  and Im asking you to join me.

This is the time for all of us to come together to ensure Democrats keep the White House, keep the Senate, and flip the House blue, Pettersen said in her email.

Congressman Jason Crow, Colorados 6th District

Vice President Kamala Harris has my full support to lead our country and party forward. She will bring a new generation of leadership and unite the country as we strive towards our higher ideals.

I call on Americans from every background and corner of our nation to join me in fighting to elect Kamala Harris as our next president.

Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Colorados 1st District

President Biden has been an extraordinary public servant for the past 50 years, including leading one of the most consequential presidencies of our lifetime, DeGette wrote on X. I thank him for his incredible service to the nation and his many years of support as we worked together on issues ranging from stem cell research to improving clean energy.

With his decision today to not seek re-election, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven Pro-choice champion who will fight for reproductive rights. I have worked closely with her to restore Americans freedom to access the abortion care that Trumps Supreme Court stripped away.

I look forward to working with VP Harris to restore the House to Democratic control & keep the Senate & White House so that, together, we can defeat Trumps extreme Project 2025 agenda, continue the Biden-Harris legacy, & enact national legislation to restore abortion rights.

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, Colorados 8th District

President Joe Bidens decision to pass the torch is as selfless as it is patriotic.

I look forward to supporting Kamala Harris as our Democratic nominee and Im eager to elect her as the 47th President of the United States come November.

This is a developing story. As more information becomes available, this story will be updated.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
VP Newsom? Here's why, and why not, the California governor may make Harris' shortlist

California Gov. Gavin Newsom may have ended any speculation that he would seek the Democratic presidential nomination this week after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign, but he hasnt yet entirely quieted rumblings that he is a contender as Kamala Harris 2024 running mate.

Biden endorsed Vice President and former California Sen. Kamala Harris as the party's Democratic nominee for president Sunday, launching a fervent process to find and vet Harris' vice president before the Democratic National Convention mid-August.

Yet unlike many of the other governors, congressmembers and Democratic figures named as possible vice-presidential picks, a Harris-Newsom ticket would need to clear a handful of legal hurdles and thorny strategic obstacles that election experts and Democratic strategists say makes him an unlikely pick  if not impossible.

More: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after he drops out of 2024 election, a recap

Newsom eyes 2028 presidential bid

The California governor, who is 56, has indeed become one of the most prominent Democratic figures over the last few years. Currently in his second term as governor of the nations most populous and prosperous state, Newsoms reputation extends far beyond Sacramento. Its widely understood that the governor is eyeing a 2028 presidential bid.

Newsom threw his support behind Harris Sunday in a statement on the social media platform X.

"Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than Americas Vice President, Kamala Harris," he said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to media in the spin room after the Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.

Newsom has been one of the most vocal supporters of Biden and pushed back against calls from members of his own party for him to step aside in the 2024 election. In the hours before and after Bidens disastrous June 27 debate performance against former President Donald Trump, Newsom lorded over the spin-room, singing Bidens praises to members of the media. His progressive policies and penchant for challenging Republican talking points have made him a boogeyman of sorts to the GOP, and a national leader among the Democratic party.

While the office of vice president can be a springboard for the presidency, the chances of Newsom taking that route are slim.

Longtime national Democratic strategist Bob Shrum said it is practically impossible Newsom would join a Harris ticket. He references the 12th Amendment, which lays out how members of the Electoral College cast ballots for the presidential ticket. It states that electors vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.

More: Who will be Kamala Harris' VP? Here's the possible contenders.

More: Kamala Harris earns Nancy Pelosi's support as presidential endorsements stack up

Legal experts told the Sacramento Bee that this means California residents would essentially void the states 54 electoral votes, as Harris and Newsom maintain legal residences and are registered to vote in the same state.

Gavin Newsom would have to move out of state and resign as governor, Shrum said of a possibility for the two Californians to share the ticket. Because Harris is never going to give up her California residency.

As for Newsom, its just as unlikely he would forfeit his role as governor or ever relinquish his California residency. He is a fourth-generation San Franciscan, his late father a state appeals court judge, and made his millions in wineries, restaurants and hotels stretching across the state.

Newsom still may have a role to play in 2024 election

Shrum, director of University of Californias Center on the Political Future, said he still expects Newsom to play a significant role in the 2024 election.

I think he'll continue to be a very effective surrogate and campaign hard, he said. He is telegenic, he is fluent, he is eloquent, so I think he can make a real contribution for Harris.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom wave after Newsom's appearance ahead of the Republican-led recall election in September, in San Leandro, California, U.S., September 8, 2021. Newsom is one of many Democratic figures to endorse Harris in the 2024 election.

Newsom has been a source of strong support on the issue of abortion rights for Democrats across the nation. Last year he led a group of Democratic governors in 20 states aimed at bolstering abortion access, and earlier this year he launched PAC to continue that effort  primarily by running ads criticizing Republican abortion restrictions in GOP strongholds like Texas and Tennessee and in critical swing states like Arizona.

Abortion rights has become a cornerstone of Harris campaigning for Biden over the past several months and is expected to continue into her bid for president.

More: California Democrats bet big on abortion in 2024 election

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Is Gov. Gavin Newsom a VP contender for Kamala Harris' ticket?
Crumbl cookies and pink box - Static Media / Shutterstock / Getty

If you spent any time on TikTok in early 2021, then you've probably seen enough Crumbl Cookies taste tests to last a lifetime. The Utah-based cookie company was inescapable at one point, with social media users flocking to try out its super-sized, super-sugary baked goods for themselves. As the online hype grew, so did Crumbl's offline presence. In August 2020, the chain boasted a respectable 100 locations across the U.S. By the end of 2022, it was dubbed the fourth-fastest growing food chain in the entire country. Fast forward another two years, and as of July 2024, this number has exploded to 1,038 stores, with Crumbl now a sickly sweet staple in all 50 states, plus Canada.

But it's not all sunshine, rainbows, and funfetti sprinkles. Crumbl has always been divisive. For every ardent lover of its Cake Batter cookie, you'll find someone who thinks their Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is overpriced, bland, or just outright bad. This is par the course for any popular food brand, but Crumbl does seem to be more polarizing than most, with The New York Times even declaring that the amount of debate is what makes them so legendary.

However, lately it feels like we've spotted more red flags than green for Crumbl Cookies. From soaring prices to closures and layoffs, here are some of the signs that lead us to suspect that Crumbl Cookies is on the decline -- and may even disappear for good.

Read more: The Most Overrated Chain Restaurants In The US, According To The Mashed Staff

Sales Dropped Massively In 2023

Boxes of crumbl cookies - Charley Gallay/Getty Images

While plenty of factors contribute to a brand's downfall, none matter quite as much as dwindling sales. Crumbl Cookies may boast more units than ever, but it's experienced this drop in sales in the past year. According to Crumbl's 2024 franchise disclosure document (via Franchise Times), the average store revenue dropped in 2023 from $1.8 million to $1.16 million, marking a 37% decrease. Most importantly, this is apparently the first year in which Crumbl's average unit value has declined, ever.

Delving further into the numbers, the average net profit across the 571 stores featured in the report was $122,955. That's $175,364 (or 58.7%) less than 2022. As if those numbers weren't concerning enough, Crumbl's worst performing location lost a whopping $241,554 in 2023. And while overall revenue for Crumbl increased by 11% to $122.3 million in 2023, its net income declined 19% to $42.8 million. Yikes.

It's Already Started Closing Multiple Locations

Exterior of Crumbl Cookies store - Felixmizioznikov/Getty Images

You know what they say, "With great internet virality, comes great responsibility." Okay, maybe they don't say that, but the point still stands that social media trends come and go, which is why it isn't always the smartest idea to go all-in at the height of your 15 minutes of fame, which is arguably what Crumbl Cookies has done. The chain expanded massively throughout 2022 in an effort to meet the soaring market demand generated by videos tagged #crumbl on TikTok.

Story continues

But did it grow too big, too fast? The signs are certainly there. As per its 2024 franchise disclosure document, Crumbl permanently closed seven stores last year: one in its native Utah, one in Georgia, one in Florida, and four in California (via Franchise Times). These were apparently the chain's first closures since 2020, when it closed just the one store in Arizona. Notably, this closure occurred before Crumbl boomed on social media.

These closures aren't done yet. While Crumbl has continued to open new stores, it closed another unit in Bellevue, Tennessee in January. A store also closed in Victorville, California "due to underperformance" in February (via Victor Valley News Group). These closures aren't totally out of the blue. Crumbl's CEO Jason McGowan told QSR in 2023 that the chain's growth will slow down to ensure it's "healthy and manageable." However, mass closures are still pretty alarming.

There Have Been Huge Layoffs Behind The Scenes

Hand holding pink Crumbl Cookies box - Crumbl Cookies / X, formerly known as Twitter

Layoffs are rarely a good sign. Like a lot of businesses in the past year, Crumbl Cookies decided to cut down its workforce in October 2023, citing "strong economic headwinds," "structural changes," and "streamlined" operations as its reasons for doing so (via The Salt Lake Tribune). This streamlining applied to its flagship store in Orem in particular, which switched from being a retail outlet and a training facility to instead "focus on its primary retail function."

While Crumbl didn't confirm the exact number of people affected by these layoffs, an alleged employee claimed on Reddit at the time that it was over 120. "People were blind sided," they wrote. "They thought with the growth, that the company was really healthy. One person mentioned sales are 50% of what they were last year and they never talked about it!!!!" By the sounds of it, not everyone was shocked by these layoffs. A self-described former employee from Crumbl's training team added on Reddit that "the level of delusion in that company is unlike anything I've ever seen before. 900 new stores in under 2 years is not sustainable for any company, I don't care who you are." To make matters worse, multiple employees were offended when, in the same week, Crumbl Cookies co-founder and chief business officer Sawyer Hemsley allegedly posted pictures of his new mansion on Instagram.

The Cookies Receive Way Less Hype On Social Media Than They Used To

Crumbl Cookies booth in NYC - Jeff Schear/Getty Images

Let's make one thing clear: Crumbl Cookies are still pretty popular on social media. Does this hype compare to the height of the 2021 Crumbl craze? Not exactly. At its peak, Crumbl was unavoidable on TikTok. Not only were foodies and celebrities alike reviewing their favorite flavors, but accounts entirely dedicated to new releases and hosting cookie parties racked up thousands of followers of their own.

As of 2024, these reviews can and do still rack up millions of views. One review from TikToker babydumplingg even hit an impressive 9.7 million views in May 2024, with her audience plugged in to find out whether the Cookies 'n' Cream Rice Krispies Treat stacks up against Crumbl's standard sugar cookies (spoiler: it does). However, the numbers do show an overall drop in interest. For example, in June 2021, one of Crumbl's weekly TikToks announcing the new flavor lineup received over 153,000 likes. As of June 2024, new flavor announcements have pulled in significantly less with 37,200 likes, 45,300 likes, and 22,700 likes. The sentiment has also increasingly slanted negative, with some of the most viral videos about Crumbl focusing on "Crumbl Cookies is a SCAM," "Crumbl is BAD," and "I will never buy Crumbl Cookie again."

Some Customers Think They've Changed The Recipe (And Not In A Good Way)

Crumbl Cookies in pink boxes - Monica Schipper/Getty Images

To some of those who started out on the Crumbl Cookies train, the business has taken a few wrong turns in recent years. Multiple customers have complained that the chain has tampered with its cookie recipes, leaving them lower quality and less delicious than before. "It seems like they are changing/altering the ingredients and recipes used, most likely to cut costs, while 'rebranding' as a 'new & improved' version," noted one customer on Reddit.

Some of the flavors that are most commonly accused of switching recipes are the Confetti Cake, Peanut Butter, and Golden Oreo. The biggest difference for many is the switch from shortbread bases to sugar cookies, which apparently happened when the Classic Pink Sugar was axed from the menu then brought back with a "new and improved" taste. "Although they don't owe us an explanation for the change, it shows the brand's inconsistencies and corner cutting ways," wrote one Reddit user. "It's a huge difference. The same corporation that fines stores for not being [compliant] on topping procedures also changes cookies people have been waiting for with no notice. It's a waste of money and I've lost all trust in the corporation."

Prices For Cookies And Catering Orders Have Soared

Crumbl party box - thelittlecactus/Shutterstock

It's a tale as old as time. You find your new go-to treat. Thousands of other people also find their new go-to treat. As demand soars, the company quietly starts increasing the prices of said treat, until eventually it becomes so expensive that it's more of a special occasion kind of indulgence than something you can justify purchasing on a regular basis -- and said company then needs to maintain these extortionate prices because less people are buying these treats, and they desperately need to maintain profits.

Sound familiar? In the eyes of some Crumbl customers, that's exactly what's happening to the beloved cookie chain. While prices vary from location to location, they've increased in gradual increments over the past few years, with a single cookie costing as much as $4.99 and a pack of 12 priced at $48.99 as of July 2024. Rewind back to May 2021, and a single cookie would set you back $3, meaning prices have increased by a shocking 66%. The price of catering orders has also increased at an absolutely mind-blowing rate. One Reddit user shared screenshots of two orders they placed for 100 cookies in 2021 versus 2024. While the first order set them back $115, their most recent bulk order for the same amount of cookies cost almost double at $239. That's one heck of a markup.

Crumbl Cookies Has Been Sued For Charging Customers A Sneaky Fee

Crumbl Cookies signs on street lamp - Gado/Getty Images

As if Crumbl's soaring prices didn't take a large enough toll on the wallet, some customers have complained about the service charges quietly added onto their orders. In August 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against the company over the 2.95% fee added onto every order placed via the Crumbl app -- despite not being mentioned anywhere ahead of time. In fact, the only way to see this fee is to click on a small question mark next to "taxes and fees" upon checkout.

"Crumbl's promotion of a smooth, 'tech-driven' customer experience hides a more sinister truth: every time a customer utilizes the Crumbl App, Crumbl charges a carefully concealed 2.95% 'Service Fee,'" the plaintiffs complained when filing the case (via Courthouse News). "As a result of this automatic fee, customers pay a uniformly higher price for Crumbl's products than advertised on the menu." They also added that "given that the vast majority of American consumers already expect to pay sales tax on their purchase, Crumbl purposefully hides this charge among state taxes where it is unlikely to be discovered by reasonable consumers."

The duo, named as California residents Lisa Watson and Angela Keers, have requested damages not only for themselves but what they estimate is thousands of people across the state and the rest of the U.S. They've also demanded that Crumbl corrects this "wrongful and unlawful conduct" ASAP.

It's Been Accused Of Stealing Ideas From Smaller Businesses

Mini chocolate chip cookies on stripes - EWY Media/Shutterstock

Selling cookies isn't exactly a unique business plan, but other companies specializing in baked goods have claimed that Crumbl Cookies has borrowed (or, to be more extreme, stolen) specific ideas for their own benefit. In April 2024, Cookie Co. accused Crumbl of ripping off its weekly Mini Mondays promotion that sees it sell batches of tiny versions of its regular sized cookies.

Crumbl's version of the promotion is creatively also named "Mini Mondays." Upon announcing the new venture, customers rushed to Cookie Co.'s defense, with one writing on Crumbl's Facebook, "Why is Crumbl stealing ideas of small businesses? #CookieCo initially came up with the idea of Mini Monday." Elise Thomas, CEO of Cookie Co., addressed the news in a now-deleted Instagram Reel, complaining that "I don't care that they used the name. The thing I care about is how they repeatedly go after small businesses" (via The U.S. Sun).

Ironically, she also claimed that Crumbl (which she described as a company that starts with a "C") has previously tried to send Cookie Co. "potential lawsuits" demanding that they stop using a rotating menu and change their uniform colors. "There was only 1 of me and hundreds of their shops," said Thomas, who declined to take legal action.

Some Crumbl Locations Were Found Guilty Of Violating Child Labor Laws

Exterior of Crumbl Cookies store - Robert V Schwemmer/Shutterstock

Crumbl Cookies faced some pretty serious accusations in December 2022 when a federal investigation found it had violated child labor regulations. A concerning 11 stores in California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah and Washington were found to have allowed employees as young as 14 years old to work in "hazardous or prohibited occupations," as per a press statement from the U.S. Department of Labor. These same workers were also found to work later or for longer than was allowed by law. The location with the most violations were Crumbl Cookies units in Bountiful, Utah, and San Ramon, California, where nine minors were impacted in each store. All 11 stores in question were fined a combined total of $57,854.

While each location was a franchise, Crumbl's reputation still took a hit and it was forced to publicly address the situation. A spokesperson told TODAY that Crumbl was "committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming work environment for all of our franchisees and their employees" and that it "take[s] any violation of federal labor laws very seriously. We were deeply disappointed to learn that a small number of our franchised locations were found to be in violation of these laws." Crumbl added that it was "actively working to understand what has occurred at these specific store locations and will take appropriate action to ensure that all of our franchisees are fully compliant with the law" and apologized to all employees affected.

Not Everybody Thinks The Cookies Live Up To The Hype

Box of six cookies - Crumbl Cookies / X, formerly known as Twitter

When it comes to Crumbl Cookies, reviews tend to fall in one of two camps: those who think they're the most decadent, delicious desserts on the market, and those who think they're raw, saccharine, and deeply overrated. As is often the case when a product receives so much initial praise, it feels like a lot of people have turned on Crumbl as the years have passed and that second group is growing more and more vocal about the gall of paying $5 for an overhyped cookie.

As one critic put it on Reddit, "It's a novelty item that will likely run its course and be gone in a few years." More specific complaints focus on the fact that the cookies are (purposefully) underbaked, giving them a polarizing cake-like texture. People also aren't impressed with the OTT frosting, which one unfavorable customer described on Reddit as being "like 9 parts butter, 1 part sugar. I gagged the first time I tried one, and it was the last time I tried one."

Crumbl's menu does change every week, so it's inevitable that some flavors are more popular than others. Personal preference is also a huge factor. Some people (this writer included) are all for a doughy, soft cookie, while others prefer more textured bakes. Regardless, it does feel like more people are calling out Crumbl as being more of a fad than a cult staple that will stand the test of time.

It Was Denied An Injunction Against A Rival That Stole Crumbl Recipes

Inside of M&M cookies - Crumbl Cookies / X, formerly known as Twitter

Crumbl Cookies received some disappointing news in August 2023 when a judge confirmed that it wouldn't allow an injunction against one of the company's biggest rivals. As per a lawsuit filed by Crumbl in 2022, Dirty Dough stole 66 Crumbl recipes. The company's founder, Bennett Maxwell, allegedly received said recipes from his brother, Bradley, who downloaded them alongside other company information during his final week at Crumbl.

Had the injunction gone ahead, Dirty Dough would've been prevented from opening any new franchise stores -- something that would've inflicted a deadly blow upon the company, as per Maxwell. However, things didn't work out in Crumbl's favor, as the judge ruled that it had "not come close to showing that it still faces irreparable injury that could justify an economic death sentence for its nascent rival" (via The Salt Lake Tribune).

It was ultimately decided that Dirty Dough and Maxwell would return all information taken from Crumbl (and that Maxwell would swear under oath that he had, in fact, returned everything). Dirty Dough still had plenty to say after its legal victory, taking a swipe at Crumbl for being "a greedy billion-dollar company suing multiple start-ups for making cookies in attempt to stifle competition." It's also used the legal conflict to bolster its own business, using the tagline, "Cookies so good we're being sued!" (via The Salt Lake Tribune). Now, those are fighting words.

Read the original article on Mashed.
(Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harris is quickly winning supporters for her presidential bid within the top rungs of high finance  joining her KHive of online fans.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ray McGuire, president of Lazard Inc., says shes just getting started.

Many Wall Street leaders will rally to support her, said McGuire, a former New York mayoral candidate who was one of the most prominent Wall Street executives to back Harris run for president in the last cycle. This is a clarion call for democracy. The credibility she has will resonate from Wall Street to Main Street.

Top Democratic officials and donors have rushed to support Harris, 59, after President Joe Bidens decision over the weekend to not seek reelection and endorse his vice president for the nomination. As his running mate, shes the only person capable of accessing the roughly $96 million already raised for the ticket.

The vice president rapidly added to her war chest following the announcement, raising $81 million in the first 24 hours since taking over the campaign. In addition to the Wall Street donations, Harris banked donations from some 888,000 grassroots donors, her campaign said, calling it the highest single-day raise of any candidate in history. By contrast, the Biden campaign raised $63.8 million in all of June.

Already, we are seeing a broad and diverse coalition come together to support our critical work of talking to the voters that will decide this election, Harris spokesman Kevin Munoz said in a statement.

Harris, who vowed to earn and win the nomination, has quickly gotten deep-pocketed Democrats on board, including Evercore Inc. founder Roger Altman, who said on CNBC Monday that hes pledged his support for her. George and Alex Soros, longtime Democratic mega-donors, were among the first to back Harris after Bidens announcement.

Marc Lasry, the billionaire chief executive of Avenue Capital Group, will also support Harris, according to a person familiar with the matter. He hosted an event for her at his New York apartment during the last presidential cycle and probably will again, said the person, who requested anonymity because the discussions were private.

Frank Baker, who runs a private equity firm focused on tech, is also planning on backing her, according to a person familiar with his thinking. He hosted a fundraiser for Harris in 2019 at his Southampton home.

I wanted a candidate who earned the nomination. And in 24 hours Kamala showed me  showed us all  that she can mobilize the base, said Christina Lewis, founder of multi-family office Beatrice Advisors. Kamala can get people running to the polls. I am 100% behind her.

It all amounts to a swift and orderly pivot for the party, which was staring down a potentially chaotic few weeks ahead of the Democratic National Convention if, as some donors preferred, there was an open contest among Harris and other high-profile governors and elected officials.

Instead, many state delegations that had been bound to Biden are lining up behind Harris. She was about halfway toward the number of delegates she needs to clinch the nomination as of noon New York time.

Meanwhile, donor money is pouring in from the KHive  a play on Beyonces Beyhive  and beyond.

The Biden-allied super political action committee Future Forward has received $150 million worth of new pledges in the past day from donors who hadnt previously committed to support Biden, or had paused giving to pressure on him to drop out, according to a senior aide for the group.

The enthusiasm for fundraising is something I have never seen before  the number of people who have reached out to host or co-host an event or raise money, is astounding, said Jon Henes, CEO of C Street Advisory Group and Harris national finance chair for her previous presidential run.

Some big donors who preferred an open convention said theyd want to see Harris running mate  and whether that person would tip the scales toward Democrats in crucial swing states  before endorsing her.

Some top contenders for her running mate include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51; Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, 46; North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, 67; and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, 60. Beshear said Monday hed consider joining Harris presidential ticket, while Cooper, who said he spoke with her on Sunday, dodged the question.

McGuire, whose wife, Crystal McCrary McGuire, hosted a campaign fundraiser for women who support Harris earlier this year, sees her being at the top of the ticket as a draw itself, regardless of running mate.

But, he added, shes capable of surrounding herself with top people.

Harris is an impressive talent who happens to be a woman, who is Black, McGuire said. Shes got a command of the facts, and a track record. And she can field an A team, for this election and going forward.

--With assistance from Bill Allison.

(Updates with new donation figures in fifth and sixth paragraphs.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The war in Ukraine has 'opened Pandora's box' in Europe, and now new strike weapons are on the way, nuclear-weapons expert says

The war in Ukraine has 'opened Pandora's box' in Europe, and now new strike weapons are on the way, nuclear-weapons expert says

The US plans to deploy long-range weapons in Europe, and its allies are bolstering their arsenals.

The war in Ukraine has opened "Pandora's box" for these capabilities, a nuclear-weapons expert says.

NATO and Russia are entering dangerous territory with risk of escalation.

In its brutal war against Ukraine, Russia has used theater ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as one-way attack drones, to hammer Ukrainian cities, and there's been a recognition that Russia could fight the West with capabilities the latter has let atrophy.

These deep strikes and other elements of the war have been eye-opening for Europe and the US, opening "Pandora's box" for more military capabilities, an expert in nuclear weapons and arms control told Business Insider. New weapons and deployments are coming, raising concerns of escalation not seen since the Cold War.

Earlier this month, the US and several NATO allies announced multiple plans relating to long-range strike capabilities.

First, the US said it would place new long-range fires in Germany beginning in 2026 with episodic deployments "as part of planning for enduring stationing of these capabilities in the future." The conventional weapons include the SM-6, the Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic weapons, "which have significantly longer range than current land-based fires in Europe."

US Army soldiers launching ATACMS from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in Australia. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Dickson

Not long after, several European nations signed a joint initiative to develop new ground-launched cruise missiles. At the time, France's defense minister, Sebastien Lecornu, said it was "clearly a segment we don't have." Poland, Germany, and Italy also agreed to the plan and said they intended to bring in more allies.

These plans signal the US and some of its biggest European allies are all in on long-range weapons, and some officials are directly attributing the moves to what's happening on the battlefield in Ukraine. "The war in Ukraine shows that long-range strikes are a key issue for the defense of Europe," Lecornu posted on X.

The war has exposed vulnerabilities and capability gaps for Europe in the face of Russian aggression.

"These countries knew that long-range weapons were important even before Russia invaded Ukraine, but Russia's war in Ukraine has opened Pandora's Box to more and more military steps," Hans Kristensen, the director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, said.

A Storm Shadow/SCALP missile on the wing of a Rafale fighter. Thierry Wurtz/MBDA

Conventional long-range strike capabilities are useful for engaging targets deep within enemy territory. They can make a huge difference operationally and strategically, especially if used to cut off enemy logistics and command centers. Their presence is threatening enough to potentially deter aggression.

A challenge is that these weapon systems risk escalation, both in their presence and use. Kristensen said there was a risk of "tit-for-tat escalation posturing." These weapons can also be used at a moment's notice, and they can cause confusion for a nuclear power uncertain of the payload.

For decades, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the US and Russia prohibited the development of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers in order to prevent either side from escalating tensions into full-blown conflict. The treaty was an important landmark in keeping these weapons off the European continent  but the US withdrew in 2019 after it accused Moscow of violating the 1987 pact by developing, testing, and fielding the SSC-8/9M729 missile system.

Moscow denied the allegations and later pulled out of the treaty as well, immediately opening the floodgates for both sides to ramp up the development of new missiles.

Deep-strike weapons

The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely launches Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word

Poland, Germany, France, and Italy's new long-range missile plans follow work in the US to quickly develop new long-range strike systems. The US tested its first previously banned missile the same month it withdrew from the INF treaty.

Among the systems in the works, Typhon, which uses a ground-based launcher to fire the SM-6 and the Tomahawk, is a top priority. The Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon is also in the works, though it's facing some delays and funding issues.

The efforts within Europe to develop new long-range strike weapon systems signal an important change in thinking. For decades, European states ignored the larger shift toward a need for stand-off deep-strike capabilities, cutting surface-to-surface missile programs and larger defense spending across the board.

Right now, with concerns of further Russian aggression against NATO members running high and the conflict in Ukraine continuing with no end in sight, "the wind is in the sails of the defense hawks and the defense industry to persuade leaders to buy new weapons to demonstrate they're doing something to stand up to Russia," Kristensen said.

An SM-6 missile fired by a US Navy warship. US Navy/Lt. Zachary Anderson

There's been a noteworthy shift for many European nations toward bolstering their own domestic defenses rather than relying on the US. But it's not necessarily all about Russia. Part of that, Kristensen said, could be anxieties around how US support for NATO could change under a second Donald Trump presidency.

"It is entirely expected that European countries will develop their own weapons, initiatives that have become more important with the prospect of a President Trump reducing the US commitment to Europe," he said.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the NATO alliance, often complaining that many nations don't pull their weight in the group's collective defenses, and has even suggested he'd let Russia attack members who don't pay their share of the budget.

Correction: July 23, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the name of the Nuclear Information Project's director on first reference. He is Hans Kristensen, not Hans Director.

Read the original article on Business Insider
When Landon Smith was diagnosed with autism, his school system in Huntsville, Alabama, said he may never speak English as a primary language, recalls Landon's grandfather.

"It's like my daughter said, all of the sudden your world changes and you don't know what to do first," Benito Vattelana said.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Vattelana, 63, now lives in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with his wife. He has worked as a financial advisor at Edward Jones for 17 years and is licensed as a Chartered Special Needs Consultant.

After Landon was diagnosed when he was 6 years old, Vattelana said his family began researching autism and discovered alternative diets and activities.

"By doing things that we did, it completely unlocked him to communicate and express his feelings and really make amazing progress," Vattelana said. "[Landon] is super high functioning and super verbal."

Landon, now 11 years old, is home-schooled by his family. Vattelana said Landon reads, plays the cello and is first chair violinist in the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. After seeing his grandson's progress, Vattelana pitched an idea to Washington County Public Schools in hopes of giving children the same resources that helped Landon blossom.

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Landon's Project

Benito Vattelana (left), Washington County administrators, and Landon's Project community partners including Meritus Health sign a memorandum of understanding for the program.

Vattelana's idea was to create a resource hub for autistic children and other "unique learners" who need extra support in their educational environments.

The program, soft launching this August, will be run out of the former Funkstown Elementary School and is sponsored by public and private partners, including Meritus Health. While it will have a permanent location, it won't initially function as a full-time alternative school.

Vattelana said that through his work with Edward Jones, he connected with organizations including the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment to discuss ideas and next steps for the program.

"A lot of students who may have an autism diagnosis don't necessarily have access to the appropriate doctors who can give them that diagnosis or to help support the family," said Jennifer Webster, the assistant superintendent with Washington County schools. "That's why we decided the program focuses on students with autism and any family who needs that seamless connection between school and the medical community."

Both Webster and Vattelana said their visions for the program are to create a hub with school staff and medical staff to aid and support students in need. The program will start as an outlet for students struggling in school to get reacclimated with their home schools, but Webster said she hopes it develops into a full-time school for students who need more medical or educational support.

Vattelana said he hopes students learn skills they can use in the classroom and their everyday life from the program.

"The whole goal is to help them become part of the complete fabric of the school system within their classrooms, and to work along their peers," Vattelana said. "They have to be taught sometimes how to adapt and adjust."

Webster said Dr. Anad Budi, the chief medical officer of Meritus, and Dr. Paula Gregory, the dean of the proposed Meritus Medical School of Osteopathic Medicine, have been involved in the planning process. While Webster said they haven't nailed down the specific roles Meritus will play, there is a commitment between the hospital and the program.

Carol Mowen, president of the Washington County Teacher's Association, hopes the program will provide both teachers and students with support.

This program shows that our administration at central office is recognizing the need to provide essential therapeutic services for our learners, Mowen said. Hopefully this will alleviate some of the issues we are seeing in our elementary school related to physical interactions between teachers and their students.

Public safety: Former Maryland State Police lieutenant recounts journey to capture Beltway snipers

Landon's Project inspiration

The former Funkstown Elementary School will be the new home to Landon's Project starting in August of 2024.

The program was inspired by Landon's Puzzle Pieces, a project started by Landon and his family when Landon was 8 years old, according to Vattelana.

For his eighth birthday, [Landons grandfather] said Landon, what would you like to do for your birthday?  Vattelana recalled. And [Landon] said, I want to give kids my superpowers. 

Landons parents didnt tell him he had autism when he was diagnosed, but Landon knew that there was something special about the way he learned, said Vattelana. So, when he asked to give other kids superpowers, Vattelana had an idea.

Sensory items really were a big part of helping [Landon], Vattelana said. All these things weve found are all part of the puzzle, so we basically started an Amazon Wishlist about four years ago.

The Amazon Wishlist expanded into a sensory item drive called Landons Puzzle Pieces, starting in Alabama. The program then launched in both Washington County and, because of Vattelana's connections, within the Edward Jones network, inspiring Vattelana to pitch Landons Project.

Because of the impact Landon's Puzzle Pieces had throughout the country, the county asked Vattelana if it could name the program after Landon. Vattelana happily agreed.

"It's just making sure that we have a robust community program," Vattelana said. "All the working parts are together and we're really helping each other."

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But Landon, at least right know, doesn't realize what a profound impact his name will have on other children.

"As he gets older, I think he'll look back he'll be proud of us that we took something that really helped, and we turn it into something that is helping so many kids," Vattelana said.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Washington County Public Schools, Meritus launch autism support program
Watch: 7-month-old tree kangaroo peeks out of its moms pouch for the first time

BRONX, N.Y. (WPIX)  The second baby of an endangered tree-dwelling kangaroo made its public debut this week in New York, poking its pink head out of its moms furry white pouch.

The baby joey, a Matschies tree kangaroo, was born at the end of December but finally emerged from its mothers pouch.

This birth is a rarity and significant for the Bronx Zoo, a spokesperson said. The birth is a result of the zoos participation in a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans

In a 30-second video shared by the Bronx Zoo, the joey pops its head out for a brief moment, looks around the enclosure, sniffs and then goes back inside its mothers pouch.

The Matschies tree kangaroo is an endangered species from Papua New Guinea. When born, the joeys are about the size of a human thumbnail, crawling through the mothers fur to enter her pouch. They emerge about seven months later.

This species of kangaroo is smaller than Australias red kangaroo, weighing between 20 and 25 pounds. Conservationists believe that fewer than 2,500 Matschies tree kangaroos remain in the wild. They are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting and other human activities.

This is the second kangaroo born at the Bronx Zoo and to this female since 2021.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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TRENTON - The state Supreme Court won't consider a legal challenge to a planned Wawa store in Voorhees.

The Wawas opponents sued in February 2022 after Voorhees zoning board approved the proposed 5,500-square-foot store and fueling station at Route 73 and Kresson Road.

But a Superior Court judge and an appeals court both upheld the boards decision..

The Supreme Court said Friday it would not take on the case.

Challenge to Sheetz: Wawa entering Central Pennsylvania market

The dispute focused on the boards approval of a variance needed for a secondary access driveway on Kresson Road.

Multi-state expansion: Wawa to build its first convenience stores in Georgia

While commercial use is permitted in almost all of the four-acre site, the driveway would pass through about small area zoned residential/rural.

The zoning board is pleased with the Supreme Courts decision electing not to hear the appeal, said Christopher Norman, a Stratford attorney representing the township.

He said professional engineers for both Wawa and the zoning board had concluded the driveway represented a better traffic design plan than restricting access to/from the Wawa exclusively on Route 73, directly adjacent to a traffic-light intersection.

"There was never any question that the Voorhees zoning board approval was carefully considered and well thought out in every instance," said Timothy Prime, a Mount Laurel lawyer who represented Wawa.

"The appeals were a waste of time and money for everyone including Voorhees Township taxpayers," he said.

Howard Sobel, lawyer for the plaintiffs, declined to comment.

The high court's decision comes after a six-year effort by Wawa to develop the Voorhees site.

The convenience store operator initially proposed sharing the property with Tractor Supply Co. in April 2018.

That sparked strong opposition from neighbors and the planning board rejected the project in August 2018.

Tractor Supply Co. moved to another site on Route 73 in Berlin Township, and Wawa submitted a revised plan in December 2019.

The lawsuit was filed by Sobel's Voorhees Law Center, a firm next to the proposed driveway, and Kresson Road residents Heather and Thomas Furey.

According to an appellate ruling in March, the opponents raised traffic concerns and said the removal of a large tree for the driveway would disrupt buffering and landscaping outside the Law Centers building.

They also argued the project would increase sunlight, to the detriment of the Law Center and its koi pond.

Among other points, the appeals court rejected arguments that Wawa had not met the criteria for a zoning variance and that the opponents had been denied due process.

The three-judge panel determined the boards approval was supported by sufficient, credible evidence in the record,and is not arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: State Supreme Court declines to enter legal dispute over Voorhees Wawa
House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) sent a second letter Monday to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation amid its investigation into donations from a left-leaning nonprofit, the Tides Foundation.

Smith sent his first letter in May probing millions of dollars in donations the Foundation has received from the Tides Foundation, a donor-advised fund that allows individuals or companies to give them money then direct them as grants to other nonprofits.

The investigation marked a massive shift in the historically close alignment between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Republicans. The committee has more broadly flexed its oversight authority over the tax-exempt sector since Smith took over at the start of the 118th Congress, and is slated to hold a hearing Tuesday morning tracing the flow of tax-exempt dollars to antisemitism.

As previously mentioned, we are concerned about the links between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) and the Tides Foundation, Smith wrote in his Monday letter to Michael Carney, who took over as president of the foundation after Carolyn Cawley stepped down in May.

In addition to the Tides Foundations support of organizations that advocate for policies that would harm the American business community, the Tides Foundation has also been at the center of antisemitic incidents that have taken place across college campuses since Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.

The letter points to reporting from the conservative-leaning magazine Tablet that found organizations involved in campus protests against the war in Gaza had previously received grants through the Tides Foundation.

House Republicans have decried the largely peaceful protests as antisemitic and grilled university leaders for their failure to rein in rising antisemitism on college campuses, as Smith writes in the letter.

Given the links the Tides Foundation has to rising antisemitism on college campuses, the Committee is concerned about why such an organization would help facilitate donations to the USCCF through its Donor Advised Funds (DAF) and why the USCCF would be willing to accept donations through that organization, Smith said.

The Foundation did not immediately return The Hills request for comment.

The Tides Foundation gave more than $12 million to the Foundation between 2018 and 2022 for purposes including economic development, project support and equality, human rights and economic empowerment, according to tax records first reported by the right-wing outlet Breitbart News.

Breitbart accused the Chamber of turning to to Soros-Funded groups and Democrats to keep dwindling operations alive, noting the nonprofit had received funding in the past from another left-leaning nonprofit, Open Society Foundations. Open Society Foundations was founded by billionaire Democratic megadonor George Soros, himself a frequent target of antisemitic attacks, conspiracy theories and the political right.

But federal disclosure laws make it virtually impossible to trace money from an individual donor to a grant through a donor-advised fund, especially one like the Tides Foundation that raises and distributes hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The Foundation pushed back on the Ways and Mean inquiry and the Breitbart report upon which it is based, stating in its response letter that certain corporations and corporate foundations have donated to the USCCF through Tides.

It also pointed out other well-respected nonprofits including Goodwill, the Red Cross and Make-a-Wish Foundation have received funding through the Tides Foundation.

Still, Smith is seeking more answers on the Foundations due diligence process for donations, standards for declining donations and history of returning or declining donations based on concerns over the views, beliefs, or public pronouncements of an individual or entity making a donation.

Although you acknowledged in your response that the Tides Foundation makes gifts to organizations through its DAF that are not aligned with the Chamber and for activities which the Chamber would oppose, it calls into question whether the USCCF was previously aware of the Tides Foundations partners prior to accepting contributions through their DAF, Smith wrote.

It also raises questions regarding whether there is any donation the USCCF would ever decline, he added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
All The Ways The Right Is Melting Down Over Kamala Harris

In the 24 hours since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place at the top of the ticket, the right has struggled to mount a unified response  whipsawing between different strains of messaging that have veered from angry to conspiratorial to downright racist.

Bidens surprise announcement upended the 2024 presidential race and shocked Republicans and their conservative allies, who were banking on running against an unpopular 81-year-old incumbent with well-defined qualities they could easily attack.

Now, with just four months until the election, the right is throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks against Harris, 59, the first female, Black and South Asian American vice president, who has quickly won support from various corners of the Democratic Party in her newly launched effort to become the nominee next month.

This Isnt Happening!

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, seemed far more focused on Bidens decision to leave the race, ranting about the Democratic rebellion against Bidens candidacy that was rooted in concerns about his age and fitness.

By Monday morning, Trump had posted on Truth Social more than a dozen times about Biden. He claimed the president never had COVID-19 despite the White House doctor affirming so. He insisted Biden is the real threat to Democracy. He complained that now we have to start all over again, and predicted: Its not over! Tomorrow Crooked Joe Bidens going to wake up and forget that he dropped out of the race today!

And in a sign of how much Republicans were relying on running against Biden, Trump on Sunday also suggested changing the rules of Septembers presidential debate by swapping out ABC News as the moderator in favor of Fox News, which would offer much more favorable ground for the GOP. Democrats quickly pounced, accusing Trump of being scared to debate Harris.

Its Just Not Fair!

Former Trump White House adviser Stephen Miller vented about Biden leaving the race in a Fox News interview, accusing Democrats of being an oligarchy.

They held a primary! Miller said. People  they had ballots! They filled out circles, they went to the voting booths! They spent money on advertisements, and as President Trump said, the Republican Party spent tens of millions of dollars running against Joe Biden.

Now theyve just woke up one morning and said: Never mind, were canceling the entire primary, were getting rid of our candidate, and were pretending the election has never even happened, and were gonna let donors handpick a new nominee, he said.

Stephen Miller is melting down on Fox tonight. pic.twitter.com/o22R1IihJ3  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) July 22, 2024

Democrats Cant Replace Biden Because Its Not Legal!

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) claimed Sunday that replacing Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee would be unlawful, suggesting that Republicans would file legal challenges to prevent him from leaving the 2024 race.

Turns out the so-called party of democracy thinks it can overrule the votes of over 14 million Americans, Johnson, who led the legal effort to overturn Trumps 2020 presidential election loss, said on ABCs This Week.

Election experts quickly rejected the notion, pointing out that Biden is not actually the official Democratic nominee yet and there would be no obstacle to replacing him on the ballot.

Democrats Are Only Supporting Harris Because Of Her Ethnic Background!

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), who has drawn criticism for making racist comments in the past, said Sunday that some members of the Democratic Party feel pressure to rally around Harris because of her ethnic background. The remark came just a few weeks after another House Republican dismissively called Harris a diversity, equity and inclusion hire.

A lot of Democrats feel they have to stick with her because of her ethnic background, Grothman said of Harris chances at the nomination in an interview with Milwaukees CBS-58.

While some Democrats have argued for an open convention process with multiple candidates, Harris as the sitting vice president has a natural advantage in getting the job. Moreover, her already being on the ticket allows her to easily take charge of Bidens war chest and campaign apparatus.

Kamala Harris Cant Be President Because She Doesnt Have Kids!

Another ugly attack launched against Harris seemed to focus on her having no biological children. The vice president has two stepchildren with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Really simple, underdiscussed reason why Kamala Harris shouldnt be President. No children, Will Chamberlain, senior counsel for the conservative judicial advocacy group Article III Project, wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

In a 2019 piece for Elle, Harris described her stepchildren, Cole and Ella, as her endless source of love and pure joy, revealing their nickname for her: Momala.

When Doug and I got married, Cole, Ella, and I agreedthat we didnt like the term stepmom, Harris wrote at the time. Instead, they came up with the name Momala.

Kamala Harris Doesnt Speak Well!

Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said Sunday that Harris shouldnt be the Democratic presidential nominee because she does not speak well.

She does not speak well. She does not work hard. She doesnt inspire anyone, and she should not be the standard-bearer for the party, Conway said during an interview on Fox News.

Kellyanne: She does not speak well. She does not work hard. She should not be the standard-bearer for the party. pic.twitter.com/IJu3O9kWu7  Acyn (@Acyn) July 22, 2024

The conservative media has for years mocked Harris speeches, laughter, and expressions, suggesting she has trouble connecting to voters and is not ready for the presidency. One such expression about falling from a coconut tree recently became an online meme, lifting Harris cultural appeal.

The right isnt likely to give up on the effort, however. Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump and has vowed to donate to his reelection, on Sunday mocked Harris for the descriptive way she introduced herself to a group of people at a White House meeting in 2022.

Imagine 4 years of this... Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. What he didnt mention is that the vice president was introducing herself to a group of disability rights advocates, some of whom were blind.

Kamala Harris Hates Plastic Straws!

Senior Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller said Sunday on NBC that a major liability for Harris is that she wants to ban plastic straws  resurrecting a favorite GOP attack line against Democrats and efforts to reduce pollution.

I love my plastic straw. I hate those paper straws, Fox News host Sean Hannity said separately.

During a 2019 town hall on CNN, Harris said she supported banning plastic straws, but that more needed to be done to make paper straws effective.

Its really difficult to drink out of a paper straw ... If you dont gulp it down immediately, it starts to bend, Harris said.

Kamala Harris Is No Different Than Joe Biden!

Trumps campaign and his allies on Capitol Hill, meanwhile, focused on Harris work on behalf of the Biden administration, particularly after Biden appointed her to work with Central American authorities to deter migration at the U.S.-Mexico border at the beginning of his presidency. Border crossings spiked during the Biden administration and Republicans view the issue as a key weakness to Harris campaign.

But Democrats say they are confident in Harris ability to beat Trump in November, citing the contrast in a race between a tough-on-crime former state attorney general and a former president who has been convicted of multiple felonies.

I have no idea where they will land, but its very clear that they had a preference, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told HuffPost on Monday, referring to Republicans flailing in their criticisms of Harris. They are watching Democratic enthusiasm skyrocket in real-time, and if I were them, Id be pretty freaked out too.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  A Telford man was arrested after police found an elderly woman in his care living in deplorable conditions, police report.

The Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO) reports deputies responded to a home on Al Sliger Road in Telford after receiving an anonymous phone call requesting a welfare check on a 77-year-old woman.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the womans caretaker, Robert M. Dyer, 57, who lived at the address.

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Deputies then spoke with the woman who was reportedly living in deplorable conditions.

The woman was visibly underweight and was lying in a bed covered with feces and urine, the WCSO said in a news release. Evidence on the scene suggested that the woman had been living in these conditions for a substantial amount of time.

The woman was then taken to a local hospital for treatment. As of Monday, she was in stable condition, according to the WCSO.

Dyer was charged with aggravated abuse/neglect of an elderly or vulnerable adult. He was taken to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

Dyer is set to appear in court on Monday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
ASHEVILLE - The North Carolina Department of Labor cited Zips Car Wash LLC with a willful serious violation along with three other violations on July 12 following the death of a Weaverville employee in January.

Carolina Brea Franks, 26, of Weaverville, was pronounced dead on Jan. 14 by Buncombe County EMS after she apparently (became) entrapped in equipment located within the car wash, the Citizen Times previously reported. After her death, N.C. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Division launched an inspection of the Weaverville car wash on Jan. 13 and 14, according to citation records obtained by the Citizen Times.

The citations state the employee, Franks, was cleaning equipment inside the car wash tunnel and became entangled in the moving equipment, resulting in fatal injuries.

Zips Car Wash in Weaverville after an employee was killed Jan. 14, 2024 after apparently becoming entrapped in the machinery.

From the inspection, N.C. OSH cited Zips with a willful serious violation for not utilizing energy control procedures to control electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic energy sources where employees perform maintenance tasks, like cleaning the equipment.

Zips also received two violations considered serious by OSH. One is for failing to maintain safe working surfaces. Specifically, two sections of the trench grating in the car wash tunnel were damaged, creating a fall hazard for employees working in or passing through the area.

Previous reporting: Weaverville woman killed at Zips Car Wash; caught in equipment: Police

The second serious violation is for not training authorized employees on how to isolate and control hazardous energy sources where maintenance tasks are performed. A third nonserious citation was issued against Zips for not securing a cable running from a high-pressure sprayer controller to an electrical box.

All the violations add up to a total penalty of nearly $186,000 and require immediate action to abate the issues, the citations said.

"They should be held accountable because I lost my granddaughter because of their negligence or whatever," Ernestine Franks, Carolina Franks' paternal grandmother, told the Citizen Times July 22. "They need to be accountable, so it doesn't happen to anybody else."

"She thought of other people more than she thought of herself," Franks said of her granddaughter. "If she could help other people that'd make her happy."

Carolina Brea Franks, of Weaverville, was killed after getting entrapped in machinery while working at Zips car wash in Weaverville. She was 26. OSH sent notice of several safety violations to the company after investigating her death.

The company has 15 days after receiving the citations to request an informal conference with the Labor Department, file a notice of contest with the OSH Review Commission, or to pay the penalty, according to an email from DOL spokesperson Erin Wilson.

The penalties are in no way designed to make up for the loss of life, the email said.

By law, the civil money penalties collected by the N.C. Department of Labor are not receipts of the department, but rather must be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund, which then distributes the monies to the public school system.

Zips spokesperson Sarah Elizabeth Falanga said the company has not yet received the OSH report.

"We continue to be deeply saddened by loss of this extraordinarily valuable member of our team, Carolina Brea Franks," Falanga wrote in a statement July 22 to the Citizen Times.

Franks, whos known as Brea to her family, wasnt supposed to work at the car wash that day, but filled in when someone canceled their shift last minute, the Citizen Times previously reported.

"She did not have an enemy in this world," Franks previously said about Brea, whom she helped raise. "She had good friends, and she would help you anyway that she could. She's just a good person. She loved people."

This story will be updated.

Workplace death in Fairview: 26-year-old worker killed while installing internet in Fairview; OSHA investigating

More: Man who died in 'tragic' Asheville I-26 bulldozer incident remembered as 'super dad'

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Weaverville Zips car wash cited for violations after employee death
Were you surprised by another assassination attempt?

I was sitting under a pavilion at a local brewery in South County the other day listening to some good music and an old-time song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was being sung by a local band.

Mary Janes Last Dance was an old favorite of mine that Ive listened to many times. This song was first released as part of Tom Pettys Greatest Hits album in 1993. It rose to No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Are you familiar with it?

The song was very popular back in the day, with some rather strange lyrics.

Lloyd "Pete" Waters

A worker at the brewery approached me and asked if I had heard the presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at a campaign stop in nearby Pennsylvania.

It was unknown at the time as to the seriousness of the shooting and status of Trumps injuries.

Wow, I thought! I still remembered the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, in Parkland Health, Dallas, Texas, while I was a student at Boonsboro High School. Lee Harvey Oswald was the alleged shooter who was later shot by Jack Ruby as he was being escorted under law enforcement supervision. Remember?

Other shootings soon flushed through my mind; President Reagan was shot on March 30, 1981, by John Hinckley Jr. in Washington, D.C.; George Wallace, a candidate for president, was shot five times on May 15, 1972, at a Laurel shopping center by 21-year-old Arthur Bremer; Wallace was paralyzed from the waist down.

As I listened to "Mary Janes last dance" under the pavilion, I was reminded of a line in that song:

"Tired of screwing up, tired of going down, tired of myself, tired of this town."

Was Trumps assailant "tired of himself?" What was his end game? Death?

More: I went fishing with six new friends on July Fourth

I was trying to imagine that thinking of an individual pulling that trigger of an AR 15 on a roof while aiming it at a live target; some reports suggest he fired eight rounds before being terminated.

Did you ever wonder what must go through the mind of one intending to shoot or kill a political figure in office or campaigning out on the election circuit?

Earliest reports suggest that the gunman in this most recent incident on Donalds Trump life was allegedly a 20-year-old male on a rooftop with an AR 15 weapon. A recent graduate of high school and junior college.

All the major law enforcement agencies continue to collect as much data as possible.

What was the shooters motive?

I wondered again; was he tired of screwing up, tired of going down, tired of himself or tired of this town?

What would make a young man want to climb a roof with an AR 15 and take eight shots at a popular political figure to inflict bodily harm and/or death with a dangerous weapon? Would he even care about missing the target and killing other innocent victims?

More: Power, leadership, old age and a presidential debate

Would he be of sound mind who could reason between right thinking and wrong behavior? Or was he mentally ill or merely politically violent?

Where would a 20-year-old get an AR 15? Are they too easily accessible? Where did he learn to operate, shoot and aim a weapon of that caliber?

Were there any alarms or factors available to others around the assailant in regard to his plan? Was the death of innocents a factor in his planning? Did he really care?

What was his motive? What inflamed him to do what he did; the young man was shot dead by a government sniper before he could answer any questions.

A report will be finalized in regard to his actions and this incident; factors will be studied for a long time; fingers will be pointed as to why the incident occurred, and a popular political figured would escape death by the thinnest of margins.

Was the harsh, aggressive and violent political rhetoric of this years election a "causative" factor in this most recent assault? Did political rhetoric stoke the election flames?

More: Does anger ever make you cuss?

There are many questions to be asked; there is much evidence to be found; and there will also be a review of the security provided at this political event and mistakes made.

Could this incident have been prevented will be another question for review.

Could the heated rhetoric of political parties really be a reason to "stoke the embers" of potential rage to kill another human?

Many questions remain to be asked.

Many answers will be elusive; some avoided.

Does the future look any better in preventing these assassination incidents?

More: Samuel Mudd, prisoner of Shark Island. How was he connected to Lincoln's assassination?

Life really hasnt improved that much since Cain and Abel, has it? Hate still rules.

Whats next? Maybe more hate.

Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Were you surprised by another assassination attempt?
Travel disruption is expected to carry on this week after Friday's IT meltdown threw airline schedules into disarray - Bav Media

Microsoft was not directly to blame for the computer bug that caused last weekends IT meltdown, but it did not take long for the software giant to become the face of the incident.

Huge screens at airports, hospitals and train terminals all flashed up with the blue screen of death, the trademark error screen that displays when Windows computers fail to load correctly.

News bulletins carried reports of a worldwide Microsoft outage delaying flights and breaking cash machines, while staff at the companys Seattle headquarters rushed to issue guidance on fixing the issue.

Microsoft, the worlds second most valuable company with a market value of more than $3 trillion (2.3 trillion), was quick to point at the root cause of the fiasco: the Texas security firm CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike had issued an update containing faulty code to its Falcon cyber defence software that rendered Windows PCs and servers using it inoperable. This was not a Microsoft incident, Microsoft wrote in an online post at the weekend.

The company said CrowdStrikes update had affected just 8.5m Windows machines, less than 1pc of the global total.

However, the bug disproportionately affected Windows computers, and Microsofts ubiquity among businesses and critical infrastructure providers meant the outage was more widespread than it might have been.

The company is the dominant IT provider to much of the public and private sector, both across PCs and the backend servers on which databases and systems run.

Digital boards in Times Square, New York, were taken offline as a result of the widespread outage - Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images

The outage came at a time of increased scrutiny on the Wests dependence on Microsoft for the computer systems that underpin daily life from payments to airline bookings and doctors appointments.

The reason the outage was so widespread is due to how ubiquitous the Windows operating system is across various industries. Airlines use it for check-in desks, retail use it for point-of-sales machines, and more, says Jamil Ahmed of IT consultancy Solace.

Cyber officials have raised concerns in recent months about dependence on Microsoft, which has faced questions about its own cyber credentials.

The company faced criticism over a cyber attack in 2020 that allowed Russian state-sponsored hackers to exploit a flaw in software from another company, SolarWinds, and gain access to thousands of corporate networks, including that of the US government. While Microsoft was also a victim, critics said it had been aware of the flaw before the hack and failed to raise the alarm.

In the last year, hackers linked to Russia and China have, in separate incidents, managed to bypass Microsofts defences to gain access to thousands of US government emails. In the Chinese hack last summer, emails were stolen from Gina Raimondo, the US commerce secretary, and Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China.

A flaw in the companys Exchange server system was also used by Chinese hackers who obtained data from the Electoral Commission last year, security researchers claimed.

Pressure on the company culminated in April when an official US report into the Chinese email theft accused the company of a cascade of security failures and avoidable errors and said that its security culture requires an overhaul.

Soon after, AJ Grotto, a former White House cyber policy director, claimed Microsofts status as the US governments IT provider amounted to a national security issue, and said the company should be treated as such.

Fragile systems

On Friday, Lina Khan, the head of the US Federal Trade Commission, tweeted: These incidents reveal how concentration can create fragile systems.

Microsoft itself has pledged to do better. It has tied bosses bonuses to their efforts to promote cybersecurity and promised to make security the companys top priority.

But while last Fridays global IT outage was caused by a CrowdStrike bug, Microsoft faced questions about how the companys software was able to cause such havoc on Windows machines. CrowdStrike Falcon is installed at the kernel, the highest level of system access, which means that when something goes wrong, it is not isolated to the software itself, but can make the whole computer unusable.

Apple machines, by contrast, do not allow security software to run at the kernel level, preventing similar cases. While this could be seen as a security flaw in Microsoft machines, the company said it was required to allow third-party software high-level access due to a settlement with EU competition authorities in 2009.

It turns out Windows is configured in such a way that a piece of one piece of buggy code can topple the whole thing, partly because of that EU decision. Theres nothing you could realistically expect Microsoft to have done about it, says one former cyber official. But it is a reminder of that sheer dependence.

That EU settlement came in response to concerns that Microsoft had become too dominant in the commercial sector, squeezing out rival providers of antivirus and browser software. Now, the concerns are that too much critical infrastructure relies on it.

This event certainly brings public attention to the problem of monoculture, Lukasz Olejnik, an independent cybersecurity researcher and consultant, says.

When a specific software gains significant market and user share, it becomes important, and a potential risk point. In this case, since CrowdStrike software was so popular, and since Windows is extremely widespread, it leads to clearly visible IT chaos, and an availability breach.

Last weekends IT fiasco did not affect everywhere equally. Russian state media boasted of the country being largely shielded from the outages, since sanctions mean it has developed its own homegrown alternatives to Microsoft and CrowdStrike. The impact in China was also less severe, although this was largely due to CrowdStrike being a rarity in the country.

But for hackers lurking in the two countries, Fridays chaos will not have gone unnoticed. The outage demonstrated how a single point of failure can bring parts of Western economies to a standstill. Microsoft may not have caused the outage, but our dependence on it means it is a target for those seeking to start the next one.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A Whatcom County crime victim helped solve a burglary investigation after spotting their own stolen items for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The sheriffs office launched a burglary investigation March 25, when someone reported finding their stolen property for sale online. A second burglary victim contacted deputies April 29 to report tools had been stolen from a business in the 7600 block of Goodwin Road.

The person making the second report told deputies they had already found the stolen property for sale on Facebook Marketplace, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office.

Detectives searched the Facebook Marketplace profile and discovered farm tools that had been reported stolen from the March 25 burglary, which occurred in the 1600 block of Loomis Trail Road.

Detectives discovered the owner of the Facebook profile is in prison, and has been since 2022, Slater said.

Detectives set up a meeting through Facebook to buy back the stolen property April 30. At the meeting, police confirmed the seller to be Reuben Lee Perez, 33. Perez told detectives the items in the vehicle were not stolen, and gave consent for a search of the vehicle, Slater said.

When detectives confirmed the property was stolen by checking the serial numbers, Perez said he hadnt known and agreed to return the property to the rightful owners in a certain amount of time, Slater said, but he didnt return the items.

Detectives later spoke with the owner of the Facebook profile in prison. The prisoner told them they didnt know Perez, or how he got access to the account, according to Slater.

Perez was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, nine counts of second-degree trafficking in stolen property, second-degree possession of stolen property, eight counts of third-degree possession of stolen property, first-degree computer trespass and first-degree criminal impersonation.
Kamala Harris is the front runner for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination after Joe Biden's endorsement Sunday.

President Joe Biden dropped out of the running after weeks of speculation  and outright demands by key Democrats  that he should let someone else take the lead.

Shortly after bowing out, he threw the weight of his endorsement behind his loyal vice president, Kamala Harris. She has since released a statement accepting his endorsement and her "intention to earn and win" the nomination.

While Harris is now considered front runner for the upcoming election, there is no guarantee that she would win the nomination for president or vice president or neither.

The Democratic Convention is coming up on Aug. 19-22, when the party's 3,900 delegates will select and cast their votes for the party's new nominees for president and vice president.

If the vote doesn't produce a clear winner with majority of delegates, then the additional 700 superdelegates will also vote, and continue to vote until there is a winner.

There have been several other contenders whose names were floated as possible Democratic candidates for the presidency before Biden's withdrawal. These include Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Gavin Newsom of California.

Harris will have to rally her party's supporters and donors around her and make the case that she can win against Donald Trump in November.

Polling in the days and weeks ahead will set the stage for whether Harris can make a case as the presidential candidate to beat Trump in November or if she would be better suited as the vice president to a stronger contender.

The DNC chairman Jamie Harrison has stated that the Democratic Party will "undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward" as a united party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This leaves all options on the table for anyone who can make the case to win in November.

This situation raises the question:

Could Kamala Harris be vice-president on someone else's ticket?

Historically, vice presidents have not often sought the vice presidency on another candidate's ticket.

However, given the dynamic and strategic nature of modern politics, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Harris could leverage her experience and appeal to certain voter demographics to strengthen a presidential candidate's ticket, making her a valuable asset in the Democratic Party's strategy to secure the White House in the 2024 election.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: What's next for Kamala Harris after Biden news; president or vp?
President Joe Biden announced Sunday he had chosen to end his campaign for re-election.

Vice President Kamala Harris has already solidified and announced her plan to run, with Bidens endorsement, as well as the endorsements of other top-ranking Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

More from Sourcing Journal

While other Democrats could decide to challenge Harris for the nomination, that may prove an uphill battle, given that the party can use the campaign funds from the Biden-Harris ticket for Harris and her running mate, whom she has yet to announce.

Harris time spent as a senator, a district attorney, an attorney general and, most recently, the countrys vice president, has given her a lengthy history on a variety of voter issues. Her work and stance on environmental considerations gave her a unique spotlight during the last election cycle, where she ran for president but ultimately dropped out before any votes were cast.

This time around, her policieson sustainability, trade, technology and morecould make a real impact on the apparel, supply chain, logistics and retail industries in a way they never had a chance to during the last election cycle.

Environmental policy and climate change

Harris has historically put an onus on emissions reduction, climate justice and environmental health during her tenure as a politician, leaning left of Bidens stances prior to her acceptance of the vice presidential nomination.

Though she has largely gone along with the Biden administrations climate-related projects during this presidential term, some of her own, more left-leaning aspirations for the environment got left on the campaign trail in 2020. Fracking is just one example of the differences between the sitting presidents actions and the now-potential presidents platform in previous years.

Theres no question Im in favor of banning fracking, she said during her last campaign for the presidency.

Ultimately, Biden has not taken that same approach, focusing primarily on ending fracking on federal land and working to halt new leases for fracking. But Harris stance on fracking is far from the only reason that many consider her an opponent of big oil and fossil fuels.

As a senator, Harris also co-sponsored the Green New Deal, which was introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) in 2019 and was, where climate is concerned, aimed at sourcing clean energy for all of the countrys power demand by 2030. While the initiative never made much progress in Congress, some of its pieces aligned with Harris own plan in her last presidential jaunt.

During her 2019 campaign for the presidency, Harris proposed a $10 trillion climate plan, which she said would have used private and public spending to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, with the end goal of reaching a net-zero economy by 2045. She also proposed instituting a carbon tax.

Trucking and logistics

Related to her environmental work, Harris took a few steps toward electrification and decarbonization of trucks and ports during her tenure as Bidens second in command.

In 2022, she announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would encourage grant applications for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, centered around emission reduction, air quality improvement in communities adjacent to high-polluting facilities or ports and more.

In 2021, Harris announced that the administration would pump $127 million into the Supertruck 3 program, which is meant to help companies decarbonize medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Recipients of the programs third round included PACCAR, Daimler, Ford, Volvo Group North America and General Motors. The companies efforts focused around projects like bringing electric trucks to payload parity with diesel trucks, developing more efficient battery and fuel cell-electric vehicles and more.

Trade

Harris stance on the climate has also impacted her position on trade. As a senator, she was just one of 10 to oppose the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), even after the addition of several provisions meant to appease the Democrats.

Though the additions addressed some labor and environmental considerations, for Harris, its protections werent far reaching enough.

I can tell you that in a Harris administration, there would be no trade deal that would be signed unless it protected American workers and it protected our environment, she said in 2019 during her presidential campaign.

In 2016, while Harris campaigned for the Senate seat she eventually won, she opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an Obama-era trade agreement between the U.S. and 11 other countries that was meant to ease trade and reduce tariffs. At the time, she worried that the agreement would have moved some Americans jobs overseas. The proposal had also faced major backlash from labor groups.

Former President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2017.

Artificial intelligence

While Biden has largely taken a voluntary approach to regulation of artificial intelligence in the U.S., Harris has been a bit more outspoken around her intentions to regulate the emerging technology.

She supported Bidens executive order on AI, issued in October 2023, but also had an interest in the technologys development and effects prior to that. In July of last year, the vice president met with labor group leaders to discuss how AI might impact their respective industries and bucked what she called the false choice between innovative technological advancement and protecting American citizens.

In March, Harris announced alongside the White House Office of Management and Budget that the administration had put a variety of safeguards and rules in action for federal agencies and executive offices, which included growing the AI workforce inside those entities, using AI responsibly for forward movement on issues like climate change and public health and more.

Harris seems a bit wary of AIs potential impact if not regulated. At the moment, far-reaching, federal regulation of the technology does not exist, though some members of Congress have introduced AI-centric bills.

Just a month after Biden signed the AI executive order, Harris said at an AI safety summit in the United Kingdom that, despite its merits, AI has the potential to endanger the very existence of humanity and stood firmly with the stance that legislation will be needed.

As history has shown, in the absence of regulation and strong government oversight some technology companies choose to prioritize profit over the wellbeing of their customers, the security of our communities and the stability of our democracies, she said. One important way to address these challengesin addition to the work we have already doneis through legislation, legislation that strengthens AI safety without stifling innovation.

The question over the vice presidential nominee

If Harris becomes the Democrats nominee, she will need to nominate a running mate; at the moment, the person she would add to her ticket remains to be seen.

So far, a number of names have emerged as potential vice presidential nominees: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ); Pete Buttigieg, the Biden administrations secretary of transportation; Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA); Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY); Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC); Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA).

All of those politicianswith the exception of Whitmerhave already put their endorsement behind Harris, as have a number of trade organizations.

They also each have a different set of issues to campaign on and may appeal to different subsections of voters.

Harris is likely to select a running mate who would play well in difficult swing states; several of those potential choices, like Beshear, Cooper, Whitmer, Shapiro and Kelly, currently represent constituencies in key swing states, where voter issues like climate change and labor often prove particularly important.
In 2008, a software developer in San Francisco named Curtis Yarvin , writing under a pseudonym, proposed a horrific solution for people he deemed not productive: convert them into biodiesel, which can help power the Muni buses.

Yarvin, a self-described reactionary and extremist who was 35 years old at the time, clarified that he was just kidding. But then he continued, The trouble with the biodiesel solution is that no one would want to live in a city whose public transportation was fueled, even just partly, by the distilled remains of its late underclass. However, it helps us describe the problem we are trying to solve. Our goal, in short, is a humane alternative to genocide.

He then concluded that the best humane alternative to genocide is to virtualize these people: Imprison them in permanent solitary confinement where, to avoid making them insane, they would be connected to an immersive virtual-reality interface so they could experience a rich, fulfilling life in a completely imaginary world.

Yarvins disturbing manifestos have earned him influential followers, chief among them: tech billionaire Peter Thiel and his onetime Silicon Valley protege Senator J.D. Vance, whom the Republican Party just nominated to be Donald Trumps vice president. If Trump wins the election, there is little doubt that Vance will bring Yarvins twisted techno-authoritarianism to the White House, and one can imaginewith horrorwhat a receptive would-be autocrat like Trump might do with those ideas.

Trumps first campaign was undoubtedly a watershed moment for authoritarianism in American politics, but some thinkers on the right had been laying the groundwork for years, hoping for someone to mainstream their ideas. Yarvin was one of them. Way back in 2012, in a speech on How to Reboot the US Government, he said, If Americans want to change their government, theyre going to have to get over their dictator phobia. He had also written favorably of slavery and white nationalists in the late 2000s (though he has stated that he is not a white nationalist himself).

Both Thiel and Vance are friends of Yarvin. In The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valleys Pursuit of Power, reporter Max Chafkin describes Yarvin as the house political philosopher of the Thielverse, a term for the people in Thiels orbit. In 2013, Thiel invested in Tlon, a software startup co-founded by Yarvin. In 2016, Yarvin attended Thiels election night party in San Francisco where, according to Chafkin, champagne flowed once it became clear that Thiels investment in Donald Trump would pay off.

Since entering politics, Vance has publicly praisedand parrotedYarvins ideas. That was worrying enough when Vance was only a senator. Now that he could soon be a heartbeat away from the presidency, his close ties to Yarvin are more alarming than ever. Superficial analyses of why certain tech billionaires are aligning with Trump tend to fixate on issues like taxes and regulations, but thats only part of the story. Tech plutocrats like Thiel and Elon Musk already have money. Now they want poweras much as money can buy.





Stories about Vance tend to focus on his hardscrabble Ohio roots, but his relationship with Thieland his stint in San Franciscoare key to understanding his politics. Vance owes his meteoric rise to Thiel, who largely bankrolled it. As a Yale Law student in 2011, he heard Thiel give a speech in which he suggested that smart people should be working in tech instead of wasting their time at elite schools. Afterward, Vance emailed Thiel, who invited him to California.

Following a brief stint as a lawyer, Vance moved to San Francisco. Eventually, he landed at Mithril Capital, a company co-founded by Thiel. He finished writing Hillbilly Elegy while there, and Thiel wrote a blurb praising it. When Vance moved back to Ohio and eventually started his own fund, Narya Capital, both Thiel and Marc Andreessen invested. When Vance ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, Thiel spent an unprecedented $15 million on the campaign and persuaded Trump to endorse him (Vance had previously compared Trump to Hitler). In 2024, Thiel led the charge to convince Trump to pick Vance as V.P.



Vance is a Thiel creation. And like his billionaire benefactorwho once wrote, I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatibleVance embraces a radical ideology hell-bent on destroying government as we know it. And they got these ideas, at least in part, from Yarvin.

Yarvin is the chief thinker behind an obscure but increasingly influential far-right neoreaction, or NRx, movement, that some call the Dark Enlightenment. Among other things, it openly promotes dictatorships as superior to democracies and views nations like the United States as outdated software systems. Yarvin seeks to reengineer governments by breaking them up into smaller entities called patchworks, which would be controlled by tech corporations.

The basic idea of Patchwork is that, as the crappy governments we inherited from history are smashed, they should be replaced by a global spiderweb of tens, even hundreds, of thousands of sovereign and independent mini-countries, each governed by its own joint-stock corporation without regard to the residents opinions, he wrote in Patchwork: A Political System for the 21st Century.

Each patchwork would be ruled by a realm: a corporation with absolute power. Citizens would be free to move, but every other realm would also be ruled by corporate governments with chilling impunity. For example, Yarvin says the tech overlords of the San Francisco realm could arbitrarily decide to cut off its citizens hands with no fear of legal consequencesbecause theyre a sovereign power, beholden to no federal government or laws.

The realm, having sovereign power, can compel the resident to comply with all promises. Since San Francisco is not an Islamic state, it does not ask its residents to agree that their hand will be cut off if they steal. But it could. And San Francisco, likewise, can promise not to cut off its residents hands until it is blue in the facebut, since it is a sovereign state, no one can enforce this promise against it.

In Friscorp, as Yarvin calls the San Francisco realm, an all-seeing Orwellian surveillance system would enforce public safety: All residents, even temporary visitors, carry an ID card with RFID response. All are genotyped and iris-scanned. Public places and transportation systems track everyone. Security cameras are ubiquitous. Every car knows where it is, and who is sitting in it, and tells the authorities both.

Vance has not advocated for realmsyetbut some of his most extreme ideas echo Yarvin. Theyre both fond of political purges, for instance. In a 2021 podcast interview, Vance was asked how to get liberals out of government institutions. De-Nazification, De-Baathification, he replied. I tend to think that we should seize the institutions of the left. And turn them against the left. We need like a de-Baathification program, a de-woke-ification program.

He predicted Trump would run again and win, then offered some advice: I think that what Trump should do, if I was giving him one piece of advice: Fire every single midlevel bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people. He added that Trump should defy any court orders that tried to halt this partisan purge of the civil service.

Yarvin calls this plan RAGE: Retire All Government Employees. Its captured perfectly in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations blueprint for a second Trump administration, which calls for firing an estimated 500,000 federal employees and dismantling entire agencies. If Trump wins, Vance may well be in charge of executing the plan.

Vance did not get this extremist ideology from his Appalachian upbringing orneedless to sayYale Law. It was incubated in Americas tech capital, San Francisco, where he forged crucial ties with Thiel, Yarvin, and David Sacks, the longtime Thiel associate and pro-Putin crusader who recently hosted a Trump fundraiser at his mansion in Pacific Heights. And if Vance ends up in the White House, it will be with $45 million in monthly campaign contributions from Musk, who already made a $44 billion in-kind contribution by gutting San Francisco-based Twitter and transforming it into a right-wing misinformation weapon.

In a fateful twist, San Francisco also launched the political career of Kamala Harris, who is set to inherit the task of saving American democracy from tech authoritarianism.
While drought is receding in northeast Kansas, swaths of the state still parched

Earlier this month, Perry Lake rose to its highest levels since 2019, when water levels were more than double their averages, according to the United State Geological Survey.

At its recent peak on July 10, the lake, which is northeast of Topeka, held more than 342,000 acre-feet of water, which is only slightly above the average for the reservoir.

With water levels returning to normal after years of drought, is Kansas exiting its recent period of drought?

The water levels at Perry State Park have receded Friday after on July 10 reaching their highest levels since 2019. This dock area and parking lot in the west portion of the Jefferson Point Area was under water during that point in time.

Water levels up in some regions

Much of central and western Kansas remain abnormally dry, or in moderate or severe levels of drought. But about half of the state is experiencing no drought, compared to a year ago when only 3.6% of the state wasnt in drought.

Drought is relative and is defined by its deviation from what is typical. So, in the more precipitous east, it will take more rainfall to get back to normal than in the dryer west. Currently, reservoirs in northeast Kansas are all running above average.

All of our reservoirs in northeast Kansas, our Kansas River main stem, are in flood control stage right now," said Susan Metzger, director of the Kansas Water Institute at Kansas State University, "and so that's a product of rainfall and snow melt that's happened throughout the entire basin to bring those water levels up.

The diversity of Kansas's water supply

While the northeast is getting a water surplus, the central, southern and western regions of the state are still suffering from drought in areas where theres not much rainfall to begin with.

Cheney Lake near Wichita is at its lowest point since 2013 and has more localized needs for water retention. In the areas where rain would help recharge Cheney Lake, the area went nearly 300 days without rainfall totally more than an inch or more until just last month, when two separate storms combine for just over an inch of rain.

We're in the third year of a drought and we've been running about two thirds of our normal precipitation the last three years," said Ron Graber, a watershed specialist in south-central Kansas. "And just a lot of these little kind of small, small rains  not very many.

Water levels can be impacted by faraway snow melts and rains that feed into rivers that cross state lines, but local water conditions are also important. Cheney Lake is fed by the North Fork Ninnescah River, which hasnt gotten the rainfall thats affected rivers servicing the northeast part of the state.

Down in Cheney and the Wichita area in south-central Kansas, they just haven't experienced that same level of rainfall," Metzger said, "and they aren't the beneficiary of some of the upstream sources of flow that might be like if we get rain in Nebraska that benefits the Kansas River.

Is the drought over?

Metzger says drought conditions are often indicative of how the drought will move across regions.

Sometimes you can see where drought might be emerging in one area, and then that helps you think that that drought condition could make its way to you," Metzger said. "The opposite could be true as well.

Regions of Kansas remain in an abnormally dry (yellow), moderate drought (tan) and severe drought (orange) as statewide precipitation returns to normal.

Weather patterns like drought tend to move from west to east, and Colorado to the west is in a similar situation to Kansas with about half the state in varying degrees of drought.

As a state, there is slightly more precipitation than normal last month, but nearly 600,000 Kansans are residing in areas where there is drought.

A water irrigation system helps corn reach its full potential in a field north of Topeka.

Water levels effect on Kansans

Agriculture producers are the most impacted by water levels, with irrigation making up about 85% of consumptive water use in the state. Municipal water use for homes is about 10%, with the remaining 5% of water used for recreation, industry, hydraulic dredging and saving for future use.

Urban and suburban water users can still feel the effect of drought.

For the outdoor types, plans to use reservoirs and rivers for recreation can be affected by drought and excess water levels. Water use in homes can also become more expensive during low water years.

Too much of a good thing?

Regions of the state are returning to a more normal state of precipitation, but flooding comes with its own set of problems.

Too much water can be challenging for an agricultural producer, as well to the federal reservoirs that we have," said Will Boyer, a watershed specialist in northeast Kansas. "There's flushes of nutrients and sediment that come into the reservoir when we need to start having runoff events that can lead to problems with algae blooms."

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas water levels vary, with Perry Lake high and Cheney Lake low
A White House correspondent shut down an attempt to criticize Kamala Harris on Sunday after a Republican National Committee-linked account seemingly mocked the vice president over her introduction at a 2022 roundtable.

The RNC research feed, which is run by the committee and former President Donald Trumps campaign, posted footage of Harris sharing her pronouns and offering a description of her appearance in a blue suit as she spoke to disability rights advocates.

Andrew Feinberg, White House correspondent for The Independent, wrote that he was working the event as he offered context to the clip.

She was talking to a room of disability activists, including people who are/were blind, wrote Feinberg of the clip, which resurfaced after President Joe Biden announced his plans to drop out and endorsed Harris in the 2024 race.

Elon Musk, who shared a separate post featuring the clip, also appeared to criticize the vice president over her introduction.

Imagine 4 years of this , wrote Musk, who recently endorsed Trump and pledged a reported $45 million a month to help his campaign.

I was the print pooler at this event.



She was talking to a room of disability activists, including people who are/were blind. https://t.co/93sSdSQDk7  Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) July 21, 2024

Harris remarks made rounds among conservatives in 2022 with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) knocking Harris on social media.

Disability rights groups previously weighed in on the clip, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, which noted that visual descriptions are done to ensure that everyone can have context that sighted people may take in visually.

We are glad to see this accessibility practice expanded in government, and hope to see more government leaders give visual self-descriptions in the future! the group wrote in a thread on X at the time.

A spokesperson for the National Federation of the Blind told USA Today that it was inappropriate to attack Harris over the remarks due to her inclusive intent.

A lot of the people who are attacking dont have the perspective and lived experience of people with disabilities and have never asked us, said Chris Danielsen, who noted that its unclear how much blind people request the practice.

Related...
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer consistently says she does not intend to run for president and, even after she was floated as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, insisted she will serve the rest of her term in Lansing. Just about the only elected official I can think of who has been equally unwavering in their public pledges about their political ambitions is Joe Biden, who said he would never stop running for president.

Uh-oh ...

Biden's historic reversal last week changes the dynamic in the presidential race in a way we've never seen before. And even if Whitmer remains steadfast in her declaration that she won't leave Lansing, a spot on the ticket with Harris or, perhaps more likely, a cabinet post if Harris and Whomever beat Donald Trump and JD Vance may seem a lot more attractive than winding up her gubernatorial career as a lame duck with every ambitious Democrat angling to be her successor.

Vice president is the job infamously described as "not worth a pitcher of warm piss," by John Nance Garner, who said that after serving two terms as VP to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It's the job virtually every politician says they don't want  until it's offered to them. Then they gratefully accept it as if their dearest dream has just come true.

But a cabinet post  or an ambassadorship  could be a nice reward for Whitmer, who will serve as a co-chair for Harris' presidential campaign, just as she did for Biden.

US President Joe Biden speaks alongside Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a visit to a UAW phone bank in Warren on Feb. 1, 2024.

To speculate on such matters in a situation as fluid as this is like trying to build a house of cards on a trampoline. It is, candidly, a columnist's nightmare.

This much I say with confidence: If the new Democratic ticket wins with Big Gretch as vice president, or as a top choice for a primo cabinet position or ambassadorship, it will upend Michigan's political landscape in a way no living person in Michigan has seen before.

Domino effect

Whitmer leaving Lansing before her term ends on Jan. 1, 2027, would make Garlin Gilchrist governor. Gilchrist, the lieutenant governor and a Detroit Democrat, currently is an ambitious politician looking for something to run for, but finding no easy path.

Garland Gilchrist welcomes the the Nain Rouge on the steps of Masonic Temple at the conclusion of the 10th annual Marche du Nain Rouge parade through Midtown Detroit on Sunday, March 24, 2019.

Being elevated to governor would make Gilchrist the de facto incumbent and front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2026. The last time something like this happened, Lt. Gov. William Milliken succeeded Gov. George Romney when he joined Richard Nixon's administration in 1969. Milliken, a Republican, finished out Romney's term and was reelected three times.

I can think of two people who are dreading such a scenario, and a gaggle more who could be equally unhappy.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are expected to compete for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2026, a race that would be dramatically complicated by a sitting Democratic governor. Duggan, a white man who lived most of his pre-mayoral life in the suburbs, is likely not eager to face a Black man from Detroit. And Benson, a white woman from Detroit, would likely not relish the competition for Michigan's progressive votes.

Mayor Mike Duggan speaks during State of the City at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Detroit on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The row of falling dominoes will run all the way down Interstate 96 to Detroit, where establishment and business-types worried about City Council President Mary Sheffield succeeding Duggan as mayor may try to talk Hizzoner into running for a fourth term. They have been persuasive before, convincing Duggan to run as a write-in back in 2013, after he was resigned to spending more time at his cottage after getting kicked off the ballot on a technicality.

Duggan, the master strategist, hasn't said yet whether he'll run for reelection, run for governor, or finally get to spend some time in that cottage rocking chair watching his beloved Michigan Wolverines battle in a newly-reconstituted Big Ten. So, he wouldn't even seem like a flip-flopper (or chicken) if he declares his heart was always set on extending Detroit's resurgence from downtown to its neighborhoods.

Potential disarray in Detroit politics

The line of pols whose ambitions could be thwarted by a Whitmer-to-Washington and Duggan-in-Detroit scenario begins in Detroit City Hall.

The challenge that Duggan running again poses for Sheffield, speaks for itself.

The ripples would likely also rock the boats of At-Large City Councilman Coleman Young Jr. and District 7 Councilman Fred Durhal, who are said to be weighing mayoral candidacies. At-Large Councilwoman Mary Waters who, if she is unsuccessful in her bid to unseat 13th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, may use the team she's building to try and move into the Manoogian Mansion. I'm sure her partner, Sam Riddle, who currently gets his exercise jogging, would love a chance to move his workouts to the pool between the mayoral manse and its boathouse.

Other mayoral aspirants could find their road to the mayor's office blocked, too.

Saunteel Jenkins, CEO of the Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), would likely see her support in the business community dry up. Some have suggested that Hill Harper, if he fails to win the Democratic nomination to run for U.S. Senate seat opened by Debbie Stabenow's retirement, should run for mayor next. Adam Hollier, whose congressional campaign was derailed by fraudulent petitions, may aim high for his next race, though some supporters are still upset with him for blowing his chance to take out Thanedar. Then there's Thanedar himself, who might consider a four-year mayoral term more comfortable than running every two years against a phalanx of candidates vowing to run him out of Washington so Detroit can restore its legacy of Black representation in the House of Representatives. And, since the mayor's race is in 2025, Thanedar could run without giving up his congressional seat.

Then there are all the people who might run for Detroit City Council if some incumbents get in the mayoral race.

Again, it's too early to rule anything out for Whitmer.

It's not too early to say there are plenty of Democrats who love "Big Gretch," but are secretly hoping she stays right where she is.

M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and host of the ML's Soul of Detroit podcast. Contact him at mlelrick@freepress.com or follow him on X at @elrick, Facebook at ML Elrick and Instagram at ml_elrick.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer to Washington could topple dominoes from Lansing to Detroit
LINDSBORG  Meaning small house or cottage in Swedish, the word "Stuga" is all about home.

Now the word has taken on a new meaning, as a brand of homegrown and crafted, corn-based Kansas vodka.

The idea for a corn-based vodka came from husband and wife Hilary and Erin Condren after finding themselves back "home" to the family farm in Lindsborg during the height of the COVID pandemic.

"The world's falling apart, we're in California ... and we decided to go home to Lindsborg, Kansas, embrace our roots and figure out what in the world is happening before we make any next decisions," Erin Condren said.

Stuga Vodka sits on the shelf at Cave Divers Liquor in Salina. The vodka is a 100% corn base distilled in Dodge City using all Kansas ingredients.

Where do the roots of the Stuga Vodka brand come from?

Condren is the fifth-generation owner of the farm after her family left Sweden in 1869 and found themselves staking claim in Lindsborg under the Homestead Act.

The Condrens decided that if they were going to take over and steward the family farm, they wanted to find a unique way to make use of the crops that helped her ancestors flourish.

At the same time, the Condrens also partnered with Dani Greene to take over the Ol Stuga bar in Lindsborg, and things started aligning to begin this new adventure into distilling.

"It all sort of came together where we took over the bar, took over the farm, took over the crops," Condren said, "and we thought let's do something cool."

Hilary and Erin Condren are the owners and founders of Stuga Vodka. The vodka is made from 100% corn that comes from Erin Condren's fifth-generation farm near Lindsborg.

Lovers of vodka, the Condrens realized that Tito's was really the only brand that was using 100% corn, and decided it could be something they could do to add to the market, using Kansas ingredients.

"We knew we wanted to be Kansas-made," Condren said. "We knew that we had Kansas corn (to use) and even if our farm didn't produce enough Kansas corn we wanted to align ourselves with others who had Kansas corn."

They also wanted to make sure Stuga would be made in Kansas, so they looked around the state and eventually partnered with Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City to house the operations.

"We felt immediately a connection to Hayes Kelman and his team at Boot Hill," Condren said. "We walked through, legally, how we were going to create an alternating proprietorship."

She said the two are distinct companies, but Boot Hill and Stuga share facilities and teams.

"We worked through renditions and formulas until we came up with what we wanted to put out into the world that Kansas could be proud of," she said.

More: See 'Kansas from Above' with drone footage documentary at the Salina Art Cinema

After refining the product, she said they wanted to find a Kansas distributor to get their vodka on shelves and they found that with Lenexa-based Worldwide Beverage Group, and the product launched in May 2024.

Story continues

Find Stuga Vodka in Kansas liquor stores now

Stuga Vodka canned cocktails sit in the refrigerator at Cave Divers Liquor in Salina. The vodka, distilled in Dodge City, is made using Kansas corn.

Though they have a distributor, Erin Condren said she and her husband still make the time for personal interactions, calling and walking into stores to pitch the vodka themselves, with the product now in 132 stores across the state.

"There has not been one store that has said no to the product," she said.

In addition to the straight 80 proof, six-times distilled, corn vodka, Stuga also sells canned vodka soda cocktails, with five different cocktails; Rain, an unflavored vodka soda with sparkling water; Farm, which uses grapefruit juice; Harvest, which uses blood orange; Lake, lime flavored; and Sun, using lemon juice.

"We're coming out with a sixth (canned cocktail) in fall called 'Hunt' that's cranberry," Erin said. "That'll be out in October or November."

For more information about the company, visit its website at www.stugaspirits.com. Stuga also regular posts information and updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Stuga Vodka finds a 'home' in Kansas, making spirits with local corn
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Monday endorsed Vice President Harris to be the Democratic Partys nominee for president, giving Harris a major boost and foreclosing the possibility of the vice president facing a serious challenge from a popular battle-state governor.

Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for president of the United States, Whitmer said in a statement.

In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people, Whitmer continued.

In a later post on social media, Whitmer said she would be co-chairing the Harris campaign.

The Michigan governor praised Harriss background as a prosecutor and contrasted her to Trump, whom she called a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, attacked our auto industry, which hardworking families depend on, left office after losing 100,000 manufacturing jobs, and drove our economy into the ground last time he was in the White House.

Vice President Harris has my full support, Whitmer said. So Michigan, lets get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House.

Whitmer released her endorsement in coordination with three fellow Midwestern Democratic governors who also endorsed Harris: Illinoiss JB Pritzker, Minnesotas Tim Walz and Wisconsins Tony Evers.

Whitmer was viewed as one of Harriss most viable rivals for the nomination before President Biden announced his decision Sunday not to seek a second term.

Another Democratic star, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, said last week that he would not challenge Harris for the nomination if Biden dropped out of the race.

Both Whitmer and Newsom had communicated to Democratic leaders before Biden announced his decision that they would not be interested in serving as Harriss running mate, according to a source familiar with internal party conversations.

Updated at 11:59 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LANSING, Mich. (WJMN)  A day after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the presidency, Gretchen Whitmer and three other governors of Midwest states are expressing their support for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Partys nominee for president.

The governor issued the endorsement in unison with fellow governors in midwestern states: Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-Illinois), Governor Tim Walz (D-Minnesota), and Governor Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin).

In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people, said Whitmer. Shes a former prosecutor, a champion for reproductive freedom, and I know that shes got Michigans back.

Whitmer contrasted her record with the Republican nominees, saying, thats in stark contrast to Donald Trump, a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, attacked our auto industry which hardworking families depend on, left office after losing 100,000 manufacturing jobs, and drove our economy into the ground last time he was in the White House.

The endorsement comes as Whitmers name has been discussed among other possible successors to President Biden. In a Sunday announcement, Biden endorsed Harris.

Vice President Harris has my full support, said Whitmer. So Michigan, lets get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Lets go!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Early Sunday morning, Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign  launched mere hours earlier after President Joe Biden announced his exit from the race  released a list of Democrats around the country who rallied behind her last-minute bid for the White House. A notable Michigan leader wasn't on it: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Whitmer served as Biden's campaign co-chair and top surrogate in Michigan, a critical battleground state. After Biden ended his campaign, spokespeople for Whitmer did not respond to repeated requests for comment on whether the Michigan governor would enter the race to challenge Harris for their party's nomination or join the ticket as the Vice President's running mate. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday morning on why Whitmer hasn't publicly endorsed Harris.

Whitmer in a social media post shared just one minute after Biden endorsed Harris to replace him thanked the President for his service but made no mention of the Vice President. As endorsement announcements from other Democrats poured in, Whitmer stayed silent.

Whitmer joined a campaign call with Harris' campaign staff on Sunday and gave her support to the Vice President, according to POLITICO. But the email from Harris' campaign sent a few hours after that article published did not mention Whitmer among the Democratic leaders who have united behind Harris to defeat former President Donald Trump.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, is the only Democratic member of Michigan's congressional delegation who hasn't endorsed Harris. She backed the movement calling on Democratic voters in Michigan to vote "uncommitted" in the state's presidential primary to protest Biden's Gaza policies.

2024 Presidential Election: How Harris' previous Michigan trips shed light on her presidential run

Among those holding statewide office, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II hasn't weighed in either. He would serve out the remainder of Whitmer's current term as governor that ends Jan. 1, 2027 if she leaves office. Similarly, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson hasn't publicly endorsed Harris. She serves as Michigan's chief elections officer, and unlike Whitmer, Benson did not publicly champion Biden's re-election campaign before it ended.

Many of the Democrats floated as possible Biden replacements announced their support for Harris instead, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. But Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker like Whitmer has not publicly indicated whether he supports Harris.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stays quiet as Democrats endorse Kamala Harris
On Tuesday morning, Donell Williams will appear by Zoom at the Kansas parole board hearing that will decide whether he can walk free for the first time in the 25 years since he and his twin brother Ronell were charged with two counts of first-degree murder at age 14. As he told me in an interview, hes anxious, of course, and hoping more than anything that he can soon make his way to my mamas house.

You might have heard of both his case and his mama since the federal charges against former Kansas City, Kansas police detective Roger Golubski involve allegations that he met Donell and Ronells mother, Ophelia Williams, the morning he arrived to arrest them.

After hours of police interrogation with no parent or lawyer present, the boys said in videotaped statements that yes, Ronell had shot and killed an older couple, Wilbur and Wilma Williams  no relation to the twins  in their kitchen. They said, too, that Donell, who was outside the couples house, knew full well that was going to happen.

It was while Golubski was telling Ophelia Williams how good she looked to him that morning, August 8, 1999, that other officers supposedly found shell casings  the only physical evidence in the murder case against her sons  in her backyard. But did they? Days later, as laid out in the federal case against Golubski, he showed up at her home again and told her that he was in charge of her twins case and could help them. Then, according to prosecutors, he raped her, for the first time but not the last.

Golubskis name is all over police reports in the murder case against Ronell and Donell Williams: Upon arrival, on the evening of Aug. 4, 1999, at the home at 2000 N. 44th where Wilbur and Wilma Williams had been found dead, another detective wrote, I was met by Acting Lt. Golubski, who apprised me of the situation. A tip from someone who wouldnt give his name is what reports say led police to their young suspects.

But police reports also say it was Golubski who assigned investigators to the case, Golubski who advised Donell Williams of his rights and Golubski who was present when his partner Terry Zeigler and another detective interviewed Donell.

Detective Golubski was acting in the capacity of Acting Lt, one report says. Detective Golubski requested that we videotape the interviews with Ronell and Donell while a secretary typed it live.

Golubskis lawyers have always said he is innocent of all wrongdoing, and Zeigler, who later became chief of police, has said he never heard any allegations of criminal conduct by his former partner. Zeigler, who is also being sued by five of the women who say Golubski sexually assaulted them, did not respond to a message asking him about this case.

Donell Williams: Detective coerced testimony

According to Donell himself, it was also Golubski who told him that if he changed his story and admitted that he had known that his brother intended to kill the 79-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, well then Donell and his 12-year-old brother Tez, who was not at the crime scene, not on the arrest warrant and should never have been picked up in the first place, could go home. Case closed.

What really happened, Donell says, is that after he and Ronell followed Wilbur Williams into his house to see what they could steal, Donell got scared and told his brother, This is stupid; lets get out of here. Then Ronell tossed him the keys to the couples white 1992 Dodge Spirit, and told him to go get their car.

But Golubski, according to Donell, wanted him to say instead that his brother had told him to go steal the car while he killed the couple.

So Donell says he did change his story, in a statement the court later said he could not retract. And of course, he did not get to go home, then or ever, because according to his statement he had prior knowledge of the murders.

The car was found burned, so there was no evidence there, and police never found the gun used in the crime, which was without any doubt pitiless. Both victims were shot multiple times, and both were shot in the face. Whoever is responsible stole a well-loved couple who had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary from their two sons and two daughters.

But I dont think we really know what happened.

Donell took the Hard 25  25 years before even the possibility of parole  in the plea deal recommended by his court-appointed attorney, Vernon Lewis, who died two years ago.

And Ronell was given a Hard 50 by now retired Judge Dexter Burdette.

That Golubski and Burdette were also involved in the wrongful conviction of Lamonte McIntyre, who spent 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit, you would think it would have automatically gotten this whole case a second look by Wyandotte County DA Mark Duprees Conviction Integrity Unit. But no, it hasnt.

McIntyre was exonerated after evidence was presented in court that showed Golubski and the prosecutor in his case, Terra Morehead, had coerced a witness. And Burdette should never have even heard the case, given that hed at some point been romantically involved with Morehead, who was finally asked to hand in her law license for rampant misconduct just three months ago.

Ophelia Williams blames herself for erupting in anger at Burdette during Ronells trial in 2000. Burdette gave him all that time because I was going crazy in the courtroom., and they didnt like what I was saying. It was my first time in a court, and these are my children I love so very much. 

Two 14-year-olds got railroaded

I do not for a minute believe that Ronell Williams got a Hard 50 because his mom went off on the judge at his trial. A female bailiff, she says, kept her from being removed from court.

But I dont know what Duprees Conviction Integrity Unit is for if not to review a case like this, and to review this actual case.

At least twice, Ophelia Williams says, shes approached Dupree at public events and asked him that question herself. Once, she says he told her, I cant help you, Miss Ophelia.

He said they havent looked at the case, she told me. I guess they have a lot of them.

Dupree didnt answer my email asking the same question.

Nor did the district attorney ever respond to the Dec. 28, 2022, letter from William Skepnek, Ophelia Williams attorney in the civil case against Golubski and others, asking him to review the case.

In the letter, Skepnek said his clients 14-year-old boys were interrogated alone, without the presence, aid, or counsel of their mother, or the presence of a lawyer. Among the promises made to Ronell and Donell was that if they confessed, their younger brother Tez would get to go home. The convictions of Ronell and Donell are based entirely upon the confessions Golubskis team coerced that day. The only physical evidence relied upon by police were shell casings Golubskis team said they found in the backyard of Ophelias home.

In the letter, Skepnek also named the person hes come to believe actually killed the couple. That man is serving time for a different murder and is connected to Cecil Brooks, Golubskis co-defendant in the sex trafficking case. I dont know if that person really was responsible for what was in any case a horrible crime. But again, I do know that this case needs to be reinvestigated from scratch.

Do we know that anything Golubski touched is true? Skepnek said in an interview. We do know two 14-year-olds got railroaded, and what are the chances that would happen to one of my kids? Or yours? That theyd even interrogate a 14-year-old without his parent present; are you trying to get to the truth, or are you trying to get a confession?

Roger Golubski got one over on me

Brian Betts, who along with his cousin was paroled from a Kansas prison last year after serving 25 years for the murder of Golubskis nephew, which the evidence says they didnt commit, either, remembers the day Donell Williams arrived in Lansing Correctional Facility.

He was so young we named him Tweet, because there was no bass in his voice. Every time I saw him I got tears in my eyes. Someone gave him a teddy bear he carried everywhere, and I was there the day security took the bear from him. He gravitated to the older guys who wanted to see him do good  the level-headed ones, and we gave him encouragement. Everyone had a high regard for him.

At almost 40, Donell Williams still looks like a baby. The first time I talked to him, several months ago, he said, The truth of what happened is most people think there were other people there when the couple was killed. And were there? My brother and I took full responsibility, but it wasnt premeditated. I did go into her purse, but I only took $25, and put some money back because I didnt want to take it all.  Golubski just manufactured the whole statement.

Last week, Donell told me exactly the same thing. Golubski, he said, told him Dont say you told Ronell, Lets go, this is stupid. He said to say he told me he was going to kill those people. He said theyd let me go then. He got one over on me.

When I asked him what his life in prison is like, he said he follows my Chiefs, reads inspirational books  right now, Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader  and cuts other inmates hair.

Thats what he hopes to do when hes released, and also wants to become an advocate for prison reforms like more programs for people like his brother, who have even longer sentences. Unlike Donell, Ronell has never been allowed to get his GED.

Donell also talked about his close friendship with Lamonte McIntyre, who never lost hope that hed be exonerated. Hed always say, This is my year. And finally, it was.

Donells mom naturally hopes this is her sons year, and she is anxious about Tuesdays parole hearing, too. To say that Ophelia Williams has a lot going on is like saying its been on the warm side across the world this summer: She is not only the most out-front victim in the case against Golubski, but is raising five grandchildren and has been hospitalized twice this year.

She is looking forward to testifying at Golubskis trial in December, and hopes its obvious that the case against her sons is why I couldnt tell anybody he raped me back then.

When I asked her what she does to take care of herself, she so seldom has time to even think about doing that that she couldnt think of a thing.
Why Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is - and isn't - the best candidate for vice president

The news that President Joe Biden will end his second term bid puts a spotlight on contenders for the Democratic ticket, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Beshear is a "hot property right now," said University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss, with numerous media reports mentioning him as a possible vice president nominee.

Others reportedly shortlisted for VP include North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.

Beshear's ability to win three statewide races  first as attorney general and then as governor  in deep red Kentucky make him an appealing choice for the upcoming race, political scientists and party observers say.

Think Beshear should be the VP nominee? Let us know why or why not

But despite his popularity here, its unlikely Beshear will help pick up Kentuckys eight electoral college votes for Democrats. Former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump swept to victory here in 2020 with around two-thirds of the vote.

Still, Beshears success in Kentucky could help the Democrats pick up voters among states and demographics similar to Kentuckys.

Heres a look at some of Beshears pros and cons as a vice presidential candidate.

Why Beshear is a good pick for vice president

Gov. Andy Beshear visited west Louisville's Parkland neighborhood to talk to residents about the storm damage after an E1 tornado on the Fourth of July in Louisville, Kentucky. Several homes were damaged as well as a few cars crushed by fallen trees. No one was killed in the storm.

Beshears ability to win in Republican Kentucky is likely appealing to Democratic Party leaders, several observers told The Courier Journal.

Here comes a Democrat out of a Republican stronghold and gets elected governor two times. So that makes people take notice of Andy Beshear, said Danny Briscoe, a longtime Democratic consultant in Kentucky.

Much of Beshears popularity lies in his success with kitchen-table issues, University of Louisville political scientist Dewey Clayton said, giving jobs and public education as examples.

He's also seen the state through several major disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, tornadoes in Western Kentucky and floods in Eastern Kentucky. His presence on the ground left an "indelible" impression on people's memories, Briscoe said.

Beshear is known for calling for a special session of the Kentucky General Assembly in 2022 after areas in Eastern Kentucky were devastated by deadly flooding. Prior to the three-day session, Beshear and Republican leaders had bipartisan discussions on what the region needed, resulting in a $212.6 million relief package that went toward repairing roads and sewer systems, replacing damaged roads and other items.

Gov. Andy Beshear talks with residents as he tours pull-behind campers that have been set up in Dawson Springs and Mayfield to provide relief housing for residents displaced by the December 2021 tornado. Jan. 28, 2022

Mike Ward, a longtime Democratic activist, thinks Beshears ability to relate to rural people could be an asset, too.

They feel left out and neglected, and Andy (Beshear) has shown again and again and again that he did not leave them out in Kentucky, that he showed them every ounce of respect and attention that he showed to the areas of the state where he got a lot higher percent of the vote, Ward said.

Beshears political experience in a relatively small and more rural state could help with the audiences and places vice presidential candidates are often tasked with handling, Ward added.

More: Who is Andy Beshear? What we know about his politics career

While the presidential candidate is speaking to the arenas full of people, the vice presidential candidate is going to the smaller communities that are regional hubs but are not the big arenas of crowds, he said.

Beshear might also provide a counterweight to GOP vice presidential nominee, JD Vance. Though Vance did not grow up in Appalachia, he has family ties to Kentuckys Breathitt County and wrote a book called "Hillbilly Elegy."

Andy would wipe the floor with JD Vance (in a debate), Ward said. Andy knows how to listen to the question, knows how to address the part of the question that is really important to people watching and to communicate his feelings, opinions and plans for that part of the question.

Vice-presidential nominee JD Vance speaks to thousands during a rally at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Beshear also has tangible accomplishments, especially in job creation and economic development, Ward said.

Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $32 billion in announced investments, creating more than 54,700 jobs, a July 19 press release from the Cabinet for Economic Development stated.

The states Republican Party, however, does not think Beshear should get credit for those achievements.

"Andy Beshear didn't support building the budget reserve trust fund, comprehensive tax reform, Right to Work or the repeal of prevailing wage and income tax reductions like Republican lawmakers did," Republican Party of Kentucky spokesperson Andrew Westberry said. "Record growth started before he took office. It's misleading for him to oppose these policies yet take credit for the results."

And lately Beshear's been making a push to connect with Democrats in other states and party leaders. That's the kind of intra-party politicking that could make him appealing to party leadership, said political scientist Voss.

Why Beshear shouldn't be the VP nominee

Beshear has downsides too, observers told The Courier Journal.

For example, though he won three statewide races in a largely rural state, he mostly did so with votes from larger population centers, Democratic campaign consultant Briscoe said.

He carried Lexington, he carried Louisville, he carried Owensboro, he carried Ashland, he carried Bowling Green, he carried Richmond, he carried Frankfort, but Beshear lost in 91 of Kentucky's 120 counties in his 2023 race for governor, Briscoe said. That throws into question his success with the rural vote.

Gov. Andy Beshear pets dog Winnie as his wife and First Lady Britainy Beshear leave the polling precinct in downtown Frankfort for this year's primary election for Governor during early voting Thursday in Frankfort, Ky. May, 11, 2023.

In addition, a Beshear pick would not help Democrats win any additional electoral votes, assuming the state goes for Trump, Briscoe said.

Forty-six-year-old Beshear  whom political scientist Clayton called a youngblood provides a new face for the Democratic Party currently represented by 81-year-old Joe Biden.

But that may not matter much, political scientist Voss said.

If Vice President Kamala Harris is the nominee, Democrats dont necessarily need a younger candidate to join her.

Shes still spry, and, if anything, needs the perception of polish (and) wisdom shored up, Voss said.

Kentuckys Gov. Andy Beshear delivers the annual State of the Commonwealth address in the Kentucky Capitol of Frankfort. Jan. 3, 2024

In addition, as a Democratic governor in a state with a Republican supermajority in the legislature, its been hard for Beshear to enact or defend key policies.

Though Beshear vetoed a number of Republican-sponsored bills passed in this years legislative session, legislators easily overrode those vetoes. Beshear was also not able to get key budget priorities enacted, such as an additional check for state retirees.

I would like to see him mature his skills in his home state, for sure," Democratic megadonor Christy Brown of Louisville told The Courier Journal. "I am very pleased that he is continuing to serve as governor of Kentucky now, and I would like to see him continue that and mature his skills."

Beshear also lacks serious foreign policy bona fides, Clayton said.

Beshear just took an economic development trip to Japan and South Korea and, earlier this year, he traveled to Germany and Switzerland, according to press releases from his office.

How important is a vice presidential pick, really?

It may not much matter who the vice presidential pick is, Voss said.

Research shows the home state of the president matters a great deal, but voters arent really swayed by a home-state vice presidential pick. Its really who is at the top of the ticket that counts, Voss said.

"Conventionally, campaigns look for balance" in choosing a running mate, Voss said. But there's little credible research to suggest how best to round out a ticket.

The process is more "conventional wisdom and vibes" than science, Voss said.

Reach Rebecca Grapevine at rgrapevine@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @RebGrapevine. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Why Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is - and isn't - the best VP nominee
Republicans may be starting to second-guess their partys pick for vice president.

Much of Donald Trumps presidential campaign, including the decision to tap Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, was structured around attacks on President Joe Biden. But then Biden announced Sunday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race altogether.

Trump campaign officials acknowledged that Trump selected the inexperienced Vance, charged with all his techno-authoritarian ideas, to boost support among their own base, not extend a hand to swing voters, according to The Atlantic. Vance was a symbol of the Trump teams assuredness that they would win in 2024. Come Sunday, that assuredness appears to be shrinking.

Most striking thing I heard from Trump allies yesterday was the second-guessing of JD Vancea selection, they acknowledged, that was [born] of cockiness, meant to run up margins with the base in a blowout rather than persuade swing voters in a nail-biter, Atlantic staff writer Tim Alberta, who had written the piece about the panicking Trump campaign, posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Trump decried Bidens decision to drop out in a post on Truth Social, writing that his team would have to start all over again and asking to be reimbursed for the cost. At the same time, Vance has set straight to work, calling for Biden to resign from the presidency.

Meanwhile, the Democrats possess a new potential nominee in the form of Vice President Kamala Harris. And as a result, the party had one of the best fundraising days ever.
As wildfires rage on, heres how to stay safe during wildfire season

Lori Dalton rushes her dogs, Leo and Cooper, into her car moments after being notified to evacuate by Salt Lake City firefighters because of the encroaching flames from a wildfire burning around Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City on Saturday, July 20, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Utah is grappling with a surge in wildfires, posing significant safety concerns for residents.

According to Utah Fire Info, the state has seen 596 wildfires this year, scorching a total of 40,416 acres.

A recent wildfire, the Sandhurst Fire on Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City, discovered Saturday, prompted an evacuation order for local residents. The order was lifted after officials determined the fire was not at risk of spreading into the community, per KSL.com.

After strong efforts by firefighting resources on the Sandhurst Fire, containment has been reached on the southern perimeter, Salt Lake police said in a statement, per KSL.com. Fire managers feel confident the fire will not progress further towards the community. Therefore, they have recommended lifting the evacuations for the fire.

The statement continued, The Sandhurst Fire incident command team is requesting residents, once returned, to remain prepared to evacuate, if needed.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers wildfires pose and the importance of emergency preparedness.

Prepare your home for a wildfire

According to National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires spread to homes through embers or small flames. Homeowners can take several precautions to reduce the risk of wildfires affecting their properties.

According to KSL-TV, studies show that around 80% of homes lost to wildfires could have been saved with proper precautions.

Capt. Tom Simons, the deputy emergency manager for Salt Lake City Fire, advises homeowners to create a safe zone around their homes.

A home that has really good, defensible space makes it a whole lot easier for us to move that fire past that home without any danger, he told KSL-TV.

Creating a defensible space involves clearing vegetation, trimming trees, cleaning gutters and removing other flammable materials.

Per National Interagency Fire Center, The roof and exterior structure of your dwelling should be constructed of non-combustible or fire-resistant materials such as fire-resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone.

Additionally, highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.

Have an emergency kit ready for evacuation

Preparing an emergency kit is another crucial step. The American Red Cross advises having two types of kits: a three-day kit and a two-week kit.

These should contain essential items like water, nonperishable food, medications, important documents and clothing. Additional supplies include personal hygiene items, first aid supplies and flashlights.

A Salt Lake City firefighter tells a local resident to evacuate while the flames from a wildfire burning around Ensign peak grow closer to his home on Twickenham Drive in Salt Lake City on Saturday, July 20, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

There are a variety of premade kits that can be purchased online or at stores that have dehydrated foods with long shelf lives, such as Readywise emergency food buckets available at Costco.

Additionally, devise a plan with everyone in the household about what to do and where to go in an emergency.

Stay informed and learn emergency skills

Staying informed is vital. Keep up to date with local news, weather alerts and fire warnings.

Sign up for alerts through the Federal Emergency Management Agency app, which provides real-time notifications from the National Weather Service. Also, pay attention to the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert.

The American Red Cross advises learning emergency skills like first aid and CPR, and participating in community fire safety programs and drills.

First aid and CPR classes can be found through the American Red Cross.
Do Wisconsin Democratic delegates have to vote for Biden? Your delegate questions answered

President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was ending his campaign for re-election.

In the Wisconsin Democratic presidential primary, Biden received 88% of the vote, securing most of the Wisconsin delegates.

So, with Biden dropping out, what does that mean for Wisconsin's Democratic delegates?

How many Democratic delegates does Wisconsin have?

Wisconsin has 95 delegates and 7 alternates out of approximately 4,600 total delegates for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Do Wisconsin delegates have to vote for Biden?

"It seems like Biden has released (the delegates from their pledges). He didn't say that formally, but they're also not formally bound to him," Barry Burden, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the university's Elections Research Center told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In contrast, Republicans have delegates who are bound to a particular candidate.

"The Democrats have looser rules. They say that the delegates are pledged to the candidate, and they should vote for that person in good conscience, that they're linked to," Burden said. "But there aren't actually rules that force them to do that."

So Wisconsin convention delegates are now free to vote for whomever they want to be their party's nominee, regardless of the results of the primary, according to Milwaukee election attorney Mike Maistelman.The only requirement is the delegates must make a choice that "in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them."

"Based upon the fact that Biden won (most of) those delegates, and now he is withdrawing and blessing Harris, those delegates can act with the sentiments of those people that voted for Biden and for what Biden stood for," Maistelman said.

Maistelman added that those delegates could also cast their votes for another candidate, given President Biden's decision to drop out of the race.

Who are Wisconsin's Democratic delegates?

The delegates include Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Gov. Tony Evers and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. You can find the full list of delegates here.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Biden drops out: Do Wisconsin delegates still have to vote for him?
As global markets exhibit mixed performances with a notable pivot towards value and small-cap stocks, the Swedish market remains a point of interest for those looking at growth companies with substantial insider ownership. In Sweden, where high insider ownership can signal strong confidence in company prospects, analyzing such stocks could be particularly relevant in the current economic climate.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Sweden

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth CTT Systems (OM:CTT) 16.9% 21.6% edyoutec (NGM:EDYOU) 14.6% 63.1% Biovica International (OM:BIOVIC B) 18.5% 73.8% InCoax Networks (OM:INCOAX) 18.1% 104.9% Sileon (OM:SILEON) 20.3% 109.3% KebNi (OM:KEBNI B) 37.8% 90.4% Yubico (OM:YUBICO) 37.5% 43.8% BioArctic (OM:BIOA B) 34% 50.9% Calliditas Therapeutics (OM:CALTX) 11.6% 52.9% SaveLend Group (OM:YIELD) 23.3% 103.4%

Click here to see the full list of 93 stocks from our Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: RaySearch Laboratories AB, a medical technology company based in Sweden, specializes in developing software solutions for cancer treatment across various global regions and has a market capitalization of approximately SEK 4.79 billion.

Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily from healthcare software, totaling SEK 1.05 billion.

Insider Ownership: 24.1%

RaySearch Laboratories, a Swedish company with high insider ownership, recently launched RayStation 2024B, enhancing radiation therapy efficiency through automated clinical workflows. This innovation follows their strategic alliance with C-RAD to integrate surface scanning technologies into treatment planning. Financially, RaySearch reported a significant earnings increase in Q1 2024 and is expected to continue robust growth with projected annual earnings expansion of 33.62%. However, it trades at a substantial discount to its estimated fair value.

OM:RAY B Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Scandi Standard AB (publ) specializes in the production and sale of chilled, frozen, and ready-to-eat chicken products across Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom and other European countries with a market capitalization of SEK 4.89 billion.

Story continues

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its ready-to-cook chicken products, which brought in SEK 9.70 billion, and its ready-to-eat offerings, contributing SEK 2.61 billion.

Insider Ownership: 14.5%

Scandi Standard, a Swedish growth company with substantial insider buying over the past three months, demonstrates promising financial maneuvers with its recent SEK 3.20 billion sustainability-linked bank loan aimed at bolstering long-term growth. Despite a slight dip in quarterly sales and earnings, the firm is positioned for significant earnings growth of 20.4% annually over the next three years, outpacing the broader Swedish market's expectations. However, its high debt levels and unstable dividend track record suggest cautious optimism is warranted.

OM:SCST Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Surgical Science Sweden AB, with a market cap of SEK 6.53 billion, specializes in developing and marketing virtual reality simulators for evidence-based medical training across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through two segments: Industry/OEM at SEK 387.52 million and Educational Products at SEK 454.50 million.

Insider Ownership: 26.6%

Surgical Science Sweden, amidst executive changes with Tom Englund set to become CEO, is trading at a very large discount to its estimated fair value. While its return on equity is expected to remain low at 6.2%, earnings are projected to grow by 27% annually over the next three years, outstripping the Swedish market's 15%. However, revenue growth forecasts of 17.2% per year slightly lag behind the high-growth benchmark but still surpass the broader market's expectation of 1%.

OM:SUS Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Make It Happen

Embark on your investment journey to our 93 Fast Growing Swedish Companies With High Insider Ownership selection here.

Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments.

Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets.

Looking For Alternative Opportunities?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include OM:RAY B OM:SCST and OM:SUS.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, saying she can beat former President Donald Trump. Evers addresses the state Legislature in January 2024. (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner)

Gov. Tony Evers became the latest Wisconsin Democratic leader on Monday to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed President Joe Biden, who made the decision to step out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a tenacious leader who has vigorously defended our democracy, fought to protect our freedoms we hold dear, and worked tirelessly to do the right thing and deliver for us, Evers said.

Following Bidens announcement, Evers in a statement Sunday had praised Biden for his work but stopped short of endorsing Harris. He told reporters on Monday that he didnt endorse Harris on Sunday because he wanted Biden to have that connection to the people of Wisconsin.

Evers official endorsement came on Monday alongside endorsements from other Midwest Democratic governors, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Evers said in his statement that he is excited to endorse Harris, saying that she can beat former President Donald Trump.

Im going to do everything I can between now and November 5th to help make sure she does, Evers said.

Evers joins other Democrats from the state, including U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore who will serve as delegates to the Democratic National Convention, in coalescing around Harris for the nomination. Wisconsin, which is one of a handful of states that will play a decisive role in the 2024 election, will send 95 delegates and seven alternates to the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after he announced he was dropping out, and Harris has vowed to earn and win the nomination.

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Wisconsin man arrested for his 4th OWI after leading authorities on early morning pursuit in Manitowoc County

MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  A 33-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested Monday after leading Manitowoc County Sheriffs deputies on a 14.5-mile pursuit.

According to a release, authorities responded to the intersection of West Zander Road and County Highway B in the township of Gibson for a complaint of a truck in the wrong lane of travel with the driver asleep or passed out behind the wheel.

Manitowoc manufacturing plant to pay $85K for violating Wisconsin air pollution laws

To ensure that the operator was ok and not experiencing a medical emergency, the deputy on the scene made multiple attempts to gain the operators attention.

Eventually, the man awoke, acknowledged the deputys presence, revved up the trucks motor, and took off from the deputy.

Observable signs of impairment and open intoxicants in the vehicle initiated the pursuit, which lasted nine minutes and covered roughly 14.5 miles northeast of Manitowoc County.

Wisconsin man arrested after authorities find over 10K images and videos of child porn

Additional responding authorities successfully deployed a tire deflation device, ultimately assisting in slowing down and stopping the pursuit.

The 33-year-old man from Gibson was arrested and transported to the Manitowoc County Jail on the following charges:

Operating While Intoxicated  4th Offense

Flee/Elude Officer

Second-Degree Reckless Endangering Safety

Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Suspended License

Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle

The Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate this incident, and no additional details have been provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Wisconsin man arrested after authorities find over 10K images and videos of child porn

RACINE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 71-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested on Monday morning after authorities found electronic devices with over 10,000 images and videos of child pornography.

According to a release, authorities with the Racine County Sheriffs Office began an investigation in May of 2024 related to numerous downloads of child pornography that were intercepted and linked to a residence in Racine.

Two dead after plane crash near EAA in Oshkosh, NTSB investigating the cause

During their investigation, the investigators developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for the residence, and on Monday, July 22, the search warrant was conducted.

While there, investigators identified 71-year-old Robert J. Castaneda as the individual possessing the child pornography. With assistance from K9 Stella, authorities collected numerous devices that contained over 10,000 images and videos of child pornography.

Castaneda was arrested and transported to the Racine County Jail, where the release says he is being held on a cash bail of $760,100 for 15 counts of possession of child pornography, possession of obscene material depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal, and possession of THC.

Wisconsin Circuit Court Records show that Castaneda is not formally charged at this time but is expected to be charged soon.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling discussed the crucial role of cyber tips in keeping Wisconsin free of child predators.

Menasha woman officially charged with homicide following deadly crash

This case highlights the critical role of cyber tips and inter-agency cooperation in investigating the perverts that use the internet to exploit countless real children, stated Sheriff Schmaling. The arrest of Castaneda and the seizure of his disgusting collection of nauseating material underscores the importance of specialized ICAC units that serve to protect children and bring offenders to justice.

Authorities are continuing to investigate this incident, and no additional details have been provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election on Sunday amid pressure from Democratic leaders. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and a host of national Democrats added their support for Harris.

Among those were U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who was in Stoughton on Sunday campaigning for Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin said she would back Harris and praised her work as California's attorney general and as a U.S. senator. Warren spoke at the campaign event but didn't take questions from reporters. At the campaign event, Warren said, If Joe Biden can step aside then the rest of us can step up and get Democrats elected.

Later Sunday, Warren endorsed Kamala Harris in a statement on X , joining a chorus of Democratic leaders.

"I endorse Kamala Harris for President," Harris wrote. "She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion."

Warren also thanked President Biden for his service, noting that his "presidency has been transformational. He accomplished more in the past four years  to bring back jobs, stand up to big corporations, and build an economy that works for all of us  than we have been able to get done in the last forty."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After Wisconsin stop, Warren joins Baldwin in endorsing Harris
The man charged with murdering a 12-year-old girl Friday night was ordered held without bond at a bail review hearing Monday that provided few new details about the killing.

Omar Passmore, 28, appeared virtually wearing a yellow jumpsuit and standing with his hands clasped before him. He said he understood his rights but did not otherwise address the court, nor did his attorney provided by the public defenders office. Attorney Michelle Valenti declined to speak on Passmores behalf during the hearing.

Baltimore District Judge Katie M. OHara ordered Passmore to be held before trial, finding evidence that he posed a danger to the community. She also ordered a suicide evaluation and that he have no contact with any witnesses.

Baltimore Police said Friday night that the fatal shooting that evening of Breaunna Cormley was intentional, but provided no motive in charging documents for the murder case against Passmore. Those documents say Passmore and the 12-year-old girls mother have a child together.

Passmore, who was arrested Sunday, faces charges that include first-and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and firearms offenses.

The charging documents say that Passmore was alone in the house with Breaunna on Friday prior to the shooting and that loud yelling could be heard from inside.

Breaunna was found shot on the first floor of the home on Kenwood Avenue in East Baltimores McElderry Park neighborhood. She was remembered by neighbors on Saturday morning as a quiet girl who had recently begun to attend National Academy Foundation, a school for grades 6 to 12.

For fun, Breaunna posted TikToks rating characters in an animated television show, playing games and ranking subjects in school. Her favorite was English and her least favorite was math.

Police wrote in the charging documents that Passmore entered the house where Breaunna was home alone through the front door. Witnesses heard loud yelling while the two were inside together. He then shot and killed her for unknown reasons, police wrote.

Passmore was observed briefly sitting on the front steps at the home and then quickly leaving the area on foot, police said. He was arrested Sunday morning by Baltimore County Police.

A prosecutor in Mondays bail review hearing noted that there may be a protective order against Passmore by someone with the same last name as Breaunna. Baltimore City court records show a temporary protective order was served in August of last year. A final protective order was unserved and the matter was resolved by a consent agreement. That person could not be reached for comment Monday.

Separately, Passmore has a trial scheduled in Baltimore County at the end of the month for malicious destruction of property, online court records show.

According to charges sworn out by a family member, Passmore began throwing furniture around the womans Baltimore County apartment, destroying a bedroom set, fireplace, soundbar, iPhone and Alexa Echo belonging to the relative on May 25.

The woman ran out of the apartment in fear and returned hours later, finding her belongings broken, including her phone, which had been smashed. She wrote that she discovered the tires on her car were flat and the front window and windshield had bullet holes.

I felt scared and nervous, she wrote.

The woman did not immediately return a phone call from The Baltimore Sun seeking comment Monday.

Passmore also has pending custody matters in Baltimore County involving two other children. The mother of those two children previously accused Passmore of shoving her and threatening to kill her in 2021. A judge denied her a final protective order. The mother of the two children was not immediately available for an interview Monday.

Baltimore Sun reporters Matt Hubbard and Dana Munro contributed to this article.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The woman charged with the murder of a Churchs Chicken worker earlier this month was back in court for the third time Monday morning.

A judge was set to decide the amount Monica Williams would have to pay in order to bond out of jail, however, the 45-year-old along with her defense team waived their right to a bond hearing.

Churchs Chicken shooting suspect turns herself in

Williams attorney Scott Hall says the delay will give them more time to build their defense.

We are currently speaking with people and we have investigators talking to the witnesses and trying to develop a defense in this matter, Hall said.

Williams is accused of shooting to death, Anitra West, at the beginning of July while she was working at Churchs Chicken in Orange Mound.

Halls says its what happened after the shooting that he wants the court to take into consideration when it comes time to decide on bond.

Churchs Chicken shooting suspect wants case thrown out

She turned herself in. She was not captured by police, she made the voluntary move to turn herself into the system, Hall said. Just because a warrant is issued, it doesnt have a bearing on whether you are innocent or guilty.

A preliminary hearing is set for August 20 to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

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A young woman who died from ME begged her GP to help her live after her hospital didnt do anything to help, an inquest has heard.

Maeve Boothby ONeill died from the debilitating illness myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in October 2021 at the age of 27.

Ms Boothby ONeill had suffered with ME since her teens, but her illness became more serious in her mid 20s, with her condition deteriorating sharply in the last seven months of her life. She was admitted three times to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) over the course of 2021, but she refused a fourth admission because no treatment was available to alleviate her condition.

ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects the nervous and immune systems and energy production, making it difficult to perform physical and mental tasks and causing severe pain and fatigue.

Ms Boothby ONeills case has become emblematic of the struggle of ME patients and their families to have their condition treated seriously and obtain specialist care, with her parents Sean ONeill and Sarah Boothby fighting to counter the stigmatisation of patients by medical professionals.

Sarah Boothby has been fighting, with her husband Sean O'Neill, to counter the stigmatisation of ME patients - Lee Thomas

The inquest into her death, which opened on Monday, heard that her condition left her so incapacitated that she was able to eat only fluids through a straw with her mothers help.

The NHS at its worst

The first time she was admitted to the RD&E she was discharged the same day, with a doctor writing in his notes: They [hospital staff] cant find anything medical  feel it is functional, can drink if she wishes to, she is able to go home but mum not happy at all.

Her early discharge prompted Ms Boothby ONeills mother to tell one doctor that it was the NHS at its worst.

After being discharged from her second admission to RD&E on June 3 2021, she dropped from 54.4kg to 50kg in the space of a week. Shortly afterwards Ms Boothby ONeill wrote a desperate email to her family GP, Dr Lucy Shenton, begging for help with trying to eat and maintain weight.

She wrote on June 18 2021: I know you are doing the best for me but I really need help with feeding. I dont understand why the hospital didnt do anything to help me when I went in. I am hungry. I want to eat. I have been unable to sit up and chew since March. The only person helping me eat is my mum. I cannot get enough calories from a syringe. Please help me get enough food to live.

Ms Boothby ONeill subsequently refused to be fed by intravenous tube (IV) because she felt it was too painful and not helping her, prompting Dr Shenton to write in her GP notes on Sept 7 2021: If I could do anything I would. Its breaking my heart. She is an intelligent woman and the only bit of autonomy she has left is to make this decision.

In a moving note written four days before her death on Oct 3 2021, Ms Boothby ONeill texted Dr Shenton, saying: I want you to know you are the first doctor who tried to help me get well. This means everything to me. Thank you. I only wish I could have been a more treatable patient.

Sean O'Neill described his daughter Maeve as 'bright, creative, artistic, and opinionated'

Ms Boothby ONeill was described in a pen portrait by her parents read to the hearing as loving and bright. Her mother wrote: She loved learning languages. She had a lively and active interest in world affairs. She looked forward to travelling beyond the UK after finishing school, adding that she had been robbed of the opportunity by her condition.

Mr ONeill, a journalist with the Times, wrote: Maeve was bright, creative, artistic, and opinionated. She was academically gifted.

Several doctors do not believe ME is a medical problem

During the four years Dr Shenton was treating Ms Boothby ONeill, she found there was a lack of specialist care and therapy for ME sufferers. When she reported her death to the local coroner, she said that several doctors involved in her care stated that they do not believe ME is a medical problem.

The inquest was told Dr Shenton was left so depressed and traumatised by Ms Boothby ONeills deteriorating condition and apparent inability of the NHS to provide her with specialist care that she is now suffering from PTSD and has been unable to work since her death.

She had been expected to be a central witness at the inquest, but it emerged that she was too unwell to attend, with her GP telling Exeter Coroners Court in a written statement: She feels that attending the inquest would be likely to trigger a mental health breakdown.

Dr Shentons evidence will instead be read to the inquest and she will be asked to answer a number of written questions to be submitted by the coroner and the parties involved.

A preliminary hearing was told about the lack of specialist services for those with severe ME that Dr Shenton had experienced in trying to find help for her patient.

Dr Anthony Hemsley, the Medical Director of the RD&E, submitted written evidence to the pre-inquest stating: The trust was not commissioned, and therefore not resourced, to provide inpatient treatment for severe ME. He stated that there was no opportunity to refer Maeve to a specialist inpatient centre.

He added: There is a lack of a commissioned specialist service for severe ME both locally, regionally and nationally. In order to rectify this situation, action is required at the highest level.

Sean O'Neill asked during the inquest whether the practice had received any help from Royal Devon and Exeter hospital in treating his daughter - Lee Thomas

Giving evidence, Dr Paul McDermott, a colleague of Dr Shenton, was asked by Mr ONeill whether the practice had received any help from RD&E in treating his daughter.

Dr McDermott said: We were hoping for more help. All I can say is I was slightly surprised she came out the same day. I was aware the hospital was full of sick Covid patients, but I was surprised.

The GP said he had not received any formal training from the NHS about the treatment of ME since he had qualified as a doctor in 1995. Responding to a question from the RD&Es legal counsel about why he had been surprised that Ms Boothby ONeill was discharged the day of her first hospital admission, Dr McDermott said: Looking at Maeve at that time she was hydrated and though her bloods were OK it was the whole situation.

I was hoping someone would take it on and get into more depth and realise that as GPS wed run out of options  then boom  she was out the same day.

The hearing continues.

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  The Jacksonville Police Department is investigating after a woman was found dead in a car overnight. One person is in custody.

Department officials said officers were dispatched to the area of Beecher Avenue and Sandy Street for what they called a disturbance. Upon arriving, officers searched the area and found a woman dead. The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Springfield shooting, police standoff leaves three hurt

Officials added that they found a man hiding in the bushes close to where the woman was found. He knew the woman, they said, and was taken into custody there.

The womans identity is being withheld at this time until her family is notified. The investigation is being performed by Jacksonville Police, the Illinois State Police, the Morgan County Coroners and States Attorneys Offices.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A woman was severely burned after a raging house fire in Attleboro on Sunday.

Firefighters and police officers rushed to the house fire at 563 Mendon Road around 9:13 a.m. Two residents inside were removed from the home.

The adult male resident was treated for smoke inhalation while the second resident, a woman in her 40s, suffered severe burns. The Attleboro Fire Department says she was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital with critical injuries.

Two officers were also treated for smoke inhalation. The male resident and the two officers were taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to two rooms in the house before extinguishing the blaze.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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By Azernews

Fatima Latifova

France's policy of arming Armenia and distancing it from the path of peace leads to the rise of tensions in the South Caucasus. Armenia's militarization reduces the already low mutual trust between Baku and Yerevan, increasing the risk of war.

France's military support for Armenia also violates international law. The former Garabagh conflict should have been resolved through four UN Security Council resolutions, which demanded Armenia's withdrawal from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. Today, France's disregard for these resolutions by supplying arms to Armenia is naturally against international law.

It should be noted that Paris's policy of arming Yerevan stems from the strong influence of the Armenian diaspora in the country. Unfortunately, the Armenian lobby seems to have more say in government decisions than the French public. This indicates that French-Armenian relations are driven by emotion and unprofessionalism rather than pragmatism.

At a time when peace talks are taking place between Azerbaijan and Armenia for the first time in 30 years, the French president's slander against Azerbaijan instead of supporting peace reflects the countrys colonial roots.

While many Western countries, like Hungary and the United Kingdom, are strengthening their relations with Azerbaijan, France uses its EU leader status to strain relations with Baku. This step not only disrupts stability in the South Caucasus but also risks other EU countries losing a strong partner in the oil and gas sector, like Azerbaijan.

Despite Armenia's government making peace-oriented moves, it might initiate provocations against Azerbaijan again with strong support. History shows that Armenians have engaged in such duplicitous acts.

No one can guarantee that Pashinyans government, which accepted the peace process under the logical thinking brought by defeat, will not deviate from peace with the support of the US and France. It is no coincidence that right after the news that the US would send a representative to the Armenian army, Nikol Pashinyan avoided meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the 4th European Political Community summit in Oxford, UK. This shows that the Armenian government may backtrack on its promises with confidence derived from any external support.

France takes advantage of this opportunity and aims to expand its colonial policy in the South Caucasus. Although Paris talks about peace and stability, it shows double standards by supplying arms to Armenia. This policy creates a negative perception of France in the international community and complicates its role as an objective mediator.

Armenias economic situation is weak, and France's arming policy worsens it. The financial resources allocated to armament could improve the social welfare and economic development of the Armenian population, potentially reducing the country's dependency on foreign aid. Additionally, Frances military support limits Yerevan's ability to pursue an independent policy, increasing its reliance on external influences.

France's military support for Armenia disrupts stability in the South Caucasus, violates international law, shows double standards, and harms the economy. While serving short-term political goals, this policy could harm both Armenia and the region in the long run. Azerbaijan opposes this policy and condemns every provocative action.

France justifies arming Armenia amidst the blossoming situation for peace talks in the region

French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to get out of the situation with a very strange answer to Azerbaijan's concern about the rapid arming of Armenia. He connects this with the fact that Armenia has a sovereign right and tries to prove himself justified in both arming it and preparing for a new war.

Then a question goes to Mr. Macron:

What is the need to rapidly arm Armenians on the eve of peace talks in the South Caucasus?

If we go back to thirty years ago, you can better see who was the invader and who was subjected to invasion during the former Garabagh conflict. You know very well that the people of Azerbaijan were the victims of genocide, vandalism, and the destruction of historical cultural monuments, mosques, and native houses in Garabagh and beyond.

When did Azerbaijan attack or occupy its historical territory, Yerevan, Karki, or West Zangazur? Now, in the face of this question, doesn't the re-arming of Armenia seem like a new invasion plan of France?

Certainly, Armenia, as well as all the independent states in the South Caucasus, have a sovereign right to expand their relations, and every country has the right to strengthen its military potential by using this right without contradiction. In addition to being the most reliable partner of the states in the European Union, Azerbaijan also balances both Western and Eastern partnerships in the direction of strengthening its military potential. This partnership serves the national interests of the country without turning against any neighbouring state. The thoughts of the French president regarding Armenia clearly reveal their provocative character. Without a war and without any preparation or intention for it, official Paris pushing Yerevan to war and unjustifiably creating a war panic is more like dragging the region into a new war than supporting Armenia.
Despite a recent downturn in the Switzerland market, primarily influenced by a global IT outage impacting many sectors, investors continue to seek stable investment opportunities. High insider ownership in growth companies on the SIX Swiss Exchange can be particularly appealing during such turbulent times, as it often signals strong confidence from those who know the company best.

Top 10 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership In Switzerland

Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Stadler Rail (SWX:SRAIL) 14.5% 23.1% Straumann Holding (SWX:STMN) 32.7% 20.8% VAT Group (SWX:VACN) 10.2% 22.9% LEM Holding (SWX:LEHN) 29.9% 9.5% Swissquote Group Holding (SWX:SQN) 11.4% 13.7% Temenos (SWX:TEMN) 17.4% 14.7% Sonova Holding (SWX:SOON) 17.7% 9% SHL Telemedicine (SWX:SHLTN) 17.9% 96.2% Sensirion Holding (SWX:SENS) 20.7% 80% Arbonia (SWX:ARBN) 28.8% 100.1%

Click here to see the full list of 15 stocks from our Fast Growing SIX Swiss Exchange Companies With High Insider Ownership screener.

Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Sensirion Holding AG operates globally, specializing in the development, production, sale, and servicing of sensor systems, modules, and components with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 1.26 billion.

Operations: The company generates CHF 233.17 million from its sensor-related products.

Insider Ownership: 20.7%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 80% p.a.

Sensirion Holding, amid a volatile market, is poised for significant growth with its revenue expected to increase by 13.3% annually, outpacing the Swiss market's 4.8%. Despite trading slightly below its fair value, the company is forecasted to become profitable within three years. However, its projected Return on Equity of 10.7% could be seen as modest. Recent developments include advancements in drug delivery technology and participation in key financial conferences, highlighting its active role in sector innovation.

SWX:SENS Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Stadler Rail AG is a global company based in Switzerland that manufactures and sells trains across regions including Europe, the Americas, and the CIS countries, with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 2.62 billion.

Operations: Stadler Rail's revenue is primarily generated from three segments: Rolling Stock, which contributes CHF 3.12 billion, Service & Components with CHF 767.55 million, and Signalling at CHF 102.99 million.

Story continues

Insider Ownership: 14.5%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 23.1% p.a.

Stadler Rail has demonstrated robust growth with a 70.5% increase in earnings over the past year, outperforming many peers in Switzerland. Forecasted to grow its earnings by 23.1% annually, it surpasses the Swiss market's expected 8.2%. Although its dividend record is unstable, its Price-To-Earnings ratio at CHF21.1x is slightly below the market average of CHF21.3x, indicating potential value. However, insider trading data over the past three months is unavailable, which might concern some investors focused on governance and transparency.

SWX:SRAIL Ownership Breakdown as at Jul 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Temenos AG is a global provider of integrated banking software systems to financial institutions, with a market capitalization of approximately CHF 4.79 billion.

Operations: The firm's revenue is derived from the sale and marketing of integrated banking software solutions to financial institutions globally.

Insider Ownership: 17.4%

Earnings Growth Forecast: 14.7% p.a.

Temenos, a Swiss-based growth company with significant insider ownership, is actively enhancing its market position through strategic initiatives. Recently, it announced the potential sale of its fund management unit for EUR 600 million, aiming to streamline operations and focus on core competencies. Additionally, Temenos has been chosen by Haventree Bank for a digital transformation project using its scalable SaaS solutions, demonstrating confidence in its technological capabilities. Despite these positive developments, the company's share price has been highly volatile over the past three months. Moreover, while earnings are forecasted to grow at 14.65% annuallyabove the Swiss market averageits financial position is burdened by high levels of debt.

SWX:TEMN Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Jul 2024

Key Takeaways

Unlock our comprehensive list of 15 Fast Growing SIX Swiss Exchange Companies With High Insider Ownership by clicking here.

Have you diversified into these companies? Leverage the power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to keep a close eye on market movements affecting your investments.

Unlock the power of informed investing with Simply Wall St, your free guide to navigating stock markets worldwide.

Interested In Other Possibilities?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.The analysis only considers stock directly held by insiders. It does not include indirectly owned stock through other vehicles such as corporate and/or trust entities. All forecast revenue and earnings growth rates quoted are in terms of annualised (per annum) growth rates over 1-3 years.

Companies discussed in this article include SWX:SENS SWX:SRAIL and SWX:TEMN.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Vienna Skye spent nearly $4,000 on one-way tickets so she and her mom could fly back home to the United States

Vienna Skye Vienna Skye sleeping on cots in airport during layover.

Vienna Skye and her mom spent four days in the Rio de Janeiro airport when their United Airlines flight back to the U.S. was continuously delayed

On their way down to Brazil, the mother-daughter duo endured a nightmarish layover in Houston which saw them sleeping beside other delayed passengers on cots in the airport

When their original flight was eventually canceled, they spent $4,000 on a one-way ticket to New York

After traveling down to Brazil to attend a wedding, Vienna Skye and her mom found themselves with unexpected extra time in South America. They didn't spend their extended stay exploring or sightseeing, but after four days of flight delays, the mother-daughter duo did become thoroughly acquainted with the Rio de Janeiro airport.

Skye, 25, detailed her experience "living at the airport" in an Instagram Reel that reached 3.5 million viewers on the app. She showed footage of her and her mother, Donna, on their fourth day passing time in the terminal as they waited for United Airlines to finally clear their flight back to Newark, New Jersey.

"I didnt sleep because United Airlines continuously canceled my flight for four days in a row. So Ive just been stuck at the Rio de Janeiro airport with absolutely nowhere to sleep," Skye began in a voiceover.

The New York-based model and content creator tells PEOPLE that they arrived at the airport on a Sunday afternoon. She and Donna didn't land in the U.S. until the following Thursday around 1 a.m. EST.

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Related: Cruise Passenger Says She Was Scammed Out of $15,000 Trip After Accidentally Posting Booking Number on Facebook

As Skye explained in her viral video, their prolonged journey home was made all the more frustrating by a series of resulting inconveniences. She and other travelers boarded and deplaned the same aircraft multiple times over the course of their multi-day delay, and they had to actually exit the airport each time they were ushered off the aircraft, meaning Skye had to retrieve her checked luggage three different times.

She and her mom also went through Brazilian customs six times when, normally, they would've only passed through twice  once upon entry and once again when leaving the country.

Skye tells PEOPLE that United put them up in a hotel on their first extra night in Rio since their flight was originally canceled and rescheduled for the next morning. During the following few days, however, it became difficult to find times and places to rest because United continuously delayed the flight, meaning the mom and daughter had to standby and wait for updates in the airport.

"There was ultimately no explanation," the Instagram star says. "They just kept saying maintenance."

Skye also claims that the plane crew was less than sympathetic to their passengers' plight, but she understands they were stuck under the same trying circumstances.

"There was one older person with either their wife or daughter, I'm not sure, who needed medication, and [the flight attendants] were not being sympathetic at all," the social media star says. "My mom also has thyroid issues and didn't have enough medication, because one to two days, yes, you should pack that. But four days, that's a lot."

Vienna Skye Vienna Skye in Rio de Janeiro airport after delayed flights.

Related: Woman Tells Husband to 'Hold His Pee' During Two-Hour Flight With Newborn and Toddler

Skye continues, "People were obviously very overwhelmed and freaking out about that. Attendants weren't that helpful, but again, they're also stuck in that position, they can't get home either."

Their harrowing trip home actually bookended a full itinerary of travel troubles. On their way down to Brazil, Skye and Donna endured an uncomfortable overnight between flights.

"We had a layover in Houston, and United also canceled that flight, and there were no hotels. They wouldn't put us in a hotel, so they gave us cots to sleep on," Skye tells PEOPLE. The cots  which she showed in one clip from her Rio airport recap video  were less than ideal, says Skye.

"I was stuck in some horror film, that's what it felt like," she recalls of her Texan airport accommodations. "Imagine laying on a piece of plastic with 50 other people, and every time someone moved, it would wake you up ... The lights were blasting all night, and they were playing '80s music the entire night."

Looking back, Skye says the Houston airport was preferable to those sleepless nights in Rio. "At the time, I was like, 'This is been a crazy experience.' But then on the way back, I wish I had a cot," she adds.



Vienna Skye Cots in Houston airport during Vienna Skye's layover.

Related: Couple Buys House, Turns Property into Dream Home Inspired by Favorite Movie, Father of the Bride (Exclusive)

In her video, Skye recalled her final attempt to leave Brazil on her original United ticket: "At around 9 p.m. on my third day, I got ready to board the flight that I should've known was not going to take off. I got on that plane and there was about six other people on it," she explained in her Instagram vlog.



Sharing more details with PEOPLE, the Instagram creator claims they were informed of several issues with the plane's lights and engines during her final wait on the tarmac. Eventually, Skye says the pilot stated that he didn't "feel comfortable flying," and crew members advised passengers to look for options with other airlines since there were no longer any plans to reschedule the flight.

"There just were two seats left on another flight that took off the next day. I booked that right as soon as they told us ... they had canceled it," says Skye. Her and Donna's new tickets home  a Delta flight to LaGuardia Airport in New York City  cost nearly $4,000 in total.

"I knew that was insane, but that's what we were advised to do," the model tells PEOPLE. According to Skye, the airline did refund half of her original $2,000 round-trip flight ticket to Brazil, but despite her extensive communications with United employees, she hasn't been compensated for the new flight tickets.

A representative for United Airlines issued a statement to PEOPLE, writing, "Weve apologized to the customer for their frustrating travel experience and provided a refund for the unused flight. The customers accepted our additional goodwill offer of travel certificates and we look forward to welcoming them back."

Vienna Skye Vienna Skye boarding eventually canceled United flight out of Brazil.

Related: Pregnant Woman Asks Guests to Dress as 'Iconic Moms' for Baby Shower  and the Results Go Viral (Exclusive)

Skye ended her video looking for advice from her followers, asking, "Does anybody know what I am supposed to do in this situation? This is unheard of, right? I am at a loss for words and I dont even know how to handle this.

Prior to her recent experience, Skye says she was a frequent United flyer, but many Instagram comments suggested she avoid the airline going forward.

"I always fly United. I mean, I do have issues with them a lot, but I was a [Premier] 1K member, which means I have flown a lot in the past year," she tells PEOPLE. "But now I'm afraid to fly with them again."



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Read the original article on People.
An audit by the Ministry of Interior was launched into The Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) last week, kicking off the beginning what people in the know estimated would be several weeks of further investigations in Cambodia.

The issue has severely divided labor rights organizations across the country. The question of whether the government will shut down, suspend or otherwise admonish the organization is a source of speculation. Industry analysts said that CENTRALs recent reporting, which found International Labour Organisation (ILOs) Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) wanting in its mostly positive analysis of labor rights conditions, was clearly not acceptable to the government.

More from Sourcing Journal

Labor unions in Phnom Penh have been gathering in support, or against the organization, in clearly divided lines.

It isnt about whether we support them or not, a union leader at a factory on the outskirts of Phnom Penh told Sourcing Journal. It is about whether we are ready to face retribution for our views.

Many are not.

Several other trade union leaders and organizations said that they were continuing to monitor the situation, but in general, felt that silence was the safer option.

Bracing themselves for the continuing investigation, CENTRAL team members said their accounts and information was in order, but that this kind of an audit was unusual.

There were no prizes for guessing that the audit was directly linked to the report, other union leaders said under the condition of anonymity.

Khun Tharo, program manager for CENTRAL told Sourcing Journal that he is holding out strongly, even though it is clear that the road ahead cannot be expected to be easy.

Now we dont know whats going to happen with CENTRAL, he said We can be suspended or shut down after the legal process. And our leadership, including myself, [are] facing a criminal lawsuit. So they are putting pressure at the organizational level, at the personal level and the leadership level.

Its not just the report, he explained. But rather that The government was not happy with what CENTRAL wrote in terms of providing technical support and focusing on freedom of association.

We have been involved in raising a lot of awareness about factory closures, particularly during the pandemic. I think that is also an ongoing indicator where we have been advocating brands should pay the workers that are due. We believe that brands have to take a significant role and ensure a code of conduct, he added.

Its not just that audit that presents an issue for CENTRAL.

A criminal case was filed on July 11 by Hang Ravy, president of the Confederation of Cambodian Workers Rights Union (CWPUC), at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for public defamation and incitement to discriminate against Tharo and his associates. The suit calls for 1 billion Cambodian Riel (KHR) (about $243, 571) in damages for harm caused to their union.

This was in addition to an earlier motion against Tharo filed on June 27 for defamation and discrimination and besmirching the unions reputation, seeking damages of more than 100 million KHR (about $25,347). The union was reacting to an interview on Radio Free Asia in which Tharo allegedly said that CWPUC was a fraudulent union.

Ravy said that the report from CENTRAL was politically motivated and detrimental to the lives of workers in Cambodia.

While there have been many calls for the report to be retracted from yellow unions that are allegedly pro-government, a few have been taking a different stance.

We observe that this report reflects the realities of the general situation of labor rights, especially the exercise of the right to organize unions which promotes the improvement of working conditions, human dignity, peace and harmony in Cambodia, a joint statement endorsed by the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) and Free Independent Trade Union Federation (FUFI) read.

We see that this report is not intended to tarnish the honor and reputation of any relevant organization, but rather it is a highlighting argument and a reminder to the representatives of relevant institutions to work together to address the impact of ignoring these challenges, it added.

The issues of freedom of association and worker rights have been thrust into the spotlight since Cambodia lost duty-free access to EU markets over human rights issues.

As of Aug. 12, 2020 some of Cambodias typical export products such as garments, footwear and travel goods lost their privileges due to the EUs decision to partially withdraw Cambodias duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market. The preferential treatment enjoyed by Cambodia under Everything But Arms (EBA), the EUs trade arrangement for Least Developed Countries, is now temporarily lifted due to serious and systematic concerns related to human rights in the country. The EU enforces this measure while staying open to engage with Cambodia on the necessary reforms, the European Union noted in a statement at the time.

The EU submitted a report to Cambodia demonstrating serious and systematic violations of key principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) linked to political participation, freedom of expression and freedom of association in Cambodia on Nov. 12, 2019.

Tharo said that CENTRALs recent report was not a tool to attack the Cambodian government. It is using to provide a wide range of inclusive roles for the brands and for the ILO BFC to report the tools and process. We want the governance and transparencywe dont criticize, but we believe that things should be fair, and that people have a role to play. The BFC brands also have a role to play, he emphasized.

It took us so long for us to come out with this report because we intended to have a constructive dialogue with BFC because we wanted their inputs and feedback. There are problems for workers, these need to be addressed. This is a very systematic attack against CENTRAL, he added. And we are very concerned if this happens to CENTRAL, there will be more to come for others. Even the union can be suspended or dissolved by the court. The union leader can be subjected to harassment. Even prominent human rights organization can be shut down. You can imagine, this trend is becoming worse. And the space for the independent unions is becoming less.

The Textile Apparel Footwear and Travel Goods Association (TAFTAC) in Cambodia was not pleased with the report either, issuing a statement on June 24 noting shock and disappointment at the very bias and subjective report of CENTRAL which had claimed that the situation of freedom of association in Cambodias GFT sector had been deteriorating.

This is simply not correct judging from a number of key indicators such as number of unions and workers unionization rate, minimum wage developments, comprehensive social security provision and the governments recently launched strategic policy prioritizing workers rights, well-being and skill improvement, the statement said.

Similarly, TAFTAC is shocked and disappointed at the Clean Clothes Campaigns statement to condemn what they wrongly perceived as a smear campaign against independent labor right organization, it added. Lets remind ourselves that in a democratic society, its completely fine to intensely scrutinize and constructively criticize each others ideas, opinions or reports as long as concrete reasons are provided.

Global support for CENTRAL was apparent in a strongly worded statement issued days before the scheduled audit.

We urge the Cambodian government in the strongest possible terms to immediately cancel the audit, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) wrote in a letter July 12 addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul.

The letter illuminated what has been a matter of silent understanding in Phnom Penh: The timing of the audit so close after CENTRALs recent report made it appear that the sole purpose of the audit is to retaliate against CENTRAL.

The smearing and judicial harassment of CENTRAL for their work on freedom of association for workers and unions threatens not just labor rights but all critical reporting by civil society in Cambodia, said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, in another statement. The ILO, Better Factories Cambodia, and the brands who rely on their reporting should condemn efforts to hinder their work.

Although CENTRAL members said they were glad of the support, the statements were not well received in general in Phnom Penh, citing foreign interference including by several media outlets.

Tharo disagreed. Were happy with the public statement from AAFA and FLA. It sent very strong messages, he said.

Now its time for brands under BFC to speak out, he said. Global brands and retailers under the BFC program include H&M, Nike, Inditex and others. We feel it is also time for the UN to press strongly at this point. The more that we keep silent it will allow more repression, he said.
Insights from MotorTransport, The Independent, The Atlantic, and CNN

The News

Airlines, banks, hospitals, and other services around the world are still feeling the impact of cybersecurity companys CrowdStrikes outage on Monday, days after it happened. The fallout continues even though the company said it has brought a significant number of the 8.5 million Windows devices hit by a faulty update back up.

While fewer than 1% of all Microsoft devices were affected globally, experts described the event as the worst IT catastrophe in history.

Passengers remained stranded in airports Monday as thousands of flights were canceled. Atlanta-based airline Delta, one of the worst-impacted companies, has canceled thousands of flights, drawing criticism from US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

SIGNALS

Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.

Ripples will be felt for weeks

Sources: MotorTransport, The Independent

The global supply chain will feel the consequences of CrowdStrikes outage for weeks to come, experts told trade outlet MotorTransport, because planes and cargo are not where theyre supposed to be, and that could create knock-on problems in planning and scheduling for importers, exporters, and consumers. The UKs National Health Service also warned that its services would likely take weeks to go back to their regular schedules as doctors scramble to catch up with their lost work.

CrowdStrikes failure is a warning

Sources: The Atlantic, The Independent

This incident was not the first of its kind and it wont be the last, The Atlantic wrote, noting that such failures are the inevitable outcome of modern social systems that have been designed for hyperconnected optimization, not decentralized resilience. As the world has globalized and digitized, risk becomes increasingly catastrophic and instantaneous. This time, the outage was fixed quickly because CrowdStrike made a good-faith mistake, but if a bad actor had been the problem, the consequences could be much worse. One cybersecurity expert told UK outlet The Independent that governments would need to work with the industry to design out technological flaws if they want to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Experts wonder who will pay the price of the outage

Sources: CNN, Sky News

The CrowdStrike outage could cost businesses over $1 billion in losses, one analyst estimated, but whether the company will have to foot the bill remains unclear, CNN noted. Its likely that the wording of CrowdStrikes contracts shields it from liability, one expert said, and even if a business or a customer was affected, it will be difficult to prove that the losses they incurred resulted directly from the outage, Sky News added. Airline passengers are most likely to struggle to get their money back  airlines may refuse to compensate them due to extraordinary circumstances, and they may have to resort to recoverable cost protection from their card providers.
Messages of gratitude and support for US President Joe Biden poured in following his stunning announcement Sunday that he is exiting the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

It was the second seismic moment in US politics in just over a week, following the assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, which saw global leaders rally around him as the Republican nominee.

Pressure had mounted on Biden to pull out of the race since his disastrous performance at the CNN presidential debate last month, and on Sunday, he confirmed he would remain a one-term president, prompting a flood of tributes from US allies who thanked him for his leadership.

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau arrives for a meeting at the 2024 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Washington, DC on July 11, 2024. - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met with Biden this month in Washington, said he respects the presidents decision and looks forward to working together for the remainder of his term.

I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people, Starmer wrote on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked Biden for being a true friend to his country. Hes a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country, he said on X.

In a news conference, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Biden deserves to be recognized for once again not putting himself forward first, but giving his first consideration to being what he believes is in the interests of the United States of America, as he has done his whole public life.

President Biden has dedicated his life to public service, and that is something that deserves much respect, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his unwavering support in his countrys war against Russia, which the US has backed with weapons, military aid and diplomatic support, despite backlash from Republicans.

Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times, Zelensky said on X. We will always be thankful for President Bidens leadership.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was not too surprised by Bidens withdrawal. In recent years, what has been happening in the United States has taught us not to be surprised by anything, Peskov told reporters Monday.

This topic should concern American voters, but not us, he said, adding that what is very important for us is the future of Russian-American relations, which are now experiencing the worst period in history.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference on July 15, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. - Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, whoever wins the US presidential election, Israel will remain an irreplaceable ally for Washington in the Middle East.

Speaking on Monday from the tarmac of Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport ahead of boarding a flight to the US, Netanyahu said his trip was an opportunity to thank Biden for the things he did for the state of Israel, both in the war and during his years of service as a senator, as vice president and as president.

President Isaac Herzog described Biden as a true ally of the Jewish people, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the US presidents steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable, both in posts to X.

Biden has been one of the biggest supporters of Israels war in Gaza since Hamas October 7 attacks. But he has increasingly clashed with Netanyahu over humanitarian aid and the mounting civilian death toll of the conflict.

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris called Biden a proud American with an Irish soul, and thanked him for his global leadership and friendship.

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday that Biden was a good leader whod had very good results with the pandemic and the economic crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Other leaders commended Biden for making what must have been a tough decision to drop out of the race.

French President Emmanuel Macron in a letter to Biden praised the American leaders decision to end his reelection bid , saying that it showed courage and sense of duty, the Elysee Palace press office said on Monday.

I appreciate the courage, the spirit of responsibility and the sense of duty that led you to this decision, Macron wrote.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks to the media following a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on July 18, 2023. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

My friend Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world, German chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X. His decision not to run again deserves respect.

Speaking at a rally Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Biden made the correct decision and put his family and health first. He wished him health and a long life.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that Biden had made difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger.

I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one, Tusk said.

Leaders in South Korea and Japan said they would not comment about domestic politics in the US but emphasized the need to continue to work with the White House. Both nations have a mutual defense treaty with the United States and Biden was a major promoter of deepening ties between allies in Asia, in part to counter the growing assertiveness of China.

I recognize that President Bidens decision is based on his desire to make the best possible political decision, said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of our nations diplomatic security, and we will continue to monitor it closely.

The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said it will continue to work closely with the US to further develop the South Korea-US global comprehensive strategic alliance.

Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos JR said Bidens decision to withdraw from his candidacy is a demonstration of genuine statesmanship.

We thank him for his constant and unwavering support for the Philippines in a delicate and difficult time, he wrote on X. The Philippines, which is also a treaty ally of the US, has found itself increasingly confronting Chinese vessels in the South China Sea in recent years.

There was no official word from Chinese leader Xi Jinping as of Monday morning local time.

But Biden dropping out of the election was the top trending topic early Monday on Weibo, Chinas X-like social platform, with five more related topics including discussions of Kamala Harris and Trumps assassination attempt together accumulating more than 400 million views.

Some Chinese social media users excitedly speculated about the prospect of a woman becoming US president, while others said they believe Trump will win no matter the Democratic candidate.

The shot was definitely a good deal for Trump! one Weibo user wrote.

One user remarked, that one shot didnt kill Trump but dropped Biden, while another described the political situation in the US as a total mess.

CNNs Hassan Tayir, Mike Schwartz, Manveena Suri and Anna Chernova contributed reporting.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  For the first time, the Yale Peabody Museum will exhibit collections celebrating the living cultures of Pacific Islander communities.

Museum leaders announced Monday that their new Hall of the Pacific is open to the public now.

Revived Yale Peabody Museum attracts visitors with fascinating new pieces

Museum Director David Skelly said the exhibit is completely new for the Peabody.

Weve never been able to show this collection of objects and works of art from across the Pacific at a scale like this. The Hall of the Pacific helps visitors make a true connection with the living cultures of the region and with AAPI communities right here in Connecticut, Skelly said.

The new exhibit includes 254 objects, from artworks to contextual photographs and historical artifacts.

Yale Peabody Museum reopens after nearly 4 years with new exhibits

Among the pieces featured are:

a carved seagoing canoe prow from Vanuatu

elaborate facade paintings that adorned a ceremonial house in Papua New Guinea

decorated shields from the Solomon Islands used for defense and in ceremonies

a rare Tago mask from Tami Islands.

a pair of rare Eharo masks from Papua New Guinea

a 19th-century warup drum from Saibai Island

an iUla Tavatava, a ridged-head missile club from Fiji

a collection of stylized spirit face masks from Vanuat

a Maori feather cloak from New Zealand

Museum leaders said the 3,655-sq-ft exhibit on the third floor chronicles the distances navigated by Pacific Islands and the diversity of the regions cultures.

New & improved Yale Peabody Museum aims to be destination for all with increased accessibility

It was made possible by a donation from philanthropist Thomas Jaffe.

Ive been into the worlds of the Pacific since I was a kid and been collecting objects from there for years, Jaffe said. So, when it came time to share them with the public, the Yale Peabody, with Dave Skelly leading its massive revamp and expansion, was a dream partner come true. My hope is that those who visit this gallery will be turned on to the Pacifics incredible cultures for generations to come.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
For years, Scott Farwell was consumed with hate and rage for a man who killed his younger brother in 2002  a man Farwell initially wanted the state to execute.

But more than two decades later, he told a judge on Monday that hes relinquished that hate in place of forgiveness. He argued against a death sentence in favor of life in prison.

The killer, Quincy Allen, was convicted in 2002 of brutally murdering Jedediah Harr  Farwells brother  and a woman, Dale Hall, in Richland County. Allen later killed two more people in North Carolina.

It has been 22 years of missed birthdays, 22 years of missed holidays, family reunions, and not seeing what Jed was going to bring to this world, Farwell said. He had dreams too, just like all of us do. He was going to join the Coast Guard.

On Monday, Allen accepted a sentencing agreement before Judge Debra McCaslin in Lexington, where he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole with no opportunity for any type of post conviction relief.

The sentence follows a federal appeals court overturning Allens 2005 death sentence in 2022, which left 5th Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson with a choice: re-try the sentencing phase of Allens trial to try to resecure the death penalty or settle with a life sentence. Gipson chose the latter.

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to vacate Allens death sentence was based on the trial judges failure to consider all favorable evidence for him in the case, namely Allens abusive childhood and his resulting mental illness.

I believe in my heart that he was controlling his actions, Farwell said. I know men with worse upbringings that were great soldiers and even better men. They just chose the right path. They didnt choose to do something terrible.

Gipsons decision to not re-seek the death penalty, which he and Deputy Solicitor Dan Goldberg said was in accord with the wishes of the victims families, prompted Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott to express disappointment.

Last week, Lott sent an email to Gipson, Goldberg and other attorneys connected with Allens case, saying, in part, Quincy Allen is a cold-blooded killer of four victims ... any other deaths/injuries/crimes committed by him will be the result of your decision.

Allen offered remarks of remorse before McCaslin, saying he was sorry for taking the lives of Dale and Harr, and never intended to hurt anyone, but was in a bad place mentally.

Two of the victims nearest relatives offered statements before McCaslin during Mondays hearing, including Farwell and Bernard Presley, who is Halls son. Presley wasnt in court, but his remarks were delivered through Goldberg.

It was his wish that as long as the defendant was going to die in prison, to put it bluntly, that he was fine with a life sentence (for Allen), Goldberg said of Presley. Presley said his faith had allowed him to move on.

Goldberg added that Presleys absence was due in large part to the family having other relatives whove passed away and that they were not emotionally able to be present in the courtroom.

Gipson acknowledged Lotts concerns before McCaslin and said he, too, felt that the death penalty was appropriate for Gipson. But it was the feelings and wishes of the victims families that controlled his decision, he said.

Do the feelings of (Lott), the attorney general or my feelings outweigh the feelings of two families whove been hurt by the actions of Quincy Allen for the past 22 years? Gibson said. The answer to that question is no.

Allen shot and killed Hale, a woman he met on Two Notch Road, with a shotgun near I-77 in Columbia. He then doused her body with gasoline and set it on fire. A month after that killing, Allen  again using a shotgun  shot and killed Harr, a bystander in an argument Allen had with others outside the Texas Roadhouse Grill on Two Notch Road.

The kid was kind kid, funny, and simple minded in the sense that hed help anybody, and he just about always had a smile on his face even in the worst times, Farwell said of his brother, Harr.

Farwell, who traveled from Ohio to attend Mondays hearings, said something changed in him in 2009 that led him to embrace forgiveness for the first time in his life.

I was sitting at a post office in my car listening to a an interview with the Alabama State Penitentiary warden, Farwell said. He talked about how he liked to spend the last two weeks of a death row inmates life with them, talking and praying. He talked about one inmate in particular, who was the meanest, scariest and toughest inmate hed ever met. And the inmate (during the time of his execution) asked to hold the wardens hand.

Farwell said the interview gave him perspective that not everyone on death row is bad.

Theyre just men like me with emotions, and they just chose to do horrific things, Farwell said. Those bad men now were just men that chose wrong, terribly wrong.

Prior to the 4th Circuit overturning Allens sentence, the S.C. Supreme Court unanimously upheld his death sentence in 2009, saying the sentence was proper and supported by ample aggravating circumstances that made him eligible for the death penalty.

Allen gave statements to police outlining the details of his crimes, the Supreme Court noted. He told police he began killing people because an inmate in federal prison, where Allen spent time for stealing a vehicle, had told him he could get him a job as a Mafia hit man.

Before starting his death spree, Allen used a homeless man, James White, 51  who was sitting on a bench in Finlay Park in downtown Columbia  for target practice. Allen shot him twice to learn how to use his shotgun, the high court noted.

I forgave Quincy, Farwell said. Up until (2009) Id never forgiven a soul in my entire life. It was like wearing a tank as a vest. When I took that off, I was free to breath, and that hate (for Allen) went away. He no longer had space in my head, and I didnt think about it again.
Yes, a Democrat could still beat Donald Trump. Itll take money, energy and smarts | Opinion

Its not too late for a Democrat to win.

The Democrats biggest problem isnt the calendar. Its the Democrats.

No Democrat is as big of a TV star as Donald Trump. Or as big of a showman. Or as much of a back-alley brawler. Irishman Joe Biden, the Democrats best infighter, threw in the towel Sunday.

The Democratic candidate has lost the popular vote only once since 1988. But now, the party is faced with pulling a campaign out of the ditch two months before early voting starts in some states.

More likely, Biden has dragged another Democrat into the ditch.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris greets supporters during her visit Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Fort Worth.

In both the most frightening and thrilling week of his political career, Trump survived an assassins bullet and rode a well-orchestrated party convention to a probable 8-to-10-point lead in polls.

Yes, a Democrat will gain back 5 points after that convention Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

That leaves 5 points to make up in the popular vote. But Vice President Kamala Harris or another Democrat really needs to win by 2 or 3 points to safely win in the Electoral College.

This goes without saying after a year of surprises, but: Anythings possible.

Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump delivers his nomination acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

People are seriously overestimating the inevitability of a Trump victory at this point, SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson, an expert on conservatives and religion in politics, wrote by email.

Trump still has never proved he can draw more than 50% of the vote.

On the other hand, he won the 2016 election with 46%.

Harris or another Democratic candidate will have to lean hard into the abortion issue and hope for better news from the economy and the border, Wilson wrote. That candidate will need to hold Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

This is not a great hand to play, Wilson wrote, but its the only one they have.

He gave a Democratic candidate a 1-in-3 chance to win: How many people wouldnt take those odds?

President Joe Biden leaves the stage during a campaign event at the Jim Graham building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Friday June 28, 2024. Biden debated former President Trump in Atlanta Georgia the previous night.

A new candidate would have to start a campaign almost from scratch.

Harris can use Bidens $91 million in direct campaign donations, or he can transfer it to another candidate, either directly or indirectly. But that would be his decision.

His stand-in will need to (1) raise money, (2) invent a new message and (3) thrill Democrats.

The brand is tainted, and most Democrats have proven as unpopular as President Biden, University of Houston professor Brandon Rottinghaus emailed.

Whichever Democrat is chosen, they need to reset the clock with young voters and voters of color and freshen the issue agenda for suburban women, he wrote.

Signage is displayed during a walkthrough of the Democratic National Convention on May 22, 2024, at the United Center.

In other words, win back bored Democrats.

And all that must be done with just weeks left in a ticking time bomb of a campaign.

At UT-Austin, government professor Eric McDaniel made turnout the No. 1 goal.

People are pretty much set on who they are going to vote for, he emailed. The problem is getting them energized to go to the polls.

TCU professor James Riddlesperger, analyzing his 10th presidential election as a political scientist, said Democrats might win a few of the double haters who wouldnt have voted for Biden or Trump.

But mainly, a new Democratic candidate will turn the focus away from Bidens age  and his son Hunters foibles  and back to Trump.

The Biden crime family  issue would be laid to rest, he wrote. But Trumps indictments and convictions dont go away.

Democrats have one other argument to draw voters: the Supreme Court.

There is no question that the election is an uphill fight for the Democrats right now, Riddlesperger wrote.

A new face brings new energy. But energy could break either way.

Yes, I know. Thats all just expert opinions.

But I talked with these same professors almost a year ago, when Trump had just been indicted in Georgia and was not even assured of being the Republican nominee.

The headline then: Yes, Trump can win again, even with another indictment. Its even easier than 2016.

They were right.

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The Yezidi genocide devastated Iraqs community 10 years ago  but the roots of the prejudice that fueled it were much deeper

On the morning of Aug. 3, 2014, the Islamic State group launched a ruthless and swift campaign in Sinjar, in northwestern Iraq. The target was Yezidis: a monotheistic religious group whose members have long been persecuted.

As forces affiliated with the regional Kurdish government fled in disarray, IS fighters captured and enslaved an estimated 6,800 Yezidis, mostly women and children. About 1,500 Yezidis were executed. A similar number lost their lives from excessive heat, thirst or starvation while stranded on Mount Sinjar, before U.S. airstrikes several days later enabled escape to the relative safety of Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria and Iraq.

The entire Yezidi population of Sinjar, about 250,000 people, lost their homes: around half of all Yezidis across the globe, by my estimate.

Ten years later, it is easy to look back on the massacres as the work of extremist militants. But IS in Iraq recruited heavily among local Sunni Muslims from northwestern Iraq. People who lived alongside Yezidis for many years became their tormentors, rapists, looters and killers.

What explains the ferocity of this genocidal campaign? As a scholar of political violence and Middle East politics, I argue that two main factors led to the anti-Yezidi atrocities.

First, Muslim authorities have historically stigmatized Yezidis and denied their existence as a faith group  one of the focuses of my 2024 book, Liminal Minorities. Second, transformations after the U.S. invasion of Iraq fueled resentment, which extremists channeled against this marginalized religious group.

Mourners prepare to bury the remains of Yezidi victims in a cemetery in Sinjar, Iraq, in 2021, after the bodies were exhumed from mass graves. AP Photo/Farid Abdulwahed

A global pattern

The Yezidi experience reflects a global pattern: a type of marginalization and discrimination against faith groups whom I call liminal minorities.

Liminal minorities have two core characteristics. First, they lack theological recognition in the eyes of the areas dominant religion. In other words, more powerful faith groups do not acknowledge the legitimacy of their religion and denigrate the minoritys beliefs and rituals.

Second, liminal minorities are subjected to widespread stigma transmitted across generations. They are often perceived as a threat to moral order and at times alleged to engage in sexually deviant practices. These patterns of stigmatization beget discrimination.

In addition to Yezidis, liminal minorities include Alevis in Turkey, Bahais in Iran, and Ahmadis in Indonesia and Pakistan. Religious liminality is not exclusive to the Muslim world: For example, Jehovahs Witnesses in a variety of countries and Falun Gong in China are also liminal minorities.

Centuries of prejudice

Yezidis marginal status is not new. Under the Ottoman Empire, Christian and Jewish communities were offered a limited degree of protection and autonomy in return for paying a special tax  known as the millet system. These groups were recognized as People of the Book: monotheists whose religious faith was accepted by Muslim authorities. Yezidis, however, lacked this status.

Yezidi priest Sheikh Ismael Bahri prays in the Sharaf al-Deen temple shrine in Sinjar in 2015, after Kurdish forces took back a large part of the region. AP Photo/Seivan Selim

Even today, Yezidis are often insulted as devil worshipers. According to the Yezidi faith, God entrusted the world to his lead angel, Tawusi Melek, which means Peacock Angel. Some Muslim religious authorities, however, conflate this angel with Iblis, the personal name of the devil in Islam.

This misidentification gained widespread acceptance among Muslim clerics by the 16th century. Under Ottoman rulers and Kurdish tribal leaders, the claim was used to justify extreme forms of violence against Yezidis, including mass enslavement and killings.

Political resentment post-Saddam

The stigmatization of Yezidis remained widespread in Iraq throughout the late 20th century. There were no large-scale episodes of religiously motivated massacres targeting Yezidis under the regime of Saddam Hussein. Yet many were forced out of their mountain villages as part of his partys Arabization campaigns: forced deportations aimed at weakening non-Arab minorities in the countrys north.

Iraq is home to people of both major schools of Islam  Sunni and Shiite  as well as minority faiths such as Yezidis, Christians and Sabaean-Mandaeans, who follow an ancient monotheistic religion. The country is also home to many different ethnic groups, with a large Arab majority and sizable minorities of Kurds, Turkmens and Assyrians.

Sunni Arabs, who make up a minority of the population, formed the backbone of the Saddam regime, while Shiite Arabs and Sunni Kurds were mostly excluded from power. After the U.S. invasion, however, the Shiite majority was able to dominate electoral politics, and many Sunni Arabs complained of being marginalized.

The Kurdish region, meanwhile, consolidated its autonomy. Yezidi votes become crucial to Kurdish claims for additional territory  spurring more Sunni resentment of the Yezidis.

A Yezidi man sits on a cliff above the terraces his village uses for farming on Mount Sinjar in 2015. Thousands of Yezidis tried to take shelter on the mountain during the 2014 attacks. AP Photo/Jacob Silberberg

Boiling point

My fieldwork, including extensive interviews between 2017 and 2019, suggests that the Islamic States goal of ethnic cleansing capitalized on these feelings of resentment and aimed to undermine Kurdish territorial claims.

Hundreds of Yezidis became victims of violent attacks well before 2014. As the Islamic State group gained power, it further intensified anti-Yezidi stigmas. The group instructed fighters that extreme forms of violence, including systematic rape, were justified by their faith.

The combination of historical hatreds, political resentment and denying the legitimacy of Yezidis faith helped spark the violence that devastated Iraqs Yezidi community in 2014.

Quest for recognition and security

In the wake of the genocide carried out by IS, the Yezidis received unprecedented international attention as a persecuted faith group, and several countries, such as Germany, created resettlement programs for Yezidi refugees. Yezidis in the diaspora became more visible and organized, demanding justice and aiming to mobilize public attention.

Yezidi girls take part in a program to reacquaint them with their religion and culture at Khanke IDP camp, in northern Iraq, in 2019. AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo

Nevertheless, their conditions remain dire. Yezidis are unable to return to Sinjar, which is still an insecure zone contested among rival armed forces. Many remain in camps in Iraqi Kurdistan, facing an uncertain future.

Others have sought refuge abroad, and some benefited from specialized humanitarian asylum programs like Germanys. The country has been home to part of the Yezidi diaspora since the early 1970s and emerged as a major destination for Yezidis fleeing Iraq after 2014. Today, about 200,000 Yezidis are estimated to live there.

Yet the rise of anti-immigration sentiments in Europe has made the Yezidis situation similar to that of many other migrants and refugees. As public attention to the genocide begins to fade, these newcomers face an increasingly inhospitable political climate.

Facing an existential precarity in their homeland and legal limbo in the diaspora, the Yezidi liminality persists.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Gunes Murat Tezcur, Arizona State University

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Gunes Murat Tezcur received funding from the University of Central Florida and the Global Religion Research Initiative based at the University of Notre Dame while conducting research on this topic.
Technology today can help but also hinder supply chains. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

By Bart De Muynck

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FreightWaves or its affiliates.

We live in a world where technology takes a much larger role than ever before. But this also brings certain risks. Weve seen the cyberattacks in the past year that impacted the logistics industry. On Friday, CrowdStrikes update-related outage affected Microsoft systems worldwide, which brought flights and other modes of transportation to a complete halt. Planes have been grounded in the U.S. and trains in the U.K. are impacted, as are boarding scanners at Edinburgh Airport in Scotland. The past months we have had major impacts of weather events such as the recent storm in Houston creating power outages and disruption in the airline networks. But where everyones expecting the weather to create havoc on the supply chain, the CyberStrike incident comes as a rather surprise shock  but one with huge consequences.

The outage serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness and vulnerability of modern supply chains reliant on digital infrastructure. It underscores several critical lessons for companies. It highlights the risk of overreliance on a single vendor or technology platform. Even a minor glitch in a critical component like CrowdStrikes security software can trigger a cascade of disruptions across multiple industries and geographies. Companies must prioritize redundancy in their technology infrastructure and have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of outages. This includes having backup systems, alternative communication channels and well-defined protocols for handling disruptions.





Routine testing and maintenance of critical systems are essential to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they lead to major outages. This includes patching software, updating security protocols and conducting stress tests to ensure systems can handle peak loads. Companies should thoroughly vet their technology vendors, assess their security practices and have clear service level agreements in place. Regular communication and collaboration with vendors can mitigate risks and ensure prompt response in case of an outage.

Real-time visibility into supply chain operations remains crucial for identifying and responding to disruptions quickly. Companies should invest in technology solutions that provide end-to-end visibility into their supply chains, enabling them to track shipments, monitor inventory levels and anticipate potential bottlenecks. Effective communication and collaboration across the supply chain are essential during a crisis. Companies should have clear communication channels with their suppliers, partners and customers to keep them informed of the situation and coordinate responses.

To harness their technology platforms and minimize the impact of future disruptions, companies should avoid relying on a single vendor or platform for critical functions. They should rather consider using multiple vendors or cloud-based solutions to spread the risk. They should also ensure that critical systems have backups and failover mechanisms in place to maintain continuity of operations during an outage. Companies should also focus on scenarios where they outline detailed procedures for responding to different types of disruptions, including cyberattacks, natural disasters and vendor outages.

The CrowdStrike outage of July 19, 2024, while disruptive and concerning, should not deter us from using technology going forward. Technology has become an integral part of modern life and business operations. It drives efficiency, productivity, innovation and global connectivity. Abandoning technology would be akin to stepping back in time, with significant negative consequences for economic growth and societal progress. Every technological failure, while unfortunate, presents an opportunity for learning and improvement. The CrowdStrike outage will undoubtedly lead to a thorough investigation and analysis, resulting in better practices, stronger safeguards and more robust systems in the future.





Technology providers and users are constantly working to build more resilient systems with redundancies and fail-safes to prevent or minimize the impact of future outages. The lessons learned from this incident will likely drive further innovation in this area. The benefits of technology, even with the occasional outage, far outweigh the risks. Technology has revolutionized industries, improved health care, enhanced communication and made our lives easier and more connected. It is also important to remember that most technological failures are ultimately caused by human error or oversight. This underscores the importance of investing in training, education and continuous improvement of cybersecurity practices and system maintenance.

Technology is not static. It is constantly evolving and improving. New solutions and innovations will continue to address challenges and mitigate risks, making technology more reliable and secure over time.

So, while the CrowdStrike outage serves as a cautionary tale, it should not deter us from embracing technologys potential. Instead, it should motivate us to learn from the incident, implement stronger safeguards and continue to harness the power of technology to drive progress and innovation while mitigating the risks associated with its use.

Look for more articles from me every week on FreightWaves.com.

Bart

About the author

Bart De Muynck is an industry thought leader with over 30 years of supply chain and logistics experience. He has worked for major international companies, including EY, GE Capital, Penske Logistics and PepsiCo, as well as several tech companies. He also spent eight years as a vice president of research at Gartner and, most recently, served as chief industry officer at project44. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and CSCMPs Executive Inner Circle.

The post Technology: Risk or savior? appeared first on FreightWaves.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  The YMCA of South Hampton Roads has received a grant for more than $155,000 from POOLCORP.

POOLCORP is the worlds leading wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment.

This potentially lifesaving gift will provide more than 1,500 children with free swimming lessons and fund the certification and training of 100 new Y lifeguards.

Joy Thomen, Vice President of Aquatics Experience, emphasized the crucial nature of the grant.

Water safety is a year-round priority, said Joy Thomen, vice president of aquatics experience. POOLCORPs ongoing commitment to the Y through the Swimpact program is instrumental in expanding access to vital water safety education. Together, we are creating a safer environment for our children.

According to the YMCA, the CDC recognizes drowning as a leading cause of death for children. However, water safety programs can reduce the likelihood of drowning by more than 80%.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  To address the housing crisis, officials announced Monday morning an investment of $500 million to construct affordable housing throughout New York City.

Funds were generated from lease revenue acquired by the Battery Park City Authority, a New York State public benefit corporation that operates and maintains Battery Park City.

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To date, the BPCA has contributed $461 million for affordable housing units, helping to build or preserve over 10,000 units.

To solve a generational housing and affordability crisis, every sector has a role in providing relief to working-class New Yorkers. Todays announcement takes us one step closer to delivering that relief, said Mayor Eric Adams. Our administration and our partners are united by a common cause: building more affordable housing. The only way to solve these dual crises is to simply build more, and with this $500 million commitment, we are coming together to use our dollars to make a difference and better support working-class New Yorkers.

The announcement is the most recent update in a citywide push to construct more affordable housing. Last Tuesday, local officials celebrated the groundbreaking of Starhill Phase II, a project that will create 244 affordable apartments in the Bronx.

NYC currently offering affordable housing units near the water

New Yorkers looking for affordable housing may browse and apply for open lotteries listed on NYC Housing Connect.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(Bloomberg) -- New York state Democrats are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nominee less than 24 hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

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The states roughly 300 Democratic delegates, one of the biggest contingents, are set to support Harris at the convention in Chicago next month, party Chairman Jay Jacobs said Monday. Harris needs backing from about 2,000 delegates to officially receive the partys nomination to run against former President Donald Trump.

New York will be supporting Kamala Harris and we are putting together a Zoom sometime late today with our delegates, but every indication from phone calls weve been making and receiving from all across the state is overwhelming support, so we will formalize that later, Jacobs said.

Several of the states most prominent elected Democrats, including Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have already endorsed Harris, a factor that is helping persuade delegates to back the vice presidents bid, Jacobs said.

The governor has been very active and clear that she would like Kamala Harris, and I think thats made a very big impact on delegates as well, Jacobs said.

Hochul, who vociferously and repeatedly defended Biden up until he withdrew from the race on Sunday, was among the first prominent Democratic elected officials to announce support for Harris candidacy, in a post on social media.

Adams is also backing the vice president.

She is the voice that the party needs right now, Adams, who endorsed Harris in the 2020 presidential primary, said in an interview on MSNBC Monday.

Were hemorrhaging African Americans, the mayor said. Were hemorrhaging Hispanic voters. Were hemorrhaging those working-class people who dont realize the Democratic Party has a good product. We have to get a clear message on getting that product out there.

Adams praised Harriss background as a prosecutor.

Having a presidential candidate that is going to be forceful with her prosecutorial background, with a law enforcement background, I think its the right message right now, because some of the reasons were losing many people in these communities, working-class communities, is because they dont believe we are connecting with those real issues with them, Adams said.

Ocasio-Cortez, who was among the most vocal backers of Bidens candidacy  even after his disastrous debate performance last month  was also quick to endorse Harris on Sunday.

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November, she said in a post on social media.

In other states, Arizona delegates are circulating a petition asking delegates to support Harris as the nominee, according to two people familiar with the effort. Delegates from New Hampshire and Tennessee have already committed their slate of delegates to the vice president.

--With assistance from Esme Fox and Akayla Gardner.

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YORK, Maine  York Heights neighborhood residents are taking their appeal of a recently approved cellular facility to the superior court.

Janet Drew of Avon Avenue and Linda Molda of Camden Avenue have been fighting the installation of six-panel antennas by AT&T on top of a nearby water tower at 5 Roots Rock Road since the project first went before the town Planning Board last year. They unsuccessfully appealed the projects approval with the town Board of Appeals in the spring. Now, they are appealing that decision in York County Superior Court.

"The decision of the York zoning board of appeals on May 8th 2024, did not follow Maine law, its own ordinances, and was otherwise arbitrary, capricious and did not abide by the law and facts," states the lawsuit.

Residents of the York Heights neighborhood are taking their appeal to superior court challenging a recently approved cellular facility on the water tank at Roots Rock Road. The tower is pictured here in 2019.

Town Manager Peter Joseph told the Selectboard Monday the town would file a response to the court action, which was against the town but challenged the Board of Appeals decision.

Residents like Drew and Molda, who opposed the project, have said they are concerned about the proximity of the cellular facility to nearby homes. Drew told the Planning Board in December to stop this project and that she didnt need that much radiation coming to her property.

In April, Drew and Molda targeted various aspects of the proposal from AT&T before the Appeals Board. She argued that while AT&T demonstrated where coverage gaps existed, they did not show why Roots Rock Road was the place for their facility to go.

Im opposing (the Planning Boards) decision to approve a massive 5G wireless communications facility at 5 Roots Rock Road, Drew said, reading from her appeal to the board. Ive put the description there because it isnt just antennas.

Border dispute: York mulls legal battle over border as Kittery urges town to halt aggressive actions

Drew challenged whether homes were the required 65 feet away from the project. She told the Board of Appeals that she and Molda measured and determined the facility would be considered closer than that limit.

They bypass the steps. They bypass the deck. All of that is residential structure, Drew said. Its way too close.

AT&T wants to improve cell service in York, but residents are worried about the impact on their health, views and property values.

While the project excluded the need for a tower, Drew said the project was still inappropriate for a residential area. She said the towns comprehensive plan lists goals that include maintaining the character of the community and protecting property values.

Its a consistent theme, Drew said. Clearly, our legislative intent is to protect our flavor and our families.

Board of Appeals members disagreed with the assertion AT&T failed to provide adequate data. They voted unanimously to deny the appeals, saying AT&T met the requirements of the towns wireless communications ordinance.

They tried, and they looked at other areas, Board of Appeals member Kenneth Churchill said. But this was the most, I dont want to say convenient, but it works the best for what the needs are.

York Beach Nevada motel reborn: Iconic landmark reopens with modern makeover

AT&T says project will boost cell service in York

The project was approved in December and would boost cell service by adding antennas to an existing structure, which is encouraged by town ordinance.

Residents who opposed the project said they were concerned about property values, as well as the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency waves. Town boards cannot reject facilities based on frequencies if they are within FCC requirements, and Planning Board members said they doubted the project would impact home values.

Representatives from AT&T say the installation will solve Yorks lack of coverage without obstructing the landscape with a new tower. The antenna will also have a film to make it appear to blend in with the sky when seen from the ground.

Cellular service has been contentious in York over the years. While there is a need for additional coverage, some residents have expressed concerns about their health and property values.

Joseph said the towns IT manager, Alex Gagnon, has been working on bringing small cell devices that extend coverage to different parts of town to improve service in York. He said they have been used recently at Short Sands Beach, where service has improved.

The idea would be to move something like that all throughout the low service areas of town where there are no cell phone towers, Joseph said. He said a contract for small cell devices would be in front of the Selectboard at a future meeting.

More: York lifeguard chief says police won't stop beach drinking, threatens to resign

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York residents file suit to stop AT&Ts water tank antenna project
This article was originally published in Virginia Mercury.

Virginia will soon establish guidance to restrict or eliminate student cell phone use during instructional time at school.

On Tuesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, which directs his administration to heed the call of parents, public health professionals, educators and others by establishing cell phone-free policies and procedures for school divisions, in light of growing concerns over childrens health and declines in academic performance.

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Health and Human Services, must clearly define what cell phone-free education means, and publish model plans and draft guidance on implementing cell phone-free education in Virginias K-12 schools on its website by Aug. 15, according to the governors directive.

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The directive will establish the clear goal to protect the health and safety of our students by limiting the amount of time they are exposed to addictive cell phones and social media and eliminating clear distractions in the classroom, Youngkin said in a statement.

The governor added that $500,000 in existing funds allocated to the Departments of Education and Behavioral Health and Development Services will be made available to implement the initiative.

According to the governors office, the funds will support state and local efforts to facilitate family nights and community engagement events to combat youth mental health challenges, and provide microgrants for school divisions to help implement cell phone best practices in their communities.

As part of the policies development, the departments will be required to hold listening sessions seeking public input on age-appropriate cell phone-free education policies and procedures, gather feedback on best practices currently underway in Virginia public schools, and receive input for the draft guidance, the governors executive order reads.

The departments are slated to release the final guidance by Sept. 16 of this year. The order directs school boards to adopt the policies by Jan. 1, 2025, or before.

Youngkins order cites American Psychological Association research that suggests adolescents who spend over three hours on social media daily have double the risk of poor mental health. The order also references studies showing that children spend about 4.8 hours a day on social media, and that students who use their phones during class learn less and earn lower grades.

Therefore, creating a cell phone-free education environment in public schools is not only a prudent measure but an essential one to promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn, Youngkin directive states.

Some of Virginias school boards have already begun banning or restricting cell phone use in schools. Legislation empowering local boards to institute such prohibitions on cellphones and other handheld communication devices during regular school hours died last session.

James Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said in a statement that the organization recognizes the mounting worries over how cell phones impact students in classrooms and thinks its essential to approach the issue with a nuanced perspective that considers the real-world needs of our students and teachers.

Fedderman, whose organization is the largest educator advocacy group in the state, went on to urge the Virginia Department of Education to engage with educators to develop balanced guidelines that support effective teaching and learning while also addressing legitimate concerns about distractions.

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and X.
Artist Michael Leavitt with his "Notzle" creations, which are not gas nozzles, but life-size replicas with articulating parts as if they could dispense gas. Currently on view at Mini Mart City Park. (Courtesy of Michael Leavitt)
Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Mattel shares soared over 15% Monday, nearly erasing year-to-date losses following a report it received an acquisition offer from LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton.

The offer could also encourage renewed interest from rival Hasbo, which has previously engaged in merger talks with Mattel.

The news comes as Mattel faces pressure from activist investors to restructure.

Mattel will report its latest quarterly results after the bell on Tuesday.







Mattel (MAT) shares soared over 15% Monday, nearly erasing year-to-date losses following a report it received an acquisition offer from LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton. L Catterton is backed by French luxury conglomerate Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMUY), commonly referred to as LVMH.

The Barbie and Hot Wheels toy maker isnt explicitly pursuing a sale, but L Catterton's offer could also lead to other offers, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Mattel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

L Catterton's Offer Could Lead to Others Amid Activist Investor Pressure

L Catterons interest could spur a similar offer from others such as competitor Hasbro (HAS), which has engaged in merger talks with Mattel in previous years, Reuters reported.

The offer from L Catteron comes as Mattel faces pressure from activist investors to restructure and boost performance, with Barington Capital calling on Mattel to consider strategic alternatives for its Fisher-Price and American Girl brands earlier this year.

"The long decline at both Fisher-Price and American suggests that Mattel may not be the right owner of these brands," Barington CEO James Mitarotonda said in a letter in February.

We believe that these brands are now detracting from the success at Mattel's other segments, and hurting shareholder value, he added.

Mattel is set to report its second-quarter results after the bell Tuesday, when it could offer investors more details on its plans after narrowing losses in the first quarter.



Read the original article on Investopedia.
The UNAIDS executive director has called upon Gilead Sciences to make its miracle drug lenacapavir for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention available to people from developing countries.

At the opening ceremony of the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024), UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima called upon the pharma giant to make the drug available to those who face violence for taking HIV medication.

Gilead you have a long-acting injectable lenacapavir. I call it a miracle preventative tool. You have a miracle tool that could transform access for gay men, trans people, sex workers, for young women in Africa who could be freed from the stigma and fear of being attacked just for being seen swallowing tablets. Right now, Gilead, lenacapavir is priced for rich countries  this inequality never served us well in HIV response.

Byanyima went on to say that Gileads drug comes with a $40,000 price tag in the US, adding that calculations have shown that a generic version of the drug could be developed for less than $100 per year in developing countries.

A Gilead spokesperson tells Pharmaceutical Technology: "While Gilead awaits additional Phase III clinical trial data and the potential regulatory filings for HIV prevention administered twice-yearly, it is too early to state the price of lenacapavir for PrEP (prevention). Our pledge is to price our medicines to reflect the value they deliver to people, patients, healthcare systems and society."

Gilead, make this happen now, Byanyima added. Grant generic licencing through the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool and make generics available to all of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

There have been growing concerns that due to more strict bills being introduced against LGBTQI+ people in some sub-Saharan African countries, it will become even more difficult to access treatments and clinical trials in the HIV development landscape.

The Gilead spokesperson went to add that the company is exploring ways to deliver lenacapavir "swiftly, sustainably and in sufficient volumes, if approved, to high-incidence, resource-limited countries, which are primarily low- and lower-middle-income countries".

The company plans to ensure supply where the need is greatest until voluntary licensing partners can provide high-quality, low-cost versions of lenacapavir, and develop a direct voluntary licensing program to expedite access to those versions of lenacapavir in high-incidence, resource-limited countries, said the spokesperson.

Last month, Gilead announced data from the PURPOSE-1 trial, showing lenacapavir, prevented 100% of HIV cases in cisgender women. The company will be announcing further data during AIDS 2024, which is being held between 22  26 July in Munich, Germany.

Story continues

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir, in combination with an antiretroviral, for the treatment of HIV in heavily pretreated individuals who are failing current regimens due to resistance. The therapy is sold under the brand name Sunlenca for this indication.

The selection of high-incidence, resource-limited countries which will be eligible for high-quality, low-cost versions of LEN for PrEP is ongoing and we will provide information as soon as details are finalized, the Gilead spokesperson added.

The opening session of the conference was disrupted by a group of transgender activists, pleading for more trans inclusion before chanting trans rights now. The groups protest was allowed by the conference, actor Annabelle Mandeng, who moderated the opening ceremony, adding that activists are welcome at AIDS 2024.

Trans rights now! Trans rights now! Trans rights now! #AIDS2024 opening ceremony pic.twitter.com/3r2Mz33qZc IAC - the International AIDS Conference (@AIDS_conference) July 22, 2024

Also at the conference, a keynote speech from Christian Gaebler, professor at Charite, Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, will cover data from the seventh patient who has been cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant.

Update: Sunlenca is the brand name for lenacapavir's approved use as an HIV treatment for certain individuals. A previous version of this article incorrectly used the brand name to reference lenacapavir's use as PreP regimen. Paragraphs 1, 3, 5, 9 have been updated

This article was updated to include comments from a Gilead spokesperson on 22 July.

"UNAIDS boss calls on Gilead to provide miracle drug to developing countries" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Gergely Karacsony is being urged to take action before next years Hungarian Formula One auto race against the numerous helicopters ferrying rich visitors between central Budapest and the Hungaroring race track.

Website 444 received multiple complaints all weekend from readers about low-flying helicopters practically every minute over the downtown area.



The airborne taxi service operated over the three days of the race weekend between Budaors Airfield and the Hungaroring.



One company operating the service, Flycoop, says on its website that one trip costs 290, and return tickets 500.



Never again helicopter taxis, mayor Karacsony wrote last year, adding I would not like the people of Budapest to have to live through the Hungarian Gand Prix weekend or any other similar occasions, with ears plugged in the future and promised to take action.



Karacsony wrote on social media yesterday that as mayor his power is limited and the only thing he can do is to avail himself of his right to put forward proposals to the government.



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New Delhi: Life inevitably brings challenges and difficulties, those who persevere without giving up ultimately find success. The story of Gagan, a resident of Aligarh who works as a labourer earning Rs 350 per day. But Gagan's aim and goal are above then his daily earning of Rs 350. He wanted to be admitted to IIT College.

Gagan prepared for the JEE Advanced 2024 exam while working as a daily wage labourer. By achieving an All India rank in the exam, he has proven that sincere efforts never go to waste. He will now pursue Electrical and Communication Engineering at IIT BHU.

He was determined to secure admission to IIT under any circumstances. However, it was not an easy journey. Working during the day, he left with little time for studying, so he began studying at night. He used his mobile phone for studying purposes. Recognizing Gagan's dedication, Alakh Pandey offered him a scholarship of Rs 4 lakh.

Gagan is a resident of Atrauli, a small town in Aligarh. He achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 5286. His father is employed at a gas agency warehouse, where Gagan and his elder brother also work alongside their father. Reportedly, the job involves lifting gas cylinders, for which they earn a daily wage of Rs 350 each.
New Delhi: A woman based in Bengaluru has been awarded a compensation of Rs five lakh rupees after a 3.2-centimetre surgical needle was left in her body following her surgery at a private hospital here nearly 20 years ago.

The Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered the hospital and two doctors to pay Padmavathi, a resident of Jayanagar, with Rs 50,000 to cover litigation expenses.

The Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has further directed New India Assurance Co Ltd, which provided a policy covering hospital expenses, to compensate her with Rs five lakh for the "professional and medical negligence" incurred, PTI reported.

In September 29, 2004, the surgery took place at Deepak Hospital, where the two doctors allegedly conducted a hernia operation and also removed her appendix, as stated in the Commission's recent order.

The next day, she complained of severe pain for which she was given painkillers which were prescribed to her after surgery. She endured acute stomach and back pain for several years and was admitted to the same hospital twice subsequently, according to the order.

Padmavathi later approached another private hospital for treatment in 2010. t was noticed that some foreign body existed in the abdominal and back portion of her body and it was suggested to her to get it (surgical needle) removed. She then underwent surgery and the 3.2 cm surgical needle was removed following which she approached the consumer forum with a complaint the following year.
New Delhi: A total of 1.92 crore foreign tourists visited India last year, a significant increase from 10.54 lakh in the pandemic year of 2021, according to the Tourism Ministry. Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat provided data on foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to India from 2021 to 2023.

According to the data, 1,92,45,817 foreign tourist visits were recorded in 2023, while the number stood at 85,87,562 in 2022 and 10,54,642 in 2021. Delhi saw a remarkable rise from 1,00,178 FTVs in 2021 to an estimated 18,28,116 FTVs in 2023.

Similarly, Goa's foreign tourist arrivals jumped from 22,128 in 2021 to 4,52,692 in 2023. Maharashtra experienced one of the highest increases, with FTVs growing from 1,85,643 in 2021 to an estimated 33,87,739 in 2023.

Smaller states and UTs also reported significant growth. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw an increase from 1,687 FTVs in 2021 to 9,025 in 2023. Arunachal Pradesh, which had only 182 FTVs in 2021, welcomed 4,496 in 2023. Bihar's numbers surged dramatically from 1,046 in 2021 to 5,46,576 in 2023.

The overall foreign tourist visits to India rose from 10,54,642 in 2021 to an estimated 1,92,45,817 in 2023, indicating a robust recovery and growth in India's tourism sector post-pandemic.
UP News: The inspiring story of Divya Mittal, the new District Magistrate (DM) of Deoria, is trending on social media. Divya Mittal left a high-paying job in London to return to India and cracked the UPSC exam on her first attempt, achieving her goal. Lets delve into her success story and the challenges she overcame.

Early Life and Education

Divya Mittal was born in the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. She completed her early education in Deoria and later moved to Delhi for higher studies. Divya earned her bachelor's degree from Delhi University and then went to London for further studies. In London, she obtained an MBA degree and secured a high-paying job at a major company.

Returning from London to Prepare for UPSC

Despite having a stellar job and life in London, Divya Mittal felt a calling to serve her country. She set her mind on one goal: passing the UPSC exam and becoming an IAS officer. To fulfill this dream, Divya left her job in London and returned to India.

UPSC Preparation and Success

Upon returning to India, Divya began preparing for the UPSC exam with immense dedication and hard work. Her efforts paid off when she cracked the UPSC exam on her first attempt, achieving her dream. Her success story quickly spread across the nation, making her a source of inspiration.

New DM of Deoria

Following her success in the UPSC exam, Divya Mittal was appointed as the DM of Deoria district. In her new role, she has taken several significant steps towards the development and administrative reforms of the district. Her new responsibilities have further motivated her to work tirelessly for the betterment of the people in her district.

Social Media Popularity

Divya Mittals success and her challenging journey have made her a star on social media. People are drawing inspiration from her story and sharing it widely. Her journey of struggle and triumph has gone viral on social media platforms, where she is celebrated as an inspirational figure.
UP News: In a remarkable display of communal harmony and brotherhood, thousands of Muslim merchants in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have collectively decided to keep their shops closed during the Kanwar Yatra. Merchants have come together to take this step, aiming to strengthen the bonds between communities and ensure the safety and peaceful journey of the Kanwar Yatra pilgrims. This decision highlights the spirit of unity and cooperation among different religious communities in the region.

Thousands of Muslim merchants in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have decided to keep their shops closed during the Kanwar Yatra. Merchants like Ahmed, Abdul, Gulzar, and others made this decision to strengthen communal harmony and foster brotherhood.

Message of Communal Harmony

The Muslim merchants have stated that the purpose of this decision is to maintain peace and cooperation during the Hindu pilgrimage. During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees travel in large numbers from various places to Haridwar and other pilgrimage sites. This step has been taken by the local merchants to welcome and ensure the safety of the pilgrims along the route.

Merchants' Response

Ahmed, a local merchant, said, "Our community has always believed in communal harmony. The Kanwar Yatra is important for our Hindu brothers, and we want them to complete their journey peacefully and safely. Therefore, we have collectively made this decision."

Support from the Administration

The local administration has welcomed the decision of the Muslim merchants, calling it an excellent example of communal cooperation. The administration noted that this step would help maintain security and order during the Kanwar Yatra.

Support from Other Merchants

Gulzar, another merchant, said, "We have seen our Hindu brothers undertake their religious duties during the Yatra. We want to make their journey a bit easier with our small effort. We are glad that other merchants have supported our decision."

Religious and Communal Unity

This decision has further strengthened religious and communal unity. It sends the message that people from different communities respect each others religious beliefs and traditions and work together to maintain collective peace and harmony.
(Bloomberg) -- Verizon Communications Inc. reported second-quarter operating revenue that missed analysts estimates as fewer people upgraded wireless equipment.

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Total operating revenue was $32.8 billion, up less than 1% from a year ago, while analysts were looking for $33.1 billion on average. The shares fell as much as 7% Monday morning in New York, the most in just over a year.

The weak overall growth masked surprising gains in wireless phone customers and an increase in fixed wireless broadband internet customers. Wireless service revenue was $19.8 billion in the three months that ended in June, the company reported on Monday, up 3.5% and in line with analysts estimates.

The biggest US mobile carrier, Verizon gained 148,000 wireless retail postpaid phone customers, beating estimates for 118,000. Verizon has made efforts to avoid losing subscribers to rivals, through perks like a bundled plan that includes Netflix and Hulu Max for an extra $10 a month. Customers can also add a Disney+ or an Apple bundle.

The New-York based carrier has been focusing on its fixed wireless product, which delivers high-speed internet over airwaves rather than through lines into the home. The company said it added 218,000 consumer subscribers in the second quarter, a 7.4% increase from the first three months of the year, and 160,000 business customers signed on, the highest quarterly result to date. That gives the company a base of more than 3.8 million fixed wireless customers, an increase of almost 69% from a year earlier.

Growth in fixed wireless is helping to offset an overall decline in broadband subscribers, after a government subsidy program ended in June. The Affordable Connectivity Program provided low-income households with a monthly discount toward broadband internet service. The company reported total broadband net additions of 391,000, in the second quarter, down 6.5% from a year ago but beating estimates, boosted by gains in fixed wireless and its Fios wired product, Verizon said.

Adjusted earnings were $1.15 per share, in line with analysts forecasts. The company confirmed its outlook for the year of wireless service revenue growth of 2% to 3.5% and adjusted earnings per share of $4.50 to $4.70.

Verizon shares have gained about 10% so far this year, lagging wireless rivals AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile US Inc., which are both up about 14% in the same period.

Story continues

(Updates shares in second paragraph.)

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The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on Monday, with the Union Budget set to be tabled on July 23 as a key event. The session will span 19 sittings until August 12, during which the government plans to introduce six bills, including one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and to secure parliamentary approval for Jammu and Kashmir's budget, currently under central administration.

Here are ten key points on the monsoon session of Parliament:
A speeding Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus collided with a metro pillar in West Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area, killing one woman and injuring over two dozen people. According to eyewitnesses, the electric bus was traveling at a high speed when it crashed into metro pillar 146, causing widespread destruction. The impact was so severe that the bus's driver and conductor were also injured, along with several passengers.

At 7:42 am, the Punjabi Bagh police station received a PCR call about a bus accident near Shivaji Park Metro Station on Rohtak Road, news agency PTI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer as saying. Initial investigations indicated that a DTC electric bus, operating between Mangolpuri and Anand Vihar, collided with a metro pillar, according to the DCP.

"The bus's sudden stop caused a following auto-rickshaw to crash into it. This accident resulted in injuries to 24 individuals, including the bus driver and conductor," he added.

Of the injured, 14 are receiving care at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, and the other 10 have been admitted to Acharya Bhikshu Hospital in Moti Nagar, the DCP reported.

The deceased woman, identified as 45-year-old Savita, a resident of Sultanpuri, was traveling in the bus when the accident occurred. Another passenger, 55-year-old Sharif, is critically injured and admitted to Maharaja Agrasen Hospital's ICU.

The police have registered an FIR under relevant sections at Punjabi Bagh police station and are investigating the cause of the accident. The crime team has been called to the spot to inspect the area and gather evidence. The police are also scanning the CCTV footage installed in the bus to gather more information about the incident.

Speaking to PTI, a DTC official, claimed that "the bus was running in its designated lane". "A motorcyclist and an autorickshaw driver suddenly made a right turn. To avoid an accident, the bus driver (of the DTC electric bus) also took a right turn but it ultimately hit the metro pillar," the official said.
We will discuss the benefits of NPS for employees and employers and discuss strategies that will help you optimise your NPS investments and achieve your financial goals.

What is the National Pension Scheme (NPS)?

NPS is a government-backed pension scheme designed to provide retirement benefits to all citizens of India. It is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). NPS offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities to help you build a diversified portfolio to grow your retirement corpus.

What are the top benefits of NPS?

For Employees

Tax Savings : All contributions made to NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

: All contributions made to NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Retirement Security : It provides a regular income post-retirement.

: It provides a regular income post-retirement. Flexibility: You have the flexibility of choosing your pension fund manager and investments.

You have the flexibility of choosing your pension fund manager and investments. Portability : The account can be operated from anywhere in India.

: The account can be operated from anywhere in India. Low Cost: Being one of the lowest-cost pension schemes, NPS ensures that most of your contributions go towards building your retirement corpus.

For Employers

Employee Retention : Offering NPS can be a valuable benefit that helps retain talent within the organisation.

: Offering NPS can be a valuable benefit that helps retain talent within the organisation. Tax Benefits : Employer contributions to NPS are tax-deductible under Section 80CCD(2), making it a cost-effective benefit for the company.

: Employer contributions to NPS are tax-deductible under Section 80CCD(2), making it a cost-effective benefit for the company. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) : Providing NPS can enhance the company's CSR initiatives by contributing to employees' long-term financial well-being.

: Providing NPS can enhance the company's CSR initiatives by contributing to employees' long-term financial well-being. Improved Employee Satisfaction: Employees appreciate companies that invest in their future, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

Open your NPS Account Now and save at least 62,400 in Taxes Every Year

Understanding the Tax Benefits

Section 80C

Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can claim a deduction of up to 1.5 lakh for your contributions to the NPS.

Section 80CCD(1B)

In addition to the deductions under Section 80C, you can claim an additional deduction of up to 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) for contributions to the NPS.

Thus assuming that you are in the 30% bracket, you can save up to 62,400 in taxes through Section 80C & Section 80CCD(1B)

Employer Contribution

If your employer contributes to your NPS account, you can claim a deduction under Section 80CCD(2). This deduction is up to 10% of your salary (basic + DA) and is over and above the deductions available under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B).

You can have a maximum tax deduction of 7,50,000 under section 80CCD(2).

Steps to Maximise Your NPS Benefits

Maximise Contributions

One of the best ways to maximise your NPS benefits is by contributing as much as possible since there is no cap on investing in your NPS account.

Here's how you can achieve it:

Contribute to the Full Extent Allowed Under Section 80C:

Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can claim a deduction of up to 1.5 lakh for your contributions to NPS. This includes contributions to the Tier I account.

Utilise the Additional Deduction Under Section 80CCD(1B):

Beyond the 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C, you can claim an additional deduction of 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). This means you can effectively save taxes on up to 2 lakh of your income each year.

Regular Contributions:

Make regular contributions to your NPS account. Even small, consistent contributions can accumulate to a substantial corpus over time due to the power of compounding.

Employer Contributions

Take full advantage of employer contributions if your employer offers NPS benefits. Here's why and how:

Tax Benefits Under Section 80CCD(2):

Employer contributions up to 10% of your salary (Basic + Dearness Allowance) are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80CCD(2). This is over and above the deductions available under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B).

Increase Your Retirement Corpus:

Employer contributions not only provide immediate tax benefits but also significantly boost your retirement corpus over time. Ensure that your employer contributes to your NPS account if they offer this benefit.

Additional Tips for Maximising Your NPS Benefits

Start Early:

The earlier you start contributing to your NPS account, the more time your investments have to grow. Starting early can significantly increase your retirement corpus due to the power of compounding.

Leverage the Tier II Account:

While Tier I is the primary retirement account, Tier II offers greater flexibility with no withdrawal restrictions. You can use Tier II for additional savings and short-term financial goals.

Stay Committed:

Consistency is key to building a substantial retirement corpus. Stay committed to your contribution plan, even during financial ups and downs.

Understand Withdrawal Rules:

Familiarise yourself with the withdrawal rules and exit options of the NPS. Knowing when and how you can access your funds will help you plan your retirement better.

Utilise Online Tools:

Use online tools and calculators provided by NPS websites to plan your contributions and estimate your retirement corpus. These tools can help you visualise your retirement plan and make necessary adjustments. You can visit TrueFin NPS Calculator to check your overall retirement readiness and plan your finances effectively.

By following these steps and making informed decisions, you can maximise the benefits of your NPS account and ensure a financially secure retirement. Whether it's through maximising contributions, leveraging employer benefits, choosing the right investment mix, or regularly reviewing your portfolio, every step counts towards building a robust retirement corpus.

Conclusion

Opening an NPS account is not only easy but also offers substantial tax benefits that can significantly boost your retirement savings. By understanding the process and leveraging the tax deductions available, you can save up to 62,400 in taxes every year. Additionally, transferring funds from other retirement schemes to your NPS account can help you create a large, tax-free corpus for your golden years. Start your NPS journey today with Truefin and take a crucial step towards a secure and financially stable retirement.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltds Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article. The IDPL Editorial team is not responsible for this content.)
New Delhi: The big decision comes out on Monday during the Monsoon session of the parliament, where Bihar is not granted special state status. NDA allies Sanjay Kumar Jha of Janata Dal (United) and Union Minister Chirag Paswan of Lok Janshakti Party, along with INDIA Bloc allies, have demanded this. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has also joined the chorus.

On Sunday, JD(U), YSRCP and BJD demanded special category status for states including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha respectively, while the Congress's Jairam Ramesh said "strangely, the TDP kept quiet on the matter".

JD(U), a pivotal member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has recently adopted a resolution calling for special category status or a special package for Bihar.

Meanwhile, leaders from Andhra Pradesh had also been demanding special category status for the southern state, the demand has again gained momentum after the Lok Sabha polls.

Ramesh said the JD(U) and the YSRCP demanded special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh respectively, but he found it "strange" that the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the southern state remained silent on the issue.

In a post on X, the Congress leader said, "In today's all-party meeting of floor leaders chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the JD(U) leader demanded special category status for Bihar. The YSRCP leader demanded special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Strangely, the TDP leader kept quiet on the matter."
New Delhi: A senior bureaucrat's comment questioning the necessity of quotas for specially-abled individuals in civil services has sparked controversy. IAS Smita Sabharwal, Member-Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, raised doubts about the relevance of a disability quota in allied services.

After facing outrage for her post on her social media X, she explained that her sole question was why the quota was not implemented in the IPS/IFoS and certain Defence sectors.

"See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction. Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence. My limited point is that the IAS is no different," the post read.

See a lot of outrage on my timeline. I suppose addressing the elephant in the room gets you that reaction.

Would request the Rights Activists to also examine why this quota has still not been implemented in the IPS/ IFoS and certain sectors like defence.

My limited point is July 22, 2024



In her earlier post, the IAS officer raised a question on disability quota in civil servide and said, "With all due respect to the Differently Abled. ? Does an Airline hire a pilot with disability? Or would you trust a surgeon with a disability."

"The nature of the AIS (IAS/IPS/IFoS) is field-work, long taxing hours, listening first hand to peoples grievances-which requires physical fitness," she added.

The outrage sparked after Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi responded to Sabharwal's tweet and termed it a "pathetic". While in response Smita said, "if bureaucrats do not speak on pertinent issues of governance, then who will ? My thoughts and concern, stem from a career of 24 odd years no limited experience."
Army troops successfully repelled a terrorist assault on a security post and the residence of a Village Defence Guard (VDG) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district early Monday morning, officials reported. A cordon and search operation was initiated to locate the assailants, leading to a gunfight. Sources report that one terrorist was killed, and both a soldier and a civilian, related to the VDG whose home was targeted, were injured.

"Terrorists struck the residence of a VDC member at Gunda, Rajouri at 03:10 hours. An adjacent Army unit responded, and a firefight broke out," stated the White Knight Corps. "Operations are ongoing," it continued.

The Indian Army, acting on intelligence that anticipated a threat to a VDG in the remote Rajouri-Reasi area, deployed tactical teams that quickly intervened, preventing harm to the VDC member and his family, the Corps reported.

Operations are ongoing, and the firefight continues, according to the Corps. Officials stated that the terrorists attacked the home of the VDG and ex-serviceman Parshottam Kumar, also a Shourya Chakra recipient, in the Gundha area of Khawas tehsil.

After the terrorists hurled a grenade, security forces retaliated, which led to the assailants targeting a newly established Army picket around 4 am, sparking an exchange of fire, they reported. The troops thwarted the attack on the Army post, and a subsequent cordon and search operation by the security forces led to another gunfight, they added.

"A significant terror attack on an Army picket in a remote Rajouri village was averted. The firing is ongoing, and the operation is in progress," said an Army spokesperson. The assault has instilled fear among locals due to the potential presence of terrorists in the region.

"We are terrified by this attack, which occurred after several years of peace in the area. The firing began around 3 am and continued," expressed a local woman.

Another villager mentioned that it is time to rearm VDGs with modern weapon and communication technology to take on the terrorists operating in the hills of Jammu.

Today's terror attack is the 14th incident in Jammu region in which 10 security personnel including two officers, 9 pilgrims lost their lives and 58 others were injured. Five terrorists were neutralised during the period.
The RSS welcomed the Centre's decision to lift the ban on government employees participating in Sangh activities, saying it would strengthen the country's democratic system. It also accused previous regimes of serving their own political interests by imposing the ban in the past. Historically, the government has barred its employees from associating with the RSS.



A day after a government order lifting the ban was made public, and several opposition leaders criticised the move, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said in a statement, "The present decision of the government is appropriate and strengthens the democratic system of India."

For the past 99 years, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been actively involved in national reconstruction and social service, he added. "Due to the Sangh's contribution to national security, unity-integrity, and assisting society during times of natural disaster, various types of leadership in the country have occasionally praised the Sangh's role.



"Due to its political interests, the then government had baselessly banned the government employees from participating in the activities of a constructive organisation like the Sangh," claimed the statement.


The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a directive issued by the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, which required eateries on the Kanwariya Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The court has also issued notices to the three states, seeking their response on petitions challenging the directive. The Supreme Court has posted the matter for hearing on July 26 and has stated that food sellers must not be forced to display the names of owners or staff employed.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh governments, requesting responses on the petitions challenging the directive.



"We believe it is appropriate to issue an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display the type of food they sell, but they must not be forced to display the names of the owners or employees," the bench said, reserving the matter for a hearing on Friday.



No one represented the state governments in this matter.
In a heartwarming and inspirational story, the Agnihotri sisters from Ghaziabad have made their family and city proud with their outstanding achievements in different fields. On August 11, 2023, Lieutenant Anmol Agnihotri was honored with the prestigious 'Most Spirited Trainee' award at the Indian Naval Station Garuda (INS Garuda). Concurrently, her sister, Kanak Agnihotri, clinched the title of Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh 2024, earning the opportunity to represent Uttar Pradesh at the Miss Universe India 2024 pageant later this year.

Lieutenant Anmol Agnihotri's Achievement:

During the 33rd Dornier Operational Flying Training Course graduation ceremony, Lieutenant Anmol Agnihotri was celebrated for her exceptional spirit and enthusiasm. The event marked the graduation of four trainee pilots, including Anmol, who completed an intensive training program to become Fully Operational Maritime Reconnaissance Pilots. The rigorous training included a month-long ground training phase followed by six months of intensive flying training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 550 (INAS 550).

Lieutenant Anmol's dedication, positive attitude, and unwavering determination during the training set her apart, earning her the title of 'Most Spirited Trainee.' She was presented with the FOCINC South rolling trophy by the Fleet Commander-in-Chief South, acknowledging her remarkable contribution to the course.

Kanak Agnihotri's Triumph:

Simultaneously, Kanak Agnihotri's triumph in the Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh 2024 pageant brought immense joy and pride to her family and friends. This prestigious title has given her the opportunity to represent Uttar Pradesh at the Miss Universe India 2024 pageant. Her victory has sparked celebrations among her family, friends, and supporters.

Kanak's parents, Anita and Dharmendra Kumar Agnihotri, expressed their pride and happiness in a heartfelt message: "We are extremely proud to announce that our daughter, Kanak Agnihotri, has been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh and will compete in Miss Universe India! Please keep her in your prayers and continue to vote for her! Your love and support mean the world to us  Anita and Dharmendra Kumar Agnihotri, her proud parents, and her siblings, Lieutenant Anmol and Yashasvi. Let's all support Kanak as she represents our state and family on this prestigious platform! May Mahadev always protect her."

Success Mantra:

The Agnihotri sisters attribute their success to hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of their family. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of a positive attitude. Anmol's commitment to her training and Kanak's dedication to her pageant preparation highlight the significance of setting clear goals and working tirelessly towards achieving them.

Their story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and support, one can achieve greatness in any field. The Agnihotri sisters are shining examples of beauty, brains, and bravery, and their achievements will continue to inspire many more to follow their dreams.
Are you a traveller soul who likes to explore the world? Then Kashmir is the best place. This is a living heaven on earth. There are many beautiful places with amazing mountain views. If there is a list of top 5 most places on earth then kashmir would be on the first list. Because the unbeatable natural beauty of kashmir is just irresistible and unforgettable. You can never run out of the places to visit in the state of jammu and kashmir. This is an epitome of natural beauty. There are many activities too. In kashmir you get closer to nature. This heals your inner self and makes you refresh. This helps to detoxify all the chaos going in your mind and just admire nature's beauty.

5 Valleys in Kashmir:

Aru Valley: This is a tourist place in Anantnag. This valley is famous for its scenic meadows. You can witness this base camp for trekkers with nature's scenery.

Betaab Valley: You will be amazed by the beauty of Betaab valley of kashmir. Moreover, The interesting fact about the Betaab valley is that the name of this valley is inspired by a bollywood movie starring sunny deol named Betaab.

Gurez Valley: The Gurez valley is located in the high himalaya. This valley is famous for its mountains and rich forest. The meditating lakes and Kishanganga are the most attractive parts of the Gurez valley.

Doodhpathri: The valley of milk. There is a story related to the valley that once there was a saint. Who did the prayer here and when he was finding the water to offer he pricked the ground and milk came out from the ground. Since then on the basis of this belief this valley has been named as Doodhpathri.

Baltal Valley: This Baltal valley is famous for the waterfalls, snowy mountains and glaciers. This Baltal valley is a tourist attraction point due to the different treks.

If you ever wanted to heal your inner self. Seeking to reconnect with nature then you can plan a trip to kashmir. Here you will experience the most beautiful views of nature. Do not wait more, come closer to nature and delve into the meadows of kashmir.
Volkswagen Group has extended its collaboration with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng with the two companies signing an agreement to develop systems that enhance intelligent driving abilities.

The two carmakers also pledged to enhance their partnership and develop new models with the aim to save costs as competition intensifies on mainland China, the world's largest automotive market.

Xpeng announced in a Hong Kong stock exchange filing on Monday the establishment of project houses in Guangzhou, where Xpeng is headquartered, and Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui province. These will house engineers from both companies for jointly working on the development of electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

An E/E system connects all in-car electronic control units (ECUs), sensors and actuators to support a smart vehicle's capabilities of self-driving, digital connectivity and infotainment.

"With the joint development of a highly modern E/E architecture, in which both partners contribute their technological expertise, we are now taking the next step together," said VW's China chief executive Ralf Brandsatter. "For us at Volkswagen, this project is also the next milestone in the consistent implementation of our 'in China for China' strategy, with a clear focus on Chinese customers and technological innovations."

An undated selfie of Xpeng's co-founder and chairman He Xiaopeng and Volkswagen's China chief executive Ralf Brandstatter. The two companies signed an agreement to develop systems that enhance intelligent driving abilities. Photo: LinkedIn alt=An undated selfie of Xpeng's co-founder and chairman He Xiaopeng and Volkswagen's China chief executive Ralf Brandstatter. The two companies signed an agreement to develop systems that enhance intelligent driving abilities. Photo: LinkedIn>

The two companies said the first car fitted with their jointly developed E/E system would roll off the assembly line within 24 months, but it did not say which badge will be emblazoned on the vehicles.

All VW-branded EVs in China will be equipped with "powerful and efficient" E/E architecture built through the partnership, starting in 2026, Brandsatter said.

In April, VW signed a pact with Xpeng to develop two mid-sized electric cars to help it tap accelerated electrification on the mainland's roads where 40 per cent of new cars are now powered by batteries.

Story continues

The German company, the largest carmaker on the mainland, said its tie-up with Xpeng would help reduce development time by over 30 per cent.

The agreement came after VW completed a US$700 million investment last year to obtain a 4.99 per cent stake in Xpeng, an EV maker known for its autonomous driving technology prowess.

"A new agreement between the two companies to develop E/E architecture together shows that they will consolidate relations to tap the mainland's and global EV market in future," said Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai. "At present, VW is eager to speed up new EV model launches in China to catch up with local rivals."

VW delivered 3.24 million petrol and electric cars on the mainland and in Hong Kong last year, a relatively weak 1.2 per cent year-on-year increase in a market that grew by 5.6 per cent overall.

The company narrowly beat Shenzhen-based BYD, the world's bestselling EV builder, which handed nearly 3 million battery-powered cars to Chinese buyers last year.

VW sold 23.2 per cent more pure-electric cars on the mainland and in Hong Kong in 2023 versus 2022, for a total of just 191,800. Meanwhile, the mainland's EV market jumped by 37 per cent last year, with deliveries of pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars hitting 8.9 million units.

In April, Brandsatter said VW planned to launch 30 new electric car models on the mainland by 2030 when it was targeting annual sales of 4 million cars.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mumbai: Each pregnancy is different, and every mother embraces her motherhood like the most beautiful blessing ever. TV actress Drashti Dhami is currently enjoying her first pregnancy and just a few hours ago she dropped the video of doing an intense workout that is not very common in pregnancy. But Drashti doing the impossible and many mommies laud her for being so fit even in her pregnancy. Some netizens are expressing their concern over this intense workout video of the Empire actress.

Watch the video of Drashti Dhami doing an intense workout in the second trimester of her pregnancy.

Drashti Dhami was seen wearing a fitted workout top paired with black shirts and doing all ten intense workouts which left many surprised. Sharing the video on her Instagram she mentioned doing this workout under the supervision of her doctor. "Cooking up a baby& some serious gains at the gym. Dont worry I have got a doctors note for these reps. #MomBodInProgess" Disclaimer : Do not try this at home or anywhere else without your doctors/trainers supervision.

Heres how netizens reacted

This video of Drashti has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and many are asking her to take rest during this time and its hit suitable to strain in this phase. One user commented, "It's a precious baby, it's better if u avoid all this gymming". Another said, "Take time to rest now with moderate activity. After the delivery anyways work is double and body becomes weak. Start pumping weights after baby is 6 months or whenever you feel like yourself again body and time wise". One more user said, "Whos your doctor . He needs to be treated . Dont lift the weight. Consult ayurveda doctors ." Isn't it dangerous for a pregnant women". While others called it a dangerous act for a pregnant women.

Whats your thought?


New Delhi: Google has announced the official launch date of the Google Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event, which is scheduled to begin on August 13 at 10:30 PM in India. The series includes the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The company is expected to shed more light on the AI features powered by Gemini on these smartphones.

Moreover, Google is likely to launch the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 on the same date. Notably, the tech giant is rolling out its new range of products before the Apple iPhone 16 series.

It is important to note that Google may offer Pixel Satellite SOS for free for two years. Samsung modems and memory chips are expected to be used in the Pixel 9 series.

A foldable phone built for the Gemini era.

Out with the old. In with the Fold.



Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/7zTWktAvWk pic.twitter.com/UZDudLiUWB  Made by Google (@madebygoogle) July 18, 2024

Adding further, the company has released a Pixel 9 Pro video on the Made by Google YouTube page. The video has confirmed about 22 new features in the Google Pixel 9 Pro across various departments such as Gemini, camera, calling, and more.

Here Are 22 Features Of Google Pixel 9 Pro:

Wishing your photo had more scenery Forgetting the movie your friend recommended Forgetting the show your friend recommended Forgetting what restaurant your friend liked The sky not being right Screening calls yourself Photobombers Phone calls where you can barely hear the other person Concert videos that look too far away Your toddler looking everywhere except the camera Scrubbing videos for answers Gatekeeping So many emails. So little time. Half the family looking at the camera Not capturing the right moment Spending hours on hold The same old memes Lost in translation Awkward photo requests to strangers Mom never being in the picture Blurry photos Writers block

Notably, the Google Pixel 9 series may offer one year of free access to Gemini Advanced.
New Delhi: Foreign language or a language not known to you might not bother you with WhatsApp's upcoming new feature, that will automatically translate it on Android, said reports.

As per an information shared by WABetaInfo, Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature to translate all chat messages, and it will be available in a future update!

"In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.15.8 update, we announced that WhatsApp is working on a feature to translate messages using language packs. Through this improvement, it will enable users to easily communicate in multiple languages without needing external translation apps. The ability to translate messages instantly during conversations will help maintain the flow of communication, making it easier for users to understand and respond in real-time," wrote WABetaInfo.

"Although this feature is still in development, it seems that WhatsApp is now committed to further enhancing this functionality through new automatic translation options. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.15.9 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to translate all chat messages!," WABetaInfo added.

Sharing a screenshot, WABetaInfo said that though previously it had explained that the upcoming feature relies on Google's live translation technology to operate directly on the user device, the latest update has made its previous assumption incorrect. WhatsApp is instead working on its in-house technology to support the chat translation, it said.

"Although we shared a screenshot of Google's live translation sheet, which appeared for other reasons, it looks like WhatsApp is actually developing its own in-house technology to support message translation. This approach still preserves end-to-end encryption as their solution will process messages on-device. Therefore, WhatsApp needs to download some language packs to translate messages," WABetaInfo.
Following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 US presidential election, speculation is rife about who will emerge as the Democratic nominee for the White House. Several prominent Democrats are positioning themselves for a potential run. Vice President Kamala Harris, a key figure in Biden's campaign fundraising alongside him, appears strongest to inherit his support.

Others eyeing a bid include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Despite Harris's front-runner status, how the party will select its nominee remains uncertain in the absence of Biden.

Kamala Harris:

Vice President Kamala Harris is among the leading contenders, steadily bolstering her profile and connections nationwide. Her background as a senator and California's attorney general enhances her candidacy, marking a potentially historic moment as the first woman and person of color to pursue the presidency.

Gavin Newsom:

Governor Gavin Newsom of California continues to be mentioned, despite the absence of an automatic succession rule for vice presidents. Newsom, who has governed the nation's most populous state for five years and is a staunch advocate for abortion rights, has hinted at his presidential ambitions through extensive travel, advertising his achievements, and substantial political investments.

Gretchen Whitmer:

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, known for her state's diverse demographic and strong blue-collar base, remains another viable candidate. Her vocal opposition to Donald Trump and her state's pivotal role in past elections make her a compelling choice for supporters.

Josh Shapiro:

Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, oversees a crucial swing state and has a record of confronting major issues such as clergy abuse and opioid crisis. His centrist stance and oratory skills position him as a contender for higher office.

Other Contenders

Names like Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, and Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky are also circulating, though their prospects seem limited. Additionally, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, both previous contenders against Biden, are being mentioned in discussions.
FREMONT, Calif., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Knot LLC, the market leader of on-site organic waste management solutions, announced today that the LFC biodigester installed on Vomo Island Fiji has been successfully operating for one year.

(PRNewsfoto/Power Knot LLC)

Vomo Island Fiji, a luxurious private island resort nestled in the pristine waters of the South Pacific, faced significant sustainability challenges due to its remote location. With limited space and a commitment to preserving the area's sanctity, waste had to be transported off the island. The resort aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut high waste management costs, and streamline the logistical difficulties of shipping waste off the island thrice weekly.

Five years ago, Vomo Island Fiji began searching for an effective food waste management system to address their unique needs. They selected the LFC-300 biodigester due to its capacity options and the responsive communication from Power Knot. As the first business in Fiji to implement such advanced waste-handling methods, Vomo Island Fiji hopes to inspire other businesses to follow suit.

Over the past year, the LFC biodigester at Vomo Island Fiji has diverted an average of 4,400 kg of waste from landfills each month. This environmental impact is equivalent to Vomo Island Fiji planting 300 trees monthly.

Michael Fosbender, Director of Operations at Vomo Island Fiji, expressed his enthusiasm for the biodigester: "I highly recommend the LFC biodigester to anyone. It's a game changer, and I have been advocating for this for a long time. It does exactly what we need it to do: reduce costs and eliminate food waste."

About Power Knot

Power Knot provides safe and economically sound solutions for commercial, industrial, and military customers globally seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We offer nine biodigester models that process from 10 kg (25 lb) to 6000 kg (13,200 lb) of food waste per day. Our technologies are proven, available today, have been in reliable use for many years, and offer a payback period typically of less than two years. We design, develop, and manufacture our products in our headquarters in Silicon Valley, California.

For more information, access www.powerknot.com/vomo-fiji

CONTACT: Cecillia Wong, Power Knot, 4088898433, cecillia.wong@powerknot.biz

Cision

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SOURCE Power Knot LLC
More than 250 unique artifacts and artworks from Pacific Islander cultures on display in a permanent exhibition, the Peabody's first

See additional photos of the new Hall of the Pacific and its collection here

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yale Peabody Museum has opened a completely new gallery to visitors: the Hall of the Pacific. For the first time, the Peabody is exhibiting an extensive collection of artworks, contextual photographs and historical artifacts that celebrates the living cultures of Pacific Islander communities. The 254 objects on display include a carved seagoing canoe prow from Vanuatu, elaborate facade paintings that adorned a ceremonial house in Papua New Guinea, and decorated shields from the Solomon Islands used for defense and in ceremonies.

A rare Eharo mask from Papua New Guinea / Photo by Johan Vipper, Courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum

The comprehensive new exhibit on the Peabody's third floor showcases the enormity of the Pacific, the vast distances explored and navigated by Pacific Islanders, and the rich diversity of the region's cultures. The Hall of the Pacific was made possible through a generous donation by Thomas Jaffe, '71.

"This is something completely new for the Peabody. We've never been able to show this collection of objects and works of art from across the Pacific at a scale like this. The Hall of the Pacific helps visitors make a true connection with the living cultures of the region, and with AAPI communities right here in Connecticut. We are so grateful to Tom Jaffe and our partners in the community who helped bring this new exhibit to life," said David Skelly, Director of the Yale Peabody Museum.

"I've been into the worlds of the Pacific since I was a kid, and been collecting objects from there for years," said philanthropist Thomas Jaffe. "So, when it came time to share them with the public the Yale Peabody with Dave Skelly leading its massive revamp and expansion was a dream partner come true. My hope is that those who visit this gallery will be turned on to the Pacific's incredible cultures for generations to come."

The 3,655 sq.-ft. Hall of the Pacific, the museum's second largest space behind the Burke Hall of Dinosaurs, showcases dozens of objects that have been out of public view and held in private collections for decades. The Peabody has never had a permanent exhibit of cultural artifacts from the Pacific, so in addition to Jaffe's collection, many of the museum's objects are also on display for the first time as well. The Peabody's new work and classroom spaces will enable faculty, students, and researchers to have greater access to the collection for study.

Story continues

The expansive hall will also serve as a space for community events and discussions for the wider AAPI community in New Haven and beyond.

Other Highlights from the Hall of the Pacific Include:

A rare Tago mask from Tami Islands.

A pair of rare Eharo masks from Papua New Guinea

A 19th-century warup drum from Saibai Island

An iUla Tavatava , a ridged-head missile club from Fiji

A collection of stylized spirit face masks from Vanuatu

A Maori feather cloak from New Zealand

Plan Your Visit to the Peabody:

Hours of Operation:

Mondays - Closed

Tuesdays through Saturdays - 10am to 5pm

Sundays - 12pm to 5pm

Learn more at https://peabody.yale.edu/.

Cision

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SOURCE Yale Peabody Museum
Yellen to face questions on Biden campaign exit, Trump at G20 finance meeting in Brazil

By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen faces questions from G20 finance leaders this week over U.S. policy commitments after President Joe Biden dropped his re-election bid and as international angst grows about a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

Yellen's July 22-27 trip to Brazil for a Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting marks the first major engagement of a Biden administration cabinet official with international counterparts since Biden's decision on Sunday to step aside and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

Yellen aims to press ahead at the Rio de Janeiro G20 meeting with U.S. efforts to boost growth through green energy incentives, increase multilateral development bank lending to address climate change and tackle debt distress in poor countries, a senior U.S. Treasury official said. She will also emphasize support for Ukraine and speak on China's manufacturing capacity.

But questions over the continuity of U.S. policies in the wake of Biden's decision will be high on the minds of G20 officials at the meetings, participants and analysts said.

"The situation in the U.S. is really in the spotlight as a background to this meeting," a European G20 delegate said.

The delegate added that questions over a Trump victory and U.S. commitments on climate, taxes and other issues are "basically what everybody has in mind in terms of how sustainable are the things that we now agree."

FOCUS ON G20 AGENDA

Such questions will likely come up in Yellen's private conversations, but not likely the formal G20 sessions on the global economy, debt restructurings, climate, and taxation, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center in Washington.

Officials will want to hear more from Yellen about Harris' economic priorities, he added.

"She can say we are focused on the policy -- fully -- and well let the politics play out, but no one should question the future of U.S. leadership in the global economy and its commitment to economic multilateralism," said Lipsky, a former International Monetary Fund official.

Yellen will focus squarely on the G20 agenda at the meeting, the U.S. Treasury official said when asked on Friday about international concerns over rapidly evolving U.S. election politics.

Yellen is a "really important voice" on global economic issues and "people want to hear from her about her policy views and that's what I expect us to talk about," the official added.

TAX HOPES

The U.S. election was already looming large over the G20 presidency in Brazil, where officials see the July 25-26 meeting as a last chance ahead of the November vote to secure support on initiatives such as a global tax on billionaires to make taxation fairer and more progressive across countries.

Biden has proposed a U.S. tax on wealth over $100 million, but Yellen has voiced opposition to any such tax that would redistribute revenues among countries. The Treasury official said that it was important for the G20 to emphasize principles of progressivity in taxation, but a "single global billionaires tax" was unlikely.

After the G20 finance meeting, Yellen will travel on July 27 to Belem, Brazil, to meet with Amazon basin finance ministers and deliver remarks highlighting the Biden administration's initiatives on climate change over the past three years.

"She will directly make the case that failure to address the existential threat of climate change and its impacts is bad economic policy and bad environmental policy," the Treasury official said.

(Reporting by David Lawder, Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski in Brussels and Marcela Ayres in Brasilia)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended an extraordinary meeting in London today (19 July), where Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his cabinet strategised fresh measures to disrupt Russias shadow fleet.

I wont allow Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, and the dirty money it generates, to flow freely through European waters and put our security at risk, Starmer said.

The Ukrainian premier became the first foreign leader to visit Downing Street since Starmers Labour Party won the UK elections on 4 July  and the first foreign leader to address cabinet in person since US President Bill Clinton visited Tony Blair in 1997.

Yesterday (18 July), the UK placed sanctions on eleven more oil tankers. Three are believed to be part of the shadow fleet, while eight are owned by Russias state-run oil tanker business, Sovcomflot PJSC, according to the UKs updated sanctions list.

https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1813934886652346734

The sanctions follow a day of intense discussions in Oxfordshire, where Starmer and Zelensky were joined by French President Emmanual Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and more than 40 other European premiers  who all reportedly agreed to a crackdown on the shadow fleet.

Zelensky also visited Lancaster House, home to the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where he met representatives of UK defence companies.

The UK confirmed support of $3bn a year for Ukraines war effort, as well as a new package of ammunition, anti-armour missiles and artillery guns.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1814041631324332062

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said deals such as an agreement with BAE Systems to maintain and repair UK-supplied weapons in Ukraine and an arrangement with Sheffield Forgemasters to support the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles would help both Ukrainian and British armed forces secure the equipment they needed.

Russias money-spinning, sanctions-dodging shadow fleet

Russias shadow fleet is made up of around 600 vessels and represents approximately 10% of the global wet cargo fleet, according to a Downing Street statement released late last night (18 July).

The shadow fleet carries approximately 1.7 million barrels of oil each day, generating significant funds to fuel Russias war machine.

Some vessels are also alleged to double as Russian listening stations, Downing Street said, while others transport arms to Moscow.

https://twitter.com/FCDOGovUK/status/1814194424387092930

The name shadow fleet (or dark fleet) comes from the practice of going dark  intentionally disabling a ships automatic identification system (AIS).

Story continues

While not technically illegal, deactivating an AIS is strongly associated with underhand motives as it allows ships to move untracked.

There has been a marked step-up in rhetoric and plans to crack down on the shadow fleet recently, even as tangible action remains limited.

Last month, Denmarks Foreign Ministry said naval authorities would begin targeting the fleet carrying sanctioned Russian oil through the Baltic Sea and Danish Straits.

European governments including Denmark's are also concerned that these tankers, which are often old and insured outside of Western nations, could be damaging the local environment. Most lack oil spill insurance, according to the Kyiv School of Economics.

"Zelensky attends UK extraordinary cabinet meeting on Russias shadow fleet" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Xi mourns passing of Nguyen Phu Trong

Xinhua) 08:32, July 22, 2024

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, mourns the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong at the Embassy of Vietnam in China on July 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, went to the Embassy of Vietnam in China on Saturday to mourn the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

In the hall of condolence in the embassy, laid in front of a portrait of Trong were wreaths sent by Xi and other members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi. There were also wreaths sent by the Central Committee of the CPC, the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Central Military Commission, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC and the Beijing Municipal Government, and relevant people's organizations.

Xi walked to the portrait of Trong, paused to observe a moment of silence before bowing three times to the portrait, and wrote down a message with his signature on the book of condolences.

Praising Trong as a staunch Marxist and a great leader of the CPV and the Vietnamese people, Xi said that Trong had devoted himself entirely to the CPV and the country, to the Vietnamese people and to the cause of socialism in Vietnam, and had been deeply respected and admired by the party, military and people of Vietnam.

Xi recalled that over the past decade, he and Trong had maintained close contact and developed a deep camaraderie, and that last year they jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, a milestone in bilateral ties.

"The passing of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has deprived us of a promoter of China-Vietnam relations and a companion for the cause of socialism, and we are deeply saddened," said Xi.

He said that Trong's outstanding contribution to the relations between the two parties and the two countries, and to the cause of the global socialist movement will always be remembered.

Xi stressed that the CPC and the Chinese government firmly support the CPV in uniting and leading the Vietnamese people to take a path of socialism that suits Vietnam's national conditions.

It is believed that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee, the Vietnamese people will surely be able to turn grief into strength and continue to make greater achievements in the cause of reform, opening up and socialist construction, Xi said.

He said he firmly believes that China and Vietnam will continue to work together to make profound and solid progress in building the China-Vietnam community of a shared future.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai said the fact that General Secretary Xi personally came to express condolences and the CPC Central Committee sent a message of condolence to the Central Committee of the CPV with no delay has reflected the great importance the CPC and the Chinese government attach to the relations between the two parties and countries, as well as the special feelings General Secretary Xi has for Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong.

The Vietnamese side is deeply moved and deeply grateful, said the ambassador.

Noting that Trong had attached great importance to the relationship with China and made tremendous efforts and contributions to the development of Vietnam-China friendship, Mai said the Vietnamese side will carry on the legacy of Trong.

Mai said Vietnam will implement well the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, adhere to the strategic choice and top priority of developing friendly cooperation with China for Vietnam's foreign policy, and push forward the building of a community with a shared future with strategic significance between Vietnam and China.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and other Chinese officials attended the condolence activities.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy wide potential for demining cooperation, said Shahin Abdullayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia, as he met with Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani ambassador highlighted Armenias mine terror committed in the occupied territories over 30 years, and the ongoing demining operations in the Garabagh region. He underscored the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centres support for demining activities in the different regions of the world. The diplomat expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided to Azerbaijan.

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah emphasized that there was a wide potential for cooperation with the friendly country Azerbaijan in the field of demining, as well as in various humanitarian areas. The advisor also expressed the Kingdoms keenness to implement the new joint projects.
Ukrainian President olodymyr Zelenskyy attended an extraordinary meeting in London on 19 July, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his cabinet strategised fresh measures to disrupt Russias "shadow fleet".

I wont allow Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, and the dirty money it generates, to flow freely through European waters and put our security at risk, Starmer said.

The Ukrainian premier was the first foreign leader to visit Downing Street since Starmers Labour Party won the UK elections on 4 July  and the first foreign leader to address cabinet in person since US President Bill Clinton visited Tony Blair in 1997.

On 18 July the UK placed sanctions on eleven more oil tankers. Three are believed to be part of the shadow fleet, while eight are owned by Russias state-run oil tanker business, Sovcomflot PJSC, according to the UKs updated sanctions list.

https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1813934886652346734

The sanctions follow a day of intense discussions at an Oxfordshire mansion (the birthplace of Winston Churchill, no less), where Starmer and Zelenskyy were joined by French President Emmanual Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and more than 40 other European premiers  who all reportedly agreed to a crackdown on the shadow fleet.

Zelenskyy also visited Lancaster House, home to the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where he met representatives of UK defence companies.

The UK confirmed support of $3bn a year for Ukraines war effort, as well as a new package of ammunition, anti-armour missiles and artillery guns.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1814041631324332062

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said deals such as an agreement with BAE Systems to maintain and repair UK-supplied weapons in Ukraine and an arrangement with Sheffield Forgemasters to support the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles would help both Ukrainian and British armed forces secure the equipment they needed.

Russias money-spinning, sanctions-dodging shadow fleet

Russias shadow fleet is made up of around 600 vessels and represents approximately 10% of the global wet cargo fleet, according to a Downing Street statement released late last night (18 July).

The shadow fleet carries approximately 1.7 million barrels of oil each day, generating significant funds to fuel Russias war machine.

Some vessels are also alleged to double as Russian listening stations, Downing Street said, while others transport arms to Moscow.

https://twitter.com/FCDOGovUK/status/1814194424387092930

The name shadow fleet (or dark fleet) comes from the practice of going dark  intentionally disabling a ships automatic identification system (AIS).

Story continues

While not technically illegal, deactivating an AIS is strongly associated with underhand motives as it allows ships to move untracked.

There has been a marked step-up in rhetoric and plans to crackdown on the shadow fleet recently, even as tangible action remains limited.

Last month, Denmarks Foreign Ministry said naval authorities would begin targeting the fleet carrying sanctioned Russian oil through the Baltic Sea and Danish Straits.

European governments including Denmark's are also concerned that these tankers, which are often old and insured outside of Western nations, could be damaging the local environment. Most lack oil spill insurance, according to the Kyiv School of Economics.

"Zelenskyy attends UK extraordinary cabinet meeting on Russias shadow fleet" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Many of Colorado's leading Democratic elected officials and others who will have a say in picking the party's presidential ticket said Sunday that they support nominating Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden's historic decision to withdraw from the race less than four months before the November election.
When President Joe Biden appointed S. Kato Crews as a federal trial judge in January, Crews was no stranger to Colorado's U.S. District Court. He had served as a magistrate judge on the same court for more than five years.
Nazrin Abdul

The Azerbaijan Judges' Union has announced that it will hold an international conference titled "LAW & CLIMATE" on the eve of COP29, Azernews reports citing the Union.

The purpose of the event is to draw the attention of the legal community to global climate change processes and to increase awareness of existing international and national legal frameworks in this field.

The conference will feature discussions on several important topics, including - "The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: Kyoto, Doha, and Paris Agreements," "Climate Change and Human Rights: Challenges and Legal Regulation," "Judicial Approaches to Climate Change Disputes: National and International Perspectives,"

"The Role of Environmental Crime in Achieving Climate Change Targets: International and National Contexts."

The event will be attended by renowned international experts in climate change law, representatives of international organizations, and judges from various countries, including Azerbaijan. Scientists and other legal professionals are also expected to participate.
Colorado Springs residents could decide this fall whether to extend for another decade an established local sales tax that funds road improvements.

The City Council at its Aug. 13 regular meeting is expected to vote to put a question backed by Mayor Yemi Mobolade onto the Nov. 5 general election ballot that, if voters approved, would extend Colorado Springs so-called 2C sales tax for an additional 10 years, from 2026 through 2035.

First approved by voters in 2015 and extended in 2019, the tax is focused solely on road maintenance efforts and has funded improvements to about 1,665 lane miles of Colorado Springs roads since it first went into effect, Deputy Public Works Director and City Engineer Gayle Sturdivant said Monday.

With the revenues from the 0.57% sales tax  or 5.7 cents on every $10 purchase, the city has also installed more than 9,400 new pedestrian ramps in compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, and replaced nearly 306 miles of curb and gutter and 3.6 million square feet of sidewalk, according to figures provided on the citys 2C webpage.

Previously, the terms of the dedicated sales tax were each for periods of five years. The current sales tax will sunset in December 2025. Mobolade told the council on Monday there is still a backlog of work the city must respond to, and that is why he hopes voters extend the tax once again.

Since the tax was first established in 2016, we have made a lot of progress, but our work is not completed. Our roads still need repairs and regular maintenance, making it safe for everyone, Mobolade said. This is a proven program with a long track record of success. ... We need to continue this work and make a 10-year commitment that makes financial and operational sense.

The sales tax is proposed to be renewed at its current rate of 5.7 cents on every $10 purchase in city boundaries, so it will not raise taxes, Mobolade and Sturdivant said.

Featured Local Savings

The tax is important because it also saves Colorado Springs residents money; it costs less to maintain roads in good shape than to complete major road rehabilitations, they said. The 2C program saves residents about $21 million a year in road improvements and $648 million over 30 years, Sturdivant said.

Reinvesting in ourselves saves money, Sturdivant said.

The city also hires local contractors to complete roadwork associated with the dedicated sales tax, she said.

Since the tax has gone into effect, it has reduced resident complaints about potholes by 34% and has decreased claims of vehicle damage caused by potholes by 79%, she said.

If voters choose to extend the road sales tax, officials will focus on paving in residential neighborhoods over its next 10-year term.

Its important for us to take care of our neighborhood streets as well as our main thoroughfares, Sturdivant said.

City Clerk Sarah Johnson estimated it could cost the city between $400,000 to $600,000 to hold a special election and participate in a coordinated election Nov. 5. Once the city declares its intent to participate, which is scheduled to happen Tuesday, the El Paso County clerk will provide a more specific estimated election cost, Johnson said.

Depending on how many other municipalities participate in the Nov. 5 election and submit ballot questions, Colorado Springs road tax  known colloquially as 2C, after its position on the November 2015 ballot when it was first approved  may be listed under a different ballot number, Johnson said.
A longtime fixture in the Colorado Springs food scene is closed following a two-alarm fire Sunday.

The damage to Senor Manuel Mexican Cuisine, located at 4660 N. Nevada Ave., was still being assessed Monday, according to restaurant ownership.

Fire crews arrived at the scene at about 9 p.m. Sunday and called a second alarm after seeing flames spreading through the attic, CSFD officials said. Nearly 70 firefighters responded to battle the blaze, which was declared under control at about 9:45 p.m. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians, according to the department.

The cause and origin of the fire had not been determined as of Monday afternoon.

Founded by Manuel and Lucy Hernandez and currently run by their children, Mika and Mark, Senor Manuel survived COVID-19 (with help from the governments Paycheck Protection Program) by transitioning to Uber Eats and Grubhub, which it had already been offering before the pandemic struck in 2020.

The restaurant website states the family-owned eatery has been in operation for 53 years.

On Monday, a sign on the restaurants front door warned that the area was still part of an ongoing investigation. Charred wood and broken glass could be seen around the exterior of the building, while the owners and several employees assessed the damage inside. The Hernandez family said it's too early to tell when, or if, the restaurant will reopen and declined to comment further.
The Denver City Council on Monday will consider spending $10.7 million on contracts to serve immigrants enrolled in the citys asylum seeker program, helping them find housing and pay their utilities.

Last month, Denver kicked off its work force training program which is designed to help immigrants  many of whom crossed the southern border illegally  who have applied for, but not yet received asylum, find legal work in the city.

Vive Wellness, one of the two service providers, previously won a $1.3 million contract in May. It will receive $7.8 million more if approved by the council on Monday. The other, Papagayo, is set to receive $2.9 million.

These contracts come after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston committed to housing, sheltering and providing transportation to tens of thousands of immigrants, many from Venezuela, as they were bussed into the city from the southern border. In April, the city imposed a hiring freeze and cut $90 million from its approved 2024 budget in order to fund its response to the crisis.

As of July 1, the latest update, the city has spent $72 million and assisted over 42,000 immigrants. Of the 42,000, the city says it has helped 2,300 with work authorization applications since February and has about 800 enrolled in the workforce training program.

Heres a summary of other actions appearing before the council:

Contracts and resolutions

24-0877: Approves a master purchase order with Fonroche Lighting America Inc. for $5 million to purchase solar lighting for various trails and parks, citywide.

24-0784: Approves a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for $14.1 million and an end date of June 30, 2025 to provide programs for Denvers Head Start and Early Head Start delegate agencies, citywide.

Featured Local Savings

24-0880 and 24-0881: Approves two grant agreements, worth $7 million and $17.4 million, with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to assist with the acquisition of the Denver Navigation Center, which offers integrated services for homeless people with complex needs and long lengths of homelessness, in Council District 8.

24-0901 and 24-0902: Approves a contract with Papagayo for $2.9 million and Vive Wellness for $7.8 million, to provide housing navigation and rental and utilities assistance for newcomers enrolled to participate in the Denver Asylum Seeker Program citywide.

Bills

24-0907: Submits to a vote on the qualified and registered electors of the City and County of Denver, a proposed amendment to the Charter of the City and County of Denver to provide for binding arbitration in the event of an impasse between parties in firefighter collective bargaining negotiations and removing references to advisory fact-finding.

24-0882: Approves a revenue agreement with Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice for $8,212,671.40 and through Sept. 30, 2025 for the 2024-2025 Community Correction program to administer residential and nonresidential services for individuals returning from incarceration to the City and County of Denver, citywide.

24-0813: A bill for an ordinance amending Chapter 20 to authorize the auditor to issue investigatory subpoenas to city contractors for internal audits.

24-0850: Approves a cooperation agreement with the Denver Urban Renewal Authority for the Evans School Property Tax Increment Area and Sales Tax Increment Area to establish, among other matters, the parameters for tax increment financing with incremental property and sales taxes.

Public hearings

24-0851: Approves the Evans School Urban Redevelopment Plan authorizing the creation of an Urban Redevelopment Area and property tax and sales tax increment areas.
Reaction was swift from Colorado Springs residents following the news that President Joe Biden is withdrawing from the presidential race. Biden, 81, will be the first sitting U.S. president not to seek reelection in 56 years. Lyndon B. Johnson stepped aside a few months before the 1968 election.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump, who officially accepted the Republican nomination during last weeks national convention, said that while they thought Bidens withdrawal was overdue, it is unlikely to make a difference in November.

(Biden) should have dropped out months ago, said Melanie Farmer, who added that she intends to vote for Trump regardless of who the Democratic nominee is.

It doesnt matter who (the Democrats) pick, said Robert Hughes, who said he is registered as an independent. Trump will beat anyone who runs.

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(Vice President Kamala) Harris cant win, and Biden knows it, said Daniel Simmons, an Army veteran. Thats why he held out for so long.

When asked who should run on the Democratic ticket in Bidens place, most respondents said Harris. But a familiar name came up more than once.

If the Democrats were smart, they would get Hillary Clinton to run, said Steve Crawford, who said he does not intend to vote. Shes not young (76), but shes younger than Biden. And she got more votes than Trump in 2016.
Panorama Park in southeast Colorado Springs takes home this year's Peoples Choice Starburst Award, receiving 1,858 votes out of the over 16,000 cast

The 13.5-acre park was recently one of 13 projects that won the 2024 Colorado Lottery Starburst Award for excellence in using lottery funds. All of the winning projects were chosen from across the state based on their creativity, economic and social impact on the community and goals achieved, according to Colorado Lottery.

Panorama Park underwent a major $8.5 million transformation in 2022 and became the largest neighborhood park renovation in Colorado Springs history. The expansion and enhancement of the park were done to promote recreational equity and wellness.

The city of Colorado Springs invested $5.5 million into the renovations with $4 million of that coming from parkland dedication ordinance funds and $1 million from the trails, open space and parks sales tax. TABOR retention funds from 2018 accounted for $500,000, and the remaining $3 million came from private and nonprofit partners.

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Reconstruction of the park began in May 2021 with a grand re-opening taking place in August the following year.

The people's choice award was launched this year as part of the Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards. People could vote for their favorite project once per day and every day for the monthlong competition.

The Colorado Lottery received more than 500 to nearly 2,000 votes for each of the 13 Starburst Award recipients with more than 40,000 people visiting the website to review the projects throughout the month.

Panorama Park beat out the San Cristobal Island project by 52 votes. The project with the third highest votes was GOCOs RESTORE Colorado initiative, just another 70 votes behind.
An automated retail machine selling ammunition, previously seen in states like Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma, will soon appear in Colorado.

American Rounds, based in Texas, first started setting up these machines in 2023, with the first one located in Pell City, Ala., at a local grocery store.

The first machine to operate in Colorado will be located in Buena Vista, at a Lagrees Food Store, expected to be open to the public by the end of July. American Rounds states that leadership within Lagrees reached out to the company first to inquire about a machine being installed.

American Rounds CEO Grant Magers said that safety is the No. 1 priority regarding these machines. He said that there are safety and theft concerns to storing ammunition on a store shelf, just as there are other problems with purchasing ammo online.

You dont even have to click what age you are to get in the site, like you do with alcohol sites, and you can order 1,000 rounds and have it shipped to your house, Magers said. They dont know who youre selling it to, if theyre of age, anything about them, and thats been going on now in this country for a long, long time.

A report from March by Everytown for Gun Safety found that many major online ammunition retailers do not seem to verify customer age, despite law requiring them to.

Colorado does not have laws, beyond those already existing at the federal level, regarding the purchase of ammunition. Federally, customers must be 18 to purchase rifle and shotgun ammunition and 21 to purchase pistol ammunition. Additionally, people convicted of most felonies or domestic violence charges, along with those who have been ruled incompetent by a court or have been admitted to a mental health facility, cannot legally buy ammunition.

With the ammunition retail machines, customers must be over 21, unlike other stores that sell to those above 18. Magers said this adds an extra layer of security to the whole operation.

When we looked at it, we said, hey, theres an opportunity here to improve the safety and security of ammunition sales while maintaining the integrity of the Second Amendment, Magers said.

However, a concern brought up by both Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and Ceasefire Colorado, is the lack of human interaction.

If you dont have that kind of check going on, you dont have any way to know if person possessing the ammunition is legally allowed to possess it, said David Pucino, legal director and deputy chief counsel for Giffords Law Center. You dont have the ability to do some very basic common-sense checks that any human being selling ammunition has both the equal and ethical responsibility to do.

All of the machines are equipped with double steel walls and weigh up to 2,000 pounds with the ammunition inside. Machines are only installed inside stores, never outside, and are only available during store hours.

Magers said the vending machines would require a valid drivers license and feature a facial recognition scan.

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American Rounds will not store or sell anyones ID information or any facial-recognition data, according to Magers.

Only American Rounds staff have keys to the machines; employees who work at the stores where they are located do not have access. Machines are typically restocked every two weeks by the company itself.

According to Magers, these machines carry a lot of the same major brands and calibers found in any big-box retailer. When it comes to pricing, no extra fees are tacked on to account for the convenience. The company tries to keep prices within 5% of any other retailer, having the ability to adjust pricing on any individual machine.

Despite the safety features, American Rounds has thought through, some of the public has raised concerns with the company.

The real thing that people are worried about is, oh, were going to increase the tragedies in this country, but its the exact opposite, Magers said. If you look at shootings in school, particularly, the people committing those tragedies are usually between the ages of 15 and 18. They could not buy from our machines.

Tom Mauser, board member and spokesperson for Ceasefire Colorado, agrees the age restrictions are a benefit, and wishes laws requiring customers to be over 21 existed everywhere, for all types of ammunition.

However, another concern brought up is how these machines are now normalizing firearms as well as reflecting the weak laws that exists for ammunition purchase nationwide.

What I think it shows and reflects is, on the one hand, we have very weak laws on the sale of ammunition; theres very little in place. Theres very few mechanisms to stop ammo from going to people who shouldnt have it, Pucino said. The fact that a company is able to come in with this kind of device that makes ammunition even more pervasive and accessible is both a reflection of how weak those laws are and an exploitation of those laws.

According to data from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, there were 1,634 federally licensed dealers or pawnbrokers of firearms in Colorado as of January 2022.

Thats more stores than there are Starbucks, McDonalds, Subways, Wendys, Arbys and Taco Bells combined, Mauser said. Why do we need to put (the machines) in grocery stores?

Looking into the future, American Rounds wants to continue expanding, as they have had requests for these ammunition machines in almost every state in the country. Magers is excited to bring this industry to Colorado, citing the great hunting communities as well as the patriotic life of law-abiding gun owners in the state.

We are 100% supportive of law abiding, legal, responsible gun ownership, and everything were doing is structured around making our communities safer and still maintaining the integrity of the Second Amendment, Magers said.

For more information on American Rounds, visit their website, which lays out every location these machines are at as well as some of their history.
By Abdul Kerimkhanov, Day.Az

Armenia has started substantive negotiations with the United States on the construction of a new nuclear power unit to replace the existing Metsamor nuclear power plant, which poses a threat to the entire region.

According to experts, the construction of a new power unit using Western technologies will reduce Armenia's dependence on Russia in the energy sector, depriving Moscow of an important lever of influence on Yerevan. Considering that the same West is steadily abandoning nuclear energy, it is obvious that Armenia's decision is exclusively political in nature.

We have repeatedly written about the need to eliminate the Metsamor NPP. The Metsamor NPP is one of the most potentially dangerous nuclear facilities in the region. Despite the fact that the station was put into operation back in the 1970s, it continues to raise serious concerns about safety and environmental risks for the surrounding areas.



One of the main sources of concern is the seismic vulnerability of the Metsamor NPP. The station is located in a seismically active region where earthquakes occur regularly. The design and infrastructure of the NPP were not initially designed to withstand powerful seismic impacts, which increases the likelihood of accidents with catastrophic consequences in the event of a strong earthquake.



Another risk factor is the use of outdated technologies and equipment at the Metsamor NPP, many of which were developed back in the Soviet era. Despite the modernization carried out in recent years, the station still uses technologies that are significantly inferior to modern safety standards.



The accident at the Metsamor nuclear power plant may have serious environmental consequences for the entire region. The release of radioactive substances into the environment can lead to contamination of soils, water resources and air, which will affect the health of the population and the state of ecosystems. In addition, the plant uses large volumes of water for cooling, which can have a negative impact on local water resources.



The Metsamor NPP poses a serious threat to the region, given its seismic vulnerability, the use of outdated technologies and potential environmental consequences. It is necessary to carefully assess the risks associated with this plant and consider the possibility of its decommissioning.



What do the Armenian authorities think about this? There, a decision was made to build a new nuclear power plant, which will also pose a threat to the region. Although in the same West there is a tendency to abandon the use of nuclear energy. This process is driven by a number of factors, including concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants, growing concerns about nuclear waste, and the development of alternative energy sources.



One of the main reasons for abandoning nuclear power is concern about the safety of nuclear power plants. Major accidents, such as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, have increased public fears of nuclear power. Many people fear that even minor incidents at nuclear power plants can lead to catastrophic consequences for the environment and human health.
One individual is dead and multiple others are hospitalized with serious injuries following a crash in Cimarron Hills.

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash at North Marksheffel Road and North Carefree Circle that caused the intersection to close Sunday afternoon.

According to a press release from CSP, the crash involved two vehicles that collided head-on in the intersection.

Officials said four parties were sent to a local hospital with serious injuries. One of the four individuals was pronounced dead at the hospital, CSP said.

The identities of those involved in the crash are not yet available. The identity of the deceased individual will be released by the El Paso County coroner after the next of kin is notified, according to officials.

CSP said there is no estimate to when the intersection will reopen to traffic at this time. Drivers are asked to detour at Cimarron Hills to the south, and Barnes Road to the north, and use Peterson Road to avoid the area.
While Kamala Harris is the Democratic Partys heir apparent, clinching critical support from President Joe Biden after he dropped his reelection bid, some on the left insist an open convention is still on the books this August. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison appeared to indicate that the choice to replace Biden would be made []
Hollywood megastar George Clooney has received backlash for suggesting in an op-ed published Wednesday that President Joe Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The Oceans Eleven and Gravity actors call for Biden to drop out comes only a few weeks after he hosted a fundraiser for the presidents campaign, which generated about $28 []
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) warns Democrats that they may face legal challenges if they try to replace President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket. During an interview Sunday morning with CNNs State of the Union, Johnson gave his assessment of Demcorats chances to do a last-minute switch at the top of the presidential []
By Akbar Hasanov, Day.AZ





The first plenary session of the IV Summit of the European Political Community took place in London today. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is taking part in the event. The Head of our State held a warm meeting with President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amerd, President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, President of Serbia Alexander Vucic and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban. Later, he exchanged views with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. There have been and will be a number of other meetings between the President of Azerbaijan and his foreign colleagues.



But there will be no meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan among them. According to the head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Assistant to the President Hikmet Hajiyev, the proposal to hold such a meeting was made by the United Kingdom, which is hosting the summit of the European Political Community. According to him, it was proposed that it be held in the format of a meeting between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia at the Munich Security Conference.



However, the Armenian side refused to do so. Armenia's refusal in Azerbaijan is rightly and reasonably regarded as a manifestation of its intention to move away from dialogue and promote a peaceful agenda. In addition to Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov also stated this. Naturally, the Armenian side, in its usual manner, tried to shift everything from a sore head to a healthy one again, denying the absolutely obvious fact that it disrupted the meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan.



To make sure that the Armenian side is again lying primitively, it is enough to recall what took place at the Munich Security Conference in February. Then the trilateral meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Pashinyan, with the assistance of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, really quickly turned into a bilateral one. The same format was planned in London. But Pashinyan was simply afraid of his next fiasco.

Let me remind you that any public controversy between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates the huge intellectual gap between them. And this has always been emphasized by all foreign experts, including even Armenian ones. So at the February Munich Security Conference, the head of our state voiced exactly the same position that he has always voiced - Azerbaijan stands for peace in the region, considering bilateral contacts between Baku and Yerevan a priority.



The President of Azerbaijan sent a clear message then - no one should even try to replace the mediation between Baku and Yerevan with support for Armenia. He repeated the same idea during a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. At that time, the President of Azerbaijan clearly stated that de facto peace had already been established in the region and Azerbaijani-American bilateral relations should develop on their own outside the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.



This position of official Baku has not changed one iota. But what is the position of official Yerevan? I should immediately note that it changes so often that it is difficult to understand when and what Armenia wants at this particular moment. But it is obvious that Nikol Pashinyan's statements have repeatedly contradicted not only common sense, but also his previous statements. He has too often been transformed from a "war hawk" into a dove of peace." And everyone has seen this in Armenia.



It was he who made the 44-day war inevitable by staging a provocation in the Tovuz direction in July 2020, as well as promoting the thesis that "Karabakh is Armenia, period." He was the one who lied to his people throughout the 44-day war about its progress. He also chickened out and chose not to appear on the television screen when it was time to sign the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020. Over the next few years, he continued to falsely deny that Armenia was still financing and arming the Karabakh junta.



Everything secret eventually became clear, and all Pashinyan's "tricks with his ears" turned out to be useless - Azerbaijan conducted an anti-terrorist operation last September and fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Only after that, Pashinyan began to pose as a "dove of peace." But this role is difficult for him. Because Azerbaijan, which has always taken a clear and unambiguous position, pointed out that the obstacle to signing a peace agreement is changes to the Constitution of Armenia.



We are talking about the wording contained in the Declaration of Independence of Armenia dated August 23, 1990, which contradicts the principle of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. "The Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR, expressing the united will of the people of Armenia... implementing the right of nations to free self-determination, based on the joint Resolution of the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR and the National Council of Nagorno-Karabakh dated December I, 1989 "On the reunification of the Armenian SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh"... proclaims: the beginning of the process of establishing independent statehood ...", it says.



Armenia still constitutionally relies on the decision of the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR of December 1, 1989, which long ago lost its legal force due to the abolition of the Armenian SSR and the self-dissolution of the Karabakh junta. And Armenia does not want to change its position. At the same time, according to a recent survey conducted by the Gallup International research Center, 80.3% of respondents considered that the Constitution of Armenia should remain unchanged.
Ulviyya Shahin

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Rafiyev was the guest of the "Speaking Experience" project, which aims to continuously develop employees of the Ministry of Science and Education, as well as its subordinate institutions, and to train personnel ready for modern challenges, Azernews reports.

During the event, Yalchin Rafiyev spoke on "Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29: priorities and expectations". The deputy minister provided detailed information about the goals and scope of COP29, scheduled to be held in Baku in November of this year.

Rafiyev also emphasized that contributing to the resolution of climate change and its global impacts is one of Azerbaijan's primary goals.

The session concluded with a Q&A session where the participants' questions were addressed.

It is important to note that the "Speaking Experience" project includes regular organization of such meetings.
Wide Angle Lens Distortion

When a human looks at an image that is distorted with a wide angle lens, we can tell pretty much immediately that the image is distorted. Specifically we can tell that objects with straight lines in the 3D world do not have straight lines in the image. In almost all computer vision applications, we want to correct this distortion before we do anything else. But how exactly do we go about making straight-lines straight again?

Simple Radial Undistortion Models

To actually estimate undistortion we will need to have a model to fit to our distorted image. Mathematically one of the simplest ways to describe a lens undistortion model is simply to use some form of spherically symetric function that operates on pixel coordinates. If we define our distorted pixels as $(u', v')$ our undistorted pixels as $(u, v)$ and the centre of image distortion as $(c_x, c_y)$ then we can write a general radially symmetric undistortion model as:

$$\begin{aligned} & r = \sqrt{(u' - c_x)^2 + (v' - c_y)^2} \\ & u = f(r) (u' - c_x) + c_x \\ & v = f(r) (v' - c_y) + c_y \end{aligned}$$

Where $f(r)$ is some 1D function of $r$ that we can use to model the required undistortion in the image.

There are many different possible functions that we could use for $f(r)$ but one of the simplest and most effective is a polynomial division model:

$$\begin{aligned} & d(r) = \frac{1}{1 + d_1 r^2 + d_2 r^4} \\ \\ & u = d(r) (u' - c_x) + c_x \\ & v = d(r) (v' - c_y) + c_y \end{aligned}$$

This polynomial division model is symmetric about the origin and has two parameters $d_1$ and $d_2$. By adjusting these parameters we can model a wide range of different amounts of distortion.

Estimating Distortion by Straighting Lines

One way to estimate the distortion in an image is to use straight lines. We can use the fact that straight lines in the 3D world should be straight in the image to estimate the distortion.

If we can evaluate how "straight-line-y" our image is then we can use this in a non-linear optmisation process to tweak our undistortion process until we have the most "straight-line-y" image, ie. the best possible undistorted image.

So how can we measure how full of straight lines an image is? Traditional computer vision and image processing folks will be well aware of the Radon transform and its discrete cousin the Hough transform. These are integral transforms that and are really interesting, the documentation on the Radon transform in `scikit-image` is here and is very much worth a read.

To detect lines in an image with these transforms, the first thing we need to do is to compute the edges of the image. My personal favourite way to do this is by convolution use the Sobel filter. The Sobel filter is a convolution filter that computes the gradient of the image. It's fast, easy to use and gives good results. Below is the original image and the result of applying the Sobel filter to it.

The following code is used to compute the edges and Radon transform of the images and plot the results.

import cv2 from skimage.transform import radon import matplotlib.pyplot as plt # Load the distorted and undistorted image distorted_image = cv2.imread('distorted_image.png', cv2.IMREAD_COLOR) undistorted_image = cv2.imread('undistorted_image.png', cv2.IMREAD_COLOR) distorted_image_gray = np.array(cv2.cvtColor(distorted_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY), dtype=np.float64) undistorted_image_gray = np.array(cv2.cvtColor(undistorted_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY), dtype=np.float64) # Convolve with the sobel filter to get the edges def compute_edge_intensity(image_gray: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray: """ Compute the edge intensity of the image using the Sobel filter. """ x = cv2.Sobel(image_gray, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3) y = cv2.Sobel(image_gray, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3) return np.sqrt(x**2 + y**2) print("Computing edges of the images") distorted_image_edges = compute_edge_intensity(distorted_image_gray) undistorted_image_edges = compute_edge_intensity(undistorted_image_gray) # Compute the Radon transform of the images print("Computing Radon transform of the images") theta = np.linspace(0.0, 180.0, max(image.shape), endpoint=False) radon_distorted = radon(distorted_image_edges, theta=theta, circle=False) radon_undistorted = radon(undistorted_image_edges, theta=theta, circle=False) # Normalize the Radon transform radon_distorted = radon_distorted/np.max(radon_distorted.flatten()) radon_undistorted = radon_undistorted/np.max(radon_undistorted.flatten()) # Plot the images plt.figure() plt.subplot(1, 2, 1) plt.imshow(distorted_image) plt.title('Distorted Image') plt.subplot(1, 2, 2) plt.imshow(undistorted_image) plt.title('Undistorted Image') plt.tight_layout() # Plot the edges of the images plt.figure() plt.subplot(1, 2, 1) plt.imshow(distorted_image_edges, cmap='gray') plt.title('Edges of Distorted Image') plt.subplot(1, 2, 2) plt.imshow(undistorted_image_edges, cmap='gray') plt.title('Edges of Undistorted Image') plt.tight_layout() # Plot the Radon transform of the images plt.figure() plt.subplot(1, 2, 1) plt.imshow(radon_distorted, cmap='gray') plt.title('Radon Transform of Distorted Image') plt.ylabel('r') plt.subplot(1, 2, 2) plt.imshow(radon_undistorted, cmap='gray') plt.title('Radon Transform of Undistorted Image') plt.tight_layout() plt.show()

Above is the Radon transform of the distorted and undistorted images, normalised relative to their maximum values. The transform of the distorted image appears on average brighter than the undistorted radon transform which is what we would expect as on average the undistorted radon transform has much sharper peaks.

The Hough transform is similar to the above Radon transform but is used to detect discrete lines in an image rather than transform the image into a different space. It is similar to selecting peaks from the Radon transform and the OpenCV version directly outputs the lines that it detects in the image.

These transforms are all well and good but are there any actual production ready algorithms that use these transforms to estimate straight-line-y-ness? And how do you go from a transform to a number you can actually optimise? For the rest of this blog post we will be considering the model and methods taken from this very interesting paper: An Iterative Optimization Algorithm for Lens Distortion Correction Using Two-Parameter Models.

Breakdown of the Estimation Algorithm The algorithm from the paper is broken down into several steps. We will work through them showing intermediate results as we go. Let's work with this distorted image of Chicago:

Stage 1: Edge Detection using the Canny Method The Canny Method is a multi-stage algorithm that detects edges in an image. It is one of the most well known and popular edge detection algorithms. It is implemented in Matlab here and in OpenCV here. However the paper we are looking at today implements it themselves and this allows them a large degree of control over the process. The steps of the Canny method are: Gaussian Convolution : Smooth the input image using an approximation of the recursive filter for Gaussian convolution.

: Smooth the input image using an approximation of the recursive filter for Gaussian convolution. Image Gradient : Compute the image gradient using specific convolution masks to ensure rotation invariance.

: Compute the image gradient using specific convolution masks to ensure rotation invariance. Canny Thresholds : Set the low and high thresholds for the Canny method as percentiles of the gradient norm.

: Set the low and high thresholds for the Canny method as percentiles of the gradient norm. Non-maximum Suppression : Identify local maxima of the gradient norm in the gradient direction and classify them as edges.

: Identify local maxima of the gradient norm in the gradient direction and classify them as edges. Hysteresis Implementation: Classify pixels as edges if they are connected to edge pixels, and explore their neighborhoods recursively. This produces an image that looks like this with individual edge pixels set to 1 and all else set to 0:

Stage 2: Detect Lines with Improved Hough Transform With the edges detected the authors of the paper next move onto their Hough transform based line detection algorithm. First of all they defined an extension of the Hough transform to include a curvature parameter. This effectively turns the Hough transform from a line integral transform into a curvature parametrised curve integral transform and by stepping through this parameter the authors of the paper create a 3D output space. Points in this 3D Hough output space map to specific curves in the image (lines in the undistorted space) and using the best lines available from this step the authors are able to estimate a starting point for the first parameter of the undistortion model and the centre of distortion. Extract Distortion Model : Extract a one-parameter distortion model and the most voted lines using an extended Hough transform.

: Extract a one-parameter distortion model and the most voted lines using an extended Hough transform. Voting Process : Fill the 3D score volume based on edge points, distance, and angle variations to vote in the Hough space.

: Fill the 3D score volume based on edge points, distance, and angle variations to vote in the Hough space. Line Detection: Select lines with the highest votes and refine the points associated with these lines. This produces an image that looks like this with individual line segements highlighted and ready for undistortion estimation.

Stage 3: Iterative Optimization With a good starting point for the centre of distortion and the first parameter of the undistortion model the authors start refining the model using a non-linear optimization algorithm. They compute the distance to a straight line for each point associated with a specific line and then optimise the distortion model to minimise this. They then update the point-line associations and repeat the process until there are no changes in the number of points associated with each line. Initialize Parameters : Start with initial distortion parameters and center of distortion.

: Start with initial distortion parameters and center of distortion. Gradient and Hessian Calculation : Compute the gradient vector and Hessian matrix for the distortion parameters.

: Compute the gradient vector and Hessian matrix for the distortion parameters. Iterative Minimization : Use an iterative scheme to minimize the energy function, which reduces the distance from points to lines.

: Use an iterative scheme to minimize the energy function, which reduces the distance from points to lines. Model Update: Update the lens distortion model with the optimized parameters.

Stage 4: Image Distortion Correction Finally with the full distortion model calculated the authors can apply the distortion to the whole original colour image and generate a corrected image. Inverse Vector Calculation : Compute the inverse vector for image pixels using the estimated lens distortion model.

: Compute the inverse vector for image pixels using the estimated lens distortion model. Distortion-Free Image Computation: Apply bilinear interpolation to generate the distortion-free output image based on the corrected pixel coordinates. We now have an undistorted image, and we didn't have to play around with checkerboards:

Matching Division Model to OpenCV

While it's nice to have an algorithm that can estimate the distortion without needing a specific checkerboard it's generally a good idea to be able to use very popular libraries like OpenCV to do our undistorting for us as these libraries are very widespread in the robotics community and well maintained. If we can convert our division model to the OpenCV model then we can estimate with our Hough code and then store coefficients and undistort with OpenCV.

Lets write out the equations for the two models and then we can compare the similarities and differences between them.

The division model:

$$\begin{aligned} & r = \sqrt{(u' - c_x)^2 + (v' - c_y)^2} \\ & d(r) = \frac{1}{1 + d_1 r^2 + d_2 r^4} \\ \\ & u = d(r) (u' - c_x) + c_x \\ & v = d(r) (v' - c_y) + c_y \end{aligned}$$

What do we notice about the division model?

The division model is a direct correction model; it is a model that is used to correct the distortion that is present in the image by transforming distorted pixels. The division model operates in image coordinates. This means that the distortion model is applied after the multiplication by the focal length so the scale of the polynomial is dependent on the focal length.

And now the OpenCV model:

$$\begin{aligned} & r_\theta = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} \\ & \theta = \arctan(r_\theta) \\ & \theta_d = \theta \left(1 + k_1 \theta^2 + k_2 \theta^4 + k_3 \theta^6 + k_4 \theta^8\right) \\ & s(r_\theta) = \frac{\theta_d}{r_\theta} \\ \\ & u' = s(r_\theta) x f + c_x \\ & v' = s(r_\theta) y f + c_y \end{aligned}$$

What do we notice about the OpenCV model?

The OpenCV model is a distortion model; it is a generative model where the coefficients of the model describe a polynomial that is used to distort rays of light that would otherwise be modeled as projecting onto an image plane as in the pinhole model. The OpenCV model operates in normalized image coordinates. This means that the distortion model is applied before multiplication by the focal length so the scale of the polynomial is not dependent on the focal length.

The first thing to do that will make things a lot easier when converting one to the other is to assume that we have centred our image at the principal distortion point, $(c_x, c_y) = (0, 0)$.

We then need to link the two models in terms of a single one of $r$ or $r_\theta$. Let's start with the OpenCV model:

$$\begin{aligned} & r_\theta^2 = x^2 + y^2 \\ & r^2 = u'^2 + v'^2 \\ & u' = s(r_\theta) x f \\ & v' = s(r_\theta) y f \\ & r^2 = \left(s(r_\theta) x f\right)^2 + \left(s(r_\theta) y f\right)^2 \\ & = f^2 s(r_\theta)^2 (x^2 + y^2) \\ & = f^2 s(r_\theta)^2 r_\theta^2 \\ \\ & r = f s(r_\theta) r_\theta \end{aligned}$$

We can then also consider the division model:

$$\begin{aligned} & r = \sqrt{u'^2 + v'^2} \\ & d(r) = \frac{1} {(1 + d_1 r^2 + d_2 r^4)} \\ & u = d(r) u' \\ & v = d(r) v' \\ & u^2 + v^2 = d(r)^2 (u'^2 + v'^2) \\ \\ & x f = u \\ & y f = v \\ & u^2 + v^2 = f^2 (x^2 + y^2) \\ \\ & f^2 (x^2 + y^2) = d(r)^2 (u'^2 + v'^2) \\ & f^2 r_\theta^2 = d(r)^2 r^2 \\ & r_\theta^2 = d(r)^2 r^2 / f^2 \\ & r_\theta = d(r) r / f \end{aligned}$$

Substituting $r_\theta = d(r) r / f$ into $r = f s(r_\theta) r_\theta$ we get:

$$\begin{aligned} & r = \frac{f s \left( d(r) r / f \right) d(r) r}{ f} \\ & r = s \left( d(r) r / f \right) d(r) r \\ & r \left( s \left( d(r) r / f \right) d(r) - 1 \right) = 0 \\ & s \left( d(r) r / f \right) d(r) - 1 = 0 \\ & s \left( d(r) r / f \right) = \frac{1} {d(r)} \end{aligned}$$

This gives us a cost function. We can compute $d(r)$ for a range of $r$ values and then use a non-linear optimization algorithm to find the values of $k_i$ that minimize the cost function.

This is what the code would look like to do this:

def match_opencv_distortion_to_undistortion_model(undistortion_model: Callable, max_r: float): """ Implements fitting s() using the equation: s(d(r) * r / f) = 1 / d(r) """ r_array = np.linspace(1.0, max_r, 4000) d = np.array([undistortion_model(r) for r in r_array]) def cost_function(k_array): k1, k2, k3, k4 = k_array sumout = 0.0 for i, r in enumerate(r_array): r_theta = d[i] * r / DEFAULT_OPENCV_FOCAL_LENGTH sumout += (1.0 / d[i] - opencv_fisheye_polynomial(r_theta, k1, k2, k3, k4, opencv_focal_length=1.0))**2 return sumout k0 = [0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0] res = minimize( cost_function, k0, method='l-bfgs-b', options={'ftol': 1e-10, 'disp': False, 'maxiter': 10000}, ) print(res) return res.x

We could of course decide to go the other way, given an OpenCV model we could compute $d(r)$ by some more gentle algebra manipulation:

$$\begin{aligned} & r_\theta = d(r) r / f \\ & r = f s(r_\theta) r_\theta \\ & r_\theta = d\left( f s(r_\theta) r_\theta \right) s(r_\theta) r_\theta \end{aligned}$$

This gives us a cost function. We can compute $s(r_\theta)$ for a range of $r_\theta$ values and then use a non-linear optimization algorithm to find the values of $d_i$ that minimize the cost function.
An arrest was made Wednesday, July 10, in connection with a fatal crash that occurred Saturday, May 18, near Peoria.

Nathan Fisher, 29, of Midlothian surrendered to authorities at the Hill County Law Enforcement Center on a charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle.

The crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Helen Maxwell of Whitney. According to DPS reports at the time of the crash, the victim was driving a Pontiac sport-utility vehicle on Highway 22 around 8:50 p.m. when the driver of an eastbound Chevrolet pickup drove onto the wrong side of the roadway and crashed into her vehicle.

Maxwell was pronounced dead at the scene, and Fisher was transported to Baylor Scott and White - Hillcrest for treatment.

Fisher was booked into the Hill County jail with bond set at $350,000.


Hoard's Dairyman magazine is seeking a managing editor.

W.D. Hoard and Sons published the first issue ofin 1885 with the goal of helping dairy farmers be successful. We carry on that legacy today by aiming to provide the most trustworthy research about dairy industry trends, news, and practices to more than 35,000 dairy farmers and the consultants who serve them.

Our company includes Hoards Dairyman magazine, the Hoards Dairyman Farm, the Hoards Dairyman Farm Creamery, and two additional magazines geared toward helping farmers, Hay & Forage Grower and the Journal of Nutrient Management. W.D. Hoard, the 16th governor of Wisconsin, purchased the Hoards Dairyman Farm to demonstrate the practices covered in the magazine, and we believe we are the only agricultural publication with a working farm, which keeps us connected to our readers. Some of the milk from our Guernsey herd is made into cheese sold under our Creamery brand.

About the role: The managing editor position involves joining a team of editors, proofreaders, and a designer and coordinating with the marketing department to publish the national dairy farm magazine, Hoards Dairyman, and develop supporting online content. This position reports to the company president.

Responsibilities:

Cover industry news and best practices for the print magazine (15 issues each year) and online channels (two e-newsletters each week, monthly webinars, weekly blog) with short- and long-form writing and some photography

Lead coverage on specified subject areas and manage coordinating regular columns

Build relationships with regular columnists as well as leading researchers and industry partners to secure factual, informative, and valuable articles

Edit author submissions for clarity, grammar, and style

Determine content and layout of each issue in coordination with marketing and art departments

Ensure accuracy of every article published by working with editorial assistants, art director, and authors

Attend industry conferences to stay up to date on latest dairy research and policy

Connect with dairy farmers around the country through farm visits, farm reports, and responding to producer questions as they are received

Oversee the editorial internship selection process and mentor the summer intern

May host webinars, podcasts, and webcasts

Assist in visitor tours of the Hoards Dairyman Farm

Serve as the face of Hoards Dairyman with international partners

Required qualifications:

Knowledge of agricultural communications/journalism, animal science, dairy science, or related field

Experience in writing, editing, communications, and/or publishing

Familiarity with the dairy industry and farm practices

Skills:

Strong written communication abilities and knowledge of English language, including editing content for grammar and function

Excellent time management and an ability to meet scheduled publishing deadlines

Good customer service when speaking with readers, many of whom are dairy farmers

Commitment to accurate information that moves the dairy industry forward

Work environment: This position is based out of our historic office in Fort Atkinson, Wis., two blocks from the National Dairy Shrine Museum and one mile from the Hoards Dairyman Farm. Fort Atkinson is located in southeast Wisconsin, 40 minutes east of Madison and 1 hour west of Milwaukee. This role includes regular travel to farms and industry events around the country. A company vehicle is provided.

Salary: Commensurate with knowledge and experience

Benefits:

Company vehicle

Comprehensive health (HSA option), vision, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

10 paid vacation days, 10 paid sick days, 6 company holidays

Travel and accommodations to cover industry events

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to publisher Brian Knox at bknox@hoards.com.
Nazrin Abdul

On July 22, the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum hosted a significant presentation titled Solidarity for a Green World - COP29, organized under the theme Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation, Azernews reports.

The presentation was led by Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Director of COP29.

In his address, Soltanov provided an overview of the preparations and strategic measures for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan. He highlighted national efforts to combat climate change, the progress in restoring and reconstructing territories liberated from occupation, and the importance of fostering sustainable development.

We must take collective action regarding COP29, stated Soltanov. We have a unified mission to achieve a green world. It is essential that we act togetherour success depends on our collective effort.

He emphasized that one of the central challenges of COP29 is to develop innovative financing models for climate action. We need to establish a new financial framework, he explained. COP29 represents a significant opportunity, and we are committed to creating a transparent environment where various stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue. We have already undertaken 13 initiatives and aim to finalize and address technical aspects by November 11. Achieving consensus in our negotiations is crucial.

Sultanov outlined 14 key agendas for COP29, underscoring the importance of creating green corridors, developing storage reservoirs, and addressing water shortagesa pressing issue due to frequent droughts. These topics are critical at national, regional, and global levels, he noted. Climate change affects all countries, and without cooperation between developed and developing nations, a crisis is inevitable. We must honor our national commitments, as each one holds significant value.

He also addressed the challenge of reducing carbon emissions without detrimental economic impacts, asserting that no single country can tackle this issue in isolation. All nations must contribute to the process of reducing methane emissions, he added. Increased funding for adaptation efforts is essential. For example, there will be a ministerial meeting in China and another in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. These initiatives are designed to enhance support for our climate goals.

Soltanovs presentation emphasized the urgency of collaborative climate action and the role of COP29 in advancing global environmental sustainability.
The number of 4G handsets still in circulation that could lose access to Triple Zero when 3G networks have shut down has dwindled to 102,000, the government estimates.

It was 740,000 in March 2024 and was now down to 102,000, according to a statement released by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.

Rowland credited the reduction to the efforts of a working group formed by the government that collaborated with the telco industry last March.

"Through the working group, the industry has undertaken significant efforts to identify and contact customers with these handsets and make information available and to guide consumer actions. Industry is also providing financial hardship measures to customers to support the switchover," she says.

Industry is also providing financial hardship measures to customers to support the switchover.

Recently, Optus announced it would offer thousands of free mobile handsets to affected customers impacted by the 3G shutdown.

Last June, Telstra said it will provide 12,000 free mobile phones to its most disadvantaged, elderly, or remote customers across Australia.

Telstra will close its 3G network on 31 August and Optus the day after on 1 September.

At one time, iTNews reported there had been more than one million impacted handsets in circulation.

Rowland is pleased that the numbers have decreased, indicating that the industry is working collaboratively to identify and inform Australians who may be impacted by the 3G switchover.

She said she wanted to see the effort levels sustained.

Despite the latest fall in the number of affected handsets, as the planned switchover date draws closer it is clear that more needs to be done."

The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with industry to monitor progress and ensure the switchover takes place in a safer way."

Industry has undertaken a significant effort to identify and contact affected customers and make information available. The government is keen to see this work ramp up and continue."
Not-for-profit edtech charity Grok Academys five-week online programming course and interactive competition, the National Computer Science School Challenge ( NCSS Challenge ) is kicking off in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand on 29 July 2024.

Grok says over 25,000 active Australian students from 1200 schools competed in last years NCSS Challenge, which was up from 16,171 in 2022 - and these numbers make the NCSS Challenge one of the largest coding events in the country.

According to Grok, almost three quarters of students who did the NCSS Challenge last year reported being more confident about programming and said they learnt a significant amount about programming - which is a top-rated future job skill. 70 percent of students also said they enjoyed the challenge, demonstrating an important balance between learning and fun.

Grok Academy has worked closely with industry partners to design challenges closely aligned with real-world problems from medicine to movies, sport to science, and everything in between, explained Jane Abrams, Grok Academys Chief Product Officer.

The NCSS Challenge is specifically designed to engage young people in technology and STEM-focused problem solving, while also giving teachers an excellent classroom-ready resource aligned to the Digital Technologies curriculum (Australia and New Zealand).

Its an immersive and interactive experience where students have fun, learning as they go, and competing to climb the leaderboard against peers from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, Abrams said.

Abrams notes that students receive online support from Grok Academy tutors, as well as experts actively working in tech-related roles within sponsor organisations like Atlassian, Australian Signals Directorate, Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie, National Australia Bank (NAB), Optiver, Telstra, Westpac, and platinum sponsor, WiseTech Global.

Having our industry experts on-hand takes the pressure off classroom teachers. They have confidence knowing their students are applying different technical skills from the curriculum, with personal access to real-life engineers, scientists and programmers to answer questions and guide them along, Abrams said.

Teachers consistently praise the NCSS Challenge and sign their classes up year after year. One teacher described the Challenge as one of the best and most rewarding extra-curricular activities available for students who love programming and want to grow their skills and knowledge in that area.

Grok notes that NCSS Challenge participants are also supported with intelligent auto-marking and instant feedback. Teachers get a live dashboard showing their students progress against others from both countries. If teachers wish to utilise the material at a pace that suits their class, content can be made available throughout the year without the leaderboard aspect and tutor support.

Of those who participated in the NCSS Challenge last year, Grok explained that 73 per cent said they felt more confident about programming, and students agreed the top three aspects of the competition were learning to code (70%), that it was fun (65%), and being supported with step-by-step instructions (48%).

2023 NCSS Challenge participant, 17-year-old student Lauren, says the online programming competition teaches you as you go: You are able to test yourself, but you arent expected to already know everything. I love how the problems are so creative and entertaining to read. The tutors are also really friendly and respond quickly to queries.

Grok said the NCSS Challenge is one of its many initiatives that support its goal to empower Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand students with the technology skills they need to thrive in the digital economy. The program runs twice a year in February and July. For more information visit theNCSS Challenge web page.
GUEST EVENT: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, Friday 19 July 2024: After the success of the inaugural Melbourne EV Show in 2023, Future Drive AutoShows presents the next event in the EV Series with Australias largest display of electric SUVs at the Electric SUV EXPO 24. Presented at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre from 9 to 11 of August, the EXPO will showcase the latest new releases of electric SUVs including BEVs, plug-in hybrids, utes and people movers including new auto brands to the Australian market.

According to The Electric Vehicle Council, there were 98,436 EV purchases in 2023 with a +120 per cent increase from 3.81 per cent in 2022. It has never been more affordable to switch to an EV with trends reflecting Australian new battery-only EV sales up 16.5 per cent and hybrid and plug-in hybrids doing even better for the same period with an increase of 114.6 per cent. EVs offer significant environmental advantages due to their lower running costs and advanced technologies.

Future Drive Auto is delighted to present the inaugural Electric SUV EXPO 24. This is a unique opportunity for visitors to review the many new model releases, together with finance and charging options and valuable free daily seminar sessions from industry leaders, said Ray Evans, CEO, Future Drive AutoShows.

RACV has joined the SUV EXPO as the Test Drive Sponsor. EXPO visitors will be able to test drive an EV or Hybrid, with an express registration line for RACV Members. Every EXPO ticket will also be eligible to go in the draw to win one of three, $2,000 RACV Resort gift cards for use at the Cape Schanck, Torquay or Healesville resorts. In addition, the prize includes an EV rental valued at $850 during their resort stay thanks to Future Drive AutoShows.

"RACV is excited to be the official Test Drive Sponsor and exhibiting at the Melbourne SUV EXPO with our experts on site to talk to you about how making the EV move is easy with RACV, RACV General Manager Energy Greg Edye said. Visit RACV at the EXPO to learn about buying, charging and powering your EV and experience them firsthand via a test drive  with a handy express registration line exclusively for RACV Members.

Sam Evans, known as the Electric Viking, will host the Future Drive Live Stage featuring panel discussions and keynote sessions from Industry experts. Information about green transport, sustainability and EV technology, and innovation including charging options, provide valuable information. Learn how easy it is to get behind the wheel of an EV.

Future Drive AutoShows is a leading event-media platform dedicated to advancing the transition to Electric Vehicles. With a proven track record of empowering brands, manufacturers and professionals. Future Drive Auto continues to drive innovation and growth across the EV landscape. The growing popularity of EVs in Australia demonstrates the importance of providing eventgoers with a 360-degree view of this fast-charged space. Whether you're in the market to buy, an industry professional, or simply curious about the electric SUV landscape, this is an excellent opportunity to engage with global brands all under one roof along with the many new arrivals on show for the first time in Australia.

Following the Electric SUV EXPO 24, Future Drive AutoShows will present the Sydney International EV Show at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, 8 to 10 November 2024 followed by the Melbourne International EV Show at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre 27 to 30 June 2025.

Tickets to the Electric SUV EXPO 24 in Melbourne are on sale from Ticketmaster.

For further information and competition T&Cs, visit FutureDriveAuto.au.
By Alimat Aliyeva

China and the Philippines have reached an agreement that they hope will end the confrontation over the most disputed area in the South China Sea - the Second Thomas Shoal, Azernews reports.

The decisive agreement was reached on Sunday after a series of meetings between Filipino and Chinese diplomats in Manila and an exchange of diplomatic notes.

"Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and resolve differences through dialogue and consultations, and agree that the agreement will not harm the positions of either side in the South China Sea," the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The long-standing territorial confrontation on the Second Thomas Shoal has been constantly escalating since the beginning of last year, when the Filipinos tried to deliver food to the stranded ship BRP Sierra Madre and considered an outpost of the Philippines in the region.

According to the Philippine government, during the worst clash on June 17, Chinese forces in motorboats repeatedly rammed two Philippine Navy boats and then boarded them to prevent Filipino personnel from delivering supplies, including firearms. Several members of the Philippine Navy were injured during the violent skirmish.

China and the Philippines have accused each other of confrontation, and each has claimed its own sovereign rights to the stranded, which the Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Renai Jiao.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned China's actions on the shoals and called for respect for the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Washington has repeatedly warned that it is obliged to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine troops come under armed attack, in particular in the South China Sea.
By Alimat Aliyeva

Representatives of 21 European Union countries sent a joint letter to Brussels, which emphasizes that water is a strategic, vital resource, and water supply should become an "absolute priority" in the EU, Azernews reports.

The letter reflects the countries' concern about the increased droughts, water shortages and floods throughout the bloc, which, according to the signatories, "are no longer an anomaly in Europe".

According to the European Environment Agency, about 20 percent of the European territory and 30 percent of Europeans suffer from water scarcity every year. The economic losses from this amount to approximately 9 billion euros per year, and this figure does not include damage to ecosystems.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, EU member states called for a holistic approach with a "higher level of coherence."

According to the authors of the letter, such an approach is "necessary to ensure the consistency of all legislative and planning processes in order to protect ecosystems, regulate water consumption at all levels and ensure the safety of water supply."
Nazrin Abdul

An Open Doors Day event was recently held at the Cardiology Department of the Central Customs Hospital, marking a significant opportunity for media representatives and medical residents to gain insight into the hospitals advanced medical procedures and its contributions to national healthcare, Azernews reports.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Bakhtiyar Musayev, Chief Doctor of the Central Customs Hospital, extended his congratulations to the media representatives on the occasion of July 22nd, National Press Day. Dr. Musayev provided an overview of the hospitals mission, focusing on the Cardiology Departments innovative practices and the state-of-the-art procedures available to patients.

Dr. Musayev highlighted the hospitals commitment to offering cutting-edge medical services, including non-invasive surgical techniques that are rare in Azerbaijan but are now part of the Central Customs Hospitals daily operations. He elaborated on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and other advanced heart valve replacement techniques performed through a minimally invasive approach via the groin. He emphasized that many of these complex and sophisticated procedures, once considered extraordinary, are now available to patients at no cost through the Compulsory Medical Insurance Program.

Dr. Musayev emphasized that the hospitals continuous reconstruction efforts and the introduction of new medical services underscore the state's dedication to modernizing healthcare. He discussed the focus on human capital development, technological advancements, and the enhancement of the healthcare economy as key priorities for the state.

Ismayil Efendiyev, Deputy Head of the Medical Service Department of the State Customs Committee, also addressed the attendees. He shared insights into the medical and social initiatives organized by the Central Customs Hospital across various regions of the country, including the establishment of cooperation agreements and the execution of associated measures.

Dr. Ilgar Tahiroglu, Head of the Cardiology Department and a leading invasive cardiologist, provided a detailed presentation on the departments range of services, including TAVI, Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), and Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR). He outlined how these procedures are integrated into the Compulsory Medical Insurance framework, showcasing their application in clinical practice even as they remain uncommon in many other countries.

Following the presentations, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the Cardiology Departments examination rooms and witness a live TAVI procedure performed on an 84-year-old patient. The procedure involved the insertion of a new aortic valve via the leg vein, without general anesthesia or incisions to the chest. Dr. Leman Eyvazli, a cardiologist from the department, conducted a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to evaluate the new valve and assess the condition of other heart valves, concluding that the operation was a success.

The Open Doors Day aimed to provide media representatives and medical residents with a comprehensive understanding of the Central Customs Hospitals Cardiology Department. The event offered a closer look at the departments operations, advanced treatment methods, and the surgical procedures available to patients, fostering direct communication between medical professionals and attendees.

The Open Doors Day at the Cardiology Department of the Central Customs Hospital served as an important platform for showcasing the hospitals innovative medical procedures, its role in national healthcare, and its dedication to advancing medical science through the Compulsory Medical Insurance Program. The event not only celebrated National Press Day but also demonstrated the hospitals ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services in Azerbaijan.
(City of Busan)

From July 26 to 28, the city of Busan will host the 28th Busan Sea Festival at Dadaepo Beach, offering a variety of exciting activities and performances.

This years festival kicks off with the grand opening ceremony on July 26, featuring the Dadae Fireworks Show and a Night Pool Party.

Set against the sunset backdrop of Dadaepo Beach, the fireworks will light up the night sky from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Night Pool Party, starting at 7 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m., will feature hip-hop performances by Swings, Han Yo-han, Bio, and Paul Blanco. An artificial pool set up at the beach will ensure a night full of music and fun.

Additionally, festival-goers can enjoy drinks and food at Dadaepocha, a pop-up area with various refreshments available.

Throughout the festival, a variety of programs and activities will be available, including the Hanbada Festival for the Disabled on Friday and the Open Ocean Open Music Festival, and the Dadaepo Beach Salsa Dance Festival on Saturday, and the Dadaepo Folk Rock performance will also take place on Sunday.

On Saturday and Sunday, health and wellness enthusiasts can participate in Sunset Yoga, Starry Sea Busan Sunset Surfing, and Starry Sea Busan Dog Surfing. Families can enjoy the DJ Fountain Party at the Dadaepo Dream Sunset Fountain and the Camp Nick program at Blue Square. The festival also features a hidden Water Stage and Hidden Stage for unique performances.

For safety, the beach will operate under a total entry control system on July 26, limiting the number of visitors to 32,000 to prevent overcrowding.

Alternative viewing spots, such as the Gouni Ecological Trail, will be available if capacity is exceeded.

To ensure safety around the narrow sidewalks near Dadaepo Station, traffic control will be in place, and nearby public parking lots will be restricted.

Participants are encouraged to use public transportation due to limited parking facilities near the event venue.

For more details, visit the official website of the Busan Culture and Tourism Festival Organizing Committee at www.bfo.or.kr.
The Yang family was treated to a housewarming party like no other Friday afternoon when Habitat for Humanity handed the keys to the Yangs first-ever owned home.

Local and state officials, construction company professionals and more flooded the Yangs new home to congratulate the family of six on their journey to becoming homeowners.

The Yangs will soon move in to a brand new four-bedroom house on the North Side of La Crosse after completing Habitat for Humanitys sweat equity homeowner program. Seng Yang and Ge Lee, Yangs wife, contributed 350 sweat equity hours alongside Habitat volunteers to build their home.

With the work complete, Habitat will sell the property to the Yangs for a 0% interest loan over 30 years. Monthly payments including mortgage, housing insurance and property taxes will not exceed 30% of the Yangs income.

Everybody who picks up a paper or opens up a web browser knows that affordable housing is a big issue right now. It is harder and harder and harder for families to afford rent and to afford mortgage payments, said Kahya Fox, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region. The partnerships that we have to make these homes possible is more important than ever before.

Families seeking help from the program must show they have a timely need for safe housing, the ability to make monthly payments and a willingness to invest at least 150 labor hours into the project.

Were very excited. We get to learn the whole process and how the whole Habitat system works from breaking ground to completion, Seng Yang said. It builds a bond with the house. I think thats important to have in owning a home.

The North Side build faced some unique challenges as Habitat for Humanitys first floodplain construction in the area. Additional environmental permits and flood mitigation infrastructure was required, increasing time and cost of the build.

Yang said the build was tricky, but he was glad to have invested as much time as possible in the construction. He added that the location is much safer than his previous residence, and he is looking forward to raising his four children in a nice neighborhood.

The Yang family home is the 75th build completed by La Crosse area Habitat chapter. The group is in the middle of constructing homes in La Crosse, Trempealeau, Monroe and Vernon counties in Wisconsin and Houston County in Minnesota.
On 19 July Panamanian civil society group Ciudadanos Unidos por la Constituyente (Cuco Panama) hailed the day-earlier announcement by Panamas new Presidentof the right-of-centre Realizando Metas (RM) government, of plans to move towards reforming Panamas 1972 constitution.

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Scientists say they have found evidence that the smelly molecule hydrogen sulfide exists in the atmosphere of a Jupiter-like planet. Hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound that gives rotten eggs their bad smell.

The planet is called HD 189733b. It is an exoplanet, a term used to describe planets that exist outside of our own solar system. It was discovered in 2005.

Scientists had already identified similarities between HD 189733b and Jupiter, the oldest and largest planet in our solar system. But the exoplanet was previously not thought to hold hydrogen sulfide.

Astronomers who study this gas giant have said it is deep blue in color and that severe conditions exist in the atmosphere.

It has winds that can blow up to two kilometers per second. The exoplanet is believed to reach temperatures up to 930 degrees Celsius on the side facing the star that it orbits. Scientists also say it rains glass, which can be blown by fierce winds.

The weather on HD 189733b is so extreme, the American space agency NASA once described the planet as a nightmare world.

New observations by NASAs James Webb Space Telescope suggest that this is the first exoplanet where hydrogen sulfide has been identified. Scientists say the discovery has helped give them a better understanding of this stormy world.

The finding was recently explained in a study appearing in the publication Nature.

One of the leaders of the research was astrophysicist Guangwei Fu of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. He told Reuters, This is not a planet we humans want to visit, but a valuable target for furthering our understanding of planetary science."

Fu said HD 189733b is known as a hot Jupiter planet. However, it orbits 170 times closer to its star than Jupiter does to the sun. It completes one orbit every two days. Jupiter takes about 12 years to orbit the sun.

Fu noted that hot Jupiters are not found often. "About less than one in 100 star systems have them," he said.

Fu said he thinks the newly discovered stinky smell just adds another interesting element to what is already known about the planet. It is 64 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Vulpecula. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, about 9.5 trillion kilometers.

It is closer to Earth than many exoplanets. This makes it bright and easy for detailed studies, Fu said. He noted, for example, that hydrogen sulfide would have been much harder to find on planets that are further away.

The Webb telescope  which became operational in 2022  is able to observe a wider range of radiation wavelengths than earlier telescopes. This permits more detailed examinations of exoplanet atmospheres.

"Our research finds that HD 189733b is more similar to Jupiter than previously known," said Arizona State University astrophysicist Luis Welbanks. He was a member of the research team. "This planet is very much like Jupiter, but just hotter."

Jupiter, too, has small amounts of hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere. But the exoplanet is about 10 percent larger than Jupiter in diameter and mass.

The Webb observations also confirmed earlier evidence showing the exoplanet has water and carbon dioxide in its atmosphere.

"With these three molecules, we are able to count the amount of oxygen, carbon and sulfur the planet has, Welbanks said. That information, he added, gives scientists a chance to learn more about how the planet may have formed. It should also provide data on whether it is different from planets in our solar system.

Welbanks said the scientists are clearly not searching for life on such a hot, harsh planet. However, he noted that understanding its atmosphere permits them to understand how physics and chemistry behave under different environments and to begin to put together the 'recipe' for forming planets."

Im Bryan Lynn.

Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - Evidence of Rotten Egg Gas Found on Jupiter-like Exoplanet Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

___________________________________________

Words in This Story

rotten - adj. suffering from decay

nightmare  v. a frightening or unpleasant experience

stinky  adj. having or producing an unpleasant smell

constellation  adj. a group of stars that forms a particular shape in the sky and has been given a name

range n. a series of numbers or values that include the highest and lowest

harsh  adj. unpleasant, unkind or more severe than is necessary

recipe  n. a set of instructions explaining how to prepare and cook food
Many new Ukrainian businesses are reportedly developing unmanned military vehicles for the countrys war against Russia.

The operations often happen in empty warehouses or secret, underground factories, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

The weaponized vehicles reportedly aim to ease shortages of soldiers and equipment.

Workers at laboratories in hundreds of workshops are using technology tools to build robot fighters to battle Russian forces, the AP said.

The AP reported that an estimated 250 new defense companies are currently involved in the production of war vehicles across Ukraine. The news agency noted that such operations can look similar to rural car repair shops.

Andrii Denysenko heads one of the new companies, or startups. He told the AP his employees can put together an unmanned ground vehicle, called the Odyssey, in just four days. The vehicle has a selling price of $35,000, which is about 10 percent less than an imported model.

Denysenko asked the AP not to publish details about his business to protect the operation and the people working there.

The work area is divided into small rooms for welding and body work. Workers produce the main structure, paint the vehicles green and then fit them with basic electronics, power systems and cameras and sensors.

Ukraines military is considering several different models of new unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles produced by the startups. A fourth branch of Ukraines military  the Unmanned Systems Forces - joined the army, navy and air force in May.

Engineers get production ideas from stories in defense magazines or online videos to produce less costly models. Weapons or smart elements can be added later.

We are fighting a huge country, and they dont have any resource limits, said Denysenko. We understand that we cannot spend a lot of human lives. War is mathematics.

Reporters from the AP watched the car-sized Odyssey vehicle spin and kick up dust as it rolled through a field of corn during a demonstration in the north of the country last month.

The 800-kilogram test model, or prototype, looks like a small tank. Developers of the vehicle say it can travel up to 30 kilometers on one battery charge. The prototype acts as a rescue-and-supply vehicle but could be changed to carry a remotely operated heavy machine gun or to clear landmines.

A Ukrainian government fundraising website for the Unmanned Systems Forces states that teams of robots will become logistics devices, tow trucks, minelayers and deminers, as well as self-destructive robots. The first robots are already proving their effectiveness on the battlefield," the statement adds.

Mykhailo Fedorov is Ukraines deputy prime minister for digital transformation. He is urging citizens to take free online courses and build military drones at home. Fedorov has called on Ukrainians to make a million drone flying machines per year.

There will be more of them soon, the Unmanned Systems Forces website said. "Many more.

Denysenkos company is working on other projects as well. One is a motorized exoskeleton designed to increase a soldiers strength. Another carrier vehicle would be able to transport a soldiers equipment and even help him move uphill. We will do everything to make unmanned technologies develop even faster. (Russias) murderers use their soldiers as cannon fodder, while we lose our best people, Fedorov wrote in a message published online.

Human Rights Watch and other international rights groups are calling for a ban on weapons that do not involve human decision making. This concern has been shared by others, including the U.N. General Assembly, American businessman Elon Musk and the founders of the Google-owned, London-based startup DeepMind.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English.

___________________________________________

Words in This Story

warehouse n. a large building that provides centralized storage for a lot of goods and products that are then shipped to customers

weld v. to join pieces of metal together by heating them until they almost melt and then pressing them together

remote  adj. happening from far away

logistics  n. the practical arrangements for something

transformation  n. to completely change from one system to another, usually in an effort to improve it

drone  n. an unmanned, flying vehicle

exoskeleton  n. an artificial external supporting structure

fodder  n. people or things that are useful for the stated purpose
Dozens still missing after torrential rain

08:32, July 22, 2024 By Cui Jia, Huang Zhiling and Qin Feng ( China Daily

Firefighters relocate an elderly villager affected by flooding in Xinhua village in Hanyuan county, Ya'an, Sichuan province, on Sunday. (WANG XI/XINHUA)

Severe casualties were reported over the weekend as torrential rain hit many parts of China, with search and rescue efforts ongoing to locate dozens of people missing in accidents caused by flash floods.

The National Development and Reform Commission said on Sunday that it had allocated 350 million yuan ($48.15 million) from the central budget to aid disaster relief and restoration efforts in flood-stricken Henan, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces.

The money will be used to fund the emergency recovery of flood-damaged schools, hospitals, flood control facilities, and other infrastructure in the three provinces, it said.

In Shaanxi, in Northwest China, more than 700 professional rescuers and over 1,500 local people are searching for 31 people who are still missing after their vehicles plunged into a flooded river when a highway bridge collapsed amid torrential rains over the weekend.

At about 8:40 pm on Friday, a rainstorm triggered a flash flood on the Jinqian River in Zhashui county in Shangluo, causing a 40-meter-long section of the No 2 Bridge in Yanping village to collapse. The 366-meter bridge is a part of the Danfeng-Ningshan expressway, Zhao Jing, Party chief of Shangluo, said at a news conference on Saturday.

Based on the highway toll system and video surveillance, as well as telephone inquiries, the rescuers concluded that 17 cars and eight trucks had plunged into the river.

By 7 pm on Sunday, rescue workers had recovered 15 bodies and rescued one person. Drones and kayaks are being used in efforts to locate the remaining vehicles and people who are missing, along a 60 km stretch downstream of the collapsed bridge, Zhao said.

The water flow of the river has now slowed, and the water level has also dropped compared with the level when the bridge collapsed, making the conditions conducive to the search and rescue work, he added.

To aid the search and rescue mission, the Ministry of Water Resources has stopped water flowing out of all reservoirs on the Jinqian River upstream of the collapsed bridge, the ministry said on Sunday.

Experts from the transportation and water resources sectors have also been deployed to conduct on-site safety assessments in the affected area. Comprehensive control measures have been implemented on the bridge involved in the accident, delineating safe and dangerous zones, and taking precautions to prevent secondary disasters, it added.

Authorities have also intensified monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems for meteorological, hydrological, and geological conditions in the affected area to provide robust support for rescue operations.

Meanwhile, a rescue operation is continuing in Sichuan, in Southwest China, after contact was lost with more than 30 people after flash floods struck Xinhua village at around 2:30 am on Saturday, the local government said.

The floods triggered by torrential rains also damaged over 40 houses in the village in Hanyuan county, Ya'an. More than 1,524 people have been affected, it said during a news conference on Sunday.

It added that by 10 pm on Saturday, eight bodies had been found, with the identities of five confirmed. Four other missing people have been found alive, with no life-threatening problems.

Traffic on roads and bridges, and communications in the area interrupted by the flash floods have been restored. Electricity supply is also being restored in phases, the local government said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
The Malaysian Cultural and Food Festival has returned to the Galaxy Macau, featuring an authentic taste of Malaysias vibrant cuisine and culture.

Galaxys East Square has been converted into a tropical paradise for a two-week event, ending July 31.

The venue boasts a pop-up market offering a variety of traditional snacks and cultural handicrafts from 11 different cities, along with 10 different types of fresh durians imported from Malaysia.

The biggest Malaysian event in Macau, showcases 10 well-known Malaysian chefs showcasing their skills live, along with more than 40 authentic dishes served in their original flavors.

This years festival also commemorates the 50th year of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

This years Malaysian Food Festival is a key event organized by Galaxy Macau in support of the SAR Governments efforts to deepen cross-sector integration and strengthen the synergy between tourism + gastronomy, said Roger Lienhard, executive vice president  Hospitality of Galaxy Macau, during the festivals opening late last week.

I believe the deep bond between Macau and Malaysia will shine brightly here, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while celebrating the profound connection between the two places.

The goal of this years event is to offer a more comprehensive and genuine display of traditional Malaysian cuisine, arts and culture.

More than 50 varieties of Malaysian spices, totaling over 5,000 kilograms, have been transported to Macau, in addition to over five tons of premium durians carefully chosen to please the diners.

Meanwhile, speaking to the press, Harrison Lun, vice president of Food & Beverage at Galaxy remarked, We have already brought in 10 chefs, which is the biggest crew from Malaysia this time and also we brought in a lot of ingredients and new dishes also from the Malaysian hawker style stores.

Asked about its projections for the 10th edition of festival, the official noted, We expect to be able to achieve at least 3,000 people for the buffet because its spread across two weeks. LV
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised a tentative deal between Serbia and the European Union signed on Friday that paves the way for the disputed excavation of lithium, a mega project that could reduce Europes dependency on China but one that has been fiercely criticized by environmentalists and opposition groups.

Scholz attended a critical raw materials summit in the Serbian capital where a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Serbias government on a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, battery supply chains and electric vehicles was signed.

He said after the signing ceremony that this is an important European project, adding that its necessary for Europe to remain sovereign in a changing world and not be dependent on others, which is why new sources of raw materials should be discovered.

Im glad the decision was made, Scholz said. I admit, this decision required courage, but it was made at the right moment.

Germany, the largest carmaker in Europe, is seeking to secure lithium for its electric vehicle makers as the EU struggles to reduce its dependence on imports from China. Lithium is a critical substance in making batteries for electric vehicles

China currently dominates the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries.

This is a project that is good because it will be developed in an environmentally compatible way, and is good because it creates economic activity and prosperity where world history made it possible to bury raw material in the earth, and we are now extracting it, Scholz said.

Serbias constitutional court earlier this month overturned a previous ruling to cancel a $2.4 billion mining project launched by British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto in the fertile western Serbian valley of Jadar, which is believed to be the largest lithium discovery in Europe.

The Serbian governments decision to cancel the excavation plans came after thousands of protesters in Belgrade and elsewhere in Serbia blocked major roads and bridges in 2021 to oppose Rio Tintos plans because of potential hazards to the environment. The protests were the biggest challenge yet to the increasingly autocratic rule of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

A heavy police presence on Friday prevented groups of protesters from coming close to the government building in the new part of Belgrade where the signing ceremony took place.

Zlatko Kokanovic, an anti-mining activist from the region where the lithium excavations would take place, said that we will defend ourselves with all means, because we have no other backup state.

Im a father of five and I would like to see those who will come to push me out of my land, he told the regional N1 television. There are some of us who think with our own heads and not with Scholzs head, who only has in mind his own profits and interests.

Vucic has said the lithium excavation will only go ahead with the highest ecological standards, and if automakers and battery producers in Germany and other EU states build factories in Serbia, rather than directly exporting raw materials to those countries.

Vucic praised the landmark deal as groundbreaking that will bring into Serbia, a developing country, billions of dollars in investments.

This day fills me with great hope for our country, Vucic said. This will be a turning point and a big change and a quantum leap into the future of Serbia.

Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, but has maintained close political and economic ties with China and Russia, despite Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The signed agreement is seen by analysts as a major boost for Vucic and his hard-line policies.

I really believe that we are making historic opportunity for Serbia and the EU, said European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, who signed the memorandum of understanding in the name of the EU. DUSAN STOJANOVIC, BELGRADE, MDT/AP
China and the Philippines reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said yesterday.

The Philippines occupies Second Thomas Shoal but China also claims it, and increasingly hostile clashes at sea have sparked fears of larger conflicts that could involve the United States.

The crucial deal was reached yesterday, after a series of meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes that aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without conceding either sides territorial claims.

Two Philippine officials, who have knowledge of the negotiations, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity and the government later issued a brief statement announcing the deal without providing details.

Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each others positions in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.

Neither side has yet released the text of the agreement.

China has disputes with several governments over land and sea borders, many of them in the South China Sea, and the rare deal with the Philippines could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other rival countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved. It remains to be seen, however, if the deal could be implemented successfully and how long it will last.

Chinese coast guard and other forces have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel at Manilas outpost at the shoal.

The yearslong territorial standoff at the shoal has flared repeatedly since last year between Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships and Philippine coast guard-escorted navy boats transporting food, water and fresh navy and marine personnel to an outpost on a long-grounded and rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government.

After repeated ramming, the Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. They also seized seven M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, and other supplies. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his thumb, in a chaotic skirmish that was captured in video and photos that were later made public by Philippine officials.

China and the Philippines blamed each other for the confrontation and each asserted their own sovereign rights over the shoal, which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Renai Jiao.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned the Chinese acts at the shoal and called for the rule of law and freedom of navigation to be upheld in the South China Sea, a key global trade route with rich fishing areas and undersea gas deposits.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been locked in separate but increasingly tense territorial disputes in the waterway, which is regarded as a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China regional rivalry. The U.S. military has deployed navy ships and fighter jets for decades in what it calls freedom of navigation and overflight patrols, which China has opposed and regards as a threat to regional stability.

Washington has no territorial claims in the disputed waters but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

One of the two Philippine officials said the June 17 confrontation prompted Beijing and Manila to hasten on-and-off talks on an arrangement that would prevent confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal.

During final meetings in the last four days, two Chinese demands that had been key sticking points were removed from the draft deal.

China had previously said it would allow food, water and other basic supplies to be transported by the Philippines to its forces in the shoal if Manila agreed not to bring construction materials to fortify the crumbling ship, and to give China advance notice and the right to inspect the ships for those materials, the officials said.

The Philippines rejected those conditions, and the final deal did not include them, according to the Philippine official. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP
The government has responded to rumors about the health of the Chief Executive (CE), Ho Iat Seng.

The Government Information Bureau (GCS) has issued a short statement in response to several media inquiries

The Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, will continue to be on leave from July 20 to 29 inclusive. During his ongoing leave period, the Chief Executive has undergone routine medical check-up exams and received related medical treatment. Currently, he is in good health, the GCS statement said.

Rumors began after the CE extended his leave by 10 days after a previous extension from July 4 to July 19. Initially, Ho was on annual leave from June 21 to July 3.

The statement noted that, during this period, Ho had undergone some medical procedures, but referred to them as routine check-up exams not caused by a health emergency. It said Ho received medical treatment and is in a good health condition.

Earlier this month, media outlets quoted an anonymous source saying that Ho would declare his intention to run for reelection as CE around mid-August.

The same unnamed person claimed the leave extension from July 4 to July 19 was related to the CE allegedly wanting to take some extra rest before the election campaign.

Although Hos intention to run for a second five-year term has been the subject of considerable speculation, no information has been forthcoming either from Ho or from anyone in his camp.

Questioned directly by the media in mid-May this year, Ho said, We have not yet reached the point in the election process [of filing applications for candidacies] and, therefore, no decision has been made yet.

Among the rumors circulating was the idea that Ho could be dropping his intention to rerun for the CE post due to a sudden health issue.
The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early yesterday, hours after Israeli warplanes struck several Houthi targets in the Arabian peninsula country.

The Israeli airstrikes  in response to a deadly Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv  were the first time Israel is known to have responded to repeated Houthi attacks throughout its nine-month war against Hamas. The burst of violence between the distant enemies has threatened to open a new front as Israel battles a series of Iranian proxies across the region.

The Israeli army late Saturday confirmed the airstrikes in the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a Houthi stronghold.

It said the strikes, carried out by U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were a response to hundreds of Houthi attacks.

Israel, along with the U.S., Britain and other Western allies with forces in the region, have intercepted almost all of the Houthi missiles and drones. But early Friday, a Houthi drone penetrated Israels air defenses and crashed into Tel Aviv, Israels commercial and cultural capital, killing one person.

The Israeli military said Saturdays strike, some 1,700 kilometers from Israel, was among the most complicated and longest-distance operations by its air force. It said it hit the port because the area is used to deliver Iranian arms to Yemen. JOSEF FEDERMAN & MICHAEL WAKIN, JERUSALEM, MDT/AP
People from all walks of life in the special administrative regions (SAR) of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as Taiwan compatriots living on the mainland, have voiced their support for and enthusiasm for a resolution recently passed at a key plenum.

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China adopted the resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session held in Beijing from Monday to Thursday last week.

Chief Executive Ho Iat Sengsaid that Macau will further leverage the One country, two systems policy, capitalize on the regions strengths as an international cooperation platform, and strive for national rejuvenation through the advancement of Chinese modernization.

Embracing the new opportunities created by reform and opening up has become a consensus among the societies of both Hong Kong and Macau.

John Lee, Hong Kongs top official, said the key plenum, focusing on the topic of further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, is of great significance for Hong Kong. He called on all sectors in Hong Kong to take on their share of responsibilities, seize this opportunity, and make contributions to the countrys modernization endeavors.

National legislators and political advisors from the two regions said that the plenum has significantly bolstered confidence across various sectors in Hong Kong and Macau.

Taiwan business people and compatriots have also expressed their support for deepening reform and expanding opening up, showcasing their confidence in the mainlands development. MDT/Xinhua
The global tech disruption that caused malfunctions in Microsoft Windows computers Friday has had a relatively limited and manageable effect on Macau, according to the Judiciary Police (PJ).

The faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide, grounding flights, knocking down some financial companies and news outlets, and disrupting hospitals, small businesses and government offices.

Local authorities, meanwhile, reported the incident only impacted eight critical infrastructures in Macau to varying degrees, including one cash remittance company.

Additionally, the internal computer systems of three gaming operators, public service institutions, and two insurance companies were affected, but their services remained uninterrupted.

The PJ said the cyber security center will continue to monitor the development of the incident and strengthen communication and coordination with relevant departments and institutions. This is to ensure timely and effective responses to any potential cyber risks that may arise.

The announcement from Macau comes as Microsoft acknowledged service disruptions worldwide, with users unable to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services. The company said it was taking mitigation actions to address the problem.

The breadth of the outages highlighted the fragility of a digitized world dependent on just a few providers for key computing services.

In the neighboring region, Hong Kong-based airlines like HK Express and Cathay Pacific, in addition to its airport authority, have advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their flight due to the technical difficulties.

The Times observed long lines at various counters within Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as numerous travelers wait to complete their check-in procedures.

HK Express for instance, experienced a notably lengthy line, leading to a delay in flights. For instance, the departure from Hong Kong to Manila was postponed for more than five hours.

Businesses and governments worldwide experienced hoursl ong disruptions  their computer monitors glowing blue with error messages  and they scrambled to deal with the fallout. CrowdStrikes CEO said some of their systems will require time-consuming manual fixes.

Thousands of flights were canceled and tens of thousands were delayed, leading to long lines at airports in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Airlines lost access to check-in and booking services in the heart of the summer travel season. By late afternoon Eastern time, the worst appeared to be over, though there were still lingering cancellations and delays do to the cascading effect of the disruption. Victoria Chan
* All is well

 The govt debunks rumors over the condition of the Chief Executive, clarifies Ho Iat Seng is in good health amid extended leave

* Celebrating Creativity | International Childrens Arts Festival opens

* Global disruption | Microsoft outage had minimal impact on Macau

* A domestic violence shelter has seen a worrying trend emerge as the facilitys occupancy rate has risen to 70% in the first half of the year

* Macau racers top leaderboards at Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia

* China and the Philippines reach deal in effort to stop clashes at fiercely disputed shoal

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Monday, July 22, 2024  edition no. 4528
The repair progress for the Chio Family Mansion has been slower than expected, said the Cultural Affairs Bureau director, Deland Leong.

However, speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the citys first International Childrens Arts Festival, the official explained that the internal mapping and research work had been completed.

Due to the building being vacant for an extended period, and because environmental cleanup is necessary before repairs can commence, the restoration work is expected to start in the final quarter of 2024, with hopes of completion in the first quarter of the following year.

I hope that citizens and young people can not only appreciate the architectural art of the Chio Family Mansion but also enhance their understanding and promotion of traditional Chinese culture, said Leong.

In relation to the Ruins of St. Pauls, the director said the installation of a lightning protection system is currently being studied.

She said this work is still in the research stage, and the most suitable plan will be chosen based on the geographical environment of the area and the value of the heritage buildings.

Beijings State Administration of Cultural Heritage will also be consulted during this process. The official said the study is expected to take one to two months, emphasizing the significance of the Ruins of St. Pauls by stating, this is one of the most core and important cultural relics in Macaus World Heritage, thus necessitating a prudent approach in selecting the protection plan.

Moreover, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyard area is undergoing site optimization and will be temporarily closed until December.

Leong said the primary goal of this project is to improve the exhibition content and methods related to shipbuilding and fishery.

Additionally, the project aims to establish parent-child leisure facilities and incorporate catering and leisure elements.

She was optimistic about the outcome, stating, we hope to launch a new experience during the festive period at the end of the year. However, she said the optimization project does not include the installation of a simulated ice rink. Nadia Shaw
The domestic violence shelter operated by the Womens General Association of Macau has seen a worrying trend emerge.

The facilitys occupancy rate has risen to 70% in the first half of the year, with most residents being women in their 40s and 50s.

The people who encounter violence are mostly in the middle ages of 40s and 50s, said Wong Lei Lei, the director of the Womens General Association of Macau, as cited in a TDM report.

So, we are now paying attention to the stress and marital status issues among middle-aged people. The reasons for most of them experiencing violence include husbands suspecting the wives of being disloyal, financial problems, or abusers having a violent temperament.

The surge in middle-aged women seeking refuge at the shelter comes as the government grapples with the broader challenges of domestic violence.

According to official statistics, only 8.04% of cases opened by the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) regarding suspected domestic violence crimes have resulted in charges.

Over the past seven years (2017-2023), an average of 105 domestic violence cases were opened per year, with 8 resulting in formal charges.

While the MP reported a 7.63% drop in cases in 2023, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) investigated 1,781 notifications of suspected domestic violence, with only 40 (2.25%) confirmed cases.

The worrying trends have prompted calls for increased efforts to combat and prevent domestic violence. The Womens General Association of Macau has emphasized the need for continued follow-up by judiciary and social assistance departments to protect victims rights and help them escape cycles of abuse.

This case is particularly brutal and will have serious physical and emotional consequences for the victim, said a police spokesperson, referring to a recent high-profile domestic violence case that involved a man brutally assaulting his wife over two hours.

Experts have urged victims to seek help and report abuse, as the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.

The IAS operates a 24/7 hotline for those at risk of domestic violence, and the Womens General Association of Macau continues its efforts to achieve zero domestic violence through shelter services and advocacy for improved support mechanisms.

Residents who are at risk of suffering from domestic violence are encouraged to call the IAS hotline at 2823 3030. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and assisted by social service professionals. Victoria Chan
The state Department of Corrections is ending a lockdown at its troubled maximum security prison in Green Bay which lasted more than a year and coincided with allegations of staff misconduct that prompted an investigation by a special prosecutor.

The remaining restrictions on inmates instituted in June 2023 will be lifted by the end of this month, as the Wisconsin prison system continues to be engulfed by a crisis stemming from the lockdowns, poor conditions and staff misconduct at some state facilities.

A special prosecutor appointed by the Brown County District Attorneys Office investigated staff at the Green Bay Correctional Institution for a botched response to an inmate suicide attempt and for refusing to take another inmate, who later died, to see medical staff.

In February 2022, inmate Andre Nash attempted suicide after staff did not follow protocol when Nash had told them he was going to try to kill himself, according to Brown County Sheriffs Office records.

In May 2021, staff refused a wheelchair to 37-year-old inmate Antonio Whatley and said his unwillingness to walk was a refusal of medical treatment, the sheriffs office said.

Brown County law enforcement referred charges against staff members for both incidents, but District Attorney David Lasee referred the matter to a special prosecutor, Green Bay attorney David Weber, in May 2023.

Weber reviewed the incidents and advised against charging three prison guards and a nurse.

But Weber said the guards were neglectful and made mistakes within a deeply flawed system at the prison. It was also unlikely a jury would convict the guards and the nurse, Weber wrote in a pair of letters to Lasee in February.

In Whatleys case, the nurse and a guard thought Whatley was faking the need for a wheelchair based on past lies he had told about his health and his prior refusal of medical treatment.

With Nashs suicide attempt, Weber determined that the prisons entire system of communication and policy itself entirely broke down because of staffing shortages and other suicide attempts at the prison being responded to simultaneously.

I hope this decision to decline criminal charges ... at GBCI does not detract from the lessons that must be learned by the institution as a whole, Weber wrote. There are systemic issues that must be promptly addressed at this facility. The harm being caused to both the inmates and the morale of those that are required to be working in the environment is significant. Hopefully, the state can promptly address and rectify the shortcomings at GBCI moving forward for the good of our community and higher ideals as a society.

The way Brown County dealt with staff misconduct at the prison differs from what has happened in Dodge County, where eight staff members and the warden of Waupun Correctional Institution were charged with misconduct over the deaths of two inmates, one of whom was denied food and water.

No more lockdown

At the Green Bay prison, inmates now have been given two 50-minute recreation periods a week since May, and all lingering restrictions will be lifted by Sunday, DOC Secretary Jared Hoy said in a statement on Monday. In-person visitation resumed in November.

WCI and GBCI continue to make positive changes as the facilities resume normal operations, said Hoy, who took over leadership of DOC after then-Secretary Kevin Carr resigned in March amid intensifying scrutiny of the states largest department.

Experienced staff continue to support newer officers to help operations run smoothly and offer more opportunities to those in our care, Hoy said.

Since pay raises for prison guards were implemented last year, staff vacancies have plummeted at the Green Bay prison. In October, the prison had a 41% vacancy rate for its correctional officers and sergeants. This month, the prison had a 15.5% vacancy rate.

In the months leading to the lockdown, a string of four stabbings, one of them fatal, and increased drug smuggling hit the facility, according to Brown County Sheriffs Office documents obtained by the Wisconsin State Journal through an open records request.

The DOC cited violent incidents at the prison as the cause of the lockdown eventually implemented in June.

The day the lockdown at GBCI began on June 16, 2023, inmates set fires in two cells and other inmates threatened to start fires, according to records.

For years, state officials have grappled with whether to close the Green Bay facility, but consensus on a path forward has yet to emerge.

In recent years, Gov. Tony Evers has proposed a $25 million new health care facility at the prison but the plan has been rejected by the state Legislature, who see replacing the prison as a better long-term investment.

Photos: Plans for the former UW-Oshkosh at Fond du Lac campus
President Joe Biden's belated nod to reality turns the presidential race into a sprint, with his Democratic Party positioned well behind the starting blocks.

Biden had no choice. The disastrous June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump and his failure to find a means of countering the doubts it created about his physical and mental capabilities sent Democrats into a late panic.

The party's top leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, as well as some longtime allies, such as former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, added their voices to the chorus calling for Biden to step aside in favor of a candidate with a better chance of winning in November. Then, at the critical moment in Biden's fight for survival, he came down with COVID and was unable to rise publicly to his own defense.

A large number of Democrats stopped believing Biden could defeat Trump, who just finished a successful Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and is enjoying a predictable bounce in the polls.

The party could come to Chicago for its national convention in three weeks and credibly proclaim their enthusiasm for Biden as their standard-bearer.

Now, the party faces a new dilemma. Who can beat Trump?

Biden, hoping to maintain control of the process, endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, almost immediately after posting his withdrawal on the X social media platform. Presumably, he will instruct his delegates, which is almost all of them, to support Harris, though they aren't obliged to, and she'll become the nominee. The vice president's role is, after all, to step in for a president.

Party officials have also suggested a series of mini-primaries to allow other potential candidates to compete for the nomination. But the short time frame would seem to make that a heavy lift and risks creating further divisions in the party.

"An open primary will disenfranchise people," said Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan, who was not among those calling for Biden to go. "There is a camp of people who reached the conclusion he needed to step down. Then there was a camp who really didn't want him to step down but understood where this was going. And then there were people who were angry he was being shut down.

"The only thing we can do is respect his opinion (on Harris). It would be inviting chaos to open this up."

Former Democratic Chair Lon Johnson, who wrote a letter asking the president to end his run, believes Democrats will rally behind Harris, and sees hope for Democrats in the latest round of polls showing Trump's lead over Biden growing. Those numbers likely pushed Biden to act.

"The good news in those disastrous polls is that they didn't show Trump's numbers growing, but rather Biden's falling, Johnson said. "We can beat him. We have 106 days to unite and win."

That seems to be the Democratic consensus, though it's tough to see how some degree of chaos can be avoided. While Harris is the easiest choice, she falls well short of inspiring universal confidence in her ability to win the election.

She'll get a boost from the prospects of becoming the first woman president. And the donors who had started to withhold their dollars from Biden will likely come back into the fold, if the next round of polling is favorable.

With Trump gaining support among Black voters, Democrats have to weigh the fallout among that critical voting block of denying Harris her chance.

But she brings into the race the baggage of the Biden presidency, specifically the voter outrage over the crisis at the southern border. Biden made Harris his border czar, but she refused to do the job. And Biden did little over the past four years to pump her up. Harris has an approval rating below 40%, putting her on par with Biden and Trump.

At the GOP convention, Trump's son, Donald Jr., said in many ways they'd prefer to run against Harris. Democrats would stand a better chance against a vulnerable Trump with a candidate such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro or Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

But in all likelihood, they're stuck with Harris and will have to spend the next three months making voters forget about her many shortcomings. That's the price they'll pay for "ridin' with Biden" long after they knew he couldn't make it to the finish line.
BOISE  Implementing the ranked-choice voting component of the open primaries ballot initiative that will be up for a vote in Idahos Nov. 5 general election could cost the state at least $25 million to $40 million if the state needs to replace its vote tabulation systems, Idahos top elections official wrote this month.

But members of the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition say that low-cost software that has been used in Utah is available to be used in Idaho and would save the state the expense of replacing vote tabulation systems.

In a July 3 letter to the Idaho Legislatures Legislative Council, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane wrote that the state may need to replace its vote tabulation systems because the two vote tabulation system vendors that are certified for use in Idaho are not currently capable of tabulating the results of a ranked-choice voting ballot.

The implications of this are that Idaho would either need to change our certifications standards and statutes, which I do not recommend, or transition to a different vote tabulation system that is certified by the (U.S. Election Assistance Commission) and capable of tabulating an instant runoff ballot, McGrane wrote.

McGrane said his $25 million to $40 million price range was an estimate, and the money is not currently provided for in the state budget. If voters approve the initiative, the Idaho Legislature or counties would likely have to make decisions on how to move forward, McGrane said in an interview Thursday.

Open primaries supporters say there are other options

But Reclaim Idaho co-founder Luke Mayville told the Sun on Friday there is software, including RCTab tabulation software, available that would save the state the expense of having to replace its current vote tabulation systems.

Theres nothing in Idaho code that prevents our state from utilizing low-cost software thats available to all 50 states, Mayville said. The main question being raised is about software called RCTab. That software is a fiscally conservative option that can easily be certified in Idaho.

Reclaim Idaho, the organization behind the successful 2018 Medicaid expansion ballot initiative which more than 60% of Idaho voters approved, is a member of the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition.

Mayville forwarded the Sun a report from the Maine Secretary of States Office that indicated it cost $441,804 in addition to other regular election costs to implement ranked-choice voting in Maine for the primary and general election in 2018.

McGrane is aware of the RCTab software and mentioned it in his July 3 letter. McGrane told the Legislative Council that any vote tallying software used in Idaho must be certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

While it appears that the RCTab software provided by (the Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center) has gone through testing, it is not currently certified by the EAC, nor is it in the process of being certified, McGrane wrote.

What is the open primary ballot initiative in Idaho?

In Idaho, a ballot initiative is a form of direct democracy, where the people vote on whether or not to pass a new law  completely independent of the Idaho Legislature.

The open primary ballot initiative will appear on Idahos Nov. 5 general election ballot as Proposition 1, and it will take a simple majority of votes to pass.

If voters approve the initiative, it will make changes to both Idahos primary election and general election.

First, the ballot initiative would replace Idahos closed party primary elections with a single primary election that all candidates and voters participate in, regardless of party affiliation. The top four candidates who receive the most votes would all advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. That means that more than one candidate from the same political party  or even four different candidates from the same political party  could advance to the general election. The open primary ballot initiative would repeal a 2011 law passed by the Idaho Legislature that allows political parties to ban all voters who are not formally affiliated with their political party from voting in their primary election. Only the Democratic Party allowed other voters to participate in its primary election during the most recent state primary elections, the Idaho Secretary of States Office previously said. In Idaho, more than 273,000 of the states one million registered voters are unaffiliated voters who are not allowed to vote in the Republican, Libertarian or Constitution Party primary elections.

Second, the ballot initiative would also change Idahos general election to create a ranked-choice voting system, which is sometimes called an instant runoff system. Voters would vote for their favorite candidate and have the option of ranking the remaining three candidates in order of preference  second choice, third and fourth. The candidate who receives the fewest votes would be eliminated and their votes would be transferred to the second-choice candidate marked on the ballot. That process would continue until there are two candidates remaining and the candidate with the most votes would be elected the winner.

Supporters of the initiative say its passage would ensure all voters have the right to vote in a primary election and that the winners of the general election would be the candidates with the broadest support.

Idaho secretary of state says it could take longer to count

In his July 3 letter, McGrane told legislative leaders it would likely take longer to tabulate election results. That could mean the public in Idaho may not see the unofficial election results on the night the election takes place or learn who won an election until the next day or later.

One of the challenges is that counties run Idaho elections now, and Idaho has many legislative and statewide races that cover multiple counties. Another challenge McGrane identified is that six Idaho counties currently count election results by hand.

Currently, each county conducts and tabulates its election results and then uploads the final results to the state election night results reporting tool, McGrane wrote. In order to process the multiple rounds of vote tabulation required by the proposed instant runoff voting process, ballots would have to be centrally aggregated and processed, or ballot image information would have to be electronically shared to tabulate races that cross county lines.

To establish the candidate receiving the fewest votes and subsequently eliminated in a round of tabulation, all the votes from each county involved need to be aggregated to ensure the same candidate is eliminated across all involved counties.

On Thursday afternoon, McGrane told the Sun it was too early to speculate how much longer it would take to count election results and release unofficial results to the public.

Meanwhile, Mayville shared reports from the nonprofit organization FairVote.org that showed that election results were available on election night or the morning after in the 10 Utah cities that used ranked-choice voting in their elections in 2023.

In Idaho, election results do not become official until they are certified by the State Board of Canvassers, which must happen within 21 days of a primary or general election under Idaho law.

McGrane also said the state would likely need to launch a voter awareness campaign about the changes if the initiative passes on Nov. 5. Although changes would need to take place and implementation would not happen instantly, McGrane said his office is capable of implementing the ballot initiative.

It can be done; lets make that abundantly clear, McGrane said in an interview Thursday. Its just a matter of how its done, and there are questions that we have to think through.
The Philippines is looking to forge reciprocal troops access agreements with Canada, France, New Zealand, and other countries, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said on Monday.

Teodoro said in an interview he hoped the agreements could be signed next year. These would allow greater interoperability, as armed forces of the aforesaid countries can operate within the Philippine territory and vice-versa.

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It is close to the apex of a defensive alliance, according to the Department of National Defense (DND) chief.

The Philippines and Japan signed a landmark military pact on July 8 that allows the deployment of forces on each others soil in the face of Chinas increasingly assertive stance in the region.

Canada, France, and New Zealand have expressed support for the Philippines claims within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea and rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague that its expansive claims had no basis under international law. The case was brought to the court by the Philippines.

On Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said, Manila and Beijing agreed to a provisional arrangement regarding the conduct of rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Biz groups, lawmakers, economic team hail SONA marching order

President Marcos ordered an immediate ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) during his third State of the Nation Addressa pronouncement that earned him resounding applause and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests at the Batasan complex.

Were hearing the loud voices of the people against the POGOsEffective today, all POGOs are banned, Mr. Marcos said.

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I hereby instruct Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year, he added.

The President said POGOs are disguised as legitimate entities, but their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder.

The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop, he said.

We need to put a stop to this troublemaker in our society and the disrespect toward our country, Mr. Marcos added.

WET AND DETERMINED. Activists from different sectors and civil society groups brave the rains and march along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City ahead of the Presidents third State of the Nation Address. Manny Palmero

The Presidents third SONA delved on security and social protection issues. Apart from the POGO ban, his speech focused on efforts to protect maritime sovereignty, achieve food security, and ensure safe elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao, as well as on expanding the cash aid or ayuda program and pursuing critical infrastructure projects to boost inclusive growth.

The President said he instructed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with economic managers, to find new jobs for those who will be displaced by the POGO ban.l.

(The ban) will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them, the President said.

To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled and think of the health of the nation, he added.

Government authorities, led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), have been conducting raids in various areas across the country where illegal POGOs are located.

The most significant operations have taken place recently in Bamban, Tarlac, and in Porac, Pampanga which put the illegal activities happening in POGO hubs into the national spotlight.

In Bamban, authorities freed over 800 people, including both Filipinos and foreigners. Meanwhile, approximately 160 individuals were rescued from the site in Porac.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said shutting down all is the right decision.

Recto said the economic benefits of POGOs are outweighed by the drawbacks.

Many operators werent paying taxes, and the Philippine National Police incurred significant costs addressing POGO-related crimes, he said.

If you sum up my recommendation to ban POGO to the president, based on the results of cost-benefit analysis, in my opinion, the decision of the President is right, Recto said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who along with Senator Risa Hontiveros has been leading the investigation into the illegal activities of POGOs, said he was giving the President the highest grade of 101 percent for announcing the total ban.

Hontiveros described the development as a huge victory for the country.

I commend the President for his resolute pronouncement, she said.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he considered the Presidents total ban on POGOs announcement as the most striking part of the SONA.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, who described the SONA as comprehensive, powerful and uplifting, commended the total ban on POGOs.

This bold move underscores the Presidents commitment to lawful economic practices, the Speaker said.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez also lauded the order: We in the House of Representatives have been calling for the closure of POGOs, whether legal or illegal, because of the evil they have caused not only in the areas where they operate but in other communities. We thank the President for finally heeding our call.

The International Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) also expressed strong support for the Presidents decision.

This bold move demonstrates his unwavering commitment to addressing the social and economic issues associated with this industry, said ICCP chairman Francis Chua

Chua, who is also the chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and honorary chairman of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), added it would be even more impactful if the President also considered regulating other forms of gambling.

Michael Ricafort, RCBC chief economist, said the total ban may have adverse impact in terms of reduced employment for locals in POGO operations, reduced demand for real estate rentals/leases for residential, office, and commercial properties and even purchases of residential condo.

But he said it has become inevitable, especially with POGOs that violate the laws and cause social ills with their alleged illicit/criminal activities.

Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Marcos bans all POGOS effective today, July 22
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group approved a loan of $260.4 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help finance the Project to Support the Development of Value Chains as part of its backing for the Agriculture Transformation Program (PADCV-PTA).

The project, totaling $311.6 million, is being funded by a $250.4 million loan from the African Development Fund, the Bank Groups concessional window, and another $10 million loan from the Transition Support Facility, a Bank Group mechanism for countries undergoing periods of transition. The DRC government and beneficiaries will provide counterpart funding of $51.2 million, AfDB said in a press release.

The project will contribute towards the countrys food self-sufficiency by boosting production of the main staple food crops of rice, cassava, maize and soya. This will significantly reduce large-scale food imports which amounted to $3 billion in 2023  19 per cent of the national budget  and its vulnerability to external shocks, including climate change and armed conflict.

More specifically, the project aims to rebuild the seed capital of the rice, cassava, maize and soya value chains, to improve yields in a sustainable manner and to structure and facilitate the access of stakeholders in these value chains to markets and suitable financing.

Consequently, 295,000 hectares of maize, soya, cassava and rice will be sown, using improved seeds that are resistant to climate change. Some 1,600 farmer field schools and demonstration plots will be set up and run by supervisors for extension activities, including climate-smart farming techniques. The development of irrigated rice-growing areas will enable intensive production levels to be attained, with at least two cycles per year.

The project will make inputs available to producers on credit at the start of the cropping season, repayable at harvest time, to build up working capital to facilitate long-term access to said inputs and equipment for the pre-processing of agricultural produce (threshers, winnowing machines, tarpaulins/drying areas) for the cooperatives of rice-growing area operators.

Some 600 km of rural tracks will be upgraded to open up production basins and facilitate access to consumption areas.

The project also aims to organise the value chain stakeholders into cooperative companies so that they can benefit from economies of scale through grouped orders and sales. It will bolster the bargaining power and capacity of small-scale producers to enter into win-win partnerships. To facilitate access to funding, the project provides for a shared-cost financing mechanism.

In addition, it will also build the capacity of national agricultural research and seed system stakeholders in order to reestablish the national seed capital.

The project will be implemented in six provinces, namely Kongo Central, Kwango, Mai-Ndombe, Kasai Oriental, Lomami and South Kivu  areas that are part of the direct supply basins of major cities and that can also supply neighbouring countries. All told, the area covered by the project is home to 24 per cent of the Congolese population, and some 900,000 farming households, including internally displaced people, will benefit directly from the project.

Ultimately, the project should increase yields of the targeted crops by 80 per cent, and boost agricultural production by 1.68 million tonnes per year and private agricultural processing by 4.1 million tonnes over five years, while reducing the DRCs food imports by $500 million a year. All female heads of household in the area will benefit from the project, as will two million households, on an indirect basis. This pertains to three of the countrys major urban centres, Kinshasa, the capital city, Mbuji-Mayi and Bukavu, where food security will be strengthened for around 21 million inhabitants. The project will also enhance regional integration between the DRC and neighbouring Angola via trade in agricultural products.

Other beneficiaries of the project include government services (agricultural research units, seed sellers, farmers organisations), private organisations (processors and service providers), decentralised regional bodies, and womens and youth organisations.

The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of the DRC, whose top authorities have decided to make agriculture the priority sector for the countrys development, said Serge NGuessan, the Banks Director General for Central Africa. This project, which has just been approved by the Bank Groups Boards of Directors, will enable the rapid implementation of the National Food and Agriculture Pact, which is part of this national vision.
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In a clinical report published online July 22 in Pediatrics, recommendations are provided to clarify the pediatrician's role in preventing child maltreatment and mitigating long-term sequelae.

John Stirling, M.D., a retired physician residing in San Diego, and colleagues examined the pediatrician's role in supporting relational health from infancy through adolescence to prevent maltreatment and associated long-term sequelae.

The authors note that initially and periodically throughout a patient's childhood, pediatricians should obtain a thorough social history, including family economic stressors and community conditions. Family resilience and protective factors should be identified and built upon. Maltreatment can be prevented by child and parent strength and resilience, and they can mitigate its long-term health effects. Parents' concerns should be addressed while reinforcing effective parenting. Anticipatory guidance relating to parenting challenges that may be stressful or serve as a trigger for child maltreatment should be provided. Parents should be guided in providing effective, nonphysical discipline; alternatives to corporal punishment should be encouraged. Parents should be helped to address particular problematic behaviors. With respect to children with disabilities or chronic illness, pediatricians need to be cognizant of their increased vulnerability and be aware of signs of maltreatment; in addition, they should be alert to indicators of parental intimate partner violence, unhealthy substance use, and depression. Caregivers should be encouraged to use their own health care providers as a conduit to needed care.

"Trauma-informed, family-centered pediatric care provides the tools to help pediatric health care providers prevent child maltreatment and build resilience, using anticipatory guidance and regular, attentive follow-up," the authors write.

More information: John Stirling et al, The Pediatrician's Role in Preventing Child Maltreatment: Clinical Report, Pediatrics (2024). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-067608 Journal information: Pediatrics

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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A large-scale high-resolution chromatin imaging dataset enables the analysis of disease stages and phenotypic categories in DCIS. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50285-1

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of preinvasive tumor that sometimes progresses to a highly deadly form of breast cancer. It accounts for about 25% of all breast cancer diagnoses.

Because it is difficult for clinicians to determine the type and stage of DCIS, patients with DCIS are often overtreated. To address this, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT and ETH Zurich developed an AI model that can identify the different stages of DCIS from a cheap and easy-to-obtain breast tissue image. Their model shows that both the state and arrangement of cells in a tissue sample are important for determining the stage of DCIS.

Because such tissue images are so easy to obtain, the researchers were able to build one of the largest datasets of its kind, which they used to train and test their model. When they compared its predictions to conclusions of a pathologist, they found clear agreement in many instances.

In the future, the model could be used as a tool to help clinicians streamline the diagnosis of simpler cases without the need for labor-intensive tests, giving them more time to evaluate cases where it is less clear if DCIS will become invasive.

"We took the first step in understanding that we should be looking at the spatial organization of cells when diagnosing DCIS, and now we have developed a technique that is scalable. From here, we really need a prospective study. Working with a hospital and getting this all the way to the clinic will be an important step forward," says Caroline Uhler, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).

Uhler, co-corresponding author of a paper on this research, is joined by lead author Xinyi Zhang, a graduate student in EECS and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center; co-corresponding author GV Shivashankar, professor of mechogenomics at ETH Zurich jointly with the Paul Scherrer Institute; and others at MIT, ETH Zurich, and the University of Palermo in Italy. The open-access research was published July 20 in Nature Communications.

Combining imaging with AI

Between 30 and 50% of patients with DCIS develop a highly invasive stage of cancer, but researchers don't know the biomarkers that could tell a clinician which tumors will progress.

Researchers can use techniques like multiplexed staining or single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the stage of DCIS in tissue samples. However, these tests are too expensive to be performed widely, Shivashankar explains.

In previous work, these researchers showed that a cheap imagining technique known as chromatin staining could be as informative as the much costlier single-cell RNA sequencing.

For this research, they hypothesized that combining this single stain with a carefully designed machine-learning model could provide the same information about cancer stage as costlier techniques.

First, they created a dataset containing 560 tissue sample images from 122 patients at three different stages of disease. They used this dataset to train an AI model that learns a representation of the state of each cell in a tissue sample image, which it uses to infer the stage of a patient's cancer.

However, not every cell is indicative of cancer, so the researchers had to aggregate them in a meaningful way.

They designed the model to create clusters of cells in similar states, identifying eight states that are important markers of DCIS. Some cell states are more indicative of invasive cancer than others. The model determines the proportion of cells in each state in a tissue sample.

Organization matters

"But in cancer, the organization of cells also changes. We found that just having the proportions of cells in every state is not enough. You also need to understand how the cells are organized," says Shivashankar.

With this insight, they designed the model to consider proportion and arrangement of cell states, which significantly boosted its accuracy.

"The interesting thing for us was seeing how much spatial organization matters. Previous studies had shown that cells which are close to the breast duct are important. But it is also important to consider which cells are close to which other cells," says Zhang.

When they compared the results of their model with samples evaluated by a pathologist, they had clear agreement in many instances. In cases that were not as clear-cut, the model could provide information about features in a tissue sample, like the organization of cells, that a pathologist could use in decision-making.

This versatile model could also be adapted for use in other types of cancer, or even neurodegenerative conditions, which is one area the researchers are also currently exploring.

"We have shown that, with the right AI techniques, this simple stain can be very powerful. There is still much more research to do, but we need to take the organization of cells into account in more of our studies," Uhler says.

More information: Xinyi Zhang et al, Unsupervised representation learning of chromatin images identifies changes in cell state and tissue organization in DCIS, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50285-1 Journal information: Nature Communications

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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Credit: Marc Schulte from Pexels

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) is one step closer to understanding why uveal melanoma, the deadliest form of eye cancer, has such a high rate of metastasis.

Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer type with an incidence of 7.6 per million adults in Australia and represents around 5% of all melanomas. Patients presenting with uveal melanoma have a 50% chance of the disease metastasizing or spreading from the eye, commonly to the liver, even after successful treatment of the tumors within the eye.

Metastases of uveal melanoma could develop up to 20 years after the primary tumor treatment, and the median survival in patients after a diagnosis of metastases, is between 5 to 18 months.

ECU Vice Chancellor's Research Fellow, Dr. Vivian Chua noted that after diagnosis of the disease in the liver, patient survival is often short due to the lack of effective treatment options.

"The metastatic tumors respond poorly to many treatment options that had been shown to be effective in other cancer types including skin melanoma. It is unclear how and why uveal melanoma spread or metastasize to the liver.

"Identifying the mechanisms that drive uveal melanoma metastasis will likely uncover strategies to prevent uveal melanoma spreading or the development of metastatic uveal melanoma, which is the cause of death of patients."

Dr. Chua's most recent research focused on alterations in the BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene. The BAP1 gene is functionally involved in modulating the characteristics of cancer cells, particularly uveal melanoma. The work is published in the journal Science Signaling.

Alterations in the BAP1 gene lead to loss of the BAP1 protein function and expression and are associated with an increased risk of metastasis of uveal melanoma and poorer patient survival. BAP1 alterations have also been reported in other cancer types such as mesothelioma and cholangiocarcinoma.

"However, the roles of BAP1 loss or deficiency in uveal melanoma remains unclear," Dr. Chua said.

Dr. Chua, who recently returned to Australia following eight years at Thomas Jefferson University, in Philadelphia, engineered human uveal melanoma cell cultures that are BAP1-deficient to re-exhibit BAP1, to allow for a comparison between the BAP1-deficient and BAP1-proficient uveal melanoma cells.

"We found that BAP1-deficient cells are slow-growing, and this was associated with the cells exhibiting low activity of the S6 protein. This is consistent with the known function of the S6 protein to regulate cancer cell growth. These characteristics were also associated with the BAP1-deficient cells surviving better under conditions deprived of amino acids.

"Overall, we have uncovered a role of BAP1 deficiency in uveal melanoma," said Dr. Chua.

Cancer cells require lots of nutrients to survive and grow but during metastasis or spreading, the surrounding environment, such as in the bloodstream, can often be deprived of nutrients. Results identified by this ECU researcher suggest that BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells can survive or thrive under conditions that are deprived of nutrients, particularly, amino acids, thereby allowing them to spread successfully.

"My research is now aimed at investigating what mechanisms support BAP1-deficient cell survival under amino acid deprivation and identifying co-players of S6. I expect findings from these studies to uncover strategies to effectively treat uveal melanoma or prevent the development of metastatic disease," Dr. Chua said.

More information: Vivian Chua et al, Slow proliferation of BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells is associated with reduced S6 signaling and resistance to nutrient stress, Science Signaling (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adn8376 Journal information: Science Signaling
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Colorado stands out among the 10 states that have disenrolled the highest share of Medicaid beneficiaries since the U.S. government lifted a pandemic-era restriction on removing people from the health insurance program.

It's the only blue state in a cluster of red states with high disenrollment ratesa group that includes Idaho, Montana, Texas, and Utahin the Medicaid "unwinding" underway since spring 2023.

Colorado also is the only state that had all the policy ingredients in place to cushion the fallout from the unwinding, according to Medicaid policy analysts at KFF.

But it seems the cushion hasn't been deployed.

"There's really a divide in Colorado between our progressive policies and our underfunded and fragmented administration," said Bethany Pray, chief legal and policy officer at the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a Denver-based legal aid group.

According to KFF data, during the unwinding Colorado has seen a bigger net drop in enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program than any state except Utah.

Advocates for health care access, researchers, and county administratorsthe administrators handling the bulk of the Medicaid redeterminations in Coloradosay that the major issues involve outdated technology and low rates of automatic renewals. Both create obstacles to enrollment that undercut the state's progressive policies.

State officials have a rosier view. They say the drop in enrollment is a sign that they did a good job enrolling people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, they say Colorado's economy is doing well, so more people can get insurance through their jobs.

"When we have a really stellar unemployment rate, not as many people need safety-net programs, and we're proud of that. Our people are rising and thriving," said Kim Bimestefer, who leads the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and is the state's top Medicaid official. Her department has also said that some people choose not to fill out their eligibility paperwork because they know their incomes are too high to qualify.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that while it's true Colorado's unemployment rate is lower than the nation's as a whole, it's higher than it was before the pandemic.

State officials say they believe Medicaid enrollments dropped because many of those people found jobs, as reflected by the lower unemployment rates. But that scenario happened in fewer than half of the state's counties, a KFF Health News analysis found.

Notably, in 11 counties where unemployment stagnated or increased from January 2020 to April 2024, the share of the population covered by Medicaid shrank. A low unemployment rate does not necessarily mean there is less of a need for Medicaid coverage, because many employed people earn wages low enough to still qualify for the program.

Colorado increased enrollment in Medicaid and the related Children's Health Insurance Program by 35% during the COVID public health emergency, compared with about 30% nationally and among Medicaid expansion states.

"We grew more, which means, logically, we're going to disenroll more," said Bimestefer. "We went up higher, we're going to come down lower, because our economy is stellar."

Her department's website initially claimed Colorado's Medicaid enrollment grew more than any other Medicaid expansion state except Hawaii. But data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows pandemic enrollment growth in other states, including Indiana, North Dakota, Virginia, and Nevada, also exceeded that of Colorado.

Even if it had grown the most, the argument that what comes up must come down doesn't hold water, Medicaid policy analysts said.

"A counterargument to that is we know that there was never a full participation in Medicaid prior to the pandemic," said Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director of the KFF Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured.

Tolbert said she was surprised by the extent of Colorado's Medicaid enrollment losses, given it was the one state in the nation that met all the criteria that KFF expected would cushion the effects of the unwinding. Those policies include adopting the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion and the automatic processing of renewals.

Tolbert was among several policy researchers who said that even if unemployment returned to pre-pandemic levels, they would expect a higher, not lower, share of Coloradans to be enrolled in safety-net coverage.

Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, said one complicating factor in Colorado's system is that it's among the handful of states where most of the eligibility verification work falls on counties, "which added complexity to the state's unwind process."

"Colorado is committed to ensuring that Coloradans who no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage are connected to other affordable sources of coverage as soon as possible, and the state is going to great lengths to do so," the statement said.

Minnesota is another state where verifying eligibility is largely left to the counties. Yet it disenrolled just 26% of its Medicaid population in the unwinding, compared with Colorado's 48%. Like Colorado, Minnesota is led by a Democratic governor. Minnesota also mirrors Colorado in its population, pandemic-era increase in enrollment, the percentage of its residents living in prosperous areas, and its better-than-national unemployment rate. But Bimestefer dismissed any comparison.

"I don't care about Minnesota," Bimestefer said. "This is Colorado. I don't care what Minnesota did."

Advocates for health care access and researchers said a cluster of technological and administrative issues have contributed to Colorado's high disenrollment rate.

First, Colorado's eligibility database, the Colorado Benefits Management System, is outdated and clunky, according to people who use it or are familiar with systems in other states.

"It's like still using the old flip phone where you're trying to play Snake," said Sarah Grusin, an attorney at the National Health Law Program. "We have better stuff."

Grusin and Pray's organizations filed a civil rights complaint with several federal agencies saying that the system issues that terminated disabled Coloradans' coverage amounted to discrimination.

"It took many months to fix something that doesn't sound that complicated," Pray said.

Bimestefer said her department is working on a plan to improve the system, which is managed by Deloitte under a $354.4 million contract that lasts until 2027. A recent KFF Health News investigation of eligibility systems managed by Deloitte found widespread problems. In Colorado, a state-commissioned audit in 2020 found that many Medicaid beneficiaries were sent incorrect notices and deadlines.

Kenneth Smith, a Deloitte executive who leads its national human services division, said that Deloitte is one player among many who together administer Medicaid benefits, and that the states own the technology and make the decisions about their implementation.

Colorado's technology woes have also weakened its ability to use a powerful tool in enrollment: automatic renewal.

Last fall, Bimestefer said, her agency had to choose between fixing the system so that it would stop disenrolling children who shouldn't lose coverage, or start automatically renewing people with no income or with income below the federal poverty level. It couldn't do both, she said.

Experts such as Tricia Brooks, a research professor with the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, said it's especially important to increase automatic renewals in states like Colorado where most of the renewal work falls on county government staff.

"What happens when you're not getting a high rate of automated renewals? You're sending out those renewal forms," Brooks saidmeaning more disenrollments. "They didn't get the mail. The notice was confusing. They tried to get help through the call center. The list goes on as to why people don't renew."

Indeed, two-thirds of disenrolled Coloradans lost coverage for procedural reasons. That's in line with the national average, according to KFF. But paired with Colorado having disenrolled so many people overall, that means more than 500,000 Coloradans, or about 9% of the state's people, were disenrolled for procedural reasonsmore than the population of its second-largest city, Colorado Springs.

At least a third of those disenrolled were later determined to be eligible for Medicaid.

Officials at Colorado community health centers and mental health centers say they're seeing a rise in uninsured patients coming through their doorsa sign, they say, that Coloradans dropped from Medicaid aren't necessarily moving on to greener health insurance pastures.

Fifty-eight percent of those who were disenrolled have returned to Medicaid, or now have another form of insurance. But the state doesn't yet know what happened to the remaining 42% of people who were dropped and said it would conduct a survey to find out.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Keeping people in cities healthy, especially in poorer neighborhoods, is challenging. One simple, effective and scientifically proven prescription for better health is planting more trees.

The idea of planting more trees in urban environments is so simple, affordable and effective that it's hard to understand why we aren't applying it more urgently, especially with mountains of evidence to show how much good trees can do.

Environmental epidemiologist Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen provided an easy way to remember how important they are: the 3-30-300 rule, which suggests that for optimal health, everyone should be able to see at least three trees from home, live under a neighborhood canopy of at least 30 percent tree cover and within 300 meters of a green space of at least one hectare.

Trees and urban health

While trees are beautiful and certainly benefit the environment, the most practical argument for planting more is that they provide a demonstrable public health benefit, both in the preventive and therapeutic sense.

As a physician and researcher, that's something I say with the confidence of experience, but there is also powerful evidence behind the assertion.

Here are 10 ways planting more trees in cities makes people healthier:

Bringing trees to hospital patients

My medical practice includes serving vulnerable patients through the Shelter Health Network and at a chronic-care hospital, both in central Hamilton, Ont. At the former, I work mainly with men coping with homelessness, addiction and, typically, mental health issues such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

At St. Peter's Hospital, I work with frail elderly people and other patients whose continuing health-care needs are too great for residential facilities.

When patients arrive at the facility and see the treed courtyard and the forested face of the nearby Niagara Escarpment, they often tell me they feel better already.

Just blocks away, though, it's all too easy to find desolate tracts of sun-bleached pavement and bleak, nearly treeless vistas where people live, work and go to school.

In 2012, biologist Lorraine Ironside and I started Trees for Hamilton and our charitable organization continues to advocate for, and assist with, planting trees on the grounds of medical-care facilities, such as our long-term project to plant 70 trees on the inner-city grounds of Hamilton General Hospital.

The idea is that when patients can't get to trees, we bring trees to them by planting what we call a health-care forest.

So far, the group has co-organized 80 events and planted 5,000 trees with the help of more than 500 volunteers. Our members have made presentations to community and academic groups about the benefits of trees and organizing similar projects.

Using the knowledge and experience we have developed there, we have since started a related national effort called Canadian Health Care Forests, partnering health-care professionals with tree-planting charities across the country to get more trees planted on the grounds of hospitals and clinics.

These organizations are, in turn, associated with several groups that advocate and raise money for tree planting, or which plant trees directly.

Trees in Canadian cities

It's not always easy to find urban places to plant more trees. We have found that a surprising number of homeowners, for example, are not interested in having trees in their yards, because they drop leaves, twigs, cones and bud coversstuff that needs to be cleaned up. We try to show them how it's more than worth the trouble.

Parks and parkettes downtown could use more trees, but sometimes communities don't want them because they're worried about providing cover for crime. That could maybe be true for bushes and evergreens, but deciduous trees don't obstruct the view in a meaningful way.

Even after urban trees are planted, it can be challenging to protect them. "Weed-whacking" is a distinct threat to tender young trunks, especially on public property, as is the lack of watering. These problems are simple to solve, though, compared to the human problems that a healthy tree canopy helps to address.

In Hamilton, we have about 20 percent urban tree cover overallonly half as much in the most challenged neighborhoodswith a goal to reach 40 percent by 2050, aided by free trees from municipal and non-profit programs. Getting there would require planting about one million new trees.

Nature Canada's September 2022 report, Bringing the Canopy To All, found a range of coverage in other Canadian cities, including 20 percent in Montreal, 28 percent in Toronto, 23 percent in Vancouver and eight percent in Calgary.

Bringing these numbers up to 30 or 40 percent will be challenging, but it's far from impossible to reach such a goal.

If people in every city could make a priority of planting more trees, the benefits for all would be lasting and apparent, far exceeding the cost.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Although research studies have demonstrated an association between military deployment in southwest Asia and lung diseases in veteranssuch as asthma, bronchiolitis, or other small airways diseasethere are still research gaps and challenges that veterans can face in getting a diagnosis.

University of Colorado Department of Medicine faculty member Silpa Krefft, MD, MPH, a pulmonary and critical care physician, is leading efforts to improve research and identify potentially beneficial diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Krefft serves as the director of the Post-Deployment Cardiopulmonary Evaluation Network at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she oversees a clinical and research program that involves lung diseases related to military deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. She also works at National Jewish Health in occupational lung disease research.

"It's important for physicians to have an increased awareness of the spectrum of conditions, and the approach to diagnosis and medical treatment plans need to be tailored to each patient," said Krefft, an assistant professor in the CU Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, during a Grand Rounds presentation.

From burn pits to sandstorms: How deployment can affect respiratory health

Researchers began investigating the potential relationship between military deployment and respiratory diseases after a significant number of service members returned from deployment and were unable to meet physical fitness requirements, sometimes resulting in early medical retirement and an abrupt end to their military career.

"Most commonly reported symptoms included shortness of breath on exertion, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness," Krefft said. "It caused both veterans in the scientific and medical community to ask if these exercise impairments and respiratory symptoms are related to something in the air."

Over the past 30 years, more than 3.5 million people have been deployed to southwest Asia and nearby regions. Deployment to these locations is associated with complex inhalation hazards that may include burn pit emissions, smoke from fires, desert dust, diesel, combat dust, and debris.

"Multiple studies have reported respiratory symptoms and illnesses following southwest Asia military deployment," Krefft said. "There has been accumulating, compelling evidence that service members deployed to southwest Asia may be at risk of developing a spectrum of respiratory conditions."

The VA recognizes several respiratory conditions that are presumptively related to burn pit and other toxic exposures among Gulf War era and post-9/11 veterans. These conditions include asthma diagnosed after service, chronic bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, chronic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Historically, there have been gaps in research of deployment-related respiratory diseases due to a lack of exposure data, both personal monitoring and area sampling.

Struggle to get a diagnosis

Although there are clear diagnostic criteria for some airway diseases like sinus disease and asthma, there have been a substantial number of cases where testing could not lead to a clear diagnosis for veterans or active-duty personnel with certain respiratory symptoms.

"After going through pulmonary function testing, chest imaging, and in some cases, methacholine challenges in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, these patients were left without a clear diagnosis while still having career-limiting and career-ending symptoms," Krefft said.

One study of military personnel found that, after going through extensive non-invasive evaluations, many had normal test results or only subtle abnormalities. However, the health of these military personnel had clearly declined, so the pulmonary team referred them to get a surgical lung biopsya procedure where a small piece of lung tissue is removed through an incision in the chest.

Of the 49 people who did the surgery, 38 had small airways abnormalities, identified as constrictive bronchiolitis.

"Small airways abnormalities are often missed on CT scans and lung function testing, which are really better at picking up large airways abnormalities," she said. "This study highlighted that some of our testing was still not enough, and that people may be at risk for some other conditions."

This prompted researchers and health care providers to think about their diagnostic approach when it comes to veteran patients with respiratory issues.

The VA developed a toolkit for health care providers to use, offering a clinical guide on helping veteran patients with airborne hazards and respiratory concerns. Krefft said that if a patient has a persistent and unexplained cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness, this indicates a diagnostic referral may be needed. Another indicator is if the patient has had an excessive decline in post-deployment fitness testing.

"Sometimes, what we'll hear is somebody was able to run two miles in 12 minutes before their deployment, and after coming back, they had added on two or three minutes," she said.

Although there has been progress in developing an understanding of how to diagnose and treat conditions like asthma or sinus disease, Krefft said non-invasive markers of deployment-related small airways disease are still needed.

"Spirometry, or traditional lung function testing, often misses these diagnoses, and we don't want to be sending people to surgical lung biopsy," she said.

Advancing pivotal research

Addressing the need for non-invasive markers is a goal of a current research project Krefft is leading, called "Clinical Markers and Monitoring for Post-9/11 Deployment Lung Diseases."

In the project's abstract, Krefft, the project's principal investigator, explains this research will look at how the newer technique called the "lung clearance index (LCI) test" may have a role in disease detection as a non-invasive marker of deployment-related distal lung disease.

"We anticipate that LCI testing will be a useful early marker of distal lung injury in deployers and will correlate with abnormalities on surgical lung biopsy better than spirometry," the abstract said. "This study should help inform a standardized approach to managing symptomatic post-9/11 veterans in the larger VA system, where consistent evaluation and care is currently lacking."

In 2023, the VA gave Krefft a research career development award for this project, which also aims to recruit and characterize a VA-based cohort of veterans with post-9/11 southwest Asia, Afghanistan, and Djibouti deployment.

This cohort will include veterans with and without deployment-related lung diseasessuch as asthma, bronchiolitis, and other small airways/distal airways diseasewith the goal of identifying clinical markers to accurately diagnose and monitor longitudinal lung function and health outcomes.

Krefft said this will help future research efforts to identify treatment and health management strategies to avoid unnecessary medical testing, understand and reduce disability, and improve the health of veterans.

Beyond this project, Krefft is also contributing to a study that will test whether a medication called L-citrulline is a safe medication that can improve the health of veterans with deployment-related asthma.

"One of the exciting points of this is it really is a collaborative study, leveraging expertise in multiple institutions. It's also one of the first clinical trials in veterans with these exposures," Krefft said. "We've spent so much time in the past three decades trying to identify what the abnormalities are. It's exciting to now start to segue into thinking about treatment and prevention."

Looking ahead at research needs and priorities, Krefft said there must be improvements in exposure assessments, prevention efforts, and a better understanding of deployment-related respiratory diseases pathogenesis to inform treatment. Further validation of non-invasive markers of lung disease is also needed, as well as large epidemiological studies of respiratory outcomes.

"Our understanding of exposure-related respiratory diseases is still unfolding," Krefft said. "We hope that with increased recognition and multidisciplinary approaches, including team science, we'll continue to advance our understanding of this emerging set of conditions."
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Research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's (SNIS) 21st Annual Meeting highlights the role of socioeconomic variables and their role in successful recovery after stroke surgery, specifically the impact of living in a coal-mining county.

Strokes are most commonly caused by a large vessel occlusion, a blood clot that blocks a large blood vessel, cutting off significant blood flow to the brain. Thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to reopen this blocked artery, is the gold standard for treating this kind of stroke.

In their study, "Living in Coal Mining Areas Significantly Worsens Outcomes in Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke," researchers from the University of Kentucky reviewed medical records for all patients who received thrombectomies at one Kentucky hospital between 2015 and 2022.

Patients were stratified by county, with coal production status as the primary variable. Data on median income, rurality, food insecurity, as well as mental and physical disability were also examined from county census data. This was used to evaluate the patients' social determinants of health, non-medical factors that can influence individual health.

The researchers found that residents of coal-mining counties had lower median incomes, were more likely to live in rural areas, and had greater incidence of physical and mental distress than other residents. In addition, coal-county residents were more likely to experience food insecurity, have less access to a primary care provider and generally be significantly farther from health care facilities.

The analysis also showed that coal-county residents had longer times between stroke and thrombectomy (599.8 minutes vs. 454.8 minutes) and worse NIH Stroke Scale scores (which measure brain function after stroke) at the hospital and after discharge.

Researchers concluded that although thrombectomy is effective, patients from disadvantaged backgrounds still face worse outcomes due to underlying health challenges.

"Many non-medical factors can influence if and how you recover from stroke," said Zahraa Al-Sharshahi, MD, a neurosurgery resident at the University of Kentucky and the primary author of the study. "It's crucial to understand the importance of comprehensive care strategies that extend beyond acute treatment, so that we can achieve optimal health for all."

Provided by Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery
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Gram-stained P. aeruginosa bacteria (pink-red rods) Credit: Wikipedia

Antibiotics are essential tools in modern medicine, regularly used to treat bacterial infections and prevent infections during surgery. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to many bacteria developing resistance, posing a significant threat to public health.

A recent study published in PLOS Biology highlights the urgent need for new strategies to control bacterial infections due to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Proper antibiotic use, quick diagnostics, and careful development of new antimicrobial agents, ideally less likely to select for resistance than current antibiotics, are crucial.

Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a pressing global health challenge. While individuals themselves do not become resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria causing infections can develop this resistance, leading to more difficult-to-treat illnesses. Recent data from the World Health Organization highlights the severity of this issue, with some countries reporting resistance rates as high as 42% for certain common bacterial strains. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 2 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis.

The study explored whether newly developed random antimicrobial peptide mixtures can significantly reduce the risk of resistance evolution compared to single sequence antimicrobial peptides. The research team used the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a model gram-negative bacterium, known for its challenging infections due to inherent resistance to many drug classes and its ability to form biofilms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was experimentally evolved in the presence of antimicrobial peptides or random antimicrobial peptide mixtures to assess resistance evolution and cross-resistance between treatments. The study also examined the fitness costs of resistance on bacterial growth and used whole-genome sequencing to identify mutations responsible for resistance. Additionally, changes in the pharmacodynamics of the evolved bacterial strains were analyzed.

The findings suggest that random antimicrobial peptide mixtures pose a much lower risk of resistance evolution compared to single antimicrobial peptides and mostly prevent cross-resistance to other treatments while maintaining or improving drug sensitivity.

The study was led by Prof. Zvi Hayouka from the Institute of Biochemistry Food science and Nutrition at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Prof. Jens Rolff from the Freie Universitat Berlin, along with postdoctoral fellow Dr. Bernardo Antunes, who was affiliated with both Hebrew University and Freie Universitat Berlin.

Prof. Hayouka emphasized the significance of their work, stating, "The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria demands innovative solutions. Our research on random antimicrobial peptide mixtures presents a promising approach to outpace bacterial resistance, offering a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics and safeguarding public health."

This research suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can detect these antimicrobial agents but cannot develop effective resistance within 4 weeks in vitro. Additionally, these antimicrobial peptide cocktails are affordable to synthesize and have proven to be non-toxic and non-hemolytic in a mouse model with strong efficacy profiles in several mouse models of the human pathogenic bacterial infection model.

The findings advocate for the use of random antimicrobial peptide cocktails over single peptides, as resistance developed in vitro against single peptides. Despite some antibiotics, like Teixobactin, initially being deemed "resistance-proof," this was later disproven, necessitating caution even with the promising results for the random peptide mixture.

Further research should explore the interaction of these random peptide mixtures with the host immune system. Employing peptides that synergize with the host response could diminish dosage requirements and side effects. This approach could be a cost-effective method to reduce bacterial loads and prevent resistance.

"It will still be quite some time before we are ready for practical applications," says Prof. Jens Rolff. "Still, our current work demonstrates the potential that these combinations have when it comes to reducing antimicrobial resistance."

More information: Bernardo Antunes et al, The evolution of antimicrobial peptide resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is severely constrained by random peptide mixtures, PLOS Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002692 Journal information: PLoS Biology
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A position paper published by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Working Group on Epidemiology and Quality of Life addresses the ongoing debate about the necessity and impact of incorporating race and ethnicity adjustments in clinical algorithms. It responds specifically to the recent American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Task Force report on Clinical Algorithms for Fracture Risk that recommends that FRAX models for the US do not include adjustment for race and ethnicity.

FRAX is a computer-based algorithm that integrates clinical information in a quantitative manner to predict a 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture for both women and men in different countries. It is the most widely used fracture risk assessment tool, incorporated into more than 80 national and regional guidelines worldwide.

The position paper argues that single race-agnostic FRAX model for the US would unfairly discriminate against the Black, Asian and Hispanic communities and recommends the retention of ethnic and race-specific FRAX models for the US, preferably with updated data on fracture and death hazards. This view is endorsed by the IOF Board and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO).

Professor John Kanis, Lead author and Co-Chair of the IOF Working Group on Epidemiology and Quality of Life, noted, "The well-documented inequity of care in the US is an important issue that should be addressed. However, a single race-agnostic FRAX model for the US would not address inequities. Instead, it would significantly decrease the accuracy of the fracture risk assessment tool. This would potentially lead to non-White individuals receiving unnecessary treatmentsand thus ultimately serves to exacerbate health inequities."

The position paper's key messages include:

The inclusion of race and ethnicity in FRAX is backed by robust statistical evidence showing lower fracture probabilities in non-White populations compared to White populations. For example, in the US, rates of hip fracture in the Black community are up to 70% lower than in White women, and rates of major osteoporotic fractures are between 49 and 67% lower.

A single race-agnostic FRAX model for the US would decrease the performance characteristics of FRAXby at least as much as omitting a prior fracture as an input variable.

The use of a race-agnostic FRAX model unfairly discriminates against the Black, Asian and Hispanic communities in the US.

Implementing race and ethnicity adjustments in FRAX helps address and reduce health disparities by ensuring that non-White individuals are not subjected to unnecessary treatments and the risk of potential adverse events without clinical gain.

The significance of ethnicities varies by geography. The ratios of fracture incidence between ethnic and racial groups in the US do not apply to other geographies.

Professor Nicholas Harvey, IOF President and member of the IOF Working Group, stated, "This position paper reflects the collective expertise of leading professionals in osteoporosis and fracture risk assessment, including members of the FRAX team and distinguished researchers from various international institutions. We hope the comprehensive information presented will robustly support the argument for accurate risk assessment to ensure the best care for all patients."

The paper is published in the journal Osteoporosis International.

More information: John A. Kanis et al, Race-specific FRAX models are evidence-based and support equitable care: a response to the ASBMR Task Force report on Clinical Algorithms for Fracture Risk, Osteoporosis International (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07162-w Journal information: Osteoporosis International
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The Stockholm3 blood test, developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, is equally effective at detecting prostate cancer in different ethnic groups, a new paper published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports. The test produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard.

Stockholm3, a prostate cancer test developed in Sweden, runs a combination of protein and genetic markers from a blood sample through an algorithm to find the probability of a patient having clinically significant cancer.

Studies in more than 90,000 men have shown that Stockholm3 produces significantly better results than the current PSA standard. The test improves prostate cancer diagnosis by reducing unnecessary MRI and biopsies and by identifying significant cancers in men with low or normal PSA values.

Ethnically diverse group

However, previous studies have been conducted primarily in Scandinavia on a mainly white population with uncertain generalizability to the rest of the world. A SwedishAmerican research group has now examined how well it works in an ethnically mixed group of men in the U.S. and Canada.

The study included more than 2,000 men at 17 different clinics, 16% of whom were Asian, 24% were African-American, 14% were Latin American and 46% were white American. All participants had a referral for a prostate biopsy on the basis of an elevated PSA score, abnormal rectal examination, MRI scan or other suspicious clinical finding.

Before the biopsy was performed, a blood test was taken along with clinical data pertinent to the Stockholm3 test, which was conducted blinded to the biopsy results.

Halving the number of unnecessary biopsies

The analysis shows that clinically relevant prostate cancer cases were found in a total of 29% of the men, somewhat more in African Americans and slightly fewer in Asians. It also shows that the Stockholm3 test could almost halve the number of unnecessary biopsies (45% fewer: 673 as opposed to 1,226) while being no less effective at detecting all clinically relevant cases. The results were similar across the different ethnic groups.

"The study demonstrates that the Stockholm3 test is just as effective on an ethnically mixed group as it is on a white, Swedish population," says the study's lead author Hari T. Vigneswaran, doctor and Ph.D. student at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet.

According to him, the research answers several important questions and will lead to a more widespread use of the method. "Colleagues in other countries are very interested in these data, which show that Stockholm3 works for a non-Swedish population and among minorities."

More information: Hari T. Vigneswaran et al, Stockholm3 in a Multiethnic Cohort for Prostate Cancer Detection (SEPTA): A Prospective Multicentered Trial, Journal of Clinical Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1200/JCO.24.00152 , ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.24.00152 Journal information: Journal of Clinical Oncology
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Phase contrast image of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from healthy oral cavity. Credit: Batbileg Bor, Ph.D., ADA Forsyth Institute

Scientists at ADA Forsyth Institute (AFI) have identified a critical factor that may contribute to the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), shedding light on why these infections are so difficult to combat. Their study reveals that the dangerous multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen, Klebsiella, thrives under nutrient-deprived polymicrobial community conditions found in hospital environments.

According to the World Health Organization, HAIs pose significant risks to patients, often resulting in prolonged hospital stays, severe health complications, and a 10% mortality rate. One of the well-known challenging aspects of treating HAIs is the pathogens' resistance to multiple drugs.

In a recent study published in Microbiome, AFI scientists discovered that Klebsiella colonizing a healthy person not only have natural MDR capability, but also dominate the bacterial community when starved of nutrients.

"Our research demonstrated that Klebsiella can outcompete other microorganisms in its community when deprived of nutrients," said Batbileg Bor, Ph.D., associate professor at AFI and principal investigator of the study. "We analyzed samples of saliva and nasal fluids to observe Klebsiella's response to starvation conditions. Remarkably, in such conditions, Klebsiella rapidly proliferates, dominating the entire microbial community as all other bacteria die off."

Klebsiella is one of the top three pathogens responsible for HAIs, including pneumonia and irritable bowel disease. As colonizing opportunistic pathogens, they naturally inhabit the oral and nasal cavities of healthy individuals but can become pathogenic under certain conditions. "Hospital environments provide ideal conditions for Klebsiella to spread," explained Dr. Bor. "Nasal or saliva droplets on hospital surfaces, sink drains, and the mouths and throats of patients on ventilators, are all starvation environments."

Dr. Bor further elaborated, "When a patient is placed on a ventilator, they stop receiving food by mouth, causing the bacteria in their mouth to be deprived of nutrients and Klebsiella possibly outcompete other oral bacteria. The oral and nasal cavities may serve as reservoirs for multiple opportunistic pathogens this way."

Additionally, Klebsiella can derive nutrients from dead bacteria, allowing it to survive for extended periods under starvation conditions. The researchers found that whenever Klebsiella was present in the oral or nasal samples, they persisted for over 120 days after being deprived of nutrition.

Other notable findings from the study include the observation that Klebsiella from the oral cavity, which harbors a diverse microbial community, was less prevalent and abundant than those from the nasal cavity, a less diverse environment. These findings suggest that microbial diversity and specific commensal (non-pathogenic) saliva bacteria may play a crucial role in limiting the overgrowth of Klebsiella species.

The research conducted by AFI scientists offers new insights into the transmission and spread of hospital-acquired infections, paving the way for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

More information: Jett Liu et al, Persistent enrichment of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella in oral and nasal communities during long-term starvation, Microbiome (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01854-5 Journal information: Microbiome
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Maintaining good oral health is crucial, not only for a radiant smile, but also a healthy heart, according to a new Case Western Reserve University study. Researchers from the School of Dental Medicine found "significant" evidence linking tooth loss to an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Anita Aminoshariae, professor at the dental school and the study's lead researcher, said her comprehensive analysis also revealed that those with several lost teeth face an even higher chance of dying from heart diseasethe nation's leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association.

While the causal association between oral and cardiovascular disease is not well-understood, Aminoshariae said the link is generally believed to be a "predictive risk factor." In other words, the cause hasn't been established.

"Our findings clearly show that tooth loss is not just a dental issue, but a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality," Aminoshariae said. "Maintaining good oral health is essential, not only for a healthy smile, but also for a healthy heart. This study underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups and preventive care to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events."

The results were published in the Journal of Endodontics.

Researchers conducted an exhaustive literature reviewscouring more than a dozen respected scholarly research journals to see whether a connection exists between losing teeth and dying from CVD.

Among the findings:

Overall connection: People who lost several teeth had a 66% higher chance of dying from heart-related issues compared to those who didn't.

Variability in studies: While results from the studies vary, overall, they still pointed to the same conclusion.

Subgroup analysis

For people who had lost all their teeth, the risk of dying from CVD was much higher, and the results were consistent across the studies. For those with fewer than 10 teeth left, there was also a higher risk of CVD mortality, but the results varied more between the studies.

"The magic number is 10," Aminoshariae said. "For those who had 10 teeth or less, they're in trouble."

The researchers also checked if other factors considered in the studies affected the overall findings. They found that these differences didn't significantly change the results. The sensitivity analysiswhich essentially double-checks the results confirmed that losing teeth is indeed a risk factor for dying from CVD, Aminoshariae said.

More information: Anita Aminoshariae et al, Tooth Loss is a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses, Journal of Endodontics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.06.012
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The first virtual reality module, which focuses on Black maternal health, shows how a patient is negatively affected by the physician's biased assumptions and comments during a postpartum checkup. Credit: Photo provided

During a checkup with her obstetrician, Marilyn Hayes tells him about overwhelming exhaustion and possible symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feeling unsafe. Hayes, a Black woman, grows increasingly frustrated as her white, male physician, Dr. Richard Flynn, dismisses her symptoms and ignores her wishes when she refuses medication. Hayes becomes visibly uncomfortable when Flynn touches her without permission and makes comments steeped in Black stereotypes, such as assuming that she's unmarried and the baby's father is uninvolved with her and their infant.

While Hayes and Flynn are fictional characters depicted in a virtual reality video, Hayes' experiences are similar to those of many Black women and women of color when they interact with clinicians and their staff members, studies have found. Hayes' checkup with Flynn is the first in a series of three virtual reality training modules being developed to heighten physicians' awareness of implicit bias in patient care and cultural competency skills.

"Ultimately, this virtual reality training system could become a viable tool for practicing communication with diverse patients across different types of health care professions," said Charee Thompson, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who studies physician-patient communication and is one of the team members developing the virtual reality training series.

"There's no reason why nurses couldn't also use this across different health care contextsnot just for Black maternal health, but chronic pain, diabetes or some of these other health issues in which we know that there are disparities based on markers of difference such as race or class," she said.

Thompson is the first author of a study about the project, published in Health Communication. She and her co-authors Mardia Bishop, a professor in the same department at the U. of I.; and obstetricians and gynecologists Dr. Tiffani Dillard of Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois; and Dr. Joseph Maurice of Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, are leading the team that is developing the modules.

The first module, which focuses on Black maternal health care, was tested in a pilot study with 30 medical students and resident physicians. Prior to and after viewing Hayes' and Flynn's interaction, the study participants completed a survey that taps into physicians' beliefs about the value of eliciting patients' opinions about the cause of their illnesses and how it affects their lives, and whether physicians can provide excellent health care without asking patients for their perspectives.

"We know that disparities in Black maternal health affect or are connected to disparities for Black infants, including preterm birth and low birth weights," Thompson said. "And so, for me, this is one of the most urgent needs when it comes to the health of women and children."

In Flynn's interactions with Hayes, students saw how bias and Black stereotypes affect his communication, such as when he leaps to the conclusion that Hayes feels unsafe because her husband is violent, rather than recognizing it is a symptom of depression, Bishop said.

"The video depicts the doctor going through the entire postpartum checkup, asking questions about breastfeeding, the incision and healing. Throughout the video, the viewer can see where the provider is behaving or communicating with implicit bias and the effect this has on the patient," Bishop said. "Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize bias or realize that what one is saying or doing demonstrates bias. This video shows the many ways that implicit bias can enter a discussion with a patient."

Leading the project at Illinois are, from left, communication professor Charee Thompson; Dr. Tiffani Dillard, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois; and communication professor Mardia Bishop. Credit: Fred Zwicky

According to the post-training survey, participants' awareness of implicit bias, their attitudes toward culturally competent communication and their confidence in their individual communication efficacy significantly increased after the training, Thompson said.

Two open-ended questions on the survey asked participants how they would provide more empathic, individualized care for Black postpartum women. The participants responded that they were committed to building rapport with patients by prioritizing their concerns and feelings, allowing patients greater opportunities to express themselves and engaging in shared decision-making. Participants said they would listen more attentively, be more aware of their own body language, display compassion and empathy, and pay attention to patients' verbal and nonverbal cues.

The second virtual reality training modulewhich is still under development, along with a third modulepromotes self-reflection by helping medical students identify their own biases and learn how to mitigate them, Thompson said. In the third module, students will practice their intercultural communication skills through interactions with a virtual patient.

While the cost of the first module was $40,000, Maurice said that for universities and medical schools, virtual reality training is a cost-effective option because it eliminates the need to recruit people for role playing with medical students. "It's a lot cheaper to produce one video and show it 100 times, as opposed to hiring 100 people to role play with the students," he said.

Creighton University awarded Maurice a grant to implement the training at its campus in Phoenix. The grant will expand the sample population of medical students for the research to about 300 people, he said.

More information: Charee M. Thompson et al, Healing Health Care Disparities: Development and Pilot Testing of a Virtual Reality Implicit Bias Training Module for Physicians in the Context of Black Maternal Health, Health Communication (2024). DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2347000
A Kansas man accused of devising a scheme to steal from Montana and Wyoming ranchers who were trying to find hay to feed their livestock during a drought admitted to a fraud charge recently, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Jory D. Parks, 43, of Logan, Kansas, was arraigned on and pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud. Parks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Parks was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that a drought in the summer of 2021 created a hay shortage for ranchers in Montana and Wyoming, and ranchers were struggling to find enough hay to feed their livestock. During this time, Parks intentionally devised a scheme to defraud these ranchers. Parks advertised on Facebook, claiming that he was selling large amounts of hay and was willing to deliver to Montana and Wyoming from out of state.

Parks, operating as Heart Cross Ranch, LLC, received money from customers in exchange for promises to deliver hay. Instead, Parks used the money for unrelated business and personal expenses and made false promises about what he would deliver and the scale and success of his business.

In September 2021, when Parks was trying to convince a prospective customer that he had a successful business selling high-quality hay, he told the victim that he had sold all his hay the previous year to a known horse racing facility in Nebraska to feed racehorses. After interviewing the CEO of the facility and analyzing Parks financials, the FBI determined that Parks statements were false.

In Montana, a ranching business owned by a couple in Ingomar responded to one of Parks Facebook ads in which he claimed to be selling hay cheaper than they had been able to find. The couple signed a contact with Parks to buy 190 tons of hay from Parks for $43,300 and mailed half of the amount, $21,650, as a down payment to Heart Cross Ranch. Parks deposited the check into his business account in a bank in Colorado. Three weeks later, Parks delivered the couples first shipment of 23 tons of the 190 tons they had purchased but never delivered the additional hay or repaid the remainder of the down payment.

The U.S. Attorneys Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
A lot of life got in the way of Bryan Dupuis' dream of a career in law.

You know, five years ago if they told me I would be a graduate of the University of Montana law school, I wouldnt have believed them, said Dupuis. If they told me I could potentially be the next chief judge of the Blackfeet Tribe, I would have never believed them.

Dupuis grew up in Ronan as a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe.

Young in life, I didnt realize that when I do negative things, Im going to get a lot of negative attention, Dupuis said.

He dropped out of school a few times, graduating at age 20 from the Two Eagle Alternative School in Pablo. At age 23, Dupuis was arrested and charged with multiple felonies.

The criminal things I had to go through seemed very unfortunate, almost like bad luck, said Dupuis. Its because I was doing bad things.

He agreed to an intensive outpatient treatment, and his criminal charges were dismissed. He then decided to go to college and turn his life around.

When I first went to college it was very difficult, but I made it through and got my bachelors degree, said Dupuis, who graduated from the Salish Kootenai College with a B.S. in hydrology.

Dupuis then decided to take the Law School Admissions Test.

Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer, said Dupuis.

Getting into law school wasnt a given for Dupuis. His LSAT score was in the bottom 25% nationally. Fortunately, the LSAT score isnt the only metric considered for getting into school. In his application, Bryan also submitted a 4,000-word addendum explaining his criminal charges.

Ultimately, he was admitted to UMs Alexander Blewett III School of Law.

At the end of the first semester, Dupuis received a failing grade. The easy thing to do would be to quit.

Failure wasnt an option, Dupuis said. I felt like this was my only chance to make something with my life.

He struggled the rest of the year but made passing grades. By the end of his first year, he felt invincible.

And then cancer hit. After collapsing while doing yardwork over the summer, he had to go in for emergency surgery. That was when doctors discovered a rare appendix cancer.

I felt like I got cut down in my prime, Dupuis said. I finally finished my first year of law school and now this.

Shortly after receiving the cancer diagnosis, a tribal elder came into the hospital to pray for Dupuis. The elder said his ancestors were with him and they wanted to help. But Dupuis had to make a deal with them to tell his story, and then he would be all right.

Luckily, I was able to beat the cancer, Dupuis said. I knew I was really lucky to have a second chance at life.

Returning to law school after taking a year off, he applied himself and graduated with a juris doctorate from Montanas only law school.

Im like a testament that this is doable, said Dupuis. You can come from these hard places and make it into law school and succeed.

He recently accepted the job as chief judge of the Blackfeet Tribe in Browning.

The elder gave me the belief that I could overcome (cancer) was Blackfeet, Dupuis said. Now this is the community I get a chance to help. Its my way of paying back the agreement we made.

Dupuis journey is documented in a new UM short film titled Grizzlies in the Wild: Fight at youtu.be/UHTFzPjViuk.
Barcelona to raise tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers



ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Spains second city has already promised to stamp out Airbnbs before the end of the decade, but insists it still welcomes tourists

Barcelonas mayor, Jaume Collboni, is planning to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city. This measure is part of his broader strategy to address the negative impacts of mass tourism on the Catalan capital.

Since taking office last year, Collboni has introduced various measures aimed at reducing overtourism and improving the housing situation in Barcelona.

One of his major initiatives, announced four weeks ago, is to end short-term apartment rentals to tourists by 2028 by cancelling the licences of the 10,101 Airbnbs and other tourist let apartments in the city.

This decision comes amid widespread protests across Spain against the detrimental effects of the booming tourism industry on residents daily lives.

Barcelona is one of the top holiday destinations for a city break in Spain, with visitors choosing it for its cosmopolitan vibe, city beach and famous monuments like the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell

In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Mayor Collboni revealed his intention to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers, which currently stands at 7 euros per person per day. He stressed that the goal is to ensure the city benefits adequately from the influx of short-term visitors.

Barcelona is a city thats open to visitors and tourism is an important sector of its economy, Collboni told the newspaper. That said, Im determined to tackle the consequences that mass tourism is having for the city. That means going all the way with the ban on tourist flats in 2028. But were also going to substantially raise the tax for people on cruise stopovers.

Collboni highlighted that short-term tourist flat rentals and brief cruise stopovers are problematic for the city as they contribute to the overuse of public spaces without providing significant benefits to Barcelona, creating a sense of occupation and saturation.

When it comes to a choice between tourists using housing and the right to housing, weve decided to put the right to housing in Barcelona first, Collboni said. When it comes to stopover cruise passengers  less than 12 hours  you get an intensive use of public space without any benefit to the city and you get a feeling of occupation and saturation. We want a tourism that respects its destination.

Although the exact increase in the tax has not been specified, studies have already been commissioned. Collboni emphasised that the aim is not to deter cruise visitors but to ensure they contribute fairly to the citys economy.

The additional revenue generated from the tax hike could be invested in community projects, such as installing air conditioning in schools, he said.

He further reassured that the ban on tourist flats would not discourage visitors, as Barcelona and its surrounding areas have sufficient hotel capacity to continue accommodating visitors.

Last year, Spain welcomed a record 85.1 million international tourists, a 19% increase from 2022, despite its population of 47 million people.

The unchecked growth of tourism has sparked significant anger and frustration among locals in some parts of Spain, leading to numerous protests, especially in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Protesters are particularly concerned about the substantial impact tourism has had on the housing market and the overall quality of life for local people in recent years, and the race is on to find a model of sustainable tourism that benefits both the all-important tourist sector and Spains local communities.
Ugandan protesters planning to move forward with a banned anti-corruption march on Tuesday are playing with fire, President Yoweri Museveni warned.

Some elements have been planning illegal demonstrations and riots, President Museveni said in a televised address late Saturday.

Museveni, who has ruled the East African country with an iron fist since 1986, accused the protesters of including elements working for foreign interests, without providing further details.

Earlier on Saturday, Ugandan police informed organizers that they would not permit the planned protest in the capital, Kampala, citing intelligence that some elements were trying to take advantage of the demonstration to cause chaos in the country.

Demonstrations can only be allowed under our mandate as long as they do not cause public disorder and disrupt the lives of lawful citizens, Ugandan police operations director Frank Mwesigwa told AFP.

Despite this, protest organizers told AFP they vowed to proceed with the demonstration regardless.

We dont need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration, said one of the main protest leaders, Louez Aloikin Opolose, on Saturday. It is our constitutional right.

The protesters hope to march past parliament, accusing it of tolerating corruption. Our starting point in the fight against corruption is parliament, and the demonstration is on irrespective of what police are saying, protester Shamim Nambasa said.

Transparency International ranks Uganda low on its corruption perceptions index, placing it 141 out of 180 countries. The anti-corruption protesters have been closely monitoring the deadly demonstrations that have rocked neighboring Kenya for more than a month.

The Kenyan protests, which began as peaceful rallies against controversial tax hikes, evolved into a wider anti-government campaign, with activists demanding action against corruption and alleged police brutality.

Since the demonstrations began on June 18, at least 50 people have been killed and 413 injured, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticized President William Rutos plan to form a broad-based government of national unity.

Orengo argued that Ruto has reached a dead end and that his ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance is a sinking ship bound for disaster. He warned his party leader Raila Odinga against associating with Ruto

Joining President Ruto is a disaster. In fact, it is an abomination because it cannot work, the governor said. He added that the President has lost the confidence of the international community and that any vision he had for Kenyans has turned into a mirage.

Where will he take us? He will not lead us anywhere. In fact, he will only lead us into a sinking ship, Orengo stated. He also noted that Ruto has lost the trust of his people.

Speaking at the funeral of an anti-government protest victim in Alego Usonga on Saturday, July 20, 2023, Orengo warned that aligning with Ruto would mean inheriting or sanitizing the sins of his government.

I want to address those rushing to join President Ruto. He is a passing cloud, and I say that without any fear of contradiction. First, he doesnt have money because he has been borrowing heavily, and Kenyans have made it clear that he cannot borrow anymore, Orengo argued.

While appearing to warm up to the government, Odinga had warned that if anti-government protesters led by Gen Z force Ruto out of office, his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, could take over, which would be a dark day for Kenyans.

However, Orengo dismissed this argument as cheap politics.

I hear some people saying that if President Ruto goes, the DP will take over. This is very petty politics. If we say Ruto must go, then he will go along with all those associated with him. There is no scenario where his deputy will succeed him, the Siaya governor said.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has expanded its partnership with Rolls-Royce, a British multinational specialising in civil aerospace, defence aerospace, services, and power systems, to advance sustainable aviation initiatives. According to a press release, the collaboration focuses on researching hydrogen fuel system technology, reinforcing the potential of hydrogen as a zero-carbon aviation fuel of the future. TCS will supply engineering skills and support to Rolls-Royce to tackle three key challenges in enabling hydrogen for aviation- fuel combustion, fuel delivery, and fuel system integration with an engine. All elements must be validated for safe operation. This partnership highlights TCS's commitment to driving sustainable transformation across industries, aligning with its broader mission to harness technology for positive societal impact. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set targets for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Alan Newby, Director, Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce, said, "We welcome TCS to our hydrogen research programme and their engineering skills will play a valuable role in addressing our technology goals. We've already made great progress and having TCS with us gives us additional capability as we move forward on our journey to enable the energy transition for the aviation sector." The expanded partnership was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, where TCS also showcased its technological prowess in the aviation industry. This collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between Rolls-Royce and the Tata Group, including engine development and a robust supply chain commitment. TCS has worked with Rolls-Royce since 2010 in areas such as design, manufacturing engineering, control systems, software, after-market services, and IT services, supporting major civil and business aviation programs and the end-to-end product development lifecycle. Anupam Singhal, President - Manufacturing, TCS, said, "The partnership between TCS and Rolls-Royce is an exciting one that represents a powerful alliance in the quest for sustainable aviation solutions. We are aligned with Rolls-Royce's ambition for a greener future. This partnership is the perfect opportunity to put our technological strengths and passion for the environment to use for advancing innovation and fostering an eco-friendlier aerospace sector." TCS will leverage its deep domain knowledge of the aircraft manufacturing industry to support Rolls-Royce's engineering activities such as system design, component design, supply chain support, and program management. These services will help Rolls-Royce research hydrogen technology to address the challenges of fuel combustion, fuel delivery, and fuel systems integration with an engine, ensuring all elements operate safely. Regu Ayyaswamy, Senior Vice President and Global Head- Internet of Things and Digital Engineering, TCS, said, "TCS and Rolls-Royce have been partners in advancing engineering excellence for nearly a decade. The new partnership for research into hydrogen fuel systems represents a pivotal next step at a time when the aviation industry is faced with the urgent challenge of reducing carbon emissions while maintaining performance and efficiency. It aligns well with TCS' commitment to harness technology for positive societal impact and building a greener future." TCS has been on a mission to harness the power of technology for positive societal impact and drive sustainable transformation across industries. With more than 200 sustainability offerings, TCS is helping customers around the world in their sustainability journeys. As a Tata group company, TCS is also conscious of its impact on the environment. In 2021, TCS set an ambitious sustainability target to reduce its absolute emissions by 70 per cent across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2025 from the baseline year 2016 and to achieve net zero by 2030. By FY24, TCS had already reduced its absolute carbon footprint across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 80 per cent over a baseline of 2016, exceeding its target achievement by 10 per cent, one year ahead of time. (ANI)
PRNewswire Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], July 22: Indian Institute of Management Udaipur hosted the Convocation for its Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration for Working Executives - PGDBAWE (Batch of 2022-24), on Saturday, 20th July 2024 at its pristine 300-acre campus at Balicha, Udaipur. The Convocation Address was delivered by Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson - Hindustan Zinc Limited & Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited, who was the Chief Guest of the Convocation. The concluding address was delivered by Prof. Ashok Banerjee, Director, IIM Udaipur. The convocation was graced by Prof. Rajesh Nanarpuzha - Dean of Programs at IIM Udaipur, Prof. Tushar Agrawal - Chairperson of PGDBAWE and EMBA Programs, faculty & staff of IIM Udaipur, besides parents and relatives of the graduating batch. In this Convocation of PGDBAWE, 64 students graduated, with the gold medal for scholastic performance awarded to Sanjeev Kumar Baldev Sahai Kapoor. While congratulating all the students, Priya Agarwal Hebbar said, "Today, as you graduate from this prestigious University, just know this truth that life is not about accomplishments on your CV or material acquisitions. Life is messy. Also, have faith in discomfort; to grow, you will have to put yourself in situations that you are not comfortable with." In his concluding address, Prof. Ashok Banerjee, Director, IIM Udaipur, said, "It is a momentous occasion as we celebrate the convocation ceremony of the 2022-24 batch of the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration for Working Executives with the Institute. This institution has provided you with transformational learning, and I urge you never to stop learning, growing, and pushing yourself to be the best you can be. Don't be afraid to take risks to step out of your comfort zone and pursue your passion. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, to become the best version of yourself. You have acquired many skills at IIMU, which will help you throughout your life and career. Remember that success is not only about making money; it is about creating value for society, positively impacting people's lives, and contributing to the greater good. It is about building knowledge to solve complex problems, address societal challenges, and create sustainable solutions. Hold on to your ethical compass, and use it to navigate the challenges ahead. Use your knowledge for better good. Remember the compromises your family, friends and people around you have made for you. You are now the ambassadors of the IIM Udaipur, as alumni. The institution belongs to you, and I wish you the best for the future." About IIM Udaipur IIM Udaipur is well on its way to becoming a globally recognised B-School. It has broken new ground by focusing on world-class research and transforming students into tomorrow's managers and leaders. The Institute arrived on the global education stage by securing accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in merely eight years of its establishment. With this accreditation, IIM Udaipur is counted in the same league of global institutes, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the MIT Sloan School. IIMU has been listed on the Financial Times (FT) Global MIM Ranking 2022 as well as the QS Global MIM Ranking 2020, only the 4th IIM, along with IIMs Ahmedabad, Calcutta, and Bangalore, to be in the FT Global MIM Ranking and only the 7th IIM in the QS 2021 Global MIM Rankings. In both Rankings, IIM Udaipur is the youngest B-School in the world. IIMU is also currently ranked 4th in India, after ISB, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, for research in management according to the methodology used by UT Dallas, which tracks publications in the leading global journals. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2465799/IIMU_PGDBAWE_2024.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183220/4822130/IIMU_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Ankleshwar (Gujarat) [India], July 22: RUSAN PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED, a pharmaceutical company based in India specializing in the area of addiction treatment and pain management, recently announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has granted Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approval for its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) facility in Ankleshwar (Gujarat, India). The approval, received on May 29, 2024, followed a comprehensive five-day on-site inspection conducted from April 29 to May 3, 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the company as it paves the way for it to enter the US API market. With an active US Drug Master File (DMF) for niche APIs like Eflornithine Hydrochloride Monohydrate and Nalmefene Hydrochloride, Rusan Pharma plans to expand its portfolio with additional APIs, including Apomorphine, Buprenorphine, Naloxone, Naltrexone, Nalbuphine, Sodium Oxybate, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Nitrazepam, Oxazepam, and Temazepam. Speaking on the achievement, Dr Kunal Saxena, Managing Director of Rusan Pharma, highlights, "This GMP approval by the USFDA underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and manufacturing excellence, expanding our global presence and credibility. This achievement instils confidence in our partners and clients, reassuring them of our dedication to excellence in producing high-quality APIs that meet the most stringent global standards." The USFDA approval of the Ankleshwar facility is a critical development in Rusan Pharma's strategy to become a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry. Currently, the company supplies APIs to various US-based companies focused on orphan drugs, addiction treatment, and obesity medications. The approval will further enhance Rusan's capabilities, expand its API product portfolio, and increase its footprint in the growing US pharmaceutical sector. Following on-site audits, Rusan's API facility in Ankleshwar is GMP approved by other stringent international agencies such as Health Canada, the European Union (EU), and ANVISA (Brazil). Rusan implemented 21-CFR-compliant software solutions like SAP, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), document & quality management systems (DMS & QMS) and electronic logbooks, ensuring a move towards paperless manufacturing. This transition, along with comprehensive staff training and monitoring, posed significant challenges that the company successfully overcame. Before receiving this approval, Rusan Pharma established a robust presence in key markets such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, EU, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The USFDA's endorsement enables the company to market its APIs to US clients with existing marketing authorizations and those developing new formulations. This approval further bolsters our customers' and regulatory agencies' trust and confidence in us globally. "Our vision is to be a one-stop solution provider in the niche category of addiction treatment and pain management. Integration with API enables us to remain competitive, while promoting our finished formulation in the global market. It also enables us to be independent from other companies for the supply of critical APIs for manufacturing of various finished formulations, especially for narcotic and psychotropic products. Timely delivery of quality medicine is key to any pharmaceutical business. Hence, a robust supply of API enables us to achieve a rapid time to market with critical products" adds Dr Kunal Saxena. Rusan's Ankleshwar manufacturing unit's strategic role in its manufacturing and distribution network is underscored by its focus on critical APIs like fentanyl and buprenorphine. The company's vision is to be a comprehensive addiction treatment and pain management provider, ensuring competitive and timely delivery of quality medicines. In November 2023, Rusan Pharma inaugurated its second API manufacturing facility in Pithampur SEZ (Madhya Pradesh, India) with an annual production capacity of upto 400 MT, which is significantly higher than the Ankleshwar plant. By mid-2025, the company plans to seek GMP inspection of this new facility by the US FDA and other international inspecting agencies. This expansion aims to boost Rusan's manufacturing capabilities. About Rusan Pharma: Rusan Pharma Pvt. Ltd. is an integrated global pharmaceutical company and market leader that specializes in the treatment of Addiction and Pain Management. They offer a complete range of super-specialized products in India and globally. Rusan indigenously develops, manufactures, and markets novel APIs and finished formulations and is one of the few notified companies, which is allowed imports of Narcotic Raw Materials (NRM) such as Thebaine, Oripavine, Codeine and Morphine for the purpose of manufacturing various APIs and finished formulation in India and then re-exporting to global markets. Over the years, Rusan has closely worked with Indian and global institutions such as NACO, UNODC, UNOPS, Global Fund, and Ministries of Health to launch Opioid Substitution Therapy in various emerging markets. Rusan Pharma's strength lies in innovation of New Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) such as transdermal patches, implants, depot injections. Rusan was the first company to launch Fentanyl, Buprenorphine and Nicotine Transdermal Patches in India. The company supplies range of products to countries such as India, Canada, Europe, UK, Russia, CIS, South Africa and other South-East Asian countries. Rusan's API and finished formulation manufacturing facilities hold GMP accreditations such as US FDA, Health Canada, EU, TGA (Australia), SAHPRA (S.Africa), RUSSIA, PIC/S (UKRAINE), ANVISA (Brazil) UAE and many more. For more information please visit https://www.rusanpharma.com/ https://in.linkedin.com/company/rusan-pharma-ltd-b97178201 Contact Details: Rusan Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Pramod Yadav Mob: 98927 16899 pramod.yadav@rusanpharma.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], July 22: The Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is necessary in India to transform the education system from a content-driven approach to a learner-centric approach, and to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are essential for success in the 21st century. The aim of Outcome-Based Education is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to succeed in their future careers and contribute meaningfully to society. It shifts the focus from merely covering content to ensuring that students develop the desired abilities and achieve specific learning outcomes. The highest band rated in the OBE Rankings 2024 is Platinum+ Band, in which MAHE - Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani, Amrita Viswavidyapeeetham, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Siksha `O` Anusandhan, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences and Galgotias University, secured the top positions. R. W I Ranking stands as a beacon of excellence, aiming to meticulously evaluate and acknowledge educational institutions in India, and worldwide. By fostering healthy competition, it encourages institutions to continually enhance their standards, quality of education and overall ecosystem of HigherEd. The credibility of R. World Institutional Ranking is rooted in its rigorous methodologies and commitment to objectivity. The ranking framework employs a multifaceted approach, considering diverse factors. R. W I Ranking has garnered widespread institutional acceptance, as a trusted and impartial resource of HEI's ranking, and is celebrated as a valuable resource that facilitates a deeper understanding of the global HigherEd landscape. The Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Ranking exclusively focuses on the student-centric teaching-learning methodology in which the course delivery, assessment is planned to achieve stated objectives and attributes. OBE focuses on measuring student performance i.e. outcomes at different levels. The OBE Ranking 2024-25 considers the 3 important parameters, viz., Inclusion and Diversity; Internship & Placements; and Entrepreneurship & Innovations. While speaking to R. World Institutional Ranking, Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO Galgotias University, said "Education is the cornerstone of a progressive society, and at Galgotias University, we strive to create an environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and a global perspective. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our NAAC A+ Accreditation and our numerous accolades, including the QS 5 Star rating for Teaching, Academic Development, Facilities, Innovation, and Employability. We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education and opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields. Together, we can create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities." Galgotias University stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and innovation. Proudly holding an NAAC A+ Accreditation, the university has solidified its position as one of India's top educational institutions. With a sprawling campus that houses over 35,000 students across 20 schools offering more than 200 programs, Galgotias University is not just an institution; it is a vibrant, dynamic community committed to academic excellence and holistic development. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines including Engineering, Management, c, Medical and Allied Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences, to name a few. This diversity ensures that students have the opportunity to pursue their passions and interests while receiving a top-notch education. Galgotais University is one of the youngest Univeristies in India to achieve this feat in the OBE Rankings. OBE Rankings, is regarded as one of the Distinguished Rankings, in the Private-Rankings Sphere of the HEIs in India. The OBE Rankings 2024 recognizes the efforts continuously undertaken by Institutions for achieving excellence in quality education, and implementation of the latest teaching-learning methodologies, including the outcome-based education models. Check the details rankings at www.wiranking.com/obe-ranking The upcoming Ranking by R. World Institutional Ranking will speak about the Top Institutions in India for Campus Life, prioritising Mental Health and Wellbeing. The primary objective of the MHW Rankings is to identify and celebrate the Best Educational Campuses in India for Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW). It demonstrates that these institutions have made significant progress towards creating a safe space where their students, teachers and staff can be supported without fear. The MHW Rankings highlight such campuses in order to promote more extensive attention to mental health among those providing education; nurturing environments where all can succeed academically as well as personally. R. World Institutional Ranking takes pride to be the pioneer in India to initiate, conduct, and publish exclusive rankings for Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW), encompassing faculty, students, and staff in a HEI's campus community. Learn more at https://www.wiranking.com/mhw-rankings (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL New Delhi [India], July 22: Recruitment is essential for business success, as attracting and securing top talent drives innovation, growth, and competitiveness. Effective recruitment strategies lead to enhanced productivity, better employee engagement, and reduced turnover. A positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment lifecycle strengthens the employer brand, appealing to high-quality candidates and fostering long-term success. Adopting innovative solutions in today's growing job market is crucial for overcoming recruitment challenges and staying competitive. According to industry sources, the global recruitment market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and shifting workforce dynamics. In Canada, the recruitment industry has been expanding steadily, with a notable increase in the demand for skilled professionals across various sectors. Market insights indicate that the Canadian recruitment market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7 per cent in the next five years, reaching a valuation of CAD 20 billion by 2028. The rising need for specialized talent and the adoption of data-driven recruitment approaches that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the hiring process fuels this growth. By leveraging these trends, companies can optimize their recruitment strategies and secure the top talent necessary for sustaining a competitive advantage in their respective industries. Federal Soft Systems Inc., a leading global IT products and services company, has expanded into the Canadian recruitment market following its success in the USA and India. This move highlights the company's commitment to meeting the evolving recruitment needs of businesses worldwide. As a Great Place to Work-Certified company, it empowers workforces through quality talent, leveraging data-driven approaches, comprehensive assessments, and efficient onboarding. As a trusted recruitment partner, the company's expertise spans diverse sectors including Banking, IT, Retail, Public Sector, EdTech, eCommerce, Healthcare, Automotive, and Telecom. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of recruitment services, organizations can streamline talent acquisition, identify top candidates efficiently, and build high-performing teams. The company's tailored approach addresses each sector's unique talent needs, positioning companies as preferred employers in their domains. At the core of the Canadian expansion lies a focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the talent acquisition process for businesses of all sizes. The Canadian recruitment landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with businesses seeking efficient and effective ways to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market. The company offers innovative talent acquisition delivery frameworks, including managed services, recruitment process outsourcing, resource fulfillment models, one-time placements, contract-to-hire, and specialized hackathons. Their recruitment services encompass requirement analysis, targeted candidate selection, quick turnaround time (TAT), skilled IT and non-IT recruiters, bespoke talent access, and post-hire support. Additionally, the AI approach to recruitment aims to enhance the candidate's experience throughout the application process. This approach allows candidates to benefit from a smooth and personalized experience, receiving timely updates and clear communication regarding the status of their applications. This not only builds a positive employer brand but also helps attract and retain top talent. The company offers recruiters a critical advantage by mitigating inherent subjectivity during the initial screening stages of the recruitment process. Through its streamlined talent acquisition strategy, recruiters can ensure a fair and equitable hiring process for all candidates. This aligns with the company's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 22: Blindwink - India Design Awards 2024, honoured the creative brilliance of Architects & Interior Designers with Ar. Krishna Rao Jaisim & celebrity Amrita Rao as Chief Guest. Listing The Winners: 1) Most Innovative Architecture & Designing For Commercial & Retail Projects In Chennai - F3 DESIGNS 2) Most Promising Functional & Aesthetic Home Interiors In Hyderabad - The Lotus Studio 3) Innovation & Craftsmanship For Creative Articulation Of Aesthetics & Functionality In Curating Luxury Spaces - Mokshetra Interiors 4) Globally Recognised Architecture & Design Firm For Ultra Luxury Residential, Retail & Hospitality Projects - Rashid Khan Architects Architecture + Design and FK- Enlighten Arch and Interior 5) Most Innovative Green Sustainable Architecture & Design For Luxury Residential & Retail Projects -- Metricchant Design Attributes Pvt Ltd 6) Luxury Interiors Curated With Exclusive Aesthetics, Functionality & Comfort For Residential Projects -- Yashas B R (Artyss Design Studio) 7) Internationally Acclaimed Iconic Ancient Indian Temple Architecture, Inlays & Stone Arts -- Dev Stone Art 8) Most Trusted Construction, Interior & Architecture Firm For Luxury Projects In Bangalore -- Showy Dream Home Solutions 9) Award Of Design Excellence In Real Estate -- Speed Infra Developers LLP 10) Best Innovative Business Platform In Infrastructure And Construction Industry -- Global Infrastructure Business Community - Pallavi Shekar 11) Most Innovative Brand Implementation, Graphics & Signage Company In India -- ONE AND ONLY BIZ 12) Best Emerging Exterior & Interior Home Design In Karnataka -- Shree Mahi Developers | Interiors 13) Best - Responsible and Sustainable Designs for Built-Environment Award -- Ar. Tejaswini Mistri-Kapoor (Inscapes Auroville) 14) Best Bespoke Luxury Interiors Designers For High End Turkey Key Projects In Bangalore -- MIS Interior 15) Outstanding Architectural Firm for Innovative Designs -- Studio For Eclectic Architecture India Pvt Ltd 16) Most Creative Home Decor & Designing Company In Bangalore -- Designs by Esha 17) Best Architect and Interior Design Firm For Hospitality Sector in Odisha -- Akash Architect & Associates 18) Best Bespoke Neoclassical Architecture & Designing For Hospitality / Restaurant Projects -- Ar.Sampada Gethe 19) Best Construction & Infrastructure Developers For Corporate & Commercial Projects In Bangalore - Meritus Infrastructure LLP 20) Best Aesthetics & Functional Interiors For Commercial Projects In Tamil Nadu -- Crown Infrastructure 21) Most Dynamic & Innovative Construction Company In Bangalore -- RKA Builders 22) Best Standout Timeless Architecture For Luxury Residential Projects In Telangana -- THE DESIGN 23) Most Promising and Trusted Designing And Turnkey Execution Firm In Surat - Roshan Patel 24) India's Top 10 Premium Door Manufacturers -- Truewood Door Industries 25) Most Trusted & Customized Human Centric Turnkey Interior Solutions Company In Bangalore -- HCD DREAM Interior Solutions Pvt Ltd 26) Most Elegant Personalized Designing For Luxury Residential Projects In Karnataka -- Umber Frame Studio 27) IMK Architects - Leading Multidisciplinary Architecture And Design Practice Specialising In Sustainable And Innovative Projects 28) Most Talented Interior Designers For Innovative Articulation of Aesthetics & Functionality In Luxury Space Designing -- Punam Ambekar Design Studio 29) India's Iconic Architecture & Design Firm 2024 -- Naren Kuwadekar & Associates 30) Most Promising Interior Designers In Hyderabad -- Arun Kumar Pemmasani (Combinations) 31) Architecture BRIO - Most Influential Names in Architecture and Design in the Indian subcontinent 32) Best Modern Architecture & Designing For Luxury Residential Projects In MP -- Dikshit Patel And Associates 33) Best Office/ Corporate Interiors In Pune -- Pranav Iyer (Ground 11) 34) Best Healthcare Project Designs In Pune -- Pranav Iyer (Ground 11) 35) Best Futuristic Architecture For Turnkey Projects In Tirupati District - N-Design 36) Best Luxury Residential Interiors In Pune -- Pranav Iyer (Ground 11) 37) Most Innovative & Diverse Young Architects -- HB YB Spaces 38) Highly Recommended Interior Design Studio In Hyderabad -- Space Edge Interiors 39) Best Bespoke Human-Centric Interior Designer 2024 -- ID. Komal Sanghavi Vasa (Gesamt Design) 40) Innovative Home Interiors Curated With Exclusive Designing & Space Optimisation For Luxury Apartments In Bangalore -- Adorn Spazio 41) Architecture & Interior Design Articulating Comfort, Aesthetics & Mindfulness -- Ar. Deepali Meni 42) Anupama Kundoo Architects - Internationally Renowned Architect, Author & Researcher 43) Best Renowned Social Entrepreneur For Rural Upliftment & Development -- Ashvinee Kumar (Yogbodhi Pvt Ltd) 44) Best Bespoke Premium Residential Interior Design Studio In Maharashtra -- RDS Design Studio 45) Most Distinct & Creative Retail & Commercial Projects Designers -- Om Vastu Consulting Center 46) Best Interior Designers For Turnkey Luxury Residential Projects In Chandigarh -- The 3P's - Interior Design Studio 47) Best Architect In Jaipur ( Residential & Commercial ) -- Ar. Sharad Kumar Sharma 48) Best Real Estate Builders, Developers & Constructions -- White Venture Infratech 49) Most Innovative Modern & Stylish Interior Designers In Jharkhand -- Deepak Kumar 50) Most Innovative & Artistic Luxury Home Interior Designers In Kolhapur District -- ID. Shraddha Satpute (Reflections Designers) 51) Most Promising Minimalist & Sustainable Architecture In Bangalore -- Tessera Architects 52) Best Bespoke Luxury Homes In Architecture & Interior Designing In India -- Ar. Karthik (SPADES) 53) Most Innovative Interior Designers In Tamil Nadu -- NK INTERIORS (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Dubai [UAE], July 22: TruDoc Healthcare, a pioneer in the telehealth industry, today announced a landmark partnership with e& enterprise to transform healthcare communications in the MENA region. This collaboration introduces the innovative engageX solution powered by the NICE CXone platform, setting a new standard for patient care and service accessibility. The integration of the engageX solution marks a major advancement in TruDoc Healthcare's service delivery. With the deployment of this unified platform, TruDoc will be able to address patient inquiries seamlessly across multiple communication channels--including voice, chat, email, and video consultations--in a single interface. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive and consistent responses to all patient interactions, significantly enhancing patient engagement and satisfaction. "Our commitment to improving patient care through technology has taken a significant leap forward with this partnership with e& enterprise," said Utsaav Pathak, Group Finance Director, TruDocHealthcare. "By integrating the NICE CXone-powered engageX solution into our platforms, we are set to transform how we engage with our patients, ensuring they receive timely and effective care tailored to their unique needs. This partnership represents a critical step in our mission to deliver innovative and patient-centric healthcare solutions." The e& enterprise engageX powered by NICE brings cutting-edge CX capabilities and a reliable, well-regulated, and highly available voice setup in the UAE, ensuring that patient interactions are streamlined, secure, and more effective than ever before. Equipped with deep CX capabilities and NICE's powerful engagement features, engageX is designed to solve complex compliance and customer experience challenges. With this strong value proposition, TruDoc Healthcare is poised to enhance its telehealth services, offering 24/7 care to patients in even the most remote areas. "We believe in technology's power in redefining the boundaries of healthcare," said Miguel Angel Villalonga COO of e& enterprise. "Our partnership with TruDoc Healthcare goes beyond integrating the advanced technologies, it's a testament to our shared vision to revolutionize patient care. Through the engageX solution, we are committed to transforming patient experiences into journeys characterized by excellence, accessibility, and innovation. This initiative represents a strategic step in our ongoing quest to harness cutting-edge technologies to make a profound and positive impact on human health worldwide." "With security and reliability being paramount in healthcare communications, the NICE CXone platform employs advanced encryption protocols, supporting HIPAA compliance and protecting patient data," said Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International "This strong security framework builds trust and ensures the safe exchange of sensitive health information." For TruDoc's healthcare providers, the platform also offers AI-driven analytics and sophisticated tools that streamline operations and optimize patient interactions. These features improve patient experience, boost operational efficiencies, reduce wait times, and improve overall service delivery. This strategic collaboration between TruDoc and e& enterprise strengthens the telehealth firm's operational capabilities while supporting its mission to provide solutions that are both innovative and patient-centric. By leveraging the strengths of NICE's technology and e& enterprise's expansive network, TruDoc is well-positioned to lead the transformation of healthcare communication in the MENA region. About TruDoc Healthcare TruDoc Healthcare is a leading provider of telehealth services, committed to enhancing patient experiences through innovative digital solutions. With a focus on delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare, TruDoc leverages advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to meet the evolving needs of patients worldwide. To learn more about TruDoc Healthcare, please visit https://trudochealth.com About e& enterprise e& enterprise combines the agility and expertise of a professional and managed digital services company with the strength and reach of a technology Group, enabling organisations across multiple sectors to maximise their digital potential. Through the Cloud, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), e& enterprise is propelling organisations and economies towards a smarter, safer and more sustainable world. Operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, e& enterprise has a growth mindset that delivers innovative digital vertical value propositions. Its solutions enable sustainable developments, safer cities, enhanced government services, connected healthcare, enriched education, digital banking, highly automated industries, manufacturing, and logistics. With a successful track record of designing, delivering and operating impactful, intelligent and secure end-to-end digital solutions using resilient platforms, e& enterprise offers comprehensive consulting, business modelling, solution design, programme management, project execution and delivery, and post-implementation support. To learn more about e& enterprise, please visit https://eandenterprise.com/en/index.jsp. About NICE With NICE, it's never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world's #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center - and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform - and elevate - every customer interaction. www.nice.com To learn more about how we are unlocking the future of healthcare,We are just a call or email away.marcom@trudochealth.com | 800 878362 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2465007/TruDoc_e_enterprise.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2465870/TruDoc_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 22: Asian Granito India Limited (AGL), a leading brand in luxury surface products such as Tiles, Marbles, Quartz, and Bathware solutions has proudly showcased its premium offerings at the 45th edition of the iDAC Intelligence Series held at Raajkutir Rangmanch, Kolkata on 12 July. As an associate partner of the event, AGL contributed to the success of this premier platform for changemakers in the build industry. AGL's participation in iDAC Kolkata was marked by the showcase of its premium Tile, Marble, and Quartz products. Known for their quality and innovative design, AGL's products received significant attention from the attendees, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in the build industry. The display highlighted AGL's commitment to excellence and its continuous effort to bring the best to its customers. Kamlesh Patel, Chairman and Managing Director, Asian Granito India Ltd said, "Our participation in iDAC Kolkata reflects our dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and innovation in the build industry. We are proud to showcase our premium Tile, Marble, and Quartz products, which are designed to meet the evolving needs of architects, designers, and builders. This event is a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainable and innovative development, and we are thrilled to be a part of it." The Kolkata event, part of the iDAC Intelligence Series 2024, gathered industry leaders in architecture, design, and sustainable infrastructure. Thought-provoking panel discussions, innovations, ideas, and the latest trends in design were discussed and presented by speakers, presenters, and delegates during the event. AGL's participation underscored its dedication to contributing to the industry's growth and innovation. In a strategic move to elevate its brand, the company has signed Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador and launched the "Premium ka Pappa" campaign. This partnership underscores the brand's dedication to excellence and promises an exciting future. With Kapoor's endorsement, the brand seeks to expand its reach, particularly among the youth, driving forward its vision of growth and connectivity. It also aims to resonate with consumers' aspirations and emotions, establishing a strong connection with both trade partners and customers through its emphasis on premium experiences and sophisticated appeal. As a young and fastest-growing brand, Asian Granito India Ltd continues to push boundaries with its innovative and rich collection of products and is committed to staying ahead of the curve. With Ranbir Kapoor on board, the brand aims to further elevate its presence in the market and connect with a wider audience, especially the youth segment. In a short span of two decades, Asian Granito India Ltd has emerged as India's leading Luxury Surfaces and Bathware Solutions brand. The Company manufacture and markets a range of Tiles, Engineered Marble and Quartz, Sanitaryware and Faucets. The Company has 235 plus exclusive franchisee showrooms, 11 company owned display centers and an extensive marketing and distribution network pan India with 14,000 plus touchpoints including distributors, dealers and sub-dealers in India. The Company also exports to more than 100 countries. Asian Granito has 2,942 plus SKUs on offer in Tiles segment, 1,100 plus SKUs in Bathware and faucets and 126 plus SKUs in Engineered Marble and Quartz Stone. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in expanding production capabilities, product portfolio, distribution network and global reach. This dedication has propelled it on a path of continuous growth, positioning the company among the leading ceramic tiles companies in India and an emerging brand in the global markets. About Asian Granito India Limited Established in the year 2000, Asian Granito India Ltd. (AGL) has emerged as India's leading Luxury Surfaces and Bathware Solutions brand in a short span of two decades. The Company manufactures and markets a wide range of Tiles, Engineered Marble and Quartz, Sanitaryware and Faucets. AGL products are synonymous with reliability, adaptability, innovation, quality consciousness and the company has created a strong brand identity, well recognized globally and loyal customer following across segments. Today it is 4th largest listed ceramic tile company in India with employee strength of 6,000 plus. Ranked amongst the top ceramic tiles companies in India, AGL has achieved over 65 times growth in its production capacity, from 0.83 Million Sq. Mtrs. Per Annum in FY 2000 to 54.5 Million Sq. Mtrs. Per Annum in FY 2023. AGL is also the only tiles company to be acknowledged in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015 for achieving phenomenal growth. The Company has 14 state-of-the-art manufacturing units spread across Gujarat and 235 plus exclusive franchisee showrooms, 12 company owned display centers across India. Further, the Company has an extensive marketing and distribution network pan India with 14,000 plus touchpoints including distributors, dealers and sub-dealers in India. The company also exports to more than 100 countries. The Company looks to strengthen its identity as the leader in the Indian ceramic industry by consistently introducing innovative and value-added products in the market to keep pace with its valued customers. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, AGL is listed on NSE & BSE and reported net consolidated turnover of INR 1530.6 crore in FY 2024. (For more information, please visit: www.aglasiangranito.com) (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], July 22: Woodland, a renowned global brand known for its high-quality outdoor footwear and apparel, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Mobilogi Technologies to bolster its affiliate marketing initiatives. This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of Mobilogi Technologies and the reach of Mobilogi to drive growth and enhance customer engagement. Mobilogi Technologies, founded by veterans of the digital industry with over two decades of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the partnership. The company's deep understanding of digital marketing trends and strategies will play a crucial role in optimizing Woodland's affiliate marketing efforts. Mobilogi's proven track record in delivering cutting-edge digital solutions makes them an ideal partner for this initiative. Mobilogi Technologies, known for its extensive network and effective marketing solutions, will complement this partnership by expanding Woodland's reach to a broader audience. With their expertise in affiliate marketing, They will help in identifying and collaborating with the right affiliates to promote Woodland's products more effectively. "We are excited to partner with Mobilogi Technologies. Their combined expertise and innovative approach to affiliate marketing will undoubtedly enhance our marketing capabilities and drive significant growth," said Gagandeep Singh, CEO of Woodland. "This partnership aligns with our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and strategic collaborations to deliver superior value to our customers." Partnering with content creators, and marketers at large to drive growth is a powerful opportunity to leverage affiliate marketing. By Collaborating with bloggers, influencers, we want to introduce our products through word of mouth and creative content. The strategy not only amplifies our reach, but also enables us to introduce innovative products tailored to diverse customer needs; Utilizing affiliate marketing allows for performance-based outcomes, ensuring that both parties benefit from the partnership, driving sales, and fostering long-term growth. Mobilogi Technologies will focus on developing and implementing advanced digital marketing strategies, utilizing data-driven insights to optimize affiliate campaigns. Their experience in navigating the dynamic digital landscape will ensure that Woodland's affiliate marketing efforts are both effective and sustainable. Nadeem Kazi, Founder & MD of Mobilogi Technologies said "We are thrilled to announce our strategic collaboration with Woodland. This partnership signifies a new era of innovation and customer engagement, bringing together the strengths of three industry leaders." Fuzail Qureshi Co-founder & CEO of Mobilogi Technologies said, "Our goal is to leverage cutting-edge technology and seamless integration to enhance the shopping experience for Woodland's customers. By combining Mobilogi's expertise in digital transformation with Woodland's legacy of quality marketing prowess, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the retail industry." On the other hand, will work on creating synergies with various affiliates, ensuring that Woodland's products are promoted through the right channels to reach potential customers effectively. Their extensive network and industry knowledge will be instrumental in driving traffic and conversions, thereby contributing to Woodland's overall marketing objectives. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward for Woodland in its quest to enhance its digital presence and engage with customers more effectively. By combining the strengths of Mobilogi Technologies, Woodland is poised to achieve new heights in its marketing endeavors. Expanding Digital Footprint In an era where digital presence is paramount, Woodland's alliance with Mobilogi Technologies is timely and strategic. The partnership will enable Woodland to navigate the complexities of digital marketing with greater agility and precision. Mobilogi Technologies, with its two decades of industry expertise, is uniquely positioned to offer insights that can refine Woodland's digital strategies. Their innovative approach ensures that Woodland remains at the forefront of digital marketing trends, utilizing the latest technologies to reach and engage with a global audience. Mobilogi' role in this partnership cannot be overstated. With a robust network of affiliates, Mobilogi will facilitate connections that extend Woodland's reach beyond traditional boundaries. Their ability to target specific demographics and markets will enhance Woodland's ability to attract and retain customers. This synergy will not only drive traffic but also ensure higher conversion rates, thus maximizing the return on investment for Woodland's marketing efforts. Leveraging Expertise for Growth Mobilogi Technologies' involvement will see the implementation of sophisticated, data-driven marketing strategies. By analyzing customer behavior and market trends, Mobilogi will help Woodland to tailor its marketing campaigns more effectively. This personalized approach is expected to result in higher engagement levels and improved customer satisfaction. Furthermore, Mobilogi's experience in digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing will provide Woodland with a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance its online presence. On the other hand, we will focus on building and managing relationships with affiliates. Their extensive network will be leveraged to ensure Woodland's products are promoted through the most effective channels. By working closely with affiliates, they will help create campaigns that are not only impactful but also aligned with Woodland's brand values and business objectives. This collaborative effort will be crucial in driving Woodland's growth in the highly competitive market. Strategic Vision and Future Prospects The collaboration between Woodland, Mobilogi Technologies, is not just about immediate gains but also about long-term strategic vision. Woodland aims to create a sustainable and scalable affiliate marketing model that can adapt to changing market dynamics. With Mobilogi's innovative strategies and extensive network, Woodland is well-equipped to achieve this goal. Mobilogi Technologies will continue to refine and enhance Woodland's digital marketing strategies, ensuring that they are always ahead of the curve. Their focus on innovation and data-driven decision-making will help Woodland to navigate future challenges with confidence. Meanwhile, They will ensure that Woodland's GMV grows in both size and effectiveness, providing a steady stream of high-quality traffic and conversions. Enhancing Customer Engagement A key objective of this partnership is to enhance customer engagement. Woodland recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with its customers, and this collaboration will enable the brand to connect with its audience in more meaningful ways. Mobilogi Technologies will provide the tools and insights needed to create personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with customers. By understanding customer preferences and behaviors, Woodland can deliver more relevant and engaging content. Mobilogi will support this effort by ensuring that Woodland's products are promoted through channels that reach the right audience. Their expertise in affiliate marketing will help Woodland to create campaigns that are not only effective but also engaging. This dual approach will ensure that Woodland's customers receive a consistent and high-quality experience across all touchpoints. Commitment to Quality and Innovation Woodland's commitment to quality and innovation is at the heart of this partnership. The brand has always been known for its high-quality outdoor footwear and apparel, and this collaboration with Mobilogi Technologies is a testament to its dedication to excellence. By leveraging the latest digital marketing techniques and affiliate marketing strategies, Woodland aims to deliver even greater value to its customers. Mobilogi Technologies share Woodland's commitment to innovation and quality. Mobilogi's focus on data-driven strategies and cutting-edge technologies will ensure that Woodland's marketing efforts are always at the forefront of industry trends. Mobilogi' extensive network and marketing expertise will provide Woodland with the reach and impact needed to succeed in today's competitive market. Conclusion In conclusion, the partnership between Woodland, Mobilogi Technologies, represents a significant milestone in Woodland's marketing journey. With the expertise of Mobilogi Technologies, Woodland is well-positioned to enhance its digital presence, drive growth, and engage with customers more effectively. This collaboration marks a new chapter in Woodland's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New York [US], July 22: In a heartfelt ceremony celebrating his extraordinary contributions to global peace and universal spirituality, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts and President of the World Peace Development and Research Foundation, was awarded the prestigious title "Vishwa Shanti Padmam - Lotus of World Peace." This esteemed recognition was conferred by the Board of Directors of the World Yoga Community during his visit to New York, USA. The accolade, symbolizing the highest appreciation for outstanding service and dedication to human values, was presented to Dr. Marwah in acknowledgment of his relentless efforts in promoting a culture of peace and spirituality worldwide. The World Yoga Community, an NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, recognized Dr. Marwah's unparalleled achievements and contributions. Adding to the honors, Dr. Marwah also received the Interfaith Leadership Award from Rev. Dr. Dileep Kumar Thankappan, Global Chairman of the World Yoga Community Inc. The award ceremony took place at the elegant Hotel Park Lane, Central Park, 59th Street, Manhattan, amidst a gathering of distinguished guests and dignitaries. Rev. Dr. Dileep Kumar Thankappan extolled Dr. Marwah's exceptional contributions to global peace and spirituality. "What Dr. Sandeep Marwah has achieved is beyond the reach of any common man. He has been blessed by the Almighty to accomplish these spiritual and peace activities. We wish him great success and even greater achievements," said Rev. Dr. Thankappan, highlighting the remarkable nature of Dr. Marwah's endeavors. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Marwah said, "I am profoundly thankful to His Holiness Avadhuta Dileep Kumar Ji Maharaj for bestowing upon me such a wonderful award. I accept this as a blessing from all of you and extend my heartfelt thanks to the millions of people associated with us across various departments and segments in our mission of bringing love, peace, and unity through art and culture." The ceremony was graced by notable personalities, including Rev. Dr. Frank Kaufmann and Rev. Krishnarajanagara, NGO Representatives of the World Yoga Community to the United Nations, renowned filmmaker Noman Robin, and social worker Sadia Arfin. Their presence underscored the significance of Dr. Marwah's work and the widespread admiration it has garnered. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 22: GoodSpace.ai, a revolutionary AI-powered recruitment platform, is thrilled to announce Annie Hugh as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Leveraging her extensive experience in tech and operations management, Annie will play a pivotal role in accelerating GoodSpace.ai's mission to disrupt the hiring landscape through the power of advanced artificial intelligence. The Lean Startup Approach to Talent Acquisition GoodSpace.ai was founded in 2020 with a vision to disrupt the traditional recruitment process, applying the principles of lean startup methodology to create a platform that delivers pre-screened, interviewed candidates within 24 hours. By leveraging AI, GoodSpace.ai eliminates inefficiencies, reduces time-to-hire, and ensures a better fit between job seekers and employers. Annie Hugh's Transformative Leadership Annie Hugh brings over two decades of experience in the tech industry, having held senior positions at leading companies such as Goodera, Unifyed, and American Express. At Goodera, Hugh was instrumental in scaling global operations and driving significant revenue growth. Her tenure at Unifyed was marked by the implementation of innovative operational strategies that improved efficiency and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. "I am excited to join GoodSpace.ai at such a transformative time," said Hugh. "The company's innovative approach to using AI in recruitment is groundbreaking and addresses critical challenges in the hiring process. I look forward to working with the team to further enhance our platform and expand our global footprint." Building for Scale and Innovation GoodSpace.ai's platform uses advanced algorithms to match job seekers with employers based on skills, experience, and preferences. The proprietary "goodness score" system evaluates candidates using community feedback and various data points, providing a comprehensive view of their strengths and potential. This innovative scoring system ensures that both employers and job seekers benefit from more precise and satisfactory matches. The agile methodology is deeply ingrained in GoodSpace.ai's DNA. The platform continuously iterates based on user feedback, ensuring it evolves to meet market needs. "We are thrilled to have Annie join our leadership team," said Vinay Pasricha, Co-Founder and CEO of GoodSpace.ai. "Her extensive experience in technology and operations, coupled with her strategic vision, will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings. Annie's leadership will help us achieve our goal of making GoodSpace.ai the go-to platform for job seekers and employers worldwide." Empowering Recruiters and Job Seekers GoodSpace.ai's mission is to empower both recruiters and job seekers by providing a platform that is efficient, unbiased, and user-friendly. Trusted by over 10,000 recruiters in India, the platform has already made a significant impact in the recruitment technology space. The company's commitment to leveraging AI for better recruitment outcomes is set to redefine the hiring landscape. With Hugh at the helm of operations, GoodSpace.ai aims to enhance its technological capabilities, expand its market reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to its users. The platform's holistic approach to recruitment, which includes helping candidates build their online reputation, ensures a higher degree of compatibility and satisfaction for both employers and job seekers. "Annie's appointment marks a new chapter for GoodSpace.ai," said Saksham Sandhu - Co- Founder and Chief Technology Officer. "Her ability to drive operational excellence and lead high-performing teams will be critical as we continue to revolutionize the hiring process with our AI-driven solutions." A Vision for the Future GoodSpace.ai is poised to continue its trajectory of rapid growth and innovation. The company's focus on continuous improvement and user-centered design ensures that it remains at the forefront of recruitment technology. By building a platform that addresses the needs of both employers and job seekers, GoodSpace.ai is creating a more efficient and effective hiring ecosystem. Annie Hugh's strategic insights and operational expertise are expected to drive GoodSpace.ai's expansion into new markets, enhancing its technological capabilities and delivering unparalleled value to its users. For more information about GoodSpace.ai and its innovative recruitment solutions, please visit www.goodspace.ai. Media Contact: Gaurav SangwaniIntegrated Communications Officer, GoodSpace.aiEmail: gauravs@goodspace.ai Phone: +91-9582040872 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 22: Fragile X Society India a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering families impacted by Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting a child's development participates in World Fragile X Awareness Day, a global initiative that takes place every year on July 22nd. FXS is estimated to impact approximately 4L individuals in India alone. Fragile X Society India serves as a vital resource for these families, offering guidance, information, and support. PVR INOX, India's largest multiplex chain and the only multiplex chain in the world to join this cause continues their collaboration from the previous year. The team is running a nationwide awareness campaign for Fragile X Syndrome by displaying educational videos across 137 screens in major Indian cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. City Centre malls by Ambuja Neotia Group are also lighting up in teal, the color representing Fragile X awareness, across Kolkata to support the movement. The Taj Mahal Tower in Mumbai is lighting up, continuing its years-long support of Fragile X Awareness. It are also joined in Mumbai by the BMC Headquarters and Petroleum House. Nutcracker cafes across the city have put up informative tent cards & standees and will serve a special dessert dedicated to Fragile X Awareness on 22nd July. Prescon Midtown Bay in Mahim and Prescon Amanha in Goa are two residential complexes that are lighting up for awareness as well. Spreading the message further in Delhi for the 4th year in a row, is The Connaught New Delhi, IHCL Seleqtions. Celebrities like Boman Irani are lending their voices to educational videos and spreading the message among their vast audience. Apollo Hospital Group organized a pan-India webinar with Fragile X Society India, and Nabajatak Child Development Center collaborated with the society to organize an awareness webinar as well. Other notable medical bodies lighting up in support are Apollo Hospital, Apollo Women's Hospital, Apollo Hospital in Chennai, Akansha Hospital in Anad, Nabajatak Child Development Center, Institute of Child Health and Renew Healthcare in Kolkata. They are also joined by educational institutions like Amrit Somani Memorial Centre in Kolkata and the Cathedral School in Mumbai. Joining the awareness efforts, Atal Setu in Goa is lighting up its entire bridge. Various other MSMEs such as Forwwward, a marketing agency in Panjim; and Evolve, a Dental Clinic in Mapusa are lighting up their offices in teal to spread awareness about this condition! Join Fragile X Society - India in spreading awareness. Together, let us make a difference in the lives of individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disabilities, behavioural challenges, and various physical characteristics. It is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Fragile X Society - India is a non-governmental organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and facilitating early diagnosis and treatment for Fragile X Syndrome. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary on Monday informed the Parliament that market regulator SEBI has received representations on the sharp stock market movements on June 4, the day when the Lok Sabha election results were declared, but no specific information on any "unfair trading" has been provided. "Though SEBI has received representations on the above stock market movements, no specific information on any unfair trading has been provided," said Chaudhary, in a written reply in Lok Sabha in response to questions posed by five parliamentarians. The minister was asked whether it is a fact that there was an unprecedented fall of stock prices amounting to a loss of Rs 30 lakh crores to investors immediately on June 4. Indian stocks witnessed a bloodbath on the day the Lok Sabha results were announced, where incumbent BJP performed below par and seemed it may fall short of exit poll predictions and the majority mark on its own. Sensex declined by a whopping 4,389.73 points and Nifty by 1,379.40 points on June 4 when results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were announced. Much of the losses were recovered over the next few sessions. Many investors booked profits they accumulated from the stock market gains a day after the exit poll predictions indicated a comfortable majority for the BJP. On June 3, the markets had risen sharply, reacting to the positive exit poll predictions for the BJP-led NDA. Minister Chaudhary in his written reply asserted that stock market movements are a function of investor perceptions along with other factors -- global economic scenarios affecting foreign capital flows, domestic macro-economic parameters, and overall corporate performance. "The indices recovered within three days and have reached record levels since 4th June 2024, registering an increase of 12.9 per cent and 13.3 per cent respectively as on 18th July, 2024," the minister said. The decrease of around Rs 30 lakh crore in market capitalisation of companies listed on NSE and BSE on June 4, 2024 was recovered within a period of five days and it has increased by around Rs 59 lakh crore since then as on July 18, 2024, the minister added. "Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as the statutory regulator of securities markets, is mandated to put in place regulatory and surveillance frameworks for effecting stable operations and development of the securities markets. It conducts regular surveillance of trends in the securities markets to enhance market integrity and safeguard interest of investors," the minister said. Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale had written a letter to financial market regulator SEBI, seeking a probe into the stock market activity ahead of the declaration of Lok Sabha election results. He had alleged "manipulation" in trading activities, a day after exit polls were announced. Congress also raised similar allegations in June. During TV interviews, both PM Modi and Amit Shah had asserted that the Indian stock markets will trade strong after election results, which was inferred by many in the Opposition, including TMC and Congress, as stock advice. (ANI)
The state-owned oil major, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has handed over a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Navy, the company said in a release on Monday. The initiative aims to promote hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, positioning the Indian Navy as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in collaboration with the company. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between both entities in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, S M Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil, and senior officials of Indian Oil and Indian Navy. The MoU was exchanged between Vice Admiral, Deepak Kapoor, Controller of Logistics, Indian Navy, and Dr Kannan Chandrasekaran, Executive Director, Indian Oil at the Nau Sena Bhawan, New Delhi. Speaking at the collaboration with the oil major, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff of the IndianNavy said, "The partnership between IndianOil and the Indian Navy is built on an unbreakable bond of trust. We will be testing one of the hydrogen buses and looking forward to deploying environment-friendly transportation in larger numbers, and I must thank IndianOil for choosing the Indian Navy as their partner. The bus will adorn our motto of - "Indian Navy - Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force." S M Vaidya, Chairman, of Indian Oil, expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, "Today, we come together to celebrate a significant milestone in our shared pursuit of sustainability and environmental stewardship, through this advanced Green Hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Navy, symbolizing our commitment to innovation and green technology." He further added, "As we continue to support our defence forces with innovative, forward-looking solutions that cater to tomorrow's needs. Indian Oil has been leading the way in advancing Green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies." Indian Oil is currently operating 15 fuel cell buses in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, accumulating a total mileage of 300,000 kilometres, where each bus is expected to run at least 20000 km. According to the company, the initiative aims to promote hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, positioning the Indian Navy as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in collaboration with Indian Oil, the premier energy company in India. The project will assess the performance of fuel-cell electric buses for public transit in the demanding climatic conditions of the Delhi NCR region, analysing the impact of local fuel and air quality on the performance of fuel-cell systems and vehicles. Additionally, it will evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational reliability of fuel cell buses intended for public fleet utilization. Earlier, the rating agency Moody's affirmed a stable outlook for state-owned oil companies Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) along with the other major state-owned energy entity Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The rating agency recognized the IOCL's strong balance sheet, combined with its status as India's largest refining and marketing company. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is a leading downstream company specializing in oil refining and marketing and distribution of petroleum products, petrochemicals, and natural gas. The company is listed on Indian stock exchanges and was 51.5 per cent owned by the Indian government as of 30 June 2024. (ANI)
The glittering evening of Sunday saw the grand spectacle of the Streaming Academy Awards, hosted to recognise and celebrate outstanding original content from streaming platforms across Hindi and regional languages. Organised as part of SIIMA (South Indian International Movie Awards), the event attracted a constellation of celebrities and industry stalwarts eager to applaud the best in web series and films directly streamed on OTT platforms. Celebrities like Aditi Rao Hydari, Rakul Preet, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ishan Khattar, and Rana Daggubati, among others, graced the event, each adding to the star-studded affair with their presence and accolades. Aditi Rao Hydari, resplendent in black designer attire, was awarded Best Popular Actress for her role in 'Taj: Divided by Blood'. Expressing her gratitude, she spoke to ANI and said, "I always believe that we are an Indian film industry, and we are stronger together. So it's wonderful to be here. I'm very grateful for this. And I want to thank the Nexa Streaming Academy Awards for honouring me." Rakul Preet who won Best Actress, Web Original Female Hindi for her film 'Chhatriwali,' highlighted the film's message on sex education, sharing her joy, "I'm very happy that our film got so much love." Sobhita Dhulipala, who received the NEXA Streaming Academy Awards for Best Actor, Series Female Critics Hindi, for her role in Zoya Akhtar's 'Made in Heaven 2,' expressed her encouragement and motivation, attributing her success to the well-written character and talented creators behind the series. "It feels very encouraging, it feels supportive and I feel motivated because the truth is that, as an actor, I got lucky with such an amazingly written character, so the credits go to the filmmakers and writers of this show," she said in a conversation with ANI. Ishan Khatter, honoured for 'Pippa,' acknowledged the collaborative effort that led to the film's success, particularly thanking the Indian Armoured Corps for their contribution. "It was a collective win for Pippa and I'm very proud of it. I'm very happy to be here representing the film. and representing the Indian Armoured Corps, because of whom we were able to make this film. They had a big hand in making this film successful. So, thank you very much. Jai Hind," he said in a conversation with ANI. Rana Daggubati, who received NEXA Streaming Academy Awards for Best Actor, series (male) Hindi for his Netflix series 'Rana Naidu,' expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the organisers and his team for their support in his maiden series role. "It's my first series and the first award for the first role I played. I'm always very, very grateful to Nexa. to Saima, to everyone who's brought this together. So thank you. Thank you to Netflix. Thank you to Karan and everyone who believed in me. Thank you," he said. The Streaming Academy Awards, organised as part of SIIMA, feature a total of 48 categories: 24 dedicated to Hindi content and 24 to regional languages. According to a statement, Brinda Prasad Adusumilli, Chairperson of SIIMA, emphasised the event's role in recognising excellence across diverse linguistic streams on digital platforms. She stated, "Post-pandemic, digital has become the primary source of content consumption, and content consumption on streaming platforms has become language-agnostic. We at SIIMA believe in building an event celebrating the best of streaming platforms, irrespective of the language in which the content is produced. We are happy to partner with NEXA in this new initiative, as NEXA strongly believes in celebrating excellence." The awards ceremony took place in Mumbai, marking a significant occasion for the streaming industry and its contributors. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha attended the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in the national capital. The event, hosted by the Union Ministry of Culture, featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The inauguration of the session took place on Sunday at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, marking the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting. This significant event will run until July 31, 2024. "Attended '46th Session of World Heritage Committee' organised at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji graced the occasion with his kind and valuable words. I also visited the stall by Tourism Department at the exhibition center of the event," CM Saha posted on X. The World Heritage Committee, which convenes annually, is tasked with managing all matters related to World Heritage and making decisions on the sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Alongside CM Saha, the event saw the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, and Union MoS (I/C) for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh. The participation of these eminent figures underscores the importance of the session and highlights India's commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage on the global stage. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Sunday announced that India will contribute one million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to provide support for heritage conservation in countries, especially in the Global South. Speaking at the inauguration of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, PM Modi said that India considers the preservation of global heritage as its responsibility, and, hence, is providing support for heritage conservation not only in India but also in countries of the Global South. "India considers the preservation of global heritage as its responsibility, and hence, we are providing support for heritage conservation not only in India but also in countries of the Global South. India is assisting in the conservation of many heritages like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Cham Temples in Vietnam, and Bagan Stupa in Myanmar. In this direction, I am making an announcement. India will contribute one million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This grant will be used for capacity building, technical assistance, and the conservation of world heritage sites," PM Modi said. "A certificate programme in world heritage management has also started in India for young professionals," he added. (ANI)
The devotees were seen queueing up to worship Lord Shiva on the first Monday of the holy month of 'Sawan'.

Prayers were also offered at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh' Ujjain, on the first Monday of 'Sawan' month.

Devotees offered parayers at Baba Nageshwar temple at Naya Ganj in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh today.

Devotees thronged Baba Baidyanath temple in Jharkhand's Deoghar today.

Devotees also offered prayers at Gauri Shankar temple in Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, on the occasion of 'Sawan' month.

As the monsoon blankets the Indian subcontinent in a cool embrace, millions across the country prepare for the month of Sawan, a time revered by Hindus for its spiritual significance and devotion to Lord Shiva.

This sacred month, falling typically between July and August marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage, dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation.

Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects.

Devotees undertake fasting and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The cooling rains of Sawan are symbolic of Shiva's compassion and benevolence.

During Sawan, devotees typically observe fasts on Mondays, which are considered auspicious.

Many choose to abstain from consuming grains and eat only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting.

The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (a ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Monday gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the ongoing controversy over the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). In his notice, Manickam Tagore urged the House to suspend all listed business of the day to discuss the "unprecedented cases of paper leaks in conduct of exams including NEET-UG and UGC NET and the failure of National Testing Agency (NTA)." Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed several adjournments in the last session, with Congress and other opposition parties insisting on a debate on the NEET-UG controversy while the government was keen to take up the motion of thanks on the President's address. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on border clashes between India and China and India's trade deficit with China. "Recently, China rejected the inauguration of the Seva tunnel and claimed parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. Additionally, in 2023-24, India's trade deficit with China exceeded USD 85 billion, with exports at USD 16.65 billion and imports at USD 101.75 billion," Tewari's adjournment motion notice said. "I urge the Government to inform the House about the border situation and the trade deficit, and to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions. I request permission to raise this matter," it added. The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on Monday and subject to the exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on August 12. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2023-24 along with a statistical appendix in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. (ANI)
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala V Sivadasan, wrote a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Sunday regarding receiving a threatening call claiming to be from "Sikhs For Justice." In a letter, he said, "This is to bring to your kind attention the matter of receiving a threatening call claiming to be from Sikhs For Justice." "I have received a threatening call from an unknown number claiming itself to be on behalf of Sikhs for Justice on July 21, 2024, at 11.30 pm. The call was received as I was in the IGI Airport Lounge with AA Rahim MP, just minutes after receiving the call," he added. "The partial text of the recorded call, as I could decipher, is given, Sikhs for Justice is going to bombard the Indian Parliament to Red Fort area with Khalistan referendum message. To open the eyes and ears of the Indian rulers under which Sikhs are facing existential threat. Members of Parliament, if you do not want to experience the Khalistan referendum, stay home. The message is from Gurpatwantsingh Pannun, Sikhs for Justice, General Council," he stated in a letter. He further said that he had informed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of New Delhi District and also filed an official complaint. "I have informed the DCP in charge of New Delhi District and an official complaint has been filed. I request you to kindly take note of the matter and take required further action," it added. Earlier on July 9, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the ban on the terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) by declaring it again an unlawful association for a further period of five years from July 10, 2024. The Ministry extended the ban on SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing its involvement in "anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India." Earlier, the MHA had issued a similar ban against SFJ in 2019. (ANI)
Congress MP Manish Tewari on Monday gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on the border situation and India's trade deficit with China. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance. That this House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other businesses of the day to have a discussion on the border situation and the huge trade deficit with China," Tewari stated. He further stated that, since 2019, there have been ongoing border clashes between India and China, with reports of Chinese troops blocking access to patrolling points in Eastern Ladakh. "Recently, China rejected the inauguration of the Seva tunnel and claimed parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. Additionally, in 2023-24, India's trade deficit with China exceeded USD 85 billion, with exports at USD 16.65 billion and imports at USD 101.75 billion. I urge the government to inform the House about the border situation and the trade deficit, and to provide details on efforts to resolve the border dispute and protect India's integrity against Chinese aggressions. I request permission to raise this matter," he added. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also gave an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha and demanded to discuss the unprecedented cases of paper leaks in the conduct of exams, including NEET-UG and UGC NET and the failure of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed several adjournments in the last session, with Congress and other opposition parties insisting on a debate on the NEET-UG controversy while the government was keen to take up the motion of thanks on the President's address. The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on Monday and subject to the exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on August 12. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2023-24 along with a statistical appendix in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. (ANI)
Earlier on Sunday, Lt. Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retd) B D Mishra held a meeting at the secretariat on Sunday and reviewed arrangements for the PM's visit to the Kargil War Memorial at Drass.

"The Hon'ble Lt Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) held a meeting at the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat to discuss the arrangements for Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi's visit to the Kargil War Memorial Drass," Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh posted on X.

LG Mishra asked the concerned officials to complete all necessary arrangements on time.

"The HLG inquired from the GOC of 8 Mountain Division about the arrangements for PM's reception at Drass Brigade Helipad. He directed concerned officers to complete all necessary arrangements in a timely manner," the statement added.

The Ladakh LG said that he would visit the Kargil War Memorial at Drass on July 24, 2024, to inspect the arrangements for the PM's visit.

Earlier in 2022, PM Modi celebrated Diwali in Kargil with soldiers and also laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and paid tribute to the army personnel who lost their lives here in 1999.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26 in India, commemorates the victory of Operation Vijay in 1999. This event marks the conclusion of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which began in May 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.

The day honours the courage of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation and celebrates the determination and strength of the Indian armed forces. Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a tribute to their sacrifices and reaffirms the nation's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and integrity.

The 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas will be celebrated with great enthusiasm this year on July 26 across the country. (ANI)
The Indian National Team set off for Brazil on Monday to participate in the International Olympiad of Linguistics. The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) challenges participants to analyze the grammar, structure, culture, and history of different languages and to demonstrate their linguistic abilities through puzzles and problem-solving challenges. While speaking to ANI, Manish Shrivastava, an assistant professor at IIIT Hyderabad (International Institute of Information Technology - Hyderabad) said, "International Linguistic Olympiad is a two-decade-old Olympiad, one of the newer ones, which focuses on puzzles coming out of languages all across the world, and these are based on linguistic phenomena that are required to deeply understand language. This is a school-level event. Participants from all over the world from their school times, come there to participate in teams of four. Most countries send two teams. We are sending two teams of four students each coming from all across India." Manish Shrivastava works in the language technologies research centre of IIT Hyderabad specifically in the areas of natural language processing and information extraction. Explaining the mode of selection of students, Shrivastava said that these students were chosen from the Indian version of the linguistics Olympiad, the Panini linguistics Olympiad that happens in February, registration opens in December, and students from schools all across India apply for it. "These national exams happen at various partner institutes, such as triple IIIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and many other centres across the country and use their performance as a measure for their capability. A team of 40 is chosen to go for the Asia Pacific linguistics Olympiad and the top performers in that exam are chosen to represent India in the International Olympiad of Linguistics," Shrivastava said. "India is a linguistically very diverse country. We have a lot of languages. So, even for more harmony within the country, exposure to multiple languages is important, and more than that, if we want to drop this language barrier, language AI becomes important and language AI depends on linguistics. Current language AI models are largely neural models, which are learning the meaning of words by looking at the context. That is the most basic implementation or most basic usage, of linguistic theory in AI. Similarly, a deeper understanding of linguistic principles will allow us to build better, more capable AI systems," the professor added. "When it comes to the Indian context, we want our young student population to be more aware of this linguistic diversity and the need to understand this linguistic diversity and become capable language researchers to contribute in the language research which would aid the development of the country itself," Shrivastava added. "If I bring it to the Indian context, very often for many languages, that much digital content is not available. If we want to create capable AI systems like large language models, we have to link language studies, linguistics and AI together so that the model can learn faster without needing all of that large volume of data," he further said. Anshul Krishnadas Bhagwat, enrolled in the CLD programming at IIIT Hyderabad who will be accompanying the Indian national team to the International Linguistics Olympiad this year said, "I had gone last year as a student in my 12th grade. I received an honourable mention there in Bulgaria. IIIT has a CLD program, which is a Dual Degree program in Computational Linguistics with Computer Science, Bachelor of Technology, and Competition Linguistics Master of Science through research. So in IIIT, we have one of the best MT-NLP (Machine Translation and Natural Language Processing) labs which is machine translation and natural language processing and Artificial Intelligence and generative intelligence." "So when it comes to language, human language and computer language are very different. Any tool that has to be used by people has to incorporate linguistics because the common person cannot code or cannot use binary language to communicate with a computer. Whenever it comes to Artificial Intelligence, linguistics is at the forefront of it. At the actual helm of interaction between the user and the product is linguistics. So natural language processing is an up and coming field right now and it's booming," Bhagwat added. He further said that the prospects with respect to generative models like ChatGPT in India will be in the field of Computer Science that will include natural language processing and machine translation-related tasks. An 18-year-old graduate participant from Mumbai, Faraz Ahmed Siddiqui said, "So, firstly, it acts as a sort of an event, you know, to, like a get together for a young budding linguist of the world and in the like, general overall sense and like if you look at the prospects of the events overall, linguistics, as a field is very important especially in the current age if you look at say people developing language models all although that that is a part of computer science, linguistics is definitely a great part of it." Siddiqui is a freshman at IIT Kanpur studying physics and has represented India at the International Olympiad of Linguistics on the past two occasions, where he won the silver medal. "People that have participated in the event in the past and are now working at the edge of, you know, developing superior language models. So it is important in that sense. And in like, the overall development of us, just getting people from other nations to interact with them, because we share common interests and because simply linguistics is interesting. It is interesting to understand Human Sciences, its interesting to understand how human languages form, how they evolve, etc," Siddiqui added. Shri Laxmi, who is 14 years old and a first-time participant said, "When I found out about this, the first thing I found was that this Olympiad is not like a conventional multiple-choice Olympiad where you can just write it on an OMR sheet because this kind of offers you a new perspective on you know, human thinking, language and logic, and it gives you a fresh perspective of how to view the world in general. So I find that very interesting." "Language is an integral part of human society in general. So obviously, linguistics plays a very important role, and when I was at IIIT Hyderabad as part of this, I was introduced to computational linguistics. I didn't know about it before, but it's about AI and linguistics and tying up everything together. And that can help a lot in education itself nowadays, and it can help you connect with more people around the world, and know about new cultures. So I think that's good," Laxmi added. 18-years-old participant Dia from Bangalore, who will be at MIT this year and is a second-time participant said, "So at first it was a very new experience for me. It was my first time in a long time going abroad, meeting people, performing at such a big level of competition, you know, meeting people who are so good at what they do. So I feel like I have certainly improved this year and I hope to do much better this year than I did last year. "It is a very good opportunity to build linguistic strengths, logical thinking and problem-solving skills.It exposed me to the world at large, meet people who are also doing linguistics, but at the same time doing other things as well. And I feel like that opened a lot of doors in the sense that I was able to find more opportunities for myself, in what I like to do, especially in logical thinking, problem solving and things like that. So I would say linguistics is a very nice starting point to discover more about yourself and what you like," Dia said. Raghava, associate professor at the CSE department, IIIT Delhi said, "Before the students fly out to the event, they have a workshop here and we are providing accommodation and classroom for them to get involved in the workshop and have some sort of training. This also acts as team event. So they are from different schools, different part of India." "I feel since India is represented at a global event, everyone should come together and help in whatever way they can. So, it helps the nation and the students to know the linguistic part of it and represent India at the global level. IIIT Delhi is happy to help," Raghava added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to all parliamentarians to rise above party politics and come together to work for the future of the country. Addressing the press ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, PM Modi appealed to opposition parties doing "negative politics" to "get rid of past bitterness and come together." "I would like to request all parliamentarians to participate in all discussions in the House, no matter how ideologically opposed they are. Opposite ideologies are not bad, but negative ideologies are. That is when the limit of thoughts come to an end. The country does not need negativity," PM Modi said. Urging all MPs to have progressive ideologies, the Prime Minister said, "The country needs a progressive ideology that fuels development and takes the country to great heights." In an attack on the opposition for not allowing the House to function smoothly during the innaugral session of the Parliament after the new NDA government came back to power, PM Modi said that the MPs tried to stifle the voice of the government and the Prime Minister. "In the first session after the formation of new government, they stifled the voice of the government that was elected to power by 140 crore people in the country through undemocratic means. For two and a half hours they tried to stifle the voice of the Prime Minister of the country. This does not find any place in the democractic principles of the country. They do not even repent this or are hurt by this," PM Modi said. Asking people to rise above party lines and represent the voices of the countrymen in the Parliament, PM Modi said, "I would like to tell everyone that people have sent us here for the country and not for our respective parties. This Parliament is not for our parties but for the country. This Parliament is not just restricted to Parliamentarians but for 140 crore people." "I hope that we utilize the temple of democracy positive to fulfill the aspirations of ordinary citizens in India," he added. "I would like to ask all the parties to rise above party lines and dedicate themselves to the country and use this dignified platform of Parliament for the next 4.5 years. In the election year of January 2029, you can play any game, but till then we should participate for the empowerment of the farmers, youth and the country', the Prime Minister said. Greeting people on the first day of month of Sawan, PM Modi said, "Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this auspicious day. I extend my greetings to the countrymen on the first Monday of Sawan. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. Today the whole country is looking at it. This should be a positive session..." Prime Minister Modi said that it is a moment for pride for the government to present the inaugral budget for the third time after government formation after 60 years. "...It is a matter of pride that after 60 years, a government has come to power for the third time and will present the first Budget for the third time...I have been giving guarantees to the people of the country and our mission is to bring this to the ground. This Budget is important budget for Amrit Kaal. Today's budget will decide the direction for the next 5 years of our term. This budget will also become a strong foundation of our dream of 'Viksit Bharat'...," he said. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2023-24 in Parliament on Monday. The Budget Session of Parliament which is commencing on Monday is likely to conclude on August 12. The Session will have 16 sittings spread over 22 days. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that this session will mainly be devoted to the financial business relating to the Union Budget for 2024-25 which will be presented to Lok Sabha on July 23. The Economic Survey of India 2023-24 along with a statistical appendix will be laid on the table of the Houses of Parliament on Monday. The Budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024 will also be presented on July 23.Union Ministers Jayant Chaudhary, Pankaj Chaudhary, Kirtivardhan Singh and Sukanta Majumdar will lay papers on the table in Lok Sabha on Monday. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will move a motion for the election of two members to the central building and other construction workers' advisory committee in Lok Sabha. Union Minister Manohar Lal will move the motion for election to the Rajghat Samadhi Committee (RSC). Matters under Rule 377 is likely to be taken for discussion in Lok Sabha. (ANI)
The continued cooperation between Italy and China to protect and promote world cultural heritages enhances mutual understanding and fosters learning between civilizations, several Italian professionals told Xinhua in recent interviews.

Italy and China currently hold the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Heleni Porfyriou, a former senior researcher at the Institute for Heritage Science of the Italian National Research Council, said that the significant number of heritage sites in both countries lays the foundation for collaboration, with many sites sharing similar historical significance, architectural styles, or cultural landscapes.

"When world heritage sites with similar characteristics are brought together, it promotes a deeper understanding of each other's history and culture," Porfyriou said. "Through tourism and digital platforms, audiences can learn about the wisdom of different parts of the world in the same historical periods, facilitating civilizational exchanges across continents."

Roberto Ciarla, an archaeologist with the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies in Italy, said that cooperation between Chinese and Italian World Heritage Sites not only benefits global visitors by showcasing ancient civilizations but also provides valuable learning experiences for management and research personnel.

Ciarla expects that both countries will engage in regular, focused exchanges on specific themes related to World Heritage Sites conservation and promotion. "Learning from each other's ideas and experiences is crucial for the better preservation of cultural heritages," said Ciarla.

At the 2024 World Heritage Convention, Beijing's Central Axis in China and Italy's Roman Appian Road are both on the review list. Porfyriou, who has participated in cooperative research projects on the Roman Appian Road and China's Grand Canal, said that Italy has gained valuable insights from China's Grand Canal heritage application process.

China has also published a book on Italian cultural heritage legislation and protection. "This is a positive example of Sino-Italian heritage cooperation, where both countries benefit by learning and understanding each other's policies and practices in relevant fields," said Porfyriou.

Some renowned World Heritage Sites in China face pressures of overdevelopment. Ciarla suggested shifting attention from the most popular sites to other areas. Collaborating with countries like Italy could help present the diversity of Chinese civilization to the world.

Many lesser-known heritage sites in China, such as Tulou in Fujian, are still not well known worldwide, according to Porfyriou. "We look forward to more cooperation between China and Italy in heritage sites, especially allowing more lesser-known places representing Chinese culture to be supported and appreciated," she said.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Monday made a scathing attack on the Government over allegations of paper leaks in the NEET exams on Monday highlighting the "very serious problem" in the country's examination system and stated that students in the country are convinced that if one has the money they can buy the examination system. Speaking in Lok Sabha during the Budget Session that got underway this morning, Gandhi asked Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan about the various steps the Ministry is undertaking to fix the alleged "systemic" rot in the present examination system and claimed that millions of students believe that the "system" is "fraud." "As this is a systemic issue, what exactly are you doing to fix this issue at the systemic level," Rahul Gandhi asked. Elaborating on his claim that all major examinations in the country sufferes from a "serious problem," Gandhi said, "It is obvious to the whole country that there is a very serious problem in our examination system. This is not just in the question of NEET but in all the major examinations." Slamming the Education Minister for failing to understand the gravity of the alleged problem in the country's education system. The Leader of the Opposition took a jibe at Pradhan and said, "The Minister has blamed everybody except himself. I don't think he understands the fundamentals of what is going on here." Rahul Gandhi pointed out that a large proportion of students in the country believe that the Indian education system is "fraud" and that those who are affluent can afford to "buy the system." "The issue is that there are millions of students in this country who are extremely concerned with what is going on and who are convinced that the Indian examination system is a fraud...Millions of people believe that if you are rich and if you have money you can buy the Indian examination system and this is the same feeling that people in the Opposition have," the LoP said. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who was speaking in the Lower House condemned Rahul Gandhi's statement saying that his "lie" cannot become true by "shouting". "...A lie will not become truth just by shouting. The fact that the Leader of Opposition says that the country's examination system is rubbish, is highly condemnable...," Pradhan said. The government has been facing the heat over the "paper leak" issue during the conduct of the NEET-UG examination. Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav said, "This government will make a record of paper leaks... There are some centres where more than 2,000 students have passed. As long as this minister (Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan) is there, the students will not get justice." As opposition members raised the issue of the NEET exam issue in Lok Sabha, Education Minister Pradhan said that there has been no evidence of paper leak in the last seven years. "More than 240 exams were conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) in last 7 years, more than 5 crore students applied, more than 4 crore participated. There have been incidents, this case is in SC currently. CJI is personally residing over the bench," Pradhan said. The Budget Session of Parliament that began today will have 16 sittings spread over 22 days. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that this session will mainly be devoted to financial business relating to the Union Budget for 2024-25 which will be presented to Lok Sabha on July 23. (ANI)
Three newly elected members of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly took their oaths as legislators on Monday after winning the recently concluded by-elections. Congress candidates Kamlesh Thakur, Hardeep Baba Bawa and BJP candidate Ashish Sharma took the oath after winning the seats in Dehra, Nalagarh and Hamirpur, respectively. Congress candidate and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's wife, Kamlesh Thakur, won the assembly by-election from the Dehra constituency by defeating Hoshyar Singh of the BJP. Congress candidate Hardeep Singh Bawa won the Nalagarh assembly constituency seat by defecating the BJP's KL Thakur. The only silver lining for the BJP in the assembly by-elections is in Hamirpur, where its candidate Ashish Sharma won by a slender lead. The seats fell vacant after the three independent legislators, Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra, Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur and K L Thakur from Nalagarh, who had voted in favour of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls held on February 27, resigned from the state assembly on March 22 and joined the party the next day. Expressing satisfaction over the bypoll results, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, "This is the victory of people over money power. The voters have delivered a strong rebuke to the politics of horse trading and have voted to maintain political integrity in the state. It had been 25 years since a Congress candidate won in Dehra. In Nalagarh, too, the candidate secured a significant victory. The election outcome has sent a clear message to the entire country and in the future, no candidate of any party in Himachal Pradesh will dare engage him or her in horse-trading for the next 50 years." The results of the assembly by-polls came as a setback for the BJP, where the party won only two of the 13 seats, with the INDIA bloc winning 10 seats and an independent candidate winning one seat across seven states across the country. (ANI)
In reaction to an order reportedly issued by the Ministry of Personnel that permits government servants to part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the right-wing organization, Sunil Ambekar, said that it "strengthens the democratic system of India". Welcoming the decision of the central government, Ambekar said, "The present decision of the government is appropriate and strengthens the democratic system of India." The RSS Prachar Pramukh pointed out that the erstwhile government had "baselessly" banned the organization owing to its "political interests." "Due to its political interests, the then government had baselessly banned the government employees from participating in the activities of a constructive organization like the Sangh," he said. Ambekar said that the RSS has been involved in reconstructing the nation and its role in the last 99 years, in stregthening national security, unity-integrity has been praised from time to time. "For the last 99 years, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been continuously involved in the reconstruction of the nation and service to the society. Due to the contribution of the Sangh in national security, unity-integrity and taking the society along during times of natural disaster, various types of leadership of the country have also praised the role of the Sangh from time to time," the Prachar Pramukh said. The controversial order has set off a war of words between the opposition and the BJP. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Monday said that the "unconstitutional order" issued 58 years ago imposing a ban on government employees from taking part in RSS activities has been withdrawn by the central government. "The unconstitutional order issued 58 years ago, in 1966, imposing a ban on government employees taking part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been withdrawn by the Modi government. The original order shouldn't have been passed in the first place," Malviya stated on X on Monday citing the July 9 order. "The ban was imposed because, on November 7, 1966, there was a massive anti-cow-slaughter protest at the Parliament. RSS-Jana Sangh mobilised support in lakhs. Many died in police firing. On 30 Nov 1966, shaken by the RSS-Jana Sangh clout, Indira Gandhi banned Govt staff from joining the RSS," he added. Reacting to the issue, AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that the order was against India's integrity and unity, adding that no civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of RSS. "This office memo purportedly shows that the government has lifted the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities. If true, this is against India's integrity and unity. The ban on RSS exists because it refused to accept the constitution, the national flag and the national anthem. Every RSS member takes an oath that puts Hindutva above the nation. No civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of RSS," Owaisi posted on X. (ANI)
Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that former Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar "institutionalised corruption," BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan on Monday said that if the Home Minister gives a statement, then naturally there is "truth" in it. Amit Shah on Sunday launched sharp attacks on Sharad Pawar over corruption, accusing him of "institutionalising" corruption. "When the Home Minister of the country gives a statement, then naturally there is seriousness, truth in it. Anyone can say anything. The allegation made by Supriya Sule is a political allegation. She doesn't have any proof against me," Chavan told reporters. Amit Shah while addressing BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune said that "biggest mastermind" of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar "They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" Amit Shah said. Shah hit out at the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Sharad Pawar over the alleged milk powder import circular that is making rounds in the state. He accused the MVA of "spreading lies" and announced that not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported in the next five years. "They are spreading lies using an old and outdated circular. Even I was confused so I called Piyush Goyal ji (Commerce and Industry Minister). Then Piyush Goyal ji said it was not ours, it was Sharad Pawar's. He (Sharad Pawar) is saying milk powder will be imported. Don't be confused. They had issued such circulars. In the last 10 years, not even 1 kg of milk powder was imported under PM Modi's government and for the next 5 years also not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported, this is my word here to you. They want to spread misconceptions and win the elections," Shah said. Maharashtra is likely to poll for the 288-member legislative assembly as the tenure of the current government is ending in 2024. However, the Election Commission is yet to announce the dates. (ANI)
Countering the government after it permitted government employees to part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the decision "wrong". "After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Nehru's government banned the RSS. The ban was lifted because they had to agree that they would respect the Indian Constitution, they will respect the national flag of India and they had to give their written Constitution and in that, there were many conditions that they will not participate in politics. Today, this BJP-NDA government is permitting that organisation so that government servants can take part in the activities of the RSS. So, I think this is absolutely wrong because the membership form of the RSS says that they do not consider the diversity of India. They swear on Hindu Rashtra. I believe that all cultural organisations should not be permitted," Owaisi told reporters. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Monday said that a serving government functionary cannot be a member of any political organisation. An order reportedly issued by the Ministry of Personnel that permits government servants to part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has resulted in a war of words between the opposition and the BJP. "This calls into question the neutrality of bureaucracy itself. A serving government functionary cannot be a member of any political organisation. There was a reason why the membership of the organisation was banned. The government should explain why they reinstated the ban," Chidambaram told ANI. Karnataka Minister HK Patil said that making employees attend events of an organisation is not right. It should not be done. Making government employees attend events of an organisation that has its own thought process will divert them from the main objectives of the government," Patil said. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the reason that the NTA or UPSC is in a bad state is that the people of RSS are getting into them "I think it's a collaboration between the BJP and the RSS. A few days back, when Mohan Bhagwat said something about God and Superman, I think the BJP issued such a ruling to remove his resentment. Today, be it NTA or UPSC, the reason for these institutions being in a bad state is that the people of the RSS are getting into them," Gogoi said. RJD leader Manoj Jha said, "If it were in my hands, then I would really want to ask Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that look what is happening in your country. I want to ask the ally partners of the NDA, JDU and TDP: What are you guys thinking." Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that this is "shameful." "Earlier, ED, CBI, and IT were all doing khaki work wearing khaki shorts. It is shameful that today our bureaucrats, who should work for Bharat Mata and the government should promote it, will now work keeping their ideology in mind, this is shameful." On the decision of government employees to participate in RSS activities, Madhya Pradesh BJP President VD Sharma said that Congress has always done the politics of appeasement. "This is a welcome step for the country and Congress has always done the politics of appeasement. RSS is the biggest cultural and social organisation in this world, which has always made sacrifices and played its role for the country," Sharma said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Monday said that the "unconstitutional order" issued 58 years ago imposing a ban on government employees from taking part in RSS activities has been withdrawn by the central government. "The unconstitutional order issued 58 years ago, in 1966, imposing a ban on government employees taking part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been withdrawn by the Modi government. The original order shouldn't have been passed in the first place," Malviya stated on X on Monday citing the July 9 order. "The ban was imposed because, on November 7, 1966, there was a massive anti-cow-slaughter protest at the Parliament. RSS-Jana Sangh mobilised support in lakhs. Many died in police firing. On 30 Nov 1966, shaken by the RSS-Jana Sangh clout, Indira Gandhi banned Govt staff from joining the RSS," he added. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack on the Union government, alleging that the ban that was in force even during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure was removed on July 9. (ANI)
During the Lok Sabha's Budget Session, in response to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressing questions on the NEET-UG paper leak issue, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Lok Sabha MP Dayanidhi Maran said that the ruling party is not listening to the voices of children. "It is unfortunate that the BJP-led NDA government is not taking proper action or even listening to the voices of children. Today, the Opposition is raising its voice for the future concerns of children's lives," Maran said while speaking to ANI in the Parliament complex on Monday. Questioning the availability of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question papers abroad, the DMK leader said, "Why is it that NEET, which is already controversial, allows the question paper to be accessed abroad? Students living abroad, like in Japan, receive the question paper 24 hours ahead?" Highlighting the number of NEET aspirants who have died by suicide recently, Maran questioned the government's apathy towards students who died in Kota, if not in Tamil Nadu. "Moreover, I would like to ask about the number of suicides that have taken place - forget Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, more than 20 people have committed suicide. That is so painful for us. You want to forget Tamil Nadu, but what about Kota in Rajasthan, where the Honourable Speaker comes from? You are not worried about that," the DMK MP said. Accusing the government of covering up the NEET paper leak issue, Maran criticized the ruling party, questioning why children have to suffer due to their "arrogance." "You defend by saying that everything is okay. Everything is not okay. You want to cover it up with an investigation. Why should the children suffer because of your arrogance and inefficiency?" the DMK leader said. Maran also suggested that the central government allow states the option not to conduct medical entrance examinations through NEET. "Leave it to the states. Whichever state wants it, let them do it. Whichever does not want NEET, let them opt-out," he said. The government has been facing criticism over the "paper leak" issue during the NEET-UG examination. Calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 'paper leak' issue, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said that the government is not ready to have a discussion on it. "We also want our people's issues to be raised in Parliament. He (PM Modi) wants to divert from the real issues. We all want the Parliament to function, but the ruling party is not ready to have a discussion. NEET is an important issue on which we wanted to have a discussion. Till now, they are not ready to have a discussion. The education minister is a failed education minister. If he has any integrity or morality, he should have resigned," Tagore said. (ANI)
In a significant update, the Supreme Court has put a stay on the directive issued by the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, which mandated eateries along the Kanwariya Yatra route to display the owners' names. The Court, on Monday, issued notices to these state governments, seeking their response to the petitions challenging this directive and has scheduled the next hearing for July 26. The Supreme Court emphasised that food sellers should not be compelled to display the names of owners and staff. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Arun Govil expressed support for the Uttar Pradesh government's directive, stating that there was nothing wrong with displaying the owners' names. He argued that consumers have the right to know where their food comes from. In contrast, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad criticised the directive, accusing it of undermining national unity and calling for its repeal. The directive, which has sparked a political controversy, was also supported by Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, who clarified that the regulation was initially introduced by the UPA government in 2006. Rajbhar asserted that the current BJP-led government is merely implementing existing laws, not introducing new ones. "It was a law made by the UPA government in the year 2006. The BJP and NDA government did not come up with any new law. We are only doing the work they were not able to do," Rajbhar said. Meanwhile, reacting to the row over using 'nameplates' on food shops on the Kanwar route in UP and Uttarakhand, UP Congress state president Ajay Rai said that if Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary are against this decision, then they should withdraw their support from the government. On July 19, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes should display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims' faith. Similar orders were also issued in Uttrakhand and Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Kanwar Yatra has got underway with Monday marking the first Monday of the month of Sawn. (ANI)
Calling the terror attacks taking place in the Jammu region "sad," National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that few people in both countries don't want "peace." "The sad thing is that, in both these countries, there are few people who don't want peace. We want peace. You can see how many forces are coming in, almost 7,000 more personnel are brought here in the mountainous region. The government of India will not be ready (to have talks with Pakistan; it's not ready until the terrorism ends; no matter how much we shout, they won't be ready," Abdullah told ANI, amid a spate of terror attacks in the Jammu region Terrorists attacked the of a Village Development Committee (VDC) at Gunda village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri in the early hours of Monday during an ongoing firefight with security personnel, the White Knight Corps said. In the last few months, there has been a spike in terror attacks in the Jammu region, including the terror attack at the army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur. After the Uttar Pradesh government mandated all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names, Abdullah said that the BJP wants to create differences between Hindus and Muslims. "They have done wrong. The yatra used to take place earlier, also with peace. What are they doing? I have never seen such order. They (BJP) want to create differences between Hindus and Muslims. They are not going to succeed in all this and in these elections, people have taught them a lesson. They were defeated on those seats where they were not expecting to loose elections. They lost in Ayodhya, where they did 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Temple. They lost in Uttarakhand (Badrinath bypolls)," Abdullah said on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to mandate all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. Notably, in the recently concluded by-elections, the Congress's Lakhpat Singh Butola won the Badrinath seat against the BJP's Rajendra Singh Bhandari by a margin of 5224 votes. Meanwhile, the BJP lost the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency, which includes Ayodhya, in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha polls. SP leader Awadhesh Prasad defeated BJP leader Lallu Singh. The Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court put an interim stay on 'nameplates' on eateries in Kanwar Yatra routes, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and petitioner Mahua Moitra on Monday termed it an "unconstitutional order" and said that the order was against the fundamental principles of the Constitution. The Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops. "I am happy; we had filed the petition yesterday and it came up in the Supreme Court today. It is a completely unconstitutional order against the fundamental principles of our Constitution against Article 15, 19. There is a stay on the order and there is no requirement to display the identities and names of owners and employees. Only the Veg/Non-Veg symbol is to be put in the shops," the TMC MP told ANI. Moitra further thanked the TMC party, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Supreme Court for standing up for them. "I am glad that we stood up and I am very thankful to my party and my leader, Mamata Banerjee, who has always stood out against anything unconstitutional," she added. On the Supreme Court's verdict on 'nameplates in Kanwar Yatra', Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant welcomed the Apex court decision. "I welcome this verdict...The Supreme Court has done the work of saving the Constitution. This kind of dirty politics is done by the ruling BJP," Sawant said. Meanwhile, JD (U) leader KC Tyagi welcomed the Supreme Court decision and thanked the top court. "I welcome this decision of the Supreme Court. It was our apprehension that this rule would divide society. The Supreme Court took this matter in its cognizance. I am thankful for this," KC Tyagi said. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued notice to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where the Kanwar Yatra takes place. The bench said state police cannot force shopkeepers to display their names and they can only be asked to display food items. "Until the returnable date, having regard to the discussion, we deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, the food sellers... hawkers, etc. may be required to display the kind of food they are serving to Kanwariyas but they must not be forced to disclose the names," the bench said in it's order. It has posted the matter for hearing on July 26. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the directive issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, in Uttar Pradesh, to shop owners to display their names outside shops during the Kanwar Yatra season. The police had said that the decision was in the interest of law and order. The directive was reportedly enforced across many districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh also came up with similar directives. The petitions were filed by Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand with activist Aakar Patel. They have challenged the directives, saying it's causing religious discrimination and questioned the source of the power of the authorities to issue such directions. Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Mahua Moitra, Kanwar Yatras have been happening for decades and people of all religions including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists help them on their way. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore lashed out at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying that he is a failed minister and he should resign. Speaking on the topic of the NEET-UG paper leak, which was addressed by Pradhan in today's session in the Lok Sabha, Tagore said it was a very important issue that they wanted to have a discussion on but till now the ruling party is not ready to have a discussion on it. "NEET is an important issue on which we wanted to have a discussion. Till now, they are not ready to have a discussion... The education minister is a failed education minister... If he has any integrity or morality, he should have resigned," he said. Tagore further accused the Union government of diverting real issues and wanting to raise people's issues. "We also want our people's issues to be raised in parliament... He (PM Modi) wants to divert from the real issues. We all want the parliament to function...But the ruling party is not ready to have a discussion," he stated. Earlier, Tagore gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the ongoing controversy over the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). In his notice, Manickam Tagore urged the House to suspend all listed business of the day to discuss the "unprecedented cases of paper leaks in the conduct of exams including NEET-UG and UGC NET and the failure of the National Testing Agency (NTA)." Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed several adjournments in the last session, with Congress and other opposition parties insisting on a debate on the NEET-UG controversy while the government was keen to take up the motion of thanks on the President's address. (ANI)
China aims to strengthen elderly care

08:39, July 22, 2024 By Wang Xiaoyu ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Senior citizens exercise at an elderly care service center in Tangshan, Hebei province in April 2023. In recent years, Hebei has been accelerating the construction and optimization of such service centers. (PHOTO/XINHUA)

China plans to improve policies to bolster both the public and the private elderly care sectors, create diverse and personalized employment opportunities for seniors, and gradually raise the retirement age, according to a key policy document released on Sunday.

As the proportion of people in the nation who are age 60 and above reached more than 21 percent last year and is estimated to exceed 30 percent by 2035, accelerating efforts to cope with a rapidly graying society are highlighted in a resolution that was adopted last week by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The document said that policies and mechanisms regarding the elderly care industry should be further upgraded, and more efforts should be made to develop the silver economy, including setting up job positions that are suitable for the elderly and match their personal strengths and interests.

Lu Jiehua, a sociology professor at Peking University, said the nation has rolled out a series of policies in recent years to boost the development of affordable, government-subsidized elderly care services as well as market-oriented services, and it is now vital to ensure their implementation.

Furthermore, the nation published a guideline last year requiring all provincial-level regions to provide a list of basic elderly care services, ranging from old age subsidies and material assistance to nursing and caregiving, Lu said.

"More efforts should be made to ensure these policies are implemented and bring convenience and a sense of satisfaction to the elderly," he added.

Lu said the concept of silver economy now incorporates not only economic activities that cater to citizens already reaching 60, but also products and services aimed at preparing for old age.

Regarding steps to accommodate seniors who seek employment, Lu said that issues such as workplace insurance plans, as well as special training to help older workers adapt to the digital world, should be addressed.

The document said that the nation plans to raise the retirement age based on a voluntary and flexible principle, and in a stable and orderly manner.

Lu said the plan is aligned with previous stances on the issue of delaying retirement, and its inclusion in this key policy document indicates a possible rollout of more specified policies in the future.

The resolution emphasizes that the nation's demographic strategy will revolve around addressing the aging population and declining birth rates.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
An exhibition featuring Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) artist Hua Yan, which opened at Guangdong Museum on July 10 in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, allows audiences to sense and appreciate the essence and beauty of landscape paintings from the dynasty. It also offers a chance to understand the painter, a representative figure of Yangzhou School, a loose artists' group in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province.

Hua (1682-1765) was known for his flower-and-bird, figure and landscape paintings, according to Chen Xun, director of the collection management department of Guangdong Museum and the exhibition's curator.

The exhibition, Elegance, Refinement, Style: Paintings of Hua Yan, runs until Oct 7 and displays more than 70 pieces or sets of Hua's exquisite works, with precious cultural relics, accounting for more than 90 percent of the total, collected by eight units from Guangdong, Liaoning, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces and Tianjin municipality, Chen says.

Many items are being displayed to the public for the first time.

It is the first systematic and concentrated exhibition of Hua's paintings in Guangdong and also the first domestic exhibition of original works with his paintings as the theme, Chen adds.

Digital technology helps display and create an immersive experience, allowing viewers to delve into his paintings to explore the beauty of mountains and rivers, as well as the poetic and picturesque scenery in his works.

The exhibition has received support from the School of Chinese Painting, the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. The cooperation between the museum and the academy and their in-depth analysis of Hua's painting techniques guides visitors into his world from multiple dimensions.

"With the help of the exhibition, visitors learn the characteristics of the painter and can better understand the ancient Chinese paintings, thus appreciate more of the creative transformation and innovative features that originated in traditional Chinese culture," Chen says.

Hua, a native of Shanghang in East China's Fujian province, was born into a poor family. But his pursuit of art was not curtailed by his modest circumstances, according to Chen. His painting first followed the traditional track, but he later pushed boundaries with greater creativity. He became an outstanding painter in the mid-Qing Dynasty, excelling in poetry, calligraphy and painting.

A video was also recorded to enhance knowledge and awareness of the exhibition, analyzing traditional Chinese painting techniques and restoring the creation process of some of his paintings to the public.

During the exhibition, Guangdong Museum has organized a series of expert lectures, on-site guided tours and other related educational activities, along with a series of usable, playable and enjoyable cultural and creative products, to help promote his paintings in various forms and directions.

Yang Jie, a local resident who took her child to the exhibition, says that she now better understands the key features of Chinese landscape paintings, thanks to the help of the guide, and she was also moved by the life story of Hua.
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district on the occasion of the first Monday of holy Sawan month. She reached inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and worshipped Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva). After that, Bharti sat in the Nandi hall of the temple as she appeared immersed in the devotion. The BJP leader also extended wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of the holy Sawan month starting today. "I extend my wishes to everyone on the first Monday and the first day of Sawan month. I am extremely happy that a son (CM Mohan Yadav) from the land of Baba Mahakal has become the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. The arrangements here at the temple have been outlined in a very beautiful way, so that everyone can have darshan and there is no discrimination at all. Everyone is having darshan properly and peacefully, there is no difficulty, I am seeing this arrangement in front of my eyes," Bharti told reporters after having darshan. "There is also a great blessing of Baba Mahakal. I will pray to Baba Mahakal for the welfare of everyone in our country and across the globe," She added. Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects. Devotees undertake fasting and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The cooling rains of Sawan are symbolic of Shiva's compassion and benevolence. During Sawan, devotees typically observe fasts on Mondays, which are considered auspicious. Many choose to abstain from consuming grains and eat only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (a ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples. This year Sawan begins on July 22, Monday and ends with Monday itself on August 19. (ANI)
Rain lashed parts of the national capital. Visuals from the Parliament showed heavy rain showers in the city.

Earlier today, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a warning of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of Delhi-NCR, Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra.

Areas of Delhi-NCR were expected to receive rainfall today include Seemapuri, Hindon AF station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadro, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Manesar.

Additionally, the prediction by IMD also said that rain was expected in areas of Haryana including Karnal, Panipat, Hissar, Hansi, Siwani, Sohana, Rewari, Bawal and Nuh.

On July 18, rain lashed parts of Delhi, bringing respite from the humid weather.

In June, the city received the highest rainfall recorded in 88 years. According to the IMD, Delhi experienced 228 mm of rainfall from 8: 30 a.m. on June 27 to 8:30 a.m. on June 28.

A total of 235.5 mm of rain was recorded, marking the maximum rainfall in 24 hours in June since 1936.

However, due to rain, water levels in the Yamuna River have risen, prompting the authorities to issue an alert to the residents of Noida villages, situated along the riverbanks. These villagers experienced severe flooding last year during the monsoon season, causing significant inconvenience to residents of both Delhi and Noida.

Previously, on July 21, the IMD issued an orange alert for several districts of Himachal Pradesh, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall for the coming week. The weather department also informed that light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely to occur in various districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier this month, 70 roads and 51 water supply schemes were hampered due to the heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, 84 electricity supply schemes were disrupted due to the weather conditions in the region. (ANI)
As the Kargil war completes 25 years on July 26, the nation is all prepared to celebrate the valour of our heroes who fought against Pakistan. Remembering the Kargil hero late Captain Vijyant Thapar, Col V N Thapar (Retd.), his father, said, "25 years are not just for celebration. It is basically to recall the valour, the determination, the commitment, and above all the love for the country of our youth, young men, who turned the tables on Pakistan in a battle that was heavily loaded in their favour." He further added, "We did not know that they have come and occupied the height, and it was virtually impossible except for these outstanding feet of young officers and their commitment at the height." Captain Vijyant Thapar was commissioned on 12 December 1998 and joined 2 Rajputana rifles in Gwalior. Col Thapar was just 22 years old when a burst of fire struck him and he fell during the war. Speaking about India's victory in the Kargil War, he said, "I feel very proud like myself am an old soldier with 37 years of experience, and what the army achieved over there is really remarkable." Recalling an incident where a team from America visited he said, "I just want to tell you that American team had come and declared it is impossible what the Indian army claims till they were taken there on top and shown. So it is a wonderful thing. I would like to say that this is a war that has connected with your generation and a generation above you. This was the first war which was brought to the homes of everyone. They could see the Indian army in action. They could see the artillery blasting them, they could see the battle going on and therefore there is a connection. There is involvement of every Indian, then young and now 25 years older." Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Drass to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War. Speaking on this, Col Thapar said, "The Prime Minister is the head of the government. Going to an event after 25 years is in itself a very big thing. He has been going to various other places but this is the first time he is coming to what I call the modern Kurukshetra. It is here where history was written, the golden page was added by the efforts of the Indian Army, particularly the young youth, the young men. 58 of them died over there. His visit will send a message to everyone in the country that this is the kind of expectation from every citizen of this country." Commenting on the increase in recent terror attacks in the Rajpuri-Ponch area of Jammu, he said, "Even today, one Jawan has been injured. It is very sad and unfortunate. We have a very rabid, religiously rabid country on our West that is Pakistan and their focus is on destroying India." He further added "Unfortunately for our country, a new status is emerging within the country. Pakistan will continue its activity as it is doing now because it finds it very convenient to send a few people who are prepared to die. Also, this thing is going on consistently, so it is very much time for us to be Proactive and hit back wherever we can. The plans have been premade and are ready, so at the moment anything happens of this nature, then immediately those plans should be put into action so that we can give them a fair warning. The border is so close that you can just vanish in no time. What damage is being done to our men and our side is emanating from Pakistan. The state of Pakistan is responsible for it and they must pay a fair price for it." (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati urged the central government on Monday to withdraw the order allowing government employees to participate in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities. Mayawati alleged the move was "politically motivated to appease the Sangh". "The Centre's decision to lift the 58-year-old ban on government employees going to RSS shakhas is beyond national interest, a politically motivated decision to appease the Sangh so that the bitterness that has intensified between the two after the Lok Sabha elections regarding government policies and their arrogant attitudes, etc., is removed," Mayawati said in a post on X on Monday. She said that government employees must work in the public interest and public welfare with impartiality, staying within the ambit of the Constitution and the law. "The activities of the RSS, which have been banned many times, have not only been very political but also electoral for a particular party. In such a situation, this decision is unfair; it should be withdrawn immediately," the BSP supremo said in the post. An order was reportedly issued by the Ministry of Personnel, lifting the ban on the participation of government employees in RSS activities. The order has, however, sparked a row, drawing criticism from the opposition. Referring to the order as "very strange," Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that it is the responsibility of government employees to work for everyone and added that they should remain "neutral" when in government. "This is very strange. RSS work and government work are different, both should not be together and if the Narendra Modi government did not change this rule for 10 years, then why are you changing it now? It is the responsibility of government employees to work for everyone, for the whole country," Tharoor said while speaking to ANI outside Parliament on Monday. "This is not fair; after retiring from service, you can do whatever you want but when you are in government, you should remain neutral," he added. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that it is not right to discuss such things and added that all parties have employees who support them. "I think it is not right to discuss such things. All parties have employees who support them and they do their work within limits," Athawale told ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi referred to the order as "shameful" and said, "Earlier, ED, CBI, and IT were all doing khaki work wearing khaki shorts. Now they will be able to speak openly. It is shameful that today our bureaucrats, who should work for Bharat Mata and the government should promote it, will now work keeping their ideology in mind, this is shameful." All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Monday that the order was against India's integrity and unity, adding that no civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of the RSS. "This office memo purportedly shows that the government has lifted the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities. If true, this is against India's integrity and unity. The ban on RSS exists because it refused to accept the constitution, the national flag and the national anthem," Owaisi said in a post on X. "Every RSS member takes an oath that puts Hindutva above the nation. No civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of the RSS," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya said on Monday that the "unconstitutional order," which was issued 58 years ago, has been withdrawn by the central government. "The unconstitutional order issued 58 years ago, in 1966, imposing a ban on government employees taking part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been withdrawn by the Modi government. The original order shouldn't have been passed in the first place," Malviya said in a post on X. (ANI)
Two Congress legislators and one BJP legislator were sworn in by Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania on Monday. After nine assembly by-elections, the Congress party has retained the previous 40 seats after winning six. Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, Pratibha Singh, said that it is a celebration mode for the Congress party as the BJP failed to topple the Congress government in the state. "The way the BJP conspired to topple the government of Himachal Pradesh on February 27, the people of the state have given them a befitting reply. The people have told them that the way the BJP tries to topple elected governments with money and horse trading will not be accepted in Himachal. We were elected 40 legislators in the state in 2022, and I am happy that we have retained the same number of 40," said Pratibha Singh. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister said that the BJP failed to topple the elected government in the state, and people have taught them a lesson, and Congress retained its 40 seats, which was a mandate given by people in 2022. "We want to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state by 2027. We spoiled the four months of elections and the four months of disaster last year. We were appreciated by the World Bank, Niti Aayog, and the BJP leaders for our efforts in disaster restoration. We want the support of the people of the state, especially the BJP, which has been playing a negative role in the state. Recently, I met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari along with my PWD Minister and CPS Sunder Thakur. We have demanded the Union Minister build the Bhu-Bhu Jot tunnel and also the construction of four lanings. I would ask them not to become a hurdle in it. After the disaster, we did not get any help. We were expecting a special package, but we did not get it. I have taken up the issue with the Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country," said CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. "We are also working to ensure the safe future of the young generation, and we will have to take tough decisions on it. With the help of all, including the BJP, we shall have to move ahead. During the past 4 months, the BJP has spoiled our time in elections, and I would appeal to the BJP in the state to play an important and constructive role of opposition during the next 3 and a half years," said Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister's wife and newly elected Congress legislator, Kamlesh Thakur, said that she will try to do her best for the upliftment of people. "Electricity, water, and service in my constituency would be my priorities. It is just the beginning, and my message to people is that I shall always be available for their services," said Kamlesh Thakur. (ANI)
In light of the current law and order situation in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya frontier, which is manning 444 km-long India-Bangladesh border, has intensified security measures along the international border by conducting "operation alert" exercise to ensure effective border domination and management. Inspector General (IG) of BSF Meghalaya, Harbax Singh Dhillon, expressed that one of the primary concerns at this moment is the safe return of Indian students studying in Bangladesh. Since July 18, the BSF's Meghalaya frontier has facilitated the entry of 574 Indian students, approximately 435 students from Nepal, and eight students from Bhutan through the Dawki Integrated Check Post (ICP) in East Khasi Hills district, said the force. Additionally, 18 students entered on Monday through the ICP Kilapara in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. IG BSF Meghalaya has directed BSF officers to facilitate Indian nationals, particularly the student community, entering through ICP Dawki and ICP Kilapara by extending all possible assistance, like drinking water, food packets, and medical assistance, besides facilitating their move to respective destinations. He also stated that more students are expected to cross over as the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh is not likely to subside soon. Assuring all possible help and assistance from BSF to all the citizens from different countries, particularly Indian citizens entering Indian territory through proper channels, the officer highlighted that security along the India-Bangladesh border has been beefed up to ensure that any infiltration or illegal entry of any national is thwarted. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that 30 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water has been released to Tamil Nadu from Cauvery basin reservoirs till now. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said, "We are releasing 51,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day. We have released 30 TMC till now." "As a precautionary measure, we have instructed officials to fill up all the 1,657 tanks in the Cauvery basin area. The agriculture minister has a target of sowing two lakh hectares of area. We have taken up many programmes for this sowing season, including the distribution of 5.90 lakh quintal seeds, stocking up of 27 lakh tonnes of fertilizers and loan disbursals of Rs 25,000 crore to about 30 lakh farmers through cooperatives. Our government is committed to the welfare of the farming community," he said. The Irrigation Minister also informed that the Cauvery Water Management Committee had asked to release 20 TMC of water from July 11 to July 30. "But we did not release the water as there was no water for farmers. We called an all-party meeting and discussed the issue," Shivakumar said. Shivakumar also spoke about Cauvery aarti on the lines of Ganga aarti and said, "Thanks to the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari... we are planning to start Cauvery aarti on the same lines as Ganga aarti in Varanasi. We will study the plan by forming a committee of 20 members from the Cauvery Basin area including MLAs and officials. We will identify the right location for Cauvery aarti. We will start this in a month. The Muzrai department, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam and other departments will be involved in this." The Deputy Chief Minister spoke on the Cauvery Brindavan amusement park and said, "We are giving a new look to Cauvery Brindavan amusement park under the PPP model. This proposal will come up before the Cabinet in a couple of days. This project will create 8,000-10,000 jobs for the locals. We had approved the plan in the last budget but it was not rolled out. We will make arrangements for people to stay in the amusement park itself." (ANI)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa, where two women were partially buried in murrum amid a family dispute. The NCW has written to the state police chief regarding the matter and asked to send an Action Taken Report (ATR) within three days. "The National Commission for Women has taken suo moto cognizance of a media report titled "Truck Dumps Gravel On 2 Women, Tries To Bury Them Alive In Madhya Pradesh". The incident, a fallout of a land dispute in Hinauta, Rewa district, saw two women nearly buried alive and later rescued by locals. A letter has been sent by Chairperson NCW, @sharmarekha to DGP of the state to send a detailed report in the matter and an ATR is expected in 3 days. MPPoliceDeptt," NCW posted on X on Monday. The incident occurred in Hinauta village of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa on July 20, in which two women were partially buried after murrum was off-loaded over them from a dumper truck while they were protesting against the construction of a road. The victims alleged that they were assaulted by the accused and were buried when they protested against the road construction work. According to the Rewa police, a case has been registered for attempted murder against three persons including the dumper truck driver and two family members of the victims. "The accused have been identified as Praveen (the dumper truck driver), Gokaran Pandey (the father-in-law of one of the victims), and Bipin Pandey (another family member). One of the accused, Bipin, has been taken into custody, and the dumper-truck has also been seized," Rewa SP Vivek Singh said. The investigation is underway and the hunt to trace and nab the other two accused is on, the police said. (ANI)
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the "biggest Sardar of corruption". "In 2014, Sharad Pawar was conferred with Padma Vibhushan by the NDA government itself, and now they are calling him the Sardar of corruption. The biggest Sardar of corruption is Modi himself," Nana Patole said on Monday. Amit Shah, while addressing BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune on Sunday, said, "They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" The Congress chief alleged that the BJP is afraid of losing power in Maharashtra and said, "Due to which, before losing power, they were harassing Marathas. Electing 105 MLAs to BJP now seems like a mistake to the people of Maharashtra. Despite BJP being in power both in the state and at the centre, why are they not giving reservation to Marathas?." "Land worth thousands of crores is being snatched at the behest of BJP leaders. Big projects are shifting from Maharashtra to Gujarat," he added. On Amit Shah's remarks on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole said, "Everyone knows that they gave a ticket to Ujjwal Nikam. Whatever miracle happened that night, only Ujjwal Nikam can tell. Was he working for the government or for BJP? Government lawyers should be impartial, not for any party. Ujjwal Nikam has contested the Lok Sabha elections, so now it is becoming clear what his real face is." Amit Shah attacked Uddhav Thackeray and said, "Maha Vikas Aghadi is Aurangzeb fan club. This Aurangzeb fan club cannot ensure India's security. Uddhav Thackeray is the leader of this Aurangzeb Fan club." "This Fan Club cannot make Maharashtra and India safe. It's only the BJP that can ensure the safety and security of all," Shah said while addressing the gathering in Pune. "Uddhav Thackeray shares his meals with people involved with Kasab, he supports PFI and stands against renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar," he added. (ANI)
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated a multiple resource facility, "Manthan Prangan," at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) on Monday. The inauguration of "Manthan Prangan" not only marks a new chapter for the Indian Army's leading think tank but also signifies a robust commitment to advancing national and global security. Manthan Prangan, is a state-of-the-art infrastructure facility, to shape strategic thought, foster innovation, and offer actionable insights in the field of land warfare and conflict resolution. This modern facility will also be available to think tanks and agencies associated with work on defence and security matters. The facility will foster a culture of innovative research in collaboration with other stakeholders. Nine Chairs of Excellence, aimed at attracting top-tier scholars and practitioners to further elevate CLAWS research capabilities, were also signed in the presence of the COAS. The Army Technological Chair of Excellence, established by the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Capability Development and Sustenance, focuses on advancing military technologies for enhanced defence capabilities. Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, Param Vir Chakra, Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System and Coordination), fosters research in military innovations and strategies. The Civil-Military Fusion Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System and Coordination) and executed by the Territorial Army Directorate, enhances interoperability and strategic coordination. The Major General Harkirat Singh Chair of Excellence, established by the Engineer-In-Chief Branch, focuses on advancing military engineering technology and innovation for enhanced defence capabilities. The Director General Infantry Chair of Excellence, under the Infantry Directorate, focuses on advancing infantry tactics, technology integration, and strategic doctrine to enhance operational effectiveness and readiness. The General Zorawar Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, focuses on strategic studies and regional security, fostering research and dialogue on northern border security. The Roaring Fours Manoeuvre Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the 44 Armoured Regiment, focuses on advancing armoured warfare strategies and tactics through rigorous research and innovative military education. The Director General Artillery Chair of Excellence, under the Artillery Directorate, focuses on advancing artillery strategies, technologies, and operational doctrines to enhance the Indian Army's combat effectiveness. The Defence Chair of Excellence, sponsored by Adani Defence and Aerospace, fosters research and development in defence technologies to enhance India's military capabilities and strategic autonomy. This novel initiative will further enhance strategic studies and innovative defence research at CLAWS in collaboration with the Indian Army, heralding a new era of public-private partnership (PPP) models for advanced military studies. The event also witnessed the release of two books by the COAS, "India and the Gulf: A Security Perspective" by Manjari Singh and "Securing the Future: A Youth Perspective on National Security Challenges," both poised to make substantial contributions to the discourse on contemporary security challenges. The event was attended by Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), Lieutenant General Dushyant Singh (retired), Director General CLAWS and other senior officers. CLAWS, New Delhi is an independent think tank on strategic studies and land warfare. It covers national security issues, conventional military operations and sub-conventional warfare. (ANI)
BMW i3 electric cars are pictured at Plant Lydia of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Tiexi district of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province, June 23, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

At the Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. in northeastern China, rows of sleek electric vehicles await global delivery. Just a street away, an auto parts factory buzzes with production activities, crafting components for car assembly.

The auto parts factory, which belongs to Gestamp, a Spanish multinational specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of highly engineered metal components, is one among many auto parts suppliers surrounding the plant, situated in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China's Liaoning province.

With European automotive giants like BMW entrenching themselves in the Chinese market, a large number of supporting suppliers have been prompted to set up facilities nearby, which fosters closer integration between the Chinese and European automotive sectors.

According to Ren Tingfu, general manager of Gestamp's Shenyang factory, the factory has steadily expanded its production capacity with substantial cumulative investments since its establishment in 2012.

"To meet the growing demand from our clients, we invested in expanding the automotive component project in 2023, which will soon be operational," Ren added.

Gestamp, which began operations in China in 2007, now operates 14 factories and two research and development (R&D) centers and employs more than 5,000 people in China.

"China boasts a vast, innovative and dynamic auto market," said Antonio Lopez Arce, CEO of Gestamp's Asia division, emphasizing the strategic importance of the company's strong investment and considerable cooperation in China. "We continue to introduce our cutting-edge body in white, chassis and battery box technologies and products to China."

In recent years, China's auto market has accelerated its shift towards new energy vehicles (NEVs), prompting significant investment and expanded production from European automakers.

In April 2024, BMW announced an additional investment of 20 billion yuan (about 2.8 billion U.S. dollars) in its production base in Shenyang to localize the production of a new generation of BMW models by 2026. Volkswagen AG established its largest R&D center outside of Germany in China, focusing on R&D of intelligent networked vehicles.

The thriving Chinese NEV market also offers fresh opportunities to auto parts firms like Gestamp, which is increasing its investment in R&D for new technologies and applications to cater to the needs of Chinese original equipment manufacturers for electric, lightweight and environmentally friendly parts.

Furthermore, German auto supplier ZF Group launched an NEV auto parts industrial park in Shenyang in 2023, with an approximately 2.2 billion yuan investment. Bosch, another German parts supplier, has expanded its NEV core components and autonomous driving R&D and manufacturing base in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, and it is slated to be operational later this year.

Optimism among carmakers and auto parts firms is buoyed by rising demand in the Chinese market. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that in the first half of 2024, NEV production and sales in the country had reached 4.93 million units and 4.94 million units, respectively, marking respective year-on-year increases of 30.1% and 32%.

In recent times, more Chinese automakers and supply chain companies have begun establishing factories in Europe, engaging in technological collaborations concerning NEVs.

In April this year, Spanish auto company Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile signed a pact to develop NEVs through a joint venture in Barcelona. Additionally, Chinese carmaker BYD in December 2023 announced the establishment of an NEV production base in Hungary to help bolster local green energy ecosystems.

At the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the 2024 Summer Davos, Chinese companies showcased their technological advancements to a global audience. Zeng Yuqun, board chairman of Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd., highlighted the company's commitment to providing high-quality batteries globally to promote green travel.

"In the 1980s, the establishment of SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd., a joint venture of Volkswagen AG and Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor, significantly bolstered China's auto industry," said Cao Xudong, CEO of Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving solutions provider. "Today, China's strides in NEVs benefit nations worldwide, reflecting mutually beneficial cooperation."
The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will hear a review petition challenging the top court's judgement upholding various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on August 5. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna that Additional Solicitor General SV Raju is in personal difficulty in Ahmedabad. He sought to adjourn the matter for two weeks. Thereafter, the court adjourned the matter for a hearing on August 5. The court was hearing a review petition challenging the top court's judgement upholding the provision of PMLA. Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the reevaluation of the judgment and said the PMLA is not a standalone offence and PMLA is prepared by the legislature in conformity with the directions issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Earlier, the top court agreed to reconsider the review petition, saying that prima facie two issues relating to provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act need to be reconsidered. During the last hearing, the court also noted that there are some issues that need re-look but it said that the bench is completely in support of prevention of black money or money laundering. The court had also said that the offense of money laundering is serious and that the country cannot afford such an offence. The court had earlier agreed to hear in an open court the review petition against the judgement pertaining to upholding various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. One of the review pleas was filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. On July 27, 2022, the Supreme Court upheld validity of various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which empowers ED to make arrests, conduct searches and seizures and attach proceeds of crime. The court also held that an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) cannot be equated with a First Information Report (FIR) and ED officers are not police officers. The court was hearing various pleas challenging the various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). On March 15, 2022, the top court reserved its order on a batch of petitions challenging certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Prominent names like Karti Chidambaram and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti were among the petitioners in the case. Their petitions raised multiple issues, including the absence of a procedure to commence investigation and summoning, while the accused was not made aware of the contents of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). Section 45 deals with offences that are cognizable and non-bailable Section 50 of the PMLA empowers the 'authority' i.e. officers of the Enforcement Directorate, to summon any person to give evidence or produce records. All persons summoned are bound to answer questions put to them and to produce the documents as required by the ED officers, failing which they can be penalised under the PMLA. However, the Centre had justified the constitutional validity of the provisions of PMLA. The Centre has apprised the court that around 4,700 cases are being investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement. Centre said that PMLA is not a conventional penal statute but is a statute which is aimed at necessarily preventing money laundering, regulating certain activities relatable to money laundering, confiscating the "proceeds of crime" and the property derived therefrom and also requires offenders to be punished by the competent court after filing a complaint. Centre submitted that India and its version of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, are merely cogs in this international vehicle. Centre submitted that India, as a signatory to the treaties and an important participant in the international process and the fight against money laundering, (the country) is bound legally and morally, to adopt global best practices and respond to the changing needs of the times. (ANI)
Kedar Dawar, Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh's Bhagwanpura in Khargone district, has written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and demanded a public holiday in the state on August 9 on the occasion of World Tribal Day. In the letter, Dawar said that World Tribal Day is celebrated by the tribal society with great fervour all over the world. He said, "August 9, 1993 was declared as World Tribal Day by the United Nations, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm by tribal society all over the world. Public holidays have been declared in Madhya Pradesh to celebrate religious festivals of all categories and birth anniversaries/days of great men." He further said, "But public holidays have not been declared to celebrate the festivals and birth anniversaries of great men of tribal society. Therefore, please issue orders declaring August 9, the biggest festival of tribal society, as a public holiday." World Tribal Day is observed on August 9 each year, to raise awareness of the challenges faced by indigenous people across the world, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Notably, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel last year had announced that Chhattisgarh became the first state in the country to declare a holiday on World Tribal Day. The former CM had said, "The state government is extensively working in the interests of the tribal population. A hall taking shape in Nava Raipur, will keep the tribal culture, traditions and customs of tribal in display." Baghel had also assured that the primary education will take place in tribal languages as well. "We have set up an organisation in Bastar to preserve the rich culture and tradition of tribal communities", he had said. "Since 2011, the Census has not taken place. The government is working to preserve the culture and traditions and has released the benefits of separate schemes (in terms of money) by just pressing a button," the former CM had added. (ANI)
The announcement came after officiating Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Shakeel relinquished Atiqur Rahman from his responsibilities as the chief proctor and in charge of security of the varsity.

They have been requested to submit the report of their handing/taking over the charge to the concerned authorities.

The order was issued on July 20, 2024.

The issued order reads, "The officiating vice-chancellor, JMI, has relinquished Atiqur Rahman, Department of Geography, Faculty of Sciences, from the responsibilities of chief proctor and in-charge (security), JMI, with immediate effect."

"Consequent upon the above, the officiating vice-chancellor, in terms of provision of University Ordinance 22(XXII) (1) (Academic) is pleased to appoint Mohammad Shahid Khan as chief proctor with immediate effect till further orders," it added.

Mohammad Shahid Khan is serving as a professor in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences at Jamia Millia Islamia.

Earlier, on July 11, Professor Mohammad Shakeel was appointed as the Officiating Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia on Thursday.

He has been appointed as the Officiating Vice-Chancellor, till a regular Vice Chancellor of the university assumes office, according to an official release.

"Hon'ble President of India in her capacity as the Visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI), in the exercise of powers conferred upon her by the Act or Statutes of the University has been pleased to approve the appointment of Prof. Mohammad Shakeel as the Officiating Vice-Chancellor as per Statute 2(6) of JMI Act, 1988," the release said.

Shakeel is the senior Professor at the university at present, it said. (ANI)
Congress leader and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also arrived at Sonia Gandhi's residence.

According to party sources, leaders will discuss the strategy and issues to be raised in Parliament during the Budget session.

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Monday and will have 16 sittings spread over 22 days.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2023-24 along with a statistical appendix in Parliament on Monday, a day ahead of the Union Budget. This will be the first full budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government in its third term.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that this session will mainly be devoted to the financial business relating to the Union Budget for 2024-25, which will be presented in Lok Sabha on July 23. The government's agenda also includes some bills for consideration and passage.

The opposition parties are seeking to corner the government on a range of issues, including the NEET-UG row and the police directive on the Kanwar Yatra route.

Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar presided over the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee at Parliament House. (ANI)
A special pooja was held at the family temple in the ancestral village of Kamala Harris in Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvarur district today to invoke blessings for her upcoming presidential election in the United States. After pulling out of the US Presidential election, Joe Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's Presidential nominee. Thulasendrapuram has become excited again after Kamala Harris' name was announced as the presidential candidate for the US election. The village's Shri Dharmasastha Temple has a unique wall where the names of people who have made contributions to the temple are etched in Tamil, and the Democratic Presidential candidate for the 2025 US election, Harris, is also one of them. Speaking with the media, the villagers said they are proud of Kamala Harris and they are praying for her in the US Presidential elections. A woman, who came to offer her prayers at the temple in Thulasendrapuram while speaking with ANI said, "We are so happy that she is being nominated. And we support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. We wish her all the very best and good luck to her. We wish her victory." Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly moved to secure support for her White House bid shortly after President Joe Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election, The Hill reported. On Sunday, Harris engaged with key figures on Capitol Hill, including Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash) of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep Nanette Barragan (D-Calif) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) of the New Democrat Coalition, all of whom have already endorsed her candidature. Harris also connected with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who enthusiastically shared on social media platform X, "She is ready to win in Wisconsin!!!" In response to Biden's endorsement, Harris expressed gratitude, stating in a released statement, "I am honoured to have the President's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination." Sources familiar with Harris's plans indicate she will maintain an aggressive travel schedule, consistent with her recent campaign efforts. Major Democratic PACs, including the AAPI Victory Fund, the Collective PAC, and the Latino Victory Fund, also endorsed Harris on Sunday, signalling a broadening coalition of support. The infrastructure of the Biden campaign is swiftly pivoting to bolster Harris's efforts. (ANI)
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his "mastermind of corruption" remarks on Sharad Pawar. "I will just say that if you just look in the mirror, if you look in the mirror, the faces of all the people who attended your conference and joined the cabinet will be clear. And then you decide who is the leader of the corrupt people," Awhad said on Monday. "Are the ministers made by your NCP innocent? Put them in your washing machine and wash them with your special washing powder. Later, clean them and take them out," he added. Earlier on Sunday, Amit Shah, while addressing the Maharashtra BJP conclave in Pune, launched sharp attacks on Sharad Pawar and accused him of "institutionalising" corruption. "They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion about that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" Shah said. On Shah's remarks on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Awhad said, "Look, it is like that; they are not getting it in their hands. The second thing is clear: if someone has taken care of and nurtured what is called Hindutva, then it is his grandfather, whose name was Prabodhankar Thackeray. The whole of Maharashtra knows about his Hindutva and our Uddhav Thackeray is following him, so it is very easy to say that this is Aurangzeb's this. That is it. It is very easy to say." Shah, in his speech, also targeted Uddhav Thackeray, "Maha Vikas Aghadi is an Aurangzeb fan club. This Aurangzeb fan club cannot ensure India's security. Uddhav Thackeray is the leader of this Aurangzeb fan club. This fan club cannot make Maharashtra and India safe. It's only the BJP that can ensure the safety and security of all." "Uddhav Thackeray shares his meals with people involved with Kasab, he supports PFI and stands against renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar," he added. (ANI)
Kishori Lal Sharma, Congress MP from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's interim stay on the directives issued by certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners. "I have been saying the same thing that the Supreme Court has said today. This directive is not in the interest of the country. It is good that the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of this," Sharma told ANI. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued notice to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where the Kanwar Yatra takes place. The bench said state police cannot force shopkeepers to display their names and they can only be asked to display food items. "Until the returnable date, having regard to the discussion, we deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, the food sellers... hawkers, etc. may be required to display the kind of food they are serving to Kanwariyas but they must not be forced to disclose the names," the bench said in it's order. It has posted the matter for hearing on July 26. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the directive issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, in Uttar Pradesh, to shop owners to display their names outside shops during the Kanwar Yatra season. The police had said that the decision was in the interest of law and order. The directive was reportedly enforced across many districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh also came up with similar directives. The petitions were filed by Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand with activist Aakar Patel. They have challenged the directives, saying it's causing religious discrimination and questioned the source of the power of the authorities to issue such directions. Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments. As the hearing started, the bench asked whether any formal order had been passed to enforce such a direction.Senior advocate CU Singh, representing the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, said that while the authorities were claiming it was voluntarily done, the directive was being enforced. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Mahua Moitra, Kanwar Yatras have been happening for decades and people of all religions, including Muslims, Christians and Buddhists help them on their way. (ANI)
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay are currently visiting India. During their visit, the dignitaries visited the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar, Gujarat, along with other members of their high-level delegation. The bond between Gujarat, known as India's Growth Engine, and Bhutan has deepened significantly over the past few years. Bhutan's enthusiasm for strengthening business relations with Gujarat was evident when a high-level Bhutanese delegation visited Gujarat in 2014. Due to the pivotal focus on boosting economic ties, exports from Gujarat to Bhutan have surged substantially in the last five years. From USD 14.39 million in 2019-20, exports from Gujarat to Bhutan have climbed to USD 21.98 million in 2023-24, reflecting a remarkable 52 per cent growth over the past five years. Gujarat's leading export items include plastic products, electrical machinery and equipment, ceramic products, fish, paper and paper products, and medicines. During this period, growth was not only seen in the overall export volumes but also in terms of diversification in the range of products exported to Bhutan. Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to his official X handle and said, "Honoured to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, at Ahmedabad airport." Upon assuming office as Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan in June, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening India-Bhutan relations. In March this year, the Prime Minister revisited Bhutan to reaffirm the "Neighbourhood First Policy." During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art children's hospital and announced a Rs 10,000 crore aid package for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. Bhutan's PM Tobgay hailed the Indian Prime Minister as a "friend and elder brother" and honoured him with Bhutan's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo'. Through the dedicated efforts of PM Modi, trade between India and Bhutan has thrived remarkably. India is Bhutan's top trade partner, both as an import source and as an export destination. The trade value, excluding electricity, surged from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to an impressive USD 1,606 million in 2022-23. At present, approximately 30 Indian companies are actively contributing to Bhutan's development across diverse sectors, including banking, manufacturing, electricity generation, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, ITES, hospitality, and education. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday inspected the government Hamidia Hospital located in the state capital Bhopal. During the inspection, CM Yadav also interacted with the patients and their family members present with them in the hospital. The Chief Minister further said that the way hospital management was working, he hoped that no one would face any kind of difficulty in the hospital. "It is the biggest hospital in the state with a capacity of 2250 beds. Currently, 1850 beds are ready for the patients and around 1400 patients are undergoing treatment here as of now. The way hospital management is working we hope that no one will face any kind of difficulty in the hospital," CM Yadav told reporters. The CM also said that several new proposals had come before him in view of new development in the hospital. As a result of which many new infrastructure and equipment would be added to the hospital. "I have also received proposals for some new work which include a proposal for Regional Institute of Respiratory worth Rs 35 crores, Centre of Excellence and Orthopaedics worth Rs 42 crores and new machines for cancer treatment worth Rs 30 crores," CM said. A Bone Marrow Centre will be started soon. New hostel block for PG students worth Rs 20 crores, MRI CT machine worth Rs 20 crores will soon be added to the hospital. New integrated OPD block worth Rs 35 crores and a new UG hostel worth Rs 17 crores will be built, he added. "Our government is very serious in terms of development, especially in the health sector. The money invested by the government should be used properly and it creates trust among the public. The public also has faith in government hospitals. Our effort is that everyone should do their duty with quality and efficiency in all these works. Trust is naturally built by inspecting from time to time," CM Yadav further said. Hospital is a place where people rush immediately when they are in trouble. Hospitals should work properly in terms of facilities, he added. (ANI)
The closure of the Sterlite copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has put India at the mercy of China, said Vedanta, the mining giant that owned the plant. "The closure of the 4 lakh metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) Sterlite copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, in May 2018, contributing nearly 36 pc of the total refined copper demand in India, has put the country at the mercy of China, a hostile neighbour for imports," said Vedanta in a press release issued on Monday. The copper smelting plant was permanently shut down on the orders of the Tamil Nadu government in 2018 on the grounds of pollution. The company said that copper has assumed far greater importance and value for the developing world. "Copper has been aptly described as the bellwether of India's growth story because of its growing demand across industries like construction, infrastructure, power, transportation, consumer durables and green technologies. Copper is also used in hospitals for making surgical instruments such as scalpels and clams that cut through tissues without damaging blood vessels or nerves," the press release said. The company claimed that the closure was also a big blow for India's strategy of Atmanirbhartha in critical raw materials. It has also exposed Indian companies to the vagaries of global price volatility and disruptions in supply chain because of geopolitical tensions, the company said. "China's increasing dominance across the copper's entire value chain is reflected in its growing smelter capacity, which expanded by 8,68,000 tonnes to 12.6 million tonnes in 2022-23 and is expected to rise to another 4,57,000 tonnes by 2024, accounting for 47% of the total global capacity. Moreover, it has recently acquired through MMG Limited Botswana's Khoemacau copper mine and invested heavily in Jinchuan Groups in Chile's Antofagasta to shore up its ore supply, according to a Wood Mackenzie report," the press release said. The company said that not only has the production of refined copper taken a massive hit, the productivity of sulfuric and phosphoric acid, gypsum, etc, from downstream industries has fallen drastically. It has forced India to import these chemicals from countries like Japan, South Korea and Philippines. "The growing demand-supply mismatch will also adversely impact India's ambitious decarbonisation strategy. This shortfall will hurt the interests of the domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, allowing global automobile players to garner a higher share of the Indian domestic market at the cost of the local players. "Similarly, those producing solar modules, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and other products, will either be forced to depend on expensive imported copper or cut down on their production targets.The closure of the Thoothukudi plant also opens the country's lucrative copper market to both international players in the absence of strong domestic competition. "It will also allow them to ramp up capacities, enter new markets, etc. It has also allowed other domestic players to expand into different areas without much competition," the press release said. (ANI)
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits the disaster-hit Xinhua village, Hanyuan County under Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Sunday urged all-out rescue efforts after rain-triggered flash floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province left over 30 missing.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited the disaster-hit Xinhua village, Hanyuan County under Ya'an City, and inspected a local hospital and the temporary relocation site for those affected by the disaster.

Chairing a meeting Sunday noon, Zhang said that the primary task is to search and rescue the missing people, adding that more professional forces should be deployed to expedite the search and rescue process.

Efforts should be taken to prevent secondary disasters as mountain torrents and mudslides increased safety risks in the area, he said.

It is necessary to allocate disaster relief funds and materials in a timely manner, strengthen medical services in the relocation sites, and ensure local people's basic living standards, Zhang said, urging that the normal production and life order be restored as soon as possible.

As many places were hit by natural disasters recently, local authorities should further strengthen the response to rainfall and floods, such as early warning and relocation, Zhang said.

Focusing on key areas including vulnerable villages, construction sites and tourist attractions, more efforts should be made to ensure early detection, disposal and swift evacuation to protect people's safety, he said.
Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday issued an alert against a propaganda video made by proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit with a poster of the Bollywood movie Phantom featuring Saif Ali Khan. https://x.com/JmuKmrPolice/status/1815320026259308742 The police warned the general public that position and forwarding of content of this nature is an offence under sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In a series of tweets on X, the J-K police said, "A 5 minutes 55 seconds video by Jaish with a poster of the Bollywood movie Phantom with the photo of actor Saif Ali has just been released by the enemy around 2 PM today on 22 July 2024". Police also warned the public against sharing this propaganda video and asked them to share the details of the receipt of the video. "General public is alerted that they will do the following: First, they will not forward it in any manner to anyone. Second, they will report by a message as to who have they received this propaganda video from. Mention the telephone number and the date and time of the receipt of the video. Police officers shall report it to their supervisory officer and civil officers should equally report it to their supervisory officers by way of a text message," J-K police added in the post. "Under no circumstances, this video shall be forwarded. It should be remembered that position and forwarding of content of this nature is an offence under section 13 and 18 of UAPA," the post added. (ANI)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its chargesheet filed against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, has stated that she was involved in manipulation and tweaking of Delhi Excise Policy. During the investigation, the role of the accused, Kavitha has surfaced not only in the collection of upfront money but also in the transfer of ill-gotten money to Goa through Hawala channel, stated CBI. It has been revealed that her co-accused associates, viz., Abhishek Boinpally and PA Ashok Kaushik, were involved in the transfer of ill-gotten money to Goa through Hawala channel. It has been revealed that the accused Arvind Kumar Singh, who was posted and functioning as Production Controller-Cum-Commercial Head of India Ahead News, owned by the accused Mootha Gautham and Abhishek Boinpally, the co-accused associate of the accused K Kavitha, has acted as a conduit of the accused persons of the South Group and played a major role in transfer of ill-gotten money of Rs 7.10 crore to Goa from Delhi through Hawala Channel. The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday took cognizance of the Supplementary chargesheet filed against BRS leader K Kavitha by the CBI in Delhi Excise Policy case. Special judge Kaveri Baweja, after taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet directed to produce Kavitha before the court through video conferencing on July 26. The court has directed to supply a copy of the supplementary charge sheet to the counsel for Kavitha and others. Matter has been listed for scrutiny of documents on the next date of hearing. The Court on July 8 reserved an order on cognizance of the charge sheet (third supplementary charge sheet in this case.) Advocate DP Singh had submitted that cognizance of the offence has already been taken. We are aware that a policy was made and the influence of South Group was there. All key people in the group worked under Kavitha's command. He also read over the statements of TDP MP Magunta S Reddy, who met Delhi CM Kejriwal on March 16, 2021. His son, Raghav Magunta, also confirmed this. He also submitted that there is a list of statements we are relying upon, including Sarath Reddy, Gopi Kumaran and Raghav Magunta. There are many people who will ultimately speak against Kavitha. cognizance of the offence is already taken, this charge sheet is only for limited purpose of consideration and summoning of this accused, DP Singh said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against BRS leader K Kavitha in Delhi Excise Policy case on June 6. This is the third supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI in Delhi Excise Policy case. Kavitha is in judicial custody in both CBI and ED cases. She was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15. Thereafter, she was arrested by the CBI on April 11. On July 1, the Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the bail petitions moved by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha in CBI and ED cases related to Excise Policy case. The plea moved by Kavitha stated that she is a mother of two children, one of whom is a minor presently under shock and is undergoing medical supervision. Kavitha, in her fresh bail plea, alleges that there have been attempts to drag her into the scandal by the members of the ruling party at the Centre. She, through bail plea, submitted that the entire case of Enforcement Directorate hinges upon statements made by the approver, witnesses or co-accused under Section 50 of the PMLA. The Prosecution Complaints do not put forth a single document which corroborates the statements. There is not a single piece of evidence which points to the guilt of the applicant. She further stated that the arrest of the applicant is illegal as Section 19 of the PMLA has not been complied with. Neither has any corroboration to the allegation of the actual cash transaction nor any money trail is forthcoming, therefore, the satisfaction of guilt as expressed in his arrest order is merely a sham and a pretence, she stated. The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority's approval. The beneficiaries diverted "illegal" gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection, the probe agencies said. As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the earnest money deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19, the probe agency said and there was an alleged loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer. (ANI)
The fifth Monitoring Committee meeting of Special Cells for Women within Police system, supported by the National Commission for Women and implemented by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai was held today at Banquet Hall, Srinagar. Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, chaired the meeting of the Committee constituted under "Violence Free Home - A Woman's Right" project - demonstration of 22 pilot Special Cells for Women in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh located in all districts of both the UTs. The NCW also took to its official X handle and said, "The fifth Monitoring Committee Meeting of Special Cells for Women was held on 22nd July 2024 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, chaired by Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women. The meeting reviewed the progress of 22 pilot Special Cells for Women across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In another post, NCW said that Rekha Sharma met with the Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, recommending the hiring of officers exclusively for crimes against women. "Discussions emphasized expanding Special Cells to reach out to women of far-flung areas using volunteers for legal rights awareness and sensitizing the police to handle women's complaints effectively," the post said. While chairing the meeting, Rekha Sharma appreciated the work of Special Cells in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and invited the representatives from each department to share their work progress and challenges regarding their work on violence against women. She emphasized on increasing the outreach of Special Cells on ground to reach maximum survivors of violence. Further, the Chairperson had a detailed discussion on proposal of institutionalisation of Special Cells for Women, Jammu and Kashmir with Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Sheetal Nanda. The members of the Committee suggested that there is a need for further sensitization of Police and other departments on gender-related issues. During the meeting, work progress on Special Cells for Women of both the UTs from January 1 to June 30, 2024, was presented by Balwant Singh, Coordinator, RCI-VAW, TISS to the committee. He also highlighted the measures initiated by the social workers on the ground for effective functioning of the Special Cells in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. During this period, the Special Cells have reached out to 2192 women survivors of violence to provide psycho-social support. (ANI)
Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has arrested Haryana MLA, Surender Panwar, in connection with an illegal mining case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Panwar is an MLA of Sonipat and was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Gurugram Zonal Office on July 20. Panwar was produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Ambala (Haryana) and has been remanded to ED custody for 9 days. "Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Gurugram Zonal Office has arrested Surender Panwar, MLA of Sonipat, on July 20, 2024, in the case of illegal mining case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002," as per a press release from the ED. The syndicate of illegal mining in Yamuna Nagar area is controlled, managed and run by Surender Panwar, MLA, Dilbag Singh, Ex MLA and their family members, and other key associates. Surender Panwar was produced before the Hon'ble Special Court (PMLA), Ambala (Haryana) and the Hon'ble Court has granted ED custody for 9 days," the agency said. "ED initiated investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by Haryana Police under various sections of IPC, 1860 and Environment Protection Act, 1986 related to illegal mining of sand, Boulder-Gravel and Boulder-Gravel-Sand in District Yamuna Nagar against various mining lease holder companies namely M/s Mubarikpur Royalty Company, M/s Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd, M/s Delhi Royalty Company, M/s JSM Foods Pvt Ltd and M/s PS Buildtech, and also against various Screening Plants & Stone Crushers and associated persons," ED said in the release. ED investigation revealed that Surender Panwar and his family members are major shareholders in M/s Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd. involved in illegal mining & part of the mining syndicate. Earlier, the Hon'ble NGT also imposed a huge penalty on M/s Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd of Rs 2.5 crore, Delhi Royalty Company of Rs 4.2 crore, and Mubarikpur Royalty Company for Rs 12 crore for violating the environmental norms including illegal mining, diversion of river flow, etc, the agency said. ED investigation has so far revealed that the total Proceeds of Crime (PoC) generated out of this illegal mining activities in this case is estimated to be more than Rs 500 crore. "Earlier, ED conducted search operations, under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 at the premises of Surender Panwar, Dilbag Singh, Angad Makkar, etc. and consequently, Dilbag Singh, Ex-MLA and his aide Kulwinder Singh were arrested on January 8, 2024," ED said in the release. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
The operation, spearheaded by SP Bhanupada Chakraborty, led to the confiscation of 10,000 Yaba tablets with an estimated market value of about Rs 50 lakh.

The bust took place at Nayapara, near Geeta Bhawan, where law enforcement intercepted a Thar vehicle and a Pulsar bike being used to transport the illicit drugs.

The main smuggler, Jaggya Ruddha, a resident of Asimganj, Patharkandi, in Assam, was apprehended on the spot. However, an accomplice managed to escape and is currently being pursued by the authorities.

Bhanupada Chakraborty, SP, North Tripura, said, "At Nayapara, Dharmanag, North Tripura, 10 thousand Yaba tablets, worth approximately Rs 50 lakhs, were seized from Thar and Pulsar vehicles."

Following the seizure of the contraband, a NDPS case has been registered against the peddler at Dharmanagar police station, he said.

This successful operation is a testament to the effective and proactive measures being implemented by the state government to combat drug trafficking and abuse. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has been at the forefront of these efforts, reinforcing the state's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India.

The seizure of these Yaba tablets marks a significant step forward in the ongoing campaign to create a "Nasha Mukt Tripura" (Drug-Free Tripura), highlighting the state government's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. (ANI)
In a rare case of recovery, a 14-year-old boy in Kerala who was under treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) has recovered, said officials. The child is a native of Kozhikode district in the state. A person diagnosed with amoebic encephalitis rarely recovers from the disease in the country. Only 11 people in the world have recovered from this disease. The child was brought back to life from a disease with a 97% mortality rate. Kerala Health Minister Veena George appreciated the entire team for leading the coordination and treatment. In the event of amoebic meningoencephalitis being reported in the state, the Health Department held a meeting under the leadership of the Minister and issued special precautionary instructions. Based on that, the health workers at the Meladi Primary Health Centre expressed suspicion that the child's symptoms could be those of brain fever and informed them of the dangers. On that very day, the child developed epilepsy and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode. Miltefosine was specially delivered by the health department for the child. He was cured after three weeks of treatment. This was achieved by early detection of the disease and ensuring that the child received all available treatments. Preventive measures were intensified as soon as amoebic encephalitis was reported in the state. On July 5, a special meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and in the case of reports of the rare disease amoebic encephalitis, a proposal was given to prepare molecular testing systems to confirm the disease at an early stage in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Virology. In a special meeting convened by the Health Minister on May 28, it was decided to prepare treatment guidelines led by experts and according to this, treatment guidelines for amoebic encephalitis were released on July 20. This is the first time in the country that comprehensive guidelines for amoebic encephalitis have been released. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday condemned the denial of entry to a dhoti-clad farmer into a mall in Bengaluru and said that the government would bring out guidelines to stop the recurrence of incidents like this. "We will bring out guidelines to include traditional dresses like panche, dhoti and others so that malls and other places can't impose entry restrictions based on certain dresses. We will ensure such incidents don't repeat in the state," he told the Legislative Assembly. "There was a discussion on this issue on Friday but I could not participate. I am giving a statement on this now," he added. "The mall was issued notice regarding denial of entry to the farmer and was locked down due to non-payment of taxes. The mall has issued an apology and has also paid up the outstanding property tax," he said. JDS Legislative Party leader Suresh Babu appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister to look into the practices of some of the clubs that don't allow entry for people with sandals and dhoti. Several farmer unions had protested against the act of the mall authorities and demanded action against them. The police had registered a FIR against the owner and security guard of the mall. (ANI)
As part of this protest, they will also stage a "long march" to support the private bills by the opposition.

The announcement came while addressing a press conference in Delhi.

Subsequently, the protesting farmers will take out a tractor rally nationwide on 15th August, when the country marks Independence Day. They will also burn copies of new criminal laws.

Addressing a press conference, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) also said that the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march will complete 200 days on August 31 and appealed to people to reach Khanauri, Shambhu, etc on the Punjab and Haryana border.

Following the announcement, they further informed both the organizations Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will hold a mega rally in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on September 1.

A rally will be held in the Jind district of Haryana on September 15, 2024, and another rally will be held in Pipli on September 22, 2024.

In February, the Haryana government had set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway after farmer's unions announced that farmers would march to Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Earlier in February this year, farmers' protest 2.0 began, however, they were stopped at the Haryana borders for several days. (ANI)
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa met farmers on Monday and said that the INDIA bloc leaders will raise their voice for the farmers in the Parliament. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa says, "The INDIA alliance MPs have met the farmers sitting along the borders, and they have sought a private bill. Accepting the private bill or not is the speaker's prerogative, but INDIA bloc leaders will raise their voice for the farmers." In February, farmer unions marched to Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Farmers Protest 2.0 is in motion. Nearly two years after farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh laid siege to Delhi to protest against three farm laws. Unlike the last time when the main demand was to repeal the farm laws which the government had accepted after nearly two years of protests, this time the farmers are demanding a host of measures from the Central government which they say are required for the financial viability of farming. Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, "... Our stand is clear that the farmers of Punjab contribute the maximum to this food bowl. The farmers of Punjab are so unhappy with the present government that more than 80 percent of Punjab voted against the BJP... The farmers are stopped from entering Delhi and treated like Pakistani infiltrators... It is because the farmers were unhappy with the BJP that it could not win a majority... When you cannot solve problems faced by your farmers, there is no point in talking about achieving a USD 5 trillion economy and becoming the third biggest economy..." Speaking on the issue of farmers, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang said, "The farmers have very valid and genuine demands, which the Prime Minister had committed to fulfilling, but they were never implemented... We will try to raise the farmers' issues in this session and create pressure on the government to fulfill their demands." Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the national budget 2024-25 on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2023-2024 in the Lok Sabha earlier on Monday. The Budget Session of Parliament has commenced on Monday and is likely to conclude on August 12. The session will have 16 sittings spread over 22 days. (ANI)
A Shiv Sena leader has approached Mumbai Police and lodged a complaint demanding that the telecast of the OTT show "Bigg Boss 3" be stopped. The complaint alleges that the show's actors engaged in "lewd and offensive behaviour," raising concerns about its impact on social values and family relationships. Dr Manisha Kayande, Secretary and Spokesperson of Shiv Sena, along with other members, met Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar on Monday and submitted a written complaint expressing concerns over the content aired in the episode of Bigg Boss Season 3 on July 18, 2024. Dr Kayande highlighted that the episode depicted actors engaging in lewd and offensive behaviour, which she described as trampling social values and crossing the boundaries of family relationships, according to a press release. The Shiv Sena leader has called for the immediate cessation of the show and demanded strict action against its producers and the CEO of the broadcasting company. She has requested the Commissioner of Police to investigate whether the episode has gone viral on various social media platforms and to take appropriate legal action against those involved, the release added. "Bigg Boss 3 is a reality show. The shooting is ongoing. It's an absolute vulgarity that is being depicted. The YouTube influencer is also participating, and now he has crossed all limits of vulgarity. For the scenes being shown, we have requested Mumbai Police to take action, and we have given them a letter," Dr Kayande said while speaking to ANI. "This public display of vulgarity in the name of reality shows, how far is it correct? How does it influence young minds?... We will also go to the Information and Broadcasting Minister at the centre and request to bring in a law in this current session of parliament on the OTT platforms," she added. (ANI)
Saket District Court has recently rejected Shraddha Walkar's murder case and accused Aftab Amin Poonawala's plea seeking trial to be held only twice every month to give suitable time to his counsel to prepare his defence. The court said that the accused was trying to deliberately delay the trial. Special Fast Track Court Judge Manish Khurana Kakkar dismissed the plea of the accused, Poonawala. "It appears that since substantial witnesses have been examined and material witnesses are yet to be examined after filing the supplementary challan along with the witnesses cited in the main charge sheet, the accused is trying to deliberately delay the trial," the Special Court said in an order of July 6. In fact, learned defence counsel had failed to appear on dates that were fixed as per his convenience for cross-examination of the witnesses, and several witnesses are yet to be cross examined by the accused, it added. It also said that only 134 out of 212 prosecution witnesses have been examined since June 2023. Therefore, consecutive dates are required to conclude the trial expeditiously. There is an application which was moved by Vikas Walkar, father of Shraddha Walkar, seeking release of her bones so that her last rites may be performed. "Moreover, the right of the accused to a fair trial cannot be allowed to completely trump the right of the victim to a dignified cremation as well as the right of the surviving heir of the deceased to cremate the body of the deceased with dignity and respect," the court observed. The court noted that, admittedly, the bones of the deceased have not been released to the father of the deceased/victim, who has been appearing diligently physically or through virtual mode. He has specifically prayed that the bones of his only daughter be released to him expeditiously as soon as possible since he has to cremate her body parts. "Infact, the said right cannot be allowed to be completely thwarted by slackening the pace of trial at the whims and fancy of the accused, who has been adequately accommodated on each date of hearing so as to give him ample opportunity to prepare his defence as well as tocross-examine the witnesses," the court emphasised. The court said that the father of the deceased has also filed an application for release of the bones and for expeditiously exhibiting them. In reply to the application filed, the accused stated that he has no objection to release of the bones to the father of deceased, as the alleged bones and body parts have already beenexhibited. "However, the said case property cannot be allowed to be released at this stage since many police witnesses involved in the alleged recovery of bones of deceased Shraddha Vikas Walker are yet to be examined and as per the submissions of the prosecution, the said case property is required for the identification and exhibition of the said bones by the police witnesses. Therefore, the application of the father of the deceased cannot be allowed to that extent," the court said in the order. The court held, "However, keeping in view the fact that the father of the victim, Vikas Walker, has a right to cremate the bones of his deceased daughter, Shraddha Vikas Walker, the matter shall be taken up expeditiously on consecutive dates of hearing each month in order toconclude the prosecution evidence, after which at least some part of the bones may be released to him for cremation, at the appropriate stage of proceedings." Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad did not object to expeditious trial in the present matter. In fact, it was reinforced that consecutive dates be given for completion of examination of prosecution witnesses, as the total number of prosecution witnesses in the main charge-sheet is around 182 witnesses, while the supplementary challan has about 30 witnesses, i.e.more than 212 witnesses in total, the court noted. He vehemently argued that the defence counsel had previously taken dates as per his convenience for cross-examination of witnesses, however, he failed to appear on the said dates with the intent to delay the trial. Accused in application stated that the matter is at the stage of Prosecution. Evidence shows that since October 2023, 6-7 block dates per month have been fixed. It was further stated that more than 125 witnesses have already been examined in the present matter, and now crucial witnesses, i.e., investigating officers, public witnesses, and FSL witnesses, remain to be examined; therefore, main counsel needs to be present for their examination in chief as well. (ANI)
Most rare diseases are caused by genetics. A molecular genetic diagnosis can be made more quickly and readily by identifying the underlying genetic change, for instance by exome sequencing (ES). The analysis of every region of our DNA that codes for a protein is known as ES. A systematic evaluation of 1,577 patients' ES data was conducted as part of a multicenter research conducted in Germany. 499 people could now be diagnosed as a result, 34 of whom had previously undiagnosed genetic disorders. Thus, the work significantly adds to the first descriptions of novel diseases. Furthermore, the first widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI)-based software to assist clinical diagnosis was made. The artificial intelligence system "GestaltMatcher" can help with the evaluation of face features in relation to the categorization of congenital genetic disorders. The prestigious journal Nature Genetics has recently published the study's findings, which were conducted across 16 university locations. Ultra-rare diseases require both multidisciplinary clinical expertise and comprehensive genetic diagnostics for optimal care. The three-year TRANSLATE NAMSE innovation fund project began at the end of 2017 with the aim of improving the care of those affected by means of modern diagnostic concepts. Researchers from 16 university hospitals analyzed the ES data of 1,577 patients, including 1,309 children, who presented to rare disease centers as part of TRANSLATE NAMSE. The aim of the project was to find the cause of the disease in as many patients as possible using innovative examination methods. A genetic cause of the rare disease was identified in 499 patients, 425 of whom were children. In total, the researchers found changes in 370 different genes. "We are particularly proud of the discovery of 34 new molecular diseases, which is a great example of knowledge-generating patient care at university hospitals," says Dr. Theresa Brunet, one of the lead authors from the Institute of Human Genetics at the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich. "We will examine the affected patients for whom we have not yet been able to find a diagnosis as part of the model project Genome Sequencing, or MVGenomSeq for short," says Dr. Tobias Haack, Deputy Director of the Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics at the University Hospital of Tubingen. The MVGenomSeq builds on the success of the TRANSLATE NAMSE project and enables the analysis of clinical genomes at university hospitals throughout Germany. Unsolved cases can also be investigated in follow-up studies using new examination methods, such as long-read sequencing, which allows much longer DNA fragments to be analyzed. "Long-read sequencing enables us to find genetic changes that are difficult to detect and we assume that we will be able to make further diagnoses using this method," says Dr. Nadja Ehmke, Head of Genome Diagnostics at Charite's Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics and one of the last authors. As part of the TRANSLATE NAMSE project, standardized procedures for extended genetic diagnostics for suspected rare diseases were also established at the participating rare disease centers, based on interdisciplinary case conferences. These were incorporated into standard care after the project was completed. "The interdisciplinary case conferences play an important role for those affected. This enables a comprehensive clinical characterization, which is relevant for the phenotype-based evaluation of the genetic data. In addition, the detected variants can be discussed in an interdisciplinary context," says Dr. Magdalena Danyel, one of the first authors, who works as a specialist at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics and a fellow of the Clinician Scientist Program of the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charite - Universitatsmedizin. The researchers also investigated whether the supplementary use of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) tools improves diagnostic effectiveness and efficiency. To this end, the "GestaltMatcher" software developed by researchers in Bonn, which uses computer-assisted facial analysis to support the person using it in the diagnosis of rare diseases, was tested on a broad scale for the first time. The study used the sequence and image data of 224 people who had also consented to the computer-assisted analysis of their facial images, and it was shown that the AI-supported technology provides a clinical benefit. The GestaltMatcher AI can recognize abnormalities in the face and assign them to specific diseases. An important question when assessing genetic data is: Does the phenotype match the genotype? The AI can provide support here. "GestaltMatcher is like an expert opinion that we can provide to any medical professional in a matter of seconds. Early diagnosis is essential for those affected by rare diseases and their families. Supportive use of the software by pediatricians could already be useful in the case of abnormalities during the U7 screening at 21 to 24 months or U7a at 34 to 36 months," said corresponding author Prof. Peter Krawitz, Director of the Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics (IGSB) at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), where the GestaltMatcher AI is being developed. Prof. Krawitz is also a member of the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2 and in the Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRA) "Modeling" and "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn. The software and app can be made available to all doctors through the non-profit organization Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Gen-Diagnostik e.V. (AGD). (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], July 22 (ANI/TPS): The Israeli army said it is vaccinating soldiers against polio after the virus was found in samples of Gaza sewage, the Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday. The Israel Defence Forces added that in cooperation with international aid organizations, approximately 300,000 polio vaccines -- enough for more than one million Gaza residents -- have been brought to the Strip. The IDF said it is not aware of any active cases of polio among Palestinians or Israeli soldiers. Polio is a highly contagious virus that is usually caught by ingesting contaminated water or food. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, respiratory problems and death. Many countries have eradicated polio, but the virus festers in situations of poor sanitation and sewage control. Israel's Health Ministry on Thursday found evidence of poliovirus type 2 in two sewage samples from the Gaza area, which it said were consistent with test results from the World Health Organization in Egypt. Booster shots will be made available to all soldiers serving in Gaza or before they are rotated in, but added that no troops will be obligated to be vaccinated. On July 2, Israel began boosting the amount of electricity supplied to Gaza to operate the Strip's sewage and water desalination systems In December an injured Israeli soldier died of a fungal infection he picked up from contaminated soil in Gaza. Experimental treatments failed to save Staff sergeant (res.) Hanan Drori as the fungus overpowered the 26-year-old's organs. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed dead. (ANI/TPS)
Praising US Vice President Kamala Harris for her work, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said that she is a tough lady and has done an outstanding job as senator, adding that he thinks Harris will be a great President. Speaking to ANI, Thanedar said that he looks forward to working with Kamala Harris as the next President of the US. He said Harris cares deeply about democratic issues like protecting a woman's rights or protecting workers' rights and creating economic opportunities. Asked about his reaction on Biden passing the torch to Harris, Shri Thanedar said, "I think Kamala Harris would be a great president. She is a tough lady. She has been a prosecutor. As a senator, she has done an outstanding job. And I look forward to working with Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States." "You know, I have just recently, just a couple of weeks ago, I have met her in Detroit. She's very personable. She cares deeply about the democratic issues like, you know, protecting a woman's right to choose or protecting workers rights, you know, creating economic opportunities. She's very strong on small business, growth of small businesses. So I look forward to working with Kamala Harris as a member of Congress. And she is particularly, you know, I'm so proud that she would be our next president," he added. His remarks came as Biden announced his decision to not seek re-election and endorsed Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. Shri Thanedar noted that Indian Americans are participating actively in politics and are part of both parties - Republican and Democratic parties. Asked whether Kamala Harris' nomination as presidential candidate for Democrat will be game changer for Asian or Indian American donors, he responded, "Yeah, you know, finally, you know, Indian Americans are in mainstream American politics now. You know, we have Indian Americans in United States Congress. We have Indian Americans now in all walks of life in politics. While Indian Americans have done so well in business and medicine and academia." "Now we're starting to see that Indian Americans are participating actively in politics, both parties. You know, the Vice President Kamala Harris being of Indian American descent is a proud moment for the Indian Americans in the United States," he added. He also praised Joe Biden and called it a pleasure to have worked with him. He said that he wanted Biden to run, however, he respects his decision not to seek re-election. "Well, you know, President Biden has done a great job. He's been a wonderful president. It's been a pleasure to work with him. I've had a chance to work with him, talk with him many, many times. But he has made a decision to step down. I respect his decision. Even though I wanted him to run and I felt that we could win with President Biden in November, but he has decided to step down and I respect his decision," he said. Praising Biden for his work, Thanedar called him "one of the most pro-worker presidents and pro-choice presidents." "He's one of the most progressive presidents, one of the most pro-worker president, pro-choice president. And under his leadership, we have created 15 million jobs. American economy grew substantially under his leadership. The stock market is up. Unemployment is very, very low. President Biden has done a great job. He got us out of COVID and he helped recover the economy. Our economy has grown faster than any other country in the world. So we are thankful to President Biden and we are thankful for his service. And in the end, he chose the country over his own personal interest. And that is something to be admired about and something we are proud of," Thanedar said. Biden's announcement to drop out of the presidential race comes just four months before the election which is set to take place in November. Former US President Donald Trump has been nominated as the presidential candidate for the Republican Party. Asked about the timing of Biden's announcement as it's close to the Democratic National Convention, he said, "Well, we still have about four months left to election. And Kamala Harris, who would be the nominee, I anticipate Kamala Harris will be the next presidential nominee. And people already know Kamala Harris. She has seen her work. People have seen she has been a great partner to President Biden. And I think people would support her wholeheartedly." Speaking about the possibilities on how the party will choose its presidential nominee, Shri Thanedar said, "It's possible that there may be some discussion another candidate, but I believe that Kamala Harris was chosen as number two on the ticket by President Biden. That is the reason why she was chosen. And she has done a great job as a Vice President. She's been a great supporting vice president. So she is our candidate. And if there is some challenges, I believe, I talked to many of my congressional colleagues and a large majority of Congressional colleagues of mine do support her. So I expect it will be a quick nominating process and Kamala Harris would receive the nomination of the Democratic party." He called Republicans a cult, who he stressed follow one leader blindly and stressed that Democratic party has open communication, and pointed out that the party leaders have disagreements at times. However, its like being in a family. He expressed confidence that party leaders will support Kamala Harris. Highlighting the unity among leaders of Democratic Party, he said, "Well, look, the Republicans are like a cult. They have one leader, and under his leadership, they follow him blindly. Democratic party, we have an open communication. We disagree at times. It's like being a family. And it's a very contrasting position. We care about democracy. We care about opposing viewpoints. It's not a cult. Our party is not a cult. And we will continue to have that freedom of speech. We'll continue to have that civil dialogue in our party. But in the end, we will all stand behind the Democratic nominee, which I expect to be Kamala Harris and will strongly support her." Meanwhile, after Biden's announcement to endorse her, the US Vice President said that she "intends to earn and win" the Democratic Party's nomination for the November presidential polls. She said that she is honoured to have Biden's endorsement. She vowed to "do everything" in her power to unite the Democratic Party and the country to defeat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Asked about the possible running mate for Kamala Harris, Shri Thanedar said, "Well, there's a lot of good people. You know, we have a great bench. You know, Mark Kelly, Senator Mark Kelly has been talked about as possibility. Certainly the governor of my state, Gretchen Whitmer, who is outstanding and she would be a great vice president. "Certainly, California governor, Newsom would be a possibility, and Transportation Secretary Pete, it would be a possibility. There is just a number of good people that Kamala Harris could choose from," he added. Earlier in the day, Biden announced on Sunday (local time) announced his decision to not seek re-election in the best interest of his party and country. In a letter posted on X, Biden stated, "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision." In a subsequent post on X, Biden stated, Biden stated, "My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats -- it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this." Biden dropped out of the race after weeks of pressure from Democrats following his disastrous performance in the nationally televised 90-minute debate with Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump on June 27. In that debate, Biden appeared frail and confused, stumbling through sentences and trailing off mid-sentence. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], July 22 (ANI/WAM): In alignment with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the aim is to establish a sustainable and resilient public transport system that facilitates the movement of residents and visitors. This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of the people, boost Dubai's global competitiveness as a hub for international events and achieve the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 targets; and under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the purchase of 636 buses of various sizes. These buses comply with the European specifications for low carbon emissions (Euro 6). Among them, there will be 40 electric buses, marking the largest and first of their kind in the UAE. Bus deliveries will take place in 2024 and 2025. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, commented, "The procurement of these new buses is part of a master plan to elevate the public transport system in Dubai to bring it in line with the top international standards. Our goal is to offer best-in-class services to public transport users and accommodate the sustained growth of public bus ridership. The deal illustrates RTA's determination to make public transport the preferred mobility mode for residents to increase the share of public transport journeys to 25 per cent by 2030. Achieving such a target requires the provision of high-quality public transport means characterised by wide geographical coverage and integrated multi-modal transit systems." "The technical specifications of the new buses support the UAE's goal of to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 aimed to position Dubai as one of the world's largest urban economies. The buses are compatible with RTA's Public Transport Zero Emissions in Dubai 2050 Strategy to convert all buses, taxis, and limousines to zero-emission vehicles, targeting 100% conversion of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen-powered buses by 2050," Al Tayer explained. "The contract includes the purchase of 40 electric buses from Zhongtong, featuring Gulf specifications tested and proven in the region, and 450 city service buses, including 400 MAN buses and 50 Zhongtong buses, all with high safety, comfort, and quality standards. These buses are fitted with Euro 6 environmentally friendly engines and classified under the United Nations Vehicle Category Class II, allowing flexibility in operation on urban and inter-urban routes. The contract also includes 76 double-decker buses from Volvo and 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu to serve high-density urban areas and new districts, enhancing geographic coverage and increasing occupancy rates," Al Tayer added. "Most of the buses will be equipped with the Driver Behaviour Monitoring System (Raqeeb), () to monitor and improve driver conduct using innovative technologies that enhance bus safety standards. They will also feature an Automated Passenger Counting (APC) system to record actual passenger numbers and match them against the automated fare collections to curb fare evasion. They also have an electronic Driver Identity Authentication system linked to the operating system. Buses have comfortable seating, high safety standards, adjustable seat belts in family areas, and a sleek design reflecting Dubai's modernity," Al Tayer concluded. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, stated, "The purchase of the new buses focused on the compatibility with the latest global standards, including compliance with European carbon emissions specifications, low floors for easy access of people of determination, bike racks, special seating for children, Wi-Fi service, mobile phone charging points, and intelligent systems to provide the best services to public transport users, featuring outstanding interior finishes and wide seats." "RTA is a pioneer across the GCC in developing a special fuel consumption testing system (UAE Fuel Consumption Protocol) to compare fuel consumption among different bus types. The supplier qualification criteria included the ability to manufacture, supply, and maintain buses to global standards to enhance financial and environmental sustainability principles and ensure operational efficiency," Bahrozyan added. (ANI/WAM)
Amid the growing threat from Chinese invasion, Taiwan starting Monday will begin military exercises to test its war fighting capabilities. The five-day drill is being held even as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) flew a record number of aircraft close to the island this month. Beijing has also increased the number of naval vessels and coast guard vessels operating next to the self-governed island, which it views as part of its own territory. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said the annual Han Kuang and Wan An exercises, between July 22 and July 26, will focus on "unscripted and real combat drills." Including drills such as shelter-in-place and air defence drill alerts. The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's biggest annual defence drills, have been held every year since 1984 to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion. On July 11, Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 66 Chinese military aircraft operating around the island within 24 hours, the most sorties on a single day in 2024. On July 10, Taipei said it detected China's aircraft carrier Shandong sailing through waters near Taiwan to join military exercises in the western Pacific. Meanwhile, for the 47th Wanan air raid drills, held annually since 1978, people living across Taiwan will hear sirens ring out between Monday and Friday. Residents should shelter in place or seek cover at the nearest air raid shelter, Focus Taiwan reported in an advisory. The drills aim to raise public awareness of emergency response measures and reduce the likelihood of casualties and damage in case of an enemy attack. They are also a way for Taiwan's government to test local authorities' emergency response capabilities, it said. The 40th annual Han Kuang exercises will run 24/7 nationwide from July 22-26, with an emphasis on testing Taiwan's ability to protect critical infrastructure in its capital as well as to enhance the resilience of its key infrastructure nationwide, according to the Ministry of National Defence (MND). Focus Taiwan cited a source as saying that it was "important for Taiwan to continue to receive supplies from foreign countries and deliver them nationwide should a cross-strait war break out." The source was cited as saying that "A drill aimed at testing military-civilian cooperation to carry out wartime supply-delivery missions will therefore be staged at a major port in Taiwan during the five-day live-fire drills to ensure links to the outside world could remain open in the event of a Chinese blockade." A military general told Focus Taiwan that the nation's armed forces have been regularly carrying out training activities focused on protecting key harbors and ports, since Beijing would prioritize shutting down these sites during an invasion. (ANI)
Former President Barack Obama, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have yet to make their stand clear on endorsing Kamala Harris for the Presidential nomination. This even as a slew of Democrat Party leaders on Sunday displayed a show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris as their new presidential candidate, Politico reported. Former President Barack Obama in a post on the platform Medium said "We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges." The statement, however, stops just short of officially backing Harris for the top job. Obama's endorsement of Harris will be critical given that the Democratic National Convention is being held between August 19 to 22 on Obama's home turf of Chicago. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's reaction to the withdrawal of Joe Biden from the presidential race was one of effusive praise for Biden but had nothing to suggest that she had endorsed Harris. "President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment," she said on X. After President Joe Biden endorsed her to be the new Presidential nominee, Harris got support from several Democrats like former President Bill Clinton, and former Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In a statement, the Clintons said "We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever to support her." Congressman Ro Khanna also endorsed Kamla Harris saying "I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African American woman and first Asian American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future." Congressman Jim Clyburn representing South Carolina's 6th Congressional district said he echoed President Biden's endorsement of Harris. "I echo the good judgement he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud today to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party's 2024 nominee for President," he said. The goal now for the supporters of Harris is to get enough backers on board to help her win the nomination when the Democratic National Convention gets underway. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has been spoken of as a potential Vice Presidential running mate to Harris called for the party to unite behind her and focus on winning the election. "The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency. the contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States," Shapiro said in a statement on X. With barely a month to go before the Democratic party convenes in Chicago the task before them is tough, Donald Trump already has a head start and only a united front can hope to wrest the initiative from him (ANI)
The island nation's Ministry of National Defence (MND) in a statement said that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels had been detected in and around Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence, in a post on X, said, "12 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1815190789661901263

Earlier, on Sunday, MND detected 22 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan.

Amid the growing threat, Taiwan, starting Monday, will begin military exercises to test its war-fighting capabilities.

The five-day drill is being held even as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) flew a record number of aircraft close to the island this month. Beijing has also increased the number of naval and coast guard vessels operating next to the self-governed island, which it views as part of its territory.

The incident comes amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, as China has increased its military presence and conducted frequent drills in the region. The manoeuvres are seen as part of Beijing's ongoing pressure campaign against Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province.

The increased military activity by China has drawn concerns from international observers and partners of Taiwan. (ANI)
Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin III lauded President Joe Biden's exceptional contributions to America's national security in a statement released today. Secretary Austin expressed profound gratitude for President Biden's leadership, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy and strengthening global alliances. President Biden's legacy, as outlined by Secretary Austin, includes a robust defence of democratic values and strategic initiatives that have fortified America's position on the global stage. Notably, President Biden spearheaded international efforts to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, revitalised US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, and bolstered NATO alliances. Under President Biden's command, significant milestones were achieved, including the launch of the historic AUKUS partnership aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific. His administration's response to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the withdrawal from Afghanistan underscored his commitment to protecting American interests while upholding global stability. Secretary Austin emphasised President Biden's personal dedication to the Department of Defence and the US military, citing landmark legislation that secured historic funding for defence initiatives. President Biden's leadership also prioritised diversity and inclusivity within the armed forces, appointing historic firsts such as the first female Deputy Secretary of Defence and the first black Secretary of Defence. President Biden's unwavering support for the US military, noted Secretary Austin, was consistently underscored by his advocacy for improved benefits and support for service members and their families. His mantra of "God bless our troops" resonated deeply within the armed forces as a testament to his genuine appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication. Secretary Austin reiterated the Department of Defence's unified recognition and appreciation for President Biden's service to the nation, his unwavering commitment to the Constitution, and his steadfast leadership in defending democratic principles worldwide. Earlier on Sunday, President Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election, citing the best interests of the Democratic Party and the nation. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, calling for unity among Democrats to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump. President Biden has been recuperating at his Delaware home after testing positive for COVID-19 during a campaign stop in Las Vegas. His decision to withdraw from the presidential race follows internal Democratic pressure after a widely criticised debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. (ANI)
As the five missing Baloch people's families continued their protest for the third day, activist Mahrang Baloch demanded the safe return of the missing people. In a statement, she said the Baloch people are protesting because the Counter Terrorist Department abducts people. In a post on X, Mahrang said, "Why do Baloch march? Because every day, security forces break into Baloch homes, beat and abduct innocent people. Families of five missing persons continue their sit-in on Day 3, blocking the CPEC road, at Greshag demanding the safe return of their loved ones enforcedly disappeared by CTD." https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1814935884858294622 The Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a post on X shared a video appeal by Saira Baloch the sister of one of the abducted persons. "Saira Baloch, a sister protesting for his enforcedly disappeared brothers on roads for the last six years; urging the Baloch Raj to join the Baloch Raji Muchi at Gwadar. She is an example of suffering from the collective punishment that the families of disappeared persons go through. With unity and resistance, we can end this cycle of enforced disappearances and collective punishment of our mothers and sisters, and secure a prosperous future for our generations. " the post said. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1815057379177927079 On July 21, Families of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals launched a hunger strike unto death in the Turbat district of Pakistan's Balochistan, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Pakistani government's handling of the issue. The protest, now in its seventh day, aims to highlight the plight of family members of those who were abducted and demand their safe return. According to a statement from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a Baloch rights organisation, "The sit-in camp by victim families of the disappeared people has completed seven days. "On July 18, they announced a hunger strike. These families, from various areas of the Kech district, have been protesting in front of the DC office in Turbat. On July 19, they began their hunger strike," the BYC said. The BYC has also called for a national gathering in Gwadar on July 28 to protest the forced disappearance of people. (ANI)
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This photo taken on July 20, 2024 with a mobile phone shows burning oil storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yemen's Houthi group vowed to "hit vital targets in Israel" while Lebanon's Hezbollah retaliated with rockets after Israel had launched airstrikes on different areas in Yemen and Lebanon on Saturday.

Houthi vows to retaliation

The Houthi group on Saturday vowed to retaliate against Israeli air strikes that destroyed oil storage and electric facilities, wounding nearly 80 people, in the Houthi-held Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

"We will not hesitate to hit vital targets in Israel," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said, reiterating that Tel Aviv will not remain a safe area.

"The Israeli enemy launched a brutal aggression on Hodeidah, targeting the power station, the port, and the fuel storages, all of which are civilian targets," he said in a televised statement.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets targeted "military targets" of the Houthi militia, as a response to "the hundreds of attacks carried out against the State of Israel in recent months."

The statement came after Houthi top negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam said the Israeli strikes would not stop the military group from targeting "Israeli cities and ships."

Hodeidah residents said a big column of black smoke and fire at the scene could be seen from miles away. Fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene as authorities cordoned off the area near the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia is not linked to or participating in the Israeli attack, the Times of Israel reported, citing Turki Al-Malki, the spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry.

Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition to support the Yemeni government forces in confronting the Houthi group.

Saudi Arabia will not allow its airspace to be infiltrated by any party, Al-Malki added.

The Israeli airstrikes came a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a building in Tel Aviv that killed a person and injured 10 others.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since last November to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Many shipping companies have since changed their routes to go around the southern tip of Africa to avoid drone and missile attacks.

Hezbollah fires rockets

Also on Saturday, Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel, targeting a kibbutz for the first time in nine months in retaliation for an Israeli drone strike earlier in the day.

A few hours before Hezbollah's attack, seven people, including four children, were injured when an Israeli drone strike hit a tent belonging to a displaced Syrian, and a car parked next to it, in the southern Lebanese village of Burj al-Muluk.

Later that night, Israeli warplanes targeted an ammunition warehouse belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon's southwest town of Adloun, wounding at least five citizens and completely demolishing the house, Lebanese military sources said.
Former President Donald Trump has exuded confidence about his prospects in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, dismissing potential Democratic challengers with a sharp critique of their policies. In an upcoming interview with Fox TV, Trump, the Republican presidential candidate set a bold tone for his anticipated return to the political arena. "Yeah, I wouldn't be worried about any of them. Look, they have bad policies. Forget about the people," Trump is heard saying in a preview of Jesse Watters Primetime exclusive interview with former President Trump and running mate Senater JD Vance that is set to be aired on Monday night (Tuesday morning India Standard Time). Trump's remarks to Fox TV follows President Biden's recent announcement, in which he opted out of seeking re-election. Biden cited the best interests of the Democratic Party and the nation and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee amidst ongoing health concerns after testing positive for COVID-19 during a campaign stop in Las Vegas. The decision came after internal pressure by the Democratic Party mounted following a widely criticised debate against Trump on June 27. Biden's withdrawal from the poll race reshapes the Democratic landscape, prompting a call for unity among party members to defeat the formidable Republican contender. During the interview with Fox News, Trump also addressed internal rifts within the Democratic leadership, particularly between Biden and former President Barack Obama. "They get some big problems over there. First of all, Obama hates Biden and Biden hates Obama," the former US President said. Reflecting on their relationship, Trump remarked pointedly on a recent public incident involving Obama guiding Biden offstage, criticising the optics as detrimental to Biden's image. "When Obama walked Biden out a couple of weeks ago off the stage, he didn't have to do that, he could have let him wave to the people a little bit longer... he was waving and all of a sudden Obama comes along, grabs him. Come on Joe. Like he was a child. It made him look so bad. And I know people with Biden, I know people with Obama and they were not happy about that. It made him look really bad," Trump said. Trump's running mate, JD Vance, echoed his concerns during the interview, highlighting potential constitutional implications surrounding Biden's fitness for office. Vance pointed to the 25th Amendment as a mechanism for addressing concerns over Biden's capability to serve as president, emphasising the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional processes. The interview also touched upon Trump and Vance's scepticism towards federal agencies, including the FBI, amidst the ongoing investigations of Trump assassination attempt. Trump narrowly escaped a fatal attack when gunshots interrupted his speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. Both expressed reservations about leadership within the bureau, while acknowledging the dedication of field agents involved in critical investigations. "I don't trust the bureau leadership... But what the hell was going on? How was that guy ever allowed to be there in the first place? Because I think somebody, whether it's higher up or somebody else involved, really did screw up," Vance said. With Biden's departure from the race Vice President Kamala Harris has swiftly moved to secure support for her White House bid. This concentrated effort on Capitol Hill underscores Harris's strategy to rapidly advance her presidential campaign following Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race amidst mounting pressure after a contentious debate performance last month, as reported by The Hill. (ANI)
Following the arrests, the opposition party criticised law enforcement, accusing them of flouting legal procedures.

"It's absolutely shameful how Islamabad Police continues to completely mock and disregard every law in this country. Law of the jungle is reigning over Pakistan!" PTI said in a statement on X.

Additionally, PTI noted that police seized computers and other items from the party secretariat during the operation.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's lawyer Ali Ijaz Buttar also confirmed the news saying that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Information Secretary Rauf Hassan were "arrested by the Islamabad police from the party's office."

"I just received a call from the party's office informing that 300 to 400 policemen arrived at the [party's] office and arrested PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Information Secretary Raoof Hasan," Buttar wrote on the X platform.

The PTI also posted a video on the X platform, depicting multiple police vehicles and a small number of officers outside the party's main headquarters. In its statement, the PTI said, "Maybe one day IG Islamabad, puppet government will deploy such big groups of officers in order to prevent and catch actual criminals, rather than going after Pakistan's biggest political party."

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman alleged that police officers were seizing documents and equipment from the party's office.

"We've been informed that they've locked staff in a room & waiting for [the] prison van to arrive & have taken computers & important documents," he wrote in a post on X. (ANI)
The pair got a warm welcome at the Vadodara airport by Gujarat Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma as per the unique tradition of Gujarat.

The King and Prime Minister of the neighbouring country are on a three-day tour of Gujarat.

Upon their arrival at the Vadodara airport, various cultural programs showcasing the culture of the State were showcased.

The Information Department of Gujarat reiterated a famous saying- Guests are akin to God (Atithi Devo Bhava).

In a post on X, the Information Department of Gujarat said, "Atithi Devo Bhava: King of Bhutan Shri Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Shri Tshering Tobgay, who arrived in Gujarat, were warmly welcomed at Vadodara Airport by Minister of State for Protocol Shri Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma and other dignitaries as per the distinguished tradition of Gujarat... #Vadodara"

https://x.com/InfoGujarat/status/1815292971480231960

Both dignitaries were welcomed with traditional Gujarati garba and drumming on arrival at the airport. After a short stay at Vadodara airport, both dignitaries left for Ektanagar.

On this occasion, Minister of State for Protocol Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma, Mayor Pinkiben Soni, Ambassador of India to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, Joint Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava, Chief Protocol Officer of Ministry of External Affairs Neeraj Kumar Jha, District Collector Bijal Shah, City Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar, Head of Chancery Sanjay Thinle and other high officials welcomed the dignitaries. Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi along with senior officers were present.

Earlier on July 20, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, reviewed the implementation modalities and cooperation in diverse areas of development partnership under the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

"Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri & Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden co-chaired 3rd Development Cooperation Talks of the 13th Five Year Plan. Reviewed implementation modalities & cooperation in diverse areas of development partnership under 13 FYP period," the Indian Embassy in Bhutan said on X.

https://twitter.com/Indiainbhutan/status/1814489045583454461

Further, the two sides expressed satisfaction with several development projects implemented under the 12 FYP.

"The two sides expressed satisfaction at large number of development projects implemented under 12 FYP in sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure, cultural heritage, health, education, agriculture, sports, skilling, and digital economy," the post added.

The two secretaries also virtually inaugurated 19 schools in Bhutan. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee to become the next president will create enthusiasm and inject energy to the Democrat poll campaign, just 100 days ahead of the election. Robinder Sachdev, Foreign Expert and the founder president of New Delhi-based The Imagindia Institute, stated that Harris' nomination was inevitable following Biden's disastrous performance in a pre-presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. "I think it is good for the Democratic party because the party was completely demoralized and directionless under the leadership of Biden right now. So it will be good for the party," Sachdev said. He said that Kamala Harris would be a strong opponent as she will bring the women vote, especially on the issue of abortion. "Harris will attract the votes of black women, African-American and Indian-Americans as she is half-Indian American, half African-American. Right. The black women would also come out probably in good numbers to support her. These would be two constituencies who will support her. So overall, the democratic campaign will get a lot more traction," Sachdev said. All politicians, as a part of the rhetoric, say that they will defeat the other politician easily. "Any politician will say that they will defeat the other person easily. So Donald Trump is no exception. It is also part of rhetoric for his own party, so that they do not think that now we have a stronger candidate to compete against. And secondly, it's all psychological warfare in politics. That's what Trump is indulging in." Sachdev said that there are some things, like the assassination attempt, which seem to work in Trump's favour. "Certain things have happened which are going in favor of Trump. The assassination attempt will bring him some sympathy votes. But more than that for Trump, his own enthusiastic base looks at him like a semi-God, and the base says that Trump has been saved because God wanted to save him so that he can do some bigger things for their nation," he said. Sachdeva added, "He [Trump] will get some sympathy from the assassination attempt, but that is not enough for him to win the election. And with Kamala Harris now coming into the fray, it will be a very, very tight contest." Following Biden's announcement on Sunday that he was pulling out from the presidential race, and his endorsement of Vice President Harris, a number of senior Democrats had rallied behind Harris. Harris, however, has to secure the support of enough delegates of the Democratic Party to replace Biden. To win the nomination, a candidate must secure 1,986 delegates. As per a report of the Hill, Democratic delegates from Tennessee met on Sunday over a conference call and announced that they were committing all 77 delegates for Harris. In South Carolina, all 55 of the state's pledged delegates endorsed Harris. A total of 168 of North Carolina's delegates "voted unanimously" to endorse Harris. 25 delegates of New Hampshire, 224 delegates from Florida and 48 delegates from Louisiana have pledged their support to Harris. (ANI)
They distributed pamphlets, affixed stickers, and solicited donations in readiness for the forthcoming Baloch National Gathering planned for July 28 in Gwadar. The committee shared pictures of the camaigning.

https://x.com/BYCKarachi/status/1815082755052511326?t=GUOHtf1tYupXUcWBm-GHcw&s=08

The Baloch Solidarity Committee, in collaboration with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has diligently organised teams to facilitate corner meetings and mobilize support for the upcoming Baloch National Gathering on July 28 in Gwadar. The BYC has been actively updating their efforts across Balochistan on social media, sharing updates and videos to engage the community.

Recently, Mahrang Baloch, speaking on behalf of the BYC, passionately articulated plans for the gathering, emphasizing their strong opposition to the ongoing Baloch genocide by Pakistan.

She highlighted not only direct violence but also its broader impacts, including fatalities from accidents, health crises worsened by neglect, and substance abuse among Baloch youth. Mahrang also underscored the economic hardships faced by Baloch farmers, labourers, and fishermen due to debt accumulation and state-driven land seizures.

As part of their outreach, both Mahrang News and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee shared a video featuring Saira Baloch, who has been protesting for six years for the return of her forcibly disappeared brothers.

In the video, Saira passionately calls upon the Baloch community to unite and participate in the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar.

https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1815057379177927079?t=ARgeVMOJ3bObsGrYNVo8oA&s=08

Enforced disappearances and atrocities in Balochistan continue to have grave concerns, prompting widespread condemnation and advocacy efforts.

The systematic practice of enforced disappearances by Pakistani authorities has targeted Baloch activists, intellectuals, and civilians, leaving families in anguish and communities in turmoil.

These disappearances are part of a broader pattern of human rights violations in Balochistan, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests.

Activists and organizations such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been at the forefront, raising awareness and demanding justice for the victims. (ANI)
The Tibetan communities of Pandoh Tashiling, Mandi Town, and Rewalsar (Tso Pema) came together to express their heartfelt gratitude to the US Government for passing the Resolve Tibet Act into law, Central Tibetan Administration of the Tibetan government in exile, based in Dharmshala revealed. According to CTA, this significant event was attended by esteemed guests including the Tibetan Settlement Officer and the President of the Local Tibetan Assembly. They extended their sincere appreciation to the US Government, bipartisan US Congress members, and all organizations and individuals whose collaborative efforts led to this milestone. https://tibet.net/tibetan-community-of-pandoh-tashiling-mandi-rewalsar-collaboratively-celebrates-enactment-of-resolve-tibet-act-into-law/ The enactment of the ''Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act'' on July 12, 2024, by President Joe Biden, underscores America's commitment to its Tibet policy, building upon previous legislation such as the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2019, and the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018. The Resolve Tibet Act aims to facilitate substantive dialogue without preconditions between the Chinese government and Tibetan leaders, including the Dalai Lama and democratically elected representatives. It seeks to improve the prospects for a negotiated agreement on Tibet, reinforcing America's stance on the longstanding Tibet-China conflict. This event marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to support Tibet and its people, highlighting the significance of international collaboration and diplomatic initiatives towards resolving complex global issues. Tibet came under Chinese control in the 1950s following a military invasion by the People's Republic of China (PRC). This led to the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, fleeing into exile in 1959, settling in India where he established the Tibetan government in exile. China views Tibet as an integral part of its territory, asserting sovereignty over the region. The Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at integrating Tibet into the broader Chinese state, including large-scale migration of Han Chinese into Tibet and strict control over Tibetan political and religious activities. Human rights organizations and Tibetan advocacy groups highlight concerns about political repression, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, arbitrary detention of activists, and cultural suppression. There are also reports of environmental degradation and resource exploitation in Tibetan regions. Internationally, Tibet's status remains a sensitive diplomatic issue. Some countries and international organizations have expressed concerns about human rights abuses in Tibet and called for dialogue between China and Tibetan representatives to address grievances peacefully. (ANI)
At a time when the crisis in the Middle East has shaken the region, Jordan's Minister of Tourism Makram Mustafa A Queisi on Monday said that his country is safe for tourists despite the ongoing conflict. On his maiden visit to New Delhi, Queisi aims to double the incoming tourists in Jordan from India. Regarding the apprehension among tourists because of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Queisi told ANI, "The message is that Jordan has been always strong, resilient and safe. This is not the first crisis but we hope it's the last that we face in the region. We have a problem of perception and that exists in the West and I don't expect that this also exists in a country like India. The case is completely different. With the West, they look at the Middle East as one unit." On the impact of the Middle East crisis in the context of tourism in Jordan, the tourism minister said, "We're impacted heavily only by the decline in number of tourists from the West, although they constitute maybe 16 per cent of my tourism but 60 per cent that constituted from Arab World was not impacted at all." Expressing his views on the relations between both countries, Queisi remarked India is a very important investor in Jordan in the phosphate and potash industries. "Indian investors are the most important in the garment industry. Indian investors are very important in the Jordanian exchange market. The volume of trade between Jordan and India is huge," he added. Jordan's tourism minister will also explore the opportunity for making his country a wedding destination and also revealed that actors from the Indian film industry are shooting in the country. During his visit, he also aims to resume direct connectivity between New Delhi and Amman. (ANI)
As some of the most powerful leaders of the Democratic establishment embraced Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday after President Joe Biden's shocking exit from the presidential re-election race, a professor of public policy and political science has observed that the Indian-American community could coalesce around Kamala Harris. Karthick Ramakrishnan, researcher at University of California, Berkeley and founder of AAPI Data, said, "This really shakes up the race in a big way. And I can imagine a lot of Indian American donors and activists, elected officials, you know, Pramila Jaipal already came out today endorsing Kamala." "I think it will indeed be a game changer," Ramakrishnan told ANI. Harris, whose late mother was born in India, is the first Indian-American candidate to make a serious run at the presidency. In public statements and appearances, Harris doesn't shy away from her Indian heritage. She has often publicly said, "My mother, Shyamala, came from India to study the science of fighting disease." As Kamala's candidacy takes shape in the days ahead, Ramakrishnan observed that the Indian American community will get behind Harris as they view her favorably. "Past research indicates that when you have someone who comes from your community on the ballot, you tend to vote, your community is more likely to vote. So I would anticipate Indian American turnout to be among the highest that it's been in recent elections if indeed it is Harris at the top of the ticket," Ramakrishnan told ANI. Indian-Americans are a relatively small proportion of voters--about 4 million in the United States--and they traditionally skew Democratic. Indian-Americans are also among the most affluent voters in the country, making them a powerful potential donor base. In many states and counties where races are tight, winning a sizable portion of the Indian American vote could make the difference. "So this is definitely... a community that is energized and mobilized and I think you'll continue to see that this year, Indian Americans have been more Democrat than Republican consistently. My sense is that Harris will probably improve upon Biden's performance among Indian Americans," he said. "I think both parties will be competing for Indian-American votes and also Indian American contributions. Trump... in his vetting of his potential vice presidential candidates, surely knew that Usha Vance is J.D. Vance's wife. So he must have calculated that it wouldn't hurt him politically too much among others," he noted. "And Kamala Harris has much stronger favorability ratings than Haley and Ramasamy do among the Indian American population. So this is still a game where the Democrats and Harris in particular will have a stronger advantage than Trump, even if he tries to bring Usha Vance into the equation. It's unlikely to reverse the pattern," he further said. The 2018 and 2020 elections saw record increases in voter turnout among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). In 2020, Asian Americans saw a significant double-digit increase in presidential turnout (11 points) and also had the highest midterm turnout gain in 2018, a 14-point increase. In 2020, almost 60 per cent (7.6 million) of the Asian American citizen-age voting population turned out. Meanwhile, in battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, the number of Asian Americans who cast their ballot in 2020 exceeded the presidential margin of victory. In the past two decades, Asian Americans have also become one of the fastest-growing racial or ethnic groups in the United States. Between 2010 and 2020, the Asian population in the United States grew by 39 per cent, and their population is projected to pass 35 million by 2060. Republicans may not be on the verge of winning over the Indian diaspora in America. But even marginal gains could be notable in closely contested states and now with Kamala Harris on the ticket, the Trump Vance campaign will compete vigorously for Asian and Indian American votes and dollars. "But I think what you will find is that among a lot of Democratic donors and also Democratic voters, especially younger voters, Black voters, Asian American voters, a lot more enthusiasm than what you found even a week ago...So it's going to be a very volatile and unpredictable year when it comes to the US election," the researcher added. Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly moved to secure support for her White House bid shortly after President Joe Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election. On Sunday, Harris engaged with key figures on Capitol Hill, including Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash) of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep Nanette Barragan (D-Calif) of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) of the New Democrat Coalition, all of whom have already endorsed her candidature. Harris also connected with Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who enthusiastically shared on social media platform X, "She is ready to win in Wisconsin!!!" In response to Biden's endorsement, Harris expressed gratitude in a statement, "I am honoured to have the President's endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination." (ANI)
India's former envoy to the United States and BJP leader, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has said that India's ties with the US are robust with both countries mature enough to deal with any issues related to trade. With United States to go for the presidential election in November, Sandhu said that India has experience with governments led by Democrats or Republicans and the bilateral ties will also benefit from the personal chemistry between the leaders of the two countries. "The good part is that we (India) have dealt with both (Democrats and Republicans)...So, the personal chemistry should not be a problem. US and India's relationship is robust. There will always be issues - of trade, of so many other areas, that will come and I am sure that today both polities and democracies are very mature and the relationship has moved ahead..." Sandhu told ANI. Relations between India and the US have improved substantially over the last 15 years as ties have been elevated to a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas driven by shared democratic values, convergence ofinterests on a range of issues, and vibrant people-to-people contacts. Regular dialogue between the Leaders and visits by the leaders of both countries have been instrumental in strengthening the multifaceted bilateral ties. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to US in 2023 , engine manufacturer GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). As the US presidential elections draw near, the twists and turns in the political scenario of the nation continue to make big headlines. US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was pulling out from the presidential race. Soon after, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new presidential nominee. "I think, at the moment, if you candidly look at it, the position is in favour of Trump right now...but the US politics is very interesting because the electoral system actually matters in 6 states. Out of 51, the others are more or less determined. So, it's the 6 shifting states that can make a difference. So, with all these developments so far, the general belief is that it's to the advantage of the Republicans," Sandhu said. Six swing states that could hold the key to the White House include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He recalled Trump's visit to India in the past and underscored how it turned out to be a very successful visit. "We have dealt with both. In 2020, you will recall President Trump came to India, he had a very, very successful visit in February just before Covid hit. His public reception in Ahmedabad was much remembered, especially by him and the Republicans," Sandhu said. Sandhu also mentioned how time and again, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had good interactions with Vice President Harris as well. "With Vice President Harris, Prime Minister (Modi) had a number of good interactions, including the state visit in 2023 where she hosted lunch for the Prime Minister. So personal chemistry should not be a problem. The United States and India's relationship is robust...As of now, there are a number of US companies investing in India, and that part is continuing," he said. He further outlined the importance of Indian-Americans and how they will play a key role in the forthcoming US elections, which are slated to take place in November. "While the election will be very robust, you will see the Indian-American part also playing up in both the parties. I think that's the strength of Indian-Americans there and their bi-partisan approach on both the parties," the former envoy went on to say. On US Vice President Harris, and Biden endorsing her as the Presidential candidate, the former Ambassador of India to the US highlighted the three important aspects she has in her, which are very essential for any Democrat or within the Democratic Party. He said, "Firstly, she is a sitting Vice President, so that gives her the first opportunity. Secondly, she is a woman. Thirdly, she is an African-American. Now, in the Democratic Party, being a woman and being an African-American are very important aspects. So, in my understanding, certainly, she will get the first shot. President Biden has also endorsed her. So, the process will play out." "At the moment, she is looking to be the leading contender. But as we are watching, the situation is developing...But if you are asking me at the moment, I think the advantage is with Vice President Harris and she is likely to be the candidate," he added. Earlier on Sunday, President Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election, citing the best interests of the Democratic Party and the nation. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, calling for unity among Democrats to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump. President Biden has been recuperating at his Delaware home after testing positive for COVID-19 during a campaign stop in Las Vegas. His decision to withdraw from the presidential race follows internal Democratic pressure after a widely criticised debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. (ANI)
Pakistan is currently facing significant political instability marked by a complex web of factors. The frequent changes in leadership and political turmoil have severely disrupted the governance structure. Arif Azakia, a South Asia expert of Pakistani origin, recently remarked on his YouTube channel that there is a growing prediction from various quarters suggesting that declaring a state of emergency might be the only viable option left for Pakistan. In a video message Arif said, "From various quarters, a prediction is emerging that declaring an emergency in Pakistan may be the only remaining option. You are aware that Shahbaz Sharif currently leads the government, but it is widely known that his agent, Asim Munir, effectively controls the administration. Asim Munir, who can be considered a political figurehead, is perceived as an agent and is not actively engaged in governance." https://youtu.be/t3dPIHJR2QA?si=UzlDFci2hK2QJxHQ Arif noted that managing Pakistan's affairs under Shahbaz Sharif's government has become increasingly challenging. He highlighted the current political instability in the country, warning of potential temporary impacts on international relations. Arif said, "Indeed, there is currently political instability in Pakistan which could temporarily impact international relations. The situation appears to be spiralling out of control. Shahbaz Sharif's government is expected to conclude within 18 months or possibly sooner, raising the likelihood of a technocratic government coming into power. A technocratic government typically involves the military appointing a prime minister, who then appoints individuals under the guise of technocrats--one as defence minister and another as home minister." Arif mentioned that an emergency could have been declared already, but the United States is preventing its enactment. "An emergency would have been declared by now, but America is preventing its implementation. They are also not allowing martial law or emergency measures because the way America operates its democracy makes it challenging for this government to function as it wishes" said Arif. Internally, Pakistan faces significant socio-economic challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and infrastructure deficiencies. These issues have exacerbated discontent among the population and provided fertile ground for political unrest and extremism. As of recent years, Pakistan has grappled with a volatile political environment characterized by corruption allegations, power struggles between civilian and military leadership, and challenges in effective governance. The frequent changes in government leadership, such as the current tenure of Shahbaz Sharif, have been accompanied by allegations of mismanagement and governance failures. (ANI)
 Flash

People are seen in a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on July 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 38,983, the Gaza-based health authorities said on Sunday.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 64 people and wounded 105 others, bringing the total death toll to 38,983 and injuries to 89,727 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in early October 2023, it said in a statement.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that IDF troops are continuing to operate in the Gaza Strip from land, air, and sea.

During operations in the Rafah area in southern Gaza, "an IDF aircraft identified an armed terrorist cell advancing toward troops, who responded swiftly and eliminated the cell," said the IDF.

"In the central Gaza Strip, IDF troops conducted targeted operations on multiple military structures, locating various types of weaponry," it added.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the IDF said it discovered the poliovirus in the Gaza Strip and launched a campaign to vaccinate its ground troops.

Six environmental samples of variant poliovirus type 2 have been detected from Khan Younis and Deir al Balah in Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on social media platform X on Friday, noting that no paralytic cases have been detected.

"The decimation of the health system, lack of security, access obstruction, constant population displacement, shortages of medical supplies, poor quality of water, and weakened sanitation are increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio," it added.

Polio, or Poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under five, and the virus is primarily spread via person-to-person transmission, mainly through the fecal-oral route, according to the WHO.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday attended an event here marking the National Day celebrations of Egypt and said India is committed to take forward the strategic partnership between the two countries. Describing Egypt as an important and valued strategic partner, Jaishankar conveyed best wishes to the Government and people of Egypt. Jaishankar said that the longstanding relationship between India and Egypt has intensified in recent years and referred to the visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest of Republic Day in 2023 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's subsequent visit to Egypt with the bilateral relationship elevated to the strategic level. "Indeed, in substance, activities and enthusiasm, we are both living up to the new nomenclature.Our economic cooperation has been steadily diversifying, with both sides seeking new opportunities for mutual benefit. More than 50 Indian companies have already invested in various sectors of the Egyptian economy, with pharmaceuticals, electronics and green energy being focus sectors. Our IT industry too has been establishing partnerships that we hope to see grow in the times ahead," Jaishankar said. The minister said Egypt has also opened up as a market for India's agro-exports, notably that of wheat. He said defence collaboration has also grown in this very period. "Since 2021, our Air Forces have held regular exercises bilaterally as well as in a larger format. Our Special Forces too are conducting their own exercises, most recently in January of this year. There are frequent and regular visits to Egyptian ports of Indian Naval Ships. And our defence industries are refreshing an old tradition through new activities and collaboration." He said as two old civilizations, it is natural that cultural cooperation occupies a prominent place in the relationship. "We are cognizant that Yoga is enormously popular in Egypt. Prime Minister Modi himself referred to it during his Yoga address on the last International Day of Yoga. There is an interest as well in learning Indian languages and interactions between our Universities remain strong," he said. "When it comes to world affairs, Indian and Egyptian diplomats have a long tradition of working closely. And I was just discussing that with Ambassador as we came in, we appreciated that Egypt participated in the G20 during the Indian presidency," he added. Jaishankar said India strongly supported Egypt's membership of the BRICS. "We value our collaboration in the context of the India-Africa Forum Summit process. I should add that I personally enjoyed a very warm and comfortable working relationship with my then counterpart, Minister Sameh Shoukry. I look forward to establishing the same with his successor," Jaishankar said. "Let me reiterate my Government's commitment to take our strategic partnership forward," he added. He said the bilateral ties have witnessed a discernible upswing during the tenure of Ambassador Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed. (ANI)
Expressing his deep concern over the heartbreaking situation in Gaza, Egypt's Ambassador to India Wael Hamed, emphasized that the current state of conflict should not become the "new normal" for the Palestinian people. During the speech on the Egypt's national day, Hamed said, "In Gaza, the situation is heartbreaking and we watch daily on our TV screens, a brutal war on civilians that has no precedent in our civilised world. While we condemn all forms of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism, this should not become the new normal for the Palestinian people." Hamed further said that people have a right to live securely in a dignified way. He said, "The numbers of the killed and the wounded is not just a number. It is people with flesh and blood with families and loved ones, and with legitimate dreams and aspirations. These people have the right to create their own states where they live securely and in a dignified way, next to their equally secure and dignified neighbours." Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued pressing Hamas in central and southern Gaza during the last 24 hours, altered the boundaries of the Al Mawasi humanitarian zone because of "significant terrorist activity and rocket fire," and called on residents of certain Khan Yunis neighborhoods to evacuate ahead of new operations against there, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday morning. Based on intelligence, Israel killed Muhammad Abu Seidu, a member of Hamas's Nukhba Force who participated in Hamas's attack on Israeli communities on October 7. Seidu also directed multiple attacks against Israeli forces in the Strip. In Rafah's Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood, troops eliminated dozens of terrorists in close-quarters encounters. The Israeli Air Force struck approximately 35 targets throughout Gaza, including terrorists, military structures, Hamas infrastructure, and a rocket launcher that was aimed at Israeli territory. The IDF said it was adjusting the boundaries of a humanitarian zone because Hamas activity and rocket fire made it dangerous for Israeli forces to remain there. The army said the adjustment was based on intelligence indicating that Hamas "embedded terrorist infrastructure in the area defined by the Humanitarian Area." The army also called on residents of the eastern neighbourhoods of Khan Yunis to evacuate to Al Mawasi ahead of new activities against Hamas there. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed dead. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a conversation with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden reiterated commitment to strengthen relations in areas of trade, and investment. Taking to his official X handle, PM Modi said, "Had a good conversation with Prime Minister Luc Frieden. Reiterated commitment to deepen and strengthen India-Luxembourg ties including in the areas of trade, investment, financial services and industrial manufacturing." PM Modi further said, "As democracies, we support regional and global peace and stability." Meanwhile, Frieden also took to his official X handle and posted about his conversation with PM Modi. He said, "Had a good phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. India is an important partner for Luxembourg." He added, "We confirmed our commitment to further strengthen our close ties. We also discussed geopolitical issues of common interest and our goal to work toward peace and stability." The diplomatic relations between India and Luxembourg were established in 1947. Since then, India and Luxembourg have enjoyed close, warm and friendly relations, rooted in a shared commitment to the Rule of Law, democratic values and development. The relationships are characterised by a high degree of understanding and appreciation of each other's concerns and interests. In April, the 2nd round of India-Luxembourg Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) took place in New Delhi, with the discussions centering on bilateral relations and emphasis laid on the early conclusion of a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement. During the consultations, the two sides not only expressed happiness at the growing financial sector collaboration between the two nations, but also discussed ways to further expand economic links and deepen cooperation in areas of finance, steel, space, ICT (Information and communications technology), innovation, start-ups, manufacturing, automotives, health, sustainable development, renewable energy, and the fight against climate change, the Ministry of External Affairs had stated in an official press release. (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a federal cabinet meeting today to discuss the potential ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), The Express Tribune reported. The cabinet will seek approval for the ban and discuss the current political climate in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. Recently, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ataullah Tarar, said that the federal government plans to impose a ban on PTI. He made the remarks during a press conference. He stated that legal action under the Constitution's Article 6 would be taken against Pakistan's former President Arif Alvi, PTI founder Imran Khan, and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, according to The Express Tribune report. Tarar further said that the approval of the cabinet would lead to a case being sent to the apex court. Measures like blocking their passports and identity cards and passing a parliamentary resolution will also be considered, with actions being taken within the bounds of the constitution and law. Earlier on July 19, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed resolutions against a possible ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and called for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's release from jail, according to The Express Tribune report. The assembly session, chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, witnessed Law Minister Aftab Alam present a resolution regarding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. Citing a report from the United Nations General Assembly's Human Rights Committee, the resolution stated that the cases against Imran Khan and his associates violate laws. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly called for Imran Khan's release in light of the UN report. Subsequently, the resolution was passed, The Express Tribune reported. Later, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam presented another resolution regarding the potential ban on PTI. The resolution highlighted that the recent decision announced by the Supreme Court acknowledged PTI as the largest party in Pakistan and demanded PTI be allocated specific seats accordingly. The resolution further said that the federal cabinet is formulating a narrative to ban PTI despite the Supreme Court's ruling. It stated that such a ban would violate Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to form political parties. The PTI vowed to challenge any such ban, both judicially and publicly. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa passed the resoultion against Imran Khan-founded party after these discussions. (ANI)
Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, the official websites of Bangladesh's Prime Minister's Office, Central Bank and police appeared to have been hacked by a group calling itself "THE R3SISTANC3". In identical messages on all three sites, "Operation HuntDown, Stop Killing Students," adding in red font colour: "It's not a protest anymore, it's a war now." The message reads, "The peaceful protests of our brave students have been met with brutal violence and murder, orchestrated by the government and its political cronies. This is no longer a mere protest; this is a war for justice, for freedom, and for our future." The group further said, "We urgently call upon hackers, OSINT investigators, and journalists to join our cause. We need your skills, your information, and your courage to take decisive action. The time for passive observation is over." Another message at the bottom of the website reads, "Prepare yourselves. The fight for justice has begun." The website also featured pictures of five men and two dogs without mentioning details about them. The unrest was sparked by students who have long demanded an overhaul of the quota system, which originally reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for descendants of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971. Critics argued that this system favoured allies of the ruling Awami League party, which spearheaded the liberation movement against Pakistan. Over 100 people have died in the protests over contentious civil service hiring rules. Following protests that resulted in the deaths of over 100 fatalities over contentious civil service hiring rules, the Bangladesh Supreme Court ruled to slash the quota reserved for relatives of war veterans' from 30 per cent to 5 per cent while allowing 93 per cent to be allocated based on merit and the remaining 2 per cent to be earmarked for members of ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and the disabled, Al Jazeera reported, citing local reports. The verdict, delivered on Sunday, comes after weeks of demonstrations led predominantly by students. Tensions reached a peak when clashes erupted between protesters and groups allegedly linked to the Awami League, resulting in accusations of excessive force by the police against demonstrators, as reported by Al Jazeera. Previously, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had attempted to abolish the quota system in 2018. However, the High Court reinstated it last month, reigniting public outrage and prompting renewed protests. Throughout the unrest, the government imposed stringent measures, including a curfew, the deployment of military forces, and a communication blackout that isolated Bangladesh from the outside world. Reports emerged of police using tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades to disperse protesters, exacerbating public anger. Hasina defended the quota system and highlighted the contributions of veterans to the nation's independence, regardless of their political affiliations. However, her government's efforts to showcase protesters as unpatriotic further fueled anger among the protesters. The Bangladesh government's decision to sever phone and internet connections contributed to what was described as an "information blackout." The heavy-handed response from authorities intensified calls for broader political reforms beyond the quota issue, with demands growing for the government's resignation. Protesters asserted that the demonstrations were not just about job quotas but also about the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the stifling of information flow. Political analysts viewed the protests as a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, suggesting that the government faced a significant challenge to its legitimacy. Despite the turmoil, opinions diverged on the potential outcomes, with some predicting political survival for Hasina's administration while others speculated on the protesters' ability to sustain pressure for systemic change. The court's decision to reduce the quota system was met with cautious optimism by some protesters, although the broader implications remained uncertain amid ongoing restrictions and tensions.In response to the escalating crisis, Hasina's government declared public holidays and restricted non-essential services to manage the situation, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
The US Secretary of State will be on a visit to Vietnam, Laos, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia from July 24 to August 3. In his 18th visit to the Indo-Pacific region since assuming office, Blinken will reaffirm the importance of the work that the US carries out with allies and partners in the region to advance security and prosperity and facilitate a shared vision for a free and open region. Blinken's visit to the Indo-Pacific region comes days after US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was not seeking re-election. During his visit to Japan, Blinken will attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting with his Australian, Indian, and Japanese counterparts in Tokyo. The leaders will reaffirm their collective commitment to regional prosperity and stability and discuss how the four nations can continue to deliver concrete benefits for the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, Quad is a plurilateral framework comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the US, with a shared commitment to upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In a press release, the US State Department stated, "US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken will travel to Vietnam, Laos, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia on July 24 - August 3, 2024, his 18th trip to the Indo-Pacific region since becoming Secretary." "Secretary Blinken will reaffirm the importance of the work the United States does with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance security and prosperity and facilitate a shared vision for a free and open region. The Secretary will further underscore the United States' enduring commitment to deepening and expanding ties to unprecedented levels and creating mutually reinforcing relationships to tackle today's greatest challenges," it added. During the Japan visit, Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru for a Foreign and Defence Ministerial (2+2) Dialogue. The officials will reaffirm the importance of the US-Japan alliance in addressing various bilateral, regional, and global issues and continue to build on the momentum of US-Japan-South Korea and US-Japan-Philippines trilateral cooperation. Blinken and Austin will also hold an Extended Deterrence Ministerial Meeting with Foreign Minister Kamikawa and Defence Minister Kihara. During the meeting, the officials will discuss bilateral cooperation to further strengthen US extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan's defence capabilities, according to the US State Department press release. In the press release, the US State Department stated, "Secretary Blinken will also join his Australian, Indian, and Japanese counterparts for a Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tokyo. The officials will reaffirm our collective commitment to regional prosperity and stability and discuss how our four nations can continue to deliver concrete benefits for the Indo-Pacific region, including through lifesaving humanitarian initiatives, high-standard investments, educational and professional exchanges, and more. " During his visit to Vietnam, Blinken will attend the funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and offer condolences to the people of Vietnam. He will further underscore the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with his government counterparts in Hanoi. He will travel to Laos and participate in the ASEAN-US Post-Ministerial Conference, the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting. During each ministerial, Blinken will emphasise the United States' commitment to ASEAN centrality and support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which shares fundamental principles with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy. Blinken will discuss economic cooperation, the global fight against climate change, the ongoing crisis in Burma, the importance of adherence to international law in the South China Sea, and Russia's war against Ukraine. Furthermore, Blinken will hold meetings with senior Laos officials to reaffirm the United States' support for Laos' ASEAN Chair Year and its theme of "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," and to further strengthen the US-Laos Comprehensive Partnership. Antony Blinken and Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith will also co-chair the Third Mekong-US Partnership Foreign Ministers' Meeting to reaffirm the US commitment to cooperation for the equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development of the Mekong sub-region. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken will travel to the Philippines and meet with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro for a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, according to the press release. In a press release, US State Department stated, "In the Philippines, Secretary Blinken and Secretary of Defence Austin will meet with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro for a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue - the first US-Philippines 2+2 to be held in Manila." "The officials will reaffirm our nations' shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and support for international law. They will discuss ways to deepen coordination on shared challenges, including in the South China Sea, and advance our bilateral economic agenda. Secretaries Blinken and Austin will also meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, to explore additional ways to capitalise on the unprecedented momentum in the United States-Philippines alliance," it added. During his visit to Singapore, Blinken will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to review the growth of bilateral cooperation on shared security, economic, climate, and technology objectives. He will co-chair the second round of the US-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialogue. During the meeting, the two sides will advance initiatives to strengthen ties between our innovation ecosystems and reduce barriers to collaboration while protecting national security. In a press release, the US State Department noted, "The growing bilateral discussion regarding critical and emerging technologies further underscores the importance of the US-Singapore strategic partnership in facilitating a free, open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region." Blinken will travel to Mongolia and meet with senior Mongolian officials to reaffirm the importance of the US-Mongolia Strategic Partnership. During the meeting, the officials of the two nations will discuss how the United States and Mongolia can continue to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold fundamental freedoms, enhance security and national sovereignty, and expand our economic and people-to-people ties. During his visit, Blinken will further underscore the US commitment to Mongolia as its "Third Neighbour." In a press release, the US State Department stated, "Secretary Blinken's engagements in each country will demonstrate the United States' unwavering commitment to our Indo-Pacific allies and partners." (ANI)
In the wake of Sen. Bob Menendez's conviction in his federal bribery trial, Latino activists say the community must move on from Menendez, seen here speaking at a pro-immigrant rally in Washington, D.C., in 2021 (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

New Jersey Latinos revered Sen. Bob Menendez, praising the Democrat for his outspoken support of the immigrant community and commending his office for helping people obtain citizenship.

But now that Menendez has been found guilty of all counts in his federal corruption trial, Latino leaders say its time to find new voices for the community in Congress.

It was in the news every day  the gold bars, the stories in other countries, the favors. It just kept dirtying his position, said Ana Maria Hill, state director for labor union SEIU 32BJ. The news that he was found guilty means we can close the chapter, move on, and really have the right person in the position to continue to lead and fight for our families.

Menendez, whose parents are from Cuba, has had the strong support of Latinos since his early days as Union Citys mayor through his rise to the U.S. Senate. When he held a press conference in September to address the allegations prosecutors included in their damning indictment, he was joined by Union City friends and residents.

Latino Action Network President Frank Argote-Freyre said thats changed now. Menendezs support had been slipping in the Latino community already, and the guilty verdict will exacerbate that, he said.

After Menendezs indictment, an October 2023 poll found 71% of Hispanics believed he should resign, compared to 61% of Black voters and 58% of Asian voters. In an April 15 poll, Menendez garnered just 6% of support from voters for his planned run for reelection as an independent.

Its sad in the sense of the way its ended up  inevitable given whats happened. Sixteen counts, 16 guilty verdicts. Its crushing, said Argote-Freyre, who served as Menendezs press secretary in the 90s.

Patricia Campos-Medina, a progressive labor leader who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination to seek Menendezs seat in November, said the Latino community feels sadness over the senators fall from grace.

During her campaign, she said, she heard from voters who said they were grateful for Menendez and didnt want to talk badly about him  but believed it was time for New Jersey to move forward.

He had a legacy of doing great work for working families, for unions, for workers, for women, for Latinos, for New Jersey voters, she said. And this is the end of his legacy.

Some say this episode should motivate New Jersey Democrats to attract more Latino voters. Cristina Pinzon, a political strategist, noted Latinos are the largest minority group in New Jersey  making up more than a fifth of residents  and the fastest minority voting bloc across the nation.

If Democrats want to preach diversity in their stump speeches, then they will do everything in their power and reach deep into their pockets to support Latino candidates to run and win their political races, she said.

Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, noted other members of the states Congressional delegation can be forceful defenders of the Latino community. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, and the states House Democrats urged the Biden administration in June to shut down attempts to open a new immigration jail planned for Newark, and many condemned the recent immigration raids in Princeton that led to several arrests.

Rep. Andy Kim is the Democratic nominee to seek the Senate seat Menendez holds now. Argote-Freyre noted that, like Menendez, Kim is the son of immigrants. He said hes confident Kim will be able to connect on the issue of immigration, adding that it will still feel different to those who turned to Menendez for so many years.

People feel a cultural comfort when they see themselves reflected in their leaders  the relationship Latinos felt with Menendez is not easily duplicated, he said.

Carlos Castaneda of the Cosecha Movement noted that activists still had to be a thorn in the side of Menendez, like they are with many politicians, but Menendez knew the priorities of the Latino community.

Castaneda said he plans to reach out to Kims office in hopes that he takes on some of the tasks Menendez left behind, like fighting for a path to citizenship for undocumented residents.

With Menendez, Latinos saw their identity, they had a lot of access, they could speak to him on a lot of issues. Now we dont know what the dynamic will be like with this person, Castaneda said. What we do know is that our community has to keep organizing and fighting.

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Florida Republicans more sure than ever about Trump, unsure about whats next for DeSantis and Rubio

Florida Republicans left their national convention more sure than ever that former President Donald Trump will return to the presidency, but uncertain about what the future holds for the states two other favorite sons.

The political outlook for the states two other most prominent political leaders, Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, was cloudier as Republicans wrapped up their week in Milwaukee than it was when they began arriving.

Trumps selection of U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his pick for vice president was praised by Republicans everywhere, including Florida. But it greatly complicates the political calculus for DeSantis and Rubio, both of whom have had their own presidential ambitions thwarted by Trump before  and possibly again by the Vance choice.

One thing the Vance pick didnt do is alter the 2024 outlook in Florida. Democratic protestations notwithstanding, there wasnt any evidence suggesting Trump would have any difficulty winning Floridas 30 electoral votes before the convention, and no indication of any change coming out of the convention.

DeSantis

DeSantis, who was propelled to the governors office in 2018 on the strength of Trumps endorsement, then unsuccessfully challenged him for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is widely expected to run for the nomination again in 2028.

Vance, especially if hes the sitting vice president, would be a formidable candidate for the presidential nomination  especially if Republicans see him as heir to Trump and his MAGA movement.

The thing that we can say with confidence is, should Trump win in November, it will put Senator Vance in a strong position to win the nomination in 2028, said Kevin Wagner, a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University.

Analysts and political insiders are divided over whether the Vance selection merely complicates the 2028 strategy for DeSantis  or dooms his chances.

I think Vance was particularly harmful for DeSantis ambitions, said Mac Stipanovich, a longtime high-level Florida Republican strategist, whos left the party and is now a critic of both DeSantis and Trump.

Stipanovich said Vance is the better DeSantis. DeSantis takes great pride in his middle-class background. Well, the author of Hillbilly Elegy (Vance) will see that bet and raise it. DeSantis takes great pride in being a Navy lawyer who did a tour of duty in Iraq. Vance was a Marine in Iraq, not a Navy lawyer  DeSantis is awkward and stilted in public. JD Vance is a guy youd want to go have a beer with.

Of all the potential candidates that Trump could have picked, Vance was the worst, in my judgment, in the context of DeSantis ambition, he said.

Sean Foreman, a political scientist at Barry University, said its a mistake to write off DeSantis.

DeSantis lost the primary and he was diminished nationally from his failing presidential campaign. But hes not politically dead, he said.

I dont think the selection of Vance precludes a future presidential campaign. Vance now wears the MAGA mantle moving forward, and if the Trump ticket wins hell be the vice president. Hell be well-positioned for a 2028 nomination run, Foreman said. The initial reaction is that the sitting vice president would be the front-runner, but that doesnt make him a shoo-in. Its a whole new cycle.

Richard DeNapoli, a convention delegate who is Browards elected state Republican committeeman and a former county GOP chair, also said it would be incorrect to assume Vance dooms DeSantis in 2028.

It doesnt mean that (other) people arent going to run, he said. A vice president generally doesnt glide into the nomination and we dont know what kind of a vice president hes going to be because youve seen so many different versions of it in the last 20 years.

Michael Barnett, a convention delegate and former Palm Beach County Republican Party chair, said he doesnt think DeSantis would be deterred by a Vice President Vance. Like DeNapoli, he said vice president doesnt automatically translate into presidential nominee.

Hell have a break between 2026 and 2028 where people are expecting that hell be on the ballot for president, Barnett said. Whatever happens in 2028 it will be a crowded race. I fully expect to see Governor DeSantis and JD Vance on the ballot.

(DeSantis appointed Barnett to fill a vacancy on the Palm Beach County Commission; hes running for a full term in the job.)

Convention delegate Michele Merrell, who is Browards elected state Republican committeewoman, termed the futures of both DeSantis and Rubio as extraordinarily bright.

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, scoffed at the notion that DeSantis has a political future.

What political aspirations? His political future is over. He has no path, Fried said during a video news conference on the last day of the Republican convention. And so now that Trump has given the nod to JD, that he is going to be MAGA 2.0, I truly dont know where Ron goes from here, and quite honestly, on behalf of myself as a Floridian, it couldnt happen to a nicer person.

Fried  who lost the 2022 Democratic primary for governor to Charlie Crist, who overwhelmingly lost the general election to DeSantis  spent four years criticizing DeSantis when she was state agriculture commissioner during his first term as governor.

The key may be who Trump supports as his successor.

I dont think it will forestall a primary, but I think whoever Trump endorses, that will be the biggest factor, DeNapoli said.

Stipanovich agreed. As long as Trump draws breath, hes going to matter in a Republican primary. And I dont think theres a chance in hell that Trump would endorse DeSantis over Vance, he said.

Rubio

The states senior senator was one of the finalists Trump considered as vice president. Rubio and Vance were both once fierce Trump critics, but have transformed themselves into Trump champions.

The states senior senator was passed over by Trump, even after he repeatedly praised the former president and echoed virtually everything Trump said, often minimizing anything that some people would regard as extreme.

Donald Trump Jr. was widely reported to have strongly favored Vance as his fathers running mate. And son Eric Trump told the Florida delegation that the constitutional question remained a hurdle.

The 12th Amendment to the Constitution prevents electors from casting a states electoral votes for a presidential and vice presidential candidate from the same state, setting up a scenario under which Rubio would have had to move from Florida.

Republicans also hope that Vance, an Ohio senator, can help Trump chip away at the Democrats blue wall of northern industrial states, though political scientists who have analyzed results have concluded that vice presidential picks dont alter the results. People base their votes on the top of the tickets.

Though Trump and Rubio had a nasty competition for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, the senator became a strong supporter and influential foreign policy adviser once Trump became president.

Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, making him one of the so-called Gang of Eight in Congress who are regularly briefed on highly sensitive information, and a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee. That background has many Floridians hoping Trump would nominate Rubio as secretary of state if he wins the presidency.

I wanted Marco as vice president. Well take him as secretary of state, Barnett said.

Even if that doesnt happen, Rubio would be in a position to wield significant influence on world affairs, especially if Republicans win control of the Senate, which many political analysts see as a foregone conclusion.

Its clear that Senator Rubio would be on a short list of potential cabinet secretaries, with State being particularly one of the places where he could potentially be a choice, Wagner said.

Although hes a logical candidate, Foreman cautioned against getting ahead of ourselves too much with such speculation.

In the spotlight

Rubio (nine minutes) and DeSantis (eight minutes) both had convention speaking slots in prime time. Their rounds also included subsequent breakfasts of the home-state convention delegation.

Their televised speeches were on Tuesday, the night reserved for multiple Republicans who had sought their partys nomination  Rubio in 2016 and DeSantis in 2024  and were vanquished by Trump.

All the former opponents turned acolytes touted Trump, while he watched from his box in the arena, as he basked in the praise. The next night, Rubio got to sit next to Trump and watch some of the proceedings from the nominees box at the convention arena.

At least DeSantis got a laugh from Trump, which came when DeSantis referred to President Joe Bidens time in office as the Weekend at Bernies presidency, a reference to the movie in which people pass off the corpse of their dead boss as still alive.

Political moves

Senate appointment: If Rubio becomes secretary of state or another cabinet position, DeSantis would get to appoint a replacement senator.

The ability to fill a vacant Senate seat is one of the more significant powers that a governor has and can be quite influential on a larger political universe, Wagner said.

Stipanovich said he doubts the governor would engineer a Senate appointment for himself. It would seem like too much of a shady political maneuver that could leave a negative impression for some voters, he said.

Governors race: The convention was a chance for the potential candidates for the 2026 Republican nomination for governor to show themselves off before committed party activists and financial supporters. Term limits prevent DeSantis from running again.

Prospects politicking at the convention included Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz.

Stipanovich said theres been thought among some  he categorized it as happy-hour speculation  that because of (U.S. Sen.) Rick Scotts presidential ambitions, he would return to run for governor in 2028 again. Although Scott has served two terms, totaling eight years, as governor, hes been out of that office so he legally could run again. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told NBC News he was thinking of running. And Politico reported from Milwaukee that some Republicans had mused about the idea of Rubio as a possibility to run for governor.

Optimistic Republicans

Floridians whove been delegates before said this years convention was more unified and more energized than previous quadrennial gatherings theyd attended.

The intensity here is something I have never experienced, said Merrell, the state Republican committeewoman from Broward. I never thought we could top 2016. However, this week (has been) in the stratosphere.

DeNapoli said everyones been in a happy mood. A lot of positive energy. A lot of excitement, confidence.

Barnett described 2024 as having more energy and more excitement, and less uncertainty. More unity.

For Florida delegates, thats partly seeing the state as solidly Republican after decades as a swing state that could go either way in presidential contests, and partly from optimism that Trump will win the presidency.

Were getting ready to win. Were getting ready to take back this White House, starting with Florida, Barnett said.

National attention, and the candidates, are less likely to devote time and money to Florida. Florida is slipping away from the competitive column, Foreman said.

Democrats, hoping to avoid a collapse of enthusiasm among their voters that could hurt candidates lower down the ballot, insist Florida could produce a surprise.

A state Democratic Party fundraising email blast on Friday asserted that Donald Trumps margin in Florida has NARROWED  making it only a 4 point difference. Its evidence: A headline from a news site thats become known largely for clickbait.

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Human Remains Found By Police Believed to Be Those of A Missing Vermont Woman

Police believe human remains found in Vermont are those of Roberta Martin, an elderly woman reported missing by a neighbor on July 17

Vermont State Police Roberta Martin

Vermont State Police found human remains while searching for a missing 82-year-old woman near her home.

In a press release on Sunday, July 21, the Vermont State Police (VSP) announced that they found human remains on Sunday morning while searching for Roberta Martin, who was reported missing by neighbors on Wednesday, July 17.

"The human remains are believed to be those of Ms. Martin," police said in the release, which adds that the medical examiner will confirm the identity.

The remains were found at 11. a.m. on Sunday, while authorities were searching a wooded area off Sand Hill Road in Enosburg that was close to Martin's home. The area has been secured.

Per the press release, the investigation into Martin's disappearance is currently active and ongoing.

Vermont State Police Roberta Martin

Martin last spoke to her family members on the phone on the night of Tuesday, July 16 at 11:30 p.m.

She was reported missing at 11:55 a.m. the next day when a neighbor went to her home on Butternut Hollow Road and discovered she wasn't there. Martin was reported to be in good health at the time.

In subsequent updates on the case released by police, Martin's disappearance was described as "suspicious."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

It certainly is suspicious because we havent found her, shes not home which is unlike her normal life patterns where shes generally in touch with her family often, said Major Dan Trudeau of the VSP Criminal Division while answering media questions at a press briefing posted to Facebook on Thursday, July 18.

At the time, Trudeau confirmed that police had applied for a search warrant of one of Martin's neighbors homes because they had probable cause. He didn't provide any further details on the matter of the search warrant.

No suspects have been announced.



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Keen listeners at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and Trump rally in Michigan this week may have noticed a subtle development on the campaign trail: JD Vance officially has a walk-on song.

On the surface, the track, 2005s America First by country legend Merle Haggard, seems like a solid fit.

After all, it shares a name with one of Donald Trumps signature slogans, and has lyrics that gel with his criticisms of foreign wars.

Why dont we liberate these United States/ Were the ones need it the worst/ Let the rest of the world help us for a change/ And lets rebuild America first, goes one part of the song.

The song was written during the Iraq War, a conflict JD Vance served in but has also criticized.

When I was a senior in high school, that same Joe Biden supported the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Vance said at the RNC. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the financial crisis to the great recession, from open borders to stagnating wages, the people who govern this country have failed and failed again.

JD Vances Merle Haggard walk-on song has a strong anti-war message (Getty)

What Vance didnt mention is that Donald Trump also initially supported the Iraq war.

In a 2002 interview with Howard Stern, the radio host asked Trump if he supported the invasion.

"Yeah, I guess so," Trump responded. "I wish the first time it was done correctly."

Trump has later falsely claimed he opposed the war since before it began.

The mismatch with America First may go beyond just Trumps record of foreign policy opinions.

Haggard, while he was alive, resisted attempts to be claimed by one party or another.

There are things I go for on both sides of the fence, he once explained to Variety. I cant be called one or the other, because if I was one of em, Id want to be the other one.

America First, he went on, was in fact written from a place of criticism towards George Bush and 9/11-era laws like the controversial Patriot Act, which provided sweeping surveillance powers to federal authorities.

Im going to say as an American that I think theyve been disingenuous with the public about the reasons why were there, Haggard said. And I think the United States of America is mature enough to understand the real reasons. Im just disappointed in the fact that (Bush) doesnt level with us I think if were gonna have to suffer sanctions as Americans when it comes to freedom, then we ought to know the entire picture.

Haggard also defended fellow country stars The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks), when they were faced with intense public backlash for criticizing George Bush.

Haggard called their treatment a witch-hunt and a verbal lynching.

I dont even know the Dixie Chicks, but I find it an insult for all men and women who fought and died in past wars when almost the majority of America jumped down their throats for voicing an opinion, he said.

Haggard, who died in 2016, wrote a variety of political songs in his time, from one praising Hillary Clinton, to 1969 Okie from Muskogee, a rebuke of the hippie culture during the Vietnam War.

When I was in prison, I knew what it was like to have freedom taken away, Haggard once said of the song. Freedom is everything. During Vietnam, there were all kinds of protests. Here were these [servicemen] going over there and dying for a causewe dont even know what it was really all about. And here are these young kids, that were free, bitching about it. Theres something wrong with that and with [disparaging] those poor guys.

The track became a touchstone for many conservatives, though Haggard later claimed he was dumb as a rock when he wrote the song.

Here are the full lyrics of America First, according to Genius.

[Verse]

Why dont we liberate these United States

Were the ones need it the worst

Let the rest of the world help us for a change

And lets rebuild America first

Our highways and bridges are falling apart

Whos blessed and who has been cursed?

Theres things to be done all over the world

But lets rebuild America first

Whos on the Hill and whos watching the valley?

And whos in charge of it all?

God bless the Army and God bless our liberty

And dadgum the rest of it all

Yeah, men in position are backing away

Freedom is stuck in reverse

Lets get out of Iraq and get back on the track

And lets rebuild America first

Why dont we liberate these United States?

Were the ones who need it the most

You think Im blowing smoke?

Boys, it aint no joke

I make twenty trips a year from coast to coast
 Flash

During the Joint Survey of the Lancang River Source by the Six Lancang-Mekong Countries, which commenced on July 15 in northwest China's Qinghai province, representatives from five Mekong countries shared their firsthand experiences and perspectives along the journey.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway flowing through China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The Lancang-Mekong River Basin (LMRB) is rich in hydropower resources, making its development crucial for water resource management and green electricity supply.

Paradis Someth poses for a photo during the joint survey in Qinghai province, July 16, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Cambodian Paradis Someth, the principal hydrologist and technical expert of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat, underscored the significance of China's hydropower projects in the Lancang River. He noted that while the Lancang region may not be ideal for agriculture, it holds immense potential for hydropower development.

Someth also referred to the Joint Study on the Changing Patterns of Hydrological Conditions of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin and Adaptation Strategies completed in August 2023, in which he played a key coordinating role. "We are now moving to phase 2 of the joint study, which will provide more hydrological information for the LMRB," he said, adding that the study will help address the low water levels of Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake in recent years.

In addition, Someth was amazed by the breathtaking scenery along the journey. "I used to think it was all just rocks here, but it's green everywhere," he said.

Sivannakone Malivarn poses for a photo during the joint survey in Qinghai province, July 17, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Sivannakone Malivarn, deputy secretary general of the Lao National Mekong Committee, also emphasized the importance of hydropower projects in the Lancang River. Initially skeptical about the impact of China's hydropower projects in the Lancang River, Malivarn feared a reduction in water volume. However, having gained more information during the joint survey, he acknowledged that these projects can regulate river runoff and prevent downstream floods. Moreover, China's assistance in building the Nam Ngum 4 hydropower station in Laos has provided substantial benefits to the country, he said.

Malivarn also praised the picturesque landscape at the river's source. "I feel lucky to visit the source area of the Lancang River. Previously, I had only seen it on TV. Seeing it in person, I appreciate the significant efforts the Chinese government has made to protect the natural environment here," he remarked.

Chaona Suppanut poses for a photo during the joint survey in Qinghai province, July 17, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Chaona Suppanut from Thailand's Office of National Water Resources stressed the necessity of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation for effective water resources management. He highlighted the importance of hydrological information sharing, which can help downstream Mekong countries like Thailand be more informed and better prepared for future water usage.

Suppanut also emphasized the need to involve the younger generation in these efforts to ensure sustained cooperation over time. "I think the power of generations is the greatest power for change," he said.

Tin Yu Ya Swe poses for a photo during the joint survey in Qinghai province, July 16, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Tin Yu Ya Swe, a Burmese master's student in rural development at China Agricultural University, shared her excitement about visiting the Lancang River source area in the Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Qinghai for the first time.

"I want to learn about China's water management system to apply these practices in improving water management and agriculture in my home country, Myanmar, where 70% of the population relies on agriculture." She admired China's achievements in rural revitalization and believed there is much to learn from these advancements.

Furthermore, Yu Ya appreciated the natural beauty and unique culture of local Tibetans in Yushu. "Here, I saw the beautiful landscape  it's like in a movie. I also met local Tibetans and learned about their unique culture and their improved life," she said.

Nguyen Dinh Dat poses for a photo during the joint survey in Qinghai province, July 17, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Nguyen Dinh Dat from the Vietnam National Mekong Committee again highlighted the practical benefits of the hydropower stations in the LMRB. He explained that in principle, these reservoirs can store water during flood seasons and release it during dry periods.

Dat also mentioned a severe drought in 2016 caused by the El Nino phenomenon that affected several Mekong countries, including Vietnam. The Chinese government's contribution in releasing water from upstream dams significantly mitigated the drought's impact.

He also underscored the importance of water management in ensuring water supply, food safety and economic production, which will ultimately improve people's livelihoods.
Editor's note: This page reflects the news of Joe Biden stepping aside from his 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday, July 21. For the latest news on Kamala Harris' efforts to secure the Democratic nomination, follow our live election updates for Monday, July 22.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden said Sunday he is ending his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from Democratic leaders sounding the alarm that his path to beat former President Donald Trump in November had vanished.

The president's historic withdrawal throws the 2024 race  already roiled by a shocking attempt on Trump's life  into uncertain territory, with Vice President Kamala Harris widely seen as the Democrat most likely to take Biden's place atop the party's ticket.

Biden made the announcement from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., where he's self-isolated since testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday night.

Biden quickly endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee in a separate statement on X. Harris responded that she's honored to have Biden's endorsement, and her "intention is to earn and win this nomination." The president and vice president spoke several times on Sunday morning ahead of his announcement.

Biden said he would speak to the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a letter addressed to Americans. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

In his statement, Biden reflected fondly on his four years in office, saying the U.S. has built the strongest economy in the world while touting efforts to lower prescription drug prices, expand health care, tackle climate change and appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The decision upends the 2024 campaign 107 days before Election Day, with Democratic National Committee members now tasked with choosing an alternative nominee to take on Trump, whose polling lead has swelled while Democrats have fought internally.

Biden's departure will soon mean the end of a five-decade career in Washington that began in 1972 with an upset victory for U.S. Senate in Delaware. He served as a senator for 36 years, then as Obama's vice president from 2009 to 2017. Biden returned to public life to run against Trump in the 2020 presidential election. He framed the race as a "battle for the soul of the nation" and defeated Trump 51%-47% in the popular vote.

It marks an extraordinary turn for Biden, who for three weeks remained defiant in the face of growing calls from Democratic lawmakers that he withdraw after a disastrous June 27 debate with Trump raised scrutiny over the president's mental fitness.

Keep up with the USA TODAY Network's live updates.

Louisiana Democratic delegation endorses Harris

While President Biden's delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention are not formally obligated to follow his lead and back Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement at the top of the ticket, the Louisiana delegation is already onboard.

"This evening, the LA delegation to the @DemConvention met virtually, and by an overwhelming majority vote, officially endorsed Vice President @KamalaHarris to be our 2024 Democratic Presidential Nominee," the state party reported on X.

-Ben Adler

Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC endorses Harris

In a sign of coalescing Democratic Party unity around Harris, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, BOLD PAC, announced Sunday night that it is endorsing President Biden's chosen successor.

Just a few days ago, BOLD PAC stood squarely behind Biden amid growing calls for him to drop out.

"President Biden's tenure will be remembered for his accomplishments that stand among the best in history, said BOLD PAC Chair Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., in the statement Sunday.

"As we look ahead, we know that these accomplishments would not have been possible without Vice President Kamala Harris and CHC BOLD PAC is proud to endorse her for president. This administration has led with working families in mind and shown an unwavering commitment to Latinos. There is so much work left to do and the stakes couldnt be higher. Make no mistake, Latinos nationwide will bear the brunt of the consequences of a Trump second presidency, just like they did in the past. BOLD PAC will remain laser focused on doing what it takes to ensure that Trump remains a one-term president. Vice President Harris is the leader we stand behind at this critical moment.

-Ben Adler

How Harris would run against Trump

A campaign ad from Harris' 2020 Democratic presidential primary campaign sheds light on how she might run against Trump if she becomes the Democratic nominee.

The ad, which was shared Sunday afternoon by a pro-Harris account on X, characterizes Harris as the antidote to Trump. It leans heavily on her work as a prosecutor and contrasts that record with Trump's alleged misdeeds.

"She prosecuted sex predators, he is one," the narrator notes, followed by the recording of Trump's crudely phrased statement that he grabs women by their genitals.

The ad goes on to draw similar comparisons. Whereas Harris prosecuted for-profit colleges that swindled students, Trump ran a for-profit university that was sued by former students who said they were misled by false claims. Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement

BREAKING: This Kamala Harris ad from 2020 still goes hard. Retweet to ensure every American sees it. pic.twitter.com/PM1SZLcMG7  Harris Wins  (@harris__wins) July 21, 2024

-Ben Adler

Democrats raise nearly $50 million online since Bidens exit

Democrats have raised nearly $50 million online since President Joe Biden announced his decision on Sunday to drop out of the 2024 race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

ActBlue, the leading site processing Democratic donations, said as of 9 p.m. ET it has raised $46.7 million from supporters, making Sunday its biggest fundraising day of the 2024 election cycle.

Most of the Democratic Party has coalesced quickly around Harris as the nominee, making her the strong favorite to take on Trump in November.

Joey Garrison

Joe Manchin is considering seeking Democratic nomination

Sen Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is considering switching his party affiliation from independent to Democratic to seek the party's presidential nomination after President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will exit the 2024 race, according to Manchin's adviser Jonathan Kott.

He is the first Democrat to openly consider challenging Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination. Manchin, 76, previously flirted with the idea of launching an independent campaign for the presidency, and at one point even floated appearing on a ballot with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, but decided not to in mid-February.

Manchin is unlikely to receive much support from Democrats, given his record of bucking some of the partys major legislative proposals and his decision to register as an independent in May.

-Karissa Waddick

Harris makes the rounds

Vice President Kamala Harris spent her afternoon working the phones, calling Democratic Party leaders and members of Congress as she sought to quickly coalesce lawmakers and potential competitors around her candidacy. Among the Democratic officials she spoke to were Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising star in the party who leads a must-win battleground state, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford, according to a source familiar.

Harris has plans to be in Milwaukee on Tuesday and Indianapolis on Wednesday at previously scheduled events. It was not immediately clear when she planned to hold her first campaign event after Biden's surprise dropout and endorsement on Sunday.

-Francesca Chambers

AOC endorses Harris for Democratic nomination

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a key progressive Democrat, endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination Sunday night as Harris continues to coalesces most of the Democratic Party around her bid.

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November, Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement on X.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. Lets get to work.

While 35 congressional Democrats publicly called for Biden to end his campaign prior to his announcement, Ocasio-Cortez was among those who remained behind the president.

Joey Garrison

Trump raises questions about the next debate

Is Trump laying the groundwork to forgo a debate against Harris (or any other Democrat)?

In a Truth Social post late Sunday, Trump noted that his Sept. 10 debate with Biden "was slated to be broadcast" on ABC.

"Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC."

In an interview with CBS News, Trump gave a somewhat equivocal answer to the debate question: "I dont know who I'm going to debate. So far, we havent determined who is going to be on that side. But I think whoever it is, Id like to debate. Yeah, sure."

-David Jackson

Tennessee Democrats become first delegation to formally endorse Harris for president

Tennessees 77 Democratic delegates voted by conference call Sunday afternoon to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, becoming the first delegates previously pledged to Biden in any state to formally back her.

The decision comes as much of the Democratic establishment, including former President Joe Biden, has quickly coalesced behind Harris following Bidens announcement to end his 2024 campaign.

Its very compelling to me that the president decided not to run and to endorse her, Chip Forrester, one of the Tennessee delegates, told USA TODAY. He has worked with her for four years. He chose her as his running mate four years ago. For the president to have that kind of confidence is important to me.

Forrester said Harris also holds as strong strategic position because she will inherit Bidens $240 million cash on hand that his campaign reported at the end of June.

The Harris campaign took over the Biden campaign committee following Bidens announcement to drop out.

-- Joey Garrison and Melissa Brown

Potential lawsuits to keep Biden as Democratic nominee would be fruitless: election experts

Republicans argued Democrats will be ignoring 14 million voters who supported President Joe Biden in the primaries after he declined to become the nominee, but election experts said Sunday that potential lawsuits aiming to keep Biden as the nominee would be fruitless.

Democrat party bosses just proved that they have absolutely no respect for their own voters,House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a statement. After lecturing others about democracy, they just forced Joe Biden off the ticket, trashing the primary choice of 14 million of their own voters.

But David Becker, a former Justice Department lawyer who enforced election laws and is now executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said potential lawsuits from Republicans or allies of former President Donald Trump couldnt force the Democratic Party to stick with Biden because parties choose their own nominees.

These claims are less than frivolous, Becker said. That would not succeed and will not succeed in any state.

Biden was not yet the Democratic nominee because the party has not yet held its convention scheduled for late August. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in March that Colorado election officials couldnt keep Trump off the states primary ballot because allowing states to set qualifications for federal office would lead to chaos.

--Bart Jansen

More: Who will be Kamala Harris' VP? Here's the possible contenders.

John Kerry supports Kamala Harris as partys next nominee

John Kerry, former Secretary of State under the Obama administration, in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, indicated he will join in on supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys next nominee.

President Biden deserves the gratitude of every American for his extraordinary presidencyI know how difficult todays selfless decision must have been for someone who spent his entire life in service to country, he said.

He added that now is the time to listen to the only person who has ever beaten Donald Trump, and join with President Biden in every effort to make Vice President Harris the next President of the United States.

-- Sudiksha Kochi

Election expert says no way to hold more Democratic presidential primaries

David Becker, a former Justice Department lawyer who enforced elections law and who now advises state and local officials who conduct elections, slammed the door Sunday on the potential for holding more presidential primaries before the Democratic National Convention in late August, calling it a fantasy.

President Joe Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee after winning state primaries. Some political analysts, such as GOP podcaster Mike Murphy, have suggested Vice President Kamala Harris would be a stronger nominee if she beat potential rivals in a new set of primaries.

She needs to become a winner, which means winning a nomination process, Murphy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. That would give her a lot more strength coming out of the convention.

But Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said states such as Arizona and Florida are still holding local primaries into September, so there is no way election officials could create a new set of primaries within days or weeks.

The idea that election officials who are already running elections could somehow put together a snap primary in days, and voters would know what to do and where to show up and to cast ballots for candidates we cant even imagine who might be running is fantasy. There is no feasible way to hold any kind of primaries right now, said Becker, who is also executive director of the Election Official Legal Defense Network. There is no way to do open primaries.

--Bart Jansen

LaPhonza Butler, only Black woman serving in U.S. Senate, backs Harris

Californias Laphonza Butler, the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate, applauded Bidens service and urged support for Harris. Butler was tapped to serve in the seat when Biden picked Harris for his running mate.

The threat to all that progress remains, and we must now do everything we can to ensure Vice President Harris succeeds, Butler, the first woman of color to head EMILY's List, an organization that supports Democratic, pro-abortion rights women candidates, said in a statement. There's no one better prepared for this challenge.

Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, was the second Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. Others vying to make similar history praised Harris bid for president.

Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat and a Black woman running for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, said she is 100% behind Harris.

She will provide a clear and stark contrast to the regressive vision Donald Trump has for this country, she said in a statement. She will make this race about the future and the kind of country our children deserve to inherit.

-- Deborah Barfield Berry

Harris takes over Biden campaign committee

The former Biden campaign is now officially the Harris for President campaign.

The campaign formerly known as Biden for President in a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission changed its name to the Harris for President campaign.

The move makes Harris bid for the Democratic nomination official, with her campaign apparently assuming control of Bidens campaign funds. The move also allows Harris to begin raising money for her presidential bid. Harris named Keana Spencer her treasurer.

-- Joey Garrison

Emilys List endorses Kamala Harris for president

Emilys List, an organization that supports Democratic, pro-abortion rights women candidates, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

.@kamalaharris was made for this moment, they wrote. Throughout her career, she has been a steadfast fighter for women and reproductive freedom  a role that is more important than ever before. Were proud to endorse her for president.

-- Sudiksha Kochi

Rep. Cori Bush endorses Kamala Harris for president

Bush is currently in a tight primary race and said this month that her constituents had concerns about President Joe Bidens viability as a candidate. She praised him for prioritizing our nations needs and threw her support behind Harris.

When we say trust Black women, we mean it. Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party and it is past time for us to lead at this moment, Bush said.

 Rachel Barber

'There are many questions now'

Shannon O'Brien, a presidential history professor at the University of Texas, called Biden's announcement "huge:" "We've never had a candidate drop out willingly so late before."

The professor also explained how the Democratic convention could potentially function next month.

"There are many questions now. The pledged delegates for each state are bound by state rules to vote for their candidate X number of times under state law," O'Brien explained. "If Biden has enough to win, then he can decline, which will throw it immediately into a brokered convention. I don't know what it means with Harris on the ticket and much of this would come down to state law on whether or not she wins those pledged delegates."

 Darren Samuelsohn

National Ice Cream Day: A fitting day for Biden

Its no secret: Joe Biden loves ice cream. There are so many photos of the president enjoying the classic summer dessert.

The president's connection to the delightful treat continued Sunday. Biden happened to announce his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on National Ice Cream Day, July 20.

Then again, according to Biden, everyday is National Ice Cream Day.

 Karissa Waddick

US President Joe Biden speaks to the press as he stops for ice cream at Baskin Robbins in Portland, Oregon, October 15, 2022. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic lawmaker calls on Trump to step down too

Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., in a statement said Biden made the difficult but selfless decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders in the Democratic Party to ensure that our democracy remains strong and true.

The American people have made it clear that they want a new generation of leaders to run for President, he said.

Goldman urged Trump to follow Bidens footsteps.

I urge Donald Trump to follow President Bidens lead and put the country first by passing his partys baton to a younger and healthier candidate who is not a convicted felon, he said.

 Sudiksha Kochi

NC Gov. Cooper does not weigh in on VP chatter

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper could be among those being considered to join the Democratic presidential ticket as Kamala Harris' vice president, if she is chosen to replace Joe Biden as the party's nominee. But Cooper didn't address those rumors in a brief statement posted to social media Sunday about Biden's departure from the race.

"I'm deeply grateful to call President Joe Biden my friend, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service to our great nation," Cooper said in a post on X, which mainly focused on Biden's achievements as president.

 Karissa Waddick

California senator endorses Harris for president

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., from Kamala Harris home state, endorsed her for president Sunday.

Padilla replaced Harris in Congress when she was tapped to join Joe Biden on the 2020 Democratic ticket.

From California to the White House, Vice President Harris has always led with courage and conviction, Padilla wrote in a post on X, Im proud to endorse @KamalaHarris to unify our party and defeat Donald Trump.

Rachel Barber

Rep. Clyburn, credited for helping Biden win the 2020 primary, has endorsed Harris for president

South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, a long serving House leader who helped Biden secure the nomination in 2020, said in a statement he endorses Vice President Kamala Harris' bid to become the nominee now that Biden has dropped out.

One of President Bidens first decisions as the nominee was to select a running mate that he believed possessed the values and vision necessary to continue this countrys pursuit toward a more perfect union," Clyburn said. "I echo the good judgement he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Partys 2024 nominee for president.

Sarah D. Wire

When is Biden's address to the nation after dropping out of 2024 race?

According to Joe Biden's Sunday announcement, Americans can expect to hear more from the president in the coming days.

"I will speak to the nation later this week in more to detail about my decision," the president wrote.

He did not give an exact date or time.

 Natalie Neysa Alund

When is the DNC? Here's what to know about 2024 convention after Biden drops out of race

On the heels of Joe Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from scores of his own party leaders, all eyes are now on Chicago where the Democratic National Convention is set to kick off next month.

The DNC is slated to take place August 19 through August 22.

 Natalie Neysa Alund

JD Vance slams Biden and Harris

Former President Donald Trumps running mate J.D. Vance criticized Joe Biden and Kamala Harris tenure in office in statement Sunday.

The Ohio senator, 39, called Biden the worst president of his lifetime and said Harris has been right there with him every step of the way.

President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on," Vance said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Rachel Barber

Sen. Coons, one of Biden's closest allies, backs Harris for Democratic nomination

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., and national co-chair of Bidens election campaign, told CNN Sunday that he supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Partys next nominee.

I support Vice President Harris. I am very hopeful that we will come out of our convention next month united and that everyone who has expressed concerns and hopes and thoughts and fears in the last few months, we'll continue to support the ticket that will win this fall, he said.

And we'll see what happens in terms of the choice for a running mate. But I think our President Joe Biden has made his endorsement clear. And I think that is the most important endorsement that we could all be paying attention to today.

He said earlier in the interview that Harris has fought hard for freedoms and for rights of Americans and she is a genuine leader.

 Sudiksha Kochi

President Joe Biden during the debate at CNN's studios in Atlanta. CNN Anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash are moderators of the debate on Jun 27, 2024.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker praises Biden, jabs Trump in statement

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, another Democrat who could be vetted to join the Democratic presidential ticket now that Joe Biden has dropped out, praised the former president Sunday before focusing on Donald Trump.

In a post on X Pritzker commended Biden for working across the aisle to pass infrastructure legislation and shepherd the country past the COVID-19 pandemic. He then criticized Trump for his 34 felony convictions and stances on issues like abortion.

As we extend our gratitude toward President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trumps potential return to the White House, Pritzker said. I will work everyday to ensure that he does not win in November.

 Karissa Waddick

The 'ultimate statesman'

The Congressional Black Caucus PAC in a statement called Biden the ultimate statesman in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

Hes dedicated his entire career, amid great personal sacrifice, in service to the values of democracy; civility, freedom and opportunity Americans and democracy loving people around the world owe Joe Biden a great debt of gratitude, the statement says.

The group added that it joins Biden in supporting Kamala Harris as our partys nominee.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Biden among most significant US presidents, Pete Buttigieg says

Transportation Secretary and former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg on Sunday lauded Joe Biden as one of the "most consequential presidents in American history," after the president announced he would not seek another term.

Buttigieg has popped up as a potential vice presidential running mate for Kamala Harris, who is the frontrunner to replace Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. But the former South Bend, Indiana mayor did not address those rumors in his brief social media statement that focused on Biden's presidency.

"I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country," Buttigieg said.

 Karissa Waddick

Kamala Harris thanks Biden for service, says she will seek nomination

Kamala Harris said in a statement that she is deeply grateful to Joe Biden and his family: With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

She said she is honored to have his endorsement.

"My intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Partyand unite our nationto defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda, she said.

 Sarah D. Wire

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he commends Biden for stepping down

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that he commends President Joe Biden for stepping out of the 2024 race.

His infirmities were evident to any unbiased observer from the beginning. It was this progressive deterioration  and his abandonment of Democratic Party principles  that prompted me to enter the race and ensure American voters had a viable, vigorous alternative to Donald Trump, said Kennedy.

He also called on the Democratic Party to return to its traditional commitment to democracy and exemplify it with an open process.

Instead of anointing a candidate hand-picked by DNC elites, the party should use neutral polling to identify the candidate who can best beat Donald Trump. The delegates should then select a nominee based on this information, he said. If they had done this to begin with, I would not have had to leave the Democratic Party.

Sudiksha Kochi

Young voter group endorses Harris for president

Voters of Tomorrow, a political advocacy group representing Gen Z, endorsed Kamala Harris for president in a statement Sunday.

The organization has chapters in 20 states and a volunteer presence across the country. It had previously endorsed Joe Biden.

As vice president, Kamala Harris has been one of Gen Zs fiercest champions, the statement said. Harris has presented a clear vision for our future  a vision that will undoubtedly fire up young people this election to defeat Donald Trump.

 Rachel Barber

Obama: Biden is a patriot of the highest order

Former President Barack Obama praised Bidens decision to end his campaign for a second term, saying he selflessly put the countrys interests ahead of his own.

Bidens outstanding track record while in office gave him every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started, Obama said. But, Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election  how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

Biden, who served as vice president during the eight years of Obamas presidency, has never backed down from a fight, Obama said.

For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life, the former president said. But I know he wouldnt make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. Its a testament to Joe Bidens love of country  and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.

Biden has been one of Americas most consequential presidents, Obama said, and a patriot of the highest order.

Obamas statement made no mention of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considered the frontrunner to replace Biden on the ticket.

 Michael Collins

Biden adviser Klain bemoans donors and electeds who pushed the president

Joe Bidens former White House chief of staff Ron Klain called on Democrats to unite behind Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee  and took at shot at Bidens Democratic detractors in doing so.

Now that the donors and electeds have pushed out the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, its time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign  our outstanding VP, Kamala Harris! Lets get real and win in November! Klain wrote in a post on X.

Klain, a longtime Biden aide and among the president closest advisors, had been serving as a campaign adviser for Biden.

Joey Garrison

President of conservative think tank linked to Project 2025 calls for Biden to resign

Kevin Roberts, president of the right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation that's linked to Project 2025, joined calls for Joe Biden to resign the presidency. Project 2025 is a 900-page, sweeping conservative plan for the next GOP administration.

If President Biden is incapable of running a presidential race, how can he lead our nation for another six months? Roberts said in a statement Sunday. In the interest of national security and the safety of our citizens, President Biden must immediately resign.

Rachel Barber

Whitmer says her job 'remains the same' after Biden drops out

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Sunday that her role in the 2024 election is unchanged in light of Joe Bidens decision to leave the race, though she didn't explicitly say she wouldn't seek the Democratic nomination.

Whitmers name has risen to the top of the list of potential vice presidential nominees who could join a new Democratic ticket led by Kamala Harris.

However, the Michigan governor said in a social media post, that her job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan.

Karissa Waddick

Sanders praises Bidens tenure in office

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., thanked Joe Biden for serving the country with honor and dignity after the president announced he would end his reelection campaign.

While the list of Democrats calling for Biden to exit the 2024 race grew, Sanders continued to back the president until he dropped out Sunday.

As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history, Sanders wrote in a social media post. Thank you, Mr. President, for all youve done.

Rachel Barber

Bill and Hillary Clinton endorse VP Harris for president

Bill and Hillary Clinton have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee for president.

The former president and the former secretary of state, who was the Democratic nominee for president in 2016, pledged to do whatever we can to support Harris.Weve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term, the Clintons said in a joint statement. He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything weve got to elect her. Americas future depends on it.

The Clintons also offered praise for Biden, saying he lifted the country out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened democracy and restored Americas standing in the world.

Michael Collins

Who will replace Biden? Harris is the immediate frontrunner

Kamala Harris appears to be the leading candidate to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic Partys nominee in the 2024 election, after the president dropped his reelection bid amid rising concerns about his age following his debate with former President Donald Trump.

Biden emphatically endorsed Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee in a social media post Sunday shortly after announcing his decision to step out of the 2024 race.

If formally nominated, Harris, 59, would become the first Black woman at the top of a major party presidential ticket. She has served as Bidens vice president for more than three years and before that represented California in the U.S. Senate.

 Karissa Waddick

Read Biden's full statement as he drops out of 2024 presidential race

Joe Biden announced that he's dropping out of the 2024 race in a reflective letter penned to his fellow Americans. You can read the full message here.

 James Powel

Mike Johnson calls on Biden to resign presidency

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called on Biden to resign as president following his decision not to seek a second term.

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president, Johnson said in a statement. He must resign the office immediately. Nov. 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

Johnson said Bidens decision to leave the race under pressure from Democrats who feared he would lose to Trump invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president.

The partys prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden administration, he said. As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice  not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of his incapacity to serve.

 Michael Collins

President Joe Biden speaks on economics during the Vote To Live Properity Summit at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16, 2024.

Pelosi calls Biden 'one of the most consequential Presidents in American history'

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement on Bidens decision to withdraw from the race, said Biden is a patriotic American who has always put his nation first.

His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history, Pelosi said.

The former House speaker added: With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Bidens greatness and goodness.

In recent days, Pelosi had reportedly shared concerns privately to Biden about his grim prospects to defeat Trump and that his candidacy could doom Senate and House Democratic candidates.

 Joey Garrison

Potential VP nominee Beshear says Biden's decision in best interest of country

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Joe Bidens decision to drop his 2024 reelection bid in the best interest of the country and party, in a statement Sunday.

President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic, Beshear wrote.

He is among a handful of Democratic governors believed to be on the short list to now join the Democratic presidential ticket.

Now its time for our nation to come together, Beshear added in the post. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise."

Karissa Waddick

Hakeem Jeffries: 'We are forever grateful'

House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a statement that praised Biden's accomplishments as president but did not address whether Harris should be the nominee. "America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful," he said.

 Kathryn Palmer

DNC chair says Democrats will launch process of choosing new candidate

Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison said in the coming days Democrats will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November.

Harrison said the process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party.

Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people, Harrison said, adding that the American people will hear in short order from the Democratic Party on the next steps in the nomination process.

The DNC convention is set for Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago, but Democratic National Committee leaders have planned for a virtual roll-call vote before Aug. 7 to satisfy concerns with ballot deadlines in several states.

 Joey Garrison

Josh Shapiro calls Biden a 'patriot'

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro hailed Joe Biden as a patriot and commended his work as president in a social media post on Sunday shortly after the president announced he was dropping out of the 2024 race.President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom, Shapiro wrote on X, formerly Twitter.Shapiro has been floated as a potential Democratic presidential nominee to replace Biden, or as a vice presidential nominee if Kamala Harris takes over the top of the ticket. Shapiro did not mention Harris in his message Sunday.I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania  the Commonwealth that raised him, Shapiro said about Biden in the post.

Karissa Waddick

Schumer says Biden put 'his country, his party, and our future first'

Chuck Schumer shared in a post on X that "Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he's a truly amazing human being."

"His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American," he added.

Marina Pitofsky

Biden exits race amid widespread pressure, mounting concerns about his age

Biden's exit came after he received bleak warnings from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., that his candidacy could lead to massive losses for Democrats in the Senate and House. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared similar concerns to Biden.

More than 30 congressional Democrats had called for Biden to bow out. Former President Barack Obama reportedly also relayed fears privately to Democratic allies about Biden's prospects of beating Trump. Democratic donors from Hollywood to Wall Street also came out against Biden continuing his reelection bid.

Biden, 81, has battled Americans concerns over his age since he took office but it turned into panic for Democrats after last month's first debate with Trump, the Republican nominee. Biden's voice sounded faint, he struggled to complete sentences and finish thoughts, and he failed to rebut many of Trump's claims on the debate stage.

Biden's campaign was in a free fall over the past few weeks with his future in doubt. Instead of focusing solely on Trump, Democrats spent as much time and energy debating whether Biden could even defeat his predecessor.

Fundraising for the Biden campaign took a dramatic hit. And Biden not only fell behind in key battleground states that will decide the election, but his growing unpopularity seemed to put recent Democratic strongholds like Virginia in play for Trump.

Joey Garrison and Swapna Venugopal

Biden becomes first incumbent not to seek reelection since LBJ

Biden becomes the first incumbent president not to seek reelection since Lyndon B. Johnson who, in 1968 amid national unrest and turmoil within the Democratic Party over the Vietnam War, stunned the nation with his decision not to seek a second full term.

 Joey Garrison

Who could replace Biden?

With Biden's endorsement, Harris is the clear frontrunner to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee, but the party's bench of Democratic governors could also be in the mix including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gavin Newsom of California.

 Joey Garrison

Trump knocks Biden after exit

Donald Trump, in a post on his social media web site Truth Social after Bidens exit, wrote: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!

We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly, Trump added.

Joey Garrison

Jill Biden reacts to Joe Biden dropping out of 2024 race

First lady Jill Biden on Sunday reposted the president's message with heart emojis. She also retweeted her husband's message endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

 Marina Pitofsky

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden drops out of 2024 election, endorses Harris: Recap
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on gun violence during an event at John R. Lewis High School on June 2, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on gun violence during an event at John R. Lewis High School on June 2, 202,3 in Springfield, Virginia. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

With President Joe Bidens decision to back out of his reelection campaign, attention is turning to whether Democrats who will be delegates at next months party nominating convention will back his choice of Vice President Kamala Harris.

In Louisiana, Democrats are rallying behind Harris while heaping praise on Biden for decades spent in elected office. The plaudits for the president contrast with criticism he faced from many of the same officials after an abysmal debate performance against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump last month.

Randal Gaines, chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, will lead the state delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In a phone interview, he said the party would back the vice president if she is the nominee, saying she would energize our core voters to an unprecedented level.

Well make history and save the country at the same time, Gaines said.

New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno, an at-large DNC delegate, posted Sunday evening on X that Louisiana delegates had voted and endorsed Harris for president.

The Louisiana delegates just voted and endorsed @KamalaHarris as the nominee for President of the United States.  Helena Moreno (@HelenaMorenoLA) July 22, 2024

The mounting pressure around Biden to leave the race robbed all momentum from Democrats to promote his candidacy for November, Gaines said. He and his fellow Democratic state party chairs held a conference call at 4 p.m. Central to discuss Sundays developments.

Like Gaines, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter of New Orleans is one of five automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention. In a text message, he praised Bidens legacy and unwavering commitment to civil rights, voting rights, and the rule of law and elevating Justice Ketani Brown Jackson as the first African-American woman on the Supreme Court.

His selfless decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris resonates deeply, Carter said. I have every confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris to continue their great work.

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State Sen. Gary Carter of Algiers, the congressmans nephew and also an automatic delegate, said he was heartbroken that Biden dropped out of race, describing him as a calming influence in a dangerous time.

Im excited to have this opportunity to cast this historic vote for Kamala Harris, Gary Carter said. What a historic day.

State Rep. Kyle Green of Marrero, one of the state partys elected leader delegates, said he supports Harris as the Democratic nominee and endorsed the choice of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as vice president.

I dont care if America is ready or not, Green said when asked whether America was ready to support a two-woman ticket. If not now, then when?

Arthur Morrell, the former top elections official in New Orleans as its clerk of criminal court, is a DNC delegate representing the 2nd Congressional District. Like Biden, he is 81 years old and referred to the president as one of my heroes.

Morrell said he would support Harris as the nominee.

We know she would follow the path to keeping our country a democracy  Kamala would be an excellent leader.

Matthew Wood, an AFL-CIO lobbyist, is a Democratic delegate from the 6th Congressional District. He said he had been behind Biden firmly but will back Harris now that the president and Gaines have endorsed her.

State Rep. Denise Marcelle of Baton Rouge, another 6th District delegate wasnt ready to throw her support behind Harris. Shes not against Harris being the nominee, but she wants to hear from others in the party about who they think the best candidate would be, she said. In addition, she wants to know how Harris as a presidential nominee could impact Democrats involved in close U.S. House and Senate races.

Former state lawmaker Barbara Norris of Shreveport, an alternate DNC delegate, said she would also go along with Bidens choice of his vice president as the nominee.

If that is the wish of his, Im supporting whoever he supports, Norton said.

Former U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond, though not a delegate for the upcoming convention, has consistently been a close ally of Biden and was one of his White House advisers. In his role as co-chair of the Biden 2024 campaign, Richmond appeared Sunday morning on the CBS program Face the Nation, when he said the president had not lost control of the Democratic Party and fully intended to stay in the election.

In a midafternoon Sunday interview with the Illuminator, Richmond said he would support Harris as the nominee.

President Biden does what he always does: Put his country first, Richmond said. Hes been the best president of my lifetime  He focused on people. Never himself.

Another Biden campaign co-chair from Louisiana, former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, voice his support for Biden in a social media post.

The contrast in November will be clear  a distinguished prosecutor versus a convicted felon, Landrieu wrote. She will prosecute the case about the real risk of Donald Trumps chaos, division, and greed while offering an optimistic vision for the future.

Other DNC delegates made statements on social media indicating they would support the presidents pick of Harris as his successor.

President Biden fought hard and delivered. We are tremendously grateful for this true patriot. Now he passed the torch to VP @KamalaHarris who is the obvious, unifying and exciting choice for nominee to win the presidency. God bless President Biden. He always put country first.  Helena Moreno (@HelenaMorenoLA) July 21, 2024

Under @JoeBidens leadership, weve seen historic investment in solutions for a changing climate. As a Commissioner, I am grateful for what this has meant for renewable energy growth. & as a delegate, I will proudly vote for the next leader of the Democratic ticket.  Commish. Davante Lewis (@davantelewis) July 21, 2024

Yes I am supporting @VP, as a delegate to the @DNC. She was chosen as the VP for a reason: because she might need to assume the role of President. Ive been a fan since she ran in 2019. I was very much prepared to continue to support the President @POTUS as the nominee 1  Mandie Landry (@votelandry) July 21, 2024

It is essential for all Dems to come together& support VP Kamala Harris as our candidate for the U. S. Presidency. VP Harris has shown dedication &leadership in her role, & it is crucial that we unite behind her to continue the progress &values of the Dem Party. Let us UNITE pic.twitter.com/Tef2ACunli  Rep.Delisha Boyd (@DeeBoydBroker) July 21, 2024

As a Louisiana delegate, Im proud to support VP Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for President. Shes the right leader to make the case to America that we cannot go back. Lets Geaux!!! https://t.co/9AnayjjIMa  Dustin Granger (@GrangerForLa) July 22, 2024
Russia is debating arming Yemen's Houthi rebels with anti-ship missiles, US intelligence has said.

It likely comes in response to Biden approving Ukraine's use of US weapons on Russian soil.

Russia has previously voiced its outrage over US and UK strikes on the Houthis.

Russia is weighing arming Yemen's Houthi rebels with advanced anti-ship missiles, US intelligence agencies have warned, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The move is likely in response to Biden quietly green-lighting Ukraine's use of US-supplied weapons on Russian territory, per the report.

Last month, Middle East Eye reported that Saudi Arabia had already talked Russia out of providing anti-ship cruise missiles to the Houthis. US officials now believe that Moscow is renewing its push to arm the rebels, The Journal reported.

The White House hopes to dissuade Russia from sending the arms by using a third country as an intermediary, the outlet added, citing unnamed US officials.

Russia has previously voiced its outrage over US and UK strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, which began in response to the militant group's targeting of Red Sea shipping.

The group has attacked ships in the region with missiles and drones since October as part of a campaign that aims to put pressure on Israel and the West over the war in Gaza.

Between October 17 and the start of May, the Houthis attacked commercial vessels at least 53 times while threatening naval vessels in dozens of additional incidents, according to a Congressional Research Service report.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in January that Russia condemned retaliatory US and UK strikes on Yemen, saying they were "illegitimate" under "international law."

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group had fired more than 500 munitions in total against Houthi drones, missiles, and targets in Yemen as of May, as Business Insider previously reported.

Despite these efforts, there are concerns that the US isn't doing enough to combat such attacks.

One administration official told The Journal that US Central Command had been told to come up with more potential targets for future strikes.

Business Insider has reached out to both the US Department of Defense and Russia's Defense Ministry for comment.

The USS Carney battling Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea in October. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau

The Houthis have already acquired a number of anti-ship munitions in the past.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based think tank, said in a January report that Houthi forces have possessed anti-ship missiles "for almost a decade now, using them to harass military and commercial maritime traffic."

The rebels acquired their first anti-ship missiles in late 2014 and early 2015 when they took control of northern Yemen, the think tank report said.

These missiles included the nearly obsolete Soviet-era P-21 and P-22, as well as the Chinese C-801, it added.

"It is unclear if they remain operational or how many they possess," it continued. "More critically, though, the Houthi forces have gotten their hands on new, better equipment since those early acquisitions.

Cooperation between Russia and the Houthis is growing

Earlier this year, the Houthis reportedly said they would not target Russian or Chinese ships passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In March, Houthi political bureau member Ali al-Qahoum said there is "a constant cooperation and development of relations between Yemen, Russia, China, and BRICS states, as well as an exchange of knowledge and experience in various areas."

"This is necessary to drown America, the US, and the West in the mire [the crisis] around the Red Sea, to get them bogged down, weaken and become unable to maintain the unipolarity," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Do Vermont Democratic delegates have to vote for Biden? Your delegate questions answered

President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign less than a month before the Democratic National Convention.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden said in a letter addressed to Americans. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and to focus solely on my duties as President for the rest of my term."

What does that mean for Vermont's Democratic delegates? Do they still have to vote for him?

Heres what to know.

How many Democratic delegates does Vermont have?

Out of the 3,896 delegates nationally, Vermont has 16. This number comes from a Democratic bylaws formula, which is based on each states population and percentage of the total Democratic vote.

Do Vermont's delegates have to vote for Biden?

They do not. While all of Vermont's delegates were committed to Biden, DNC delegates dont technically have to vote for Biden, thanks to a good conscience clause in Democratic delegate selection rules.

All delegates to the National Convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them," the rules say.

When is the Democratic Party National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to run Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Biden dropped out. Do Vermont's delegates have to vote for him at DNC?
Where was Kamala Harris born? What to know about vice president

Kamala Harris was the country's first female vice president and now is a leading contender to replace Joe Biden as the nominee for president, giving her a shot at becoming the countrys first female president.

Harris is also the first African-American and first Asian-American vice president, born Kamala Devi Harris on Oct. 20, 1964 in Oakland, California. to immigrant parents.

Her father, Donald Harris was born in Brown's Town, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica and her mother was born in Madras, Madras Presidency, British India.

Biden announced Sunday, that he is backing out of presidential election in November and endorsed Harris for president.

While the endorsement doesn't guarantee anything, she is certainly a favorite going into the upcoming Democratic National Convention next month. Other well-known names have been thrown around as contenders for the candidacy, including Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gavin Newsom of California.

The Democratic Convention is set for Aug. 19-22, when the party delegates will select the party's nominees for president and vice president.

Facts about Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris started her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California and then Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017, becoming the first woman and the first Black person to hold the position.

Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate for California, making history as the second Black woman ever elected to the Senate.

Kamala Harriss mother was a cancer researcher and her father was an economist, and both were active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

She attended Howard University, a historically Black college, where she earned her undergraduate degree in political science and economics.

Kamala Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer, and has two stepchildren, Ella and Cole Emhoff, from Douglass previous marriage.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Where was Kamala Harris born? What to know about vice president
KYOTO, Jul 22 (News On Japan) - A woman who claimed to have discovered the dead body of a man in his apartment in Kyoto one week after his murder, has been arrested for stabbing to victim to death.

The suspect, 37 year old Gu Mayumi, a South Korean national, is accused of stabbing and killing Koji Mino, 68, in his apartment in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, on June 15.

A week after the incident, Gu visited Mino's apartment and reported the discovery of the body to the police, explaining that she had visited because she had been unable to contact him.

In questioning, Gu denied the charges, stating, 'We were just having a conversation. I did not kill him.'

Source: YOMIURI
NAGOYA, Jul 22 (News On Japan) - Operations on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Nagoya and Hamamatsu stations remain suspended following a derailment involving a maintenance vehicle.

JR Central explained in a press conference that the accident was caused by a failure in the braking system, preventing the vehicle from slowing down.

According to JR Central, the incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. on July 22nd, when two maintenance vehicles collided between Toyohashi and Mikawa-Anjo stations in Aichi Prefecture, causing both to derail.

This incident has halted both inbound and outbound services on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Hamamatsu and Nagoya stations. JR Central announced at a press conference held after 8 p.m. that operations are not expected to resume for the rest of the day. "We deeply apologize for the significant inconvenience caused," the company stated.

JR Central clarified that while brake operations were performed, the vehicle failed to decelerate for unknown reasons. They confirmed that there was no human error, such as driver drowsiness.

The accident injured two drivers, one of whom was hospitalized with a broken neck.

Initially, restoration work was expected to be completed by around 7 p.m. However, the process was delayed due to complications in removing the damaged maintenance vehicle and an oil spill caused by the collision. The restoration work is now expected to continue until around 9 p.m.

Additionally, all maintenance vehicles will undergo an emergency inspection on the night of the 22nd. Depending on the progress of the restoration, temporary operations may be considered later on July 22nd.

JR Central aims to proceed with restoration efforts to ensure that the planned operations for the 23rd can proceed as scheduled.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Jul 22 (News On Japan) - A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in Tokyo's Kabukicho district for allegedly forcing a girl, known as a "Toe-yoko" girl, into prostitution. A 36-year-old man has also been arrested for allegedly assaulting the girl.

The suspect, Towa Sakayori, who is unemployed, is accused of forcing a first-year high school student, who was 15 at the time, into prostitution in October last year.

Akito Iida, 36, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting the girl.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Sakayori met Iida through social media and introduced him to several individuals, including members of the "Toe-yoko Kids" in Kabukicho.

Additionally, a 19-year-old man has been arrested for violating the Child Welfare Act for introducing the same girl to Iida.

Sakayori and the 19-year-old man deny the charges, while Iida remains silent.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Jul 23 (News On Japan) - Demolition work on a nearly completed ten-story apartment building in Kunitachi, Tokyo, which obstructed the view of Mount Fuji, began last week, seeking to restore the once picturesque view from the 'Fujimidori' shopping street extending from JR Kunitachi Station.

The apartment building along the street became a significant issue as it blocked half of the Mount Fuji view. Last month, Sekisui House, the developer, decided to demolish the building just before its completion.

According to Sekisui House, the company explained the situation to local residents and commenced demolition work on July 16. The demolition is scheduled to be completed by August next year, with no plans yet for the future use of the site.

Sekisui House commented, "We are taking every precaution to minimize inconvenience by ensuring thorough safety, noise, and vibration measures during the demolition."

Source: TBS
By Onochie Anibeze President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote led a large team of media and businessmen on a tour of the refinery last Sunday. A lot has been written and said about the engineering marvel. President of the Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba simply described it as monstrous. When I got close to him I asked Must a refinery be this big? He smiled and said: Its the biggest in the world. Its the first of its kind. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery Project is among our many initiatives toward supporting the transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Our goal is to produce, within Nigeria, most of the goods that were usually imported despite having abundant resources for domestic manufacturing of the same goods. We conceived Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals as an answer to the perennial shortage of premium motor spirit (PMS) in the country. Below are 25 facts about Dangote Refinery The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, is the worlds largest single-train petroleum refinery.

The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) crude oil refinery with 838 KTPA polypropylene plant, covers area of approximately 2,635 hectares and is located in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Total storage capacity of 4.5 billion liters which can cover: *20 days crude requirement *Product storage for 15 days of Nigerias gasoline consumption

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is an industrial plant that transforms crude oil into various usable petroleum products such as diesel, gasoline (petrol), jet fuel, and kerosene.

The Refinery produces Euro-V quality gasoline and diesel, as well as jet fuel and polypropylene.

The Refinery is designed to process a large variety of crudes including many of the African Crudes, some of the Middle Eastern Crudes, and the US Light Tight Oil.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all liquid products (Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene & Aviation Jet) and have surplus of each of these products for export.

The Refinery is designed to use the latest technology to comply with stringent guidelines and regulations to protect the local environment, and at the same time produce the latest environmentally friendly petroleum product for worldwide markets.

The Refinery design conforms to the World Bank, US EPA, EU, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms.

The Refinery has its own dedicated steam and power generation system with adequate standby units for reliable/uninterrupted utility supply to operating plants.

It has a 435MW power plant that can meet the total power requirement of Ibadan Distribution Company, covering five states, including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti.

Dangote is one of the few companies in the world executing a Petroleum Refinery and a Petrochemical complex directly as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractor.

The Petrochemical Plant is designed to produce 77 different high-performance grades of polypropylene. Petrochemical is the source of raw materials for many manufacturing and assembling plants.

It maximizes Gasoline which is in high demand-53%of the production capacity compared to 22% of the existing refineries in Nigeria.

It maximizes value addition- Extract maximum value from every barrel of crude.

It minimizes low-value Fuel Oil.

The Refinery is estimated to generate an annual market value of US $21 billion for Nigerian crude oil, Foreign exchange savings/earnings of US $9.9 billion.

56% of the production would be exported, with a foreign exchange generation of approx. $17 billion.

It ensures over $25 billion addition to the GDP, through massive value addition within the country.

Products from the plant will serve as raw materials for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used extensively across a broad range of industrial, technical and everyday applications including widespread use in building, transport, packaging, electrical/electronic and healthcare applications.

Dangote Industries developed a port and constructed quays with a load-bearing capacity of 25 tonnes/ sq meters to bring Over Dimensional Cargoes close to the site directly to handle liquid cargoes.

The Jetty is situated at a distance of 12.3 km from the refinery thereby effectively reducing the travel time.

The Refinery has capabilities for both land and sea evacuation to serve both domestic and export markets

Dedicated marine facilities for off-take of crude and loading of petroleum products Self-sufficient marine facility with ability for freight optimization. Largest single order of 5 Single Point Mooring systems (SPMs) anywhere in the world. 2 crude SPM for unloading ships up to ULCCs. 3 products SPM for product exports up to Suez Max vessels. 2 X 48" sub sea crude pipelines with interconnection. 3X24"subsea pipelines for products and imports. 120 km subsea pipeline. Crude offloading capacity  108,500 barrels/hour (17.25million liters /hr). Product loading capacity  77,000 barrels/hour (12.32million liters/hr).

Dangote Petroleum Refinery maintains high standards for all its business practices, valuing health, safety, environment and rights for its employees, compliance with all applicable local and international laws, and being a committed partner to host communities, governments and also environment friendly. VANGUARD TOP HEADLINES
By Matthew Atungwu

A former National Organizing Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mustapha, an ex-head of civil service in Kaduna, was received into his new party by the state APC Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Kawu Ibrahim Yakasai, and Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Dr Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, at an event in his hometown Gubuchi, Makarfi local government area of Kaduna.

Mustapha, who had earlier communicated his official resignation to the PDP chairman of Gubuchi ward in Makarfi LGA, said his action was based on personal reasons.

He, however, applauded the party for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities.

According to him, Governor Uba Sanis laudable achievements and inclusive leadership attracted him more to the ruling APC.

He pledged to contribute immensely towards achieving the partys set goals.
Morocco has welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences arising from Israels policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Al Quds, said an official source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Morocco, whose Sovereign, King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee, stresses the importance of this advisory opinion in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent and sovereign State with East Al-Quds as its capital, living side by side with Israel as part of the two-state solution, the source said.

It added that Morocco rejects all practices and measures aimed at altering the historical legal status prevailing on the ground, and which undermine efforts to restore stability and peace to the region.

The International Court of Justice, responding to the questions posed by the General Assembly, concluded that Israels continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful; that Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible; and that it is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The ICJ also ruled that Israel has the obligation to make reparation for the damage caused to all the natural or legal persons concerned in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; that all States are under an obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the continued presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Likewise, international organizations, including the United Nations, are under an obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and the United Nations, and especially the General Assembly, which requested the opinion, and the Security Council, should consider the precise modalities and further action required to bring to an end as rapidly as possible the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the ICJ underlined.
Twenty-five years ago, no one would have imagined that Moroccos top exports would be cars. Moroccos GDP, thanks to the Kings far-sighted approach, has more than doubled in a tough environment reaching some $130 billion, thanks to different economic policies spurred by the King.

Industry has helped Morocco reduce dependence on the climate-vulnerable farming sector. With an industrial acceleration plan that promoted investments in the automotive and aerospace sector, Morocco managed to offset the impact of drought on growth.

This year, despite the sixth consecutive dry year, Moroccos economy is still expected to grow 3%, according to the planning agency, which expects a rise in manufactured goods.

Automotive

Building on its location on the crossroads between Africa and Europe, Morocco- under the reign of King Mohammed VI- attracted investments by French giants Renault and Peugeot, which set up plants in Tangier, Casablanca, and Kenitra.

The Kingdom also invested in world-class infrastructure, such as the Tangier Med port- the largest in the Mediterranean and Africa- to allow better access of automotive investors to global markets.

Moroccos Free Trade Agreements with major markets in Europe, the Middle East and the US, encouraged further investments by parts manufacturers and electric battery supply chain, positioning the kingdom as one of the most competitive automotive industry destinations, almost on par with China.

By 2026, Morocco, already Africas top car producer, would be able to double its current production capacity to 1.5 million cars, according to industry minister.

The countrys automotive sector is also preparing for the shift to electric mobility. The recent announcement of a $1.3 billion gigafactory to be built by EV battery maker Gotion High Tech is part of that momentum.

Gotions investment is the largest in the EV battery field in Morocco, where other Chinese manufacturers have already announced big plans.

In May, Chinese auto battery manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom announced two separate plans to produce copper and anodes respectively for a combined total nearing 1 billion dollars in Tanger Tech.

In April, BTR New Material Group signed a deal with the Moroccan government to set up a cathodes plant, critical to EV battery manufacturing.

In September last year, CNGR Advanced Materials partnered with Moroccan private investment fund Al Mada to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Jorf Lasfar worth 2 billion dollars.

Besides phosphates, Morocco is rich with cobalt, a critical requirement in EV battery manufacturing.

Aerospace

Moroccos aerospace industry sector is also thriving with 142 companies operating in the kingdom. They employ 20,000 people with a total output of $2 billion.

The aerospace industry cluster in the country moved from sample wiring industry to producing more sophisticated engine parts.

Officials say the country is well-positioned to host a whole airplane assembly plant, thanks to the existence of suppliers at all levels, providing parts to world giants such as Airbus, Boeing, and Safran.

Fertilizers

Morocco has developed its phosphates-related industries to become the largest fertilizer exporter in Africa.

State-owned company, OCP, expects to produce 20 million tons of fertilizers by 2027, from 12 million in 2022.

To do that, the company is investing in green ammonia and desalination along with the establishment of production and blending units across the continent.

Sovereignty

In the wake of the Covid pandemic, King Mohammed VI urged industrial sovereignty to ensure availability of vital goods, such as medicine.

The country has invested in producing vaccine and vital medicine. Now, 70% of the medicine used in Morocco are locally produced, according to official data.

Investments in medicine and vaccine, enable Morocco to build strategic stockpiles and export surplus to African markets, while reducing prices locally to Moroccan patients.
From Nigeria to Uganda, leaders from across Africa are watching closely the youth-led anti-government protests in Kenya that, according to experts, could inspire youth across the continent.

Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday (19 July) appointed the first 11 members of his new cabinet, but he has yet to appoint a finance minister, under whose area of responsibility the contentious budget falls. Last week, Ruto dismissed all but one minister following deadly demonstrations calling for legislators to vote against a finance bill that was proposing new taxes. As the youth-led protests in Kenya later morphed to calls for Rutos resignation over bad governance, political experts say these demands for the government to take immediate action against issues that have plagued society, including corruption, could have ripple effects across Africa.

Should leaders on the continent not address citizens concerns, Kenyas recent anti-tax protests are likely to further reverberate across the continent, triggering a renewal of nationalism among youth, while sending cold chills down the spine of leaders from Kenya to Malawi to Uganda, accused of bad governance. Drawing inspiration from the protests in Kenya, some Nigerian youths have already finalized plans to hold nationwide protests against widespread hunger and insecurity, especially in northern Nigeria, in the coming weeks, which has put President Bola Tinubus administration in panic mode. Meanwhile, Ugandas president, Yoweri Museveni, has issued a stern warning as the countrys youths have announced an anti-corruption demonstration scheduled for this month.
As finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 convene in Brazil this week (25-26 July), high on the agenda will be the International Monetary Funds (IMF) strategy to tackle Africas debt challenges, particularly the critical need for sustainable debt management and economic reforms.

The IMF heads to Brazil G20 on a mission to get unsustainable debt under control, notably in Africa, to provide financial stability and support economic growth in the region. Citing specifically the recent protests in Kenya, IMF aims to focus on creating solutions to help African countries manage their debts more effectively and sustainably. The outcome of these discussions in Rio de Janeiro will have significant implications for Africas economic future. During a recent side event held in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza, Olivier Pognon, president of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), said that the continent is facing challenges as a result of the global financial crisis. ALSF is an organization dedicated to strengthening African countries capacity to deal with foreign debt.

Pognon, a Beninese lawyer, stressed the need for reform of the global financial architecture, an idea that is aligned with the Brazilian presidents priorities. We are talking about Africa today, but there is a global crisis in the international financial architecture, in terms of revenue, fiscal and budgetary issues all around the world, he argued. Pognon also pointed out that since Africa is responsible for only 4% of the factors aggravating the worlds climate crisis, the impacts of natural disasters on African countries need to be taken into account by global financial institutions, and he thus advocates an increase in concessional credits for the region. To that end, Africa is a critical part of the equation when it comes to global financial architecture reform, said Mariana Davi, a member of the forums Finance Track team, who, therefore, advocated for greater participation and representation of African countries in international financial organizations.
Morocco has reiterated its willingness to upgrade its strategic partnership with the European Union within the framework of a renewed and more ambitious dynamic, based on loyal partnership, common interest, and mutual respect.

This came in a message that King Mohammed VI addressed to Ursula Von Der Leyen congratulating her on her election as President of the European Commission (EC) for a new term.

The King reiterated in his message the full willingness of the Kingdom of Morocco to elevate these relations to their full potential, within the framework of a renewed and more ambitious dynamic, based on loyal partnership, common interest, and mutual respect.

The Sovereign who expressed to Ursula Von Der Leyen his warmest congratulations and wishes for success in her noble mission, said this renewed confidence in you is a tribute to your leadership, as well as a testament to the credit given to your vision and action. The King also emphasized that relations between Morocco and the European Union are marked by a strategic partnership.
Photo: Chris duMond/Getty Images

The increasingly likely Kamala HarrisversusDonald Trump presidential contest would be one for the history books. Theres never been anything exactly like it, to be clear. Trumps three consecutive presidential nominations are pretty unusual, having happened just twice before (with Grover Cleveland, from 1884 to 1892, and FDR, from 1932 to 1944). And Harris represents a whole batch of unusual distinctions. She will be the first Black woman or Asian-American to win a presidential nomination and just the second Black nominee or woman nominee. Beyond that, shes the first Democrat from California, or even a western state, to head up a national ticket (California Republicans John C. Fremont, Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan won presidential nominations, along with fellow westerner Barry Goldwater of Arizona).

None of these factors necessarily has a decisive bearing on the outcome of a Harris-Trump contest. But one distinction Harris possesses is absolutely unique: She is a late substitution for an unpopular Democratic president facing an unpopular former Republican president. Democrats hope this means she can free herself of some of the anchors weighing down Bidens candidacy (most obviously his age and frailty, but perhaps also his unsuccessful high-profile involvement in the war in Gaza) while offering a fresh contrast with the 45th president. As vice-president during Bidens term, with prior service in the U.S. Senate and as attorney general of California, she passes any basic qualification test. Indeed, her resume offers some interesting comparisons like my colleague Jonathan Chaits characterization of the general election as a battle between the cop and the criminal.

Historically speaking, serving as vice-president has been a very common prerequisite for winning a presidential nomination (14 have done so) and for becoming president, either through succession on the death or resignation of a president (eight) or via their own election (seven). Five sitting vice-presidents have been their partys presidential nominees with two winning (Martin Van Buren in 1836 and George H.W. Bush in 1988) and the other three coming very close (Richard Nixon in 1960, Hubert Humphrey in 1968, and Al Gore in 2000).

If you had to choose an analog for Harriss current situation, it would probably be Hubert Humphreys in 1968. He had served as Lyndon Johnsons loyal vice-president for one term. Like Biden, though significantly earlier in the year (March 31 as opposed to July 21), LBJ ended his reelection campaign under pressure but on his own terms. Like Biden, LBJs job-approval ratings were not good (LBJs approval rating per Gallup in late July 1968 was 40 percent). Like Harris, Humphrey did not enter any primaries (though they were far less ubiquitous in 1968). And like Trump, Humphreys opponent Richard Nixon was a universally familiar figure with at best mixed popularity. There was a significant non-major-party candidate in 1968 (George Wallace) as there is this year (Robert F. Kennedy Jr.).

After Nixons nomination signaled the home stretch of the general-election campaign in 1968, the Republican began with a sizable lead in the limited public polling of that era: Gallup had Nixon leading Humphrey by 16 points on August 21, by 12 points on September 11, then by 15 points on September 29. The very next day, Humphrey made a nationally televised address in which he called for a bombing halt in Vietnam and began a steady ascent in the polls. While Nixon wound up winning the presidency with a lead of 110 votes in the Electoral College, he won the popular vote by just 0.7 percent or about 500,000 votes.

Its safe to say that todays Democrats are more united than those of 1968, now that Biden has withdrawn from the race. And Nixon in 1968 wasnt remotely as controversial as Trump is today. So you have to figure that from a historical perspective, Kamala Harris has good odds of beating Trump if she runs a strong campaign and Trump stays Trumpy.
President Joe Biden flanked by Vice-President Kamala Harris. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

When President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he was suspending his reelection campaign and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him, he gave Democrats new life. Within hours, the party was chasing its single-day online fundraising record. Seventy-eight-year-old Donald Trump has taken Bidens place as the races senescent candidate, while the president is being hailed as a selfless patriot. Democrats are rallying around Harris as their presumptive standard-bearer at warp speed. But what should be a brightly lit path to electing the first Black woman president is fraught and uncertain  largely because of Bidens hesitance to treat her seriously as a successor.

For all his accomplishments, Biden has spent the past four years engaged in a pattern of crude patronage with his Black supporters. Ever since Black South Carolinians resuscitated his presidential campaign in 2020, he has treated Black loyalty like a debt to be repaid by filling key positions with Black officials, starting with his running mate. Harris was his rival from the primary who, despite her ardent fan base, telegenic appeal, and obvious talents as a Senate-hearing interrogator, struggled to distinguish herself as a candidate. Kamala the campaigner couldnt live up to Kamala the idea, lamented Politico after she dropped out in 2019.

But Bidens criteria did not require Harris to be a proven campaigner, merely what she already was: a qualified Black woman. This was a limiting framework, emblematic of Bidens famously clumsy approach to race and politics. Here was a man who, in 2008, described Barack Obama as the first clean Black presidential candidate and who recently called his own secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the Black man after seeming to forget his name. The latter slip suggested that Biden was, especially in his advanced age, less attuned to the biographical particulars of his administration than to the political currency of tokenage.

All of which made things harder for Harris, who at first looked like the obvious beneficiary of Bidens claim in 2020 that he was a bridge candidate between the partys past and future. Long before Trumps reemergence as an electoral force dissuaded Biden from passing the torch, his team was not fully committed to the idea of Harris, who is 59, as his successor. Rather than viewing her selection as an anointment, Bidens advisers cautioned the New York Times last year to view her as a short-term hire with growth potential. He chose Harris as a running mate for 2020 and a governing partner for his first term  not necessarily as a future president, reported the Times Astead Herndon.

This bearishness translated into a noticeable lack of cultivation of Harriss potential, which Harris herself did not always help. Her 2020 campaign was plagued by reports of infighting, disorganization, and poor treatment of staff, problems that apparently continued when she got to the White House. Mere months after she was sworn in, murmurs about staff dissent paired with high turnover fed the notion that she was too chaotic a boss to be effective. It all starts at the top, one disapproving Biden administration official told Politico in June 2021.

Harris withdrew from the limelight, in some cases recoiling from signature issues that might have shifted the narrative about her lack of poise. As a former prosecutor who titled her memoir Smart on Crime, she was nudged toward taking on criminal justice and policing but chose a doomed push to pass voting-rights legislation instead. There were times when Biden seemed to set Harris up to fail, like when he assigned her, apparently against her wishes, to coordinate funds to support Central Americans at home before they got desperate enough to migrate north. She promptly incensed progressives by warning migrants not to come to the U.S. at all while getting smeared by Republicans as the countrys border czar.

Faith in Harris plummeted. Bidens approval ratings were already setting off alarm bells in 2023, but hers were worse. High-level Democrats stuck with the presidents imploding reelection bid not because they believed in him but because they feared an even bigger wipeout if Harris faced Trump in his place. An article in this magazine made the case for Biden removing Harris from the ticket and choosing a different, more electable running mate. Elizabeth Warren at first declined to discount the wisdom of this strategy and was compelled to call Harris twice to apologize, according to CNN.

What a difference a few weeks makes. It was an article of faith among Bidenites that Trump would be toast once voters were reminded who he was. After the debate, the spotlight on Bidens defects, which already had him trailing in most election polls, had become even brighter. Republicans started gleefully predicting a landslide in November, donors fled Bidens campaign en masse, and Democratic power brokers pushed him privately to step aside. Onetime cheerleaders, like actor George Clooney and the hosts of Pod Save America, made the case in public that he was nearing his expiration date.

Now Harris, who until recently was considered so politically toxic that Biden had to at least consider cutting her loose, might become his redeemer. As far as succession stories go, its not exactly inspiring. Democrats are left with a remarkably untested heir apparent whose claim could still be challenged in the coming weeks. Harris is still the underdog against Trump. If nothing else, the past few weeks have proved how hard its been for Biden to actually entrust his own vice-president with the responsibilities her elevation seemed to portend.

But desperation can be a force unto itself. It already pushed Trump to seek the presidency again, which offers his safest bet at immunity from criminal punishment. It has pushed Harris into the center stage she used to shy away from and Biden to become the bridge he once claimed to be. If Harris makes history by accepting the nomination at the Democratic National Convention next month, it will be under duress  less a realization of her partys grand plan for multiracial democracy after Biden than a sign that it didnt really have one.
Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

On Tuesday, embattled Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle announced that she was stepping down from her position, telling her fellow agents in an email that she did not wish to be a distraction from their work. Cheatle had come under fire following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump just over a week ago in Butler, Pennsylvania which sparked fierce criticism of the agency for its mishandling of the incident. In a statement, President Joe Biden thanked Cheatle for her years of public service and said he intended to announce a replacement soon.

Cheatles announcement came just one day after she testified before the House Oversight Committee and was grilled by members from both sides of the aisle. Cheatle was unable to answer several basic questions about the agencys failures around the assassination attempt, and many on the panel called for her immediate resignation. Here are some of the key moments from Mondays contentious hearing.

Cheatle takes responsibility

In her opening statement, Cheatle described the July 13 attack on Trumps Pennsylvania rally as the most significant operational failure of the Secret Service in decades. The Secret Services solemn mission is to protect our nations leaders. On July 13, we failed, she said. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse of our agency.

Foreshadowing some of the tense exchanges to come, Cheatle made it clear at the outset that she wouldnt be able to provide the members of Congress with all of the answers that they were seeking.

I will be transparent as possible when I speak with you, understanding though, at times, that I may be limited in providing a thorough response in this open setting due to associated risks with sharing highly sensitive protective methodologies, she said.

The frustration was bipartisan

The hearing began with tough questioning from both Republican Oversight Chairman James Comer and Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat. Comer pressed Cheatle on whether the Secret Service had an agent on the roof where the shooter ultimately made his attempt, but the director, citing the ongoing investigation, was light on details in her response.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle CONFIRMS the roof the shooter was on was OUTSIDE of the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring. Why? pic.twitter.com/gbxvS7SZvT  Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) July 22, 2024

Raskin inquired how it was possible for the shooting to even take place, asking Cheatle, How can a 20-year-old with his fathers AR-15 assault weapon climb onto a roof with a direct 150-yard line of sight to the speakers podium without the Secret Service or local police stopping him?

Her response again offered no specifics. I will say we are nine days out from this event, and I would like to know those answers as well, which is why we are going through these investigations to be able to determine that fully, Cheatle said.

Both Comer and Raskin would both go on to say that Cheatle should resign from her post.

Raja Krishnamoorthi confronts director with rooftop footage of shooter

Cheatle confirmed to Representative Krishnamoorthi of Illinois that the rally was not paused after the Secret Service received warnings from Pennsylvania state police about a possible threat. During his questioning, the Democratic congressman played footage recorded by rally attendees two minutes prior to the shooting. In the clip, the shooter can be seen lying on the rooftop where he would later make his attempt on Trumps life as rally goers nearby yell Hes on the roof!

Kimberly Cheatle is shown footage of Trump rally goers pointing to the shooter on the roof.



She then attempts to explain how the Secret Service were not aware that there was a threat to President Trump and why the rally was never paused.



This is a crazy clip pic.twitter.com/gsmbSBywrl  Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 22, 2024

Maam, that doesnt look like suspicious behavior. That looks like threatening behavior to me, Krishnamoorthi said. And the rally wasnt paused at that moment either, correct?

I can tell you as I stated earlier, sir, that the moment that the shift surrounding the president were aware of an actual threat Cheatle began.

The congressman interrupted her. Thats a threat! Right there! The guys on the roof and everybodys yelling at him and directing the officerss attention to him!

Krishnamoorthi continued to press Cheatle for a straight answer on whether the Secret Service ever considered halting the rally due to security concerns, but the director said she could only speak in generalities.

The people that are in charge of protecting the president on that day would never bring the former president out if there was a threat that had been identified, she said.

Krishnamoorthi responded, Well, they did because weve now identified three points in the twenty minutes before the shooting that the threat emerged.

Ro Khanna tells Cheatle she should resign

Cheatle was briefly stumped on a history question posed to her by Representative Khanna of California, who asked her what Secret Service director Stuart Knight did following the attempted assassination of then-President Ronald Reagan.

He remained on duty, she answered.

He resigned. He resigned, Khanna rebutted.

Democratic Rep. Khanna questions Secret Service Director Cheatle on why she hasnt resigned.



"Do you really believe at this moment, given how divided the country is and the questions asked, that your service in this role is the best for the nation? https://t.co/1MIc8rac3F pic.twitter.com/LNvlGpe1Ed  ABC News (@ABC) July 22, 2024

The congressman took it even further, saying bluntly that he felt that Cheatle herself should step down from her post. If you have an assassination attempt on a president, a former president or a candidate, you need to resign, Khanna said. Thats what Stuart Knight did. He was a Republican appointee and he took responsibility.

Khanna as well as the committee leadership were joined by Congressman Jared Moskowitz of Florida who also believes Cheatle should resign:

The fact that the Congressional Homeland Security Committee went to the site, but the Director of Secret Service hasnt gone, is mind boggling. She must resign! https://t.co/JbF5Hkd1Pi  Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 22, 2024

AOC questions Cheatle on security perimeter and report timeline

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that an AR-15 was used in the attempt against Trump, noting that the weapons range is anywhere between 400 and 600 yards. My question is why is the Secret Services protective perimeter shorter than one of the most popular semi-automatic weapons in the United States? she asked Cheatle.

The Secret Service director began by saying that the agency did advance work prior to the rally and that there are a variety of different factors that are considered in establishing a perimeter including terrain and available resources.

An AR-15's range is ~600yds, why was the Secret Service's perimeter shorter than one of the most popular weapons in the US? @AOC pic.twitter.com/I98Me2LUAR  Brennan Murphy (@brenonade) July 22, 2024

Ocasio-Cortezs also criticized Cheatles intent to release a report on the attack within 60 days, despite the ongoing election cycle, saying that its simply not acceptable.

This is not theater. This is not about jockeying. This is about the safety of some of the most highly-targeted and valued targets internationally and nationally in the United States of America, she said. AOCs pointed criticism received praise from conservatives on social media.

Credit where credit is due to @AOC for ripping Cheatle:



"The idea that a report will be finalized in 60 days, let alone prior to any actionable decisions that would be made, is simply not acceptable. It has been 10 days since an assassination attempt on a former president. pic.twitter.com/qc8JOKLxia  Elizabeth Weibel (@elfaddis) July 22, 2024
Get ready for the balloons to drop. Photo: Getty Images

Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for president.

With Joe Bidens shock withdrawal on Sunday afternoon, the stage is set for Harris to succeed him on the ticket. The drama, though, is not about the result. Its about the process.

The question for Democrats is whether steps will be taken to quickly coronate Harris and hand her the presidential nomination or if there will at least be the opportunity for her to face token opposition  the sort Dean Phillips put up against Joe Biden.

Already, within hours of Bidens announcement, elected Democrats from all wings of the party had rallied behind his vice-president to endorse her as Bidens successor, as did the incumbent president himself. Its hard to see any scenario in which Harris is denied the nomination

Democrats were already engaged in an elaborate process to adjust the rules of the convention to allow the nominee to be officially selected well in advance of its being gaveled into session on August 19. The push to hold a virtual roll call had been initially prompted by a quirk in Ohio state law that required a nominee to be selected before August 7. Although Ohio had changed its law, Democrats were still planning on moving ahead with that online process  publicly citing paranoia about potential GOP-backed litigation and privately expressing concern about open microphones on the convention floor leading to disruption in a party with growing ideological divides between activists and voters.

During an online meeting of the DNCs Rules Committee on Friday, every effort was made to insist that a virtual roll call was an absolute logistical necessity given the late timing of the convention and concern of legal challenges from Republicans and the Heritage Foundation.

No final vote was held then  instead, the meeting served as both a comprehensive explainer of how a virtual roll call will work and pep rally to convince members of the committee to support it. Instead, the committee will formally decide the process in the next week.

As Daniel Scholzman, a political scientist who studies political parties at Johns Hopkins University, observed, the push for the virtual roll call had taken on a life of its own and, even though it was not developed for this sort of circumstance, had its own inexorable momentum.

Before Biden dropped out, there was already the challenge of whether his delegates would stick by him. Pledged delegates are not formally bound to a candidate  instead, DNC rules oblige them to in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.

According to current DNC rules (which can still be changed by the Rules Committee), a candidate needs a signed petition with the names of at least 300 and no more than 600 delegates to have their name placed in nomination. No delegate can sign multiple petitions, and no more than 50 delegates from a single state can do so. There are 3,933 delegates in total.

The challenge now is whether anyone besides Harris will bother to scrape together the 300 delegates to have their name placed in nomination before a virtual roll call. Prior to Bidens decision to drop out, the online ballot would list four options: Biden; Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who mounted a quixotic bid against the incumbent in New Hampshire; Jason Palmer, the unknown who won the American Samoa primary; and uncommitted.

Only an hour after Bidens announcement, Barack Obama endorsed an open process to pick the next Democratic presidential candidate. I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges, said the 44th president.

No one seriously doubts that Harris will eventually sew up the nomination. But there are incentives for someone else to try to contest it. From the partys perspective, there is a desire to at least gesture toward an open process. From an individual politicians prospective, there is the potential of lots of airtime on cable-news television if they throw their hat in the ring. Any challenger to Harris would be almost certain to lose, but it would be an opportunity to build up both a national profile and a donor list if handled adeptly.

This, of course, carries some risk for Harris. She could, at least theoretically, lose. But then again, every time they take the court, the Harlem Globetrotters could theoretically lose too.

At a time when Republicans are pushing Bidens withdrawal as a coup against an incumbent president, having multiple credible candidates at least offers the veneer of democratic legitimacy to replacing Biden with Harris. The downside risk is, of course, that even a mini-primary could prove divisive. But then again, after weeks of Democrats publicly pressuring Biden to leave the race, its hard to imagine that anything could be more divisive than that.
PROS: Josh Shapiro is the popular first-term governor of Pennsylvania, a state Democrats must win. He previously served as his states attorney general, like Harris, and drew national attention with an investigation into sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and his successful effort to fight Trumps bogus voter-fraud claims in the 2020 election. In 2022, he defeated his Trump-backed challenger by 15 percentage points (possibly because Doug Mastriano was a flawed candidate, but its still impressive). Hes a moderate who has relatively high approval ratings among Republicans and could appeal to swing voters He would make history as the second Jewish running mate on a major-party ticket, after Joe Lieberman. Hes also currently the betting markets favorite pick by a wide margin.

CONS: Shapiro was a vocal defender of Israel after the October 7 attack by Hamas, and some on the left have mounted a campaign against him based largely on his stances around the war in Gaza. During an April CNN interview about antisemitism on college campuses, Shapiro invoked the Ku Klux Klan when criticizing pro-Palestinian demonstrators, telling CNNs Jake Tapper that we have to query whether or not we would tolerate this if these were people dressed up in KKK outfits or KKK regalia making comments about people who are African-American in our communities  a comment that left-leaning adversaries have seized on. Shapiro also called for the resignation of former University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill, who faltered under withering question from conservative lawmakers about antisemitism on campus last December. (Magill resigned shortly thereafter.) Shapiro is an observant Jew, and some have argued that he is only getting so much blowback because of his religion, while others worry that his Judaism could pose an electability problem. Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman has also reportedly expressed concerns about Shapiro to the Harris team.

HARRISS STANCE: The Harris campaign has asked Shapiro for vetting materials, according to NBC News. However, Shapiro initially said that was not true, then subsequently declined to answer whether he was being vetted. Bloomberg reports that he is one of the three candidates on Harriss short list.

SHAPIROS STANCE: In his statement endorsing Harris, he said, Ive known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  weve both been prosecutors, weve both stood up for the rule of law, weve both fought for the people and delivered results. The governor has not commented on potentially being her running mate, and said Harris should make her decision free from any political pressure.

AUDITION CLIP: Heres Shapiro accusing Trump of shit-talking America on July 29:
Photo: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

Even before President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, Republican leaders were signaling a legal campaign to block him from doing so. Every state has its own system, and in some of these, its not possible to simply just switch out a candidate, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday morning, just hours ahead of Bidens big news. But could legal efforts to block Democrats from swapping their candidate actually work? To gauge those chances, I spoke with University at Buffalo School of Law professor and election-law expert James Gardner, who explained why the GOPs strategy is a fools errand  and why it may be dangerous anyway.

Is there any truth to Mike Johnsons statement about not being able to switch out candidates?

I dont know the law of all 50 states, but if you think of this from the point of view of what these bodies of law are trying to accomplish, what the Speakers saying makes no sense whatsoever.

First of all, Biden has not been nominated by the Democratic Party. And theres no requirement that a state can impose on a national political party that it nominate only candidates who ran in the primary. The reason for that is obvious, and we have an example of it: People can withdraw, they can die, they can become incompetent. The convention can decide that theyre not the candidate the party wants to nominate. I mean, the idea is kind of ridiculous  the idea being that Donald Trump could run uncontested. Thats what theyre hoping for. That cant happen. Has there ever been an uncontested presidential candidate? No.

If the Republican Party sues to block Biden from stepping down in certain states, does it have a case?

The Republicans have a track history here, and the track history is filing endless, frivolous, losing litigation. And that is the pattern theyre threatening to replicate.

Filing these lawsuits may be just for talking points. But it also may be that Republicans have been playing a very long game here, and that game involves essentially capturing the federal judiciary. I think maybe theyre hoping theyll get lucky and get a judge they handpicked who will ignore the law.

Were roughly a hundred days from the election. Is that a short enough time frame for Republicans to file a lawsuit, get lucky with a judge, and withstand an appeal?

I suppose it could be. I mean, there are examples we already have. The dismissal of the documents suit against Trump is an example of a handpicked Trump appointee doing what she was appointed to do. And if this reaches the Supreme Court, honestly, all bets are off. That is a court that is not impartial, not independent. But I think even the Supreme Court as its currently constituted might balk.

I always think its important in talking about stuff like this to keep the big picture in mind, which is that the Trump wing of the Republican Party has basically abandoned its commitment to democracy. And so whatever tools it can pick up to beat the system into submission are tools it will deploy.

Is LBJs decision not to run for reelection a good precedent in the context of this threat?

It doesnt provide much precedence, actually. Both parties substantially changed their rules between the 1968 and 1972 presidential elections to give much more weight to primaries. In 68, Hubert Humphrey, who was the Democratic nominee, didnt run in any primaries; you didnt have to back then. And now the rules allow the voters to have the rank-and-file members have more of a say in determining the candidate. But if the candidate backed by the rank-and-file voters in primary season doesnt make it to the end, the party has to choose someone else. And its up to the party to decide whom it wants to nominate as its candidate.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
An ongoing joint military exercise involving a comparatively small number of American and Armenian troops at a base in the Yerevan suburbs has caused a paroxysm of rage in the Kremlin.

The 11-day joint exercise, dubbed Eagle Partner, will run through July 24 and is intended to boost the interoperability between the US and Armenia during peacekeeping and stability operations, according to a report distributed by the US European Command.

It isnt the number of troops involved that have Russian officials in a tizzy, its more about the timing and symbolism of the joint exercise. It is a tangible measure of the progress made by Armenia in its geopolitical pivot away from Russia towards the West following Yerevans loss of Nagorno-Karabakh.

You [US and Armenian troops] are at the forefront of an important and growing relationship and partnership, and our nations thank you for your personal commitment toward ensuring peace, security, and prosperity, US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien said in remarks made at Eagle Partners opening ceremony on July 15.

In parallel with the exercise, Armenian media outlet Hetq reported that a resident adviser from the Pentagon will be attached to Armenias Ministry of Defense. The advisers duties and responsibilities havent been publicly disclosed. In addition, the US and Armenia are exploring cooperation on the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. Currently, Russia has a stranglehold on atomic power generation at the Metsamor facility, which has 12 years remaining in its life cycle.

In the history of Soviet/Russian diplomacy, the level of vitriol contained in an official statement has often been in inverse proportion to Moscows ability to influence its preferred outcome. In the case of Armenias rapid embrace of the West, as embodied in Eagle Partner, the vitriol vented by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was up there. She painted the presence of American forces in the Caucasus in dire terms, saying the United States and NATO were intent on upsetting the fragile balance in the region and reigniting conflict.

The appearance of the Americans in the South Caucasus, we have already seen this repeatedly in various parts of the world, will only fuel the conflict potential persisting in the region, and create new dividing lines,  not only dividing lines, but also hotbeds of conflict, the official TASS news agency quoted Zakharova as saying July 18.

Western countries are maniacally dragging Armenia into various formats of interaction in Transcaucasia, she added.

Zakharovas comments suggest that the Kremlin is alarmed by the rapid erosion of its influence in Armenia and concerned that a growing US strategic presence there could disrupt the development of the North-South corridor, a nascent trade network connecting Russia and Iran that has helped the Kremlins sanctions-busting efforts and its war effort in Ukraine. Moscow may also be concerned that the United States is seizing the initiative in fostering a durable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenia has taken rapid action to strengthen security ties with the West this year, following Azerbaijans decisive victory in the Karabakh war in 2023. Concurrently, Yerevan has fallen out with its long-time security guarantor, Russia, amid accusations that the Kremlin failed to live up to obligations to assist Armenia in Karabakh. Shortly before Eagle Partner got underway, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan would withdraw from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In contrast to Zakharovas comments about the US desire to stir up trouble in the region, US diplomats tried in mid-July to breathe new life into the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process. Meanwhile, in an interview published by Hetq, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya cast some shade on Russias peacebuilding record in the Caucasus.

Washington sees nothing to indicate that Russia's military presence contributes to a more peaceful and stable South Caucasus region, Zeya was quoted as saying.

Russia still has apparent levers of influence in Armenia. Yerevan, for example, is economically dependent on Russian trade and natural gas supplies. The Kremlin also maintains a military base in Gyumri that hosts a Russian brigade. But for whatever reason so far in 2024, the Kremlin has mostly barked, not bitten in response to Armenias embrace of the West. It may well be that the burdens of the Ukraine war are limiting Russias ability to act in the Caucasus.

By Eurasianet.org

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Freeport LNG has resumed shipments of liquified natural gas (LNG) two weeks after Beryl hit the Texas coast, with processing on track to reach about half its capacity on Monday.

According to LSEG data cited by Reuters, the amount of gas flowing to the 2.1-billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) facility was on track to hit ~1.0 bcfd on Monday after averaging 0.8 bcfd on Sunday. Freeport has had a slow operational restart ever since it shut its three liquefaction trains on July 7.

Last week, unnamed trading sources told Bloomberg that loading of Freeports LNG shipments through August had been canceled for at least 10 cargoes.

Europes oil and gas multinationals, including BP Plc (NYSE:BP) and TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), are among the companies most severely hit by the outage. Affected companies, as well as their customers, have been scrambling for replacements with traders warning that a prolonged outage could trigger a gas price rally in Europe and Asia.

TTF Natural Gas Futures for August delivery were down slightly by 1.1% at $31.85 per megawatt-hour (MWh) at 11:45 a.m. in Amsterdam on Monday while Henry Hub gas prices surged 5.1% to $2.24/MMBtu. Europes gas demand remains subdued thanks to a spike in wind farm output. However, the potential reduction in Russian gas flows through Ukraine remains a potential bullish catalyst.

Last year, Ukraine signaled it will not renew a five-year pipeline transit agreement to supply natural gas to EU countries when it expires at the end of the current year. EU energy chief Kadri Simson has, on the other hand, indicated that the EU executive has "no interest" in pushing to revive the agreement.

The EU has warned member countries to prepare to live without Russian gas, with Ukraine supplying 5% of total EU gas imports. Austria, Hungary and Slovakia are likely to be the hardest hit when the imports are cut off.

Lately, Ukraine has taken a stern stance against Russian energy commodities. Last week, Slovakia and Hungary reported they have stopped receiving oil from Russian Lukoil, after Ukraine imposed a ban on the transit of fuel from the Russian energy company via its territory.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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India plans to apply for obtaining licenses for deep-sea mining of minerals key for the energy transition in the Pacific, a senior government scientist told Reuters on Monday.

India has been exploring ways to own and develop critical minerals assets abroad as its renewable energy rollout is soaring and as it seeks to have its own stream of supply of key metals such as lithium, nickel, and copper.

Now the country is getting ready to apply in 2025 with the UN-backed International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration licenses in the Pacific, M. Ravichandran, the top scientist at Indias Ministry of Earth Sciences, told Reuters.

The ministry will be working jointly with the Indian Ministry of Mines in the preparatory work to apply for licenses, the scientist told Reuters.

ISA is an autonomous international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Jamaica-based ISA is the organization through which the member states, including India, organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities.

So far, ISA has issued 31 deep-sea exploration licenses, including two for India to mine the Indian Ocean. However, mining is not allowed yet by the authority as it is still finalizing regulations.

India is also looking at onshore South America to potentially develop resources of lithium and copper.

For example, state-held giant Coal India and a U.S. company are considering joint development of lithium assets in Argentina, under the U.S.-led pact for Minerals Security Partnership, Reuters reported last month, citing an Indian source with direct knowledge of the matter.

Earlier this year, India signed an agreement with the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province in northwest Argentina for a lithium exploration and mining project in the Argentinian province.

To boost its energy transition efforts, India is also betting on acquiring lithium and copper assets overseas and sent earlier this year a delegation to search for such resources in Chile, a top producer of both critical minerals.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Former OPEC member Indonesia is looking to buy Russian crude for the first time in more than a decade according to anonymous sources that spoke with Reuters.

Indonesias Pertamina hasnt bought any crude oil from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but has now added Sokol and Urals grade crude oil to its tender list for purchase in September 2024. According to Reuters, the last time that the Indonesian oil company bought Sokol crude was more than 10 years ago.

Whether Indonesia joins China and India as buyers of Russian crude remains to be seen. Reuters reports that one of the tenders reportedly closed last week and another on Monday, with the results yet to be announced.

Indonesia has seen strong economic growth in 2024, trailing just Vietnam and the Philippines. This year, Indonesia's domestic production of crude oil has fallen to below 600,000 bpd, while its consumption has increased to more than 1.6 million bpd.

Despite its relatively neutral stance in global politics, Indonesia announced in 2022 that it would be looking into buying cheap Russian crude, but the Widodo government apparently concluded that purchasing Russian crude at a 30% discount compared to Brent prices was not worth the associated risks.

Increased oil imports are taking their toll on Indonesias trade balance, with crude and petroleum product imports increasing 17 percent month on month in June 2024. Higher prices for both crude oil and petroleum products are also impacting the countrys trade balance. The Star reports that the value of oil imports in June 2024 was up 47% year-on-year on the back of higher volumes and prices.

Despite the opportunity to buy discounted Russian barrels, Indonesias oil refineries are largely geared toward processing light crude oil, most of which is supplied by countries such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Angola and Iraq.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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Tensions in the Middle East ratcheted up again this weekend with Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen trading strikes and attempts at strikes.

In the early morning trade in Europe, both major oil benchmarks, WTI Crude and Brent Crude, were trading slightly higher.

Over the weekend, the crisis in the Middle East escalated once more after the Israeli military deployed fighter jets to strike Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, for the first time since the IsraelHamas war erupted last October.

Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam posted on social media that a brutal Israel aggression against Yemen" had just occurred. He noted that the airstrikes hit "fuel storage facilities and a power plant" in the Yemeni port of Hodeida "to pressure Yemen to stop supporting" Palestinians in the Gaza war.

On Saturday, Israeli fighter jets hit Houthi military targets near Yemens port of Hodeidah on the Red Sea, after the Houthis launched a drone on Tel Aviv on Friday.

The Iranian-made long-range drone launched from Yemen hit downtown Tel Aviv on Friday, killing one civilian and wounding four others, in an attack for which the Houthis claimed responsibility.

Iran and Hezbollah condemned the Israeli attack on Hodeidah as tensions in the Middle East are once again the focus of geopolitics observers.

The Houthis have vowed to continue attacking Israel in response.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam told Qatar's Al Jazeera there would be no red lines in retaliation.

All sensitive institutions at all levels will be targets for us, the spokesman added.

On Sunday, Israel said its military had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen fired earlier on Sunday. The Israeli military said that the surface-to-surface missile was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.

The latest escalation in the Middle East and the major oil shipping routes in the region comes as The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. intelligence agencies had issued a warning that Russia might seek to arm the Houthis with advanced anti-ship missiles, in retaliation for the U.S. Administrations support for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia with U.S. weapons.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russia and Cuba have discussed the idea of building an oil refinery in Cuba with the help of Russian companies, the deputy speaker of the Russian parliament was quoted as saying.

During a visit of Russian lawmakers to Cuba in recent days, the idea of a refinery construction has been discussed, Russias TASS news agency quoted deputy speaker Alexander Babakov as saying.

The biggest Russian state companies could be working here, the lawmaker said.

Cuba has crude oil: it is logical not to import oil products but to produce them here, TASS quoted Babakov as saying.

Russia and Cuba have held close ties since the 1950s when the Latin American country and the Soviet Union expanded ties as fellow communist states.

Cubas key crude oil supplier is nearby Venezuela. However, shipments have dropped in recent years, also due to Venezuelas crumbling oil industry and the U.S. sanctions against Cubas staunch ally, Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro.

The crumbling Venezuelan oil industry means that less fuel oil from the country sitting on the worlds largest oil reserves is reaching Cuban shores to power the old power plants on the island.

Cubas power generation is heavily dependent on oil productsaccording to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Cubas energy supply mainly comes from oil products, which account for more than 80 percent of power generation.

Mass protests erupted in Cuba in 2021, due to the crisis in Venezuela and its oil industry.

Early this year, Cuba, which has seen chronic shortages of gasoline and other fuels, said fuel prices would jump by 500% from February 1, 2024. The Cuban government can no longer manage a massive subsidy campaign that puts subsidized prices on nearly all essential goods and services.

Cuba has also imported some Russian crude since 2022. Then there was a year-long hiatus, before some Russian oil arrived in Cuba in March this year.

Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Tuapse oil refinery in Russias Krasnodar region, the biggest Russian crude processing facility on the Black Sea, was damaged in a massive Ukrainian drone attack overnight, Russian officials and Ukrainian intelligence sources said on Monday.

Tuapse refinery, which has a capacity to process 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, has been a target of several drone attacks from Ukraine since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Tuapse, owned by Russias top oil producer Rosneft, was damaged in an attack in January.

In May, the refinery was also halted in an emergency shutdown after a Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at the facility.

Early on Monday local time, a drone attack on the Tuapse refinery was carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate, HUR, of Ukraines Ministry of Defense causing a fire at the facility, sources in the intelligence unit told Kyiv Post.

As a result of the drone attack, debris from the shot-down drones caused a fire at the refinery, Russian officials were quoted by Reuters as saying.

The debris from the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) damaged the infrastructure at the Tuapse refinery, the operational headquarters of Russias Krasnodar region said in a post on Telegram.

The fire has been contained, the regions authorities said, adding that there are no casualties, according to preliminary information.

The Tuapse refinery mostly exports its production of naphtha, high-sulfur diesel, fuel oil, and vacuum gasoil to Turkey, China, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Ukraine continues to target refineries in Russia and some of these attacks have affected further product supply from Russian refineries. Combined with higher domestic fuel demand in the summer, Russias oil product shipments are estimated to have dropped in June compared to May.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure have become a fixture this year, with drones the weapon of choice for conducting the strikes.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Australias Woodside Energy has struck a deal to acquire Tellurian for $1.2 billion as it seeks to turn into a global LNG powerhouse.

The deal adds a scalable US LNG development opportunity to our existing approximately 10 Mtpa of equity LNG in Australia, Woodside chief executive Meg ONeill said. Having a complementary US position would allow us to better serve customers globally and capture further marketing optimization opportunities across both the Atlantic and Pacific Basins.

Tellurian has been planning to build Driftwood LNG, a production and export terminal on the Calcasieu River south of Lake Charles, Louisiana for years. Once complete, the terminal would be capable of exporting up to 27.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually.

After failing to secure agreements and funding for the plant, Tellurian said late last year that liquidity issues "raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued."

The company got a delay to its death sentence earlier this month when the Federal Energy Regulatory Agency approved a three-year extension of the deadline for the construction of the facility.

The Woodside deal could be interpreted as the last move that Tellurian had to ensure its continued existence in the face of its multiple challenges.

After careful consideration of Tellurians opportunities and challenges, the Board and senior management weighed an immediate and significant cash return against the risks and costs associated with the timeline to FID and determined that this offer is in our shareholders best interest, Tellurians executive chairman, Martin Houston, said in a press release.

The value of the deal, Tellurian said, represented a 75% premium to the companys closing price on July 19 and a 48% premium to its 30-day volume-weighted average price.

The acquisition for Woodside, follows a failed attempt to take over domestic peer Santos earlier this year.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer on Monday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the Maldives have continuously given each other mutual respect and support since the two sides established diplomatic ties 52 years ago. China-Maldives relations have been a good example of equality and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes.

Noting the two heads of state have agreed to China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership early this year and jointly build a community with a shared future for China and the Maldives, Wang said China is ready to work with the Maldives to actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders, deepen political mutual trust, promote friendly exchanges at all levels, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

Moosa Zameer said the Maldives believes that China's further comprehensive deepening of reform will bring more benefits to the world.

He noted that the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, finance, tourism, culture and other fields. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)
For the some 150 people in the tiny Tajik village of Khumgaron, the pollution and waste from the Chinese gold-mining operation nearby is not what they bargained for.

"How will we live if the air and water are polluted?" asked one villager. "What meaning does life have when a person loses their health?"

Fed up with the severe pollution in their village caused by the Zarafshon mining company, a group of angry women traveled to the nearby city of Panjakent last year to file an official complaint on behalf of the village.

But instead of the local officials promising to look into the issue, the women say they were taken to the police station and harshly warned to stop criticizing the sprawling Chinese mining project near their village.

The women, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, say the intimidation has been effective and many villagers are still afraid to voice their grievances about the nearby gold mine.

Ever since the Chinese-run gold mine started operating in western Tajikistan in 2007, villagers say government officials have turned a blind eye to growing air, water, and land pollution in the area -- on land they say the mining company is using without their permission.

This situation near Tajikistan's remote northwestern border with Uzbekistan provides an up-close look at how Dushanbe's growing economic reliance on Chinese investment is playing out on the ground, where Chinese firms are tapping into the country's vast mineral wealth while receiving impunity and preferential treatment from the Tajik government.

A monthslong RFE/RL investigation on four Chinese-run projects in Tajikistan -- including three mining ventures -- highlights this pattern.

Stolen Land?

A resident who asked to remain anonymous showed RFE/RL property deeds in her name for farmland where the Chinese mining operation has built refineries for the gold they extract.

She says this was done without her permission and she has neither been compensated nor received an official response despite raising the issue with Panjakent officials several times. Other villagers make the same claim.

While locals living near these multimillion-dollar investments grapple with environmental degradation and health concerns stemming from the chemicals used in the vast mining and agricultural projects, Tajik officials protect the Chinese companies from public scrutiny because China is Tajikistan's main source of foreign investment.

In the case of the Zarafshon mine, which accounts for 70 percent of the gold mined in Tajikistan, officials at various levels of government who spoke with RFE/RL -- including a high-ranking Environmental Protection Committee official -- praised the company and defended their support for Chinese companies.

They pointed to the firms' economic importance in the investment-starved country and dismissed complaints about environmental pollution.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also put his stamp of approval on the Zarafshon plant when he visited it in July 2023.

Please Don't Go

But the high-level official from the Tajik Environmental Protection Committee, the country's main environmental agency, told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that the state body has been ordered to turn a blind eye to any environmental or health issues stemming from the Zarafshon mine.

"We also have complaints about environmental pollution, but if we put too much pressure on Zarafshon or increase inspections and fines, the Chinese investor may leave Tajikistan," he said. "This would be very harmful for our economy because [the Chinese company] produced some 2.2 billion somoni ($201 million) worth of [gold] in six months of 2023."

He added that Tajikistan's gross domestic product (GDP) in that period was 54 billion somonis ($4.9 billion).

"So imagine the harm that the firm's failure would cause the country's economy," he said.

The official said the taxes levied on the gold mine make up a large part of the budget of Sughd Province, where the mine is located, and that officials don't want to jeopardize this crucial source of revenue by issuing fines for pollution or allowing public criticism to mount.

"If we end the mining operations, the budget will lose millions of dollars," he said.

The official said a similar dynamic exists at other Chinese-run projects that were investigated by RFE/RL, including a gold mine in Pokrud; a lead, zinc, and copper mining site in Zarnisor; and a cotton farming venture in western Tajikistan.

"There is currently no other option but to put up with this situation [of the Chinese companies polluting the environment]," he added.

A New Dependency



The poorest country in Central Asia, Tajikistan's economy has struggled over the years as it has grappled with the fallout from a devastating civil war in the 1990s and has relied on Russia for trade, investment, and loans. With a major shortage of jobs, Tajik migrants have flocked to Russia and the remittances they send home are estimated by the World Bank to be more than 40 percent of Tajikistan's GDP.

But autocratic President Rahmon, who has ruled Tajikistan with an iron fist since 1994, has moved the country closer to Beijing and is an enthusiastic member of its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Since 2010, China has emerged as the country's largest trade partner, foreign investor, and lender, with Beijing owning more than half of Dushanbe's foreign debt.

As Dushanbe has increasingly looked to the East, China has taken pole position in the country's economy, building new roads and investing in sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, and mining -- where Tajikistan needs financial help to develop the expensive infrastructure required to exploit its mineral wealth.

Chinese construction firms have also built several important government buildings in the heart of Dushanbe, the capital, including the country's new parliament building.

Rahmon said in Dushanbe on July 5 during an official visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping that China invested more than $4 billion in Tajikistan from 2007 to 2023 and that more than "700 companies with Chinese capital" are operating in the country.

The Tajik president added that the work of Zarafshon is "a clear example of effective investment cooperation between the two countries."

Beijing's oversized economic footprint has translated into political influence, with China becoming an important pilgrimage for Rahmon and members of his powerful family. Beijing has also played a growing security role in the country with joint counterterrorism exercises, police exchanges, and approval to operate a series of outposts inside Tajikistan near its southern border with Afghanistan.

Tajikistan's increased dependency on its eastern neighbor has fueled fears about its growing influence and the concern that the majority of Chinese investment in Tajikistan has come as loans, which Dushanbe might not be able to repay.

Tajiks have already paid a steep price for the country's indebtedness: In 2011, Tajikistan ceded more than 1,000 square kilometers of its territory to China in return for canceling an unspecified debt.

A similar dynamic is at play in Tajikistan's mining sector, where two Chinese-operated mines -- Zarafshon and Pokrud -- account for 84 percent of the country's annual gold output. In the case of Zarafshon, the mine alone paid some $40 million in taxes in 2021 compared to a total national budget of nearly $3.9 billion.

In 2016, the Tajik government banned the publishing of official statistics about gold production in the country, but statements by ministers in 2019 and 2023 claim it has been rising by more than 10 percent annually and China's Zijin company has continued to expand its operations at Zarafshon. The profits made in Tajikistan by the Chinese mining companies are also not made public.

Tajik authorities have also continued to green-light new Chinese investments in the mining industry, often with seemingly little public debate.

In 2019, for instance, the Tajik parliament approved a deal with China's Kashgar Xinyi Dadi Mining Investment Company to develop the Yakjilva silver deposit in the remote eastern district of Murghob after less than 30 minutes of debate.

The Tajik government has defended China's growing position within the mining sector by claiming that Chinese firms have set themselves apart by being the only foreign companies willing to take on such large projects.

"Only the Chinese are willing to invest and develop mines [in the country]," Zarobiddin Faizullozoda, the former head of the Industry and New Technologies Ministry, which oversees the mining industry, said while minister in 2019.

Green Tomatoes



Asadullo Rahmonov, a 62-year-old farmer from Khumgaron, says the quality of the produce he grows has diminished in recent years as the scale of operations at Zarafshon has expanded, including a new 30-hectare area granted by the government in December.

"The tomatoes don't ripen very well anymore, and I've been planting cucumbers for three years. They bloom, their flowers fall off, but they don't grow," he said. "The peaches also only ripen halfway and then fall from the tree. This wasn't the case even a few years ago."

Five other local farmers who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal for criticizing the Chinese mining operation also claimed that the nearby gold refinery is affecting harvests and the environment at large, pointing to a dark-colored dust that is found in streams and on agricultural fields.

The gold mine in Zarafshon has been operational since 1994 and was managed by the British-based Commonwealth and British Mineral firm until Zijin acquired a 70 percent share in 2007. The remaining 30 percent of the mine is owned by the Tajik government. Profits from the gold that is mined are divided based on ownership percentage.

The gold mine currently employs some 2,800 workers, with Zarafshon Deputy Director Bobokhon Bobokhonov telling RFE/RL that 98 percent of workers are Tajik citizens. And job security seems good, as he added that Zijin recently had its rights to the land extended by 20 years.

The mined gold is refined nearby as well as at refineries near Panjakent -- which is some 20 kilometers to the east -- for further purification, and locals primarily blame this process for the adverse effects on the environment.

The dominant method in the world for refining gold involves using cyanide: a highly toxic chemical used to extract gold from the rock that can be fatal to humans.

Flaviano Bianchini, the director of Source International, an NGO focused on environmental pollution, said cyanide should only be used in controlled environments and that even small amounts in the environment can contaminate an entire area.

"If you lose 1 kilogram of cyanide into a water supply, that could easily kill 200 people or completely destroy the environment around it," he told RFE/RL.

The crushed rock from the mine is transported to the refinery where it is treated with cyanide, which dissolves the gold from the rock. While cost-effective, it is considered very damaging to the environment. The use of cyanide in mining operations has forced the displacement of many communities around the world.

Most scientists agree that cyanide decomposes in sunlight and is not dangerous if greatly diluted, but its use can also release harmful metals from the rock. Multiple studies have shown that cyanide can convert into other toxic forms and persist, particularly in cold climates.

Gold mining itself is also a waste-intensive process. Some estimates say that 10-15 grams of gold can be found for every one ton of rock, leaving more than 999 kilograms as waste, which can also take the form of harmful dust.

Stillborn Babies



Villagers from Khumgaron told RFE/RL that they believe cyanide is being used in high levels and has seeped into the ground, polluting the environment, damaging fruit and vegetable harvests, and causing health issues for residents.

In 2022, village residents signed a letter and sent it to the Tajik President's Office complaining of worsening health issues that they associate with the nearby mine.

"[Villagers] are getting sick more often, childlessness in young families due to the number of stillborn babies has increased," the letter read.

Residents also complain that the air in the village is dirty because of the pollution emitted by the Zarafshon gold and lime refineries and say there is a foul odor when the wind blows. Residents from Shing -- a village near the Zarafshon mine in the Panjakent region -- told RFE/RL that the number of people who complain of breathing problems has increased.

The Health Ministry in Panjakent told RFE/RL it does not have cumulative statistics on health issues affecting the people of Khumgaron and said to contact the Health Ministry's main office in Dushanbe. So, too, did the Central Hospital and the Sanitary and Epidemiological Department in Panjakent.

But the Health Ministry did not supply any information to RFE/RL despite a formal inquiry sent in November 2023 and in direct talks with a ministry spokesperson.

Zarafshon mine officials would not agree to an interview with RFE/RL or respond to written requests for comment.

Despite refusing to acknowledge criticism of the mining site in Zarafshon and people's complaints of pollution and its adverse health effects, Tajik officials have issued some token fines to the Chinese company over the years.

The operation was fined in 2019 for dumping waste from a lime production plant attached to the mine in Shing into the Shing River. Tajik authorities said the dumping was responsible for a mass die-off of fish in the river.

Yet the company was only fined the equivalent of about $1,100.

A far more severe fine came four years later when Tajik Prosecutor-General Yusuf Rahmon (an in-law of President Rahmon) announced in April 2023 that the Zarafshon mine operators would be fined the equivalent of $1.7 million for causing some $14.6 million in environmental damage. No details about the damage were given, but the head of Panjakent's Environmental Department told RFE/RL that the fine was issued because part of the onsite refinery was built without applying for regulatory documents.

Broken Promises



The years of complaints from Khumgaron residents led to the mining company beginning a community outreach program in 2021 with promises to build four kilometers of a new road, renovate a school (costing about $90,000), and install plumbing to bring drinking water into the villagers' homes.

The company also agreed to pay a lump sum of $13,700 per month to the villagers -- approximately $90 per resident. It says the money will be paid "until the Tajik government provides land plots to 47 farmers and their families."

But besides the cash payment to the village, Khumgaron residents said the company's other grand promises went unfulfilled.

As part of government requirements for companies to keep a mining license, firms engaged in mining must make some improvements for local residents, such as building a school, a hospital, or a road.

But in a very rare bit of public criticism in 2018, then-Industry and New Technologies Minister Shavkat Bobozoda said at a press conference that none of these obligations had been fulfilled by the Zijin mining company.

"They have already extracted 20 tons of gold, but they could leave tomorrow [and] what else would remain there?!" he exclaimed to a room of reporters.

A 2023 visit by RFE/RL to the village showed that none of the construction projects had begun and the main road remained in disrepair, which residents say is damaged by the heavy trucks carrying rocks that constantly travel back and forth from the mine.

Sanat Rahim, the head of the Tajik industry and mining sector's inspection service, said at a press conference in July 2023 that one of the government's "strategic goals" is "rapid industrialization."

He explained that setting up an industry leads to the establishment of "a refinery, a garbage dump, [etc.], and new businesses are created. Ecology and industrialization do not go hand in hand [but]. We specialists must as much as possible reduce the [environmental] damage caused by industrialization."

'It Could Kill People'

Some 350 kilometers from Khumgaron and the Zarafshon mining operation sits the Pokrud gold mine, another vast Chinese mining project where locals say pollution is contaminating rivers and nearby land.

Here, the China Nonferrous Gold (CNG) company operates a gold concession with 100 percent ownership, with internal CNG reports from 2021 seen by RFE/RL saying that the company "has a strong relationship with the government of Tajikistan." In the same report, the firm lauds its environmental standards and claims it has a strong relationship with the local communities.

Located in Tajikistan's Romit Gorge, villagers living close to the mine say that the only benefit they've felt from the gold mine is that CNG has built a road to access its deposits that villagers from the remote, mountainous area can also use.

But they say contamination is increasing from the Chinese-owned mine.

Residents of several upstream villages in the area told RFE/RL that the company pours wastewater from its refinery directly into the sprawling Romit River. Several villagers said that they stopped using drinking water taken from the river after several people became ill.

During a 2023 visit to the mouth of the Romit River near the Pokrud mine, RFE/RL reporters saw a pipe coming directly from the refinery and feeding untreated wastewater into the river.

Bianchini, the mining expert from Source International, said such a practice is highly dangerous.

"The water that comes out from the [refining] process is poisoned," he said. "You can't leave water like that. It's not just an issue of polluting the river. It could kill people."

Despite these big concerns, the Chinese company has received minimal scrutiny from Tajik authorities. At the same time, the operation has received high-level political backing.

When the first gold bar from the mine was poured in 2016, Rahmon visited the site and -- in scenes shown on state television -- praised the $256 million Chinese investment while proudly holding two gold ingots.

Tajikistan's Environmental Protection Committee told RFE/RL that it inspected CNG's refinery in the summer of 2023 -- a few weeks after RFE/RL saw the wastewater being dumped into the river -- and said it found a "number of deficiencies, including nonobservance of solid household waste management procedures and an excessive discharge of waste into the atmosphere."

The committee did not comment on the video of the wastewater being discharged into the river.

Big Promises Amid Water Shortages



In Zarnisor -- a town in northern Tajikistan of some 5,000 people about 60 kilometers north of Khujand on the Uzbek border -- there is another high-profile Chinese mining project that is affecting nearby communities.

Established in 2007 as a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned Tibet Everest Resources, the Tajikistan-China Mining Industry Company (TCMIC) mines lead, zinc, and copper from the area. The mining process for those minerals requires vast quantities of water, which residents say is creating a shortage for them.

Idiboy Fozilov, a pensioner who lives in Zarnisor, said that since the Chinese operation started people have only had access to clean drinking water for one hour a day and people are forced to store drinking water in tanks.

He said that during the Soviet era locals built a water line to bring potable water to the village. But he added that residents have only had access to drinking water for one hour per day -- in the evening -- since the Chinese company arrived.

In addition to shortages, several villagers who spoke to RFE/RL said the company is not upholding its pledge to invest in the local infrastructure.

TCMIC had agreed to repair and refurbish a day-care center, local roads, and provide street lighting for the village. But with the exception of the road that leads to the company's main office, the other roads in the area remain in poor condition and the day-care center is decrepit.

RFE/RL reported very poor roads in Zarnisor, streets not well lit, and the village school dilapidated and in urgent need of repair -- though the road to the central office of the Chinese company and the dorm for its Chinese workers is paved.

As with other Chinese companies involved in Tajikistan's extractive sector, TCMIC plays a particularly large economic role in the country.

In July 2022, its parent company, Tibet Everest Resources, pledged to build an industrial park in Tajikistan that would create 10,000 new jobs. But two years later, there has been no update about the project.

Other numbers issued by Tibet Everest Resources suggest its economic activities also do not add up.

In interviews and public statements over the years, TCMIC executives have claimed the company employs more than 4,000 people in Tajikistan -- but other times have said their workforce totaled about 3,000.

Similar inconsistencies have occurred over the amount of taxes and fees the firm contributes to the state budget.

In 2022, the independent Tajik news agency Asia-Plus quoted TCMIC head Li Yaohui as saying the company had paid 33 billion somonis (some $3.1 billion) in taxes and fees since it began operating in the country in 2009.

But in public comments made in 2021, Li said the company had paid a much smaller amount -- 4.2 billion somonis (about $383 million) -- to the government since its founding.

In comments to RFE/RL, TCMIC defended its record of working with local communities and building infrastructure, claiming it had made school repairs in Zarnisor while also constructing a town hall and repairing a hospital in Guliston, a nearby city of some 50,000 people. The company also funded the reconstruction of 38 kilometers of a remote road linking the towns of Buston and Zarnisor that cost some 100 million somonis ($9.1 million).

An official with the Guliston city government told RFE/RL that TCMIC and the Tajikistan-China Mountain Company are developing a plan to better supply the city and surrounding area with drinking water.

The official added that there are parts of Guliston that only have access to water at certain times of the day but the workers for the Chinese company living in a series of four-story buildings on Rafoqat Street have water 24 hours a day. Tajik security forces would not allow RFE/RL correspondents to enter the Chinese mining company's office building or a nearby hostel housing Chinese workers to confirm the information. The road leading to the buildings was very well maintained.

After complaints from other people living on Rafoqat Street who had a very limited supply of water, access was increased to 12 hours per day.

Cotton-Farming Woes

While forays from Chinese companies into Tajikistan's lucrative mining sector have left a trail of health and environmental concerns, so has an ambitious cotton-farming initiative involving Chinese farmers working on land in western Tajikistan's Yovon district -- just 25 kilometers from Dushanbe.

Mirzoali Azizov, the head of the Yovon district's Agricultural Department, told RFE/RL in June 2023 that the Chinese are renting 960 hectares of farmland in Yovon. Local residents told RFE/RL that in the late 2000s, when public land was allotted for agriculture, most Tajik farmers did not have the money required to buy seeds, machinery, and the other costs needed to farm and many people went to Russia to find work.

Locals said the Chinese took advantage of this situation and started leasing land in 2014.

Yovon district agricultural officials told RFE/RL that the amount of land being used by the Chinese was immense at first but later some Tajik farmers took over some of the land from the Chinese.

Both officials and local residents said the Chinese farmers have more money and financial options, such as bank loans, and can therefore use better fertilizer and farming equipment than Tajiks.

As a result, officials say Tajik farmers yield an average of four tons of cotton per hectare of land, while Chinese farmers in Tajikistan harvest nearly seven tons per hectare.

But many locals are concerned about the overuse of certain fertilizers and the lack of regulations for which and how many chemicals can be used.

The Chinese firm Agricultural Development of Tajikistan and China owns almost 1,000 hectares of land in the Yovon district while Juntai-Khatlon-Sin Silu owns 3,365 hectares of land in the southwestern Dusti district.

Saidjafar Usmonzoda -- the former chairman of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan who was a member of parliament in 2019 when the issue of leasing land to Chinese farmers was being debated -- told RFE/RL that she raised questions about which fertilizers would be used but was never given an answer despite the government approving the deal. (Usmonzoda was arrested on June 14, 2024, for "plotting to overthrow the government.")

"Couldn't the land be turned into a desert after years of overuse?" she recalled asking at the time.

Despite the concerns raised by Usmonzoda and local farmers, experts told RFE/RL that no independent research has been done on the types of fertilizers or other chemicals used by the Chinese farmers and whether or not they could have harmful effects on the land. Yovon district agricultural officials also told RFE/RL they lack the lab equipment needed to conduct such tests.

Ruzimurod Boimurodov, an associate professor of agricultural chemistry and soil science at the Agrarian University of Tajikistan in Dushanbe says that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides is a major concern, because a large percentage of the fertilizers are not absorbed by the crop and instead go into the soil, which can cause long-term, adverse effects.

"There are delayed effects from these remaining substances and in the future they can have a negative effect on the composition, quality, and fertility of the soil and plant growth," he told RFE/RL.

Boimurodov said that according to his research, Tajik farmers typically use around 450-600 kilograms of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare or 200-260 kilograms of phosphorus fertilizer per hectare.

'A Safe Future For Our Children'



But Usmon Yatimov, a Yovon district agricultural official, told RFE/RL that according to his data, Chinese farmers growing cotton on these plots of land are using around 1,500-1,600 kilos of both nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer.

The overuse of fertilizers and other chemicals has long been an issue in China, leading to large harvests but a decline in soil quality over time. Farmers in China have in recent years begun to cut back on fertilizers, but their application is still high compared to global averages.

Despite Tajik residents' widespread concern and complaints about polluted air, land, and rivers due to the work of Chinese companies, as well as a lack of investment in the communities the Chinese firms are working in, officials in Tajikistan continue to support these enterprises.

Many residents of the areas where Chinese firms are operating told RFE/RL that they are not against the companies, they only want them to take care of the environment and invest reasonably in the communities where they work, as the firms have pledged to do.

But due to the decrepit state of its economy and low standard of living, Tajikistan's great dependence on China and its economic resources will allow the Chinese companies to operate as they wish.

A villager who lives next to the Chinese gold mine in Khumgaron summed up the feelings of many.

"We don't want money from the Chinese -- we just want a safe future for our children."

By RFE/RL

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic presidential ticket, joining a chorus of would-be presidential contenders who have fallen in line since President Joe Biden's shock exit from the presidential race.

Also endorsing Harris in statements Sunday night and Monday morning were every member of the state's Democratic congressional delegation, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, among others.

The endorsements come four weeks ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and just days after Republicans gathered in Milwaukee to nominate former President Donald Trump as their candidate once again.

Pritzker, in a statement, confirmed that he spoke with Harris on Sunday, telling her that Biden's exit from the race came as "a genuine surprise." The vice president asked for Pritzker's endorsement, according to a source with knowledge of the conversation. The governor said that he "spent hours" on Sunday "getting and giving input about the road to victory in November" before ultimately issuing his endorsement just before 9 a.m. Monday.

"I am endorsing Kamala Harris for president and will work hard to get her elected because I believe that she is the most qualified and capable person to be President," Pritzker said. "I also think its past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as president of the United States.

Political observers have long speculated about a possible presidential run for Pritzker, a billionaire who has been an outspoken critic of Trump and gone to lengths to raise his profile with Democrats outside of Illinois. And he was one of several high-profile Democrats mentioned as a possible candidate to lead the ticket or serve as a vice presidential candidate on a ticket headed by Harris if Biden stepped aside.

With a vast personal fortune at his disposal, Pritzker was viewed as one of a handful of potential candidates who could have stood up a presidential campaign on a dime.

But as Pritzker pondered the party's future and his own place within it on Sunday, Harris quickly lined up support of several potential rivals for the nomination, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear later pledged their support to Harris as well.

By the end of the day Sunday, most of Illinois' Democratic congressional delegation endorsed Harris, though the state Democratic Party and most state government leaders kept their powder dry while waiting for the governor.

Soon after Pritzker announced his support, the state party endorsed Harris.

Around the same time, Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth also spoke out in support of Harris, their one-time colleague in the U.S. Senate.

Pritzker did not address whether he would be open to joining the Democratic ticket as Harris' running mate.

As of Monday afternoon, no other high-profile Democrat had announced a plan to challenge Harris for the nomination. If she receives the nomination and ultimately wins the election in November, she would be the first woman and first Asian American elected president. She would also be the second Black person elected to the job.

Illinois delegates to the Democratic National Convention said they were excited and energized by the expected elevation of Harris to the top of the ticket.

"I think that it's gonna galvanize the party," said state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, a delegate from the 17th Congressional District. "And I think it's gonna be an electrifying campaign. So I'm all in at this point."

"I think this is a done deal at this point," Koehler added. "And the thing now to focus on is Democrats uniting and going out and having a robust campaign. I think the fact that they raised almost $50 million dollars last night in less than 24 hours is a good show that people are ready for change, they're ready for younger leadership  the old man in the race is now old man Trump."

Harris sets up a strong contrast with Trump in a number of ways, Koehler said.

"I mean, here you have a prosecutor of sex crimes and a perpetrator of sex crimes," he said, referring to Trump, who last year was found civilly liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996. "So let's have a good debate."

Harris' campaign has already rejuvenated a Democratic base that had been demoralized following Biden's disastrous debate performance on June 27.

More than $50 million in small dollar donations came in within the first 24 hours of Harris' campaign. And more than 40,000 people participated in a Zoom call Sunday evening organized by the group "Win With Black Women."

"So that really speaks to the energy that is out there," said state Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, a delegate from the 13th Congressional District who participated in the Zoom call. "And it speaks to the excitement that is surrounding the Vice President's campaign. And that excitement is contagious. And I see it growing and growing and growing."

Turner was a Harris supporter in 2020. She's a veteran of Democratic political conventions. She was able to see former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton become the first female nominee of a major party in 2016.

To be able to now see the first Black woman lead a major party "is nothing short of phenomenal," she said.

State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, a delegate for the 17th Congressional District, said she plans to support Harris as well. The reasons are both practical  there's little time for anyone else to put together a campaign with less than four months until Election Day  and personal.

"For me personally, I mean, I'm Asian. She's going to be, hopefully, the first Asian president ever elected. First female president  I'm a woman too," Chung said. "Something that I texted to my daughter yesterday afternoon, I kind of told her, 'Hey, this is really exciting. We might be able to see the first woman and first Asian president here in November.' So, the sort of historic nature of that is really exciting."

Liz Brown-Reeves, a delegate from the 15th Congressional District, said she was "excited about the chance to elect the first female president" and feels "a surge of energy going into the convention."

"I think she's locked the delegates down. Everyone speaks for (themselves), but in my view, I think she's the candidate," Brown-Reeves said. "I think the Democratic Party will unite and get behind her and have a historic convention in Chicago, which is exciting for Illinois."

The delegates praised Pritzker and expressed their belief that his decision to endorse Harris was the correct one.

On the possibility of a more open process, Koehler said it "would have been fine to have that discussion last spring," but given the nearness of Election Day, he said "we just need to get on with it" and support Harris.

Turner agreed.

"I think that the most important thing to remember is that we have 105 days and we don't have a minute to lose," Turner said. "And so we definitely need to be putting everything that we have into every single minute that we have to save our democracy by electing Kamala Harris to be our next president."
Marketers across the globe need to come up with innovative campaigns as they seek to ensure that their brand remains resilient and top of mind in todays socio-economic environment. Not only are companies strategic decisions being based on less share of wallet as stagnating economic growth across the globe pinches wallets, but also as new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) become embedded in how businesses operate.



Disruption in the form of AI is also affecting the sector, with the technology already being used by developed countries to handle aspects of marketing such as quickly computing data to determine trends and then focus advertisements on a specific target audience.



It is against this environment that the African Marketing Confederations (AMCs) third annual conference will be held in Kenyas historic trading hub, Mombasa, between 25 and 27 September 2024.



Helen McIntee, African Marketing Confederation President the conference promises a fantastic networking opportunity to delve into brand resilience in economically uncertain times, hear solutions implemented by peers in the industry, as well as providing delegates some down time at the Sarova White Sands Beach Resort.



Given slow growth across the continent, this years conference is aptly themed Brand Resilience Amidst Economic Uncertainty. Topics that will be discussed include macro marketing aspects, women in marketing, tailoring brand strategies for diverse African markets, as well as using generative AI in digital marketing among others, says McIntee.



The conference offers networking opportunities with a range of specialists in areas ranging from Chief Marketing Officers, Marketing Analysts, Data Specialists, Digital Marketers, and Marketing Consultants from across the continent including those from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, all of which are founding members of the Confederation.



The keynote address will be given by Hermawan Kartajaya, who is a globally recognised visionary in modern marketing, renowned for his collaboration with Philip Kotler, the Father of Modern Marketing, in co-authoring twelve influential books since 1998, says McIntee.



This years AMC Conference will also welcome delegates and colleagues from the Asia Marketing Federation (AMF), with which it signed a collaboration in May this year. Representatives from the CIM (UK) once again will also be in attendance, McIntee adds.



Multi-award winning Kartajaya is Founder and Chair of MCorp, a professional services firm in marketing consulting, research, and training, in Southeast Asia, and has played a pivotal role in shaping marketing practices across the region. His keynote address promises invaluable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the African marketing community, McIntee concludes.



For those African marketers who wish to attend the conference hosted by umbrella body AMC, which spearheads the ongoing development of the highest possible standards of marketing across Africa, contact www.africanmarketingconfederation.org



to secure early bird tickets with a discount of 20% off if payment is received before the end of July, and 10% off is payment is received before 31 August.

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Featured Video
PHNOM PENH, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea will take part in the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings in Vientiane, capital of Laos, from Wednesday to Saturday, the country's foreign ministry said in a press statement on Monday.

His attendance will be made at the invitation of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, the statement said.

"The meetings provide an opportunity to discuss ASEAN Community-building work including innovative approaches to further enhance ASEAN cooperation to realize a more connected and resilient region for shared prosperity," the statement said.

During his stay in Vientiane, Chenda Sophea is also expected to have bilateral talks with foreign counterparts to discuss mutually beneficial cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, it said.

ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 
Dr Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has urged African leaders to utilize the abundant resources the continent is endowed with to the benefit of their people.



In Europe, I dont know how many days of sunshine they have, but here we have at least over 300 days of sunshine. We must take advantage of that. We have our rivers, we must use them. And we are blessed with the diversity of water and oil, which we must benefit from, she noted



Dlamini-Zuma was speaking on the topic Why the world needs a Dynamic Africa and what role must each African Play to achieve this goal at the BOMA of Africa event organized by AUDA-NEPAD and AfroChampions on the sidelines of the Africa Unions Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting held in Accra last Saturday.



Under the theme "From the Africa We Want to the Africa We Build," the 2024 edition of BOMA of Africa aimed at celebrating the radical ideas and actions driving Africa forward. This festival of innovation and unity featured debates, discussions, and announcements of groundbreaking initiatives that exemplify the milestones of African integration and development.



Through focused discussions on health, wealth creation, development financing, and governance, BOMA 2024 aimed to ignite new momentum towards realizing Africa's continental aspirations. By spotlighting major projects and initiatives, the event aimed to foster a spirit of collaboration and determination.



In a world marked by geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, conflicts, and economic turbulence, Africa's strategic blueprint, Agenda 2063, has become urgent and necessary. The BOMA of Africa serves as a high point for showcasing and celebrating strategic developments on this roadmap, providing a platform to mobilize support for peace, security, and development.



Our minds and our trajectory to Agenda 2063 cannot be determined only by investors, otherwise, we are colonised. It must be determined by what we can do and what we want to do, said Dr. Dlamini-Zuma.



We need to build our own trains. We need to build our own cars. We need to build roads. Eventually, we should also be able to build our own lakes. Maybe not today. Its a big elephant, one bite at a time, but we must get there.



Key highlights at BOMA 2024 included the 2nd Sankore Lecture, the inaugural SankoreAwards, and showcasing transformative projects such as Energize Africa, the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, and the Home-Grown Solutions Accelerator. These initiatives underscore commitment to advancing regional integration, socio-economic growth, and resilience across the continent.



A longstanding member of the African National Congress, who currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Limpopo, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma advised Africans to not let colonisation and slavery define them, but rather, remember their unique identity.



Before we were colonised, we were a very dynamic continent and dynamic people. Even the Europeans themselves acknowledge that Africa was a dynamic continent, she noted.



Dr. Dlamini-Zuma expressed disappointment and worry that Africa, with its huge youthful population, has become a supplier of labour to other parts of the world. She said Africans must travel out of choice and not out of desperation.



She encouraged African leaders to improve the conditions in their countries to prevent their citizens from traveling out of frustration and desperation. If they go somewhere else, it should be out of choice, not out of desperation, as its happening today. But also, I always get this complaint about how difficult it is around African countries, she said.



AUDA-NEPAD and AfroChampions, alongside other strategic partners, have hosted theannual BOMA of Africa event during African Integration Week since 2019. This year's BOMA was aligned with the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, further cementing its significance on the continent's commemorative calendar.



The Boma of Africa 2024 was held in Accra, Ghana on 20 July 2024 on the sidelines of theAU Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting. This year's theme, "From the Africa We Want to the Africa We Build" brought together distinguished leaders, strategists, and innovators to celebrate and assess the remarkable progress of Agenda 2063.













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Featured Video
Several women have come forward to reveal how Sudanese soldiers have allegedly s3xually abused them in exchange for food for their families.



Over two dozen women who fled the Sudanese city of Omdurman said that having s3x with soldiers was the only way they could access food or goods that they could sell to raise money to feed their families, according to a new damning report by the Guardian.



A victim reportedly said the assaults took place in factories across the city where the food is stockpiled.



Both of my parents are too old and sick and I never let my daughter go out to look for food. I went to the soldiers and that was the only way to get food  they were everywhere in the factories area," said a woman, who was forced to have sex with soldiers at a meat-processing factory in May last year according to the Monday morning, July 22 report by The Guardian.



The assaults reportedly began soon after a civil war broke out in the country which has seen the country's army fight against paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.



The report alleges that soldiers have also demanded sex in exchange for access to abandoned houses where it is still possible to loot items to sell in local markets.



One woman said that she was allowed to take food, kitchen equipment and perfumes from empty houses after she had sex with soldiers.



What I went through is indescribable, I would not wish it on an enemy  I only did it because I wanted to feed my children," she said.



Residents of the city claimed they see soldiers bringing women to abandoned houses where they were made to queue up as soldier picked the ones "they liked the look of". "A lot of women come and queue outside our neighbourhood. I sometimes hear screaming but what can you do? Nothing," one resident said.



Another woman said that once she refused to have sex with the soldier they tortured her and burned her legs.



The 21-year-old lady said she had previously had sex with soldiers in exchange for being allowed to loot houses for food and goods, but when she refused to do so again, the soldiers held her down and burned her legs.



A soldier, who denied ever assaulting a woman himself, said he had witnessed his colleagues. It's awful. The amount of the sins in this city can never been be forgiven," he said.



Reports of r@pe by armed forces emerged just days after the conflict started on 15 April 2023.



The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people, with some estimates placing the dath count as high as 150,000. The war has created the world's worst displacement crisis, with more than 11 million displaced.















Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the creation of the Savannah Region by the Akufo-Addo government has accelerated infrastructure and other forms of development in the area.



The Savannah Region was one of five newly-created Regions by the current government and was carved out of the erstwhile Northern Region.



Addressing the Paramount Chief of Bole and his elders during his campaign visit to Bole on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia said the NPP has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive development.



"We are in politics to help develop our communities and the country. It is significant to note that many of the developments you see in Bole and in the Savannah Region took place under the NPP and given the chance, we will be able to do even more.



"We have created the Savannah Region and the Savannah Region is seeing a lot of benefits. We are seeing a lot of projects, a lot of roads, a lot of hospitals - the agenda 111 hospitals in various areas. We are doing a lot in Savannah and we want to continue to do more."



"in Bole constituency, we have done a number of school blocks, market centers, chips compoundsWe are doing a lot but we have not yet finished. That is why we are requesting for your support so that we can continue and do more, Dr. Bawumia said.



The Bolewura, welcoming Dr. Bawumia, appealed to him to address other concerns of the Bole community.



He mentioned among others construction of the Sawla road, Bole market as well as the Bole Central Mosque.



Dr. Bawumia agreed to renovate the mosque and further assured the community of meeting their concerns.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Featured Video
The greatest emotional need of a man is what he achieves in his career.



But for most women, it is the quality and security in their marriages. Most Ghanaian women are, therefore, obsessed with marriage, especially weddings. Each day, each moment, most single women dream of their wedding  the dress, makeup, exchange of vows, photographs and reception.



Unfortunately, the obsession with marriage is compounded by the mindset of most Ghanaians that the only honour of a woman is marriage. Single adults, no matter how much they have achieved, do not get much respect.



Most Ghanaian women will, therefore, do all they can to get married. Some are known to have bought cars, air tickets and even houses for men in exchange for marriage and some get duped in the end.



A couple of years ago, a man in the Bono Region was arrested for duping 13 women. His strategy was to cash in on the greatest emotional need of a woman. He simply promised to wed them.



Some weeks later, he would go to each of them with up-to-date preparations and the bill for the wedding, and each of the women paid up in full! Today, many Ghanaian women would readily pay for the bride price and other costs just to be married. Is this right?



No, it is not right

In marriage, it is the man who goes in for the hand of the woman. In the Ghanaian tradition, the heart of marriage is the payment of the tri nsa, or head rum, by the man. A man must pay for this himself to take the pride that he has married the woman.



Love costs and paying for the bride price is part of the price you pay for a woman you love. A man who cannot pay tri nsa is really not a man who is ready to marry. Allowing your woman to do what you are expected to do is simply surrendering your authority to the woman.



The one who pays the bills runs the show and threatens your self-esteem. Such a ceremony in the spirit of tradition lacks merit. A woman must also take pride in her womanhood and self-esteem.



If you pay for what a man is expected to pay, you simply tell the man you are being left off the shelf and have, therefore, put yourself on donkomi or reduction sale.



In many cases that come to me, one sad thing that cuts across is that in the event of conflicts, the man is quick to say that the marriage was not his idea in the first place but it was the woman who forced it on him, which hurts a womans pride.



Yes, it is right

Love is not about money. It is about sharing a life. Once you marry, you become one flesh and it does not matter who paid for what. If your man is poor and cannot pay for your bride price and you can afford it, pay for him and get the man of your dreams.



Many women have met men of their dreams, but who are poor. These women virtually pick men from the street, and support and transform them into confident and successful men.



Some of these men are always grateful to their wives and keep loving them. Unfortunately, many men, after making it through the support of their women, suddenly realise that their wives are uneducated, old, not beautiful and not their taste.



They ignore their wives for adventure and risky lifestyles. It can be a painful payback to a womans sacrifice.



Any compromise?

Marriage is a team game that requires the combined effort of both partners. Both must, therefore contribute, to the marriage ceremony. Today, it is common for the woman to buy her suitcases and clothes, and sponsor the reception while the man takes care of the rest, including the tri nsa, or the bride price, because it has spiritual significance that a woman is given to you to share your life for life.



Such a cooperative attitude helps you to fight economic battles in your marriage. It is, therefore, a good idea for a woman to support her man at all stages of the relationship. What she must not do is to buy her way through marriage, because what money buys, money can destroy. Keep a good balance in your relationship and marriage.











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Source: Dr. John Boakye/Graphiconline.com









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AI benefits for all four phases of disaster management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Credit: Dr. Ali Mostafavi/Texas A&M University Engineering

Hurricane season is here, with Hurricane Beryl already leaving a trail of damage after hitting Texas' shorelines. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a record number of named storms in the Atlantic this year. As these events continue to increase, it's imperative to find solutions to help manage the inevitable hazards.

Dr. Ali Mostafavi, associate professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University, and his research team have been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address disaster management through each phase of a hazard event. They want to bring cutting-edge AI to the forefront of community resilience and disaster management efforts.

AI has become a very popular evolving technology, especially in research. When given large amounts of data, images or text, it can identify and analyze key features much quicker than a whole team of people.

Mitigation and preparedness

A crucial step of the mitigation phase of disaster management is assessing risk to communities. Hurricanes bring significant flooding risks, but current flood risk assessments can be time-intensive and costly.

Mostafavi's team developed a machine-learning model called Flood Genome that determines flood risk in different communities based on factors like hydrological, topographic and built environment features. Just like genetic features can indicate health risks for people, Flood Genome analyzes different features of communities to assign flood risk levels.

"We used historical flood damages from the National Flood Insurance Program to test this model to determine how well it can predict high-risk areas, and the model performed beautifully," Mostafavi said. "It can inform flood mitigation and community resilience efforts by understanding the flood risk level of different areas."

Another AI tool developed by the Mostafavi lab, called Elev-vision, determines the lowest floor elevation of structures using Google Street View images.

For a city like Houston, with hundreds of thousands of properties, surveying each property with traditional methods is not feasible. This new tool significantly cuts labor and expenses and provides updated vital information on flood risk to properties.

Response and recovery

Response efforts would ideally start before an event develops, but the fast-paced nature of a hurricane makes evacuations and supply distribution difficult to manage. The research team has developed solutions to this problem as well.

"We leverage location-based data and graph analytic methods to determine the preparedness and evacuation patterns of communities before a hurricane or storm arrives and provide that in near-real-time to decision-makers to understand what areas have or have not evacuated," Mostafavi said.

He added that not only can this new technology tell which areas have evacuated, but it also monitors which routes and destinations are being used the most. Getting accurate and timely evacuation information to decision-makers would greatly improve public safety before and during disasters.

This tool can also determine a community's preparedness before a storm arrives. By analyzing patterns of human mobility and visitations to grocery stores, it can gauge how prepared a community is to weather the storm.

Quick response efforts can also impact recovery after events.

Rapid damage assessments in the wake of disasters are vital to making more resilient communities. This can lead to faster local and federal aid. The team's AI research tackles this issue by using satellite images and computer vision techniques to classify properties based on the extent of damage.

Many of the models and tools Mostafavi's team developed were tested during or after previous events like hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana, and all performed very well.

"AI technologies can improve resilience capabilities of communities at different stages," Mostafavi said. "We see AI as the next defense barrier against disasters because it improves risk mapping, situational awareness and impact assessment."

There may not be a long wait for these improvements since the team has already begun a start-up company and developed prototypes to commercialize these technologies for public use.

Mostafavi and his team have been working extensively on AI disaster management for many years, resulting in numerous publications and innovations.
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Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years old in South Australia is an important step forwards in progressing the principles of trauma-informed justice systems, Flinders experts say.

Criminology expert Dr. Katherine McLachlan, author of a new book targeting a more compassionate "trauma-informed" criminal justice system, says community safety can still be a central pillar in an efficient and more equitable justice system that recognizes the value of meaningful rehabilitation options for people who offend.

In their submission to the SA Attorney-General's Department "Raise the Age" review, Dr. McLachlan and colleagues say, "A new agency or authority should be created to respond and provide support to children in a 'culturally led, trauma-informed' way that is also evidence-informed.

"Such a service does not currently exist in South Australia and should not sit in the criminal justice system. We have to stop re-traumatizing children by making them criminals at a young age.

"Evidence-informed, trauma-informed strategies are badly needed to respond to these children to genuinely promote community safety and help them to develop meaningful, positive lives."

Backed by extensive work with victims of crime, Dr. McLachlan recognizes the importance of meaningful rehabilitation options for people who offend to reduce re-offending, promote safer communities and provide "outcome justice" for victims.

Her research calls for offender trauma to be taken into account during the criminal justice process, both before and after sentencing.

"Trauma-informed criminal justice would enable research evidence to inform effective crime prevention and individualized sentencing.

"In my book I build a case for trauma-informed criminal justice practices in sentencing, correctional care, policing and other services," says Dr. McLachlan, a qualified lawyer and now senior lecturer in criminology at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law.

"This approach can, in turn, also be used to promote better outcomes for victims of crime and the professionals who work in the sector.

"We all know how adversity, trauma and crime usually come together but often the judicial system and corrections, police and policymakers do not take into account past trauma.

"For example, judges may not consider the ongoing traumatic impact of chronic child abuse victimization in adult defendants' lives."

The traumatic impacts of childhood adversity can change the neurological and emotional functioning of a person, impacting their behavior and increasing the risk of re-offending, she says.

"This may mean that people who persistently offend never receive the help they need and become more of a threat to society as a result."

On the one hand, she says justice agencies are beginning to use trauma-informed practices, particularly when responding to children who offend.

"But, for children who continue to offend into adulthood, sentencing judges are only starting to recognize unresolved and intergenerational trauma, and respond in a way that will promote desistance from crime.

"This is particularly true for First Nations defendants, where culture and resilience can be protective factors, helping to create a strong and proud pro-social identity."

Although judges are bound by case law precedent and legislation, Dr. McLachlan says, there is an opportunity for more trauma-informed decisions as a meaningful way to "break the cycle" of offending with adult defendants who repeatedly break the law.

The new book is titled "Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice: Towards a More Compassionate Criminal Justice System."

More information: Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice: Towards a More Compassionate Criminal Justice System. link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-031-59290-4
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Frank Taufer, a scientific assistant at Campus Wiesengutthe University of Bonn's ecological teaching and research farmasked a group of visiting 8-year-olds to speculate on why the rye plants in his field were all different heights. He was surprised by their insightful range of responses.

Some of the children suggested that the tall plants at the farm received more sunlight. Others thought there could be different types of rye in the field, or that insects may be blighting the crop. One student, after digging up a plant to inspect its roots, thought that the soil must be different across the field.

"They really asked questions and thought of ideas that I wouldn't have myself," said Taufer. "I regularly ask these questions to my university students, and they don't have as many ideas. And none of them has ever dug up a plant to look at the roots."

Taking children outside the classroom

Taufer's work is part of the three-year MULTIPLIERS project that aims to explore ways of making science more appealing to young people.

They are doing this through the creation of what they call Open Science Communities, or OSCs. The idea is to create collaborative networks among schools, universities, informal education providers, museums, local associations, and industry and civil society in order to expand the opportunities for students to learn about science in real-world settingslike the farm.

"I think it's very important to bring students outside the classroom in order to have authentic themes to work on and to make learning about science relevant to everyday life," said Professor Annette Scheersoi, a specialist in sustainability science education from the University of Bonn and coordinator of MULTIPLIERS.

"When you are interested, you remember better, but you also connect more and feel the value and relevance," she said.

Connecting science and real life

OSCs have so far been set up in six European countries: Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Students in all six countries were given the opportunity to interact with science experts from a wide range of backgrounds to explore science-based solutions for modern-day problems.

The idea is to help young people relate to the real-life science challenges we face every day, ranging from antimicrobial resistance to clean water and sanitation.

In Barcelona, for example, secondary school students were invited to apply what they learned in chemistry classes to measure air pollution in the school playground and at home. Then they presented the results.

In Germany, Slovenia and Sweden, students took to the forest to learn about sustainable forestry and biodiversity. With the guidance of local foresters and scientists, students studied different trees up close and made decisions on whether they should be felled or not.

"The approach was to consider forestry as a complex dilemma with trade-offs between the ecosystem and wood production," Scheersoi said.

Multiplying the impact

Crucial also for Scheersoi has been the multiplier effectturning the students into teachers and giving them the chance to share their newfound knowledge with others.

Schoolchildren on the ecological farm invited their parents to a tasting session where they discussed the benefits of organic produce. In the forest, parents were invited to a Forest Day under the trees, where the children shared what they had learned.

Students have also been encouraged to share their knowledge by creating podcasts, science blogs, or organizing science fairs for families. Now the hope is to build on this work and further embed the approach beyond the project.

"Across MULTIPLIERS we have seen how students, teachers and outside science experts have engaged in these lessons. We want these networks to not only stay, but to grow, bringing in more people and bringing forward this new way of learning for students," said Scheersoi.

Science for sustainability

As part of its open science policy, the EU is supporting open schooling for science education, recognizing that Europe needs more scientists, including citizen scientists.

This is something that is also important to Jelena Kajganovic, a sustainability expert at Geonardo, a Hungarian innovation and technology company active in the energy, environment and sustainable development fields.

Kajganovic led a three-year project called OTTER which, like MULTIPLIERS, aimed to inspire a different approach to science learning and connect students to real-world challenges outside the classroom. They call this approach education outside the classroom (EOC).

Taking learning out of the school setting through things like outdoor activities and fieldtrips, has proven positive effects, says Kajganovic. OTTER investigated how EOC could also help improve the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, specifically in the field of environmental sustainability.

"The core ideas behind OTTER are how to make science education more attractive, how to encourage students to learn and apply their knowledge," she said.

Although Kajganovic observes a general apathy towards science in many classrooms, she sees this as untapped potential to do more to connect learning with pressing sustainability challenges.

Working with partners in Finland, Hungary, Ireland and Spain, OTTER sought to connect science lessons in the classroom with local issues. Very quickly students in OTTER schools began to link theory and practice.

In one school, near Barcelona, a group of 14-year-olds took samples from the local river to test water quality and were alarmed by the results. Based on their findings, the students organized an online petition calling for the river to be cleaned up.

"By testing the water, they could see the problem and they could see the connection with their own lives. It really clicked in their heads," said Kajganovic.

Sharing knowledge across Europe

To spread the impact of their work further, the OTTER team created an online learning platform with a range of interactive teaching materials that educators can use to help them carry out education outside the classroom activities.

Looking ahead, OTTER now hopes to get teachers across Europe to use the platform to explore ways to get involved in outdoor science learning. Longer term, Kajganovic believes it could spark a new way of thinking about science and inspire the next generation.

"I would really like to see our approach to science education changing by giving young people more space to think about science and its application in their lives," she said. "In terms of sustainability, if we don't solve our problems, no one will, and it was amazing to see young people taking the lead."
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The number of giraffes in Kenya has declined sharply due to illegal hunting and human encroachment on their habitat.

On a vast farm in Kenya's Rift Valley, a veterinarian carefully takes aim before shooting a tranquiliser dart and sending another giraffe sinking slowly to the ground before it is roped and blindfolded.

It is the first stage of a delicate operation by the Kenya Wildlife Service to move a group of the endangered animals to a conservancy around 140 kilometers (90 miles) to the east.

The subdued giraffe is kept at the farm in Sergoit along with seven others for an acclimatization period of about 10 days, before being transported to their new home.

The Rothschild's giraffes, a distinct subspecies, are being resettled in the Ruko Conservancy in Baringo County as part of a long-running initiative to ease communal tensions there.

While the East African nation is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, its northern counties such as Baringo are more often in the news for banditry and ethnic clashes.

The rival Pokot and Ilchamus communities in Baringo had been at odds for decades, their feuds sometimes escalating into armed clashes.

In the mid-2000s, Pokot and Ilchamus elders took matters into their own hands, launching an initiative to resettle the Rothschild's, or Nubian, giraffes into the Ruko conservancy around 280 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi.

Kenya Wildlife Service vet Matthew Mutinda gets ready to shoot a tranquiliser dart at a giraffe.

The goal was twofold: reintroduce an endangered species to a region it had previously deserted, and restore peace to the two communities.

The elders hoped the world's tallest mammals would attract tourists and income, quelling tensions in the neglected region by providing employment in an area where many young people -- like elsewhere in Kenya -- struggle to find jobs.

And, said 34-year-old reserve manager Rebby Sebei, it seems to have worked.

"Back 20 years before, Pokot and Ilchamus had a conflict that erupted because of livestock theft and resulted in loss of life, loss of livestock and pushing people to move away from their homeland," she told AFP.

"This place became deserted, where we are now today was a battleground for the bandits."

But now, she said, the gentle creatures are helping to "ensure that there is peace between the two communities".

The operation to subdue the animals takes place on a Rift Valley farm.

'One community'

Giraffes have seen a dramatic decline in numbers in Kenya in recent decades, as a result of poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.

As the Sergoit giraffes -- securely trussed in the back of trucks -- made their way slowly towards the reserve, people from the Pokot and Ilchamus communities held welcome celebrations.

Sixteen hours after their departure from Sergoit, having navigated hazardous bridges and low-hanging electrical wires, the giraffes finally arrived at their new home.

The group was to be acclimatized in a small pen before being released into the Ruko reserve, now home to nearly 20 giraffes, both Rothschild's and Masai.

As people sang and danced in celebration while awaiting the new arrivals, Douglas Longomo, a 27-year-old farmer, said he believed that his Pokot community had changed.

The giraffes are blindfolded before their transfer.

Members of the community gather to welcome the giraffes being relocated to the Ruko Conservancy.

The journey takes around 16 hours.

Women wear traditional attire as the community celebrates the arrival of the giraffes.

"It took time to understand that the conservancy is important to bring people together," Longomo said.

Many could not see the point of ending the clashes that have scarred the Rift Valley area for decades, he added.

"Now we are seeing we are living as one community, we can move freely without any fear."

Longomo's views were echoed by 28-year-old James Parkitore from the Ilchamus community.

"I think (the conflict) is over now because we are interacting," he said.

"I hope those giraffes will (create) great jobs for the communities," said Parkitore, a view shared by Longomo.

Sebei added a note of caution, however, saying that while an increase in tourism had helped, there were still some lingering disputes between the two ethnic groups.

But, she said, "there is peace, and we need to bring more giraffes".

 2024 AFP
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Lateral (top), dorsal (middle), and ventral (bottom) views of Beaufortia granulopinna from Lizhou River, a stream tributary of Boai River of the Pearl River basin, at Tianlin County, Guangxi Province, China. Credit: Chen et al.

Researchers from Shanghai Ocean University and Yunnan Agricultural University have identified two new species of hillstream suck-loach, Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, from the upper Pearl River system in southwest China.

The study, published in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution and led by Jing-Chen Chen, offers new insights into the taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of the Beaufortia pingi species group.

Beaufortia granulopinna is distinguished by its prominent tubercles, or round bumps, on the first 6-9 pectoral fin rays in adults, and a unique pattern of blurriness or absence of vertical stripes in the mid-section of the lateral body upon reaching adulthood. The species name "granulopinna" is derived from the Latin words "granulo" (grainy) and "pinna" (fin), reflecting the bumps on its fins.

Beaufortia viridis is characterized by consistent vertical stripes of uniform length, width, and spacing across all growth stages, and a striking dark cyan to green body coloration. The species name "viridis" comes from the Latin word for "green."

These species exhibit significant morphological specializations, including a compressed body, a flattened ventral surface, and greatly expanded paired fins forming a suction cup-like structure. These adaptations enable them to adhere to rocky substrates, resisting currents while feeding on algae and invertebrates.

Lateral (top), dorsal (middle), and ventral (bottom) views of Beaufortia viridis from Wuming River, a stream tributary to the You River of the Pearl River basin, at Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. Credit: Chen et al.

Collection site of of Beaufortia granulopinnao from Lizhou River, a stream tributary of Boai River of the Pearl River basin, Tianlin County, Guangxi Province, China. Credit: Qian-Yu Liang

The discoveries were made during surveys studying aquatic life in various waterways in Yunnan and Guangxi between 2022 and 2024. During these surveys, some fish exhibited strong territorial behavior, flaring their fins and headbutting rivals to drive them away.

The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the upper Pearl River system and underscores the importance of continued taxonomic and molecular research to understand and preserve these species. Species of the Beaufortia pingi group are popular ornamental fish in China, contributing to substantial profits in the aquarium trade. However, unsustainable harvesting practices threaten their populations. Their sensitivity to pollution and changes in water quality further exacerbates their decline.

In the type locality of B. viridis sp. nov., Wuming District, Nanning City, many small tributaries have been modified into reservoirs for water storage, and those near agricultural areas are polluted, making them unsuitable for their survival. Interestingly, a stable population was found inside a commercial eco-camping site, where some river sections have been left undeveloped, providing a refuge for this species.

The researchers emphasize the need for increased attention to these species, further research, and habitat conservation. Sustainable planning and development are crucial to ensure the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

More information: Jing-Chen Chen et al, Taxonomic resolution of the hillstream suck-loach Beaufortia pingi species group (Cypriniformes, Gastromyzontidae) and two new species from Southwest China Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, Zoosystematics and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.124370
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Lejing Li, first author of the study. Credit: RUB, Marquard

Due to its high availability, water is considered the most useful starting material for hydrogen production. Ideally, the conversion of water into hydrogen produces a second useful substance: hydrogen peroxide, which is required for many branches of industry, for example for the production of disinfectants.

Special reaction conditions are required to obtain hydrogen peroxide from the splitting of water. It was known that the presence of carbonate is useful. But why this is the case was unclear. A team from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has now elucidated the mechanism behind this.

The group led by Dr. Lejing Li, Dr. Carla Santana Santos and Professor Wolfgang Schuhmann from the Center for Electrochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum describes the results in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Killing two birds with one stone

"Hydrogen peroxide is a valuable chemical that has to be produced using complex processes that are not always harmless to the environment," says Schuhmann.

It would be useful if the substance could be obtained in large quantities from the electrolytic splitting of water, which also produces the energy carrier hydrogen. "However, this is thermodynamically complicated," explains Lejing Li. This is because the production of oxygen is, so to speak, energetically simpler.

However, if a carbonate buffer is added to the solution, the situation changes. This is carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), which can release a proton (H+), resulting in hydrogen carbonate (HCO 3 -), which can react further to form carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Such buffers help to keep the pH value of solutions stable. However, the conditions in the reaction solution are not identical everywhere.

The conversion of water to hydrogen and oxygen takes place at the surfaces of two electrodes, between which a voltage is applied. When negatively charged electrons are transferred, positively charged protons are released at the same time. The protons change the pH value in the immediate vicinity of the electrode, while the pH value remains stable further away in the solution.

Local pH value measurements

Using a method they developed themselves, the Bochum team determined the pH value in the immediate vicinity of the electrode under different reaction conditions and showed that hydrogen peroxide is preferentially produced when there is a lot of hydrogen carbonate in the vicinity of the electrode. Under these conditions, an intermediate reaction product is formed that prevents the formation of unwanted oxygen.

"These results initially sound like abstract basic research," says Li. "But the production of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide is extremely important. Only if we understand the processes precisely we can make them better."

More information: Lejing Li et al, Anodic H 2 O 2 generation in carbonatebased electrolytes  Mechanistic insight from scanning electrochemical microscopy, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406543 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
JAKARTA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday emphasized the importance of utilizing coconut waste to produce biofuel as part of the efforts to advance the green economy.

"I see a lot of coconut waste being processed into biofuel, which is crucial for further development," Widodo said at the 51st International Cocotech Conference and Exhibition in Surabaya, East Java, as reported by local media.

Widodo explained that this downstream process would leverage current technology to ensure that the products meet market requirements and are in high demand in various countries.

He added that Indonesia can maximize its green economy potential by developing the coconut commodity industry alongside other commodities such as vanilla, cocoa, coffee, and pepper.

With 3.8 million hectares of coconut plantations, Indonesia is the second largest producer of coconut commodities in the world, with an annual production of 2.8 million tons. 
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Credit: NASA/Michael DeMocker

The biggest piece of the puzzle to send humans on a trip around the moon for the first time in more than half a century is on its way to Kennedy Space Center.

The Boeing-built core stage of NASA's Space Launch System rocket was loaded onto NASA's Pegasus barge from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, and is now taking the 900-mile trip to Florida.

The flight hardware that includes the four RS-25 engines made by Aerojet Rocketdyne from the space shuttle era will then be taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be turned upright standing 212 feet tall. It will be married to other components of the SLS rocket including two solid rocket boosters from Northrop Grumman that when combined produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust on liftoff.

The next flight is Artemis II, which is targeting launch from KSC's Launch Pad 39-B no earlier than September 2025. That mission will take NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a trip out to the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin.

The last time humans flew to the moon was on Apollo 17 in 1972.

"With Artemis, we've set our sights on doing something big and incredibly complex that will inspire a new generation, advance our scientific endeavors, and move U.S. competitiveness forward," said NASA's Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. "The SLS rocket is a key component of our efforts to develop a long-term presence at the moon."

The rocket's lone flight in November 2022 on the Artemis I mission made it the most powerful rocket ever to make it to orbit before this year's successful SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy missions, which produce nearly twice the thrust on liftoff.

SLS is still touted by NASA, though, as the only rocket that can send both crew and cargo on its planned lunar missions that include the construction of a lunar space station called Gateway and regular missions on the moon's south pole in search of ice that could be converted to fuel and oxygen for a potential lunar habitat.

The uncrewed version of Orion that flew on Artemis I made it back to Earth safely on what was considered a mostly successful test flight, but damage to Orion's heat shield remains the lead problem to solve before NASA is willing to put humans on board.

The road map still calls for Artemis III to fly one year later no earlier than September 2026, a flight that is designed to send Orion back to the moon where it will rendezvous with a lunar lander version of SpaceX's Starship. Two of the four astronauts on Artemis III will board Starship to fly down to the lunar surface. One of those astronauts is slated to be the first woman to walk on the moon.

The Artemis program was born in 2012 out of the remnants of the shuttered Constellation program, which also featured the Orion spacecraft. The first flight came years later than expected at much higher costs.

An audit in late 2023 from NASA's Office of the Inspector General stated that through the first three missions, the program will have topped $93 billion. The SLS rocket represented 26% of that cost to the tune of $23.8 billion.

The audit stated SLS rockets will top $2.5 billion per launch, although NASA was aiming to reduce costs through "workforce reductions, manufacturing and contracting efficiencies, and expanding the SLS's user base" to only $1.25 billion per launch. The OIG deemed that aspirational goal unrealistic, though.

It did find that rocket costs could approach $2 billion through the first 10 SLS rockets under a new contract structure implemented in 2023, which would be a cost reduction of 20%.

NASA's goal for the Artemis program, set during the Obama administration, is still to land a human on Mars by 2040.

"The delivery of the SLS core stage for Artemis II to Kennedy Space Center signals a shift from manufacturing to launch readiness as teams continue to make progress on hardware for all major elements for future SLS rockets," said NASA SLS program manager John Honeycutt. "We are motivated by the success of Artemis I and focused on working toward the first crewed flight under Artemis."

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The idea of a "green new deal" has gained considerable ground in recent years.

A modest version has been adopted by the European Union and various national governments in the Global South. The 2019 European Green Deal has been described as a "new growth strategy," to build a resource-efficient yet competitive economy.

In the United States, a green new dealwas attempted in 2019, but it ultimately failed in the face of Republican opposition and no meaningful progress has been made since.

In Canada, the conceptual and policy structure of a green new deal was laid out in the 2016 Leap Manifesto, with a focus on renewable energy, wealth distribution, Indigenous rights and building supportive social movements. However, the ambitions of the manifesto remain just that, and Canada currently has no green new deal in the books.

This must change if Canada hopes of achieving a truly just net-zero transition.

Competing visions

There are, broadly speaking, three major approaches for achieving net-zero: radical-reformism (green new deal), green growth (our current strategy) and so-called "degrowth."

Green growth is inadequate for a few key reasons. First, to achieve a prosperous world with net-zero emissions, green growth must attain absolute decoupling of growth from carbon dioxide emissions. This is unlikely in the short- to medium-term for all but a handful of richer countries.

Secondly, we can't simply convert our energy system from fossil fuels to green sources (solar, wind, hydro and nuclear), at the current level of consumption. To try to do so risks ecosystem damage, which must be factored into account.

The harsh reality is that reduced consumption remains the only real course of action. Battery-powered cars, yes, but also smaller and fewer cars.

Green growth is not meeting the climate/ecological challenge. Humanity has already crossed six of nine safe planetary boundaries and it is already too late to restrict global warming to 1.5 C, the lower ceiling proposed in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. We need to act decisively now.

Degrowth is seen by some as an alternative. Degrowth is a revolutionary idea that aims to do away with GDP and focus economic targets around meeting human needs. While the recommended measures would drastically lower emissions in the here and now, degrowth is just not politically or economically feasible. Degrowth identifies capitalism as the problem and calls for its transformation to "post-capitalism" or "post-growth." The main problem is how to get there.

Geoengineering is also sometimes touted as a potential cure for our planetary woes. However, even if geoengineering works as planneda very big "if" when many climate scientists dismiss it as "dangerous nonsense"it is not a cure for global warming, but only a stop-gap measure, as carbon emissions will continue to grow.

Relying on technical fixes is a risky gamble. Yes, we must continue to invest heavily in promising technologies. A technological breakthrough may happen. But we can't count on it.

We must not let our fate depend on a breakthrough that may never happen.

A green new deal

The case for a radical green new deal in Canada is compelling and straightforward. A green new deal could be more effective at delivering positive ecological change than green growth and would likely be more feasible in the short-term than a degrowth model.

Unlike green growth, which was developed by technocrats, and degrowth, which is largely an intellectual movement that grew out of university discourse, green new deals typically emerge out of activist and political networks. This origin is significant for two reasons. First, green new deals are typically developed by people who can be expected to have a rough idea of what might be politically feasible within their constituency.

Second, the green new deal is easy to comprehend. While engaging critically with green growth or degrowth requires post-graduate training, the radical green new deal is common sense.

The message is: we must rapidly make a green energy transition. This transition cannot happen unless people, including those employed in fossil fuel industries, see a better future at the end. Expansion of social protections and public services must therefore accompany ecological change.

The better future entails equity, on a national basis, but also in the Global South, which is unfairly bearing some of the worst impacts of climate change. And, perhaps most difficult of all, the energy and materials consumption in richer economies must decline.

This green new deal could usher in radical change on a similar scale to the original "New Deal" introduced by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. The New Deal saved America from the Great Depression; the Green New Deal would be the first step in saving us all from ecological collapse.

Obstacles ahead

The political and attitudinal obstacles to achieving this extensive program are major. The current political polarization within countries makes the task even more challenging. With climate denialism remaining strong within many conservative movements, climate action has unfortunately become a culture wars issue to manyas witnessed at the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis..

Nevertheless, two points are worth emphasizing. The dominant green growth approach cannot save us. And the degrowth vision, though attractive, entails the improbable overturning of capitalism. The radical-reformist Green New Deal is a more viable approach to climate emergency than green growth, and more politically promising than degrowth.

Something radical needs to be done, whether we like it or not. Modest policy measures, such as a carbon tax, might have sufficed if they had been adopted in the 1980s (when the science of climate change was already established). Reversing global warming at this late stage requires more extensive action. A green new deal could be just the kind of radical action needed to save us all.

There is no easy way out.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Jean Dieu de Saint-Jean, Habit Noir (evening wear), etching c. 1670. A print collected by Samuel Pepys showing a fashionable elite Frenchman proudly wearing lace cuffs and ribbons. Credit: Reproduced by permission of the Pepys Library, Magdalene College Cambridge

A collection of French fashion engravings offers precious new insights into the life of Samuel Pepys years after his premature final diary entry. The prints show the tailor's son remained fascinated by the power of fashion long after he had secured wealth and status. But they also expose Pepys' internal conflict over French style.

Most of what we know about Samuel Pepys (16331703), the famous English diarist and naval administrator, comes from the diary that he kept from 166069. He wrote about everything from women to Parmesan cheese, and the Great Fire of London, but he also wrote a lot about clothes. However, Pepys lived for another 34 years and while surviving letters offer clues, we know less about the second, more privileged half of his life.

University of Cambridge historian Marlo Avidon reveals fascinating new insights having studied Pepys' private collection of fashion prints in the Pepys Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where Pepys had been a student. 2024 marks the 300th anniversary of Magdalene acquiring Pepys' private library including his original diaries.

The library contains one of the largest bound collections of 17th-century French fashion prints in the world. Avidon, a Ph.D. researcher at Christ's College, Cambridge, focuses on two of its volumes, the "Habits de France" and "Modes de Paris," which comprise over a hundred fashion illustrations printed between 1670 and 1696.

Appearing today in the journal The Seventeenth Century, Avidon's article publishes eight images from the collection for the first time. Avidon links one of these images to a cringe-worthy episode in Pepys' diary.

In 1669, Pepys wrote that he was "afeared to be seen" in a summer suit he had just bought "because it was too fine with the gold lace at the hands." Finally he plucked up the courage but a socially superior colleague spotted him in the park and told him the sleeves were above his station. Pepys decided "never to appear in Court" with the sleeves and made a tailor cut them off, "as it is fit I should."

Pepys learned a lesson that day but this didn't put him off fashion. He went on to buy a print titled "Habit Noir" (evening wear) which shows an elite Frenchman proudly showing off very similar lace cuffs as well as plentiful ribbons.

"Pepys would have seen this outfit as pretty risky," Marlo Avidon said. "This was for a French courtier, and was probably well beyond his budget. But Pepys probably did own suits with these kinds of ribbon loops, just not so many as this. This is how fashion worked and still works todayyou demonstrate your knowledge of style within your means."

Jean Dieu de Saint-Jean, Habit de Ville, etching, c. 1670. A print in Samuel Pepys' collection depicting a fashionable city gown. Someone has colored the embroidered silk pattern with amateurish squiggly lines. Marlo Avidon suggests that this print could have been colored by Mary Skinner. Credit: Reproduced by permission of the Pepys Library, Magdalene College Cambridge

"Pepys felt he had to walk a really fine line, especially early in his career. His father was a tailor, his mother a washerwoman, and throughout his life Pepys was profoundly worried about how he was perceived and took steps to manage his image. The diary shows his anxieties as a young adult. The prints show that his determination to prove himself, using clothes and cultural capital, continued throughout his life."

Pepys rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673 and was first elected as an MP in 1679.

Avidon said, "Pepys stopped writing his diary just as his career was taking off. It's really challenging to access Pepys' later life. These prints provide a unique opportunity to consider his attitudes to fashion in this period."

Pepys' initial print purchases and close observation of his superiors in the civil service, detailed in his diary, show him attempting to access lofty social circles, Avidon argues.

But as Pepys expanded his print collection, he was part of a network of gentleman scholars linked to the Naval Office and Royal Society.

"He started to use fashion to solidify his social position and demonstrate his cosmopolitan tastes," Avidon said, "but collecting fashion prints was also a way to cement intellectual relationships and maintain his scholarly reputation."

"I went into this research with a lot of reservations about Pepys, I didn't like him. But the prints offer a much more nuanced picture of him, a more human picture. He was fallible and anxious and his actions in response to that anxiety feel quite familiar today."

Antoine Trouvain, Femme de qualite en deshabille neglige, etching, 1695. A print in Samuel Pepys' collection which looks more professionally colored. Credit: Reproduced by permission of the Pepys Library, Magdalene College Cambridge

A guilty pleasure

Avidon's research suggests that Pepys never shook off his worries about dressing inappropriately, making a fashion faux pas, or the moral dilemma of wearing designs imported from France.

"There was concern about the relationship Charles II was fostering with the Catholic French King Louis XIV and about growing French influence on English culture. This created a sense of moral crisis. There was particular anxiety in England about Popery and its association with vanity," Avidon said.

French clothes were often viewed in England as being scandalously excessive as they combined luxury silks with over-the-top trim and lace, and huge statement accessories.

"Pepys had a French wife, was friends with French merchants and had a keen interest in French culture," Avidon said. "But Pepys also ridiculed people returning from France wearing over-the-top French fashions and he had a preoccupation with French elites being frivolous."

"Pepys felt under pressure to maintain the moral high ground, not just by wearing clothes appropriate for his own social station but also to uphold what was appropriate for his country morally and economically."

In his diary, Pepys condemned the English Queen's Maids of Honor for wearing French-inspired masculine-inspired riding habits, writing "nobody could take them for women in any point whateverwhich was an odde sight, and a sight did not please me."

A year earlier, however, he thought the opposite, noting "it was pretty to see the young pretty ladies dressed like men." And Pepys later purchased a French print showing an evolved version of this style featuring a martial style coat.

"When it came to women's clothes, Pepys's taste and attitudes were constantly changing and often conflicting," Avidon said.

Inside the Pepys Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge. Credit: Douglas Atfield

Pepys' fashionable women

When viewed together, Pepys' diary and print collection emphasize that women bore the brunt of accusations of vanity and excessive consumption, but fashion still remained a very masculine concern in this period.

Pepys' French wife Elizabeth died in 1669, aged 29, shortly before Pepys started collecting his fashion prints.

"Pepys' diary suggests he really loved his wife and he wanted her to dress well," Avidon said. "But he worried about her overspending on clothes and sometimes went shopping with her. Pepys kept Elizabeth in a state of fashion limbo as he did himself."

References in Pepys' diary suggest that Elizabeth was interested in prints herself and Avidon believes that she influenced what Pepys went on to collect.

Elizabeth died soon after a trip with Pepys' to Paris in May 1669. We don't know much about their stay but they almost certainly shopped for printsbecause Pepys' friend John Evelyn advised him on how to do itand perhaps clothes too.

"Pepys was distraught by Elizabeth's death," Avidon said. "I think these prints of fashionable young women must have reminded Pepys of Elizabeth. The collection could be seen as an homage to her."

Pepys soon employed a teenage housekeeper, Mary Skinner, who swiftly became his mistress. They stayed together until his death and she was often referred to as Mrs. Pepys. We know very little about Mary but Avidon believes that the print collection could bring us much closer to her.

The frieze inscription 'Bibliotheca Pepysiana 1724' records the date of the Pepys Library's arrival at Magdalene College, Cambridge, 300 years ago. Painted above the inscription are Pepys' arms and his motto 'Mens cujusque is est quisque' ('The mind's the man'). Credit: Magdalene College, Cambridge

Pepys took a leading role in Mary's education, molding her as a refined gentlewoman as he had Elizabeth, and Avidon suggests that he may have given Mary black and white fashion prints to color.

"Some of the prints were clearly not professionally colored, they look amateurish," Avidon said. "Pepys acquired these prints over the course of his relationship with Mary. It's quite possible that he was teaching her how to color these prints. We'll never know for sure, but by the time Mary died, she had become a fairly fashionable woman in her own right."

In "Habit Noir," Avidon points to unprofessional white gaps in the coloring. In other prints, the coloring bleeds over lines obscuring clothing details. In "Habit de ville," a print depicting a fashionable city gown, someone has colored the embroidered silk pattern with amateurish squiggly lines. Avidon suggests that both prints could conceivably have been colored by Mary Skinner.

Avidon studied Pepys' print collection as part of her Ph.D. research into the role of fashion in the identity construction of elite women in the late 17th Century.

"The Pepys Library is a very intimate space to research in," Avidon said. "Pepys' diary is in a display case right next to you and you're surrounded by bookcases filled with his treasured possessions. I was so excited. Pepys would have taken these prints out and talked to friends about them. Now I get to do that."

More information: M. Avidon, "Instructive Types" or Mere "Fancies": Assessing French Fashion Prints in the Library of Samuel Pepys, The Seventeenth Century (2024). DOI: 10.1080/0268117X.2024.2373990
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new study finds that science and social studies classes may also help young students learn English, even when those classes include difficult and technical vocabulary. The paper is published in the Journal of Educational Psychology.

The study, which observed first- and second-grade students in 30 elementary schools in North Carolina, encouraged teachers to keep their English-learning students in class during science and social studies lessons. Science and social studies textbooks in those grades are often relatively technical and difficult for students, so traditional teaching methods in North Carolina encourage teachers to remove English-learning students from those content classes to focus on their language skills instead.

By creating a 10-week literacy programknown as a Tier 1 interventionwhich kept English-learners in science and social studies classes, researchers found that those students saw improvements in their ability to write argumentative essays and use new academic vocabulary. The study highlights the importance of giving English-learners access to academic content, said Jackie Relyea, corresponding author of the study and assistant professor of literacy education at North Carolina State University.

"This study shows how important it is to provide equitable opportunities for English-learners to build knowledge in science and history, and to apply that knowledge through informational texts alongside their peers," Relyea said. "What we found was that when English-learners have access to content-rich literacy instruction, they develop content knowledge as well as language, reading comprehension, and writing skills."

The program used methods like interactive read-alouds, collaborative research and concept mapping to build students' vocabulary and understanding of complex topics. Concept mapping refers to using diagrams or similar visual aids to depict connections between ideas.

Significantly, the study found that English-learners had similar levels of improvement in science and social studies vocabulary and argumentative writing as their English-proficient classmates across the 10-week program. Notably, the intervention did not lead to negative results elsewhere, which supports the idea that English-learning students can attend more complex classes without falling behind. This further suggests that content-rich literacy instruction may help narrow the achievement gap between English-learners and their peers.

The intervention also modified classes to cover individual subjects for longer. That way, Relyea said, English-learners could get comfortable with a subject early on and then continue to get value from that knowledge later.

"One thing we noticed is the importance of using coherent text sets that focus on a single topic. In more traditional literacy instruction, our study found that topics tended to change quickly and there wasn't always a consistent throughline that the students could grab on to," she said.

"By focusing on similar subjects for longer, kids can dig deeper and develop more in-depth knowledge. It may be challenging at first, but when students encounter the same new words day after day, they become familiar with them and expand their vocabulary network. Staying on a thematic unit for longer periods also helps them become experts in the subject matter, which greatly enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills."

The study challenges widely held assumptions about English-learners' academic capabilities, and highlights their readiness to engage with complex subject material despite their developing English proficiency. Relyea said that further research into incorporating small-group supplemental instruction could be valuable, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the program even further.

More information: Jackie E. Relyea et al, Effects of tier 1 content literacy intervention on early-grade English learners' reading and writing: Exploring the mediating roles of domain-specific vocabulary and oral language proficiency., Journal of Educational Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1037/edu0000882 Journal information: Journal of Educational Psychology
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Researchers test a new method to more efficiently measure ions in soil. Credit: University of Missouri

Every year, Missouri farmers lose millions of dollars in valuable nutrients that wash away into rivers and lakes. These nutrientsnitrates and phosphates found in fertilizersare crucial for plant growth, but they wreak havoc on aquatic life when they end up in waterways.

University of Missouri researcher Matthias Young believes he's found a way to keep the nutrients on land where they belong. He's developing a technique that could lead to new types of sensors to help farmers better measure nitrates and phosphates in the soil, allowing them to use fertilizers more efficiently.

"Nitrates and phosphates released into waterways cause algae blooms that kill fish and hurt tourism in waterfront communities," said Young, an assistant professor of chemical engineering with a joint appointment in chemistry in Mizzou's College of Arts and Science. "Not only that, but farmers don't want nitrates and phosphates washing off their fields. Based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture, an estimated $100 million of fertilizer is wasted every year in Missouri alone. This work helps fish, wildlife, tourism and farmers."

A new path forward

While his team is still working out some kinks, Young's research shows promise for a faster, more reliable and cost-effective way to measure ions such as nitrates in the soil.

That's important because if nitrate levels are low, plants won't get the nutrients they need to grow. But if they're too high, adding more fertilizer is wasteful because excess nitrates will run off into waterways.

Existing devices, known as ion-selective electrodes, can measure nitrates and phosphates, but they're costly and imprecise. One current method requires farmers to collect soil samples and send them to a lab for analysis, which is slow and only represents a small patch of land. Labs have access to more sophisticated sensors that rely on special molecules to bind to and measure ions, but these molecules can run about $10,000 per gram.

"Farmers are deciding how much fertilizer to deliver, but they're making decisions based on limited information," Young said. "Even the expensive sensors have to be recalibrated frequently, meaning they can't be left in the field."

Young's new design changes the way information is collected.

He and his team are devising a sensor that measures how quickly ions move through a membrane, rather than how strongly they bind to it. Using a pulsed electrical current, these devices are more sensitive and reliable.

Young is consulting with Missouri farmers as he makes progress in hopes of commercializing sensors that are inexpensive and practical.

"We're developing handheld sensors to collect measurements in real-time, as well as sensors that can be installed in the field," Young said. "They're not yet ready to deploy, as we're still having some challenges, but it is offering a new path forward."

He recently outlined his findings in ACS Omega. Co-authors were Ryan Gettler, Shima Mehregan, Henry Koeing and Andie Kaess.

More information: Ryan C. Gettler et al, Nonequilibrium Anion Detection in Solid-Contact Ion-Selective Electrodes, ACS Omega (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00131 Journal information: ACS Omega
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The team succeeded in mapping the fluid flow profile around a microscopic heat source in a body of water in three-dimensions. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have devised a way to measure both the temperature and velocity profiles of fluid in a convective plume at millimeter length scales in 3D. They combined near-infrared absorption imaging and image processing to separate the motion of tracer particles from snapshots of how light is absorbed, producing both a smooth velocity and temperature map.

The technology, reported in the Journal of Visualization, promises new insights into optimizing the design of micro-heating and cooling devices.

Accurate maps of how heat and matter flow at the microscale are vital to the design of micro-heating and cooling devices. A classic example is in liquid-cooled microprocessors, where flow will directly affect how efficiently heat is carried away from chips.

Over the years, this has led to a wide range of techniques designed to map flow and temperature; for example, the video tracking of tiny "tracer" particles can yield an accurate flow map. But while methods exist to map different quantities separately, scientists are still looking for the best way to realize the mapping of multiple quantities at once, especially in three dimensions.

A team of researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University led by Professor Naoto Kakuta have been studying the use of near-infrared imaging to capture maps of temperature in bodies of fluid. The absorption by water of light in the near-infrared (NIR) is temperature dependent. By mapping how much is absorbed in different parts of a sample with multiple NIR cameras, they can create an accurate 3D temperature map.

In previous work, they had succeeded in applying this to visualize tiny convective plumes, where heating of a microscopic portion of a volume of fluid creates a vertical, circulatory flow.

But while temperature could be mapped, it was not possible to map the flow profile at the same time. This is a significant drawback, since convective flows feature a complex coupling between heat transport and flow. But simply adding tracer particles and applying existing methods would require additional illumination by high-power LEDs or lasers.

The team had already noticed that tracer particles introduced into the same fluid cast a shadow against the NIR illumination used to create the temperature map. Preliminary work had helped make two-dimensional maps by simply watching how the shadows move.

Now, they have succeeded in creating fully 3D maps by using the same two camera system used for their NIR imaging. By manipulating the images, they could separate the shadows from the absorption profile, using the same data to extract a 3D map of both the flow and the temperature.

Applied to the same microscopic plumes, the team successfully mapped not only the temperature variation around their tiny heat source but the flow profile as well. They also confirmed close correspondence between their maps and heat and velocity profiles expected from numerical simulations.

Their new, simple method promises to deliver insights into the formation of convective plumes at the microscale, and how they might impact the performance of cutting-edge devices.

More information: The-Anh Nguyen et al, Simultaneous near-infrared measurement of temperature and flow fields of a thermal plume arising in water, Journal of Visualization (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s12650-024-00997-9
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The Parthenon-like structure: Most of the volume of epithelial cell bodies containing nuclei are aligned as a monolayer on the apical (upper) side. They extend pillarlike cell processes in a basal (downward) direction. At the basal (lower) side, the cytoplasm of epithelial cells spread planarly, creating a thin layer. Macrophage-like cells are found in the cavities between pillars. Credit: Tetsuya Kojima, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

A little leg may reveal something big about how closely related insect species can drastically differ in body shape, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Tokyo.

The team used time-lapse microscopy to image the live cells of fruit flies and found a new structure, which forms and disappears in the final stages of a common fruit fly's development, that appears to help guide a section of the fly's leg into its final shape.

The findings could lead to better understanding the mechanisms determining an insect body's shape, as well as providing insight into processes shaping the bodies of other organisms.

For the study, now published in Development Genes and Evolution, the research team set out to clarify how certain cells determine an organism's final shape.

By imaging the live cells of the common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster over several days to analyze changes in the cells during the last stages of development, the researchers found a transient structure in the fly's leg involved in determining the limb's final shape. They named this formation the "Parthenon-like structure" because of a resemblance to the ancient Greek ruin.

Final shape formation of the leg through transient formation of the Parthenon-like structure. Credit: Tetsuya Kojima, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

"Cells change their shape more dramatically than ever thought during the final shape formation process," said co-author Tetsuya Kojima, associate professor in the Department of Integrated Biosciences at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Frontier Sciences.

"Especially in the case of the fruit fly's leg, cells transiently form the fascinating structure. Because the Parthenon-like structure is seen in tissues other than the leg and seems to appear in other insects, its transient formation may be a fundamental process that forms the final shape of the insect's body."

According to the researchers, the basic mechanisms of cell fate determinationhow cells figure out which genes to express and contribute to the organism's developed formare conserved among closely related species. However, how these cells contribute to the form's shape has remained elusive.

"Since shapes can differ dramatically between closely related species that are expected to share the basic mechanisms of cell fate determination, differences in final shape formation processes should greatly contribute to making the shape differences," said co-author Reiko Tajiri, a researcher at the University of Tokyo at the time of the study and currently associate professor at Chiba University in Japan.

"Understanding the mechanisms of final shape formation is of great importance to understanding the mechanisms of formation and diversification of organisms' shapes."

To understand the mechanisms of final shape formation, the researchers used an inverted confocal microscopewhich images the specimens from underneath and allows for clearer visualsto image the developing legs of fruit flies over several days.

They specifically focused on the tarsus, or the segment of leg farthest from an insect's body. The tarsus can appear flat and wide in male diving beetles or long and slender in mosquitoes. The tarsus also contains its own segments, which differ significantly across species.

Live Imaging from Stage III to Stage V: Cells dynamically change their shape and diameter, rapidly decreasing during Stage III. Cells rapidly going around are macrophage-like cells. Credit: Tetsuya Kojima, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

"This diversity in morphology (form and structure) makes the insect tarsus a good model for studying the mechanisms of final shape formation and its diversification," Kojima said.

"In this study, we found unexpected and dramatic shape changes in epithelial cellscells that line the surface of structuresand the basement membrane, which give rise to the structures that differentiate into the tarsal segments. We also saw interesting behavior of macrophage-like cells, which typically help clean up waste cells."

Capturing nearly the whole shaping process of the adult tarsus during the fly's pupal stage, the researchers observed that the epithelial cells changed from a column shape to be more cubelike.

They said the cells further changed to "dramatically" form the unexpected, transient Parthenon-like structure. As that structure forms and then disappears, the tarsus's diameter reduces rapidly. Following the reduction in diameter, the layer of epithelial cells thinned out.

"Our results contribute to elucidating the mechanism for the final shape formation of the adult tarsus," Kojima said. The team is now studying the formation and disappearance of the Parthenon-like structure in more detail to better understand how it contributes to making the final leg shape.

More information: Shotaro Hiraiwa et al, Unveiling the cell dynamics during the final shape formation of the tarsus in Drosophila adult leg by live imaging, Development Genes and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00427-024-00719-z
ATLANTIC CITY  Four city residents will soon win big, but it will have nothing to do with a casino.

They will win the right to buy a $400,000 home in the Venice Park neighborhood of the city for as little as $125,000 to $200,000, if their names are chosen in a lottery.

You see behind me one, two, three, four new homes, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said Monday during a news conference at Grammercy and Beach avenues. We are investing in the fabric of our community.

They will be the first to be awarded to buyers through a lottery system for at least a 50% discount, he said, creating more taxpayers and encouraging the middle class to live in the city.

New Jersey Community Capital built the homes and planned to sell them for $300,000, after providing a $100,000 subsidy, and the city then approached the partnership to use them for the lottery.

The city will subsidize the cost with another $100,000 discount, Small said, bringing the maximum cost to $200,000.

Other first-time homebuyer programs run by the Atlantic County Improvement Authority and others will potentially provide down payment and other assistance worth tens of thousands of dollars more to those whose family income is no more than $123,000.

There will be no cap on family income to participate in the lottery, Small said.

Stockton University hosts fourth annual Juneteenth celebration Stockton University students and staff joined Lt. Gov Tahesha Way in the residential quad on the city's campus Monday to celebrate Juneteenth.

OceanFirst Bank will provide assistance in determining who qualifies, said John Costa, senior vice president and head of mortgage sales for the bank.

While there will be no income cap on who is eligible for the lottery, New Jersey Community Capital Director of Asset Management Jacquea Jay Lee said those with lesser incomes who still meet other benchmarks will score higher in being chosen for the lottery.

The city first planned to give away city-owned lots and/or lots with some improvements on them through a lottery, but buyers would then have to fix them up, Small said.

That was not feasible, the mayor said. We kind of changed course.

Another six people will get the same chance elsewhere in the city, Small said.

The other six will happen on city of Atlantic City property on Maryland Avenue between Arctic and Baltic, Small said. We are going to turn that land over to New Jersey Community Capital, and they are going to build six more units on that empty lot.

New Jersey Community Capital is a nonprofit community development financial institution that provides financial products, programs and services to advance equity and opportunity to underserved communities, according to its website.

To get into the lottery, individuals must qualify by proving they have been residents of the city, have a job and good enough credit.

Meet Anne H. Phillips, the quiet conscience of Brigantine For 28 years, Anne H. Phillips has consistently attended Brigantine's City Council meetings to voice her thoughts.

Business Administrator Anthony Swan said there will be strings attached.

First, you have to complete a first-time homeowners course. We are not looking to put somebody into a house that cant sustain a house, Swan said. You will not be able to take a second mortgage on this house. You cant rent it  no Airbnbs  you have to live in it ... for 15 years before anything is forgiven.

New Jersey Community Capital will run the lottery program, Swan said.

We have to raise our ratable base to spread the tax burden, Swan said. This is a way to do it.

Councilwoman Stephanie Marshall said she bought her first home 20 years ago with the help of a different first-time homeowners program, and she is still there now.

Ive been in my home for 20 years this month thanks to a program like this, Marshall said. Im never leaving the city.

She encouraged everyone to apply to help build long-term wealth.

Application forms for the housing lottery, first mentioned at the State of the City address earlier this year, will be available at acnj.gov Aug. 5, Small said.

GALLERY: New homebuyer program in Atlantic City
BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce announced Monday that it will launch an expiry review of anti-dumping measures aimed at stainless steel billets and hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils imported from the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Indonesia starting from July 23, 2024.

China imposed anti-dumping duties on stainless steel products imported from the EU, Japan, the ROK, and Indonesia starting from July 23, 2019, with rates ranging from 18.1 to 103.1 percent for five years, according to a statement from the ministry.

Starting from July 23, 2024, the anti-dumping measures aimed at imports of stainless steel billets as well as hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils originating from Japan will be terminated upon expiration, the statement said.

Stainless steel billets and hot-rolled stainless steel plates and coils are widely used in industries such as ships, containers, railways, electric power, petroleum and petrochemicals. 




JERUSALEM (AP)  The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early Sunday, hours after Israeli warplanes struck several Houthi targets in the Arabian Peninsula country.





The Israeli airstrikes  in response to a deadly Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv  were the first time Israel is known to have responded to repeated Houthi attacks throughout its nine-month war against Hamas. The burst of violence between the distant enemies has threatened to open a new front as Israel battles a series of Iranian proxies across the region.





The Israeli army late Saturday confirmed the airstrikes in the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a Houthi stronghold and crucial entry point for aid and other supplies. It said the strikes, carried out by dozens of aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were a response to hundreds of Houthi attacks.





The Health Ministry in Yemen said the Israeli strikes killed six people and wounded 83 others, many with severe burns from a major fire. Another three people were missing, the ministry said in a statement shared by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.





Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam posted on X that the blatant Israeli aggression targeted fuel storage facilities and the provinces power station.





The Israeli enemy picked those targets specifically as part of their targeting of the Yemeni economy, said Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, leader of the rebels.





The Israeli military said that the surface-to-surface missile fired Sunday was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.





Israel, along with the U.S., the U.K. and other Western allies with forces in the region, have intercepted almost all of the Houthi missiles and drones. But early Friday, a Houthi drone penetrated Israels air defenses and crashed into Tel Aviv, Israels commercial and cultural capital, killing one person.





An Israeli air force official said Sunday that human error accidentally classified the drone as a non-threat as Israel was simultaneously tracking other drones launched from Yemen and approaching Israel from the east.





The Israeli military said Saturday's strike on Hodeidah, about 1,700 kilometers (more than 1,000 miles) from Israel, was among the most complicated and longest-distance operations by its air force. It said it hit the port because the area is used to deliver Iranian arms to Yemen.





Israels defense minister, Yoav Gallant, vowed to carry out similar strikes in any place where it may be required.





The Houthis are among several Iranian-backed groups to have attacked Israel in solidarity with Hamas since the Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group triggered the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.





In addition to fighting Hamas, the Israeli military has been engaged in daily clashes with the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. These clashes have raised concerns that the fighting could spill over into a full-blown war with Lebanon and beyond.





Yemen has been engulfed in civil war since 2014, when the Houthis seized much of the north and forced the internationally recognized government to flee from Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of government forces, and in time the conflict turned into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.





The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.





The Houthis said Israel's attacks will only make Yemens people and armed forces more determined to support Gaza. There will be impactful strikes, Mohamed Ali al-Houthi of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen wrote on X.





All of this wont stop the Yemeni people or the Yemeni leadership, military and missile forces in targeting the Israeli entities, said Moatasem Abdel Salah, a Sanaa resident.





Since January, U.S. and U.K. forces have been striking targets in Yemen, in response to the Houthis attacks on commercial shipping that the rebels have described as retaliation for Israels actions in the war in Gaza. However, many of the ships targeted werent linked to Israel.





On Sunday, officials said that the Houthis repeatedly targeted a Liberia-flagged container vessel transiting the Red Sea, the latest assault by the group on the crucial maritime trade route.





The captain of the ship reported attacks from three small Houthi vessels, an uncrewed Houthi aerial vehicle and missile fire off the coast of Mocha, Yemen, resulting in minor damage to the ship, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. The Joint Maritime Information Center, a coalition overseen by the U.S. Navy, identified the ship as the Pumba and reported all crew on board safe.





Early Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Pumba.





Analysts and Western intelligence services have long accused Iran of arming the Houthis, a claim Tehran denies. The joint force airstrikes so far have done little to deter them.








Kathmandu, Nepal, July 22, 2024: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has made clear that all Nepali students in Bangladesh are safe.





Minister Rana revealed so through her social media account on Monday morning at the the when there was a worry about the status of Nepali students and other Nepalese living in Bangladesh.





The Dhaka-based Nepali Embassy has been in regular touch with the local authorities, college administration and Nepali students regarding their safe stay, security and other assistance as required, Foreign Minister Rana has stated.
ADDIS ABABA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on regional economic communities in Africa to strive for stronger collaboration.

The AU Commission chief made the remarks on Sunday during the sixth AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, which brought together heads of regional economic communities in Africa, and representatives of other regional mechanisms and AU members in Accra, the capital of Ghana, according to an AU statement issued on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting, Faki called on regional economic communities in Africa to boost their activities by working closely with the AU toward the realization of continental development initiatives and aspirations.

"Our regional economic communities are not doing well. Their effectiveness, their credibility, and their weight in the general enterprise of unity have, unfortunately, been greatly eroded," Faki said, as he called for stronger cooperation between regional organizations and the 55-member continental organization.

"What would the AU be without the regional economic communities? A locomotive without wagons. And what would the regional economic communities look like without the Union? A disparity of regional entities without cement, without anchoring, without reference or common global vision," he added.

The AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting is a principal forum for the AU and regional economic communities to align their work and coordinate the implementation of the continental integration agenda.

The sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting was held under the theme "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century" in line with the AU's theme of the year 2024, "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa." 
Group accused of extorting Puerto Morelos business in custody

Puerto Morelos, Q.R.  Five people accused of extorting a Puerto Morelos business have been taken into custody. On Sunday, the State Attorney General of Quintana Roo announced the arrests of the five suspected extortionists.

The arrests were made in coordination with the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC). Four men and one woman remain in custody for their probable participation in acts that could constitute the crime of extortion against a legal entity whose identity is reserved, the states Fiscalia General del Estado (FGE) reported in a statement.

Apolinar N, Ricardo Perfecto N, Mauricio N, Armando N and Leidy Yadira N, were arrested in flagrante delicto by elements of the Investigative Police assigned to the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating the Crime of Kidnapping and Extortion, after collecting floor fees from the victim in this municipality.

During a routine check, the detainees were found to have 40,000 pesos in cash, the product of the extortion they had been collecting weekly since March of this year, as well as a 9 mm caliber firearm.

Initial investigations link the detainees to a criminal group that generates violence in the municipalities of Puerto Morelos and Benito Juarez, dedicated to the sale and distribution of drugs and extortion.

Following the arrest, Apolinar N, Ricardo Perfecto N, Mauricio N, Armando N and Leidy Yadira N, as well as the seized evidence, were made available to the Public Prosecutors Office, the FGE reported.
Mayor swears in new General Directorate of Public Safety

Othon P. Blanco, Q.R.  Mayor Yensunni Martinez Hernandez has welcomed Navy Lieutenant Manuel Santibanez Cortes to assume the General Directorate of Public Safety and Traffic of the municipality.

Santibanez Cortes assumed his new position over the weekend in a swearing-in ceremony that took place at the Municipal Police headquarters.

Mayor Martinez highlighted the importance of the appointment of the new police leader as a crucial step in the joint efforts of the federal, state and municipal governments to strengthen security.

This approach, the mayor stressed, is essential for building peace not only in Othon P. Blanco, but throughout the state.

In a gesture of recognition, Martinez thanked former head, Frigate Captain Jesper Jovani Perez Azamar, for his outstanding leadership and dedication during his tenure as head of the Municipal Police, highlighting his contribution to the continued progress of local security.

During the morning ceremony, Santibanez Cortes took the oath of office before the members of the Othon P. Blanco City Council, pledging to serve with integrity and determination.

Mayor Mayor Yensunni Martinez Hernandez left with Navy Lieutenant Manuel Santibanez Cortes. Photo: July 20, 2024.

He received a detailed report on the strength of the Municipal Police, pledging to lead with efficiency and dedication to advance the vision of a safe and prosperous municipality for all residents.

With this new leadership, it is expected to continue strengthening public security strategies.

Martinez reiterated his commitment to work in collaboration with all relevant authorities to ensure that Othon P. Blanco remains a place where its residents can live with peace of mind and confidence in the future.
Playa del Carmen to inaugurate Playa 72 as the citys official and first pet friendly beach

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Solidaridad Municipal trustee Adrian Perez Vega says Playa 72 will be inaugurated as the citys official dog beach. He said the current government headed by Lili Campos intends to set a precedent in animal welfare by inaugurating the municipalitys first pet-friendly beach.

Playa 72 is located in the Colosio neighborhood and is currently an unofficial dog beach. However, Perez Vega says the municipality intends to inaugurate the beach as officially dog-friendly after the publication of the new regulations in the Official Gazette of Quintana Roo.

Once the regulations are published in the Periodico Oficial de Quintana Roo, pet owners visiting Playa 72 with their dogs must meet certain requirements. Dogs must be dewormed and vaccinated, kept on a leash at all times and owners must carry bags to collect the feces.

Playa 72 is currently the citys unofficial pet friendly beach.

He says the new regulations aim to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and people who frequent the beach. The provision to enable Playa 72 as a pet-friendly resort was approved at the 68th ordinary session of the Solidaridad City Council on July 19.

New regulations will mean all dogs must be leashed.

The decision to inaugurate the beach as officially dog friendly was in conjunction with local organizations Dog Beach Playa del Carmen and Ciudadanos Animalovers.
State reviewing Chetumal drain system after severe June flooding

Chetumal, Q.R.  State officials have held their second meeting in relation to the severe Chetumal flooding experienced by the city in June. A majority of the city was left under water after storm drains were overwhelmed by ongoing torrential rains.

Over the weekend, the Strategic Projects Agency of the State of Quintana Roo (Agepro) held its second meeting with specialists to address the challenges related to the storm collector systems in Chetumal.

Agepro (Agencia de Proyectos Estrategicos del Estado de Quintana Roo) is promoting policies that seek a common, comprehensive and sustainable good for the state in a coordinated effort to improve urban infrastructure and guarantee the safety of its inhabitants.

The head of Agepro, Jose Alberto Alonso Ovando, said coordination between specialists and government agencies is crucial to face the challenges presented by the weather conditions in our state. These proposals will be part of a comprehensive strategy to address the current situation and strengthen our response capacity to future weather events.

During the meeting, one of the proposals presented was to improve the urban and solid waste collection system by creating a register of drains and rainwater collection structures and ensuring their maintenance.

Agepro will also establish a program to preserve existing stormwater infrastructure, and improve drainage by intercepting stormwater before it reaches the lowest points, redesigning storm drains and building new interceptors.

Meetings are being held to reconstruct the citys failing drainage system. Photo: CGC July 19, 2024.

Another proposal includes specific actions in various neighborhoods and areas of Chetumal such as the construction of collectors and storm drainage lines in the neighborhoods of Las Casitas, Flamboyanes, Arboledas and Nueva Generacion.

The proposals also include the expansion of the large canal and the reconstruction of storm drains on Boulevard Bahia and the clearing and dredging of the natural canal from the savannah to Laguna Guerrero.

In June, the state spent millions in aid to help waterlogged homeowners get back on their feet after a week of torrential rains left Quintana Roo under water. State resources were also spent draining streets and repairing general damage left behind by the excessive water.
DAMASCUS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Iranian foreign minister's senior advisor for special political affairs, Ali Asghar Khaji, stressed on Monday his country's commitment to existing agreements with Syria.

In a statement issued following his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Khaji said his visit to Syria on Monday is part of a broader tour to discuss and evaluate regional issues, particularly those related to bilateral relations and their future trajectory.

He said the talks with Mekdad focused on a joint assessment of bilateral and regional matters and setting objectives to further enhance relations.

Khaji reiterated that the new Iranian government is committed to strengthening ties with Syria in all areas and committed to further enhancing ties as scheduled and in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.

Khaji also met with Syrian President Bashar Assad to discuss boosting Syrian-Iranian relations.

According to the state news agency SANA, the meeting highlighted the strong relationship between Syria and Iran and emphasized the need to enhance cooperation and coordination in various fields. 
KAMPALA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan security agencies have had heavy deployment ahead of an anti-corruption protest in the capital city of Kampala, a police spokesperson said here Monday.

Luke Owoyesigire, deputy spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police, told Xinhua by telephone that various security agencies had already deployed their personnel as a precautionary move.

"They (security officers) are already around. They will be around today, tomorrow, and throughout the week," Owoyesigire said.

The spokesperson said different groups had engaged in continuous mobilization on social media calling upon people to join in the Tuesday march, which the police decided to stop, saying it would attract criminal activities.

"People have other intentions of destabilizing public peace," Owoyesigire said, before confirming that a message had been sent out to various sector commanders to deploy in their areas.

According to the police, mass occupation of streets would likely result in "significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order."

The commanders were ordered to "utilize intelligence, be firm and professional." They were also ordered to be vigilant, not to allow destruction of property or abuse to human lives.

The President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, in a live televised address Saturday to the nation, accused the opposition of working with foreign elements to cause chaos in the country through riots, illegal demonstrations and inconsiderate processions.

"These people are unfair and inconsiderate, and they should check themselves, or we will have no alternative but to check them," Museveni said. 
A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

Posted on 22 July 2024 by dana1981

This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections

Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion.

According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same period in 2023. Many experts believe that the clean energy transition has reached the point where emissions will stabilize and then begin to decline. The critical milestone of peak climate pollution might be happening right now.

And its happening none too soon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported in early June that carbon is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than ever  accelerating on a steep rise to levels far above any experienced in human existence.

Over the past year weve experienced the hottest year on record, the hottest ocean temperatures on record, and a seemingly endless string of heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms, said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. Now we are finding that atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing faster than ever. We must recognize that these are clear signals of the damage carbon dioxide pollution is doing to the climate system, and take rapid action to cut fossil fuel use as quickly as we can.

How can CO2 levels in the atmosphere be increasing so rapidly if society is reaching peak emissions? Its because the peak comes after two centuries in which more and more fossil fuels were burned every year to power economic growth. The relatively rare exceptions tended to come in years of economic decline, such as global recessions or pandemics. The global economy has grown in most years, and the consumption of fossil fuels for energy and their associated climate pollution has also increased as a result.

Fossil fuel pollution just keeps building up, much like trash in a landfill, Ralph Keeling, director of the Scripps CO2 program, said in the NOAA June 6 report.

Emissions have peaked at an unsustainably high level and now must fall steeply and quickly to reach net zero by the second half of the century. The clean energy transition has been a huge help; in most of the years over the past decade that werent affected by the COVID pandemic, including 2022 and 2023, global emissions only rose by about 1% even as the economy continued to grow. Yet global climate pollution stubbornly kept rising to record levels.

China and the U.S. must lead the way

As one of the worlds largest countries with a rapidly growing economy and continued expansion of coal power, China will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions. The U.S. presidential election in November will also play an outsized role. President Joe Biden is the only one of the two major party candidates who has a plan to reduce emissions. An analysis by Carbon Brief estimated that a victory by Donald Trump could add 4 billion tons of U.S. climate pollution  equal to the combined annual emissions of Europe and Japan.

According to the International Energy Agency, global energy-related carbon pollution in the rest of the world outside of China declined slightly in 2023. If the rest of the world can continue on that same trajectory, and if China can stabilize its climate pollution, then global emissions will peak.

As a November 2023 report from the climate science and policy institute Climate Analytics put it: there is a 70% chance that emissions start falling in 2024 if current clean technology growth trends continue and some progress is made to cut non-CO2 emissions. This would make 2023 the year of peak emissions.

Progress on clean technologies

To continue reducing pollution, the world would need to accelerate the rapid deployment of key clean technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, and slash levels of methane and other climate pollutants.

Clean technologies have thrived so far in 2024. According to an analysis by Lauri Myllyvirta, senior fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute and lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, or CREA, rapidly expanding solar and wind generation covered 90% of the growth in electricity demand in China in March of this year. The numbers look even better for May. And EVs now account for about one out of every 10 vehicles on Chinas roads.

The clean energy sector in China has seen unparalleled growth, wrote CREA China Policy Analyst Belinda Schape via email. For the first time, the expansion rate of low-carbon energy sources is sufficient to exceed the average annual increase in Chinas electricity demand. If this growth continues and energy demand stabilizes, following the unprecedented energy-intensive economic recovery, fossil fuel consumption could go down.

According to Myllyvirtas analysis, two other key factors are playing a role in the trajectory of Chinese climate pollution. The country lifted its severe zero-COVID restrictions in December 2022, and the associated pollution rebound that occurred in 2023 appears to now have stabilized. And real estate construction activity in China has been contracting due to a glut of unsold homes and unfinished projects.

Real estate investment has contracted for the third consecutive year, leading to an 11% drop in cement output and only a small increase of 2.9% in steel production between January and May 2024, Schape noted. The reduction in these industries has been partially offset by increased manufacturing activity, particularly in industrial machinery, some of which are producing renewable technology. However, the overall contraction in real estate has led to a significant decrease in emissions from industrial sectors, the second-largest contributor to Chinas carbon emissions after the power sector.

Whether Chinese climate pollution remains stable or rises again depends on whether the countrys rapid clean energy growth continues. According to Myllyvirta, the central government has set relatively unambitious solar and wind power targets compared to what Chinese clean energy industries expect to deploy in the coming years. But to meet its Paris climate commitments, China must continue rapid clean energy deployment. A Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysis concluded that China could immediately peak emissions under an economics-led transition in which the most cost-effective technologies are deployed because clean energy sources are so cheap.

The rest of the world

Other countries would also need to play their part. In Europe, as in the U.S., emissions have been declining largely due to the rapid deployment of clean electricity like solar and wind power, and heat pump installations have also begun to make a dent in the residential buildings sector. Europe also has been trying to eliminate reliance on Russian supplies of fossil gas, commonly called natural gas, since the war in Ukraine began.

Recent European Parliament elections did not send an encouraging signal for the climate. The European Green Party lost seats, while far-right parties made gains. Still, centrist parties will maintain majority control, so Europes relatively ambitious climate agenda should largely remain in place. Clean energy deployment around the world is already making a big difference in curbing climate pollution. The International Energy Agency estimated that without the accelerating deployment of five key clean energy technologies since 2019  solar, wind, nuclear, heat pumps, and EVs  global emissions would have increased by 7.5% rather than the actual 2.5% rise over the past four years.

Achieving the peak emissions milestone would be the critical first step toward bending the curve downward to ultimately reach net zero emissions and stabilize Earths climate.
Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts in the New York hush money casebut theres a lengthy appeals process ahead. And what ever happened to the other three cases against himJack Smiths federal election interference and classified documents cases, and Fani Willis Georgia election interference case? All three have hit various roadblocks. To make it easier to follow all of Trumps ongoing legal entanglements, each Monday, well keep you updated on the latest developments in Keeping Up With the Trump Trials.

Special counsel Jack Smith is hoping to save his second criminal indictment of Donald Trump, filing a notice of appeal with Judge Aileen Cannon that seeks to undo her dismissal of the classified documents case. And down in Georgia, an appeals court finally scheduled oral arguments in Trumps appeal of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis role as lead prosecutor in her criminal election interference indictmentfor after the November election.

Jack Smith Officially Appeals the Dismissal of Classified Documents Indictment

The special counsel is ready to argue that Judge Aileen Cannons order dismissing the federal classified documents case was the wrong call, filing a notice of appeal last week that is the first step in whats expected to be another high-stakes legal battle for Smith.

Exactly one week ago, Cannonwho was appointed by Trump published a bombshell order that said Smith was improperly appointed as special counsel by the attorney general, and therefore he cannot legally continue with his prosecution of Trump. The decision immediately halted the classified documents case, and now Smith intends to appeal Cannons decision, which will be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

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Its not clear how Smith will frame his argument, but some legal experts believe the appeals court will reverse Cannons decision. And if that court does end up ruling in Smiths favor, Trump could then appeal its decision and the case could go up to the Supreme Courtwhich also recently ruled on Smiths election interference indictment, giving Trump wide-ranging presidential immunity from criminal prosecution. (Immunity shouldnt be an issue here, given that the alleged criminal conduct took place after he left the White House.) Cannon leaned on Justice Clarence Thomas concurring opinion in that immunity decision, which questioned the lawfulness of the special counsel, but notably was not joined by any other justices.

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For the past two years, while Cannon has overseen the classified documents case, her decisions have been overwhelmingly sympathetic to the former presidents defense. Starting with the FBIs raid of Mar-a-Lago, she ordered a special master to review all of the material seized first, prohibiting the federal government from accessing any of it for the purposes of its criminal investigation. The same 11th Circuit Court of Appeals wholly rejected that decision, ruling that Cannon had no jurisdiction in blocking the U.S. governments investigation and ordered that the special master be immediately dismissed.

Georgia Appeals Court Will Consider Trumps Case After the November Election

District Attorney Fani Willis election interference indictment has been tied up in appeals for months, with Trumps defense team filing an appeal to get Willis kicked off the case entirely and Willis appealing a judges decision to throw out some of the charges she brought against Trump. All of this made it all but certain Trump would not face a jury trial in Georgia before the November election, and last week the Georgia Court of Appeals made it official by scheduling arguments for Trumps appeal on Dec. 5.

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The appeals started after Willis was accused of misconduct when she hired special prosecutor Nathan Wade to work on her investigation into Trump and 18 others, then began dating Wade. After a long and contentious evidentiary hearing into the matter earlier this year, Judge Scott McAfee ruled Willis could stay on the case, so long as Wade resigned from his role, which he did. However, in his decision, McAfee knocked Willis and said there was still an odor of mendacity that created an appearance of impropriety.

A three-judge panel will hear Trumps appeal of McAfees decision and is expected to issue a decision by March 2025. And once the case is back in the hands of McAfee, he will have to consider the Supreme Courts presidential immunity decision and whether Trumps attempts to influence fake electors in Georgia during the aftermath of the 2020 election are official acts, protected from criminal prosecution. And if Trump wins the November election, this is the one remaining case against him that he will be unable to dismiss.
With news of President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race, some Republicans are claiming he cannot be removed from the presidential ballot in November and that in any case it is undemocratic to do so. The first claim is legally unsupported and the second one is ludicrous. I fully expect the Democrats legitimate nominees for president and vice president to be listed on the ballot in November.

Lets start with the legal issue. The premise of the argument that Biden cannot be removed from the ballot is that hes already on the ballot for president. Hes not.

When it comes to which candidates are listed on the general election ballot for president, states set their own rules. Typically, the rules provide that after each recognized political party has had its convention or otherwise gone through its process of choosing a nominee, the party must transmit that information to the states by a certain date so that ballots and other election materials can be prepared.

Joe Biden has not yet been nominated to be president even though he had racked up enough delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention to have had an easy time getting the official nomination had he stayed in the race. He was only the presumptive nominee, not the official nomineenobody is, until theres a vote. So Biden need not be replaced, because he was never the official candidate.

To the extent that theres even the hint of a legal issue, its not over whether its Biden or someone else who is the Democrats nominee, but about the timing of choosing the official nominee. The key is that nomination happens in time to get the candidate on the ballot in each state. For instance, Ohio originally had a ballot deadline that was before the Democratic National Convention, leading to a risk that no Democratic nominee would be listed on the ballot in that state. Ohio changed its law to a later deadline to accommodate the late convention. As I explained at Election Law Blog, theres a hypertechnical argument that Ohio could still contend that a nomination coming from Democrats after their convention would be too late. This was the purported reason Democrats were going to do an early virtual roll-call vote to choose Biden. (I think the real reason for an early roll call was for partisans to lock Biden in, not to avoid litigation.)

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Any litigation to keep Biden off the Ohio ballot would be extremely unlikely to succeed because Ohio has committed to the later date and transmitted that later date to local election officials. Everyone is relying on that and so Ohio would not be able to just change its mind, any more than any other Republican state could try to retroactively change the ballot access rules. Further, courts generally hold that states cant make it too hard for serious candidates to get a place on the ballot, and that rule would easily apply to the eventual Democratic Party nominee.

In a handful of other states, including Washington state, there is a different ballot access timing issue that could trigger a lawsuit. (The issue is even more technical and has to do with an election administrators power to extend a legislative deadline in a presidential election.) For this reason, Democrats would be smart to still do that virtual roll call by Aug. 7 if theyve coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris or another candidate. That would avoid even the small risk of a serious lawsuit.

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But even if the DNC holds an open convention and the nomination comes during the convention, I am confident that the Democrats nominee will be on the ballot in all 50 states, either because legislatures will change the rules to grant ballot access to the Democrats nominee or courts will require it.

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And then this brings us to the complaints that theres something antidemocratic about this whole process, that it is somehow overturning the will of the Biden voters in choosing a new nominee. This is a crazy complaint. Until the 1960s, it was not uncommon for party nominees to be chosen by party insiders. We even have the cliched smoke-filled room where this used to happen. The undemocratic nature of that process led to the party reform we have today where most delegates are chosen by the people and vote at the convention.

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If Biden wanted to remain in the race and delegates who were chosen for Biden in the primary process decided to vote for someone else, there would be something to this small-d democracy argument; voters wanted Biden and the delegates didnt listen.

But Biden has withdrawn. Hes voluntarily decided he cant go forward. The party has democratic procedures in place for such an eventuality, just as if a candidate dies before being nominated. The whole point of doing a convention is to have a safety valve for something like this. (And I always fear what would happen if a candidate dies after nomination and listing on the ballot, when things could get very dicey.)

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Democrats coming together with a fair vote and choosing another nominee after the leading candidate has withdrawn is an example of the process working, not failing.

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If its Harris, the democracy argument against choosing someone other than Biden is even weaker, given that Harris is already on the ticket and got voter support in the primarieswith many voters knowing that if something had happened to Biden, Harris was to be the replacement.

The Republican complaints about the Democrats replacement of Biden serve two real purposes. First, prior to Sunday, they were bluster to try to deter Democrats from replacing Biden out of fear of having to run against a candidate potentially stronger than him. Second, they are a chance to cast aspersions on the legitimacy of the election and of Democrats themselves. No one should take these complaints seriously.

It takes a special kind of chutzpah for Trump supporters to say its a coup when Democrats conduct a fair and democratic process for replacing a withdrawn candidate. Trumpists could learn a lot about the democratic process in watching whats happening on the other side of the aisle.
In the late 1960s, when conservatives felt that the Warren court was tilting too far to the left, magicking up in their opinions a Constitution that did not exist, Robert Bork, the patriarch of originalism, took a revelatory position: The Constitution should be interpreted (and only interpreted) in the ways intended by the people who wrote it. This was necessary, he made clear, so that judges could not just impose their own views of what the Constitution was supposed to mean.

Borks idea was deceptively simple and deeply appealing to those of a conservative bent. Constitutions were precise legal documents meant to endure into eternity unless and until amended. Judges should and must be kept from imposing their own views on the document. And if you were a conservative, what understanding of the Constitution could be presumptively better than the one dating all the way back to the late 18th century, when the Constitution and Bill of Rights were ratified?

As with so many things in life, the deceptively simple is often just that: deceptive. If this past Supreme Court term showed us anything, it is that originalism is a fig leaf, covering up the parts of right-wing jurisprudence most movement conservatives never wanted us to see. Which is to say that whatever else originalism is, it doesnt limit judicial discretion an iota. Indeed, beyond the fact that it is not a theory of judicial humility, it turns out it may not have much content at all.

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If any case made this clear, it was the fractured conservative majority in United States v. Rahimi, in which eight justices agreed that it does not violate the Constitution to keep guns out of the hands of those who are subjects of adjudicated domestic-violence restraining orders. But they seem to have agreed on little else. In particular, the six conservative justices gave us at least four different views of how originalism is even supposed to work. Some half-century into the great originalist project, which was intended to tether judges to a fixed original meaning and constrain their discretion, those justices cannot even agree on what originalism is.

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Zackey Rahimi was indicted for violating a domestic-violence restraining order by keeping a gun, which he fired at pretty much anyone who pissed him off, even slightly. Picture a non-cartoonish Yosemite Sam. Fighting those charges, he argued he had a Second Amendment right to his pistol packing. Just three years ago, this claim would have been inconceivable, but in 2022, in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, the six justices in the conservative supermajority decided that there was a constitutional right to carry a gun in public almost anyplace one wanted.

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Bruen didnt just dramatically alter the entire American gun-toting landscape; it also became the paradigm for a whole new way of interpreting the Constitution: the supposed big triumph for conservatives of their belief that originalism is the one true interpretive methodology. In the olden days (say, up till about 2015), the justices had used something called means-ends analysis to resolve most claims about individual rights. It worked like this: The world is divided into regular liberty and fundamental rightsthings like free speech, the right to a jury trial, and, yes, apparently also carrying weapons to the Stop & Shop. If the governments regulation infringed on a fundamental right, it bore the burden of showing two things: that the endthe reason for doing itwas compelling, i.e., something really important. And that the meansthe way the law operatedactually accomplished that end. If the end was not important or the law didnt accomplish the end, the governments action was unconstitutional. Pretty simple and logical, right? This whole means-ends test was a cornerstone to doing constitutional law.

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In Bruen, writing for an ostensible six-justice majority, Justice Clarence Thomas claimed to change all that. There would be no more of this messy means-ends analysis, which, as he understands it, ultimately encourages them to read the Constitution however they want or just bow down to legislatures. Hereinafter, we are going to do pure historyaka originalism. First, we must decide if something the government did affects a core constitutional right enshrined in the Constitutions sparse and 230-year-old text. If so, we ask: Is this consistent with the sort of regulation that was contemplated when the Constitution was written? In other words, is the government just doing what we did back in the late 1700s, or is it doing some newfangled thing that burdens the peoples rights in new ways? If so, fuhgeddaboutit.

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To do the Bruen test, judges were thus told to take the modern law and go searching for an analogous example from the founding era. Kind of like going to the paint store with a color swatch and looking around for something pretty similar. If the new regulation was cobalt blue and the regulation back then was sky blue, that would not cut itthe government was out of luck.

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To do this historical paint-chart comparison, as Thomas painstakingly explained in Bruen, you must ask two different questions from ends and means. Instead, we must ask why did they pass the similar gun regulations in the 1700s? And how did those historical regulations operate back then? Only if the answers to these two questions matched up with historical practices was the modern action by the government constitutional.

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It does not take a genius to recognize, of course, that the new why-how test is in fact just  a means-ends test with a historical color swatch. Why a law was passed is its end, and how it operates is the same as means. But in Rahimi, five conservative justices realized they actually hated that a strict application of this test would have let Zackey Rahimi keep his guns, and so their supposed new approach fell apart. What we learned in Rahimi is that the conservative justices dont agree with one another on how to implement the new test, and that they definitely didnt agree with what Thomas said about it for the seeming majority in Bruen. Which is why, by an 81 vote in Rahimi, the Supreme Court upheld taking a domestic abusers guns away, regardless of Bruen, leaving Thomas howling in dissent that this was all unfaithful to the one true historical tradition they supposedly had agreed on just three years earlier.

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In Rahimi, Chief Justice John Roberts rushed to reassure the rest of us that despite what it seemed to say, Bruen was not meant to suggest that our law was trapped in amber as of the founding. The Second Amendment permits more than just those regulations identical to ones that could be found in 1791, he wrote for the majority. Instead of looking for a perfect match from the past, or even at least a pretty close one, as Bruen had suggested, we need only ask whether the challenged regulation is consistent with the principles that underpin our regulatory tradition. But principles, as we all know, are pretty broad and flexible things, and that is what they proved to be in Rahimi. And so Roberts opinion in Rahimi basically neutered the strict Bruen originalist test.

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Lets start with the why part of the Bruen test. What the chief justice said in Rahimi was that historically legislative bodies had restricted gun use to mitigate demonstrated threats of physical violence. That from the earliest days of the common law, firearm regulations have included provisions barring people from misusing weapons to harm or menace others. And, for that reason, when an individual poses a clear threat of physical violence to another, the threatening individual may be disarmed.

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In other words, back then they regulated guns to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and to make sure weapons were not used to menace people or threaten physical violence, which makes regulations done for the same reason kosher in modern times. But isnt that the reason for many firearm regulations today? In justifying most of todays gun laws, that understanding of the why is not going to change much.

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The how part of the Bruen test required that the way a person is disarmed line up with similar methods from the founding era. In Rahimi, the majority relied on ancient surety laws for which, if you thought I was a threat to you, you could go to court and the court would make me put up a cash bond to guarantee I behaved. And it also relied on affray laws, which prohibited riding or going armed, with dangerous or unusual weapons, [to] terrify [] the good people of the land. The problem with this reasoning, of course, is that there was nothing remotely unusual about the weapons Rahimi was shooting irresponsibly all over the place. And he couldnt just post bond to get his guns backhe went to jail for having them at all. But the chief justices opinion in Rahimi said that that was close enough for government work.

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It turns out that sky blue is close enough to cobalt blue for these justices.

Related From Slate Why AOCs Effort to Impeach Alito and Thomas May Backfire Read More

Dont take our word for it that the chief justice took the sting out of Bruens originalism in Rahimi: Thomas was absolutely scathing in his extremely lengthy solo dissent, stating, Not a single historical regulation justifies the statute at issue. He, at least, could clearly see that any blue is not every blue. He understood that the majority had changed his Bruen originalism test instead of applying it.

So, in the end, Roberts majority Rahimi opinion mutated Bruen into a pragmatic means-ends analysis. You may recall that analysis from the time before Bruen. But this is where the agreement about how to apply originalism to gun laws among the five non-Thomas conservatives ended. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a long exegesis to explain the right way to use founding-era history and tradition, which apparently means looking at history long past the founding. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote to disagree vehemently with Kavanaugh that we can look past founding-era history but also adopted her own pragmatic view of how to read that history. And frankly, its not clear at all what Justice Neil Gorsuch was saying in his opinion, except to try to tell listeners that there was no real disagreement among them at all, even though the opposite was obviously true.

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Now, to be clear, what the five conservative justices in the majority in Rahimi did was not crazy. Quite the contrary. Why should we, having had more than 200 years to learn how to do things better, be stuck doing them exactly as they were done in the late 18th century? The Rahimi courts reasoning made sense, even if its treatment of originalism was a muddle.

Just dont go telling us anymore that there is some newfangled old way of interpreting the Constitution that will keep judges in their proper place. As with much of what the conservative justices did this term, they are making it up as they go along, in just the ways they want. And sure, they are calling it originalism, but even Clarence Thomas knows thats a lie.
It is easy to believe that there is only one way to imagine a Supreme Court, and also only one way for Supreme Court justices to interpret the law. The very insularity of the ongoing conversation about reforming the U.S. Supreme Court means believing that originalism is the one true path and that no constitutional court anywhere in the world has term limits or ethics rules. On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick speaks to one of the worlds most respected jurists, retired Canadian Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, who stepped down as a result of mandatory retirement requirements in Canada. Abella shared her view of the appropriate role of constitutional courts in a democracy and why the U.S. Supreme Courts annual flurry of opinions that are doomed to be lost to the news cycle is anything but inevitable. Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Rosalie Silberman Abella: There is a huge difference between courts that restrict rights and courts that expand them. I have never seen the role of a Supreme Court to take rights away. What does democracy mean? Democracy is multifaceted. It is not just about majoritieswhich, I think when you see the wave of populism, you see people clinging to The majority wants this or that. Well, that is a very important part of what democracy means, and there is an institution where those majority views are reflected. You vote for people based on what you want them to say and do, and they are in elected positions. So long as you decide, as a member of the public, that you want them there, you vote them in; you can vote them out. And their job, primarily, is to reflect majority views.

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Courts and judges have independence, and by that I mean youre there until youre 75 in Canada, and every Western democracy has either a term limit or an age limit on your tenure as a judge. The idea is to have one body that is not responsive to the public, not required to be popular, not required to be liked, not required to be agreed with in the protection of rights. There is nothing more contentious or controversial than the question of rights. People feel entitled to their rights. So you need a body that isnt going to worry about whether theyre going to lose their seats after four years if they dont do what the public wants. So abortion wasnt dealt with in Canada by the governments. Gay rights werent dealt with in Canada by the governments. A lot of very contentious areas werent dealt with by governments. And thats fine. I dont have any difficulty understanding that. There are people who say, Well, its not fair. Its really judicial activism, and you dont want judges doing that. Really?

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Then add in the role of the mediaits a three-legged stool, as far as Im concerned: legislatures responsive to majorities, independent courts, and a free press. An independent media is the mirrorfish dont know that waters wet. It tells us what we look like. Courts are responsive to the public interest but not to public opinion, because what does that mean, anyway? I hear that phrase all the time: What about public opinion? Well, youve got to tell me who the public is. Do you want judges taking polls to find out what to do? Should they put their finger in their air and see which way the wind is blowing? Or do you want them to make the best assessment based on the law, precedent, the arguments in front of you, and of course your sense of what you think is best for the country, genuinely best for the country in an altruistic way?

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Here, I come to the most important features of a judge: humility and compassion. You have to know this is not about you. This is about what you will look like in 10, 15, or 20 years. And compassion, because you have to see what the world looks like to the people in front of you, not top-down. If you dont understand what life is like for people who arent you, you cant be a good judge.

Dahlia Lithwick: I think that what youre describing as empathy and humility is understanding that you have to listen to other people. And when I think about whats missing in the current U.S. Supreme Court discourse, theres such a myopic sense of, at least some of the current majority, that My suffering is the suffering of the world, the suffering of white men is the suffering of the world, the suffering of those of us who are Christian.  Its such an insular way of looking at judging to say, I bring to my job the totality of my experience, and Im blinkered to everyone elses.

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All of that is true. And the worst part of what youre describing is an unwillingness to listen. Not just listen but listen with an open mind. I remember reading Walter Lippmanns book Public Opinion many years ago. He said: You have to learn to see first, and then define, rather than the other way around. And thats true because if you, as a judge, make up your mind first about what the issue is and what the answer is, then you are not open. You are not open to the arguments that youre going to hear, and that means youre going to impose your views on those arguments, and those arguments are going to take the shape of your views. That is a breach of the judicial function, in my view. Unless a judge walks into a courtroom, understanding that you really have to hear what both sides or all sides are saying, youre not doing your job. Why that matters in the democratic framework is that it breaks the checks-and-balances function. The legislature should be responsive to majorities, and the courts should be independent. The court should be finding out What does a constitution mean in this particular case? If the court is bringing its own version of what the truth is and not listening, then its not doing its job of actually checking the legislature. Its just bringing in another legislative function that it wants to impose without having to go back to the electorate for approval. Its a fake legislature when its not listening. Your job is to rise above what your own opinions are. Its a myth to suggest that judges dont have opinions. Of course we have them. But you have to walk into a courtroom knowing what your views are, understanding what your predilection is, and then actually listening to what theyre telling you and being open to having your mind changed.

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Were coming out of a U.S. Supreme Court term yet again in which I have to explain to listeners why they cant listen to audio of announcements on announcement day. Why we often dont even know which days will be opinion days until two days out. Why we are literally counting boxes in the press office to try to figure out if were getting three decisions or seven decisions. The salty analogy I keep using is that the U.S. Supreme Court is conducting itself like the girl that pops out of the cake at the birthday party back in the 1950s, where everything has to happen in the last 10 days and all the big decisions have to come out, but were not telling you when, and you have to just sit there and read all 200 pages of this opinion in the 10 minutes before you know the next one. Its insane. I would love for you to just explain how other constitutional courts in the Western world handle this with so much less not just drama, which is an affront to me, but with less of the air of exercising power for its own sake.

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Ive always been struck in the legal profession by the idea that the phrase Weve always done it this way is a valid rebuttal. I mean, that is not an answer. And one of the things that I am always struck by in the United Statesnot by everyone, but by manyis an unwillingness to look around the world and do a comparative analysis of what happens in other places. Its amazing to me how all the other Western Supreme Courts talk to each other, meet with each other, share each others jurisprudence, cite each others jurisprudence, because were all dealing essentially with universal problems. You can look to see what other places are doing, and you learn from it. I learned how not to think about equality by reading American case law. I read every single decision that had ever been written about the 14th Amendment to find myself saying, Oh, I dont like this. It reminds me of Isaiah Berlins line Theres no pearl without some irritation in the oyster? It made me think about what I did not like. So you always learn by looking at what other people do, but in the United States there seems to be a preternatural unwillingness to look at what other countries are doing because This is the way we do it, and we dont have anything to learn from anyone else, which is an odd way of thinking about judging, because is there really nothing you can learn, including what you dont want to impose in your own court?

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And no other courts do that?

No other court refuses to look at any other jurisprudence. And the jurisprudence of every single Western democracy is full of references to other courts jurisprudence, except we do not cite American constitutional jurisprudence anymoreand havent, I would say, for the last 20 years, really. I read it just because Im interested in it, but its not cited and its not followed by anyone. Canadas Supreme Courts jurisprudence is cited more than anyone elses. I remember Adam Liptak doing a piece about that in the New York Times, saying Canadas become the go-to court because, like every other Western democracy, our constitutional court understands the role of a Supreme Court as being to stay in touch with realities. Not to have your finger on the pulse all the time, because, as I said, public opinion is not the test, but just to know what the realities are and what is happening in the world around you and what other countries are doing. You can learn from each other. So what Canadas Supreme Court did in the early days was decide that the hearings should be not only public but on camera. And not only that; we let people know when decisions are coming out. And more than that, if its a really major decision, we invite the press the day before, to get a briefing from the executive legal officer who will explain the background of the case. The next day, they are invitedthey dont have tobut they are invited to come when the decision is released, 45 minutes to an hour before the decision is released, where the executive legal officer will walk you through the decision before it goes public. So they are on notice, briefed, and ready to go with a clear understanding.

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So Im not sitting on live television, flipping through a 300 page opinion, reading the headnotes? I am sobbing gently because it doesnt have to be a surprise.

If you understand the role of a court as being there for the public, we are only there for the public. Were not there for any of us. Youre there to do the job while youre there to do it. And if you think youre going to protect your role by keeping access from the public, rather than making it more possible for the public to be aware of what you do, they wont understand that youre there for them. Ive always wondered about this June flurry at SCOTUS because if I were a journalist, Id go out of my mind. These are very important decisions. Ours come out when they come out. We dont have this criterion of Lets save the best for last. But its their tradition and, as I say, theyre not open to change, and no one can tell them to change except them. I guess for them it works, but theyre not there for the public.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/deep-state-could-take-another-shot-at-trump---two-former-us-officials-1119453400.html

Deep State Could Take Another Shot at Trump - Two Former US Officials

Deep State Could Take Another Shot at Trump - Two Former US Officials

Sputnik International

Former CIA Analyst Ray McGovern and Former US Assistant Treasury Secretary Paul Craig Roberts both suspect the "deep state" is behind Trump's assassination attempt and that they may come for him again.

2024-07-22T00:21+0000

2024-07-22T00:21+0000

2024-07-22T15:35+0000

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Former US President and Republican nominee for president Donald Trump might not make it to the election, former CIA analyst and co-founder of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity Ray McGovern and former US Assistant Treasury Secretary Paul Craig Roberts speculated in separate interviews with Sputnik.Roberts expressed similar sentiments on Sunday. The real question is: will the deep state get away with its assassination attempt and will it attempt another?" Roberts said. "I expect that there will be more attempts on Trump's life.Roberts pointed out that they utilized multiple tactics to get rid of Trump before turning to assassination: "Russia-gate, two impeachments, porn star-gate, documents-gate, insurrection-gate and then 4 criminal indictments and several civil indictments."Crooks, the alleged deceased shooter, allegedly managed to get through security carrying a laser rangefinder and scaled a nearby building as onlookers attempted to warn police officers and Secret Service agents to no avail. Information from authorities has also been inconsistent, with initial reports saying Crooks carried his rifle with him, later reports said the gun was planted before the event.During live coverage of the shooting on US media, several eyewitnesses reported that they heard two shooters, with at least one mentioning a nearby water tower which has since become the subject of online speculation.The excuses for why the building was not covered have also been inconsistent. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle initially said that the local police were in charge of the building, an assertion state authorities have denied. Later, she claimed the roof was too steep to safely place an agent on it.Reports have also noted the Secret Service was made aware of Crooks anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before Trump was shot.Cheatle is scheduled to testify in front of Congress on Monday. Despite numerous calls from public officials, she has declined to resign from her post.Meanwhile, the US House Committee on Homeland Security has issued a subpoena to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding documents related to the security plan for the event. The letter says Mayorkas failed to properly satisfy our requests for documents and information regarding the security efforts related to the assassination attempt."In order to keep the public's focus off the attempted assassination, the Secret Service is being blamed for withholding sufficient resources necessary to protect Trump, argued Roberts. This focuses attention away from a plot to kill Trump and places it on the sufficiency of the Secret Service's budget and the appropriateness of its diversity, equity, and inclusion personnel policy."But Roberts does not think the investigation, even if run by Republicans, will vigorously search for the truth."The Republicans are likely to agree to sweep the intent issue under the rug in order to protect America's reputation," Roberts said, referring to the intentions of the deep state. "It wouldn't do to showcase the US as a country where presidents and would-be presidents are shot down by the opposition."McGovern notes the deep state had the means, motive and opportunity to take Trump.What better opportunity than a day or two right before the Republican National Committee nominates Trump? You get him before hes nominated. Theyre thrown into chaos and disarray call me a conspiracy theorist if you will, he added.McGovern noted the growing desperation of Trumps opponents as a contributing factor.On Tuesday, US media reported that US intelligence officials were concerned about an Iranian-funded attack against Trump, possibly on the eve of the election, but did not present any evidence and the sources cited remained anonymous. Iran vehemently denied the claim, calling them unsubstantiated and malicious.Veteran Tehran-based Iranian-American academic and international affairs observer Dr. Mohammad Marandi told Sputnik he doubts the claim and agreed that forces within the US government could be involved. We know that US intelligence always lies, he said.US officials, including US President Joe Biden and other Democrats, have been universal in their condemnation of the attack. However, since 2016, Democrats and left-leaning media outlets have falsely accused Donald Trump of being controlled by the Kremlin and called him an existential threat to democracy.Days before the assassination attempt, the Biden campaign released an ad accusing Trump of being the lapdog of Russian President Vladimir Putin.This is who Donald Trump is, a lapdog for a dictator who blames America first, the ad, which was pulled after the shooting, said dramatically. The United States must never be like Putins Russia; we dont empower dictators, we dont undermine freedom.In May, Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot five times in an assassination attempt. Like Trump, Ficos killer was determined to be a lone wolf. Like Trump, Fico spoke out against some NATO policies, particularly in Ukraine.It is a carbon copy scenario, Fico said of Trumps and his assassination attempts. Political opponents of Donald Trump are trying to imprison him, and when they dont succeed, they enrage the public so much that some poor bugger picks up a gun.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240714/us-secret-service-suspiciously-slow-in-protecting-trump--psyop-veteran-1119369439.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240715/secret-service-flags-rooftop-as-security-risk-days-before-gunman-targets-trump---reports-1119379394.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240721/future-trump-rallies-to-be-held-indoor-after-assassination-attempt---reports-1119451162.html

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trump's assassination attempt, deep state vs trump, who shot trump, was there a second shooter?
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/harris-put-on-collision-course-with-jill-biden-at-democratic-convention-paris-olympics-1119463673.html

Harris Put on Collision Course With Jill Biden at Democratic Convention, Paris Olympics

Harris Put on Collision Course With Jill Biden at Democratic Convention, Paris Olympics

Sputnik International

Kamala Harris and Jill Biden are on a collision course over whether and when Joe Biden may leave office, given the question of who will be the Dem 2024 candidate and who will lead the US delegation to the Olympic Games in Paris.

2024-07-22T21:36+0000

2024-07-22T21:36+0000

2024-07-22T21:35+0000

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us

joe biden

kamala harris

charles ortel

paris

chicago

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25th amendment

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Biden announced on Sunday that he was ending his bid to run for a second four-year presidential term in November and separately endorsed Harris as his successor. However, Biden said he would remain president for the remainder of his term. Widespread reports in the US media suggest Harris has negligible support among Democratic party leaders or rank-and-file members, as well as among supporters. Biden also announced he had contracted COVID-19 but only after his disastrous performance against Republican challenger Donald Trump in their presidential debate earlier this month, when demands to withdraw from the election and resign from office grew louder. Even the usually very supportive US corporate media has raised skepticism that Biden, 81, is not cognitively and physically up to perform his duties. Harris-Biden RiftPolitical analyst Charles Ortel said Republican leaders in both chambers of Congress were already discussing invoking the 25th Amendment and pressing for Biden to stand down completely and immediately from the Oval Office given the logic that if he is not able to campaign due to cognitive and physical deficiencies, he is also not able to perform his duties as president. Jill Biden will also want her husband to stay in power at least for the next month because she is determined to lead the US delegation to the Olympic Games in person, Ortel said. "Perhaps Jill Biden will carry through with her plan to lead the American delegation to the Paris Olympics. But the Bidens will not remain much longer as occupants of the White House," Ortel said. However, Harris would be determined to preside over anticipated American glory at the Olympics instead of the first lady, he said. "Kamala Harris (and her backers) will want the pageantry and records [at the Paris Olympics] set by her succession," Ortel said. Lame Duck LeaderHowever, even if Harris took over quickly, she would widely be seen as a lame duck leader with no significant power base of her own and no control over the open convention that will convene in Chicago later next month, Ortel pointed out. "Democrats will then struggle to select and win confirmation in the House and Senate for her [Harris'] choice to be vice president," Ortel said, adding that Democrats will be incapable of keeping their convention united and orderly to impress and reassure the American people.He further noted Harris' mediocre record as vice president does not bode well for her coming interregnum as his successor, Ortel added. Crippling HandicapsEconomic analyst and columnist Alan Tonelson agreed that Biden, who had fought hard to keep his campaign going, had delayed his withdrawal announcement until a moment that has caused maximum confusion and embarrassment for his Democratic party. "The Biden withdrawal with only a month left before his party's nominating convention looks like a major net minus for the Democrats," Tonelson said. Biden's late announcement guaranteed that whomever the convention chose to succeed him would start their campaign late and under crippling handicaps, he said. The analyst commented that the only hope Democrats now have is that Trump might say something embarrassing or disastrous to discredit himself at the last moment. "Trump remains such an erratic figure that it's entirely conceivable that he could snatch defeat from the jaws of likely victory. But that possibility seems to be the Democrats' only real hope of retaining the White House," Tonelson added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/no-sympathy-for-biden-1119462421.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240107/biden-mocked-after-first-lady-escorts-him-offstage-like-a-child-1116038521.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/netanyahu-may-delay-gaza-talks-until-us-presidential-election-in-november---reports-1119454375.html

Netanyahu May Delay Gaza Talks Until US Presidential Election in November - Reports

Netanyahu May Delay Gaza Talks Until US Presidential Election in November - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel may delay talks with the Palestinian movement Hamas until the US Presidential election in November, hoping for a more favorable view in Washington after the election.

2024-07-22T03:08+0000

2024-07-22T03:08+0000

2024-07-22T03:08+0000

world

benjamin netanyahu

joe biden

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"Our assessment is that Netanyahu wants to buy time until the November election," the diplomat was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Netanyahu may also delay the talks in an attempt to appease the far-right members of the government or in the belief that Hamas is now too weakened, the report said on Sunday. At the same time, the Israeli prime minister may believe that after the election, he will be able to avoid the pressure that incumbent US President Joe Biden is putting on him to stop the armed conflict in the Gaza Strip, the report added. In addition, Netanyahu expects that Trump will take a softer stance toward Israel, and a tougher one toward Iran and its proxies, in particular, Lebanese movement Hezbollah. On Sunday, Netanyahu's office said that Israeli negotiators will continue discussions with mediators on the Gaza ceasefire deal on Thursday.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240716/israel-used-us-made-missiles-and-bombs-in-deadly-gaza-school-strike-1119391395.html

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Pastor Sushil Kumarand his wife rose at 3 a.m. on July 8 in their village in northern India as always to pray. They came out of their house 90 minutes later to find their 22-year-old sons body hanging from the bamboo ceiling of a nearby animal shed.

Nilesh Kumar had been tortured and strangled to death in Satpura village, Arwal District in Bihar state, Pastor Kumar said. A medical examination concluded that the attackers broke his arms before strangling him. They later tied a cloth around his neck and hung his body to portray it as a suicide, the pastor said.

Our hearts are engulfed with grief at the kind of torture he went through before his last breath, Pastor Kumar said.

Manohar Sharma, suspected along with accomplices of the murder, has been arrested and investigations are underway. He had fought with Nilesh Kumar two years prior for daring as a lower-caste Christian to object to the higher-caste Hindu crossing his yard where cow dung had just been spread according to local practice, the pastor said.

After finding his sons body, Pastor Kumar and his wife Ravita Devi wept and wailed so much that day that they lost consciousness by evening, a fellow pastor said.

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Their condition was so bad that we had to call for an ambulance and send them to the district hospital, said Pastor Pintoo Kumar, adding that their condition was so severe that a doctor decided to hospitalize them.

He and other Christians arranged a burial service on the night of July 8. The grieving parents were discharged from the hospital on July 10.

Nilesh Kumar was sleeping alone when he was attacked and killed, his father said. As the family had no mobile phone signal at their house, Nilesh Kumar would sleep at a distance in a veranda where there was a signal.

The family last saw him at 8 p.m. on July 7 at dinner. The time of death was estimated at about midnight.

Police registered a First Information Report for murder against Sharma and accomplices, omitting any religious motive, though Pastor Kumar said rage over Nilesh Kumars faith was a factor. The family was the first to convert from Hinduism in the village 22 years ago.

Two years ago, Nilesh Kumar had objected to Sharma crossing over their yard that his mother had freshly smeared with cow dung, the pastor said.

Reviling him for being of a lower caste and for accepting Christ, Sharma rebuked him for talking to him with such impudence, Pastor Kumar said. Since then, Sharma and his Hindu friends had threatened the Kumar family, leading to Sadar police arresting and jailing Sharma on Pastor Kumars complaint that he regularly threatened to kill his son.

Sharma had been released on bail after one month, and the case was still pending, the pastor said. Since then, Sharma never missed an opportunity to threaten Nilesh Kumar, though the Christian believed his desire for revenge had subsided, Pastor Kumar said.

Nilesh had gotten used to it, he said. He was growing into a responsible Christian. He had just returned from a youth camp and was very excited about it. We could have never imagined that for a trivial matter as such, and two years later, Manohar would kill our son for revenge.

Pastor Kumar said that if they were still Hindus, the entire village would have intervened in the squabble of two years ago and asked Sharma to stop overreacting.

Nobody intervened for us; our lives do not matter to the Hindus, he said, in tears.

His son faced scorn, ostracism and intentional targeting since childhood for being a Christian.

The boys of the village teased him by addressing him, Hey hallelujah, come here, Pastor Kumar said, describing opposition that his entire family faced. We became vulnerable targets. The villagers knew that we were in the minority; we had no one to stand with us.

Pastor Kumar has agricultural land and livestock to sustain the family. There are four other Christian families in the village, and they attend his church.

Nilesh Kumar is also survived by two sisters, ages 12 and 17.

But our lives will never be the same without Nilesh, said Kumar requesting prayer. He is gone too soon, and we did not get to say our last goodbye.

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

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




https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/no-sympathy-for-biden-1119462421.html

No Sympathy for Biden

No Sympathy for Biden

Sputnik International

Poor Joe. No, poor us. Poor United States. Poor Democratic Party.

2024-07-22T20:04+0000

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Weve been suckered. While we were fearfully obsessing over the ethically-challenged Donald Trump, a much more talented grifterJoe Biden along with his hidden passel of co-conspiratorsconned the electorate, the news media and most of his own partys leaders out of the American presidency.The Bidenite scam sounds like a fourth entry in Alan J. Pakulas paranoia trilogy of 1970s political thrillers.A populist socialist senator takes an early lead in the 2020 primaries. Ruling-class elites panic. Who can stop him? Alarmed party bosses and their mouthpieces in the corporate media recruit an unlikely centrist champion to take him on: the oldest person ever to run for president, a washed-up hack who came in fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire. Even more worrisome, the elderly man presents with signs of dementia. He campaigned unevenly and delivered uncomfortably meandering performances at the debates that often worsened as each debate dragged on, a major national political magazine pundit observes.A 19th century-style boss who controls a chunk of the Black vote yanks his secret levers of power: just before Super Tuesday, several of the younger candidates drop out and simultaneously endorse the demented old man. Rarely, if ever, have opponents joined forces so dramatically, the New York Times reports. A narrowed field and the Black bloc finishes the hit. The socialist drops out a month later.The dementia problem remains.A leftist columnist (cough cough) argues in March 2020 that the emperor has no brain (Biden obviously has dementia and should withdraw from the race); right-wingers agree. They are ignored by the media, the vast majority of whom live deep inside the mushy, muddled, moderate middle where common sense goes to die. 40% of voters (including 20% of Democrats) tell a June 2020 Rasmussen Reports poll they think Biden suffers from dementia. They are called victims of Republican disinformation.To the party elitesthe DNC, congressional leaders like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, media allies such as the Times op-ed page and MSNBCs Joe ScarboroughBidens diminished mental acuity is a feature, not a bug.Never the fastest car in the showroom to begin with, nor possessed of a strong moral center, the enfeebled Democratic nominee will say and do pretty much anything they want. All the scammers have to do now is get Biden into the White House without the voters figuring out that he isnt all there.With the Democratic nomination nailed down, Bidens co-conspirators receive a gift from the gods: the Covid-19 pandemic prompts incumbent President Donald Trump into ordering a national lockdown. 2020 becomes a campaign like no otherone perfect for a Biden who cant campaign or speak extemporaneously.No rallies. No press conferences. No town halls. No unscripted interviews. Everybody says, you know, Bidens hiding. Well, let me tell you something, were doing very well. Were following the guidelines of the medical profession, Biden explains.Biden spends the campaign in his Delaware basement, reading prepared speeches to a TV camera. On election night, he acknowledges his win against Trump remotely to a parking lot full of socially-distanced cars.The Bidenite plot is breathtakingly audacious. For the next four yearsa timespan as long as Americas involvement in World War IIBidens puppeteers will keep on hiding him. A hidden junta will disguise, deflect and distract from the mental condition of the president of the United States, the most powerful political leader on the planet holding an office that calls for countless public appearances, gaslighting like crazy while they call the shots. This digital Potemkin presidency will be propped up by teleprompters, even in intimate private fundraisers with big donors, fake interviews in which reporters are spoon-fed questions that Biden responds to by reading prepared text, and pompous accusations of ageism fired at skeptics.It was a ridiculous scheme, carried out in plain sight. And it worked. Biden gave hardly any press conferences or interviews. A minute cabal of staff and family members kept the president, like a hostage, in a bubble. Bidens closest aidesoften led by Jill Bidens top aide, Anthony Bernal [a thuggish figure nicknamed Bidens Rasputin by insiders], and deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasinitook steps early in his term to essentially rope off the president, Axios would report after Bidens 2024 debate performance revealed his mental condition. Even the White House residence staff hardly ever saw him.Reality, however, intruded. In 2021, Biden said he had discussed the Jan. 6th Capitol riot with German chancellor Helmut Kohl, who died in 2017. He also confused French President Emmanuel Macron with his predecessor Francois Mitterrand, who died in 1996: Mitterrand from GermanyI mean, from Francelooked at me and said, You know, what...whyhow long you back for? He called out for a Congressional ally at a rallya woman who had died a month earlier in a widely-reported car crash and whose family had received a condolence call from him: Jackie, are you here? Wheres Jackie?, he asked. She was going to be here. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said in 2023, was clearly losing the war in Iraq. He more recently introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Putin.Voters noticed. An August 2023 AP-NORC poll found 69% of Democrats (and 89% of Republicans) thought Biden was too old to run for reelection. The press kept covering.The ruse fell apart twice.First came Bidens hubristic quest for a second term. Had Biden kept his implicit promise to serve only four years before passing the torch, media and voter attention would have been focused on the Democrats who wanted to succeed him, including Vice President Kamala Harris. As with Ronald Reagans last few years in office, Bidens mental diminishment would have been tacitly understood as a temporary problem. The crisis were currently facing is as if Reagan had run in 1988, asking for four more years and making lame excuseshe has a cold, he has jet lag, he stutterswhile visibly suffering from Alzheimers.Second, not sticking to the plan. Once underway and committed to a reelection campaign, Operation Hidin Bidens control team ought to have refused to debate Trump. Debates arent mandatory; the excuse that Trump was a contemptable convicted felon and insurrectionist would have gotten journalists off Bidens back. Clearly a big part of Biden World got spooked by low pollslow because citizens like to see their presidents. So, to prove to the world that they were right and that voters should no longer believe their lying eyes, panicked Democrats foolishly demanded an early, high-profile debate that, with the benefit of hindsight included rules that hurt Biden. Democrats should have wanted Trump to talk over Biden. They should have asked for a big, noisy, disruptive audience to drown out Bidens rambling, confused, word salad.They crossed their fingers and hoped for the best and prayed Joe would have one last good day. As anyone experienced with dementia patients can tellmy mom died of Alzheimersthere comes a time when the last good day is in the past. Biden has been there for quite some time.I look forward to reading the first solid tell-all book about this debacle. Congressional Republicans have signaled they plan to investigate Bidens physical and mental health. The legislative branch must exercise its constitutional oversight powers to find out how it happened and who is responsible.But, lets be something the president cant be: clear. Joe Biden and the people behind him do not deserve our sympathy. Save your pity for we, the people of the United States.Biden was elected under false pretenses. He was president*, not President. We dont know who really made the big decisions in the White House.This is not how democracy or representative government work. BidenGate was the co-option of a major political party, a coup detat and an insidious attack that the American people couldnt defend themselves against because they never knew it happened. A stooge was installed, so perfectly ironically, by those who loudly claimed to be defending democracy from a wannabe fascist. The Democratic Party traitors who carried out and knew about this obscenity should be held legally and politically accountable.(Ted Rall (Twitter: @tedrall), the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, co-hosts the left-vs-right DMZ America podcast with fellow cartoonist Scott Stantis. His latest book, brand-new right now, is the graphic novel 2024: Revisited.)

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/ukraine-loses-up-to-620-soldiers-in-clashes-with-russias-battlegroup-yug---mod-1119457797.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 620 Soldiers in Clashes With Russia's Battlegroup Yug - MoD

Ukraine Loses Up to 620 Soldiers in Clashes With Russia's Battlegroup Yug - MoD

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 620 soldiers in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Yug in the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Monday.

2024-07-22T11:03+0000

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russia's special operation in ukraine

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kiev

russian ministry of defense

ministry of defense (mod)

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russian army

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"The enemy lost up to 620 servicepeople, two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers and five vehicles," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the group has also repelled two attacks by Ukrainian troops. Ukraine also lost up to 520 soldiers and a Leopard tank in battles with Russias Battlegroup Zapad, the ministry said, adding that the group repelled two counterattacks. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr repelled six Ukrainian counterattacks and Kiev lost up to 335 soldiers in this area, the ministry said, adding that Kiev lost up to 270 soldiers in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Sever. Additionally, Kiev lost up to 110 soldiers in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, the ministry said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/who-are-kamala-harris-apparent-puppeteers-1119461291.html

Who Are Kamala Harris' Apparent Puppeteers?

Who Are Kamala Harris' Apparent Puppeteers?

Sputnik International

Alex Soros, the son and heir of the Democratic Party's longtime donor George Soros, was quick to endorse Harris for president after Joe Biden dropped out.

2024-07-22T17:05+0000

2024-07-22T17:05+0000

2024-07-22T19:22+0000

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americas

kamala harris

hillary clinton

joe biden

california

democrats

george soros

open society foundations

2024 us presidential election

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After Alex Soros endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidency on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted: "Id just like to thank Alexander Soros for not keeping everyone in suspense about who the next puppet would be."Harris has been repeatedly called a part of "cabal", a "deep state" creature who allegedly advanced her career through nepotism. Influence Watch, a project launched by DC-based think tank Capital Research Center, refers to media criticism of Harris' affair with then-Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown, who reportedly promoted her to top positions in the 1990s.The watchdog particularly quoted the San Francisco Chronicle that claimed that Harris had long been beholden to Brown, who used to be one of the most powerful politicians in California for almost three decades.Despite her rapid rise to power, Kamala's ambitions often exceeded her abilities, the newspaper noted, adding that she didn't excel in her job as an attorney general, failed to establish herself as a US senator, and had a botched presidential campaign in 2020 which ended quickly due to lack of funds and popularity.This time, however, a number of liberal donors and political heavyweights have signaled their support to her. Besides Alex Soros, Wall Street executive Marc Lasry and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman have endorsed Harris for president. Hoffmann might donate over $10 million to her campaign, as per CNBC. Harris has already raised over $60 million and is due to get access to Biden's $95+ million "war chest."Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also rushed to throw their weight behind Harris. In February 2023, Hillary was quoted as saying in private that Harris lacked the "political instincts" to win a Democratic primary. Still, the Clinton entourage claims that Hillary and Kamala have a strong bond. The New York Times reported in December 2021 that Harris regularly sought Clinton's counsel after becoming Biden's veep.It appears that the Clintons and the Soroses are seeking to become "queen-makers" by pushing ahead with Kamala's candidacy. Former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard recently slammed Harris for being the "maidservant of queen of warmongers" Hillary Clinton and a "new figurehead for the deep state".Meanwhile, a number of top Democrats and wealthy liberal donors, including Stewart Bainum Jr., remain skeptical about Harris' chances of winning the 2024 presidential election. Former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are yet to endorse her, while some Democrats propose holding a mini-primary before the August 19 convention or are calling for an open nomination process.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/why-hillary-clinton-doubts-kamala-harris-can-make-it-to-the-white-house-in-2024-1107052689.html

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alex soros endorsed kamala harris, hillary clinton endorsed kamala harris, nepotism, joe biden dropped out, hillary and bill clinton, george soros, obama has not endorsed harris yet, liberal donors skeptical about harris' chances of winning
Unbeaten two-year-old pacing filly Justine Ray crushed her competition with a 9-1/2-length romp in the opening round of the Future Stars Series at Hippodrome 3R on Sunday, July 21.

Justine Ray won the lone $10,000 filly division in the first of three preliminary rounds leading towards the $55,000 final at 3R on Super Sunday, Sept. 8.

From the start it was all Justine Ray as driver Pascal Berube left hard with the filly who started from post five and had the lead at the heading into the first turn. She cut fractions of :29.4, 1:01.1 and 1:32 to the three-quarters, continuing to widen her lead. By the top of the stretch, Justine Ray was up by six lengths, kicked in a :28.1 last quarter-mile and won in a romp by 9-1/2 lengths in 2:00.1. Coeuratout De Lac (Pierre-Luc Roy) was a distant second with Myvaliam (William Roy) third.

Justine Ray established a new lifetime mark in her third career win. The daughter of Shadow Play is trained by Yves St. Jacques for owner Michel Letendre of Saint-Jude, Que. She paid $3.60 to win as the race favourite. Justine Ray is out of the dam Woes Jet City and is a full sister to $448,645 winner Play Jet Ray and a half sister to $114,742 winner Sportjet Ray.

The $10,000 division for the pacing colts had only four horses entered and was held as a non-wagering race. Winchester Phoenix, with driver Stephane Brosseau, led from start to finish with fractions of :30.3, 1:01.3 and 1:32.2 to three-quarters. He then tore loose from the field, winning in a romp by 9-1/2 lengths in 2:03. Koz Im Doc (Robert Shepherd) was second with Greattime Bayama (Yves Filion) third.

Winchester Phoenix scored the maiden-breaking victory in his second career start. The Bettors Delight-Giggle Hanover colt is trained by Dominic Gladu for Quebec owners Francis Dupuis, Les Ecuries Phoenix, Ronald Kelly and Serge Leonard.

Twin B Powerball ($3) and driver Robert Shepherd won the $6,500 Preferred Handicap Pace by one length in 1:55 in the fastest mile of the afternoon for trainer David Pilon. In the matching Preferred Handicap Pace for the fillies and mares, the Michel Allard-trained Rec Time ($5.20), driven by Denis St. Pierre, held off her determined stablemate YS Sensationalcity (William Roy) by a neck in 1:56.4. The win was Rec Times second in a row at 3R.

Robert Shepherd scored a driving triple on Sunday. Both Stephane Brosseau and Pascal Berube had driving doubles while Louis-Philippe Turcotte had a training double.

Drivers not frequently in the spotlight made their presence felt at Nouvelle on Saturday afternoon on the Quebec Regional Fair Circuit. Johanne Dechamplain made her fourth lifetime winning drive memorable by guiding American Zestar to a Nouvelle track record 3:00.2 for 1 1/2 miles, breaking the 17-year-old mark of 3:04.4 by Chilito Hanover.

In the amateur drivers event for males, Patrice Dumas got his first win in 39 starts over 12 years with Keystone Prestige in 2:02. The female amateurs provided the fastest mile of the day, 2:00.3, when CL Big Beach necked out Welladvertised in 2:00.3. The winning driver was Nancy Auger, who is a remarkable 26-for-53 in her driving career.

Antoine Desrochers, who had driven four winners in 2024 racing exclusively at 3R, went to Nouvelle and promptly doubled his seasonal total.

Live harness racing resumes at 3R next Friday, July 26 with first race post time at 4 p.m. The second round of the Breeders Trophy Series for three-year-old trotters will be the featured event.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.

(With files from Quebec Jockey Club)
The Sunday night, July 21 program at Running Aces featured two $27,397 eliminations for the 2024 Dan Patch Free-For-All Pace, which produced very exciting races and resulted in a brand new overall track record.

Tuggin On My Heart and Aces newcomer Muskateer Hanover were both heavily backed at the windows at 6-5, with the latter going off as the slight favourite when the bell rang for the second elimination. They were the fastest pair off the gate with Tuggin On My Heart and Jacob Cutting asserting themselves from post five to take early control while Brady Jenson and Muskateer Hanover secured the pocket and No Lou Zing (Mooney Svendsen) landed in third through an opening panel in :26.4.

Tuggin On My Heart was a comfortable leader through the middle fractions of :55 and 1:22.1 and had the field stacked up on the far turn as No Lou Zing offered a first-over attack and Crooked Smile (Todd Warren) followed his cover.

In the homestretch, Tuggin On My Heart continued to pace strong, but Muskateer Hanover was loaded in the pocket and when Jenson tipped him out into the center of the track, he posted a tremendous surge to take the lead and draw clear for a 1-1/4 length victory, stopping the timer in 1:49.1 to become the fastest horse ever at Running Aces. Crooked Smile rallied past No Lou Zing late to pick up third money.

Trained by Jenson, the winner is a four-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou and out of the Bettors Delight mare, Marinade Hanover. He was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and is owned by Mulligan Stables and Calcutta Stable.

The track record mile was also a new career mark for Muskateer Hanover ($4.60), who now has 12 career wins and earnings topping the $300,000 mark.

The previous track mark of 1:49.2 was recorded in 2023 by both American Dreamer and Crooked Smile.

Macs Marvel and Luke Plano pulled off a 7-1 upset in the first elimination heat, posting an impressive first-over trip to track down pacesetter and race favourite Hezzz A Wise Sky in a 1:50.4 clocking.

Hezzz A Wise Sky (Dean Magee) battled with PD The Big Easy (James Kennedy) early before taking control near the fast :26.2 quarter-mile checkpoint and was well settled on the lead as they ripped off a half in a scorching :54.1 while PD The Big Easy rode in the pocket.

Macs Marvel launched his attack as they headed down the backside and methodically marched up alongside the leaders as they rounded the far turn and recorded 1:22.4 for three panels.

Hezzz A Wise Sky braced for the challenge in the lane and battled gamely, but Macs Marvel got the upper hand late and edged past to capture victory by a half-length. PD The Big Easy held third and Ynotthishos (Nick Roland) was home in fourth.

Macs Marvel ($16.80) is a five-year-old son of Captaintreacherous, owned by Jose Cervantes and Terrence Smith and trained by Williams Hernandez. He now has 17 career wins and earnings of more than $240,000.

Topville Rocknluck, who was the fastest fifth-place finisher (1:51.2) will join the top four finishers from each elimination to comprise the field for the $50,000 USD Dan Patch FFA final next Sunday, July 28.

Al Mar Spicey Talk and Mooney Svendsen pulled off one of the biggest upset wins of the Aces season with a three-length tally in the $21,233 Open Handicap Trot.

Travelling in fifth early from post three, Svendsen waited patiently while Susies Sister (James Lackey), heavy favourite Domovoy (Jacob Cutting) and Winnerup (Nick Roland) battled for the top through the first three-quarters of a mile. After following cover behind Winnerup, Al Mar Spicey Talk tipped out near the top of the stretch and quickly surged to the lead and drew clear in the lane to post a career-best win in 1:55.1. Toccoa Fall (Williams Hernandez) finished second and Yo Lucky Moni (Luke Plano) was third.

The winner is a seven-year-old son of Money Talks, owned by Joshua Horvat and is trained by Katie Horvat. Al Mar Spicey Talk ($67.20) now has 13 career wins with earnings of more than $145,000.

Brady Jenson led the Sunday program with four driving wins and three training wins while Elson Miller posted a driving and training double.

Live harness racing returns to Running Aces on Tuesday, July 23 for a special Christmas in July night at the races, which will benefit Toys For Joy. First post is set for 6 p.m. (CDT).

Running Aces management, in partnership with the USTA's Strategic Wagering Program, have issued an instant guarantee of $10,000 for Tuesday night's early Pick-4 wager, which has a carryover of $3,070 and starts in Race 1. The late Pick-4 wager, which starts in Race 5, also has a guarantee of $3,000.

(Running Aces)
The second leg of Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) for two-year-old pacers was contested on Sunday, July 21 at MGM Northfield Park. Four $89,041 divisions were contested -- two for the colts and two for the fillies. Three of the four divisions were won by undefeated freshmen.

Odds On Hialeah stayed perfect in the first division for filly pacers. The daughter of Lather Up won by a neck from first-over in 1:54.3 to improve to three-for-three. Dan Noble drove the winner for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and Odds On Racing. Witching Blue Chip (Trevor Smith) was second with Queen Of Fear (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) third.

In the second division, Prolific Fire scored her first career victory in 1:57. Driven by Austin Hanners, the Catch The Fire filly set fractions in :27.2, :57.4 and 1:27.3 en route to the one-length victory. Todd Luther trains the three-time starter for Greg Luther Racing. Sectionline Flame (Noble) held on for second while Rose Run Ashlee (Chris Page) finished third.

Page and Ron Burke teamed up to take both divisions of freshman colt pacers.

Confident after wins in the Next Generation and the first OHSS leg at Scioto Downs, Swingtown (pictured above) scored impressively in 1:52.1. Page and the son of Downbytheseaside went charging to challenge the leaders while heading toward the half. Swingtown grabbed the lead and never looked back, scoring by 1-1/2 lengths over Pants On Fire (Wrenn) and My First Fire (Hanners). Remaining undefeated in three lifetime starts, the colt is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and R A S Racing.

Rick Wink won the second division in 1:54.1 by 4-1/2 lengths. The Bit Of A Legend N colt briefly let the dust settle before Page urged him two-wide to take control. Rick Wink cruised across the finish line for an easy victory ahead of Spiritshappyending (Tyler Smith) and Fabio Hanover (Wrenn). The colt with three wins in as many tries is owned by Burke Racing Stable, R A S Racing, Knox Services and J&T Silva.

Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes on Wednesday, July 24 at Northfield Park with the second leg for two-year-old filly trotters.

(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)
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Credit: AP Illustration/Jenni Sohn

"Scaling up" is a catchphrase in the artificial intelligence industry as tech companies rush to improve their AI systems with ever-bigger sets of internet data.

It's also a red flag for Mozilla's Abeba Birhane, an AI expert who for years has challenged the values and practices of her field and the influence it's having on the world.

Her latest research finds that scaling up on online data used to train popular AI image-generator tools is disproportionately resulting in racist outputs, especially against Black men.

Birhane is a senior adviser in AI accountability at the Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit parent organization of the free software company that runs the Firefox web browser. Raised in Ethiopia and living in Ireland, she's also an adjunct assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin.

Her interview with The Associated Press has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How did you get started in the AI field?

A: I'm a cognitive scientist by training. Cog sci doesn't have its own department wherever you are studying it. So where I studied, it was under computer science. I was placed in a lab full of machine learners. They were doing so much amazing stuff and nobody was paying attention to the data. I found that very amusing and also very interesting because I thought data was one of the most important components to the success of your model. But I found it weird that people don't pay that much attention or time asking, 'What's in my dataset?' That's how I got interested in this space. And then eventually, I started doing audits of large scale datasets.

Q: Can you talk about your work on the ethical foundations of AI?

A: Everybody has a view about what machine learning is about. So machine learnerspeople from the AI communitytell you that it doesn't have a value. It's just maths, it's objective, it's neutral and so on. Whereas scholars in the social sciences tell you that, just like any technology, machine learning encodes the values of those that are fueling it. So what we did was we systematically studied a hundred of the most influential machine learning papers to actually find out what the field cares about and to do it in a very rigorous way.

A: And one of those values was scaling up?

Q: Scale is considered the holy grail of success. You have researchers coming from big companies like DeepMind, Google and Meta, claiming that scale beats noise and scale cancels noise. The idea is that as you scale up, everything in your dataset should kind of even out, should kind of balance itself out. And you should end up with something like a normal distribution or something closer to the ground truth. That's the idea.

Q: But your research has explored how scaling up can lead to harm. What are some of them?

A: At least when it comes to hateful content or toxicity and so on, scaling these datasets also scales the problems that they contain. More specifically, in the context of our study, scaling datasets also scales up hateful content in the dataset. We measured the amount of hateful content in two datasets. Hateful content, targeted content and aggressive content increased as the dataset was scaled from 400 million to 2 billion. That was a very conclusive finding that shows that scaling laws don't really hold up when it comes to training data. (In another paper) we found that darker-skinned women, and men in particular, tend to be allocated the labels of suspicious person or criminal at a much higher rate.

Q: How hopeful or confident are you that the AI industry will make the changes you've proposed?

A: These are not just pure mathematical, technical outputs. They're also tools that shape society, that influence society. The recommendations are that we also incentivize and pay attention to values such as justice, fairness, privacy and so on. My honest answer is that I have zero confidence that the industry will take our recommendations. They have never taken any recommendations like this that actually encourage them to take these societal issues seriously. They probably never will. Corporations and big companies tend to act when it's legally required. We need a very strong, enforceable regulation. They also react to public outrage and public awareness. If it gets to a state where their reputation is damaged, they tend to make change.

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

In what will go down as the most spectacular IT failure the world has ever seen, a botched software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. crashed countless Microsoft Windows computer systems around the world on July 19.

Microsoft Corp. and CrowdStrike have rolled out fixes, and systems are gradually being restored. But for several hours, bankers in Hong Kong, doctors in the UK and emergency responders in New Hampshire found themselves locked out of programs critical to keeping their operations afloat. Some businesses are facing the prospect of continued disruptions as the restoration process is, in some cases, requiring tech workers to manually reboot systems and remove faulty files.

"This is unprecedented," said Alan Woodward, professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University. "The economic impact is going to be huge."

The catastrophic failure underscores an increasingly dire threat to global supply chains: The IT systems of some of the world's biggest and most critical industries have grown heavily dependent on a handful of relatively obscure software vendors, which are now emerging as single points of failure. In recent months, hackers have exploited this phenomenon, targeting vendors to bring down entire sectors and governments.

Adding to the disruption, Microsoft experienced a separate and apparently unrelated problem with its Azure cloud service on Thursday that lasted for several hours. On Friday afternoon, the company said in a post on X that all Microsoft 365 apps and services had been restored.

By Friday morning in New York, many systems were coming back online.

CrowdStrike Chief Executive Officer George Kurtz said in a pre-6 a.m. post on X that the fault had been identified and the company had deployed a "fix." It requires rebooting Windows machines and removing bad files, a very manual process typically performed by information technology professionals with administrative permissions. Many of those IT specialists faced challenges in carrying out those tasks remotely while Windows was crashing.

Shares of CrowdStrike dropped 11% to $304.96 in New York trading, wiping out more than $9 billion in market value. It was their biggest single-day decline since November 2022. Microsoft shares fell less than 1% to $437.11.

There have been outages before, but none that approached the scale of CrowdStrike's, which hit airlines, banks and health-care systems, and whose repercussions are still being felt. In 2017, a series of errors within Amazon.com Inc.'s cloud service affected the operation of tens of thousands of websites. In 2021, issues at content delivery network Fastly Inc. took out the websites of several media networks, including Bloomberg News. Disruptions also incapacitated Amazon's AWS cloud service.

"This will be the largest IT outage in history," said Troy Hunt, an Australian security consultant and creator of the hack-checking website Have I Been Pwned. "We're really only starting to see the tip of the iceberg."

As businesses work to restore their systems, meanwhile, hackers have already found an opportunity for scams in the form of hastily created websites that claim to offer restoration services for machines brought down by the CrowdStrike crash.

Airlines

Airport hubs from Berlin to Delhi struggled with delays, cancellations and stranded passengers at a time that was already particularly busy for travel. FlightAware said more than 21,000 flights were slowed globally, and travel disruptions were expected to stretch into the coming days.

United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. gradually resumed operations on Friday. Other U.S. carriers that had temporarily grounded flights included American Airlines Group Inc. and Spirit Airlines Inc., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Finance

The London Stock Exchange Group has resolved an issue that stopped the bourse from publishing news on its website via RNS, a service that publicly traded companies use to distribute price-sensitive regulatory announcements.

A number of financial institutions were forced to revert to backup systems during the IT failure. Bankers at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Nomura Holdings Inc. and Bank of America Corp. were unable to log on for part of the day on Friday, and the trading desk at Haitong Securities Co. was out of action for about three hours.

Thousands of JPMorgan Chase ATMs were down as well due to the CrowdStrike crash, Bloomberg reported. Some teller stations also weren't working. The majority of the bank's ATMs were operational as of late Friday in the U.S., according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the details haven't been publicly disclosed.

Health

The disruptions also impacted critical infrastructure, including emergency services.

Doctors at the UK's National Health Service couldn't access scans, blood tests and patient histories. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Boston-based Mass General Brigham warned that the CrowdStrike issue was affecting patient care. Hospitals in Europe reported having to close clinics and cancel procedures.

New York's 911 and emergency systems were also impacted. New Hampshire's emergency 911 services are functioning again after a failure in which operators could see calls coming in but couldn't answer them.

Automakers

Renault was forced to halt production in the afternoon at its Maubeuge plant (on the Kangoo production line) and also at its Douai plant for lack of parts as suppliers got hit by the outage.

Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Friday that he has stopped using CrowdStrike software. "We just deleted CrowdStrike from all our systems," Musk said in a post on his social media site X. He previously said that the outage "gave a seizure to the automotive supply chain."

Musk didn't specify whether all of his companies were dropping CrowdStrike's software. In addition to Tesla and X, his business empire includes Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and startups such as Neuralink Corp. and xAI Corp. Musk didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Government Agencies

The most significant impacts in the U.S. are to health care, state and local police, plus some Department of Energy sites and the .gov domain, according to a person familiar with the consequences of the CrowdStrike outages on US government systems.

The National Security Council has held multiple calls, including with agencies across the US government. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency convened a call across sector-coordinating councils. The Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services have also been talking to their sectors.

Airlines and airports are now functional, and banks to a large extent too, the person said.

2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Automated mobility: Europe's future is about to become reality. Credit: Michael Gounon, Navya

Even the coronavirus pandemic could not stop this ambitious project: What began as AVENUE (Autonomous Vehicles to Evolve to a New Urban Experience) has developed into a milestone for the future of European mobility.

Guy Fournier and his team, together with numerous European partners, have presented a comprehensive report outlining the results of the AVENUE project and the transition to the follow-up project "ULTIMO" (Advancing Sustainable User-centric Mobility with Automated Vehicles) as a chapter in a new book published by Springer.

The aim of AVENUE was to analyze and promote the use of automated driving in local public transport. Automated minibus fleets were deployed for the first time worldwide in four European citiesGeneva, Lyon, Copenhagen and Luxembourg.

"The model is based on a flexible door-to-door service and the principle of 'mobility as a service' (MaaS)," explains Fournier. "This significantly improved mobility service could increase the willingness to switch to public mobility services and could indirectly make a significant contribution to a more sustainable mobility. A representative survey shows that 50% of the people in these cities would be willing to give up their car if such a service were available."

Building on the findings of AVENUE and with the aim of promoting a more sustainable mobility, the follow-up project ULTIMO aims to further improve urban and rural mobility. "Transport and vehicles will take up less space, consume less energy and conserve resources overall, which is beneficial for both people and the environment," says Fournier.

Especially in rural areas without satisfactory public transport connections, ULTIMO offers a decisive improvement in mobility with the automated vehicles that can be called via a MaaS app. "This could stop the rural exodus and significantly improve the infrastructure in remote areas," emphasizes Fournier.

Europe's largest mobility project

The results of the AVENUE project were published in the book "Automated Vehicles as a Game Changer for Sustainable MobilityLearnings and Solutions." Among other things, the book presents a comprehensive strategy for a mobility transformation in Europe.

"With a project budget of 55 million euros, ULTIMO continues the AVENUE project and is probably the largest European project on this topic. Our aim is to generate a real social impact by making environmental goals more compatible with the needs of citizens," explains Fournier.

The book, which is freely accessible (open access), was downloaded more than 1,000 times on the first day and is distributed worldwide. The extensive participation of almost 40 authors reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the project.

Chapter 18 forms the basis for the ULTIMO project. It describes a systemic innovation approach to integrate automated vehicles into the overall mobility ecosystem and promote a more sustainable, citizen-centric approach without coercion.

The results of the book were presented to the European Commission in March 2024 and to the Council of Europe in Ghent (Belgium) in June 2024. "We were able to present the significant progress and strategic approaches of our projects at high-level meetings and received positive feedback from leading representatives of the European Commission and European countries," explains Fournier.

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Security members watch a Boeing 777 at the Farnborough Air Show fair in Farnborough, England, July 18, 2022. An ongoing safety and manufacturing crisis has Boeing keeping a lower profile at the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show, which kicks off Monday in England. Credit: AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File

European planemaker Airbus plans to show off its newest passenger jet with daily flight demonstrations during one of the world's biggest aviation trade fairs. But an ongoing safety and manufacturing crisis has rival Boeing keeping a lower profile at the Farnborough International Air Show.

The beleaguered American company isn't bringing any jetliners to take part in aerial displays at the event that kicks off Monday near London. Ahead of the show's opening, the company said it remained focused on satisfying the concerns of U.S. regulators and "meeting our customer commitments" rather than selling a lot of planes.

Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope said Boeing was focused on "predictable deliveries" of jets to airline customers, and getting production of its troubled 737 Max jets back up to 38 per month.

"This is transformational change. And you all know we have slowed down our factories pretty significantly to execute that change," Pope, who also serves as chief executive of Boeing's commercial airplanes division, told reporters Sunday.

The Farnsborough expo, held every other year in turn with the Paris Air Show, is traditionally a venue for aerospace companies to showcase their newest technological developments and and for manufacturers to trumpet a flurry of orders for new passenger, cargo and military aircraft. Organizers expect about 1,500 exhibitors from 42 countries and 80,000 visitors during the weeklong event.

Boeing's subdued presence at this year's show underscores its continuing woes.

Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson said in a news release that the company has "reduced our commercial airplanes display and flight demonstrations at the show, and will focus on new technology, sustainability, security and services solutions."

The company has been reeling since a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 during a flight at the start of the year, rekindling safety fears that were subsiding after two crashes of Max jets in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The blowout of the panel, coupled with a string of current and former employees coming forward to allege quality-control lapses and retaliation against whistleblowers, brought renewed government scrutiny. The Justice Department revived a criminal fraud charge against Boeing in connection with the fatal crashes. Boeing agreed to plead guilty this month as part of an agreement that calls for an independent monitor to oversee the company's compliance.

Boeing's leadership is in limbo as it searches for a successor to CEO David Calhoun, who's stepping down at the end of the year. Calhoun apologized to crash victims' relatives during a grilling from U.S. senators last month over the company's safety record.

"Hopefully, a new CEO next year will make that horrible situation better, but until then, people are just focused on circling the wagons and doing what they can to keep the company functioning," said Richard Aboulafia, a longtime aerospace analyst and now a consultant at AeroDynamic Advisory. "It's a tragedy and an embarrassment, but hopefully this air show will be remembered as the darkness before the dawn."

Boeing's "customers have been very supportive," said Pope, a possible successor to Calhoun. But "it still doesn't take away the reality that we've disappointed them. And we've impacted their business."

A Boeing 777X plane takes off at the Farnborough Air Show fair in Farnborough, England, on July 18, 2022. An ongoing safety and manufacturing crisis has Boeing keeping a lower profile at the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show, which kicks off Monday in England. Credit: AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File

"We are a stable company," she said.

While Airbus will take part in the aerial displays above the town of Farnborough with its new passenger jet, the A321XLR, Boeing won't have any passenger jets doing flypasts for the air show crowds though it will have one of its F-15 fighter jets. That's in contrast to the last show in 2022, when the American company showcased the latest versions of its 777 and 737 Max airplanes with press tours and flights.

So-called static displays of aircraft parked on the tarmac are also a big draw for air show attendees. Airbus will have three of its passenger jets on the ground, owned by its airline customers, while Boeing will only have one, a 787 from Qatar Airways.

"Normally, they'd be there absolutely in force, taking every opportunity for publicity and flying aircraft," airline analyst John Strickland of JLS Consulting said.

This time, Boeing has "got to be seen as being more contrite, that they're focusing on safety, getting their house in order, getting back to winning back trust and respect as a dependable manufacturer of safe, commercially driven aircraft," Strickland said.

But don't rule out new sales announcements from Boeing despite its clipped wings and reduced production in the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident. Rebounding demand for air travel following the coronavirus pandemic means commercial airlines are eager for more planes, and Boeing and Airbus have a duopoly on the market.

Some analysts have forecast that the Farnborough air show may result in as many as 1,000 new aircraft orders for the two companies, along with some for smaller regional jet makers like Brazil's Embraer. But the overall tone of the show could be more low-key.

"Not to say there will not be anything, but I don't think we're going to get massive, big headline orders that we've had in the past or launches for new aircraft," Strickland said.

Airbus and Boeing are already swamped with a backlog of orders that will take them years to clear. Boeing's monthly order numbers, however, have slumped, allowing Airbus to quietly build its sales lead. The Toulouse, France-based company has been developing the A321XLR, a fuel-efficient aircraft that's getting attention from airlines because it will allow them to fly cheaper narrow-body jets on long-haul flights.

The model is behind schedule but expected to get certification later this year and has already racked up more than 500 orders, including from American Airlines and Air Canada.

Also at Farnborough, air taxi startups, including Boeing's Wisk Aero, will be displaying electric aircraft that could soon take to the skies, although none will be carrying out demonstration flights. A number of companies have been working on aircraft that take off and land vertically, pitching them as a sustainable form of transportation for densely populated cities or areas with less developed mass transit networks.

In a possible sign that air taxis are getting closer to reality, German startup Lilium announced a deal last week to sell aviation conglomerate Saudia Group, which owns Saudi Arabia's national carrier, 50 aircraft for an undisclosed sum, with the first to be delivered in 2026.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Delta Airlines aircraft takes off as United Airlines aircraft sits on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Friday, July 19, 2024, after a faulty CrowdStrike update caused a major internet outage for computers running Microsoft Windows. Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Airlines, including Delta Air Lines, continued to struggle to restore operations two days after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and resulted in several carriers grounding flights.

Total cancellations within, into or out of the U.S. on Sunday clocked in at 1,461, according to the latest data from FlightAware. Delta and United Airlines topped the cancellations.

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a message to customers Sunday that flight cancellations continued as the airline tried to recover its systems and restore operations. He noted that the pause in Delta's operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights. Delta has been offering waivers to affected customers.

Bastian noted that that one of their crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system outage.

"The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our re-accommodation capabilities," Bastian wrote. "I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke to Bastian on Sunday about the airline's high number of cancellations since Friday. The Transportation Department said its top officials have reminded Delta of the airline's obligation to provide refunds to passengers whose flights were canceled and who don't want to be rebooked on a later flight.

A traveller looks up while talking on a cellphone as passengers wait in line for assistance at the Delta Terminal, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Kaycee Friend, center, of Pendleton, Ore., waits in line at the Delta Terminal after her flight was cancelled, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

"I have made clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide prompt refunds to consumers who choose not to be rebooked, and free rebooking and timely reimbursements for food and overnight hotel stays to consumers affected by the delays and cancellations, as well as adequate customer service assistance to all of their passengers," Buttigieg said.

"No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent," Buttigieg said. "I will ensure that our department supports Delta passengers by enforcing all applicable passenger protections."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Eighty years since the establishment date of the People's Republic of Poland By Mark Wegierski

web posted July 22, 2024 The founding date of the People's Republic of Poland (Polish acronym: PRL) was considered to be July 22, 1944, when the so-called Lublin Manifesto was issued. The PRL in its foundation and early years was a savage imposition of Soviet Communism on an unwilling Polish nation. Over a 100,000 Poles died resisting this imposition, during a vicious conflict that raged until 1949. However, the death of Stalin in 1953 led to an eventual liberalization of the regime in 1956, during the so-called Polish October. Wladyslaw Gomulka, who had actually been briefly jailed by the Stalinists in the earlier period, became First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (Polish acronym: PZPR)  the main Communist party. He inaugurated the period known as "The Thaw", essentially "polonizing" the regime, and moving it away from the harsh and grinding totalitarianism of the Stalinist period. As a result of the disturbances of the 1968-1970 period, Edward Gierek came to power as First Secretary of the PZPR. He inaugurated a period of cultural and economic liberalization, that, even decades later, is sometimes dubbed "the golden years of Gierek". Gierek used Western loans to build up the economy, with Poland becoming the tenth greatest industrial power in the world. There was also a quickening of culture, with a world-acclaimed Polish cinema and theatre. Gierek also initiated a major outreach to Polish communities abroad, notably in the United States, Canada, and Britain. Young Polish-Americans and Polish-Canadians were encouraged to travel to Poland and assert their Polish roots. The extent of this outreach has arguably never been matched by any subsequent Polish governments. There was also a major emphasis on native Slavic themes in art, as well as on Polish folk-culture, in all its splendid regional variety, including song, dance, and the decorative arts. I had been born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, of Polish immigrant parents. My parents made a concerted effort to acculturate me to "Polishness". For example, I attended the Polish (Saturday) School from 1968. In June 1974, I achieved a Graduation Diploma (Grade 8) of the Tadeusz Kosciuszko (Saturday) Polish School (Toronto), Polish Alliance of Canada, with an over-all result of Very Good (5). I had completed the equivalent of 8 grades in six years. I visited Poland a number of times in the 1970s. In the summer of 1975, I completed a Polish Ethnography Study Program (235 hours/college level) based in Kielce, Poland, for which I received a Diploma. Although I was only in my mid-teens, I was able to meaningfully participate in the studies, being quite bright and highly fluent in Polish. The studies encompassed a very rich program, with numerous trips to different historic towns and cities in Poland. Simple but quite good meals and accommodations were provided for the students throughout the program. Most of the students were Polish-Americans in their late teens and twenties. Also, in August 1975, I received an Honourary Diploma for Participation in the First Polish Poetry and Prose Dramatic Recital Festival for Persons of Polish Descent Living Abroad, held in Torun, Poland. There was a great emphasis put on dramatic recital as an art form, both in Poland, and in the Polish communities abroad. The Festival also included trips to numerous historic towns and cities in Poland. Good meals and accommodations were provided for the participants. I travelled to Poland again in 1977. In August 1977, I received a Diploma of Recognition for Propagating the Beauty of the Polish Language and Popularizing Polish Literature, at the Second Polish Poetry and Prose Dramatic Recital Festival for Persons of Polish Descent Living Abroad, also held in Torun, Poland. However, by this time, the Gierek economic miracle was beginning to sour. There had been ominous disturbances in Radom in 1976. After the election of the Polish Pope in 1978, the hunger of Poles for "only truth" became very palpable. The eruption of the Solidarity independent trade-union movement caught the regime by surprise. The regime reached an agreement with Solidarity on August 31, 1980. There was a brief exhilaration of freedom in 1980-1981. However, Communist General Wojciech Jaruzelski declared martial law on December 13, 1981, and suppressed Solidarity by force. I felt a distaste for travelling to Poland at this time. The Communists negotiated with Solidarity at the so-called Round Table in early 1989. In the semi-free election of June 4, 1989, the nation voted overwhelmingly for the Solidarity list. Within a few years, the PRL was dissolved, and the Third Polish Republic was proclaimed. Nevertheless, the former Communists held the Presidency of the Third Republic from 1995-2005, and dominated the Parliament for most of the years up to 2005. The patriotic Olszewski government was brought down in 1992 by the intervention of Lech Walesa (who had been elected President in 1990  he lost to Aleksander Kwasniewski in 1995). Owing to a variety of circumstances, I only returned on a trip to Poland in 2002, after a hiatus of twenty-five years. Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based writer and historical researcher. He was born in Toronto of Polish immigrant parents. Home
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Electricity is a scarce commodity in Nigeria. With just over 4,000 megawatts supplying nearly 220 million people, the electricity access deficit stands at about 40% nationwide. The picture looks even darker in rural areas. There, 73% of the population is off the power grid.

Rural electrification is crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7: "access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all."

Enter mini grids: community-scale electricity generation and distribution systems, typically under 100 kilowatts in size. Mini grids have emerged in the last decade as a cost-effective solution for many rural parts of Africa. According to one estimate, the cost of producing mini-grid electricity in Africa could fall from 60 US cents per kilowatt-hour to just 22 cents by 2030, compared with an average of 53 cents for alternatives like diesel generators.

So-called third-generation mini grids are powered wholly or partly by renewable energy sources. They are especially attractive because they can help to simultaneously decentralize and decarbonize national energy systems.

The current wave of mini-grid development in Nigeria began with the introduction of dedicated development financing and government regulation in 2017. By the end of 2023, about 100 mini grids had been installed across the country. The projects were mostly implemented by local "developer" companies, some of whom have been able to defray their capital expenses with government and donor grants.

Our team of development economists, geographers and sociologists studied how mini grids fit into the picture of electricity access expansion in Nigeria.

We found that mini grids do have a role to play in increasing overall electricity supply, but regulation and financing need to pay greater attention to how that supply is distributed. Our findings align with growing concerns that the opportunities presented by mini grids come with challenges: balancing market efficiency with equity of access. These need attention if mini grids are going to provide more electricity to those without access now.

Mini-grid development

Our research traced mini-grid development in the country in the last decade. A regulatory framework for the sector was introduced and codified in the Regulation for Mini-grids 2016. It sought to make the sector less risky for investors and hence attract private finance for rural electrification.

Our research identified some problems with the government's approach. The mini grids that have been put in place don't reach the people who most need access to electricity. And although this market-driven approach has led to a 40% increase in mini-grid electricity supply since 2017, most people can't afford the high tariffs. These are the same people who ought to benefit the most from mini grids.

Market efficiency must be balanced with accessibility.

Market approach

The government and donors have made concerted efforts to solve the policy and financial challenges associated with mini grid technology. The 2016 regulations were part of this effort.

Developed with World Bank help, the regulations set out clear parameters intended to make prospective investors comfortable participating in the sector. The World Bank, in collaboration with other development partners, granted a US$350 million loan to the Nigerian government to support this initiative.

The regulation and seed financing were expected to reduce risks in the sector to attract more private capital until an efficient market mechanism was established. But this has not happened.

The provisions were made with the aim of directing investment towards "unserved" rural areas. This made mini grids a cornerstone of the country's rural electrification strategy.

Our research, however, reveals that the government expectations ignored important realities. The majority of rural people are farmers. The low agricultural productivity in rural areas means incomes are low.

While the regulation and the associated financing spurred growth in the sector, the broader regulatory environmentfrom the original act that guided the privatization of electricity in the 2000s to the 2023 Electricity Acthas not paid sufficient attention to distribution at the so-called last mile. Last mile is the journey from distribution grids to homes.

Following the government's adoption of the Electricity Act, the Rural Electrification Agency has been ramping up agreements with private investors and legacy distribution companies to increase overall supply. They are being encouraged to feed electricity generated from mini grids into the national grid. The mini grids go from being "isolated" to "interconnected" schemes.

The picture is not so promising from an equity perspective.

These additional megawatts are generally directed at "underserved" areas: communities that are already on the national grid but which suffer from weak supply. The rural populations targeted by the previous wave of investments in isolated mini grids are likely to end up benefiting little from the new scheme.

More importantly, the shift in strategy doesn't resolve the problem of affordability in rural areas, which became glaring under the isolated supply model. The core issue remains: extending electricity access to those who did not have it before.

In our interviews with representatives from the industry, they said they had no interest in serving rural areas because there was no money to be made there. This indicates that the government's insistence on a market-driven model for delivering electricity to rural areas is not likely to serve the poor.

What next?

Mini grids are not a simple fix for Nigeria's ailing electricity sector. A sustainable solution must be more responsive to the need to include the poorest in access expansion efforts.

There is a need to broaden the Regulation for Mini-grids 2016 and the Electricity Act 2023 to unlock substantial public spending for rural electrification. This has historically been central to the achievement of universal access goals.

Additionally, attention needs to be paid to redistributing some of the gains realized from more profitable segments of the electricity market to the last mile through inclusive mechanisms such as cross-subsidies. Only then can the goal of leaving no one behind in the much-awaited energy transition be achieved.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Whether you call it the "new industrial revolution," Industry 4.0 or 4IR, here's what professor Qing (Cindy) Chang says you need to know to compete for jobs running the modern factory floor. Credit: UVA Engineering

If you want to learn how to get a job as an engineer on the modern manufacturing floor overseeing improvements and collaborating with both people and robots, it helps to ask an expert for her advice.

The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science consulted with Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering professor Qing (Cindy) Chang, who was recently named a 2024 Society of Manufacturing Engineers Fellow for her career-long contributions to the industry.

Chang said the answer to the manufacturing "future of work" question can be found in parsing a multitude of data points. She and other experts refer to it as the "new industrial revolution," or Industry 4.0, which builds on the computing and robotics revolution of the last century.

"Recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are improving the smart manufacturing domain through advanced analytics tools for processing the vast amounts of manufacturing datatransforming the 'big data' into 'smart data' and knowledge," Chang said.

Smart manufacturing integrates data from various sources. That includes, as examples, sensors, machines and enterprise systems. Collectively, they can enable real-time monitoring, providing control and optimization of manufacturing operations.

"A responsive manufacturing environment can quickly adapt to changes in demand," Chang said. "It can reduce waste and improve overall product quality."

That's the joband Chang should know. She was a three-time winner of General Motors' Boss Kettering Awards, which is GM's highest technical award. The company still uses her creative solutions in its processes. She also continues to drive innovation through her research geared toward broader industry.

Here is what Chang says engineers contending for modern manufacturing jobs need to know:

Where is the automotive sector heading in general?

The automotive sector is undergoing a transformative phase driven by several key trends and technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies are filling an obvious need due to environmental concerns. A trend of sustainable manufacturing goes along with that.

The development of fully autonomous vehicles is progressing, with significant efforts in sensor technology, machine learning, and regulatory frameworks. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and the "Internet of Vehicles" are connecting cars with the surrounding world, offering real-time data exchange and integration with smart city initiatives. And mobility as a service (MAAS)the business of shared and integrated transportationwill continue to increase.

What skills should students have to compete for the new engineering jobs in manufacturing?

Generally speaking, students should develop electrical and electronics engineering skills, as well as software engineering and other skills within the computer sciences.

More specifically as it relates to the automotive industry, you'll need proficiency in embedded systems and real-time operating systems for developing in-vehicle software and control systems, mechanical engineering capability in vehicle dynamics and lightweight materials, and AI/machine learning skills with the ability to perform data analysis.

Want to nominate some 'essential' courses you recommend that students take?

I would suggest the following courses for a well-rounded student: Manufacturing System Modeling and Control; Introduction to Control; Advanced Dynamics; Machine Learning for Engineering.

Beyond technical understanding, what leadership skills are important?

Graduates will need to display visionary thinking and have an innovation mindset. Communications skills are essential, as is the ability to exercise "change management," which is a form of adaptability. Leaders collaborate well, build teams and can make good decisions under pressure. Managers display both analytical thinking and decisiveness.

How does UVA Engineering stand out in preparing students for this competitive new manufacturing world?

UVA teaches all of these skills I mention and more, while being competitively positioned as a place where students are names, not numbers. Thanks to a small student-to-professor ratio, students get to know their professors, work on meaningful research projects and develop the leadership skills they will need to be valued on the job market.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and UC Berkeley have developed a new method to improve how computers organize and analyze large datasets. This advancement improves the ability to extract information from knowledge graphs, impacting the ability to analyze social networks and customer behavior.

The new method explained in a study led by Benjamin Moseley, Carnegie Bosch Associate Professor of Operations Research at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon, can group similar items together more effectively while keeping different items apart.

The paper will appear in ICALP, the International Colloquium on Automata, Languages, and Programming conference, which took place in July 2024.

"Our new algorithm can significantly enhance how we analyze large data sets, whether it's for improving social media platforms by accurately detecting user communities or advancing medical research by better understanding genetic interactions," Moseley said.

He noted that a key trend in business analytics is the ability to work with knowledge graphs, which show information like customer behavior or business processes. This paper focuses on clustering, a common method for extracting information from these graphs. The new method in this study can group similar items more effectively while keeping different items apart.

Organizing massive amounts of data correctly is challenging due to inconsistencies and the sheer volume of information. Moseley and his team focused on creating an algorithm that can quickly and accurately group data points. They used mathematical structures consisting of nodes, which represent data points, and edges, which are connections between nodes. The algorithm works by evaluating these connections and determining the best way to group similar nodes.

The results showed that their algorithm is faster and more accurate than previous methods. It can handle large data sets more efficiently, making it practical for real-world applications.

"Our new method is faster than any previous methods at minimizing mistakes when grouping data," said Sami Davies, a research scientist in theoretical computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. "Our method is also more flexible, in the sense that we can group data in a way that is good for many different objectives simultaneously."

The researchers plan to continue refining their method and exploring its applications in different fields. This ongoing work could lead to even more accurate and insightful data analysis.

Heather Newman, a Ph.D. candidate in the Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization doctoral program at the Tepper School was also a co-author.

More information: Sami Davies et al, Simultaneously Approximating All p-norms in Correlation Clustering, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2308.01534 Journal information: arXiv
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Danielle Tuttle tries the door to a department of motor vehicles location to find it locked and the location closed due to an outage Friday, July 19, 2024, in St. Louis. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

An owner of a consumer insights research firm couldn't pay her employees, make Friday's deadline to sign a contract for a new business or send key research to a key client. A psychiatrist, who runs a virtual mental health practice in Maryland, saw his business hobbled as some of his virtual assistants and therapists couldn't either make phone calls or log on to their computers. And a restaurant owner in New York City was worried about how he was going to pay his vendors and his workers.

Businesses from airlines to hospitals have been grappling with a faulty software update that caused technological havoc worldwide on Friday, and its repercussions continued through the weekend. The breadth of the outages highlighted the fragility of a digitized world dependent on a few providers for key computing services.

But the problem appeared to divide those affected into haves and have-nots. Major customers of Microsoft and CrowdStrike are getting IT support to resolve the issues, but many smaller businesses whose Windows PCs may have received the problematic update are still struggling.

Take Tsvetta Kaleynska, owner and founder of the Manhattan-based consumer insights company RILA Global Consulting, which has Fortune 500 clients. As of Saturday, she resolved the payroll issue and she got an extension until Monday on the research project. But the prospective client will not move forward with the new contract, cutting her annual earnings by nearly 25%, she estimated. The problem: she couldn't sign the contract because Docusign, which runs on Microsoft software affected by the faulty update, was down.

"If I were part of a big company, then I would be able to delegate and get support from computer science or security services," Kaleynska said. "But as a small business owner, I am depending only on myself. It's pretty devastating."

On top of Kaleynska's business issues, she had to bring her ill daughter to a local hospital Friday because the hospital's phone lines were down.

Kaleynska, an immigrant from Bulgaria who became a U.S. citizen in 2023, said she's learned a hard lesson: "Our lives are very fragile because they're based on technology, and we depend on technology."

This photo provided by the family in 2024 shows Gary Baulos, left, with his daughter, Alison, and her daughter, Athena, at the Art Institute of Chicago. Alison Baulos says her 73-year-old father was about to head to a Kentucky hospital for open-heart surgery when it was abruptly canceled Friday morning, July 19, 2024. His was one of the many operations and medical treatments halted across the country Friday because of a global technology outage. Credit: Courtesy Alison Baulos via AP

CrowdStrike is one of the largest cybersecurity firms in the U.S. and has a list of customers that includes more than half of the Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses.

Following the outage, the company provided an initial fix through a software update. But many computers are expected to need hands-on work that could take days, if not longer, to complete.

For many small businesses that are impacted, that could mean working around the clock this weekend to make sure their systems are up and running, said Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives.

"Small businesses rely on third parties for this not to happen and instead, it became a 'code red' situation," Ives said.

Overall, Ives noted tech problems can be easier to fix for big companies that have a sizable number of experts on their payroll as opposed to small businesses who could face more of an "uphill battle" because they have fewer technical resources.

"The ripple effects from this could be felt for days and weeks ahead," Ives said. "It's not just a black eye moment for CrowdStrike, but for the broader industry. You can't have one fat finger update take down a global ecosystem."

Ari Lightman, a professor of digital media at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, agreed, noting the amount of money big companies spend on Microsoft and CrowdStrike is likely a large portion of their IT budget. On the other hand, small businesses can look at information online on how to resolve the outage. CrowdStrike has posted step-by-step manual fixes to its blog, but it can be intimidating for those who are less tech savvy.

A patron walks out of a Starbucks at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Friday, July 19, 2024, in Phoenix. A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks offline and media outlets off air after a faulty software update disrupted companies and services around the world and highlighted their dependence on just a handful of providers Credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Lightman said those corporations could sue for a loss of business, but small ones might use class action suits to go after CrowdStrike for compensatory damages.

The issue is affecting small businesses differently.

Heather Garlich, a spokeswoman at Arlington, Va., grocery industry group FMI, said the outages were "somewhat spotty and inconsistent depending on how businesses use certain Microsoft tools." She said she was aware of one with an issue with a human resource system, while another had problems with their routing system for distribution. Yet another had issues with its cash registers.

Chris Seabrook, who owns a locksmith services business in Melbourne, Australia, called Asguard Locksmiths, told The Associated Press in a Friday email that the IT outage had thrown a "significant wrench" in his daily operations. He hasn't been able to send and receive emails, access critical files, manage his schedule or create invoices.

"My Microsoft PC is essential for many important functions in my business," he wrote. "As a one-man business, every minute counts and this disruption has forced me to adapt quickly to ensure my services remain as uninterrupted as possible."

To minimize the disruption, Seabrook borrowed a non-Microsoft device from a friend that enabled him to sign into his accounts and access some of his critical tools and information. He's also using his smartphone for important messages and organizing his schedule. And he's been contacting clients to update them on the situation. Seabrook didn't immediately respond to a follow-up email sent by The Associated Press on Saturday.

Some small business owners have improvised to get work done.

The logo for CrowdStrike and a Spirit Airlines webpage are shown on a computer screen and mobile phone screen, in New York, Friday, July 19, 2024. A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks offline and media outlets off air after a faulty software update disrupted companies and services around the world and highlighted their dependence on just a handful of providers. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew

Dr. Ozan Toy, a psychiatrist, and chief medical officer at the Maryland-based Telapsychiatry, which has 25 employees across the U.S., said some employees with Microsoft phone lines instead turned to the Ring Central System, while others shifted from Microsoft Teams to Zoom.

Toy said his business was fortunate to have several backups of its electronic medical record system, allowing them to resume communications with each other and their patients. As of Sunday, the practice's cloud based services were running, he said. Toy noted financial losses were "minimal" as it has an external answering service taking calls from patients.

Chris Delmond, the co-owner of Handcraft Hospitality, which operates three restaurants in Manhattan and one in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, said his restaurants remained open for business. But the outage meant he could not have access to his cloud-based accounting software app on the Microsoft platform. That prevented him from seeing receipts and invoices, and slowed his ability to process checks to his employees and suppliers. He had to resort to calling his banks to see whether deposits had been made and check balances.

"I'm a small business owner. I have two other partners and we kind of do everything," he said. "So it's up to us to find out what the issues are. I don't have large platforms that help me track."

But by late Friday afternoon, all the issues related to his business' cloud based systems were back to normal, Delmond said. He noted he didn't suffer any financial losses, but he added, "It's frustrating, but as a small business owner you deal with the ups and downs."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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ORNL researchers Phani Marthi and Suman Debnath work on developing and scaling up new EMT simulation software to analyze how power electronics in the electric grid will respond to brief interruptions in power flow. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Power companies and electric grid developers turn to simulation tools as they attempt to understand how modern equipment will be affected by rapidly unfolding events in a complex grid. A challenging and particularly promising type of grid simulation, called electromagnetic transient analysis, or EMT, has the potential to enhance planners' understanding of how modern power electronics will respond when faults interrupt the flow of power. But until recently, EMT grid modeling was so challenging and time-intensive that its utility was limited.

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed effective EMT simulation software using new algorithms to speed up calculations, making expensive supercomputing resources unnecessary. This provides an essential tool for planning, design and operation of the power grid as it incorporates new renewable power generation and electric vehicle chargers.

These resources, as well as battery storage to support the grid, all require a type of power electronics called an inverter, which alters the flow of electrical current to match the larger transmission system. In the long term, inverters will also enable the use of both alternating and direct current in power transmission, which could expand the capacity of the U.S. grid to handle growing population and seize economic development opportunities.

The new ORNL-developed software can currently simulate tens to hundreds of inverter-based resources. The research team demonstrated the benefits of using multicore and graphics processing units, or GPUs, for faster EMT simulation, reducing the time required from days or several hours to minutes. "Using GPUs, we have found we can simulate hundreds of inverter-based resources with tens of thousands of individual inverters," said ORNL researcher Suman Debnath.

ORNL is working with vendors to commercialize the software for use in community power grids. Meanwhile, the research team is continuing to scale up the platform to enable open-source software simulations of as many as 100,000 inverter-based power electronic devices across the U.S. grid within the coming decade, Debnath said. Electric reliability is enhanced by improving the planning capabilities of utilities as well as developers of substations, solar and wind projects.

Debnath's team of ORNL researchers, working with partner Southern California Edison, conducted one of the first successful fault replications using EMT last year when they accurately reproduced the effects of a 2018 California fault.

The EMT software developments will be presented during an EMT simulation workshop at ORNL on August 12-13 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The workshop, which is also sponsored by DOE and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, will cover the latest advances in EMT simulation algorithms, testbeds and applications.

ORNL researchers Harry Hughes, Kuan-Chieh Hsu, Phani Marthi, Steven Hahn, Jongchan Choi and Qianxue Xia also contributed to the EMT simulation software, which was created as part of the INTERSECT program.